Chapter 15 Within the secret paranormal division~

This is meant to be a little account before the holiday (flashback) I want to show how Liz and Nuala think. So their fans, perk up. Haha.

Listen to Utada's Sakura

Liz Sherman

Having the unpredictable Nuada on the team was very interesting. Red and him always fought. The elf dodged his punches and rebuked him. If I was not worried that his small form would be hurt, I would be laughing.

Had given us much trouble in the past. We had to stop his war scheme. Yet, I appreciated Nuada Silverlance's wisdom and individuality. Red was pissed I sided with him. Why not? We were paired together on his first missions. Some paranormal ghost activity. The prince was totally professional. Manning said no frontal combat, yet his prowess and keen listening was necessary. Abraham Sapien cannot fight, you know that.

He needed no guidance from me, though I am the senior personnel here. He should have done this on his own. Plus, Nuada bore pain considerably well. Me being a woman, nevertheless, I saw through the false strong front. When I escorted him to Bethmora, he was close to collapse. Macho self enduring behaviour. The doctor had said being flung from a great height, full recovery was not till a few months. My Red would be moaning and groaning though he is son of the devil.

"Hey you ok?" I caught up.

The elf was panting slightly after scaling the pipe. I tried to see if he had gone whiter or greyer. No change. Nuada gritted his teeth. I called a break.

"I will be fine. What time do we go?"

"Don't worry. Lots of time."

He rested, his unusual eyes (scary sometimes) unfocused. Then I found out how their kind appear sick- his normally black lips were paler. I took note, should see that next time.

I sat closer. We were in a cramped place, kind of a viaduct. He did not move away.

"Usually you tolerate pain. To what degree?" I asked to break the silence. His hair strands clung to his sweaty skin.

"A lot. I have often sustained wounds but don't treat them until almost 2 weeks." I liked the hypnotic voice.

Shocking! 2 weeks! Nuada would die if he was a human. He smiled. "You are thinking how it is possible."

"Yea and telepathy. I'm not surprised. Are you all?"

"More or less, Liz. Do not worry, I won't collapse. It has to be worse than this. When I was…" His expression turned intense. "Never mind."

Why had he stopped? Nuada crawled onwards. I shook my head. Ground breaking revelation! I hoped he would continue! Close to a story here, man!

"Wait for me!"

Laira was right that Nuada was not as violent as he looked. I really wanted to understand him. Maybe get on the warmer side, if he had one for us…

After that mission, I looked out for Nuada. Red and Johann rushed ahead, guys style. They assumed he should cope fine. Nuala had bade me to take care of him, but I naturally wished to because he is our ally after all.

****

Prince Nuada walked to an empty table to eat lunch. Abraham Sapien was keen to talk to him, so he tagged him closely. At that time, I knew of the proposal thing, but we were keeping Nuala's twin in the dark. Abe's friendliness is legendary.

Red advised me not to care.

"Shush. He isn't too bad. I think he's sick." I defended him. Red shot me a puzzled look. His amber eyes are duller than Nuada's and don't change much in size or colour. My guy is more straighttalking so I don't usually need to think what he means.

"Why bother? He kicked my ass in Ireland." See? I don't need to interprete anything coming out from my guy's mouth.

"You also kicked his. Forget it already. And we are partners now," I reminded him.

I finished my food and picked my drink. Halfway I wanted to flee. But I was so close to hearing a story! Since my parents died I hadn't heard a bedtime story.

I reminded myself of his cordial tone and came to the table. "Hello guys."

Abe looked at me in surprise. He was still sharing his passion for the fey's folktales.

"Yes true. Hello Liz," the prince said, surprised. Nuada was eating very little. Porridge? That wouldn't give much energy.

"May I join you?" I waited at a vacant chair beside Nuada.

He indicated ok.

"Why? To spite Red?" Abe blinked, holding out his hand.

"Put that down Abe. No, I am going to a new level. How much do elves eat?"

I would be starving in an hour if this was my food. I'm a voracious eater, had polished off three plates of japanese food, snacks and chicken wings! My energy burns metabolism like flames.

Nuada's voice was very soft, like at the library, when he had been angry.

"We don't need much food. Endurance is a trait. And I do not feel hunger now."

Abe continued his previous litany. Nuada clarified the myths and misconceptions. Not all are dishonorable, most are quite afraid of humans, and they were the only twins.

"Twins, a telepathic connection. Nuala told me of this, prince. Is it possible to strengthen this bond?" Abe asked.

I kicked the fish's leg under the table.

His voice was neutrally calm. "I do not know. I can deflect her pain to myself so she suffers less. Is my sister happy with you?" Nuada fixated my best friend in a glare.

Abe nodded vigorously. I couldn't pinpoint the prince's emotion, but he was content with that. If she was not, he would feel it right?

"Nuala does not have your wounds now." I said.

His hand went to his chest. "Strange… she does not?" Nuada closed his eyes. We felt worried, going to collapse? "Indeed this lease of life is strange. Our bond is not as strong now… "

When I picked my drink, our hands brushed. A soft touch. Nuada looked surprised. I saw a bit of his childhood memory- when he was little and playing with her. After that, only silence ensued, except for my slurping. Nuada seemed to be breathing hard. Abraham kept asking if he felt all right.

"Yes. If you do not bother me."

I waited until he left for sometime before saying. "When is it going to be? To talk frankly. The longer it is, the worse Abe."

"The prince- so angry all the time. How to tell him? Hey he goes on missions with you now."

"No he is not angry or you'd be flat in the wall. Just solemn most of the time."

Frankly most emotions of the warrior were kept in check. So I still didn't understand him well enough. I don't think we can predict when he will go on the offensive.

Red stopped in front of us. "Liz! Won't have time for me?" Men! Must they be overprotective? Sheez.

"Useless to explain so much. We are simply colleagues. Even friends. Don't blow your top, big boy." Then we kissed, Hellboy lifting me up.

I liked Nuala a lot. Glad we could become closer. She is so warm and delicate that you need to protect her! Her brother had the harder experiences, she is more innocent.

"Princess can I- you know?" I thought: keep this conversation under wraps from her twin

She closed her eyes. "I blocked him. What is it?" Her eyes dilated. She gasped.

"Nuada is still hurt. Not grievously, but I think he gets tired easily. We try to set a gentler pace. But he never complains. Is there a reason?"

"Uriel told me there is nothing they can do except pull out some of the poison. My brother is still suffering? But I cannot feel him." She sniffed, tears falling. I patted her hand.

She added unsteadily, "He told me that he is fine and not to worry. I really neglected his pain because I am happy now."

"Don't feel bad, Nuala. As your twin, he does want you to be happy." I didn't exactly hear this from his highness, but which brother will obstruct the happiness from a sister?

I hugged the weeping elf. Abraham came in and glanced at her.

She looked up, tears falling. "Abraham, you must hurry the process. We have to find an antidote. My brother is getting worse. And I cannot feel his thoughts."

The fish nodded and picked up a book. "My love it's only temporary. Why, the other day you just spoke to him internally didn't you?"

"It's not always. I fear it is because of you. I love you…." Unspoken I supposed she wanted to convey it telepathically.

I glanced at the content. I was too impatient with research , but I wanted to assist too.

"Maybe I can ask some people to help too. Abe any more translators? Oh the other two friends he has! I can start there. "

"Yes Johann understands gáelic. "

I nodded.

Nuala cried, "Liz thank you! He hurt Red and yet you want to help him?"

I smiled. "Aw that's over and history now. I don't remember it that clearly. I like him. I mean, not that romantically of course."

The elf girl laughed. "Yes I know. You're blushing."

Darn was I ? I turned away feeling awkward. Red would go and bash him up if I looked like this near the prince. "Er, do you know what he thinks of us?"

Nuala closed her eyes, right hand out. "Well my brother is not angry at the moment, contrary to what you think Abraham. That is good. He's more tired than angry now. We must pick up the pace." She went to the back of the shelf.

Liz will we fade? If anything happens to my brother, I will be alone. Even if I have my soulmate here it will not mean anything if my only twin… I don't want that, I still have so much to share with Nuada.

I told her firmly that nothing would happen. Not on my watch.

*****

After the prince's break, mission-intense times

Passing by the prince's room, or chambers, I thought of what to say. It sucks being sick. The metallic door was shut, forbidding. Usually most of us left our unit open because some chiefs might need to brief us. Being an elf, he requested this place to be quiet, open to nature (without aircon). We had to speak into the intercom if we wanted to come in.

I think he will be asleep now, soundly. Once I peeked in out of curiosity, having got a spare keycard. The male elf was sleeping on his stomach. He looked vulnerable.

Did he feel lonely? Nuada liked it when the mortals came to visit, he smiled so much and there was spring in his step. Laira hadn't come for some time now. I waited outside. Ok I felt scared so maybe later. Johann!

The tinman made his little nozzles move like a robot. Our nickname for the professor. Until he told us about his wife's demise, they had been caught in a fire and Krauss experimented to become this ectoplasmic creature. I tried to decipher his german accent when he told me his answer. It sounded quite positive, it would increase efficiency of our team and operations to help Nuada. He knew about elven heritage and culture. Medicalwise he could too.

"Er don't tell him. He may get pissed," I added. "Thanks."

I recalled our outing to Bethmora. I thought he would be mad that I wanted to tag along. But he'd been civil. On missions, when I almost fell, the elf always made sure I didn't get wounded. Chivalrous. The only problem was we didn't know him, but he knew us.

Now I was back here again. Red would be watching his favorite show now, so I was safe. I really did not want to see oldies shows again! I said softly into the intercom. "Hi Nuada, it's me Liz. Can I come in?" No answer. I knocked a little.

I walked away after a few minutes. The door slid open. Huh? The elf's white skin had a luminescence in the dimly lit room. He sat crosslegged on the bed, eyes closed. I walked in. Wow like a god!

"What is it, Liz?"

"Um I just wanted to ensure you are all right. Tonight if you are not well…"

"I am." Nuada interrupted. He took a deep breath, exhaled and then his ambers flickered to me. Typical male thinking. He had tied his hair back, bareback except for shorts.

So hot here, it stoked my fiery essence. I liked this atmosphere. "No actually you look ready to collapse." Damn what had possessed me? I tensed.

Nuada's eyes narrowed. He smirked. "Don't catch afire. This is my room."

"Oh sorry." You are mine, fire. Do not come, do not. They died down. The elf took a silk shirt and pulled it on. I walked closer. On his table were neat stacks of books and Lirael a storybook. A bookmark almost slipped out. Papers of writing, shiny words!

"So did you come in just to say that?" he asked suddenly.

"Er- want to go for a stroll together sometime? I want to get to know your- nature."

Yea, not bad for me! Why am I stammering? We are working together. Get a grip!

Nuada considered this. He cleared things on his desk and slipped in the bookmark again. "My nature?"

"It's ok if, if you don't want to. Or not ready to…" We were within a breadth of each other. The waiting made me fidgetty. These silences brought out the shyness in my heart. They had always sneered at me and thrown things to hurt me when I asked to be friends. Did he think I was a freak now?

I was close to the door when Nuada said, "Wait." He smiled a very small smile. But nonetheless. "When? I do not mind."

"Tomorrow night, I know a nice place. And actually, Nuada you need to rest. Tonight you don't have to come. It's not crucial." Yep that had been Johann's message. I forgot to tell him this! What is wrong with me?

He sat down on his bed, rubbing his chest near his heart. I wanted to console him that we were helping. Did he understand? "Am I that weak to you?"

"I'm a woman and we know these things. The poison isn't clear? "

Nuada cocked his head. "The doctors said everything was fine. I do not know." He frowned.

Hadn't asked me to leave, so I observed the entire place. He is very neat for a guy. Some of his uniforms hung pristinely on a rack. The other end of the room had a range of weapons. He does not want to use guns, so only swords were hanging. No spear. The blades gleamed.

I said, "I like Garth Nix. He's a good author. Do you like this story?"

"It's not bad. The characters are realistic," the elf replied. He lay down stiffly when his back touched the pillows. I touched his silver hair. He closed his eyes. So smooth and silky, like he had applied conditioner. "Has Nuala been good company?"

"Yea we love her. She's so gentle."

He smiled, then laughed softly. "Good. She needs more normal company. What about Hellboy Red? He does not mind you coming here?"

"Not really, but I won't tolerate him bossing around. How does elf hair get so fine? I'm curious."

*******

The night after, I waited at the lobby for the elf prince. No sign of him. Oh well, I could go on my own. Then he appeared behind me and said, "Hello Liz. Sorry I am late."

"No problem." I smiled. Nuada was dressed in dark blue, some kind of native garment. It went all the way down like a skirt. Fancy belt around his hips in matching trousers. Blond hair loose contrasting beautifully. "I thought you forgot."

"Not at all. Manning held me back to discuss scheduling. He wants those interested to be trained in melee combat."

"Wow you'll be the teacher?" Yes fitting. He is expert in that.

The elf glanced at me. He smiled. So that's why Laira and Joe admired him.

"Can I learn too?"

We walked to the nearest exit.

"Sure. What is your interest?"

"A short sword, this long. Or saber." Nuada had golden skin now? Had I seen wrongly? He looked more human. The elf agreed. He said it should be something I could comfortably hold without falling. Better to start light.

The place was super-near. A garden which opens to a small forest ahead. He stopped, gaping. Wide golden eyes.

"Nice?"

"I did not know… there's a forest here. Magnificent." The elf lifted a hand to welcome the scenery.

"It was the Mayor's replanting project. Quite new. Sometimes I come here, when I wanted to be alone. There were fewer trees then." I grinned. Here I also controlled my powers better. I always felt happy.

"Is it a lesson about the kindness of humans?" Sarcasm evident.

What does he mean? No I just want to relax won't he chill? "Could you just relax? Not all of us are evil. Anyway let's not go into that sensitive area."

Nuada was quiet for a long moment. Deep in thought. He staggered. I took his arm. "Come, let's sit down. Look at the stars. Hey do you know how to look at star patterns?"

"I am an expert. That is Capricorn. Can you see?" The elf traced the pattern. His hand felt chilly to the touch. I felt a little concerned but I loved listening to his lyrical voice.

Should an elf feel cold?

Little did we realise his illness had worsened.

This week most of us relaxed. Some melee stuff and lessons began. Uriel and Salem often came to see him. Being with Red I didn't notice the frequency of their visits.

I liked how Nuada took charge, professional. Some agents were intimidated, but they relaxed when they realised he sincerely knew what he was going into.

He seemed drained after one of the sessions. Salem spoke in gaelic to him. Nuada shook his head.

When I dropped by the room, while he sheathed a saber, I asked, "Hi are you free later?"

He smiled. "Yes I like going there. Come sit down." He drank water. How rugged he looked. "Thank you for sharing with me. Nature always replenishes my passion."

"You're welcome. So we're friends now."

Nuada replied, "Of course. It is nice to talk with you. Did anyone leave a telephone message or letter?"

I shook my head. He seemed crestfallen. "Busy with our lives…"

Nuala came in. They hugged. "Brother! How are you feeling? They told me you're still ill. Why didn't you tell me?"

He stroked her hair. "My little sister. I will be fine. I sleep a lot these days. Going to sleep again after this." Nuala felt his forehead.

"Don't overexert. Promise me."

"It is only twice a week. Don't worry."

She nodded at me to come along as she held his arm. We went to his room and made sure he lay down. Then Nuala took me aside to a private conference area.

"Does he feel cold to you? When you are near him?"

"Yes. I thought it's normal. I make sure he rests." I consoled her.

She bit her lip. A dreaded expression crept over her delicate features. "Why?"

"Poor brother. Liz keep an eye on him. I feel scared something may happen. I have a premonition. My mother appeared in my dream. She looked worried and was holding out his spear."

Impossible. That spear had gone missing. We were looking for it to prevent it from falling into wrong hands. "He may get hurt?"

"He won't confide in me. Sometimes he still feels angry that Abraham and I decided without his consent. Did the children come? He likes them so much."

Yea the prince looked hopeful that they might turn up, or a letter. This time, his room's phone had broken down, so any messages would be at the lobby and passed to him later.

"No."

"I hope they will. Their company cheers him up. More than I can."

On mission night, Abraham, Red, Nuada and I had to go together. A mass number of wolves had attacked a factory. We split up. Then Red said, "Uh oh. He's out." I hadn't realised the prince was out cold.

We ran to his limp form.

Laira

Oh shit! I had a nightmare that Nuada was critically ill. Nuala called me crying. She asked, "He misses you so much. Why didn't you visit?" I tried to comfort her. We were at a digsite, had been very busy for days. For the first time the usually tactful girl elf was angry with me.

Damn I had completely forgotten to talk to Nuada. He had written a few letters but I had not replied yet as my hand had been hurting. What kind of friend am I?

"I am sorry. What happened?"

The elf had come down with a fever, a relapse of the wounds and the poison. They put him in the infirmary now and he had no appetite. "When can you come?" Nuala pleaded. "Here is the receptionist's number. Call them."

I told her as soon as possible and ran to my brother.

I had to rush there now! He said anxiously, "No. Damn why did the herbs not work?"

"I don't know! I want to go now." He said all right and asked someone to drive me home. Once I got back, I called the new number. I couldn't talk to him directly! Damn!

A woman answered.

"May I speak to Nuada Silverlance? The elf."

"Let me see… no. He is resting. I will leave a message."

No! I want to talk to him now. I asked which room he was in so I could go straight. The bus took forever, plus an hour's walk into BPRD. Nuada will think I am just like those stupid mortals. I did not know where the infirmary was. I called Liz's number.

"Hello?" she said sleepily.

"Liz Laira here! Where is Nuada? How did he fall ill?"

"Sorry you'd to know it this way. I've been keeping an eye on the prince. But the poison relapsed. Look I'm coming now. Where are you?"

"The main lobby." I could not stop the tears coursing down my face. I had telepathy I could try to talk to him. It took a few tries for my head to think clearly.

Nuada Nuada, how are you? I am sorry I didn't talk to you for so long. I'm worried. Please answer.

Halfling, why did you wake me for? He sounded cranky and fatigued.

Does it hurt? I'm coming to see you now.

I met the firegirl and we went to the section. Nuala waited outside. I apologized.

She told me it was all right, but he had just gone to sleep after feeling great pain. I still wanted to see him.

Nuada lay on his side, long hair concealing his face. He did not wake up though I came very near. Thinner and vulnerable. His right hand curved into a fist on the pillow. The elf's breathing was shallow. When I touched his left hand, it was cold and damp.

Gently I placed the cloth flowers on the table. Nuada didn't move at all. Why didn't he tell me directly? Or I hadn't heard his voice in my head. My book was on the table. And some papers.

A soft moan. "What is it? Is it painful?" He shifted a bit but did not awaken. A doctor hurried in, shone a torch on his face. He checked his irises.

"Doctor how is he?"

"Family?"

"I'm a friend. His sis is outside. Please tell me he'll be all right." The man told me a rambling speech of which I only caught 'recovering phase'.

Nuala brought in a blanket and draped it over the prince. I put my hand on his hair and touched him.

Nuada whispered, "Took long." He cleared his throat, grimacing and faced me.

"Sorry. I am here now." I held his hand. His ambers were sad as he smiled faintly at me.

His forehead was warmer than the rest of his body.

"Water. Your touch is good." I held the glass for him as he sipped. Nuala laid him down. Straight after, my friend slipped into unconsciousness again, gripping my hand. Rivulets ran down my cheeks. The letters came to mind now. short and to the point.

Dear Joe and Lyra,(he preferred this spelling)

Thank you for the vacation at your home. I liked the movie. Did you open the presents yet?

Going on missions is exciting. I like the idea of rehoming aliens and solving cases. I am normally with Liz Sherman. She is very good to me. How are your excavations? Trust that they are going smoothly. Meanwhile I'm still reading up on elven history and paranormal animals. If you want to ask anything, feel free to. Look forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly, Nuada

Just for me-

Dear Lyra,

The Golden compass is special. But I don't understand what dust is. Why does her animal keep changing? I like the story well enough.

You avoided me for a while before I left. Was it because of my anger? I was feeling upset, my sister had hurt me deeply. It is all right to take your heritage slowly. But I feel keen to understand all of this. How your family is part of the elves. Why don't you embrace your gifts yet?

I admit I was cold and distant. Please forgive my sinful nature. I think of myself as perfect, but I am not. Have you thought carefully about not wanting to reunite with your parents?

I want to help you. But only if you consent. I feel fond of you both. I await your reply.

Nuada

So what do u pple think of the letters? I liked the idea of the prince's writing to them. thx for supporting!