Chapter 3

Disaster In The Hunt Ball

After talking with Mrs. Jenkins, Pocahontas and John Rolfe were now finding suitable clothes to wear for their attendance in the Hunt Ball. Uti on the other hand was feeling rather reluctant about it, even though he still viewed Sora and his friends as trustworthy allies.

"John Rolfe! How do I look?" Pocahontas asked, as she danced about in the undergarments.

"Oh, lovely in your underwear," he replied.

"Uh, Pocahontas, why don't you come with me for a bit? Mrs. Jenkins isn't done with you yet," suggested Asuna, and she gently led her away.

This made him relieved, at least for now. But curious Pocahontas was looking at the strange contraptions and apparel that left her in a state of confusion. But then Mrs. Jenkins decided to give her a bit of help on how she could make a good first impression.

Mrs. Jenkins:

Have no fear, we're all right

You've got me, dear, to see you're a lady tonight

What seems strange is just new

People change everyday till they find their own way

So can you

And wait till he sees you after you're dressed

I think the king will be very impressed

Wait till he sees you walking with ease

He'll be so pleased you came down from the trees

You'll be fine; I can tell

It's a very good sign that you're doing so well

One more tuck, one more bow

Don't get stuck on that clasp

Johnny's lucky they asked you to go

'Cause wait till he sees you

He'll be so proud

Maybe he'll smile if he thinks he's allowed

Wait till he sees you there in your curls

John's always had such a fondness for girls, with curls

John Rolfe:

And wait, wait till you're out on the floor

Show them what dancing is for

Music is all you need

See where a dance can lead

Mrs. Jenkins:

You two might come to see

You were meant to be so much more

Wait till he sees you

Wait till tonight

Fate has a way of arranging what's right

After he sees you in your new clothes

A lady of grace from your head to your toes

Pretty and pink as the roses he grows

Who knows, who knows

I can't wait

"Mrs. Jenkins might be right, Pocahontas. You'll be fine. Trust me. All you need to do is relax," Sora said, even as he stood back and watched.

"Oh, I've got something for you," added John Rolfe, and he pulled out another necklace.

Sadly, Pocahontas removed the necklace that her mother wore for her wedding with her father, Chief Powhatan. This made Flit worried, until Yuzuriha grabbed him.

"Not so fast, Flit. There's no point in arguing with Pocahontas," she said.

"That's right. We'll make sure to take care of it while she and John are at the Hunt Ball," added Cody.

The little hummingbird nodded sadly, accepting that he had little choice in the matter. After trying on the new necklace, Mrs. Jenkins gently led her away, but John Rolfe examined it carefully. Knowing that he would have to keep it safe for a while. Elsewhere, a man with another horse-drawn cart arrived with a bear in the cage. He was under Ratcliffe's employ.

"I have personally taken charge of the entertainment at the hunt ball. I want you to make sure nothing goes right," he said to the man, and passed him a bag of money.

Back in his estate, John Rolfe showed his new look to his friends.

"Now you look very dashing, John," admitted Asuka.

"Oh, why thank you, Asuka, that's very kind of you," he replied happily.

"Also, Uti, I know this might seem out of place for me, but please make sure to watch over them," said Compa.

Then Pocahontas emerged, wearing a very elegant but beautiful dress, which left everyone in awe.

"Wow," murmured Sora.

Down the stairs she went, as elegantly as she could, until they were face to face.

"It's called powder," she said.

"You look beautiful," John Rolfe replied kindly.

"Yeah, you really do, Pocahontas," added Cody.

"Also, before you leave, we'll stay here and hold down the fort for a bit. But, we may have to patrol the streets for any and all Heartless that might try to attack the people," said Yumi.

"Oh, by all means, Yumi. Please do," was his answer.

"Also, Uti, please watch over them," said Compa.

Uti nodded, his face stern, but at least Pocahontas was happy that her friends were showing their support to the fullest degree. They slowly walked out the door, but as Meeko, Percy, and Flit were about to follow, it was closed shut in their faces, by Mrs. Jenkins.

"Sorry, you three. But we're not invited. All it'd do is lead to a whole lot of commotion. And the king doesn't like it when someone causes commotion," said Kirito.

"Also, Mrs. Jenkins, would you mind putting on some tea for us?" asked Yang.

"I most certainly can, dear," replied the keeper.

Soon everyone sat down, and began sharing tea and biscuits with each other.

"I know that after seeing Ratcliffe, he's up to something that could destroy the Powhatan tribe in Virginia," sighed Shea.

"What do you mean?" asked Ruby.

"Well, it's really obvious, Ruby. Sora told us about how Pocahontas and John Smith met each other. They tried to find a way to stop a war from destroying each other and themselves. But then they had to be separated from each other after Chief Powhatan was saved from death. It doesn't actually make any sense, you guys. Sure she might still be upset that he's gone, and John Rolfe is trying to help her be a better person, but still, we can't just sit around and do nothing while Ratcliffe's plotting to attack and destroy everything to get that gold they have no knowledge about," she continued.

"Maybe, Shea. But having some backup plans can give us a bit of an edge, and help us find a way to make that difference become a reality. All we have to do is be patient," replied Sora.

"I just hope you're right, Sora. Because the sight of Pocahontas' friends and family already being taken away from her will indeed break her heart," sighed Asuka.

"They won't. They may fight to the last man to protect their families, and everything else that they hold dear, but still, that only gives us the drive to help them out a lot more. And we always have to find ways of helping," said Yumi.

"Well, I have heard rumors that some of those Heartless you chaps had been talking about are running amok in the streets. Maybe you can take care of them and protect the people from being hurt by them," suggested the house-keeper.

"You can count on us, Mrs. Jenkins!" grinned Yuffie, and everyone but Yui raced out to patrol the streets and fight off the Heartless that were on the prowl like a pack of wolves.

As they did, Pocahontas, John Rolfe, and Uti were now heading to Buckingham Palace for the Hunt Ball, even though all they wanted was to open negotiations with each other for a peaceful resolution, rather than an all out war. A man was announcing the names of the guests that had arrived, one by one, even as they walked up the steps, through the entrance hall, and into the throne room. Finally, when they arrived…

"John Rolfe and Princess Pocahontas…" announced the messenger.

The people were surprised to hear Pocahontas' name being spoken in front of them. But then the messenger was having difficulty trying to pronounce Uttamatomakkin's name, even though Compa gave him the nickname of Uti.

"Try 'Uti,'" John Rolfe said to the messenger.

"Oh, thank you, sir," he replied.

But of course, Uti could not enter, so he decided to take the other man's coat and walk down the steps. However, Pocahontas grew nervous, even with everyone staring at her, as she and John Rolfe approached both King James and Queen Anne, even as she tried to be polite and civil. Once they were near them, John bowed, but his partner seemed hesitant.

"Welcome to England, Pocahontas," said the queen.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she replied, courseying to her.

"What do you think of my kingdom, hmm?" asked the king.

"I think you must be a great king to have many subjects, Your Majesty, and the loyalty of so many good men," answered Pocahontas.

King James was surprised, but also pleased to know that she had spoken kindly of the very kingdom. Unfortunately, the negotiations would have to be put on hold, as there was a ball to participate in, even at his gentle urging. But then those in attendance began to welcome Pocahontas with open arms, along with Uti, while another man who was drunk from the wine asked John Rolfe to come to his home for a little get together, until he collapsed onto the ground with his glass in hand. Wine splashed everywhere. Uti gave a nervous smile, until it was time for the dance to begin. James watched, and even moved in motion with the music that was playing, while everyone danced across the floor. However, unknown to them, Sephiroth was observing from the shadows, a wicked smile on his face. After most of the other men had finished their dancing with Pocahontas, John Rolfe stepped up, and danced with her.

"In one night you will have done more for the cause of peace than a hundred diplomats," he said, until they moved in for a kiss.

Sadly, the moment was interrupted by another woman, until Ratcliffe began dancing with Pocahontas on the ballroom floor.

"My, you look lovely. I can't even see the real you under there. I do hope no one else does," he grinned maliciously.

"I was going to say the same thing about you," remarked Pocahontas.

"It's a very good thing Smith is dead. Seeing how disloyal your heart is would surely kill him," sneered the former governor.

Pocahontas was heartbroken by what she heard, but John Rolfe ran to her side to comfort her, until one of the attendants said that it was time for dinner. Soon, everyone came into the dining hall to eat, but as John Rolfe was about to let Pocahontas take a seat…

"Oh, no, madam. The guest of honor is always on the king's right hand," said the messenger who got another jacket to wear after Uti took his old one.

Pocahontas nodded, even though John had to accept he was right. But as she was about to discuss the terms of peace, a fanfare played out from nearby, and Ratcliffe emerged.

"Your Royal Highnesses, Lords and ladies of the court… And our distinguished guest from the forests of the New World," he announced, and a curtain was pulled away to reveal several jesters about to perform.

Jester 1:

Things are not what they appear

As tonight will make quite clear

But what is real will be revealed

I can feel the moment's near

Jester 2:

Things are never what they seem

That will be this evening's theme

Abusing sights for your delight

perhaps a few to make you scream

Ratcliffe:

You'll be surprised to see whose disguise

Is the cleverest one of the lot

After our show the whole world will know

Who's is pretending to be what they're not

If a jester's grin or a dancer's spin

Should be pleasing, please say "Yay"!

Crowd:

Yay!

Ratcliffe:

If a jugglers feat should be incomplete

He's the one to greet with "Nay"!

Crowd:

Nay!

Ratcliffe:

If the fools we see should look like you and me

Then before the night goes by

Ask why, why, why, why, why,

Why?

Jester 1:

Things are not what they appear

And the finest proof's right here

Ratcliffe:

How I regret when we first met

I believed my own worst fear

Jester 2:

Things are never what they seem

So in keeping with our theme

Ratcliffe:

A change of hair, a dress to wear

And our nightmare's now a dream

Clueless and wild

I saw this sweet child

As a danger to one and to all

Savage, I thought

What could Rolfe have brought?

Now I see she's the belle of the ball

Things are never what they seem

Crowd:

He's right, he's right!

Ratcliffe:

Many don't say what they mean

Crowd:

He's right, he's right!

Jester 1:

A powdered face is just the place

Jester 2:

To hide an ugly scheme

Ratcliffe:

Only one thing's really clear

Things are not what they appear!

But then things started to go wrong, even as John Rolfe tried to stop the magic show, even as the bear appeared. The jesters laughed, and Pocahontas finally snapped when she saw the innocent creature about to be hurt. She stormed up to the jesters, her true colors fully revealed.

"NO! STOP THIS! This is torture!" she cried.

"This is an animal–nothing more," remarked James.

"A helpless animal," argued Pocahontas.

"Sit down at once… and we will overlook this savage behavior," the king argued back.

"Your behavior is savage! You and your people are the barbarians!" yelled Powhatan's daughter.

"Is that right? How petty, Pocahontas. Now, you will know what true savagery is," a voice said from behind.

Pocahontas whirled round, and to her shock, saw Sephiroth with his sword fully revealed, and a black wing that burst out from his right shoulder blade.

"Take her alive, in the name of your king," called the One-Winged Angel.

The guards charged forward, but Uti stopped them, until at Ratcliffe's urging, they pinned him down and put the both of them in chains.

"Take them to the tower!" snapped King James.

"NO! Your Majesty, please! It was a misunderstanding!" cried John Rolfe.

"Push me no farther… or face treason," he scowled, and stormed away.

"Where exactly do your loyalties lie?" asked Ratcliffe.

Pocahontas tried to fight back, but it was no use as the guards dragged her away, even as the madman gave a wicked grin, and an aura of darkness emerged around his being, until she and Uti were soon carted off to the Tower of London. But far away from the palace, after Sora and his friends fought off the Heartless, they soon returned to the house for some rest.

"Man, I fought my butt off," sighed Kirito.

"The same goes for the rest of us," added Yuzuriha.

"Well, yeah, but at least the people were happy that we stopped those Heartless from attacking them without provocation," remarked Yang.

But suddenly, Sora was struck by a seizure.

"Pocahontas has snapped, and now she shall face her destined demise, just like how Kocoum did under Marluxia's careful planning," the One-Winged Angel's voice rang in his head.

"No. Pocahontas is going to die?" he gasped.

"We won't let that happen, Sora!" declared Ruby.

"I know that, Ruby. But she did snap, and now she's been taken to the tower along with Uti. Oh, this is all my fault. But you were right, Sora. Ratcliffe did have Sephiroth backing him up this entire time," sighed John Rolfe, who returned looking upset and hurt.

"John, please, try to get together. I know we agreed to stay put and hold down the fort while you went to the hunt ball. But as Ruby said, we're not letting Pocahontas die for what she did. So there's no way we're letting her share in Kocoum's fate," declared Yumi.

"Yeah, Yumi's right. We'll find a way, but only if we work together," added Asuka.

"That's right. I know you're worried about her, but we'll still find a way to avert this nightmare," agreed Sora.

"But we're gonna have to do something really risky to bust Pocahontas and Uti out of the tower," said Asuna.