Chapter 23 Modern world, New Agent joining

To Jani's question- yes Nuada and her are soulmates! But because they don't know how it will turn out, they're going to build it up slowly first and keep it a secret from everyone else.

Music Lyriel's Memoria


Laira

In a tired voice, the prince asked me, "What should I do? Dearest friend of my heart."

In elven terminology, he really needed comfort and my elevated status now. I pondered what to do. Finally we reached the Bureau. He had no trouble navigating for his room. We didn't meet anyone. I flopped down on my bed. Too tired!

I didn't have any solution to his problem.

He said softly, "I am sorry. You have just been through so much." Resigned and tired.

I had to speak, tell him something nice. "It's fine. I can understand.. not totally, but partially. It is tough being twins. And you may not get back the feeling again. To be honest, I dunno what you should do."

He touched my cheek. Goodnight sweet dreams.

Same to you, prince!

But I didn't fall asleep. I stayed up to watch him at rest. He was wiped from the day's activity. I wanted to tell his sister his turmoil, surely she would understand him. Had they not forgiven each other already? But Nuada was still so pained. But to do that would mean I break his confidence in me. I should ask for permission first.

He is my bondmate? Oh my god! I tried to breathe properly. That was the next matter after he brought me to the Freak fallen angel to heal my hand. I felt euphoria of being half-elf! Yes! Then I had no need to find another guy. He is perfect.

He turned to face me, eyes closed. "Can't sleep?"

"Can. I'm gonna now." I pretended to snore loudly. He chuckled.

"Are you happy?" One amber eye glittered.

"I would be, if you are too, Noowa."

Hey that's not my name. are you retarded?

That set me off giggling. "It's a nick. Princie, we are so far apart in age! I'm in shock."

His blond tresses seemed messy over his pillow. The prince lay on his stomach.

"I am too. Usually that's why elves and mortals can't stay long together. So, are you willing to continue? I have shared my mind with you after all. We already have the foundation."

I snuggled down. "Ok, let's do this then. Sleep."

If it means anything, I am determined to prove that human plus elf bloods can be non empty and sincere beings! I vowed.

I didn't have the skill of a warrior, nor as much experiences in a lifetime than Nuada Silverlance. Yet, I had my own gifts, which I wanted to use to rebuild Bethmora. That was surely his dream, though he did not explicitly mention it. Nuada felt that I had done too much already.

I guess it will take some time to get used to. But my soul exclaims: yes, he is the One!

Nuada

Last night, I had counted the money and tossed and turned unable to rest. I worried something might happen. Everything was settled at last.

I allowed my mind to drift into sweet oblivion. Noise. I opened my eyes, damn the phone! How to turn it to silent? So I threw it on the floor. Yes, silence!

Some fingers touched my hair. Felt nice and delicate. Don't wake me anymore. I need rest.

"Psst, Nuada. The phone's spoilt. Why so violent?" the child said softly.

"Not now." I grumbled turning away.

My elven ears listened as she detailed what we had done so far. The gist was she was so happy and that being an elf was not as strange a concept as people thought. "… Does Nuala know? You still can talk to her, I suppose not…."

"Enough. I heard. Now let me sleep." I tapped her hand. She went to the other bed and lay down. Peace.

I did not really mind that we keep our special relationship low-key. Not knowing much of the modernness (is it this term?) of the human world, I could not protect Laira in my traditional elven way. This world did not call for sword and bow to defend the females. Guns were horrifying and loud. I never got over the idea and wanted a proper spear. The swords were not bad.

I have just learnt how to use the computer. And I hate it, so many things, passwords to remember. Abraham Sapien was showing me the benefits of the Internet. I believe I know how to search for pictures, but wading through so many links is irritating. I only like seeing pictures and watching videos. Still, give me the forests, even the outdoors anytime. It bores me to stay indoors and face a screen.

"Nuada are you listening? Please look here, at least have some interest," the instructor was begging.

I sighed and asked him to repeat again. This was ridiculous, all agents had to use the stupid thing to find information. The children were asking me about instant messaging. But I did not even know how to use that yet.

Dear Nuada,

Do you use instant messaging? You can add us to the list. It sounds cute that you're having computer lessons. But I know you want to be outdoors or train with your weapons right? Haha. Be patient, it is a virtue. Hey does your sis have MSN? That's another term for instant messaging.

Thank you for escorting me to the healer that day. I look at my hand, and think it seemed like a dream. I like going out together, though next time let's do it under less dangerous situations. Will Xanith come down and see us again? I haven't seen his face yet. What a lot I missed! Aw.

Tell me about missions please! I want to be an agent too when I'm older. Maybe not the rushing kind, the one helping to find out which stuff goes where, coz of my gift. I like being half elf.

Write soon!

Lots of love: Lirael

I laughed. The other letter from Joe thanked me as well indicating he had not known of the identity. Good, he would shout at me if he realized I brought his sister to a fallen angel. The image of that creature's face I could not get rid of. I sincerely hoped he would not find me again.

****

Another morning, I happily slept till almost noon. Abe greeted, "Good morning Prince!"

He was here already? Crap. I rubbed my temple and blinked awake. We just got back near dawn, could he not wait? "Er I mean afternoon. I made food for you."

I smelled cooked egg and brewed coffee. My stomach betrayed me. He brimmed with childlike joy, waving those webbed hands around. That song Nuala and him loved- Can't smile without you- played in the background. While eating, I said, "Thank you. What do you want?"

"I'm your friend, brother-in-law. To show you something."

A top secret file. "As you know, we have the new agent Siren Malorie. Like Dr Krauss, she has the ability to sense spirits, (word for word reading)"

I nodded. How delicious this food was! He could cook for my sister, not bad at all. I reminded myself to be stern. The suckerup had included grapes too. I had a weakness for that. He stopped.

"So Abraham, what's the main point of this?"

"She was supposed to be temporary. Since you were unwell for some time. But it is the authorities' wish that Siren join us on missions with the paranormal spirits. We ran into poltergeists last week. They are a danger, as they can telekinize things with their essence."

I frowned. "What do you want me to do?" I didn't like the sound of this, if Sapien was delighted, meant I was doomed. Our emotions ranked opposite scales.

"Get to know her." I almost choked. What? I set down the cup before it spilled.

"Why?"

"She will be coming with us. We three have higher telepathic senses." He hesitated. I dreaded this siren creature. Fishman was not uncomfortable about my anger with him, it was another matter. I asked him to give his hand so I could read his mind.

She is a recluse. The lady says not a word to us. Liz and Red think she's a snob. I think you can succeed where we cannot.

"I am not talkative. What makes you think I can succeed?" I replied.

I opened the file to the biodata page.

UNKNOWN AGE, UNKNOWN ORIGINS.

Siren Malorie

Details

Age: approximately 300

Species: Atlantean blood, only creature known existing

Status: widowed

Abilities: preternatural sense, sultry voice shattering eardrums, excellent swimmer, likes other aliens (infinite list)

Lived in Romania, Europe. The picture- fair skin, green burning eyes, violet hair, multiple tattoos on her throat. Pointed ears.

"If she is so special, let her go alone. I am sure you can handle ghosts. I am no expert on that field." I could handle demons, monsters, solid things. Transparent entities I didn't have a clue.

"She has a special interest in elves, Nuada. We need to work together on a mission soon."

Damn! Why now? Shatter eardrums with her voice, I would be affected first.

"Abraham Sapien take me to the asshole who arranged this!"

We were outside Manning's office. Abe explained, "He was all for you taking your time, since you have just got well. But we will be shorthanded and Dr. Krauss is transferring."

The doctor blanched. "Yes Nuada, your Highness?"

I spoke my mind.

He replied, "I am sorry, Your highness but we need her. Agent Sapien, did you explain everything to him clearly?"

The conversation went quite calmly. He kept taking his stomach medicine. They looked like candy.

"Why is he transferring? We were working well together." I could not comprehend.

"Nothing personal, but Russia needs his expertise. He was here for Hellboy and now Red is behaving. Please help us."

I folded my arms. Didn't like to admit it but this felt troublesome. "Can I enlist help?"

"Sure! Anything, thank you!" Manning replied.

"Try to help… don't you take medical time off?"

He said he couldn't. Sapien was eager to assist me. "You have known her for longer. More information, does she put men in a trance? And can she walk?" Sirens are supposed to be waterbased creatures.

Liz Sherman

Siren Malorie was unbearable. I hated her. She pierced people with those freaking green eyes. It chilled me. Inevitable that when Nuada was sick, I had to be her partner. Why not Red?

She was not shy! I felt crazy with worry when the siren simply vanished on one mission. Then she came from behind like a shadow. I burst into flame. Bitch just smiled smugly and refused to answer why. Abraham Sapien was so patient but she ignored him. He said she gave him the chills, although they are both Atlanteans.

I bumped into Blue and Nuada. "Hi, how was your trip out? Had fun?"

He smiled. "Yes it was. Laira's hand does not hurt anymore. "

Then he became solemn.

"What's wrong?"

Nuada chewed his lip. "How do you get along with the new agent?"

Abe said he had to get acquainted with the woman. I told him what I could. Did not have to care what she listened to, she always hung out by herself or in her own room. "She's just reclusive, stubborn and anti-us," I concluded.

She lounged glaring at everyone around her. If she hated us so much, why not apply to go back to the BPRD in Europe? I missed the tinman already! Violet long hair covered most of her pale face, intense green eyes burned into people like a sick milk color. It reminded me of an alert predator on the hunt. I didn't care, cannot wait to burn her up.

"You are Nuada Silverlance? Hello!" she purred, nearing the elf. Looking up at him, she smiled seductively. She liked him!

I hoped we didn't have to give up our forest walks time! It was our special arrangement. Red was away in Wales. I missed him. Life sucks more now.

Nuada moved back from her approach with a scowl. Good! The siren touched him. "Do not touch me. I do not know you," he snapped hotly.

She kept following him around. Nuada ignored her. But his temper had no effect. We tried to ask Dr. Krauss to stay but he could not be reached. I felt sore. At least he was proper, this bitch made life suck worse! Nuala intercepted Malorie before she sidled up to her brother.

"I don't believe we have met. I am Nuada's twin sister, Nuala."

They seemed to be having an argument in gaelic. Then Malorie pulled up her blouse riding low on her shoulders. The guys were entranced. I noticed Nuada sneering.

Abe gasped. "My god, please put your clothes on properly!"

She stalked off. Nuala took her brother's hand and spoke to him. He looked angry.

"Her touch was ice. I felt her probing our minds. Did she do that, Abraham?" he asked.

Best lines in the song:

*now do the worst I do not weigh the spite,

Free from the cares, peace and heavenly true delight...

How gracious were our hearts unbroken. when we were all so young...