That moment when you realize you haven't updated your fanfic in 3 freaking months!
First off, everybody… I'm sorry if it took me this long to update; I forgot to tell you that our school had started in June, so I was busy. Also, I was attacked by a massive writer's block and artist's block ;_; But don't worry, I have most of the future chapters written down now.
So, at least now you know that I have a heavy schedule… but always remember that NO MATTER WHAT (pun not intended… was there any?), I'm not leaving this story! Over and out!
So, here's the new chapter, which was written on May, to be exact. And looking at the recent chapters of PH, some of my theories were correct and some were wrong. For the person who said that Oz didn't kill Alice… Hohoho, don't fret, I'll do my best to twist it in!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pandora Hearts, or any of its characters. Pandora Hearts belongs to Jun Mochizuki.
Enjoy! *hides back in rotten box*
XV. Two Traitors
As the Baskervilles were preparing for their next strike, two people stayed in the so-called basement of the Nightray Mansion, which was located downstairs, just below the main house. The basement, like any ordinary place, is something dim, yet at the same time, it also lacked space; making it have the appearance of a small attic. And for some reason, the said people seemed to be discussing something very important here in this very place.
But in reality, it wasn't just something important. It was also something personal, something that concerned their true purpose of teaming up with a household that opposed theirs in such a way.
Who would've known that these 2 people were actually the two traitors of Pandora, both of them from different households: Vessalius and Barma.
Zai Vessalius and Rufus Barma.
They decided to remain in the basement, the reason being so that no one would be there to disturb them, especially Lily, since they've been at the receiving end of her rants and pleas.
At first it was quite silent in that room, but Zai finally broke the silence by beginning their topic.
"Rufus Barma?"
"Yes, Vessalius?" Rufus responded, his eyes peering from his infamous metal fan, in contrast to the Rainsworth household's paper fan.
"I would like to ask a small question, if you wouldn't mind," Zai said, as he eyed Rufus.
"You're asking for information? That is not something you can just get that easily, Vessalius," the red-haired duke replied, his eyes meeting Zai's. "In my case, I would like you to 'pay' for the information you will get out of me."
Is it me, or is this duke eccentric? Zai thought, shaking his head. "Payment?"
"Yes… information for information. I understand information and knowledge is something that one should have, but so many people abuse information these days… That's why I have to be strict with giving it away. At the very least, I assume it would be better if the giver gets something in return," Rufus continued, removing the fan from his face.
"Tch. What kind of ruling is that?"
Rufus, however, ignored Zai's short question.
"As I was saying, I request, and require, payment. Also, your information must be something of a high standard," he continued, seemingly 'fanning' himself.
"Hmm… seems like I have no other choice," Zai said, obviously frustrated. "I suppose I could agree to that. But wouldn't you want to hear my question first?"
"And what for?"
"Just so you know what information I'll give you and what you'll give me."
"Hmmm… that seems reasonable enough. Very well, I'll take your word for it. What is your question, then?" Rufus asked, looking at Zai once again, implying his eagerness to listen.
"It's very simple. What is your reason for betraying your household? Or the people around you, perhaps?" Zai asked.
Rufus looked away, holding his fan. "So basically, you are asking me why I teamed up with the Baskervilles?"
Zai remained silent upon hearing his question, implying a positive response from him.
"I shall take that as a yes. Very well, then, I'll accept that information of yours. In return, you shall accept whatever I give you," the duke said, sitting down on a nearby box. "So why did you betray the Vessalius household?"
At this question, Zai smirked first before revealing his answer.
"Basically, I'm not naïve, unlike a certain thing who still refuses to see the truth," he began, looking down.
"And what is thy point in that?" Rufus asked.
"Alongside you, I am one of the few people who know that Jack Vessalius is no hero. And I understand that the Baskervilles have no evil intention. Personally, I am ashamed of my own household. All of them are too naïve, in my perspective."
Zai paused, glancing at Rufus. Rufus remained silent, keeping up his monotone face, motioning for him to continue talking.
"The Baskervilles killed because they were asked to. Glen ordered them because he was forced to. And who forced him into this? None other than that piece of garbage Jack Vessalius' actions, who, on the other hand, had a contract with that 'thing'."
"Thing? You're not referring to Oz Vessalius, are you?"
"Yes. And by all means, do not call him by that name, for he has no right to it. He is a mere chain, a chain that enjoys the art of slaughter. He is B-Rabbit, mind you. If an abattoir is to stock up all the people it has killed, I'm afraid it'll need more than just one abattoir," he said, with a hint of disgust in his tone.
"Now this is indeed something I have never heard of," Rufus said, having an air of amazement, which was very rare, so to speak. "Your so-called son is the almighty Bloodstained Black Rabbit?"
"Exactly," Zai replied. Obviously, this was one fact that he never dared to be proud of; to him, it meant pure humiliation, on his side, that is.
"But that seems impossible. That girl with him… she is B-Rabbit, is she not?"
"The poor thing… she only served as a vessel. More like a living grave. But those brats may know about that by now."
"So all in all, your purpose is?"
"Beware of my answer first. It doesn't mean that I have any concern for that thing, but… I'll do this to stop him from being fully contracted once again with Jack Vessalius. If he does, all chains in the Abyss may be severed."
Rufus nodded in agreement. "I understand now. Is there anything else you need to say?"
"Nothing more. That is all."
"The information you gave is highly valuable," Rufus praised. "High standard information indeed. But now I assume it is my turn to speak now."
Zai smirked. "Well, it's about time. Unless you plan on 'betraying' me. Tell me, Duke Barma, why exactly did you betray Pandora?"
"Hmmm… to be honest, it's basically the same as yours, to prevent the chains from being fully severed."
"I know that," Zai said, slightly irritated. "But why did you break your promise with Duchess Rainsworth?"
"Sheryl? Well, it's quite simple; I was getting tired of her, what with being just a mere confidante and companion of hers… it is getting quite boring. Also, you could say that that served as payment for the countless times that she rejected me in the past," he continued, sighing.
"Heh. You really are a romanticist, aren't you?"
"It still remains to be a mere declaration, I'm afraid. Hence, my revenge."
Zai looked up to the ceiling. "It seems strange, but now, I'm curious as to what Reo Baskerville's plan is."
Rufus slowly shook his head. "Who would've expected a mere servant of the Nightray household to become the head of the Baskervilles?"
"Nightray household, eh? Speaking of the boy, I must admit, he is a really good servant. I have seen it for myself."
"Nightrays, hmmm… however, it seems like there is nothing left to reconcile."
"I agree on that. The whole household has been killed, if memory serves me correct."
"And would you believe that they were killed… by a member of their own household?"
"Yes, yes… the famed Headhunter, and the other boy…" Zai paused, trying to recall the name of the said person. "Who was he again… oh, Reo Baskerville's previous master, Elliot."
"Yes, that boy…" Rufus replied. "Word has it that he reluctantly sacrificed himself, didn't he? Noble to the end, eh…?"
Self-sacrifice, Zai thought. Reminds me of that 'thing'.
So, there you have it, after 3 months, I hath updated! LOLz
Thank you so much for the people who reviewed when I was gone! I really appreciate it!
P.S. Despite having official spellings in the 18.5 Guidebook, Reo will remain as Reo, Lotti will remain as Lotti, and so on and so forth.
So, as always, Reviews/Comments/Criticisms/Suggestions? I'll wait! XD