Chapter 38 Awaited duel, why didn't he hate me?

The Riddler- Nightwish


Laira

Back to fixing stuff. Some of the loose bolts leftover were used for screwing missing parts and gears where they fitted. I watched Nuada restore some mechanical objects with precision and eagerness. Then he returned them to their respective happy owners. The elf's state of euphoria was also equivalent to the childlike state I felt as he colored the tree diagram.

An admin clerk thanked him. The only part of her considered normal were her arms. She had purple skin. The previous woman suffered a heart attack from seeing the paranormal and Dr Krauss. I liked her, she gave me sweets when I turned up.

Today I was waiting for the prince at the computer lab. Going to show him how to burn music on a blank. He sounded stunned on the phone. "But I'm a slow learner. You do not mind?"

"Nope and I am patient. I'm going to show you modern things. Remember our deal?"

He said please clarify. The deal was I would show him modern techie stuff, in exchange for the nature lessons.

The blond elf finished speaking with his colleague and approached me. He smiled. "Hello Laira. Someone else too?" A man with vivid green eyes smiled and used one of the terminals.

"I don't know him…." I said.

The stranger began talking quickly with gestures to self and waving. Nuada blinked.

We sat together at one of the computers. Nuada sighed. "Let's not take too long. Here is the CD. I only like the first, second and eighth songs."

"I promise you it's easy and fun." I smiled, preparing the blanks I brought. Then I went into the program for playing music. It's not Microsoft, but I knew the thing well. Sometimes while waiting for Nuala, Abe or Liz, I whiled my time here. It's completely free to use.

Nuada watched with curiosity. I explained, clicking on each icon. He is a cute student, very quiet (not diligent, restless) even if he does not understand he will say ok. Haha, till now he only knows how to turn on the comp, and use the internet search. If I don't find the webpage, he won't understand. I didn't think he had complete mastery of his cellphone yet either. And he has not learnt MSN or opened email. Bro was so sad! Zero virtual replies.

So I turned to him. "Get it? You try now."

Nuada inclined his head. "Press rip? Then it will go in?" He pointed at the blinking drive.

I replied,"Yes. It won't go in yet, that's under burn a copy. Now I will check the library…."

The elf's brows were furrowed at this point. "Sorry, can you show me again?"

Then the cd was burned. I praised him. He smiled sheepishly. "Thank you. But I prefer you to be here when I do something. I don't want to spoil the machine."

"You spoiled one before?"

He sighed. "That one over there, I pressed something and all went black. Afterwards the person came and said I shouldn't kick the main body."

I laughed at his serious depiction. "Nuada! You're so cute. Ok, ok you'd better wait for us to help you then." He shut down the comp. The man had come, waving his arms.

Nuada used elven and english to communicate with him, frowning. A few times, he shook his head and said no he didn't get him. It was intriguing to watch. Like a documentary of foreigners, minus the frustration. The man's emerald eyes were catlike. His voice was raspy.

"What do you want to do?" Nuada followed him. The stranger pointed to the screen and then further up. "I see. All right. You just press this."

We helped the guy to print his things.

Outside, I looked at the elf whistling a merry tune. He asked "Yes? Why are you staring at me?"

"Your friend? You have become so patient with others, Argetlam."

He beamed. "I am in a good mood. He can't talk because his voicebox is damaged. Only problem is I don't know his language. There should be more translators."

I gaped. So different! I thought you'll be angry not willing.

I have many hidden sides to myself, nin mellon. Are you implying something here? Nuada's ambers narrowed to slits.

"Not at all. I'm hungry!" I declared. I was heading in the direction of the canteen. He stopped me, by standing in front. How swift!

"I have food in my room. Come."

I was introduced to elf cuisine, sweet desserts that could fill the appetite well. Yay! He had tried his hand to make some.

******

The prince asked me for the gift. I took it out from the drawer. "I went to the vendor and demanded an explanation. He gave me a scroll to change the protection spell."

I watched as he waved his right hand over the whole box, open. He softly incanted the words. The bracelet moved in various shapes of circle, eagle, serpent, wolf, then became a circle again. "Try it on."

I let him clasp it for me. Now the bracelet did not tingle or hurt. I nodded. "Hmm it feels fine to me. Be angry. I need to test it."

Nuada smiled. "I cannot. It should work. I made him demonstrate to me."

"Oh well. I will demand refund if it acts up again, elf."

He looked piercingly emotional. "It was an accident. I meant this to be a special gift. Not the ordinary kind."

"I know. I will treasure this, thank you. I was just joking. Why are you so emo?" I touched his nose.

The elf frowned slightly at my abbrev. Then he took my hand. "I was also acting."

Yea right! Nuada held me close, I leaned on the place where his chest wound had been. Don't need to fear ever again, Halfling. He took out an ornament, connected by a few chains to a centerpiece. So far, it looked like a flower design. I helped him make sure the screws were intact. That day was productive, didn't waste time in electronics, but on something to fix.

*****

Nuada

I miss Wink acutely. Even though I barely remember how he looked like… the day I went to collect my things, which were surprisingly untouched from the lair. Unug un rama told me what happened. I believed he was sincere. He cannot lie which is something else we have in common. Apparently I had been too emotional and filled with rage, immediately blaming him for Wink's death.

Wink rest in peace. I will try my best to restore Bethmora. I really miss you old friend. Why had I got him involved in my blind cause? You will be glad to know I am not alone anymore. I lit a candle each for mother, father and Wink. My sis said it could close the chapter of my past. But I am not religious nor forgiving. I still hate the scum, even though not all of them are bad and it's a wastage of energy.

Guys' night, sometimes I went to see the movie screened. An agent lurched towards me. I caught him. He asked me to drink up. I made him lie down. "No no. You are too drunk." I took the alcohol away. They were strange drinking themselves to a stupor. I didn't want to become senseless. Red was singing out of tune to some music. He burped.

"Hey don't wanna drink?"

"I am fine." I advocated fruit juice. It tastes nicer than alcohol. Those people laughed at me for my timidity. This is no time to act tough. So what, I don't need to try all foreign things. I have eaten all kinds of cake, sushi, pizza, tiramisu. Beer is not something I fancy.

"Lend me your ears. Can do?" he said.

I nodded. He said he wanted to fight me in a spar. Yes! I have been looking forward to that. I wanted to assess how he had 'kicked my ass'.

This movie was horrible. I was disgusted by the blood and gore, screaming. Animation is better. At first I also thought animation was childish. But after watching a few like Shrek and Over the hedge, the Avatar one, I thought they are meaningful and cute. "I will rather not see guns. Too noisy." I had just been talking to three agents about my viewpoint, but an audience had gathered around to listen too.

Reminds me of a shy girl incident. The very first time she spoke to me, or to the floor which I was standing at….

"Your highness, I… I like martial arts too. Do you like those shows?" the tiny high pitched voice asked. She studied my boots.

"Yes, I do. It's breathtaking and magical. They are light enough to spin on water and trees," I answered, standing closer. She was completely silent except for her breathing. I waited. "So what is your name miss?"

Her hair was curly and covered her face. This was the most she had spoken. "Er. I am.. Zach. Zacharia usually but you can call me for short."

"Would you let me see your face?" I stepped back. I can barely place names to people, but I was curious why she felt such low self esteem.

She looked up. Very clear grey eyes and a round face. She blushed and smiled. "Nuada, I- I will really like to- help you - with the computer. I notice you had trouble last lesson…."

I already had help from the kids. But, she might feel hurt. I agreed with a smile.

The next lesson had me completely lost. Zach happily sat herself beside me to guide. I introduced her to Laira to reduce misunderstandings. "Aw you are attached?" she said in a disappointed tone.

"We could be colleagues." I pointed out. She had the star eyes of a dazed person. Laira sighed and thought- I want to see you everyday too! The girls talked. The Halfling made it clear that I was not for sharing.

*******

"Your weapon of choice? No barefist," I said indicating the rack.

"Why? Don't want pretty face bashed?" the demon snorted.

"No. We fight on equal terms. I will use this sword." I slid one out. The demon grabbed a broadsword and grinned. The rock fist I should be wary of. "Finally we can knock each other out again eh? Want to kick your ass!"

"Just try." I smiled and stepped back. Then he started the offensive, slashing forwards with a charge. I feinted, using agility to my advantage. Parrying showed me his strength, the power vibrated up my arm. I leapt up, using the flat to hit his back. In a practice session like this, we fence and hit with the flat. He wanted to do unsheathed. His blade missed me. I kicked furiously. Hellboy deflected with his fist.

"Damn! You slippery elf!"

I somersaulted. My breathing was in pants. No pain. "You are not bad. Red. But this is just a warmup." He tried a few more times, I had one tap to my side and foot. In return, I scored as well on his sword arm. Being very near, I realized he wanted to hold my throat. I leaned back and rolled on the floor.

"Oh no! Brother!" Nuala cried. I stood up. She stood in front of me. "Don't hurt him."

I was puzzled. "No we are sparring. No blood."

"Yea. I wouldn't hurt pretty fairy here," Red clarified.

Nuala checked me. She sighed. "I thought…don't play too rough."

The session extended. I was breathing from exertion, holding my side. This demon had come in really hard. He did not lose his weapon. Hellboy sat down. His red skin gleamed. "Darn are these gonna hurt. You ok?"

Except for sweat plastering hair to skin and some bruises, I felt good. I grinned. My muscles needed exercise like this!

"I did not like seeing you become a rock thing." He said out of the blue.

I stared at him. Red frowned, bending the sword. "I felt like shit. And Abe was crazy. He almost commited suicide for your sis."

I was warm almost hot inside. Tears rushed to my eyes. I blinked to keep them in.

The demon sighed heavily. I shook my head. "But we were enemies. It was not wrong of you to hate me, demon." After the pain and trouble I caused, he did not want me to die?

Unug un rama snorted. "I did hate you. But not till your death, that ain't right. Elf, your speech made some sense. Join us, the humans would tire of you. Ah crap you don't remember?"

"No. Let's stop here." He left, but his words resonated, unsettled me. The late professor had educated this child well, although he was born from the womb of shadows. It is uncommon among the fey to show compassion to a person of enemy ranks. The enemies are to be eliminated with minimum hassle and emotional weakness. You are weak, demon. I thought. Mortals don't care but you continue to help them. I did watch while Hellboy rescued some of them from a fire recently. But had they been grateful, no. Their comrades threw things at him. I had driven them away. The torn look Hellboy wore enraged me. Why didn't he react?

"Prince Nuada, where do I put these?"

I looked up. The weedy boy had been calling me for sometime. He was hidden behind a huge stack of files. "There. Thank you…" I forgot his name.

"Are you better? You are really brave, prince. I'm Cole!" He smiled enthusiastically.

The boy gushed on about how much he admired me. I think my pride swelled tremendously. Humility, I reminded myself, was still important. "I am still prone to injury. Not that I am invincible. How is work?"

We talked for awhile. I genuinely liked him. People are complex and make me confused too. All I know is, I could not rage at sincerity like that.

Abraham Sapien was worried we had been fighting. "Are you hurt?"

"No. A friendly match." I swallowed my food. "Abraham can you show me what happened? Before I died?"

The fish touched my palm. All the events fell into place. Unug un rama's regretful look while I told him to kill me, or I would not stop. Then the fish wept over Nuala. I let go.

"Nuada you see it now? Why?"

"Don't you hate me? You should, Nuala was gone because of me. I used her as bait."

Abraham Sapien said he felt sorrowful, not fury.

I said, "Luckily you did not go and kill yourself."

"Who said that?" he asked, his voice becoming high pitched.

Secret. I shrugged. "Looked like the case. Anyway we're both alive. And going to remain that way. Tell me about Professor Broom. What was he like?"

He was a bespectacled old man with gentle and soft words. The Bureau served as a shelter for mutants and fey. Some of my people had come here, then left feeling happier because of his words. Abraham added some details. He saved the demon from people who would misuse him and taught him of kindness and mercy.

One night when we were all in the library relaxing,

"Yo elfie. I found this, father used to read me tales from it. But I can't read the language." Red smiled, waving a large gold tome. Symbols of trees decorated the front, there was a locket on the side. "Can you and Nuala read to us?"

My sister agreed. Hey what happened to consulting me? I glared at her.

How do we read that? No words. Mostly pictures.

I opened the book to the first page. My name, and father's name were mentioned. It was history of the many fey nations. I skipped to the next story. Nuala smiled. Never mind, brother. We'll just… improvise. We're having an audience. Cannot make them sad.

What audience? The demon was comfortable with snacks. Laira, Liz with her children, Cole and Zach had seated in front of us. "Story!" their expressions pleaded. In all of us I suppose there is the gem of storytelling. I felt like a father reading bedtime stories, more accurately, a grandfather haha. My sister and I improvised for the parts not explained. The Halfling Sent: this is really nice, let's do this every night.

I pouted, closing the book. "All right. I am tired. Goodnight." Looks of disappointment, as they trooped out. Nuala glanced at me balefully. "What? My throat is dry you know."

Magically some water in a glass appeared. "Please read to us more. You are wonderful!" my girlfriend said supportively.

"Of course. My brother is shy."

I rested my chin on Laira's head. Her hand sparkled with both bracelets. Everything was going well. Mortals were not my enemy tonight, they were so excited for us. I am a ferocious warrior, by Thoth, not a bard telling stories.

Liz's children peeked at us curiously. "Mommy what are they?"

I spoke softly, "My sister and I are elves. And it is who."

She smiled. "He is the prince I was telling you about. Very fierce one." Nuala laughed.

"Can we still play with them?" the boy observed my twin's dress curiously.

Liz admonished him, "No they are people. I'm sorry. I warned them before they came. Ok, let's leave them for now."

They waved to me and begged their mother to let them play with us. "It's ok right? Don't be mad at them," Red said, then burped.

"They are nice. You should tell them to respect warrior elves. Why did you want me to tell a story? And bring a group of people in." I tried my best to sound stern.

He laughed merrily. "Yea yea I will say, beware of angry elfies with white skin. I just wanted. That's all. No reason."

Funny guy. The children would be as naughty as he was infuriating me now. "Nuada no mission tonight?" Laira asked. She was thinking of making me continue. Her smile could rival a salesperson.

"I want to relax now." I took the book to a safe place planning to hide that.

"Ok!" We went stargazing. Some shooting stars were flying ahead. Laira called it romantic. "Did you wish for anything? I did, that you'll be safe."

"Thank you. Halfling, why don't you disagree with me? I do not mind."

Her blue eyes went wide. Why argue when I am happy and contented? You're weird.

I am less complex than some people here. Sapien and Hellboy said they only felt upset when I died. They should be filled with anger. I wanted to kill. Things are not clear as they were in my day.

Oh you sound super ancient, Nuadha! No one likes seeing people die. Hmm, I disagree that all people you hate should be annihilated. But everything else is ok to me. If you don't feel like doing stuff, I understand. Free people.

I lay down beside her on the grass. She turned to face me, smoothing my blond tresses.

It is all right to have your opinion and not be hesitant to tell me. You will hesitate sometimes, I noticed.

Nuada I get it. I did shout at you a few times. Remember? When you don't eat and tried to stop me meeting people. What exactly do you mean?

Ha yes! So I thought you a feisty kid. I mean when you fall silent. Then I have to analyze what wrong I did... My fingers found hers and squeezed.