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chapter three – nobility and games
Summary: "Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first one who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior." [Jack Frost and Elsa. Jelsa. AU.]
Prompt: The quote above, as in the one in the summary is from The Catcher in the Rye. The initial prompt is the fact that um, we live in a society that's clearly damaged but, I wanted something more. See, there's this manga based on the Pokemon games called Pokemon Special and/or Adventures. The arc for BW2 is really interesting and if you have any knowledge of it whatsoever, then you'll understand what I mean.
A/N: I'm actually writing this after finishing the chapter so, tradition is broken. I have not much to say for now, everything I want to say is on the A/N below. Enjoy! :D
Disclaimer: Don't own anything at all :)
"It is our duty, as students of the well-known Corona Sin Clair's School of the Gifted, that we showcase our ability to bring home victory to our beloved school, in the Festival of Games."
The voice echoes through the gymnasium walls. Up on the stage is the podium, in which Professor Robert Parr, head of the Physical Education department of the school—stood.
"It should be in your honor, to audition and take part in this very important event."
Yawns slipped from the tired students' mouths, and others groaned bitterly at their roaring teacher whose enthusiasm projected across the room. Headmistress Maleficent sat bored and haughty beside the bulky blonde – she glares at the students that dare to disrupt Professor Parr with their spit balls and talkative whispers.
"That is all."
Finally done with his speech, Professor Parr took a step back from the podium, allowing the headmistress to take the stand. Students immediately settled themselves—in fear of her wrath—whilst carefully eyeing their pale skinned headmistress adjust the microphone to her comfort.
"Good afternoon, students."
"Good afternoon, Headmistress Maleficent."
"I see you are all doing well." She received no response, but her stern gaze told more than a few people what she really meant by such words. "I assume you all know that everyone is required to sign-up to audition for at least one sport in the event. I believe in all of you, my skilled students, with wonderful gifts and brilliant skills—this is a school for the gifted after all, and I expect no less."
A hand shoots up, and everyone turns to the curious boy up front who the headmistress nods to, in a gesture for him to ask away.
"Headmistress, weren't we already tested the other day, by Professor Parr – at the start of school he made us play a game and told us that if we win, we already qualify. What is that about?"
"That is a very good question, Desmond. If you would please answer that, Professor Parr?"
"Yes, of course."
Professor Parr shuffles across the stage, fumbling with the microphone stand in front of the podium, trying to adjust it in a way that both he and the headmistress could simultaneously use it. Students expressed their complaints in their loud groans and even Maleficent found herself rolling her eyes at the big man.
"Professor Parr, any day will do."
Hearing the sharp voice of his senior, the blonde immediately straightened himself up, tangled in the microphone cord and accidentally pushing the stand off the stage. Students laughed out loud at his clumsy display and Maleficent turned to glare at the sheepish PE teacher.
"Oops?"
"I suggest you answer the boy's question before I lose my patience and strip you of your title."
"Right, yes—we wouldn't want that."
He nods hastily, before turning to face the student body. Clearing his throat, he speaks, voice booming across the room.
"Those automatically admitted to the games with our trial run are our special competitors."
Murmurs spread all around, and people begin to question many things involved with this Festival of Games. Many students expressed the adrenaline they felt, excited to take part in the events, others still wondered about the so-called special competitors and the true purpose for such people. Maleficent stands, eyes like a hawk, eyeing the students she knows are the candidates for the special team.
"This year, the board decided to try something new with the festival. Because this is a special school, they all thought it would be a great idea if they merged the celebration of the Festival of Games in the south along with the north and the west. This means that many more schools are included in the festival. However, instead of facing hundreds of schools off with each other, the schools have been mixed and raffled according to their type and rank. This means that private schools will face off against private schools, all girls schools will be against all girls schools, and our school will be against other special schools."
"That still doesn't answer his question, Professor."
"I'm getting to that."
Professor Parr growled at the impatient boy who sat smirking at the far left corner of the room. Everyone could easily recognize the troublemaker with those naughty blue eyes and distinctive white hair of his. Though brilliant, Professor Parr knew what his line of work entailed and he was not so fond of such people. Nevertheless, Jackson Overland has long since proven his worth as a regular student in Corona Sin Clair and even Professor Parr cannot take away the fact that he was still just a normal boy with an amazing capability.
"Anyway, our school has been raffled against nine other schools of a familiar structure of curriculum with the same kind of students. Therefore, because schools such as Corona and those that we have been raffled with are brilliant with a higher rank in nobility in comparison to all the other schools across the state, a new game has been added to this year's agenda. The people that won and became automatic members of the special team are deemed as the best fighters within your group. That means that you are one of the most qualified people within the school to take part in the game."
"What game is it, sir?"
"It is very similar to the one that's been played in the trials. However, in the actual festival, you are required to win as a team – not every man for himself. Rules have been adjusted to allow people to save those who have been caught in the enemy's base. Anyway, as well as this, the semi-finals for this event isn't the game but a different one that require the same skills. That is why, you all have been chosen."
"Hey Prof," shouts Jackson, all the way from the back, earning him a glare from Professor Parr and a sigh from the headmistress. "We're still allowed to play other games though, right?"
"Yes. Each student who qualifies for the festival is allowed a maximum of three games – this rule will still apply to you whether you audition normally or be chosen to."
"Okay."
"Any more questions?"
The room quiets down, but whispers among students who still did not fully understand lingered in the air. Maleficent takes this chance to usher Professor Parr off the stage, and continue with her announcement. Seeing as the microphone was still a mess after her colleague's incident, she decides to address her students without it.
"Everyone, please listen."
Silence.
"Now that you all know everything you need for the festival, please do your best. Also, I have a couple of students I want to see after this assembly—Mr. Jackson Overland, Miss Merida Dunbroch and Mr. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock. I expect all of you in my office as soon as this ends. That is all."
The headmistress leaves the second she's finished, and all the students begin to move out of their seats, chattering about the latest announcements for the festival and whispers of I wonder what schools we're facing and Are those three guys in trouble? The three in question calmly make their way out of the gymnasium, and stroll towards the headmistress' office – already having a fair idea of what the meeting is going to be about.
54321
Elsa ate her lunch humbly at a lone table on the far right side of the cafeteria, her surrounding bustled with noise and many senseless conversations that she found no interest in. However, she does question many things that have been announced this morning. Including the multiple times the word special was mentioned, as well as the comment on nobility.
They didn't live in great Britain – not even in the upper east side of New York – so the fact that a title that could immediately tie in with aristocracy is mentioned must mean something more than just a spur on the moment metaphor tried by their PE teacher.
She feels as if she's reading into it too much – maybe because she lived in a world where small details mattered and in the grand scheme of things, anything could so easily go wrong if one little tiny thing went amiss.
She supposes it's not hard to believe that she's just being delusional about it because no one else – not even the confused new students like her – dwelled on the petty thing. But there's a tug in her stomach that urges her to look more into it. Despite that, she still plainly refuses – having left that life meant resisting the temptation of anything that could possibly lead her back to it.
About to drop the subject and get on with her lunch, Elsa is quick to spot Rapunzel. The girl with the golden hair walked aimlessly around the cafeteria, looking weary and tired. Elsa, feeling the least bit of sympathy, decides to abandon eating and just head over to the girl and check if anything is wrong. However, before she could muster up the courage to get up off her seat and call out Rapunzel, the other blonde turns towards the cafeteria doors and sees a shock of white hair. Looking relieved and a little bit excited, she quickly scrambles toward Jackson, and pulls him out of the cafeteria before he can even step a foot in.
Elsa watches the scene unfold with mere curiosity. Following after the departure of the two, Merida barges in through the doors with a loud snarl and red in her bright blue eyes. Spotting Elsa sitting lonesome in a table, staring at her, she stomps her way towards the pale-skinned blonde and plops herself down on the seat right in front of her.
"That bitchface Maleficent nevar fails to get on me fucking nerves."
"That bad, huh?"
"Eugh, I don't even wanna talk 'bout it."
"Why were you guys called in anyway?"
"Su'hin to do with the fest or su'hin pointless, and I reckon I'm in heaps of trouble s'well."
The words swiftly fall out of the red-head's mouth. To the normal people who accepted the lies the world revolved around, this little slip would sound nothing but casual. But there's something in the way she said it, made Elsa think otherwise. She lets it go though, because—who is she to pry on Merida's life – they've only known each other for less than two weeks.
"So, what are you planning to do for the festival?"
"I'm thinkin' huntin'."
"Hunting?"
"Oh aye, one of the things we talked about with bitchface are the adjustments to the games. 'Stead of doing normal archery, we do huntin' instead – specially 'cause the schools we're up against specialize in them things. They are, after all, of aristocratic descent."
"Is that what Professor Parr meant about nobility?"
"Aye, believe it or not, Corona is actually one of the few schools in Burgress with students that come from noble families. 'Cross Europe, there are tons of schools that house aristocratic heirs and heiresses. For some reason, many of those rich ass families decided to migrate over 'ere, and most of their weins end up in the same school, in fear that they might mix in with peasants. That kind of tradition 'as carried out over the years, I guess, passing from mother and father to sons and daughters that, most of the people 'ere end up coming from rich families."
"I get it."
"It's a pain in the ass, really. It's no fun being called the snob school of Burgress."
"Are you of nobility?"
"Ye could say that."
"Really?"
"I hail from Scotland, ya'know. In our country, things such as noble schools and whatnot are common."
Elsa kind of understands. But there are still so many things she wants to know. The history of the school is indeed quite fascinating, but she knows that there's more to it than meets the eye. There must be a reason that man chose this school, above all other schools in Burgress, for her to study in.
"How 'bout ye, princess?"
"Princess?"
"Ye speak all proper-like. It's wee bit annoying."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"But that's what makes ye a princess, so I s'pose it's aight."
"Okay…I'm not really following."
"Jesus, just tell me 'ere what games ye playin'."
"Oh, if they have any winter games like ice skating, I think I would be into that."
"One thing ye gotta remember with this fest is that, it all just doesn't revolve 'round sports, ya'know?"
"You mean—"
"We do actual games, like there's even card games and chess. If yer good at any of 'em, ye should give it a go."
"Cards and chess?"
"I'm sure they do ice skatin' but, just in case, sign yersel up for some'hin else."
"I am already in the special team so—"
"What fun will jus' one game do?"
"I suppose you're doing two or three?"
"Huntin' and horseridin'. Those two are my specialty."
Merida grins and it's something refreshing to Elsa's eyes. The girl before her is beautiful with her rosy cheeks and matching red hair. She's one of the few people Elsa could swear can take on the world with just her personality. Something warm stirs within her and she feels glad, because for some unknown reason, knowing that someone like Merida is her friend, seems comforting – to an extent that makes Elsa feel contented.
54321
The audition line stretches long across the school hallways, and many students found themselves fighting for their spot. Many third years and fourth years chose to stand aside and let their juniors audition first, having known since long ago what it's like to be one of those eager souls ready to stake their prides and participate in the upcoming festivity. Elsa stood at the very back, finding herself calmly waiting for her turn with her head down the Mother Goose in Prose book.
"Fancy seeing you here."
A husky voice comments out of the blue, and she did not need to turn and look behind to see that it's none other than the infamous Jackson Overland. Two weeks of randomly catching him by the halls and talking to him in class has allowed for Elsa to grow accustomed to his unusual habit of popping up everywhere every time just to disappear again.
"What are you planning to sign-up for?"
"Ice skating and chess."
"Interesting."
"Those are the only sports I will admit to have some sort of knowledge in."
"Can you really call chess a sport though?"
"I think you can."
"Okay."
It's strange because, he doesn't say anything else. Usually, he'd fly by different topics and they'd banter over everything until she's out of breath and blushing furiously at her own lack of comebacks. However, this time he's quiet. And as she peeks up from her book to see if there was anything wrong, she finds herself surprised and staring at the empty hallway.
"He's gone."
She never heard him take his leave, and he didn't even utter a word to her before he went up and gone. It stings a little, and she wonders if there was anything she's said that's got him all mad. She replays back to their recent conversation and thinks, maybe it's the way she seemed to be ignoring him because of how she put more focus on reading her book rather than pushing for the conversation. And for a split second, she feels ashamed and slightly guilty – but then she remembers, that's never stopped him before, why should it stop him now? She wonders if it's anything to do with his recent interaction with Rapunzel, and then shakes it off as if it shouldn't have mattered to her.
"You shouldn't worry too much about him."
A soft voice offers, and she turns startled to a boy with soft-looking auburn hair, and cheerful green eyes. She smiles slightly at the boy, hiding the fact that she's panicking inside – how she never noticed his presence was so unlike her, and she thinks she's beginning to lose her old self in this new environment.
"Hello."
"Hi."
"Erm, ah—who may you be?"
"I'm Hiccup, it's sort of a nickname given to me by my best friend—Jackson Overland, you know him, right?"
"He's your best friend?"
"Yep. Although, I do question it sometimes."
"Ah."
She lets out a soft giggle, and the boy in turn grins shy and wide. That feeling of pure contentment is creeping back on her and suddenly, she feels as if she's talking to Merida. There's something so similar about this Hiccup guy and her fiery friend that she takes so much comfort from. Maybe it's a good thing – it means that she's finally beginning to adjust.
"Don't mind Jackson, he's always the mysterious cool guy type. He thinks being aloof will get him all the girls."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"For a second, I thought I did something wrong."
"No, I'm sure you didn't do anything. I don't think that guy's so easily offended that he'd walk off on a girl just because she let something slip out. He's way too easy-going to be that person."
"That's comforting to hear." She gives him a small smile, but it drops as soon as she realizes something. "Wait, you're Hiccup as in—that guy, my teammate for the trials!"
She brings her finger up to point accusingly at him, but the excited tone of her voice told him she's neither angry nor annoyed – just surprised.
"Oh, yeah! That was me, and you're Elsa, right?"
"Yes, of course."
"So, Elsa, my fellow teammate who stole my spot at the special team—"
"Hey, don't go blaming me for that! You could've won, if you just swerved passed that skinny guy two seconds faster, you really could've gotten to their base."
"Ah, two seconds – you're quite precise."
"I reckon it'd be two seconds."
"But still, you did play well, I'm sure you deserve to be in the team more than me."
"I just don't understand, that guy you were against was lanky compared to you…how could you not have gotten pass him?"
"Ah, well—I tripped a little on the way and before I could recover from it, he pinned me down. I guess luck wasn't on my side, you know?"
"Well, that's too bad."
She gives him a smirk, one he returned by sticking his tongue out. She laughs again, feeling herself a little more than confident. There's something about Hiccup, something different—something wonderful—that she admits is lacking in Jack. There's happiness in his eyes, and his smile exudes nothing but innocence. Jackson is mischievous – that's a given – but he also has an aura to him that's hard to read, hard to understand. His innocence is presented differently compared to Hiccup's – Jackson represented everything that child would be, but he was also someone who lived in the borders of reality. And Elsa thinks that's why, compared to this best friend of his, he was more guarded with maturity.
"I really do hope Jackson's okay."
She let the words slip out of her mouth, and Hiccup offers her an earnest smile that catches Elsa off-guard.
"Look, I can't read Jackson's mind. Most of the time, when he's like this, he's just acting like it because he thinks it's cool. But, there are times when, he really does have a reason to be all mopey and flakey. And I know you'll think this is slightly stupid and weird but, I really think for him to get all like that – you must be important to him."
"You're right – that is stupid and weird. We've only known each other for less than two weeks – to think I'd be that least bit important to cause him to act like that, it's absurd."
"Take it from me—his best friend, the guy thinks of you as someone special."
"Really now?"
"But, you know, that's just between the two of us—for now. Lord knows the things Jack would do to me if ever he finds out I've been off blabbing my mouth again. It's just like that time with Punzie when I—"
"Punzie?"
"Yeah, you know—Rapunzel? Jackson's ex-girlfriend?"
"They went out?"
"Did he—he never told you? And you never knew?"
"No…he never did."
"Oh, um…this is—"
"But it's okay. It's none of my business anyway."
"Yeah."
It gets awkward before anything else could be said to save the conversation. Neither of them bothered to talk again, and the wait in line became slow and painful. Hiccup feels the guilt gnawing at him, and there's a nag in his mind that's telling him to fix the mess he's made. But before he could say anything else, they reach the end of the line, and Elsa wordlessly signs herself in, and leaves with no goodbyes, and not even a small glance back.
"Good Job Hic, you've done it again."
54321
"I still don't get why I have to come with you."
Loud-mouthed Flynn Ryder complains, trudging through the dirt and garbage scraps they come across within the hidden alleyway.
"Clearly, you have it all figured out—you don't need me to get you into the black market."
"Aren't you my friend? You should come regardless of whether I need you or not – just for moral support, you know."
"Still, I'm not too fond of this dump. Why is his office in here of all places anyway?! He'll scare off his customers."
"You of all people should know why he hides away in the most exclusive part of town."
"I really don't think he needs to hide though, that guy can get out of any mess whether there's evidence or not. It's a charm us people who operate under the black market have – you know."
They stop at what seemed to be a dead end. But the two boys knew better than to judge as far as just the eye could see. Flynn takes a small turn to the left, kicking with all his power against the hollow red bricks coated in wet moss. They break into pieces, and a small door appears.
"Jack, you sure we can trust this guy?"
"You're really one to talk."
The white haired boy smirks, flicking his hair in a smug fashion, and Flynn rolls his eyes in response. Knocking, both boys took a step back as a squat and rotund man answers the door with a not-so-intimidating glare.
"And who may you be?"
"Aw, come on Larry, you know who I am—just let us in. We have an appointment with the doctor."
"I'm sorry but the doctor is very busy right now and will not be taking in any guests."
"Let them in, Lawrence – you do not need to be so stiff around these two boys."
A crackling voice sounded from behind, and the tubby man turns to see his boss—tall and slender with purple menace in his eyes—smirking at him. Making rumbling curses, Lawrence steps aside to let the two boys in as his boss humbly leads the way towards his dark office with the tattered books and broken shelves.
"Excuse the mess, Mr. Frost and Fitzherbert, I was just doing some renovating."
"Renovating in what way?"
Flynn eyes his surroundings – the darkness that enveloped the little room, and dimly lit lamps the only source of light. He frowns at the posters put up on the walls, all pictures of constellations and creatures of the dark. He will never admit it but, the works of his old teacher will never fail to creep him out.
"Take a seat, Jackson and Eugene – get comfortable because this may take a while. And Lawrence, please fetch us some tea."
"Yes, my lord(1)."
"So, what brings you two here—not that I am not flattered, of course I am. It is, after all, a very rare occasion when two former students of mine take time off their very busy day to come have a chat with me."
"Doc, you know what I'm here for. I'm sure it's no news to you the new mission we have been assigned to. I need information."
"And perhaps Flynn Ryder is not good enough?"
"Heh, my information is just fine and on point, thank you very much. But this boy here's not one to take little details—he wants the full picture. That's something even I can't give him."
"So you come to me in this desperate time? How sweet, you are very sweet Jackson—you have not changed at all. But, you know the drill. Information from me will cost you."
"Okay, what game do you have in mind?"
"Since you seem to trump all of my other games, I've come to the conclusion that my skills are no match for your ingenious capabilities. So, I decided, this time—I'll make it easy for both of us. Just guess the card I present to you, and whatever you ask, I will answer."
It was sudden, and no one could have predicted it. But, one moment the doctor was just shuffling his cards and talking calmly away, and now Flynn's dagger is digging through the old desk, Jack gripping it tightly.
"When'd you even take my dagger—what the hell Jack?!"
"Are you perhaps so unsure of your skills that you feel the need to threaten me?"
"Fine. Let's do it your way—but you're not giving me very fairy odds, Dr. Facilier and that's one of the things I hate the most."
The doctor smirks, crooked and yellow teeth shining against the dull red light that surrounded them. He shuffles his cards skillfully, bending it and halving it. Flynn watches in amusement and Jack eyes the doctor's movements carefully, trying to catch a hint of anything that could help him win this impossible game of cards.
Minutes later and the doctor is done. He places one card faced down on the desk, and awaits for Jack to take his guess.
"I'll give you three guesses. Lose out on all three of them and you're out the door—come visit me another day when lady luck's shining on you."
"I'll get it right."
"Aren't we a little too confident?"
"I have learned from the best, after all."
Jack gives a small smirk, before his face contorts to a serious frown. He stares the card down, as if somehow hoping to see right through it. Breathing in, he takes his first guess.
"Two Diamonds."
"Wrong."
"Five hearts."
"Wrong."
"Ace of Spades."
"Wro—right?"
Dr. Facilier and Flynn stare at the smirking boy in awe. So many questions ran through their head but it almost seems illogical for Jackson to get that guess right. So accurately right.
Looking down, the doctor laughs to himself – something wicked, something awful – before turning to look Jack in the eye.
"I see. You're more skilled than I thought. You really have grown. But you're still the same—too damn clever."
"Jack how did you—"
"Dr. Facilier, our payment?"
"Of course, anything you ask, I will answer. So fire away."
"The girl we're looking for, do you happen know who is it really?"
"No. But, I can say that you're not just looking for one girl Jack. You're looking for two."
"Two?! Man in Moon never said anything about this!"
"Tsar Lunar(2) often gets his facts wrong – I should know, I've worked under him for God knows how long. But, in trade, people tend to talk a lot about things that involve harming their businesses—including me. As an opium dealer, I am very open towards the black market, as they are to me. I have many colleagues that hire special spies to ensure that their businesses are safe in the underworld. The girl you're looking for who has the thing you are looking for is a daughter of a trader. But there's nothing extraordinary about her other than the fact that she worked with her father for that organization. It could even be possible that right now she has retired and has no clue of whatever important item she possesses. The other person—the one who has been recruiting—is still an active member of that organization, and therefore is someone else. It's even possible that this other girl…could be a boy."
"A boy?!"
"You mean to say after all this time we've been chasing geese?"
"That is correct."
Jack clenches his fist, feeling slightly insulted at the fact that he was given false information. He blamed that man—his uncle—for being so incompetent to not even know anything about the prey.
"It's nothing to be angry about—you don't have to blame Tsar for this. I'm sure that it's all a big misunderstanding and he didn't mean to send you corrupt data. Like I said, I have worked for him for a very long time – more than fifteen years. He gets it wrong sometimes – but his intentions are for the best of The Guardians. This sort of information is hard to come by, unless you have deep connections with traders and black market businessmen. It's only natural for me to have known, and you to not have."
Taking in a deep breath, Jack releases his tight fist and runs a frustrated hand through his snow locks. Flynn eyes him wearily, feeling confused and out of place.
Although admitted to be part of the team, and knowing the gist of the mission, he was still in the dark of the major details. Flynn didn't personally know Man in Moon – he's only ever met Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, and of course, Jack Frost. In his line of work, information was delicate – one thing out of place could make or break a mission. That's why, he was never trusted with big information—he had to dig those out himself—and that also meant that the information he knew and could offer cannot compare to this kind of information the doctor shared with them.
He knows he's now over the line, listening to all of this and he's confused – he still doesn't understand. But despite all this, there's no denying that Jack was his friend and betrayal was out of the question with these two.
"Jack, I think we better go. Afternoon classes will start soon and our classmates may get suspicious."
"Yes, of course."
Jack muttered numbly, standing stiff, and slowly making his way out the door. Flynn grabs his dagger, and tucks it safely under his belt. The doctor just sits and eyes them. Jack's sluggish movements allowed Flynn to exit before him. And just before he could fully go out, the doctor calls him back.
"Jackson."
"Yes, Doctor?"
"I'd keep an eye out for your little friend. I'm sure he knows more than he lets on."
"Flynn?"
"Yes."
"I don't think—"
"Remember what you've been taught, Jackson. No one, not even your friends or colleagues can be trusted when dealing with the underworld. That is the one thing you should never ever forget."
"Okay."
With a nod, the doctor lets him go, and Jack walks out the door. In that moment, Lawrence comes out of the silhouetted kitchen, a tray in hand with a pot and three cups.
"Did they leave already?"
"Yes."
"The tea will go cold."
"Then let's have a chat, my slave. I'm sure we have much to discuss regarding our recent findings."
Outside the door, Flynn waits for Jack at the other end of the alleyway, tired and restless. He gave a sympathetic smile towards his trudging friend whose shoulders drooped in frustration.
"Did he give you any more information?"
"No."
"Well, that sucks."
"It doesn't even matter. I have everything I need. I guess it was worth it playing his stupid game."
"Oh yeah, about that…how'd you guess it right? I'm pretty sure what you did was impossible—even for geniuses like you."
Jack grins.
"Heh, your dagger."
"What?"
"Your dagger, on the table, the lamp behind the doctor reflected on it – that allowed his cards to be seen."
"You mean—"
"It was like looking at a mirror, really—or a fortune teller's ball. Either way, it showed me the cards he was dealing, and what he put down, clearly. The best part was, he never even knew it—until the very end. I knew taking you with me would come in handy—I was right after all."
"You mean to say right from the start, you weren't planning on threatening him? Rather—it was just an act so you could cheat."
"Yeah."
"And he knew?"
"Of course."
"Wow(3)."
"Don't be so surprised Flynn – games like that aren't about rules and regulations. It's about winning and getting what you need. We live in a world filled with cheaters and wise and clever men willing to put everything at stake just to get what they want. We are not noble men Flynn, despite the blood that runs through our veins. We're selfish and self-righteous people, and our lives revolve around crime and injustice. If we play by the rules, we're sure to get trampled on(4)."
It's quiet for a while, and both boys stand directly outside the dark alleyway, the sun burning bright against the cemented pavement and blinding them with it's long rays.
"Daughter of a trader…you know what this means, right Jack?"
"Yeah."
"There's only one girl that fits that description perfectly."
Jack stays silent.
"Are you disappointed?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Somehow, I'm not even surprised."
"So what's your next move?"
"I'll investigate her myself. I'm not telling Bunny, or anyone about her just yet—I'll let The Guardians get on with that wild goose chase. Because Elsa Arendelle is mine, and mine alone.
A/N:
(1) – If you've ever watched Kuroshitsuji, this reference really isn't that hard to get.
(2) – I know I mentioned it before, and I guess I just assumed that everyone knew but...Tsar Lunar is actually the real name of Man in the Moon from The Guardians picture book. I found out about it a long time ago, and I thought it was just common knowledge among ROTG fans to know these kinds of things. Amongst the characters from The Guardians picture book series, the only real names I've altered are Toothiana's and Bunnymund's. Santa Clause will still be Nicholas Saint North, and Sandy will still be Sanderson Mansnoozie (unless I say otherwise).
(3) – If you've ever read the manga Spiral, you would know that this game was played on Narumi by Kousuke, and Narumi used this same trick to win against Kousuke.
(4) – There is a quote that continually inspired me to write this chapter. It's from the latest Kuroshitsuji chapter, and it's a Ciel Phantomhive quote. It goes like, I am not so noble that I would stake my life for someone else. Nor am I so forgiving that I would sit by and allow someone to trample me. I am a selfish and self-righteous human being. Basically, this end quote is a variation from that quote. I really love this quote because I understand it and to an extent, I can relate to it. And it's there in the summary, the fact that this fanfiction revolves around the wrongs of human nature, and what I'm trying to say is, it represents the characters of this fanfiction better than any other quote I could ever find. That's just it.
One of the reviewers said that though the pacing is fine, it would be nice if I tone down the fillers and the background stuff which is understandable. I love long reviews but most of all, I love criticism. It's because of these kinds of reviews that I grow as a writer and I thank you for that. It's true, I go into too much detail and I lose my plot sometimes. One of the many reasons for this is because, as of right now, I still have no idea where exactly I'm going with this. I know what I want but not exactly how I want it and I'm stalling. But finally, with this chapter, we're finally getting somewhere, and a plot is beginning to stir, and it's also closing in on the events of Pokespe. I'm so excited to write the next following chapters which will contain a lot of revelation, more Jelsa and characters coming into light—Anna, Hans and Kristoff will soon make their debuts.
I feel like I'm really contradicting a lot of the events like, just last chapter Jack wanted to stay away from Elsa to protect her, and now he's finding out that she could potentially be the enemy. So yeah, I think that's a really bad habit of mine but, I'll work my way around it. I'll try to speed the pace, but still keep it steady and not too complex. We'll see how this goes. As writer, I am still trying to learn, after all.
I want to know what you guys think of this chapter—were you surprised to see Dr. Facilier becoming a vital character for the plot? I didn't really plan it. Of course, this fanfiction is hugely influenced by Kuroshitsuji and if you know that anime well enough, you would see similarities between Dr. Facilier's character here with Lau from Kuroshit, as well as The Undertaker from Kuroshit. Now, with that said, I need your guys' help – I need you guys to (a) name me some Dreamworks characters you would like to see and (b) tell me if you want Jack and everyone else to have their powers. I have a plot for both having powers and not having powers. Also, I have not thought of a proper villain yet but, I do have an idea on who it could be. Any suggestions are welcomed so please review any thoughts or criticism you have to offer :)
To finish this note, I would just like to say, Pokespe just recently updated and if you know anything about Pokespe at all, you would know that it updates like once every fifty years so, to have two volumes worth of translations be uploaded, that's a big surprise for the aspiring fans. As well as that, I saw the latest scanalations from the most recent Japanese volume released and I tingle with excitement because my OTP was sailing and I might just cry. This chapter is to celebrate Pokespe's massive effect on me. ILY KUSAKA AND YAMAMOTO-SENSEI! :D
PS – This chapter has not been beta-read but I will beta-read the prologue again once this is posted, and will continue to beta-read chapter one. So, stay tuned :)
PPS – to Trapid, if you like BL, you might find Black Butler and Karneval or maybe even Makai Ouji: Devils and Realists as anime to your liking. They're not heavy or officially BL but they have themes that can be mistaken for it. I'm not a shounen-ai fan but I have seen many animes that border around these :)