A/N: OMG guys it's been a year again perhaps? I lost every chapter that I'm working on because of some virus and have to write them all over again! I tried to recover, but it was all lost TT_TT
but anyway, I hope you guys liked this chapter too :D
Thank you guys so much for waiting for this new chapter. Oh and important AN at the end.
Tea and Weirdness: Thank you!
Chienna: aww thank you so much! Don't worry, we'll see that side of him *wink*
Secret Wind: Thank you!
Thera: Thanks!
ilovevanilafill: Thanks!
AngelicTrinity: I know! It's been almost a year!
HNKNA (C) QuinRose
KH (C) Square Enix
Hikari (c) me
Chapter 11: the test of loyalty
"Griffin nii-san is so mean!"
"Yeah! You like spending more time with that Clown than us!"
"I do not!" Hikari argued, crossing her hand behind her neck as the twins walk on each side of her. "I work for you guys, remember? So you two are bound to see me almost every time-change." She puffed out her cheek in a pout as she glared at Dum and then to Dee.
Both twins quickly wrapped their arms around the girl's waist, stopping her from walking towards the awaiting gates of the Hatter Mansion. "But we want Griffin nii-san to spend time with us all the time!" Dum looked up to see Hikari staring back at him. "Yeah! We don't want anyone to keep you for themselves!" Dee agreed as the two of them buried their face into the crook of her neck.
Hikari sighed heavily, looking at the sky with a pleading look. "Argh, why do you guys always have to pull that look?" she patted the twins' back before wrapping her arms around them, giving a small reassuring squeeze. "Fine. I'm not leaving the Mansion for a while….besides, it's not like Blood will let me anyway with the amount of debt I owe him." she smiled sadly at her own problem.
The look on the twins' faces quickly brightened. "Really? Yay!"
The brunette let out a soft sigh before smiling. "Okay! Let's head back to the Mansion!" she shouted, trying to be enthusiastic.
Before the twins could reply, a distant yell was heard, calling them.
"Hey! You Bloody Brats better go back to work!"
Hikari blinked. "Is that Elliot?" she squinted her eyes to get a focused view on the tall man. It was indeed the orange-haired hare running towards them, but the friendly look on his face missing. Hikari raised her hand in greeting, a big grin across her face to greet the second-in-command. "Hey Elliot! We're back!" she shouted.
The March Hare stopped right in front of the girl, staring at her. "Eh? Hikari! You're back! Good to know the twins did their job right for once." Elliot grinned, nodding his head at the twins' good work. His violet eyes glanced around, looking for the twins. "By the way, where are those brat? They were with you a second ago right?" he asked confusedly.
"Hah? What do you mean? They're right—!" Hikari turned around with a surprised look at the absence of the twins from her sides. Her left eye twitched as a sarcastic smile appeared on her lips, a growing dark aura surrounding her. "Haha… Talk about wanting to spend more time with me you Bloody Brats! I feel so loved!" she yelled angrily, stomping her foot to the ground multiple times.
Elliot frowned, "I don't know what's going on between you and the Bloody Brats, but Blood wants to see you when you returned." He said, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder to the direction of the mansion.
Hikari placed a hand on her forehead, sighing once more. "My job never seems to be done…" she mumbled under her breath. She shook her head, shaking the depressed and tired look away for Elliot to see the same bright look he sees every time-change. She walked past the man, giving a quick pat on his large shoulder. "Thanks Elliot. I'll see you after work." She said lastly before walking away.
Elliot touched his own shoulder, a small smile appearing on his lips.
"Brother, the Chicky Rabbit has a perverted look on his face!" Dum exclaimed as his head popped out of the bush.
"You're right, brother! The Chicky Rabbit must be thinking bad things about Griffin nii-san!" Dum agreed to his brother's words, glaring daggers at the man. "We should teach him a lesson!"
"What the h*ll are you brats talking about?!" Elliot coughed as he spotted the twins giving him dirty looks. He marched towards the twins and quickly pulled them out of the bush by their ear, an irritated look on his face. "You really do know how to cause trouble! Don't think that I didn't know the mess you two made at the kitchen!" he clicked his tongue as he dragged them back inside the territory.
"We were only trying to cook, Stupid Chicky Rabbit!" Dum shouted, struggling to release Elliot's hold on his ear.
Elliot sighed, glancing to the twins. "And you two caused so much trouble for Blood. You do know that it's almost time to meet our client?" he reminded.
The twins smirked, "Of course we do! It's way more fun to work with clients than stand around doing nothing all day!" Dee grinned as he raised his battle axe.
"Because it always lead to interesting fights!"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"How's our little Griffin doing? Did he cause any trouble?"
Blood sat behind his large desk, staring at the paperwork on his organized desk. The servant that stood before him was the one he assigned to follow Hikari everywhere she went. She has been in the mansion for five time periods and since she'll be working for him for quite some time, he needed to test her. He can't have a traitor among the Hatter Family, now can he.
"Other than visiting Joker, she—he didn't do anything that would disfigure the Hatter Family's name." The servant reported, a small smile on his lips.
The Mad Hatter grabbed his teacup and took a sip from his favorite tea. "Did he say anything that concerns our Mafia group?" he asked again.
"No, sir. He even visited the Amusement Park and not one word concerning the Mafia ever slipped."
"Hmmm," Blood hummed as he lean his chin on the back of his hand. 'She remains loyal even though she hates working for me. How interesting.' A smirk graced his lips when he stood up. "You're dismissed. Continue with your regular duties." He simply waved the servant away.
"Yes, sir." The servant bowed before leaving the office.
Blood leaned against his desk as he waited for the Foreigner to arrive at his office. His smirk never left his face.
"How about we test that loyalty of yours, Griffin?"
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
'What does Blood want with me now?' Hikari thought, walking pass the servants with a quick greeting. She crossed her arms over her chest as she closed her eyes to think of the possibilities of chores that Blood wanted her to do. 'I already bought him dozens of branded tea… what does he want more? I hope he won't make me clean the toilets…' she shivered at the thought of cleaning the 'white bowls'.
Hikari knocked on the door and waited for a few seconds before opening the door. She peeked her head inside and found Blood sitting on his desk. Blood was wearing a different outfit since the last time she saw him. He was wearing almost all black, except for his red shirt and a few touch of white here and there. It was kind of like the suit he wore when they were going to the Circus at the Role-Holders' event. She went inside the room, closing the door behind her with a click.
"You wanted to see me?" Hikari said, walking closer to the man.
Blood gave a nod, a smirk on his lips. "As you know, you work under the Hatter family." At this Hikati gave a nod of her own, giving her boss a look. As if she didn't need to be reminded. Her blue eyes followed Blood's movements. The Mad Hatter moved around his desk, leaning down to open one of the drawers. He took something out and without a warning, threw it at the girl, who caught it. "And as a footman of this family, it's your job to accompany your Master on his outings." He said and grabbed his diamond cane.
Hikari stared at the item Blood threw at her. "I understand the whole footman thing, but what do you want me to do with the gun?" she asked, not liking the idea of using a real-life gun. Sure she used one back in her world, but that doesn't even shoot real bullets. "I can use my awesome self-defense, you know." She held the gun in one hand.
"You're in the Mafia family. Do you really think that self-defense is enough?" Blood said as he walked towards the door. He stopped by the door and Hikari stared at his back, waiting for him to continue. He opened the door, fixing his hat to the right position and glanced over his shoulder, giving his footman a smirk. "I expect you to be in your best behavior, Griffin."
Hikari gave an irritated look as she placed the gun in her belt strap. "Be on your best behavior. Bla bla bla bleh!" she said mockingly, completely annoyed with Blood's attitude. She followed Blood from behind, keeping a good distance between them. "So where are you going anyway? The Clock Tower?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Blood narrowed his eyes a little. "As much as I want to be more…acquainted with the Mortician, I have more important things to attend too." His tone was dripped with sarcasm. "I'll give you some time to change to something more suitable. Meet us at the gates when you're finished." He instructed and left the brunette in the halls.
Hikari watched as the Mad Hatter exited from the main door. She looked at herself, tugging at her white suit. She scratched the back of her neck, thinking over and over by what Blood meant when he told her to change to something more suitable. She confusedly went back to her room and found a new uniform placed on her bed.
The brunette inspected the uniform and it was more classy than the one she was wearing. Her dress shirt was black and her scarlet red tie matched the color. Her tailcoat was white with decorative buttons. A black and white striped vest, a white belt and to top it all off, a pair of black half gloves and black and white dress shoes. Overall, it was similar to her uniform only… fancier.
'Fancy… are we going to a dinner or something?' Hikari thought as she changed into the new uniform. She adjusted the gloves before tugging on her tailcoat to straighten it out. She fixed her wig, combing it with her fingers as she exited her own room. 'Whatever it is… I hope it ends soon…'
A sighed came out from her nose as she turned to a corner, almost bumping into her co-worker. "Whoa! Sorry! I almost bumped into you, man." She apologized. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going you see." She scratched the back of her neck.
"It's alright Miss Hi—Mister Griffin." The servant corrected himself. He eyes Hikari up and down, noticing the new uniform. "Going somewhere fancy, I see." He said.
Hikari laughed. "Sort of? I don't know. I was just told to go around with Blood whenever he goes out." She scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. "But sorry for almost bumping into you." She apologized again.
"No, no…We didn't bump into each other anyway right?" The servant simply smiled.
"Still… you were holding so much papers. It'll be a pain to organize them back together if I bump into you, right, Thomas?" Hikari said, looking at the Faceless' face. "It's a good thing I didn't though! Otherwise I'll be the one who will have to organize them!" she grinned, puffing her chest out proudly.
The servant named Jeff tilted his head as he stares at the foreigner with his lips slightly parted. "It's amazing how you can remember our names correctly, Mister Griffin." He said.
Hikari laughed. "It's not that hard to tell you guys apart. Your heart is different." She placed a hand over her chest to where her 'heart' is.
Thomas looked confused. "But we don't have hearts—,"
"I'm not talking that kind of hearts. It's hard to explain how, but I just feel it." Hikari started, closing her eyes. Being a keyblade wielder, he or she can sense the darkness or light in people's heart. Every people has a different amount of them. Sometimes, it could be hard to tell each other apart, but if one pays really close attention, they can tell. "Well that and your voice's different." She added, giving a humorous laugh.
The blond haired man laughed too. "I guess so. Oh! By the way, Master Blood is waiting for you by the gates." He reminded.
Hikari sighed, her shoulders slumped. "Yeah… I'm on my way there now."
"Well don't let me take more of your time." The man bowed his head politely with a smile on his face.
The brunette nodded. "See you later then, Thomas." She left the man to head straight to the main exit.
Thomas stared at Hikari's back. "Good luck, Miss Hikari. You'll need it." he said before turning around to presume his work.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"So where are we going anyway?" Hikari asked as she followed the Hatter family. She wanted to ask when they were at the gates, but suddenly forgot when the twins kept on bugging her. She was too busy trying to answer the twins' ridiculous questions and it just slipped her mind. It wasn't until the sky turned black and the lights in the street switched on, that she realized that she was in town.
Elliot glanced over his shoulder. "Didn't Blood tell you? We're going to meet a very important client." He answered.
Hikari blinked. "An important client?" she echoed, blinking confusedly.
"Yeah! Boss is going to have an important chat about territorial business!" Dee said, appearing on Hikari's right.
"Even we know that, Griffin-niisan!" Dum laughed, appearing on Hikari's left.
The brunette hummed, deep in thought. Territorial business? "Wait a minute, territorial business? Like a meeting with Gowland and Queen Vivaldi?"
Elliot shook his head. "That's different. How about you see it for yourself?" he stopped right in front of a building.
'See for myself?' Hikari thought and followed Elliot's gaze. Her eyes widened at the sight of the Italian styled building. The beige colored building contrasted with the low light, making it look grand. Two men in black suits stood guard by each side of the door. They quickly opened the door for the Hatter family and let them inside. The brunette's eyes wondered around the place and she cleared her throat when the smell of cigarette entered her nostrils. 'This is his idea of a meeting place?' she held the urge to pinch her nose.
It looked like a bar with wooden tables and red velvet chairs around the room. Soft background music and distinct chatters were heard. It was more calm compared to the bars she used to come with Jack back in Port Royal. That pirate really does love his rum. This Wonderland seemed to be more up class, drinking their alcohols using glasses and none of them seemed to be jugging it from a bottle. The smell of alcohol burned her nose and she frowned. It almost seemed like she could taste it. Not that she can or will, Sora would kill her…actually everyone would. She was still underage.
The two man lead them to the back and into the halls and the second floor. The halls itself were long and held many mahogany doors leading to suspicious rooms. The floors were carped with red and the walls were decorated with oil paintings and other gold ornaments. Finally, the two man stopped in front of a double door.
Hikari was about to enter the room, but was stopped by Blood's diamond cane.
"This is as far as you go." Blood said. "I'm afraid you can't meddle with this kind of business yet." He continued as the rest of his family came in with him, leaving his footman behind.
Hikari rolled her eyes at the world 'meddle'. One way or another she would actually find a way to meddle with everyone's business, no matter how hard she tried to avoid doing it. "So what am I supposed to do when you guys are busy?" she huffed, crossing her arms.
"I'll keep you company." A woman in a red dress appeared from the hall, surprising the brunette with her sudden appearance. She wrapped her arm around Hikari's own and dragged her back to the bar in the first floor. "Don't worry, handsome. You're in good hands." She said.
Hikari cleared her throat to lower her voice to Griffin. "Yes, um… alright." She looked over her shoulder and saw Elliot shot her an apologetic look as the twins gave grins. She kept on giving them the stink eyes even when the door was closed. She glared at the door continuously. She doesn't know if she should feel grateful that they spared her from a boring meeting or feel neglected and abandoned when they told her that she can't come along.
"What's your name?" The woman asked, snapping Hikari's trail of thoughts.
"Griffin, Griffin Hawkeye. And yours, miss?" Hikari asked back.
"Isabel. It's a pleasure to meet you, Griffin." Isabel smiled. "So how long have you been working with Mister Dupre?"
Hikari wiped her expression clean from hate and gave the woman a smile. "Not long. As you can see, I'm new and not yet trustworthy to attend Master Blood's important meeting such as now." She held the bitterness back.
"I can see that. I never seen a face like yours before." Isabel tipped Hikari's chin up a little and smiled. Hikari returned her smile with a very convincing fake smile. Inside, she was really nervous. The woman took her back to the bar and sat at one of the empty chairs, patting the seat next to her. Hikari sat beside her, a very uneasy aura around her. "Why so tensed? Are you a first timer?" she asked as she held a glass of alcohol in her hand.
"I don't drink, sorry… my brother would kill me if I do." Hikari said, pushing the glass away.
"Oh? A glass won't hurt." Isabel offered, insisting that the brunette take the glass. Hikari took the glass and stared at the liquid inside. The woman smiled and took a sip from her own drink, her eyes closed. Hikari quickly tossed the liquid to the plant beside her and spared the ball-shaped ice inside the glass. "A one-shot man now are you?" she stared at the glass and then to Hikari.
Hikari placed the glass on the table and stood up. "Pardon me, Miss Isabel, but I need to use the restroom." She excused herself and made a beeline to the bathroom located at the back of the bar, in the halls. As soon as she arrived in the restroom, she sighed deeply. She took a whiff from her uniform and scrunched her nose in disgust. 'Man! I need a bath after this! I reek! Now I understand why Blood gave me that perfume!' she complained in her mind as she turned on the faucet.
She took her gloved off and let the water run through her hand. She cupped her hands together and splashed water on her face. She took a small tower to dry her face and her hands before putting her gloves back on.
'Maybe I should just hide inside the bathroom until Blood's finished.' Hikari thought. Her head perked up when she heard voices coming closer to the bathroom.
"Do you think it will work?"
"Of course! This is Big Boss we're talking about!"
'What the?! What are guys doing here?' The brunette panicked. She glanced around and found a toilet that has only been seen in a boys' bathroom. 'This is the boys' toilet! How could I forgot!' she face-palmed and quickly made her way to hide in one of the bathroom's cubicle.
"That Hatter will never know what will hit him!" one man laughed.
The other sighed. "Keep your voice down! What if one of those Hatters heard you?"
The man snorted. "They are all in the room and that newbie is busy with Isabel." He said, Hikari could even feel that he was smirking. "Besides, what can a lousy, untrustworthy footman do to help the Hatter? We're the Chameleon Family. Nothing can beat us."
'Cocky now are we?' Hikari thought angrily. How dare they call her lousy and untrustworthy.
"How do you know that we'll win? The Hatter Family is a mad one…"
"Oh don't worry… we have something they call a valuable asset to them."
"Do you mean that foreigner?"
"Of course."
'Foreigner? It can't be me… could it be that they're holding Alice or Laura hostage?! Why I outta—!' Hikari slammed the door of the cubicle open, a dangerous aura around her. The two men jumped in surprise, completely unaware of the presence of a Hatter. She glared at the two men and cracked her knuckles. "This foreigner, where are you hiding them?!" she shouted.
The two man quickly pulled out their gun.
Hikari lunged and kicked one of the men's gun off his hand. She grabbed the other man's wrist and twist it behind his back, making him drop the gun he was holding. She kicked the gun far off and released the man's hand when his friend tried to knock her out. She ducked down and sweep the man off his feet. She dodge rolled away as the first man who attacked her tried to stab her with a knife.
The brunette avoided the knife and grabbed his hand. She threw him over her shoulder to his friend. The two landed on the floor with a loud thud. She stood over them, trying to look intimidating.
"Where are you hiding them!" she demanded.
The man spat. "Like we'll tell you." He smirked.
"Okay. I'll look for them myself." Hikari casually said and knocked the two men unconscious. She dragged them to the cubicle and locked the door. She clapped her hands together, content with knocking the two men who dared to mock her and kidnap Alice or Laura. 'Where to start looking… I can tell Blood that this was all a set up… but Alice or Laura might be in serious trouble…'
When she stood in the hallways, a gunshot was heard, making her head turn to the source.
"What the—,"
A second shot was heard and a third one soon after.
"It sounds like it came from the second floor…"
Realization hit her when she remembered that Blood and everyone else were at the second floor.
A/N: A pretty short one... I apologize for that... but I do hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as well like the others ^_^
I posted a new story! It's called New Beginnings. Basically, the story explains how Hikari became the character we know now. If you guys want, you can read it and give me a feedback of what you think. I gladly appreciate it.
I also want to thank everyone who faved, followed, read and reviewed this story. You guys mean so much to me for waiting for the next chapter to be posted! *tears of joy*
see you guys next chapter!