You guys are the greatest! I hope you all like this chapter!
Special thanks to Lovesaphira for the winning songfic idea!
Song: Animal I have Become
Disclaimer: I'll own a few bruises after this chapter…
The streets of New Orleans. Or as Dr. Facilier liked to call it, 'The true city of dreams.' All those people, all those souls, just waiting to be taken to a strange, new world. And he was there, (along with his new partner, Naveen) to give them just that.
They were all pathetic. Nothin' but a bunch of weaklings. Never taking a real risk at life. He had, and sure, he was a little deep in debt, but things were going quiet well for him.
"Hey, Naveen! How's it going?" A mortal resident called to him.
Facilier forced Naveen to keep moving. The prince no longer belonged with these mortals…he belonged to him. Prince Naveen's life was his. And as soon as he was done draining energy from the boy, he would sell the young lad's soul to his 'friends'. And he would enjoy every scream of anguish as he was tortured throughout all eternity, trapped forever on the Other Side.
He was getting a good preview of that already. Naveenoften threatened, begged, or even tried to reason with the Shadow Man to give him his freedom from the prison of his own mind. Being one with the prince now, he could feel his emotions. Naveen was scared that he would never be free, and also scared for all the innocent people he would hurt. He was also sad, depressed he would probably never see his beloved wife again. He had one other emotion: anger. Angry at the Shadow Man for once again messing up his life, and at himself for not telling Tiana sooner. The prince was miserable. Which was why he would never let him go.
"Hey, pal!" came a voice behind him.
Naveen/ Facilier groaned, and turned around to face two police officers approach him. One was a fat red-head, while the other was a thin brunette. "Can I help you, officers?" Naveen/ Facilier asked casually.
The brunette folded his arms. "Yes. We have witness reports of you murdering a man in a driving accident. I assume this is true?"
Facilier hadn't thought about how he was going to cover that, but being so quick-witted, he quickly came up with an idea. "Why officers, you know me! 'Ol Naveen? I wouldn't hurt a fly!"
The fat officer scoffed. "Sir, when you've been an officer as long as we have, you know to never judge a man by his pretty face."
Becoming rather uncomfortable, Naveen/ Faciler took a step back. "Come now friends, why would I want to kill an innocent man in peril?"
The brunette walked up to him, and sneered. "I don't know, but I learned a long time ago to never trust foreign people." He was quiet a moment, then said, "Wait, didn't you used to have a really thick accent?"
Naveen/ Faciler was quiet, then walked next to the two officers. "So I assume I'm supposed to go to jail now?" He looked around to make sure there were no witnesses.
The red-head grunted. "Not yet, we just need to take you down town for a sec. We need you to answer a few questions."
A sneaky smile appeared on the prince's face, as he wrapped an arm around each man, in a brotherly way. "I understand perfectly. People are accussin' me of murder, so it'd be best to come with you, right?"
The men had never had a suspect act like this before. It caused them to lose their cool posture. "Um….that's…that's right." the red-head muttered. He didn't like the way he was eyeing them.
His purple, misty eyes glowed as he gave his cane a little wave. "But the thing is gentlemen, I'm on a very tight schedule. I have a long list of places to stop by, starting with Pirate's X." He smiled as the two man began to sputter. "No, don't worry boys, I have a few minutes to spare for you.."
Before the men could say another word, Naveen/ Facilier stuck his flaming cane into the brunette's back. The man let out a scream as the flames pierced through his skin, causing him to fall into the dirt, dead.
The red-head was petrified. "H-How did-!?" But before the man could utter another word, Naveen, at the hands of the Shadow Man, stabbed the man in the chest with the purple flames. The man let out a cry of anguish, and then died in the dirt.
Naveen/ Facilier looked over his work, and blew the flame off his cane. There was really no blood, but the burn marks were enough to make up for it. He smiled his cruel smile, as he checked them for a pulse. Nothing. They were now trapped in the Other Side. "Three souls in only two days! Not bad." He winced as he heard a commotion going on in his head.
You BEAST! Naveen, the real Naveen, called from his prison. You will not use me for this!! I command you to release me! NOW!!
Faciler forced a laugh to come from the prince. "And what will you do if I don't?"
Naveen didn't have an answer, because there was nothing he could do. Whatever the Shadow Man wanted him to do, he was merciless to do otherwise. If he had control of his eyes, he would be weeping in hopelessness.
I can't escape the Hell
So many times I've tried
But I'm still caged inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself!
Facilier noticed Naveen hadn't answered his question. "That's what I thought, Princey." He walked away from the two dead man, as he continued to taunt the tortured prince. "You must understand that you belong to ME now. Your mine, and you'll do what I say." He enjoyed feeling the prince's depression.
"Navi! Navi, wait!" came a familiar voice behind him. He turned around sharply to find Miss Charlotte LaBouff. "Naveen! What are you doin' here? Tiana has been worried sick!"
Naveen/ Facilier shook his head at the girl's apparent ignorance. "You STILL don't know what's goin' on? I mean, really?"
Charlotte placed a hand to the side of her face. "I think I get it. The Shadow Man…he's making you hurt people right? Tiana explained this to me before she left." She poked Naveen/ Faciler in the chest. "So, I'm still a little confused….am I talking to Naveen or the Shadow Man?"
Naveen/ Faciler groaned, and then swatted her hand away. "Don't touch me, you pink popsicle….wait, what do you mean, 'before Tiana left?'"
Charlotte gave him a smug look. "Your evil scheme is just 'bout over, shadow jerk! Tiana is getting help from Mama Odie, and she's going to rescue Naveen!"
Naveen was shocked. He hadn't really stopped to think if Tiana would try to help him, but now that he did think about it, he couldn't imagine her not trying. She was Tiana for crying out loud! He didn't know weather to feel hopeful that he might get out of this, or terrified that Tiana was putting herself in danger.
Facilier became frightened. He hadn't really anticipated his mother getting involved. He scowled at the blonde. "She'll never make it in time! By the time she gets back here, I'll have drained all of the prince's energy!"
Charlotte frowned. "Listen here you, I've known Tia my whole life, and there ain't nothin' she can't do! So, you better enjoy this while it lasts, cause we gonna get our prince back, you demon!"
Naveen/ Faciler glared at her. Frustrated with being told off by a mortal woman, he pulled his hand back, and struck her across her face. Never being hit in her life, Charlotte fell down into the dirt.
So what if you can see
The darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become!
Naveen/ Faciler smiled, and slammed his foot on the girl's stomach. "I'd like to see YOU survive the Other Side…" He waved his cane until it became a knife.
Charlotte's eyes grew wide. "What? No! Please, let me go!" She struggled to pull herself from his hold, but she couldn't move an inch. "C'mon, Navi! It's me! You wouldn't kill your best gal pal would you?"
Indeed, Naveen was trying his best to regain control of his body. No! Let her go! Let her go!…..O.K, fine. I'll kill people I do not know for you, but please, please do not make me harm people I care about! Naveen really didn't want to hurt anyone, but he was desperate to save Charlotte.
Facilier ignored him, and positioned the knife above Charlotte's chest. "Happy traveling, Miss LaBouff!"
NO!
Charlotte screamed as she felt knife slice her chest. Instinctively, she pulled her heel back, and kicked Naveen/ Facilier in the groin.
As he doubled over in pain, Charlotte quickly stood up and made a run for it. She didn't want to leave Naveen, but she had no way of stopping the Shadow Man. It made her feel terribly guilty, but this would just end with her getting herself killed. "Please forgive me, sugar."
She lightly placed her fingers to her chest. It was bleeding, but not so much it could kill her. It made her wonder why the Shadow Man had held back…
Help me believe
It's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
(The animal, the animal)
Faciler was muttering to himself as he walked up the restaurant. How, how, HOW had the prince stopped him from killing that incompetent blonde?!!? He had the prince under his control, didn't he? Whatever, it had just been a fluke.
"Well Prince, take a look at this wonder land!" He had arrived at Pirate's X. The restaurant was filled with people hungry for sea food. And soon, they would all be his. The souls, not the sea food.
"Watcha think, Princey? Are you excited, and anxious for more death?"
I hate you with every fiber of my being. Naveen groaned. And there is a huge flaw in your plans, yes? How do you expect to kill all those people? There are too may witnesses! They will shoot you…or me.. or whatever before you can finish them all off! Naveen was actually starting to think death was better than this.
Faciler waved his cane until it caught on fire again. "Who said I was goin' in there?" He waved his hand, and watched the doors lock.
I can't escape myself (I can't escape myself)
So many times I've lied (So many times I've lied)
But there's still rage inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself!
No, please! Do not make me do this! Naveen begged, losing confidence. He had already killed three men, and had almost Charlotte. He couldn't bear anymore blood on his hands.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Naveen? YOU'RE not in charge anymore."
Naveen tried as hard as he could, but the Shadow Man walked up to the restaurant with ease. LET ME GO, YOU DEMON!!! I AM NOT YOURS, AND I NEVER WILL BE!!!! Naveen screamed.
The Shadow Man chuckled. "You are, but don't worry, you want ALWAYS belong to me…..soon, you'll belong to the Devil." With that, he lit the building on fire.
So what if you can see
The darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become!
NOO!" Naveen wailed. This was torture. People were going to die because of him. They were locked in a burning restaurant. He never wanted anyone hurt. Even when he was a selfish, spoiled prince, he would never dream of hurting a living person. Now look at him, he was a murderer!
No, he could stop this. The Shadow Man wasn't stronger than Naveen's determination. He had proved that with Charlotte. He knew he couldn't fight the Shadow Man long, but maybe just enough to save the innocent people? He had to try.
Help me believe
It's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become!
He concentrated all his strength into moving his legs. He had to fight this demon, he had to. He heard the people scream as they realized they were trapped inside a burning building. All those people….they'll die if I do not gain control!
He focused as hard as he could, until it actually hurt. He felt his foot move forward. It…it was working! He focused into moving his feet, and watched as he stumbled towards the building.
The Shadow Man realized this. "What- What are you doin'? I have you under MY control!" This didn't make any sense! He had gained control of this prince, hadn't he? ….Did he perhaps not gain enough energy before taking over? Whatever the case, Naveen was winning back control.
Naveen stumbled to the restaurant, and grabbed the doors. "Don't you even try it, Prince! This is just a temporary slip up! I already have so much of you energy! I can easily gain back control!"
Naveen felt a lump in his throat, as he struggled to use his mouth. "I-I…kn-know….b-but…I c-can sti-il save…" Instead of wasting energy on his words, he unlocked the door to the restaurant, and opened it.
He saw a man who had been trying to open the door with a butcher knife. "Oh, God bless you sir!" the man thanked. He dropped the knife, and ushered for everyone in the restaurant to leave. Soon people were pouring out by the boat load, some stopping to thank Naveen.
Help me believe
It's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal!
Naveen smiled, thankful he had enough energy to free those people. But he knew his time was running out. The Shadow Man was still draining his energy, soon he would be under his control once again, this time with no hope of escape.
Already he felt his legs grow weak. He groaned as he collapsed into the dirt. There is no hope for me…is there? , he thought. He winced as he felt a sharp kick in his head.
You IDIOT! Dr. Facilier yelled, forced to return to Naveen's head. I already told you to stop fightin' me! You're MINE!
Naveen ground his teeth as the pain intensified. "Go back to the Other Side." he spat.
Naveen could feel the Shadow Man's anger growing. You little…you've been a pain in my side since the day I met you! Never followin' my plan!
Naveen couldn't believe it. "I'VE been a pain in YOUR side!?"
Forget it! You're out of chances! Your lil' lady is comin' to your rescue, right? Well, as soon as she arrives, she's DEAD!!
Naveen's heart actually stopped beating for a few minutes. It really did. His nightmare was finally going to come true. "No! You cannot be serious!" But he could already feel the Shadow Man gain control again. His feet became numb, and he felt the fire start. "Please, I am sorry! I will do whatever you wish! Just do not hurt Tiana!"
Too late for apologies! I can't wait to rip her to pieces, and watch as her soul falls into Hell! He heard the Shadow Man give an evil laugh.
"No! No, no, no!" Out of all the torture he went through the past days, this was the worst. He was going to be forced to kill his love, his wife. Tears fell down his cheek as the body continued to burn harshly. "I will not do this! I will never do it! I would rather die than hurt Tiana!" He winced as he heard the Shadow Man's laugh echo through his mind.
Somebody help me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
Somebody wake me from the nightmare
I can't escape this Hell!
He placed his hands over his eyes. He was losing control, his next mission was to destroy the one he lived for, and his only companion was the Shadow Man's haunting laugh. His life was ending, right here, and now. Killing Tiana would end his life.
End his life.
This animal
He looked over at the butcher knife the man had dropped. That was the only way out, wasn't it? The only way to end this….this transformation nightmare.
This animal
If he didn't do it, he would just keep killing more people. Including Tiana. And if Tiana was gone…he really didn't care if he was alive or not.
This animal
He groaned as he reached for the knife. It really wasn't fair. He had never done anything to deserve death, but he was willing to leave this world for his princess.
This animal
He fingered the sharp blade in his hands. "So this is how it ends for me, yes?" he muttered. He had always been a jokester, but he couldn't really think of one at the moment.
This animal
He wished he had a chance to say good-bye to Tiana, and apologize to Charlotte for nearly killing her.
This animal
He sighed, and whispered, "Only for you, Tiana."
This animal
He lifted the knife above his chest….but something was holding him back. He struggled to pull the knife down, but his hands wouldn't cooperate.
Are you outta ya mind!?!!? Shadow Man shouted. After everything you put me through, you think I'm gonna let you just take the easy way out!!??
Naveen knew if he died, the Shadow Man would get sent straight back to the Other Side. "You are the one who is crazy! I will never let you touch Tiana!!" He would never let his nightmare come true.
It was a battle of determination. Shadow Man's need to pay of his debt, vs. Naveen's love for his wife. It was the hardest thing Naveen ever did. Months before, he would never even consider committing suicide. Then again, he never thought he'd fall in love, either.
This animal
So what if you can see
The darkest side of me?
No one can ever change this animal I have become!
Help me believe
It's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
I have become!
I can do this! Naveen thought, as he fought the Shadow Man for control of his arms. I can do this! I must do this for Tiana!
Give it up, you royal pain! Faciler shouted. You've never been strong, and you never will be!
Beads of sweat were forming on the prince's sweat. The scent of smoke from the building was entering his lungs. His hands were clammy, holding onto the blade. He felt terrible, but he knew it would all be over soon.
Help me believe
It's not the real me
Naveen took one last gulp of air. "IT IS EITHER TIANA OR ME!!!" he screamed into the sky, giving him that last bit of strength. With that, the blade finally met his chest.
Somebody help me tame this animal!
Naveen gave a ragged sigh of relief. He smiled a weak smile as he felt his blood spill on his hands, causing them to become sticky. He heard the Shadow Man scream in anger, to his satisfaction.
Naveen silently fell into the grass, breathing in the scent of smoke. He was dying. He was dying a very bloody death. But he had won. His journey was now over, but he had won. He had resisted killing gossiping women, Lottie, and a restaurant full of people, and most importantly, Tiana.
Tiana. She would probably never forgive him for this. He smiled at how angry she would probably be, but then frowned at how heart broken she would be. "She.. she will.. forgive me…" Naveen muttered. His light was going out, fast.
The blade was still in his chest, but he didn't bother to remove it. He could feel his body shut down, as he let out another ragged breath. He no longer felt any pain. Just sticky with blood.
He took his last breath and whispered his final words,
"I am sorry, Tiana…I am sorry…my…princess…."
With that, his golden eyes fluttered shut, as he slowly bled to death.
This animal I have become!
AAAAAHHHHHH!!! Back you crazed Naveenfan girls! I'm one of you!!! Please let me live! I have one more chapter to make!
Note: I'd like to apologize to Maxilove who kindly asked me not to do this. I'm sorry, but the role called for it! That doesn't mean the ending will suck though!
Other Note: My aunt loves Prince Naveen, and my stories. She always reads them when she goes to work. If I don't continue this story, it's because she murdered me.