Chapter 409 - Phantoms Headquaters (2/2)

”Boss, how are you?” soon, two presence approached from behind.

”Elliot and Yves,” he replied nearing the end of the meal, ”-a pleasure to see thee both here; please, take a seat.”

”Don't mind us,” they leaped over the bench, ”-tis rare to see thee eating at the cafeteria,” commented Elliot.

”I suppose so; I mean, I should know what my fellow comrades are eating,” using the word comrades instead of employee – solidified the bond further it was as if saying they were friends and strangely, they were. For once, he trusted the compound and the safety of many people in their hands, and they trusted him to lead them towards a better future. The relation was far stronger than friendship.

”It's very good,” added Yves, ”-I'm happy about the food; raises the spirits from the stomach upwards.”

”I agree,” nodded Elliot, ”-a war is won on a full stomach.” They exchanged words over the table; other guards jumped into the conversation – without fail, Staxius would reply and crack jokes at times. The first impression was of a stern, mysterious, and powerful leader. Now, the impression was of a charismatic person who enjoyed speaking to anyone who wished to spur on a conversation.

”Master, the plane is to land in two minutes,” said Éclair.

”Excuse me,” said Staxius standing up, ”-thank you for the pleasant meal. It was succulent, good food tastes better with good company. Keep it cordial and pleasant – I appreciate the hard work, thank you.”

”No, thank you, boss,” came a torrent like a response. Taken aback, he nodded to leave a step out.

The plane approached the airfield. The screeching of the wheels against tarmac had signaled the landing. Curious marksmen on the watchtowers pointed their rifles at the new-comers. They were ordered to shoot on command only else if the compound went into code-red; then, it would be shoot on sight.

”Where are we?” asked Sugar climbing down the stairs.

”I don't know,” returned Dei as confused as her lover.

”Is that him?” he asked over his shoulder.

”Yes, it's Mr. Haggard, the one you idolized,” said she to reminisce.

Stood on the firm ground; Sugar stood nervously. He had changed, once revered as being handsome, the man was but a fleeting memory of the past. Long and messy which got on the way of his eyes; an overgrown beard with uneven edges – various scars down his neck and arms. Skinny paired with oversized clothes; the wind made his stature painfully obvious.

”Hello Dei, Sugar, welcome to Rotherham,” said Staxius.

”Hello,” smiled the lady. They were but a reflection of a forgotten past, talented musicians turned to ruin

”Sugar,” said he facing the shell of a man, ”-it's good to see you.”

Listless eyes rose painfully. The sullen expression was emphasized by his skin sucked to the cheekbones. In no way did he look healthy.

”H-hello,” spoke a broken voice.

”I see,” said Staxius placing a hand on his shoulder, ”-Sugar, or should I say, Oris, I brought you two here for one thing; return to the stage. I know it might seem a tall order considering thy conditions – still, a contract is a contract, and Dei signed. From today forth, thou art in my care. The journey must have been tiring, let's go get you two some food.”

Left to eat on their own, Staxius took a stroll. 'He's worse than I imagined. The vocal cords are in a pitiful state. The body might have taken a turn for the worse, but I felt his fingers, the man's been practicing.'

”Éclair, get in contact with Clarise as soon as is possible; we have two patients who the Alchemist sect are going to cure.”