The mysterious Keyblade wielder walks slowly through a nighttime forest. One hand he holds in front of himself, as if reaching for something Sora can't see. The spiky-haired Keybearer stands over the other's shoulder, close enough that he could swear he's breathing down his neck. As before, the dream's subject takes no notice of an observer.
A blue light appears, just outside the mystery Keybearer's hand. It flickers and sparks like a floating campfire, creating blue highlights in the young man's black hair. He steps forward, reaching out to touch the flame. But just as soon as his hand begins to close around it, the light disappears.
The young man lets out a dissatisfied grunt, shaking his head. He starts moving forward again, carefully watching the forest ahead of him. His diligence is rewarded, a blue light identical to the first bursting to life a few yards away. He immediately takes off after it, stepping swiftly and cracking loose twigs beneath his feet.
The game continues for a minute or so longer, the mystery man following the floating lights as Sora follows behind him. Just when the dreamer is wondering why exactly he's seeing this scene, a new glowing light reveals the forest's edge.
Sora follows his target out into the clearing, both of them losing focus on the hovering blue light as a new mystery stands before them. In the clearing's midst stands circle of stones, perhaps a dozen in all. Besides color, a steely slate grey, there appears to be nothing uniform about them. Most are tall, excepting one thick, stubby boulder no taller than Sora himself. As far as he can tell, they aren't even equidistant to one another.
The dark-haired Keybearer seems less fascinated than Sora, already moving toward the circle while he's still puzzling over the strange stones. Sora recovers, following behind with quick steps. Ahead, yet another blue flame flickers to life in the circle's center.
The young man makes his way to it with the same determined stride, not even stopping to examine the stones up close. Sora can't help but give them a look, noting that there seem to be symbols carved into each one. Some almost even have crude faces.
A slight gasp startles Sora from his thoughts, and he looks forward to see the dark-haired Keybearer approaching the flame. This one seems more solid than the others, less likely to flicker out of reach. The young man's hand reaches for it with more caution than he'd shown the others, like someone attempting to catch a spooked dog by the collar.
His care is rewarded, the glowing sphere still hovering before him. The young man waves his open hand around it, following its shape without touching it. After a moment of that, he pauses, palm hovering right before the flame. Letting out a breath, he closes his hand around it.
The gentle sphere seems to explode at his touch, growing larger as blue light becomes black. No longer flickering gently, the flame rages like an uncontrollable inferno. Sora lets out a cry, stepping forward as his past counterpart stumbles backwards. He tries to catch him, but of course the spiky-haired Keybearer isn't really here at all. The young man falls down to the grass, eyes still fixated on the flames.
Sora stares into them as well, until solid forms coalesce within. Two men stand together, looming and menacing being featureless smoke. After a moment they puff away, reforming into two symbols that Sora knows all too well.
Before the Keybearer can fully process the sight, the black flame explodes into white light. The detonation seems to shove against Sora's mind, pushing him back into the waking world. But just as his dream begins to fade, he spares one last look at his counterpart from a past age, now sitting on the ground with an expression of shock.
The young man's hair reflects the explosion's bright light, momentarily turning his black locks silver.
KH-KH-KH
For a moment, Sora thinks they've ended up in Traverse Town again. The quartet stand in an alley, brick buildings rising three stories high on either side. Slate grey slabs line the ground, and a wooden fence about Telary's height closes off one end, the other opening up into a cobblestone street. Rain falls gently on the Keybearer's head.
One look to his companions is enough to tell Sora that they definitely aren't in Traverse Town. Though his friends' outfits all remain the same, they've all experienced a change in species.
Azlyn is a mouse, soft blonde fur covering her from head to toe. Telary stands beside her, now a tall red lizard, his underbelly a lighter green than that of his coat. Riku has become a silver bat, sinewy wings growing out from his arms.
Looking down at himself, Sora determines he's a mouse like Azlyn, his fur darker and spiking up above his head. The first thing the Keybearer does after that is confirm that his hands work as they should in this form. It's a relief to realize that they do.
"Huh," Riku says, examining his wings with a critical eye.
"Oh, this is probably the first time this has happened to you," Telary says thoughtfully. "Yeah, I always cast a quick spell on us before we put down on a world, to make us fit in with the local inhabitants. Usually nothing comes from it, but I guess today's an exception."
Riku doesn't reply, too busy flapping his arms experimentally. He manages to rise about a foot off the ground, chuckling delightedly. Unfortunately, all his flapping sends a deluge of raindrops splashing onto his companions.
"Sorry," he apologizes, feet falling back to the wet ground.
"Let's get out of this alley," Sora suggests, leading the way. The group walks out onto the sidewalk, looking around at the shops and tenements that line up and down the street. Gas lamps provide illumination for the rather dreary atmosphere.
A few people walk the street, anthropomorphic animals all. The females wear dresses in muted colors, males dressed in trousers, shirts, vests and coats. Mice seem to be the largest group represented, with a smattering of other furry animals as well.
"Nothing's on fire," Azlyn notes, looking around with a wary eye. "Nobody's screaming…" The group quiets down, ears alert for any sign of distress. After a handful of moments, nothing rings out.
"Well, okay then," Telary says, smiling. "This is good. Everything's fine. Actually, this place kinda reminds me of Mouseburg."
"Everything does look peaceful," Riku agrees. Across the street, he notices a well-dressed mouse woman look at the group with an unmistakably disdainful eye. He scowls right back, inspiring her to pick up her pace. "Not necessarily friendly, but peaceful. What are we supposed to do with that? We kinda need to find the chaos. How else do we know where to start?"
Sora laughs, shaking his head. "Relax, Riku. I'm sure something will go wrong eventually, the Heartless are always drawn to the Keyblade. For now, can't we just enjoy a little peace and quiet?"
A bolt of lightning crackles in the sky, the loud crash following a heartbeat later. The rain turns from a light drizzle into fat drops, the sky opening up to pour down more and more. The few people on the street quickly duck into shops or beneath covered awnings.
"Real peaceful," Azlyn says with a snort, grabbing her shield and holding it above her head.
"Let's try and find some cover," Telary suggest, already looking down the street. He spots a small wooden rectangle of a building a few yards down. Waving his arms to gain the group's attention, he begins leading them toward its shelter.
It turns out to be less a building than a large stall. Someone is already standing underneath, a figure wearing a red coat and large hat that covers their face. Even with someone already inside, there's room for the quartet.
"Hi there," Sora says, shaking his head to dislodge some water. "Sorry to crowd you in like this. Just trying to get out of the rain."
"It's no trouble," the stranger replies curtly, her voice deep but still feminine. "The coach will be along soon."
Sora nods, smiling but saying nothing. The only sound is their breathing and rain falling against the shelter and street.
"So," the Keybearer says after maybe twenty seconds of silence, about as long as he can contain himself, "we, my friends and I, have been, uh, out of town lately. Any news we might have missed?"
The stranger looks up, finally giving Sora a glimpse of her face. Most of it anyway, considering how soft white hair obscures the features. From what the Keybearer can see, she's a mouse just like he is.
"Where did you travel, exactly?" she asks, tilting her head. "It must have been far, to have missed out on all the rumors flying lately."
"Pretty far," Telary replies. "Farther than you've ever heard of."
"So spill the beans already, lady," Azlyn demands.
"It seems something is stalking the city streets," the woman explains, looking back out into the rain. "For the past two weeks, people have been disappearing."
"Disappearing how?" Riku asks.
She shrugs. "No one knows. Every abduction has taken place in shadow, always in the dead of night, after last call at even the most raucous taverns."
"Are you sure the people who go missing are being abducted?" Telary asks.
"They leave behind no bodies," the stranger answers. "No blood or bones have been found. Nothing to indicate a murder."
"They're just gone," Sora mutters under his breath. He realizes something then, looking up at the red-coated woman with wide eyes. "Oh man, where are our manners? I'm Sora, these are my friends Riku, Azlyn, and Telary. What's your name?"
The stranger hesitates for just a heartbeat, then replies, "My name is Freya Crescent."
"Hello, Miss Crescent," Telary greets her with a respectful nod.
"Just call me Freya, please."
"Okay then, Freya," Riku says. "Are there any other details? Do the taken individuals have anything in common, or is it all just random?"
"You certainly seem eager for details," Freya points out, eyeing the group.
"We have a, um, interest in criminal activity," Azlyn says. "Especially anything that seems supernatural or just strange."
Freya nods. "Ah, I see. Well, I must say that I share your interest, in the criminal aspect at least. The people who are taken don't seem to be anyone special, or have much in common. All of them are fairly low class; barmaids, bricklayers, chimneysweeps and the like. As for supernatural details…"
"What?" Sora asks, seeing the rat woman's hesitation. "What's supernatural?"
"Keep in mind," she replies, "that almost any witnesses to these abductions are usually quite inebriated themselves. Not the most trustworthy of witnesses, which is just another reason the constabulary hasn't been able to make much headway. Among those who have managed to see anything, motifs have recurred. The abductors are always dressed in dark clothing. And, they say, possess eyes like points of yellow fire."
The offworlders exchange looks at that description. Heartless, there can be no doubt. Which begs one question, at least to Sora: are these people truly being abducted, or are the Heartless simply devouring and converting them?
"I'm afraid that is all that's known," Freya says, shaking her head. "The constables say they are investigating, but considering all the known factors, no one on the street is terribly confident they'll come to any useful conclusions. Not swiftly, at least."
Sora frowns, a few new questions springing to mind. However, he's beginning to hear another noise through the rain. Listening a bit harder, he determines hoofs are clip-clopping across the cobblestones towards them. Poking his head out into the rain, he sees that a carriage is indeed approaching, pulled by a large horse. One of the most massive horses he's ever seen, actually.
"Looks like the carriage is almost here," Telary notes happily. "Say, Miss Freya, where are you headed?"
The woman is about to answer when Riku sucks in a sharp breath. He turns to his friends, eyes hardening. "Nowhere on that carriage. Looks like we found our trouble, guys."
"Excuse me?" Freya asks, staring at the group for a moment before turning to the street. "What do you mean, trouble…?"
A loud, shrill sound pierces the air, an answer for the rat woman's question. Sora steps out into the rain, Kingdom Key appearing in a flash of light. He stares down the street, to where whatever's out there is stepping forward. It steps into the light of a gas lamp, revealing its form.
The Heartless is styled after a horse, at least the upper half of one. Its white fur glows orange in the lamplight, a metal chest plate and pauldron gleaming as lightning strikes throw up bright white flashes. Two black hooves, as wide around as a man's torso, stomp into the cobblestone road. Two wooden carriages settle to a stop behind it, attached by long ropes of violet energy.
"Somehow, I don't think this thing is gonna offer us a ride," Azlyn declares, grabbing her shield and settling into a defensive position.
The Heartless cries out again, stomping against the ground once more before charging forward. Azlyn steps past Sora to stand at the front, shield held out. The Keybearer and Riku reach out to grab the girl by her shoulders, helping to brace against the coming attack.
But the straightforward charge they were expecting doesn't come. The Chaos Carriage slides to a stop, turning and swinging out its back attachments like a cracking whip. The second carriage in line slams into the heroes from their right side, sending them all flying across the street.
Except Telary, who manages to throw up a shield spell and get his feet planted. Instead of lifting off, the wizard merely slides a few feet away across the slick ground. Once he settles, the shield dissipates, and he hurls forward two large balls of fire.
The Heartless takes them both with nothing more than a shake of its head, already stepping forward to attack again. It reaches out to bite Telary, only to find its jaw clamping down on the hard metal of Azlyn's shield.
Riku follows a moment later, slashing Way to Dawn across the horse's face. It bucks, kicking out and striking the silver-haired young man in the chest. He falls back, sliding across the wet ground in a sitting position.
Azlyn comes in on the creature's other side, but it swings its head around and catches her in the chest. As his wife is going down, Telary reaches up and plants both hands on the Heartless's neck.
"Thundaga!"
A single lightning bolt flies down from the sky, striking straight through the Chaos Carriage's midsection. It whinnies again, bucking hard and kicking the wizard down. Its about to stomp down again to crush him, when suddenly a trio of fireballs streak through the air to hit it in the chest.
Sora follows his spells, swinging the Keyblade into the Heartless's chest. It steps back, bucking angrily. The Keybearer waits until the motion stops, stepping forward and plunging his blade right into the creature's chest.
The Chaos Carriage's upper body disappears in a flood of black smoke, taking the first carriage attachment with it. The second slides back, bowling Riku aside. For a moment, only the sound of rain hitting pavement, clothing, and skin can be heard.
Then the carriage bucks, a horse body identical to the first folding out of it in a flood of dark energy. The Chaos Carriage takes in its opponents again, snorting black smoke before charging.
Azlyn, on her feet again, braces herself once more. The Heartless goes for another whipping spin, coming at her from the side. It doesn't see Sora, rushing forward a few steps before dropping into a feetfirst dive beneath the lines attaching upper body to carriage. Azlyn turns in time to take the side blow, grunting loudly as she steps back.
The Heartless settles, eyes still fixed on Azlyn. It chomps at her, though the knight is able to easily skip out of range. She throws her shield, knocking its head to the side. The Chaos Carriage unleashes a frustrated whinny, the noise quickly cutting off with a choking sound.
"Gotta pay attention, horsey," Azlyn declares with a smile. She gestures downward, where the tip of Kingdom Key emerges from the creature's chest. It slumps forward, body once again evaporating into black smoke. This time, it's down for good.
The heroes quickly scramble back under the shelter, shaking rain off of their bodies. Freya regards them all in silence, though the tilt of her head suggests the woman has many questions.
"The carriage company really oughta check their horses out better," Sora says, grinning. "That one must've been…" As he takes in Freya's silence further, the Keybearer realizes there's no point in trying to cover.
He's spared from having to by the sound of hooves approaching once again. Everyone looks to Riku, who shakes his head. They all relax.
"If I might ask," Freya says, "do you all have a particular destination in mind at the moment?"
Sora looks to his companions, who all shrug. "Uh, seems like we don't," he says to Freya.
"Then may I persuade you all to join me?"
Nobody among Sora's group objects, so a minute later they're all settled into the carriage. Riku, Azlyn, and Telary sit on one side, Sora and Freya on the other. Once the rat woman has informed the driver of their destination, they're setting off.
"Baker Street, huh," Azlyn says, one eyebrow raised. "What's so special about this Baker Street?"
It's hard to tell beneath the hat and hair, but Freya looks rather startled at the question. "Surely you can't have been traveling that long? My goal is to seek out Basil of Baker Street."
"Oh, sure," Telary replies, nodding sagely. "Yes, of course. Basil of Baker Street, yes. We all definitely know who that is."
"And that great amazing thing he did!" Sora concurs.
"What a thing it was," chimes in Azlyn. "I was just confused, before. I thought you said, um, Raker Street. With the R."
"I see," Freya says, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms.
"You're looking into these disappearances, aren't you?" Riku asks, leaning forward.
The woman nods. "A very good deduction. Why else would one seek out the city's greatest detective, after all?"
Azlyn perks up at the mention of the D-word. She discreetly opens one of the pouches around her waist, checking to see that her trusty magnifying glass is within. It is, and she smiles down at it.
"I'm afraid I've said all that I am able," Freya says. "At least until we're in a less public setting."
And so everyone quiets down, listening to the sound of rain letting up on the carriage roof. The offworlders mostly just look outside the windows, watching the city pass them by. Only Riku keeps his focus within the carriage, specifically on Freya. She doesn't seem to notice, and even with her features mostly concealed, the silver-haired young man can tell there's something pressing on her mind.
Their journey takes just a few minutes, and soon the carriage is pulling up to yet another shelter. Telary, feeling grateful to have found their lead on this world, offers to pay for the ride. Azlyn scowls at the suggestion, but a look from Riku persuades her to keep quiet.
The neighborhood is nice, a row of brick townhouses on either side of the street. Lights are on in the majority of them, the people inside probably relaxing after work, or getting ready to go out into the evening. Freya leads them to the far end of the street, a two story house that at first glance looks just like any other.
As they get closer, a few differences become apparent. The house is shorter than the others, two steps leading up to the large round door. A sign hangs out from a horizontal wooden pole, reading "Baker Street Detection Agency" in bold red letters.
The offworlders hang back on the street, letting Freya walk up to the door and knock. Light shines through a semicircular window at the top, indicating that someone is home. For a long moments nothing happens, then suddenly the sound of footsteps can be heard. A loud thump follows, most likely something falling over. Seconds later, the door opens to reveal a plump, grey-furred mouse woman dressed in a traditional maid uniform. She smiles, pushing up the thin spectacles she wears on her face.
"Ah, hello there," she greets the party in a cheerful voice. "My name is Mrs. Judson."
"Hello," Freya returns with a slight bowing of the head. "My name is Freya Crescent. I've come to speak with the detective."
"Oooh," Mrs. Judson replies, frowning. "Afraid he and Dr. Dawson are out at the moment."
"When are they getting back?" Sora asks, stepping up beside Freya.
Mrs. Judson's frown becomes more pronounced, a quiet scoff breaking free. "Oh, believe you me, dearie, I'm the last person who would know about that. Hardly tells me anything, that man. Especially when he's all tangled up in one of his big time investigations."
"I fear the matter I bring to him is of some urgency," Freya explains. "Would it be possible for us to wait here, until the detective returns?"
"Well," Mrs. Judson says after a moment's deliberation, "I can't see any reason why not. It's been a few hours yet, luck may be on your side. And anyway, what kind of business man would turn aside potential clients, eh? Come along in dears."
The maid leads them all inside, up a wooden stair into a large study. Two plush chairs, one green and the other a deep blue, sit facing each other on a red and gold carpet in front of a fireplace. The fire is lit, though it's clearly been going for a while without much tending. Bookshelves line two walls, and a large desk sits against another. Papers, ink pots, and scientific equipment of all types sits atop it, everything from the standard beakers and burners to an odd machine with many arms and a spinning wheel.
"You all just do your best to get comfortable," Mrs. Judson advises the party cheerfully. "I'm afraid that Basil isn't quite set up to accommodate such a large group. Oooh, I've just remembered my biscuits should be done soon! Would anyone like one, perhaps with a spot of tea? I've just got some of the finest Earl Grey, if that's all right with everyone."
"I could eat, if you're offering," Telary says with a shrug. "And a bit of tea would be nice."
"I'm not really a tea guy," Sora says. "But if by 'biscuits' you mean cookies, I am all in, Mrs. Judson."
Riku shakes his head, and Azlyn isn't even paying attention. She's too busy over at the desk, looking over the instruments with an interested eye. Freya stands a bit behind her, eyeing up the equipment as well. Mrs. Judson rushes off into the attached dining room, moving into the kitchen from there through a swinging door.
Everyone stays silent, nothing much to discuss. At least nothing the offworld heroes can speak about openly in front of Freya. Sora settles into the green chair, Riku leaning up against the side. Telary drops into the blue, idly watching the fire. Given the room's coziness, it doesn't take long for them to settle.
The peace doesn't last long. The outside door flies open, a blast of wind sending rain as far as Sora's chair. A large mouse stumbles inside, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a red and green plaid kilt. A green beret, complete with red fluffy ball on top, hangs over his forehead. He stumbles against the step, a surprised grunt emanating from within the kilt.
Before anyone can say anything, the man's upper body leaps right off the kilt. There are still legs attached, clad in black pants. The beret is tossed, revealing a thin, brown furred face that is almost wholly swallowed by a huge red mustache. That is quickly lost as well, only the thin face left now. The man bypasses both steps with a jump, then makes a beeline right for the desk. Freya quickly backpedals away, pulling Azlyn along with her.
"I say, Basil," the kilt declares in a rather reedy voice, falling away to reveal a rotund mouse. His fur is grayer than that of his top half, and he wears a white shirt, with a brown vest and pants. He coughs, wiping his mouth with the kilt. "I say again, actually, that this is the single most diabolically uncomfortable disguise you've ever…" The man stops, noticing the room's other occupants for the first time. "Oh, goodness me!"
"When it comes to the pursuit of the truth, my good Dawson," the other mouse, Basil apparently, chides his colleague, "momentary discomfort is nothing compared to an eternity of knowledge." He pulls a random piece of paper from a stack, dips a pen into the closest ink pot, and begins drawing something with intense focus.
"I suppose," Dawson admits, rolling his eyes. He moves slowly up the steps, regarding everyone with a thin but friendly smile. "Ah, hello there. My name is Dr. Dawson, and this is…"
"Basil of Baker Street," Freya finishes, the mouse in question not looking up from his work for a moment.
The doctor laughs, shaking his head. "Of course, you'd know that. I assume that's why you've all come here then. There is a problem you need solving, I suspect." He looks to Basil, still drawing. "You'll have to forgive my friend. Once he's got an idea in his head, well…"
"AHA!"
The detective turns toward the room, holding his piece of paper high. Sora's eyes widen as he takes in the drawing upon it.
"This, then, is culprit," Basil declares, shaking the paper. "A simple matter of combining the dozens of vague, half-remembered recollections of every drunken lout we could get our hands on. This, this thing, whatever it is, is undoubtedly what was seen by those who were in a position to witness the abductions."
"Abductions?" Freya repeats, her head tilting inquisitively. "So then you already…?"
"Well of course I know, madame," the detective says with a hearty chuckle. "How could I possibly miss one single detail of the greatest mystery of our current era? I've been gathering data for a week now, and finally I have my first solid lead."
"Except, of course," Dr. Dawson says with a chiding air, "what the devil that creature is, exactly."
"I can tell you that," Sora says, standing up from his chair. "That's a Neoshadow. It's a kind of Heartless."
Basil fixes his stare on the Keybearer, slowly approaching with purposeful steps. He waves the sketch in his hand emphatically. "You know of this creature? How?"
"Well…" the Keybearer tries to begin.
"How interesting," Basil interrupts. He's looking over the young man and his companions, the detective's beady black eyes seeming to take in every detail. "Interesting indeed."
"What, um, what exactly do you mean by that?" Telary asks nervously. It's his magic that's providing the group's disguise, after all, and if there's some flaw in it he's the only one to blame.
"There's something in the way you all hold yourselves," Basil mutters, just loud enough to be heard. "Your movements seem… awkward. Your postures just slightly off. As if you're not quite used to your own bodies. I'd venture to guess, then, that… No, that couldn't be. Could it?"
Dr. Dawson steps closer to his partner, eyebrows raised. "Basil, what is…?"
"Not to mention these garments," the detective continues, gripping the hem of Sora's jacket and rubbing it between his fingers. "The weave is tight, far more than any currently operating commercial loom could…" He makes a fist, tapping the Keybearer's chest. Sora doesn't even protest, too freaked out. "And the material, so strong and yet light… I've certainly not heard of any such cloth."
"What, are you looking to make a quilt or something?" Azlyn demands, pushing the mouse away from her friend. "Personal space, dude."
Basil's left eyebrow rises. "Hmm, interesting. Even your vocabulary is…"
"We're not from around here, okay?" Riku cuts in, stepping up beside Azlyn with his arms folded. "Really, really not around here."
"I just don't get it," Sora mutters to Telary. "People never used to get all hung up on us before. We'd say, 'from somewhere else', and they'd be like 'okay, sure.' Now, it's the third degree like every time."
"I suppose I'll have to take your word for it," Basil says, shrugging. He turns to Freya, eyes lighting up again. "Ah, good."
The rat woman looks back at him with narrowed eyes. "What?"
"You, my dear, are much simpler to read," the detective clarifies, smiling. "Despite your relaxed stance, your body is ready to react to violence within milliseconds. But your posture is not aggressive in and of itself, merely ready to defend. I imagine your upbringing was a rough one, and your current occupation involves the potential for violence as well." He circles her, rubbing his chin. "The coat you wear is made of fine material, indicating that your station in life has improved somewhat from childhood. Though I notice a few fixes with thread of a slightly dissimilar color. Obviously your upbringing taught you the importance of maintaining your items, plus I imagine whoever gave you this garment is significant to you, emotionally."
"Okay," Azlyn admits, "that was solid."
"And largely correct, Detective," Freya says. "Your skills have not been exaggerated, it seems. Which is precisely what I hoped to confirm in coming here."
"You have a job for me then, I assume," Basil says, thoughtfully scratching his chin. "Unfortunately my good woman, as you can see I am rather in the middle of…"
"Now, now," Dawson cuts in. "Couldn't do any harm to hear the lady out, could it?"
The detective purses his lips, thinking it over. Before he can get very far, Freya reaches into her coat and produces an envelope. As the paper changes hands, Sora notes the wax seal holding it closed. He can't quite make out what's on it, but the way Basil's eyes widen is a good indicator that it's significant.
Dawson gasps. "My goodness, the seal of Queen Mousetoria herself!"
"You may read the letter contained inside if you wish," Freya announces, "though I think it would be simpler to tell you myself. The seal alone should be enough to confirm my story. My name, detective, is Freya Crescent. I am a special investigative agent of the queen, on Her Majesty's secret service. It is my duty to hire you on as special consultant to the case I am currently working. I imagine you can deduce what that is."
"You're looking into these disappearances too," Riku concludes.
"'Special investigate agent', are we?" Basil says, sounding quite miffed. "How interesting a notion."
"The office is quite new, actually," Freya explains. "After the Ratigan debacle, which proved that we live in a new age of criminal ingenuity and subterfuge, the queen felt it best to be prepared. The department's creation was rather inspired by your valuable showing during the crisis."
"Oh, was it?" Basil says, preening now. "Well, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And, of course, by coming here to me directly, you admit the inferiority of your imitation. Well, I suppose one must do what one is required, for queen and country and all that."
"Why did you come to this guy anyway?" Sora asks. "Stumped?"
Freya hesitates before answering, momentarily dipping her head and allowing her hat to conceal her expression. "That is… partially true, I suppose." She looks up, composed now. "I found myself with rather no choice to seek additional help. You see, my partner Sir Fratley…" The rat woman has to take a deep breath before finishing. "He's gone missing."
Azlyn nods. "And you think…?"
"You assume the disappearance is connected to all of these others," Basil interrupts the knight. She glares at him, though he takes no notice. "Correlation is not causation, but there's Owlcam's Razor to consider. Well, you've come to the right place. As you saw earlier, our investigation is quickly closing in…"
"Well, 'quickly' isn't quite the word I'd use," Dawson says, holding up a hand. "This drawing is the only sum total of gained knowledge in a week's worth of casework."
Basil's nose twitches, giving his assistant a glare. "Well, I suppose that… In any case, I have been able to confirm just what it is that is at the root of these disappearances…"
"Yeah, thanks to us," Azlyn cuts in, smiling smugly. "Without our Heartless knowledge, all you'd have is a scary picture, made from a bunch of accounts from drunks and street people. We're the ones who can give you actual confirmation!"
"Yeah!" Sora adds, standing beside Azlyn with a wide grin.
"All posturing aside," Dawson says, moving to stand between Basil and the offworlders, "the important thing is that we all pool our resources together to solve these happenings and put a stop to them."
"Oh, I suppose you've a point, old man," Basil admits with a heavy sigh. "Very well then. About these 'Heartless' you spoke of…"
"Hang on a minute," Telary interjects. "We'll tell you anything you want to know about Heartless, but right now I think the more important matter is what happened to this Sir Fratley. Freya, do you feel comfortable sharing?"
The rat woman nods. "Yes. I must share, after all, if we're ever to come to any conclusions. The first thing you should know is that Fratley is from an established, wealthy family, a long line of great lawyers and judges. As such, he often finds himself obligated to attend various social events among the upper crust of city society. One such engagement took place two days ago, at the home of the Rathbones."
Basil lets out a low whistle. "Your partner's family must be well established indeed. The Rathbones own practically half the berths in the city docks."
"Indeed," Freya agrees. "As far as I can gather, that was the last place he was seen. According to the Rathbones' servants, Fratley left the party just after midnight."
"I presume he did not take his carriage?" Dawson asks. He's got paper in front of him, writing down Freya's account as she gives it.
"No, he walked. Despite his family line, Fratley never was one for pampering. Plus, he quite enjoyed 'feeling the city's rhythm', as he would say."
"And so you figure," Sora says, scratching his chin, "that he must've gotten nabbed on his way home."
"No," Azlyn declares.
"Not likely," Basil says at the same time. The pair eye each other for a moment. "I imagine, Ms. Crescent, that Mr. Fratley did not reside in one of our fair city's rougher neighbourhoods?"
Freya shakes her head. "No, his house is just blocks away from the opera house. Hardly what I would call 'rough'."
"And the path from the Rathbones' to his place wouldn't lead him anywhere near a lower class neighborhood, am I right?" Azlyn speculates, receiving a nod in answer.
"Well, he might not have gone straight home," Riku points out. "Maybe he went off the beaten path to look for a drink or something."
"Fratley is not one for drinking," Freya says, frowning. "He might have shared a brandy with the rest of the men after dinner, but no more than that. And he certainly wouldn't wander into questionable neighborhoods when we've spent so much time investigating them."
"The other item of note," Basil says, giving the room a debonair grin, "is that Fratley does not fit the victim profile."
"The other abductees have been, as a whole, a rather disreputable lot," Dawson says, his tone suggesting he's beginning to understand. "But not our man Fratley. If he'd just been to an upscale party, I'm sure he could hardly have been mistaken for someone who does fit the profile."
Sora looks to Freya. "Does this all sound right to you?"
The woman nods. "You all have reached the same conclusions that I did. I do not believe Fratley was the victim of a random attack. On the other hand, if someone else had deduced that he and I were investigating the kidnappings…"
"They would grab him deliberately," Telary finishes.
"What has me the most suspicious," Azlyn chimes in, "is this party he went to. The people you talked to might say he left, but could you be sure they were telling the truth? I'm thinking there's another angle to this whole thing."
"Could this truly be such a devious plot?" Basil asks, obviously speaking more to himself than the others. "Why, if I didn't know better, I would declare it a grand scheme worthy of that vile villain, Ratigan!"
"Except for the fact that he's dead, Basil," Dawson points out.
The detective nods, seeming to deflate a bit. "Yes, indeed. And while I am undoubtedly glad to be rid of him, it was nice to have a foe I could count on."
"Maybe this Ratigan guy isn't around anymore," Riku says, "but we know a villain of our own who could think up a scheme like this."
"Pete and Gilgamesh?" Azlyn asks, scoffing. "Yeah, they're not exactly a brain trust, Rik."
"Well sure," Sora agrees. "But I definitely wouldn't put this kind of thing past Maleficent. Especially since there are Heartless involved."
"Well," Basil announces loudly, bringing the attention back to him, "it seems we've gotten all of our pieces in order. Now, how to most effectively discover how they fit together?"
"I find myself agreeing with Azlyn's assessment of the party," Freya says. "I've been through Fratley's mail, and the day before he disappeared, he received an invitation to another party, to be held tonight. It's likely most of the same people who were at the other gathering will be there as well."
"Undercover work," Sora says, nodding appreciatively. "Well, except not really, because everybody would know who you are."
"True," Freya agrees. "That factor was, actually, a rather integral part of my initial plan." She turns her gaze over to Basil. "After all, who could deign pay attention to me while the city's most famous detective is in their midst?"
The detective scratches is chin. "Well, I suppose my reputation would proceed me. However, I find myself not inclined to attach myself to that plan."
"Why not?" Riku asks, one eyebrow raised.
"I believe very firmly," Basil explains, "that there is still much to be gleaned from the actual kidnappings. My skillset would be more useful in that capacity than as a glorified distraction. No offense meant, Miss Crescent."
"None taken," Freya replies, though Sora doesn't miss the frown she's wearing. When she looks to the Keybearer and his companions, her expression is neutral once again. "Perhaps, then, I could be accompanying an… out of town cousin, eager to explore the city's society life?"
"Well, your story there's half true anyway," Sora says, smiling. "If we're gonna be splitting up again, I guess I'm game for a party. How about you and me this time, Tel?"
The wizard seems amenable, but Basil quickly steps in front of the wizard, shaking his head. "I fear, my boy, you've still much to learn about this city. I'm sure this Telary is a lovely chap, but he may find a hard time… fitting in, shall I say, with this crowd."
Telary frowns. "You mean because I'm a lizard?" He shakes his head. "Man, now I definitely believe these people could be involved in some shady Heartless conspiracy."
"Well, if that's how it's gotta be." Sora turns to Azlyn, not looking quite as happy as when he'd suggested Telary as his partner.
The knight can tell. "Oh, what? You don't think I'd do well at some hoity-toity party? In case you forgot, I'm gonna be a queen in not too long." Basil, Dawson, and Freya all give Azlyn an incredulous look. She grins back at them. "Yeah, that's right guys. You've been in the presence of royalty this whole time. Take it in!"
"That," Riku says through a sigh, "is probably a good thing not to do."
"I'll keep it in mind, Rik."
"You really should." The silver-haired young man shakes his head. "Okay, so me and Tel are on streets duty with the detectives. That's good, I'll be able to sense a Heartless coming from a mile away."
"Well, it seems this all has come together quite well," Basil declares, bringing his fist down on the nearest chair. "All we need now is a toast!"
Serendipitously, Mrs. Judson chooses that exact moment to come out of the kitchen with a fully-loaded tea tray.
KH-KH-KH
Alone in an underground cavern, Pete busies himself with a hand of solitaire. The henchman stares at the six of clubs in his hand, then the cards laid out in front of him. Smiling, he slaps the card down on top of a seven of diamonds.
It's a rare opportunity, to be by himself like this. He's coming to really like this scheme, though its setup has been much more elaborate and time-consuming than most of the others he's been involved with. Still, anything that means he's got time away from Gilgamesh's incessant bravado and posturing is a win in his book.
He's just starting to look for a place to put his Jack of spades when the sound of an opening door draws his attention away. In the flickering light of the cavern's torches, he spots a black-cloaked figure coming down the staircase.
"How go the preparations?" the figure asks, his voice smooth and refined. He stops in front of Pete, the henchman taking in his temporary partner's form. The cloak is wide and rather loose, covering the body underneath. As per usual with this kind of ensemble, the man's face is obscured within a hood. Beneath that, he wears a black mask. Not a bad look, considering the condition he'd been in when Maleficent's crew had found him.
"Everything's all ready to go," Pete reports. He flips over a card in his draw pile, disappointed to find that it's just a four of hearts. "The Keybrat and his pals have showed up, they hooked up with that detective just like you figured, and hopefully we can keep 'em on the goose chase for as long as we need to."
The figure nods. "Good, good. Basil of Baker Street's insatiable curiosity will drive them forward, and by the time his quest for answers has led him here, we'll be ready to deal with him once and for all. My revenge will be sweet."
Pete just shrugs. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say pal." He focuses once again on his card game, flipping another card and smiling at what he sees. By the time he's finished placing all the cards he can, the cloaked figure is gone, and Pete is once again all alone.
Not counting the dozens of haggard figures huddling together in cages, that is.
Two weeks is a lot better wait for you guys than two months, I'd bet! I'm really happy I was able to get this out without much delay. Of course, my need to complete this world's outline before writing up the finisher for last world is one of the big reasons that was delayed so long. I've actually got the world after this laid out already, so hopefully I can get zipping on.
One thing I'll say about this world, which I hope won't affect how I write it, is that this isn't a movie I'm particularly enamored with. It's pretty good, actually, but not one of my big favorites. Most of the interest for using this world came from the time period and setting than any particular love for the characters, so who knows how it'll turn out in the end.
Anyway, shoutout to DJ Scales for his review of the last chapter. Until next time!