I can actually still write.
Nov. 14th, 2003 02:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrWell, that's chapters seven & eight down. Which puts me at 10,000 short. I should have 28,000 words done by now, I'm definitely way behind that. Ah, well.
Impossible Wish
Chapter Seven
"Happy now?" Kasimir asked.
"Yes, thank you. I much prefer to do my fighting inside. Now come on, I want to drink this before it gets cold." Sighing, Neil turned and made his way toward the kitchen.
Kasimir made a face, "What am I, you're damned shadow? What if I don't want to watch you eat?'
Neil spun around, his expression furious. "Then go somewhere else! I don't give a damn, I just thought you wanted to continue bitching at me. Go jump off a fucking bridge for all I care." Angrily he stomped toward the kitchen.
"Would if I could, but unfortunately you're not likely to ask for that." The genie's voice was acid.
Neil ignored him, silent as he heard the genie follow him into the kitchen. Setting the donuts and coffee on the table, he went to find plate. Sitting at the table, he began slowly to eat his breakfast. After polishing off one of the three donuts, he spoke up. "So you came with me after all?"
"I don't want to listen to complain about my not being at your beck and call."
Neil sipped his coffee, voice biting. "When have I ever cared where the hell you are? It's not like I make demands of you twenty-four seven. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I've made only two wishes since you decided to be a nuisance in my life."
"If I'm such a nuisance, why not just take the earring off? No one is making you keep the damned thing." Kasimir's tone was accusatory.
"Believe me, I would if I could. You're definitely not worth the trouble under normal circumstances." Neil started working on the second donut, though he slowed in his eating as the expression on Kasimir's face grew even angrier.
"How would you know what I'm worth? You people feel free to make wish after wish but no one gives a damn about how I feel. You're the same as the rest - you're not making wishes now, but give it a few more days and you'll be like all the others. You continue to grouse about how difficult I am, but I notice you still keep me."
Neil dropped his food to his plate, sliding back his seat and striding over to stand in front of the surly genie. "Stop it, okay? Just fucking stop it."
"Stop what?"
"Stop being difficult! Stop trying to drive me into taking the earring off, because it won't work." Neil glared up at him, green eyes fierce. " You probably won't believe me, but I'll say it anyway. So just shut up and listen, okay?"
Kasimir stared back in silence, expression dark.
"Good. Stay that way. Look - I don't want a genie. I don't want wishes. It might be hard for you to believe, but I'm happier doing things for myself. But these days I don't have a choice."
"Sure you don't," the genie's tone was sneering.
"I told you to shut up and stay that way. Listen to me, Kasimir. I don't want you. I would gladly take this damned thing off," he tugged lightly at the earring dangling from his right ear, "and be rid of you. But you're my only chance of saving my siblings. If I don't find that damned Carnelian, my siblings and I are going to be disowned, which means we'll be penniless on the streets. I can't let that happen. It's just an old family legend, but if I don't produce the exact stone from all my grandfather's stupid stories, we're screwed. So I'm sorry to bother you princess, but until I find that stone you're stuck with me. Understand?"
Kasimir was silent, his expression now carefully blank. "What is this stupid carnelian you keep ranting about? Who cares about a stupid jewel?"
"That's all you have to say? You want to know my stupid family history?" Neil raised a brow, backing away and returning to his food, though he remained standing.
"I know when I'm not wanted. What more is there to say?"
"Oh shut up. Isn't that what you wanted to hear?" Neil swallowed the last of his coffee.
Kasimir turned away, arm carelessly waving away Neil's words. "Of course. Now tell me about this stone so I can go back to sleep."
"Come on then, if I have to tell this ridiculous story then I'm going to be comfortable." Walking out of the kitchen, he crossed back across the entry hall and to the sitting room on the opposite side of the house. The room was massive, with two couches and three overstuffed chairs, spread across what seemed a relaxed, soothingly painted room.
Throwing himself across one of the couches, Neil motioned Kasimir to take a seat. "My family is ridiculous. My parents died in a plane crash when I was about four. From what my brother and sister tell me, my folks weren't big on the family history, and neither are we. My grandfather was though, he and every other psycho in this family."
"So what is this ridiculous story you keep mentioning?" Kasimir said impatiently.
"I'm getting to that, just chill. That's why I'm a little tense right now - I have to basically find something that doesn't exist or we're disowned. Let me see, how should I begin…well, how about this: Once upon a time there was a demon, named Ornias, who hated his miserable and dreary life in the underworld. So determined to make himself a real home, one night he fled the underworld despite the threats of his fellow demons should he abandon his hellish post. He fled to the world of humans, taking with him a source of great power - the Carnelian, which gave him power and authority in the underworld."
Neil rolled his eyes as he continued, "So Ornias the Unfortunate Demon began a new life, taking a beautiful and undoubtedly perfect woman as his wife. She became pregnant and Ornias was content. But alas, that perfection was not to last. One night as he sat working quietly in his study, a demon most horrid appeared and demanded the Carnelian. Nobly Ornias refused and fought the wicked demon, but the demon cheated and slew the brave Ornias. Furious the demon sought out and frightened Ornias' beautiful, pregnant wife until she handed the Carnelian over to him. Satisfied the demon permitted the wife and child to live. "
A bored sigh, "Desperate to avenge her husband and reclaim the Carnelian that rightfully belonged to her family, the woman passed down the story to her son, and he to his children, so on and so forth, in the hopes that someone, someday, might locate the fiend and reclaim the Carnelian. That's about it. Oh wait - the 'evil demon' has a name. Nomolos, I think."
Kasimir jumped, looking up at the sound of the name. "Nomolos?"
"What? Don't tell me you actually recognize such a stupid name." Neil shot the genie an incredulous look.
"Well of course I recognize it. Nomolos is one of the most famous demons in hell." Kasimir had a strange expression on his face, as if he could not quite believe what he was hearing for fear it would turn out to be untrue. "He was my master, before I became this." He jerked his head, the dark diamond on his hear glittering in the lamplight.
"Wait, wait, wait. You're trying to tell me that Nomolos actually exists?" Neil was derisive, "What the hell is that supposed to mean? I suppose next you'll try to convince me that Ornias existed too? That I really am descended from a demon?"
"Of course he existed. And why are you being so stupid about it? I mean, if genie's exist why the hell is it so hard to believe in demons?"
Neil opened his mouth, then closed it. He glared, "Shut up. I don't need this right now. I came to locate a stupid piece of jewelry, not some stupid, magical stone that will restore my family to its proper, demonic place of power."
"Demonic place of infamy, you mean?" Kasimir smirked.
"Huh?"
The smirk widened, as if the genie was enjoying some private joke. "Ornias wasn't some noble, wonderful demon you know."
"Well, no shit. If you didn't notice, that was sarcasm in my story. My siblings and I always figured good ol' grandpa Ornias was just a serial killer or something. Tell me something I don't know, how about?"
"You're a moron. It's no wonder Lord Nomolos slew Ornias so easily. It's a pity he let the rest of your idiot ancestors live."
"I already know what you think of me. I said to tell me something I don't know. And look on the bright side - if ol' Nomo had killed us off, you could be stuck with a master worse than me."
Kasimir stood, a look of anger on his face far more fierce than any he'd displayed thus far. "It was your family's thrice damned fault that I was imprisoned in the firs place! Or did you thing I would not recognize the family that summoned me in my master's place?"
"What the hell are you bitching about now?" Neil looked at him in angry confusion. "Jesus, calm the hell down already. What's your problem?"
"It was your ancestors that tried to summon Nomolos. It was your ancestors that wound up with me instead. It was your ancestors that gave me to that magician. It was your ancestors that caused me to be turned into a genie!" Kasimir surged forward as he ranted, hands shaped into trembling fists at his sides. The black earring swung wildly from his left ear."
Neil looked at him, stunned. Opening his mouth to start shouting back, he was halted by Kasimir's eyes - bright with anger and something else. Neil bit back his own angry retorts and remained silent.
"What, nothing to say? Or are you plotting something? Is my behavior not to your liking, master? Am I displeasing to you, demon?"
Abruptly Neil rushed forward and placed his hands on Kasimir's shoulders, shoving the genie backward to land on the couch. His hands still on the genie's shoulders, he leaned over the now sitting Kasimir, legs on either side of Kasimir's own. He dropped his head, speaking a low, clear voice. "Stop it, okay? Just stop it. I already told you - you're stuck with me. I've got too much at risk right now to just get rid of you, even if it is what we both want. If it really is my family's fault that you're stuck as a genie or whatever, then I'm sorry. Really sorry, because I know what my family can be like."
"Get off me."
"Not until you calm the hell down. Will you please stop going nuts?"
"As you command."
Neil just glared, "Shut the hell up. You know damned good and well that I wasn't giving you any orders. Stop acting like a baby."
Kasimir said nothing, turning his head away to stare at the far side of the room.
With a frustrated groan Neil released him, pushing away to stand up straight. "God damn, you're a brat. Is there anything that actually makes you smile? I mean sheesh, even I know how to have fun every now and then."
Kasimir remained motionless and silent on the couch.
Green eyes watched the genie is silence a moment, an unhappy expression marring Neil's face. Finally he threw his hands up, turning on his heel to leave the room. "Fine, stay there and sulk if you want. I'm tired of you and your tantrums. I could have used your help, seeing as you know Nomolos, but I can see I'm not going to get it. If for some strange reason you need or want me, I'll be in the basement." Neil strode from the room.
Kasimir turned to watch him go, emotions flickering across his face before it settled on an expression of misery.
Impossible Wish
Chapter Eight
"Sheridan, why hello." Eliza smiled brightly from behind her massive receptionist's desk. "What brings you here today? I think your father is in the office, if you needed to find him."
"Oh, no. Actually I just wanted to see Darrell. I don't suppose I could bother him for a quick second?"
"I'm sure you can sweetie, but give me a moment and I'll check," tapping a button the receptionist spoke into her headset a moment, smiling at the answer she received. "Sheridan, he says "of course he can see me, send him in here." You know you really don't have to ask." Eliza winked at him.
"I know, 'Liza. But you know my dad." Sheridan waved at her as he headed for the massive double doors leading into Darrell's office. He hesitated as the doors swung shut behind him.
Darrell sat at his desk at the far end of the immense space that was his office. His desk was piled with files and papers, Darrell himself looking down at them as he talked with someone on the phone. "No, I told you - I'm not interested. I've already accepted a generous offer, and I do not think you're prepared to match it. Not if this latest attempt is the best you can offer me…I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, of course. Goodbye." Sighing, he looked up and offered Sheridan a tired smile. "Hey, Sheri. How's life?"
Sheridan smiled at the old nickname, and walked with more confidence toward the desk. "I'm sorry to bother you - I can you're as busy as ever."
"You're not a bother, you know that." Darrell waved him closer. "I could use the break. Despite what your father and everyone else says, I do know how to take one occasionally. What brings you here? Something I can do for you?" Darrell reached for his phone, lifting the receiver and punching the button for his receptionist. "Eliza, hold all my calls until Sheridan leaves. No, not him. Thank you." Replacing the phone, he again smiled at Sheridan, "There, now we'll have a few minutes of silence."
Sheridan came around the desk at the other man's bidding, standing beside him as turned his chair to look up at him. Before he got a chance to speak, Darrell spoke up. "School going well? I haven't seen you in a while, have I? Your dad keeps you on a pretty tight schedule these days, doesn't he? I never get a chance to talk to you when you drop by to see him."
"Umm…school's okay."
"Just okay? Surely you're having more fun than that." Darrell laughed disbelievingly.
"No, my classes are fine. There's just a lot of work, what with international financing, and business theory. English is fun though, I have a story in that class due next week."
"Yeah? What sort of story?"
"We're doing a study of fairytales, so our assignment is to do a rewrite of whatever fairytale we drew out of a hat. I got stuck with Snow White, but it's still a lot of fun."
Darrell smiled, "It sounds like fun. Better than Business Theory anyway. Are those the only three classes you're taking this semester?"
Sheridan frowned, "No, I'm also doing an independent study once a week with the IB&M chair, at dad's insistence. It's okay."
"I see. Well, what did you come seeking me out for? Not that you need a reason, you know you're welcome to just drop by and say hi. Lord knows Bethany and Neil don't mind doing it." Darrell shook his head at the thought of his siblings.
Sheridan shrugged uncomfortably, "I know, but dad hates the interruptions. I actually came to ask if I could visit your apartment? I volunteered to help Neil, and he gave me the task of searching through the stuff you have stored here. He gave me his key, but…"
"You came all the way here to ask me that? Don't be silly - of course you can. You don't need permission to visit my place. It's not like I'm every there, I'm sure the maid would appreciate it if someone gave her something to do."
"Are you sure? I don't know how long I'll be there, though I really only need to get some of the old books and stuff."
"Stop asking. You're always welcome. Stay as long as you like, maybe I'll even fix us dinner if you're still there when I get home - I don't think I'll be staying until eleven tonight."
"Okay. Thanks a lot Darrell."
"No thanks are necessary. How many times do I have to tell you?"
Sheridan laughed, "Sorry. I'll get going then, I don't dad to catch me and start quizzing me on school."
Darrell shook his head, "Your dad is a fiend, but I remember your grandfather was the same way. Oh, that reminds me. Aren't you two going up to the lake next weekend?"
Unhappiness replaced the smile on Sheridan's face for a moment, before he waved the question away and tried to look unbothered, "No, there's too much to do right now. We'll probably just go after the holidays."
"But what about your birthday, Sheri?"
"We'll probably just go out to eat or something. It's not that big a deal." Sheridan shrugged, looking away.
"Yes, it is. I don't like that your father is calling it off just for business - and that stupid stone no doubt. I'll speak with him." Frowning, Darrell pulled a large binder forward, flipping through page after page of scheduling. "There's nothing here I can't manage alone."
Sheridan was embarrassed, "Don't worry about it, Darrell. Really, he'll just be mad if he knows I whine to you." He looked at his feet.
"You think I’m that tactless? Give me some credit, c'mon." Darrell smiled, "Now get going before the old man gets back and decides to harass you about classes. Have fun at my place, and make a mess or something. Bess gets bored with nothing to do all day."
"Okay," Sheridan smiled softly before letting himself out of the office. Waving again to Eliza, he headed for the elevators, lost in thought. Reaching the bottom floor he strolled out, head going up and looking around the massive lobby. Movement caught the corner of his eye and he turned to look toward the main desk. Nomolos stood there examining something, flipping idly through the pages of a thick binder. His hair was much shorter, tied back it only fell slightly past his shoulders. That combined with the street clothes he wore, the red-eyed demon looked relatively unremarkable in the crowded lobby. Sheridan approached the demon, curiosity on his face. "What are you doing? Isn't that just the directory for offices in this building?"
Nomolos looked up, candy red eyes as startling as they always were to the blonde man, "Yes. I was simply curious - the DeMarius' have come down in the world if all they own here is two floors. I remember the DeMarius fortunes were once much greater."
Sheridan shrugged, "Well, most of the family is only concerned with finding the Carnelian. They always said 'if we can find it, we won't need to worry,' things like that. One person in each generation keeps the family business running, but Neil's parents were the first to really focus on that instead of the legend. I mean, the family is far from destitute but you're right - once it was much better." Sheridan tilted his head to look up at the ceiling, "That's why Darrell is always working - trying to make up for everything that was lost and the confusion caused when his parents died so suddenly."
"I see." Nomolos closed the directory and straightened, turning toward the exit. "Shall we be going then?"
"Sure thing." Sheridan moved to walk along side the demon, hunching his shoulders slightly at the feeling of being so much shorter than the towering, dark haired demon.
"Sheridan!"
The blonde winced, slowing to a halt and turning around to watch as his father approached. "Hey, dad."
Luc frowned fiercely down at his son, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be studying right now?"
"Umm…I finally got in touch with Neil. He's searching the mansion for clues, I'm supposed to search Darrell's apartment, so I came to get permission. And my studying is all caught up - I only have a couple of exams to study for and my story to write."
Luc was silent a moment, "Very well then. But see that you don't spend all night there. Darrell has enough to do without you pestering him."
"Yes, sir." Sheridan shoulders drooped slightly. "Are you two working late tonight?"
"No, we should finish around five or six. I'll expect to see you in your room studying when I get back. I want you to help with the Carnelian, but I won't stand to see your grades suffer for it." Luc stopped, suddenly realizing that his son was not alone. "Who are you, sir?"
Sheridan turned a startled glance on Nomolos, having nearly forgotten the demon was with him. His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he examined his dark haired companion - Nomolos' eyes were darker, more of a reddish brown. He turned back to his father, mentally giving himself a shake. "This is -Geoffrey. He's a friend from school."
"I have not heard mention of him before." Luc held out his hand, and Nomolos reached out and shook it firmly. Lucas frowned at the coldness of the other man's hand, confused by the slight smirk on his face. He said nothing, merely broke the grip and switched his attention back to his son.
Sheridan shifted nervously, "Ah, well. We don't usually see each other much. We mostly just talk in class. I was going to lend him some of my notes."
Luc nodded slowly, "Very well. I will not hold you further. But mind what I said, Sheridan. Be home no later than 5:30."
"Yes, sir." Sheridan stood silently as he watched his father turn away and head for the elevators. Sighing, he then spun around and headed for the exit. Nomolos walked alongside him.
"Interesting," the demon said.
Sheridan looked up at him, puzzled but still distracted by his own thoughts. "What? Hey, your eyes are red again."
Nomolos smirked, "You noticed that? I was concerned your father might recognize me. That's what's interesting - I think he almost did anyway. He definitely didn't like me. Geoffrey?"
Sheridan flushed, "Sorry, it was the first name I thought of. Geoffrey is a kid in one of my business classes. I talked to him earlier today, so it came to mind first. I didn't think you'd appreciate my introducing you as Nomolos."
The demon laughed as they hit the street, seemingly unaffected by the sudden blast of cold wind that greeted them. His voice was as cool as ever but his laughter seemed genuine. "No, I would not have. Neither would you. Geoffrey - I like it. Tell me Sheridan, where is your mother?"
"My mom?" Sheridan looked away, staring at but not seeing the buildings that lined the opposite street. "She died in the plane crash that killed Neil's parents. She wasn't an Arden by blood of course, but she acted just like one dad said. She helped out the DeMarius' on their journeys overseas, whereas my dad stays here most of the time."
"I see. What did she look like?"
Sheridan shivered as they walked, hunching his shoulders and ducking his head to block to try to keep the wind from his face. "Huh? Why? She had dark brown hair, brown eyes. Short - that's where I get it. I remember…she always seemed really soft, and she smelled nice. She always wore the same perfume, it was really sweet…"
"Mmm…Tell me, what do the rest of your relatives look like?"
"My relatives? There really aren't any on my dad's side. And we don't talk to my mom's relatives much. They all look like her, I guess. But my dad was an only child, so was his dad - just like me."
"Interesting."
"What?" Sheridan looked exasperated. "Why do you care about my family? I thought it was the DeMarius' that interested you."
Nomolos stopped, pulling Sheridan to a halt close to him. People surged around them, and he moved closer to the wall of a building before he continued to speak. "They do. But your family is closely tied to them, so I would become familiar with you as well." He reached out a pale hand to run his fingers through a few loose strands of Sheridan's shoulder length gold hair. Now tell me - do you, your father, and so on all have such lovely gold hair?"
"Yes. What's so special? Neil and his siblings all have red hair, there's nothing special about them."
"Indeed." Nomolos gripped Sheridan's chin lightly, forcing the shorter man to look up at him, "And these stunning gold eyes of yours? How common are they? Your father had blue eyes."
"I don't know - I think mine are more like my mom's, just a lot brighter. They only look gold because my hair is so blond."
"Really? Hmm…one more question then. Does your family have any special artifacts, heirlooms? I know you live for the DeMarius' but surely you have your own history."
"N,no. Nothing. We serve the DeMarius family, that's it. Why?" Sheridan shivered, both at the cold that blew around them and the disturbing proximity of the red eyed demon.
"You are not lying to me? You are certain that no heirloom is passed down through your line?"
"I told you, there's nothing. I swear it."
Nomolos stared a moment longer before releasing him. "Hmm…very well then. I tire of trekking through this annoying herd. Come here."
"Huh?" Sheridan stared at him, completely lost.
Nomolos clamped a hand on the boy's shoulder, dragging him close. He stared down at the blonde's confused face. "Hold still." Muttering beneath his breath, Nomolos chanted a spell. Sheridan still shivered slightly against him, but did not move. A second later, the two vanished.
~*~*~*~
"This-this is Darrell's apartment!" Sheridan stumbled back slightly as Nomolos released him, looking around in amazement. "How did we get here? What did you do?"
Nomolos looked at him in vague amusement, "I just teleported us here. I was tired of trekking through all those fools on the street and you seem to have no tolerance for cold weather."
Sheridan blinked, still surprised. He looked embarrassed once the words registered, "Yeah, I really don't. The only time I like the cold is up at the lake, where everything is buried in snow."
"You like snow?"
Sheridan smiled, though it was more bittersweet than it was happy. "Yeah…it's always been a tradition in my family to take a day off on birthdays and special days like wedding anniversaries and all. We go up to the lake and enjoy the time off. All other holidays are spent with the DeMarius' Christmas, New Year's, all of them. Which I don't mind, but it's nice to go up to the lake. I always really liked it in the winter, for my birthday. My dad would always sit back and read, but I'd go outside and play in the snow. I used to dig out little forts, ice skate on the lake…it was fun."
Nomolos stared at him, silent.
Sheridan laughed uncomfortably, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble. C'mon, I think he keeps all the old family journals and stuff in the spare room he uses for an office. I'm sure there are books on summing and all. Grandfather and Stephen were rabid about interviewing all these charlatans and whatnot claiming to be sorcerers and stuff. Though I guess maybe they weren't charlatans after all, huh?" He headed down the hallway.
Nomolos followed slowly behind him, lost in thought.
Impossible Wish
Chapter Seven
"Happy now?" Kasimir asked.
"Yes, thank you. I much prefer to do my fighting inside. Now come on, I want to drink this before it gets cold." Sighing, Neil turned and made his way toward the kitchen.
Kasimir made a face, "What am I, you're damned shadow? What if I don't want to watch you eat?'
Neil spun around, his expression furious. "Then go somewhere else! I don't give a damn, I just thought you wanted to continue bitching at me. Go jump off a fucking bridge for all I care." Angrily he stomped toward the kitchen.
"Would if I could, but unfortunately you're not likely to ask for that." The genie's voice was acid.
Neil ignored him, silent as he heard the genie follow him into the kitchen. Setting the donuts and coffee on the table, he went to find plate. Sitting at the table, he began slowly to eat his breakfast. After polishing off one of the three donuts, he spoke up. "So you came with me after all?"
"I don't want to listen to complain about my not being at your beck and call."
Neil sipped his coffee, voice biting. "When have I ever cared where the hell you are? It's not like I make demands of you twenty-four seven. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I've made only two wishes since you decided to be a nuisance in my life."
"If I'm such a nuisance, why not just take the earring off? No one is making you keep the damned thing." Kasimir's tone was accusatory.
"Believe me, I would if I could. You're definitely not worth the trouble under normal circumstances." Neil started working on the second donut, though he slowed in his eating as the expression on Kasimir's face grew even angrier.
"How would you know what I'm worth? You people feel free to make wish after wish but no one gives a damn about how I feel. You're the same as the rest - you're not making wishes now, but give it a few more days and you'll be like all the others. You continue to grouse about how difficult I am, but I notice you still keep me."
Neil dropped his food to his plate, sliding back his seat and striding over to stand in front of the surly genie. "Stop it, okay? Just fucking stop it."
"Stop what?"
"Stop being difficult! Stop trying to drive me into taking the earring off, because it won't work." Neil glared up at him, green eyes fierce. " You probably won't believe me, but I'll say it anyway. So just shut up and listen, okay?"
Kasimir stared back in silence, expression dark.
"Good. Stay that way. Look - I don't want a genie. I don't want wishes. It might be hard for you to believe, but I'm happier doing things for myself. But these days I don't have a choice."
"Sure you don't," the genie's tone was sneering.
"I told you to shut up and stay that way. Listen to me, Kasimir. I don't want you. I would gladly take this damned thing off," he tugged lightly at the earring dangling from his right ear, "and be rid of you. But you're my only chance of saving my siblings. If I don't find that damned Carnelian, my siblings and I are going to be disowned, which means we'll be penniless on the streets. I can't let that happen. It's just an old family legend, but if I don't produce the exact stone from all my grandfather's stupid stories, we're screwed. So I'm sorry to bother you princess, but until I find that stone you're stuck with me. Understand?"
Kasimir was silent, his expression now carefully blank. "What is this stupid carnelian you keep ranting about? Who cares about a stupid jewel?"
"That's all you have to say? You want to know my stupid family history?" Neil raised a brow, backing away and returning to his food, though he remained standing.
"I know when I'm not wanted. What more is there to say?"
"Oh shut up. Isn't that what you wanted to hear?" Neil swallowed the last of his coffee.
Kasimir turned away, arm carelessly waving away Neil's words. "Of course. Now tell me about this stone so I can go back to sleep."
"Come on then, if I have to tell this ridiculous story then I'm going to be comfortable." Walking out of the kitchen, he crossed back across the entry hall and to the sitting room on the opposite side of the house. The room was massive, with two couches and three overstuffed chairs, spread across what seemed a relaxed, soothingly painted room.
Throwing himself across one of the couches, Neil motioned Kasimir to take a seat. "My family is ridiculous. My parents died in a plane crash when I was about four. From what my brother and sister tell me, my folks weren't big on the family history, and neither are we. My grandfather was though, he and every other psycho in this family."
"So what is this ridiculous story you keep mentioning?" Kasimir said impatiently.
"I'm getting to that, just chill. That's why I'm a little tense right now - I have to basically find something that doesn't exist or we're disowned. Let me see, how should I begin…well, how about this: Once upon a time there was a demon, named Ornias, who hated his miserable and dreary life in the underworld. So determined to make himself a real home, one night he fled the underworld despite the threats of his fellow demons should he abandon his hellish post. He fled to the world of humans, taking with him a source of great power - the Carnelian, which gave him power and authority in the underworld."
Neil rolled his eyes as he continued, "So Ornias the Unfortunate Demon began a new life, taking a beautiful and undoubtedly perfect woman as his wife. She became pregnant and Ornias was content. But alas, that perfection was not to last. One night as he sat working quietly in his study, a demon most horrid appeared and demanded the Carnelian. Nobly Ornias refused and fought the wicked demon, but the demon cheated and slew the brave Ornias. Furious the demon sought out and frightened Ornias' beautiful, pregnant wife until she handed the Carnelian over to him. Satisfied the demon permitted the wife and child to live. "
A bored sigh, "Desperate to avenge her husband and reclaim the Carnelian that rightfully belonged to her family, the woman passed down the story to her son, and he to his children, so on and so forth, in the hopes that someone, someday, might locate the fiend and reclaim the Carnelian. That's about it. Oh wait - the 'evil demon' has a name. Nomolos, I think."
Kasimir jumped, looking up at the sound of the name. "Nomolos?"
"What? Don't tell me you actually recognize such a stupid name." Neil shot the genie an incredulous look.
"Well of course I recognize it. Nomolos is one of the most famous demons in hell." Kasimir had a strange expression on his face, as if he could not quite believe what he was hearing for fear it would turn out to be untrue. "He was my master, before I became this." He jerked his head, the dark diamond on his hear glittering in the lamplight.
"Wait, wait, wait. You're trying to tell me that Nomolos actually exists?" Neil was derisive, "What the hell is that supposed to mean? I suppose next you'll try to convince me that Ornias existed too? That I really am descended from a demon?"
"Of course he existed. And why are you being so stupid about it? I mean, if genie's exist why the hell is it so hard to believe in demons?"
Neil opened his mouth, then closed it. He glared, "Shut up. I don't need this right now. I came to locate a stupid piece of jewelry, not some stupid, magical stone that will restore my family to its proper, demonic place of power."
"Demonic place of infamy, you mean?" Kasimir smirked.
"Huh?"
The smirk widened, as if the genie was enjoying some private joke. "Ornias wasn't some noble, wonderful demon you know."
"Well, no shit. If you didn't notice, that was sarcasm in my story. My siblings and I always figured good ol' grandpa Ornias was just a serial killer or something. Tell me something I don't know, how about?"
"You're a moron. It's no wonder Lord Nomolos slew Ornias so easily. It's a pity he let the rest of your idiot ancestors live."
"I already know what you think of me. I said to tell me something I don't know. And look on the bright side - if ol' Nomo had killed us off, you could be stuck with a master worse than me."
Kasimir stood, a look of anger on his face far more fierce than any he'd displayed thus far. "It was your family's thrice damned fault that I was imprisoned in the firs place! Or did you thing I would not recognize the family that summoned me in my master's place?"
"What the hell are you bitching about now?" Neil looked at him in angry confusion. "Jesus, calm the hell down already. What's your problem?"
"It was your ancestors that tried to summon Nomolos. It was your ancestors that wound up with me instead. It was your ancestors that gave me to that magician. It was your ancestors that caused me to be turned into a genie!" Kasimir surged forward as he ranted, hands shaped into trembling fists at his sides. The black earring swung wildly from his left ear."
Neil looked at him, stunned. Opening his mouth to start shouting back, he was halted by Kasimir's eyes - bright with anger and something else. Neil bit back his own angry retorts and remained silent.
"What, nothing to say? Or are you plotting something? Is my behavior not to your liking, master? Am I displeasing to you, demon?"
Abruptly Neil rushed forward and placed his hands on Kasimir's shoulders, shoving the genie backward to land on the couch. His hands still on the genie's shoulders, he leaned over the now sitting Kasimir, legs on either side of Kasimir's own. He dropped his head, speaking a low, clear voice. "Stop it, okay? Just stop it. I already told you - you're stuck with me. I've got too much at risk right now to just get rid of you, even if it is what we both want. If it really is my family's fault that you're stuck as a genie or whatever, then I'm sorry. Really sorry, because I know what my family can be like."
"Get off me."
"Not until you calm the hell down. Will you please stop going nuts?"
"As you command."
Neil just glared, "Shut the hell up. You know damned good and well that I wasn't giving you any orders. Stop acting like a baby."
Kasimir said nothing, turning his head away to stare at the far side of the room.
With a frustrated groan Neil released him, pushing away to stand up straight. "God damn, you're a brat. Is there anything that actually makes you smile? I mean sheesh, even I know how to have fun every now and then."
Kasimir remained motionless and silent on the couch.
Green eyes watched the genie is silence a moment, an unhappy expression marring Neil's face. Finally he threw his hands up, turning on his heel to leave the room. "Fine, stay there and sulk if you want. I'm tired of you and your tantrums. I could have used your help, seeing as you know Nomolos, but I can see I'm not going to get it. If for some strange reason you need or want me, I'll be in the basement." Neil strode from the room.
Kasimir turned to watch him go, emotions flickering across his face before it settled on an expression of misery.
Impossible Wish
Chapter Eight
"Sheridan, why hello." Eliza smiled brightly from behind her massive receptionist's desk. "What brings you here today? I think your father is in the office, if you needed to find him."
"Oh, no. Actually I just wanted to see Darrell. I don't suppose I could bother him for a quick second?"
"I'm sure you can sweetie, but give me a moment and I'll check," tapping a button the receptionist spoke into her headset a moment, smiling at the answer she received. "Sheridan, he says "of course he can see me, send him in here." You know you really don't have to ask." Eliza winked at him.
"I know, 'Liza. But you know my dad." Sheridan waved at her as he headed for the massive double doors leading into Darrell's office. He hesitated as the doors swung shut behind him.
Darrell sat at his desk at the far end of the immense space that was his office. His desk was piled with files and papers, Darrell himself looking down at them as he talked with someone on the phone. "No, I told you - I'm not interested. I've already accepted a generous offer, and I do not think you're prepared to match it. Not if this latest attempt is the best you can offer me…I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, of course. Goodbye." Sighing, he looked up and offered Sheridan a tired smile. "Hey, Sheri. How's life?"
Sheridan smiled at the old nickname, and walked with more confidence toward the desk. "I'm sorry to bother you - I can you're as busy as ever."
"You're not a bother, you know that." Darrell waved him closer. "I could use the break. Despite what your father and everyone else says, I do know how to take one occasionally. What brings you here? Something I can do for you?" Darrell reached for his phone, lifting the receiver and punching the button for his receptionist. "Eliza, hold all my calls until Sheridan leaves. No, not him. Thank you." Replacing the phone, he again smiled at Sheridan, "There, now we'll have a few minutes of silence."
Sheridan came around the desk at the other man's bidding, standing beside him as turned his chair to look up at him. Before he got a chance to speak, Darrell spoke up. "School going well? I haven't seen you in a while, have I? Your dad keeps you on a pretty tight schedule these days, doesn't he? I never get a chance to talk to you when you drop by to see him."
"Umm…school's okay."
"Just okay? Surely you're having more fun than that." Darrell laughed disbelievingly.
"No, my classes are fine. There's just a lot of work, what with international financing, and business theory. English is fun though, I have a story in that class due next week."
"Yeah? What sort of story?"
"We're doing a study of fairytales, so our assignment is to do a rewrite of whatever fairytale we drew out of a hat. I got stuck with Snow White, but it's still a lot of fun."
Darrell smiled, "It sounds like fun. Better than Business Theory anyway. Are those the only three classes you're taking this semester?"
Sheridan frowned, "No, I'm also doing an independent study once a week with the IB&M chair, at dad's insistence. It's okay."
"I see. Well, what did you come seeking me out for? Not that you need a reason, you know you're welcome to just drop by and say hi. Lord knows Bethany and Neil don't mind doing it." Darrell shook his head at the thought of his siblings.
Sheridan shrugged uncomfortably, "I know, but dad hates the interruptions. I actually came to ask if I could visit your apartment? I volunteered to help Neil, and he gave me the task of searching through the stuff you have stored here. He gave me his key, but…"
"You came all the way here to ask me that? Don't be silly - of course you can. You don't need permission to visit my place. It's not like I'm every there, I'm sure the maid would appreciate it if someone gave her something to do."
"Are you sure? I don't know how long I'll be there, though I really only need to get some of the old books and stuff."
"Stop asking. You're always welcome. Stay as long as you like, maybe I'll even fix us dinner if you're still there when I get home - I don't think I'll be staying until eleven tonight."
"Okay. Thanks a lot Darrell."
"No thanks are necessary. How many times do I have to tell you?"
Sheridan laughed, "Sorry. I'll get going then, I don't dad to catch me and start quizzing me on school."
Darrell shook his head, "Your dad is a fiend, but I remember your grandfather was the same way. Oh, that reminds me. Aren't you two going up to the lake next weekend?"
Unhappiness replaced the smile on Sheridan's face for a moment, before he waved the question away and tried to look unbothered, "No, there's too much to do right now. We'll probably just go after the holidays."
"But what about your birthday, Sheri?"
"We'll probably just go out to eat or something. It's not that big a deal." Sheridan shrugged, looking away.
"Yes, it is. I don't like that your father is calling it off just for business - and that stupid stone no doubt. I'll speak with him." Frowning, Darrell pulled a large binder forward, flipping through page after page of scheduling. "There's nothing here I can't manage alone."
Sheridan was embarrassed, "Don't worry about it, Darrell. Really, he'll just be mad if he knows I whine to you." He looked at his feet.
"You think I’m that tactless? Give me some credit, c'mon." Darrell smiled, "Now get going before the old man gets back and decides to harass you about classes. Have fun at my place, and make a mess or something. Bess gets bored with nothing to do all day."
"Okay," Sheridan smiled softly before letting himself out of the office. Waving again to Eliza, he headed for the elevators, lost in thought. Reaching the bottom floor he strolled out, head going up and looking around the massive lobby. Movement caught the corner of his eye and he turned to look toward the main desk. Nomolos stood there examining something, flipping idly through the pages of a thick binder. His hair was much shorter, tied back it only fell slightly past his shoulders. That combined with the street clothes he wore, the red-eyed demon looked relatively unremarkable in the crowded lobby. Sheridan approached the demon, curiosity on his face. "What are you doing? Isn't that just the directory for offices in this building?"
Nomolos looked up, candy red eyes as startling as they always were to the blonde man, "Yes. I was simply curious - the DeMarius' have come down in the world if all they own here is two floors. I remember the DeMarius fortunes were once much greater."
Sheridan shrugged, "Well, most of the family is only concerned with finding the Carnelian. They always said 'if we can find it, we won't need to worry,' things like that. One person in each generation keeps the family business running, but Neil's parents were the first to really focus on that instead of the legend. I mean, the family is far from destitute but you're right - once it was much better." Sheridan tilted his head to look up at the ceiling, "That's why Darrell is always working - trying to make up for everything that was lost and the confusion caused when his parents died so suddenly."
"I see." Nomolos closed the directory and straightened, turning toward the exit. "Shall we be going then?"
"Sure thing." Sheridan moved to walk along side the demon, hunching his shoulders slightly at the feeling of being so much shorter than the towering, dark haired demon.
"Sheridan!"
The blonde winced, slowing to a halt and turning around to watch as his father approached. "Hey, dad."
Luc frowned fiercely down at his son, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be studying right now?"
"Umm…I finally got in touch with Neil. He's searching the mansion for clues, I'm supposed to search Darrell's apartment, so I came to get permission. And my studying is all caught up - I only have a couple of exams to study for and my story to write."
Luc was silent a moment, "Very well then. But see that you don't spend all night there. Darrell has enough to do without you pestering him."
"Yes, sir." Sheridan shoulders drooped slightly. "Are you two working late tonight?"
"No, we should finish around five or six. I'll expect to see you in your room studying when I get back. I want you to help with the Carnelian, but I won't stand to see your grades suffer for it." Luc stopped, suddenly realizing that his son was not alone. "Who are you, sir?"
Sheridan turned a startled glance on Nomolos, having nearly forgotten the demon was with him. His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he examined his dark haired companion - Nomolos' eyes were darker, more of a reddish brown. He turned back to his father, mentally giving himself a shake. "This is -Geoffrey. He's a friend from school."
"I have not heard mention of him before." Luc held out his hand, and Nomolos reached out and shook it firmly. Lucas frowned at the coldness of the other man's hand, confused by the slight smirk on his face. He said nothing, merely broke the grip and switched his attention back to his son.
Sheridan shifted nervously, "Ah, well. We don't usually see each other much. We mostly just talk in class. I was going to lend him some of my notes."
Luc nodded slowly, "Very well. I will not hold you further. But mind what I said, Sheridan. Be home no later than 5:30."
"Yes, sir." Sheridan stood silently as he watched his father turn away and head for the elevators. Sighing, he then spun around and headed for the exit. Nomolos walked alongside him.
"Interesting," the demon said.
Sheridan looked up at him, puzzled but still distracted by his own thoughts. "What? Hey, your eyes are red again."
Nomolos smirked, "You noticed that? I was concerned your father might recognize me. That's what's interesting - I think he almost did anyway. He definitely didn't like me. Geoffrey?"
Sheridan flushed, "Sorry, it was the first name I thought of. Geoffrey is a kid in one of my business classes. I talked to him earlier today, so it came to mind first. I didn't think you'd appreciate my introducing you as Nomolos."
The demon laughed as they hit the street, seemingly unaffected by the sudden blast of cold wind that greeted them. His voice was as cool as ever but his laughter seemed genuine. "No, I would not have. Neither would you. Geoffrey - I like it. Tell me Sheridan, where is your mother?"
"My mom?" Sheridan looked away, staring at but not seeing the buildings that lined the opposite street. "She died in the plane crash that killed Neil's parents. She wasn't an Arden by blood of course, but she acted just like one dad said. She helped out the DeMarius' on their journeys overseas, whereas my dad stays here most of the time."
"I see. What did she look like?"
Sheridan shivered as they walked, hunching his shoulders and ducking his head to block to try to keep the wind from his face. "Huh? Why? She had dark brown hair, brown eyes. Short - that's where I get it. I remember…she always seemed really soft, and she smelled nice. She always wore the same perfume, it was really sweet…"
"Mmm…Tell me, what do the rest of your relatives look like?"
"My relatives? There really aren't any on my dad's side. And we don't talk to my mom's relatives much. They all look like her, I guess. But my dad was an only child, so was his dad - just like me."
"Interesting."
"What?" Sheridan looked exasperated. "Why do you care about my family? I thought it was the DeMarius' that interested you."
Nomolos stopped, pulling Sheridan to a halt close to him. People surged around them, and he moved closer to the wall of a building before he continued to speak. "They do. But your family is closely tied to them, so I would become familiar with you as well." He reached out a pale hand to run his fingers through a few loose strands of Sheridan's shoulder length gold hair. Now tell me - do you, your father, and so on all have such lovely gold hair?"
"Yes. What's so special? Neil and his siblings all have red hair, there's nothing special about them."
"Indeed." Nomolos gripped Sheridan's chin lightly, forcing the shorter man to look up at him, "And these stunning gold eyes of yours? How common are they? Your father had blue eyes."
"I don't know - I think mine are more like my mom's, just a lot brighter. They only look gold because my hair is so blond."
"Really? Hmm…one more question then. Does your family have any special artifacts, heirlooms? I know you live for the DeMarius' but surely you have your own history."
"N,no. Nothing. We serve the DeMarius family, that's it. Why?" Sheridan shivered, both at the cold that blew around them and the disturbing proximity of the red eyed demon.
"You are not lying to me? You are certain that no heirloom is passed down through your line?"
"I told you, there's nothing. I swear it."
Nomolos stared a moment longer before releasing him. "Hmm…very well then. I tire of trekking through this annoying herd. Come here."
"Huh?" Sheridan stared at him, completely lost.
Nomolos clamped a hand on the boy's shoulder, dragging him close. He stared down at the blonde's confused face. "Hold still." Muttering beneath his breath, Nomolos chanted a spell. Sheridan still shivered slightly against him, but did not move. A second later, the two vanished.
~*~*~*~
"This-this is Darrell's apartment!" Sheridan stumbled back slightly as Nomolos released him, looking around in amazement. "How did we get here? What did you do?"
Nomolos looked at him in vague amusement, "I just teleported us here. I was tired of trekking through all those fools on the street and you seem to have no tolerance for cold weather."
Sheridan blinked, still surprised. He looked embarrassed once the words registered, "Yeah, I really don't. The only time I like the cold is up at the lake, where everything is buried in snow."
"You like snow?"
Sheridan smiled, though it was more bittersweet than it was happy. "Yeah…it's always been a tradition in my family to take a day off on birthdays and special days like wedding anniversaries and all. We go up to the lake and enjoy the time off. All other holidays are spent with the DeMarius' Christmas, New Year's, all of them. Which I don't mind, but it's nice to go up to the lake. I always really liked it in the winter, for my birthday. My dad would always sit back and read, but I'd go outside and play in the snow. I used to dig out little forts, ice skate on the lake…it was fun."
Nomolos stared at him, silent.
Sheridan laughed uncomfortably, "Sorry, I didn't mean to ramble. C'mon, I think he keeps all the old family journals and stuff in the spare room he uses for an office. I'm sure there are books on summing and all. Grandfather and Stephen were rabid about interviewing all these charlatans and whatnot claiming to be sorcerers and stuff. Though I guess maybe they weren't charlatans after all, huh?" He headed down the hallway.
Nomolos followed slowly behind him, lost in thought.
no subject
Date: 2003-11-15 03:50 pm (UTC)purrrrrrrrr.
You are too good to us.
no subject
Date: 2003-11-15 03:52 pm (UTC)glad you like. go to sleep.
no subject
Date: 2003-11-15 03:54 pm (UTC)