Chapter: Six: Rome

Author: Beck2

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Rome. A city of complex beauty. It had survived its own downfall, being overrun by enemy hordes, and being governed by insane rulers. And it still stood strong.

However, this beauty was lost on one of its inhabitants, a one Lexington Marks. An immigrant from America, he was received in this place less than warmly. And he had done nothing for that when he started working for some of the more shady groups.

Lexington rushed through the streets, throwing the occasional cursory glance behind him. He had been careless.

And carelessness kills.

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"Salau!" The red target flew through the air towards the open sea.

"CLUNKY! STOP RIGHT THERE!"

So close.

Sawyer immediately turned in a short of shocked look, as if he hadn't known the big dog was practically chafing to go after the little red targets.

"Damn Americans, always have it out for dogs."

"Just that one." Sawyer shot back to the kid.

Really, it would have been alright, he could have kept his temper with the big dog, had it not been for the fact that he had taken up the hobby of trying to bite the seat of his pants and trip him every time they met. He swore that dog had it in for him.

The kid scowled back at him. Dressed in his usual attire, he stood next to the rail, keeping a close eye on the dog. The dog, with the bag of stolen goods in his jaws (did he ever just let it go?) glowered at him. Sawyer felt a small twinge of satisfaction about getting the dog to almost jump overboard. Of course, he'd probably have to go in and fish him out, but it would be worth it.

Soon, the ship would dock at Rome. The trip that could have been made in two days had taken almost a week, in plain view of every ship along the way. Nemo was furious about it.

"So. Rome." Sawyer never much liked silence. He was a man of action, or so he liked to believe, and silence and peace always made him bored and nervous.

"So." The boy mimicked, obviously still annoyed with him.

"What's it like?" Sawyer asked through gritted teeth.

"It's a city like any other bloody city. It's big, it has buildings and squares, made mostly out of rock. Nothing special." Gilly said shortly.

"What is your problem?" Sawyer snapped.

"You."

"That's mature." He snorted.

"So's having a personal vendetta against a dog."

"'E has a point."

"Skinner?" Sawyer yelped. Gilly jumped and glared at where he thought the voice came from.

"Blast you, man! Do you have anything better to do than to sneak up and scare people?"

"….Not at the moment."

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Later that day, when the night was falling upon the massive city of Rome, The Nautilus docked and weighed anchor in the port. The entire league, with the exception of Mr. Jekyll, who had taken sick, stood out on the deck.

"'E's American, about as tall as the Captain, but without the turban, he has sandy brown hair and blue eyes."

"Can you be more precise?" Mina said exasperatedly.  "You've just described a good majority of the men in Italy."

"Well, he is American. Not many Romans are American. None of them to be sure, eh?" Gilly remarked in the same tone.  He really didn't like that woman. Oh yes, she was pretty, in a morbid, blood sucking way, but her personality was left wanting.

She glared at him, and he immediately shrank. He quickly reminded himself that it was a bad idea to mock vampires. Clunky tilted his head, but didn't offer a growl or anything towards her.

Probably was smarter than his owner.

"Take the boy with you." Captain Nemo ordered. "If he goes with you, he will pick out the man we seek."

"It will take forever." Mina pointed out. Gilly snorted. As if that wasn't obvious from the start. It earned him another glare and he decided that silence would probably be vital to his survival.

"It will be easier if he had an idea about where he might be." Sawyer interjected.

"Of course I do. All you had to do was ask." There he was, saying things that would get him in trouble again.

"By all means, Gilbert. Show us the way." The vampire's eyes stayed on him making him very nervous and much less cocky.

"R-right."

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Another slow update? Sorry!

Clez: Hee, thank you very much. I'm trying to use all of the characters, but I'm finding it a bit difficult.

Rogue77: Actually, I'm swaying from my original formula with Gilly, so he is just a normal kid. Glad you like it!

Miani: Well, I'm glad you found at least one thing you liked.

A.L.Nowicki: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

Scherzando: Thank you! I accept criticism when I get it. And you put up some interesting things for me to consider, I will try to do better.

Silent Bob 546: I'm glad I was able to make you laugh!

sugaricing: That's very true. Sawyer is normal…once you look past him being a spy and all. Well, he's normal compared to everyone else. Thank you!

Don't forget to leave reviews in the review box!