Wow this chapter is long in comparison to the rest ;; It's not my best, but I hope you guys still enjoy it! I'm sorry for mistakes in this chapter; I wrote most of it while I was tired, and I'll try my best to edit mistakes in the morning!
Also, There will be some new characters in this chapter, so here's a key
4 of Spades - Hong Kong | 5 of Spades - Ancient Rome | 8 of Spades - Germania
I tried to be accurate with this, so I took then from the official cards.
The Jack hurriedly runs down the stairs of his spiraling tower, a smile planted on his face. In all honesty, being able to meet the Red Joker outside of the King's eyes is an opportunity that, while most dangerous and risky, is quite useful. Having to wake at such an early time is a pain for the Jack, but he he will have a longer time to discuss things with the Joker, and possibly find out the secret of the strange figure he spotted the night before. He only hopes he can meet the Joker before too long, before the King realizes his absence. The man recalls the meeting he had with the Queen earlier, which had set him back already
The Queen gives the Jack a questioning look, squinting his eyes. "Why must you head for the mountains in the first place? A Club could see you, you could ruin our ties. Why is it that you must be so foolish? Did they not teach you any common sense where you came from?"
"It is an order from the Joker. Besides, I will not be stupid enough to cross the border. Do you really believe I would simply wander through a mountain pass without realizing it? Tell the King that the Jack of Clubs requested that I speak with him privately."
"You know he will send someone with you, Jack."
"Then do not tell him until he asks. That shall buy me enough time, I'm sure."
The Queen grumbles to himself. "Why is it that the Joker would invite you, but not me?"
"Perhaps it has to do with my magic, or the fact that with both of us gone the King would grow suspicious."
"Certainly, because how long has it been since you have used this 'magic' of yours?"
"Do not be so sour just because you did not have the gift to use it." The Jack gives a sharp glare to the Queen.
Perhaps this was one reason for the Queen's former hatred for the Jack; the man had been interested in magic his entire life, yet could never use it. When the King bought the Jack, he stole one of the Queen's books (He knew no better; he had always done the like as a slave) and as it turned out, he was a natural. The Queen's jealousy flared as the King forgave the act and appointed the boy as Jack of Spades, and began to take a sudden interest in him. it wasn't as if the King and Queen ever truly loved each other; no, it was all just politics, just as it had always been in all of the kingdoms. However, for the King to give attention to this thief, the boy who never belonged in the Four Kingdoms by law… It made him furious. And the Jack continues to use this to tool with him.
"I will not make any deal with the Joker without your consent first. Remember our pact; I will stay loyal to you." the Jack smiles, leaning forward to give his Queen a peck on the lips; a reminder of their promise.
He smiles. Though it would not appear so, the Jack was quite fond of his time with the Queen; especially now that he was seen as the man's equal. However, he is still happy to get away from the man; as quality time between them is limited before it turns to snide remarks. As he exits the tower, he notices a certain servant passing by, who gives him a questioning look.
"Yao, where are you heading? It's like, unlike you to be out before sunrise."
"Ah, Four! How nice it is to see you! Isn't it great? I have received an invitation from the Jack of Clubs; to speak with him privately! I feel as if before long, our kingdoms will be on better terms!" The Jack's excitement is showing in his eyes as he looks to the younger man. There is no doubt in the servant's eyes that what he is telling is the truth.
"I do not think something of the like would be so easy. I hope it, like, turns out for the best, though." The boy gives a soft smile, uncommon of his usually blank face, however not rare. The Jack returns the smile. Him and the servant are like brothers, and no one would be surprised if that happened to be the case. The two were both from the east, kidnapped by the same travelers. Both remember nothing, and so while their personalities clash, they often rely on each other. The Jack only has one regret about the brother, and that was not opposing to the Queen appointing a teacher for the boy rather than the King. Ever since Four had been taught the correct ways of the Kingdoms, he always seemed distant. The Jack waves the boy off politely.
And the Jack takes off again. He runs through the gates that separate the castle from the high-class, and picks up speed. Very few of high-class is out this early, so he is not noticed by many. Before long, he has passed through the gate that lies on the outskirts of the area, sending him into the remaining eastern-half of the kingdom. Houses are thick here near the wall, but they soon begin to lessen in number. A few early rising farmers give him odd looks, but they are followed by waves or smiled. The Jack simply ignores them, focused on his destination. The mountain border comes into view, perhaps one of the only borders in the kingdom not cut off by wall. The sun is rising above it, and two familiar faces can be seen at the foot of the mountain, sitting and talking in the grass. They look to be enjoying each other's company, and it seems they have not noticed the Jack, and so he listens in to their conversation.
"Gilbert, I feel weak again…" The Black Joker speaks, attempting to swish his tail, though it is mostly blown around by the wind. He curls up in the grass by the Red Joker, who looks down to him with a concerned face. There is a pause.
"I do too, Blacky." He says, "Ah, but don't worry! The awesome me will fix this! I just have to figure out how, alright?"
"But… How will I be a great wildcard if I can never cause chaos? Will… Will I die like the old Black Joker did?"
"You've caused enough chaos, Little Black. Trust me, you will live a long life, like me! I'd rather not be forced to live with another Black Joker. Training you was hard enough, and I doubt a new one will ever be as awesome."
The Black Joker smiles. "Thank you, Gilbert."
"Everything will be fine, Blacky. I swear on my life. Stay away from the kingdoms though, alright kid? If they were to know about this, they would spend no time in killing us. We need to seem strong!"
The two Jokers continue to talk, but the Jack felt sick. The Red Joker had made it clear to him before the reason for the Jokers' weakness. However now, the Red Wildcard was playing innocent. Was he planning on the other's death? What was the purpose of lying to the other?
"Wildcard of the Red Kingdoms, I have come to speak with you." The Jack decides to make himself known. "I believe from what I have heard, it would be best to exclude your friend."
The Joker's suddenly stand at the Jack's voice, the Red looking frantic.
"Blackie, behind me!" The Red Joker shouts to his companion, who hides behind him. Strange to the Jack, considering from what he has seen in the past; the Black Joker always refused to seem weak and rarely ever hid. Perhaps he really did trust the Red Joker, a now sickening thought.
"Jack of Spades!" The Joker yells, "What business do you have with us? I demand you state so and leave!"
"Wonderful act, Gilbert. Perhaps you should give up the act or speak to me in private. I have no problem in telling your friends everything."
"What act?" The Red Joker appears frustrated, and a sudden gust of wind passes, nearly causing the Jokers to fall over in their apparent weak state. The Jack takes a step closer, opening his mouth to speak, but is cut off by the Red Wildcard. "Do not take a step closer! I am prepared to fight if I must!"
"B-But! Red! You can't fight, not now!" The Black Joker looks on the verge of tears.
The Jack Squints. "Red Joker, what is the meaning of this?" He sighs, "You leave me no choice, however. Wildcard of Black, listen well. The Joker of Red knows the reason for your weakness! The lack of chaos in the kingdoms is slowly but surely killing you! The Red Joker has been trying to restore his life with the help of my Queen and I, but by telling you not to cause chaos, he is sending you to your death!"
"Gilbert would never do such a thing, you Jerk! Y-your whole Kingdom can go to hell! Me and Gilbert couldn't care less about you and your jerk Queen! I doubt tha-" The Black Joker is silenced by the tail of the Red Joker.
"Bastard, leave now, or I'll kill you and your lying mouth!" The Red Joker attempts to get in a fighting stance, however the wind is strong, and it barely holds.
The Jack grits his teeth. "You know as well as I do that this is anything but a lie! If you truly think that I am in the wrong, I am also prepared to fight. After all, I have received orders from the King to eliminate you; and if you deny my story, then there is no further reason for me to deny his orders."
The Jack knows he has won, as the Jokers take a number of steps backwards. There is a pause, before the Red Wildcard weakly speaks up.
"...So let us say that your story is true. How exactly would you be helping me?"
"you have previously given me the option to destroy a black kingdom or unite the two." The Jack wears an annoyed expression as he speaks, his eyes closed. He can nearly hear the ragged breathing of the other men. He begins to doubt himself on the fact that the Joker is lying ."You said that it would cause a chaos strong enough to restore the Joker's lifeforce. You even told me where to meet you this very day to talk."
"Jack of Spades." He opens his eyes, and the Red Joker continues to speak, "I do not doubt your words. You know more than what you should, and if you were sent here to eliminate us, you would have done so by now. I have a favor to ask of you, however."
"Yes, Wildcard?"
"You have more magic that we do at this moment. Please, try to see if you can sense any disturbances in the magical realm."
"I know not how to perform that. Witchcraft was outlawed in my Kingdom before I was old enough to realize the importance of such a task. Besides, my magic is weak right now as well by lack of practice."
""... I see. Then you must believe me when I say I did not make such a deal. However, I have no issue with going along with it. I place my trust in you. As much as I hate to admit it, you are our only hope as of now."
The Jack notes how uneasy the men are, and nods. He has never before seen a Joker in this state, and for some reason it worries him. He realizes how isolated they are, how weak they are.
"Royalty or spirit of discord, we are all human." He speaks softly, "The gods gifted us magic for a reason. Even those without magic have a purpose."
Balance is needed for peace, the Jack knows. And as confusing as it may sound, chaos is a part of that balance. Balance is needed in all of the kingdoms, or their fate will turn for the worst.
But causing a chaos so great that it may tip the scale in another direction… Well, that is another matter altogether, a matter that the Jack does not realize.
He gives a weak smile to the wildcards, and they return it. This is the first time the Jack has seen the Jokers smile without trickery. The Jack turns, about to leave, but a voice calls out to stop him.
"Yao?" It is the Black Joker.
"Yes?" The Jack turns back. He is not surprised by the Joker's knowledge of his name. After all, he is a wildcard.
"May we call you that? I mean, to call you Jack of Spades is tiring, and well…"
"It's awkward to have a friend with a royal title." The Red Joker finishes.
The Jack smiles. "Of course. And what is your name, Wildcard of Black?"
"Peter!" The Black Joker jumps a little, and surprises the Red. There is a sparkle in the boy's eyes, and the Jack smiles.
"Farewell then, Gilbert, Peter." The Jack waves, and he is off.
The day has started, the sun is high, and the Jack runs free. He runs just as he did that morning, peacefully. however, it is soon interrupted by a familiar face running towards him.
"Five, what are you doing all the way out here?"
"Ah, dearest Jack! The King sent me to assist you, isn't that great? Come, come! Tell me about your talks with the Jack of Clubs!"
"Why are you alone?"
"Ah, Eight was with me, but he claimed that he had to use the restroom; a shame, isn't it?"
The Jack looks to the brunet, who currently wears a pouty face. The Five of Spades is a powerful warrior, older than most of the rest. He is rarely seen away from women, unless he is with the Eight of Spades who doesn't seem to enjoy his company.
"Yes, such a shame." The Jack laughs, "Though, my meeting went well. The Jack of Clubs has agreed to try to strengthen ties between our kingdoms. Imagine them as an ally, we would be invincible!"
"Enter." A door creaks, and the King sits silently. He has been thinking long and hard about what the Joker said all those nights ago. However, his people have yet to note a difference in his attitude, much to his liking. "Eight? Is there a problem? I ordered you to accompany Five and the Jack. You must have a good reason to be here."
"We found the Jack, Your Highness. He was seen conversing with the two Jokers at the eastern border. We were only there to hear a portion of their conversation, but it is still important for you to hear me out on our findings."