Jaden and Ken had just finished walking through the meadow that led to Merlin's house. Once they were both standing outside on the front porch, Jaden knocked on the door before realising that it was a pointless exercise and just walked straight in.
The sound of the old wizard's voice could be heard coming from his study upstairs from the hallway, to which Jaden and Ken were now standing in. Heading up the long, spiralling staircase, Jaden could now clearly hear just what the wizard was saying. "Oh, hang it all! Hang it all! Everything's complicated. One great mystical mess…" The wizard complained as Jaden stepped into the study.
Jaden leaned against the doorframe, setting her bag down against the wall. "What's wrong, Merlin?" She asked him.
"I'm attempting an experiment, it's just not cooperating! Alakazim' has always been an effective variant of alakazam'!" Merlin grumbled, his posture slouching in defeat. Jaden noticed that the wizard had dark circles under his eyes, indicating that he hadn't been sleeping well, something that was very unlike him, considering if Jaden was in the same position, he'd be scolding her to get some rest.
"Sounds like you need a break," Jaden suggested, "when did you last eat?"
The wizard looked perplexed. "Eat? Hmm? With food? Perhaps Tuesday?"
And what day is it today? Thursday? Jaden worked out in her head. "Okay, stop working. I'm getting you something to eat." She instructed him, taking her leave out of the study and walking to his rather messy kitchen downstairs. Unbeknownst to her, Ken had followed her downstairs, leaning against the wall of the kitchen behind her. He watched her go through Merlin's fridge and cupboards, making sure that she wasn't getting up to any more mischief.
As Jaden dumped a load of vegetables into a pot, Ken walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. Jaden jumped slightly at the surprised touch, resisting the urge to shove him away, knowing that if she tried he'd fight back. So, swallowing down her pride, Jaden focused on preparing Merlin his meal. Surely Ken wouldn't argue to that? However, that was not to be the case, as Ken started softly kissing Jaden's neck, causing the mage to flinch. He chuckled darkly as he slipped his hand down her pants, his finger lightly brushing her clit as he found his prize.
Jaden bit her lip hard, trying her hardest not to moan and give in to Ken's demands. As much as she wanted to turn around and tell him to fuck off, a tiny voice in the back of her mind told her to not argue, to let Ken have his way with her so she wouldn't cause Merlin to have any sort of suspicions about her relationship with Ken. Just enjoy it. The tiny voice whispered into her ear. Give him a good time and maybe he'll just leave you alone. Yes, Jaden thought through her wave of pleasure, yes, I will enjoy it. I'll show him that he doesn't need Barbie. He only needs me, that way Barbie can be happy and never have to worry about this asshole ever again. Within the deep black pit that was now her heart, Jaden knew that she was gaslighting herself, trying to make this easier on herself so she wouldn't go completely crazy, but what else could she do? It was either let Barbie live the rest of her life with a man who never had her best interests at heart and wanted her to repress her true love for women, or Jaden could take that burden from her and suffer for the sake of Barbie's eternal happiness. Although this was all a dream, to Barbie this was her real life, her one chance to become the woman that she so desired. And though Jaden still had her own thoughts and feelings despite being trapped in this nightmare disguised as beauty, love and wonderment, to her none of that mattered, not if it meant the woman she had hopelessly fallen in love with could live a more fulfilling life.
It took a lot out of her to not pull herself away from Ken's grasp as he slid her jeans and underwear down to the floor, leaving them hanging at her ankles. The only thing keeping her from screaming the house down and alerting Merlin, was to just continue on the task she was doing, which right now was preparing Merlin's meal. The sudden, sharp thrust of his penis slamming in from behind surprised her out of her focus. Jaden had to bite down on her lip hard, a muffled cry of pleasure escaping her lips.
From there, the next half an hour was a blur to Jaden, who was doing her damn hardest to block out everything that was going on around her. She was finding it harder with each of Ken's frenzied, thrusts to concentrate on the food. She knew that struggling was pointless, but with her body entering its fight-or-flight response, she had no way of controlling it. It infuriated Jaden all the more that Ken seemed to know all the right spots that caused Jaden to want to moan out louder. If he was literally anybody else, Jaden would be begging him to go harder, to thrust up into her balls deep until she was screaming out his name in pure bliss. But this was Ken; the man she hated with every fibre of her being, the man who she fantasised killing to help her sleep better at night.
Ken was getting more frustrated as he watched Jaden succeeding in concealing her moans, which at this point were just pitiful whimpers that could barely be heard above the slapping sound of his balls against her ass. Ken rested his chin on Jaden's shoulder, his lips brushing her ear as his dropped his voice into a threatening whisper. "I know you can moan louder than that, you slut. Now quit struggling and enjoy what I'm giving you. You're only making this harder on yourself." Ken purred in her ear, making the tone of his threats sound more like declarations of love.
Jaden closed her eyes and obeyed, giving Ken a much louder moan that sounded more like a grunt to her own ears. Ken responded to this with an empty praise of her being a good girl and speeding up his movements, causing Jaden to cry out even louder. Much to her relief, the ordeal didn't last much longer. As she finished up with Merlin's vegetable soup, she felt Ken's cock twitch whilst he came inside of her. When Ken finally pulled himself out of her, Jaden took the opportunity to hastily pull her panties and trousers back up and headed upstairs and into Merlin's study, the bowl of soup in hand, all the whilst praying to the Maker that the wizard had not heard her and Ken having sex in his kitchen. Silently, Jaden set the bowl down onto the table in front of Merlin, her face bright red with embarrassment.
Merlin clapped his hands in glee. "Oh, that smells wonderful! It seems I am actually quite hungry. I was so wrapped up in my studies, I must have forgotten to eat. No wonder I became frustrated. Thank you, Jaden." The wizard thanked her as he sat down at his desk to dig into his meal.
Just as she was about to turn around and leave, Jaden suddenly remembered the book that she had with her. Grabbing her backpack from the floor, Jaden pulled the book from her bag and placed it down onto Merlin's desk beside his bowl of soup.
Merlin gave Jaden a small laugh. "You really are a quicker learner, aren't you? Very well, here you go." He reached at the bookshelf behind him and handed her another book for her to read.
"Some might say a little too quick and consider me dangerous because of my fast learning. After all, I do want power." Jaden grinned playfully, knowing that those types of comments got on the wizard's nerves.
Merlin gave her a disappointed look. "Which is why I'm keeping an eye on you, Jaden. You will soon realise power isn't everything. It's what you do with that power. But I'm sure you don't need me to keep reminding you of that." Merlin said, speaking to her like a naughty child.
Jaden rolled her eyes and nodded, already a little sick of hearing all the lectures. Although, Merlin did have something right; he didn't need to remind her. "Are you done?" Jaden asked him plainly, trying not to let her annoyance show.
Merlin sighed. "You know I'm only trying to help you. But yes, I'm done."
Jaden looked pleased by that answer. "Good. Well, you're obviously busy, so I shall leave you. No doubt there's a million things you need to be getting on with." Jaden said, dismissing herself from the study with a wave of farewell. Once downstairs, Jaden dragged Ken by his arm, leading him out of the house.
Shrugging himself out of Jaden's grip, Ken walked beside her. "Is there anything else you need to do?" He asked her impatiently.
Jaden shrugged and pulled out her cigarette packet. Taking one of the cigarette's out, she started to smoke it as she continued to walk at a slow pace. "I do need to see Ursula now that her house is built." She proposed.
Ken answered with a simple nod of his head and then took Jaden's hand in his own, squeezing it into a vice-like grip so there was no chance of her breaking it out of it. If she wanted to try and escape, there was nowhere for her to run now.
Jaden winced at the sudden crushing pressure on her hand. As much as she was tempted to just break his hand there and then, she was reminded of the punishment that was sure to come later. She wanted to get back to a sense of normality again, not spend another two weeks in bed again. No, for the time being, she would have to keep the peace.
For now, anyway.
The walk from Merlin's house to Ursula's was only an hour, but for Jaden it felt so much longer with Ken trapping her freedom beside her. The couple hadn't spoken a single word to each other, something that Jaden was completely fine with, if it meant she didn't have to strike up conversation with this controlling bastard, then all was well.
Once the couple had reached the newly built house that was situated right in the middle of the ocean on the beach, Jaden told Ken to wait outside while she went inside. The mage had made up some sort of lie that Ursula wasn't kind to strangers and would just kick Ken straight out, which wasn't a complete lie. Thankfully, Ken did as he was told as Jaden waded out into the ocean and stepped inside the purple glow that took her inside of Ursula's house.
But of course, this wasn't any ordinary house. Since Ursula was a creature of the deep, Ursula's home was actually more like a cavern than a proper house, with a small pool of water right in the centre that she could dive under so she could breathe. Because of this, the house was constantly damp and cold, causing Jaden to break out into chills upon immediately entering. She was hoping she wouldn't have to come here very often.
Upon hearing Jaden's echoing footsteps on the rocky flooring, Ursula raised her body above the surface, looking both elegant and ugly at the same time. "Nice work, angelfish. My new house beats Triton's palace any day." The sea witch praised the mage before swiftly adding, "Except for the exterior…it needs more curb appeal, but it's definitely better than that cave I was stuck in." Ursula cast Jaden a wicked grin before continuing. "And now that I know you're gullible…ah! I mean, kind," she quickly corrected herself, "I need you to run a little errand for me. It's simple, dearie. Nothing really. I just need you to sneak into house and borrow some paper. A girl has to be prepared to whip up contracts, you know." Ursula said casually, almost as if stealing paper was a normal, everyday occurrence.
Jaden smirked. "You want me to sneak into houses? I love sneaking around, this should be easy." She reassured the sea witch, putting her mind at ease that Jaden was the right woman for the job.
"I thought you would enjoy it. Now, don't come back until you have what I need." Ursula said before diving back underwater, signifying that Jaden should leave now.
When Jaden stepped out of the cave, Ken immediately walked over to her. "So, now what?"
Jaden shook her wet shoes before turning to Ken. "Now, I have to steal paper," Jaden told him, "doesn't sound too hard." She added.
Ken frowned. "Wait, she wants you to steal paper? What for?" The blonde man asked, perplexed.
The mage shrugged. "I didn't ask and I don't really care why she wants it." She informed him, walking slightly ahead of him when an idea sprung to mind. "Say, isn't it poker night, tonight?" Ken confirmed her answer with a nod of his head. Jaden smirked. "Perhaps while everyone is at the restaurant, I'll sneak into their houses and steal the paper." She planned on the spot, inwardly praising herself for the genius idea. Sometimes even I surprise myself.
Ken, however, didn't seem as impressed with the idea. "If that's what you're doing, then I'm coming with you, then." He commanded her, his voice brooking no arguments.
Jaden shot him an angry look. "Like hell you are! This will be easier if I do this alone. You know, less likely to get caught." She tried to reason with him. She wasn't entirely wrong, she told herself. If Ken had to tag along, it would only slow her down.
Ken stepped closer and grabbed the mage by her hoodie, lifting her feet off of the ground. "What did I say, bitch? I'm in charge here! Perhaps I should take you home and make you remember that." He threatened her, setting her feet back on the ground and took her by the hand. He had made his point and that was final. Never mind the more sensible option, they were doing it Ken's way now.
Giving her no other choice than to comply, Jaden sighed and stormed off back to her house to prepare for the night, ignoring the disapproving glare that Ken shot her when she walked past him. Once the pair were back home, Ken shoved Jaden from behind into the house and kicked her in the knee, causing the mage to fall to the floor and cry out in pain. A small voice in the back of his mind reminded him to be careful with what wounds he was to inflict her with, knowing there were a few people suspicious of their 'relationship'. He had to hand it to Jaden though, she was good at lying, or at the very least good at convincing people that she was suicidal at least. If only she could somehow convince Brooklyn of that, the silly bitch. If she wasn't careful about where she was sticking her nose in, then an unfortunate accident might soon be coming her way.
It wasn't until early evening that Ken had finally stopped his vicious assault on Jaden. He left the mage lying on the floor in a small pool of her own blood, unable to move as he took a seat on the sofa and turned the TV on. He smiled with satisfaction that he had done a good job when Jaden coughed up a thin trail of blood as she tried to get herself back up. That'll show her. He thought smugly. "Get up and make dinner." He ordered her as he flicked through the various channels.
Jaden groaned as she forced herself to her feet. On her way over to the kitchen, Jaden walked past Ken and spat blood right in his face, at this point not caring in the slightest on whatever punishment he would deal to her next. It couldn't possibly get any worse.
Launching himself off of the sofa, Ken slammed Jaden against the wall and punched her in the stomach. When a painful groan escaped the mage's lips, Ken punched her a second time before throwing her onto the floor, before sitting himself back down on the sofa.
Wanting nothing more than to fight back, Jaden once again pushed herself to her feet and this time, made her way into the kitchen, all the while thinking of the many different ways on how she can get revenge on that bastard.
Weakened, humiliated and simmering with anger, Jaden got started on making yet another meal. She decided to only make dinner for Ken as she wasn't feeling that hungry and, knowing the type of mood that Ken was currently in, he'd only want to beat her up again, causing her to likely throw up any food that she had consumed. After giving Ken his food, Jaden walked into the bedroom and glancing over at the open window, snuck out of the house, needing some time away from Ken.
In a hazed world of her own, she found herself walking over to Remy's restaurant, completely unaware that she was doing so until she reached the double doors. Jaden supposed to herself that maybe she was hoping there was something that could keep her busy, to give her a distraction from her thoughts about Ken.
As Jaden stepped inside the restaurant, Remy, noticing her presence, ran over to her. "I'm afraid if you're looking for work, Jaden, I have nothing for you. Unless you wouldn't mind cleaning the dishes?" Remy suggested to her.
Jaden shrugged. "It's better than nothing." She said, as she and Remy headed over to the large kitchen area. However, just before Jaden could actually step inside of the kitchen, Goofy entered the restaurant and called out to her. Jaden stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. "Hey, Goofy. What's up?"
"We need to talk." Goofy informed her, giving her one of those knowing looks that only the pair of them understood the real meaning behind it.
Oh, this is going to be good. Jaden thought, though she was a little concerned over the setting Goofy had chosen for their meeting. "Seriously, right here?" Jaden said cautiously. When Goofy gestured to a nearby table, Jaden sighed. At least there wasn't many people in the restaurant to overhear their conversation. Taking her seat as instructed, Jaden pulled out her whiskey flask and started to drink it, waiting for Goofy to speak.
Not being very good with small talk, Goofy, cut right to the chase. "I'm worried about you." He said simply, causing Jaden to spit out her drink all over the table. Goofy still remained calm and still, his stony facial expression impassive and not giving anything away.
Of all the things Jaden had been expecting to come out of Goofy's mouth, that was not one of them. "You're worried about me? Why?" She asked, completely taken aback. For a split second, she had to remind herself that this dog-like creature was a serial killer.
Goofy, brought a hand up to his face, almost as if the answer in itself was painfully obvious. "Jaden, you nearly killed yourself." Goofy said with exercised patience.
"Yeah, and?" Jaden challenged him.
Goofy took another quick glance around the restaurant, double checking that they were indeed alone. He leaned in across the table, whispering into Jaden's ear. "I'm just making sure you aren't having second thoughts about our agreement. That you aren't feeling any guilt." He added, his statement clear.
Jaden gently pushed him away from her, causing Goofy to fall back into his seat. "I'm not. That's not why I tried to kill myself, you know. I was suicidal before I even came here." She informed him. "And that's all I'm going to say." That was her way of closing that discussion, end of.
Resigned, Goofy nodded his understanding. At least he knew just where he was standing. Jaden hadn't forgotten her deal to him and her mental health problems were due to something completely unrelated. Goofy would lay money on that Ken guy she was currently shacked up with, though he knew when to keep his own counsel.
Having said her piece, Jaden got up from her chair and was about to head over to the kitchen, but then stopped when an idea came to mind. "Here's an idea: How about I lure the victims here for Remy to cook up the meals?" Jaden suggested. "That way, it wouldn't end in a fight again."
Goofy thought for a moment and totally intrigued, nodded. "That could work. You got any ideas on how to convince him to keep quiet about this?"
Jaden smirked. "Oh, I'm sure I can. Watch and learn." She said smugly, gesturing for him to follow her into the staff only kitchens. Ignoring Remy for the time being, she walked over to the stove, acting as if everything was totally normal.
Remy frowned and walked over to the stove, standing on the counter next to it. He watched the mage as she turned it on, setting up a pot of boiling water. Not really sure what was going on, Remy's face was plastered with confusion. Turning around, he noticed Goofy standing in the doorway, watching them both with a keen interest that unnerved Remy.
"So," Jaden began, "Goofy and I need your help with something." Jaden addressed the blue rat, crossing her arms across her chest to give her a more intimidating appearance. "But we need to know if we can trust you to keep quiet about it." Jaden pressed on.
"Why? What are you planning?" Remy questioned her, his unease spiking into an increasing, unknown fear.
Quick as a flash, Jaden picked up the rat by his tail and held him over the pot of boiling water. She kept a tight grip on him to make sure she wouldn't either accidently drop him or Remy managing to struggle out of her hold and drop himself into the pot.
"Woah, what are you doing!?" Remy squeaked out in a panic as he struggled against the mage's grip.
Jaden chuckled nastily at Remy's terror. "Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. I just need a little favour from you. You see, Goofy and I need a chef. One that is well trusted and not known for pranks." She explained, coolly.
Remy briefly stopped struggling, his voice cracking as he tried to regain some sort of dignity left. "Uh, sure…but I feel like there's something you're not telling me…"
Using her free hand, Jaden pulled out a small bag of cocaine and placed it down onto the kitchen counter. "All I need you to do is cook that when I tell you to." Jaden assured him. "And, I won't have to kill you and, trust me, I will make sure it's a slow and painful death." She ended off cheerily, wanting to make a last impact on Remy's already terrified conscience.
Having no other choice than to go along with her demands and not wanting to die a horrible death in a boiling pot of water, Remy merely nodded his head. "Alright, fine…I never pictured you to be this cold hearted, but I'll do it…" Remy resigned himself to his fate, his body going stiff and still as he wondered what exactly he had gotten himself into. His mind raced with puzzlement, as he tried to pick out any clues that Jaden might have left to hint that this was really her true self. But, no such clue came to mind, leaving Remy feeling defeated and desolate.
Jaden smiled and satisfied that Remy was telling the truth, she pulled the rat away from the pot and dropped him onto the counter. "Good." She said merrily. And with that, Jaden walked away from the rat and over to the sink to get started on the dishes. She did after all, come here to do some work. She wasn't completely senile.
Goofy, having watched the entire exchange with a growing admiration for the woman, left the two new working partners to bond on their new partnership, knowing that there was no need for him to stay. He had to hand it to Jaden, she really did know how to persuade someone whilst also making it act like a threat at the same time. He had no doubt in his mind that Jaden made every word she said to him, right down to dropping him in the boiling water. Any earlier doubts he had about her that day had now completely vanished. Jaden was fully committed to this deal, meaning Goofy no longer had to worry about where her loyalties lied.
He was very proud of her, all right.