"Wake up, damn you!" Electra snapped. "I'm sorry if painting my
portrait is tedious but that's your own fault!" While Arianna and Darius
had gone to see Akito, Electra had focused her attention on teasing Erik
and turning him into a lovesick puppy, a slave. But not only were her
attempts at seduction failing miserably, he was falling asleep.
She had been so sure that painting her in detail the way she was dressed would make him squirm but half an hour after starting his eyelids had begun to droop and his head kept nodding slowly. He bolted upright at her words but he still looked tired. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand and yawned.
"Indeed painting is not tedious but I'm afraid I didn't sleep well last night." He murmured softly.
"Have you a guilty conscience?" She suggested impatiently.
"No." He said sharply but his next words melted. "Have you?"
Electra was boiling with anger yet she simmered her feelings down. This, again, may be an opportunity.
"Poor little dear," She said in honeyed tones. "You act as if you haven't slept in years. Perhaps you should take a little rest. After all, I wouldn't want my painting to be affected." She had gotten up and stood by his side. Her painting had already been affected. It was good but her expression looked weary and the background seemed to melt as if in a dream. She rested her hand on his shoulder which he shrugged off and moved toward the sofa but she stopped him.
"Oh no, sweetheart, that couch is much too small for you. Your legs are much too long. Why don't you help yourself to my bed? I'll just have a drink and wake you up in a few minutes, okay?" She whispered in his ear.
If Erik had been in control of his senses he would have run. Normally, he could get by with little sleep but it was just his luck that fatigue caught up with him now. He might have resisted her offer still but the bed looked so comfortable and her tone was making him more sleepy. He'd never admit it but he was human after all and it had been so long since he'd had a good night's rest. His arrogance convinced him that he was still in control of his senses and it was safe for him to rest. Although still hesitantly, he allowed himself to stretch onto her bed and close his eyes.
Electra smirked and poured herself some wine. She sipped it slowly and watched her prey sleep peacefully. What to do now? She wondered. It didn't help that she had limitations but it made it all the more challenging. So excitingly challenging. But frustration was outweighing the fun. She pouted and thought.
She could just kill him. He had nice lily white skin and it would be a pleasure to glide a knife across his throat but that would end her fun too soon. And yet it seemed it would be pointless, to make him her willing servant. Perhaps she could sway him by revealing all to him and offer a partnership in her schemes.
The scorpion could be a promising ally and there surly would be deliciously evil thoughts in his head that she could use. But before she went to that she might as well have another go at her first plan. True, it wouldn't be as much fun, he wasn't as god-like and desirable as his cousin Victor once was or as Kray was right now but she might as well.
She glided toward him like a snake and sat next to him on the bed. She swirled the wine in her glass with her finger and placed a drop to his lips. She whispered his name seductively. His eyes shot open and he quickly sat up in alarm. She hurriedly made false tears well up in her eyes and threw her glass against the wall. In fake despair, she flung herself on the bed and pretended to sob hysterically. Erik was completely caught unawares and said without sarcasm: "What is it? What's the matter?"
"Oh, forgive me Erik! Please forgive me, so I may end my life in peace!" She forbid herself to laugh at the comical look of confusion on his face. "Oh, darling, I've been so cruel to you, so unkind, but you're understanding, you'll understand why I was!" She looked straight into his eyes steadily while the rest of her shook. "All my life, I was taught to hate the scorpion, that he was an evil thing! For years, I was kept away from you and you meant nothing to me! But then I saw you, I saw your sweet face and everything they told me I forgot! I treated you badly because I couldn't let anyone know how I really felt about you! Erik! I love you!"
She threw herself at him now and held him tightly. She could feel his heart beating rapidly and she thought to herself how wonderful it would be if it were to stop. He pulled her away and looked at her. He had a curious look on his face but she held up her façade. He knelt on the bed so he was taller than she and cupped her chin in his hand.
"Do you really love me?" He asked slowly.
"With all my heart!" She answered with triumph. She pressed his hand over her heart for emphasis.
"Then prove it." And he kissed her. She felt like leaping for joy until he pulled away from her. She grew confused at the smug look on his face. Why was he smiling like that? Perhaps it was nothing. Perhaps he thought he had cowed her and it was just masculine pride behind that smirk. But she grew uneasy as he got up and started to walk away.
"Erik! Where are you going?" She asked, her nervousness genuine now, as she stumbled after him.
"What kind of fool do you take me for?" He hissed as he rounded on her. "You disappoint me Electra. I don't know what your up to but I thought you'd be smart enough to know that I can recognize a lie when I hear one."
"Then why'd you kiss me?" She asked coyly.
He shrugged. "It's not likely I'll ever get a kiss from anyone so I was just curious. But perhaps you can consider whatever mischief you had in mind as done because all your wickedness has made you age prematurely and I doubt I'll ever be able to rid that dead and rotting taste from my mouth."
"Why you little." She poised her hand to strike him but he caught her hand. She smiled and pulled away.
"Would you like to know what I'm up to Erik?" She asked sweetly. "Oh, don't look so surprised. Alright! I surrender." She sat back on the sofa. "I should have known you of all people wouldn't fall for my tricks but you can't blame me for trying." She laughed. "Very well, I admit it, I'm wicked to the core. I torment my subjects and love every moment of it! However, I can't do it all by my little self."
"What are you saying?" He asked warily.
"I'm proposing an alliance between you and I. You're strong not like those silly weaklings and I can't ignore that. Just imagine it! You and I ruling those sorry excuses for human beings and having everything we could possibly want! What do you say, my dear?"
"I'd rather die." He said resolutely.
"Such loyalty to the family that hates you?" She asked. He shook his head.
"I care nothing for them but it's you I despise." He hissed poisonously.
"I'm sorry to hear you say that but I think you might change your mind. Why is that, you wonder? Simply because you're very brave with words but you wouldn't really want to die would you?"
He stiffened. "You can't sentence me to death for no reason."
"Oh, but I have a reason," she murmured smugly. "I gave you a fair punishment for your actions earlier and you wouldn't except it. You threatened me and then.you stole my innocence away." She laughed maniacally as his jaw dropped and his eyes widened.
"But that isn't true." He stammered nervously. "Who would believe you? There was never anything innocent about you!"
She scowled angrily at him but allowed herself to forget his remark. Like a shark smelling blood, Erik had made the mistake of showing Electra that he was nervous. Now was her chance to go in for the kill. "Of course, it's not true!" She scolded. "But that doesn't matter! Even if you could prove your innocence who would believe you? You know that no one would believe you, don't you?" She rose and moved close to him. "It's your choice Erik," she poured two glasses of wine and held one out to him. "Life or death?" They stared at each other a long time before he lowered his head and numbly took the glass from her hand. She laughed happily and did a twirl before holding up her glass to him.
"To our new future together." She said with a smile but he didn't look up.
"Oh, come now Erik don't be so glum." She pouted and sipped her wine. "It's not as if you've really lost. You should see yourself now! You look just like when I first met you; timid and alone."
Erik, already burning with shame and humiliation felt her words stab him like a red hot poker. True, no one would believe him and true he was alone. And although he'd hate to have admitted it, he was afraid of death. It wasn't surprising considering that he'd seen it so often in everything and it sickened him. Sometimes when he was alone he'd remember all the horrible things his family would say to him and he'd find himself half believing them. What if he died and only Hell awaited him? But his pride began to override his fear. Whatever she said, Erik still considered this a defeat and he could not accept that! He would not submit to her even if it meant certain death. He was used to taking risks and he reminded himself; he hadn't played a game yet that he hadn't won. He raised his glass and smiled at Electra and then.she felt the cold splash of the wine on her face.
She shook in rage. "So you've changed your mind? That's too bad. It was so much easier with Victor. I'll bet he'll still be as willing to share my plans as he was my bed!"
Her comment made Erik shake with equal fury. With his doom hanging over him like a black spider this was a crushing blow. Not Victor! Not his cousin who he might have called friend? Against his principles that he'd never harm a woman, he struck her. She wasn't a woman but a demon, he concluded. She started screaming and he turned to get away but she jumped on him and they engaged in a wrestling match, her to keep him there, and him to get away. He had pinned her to the floor and was about to run away but as was his misfortune Selena entered the room at that exact moment.
What was she to think? She immediately pushed him away from her and taking the opportunity Electra grabbed a gun from her dresser and pointed it at him. Choking with false tears, Electra rushed to the bathroom to change leaving Selena on guard. As she fixed herself up to look reasonably sorrowful for the counsel she had ordered, she smirked with glee. She might have a chance to run her knife across his throat after all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus pushed a strand of his white blond hair behind his ear as he strode down the hotel's corridor. A trial. They were going to have a trial and pass judgement against their relative. Of course, he'd never felt love for the scorpion but he still felt uneasy about possibly convicting him. What had he done this time? He paused in front of the room that he, his brother, and Darius occupied. Perhaps he could forget about calling his brother and then he'd get in trouble for being late! Then again, he'd get in trouble for not having called him and considering that the family hadn't been called to pass judgement in over two hundred years this probably wasn't a good time to cause trouble.
He was about to knock on the door when it opened to reveal his twin brother, Romulus. Although twins, they looked shockingly different. Remus was dressed neatly in black pants and sweater his hair cut short. His brother's hair was a bit longer and messier, and he wore a long sleeve black shirt unbuttoned at the neck, black jeans and cowboy boots. Romulus also had some silver chains and a silver sword charm earring that he always wore in his left ear. They were as different as night and day; Remus was a bright student who enjoyed reading while Romulus was a horrible student except in mathematics. But he used his math skills in card games rather than homework. They only had two things they had in common. One was a mutual hate for one another.
"Nice outfit." Sneered Romulus.
"You know, for one who is convinced he is not the thirteenth member, you certainly like to dress like a cursed freak." Remus responded.
Romulus ignored him. "Where's Allie?"
"Alexandra's with Victor, remember? You ignorant fool." His twin replied. They walked together in silence. Romulus was just about to shove his brother against the wall when Remus spoke:
"I'm worried about Alexandra."
Romulus stopped. Another thing the twins shared was their over protectiveness for their twelve year old sister. "What are you worried about? That she's being watched over but that loony Victor?"
Remus sighed. "No."
He would have continued but Romulus went on. "That she'll be a teenager soon and she'll want to wear makeup and tighter clothes?"
"Yes, but I was trying to forget about that! Who knows? She might want to date morons like you and next thing you know she'll come home pregnant." He snapped. Romulus took his chance to push his brother roughly against the wall.
"Now listen to me Mr. Clean!" He growled. "I might not be a goody-two-shoes like you but I'm not a player, okay? I'd never do something like that to a girl and I don't want it to happen to Allie either. You're not the only one who cares about her you know!"
"Oh, shut up!" Remus snapped. "Do you want the whole hotel to hear you?" He pushed his brother in return and started to walk down the hallway again. Romulus followed him and he continued. "You know Romulus, if you care about her you could be a better role model!"
Romulus said nothing for a while. He supposed he could but he wouldn't ever say Remus was right. "If you're such a good brother then you'd know she doesn't like being called Alexandra." He chided.
Remus shook his head. "Let's not fight today, okay? I've a headache enough."
"Good." Romulus said satisfactorily. "What were you worried about anyway?"
"Well, since this is the first time in two hundred years that a counsel has been called it must be something serious and I'm not sure it would be good for Alexandra."
Romulus frowned. "Maybe we can get her excused. She's too young anyway right?"
"Who's too young?" Came a small voice behind them. They turned to see their little sister standing behind them in a black skirt and sweater, her blond hair in half a pigtail. Victor came out of his room and shut the door. He was wearing more official black robes.
"Alexandra wait, I haven't finished your hair." He said almost inaudibly. She undid her pigtail.
"My name is Allie." She said stubbornly. "And I don't like pigtails. You never do them right anyway."
"I'm sorry." He said smiling weakly. They all walked together into the same conference room they occupied earlier. Electra was sitting in a chair dressed in the same color as everyone else with a black veil covering her head. She was sobbing hysterically into a handkerchief and Fredrick, the Cancer, seemed to be comforting her. He was dressed like Victor, in robes, but he looked like a scarecrow in them. Victor hurriedly rushed to Electra's side.
"What is it? What's the matter?" Victor asked. Electra snorted into her handkerchief making it sound like blowing her nose. He had said the exact same words as Erik! How funny, she thought. Fredrick scolded him lightly, grinning all the while.
"Victor, don't you know not to question her yet? She cannot say nothing until the trial begins and everyone is here."
The doors opened once more and Erik walked in with Selena and Tidus marching behind him. Then the doors closed and to Victor's horror they backed away revealing both to be holding guns pointing them at Erik! Even though it seemed obvious that the Scorpion would be the one to do something wrong it still came as a shock to everyone to see him with guns pointed at him and his hands tied behind him. They guided him to a solitary chair placed before a long table with ten chairs behind it.
This was too much for Victor. "No. No, this can't be right. What has he done?"
Fredrick frowned and whined in a high pitched voice. "Now what did I just tell you?"
Just then the door opened once more. Selena and Tidus quickly stood behind Erik hiding their guns behind him. In entered Darius and Arianna along with her sister Katherine. Katherine walked over to Electra and handed her a slip of paper.
"I'm sorry I was late but I met a boy on my way here and he gave me this to give to you." She explained. Electra took it humbly but didn't read it considering that Victor and Fredrick were looming over her.
"Everybody here?" Asked Fredrick, the grin still on his face. "Very well, we begin then. Now then we need all to be jury but we the adults must choose our positions. First someone must represent Electra and the other must represent that boy over there." He explained pointing at Erik. He continued with his accent punctuating the syllables. "Darius, who do you choose?"
Darius sneered at Erik. "I'll not represent that thing. I wish to represent my leader if she'll have me."
Fredrick, still smiling, nodded and turned to Victor. "Well Victor? Will you represent the child?" Erik stiffened at being called a 'child'.
Victor wished he could die. This was a choice of evils. Both were his family. She was the woman he loved but Erik was so kind to him. He had to help him but would Electra be upset if he went against what she said? It was so confusing. He felt dizzy and put his hand on his forehead.
"I-I don't know. I'm not sure I can do this at all. I want to but it wouldn't be fair.." he mumbled.
"Not to worry, cousin." Erik spoke out, not looking at Victor. "I do not wish you to represent me."
Victor walked over to him. "Thank you for understanding but you must have someone represent you. Don't worry I can do it."
Erik looked at him now and Victor was surprised at the anger in his eyes. "It's not a question of whether you're capable. The simple fact is that I don't want you to represent me. I don't even want to look at you!" He hissed. "Chances aren't very likely that this will end in my favor and you'll only willingly ruin what chance I have!" He had stood up and was now yelling at him. Tidus ordered him to be quiet but he hadn't quite finished. "If I need a representative, I'll represent myself! Don't think you owe me anything because you've already shown me your kind of gratitude! You." Erik then called Victor some things that were so awful, I won't even write them down.
Victor was completely crushed. Not again! Not again! He started shaking and then he started crying hysterically. It was humiliating but he couldn't help it. What had he done? How had he lost his friend again? Everyone watched in amazement especially since Erik continued to look at him coldly. Electra meanwhile was quivering with delight though no one could tell. Well done Erik! Another blow at Victor! Excellent.she thought. Such a pity Erik had to be crushed as well. She cheerfully unfolded the note in her lap but upon reading it her joy melted into anger and frustration once more.
Electra,
I know what really happened. If you don't tell the truth, I will.
It was unsigned but Electra had a feeling she knew who it was. She cursed the writer of the note under her breath and tore the paper into tiny little pieces. What now? She thought bitterly. She couldn't just tell the whole truth. She'd just have to lighten her accusation.
The trial began with Erik representing himself, and Victor, after he had calmed down, residing as judge. Katherine acted as stenographer while Arianna bit her lip nervously. Electra's charge had been that he'd attacked her and Erik strangely had looked extremely surprised when this was announced. Everyone else had been surprised as well. Everyone had been imagining the crime to be of a grotesque and horrible nature. The tension seemed to have been lifted since then because Erik didn't seem as angry as he had been before. Electra told her part of the story and Selena acted as witness that what she said was true. Erik actually admitted that it was true but that he had been provoked and showed no emotion while he said this.
Arianna couldn't understand. She couldn't believe that Erik would attack anyone and even stranger was how he behaved towards Victor. She didn't have to be extremely bright to realize that more had happened then was being told. But what had really happened? More importantly, what would happen to him? She had to know what was going on. How was justice to be served when the whole truth wasn't being said? Her head shot up as her Uncle Fredrick spoke.
"We need to hurry, it seems this place is booked for a china convention or something after us."
"Very well," Victor said, shakily. He was dreading this. He stood up and said as loudly as he could. "We have heard the information placed before us and must now pass judgment. Normally, this might not seem a major offence but you have attacked your leader and superior and that is unacceptable, Erik."
"You're one to talk of what's unacceptable." Erik said simply. Victor took a deep breath.
"The punishment for such an offense could be banishment, imprisonment, or death, it is for us to decide. We have heard much of your malice, scorpion." It was the first time Victor had every addressed him so coldly. "It's your own fault if no one speaks in your defense." He started passing out paper for them to write their decisions when Arianna spoke.
"Wait." They all turned to look at her. "Aren't you going to ask for anyone to say.anything?"
Victor sighed. "What's the point, cousin? Who here hasn't been subject to his mischief?" No one said anything. "But I suppose if we must be official, does anyone have anything to say?"
"Oh you bet I have something to say!" Broke in Selena. "I've got a lot to say against this sneaky son of a."
"Please! I think you've said enough." Said Victor. "Anyone else?"
"I." Arianna paused. She had no idea what to say. She got up from her chair and slowly made her way towards Erik. She was standing in front of him now.
"You.I can't believe you'd do this, any of this. Why?"
He didn't say anything or even look at her. She turned to look at Victor and the rest of her family. "I'm sorry, I can't pass judgment on anything because I- Perhaps it's not my place to say but I don't think the whole truth is being said." She was speaking so timidly. "Couldn't we, shouldn't we maybe have an investigation of some kind before we make our decision. Maybe have him under probation until we reschedule this."
"I suppose we can vote on that." Victor said feeling a bit relieved. It was an excellent idea. Maybe he could discover why Erik hated him. "All for it raise their hands."
Six people were for it; Arianna, Remus, Allie, Victor, Katherine, and Romulus. Four were against it; Tidus, Selena, Darius, and Fredrick.
"Then that is settled then." Victor said and started collecting back the papers. Selena had her mouth hanging open and started sputtering in outrage.
"What? But he's a criminal maniac! You can't let him go! Electra! You're leader! Can't you change the decision?"
"I'm afraid she cannot, my dear," explained Fredrick ever with a grin. "The leader is the law for our family however no one can argue with the decision of the judge who can change the sentence if he wishes. That is mainly because the judge would usually be the leader but in this case she is not. She cannot change things now and will have to wait till after this trial is finished to abolish the rule but.Victor can change the decision if he so wishes."
"C'mon Victor, you can't believe that your loyal leader would lie?" Entreated Selena.
Victor shook his head. "I'm supposed to be neutral. Besides there are other reasons to conceal the truth beside hiding guilt. Arianna made a fine suggestion and I'm surprised no one mentioned it earlier. It would have saved us a lot of time. And I'll admit I should have been the one to suggest it because I also believe that there is more to this than meets the eye. Now then it seems we need to investigate this with what little means we have. First off, seeing as Erik must be kept under constant watch and I've failed in it who'd like to volunteer?"
Erik expected silence but Darius spoke up immediately. He had a smile on his face but there was no warmth in it. "I'll gladly do so." He walked up between Victor and Erik. He smiled at Erik making him feel uneasy then turned to Victor. "Too bad you were unworthy of your powers Victor, this might have been even quicker." Victor felt like another punch had been aimed at his stomach.
"Remus and Katherine," Victor choked out. "You're both level-headed, would you like to help your Uncle Fredrick with the investigation?" Katherine nodded happily and Remus agreed as well. "Then the trial will continue in a week." Everyone was about to leave, when Arianna suddenly remembered.
"Wait! It can't be in a week!" She exclaimed.
"Why is that?" Asked Darius, forgetting their appointment earlier.
"Well, because the leader of the Sohma's, the Chinese zodiac, has invited us all to a masquerade around that time." She replied simply. Everyone lightened up with interest. Selena looked smugly at Erik.
"Too bad you can't go, freak of nature." She smirked. Victor, however, rained on her parade some more.
"Who says he can't go? He can as long as he's within sight of Darius."
Selena gaped at him but instead of saying something she stormed out of the room. Erik stepped towards Victor.
"Victor." He said and Victor felt a light of hope. Was it an apology? An explanation? He turned expectantly but Erik only asked: "While on probation, must I be bound at all times?"
Victor's heart sank in disappointment. "No, of course not Erik." The scorpion waited but Victor wasn't sure why. Erik rolled his eyes.
"I forget, no one will assist me will they?" he muttered. Victor suddenly realized. Erik still had his hand tied behind his back! How could he forget that? Arianna moved to help him but to Victor's astonishment Erik kicked the chair in her direction.
"I don't need your help!" He spat and proceeded to release himself. He lowered his head and pulled a knife from his pocket with his teeth. It wasn't the long, jeweled dagger that Arianna and Victor knew to be in his boot but a simple one that anyone could carry. Everyone watched in amazement and curiosity as he pulled back the chair with his foot and in sitting down he moved his tied wrists under his legs so that they were in front of him. Then he cut through the ropes, the knife still in his teeth, and replaced the knife to his pocket. Arianna lingered in the hallway after everyone had gone back to their rooms.
She stood there a long time dumbstruck with confusion and worry. Why was Erik behaving so strangely? Why did he even seem to be mad at her? She couldn't think of anything she had done that might upset him. Surely, he couldn't be mad at her for postponing the trial. Yet he wouldn't be mad without reason either. Her reverie was broken when she felt a tap on her head. She turned to see her Aquarius sister, Katherine, looking at her.
"I'm so glad I found you!" She held up a purse. "There seems to have been a mix up with the luggage. This looks like my purse but it's empty and it looks brand new too. I was just going to see the hotel clerk about it and I wondered if you'd be a sweet big sister and do it for me since I have to see to this investigation. Please."
Arianna smiled. "Sure," anything to get Erik off her mind, she thought. She took the purse and headed for the clerk's desk. In the midst of their conversation and apologies on behalf of the hotel from the clerk in charge, a woman in maid's uniform with graying hair came up to them. She explained that a co-worker of hers had bought such a purse for her niece and found out that she must have mixed them up at the hotel, Katherine's name was in there so her friend had planned to give it back that day. She offered to take Arianna to the locker room and switch the purses back.
Arianna looked about with interest. She had never seen the basement of a hotel before. They went to the locker rooms and switched the purses after Arianna made sure she had Katherine's. They were just about to leave together when the maid's pager went off.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I have to leave! Can you find your way out?" She ran out without waiting for an answer. It must be something serious for her to just run off and leave her there but she was certain she could find her way back by herself. She was soon right near the stairs but she paused in front of a janitor's closet. She looked about at the pipes and machinery. It wasn't exactly a haunted castle but the atmosphere did seem a bit spooky and mysterious.
She opened Katherine's purse and looked for a tissue. She knew a lot of girls, like Selena, whose purses were crowded with make up and junk. But Katherine was always organized and only had the necessities and sure enough she found a packet of tissues next to her sister's inhaler. She blew her nose and shoved it into her pocket to throw out later. She suddenly had an idea though why it came to her now she had no idea. She was thinking about the masquerade. She had never been to one and it sounded exciting. What if.what if she were to ask Erik to go with her. Oh, they'd be going together anyway but only as cousins. Maybe this masquerade might brighten his mood. How would she ask him though? She couldn't reveal what she felt when she wasn't even sure. Or worse, he might laugh at her and call her a silly girl! She had never thought of that!
She snapped her sister's purse shut. She had idled down her too long and she didn't need any more worries. She had too many to deal with as it was. She would have used speed to ignore her fears. She would have marched up the stairs, knocked on Erik's door and, not caring if Darius was there, she'd confess everything she felt even if she didn't know what it added up to. At least she might have. Arianna was a fan of horror movies but she was completely unaware of a classic scenario that was going on at that very moment. She hadn't heard the closet door slowly open behind her and she didn't see the pair of gloved hands reaching out to her. If she had, maybe they wouldn't have caught her.
She had been so sure that painting her in detail the way she was dressed would make him squirm but half an hour after starting his eyelids had begun to droop and his head kept nodding slowly. He bolted upright at her words but he still looked tired. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand and yawned.
"Indeed painting is not tedious but I'm afraid I didn't sleep well last night." He murmured softly.
"Have you a guilty conscience?" She suggested impatiently.
"No." He said sharply but his next words melted. "Have you?"
Electra was boiling with anger yet she simmered her feelings down. This, again, may be an opportunity.
"Poor little dear," She said in honeyed tones. "You act as if you haven't slept in years. Perhaps you should take a little rest. After all, I wouldn't want my painting to be affected." She had gotten up and stood by his side. Her painting had already been affected. It was good but her expression looked weary and the background seemed to melt as if in a dream. She rested her hand on his shoulder which he shrugged off and moved toward the sofa but she stopped him.
"Oh no, sweetheart, that couch is much too small for you. Your legs are much too long. Why don't you help yourself to my bed? I'll just have a drink and wake you up in a few minutes, okay?" She whispered in his ear.
If Erik had been in control of his senses he would have run. Normally, he could get by with little sleep but it was just his luck that fatigue caught up with him now. He might have resisted her offer still but the bed looked so comfortable and her tone was making him more sleepy. He'd never admit it but he was human after all and it had been so long since he'd had a good night's rest. His arrogance convinced him that he was still in control of his senses and it was safe for him to rest. Although still hesitantly, he allowed himself to stretch onto her bed and close his eyes.
Electra smirked and poured herself some wine. She sipped it slowly and watched her prey sleep peacefully. What to do now? She wondered. It didn't help that she had limitations but it made it all the more challenging. So excitingly challenging. But frustration was outweighing the fun. She pouted and thought.
She could just kill him. He had nice lily white skin and it would be a pleasure to glide a knife across his throat but that would end her fun too soon. And yet it seemed it would be pointless, to make him her willing servant. Perhaps she could sway him by revealing all to him and offer a partnership in her schemes.
The scorpion could be a promising ally and there surly would be deliciously evil thoughts in his head that she could use. But before she went to that she might as well have another go at her first plan. True, it wouldn't be as much fun, he wasn't as god-like and desirable as his cousin Victor once was or as Kray was right now but she might as well.
She glided toward him like a snake and sat next to him on the bed. She swirled the wine in her glass with her finger and placed a drop to his lips. She whispered his name seductively. His eyes shot open and he quickly sat up in alarm. She hurriedly made false tears well up in her eyes and threw her glass against the wall. In fake despair, she flung herself on the bed and pretended to sob hysterically. Erik was completely caught unawares and said without sarcasm: "What is it? What's the matter?"
"Oh, forgive me Erik! Please forgive me, so I may end my life in peace!" She forbid herself to laugh at the comical look of confusion on his face. "Oh, darling, I've been so cruel to you, so unkind, but you're understanding, you'll understand why I was!" She looked straight into his eyes steadily while the rest of her shook. "All my life, I was taught to hate the scorpion, that he was an evil thing! For years, I was kept away from you and you meant nothing to me! But then I saw you, I saw your sweet face and everything they told me I forgot! I treated you badly because I couldn't let anyone know how I really felt about you! Erik! I love you!"
She threw herself at him now and held him tightly. She could feel his heart beating rapidly and she thought to herself how wonderful it would be if it were to stop. He pulled her away and looked at her. He had a curious look on his face but she held up her façade. He knelt on the bed so he was taller than she and cupped her chin in his hand.
"Do you really love me?" He asked slowly.
"With all my heart!" She answered with triumph. She pressed his hand over her heart for emphasis.
"Then prove it." And he kissed her. She felt like leaping for joy until he pulled away from her. She grew confused at the smug look on his face. Why was he smiling like that? Perhaps it was nothing. Perhaps he thought he had cowed her and it was just masculine pride behind that smirk. But she grew uneasy as he got up and started to walk away.
"Erik! Where are you going?" She asked, her nervousness genuine now, as she stumbled after him.
"What kind of fool do you take me for?" He hissed as he rounded on her. "You disappoint me Electra. I don't know what your up to but I thought you'd be smart enough to know that I can recognize a lie when I hear one."
"Then why'd you kiss me?" She asked coyly.
He shrugged. "It's not likely I'll ever get a kiss from anyone so I was just curious. But perhaps you can consider whatever mischief you had in mind as done because all your wickedness has made you age prematurely and I doubt I'll ever be able to rid that dead and rotting taste from my mouth."
"Why you little." She poised her hand to strike him but he caught her hand. She smiled and pulled away.
"Would you like to know what I'm up to Erik?" She asked sweetly. "Oh, don't look so surprised. Alright! I surrender." She sat back on the sofa. "I should have known you of all people wouldn't fall for my tricks but you can't blame me for trying." She laughed. "Very well, I admit it, I'm wicked to the core. I torment my subjects and love every moment of it! However, I can't do it all by my little self."
"What are you saying?" He asked warily.
"I'm proposing an alliance between you and I. You're strong not like those silly weaklings and I can't ignore that. Just imagine it! You and I ruling those sorry excuses for human beings and having everything we could possibly want! What do you say, my dear?"
"I'd rather die." He said resolutely.
"Such loyalty to the family that hates you?" She asked. He shook his head.
"I care nothing for them but it's you I despise." He hissed poisonously.
"I'm sorry to hear you say that but I think you might change your mind. Why is that, you wonder? Simply because you're very brave with words but you wouldn't really want to die would you?"
He stiffened. "You can't sentence me to death for no reason."
"Oh, but I have a reason," she murmured smugly. "I gave you a fair punishment for your actions earlier and you wouldn't except it. You threatened me and then.you stole my innocence away." She laughed maniacally as his jaw dropped and his eyes widened.
"But that isn't true." He stammered nervously. "Who would believe you? There was never anything innocent about you!"
She scowled angrily at him but allowed herself to forget his remark. Like a shark smelling blood, Erik had made the mistake of showing Electra that he was nervous. Now was her chance to go in for the kill. "Of course, it's not true!" She scolded. "But that doesn't matter! Even if you could prove your innocence who would believe you? You know that no one would believe you, don't you?" She rose and moved close to him. "It's your choice Erik," she poured two glasses of wine and held one out to him. "Life or death?" They stared at each other a long time before he lowered his head and numbly took the glass from her hand. She laughed happily and did a twirl before holding up her glass to him.
"To our new future together." She said with a smile but he didn't look up.
"Oh, come now Erik don't be so glum." She pouted and sipped her wine. "It's not as if you've really lost. You should see yourself now! You look just like when I first met you; timid and alone."
Erik, already burning with shame and humiliation felt her words stab him like a red hot poker. True, no one would believe him and true he was alone. And although he'd hate to have admitted it, he was afraid of death. It wasn't surprising considering that he'd seen it so often in everything and it sickened him. Sometimes when he was alone he'd remember all the horrible things his family would say to him and he'd find himself half believing them. What if he died and only Hell awaited him? But his pride began to override his fear. Whatever she said, Erik still considered this a defeat and he could not accept that! He would not submit to her even if it meant certain death. He was used to taking risks and he reminded himself; he hadn't played a game yet that he hadn't won. He raised his glass and smiled at Electra and then.she felt the cold splash of the wine on her face.
She shook in rage. "So you've changed your mind? That's too bad. It was so much easier with Victor. I'll bet he'll still be as willing to share my plans as he was my bed!"
Her comment made Erik shake with equal fury. With his doom hanging over him like a black spider this was a crushing blow. Not Victor! Not his cousin who he might have called friend? Against his principles that he'd never harm a woman, he struck her. She wasn't a woman but a demon, he concluded. She started screaming and he turned to get away but she jumped on him and they engaged in a wrestling match, her to keep him there, and him to get away. He had pinned her to the floor and was about to run away but as was his misfortune Selena entered the room at that exact moment.
What was she to think? She immediately pushed him away from her and taking the opportunity Electra grabbed a gun from her dresser and pointed it at him. Choking with false tears, Electra rushed to the bathroom to change leaving Selena on guard. As she fixed herself up to look reasonably sorrowful for the counsel she had ordered, she smirked with glee. She might have a chance to run her knife across his throat after all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus pushed a strand of his white blond hair behind his ear as he strode down the hotel's corridor. A trial. They were going to have a trial and pass judgement against their relative. Of course, he'd never felt love for the scorpion but he still felt uneasy about possibly convicting him. What had he done this time? He paused in front of the room that he, his brother, and Darius occupied. Perhaps he could forget about calling his brother and then he'd get in trouble for being late! Then again, he'd get in trouble for not having called him and considering that the family hadn't been called to pass judgement in over two hundred years this probably wasn't a good time to cause trouble.
He was about to knock on the door when it opened to reveal his twin brother, Romulus. Although twins, they looked shockingly different. Remus was dressed neatly in black pants and sweater his hair cut short. His brother's hair was a bit longer and messier, and he wore a long sleeve black shirt unbuttoned at the neck, black jeans and cowboy boots. Romulus also had some silver chains and a silver sword charm earring that he always wore in his left ear. They were as different as night and day; Remus was a bright student who enjoyed reading while Romulus was a horrible student except in mathematics. But he used his math skills in card games rather than homework. They only had two things they had in common. One was a mutual hate for one another.
"Nice outfit." Sneered Romulus.
"You know, for one who is convinced he is not the thirteenth member, you certainly like to dress like a cursed freak." Remus responded.
Romulus ignored him. "Where's Allie?"
"Alexandra's with Victor, remember? You ignorant fool." His twin replied. They walked together in silence. Romulus was just about to shove his brother against the wall when Remus spoke:
"I'm worried about Alexandra."
Romulus stopped. Another thing the twins shared was their over protectiveness for their twelve year old sister. "What are you worried about? That she's being watched over but that loony Victor?"
Remus sighed. "No."
He would have continued but Romulus went on. "That she'll be a teenager soon and she'll want to wear makeup and tighter clothes?"
"Yes, but I was trying to forget about that! Who knows? She might want to date morons like you and next thing you know she'll come home pregnant." He snapped. Romulus took his chance to push his brother roughly against the wall.
"Now listen to me Mr. Clean!" He growled. "I might not be a goody-two-shoes like you but I'm not a player, okay? I'd never do something like that to a girl and I don't want it to happen to Allie either. You're not the only one who cares about her you know!"
"Oh, shut up!" Remus snapped. "Do you want the whole hotel to hear you?" He pushed his brother in return and started to walk down the hallway again. Romulus followed him and he continued. "You know Romulus, if you care about her you could be a better role model!"
Romulus said nothing for a while. He supposed he could but he wouldn't ever say Remus was right. "If you're such a good brother then you'd know she doesn't like being called Alexandra." He chided.
Remus shook his head. "Let's not fight today, okay? I've a headache enough."
"Good." Romulus said satisfactorily. "What were you worried about anyway?"
"Well, since this is the first time in two hundred years that a counsel has been called it must be something serious and I'm not sure it would be good for Alexandra."
Romulus frowned. "Maybe we can get her excused. She's too young anyway right?"
"Who's too young?" Came a small voice behind them. They turned to see their little sister standing behind them in a black skirt and sweater, her blond hair in half a pigtail. Victor came out of his room and shut the door. He was wearing more official black robes.
"Alexandra wait, I haven't finished your hair." He said almost inaudibly. She undid her pigtail.
"My name is Allie." She said stubbornly. "And I don't like pigtails. You never do them right anyway."
"I'm sorry." He said smiling weakly. They all walked together into the same conference room they occupied earlier. Electra was sitting in a chair dressed in the same color as everyone else with a black veil covering her head. She was sobbing hysterically into a handkerchief and Fredrick, the Cancer, seemed to be comforting her. He was dressed like Victor, in robes, but he looked like a scarecrow in them. Victor hurriedly rushed to Electra's side.
"What is it? What's the matter?" Victor asked. Electra snorted into her handkerchief making it sound like blowing her nose. He had said the exact same words as Erik! How funny, she thought. Fredrick scolded him lightly, grinning all the while.
"Victor, don't you know not to question her yet? She cannot say nothing until the trial begins and everyone is here."
The doors opened once more and Erik walked in with Selena and Tidus marching behind him. Then the doors closed and to Victor's horror they backed away revealing both to be holding guns pointing them at Erik! Even though it seemed obvious that the Scorpion would be the one to do something wrong it still came as a shock to everyone to see him with guns pointed at him and his hands tied behind him. They guided him to a solitary chair placed before a long table with ten chairs behind it.
This was too much for Victor. "No. No, this can't be right. What has he done?"
Fredrick frowned and whined in a high pitched voice. "Now what did I just tell you?"
Just then the door opened once more. Selena and Tidus quickly stood behind Erik hiding their guns behind him. In entered Darius and Arianna along with her sister Katherine. Katherine walked over to Electra and handed her a slip of paper.
"I'm sorry I was late but I met a boy on my way here and he gave me this to give to you." She explained. Electra took it humbly but didn't read it considering that Victor and Fredrick were looming over her.
"Everybody here?" Asked Fredrick, the grin still on his face. "Very well, we begin then. Now then we need all to be jury but we the adults must choose our positions. First someone must represent Electra and the other must represent that boy over there." He explained pointing at Erik. He continued with his accent punctuating the syllables. "Darius, who do you choose?"
Darius sneered at Erik. "I'll not represent that thing. I wish to represent my leader if she'll have me."
Fredrick, still smiling, nodded and turned to Victor. "Well Victor? Will you represent the child?" Erik stiffened at being called a 'child'.
Victor wished he could die. This was a choice of evils. Both were his family. She was the woman he loved but Erik was so kind to him. He had to help him but would Electra be upset if he went against what she said? It was so confusing. He felt dizzy and put his hand on his forehead.
"I-I don't know. I'm not sure I can do this at all. I want to but it wouldn't be fair.." he mumbled.
"Not to worry, cousin." Erik spoke out, not looking at Victor. "I do not wish you to represent me."
Victor walked over to him. "Thank you for understanding but you must have someone represent you. Don't worry I can do it."
Erik looked at him now and Victor was surprised at the anger in his eyes. "It's not a question of whether you're capable. The simple fact is that I don't want you to represent me. I don't even want to look at you!" He hissed. "Chances aren't very likely that this will end in my favor and you'll only willingly ruin what chance I have!" He had stood up and was now yelling at him. Tidus ordered him to be quiet but he hadn't quite finished. "If I need a representative, I'll represent myself! Don't think you owe me anything because you've already shown me your kind of gratitude! You." Erik then called Victor some things that were so awful, I won't even write them down.
Victor was completely crushed. Not again! Not again! He started shaking and then he started crying hysterically. It was humiliating but he couldn't help it. What had he done? How had he lost his friend again? Everyone watched in amazement especially since Erik continued to look at him coldly. Electra meanwhile was quivering with delight though no one could tell. Well done Erik! Another blow at Victor! Excellent.she thought. Such a pity Erik had to be crushed as well. She cheerfully unfolded the note in her lap but upon reading it her joy melted into anger and frustration once more.
Electra,
I know what really happened. If you don't tell the truth, I will.
It was unsigned but Electra had a feeling she knew who it was. She cursed the writer of the note under her breath and tore the paper into tiny little pieces. What now? She thought bitterly. She couldn't just tell the whole truth. She'd just have to lighten her accusation.
The trial began with Erik representing himself, and Victor, after he had calmed down, residing as judge. Katherine acted as stenographer while Arianna bit her lip nervously. Electra's charge had been that he'd attacked her and Erik strangely had looked extremely surprised when this was announced. Everyone else had been surprised as well. Everyone had been imagining the crime to be of a grotesque and horrible nature. The tension seemed to have been lifted since then because Erik didn't seem as angry as he had been before. Electra told her part of the story and Selena acted as witness that what she said was true. Erik actually admitted that it was true but that he had been provoked and showed no emotion while he said this.
Arianna couldn't understand. She couldn't believe that Erik would attack anyone and even stranger was how he behaved towards Victor. She didn't have to be extremely bright to realize that more had happened then was being told. But what had really happened? More importantly, what would happen to him? She had to know what was going on. How was justice to be served when the whole truth wasn't being said? Her head shot up as her Uncle Fredrick spoke.
"We need to hurry, it seems this place is booked for a china convention or something after us."
"Very well," Victor said, shakily. He was dreading this. He stood up and said as loudly as he could. "We have heard the information placed before us and must now pass judgment. Normally, this might not seem a major offence but you have attacked your leader and superior and that is unacceptable, Erik."
"You're one to talk of what's unacceptable." Erik said simply. Victor took a deep breath.
"The punishment for such an offense could be banishment, imprisonment, or death, it is for us to decide. We have heard much of your malice, scorpion." It was the first time Victor had every addressed him so coldly. "It's your own fault if no one speaks in your defense." He started passing out paper for them to write their decisions when Arianna spoke.
"Wait." They all turned to look at her. "Aren't you going to ask for anyone to say.anything?"
Victor sighed. "What's the point, cousin? Who here hasn't been subject to his mischief?" No one said anything. "But I suppose if we must be official, does anyone have anything to say?"
"Oh you bet I have something to say!" Broke in Selena. "I've got a lot to say against this sneaky son of a."
"Please! I think you've said enough." Said Victor. "Anyone else?"
"I." Arianna paused. She had no idea what to say. She got up from her chair and slowly made her way towards Erik. She was standing in front of him now.
"You.I can't believe you'd do this, any of this. Why?"
He didn't say anything or even look at her. She turned to look at Victor and the rest of her family. "I'm sorry, I can't pass judgment on anything because I- Perhaps it's not my place to say but I don't think the whole truth is being said." She was speaking so timidly. "Couldn't we, shouldn't we maybe have an investigation of some kind before we make our decision. Maybe have him under probation until we reschedule this."
"I suppose we can vote on that." Victor said feeling a bit relieved. It was an excellent idea. Maybe he could discover why Erik hated him. "All for it raise their hands."
Six people were for it; Arianna, Remus, Allie, Victor, Katherine, and Romulus. Four were against it; Tidus, Selena, Darius, and Fredrick.
"Then that is settled then." Victor said and started collecting back the papers. Selena had her mouth hanging open and started sputtering in outrage.
"What? But he's a criminal maniac! You can't let him go! Electra! You're leader! Can't you change the decision?"
"I'm afraid she cannot, my dear," explained Fredrick ever with a grin. "The leader is the law for our family however no one can argue with the decision of the judge who can change the sentence if he wishes. That is mainly because the judge would usually be the leader but in this case she is not. She cannot change things now and will have to wait till after this trial is finished to abolish the rule but.Victor can change the decision if he so wishes."
"C'mon Victor, you can't believe that your loyal leader would lie?" Entreated Selena.
Victor shook his head. "I'm supposed to be neutral. Besides there are other reasons to conceal the truth beside hiding guilt. Arianna made a fine suggestion and I'm surprised no one mentioned it earlier. It would have saved us a lot of time. And I'll admit I should have been the one to suggest it because I also believe that there is more to this than meets the eye. Now then it seems we need to investigate this with what little means we have. First off, seeing as Erik must be kept under constant watch and I've failed in it who'd like to volunteer?"
Erik expected silence but Darius spoke up immediately. He had a smile on his face but there was no warmth in it. "I'll gladly do so." He walked up between Victor and Erik. He smiled at Erik making him feel uneasy then turned to Victor. "Too bad you were unworthy of your powers Victor, this might have been even quicker." Victor felt like another punch had been aimed at his stomach.
"Remus and Katherine," Victor choked out. "You're both level-headed, would you like to help your Uncle Fredrick with the investigation?" Katherine nodded happily and Remus agreed as well. "Then the trial will continue in a week." Everyone was about to leave, when Arianna suddenly remembered.
"Wait! It can't be in a week!" She exclaimed.
"Why is that?" Asked Darius, forgetting their appointment earlier.
"Well, because the leader of the Sohma's, the Chinese zodiac, has invited us all to a masquerade around that time." She replied simply. Everyone lightened up with interest. Selena looked smugly at Erik.
"Too bad you can't go, freak of nature." She smirked. Victor, however, rained on her parade some more.
"Who says he can't go? He can as long as he's within sight of Darius."
Selena gaped at him but instead of saying something she stormed out of the room. Erik stepped towards Victor.
"Victor." He said and Victor felt a light of hope. Was it an apology? An explanation? He turned expectantly but Erik only asked: "While on probation, must I be bound at all times?"
Victor's heart sank in disappointment. "No, of course not Erik." The scorpion waited but Victor wasn't sure why. Erik rolled his eyes.
"I forget, no one will assist me will they?" he muttered. Victor suddenly realized. Erik still had his hand tied behind his back! How could he forget that? Arianna moved to help him but to Victor's astonishment Erik kicked the chair in her direction.
"I don't need your help!" He spat and proceeded to release himself. He lowered his head and pulled a knife from his pocket with his teeth. It wasn't the long, jeweled dagger that Arianna and Victor knew to be in his boot but a simple one that anyone could carry. Everyone watched in amazement and curiosity as he pulled back the chair with his foot and in sitting down he moved his tied wrists under his legs so that they were in front of him. Then he cut through the ropes, the knife still in his teeth, and replaced the knife to his pocket. Arianna lingered in the hallway after everyone had gone back to their rooms.
She stood there a long time dumbstruck with confusion and worry. Why was Erik behaving so strangely? Why did he even seem to be mad at her? She couldn't think of anything she had done that might upset him. Surely, he couldn't be mad at her for postponing the trial. Yet he wouldn't be mad without reason either. Her reverie was broken when she felt a tap on her head. She turned to see her Aquarius sister, Katherine, looking at her.
"I'm so glad I found you!" She held up a purse. "There seems to have been a mix up with the luggage. This looks like my purse but it's empty and it looks brand new too. I was just going to see the hotel clerk about it and I wondered if you'd be a sweet big sister and do it for me since I have to see to this investigation. Please."
Arianna smiled. "Sure," anything to get Erik off her mind, she thought. She took the purse and headed for the clerk's desk. In the midst of their conversation and apologies on behalf of the hotel from the clerk in charge, a woman in maid's uniform with graying hair came up to them. She explained that a co-worker of hers had bought such a purse for her niece and found out that she must have mixed them up at the hotel, Katherine's name was in there so her friend had planned to give it back that day. She offered to take Arianna to the locker room and switch the purses back.
Arianna looked about with interest. She had never seen the basement of a hotel before. They went to the locker rooms and switched the purses after Arianna made sure she had Katherine's. They were just about to leave together when the maid's pager went off.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I have to leave! Can you find your way out?" She ran out without waiting for an answer. It must be something serious for her to just run off and leave her there but she was certain she could find her way back by herself. She was soon right near the stairs but she paused in front of a janitor's closet. She looked about at the pipes and machinery. It wasn't exactly a haunted castle but the atmosphere did seem a bit spooky and mysterious.
She opened Katherine's purse and looked for a tissue. She knew a lot of girls, like Selena, whose purses were crowded with make up and junk. But Katherine was always organized and only had the necessities and sure enough she found a packet of tissues next to her sister's inhaler. She blew her nose and shoved it into her pocket to throw out later. She suddenly had an idea though why it came to her now she had no idea. She was thinking about the masquerade. She had never been to one and it sounded exciting. What if.what if she were to ask Erik to go with her. Oh, they'd be going together anyway but only as cousins. Maybe this masquerade might brighten his mood. How would she ask him though? She couldn't reveal what she felt when she wasn't even sure. Or worse, he might laugh at her and call her a silly girl! She had never thought of that!
She snapped her sister's purse shut. She had idled down her too long and she didn't need any more worries. She had too many to deal with as it was. She would have used speed to ignore her fears. She would have marched up the stairs, knocked on Erik's door and, not caring if Darius was there, she'd confess everything she felt even if she didn't know what it added up to. At least she might have. Arianna was a fan of horror movies but she was completely unaware of a classic scenario that was going on at that very moment. She hadn't heard the closet door slowly open behind her and she didn't see the pair of gloved hands reaching out to her. If she had, maybe they wouldn't have caught her.