Chapter 8: Payment in Hearts
************************************************
This is it. The meeting's finally starting.
The room lay still. Everyone was dead quiet, as though they'd be killed at the first hint of communication. Even their breaths were inaudible; hell, the sun was making more sound than them. If these guys, all of whom already knew the Queen and what she was capable of, were afraid to speak, then I was certainly in no position to even attempt it.
Only the rapping of royal nails against the table rang in the silence. They tapped perfectly in rhythm with my throbbing heartbeat, quickly throwing me off tempo as my heart raced faster. It scared me how expertly those nails of hers aligned with my pulse. She couldn't hear it, could she?
Maybe the Queen was psychic.
Within a moment, her nails picked up the pace and once again matched my heartbeat. God, how did she do it?
Those nails… That damn tapping echoed in my mind and nearly drove me insane. It was as though she was projecting my apprehension for all of them to hear, speaking volumes about which I was and what I was feeling with just a simple, eerie tap on the table. I wanted to scream and burst out of the room before that ringing finally drove me to the edge. But then, it finally ceased.
The Queen crossed her arms over her chest and with a disappointed sigh, began, "First order of business is to discuss the recent lack of “incoming hearts”. We know you all have been busy preparing for the domain's upcoming ball, but it's still no excuse. We're too far behind, and we need to increase our numbers now." Her lips pursed in an impatient scowl, but it seemed to signify her approval for her subjects to speak.
"But Your Highness, we've been handwriting all the invitations, like you asked," Eri expounded defensively.
"And preparing the decorations," added Vulpe.
"And tending to the gardens," Akin said spitefully.
"And coming up with the menu and gathering the ingredients…" mumbled Leo softly
"Quiet, all of you," Top hat jerk ordered, quickly turning everyone's attention back to the Queen.
"Thank you. What we mean is that despite the vigorous preparations, the numbers cannot drop so drastically. We're behind at least a hundred hearts!"
"That far? Oh, damn. We'll never catch up by the end of the month," Eri grumbled hopelessly.
"Um… What month are we in right now?" I whispered to Akin.
"December," he whispered back discreetly.
"So we need at least three or four a day," Vulpe stated blankly. "That's not so bad, Eri. We get way more than four in a day."
"But still, a hundred hearts behind while they're still collecting ours? I mean, it's not like they'll stop just because we're behind," she retorted wittily. "Use your head a little, Vulpe. We'll need at least double that per day to keep up, and even then I doubt it."
"But they have to prepare their ball, too! It's coming up soon. They'll slow their numbers just like we did, but we'll catch up and get ahead just at the end of December. Relax. We'll have plenty of hearts by the time this is over."
What the hell were Vulpe and Eri going on about? I still had no idea what they were even saying. Hearts? I pictured small, childlike hands carving thick sheets of red construction paper into the general shape of hearts, but with rough, jagged edges. I prayed that was what they meant. Anything like that. But… real, human hearts? These people were insane, but not murderers.
No… There was no way…
"You'd better hope so." Top hat jerk laid his forearms on the table and leaned forward, sighing.
"We understand. We just hope you all will go out and collect enough hearts," the Queen said, twirling a lock of wine red hair around her finger. "We need to get more. More!"
"Hearts?" I finally asked, though just to Akin.
"Ah, I guess where you're from, you wouldn't know," he responded at the same, low decibel.
"I suppose not…"
Suddenly, it dawned on me. Considering where I'm from? So… Did he know where my home was, when I didn't even know the answer to that myself? These people all knew more about me than I did, but no one decided to tell me anything. As I asked before, was it a crime for them to tell me anything about myself? I was getting fed up with waiting.
"So, who's going out to gather hearts tomorrow? We need," started top hat jerk, "At least five to start with."
"What're you talking about, dammit? What?" I was bitter and impatient, and I was sure it came off in my voice.
"What's wrong, Alice?" Eri asked, broadening her large, hazel eyes that matched her straight locks.
"I don't get you people! Why do you… What's all this about hearts?" The desperation in my voice almost made me cringe. Could I stop being so pathetic already? It was even pissing me off, so I couldn't imagine their frustration.
"Calm down, Alice. We'll explain," Akin said, rubbing my shoulder affectionately.
"I want to know now. What the hell's going on?"
"Akin, will you shut this girl up?" Top hat jerk rolled his dark eyes and leaned back in his chair. Akin glanced over at me and flinched at my overwhelming rage. Apparently, I had an "aura" of sorts, one that told him not to mess with me right then.
"No, you will not shut me up! Tell me what the hell is wrong with this place!"
"You silly girl—"
"Cane, calm yourself," the Queen said, her voice soft but oddly cold and unforgiving. However, when she looked down at me, she made sure to lighten her tone. "Tell Us, what do you want to know exactly?"
So, so many things. But I had to think about this carefully. I had an abundance of questions, but I had to present them effectively and make sure everything was answered. What's the point of this opportunity if I don't even ask what I wanted to ask? With a deep breath, I started from the beginning.
"Where… did I come from?"
"That? It's difficult to explain exactly and will take much more time, but We can first tell you how you got here.
While We were out on a walk, We found you lying unconscious in a recess of Our garden. It was odd, but We called in some servants and brought you inside. We were going to have you executed in case you were a deranged intruder, but Cane told Us that We were being too rash."
"H-Huh?"
That… That top hat jerk saved my life? Damn, how could I be indebted to him of all people? Why did it end up like this? Why? It was like I had some kind of curse with this guy.
Effortlessly, the Queen pushed on. "So, We waited and he suggested We put you in the storage closet until We know what to do with you."
The storage closet? That explained why the place looked so normal compared to the rest of the mansion, but…
He put me in the storage closet?
What the hell? Jeez, the bastard hated me from the beginning, didn't he? Maybe I wasn't quite as indebted as I thought…
No. He saved me. I had to thank him properly.
I knew those words would burn on my lips.
"Anything else?" The Queen rapped her fingers against the table and prompted me to speak quickly.
"W-What about those hearts you mentioned earlier?"
"Ah, yes. About your payment, you'll—"
"Wait. Wait, what? My payment?" I flinched.
"Well, of course. You can't expect a good deed like our Queen's to go unrewarded. Goodness, you really lack even the most basic of manners, Girl," Top hat jerk taunted.
"I… I have to pay you back… How?" I whimpered, ignoring his vindictive insult.
Please, don't let it involve those hearts. Please.
"It's in regards to those hearts We were talking about earlier," the Queen said, without even realizing she just figuratively shot me in the head with a sharpened arrow.
A clenching sensation inundated my fragile heart.
Just how the hell was I going to pay this woman back?
In… hearts?
"I'm paying you back… in hearts?" I voiced tremulously.
My breath was caught in my throat. My chest tightened from lack of oxygen; my lungs were contracting and shriveling up by the moment, but I couldn't stop them. To recompense someone in hearts… Real, human hearts? No, no. I hadn't heard the whole explanation yet. I just needed to listen; maybe they had a different idea in mind. Maybe I could just cut out paper hearts for their ball…
The Queen groaned, exasperated. "Yes. Didn't you hear our conversation? We're in a desperate need of hearts."
"But… How do I—"
"Would you let Us finish first?" she hissed bitterly. I slowly nodded my head.
"Good. Now, where do hearts come from? Point to it for Us." A bit confused, I lay my index finger over my heart, feeling it pound vigorously in my chest. "Perfect. That's where you'll be obtaining the hearts We need. You'll be moving to the other domain and performing a few… extractions." Her lips unfurled in a sick, twisted smile, thin and delicate, yet filled with cruel malice. She knew what this was—murder, plain and simple. But she enjoyed it, and just that thought sent shivers down my spine. If she doesn't hesitate to kill, when would it be my turn to die?
"Extractions…" I whispered, feeling the word dance around my lips as I said it. To think I'd be murdering to save my own life, to get home…
Where had my morals gone?
"Yes. We need at least one hundred of the hearts. Cane, the counter, please."
"Yes, Your Highness."
He slid a small red box across the table with the grain of the wood. She lifted the cover and gripped a cold metal chain in her hands, pulling out what looked to be like a simple necklace. It was a long, golden chain with a gold pendant at the end, shaped like a small, old fashioned lock. In the center was a number beginning at zero.
"You will raise this number to one hundred as your payment. As you can see, it is at zero, an optimal starting point."
"It's new, so don't mess it up," Top hat jerk threatened sharply; he used every opportunity that arose to pester me, didn't he?
"I won't," I answered as pleasantly as I could. "So, how do I collect these hearts for you… Your Highness?"
The same twisted smile that sent chills crawling along my body like spiders had once again graced her features. And then, suddenly, her gentle giggle filled the room's lingering silence and sent those damn shockwaves through my limbs again. Her laugh sounded more like a cackle, like she was a lone witch formulating her plan to steal away her perfect prince, or she was some quack doctor who'd just lost her patient and laughed because she knew she'd be collecting some more organs that day. The Queen had that aura. Despite her superficial beauty, she had a hauntingly dark, wicked presence that I was sure could make any man turn over in his grave to bow down to her… or kill a puppy.
Yes… She could kill a puppy with that smile.
Her beauty was skin deep, nothing more, nothing less.
"You will see. It's just like a game," she whispered maliciously.
A… game? She just called it a game? Was she insane?
"It's very fun," she giggled, and I had the feeling I was missing something. Something big. But before I could even ask, she continued and pushed the thought right out of my mind. "You'll go out every morning starting tomorrow to collect hearts."
"A-Alone?" The first and only thought ringing through my mind—Am I going to be out there alone, fending for myself like a filthy animal? Out there, trying to take the life of another when I was more likely to be slaughtered before I even made a scratch? It just sounded ridiculous.
"No. You will have a partner, of course. You're much too inexperienced to go out there by yourself. Even some of our best don't go out alone."
Partner? No. Anyone but him.
"You'll be going with…"
My heart nearly stopped. Not him. Don't say Cane. Please, please don't.
I knew my internal begging wouldn't help in the slightest, but… Well, I couldn't be so cursed as to be stuck with him, could I?
The universe was on my side today.
"Akin."
I stared, wide-eyed like a deer in headlights, until it finally sank in. I… I wasn't stuck with him. I wasn't going to top hat jerk. My spirits lifted.
Thank. God.
"Woot!" Akin cheered playfully. "I haven't had a partner in forever! I've been waiting for a partner for—"
"Yes, yes! We know!" Vulpe groaned, rolling his eyes and then looking on at me. "He's been griping about not having a partner for the longest time. He doesn't shut up, this one."
"You guys all have partners?" I began, walking myself through my prior knowledge.
"Yup!" Eri giggled.
"So…" I glanced at top hat jerk. "Vulpe is his assistant, so I'm guessing they're partners." I wouldn't say his name, but I wouldn't call him my clever little nickname either. So, he's just… "him."
"Servant," Top hat jerk corrected.
"Assistant!" Vulpe yelled back.
"And… Your Highness doesn't need to sully her hands with this kind of work," I mumbled, smiling when I received her nod of approval. "And… Akin didn't have a partner… So that leaves Eri and Leo."
"You got it!" Akin shouted eagerly. "You're really smart, Alice!"
"No, you're just silly." Top hat jerk played with his… top hat.
"Aw, Cane! You're such a—"
"Be careful of how you end that sentence, because I might just—"
"Quiet," the Queen said softly and immediately silenced everyone. "Alice, be careful tomorrow. Here"
She passed the box to Vulpe, who passed it down to Leo and then to me. I quickly shoved it into the pocket of Akins’s jacket and sighed, nestling my body further into the seat. The Queen simply smiled, this time much more softly, and started back on the issue of ball. She made a few requests of her subjects, all of which flew right over my head, and finally adjourned the meeting. She rose from her chair first, prompting everyone around me to rise and bow to her. Slightly tardy, I rose and bowed as well, eliciting a chuckle from the Queen.
"You'll catch on soon, Alice."
As she strode out of the greenhouse, long hair and elaborate train flowing, her subjects began evacuating the premises. I took a few steps and finally noticed top hat jerk glaring at me from the corner of his narrowed eyes.
"Don't get killed out there tomorrow," he remarked snidely.
"I won't," I grumbled, angrily reminding myself that I had to be civil. "Actually, I need to talk to you."
Akins’s feet screeched against the ground. Leo, Vulpe, and Eri had already walked off, leaving just Akin, top hat jerk, and myself in the greenhouse. The sun beat down on our skins, an almost unbearable heat radiating on my body, but it would just be a minute and it'd be over.
"What do you want?" he hissed.
"I… I wanted to thank you."
I was right. Those words did burn on my lips. They burned like acid.
"T-Thank… me?" he whispered back, his eyes wide like saucers. He obviously wasn't expecting that. I caught a glimpse of Akin, whose eyes mimicked his; he seemed shocked that I was even talking to this jerk.
Honestly, I was stunned, too.
"Yes. You… I don't want to admit it, but if it weren't for you, I probably would be dead right now. You stopped the Queen from killing me, so… Thank you."
He bit on his lower lip and averted my gaze. I guess I must've seemed pretty brazen, just letting my blue eyes shamelessly bore holes into his.
"You're… thanking him?" Akin asked with a small whine. "Him?"
I sighed. "Yes, I am. I owe him that much. He… He saved my life. Even if he decided to put me in the storage closet."
"Ah, that storage closet…"
"Q-Quiet, Akin."
"Wasn't it like… empty before? I thought I remembered it being—"
"A-Akin, shut up!"
"Why?" he asked, innocently batting his eyes at top hat jerk.
"Just shut it!"
Top hat jerk looked flustered; his usually pallor cheeks were pink with embarrassment. That guy… could actually blush? Interesting.
"It was empty before you came in, Alice. You moved all that furniture in for her didn't you, Cane?"
"You bastard, I said shut up! I did no such thing!"
"So, you…" I mumbled, my own cheeks heating.
"I didn't!" he shouted, shoving his hands into his pockets and storming out of the area. I noticed his head was hung low; he was still blushing, probably even more so now than earlier.
"That guy…"
Akin chuckled and brushed back his hair. "I caught him."
"Caught him?"
"It's always fun to tease him like that. He doesn't lose his cool easily, but when he does, it's entertaining."
"Really?"
"Well, you just saw him, didn't you?"
I glanced down the path he took and looked back at Akin, giggling. "Yeah, you're right."
That Cane works in mysterious ways. Cane… The name was fitting. Maybe I would switch to that—at least until he pissed me off again.
"Well, be ready for work tomorrow, Alice!" Akin exclaimed, grinning. "It'll be fun! I'll come in tomorrow morning to prep you!"
As he spoke to me, rambling about how excited he was to finally have a partner, I dug through the pocket and grabbed the counter from the box. With the chain resting over my fingers, I examined the sparkling gold lock and rotated it back and forth, watching my figure dance and gleam and bounce off light as a simple, unspoiled reflection. I scrutinized the big, fat zero in the center.
That has to reach one hundred before I can go.
Was it even possible?
I…
I have to murder one hundred people to save myself.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Monday, 22 July 2013
Chapter Seven of Game of the Heart
Chapter 7- Her Highness
********************************************
Footsteps echoed through the desolate mansion.
Tap… Tap…
I could hardly even spare the light of day in this place. It felt perpetually dark, nearly smothering me were it not for the small flickers of the black hallway lamps.
Tap… Tap…
Soft, yellow light illuminated my pallor skin as I trudged through the carpeted grounds, crossing my arms over my body and blowing a casual sigh. I was already sick of walking.
"We'll be in the garden now for the meeting, okay?"
"Okay," I replied softly.
Akin led me through the same hallway from before, then down the stairs, through more hallways, across large rooms, then through more corridors… I felt like I was snaking through a convoluted maze. During that time, all I could do was wonder. What did Akin mean by that earlier? Was he teasing me, or was that the truth? Which explanation for his dismay was right: mine or his? Did he care just because he was human, or did he care because he found me interesting? I hoped it was the former, because there was no way someone could like me already. I just came to this place, and I was still figuring out my way around. And besides, it's been one day! No… No. Akin was teasing me—that was his type, from what I could tell so far.
Yes… That's all. Just relax. Calm down.
"Here we are. Are you ready, Alice?"
"H-Huh?"
I glanced about my surroundings; I had simply allowed him to drag me around without even realizing where I was going. Now, I was outside a clear glass door to what looked to be a beautiful greenhouse.
"Alice, what's wrong?"
"N-Nothing…" I stuttered carelessly.
"Are you nervous about talking to the Queen? She isn't that scary."
"No, I'm not scared of her…"
"Then what?"
"It's nothing…"
"Are you bothered by what I said earlier?"
"I'm just…"
I inhaled unsteadily, which basically answered his question.
"Don't take me too seriously. I say a lot of things, okay?" He chuckled lightly. "I didn't know you'd be so shaken up by that comment. Sorry."
"It's fine…"
"Calm down, okay? You might be cute, but I'm not going to attack you."
He started for the handle, but after a brief moment, decidedly threw his head back at me and flit his eyes over my person. My cheeks tinged a dark red. What exactly was he looking at?
He chuckled. "Yet," he whispered deviously, adding the single word that he knew would once again mess with my head. My face flared; even my ears were hot with embarrassment.
Damn it, Akin. Does this boy know what he's doing to me? Maybe I just wasn't used to this kind of behavior, since I'd never had anyone flirt with me back home.
Home?
I actually didn't remember much about home. It was all a huge blur, with the exception of a few memory fragments.
There was… a perfect, Victorian era white house with the white picket fence and the grassy green trees and vibrant flowers, just like the ones in the storybooks. And I could remotely make out two silhouettes like a mother and a father, but both of them were… yelling? And an older sister... Yes. She looked so much like me, the same complexion, the same blonde locks, the same crystal blue eyes, the same smile…
But that was all I could see.
I didn't even realize it. How could I get home if I had no idea where home even was? I suppose I would have to trust these people, at least until I could leave.
I followed Akins’s lead into the garden, which was overall quite simple in the grand scheme of things. It was loaded with lush, green ivy that hung from the walls in cascading vines and colorful, potted flowers of all types adorning the low tables. The sun's warm rays bled in through the roof of the clear, glass greenhouse and illuminated the single wooden table, just a touch smaller than the one in the dining area, situated in the midst of the greenery with eight matching chairs fit perfectly around it
The Queen was already seated at the head of the table, and I couldn't help but notice her overwhelming beauty and youth. She looked to be around my age—twenty-two if I didn't say it before—with wavy, red wine hair that was dark as blood, skin that was pallor and smooth, and lips that shone a rosy pink. She was remarkably gorgeous and absolutely stunning; especially since I was operating under the assumption she'd be some fat, wrinkly old hag. But more than that, she was so refined with her tight blood corset and bellbottom skirt embellished with swirling beads, lace, ribbons, and hearts of all shapes and sizes. She made me look like a hag by comparison. I should've probably done something with my hair or my clothes…
"Alice, right?" she asked softly, like I was a wild deer she didn't want to scare away. Even her voice was pleasant; it rang gentler than a bell and came out smoother than whipped cream. It was absolutely melodious compared to the other voices in the group. Akins’s was a bit rough and of more medium tone, while Leo's was soft and close to silky, except the occasional cracks. Vulpe's was low and deep, while top hat jerk's was husky and commanding. And Eri's voice was shrill and bubbly, while mine was just… average—mainstream, but uneven. This Queen, though… Her voice was the perfect representation of class and elegance.
Obviously, I admired this woman from the very moment I met her.
"Yes."
"Go on, sit down. We want to talk to you."
I nodded my head and sat at the opposite end of the table, directly across from the Queen. Akin took the seat on my left and following down the line, I spotted Eri and top hat jerk. Immediately to my right were an empty chair, and then Leo and Vulpe. It was nice to be at the head of the table and look along at everyone; I felt superior to top hat jerk in this spot.
He somehow sensed that.
"You, what do you think you're doing?" he growled.
"What?"
"Don't sit at the head of the table when the Queen is here. Move next to Leo."
"Why should I?"
"You're talking back to me? Just shut your mouth and do what I say. It's rude to sit there while the Queen is present."
"Oh, you're one to talk. You've been nothing but rude—"
"Jeez, would you two just shut up?!" Eri yelled over our bickering. "Can you move just this once, Alice? Cane's being silly."
"You'll pay for that comment, you insolent brat," he threatened sharply.
I rolled my eyes, rose from my seat, and relocated to the one beside Leo. I was livid; was he really going to pick a fight with me now?
"Bastard," I murmured deeply.
Apparently, he had the hearing of a bat as well.
"You need to learn to how to shut up or I'll sew your lips myself."
Maybe he was some kind of vampire.
"You think you scare me?" I questioned almost mockingly; I was feeling pugnacious at the time.
"I should," he countered cleverly. But I was not intimidated. If I only had the chance, I would do unspeakable things to him.
…
Not sexually unspeakable things, but violent unspeakable things. Just too clear up any confusion that might've created.
I sighed. I just had to remind myself that this was a temporary thing. I'd only have to put up with him a little bit longer, because now that the Queen's here, I'll be leaving. It'll be all over soon.
A brief silence hung in the air for the Queen to slice it down.
"So," she finally stated, "We shall begin the meeting."
****************************************
********************************************
Footsteps echoed through the desolate mansion.
Tap… Tap…
I could hardly even spare the light of day in this place. It felt perpetually dark, nearly smothering me were it not for the small flickers of the black hallway lamps.
Tap… Tap…
Soft, yellow light illuminated my pallor skin as I trudged through the carpeted grounds, crossing my arms over my body and blowing a casual sigh. I was already sick of walking.
"We'll be in the garden now for the meeting, okay?"
"Okay," I replied softly.
Akin led me through the same hallway from before, then down the stairs, through more hallways, across large rooms, then through more corridors… I felt like I was snaking through a convoluted maze. During that time, all I could do was wonder. What did Akin mean by that earlier? Was he teasing me, or was that the truth? Which explanation for his dismay was right: mine or his? Did he care just because he was human, or did he care because he found me interesting? I hoped it was the former, because there was no way someone could like me already. I just came to this place, and I was still figuring out my way around. And besides, it's been one day! No… No. Akin was teasing me—that was his type, from what I could tell so far.
Yes… That's all. Just relax. Calm down.
"Here we are. Are you ready, Alice?"
"H-Huh?"
I glanced about my surroundings; I had simply allowed him to drag me around without even realizing where I was going. Now, I was outside a clear glass door to what looked to be a beautiful greenhouse.
"Alice, what's wrong?"
"N-Nothing…" I stuttered carelessly.
"Are you nervous about talking to the Queen? She isn't that scary."
"No, I'm not scared of her…"
"Then what?"
"It's nothing…"
"Are you bothered by what I said earlier?"
"I'm just…"
I inhaled unsteadily, which basically answered his question.
"Don't take me too seriously. I say a lot of things, okay?" He chuckled lightly. "I didn't know you'd be so shaken up by that comment. Sorry."
"It's fine…"
"Calm down, okay? You might be cute, but I'm not going to attack you."
He started for the handle, but after a brief moment, decidedly threw his head back at me and flit his eyes over my person. My cheeks tinged a dark red. What exactly was he looking at?
He chuckled. "Yet," he whispered deviously, adding the single word that he knew would once again mess with my head. My face flared; even my ears were hot with embarrassment.
Damn it, Akin. Does this boy know what he's doing to me? Maybe I just wasn't used to this kind of behavior, since I'd never had anyone flirt with me back home.
Home?
I actually didn't remember much about home. It was all a huge blur, with the exception of a few memory fragments.
There was… a perfect, Victorian era white house with the white picket fence and the grassy green trees and vibrant flowers, just like the ones in the storybooks. And I could remotely make out two silhouettes like a mother and a father, but both of them were… yelling? And an older sister... Yes. She looked so much like me, the same complexion, the same blonde locks, the same crystal blue eyes, the same smile…
But that was all I could see.
I didn't even realize it. How could I get home if I had no idea where home even was? I suppose I would have to trust these people, at least until I could leave.
I followed Akins’s lead into the garden, which was overall quite simple in the grand scheme of things. It was loaded with lush, green ivy that hung from the walls in cascading vines and colorful, potted flowers of all types adorning the low tables. The sun's warm rays bled in through the roof of the clear, glass greenhouse and illuminated the single wooden table, just a touch smaller than the one in the dining area, situated in the midst of the greenery with eight matching chairs fit perfectly around it
The Queen was already seated at the head of the table, and I couldn't help but notice her overwhelming beauty and youth. She looked to be around my age—twenty-two if I didn't say it before—with wavy, red wine hair that was dark as blood, skin that was pallor and smooth, and lips that shone a rosy pink. She was remarkably gorgeous and absolutely stunning; especially since I was operating under the assumption she'd be some fat, wrinkly old hag. But more than that, she was so refined with her tight blood corset and bellbottom skirt embellished with swirling beads, lace, ribbons, and hearts of all shapes and sizes. She made me look like a hag by comparison. I should've probably done something with my hair or my clothes…
"Alice, right?" she asked softly, like I was a wild deer she didn't want to scare away. Even her voice was pleasant; it rang gentler than a bell and came out smoother than whipped cream. It was absolutely melodious compared to the other voices in the group. Akins’s was a bit rough and of more medium tone, while Leo's was soft and close to silky, except the occasional cracks. Vulpe's was low and deep, while top hat jerk's was husky and commanding. And Eri's voice was shrill and bubbly, while mine was just… average—mainstream, but uneven. This Queen, though… Her voice was the perfect representation of class and elegance.
Obviously, I admired this woman from the very moment I met her.
"Yes."
"Go on, sit down. We want to talk to you."
I nodded my head and sat at the opposite end of the table, directly across from the Queen. Akin took the seat on my left and following down the line, I spotted Eri and top hat jerk. Immediately to my right were an empty chair, and then Leo and Vulpe. It was nice to be at the head of the table and look along at everyone; I felt superior to top hat jerk in this spot.
He somehow sensed that.
"You, what do you think you're doing?" he growled.
"What?"
"Don't sit at the head of the table when the Queen is here. Move next to Leo."
"Why should I?"
"You're talking back to me? Just shut your mouth and do what I say. It's rude to sit there while the Queen is present."
"Oh, you're one to talk. You've been nothing but rude—"
"Jeez, would you two just shut up?!" Eri yelled over our bickering. "Can you move just this once, Alice? Cane's being silly."
"You'll pay for that comment, you insolent brat," he threatened sharply.
I rolled my eyes, rose from my seat, and relocated to the one beside Leo. I was livid; was he really going to pick a fight with me now?
"Bastard," I murmured deeply.
Apparently, he had the hearing of a bat as well.
"You need to learn to how to shut up or I'll sew your lips myself."
Maybe he was some kind of vampire.
"You think you scare me?" I questioned almost mockingly; I was feeling pugnacious at the time.
"I should," he countered cleverly. But I was not intimidated. If I only had the chance, I would do unspeakable things to him.
…
Not sexually unspeakable things, but violent unspeakable things. Just too clear up any confusion that might've created.
I sighed. I just had to remind myself that this was a temporary thing. I'd only have to put up with him a little bit longer, because now that the Queen's here, I'll be leaving. It'll be all over soon.
A brief silence hung in the air for the Queen to slice it down.
"So," she finally stated, "We shall begin the meeting."
****************************************
Sunday, 21 July 2013
chapter six of Game Of Heart
Chapter 6- Humanity
******************************************
What happened? What… happened to me?
I gazed upon my half-Unclad body in absolute terror. It looked wrecked, destroyed, mutilated beyond repair, like someone had hurled me into a wood chipper and used me as a heavy bag.
There were long, thick red slashes across my chest, ones that had barely begun scabbing over with blood, and dark wine bruises along my stomach and thighs. I had a feeling there were more wounds on my back, but I was too scared to turn around and find out. Where did all these come from? They still looked fresh…
This happened recently.
I ran my finger along one of the rough cuts and winced in pain. Yes, they were fresh—still practically raw. I gently traced one of the amorphous bruises and again cringed. When did all this happen? And more importantly, who did it to me?
I touched my bicep with a few fingers and shakily trailed them down to my wrist, just to see how truly fragile my body was. It trembled under my own touch—God, I really was weak.
However, it brought something important to my attention. My skin was soft and taut, but it felt odd, like there was a layer of dust sprinkled over me. I quickly lifted my hand and stared down at my fingertips, which had accumulated a small amount of fine powder across the top.
Powder? Like… makeup?
I scrutinized the region of powder I'd lifted from my arm and breathed sharply upon my discovery. There was another layer of cuts and bruises peeking through from underneath, and I'd just uncovered it.
No wonder I hadn't noticed it earlier. Upon closer inspection, I realized that there was makeup applied all over my face, my arms, and even my calves. That could only mean…
There were more injuries to find, just hiding beneath a thin layer of protective powder. And again, I was too scared to uncover more.
What could've happened though? I doubt the people here would've abused me—if anything, they saved me—so I can't automatically assume it was any of them. And if they found me already like this, what happened in the first place?
I couldn't bear to look at myself anymore. My reflection was beseeching, crying for desperately needed help, but I couldn't give it to her. I didn't know what to do with her or myself. It was just… hopeless.
Suddenly, without warning, there was a tapping at the door. Did these people just know when they shouldn't come in and do it anyway?
"W-Wait a minute!" I shouted nervously.
Not only wasn't I dressed, but I had raw scars all over my body. That would definitely worry my visitor.
I rushed out from the closet and scrambled through the drawers of the dresser for a pair of black leggings and some sort of shirt that wouldn't take too long to fasten. However, the knocks came once again and startled me into a frenzy.
"Wait a second!"
"It's important! Hurry up!"
The voice was familiar—Akin?
"Just stop, Akin! I'll be right there!"
"Come on!"
I shimmied into the leggings and threw on the first shirt I found in the dresser—a long, dark jade tee. It covered as much of my revealed bruises as I could ask for in this moment. After straightening out my clothes, I hurried over and opened the door. Akin wasn't just standing there before me; he was vibrating like a toy. What had him so worried? He couldn't stay still!
"What's wrong?"
"The Queen called the meeting!"
"What? She called the meeting just like that?"
"Yes! We have to get going."
"Oh, okay, but—"
Suddenly, Akins’s visage became grim, his violet eyes glazed over with concern. I followed the path they took and immediately covered my upper right arm, flinching and turning away from him.
"What happened to you?" he questioned gravely.
"I-I don't know. Let's just go. The meetings starting, isn't it?"
"Forget about it for a minute. Why are hurt?"
"I don't know."
"How can you not know? What happened to you?" he interrogated more persistently.
Without even realizing it, my mouth just spilled out my thoughts like a faucet.
"It doesn't matter. You don't even know me, so what are you worried about?" I asked spitefully.
"I can still care, can't I?" he retorted, his eyes burrowing into mine like a groundhog into dirt.
I gulped uneasily and clutched onto the side of the door. Why would he be so concerned with me when he'd only met me just today?
Ah… Maybe…
It was just the human side of him. I've noticed a pattern with people.
They care when others are endangered, when others are heartbroken, when others are depressed or angered… People care when there's an accident, and people care even if no individual they know is involved. There's just an instinct for humanity to reach out to others, even if they have no relation to one another besides the simple fact that they're human.
Maybe this was just a glimpse of his humanity showing. But… for me?
He actually worried himself… over me. Just the thought of it made my heart twinge. It was so sweet of him to care, when no one else probably would have. At least someone in this place had a shred of conscience.
And yes, that was a jab at top hat jerk.
"I-I'm sorry, Akin. I'm just… not used to the idea of people caring about me, especially in this place."
"I understand, but please…" he whispered gently, "Just tell me what happened."
"I honestly don't even know. I started changing and found myself like this…"
In my confusion, I must've looked pathetic, because Akins’s eyes quickly became glassy and sent me into a flurry.
"N-No, what's wrong? Why are you—"
Suddenly, he brought his finger to my lips, shushing me as he slowly slipped his fluffy black jacket from his shoulders and draped it over mine.
"I don't want you to be questioned out there. Wear this, okay? And zip it up, too. It might get cold later."
"Akin… T-Thanks."
"Of course," he said, flashing his sweet, vibrant smile at me.
I wasn't sure if he realized it or not, but that smile actually gave me a sliver of hope in this world. It was like reassurance that he'd protect me and this new secret I didn't realize I even had. It was like… I had a friend.
Sort of.
I wouldn't trust anyone that quickly, but it was a good start.
"I'm sorry," I whispered again.
"What are you sorry about, Alice?"
"For accusing you of not caring…"
"I'm just glad you know now I do," he laughed.
"But why?"
I had already worked out my own explanation for his actions, but I still wanted to hear it from his lips. Why?
I have no idea.
"Because you're interesting."
Not quite what I was expecting, but I suppose it was sufficient—although I still wanted him to elaborate.
"Interesting… how?"
"Just interesting. As an outsider, as a person, and as a girl, you interest me," he said, presenting a flirtatious wink that brought my cheeks to a flush.
"What're you—"
"Don't worry about it! Come on now, we have to get outside. The Queen's here."
"Come on, Alice. Don't be so nervous, okay?"
"R-Right."
This was it. I was going to meet the Queen and finally get out of this place.
Or, so I thought.He held out his hand gallantly to me, like a knight in shining armor; the only difference was his perfect white smile visible through what would be his helmet. I reluctantly placed my hand in his and clutched onto the cold, metal zipper of his jacket with the other, pulling it closer to my battered chest.
******************************************
What happened? What… happened to me?
I gazed upon my half-Unclad body in absolute terror. It looked wrecked, destroyed, mutilated beyond repair, like someone had hurled me into a wood chipper and used me as a heavy bag.
There were long, thick red slashes across my chest, ones that had barely begun scabbing over with blood, and dark wine bruises along my stomach and thighs. I had a feeling there were more wounds on my back, but I was too scared to turn around and find out. Where did all these come from? They still looked fresh…
This happened recently.
I ran my finger along one of the rough cuts and winced in pain. Yes, they were fresh—still practically raw. I gently traced one of the amorphous bruises and again cringed. When did all this happen? And more importantly, who did it to me?
I touched my bicep with a few fingers and shakily trailed them down to my wrist, just to see how truly fragile my body was. It trembled under my own touch—God, I really was weak.
However, it brought something important to my attention. My skin was soft and taut, but it felt odd, like there was a layer of dust sprinkled over me. I quickly lifted my hand and stared down at my fingertips, which had accumulated a small amount of fine powder across the top.
Powder? Like… makeup?
I scrutinized the region of powder I'd lifted from my arm and breathed sharply upon my discovery. There was another layer of cuts and bruises peeking through from underneath, and I'd just uncovered it.
No wonder I hadn't noticed it earlier. Upon closer inspection, I realized that there was makeup applied all over my face, my arms, and even my calves. That could only mean…
There were more injuries to find, just hiding beneath a thin layer of protective powder. And again, I was too scared to uncover more.
What could've happened though? I doubt the people here would've abused me—if anything, they saved me—so I can't automatically assume it was any of them. And if they found me already like this, what happened in the first place?
I couldn't bear to look at myself anymore. My reflection was beseeching, crying for desperately needed help, but I couldn't give it to her. I didn't know what to do with her or myself. It was just… hopeless.
Suddenly, without warning, there was a tapping at the door. Did these people just know when they shouldn't come in and do it anyway?
"W-Wait a minute!" I shouted nervously.
Not only wasn't I dressed, but I had raw scars all over my body. That would definitely worry my visitor.
I rushed out from the closet and scrambled through the drawers of the dresser for a pair of black leggings and some sort of shirt that wouldn't take too long to fasten. However, the knocks came once again and startled me into a frenzy.
"Wait a second!"
"It's important! Hurry up!"
The voice was familiar—Akin?
"Just stop, Akin! I'll be right there!"
"Come on!"
I shimmied into the leggings and threw on the first shirt I found in the dresser—a long, dark jade tee. It covered as much of my revealed bruises as I could ask for in this moment. After straightening out my clothes, I hurried over and opened the door. Akin wasn't just standing there before me; he was vibrating like a toy. What had him so worried? He couldn't stay still!
"What's wrong?"
"The Queen called the meeting!"
"What? She called the meeting just like that?"
"Yes! We have to get going."
"Oh, okay, but—"
Suddenly, Akins’s visage became grim, his violet eyes glazed over with concern. I followed the path they took and immediately covered my upper right arm, flinching and turning away from him.
"What happened to you?" he questioned gravely.
"I-I don't know. Let's just go. The meetings starting, isn't it?"
"Forget about it for a minute. Why are hurt?"
"I don't know."
"How can you not know? What happened to you?" he interrogated more persistently.
Without even realizing it, my mouth just spilled out my thoughts like a faucet.
"It doesn't matter. You don't even know me, so what are you worried about?" I asked spitefully.
"I can still care, can't I?" he retorted, his eyes burrowing into mine like a groundhog into dirt.
I gulped uneasily and clutched onto the side of the door. Why would he be so concerned with me when he'd only met me just today?
Ah… Maybe…
It was just the human side of him. I've noticed a pattern with people.
They care when others are endangered, when others are heartbroken, when others are depressed or angered… People care when there's an accident, and people care even if no individual they know is involved. There's just an instinct for humanity to reach out to others, even if they have no relation to one another besides the simple fact that they're human.
Maybe this was just a glimpse of his humanity showing. But… for me?
He actually worried himself… over me. Just the thought of it made my heart twinge. It was so sweet of him to care, when no one else probably would have. At least someone in this place had a shred of conscience.
And yes, that was a jab at top hat jerk.
"I-I'm sorry, Akin. I'm just… not used to the idea of people caring about me, especially in this place."
"I understand, but please…" he whispered gently, "Just tell me what happened."
"I honestly don't even know. I started changing and found myself like this…"
In my confusion, I must've looked pathetic, because Akins’s eyes quickly became glassy and sent me into a flurry.
"N-No, what's wrong? Why are you—"
Suddenly, he brought his finger to my lips, shushing me as he slowly slipped his fluffy black jacket from his shoulders and draped it over mine.
"I don't want you to be questioned out there. Wear this, okay? And zip it up, too. It might get cold later."
"Akin… T-Thanks."
"Of course," he said, flashing his sweet, vibrant smile at me.
I wasn't sure if he realized it or not, but that smile actually gave me a sliver of hope in this world. It was like reassurance that he'd protect me and this new secret I didn't realize I even had. It was like… I had a friend.
Sort of.
I wouldn't trust anyone that quickly, but it was a good start.
"I'm sorry," I whispered again.
"What are you sorry about, Alice?"
"For accusing you of not caring…"
"I'm just glad you know now I do," he laughed.
"But why?"
I had already worked out my own explanation for his actions, but I still wanted to hear it from his lips. Why?
I have no idea.
"Because you're interesting."
Not quite what I was expecting, but I suppose it was sufficient—although I still wanted him to elaborate.
"Interesting… how?"
"Just interesting. As an outsider, as a person, and as a girl, you interest me," he said, presenting a flirtatious wink that brought my cheeks to a flush.
"What're you—"
"Don't worry about it! Come on now, we have to get outside. The Queen's here."
"Come on, Alice. Don't be so nervous, okay?"
"R-Right."
This was it. I was going to meet the Queen and finally get out of this place.
Or, so I thought.He held out his hand gallantly to me, like a knight in shining armor; the only difference was his perfect white smile visible through what would be his helmet. I reluctantly placed my hand in his and clutched onto the cold, metal zipper of his jacket with the other, pulling it closer to my battered chest.
Saturday, 20 July 2013
What are The Neccessary Attributes Of a Blogger
If you are to hold a seminar on blogging tips for newbies in a community where internet is just a new trend,how are you to go about it
Chapter Five of Game of the Heart
Chapter 5- A Reflection of Fear
************************************************
I retired to my bedroom shortly after breakfast, though it took a while to find the damn place. I didn't know where I was, but I assumed this was a mansion, because it was absolutely enormous. And topped off with an extremely complex layout like a labyrinth to boot? I could get lost just standing in one of the rooms. Luckily, I had a decent memory and could effectively retrace my steps from the dining area to the bedroom. I just wanted to get some rest and relax a little, but apparently, that wasn't going to happen. Just after I plopped onto the springy bed, I heard a knocking at my door and was forced to answer it.
"Who is it?" I asked somewhat irritably.
"Akin. Can I come in?"
Sighing, I answered back, "Sure, why not?"
He carefully twisted the knob and peered in, assuming but also ensuring that I was decent. When he finally realized I was, he flung the door open, stepped inside, and then flung it back shut. I winced, startled by the sound, until Akin came up to the mattress and sat beside me, beaming and gawking eagerly.
"So?"
"What? I can't come to say hi?" he teased.
"You can, but that's not why you're here, is it?"
"Ah, you're sharp, Alice."
"So? What do you want?"
"I just wanted to offer you a tour of the building."
"I don't think I need a tour…"
"Don't be stubborn. It's a big place, especially if you aren't used to it."
"No, I'm not saying it isn't. It's just that once I talk to the Queen, I'm leaving. I won't be here very long, so I don't need to really learn what this place looks like."
"Oh… Yeah…" Akins’s countenance slowly darkened.
"What?" I furrowed my brows at him.
"N-Nothing, Alice! Nothing!"
He waved his hands at me anxiously. The hesitation in his voice and his immediate denial… This boy clearly knew something. He knew what my fate was here, but he wasn't telling me. Did he think I wouldn't pick up on that?
"What is it?" I questioned austerely.
"Nothing. Why don't we take that tour though? I think it'll be—"
"Just stop. I told you I won't need it. I'm leaving anyway… unless you can think of some reason why not."
Here we go. I would bait him into giving up the information.
"Well…" He sighed and mussed up his spiked tresses, debating whether he should tell me or not. What? Was giving me information against the law or something? Top hat jerk wouldn't tell me anything either!
"What's going on?" I demanded furiously.
"Nothing. You'll see at the meeting, okay?"
"But I—"
"Relax, Alice. You'll be safe. Just… don't expect to be going home anytime soon, okay? Be prepared."
"Wait, but this—"
"No, no," Akin whispered, pressing his index finger to my lips and shushing me. "You're fine. Just don't keep asking, okay? I'll get in trouble."
I scrutinized the severity in his eyes and realized this wasn't the time to do this; he knew more than I did and I wanted to pry it out of him, but I shouldn't try to invoke the Queen's wrath. My best bet was to listen to him. I could trust him—somewhat.
I reluctantly nodded my head and pouted at Akin, who grinned brightly in return.
"Good. Thanks."
"Y-Yeah…"
"So, about that tour?"
"I need to rest, really…" I grumbled, flopping back onto the mattress and sighing wearily.
"You really sleep a lot, don't you?" he chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah…"
"You want me to sleep with you?"
My eyes shot open faster than a bullet.
"H-Huh?"
I felt my cheeks tingling, reddening by shades at a time, as he stretched down beside me and smirked mischievously. His violet eyes flickered with excitement, blinking almost innocently at mine
I felt my cheeks tingling, reddening by shades at a time, as he stretched down beside me and smirked mischievously. His violet eyes flickered with excitement, blinking almost innocently at mine
"Off!"
Before he could get any closer, I wriggled out of his grasp and brought my knees between us, adroitly kicking him back towards the other end of the bed.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Everything!" he cheered contentedly.
I rolled my eyes and groaned, fluidly curling my body up from the bed and glowering at Akin, who was still sprawled out comfortably beside me.
"What is it?"
"Just go. I need to rest," I mumbled weakly.
Akin simply chuckled and rose to his feet. After a brief moment of silence, he leaned towards me and gently brushed my cheek with his hand, smiling down ingenuously at me. The sudden jolt across my chest shocked me.
Damn.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Get some rest, Alice," he whispered sweetly as he deftly swept a lock of blonde hair behind my ear.
"T-Thanks."
Akin crinkled his nose at me and grinned, pinching my puffy cheek just once before he moved towards the door.
"A-Ah, wait!" I found myself calling out to him.
"Hm?"
He spun his body around and focused his full attention on me—something I wasn't expecting. When top hat jerk talked to me, he barely even looked over his shoulder, but Akin was willing to turn all the way around just to look at me while we talked… I hated to admit it, but it was nice.
But, back to the question.
"When is this meeting? I keep hearing about it, but I don't know when it's actually going to happen."
"Ah, that? It'll happen when the Queen says it will."
"Why is all this stuff up to her?"
At first, Akin furrowed his brows, and then he nearly burst into laughter. "That's because she's the Queen, Alice," he explained through stifled giggles, "What she says goes."
"But still…" I complained, sighing. "I guess I'm just impatient."
"I can see that, but just relax. I know you'll be okay."
Another one of my sighs layered itself into the air.
"Yeah, I know."
He was about to exit the room once more until he noticed my crisp, wrinkled clothing—the source obviously being my awful sleep habits.
"Oh, by the way, check out the closet. I'm sure there's something in there for you to change into. And if not, tell me and I'll get you something."
"Okay. Thank you, Akin."
"Do you need help changing?" he added wittily and hopefully.
"Absolutely not," I growled back.
"Heh, alright. Rest up."
With that, he left me to my business. The first thing I did was head for the closet like he suggested; I was tired of my clothes sticking to my skin.
I yanked open the door and flipped on the nearby light switch. It was a relatively small closet with just a few simple outfits. Thank God! I was afraid I'd be stuck with one of those flamboyant dresses that would've absolutely complimented top hat jerk's suit. Luckily, it seemed like these people weren't going to give me the beaded corsets, puffy sleeves, or ballroom skirts, so I was quite pleased.
I eagerly sifted through the clothing and grabbed a red tank and a ruffled, airy white skirt that I deemed to be comfortable for the time being. I quickly began undoing the buttons of my dress and whipping off the apron still tied around my waist. As the dress fell to my ankles, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and practically gasped out in horror.
"W-What…"
I stepped out of my dress and rushed over to the mirror, rubbing my eyes over and over and praying they were deceiving me.
They weren't.
"No… What is this?"
I stared into the panicked eyes of my own reflection, like she was screaming out for help, clawing at the glass to get to me.
"What… happened?"
************************************************
I retired to my bedroom shortly after breakfast, though it took a while to find the damn place. I didn't know where I was, but I assumed this was a mansion, because it was absolutely enormous. And topped off with an extremely complex layout like a labyrinth to boot? I could get lost just standing in one of the rooms. Luckily, I had a decent memory and could effectively retrace my steps from the dining area to the bedroom. I just wanted to get some rest and relax a little, but apparently, that wasn't going to happen. Just after I plopped onto the springy bed, I heard a knocking at my door and was forced to answer it.
"Who is it?" I asked somewhat irritably.
"Akin. Can I come in?"
Sighing, I answered back, "Sure, why not?"
He carefully twisted the knob and peered in, assuming but also ensuring that I was decent. When he finally realized I was, he flung the door open, stepped inside, and then flung it back shut. I winced, startled by the sound, until Akin came up to the mattress and sat beside me, beaming and gawking eagerly.
"So?"
"What? I can't come to say hi?" he teased.
"You can, but that's not why you're here, is it?"
"Ah, you're sharp, Alice."
"So? What do you want?"
"I just wanted to offer you a tour of the building."
"I don't think I need a tour…"
"Don't be stubborn. It's a big place, especially if you aren't used to it."
"No, I'm not saying it isn't. It's just that once I talk to the Queen, I'm leaving. I won't be here very long, so I don't need to really learn what this place looks like."
"Oh… Yeah…" Akins’s countenance slowly darkened.
"What?" I furrowed my brows at him.
"N-Nothing, Alice! Nothing!"
He waved his hands at me anxiously. The hesitation in his voice and his immediate denial… This boy clearly knew something. He knew what my fate was here, but he wasn't telling me. Did he think I wouldn't pick up on that?
"What is it?" I questioned austerely.
"Nothing. Why don't we take that tour though? I think it'll be—"
"Just stop. I told you I won't need it. I'm leaving anyway… unless you can think of some reason why not."
Here we go. I would bait him into giving up the information.
"Well…" He sighed and mussed up his spiked tresses, debating whether he should tell me or not. What? Was giving me information against the law or something? Top hat jerk wouldn't tell me anything either!
"What's going on?" I demanded furiously.
"Nothing. You'll see at the meeting, okay?"
"But I—"
"Relax, Alice. You'll be safe. Just… don't expect to be going home anytime soon, okay? Be prepared."
"Wait, but this—"
"No, no," Akin whispered, pressing his index finger to my lips and shushing me. "You're fine. Just don't keep asking, okay? I'll get in trouble."
I scrutinized the severity in his eyes and realized this wasn't the time to do this; he knew more than I did and I wanted to pry it out of him, but I shouldn't try to invoke the Queen's wrath. My best bet was to listen to him. I could trust him—somewhat.
I reluctantly nodded my head and pouted at Akin, who grinned brightly in return.
"Good. Thanks."
"Y-Yeah…"
"So, about that tour?"
"I need to rest, really…" I grumbled, flopping back onto the mattress and sighing wearily.
"You really sleep a lot, don't you?" he chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah…"
"You want me to sleep with you?"
My eyes shot open faster than a bullet.
"H-Huh?"
I felt my cheeks tingling, reddening by shades at a time, as he stretched down beside me and smirked mischievously. His violet eyes flickered with excitement, blinking almost innocently at mine
I felt my cheeks tingling, reddening by shades at a time, as he stretched down beside me and smirked mischievously. His violet eyes flickered with excitement, blinking almost innocently at mine
"Off!"
Before he could get any closer, I wriggled out of his grasp and brought my knees between us, adroitly kicking him back towards the other end of the bed.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Everything!" he cheered contentedly.
I rolled my eyes and groaned, fluidly curling my body up from the bed and glowering at Akin, who was still sprawled out comfortably beside me.
"What is it?"
"Just go. I need to rest," I mumbled weakly.
Akin simply chuckled and rose to his feet. After a brief moment of silence, he leaned towards me and gently brushed my cheek with his hand, smiling down ingenuously at me. The sudden jolt across my chest shocked me.
Damn.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Get some rest, Alice," he whispered sweetly as he deftly swept a lock of blonde hair behind my ear.
"T-Thanks."
Akin crinkled his nose at me and grinned, pinching my puffy cheek just once before he moved towards the door.
"A-Ah, wait!" I found myself calling out to him.
"Hm?"
He spun his body around and focused his full attention on me—something I wasn't expecting. When top hat jerk talked to me, he barely even looked over his shoulder, but Akin was willing to turn all the way around just to look at me while we talked… I hated to admit it, but it was nice.
But, back to the question.
"When is this meeting? I keep hearing about it, but I don't know when it's actually going to happen."
"Ah, that? It'll happen when the Queen says it will."
"Why is all this stuff up to her?"
At first, Akin furrowed his brows, and then he nearly burst into laughter. "That's because she's the Queen, Alice," he explained through stifled giggles, "What she says goes."
"But still…" I complained, sighing. "I guess I'm just impatient."
"I can see that, but just relax. I know you'll be okay."
Another one of my sighs layered itself into the air.
"Yeah, I know."
He was about to exit the room once more until he noticed my crisp, wrinkled clothing—the source obviously being my awful sleep habits.
"Oh, by the way, check out the closet. I'm sure there's something in there for you to change into. And if not, tell me and I'll get you something."
"Okay. Thank you, Akin."
"Do you need help changing?" he added wittily and hopefully.
"Absolutely not," I growled back.
"Heh, alright. Rest up."
With that, he left me to my business. The first thing I did was head for the closet like he suggested; I was tired of my clothes sticking to my skin.
I yanked open the door and flipped on the nearby light switch. It was a relatively small closet with just a few simple outfits. Thank God! I was afraid I'd be stuck with one of those flamboyant dresses that would've absolutely complimented top hat jerk's suit. Luckily, it seemed like these people weren't going to give me the beaded corsets, puffy sleeves, or ballroom skirts, so I was quite pleased.
I eagerly sifted through the clothing and grabbed a red tank and a ruffled, airy white skirt that I deemed to be comfortable for the time being. I quickly began undoing the buttons of my dress and whipping off the apron still tied around my waist. As the dress fell to my ankles, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and practically gasped out in horror.
"W-What…"
I stepped out of my dress and rushed over to the mirror, rubbing my eyes over and over and praying they were deceiving me.
They weren't.
"No… What is this?"
I stared into the panicked eyes of my own reflection, like she was screaming out for help, clawing at the glass to get to me.
"What… happened?"
Friday, 19 July 2013
Chapter 4-Game of the heart
Chapter 4- Two Names for One
***********************************************
I could get used to you.
I chuckled softly. I wasn't necessarily lying. These people were probably all hopeless and insane—actually, I was quite sure of that—but they couldn't possibly be as bad as I thought they were. I knew my thoughts of them were skewed at the moment because of the root of my disdain, Cane. The damned top hat jerk sullied my view of this entire place as a whole, which I knew was wrong but also unavoidable. But I would eventually learn to set my preconceptions aside and give these people a chance.
At least, I hoped I would.
"I like your answer," Vulpe told me, smiling as though he were intrigued.
"Thanks."
I forced a smile back at him.
"Well, we all introduced ourselves. What about you?" Akin asked with a large, playful grin. "I want to actually say your name."
"My name's… not all that nice."
"Oh, come on!" Eri cried from the sidelines. "I want to know! It can't be worse than Eridane. Jeez, you shouldn't be complaining."
"I think Eridane is a pretty name," I told her honestly. Her eyes widened for a moment, and she stared at me blankly.
"Are you kidding? God, Vulpe, there's something wrong with this girl, isn't there?" She giggled, pointing her thumb at me like a hitchhiker—a beautiful, sweet, girly… hitchhiker.
"See, you need to give me your name already. They're calling you 'this girl' now. You can't want that, can you?" Akin jabbed the tip of his index finger into my temple in an attempt to draw my attention. I glanced over at him, then everyone else, and then back down at my lap. I could feel their intense stares on my skin and subconsciously flushed pink—even Leo lifted his head from his meal and inquisitively watched me. He wanted my name, too. They all did.
I was ashamed of it.
It sounded like the name of a typical storybook character, the kind of name that made you want to gag at its sight, the kind that made you want to put down the book entirely. But in the end, you would push through to read the otherwise captivating story. My name was one of those—the ones where you'd question why the author would curse a perfectly good character with a perfectly cringe-worthy name.
I hated it. But after crumbling under all the pairs of eyes watching endlessly, I supposed I would give it.
"A-Alice," I murmured under my breath, almost inaudibly.
"Alice?" Akin repeated loud enough for everyone to hear. I simply nodded my head and kept my eyes down.
"Alice! That's such a pretty name! Why are you so embarrassed by it?" Eri jumped from her chair and hopped up to me, taking my hands in hers and angling her head underneath mine.
"B-Because…"
I slipped my hands from hers and turned away, pleased when she finally pushed out the chair beside me and sat a safe distance away. She was still gazing at me, but from the new gap between us, it felt bearable. I clasped my hands together on my lap until they were stolen by Akin, who planted a tender kiss upon the backs of my palms. I immediately darted my head around, and once his eyes met mine, I found my body growing weak with nerves.
"That is a beautiful name. Don't be ashamed."
"Y-You're… Don't mess with me," I threatened, yanking my hands away from his rough ones.
"I'm not," he repeated, smiling and crinkling his nose at me.
"A…lice?" Leo mumbled from the other side of the table.
"Yes." I smiled at him, hoping to receive one in return, but all I got was a small nod and a bit of cherry on his cheekbones.
"Rise?"
Suddenly, we all turned our stares to Vulpe and raised our eyebrows at him, absolutely perplexed. Did he hear me at all? Where the hell did Rise come from?
"Rise?" he repeated once more.
God, I really didn't hear him wrong…
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"What did you say her name was?" Akin questioned prudently
"Rise! Ree-seh. What's wrong with you guys?"
"Damn, she said Alice," Eri muttered under her breath.
"What?"
"Vulpe, my name… is Alice," I told him somewhat irritably.
"Rise."
Why the hell did he keep hearing that?
"A-ri-su! Alice!" I shouted furiously. Maybe if I broke it into syllables he'd finally hear it and use it.
How naïve.
"Oh. But I like Rise better."
"Her name is Alice!" Leo finally exclaimed, his small body shaking with heavy breaths. My eyes broadened. This quiet boy was really standing up for me, just for something so minor like my name. I was absolutely floored with astonishment, and I caught my heart racing a bit with excitement.
"I'm calling her Rise."
"No! Her name is… Alice," he repeated much more quietly now. I had a strong feeling he didn't raise his voice often, and when he did, it probably wasn't to Vulpe; he seemed almost scared of the man.
"Rise, do you mind if I call you that?"
"I suppose not," I grumbled softly, mentally rolling my eyes at him. He was a bit insensitive, but I suppose I could deal with it. He was still nowhere near top hat jerk's level.
"See, she doesn't mind. So why do the rest of you?"
"Because it's just…" Akin sighed and pressed his hands to his temples, massaging them.
"It's just rude!" Eri yelled out, slamming her foot down on the carpeting and sending a small thump through the air.
"But she said it was fine! God, what's wrong with you people?"
"W-What's wrong with us?" Akin clenched his hand into a tight fist and groaned powerfully. I had the feeling Akin knew he couldn't get through to Vulpe, no matter how thoroughly he could explain it. "Never mind."
"What did I do?" Vulpe furrowed his eyebrows and pouted, obviously vexed by their reaction towards him.
"You really don't get it?" Leo mumbled softly.
"What did you say?" Vulpe growled, raising his arm threateningly at Leo, who quickly backed off and cowered in fear.
"No! What the hell are you doing?" I screamed instinctively, slamming my hands into the cold marble. I couldn't let him hurt Leo because of me… Because of my silly name.
Damn, was I that quiet lately? That I nearly let someone else get hit for my sake?
They all looked up at me, evidently shocked by my attitude. I was definitely tougher than I seemed—it just took a while for that backbone to come out. I didn't want to upset people prematurely and possibly get myself killed, but I figured I was safe for the moment. They all seemed kind enough, and this whole thing started because they were just trying to get my name—I'd say that was pretty welcoming. And on the other hand, this was also a part of my morals. How could I expect Leo to take a blow because he was trying to defend me? Definitely not right. Vulpe wouldn't get away with this—I'd make sure of it.
"Don't touch him," I ordered sternly.
Apparently, I was frightening enough, because Vulpe slowly lowered his hand and sat back, stunned. In a moment, Akin peered over at me and grinned cheerily, seeming proud of my "accomplishment."
"Atta girl! Great job, Alice."
"T-Thank you," Leo mumbled shortly after.
"Of course," I proclaimed, chuckling softly to myself.
These people—or to be more accurate, these people and these bunnies—were hopeless. Hopeless, but fascinating.
This was going to be interesting
***********************************************
I could get used to you.
I chuckled softly. I wasn't necessarily lying. These people were probably all hopeless and insane—actually, I was quite sure of that—but they couldn't possibly be as bad as I thought they were. I knew my thoughts of them were skewed at the moment because of the root of my disdain, Cane. The damned top hat jerk sullied my view of this entire place as a whole, which I knew was wrong but also unavoidable. But I would eventually learn to set my preconceptions aside and give these people a chance.
At least, I hoped I would.
"I like your answer," Vulpe told me, smiling as though he were intrigued.
"Thanks."
I forced a smile back at him.
"Well, we all introduced ourselves. What about you?" Akin asked with a large, playful grin. "I want to actually say your name."
"My name's… not all that nice."
"Oh, come on!" Eri cried from the sidelines. "I want to know! It can't be worse than Eridane. Jeez, you shouldn't be complaining."
"I think Eridane is a pretty name," I told her honestly. Her eyes widened for a moment, and she stared at me blankly.
"Are you kidding? God, Vulpe, there's something wrong with this girl, isn't there?" She giggled, pointing her thumb at me like a hitchhiker—a beautiful, sweet, girly… hitchhiker.
"See, you need to give me your name already. They're calling you 'this girl' now. You can't want that, can you?" Akin jabbed the tip of his index finger into my temple in an attempt to draw my attention. I glanced over at him, then everyone else, and then back down at my lap. I could feel their intense stares on my skin and subconsciously flushed pink—even Leo lifted his head from his meal and inquisitively watched me. He wanted my name, too. They all did.
I was ashamed of it.
It sounded like the name of a typical storybook character, the kind of name that made you want to gag at its sight, the kind that made you want to put down the book entirely. But in the end, you would push through to read the otherwise captivating story. My name was one of those—the ones where you'd question why the author would curse a perfectly good character with a perfectly cringe-worthy name.
I hated it. But after crumbling under all the pairs of eyes watching endlessly, I supposed I would give it.
"A-Alice," I murmured under my breath, almost inaudibly.
"Alice?" Akin repeated loud enough for everyone to hear. I simply nodded my head and kept my eyes down.
"Alice! That's such a pretty name! Why are you so embarrassed by it?" Eri jumped from her chair and hopped up to me, taking my hands in hers and angling her head underneath mine.
"B-Because…"
I slipped my hands from hers and turned away, pleased when she finally pushed out the chair beside me and sat a safe distance away. She was still gazing at me, but from the new gap between us, it felt bearable. I clasped my hands together on my lap until they were stolen by Akin, who planted a tender kiss upon the backs of my palms. I immediately darted my head around, and once his eyes met mine, I found my body growing weak with nerves.
"That is a beautiful name. Don't be ashamed."
"Y-You're… Don't mess with me," I threatened, yanking my hands away from his rough ones.
"I'm not," he repeated, smiling and crinkling his nose at me.
"A…lice?" Leo mumbled from the other side of the table.
"Yes." I smiled at him, hoping to receive one in return, but all I got was a small nod and a bit of cherry on his cheekbones.
"Rise?"
Suddenly, we all turned our stares to Vulpe and raised our eyebrows at him, absolutely perplexed. Did he hear me at all? Where the hell did Rise come from?
"Rise?" he repeated once more.
God, I really didn't hear him wrong…
"Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"What did you say her name was?" Akin questioned prudently
"Rise! Ree-seh. What's wrong with you guys?"
"Damn, she said Alice," Eri muttered under her breath.
"What?"
"Vulpe, my name… is Alice," I told him somewhat irritably.
"Rise."
Why the hell did he keep hearing that?
"A-ri-su! Alice!" I shouted furiously. Maybe if I broke it into syllables he'd finally hear it and use it.
How naïve.
"Oh. But I like Rise better."
"Her name is Alice!" Leo finally exclaimed, his small body shaking with heavy breaths. My eyes broadened. This quiet boy was really standing up for me, just for something so minor like my name. I was absolutely floored with astonishment, and I caught my heart racing a bit with excitement.
"I'm calling her Rise."
"No! Her name is… Alice," he repeated much more quietly now. I had a strong feeling he didn't raise his voice often, and when he did, it probably wasn't to Vulpe; he seemed almost scared of the man.
"Rise, do you mind if I call you that?"
"I suppose not," I grumbled softly, mentally rolling my eyes at him. He was a bit insensitive, but I suppose I could deal with it. He was still nowhere near top hat jerk's level.
"See, she doesn't mind. So why do the rest of you?"
"Because it's just…" Akin sighed and pressed his hands to his temples, massaging them.
"It's just rude!" Eri yelled out, slamming her foot down on the carpeting and sending a small thump through the air.
"But she said it was fine! God, what's wrong with you people?"
"W-What's wrong with us?" Akin clenched his hand into a tight fist and groaned powerfully. I had the feeling Akin knew he couldn't get through to Vulpe, no matter how thoroughly he could explain it. "Never mind."
"What did I do?" Vulpe furrowed his eyebrows and pouted, obviously vexed by their reaction towards him.
"You really don't get it?" Leo mumbled softly.
"What did you say?" Vulpe growled, raising his arm threateningly at Leo, who quickly backed off and cowered in fear.
"No! What the hell are you doing?" I screamed instinctively, slamming my hands into the cold marble. I couldn't let him hurt Leo because of me… Because of my silly name.
Damn, was I that quiet lately? That I nearly let someone else get hit for my sake?
They all looked up at me, evidently shocked by my attitude. I was definitely tougher than I seemed—it just took a while for that backbone to come out. I didn't want to upset people prematurely and possibly get myself killed, but I figured I was safe for the moment. They all seemed kind enough, and this whole thing started because they were just trying to get my name—I'd say that was pretty welcoming. And on the other hand, this was also a part of my morals. How could I expect Leo to take a blow because he was trying to defend me? Definitely not right. Vulpe wouldn't get away with this—I'd make sure of it.
"Don't touch him," I ordered sternly.
Apparently, I was frightening enough, because Vulpe slowly lowered his hand and sat back, stunned. In a moment, Akin peered over at me and grinned cheerily, seeming proud of my "accomplishment."
"Atta girl! Great job, Alice."
"T-Thank you," Leo mumbled shortly after.
"Of course," I proclaimed, chuckling softly to myself.
These people—or to be more accurate, these people and these bunnies—were hopeless. Hopeless, but fascinating.
This was going to be interesting
Sorry guyz for not uploading for 2days plz bear with me.This is chapter 3 of Game of The heart
Chapter 3- Basic Introductions
****************************************************
That croissant in your hand is poisoned.
"Wh… What did you say?" I asked with a whimper, my voice soft after getting caught in my throat.
"Poison," he repeated snidely. "Do you need me to spell it out for you?"
"Y-You're lying…"
"Would you really risk that?"
No. No I wouldn't.
My eyes wide with shock and my heart thrashing in my chest with anxiety, I quickly threw the croissant back onto the plate and scrambled for the dark red napkin on the table, hacking and spitting up whatever I could of the bite I already consumed. My throat was closing, tightening quickly and putting up a barricade against my precious intakes of oxygen. God, what kind of poison did he use? I was suffocating, and fast. A few moments more and I'd be looking down at my body as a spirit. No, no! I couldn't die here! Not now! I still had so much to do! I needed to get this poison out of my body somehow. Could I purge myself? I managed to regurgitate a small bit, but I knew if I pushed any further, I'd completely spill my guts over the table. Yes... That was the goal, wasn't it?
Luckily, no one let me get that far.
"Cane, quit messing with her," the red-haired man said as he patted my back comfortingly. "Don't worry, it's not poisoned. He's just being a jerk."
Hah! I knew it wasn't just me that thought so! After a heaving sigh of relief, I finally calmed my nerves and slumped in my seat, setting the defiled napkin carefully back onto the table. I flushed slightly, realizing the scene I'd caused when I hadn't even been close to dying.
I was such an .
"You shut your mouth, Akin."
"Come on, it's not my fault, and it's not hers, either. Don't take out your anger on us," he said, sticking his tongue out cheekily.
"I said shut up, you—"
"Yeah, come on, Cane. Don't pick on the poor girl," added the man with brownish bunny ears.
Again with the bunny ears? God, these people… I had so many questions.
"Vulpe, even you? When you're supposed to be my servant? If I were you, I wouldn't risk irritating me, especially in your position."
"Ah, ah," he said with the wag of his finger, "Assistant."
"Will you ever learn how to use that word?" laughed the red-haired man, whose name I finally remembered to be… Akin? Yes, that was right. Akin.
"It's not even in my dictionary," the top hat jerk responded callously as he nibbled on his crisp baguette.
"Ah, come on, lighten up! You're such a grouch," Akin grumbled, prodding his eggs with the sharp silver tines.
"I can't stand you people. I'm done eating."
Top hat jerk slammed his fork to the counter, rose from his seat, and quickly proceeded to the exit. He had such grace and subtlety to his steps, much like an eagle soaring through the open sky. If only he were always walking away and never talking to people; he'd be much more appealing.
"We pissed him off again!" Akin exclaimed through thunderous laughter.
"Okay, we've really got to stop this. You've got nothing to lose, but I could be fired," the man with the brown bunny ears said cautiously. I think his name was… Vulpe? Yes, that was what top hat jerk called him.
And yes, I did figure out his name is Cane. But…I like top hat jerk more. It suits him nicely.
"Yeah, and I could be killed," Akin retorted, "I have just as much to lose as you do."
"Killed? Please. Compared to being fired, that's nothing."
What? Did I hear them right? That's nothing? How could being fired be worse than being killed? In what world was dying better? Hell, where was I? Apparently, my confusion was evident on my features, because Akin quickly pointed his thumb at me and raised his eyebrows at Vulpe.
"She's still new here. Don't say stuff like that yet."
"Who cares? She'll find out eventually."
"But still… Don't want to scare the poor girl."
Akin dipped his head to make eye contact with me and smiled when I flinched back. Well, of course I did! Who knew what he would do to me?
"You okay? You look worried."
"I-I'm fine," I said with hesitation in my voice. I saw it in his eyes. He knew I was lying. Damn.
"Here"
He brushed my cheek with his coarse thumb before I could move away and lifted it back to his lips, smiling and licking it clean.
"W-What?"
"You had a bit of chocolate there," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Y-You should've just told me," I mumbled, blushing, as he finally pulled out of my space and moved back to his.
"Here, let's get some basic introductions down!" he proclaimed, eagerly showcasing each individual. "You already met Cane out there. I'm Akin, and that one's Vulpe."
"That one?" Vulpe said bitterly, his emerald green eyes boring holes in Akins’s soft, violet ones.
"Yes, you're that one, Mr. Brown Bunny."
"You little—"
"Okay! And there's Leo," he continued, pointing at the shy boy with the fluffy white hair. He looked up at me with his sweet honey eyes, barely smiled, and then quickly retreated to the comfort of his food. "And last is Eridane," Akin finished as he slid his chair back to let me see her.
"I told you not to use my full name. Eri," she corrected sharply, "Eri."
She swept a lock of light brown hair behind her shoulder and hardly even looked at me. That line was the first thing she'd said all morning. Maybe it was just me, but she seemed to be the quiet type, much like Leo.
Ah… Leo. I noticed he was still sitting there, quite silently except for the occasional clink of his fork against his plate and the slight cough from his lips. I shifted my head back and forth, trying to get a peek at his face. He seemed solemn, like he was lost in thought, or was he simply too shy to speak? I found myself wanting to know more about this boy—he was just so different from everyone else.
"Okay, Eri, come on," Akin said, bringing me out of my thoughts and back into the conversation, "I know you're trying to do your best imitation of Cane, but it's not working."
Imitation? Oh, God no. What was this girl really going to be like?
"You shut your mouth, Akin," she said coldly, just as top hat jerk did before.
"Hey, that's better," Vulpe laughed, leaning back in his seat.
"You really think so?" she chirped excitedly, practically jumping from her seat and leaping for joy. "Perfect! I want to show this to Cane and really get to him! Wouldn't that be awesome? I could—"
"Okay, calm down now…" Akin touched her wrist and signaled for her to sit back down, which she did with a disappointed pout.
"You're so mean."
"Yes, I know I am."
Akin finally returned his attention to me and presented a comforting smile, like all this was normal and I would be okay. I wasn't sure whether I should trust him or not, but I trusted him more than anyone else there.
At least, at the moment.
"So, that's everyone. What do ya think?"
He flashed an easygoing smile at me, revealing his perfect rows of white teeth, and shot a wink my way. I wasn't quite sure what I thought of them yet, but they were all definitely better than top hat jerk.
"So?" he repeated eagerly.
With a sly smirk, I replied vaguely, "I could get used to you."
****************************************
****************************************************
That croissant in your hand is poisoned.
"Wh… What did you say?" I asked with a whimper, my voice soft after getting caught in my throat.
"Poison," he repeated snidely. "Do you need me to spell it out for you?"
"Y-You're lying…"
"Would you really risk that?"
No. No I wouldn't.
My eyes wide with shock and my heart thrashing in my chest with anxiety, I quickly threw the croissant back onto the plate and scrambled for the dark red napkin on the table, hacking and spitting up whatever I could of the bite I already consumed. My throat was closing, tightening quickly and putting up a barricade against my precious intakes of oxygen. God, what kind of poison did he use? I was suffocating, and fast. A few moments more and I'd be looking down at my body as a spirit. No, no! I couldn't die here! Not now! I still had so much to do! I needed to get this poison out of my body somehow. Could I purge myself? I managed to regurgitate a small bit, but I knew if I pushed any further, I'd completely spill my guts over the table. Yes... That was the goal, wasn't it?
Luckily, no one let me get that far.
"Cane, quit messing with her," the red-haired man said as he patted my back comfortingly. "Don't worry, it's not poisoned. He's just being a jerk."
Hah! I knew it wasn't just me that thought so! After a heaving sigh of relief, I finally calmed my nerves and slumped in my seat, setting the defiled napkin carefully back onto the table. I flushed slightly, realizing the scene I'd caused when I hadn't even been close to dying.
I was such an .
"You shut your mouth, Akin."
"Come on, it's not my fault, and it's not hers, either. Don't take out your anger on us," he said, sticking his tongue out cheekily.
"I said shut up, you—"
"Yeah, come on, Cane. Don't pick on the poor girl," added the man with brownish bunny ears.
Again with the bunny ears? God, these people… I had so many questions.
"Vulpe, even you? When you're supposed to be my servant? If I were you, I wouldn't risk irritating me, especially in your position."
"Ah, ah," he said with the wag of his finger, "Assistant."
"Will you ever learn how to use that word?" laughed the red-haired man, whose name I finally remembered to be… Akin? Yes, that was right. Akin.
"It's not even in my dictionary," the top hat jerk responded callously as he nibbled on his crisp baguette.
"Ah, come on, lighten up! You're such a grouch," Akin grumbled, prodding his eggs with the sharp silver tines.
"I can't stand you people. I'm done eating."
Top hat jerk slammed his fork to the counter, rose from his seat, and quickly proceeded to the exit. He had such grace and subtlety to his steps, much like an eagle soaring through the open sky. If only he were always walking away and never talking to people; he'd be much more appealing.
"We pissed him off again!" Akin exclaimed through thunderous laughter.
"Okay, we've really got to stop this. You've got nothing to lose, but I could be fired," the man with the brown bunny ears said cautiously. I think his name was… Vulpe? Yes, that was what top hat jerk called him.
And yes, I did figure out his name is Cane. But…I like top hat jerk more. It suits him nicely.
"Yeah, and I could be killed," Akin retorted, "I have just as much to lose as you do."
"Killed? Please. Compared to being fired, that's nothing."
What? Did I hear them right? That's nothing? How could being fired be worse than being killed? In what world was dying better? Hell, where was I? Apparently, my confusion was evident on my features, because Akin quickly pointed his thumb at me and raised his eyebrows at Vulpe.
"She's still new here. Don't say stuff like that yet."
"Who cares? She'll find out eventually."
"But still… Don't want to scare the poor girl."
Akin dipped his head to make eye contact with me and smiled when I flinched back. Well, of course I did! Who knew what he would do to me?
"You okay? You look worried."
"I-I'm fine," I said with hesitation in my voice. I saw it in his eyes. He knew I was lying. Damn.
"Here"
He brushed my cheek with his coarse thumb before I could move away and lifted it back to his lips, smiling and licking it clean.
"W-What?"
"You had a bit of chocolate there," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Y-You should've just told me," I mumbled, blushing, as he finally pulled out of my space and moved back to his.
"Here, let's get some basic introductions down!" he proclaimed, eagerly showcasing each individual. "You already met Cane out there. I'm Akin, and that one's Vulpe."
"That one?" Vulpe said bitterly, his emerald green eyes boring holes in Akins’s soft, violet ones.
"Yes, you're that one, Mr. Brown Bunny."
"You little—"
"Okay! And there's Leo," he continued, pointing at the shy boy with the fluffy white hair. He looked up at me with his sweet honey eyes, barely smiled, and then quickly retreated to the comfort of his food. "And last is Eridane," Akin finished as he slid his chair back to let me see her.
"I told you not to use my full name. Eri," she corrected sharply, "Eri."
She swept a lock of light brown hair behind her shoulder and hardly even looked at me. That line was the first thing she'd said all morning. Maybe it was just me, but she seemed to be the quiet type, much like Leo.
Ah… Leo. I noticed he was still sitting there, quite silently except for the occasional clink of his fork against his plate and the slight cough from his lips. I shifted my head back and forth, trying to get a peek at his face. He seemed solemn, like he was lost in thought, or was he simply too shy to speak? I found myself wanting to know more about this boy—he was just so different from everyone else.
"Okay, Eri, come on," Akin said, bringing me out of my thoughts and back into the conversation, "I know you're trying to do your best imitation of Cane, but it's not working."
Imitation? Oh, God no. What was this girl really going to be like?
"You shut your mouth, Akin," she said coldly, just as top hat jerk did before.
"Hey, that's better," Vulpe laughed, leaning back in his seat.
"You really think so?" she chirped excitedly, practically jumping from her seat and leaping for joy. "Perfect! I want to show this to Cane and really get to him! Wouldn't that be awesome? I could—"
"Okay, calm down now…" Akin touched her wrist and signaled for her to sit back down, which she did with a disappointed pout.
"You're so mean."
"Yes, I know I am."
Akin finally returned his attention to me and presented a comforting smile, like all this was normal and I would be okay. I wasn't sure whether I should trust him or not, but I trusted him more than anyone else there.
At least, at the moment.
"So, that's everyone. What do ya think?"
He flashed an easygoing smile at me, revealing his perfect rows of white teeth, and shot a wink my way. I wasn't quite sure what I thought of them yet, but they were all definitely better than top hat jerk.
"So?" he repeated eagerly.
With a sly smirk, I replied vaguely, "I could get used to you."
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