AN: sorry for the late update, between working on other stories and a dying relative I've been busy. The ending is a little lackluster but I wasn't sure how to conclude it.
Chapter 24: Welcome Back
Finally back. Can't decide if I'm happy to be back somewhere familiar or sorry that I'm back in this cesspool of magus control freaks.
The good news is I have less things to worry about (aside from the acolytes) in Britain. Hopefully there is not a chanc eof reprisal from Celi's colleagues. Also hopefully Richter can hold it together when he comes into contact with Lord Rheon.
What's really concerning is whatever Celenike is going to arrange with Clock Tower. That's two factors that I don't fancy the idea of coming together. Guess I'll find out here soon.
April 17, 2009
Elric was waiting outside of Lord Rheon's office with Luvia and Mordred—all while Gilgamesh and Enkidu remained in spirit form—awaiting the green light to finally enter the room where his father and Celenike were still in the midst of discussion. If the walls weren't so thick—or perhaps the room was something akin to a Bounding Field—he could have heard what they were saying.
He had been waiting on this for atleast a full day. Since returning from Europe they had been forcing Elric and his Uncle to wait in a hotel under guard by the Glaives. They permitted him to have visitors—mostly Luvia—and brought him some books to read but that was the extent of what he could do. It was almost as if his family was worried he'd try to run off or something.
The wait was excruciating.
"You look nervous." his uncle Richter pointed out, hoping to do something to distract him from the anxiety he was feeling.
Elric shrugged his shoulders in response. "Yeah…well the situation isn't exactly ideal, uncle Richter."
"How bad could things get, exactly?" Mordred asked. Leaning against a wall with her arms crossed, feeling a similar sense of anxiety knowing that her mother was in the room with Celenike—likely making the situation worse.
"Who can say?" Elric sighed. "On a scale from one to ten…maybe it's eleven." Though atleast Mordred was talking to him again with brief reprieve from her insults.
Luvia attempted to be the voice of hope "Perhaps it is not as detrimental as you and your partner imagine." though that did little to deter Elric's pessimism.
Eventually the door opened abruptly and Regis emerged. "Lord Rheon will see you now." Before disappearing behind the door once again.
Rising from the chair, Elric muttered "Might as well get this over with."
Watching them enter, still putting off having to deal with her treacherous mother, Mordred told them "Have fun." as she was left in the hall with Regis' servant, Bedivere.
Glancing at the Knight of Treacher, Bedivered asked "So, how have you faired Mordred?" hoping they could be somewhat amicable.
Mordred's response to The Shining Airgetlám was as thought out as it was her idea of reasonable "Go to hell, kiss ass."
"I see you are as vulgar as ever."
Inside Elric and Luvia found Lord Rheon sitting behind his desk with Morgan resting a hand on her master's shoulder, almost indicating something of an intimate relationship, which itself was of itself little surprise to the freelancer. If his father was banging the Castor servant he would almost expect it. He was unfaithful to his first wife who made a vow of loyalty to, so why would it be any different with Lisa Thorn? Then again, Elric doubted Lisa would have cared much. As long as the ring was on her finger, Rheon was devoted to her and her soul, and she was still the official Lady Rheon she would be satisfied.
Across the desk in one of the two chairs was Celenike who gave Elric a wicked smirk.
Luvia seated herself in the second free chair. Elric stood next to her, ignoring Celenike's lecherous gaze, glancing briefly at Regis who stood close to the door looking all dignified as usual before looking back to his father.
Richter remained quiet, resting against the wall behind the two chairs.
"Richter…it's been a while." Lord Rheon attempted to play nice—or pretended to as best he could—but it earned him little more than loathing and a cold stare from the estranged former brother-in-law.
Richter grunted slightly, retorting "Hello, scum."
"..."
He seemed to take the hint. Richter may have been willing to work with Clock Tower, but he still hated Edward Rheon, still hated the very ground he walked and the air he breathed.
"Very well, then," Lord Rheon sighed, looking at Elric with his usual scornfulness (reminescent of Tywin Lannister) which was always reserved for the unwanted son. "I have spoken with Lady Iceolle about the matter of her circumstance and we have reached an agreement."
Fan-fucking-tastic…
Looking into his father's eyes all Elric could do in response was ask coldly "What is it?"
Elric made no attempt to be civil (just as his Uncle was). Despite the good times he had in Romania, this was still his father he was dealthing with—the man who held him in contempt from day one, the man who abandoned him, who betrayed his mother and trampled on her memory—so whatever arrangement had been reached between the two.
"She has agreed to work at Clcok Tower as a consultant in my department, providing us with her knowledge on Alagadda."
"Sounds good…" Elric was quick to show his cynical side "What does she want in return?"
"Elric…" Luvia tried to calm him, resting a hand on his to little effect.
"In return," Lord Rheon continued, "We shall be providing her with shelter from her past associates and help with another matter she has regarding a family matter."
"Family matters…? What family? She has none left. As far as I know she's the last of her clan."
"Yes…" Celenike interjected, "I believe you may help with this matter."
Luvia looked to Celenike, still holding onto Elric's hand, and asked "Meaning…?"
"You are still wed to Edelfelt." Rheon explained, with Richter beginning to form a face of disbelief—similar to his nephew—as he realized where this was going, "And Icecolle is to be helped in siring a heir for her own family."
Elric was less than happy. "I'll fucking what?"
"Manners, Belmont." Regis told him as he remained by the door.
Elric shot Regis a death glare, one which practically said shut it, before looking back to Lord Rheon. "I refuse."
"The decision is not your's to decide." Lord Rheon told him inresponse, remaining firm and indifferent to his unwanted son's resistance to the agreement. "You will, at some point, father a child with Celenike and Edelfelt. Should you refuse I shall find another pressure point to exploit."
"You son of a…" Elric was ready to draw Knall and put a bullet through the nobleman's skull.
Celenike smirked still at the sight of her past lover's frustration, as well as being silently confused by Luvia's silence, satisfied that this would work to her advantage.
"In addition to this," Lord Rheon then reached into his shirt pocket to retrieve something of importance—a picture—which he placed on the table. "There is another matter which requires attention." And, much to Elric's horror, he saw that the picture was the one Trish had given him back in Trifas.
Elric began to ask "How did you…?" but could not even finish his words. It was one of his worst fears realized: Lord Rheon became aware of Allen.
"You neglected to conceal this properly. Nyx found this while you were still resting." Lord Rheon explained, glancing at the photo and Elric's discomfort with amusement. "I must confess my surprise. I was aware Ned's illegitimate daughter had produced a heir, to think you were the father…another benefit for us."
Elric flashed with anger, drawing his Knall without hesitation. Morgan prepared to cast a spell and Regis to interfer but Rheon raised his hand to gesture that they should not concern themselves. Elric looked into his father's eyes, both waiting to awaiting the result, and said "If you ever—ever!—lay a hand on my son, I promise you'll more than regret it."
"I will?" Lord Rheon smirked.
Elric did not back down "I will destroy everything, and everyone you care about. I'll burn Clock Tower to the ground, if I must." pressing the muzzle brake barrel of the pistol against his father's forehead.
"What, exactly, is it that which you believe I will do to him? He is my grandson—an illegitimate one, but my grandson nonetheless—so long as you comply with my wishes he shall live a normal life."
"You'll never touch him. Neither you nor your sycophants will ever lay a hand on him. I forbid it."
Rheon's venemos smirk persisted.
As the stand off remained tense the door suddenly opened and in walked Somnus who, upon seeing the scene, could only think to ask "What did I miss?"
"Nothing, my son." Lord Rheon told him, rising from his chair, then glanced back at Elric to inform him "I assure you, compliance ensures no retaliation will be necessary." before he walked toward the door, sliding the picture closer to the freelancer. "Now if you will excuse me I have other matters in Clock Tower to attend to."
Elric and Luvia took the hint, it was his subtle way of saying now get lost.
They left and found their way to a private room to discuss things. Updating Mordred on the situation as they did so. Mordred was only able to think to say "The hell?" in response to the news.
"This is all insane." was all Elric could think in response to this development, to the idea of Celenike being his mistress. The idea was asinine to a certain point; and the fact Lord Rheon believed that he would just go along with this was pure madness as far as the freelancer was concerned. "Does he actually expect me to go along with this?"
"It certainly appears so." Luvia said deep in contemplation.
"Yes…" Gilgamesh mused, stroking his chin slowly as he and Enkidu emerged from his spirit form. "It is certainly queer. Though I struggle to understand why you are bothered by this."
"What?"
Gilgamesh was quick to elaborate his thoughts as usual "She seems to be fetching enough of a beauty." Holding nothing back. "Perhaps even could prove to be an ideal asset in dealing with certain matters in the future."
"I think I'd rather swallow a bullet, both literally and figuratively." Elric said, feeling as if he was filled with leagues of disinclination toward the very idea. He had Luvia in his life once again and things between them were more than good and even if his fiancee was willing to tolerate the idea of his having another woman in his life alongside her (not counting Trish) Celenike Icecolle was not exactly one of the first ones who came to mind. He would rather it be Trish or Zed. Hell, he'd even consider trying something with that cute Iscariot girl that Clitus had shadowing him. But Celi was more of a cause for him to have so many reservations one would almost expect him to be connected to a casino. He could admit to finding her distinctly attractive but given their past together that attraction was counteracted to a degree.
The conversation continued.
Richter was on Elric's side on this, as was Mordred, reminding them "The woman attempted to molest him, or have you forgotten?"
"I have not." Gilgamesh retorted.
Luvia added "Nor have I."
The whole situation was a cluster fuck of a headache.
At the Iscariot headquarters, Liliana followed behind one of her elders.
She was proffered no explanation as to why Enrico had requested her presence, merely expected to comply as always with their orders. It was just "Enrico want to see you" and that was it.
This was nothing new, in fact it was something of a norm to how her life was among the Iscariots.
She was brought to a room, and as the door opened she had Enrico and his subordinates glaring at her.
"Welcome, Fairbrook." Enrico greeted her as she was ushered into the room. Gesturing his hand toward a chair, basically telling her sit without uttering the exact word. It was a silent command which Liliana complied with forthwith. Enrico was her leader, her commander and chief, and thus she would listen without hesitation. Clitus would expect nothing less.
"You wished to speak with me."
"Yes." a council woman told her as she approached with a photo in hand. "Do you recognize the man in this picture?"
Taking the photo delicately, Liliana was surprised by the captured image she saw: it was that arroganct half-breed who bested her and Clitus. "Wha!" Just seeing his face brought back unpleasant memories.
Enrico accepted her reaction as confirmation. "So you do recognize him?"
"I…" Liliana managed to regain some of her composure, realizing she was seconds from acting like a fool. "I do, Anderson." Attempting to hand the picture back to the council woman only to be told "Keep it." as she continued to speak. "They call him Elric Belmont. He's a half homonculous."
"Indeed." Enrico said. "He has become a subject of interest for our organization as of late."
Hopefully for assassination, Liliana thought.
"Is he your type?" the council woman suddenly blurted out.
"Huh?" Liliana blushed slightly at the question. "What do you mean by that?"
"This Elric Belmont is in some regards a contradiction to what we have come to expect." Enrico elucitaded. "We have dedicated ourselves to the eradication of all homoncui to plague this freelancer who should be opposed to us strongly has done more to enable our mission to continue—there have even been instances of him even aiding our warriors in their task."
What?
"And has even spared some of our own, even in cases where Iscariots have emerged to either eliminate or oppose him on missions of his own." Enrico continued. "So, as you may be able to imagine, he has become a person of interest to us."
"I still don't…"
"We're getting to that." a councilman explained.
Enrico was as blunt as he possibly could be while he pointed to the photo in her hand. "Liliana, we wish for you to travel to Clock Tower for the purpose of observing this man."
"Wha! Why me?"
"I understand that this Belmont has expressed something of a fondness for you. Perhaps you could exploit this to our advantage."
Liliana was left flustered and flabbergasted. Presuming Marcus is responsible, somehow.
Suffice to say she wanted to refuse the task. Though she was subtle about it. "Can you not find someone else? Perhaps Clitus."
"We're afraid this is not up for negotiation."
The conversation was then a series of back and forths. With Liliana attempting to weasel her way out of the predicament but found herself ultimately leaving with the picture in her pocket and a bitter taste in her mouth. Finding her way to a table on the outskirts of the compound which the Iscariot's called home.
As she waited at the table, contemplating,
Liliana continued to look at the picture of the freelancer, left confused by Enrico's words. Not sure what gave her leader the impression that she would be the ideal candidate for that type of assignment.
She was joined by her friend Eria, who was given a glimpse of the picture. Once she had enough of a gander, a question arose "Is he your type, Liliana?"
"Wha!" the iscariot gasped with blushing cheeks. "My type?" Already able to hear the teases of her friend coming a mile off.
"Well, he's pretty good looking for a homunculus."
Once again, Liliana Fairbanks was left blushingly flustered because of the damn freelancer.
Luvia's elated moaning echoed lowly in the dark hotel room."Yes…oh, yes, Elric…" All while Belmont loomed over Luvia in bed. Thrusting hard and Luvia bucking her hips as she and her fiance made love in the darkened hotel room which he was again treating as a base of operations. Watching whilst he moved his own, seeing glimpses of the scars on his body thanks to the lamps.
Mordred and the other two servants were off for the moment, leaving the two lovers to themselves. Allowing Elric time to ravage his lithe fiance, making up for allowing him to spend a night with Trish back in Paris. Railing Luvia with a passionate zeal. Showing less restraint than he had when they shared a bed in Trifas.
Both savoring the feeling of being alive.
Their fingers woven together as both were smiling in the zenith of carnal bliss. Luvia's legs snuggled against his waist sides. Elric kissed her lips as he continued to invade her body, with Luvia kissing him back in equal passion. Luvia wanted this again and again, wanting all of him to herself for as long as possible.
Before long the two reached the orgasmic conclusion and Luvia was clinging to him tightly. Reaching the apotheosis of pleasure once more as Elric made the last thrust into her body.
"Oof…"
As he pulled himself free from her grip, they shared another kiss, then Elric collapsed to her side with a sigh and Luvia rested herself on him as they shared a moment of silence.
Elric had hoped to distract himself from the matter of Celenike for a while. He was awaiting the arrival of a letter from Nell back in America regarding those Alagadan notes his unwanted mistress had given them back in Romania, but that offered little of a distraction for him from the day's events.
He looked to Luvia, resting on him, and could only think I don't want to lose this.
"Elric.'' Suddenly his pondering was cut short by Luvia's voice. "Are you worried about today?" Having reached the point in their relationship where she seemed to know what he was thinking at times. Rising up to face him. "About what Lord Rheon had decided for you."
"A little." Elric told her as he pulled himself up. "I'm trying not to think about that, to be perfectly honest." Stroking her cheek with a smile. "You've certainly helped me with that."
Luvia smiled back. Feeling his hand slide down, touching her thigh. "I'm more than happy to help." Leaning herself closer to him. Wrapping her arms around his necks, with their faces inches apart.
Again, they would kiss.
Pulling themselves away from each other, the two lovers proceeded to dress themselves. As she was buttoning the last one to her dress, Luvia asked him "Do you suppose that this is a part of some grand scheme by your father?"
"Perhaps." Elric responded. "It is certainly a possibility. Or at the very least he is adapting to the situation and trying to make it work to his advantage."
As he thought on the matter it made a degree of sense for Lord Rheon to do such a thing. Though if he was expecting the problem child to sire a child with her Elric found some amusement in the possible disappointment Edward Rheon would be forced to experience.
"Do you believe this is still about a union between our families…?"
"Hopefully." Elric said before facing his fiance to rest his hands on her shoulders. "I'm going to find us a way out of this. Rheon isn't going to control us like this."
Luvia believed him, though she wondered what it would cost the man she loved.
