The Survivors

Eight

"Yellow was dancing with the Empress," Pumpkin hissed.

"Tch. She shouldn't be this happy. We don't know what she said to her!" He grit his teeth in anger.

"Shall we give her orders?"

He nodded and walked over to her. "Hello, brother." She seemed to have been daydreaming.

"Yellow, what the hell was that?!" He clenched his jaw as he looked at her.

Pumpkin smiled and purred in Yellow's ear, "obey us."

She became still, not expressing anything at all. "Good girl..." He sat beside her and smirked. "Tell us what you were doing with that bitch."

"I danced with her and she gave me this pretty brooch. She seemed happy to be with me." She sighed happily.

"She isn't supposed to be happy. Neither of you are!" Pumpkin snapped.

"I'm sorry...," she whispered, her heart aching for someone kind to come and talk to her.

"You will be dead soon enough..."

"Yes..." She looked at the ground with dead eyes. Red nodded, looking at them both.

She smiled. "Now, then. Go dance. Look alive!"

She blinked a few times and got up, she was determined to go and find Moon. Pumpkin's gaze turned to a vial of blood resting on her chest.

"Who's is that?" He looked at the blood, nervous and hungry. Starving, he watched the crimson liquid swirl inside the small, glass container. It splashed the sides as she held it out for him to see, making his fangs stab his bottom lip.

He acts as though he's never fed before. What a sorry idiot. She giggled and met his eyes slowly. "She attacked me last night on my way to bed. I had to do something."

"'She'? 'She' who?" He furrowed his brow. "Moon?" He almost seemed worried for the Pie.

"My poor, stupid cousin, yes," Pumpkin spat the words out.

"So she is finally out of the picture for good?"

"For good."

He laughed and gently pulled her into a hug. "Poor Tofu..." He didn't realise it, but he meant the words.

"If we wanted, we could get Yellow to admit to the murder."

"Hey now... We want her dead, not crucified." He laughed as she kissed his lips.

"You taste like my blood, my love."

"Sweet and slightly tainted?" He wiggled his brows.

"Maybe."

He laughed and pulled her close. "Oh, what a flirt you are."

"I can't wait until we rule." She hid her discomfort, quickly changing the subject. He was a pawn to her, an extra line of defense if she were to fail. He would be the one trialed in a court, blamed for treason; he would be the one charged with everything. She would plead innocent. She did it for love, she would say.

"The time draws nearer. We just have to wait a little longer," he whispered against her cheek.

"The first ever ball at the Magic court, and all are invited."

"That's a new one." He rubbed his chin.

"What ever do you mean?"

"The magic court has never wanted to have a ball. It's pointless, so they say."

"It's for the trial. Those power hungry assholes love to test people."

"If they don't see them as equals or as useful, they don't want anything to do with them," he grumbled. He looked over at Yellow, who was dancing along with Plum.

"They look happy," Pumpkin muttered.

"They are childhood friends, after all." He smiled slightly. "I never liked him much. He looks like a monk."

"Monks live in the Temple. Don't tell me you've been?"

"Of course I have. To be fully appointed Emperor or Empress, one must go to the Temple of Stella-Luna and stay the whole night, praying."

"What a strange thing to do."

"I don't quite agree. However, all of the healers are from there. At least the food ones." He looked over at Jello. "She is a healer, but not a monk."

"The Monsters' healers are usually mummies." She was enjoying the mindless chatter, able to think over miniscule details of her plan to overthrow the Empire.

"Huh, how strange." He looked over at Orange Juice, they were talking to a mummy.

"They have a magic eye under their bandages. It's fascinating, really."

"What would we ever do without them?" He laughed and watched them chat before looking back towards his sister. "What would I do without her?"

He's starting to go back to his normal self. I'll have to give him another dose and fast, she thought.

He moved away from her "We should get back, Pumpkin Pie." He frowned, wanting to embrace his sister.

"Just one drink first, Emperor?" She grabbed a glass of champagne, dropping a tablet inside.

He put his hand out for it. "I'm still too sober to retire!" he growled out playfully.

She handed it over and smiled. "Then let's get you on a nice buzz, yes?"

He nodded and took it down in one gulp. He grew a faint blush on his cheeks, the effects of the alcohol and drug taking hold of him. "How nice, thank you."

"Of course, my love." She grinned. She was amazed at how quick he was to become drunk and of how weak he truly was.

He gently hugged her and smiled. "I'm tired now..."

"Do you want to say goodnight to anyone first? Like Yellow or Diane? Or thank them all for coming?" She hoped he would grow angry at the questions, as he usually did while under the drug's effects.

"They came here on their own accord, I don't have to thank anyone!" he spat at her and looked at her with furrowed brows.

"Of course. My apologies." She had to hide a smile. He turned away and began to walk towards the doors, tired and irritated. She followed and took his sleeve. "Hungry?"

He nodded. "I am, actually." He rubbed his eyes. "Would you mind grabbing me a plate from the buffet and bringing it to my room?"

"Yes, of course." He smiled and left the party discreetly, walking to his bedroom. She grabbed a plate and choose foods carefully, wanting to stay on Red's good side. She carried it after him and knocked, going in when he said to. "I got all of your favorites."

"You are so sweet..." He picked up a slice of quiche.

"I do it because I love you."

"I love you too..." He ate quickly, letting her eat with him. Soon enough, he laid down and cuddled her waist. She pet his hair and rocked him, watching him drift to sleep.

"Such an idiot. Such an adorable, stupid idiot."