I have, surprisingly, not fallen off the face of the earth though sometimes I wish I would, at least in oblivion I'd have time to write. Still teaching and taking dance practically every day of the week and I've picked up a side job performing for an annual event called 'Ballet in the Park,' which lasts all month. My feet are ready to fall off and I literally can't feel my toes. Tonight was my first break in ages (strict orders from my chiropractor and friends) so I got to sit down and write out 6 pages of piratey-goodness. Is it perfect? Ofcourse not, perfection is overrated and I did this all non-stop. I hope this makes up for my lack of appearance over the past month, if not I apologize sincerely to you as I truly feel bad for disappearing. I am currently dead though and lack my usual pa-zaz tonight, but please read and enjoy.
Chapter 7
Bad Day, Drunken Night
Come morning, Halloween Town was in an absolute uproar. Overnight, there were a total of 240 fatalities and the cause of death was the same for all of the victims; a bite mark. The location of the bite varied but there was no doubt that vampires were responsible. Careful autopsies revealed that the deaths had all occurred in the same time frame and while people believed more than one was responsible for the quick slaughter the measurement of the bite was the exact same for each body, meaning only one person was behind it all.
There was no way of tracing DNA because the attacks were so quickly done there was no trace of saliva, hair, fingerprints, or any other evidence left behind that could pinpoint a suspect. Whoever was responsible definitely knew how to cover their tracks, but as a precaution the island inhabitants were taking it upon themselves to capture any vampires in their community and bring them directly to the palace for interrogation. A witch hunt for vampires, as ridiculous as it sounded that's exactly what it was turning into even though the vampire responsible was in the palace already.
It was a good thing his being one of was unknown to anyone other than the pirates, because Riku was definitely in no condition to put up a fight. After the work he did earlier that morning he was not only exhausted but also feeling very out of his senses. "104.6 degrees," Axel said after examining the thermometer, "You should have been more careful about who you bit last night."
"Are you going to be okay?"
Both pirates looked oddly at Roxas when he said that, not expecting such a question since Riku wasn't someone he particularly liked. "Ofcourse," Riku said with a positive nod, "Looks like I bit a couple of sick people and that just didn't work out well with my immune system."
Roxas smiled and went over to the bathroom, returning with a glass of water and setting it down on the nightstand by the bed, "You should have been more careful… though Zexion isn't feeling well either," Riku looked over his shoulder at the smiling blonde, seeming puzzled by the sincere tone.
"He's just tired. Necromancy takes a lot out of him," Axel assured him, and as Riku was gradually waking up he heard something from outside his window and he looked over curiously, "What's going on?"
"The town has gone crazy, they're rounding up anyone with fangs pretty much and bringing them here," Axel explained, obviously disgusted by it all, "Seems they're taking finding the culprit into their own hands but they're also forcing the court to look at everything they've found."
"As long as I'm not found out, we have nothing to worry about," Riku said and Roxas went over to close the window. After he shut it he stared down at the shouting group of people dragging a man bound with chains behind them while he flailed and protested. "Don't watch Roxas," Axel ordered, crossing over to the window and pulling the drapes shut to block out the events below, "This will continue until they find someone with the same bite measurements as the ones Riku left, and in only a few days they'll find someone and that person will face punishment for a crime they didn't commit." It was a gruesome thought but, "We can't interfere," Riku said solemnly, "If they found out who really did it our efforts here will have gone to waste."
"Well…it had to be done right? You guys just couldn't let Demyx die," Roxas said, though obviously bothered by both the idea and the events outside.
Finally they couldn't take it anymore and Axel had to say, "You're being awfully nice today, and I don't think it's just because you found shorts to wear instead of skirts."
Roxas merely smiled and shrugged, "Well, I guess I've been pretty hard on you guys because I thought you were bad people… After what I heard this morning though I figured I should give you a chance and be a little more me."
"Good, because you've been pretty difficult up until now," Axel said and Roxas nudged him with an annoyed look, "Kidding, kidding. Alright so you stay in bed today and-"
"I can't," Riku stopped him short and sat up, obviously a little groggy though, "The princess is having me help her prepare for her masquerade party tomorrow in celebration of her 21st birthday."
"With all the commotion though I doubt she'll be doing anything of the sort," Axel said, imagining the court would be kept busy with the riots.
Riku shook his head though, "She and her brother are staying out of this. They're vampires themselves and since all vampires are being persecuted by the court they're forbidden to have any hand in the case as they too are possible suspects."
"Guess that means the king won't be getting lucky again anytime soon since everyone is afraid of him," Axel laughed but Roxas seemed to shrink a little; he still hadn't told Axel about his issue with the king's flirtations as he got cut off by last night's chaos. With the latest happenings though he hoped this would mean he'd be spared the agitating infatuation the king seemed to have with him. "Well when exactly is she calling for you?" Axel asked, hoping there would be enough time for Riku to semi-recover
"She's usually not even awake before noon so I've got a while," Riku said, sounding relieved but still not thrilled by the idea, "Rotten little witch could show up whenever she pleases though."
Roxas couldn't help but laugh a little since it was more than obvious Riku disliked her, "How much longer do you guys have to keep up this act?"
"Our orders were to obtain the documents tying us to the king's illegally obtained power, plant evidence to tie the king to the fraud and then the others will attack while we remain under our guises. When the dust settles and the investigation begins we're supposed to make sure all evidence pointing to fraud is found," Axel said, for the first time actually telling Roxas the full mission, "However I get the feeling somebody has been taking care of placing evidence for us."
Roxas was confused but Riku nodded, "Same here. And that person has been relaying information to the captain so it's got to be someone from the crew."
"Something's not right, he's being too reckless with time. We've been here for almost 2 weeks now and have gotten nowhere. Killing Demyx and intentionally causing a riot, all the while having another person unbeknownst to us placing evidence," Axel reviewed it all in his head, coming to the conclusion that, "He's got something planned."
"You guys can figure that out later. Right now let's let Riku get some sleep," Roxas insisted, breaking the ominous thoughts quickly, "And Xigbar is coming to the gates when the sun goes down to get Demyx so we can't wander far."
"Where are you guys off to?" Riku asked, a bit curious but more entertained by Roxas' amazing attitude transformation.
"Well, since both you and the other two are going to either be in bed or busy today we figured we'd take a look around town," Axel said with a shrug, not really sure what else they could do with the timeframe they had, "We'll be back in time to take Demyx to Xigbar, don't worry."
Riku just laughed when Axel said the last part, "Worry? About you?"
"Back to bed mutt," Axel insisted, putting a hand on his head and easily pushing him back down into bed, making it clear he wasn't his usual self, "Come on Roxas," he said before heading for the door.
"Bye Riku," Roxas said on his way out, shutting the door behind him so he could rest. It was clearly going to be a very short rest, because as the two were making their way down the stairs the princess was coming up them, "Poor Riku," Roxas said under his breath once Larxene was out of sight.
"This is what he gets for rushing," Axel said, not nearly as concerned as Roxas, "Even in the circus he always did before he thought."
That was a topic of high curiosity for Roxas and he was more than ready for answers, "I don't get how you guys went from circus performers to pirates."
"Honestly neither do I, in a nutshell we got into some trouble and had to run and when the captain offered us work we jumped at the offer," Axel said, leaving out enormous details and noticeably so.
Roxas wanted to know those details though, "What did you guys do?" Axel grinned as if remembering a very fun memory but he shook his head, not about to share. "Aw come on, tell me," Roxas pleaded, tugging on Axel's shirt almost childishly.
Axel looked around to see if anyone was listening before snickering and explaining, keeping his voice quiet though, "So this all happened about a month after Riku and your brother started their little affair thing, and the ring master was completely oblivious to everything except his daughter," Axel stopped for a second to laugh a bit more, "And she was the biggest little tart, but was a perfect angel when daddy was around. So one night she and I were fooling around as usual and daddy walks in."
Roxas looked like he was trying not to laugh, finding all the crude nature funny and Axel continued, "So little princess pulls up this sob story saying I was attacking her and he pulls out a gun while I'm just trying to pull my pants up. But, guess who opened the door across the hall with another unexpected surprise."
Roxas' eyes got wide and he covered his mouth, "…No," he said, knowing just who it was and in sheer disbelief at the comic irony.
"Yup: your brother and Riku, on their way out to take the prince back to the palace. It didn't help that he was wearing Riku's shirt either, making it quite clear what was they'd done," Axel said and they both laughed though Roxas was trying not to find humor in the awkward situation, "So, seeing the trouble we were in, Riku and I ran and jumped the nearest ferry off the island."
Roxas shook his head, still laughing and holding his sides, "You have horrible luck."
"I also have a growling stomach, so let's go find lunch," Axel insisted, brushing the misfortune aside and leading Roxas the rest of the way out of the palace.
"Demyx."
The blond looked over his shoulder to Luxord, still laughing from a conversation he'd been having with Xigbar and Axel, "Oh, hey Luxord," he greeted with a smile.
Luxord however didn't share the smile and Axel and Xigbar quickly picked up on the fact something was going on, "The captain wants to have a word with you." Demyx obviously wanted to stay and continue his conversation but he obediently headed for the door to the captain's cabin.
The other three exchanged a look amongst themselves, all knowing what was coming and Luxord merely said, "Be ready, you'll have to take him back with you," he said to Axel and the redhead nodded without a word. None of them said anything more and a horrible silence fell over the ship. Demyx entered the cabin humming a little tune to himself but silencing when he saw the captain at his desk, one hand holding a book and the other twirling a gold letter opener, "You wanted to see me sir?"
"Sit," was all Xemnas said, not even looking up at him. Demyx crossed over to the chair on the other side of the desk and sat down as the captain shut his book and set it down, still twirling the letter opener with his other hand, "How long have you been on this ship?"
Demyx didn't hesitate on his answer, "8 months yesterday sir," he said confidently, easily remembering that day in Thebes.
"And how long have you been a part of this crew?"
At this questions Demyx looked a bit confused, "Sir?" The captain stood up and eyed him in a way that made Demyx uncomfortable, "It's time you really start serving me Demyx," was all he said before grabbing Demyx's shirt and pulling him roughly over the desk. Demyx panicked when he saw the flash of the letter opener and quickly pulled away, but it wasn't enough since the captain still had hold on him and even though the blade missed his neck it cut across his cheek. The initial shock of being cut made Demyx cringe and in the brief moment the captain lashed the blade back and it easily slashed right across his neck.
The sound of a scream quickly woke Zexion and he immediately reached over and grabbed Demyx's shoulder, sitting up and grabbing the other as well to hold him still as the blond thrashed and screamed. "Demyx calm down!" The boy was mortified though, and he didn't know what was going on, his hands shooting up to his neck and feeling the bandages, screaming again. Zexion let go of his shoulders and grabbed Demyx's hands, pulling them away from his neck and holding them still until his thrashing subsided and Demyx opened his eyes.
At first he looked confused but the look slowly turned into that of fear. This was understandable, he'd been killed and could remember it yet here he was alive and breathing but with a horrible searing pain in his neck. "Z-Zexion I…the…h-he," Demyx was on the verge of tears and he looked to Zexion for some reassurance or some kind of explanation. As Zexion explained what had happened though Demyx's expression grew more and more helpless.
"…So you're…" his voice trailed off and Zexion pulled his shirt off and turned around, revealing a very detailed black design on his back right between his shoulder blades that was about the size of a fist, "Stabbed with a poisoned knife," was all he said before quickly pulling his shirt back on. Demyx stared at him before putting a hand to his neck, knowing the same mark would be there when he removed the bandages, "…Nobody warned me."
"We couldn't, the captain does this to all of us Demyx and all souls on the ship have to be tied to him," Zexion said, remaining calm though it was obvious Demyx was anything but calm.
"But nobody warned me! I've been with you for 8 months and never knew this would happen!" he practically shouted, on the verge of either tears or tearing Zexion's head off.
Zexion knew this would happen, all of them reacted similarly and it would be a while before Demyx was himself again, "I'm sorry, but it was our duty as his crew to make sure nobody knew."
"And it is your duty as my friend to warn me when you knew this would happen!" Demyx snapped, burying his face in his knees and clenching his hands in his hair. Zexion said nothing more, silenced by what he said and feeling guilty more so when he could tell Demyx was crying.
Another pirate that wasn't feeling well was in the busy courtyard, and while servants rushed around setting up for the party Riku was practically falling asleep standing up. Larxene was discussing fabrics with the party planner, though was consulting him on practically every decision, "Which one would look better as table cloths?" she asked, turning to Riku and holding up four pieces of fabric. He looked from them to her, "Princess, I am sad to say that I am the last person you want to ask," he said and she laughed and turned back to the party planner and continuing the discussion.
Riku immediately became more alert when he noticed an officer approaching them, knowing full well what people like this were doing today. Interrogations about this mornings massacre, and he didn't feel any better when the officer came right up next to him. "Your highness," he said, bowing his head to Larxene, "A moment of your time please?"
He was here for the princess, a great relief to Riku not only because it meant he wasn't here for him, but also because it meant he'd get some Larxene-free time. "Ofcourse," she said before turning to Riku, "I trust you'll keep things going while I'm gone?"
Riku wanted to say, 'No! Rot in hell you spoiled little brat!' but instead he held his tongue and smiled, "Leave it to me," he said though mentally kicking himself for the words.
Needless to say, both Riku and Zexion were more than miffed when Axel and Roxas returned, soaking wet and laughing. "Hooray, we weren't all miserable today," Riku said sarcastically. He and Zexion had been talking in the entry parlor of the east wing, unwinding from their day.
"You're just jealous because we had fun and you didn't," Axel said, sticking his tongue before shaking his head to get water off, showering Zexion in the process. The slur in his voice made one thing very clear, "You've been drinking," Zexion sighed, wondering where they'd been all day.
"It was amazing though," Roxas said cheerfully, "There was this lake and gypsies were there and…" he trailed off into laughter and both Riku and Zexion were surprised to find out Roxas was incredibly drunk.
Zexion scowled and shook his head, it was late and Axel was supposed to take Demyx to meet Xigbar at the gates 4 hours ago. Since Riku was still occupied by the princess, he had to do it instead and that wasn't easy considering Demyx was still upset with him. "We've received news about…he's not listening," Zexion gave up as Axel was led off down the hall by a very tipsy Roxas.
"We'll tell him in the morning," Riku decided, watching them leave and sighing, "They'd better not be hung over though, otherwise this plan is going to fall apart." He'd just heard the news an hour ago from Zexion. When he'd met Xigbar, he'd been told about the captain's plan to attack tomorrow during the masquerade. It was a very clever plot since nobility from all over the sea would be there and that would mean a much bigger profit.
"You're sure you switched the right molds?" Zexion asked, and Riku nodded. That was another part of framing the king, switching the dental mold the king had provided during interrogation with Riku's, "Positive, when they match his up with the bite marks on the victims it'll be a perfect match," he assured Zexion.
"Well…I guess all we can do now is wait for everything to fall into place," Zexion said with a heavy sigh, hoping that everything would indeed fall into place quickly. They'd been here longer than any of them had planned and he was getting sick of living behind a façade.
Axel and Roxas however, oblivious to the plans, could care less. They'd stumbled into bed still wet but too drunk to care, "Mmm, you smell good," Roxas mumbled in his alcohol induced state, laughing for no reason in particular.
Axel grinned and reached over to push him away, but since he was rather uncoordinated at the moment his hand ended up just slipping right over Roxas' shoulder. Roxas smiled and buried his face in Axel's neck, inhaling the sweet smell and sighing unevenly, "…so good," he said under his breath. Axel had drunk just as much as Roxas but he was much better at holding his liquor, and only had a minor buzz unlike Roxas who was flat out wasted.
"I can't believe that was your first time drinking," Axel laughed as he toyed a hand through the blonde hair with a grin.
"And my first time jumping fully clothed into a lake," Roxas exclaimed with a pleased look. He seemed very proud of himself, which was only intensified by his drunken state.
"I'm guessing you never got to try things back home," Axel said, stating the obvious.
Roxas nodded, "Grandpa and Sora kept me pretty sheltered…button eating marker sniffing meanies."
Axel looked at him oddly, realizing the liquor had gone to his head a lot, "I think you better go to bed now…Roxas?" After looking at him closer Axel realized he was out like a light and he couldn't help but laugh at the drunken little prince, "…Well I'll make sure you get to experience as much as you've missed out on before you go home."
There you have it. I am terribly sorry if this chapter falls short of what I've done before but you guys seriously have no idea how dead I am. Just so you all know I will probably remain dead until August when my schedule becomes less cluttered. I will continue to write, no doubts there, it may just take more of me than I have right now.
And just as an interesting side note: a couple of nights ago after a performance in the park I got a new idea for a story and wrote out an outline and details (on the back of a playbill from the show though) and plan to get the first chapter done during my free time because I absolutely love the concept. It was inspired by a soundtrack I was listening to backstage and in short it's going to be a Riku/Sora and for now that's all I'm going to say. Now, if you'll all excuse me I'm off to write and then collapse into bed for a much needed sleep. I wish you all the best in all the world and again I apologize for my absence.
Your loving bohemian, Mad-TopHat-Ter
