Why, yes, it is more Merc-verse. As always, it belongs to icedark_elf. I just play with it.


Albert could almost enjoy the office when he was alone. The silence made thinking that much easier. It also gave him a chance to at least pretend he still worked for Shinra. Luc's plans for rebellion wouldn't work, of course; too many variables were left to chance. Luc thought like a mage, which was irritating. It would fail, so keeping the veneer of loyalty to the throne would help save his hide when the time came.

"There's an immortal here, Silverberg. You didn't tell me there was an immortal."

Yuber. A small ink blot was the only indication that Albert was startled. He frowned at the page and continued writing in silence for a few more seconds before responding. "It wouldn't have been prudent." Albert refused to look up at the demon until he could calm himself sufficiently. Harness the mind, and the rest will follow..

"Demons don't care about 'prudent'." The tone reminded Albert of his grandfather going over some lesson on diplomacy or supply lines or acceptable losses. "Demons," the demon continued, "Care for very little. You should be honored that I even accepted your little invitation, Silverberg. Find that pretty little immortal and thank him."

Albert could see a thin, pale braid from the corner of his eye. He still kept his eyes down on the desk, though the pretext of being busy was long forgotten. Harness the mind, harness the mind, harness the mind... He forced himself to breathe slowly. Damn it, that thing would not have control. There was a contract! It was warm, so warm... He couldn't focus.

"Besides," the demon drawled, "Your grandfather used the same shitty excuse when he wanted to get an advantage." Warm. Warmer. Hot. Hot against his face and on his ear. How could any thing's breath be so hot? "An entire family of control freaks."

Albert considered himself calm enough. He turned to glare at the demon. He attempted to say something, anything, but nothing could come to mind. Harness the mind, and the rest will follow. Damn it.

"I'm leaving," Yuber announced. "You aren't fun anymore."

Albert glared at the door as the demon sauntered off. Damn his grandfather. Damn Yuber. Damn finding that damn book in the first place. He took a deep breath. Damages were severe, but still salvageable. He needed to plan.