Paying the Piper [La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia fanfiction]

Chapter 2

There was no sign of activity near his lab. He was feeling frustrated now.

He is mocking us....

Elmo popped up near him.
"Do you need help Jolly?"
"No...Just look around and tell me if you see anyone...."
Like that man who I met today?
Jolly asked sharply , "Did you see him again?"
"Yes.. he came to play with me..."
Jolly felt a chill.

He was smart. He had come to Elmo....or perhaps he even knew what Elmo really was...

"Elmo, did he say anything?"
"No, We talked....In your lab..."
Jolly didn't wait for him to finish.
He ran into his lab. Nothing had been touched. Elmo ran in behind him. "Don't worry! He didn't touch anything."
Jolly controlled his rage and asked again.
"What DID you do?"
"Well , he played some music....
"WHAT?!?!"
"Yes! Then he said he would teach me the next time. He also told me to study well!"

This was ridiculous!!! He had wasted his entire day searching for him and the devil had been in his lab having a sing-along with Elmo....

If the others found out....No they won't....

"Elmo..." he said "When you see your friend again tell him I would like to meet him."
"He said so too."
"What????"
"Yes! In fact he said he is coming back tonight. He said he wants to meet an alchemist."
Jolly started walking out. This man was serious. He meant to get all of them.

Tough since I won't give in so easily...

************************************
The entire family waited in the room. Dante was still sprawled across the couch. Liberta and Nova were sitting by the door ready to jump into action. Pace had a plate of lasagna in front of him but his mind was preoccupied. Debito was in a chair with his eyes closed but Jolly knew he was not asleep.

Luca seemed on edge, polishing the silver over and over again, but he kept looking in Jolly's direction. Jolly hadn't meant to tell them but unfortunately Elmo had let it slip to Nova and now the entire family was waiting to catch the stranger when he strikes.

One part of Jolly knew that half the family was hoping that he too falls into a deep sleep.

Well I won't give them that luxury.... He wanted to meet an alchemist....well he would....and then he would regret it.

************************************
The man smiled as he saw the entire family crowded in one room.

Perfect! But it would cramp my style if I took them all out at once.... Of course it will be interesting to meet the boy's creator , but not now..... Now I have to start the show.....

***********************************

"Luca! Knock it out already!" drawled Debito from his chair.
"I can't!" he replied, "I feel nervous!"
"So why take it out on the silver?"

Jolly leaned against the wall and lit a cigar watching their banter. It was already quite late. The younger boys were less alert now. Luca would be of no use if he was so nervous. That left only himself Pace and Debito.

"Why would he even want Jolly?? Asked Luca, the sarcasm in his voice quite evident, "He wouldn't lift a finger to help us even if he could...."

Because he wants to meet an alchemist..." said Jolly, "Not everyone can be one..."
Luca said something under his breath and asked "What about Elmo?? Where is he??"
"Locked up in the lab. Don't worry yourself."
Luca scowled at him and said, "I should check on Felicita now."
"Why?? They won't wake up."
"No! But they are still alive though...."
Luca left quickly as if he didn't want to talk anymore.
"Let him go...he was of no use anyway.

Time passed.... Nothing....

Jolly was getting bored now. He was contemplating if he should say something to Debito just to annoy him and get some fun out of it when there was the sound of running feet outside.

They quickly stood up and readied their weapons and even Liberta and Nova jumped up. Suddenly Elmo ran in.
"Jolly!!!Come quickly!!!"
Debito turned to him.
"You said he was locked..."
Jolly stared at Elmo in shock too.
Elmo grabbed his sleeves and pulled him , "Come quickly!!!!"

They ran outside and in the garden found Luca unconscious. While the others ran around the garden trying to find the intruder Jolly knelt beside Luca. He pried the note that was in his hand.

Alchemist....

It annoyed Jolly just a little bit that he had not thought of this outcome.

Never mind it is probably better this way....

"THE ALCHEMIST HAS FALLEN FOR MY TUNE. IF THE FAMILY IS WILLING TO BARGAIN SEND THE HERMIT TO TOWN . IF NOT DEATH SHALL FOLLOW."