Richard raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Plan B already? Tell me, why the sudden change of plans?" he asked
"Well, it turns out that the 'Alpha Supreme' declared some sort of restriction to his realm. We can't get there through the machine," Ronald replied
Richard chuckled, he was intrigued. "Hmm, Castor must have some lycan business he wants to take care of. Business that he doesn't want known to outsiders, including your little agency," he speculated
Ronald nodded. "Indeed, and that makes me want to go to Vulkanis even more. That old wolf is up to something," he stated
"Well, if we can't use the RPM to open a portal, we best find a powerful mage to open one for us," Richard muttered
"Oh, dear cousin. We don't need a mage," Ronald muttered with a smile. "That's why we're heading to Rome,"
Richard pondered inwardly for a few seconds, then a sudden realization dawned upon him. "I assume it involves a church and some ugly little statues," he smirked
"Well, I wouldn't call them ugly. But yeah, let's pay a visit to Vatican city," Ronald said
"Though, how certain are you of their willingness to open one for us?" Richard asked, his expression serious. "They consider themselves as the pure and righteous, while they see us as damned, vile creatures,"
Ronald smiled. "I'm not, infact I'm sure they won't comply. And that's why I need you to go all out and make sure they do," he stated and began walking towards the exit.
Richard grinned like a mad villian. "It would be my pleasure, but are you sure you want me to go all out? I mean it is a holy place, one dedicated to sacredness and purity," he asked with a cautionary gaze, following behind Ronald as they both entered the elevator. The door slid shut and the elevator ascended.
Ronald chuckled. "I might be a law enforcer, but that doesn't mean I follow the law," he said calmly, like those cool antiheroes in action blockbusters.
"Haha! See, now that's the Ronald I like. The one that's not afraid to ditch the rules," Richard muttered
"That's why they call me the night agent, I accomplish my missions however I please," Ronald replied, as the elevator stopped by the top floor. It doors slid open and revealed the parking lot they had arrived in earlier.
"Just make sure you don't go overboard, we don't want to start another war," Ronald added
"You know me, Ron. The killing gentleman," Richard muttered with a smug smile
Ronald shook his head. "No, Michael's the killing gentleman. You're more of Jack the ripper," he said with a chuckle before bursting into laughter, causing Richard to laugh as well.
They arrived at the car and entered it, fastening their seatbelts as Ronald started the engines
"Funny enough, I did know jack the ripper back in the day. And believe me, we're nothing alike," Richard continued the conversation. "I killed for the thrill of it, but he on the hand, was a straight up psychopath who simply enjoyed the screams of women as they get stabbed,"
Ronald chuckled. "Hm, he and Adrien would have gotten along quite well," he said
"Without a doubt," Richard let out a slight chortle. "But that reminds me, how is that cunning little brother of yours? I haven't seen him since the sixteenth century,"
Ronald forced a smile, his expression changed to that of remorse. "Yeah well, he's not that nice guy you used to know anymore. He's changed," he muttered softly
"Yes, I have heard all about his... Deeds over the years. I must say, I was quite impressed. Even with how angry I am with my siblings, I wouldn't bring myself to hate them," Richard stated, looking at Ronald with pity.
"Hm, I can't as well. But Adrien's ambition for the throne has clouded whatever love of family he once had," Ronald said. "Mum thinks he's far gone, but I still have hope that he can be redeemed,"
Richard chuckled. "I hope so too. Now cheer up, Ronald. We've got some business to attend to, and I can't concentrate with your sad emotions pouring all over the place. Feel something more strong, like hate or passion, or... Desire," he said with a smirk
"Hahaha! Fuck off! You're just an horny bastard," Ronald laughed out
Richard smiled. "An Immortal horny bastard, do well to remember that," he corrected
Ronald shrugged and shook his head, his cousin was just unbelievable, unbelievably mad. But at the same time, Richard was one of the most fun and exciting people in all the realms.
"But you're right, I should be stronger than this," Ronald took a deep breath and clenched his fists. "And right now, I'm feeling determined to find Winter and figure out what Castor's up to. So, let's do this,"
Richard cheered happily. "Yeah! Now that's the spirit," he muttered
Ronald finally began to move the steering wheel, he drove out the parking space and prepared to do a portal jump. He set the coordinates to Rome and was ready to open the portal.
But before he could push the button, Richard stopped him. "Wait! Don't zoom us to the Rome just yet, let's take a quick detour to Spain. Have a few drinks and catch a few Zs, I'm exhausted," he said with a smile
Ronald was stunned, wasn't this the same guy that said finding his sister was urgent? Or maybe he was just kidding. "Are you joking? Didn't you say that Winter could be in danger and we needed to find her quickly?" he asked
"I did. But then I realised that Winter's an Immortal, I'm sure wherever she is, she's doing just fine," Richard stated. "She can never really be in real danger, unless there's something out there that can kill an Immortal for good. But there isn't . So come on, let's take a break, shall we?"
Ronald sighed, he didn't have a choice. Afterall, Richard was right. There was nothing in the universe that could completely kill Richard and his family, it was impossible for them to die for good.
"Alright, fine. Let's go to Spain," he muttered and changed the coordinates of the portal.
Richard's smile broadened. "Lovely,"
A portal opened up in front of them like before, and Ronald stepped on the accelerator. The car moved with an incredible speed across the parking lot before jumping into the portal, disappearing like it was never there
*******
London, England
The morning sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays over the bustling city. London was already alive, its streets filled with people on their daily grind—some hailing cabs, others weaving through traffic in their own cars. No matter the mode of transport, the destination remained the same: another day of work, another task to complete.
Michael and Naomi were no exception. Their mission was different from the rest but no less urgent. Fresh off a relatively short flight, they were now making their way to Winter's residence, hoping the visit would prove worthwhile.
After a smooth drive through the city, Michael pulled up in front of a towering, glass-paneled skyscraper. At first glance, it resembled a high-end corporate office, one of those sleek, ultra-modern buildings that housed boardrooms and business moguls. But this was no ordinary structure. This was actually home to one of the world's most famous influencers.
Stepping out of the car, they approached the entrance with ease. Strangely, there were no security guards, no ID checks, no barriers of any kind. No one stopped them. No one even acknowledged their arrival.
Inside, the lobby was eerily empty. Two elevators stood at opposite ends of the vast, pristine space. A reception desk sat in the center, but the chair behind it was vacant. No staff, no security, not even a whisper of activity.
Naomi hesitated, glancing around. "Okay… this is really weird," she muttered as they made their way to the elevator. "No guards, no receptionists, no sign of life at all. It's like this place has been abandoned."
Michael pressed the elevator button, watching the doors glide open. "Wouldn't be the first time Winter pulled something like this," he said, stepping inside. "You know how she is, disappearing without a word is practically her signature move. Maybe she's just taking a break somewhere,"
Naomi sighed, pressing the button for the top floor. "I just hope you're right."