The Golden Edge

3 - That Sneaky Maid

Twenty-Five Years Ago

Reaching the border of Metalloic, Veronica and Samuel peered towards a large golden gate. With red detailing on the doorway, the couple was ever so close to freedom. Arriving just in front of the gate, Sam would lunge towards a lever. Pushing it down with a heavy force, the doors of the gate would slowly begin to open. With smiles on their faces, the pair would sprint through. Fazing through the force field, they appeared on the sands of The Sahara. 

"Where is he?" V sighed as she tried to catch her breath.

As the couple tried to locate anything in the dark, something would quickly catch their attention. Spotting some headlights in the distance, something came speeding towards them. Hearing the motor as it got closer, knights too would hear it.

"The Gate!" One yelled, being heard by the lovers.

Gasping as they heard the shouting, a camouflaged-coloured dune buggy would suddenly skid to a halt before them. Being caught off guard by the loudness of the engine, Samuel would peer inside the vehicle. An older gentleman would be seen sitting in the driver's seat, somehow wearing a purple shirt and black trousers. The man would nod towards the pair before gesturing for them to enter. Thus they did, climbing into the buggy.

As they looked over to the gate, several Metallo knights would be seen storming through it. Pointing their swords towards the trio inside the getaway buggy, the driver would chuckle. Pushing his foot against the gas, the vehicle would speed off. As yelling could be heard from the knights, the group would disappear into the night. 

As the sands of the desert covered their view, the couple would embrace. Finally feeling free, they would chuckle. Turning to the driver of the buggy, V would smirk.

"Thank you, Mr P!" She nodded. "We couldn't have done this without you!"

---

Waking up all of a sudden, the sneaky maid would jump up onto her feet. The golden particles around her head would quickly disappear, having her completely miss them. Looking around her workshop seeming very confused, it would take her a second to spot her hammer on the ground. Swiftly picking it up, she'd hurry over to a workbench. Looking over the refined gold, she'd nod to herself.

"Gotta get this done..." She spoke. "Come on Jocasta!"

With her own words of wisdom, the lady quickly went to work. Hammering away at the gold and adding some components, the woman began her crafting. Tapping and smashing away, Jocasta would do what she did best. Creating a golden armoured tunic, she'd flatted the backpiece while making sure her new outfit was very protective. While a smile on her face, she'd moved onto some pants. Knowing that The Metallo Knights' suits were made out of refined gold, Jocasta hoped to make something just as great.

After getting carried away for a few hours, the maid would finally step back from the crafting table. Tilting her head as she marvelled at her work, she would suddenly gasp. Realising how long she's been there, she would begin to worry. Her boss, Nat, had most definitely noticed she was missing. Shaking her head as her anxiety overwhelmed her, Jocasta would sprint outside. 

Skidding round the corner of the Metalloic streets, the maid would quickly enter the palace. Looking around for a sign of anyone, she'd just spot the usual knights. Tiptoeing through the structure, the lady would arrive at the maid chambers. Entering through the door, she'd peer around the room. 

Spotting no one, the woman would continue to sneak. Stealthily walking down the hallway, she'd turn the corner to enter her bedroom. As she passed the door, she would suddenly stop to be face to face with Nat. Shaking her head and looking extremely annoyed, the head maid would cross her arms.

"Jocasta Astor, where the hell have you been?" She asked, continuing to shake her head in a disproving manner.

Looking down to the ground, the maid tried her best to think of an excuse. Fumbling through different options, she'd quickly decide on one. Peering back up to her boss, the lady would begin to act sad. Trying to fake tears, her eyes would begin to water.

"I, I'm so sorry Miss Nat!" She began to plead. "Please forgive me, it was that energy wave. It knocked me unconscious for Crimson knows how long."

"Jocasta!" The head maid would yell. "Do not use the Goddess' name in vain!"

"S... Sorry!" She cried, looking back down.

Sighing, Nat would take a step backwards. Still having her arms crossed, she would stare at her rookie maid.

"I've given you enough chances now Jo, we found every girl somewhere in the palace beside you. Where even were you?" The head maid would ask.

"I... I..." The lady would struggle with her response.

"Someone stole some of the refined gold..." Nat interrupted. "And you're seeming suspicious my dear..." She'd shake her head. "I'm sorry, but I need to take you to Head Knight Ren for questioning..."

Jocasta would gasp, stumbling backwards. She was terrible at lying, she had to do something. Looking around, she'd try to run but Nat would instantly grab onto her arm. Yanking Jo back into the room, Nat would growl.

"Let me go!" The sneaky maid would scream, trying to free herself.

But all of a sudden, Nat would listen. Letting go of Jocasta's arm, the female would stumble slightly. Peering over to the head maid, she realized the woman just stood there. She seemed confused, getting angrier.

"I can't grab you!" Nat shouted. "What have you done!"

Tilting her head confused, Jo would step toward her boss. Waving a hand in front of her face, Nat would find herself unable to grab hold of the lady before her. A smile would begin to grow on Jocasta's face as she crossed her arms.

"I wonder..." She mumbled before speaking directly at Nat. "Sit down!"

Quickly, the head maid would listen. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Nat would peer up at the sneaky maid. The lady began to feel worried now, feeling unable to control her own body. Beginning to freak out, Nat would make Jo chuckle.

"Let me go!" The head maid yelled. "I am your boss!"

"Not anymore!" Jocasta giggled, smiling widely. "But... Miss Nat... It seems you now know too much!"

"W... What's that supposed to mean?" She'd stutter.

Chuckling slightly, the now ex-maid shook her head. Realising, somehow, she's obtained some kind of ability. Jocasta had decided to put it to use. She needed to keep her identity within Metalloic a secret, she had to complete her goal after all. Looking directly at the head maid, a wicked smile would grow on her face.

"Nat, stand up!" Jo demanded, forcing the lady to do so. "Go to the top of the palace, go to the highest point... And kill yourself!"

Quickly, Nat forcibly turned to the front door.

"Please, don't!" The innocent maid begged. "I won't say anything!"

"It doesn't matter... You know too much..." Jocasta sighed. "Plus... You're too close to Ivy!"

"You gaslighting bitch!" Nat sniffled, marching closer to the exit.

"Oh, and no speaking to anyone!" Jo snickered. "Can't have you alarming the oh so precious Priestess!"

Nat would leave the maid's chambers as the villainess finished her sentence. Marching through the door and down the hallway, the woman would begin to cry. Spotting knights, she tried to beg for help, finding herself unable to talk. Making her way higher through the palace, it wouldn't take the woman long to arrive on the top floor. With tears flooding down her face and no one to be seen, the head maid unwillingly made her way towards the double doors to the balcony that The Golden Edge had given her speech. Pulling both doors open, the lady stepped towards the edge. As the lady cried, she would initiate a prayer.

"Praise Crimson!" She cried. "S... Save me..."

Placing her hands onto the stone walls of the balcony, Nat would lift herself onto it. Standing up and balancing, she'd quickly look to the ground. As the head maid screamed, she would raise her hands in a diving position. Without a second's notice, she'd leap off the side; hurtling toward the ground as her shrieks followed.