Chapter 18 – Bidding War
It was slow going as Blank followed Ruby along the winding paths, asking passers-by if they had seen a boy with a monkey tail. Sadly, the answer was always the same and that was only if they bothered to stop and talk.
Man, they're just in their own little bubble, aren't they? Blank thought as he sneezed for the umpteenth time. "Damn it, I'm slowing us down."
Ruby nudged him with her elbow. "Naw, yer fine partner, better than doin' nothing at all.
They'd come to the largest bridge in the city, many couples arm in arm looked out at the spectacular view. The buildings were floating islands of light, lit up from below, their reflections shimmering in the water.
"Ya know, when we find Zidane, I really want to go and see a show."
"Huh?"
"At a real big theatre. The ballet maybe, you ever seen them pretty ladies leapin' so high and in the arms of a fine man? Gives me goose bumps."
Blank could feel flem tickling the back of his throat. I better not hock it out just now, he decided. "Hey, wasn't your mom a dancer in Treno once?"
She slapped him on the back. "Well bless yer pea – pickin' little heart, you got a memory after all!" Ruby laughed at the thief's scowl. "Yep, I'm gonna find me the place where ma danced, somehow."
"Pardon me dear," an elderly woman with a maroon shawl waddled towards the pair. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." She eyed Blank warily as he spat on the ground. "Is the young man quite well?"
"Jus' ignore him." Ruby sighed. "What did yer wanna say?"
"Only that I wondered which theatre you were looking for. You see, the old Pegasus Theatre was bought out years ago and Lord King converted it into his own personal mansion. I'm a big admirer of the performing arts myself and I was so disappointed when it happened."
"That's a mighty shame, is the old theatre still around? Even if it ain't puttin' on a show I'd sure like to see it."
"Oh yes, if you keep walking to the right and follow the steps down you can't miss it. It's been given a whole new lease of life as an Auction House."
Ruby gave the lady a curtsy. "Thank you kindly, that's a real help." And as she waved goodbye, she dug Blank in the ribs.
"What the hell was that for?"
"Do yer have to be so vile in front of the locals?"
He sniffed. "Like I care, anyways if we follow the old bird's directions, we might find out something about Zi."
They weaved in and out of the evening strollers and navigated the wide stones across the lake. Soon, an imposing Pegasus loomed over them and Ruby stared in silence for a while. The building was a checkerboard of white and coral bricks, chiselled cross shaped windows and a security guard that gave a large yawn.
Blank strode up to the guard who immediately readjusted his yellow sash. "Hi there, wondered if we could just have a little looksie inside?"
"Get lost, riffraff!" the guard bawled as he reached for his sword.
"No need to get excited, the girl here just wants to reminisce." Geez, wears a fancy piece of cloth and thinks he can talk to folks like that?
Ruby stepped between them and smiled sweetly. "Blank don't give 'im a hard time, can't you see the dedication he has to his work? Your boss must be mighty impressed, after all, being in charge of this big, ol' important Auction House. My, my, the responsibility… You know, I sure love a man in uniform with a strong sense of duty."
No matter how many times he witnessed it, Blank was always amazed at how Ruby could turn a torama into a kitten with a few choice words. She lay a hand on the guard's shoulder and smoothed out the creases.
"My dearest mama was a dancer here."
The guard swallowed and pulled at his collar. "Well, the thing is, there's an auction on at the moment."
"Is that right, darlin'? You wouldn't let little me take a sneaky peek, would yer?" she purred and leaned in closer. "I know how awful busy you are, but I would really, really appreciate such a kindness."
"I suppose I could let you in the side door..."
Sucker! Blank rolled his eyes.
They followed the security guard around the back of the mansion and good as his word, he fumbled with the small padlock until at last they were inside.
"When I get off, perhaps we could meet for a drink?" the guard whispered.
Ruby caressed his cheek and wore a grin that promised the world and more. "I would sure like that," she said, before closing the door firmly behind her.
Inside, Blank smirked before peering around the nearest column. "You really are something."
"Jealous, pumpkin?"
"As if."
The Auction House was full of nobles and undesirables sharing the same red velvet chairs stacked in rows. In alcoves just off the main hall, were more intimate booths that he guessed were for important guests that did not want to be recognized. The crowd was already in the middle of a bidding war with numbered cards punching the air. They cried out in a chorus of high-pitched demands and insistent low drawls. Higher and higher the bids climbed in a frenzy of final chances and last-minute sniping. The upper classes and underworld lords clearly got a kick out of spending such astronomical amounts of gil.
"I purchased a life-sized griffon statue the other day..." one nobleman said to the lady next to him.
She fanned herself with an emerald silk fan trimmed with gold leaf. "How wonderful! I'll bet it's gorgeous."
"Indeed, it is. I had to add a room to my mansion for it!"
"Oh, my…"
"Everything costs so much!"
As the pair dissolved into a fit of laughter, Ruby took in every detail of the stage; imagining her mother, wearing the same pink ballet slippers that she held so dear, leaping and twirling gracefully in front of an adoring audience. To be in the spotlight for all to see and hear gasps of amazement at the spinning pirouette. Perhaps her father had sat in a seat not so different from this, unable to take his eyes off the beautiful dancer that had claimed his heart. It was a strange feeling, bittersweet.
"Huh, you okay?" He stared down at the talon grip the young woman had on his arm.
Shaking her head, she suddenly felt incapable of trusting her words that might transform into tears. She swallowed hard. "Maybe this ain't my brightest idea."
A winning bidder roared with triumph making Ruby jump.
"I've got yer," Blank said, squeezing her hand. "Don't go fainting on me though."
Such a gent! she thought darkly, but didn't let go.
Further auctions came and went: a gold, diamond encrusted behemoth figurine, Mini – Cid, Une's Mirror, dark matter and many, many more acclaimed accessories sold for mind boggling sums.
"What's a Doga artifact supposed to be anyway? And magical fingertips? Seriously, Trent wasn't kidding, they could buy the Prima Vista three times over with that kind of money!"
"Oh my stars, fairy earrings! I've always wanted a pair of those," Ruby cooed.
The auctioneer's head snapped from right to left, hunting for eager hands. "I just heard 9500 gil!"
"10,000 gil!" a man cried from near the back.
"10,100 gil!" countered another.
Blank shook his head in dismay. Who in their right mind would want to increase the price? Haggling's more fun than this, and thieving's even better.
"10,500 gil, anymore?" It seemed as if interest in the fairy earrings had waned. "Sold for 10,500 gil!" As the gavel was brought down the auctioneer bowed to his audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our absolute auction. Now, we shall move onto a more bespoke auction. Members who do not possess an invitation are asked to vacate the premises and I look forward to your returning patronage in the near future. A short intermission will now follow."
A bespoke auction huh? Blank heard the curious mumbling from the nobles that appeared not to have secured an invitation. He studied the crowd in the hall again and suddenly had an idea.
"Hey, can I borrow your headscarf a minute?"
Carefully, Ruby unwrapped the aqua scarf that had once belonged to her mother. "Well sure, but whut do you want with it?"
"Not for me, for you. It's silk, right? And with that silver lined detail it should pass as something from one of those poncey boutiques." He draped it about her shoulders, ignoring the girl's bewilderment.
"Yer must be as crazy as a lady bug!"
Blank wrinkled up his nose as if he might sneeze again. "But this is the perfect time to ask about Little Bro." She began to pout. "Well, I can't do it, can I?"
"I dunno, I reckon you'd fit right in with those bounty hunter types… If yer weren't so eaten up with a cold."
"So, you'll do it then?"
Ruby didn't answer. She stormed away from the red head behind the pillar, and wandered about the great hall. Feeling completely out of her depth, she asked questions about a young blond boy and was met with a range of responses, but ultimately, they were all the same. No one had seen him. She did however manage to strike up one promising conversation.
"Lady Margo," the noblewoman introduced herself. "Well, who knows my dear? The auctioneer caters for most tastes, perhaps a slave with a monkey tail may turn up. Oh, and that scarf is absolutely divine, you must tell me where you got it."
The actress laughed. "Oh, just a lil' ahem, little shop in Lindblum." She wasn't used to minding her P's and Q's. "Did I hear you right, mentioning slaves?"
Lady Margo grinned. "I suppose that is a rather vulgar term, isn't it? In this day and age as well." She took out a mirror and fussed with the enormous white and purple feathers of her plumed hat. "Personally, I need new serving staff and a bit of eye candy never goes amiss. Although once I've finished with them, my husband has a rather tedious habit of throwing them back on the street, such a bore!"
Suddenly there was a clap of hands. The auctioneer pushed his spectacles back up the bridge of his nose and smiled.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome once more to our very special auction. I am confident that tonight you will find something to your liking and perhaps there may be a few surprises in store as well. Please, have your cards at the ready."
Lady Margo winked as she took her leave. "Must dash, my husband insists I'm his lucky charm when it comes to bidding."
Meanwhile, Zidane stood behind the red curtain, his toes tapping. He hadn't felt this restless since the Ali Baba pantomime when he was nine. Not that I was being sold at the time, he mused. Damn these cords are tight and this dog collar sucks... He wriggled his wrists, any minute now the bidding would begin and he still hadn't figured out a way to get loose. But he had to find a way, Natalie was counting on him.
As the curtain swished open, a chorus of ooo's and aah's erupted. Usually Zidane revelled in the spotlight and loved to entertain, but he'd just about had enough of being stared at. Out there, a sea of eyes displayed so many emotions: desire, excitement, disgust and joy. He couldn't understand them, he didn't want to understand them. He wasn't some fancy coronet to pick up for a song, he was a living, breathing person.
The auctioneer came behind him, clamping two firm hands on his shoulders. "Remember our deal, or little Natalie will face the consequences."
"I'll play my part."
"Our first lot, I am sure you will agree is a handsome rogue. Clearly something that will brighten up even the dullest of chores around the home. He may require some breaking in but that is to be expected of course." He yanked on the leash, forcing the Tantalus thief forward. "See the golden hair, perfect teeth and a smile that will charm any guest." The auctioneer gave a poignant look.
"Are you for real?" Zidane growled back. The sudden jerk at his throat suggested otherwise. He gave a smile and the gagging pressure ceased.
"See this tail? An exotic curiosity, the perfect ice breaker at dinner."
Give me a break! But he twirled his tail in circles, making the ladies squeal with delight.
"I guarantee that you will not regret such a purchase. This robust young man, has met with an unfortunate sprain that will need tending to, but just think of the ways he could show his appreciation afterwards."
Not likely… Zidane felt his stomach turn as an elderly lady blew a kiss.
"Shall we start the bidding at 20,000 gil?" A great flurry of activity followed with a wave of cards being presented at record pace. "20,500, 30,000 and 500, 40,000 -"
"50,000 gil!" Lady Margo cried out giving Ruby a challenging look.
"My goodness, it appears the ladies have such fighting spirit tonight! Yes, he is a grand prize, isn't he? Will you take him home? 60,000 I have, 75,000 gil, 80,000! Ladies and gentlemen, this is incredible, a bidding battle of the highest order." The auctioneer's arms swept across the room; his attention held only for as long as the price was right. The gil kept rolling in. "95,000 gil, anymore? 95,000 gil for the monkey tailed boy, going once."
Climb the rafters? Nope, not with my hands like this.
"Going twice…"
I'd be caught if I ran for the door.
"I will sell ladies and gentlemen, do not lose this fabulous opportunity."
I just need a distraction, anything will do!
"100,000 gil!"
Tremendous gasps came from the audience, a slave had never sold for more than five figures.
"100,000 gil? That is an extraordinary sum! May I have your name my lady?"
There was a pregnant pause as Ruby stepped forward. "Er, well now, that would be… Lady Ruberta."
Lady Ruberta? Zidane squinted against the limelight, that voice sounded strangely familiar.
"A fantastical bid from Lady Ruberta, 100,000 gil. Going once, going twice, sold to the lady in the scarf!"
Blank pulled up his black hood and followed 'Lady Ruberta' as she gracefully made her way to the stage, ignoring the frustrated huffs of disappointment. He flashed his dagger openly however, letting the crowd know he was not to be messed with.
By the time the pair had reached the auctioneer, Zidane was far too occupied wondering whether he could strangle his jailer with the leash. He didn't want to kill the man, just squeeze enough to knock him out.
"Lady Ruberta, if you could just show your card, I will be able to locate your payment details."
"Well I'll be, heh, seem to have mislaid the critter. I'll have a looksie in my purse, must be here somewhere."
Taking his chance, Blank whispered to Zidane. "Hey, Little Bro."
The blond did a double take before recognizing his former partner in crime. His sea blue eyes narrowed. "What are yer doing here? Thought you'd kicked me out of Tantalus."
Blank had to crane his neck slightly as he glared back at his friend. "Don't be dumb, everyone's been looking for yer!"
"Oh yeah? Everyone?" Tribal demanded. "I bet the Boss ain't lifted a finger. He told me we had to part ways, ya know. He locked me up and sold me off to a total scumbag."
Blank jumped onto the stage. "He didn't mean it. He just cacked his pants, cause of that fire number you pulled on the Grand Dragon. Sheez, you fried it to smithereens and scared the stuffing outta me."
"What are you on? I never fried a Grand Dragon."
"You mean you don't remember." As he unsheathed his dagger, the crowd at the front of the auction screamed in horror. They began to clamber over the chairs trying to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the armed red head. "Look, I'll explain later, but the Old Man's been a proper sappy mess since you went missing." He cut the cords around Zidane's wrists and sliced his leash. "Any idea how to get outta here?"
"Probably a fight, kinda hard without a weapon though."
The auctioneer spun around. "Lady Ruberta, what is the meaning of this?"
"Idiot, you know I keep a spare. Why am I always helping you?"
Zidane took the dagger with a cheeky grin. "Aww shucks, why break the habit of a lifetime?"
Crack!
The reunion between the pair was rudely interrupted as the auctioneer flexed his whip. "Unfortunately, your bid has been rejected, you will return my property at once."
"Zi ain't no-one's property, you stuck up bastard," Blank said as he dodged the thin leather snake snapping in his direction. "You want him, you'll have to…ACHOO!" The sneeze was enough to distract the red head and the auctioneer snared his arm.
"I wonder how much pressure your precious limb can take before it pops open like a pinata," he said, pulling the whip tight.
"Ha, you think your little skipping rope is enough to tie me up for long?"
The auctioneer and Blank struggled in a tug of war on the stage. By this point, the auction had been abandoned by bidders in their droves.
"Security, we have uninvited guests in the Auction House, release the Bandersnatch!"
"And just whut in tarnation is a Bandersnatch?" Ruby asked, but before her Tantalus brothers could reply, a snarl came from backstage. "Oh my, I don't like me the sound of that."
"We can beat one of your little guard dogs no problem," Zidane piped up defiantly.
"Er, Sugar…I gotta feelin' there might be more than one." She clutched at her scarf and staggered backwards towards the others. More snarls joined the first, some from the upper stalls and some from behind the pillars of the long corridor. A whole pack of Bandersnatch stalked forward ready to tear them apart.
"Dammit!" Tribal cursed as they were surrounded. This is bad, what are we gonna do now?