another post
Nov. 5th, 2003 03:08 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrfinally finished this chapter, now megan gets to figure out what exactly she's doing for the next one.
Impossible Wish
Chapter Three
"Gasper DeMarius was a strong man and I was proud to call him my grandfather…" Darrell's smooth, level voice floated out over the crowd gathered in the backyard of the family estate. Neil blocked him out, for fear of laughing at the ridiculous words of his brother's perfect little speech.
His brother and a few earlier speakers stood on a small platform, laden with a variety of what Neil thought of as 'funeral flowers.' White Lilies were the most prevalent flower among the mass, and Neil felt vaguely sick looking at them.
He let his gaze wander past his brother, to the small forest that covered the area beyond the house, sheltering it from the other houses in the neighborhood. Drawing his gaze back toward the small platform where his brother was making a speech, Neil looked at his sister. She had worn one of the ridiculous hats she was always making fun of, a black veil pulled down to cover her entire face.
Neil managed not to roll his eyes at his sister, knowing she only wore the veil so she could get away with snickering and rolling her eyes. He shifted slightly in place, already bored with the proceedings. He slid his glance to each side, examining the array of people gathered to mourn his grandfather's passing. He had his own thoughts over why they were actually there. No one had actually liked his grandfather.
Movement caught his eye, and he tilted his head slightly to find the source. Hair the color of gold shifted slowly, sliding down and across the pale skin of its owner's face as his head tilted forward. Neil blinked a moment, stunned. Mouth twitching, he attempted not to snicker - it looked as if Sheridan was falling asleep. Looking away, he briefly brought his attention back to his brother's speech. It sounded as if it might wrap up soon.
Suppressing a sigh, Neil did his best to look sad and disconsolate as the speech concluded and people began to shift and stretch. Dozens of business associates and 'friends' would be offering condolences and fishing for information about the will. It would be much easier if he just looked too distraught to speak.
~*~*~*~
Not a single hair was out of place on his head; shaped into a somber style that ill suited his bright gold strands. Luc perched on the edge of the massive desk situated at the back of the private study, a sheaf of papers clutched in his hands. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the three other people in the room.
"I'm sure most of this will be unsurprising to the three of you. Would you like me to read the will or just simply tell you?" Luc examined the siblings, arranged in chairs around the desk. Bethany had discarded her hat and sat curled up in an overlarge chair, yawning widely. Darrell sat more stiffly, though he had loosened his tie and discarded his jacket. Neil was half asleep in his own chair, one hand toying idly with the dark earring dangling from his right earlobe.
Darrell waved his hands at the man, "Just tell us, Luc. We all more or less know what it's going to say. The old man was never much for surprises - just so long as there's stuff to keep the vultures out there at bay."
"There are appropriate allotments for all his friends and relatives, they will be summoned and informed later in the main library. The initial part of the will pertains only to the three of you. The business of course is split between the three of you. This house here goes to Darrell, the rest of them are equally divided. There is also a great deal of money set aside for each of you, he has also set aside a sum for my own family…"
"Of course, of course. Isn't that the usual tradition?"
"Yes, that was not the cause for my hesitancy. It is the last portion of this that makes me pause."
"Oh great, what did the old man do this time?" Neil spoke up, contempt in his voice. He didn't bother to open his eyes as he spoke.
"It has to do with you actually, and the family history."
Neil's eyes shot open, "No, no fucking way in hell. He didn't."
Luc grimaced, "I'm afraid he did. Your grandfather complained constantly about the general lack of respect you three have for your family's lineage. He was quite adamant that someone among you three see to the "family obligations."
"Family joke you mean. What the hell does he want me to do?" Neil sat up, the earring swaying wildly as he moved.
"Only what everyone else in line has done - attempt to find the Carnelian." Luc sighed, setting his stack of papers on the desk and lifting a glass of water.
Neil threw himself back into his seat, "Sure, that's so easy. Find the magic rock that was stolen by an evil demon, that we may regain our rightful place as the demon rulers of both hell and earth. Does anyone else see a problem with that idiotic story?"
Darrell glared at his brother, "Of course we all see a problem with it, don't be annoying. Luc, what exactly does grandfather stipulate in the will?"
Luc set his glass down with a faint clink, not bothering to retrieve the papers. "It says that unless Neil finds the Carnelian in a year's time, he and his two siblings are to be disowned, and the estate and business handed over to the relative of my choosing."
"WHAT!" The siblings shouted together, gaping in stunned disbelief.
Bethany bit off a curse, "Why is Neil the only one required to find it."
Luc looked vaguely amused for a moment, "I imagine that has something to do with the somewhat tense relationship between Mr. DeMarius and Neil. But he also said that of the three of you, Neil seemed the best candidate. There is also the fact that Darrell and Bethany are busy with the family business."
"Great, just great. One fucking year to find something that probably doesn't exist, never mind that even if it does exist, no one in our family has ever been able to find it." Darrell groaned in annoyance. "What was that bit about potential?"
Luc shook his head, "I am not honestly certain, he was never much for explaining himself, even to me. Something about the demon blood being especially strong in Neil, apparently very similar to your father."
"I hate this. One year and we're going to be disowned because of a stupid family legend? I wish I was a demon, then I could've beaten some sense into the old man." Rising Neil turned and walked stiffly from the room, slamming the door behind him.
He moved up the hallway with quick, angry steps, taking the stairs two at a time and rushing down the upstairs hallway to his old bedroom. Taking in the lavish setting, he wished desperately for simple apartment. Vision nearly red with fury, Neil clenched his fists tightly, resisting the urge to begin throwing anything he could get his hands on. Stomping to the window, he released the latch and shoved the window open. Leaning out, he breathed in the fresh air almost desperately, as if trying to drink in the calm, quiet night.
Minutes passed, and gradually his temper cooled. Slowly he pulled himself back inside, sitting on the window seat and propping his arm on the sill. He looked up at the sky, a mixture of red, orange, pink and a few remaining traces of blue as the sun slowly set. "Find the Carnelian he says, how the hell do you find something that doesn't exist?"
Unconsciously his hand strayed to the black diamond, and he rubbed the smooth jewel idly between his finger and thumb. He stared blindly out into the yard, lost in memories of the stories he'd grown up listening to, over and over again until he dreaded the sound of his grandfather's voice. "I wish someone would tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do about this."
Between his fingers, the cold diamond grew warmer, increasing in heat until a startled Neil abruptly jerked his hand away, wincing at the sudden pain there - as if he'd been burned. "What the hell?" Frowning he rose and tried to cross to the mirror against the back wall to examine his ear. He paused halfway there, overcome by the fierce heat radiating from the dangling jewel. His ear and neck were burning, it felt like he was standing too close to the stove - and it was getting painful. He slapped his hand to his neck, trying to shield it from the heat even as he once again resumed his rush for the mirror.
Before he could reach it, a familiar wave of dizziness hit him and the room went black.
~*~*~*~
"Ugh…" Neil lifted his head, and stared for a few minutes at the carpet. "I'm getting sick of this," he pushed himself up, sitting back on his heels. "They didn't even bother to put me in bed this time." His face clouded with confusion, "Huh, that's funny…I feel fine…"
"Well of course you feel fine, now that we're both awake." The voice sounded irritated, but was warm and smooth for all that.
Neil whirled around, rising clumsily to his feet. He gaped, "Who the fuck are you?"
A young man was perched on the window seat so recently vacated by Neil - recent because the sun had not yet set entirely. His features were unclear in the growing darkness, and with a snarl Neil moved to turn on a light. "I really hope you're a murderer or something, because then it'll be okay for me to beat the shit out of you."
"Are you always so hostile? That's no way to greet your wish-granter." The man sounded as angry as Neil.
"My what?" Neil snapped before flicking a switch. Light flooded the room, and Neil stared in utter confusion at the man across the room. "What the hell? Who are you? Why are you in my room?"
The man looked young, he couldn't have been much older than Neil's own eighteen. His skin was dark, smooth but his hair was white. Almost white - the lights gave it a faint gold sheen. It was short, slightly messy and cut jaggedly at the ends, reaching just past his ears.
He was dressed in long, loose black pants, the embroidered ends falling across the tops of his feet. His shirt stopped at his hips, the same pattern of embroidery trimming it and the ends of his sleeves, brushing against his knuckles. It was an abstract pattern, but it made Neil think briefly of flowers.
It was the earring that made him start - hanging from the man's left ear was a familiar looking drop earring, the black diamond only blacker against the man's dusky skin and white-gold hair. He reached up a hand to touch his own, his face clouding in confusion.
The man sneered, "Oh, you're starting to get it. Does that mean I can dispense with most of the preliminaries? Honestly, I'm amazed you're having this much trouble. Then again you are mostly human, aren't you? Pathetic."
Neil let his hand drop, his quick temper easily replacing his confusion. "Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?"
"You said 'I wish.' That's what I'm doing here. Given the tumultuous state of your mind, I’m rather surprised that it took you this long to say it," the man sounded disgusted.
"What are you talking about? You still haven't told me who the hell you are, or what you're doing in my room." He scowled at the man, but didn't move closer.
His voice sour, the man replied, "My name is Kasimir. I'm your genie. Unfortunately."
Impossible Wish
Chapter Three
"Gasper DeMarius was a strong man and I was proud to call him my grandfather…" Darrell's smooth, level voice floated out over the crowd gathered in the backyard of the family estate. Neil blocked him out, for fear of laughing at the ridiculous words of his brother's perfect little speech.
His brother and a few earlier speakers stood on a small platform, laden with a variety of what Neil thought of as 'funeral flowers.' White Lilies were the most prevalent flower among the mass, and Neil felt vaguely sick looking at them.
He let his gaze wander past his brother, to the small forest that covered the area beyond the house, sheltering it from the other houses in the neighborhood. Drawing his gaze back toward the small platform where his brother was making a speech, Neil looked at his sister. She had worn one of the ridiculous hats she was always making fun of, a black veil pulled down to cover her entire face.
Neil managed not to roll his eyes at his sister, knowing she only wore the veil so she could get away with snickering and rolling her eyes. He shifted slightly in place, already bored with the proceedings. He slid his glance to each side, examining the array of people gathered to mourn his grandfather's passing. He had his own thoughts over why they were actually there. No one had actually liked his grandfather.
Movement caught his eye, and he tilted his head slightly to find the source. Hair the color of gold shifted slowly, sliding down and across the pale skin of its owner's face as his head tilted forward. Neil blinked a moment, stunned. Mouth twitching, he attempted not to snicker - it looked as if Sheridan was falling asleep. Looking away, he briefly brought his attention back to his brother's speech. It sounded as if it might wrap up soon.
Suppressing a sigh, Neil did his best to look sad and disconsolate as the speech concluded and people began to shift and stretch. Dozens of business associates and 'friends' would be offering condolences and fishing for information about the will. It would be much easier if he just looked too distraught to speak.
~*~*~*~
Not a single hair was out of place on his head; shaped into a somber style that ill suited his bright gold strands. Luc perched on the edge of the massive desk situated at the back of the private study, a sheaf of papers clutched in his hands. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the three other people in the room.
"I'm sure most of this will be unsurprising to the three of you. Would you like me to read the will or just simply tell you?" Luc examined the siblings, arranged in chairs around the desk. Bethany had discarded her hat and sat curled up in an overlarge chair, yawning widely. Darrell sat more stiffly, though he had loosened his tie and discarded his jacket. Neil was half asleep in his own chair, one hand toying idly with the dark earring dangling from his right earlobe.
Darrell waved his hands at the man, "Just tell us, Luc. We all more or less know what it's going to say. The old man was never much for surprises - just so long as there's stuff to keep the vultures out there at bay."
"There are appropriate allotments for all his friends and relatives, they will be summoned and informed later in the main library. The initial part of the will pertains only to the three of you. The business of course is split between the three of you. This house here goes to Darrell, the rest of them are equally divided. There is also a great deal of money set aside for each of you, he has also set aside a sum for my own family…"
"Of course, of course. Isn't that the usual tradition?"
"Yes, that was not the cause for my hesitancy. It is the last portion of this that makes me pause."
"Oh great, what did the old man do this time?" Neil spoke up, contempt in his voice. He didn't bother to open his eyes as he spoke.
"It has to do with you actually, and the family history."
Neil's eyes shot open, "No, no fucking way in hell. He didn't."
Luc grimaced, "I'm afraid he did. Your grandfather complained constantly about the general lack of respect you three have for your family's lineage. He was quite adamant that someone among you three see to the "family obligations."
"Family joke you mean. What the hell does he want me to do?" Neil sat up, the earring swaying wildly as he moved.
"Only what everyone else in line has done - attempt to find the Carnelian." Luc sighed, setting his stack of papers on the desk and lifting a glass of water.
Neil threw himself back into his seat, "Sure, that's so easy. Find the magic rock that was stolen by an evil demon, that we may regain our rightful place as the demon rulers of both hell and earth. Does anyone else see a problem with that idiotic story?"
Darrell glared at his brother, "Of course we all see a problem with it, don't be annoying. Luc, what exactly does grandfather stipulate in the will?"
Luc set his glass down with a faint clink, not bothering to retrieve the papers. "It says that unless Neil finds the Carnelian in a year's time, he and his two siblings are to be disowned, and the estate and business handed over to the relative of my choosing."
"WHAT!" The siblings shouted together, gaping in stunned disbelief.
Bethany bit off a curse, "Why is Neil the only one required to find it."
Luc looked vaguely amused for a moment, "I imagine that has something to do with the somewhat tense relationship between Mr. DeMarius and Neil. But he also said that of the three of you, Neil seemed the best candidate. There is also the fact that Darrell and Bethany are busy with the family business."
"Great, just great. One fucking year to find something that probably doesn't exist, never mind that even if it does exist, no one in our family has ever been able to find it." Darrell groaned in annoyance. "What was that bit about potential?"
Luc shook his head, "I am not honestly certain, he was never much for explaining himself, even to me. Something about the demon blood being especially strong in Neil, apparently very similar to your father."
"I hate this. One year and we're going to be disowned because of a stupid family legend? I wish I was a demon, then I could've beaten some sense into the old man." Rising Neil turned and walked stiffly from the room, slamming the door behind him.
He moved up the hallway with quick, angry steps, taking the stairs two at a time and rushing down the upstairs hallway to his old bedroom. Taking in the lavish setting, he wished desperately for simple apartment. Vision nearly red with fury, Neil clenched his fists tightly, resisting the urge to begin throwing anything he could get his hands on. Stomping to the window, he released the latch and shoved the window open. Leaning out, he breathed in the fresh air almost desperately, as if trying to drink in the calm, quiet night.
Minutes passed, and gradually his temper cooled. Slowly he pulled himself back inside, sitting on the window seat and propping his arm on the sill. He looked up at the sky, a mixture of red, orange, pink and a few remaining traces of blue as the sun slowly set. "Find the Carnelian he says, how the hell do you find something that doesn't exist?"
Unconsciously his hand strayed to the black diamond, and he rubbed the smooth jewel idly between his finger and thumb. He stared blindly out into the yard, lost in memories of the stories he'd grown up listening to, over and over again until he dreaded the sound of his grandfather's voice. "I wish someone would tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do about this."
Between his fingers, the cold diamond grew warmer, increasing in heat until a startled Neil abruptly jerked his hand away, wincing at the sudden pain there - as if he'd been burned. "What the hell?" Frowning he rose and tried to cross to the mirror against the back wall to examine his ear. He paused halfway there, overcome by the fierce heat radiating from the dangling jewel. His ear and neck were burning, it felt like he was standing too close to the stove - and it was getting painful. He slapped his hand to his neck, trying to shield it from the heat even as he once again resumed his rush for the mirror.
Before he could reach it, a familiar wave of dizziness hit him and the room went black.
~*~*~*~
"Ugh…" Neil lifted his head, and stared for a few minutes at the carpet. "I'm getting sick of this," he pushed himself up, sitting back on his heels. "They didn't even bother to put me in bed this time." His face clouded with confusion, "Huh, that's funny…I feel fine…"
"Well of course you feel fine, now that we're both awake." The voice sounded irritated, but was warm and smooth for all that.
Neil whirled around, rising clumsily to his feet. He gaped, "Who the fuck are you?"
A young man was perched on the window seat so recently vacated by Neil - recent because the sun had not yet set entirely. His features were unclear in the growing darkness, and with a snarl Neil moved to turn on a light. "I really hope you're a murderer or something, because then it'll be okay for me to beat the shit out of you."
"Are you always so hostile? That's no way to greet your wish-granter." The man sounded as angry as Neil.
"My what?" Neil snapped before flicking a switch. Light flooded the room, and Neil stared in utter confusion at the man across the room. "What the hell? Who are you? Why are you in my room?"
The man looked young, he couldn't have been much older than Neil's own eighteen. His skin was dark, smooth but his hair was white. Almost white - the lights gave it a faint gold sheen. It was short, slightly messy and cut jaggedly at the ends, reaching just past his ears.
He was dressed in long, loose black pants, the embroidered ends falling across the tops of his feet. His shirt stopped at his hips, the same pattern of embroidery trimming it and the ends of his sleeves, brushing against his knuckles. It was an abstract pattern, but it made Neil think briefly of flowers.
It was the earring that made him start - hanging from the man's left ear was a familiar looking drop earring, the black diamond only blacker against the man's dusky skin and white-gold hair. He reached up a hand to touch his own, his face clouding in confusion.
The man sneered, "Oh, you're starting to get it. Does that mean I can dispense with most of the preliminaries? Honestly, I'm amazed you're having this much trouble. Then again you are mostly human, aren't you? Pathetic."
Neil let his hand drop, his quick temper easily replacing his confusion. "Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?"
"You said 'I wish.' That's what I'm doing here. Given the tumultuous state of your mind, I’m rather surprised that it took you this long to say it," the man sounded disgusted.
"What are you talking about? You still haven't told me who the hell you are, or what you're doing in my room." He scowled at the man, but didn't move closer.
His voice sour, the man replied, "My name is Kasimir. I'm your genie. Unfortunately."
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Date: 2003-11-05 03:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-11-05 03:31 pm (UTC)