Final part
How hated Nightcrawler is? Is a question Kwannon begins to retells about a gang who may want to go after Ariel to get revenge on Nightcrawler misdeeds in the past- a subject it was uncomfortable as it makes him think of his first wife, even though it wasn´t a gang and it wasn´t a response by one of Nightcrawler´s actions...- and of course, it wasn´t a nice conversation by any means.
“So...who has a problem with you, Count Darkholme?” Jubilee now asks and Ariel waits for his answer as well. She knows he hides his tracks and no one is left to say. No witness is the motto of every Darkholme.
“There´s no one” Count Darkholme speaks gritting his teeth, yet, Ariel hols his hand and speaks now- finger gloved fingers traces over his own in a nice pattern calming his bad mood- “Kurt, we´re in this together. So, please, think thoroughly ...do you remember any group that may have a problem with you?” and she adds “I may have people who aren´t happy with me...I killed Omega Red, remember that?” she jokes and a ghost of a smile appears as quickly it appears.
“Well, there´s one person...but I´d not think...she would...maybe she would” his tone is dark and Ariel has a good idea of who he´s talking about. Now, how to solve any possible bad outcome that may be tossed at them?
Meanwhile, Amanda Sefton is once again on the Braddock´s manor-the one Betsy owns and rules as she sees fit and is enviable by many ladies and men- wearing a piece of jewellery that was supposed to be present to Dr Rory´s original bride and looking at the manor with contempt.
The ladies wear fans to send secret messages. Doug does not need fans nor needs nothing more than one look to see what is real and what´s fake and he remains on Betsy´s side. And thanks to common sense, Doug can see how Betsy is upset, to put mildly.
“Amanda...we made a deal. W have a plan. Is your word as valuable as your reputation?” Betsy asked throwing a jab at Amanda who closes her fan bemused and peers at the purple eyes of Betsy.
“I did what is the best to achieve our goal” and a nasty smile plays on her face. Amanda is really pretty and pretty much amoral. “maybe the reason Count Darkholme does not see you as a potential bride to be...is how you seem to chase a man but care for another”
And Betsy growls unladylike, but, Doug took control of the situation. “So, you´re saying you put Ariel´s head to be chase by a gang of vicious killers. And thought it was a great idea?” Doug asked and Amanda has no time to lie because Doug shoots her.
“Doug!”
“We need to do something, Betsy...We can and must do something” and the woman only nods as she raises from her place and looks at the lifeless body of Amanda Sefton.
“What about Amanda?”
“I didn´t think about this part...sorry”
“Is ok. We say is a legit defence”
A carriage is ready and the two are out of the manor. The Darkholme´s residence was a bit far away-even with a magical carriage giving by Queen Gloriana- and is no surprise to see the Darkholmes are not exactly pleased with Betsy and Doug.
Yet, they arrive in the right moment as a gang of bad elements- dressed in the worst way to symbolise the motif of their gang- shows up and claims to want revenge. A lady never starts a fight, but, should always finish it.
At the end of the day, Betsy made no friends by this little heroic act and Doug can read between the lines how Ariel is not happy by his involvement-in the end, Doug was not a good friend nor person and Ariel has no time for such toxicity in her life and Doug does not want to be this kind of person- and the friendship is broken beyond repair.
The Braddocks are less than pleased by her part on such scheme-and are quick to accept the white lie about Amanda- and her wedding with Doug Ramsey is announced quickly to prevent any rumour to exist or spread.
After a few weeks, Ariel and Count Darkholme are married-by his dismay Queen Gloriana married them and Count Darkholme has to see tentacles more than anyone should be comfortable with- and now is more than official.
“You´re now Mrs Darkholme” Kurt replied happy to be away from tentacles. “What will you do?”
“Make sure Mr Darkholme does not do anything stupid”
“Uhm. I think that is my job here.”
“And now he has a sense of humour”
“I can tell great dead babies joke if you want”