Act 1 : New in Town The autumn air was cool with a sense of mystery as the sound of leaves whimsically falling to the ground hit the stone-cold pavement. The trees heaved their throaty bellows as they shook and let loose the tidings of an old year for the approach of winter. The venus stepped off from the bus, graceless and tactless in a foreign world, she was was an animal set free in the wild for the first time. Her large opal eyes took in the sight of the looming crypt before her. Her brooding English jacket played a negative to her porcelain skin, though there a brush stroke of blush that made her a china doll. A fine artifact, a pristine antique that the very thought of unearthing from her feat may result in shattering her. Hiding behind her dark locks, she peered out at the other students as they made their way into the institution. Their identical uniforms of skirts and blouses moving like a sea of black and white, rolling over each other. Flowing through the doors she wandered until she found herself lost and alone. The halls that surrounded her looked the same from every angle. White halls upon white halls, all leading to more white halls, only to be separated by student's posters of some dance event or another that was too far in advance to be thinking of. An exasperated sigh escaped her crimson lips as she leaned up against a nearby olive coloured locker. Protruding the crumpled paper from her tattered and worn school bag she read the room number again and began to feel a sense of dread as she realized she was even more loss than she once believed. Everything had changed so fast, it felt as though she was drowning on dry land. Not even having the strength to fight an uphill battle, it was just life pushing her down. Feeling down on herself she melted into the ground. The hard ivory tiles reflected the gloom from her face as she stared down into it longingly. The pitter patter of crisp shoes on the hard surface of the ground startled her as a pair of feet came to rest before her. Following them up she came to look into the eyes of an angle. The angle reached a hand out the venus. "You look as though you could use some help." Her velvet words slid off of her tongue, painting the air in colour as she grabbed the hand of the mysterious mistress that lay distraught before her. Her hand was dainty and soft, it was like holding onto a cloud. The angel wanted nothing more than for this moment to last an eternity. A rosey colour betrayed her face however as she came face to face with the venus. "Thank you," said the venus as her painstakingly obvious blush showed brighter then before," I- I-uh, was just looking for my class," her foreign accent carving out each word individually. "Would you like some help?" Before she had a chance to answer, the angel seized the slip in her hands and began reading where she needed to be. The venus now freely looked at her savior; her golden locks fanned out in rings of curls below her shoulders. Much longer than her own short locks. Her narrow eyes were of the same hue as a spring sunset; the perfect balance of sky. Her features were divine as her voice, such a melodious notes that were played out as she spoke each word carefully. Like an artist, choosing where to apply a harder stroke of paint. "How lucky, it seems as though we're heading to the same class. Shall we?" The venus hoped it wasn't a dream as she nodded, still dazed from this fireball of an angle. "I nearly forgot to ask, what's your name." "Scarletina." "Scarletina, that's a very pretty name," the God-send said as she tested the name out on her lips. Though Scarletina looked down in embarrassment as she said it. Not in a blushing manner, in an uncomfortable feeling of anxiety. "What's wrong, did I say it wrong?" Panic struck through as the thought of offending such a divine creature lay possible. But to her relief, Scarletina shook her head side to side. "Do you not like your name?" This questions was met with a slight nod, she felt as though she understood. "What about just Scarlet?" A thin smile crept around her lips as Scarlet nodded her head. "Yes, I-I would like that, please." The angle beamed a wide smile, "I'm Velvet." "Velvet." Velvet tried to contain a giggle but in doing so just made it more obvious. Scarlet got wide eyed as this reaction, trying to figure out the reason for such a response. "Sorry, it's just the way you said it, you sound so cute." If there were any chance to hide a rose coloured blush, it was lost. "I-I'm sorry, it's my accent." "Don't worry about it. Come on Scarlet, best not be late," Velvet purred as she led Scarlet down the maze of corridors. It was calming and tranquil to walk with someone this early in the morning compared to her normal lonely walks to class. It wasn't that she hated social interaction, she just prefered the solitude in the early mornings. It was a time of relaxation and preparation for the coming day. Though it may affect her standing with her first period teacher. Though now Velvet wasn't just a shadow in the halls, she was a guide. A light for the lost. A beacon of hope. A poetic metaphor away from being more than she was. "Um... Velvet." That voice flowed smoothly like the fine fabric she was named after. One could get lost in the rhythm of her voice, just wanting to curl up in each note as she spoke. She gave a small sound of acknowledgment. "What are you doing here?" Velvet cocked an eyebrow at her, knowing very well what she was asking but making the poor blushing damsel fall into having to clarify. "I-I wait! I meant," her flustered words came out in short breaths as she tried to speak over every word she had. "Why aren't you in class, right now, I uh-mean." Her voice died off in the end of her sentence, ending the note in a high pitched squeak. Like a mouse or another dainty creature. Velvet held this thought in for a second and then allowed a thin smile to creep across her face to let her new companion that everything was allright. "Well, I just happen to love the emptiness so early in the morning. Don't you like to just be somewhere and just be free to think and relax? Let your mind wander as you ponder what sort of day you want to have?" Scarlet considered this and held the words in. She pondered every aspect of it, carefully dissecting each word individually to see the meaning behind this expression. "I-I understand, this is your quiet place. I'm sorry I-I interrupted." Reddened cheeks were evident as Scarlet's head dropped down, hiding her behind her bangs. A gentle hand rested on her shoulder, holding her in place. "No, you aren't interrupting. My mother always said that strangers in need are just friends you haven't met yet." The icy smile that shone out was entirely genuine. At this revelation Velvet perked up. "Friend?" It was a childe's look, one of pure innocent and unknowing. Scarlet pondered this girl for a moment, taking her in; a perfect stranger who seemed to lack a bit of confidence was now edging her way to be her friend. Not very subtle and it didn't happen naturally by any means. Though, for some reason, the thought of denying any relationship with this mysterious maiden before seemed like heresy. A crime worthy only of the sweet release of death. Looking into her eyes she gazed into the opal reflection, the calming way they made you feel safe and sound. The way her pouting lips curved into a strawberry kissed plumpness. Her short demeanor caused her to just stand a head below herself. Without even trying, Velvet felt an even wider smile wrap around her. "Yes, of course. Friends." An elated Velvet nearly squealed in delight. "I- I would really like that Velvet." This was the first time Velvet saw an honest smile on her face. It was pure and happy, it was lovely. "Don't get to excited, I'm sure you have lots of friends." Where there once was a radiant smile, was now replaced with a slight pout. Her calming voice was practically a whisper," No... I wasn't allowed to have friends. You're the first." If there was anyway to feel as though your world shattered, that was the time. Velvet nearly lost her breath. No Friends. That's a bit odd for anyone. Who was this mystery that lay before her? Reading into the reddening face of Scarlet, it was ample to decide that perhaps they had spent too much time wondering and must get to their class. Together the new friends walked down the white halls upon white halls... The oak door creaked slightly as Velvet pushed it open into the classroom. Inside identical clothed students sat in rows, all turning to face the intruder. "Ahh yes, Ms. Velvet, excellent for you to join us. Perhaps you would like to grace us with today's reason on your tardines?" The speaker presented himself at the front of the classroom, resting easily atop his desk. The young man hoisted himself off his desk, using his strong arms to propel himself forward. Walking towards the invasive Ms. Velvet, he straightened his dark crescent tie, perhaps in a way to make himself feel more validated as a person of his age. His matching button down shirt was tucked in and rolled up past his forearms, showing the purest results that are gained from many nights of training with weights at the gym. His stubbled sharp jawline and messy tossed hair framed his face with pure harmony. All connecting to this dark rimmed glasses that did very little to hide his hazel eyes. The man stood an arm's grasp away from his pupil, but even then it was clear that he was a towering figure. Standing besides Velvet she was up to his broad chest, the very one that was responsible for each time he moved his arms wide there felt like a chance those buttons would surrender to the force of nature. Thus giving into the most primal instinct the female class held as they viewed their instructor, to whom they held so loving in respect and admiration. "Ms. Velvet, why are you late?" Velvet felt dazed and could feel a heat rising to her face. She's heard the rumors like anybody else that the reason she showed up late everyday was just to get close and personal with the teacher. In truth, that was just an added bonus to her scatterbrained antics of her morning ritual of wondering around. Though perhaps today would be different since there was a legitmet reason for it. Reaching past the door Velvet grasped for Scarlets soft hand and pulled her to the front. "You see Mr. Rhodes, I was actually doing your job. Seems as though you're missing a student and I just happen to have another one." A cheeky smile was sprayed across her face while a shy and uncomfortable reddening was on the new girl's. She was attempting to hide herself in her hands and hopefully disapear, but no such luck was coming her way. "Right, quite extrodanary on you finding her. It would seem all that time spent out of my class has paid off in your ability to sniff out lost students." A quiet giggle tittered throughout the room as Mr. Rhodes put Velvet in her place for all the time she's shown up late to class. "Ms. Scarletina was it?" "She prefers Scarlet." An exasperated sigh was released lost as Mr. Rhodes brought his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Ms. Velvet, you know very well the head minister's rules on nicknames. Now would you please take a seat. I belive their are two in the back." "But-" "Back seats, now, Ms. Velvet. Or would you prefer a seat in the head minister's room, that could be arranged if you would like to keep trying?" A rumbling giggle fluttered throughout the room as Velvet took the empty seat in the back of the room. "Now Ms. Scarletina," Mr. Rhodes addressed her, coming down from spat with Velvet," would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?" The ground began to wobble under Scarlet's feat as she faced the group of eyes eating her up. Deciding which way she'd taste best. "Hi-i, I'm Scarlet-t-tina. I've just moved here." Her accent dripped over every word, carefully feeling the length of each letter before releasing it from it's snare. Her porclean skin seemed to glow as she felt the world spin and tried to find something to hold onto. There. Out in the sea of black and white lay a beacon. A mess of gold that showed through, calling to her. A smile, a positive gesture, a want for her to continue. All the darkness that was whelling up seemed to suddenly fall flat at the sight of her friend encouraging her own. "I-I also like to read." The final breath that left her seamed to be the last breath in her. She could feel the ringing in her ears, the cold feeling in her hands, the icy blood in her veins as she tried to feel life within. A brash hand on her back made her just in fright as her new teacher's words echoed throughout the room," thank you Ms. Scarletina, it's good to have someone here who enjoys books almost as much as I do. Would you please take a seat beside Ms. Velvet, I believe you two are already acquainted and I'm sure she'd be more than glad to help you out for today." Scarlet had not needed to be told twice, she moved quietly like an animal to the back. "Oh, Ms. Scarletina, you can hang up your jacket beside the door there." Scarlet turned to face the rows of identical jackets hung up on the wall, each one having a different owner's name written inside of it. Moving carefully to the last available hook Velvet felt her heart rate rise. Her breath was ragged and her mind was racing as she undid the buttons on the coat. Backing the coat off of her, her modest figure was on display as she held her jacket on her arms, savoring the warmth that came with it. Gulping in what air she needed, Scarlet pushed back her jacket and swung it around to hang on the hanger. Her arms full exposed. Not quite. Her arms were wrapped in bandages from cuff to elbow. A mummification process long since stopped for it's barbaric sense, but in this moment it was a symbol of unjust in the world of a simple minded school student. It was the weight that held her down and drowned her. The feeling of dread and misery that came with her prison that she carried with her. Moving quickly she found a faint tear in her eye as she came to a rest beside her friend. She could feel the eyes of the other students on her. The way her skin crawled like thousands on pins pushed against it, begging for her to cut them out of her. Even the teacher couldn't help but gaze at his new pupil's predicament. He had been told to prepare himself for anything upon being given a new student, but perhaps this was outside of his understanding. Pulling his eyes from his students features he faced the board before him. "Ms. Velvet and Ms. Scarletina, please see me after class." The pit in Velvet's stomach grew as more students now peered at her like an animal in a cage. She could hear them too. "What do you think is wrong with her arms?" "Do you think she did something to them?" "What sort of nerd likes to read? Oh right, a nerd." Sinking lower into her chair, Scarlet counted the seconds to the bell would ring. The crisp parchment fluttered on her desk besides her collapsed form. It was small and dainty, written in pink ink on the cover was her name, written with such precise care it could thread a needle in one swoop. Opening the paper Scarlet's eyes began to water as she read it. Are you alright? Velvet waited as her note returned with an inscribed message in messy blank ink. Thoughtless and scattered. I'm fine. Thank you. Velvet looked at the form of her friend lying there, the way her breath picked her chest up and down. The way the buttons stressed on her blouse. The way her night hair fell around her, removing her from the world, hiding her from the rest of the class. Looking up at Mr. Rhodes, Velvet listened to the rough voice emerging from her teacher. He spoke of honest politicians and other contradictions. Too long did it take for the bell to ring, even then Velvet didn't feel like moving, she had to stay after. Scarlet was already packed and ready to go as she waited out the rest of the students leaving. With the rest of the class leaving the room, Mr. Rhodes strode to the back of the room and leaned against the desk in front of them. "Ms. Scarletina, I hope you liked your first day here. Now to move onto where you will be going next, luckily it seems as though you're already acquainted with Ms. Velvet so I will be pairing you two together. Ms. Velvet, please make sure to take her to all of her classes. No detours." Velvet gave a slight curtsey, "Of course sir." Scarlet rose from her seat and follow suit with the same expression of gratitude, "t-thank you sir." The blush had returned to her porcelain features. Re Cloaking her arms, Scarlet and Velvet left the room and walked throughout the white halls. The boundless twist and turns the two were taking, until eventually they found themselves outside. The crisp autumn air breathed with the flow of life as the leaves fluttered to the ground. Perhaps she did not know where her next class but she didn't believe that it was outside. "Ve-velvet?" A clear humming sound came from Velvet as she led Scarlet by the hand. The rosy flutter that glossed her cheeks now beamed brightly, "Velvet! Wh-where are we going?" "I figured we could use a break from school, silly." Now wide eyed and bushy tailed, Scarlet tugged on the hand clasped around hers, "but, Mist-ter Rhodes said-" "He would want me to take you out." "But what about our ot-ther classes?" The angel clad in white now turned to face the witch in black. "Okay, I'll give you a choice. I'm about to leave for some fun. If you come with me right now, no questions asked, I promise you'll have fun. Or, I will show you your next class and you can get someone else to guide you to and from." With that, the angel released her and stepped back to await her decision. Scarlet pondered her choices. Here she was with maybe her only friend and suddenly she could already lose her. Looking around for an answer she let her eyes roll over the goddess before her. The way her lips pouted to a question, the way her eyes seemed to beg for an answer. Twisting to turn behind her, causing her shirt to hug her curves, Scarlet looked longingly at the door. There was still enough time for her to get to her next class, wherever it may be. Allowing her blouse to settle back she turned back. Breathing a sigh of relief, Scarlet lifted her cup to her mouth, taking in the aroma of the floral tea she had before her. It was a wonder where Velvet had heard of this little hole in the wall, mom and pop tea house. The air was calm inside, the troubling and whirling noise of the wind was non existent inside this sanctuary. The angel across from her sat with the most contempt of looks. Sipping her own herbal green tea, she allowed the rising steam to billow and grasp at her as she took in the moment. "So," her voice as soft as felt and as smooth as silk as it weaved around Scarlet's head," there's a story about you." Scarlet perched an eyebrow up, to question the content of her inquiry. Velvet's ruby lips left her porcelain cup, marking it with her smile, she set the cup down upon it's matching place setting. "You have yet to take off your jacket, even though the temperature in here is quite warm. I propose it has to do with your bindings." Scarlet looked away from her piercing pale eyes as she focused on the tiles below her. Of course she would want to know about them, everyone does. "It's personal." Velvet didn't want to push too hard, though she did want this mystery to open up to her. There was an air of discover about her. The way she walked and talked spoke loudly as though to say," please help me." She acted like she was on probation from acting at rest. "I already know you have them, you can take your jacket off here. No one's going to say anything, and if they do-" "What? You'll defend my honor?" The sudden input by scarlet startled Velvet, she had already grown accustomed to the silence that accompanies her new companion. Scarlet let out a sigh, "I'm sorry... I-it was a mistake for me to come here, I'll be leaving." Pushing back from the table she rose, clutching her jacket tighter around her body," thank you for the tea. It has been a pleasure." With a slight curtsy she turned curtly and walked out the door. This sudden jump in conclusion had dazed Velvet, abruptly she hopped to her feat and lept out the door after her puzzle. Though it was too late, she came just in time to see Scarlet get into a black car and have it rumble off, leaving the golden goddess in the autumn wind. Resting her head on the window, Scarlet listened to the soothing sound of tires churning as the smell of French vanilla wafted through the air. "Ms. S, perhaps you'd like to tell me what you are doing out of school?" The accented voice asked, the soothing and civilized tone that seemed to gush over every syllable ever so present as he spoke. The driver with his combed back hair and patent suit arched an eyebrow at the young miss's in the mirror, awaiting her response. "Wyett, I-I was out-t... Out with a frie-end." Her shaky voice responded, choosing each word like a surgeon picking his tools. "Oh? That's quite a relief, for a second I believed there to be a poor excuse for your absence. I do believe we can just tell your father that you were not feeling well and I drove you home early from school, I wouldn't want to worry him with you being out and about in a new town." "I understand sir, thank you." "Miss-es, I've known you a long time, and I know that tone is used for when you are saddened. Did something happen?" "No." The silence refilled the air, pondering over her syllable, Wyett glanced at his master's young daughter. She sat in the silence like it was a safety blanket. Her eyes rolling over the sights of the new town. "In that case, would you like me to turn around and drop you off with your friend?" "N-no, thank you." So prim and proper, she hadn't really grown up like girls her age. While others were having tea parties and dressing up, she was learning etiquette to be prim and proper. Quietly they drove. Walking her into the behemoth of a house, Wyett allowed her young mistress to scurry to her room as he meandered to the kitchen. Passing the large overhanging windows he savored the moments where he could see the delicate yet strong rose bushes outside. The way each stem brought forth such an exquisite appendage but still held thorns around it mistified him. I will have to cut a few off later for Miss-es, perhaps that'll cheer her up. Entering the kitchen Wyett stopped before a flustered young girl hurrying as she swept up the remains of a shattered tea cup from the ground. Her brown hair was tied neatly behind her in a bun, though whether she allowed or it just so happened, two strands of hair always seemed to fall upon her to crop her sharp face. Her forrest coloured eyes looked desperately at the ivory tile from which she swept, making sure to retrieve all of the missing fragments. Her modest chest was confined in a tight uniform, a matching black and white top which led down to her skirt. Her gaze lifted from her current task at the sound of Wyett's pointed shoes came to rest beside her. The way they were shined to such perfection she could see reflection in the patent leather. A cautious glance was thrown upward at the owner of the loafers, but a relieved smile, as radiant as the sun, was instead returned upon the realization of the owner. "Ms. Elzie, perhaps I could be of some assistance." Resting his jacket upon the granite counter Wyett kneeled beside her. "Thank you Mr. Wyett, I think perhaps this is my fourth cup since moving here," her dainty voice pressed each word out is a singsong pattern," I swear, I'm not trying to make a bad habit out of this sort of thing." She was met with a reassuring smile from Wyett," Don't worry Elz, I trust you'll get better, after all The Master wouldn't have kept you on if he hadn't believed that." She gave him a friendly shove, "we both know the reason I have yet to be relieved of duty is thanks to your words of encouragement. If you didn't have an ear of The Master's I am almost certain I would have been looking for a new home some years ago." "Perhaps, but I am glad of the outcome of everything, though maybe this most recent move was a tad unorthodox, I fear I may not get use to this weather." "The rain and the wind is beginning to harp on my mood, I liked the sunny place we were last, so peppy and happy!" "Now then, we wouldn't want you to lose your iconic chipper mood, I'm not sure we'd recognize you without it." Elzie gave another shove, resting her hand longer than she should have upon his chest, feeling the curvature and roughness of his muscles. Even when he was wearing such a pristine suit, he seemed to find a way to tear through it, as though it were a cocoon. "Perhaps your radiant happiness will brighten up this old house, it's been so long since we'd have had the sun in our home." "Absolutely right, I miss your music the most. How you would spend hours playing, practically neglecting your duties," she swooned, placing her hands over her heart, she could practically feel it's pulsing as the thought of such a beautiful memory filled her. Wyett let loose a slight unprofessional chuckle, "that is true, I haven't played in a long time, I wonder if I'm still capable." "It's like riding a bicycle, once you learn you can never forget, you just need someone to give you a push! Why ever did you stop-" "He stopped when she died Ms. Elzie,you will find it wise to know your time tables," a rough and orderly voice barked. The Master stood tall and collected, his dark suit wrapped around him like a layer of skin. His piercing grey eyes shone over his two servants. "What is the meaning of this display Ms. Elzie?" "I-I was, I- uh-" "She was helping me clean up a dropped tea cup, it would seem as though all the condensation up here has caused the cup to slip straight through my hand." The Master looked down upon the two, clearly looking for the lie, but the determination that showed in Wyett's eyes burned back. "Very well, Ms. Elzie, clean up this mess, Mr. Wyett, I'd like to see you in my study." With that The Master turned on his heels and stepped out through the door. Elzie sat in shock as tears streamed down her tanned face, "why must he be cruel, he used to be much nicer." Clasping a firm hand around her, Wyett puller the fair maiden in close, pressing her against his broad chest. "Cry not my dear, he means not what he says, he's had plenty of stress upon him recently. I will speak to him about perhaps lightening up on everyone in this household." "N-no, I need-d to-to be able hand-dle it-t," she sobbed. "Then maybe you should take the rest of the day off, I will handle your choirs for the remainder of the day." That slight smile crept over her face once more, "Thank you Wyett, you really know how to make a girl feel good." Wiping a tear off of her cheek, Wyett leaned in and kissed her other cheek, "Only the girls that mean the most to me." A slight frown crept about, "girls?" "You, of course, my dear, and-" "The Miss-es," she finished. "Right, the young mistress of the house." "Sometimes I feel as though you love her more then me." Wyett felt appalled at such an exaggeration and ill temp, holding her now so that he may peer into the vexed shimmer of her eyes, Wyett leaned in," My love, I've made it very clear of my standing, I will always cherish you above all others, the young mistress merely holds desirable amounts of my heart as though she were my own child. I care for her all the same." "You know very well she's not your daughter, she's The Master's daughter." Wyett pushed her off of him, releasing the sweet scent of her perfume from him, "Then perhaps this is simply sibling rivalry between you two. She does think more highly of you as an older sister figure then a maid." "Perhaps that is so Mr. Wyett, though I don't believe either of us would get a straight answer from her. Best be off now, don't wish to keep The Master waiting now do we?" With all the suaveness and poise he could foster, Wyett stood up and gave a slight bow to his companion. "Another time." Turning on his heels, he grabbed his overcoat and swept himself out the door. Knocking thrice Wyett awaited for the gruff voice to call him in. Standing at the behemoth window overlooking the garden, The Master stood like a statue. "Master, how may I serve you?" "Close the door behind you Mr. Wyett." Scarlet lied on her bed, gazing out the window at the rolling clouds that festered over head. Slowly she rose to a sitting posture, she shrugged off her coat, allowing her bandaged arms to feel the sunlight. Then with such care, she removed her bindings. Taking the long strand she wove the wraps off of her arm, embracing the cool air that so rarely touched her pale skin. Her porcelain skin reflected the light that kissed her. Allowing the bed to receive her bindings, Scarlet sat with her arms exposed. The elegant scarring that diligently sprawled across her, running up and down her limbs. The criss crossing of vines, marked only by the pale discoloration of broken skin, were woven along the veins of her from her wrist to her arms. Moving her nimble fingers up to her blouse, she worked the buttons off one by one, slowly slipping each one off. Resting easy, the white sheer material parted as she rolled her shoulders back, the cloth fell like a feather, drifting to the ground. Her bare midriff and her curved breast showed nervously to the empty room, as the scars that adorned her arms seemed to wrap themselves down to her naval. Running a finger up her toned stomach, she felt the braised scarring crawl up her. The darkened portions of her seemed to enthrall her as they held close to her breast. Each stroke that had been made had been made with the precision of someone who knew who she was doing, someone who knew why they were doing it. Each scar was filled with rage, anger, fear, loss, loneliness. Reaching behind herself she fiddled with her clasp, pulling her brazier closer to herself, causing her breast to swell up. At last the clasp was undone and the constraints fell to the ground, off of her ribbon tattered arms. Breathing in, her chest rose and fell, heaving her heavenly assets. The dark mark of her assets were scathed with the intense wrap around markings of more scars and marks. Feeling the marks across her body with her palms, she allowed herself to swing her head back and fall to the confines of her bed, taking in the pillowing softness as ecstasy took her. The period bell rang, calling the students to rise and leave the walls of the classroom. Waiting for the students to leave, Scarlet took time to put all of her belongings away. Each book and paper carefully being placed inside her bag, careful as to not crumple a single page. Rising to her feet, she let loose a sigh as she trudged to her next class. It had been a few weeks since she had started attending this new prep school, and yet she was still not comfortable with her final class of the day. Pushing the large double doors open she slinked across the hardwood court to the locker room. Pushing the door open, she slipped inside to face the other girls. Inside the group of girls giggled and laughed as they each adorned their gym uniforms. The body forming blue shorts and loose fitting grey shirts spread throughout the locker room like a wave. Black shoes were replaced with white sneakers, hair was pulled back in braids and ponytails, and uniforms were hung up in lockers to keep from wrinkling. Scarlets moved ghostly to the back locker from where she kept her things. Turning the dial she felt a shadow fall over her as the giggling ceased. "Hi Scarletina," a peppy yet spiteful voice rang and echoed in the locker room. Cringing at the sound of her voice, Scarlet turned to face her audience, "He-Hello M-Marygold." Looking at the girl before her Scarlet was stunned as a port wine blush spread throughout her. Standing in the bare was was a tall athlete, short cropped hair, as fiery as candle light. Her sharp blue eyes seemed to glow as she stared into Scarlet, rolling over her from head to toe. Marygold looked like a goddess, perhaps just the second best girl in the school to Scarlet, but still stupendously breathtaking. Her plump lips, her curved chest that hung out firm and ample, small yet still a handful, down to her toned muscular navel, her arms were clasped behind her and her long toned legs were brandished with personal pride from years of athletic endeavors. Remembering correctly, Scarlet asked her about her soccer tournament that she had heard she would be contending. "Oh that was nothing, of course we won. I ended up scoring the winning goal, but of course it wasn't a close game thanks to me." Her rudeness and self conceit wore on Scarlet as she tried to foster a fake smile, "That's w-wonderful M-marygold." Marygold pushed herself onto Scarlet, pushing her assets into her, bringing a bright blush to her cheeks," I almost forgot, I got you a present." Scarlet cropped an eyebrow," o-oh, y-you d-didn't need-d to do t-that." "Of course I did silly, you're my bestest friend and I need to make sure you're well taken care of." Taking her hands out from behind her she showed Scarlet a small ribboned box. The sky coloured bow slipped off easily and the clasp on the box opened. Inside Pandora's box sat a glint of metal. A small, trapezoid of silver. "I know how hard you work, just thought you'd like an easy out." A bright smile grew on Marygold's face as she bounced on her heels. With that the fiery girl bounded off, showing off her finest curves. Holding the blade in her hand she turned it softly. Looking over the fine release of pain and sorrow, she turned her palm over. The blade sliced through the air, clattering to the ground. Scarlet walked over her tormentor and headed for the mahogany door, rapping on it twice, she listened for the empowering voice from the other side call her in. Pushing through, Scarlet came face to face with her coach. The tall, towering, slender woman dressed in a tight track suit. The deep sea colour that adorned her like water to the sea. Her short cropped hair was worn awkwardly of someone who is trying desperately to hold onto her fleeting youth and mixed with her dark makeup it was a catastrophe. Someone who could be so beautiful is blinded by the delilious illusion that she can outdo her own age. "C-coach Blonc, I'm-m not f-feeling alright, would you mind if I-I sat-t out?" Her sympathetic eyes rolled over her, "Deary, this is the third time this week, perhaps you'd like to visit the nurse." Scarlet took a step back, "N-no, I'm good, I just need-d to sit out-t today." Her quick response earned her a curious look from Coach Blonc as she tried to figure out the puzzle before her. Sighing defeat and mostly an understanding that some students are just weird in their own way, she allowed it. Scarlet scampered out into the court with her book in tow. Resting upon the bleachers, high above anyone else, scarlet peered down at the mass of athletes. Their movements fluid and precise as they dove for the volley ball that came hurtling towards each of them. Lots of shouts and laughs filled the gymnasium. Focusing her gaze upon her book, Scarlet tried to push out the distraction before her, and focus on her book. Flipped the dark brandished cover open she ran her hand across the aged pages. The smell of eroding novels, being extruded into her was enough to set her into a world of her own. She felt her heartbeat quicken and fall with the suspense with the character. The charades, the pain, the anonymous reasoning that she yet could not portray an answer to filled her essence as she flipped through the pages. The longing to know more of it was exhilarating, that was, until the shadow of a good witch covered. "What's your book about?" Startled, Scarlet let out a quick yelp as she stumbled backwards into the bleacher. Her book slamming shut onto her hand, luckily saving her spot. Buckling her legs, in a sense to jump up and run, Scarlet ended up instead just tucking them closer to her, causing her skirt to flip over and give her guest a great view of her satin panties. "Oh shit! Scarlet are you alright?" Pulling her forward Velvet was greeted with a bright blush flooding her face, "Are you alright Scarlet?" "Y-yes, just startled, that's-s all." Looking down between her legs, Velvet was distracted by the creamy colour of Scarlet's legs. The elegant scarring seemed to continue where her pantyhose ran. Reaching a hand out, Velvet had to stop herself from fixing her skirt or else she may run a hand up her thigh to her love. "Um... Scarlet, your skirt." Scarlet quickly brushed her skirt down, waking Velvet from her trance, "H-how can I h-help you?" "I was... uh, wondering what your book was about." "Oh! It's a drama about two souls that are both trying to take control of a single body. Neither can live without the other, nor can they live together..." That was possibly the most words Scarlet had spoken in a straight sentence without stuttering to Velvet. Thinking to ask about her things more often, Velvet filed that tidbit of information deep down. "That sounds really interesting, you'll have to tell me how it ends." "You can borrow it if you'd like, I-I already ready it a couple times." Velvet tried to stiffen a smile," Thank you. I take it you enjoy this book?" "Yes, it's one of my favorites." "In that case I will definitely like that." Velvet gave off a warming smile, such it warmed Scarlet's heart just looking at it that she had to turn away to hide her face in her coat to hide her glowing smile that betrayed her tough exterior. Velvet fidgeted awkwardly, bouncing on her heels, "would you mind if I sat down." Scarlet nodded slightly. Taking a sigh of relief, Velvet sat beside her, resting upon her knees she cocked her head to look at the beauty beside her. A silly grin spread across her face such as a wild fire, quickly and with the focus of illuminating the dark. Though the painful truth of wild fire, they break down walls. They turn everything to ash. Scarlet poked her nose into the spine of her book, trying to hide beside the loud girl. Her ghostly eyes peered at her over the cover, guessing her intentions, trying to know the truth as to why she was here. "So...," Velvet took a deep breath, her smile had been replaced with a grimace," I needed to apoligize for-" "No." "I-What?" Slapping her book shut the loud crack echoed throughout the noisy room, "I said, 'no', as in, don't apologize. I don't want to hear it." Standing up, Scarlet brushed off her skirt, allowing her hands to gently graze her thighs. She turned quickly on her heels, her short cropped hair twirled in the light like a ballerina on point. Marching down she quickly crossed the distance between her and the sporty Coach Blonc. "Coach Blonc, I take that back, I would like to see the nurse, I am not feeling well." Coach gave her approval and went into the locker room to retrieve her bag. She left hastily, not forgetting a single item behind her. She did not want to come back to have to retrieve anything. She didn't want to have to face... Her. With that she walked out the gymnasium door, leaving a sense of curiosity as to what could have set her off in her wake to her fellow classmates who had all began to expect quiet behavior from the girl in the back. Velvet sighed, she had not meant for that to happen. She had hoped for a good reunion, perhaps a montage of laughs and smiles, instead she had created a victim. Pulling herself to her feet, she stretched her arms up, her smoke coloured workout shirt pulled gently up, exposing her bare midriff. Clambering down the steps she turned into the locker room. Walking past Scarlet's locker, she tried not to look at it while she grabbed her towel. She tried, but she failed. She looked at the closed locker door. Everyone else's were decorated with pictures of friends, ribbons, pictures of lovers and old flames, but her's was still a dull metal. There was no life there, it was just someone existing. The cool metal of the lockers glinted- The cool metal. The metal. The Razor! On the ground where Marygold had given Scarlet her "gift" there was no blade present. She had left last, she knew that the blade was there when everyone had left, but the only person to have returned prior to her has been Scarlet. She felt the blood inside of her begin to boil, her breath was ragged as she thought through the perplexing ultimatum she was at. The clenched fist she held tore into her palm. The agony, the pain, the memories that must have been included in that token of misery must have been too strong. Why hadn't I gotten rid of it, was all that Velvet thought of? She hadn't even realized the movement in her legs until she was already running out the gym. The pounding of her sneakers on the ivory tiles matched rhythm with the beating of her heart, thinking, oh where would she have gone? Up ahead a restroom unit was present, considering the odds, Velvet rushed into them, nearly losing her footing and needing to brace herself against the walls. She could make out the look of a familiar tattered bag with an iconic jacket laid on top on the floor of a stall. Velvet slid over, trying to spy into the stall through the space of the door and wall. Inside a topless duchess sat in contempt. Her pale skin only defined by the ravenous markings that filled her body. The way they etched upward like vines to a stone. The precision and want to control that created them was evident. In her delicate fingers she held the razor blade softly, tossing it over each knuckle, spinning it like a dial. Considering, should she place the blade onto her skin again and find the sweet release of pain and misery or if she should maintain her darkness. "Scarlet!" Looking up, Scarlet should've been more shocked to see Velvet, but with how clingy she's been it was no surprise. Reaching for her blouse she shrugged it on and hastily buttoned up. Dropping the razor blade she let it clatter into the water basin and went to unlatch the door separating a tirade of questions and probable berating. The latch lifted with a snap and the door creaked open, closing her eyes, Scarlet awaited the verbal conflict that was about to happen. She felt a warmth cross over her, arms that were holding onto her, a pillowy softness of hair that splayed the side of her face, and the ever coming dampness that came was not what she had expected. Velvet stood there transfixed, completely wrapped around a girl she hardly knew, but she knew she didn't want her to hurt herself. The heat between their two bodies was shared in the tempered breath that Velvet hastily put out and warmed Scarlet's neck, the tears that Velvet didn't think she'd shed now rolled loosely onto the beautiful girl she was around. "P-please... Please d-don't." Scarlet raised her arms, but stopped. She couldn't bring herself to do this again. She couldn't bring herself to hurt someone else. She couldn't promise not to hurt herself much less complete a hug. The delicate tears that welled up in Scarlet's eyes began to roll down her porcelain cheeks. She backed up, or atleast tried to, breaking the hold that she was in, she could now see the face of her "friend." Her reddened eyes and sorrowed look, the frown that she was a novice at wearing, and the drying tears did not match her beauty. "Velves, I-I, I'm sorry. I can't. Not-t yet. I-" "Please, I- I'm sorry, I shouldn't-" "It's not that." "Then what is it?" "I can't-" "Why won't you let me in?" "I don't know how, it's hard for me." "Then let me help you." "I'm broken! I'm cracked and shattered and I have no idea how to put myself back together!" Scarlet exploded, she hadn't meant to yell, but it was the build up of being questioned and prodded that caused it. "Scarlet..." Scarlet brushed past her, leaving behind her belongings, she didn't care, she just headed straight for the door. Not looking back, just focusing on the sole purpose of escaping the confines of this torture. Walking back into the gymnasium, Velvet passed her classmates and headed into the weight room, with Scarlet's remaining belongings in tow. Resting on the bench she sighed, she couldn't believe how this day had come to. Grasping the free weights she heaved them up to her level, repping them to clear her clouded head. She brought her arm down, extending at the elbow, feeling the strain the weight in her palm was causing. Tightening her muscles she felt the dumbbell lift and make contact to her chest. The heavy heaving and extortion of muscles caused her to become lost in thought. Why wouldn't she just open up to her? What's with the scars? What did I do to cause her to run off? "Ms. Velvet!" Velvet let out a yelp as she tossed her dumbbells forward, away from where they might hit someone. Coach Blonc let out a yelp, "The hell Ms. Velvet! What has you possessed that you did not hear me?" Velvet was shaking, her body was in a state of movement trying to settle down. Coach Blonc was peering at her intently, awaiting her response. "Sorry Coach Blonc," Velvet gave a short bow to express her apology, "I just got lost in thought. Is it time to go?" "Yes, nearly an hour ago. I called you twenty times to come in. I can't go home with you still here so get moving." Velvet hopped up, already feeling the soreness in her arms from her extended work out. Trying to move past her she was stopped by a hand, "Where do you think you're going?" "To the locker room?" "Why, you already have your bag, get going." "But-," she pleaded. "But nothing, get going now young lady." Velvet scampered out of the weight room and down the halls towards the exit. Passing through the grand iron gate she allowed the wind to cool down her body. The gleaming sweat chilled her, bringing rise to her skin as her body fought for warmth. Fastening Scarlet's bag to her back, her powerful legs bounded on the fallen leaves that danced below her. All ready being late as it is, she had no choice but to take an undesirable shortcut. Taking an ally path she sprinted past an identical prep school to her own. Masses of young dressed men in their uniforms were crowded around their gate. The dark navy coloured coats with a bloody trim that sparked a bright difference. Wolf whistles and call outs rang at her as she quickly made her escape from the remaining boys. "Hey Blondie, wait up, come on Velvy," a boyish voice rang out. Sliding on her heels Velvet came to a halt. Looking behind her she saw her admirer. Tall, well built, his muscular arms proudly shown through his rolled sleeves. His arm happened to be flexing as he held his coat behind him, causing the thin fabric to strain even more at the bulge. His sandy hair tossed around messily, his deep ocean eyes that screamed to be noticed, and that rugged smile that he always wore made him look like an outsider compared to the plain boys around him. Though he was clearly more of a leader then an outsider, the way the boys huddled around him and waited on his response to see how he was going to handle her. To parents he was the perfect gentlemen; smart, strong, caring, emotional when the time comes. Though to the female population, he was simply who he was; a hound. "What do you want Leaf?" Uhg. Even his name was so unique that it inspired other people to crave to be like him. So annoying. "Just figured I see a pretty gal in some short shorts would want some attention. You know there are some strange people who live around here, might do well for some protection." Velvet smirked," Are you speaking of yourself? They don't get stranger then you Leaf." A slight frown formed on Leaf's lips, "Don't count on it Velvy, I heard you got a new friend. What's this bring your count up to? Two?" "Plenty more, but I don't want to confuse you with teaching you new numbers." "Listen bitch-" "Mr. Leaf, while I commend you for your verbal jousting with this... lady, I would recommend you using a more profound reaction. There is no reason to stumble to name calling and sorts." The aged, pot belly man strode to the front of the boys. His whiskers long and drained of life, it seemed his face is slowly becoming the last place on him to still grow a full set of hair. His short stature brought him below Leaf, but his booming voice that sounded of someone who had smoked a cigar everyday for the past lifetime commanded respect and compliance. "Yes Mr. Haywood," snapped Leaf, taking a step back from Velvet and putting himself comfortably behind his teacher. "Now Ms...," began Mr. Haywood, pondering who this vixen was as he admired the growth of school girls these days," perhaps you'd care to explain what you are doing harassing my boys like this?" Velvet was appalled," harassed? I was running home when your buffoons of students decided to leer at me as though I were a market option!" "Well I suppose boys will be boys, perhaps next time you could be less provocative in your attire?" "My... attire? I'm wearing a school uniform, must men sexualize everything a girl does?" "Well I'm just saying that it does leave very little to the imagination. Perhaps you'd like to come inside, maybe call your father to pick you up?" Velvet had had enough," No thank you, sir." She gave a slight curtsey, making it clear she was done with this conversation," I would very much prefer to just get home on my own before dark. I assume you have to let your dogs out for meal time soon." Gesturing to the boys that surrounded the teacher she made it clear who the hounds were. "Wait, young misses, it's not safe for a girl to walk around on her own, you need a man-" "Then please call me one when one arrives," she bounded down the street. She had lost valuable time that she could have been using elsewhere, she was later than she intended and more mad then she had been prior. Men! Like any of that lot were fit enough to call themselves such a thing. Scarlet sat alone in her room, the thoughts of today running amuck through her temple. Why did she have to run? Still the only friend she has and she's basically lost her. Damn! A knock sounded thrice and Scarlet called for them to open the door. Wyett pushed the door open, carrying with him a small porcelain tea cup and saucer and a kettle. "Ms. Scarlet, perhaps some soothing tea to help with your sulking?" Scarlet couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness of her servant. She hadn't even asked for anything besides to be left to her studies and yet here he was with something she wanted. "Thank you Wyett, that sounds lovely." Wyett set the cup and saucer upon her desk and began to pour a rose tinted liquid. "Fresh tea leaves claimed from the rose bushes outside, though perhaps tasting this new town would brighten the mood." Scarlet nodded, taking the cup and saucer in her hands and letting her eyes glaze over the reflection that transpired. Perhaps the solution to all her problems would be in the bottom of this cup? Doubtful but Scarlet tilted back and took a sip of the tea. The aroma, the taste, the texture, all so divine in the cup before her. The rich scent of roses sent chills down her spine, as the taste electrified her sense. The way the tea didn't feel like a liquid but instead rich gold being poured down her throat. "Miss-es, if you pardon my curiosity, where is your book bag?" Scarlet looked over to where she always left her belongings at the end of the day. Letting out a fizzled groan she fell back into her bed. Throwing an arm dramatically over her eyes she sought to blot out her mistake, "I left it at school." "Oh dear. Perhaps if we are fortunate one of your friends had found it and taken possession of it. We'll see tomorrow I suppose.: "Wyett, you know I don't have friends." Wyett looked at the young mistress of the house, her mummification was nearly complete, her trauma was within her like the kings and queens of old. "Miss-es, what of the young lass you had a spot of tea with several weeks ago? I do remember specifically you referred to her as your friend." "No-er, I mean, it's complicated." Wyett let out an uncharacteristic chuckle," Miss-es, unfortunately I must inform you that so is the way of life. We rarely get an easy straight forward answer to our problems." Scarlet peeked out from under her arm and let out a smirk, "speaking of experience my dear butler?" "Oh when you have aged as I have you tend to pick up a few wise things here and there." Pushing herself up Scarlet gestured to her desk chair for Wyett to sit, to which he happily obliged. "Wyett, may I ask something of you?" Wyett gave a humble nod of his head, "anything milady." Scarlet took a breath, here was her long time friend and perhaps her next question would destroy that. Fear held her check. "Am... Am I a monster?" Wyett felt destroyed. The child he'd grown to love thought of herself as a creature of vile intent. "No, heavens no! Please never think of yourself that way." He need not ask what had brought on this sudden inquiry, it wouldn't take a genius to understand the trauma this young girl has seen in her life. The fire, the pain, the suffering. It's why her body is written on as it is, it's a reminder for herself of who she is and what's happened to her. "I just-t thought," a tear fell through her downcast eyes, "I perhaps may be. I just," tears were pouring down her crescent face. Wyett moved beside her, wrapping his large arms and pulling her in close to him. Her sobbing continued as he held her, whispering comforting words to ease the pain. "My dearest duchess of the house, I beg of you to see what I see. A smart, beautiful, women. You are so much like your mother." She gazed up at him, her eyes filled with wonder and questions, "like my mother?" "Of course, she was the fairest and most divine woman I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She would be proud of the woman you have become." "Thank you wyett I-" "Mr. Wyett, do not baby my daughter. If she is to grow up strong then she can't be allowed to be picked up every time she has a down moment." The short and straight forward manner of The Master broke the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Both Scarletina and Wyett stood up in the grace of The Master. "Mr. Wyett, prepare some tea for me, I wish to drink on the patio." Wyett bowed," Of course sir, it will be done." Wyett left with Scarlet's empty tea set in tow, giving a final sympathetic look to his dutchess he disappeared. "Scarletina, you will do best to learn to bite your tongue and keep your emotions in check. I am leaving town for a few days, Mr. Wyett and Ms. Elzie will keep you company." The Master turned on his heel, but held the door frame in his hands, "I... I care... greatly for you, my dear." That was it, those few spoken words were the first he had said in a long while that contained any endearing remarks. Resting on the floor of her room, Velvet turned the music in her headphones up, blocking the sounds of her parents fighting below her. She held the tattered bag in her hands, the olive colour had faded, resulting in a ashy look. The leather straps that held the bag close were worn down and frayed. It wasn't the bag of a duchess, it was a bag that meant something more than its physical value. Why else would a women of her stature hold onto such a relic. Would it be right to go through it? Hoping not to lose her nerve, Velvet undid the straps sealing her treasure. Inside was what one would expect from a prep school student such as; class text books, several reading books, notes on math and science, and what seems to be tomorrow's homework already completed and from what she could tell, correct. She was about to seal the bag close when something caught her eye, a small leatherbound book in the bottom. Holding it up she was pleasantly surprised to find something intimate, a sketch book. Upon opening she let the crisp pages fall before her fingers. Graphite and charcoal were rushed in such harmony that the drawings seemed to flow like water through one's hand. Dark images were sprawled throughout. Sadness and depression warped in shades and tones of darkness. Passing through the book her heart skipped a beat. A mirror was looking back at her. Inscribed in perfect likeness was a portrait of the young Velvet, a smile plastered on her face and her hair tied back. A date in the corner dedicated that this piece was created the first time the two had met. Passing through more pages she's found other students, A tall and handsome man in a suit, a woman in a maid's outfit, but she was the constant theme. Her features arguably her's. Some were pieces from gym of her in her gym uniform, her long legs perfectly accented, while others showed her in the skirt and blouse uniform. Which ever way she appeared, she seemed perfect no matter what. Hours must have gone into these sketches, the way each portrait seemed like they were going to talk and blink. There wasn't the faintest clue to how she could have done these. Velvet never remembered Scarlet having a camera on her to take such vivid pictures to use as reference, she must have done them all by memory. Velvet collapsed against her bed frame, going through more pictures, though one stumped her. It looked like Scarlet, but... different. Her eyes were looking up at someone who wasn't there, her hair was longer, and while Scarlet seemed like a princess, this woman seemed more like the queen. An ideology of who she wishes to become perhaps? Though while her self portraits she was frowning, this one was smiling, not a forced smile, but one of pleasure. More pictures of this woman, then one of 3 people, a family portrait? Scarlet was in the front, her father was on her right, his arm on her shoulder, he looked tall and imposing. He had a brilliant smile. To his left was the familiar woman. She held onto Scarlet dearly. This must be her mother then. Velvet looked at the drawings again and realized something that had her escaped her notice. Her scars, they were gone. Scarlet's arms were pure and clean of her bandages nor scarring. The best guess would be that she dreams of not having them. On the last page sketched on page rested a dark portrait of Scarlet and her father. Her father's face had been rubbed out and splattered with charcoal. Darkness crept around the two and up and down Scarlet's arms rested her scarring. No bandages hiding them, just plain and simple cuts that seemed to burn to look at a repeat of them. Velvet cringed at this revelation. The scars wrapped around like vines to stone. The way they seemed to reach up and choke her. Slamming the book close she tossed it away. Wyett poured the smooth tea into The Master's cup, moving the handle so that it was within reach of him. "Mr. Wyett, how long have you been in my service?" Wyett stood straight as though an electric current had flown through him, "We are coming upon the anniversary of my twelfth season." The Master sipped his tea, his gaze was lost over the rose bushes that blotted out the grounds, their delicate crimson and bloody trates swayed in the gentle breeze like a mother rocking her child to sleep. "Perhaps I've been to welcoming of you and Ms. Elzie. Perhaps it's my fault that you seem to parent my daughter while I am forced to work so that she may live in comfort. Perhaps it's my fault that we had to move back to the resting place of her mother. I do not take likely the role in which I've been given. I am the master of this household and I will treat my subjects how I see fit." Wyett nodded his head, "Of course Sir, I understand." "Do you Mr. Wyett? You play a simple butler when we both know you are capable of much more. You've given your heart to a woman who will never bear you children. For such you have chosen to adopt my daughter as your own to satisfy a need of feeling the fatherly feeling you so long for." "Sir, I am simply just a butler whose ikigai is to serve your family. Were you to dismiss me, I would find a new name to serve. And as for the woman who holds my heart, I do not care that I will not have a child who bares my blood, but I care of the family that I have created, her past of being Elliot has no effect on me. I assume it would be the same for you Sir." "You assume I am a man of a decent heart and good nature? It's foolish to believe I'm a good man Mr. Wyett. I am a dark and broken man,I know this." "You are simply doing what you believe is best for your family, Sir." "I have only focussed on what came next in life, I wasn't even there for the birthing of my daughter. I have done nothing to support my family." "Sir," he questioned to where this was going?" "I buried my wife, I will not bury my daughter. Mr. Wyett, stay with her so that you may see to it." "I will stay with her, until the bitter end if I must." Velvet rested her chin upon her hand, her tired eyes zoned out on the lecture Mr. Rhodes was giving. It had been a week since her last time speaking to Scarlet. It had been an awkward day when she had returned her bag. Velvet hurried up to Scarlet in the halls, noticing her distinct lack of bag, and her two bags. "Scarlet! Slow down!" Scarlet turned, clutching her arms to steady herself she peered at the strange girl running towards her swinging two bags. "Scarlet, you left this at school yesterday!" She turned and stared at her. Almost confused, like a puppy not quite sure what's happening. "Your bag, here it is," Velvet held out the bag to her. "Oh... Thank you..." Scarlet grabbed the bag and nodded, turning on her heals she left. Had she not thought that she would have taken her bag? Perhaps she went back and saw that her bag was missing and became worried. Velvet twirled the pen in her slender fingers. Moving it in and out of her delicate hand. Her short nails were trimmed and rounded. A crimson finish splattered against it like a crime scene gone wrong. Though with the amount of work and dedication in them, perhaps it's a crime scene gone right. Her aqua eyes looked at her teacher. There they reflected the light that danced in them. One could go swimming in those pools of thought. With the chiming of the bell Velvet rose and headed for the door, passing by Scarlet she stole a glance at her face. The lunar half moon that was shown through her darkened hair seemed to glow as her delicate ruby lips pressed together. Her forest eyes rolled over her work as she carefully placed each paper and pencil away. Velvet sighed as she left the room, Scarlet still sat at her desk. Scarlet waited for Velvet to leave. The angle seemed to float throughout the room as though gravity held no bounds to her. Hugging her bag close to her, she silently thanked Velvet for retrieving it. Rising, she took her small yet decisive steps up to Mr. Rhode's deck. "Mr. Rhodes?" Mr. Rhodes turned from the whiteboard he was writing on to face his pupil, speaking ever so clearly," how may I help you Ms. Scarletina?" Scarlet's face beamed a hue of rose, her fingertips felt icy while her cheeks felt as though she were in the presence of a thousand suns. Her voice weak, yet she made due, "I-I was-s h-hoping I could-d have some a-advice!" She hadn't meant to raise her voice but it was though an invisible line lifted her speech until she was practically squealing. Mr. Rhodes' beaming smile warmed her hands, the way each gemstone stood perfectly straight like a row of dominoes. "Of course Ms. Scarletina, ask away." "I-I h-have a p-p-problem with a s-student!" His brow furrowed with this revelation, his smile faded, "is someone giving you trouble? This institution has zero tolerance for bullying." Scarlet back tracked," It's-s, no-er, I-I mean-n yes and n-no. T-that's not w-what I-I need-d a-advice on. T-there's s-someone... special, but-t, it's a sin." Her eyes drooped to the ground, shame rode her face as a silent tear rolled down her face. Mr. Rhodes nodded, he believed he understood. Resting a hand upon her shoulder and dropping to a kneel, he faced her eye to eye. "Ms. Scarletina, do you have feelings for another student." Scarlet opened her mouth to answer, but only hot air came out. All the words that may be within her had vanished. Nodding her head, she let sorrow and fear take her. Raising her eyes to meet her instructors disappointed look she was not met with her expectation. Instead his warming smile had returned, "Ms. Scarletina, it is very brave of you to come out like this, don't let anyone ever tell you it's not. There is nothing wrong with you, there is no sin you have done. You are merely special, and even though this facility likes to teach that homosexuality is a curse, we have yet to find a passage in the Good Book that dictates such a thought." Scarlet wanted to fade away, melt into the cracks in the ground to disappear, her teacher telling her such truths however had changed her thoughts. "But, I-I don't-t think-k I'm fully a-" The word wasn't in her vocabulary, she knew it, but to say it would be to hammer a nail into her coffin. "I-I mean-n, I-I-" She gulped. "I need to go!" turning she bounded to the door, a strong voice called to her to stop and return. Her hand on the doorknob she considered pushing through but she couldn't face running. A photograph was handed to her, it was fine and pristine, the glossy finish was an elegant touch to it. Inscribed on it were two men; Mr. Rhodes, his iconic bright smile that seemed to be the widest she'd ever seen and another man who looked just as happy to be beside him. Both were dressed in three-piece suits, joined arm in arm they seemed so divine. Like a Greek sculptor had chiseled them out of marble. "Ms. Scarletina, this is me," he tapped his place on the photo ," and this is my husband. You can be anything you want; you can be gay, straight, a bit of both, or neither. The only sin, is not accepting yourself." Scarlet nodded, understanding now," Thank you Mr. Rhodes, I... I think I know what I need to do now. Have a good day." She bowed her head, giving ample respect to the man that had helped her. "Thank you!" She turned, walking out the door, she was a blur of movement. Mr. Rhodes smiled, happy with his student, he folded his photo back into his wallet. Had the administration known he had such a secret he believed he would be looking for a new career and blacklisted from any nearby schools in this sleepy town. Releasing a pent up sigh, he allowed gravity to pull him into his chair. Studying the falling leaves that danced upon his window sill he pondered deeply, furrowing his brow and tapping his chin. Why had she come to him? It would seem as though she had trusted him. Scarlet lowered herself to the ground, those deep ocean coloured gym shorts curled and rode in excitement. Her short pristine legs flexed in agreement. The muscle charging itself to spring up. The way her shorts were met with her toned stomach from all the years of being alone. Travelling farther up restered her favourite part of herself, her ample yet perky breast. Each rounded globe hung loosely in her sporting attire, a dribble of sweat rounded them, heightening her senses as the cooling feeling was lost upon her exhausted self. Her hair was pulled back into her best effort ponytail. Her bandages damp from her perspiration she heaved a heavy gasp of air, trying to reclaim what she could of fer fleeting energy. Never have I ever worked out so hard, what was I thinking? Tilting her head back to the stone wall behind her Scarlet closed her eyes. Considering that her goal was to impress Velvet, perhaps this was a foolhardy way of doing it. She was a sweaty mess, who in the right mind would want to talk to her right now? "Perhaps this may help you recover?" Scarlet opened an eye to see Velvet kneeling in front of her. A water bottle in hand and a smile that an angle would want met her. Taking the water bottle she poured the desired liquid down. Letting it splash upon her lips, wetting them and causing her clothes to become wet. Her clothes hugged her body tightly, showing her chilled chest, her flat abs, and her luxurious curves. Velvet bit her lip as she watched the show before her. Reaching a hand out, Velvet clasped Scarlet's smooth palm. Holding her hand both silently thanked their faces for being red because of their workouts instead of the emitting blush. Pulling Scarlet to her feet, Velvet savored the physical contact between, alas, she let her hand drop, releasing the sweet beauty before her. "You worked out pretty hard today," she cooed. "Yeah... I did," she purred. This isn't working both thought with an annoyed expression painted across their faces. "So... uh, did you hear about the winter dance that's next weekend," Velvet questioned? Scarlet looked up, startled," N-no, I-I d-didn't." How could she have not noticed all the posters and girls jittering about, talking of dancing in moonlight and dresses. "Yeah, it's kind of a big deal, I'd have imagined you would have heard of it by now. It's the Winter Masquerade that the school puts on with the neighboring all boys academy." "O-oh, I- that-t sounds nice," was all that Velvet could force out of her with her exasperated breath. "Well, um- most of the girls ask out a boy to the dance, but, um. I don't imagine you've met any of them yet?" "No, I can't-t say I-I have." Where is this going? "Well, I- you see, I don't like any of the boys there," or anywhere for that matter, " and um..." "Will you go to the dance with me?" Velvet was startled. She hadn't expected Scarlet to ask her. "Yes," she blurted out," I would like that, alot!" Scarlet smiled, her heart felt like bursting through her chest. The constant pounding and drumming that it was doing worried her to as though Velvet would be able to see the repetitions along her curved chest. Though unknown to her, Velvet's heart was keeping up with her rhythm. Staring into her calm pools for eyes, Scarlet felt lost. The way their pristine aqua colour seemed to glow and attract her, flushing her face with a brilliant magenta. "D-do you want to get dinner ahead of time?" "Yes, how about the tea house, I presume you remember?" "T-that s-sounds lovely." Scarlet clamped her hands together at her chest, a dream like look faded over her. "W-what will you be w-wearing?" "Red," Velvet mewed. "I'll t-try to match." "I'm sure you'll be radiant no matter what you wear-" "Scarletina, Velvet, front and center," a coach's voice boomed. Coach Blonc strode up to the two Greek goddesses and loomed over them. "Yes Coach Blonc!" both girls responded, simultaneously. "As I'm sure you girls are sure that the Winter Dance is coming up, it's that time of year again where we ask parents to chaperone. Ms. Velvet do you think your parents will be able to?" "Sorry Coach Blonc, my parents will be in the Bahamas during the Winter Dance." "Well I'd certainly love to switch places with the, but alas, here we are. Ms. Scarletina?" Scarlet looked down, not brave enough to look her instructor in the eyes, "does it have to be a parent?" Coach Blonc pondered this for a moment, no one had asked her about this before, "I suppose not, as long as they are a trusted adult. Is that I yes I take it?" "Y-yes Coach Blonc." "Good, just have them check in with me when they arrive. That will be all girls." Coach Blonc strode away, happy with her sales pitch. Velvet eyed Scarlet," someone not your parents? Who do you have in mind?" A sly smile curled around her lips," you'll see." Act 2: A Night to Remember Elzie held the aqua dress to her, the tropical colour splashed against her. Running down her smooth legs the dress flared dramatically. How wonderful it had been when the love of her life had asked her to attend a winter masquerade. Of course it was in the pretense to chaperone but she could steal a dance away from her mister. Oh how she imagined how wonderful tonight was going to be. It felt as though this week had taken forever to finish. A knock at her door awoke her from her daydream as a princess. Hanging her dress upon her closet she whisked herself towards the door like a current. Pulling it open she was stunned to see her young mistress. Her mistress wore her school uniform; a simple piece of yin and yang. She looked down at her feet. Too nervous to speak to her servant. "Ms. Elzie, may I come in?" "Certainly Ms. Scarlet, you are always welcomed." Elzie bowed her head and ushered her in. Scarlet grimmly strode through the door to place herself upon Elzie and Wyett's shared bed. She straightened her skirt, her legs dangling over the edge of the bed, swinging like a child pondering a difficult question. "Ms. Elzie, can you help me?" Bowing again, "Of course, how may I assist you?" Scarlet held her breath, "I was hoping you'd help me get ready?" The loud clap from Elzie's excited commotion startled Scarlet. "Help you? Of course, what colour do you want to wear? Do you have a date? Do you know what colour your date is wearing? Do you have something in mind? Something strapless, a low back, something to show off your figure? What can we do with your hair? Put it up? Maybe down?" Scarlet head whirled while Elzie pelted her with questions. Grasping her arm, Elzie pulled her along. "Now are we picking one from your closet or do you want to shop for one? I know this cute little French boutique downtown that has the most adorable clothes." "I-I have some clothes already." Elzie dragged Scarlet to her room, pushing open the walk in closet she purred at the multitude of silks and velvets that hung with pleasure. Each happy fabric seemed to glow and bounce for joy as Elzie ran her hands among them. "Ok deary, how about you pick some of your favourites and then we'll have a bit of a fashion show?" Scarlet felt a sinking feeling at the prospect of what she had gotten herself into. The first ruby dress shimmered in her hands. Sliding her nimble fingers up to the buttons she undid them each with care and precision. From her breast to her naval she worked her fingers, pushing the tight material off of her shoulders. Her shell cupped bra practically blended in with her skin, the only difference being the scarring that curled around her breast was hidden from view. Sliding fingers into the waistband of her skirt, she bent over, pulling them below her thighs and onto the smooth wood flooring. Next she ran her hands up her legs, feeling the dark skin tights that adorned her. Careful not to cause a run in them, she gently lowered the garments to her feet. Her small toes curled as she released them from their prison. Looking at her dainty feet, Scarlet saw no difference from the nail to the calf. Her porcelain skin glowed, her scarring like painting of cherry blossoms on a Chinese tea pot. Hands cooed over her as Elzie removed her headband with ease, careful not to pull on her hair and cause and discomfort. "Milady you have grown into quite an extraordinary woman. You have a figure that's to die for." Elzie's compliment fell upon deaf ears as Scarlet viewed herself in the mirror. Her hair brushed against her face, Elzie moved it behind her ear. Resting her hands upon her shoulders, Elzie purred into Scarlet's ear. "Ms. Scarlet, shall I remove your bindings?" Scarlet was speechless, she tried uttering a word but no air came out. Instead she relied on just nodding and holding her arms up. Elzie held her hand gently, taking a beginning of the strand she held her breath. Slowly, she unwove Scarlet's bandages. Starting from her wrist to her shoulders she carefully placed them upon her vanity. Scarlet's arms burned in the florescent lighting of her closet. Fully exposed, nothing to hide her shame and pride from the vigorious work that went into decorating her body. "Ms. Scarlet, what dress would you like to begin with?" Scarlet gazed upon her wall of fabrics and materials. The shimmering and shiny dresses that adorned her walls like wallpaper or tapestries. A thin smile plagued her lips at the thought of her date, "something red Ms. Elzie. Something red." Elzie returned with the first red dress, a small cocktail dress that would give very little to the imagination. The cut out in the breast department didn't help either. Deciding to dress more of her own age, Scarlet and Elzie tossed that dress away. More dresses adorned her like a child with a doll, Elzie dressed and undressed her. Taking in every corner and every possible decision. Too old, too young, too sultry, too much and way too little. Scarlet felt like an animal, the way she had been poked and prodded. A squeal from Elzie shook Scarlet from her self pity party. Elzie instructed for Scarlet to close her eyes and relax. Scarlet felt everything at once. She felt Elzie undo her bra and it fall to her feet. She felt Elzie guide her into a soft yet oddly rugged material. The way it rolled like water over her things as she guided it up. The firm way it pushed against her modest chest, up to where it wrapped around her neck. The cold zipper sliding from her bosom to where it rested at the tip of her spinal cord. The air brushed against her arms. Sleeveless, no wonder I have no idea what dress this is. The tightness around her stomach perplexed her, it was as though she was being tied into a corset but only in one place. When instructed, Scarlet saw what she was wearing. An elegant dress that reached down to her mid thigh. The tightness, evident from the bow she wore behind her, properly perched upon her protruding bottom. A closer examination of the material brought a wicked and playful smile to her as her realization hit, velvet. The velvet dress. Her late mother's velvet dress that was once admired by many now wrapped around her as though it had been made specifically for her useage and none other. The vibrant blood colour that flowed across her, splashing her from all directions. The dress matched her scarring. The display of pain that encircled her arms. "Ms. Scarlet, Mr. Wyett and I were hoping to give this to you and your birthday, but perhaps now might be a good time." Elzie held forth a bundle of red. Taking it from her hands Scarlet unravel the silk strands. The bright cherry coloured gloves felt right as she pulled them on. The thin fabric traveling up to her just below her shoulders. Her scars, invisible. The smile she wore was real and genuine. Elzie clapped her hands together,," You look beautiful my dear." The opera gloves were a new layer of skin. A knock that rattled thrice summoned the sisters as the clock stuck closer to dinner. Come in called Scarlet as Elzie finished the last part of her hair and helped her into her heels. The door creaked open, Wyett stood transfixed in breathtaking beauty as he gazed upon the two goddesses before. "My my, Ms. Elzie, Ms. Scarlet, you both look extraordinarily beautiful tonight." This earned him a covered smile and blush from Scarlet and a happy cheerful clap from Elzie. "Oh honey, you look marvelous, is that a new suit?" Wyett straightened his coat. The checkered gold and black tie he wore shimmered as though it were truly made of the most valuable mineral. The crisp night suit was worn like a suit of armor. Each button properly placed, cufflinks in the optimal spot to be seen, his pocket square folded to a perfect mountain ridge. "I'm afraid not. I was merely saving this suit for a special occasion, and what's more special than a date with my best girl?" Scarlet felt her face beam bright ruby as she watched the romance unfold before her. Reaching for her oriental fan she covered her face. Elzie's face, rosy with gitty excitement, beamed brightly. "Now Mr. Wyett, would you mind walking Ms. Scarlet to the car while I finish getting myself ready?" "Of course of darling. Ms. Scarlet?" Wyett held out a gloved hand to Scarlet. Scarlet compiled, the rush of blood over snow evident between the two's hands. Elzie slipped out of the room like water over a table, seeking the downhill grade. Taking one last glance at her room, Wyett grimaced at the appearance of the roses he had put in there. The petals littered the ground, as though someone forced their way into the beauty of the delicate flower. Scarlet and Wyett strode through the manner, passing by the rose bushes she loved so much. "Mr. Wyett, may I ask of your opinion?" "Always Ms. S." A cheerful bump in his voice as they walked arm in arm. "Ms. Elzie is... " she paused, "a transgender, correct?" "She is transgender, not a transgender. They are not a people but merely those people who have had a struggle in their lives. She is a woman." Scarlet nodded, "I understand. I apologize. I just thought... You might be... Gay?" She whispered the last word like a slur. Wyett let out a hearty laugh," Ms. S, I admit, I am not gay, but I have the upmost respect for those who identify as so. It's a way of life like those who have blue or green eyes." "Oh. So, if I wanted to take a boy to the dance you'd be okay with it?" "Of course." "And if I brought a girl?" Wyett smiled, realizing the reasoning behind this questioning. "Yes Ms. Scarlet, I would treat her like any other. Who the heart loves is to itself, not for others to dictate." "But what if I don't like just boys or just girls?" Wyett didn't even pause," still not a problem with me, I'm sorry Ms. S, I feel as though you expected less of me." Scarlet hung her head in shame," I apologize Mr. Wyett. It was rude of me to question your honor and personal choice." The butler stopped and faced the young mistress. Holding her by the chin he picked her face up to meet his gaze, "Ms. S, rude, perhaps. Necessary, most definitely. Sometime the most important things hurt each other's feelings. Sometimes they make us sad and miserable, but, without them we wouldn't grow." "I wish I knew what I was." "Self discovery is the hardest thing we do, you'll know one day, I'm sure of it. Now let's get a move on, don't want all that beautiful work Elzie went to go to waste." "Of course, that's probably a wise course of action." "Perchance, would you care to tell me about this date of yours?" Scarlet's face lit up as she thought of her date. "Oh yes, I would very much like that. She's wonderful. She's smart, and beautiful, more radiant than anyone I've ever seen prior. She takes my breath away without even realizing it. She's daring and adventurous and oh so very strong. Her hair is like spun gold and her eyes are the most dazzling sapphires I have ever seen. The way they sparkled and gleamed as she speaks of her interest. She's a drug and I'm a lovestruck addict." "Then let's not keep you from your fix then." Wyett whisked her away like a ballroom dancer, she felt as though her feet had never touched the ground as she was led to the car. Her dress flared out gently, a glance of satin there, a hint of skin here. She was a princess in the making. Holding her hand as she fluttered into the car, Wyett gave an impressionable bow. "We will be leaving momentarily milady." Turning to face the stairs Wyett felt his world shake. The air in his lungs dissipated as the flowing waters of Ms. Elzie skipped down the marble parlor. Her dress was sensational, the way it seemed to want to splash against him with it's cool ocean vibe. Her eyes were looking dominantly at him, those deep forest, such emerald luxury. Her lips widened in a perfect smile as she placed a delicate hand upon her suitors chest, "Mr. Wyett, I do believe your mouth is agape." Aye, for it was true, in his shock he had lost the feeling of himself. Trying to remember his sensibility Wyett failed as the only thought running through his mind was the angel before him whose heart he held as tenderly as though it were his own. She was a splash of a cool drink on a hot day. The answer to his problems. The holder of his heart. Opening her door for her, Wyett bowed his head at the majesty. Taking in full well the long legs that adorned her that came rounded perfect on her prominent back side. The large, awe inspiring breast that were proudly displayed before him, only separated by a thinning material that if he peered close enough he swore he could see right through it. The catastrophic feeling deep within him stirred as he felt his primal instincts beg to take over and ravish the maiden, no goddess, before him. There is a time and place for everything. Now can't be the time for this. Shaking his head of such impure and lewd thoughts he focused on his task at hand. Driving to the tea house he had picked up Scarlet from weeks prior. Taking a moment to breath deeply, he too got in the car. Velvet lied on her bed, clothes scattered here and there. A knocking came to the door, a thrashing was more like it. Becoming them in, Velvet looked up at a tall ivory man. His dark skin and slick hair gave him a prominent look, as he ducked down to go through the already tall door frame. "Little Bird," his romantic accent scribbled itself like fine caligraphy, "why so glum?" Velvet leapt into the man, wrapping her arms around him, " Uncle Antonio! I'm not, just lost in thought." The large mobster greeted the hug, patting her thrice upon the head, "What is Little Bird thinking of?" The smell of cheap cologne wafted through the air into Velvet's nose, tickling her senses," I have a dance tonight, and I'm not sure what to wear." Uncle Antonio held a toothed grin as he released her, moving to pick up a small red number. Holding it against himself, he looked himself in the mirror, "Perhaps this one, what do you think?" "No, it's not long enough, I want to look good, not like I'm putting out or anything." "Not for you Little Bird, for me. People tell me I have good legs for short dress." Velvet laughed at the picture of her hairy uncle wearing a small dress, "Perhaps Uncle, but I think this occasion you might be a little underdressed." "Humbug, silly rules for silly people. Now tell me, Little Bird, why so glum?" There was no fooling the gangster in her room, "my date is wearing red and I'm expecting that she'll be breathtaking, but I don't think I will compare." Uncle Antonio faked a heart attack, gripping his chest he peered into his young niece, "what! You not compare, I say you compare well better than Uncle Antonio's cousin Gertrude, I say date will be pleased with anything you wear." Velvet blushed at the thought of the one time Uncle Antonio had shown her a picture of his cousin Gertrude. While her name inspired a wicked sort, she in truth was highly beautiful. An angle, to be compared to her is to be compared to the sun. "Thank you Uncle, that means a lot." Picking up her most valuable dress, she held it out to her Uncle, "What of this one?" Uncle Antonio smiled, his crooked grin matched his crooked personality, "I think Little Bird will be beautiful in garment." Uncle Antonio closed the door behind him and walked towards the living room where the Mrs. and Mr. Velvet sat. Mrs. Velvet, or Velour as she was more known as, held onto her husband's arm, fresh tears were evident on her splotched face. Her daughter was a spitting image of her. The Mr. Velvet looked just as scared as his wife that sat next to him. His brandy coloured hair was tousled and his light skin contrasted against it. Uncle Antonio sat in front of them in a rickety wooden chair, " Bookkeeper, you have a beautiful daughter. It would be a shame if The Boss had me do something to her." Velvet's father, The Bookkeeper shook with anger," how can you treat them like family one second and then threaten them the next?" "Little Bird is much like family to me,she calls me Uncle, but my family is The Boss, and The Boss is not happy with revenue this month." "The Boss will have his money, I just need more time to move accounts around, it's not easy what I do." Uncle Antonio laughed a hearty growl," oh, he realize that, truth is though, he doesn't care much for excuses. He wants you to know that you have until next season to get his accounts fixed, her perhaps he will fix your daughters personally." Velour let out a throbbing cry as she buried her face in her hands. "I will take Little Bird to dance, you stay here." Uncle Antonio rose and left his threatened family in the mood they were in. Scarlet held her hand on the door of the tea house a little too long, the brass knob felt cold in her palm. Breathing in a breath of hope she pushed the door open, preparing herself for the unexpected. What she hadn't expected, however, was a syrene. Velvet sat in the back of the shop , her hair put up in a fashion only fit for a princess. Rising from her seat, Scarlet was treated to an extraordinary view of her. The woven fabric criss-crossed her like petals to a flower. The slight rumples that flew off her fine curves and swept the floor like an elegant peacock tail, ready to strike a pose. Her bare legs that came and beckoned her forward. Her toes, painted bright like strawberries. Inching her eyes back up, Scarlet was welcomed with an ample amount of cleavage that with a ruby pendent that swung loosely, seemed to call you into them. Past her lovely breast, was an even lovelier face. Her makeup was just enough to enhance her eyes and lips without changing the hue of her tanned skin. Scarlet tried to take a breath and think as she watched her, but all seemed loss as she wanted nothing more then to push her date down onto the table and have her most primal way with her. Shaking her head of lewd thoughts she tried to place where such thoughts had come from. Ever since meeting Velvet had she been having more and more such thoughts and urges towards her friend. Perhaps I am more like Mr. Rhodes, perhaps not. She hadn't even felt her legs pull her over to her, but suddenly she was within pecking distance of her beautiful date. Scarlet felt smitten as she dazed into her eyes. "H-hi Velvet." Velvet's bright smile nearly blinded her as she pulled Scarlet into an emotional embrace. The two goddesses held onto each other with such passion they felt a steady blush fill their cheeks. "Hi Scarlet, thank you for asking me to the dance." God. Her words like the finest music notes. The way they rolled off her tongue and past her feverishly contagious smile. "Thank you for saying yes." Still caught up in their embrace, Scarlet was happy to just stand there and be held, she hadn't want to be the first one to let go, but when Velvet's hand snaked their way past her bow and gripped it's perch, she had no choice but to yelp and jump in surprise. Both sat down as a larger than life smile whirled across Velvet," I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself." "T-that's alright, I-I'll return the favor later." Velvet, nearly losing her composure, gleamed at her date. She was ecstatic with how incredibly lucky she was to be out with her. Her beautiful, yet apparently dirty minded, date. Their tea arrived from a young waiter who was use to seeing two girls on a romantic date together and did not feel the need to gawk at them like some of the other dining patrons that evening. Velvet could handle the snide looks, but the whispering and hushed comments about her and her date were getting on her nerves. She grew annoyed with the guest and was a few seconds away from snapping at the nearest one, a boy no older than eight, who was looking at her oddly. His parents must have been encouraging the looking at her like an attraction at a zoo because they were no better. "Velvet, are the people bothering you?" Velvet turned her attention back to her date, "No, er, I mean, yes but I'm fine." Smooth Velves, smooth. "Does it not bother you Scarlet? The way they look at us." Scarlet smiled, "Velves, I am always gawked at where ever I may go because of the way I look. Being gawked at because I am with an angelic date is probably the greatest thing that's happened to me." "I never thought of it that way." Scarlet poured a breath of honey into her English tea. Her finger tips held a small spoon as she stirred her drink. Velvet reached for her drink, a specialty vanilla blend. Fiddling with it she tried to focus on her reflection then the diner who was laughing to his date about the two in the back. A warm hand clamped over hers. Scarlet held her Velve's hand in hers. Feeling the warmth extruding as she ran her thumb over her palm, calming her. "Please don't worry about them, they don't bother me." "But-" "Shhh," she cooed, "Be here, be here with me." "Tell me about your scars." If there was ever anything anyone could say to stop a conversation and make everyone feel uncomfortable, that was it. Insensitive, most definitely. Necessary, perhaps. "Why?" "Because I want to know who you are." "Sometimes the saddest things in life are the most necessary to share." "What?" "Something I heard once, by a very smart man." Scarlet sipped her tea, it was hot. The water warmed her as it slid down her throat, the honey soothing her as it went. "If I tell you, you won't ever want to see me again." "That's not true." "It is true. I will trust you, then I 'll tell you my secrets. Where after that you'll become disgusted and you'll never want to talk to me again. And then I'll be back where I was before, with just some more drawings upon my flesh." "My father is the bookkeeper for a terrible mobster in Southern Italy." "What? I-uh, why did you say that?" "Now you know my secret." "But-" "That secret will ruin my life, my families life, and the life of everyone I've loved. You can have it." "But I-" "I want to give it to you, my secret, it's yours to keep." Scarlet was stunned, she hadn't expected this turn of events, in truth Italian mafia bosses were the farthest from her mind that it wasn't even a consideration. "It happened when I was young..." "Eight years ago everything was fine. I lived with my mother and father and our two servants Wyett and Elzie. It was a beautiful time, the leaves had just come back to the trees. The roses were in full bloom, oh, how I do love roses. The way they have such a strong desire to overcome their problems. Have you ever seen a rose grow? It'll grow through any material to be seen. Snow, gravel, even concrete. A rose will find a way. My mother liked roses, funny enough, that was her name. Rose. My father often said that he needn't see any other flower since he had found the most breathtaking one. We were on vacation in the island colonies." "This is around the time that we met Elzie for the first time, she's so lovely. When we first met her my mother fell in love with her. A peasant girl from the islands, how could we go home without one. In truth I fear that my mother did that so I may have something she could never give me. A friend. Elzie and I grew close. She knew the island very well, she of course had grown up there, yet she was more then happy to leave it all behind to join our strange little happy family. Though I do personally believe that Mr. Wyett was quiet smitten with her from the beginning. I have never believed in love at first sight but I have seen it twice, so I do believe that I must change my view on it. We ended up living on that island several years. It was the grandest of times. At this time I was still receiving my teachings from Wyett. For a butler, I must say I am always surprised by how brilliant he is. He taught me until he ran out of things he knew, though he did teach me to play the violin, a talent I fear I have not appreciated." "Before I continue to make myself side tracked, I suppose you want a revelation of this story. On the last night on the island I was awoken by yelling. My mother and father were in some sort of heated argument about money. It has always been a mystery to me, we have never worried about money, its always just been there. But this night, my mother was angry at my father, he had done something. Given someone money that he shouldn't have, I'm not very sure, no one speaks of that night in my house. My mother then chose to storm out of the house in the dead of night. That's when Elzie found me, she ushered me to my room. I wish she hadn't, I wish I pushed past her and ran to my mother, it was, the last time I saw here." A tear rolled down Scarlet's crescent mooned face, "Sorry, I get a bit emotional sometimes because of this, I-" Velvet reached up to wipe the tear away," please don't say that, you have every right to get emotional. Thank you for sharing that with me." "There's more, I still hadn't told you about the scars..." "We had my mother's funeral a few weeks later, twelve days to be exact. It was a beautiful ceremony, lots of roses. It was an open casket ceremony, she looked so peaceful, but drained of her life. It's like when you go swimming and the colour washes away from your skin and your left with this shade that isn't human. That was her. I wasn't allowed to cry or to show emotion during all of this, my father was very strict on the perception of our family, so I didn't do anything that would cause him embarrassment. But like anything, if you hold in something too long, it's going to burst eventually, so the only salvation I found in it, was to cut out my worries." "That my dear Velves, is where these scars are from. I stopped listening to other people and I found a way to handle my grief and misery. It was little things at first; pokes from pins, a scratch from my nail, maybe I knew too well to play with a cat because it would cut me. The problem with pain is, you'll eventually get used to it. I did. I got use to the pain, so I had to do more. I started with little cuts on my sides, then I realized no one will see certain areas of me so I began taking longer cuts. I couldn't help myself, I became an addict to the pain. I found no pleasure it in, please believe that, I found a sweet distraction from life that I could escape in. When a blade licked my skin, it was as though nothing else existed except that slight pain. You've seen my bandages, you know I don't have it under wraps. I can't stop, but my problem is, I'm not sure I want to, but I also can't tell you the last time I cut. Recently I've been getting my fix a different way." Velvet sat, awestruck at the courage to tell her these things. She grasped a gloved hand and brought it to her lips, kissing the fine lace, "what have you been doing?" Scarlet turned a shade of scarlet as she looked down at her lap, "remember I said I saw love at first sight twice?" Velvet nodded her head. "The first time was between Elzie and Wyett, they were the perfect match for each other and they knew the second they laid eyes upon each other." Scarlet took a deep breath, I hope this comes out right. "The second time was when I met you. You, Velvet, are my new addiction. Ever since I've met you I haven't felt a need to scar myself." "Oh Scarlet..." "I understand if you don't feel the same way, I mean, who could love a girl with scars. I'm a freak, I'm a-umph!" Velvet leaned against the table, her lips upon Scarlet's. The sweet and natural taste of love was evident. Scarlet closed her eyes and let herself be taken in the moment. It was as though everything in her body was estatic. The rush of blood, the pumping of her heart as she feared it may pound against her chest and frighten her kisser off. Slowly, she pulled her unheld hand up, to place upon the cheek of her romantic companion. Her gloved fingers grazed the swoll of her face and felt the soft curls of her hair. Pushing back she landed upon the small of her neck and held her goddess in place upon her ivory tongue. Velvet felt just as profound in her decision to kiss the angle. She hadn't known what she was doing until she felt her lips upon hers, which to say for the fact that she initiated the kill was something of great concern of her bodily functions of breathing. And that's what it came to as, as comfortable and normal as breathing. Her lips upon her Love, it was the moment that she wished would last forever. She felt Scarlet's hand brush past her hair to position itself upon the nape of her neck in order to hold onto her like a child in a ride. It was the fear that this ride would be over too soon perhaps. Fireworks were exploding between the girls as eventually they pulled back from their romantic gesture. Both giggled and laughed, trying to find the words for what had just happened. "I-uh, wow." Was all that that Scarlet could manage. "Yah, I- whoa, you're incredible." Agreed a breathless Velvet. This caused more fits of giggles. Neither lover felt the need to talk as they gazed helplessly into each other's eyes. The cool aqua against the brandished almond. "Oh! I nearly forgot, our mascaraed mask! Its tradition for everyone to make their own and have matching ones with their date, I didn't think you knew of that tradition so I took the liberty of making yours." Velvet reached down beside her and pulled out two identical mask. They were a lacy blood colour, the way they covered the eyes as though to hide their secret identities. The tie on them was a simple bow to tie around the head in a manner that further added to the appeal and arousal both girls created in their selected dresses. It was a breath of mystery, a sense of disillusion as to why they wore them. Were they two star crossed lovers forced to be apart because of the silly rules of a Book? Perhaps they were merely just two students who enjoyed theater. No matter which way they were worn, Scarlet was happy to be with Velvet, her perfect partner in crime. "Ms. Scarlet, Ms. Velvet, I would advise us leaving now as to not be late to the dance." The tall butler assisted both girls from their seats. Taking care to introduce himself to Velvet. Velvet seemed ecstatic, here was a butler helping her rise from her seat. While a normal thing for Scarlet, this was as exciting as getting a chance to ride in a fancy car, which of course is what happened next. Scarlet giggled to herself as she watched Velvet's wonderstruck perspective as she found everything in the car interesting and exciting. The leather seats, the window leading to the driving carriage, the chilled or warmed cup holders depending on your preference. It was a lovely piece of machinery that was fun to ride inside. Wyett held the door for the two young duchesses, ushering them into the school's ball room. It was an elegant affair, the colour of the sky was plastered about with dots of snowflakes flittering above. Like butterflies in a March parade, the seemed to be everywhere. The bodies of girls in dresses that whirled together in brush strokes of lilacs and hues of the ocean. Together they danced with men in sharp suits, nearly identical in their footwork and dress, only separated by the uniqueness of their mask. Half moons, opera mask, and sultry mask like Velvet and Scarlet's littered the crowd. Some girls were easy to recognize even with their mask on. Others were a mystery. A certain curved girl came trotting out of the crowd. Her legs proudly displayed in a dress that did her date, a sharply dressed man in a crescent moon mask, a favor. She was clad in the night sky, watching her was like watching smoke disapate; mysterious and illusive. The dress gave little to the imagination, the way it seemed to raise and protrude her ample bust, but it worked wonders on accenting her fines curves of her back side. Her mask matched her date, both identies an illusion. They spoke in a fine accent, too hard to pick out who they were. "Why hello!" She was way too peppy for an event of this caliber. "I see you two came together as friends to come. Don't worry, they're plenty of single fellas here to dance with you!" Scarlet looked down, uncomfortably at her painted toes. All the talk of how people staring at her and how it didn't bother her was no match for someone actually coming up and implying something so obvious. She felt for Velvet's hand, seeking the comfort it held. As soon as her fingertips grazed Velve's palm, Velvet grasped it strongly. "Actually, this is my date. We hold no interest in dancing with any of your fellas tonight. I bid you a good evening." Velvet pulled Scarlet along, trying to escape the starry gaze of their welcoming party. To no avail, the moon girl stepped in front of them, blocking their escape. "Um. I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to bring her as your date. That is strictly prohibited." "I looked through the school handbook, it actually isn't." Smirking, Velvet brought Scarlet closer to her by sliding her arm around her waste and making it clear she wasn't going to part with her angel. "Not the school handbook, but The Good Book." Velvet felt stumped for a moment. She had read The Good Book, found it quiet dull and couldn't foster how anyone could find such malice in the book. While it may not have been her flavor of preference she was alright with the lessons it taught. But to exaggerate and say the book forbid her from taking her friend to a school mascuarade in the winter season was down right silly. "I do believe you and I have read two different versions of The Good Book. In mine it doesn't say what I am doing is sinful, in truth you're the one of us whose sinning. Wearing multiple materials I do believe was against creation. Also the fact that I've seen women of the night dress less provocative then you. But then again, perhaps that's the look you're going for; easy?" This set the girl off. Her face that was shown through the crescent face mask was bright aubourn, practicly matching the two lover's dresses. "So clever, you of all people should know about prostitutes, I take it that's what you've been doing on your freetime?" "Everything I've learned I've learned from your mother." "Take that back, my mother is a saint!" Velvet shrugged, "So? I've heard of men of the cloth who've done worst with alter boys. You should be proud, it's not everyday someone has a mother who works the longest profession." Her sly grin wicked as the devil's own gnashed out at the girl clad in the colour of ash. "Let's go babe, let's not hang out with these dykes, I want to dance." The suitor in the suit with her spoke more wisdom then any of them there. While he may have used a slur, he cared more of his night after the dance then the dance itself so he was trying to make the best of it as he could. "Who were those two?" Purred Scarlet, placing a hand upon Velvet's shoulder, pulling her close. "I don't know. Someone who doesn't want us to have a good time." Velvet mirrored her dance partner, together they were conjoined in a rythematic movement. The soft velvet in Velvet's fingers mesmerized her as she wanted nothing more then to undo the bow that held her gift before her. As Velvet danced, Scarlet held her own soft Velvet in her hands. The warmth shared between them. The chaotic beauty of it all. A small clearing had passed around them as students feared that they may catch something from them. The lesbian disease perhaps. Go to sleep and wake up with a girl in your arms? That wouldn't be a bad disease. Resting her head on Velvet's shoulder, she purred into her lover's ear, "may I ask of you a personal question?" Velvet giggled slightly," I do suppose now would be a good time, what would you like to know?" Tightening her grip on her," I must know, what is your sexuality?" Velvet nuzzled her, "you haven't guessed yet? I'm a lesbian." Scarlet nibbled at her ear, just lightly, causing Velvet to take a sharp breath and have a slight moan escape her lips. "What about you?" Whispered Velvet. Scarlet bit her lip, "I'm not actually sure. I mean, I like you, I like you a lot, but I fear I may also like boys as well. I wish I knew what that made me." Velvet toyed with the curled hair that fluttered against her hand, "bisexual, perhaps?" Scarlet tensed, Velvet had taken that moment of weakness to lay a passionet kiss upon her captor's lips. Melting into her embrace, Scarlet mewed in approval, "maybe." She tried to say more but she was preoccupied by the tingling sensation that was bouncing inside of her lips, like a current of electricity has surged through her. "Scarlet, will you be my girlfriend?" A bubbly response met her appraise," I thought I already was?" Velvet dipped into her girlfriend, pushing herself fully against her. She wanted nothing more then to tear into her clothes and hold her heart in her hands. If she was an imprude woman with no morals she may have forced her way in. Though the thought made her sick, to even consider hurting someone, much less her friend and lover, was a thought reserved for the foulest of humanity. Only a monster would consider that. Velvet pulled away from a wanting Scarlet, "I'll be right back my dear, I need to powder my nose." "I could go with you, Velves, if you're alright with that." Velvet paused, "I have no problem with that, but I would much prefer no rumors get started without a chance to do the sin in the first place." Scarlet blushed hard to match the hue of her dress. "I did not mean it that way, I meant only to walk with you there." Velvet smiled, gently cooing to her, "I know, I couldn't resist a notion though. I'll be back in a minute." With a sway of her hips and a click of her heals, Velves melted into the backdrop of the dance towards the ladies room. Scarlet swayed on her feet as she realized she hadn't a clue what to do in a moment like this one. Slinking to the corner of the room she was greated with the sight of Mr. Rhodes who was smiling broadly. Moving to her, Scarlet felt her heart skip a beat. What a silly notion! I am here with a beautiful date. Mr. Rhodes is way too old for me. Ok, maybe not way too old, but everyone would frown upon it. And he's gay, which would complicate things. "Ms. Scarletina, I saw you with your date. You two both look lovely, and I am very happy to note that you and your date are both wearing school appropriate dresses. I have already had to scold too many girls who felt as though because it's night, God is not watching them. I had to remind them with dresses that revealing, God would be watching." Scarlet pondered that notion of God watching young girls in dresses. I would think the devil would have a better view. Maybe God likes low cut blouses. That would probably be more his speed. Wait! Why am I thinking of God this way? Would I go to hell for this? I mean, I have a girlfriend so I guess it can't get much worst. "Thank you Mr. Rhodes, that means a lot to me. I am glad I went to talk to you earlier, you really helped my decision to ask her." "Oh, you asked her? I could have sworn that girl would find the most creative way of asking you. I do believe I may have to bring this up later to tease her." "That may bring a reddening to her face." "I certainly hope so, if you can, please try to keep her out of trouble and on time." "Mr. Rhodes, I'm just a student, not a miracle worker." Scarlet looked at the mirages of colours that splashed against dark suits like waves upon coastal rocks. One wave in particular splotched the most elegantly and beautifully. Elzie in her dress of ocean and Wyett in his suit danced underneath the hung chandelier. Scarlet imagined her two closest friends in what must be whispered amongst them. "Oh Wyett, you are the most handsomest man I have ever had the privlige of meeting," cooed Elzie as Wyett held her in his strong arms. Twirling her in his arms he brought her close, "My dear Elzie, and you are the upmost beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I regret to say that Elzi..." "Oh, yes Wyett?" "You are the holder of my heart, my endurment, and my love." "Oh Wyett. I am yours, until the end." "Until the end my dear." And with a final twirl, Wyett would end his charade of dance with a firm kiss that brought forth such a brandy colour to her face that it was impossible to not see and feel the emotions pouring out of the two. Scarlet felt herself turning brandy at such thoughts and tried hiding her face in her hands, she hoped for Velvet to quickly return as to distract her from the passion that was shown before her. Velvet looked at herself in the mirror, her mask hiding her secret identity. The door behind her creaked open and the moon children came tumbling in, pawing at each other, as if they couldn't wait for the privacy of their own homes. "You may want to find another room, this ones being used." Barked Velvet, her hands finding them upon her hips. The moon girl looked up at her, disgust and anger in her eyes. "Look babe, isn't it one of the dykes. I suppose a girl's restroom is the best place to spy upon girls while they're undressed." The boy did nothing but groan an affirmative, he was too busy making his way up her neck from her collar bone with his lips. "Perhaps we should do the Lord's work and help her find her way." Now the boy was interested. Looking up he eyed Velvet up and down like a piece of meat, "oh?" The girl in ash moved her hands as though she was in water and turned the lock on the door, sealing in the prey with the predator. Velvet's eyes widened, her throat tightened, she scarcly could breathe. "W-wait-" Velvet was cut short by a slap from the ashy girl. The world beneath her slipped, turning and tumbling, the very ground gave way to drop her to the floor. Blinking in surprise Velvet saw the walls give way to cielings and she felt the back of her head hit the tile now behind her. Sprawled on her back she heaved a heavy exasperation as she felt the weight of the moon girl land upon her, laughing in delight. "Look! This hoar is ready to take it!" Take what? What's hap-Oh Shit! Hands snaked across her body, gripping and tugging at varies features of her. Struggling, Velvet tried to push the weight on top of her, but the girl was not going to move as she fought to pry Velvet's legs apart. It felt as though she was going to tear them off. She tried to kick, she tried to break free, but it was no use, the girl alone was stronger. The boy, now on her feet, weighed her down. The sound of buckles against cold tile now warmed by her squirming clattered inside of Velvet's head. It was the death sentence. The jury was out and she was being taken to church. She tried to look at what was happening down their, but her view was blocked by ash girl's back. "Come on honey, don't be shy, she really wants it," purred moon girl to her boyfriend. "Babe, I-I don't think this is right." Velvet tried to yell that it wasn't but a hand game crashing into her face, pushing her against the tile, muting her, as she croaked. "So are you with this dyke then? What are you? Gay? I bet you like that tranny out there with that suit. Now hurry up and get him out." "Babe, I-" "Here's my big boy!" Tears streamed down Velvet's face, her makeup ran, paiting her cheeks. She felt the girls fingers in her mouth, they gripped her like a toddler with a toy. With her final breath of defiance she bit down on the flesh between her teeth. The bone crunched, the skin tore, and blood ran loose as the girl repelled her hand away from Velvet. With her mouth wide open Velvet released a blood chilling scream. Like a scene from a horror movie she yelped and cried for somebody to save her. She begged God to help her and take her away from here. She prayed that Scarlet would be safe. With a torturous slap, Velvet was silenced as moon girl made sure to keep her hands clear of her mouth. "Babe, do it now." "I-" Velvet felt the girl's long slender fingers move up her inner thigh and grasp at her last fabric of protection. She felt them tear and she cared not to save her any dignity. The fabric ripped off of their confines and in her hand the moon girl held the ruby material that was covering her love. The warming sensation of a foreign material pressed against her. The manhood of the masked man moved slowly, as though hoping to find a way to stop, but still neglecting to. As he approached her womanhood he stopped. Breathing deep he felt the plunge he would take that would make a day of history for both he and his captive. "I can't do this." Velvet felt him pull back. The warm feeling of his appendage had recoiled back to his trousers. If anger was measureable, the girl of smoke would have tipped the scale as she spat venom of her now probably ex-boyfriend. "What are you doing? Are you a fag lover then? I can't believe you, we are suppose to be doing the Lord's work by turning this one to the bible." "This isn't the way, God wouldn't want us to rape her to make her a believer." A pounding upon the door broke their conversation as their eyes widened in fear of the incoming threat. Quickly, the boy buckled his pants and stood away from the motionless Velvet, tears and mascara dried upon her pretty face and she whimpered softly. The boy backed up to the door, his hand upon the lock that was raddling. "This is wrong, I can't do that." The girl screamed at him as he turned the bouncing lock. The door quickly widened with enough force that the smoke coloured boy was tossed to the ground. He hit tile with a defening thud. Mr. Wyett bounded into the restroom, with a quick turn of his head he took in account of everything that was happening. He saw a boy with his shirt untocked and his trousers hastily buckled lieing against the ground beside him. He saw a wisp of smoke sitting ontop of the maiden in red. And the maiden in red, her make up smeared from tears, her hair undone and pulled. Her dress was torn along with the delicate material that was suppose to be covering her womanhood. With wide steps Wyett closed the gap between him and the smoke screen and raised a solitary hand. Bringing it down upon the side of her face the shock toppled her, cracking the mask as it fell. Splattering it across the tile as she buried her face in her hands, further protecting her identity. Wyett kneeled beside his mistresses girlfriend. Carefully, he helped her sit up, removing his coat he wrapped it around her. Swaddling her so that she was protected from the dangers of the world. Her moved his arms to around her, lifting him like a bride from the alter. Tired form her ordeal and trauma, she rested her head into his broad shoulders. Taking in the smell of fine cologne and a simple hint of mint that came from his own date. As they left the tiled room Velvet took one last glance at the girl, she had moved, trying quickly to grab her cracked mask. The mask still did a good job at hiding who she was, but Velvet saw that tuft of bloody hair with those sapphire eyes that had haunted her prior. She knew who the girl was, and that girl knew that she knew as well. Scarlet and Elzie rushed up to their dates. Each taking in the fear that had just happened. Mr. Rhodes and Ms. Blonc came as well, trying to make amends of what had just happened. A girl was in shock in the arms of a chaperone, blood on her lips that dribbled down to her chin. Her make up sprayed around her mask like messy brush strokes of an artist. The teachers heard the explanation from the suit clad savior and they ran after the room in which the deed and nearly been done in. Sadness and disppare were more evident then anyone who was suppose to be hiding out in the tiled restroom. Slamming his fist against the wall Mr. Rhodes felt an over abundance of anger peaking over the cuffs of his rolled up sleeves. There was no reason to stay in this horrid place anylonger, leading the way, Wyett carried his patient to the car. Carefully he set her inside, her eyes focuessed dead ahead. Nothing was in her view, just the emptiness of someone who had seen the worst in humanity and was unfortunate enough to still be standing. Before Scarlet and Elzie climbed in back with her, taking either side of her. Together they held her up, softly whispering words of comfort and alluring phrases to make her now she's safe. Scarlet felt the familiar feel of her driveway roll beneath them as Wyett pulled the car in to the front door. Together they helped the pale girl clamber up the steps and into the parlor. Setting her down Elzie left to get a cool rag to help clean her up, Wyett left to fetch something to sooth her, and Scarlet knelt beside her, holding her hand in hers. Softly she cooed, reassuring her of her safety, promising her that the worst was over, and that was safe now. Safe with her. Her girlfriend. With the prominent reminder that she was with her girlfriend, Velvet turned to look at the large opal eyes before her. They way the yearned to protect and smother her. She felt her own eyes welp as tears filled them. Neglecting any self priorty of remaining strong, she dove into her lovers arms and bawled like a child. She cried, the taste of salt coated her lips and dampened the velvet fabric of her romantic partner's dress. Scarlet wrapped her arms around her, balancing on her knees, she held the victim tight against her. Fearing to let go of her. Elzie returned, slowly she dotted away the dried makeup, tears, and blood from her face. She had fetched a pair of materialistic protection of her womanhood from Scarlet's bedroom and hoped that they were the same size. Quietly she whispered into her lover's ear, "I guess it only took one day for me to get into your panties." A sigh of relief washed over Scarlet as her friend was back from the void in which she resided in momentarily. The ordeal that had happened could have forced her to live a life muteness and never once returning to her former self. They exasperated joke was simple and thoughtless, but to Scarlet it meant the world. "I suppose it did." She kissed her cheek, feeling the cold skin that felt as though no one lived inside. Wyett had appeared again, this time with a tray of cups and a porclean pot of tea. Setting them down upon the table he poured the ivory liquid into each of the cups. "French vanilla tea, I took notice that you were drinking that at the tea house and thought you may like to warm yourself with it." A meek hand gripped the saucer and cup, "thank you, this is very kind of you to do. If you don't mind me asking, how did you tell what kind of tea I was drinking, we only met for a moment?" Wyett chuckled softly, filling the air with a warm atmosphere, "What sort of butler would I be if I couldn't do such a simple task?" "Thank you. Wow. You're extrodanry." "I am simply-" "One hell of a butler." The Master walked out from the kitchen, holding with him his own tea set. The Master crossed the tiled hall, coming up to the traumatized mistress still clad in red. Bowing his head gently The Master spoke in a hushed tone, "Mr. Wyett explained to me the events of tonight. I am frightfully sorry to hear of it. If there is anything we can do to make you comfortable please do not hesitate to ask. We are at your service milady." Scarlet blinked, shock took over her. Her father had never been so... sincere. It didn't seem like he was playing an angle, merely just taking care of an injured child the way he would take care of an injured bird. "Thank you very much sir, you are very kind." Velvet nodded her head in aggreance to him, allowing The Master to rise his head like a dubbed knight. "Of course, any friend of my daughter is a friend of the house." "Father, she's not just my friend, this is my girlfriend." Scarlet stood her ground, waiting for the response from her father. His approval or disapproval. "While I am certain you are awaiting a response to whether or not I give my approval, allow me to clear your conscious my child. Your choice doesn't effect me. I approve of you being happy, so as long as you are happy, I don't care." With his abrubt rudeness back, he turned on his heels and walked out. Before leaving he called out to Mr. Wyett, ordering him that if Velvet wishes to spend the night she may. Velvet timidly asked to be excused so that she may call her family and ask for their blessing to stay the night. Alone, the dutchess and her two servants sat. "Mr. Wyett, thank you." "No thanks is necessary." "I wish I knew who did it." "Milady, why is that?" "They hurt her, I want to seek justice." "Justice or revenge milady?" "Is there a difference?" Wyett sighed as he took a deep sip of his tea. The smoke whispering in his face. Elzie sat beside him on the love seat, holding his hand as to give him the strength to speak. "Revenge is short minded. It doesn't take creativity, it lacks values and honor, and it is a temporary fix for a problem." Scarlet sipped her tea as well, the aroma of vanilla filler her chest. "Justice is the permentant fix. One cannot play both jury and executioner. If that were the case, their would be no balance only chaos. "So you're saying you want to arrest the person who did this?" "People, and yes." "Will they go to jail?" "That is for the jury to decide." Velvet returned, clutching her phone happily, "my parents approve of me spending the night." "Did you inform your parents of the events of tonight?" Asked a coy Wyett. Velvet look nervously to her feet, "I might have forgotten." "You realize their will be hell to pay at the end of this?" "I know, I just, I don't want to worry them. They have a lot on their minds right now." "As long as you promise to tell them in the morning I don't see a problem. Ms. Elzie, would you mind showing Ms. Velvet to the guest room?" "Certanly Mr. Wyett. Come along little dutchess." Velvet interrupted, "That wouldn't be necessary, I'm sure Scarlet and I can bunk out together for a night." "Yah," added Scarlet," I'm sure that would be lots of fun. It's like a sleep over!" Wyett chuckled softlty," I am sorry to profess, but I don't want anything to be happening under my watch." Scarlet turned a shade of scarlet at Wyett implied ideals, "nothing like that would happen." "It wouldn't?" Asked a curious Velvet," darn, I guess I'll prefer that guest room then." "What!" Velvet laughed, taking pleasuring in tormenting her new girlfriend, "Sorry love, couldn't resist." Elzie and Velvet disappeared down the corridor, away from her room, on the other side of Wyett's and Elzie's shared bedroom. Wyett had asked Scarlet if she needed anything else for the night, but she didn't hear it. She was exhausted from a day of excitement. Filled with high ups and extremely low lows. She clambered from him, fumbling into her room she closed the door behind her. Realizing she was still wearing her mask she carefully set is beside her bed upon her nightstand. A memento to her day one of a relationship. Fidgeting, she grasped at her zipper, just a fingertips length out of reach. "Here, let me." Velvet rested a hand on her shoulder, the other she placed upon the small of her back. Slowly, she dragged her hand along her spine. The electric sensation surged throughout Scarlet. The riveting intensity of loves hand upon her, undressing her. Trying to shake her head of prude thoughts she chose to embrace instead. Turning on the ball of her feet she came face to face with Velvet. Looking into those dreamy eyes. Those perfect tirades of water flowing over the stones of her eyes. Snaking her arounds her, she contricted her, pulling her into an embrace. Together their lips met, a current flowing through them. Passion rocketing forward. The softness of her velvet face pushed against her. The delicate way she wrapped her arms around Scarlet's neck, holding her in check. The single tear that flittered off of her eyelash. One. Two. Three. An encore of more flowing out, a river over rocks. Sobs forming in her chest, the weakness in her knees. The lack of strength. Together, intertwined in a lover's embrace, they collapsed onto the ground, weaping into the shoulder of Scarlet. The soft material dampened by the shattering of her emotional bounds. Cooing softly Scarlet held her, whispering words of hope and feeling she saught for the words that may grace her with comfort, but to dispare, none reached her ruby lips. They stayed like this for several moments, taking in the comfort in each others arms, then Velvet began apologizing. Apologizing for everything from crying, almost being... she couldn't dare say it yet, apologizing for ruining her night, and the sun going down. She begged for the mercy of all of it, begging for Scarlet's forgiveness. Her throaty sobs echoeing throughout the room. "It's not your fault. He did it. He's the bad one. We'll find him, we'll make things right. It's all right, I have you, I have you. I promise I won't let anything happen to you." Velvet whimpered something. "What was that?" "Moon mask." "It was the boy in the moon mask?" Velvet nodded, then shook her head, then cried more. "Yes, no, the girl too. H-he was going to stop-p b-b-b-b-but she was making him." Scarlet held her tightly. "I'm sorry you had to go through that." "I felt it-t. I-I, felt him." Tears turned to ash upon her cheeks, her eyes plagued by an unrecogenizeable hue of early morning light. Together they rested, their harmonic breathing in tune with each other. Passion. Compassion. Desire. Unrivaled perfection. Together they waited for slep to take them. Tears now dry upon thy face, too soon was the night gone. Too late did it take for dawn to take to arrive. Together the groggy couple trudged through the house, still in their retrospective dresses from the night previous. Two mugs of steaming Earl Grey met them along with a sleepy Elzie. Her head resting upon her propped arm. The tiredness and worry evident across her face as Wyett rested a solem hand upon her shoulder. "Good morning girls. Get any rest last night?" "Good morning Mr. Wyett, I'm afraid not, I was terribly restless all night." "I could imagine so after your ordeal you wouldn't get a wink of sleep." She offered the butler a weak smile, a silent thanks for not mentioning the rape or close rape as she thought of it. Had she been raped the night prior? Did it count if her attacker never placed a foreign member inside her sacred realm? They might not have been her normal lewd thoughts that circulated inside her head, but Scarlet shook them out regardless. She didn't need to think of the event, she just needed to think of the mug before her. She breathed in the frothy steam as it warmed her insides, then she allowed herself to feel the healing effects of the miraculous liquid. Looking at the maid before her she stared back at the inquisitive look she was given. Elzie had not taken her eyes off of her this entire time, watching ever so carefully for signs of breaking and damage. Looking for a moment to swoop in and help her. But no such moment came, a face of stone met her. Too soon had she left with Wyett to be driven back to her parents estate. Scarlet waved Elzie off to do the dishes as she went into the ready room to take a shower, to clear her head of all the thoughts that circulated within her. Reaching behind her, she clawed delicately at the zipper that kept her in place, dragging the cord down to her rear she shrugged and shimmied her way out of the confides of the dress. The dress now soaked in tears and pain lied in the ground, a puddle of blood, as was the colour that matched the perfect hue. Yesterday the dress was coloured to match the fresh roses outside the window, today it matched the blood spilled by her arms. With all the aggression and sorrow that sat heavily in her room, she did not reach for her blades, instead she turned for the water. The tirade of rain washed over her, heating her still heart. The rhymthetic pulsing of splashes and ripples that cascaded down the fine curves of her body and over the bumps that danced around her arms and legs like a ribbon dancer. Scarlet closed her eyes and let the water wash the pain of yesterday away, her heart felt heavy and weak and she tried to raise her voice to meet a chord. She felt her legs go weak, the remaining strength within them disappearing before her. She felt herself collapse, tears rolled down her face, fear gripped her lungs, the memory of yesterday was still on repeat in her mind. The way tears rolled down Velvet's face. The reddening of her eyes, the pain and mysery that was ever so present. "Scarletina, why do you cry?" her mother's voice swayed in the parlor. The empty room was filled with the bright smile that clung to her mother like a mark of triumph. "Scarletina, please come here." Scarlet plodded over beside her mother as she rocked calmly in the chair her father and made her, she ushered her child into her arms. "Papa is-s up-pset." "Well then, I feel as though it's our job to make him smile. Scarletina, do you know why you have your name?" Scarlet shook her head, unsure of why an eight year old had such a long name, but in truth she had never questioned it before. "Your name was given to you to remind people that there is beauty in everything. Well people hear your name they will want to smile and get to know you better." "Scarlet-tina?" "Yes dear, the name that brings smiles to everyone's face." Scarlet remembered that day, she remembered all the memories of her mother. She and mother and decided to surprise father with a hug and his favorite glass of liquor. While it most likely was the drink that made him feel better, Scarlet liked to imagine it was the hug that helped him. Crawling out of the ready room she made her way to her bed and buried herself inside, closing her eyes she dreamt of the warm embrace she desperately wanted. Velvet closed her eyes and placed her head against the tiled wall of her shower. The water fell upon her in unequal temperments and pressure. Mr. Wyett had told her and her parents that he would be back to fix it some time for them but for now it would do. Tears flooded her face, she had yet to stop crying since Mr. Wyett had told her parents what had happened at the dance. Wyett was a gentleman about it, he took full responsibility for the accident and said he failed as a chaperone and that he should have seen it. While her father and mother wanted to be mad as someone and blame the closest person they refused to accept his apology because he was not the one who had done the deed. Velvet hit her fist against the wall, her sobs becoming louder as she struggled to breath through her dysphoria. How had something like this happened to her? Why me? Was all that she thought. Anger boiled inside of her, a fire she didn't know she had. The fire turned to ash as her mind clouded with the memories of last night. The moon. The way she laughed at her misfortune. The way her tears and makeup ran into her mouth, burning her. The rip on her dress. The way Scarlet cried over her. The embrace the two girls shared. Velvet trudged out of the shower and vomited the remainder of last night. Shaking, she rose to her feet and made her way to her bed. Tears cascaded down her face as sleep took her into the solumn night. Waking ever so gently, Velvet clamored out of her confides. The morning sun glimmered through the slats in the window, dancing with warm hues sprayed across the surface of her face. Breathing in the light Velvet let the warmth fill her soul. She wished for the light to melt away all coldness in her chest, but alas a shimmer of ice pricked her veins. Thousand needles rested in her heart. Dried tears splattered a Jackson Pollock across her rosy cheeks. Heaving onto her side she sought after her phone, the glimmering metallic case pressed so riveting against the spray of light that drowned her room. Three missed calls and two voice mails smiled up at her. Two calls from Scarlet with her corresponding message. A call from an unknown number with a matching voicemail met her gaze. "Hey Velvet. I called you earlier, I-uh. I just wanted to check up on you. I wanted to know how you were doing. Please call me back when you get this and are feeling up to it. Please take care. Oh, um, it's Scarletina be tee dubs. Um... yah. Call me back." "Ms. Velvet, it's Wyett, I took the liberty of calling an associate of mine who deals with tramatic distress of your caliber. If you are willing I believe it would be beneficial for you to speak to her. I have taken care of your arrangements all I need is your blessing to confirm the appointment. And we don't need to concern your parents with this if you don't wish for them to know. I look forward to your reply. Take Care." Resting her head Velvet closed her eyes and hit call back. Act 3: The Butler and the Mistress Walking side by side with the towering butler, Velvet felt miniscule in comparision. His tall brooding figure, those faint eyes that seemed to highlight that smile of his that shown through his dark mood. The townscape they walked around mesmurized the young girl. Even though she had grown up in this sleepy village the act of walking through the colourful town still brightened a glimmer within her soul. Something of which the dark butler took notice of and made a mental note of and to remember for a later time. Pausing outside of a percuilar green mint coloured building. It glowed like icecream and the inside tasted just as much. A perculiar taste of freshness and medicine. Atall frail woman sat behind a podium. Her half moon glasses focused on the book infront of her and not the two patrons that had entered her establishment. She was a young woman, though the way she dressed seemed to have come from her grandmothers wardrobe instead of that of a 20 something year old. Wyett cleared his throat to recieve the attention of the hostess. To no avail. Again, he cleared his throat to get her attention, this time making it louder and a bit ruder. The woman was most interested in her book. Velvet hoped it was one worth such a commotion. Placing a crooked finger on the page, Wyett lowered the book and waited for the libraian looking woman to meet his piercing gaze. = "Hello," his voice, sweet as honey, drooled over her. One simple word and the girl seemed to have lost all sense of words and feelings as a numbness took over her hands racing to the warmth that burned in her chest. "M-Mr. Wyett! Oh! Sir! I-I," she sputtered, a child caught in the act of taking a delicacy from a jar marked to withhold them from her. "Yes, an appointment for the young Ms. Velvet." "O-Oh yes! One Appointment for Ms... Scarletina, or was that Scarlet? Wait did you say-" "Velvet, her sister is here today." "I didn't realize she had sisters, not that she couldn't she's pretty enough." The frantic woman turned around searching for something on the counter. Velvet shot a questioning look to her tall monsier. She hadn't expected to meet anyone like this in a doctors office. She expected everyone to be profesional. Whispering, she called for help," What's her deal?" "Her deal?" "You know, she's... off?" Wyett chuckled," you got me, this seems to be a common atitude with woman when they speak to me. It's been a mystery for quite sometime and I do wish I could find the solution. Though I would agree that Ms. Noire does seem to have it expecially bad." "Ms. Noire, yah, she's got it bad." "Ms. Velvet." Velvet called out in response a solid humm that resonated from her throat. "Can you tell me that Ms. Noire does not seem familar to you?" "I can honestly say that I have never met someonelike her." "No, but perhaps it's her mother you'd have more familiarity with. Ms. Blanch." "Coach Blanch? So this is her daughter? funny she's never mentioned her." Noire turned around suddenly with a clip board and a pen, though in the process she let them both fall and clatter to the ground, releasing a quick yelp of surprise from her and a look of amusement from Wyett. "She's a good girl, been working here while working on her librian degree at the local university." "You need a degree to do that?" "Why of course, you wouldn't want someone who didn't know how to properly organize a book collection. To think, whole governments and households would fall without their hard working attitude. I alas only took a few courses in my time at the university. However those classes molded me to be able to properly careful the collection The Master keeps within his seven homes." "I hadn't realized how important it is." "Most people don't realize the littlest things are the most important until they're gone." "I see." Noire gave a short jump as she collected all the necesary papers to sign the patient in," here we go, sorry for the wait you waited." "Not a problem my dear Ms. Noire, let me just sign here." Wyett signed a messy yet refined signature besides Velvets name on the paper. Looking over the paper herself it was clear that she was the only name on it, it seemed as though she was the only patient in the office. Worrysum she began questioning that she may be the only patient this office sees. "All right Ms. Velvet, everything seems to be in order, would you mind if I were to leave you unattended here while you wait for your appointment, I wouldn't be allowed with the Good Doctor anyway when you go so it seems I may be better suited finished the errands I have to run." "um..." Velvet eyed the small waiting room besides the all ready reading Ms. Noire, "if you're sure-" "Excellent, thank you very much Ms. Velvet. Don't worry, Ms. Noire will take good care of you, isn't that right Dear?" An absent minded Noire waved ahead without pulling her eyes from the page, "Not a problem Mr. Wyett, we'll see you later." "See, you're in perfectly capable hands. The hands of a future librian. Ta ta for now Ms. Velvet. Pushing his out the door Wyett allowed himself one last glimpse of the fleeting Velvet. A devilish smile curled his lips," Oh how cruel of him, yet how lovely at the same time." With a snap of her book Noire strode across the small room in three well placed steps in order to push her pointed nose into Ms. Velvet's round face. "So, what do you have to do with my Wyett and future step daughter?" Caught off guard, Velvet offered a slight cough of irratation. Who was this woman to place her pointed witch nose into her face and sepeak of her friends that way. In a better question, her Wyett? Future step daughter? This woman was all kinds of wrong. But instead of offering an insult or a quick remark, the mess of words that were pushed out of her mouth was more of a yawning question of what. Something perhaps a sleepy animal or an extremely lazy one that was well rested would say. Like a "huh" mixed with a "whah". "You know what I mean, I see you stride in with the love of my life in replace of his daughter and you don't expect me to raise an eyebrow at this level of unprofesionalism?" "I- I don't think I'm the one being unprofesional. Are you talking about Wyett?" "Who else would I be talking about. No one else entered the building while we were in our lover'sdance and you seemed very intentive on preventing him from rushing to my aid as i dropped my parcel on the ground, something only a true gentlemen like Sir Wyett would do." "Sir Wyett? Listen here lady, you're all kinds of wrong, and I'm not even sure where to start." "Oh yah?" "Yah. What kind of resposne was that. How about this, Sir Wyett? He's a butler for my best friends family. That daughter you're talking about, I presume you mean Ms. Scarlet. Not his daughter, in fact, she's his master. And I'm still fuzzy on the lover's dance." "It's the same routine we do everytime he comes to visit me with his fake excuse of his daughter needing counseling. I drop my things, he rushes to my aid to pick me and my parcel up. Then we stare into each other's eyes and I can see my whole future for a moment as the world's greatest librian." "You honestly worry me, at least your commute to the therapist isn't too far." "And now you mock the Good Doctor, you really are a heathen. I'm giving you a C-" "For what?" "For terrible work ethic." "That doesn't remotely make any sense, you're not a teacher. And what good would giving me a C- do? "D." "Really?" "Ms. Noire, thank you for prepping my next patient for me, though perhaps we'd like to get her in to speak to the doctor instead of this world's next greatest librian, spoke a becmonig woman pertruding from the one office door in the building. Wyett wondered the colouful town until aproaching upon a shop that suited his fancy. Prof. Gerome's Mask Emporium said the golden painted sign proudly. A small drawing of a oprah mask danced beside it as Wyett pushed the door open. The small yet crowded shop brimmed with life as children and squires alike tried on multitudes of mask and appareal, looking for one that would suit there wildest fantasys. A Small girl wore a warriors mask that just covered her cheak bones, proudly she grinned at her parents. The small boy besides her took an alternative route to his sisters and chose one that was much more elegent and refined. A white mask that covered a portion of his face while hiding the remainder with a throng of ivy and lily's. A couple peered at a matching set of black vouyer mask and an older squire that could only be described as a freak clutched what would make more sense as a latex bag instead of a mask. Looking over his shoulders quickly, that man made his way through the crowds to the cash register to make a payment for such a disgraceful product. Pulling from his pocket, Wyett reached to clasp on a warrior mask such as the young girl had herself. However, unlike hers, his mask had a mesh net that covered the bottom portion of his face, removing him from existance. Watching the crowd, Wyett examined the crowd entering the purchasing booth. Set up as a curtained room, a patron would select which mask they want and then they step into the room. The curtain closes and no one is any wiser to which mask you chose for yourself. To prevent anyone from spoiling the fun of such a hallowed tradition to the mystery of the mask, you can easily walk in to the booth with any mask, describe what you want to the shop keeper within, and he'll grab the mask you want. Such as the mask Wyett now wore. He walked in with a large and flamboyent mask his first time, he left with one that conceals his identity and can easily be concealed itself. Quite a usefull aparatus in a buttler's toolbox. Pushing through the crowd, Wyett placed himself in the curtained room, face to face with a young mask wearing boy. His mask was of a panda, though instead of traditional black and white it was white and blue. A nice little touch. "Hi! How can I help you today Sir," he squeeked?" "Thank you my good sir though I believe I need to speak to the mask Maker himself, you can tell him a good friend of his is here." "Are you sure I cannot be of any assistance today Sir? Any good friend knows that the Mask Maker does dislike interuptions when he is creating art." "Young boy, do you know who I am?" "No sir, perhaps if you were to remove that mask I would be able to tell." "Since that isn't going to happen, perhaps you should just do as I say so you do not need to discover my identity by any other means." Now was a game of chicken. Who would move first. The Panda who had his home field advantage, or the stranger who was a total mystery. Instead an old an wheezy voice called out, "Boy, don't hassle him, he's the last one you'd want to be doing that to." A traditional and iconic smile curled on his snake lips as Wyett pushed the Panda Boy aside and strode in to meet the Mask Maker." Ms. Velvet, perhaps you'd like to begin at the top of when this happened so that I may gain a better understanding of the situation?" The woman was an islander for sure. Her tanned skin seemed to be the hue of spices yet to have enticed the young girls tongue. Her melody was rivetted with beautifyl dips and flourishes that seemed natural for a lady of her callibar. "Can you tell me about Noire first? What's up with her?" "I hardly see how that can help you." "Just idle curiosity." "Are you sure it's not just you wanted to delay your treatment?" "That would be counter intuitive, wouldn't it." "Careful now, a girl with big words can find herself in all sorts of trouble." "Perhaps, but better to practice using larger words then finding ways to widen our legs." The Good Doctor couldn't help but laugh at this remark," true, though let's try to remain on topic, shall we?" "But we haven't even been properly introduced yet?" "Must you know more then my name and my practice for you to talk to me? After all you are paying me so you can talk to me." "And here I thought talk is cheap." "Again with the deflections, using humor as a wall can also me quite dangrerous. Almost as though you're trying to prevent others from knowing you are hurting. Care to contradict me or am I correct." Biting her tongue, Velvet wanted to snap back a witty remark, but to do so would only add fuel to the Doctor's point. She merely nodded. "Very good, it seems we are building a repor, perhaps you'd just like to start talking instead of being anazlysing every murmur and flinch you make. Does that sound fair? Nodding again, the only word that came out at this moment was a solid agreement and a disgusting taste of defeat. Wyett leaned against a solidy wooden table. The runs and divots that dotted it gave off that rustic woody smell that was so enticing and liberating. It was like being back in nature. Away from all this cluster of city and people. Looking over the wooden scraps that littered the ground and tables Wyett tried guessing at the inspiration at what each mask could have been. A few animals, maybe one or two were of ancestors long forgotten, and of course you have the islander mask that the Mask Maker should be especially good at. The Mask Maker himself was a rickety old man, his tan hide hung loosly on him and his wild eyes looked over Wyett with much admiration and respect. Though that admiration was probably of his own work, such as the mask that he still adorned was of his own design. A marvalous masterpiece that he wished he could show others but would have to be left with personal pride of it instead. "You're still enticed by the work of your younger years I take it?" "Personal pride, I did good work when I was just a boy. While my skills as a mask maker may have improved it was those classic pieces I did that set me apart from the other men of the island." "I do believe that's what they're calling you now, The Mask Maker." "Oh damn those names and titles. I have been known as Gerome prior to my father teaching me to widdle mask and I will be known as Gerome even after my hands fail to widdle mask later." "Of course Gerome, we have both been in need of forgoing our appointed titles. Wyett has such a nice ring to it, to think it was a gift from my mother. The Butler is so cold I hardly feel any relation to it." "Of course we use to call you something else entirely, that is if I remember correctly." "Like you said, personal pride in our respective trade. To buttle for the House of Fallen Roses is a great pride of mine. One I will go to any ends to maintain it's control and order." "Do you believe yourself to be the hero of a story Wyett? The man who walks out of the ash and fights the beast at the end of the fairy tale? Perhaps the island girl is your princess?" "I'm no hero Gerome, we both know that too well. I'm merely a man trying to keep his job secured. It is a tough market for us simple folk." "There isn't anything simple about you Butler, not one thing. I suppose you didn't come here for idle chit chat, the answers no boy." "And I haven't even asked my question yet." Gerome laughed a throaty and rich laugh. It resonated deep within his gullet, bouncing around the room. "Wyett, let's take a gander here shall we. If you wanted a mask you would have brought in your slaver with you so I could frame her. Instead you are here on your own so I can only assume you want an identity. You'd be breaking the one rule of the mask, no one knows the identity. So the answers no." Wyett laughed back at him, not a great laugh, just a light one that slipped into the resonace of his," I suppose I'm not as mysterous as I originally thought. But Gerome, if I told you this was for the greater good would that change it?" "Only if the greater good is a good ass kicking to that slaver man or girl of yours. The record skipped a track in Wyett's mind. Slaver girl. To insault The Master is one thing. While displeasing to the ears, he could forgive it for he has seen the evil committed by his hand. However, to tarnish the sweet name of his Mistress. That was his line. "Men with rules are so easily broken." "Is that so?" "Do you know why that is?" "No, but I suppose you're going to tell me aren't you? "It's because you can't cross your own line. You call me a hero. I'm sorry, I'm no hero." Rising to his full hight Wyett cross the path to the old islander. "I am a forgiving man, Gerome, but I have a line of my own. You tarnished the good name of my mistress and I have clean it, for what sort of butler would I be if I were to let something of that callibar slide." "So you're just a butler, not a hero, s bitter shame to be the case don't you say?" "It surpasses being the villian, something that I may assosiate with you if you don't release the names of the people I'm looking for." "The rules Wyett. What are we without rules? Beast with no cause?" "I am no beast, but I can be if I need to. And right now I need to know the names of two mask. Cresent moons, smoke in colour, a young boy and girl, high school age. The girl would've chosen them and the boy would've paid. They must've been her idea. They were most recently made. For a school function. She most likely would have been bragging about it. While he I sense was more stoic and cold, as in not wanting to be there. Honestly I would say they were your worst mask yet. Ugily to boot. No coloration, just a simple ash color that might have actually come from a surpluss of charcoal." The glossy eyes of The Mask Maker glazed over to the side, searching his memory. Though not taking a long time as the thought of creating something that would bring shame to his name easily was at the front end of his mind. "You know the mask I'm speaking of Gerome. Who do they belong to?" "I can't Wyett, if I tell you, who is safe then? What of the rules?" "You bring up rules as though you follow them? Have you forgotten the bone fragment that resides in my mask and how it ended up ther? I do believe you and I both lost our ability and needship to follow rules as though were are common school children." "You and I are going to Hell Mr. Wyett. I merely don't want to go any deeper." "It's too late for us Gerome, you know we Gooks don't stand a chance in the eyes of God." "Says you, I do believe I see a second coming of being a Catholic coming." "I don't believe they make a confession long enough for either of us to cleanse our souls." "To Hell with us then?" "To Hell with us." "You were right, it was a highschool girl and boy. Boy didn't say anthing, too busy looking stoned and distressed. You were wrong about something, the girl paid. The bitch too, had me create my worst creation to date, I fear I'm going to hell just for that sin." "Then let me help you wipe the slate clean, I'll gladly, retrieve those mask for you so you may do as you want with them." "I don't want to know what these kids did to get on your radar, what ever it is I'm beginning to feel sorry for them." "Don't be, if they're angels they have no fear of me, though if they are not, perhaps God will be kinder." "You see this, this is why we're going to Hell. You're practicly admitting to killing two teenagers and I'm guilty of telling you the girl paid with a card tied to one of the high class families." "Perhaps jail will be kind to us?" "I highly doubt anyone would keep me alive long enough to put me in jail if they so found a reason, especially with these high class daughters and sons. I don't even know why I'm helping you." "Because you know what would happen if you don't. And I'm fairly certain you're curious to whether or not I could fit you inside your workbench as much as I am." "You bastard, I hope these kids deserve the suffering I'm about to put on them." "More then you know. May God forgive you." "Talk to my boy, the names yours, just return me my mask, I'd greatly prefer if I were to never have made those blasted pieces of filth." "Of course Prof. Gerome, what sort of butler would I be if I couldn't deliver a few mask?" The sliding of led against paper battled Velvet for speed as she retold the traumatic events that led her there. Each detail painfully described. Each tear relived. And each emotion refelt at though it were happening again. With no resolution within reach besides a simple, 'it wasn't your fault' Velvet felt none the better. She felt anger well in her like a spring. He soul felt on fire as she replayed those memories. Anger. Anger was a bad emotion she was told. Anger leads to a want of revenge and equalness. To do harm against someone is a shortsided resolution that only brings on more trauma. Or so she was told. As she left the island doctor's office she waved an ackowledgement to Noire, she may be a few cards short of a deck, but if she was truly her coaches daughter then she deserved some amount or respect. No matter how much she felt like striking her down. Waiting with a bag of perishables, Wyett seemed cool and relaxed as he waited for the Mistress to finish her appointment. "How did it go Ms. Velvet?" "It's amazing Wyett, I'm cured. One visit and all is good!" Wyett smirked, "that's excellent news, in which case you won't mind having to go here weekly then. Just a little something your parents and I felt would be a good idea." "What? Aww, come on-" "Enough. You were hurt my dear. You were in an incident. An incident. That's not something anyone can say. And as such you must treat it as such. You must accept it and learn to live with it. I am a great butler but not even I can help you here. It is why I brought you to the Good Doctor." "That gook-" Wyett wrapped her on her nose with his thumb. Not enough to hurt hurt but quick enough to silence her. "I'm sure you can see why I don't partially like that slur, now, are you good to go or would you like to have a nother lesson on why not to speak to islanders like that?" "No! You damn phycopath, why'd you do that?" "Because it's not fair to her for you to refer to her as that remark. It's rude and demeaning, I hadn't thought a girl who grew up in a high class family would use such comments wildly." "She can't hear me, why does it matter?" "Because it's the thought and feeling of the word. It originated out of hatred for a group of people who aren't differnt then you and me. It is my beliefe you only use that word against the most hated person you know and them only. To call anyone else that disgusting name is not worth it." "So only my most hated enemy can be a Gook?" "Again with the word, but yes, your most hated enemy would be that." "I don't hate the boy, I hate the girl. She's a damn Gook for making him." "That's a very adult way of putting it young mistress, now shall we?" Guiding her threw the streets, the felt the setting son on their backs. The end of a day of work, the next would be upon them soon enough. "Mr. Wyett?" "Yes Ms. Velvet?" "Do you have someone you hate enough to refer to them as a- um... you know?" Grimmly, Wyett stared ahead as they walked," Yes, Ms. Velvet, I know of whay Gook I hope dies the most painfull death imaginable." "That's a tad harsh Wyett, what could he have done to you, a butler?" "He did nothing to me, but he hurt Ms. Elsy. He cut her deeper then anyone else ever could have." "How?" "You ask too many questions Miss." "I'm sorry, it's just, you seem to have a lot of hate for this person, and I just got done hearing how hate is bad, so I'm curious I guess." Sighing, Wyett gave into the young girls pleas for knowledge that was above her," Ms. Velvet, this Gook in particular is the reason that Ms. Elsy is with us now. He's the damn man that enslaved her in the first place." It felt like a blow to the chest, all the air knocked out at once of Velvet, stopping she gasped for a response, but all she could utter was a confused whimper. "Ms. Elsy is an islander, as such, she was obviously enslaved prior to being bought and then freed by The Master and his house. By Ms. Scarlet's mother in particular." "I- I didn't know that happened. W-Who could've done such a thing to someone. What sort of monster would enslave someone? They must be the worst person in the world, I see why you want him dead. I swear, I hope you find the bastard." "I have, I see him daily." "What?!?" This whole conversation had gotten darker and darker as the son set upon the coastal buildings. The chill of winter kissing the faces of the two bystanders to time, unaware of her passing. "Me, Ms. Velvet. I am the Gook who enslaved my love. I'm the damn slaver who I want to die. Now let us get you to your home before you catch a chill. I would not want to add a cold to todays sicknesses." Velvet felt sick, watching after the shadowy figure of Wyett leaving her behind. It was as though the mist and darkness clung to him. Wyett? A slaver? Impossible. She saw herself how madly in love those two seemed to be. What sort of devil magic was this? Did Scarlet know? Biting back her worrys and fear she pushed forward to catch up with The Slaver. She must tell Scarlet, she owed her. She wasn't letting this devil dog out of her sight. So she ran after the shadow. A ray of light against the darkness eh felt her self be. Oh the irony of time that portrays titles. Act 4: The Dutchess and the Doll The sun chipped through the partitioned window, dancing over the ridges on Scarlet's face. Her nose winkled and her eyes tightened as she fought against the brandishing misfortune of sun rise facing room. Though perhaps it meant it was an excelent time to wake from her slumber as with no lack of zeil, her hand maiden tore open the curtains to another beautiful morning in this new home. "Miss Scarlet, it is time to rise from bed and begin your day," the maiden cooed over her lady. In return of such a cheerful awakening, Scarlet grumbled as she attempted to pull her sheets over her face to hide from the morning. "Miss Scarlet, it is such a beautiful day, you cannot spend your whole winter holiday tucked away in bed, you must brace the morning with a kip in your step and a smile on your face. Now come here." The abridged tug-0f-war match was hardly fought from Scarlet as Elzie easily battled the covers away from her resting form. A slow yet trickle growl emmited from the dutchess as she swung her legs over her bed. Here's to another day of being her doll. "Excelent Ms. S, shall we dress you in something light coloured? Or perhaps you're feeling more in mood for sun dress to brighten up this horid winter weather?" Horrid weather? it's been quiet fine. "I'm fine to do it on my own today Ms. Elzie, perhaps just something plane. Pleated skirt and maybe a long sleave shirt sounds quite swell to me." Elzie curtsied at this revalation, "certainly Ms. S, may I ask of your plans of the day?" Scarlet walked into her closet as she questioned this, What shoud she do today. Mr. Wyett and Velve's were out for her check up. Grabbing her clothes for the day she made her way to the privacy screen. "I'm uncertain of what should be done today. Have you any plans today?" "None beyond my daily chores Ms. S." Pulling off her nighty, Scarlet shrugged on her clothes for the day. A cherry colored shirt tucked into an olive skirt. With her matching tights and street shoes she went over to her table to collect her makeup for the day. A simple dark eyeliner, curled up in a brash point, like a notorius egyptian pharoh. Her lipstick matched her shirt and was quite happily seen with her hair pulled back in a single cord. "Perhaps you'd like to spend the day with me Ms. Elzie?" "Certainly M'lady. What would you like to do?" "If I remember you once spoke of an adorable cafe on the pier. Perhaps you'd indulge a meal with me."
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Wilted Rose (Dark LGBT Romance)
Romancemy ongoing work of a dark LGBT Romance featuring a painful loveless relationship, rape, murder, suicide, depression, self harm, love, hope, and a chance to save someone from sadness. featuring a colorful cast of bigotry, upper class vs lower class...
