Chapter Notes

Angel and Emma are having fun, not much, sort of...

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Seagulls… They were more like winged rats – both greedy and obnoxious. Erik broodingly watched the birds wheeling on high, mentally alert to everything happening around him at the moment.

The yacht stopped to replenish with water.

Erik was restless.

He still hoped to have a word with Emma. Of course, that meant that he had to hurry. It took him about two weeks to find that former officer of the French Legion, who had previously helped Eisenhardts. Unfortunately, he retired three years ago. Fortunately, he still knew people. People who let him in the archives. One old picture. He wasted all that time to find one old photograph. And that piece of evidence deepened his confusion. It didn't fit in. Either that or he's gone mad.

He had survived two clumsy assassination attempts. The second one was close – hunt started in earnest. Erik escaped with a shallow scratch, but, well, that was more dangerous than he anticipated.

Wasn't it ironic? He returned to Africa with a single purpose in mind – to see the house, built by his farther, his mother's notes lying intact where he's left them. When he was leaving, he tried to protect the small cabin from rain and wild animals. However, was it necessary to give up everything achieved by now? Might he return for good or… Maybe, he should lay low for a while. He appreciated the thrill of danger but he's also mortal. One must never overestimate himself.

He was startled when familiar British accent reached his ears. Intonation wasn't the same. Not as smooth and cultured as Charles' has been, but something vaguely similar. A married couple from London. Currently on honeymoon.

Yacht reached the city port in one day.

Nobody from the hotel could tell him where Emma went. She evaporated without a trace.

Later, while he was sitting in a small café drinking coffee a child approached him. The boy dropped the wrinkled envelope on the table. Erik calmly finished his coffee, left money on the table and went to his hotel room.

After he locked the door and made sure that nobody was going to interrupt him, Erik opened the letter. Elegant and crisp handwriting said:

"You're mad enough to come back and try to find me, despite my warning. Although, I'm not obliged to report to you, I'm trying to reestablish relationship with an old acquaintance. Beware of our mutual friend. Hope, we'll never meet again."

Erik burned the note. While watching the flame, he made a decision. He'll wait. They will send the next assassin as soon as he reveals himself. This is the simplest option.

Two days later, on his way home from the club it finally happened.

Erik must admit that he was saved by chance. It was a well-practiced habit – to rely on the sounds around him. When some night birds suddenly felt silent, he quickly turned around. Just on time! The second blade has grazed his hand. Damn, he really was reckless these days.

The street corner was deserted. Full moon looked through the clouds and illuminated the familiar figure. Right… So, that was the person she told him about in the letter.

Laura, meanwhile, wasn't wasting a second. This time, her moves were more fierce and unpredictable. Erik tried to regroup, to keep himself under control. It was not necessary to kill the girl. He couldn't even find it in himself to be angry with her. Irritated? Yes, that's true.

He managed to push the assailant to the fence. The steel rod has poked through her hand, but she didn't utter a sound. Next moment, he wondered if he was hallucinating – she calmly straightened and – what the hell – torn flesh has kneaded itself right before his eyes. Erik lost his nerve only for a moment, but that was enough. She swiftly moved and sharp pain shot through the back of his head. His vision swam and Erik dropped to one knee, unable to keep his balance. He has noticed her move, but did not have time to react. One more blow to the head and he fell. Burning pain has pierced his side, disturbed by the fall. She stabbed him. How did she?...

On the periphery he saw a slim silhouette. Laura stood over his body and three thin claws were sticking out of her fist, dripping blood. She looked back and the blade…what's that… disappeared… How? Darkness crept on. The pain in his side was growing sharper and hotter and Erik clenched his teeth in desperate attempt to contain a grunt. He couldn't see…His grasp on the real world was fading with enormous speed. How annoying… Erik would never revenge his adoptive parents, would never figure out what the hell is going on around he wouldn't even get the chance to…

Erik woke up abruptly – as if someone has just yelled his name out loud. In reality he was met with silence. He found himself lying in the soft bed – a mysterious benefactor has taken care of his arm and his other wound was tightly bandaged as well. On the bed-side table stood a jug. Erik, his mouth currently as dry as the desert, tried to reach it with his good hand.

With a bang, the doors opened. A young black man, his shirt askew, rushed to his side. He poured a glass of water and held it to Erik's lips.

'Easy there! You're barely alive!'

'Who're you?...' wheezed Erik and coughed.

'Come on, sir. Yes, this way! I'll help you to sit – don't move!' he snatched the second pillow and helped Erik to sit with his back pressed to the metal headboard.

'Thieves are getting wild, you know! Where do those guards look all the time? You were very lucky, sir. But here's Angel. You must thank her!'

Erik focused his eyes on one of the most beautiful woman he's even seen. Her shiny black hair arranged in braids framed a lovely face. She was dressed in the intricate black outfit setting off a gorgeous figure. Her looks reminded him of that unforgettable time in Cairo two years ago.

'I'm Armando, by the way! Angel, my dearest, I have to run. Those lazy buggers will burn down the estate if left alone for long.'

'And sir, don't you dare cause any trouble,' he chastened Erik with a smile, obviously meaning that Erik in his current state wouldn't be able to hurt a fly.

He winked Angel and was off.

Angel sat down on a chair beside his bed:

'How are you, sir? I called a doctor two days ago. He stitched you up a bit and said that you have to spend two weeks in bed. But you've slept for so long that I started to worry.'

She smiled with strange meekness that didn't suit her at all.

Erik was overcome with a sudden bout of suspicion. Why didn't Laura finish him off? She was scared by a couple of passer-byes… Was she? Unlikely.

'Still not good, I'm afraid. I'm feeling a little lightheaded, ow, it really hurts a lot,' his faked painful gasp was met with a soothing gesture.

'Here you are. Drink this and you'll definitely feel better.'

'Sorry… I'm so tired. Going to sleep.'

'All right, do not worry – I won't leave your side.'

Her eyes were sharp and piercing – a striking contrast to smiling lips.

Erik closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. He mentally checked his body on the subject of pain. His experience has taught him long ago that rest is the best doctor. He's already slept for two days. Now, he has to be healed, if only partially. Persistent, but tolerable pain in his side was nothing compared to what he's been through. Slight dizziness and overall weakness aside, he was fine.

He has to disappear from this city and be quick. He's overstayed his welcome. But, his nurse, it seemed, was not going to leave him alone.

Suddenly, the sounds of commotion have reached his ears. Something was going on downstairs. There was a distinct noise, produced by several men stomping the stairs in a hurry. Angel rushed to the door. Erik didn't waste a second. He wasn't wearing any clothes – but slacks would be more than enough. He moved as fast as possible in his current state. Erik looked out of the window. The trees were too far to attempt a jump in broad daylight. Someone will notice him for sure. And more than anything else – he needs to be discreet.

That means – roof.

Erik was using his left hand – that's why it had taken him longer than usual. He pulled himself up and let out a heavy breath. His recuperating body decided that enough was enough. Erik turned on his back and sprawled on the hot surface loose-limbed. The wound in his side was on fire, but at least the bandage was not soaked with blood yet. If he is lucky, the stitches are intact.

He concentrated on human voices coming from inside.

'Slut! You told me he was very weak. I want him alive. I will personally beat the shit out of him, do you hear me?! Huh?'

Erik was tired of surprises. Hippo-man? What the hell is he doing here? How did he find him in the first place?

'Hey, asshole! Yes, I'm talking to you. Check the street and you go downstairs! Move!'

It was quiet for a moment. Then he heard the eloquent sounds of struggle.

'You owe me, honey! Work it off!'

Something akin to glass broke and the hippo-man groaned.

'Chill out!'

Apparently he fell on the floor.

'And this is for calling me names, freak. Girl needs a consolation prize after all. This ring is too good for you.'

Erik realized that she was likely to retreat the same way, when it was too late. He was right. Angel, betraying surprising agility, climbed up on the roof.

She noticed Erik and mischievously smiled.

'Glad to meet you, handsome! Don't mind me!'

She sprawled near him and stilled.

Soon, Erik heard lots of loud swearing accompanied by the sounds of breaking furniture. That hippo-man really went wild in there. His accomplices joined him and everything resumed with renewed vigor. They got bored in ten minutes and left the room.

'I knew that these idiots wouldn't even look here,' she snickered and moved closer.

Flirtatiously, she lowered her voice and soon he felt her warm almost touch on his skin.

'No offence, handsome. Girl needs to eat. I don't know what have you done to annoy that fat-face, but he was pulling all the strings to find you.'

'What're you going to do now?' he wasn't mad.

Strangely, he cared.

'Well, well, you do worry about me…' Angel shrugged indignantly. 'I'll leave the city for now. I've got some friends nearby. Thanks for concern.'

She bent lower. Her lips were sweet and pliable and her kissing technique was expectantly skillful.

'Nothing personal! Just my way to say good luck!'

She rose to her feet and disappeared from his sight.

Erik decided to stay here for a while. This roof was as suitable as any other shelter. Erik needed a new plan.

Soon, driven by thirst and hunger, he carefully climbed into account, that all his money and other belongings were left in the hotel, Erik made his way back. He destroyed all traces of his staying there and paid the bills. At night, he took out the papers given by Emma and threw them in the metal case. It would come in handy to protect the evidence. Finally, he stored all values and remaining money in the hide near the church. It was a perfectly safe place as far as he cared.

As last, it's time to move on.

First day he was travelling on foot. Greedily, Erik took the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of walking on the ground barefoot. Also, there was no need to aggravate his injuries. He took the metal case with him as well as some necessities, but that was all.

He breathed in the air. It was full of scents and flavors he desperately missed. His memories have come back in a rush. Recently, a boar has passed here. And behind that tree over there a lion was waiting for pray. Near a pond he could smell the traces left by humans.

He dined with fruit and set snares near the pond. Night has come.

Big cat was wandering around. He probably stepped on its hunting ground. His lips parted in a fierce grin. A terrifying cry announced – there is a new beast here. Beware. For a brief moment he was met with silence. Then, the night orchestra stroke up again as if nothing has happened. Panther slipped through the trees and disappeared into the darkness.

From the first day of travel, Charles was feeling more and more excited. His good mood couldn't be spoiled by Alex's misplaced sarcasm, notorious bugs and mosquitoes, and even new members of their group were not able to discourage him. Although, one must admit, that people like them were surprisingly difficult to deal with. Charles attempted to find a common ground, but failed. Well, what can't be cured must be endured.

There was this one thing he couldn't understand. What were the ladies doing here? First, the countess from the ship suddenly introduced herself as Emma Frost. Secondly, Moira. Not that Charles had something against two of them. But he was allowed to ask, wasn't he? And if Moira's motivation was as clear as day and her assistance was really precious, he had no idea what has prompted Lady Frost to undergo gruesome and often tiresome conditions. She pretended that they've never met before and Charles played along out of simple courtesy. The whole purpose of expedition was lost on her. Never mind, that the woman surprised him – she's endured all the hardships and difficulties without complaining. Someone should pay attention to the example – he glanced toward Alex. These days he was playing the ignoring game. Charles decided to let him be. He was already positive, that he'd failed as a mentor. Maybe, he could still become his protégé's friend.

They have fallen into routine.

In the evening they gathered together near separate fires. Captain Shaw always spent time with his fellow soldiers outside his big tent. They were drinking, laughing and shouting some indiscernible nonsense, and then they were drinking again. Every morning Shaw's team reeked of liquor so much, that it was impossible to approach them at arm's length, not speaking about having a decent conversation. Natives, hired by Logan to carry their stuff, always sat separately. The language they spoke was completely foreign to his ears but at night, then they were singing around the fire he has finally realized the primal beauty of each line and usually listened to it, impressed and somehow bewitched.

Logan spent a lot of time in the woods hunting. From the very beginning, Charles thought that Logan has known the captain. Sometimes, he watched Shaw with murderous expression. Nevertheless, every time Charles tried to get to know something about the matter Logan casually told him off in his usual charming manner.

Captain Shaw was also not without quirks. He'd get carried away once in a while, musing on his victorious past. Once he'd even mentioned the Eastern campaign. Charles immediately felt sorry for poor man – trying to look like a war-hero in front of the ladies. The battle happened more than half a century ago – he must have forgotten the date.

Charles wrote down all the most important observations in a diary, while Sean in the dim fire-light was making sketches. Sean appeared absent-minded to those who didn't know him well. Yet, he was surprisingly responsible and dedicated. Both Moira and Logan's input was great, although lacking scientific approach. That was Charles' cup of tea. So far, they've made an excellent team.

It was agreed that they go along the river and then turn east until they reach the mounting range.

At times like this, he let his mind wander to Erik. And even though it wasn't possible to reach him mentally, Charles always wished Erik well. He missed him, oh, how much he missed him. He's known Erik for two days but those days felt like eternity. In his presence Charles was learning to breathe anew. This has never happened before. Why was this feeling so delicious and …

'Professor…' Hank gently touched his shoulder, 'go to bed, you've just dropped your book.'

Hank gave him confused but worried look.

Charles has almost fallen asleep hunched near the fire. His irritatingly long hair has once again fallen over his eyes, getting in the way, and he had to shake his head one more time. That hair was a real nightmare. Too long to be comfortable with and too short to draw it back into a ponytail.

Probably, he really looked like a wet puppy right now – he's caught that comparison, because Moira thought him asleep. Something needs to be done.

'Right. Thank you, Hank. By the way, it's silly of me to ask you now, but don't you regret that you've come with us?... You're very quiet these few days and I can't but question myself…'

Instead of answering doctor took off glasses and tiredly rubbed his eyes.

'There is no reason for regret. Seriously, professor, this is my childhood dream to see the world,' he turned his face to Charles and said, almost apologetically. 'We're all grateful, in fact. Even Alex. Well, especially Alex. He can't say it out loud, but he is. Certain things are hard to… to voice.'

Thoughtfully, Charles nodded and stood up.

'Good night, Henry.'

'Good night.'

Before retreating to his tent, he decided to go down to the creek. Moira's seen those wonderful flowers with pleasant flavor there. It turned out that they can be used as soap and a very good one. To tell the truth, he was a bit ashamed to go there in daylight – he could easily picture Logan's laugh and Alex's smirks. Honestly, he wanted to take a closer look and see whether they'll survive in his native latitudes.

Dark figure's stepped from the nearest tree and Charles swallowed a scream. Goodness gracious! What was wrong with these people?

'Janos, for pity's sake, do not sneak up on me like that!'

Janos didn't react and Charles wondered for hundredth time – whether the man is mute or simply dislikes him so much that pretends to be dumb.

'I just want to go down to the creek… ugh… ten minutes, that's all,' he felt himself stupid, explaining something to the stone-faced soldier, but the man was on duty, guarding the campsite. 'I promise, I won't be long.'

He raised his hands in the universal compromising gesture, but the man didn't move. He might as well speak to this tree. Of course, this comparison wasn't polite, but Moira was right – captain's people were extremely weird.

Janos turned around, seemingly going in the opposite direction from Charles.

Charles backed away a few steps and almost tripped on the roots of the tree sticking out from the ground. He awkwardly slipped on the wet grass and was able to prevent his fall by hugging a tree. Holy goodness, thank god that nobody saw that.

Once regained balance he heard the splash of water. Looked up. Then he closed his eyes again, mortified.

'Good Lord! I apologize, lady. I'm so sorry. Didn't know you were here. I swear, I hadn't seen anything!'

Oh dear, what a shame! His face was literally burning.

In a haste to retreat, he quickly sidestepped and blindly tried to find the way back. Suddenly, he was turned around. A small but steady hand has grabbed his forearm.

Charles made two involuntary steps until his back hit the tree, which was the closest to the water. He couldn't help but feel the slim female body pressed to his from hip to chest. One arm found its way around his neck.

'Come on, dear. Don't be shy and open your eyes…' a whisper has burned his cheek.

Charles decided that he has done everything a gentleman had to do in this situation. All his attempts to maintain some decency have failed. Lady Frost was standing so close that he was able to feel every line of her not very dressed body. The moon was mockingly looking at him from the sky. He will be looking at the moon back – that felt like a right decision.

Her hand didn't stop its ministrations. Charles felt it sliding down his chest, light scratching and circling movement of curious fingers nearly made him shiver. And the other hand… The other hand has somehow made its way underneath his shirt. When and how did Emma manage to unbutton his shirt – that was a mystery to be solved… Stop, Charles. You need to stop her now!

'Lady Frost, please stop. Whatever has come over you, please stop immediately!'

Charles was shamelessly pleading – he was so confused and flustered that he stopped caring about keeping appearances. Tentatively, he put his hands on her shoulders and tried to push her away. Gently, of course.

'You must call me Emma. Let's forget about formalities for a while. Or, may that be… that it turns you on. What about it, professor?'

Emma's body emanated absolutely abnormal heat. She whispered his name and has done something with her mouth that his careful attempts to distance himself were forgotten. He's never thought that something akin to biting and licking one's neck can be so pleasant. His heart was hammering like a drum.

In the meanwhile, her hand, the one which migrated to his abdomen, moved lower.

Charles wasn't able to contain a gasp and didn't see but felt the satisfied smile on his skin. Emma has clearly took it for a sign of approval and reached for a kiss.

'Wait, Emma! Stop, for god's sake!'

He tried to lean back but the tree disagreed with the idea. He hit the back of his head. It hurt. At least, his mind cleared and breathing suddenly became more easier.

'Where's your clothes?' he was holding her at arm's length and was frantically looking around in search of offending outfit.

'Charles, do try to take it easy sometimes.'

'What?' he asked dully.

'Let's consider it a bad joke!' her eyes gleamed with pure mirth. 'Let's stay friends. You were so adorable, that I couldn't resist, you know.'

Charles looked at her with eyes which probably were telling tales about the disarray in his mind.

'Are you serious?' he rasped. 'Do you really find it amusing?'

'Weren't you having fun?'

'Emma!'

'Oh, that's nice. Look here, we're already on the first name basis. Isn't it great? Positive results achieved and I can finally go to bed.'

She stepped to the side. Her clothes were folded on the stone. Charles turned away.

'There's no need for that!' she laughed.

Thank you, but he's learned his lesson.

Emma murmured, passing by and casually brushing his hand.

'Sleep well, professor.'

Indeed, Charles thought, what was that if not a final stab.

...

'He doesn't have it. I've already checked his tent and luggage.'

'Are you completely sure?'

'Sebastian, I was looking for it so diligently that the boy will be dreaming it for days. You said we still had time.'

'Not much! They've sent their assassins.'

'You're exaggerating, dear. He won't risk it. This treasure thing is … seems too legendary, in my opinion.'

'I've seen it… I've seen it all! The White City is not a legend! There is so much gold that you can't even imagine!'

'As you wish. Calm down…'

'You don't know what does this mean to me! He knows where are we going and he knows that it's worth more than all treasures of the world.'