April 30, x777
High in a penthouse in the upper levels of Sun City, a well-dressed older man with piercing yellow eyes, faded orange hair, and a Klingon beard smoked a cigar as he watched the rain pour over his city. The morning had been unwelcoming, and the heavy clouds overhead dampened the mood. He sat on a vintage chair overlooking the balcony window, reading a book by Kemu Zaleon.
It was good.
The news he'd received on Mako, Vince, and Osha, the three mages he'd personally trained, was not. It had taken a lot of careful crafting to mold those three into worthy successors, letting them run free to build their dark guilds. He'd believed that when they inevitably came to blows, the winner would become the king of Sun City's underworld. Maybe even a better one than he'd been.
Instead, he learned that they and their guilds were defeated in a single night. All were left alive and handed to the incompetent rune knights of Sun City on a silver platter. It was unheard of. Over 100 criminals had been defeated.
Yesterday, the underworld was itching with excitement, on the verge of war, and now it was a ghost town. The rune knights were still rounding them up and would soon be moved to Black Voxx or the Lighthouse, whichever had more space.
"Any word on who did it, Kyvit?" He asked, looking at the butler at the door. The butler was grim, a scar on his nose from the long climb from the lower levels to the top. He had long blond hair. His voice was deep and calloused, "No, sir. We could interrogate the Rune Knights, but with all the light guilds they called in as backup, it might cause a scene."
"Forget it then," he puffed his cigar, "The last thing I need is them staying longer than they should. They're only here because there weren't enough Rune Knights in Sun to clean up the mess. Once everyone's detained, the light guilds will leave with their paychecks and we'll be free to roam."
"Very well, sir," Kyvit said, "And your protégés?"
"Leave them for now." He turned the page of his book. "Even if the rune knights are incompetent, it is common knowledge that dark guild masters must be dealt with first. I'm certain Mako, Vince, and Osha have already been detained. It is better to wait until the light guilds leave before making our move."
"Understood," Kyvit said. "Should I keep an eye on where they're being detained so they aren't moved out of the city, sir?"
"Yes, do that." He said, "Be careful though. Supposing the mage who did this is on escort, I'll likely be the only one who can handle them."
"Understood, sir."
"Oh, and Kyvit," he closed his book and slipped it into his suit. "I'd like to reserve a ballroom for a suit-and-tie dinner for tonight. Make it an auction."
"Yes, sir. Who should we invite."
"Upper levels and useful middle levels. They can bring guests; just make sure the venue is filled."
"Yes, sir." Kyvit bowed, "Out of curiosity, sir, may I ask why? Now hardly seems an appropriate time."
"Now's the perfect time." He puffed on his cigar, "I highly doubt any job posting asked for one to destroy three dark guilds simultaneously, so the one that defeated Mako and the others probably had a goal in mind. Something or someone they wanted. They were looking for something; if they didn't find it, they'd still be in the city looking."
As long as the one who defeated his apprentices was still around, there was no reason to break them out. The same thing would just happen again.
"So let's try to catch their eye with something shiny."
It was better to settle it now rather than later.
Juvia's stomach grumbled as she stood patiently, struggling not to squirm as her mother helped her put on her dress for tonight's giant dinner. She liked dresses, but she didn't like putting them on. They were tight, and the one in Bosco felt too revealing. Her upper back was exposed.
She preferred Dress coats. They were more comfortable and more rainproof.
"All done now, honey. What do you think?" Juvia's mother said, and Juvia exhaled. She looked in the mirror and saw a glimmer of sky blue. A quick twirl showed off the puffy skirt, and she smiled. It was the same color as her mother's. They were matching.
"I love it, mom."
"That's wonderful," her mother ran her hands through her curled hair. "Now, before we go, remember this is a very important dinner for your father and me. We were lucky to be invited, even more so that the host asked all family members to attend. You remember the rules, right?"
"Yes, Mom," Juvia nodded. "Ju- I shouldn't speak unless spoken to and shouldn't bother you and Dad while you're talking. I can't make a scene."
"Exactly, Juvia. Just play with the other kids if they're there or wait at the table." Her mother smiled, finishing her hair, "And be careful with your vocabulary. I almost heard a slip-up."
"Sorry, mom."
"It's okay, honey." Her mother smiled, bopping her on the nose, "You're doing your best. Now, let's show your father how beautiful you are."
Juvia's mother held out her hand, and Juvia grabbed it instantly. She smiled softly as they walked to their living room, where her father struggled with his tie.
He wore a charcoal black suit, highlighting his once deeply tanned but now peachier skin. His red tie contrasted with his black hair. His brown eyes found his mother's, and he smiled, "Well, if it isn't the two most beautiful girls in the world."
"Oh, hush, sweet talker," Juvia's mother said as she fixed his tie and grinned. She wore a long, tight sky blue dress matching her sky-blue hair and eyes. Her porcelain white skin looked nice next to her father's black suit, and when they stood next to each other, they looked like a complete puzzle. Juvia loved looking at them together.
"It's not sweet-talking if it's true, is it?"
They always looked happy.
"I suppose it isn't, " her mother said, beckoning Juvia to follow them into the raining streets of Sun. Their umbrellas were open, keeping their clothes dry as they approached the upper city.
Juvia padded behind her mom and dad, holding her parasol as she watched her parents walk towards the party. They held each other's hand, her father leaning in to whisper in her mother's ear.
"Love," he said, "when we're in the upper levels, we should host these dinners every night."
"Why?"
"So I can see you in that dress again." Juvia's father smiled, love lingering in his gaze, "You're gorgeous. I can't keep my eyes off you."
"I'd hope so." Juvia heard her mother chuckle, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I wouldn't want to look any less dashing than my husband."
Juvia watched her parents flirt and laugh like they were characters in one of the fairy tales her father read to her, and she thought it would be nice.
"Today's a big day, after all."
To have a love like that.
The party was higher up in Sun City than Juvia expected, well within the upper levels. The crude metal bridges of the middle city were gone, and now only the skyscrapers were visible. Hanging gardens and man-made waterfalls lined the upper city's lobbies and giant glass infrastructure. With marble architecture and penthouses for the upper brass to live in, it was like a city made of 5-star hotels.
The 'hotel' where the dinner was being held had an array of various floral decorations. White tablecloths hung over the dining tables. Complimentary wines, caviar, and bread were circled on the marble dance floor's open tables. Grandiose chandeliers of diamonds and crystals lit the ceiling. Everything was top-of-the-line.
The room must've been a ballroom, with a wall of windows lining one side to give the guests a view of the rest of the city. This beautiful view was only spoiled by the growing thunderstorm and harsh downpour. Other than that, finding even a fork out of place was impossible.
Juvia wasn't even sure how her family was invited to such an event, much less a few other middle-city families she recognized. It was strange.
She only got a general idea when the host, a man with black hair and a formal suit and tie, walked out onto the stage.
"Hello, lovely guests, my name is Chavelli. I will be your gracious host for the evening." The man smiled with upper city sparkling white teeth, and Juvia heard murmurs of confusion nearby. The man seemed to take notice and elaborated.
"Yes, yes, I know many of you are used to Kytiv taking this role," Chavelli said with a strained smile, "but unfortunately, he is unavailable now, so I had to step in. Don't worry, Mr. Basil only hires the best, and this dinner will showcase that through and through."
Chavelli snapped his fingers, and the open dance floor was highlighted with a spotlight as classical music played near the stage, "Tonight will be a night of classical dance and fine cuisine, served by the best chefs in Sun City. Afterward, we will auction some of the finest pieces of Sun City's rarest merchandise. All endorsed by the generous Mr. Basil, of course."
The room broke out in light applause, Juvia following along as her mom and dad clapped quietly. Their eyes were already scanning the room for potential connections. They left to talk to other, richer-looking guests the second the announcer bowed and said, "Now enjoy the evening. Mr. Basil will come out to greet us, and then dances will be underway."
Meanwhile, Juvia was left at the table. They got bread and wine by her side. Two children were nearby. The few middle-city families invited were asked to bring their entire families along, including children, so she wasn't alone.
She just wished she was.
"Hey, look, Kev, it's the witch."
"Think she eats human food?"
"Maybe she'll feed her doll some."
"Creepy."
Juvia stared at her plate as the children her age whispered across the table. Eventually, deciding they were bored and went towards the dance floor, where people were talking and having conversations about this and that.
She saw her parents talking with a short, fat man who looked to wear most of his wealth.
They didn't look happy happy like they did when they were alone, but they seemed content—even eager. Standing close and hand in hand, they seemed okay with how the conversation was going and what it would lead to.
Juvia sat at the table and watched, not talking with anyone and nibbling at her breadsticks.
Her parents looked excited, talking animatedly about something or another. If Juvia had to guess, it must have been about upper-level stuff—maybe a way for her parents to climb the ladder. It was all they had ever wanted since they moved her—to live here.
Fancy parties and shining jewelry everywhere.
Juvia wasn't looking forward to it.
There's no sun up here, either.
Juvia frowned as the thunderstorm outside raged against the windows. She picked at her food while the music played, and people started sifting around the dance floor. The music's crescendo played in time to a lightning strike outside as a spotlight shone on stage, and the announcer from before walked out.
"Ladies and gentlemen, " he grinned, "I'm Glad you're all doing well, but it would be remiss of me not to introduce the man of the hour. Please warmly welcome the generous man who planned this event, Mr. Basil of Basil Enterprises."
Juvia glanced up at the stage, her heart stopping as she saw an older man in a tailored black suit of the highest quality. With peach skin, graying orange hair tied in a ponytail, and a frayed Klingon orange beard, he took the stage and addressed the room, "Well, it's lovely to see all of you here. I must say it's nice to see some new faces. Please, enjoy yourselves."
Juvia dropped her fork, her eyes wide as the man's piercing yellow eyes flicked her way and widened slightly. His lips twitched upwards before he returned to the audience, "I have a feeling it will be a night to remember."
Juvia hurried out of her chair, ignoring the distasteful looks. She was probably breaking one of her parents' rules, but she didn't have time to worry about it.
Juvia hadn't told her parents about what happened the day prior. She didn't see the reason to. But now the man who helped kidnap her was there, and he recognized her. They had to leave.
Juvia was scared.
"Mom," Juvia said as she walked up to her mother, tugging on her dress. "Juvia doesn't want to be here anymore."
"In a moment, honey, this is important." Her mother shooed her away, clapping with the other guests as the man finished his speech and the party resumed. She smiled at the nearby guests and whispered to Juvia, "And speak normally, dear. We're in public."
"Please, can we leave?" Juvia tried again, tugging her mother's dress, "Juvia doesn't want-"
"Enough, Juvia!" Her mother snapped, louder than she probably intended. Juvia flinched, feeling more eyes turning her way as her mother chewed her lip and lowered her voice. "This is an important event for your father and me. So, I don't have time to deal with your bad habits right now. Understood?"
"But-"
"Go somewhere else," her mother said, and Juvia cowed. Stepping backward, she bumped into a sturdy body and heard a hauntingly familiar voice, this time without the accent she'd heard back in the lower levels: "Now, now. Don't worry, Mrs. Lockser. I'd be happy to babysit your daughter for the night. These dinners can be terribly boring for children."
Juvia looked back, trembling as she saw the graying orange and red facial hair matching the man who had helped take her to Shark's Bane. He wore a cleaner and more expensive suit than the one he wore the day prior. His right hand rested on her shoulder, a gold ring touching her skin as her mother gasped, "Mr. Basil? I'm so sorry, I couldn't possibly-"
"Don't worry about it, Mrs. Locker. Oh, and I insist you call me Dregg; it's what my friends call me." The man smiled. His finger squeezed Juvia's shoulder slightly, and she wanted to go home. She looked at her mother, wondering if she would notice that she was scared.
"It would be my honor, Dregg."
She didn't.
"And please, call me Julie." Juvia's mother smiled, dragging her father into the conversation, "This is my husband, Luka."
Juvia watched as her father shook Dregg's hand, and she held the scream she wanted to let out. She wanted to leave. She didn't want to be here.
"It's a Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Basil. " Her father said, smiling brightly as he touched Juvia's shoulder, "Thank you for your consideration. Juvia's a bright girl, but she can get a bit eccentric. Could we possibly buy you lunch sometime? As a thank you for watching our daughter."
Her parents wanted to be there, so she kept her mouth shut.
Half an hour later, Juvia sat at a dinner table with the man who helped kidnap her. Her eyes low as she sat in the corner of a crowded dance hall. The various couples were waltzing and chatting about classical music. Her food was untouched as Dregg ate across from her.
"Oi, little girl. You gonna eat or wha?" He said it with the thick accent he used back in the underground. His eyes tilted in amusement as he took another bite of his chicken and potatoes, "Or should I talk like this? All sophisticated and fancy like these upper class to soothe your worries. Would that help?"
"Why did you kidnap me?"
"That's a question for after dinner, little lady." He said, eating his food as Juvia frowned at hers. She picked at her food, not really eating anything, as Dregg made conversation. "You're probably wondering why I talked differently before," he said.
"No, not really."
"Well, Juvia," he said, ignoring her frown, "It's like using a different language. Growing up in the lower city I learned to talk rough, it was easy."
He smirked as he tapped his plate, and a few of the guests nodded his direction, moving out of the way to form a small ring around their table. It looked natural but inherently stopped the other guests from getting closer. Juvia looked around nervously.
"But up 'ere," he said in his rough accent, "Can' be talkin' like I ain' educated. Anyone finds out an' I got a problem on my hands, you see. So I only talk like this if I'm sure no one fancy gonna find out, or I'm goin' down to the underworld to check on things."
Dregg tapped his plate, and the guests—or guards—dispersed. They were probably his guards disguised as guests. She recognized the announcer among them, but the rest blended in with the guests.
"Well, little lady," Dregg said, back to talking smoothly. "Get why I'm telling you this?"
"Juvia doesn't."
"See, that's it." He grinned, pointing at her with a silverware knife, "You do what I do."
"Juvia doesn't understand."
"Oh, but I think you do. Or do you want to bring your mommy here and see if you talk the same?" He laughed as the rain outside poured harder. Juvia frowned, her eyes flickering away.
"Juvia doesn't see how that's important."
Dregg merely grinned, "I just wanted to get you to understand that we're not so different. We each have things we don't want people to know, and I don't want people up here to know the little incident yesterday. You get me?"
"Juvia's going to tell on you." Juvia said flatly, "Juvia will tell the rune knights."
"See, but Juvia won't," Dregg said, cutting into a piece of chicken. The clacking of silverware against his plate sent shivers down Juvia's spine.
"Otherwise," he said, silencing Juvia with a single sentence. "I'm going to have her parents tossed off those ivory towers they're so desperate to climb."
It was scary how quickly Juvia's entire body refused to move. Her mouth was sealed shut tightly, and she couldn't even think about telling her parents anymore. She was terrified.
But somehow, what the man said next scared her even more than how he threatened her parents.
"But personally," he said, "I don't think it will come to that. Even if I had given you the option, you wouldn't have told your parents. With or without the consequences involved."
"What do you-"
"You don't think they'll believe you." He said, and Juvia flinched. Her fingers dug into her teacup as Dregg leaned forward and whispered mockingly, "And if you want my opinion, I don't think they'll believe you either. Not when it's your word versus mine. The one that can get them up in life. They don't love you that much, kiddo."
"Juvia's parents love her."
"I never said they didn't," Dregg shrugged, "But they don't love you more than the thought of getting on my good side. Of being given an express passage to the upper levels. They talked with my friend just the other day. Kytiv gave me an excellent idea of what kind of people they are. Why they moved here."
"The reason they moved here is because they love Juvia."
"And the reason they stayed?" He asked, and Juvia found she didn't have an answer. She opened her mouth only to close it. Watching as the man chuckled and directed her attention to the dance floor, "Look, little lady, you'll see what I'm talking about."
Juvia looked over to the dance floor and saw her parents dancing together, arm in arm. It was a waltz, and they held each other tightly, lovingly. It was like they were characters in a fairy tale. They were dancing without a care in the world about how others would see it.
"Even if you don't understand it now," Dregg mumbled, "eventually you will."
Juvia had seen the familiar scene, the familiar look in their eyes, multiple times, but this was the first time she didn't enjoy it. She didn't enjoy watching how they loved each other.
"Then you'll see where their priorities lie."
Juvia turned away from the sight and couldn't figure out why.
"But enough about your honeymoon parents," Dregg said, lifting her out of her head as he tapped her plate with his fork. "This is a conversation about the two of us and what we can do for each other. Now I know what happened yesterday was scary."
"You were a big part of the scariness."
"Yes, but that was yesterday's me." Dregg said, "This is today's me, and today I want to help you. Get your parents up to the wealthy life they want so much. Make them happy and tell them that it's all because of you. You'd like that, wouldn't you? Making your family happy?"
"Juvia," Juvia stuttered, closing her mouth as she watched the man smile too nicely. She didn't trust him. She didn't want to agree to anything, even about making her parents happy.
Even if she really wanted to make her parents happy.
"Juvia doesn't want to talk to you."
"Oh, but I think Juvia does." Dregg said, "I just don't think she knows it yet. I think she's letting a little fear and past mistakes cloud her judgment. So, let me lay it all out for you perfectly, reasonably, and fairly. No tricks or lies."
Juvia watched as the man set down his silverware, his steady yellow eyes meeting hers as he said, "I will get your family up here, give them a position in my company, and that will make your parents happy. I will tell them you're the reason for my decision, making them even happier. They'll love you. Even more than they already do now."
Juvia struggled not to look away as the man smiled.
"All I ask in return..."
Juvia didn't like it.
"Is for you to tell me everything that happened yesterday."
She didn't like the way he smiled.