‘I recall I began to realize the severity of the situation at that second explosion too.’ The Colonel said with a nod.
Auden grimaced, ‘Well, on the fringes of the house at that point, pardon the phrase, all Hell broke loose. People in armor with big guns jumping through windows; more people landing on the helipad on the roof; several big tank-things running through the walled gardens knocking down trees; laser-guidance marks of sniper-rifles everywhere…’ He shrugged as he propped up his feet on the bed, ignoring Reginald’s twitch of annoyance, ‘The numbers were the only problem, really.’
‘Estimation?’
Auden thought for a moment; ‘At least fourteen parties of twenty armed individuals, Maybe two or three parties more in total.’ He finally said. Then he frowned; ‘Didn’t you notice?’
The Colonel looked at Auden’s feet.
Auden’s eyes narrowed.
‘I was otherwise occupied.’ Reginald finally said, his mind flickering briefly to a memory.
You mean you heard Sutherland’s screams. ‘It did happen quickly.’ Auden said magnanimously, ‘One of the reasons their raid succeeded.’
‘And they attacked from several angles simultaneously.’ Reginald mused.
‘Once we take back the mansion we should remedy that.’
Auden frowned. ‘How would you bar against that?’ He wondered, ‘Outside of relocating to a lonely mountain or so?’
Reginald’s gaze rose to the ceiling in contemplation. ‘First of all; sub-terrain metal-detection units set unobtrusively in a half a mile parameter around the complex.’
Auden grinned, ‘What, no laser-grid?’
The Colonel shot him a look, ‘Too random a system, we don’t want regular fauna tripping the alarm.’
‘As if any wild fauna willingly gets within any distance of Nemesis and me.’ Auden chuckled.
‘Regardless,’ Reginald sighed, ‘Lasers will only be put on as decoys.’
‘Aye, sir.’ Auden said with a mock salute.
Reginald rolled his eyes.
Success, Auden though jubilantly.
Knock, knock.
Both men looked towards the door.
‘Enter.’ The Colonel said.
Sutherland opened the door. ‘I collected some supplies.’ He said, ‘And Ms. Nemesis was prowling the hall-’
As he spoke Nemesis shot by him, jumped and landed on the foot of the bed, eyes fixed on the Colonel. ‘Are you back? Back to stay?’ She asked.
Reginald’s eyes narrowed at the uncharacteristic softness of her voice. ‘I am.’ He replied.
She nodded as she settled down on the bed, hugging her knees against her chest. ‘Don’t go for so long again.’ She said, voice slightly scolding, ‘Suthers and Auden were really miffed.’
The Colonel held her gaze. Then he nodded once without breaking eye contact. ‘I shall endeavor to return earlier next time.’
Nemesis’s face brightened.
‘You do know that now we’ve got a free pass to shake you silly when you’re out of it.’ Auden added.
Reginald looked at him and shrugged, ‘I shall just have to avoid going anywhere.’ He said, ‘After all, there is too much work to be done in this world. ’
Nemesis giggled. Then she leapt forward and gave him a hug.
As the Colonel tolerated the added pressure around his torso, arms gingerly on the defensive incase she needed to be bodily moved, he spotted Sutherland who hadn’t moved from the door opening.
‘Sutherland?’ Auden asked on following the Colonel’s gaze
The butler snapped forward and handed the vampire a bundle of papers and several pencils and pens.
Auden grinned, 'I was enjoying our winding down time after that very satisfactory night of scaring and slicing. Dawn an hour or so away. Tumbler glass full of freshly harvest blood. Roaring fire in the place, as I preferred it. I was reading Schopenhauer.' He mused silently for a moment, 'Interesting ideas that man has, the metaphysical will that perpetually and malignantly seeks satiation. An almost... vampire-like view of the world really. I hope I'll be able to finish the book someday.'
Before Reginald could verbally voice his rising irritation at the digression, he continued.
'I think.... Had Sutherland just been by to bring my morning newspaper? Either that or he it had left for a while, Schopenhauer was engrossing me something fierce. I think that's when I heard the first signs of what was to come. Nothing major, but a small... ticking sound?’ Auden frowned, ‘It was a repetitive short sound that wasn't any clock we had in the house. I still am unsure what it was exactly, but it was innocuous sounding. Therefore it didn't alarm me at the time. I assumed it was part of a game Nemesis was playing or so.'
The Colonel nodded.
'But then I heard the what would be the first bomb-blast on the other side of the manor.’ Auden shrugged, ‘Nemesis has blown up things before, so that again didn't alarm me as much as it should have. I set my book down, and my drink, and began to search for the blast site.' He stopped for a moment. 'I saw you in the door opening of your parlor, didn't I? I nodded to you as I passed.'
The Colonel nodded again.
'Well, like I said I wasn't alarmed in the slightest, despite hearing something moving around in glass and debris further down the hall. That is, until I came across Nemesis.’ His face darkened for a moment, ‘As I passed she emerged from the war room with Little Cuca in her arms, asking what just went boom.'
Reginald's lips tightened.
Auden nodded. 'As you can imagine, I began to realize what was going on then.' He continued, 'Especially when the second explosion ripped through the house, coming from a different area of the house.'
Sutherland returned quickly both with the fluid and the vampire.
‘I had to see it to believe it.’ Auden stated from the door opening as Sutherland gave the Colonel a full glass of water. A twinkle of relief in his golden eyes. ‘About time, Reg.’ He said with a grin and an indulgent shake of his head.
‘Indeed.’ Reginald said after finishing his drink, ‘I hope you have rested sufficiently.’
‘Yes, I have.’ Auden said as he walked in and sat on the only chair by the bed.
‘That is fortunate as I wish to initiate planning the counterstrike.’
Sutherland frowned slightly, ‘But, sir, you are still healing.’
Reginald tensed and then looked at him out of the corner of his eye, ‘I am sound of mind, if not of body.’ He said, ‘I can plan from this bed is necessary, Sutherland, so if you would gather papers, pens and other such materials we will need…’ His voice trailed off meaningfully. Abscond, Edwin.
Sutherland’s eyes lowered sharply and he nodded infinitesimally.
Trouble in paradise? Auden thought mordantly as Sutherland left the room. He lifted a brow at the man in the bed.
Reginald copied his expression, ‘Yes, Auden?’
‘What?’ Auden asked innocently.
The Colonel’s brows rose.
Auden quirked a smile. ‘Nothing.’ He said sweetly. Nothing you are admitting to yourself at the moment.
The Colonel’s eyes narrowed. Silence.
Blocking me again, Reg… To your own peril. The vampire’s smirk grew. ‘You know, Reggie, with the bed-head and the blankets up to your chin; that glare really loses its sting.’
The eyes narrowed slightly more. Auden…
The vampire’s tone became playful, ‘You’re almost… adorable like this. Like… like a little, angry puppy.’
The eyes narrowed even further.
The vampire tilted his head, narrowing his eyes and pursing his lips in speculation. ‘Nope, still an angry puppy.’
The grey eyes closed with an aspirated sigh. ‘I see this past week hasn’t dampened your sardonic wit.’ I was looking forward to the reprieve of it.
Auden grinned. ‘No chance, bro.’
‘Bro?’ Reginald repeated deadpan, ‘I see my presence is sorely needed to uphold our venture’s professional standing.’
‘Who else keep our hindquarters whipped in line towards the greater chaos?’ Auden sighed melodramatically.
‘Yes.’ Reginald said, ‘Despite Nemesis’s capabilities with the lash; she is no commander.’
Auden frowned in confusion and looked at the Colonel, noticing a small glimmer in his eye. Excellent. If he’s making wisecracks, he’ll be fine. Auden chuckled, ‘I don’t know, Reg; she had started picking up her dolls after playtime these past years.’
‘True.’ Reginald replied, ‘She might make Lieutenant yet.’
Auden chuckled louder. ‘It’s good to have you back, my friend.’ He said quietly.
Grey eyes met gold eyes. Reginald nodded once. ‘Down to business.’ He then said.
‘Yes, let’s get started.’ Auden agreed lightly.
‘First we must synchronize our knowledge of the assault.’ The Colonel said, ‘Please.’ He added with a gesture.
Auden clapped his hands once, ‘The night began as most others.’ He said dramatically.
Reginald took the glass of water, his hand shaking slightly. He then brought it to his lips for a careful sip.
‘I hope it’s the correct temperature.’ Sutherland said, hands clutching each other eagerly.
Reginald’s brow twitched. ‘It is acceptable.’ He said hoarsely, ‘I am aware we do not have the facilities for many luxuries.’
Sutherland nodded, shoulders drooping.
‘How long,’ He stopped speaking to clear his throat and take another drink, ‘How long have I been… unresponsive?’
‘Eight days, five hours and a handful of minutes.’ Sutherland said softly.
The Colonel blinked, ‘Unacceptable.’ He said, voice edging on bitter.
Sutherland stepped forward, his voice soothing; ‘The events that occurred-’
‘Are no excuse.’ Reginald said sharply, voice clearing up. ‘I should have been aware and sane a week ago. This is unacceptable.’
‘Sir, you were nearly ripped apart!’ Sutherland’s voiced nearly raised an octave, then he collected himself, ‘You are still recuperating. There is no shame in healing.’
Reginald blinked silently again, eyes pensive. ‘My memories are quite vague.’ Reginald said slowly, ‘I recall the siren alerting us the security breach. I also recall sudden loud explosions, fire and many… soldiers?’
‘They did seem military-grade.’ Sutherland agreed softly, his face paling slightly.
‘The grids and defensive shielding were not responding.’ He enumerated, eyes on the faraway wall as he forced memories to surface, ‘The weapons’ room was the first target of the assault. I remember hearing indications that the Pack was attacking…’
‘None survived.’ Sutherland confirmed.
Reginald closed his eyes for a moment. ‘And I recall crashing and shouting…’ He looked at Sutherland.
Sutherland looked at his feet.
‘How were we harmed during the attack?’ Reginald asked, his rough voice deceptively calm.
‘The house was damaged, but I believe it is still standing. We all sustain varying degrees of injury.’ Sutherland reported looking at the other’s shoulder, ‘You were by far the worst casualty.’
‘Details if you please, Sutherland.’
‘Auden had scrapes from fighting mainly. He was fully healed within a day. Nemesis was similarly scraped. Additionally her hair became tangled with the nets and ropes they used, to a degree that Auden ordered it to be cut. Otherwise she too was unharmed.’
Reginald looked at Sutherland sternly, ‘And what of your injuries?’
‘Minimal, sir.’ Sutherland dismissed.
‘You were never part of martial forces, Sutherland.’ Reginald said, ‘And despite my experiences; I was overwhelmed.’
Sutherland’s eyes shut sharply.
‘I am aware of your skills of evasion, but even those skills have their limits. And I have memories of screaming.’ Reginald said gently, although his eyes narrowed, ‘Visions of you being held down, surrounded by half a dozen soldiers…’
Sutherland fidgeted, eyes still closed.
‘Details.’ Reginald demanded quietly.
‘You prevented any real damage from occurring.’ Sutherland said quietly. ‘I was… anxious, very anxious, that they would do… harm as they threatened to. But I was only punched and kicked several times. Before they could realize their bigger threats, you appeared.’
Reginald’s shoulders relaxed slightly.
‘I am sorry you needed to come to my aid,’ Sutherland whispered, ‘and that they fulfilled some of their threats they made to me on you. It may be your responsibility to keep me unharmed but-’
‘But, nothing.’ Reginald said firmly, finishing the glass of water, ‘Now I wish you to find Auden and bring me another drink.’
Sutherland slowly pushed the door open, grimacing at the slight squeak. ‘Sir?’ He whispered again.
The faint light coming off the town cast a spectral glow over the nearly bare room and the bandage clad man. The figure on the bed was still awake and sitting up, staring out of the window as he had since awaking several days before.
‘I’m here to check your dressings.’ Sutherland murmured from the door.
Silence.
Sutherland sighed but entered. He sat down on the bed and reached out gently. Carefully his hand stroked the cotton swathing part of his head. ‘The bleeding has stopped.’ He said quietly, ‘Good.’ Sutherland looked at the pale face for a moment.
‘Despite our physics such blood loss is draining.’ Sutherland continued. He then swallowed with difficulty, ‘You lost so much blood…’ His voice trailed off.
His finger retreated and he took several shaky breaths before resuming his investigation.
‘You are healing well.’ he said, after clearing his throat, ‘My tinctures seem to be helping. Or… I hope they are. In any small way…’
Silence.
‘I am sorry I cannot help more.’ He murmured.
Unseen by Sutherland, Reginald blinked slowly.
Sutherland became silent as he furthered his perusal, checking the torso for restrictive bindings or signs of continued blood loss. Fingers slid deftly along the stiff fabric. Sutherland sensed the warmth of the body underneath. My dear master, he thought sadly, if only… if only… If only I could hear your voice.
I feel so lost.
‘I do hope you return to us soon.’ Sutherland breathed.
Again, unseen by Sutherland, Reginald blinked slowly. Even slower than before.
‘They must pay, those that brutalized-’ Sutherland interrupted himself, ‘I… I am grateful for the protection you gave me but… this price was too high.’ Far too high. ‘They must not win.’
Reginald turned his head and looked Sutherland in the eye.
Sutherland’s blue gaze widened as his hands froze. ‘Sir?’ He breathed.
‘Do you plan on taking them on single handedly?’ His whispering voice was very gravely.
‘I-If I must-’ Sutherland managed to say. He is TALKING! Thank the Gods, HE IS TALKING!
‘I ask you to refrain from marching on our former residence on your own.’ He said firmly, ‘I dare say this entire household would prefer to accompany you on the endeavor.’
‘Y-Yes, sir.’ Sutherland replied, clasping his hands in an effort to contain his joy.
‘Additionally, you are less capable in combat as you are in other areas.’ He continued. His demeanor was almost identical to before the siege, except for the slight shake in his hands and a quiet tremor in his softer than usual speech. ‘Nemesis is the specialist of ensuring true suffering of those that oppose. You are better served in providing cover from a distance. Sniping perhaps.’
‘Indeed, sir.’ Sutherland sighed. Your murmurs are nectar to my soul. ‘Do you want some water? Or perhaps tea?’
Grey eyes became kindly. ‘Water will suffice.’ Reginald whispered.
YES SIR! Sutherland nearly scampered to the door.
‘And Sutherland…’
Sutherland stopped and looked back, hand already on the doorknob. ‘Sir?’
The Colonel tilted his head. ‘I am responsible for your wellbeing,’ Reginald said, his raspy voice gaining volume, ‘and I refuse to have anyone mark you in the manner of your previous employer again.’
Sutherland was glowing heatedly as he tripped, pleased, to the kitchen.
The vampire stormed through the house till he ended up outside. Unaffected by the cold air he strode through the weed conquered garden until he reached the overgrown fence. His breathing slowly slowed.
What if he’ll never get back to normal? His fists tightened. We barely had a century’s run! It can’t be done now! Crumbling after one lucky shot… What would Nemmie do? We’re the only people she knows, the only real connection she has and the only people she’ll listen too… Koko won’t want another kid to look after. Especially one that’ll never grow up eventually. And what would I do?
Auden swallowed with difficulty.
What would I do? … wow. I’m just as poorly connected as Nemmie…
I had a family once. A happy one. Till they were butchered like cattle…
I had a love once. A true one. Till she was slain, together with our unborn child…
I had a plan of vengeance once. An honorable one. Till it ended my life as I then knew it…
I had a place of importance once. A good one. Till I disappointed him because of who I am….
I had a life once. A fulfilling one. Till the people I depended one crumbled-
He shook his head.
He has to get through this, for all our sakes.
The sky in the meantime had become a near featureless black. In the distance he could see patches of sickening yellow light polluting the sky.
He’ll come around, he insisted internally, someday.
A door creaked. Auden turned towards the house and listened as Sutherland walked through the corridors carefully.
The man knocked on Reginald’s door and gently opened it.
Auden gently set the tray on the bed-side table. It’s unnerving that his thoughts sound so… lost. Unsolicited; memories faded with time flashed by his mind’s eye. Taunting him with their similarities to what he saw now, the reality he knew before he’d mastered his anguish and despair.
He shoved them away. If I fall apart then we’ll never return to our proper place… within the next century.
Auden grabbed his sandwich and ate it in silence. His thoughts on ways that would have reached him while in that state, if anyone would have bothered at the time. I didn’t allow anything in, he mused. Not sounds, not sights, not touches…
Auden shivered for moment under flaming grey eyes.
‘Done with an antique sword, on a mountain peak? Maybe buried alive first?’
Silence.
‘Any kind of slow-building creative maiming?’
Silence.
Auden frowned. ‘Listen to Nemmie’s rendition of Chopin’s Nocturne in C#minor? I know she needs practice.’
Silence.
Auden sighed internally, aggravation rising. ‘Want to read “Hannibal: The Military Biography of Rome's Greatest Enemy”? I found a copy a few days ago.’
Silence.
The vampire’s fists clenched. ‘Any frickin’ book on military geniuses?’
Silence.
‘You wanna do something?’ Auden asked in a measured voice.
Silence.
‘Sacrifice a human to your master in the otherworld?’
Silence.
Auden ground his teeth. ‘A fucking sing-a-long around a campfire?’
Silence.
‘Any-fucking-thing?’
Silence.
Auden felt his patience snap. ‘Right.’ He hissed, ‘Then rot in this room, if you wish it so much.’
The doorframe shook as door crashed closed behind the vampire storming out.
The figure on the bed blinked slowly, turning his head to watch the final dust particles fall and settle on the floor. He blinked a second time and gradually looked at the tea cup at his side.
His bandaged hand shook slightly as he reached out and carefully picked up the porcelain ear and brought it to his lips.
Regain yourself, Sutherland thought sternly as he scanned the room for the last blood splatters, this is what happens if you don’t. He threw several now blood-stained tissues into the waste bin and tended to his already swiftly healing wound.
As he continued preparing the sandwiches, he was vaguely aware of the intonations of spoken language from the levels above. Sutherland could hear that it was only one person speaking. Not only by the long pauses between utterances, but he also didn’t hear the low even voice that he knew so well. Even your fiery temper is preferable to this…
Sutherland shook his head to clear his mind.
After boiling water and preparing tea for two cups, Sutherland filled a vilely-coloured, but big and sturdy, tray with the food and drink. He climbed up two flights of stairs and set one plate on the rickety staircase that went up to the loft. He then turned to the only closed door of the second floor, wondering whether he should risk disturbing the masters.
There was an audible sigh behind the door.
‘Sutherland told me you’re healing up well.’ Auden spoke, tone nearly gentle, ‘Good. Although it would probably go faster if you actually eat something.’
Silence.
‘We have food, y’know.’ He continued, ‘That emergency bank account we had on standby won’t last longer than a few years, but it was a good idea in hindsight.’
Silence.
‘Aren’t you going to look me in the eye, and say the equivalent of “I told you so” in that voice you pretend isn’t smug?’
Silence.
‘Are you really going to just sit there and do nothing? I'd have thought you’d be drawing up plans how to get back at the blue idiot the moment you could hold a pencil again.’
Silence.
‘I can get us out of this and back to power, but it'll take a lot longer if you don't help.’
Silence.
‘I know it's tough, Reggie, but you have to get past this.’
Silence.
‘You’re attitude is really hurting Suthers you know.’ Auden nearly whispered, ‘You know he beats himself up when he can’t help.’
Sutherland flinched. Forgive me sir, I’m trying to control myself, he thought.
Auden sighed again, sounding aggravated.
Sutherland was listening intently to the silence when he saw a smudge of red in the corner of his eye. He turned his head to see Nemesis sitting eye level on the loft stairs. I guess her exploration of the loft has been thorough judging on the state of her T-shirt and jeans. I cannot see what the fabric color is anymore, he mused, but I have never seen those eyes so sad. He nodded to the plate beside her gently.
She reluctantly obeyed and began eating.
‘Really, we don’t need much, and you’re still recuperating, but c’mon; Would a look in the eye kill you?’
No, but other things could have, Sutherland thought.
‘I found that tea brand you called “pleasant” once, could you at least drink that?’
It’s all my fault, Sutherland thought as his chest tightened. He’s bedridden and miserable because I was stupid and weak and couldn’t fight them off. Useless and pathe- Sutherland clamped down on his swiftly rising emotions as the door in front of him opened.
‘I’ll take it from here.’ Auden said, reaching out for the tray.
Sutherland handed it over mutely.
‘That’ll be all, Sutherland.’ Auden said softly.
The moment the door closed Sutherland almost ran to his allotted room, grabbed his new, cheap pillow and let it absorb the silent tears.
The specific creaking pattern of the front door alerted everyone within that Auden had returned from his food quest. On the lowest level of the building, Sutherland looked up from dishes at the sound. He then returned to the washing up as the vampire stumbled down the stairs with the groceries.
‘How was town, sir?’ Sutherland asked with a nod of acknowledgement.
‘Excruciating.’ Auden replied as he put the bags next to the drying rack on the counter, ‘This respite is nothing if not conducive to building my self-restraint.’
A corner of Sutherland’s mouth lifted. ‘That is quite a positive view of our circumstances.’
‘I prefer to call it productive realism.’ Auden replied wryly. He took off his knitted cap with a sigh, leaned against the wall, and then crossed his arms, ‘How are the others?’
‘Mistress Nemesis, I believe, is prowling around the attic and the Colonel awoke about half an hour ago.’ Sutherland reported. He finished the washing up and began setting away the purchased produce.
Auden tilted his head as he watched. ‘Did he eat anything?’
‘No.’
‘Did he throw anything?’
Sutherland straightened slightly, ‘Well,’ He practically murmured, ‘if I had not grabbed the tray as he pushed it across the side table…’
Auden sighed, closing his eyes.
Sutherland stood awkwardly, twisting his fingers together. I am sorry I cannot do more, sir. ‘But his wounds seem to be healing well.’ He added softly.
‘That’s at least something.’ Auden said to the ceiling, ‘The sooner he snaps out of it the sooner we get out of this place.’ He opened his eyes. ‘I’ll go see if he wants company. Or anything else.’ He pushed himself off the wall and climbed up the stairs.
Sutherland watched him go with sagged shoulders.
The sound of the far off bell tower striking the hour snapped him out of his reverie. I should start making tea. He turned back to the pantry and retrieved several ingredients. I hope this brand of sliced bread is tastier that… what was it, War-button?
After preparing three plates’ worth of buttered bread wedges, he took out a cutting board and knife. He began cutting a cucumber into thin slices as his mind swirled with thoughts that were slowly becoming compulsive.
You don’t speak to anyone, you don’t react when spoken to, Sutherland thought desolately. You don’t eat or drink, you won’t even look at me. Please, dear master, I’m trying. I’m trying to cope. Please. Stop hiding from me, please-
‘Oh CRUMBS!’
Sutherland shouted as he shook his left hand once and then cradled it with his right. Blood was oozing out of the cut in his index finger. Remember your training Edwin, he told himself, don’t let the master’s strain become your own. He has no energy to spare, I should not add to his burden with my own… tension.
He looked up and froze. There was now a line of tiny red spatters running over the wall, the counter, the drying dishes, the floor, his shoes, his clothes…
After a moment of silent self-reprimanding he wrapped a tissue around his leaking finger and began cleaning up.
The angry man left, still muttering under his breath. Auden blinked and stepped forward.
The cashier’s smile back would have betrayed her thoughts even if he hadn’t tuned into them. OMG, him again! He’s so HOT! ‘S-sorry for the wait, sir.’
Auden looked at the cashier as she started ringing up the items, and smiled sweetly, yet insincerely. ‘Not at all.’ He said softly.
So! HOT! ‘Could you find everything, sir?’ She asked.
Yes, as I am not mentally limited or otherwise incompetent. ‘Yes.’ He mumbled, looking at his hands.
And so CUTE! ‘Do you collect Nectar points?’ She chirped.
I wish not to frequent this place enough to collect any substantial amount of points. Auden shook his head.
Should I slip him my number? She thought as she finished ringing up his items. I’d really like him to call me. Maybe later, I don’t want to scare him.
Au contraire, young lady, Auden snidely thought as he bagged his groceries. I believe I would scare you more. Far more.
The trek from the supermarket to their house wasn’t long, if done by vehicle. On foot it was long. As Auden refused to use what they called ‘public transportation’, he walked the small bustling streets and then the paths through the rolling hills of grain and livestock.
‘Evening.’
And we could not have picked a more aggravating place to find shelter in. Auden gritted his teeth as he smiled in response to the supposedly well-meaning greet. The town was too large to be a tight-knit, everyone-knows-everyone community, but the citizens were of a breed that greeted everyone they happened to meet. Everyone. Blending in was adhering to the general customs of social interaction, therefore he did react with a seemingly heartfelt smile. If he gained the reputation of being shy, he could probably avoid vocalizing not just with greetings but also in any conversation these mortals seemed inclined to start with strangers. But that would take another few weeks at least.
Auden looked at the slightly yellowing leaves he passed with a scowl on his face. Wishing is a futile exercise, but I cannot help but wish to be anywhere but here.
Or, better said, any situation other than this one.
Auden irritably shoved his hands in his pockets. He had been on the bottom most bottom and on top of the world several times over. He was well aware where his preference was. This is temporary, he reminded himself, temporary and I’ve handled worse.
Reginald has not.
Auden shook his head sadly at the thought of his partner in crime.
He mentioned before that he was here mainly to wait and learn till ‘the universe’ said the time was right. I suppose ‘the universe’ would consider it a good thing for him to learn how to cope with being kicked off his high horse completely. But Auden did wonder if the lesson couldn’t have been learned with a lesser disaster. Then again, Reginald is quite stubborn, Auden thought with a slight smirk.
He looked up at the house he was approaching, and grimaced. Despite Sutherland’s claims they had been fortunate to find such accommodation at short notice, Auden personally waited eagerly for the day that they could burn it down.
It was slowly creeping into Auden’s very flesh, vexing him beyond measure. That, combined with the excessively cheerful creature adorning the cardboard box currently in his hand, made his already raw nerves grate further. The cereal pack creaked under the increased pressure before it was thrown into his plastic basket. A glance at the list he held in his other hand had him move forward with purpose.
The vegetable area had a screeching child hanging on his mother’s arm. The produce smelled as if hours from their decay. Another aisle contained a couple arguing loudly about canned beans’ brands. Everything about this place annoyed him; the sounds, the sights, the smells… The muzak that could be used as torture. I cannot lose control here, he reminded himself bitterly.
Having collected everything Auden grimaced on seeing that all cash lanes were open and lines had been formed. As he approached the patrons’ audible and mental chatter began to reverberate through him.
He took place in a queue with tense hands, only thankful that the buzz of the humans’ thoughts around him was loud enough to drown out the background music. The nauseous smell of the bug-sprayed cut flowers next to the cash-registers perfumed the stale air. Only several beings in line and I will be served. The end of this degrading experience is just ahead, he thought with mild relief. Degrading, but needed: Beelzebub forbid Reginald doesn’t get his special tea tonight. Auden looked at the items in his basket and sighed internally. Or Sutherland doesn’t get his fresh herbs. Or Nemmie her strawberry ice cream…
The line moved.
Auden was secretly looking forward to the small amount of joy (or in Reginald’s case; contentment) the groceries would bring. A meager highlight in the unpleasant circumstances they were resigned to. The sound of Nemesis’s laughter had been too few and far between this past week.
Suddenly the man in front of him spoke to the cashier in a raised voice:
‘This is a travesty! In all my years I have never-’
Auden gritted his teeth and began to internally recited Nietzsche’s Jenseits von Gut und Böse to remain composed.
‘-experienced such lack of common sense! I am appalled-’
Of course, this outing wasn’t taking long enough, he thought while gnashing his teeth. He tried to ignore the man’s small-minded speech and the bystanders’ thoughts of petty irritation that flitted past his mind’s ears like shrieking chickens. It would have been even more aggravating if Auden’s embassy was of less importance. But we need these supplies and I cannot draw attention to myself. Shoplifting would attract attention. And hold-ups would attract even more attention.
‘-and I cannot comprehend you would think I would want such-’
Auden barely concealed his rising frustration and impatience. I don’t like interacting with mortals, but at least most have the sense not to keep me waiting.
‘-and I find it disgraceful that I am subjected to this-’
Auden inhaled slowly. We cannot be discovered now, he chanted to himself. We cannot be discovered now. We cannot be disc-.
‘-your superior will hear of this-’
Auden’s eyes were drilling holes into the man’s head, just as he wished he could do with one of his concealed blades. Bring him to a satisfyingly permanent silence after his final shrieks of agony. Let his corpse be torn apart by ravenous dogs…
Upcoming weekend: the launch of the Dark-Lords’ Chronicles Reboot.
A story of three Dark-Lords, their cohorts, and their many enemies.
Updated weekly.
But life goes on too. For worse and for better. Sutherland, if he ever thought about the phrase he had gracefully resigned himself to all those months ago; would have commented on their devastating truth-ness. And their equally cruel prophetic-ness...
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