Gothocalypse

Enough

Oswald's schedule became hectic over the following weeks. Though Jerome accompanied him to social gatherings or business outside the 'castle' (as he had named their headquarters and home), Jerome found himself often alone while oz did paperwork or was in private meetings. He took to working out, helping out the waitstaff and housekeeping and occasionally having Ed teach him some business basics. The staff, including Edward, became friendly with him, enjoying his wild, carefree ways and bright humourous attitude, as well as his work ethic. Though they were careful to never let him know, they all began to feel pity for him. They all worked for benefit- pay or food or whatever they needed, and at the end of the day or night, they left and went home to their families and friends. Jay had no one. They saw him as a trapped slave. No where to go, no possessions. These days he spent more time with them than the man who had taken him in. He often slept alone in his room, aside from the few occasions wherein Oswald would call for him, and they all knew that he would pleasure the king, fall asleep, and wake up to another lonely day. The only other interactions with his master were the more or less humiliating days where he would be paraded around on a leash for the world to see. As they grew close with him they began to realize that his life had gone back to being at the circus. He was comfortable because it was familiar.

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Jerome was in the kitchen, laughing and joking with the chef and two maids as he helped wash dishes after breakfast one morning. The maids laughed as he juggled some tea cups, his grin wide. Even the grumpy chef watched in amusement. Suddenly, a harsh voice cut through the air- "JEROME!" The cups crashed to the floor as he jumped back and bumped into the counter. The kitchen went silent as the penguin stormed in. "What are you doing?!" Jerome glanced around, opening his mouth to explain when the king grabbed him by the collar of his shirt "making a mess I see!" and pulled him roughly behind him on his way out the door. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" He said as he shoved him in the direction of the bedrooms. "We're going to be late for my address to the narrows!" Jerome didn't recall being told that he was needed today, but he didn't argue. He gave a bow and a hurried apology before briskly walking to his room to change.

Julianna, one of the maids in the kitchen listened to the exchange from behind the kitchen door as they cleaned up the broken china. They all solemnly looked at each other.

Ed watched from a nearby doorway as Oswald manhandled his pet in anger. It was nearly a month since their talk about being more mindful of Jays feelings and it had lasted, perhaps, a few days. More and more he watched Oswald spiral into a bitter man, taking his aggression out on his friends instead of his enemies. He began to worry for everyone's safety. So far, Jerome remained placid and obedient, but, as had been said by his brother, all it takes is one bad day. One bad day and Jerome could snap- all the delicate work undone, and all of them dead. He knew Oswald was under a lot of pressure with the reform of the city, but he couldn't understand why he couldn't take pleasure in the one person who was of no stress to him, wanted nothing more than to take care of him. Something had to be done.

Though he felt hollow, Jerome flashed his most menacing glare into the crowd. He donned his usual outerwear, bit gag included. The narrows remained a treacherous place even after the evacuation of the gothocalpypse- most people there had no reason to flee. It couldn't get any worse. Many were his former followers. These people were much less intimidated by Oswald's act than previous. He saw some familiar faces, and it caused his gut to flip. The crowd was barely contained, and many were on edge, ready to explode. The crowd began to break loose, the sounds washing out Oswald's speech. They screamed for anarchy, they screamed for chaos... they screamed for Jerome. The display of Jerome contained did not subdue them, it made them angry. Ed began to wonder if this was it- if this was where it happened. Would Jerome turn on his master and take back his land? Ed nearly welcomed it. He was ready to bolt, hide, or even join the crowd. Oswald was ungrateful for what he had. Ed would not meet his end because of his arrogance. Oswald began to crumble, his resolve faltering. He began to back away from the crowd, and his gunmen stepped forward. Jerome remained still, the chain lengthening as the distance grew between himself and his master. He stayed crouched as the gun men surrounded him, aiming for the crowd. The restless crowd began to pile forward at the sides of the stage, spilling up. A few shots rang out as gunmen took down the nearest.