Chapter 10 Nuada joins the operations

Merci to all my reviewers, Marisela, Guenfarr and others too.. Hope u like! Mostly the prince's pov.

*bold and italics- elven language

Elven design meaning what the prince wore in the movie but much longer and not for combat. He won't be wearing armor.

Nuada

Since reading, tv and sleeping proved too unstimulating for an intelligent thinking being, I told Manning I wished to assist. He is a doctor of paranormal research. Except for the weakness in my left hand, I could use any dagger, sword or scimitar skillfully. Not that I cared for any orders, but he requested that I not charge into frays. Disappointing! That man was so overjoyed with my decision, he wanted to hug me. I stepped away in time. Physical touch from another person feels like a violation of personal space.

Abraham Sapien called me brother-in-law. It had been a long time since he dared to come close to me after I'd almost attacked. We were on the way to an important meeting. Couldn't it wait? I turned to face him with my sternest expression.

"Please do not be angry. I…" he stopped, evidently uncomfortable. His pupils gleamed.

I held up my palm. "Since when do I become your brother? I have not acknowledged that yet."

"Nuada, allow me to explain- it is very awkward. I love Nuala. I know you are furious. But you are magnanimous. If not you'd not have saved me from the beast. I am not human, hence I am not as unfaithful or inconstant as they are. Now that we are working together, can't we be friends?"

I listened as we walked down the hallway. So this freak loved my sister eh? No doubt they matched in personality. Same hobby, same tastes. Blue was my favorite color on her, but why did she have to choose him? Because he's blue? Eventually I had to agree with this ridiculous arrangement. Nuala had stood up to me before and on this her stubbornness could rival mine.

I replied tersely, "Not yet. You won't win me over so easily."

"You will be my brother-in-law. I forgot to thank you properly." Sapien looked crestfallen, his mouth in a downturn.

"No need. It was my duty." I put distance between us. If he made her cry, he would pay.

I swear that torture will be my instrument. I will make you accountable for all her unhappiness.

Sapien still remembered how he almost got captured by the beast we were after. The human agents shot at it, provoking more fury. It was from another planet and had been released by accident from a space station. The thing was a kind of soft sponge creature, lime green and no eyes, small head.

Sapien and I were on the right side. He was telling me its weaknesses when it grabbed his head. I swiftly slashed the creature's acupoints. It released him, also spraying my hair with saliva in the process.

I cursed, spinning to avoid another spray.

Liz and Hellboy were struggling from its sticky tentacles. Quite unsuccessful.

"So what can we do to stop this? Ah!" Hellboy yelled, firing his gun into its side. "Hurry up Abe! I think it's getting bigger!"

Liz's fire proved useless. She fired into what looked like a head. As I cut some of the tentacles off they grew back. Hellboy was right. The monster expanded.

"Stop shooting it! Let me try to communicate!" I spoke soothingly in all the fey languages I knew. It must be terrified.

In the background someone gave the order to stop shooting. Finally!

Sapien flipped through the reference book. "Well it doesn't exactly say anything, regenerates limbs as quickly as sliced off, non violent animal, a genus of the octopus…."

Hellboy dangled by one foot cursing.

"Abe! I think it's working. Great job Nuada." Liz said, patting my arm. The creature panted and kept its tentacles into its sponge like body. We had all got sticky from its saliva.

She had a nice smile. I smiled back.

"Oh shit the media's here. Clear out people! Damn!" Liz glanced around the beast.

Hellboy grumbled he didn't get to use a few more shots of his huge gun. She burst into pure fire and frightened a few humans back.

I heard what they called us- freaks, aliens, heroes. Some sounded admiring, the rest were sneering. Why did this Bureau want to continue protecting ungrateful hollow beings like them? My hair had some of the saliva as well. What a thankless task. At least the creature would not die. It panicked again when they went near with electrifying weapons. "Abraham, talk to it, calm it down," I reminded him.

"All right." He had picked up the words I used. The beast went into the containment tank.

The spectators had gathered around to snap photos. The flashing blinded me. I drew out a sword. Liz said not to care about them. "Move away! You want to die?" she shouted. Her fire had retreated, but her cross was going red again. Hellboy waved to some of the spectators with his large hand, grinning.

Manning was grumbling to himself. He held the big demon responsible for media attention. I learnt that he disliked excessive media attention on paranormal investigations. The people were too curious to treasure their pathetic lives. I agreed to some extent. Personally, they could all die in mass numbers, except for the children. I was all right with rescuing the children from vampires. It was a longterm case, vampires were bred and mutated by natural or cloning methods. These species of parasite infuriated me that they resorted to despicable acts. When an infant clung to my hair wailing, it strengthened my resolve to help the weak humans. It was a warrior's code of honor.

Most of the time, missions went smoothly. Believe me, I only went along for the adrenaline and the aliens to be rehomed and saved. It was a fallacy to think the people would worship us. Still, Abraham Sapien and I were quite popular. Their expressions (ladies) were full of awe when we emerged from any skirmish and chaos. After more press releases of us on some news channel, the BPRD followed the Men In Black's procedure of using a device to wipe out spectators' memories.

One month had passed. Attending meetings, cleaning weapons, rescue work and aliens. Every night was action, daytimes were for rest and freetime. Manning said I did not have to go all the time, given I needed to recuperate and if the fey were involved. In this aspect, I felt grateful. "It's really nice that you're here, Prince Nuada. Thank you. That Hellboy has no discipline. "

Liz and Abraham sometimes came to chat. I also read Laira's books. Solitude was very fruitful for me. But I wished that they would come and visit me, because I had a lot to tell them. To leave the Bureau, even with escorts, had become impossible now. Rumours were out that the civil unrest was beginning again. Uriel said it was too risky for me to go outside. I couldn't go to Bethmora.

"But I can defend myself. I'm going to die of boredom."

"Nuada, you won't die of boredom. Lie down on your stomach." I did as he asked. The elf ran sensitive fingers down my back. The healing spell softened the aches. "The poison is still in your body. Do you get fevers?"

"Not really. Just tired, occasionally." I liked the sessions with my elf companions. It reminded me of old times when we were in training together. You understand how wonderfully bonding it is to speak in your own tongue. "I'm not getting better? But I feel fine."

"Just sleep as much as possible. I'll see if there's more fountain water. Sapien, Johann and Nuala are researching about antidotes. Hope they come up with something." He grinned wide as I grimaced. "My dear prince, they like you. It's so nice you can all work together.

Why did the fish have to go do something like that? Uriel tapped my shoulder. I pulled my shirt back on. He continued a physical examination of me. All elves know healing spells and Uriel is the most outstanding, he is always hungry for medical knowledge.

"It's a minor setback. I do not need friends." I narrowed my eyes.

"Nay? But you complain of boredom. Hence social company should top your needs-list. No, they say wish-list." Uriel uses English to show how little he cares for my opinions and that he is more concerned for my enemies.

Then I had an idea. Writing letters! I found out the mortals' address and wrote letters to them. I preferred writing to using the phone, unless someone called. My elf friends concluded (not true) I didn't feel boredom anymore.

Here, regular events of conflict were worth discussing. A ridiculous incident, a scene went like this:

The red demon sauntered up to me and shoved his giant rock fist into my face. I don't recall why. I growled. "What?"

"You up for a challenge? Don't pretend to be injured now."

Liz interrupted, but he did not budge. I did not want to waste time so I turned my back to walk away. Then something hit me. Not painful, but it insulted me. Both of us had some yelling competition- 'leave me alone! Scum!' 'asshole' and his curse words. Damn him to hell!

I agreed to a challenge. "When I'm ready. Not now. I am not pretending."

"Hand to hand combat! Outside, I got all day!" he laughed mockingly. "Assness."

I glared up at him. "I won't. That is barbaric. I'd be in the Intensive care again."

"Red!" she shouted, pulling his tail. I smiled as they bickered. She was a petite woman beside the hulk.

"Liz you shouldn't take his side. I haven't gotten even. It's gonna be a friendly session. No blood."

"You do not get even with someone hurt! Sorry Nuada. Now come on! We need to feed the cats." Liz tried to pull him in the opposite direction.

"Royal assness! I'll be ready! Just name the day." I sneered at this nickname.

"Red! You're a baby you know that? Hurry up!"

Laira called when she got this letter. She said she missed our long chats. But they had no free time at the moment, having to attend more excavations and museum trips.

"I'm free in the day," I said enthusiastically.

"I thought you're sleeping?"

"Not that long friend. Tomorrow? Tonight I don't have to go as well." I hoped she could come. I was drained after the day before's investigation and sleeping made my head ache.

She always cheered me up.

"Ok, tomorrow then. I like your writing, so neat."

"Thank you."

"You sound sleepy. Are you recovering?"

I reassured her. We talked a little more then hung up.

*****

Liz , she who was orphaned purely because her power went out of control exploding her family and half her neighborhood. Hers is a kind pure spirit. She is a Fire-child, a power borne with a gene that mutated itself. When I was young, I had read of the fire spirits who loved mortals and possessed them. They seldom had offspring. Probably Liz was born from such a union. She told me what happened to her with a hollow voice, when we were partnered together on some missions. The humans shunned her.

Despite their discrimination, the fire-child gained satisfaction on rescue operations. She was very concerned for my welfare. "You look tired. Don't push yourself too hard."

I should conceal my fatigue more. My face was always pale, how had she seen?

"I am. Salem is coming to heal me, no matter. And I can sleep for the whole day." For all the Red's goading, they always 'covered my back'.

Johann Krauss- the ghost tinman. I had seen him briefly at the Chamber of the golden army. He was always logical and objective. I did not abhor or like him. Only the German accent proved hard to decipher. I had no qualms following his orders, because I didn't wish to lead any mission. I had clean forgotten all battle stratagem and experiences. Doesn't this prove my ability to adapt by taking commands and to the modern society?

Uriel suggested an alternative to this life, crossing the Veil. That was not a simple matter- to cross over, a fey must relinquish all his material possessions and be pure of heart. My past laid too heavy. I was not worthy of that. Many of our brethren had crossed the Veil to a perfect utopia. They would live for a long span of years in evergreen forests, oceans and never suffer. "Consider it your Highness. "

"I will. Are you?" I prayed that he would not. Why am I behaving so selfishly? I felt miserable. He and Salem wanted to stay on this side, to repair the damage here. They still had such faith. I could forget all these, talking of movies and stories with Joe and Laira.

I was attached to them. Forget about the rules, I have broken them all mingling with the humans anyway. I was delighted to see them. With entertainment.

"I didn't like Lord of the Rings much. It's got elves and a whole lot of scenery racing by." Joe said. He showed me the dvd. It consisted of Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers and Return of the King. "You will man."

"Are the elves good or bad?"

"They are good. We wouldn't show you something that portrayed you as bad. Then we'd die, argh." Laira feigned a knife slicing her throat. I laughed.

I replied, "No I'm not so violent or rash now. Let's watch it." The view was breathtaking and my people were helping the humans and hobbits.

"The main theme is the ring. Frodo has to throw it into Mount Doom, but he's idiotic. Always slowing down everything. I hate him and Gollum most," Joe commented. The girl snuggled up against me. The evils reminded me of battle. I thought it was quite realistic. My race had magic talents I never dreamed of. In truth only goblins forge weapons. We are also not solely archers, we can use all weapons nimbly.

"Why does everything come in three parts? The golden compass is also like that." I wondered about it. They couldn't just finish it in one whole epic. When it was time for them to leave, they said I could finish watching the entire story. Some parts emotionally saddened me yet I was beginning to taste what human entertainment was about. They craved magic and otherworlds and movies brought it to life for them.

*******

Coming up this week would be my week of holiday. They called it 'week off' and 'vacation'. At first I wanted to use the time with my sister. She had only talked to me briefly. Then I changed my mind. That fish would be around. So I picked up the phone to call Joe.

Answer was prompt. "Hey Joe here."

"Hi. This is Nuada. How are you doing?"

"Lousy. We're pigging at home on comedies and junk. What's happened?"

"My vacation starts this week. Can I come to your house? "

I heard them murmuring over the static. Then he said, "Should be ok."

Laira said next, "Sweet princie, so fun that you'll be coming! Let's play games and do something special!"

"That is heartening. I will be happy to."

"How's the whole Lord of the rings trilogy? Like it? I love return of the king most."

"Same here. The middle part was very dull. I like the magic and the trees a lot."

She asked me for presents. What to buy for them? Half-elves aren't so burdened and depressed.

A consolation was no need to bring along communication devices. Good. I disliked artificial voices like the intercom and the remote thing we needed to bring on missions. I always tuned it lower in volume or it hurt my sensitive ears. Not bringing such stuff also meant I would have a peaceful time. Wonderful.

I packed my things- a sword for self-defence, jewellery for the girl, the whole set of dvds to return and some presents I had purchased the day before. The rest would remain here in my room. Hard to believe, when I was the renegade prince, I would never dream of living in such a manmade facility and helping to 'save the world'. Ironic. My hope was to try making Bethmora much more hospitable as a city. Of course I understood that some of them would never accept me as figurehead. Was my sister interested in ruling? I did not mind.

I heard sister's voice. It shimmered in the air.

My brother are you going for your vacation?

To Joe's house. Anything you want to give them?

I have the cream for her wound. Why did you go shopping? I thought you disapprove of material spending.

Just this once, I want to thank them for their hospitality. Come and meet me now? I'm going soon.

My twin was beaming so much when I opened the door. She was wearing a new violet dress. She carried some robes and the small bottle of cream. "These are some clothes. We're the same height, when I stopped at the tailor's I asked her to make some for you."

"Thank you." I kissed her cheek. "Want to come for a few days?"

I knew the answer. The hurt flared when she declined, the image of Abraham Sapien in her mind. "Will you keep me updated? I don't have to come back, but if there are important news."

She nodded holding my hand warmly. Yet my heart was ice.

They were elven design long meridian coat, black silk and two white shirts. Good.

Hellboy asked me when my birthday was. Not really, I only knew we were born in summer but not the exact date. Celebrating it is a human custom, cake and food for the guests. Well, I could ask Laira and Joe when was theirs. Liz called my name.

Panting, she said, "Glad I caught up. Please help me pass this music to them." She held out a few square flat boxes. I cocked my head. They looked like dvds. "Cds" she explained.

It didn't help much. I agreed. "Ok I will."

Liz looked over my shoulder then satisfied, kissed my cheek as she put her arms around me. Whisper, "Don't want Red to see me. But- you're great! Have fun, bye!" Then she ran in the opposite direction. Why did she hug me?

The Cds had pictures of strange people wearing black makeup, horrible dress sense and they liked dark glasses. Evanescence showed a woman going into a silver door, Within Temptation, Metal hits all time, Bon Jovi. They made their faces worse than our skin. Most favored black. Laira mentioned some of their titles last time in the car. I wanted to ask her what the appeal was of such singers.

I took a black van driven by people to the city, my glamour in place. I should arrive by the afternoon next day. Had not asked how to reach there, but I have good observation skills. Don't forget I used to be a tracker, I did my own reconnaissance.

******

Laira

When Nuada called to say he wanted to come, I was so over the moon! It had been last month when we last visited. He couldn't go out. Must be so boring for him.

Later, we got a call to send us to China. They thought they found a dinosaur fossil of the first bird Archaeopteryx.

"I can't wait! Finally!" Joe whooped.

"I don't. Nuada's coming you know. I want to welcome him."

"Yea that'd hurt his feelings. Hey is he so sensitive? He's not very expressive anyway."

I glared. He laughed that off.

"If you are going, be careful, but I'm staying. I think he'll come by tomorrow."

Joe shrugged. "I'll stick around. They're not so confirmed yet. It's a big break man."

I tuned out doing my model kit of a pixie. "How about we go halfway? Maybe the elf got plans after."

"Not sure. Don't think so, remember? Nuada said it wasn't safe to go to Bethmora. It's only a week, don't be like that. I don't want you shouting and abusing him again!"I ordered. "Has to be perfect." I smiled to myself.

Joe grumbled that of course he was gonna be super nice. Yea the master of tact. How could he be a half elf like me? No talent or tact resembling any fey.

"Joe do you know how dad looked like?"

"Why? He left us, he was an asshole."

But he did find me some photos and dropped them on the table later. The man had little pointed ears and deep blue eyes. He looked like an elf. "Do you know whether he had special talents?"

Joe frowned, rubbed his chin. He resembled him… I only inherited the blue eyes. "I think no. My memory is very bad. Why?"

Persistence to ask was his trademark. He never stopped at a simple I want it only. "Nuada is tracing the history how we connect. He wanted to know if our father is… "

"Don't care if the asshole's dead. Tell him not to bother."

Nuada won't take it for an answer. He has decided to find out anyway. Oh well.

Maybe this time he won't ask me anymore. We can have a good time and forget about broken families…

No phonecalls. It was 3 the next day when Nuada Silverlance came to our apartment. Maybe he had got lost… I should have offered to meet him. Males don't ask directions. When the doorbell rang, I was still entangled in some goob experimenting with plaster and the insect I wanted to use.

I was too engrossed and only got up when his voice called, "Joe, Laira! Anyone home?"

I opened the door. "Sorry! Come in." The elf's hair was cut shorter and he had a fringe. But his face still bore the long scar. It reminded me to ask why his back was all scarred. When he had stripped to bathe, I was appalled at the number.

He smiled and touched my shoulder. The ambers glittered. He wore a black shirt minus the sash. It was a new one.

"Did you get lost?" I grinned.

"Not at all. The taxi broke down. So I waited a long time for another one." He knew how to take a cab? We hadn't taught him how and he usually rode the BPRD transport. Impressive.

"Good idea. Did you walk?" I continued my project, wanted to finish it soon. Stupid glue!

Nuada set down his bag and settled on the couch. His forehead was damp. "Some way. What is that for?"

"I'm fossilizing this beetle, which bumped into my book case."

He politely looked but clearly did not focus. I could tell from his hand fiddling to the sword at his hip. Restless. "Err you're bored? Want a bite first? I'll go wash up." I faced him.

The elf's pale brows knitted together. His mind was unable to get what I had said. "Food? You must be hungry."

He nodded. "No. Water. Thank you." I went to the kitchen. When I got back, Nuada was laying out some stuff on the table. I handed him the cool glass. He sipped.

A purple box. Cds! Awesome! "They are from Liz. The box is yours."

"Can I open it?"

He gestured go ahead. The most exquisite flower earrings, soft blue lay on the cotton. They glittered like real precious stones. Lapis lazuli. The other one was a matching choker made of gold and coiling delicately like a plant. "Thank you! Yay, it's all so sweet. You bought?"

"One of the elven necklaces. I found the earrings after." Nuada drained the rest of the water. I heard you wanted to wear them.

"But, how can I take this? Aren't they royal treasures?"

He regarded me with a blank gaze. His mood bordered on annoyance and condescension.

"Touch hands?" I asked. He smiled. We laced our fingers. He was thinking so many things. "Hmm you obtained clearance for this piece, then cleaned them just for me. and some more are over there. You're angry that I am rejecting it. I do accept but…"

"I understand. As you learnt this, I know you think it inappropriate. Take them with my wishes. There were too many. Don't waste my effort."

I thanked him and placed the box on my table. I put the Evanescence open door on the player. Nuada was sickened, he pressed his fingers to his temple. Oops, I forgot. I decreased the volume. Yet, he did not comment, very quiet. Oh yes what was wrong with me? He's my guest and drained.

"You're tired. Come, we got a bed. We'll be roomies." I pulled his hand. Nuada smiled.

He slipped the sword under his pillow and the bag was at the foot of the bed.

I had arranged this bed on the right of my room, near the windows. Is it ok?

"Fine. You can play the music outside." The lithe elf lay down and closed his eyes.

What about the weapon? I imagined him waving it around. Didn't escape his senses I had looked at his sword. "I won't be doing anything here. Want to find a place that is deserted and I wish to practice at night." Nuada's eyes were slitted.

I nodded. "Cool. See ya. Want dinner?"

"Sure. Wake me when you're done." He sank slowly into deep sleep, his breathing deepened. His hair was golden in the sunlight. It changes colors from silver in the night.

I wondered how young he was, middle aged? Being a light sleeper, Nuada usually stirred at my telepathic sense. But he was too tired to wake up. Yay! Cute elf in my bed!

I closed the door softly. Back to metal songs. But softer this time. Joe almost yelled when I came out and I showed him shsh.

"He's sleeping, very tired after travelling. Where were you?"

"Online. They'll update. Maybe next week. On Friday there's going to be a meeting. Want to go?" Joe held other questions.

I filtered. "I heard your mind. Usually missions are night based, so he sleeps in the day. I don't want to."

Joe sighed. "Fine. It's so not fair you got telepathy." Did he even try to use? No! I told him so. "Nah cannot. It hurts. And no don't remind Nuada that he's tracing the history. He should have more fun now."

Unlikely, warriors are total serious people. Want to ask him to show me some cool moves, somersaults, thrusts, parry… Joe was thinking.

Look fw to review if u get this far promise will have some more.. the holiday, Nuala and Abe and some Liz Sherman coming up!