Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters
Silver held his hand in front of his head but it was nothing more than a black blur to him. Everything was a black smug against a lighter grey. He closed his eyes and could see the familiar ceiling of his room more clearly than he could with them open. At least now that he was…
He turned over in the bed and slammed his fist into his pillow before slumping into the bed again. He had tried to walk down to his own office but he had accomplished nothing more than a sore toe! After several more failed efforts he decided to stay in bed. If he couldn't maneuver himself in his own home, how could he make his way through the city?
He heard his door open and knew that only a few people had a key to his home, Gold and Blue. Since Gold had moved to the Johto estate, he knew that it would most likely be Blue. He sighed when he heard her call out to him and wished that it was anyone else. He knew that she would try to pull him out of this darkness he was pushed into.
"Silver," She called sweetly and he knew that she wanted something from him. He heard rather than saw her come into his room and sat on the bed next to him. He knew her since they were little, where they were forced as children to commit acts of crime. Lady Berlitz had taken her away from that life but when Blue tried to convince him to come with her, he refused. He wanted to find his own way in life.
He had but that was all taken away now. He could feel Blue's concerned gaze on him and he rolled away from her. That didn't seem to discourage her for she only placed a sisterly hand on his shoulder. "You've worked too hard for this one accident to simply give up."
"How can I?" He said more sharply than he intended. He felt guilt stab him since he knew she was only trying to help. But he hated this feeling of helplessness and snapped at everyone he cared for. "I can't write, I can't read, I can't even work that damn printing press!"
"I have thought of an answer," Blue encouraged. He could feel the bed move beneath him and he could see her beaming from excitement in her mind. "I've hired an assistant for you! You told me that you have a lot of money saved so you should be able to pay her. She can also live in your guestroom and help you."
"You hired a woman without my asking!" Silver asked and wished he could read the emotions on her face so he could know if this was a jest or something more. Blue knew that he liked his solitude and had even less wish to speak with another woman. Why would she do such a thing?
"You need this as much as she does," Blue changed her voice to portray regret. "We cannot keep her as a lady maid and don't want her to go out into the cold. We both know these streets are no place for an innocent. She can help you and you can provide a home for her. Please do this for me."
Silver groaned and placed an arm over his eyes, something he did from habit to block out the world. But now that didn't seem difficult not that he lost his sight. He could see Blue's pleading eyes when they were younger and they turned brown. "Does she know how to cook?"
"Thank you Silver!" Blue hugged him. "You shall not regret this. She is an excellent cook and she shall arrive at noon. She has a gentle heart so be gentle with her. Now let me read you this passage."
Blue took a manuscript from the table next to him and began to read softly to her. It hurt her to see him staring at the ceiling, his eyes unfocused. Not for the first time, she wondered if it would've been like if she had fought harder for him and convinced him to come with her to the Berlitz estate. But his pride spoke louder than her logic. He wanted to prove to the world that he was stronger.
His eyes closed and he was unmoving but she knew that he wasn't asleep. Nevertheless, she closed the manuscript and rose from her seat beside him, "I need to return to the theater now. Stay safe my brother."
Blue quickly dashed a tear and donned her wig before she walked out into the sun, saddened that Silver might never see this light again. He told her he saw everything in black blurs but didn't know if he only said that to reassure her or if there was a chance for him. Pushing the disheartening thoughts from her mind, she smiled to the world and walked the short distance to the theater.
She walked into an alley to reach the back entrance to the theater away from prying eyes. The familiar sounds of the theater greeted her and made her smile at the friendly atmosphere. Everyone had a role in making the play a success. There were costumes to be made and the other actors practising their role.
"Aqua," Black called out to her and Blue almost didn't respond. She placed a friendly smile on her face and turned to the man. Black had worked for White for years now even if their start was unconventional. He had made his way into the theater but accidentally broke a good number of White's props. Since Black didn't have much money, he was set to work. Even now, after he paid back all of his debt, he stayed at her side.
"White wants to meet you in her office," Black told her as he went to work on a set piece. Blue nodded, wondering what White would want to speak with her about. She didn't think on it much since she trusted White. She entered the small office, and came to attention when she couldn't hear White's soft humming. Instead someone else was sitting in her chair.
Blue bit her tongue when the man from the ball sat before her, his arms crossed and glaring at her. He rose slowly, as if giving her c chance to flee but Blue wouldn't give him the satisfaction of watching her do so. She stood at the door, her chin at a stubborn tilt.
Green knew by the defiant spark in her eyes that she wasn't going to speak so did so, "You're employment is no longer needed. You are now dismissed, Blue."
Green didn't expect her to merely walk away but he was hoping that she would do so. Blue marched up to the desk and slammed her hands on the table. Green didn't flinch, only gave her a sideways glance, as if dismissing her. Blue's anger flared at the man's arrogance. He knew very well who she was but he spoke to her as if she was beneath him.
"I am not employed to you," She reminded him. "I am employed by White and only she had the ability to dismiss me. You are merely an investor and you can only influence her decision."
"Will she be willing to keep you in her employment when I tell her about who you truly are? Leave now before you lose face or cause a scandal that will ruin this theater! I have put too much money into this to let some spoil girl take it all away. You've had your fun, you can leave now."
"Fun?" Blue screamed. "Spoiled? You know nothing about my character sir-"
"Why are you screaming?" White asked as she entered the room, cutting off any curse words she would've given Green. White smiled against the tension in the room and walked to her desk, forcing Green to stand for her to sit. "Now tell me what the problem is."
"This man has the disillusion that he can dismiss me," Blue was quick to answer but Green refused to look guilty. He was right in his decision and wouldn't let her think anything different. Their eyes met and he could feel the icy heat in them wash over him but didn't step away from their challenge.
"Would you like to explain to her, Blue?" He stressed her name and she flinched a little. Her back was rigid as she met White's confused gaze. Blue would rather she tell White than Green, who would make her out as the villain.
"I have not been entirely honest," She said in a regretful voice. "My name is not Aqua de Bisque, rather I am Lady Blue Berlitz. I know that ladies of my station are not allowed to act so I took up this persona as Aqua. I am sorry for my deceit but you can't fire me! I need the money to help my brother."
Green snorted at her last words, thinking that it was another one of her lies. The woman was too good of an actor but he refused to fall under her spell. He knew that White would see his logic, she was a smart woman to have made a successful company at her young age. He slid his gaze to White who sat at her desk, still trying to get past the shock that one of her must trusted friend had deceived her.
She tried to speak several times but came up short. She sighed and sat straighter, humming to herself as she did when she was nervous. "You know that I hate deceit, but… I… I cannot merely fire Aq- Blue. She has become too much of an asset. She is our star actress and helps generate our revenue."
"She is also a liability!" Green argued. "We can find a new star. Do so or I will not invest in this theater any longer."
Blue was quiet as Green went on his tirade, silently willing White to side with her. She had always been good at reading people and hoped that their friendship would sway her, as well as her common sense. There would be too much question is Aqua suddenly disappeared and there was no time to teach someone else all of her lines.
White leaned forward in her chair and spoke, "I will not fire you Blue… but I cannot have the fate of this theater rest on only your shoulders. Green, you have an investment in this theater so I'm sure that you want to see us succeed. You shall watch over Blue until I can find another actress and train her to replace Blue. Also, I shall also give you five thousand pounds for your silent departure, Blue."
Something caught in Blue's throat and she wanted so desperately to argue but the promise of the money stopped her. It would be enough to pay off Ruby's debt but limit her time as an actress. She swallowed the lump in her throat and held her head tall as she nodded. She didn't say a word as White patted her shoulder with a look of regret before leaving, closing the softly door behind her.
Blue turned on Green immediately and slapped him across his face. It irked her that he didn't even move, standing as cold as a rock. All of the anger she held came bursting out, "You selfish man! Do you not care what you've just did to me? This was my life and you've taken that from me! Acting is the one thing that was mine, the one thing that gave me peace!"
Green was shocked by her she called acting her peace while others would say joy. Her tears also shocked him as well but refused to be moved by what may very well be false. He had seen how well she could act. She wiped angrily at the tears and turned to run from the room, knowing very well that if she stayed, she would've thrust a knife into his gut.
"And this is the library," Ruby explained to Sapphire later that night as he showed her around the estate. Her eyes widened and all but pushed Ruby aside as she ran into the large room. She ignored the books and climbed the stairs easily to the little platform near the top.
"Tis' an optical!" She dropped to her knees in front of the telescope and dropped the small bag she was carrying onto her lap. She placed her hand lovingly on the cold metal as she moved the telescope over the night sky until she could see the familiar blue cluster of gas. A warm feeling spread through her and she called out, "Poppa! Come, I've found Momma's star…"
She trailed off and sighed, remembering all the nights her father had shown her the star until she was old enough to find it herself, calling for him every time she was able to. She couldn't do that anymore… and now felt silly, feeling Ruby's curious gaze on her back. She stood but didn't look at him, trying to regain as much of her composure as possible.
"My father was a professor and he taught me 'bout the stars," She looked up longingly at them. "We used to watch them together every night."
"My father enjoyed the sport as well," Ruby stood next to her as he walked to her side. He noticed her staring at the book beside the telescope and took it from the stand. "I have no use for this, you may keep it, if you wish. I assume you can read of course."
She frowned at his condescending tone but took the large book from him. She couldn't very well call him out now that she was in his employment. He could very well give her to the authority if she angered him. She was glad for the roof over her head but that didn't mean she liked this man, he did take her from the streets forcibly.
"It is getting late," Ruby broke the silence. "I shall show you to your room and tomorrow you shall start your duties. I have several dresses for you to model and you shall be my sister's companion while we participate the garden party tomorrow evening."
They both turned at the knock on the door. Blue didn't say anything about the two in a room alone together. "I would like to speak with our new maid, Ruby. I have some things I wish for her to do and I shall show her to the servants quarter when we're done. Now you must rest, Ruby."
Ruby nodded to his sister and went back to his room, wondering what his sister's ulterior motive was for sending him away. He trusted his sister not to do anything too dangerous so obliged her this one time. Sapphire watched Ruby leave, still wondering about the man so cold to take her away yet warm enough to give her a present like the tome.
Blue closed the door after her brother and turned to the woman Ruby had brought home. She knew he was only trying to save her from the streets but his method was once again, questionable. She went and sat next to who she hoped to be her new sister by marriage.
"I understand that Ruby is going to be looking for a fiancé at the garden party tomorrow so I have a favour to ask of you," Blue began but Sapphire was quick to laugh mockingly.
"The man's the desperate one but still have more power," Sapphire commented as she ran her hand over the telescope again. "Tis' lucky fer him that women have no choice in marriage 'cause no women shall have such a man as Ruby."
Blue laughed, "I do not wish for my brother to marry, if it's not for love. Even if you think that, Ruby is quite a catch. His title might not be great and we may be seen as… strange but the wealth they think we have is very persuasive. What I ask of you is: if any woman wishes to speak with him, drive them away. And do not speak of this to my brother."
"But would marriage help your family?" Sapphire asked, knowing about their sudden debt but Blue only gave her was a secretive smile.
"It's my job to keep this family together. And we are a family so this is our problem, not just his."
Crystal waited at the front of the estate with a trunk of her clothes by her side. Since the Johto estate was so far, it was decided that she would stay a week to teach Gold. She had already said her goodbyes to her sisters and was now waiting for Gold with her sister next to her.
"Blue told me to lie but I don't know how to lie as she does," Lyra sighed. "But he hates me!"
"You mustn't start with lies," Crystal told her sister. "I don't want you to stay with a man, even if it means helping Ruby. There must be another way. Have you thought about journalism?"
"I do not wish to write articles, I want to write novels. I have stories to tell," She explained though she knew her sister would understand even though their passions were different. She was closest to Crystal, them being twins.
Crystal nodded, "But lies only get harder. And I know that you are not able to-"
"I have returned for my dancing water nymph!" The two looked up when they heard someone call out to them. Crystal groaned inwardly when she saw Gold ride towards them in such a pace she didn't know if he could stop the creature. She pulled her sister back just as Gold stopped in front of them. He jumped off just before the creature stopped, causing dust to fly around them.
"Do you know how dangerous that was? You could've killed us!" Crystal was quick to chastise him and he gave her a sheepish smile. From the corner of her eyes, she could see a carriage come towards them and the rider waved to them. "Well it seems it's time to go Lyra."
Crystal hugged her sister just as Blue came out. Her other sisters followed behind her and were quick to hug her goodbye as well. "Thank goodness you haven't left yet. Yellow thought that it would be best if we made you something to eat for your trip. I made this for your journey as well."
Blue held the basket to Crystal and in her other hand was a small scabbard. Crystal raised her brow since she doubt that she would need to use such a weapon but knew that Blue's past caused her to worry. She took it and bent to tie it around her calf as she thanked her.
Platina stood back, ignoring the sense of being abandoned again but it was oddly numbing from its repetition. Her eyes caught with soft blue ones and she tilted her head at the man sitting on the coach. Recognition rushed through her when she realized that it was the man from the ball last night. Her hold on her letter tightened against her chest.
Gold noticed their gaze and lead his horse so that he was beside the coach and gave Dia a gentle nudge. He wanted his friend to be happy and the girl could give him that. Gold's smile was radiant as he tied his horse with the other and he said, "You're work is no longer needed, my friend! I now free you from my employment."
"Wha?" Dia stared at his employer and friend as if he had sprouted a third eye.
"Go get your princess," Gold whispered to the young man and patted his shoulder. He turned to the sisters and said louder: "Since I am to steal away your sister, I am going to give you my valet in return. I promise you he is a good man and will help you with anything you need."
Dia was still too shock for words and Gold was quick to leave so Dia could have any chance to argue. He all but threw Crystal and her trunk onto the coach before climbing on as well to drive it away. He did call back laughing though, "Catch you princess Dia! And I shall catch a little nymph!"
"Isn't this a lovely day?" Blue said softly as she twirled her umbrella as she walked through the garden party that afternoon at the park. "Such a shame that Yellow was too sick to come with us. No doubt, she would've loved to paint these flowers. I am glad that Platina is home to watch over her. I only wish I could've stayed with her but we must help Ruby."
Sapphire didn't say a word as they walked with no given destination. Blue didn't seem to notice the whisper about her spinster status. Sapphire wondered how she couldn't comment on them since their whispers were so blatant and Sapphire was tempted to slap them but knew that it wasn't her place. Blue was a grown woman and could act for self though.
"Where is my brother?" Blue realized that Ruby had slipped away from them while they were walking. She knew that even though he spoke about finding a bride, he wasn't passionate in doing so would most likely distract himself. It couldn't hurt to have Sapphire help him. "Go find my brother, will you?"
"Yes, m'lady," Sapphire nodded though she doubted that she would know where to look for him. She went to look for him though. Blue smiled as she waved her away before she made her own way to the panic table. She grinned as she ate a grape until she saw green eyes staring at her.
Sapphire couldn't very well call out to Ruby so had to wonder around to find the man. She heard women giggling and Ruby's voice around a rose bush and followed it. Ruby was there with several women, handing them each a flower with a charming smile saying some speech about their meanings. One woman lowered her lashes seductively and she rushed forward.
"My lord, wouldn't that flower be better for her?" She asked, not motioning to anyone in particular but knew that her questioning his order would anger any man. Women shouldn't want such a controlling man and she would show them what he could be like as Blue instructed.
As she thought, Ruby scowled at her. "That flower does nothing for the lady's dress. The flower would be an eyesore against all that purple! Red roses have no need to be near such a colour. I need to teach you about colours. I cannot blame you for your lack of knowledge clearly developed from living in such barbaric streets."
"Excuse me?" Sapphire snapped.
Ruby took her hand as if her glare could send daggers through him. He took her hand and led down several trails, explaining each meaning of each flower. She found it quite boring and only half listened to him. She raised her face to the sky as if it would bring her the answer she was looking for. And it did.
"What is that?" She asked, pointing to a spot of colour in the sky. Ruby stopped too and looked up.
"That's a hot air balloon." He answered her and then remembered that her father was a scientist and would've inherited his scientific curiosity. "It was developed recently but many people are flying them."
"Flying…" She said softly to herself. What would it be like to fly? The closest she ever got to her stars was climbing a tree. Her feet moved without her thinking and her hand slipped out from Ruby's. She followed to the general direction of the balloon and found a whole field of colours.
A gunshot made her jumped and she saw a cloaked man run across the field, holding something under his arms. A painting? She ran out to stop the man, clearly a thief, thinking him a fool for committing such an act during the day. She cursed the maid skirt she was forced to wear and when she saw him turn the gun to her, she stumbled. She moved so that she tackled him and knocked him down.
He regained his footing quicker than she did and she groaned at the pain in her gut when he kicked her. In the back of her mind, she could hear Ruby calling for her and others coming to her aid. She only needed to keep him there until they reached her. She grabbed his leg and instinctively bit it, making him cry out in pain.
"Bitch," She saw a flash when he hit her temple with the gun and kicked her into one of the balloons. He turned just as Ruby came on them and stepped aside, pushing Ruby in as well. He acted quickly, cutting the rope that kept the balloon grounded and the sudden movement caused Sapphire and Ruby to lose their footing.
Ruby reached over the side to catch the rope but the thief was quicker, shooting Ruby's hand. Ruby cursed when he saw the man run into the forest, lost to their justice. His mind turned to Sapphire who was struggling to stand in such a foreign object. He ripped a strip from his dress shirt, to wrap his hand before he went to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked her. She nodded and looked over the edge.
"How are we going to get down?"
Ruby was quick to answer, "How am I to know? I've never ridden one before!"
"So we're stuck here… alone…"
"Together."
And that's the chapter ^-^ Hot air balloons were made in 1783 and were popular among the elites.
Review if you liked.