And… another chapter

My eyes… ow…

Created 3/4/05

Chapter 18 – Ideals

Monsieur de Villefort felt obliged to pay a visit to the man who had saved his wife and son’s lives before he went to his house, so he called in at number 30, Champs-Elysees. He found the Count studying a lovely painting depicting a stormy sea.

“Monsieur de Villefort.’ The servant announced.

Lance looked up. Silver also looked up, although he was hidden behind a Japanese screen. His face contorted in a growl…

So he was correct, the man was not dead…

“Welcome, sir.” Monte Cristo said with a bow. “To what do I owe the honor of your acquaintance?”

“I heard that you saved my the lives of m wife and child.” Gold said coldly. “I am here to extend my thanks.”

“Ah, that was providence.” Monte Cristo smiled, as he bade Villefort sit down. Coffee was brought in, along with the necessary accoutrements.

“So Monsieur is new to Paris?” Gold asked rather coldly. He was not a friendly person by any means. Indeed, he was a rather harsh judge if all accounts of his nature and courtroom manner could be believed. He rarely granted mercy even if it was due, and any criminal that landed in his hands could expect death for the meanest of crimes.

“I confess that I am.”

Villefort huffed. Terrific. This fraud was most probably another man out to scam the good people of Paris out of their cash. He would have to keep a careful eye on this Count.

Silver was trying hard not to reach for his knife and garrote the man in front of him, but it was proving rather difficult. Claire caught his arm and dragged him out of the room, unseen by all except the Count.

A silence surrounded the two men.

“I shall be leaving then.” Gold said coldly.

“May I expect to see you at my residence ere this day is past? I did extend an invitation to your family, and I would be honored by your presence.”

“I shall be there.” Gold exited.

Lance sighed. “Silver?”

“I know, I know. I couldn’t control my emotions. It shan’t happen again tomorrow. I shall be the perfect steward.”

“’Tis not your folly, but mine own. Perhaps…”

“No! I needed to see him. Now I know exactly whence my real enemy lies once again, and I thank you for it!”

“As you will…” Lance checked his cards. “It seems that I have been invited to the Andrews residence. I shall return late. We shall be in Auteuil tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, Excellency.” The now-composed steward bowed, eyes closed. “Shall I accompany you?”

“No, I shall go alone.”

“Are you certain?” Claire asked, reaching for her daggers in their hip sheaths.

“I do not expect danger from Koga’s family. Everything shall be fine.”

“As you will…”

“I know, I know…” Lance smiled. “I am touched by your concern, you know.” Madness sparkled golden for bare seconds before it was replaced by tangible warmth. “I shall return shortly.”

Koga anxiously paced in his front yard. The Count had agreed to come to his house, and now he was worried. True, the man wouldn’t be arriving for another ten minutes or so, but still!

What if he was laughed at?

They had a small house in a quiet area of Paris. A fountain full of pretty goldfish serenaded him with its song, as he stood between riots of lovely rosebushes. Pristine ruby petals sparkled and glittered with softer shades of pink mixed in.

Aya was busy fretting over her hair, trying to figure out if she should pin it up or not. Brawly was busy consuming a biscuit and coffee, completely unperturbed.

At precisely 3 P.M., the Count stepped out from his carriage. The coachman helped him out and then fell asleep promptly.

Lance sighed in his mind. Good hired help was so hard to get… he made a bow to Koga, who swiftly returned it.

“I am so glad you accepted our invitation Count.” Koga smiled. “I cannot wait to introduce you to the rest of my family.”

He hid a smile at that, if only the soldier knew… well, angels were always good to believe in… angel of mercy, angel of music, angel of healing…

Angel of Death…

“Brawly!” A yelp was heard from the back room. Aya rushed outside, her hair in disarray. “Give me back that pin! It was mother’s!”

“Not until you promise to marry me!” The clerk teased.

“Brawly, shut up!”

The Count smiled to himself. Odd… yes, very odd…

He had planned for Aya and Brawly to get married, but apparently Aya was the independent type. Well, there was nothing wrong with it in his opinion.

Koga looked rather scandalized at his sister’s behavior. “Aya! We have a guest!”

Aya poked her head out from behind a lilac bush, gold pin in hand. Brawly looked pained as he got up. Apparently Aya had done some damage to get her hairpiece back. There was dust all over his trousers.

“We have a guest?” Aya asked, as she swiftly pinned up her hair, made a few brushing motions on her dress, and promptly smiled sweetly.

The Count stepped forwards and took her hand, kissing it.

Brawly fumed silently, but said not a word. He knew Aya wasn’t interested in him, at least not yet, but still!

“May I present my sister, Aya, and our longtime friend, Brawly?”

“Pleasure.” Monte Cristo replied, sweeping backwards with another elegant bow. “I am honored to meet you, Mademoiselle.”

Aya colored slightly, but smiled and nodded.

Monte Cristo admired the gardens for a few minutes as a maid brought tea. They did not enter the house, though, preferring the light and air of outdoors. At three-thirty, the Count bade them farewell and left.

Aya had an odd look on her face.

“What is wrong, sister?” Koga inquired. “Are you unwell?”

“No, no… but it is his voice.”

“His voice?” The Count’s tone was soft, perhaps odd for a man, but he had sensed nothing wrong. What did she mean?

“For a reason I cannot fathom, it seems to me that I have heard it before…”

Koga shook his head. “Well, I can honestly say I have not. Perhaps he passed by our home once, in the distant past?”

“Perhaps.” Aya conceded, but she did not look certain…

End Chapter

Completed 3/8/05

Lance: You skipped the scene

Phantomness: This is AU, a fanfic, and I’m not being paid. I write it how I want to!

Ash: *shakes head*