The mansion

"Let me see. Hmm... According to the map, we should go down this street." Victoria says.

We cross through another checkpoint at the wall separating Inner London from Central London. This time, we pass without incident. Victoria and I walk along the streets together, the moonlight shining through the leaves of trees. It's funny to me to see forests and hills enclosed within a city's walls. "This is a very nice area. The more wealthy people have their estates here. Is this Lupin from nobility?"

"I don't know much about her, myself, but one thing that I do know is that Lupin is a thief with a heart of justice." I say.

"A thief? But she believes in justice? Even through she steals for a living?"

"Yes."

"Indeed? Hm..." Victoria tilts her head to the side as if in thought, and continues walking. Then without warning, the forest clears, revealing a huge mansion standing before us. "Wow. That's a very fine building. This is it, according to the map."

"I'm not too sure myself." I look up at the mansion in awe as Victoria double-checks the map.

"Well, this seems to be the right place. The lights are on. Shall we give it a try?" Victoria starts towards the door, but I stop in my tracks and look down at my feet. "What's the matter?"

"They're probably going to be worried. I caused them trouble, and I don't know how I'm going to face them."

"I see. All the more reason to show them that you're fine, so they'll stop worrying. They're all likely waiting for you." Victoria's right.

I nod, and push open the gate to enter the gardens surrounding the mansion. We walk towards the looming main building. I take a deep breath and knock on the door. There is no response. I try again. Again, no reaction. No matter how much I knock, nobody answers the door. I push on it lightly, and the door swings open with a creak. "Huh? It's open."

That seems a bit careless.

"Wait. Something's wrong. I'll go ahead. Follow me." She pushes the door open, and we can see inside, into a huge foyer. "Incredible. This Lupin must be a woman of considerable means." Victoria takes a step into the hall.

At that moment--

"Don't move!" Lupin and Nemo stand to either side of Victoria, looking ready to attack.

"Hm... This is a rough welcome." Victoria says.

"Quiet. You're that wanted grave robber, Frankenstein. What have you done to him?" Lupin asks. "Choose your answer carefully, or you won't be happy with how we react."

"Did you do anything with him?! You lucky... I mean, you bitch!" Nemo says.

"Um, no." I say.

"First, you're going to return our precious stolen treasure--" Lupin says.

"What exactly did you two do?! Don't spare any details, damn it!" Nemo says.

"Let em explain." I say.

"Don't worry, Caleb! I'll make sure to comfort you tonight! In bed, of course!" Nemo says.

"Um... Do I still have to keep my hands in the air now?" Victoria asks.

"You'll keep your hands up until I say otherwise. Nemo, shut up." Lupin says.

"Listen to me!" I say. Lupin, Nemo and Victoria all look at me in surprise at my sudden outburst. Having to shout like that was a little embarrassing, but I clear my throat. "Victoria is... All she did was save me."

"I see. So she didn't drag you here by ****, or anything like that." Lupin says.

I nod.

"See here, Frankenstein! If you lay one finger on my boy, you'll be in for a world of hu- Ow!" Nemo was hit by Lupin. "What the hell did you hit me for, Lupin?! What if you were to damage my genius mind?"

"Don't worry. I don't think it could get any more damaged than it already is. Would you two mind telling us what happened?" Lupin says.

"I'm sorry you were worried about me." Nemo and Lupin take in a breath to speak, but I keep talking before they can interrupt. "This woman is the wanted criminal, Victoria Frankenstein, but she also saved my life." I explain how I met Victoria, and give them a summary of the events that happened to us. "...And Victoria wants to use the place to hide for a while."

"More than that, I'm willing to help you in anything you need me to do. You'll have my full cooperation." Victoria says.

"The creator of two homunculus' and a leading researcher. You're the best this nation has to offer regarding alchemy. Fine. I think we'll have some use for you. I am Arsene Lupin, greatest thief of the 19th century. Take good care of him."

"It's my pleasure to meet you." Victoria says.

"And I'm Captain Nemo! One day, I'll go to the moon! Good to meet you!"

"Then will you allow me to hide out in this place?" Victoria asks.

"Sure, why not? Only if the owner of this mansion were to agree to it, of course." Lupin says.

"You must be tired, am I right? I can't do anything too elaborate, but why don't we have a quick meal." Nemo says.

"You can cook, Nemo?" I ask.

"Of course I do! Just leave it to me! I'm as fantastic an engineer in the kitchen as I am in the workshop!" Nemo says.

"I guarantee you'll enjoy it. Even though she's scattered-brained about everything else." Lupin says.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk! I'm top-notch in everything I do. You're just jealous of my skill, Lupin!" Nemo says.

"Sure, whatever." Lupin says.

"Let's get going, Mr. Caleb! The living room is back there!" Nemo says.

Lupin and Nemo start walking away.

"Your friends are an interesting bunch." Victoria says.

"Friends?" I ask.

"Aren't they?"

"Yes, they are? Let's go." I slowly walk after Lupin and Nemo. I should be tired after all that's happened, but I feel light-hearted.