The Dancer
Chapter 6: Memories Best Left Forgotten
Authors Note: Oooh Diana's past... well some of it. And the plot is revealed! Dun Dun Dun! Enjoy! For those of you who have read this chapter already I had to go back and rewrite a few things. I forgot to add some tings that make the description of her rooms make more sense with what I wrote for Chapter 2.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Gently Diana finished securing the locks on her doors, making sure there was no way the others downstairs would be getting in. Still tipsy and feeling a headache coming on she leaned her back slowly against the doorway, her eyes on the floor.
The pale man in the black cloak walked into the middle of the main room. Slowly he looked about, his cold blue eyes traveling over the walls and furniture. If he saw the passed out pirate that Samuel had placed on the couch he didn't acknowledge it.
Diana's room was a suite, made of two separate rooms and a bathroom. This main section was just a big area that could be used as a bedroom but which she instead used as place to stretch and practice her performances as well as a place where she worked on costumes and came to relax; in this room was a large bookshelf, a desk and a nice couch with a few chairs. The second was her actual sleeping quarters, which was much larger. The furniture in that room was her bed, a table and her dressing counter.
"Hmm..." The man's smooth voice began. He ran his finger over the desk and examined it, frowning before wiping it off on his handkerchief. "Really now, I would have expected far better accommodations then this from you duckling." He shook his head.
"What do you want Marcus?" Diana wondered, her voice unusually wary.
"Can't I come visit my adorable little duckling without having a reason?" The tall man tried to sound as though he was hurt but Diana wasn't fooled.
"You never have before; I see no reason why you should start now." Diana spoke with an even voice, forcing her fear back. She calmly walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of very red wine and a solitary glass. With a sigh she made a motion with her finger that he should follow her into her room.
"Perceptive of you my dear... it's good to see that your mind has not failed you since our last encounter." He smirked at her as he followed. In his large stride of even steps he walked over to the bed and sat himself on the mattress with a hand out, palm up.
"Indeed," Diana sighed. She closed the door between the rooms and made her way over to the awaiting man. Slowly she placed the glass in his hand and opened the bottle with ease. Carefully she filled the glass before replacing the cork and setting it aside. With dead eyes she watched her unwanted company sniff the drink and swirl it around before swallowing a small amount of it and turning to her.
"Delicious."
"It is YOUR wine." Diana pointed out.
"So it is..." Suddenly the false happiness vanished from his features and his face grew serious, a fact which Diana didn't miss. "Enough pleasantries have been dispensed; there isn't much time before I must leave this place."
"I can't say I'll be sorry to see you go." The redhead's voice was strange now and Marcus could see that her eyes had paled to a dull Jade.
"You insolent wench," The man growled at her. He knew what it meant when her eyes changed color like that. It meant that she had retreated into the safety of her sub-consciousness and the side of her personality that was ruthless and feared nothing surfaced in its place. She was a unique girl and could be as explosive as a powder keg if she was pushed to it. That had been what he liked so much about her.
"The clock is ticking..." Diana reminded with a smug satisfaction. "So what are you doing here anyway? I KNOW I didn't miss one of those payments. Don't you have other, more important things to do?"
"I'm hurt; you know you will always come first duckling." Marcus returned her sarcasm. The two of them would often get into these battles of words.
"Really? I'm touched." Diana rolled her eyes. "Now stop stalling, you're wasting your own time as well as mine and I don't take kindly to that."
"I was on a business trip to New Orleans... I decided that since I was coming by I might as well stop off and see how business is coming, as well as pick up the next payment... I must admit that show tonight was... interesting. I can see why things are so successful. Have you finally given in to selling yourself as well?" He wondered, his eyes sweeping over her sexy costume as if to bring about his point.
"Why; you interested?"
"Well now... I might be..." Marcus replied. He set the now empty wine glass down on the nightstand and walked over to where Diana sat on the table. He placed a hand on either side of her, and stood very near to her body. "Is that a yes?"
"Even if I was selling myself, which I'm not, I wouldn't sell myself to you for all the money in the world." Diana quipped before placing one booted foot on his chest and pushing him back, firmly digging her heel into him. She leapt off the table with ease and began to make her way over to her bed.
"Why you-"Marcus began furiously and started to walk towards her.
"Here's the money." Diana interrupted him and picked a black pouch filled with coins out of the chest at the end of the bed, thrusting it into his hands. "I'm glad you thought the show was interesting, but if that's all you have to say then I'd appreciate it if you took your leave of this place so I can get some rest." She told him, opening the bedroom door to signal that he should leave immediately.
"There's more." The black haired man spoke up, a sinister smile on his face.
"Oy," Diana muttered to herself and closed the door. "What now?"
"I noticed that pirate in there has taking a liking to you..."
"So? A lot of people take a liking to me, what's your point?" Diana arched an eyebrow.
"That pirate is Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl."
"And..."
"AND he is possibly the only pirate alive that knows the location of Isle Del Muerta." Marcus smirked at her as her stony jade eyes widened at his words.
"The Island of the Dead? The island that is supposed to house what is possibly the biggest horde of treasure any pirate has ever seen?" She said in disbelief.
"Yes. He knows where it is Diana. I want that treasure."
"Well what do you want me to do about it?" The redhead snapped, but already she had a horrible feeling that she knew the answer.
"He fancies you..."
"So we're established. Get to the point."
"I want you to get the bearings from him."
"Ha! Right. Maybe you haven't heard the recent stories about Captain Jack Sparrow. He just got his ship back from his first mate that mutinied after receiving the bearings from the Captain and left him marooned on an island to die. He was without a ship for eight years. Ever since they marooned him he's apparently been completely paranoid about trusting people. I don't think he's just going to hand over the bearings." Diana laughed.
"I don't think he's that much of a fool any more then you do Diana. However, as paranoid a man as Captain Jack Sparrow may be he still is just a man. He is not invincible; he has weaknesses just like any other human does."
"What's you point? How do you plan to get him to give up the bearings?"
"Why my charming little swan, I don't plan on getting him to do anything." Marcus chuckled as he gently caressed her cheek with one pale hand, causing her to shiver in revulsion. "I want you to convince him that he has won you over. Do anything and everything you need to do to gain his trust. From there discover where the island lies."
"What makes you think I'll be a part of your twisted little scheme?" Diana bit out, not liking the sound of the man's idea.
"Oh, you will." Marcus answered. "Because as soon as you present me with my treasure I will free you."
"F-Free me?" Diana barely managed, her eyes very briefly flashing back to emerald.
"You would never again have to work for me. No more payments to buy your temporary freedom and the safety of your friends back home. No more unexpected visits like this or having to worry about harm befalling anyone you care for."
"But don't you think it would be just a bit suspicious if I asked him for the bearings to Isle Del Muerta? I don't know, I just think he might suspect something." Diana brought up uncertainly, wanting to be free from the hellish way she lived. She still had a horrible feeling inside her about this though; she didn't see how it could work.
"Do it however you feel is necessary. Search for a map on the ship; see if anyone else knows anything about it. If you can manage it, bring him and his crew to see the show back home; maybe one of the other girls can get some information for you."
"Back HOME?!" Diana exclaimed in surprise. "I think that's just a bit out of the way don't you?"
"If you do the job right then he won't mind it. Make up an excuse and tell them that they will all receive a night's entertainment free. That should lure them there."
"I don't know..." Diana trailed off, looking at the floorboards once more as she thought about everything he said. It could work theoretically... She gave a sudden start as she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Her eyes looked at the pale arms, they felt as well as looked cold and dead.
"Don't worry Diana. Just go in, do what you do best and you'll be free. No payments will be necessary while you do it either. It'll be simple. Think of it... as if it were one of those dance numbers of yours. You know what to do and you know how to do it." His mouth was close enough to her ear that she could feel his breath against it.
"I-I'll do it." Diana agreed weakly, regretting the words almost immediately.
"That's my girl." A wave of nausea rolled through Diana as Marcus turned her around and roughly kissed her mouth. He forced his tongue into her mouth, knowing she wouldn't fight it if she intended to gain that freedom. He doubted she could have had any sense left to fight it anyways; he could still taste the alcohol in her mouth from her earlier competition. Marcus's hands were running over her body, causing her to shudder.
Finally he pulled away from her, licking her lips as he did. His cold eyes burned with his desire for a long moment before he turned and opened the door to leave. "I look forward to seeing you back home duckling." He called back mockingly.
As soon as she heard the front door unlock and shut she hurried to a nearby bucket that she used to bring extra water up to her room and threw up. After she had nothing left to throw up she wiped her mouth off on the hand towel that had been lying beside it.
Her eyes, once again their ordinary emerald color, were quickly filling up with tears. She brought one shaking hand up as she felt the first one slide down her cheeks without warning. It was followed by another and then another until the tears flowed unchecked in steady rivers that splashed to the floor.
Quietly Diana drew her knees up to her chest and allowed herself to cry. She hadn't cried for years but to fight it seemed futile to her. Besides, there was nobody there to see her crying. Nobody to see her pathetically huddled in a corner. She was all alone with the exception of the drunk pirate in the other room but he was asleep.
And before she knew it, Diana had cried herself to sleep as well.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
::NEXT::
Chapter 7: Actress
Authors Notes: I bet none of you saw that coming. Diana isn't a weak character mind you though, that much will come clear as her past is ever further revealed. But what is her past? And who is this 'Marcus' man? Will Diana go through with what she promised? What is Jack going to do when he wakes up in Diana's room? Why did Diana have him delivered to her room anyways? Tune in next time kids!
Chapter 6: Memories Best Left Forgotten
Authors Note: Oooh Diana's past... well some of it. And the plot is revealed! Dun Dun Dun! Enjoy! For those of you who have read this chapter already I had to go back and rewrite a few things. I forgot to add some tings that make the description of her rooms make more sense with what I wrote for Chapter 2.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Gently Diana finished securing the locks on her doors, making sure there was no way the others downstairs would be getting in. Still tipsy and feeling a headache coming on she leaned her back slowly against the doorway, her eyes on the floor.
The pale man in the black cloak walked into the middle of the main room. Slowly he looked about, his cold blue eyes traveling over the walls and furniture. If he saw the passed out pirate that Samuel had placed on the couch he didn't acknowledge it.
Diana's room was a suite, made of two separate rooms and a bathroom. This main section was just a big area that could be used as a bedroom but which she instead used as place to stretch and practice her performances as well as a place where she worked on costumes and came to relax; in this room was a large bookshelf, a desk and a nice couch with a few chairs. The second was her actual sleeping quarters, which was much larger. The furniture in that room was her bed, a table and her dressing counter.
"Hmm..." The man's smooth voice began. He ran his finger over the desk and examined it, frowning before wiping it off on his handkerchief. "Really now, I would have expected far better accommodations then this from you duckling." He shook his head.
"What do you want Marcus?" Diana wondered, her voice unusually wary.
"Can't I come visit my adorable little duckling without having a reason?" The tall man tried to sound as though he was hurt but Diana wasn't fooled.
"You never have before; I see no reason why you should start now." Diana spoke with an even voice, forcing her fear back. She calmly walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of very red wine and a solitary glass. With a sigh she made a motion with her finger that he should follow her into her room.
"Perceptive of you my dear... it's good to see that your mind has not failed you since our last encounter." He smirked at her as he followed. In his large stride of even steps he walked over to the bed and sat himself on the mattress with a hand out, palm up.
"Indeed," Diana sighed. She closed the door between the rooms and made her way over to the awaiting man. Slowly she placed the glass in his hand and opened the bottle with ease. Carefully she filled the glass before replacing the cork and setting it aside. With dead eyes she watched her unwanted company sniff the drink and swirl it around before swallowing a small amount of it and turning to her.
"Delicious."
"It is YOUR wine." Diana pointed out.
"So it is..." Suddenly the false happiness vanished from his features and his face grew serious, a fact which Diana didn't miss. "Enough pleasantries have been dispensed; there isn't much time before I must leave this place."
"I can't say I'll be sorry to see you go." The redhead's voice was strange now and Marcus could see that her eyes had paled to a dull Jade.
"You insolent wench," The man growled at her. He knew what it meant when her eyes changed color like that. It meant that she had retreated into the safety of her sub-consciousness and the side of her personality that was ruthless and feared nothing surfaced in its place. She was a unique girl and could be as explosive as a powder keg if she was pushed to it. That had been what he liked so much about her.
"The clock is ticking..." Diana reminded with a smug satisfaction. "So what are you doing here anyway? I KNOW I didn't miss one of those payments. Don't you have other, more important things to do?"
"I'm hurt; you know you will always come first duckling." Marcus returned her sarcasm. The two of them would often get into these battles of words.
"Really? I'm touched." Diana rolled her eyes. "Now stop stalling, you're wasting your own time as well as mine and I don't take kindly to that."
"I was on a business trip to New Orleans... I decided that since I was coming by I might as well stop off and see how business is coming, as well as pick up the next payment... I must admit that show tonight was... interesting. I can see why things are so successful. Have you finally given in to selling yourself as well?" He wondered, his eyes sweeping over her sexy costume as if to bring about his point.
"Why; you interested?"
"Well now... I might be..." Marcus replied. He set the now empty wine glass down on the nightstand and walked over to where Diana sat on the table. He placed a hand on either side of her, and stood very near to her body. "Is that a yes?"
"Even if I was selling myself, which I'm not, I wouldn't sell myself to you for all the money in the world." Diana quipped before placing one booted foot on his chest and pushing him back, firmly digging her heel into him. She leapt off the table with ease and began to make her way over to her bed.
"Why you-"Marcus began furiously and started to walk towards her.
"Here's the money." Diana interrupted him and picked a black pouch filled with coins out of the chest at the end of the bed, thrusting it into his hands. "I'm glad you thought the show was interesting, but if that's all you have to say then I'd appreciate it if you took your leave of this place so I can get some rest." She told him, opening the bedroom door to signal that he should leave immediately.
"There's more." The black haired man spoke up, a sinister smile on his face.
"Oy," Diana muttered to herself and closed the door. "What now?"
"I noticed that pirate in there has taking a liking to you..."
"So? A lot of people take a liking to me, what's your point?" Diana arched an eyebrow.
"That pirate is Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl."
"And..."
"AND he is possibly the only pirate alive that knows the location of Isle Del Muerta." Marcus smirked at her as her stony jade eyes widened at his words.
"The Island of the Dead? The island that is supposed to house what is possibly the biggest horde of treasure any pirate has ever seen?" She said in disbelief.
"Yes. He knows where it is Diana. I want that treasure."
"Well what do you want me to do about it?" The redhead snapped, but already she had a horrible feeling that she knew the answer.
"He fancies you..."
"So we're established. Get to the point."
"I want you to get the bearings from him."
"Ha! Right. Maybe you haven't heard the recent stories about Captain Jack Sparrow. He just got his ship back from his first mate that mutinied after receiving the bearings from the Captain and left him marooned on an island to die. He was without a ship for eight years. Ever since they marooned him he's apparently been completely paranoid about trusting people. I don't think he's just going to hand over the bearings." Diana laughed.
"I don't think he's that much of a fool any more then you do Diana. However, as paranoid a man as Captain Jack Sparrow may be he still is just a man. He is not invincible; he has weaknesses just like any other human does."
"What's you point? How do you plan to get him to give up the bearings?"
"Why my charming little swan, I don't plan on getting him to do anything." Marcus chuckled as he gently caressed her cheek with one pale hand, causing her to shiver in revulsion. "I want you to convince him that he has won you over. Do anything and everything you need to do to gain his trust. From there discover where the island lies."
"What makes you think I'll be a part of your twisted little scheme?" Diana bit out, not liking the sound of the man's idea.
"Oh, you will." Marcus answered. "Because as soon as you present me with my treasure I will free you."
"F-Free me?" Diana barely managed, her eyes very briefly flashing back to emerald.
"You would never again have to work for me. No more payments to buy your temporary freedom and the safety of your friends back home. No more unexpected visits like this or having to worry about harm befalling anyone you care for."
"But don't you think it would be just a bit suspicious if I asked him for the bearings to Isle Del Muerta? I don't know, I just think he might suspect something." Diana brought up uncertainly, wanting to be free from the hellish way she lived. She still had a horrible feeling inside her about this though; she didn't see how it could work.
"Do it however you feel is necessary. Search for a map on the ship; see if anyone else knows anything about it. If you can manage it, bring him and his crew to see the show back home; maybe one of the other girls can get some information for you."
"Back HOME?!" Diana exclaimed in surprise. "I think that's just a bit out of the way don't you?"
"If you do the job right then he won't mind it. Make up an excuse and tell them that they will all receive a night's entertainment free. That should lure them there."
"I don't know..." Diana trailed off, looking at the floorboards once more as she thought about everything he said. It could work theoretically... She gave a sudden start as she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Her eyes looked at the pale arms, they felt as well as looked cold and dead.
"Don't worry Diana. Just go in, do what you do best and you'll be free. No payments will be necessary while you do it either. It'll be simple. Think of it... as if it were one of those dance numbers of yours. You know what to do and you know how to do it." His mouth was close enough to her ear that she could feel his breath against it.
"I-I'll do it." Diana agreed weakly, regretting the words almost immediately.
"That's my girl." A wave of nausea rolled through Diana as Marcus turned her around and roughly kissed her mouth. He forced his tongue into her mouth, knowing she wouldn't fight it if she intended to gain that freedom. He doubted she could have had any sense left to fight it anyways; he could still taste the alcohol in her mouth from her earlier competition. Marcus's hands were running over her body, causing her to shudder.
Finally he pulled away from her, licking her lips as he did. His cold eyes burned with his desire for a long moment before he turned and opened the door to leave. "I look forward to seeing you back home duckling." He called back mockingly.
As soon as she heard the front door unlock and shut she hurried to a nearby bucket that she used to bring extra water up to her room and threw up. After she had nothing left to throw up she wiped her mouth off on the hand towel that had been lying beside it.
Her eyes, once again their ordinary emerald color, were quickly filling up with tears. She brought one shaking hand up as she felt the first one slide down her cheeks without warning. It was followed by another and then another until the tears flowed unchecked in steady rivers that splashed to the floor.
Quietly Diana drew her knees up to her chest and allowed herself to cry. She hadn't cried for years but to fight it seemed futile to her. Besides, there was nobody there to see her crying. Nobody to see her pathetically huddled in a corner. She was all alone with the exception of the drunk pirate in the other room but he was asleep.
And before she knew it, Diana had cried herself to sleep as well.
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
::NEXT::
Chapter 7: Actress
Authors Notes: I bet none of you saw that coming. Diana isn't a weak character mind you though, that much will come clear as her past is ever further revealed. But what is her past? And who is this 'Marcus' man? Will Diana go through with what she promised? What is Jack going to do when he wakes up in Diana's room? Why did Diana have him delivered to her room anyways? Tune in next time kids!
