Fate Archetype - Eternal Kingdoms

by Lenia41

AU 2014. 10 years after the Fuyuki War, the Grail is history thanks to Rin and Waver. Yet all over the world, strange phenomena are occurring and marks are being drawn on the hands of mages. Trapped in an ancient mausoleum that could become her own tomb, Professor Fleury finds herself chained to a bloody and relentless conflict. [Complete]

25. Chapter 25 - Where it all began

Chapter 25 - Where it all began

Memento Mori. "Remember that you will die".

Clock Tower Academy, London, England. Year 2030

The air was pleasant enough for once. The clear weather and vacation air had dispersed some of the customary smog in London. The view from the Clock Tower was exceptionally clear because of its proximity to the Thames. There were still quite a few cars and bicycles on the roads below, of course, but it was still much quieter.

A wicker basket, placed against the wall and on the ground, gave off a heady and sweet smell that scented the small terrace on which it rested. Beside it, a stainless steel thermos bottle had been placed, locked although without its black cap.

The bitter and rich scent of coffee emanated from a cup in the same black and silver tones, comfortably nestled on the edge of a railing between rather slender, albeit calloused, fingers.

A small, solitary figure was leaning against the railing, seemingly enjoying the rare view.

"- I thought a little bit of France would do you good, if not the Eiffel Tower."

A thin smile came to stretch fleshy lips, brightening a little a tired and emaciated face. It had been a long time since she had set foot there. Five years... an eternity, biting and throbbing. Her red hair had grown long, even tamed into a loose bun that only let out thin strands surrounding her face, already dotted with many white hairs.

If only her dear friend could have listened to her a little more, when she had warned him.

But no, milord was convinced that he could carry everything on his shoulders.

- Here's to you Waver, wherever you may be!

Miming an imaginary toast, as if he had been at her side, Professor Fleury took a long sip of coffee, whose strong musk warmed her a little. Her free hand slipped into her inside pocket, gently grasping the compass that was nestled there. She had always taken great care of it. Her voice, at first cheerful, had lowered to a more serious and sad tone.

- I haven't lost my way, you see.

She had never gotten used to it, to his disappearance... and worse, to his absence at her side. To the void he had left in her heart and in her life. An abyss that nothing and nobody had been able to fill. Nobody had seen it coming. After all the ordeals he had been through, after having experienced three Grail Wars, having participated in and survived two of them, while they were enjoying a peaceful life...

- Who would have thought that he would be struck down by a heart attack, as violent as it was sudden?

That fateful day never ceased to haunt his memory, to overwhelm him with remorse and regret. In the previous weeks, he had seemed a little tired and, admittedly, stressed by a very busy time in his triple role of teacher, principal of the Academy and member of the Council of Magi. She had begged him, at length, to take the time off he was no longer taking in order to get some rest. They had argued about it, sometimes, preferably in the absence of Emily and Godric.

It was a long struggle, but she had managed it. Her hand clutched her coffee helplessly.

To think that she had managed to get him to take time off for the next four weeks! They had planned a big trip, first to Macedonia, then to Iraq as a couple, to reminisce about the good times and try to make better memories than the ones they had lost. Fiona and Godric were old enough now and had flown the nest, each to follow the career and life that suited them. As for her daughter Emily, 15 years old, she was independent enough to be able to manage on her own, knowing that if needed Rin and Shirou also lived in London.

Emily... every day she reminded him a little more of his father, whether it was her delicate features or her black hair. She was only 15, and Adelaide had no doubt that she was already turning heads.

- Hi! Do you have a moment? exclaimed a young voice behind her.

Adelaide was very open-minded, but few students would speak to her so familiarly, even among her PhD students. She allowed some to be on first-name terms, but she always asked for a minimum of respect from her students and listeners. An amused smile stretched her lips, however, as she turned away from the view to the voice in question. The voice was very familiar to her, both in its slightly cheeky tone and in its casualness.

- Hello Suzaku! It's good to see you. What brings you here, my boy?

- I was just passing by," he replied in a friendly tone. How are you?

Suzaku Tohsaka, a young man of fifteen who was standing in front of her, was a good head taller than her. With his black hair and his slightly almond-shaped eyes, he reminded her of her mother. His face and build, on the other hand, reminded her father, especially with his warm brown eyes. He was wearing the usual uniform issued to the best students of the Mage Academy.

Surely, neither Rin nor Shirou could deny her godson as their son.

Adelaide had known him since childhood, since she had been chosen as his godmother and had carried him in her arms when he was just a little toddler... who had grown up quite a bit now.

- Well, pretty well. The students are there and the carcass is holding up, and it won't be a few rheumatisms that will prevent me from doing what I want. What about you?

- Same old, same old. Do you have time to, uh, talk a little? I'll buy you a coffee, he proposed before adding, a real one. Not the kind of coffee-flavored water from your vending machine.

Is that so? The young man wanted to talk to him about something? A tender smile escaped Adelaide. His company, like her children, made her feel younger than her fifty-five years. One could not always discuss everything with one's parents, so Fleury had sometimes been one of her confidants... and accomplices for some jokes or activities outside the parental bosom.

- Come on, I'll always have time for my godson. Lead me to your famous coffee shop, so I can see what it's worth. And you're not paying, I'm buying.

- If you insist on paying for the coffee, fine, but I'm paying for the pastries. It's not negotiable.

After all, she didn't have class until the end of the day, and her papers could wait until the next day. Something in the young man's eyes told her that he wanted to talk to her about something serious, behind the debonair air he was pretending to show. And that really piqued her curiosity.

Adelaide noted with amusement that he had taken her to the exact same place where she had talked with Rin before the official start of the Grail War, before they officially confronted each other. In order not to offend the pride of the young man who had made efforts, she preferred to keep silent.

They placed their respective orders, exchanging banalities while waiting for their drinks. It was only when their teas were served that Suzaku changed the subject, saying with a harmless air.

- Well, how is Emily? I think she locked herself up to study for a few days.

- She's fine, don't worry. I'm making sure she's thinking about getting some food and sleep. You know her. Perfectionist like her dad and a sore loser...like her mom, I guess.

- She took the best and the worst of both of you, Suzaku commented as melancholic as resigned.

His reaction did not escape the still alert eyes of the archaeologist. Interesting, to say the least. She was sensitive to the melancholy that he felt, evoking without naming him the close one that they had lost. They both drank in silence a sip of their respective tea, contemplative for a brief moment. But Adelaide soon resumed with more enthusiasm and a touch of pride for her dear and loving daughter.

I'm curious to see what faculty she'll be going to next year. I was hoping for archaeology, but I think she is leaning towards thaumaturgy. With her grades I'm not too worried... as long as she doesn't burn out. She tends to get too involved. I hope she finds someone who can channel and reason with her," Fleury said in a gentle voice.

She wasn't sure he would understand the message she had just sent him, but she had to be sure. It was a little audacious on the part of the archaeologist, especially as the young guy was far from being stupid, but sometimes the audacity bore its fruits. She was, clearly, not disappointed.

- Hm, someone to limit the damage, what. Someone responsible, caring, who would bring her feet back on the ground but also lift her head out of the books a bit. To do an archaeological research, no problem, to cook and not to forget to do his laundry, his dishes on the other hand, replied Suzaku with amusement and affection.

There were no more doubts. What Rin sensed, and what Adelaide suspected, had been verified. Her best friend had always complained that her son was very difficult with girls. She had tried to introduce him to other high-profile mage families, but to no avail. The teenager didn't really seem to see them. Shirou was amused, but he couldn't be made to talk. He had sworn to his son to keep his secrets, and he didn't intend to go back on his word.

- I'd like to, yes. I won't rush her, but I won't be around forever. Nothing lasts forever.

Fleury's voice was as enthusiastic and confident as ever, but his eyes became sadder. Suzaku didn't seem to realize it, and behind his joke, tried to recompose a dignified air.

- And above all, you have the right to retire a little, even from her.

- Aha, if only! I thank you for caring about me Suzaku, it's nice, but retirement will not be soon I think with the latest reforms that have passed. But I talk and I talk... you wanted to talk to me about something I think, Adelaide resumed with benevolence.

Since he was hesitating and uncharacteristically beating around the bush, she would give him a little push. The young man took the stick that she was holding out to him and seemed to be getting a little bit fresher.

- Yes, that's right. Did our budding researcher tell you about someone who would... arouse her interest? asked the young man in an apparently disinterested voice.

- Emily? Hm... she always makes big eyes when Godric comes to visit us with his current girlfriend. She didn't talk too much about boys... except for one, maybe," the teacher replied with a hint of a mischievous smile.

- Oh, which one? Do I know him? he replied at once, with obvious curiosity.

- You know him very well, indeed. She is convinced, however, that she is not up to it.

- Who could not be up to it?

Rin was certainly beginning her education in high society, so the teenager was quite good at hiding her emotions in terms of facial expressiveness. On the other hand, and in private, his guard had to be down a bit more. Indeed, his brown eyes were bright and expectant, while his fingers tapped lightly on the table with regularity and hinted at a youthful ardor and passion.

- What do you think, boy? Who is the only boy, other than her older brother I mean, that she always talks about and prefers to be with over her books?

- My father? he ventured before adding hastily and with a touch of annoyance. What? It's true that they talk a lot when she comes to the house! Like thieves...

Suzaku was losing his usual cool. The young man let see a sulky pout on his thin face, which was not without reminding someone to the Franco-British. His words and his reaction did not fail to draw from his lips a burst of laughter, frank and sonorous.

- I said boy, not man! That was a good one... I'll tell it to your father, one of these four. Ah, it's a good thing your mother and I are having a little chat. At this rate, we would have had grey hair before things got going," she continued, still laughing.

- Before things got going," Suzaku repeated, raising an eyebrow as she asked. What have you two been up to behind our backs again?

- Nothing at all. Just that we're not deaf or blind. If it makes you feel better, we're not forcing you to do anything, but if you're both serious about it, you'll have our blessing.

They were still young, at the age of fifteen. Emily had been afraid to open up to him for several reasons. The fear of losing their friendship if her feelings were not reciprocated, and a fear also of the prestige of their respective families. This fear was relatively unfounded nevertheless, considering the old friendship of the parents of the principal concerned in the eyes of Fleury, just like considering the respective circumstances of emergence of their own couples. And then, without false modesty, the capital of his own family had nothing to envy to the house of Rin. It was always good to renew the blood of the mage lines, to strengthen the ties, especially when it did not contradict the intentions of the two young people involved, in his opinion.

- Of course I'm serious," exclaimed the young Tohsaka. But... it's not something you decide on your own, and I'm not even sure she has a crush on me, and...

- Well, just come to the house tonight and ask her. You know you're always welcome at the manor. It will be a nice surprise for her! Unless you have other plans, of course.

- No, I'm free, Suzaku answered at once with a voice still disconcerted.

- Unless you prefer a one-to-one, maybe. I know some good addresses, if you want.

- And does my father even know what you're up to?

Adelaide merely smiled slightly and nodded seriously. Of course they had told Shirou. She wished she could have consulted Waver as well, but he... couldn't hear them when they were sure of their suspicions.

- Of course," the teenager muttered in his still non-existent beard.

- It wasn't to bother you, Suzaku. I was just hoping to save you from missing the train, as it were. It takes a bit of daring... and sometimes a little help from fate, too.

- Fate's got a backbone, but that's not entirely untrue," grumbled his godson.

- To whom do you say it, commented Fleury with a light laugh and a thin smile.

This made her quite nostalgic, reminding her of a young British man who had not hesitated to run down the station on his motorcycle to reach the platform of a train that was about to leave before it was too late. This impulsiveness, which had been played out by a thread, had had its notorious consequences... but she regretted nothing. She missed Waver terribly and she felt the weight of his absence cruelly. That didn't mean she would have chosen to sacrifice those precious years to avoid that pain.

All she regretted was that she had not been more present and had not insisted more that he take it easy. She hoped, at least, that he could join his dear friend.

It was then that she noticed the silence which had settled, as well as the glance of Suzaku put on her while he tasted a scone. The blue eyes of the Tohsaka heir were quite worried.

- Are you eating enough? You look thinner. You're not going to be able to climb archeological sites by becoming a skeleton.

- Don't worry, go ahead. The carcass is solid and I have muscles, even if they are less visible!

To illustrate her point, Adelaide let a wide smile show and bent her arm and bandaged the muscle that was there, in front of the doubtful and worried look of her godson and, who knows, maybe future son-in-law.

Yes, Emily would be in good hands and they could look after her daughter when she herself was gone. She had passed on the Fleury family magic to him two years ago to officially establish her as his heir. Tomas had never had a child and, to their father's despair, would never want one. The Waver family seal of magic was still in the hands of the El Melloi, but Emily would at least have the protection and legacy of her French magical roots. Adelaide had made sure to maintain a healthy relationship with her beloved's "in-laws," including Reines, even before their daughter was born. For his part, Godric had hardly needed her help to figure out what he wanted to do and settle down on his own.

After a very pleasant meal in the company of the two lovebirds, who clearly brightened up her evening and made her feel better, she decided to leave them alone to give Suzaku an opportunity to ask Emily out, if the mage could muster up the courage.

As soon as she closed the door to her room behind her, Adelaide's warm, serene smile faded before it faded completely. Her previous energy seemed to waver as she walked slowly to the bed, dropping onto its edge to sit down.

Dry, violent coughs escaped her, as her hand searched her bedside table for a particular vial. Feverishly, she managed to reach it and without hesitation, drank all its contents.

Her pale face seemed to regain some color, while her breathing became easier.

Under the veil of the shadows, her mask of assurance fell sharply when her eyes, wet and tired, let out tears which ran down her cheeks more emaciated than before. Her bed seemed cold and too big for her. Her body felt heavy and full of stabbing pains.

A little further on, near a pile of various papers, sheets of recent test results lay on her desk. Many values were written in bold letters, around a cold comment.

A fire, invisible and silent, was bruising her slowly. Nothing could stop it, it had consumed her for too long and had already spread too far, destroying her lungs little by little.

A painful, bitter chuckle tore at her lips, between two stifled coughs. It was a clean enough curse for a "grave robber," as Godric and Gilgamesh called her. One of her hands remained clenched around a golden pendant, which glowed softly in the night.

She had one last quest to go on, one word to keep, one personal promise to honor.

[***]

The next day.

The day was well under way since the clock indicated four o'clock in the afternoon. The dinner had gone on until late, so Adelaide had proposed to Suzaku to sleep at home in the guest room which was then unoccupied. She had of course warned Rin about this little unexpected event, but it had not been a problem. It wasn't the first time either of the teenagers had stayed over as childhood friends. They had grown up together, so to speak.

Seeing them get along so well always warmed the old archaeology teacher's heart. Whether they remained friends or their relationship blossomed beyond mere friendship, the mother in her was relieved that Emily had such a reliable and responsible loved one by her side, in her life. Fleury had tried to be a good mother, while being aware of her own imperfections. Emily and Godric had been the ones to keep her head above water when Waver died. Someone was counting on her, so she had to hold her head up high to help and guide her.

Now, when she saw that the energetic little baby she had held in her arms had grown into a beautiful, charming, witty, blossoming young girl, Adelaide felt quite fulfilled. The retired archaeologist was no longer worried about her daughter, who was her pride... their heir. She could stand up for herself and follow the path she wanted while being well surrounded.

As the last exams had reminded her, it was time for Adelaide to think about herself a little. She had little time left, so she wanted to leave without any regrets.

So Adelaide intended to solve the riddle that the King of Uruk had left behind for good.

"- When time goes against you, go back to where it all began.

One way or another, that's where it will end too."

These words, Caster had insisted on choosing them as the last words he would speak to her before their paths parted after their respective wishes were granted with the Grail. They had to be even less innocent as he had pronounced them in ancient Sumerian to her attention. Adelaide had spent the last five years patiently deciphering the ancient, even sacred terms he had used, searching and eliminating every possibility to uncover the correct meaning. Once she had settled on a meaningful, logical and coherent translation, his words had become a little clearer. Like the riddles Godric had given her on the plane back from Iraq thirteen years earlier... this last Mystery was leading her to Warka.

A smile escaped her. Had dear Caster anticipated everything? It was too late to ask him, and anyway, she had never liked to give her tongue to the cat without searching first herself.

She was going to take advantage of Suzaku and Emily's decision to spend the day together in London. Her decision made, she had a small international phone call. Grabbing her retro clamshell cell phone, which always earned her a doubtful look from her daughter, Adelaide dialed a number and placed the call.

She waited for several tones while making herself a cup of tea before an American voice was heard. Adelaide answered in the English of a bilingual woman who has lived in England for years.

- Hello. My name is Adelaide Fleury. I will soon be traveling to the United States and would like to speak with your CEO. Could you tell me when he would be available?

- ... Could you tell me your name again? asked the suspicious female voice on the other end of the line.

- Of course. Adelaide Fleury. With a "y" at the end, not an "i". Yes, a "y". Like Yannis.

Adelaide waited a couple of minutes, pouring hot water from her kettle into a teapot, taking care not to burn her hands by mistake, the phone stuck between her shoulder and her ear.

- I am not acquainted with your name. For what reason would you like to talk to the CEO? The female voice with a strong American accent answered, impersonal and impassive.

- A confidential reason that I can only discuss with him. What would be his availability?

- Since you're not on my list, I'm not allowed to disclose his schedule to you.

Adelaide frowned as she put the kettle down. She knew a professional tone when she heard one, the tone of the person who casually ducks behind the rules. Trying as hard as she could to contain her annoyance, she replied in a cordial but firm voice.

- It's surprising, to say the least, since it was he who insisted that I come to see him the next time I was in New York. I am sorry to insist, but the reason is pressing.

- You can insist as much as you want, but you're not on my list so I'm not allowed to divulge his agenda. insisted the American with indifference.

- Look, lady, I know you're doing your job and all, but...

- Wait a minute. One moment, please. interrupted her interlocutor in a dry and weary tone.

Adelaide didn't appreciate being put on hold without any further courtesy, but concentrated on measuring the amount of black tea leaves she would use to warm up. She was not entirely an unfamiliar face to the seasoned employees of the company, as she had been there before for a meeting with Godric, accompanied by Emily and the late Waver. The professor was about to hang up and resign herself to sending him an email when the much more pleasant voice of Adelaide's much better-known CEO's direct assistant came through the line.

- Hello, Ms. Fleury! I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. My young colleague has recently joined us. She is very zealous in her tasks... a little too zealous at times. Of course we will find a date that will accommodate you. Could you tell me when you will be on our soil? Knowing Mr. Kingsley, he will most certainly want to share your company for several days.

The assistant, Lindsey Brown, was a woman who was as professional, competent, and responsible as she was friendly. She was one of the CEO's very few hand-picked confidants. Adelaide relaxed as she poured herself a cup of tea, sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs.

- Of course. I'm taking a flight the day after tomorrow that will arrive in New York at five o'clock, if that's not too short a delay. I can shift my stay to two or three days, if necessary. I know that your boss is a busy man and that his schedule is often very full. Adelaide answered while opening her laptop on standby and booking the plane ticket at the same time, planning to book the hotel room at the same time.

- Don't worry. Mr. Kingsley had given us instructions to clear his schedule as much as possible for your visit, so we can accommodate you. The assistant replied in a calm, pleasant and professional voice.

Any instructions? This mention intrigued Adelaide as she took the cell phone in hand to relax her shoulder. How could he have foreseen that she would visit him soon? It had been two weeks since their last call, and there had been no question of her coming to the United States anytime soon because her teaching schedule was so full then. Adelaide decided that she could always ask him directly when she got there, so she did not insist on these two points and preferred to get straight to the point in a much more relaxed voice.

- That's very kind. What time can I meet him? What would be most convenient for him?

- Do your best to come as soon as possible, that's probably what would please him the most. Mr. Kingsley is very accommodating, which is one of the many reasons why he is a pleasure to work with.

They exchanged a few more minutes. Adelaide made a quick mental calculation based on her knowledge of the slowness of customs, especially the American ones that are very fussy about luggage, and the usual flight delays, to determine the time slot in which she would be in the arrivals hall. She gave this information to the assistant, who did not ask for the end date of her stay. It was only ten minutes after Adelaide hung up the phone after a very cordial exchange that she heard the front door of the mansion open and her daughter's energetic, enthusiastic voice ring out.

- Mom, are you home? I'm home!

- I'm in the kitchen, honey. I made some tea, it's still hot if you want some. Adelaide answered with a tender smile, while putting her laptop in her bag and slipping it discreetly into her backpack, which was hanging on one of the adjacent chairs.

A fifteen-year-old teenager appeared before her, still dressed in the student uniform of the London Academy of Magic. Emily was already taller than she was at five foot eleven, despite her late growth, and her features and obsidian eyes immediately reminded Fleury of her father. Adelaide was proud of her daughter, that was nothing new. She appreciated her strength of character, which came as much from herself as from Waver, from whom she had also inherited tenacity and a great sense of organization, at least professional. Fleury would not comment on the chaotic order of the teenager's room, nor on the annoyance Emily could show when things did not go as planned. Waver's sudden death had been a terrible ordeal for both of them, and mother and daughter had supported each other and held each other together so that they wouldn't go under, against all odds. At the time, Adelaide had had a hard time getting her out of her room or the video game room at the mansion, so much so that Emily had taken refuge there to deal with her grief and a more than difficult loss. It had been necessary for her to have the joint help of their close relations, in particular Suzaku, Godric, Fiona, Rin and Shirou.

The girl put her bag down against the wall with disinterest, a radiant smile on her lips and her black eyes dreamy as she approached the archaeologist and surprised her by taking her in her arms.

- Did your day go well? Adelaide asked in a warm and affectionate voice as she returned the teenager's unexpected embrace.

- Yes, I had a good time with Suzaku. It was nice. Replied Emily with a smile on her face, looking quite ecstatic as she began to release her.

- You look radiant, Emily. It makes me happy to see you smiling all the way to your lips.

Adelaide drew her against her and hugged her again, her blue eyes mischievous and loving. For once that her daughter came to ask for a hug and not the opposite, the teacher counted well to benefit from this rare moment. As she expected, the teenager struggled for the principle and escaped from her arms, her eyes laughing behind an apparent pout of displeasure.

- Mom, I'm not ten anymore. I'm in the Academy now, remember?

- You'll always be my girl. I'm proud of you, and I know your father would be too. Adelaide retorted before tenderly ruffling her hair, Emily protesting for the sake of argument.

Adelaide tried to look solid and strong for her daughter, the apple of her eye, even though she knew she was out of shape. Her time was short, so every moment was precious to her. This small moment of happiness escaped when a violent dry coughing fit burned her lungs. Moving away from Emily just in time and backing up a few steps, Adelaide endured the brutal and painful coughing fit without saying a word, which followed as usual on several others. Concerned, Emily rushed to her bedside and offered her a pack of tissues and a glass of water. Adelaide thanked her with a slight smile, coughing into the tissue as her daughter asked.

- Mama? Are you sure you're all right? You look tired and I heard you coughing last night.

- I'm fine. It's not a little cold that's going to bring your mother down. Adelaide wanted to reassure her as soon as she had recovered her voice and her breath, with a soothing smile.

- It's still a long way to go for a cold. You really don't want to go see a doctor? insisted the teenager, her obsidian eyes as concerned as doubtful of her assertions.

- It'll pass on its own. I'm doing the right thing for this purpose. Temporisa Adélaïde with firmness.

The archaeologist could see Emily's concern and doubts, which she knew a little too well over the years. However, her daughter knew that she would not get her way in terms of stubbornness with her mother, so she decided not to insist and instead to show Adelaide that she respected her choice but did not approve of it and was worried about her. The archaeologist invited her with a smile and a hand gesture to sit down, offering her a cup of tea. Emily did not insist for once and without even grumbling that she had something else to do, the teenager took a seat in front of her and indicated with her eyes to sit down too. The teacher took the time to think about her words before speaking again in a calm voice.

- I'm going to be traveling for two or three weeks. Can I leave the manor in your hands while I'm gone?

- Oh, you have a conference somewhere? Unless it's for an expedition. Can I come with you? It's been a long time since we've been on a girls' road trip!

Emily's eyes sparkled with curiosity and hope. It was true that it had been a while since they had traveled as a family. Adelaide had been so busy since Waver's death that she had been concerned about her daughter's happiness before her own, allowing her to travel with Rin, Shirou and Suzaku abroad but without her. Fleury had stayed in the capital during this time, taking the opportunity to put her affairs in order and try to be as organized and forward thinking as Waver had been in order to ensure that their family would continue to do well in the future. She wasn't him though, so she was doing her best to ensure their daughter's health and future. Oh sure, she had taken Emily abroad twice: once to Macedonia, to honor Waver's memory and as part of the trip they should have taken, and once to Canada, allowing Emily to accompany her on a week-long archaeology conference. Those had been great times, but now Emily would not be able to accompany her on this trip.

However, Adelaide had two good reasons for her daughter not to insist.

- That's sweet, honey, but we'll talk about it next vacation. You have your exams coming up and a caring boyfriend. I'm just taking a few days off.

- Careful, that didn't fall on deaf ears. I'll keep that in mind. Where are you going? Emily asked, a little disappointed not to be part of it and intrigued by this sudden trip.

- To the United States, to do a bit of dashing around and especially to visit Godric. You know your older brother, he keeps complaining that I don't visit him often enough. Adelaide commented.

Unlike Emily, Adelaide had never been a fan of new technology, and even though she had balked at the idea of emailing rather than texting or calling, she had a hard time with remote verbal and written messaging systems via an Internet connection. Emily and Godric had tried to convert her to these devices, which she distrusted like the plague, without much success. They had barely managed to get her to install a known messaging system on her laptop and cell phone, if not to convert her to other social networks. They got her on that point with the argument of group calls and international calls, when she was traveling on conferences or expeditions and since Godric was mainly living in the USA. Finally, to make her install it was a big word, since the said software was already installed and configured in the laptop and smartphone that Emily and Godric had given her on her last birthdays, without her asking for them. It was a requirement, they claimed.

It wasn't technically a lie. She was going to go through the United States in any case, and would decide there what she would do next. She was going to visit Godric in any case.

The pout that crossed Emily's face amused Adelaide, and softened her a little. While her daughter had quickly adopted Godric into their midst when he had reappeared from nowhere in his child form, and had seen him as the big brother she had never had, Emily had become a bit more possessive as she grew older and after Waver's passing. The girl had never understood why her parents had discussions with Godric that she couldn't participate in, nor why her brother had quickly grown up to be more mature and intelligent than boys of the same age. It hadn't been easy, even though Waver and Adelaide had tried to be fair, but with age, Emily had finally overcome that period of jealousy and realized that she was just as loved as he was. Godric and his daughter were now on very good terms, the former showing a patience they had not expected from him and enjoying treating her like a child. Emily didn't quite understand why, and would occasionally pique her interest, but often let it go. Jealousy had given way to a certain possessiveness, which Adelaide chalked up to a child who had lost one parent and didn't want to lose the other... it would eventually pass.

- Dad and Dorian have never failed to tell me about your expeditions, so it makes me feel better knowing you're not going alone. So I'm willing to share you with Godric for a while.

Emily kept a dignified expression without taking her eyes off her as she took a sip of tea. Much to Adelaide's chagrin, she had not regained her taste for coffee and preferred the typically English drink that Waver cherished. The Frenchwoman had made herself a reason, after many unsuccessful attempts. If the young girl could not accompany him, she did not intend to cut the contact for as much if Adelaide believed her words as the resolute gleam of the obsidian eyes of their dear daughter.

- You'll keep me posted, right? I don't expect you to call me every day, but at least let me know when you're coming and where you're going. And you'll send me pictures.

- It seems to me that of the two of us, I'm the mother, right? Adelaide raised an eyebrow.

- Yes, but someone has to look after you, so I'm taking over from Dad. Retorted Emily with aplomb in the tone of the obvious.

- That's sweet, honey, but you need to enjoy life a little too.

We usually understood only too late that youth is a golden period that should not be wasted but rather savored. A period of discovery, enrichment, fulfillment from childhood to the dawn of adulthood before experiencing real working life. Adelaide hoped that Emily would have the same opportunity as she did to spend one or more years studying abroad, which would certainly enrich her culturally as well as relationally. This was a big topic of debate and discussion with the girl's maternal grandparents, who hoped that she would spend her university study year abroad in France to see her more often. If she had to choose, Adelaide suggested the United States or even Canada, for the professional opportunities and especially the development of a network of acquaintances and contacts.

- I suppose a bit of fresh air will do you good, but be careful. At your tender age, you'd better not do anything crazy with your body. Emily conceded, looking mischievous.

Adelaide pretended to protest for the sake of it, before bursting into laughter to her daughter's satisfaction and then asking her to tell her about her day with Suzaku. Yes, it was better that Emily did not try to find out more about his physical condition and his intentions in the near future.

[***]

Downtown, Lower Manhattan, New York, United States. The year 2030. Three days later.

She had been able to pack her bags discreetly, without raising suspicions, and had left, kissing her daughter on the cheek one last time and waving to her as she got into the cab.

She had, however, had a few surprises when she arrived at the London airport, which seemed like too good a coincidence to be just that. First of all, her economy class ticket had been double upgraded to first class, without her having to pay any difference. Everything had already been settled beforehand, according to the hostess at the check-in desk, while Adelaide feared that there had been a computer system error during the booking process. After a much more comfortable and relaxing flight than she had anticipated, the second unexpected event awaited her at the New York airport. She had been told that a car with a driver was waiting for her outside the arrivals hall, similarly reserved and paid for in advance.

It was ironic to think that she was so terrified of dying. She'd had very little fear during the last Grail War, and now that the adrenaline had worn off... the prospect chilled her to the bone. It had happened much faster than she had anticipated. According to the test results and the doctor's words, she had less than two months to go and her condition was likely to deteriorate very abruptly and very quickly, unstoppable and irreversible.

It was out of the question for her to wait for the end, to end up confined to a hospital bed while she wasted away.

If she had to die, fine! But Adelaide was going to choose how and where she would end her days.

Since the disease was still rapidly eating away at her lungs from the harmful inhalations of the tombs and ancient sites she had explored throughout her life, she would travel until the end.

She had thought about asking Dorian to accompany her before changing her mind. Her former student was now following his own path as a researcher and leading his own family life. He was also going through a complicated time at the moment as he was in the middle of divorce proceedings with his wife. Although the proceedings were amicable, he still had to negotiate joint custody of their twelve-year-old son, Liam, of whom Adelaide was the godmother. Her former doctoral student didn't need any extra worries, just as he could fly on his own now. His only regret was not being able to honor her promise to accompany him on his next dig and spend a few days with them in Ireland. Adelaide had neither the desire nor the courage to announce to her loved ones her impending end, it was an ordeal she would face alone.

It was the first time in years that she had been to New York. The last time was six years ago, when Godric invited Waver to accompany him to the famous international video game convention E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo held in Los Angeles. Taking the opportunity to show Emily around, Adelaide took her daughter to explore the two great American cities. It had been quite an entertaining trip, and well worth the effort to hear the two of them debate endlessly about new video games and planned releases.

Ah well, it hadn't always been easy living with hard-core gamers.

Much to her dismay, Emily had inherited her father's and Godric's love of video games. Sure, Waver's video games and consoles were still in use and wouldn't gather dust that way, and would be in good hands in the future, but even so, it saddened her a little.

Adelaide had never been a great lover of big cities, with the notable exceptions of London, Bordeaux and Paris, which held a special place in her heart. She was convinced that the riddle Caster left behind was part of a scheme between him and Godric. It was deliberately cryptic and quite clear on this point: to be sure that she had the right answer to this riddle, or at least that she was on the right track, the archaeologist had to check with him. At least, he had thought of leaving her one of his cards, so that she would have his personal and professional address as well as his contact information in case she would need to reach him. She didn't even have to look for an itinerary on her own, because when she arrived at the New York airport, she was informed that a car and driver were waiting for her. She was informed that a reservation had been made in her name to take her directly to her destination, and then to take her belongings to the hotel where she was staying. And so it was that she found herself, at the first light of the decline of the day, at the foot of a huge building borrowing from both modern architecture and ancient inspirations. Rather than being all steel and glass, the architect had preferred that the building rest on a solid foundation of stone in its framework. The glass was of course very present to bring luminosity and not to denote too much from the other constructions of this avenue in the heart of the local Business District, but at least the building was easy to spot. A long time ago, he had given them an appointment at the prestigious tea room, restaurant and café across the street... not so long ago, and yet already an eternity. An amused smile wove itself on his lips. Some things would probably never change with him, such as his need to show off his success and genius, while leaving his own mark.

She must have stood out in a crowd of suits, skirts, expensive shoes and heels, with her shirt, sleeveless jacket, multi-pocketed pants and hiking boots. It was clearly not her world, all this modernity. Yet she would have to immerse herself in it at least momentarily if she wanted to be able to talk to him. On this resolute thought, snubbing her surroundings, Fleury walked towards the doors of the Babylon Corp.

A huge hall was before her eyes, with its immaculate tiles. Two security men flanked the entrance doors, carefully searching the backpack she had not left at the baggage room of the two-star hotel where she had booked a room for the very short stay she had planned. Luxurious furniture had been arranged in the room, to welcome her guests and visitors. It was particularly nice, not too hot and not too cold, the plants and flowers that decorated the room gave a much appreciated feeling of freshness. Her clear eyes spotted an oval-shaped desk in the center, where a rather young woman had her nose bent over some registers as well as her computer screen.

With a cordial smile, Adelaide walked up to the desk and greeted the employee cheerfully.

- Hello! Excuse me, I would like to speak to Mr. Kingsley. Is he in?

- Do you have an appointment? the employee asked, without taking her eyes off her computer.

Well, there were lessons in friendliness that were being lost in this country! Adelaide did her best to swallow the annoyance she felt at the insolence and contempt of the woman who was looking down on her. She must not have been very old, the teacher gave her between twenty and twenty-three years. A very pretty girl, she wanted to recognize it with her slender silhouette and her fine face, her beautiful brown hazel eyes, her blond hair and a complexion of skin tanned by the sun. Nevertheless, the arrogance that she read in his eyes under his glasses did not really suit her... and from his voice, she was sure that it was her whom the professor had had first on the phone. The archaeologist did not let herself be impressed for so little and gave a very cordial and professional smile.

- In this case, yes.

- Your name? said the receptionist casually

- Adelaide Fleury. I called the day before yesterday. Specified Adelaide while holding out her identity card.

- Fleury... Ah yes, Fleury. It's you I've been talking to on the phone. Commented the employee in a detached tone, riveting sharp eyes while staring at her in comparison to her ID card.

- I know, I've aged, but that's me. Can you let Mrs. Brown know I'm coming, please? Fleury asked with kindness as he picked up his ID card.

- Please wait a moment, I'll call her.

The tone was still clearly arrogant, but at least it had become more professional and correct. Adelaide took advantage of the short wait to connect to the Internet network of her international telephone subscription and sent a written message to Emily to let her know she had arrived safely. She attached to her text message four-five photos taken since her arrival to please her. No sooner had she sent the message than Godric's assistant entered the lobby. With a pleasant smile and a dynamic stride, the CEO's right-hand man offered her a hand that Adélaïde immediately shook with a cordial and firm grip, a courteous smile on her lips:

- Hello Ms. Fleury! I am delighted to see you again. Did you have a good flight?

- Hello, Ms. Brown. The flight was very pleasant, yes, I was surprised to be upgraded.

- I'm glad to hear that. We took care of it, it was the least we could do. Don't worry about your things, our driver will take them directly to the hotel.

- That's very kind of you. Can you tell me the way to this hotel?

- Of course, but don't worry, we'll take you there with Mr. Kingsley. I'll escort you to the VIP lounge and inform him of your arrival.

The CEO's assistant guided her to a comfortable and spacious lounge reserved for VIP guests. The atmosphere was warmer because of the woodwork of the vast room, decorated with paintings without any doubt of fortune and brightened up by several green plants. The room had a large amount of light from a generous bay window that let in the daylight. Luxurious lamps provided a welcoming red-orange glow, along with comfortable purple leather chairs. A minibar was also at the disposal of the guests, so that they could help themselves to the best coffees, teas and delicious sweets. Adelaide did not have time to dwell on the layout of the room. A few minutes later, she heard a series of familiar footsteps approaching. Soon, the automatic doors that separated and isolated the lounge from the rest of the reception area opened and made way for a tall figure that Adelaide recognized immediately, a warm smile on her lips.

With his blond hair, white suit and indigo shirt, he was very hard to miss.

The newcomer's red eyes quickly landed on her, his features lit up and a wide smile stretched his lips, as he gained her height, clapping his hands with obvious pleasure.

- Adelaide! Well, I've been waiting for your visit! the tall man called out to her as he gained her height rather quickly.

- Hello Godric! Come on, I know you're very busy. Adelaide replied warmly.

- Busy? Well, you know you're always welcome. Who could have told you such a nonsense?

He had become particularly tall, easily topping six feet, so that the Franco-British woman was obliged to raise her head to meet his gaze when he stopped at her side. He had made an effort to comb his short blond hair, in a cut close to that which she had known him younger. The absence of rings under his eyes left him the thin hope that he spares himself a little. His incarnate eyes were lively and rather warm, while his features were more open. His face had become more refined, leaving the roundness of childhood to chisel towards the features of adulthood. The resemblance with Caster struck her, while noting noticeable differences with the latter. His smile, in any case, was as radiant as the last time she had seen him, three years earlier.

- The lady at the front desk. She couldn't find me on a "list" apparently and wouldn't tell me your availability. Fortunately, your assistant was able to clarify the situation.

- I'm really going to have to discipline her, dear Meredith.

The sharp, dark look he was giving the reception desk and its occupant did not reassure her. She didn't like the receptionist very much, but she sensed that the wrath of her young friend must not be pleasant to receive as a just but severe leader. Adélaïde preferred to temporize the storm and sketched with one hand a soothing gesture, her voice calm.

- A lady she's never seen and suddenly asks to see you, she may have wondered. What's done is done.

- Certainly, but she also knows that she must warn me, if necessary, and in particular check the list of the VIPs of which you form part, even if she never saw them, insisted Godric.

He punctuated his words with a light flick on the tip of the archaeologist's nose, who did not insist. This was his territory, and therefore his rules and his ways. And then, the lady in question had not been very kind with her, so the professor did not feel in a very magnanimous mood. Placing a hand on her shoulder, Godric urged her to follow him and guided them to the right side of the hall.

- Since I was just passing through, I thought I'd say hello," Adelaide replied cheerfully.

- And you were right!

Without giving a glance to the receptionist, he unlocked the access to the right wing of the building and made them walk in a large corridor, before leading them in an elevator. Adelaide didn't have time to see which floor he had pressed, but she noticed that they stayed in the machine for a while. They emerged into another hallway, which was occupied by no more than two offices.

- You told me you had big plans this year. I hope my impromptu visit doesn't upset your plans too much.

Both the secretary's reaction and the thought of this meeting she had caught, with all these obviously important executives, had made her wonder about the relevance of her visit. Adelaide was about to suggest that she have a coffee or that she invite him to dinner that evening after work, but Godric did not let her continue and shook one of his hands as if to dismiss her suggestion.

- If there's one thing I've learned, it's to take the time. And believe me, you're worth it, even if you underestimate yourself. And no, you don't get to argue with me.

He had stopped in front of the farthest door of the corridor. Averting her gaze out of politeness as he punched in the entry code on the keypad, then placed one of her fingers on the fingerprint reader, she was brought out of her thoughts when he motioned for her to enter the room after him.

The office matched the magnificence of the hall. It was very large, with its surface area corresponding to at least two or three ordinary offices of the Academy of Mages. Stacks of files were neatly arranged on shelves, on several racks. She also noticed the presence of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Two flat-panel computer monitors sat on the very large work table, both close enough to a huge bay window to take advantage of its brightness and exceptional view of the metropolis, and far enough back to avoid the sun and the backlight. She suspected the presence of one or two additional laptops, in addition to the IPad tablet he held in his other hand.

- He had become a very busy man indeed, but at least fulfilled, very meticulous and organized.

Dropping his jacket on the coat rack at his invitation, as well as his hiking backpack, Adelaide then sat down near the generous circular table present in the "relaxation" wing of the office, on a particularly comfortable memory foam ottoman. A generous fruit basket soon made its appearance, as he pulled two stemmed glasses from a cupboard. As he refused any help from her, Adelaide reopened the conversation in a warm and relaxed tone.

- I saw your interview in a newspaper. I didn't quite understand what you were talking about, it was a bit too complicated for someone from the old guard like me, but you were comfortable. How are you otherwise, outside of your office?

- My business is doing well, and I'm trying to take it easy too. I remember all too well your warnings against overwork. After all, it has cost me my life in the past!

Adelaide loved to hear him laugh. It wasn't a sarcastic laugh here, but a serene and friendly one. If he was capable of self-deprecation, it was a sign that all was well and that the mood was good.

This newfound familiarity relaxed her a bit, and dispelled some of the crushing loneliness she had grown accustomed to since her widowhood and her much-felt argument with Dorian. He didn't need her anymore, she wouldn't have to worry. To be able to make sure of that one last time in person before they parted ways was like a balm to her heart.

- It's good to take some time for yourself too. Are you still with that "Bridget" you wrote about in your letter? From the looks of the ladies we've met, you're still very popular," Adelaide commented with a slight smile.

- No, that's long gone," he said in a disinterested tone before adding with a shadow of an amused smile. Oh, you flatter me.

- I'm a poor flatterer, come on! Diana said I'd make a bad actress.

- You can be a good flatterer without being a good actress. Why don't you tell me what it is that gives me the pleasure of your visit? I appreciate your company, of course, but I can't believe that it's only the pleasure of mine that brings you here," he asked, putting a bottle of wine on the table and the glasses on the footstool, before settling himself on a nearby footstool.

The question challenged her more than she had anticipated. It surprised her as much as it hurt her a little, even if she should have done neither one, nor the other. The conviviality of their reunion and the good mood had made her forget the dread in her stomach of the reason of her departure from London. Adelaide did not intend to lie to him, their relationship did not work on that. Fleury did not want to worry her, so she tried to keep her voice calm, despite her softer voice.

- I wanted to see you and talk to you while I could. Does that displease you?

She had no favor to ask him, if not to share a little time with her to make him forget for a moment the destiny which awaited him. Perhaps it was a little selfish on her part. Had she really been right to make this detour here, rather than going directly to the place to finish as soon as possible? Her eyes fell down towards her glass before settling, more dull and tired, towards her young friend who was finishing to fill the two glasses of wine. The latter seemed more curious than anything else, holding out one of the two glasses of wine to her before crossing her arms over her chest when she took it.

- No, on the contrary. It's the "as long as I could do it" that appeals to me.

Time passes my dear. If wine gets better with the years, it is not the same with my joints. The life of a bureaucrat does not suit me," Fleury said with a grimace.

- You talk like you're dying. Not many people have died of bureaucracy that I know of," retorted the young CEO, taking a sip of wine after they had toasted.

- You'd be surprised at the numbers. The sedentary lifestyle is a real scourge of modern times, but it is necessary to leave the hand to the young people for the expeditions, so that they learn the trade. The succession is assured, I only have to transmit my knowledge to the faculty.

She was eager to open up to someone, but refrained from doing so each time out of reflex. It was not in Fleury's habit to talk about her weaknesses, and already to show them. She didn't like feeling so helpless, so vulnerable. It always amused her a little to hear him so learned on many things and still quite innocent on other aspects of the modern world. He was well armed to apprehend it in all serenity, and he still had enough to discover not to be bored.

She had already passed on the bulk of her knowledge and experience to her students and to the archives, which she would bequeath in part to the school library. Fiona could fly on her own now, with the elegance of a hawk whose talons should not be underestimated. Emily, soon, would fly out of the nest to explore the horizon, which both saddened and moved her.

A mother's dilemma, no doubt, to be torn between sadness and a proud smile.

The wine he had served her was pleasant. She didn't have time to see what kind of alcohol it was before he set the bottle down a little further. The wine had a nice texture and a pleasant musk, woody and powerful at the same time. It must have had some bottle age, and had been in cask for a while. A connoisseur's selection, no doubt. She usually preferred more robust and bitter wines, but a little sweetness wouldn't hurt from time to time. She would savor it slowly.

They shared a few minutes of silence savoring a few sips of wine. It wasn't an unpleasant silence, and it gave Adelaide time to compose herself and consolidate her composure. The teacher was almost there when Godric spoke again while observing her carefully.

- What pessimism! I'm surprised at you, though.

- It cheers me up to see that Emily, Suzaku, Dorian and you are doing well.

- But not you, he remarked. I can't help but feel a "but" somewhere.

Godric couldn't argue with that, huh. A half-sad, half-amused smile played across her lips as she took several sips of the excellent wine. Everything she was saying was strictly true. Adelaide remembered the meeting she had surprised earlier with a fanfare. He was already busy enough and it was nice of him to agree to give her some of his time. She would be quite happy with that.

- It's not great form, but that's not surprising I guess. It's good to see you again. I've missed talking to you directly. It's too quiet.

No sooner had the words escaped her mouth than she nearly choked on her sip of wine. Seriously? Did she have to let that last clarification slide that could be subject to so many interpretations? Adelaide drank another sip of wine to hide her embarrassment, without noticing the pinkish tint of her cheeks. Let's hope he didn't hear her or let her pass...

- Ah yes, too quiet? Perhaps I could put a little animation then, in this so monotonous life? exclaimed the former Servant with a mocking smile and a mischievous look.

- Hm! By the way, did you know that little Suzaku finally declared his love for Emily?

- Well, everything comes to those who wait! Like miracles can happen when you pray hard enough. Only the gods know how hard you and Waver prayed.

- At least they had the goodness to start while I was here," Adelaide said in a good-natured tone.

- It would have been sad otherwise.

It was a safer subject, less likely to accidentally slip up. She felt strangely light and well at the time, almost refreshed. It was with a smile that the archaeologist exclaimed.

- As you say! It is already that of taken. From now on, I could go about my life with peace of mind.

By all the gods! By the time she realized it, it was already too late. Adelaide had a hard time gathering her thoughts and taking the time to think about her words, which surprised her greatly. No doubt the tiredness of the journey was catching up with her... and God didn't wait a moment to launch.

- Are you already "at peace", or do you still have some regrets and unfinished projects? It's hard to believe that the thousand-and-one grave robber has already finished skimming them all.

- You talk like you're dying. Not many people have died of bureaucracy that I know of," retorted the young CEO, taking a sip of wine after they had toasted.

- You'd be surprised at the numbers. The sedentary lifestyle is a real scourge of modern times, but it is necessary to leave the hand to the young people for the expeditions, so that they learn the trade. The succession is assured, I only have to transmit my knowledge to the faculty.

She was eager to open up to someone, but refrained from doing so each time out of reflex. It was not in Fleury's habit to talk about her weaknesses, and already to show them. She didn't like feeling so helpless, so vulnerable. It always amused her a little to hear him so learned on many things and still quite innocent on other aspects of the modern world. He was well armed to apprehend it in all serenity, and he still had enough to discover not to be bored.

She had already passed on the bulk of her knowledge and experience to her students and to the archives, which she would bequeath in part to the school library. Fiona could fly on her own now, with the elegance of a hawk whose talons should not be underestimated. Emily, soon, would fly out of the nest to explore the horizon, which both saddened and moved her.

A mother's dilemma, no doubt, to be torn between sadness and a proud smile.

The wine he had served her was pleasant. She didn't have time to see what kind of alcohol it was before he set the bottle down a little further. The wine had a nice texture and a pleasant musk, woody and powerful at the same time. It must have had some bottle age, and had been in cask for a while. A connoisseur's selection, no doubt. She usually preferred more robust and bitter wines, but a little sweetness wouldn't hurt from time to time. She would savor it slowly.

They shared a few minutes of silence savoring a few sips of wine. It wasn't an unpleasant silence, and it gave Adelaide time to compose herself and consolidate her composure. The teacher was almost there when Godric spoke again while observing her carefully.

- What pessimism! I'm surprised at you, though.

- It cheers me up to see that Emily, Suzaku, Dorian and you are doing well.

- But not you, he remarked. I can't help but feel a "but" somewhere.

Godric couldn't argue with that, huh. A half-sad, half-amused smile played across her lips as she took several sips of the excellent wine. Everything she was saying was strictly true. Adelaide remembered the meeting she had surprised earlier with a fanfare. He was already busy enough and it was nice of him to agree to give her some of his time. She would be quite happy with that.

- It's not great form, but that's not surprising I guess. It's good to see you again. I've missed talking to you directly. It's too quiet.

No sooner had the words escaped her mouth than she nearly choked on her sip of wine. Seriously? Did she have to let that last clarification slide that could be subject to so many interpretations? Adelaide drank another sip of wine to hide her embarrassment, without noticing the pinkish tint of her cheeks. Let's hope he didn't hear her or let her pass...

- Ah yes, too quiet? Perhaps I could put a little animation then, in this so monotonous life? exclaimed the former Servant with a mocking smile and a mischievous look.

- Hm! By the way, did you know that little Suzaku finally declared his love for Emily?

- Well, everything comes to those who wait! Like miracles can happen when you pray hard enough. Only the gods know how hard you and Waver prayed.

- At least they had the goodness to start while I was here," Adelaide said in a good-natured tone.

- It would have been sad otherwise.

It was a safer subject, less likely to accidentally slip up. She felt strangely light and well at the time, almost refreshed. It was with a smile that the archaeologist exclaimed.

- As you say! It is already that of taken. From now on, I could go about my life with peace of mind.

By all the gods! By the time she realized it, it was already too late. Adelaide had a hard time gathering her thoughts and taking the time to think about her words, which surprised her greatly. No doubt the tiredness of the journey was catching up with her... and God didn't wait a moment to launch.

- Are you already "at peace", or do you still have some regrets and unfinished projects? It's hard to believe that the thousand-and-one grave robber has already finished skimming them all.

- Aha! I've already passed my trowels to Dorian and my former PhD students. It's up to them to dig now. There is only one site I plan to return to soon.

- Not alone, I hope. After all, at your age, you could very well break your neck or your back again," Godric replied while sitting on the footstool next to his.

Adelaide let a pout slide over her features, her light eyes reproachful. Did he really have to remind her of the Peru incident she had told him about during the Grail War? Having more and more difficulty to restrain his character, the archaeologist grumbled with an air vexed.

- Come on, I've been through a lot! I am not at my first one, and it is not too risky.

- All the same, you say you are so close to the end. I would feel better if you were accompanied. Besides, it wouldn't really be babysitting. It would be more to remind you of the good old days, to reunite the dream team as they say around here! exclaimed the young man with enthusiasm.

When had he gotten so close? Before she could concentrate enough to formulate her answer, the former King of Heroes had put a hand on her shoulder, a big smile on his lips. He was making it hard to defend, and the worst part was knowing that he was very well aware of it. Adelaide had never doubted that he had great charisma and an innate gift for oratory, but he had never used it against her before... and she wasn't usually so sensitive to it.

His hand was light on her shoulder, but without hurting her, his grip remained both firm and resolute.

- As we agreed, I wanted to give you the chance. After that, you have your life and your future here... and your hands full, too. I'd rather you enjoy it a little. You've earned it, and anyway, to be honest with you, I won't last long.

- It doesn't make sense in such a globalized world! Leaving is not the same as leaving forever. After all, we can come back in less than a day, he said.

- It depends on the destination... and the trip, too. Especially for a trip that ends.

It was not useful any more to fight. Fleury did not have any more the desire of it, and then she knew to recognize a defeat when this one was undeniable. The disturbing truth had finally escaped from her lips, slipping between the meshes of the net of her vocal cords and her will, weakened as much by the lassitude, a zest of despair that by the vapes of alcohol. Adelaide turned her head in the opposite direction, embarrassed to be so vulnerable and aware of it. Godric had gotten her good this time. He'd gotten what he wanted to know. A burning desire to get up at the first excuse that came along tempted her ardently, so feverishly did she feel, annoyed with herself for having exposed herself so much.

While she half expected a mocking or disappointed repartee, Godric surprised her by tapping her shoulder to get his attention, and by replying with a half mischievous and half serious smile.

- If you're so sure that this trip is going to end so much the better, eh my beauty!

- Hm, you know how to talk to the ladies like you know how to make others talk! Make me drink until I'm drunk... hard to manage to be as evil and divine at the same time as you.

Her quip wasn't very convincing though, with her tongue a little pasty and her thoughts a little confused in the slightly inebriated state she knew herself to be in... and the affection that was intertwined. While Fleury clung with the force of despair to the remnants of humor, Godric seemed to be amused by it and declared without bothering to feign innocence, wearing a proud and mutinous air.

- I'm glad we agree on that! I was afraid you would put up a long and futile resistance.

- Go for the dream team. I promised you that... However, I mustn't go out like this. I... I'm not sure I'm walking straight. Your secretary will kick me out if she sees me in this state, and your assistant will worry, Fleury underlined with difficulty, having a little difficulty to get out of the footstool so much the world seemed to tangulate a little around her.

- Do not worry you. I will make him understand the importance that you have. You are not just anybody after all, he assures her while raising her with ease then by helping her to remain upright.

Adelaide was not very sure any more to hear well what she believed to hear. It had been a long time since she had ended up so tipsy, and her body was no longer as used to it and resistant as in the past. So her last words quickly became as confused as her surroundings. It was unsettling and quite relaxing, ironically, not to have to be the one to make the decisions.

Fleury was about to suggest calling a cab to take her back to her hotel when Godric reached into his sleeveless jacket and pulled out the hotel map she had left in her right front pocket.

- Come on, I'll take you to my hotel. Your things have already been brought there. You'll be more comfortable than in your... two-star hotel? No, but really, it's better," he said in a firm tone.

She felt him gently grab her and lift her into his arms with ease. Well, she was not to be very heavy now, but still...! She was too tired to mumble that she had her pride and her conscience was already slipping when, in a breath, he wished her good night.