Chapter Text
Lucien was in control.
Mostly.
He hadn't really had to deal with this… Mollymauk the first time he came back. And this time, it had taken a lot of subtle work in the subconscious to get the reins back, so to speak. Weaving questions and uncertainty into Mollymauk's thoughts had taken time and patience. Getting him to find the book and look at the pattern had been far harder than Lucien had expected, but it had been worth the wait. It had given Lucien the boost he needed to reclaim control. The parasite was still there, but his protestations were… manageable. A mere annoyance. Lucien had learned quickly that Mollymauk had an impressive vocabulary and didn't know when to shut up.
Quite the opposite of Lucien’s new travel companion.
Caduceus sat upright across from him in the rented carriage, eyes closed as they bumped along roads north of Rexxentrum. His face was serene, his posture relaxed, but his ears were alert. He had donned his beetle armor the moment Lucien had offered it, along with his adventuring pack. Caduceus was wary, waiting for a misstep on Lucien's part.
But despite his wariness, he was here, and Lucien was relatively certain he hadn’t contacted the rest of the rabble. Not yet, anyway. By the time he did, Lucien was quite certain he could navigate his way around their ire. After all, he had advantages they’d never dreamt of, not in their worst nightmares. The havoc he could cause now that Caleb had earned himself nine Eyes… it almost made Lucien giddy.
But caution was still vital. Caleb had doubtless discovered the advantages of the Eyes. The Nein were not a group to be trifled with. Aeor itself presented numerous dangers. And the biggest wild card of all was seated across from him… Sleeping? Meditating? It was impossible to tell at this point.
Lucien sighed. He supposed it was too much to hope for, that Caduceus would be off-balance or nervous in Lucien’s presence. If anything, the cleric’s time in the City seemed to have bolstered his self-righteous certainty. Yes, it had made him reckless, open to following Lucien and damning the consequences. But it also made him stubborn, and more willing than ever to do what he must to prevail. It was easy enough for Lucien to recognize the single-minded fervor in Caduceus' eyes. It was the same determination that tugged at Lucien’s own heart.
Unfortunately for Caduceus, their ultimate goals were diametrically opposed. Caduceus wanted to end the City, Lucien would see it free, under his authority. There would unquestionably be conflict ahead, but for now, they both wanted the same thing: to pass through Aeor and reach the City. Lucien had no doubt in the cleric’s ability to keep him alive, and he could easily return the favor. Much as he missed the complete loyalty of the Tombtakers, there was a certain freedom in being without them. There was no need for speeches, or keeping up appearances and morale. There was no facade between him and Caduceus, which was… oddly refreshing.
At some point, the cleric would need to choose between submission and death. Lucien had no doubt he’d choose the latter, which really was a shame. For all the dullness of his chosen deity, Caduceus was a rare mind. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to sway him, or take him even without his will. It was worth consideration.
He felt Mollymauk curl and recoil in disgust at the thought, which made him smile all the more.
Yes, Lucien was in control.
Then Caduceus blinked out of existence.
Lucien half stood, swearing. He quickly grabbed for the book and drew his blade, spilling his own blood to set it aglow as his mind raced. He would’ve noticed if the cleric had cast a spell, he would have seen any attempt to travel or disappear, and what purpose would it even serve to–
Caduceus reappeared exactly where he’d been, relaxed and smiling.
“Sorry,” he said lightly. “Just wanted to see what you’d do. I think I’ll make tea, do you want some? It was really very thoughtful of you to pack my kettle and all…”
Caduceus began to casually rummage through his pack, seemingly unaware of Lucien’s attempts to regain his composure. Lucien sheathed his weapon and sat, heart still pounding as he did his best to ignore the amusement bubbling from the back of his brain where Mollymauk resided.
“That was foolish,” Lucien spat, glaring. “I could have killed you.”
Caduceus gave him a flat stare.
“Sure you could,” he said, insincerity dripping from his words. “I really do apologize, I’ve been told I have the worst timing with that sort of thing.”
As Lucien processed what that might mean, Caduceus’ ears perked up, then drooped a bit.
“Oh, sorry–” Caduceus said.
“Yes,” Lucien replied. "You said as much–”
He cut off as Caduceus glared and waved a hand at him.
“I’m alright, but I’m not coming back,” Caduceus continued, ticking off his fingers as he spoke. Lucien realized he must be speaking with the blue one. Jester. “I’m with Lucien. Take some time to prepare, maybe gather some friends. I’ll keep you posted.”
Lucien crossed his arms.
"Let me guess," he smirked. "Your little blue friend wants you to--"
Molly, are you Lucien now!? Have you been Lucien this whole time? What the fuck!? Where are you taking Caduceus? Is he okay? Are you--
The increasingly shrill voice in his head cut-off for a moment, then resumed.
I think it's really fucked up that you left like that, Yasha is really upset. And Caduceus is still sick, and dragging him across the--
Lucien looked up to see Caduceus smiling, half smug, half apologetic.
"If it's any consolation, she only has so many second level spell slots," he said, turning his attention back to his kettle. "Then again, she could cast it at higher levels…"
As Jester's voice resumed inside his mind, Lucien closed his eyes and fought back the urge to hide his face in his hands.
Let them play their foolish games. He was still the one leading the way, making the decisions.
He was in control.
Somewhere, deep inside, a joyful laugh rang out, as a speck of light within the darkness of Lucien's soul listened to his friend's voice and grew a little brighter.