Chapter 9 - A Change of Plans
Calais, France: August 31st

The night seemed hushed as Lupin looked out onto the dock. The flickering stars were hidden in a thick veil of grey clouds and the moon had slinked away. The darkness was perfect for concealing the task at hand. There was no one in sight; the men working the fishing boats in this peaceful little village were either in their homes, or asleep in their trusty boats.

Lupin stood, wondering about the simple life of fishermen. He had tried to live the simple life several times- although not as a fisherman of course. His stomach could not hold out through a bad storm on a feeble vessel like that, and he felt it was quite a lonely occupation. Lupin had instead bought a series of farmhouses on several occasions, to settle down with a lover and try to leave his miraculous and exciting life behind.

However, tragedy would strike when he was finally willing to give up his occupation. His losses were the reason he had joined the Mysterious Men in the first place. He was trying to do good and leave the days of stealing behind. Lupin shuddered as stinging cold memories came into mind. He desperately tried to change his trail of thought, though the result was no better.

Even though he had joined this mission, Lupin could not help but feel that this work was anything but for the good he intended for it to be. Taking Nemo was unjust and cruel, and now, the captain was fighting for his life. Lupin knew he wouldn't be able to release Nemo and return him home yet. But he could no longer stay with the original plan that had been meticulously crafted either- all because Fantômas couldn't control his Hyde and let him hurt Nemo. It had ruined the original plan.

I'll have to change our course of action. First things first, Nemo needs a doctor. But, where could I conceal him until he is able to safely travel? Ah, of course, my dear Victoire! Her home is nearby and it will not take long for me to take him there. It is far from ideal, but it is the best option for the time being. I can contact the Albatross when I get there.

Drawing one last breath of the cool crisp air, Lupin headed back inside. The boat was quite large compared to the little fishing boats. It had several rooms, some were used for sleeping, and others were for where the company on board would discuss plans and eat. As he was in command of this mission, Lupin got a room to himself, so did Nemo, however, Zenith and Fantômas did not. They weren't very happy about it, but they didn't voice their discontent.

Ears pricked, eyes sharp, Lupin headed down to Nemo's room. It was a habit he had no intention of breaking. As he looked and listened he found everything to be perfectly still, tranquil even.

Lupin unlocked the door and slipped inside, returning to Nemo's side. The captain's small room had been completely stripped, containing nothing but an occupied bed. Nemo had to sleep sitting up due to his broken rib. There was no window. It didn't matter since he was always resting. Upon placing a hand onto his damp forehead, Lupin could tell his health was continuing to decline. They had to leave at once. He headed towards the door to find Zenith and Fantômas.

However, with the ears of a fox, Lupin could hear Nemo shuffling and wheezing, he was beginning to wake up. He began to cough.
"Steady, mon ami, don't overdo. Take your time," he advised, sitting down beside him. Lupin watched as his chest rose and fell unhealthily whilst he struggled to stay awake.

"Water..."

Lupin was surprised to hear him ask for anything. He had been stubborn in his time here and refused to cooperate or ask for help. It wasn't a good sign. You need something for the pain, Lupin thought to himself, helping the captain to sit up further and holding a cup to his lips. Nemo got hold of the cup with one hand, but Lupin didn't let go. Nemo's other hand fell upon his chest as his broken rib made its presence known. "Carefully does it," Lupin advised.

Nemo paused after the first tiny sip. The water was clouded; he realised something had been put in it. "Drink," Lupin urged, hoping Nemo would do as he asked. Nemo shook his head and tried to lie back down but Lupin would not let him. "Captain, you must. You will find it much easier."
Again, Nemo refused but Lupin would not yield either. Nemo had to drink the water.

"Nemo," he insisted.
"I will not."
"And yet you must. Come, you are making yourself worse."
"No."
"Nemo, drink."

Nemo thought for a long while. Likely wondering what drug was in the cup? What would it do? But most importantly, could Nemo trust Lupin with such a thing? Lupin was about to find out.
"What… what is it for?"
"It will lessen the pain- nothing more," Lupin answered.
"And make me drowsy, no doubt," Nemo grumbled.
"You have been unconscious for the majority of your time here, drowsiness is not something you should be concerned about. We will be moving you to our next destination within the next hour and it will be far less painful. Besides, you said you were thirsty, so drink whilst you are offered it. There's no need to make a fuss."

Nemo looked at Lupin, analysing his face.
"Please," Lupin said a little kinder than what he said before. Grumbling once more, Nemo moved towards the cup again. He knew that either way, unconscious or not, Lupin would get this into his system. "Thank you," Lupin said, "It is for your benefit after all."
"Hardly," Nemo muttered as he paused to take a breath as he drank.

Nemo closed his eyes. He did not want to appear weak, answering every order like a dog. Even though he was desperate for the pain to lessen, he could not afford to have his senses dulled further.

Lupin put the cup back on the table and helped Nemo to settle back down. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must make preparations for tonight. You should-" Lupin paused upon hearing a strange sound. Nemo was already dozing off. "Sleep," he sighed, forcing an almost uncontrollable feeling of guilt to the back of his mind. He left the room to find his companions.

Lupin found Zenith and Fantômas speaking to each other next door. They stopped their conversation and turned to look at him. Zenith was sitting comfortably in a chair tapping his long dainty fingers against the armrest. In his other hand he held a cigarette. His ebony stick was leaning against his seat. Lupin very rarely saw him without it. He carried himself with a somewhat elegant bearing.

Fantômas stood facing him, still wearing those horrible black clothes that covered all of his face and body. It hid any signs of emotion, and Lupin was not fond of it. He depended on looking at people's reactions. But even if it did not reassure him, Lupin still trusted him.

Once Lupin had considered himself to be the master of disguise. After meeting Fantômas, Lupin felt some of his disguises were rather weak. No one knew what Fantômas looked like- not even the police. Although that didn't surprise him that much considering how gullible people could prove to be. Fat, thin, young, old, Fantômas could become anyone, act like anyone, deceive anyone.

Yes, Lupin could not withhold the fact Fantômas was his better- though not by much. The black garb he wore was just his classical outfit, like how Lupin was often imagined in a suit and top hat. But Fantômas had kept himself hidden for decades and he likely had no intention of changing now.

Lupin began with a deep breath "Messieurs, I'm afraid our plan will have to be adapted somewhat. Nemo needs to be treated immediately for his injuries. I know a place where we can go. I suggest that Fantômas stays aboard the Swallow so you can heal and stay with your men while you ensure the ship arrives at Belgium safely. Monsieur Zenith will have to come with me. Get ready, we must depart at once." Lupin left with Zenith following behind.

The two made hasty but carefully planned arrangements to move Nemo. It was agreed that he would have to be carried out on a stretcher and put on the backseat. Lupin would drive. Of course, this was no ordinary transportation. This transportation once belonged to Captain Nemo himself. The machine was what Nemo called an 'Automobile'.

This particular invention had been left behind in Venice as the League had tried to stop Moriarty. The automobile had been repaired, painted black for better concealment and renamed a 'Car', as it was quite like half a carriage. Nonetheless, Lupin really liked the machine; it was quite a beautiful creation.

Zenith seemed quite excited about the opportunity to be in such a machine. Lupin expected nothing else from him, as it was a chance to escape his usual ennui.

After several quick minutes, Lupin went back into his own room to pack his things. He rubbed his eye as he realised just how tired he was. Lupin had been staying up with the captain to keep an eye on his health for every night he had been here. It was taking its toll. His arm throbbed from the mark Nemo had left, although Fantômas had treated it for him, cleaning and stitching it. It had felt better after that, but it was still sore.

No more than ten minutes had passed when Zenith knocked on his half-open door. He'd arrived with two of Lupin's men. Lupin had known them for a long time; their names were Jacques and Adrien Verne. They were identical twins in their thirties now. Both tall and slim in build with black hair. The main difference was their different suits and Jacques had a small scar on his chin.

Lupin took them to Nemo's room and unlocked the door. He was still asleep; the water Lupin had made him drink had worked. He looked far more at ease now that he had accepted some help and consumed something to ease the pain. Lupin didn't want to move him, even with such a small wound it would be dangerous. But they couldn't bring a doctor to the boat, it would raise far too many questions and then the police would be on their trail. He had to be moved, it was the better option.

The twins were ready to move Nemo from the bed to the stretcher that Zenith had brought with him. Once the stretcher was in its temporary place on the floor, Lupin pulled the blanket back, so the men could lift him. Nemo still had no shirt, but the amount of bandages that covered his torso made wearing a shirt impractical for the time being. At least no blood had soaked through.

The four men lifted the captain and placed him on the stretcher. They did their best not to hurt him, but he still turned his head at the uncomfortable jostling. Nemo was then covered with the blanket again and the two men lifted the stretcher to carry him outside. "Carry him as though he was me, messieurs, carefully now," Lupin instructed from behind as Jacques and Adrien whisked him away.

Lupin retrieved his bag to take with them. "Come, Zenith. We have a busy night ahead of us."