Chapter 5 - The London Mists

London, suburbs, England. 2013. Half an hour later.

London was clearly below her expectations. She had imagined a sunny city, as lively as a beehive, rather than one so dark and misty-looking, so polluted. Perhaps she did not see it at its best. Her companion of misfortune had been less than forthcoming once they'd set off again, his dark eyes alert to their surroundings, as if he feared they were under obvious attack. This intrigued the Frenchwoman.

What made him so on guard? He seemed rather harmless for a man wanted by mage officers even in areas frequented by non-mages. Why hadn't he defended himself more, if he was able to use magic portals? So many unanswered questions.

- You seem to know your way around better here," said Adelaide, trying to break the ice.

- It's a good thing I live here," he replied once again in a tone of obviousness.

- I couldn't have known, you didn't tell me much about yourself," Fleury said.

- Later, one thing at a time... and this is not the right time at all.

He seemed to be in a hurry, and pressed his pace even more as he pulled her along.

Frustrated at not knowing more right away, but understanding her reasons, Adelaide did not insist and kept her questions warm in her mind. She noticed that they had strayed quite a long way from central London and seemed to be in one of its less-frequented outlying suburbs. The style of the houses was not the same, borrowing from Victorian architecture.

Eventually, he came to a halt in front of a building, which, although quite large, was more humble than its companions were, and somewhat removed from them, bordering a small wood. Busy with her observations, she heard rather than saw him open the doors of the ancient gate, and was startled when he spoke again.

- Hurry up a bit. I do not want to catch a cold or be spotted.

- Since you've asked so nicely," Fleury could not help but raise an eyebrow.

Nevertheless, she complied and followed his example. They had come so far already; she had the choice not to turn back. Perhaps she would understand why she had decided to help him, against all odds. This altruist was hardly like her, especially when he put her in such danger. Yet... something, she did not know herself, had prompted her to commit this imprudence and trust a stranger rather than the authorities. What was it that had put her so on the alert for officers?

The girl noticed that he was closing the doors behind them and putting up a sort of barrier, which gave off a rather strange presence. Quite close, yet distinct from her own at the same time... feeling a headache coming on, she shook her head and preferred not to dwell on it any further.

A Victorian house, certainly... it was not as spacious as it looked outside.

Adelaide was about to turn towards the British man when thunderous footsteps froze her in place. What could be upstairs? A tribe of excited children? A Bernese mountain dog on the rampage? The young girl was about to ask him when a burst of laughter echoed through the room.

- Ah ha, Waver...!

A colossus had just appeared, easily approaching two meters in height. His broad shoulders, muscular build and matte skin contrasted with the reddish tones of his short hair and light beard. The severity of his square, chiseled face was barely tempered by this imposing figure's dazzling smile. The aura of authority he seemed to exude contrasted, in the Frenchwoman's eyes, with his casual outfit of white T-shirt and jeans. The man's crimson eyes, laughing at the sight of the British man, became more piercing as they landed on her.

- ... And her friend! Who is this charming creature? He asked the young man.

- I'm not a creature," Fleury protested. I have a name, and it is Adelaide.

- Right, right... a beautiful plant, with lovely leaves! You have good taste, Waver. Where did you find her? Commented the tall man, without taking offense, delivering a hug to the Englishman.

Cheeks flushed from being compared to a plant, which reminded her of bad jokes about her surname, Adelaide counted to a hundred and back again, while the British man - Waver Velvet, now that she knew his name - did his best to clarify the situation, mentioning in particular that slavery was no longer authorized in those days..., which held her interest.

- To tell you the truth, Waver rarely brings people home... well, they are rarely interesting, more like old men, here to fix something broken or deliver a package. It is good to see he has finally found someone of value to bring home! You are a friend of Waver's, aren't you?

Despite his bonhomie, Adelaide had noticed that he had moved closer to the British man and was now standing at his side, only slightly behind him. He certainly seemed welcoming, but also more cautious. The young girl was a little taken aback by the question and took a few moments to think about it. They were clearly not hostile, just cautious for a reason she could understand, since the British man seemed to be wanted by the French mage authorities. So far from the lands of his family and compatriots, it was unwise to be alone, and they had been respectful... and Waver had saved the day when she would come to his defense. The Frenchwoman looked at Waver to see if he would reply, but he remained silent. Fleury decided to get straight to the point.

- We haven't known each other very long, since we met in Bordeaux, but yes, Monsieur...?

- It must be fate! Fate is that kind of player. Oh, I have had many names, but Iskandar, that will be easier!

An embarrassed chuckle escaped Adelaide's lips, while Waver pouted a little as he cast a pointed glance at his tall colleague. This must have been that famous "He" he would told her about earlier. Despite his grimaces, it was obvious that the two of them must be close, at least good friends. The young girl, who had feared for a moment that the Briton might be the hapless victim of some criminal gang, already felt a little more reassured about their fate. Iskandar... the name sounded oddly familiar. Where had she heard of him? As soon as she tried to rack her brains to recall it, an unpleasantly familiar headache came to mind. Stifling a grunt between clenched lips, she brought a hand to her forehead and only noticed Waver's presence at her side when she heard him:

- Hey, are you sure, you are okay?

- Yeah, do not worry. I get the occasional headache... it will pass.

He did not seem very convinced, but she backed up his answer with a firm, resolute smile.

At least the precious cargo had not suffered from the vagaries of delivery, and Adelaide had finally been able to discover the vintages he had selected. Great names indeed and his nose was strangely hollow for a Brit. His additional suggestions seemed to interest the man who had introduced himself as Iskandar, who asked his friend to make a note of them so that he could take them on a future occasion. Therefore, as not to leave him alone to manage all the preparations, although he seemed to be used to it, she gladly gave him a hand in the kitchen to prepare the meal and the table.

It had been a long time since she had experienced such a lively dinner outside the family! They talked passionately about video games, and Adelaide listened attentively, although this was more her brother's favorite subject. She had never taken the time to get interested.

She was now in the small bathroom, happily accepting her hosts' offer to warm up with a shower and, more importantly, to change into clean, dry clothes before joining them in the living room. The water had relaxed her muscles and cooled her thoughts, allowing her to reflect a little on her situation and what had happened to her in Bordeaux. No doubt, her parents were beginning to worry, especially if there was no news from her by the following day.

While Adelaide truly appreciated the hospitality of her hosts, she did not want to add to their troubles.

Her body covered with a Roman-style towel, she patiently combed out her red hair and looked into the small mirror. However, her attention was elsewhere. She had realized before taking her shower that her cell phone was no longer working, having undoubtedly not appreciated contact with a form of high magic, not having been designed for it. Either that or he simply had not appreciated the icy London rain they had received on their arrival. She had no desire to go home, however chilling that realization might seem. There had always been, without her being able to explain it clearly, a kind of malaise surrounding her family and herself. This was even truer of her parents, though she could not quite put her finger on it. She was suffocating, without knowing why, even though she lacked nothing... except her freedom.

Just then, the door creaked behind her, causing her to jump as much as scream. The Frenchwoman immediately turned around, one hand clutching the knot in her towel and the other holding magic crystals in her palm, ready to defend herself against the slightest assailant.

- Chill down, it's just me! Damn it, didn't anyone ever teach you to relax a little?

- Sorry Velvet, reflex! I was taught how to defend myself, especially outdoors," replies the Frenchwoman with a smile that is half-mischievous and half embarrassed, as she puts the crystals back in her purse.

- Hum, call me Waver. I will be knocking on the door next time, I want to keep my skin and I do not want to make a scene, especially with Rider, if he misinterprets the situation.

- Adelaide it is for me, then. It would be safer, yes! I would not want to accidentally cause trouble. What else can I do for you?

- Since your stuff will not be dry until tomorrow, I will lend you a change of money. Luckily, we are almost the same size, so you might as well avoid catching your death if we can.

Overall, it was rather sweet of him. Was it her own initiative or a suggestion from her friend? Either way, Adelaide appreciated the gesture. The Frenchwoman noted the use of the archaic pre-Flood term, but did not notice it. His dark eyes cautiously resting on her, he set down the things he had lent her on a corner of the bathroom furniture still available.

- Thank you very much! I left my things with my friends when I tried to catch up with you in Bordeaux. I'll make it up to you, one of these days," Adelaide thanked him sincerely.

- Not such a big deal, anyway," he grumbled. As long as you do not tell any magicians or police forces here or back home about us, we will be fine. I will put them here. Video games do not seem to be your cup of tea, but if you would like to try your hand at them, you can join us in the lounge.

- Why not. I will join you if I am not too tired later.

After all, a little socializing would not hurt too much. Already, her few friends found her too unsocial and always a little strange with others... maybe she could work on that, with them. She looked over her shoulder at Waver moving away towards the door as she began to untangle his hair. Noticing that he hesitated for a moment before opening the door, the Frenchwoman said.

- Is something wrong, Waver?

- Hum, just wondering. Can I ask you a question?

- Of course, you can. I have not bitten anyone yet, you know... to my knowledge anyway.

She felt rather amused, especially when she saw him raise an eyebrow at her last precision. He seemed to be a little too serious to fully appreciate her remark, but did not take offense.

- You seem to have quite a tattoo on your back. I noticed it when I came in.

- Oh, this? I am not really supposed to show it to other people, but yeah, I know.

- Why would you do that? I do not see what is wrong with a simple tattoo, if it is simple enough.

- I don't know," Fleury replied less confidently. My parents always told me.

- And you don't remember how long you have had it on your back? He asked, a little wary.

- For real! Honestly, for as long as I can remember, I have had it on me.

As if he had noticed her growing nervousness as much as her unadulterated sincerity, the British man raised his hands in a soothing gesture and spoke again in a puzzled but not unfriendly voice.

- I want to believe you. I am just surprised you did not wonder what it meant.

- I wanted to believe them when they told me it was not important. They never wanted us to talk about it, even though I would have liked to know more about it, Adelaide admitted awkwardly.

- Strange. Do you mind if I take a closer look? I might be able to help.

The offer seemed honest and the intention not bad. He had not been disrespectful to her so far, and in the worst-case scenario, he knew she was perfectly capable of retaliating. The British man seemed aware of this, however, and quickly acquiesced to her unspoken conditions. Adelaide was not prudish enough to be a shy virgin. Although she was not a woman of little virtue, she was not terrified, like her friends, of being a little more undressed if she felt confident. Besides, it was only undressing her back! In the teenager's eyes, it was not man-death. Without needing to see it, she could make out the line quite well. After all, the teenager had seen it every day as she changed clothes for as long as she could remember. Two triangular shapes in an almost faded red, with complex arabesques reminiscent of arrowheads or spearheads, linked at their center by a circle at the heart of which had been traced a rune.

- You are sure you do not know where you got it, right? He asked suspiciously.

- Sure and certain! It would have been nice to know," grumbled the Frenchwoman.

- At the same time, you would have to be a complete idiot to reveal it like that.

- Would you call me an idiot? Fleury grumbled between his teeth, glowering at her.

- That is debatable. Hum, it looks just like I think. The line is quite complex and takes up a good part of your back, too. Can I just check one more thing?

- Will it endanger my life or harm me in any way?

- I do not think so. In any case, you are in no danger here. You have my word, for what it's worth.

- Hm... All right then. Do not make me regret my choice.

A deep sigh behind his shoulder was the only response she got, but he did not grumble. Adelaide could not help but shiver when she felt his fingers brush her back, a touch so minute it was almost imperceptible. No sooner had he touched her than she gasped, a kind of static-like discharge emanating from the entire surface of her back. Waver had obviously moved back a step or two behind her, and the glance behind her shoulder that the Frenchwoman cast with annoyance then perplexity told her that he was more intrigued than surprised.

- Don't panic its normal! In any case, it confirms what I thought. I will tell Iskandar to keep playing solo until you have changed. Given how lost you look, I think a little chat will not go amiss. Just to explain a few things.

- Thanks for your generosity," Adelaide commented grumpily, before he lightened up and resumed, "it wouldn't hurt, even if I'm wondering why you're helping me so much.

- Nothing very complicated. I sympathize and understand your situation. I have rarely come across people like me, at least who are not hostile to me. It is a change for me, if you like.

He seemed honest, especially if she was to believe his gaze, which she met indirectly through the bathroom mirror. For a moment, he seemed rather lonely. With the company of the colossus he was accompanying, Adelaide was a little surprised. They seemed to get on well together, though. Perhaps this would be an opportunity to learn a little more about the man who had brought her this far, by accident. It did not take long for her to nod her agreement with a slightly grateful smile. The clothes were not quite right for her, but at least they would make coffee for the evening. The Frenchwoman made her way cautiously down to the first floor, away from the clamor emanating from the games room. Waver was already in the dining room, poring over a thick book. She came to sit opposite him as he straightened his head at her approach, closing his book.

- I have made some tea. It might take a little while, but it will help us stay alert.

- It might help indeed," agreed Adelaide with a friendly smile.

- Right, then. There is a lot to get through, so where do you want to start?

- The beginning," joked Fleury, before adding more seriously when he saw her raised eyebrow. Let us say with the tattoo. That is what mainly caught your eye, isn't it?

- That might be a good angle," agreed Waver.

After pouring tea into each of the two cups on the table, he slid one facing her before sitting back down. They both took the time to savor a sip of the tea - which was quite good, even better than what she was used to at home - before Velvet placed her cup back on its tray. The British man removed the glove covering his right hand. Once again, the crimson arabesques called out to the Frenchwoman, whose more alert blue-gravy eyes riveted on the design.

- This is what enabled you to use the magic portal in Bordeaux, isn't it? I had noticed that his reaction coincided with the appearance of the portal that brought us here.

- It is one of his uses, but not the only one. To tell the truth, it's a tiny detail compared to what this mark on my hand and the tattoo on your back really represent," Velvet replied. It is the sign of a pact with a Spirit, a contract if you like.

- A contract... like before the Flood, you mean. During the famous Grail Wars?

The era that had ended in 2004, following the last Grail occurrence in Fuyuki, Japan. Every self-respecting young magician knew at least a little about this ultimate conflict, which had literally shaken up and transformed the world as their parents had known it. The incident had occurred during the final, which pitted an Archer-class servant against a Sober-class one.

The young woman felt a familiar headache begin to creep up on her, but tried to ignore it.

- A bit like the contract that bound a Servant to a Master, but without the bondage aspect. Command spells", as they have come to be known, have no hold whatsoever on the Heroic Spirit. The magician cannot impose his will on it, and vice versa. After that, the nature of the relationship between the two parties depends on the terms of the agreement.

- So, if I am following you correctly, you have made an agreement with a Spirit.

- That is right, with Iskandar, whom you met earlier. I was surprised by your serenity in his presence. Not all the mages I have met can boast your calm. I confess it was one of the things that made me start to wonder.

Adelaide could feel his ebony eyes staring straight into hers, alert to her reactions. He still seemed on his guard, though a little less wary than a few hours earlier. It had been a little unwise of her to trust him when she knew so little about him, but in the end, her risk-taking had paid off and she had not had to step on her principles. Besides, they could not have been such bad fellows, given the help he had given her and the explanations he had given her. Cautiously, the Frenchwoman ventured to ask him a question that was burning a hole in her heart.

- I am sorry if I am putting my foot in it, but I have always been told that contact with spirits is forbidden. Is that why they were after you?

The innocence of her question seemed to catch him off guard, before he let out a hearty laugh. She had never seen him so relaxed before, it was quite astonishing. Soon enough, he resumed his serious air, as if nothing had happened, and replied with a shadow of a smile.

- If only that were all, my life would be so much simpler! No, my case is more complicated than that, but that is not important. Let us get back to the subject at hand, and to you.

- Right, then. Therefore, Iskandar is a Heroic Spirit with whom you have made a contract...

- He's my friend as well as the lord to whom I've sworn fealty," the Briton pointed out with pride.

- And in fact, you think that what I have on my back is linked to a pact with a Spirit. On the face of it, it is quite logical. The only problem is, I do not remember ever meeting one.

- And yet, I am positive. The mark you have is similar to the one you see on my hand. Before you lift it, no, it is not just a tattoo. It gives off mana, and a powerful one at that, if the shock we received earlier in my test is anything to go by. Only a Spirit can grant you this kind of seal, through a pact made beforehand.

He paused for a moment, as if to give her time to integrate what he was saying. Her headache worsened at the mere mention of the spirits. On the one hand, his explanations shed some light on questions she had been asking herself for some time; on the other, they increased her own confusion. Her curiosity remained strong on a number of subjects, including the misnamed "command spells", but Adelaide felt it best not to venture onto too slippery a terrain and lose the fragile trust they were both trying to establish between them. There was no need to err on the side of greed.

- It is strange that I do not remember. It's the kind of encounter that sticks in your mind, one way or another, if you're a normally constituted human," commented Adelaide, slowly massaging her temples to try and get rid of the headache.

- I have come to the same conclusion. On the one hand, you did not know about portals, contract seals and command spells. On the other, you are well aware of the Flood, you have not been disturbed by Iskandar's presence, whether physical or magical, and you do not think I am a raving lunatic. Hence the assumption that you know certain things, even if you do not remember them. In addition, that is what worries me, to be honest.

- You seem surprised. Aren't you used to people believing you? Asked Adelaide.

- Darn it, you could use some gloves anyway. Didn't anyone ever teach you tact? Grumbled the man concerned, without bothering to hide his annoyance.

- Sorry! If I've learned it, maybe I've accidentally forgotten it," she teased him.

She did not manage to amuse him as much as she would have liked, but maybe he would loosen up a bit in time. She still found him a little hard to pin down. At times, he was draped in a narcissistic attitude, sure, of himself, particularly touchy, who enjoyed complaining all the time. At other times, he was a completely different person, less self-assured, less assertive, more concerned and more thoughtful. However, she did not mind. His company was far more pleasant than most. After clearing his throat to attract her attention, Waver resumed his remarks with gravity.

- I noticed that you often used something like "as far as I can remember" and that three-quarters of the time, you seemed to be more uncomfortable. Is that right?

- It is not wrong, even if it is not just a verbal tic. How can I put this? It is probably unrelated, but some time ago, I was the victim of an incident that...

- Incident? Repeated his interlocutor, looking both perplexed and attentive.

- Incident is a big word, but an accident, yes, which left me with slight after-effects," nuanced Adelaide in a voice she wanted to be reassuring enough to conceal her own uncertainty.

- After-effects... can I know what happened?

- I'm not sure," Fleury admitted, trying hard to remember. Apparently, I accidentally slipped on the shore of a lake near our vacation home and fell headfirst onto a rock underwater. According to my parents, anyway.

If she was being completely honest, she could not remember any of it. Adelaide had a vague recollection of a lake she had been to, but she could not remember if it was alone or accompanied. She thought she remembered swimming, but felt uncertain about falling and almost drowning. Her first certain memory was of waking up in bed with her parents at her bedside. Out of honesty to herself and to the British, she could not hide her uncertainties.

- Don't you remember? Wondered the British man. Not even when it happened?

- Not really, no. It is not for lack of trying to remember, but as soon as I push too hard, I get severe migraines. My parents told me I am suffering from partial amnesia following the shock. I can't remember anything between two years ago and six years ago," she confessed dejectedly.

Adelaide did not know how to decipher his expression, which had returned to being very attentive and reserved. She was surprised to see someone so genuinely interested in what she was saying, without trying to judge her, and treating her like a relatively normal person. It reassured her a little, to have someone take her seriously about questions she could not talk to anyone about.

- Wow! Four years is quite something. It seems a lot for a simple accident, if you do not mind me saying so. I believe you, of course, it's just that it makes me wonder a bit," Velvet continued thoughtfully.

- I have been thinking the same thing, but what is the point of them lying to me?

- Well, let us leave it at that for tonight. I would not want to give you a raging headache and I do not want to look like the living dead. Shall we continue tomorrow?

The tea they had left was cold from the many exchanges they had had. Out of politeness, Adelaide finished what was left in her cup in one gulp before answering the British man.

- Are you sure? I thought you had to be somewhere else tomorrow.

- Change of plan. I have discussed it with Iskandar. It will not do us any harm to keep a low profile, as the mages looking for me must be desperate. We could take care of them with Iskandar, but we do not want to attract unnecessary attention. Do you have any plans?

- Nothing specific. I would just rather not go back to my parents. My elder brother is studying in London, so I could go and find him and try to negotiate with him so that he does not send me back to them. Just so, I know a bit more before deciding what I am going to do.

Adelaide had given this a lot of thought during her shower. The Frenchwoman was well aware that she would not be able to stay here too long, that this was just a stopover before bouncing back. Her new friend and his friend had already been kind enough to take her in and help her out. The teenager did not want to abuse their hospitality and delay them in their own schedules. Waver's explanations had fueled many questions buried in her mind, as to the origin of the mark on her back, her amnesia and the troubled dreams that sometimes haunted her nights. In the worst-case scenario, she had resolved to find the first pretext once back in France to return to the supposed scene of the accident, against her parents' wishes, to try to remember.

- Why not stay here for a few days? Suggested the Briton, before adding in a calmer voice. I may not look it, but I have been traveling with Rider for a while now. I know a lot about spirits and who knows, I might be able to help you out a bit.

- If you are sure it will not cause you any extra problems.

- Believe me, I'm used to him and the errands he makes me do," Velvet complained before smiling a little wider. We are safe here, there are barriers in place. They cannot without a direct mandate from the Aegis, at the risk of creating an unprecedented diplomatic incident.

In the end, what should have been a matter of two-three days had stretched into a good week. Adelaide had not seen the time go by, once she would become more familiar with the daily lives of these two strange thieves. Fleury had not caught the videogame bug to the same degree as they had, but the young woman had enjoyed rediscovering them alongside them to the point where she told herself that the next time her brother Tomas suggested she play with him, she would agree.

Waver had turned out to be better company than she had expected. Finding some common ground in terms of curiosity about several thaumaturgical and magical arts, he had shown her some of the work he was experimenting with on his own, and she had assisted him with some of his experiments... more or less successful depending on the case, but generally rather fun in the end.

Alchemy might not be his specialty, and he was clearly no expert in geomancy, but their respective curiosity helped them to exchange ideas on their respective fields of interest.

Iskandar intimidated her a little more, despite his very gruff sympathy. He was usually never far away and never shied away from interrupting conversations, not always at the right moment. He had a very assertive temperament and a vibrant passion for the art of warfare, very ambitious, which amused the Frenchwoman quite a bit. He and Waver had gone away a few times for a few minutes or several hours, but Fleury had not minded. The teenager had enjoyed exploring the library on site, a meagre sample of the collections they had "at home" according to her friend's lord, when she was not trying to create magic crystals. She also meditated from time to time, more or less productively, defying her migraines to explore her chaotic memory and explore different possible avenues of response.

It was the first time in a long time that she'd managed to strike up a real friendship with someone, and Waver didn't seem to mind breaking her usual studious solitude either. He liked her as she was, and reminded her of her best and only real friend, Berenice. In any case, she and Velvet had talked a lot over the last few days, especially about the mysteries surrounding her. He had a much stronger opinion than she did on the question of her parents' claims, the veracity of which he increasingly doubted. Naturally, Adelaide had defended them, but she had to admit that her own advocacy was increasingly undermined by his often-pertinent arguments, illustrated by his knowledge of the magical arts and spirits. The British man had brought her face to face with her own contradictions, of which she was not always aware.

Why did she feel so uncomfortable with her parents while relying solely on their assertions?

In the course of their joint reflection, they had come to an initial realization: something had indeed happened on a date yet undetermined, but the cause of her amnesia was much murkier. One mystery, however, remained unresolved. Who was the Spirit with whom she had made a contract? What had been the relationship between them? Why hadn't he manifested himself until now?

This Spirit, in Waver's opinion, was one of the main keys to the mystery of his amnesia.

The problem was, the world was vast and they did not know where to look. Velvet had revealed to him that there were several realms administered by spirits, scattered all over the globe. The existence of portals did not allow them to circumscribe the perimeter of their search, and Fleury's memory was far too fragmented to find a clue that could orient them. Naturally, the Frenchwoman had wanted to qualify the importance of her quest for the truth about his amnesia. She had argued that, after so many years, it was possible that the Spirit in question might have forgotten her, not wished to seek her out, and resolved to turn the page as time went by. The virulence of Waver's and his prestigious companion's reactions still surprised her. Iskandar had been indignant. In charge of the translation and the embassy, Waver had tried to clarify as best he could. According to Rider, many of the spirits he knew did not take such contracts lightly. It was a token of trust as well as a mark of recognition, for many, which they only granted in the rarest of cases.

He conceded, however, that it was surprising, if anything, that the Spirit had not found her. Waver, as a good conciliator, had added that it was all the more crucial to identify and find the Erotica Spirit in question in order to clarify, in person and face-to-face, what it was.

There were only two things she had kept from them, out of an instinct she could not quite explain: the existence of the golden key she wore around her neck, and her dreams. The latter had become recurrent since the Bordeaux incident, though still imprecise. As she listened with a distant ear to Waver and Iskandar energetically debating across the dining table over lunch, Adelaide closed her eyes to recall the latest dream.

Dreams had often taken her somewhere to a white-rock palace nestled in the heart of vast, arid, almost desert-like expanses. It was not as big as a second one she had sometimes glimpsed in certain dreams, but it was no less imposing. Sometimes it was a library, sometimes a sort of large school where she seemed to be teaching, sometimes she found herself surrounded by children with duller complexions than her own, clamoring for her attention.

There was no modern technology here, as if immersed in another era.

The city seemed quite busy and lively. Its inhabitants seemed to come from a variety of backgrounds, judging by their skin tones and appearance, but they were all dressed in a similar oriental-inspired way and all spoke the same language, which was both unknown and very familiar to her. All ages seemed to be represented, although young adults and children were very noticeable.

This time, however, she was not immersed in the city. No, this time she was in the palace.

In these unfamiliar surroundings, the teenager did not feel alone. She felt perfectly at home here.

People seemed to know her well here. Guards greeted her with respect, deference and friendliness. From time to time, women would ask for her advice on various subjects, to which she would answer either as best she could or redirect them to someone else... when she was not being a wise-ass.

In all these clouds of more or less familiar faces, one of them was always present.

She could never make out his features, but she could easily distinguish his presence from the others. It was like comparing the glow of a candle to the brightness of the sun, which brought this place to life. At first very distant and almost diluted in the mass of other people she did not recognize, his presence had become much more assertive since her hurried arrival in London...

No, she thought again. It had started when Waver had taken her through the portal to save their lives, of course, but it had become more pronounced after the evanescent touch on the tattoo on her back. It was as if it had awakened something long dormant inside her. It certainly had not improved her migraines, and her magical circuits were far less reactive.

That night, they were staying in rather luxurious apartments. They were certainly more modest than others she had seen in previous dreams, which were almost glittering with gilt. She had been particularly fascinated by the immense library in that night's apartment, as well as by the large writing case on which wax tablets rested.

The childlike figure that had haunted her scattered dreams over the last few years had, in the last week, become larger. She could still barely make out his features, but she was certain of it.

It was the same person, the same entity she had tried as a child to reproduce in her writing and drawing notebooks, this being her parents had not hesitated to call her imaginary friend.

He had joined her on the edge of the bed, sitting down beside her. She noticed the gold bracelets on his wrists and slowly straightened her face. His features remained as imprecise as ever, even this close to her, although she could clearly make out his blond hair this time. Perhaps she should have been afraid, but her body was relaxed and confident at his side.

He was talking to her. This time, she could hear his voice clear, then deeper. However, she could not understand what he was saying. His faceless interlocutor then pressed his hands into hers, before gradually leaning towards her and then hugging her to him, his head nestling close to her bare shoulder.

The other difference was the flood of emotions that hit her like a tidal wave. Loneliness, hope, worry, confidence, impatience, affection, intertwined like a thick bundle of knots.

Port of London, England. 2013.

One thing was certain; Waver was right, her parents' attitude towards her was suspect, as was the origin of her amnesia, which she suspected was of increasingly less natural origin.

Iskandar had not been wrong either, if her dreams were not just phantasmagorias of her psyche. She certainly had a lot of imagination, but not that much. Perhaps the nameless, faceless Spirit had not wanted her to disappear and had not stopped looking for her. It might have been simpler to tell them about the unusual dreams and the golden key, but something always held her back. The former was too intimate, and the latter too precious. Her preciousness intertwined both an instinctive duty to protect it and hide its secret, and an emotional attachment whose deep roots she was only just beginning to glimpse. Then there was her pride. They had helped her, and she intended to decipher the rest on her own.

With the help of Waver, who knew London well, she could locate her older brother's address in the English capital on the pocket map he had given her, as well as the means of transport she would need to get there. She could also find a bureau exchange to exchange her European currency for pounds sterling, which was de rigueur on Anglo-Saxon soil. When the British man offered to accompany her to the nearest Underground station, so she would not get lost, Adelaide had worried that the agents chasing them both might spot her spiritual companion. Waver had dismissed her concerns out of hand, asserting that they would not linger and that, besides, Iskandar was capable of becoming literally invisible and blurring his presence somewhat if the Rider so wished. All they had to do then was discreetly pass through a portal they would generate in an unassuming alleyway to leave the English lands and reach the spiritual realm ruled by the Conqueror. Both the Spirit and the magician renewed their offers to help her in her search and to offer her refuge in these lands, but the Frenchwoman politely declined for the time being. She did, however, promise to contact them should she find herself in difficulty.

To this end, Waver entrusted her with a rune stone of her own creation, so that she could contact them and they could locate her.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly. They left the residence without a hitch, and made their way to the city center without encountering any notable difficulties. The mood was good, and they were more rested as Waver pointed out the capital's most significant landmarks. Alas, a few meters before the station where they were to drop her off, two sadly familiar silhouettes emerged from the shadows, accompanied by two curious individuals whose features were concealed under masks. One wore a long, dark coat, the other a rather revealing outfit and bobbed hair. Waver immediately stepped in between the mages and the Frenchwoman as the two shadows rushed at them. It was then that lightning struck without warning to stop the two assailants in mid-air, Rider's imposing build coming to the fore.

- You certainly gave us a run for our money, Mr. Velvet! Exclaimed the first agent.

- They say it is good for your health, so you should be thanking me. Waver retorted.

- He thinks he is funny too. Not another step. Nor you, young woman. We are also arresting you as an accomplice. Keep the Spirit quiet and nothing will happen to you. Said the second agent, as the two shadows cut off their escape route.

- Honestly, can't you just walk away? You must have better things to do than waste our time, and yours. Do you even know who he is? Waver asked wearily, indicating with a glance Iskandar, who was watching the four individuals with majesty.

- Whoever he is, you are not only in breach of the Treaty, but also repeat offenders. In addition, you, mademoiselle, are in an irregular situation. You are all coming with us. Do not make me repeat myself, and do not make me do it the hard way again. Replied the first agent.

- Is this a new way of doing things in law enforcement? Is this the new school of "cooperate or get beaten up"? I thought the police across the Channel were more civilized than in France. Commented Adelaide, not without irony.

- Mage police? You are mistaken. We are agents of the Aegis, from the Longinus brigade. Not another word or you will end up in contempt of state. Said the second agent.

The Aegis? She at least knew the name of this organization that regulates affairs involving spirits. From what she had been told, it was an independent, international agency with obscure operations, in charge of exceptional cases involving spirits and the protection of the Treaty. As such, its agents had exceptional authority. Nevertheless, the Frenchwoman found it hard to conceive of Waver and Rider as criminals, and had heard enough of the scandals and dirty dealings in France to retain a certain distrust of the authorities, especially the magical ones. Fascinating as it was, the world of mages was no less deceitful. One of the two spirits accompanying the agents multiplied into several clones of himself, different in appearance, but all with their features concealed beneath deathly-white masks. No... It was not in class that she had first heard of the Aegis.

She was convinced of it. Someone had mentioned it to her, on a number of occasions; in the past, a grimace of discomfort crossed her face as a migraine as sudden as it was familiar struck her. She saw Waver watching her inquisitively out of the corner of his eye, before turning his attention back to the two mages, while Iskandar kept both sight and respect for the spirits who had allied themselves with their opponents. The only response from the Rider and the young mage to the agents claiming to be Aegis was silent. Waver held out his hand with the seals of the contract, conjuring up a portal, while Iskandar, with his back straight, materialized a short sword and his lightning chariot. The Erotica Soul, usually adorned with his broad smile, now sported serious, frowning features as the King of Conquerors placed himself between the Spirits and them, declaring boldly.

- We will talk after we have put you out of your misery. Prove your worth to mages, spirits, and me! Let us see what you have.

Before she could do anything, Waver turned to Adelaide, his features taut with the concentration and spiritual energy he was bestowing on both the portal and Rider, and summoned her.

- Hurry up! I will not be able to keep it active for long. He will send you to safety, and we will meet you there as soon as we have taken care of the four clowns here.

Adelaide was about to protest that she knew how to fight and could help them, but closed her mouth and nodded silently, her fists clenched and trembling. It pained her to admit it, but the opponents they faced were on a completely different level to her own. The Frenchwoman would be no more than a millstone around their necks, likely to slow them down and encumber them more than anything else. This observation left a bitter taste in her mouth, but she knew it was nonetheless undeniable.

- Go with her, Waver! I have a few words to exchange with them, after I have taken care of them.

The Erotica Spirit smiled broadly at the other mages and Erotica Souls. Adelaide was not reassured by his smile, which reflected no gruff friendliness. The Hero's good mood had vanished as soon as he realized that the mages had attacked his young friend. Waver hesitated, his dark eyes darting back and forth between the Frenchwoman and his liege. No doubt, diplomatically, it was not the best choice, but his king had made up his mind. The Briton let out a sonorous sigh, blunted by a thin, weary but respectful smile. Grabbing Adelaide by the hand and dragging her along, the two young men hurried towards the gate. They were not doing it out of the goodness of their hearts, but they had to trust him and each other.

After a deep breath, the teenager picked up her toehold and leapt into the magical portal, as she would have done in a long jump event, Waver's hand clasping hers. A crimson glow haloed the portal, in response to the magic released by Waver's pact spells. Adelaide tensed as they passed through the portal, the pact seal on the teenager's back seeming to react with the ambient energy of the bewitched door, gold opposing purple. The chain with the golden key attached around her neck was revealed on her top, sparkling, burning.

Something was wrong, she could feel it! Before she could warn Waver, however, the portal had closed behind them and her magical circuits protested at being so stressed.

Powerless, the teenagers were overwhelmed by an ancient magic, swept along in its wake.