The lost composer of London

Deals and Plans

"Oh dear God..." Integra sighed as fire, lightning, and brimstone cascaded from the London Eye on her television screen. Neku was clearly visible clambering about the wheel, shooting fireballs and striking at nothing. "He's not even trying to be subtle!"

Walter lit her a new cigar. "It's quite miraculous the Ferris wheel came out unscathed."

"Except for all the burn marks and nearly collapsing from the boy's last stunt," Integra spat, chewing her cigar like a stick of gum. "This has gone on long enough. Summon Alucard, Walter."

"No need, my Master." Alucard appeared from the darkness behind her. He looked a touch embarrassed. "Forgive me, I took an interest in the news, but I lack my own television."

Integra waved a dismissive hand. "Take care of this and I'll buy you a new one, even bigger than the last."

A sinister grin pointed from Alucard's pale face. "What is your command, my Master?"

"I have been far too lenient with these boys since they first escaped. I'd hoped they might simply remain quiet and fade into obscurity." She waved at the news in front of them. "Clearly this is not the case."

Alucard noted Neku's strikes at the air. "The boy is fighting something." His grin widened. "Fighting a great deal."

"I don't care if he's fighting the fucking Spanish Armada!" Integra grumbled. "He's causing a row that we do not need. We are having a war meeting with the Queen in the morning to discuss the fate of Millennium, and I want those boys dead by the time you arrive Alucard."

"Yes, my Master." Alucard turned to leave.

"And for God's sake, don't do it in public!" Integra added. "Keep it quiet, we don't need more news coverage."

There was a great darkness moving through the city. Joshua felt it where no one else did, and it made him smile. It was inching ever closer to him with each passing breath.

"Larissa," Joshua interrupted her casually. "I'm sorry, but I think you should leave."

She stared at him, aghast. "What do you mean? We'd been having such fun! I thought you liked me..."

Joshua leaned across the table and took her hand. "Dear Larissa, I do like you! These past hours are a time that I will never forget, and that I pray can be repeated." Larissa blushed heavily. "But I came here to meet someone, and they will arrive very soon. It would be better for you if you weren't present when I receive them."

"Who is it?" She gasped. "You don't have a girlfriend, do you?"

Joshua couldn't help but laugh at this. "Of course not. It's just a person whom I have business with. He's quite a character really, and I'm afraid he would disturb you if you stayed. So please, you must go."

With an air of sadness, Larissa acquiesced. "If you insist, Joshua." He smiled and kissed her hand, and she blushed again. Joshua noted the trembling in her knees.

"Until we meet again," he smiled as she exited the shop. No sooner than she had reached the door, a red hat and cloak strode past her. The shadow remained silent, standing above Joshua until the girl had disappeared in the window.

"Impressive British accent," Alucard commented. "The girl was putty in your hands."

Joshua grinned his everlasting grin. "Oh, I'm sure you've courted similar work in your days. Although I doubt those women made it through the night." Alucard returned the smile, his sharpened teeth showing through his shadow. Joshua gestured to the newly-empty chair. "Please, join me for some tea."

"I don't much care for tea," Alucard replied. "Why don't we leave instead?" It was more a command than a request.

"For the sake of my health, I think I should stay right here," Joshua jested.