Chapter 27: Here's the Plan
Janus blinked his eyes awake, to a rhythmic thumping on his back along with some very relaxing circular motions that sent pleasant shivers down his spine. Not to mention the temperature that he had awoken to was so perfect with the steam filling the space and the sound of what he guessed was running water was so nice. He hummed happily unconsciously letting his tongue stick out as he closed his eyes again before snapping them back open. Steam? Water?
"Aww Janny you blepped." Remus cackle from above him the rhythmic thumping and circular motions stopping. Deceit immediately put his tongue back in his mouth and went to sit up. Only for Remus to push him back down. "Nu-huh, who said you can get up?" Remus said, and Deceit could hear the grin.
The Snake Side looked around from where he laid, the last he remembered is falling asleep in Remus's cold castle and then momentarily cuddling as close to the Duke as possible. And Deceit was sure he had been a snake at the time. Now he was staring at their kitchen so that meant he was in Dark Sides common room, but why did it look like a spa? The couch was gone with replace with a cushy table that Deceit was currently laying on in only a towel. And a steamy Japanese spa pool only instead of water it had lava in it. Taking up the rest of the room, the only thing that was the same was the t.v. that was silently playing a show that was Deceits favorite in the background.
"Remus…." He hissed, pushing against the Duke grip to sit up. "What….?"
"Isn't it obvious. I'm giving you the royal treatment. We still got to get those old scales off you and the steam is helping with loosening them up." The Creative Side explain, peeling a piece off the Snakes Sides shoulder where Janus could see the old scales lift up easily himself. "See. Plus this is the perfect temperature for you. I made sure of it." Remus smiled.
Deceit looked around once more. "But what about-?"
"Don't worry, I'll change the Common Room back when we're done." Remus promised, with a lick to Deceits ear.
Deceit giggled at the sensation. "And where's Kaa?" He asked, with a cheeky grin. One of the Duke's tentacles appeared with the plushie snake in its grip and the Remus got back the to massage he had been giving Janus. "I hate you, you know that." Deceit chuckled, taking the plushie and settling back down on the table that he was laying on. "Does that mean I can trust you with making something for us both to eat too? As in eatable, dear." He asked, sweetly and peeked back to see Remus's smile falter for a split second before reviving growing even bigger if possible.
"Oh, Noodle. Roman's cooks got us covered. I'll make sure of it." The Creative Side assured, with a malice smile. "Now into the pool!" He announced. Lifting Janus from the table and jumped into the lava fully clothed with the Snake Side in his arms.
There was only a split second of panic before Deceit realized that the lava wasn't cooking them to burnt crisps and was actually the perfect temperature for a spa pool. Deceit sighed happily as he glided from Remus's arms and relaxed against the pools side. The water was so nice. And the perfect temperature. He waved for Remus to come sit beside which the Creative Side did, snapping out of his own clothes and relaxed himself right next to the Snake Side. Yup, he said it once and Deceit would say it again. "Things are finally going our way." He smiled. Remus nodding beside him in agreement. "How is your brother doing? Do you know?" He asked.
At the mention of Roman, Remus groaned. "Aw Jayjay! Why did you have to bring him up? This is relaxing time! Not work time!" The Duke whined, clinging to Deceit as if to prevent the Snake Side from leaving. Deceit grunted at the tight grip, but soon relaxed when Remus did.
"Darling, there's no more fun to be had. After all you didn't put a lot of effort into this. Why would I cut this short. Treat me like your Prince." He reassured, not letting the Duke escape from him and hugged him back.
Remus purred happily. "Well, since your being extra sweet, Roman side in the Imagination is still losing ground." The Creative Side answered.
Deceit hummed. "We'll deal with it later." Deceit decided. He deserved a this pampering. He would fix Roman's problem later. Right now he was going to relax in this nice
(Roman and Virgil)
The Princely Side was staring at the mirror on the vanity in his room, with an expression that Virgil couldn't identify, but it was like Roman was trying to summon something to reveal itself in its reflection. It was making Virgil nervous. The Creative Side wasn't really reacting too well to his brother being known to Thomas. If Virgil was honest then neither was he. Even after what Logan had said about Remus's suggestions. Even Virgil was feeling unsure at the moment, after announcing to Thomas that he himself was a Dark Side, the Anxious Side didn't want to be alone. And he didn't want to leave Roman. But maybe Roman didn't want Virgil around. Maybe Roman thought that Virgil was going to go back to the Dark Sides and that's why he wasn't talking to Virgil right now.
He hates you!
Thomas is going to hate you too.
You're not a Core Side.
You're an impostor.
You're still a Dark Side.
You're no better than Remus and Janus.
"Virgil…." Roman's voice cut through the doubts that were clouding The Anxious Sides head.
"Yeah?" Virgil answered, looking up from the bed sheets on Roman's bed tot he Princely Side who was looking at the Anxious side with so much hurt in his eyes. Virgil quickly took notice that he was causing the shadows of the mind to gather in the Creatives Sides room, and made a mental effort to calm down so he could focus on Roman first. After all he didn't want to overwhelm Roman or his room. The Creative Sides room was a place where Virgil could pretend nothing was wrong that he didn't have to worry as much. But he wasn't helping matters by bringing the worry into the room.
"Are you okay?" Roman asked worriedly. Apparently he too had noticed the shadows.
Virgil chuckled at that. "I should be asking you that Princey." He tried to pull off a reassuring smile and felt like he was failing at it.
"Just worried about what happens now that Thomas knows about Remus. How am I going to protect him from my own brother? To be honest Virge, I been feeling like I haven't been the hero Thomas deserves. And I know what he said, but its just, well you seen what happen today." The Creative Side admitted, taking a seat at the edge of the bed near the Emo.
Virgil could understand that feeling. It was something similar to what he was feeling now too. "I told Thomas I was a Dark Side." He mumbled.
Roman's head whipped over to him. "What happened?" The Princely Side asked scooting himself higher up on the bed to be even closer to Virgil, who looked to be staving off a panic attack by just bringing it up.
"I don't know. I sunk out as soon as I could, but the look he gave me." Virgil admitted. "What if he doesn't want me anymore?"
"Hey now." Roman comforted, pulling Virgil into his arms. "Don't think like that Stormcloud. We know Thomas. He would never not want you. You're our Dark and Stormy Knight after all. We would be in serious trouble without you."
Virgil hugged close to the Creative Side. "I know. I just can't help it sometimes though." He sighed.
"Want to help me in the Imagination. It'll help keep both our minds off our troubles." Roman suggested, getting to his feet and held his hand out for Virgil to take. "Well, my Dark Prince?"
Still feeling anxious but not wanting to bring Roman back down Virgil took his hand and followed the Creative Side to the Imagination door. Roman's side was beautiful as always, but you could clearly see the Dark Side of the Imagination crawling to take over the beautiful land. It made Virgil angry that Remus was doing nothing to stop the take over. It was the Duke's job to manage it, so why was is trying to take over the whole Imagination. "Where so we start?" He asked, ready to fight off the monsters from Remus's side.
"Wherever your heart leads you!" Roman said, triumphantly sword in hand. He glanced at the Anxious side with a bright smiled and snapped his fingers, giving the other a shield and sword to wield of his own.
Virgil smiled gratefully for the weapons.
"Okay, now charge!" Roman shouted, a white horse running by and the Princely side jumping on the steed.
Virgil appreciated the show of agility as he ran to catch up and startle slightly when another horse came at the side of him. The animal black as the night-sky with white markings near its hooves. Virgil didn't think he could jump on a running horse like Roman and wasn't about to try, so you couldn't blame him when the horse stooped low enough to practically scoop the Anxious side up with its head in an effort to slide him onto the saddle on its back.
"Come now my Dark Knight let us fight side by side!" Roman cheered, as Virgil's black steed caught up with his own.
Virgil nervously cheered, gripping bridle and mane of his horse while reminding himself to not drop his much needed weapons. They had to clean this place up before the wedding, so Roman could start working at his full potential again.
(Day of the Wedding)
"No!" Remus said, sticking his tongue out as he dodge Janus's lunge to put a clean suit on him. The Snake Side was able to strip the Duke just fine. It was getting the chaotic Side cleaned and dressed in practical former wear that was proving challenging.
"Remus. We've talked about this. You're wearing a suit just like Thomas." Deceit hissed, making an another lunge for the Creative Side who jumped out of the way and ran down the stairs. The Snake side close behind holding the formal clothes like a matador chasing a bull. He found the Duke sitting on the kitchen counter, staring at him with determination. Deceit made a mental note to clean the counter later before setting food on it about.
"I don't wanna go! The Cores Sides are going to the imagination! Besides its not like Thomas or anyone around him will be able to see us." Remus pouted, jumping off the counter and over Deceits head as the Lying Side made a grab for him.
"Its the principle of the situation. We are not going to go to a wedding about look like imbeciles I will not have it!" Deceit hissed, catching Remus around the neck with the tie of the suit he was trying to dress Remus in and tightened the loop. "Gotcha!" He hissed fangs out, with a wide smile, and his eyes blown wide with victory.
"Ugh! Jay!" Remus choked, as Janus pulled the tie tight, using his other extra hands to catch and dress the Dukes still flailing limbs. "Kinky!"
"Shut up and hold still!" Janus snapped, focused on his task. "There!" He hissed pleased, all six of his hands pulling back and poised to correct any wrinkles that might be in the suit.
Remus whimpered, as he look down at himself horrified seeing that he was was dress and smelt like Roman. In reality, Deceit had dressed them both in clothes that were similar to what Thomas was wearing. "I HATE IT! WWWAAAHHH!" The creative side cried. Hands coming up to undo the tie around his neck.
Deceit slapped the Dukes hands away from it. "Don't even think about it." He snapped, grabbing hold of the Creative Sides hand and pulled him along. "Now let's go."
Remus grabbed at the door frame. "Roman's not going! Why do I have to go?!" He whined, against Deceits hold.
"Because I said, so and you are going as my date!" Deceit hissed the answer pulling at the resisting Creative Side.
"But Jay. Janny. My hissy Noodle. I'll take you anywhere in the imagination! Even clean the castle up. Just say I don't have to go!" Remus pleaded, as Janus was able to pull him along anyway.
"Please keep being difficult, it will certainly change my decision." Deceit hmphed as he dragged the Duke along.
They went, not to the Core Sides common room, but to a room that had chairs in it and a large screen t.v. like the one they had in a movie theater, to find only Virgil there, in his usual outfit. "What are you guys doing here?" The Anxious Side demanded.
"There's a wedding today isn't there?" Deceit smiled.
"And you guys are going?" Virgil asked, seeming surprised.
"What gave it away?" Deceit answered, hooking his arm around one of Remus's, putting on his most infuriating smiles that he knew Virgil hated. "Where are the others? Its usual for Logan to be late."
Virgil bristled. "Their busy in the Imagination trying to clean up the mess you guys have been causing there."
"Who? Moi?" Deceit asked, in mock surprise. He didn't care what Virgil thought. He knew the Imagination would right itself once Roman got his confidence back. "Such scandalist accusations Virgil. I'm surprised at you." He smirked, sitting himself down in a chair, Remus claiming the closest near him.
"Yeah Anxy, you know Deedee has more class than that. He'd just take it, if he wanted it." Remus cackled. "And I should know!"
"You two disgust me." Virgil scoffed taking a chair furthest from the others.
Deceit looked between the three of them as they started seeing through Thomas's eyes. This wasn't going to be a good day for Thomas. Roman wasn't going to show since his real desire was to go to the callback. Patton and Logan were going to be busy trying to convince the Prince to even show his face today. Patton would be upset with Roman's distress and Logan would be busy trying to calm those two down. Which left Thomas wide open for Deceit, Remus, and Virgil; whether Virgil wanted to are not, he wouldn't be able to stop doing his job. A loud clicking sounded, signaling that no other Side would enter. Virgil was already chewing on his thumb nail as Thomas arrived at the wedding. "Well, let get this over with, shall we." Deceit smirked, interlocking his fingers with Remus's, who's legs were bouncing from being still too long. Maybe after the wedding Thomas and the others would finally see what Deceit had been saying all along.
(Three Days Later)
Deceit found himself humming a tune that Remus had made up while reading on the couch. He didn't know the words to the tune and probably didn't want to know the words, knowing Remus. But the rhythm was catchy. Confronting Patton, Thomas, and Roman had been easy enough, especially with Thomas have a mental breakdown as soon as the wedding was over. Just like Deceit expected to happen, Thomas and Roman were both unhappy for going to an event that did not have any gain for them in the slightest. Much to what Deceit had already said, months ago, with heavy pushing from Patton, Thomas had given up his happiness for someone else's and it was finally coming to a head. But now that Patton and Deceit were on the same page things were feeling a lot better in the mind. Although. Deceit put his book down. Although Thomas and Patton had been able to round up Logan and Virgil; who was still reluctant, to agree that Deceit did indeed have a point when it came to Thomas's mental health; Roman had disappeared in his room as soon as Deceit earned his spot at the table. There was still something Deceit was going to have to fix, but he was giving the Creative Side time to cone to terms on his own. After all, Roman and Remus had the tendency to be very dramatic when they were upset.
Speaking of Remus, the Duke hadn't been around to grace Deceit with his presence in a while, which was weird. Deceit called for the snake that he had watching the Duke and found that just like Roman, Remus had went into his room and hadn't left. Now Deceit wasn't feeling neglected or anything. Nope, not at all. Its not like Remus barely left his side or anything. Deceit tried to go back to his book only to slam it closed. "Dammit Remus." Deceit hissed, and stalked his way to the Dukes room. The door was locked. The Duke usually locked his door when he planned on doing or creating something rather dangerous. That meant Deceit was just going to have to use his given door to the Cabin.
The meadow was muted in color as always but still beautiful. No monsters of Remus's Side were there. But then again none dared to trespass. Even when he ventured away from the mute color meadow, and into the chaotic landscape of the Dark Imagination. No monsters or plants dare to attack or touch Deceit; by Remus's orders. Deceit was never to be harmed. However there was something wrong here. He could feel it. The Dark imagination looked overgrown and wilder than normal.
Deceit casually walked his way to the Dukes castle and found said Creative side on the watch tower. Eyes green instead of brown and sweat dripping from his brow. The sight worried Deceit, just as much as the imbalance in the Imagination tugged at his instinct to find a way to fix it. "I hope I'm interrupting something. You've certainly been bothering me today." Deceit said to announce his presence.
Remus barely looked away from where his gaze was locked on; in the direction of Roman's side. "I can't stop it Jan." The Duke said.
Deceit kept his face neutral. He knew what Remus was talking about. The Dark Imagination was still conquering the Good Imagination against Remus's control. Something the Duke was not happy about. "So this is what you have been up too, I wasn't beginning to worry about you." Deceit admitted. After a beat Remus still said, nothing. So Deceit took a peek into the telescope on the tower. Roman's lands was fifty percent less than what it should be, and Remus seemed to be doing everything in the in his power at the moment to try and withhold the chaos that he would normally spread around happily. Deceit took a step back thinking furiously on how they could stop the imagination from turning completely dark and Remus's glowing green eyes flickered to him for a moment before looking out over the imagination again. "Seems the hero needs a villain once again." He said. "And you aren't needed on the front line."
"Dee?" Remus flicked his gaze back over to him again. He knew that look in his Noodles eyes. Janus was planning something.
"Of course, we're going to need some incentives to make sure Roman cooperates, after all a hero needs a damsel or three." Deceit pivoted to face Remus again. "And what's the Dark Side with out its ruler." He smiled confident.
"Huh?" Remus asked, mouth gaped open.
"Wait here Darling, don't bother keeping up the good work." Deceit reassured, capulet flowing behind him as he left the tower. "I'm not going to barrow the kitchen for a few minutes, don't worry I will not save you any of the goodies, its not like I will need all of them anyway.." He said, over his shoulder as he disappeared not bothering with giving away too much detail. He wanted everyone to have as much of a natural reaction as possible for his plan to work.
Remus so badly wanted to follow, but it was taking all his concentration just to slow down the dark imagination so it wouldn't completely take over. He couldn't stop. Besides he trusted Deceit, whatever he was panning was sure to help Roman reclaim his side again and Remus just wanted the Imagination back the way it was, where he and Roman were on equal ground.
(Core Sides)
Patton was pitter-pattering around the kitchen trying to take his mind off how upset it was that Roman refused to leave the imagination. Logan seemed worried too, considering that the Logical Side was reading a cook book out loud to the Moral Side. The two hadn't seen Virgil either since Deceit was accepted either, or Remus and the Deceit himself, so they could be excused for jumping when said Snake Side popped into their kitchen, balancing a plate in one hand.. Patton fumbled with bowl full of cookie batter that he was holding and thankfully didn't drop the mixture thanks to one of Deceit extra arms. "Hello, fellow Sides." He greeted, smoothly, tasting some batter that had gotten on a finger on one of his gloved hands. "Tastes horrible as always, Patton." He complimented, with smirk.
"Oh, uh, thank you Janus." Patton smiled.
"Greeting Janus. I think I speak for both of us when I say that we are pleased to see you roaming about. Although I can't say the same for the others. How about Remus?" Logan greeted, not looking up from the cookbook.
"Playing in the imagination I believe. Here." Deceit smiled moving to stand beside Patton. "I brought some cookies of my own. I can't trust Remus's taste so I was hoping to get your opinion. Their Chocolate peppermint." Deceit smiled holding up the plate of cookies.
"You made cookies! I didn't know you could bake?" Patton gasped happily, already taking a cookies off the plate.
"Yes, well its not like I can trust Remus to cook." Deceit hmphed a bit at that, offering the plate of cookie to Logan, who took a cookie as well. "Now don't bother giving your honest opinion. I promise I will be devastated." Deceit chuckled, as the two side bit into the cookies.
As soon Patton and Logan swallowed, Deceit dropped the friendly act and let his face drop back into a neutral expression as he watched the Logical and Moral Side closely as they succumbed to the venom in the cookies, they eyes taking on a yellow glow. To make sure they were indeed his now, he snapped his fingers in front of both of their faces. They didn't even flinch.
"Good. I'm so glad you both liked them." He said. And reached into his pocket and pulled out in the two pieces of paper. "You will both go to this these location in the Imagination and wait for Roman to come and get you." He directed, and watched as they went to follow his command like puppets on a string; his strings. Although his venom wouldn't last long. Just long enough to get everyone in place.
Humming as he went, holding a small plate with one of the chocolate peppermint cookies on it. Deceit walked himself up the stairs and straight to Virgil's room and knocked politely. He waited a moment, but no response came. "Virgil? It is me De-Janus." He called. "I'm not going away so there's no reason trying to ignore me." He added.
A moment later the door cracked open. "What do you want?" Virgil snapped.
"Patton made cookies and I offered to bring one up to you, take it as a peace offering if you will." Deceit answered, holding up the treat.
Virgil narrowed his eyes as the door opened a bit wider. "What do you really want?"
Deceit tried to come off innocent. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."
"Oh cut the shit, Deceit!" Virgil snapped, and opened the door all the way and stepped out and into Deceit's space. "Do you know what you did to Princey?! You took his land, and his confidence! He doesn't believe in himself anymore and its all your fault!"
"I plan on going to make peace with Roman soon." Deceit assured.
"Well, he's not in his room. And you know you're not welcomed on his side. Of course I guess that's not a problem for you anymore. I'm bet it was your idea that Remus tried to take over the Imagination from him. What happened to a balanced mind?!" Virgil raged.
Deceit took a step back to get some of his person space back. "I do realize why you would think that. As I have said, I plan on making amends with our dear sweet Prince very soon. Right now I am trying to amend our burning bridge, by bringing you one of Patton cookies." He emphasized this by holding up the cookie again, and this time Virgil took it; well snatched it.
"Now leave." Virgil grouched, and as he turned took a bite into the cookie.
Deceit knew when the venom took effect on the Anxious Side, and caught the door just before it slammed shut. "Yes, Virgil in due time I will. But first we have a stage to set up for that darling Prince of yours. Now follow me to the imagination, we wasted far too much time as it is." Deceit urged watching as his words were followed. Just like the others for a just a couple of minutes Virgil was his to control like a puppet. Now all he had to do was go and get the Prince. A perfect plan put together, was something Deceit could always appreciate. After all he may be deceit, selfish and self preservation, but it was Thomas's self that he had to protect and his venom was one of the tools he had to help him do that. And he wasn't afraid to use it.
He led Virgil to through the Imagination quickly. Putting the Emo in place, right where the middle of the Imagination should have been and where most of Remus's dangerous creatures now lurked. He place the Anxious side in a gilded cage that hummed with Deceits energy so no harm would come to him. Something he did with all of them along with a serpent that was hidden out of sight. His goal was to give Roman confidence, not actually hurt the others in the process. Just a nice little scare and a triumphant adventure to for their distressed Prince.
It wasn't too long that he returned to Remus, but not before going after the Dukes crown. Remus still not able to keep his attention split at the moment and hold the Dark Imagination back, only glanced curiously at his return. "Are you ready to rule, Remus?" Deceit asked, holding out the black crown with a smile that showed off his fangs, a smile Deceit knew Remus loved to see, and bowed slightly to the Creative Side.
"Are trying to tempt me Jayjay?" Remus asked, his eyes continuing to flicker back and forth from the imagination to Deceit.
"Is it working?" Deceit ask and tilted his head to peek at Remus, with his serpents eye.
Remus cackled gleefully. "Crown me you sexy Yellow Noodle." Returning Deceit fanged smile with one of his on.
"Then let us begin!" Deceit declared, placing the crown on the Creative Sides head and backed up slightly as a burst of Creative power came from the Duke. Who cackle happily with power, his tentacles coming out and pulling Deceit back to him. Deceit chuckle and petted the tentacle that was holding onto him. "Now Darling, here's the plan." Deceit whispered into Remus's ear.
TBC
A/N: I wonder what Deceit has planned? Not even I know yet! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know by voting/kudos, favorating/bookmark, and/or Reviewing. I would love to know your thoughts on this chapter!