When You're Strange
Chapter 10
Uncivilized Negotiations
*Author's Note*
Two things I need to mention here. First of all, I'm sorry it's taken me this long to get to this, but in all fairness it's not only laziness that's gotten in the way. Other projects, including my own original story, have been started, I've moved, I've been posting revised and edited versions of this story's chapters on deviantart (which I will probably post here replacing the current chapters), I've been working at college, a part time job, and playing lots of games (I didn't say there wouldn't be any irresponsibility, did I?). But the biggest issue was that the next chapter I had planned to write, the one I'm skipping over to write this, was just a massive block in my path of progress. I realized after several attempts I'd just bitten off way more than I could chew. So I'm skipping it to keep the plot going. I may go back to it eventually, but for the moment it's been pushed to the side. Thank you for your understanding.
And now we return you to When You're Strange, already in progress.
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It had been a whole thirty minutes since the concert had ended, a little over and hour since it started. It had taken some time and coordination for Arachnus to get himself and his guests out with much hassle from the vultures outside, but with his assistants' help he had managed. Now everyone, excluding Pietro and Hong who were off with their duties, was back in the Golden Room, relaxing and enjoying discussions of random things. In that respect things were now going smoothly, but in one critical area it was not.
No matter how hard they tried to hide it, and he could tell they were indeed trying, something had put Sora, Riku and Kairi in a bad mood. Arachnus had realized early on that for his goal to be achieved Sora, even more than the King, was the one he needed to sway. And since his two close friends held very similar opinions and standings on issues that also meant influencing Kairi and Riku as well. But what was most frustrating, unnerving even, was that he couldn't for the life of him figure out what had put them in such a state. They had enjoyed Thomas' concert, that he knew from simply watching their expressions and reactions. In fact all of his guests had found it very enjoyable, even after Thomas had thrown in a surprise final performance where he used the Darkness not only to play a dark and ethereal song by himself but also using his power to put on a wild and almost ghastly special effects show to go along with the music. Arachnus became especially nervous when he saw this, afraid this somewhat terrifying display would have put off his guests, but thankfully they, like the crowd, responded not with fear but with thunderous applause, the Destiny Island trio included. And yet, at some point between then and when he saw them again when they entered the gummi ship to go back to Silk Tower something had happened with them. Something had put them in an awful mood.
The powerful lord couldn't risk things getting worse. He had to solve this problem immediately. Which meant there was only one course of action to take…
"Sora?" he asked, getting the attention of the Keyblade master and his close friends sitting next to him.
"Uh, yeah?" he replied.
"Was there… something about tonight's performance that did not sit well with you?"
Sora held his breath for a moment and averted his eyes. He took quick glances at his two closest friends, who responded with similar expressions, before turning back to him.
"N-No. It was fine. I mean good, really good."
Arachnus sighed. He closed his eyes and began to rub the bridge of his nose.
"Sora, I believe I mentioned that I wanted you all to be perfectly candid about any thoughts or opinions you might have. Now, please tell me honestly if there was something not to your liking."
"No, I mean it. I really did like the concert. We all did."
Arachnus opened his eyes and glanced at his guest. From eons of experience he could tell that Sora truly meant what he said.
"So then, if not the performance, what is it that has displeased you and friends?"
"Nothing. Really," he quickly responded.
Arachnus sighed once more. The room had grown quite as now all attention was fixed on the Keyblade master and the world ruler.
"Sora, I believe I mentioned that this could be more than an mere alliance between our kinds, that it could be something more significant for us personally." Sora nodded in response. "What I did not mention was that this was my preference. I would like to be able to take the step and actually become friends with you. And one thing that friends do is that they help each other solve their problems, no matter how large or small they are. Now, I will not press any further than this if you do not wish so, but I would appreciate it if you gave me the opportunity to be your friend right now."
Sora, Kairi and Riku stared at the lord with mild surprise before exchanging glances with each other. A brief moment of exchanging information through looks passed between them before Sora spoke.
"It was at the end of the concert, when everybody showed their faces."
Arachnus nodded. During the entire performance, with one notable exception being Roonikka, the entire cast of performers had their faces obscured by hoods or hats, depending on what kind of song was being played at the time. Arachnus had thought this to be an aesthetic choice on Thomas' part, but now he realized there was more to it.
"I take it you recognized someone?" he asked.
"That Thomas guy you were talking about? We've met," Kairi answered. "He didn't exactly make the greatest impression."
A spark of anger had arisen in Arachnus as he realized that he had been used in some no doubt frivolously childish plan. He wasn't that surprised to hear that Thomas had rubbed someone the wrong way, but they way that were acting he had done something far worse than his usual annoying tendencies.
"I do not understand. If you had met him before why did not you mention so when I described him to you?"
"We didn't know him by that name," Riku stated flatly.
Arachnus practically fell back into a chair, buried his face into his hands and groaned. The Disney Castle Residents looked on in confusion, neither understanding their friends or the world ruler was referring to. The maids stood quietly, looking to their master with worried expressions.
"This is my fault. I should have known. I should have known the moment that he was being so uncharacteristically compliant. I assumed I had just caught him in a good mood. And my refusal to refer to him by that ridiculous nickname led to your confusion. I cannot stress how truly sorry I am."
Arachnus snapped his fingers, an action that was met with no response. After only a moment he snapped again, somehow louder, and this time a dark corridor opened up only a few feet from him. Out came Hong, stumbling over herself like she was in a hurry. She quickly stopped herself and, after regaining her balance, bowed to her master.
"Apologies for the delay, master. I was caught up with my tasks," Hong stated quickly. She raised her head and gazed around the room, noticing everyone's expressions. "Whoa, what's with the atmosphere?"
"Hong."
"Y-Yes Master?" Hong answered, somewhat taken aback by the frustration in his voice.
"You know him best, find him and bring him here now."
Hong gave a quizzical expression for a moment before a stroke of realization crossed her face. She sighed and muttered, "Yeah, that's gonna happen…"
"HONG!" Arachnus burst out, surprising everyone and snapping the red haired maid back to attention. "…My apologies, but I do not have the time nor the inclination to deal with your behavior. Just please do as you are told."
"Master, I… understand your frustration, and I would like to follow through on your request, but think of what you're asking me to do here," Hong replied, still a bit shaken from her master's outburst. "I mean, this is Odd we're talking about!"
Sora, Riku and Kairi all cringed at that name. Any lingering doubt of mistaken identity had now been entirely crushed at this point.
"Yes, I understand that what I am asking of you is not easily accomplished, but I still ask you to perform it under the chance it would succeed."
"And it's because I know him best that I know it won't," Hong pouted. "The guy does whatever the hell he wants whenever he wants. If he doesn't want to be found, he won't be. If he does, he'll show up when he feels like it, no doubt with a dramatic entrance that'll attract all attention to him and spouting some obscure reference that only he understands."
As if on cue a portal opened up behind Hong and out came the person in question, sliding on both knees. As he came to a stop he shouted "And the Trogdor comes in the NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!" in an almost ear-piercingly high tone while raising both hands in the shape of devil horns.
Everyone turned to stare in shock except for Hong who stood with a look of blank humorlessness. "You were waiting for someone to say that, weren't you?" she asked in a flat tone.
"No. Just you," he answered.
Hong buried her face into her hands. "I hate you. I hate you so fucking much."
The uninvited guest rapidly spun as he rose to his feet before stopping and striking a pose. He was wearing the last thing he had worn at the performance: a black and white striped three-piece suit with matching fedora. On his hands he wore black gloves that were fashioned to look as though his hands were clawed.
"Aloha, kiddies!" he shouted enthusiastically, obviously addressing the Destiny Island trio. "How've ya been?"
"Oh, I'm just dandy," Sora replied as he stood. "Especially considering I'm about to crack your damn head open!" he shouted while summoning his Keyblade.
"That's enough," interrupted Arachnus, stepping in front of Sora.
"Get out of my way, right now, or I swear I will-!"
With the snap of his finger Arachnus summoned a mass of Darkness that enveloped Sora up to his neck. It hardened around him, trapping Sora in an unbreakable cocoon. Riku and Kairi quickly responded by summoning their weapons and placing them to the small lord's neck. Before anyone else could react Weiss had moved behind the two in a flash of speed, tightly grabbing both their wrists, the look of fierce anger upon her face.
"How dare you!" she seethed in a quiet yet terrifying voice. "Cease this at once, or I shall-!"
"Enough, Weiss," ordered Arachnus, his voice calm yet stern. The maid stared at her master in shock. He merely nodded his head and, after a brief hesitation, nodded in response, releasing the two Keyblade warriors' arms before returning to her calm and stoic demeanor. They, in response, lowered their weapons, but did not disperse them.
"LET ME OUT OF THIS THING!" Sora shouted as he struggled as hard as he could.
"It will release you once you've calmed down. As for your two…" Arachnus raised his hands and parted them like he opening a curtain. Amazingly, Riku and Kairi slid across the floor, pulled by some unseen power, making a path for him to walk towards Odd. They, and the Disney Castle residents, were far too stunned to react or protest. Arachnus took the path he had made for himself, stopping about a yard or two from the new arrival. He gazed intently at the wandering performer, completely undeterred by the height difference between them, commanding a great presence despite his size. Odd's confidence, however, seemed to match it.
"Now then, Thomas, it would seem-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on there!" the taller man interrupted. " What did I tell you about the 'T' word? Ixnay on the Asthomay! It makes me sound old, almost as old as you!"
"Now then, Thomas," the small lord repeated, strengthening his tone to show he was not playing games, "It would seem that we have a matter that we need to discuss."
Odd folded his arms and sighed. "¿Que pasa, señor grumpypants?"
Arachnus angrily grunted before continuing. "It seems that you have failed to mention certain important details about your previous exploits, namely that you have met and left a decidedly sour impression with three of my honored guests. An impression that, unless I am somehow mistaken, seems to extend far beyond your usual childish annoyance."
"Hey, it's not my fault you didn't ask."
"Indeed, that fault rests with me alone. A mistake I do not intend to repeat. Perhaps you would see fit to explain what exactly you did to make these three detest you so?"
"Oh well, you know. A little of this, a little of that, nothing too big," he answered nonchalantly.
"You little…" Kairi muttered under her breath.
"Specifics, if you please," Arachnus pressed.
"Heh. Well… I sorta…" Odd paused to inhale deeply before continuing in rapid fire speech. "Accidentally found my way to their island where I realized who they were and I wanted to fight them so I kidnapped the girl that way the other two would fight as hard as they could when I met them later but then I found out she could fight too so I took on all three of them where I then pretty much beat them to a pulp."
A myriad of reactions spread across the group, none of them positive.
"You did what!" Hong shouted in disbelief.
"Speak straight, you damn lunatic!" Riku ordered.
"Uh, did you understand any of that?" Goofy asked Donald.
"Tell me, Thomas," Arachnus started, "Are you actively trying to ruin my plans, or ARE YOU TRULY SO BRAINLESS!" With those last words boomed a voice of incredible magnitude, immediately hushing everyone else in the room. Sora, now no longer focused on freeing himself, was released from his bonds, something he hardly noticed what with the dark aura now emanating from the young lord's body, which sent chills down the spines of all the denizens or the Realm of Light, and some of the maids too. "DID I NOT ADEQUATELY EXPLAIN THE DELICACY OF THE SITUATION? DID I NOT STRESS THAT IT WAS PARAMOUNT THAT THERE BE NOTHING TO DETER MY GUESTS FROM EXPERIENCING THE BEST HOSPITALITY THAT COULD BE PROVIDED TO THEM! WAS THAT YOUR INDICATION TO RUIN ME, OR DID YOU 'CONVIENTLY FORGET' OUR CONVERSATION!"
"Oh no, I remember that perfectly," replied the drifter nonchalantly. "And I'm not going out of way to piss you off. I just don't care!" His cocky grin stretched to cheshire smile.
Mimicking his anger, Arachnus' already noticeably amber eyes were practically shining now. His mouth curled into a scowl that looked deadly enough to kill on it's own. Despite all the spectacles unleashed by his anger, Odd remained completely undeterred.
"Until now I had tolerated your reckless and downright inconsiderate behavior as naught but a minor annoyance, but this extends far beyond the lengths of childish tomfoolery," Arachnus continued in a quieter, yet somehow more menacing tone of voice. "Leave my sight now while I am still in control of my impulses."
"Now that's not very nice, especially considering I'm trying to make amends here!"
"What?"
"Yeah! So why don't you give me chance here!"
Arachnus' aura began to falter for a moment before slowly subsiding. Despite shrinking in size and intensity, it was still noticeably present.
"My tolerance for your games is already at an all time low. Do not toy with me."
"Wouldn't think of it, squirt."
And with that he used his speed to position himself right in front of the Destiny Island trio. They all readied their weapons in response. They were soon joined by Donald, Goofy and King Mickey who did the same, and the drifter was also met with hostile glares from Weiss and Hong, who were already near his new location.
"Man, what's with this? Look at you all ganging up me! That's hardly fair."
"Shut the hell up, freak," Sora seethed.
"Now hold on thar, boyo," Odd replied in a thick fake Irish accent. "Thar be no need ta be resortin' ta name callin'. After all, I'm goin' outta me way to make things right again!"
"And why would you do that?"
"Because I realized I was in the wrong." Sora, Riku, and Kairi were surprised, shocked even, to hear those words come from his mouth. "You see," he began, returning to his normal voice, "as you three no doubt remember, I was pretty damn pissed when you didn't show me any gratitude for helping you guys out before. But while I was working out my anger I realized that I really didn't do enough to even out what I did before. So, as we were all kicking ass, I started thinking of ways to make it up to you. And then, when I couldn't think of anything, I left to go to my little meeting with short stack over there," he motioned to Arachnus who responded with an annoyed look, "and he dropped the answer right into my lap."
"The concert?" Riku asked. "You thought you could win us over with that?"
"Don't act like you didn't like it. I saw that standing ovation you gave at the end."
"So what? You really thought would be enough?"
"Hell no, that just phase one!"
"And what would be 'phase two?'" Kairi asked warily.
"A night on the town, led by yours truly! I know this world inside and out, every last street and back alley, all the pig-out spots," Odd grabbed Sora and before he could react pulled him in close enough to whisper in his ear, "and all the best places to take your girlfriend." Sora wrenched himself free Odd's grasp. "So whaddya say, kiddies? You gonna let me take my shot at burying the hatchet?"
Sora didn't respond, nor did anyone else. He looked back to his friends who looked back as if to waiting for his approval. His eyes stopped on Kairi before a smirk came across his face. He turned back to the eccentric vagabond.
"I don't think that's my choice to make," he answered smugly.
Odd quizzically tilted his head and Sora then motioned to Kairi. Odd took the hint and removed his hat, placing it to be held by left arm like a military leader as he stepped toward the Princess of Heart with his hand outstretched.
"Well? What do you say, mademoiselle?" he asked in a smooth tone.
Kairi hesitated for a bit and simply stared at the hand. Then, surprising everyone around her, she dismissed her Keyblade and grasped it.
"See? I knew that we could-"
Before he could finish Kairi firmly held the hand and pulled Odd forward, only for him to stop short when she plunged her fist into his gut, winding him. Before he could retreat she grabbed a hold of his hair pulled his head closer to hers.
"Here's the deal," she started, whispering menacingly into his ear. "You've got until the end of the night to try and give me one good reason not to have your head served on a silver platter. And believe me, if you do anything to screw up, I won't even wait that long. Are we clear?"
Odd took a few seconds to catch his breath before responding. "The wrinkles, babe," he wheezed. "I told you, you need to think about the-"
He was once again cut off, this time when Kairi grabbed a hold of his shoulders and rammed her knee into his most private of spots. The collective audience winced at this, except for the most stoic who simply gave a look mild shock.
"Are. We. Clear?" she asked once again.
"…Crystal."
Kairi released him, her face mouth curled into a smug grin that only widened as she saw him slowly stumble away, gripping his most sensitive area, which was now a bit more sensitive than usual. Her smirk vanished as he once again spun around and struck a pose, smiling from eat to ear as if nothing had happened.
"Well all right then kiddies, it's time to get ready! Don't worry about the details, I'll be handling all that myself, all you need to worry about is what to wear. Pick something casual and workable, you'll need to be able to move comfortably. Also, you might want a few identity hiding accessories, the media around here can get pretty crazy! We meet downstairs in thirty minutes! Until then, lads and lasses!"
With that he bowed and vanished through the Corridors of Darkness, leaving behind an audience with a collectively negative view of him.
"By all that is holy," Hong muttered, "I can't believe that I actually used to-" She cut herself of when she realized that breaking the silence first had attracted all attention to her. "U-Uh, I mean, are you sure about this?" she asked Kairi.
"As much as he pisses me off, I'll admit I find him interesting. If nothing else, he'll keep us entertained before I find an excuse to wipe that smirk off his face once and for all," she answered darkly.
"I don't think he would. He might act like he doesn't care, but your forgiveness must mean a lot to him."
"Why do you say that?" Sora asked.
"Well, I've never seen him actually admit he was wrong about something before. Honestly I'm pretty surprised."
"Sora." The group turned to Arachnus, his eyes now back to their normal level of radiance and his aura gone. "I wish to once again state how truly sorry am I that-"
"Save it," Sora interrupted. "Did you really think we blame you for any of the crap he did?" Everyone looked to Sora with surprise, except for Riku and Kairi. The three friends looked to each other and smirked. "Friends shouldn't apologize for things that aren't their fault," he finished.
Arachnus stared shock for a moment before a relieved smile crossed his face. "Thank you," said and made a short bow.
"Guys, are you sure ya wanna do this?" the King asked, concerned not only because of the erratic drifter but also the effect he had on the three Keyblade wielders. "Do ya really think it'll be okay to hang around a guy like him?"
"If he was gonna do something, he would've done it by now," Hong answered. "Still, I wouldn't go."
"Why not?" Riku asked.
"I don't like him."
"Neither do I, but I have to admit I'm curious."
"Hong, should we maybe keep watch over them?" Aoi asked as she and the rest approached the group. "You know, in case he tries anything?"
"I don't think we'll need to, but it's your call," she responded, directing her answer at Sora.
"No, it's ok," he answered. "As much as I don't like the guy, I've gotten the impression from all of you that he's not truly evil. I mean, even when he fought us the first time he did go out of his way to make sure we didn't die. Not that that did much to help my opinion of him." He sighed before he continued. "Call me a sucker, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. At least for the amount of trust he's asking for."
"I guess if we're going to go through with this we should take his advice," Kairi stated. "As much as I like this outfit it's not exactly the best for movement."
"Uh, Hong, can you take us back to our rooms again?" Sora asked. "I don't really remember which one it was."
Hong smirked. "Sure thing, Tiger."
"You're not dressing me this time."
"Aww, please?" Hong pouted. "It's not often I get to work with a celebrity as big as you!"
"Hong, you'd better just take him along before this becomes a fight," Aoi whispered, motioning to Kairi who was becoming increasingly aggravated.
Hong smirked and stuck her tongue out at Kairi as she latched onto Sora's arm. "Don't worry, honey, I'm not gonna take him from you. But that doesn't mean I won't have a little fun!"
"Hong!" Aoi shouted.
Hong quickly pulled Sora along before anyone can stop her. "BE BACK IN A SEC!" Sora shouted as he turned back towards his friends, stumbling along as he tried to keep up.
"So troublesome," Vert muttered. "Princess, if you please?" she asked Kairi, as she motioned in the other direction.
"And if you could follow me, Sir Riku," Aoi chimed in.
As the three Keyblade wielders were being led away Arachnus motioned Weiss towards him, which she obeyed.
"Weiss, I want you to add another task to Hong's list of duties for tonight," he whispered to her.
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As she finished removing her make up she began to pour herself a shot of whiskey. It had been an enjoyable, but still long and hard performance and she needed something to ease the fatigue.
Maybe I'll hit a few clubs later. After all, it's my voice that got the biggest workout, and I don't need that to dance and flirt.
She drank the shot in one quick gulp and groaned.
"So, still hittin' the bottle after work, huh?"
She was surprised for a moment until she recognized the voice and smirked.
"You gonna just make comments or are you gonna show yourself?"
She saw him step out of a portal that appeared behind her, still wearing the same outfit from before.
"How've ya beem, babe?"
"Aww, I don't get the French introduction this time?"
"You always ask for the French introduction."
"Because you never seem to give it to me anymore."
"Want me to give you something else?" he asked.
She licked her lips as she fiddled with the only thing that covered her body, a bathrobe. "Maybe. Want a drink?"
"No thanks. I'm not in whiskey mood right now."
"How about champagne?"
He raised and eyebrow and smirked. "White Crystal?"
She reached below her dresser and pulled out the bottle in question. "Bought it yesterday," she commented as she uncorked the top.
"You always have 'just bought one.'"
"Of course. I only get it when I know you're coming." She got two glasses from where she got the bottle and poured the clear liquid into both. Before she could turn around to give him his he quickly rushed forward and lifted her off her seat, just enough to slip in himself, and seated her upon his lap. They grinned at each other before picking up their respective glasses. "To another of your triumphant returns."
"To you not figuring out why I'm here yet."
She paused and raised an eyebrow while he drank the entire glass in one long gulp.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"It means I've got a favor to ask of you."
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Well, I'm back. Damn. What's it been, January? So long. Anyway, I hope this has been a good chapter because I haven't written anything for WYS in a while. Hopefully the mojo will keep flowing.
Well, anything else I would've written down here has already bee written up top, so let me just say that if you want to know what songs played during the concert just note me and I'll tell you. Although I highly doubt you'll be able to find all of them without making a purchase on iTunes.
