A/N: I'd like to hope that Sakuya will be an exciting character for everyone. She'll certainly have a role in Beacon soon enough. But enough of that, what's more, is that Selena overheard the conversation between Patrick and Sakuya, and learned there is a secret that Patrick's been hiding.
Chapter 39: A Night to Remember
It's Prom Night and everyone is getting ready. Selena is sitting in front of the DJ Set making some plug-ins and adjustments as well as looking over the music selections. But her mind isn't in the right place. She can't stop thinking about what she overheard a week ago.
Selena was out jogging in the early morning. By the time Patrick had returned, Selena is taking a breather. She was surprised to see him with Sakuya so Selena decided to stay hidden and listen to what was going on. She overhears Sakuya and Patrick talking, but what she didn't expect to hear is that Patrick is keeping a secret from his team, and it involves 'The Abductors' to which Selena realizes Sakuya's referring to as the Abduction Agency. What's more, is that Patrick admits that he doesn't even want Selena to find out about that secret.
Over the past week, Selena has been quiet and distancing herself from Patrick. She doesn't know what to make of all this. She always finds the Agency a frightening group, the criminal gang of perverts who kidnapped her mother. Then there are moments when she thinks of Patrick.
The day they first met.
'I don't want to butt in on your personal feelings, but I think you shouldn't hide who you really are. You should at least trust people to accept you for who you are.'
Then after the incident with Gaia.
'I was never with this Agency. But I do know of them.'
And what she said to him at the end of that day: 'It makes me happy to know I have someone like you on my team. Someone I can trust.'
Selena does trust Patrick with her life, but for him to keep such a secret from his own team, including her. Patrick may be a closed book about his life but this doesn't settle in right for the young Idol.
After break, Selena returns to her classes. In the second to last period, she has Professor Ports with Patrick. As the professor goes on about a lecture involving Huntsman Lessons and his past life, Selena can't concentrate on her schoolwork. Once and a while her eyes turn to Patrick. The second Selena notices Patrick senses something, she averts her eyes knowing he catches her gaze.
After classes, all the students take their leave. Selena is walking down the hallways, keeping her face down and hat lowered, trying to avoid anyone seeing her. Selena finds herself outside of Mashika's classroom, and she hears the conversation that's happening.
Selena stands against the wall and near the door as she listens closely.
"Have you found a date to the dance tonight?" Mashika asks.
"I already told you I'm not interested." Selena is alert as she recognizes that voice as Patrick.
"We can go on with this conversation over and over as usual, but how about we skip to the part where I say you are going regardless?" Mashika says sounding proud and smart. There's nothing but silence for a moment. "Why don't you ask Rin to the dance?"
"Are you really trying to set me up with your niece?" Patrick asks.
"Not really. I just know you're the only guy who wouldn't try to make a move on her." Mashika says. "Listen to me, you need to try and purge yourself of this desire for vengeance and learn to have some fun. Your mother would have wanted you to do this."
"I really wish you would stop saying that. You don't know anything about my mother!"
"But I know what a mother would want from her son. More than you would know from your mother." Mashika says.
There's a loud banging and shattered glass which causes Selena to flinch, startled. "You have got some nerve for saying that, Kirei!" The tone of Patrick's voice sounds like he's really mad. The kind of anger that puts a chill on Selena's spine. "And to think I can actually trust you..."
There's nothing but silence for a long moment. Selena wonders what's going on in there, and before she can take a peek inside, Patrick goes storming out of the room, which startles the young Idol using all of her will to contain and silence her scream. Once Patrick is gone, Selena looks inside the classroom to see Mashika is on one knee sweeping up some broken glass on the floor.
Selena walks inside and approaches her. "Is everything all right, Instructor?"
Mashika looks up surprised to see Selena. "Oh, Miss Akimura. I didn't expect to see you." Mashika stands up and walks to the trash bin to dump the glass in. "Everything's fine. Just...having a little disagreement with Mr. Aki."
"I kind of figured, seeing him storming out of the room." Selena says with a nervous chuckle. "Hey, can I ask you something about him?"
Mashika is a bit surprised to hear this. Mashika sits down as Selena explains to Mashika what she's learned. About how she overheard Patrick mentioning a secret he's been keeping from everyone, including and especially her. Mashika gave out a surprised look hearing that but tried her best to contain it, waiting to hear the whole story before making assumptions. Selena never brought up what the secret is, but did bring out she overheard the conversation she and Patrick just had.
"I see. I understand your concern, Miss Akimura. But, unfortunately, I can't tell you what I know of Patrick's personal life." Mashika says.
"But you did say something about his mother. Can you at least tell me that?" Selena asks.
Mashika shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't. He's really sensitive about his mother. I would also advise against thinking of asking him, even if he's in his best mood."
"When is he ever in the best mood?" Selena asks.
Mashika can help but laugh. "Fair point. But in all seriousness, don't let what you think of him get in the way of how you feel for him."
Selena blushes as her head bursts some steam. "F-f-feel for him!?"
Mashika is confused. "Is something wrong?"
Selena averts her eyes. "N-Nothing. Anyways, thanks for the advice, Instructor." Selena storms out of the room with haste, leaving behind the confused instructor.
Selena hid away in the dorm room for a short while, thinking about all this. She's known Patrick for months, he's always been the secretive type. One thing that's not so secret is how he feels about Sex and Perverts. But hearing he has some kind of possible connection with the Abduction Agency just throws her off. As she thinks about that connection, something suddenly hit her. She even says it in one word as if she heard it from a whisper inside her head.
"Saurfang."
Selena digs through her belongings. She searches until she finds an old laptop. Selena opens it and browses through the files until she comes across a video Selena opens the video, which shows a default screen of her mother and herself as a kid in front of a memorial shrine, and then plays it.
Elizabeth makes her offering to the shrine and says a silent prayer. Young Selena just stands there watching her mother. "Mommy. Why are you praying for this madman?" Young Selena's tone is confused instead of upset.
"His name is Saurfang. And he's not a madman, dear." Elizabeth says.
"But, didn't he make you his slave?" Young Selena asks.
"Yes, it's true. He's made some bad choices. I can't deny that. But I think what really matters is what he chooses in the end." Elizabeth looks down at the picture of the man as she smiles. "Saurfang realized the error of his ways, and to show for it, he released me. Saurfang knew the consequences of his defiance against the Agency, but he didn't care. And it's because of that sacrifice that I am now free." Elizabeth kneels down, putting her hands on Young Selena's shoulders. "And I am now home to be with the ones I love. You and your father. People can change, Selena. You just need to search in your heart to find it."
The Young Selena doesn't say anything, just looks at her mother with tears in her eyes. When Elizabeth takes her hands off, Young Selena turns to the shrine and then offers the same prayer.
And the video ends.
Selena doesn't say anything. Only stares at the blank screen. Slowly, she closes the laptop and looks down with her eyes closed, sighing. "People can change..."
The day passes by, it's now prom night and everyone is making their arrival. Selena is already on the Turn Table Set, still in her Sherry Farron disguise, watching the view as the music plays. The dance floor is filled with students in pairs waltzing. Selena looks around to find some familiar faces in the area. Akira is by the podium near the entrance greeting the students that came. Marina is by the punch table with Mashika, both professors are looking stunningly beautiful, though all the attention is really directed to Mashika. Peter is filtering with a couple of girls, regardless of the notice two of them are with their dates, and Clawdia is beside him pulling on his ear, snapping him back into reality. Earnest is having a conversation with a girl and Rayla is beside him translating.
Selena doesn't see Patrick or Marlene anywhere. She had a feeling Patrick might skip out but it is surprising to see Marlene missing. But still, Selena focuses on having a good time. Even though she can't be on the dance floor, thus risking exposure to her true identity, she's going to enjoy the night being with her friends.
In the middle of a long song, Selena decides to take a break and head over to the punch bowl to get a drink. As Selena is pouring her drink she has some unexpected company when Clawdia starts pulling Peter away from the crowd.
"Ow, ow, ow. Clawdia! Not the ear!" Clawdia lets go of his ear once they are away. "What's the big deal? I was just asking them to dance!"
"When they already have DATES!" Clawdia shouts at him. "And mew wonder why mew don't have one!"
"Well, never do you. Cause of your annoying Cat pun phase." Peter says.
"It's not a phase!" Clawdia snaps at him.
Selena only watches the two of them argue and ends up laughing which also distracts them from their fight as they turn to see Selena with confused expressions. "Sorry, I just think it's funny how close you two are. You know, seeing you two reminds me of how I used to wish I had a sibling myself."
"It's because mew've been living alone, right?" Clawdia asks.
"Sort of." Selena says. "But I have always watched series that involve relationships between relatives. I must have wished I wanted one before feeling lonely."
"That sounds Claw-ful." Clawdia says. "Well, at least mew didn't get set up with this Purr-vert dork." Clawdia gives Peter a hard pat on the back.
"Or a speech-punning killjoy like this cat lady." Peter says as he puts his hand on Clawdias head, adding a little force to push her down.
Clawdia looks grumpy as she shoves Peter off of her. "Don't be a sourpuss!" Clawdia turns her attention back to Selena. "How are mew doing? Mew enjoy handling the Dance Meow-sic?"
"Yeah." Selena turns to the dance floor. "I'd love to be out there and make some wonderful moments, but you know, I just can't get all glamorous without risking my identity."
"You know, one of these days, you'll eventually have to reveal yourself to the school." Peter says.
"You sound like Patrick when you say that. Maybe I will, but I just don't know when will be a good time. I already took the risk when Patrick first discovered, then I told Akira and Marlene. And I was nervous for a while after hearing they told you two and Rayla and Earnest."
"Doesn't Instructor Kirei also know?" Clawdia asks. Selena answers with a nod.
"Well, I don't think a lovely lady should sit out at a party." Peter extends a hand toward her. "Perhaps I can give you a dance?" Clawdia steams up and starts pulling Peter by the ear as she growls. "Ow, ow. Clawdia, please! Ow, I'm trying to be censor, not 'pervy'."
"Go easy on him, Clawdia." Hearing that, Clawdia releases her grip. "Thanks, Peter but I'll pass. I should get back to the turn table anyways."
Selena grabs her drink and takes her leave. Once she's gone, Peter goes back to the dance floor, and Clawdia follows him with a serious expression. The night goes on for prom night. Akira is looking over her guest list as two students walk in.
"You're the last two to arrive, and arrived just in time." Akira says to Patrick and Marlene says.
"I would have been here on time, but I had to convince our grumpy leader to come." Marlene says.
"You're asking for trouble, Watts." Patrick says. Patrick tries loosening the collar on his tux. "Yeesh. I've worn these things dozens of times and still don't understand how people live wearing them."
"What were you doing that would require someone like you to wear a tuxedo constantly?" Marlene asks.
"None of your business." Patrick says.
After sharing their greetings with Akira, Patrick and Marlene go their separate ways at the party. Marlene meets up with Team CPER on the dance floor while Patrick just goes straight to the buffet table. Patrick just stands there with a plate of food and drink as he watches everyone else. It wasn't hard for him to spot Mashika as she's surrounded by her Fan Club. Patrick sees Selena is having an enjoyable time as the DJ. But he can't help but get the strange feeling she's hiding something from him.
Patrick just hides out by the table until he is greeted by a familiar voice. "You hiding out by the Punch Bowl, Mr. Aki?" Rin asks.
Patrick turns to look at Rin. He's surprised to see Rin's beauty in her dress and make-up. "Is it that obvious?"
Rin chuckles. "Maybe a little bit. You're looking handsome in that suit."
Patrick feels uncomfortable hearing that. But, strangely to him, not as annoyed as he thought it would be. "Thanks. Uh...You look...pretty nice yourself."
"Aww, did I charm you with my beauty?" Rin asks. Patrick dry heaves hearing that comment. "Relax, I'm just teasing you. You know how it is with my Aunt. It felt nice to be just like her to have a fanboy."
"You say that like it's a good thing." Patrick says. "Wouldn't your date be upset too?"
"Actually, I don't have one. I've been so busy with everything I didn't get asked to the dance." Rin says. Patrick almost feels sorry for her. Now he understands why Mashika would have wanted him to take her. "You know, it's kind of funny. Whenever Auntie Mashika talks about you, she's always trying to get you to relax and have some fun. But whenever I'm overworking myself, she just doesn't seem to notice." Rin's tone sounds a little sad. Patrick's expression softens. He knows how true it is that Mashika wanted him to forget about his vengeful desire and learn to enjoy life. He never thought that Mashika would be too busy trying to help him to do the same for her niece. "But I'm sure she has her reasons. You're lucky to have someone care for you that much. Enjoy the night, Mr. Aki."
Patrick just stands in place thinking as Rin leaves him. He always knows that Mashika cares for Rin, but when she's overwhelming herself with Student Council work Mashika just lets her be. That's something he doesn't understand since she's often badgering him to stop overwhelming himself with his vengeful desire.
"Rin, wait." Rin stops hearing Patrick calling out to her. Patrick hesitates to speak, not so much out of nervousness but awkwardness. "Would you like to dance with me?"
Rin smiles as she approaches Patrick and takes his hand. "I'd love to."
Patrick and Rin slow dances on the floor in the middle of the crowd. Patrick feels uncomfortable, even though they're right in the middle with a whole crowd covering them. He only tries to focus his attention on Rin, who stares at him with a smile on her face.
Mashika is watching those two. Marina stands next to her. "Aww, Don't they look cute together?"
"Don't get any crazy ideas. That girl's my niece, remember?" Mashika says. Mashika returns her attention to Patrick and Rin. "I bet his mother would be happy to see this."
Meanwhile, Salem is in the courtroom looking at the shattered moon out the window. She thinks back to when Arthur and Hazel reported their findings to her. How they've broken Gaia out of prison and transported him somewhere far and safe from the public. And in return, he explained to them what happened with Patrick. About as he explained Patrick began to grow more aggressive. Gaia claims that he saw something. It was only for a mere moment and it's possible it was a hallucination but he saw the color of Patrick's eyes change. Something frightening, like staring into burning flames in the darkness.
Arthur and Hazel caught on that it's the same kind of falling that Salem's eyes carry, and Arthur believes there's some kind of connection Patrick has with Salem. The sound of the doors opening and closing echoes in the room. Cinder and her henchmen walk in.
"You wanted to see us, my queen?" Cinder asks.
"Indeed." Salem turns. "As you are all aware, the Vytal Festival is approaching. And our little friend is going to be there."
"The Fall Maiden's brother." Cinder says.
"Ozpin recruited him to Beacon, he knows something about the boy and is keeping it hidden. Or at least he's trying too. Arthur learned something about him, something that will be able to help us find our Missing Maiden. All we need is to find a way to awaken the darkness within him...Something personal." Cinder deviously smiles. She knows where this is going, and likes it. "Attend the Vytal Festival in Vacuo and...have a little fun."
Cinder kneels and bows before Salem. "As you wish, my Queen."