Chapter Twenty Nine
Summary-Hailed as the best thief in the kingdom Xemnas is paid to abduct the prince of Radiant Garden, Saix. Kidnapping the headstrong prince is one thing; getting caught up in a plot to conquer the world wasn't in the job description. Along with a Fire Elemental named Axel, the skilled knight Sir Auron and a mysterious yet magical blond boy named Roxas a simple kidnapping becomes a quest to save the kingdom.
Note-So I was playing Final Fantasy IX and I thought 'why the hell not'. I was gonna use Sora and Riku but Xemnas/Saix is one of my guilty pleasures. The master/servant thing is a turn on. 'coughs and goes red' anyway…Riku and Sora will be in this story but that is a surprise. And because my sister wanted it Vivi will be turning up very soon. Of course I'll have my own plot twists and turns so be ready for some major surprises in the future. Enjoy my lovelies and I'll see you soon.
Porcelain Dolls
Chapter One
Radiant Garden
The Mist Continent
Radiant Garden Province
From across the vast plains and over the forests of the province, nestled within a valley surrounded by snow capped mountains, stood Radiant Garden. The city, also called the Shining Jewel, was one of the oldest kingdoms on the continent and was ruled by one of the wisest and oldest royal families around. From the casual observer's vantage point the city was truly a magnificent work of architecture.
White walls had been built in a circle to encompass the various districts and provide protection from potential invaders. But the main attraction of the city had to be the Royal Palace, situated in the centre of the city and shining for all to see for miles around. The palace was built from white stones and four large crystals stood as tall as pillars in the centre of the palace. Sitting in the right tower of this building was the prince of the kingdom and heir to the throne of the entire province. But to the residents of the city he was called the Feral Prince.
Saix Lunis stared out of the open window but his amber eyes saw nothing. Azure colored locks framed his face and cascaded down a strong back. He was wearing his best suit for the play tonight as ordered by the King of Radiant Garden. Although the man had adopted him Saix looked upon him as his true father, the only family he knew.
But lately, this past year in fact, Saix felt as if he were locked in a prison and there was something very wrong with his father. King Angeal was known as a benevolent leader and a wise and just man but since the death of his beloved consort Zack Fair a year prior the man changed into a cold and greedy individual. The King was a stranger sitting on the throne but no one would dare say anything about it.
The blue haired prince sighed deeply as he turned to the mirror on his dresser and examined his reflection. The familiar x-shaped scar between his eyes stood out dark against his milky white skin. His hair didn't hide his unusually pointed ears but he was beyond caring about his appearance. His clothing consisted of a velvet jacket with blue embroidery along the sleeves and hem.
His pants were also velvet and he wore polished shoes. Frowning at his reflection he turned away and walked towards the heavy wooden door. He was expecting his most loyal knight Sir Auron to be waiting outside so he could be escorted to the Royal Box. Pulling the door open Saix smiled slightly when he saw the red coated man with sunglasses and the scar through one eye. Auron nodded then followed the prince along the marble walkway.
Tonight a performing troupe would be bringing a popular play to life for the people of Radiant Garden. The play, written by Lord Avon was one of the most famous ones but Saix found it about as interesting as Moogle mating rituals. His attendance was mandatory however and the people expected to see their prince and future king.
Walking down the steps Saix walked through the corridor connecting the royal chambers to the outer castle. The Royal Box sat atop the white wall looking down upon the people and giving them the best view of the play stage which was yet to arrive. The troupe would be performing the play on the bridge of an airship. The Organization Troupe, the most popular group in the neighboring kingdom of Rabanastre would be performing the play.
Upon taking his seat in the box Saix started to rub his temples as a headache made itself known. He really didn't want to be here but the least he could do for his father was to grin and bear it for now. His amber eyes were drawn to the sky when the sound of an airship engine broke the night air. The clouds parted and a large ship appeared from above.
Airships were currently being powered by the Mist and the sound of rotor blades could be heard across the Noble District. The airship was amazing to look at, not too big and there was a wooden carving of a mermaid stood to attention at the front of the vessel. The bay for the ship was overlooking the ocean below and within moments the airship was docked and the crowd cheered.
"You don't look happy." Auron murmured causing Saix to jump slightly.
"I'm not very fond of this play." Saix muttered dejectedly.
"The King loves it." Auron glanced towards the dark haired man sitting on the throne. "It's good that he still enjoys it after Zack's death."
"You're right I suppose." Saix admitted. But that didn't stop him from feeling cold dread all the time.
"I'll leave you then." Auron said as he stood to attention behind the prince.
"Thank you Auron." Saix waved his hand.
The azure haired man turned his attention to the docked airship and watched as the actors came onto the bridge. They were dressed in flamboyant clothing and bowing before the crowd that was clapping and cheering amiably. Saix glanced towards his adoptive father, his eyes momentarily softening as he observed the serene smile on Angeal's face.
When Zack passed away last year Angeal had been a mess. He refused to come out of his room for weeks, often spending his time locked in his memories. Zack had been the king's most loyal and favored consort and there had been rumors of marriage before Zack fell to that horrible sickness that claimed him. Zack's death had almost destroyed Angeal but a month after that terrible day the king emerged from his bed chambers a different man. Saix cast his eyes towards the stage as he came to a decision. Once the place began he would make his move. He only hoped he was making the right choice.
The Business District
Radiant Garden
He couldn't believe that he was finally in the city. He clutched his ticket tightly in his right hand as he walked through the district. Axel Sinclair couldn't believe his good luck as of late. He had wanted to get a ticket to this play for weeks, it was one of his favorites after all. The red head walked through the street, his emerald gaze flicking across each of the shops in turn and a smile graced his features.
Despite the fact that he would probably be teased again Axel wouldn't let that dampen his spirits. He even used some of his hard earned Gil to get a brand new outfit for the show. He had his fingers crossed that he would meet a cute guy tonight too but he doubted that it would happen but a man could live in hope. He felt slightly shy about his clothing but tonight he really couldn't care what people think.
He was wearing red leather pants, black laced boots and a black vest with a short sleeved red jacket. His facial tattoo, a tongue of flame going through his right eye, seemed to almost glow with an inner fire. The tattoo had been with him since his creation and it identified him as one of the Elementals, a group of living elements who were often shunned by society.
Axel approached the ticket booth that had been set up in the centre of the Business District. Nobles from Treno and the rick men and women from Rabanastre were gathering to see the play being performed tonight at the behest of King Angeal. Axel approached the ticket booth then handed in the precious ticket. His emerald eyes were eager as he waited for the man to stamp the ticket and let him in.
"Oh dear…" the man sighed heavily causing Axel to frown.
"What's wrong?" the red head asked.
"This is a fake ticket son. I've seen lots of them today." The man said apologetically.
"What?" Axle yelled frantically. He couldn't believe this!
"I'm really sorry about this but I know a fake when I see one. Someone tricked you son." The man smiled sadly.
"Oh god…I can't fucking believe this." Axel moaned pitifully. "Now what am I gonna do?"
"I don't know." The older man answered with a shrug.
Axel frowned then left before he could draw attention to himself. He staggered away from the ticket booth, his heart heavy with disappointment and anger. Now just what was he going to do to pass the time? He came all this way for nothing. Staring up at the sky when an airship passed overheard he narrowed his eyes when he saw some children running along the rooftops towards the palace.
He saw some of them emerging from the top of a tower that was nearby just across from the Business District. As an idea formed in his mind Axel went to check the place out. He found the base of an abandoned tower with a Moogle sitting at the bottom of the wooden ladder. It was trying to fix its pompom. Glancing up to see the top Axel caught sight of a bell.
"I came all this way…I'm going to see that performance." His mind made up Axel grabbed the ladder and started to climb.
When he reached the top of the tower he was standing on the roof of a shop below him. Slightly shaky with his footsteps the red head maneuvered his way across the roof, making his way towards the palace walls. He saw some children in the distance and he followed them directly. He almost slipped a few times but his resolution to see his favorite play was too strong.
After hopping across a few more roofs Axel made it onto the walls, a smug grin plastered on his face. He glanced down onto a pathway behind the crowd. Jumping off the wall he landed on the ground below without too much trouble. Making his way over quietly he stood behind the gathered spectators and smiled as he waited for the show to begin. Today wasn't such a bad day.
The Organization Airship
Radiant Garden
On the lower deck of the airship Xemnas Calypso pulled open the door that would take him into the conference room for the Organization Troupe. Luxord, Larxene, Xigbar and Marluxia were already getting ready for the play while Xemnas was left to his own devices. He had been paid to kidnap the crown prince and he never failed to make a delivery.
Besides if he pulled this off he'd truly cement his reputation as one of the best thieves in the province. Lighting a candle Xemnas waited for his associate to turn up. The plan was for himself and Vexen to enter the castle and grab the prince after he took the sleeping power Xemnas had in his pocket. The plan was to slip the powder into the prince's tea. According to their employer Saix always drank a cup of tea around this time. It would only take a few seconds for the powder to work then it was all a matter of getting the prince out.
Once he pulled off this caper Xemnas would have enough money to retire comfortably for the rest of his life. He was thinking about getting a place in Midgar but then again he always did like the beauty of his hometown Rabanastre. He could decide later, for now he slumped onto a nearby chair and waited for Vexen to arrive. The thief was dressed in his usually clothing consisting of black pants, a white vest and black jacket and boots.
His trademark weapons, twin blades that could be activated by the touch of a button hung from his belt. He was hoping for an easy and clean getaway but that rarely if ever happened and he ended up fighting his way out of trouble with the prize in his pocket. His bright orange gaze was drawn to the door and Vexen entered the room.
"Luxord and the others are already on stage. We need to get going now before the third act begins." Vexen announced quickly.
"We can get into the palace after our scene in the play. Once we finish the sword fight we exit into the palace." Xemnas stated. "The actors are given the pleasure of entering the palace but the place we want to go into will be guarded. It shouldn't be any problem though."
"So are you ready to make the crowd cheer?" Vexen smirked.
"I always was good at making people cry." Xemnas grinned as he exited the room.
"You're full of it Xemnas." Vexen shook his head. "So why isn't your little accomplice with you on this one?"
"Vivi wanted to visit his grandfather in Rabanastre. He deserved a break after that Treno incident." The silver haired thief replied.
"You have a lot of balls stealing from the King of Midgar. Rufus must've been pissed when he found his prize jewel stolen." Vexen laughed.
"You know it." Xemnas winked at the blond.
"And when we take the prince are you going to try any of your shit? He is supposed to be the most handsome prince to ever sit on the throne." Vexen rolled his eyes at the innocent look on Xemnas' face.
"Don't pull that innocent look with me. We both know you'd pull anything with a cock between their legs." Vexen followed his accomplice to the engine room.
"And is that a problem?" Xemnas asked
"I don't think deflowering royalty was in the job description." Vexen laughed.
"Hmmm, I can live in hope." Xemnas answered with a steely look.
The two of them quickly made their way to the section of the ship that would take them onto the stage. They could hear the crowd roaring their approval. If everything was on schedule then Luxord would be challenging Marluxia to a fight. That was Xemnas and Vexen's cue to burst onto the stage and assist Marluxia. Walking up the wooden steps below decks the two men came onto the shadowed part of the stage and drew their fake swords.
When they came onto the stage Xemnas' attention was immediately drawn to the Royal Box above him. King Angeal was watching the play with rapt attention, his dark eyes fixed on the actors. Xemnas couldn't see the prince but that didn't matter for now. Once he got into the castle he would snatch the lovely prince and be on his merry way to Rabanastre for his reward money.
When their cue occurred Xemnas and Vexen did exactly as they practiced for weeks. Their lines flowed easily and then came their big fight scene. In front of the stage was a walkway into the palace and the crowd was directly in front of them. The crowd enjoyed the fight; the king even threw down some Gil to show his appreciation. Xemnas and Vexen bowed deeply then left into the foyer of the palace.
Once inside the two went directly towards the room where the guards would be. There were no guards within the foyer but there were guards on the floor above. Once inside the small room Xemnas grinned when he saw that there were only two guards. So far, so good. The guards didn't know what hit them. Xemnas moved quickly and jabbed the man at the base of the neck, effectively knocking him out. Vexen got to the second one before he could say anything.
"Are you all set?" Xemnas asked once he was in the guard's armour.
"Yeah but this armour stinks and I've got cookie crumbs in places I'm not going to mention." Vexen groaned.
"Let's get going. We need to get the prince out of here before the big finale." Xemnas said.
"Lead the way." Vexen allowed Xemnas to pull the door open and he entered the restricted section of the palace with the royal chambers just one floor above.