Chapter 9: Faction 3: The Vendor and the Agent
"Oh what a tangles web we weave… when first we practice to deceive."
- Walter Scott, "Marmion"
-Faction 3: Mel's Goods-
Joe stared up at the sunlight, wondering why two figures had thought their small group to be of enough importance to listen in on. "I'm going to be honest, I don't have nearly enough energy to try to chase roof hoppers," said Kari, resting her cheek in her palm on the table. "I agree," stated Joe, "I'm not too worried. No one has really been paying enough attention to us anyway, thanks to you." Kari smiled as she acknowledged the small compliment. The girl was the group's socialite. She had friends in multiple social groups at multiple levels of the social hierarchy. Kari's position in the rebellion was to keep the public on their toes and to record all of their responses to the small movements that are beginning to happen in faction 3.
Kari chuckled, watching her older brother pace back and forth. "Wow Tai, please share why you are so worked up?" Taichi stopped mid-pace, turning quickly to Kari. "Pfffft. I'm not stressed. I'm fine, just fine," he wiped sweat from his brow, "in fact, I'm so great I'm going to attend the ball with you tonight." Kari raised an eyebrow before bending at her waist, a loud laugh leaving her small body. Joe covered his mouth, trying to hide his snicker. If Marla and Mel hadn't left, they would've joined in.
"I'm not sure what the punchline of the joke I missed was," Tai stood, crossing his arms as he leaned against a cabinet. Kari shook her head, wiping a tear from her eye. "Taichi, Tai, my dearest brother. Have you ever attended a social event in faction 3?" She waited for a response, slapping her hand on the table as he shook his head. "Mhm. Exactly. It's not a fun place to be. You have to talk to eeevvvvveryone and dance with anyone who asks, though this one might be different." Tai tilted his head, "Why would this one be different?" Kari let out a long breath, "Because. It's in honor of Myotismon."
Kari barely finished her sentence before Tai was quickly asking Joe to help him get a suit for the night. "Yep. I'm going, especially if that bastard is going to show his face. Joe, you too?" Joe nodded, not passing up an opportunity to get ahead of the entity that tore his old home apart. "It's an opportunity I can't see myself passing up." Tai smiled, heading for the door as Kari stood, off to get ready for her night.
Joe kept up with Tai, the pair hurrying down the streets in hope of finding the perfect outfit for the ball later tonight. Neither of the men has ever attended such an event, but Tai wouldn't let either of them admit that. "Tai, are you going as Lord Roul, or just Tai." Tai stopped walking, turning into the shop on the corner. "I was thinking just myself, no one but Clarissa has seen me as Lord Roul." Joe nodded, watching his leader thumb through a pile of stark white shirts on the front table.
Joe considered himself to be one of the lucky ones after the Reckoning. He had awoken in an alley in faction 3, a small boy going through his coat pockets. Out of fright and nerves, Joe had passed out seconds after waking up. When waking up for the second time, a tall man was looming over him and shaking his shoulders, calling his name.
The man had been Taichi, and no, Joe did not remember him right away. It took a bit of convincing and pestering to finally loosen the few memories Joe held onto. Once he saw Kari, he had immediately connected the two siblings to his past, but has had no luck with any of the others. "Hey, Joe," Tai called, holding up a deep blue shirt, "what about this one?" Joe nodded, liking the color as he picked up a white shirt for himself. "I think it would look great on you, but I consider myself to be too classic for colors." He smirked, folding the shirt over his arm with a pair of dark dress pants.
The two purchased their clothing items, leaving the store to head back to Mel's. "Tai… Should we talk about your run in with death the other night?" Tai pondered then replied, "What is there to discuss about it? It's not me they're after, its Tyler Roul." Joe shook his head, "Yes. This is true, but that assassin has a face to the name Tyler Roul now." The realization hit Tai like a train.
"Oh well shit. Shit." He threw his hands in the air, his calm demeanor faltering. "But what are the odds that assassins would attend a ball? I mean isn't it too fancy for people who kill others for a living?" Joe shrugged, patting his friend on the back. "Don't worry boss, I'll protect you with my mad fighting skills and crazy wits." Tai sighed dramatically, "Oh god, I'm more worried than I was before." Frowning at his friend, Joe hurried ahead to Mel's Goods.
Kari hummed to herself as she brushed her shoulder length, brunette hair. The young girl was going through a list in her head about who she would need to talk to that night. When the Reckoning had happened, Kari had woken up on the front lawn of a huge mansion. She definitely panicked, but not enough to dim the curiosity in her.
-Five Years Ago: Faction 3-
Kari groaned, rolling over onto her back as she stared up into the new sky above her. She felt, different. The vibe of where she woke up was darker than the world she was used to. Sighing, she rolled back to her stomach, pushing her hands against the cool grass as she stood. Where am I? Wasn't I just- she rubbed her eyes, remembering the dark mist that had engulfed her and her brother. What have I gotten myself into this time, she thought as she turned, her eyes full of awe as the mansion behind her came into her view. Okay, where the hell am I?
She walked up the large porch, raising her knuckles to knock on the large, wooden door. A tall man answered, his hair a dark brown. Yes? He slurred, Kari could smell the liquor on his breath. "Hi… Yeah um where am I? I just arrived and I'm a bit confused." The small girl asked. The man was silent, his dark eyes taking in her before a large smile spread across his face. "Ah! My lovely niece, yes. They said you would be arriving today!" He ushered her through the door, Kari shaking her head. 'What? No no. That's not…" The man waved her off, offering her a glass of whiskey before quickly pulling it away, "Oh, I forgot you are much too young. More for me," he winked, throwing the liquid back as a his slipped past his teeth.
Kari was overwhelmed. The inside of the home was huge, the walls dark shades of purples and blues. The room they were in looked more like a living room, the furniture all dark shades of, well black. A shaky breath racked her small frame as she sank into a deep red chair before she passed out. "If you don't mind me asking, but who are you?"
The man raised an eyebrow, the lack of sleep obvious under his eyes. "Me? Well child, I'm your Uncle Tyler Roul." She nodded slowly, deciding not to argue while he was supplying her with a safe place in this world. "Okay dear uncle, but where are we exactly?" He chuckled, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Did you hit your head on the way over? We're in faction 3, the shittiest faction if you ask me," he poured another glass, "but is it really that shitty when your considered a nobleman? I think not!" He laughed loudly before sipping from his glass.
Kari forced a small chuckle as she let her eyes explore the room. Pictures of what looked like a young girl hung on his walls. "Who was she?" She asked out loud, though she could have sworn the question was just a thought. Lord Roul sighed, "My love, my daughter, my light, that was Macy. Remember? Macy was killed in the market raid a few months ago." Kari looked down, feeling self conscious and overwhelmed. A wave of pity and guilt washed over her. "Oh… Sorry I've been trying to forget." She found herself playing along, letting herself fit into the mold of who he thought she was.
Lord Roul just shakily smiled at her, patting her shoulder "Yes, don't we all." He pointed to his drink, an awkward pause falling between the two. "Ah, yes. Alright my dear, I do believe it is a great time to turn in for the night." Not wanting to argue, Kari stood, noticing that the sun was still out. "Okay uncle. Where was my room again?" He looked at her a bit confused, "Third door on the right after the stairs." She nodded, shaking her head, "Oh yes, silly me. I've had quite the travel today."
She climbed the stairs, leaving the man in his own thoughts with his whiskey. She turned the corner and counted the doors, opening the third. She stopped, the room was beautiful. Deep green wallpaper coated the walls, a large bed in the center. The closet was full of many gowns, most likely used at social events. Wow, faction 1 really is living in the past, she ran her hand across a bed post, sighing as she sat. Before she could hesitate, Kari felt her heavy eyes closing, her falling deep into a slumber.
-Four Years Ago-
Kari was primping herself, getting ready to attend yet another ball for her uncle. He was using her as a pawn, a way for someone from the House to still attend without him having to leave the comfort of his whiskey and home. She brushed through her hair and stood, walking to her closet to decide on which dress was to be worn for the night.
Maybe I'll stick to the purple of the Roul house, CRASH. She startled as she heard a large crash from her Uncle's study. Slipping out of her room, Kari made her way down the long hallway, stopping at his door. "Uncle..?" She called, her fingers slowly wrapping around the cool doorknob. She turned, pushing the door open.
Lord Roul was face down in the center of the room, his whiskey glass shattered. Kari gasped, running to his side as she checked for a pulse. Nothing. The man was dead. Her eyes widened as she looked around the room, hoping to find the person responsible. She gasped as she noticed feet under his desk. Hesitating, Kari stood and rounded the corner, her fright turning into excitement.
"Taichi?" The man under the desk was taken aback, his head hitting as he tried to stand. "Kari? Is that really you?" Kari nodded, hugging her brother as he crawled out from under the desk. "Yes! What are you doing," she glanced at the body of Lord Roul, "you killed him?" Tai laughed nervously as he lifted the man's limp arm. "Hm. Looks like I did…" He shook his head, "I can explain if you let me." Kari nodded, "Please do. I was tired of hearing his complaining everyday anyway."
Tai flashed her a smile and rolled his shoulders, "Alright. So…" He explained to Kari that he was apart of the rebellion that was out to overthrow Myotismon. He reminded her of the Reckoning, reminding her that here are others out there that they needed to find. He told her about the three separate factions, about how they called him a Jumper because he had the ability to travel. "And why did I kill him? I was in need of a nobleman to impersonate. He's not too threatening or pursued by other Houses. I mean, he's in the book business. Who wants to get involved or pay attention to that?" Kari chuckled as she hugged him again, "I'm just happy things are starting to make sense."
-End of Flashback-
Ever since that day, Kari has aided Tai by giving him the ins and outs of what the nobility were thinking of the rebellion, or if they even cared. She had a strange ability of being able to make people calm around her and even enjoy more of her company. For this reason, she was often used to spread rumors that the Rebels wanted spread and to obtain information from important sources.
She smiled at her reflection before lining her lips with a deep red. Standing, she walked over to the stash of dresses the two had swiped from the closet of Lord Roul's actual niece. She picked up a ruby green dress that hugged her small frame just right, flowing our at the bottom. Hm. Hello old friend, it was the first dress she ever wore to a social gathering. Smiling, Kari slipped the smooth fabric over her frame, jumping from surprise as she heard the men entered the building.
"Kari, Joe has brought something to my attention," her older brother said, nerves on his usually calm words. "And what would that be?" She said, zipping up the side of her dress. Joe rolled his eyes, obviously tired of hearing Tai's concerns. "I brought up how the assassin, and some, could be attending this ball since it is to honor Myotismon." Joe had began unfolding the shirt he bought, looking it over once again.
Kari laughed lightly, "First off, Tai you don't even know what this assassin truly looks like," Tai nodded, "and second, an assassin would never strike in public. That is too risky. Stop worrying it's annoying." Tai rolled his eyes, some of his anxiety melting away. "Well, okay. But if I do die at the hand of this deadly woman I coming back to haunt you guys." He pointed at his two companions, obviously very serious. Joe chuckled, "We always joked that you would die at the hands of a woman. We know some characteristics of her, right?" Tai nodded, "Yeah like those eyes that wanted me dead, her short height that wanted me dead," he counted off on his fingers, "her supposedly red hair that wants me dead, the blue cloak tha," Kari shot him a look, silencing him.
"That's great, Tai. Let's not forget that tonight is to gain information and see if we can tell how powerful Myotismon really is," Kari said, pinching her cheeks to add some color. Joe chuckled at the siblings before going to his small study to change for the night. "Alright, Kari. When do we leave?"
-Faction 3: The Keep-
Sora trudged up the stairs of the Keep to her room, not too excited of getting news of having to attend a social event. She hated these things and preferred the solidarity and comfort and jumping from roof to roof at night. Why do I have to go to this stupid thing, she thought to herself as she walked into her small, cold room, I bet half of the nobles there are on Linus' list anyway. Maybe I should just end them all tonight. She smiled at the thought, throwing a spare dagger against the wall, the knife landing perfectly.
She closed her eyes, not wanting to see the dress Linus had chosen for her. Linus had a thing about Sora, he liked her looking her best every time she was to be on his arm. At times he scared her, his hands would travel uncomfortably up and down her body, but she shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind.
Turning slowly, Sora let out a dramatic sigh as she saw the black dress, she could already tell it would hug like a second skin and show more than anyone probably wanted to see. Wow do I hate myself or what right now, she grabbed the dress, wanting to puke at how dramatic the neckline was. Assassins are supposed to stay hidden, she thought, but slipped into the dress in hopes of avoiding the back of Linus' hand against her face.
The mirror let her see her reflection, the girl scrunching her face at the garment. I must say, I don't hate it, she turned to see the back of the dress. The dress was black, the fabric smooth like silk. Her arms were exposed, the black swirls that covered her left arm visible to anyone who wanted to look. The front of the dress was a deep, v- neck line, the point stopping just under her breasts. As she turned, she could see that the back of the dress plunged ever further, stopping just above her hips. Wow Linus, let's not leave anything to the imagination.
She rolled her eyes as she felt for the compartments where the daggers would be kept. As she clipped her thigh holster into place, checking to make sure it wouldn't be exposed by the high slit, Sora heard Sam enter her room.
Her companion was wearing all back as well. Dark dress pants hugged his legs, a dark button up to match. His buttons were a deep, rose red, dramatic gold bracelets decorated his wrists. "Wow I'm so sorry Sora," she gave him a look, thinking he was pitying her for having to wear a dress, "So sorry that I'm going to outshine you tonight!" Sora laughed loudly, trying her best to not let the dark coal that lined her eyes smudge. "Sam, you do like nice. Should I call you Samuel tonight?" He shook his head, waking over to help her with her hair. He swept it up into a long, sleek ponytail.
"How classy. Imagine, Sora calling me Samuel? That'll be the day. It's much too formal for her." She rolled her eyes, turning for him. "Okay, but you really do look like you could kill a man. And I mean with that slit, not your daggers." She smiled at him, clipping daggers to the soles of her deep read high heels. "You look great, Sam. I wish pants hugged me like that."
Sam thanked her, grabbing her arm before leading her out. "Hopefully Linus doesn't hate as much tonight as he seems to do on the daily. I'd rather not get thrown around against my will," Sam said as he stepped out the door, "I mean it's like he forgets that he has made us legit killing machines. I'll strike a man down!" Sora has heard this rant many times. It always came after Linus harmed either of them. Linus was the reason for most of her scars and bruises.
The two descended the stairs, Linus waiting at the bottom. A sickening smirk spread across his face as he laid eyes on Sora. "My, it fits better than I had imagined." He gripped her chin, making her look at her. "Shall we?" He let her go after running a thumb down her jawline. Sam shot him a deadly look.
The three of them made their way to a carriage, riding in a tense silence. Myotismon… I haven't seen him in years. Sora thought to herself as she watched the buildings pass by them.
*Author's Note*
Thank you so much to the kind reviews! I'm excited to write all of the meetings, but a bit nervous about how they will go! I guess we'll all find out around the same time. Thank you again. Happy readings!