"So where is he now?" "He awaits the child. The dream is almost over-- almost fulfilled." "And us?" A pause. "We too are almost over. Purpose almost filled." "And then we can rest." "Finally. I hope the next time I see you will be in person, Judgement." A half-hearted smile. "We do what we can until then." The old man woke up. + + + "High Priestess. I think it's time." + + + Arcana started by Scott Schimmel Chapter Fifty-Five: Pieces of a Dream written by Erin Ellis + + + Tossing and turning did not, in fact, make time seem to pass any faster. Five AM found Francine Forrester standing at one of the other unslept in beds. "Natsu... where are you?" Even before she had realized her powers as The World, Francine had known to trust her feelings. Right now, she knew something was wrong... or many things. Will had seemed a bit distant when he'd professed a business trip that evening; perhaps his plotting over the Tower kept him preoccupied in the time they'd spent together. Whatever the case, Victory hadn't gloated over anything, so World didn't find it worth the trouble to worry over the pair. Chris was fine; Rusty had checked in a few hours ago. They must have just returned from the Tower Reversed; his message was brief and he'd said there were more preparations to be done, but he'd wanted to prevent any calls in the middle of the night. Never mind that it was already far into the wee hours. It had settled her mind somewhat, however. Gerald had knocked her door around then, eyes sleep-clouded and hair tousled. "You all right?" he'd yawned. "Oh, just a little lonely. You know how it is for you when Kanako's away." Francine had given a little smile, idly wondering when had been the last time she'd actually felt loss on nights when Will wasn't present. "Yeah... well, just wanted to check in." Her brother's sheepish grin melted into another wide yawn. "Try and get some sleep, eh?" "You'd better get back to bed yourself," she'd scolded, shooing the man back in the direction of his bedroom. Laying back on her own bed, Francine considered the ceiling. Maybe she worried too much. Her own family had been so scattered and confusing, that she hoped to hold on to what she could... hopefully it wasn't too much. They were grown now; she hadn't been much older when she'd gained her powers. Chris had held his own in a battle, Rusty had told her. The thought frankly frightened her, but she had to trust them. She had overreacted before; had let others see more than the cool World persona, and it put her at a severe disadvantage... one that could cost more than being underprotective ever had. Still she couldn't help but wait for the light creak of the stairs that would never come. Which brought her to Natsu's room. Sitting at her niece's desk, Francine began sifting through the tarot deck for a significator for the Celtic cross formation. Someone in the household had physically seen Natsu at least once every day, though no one seemed to have spoken to her, which was very uncharacteristic of the jovial girl. Something was bothering her, or already had... Eventually, she settled on the Queen of Blades. Honest, forthright, witty... Natsu was like Bronwyn in many ways... or at least she had been. She should have done this earlier. Francine's grimace only deepened as she laid the cards. Nine of Blades and Moon; the situation was unclear. Ringing these came the Four and Five of Cups, then the Two and Ace of Blades. Something missing in the past had escalated to a much bigger problem, that would soon lead Natsu to a dead end. She needed to take control... This many Blades in the spread only stood for trouble. The blonde took a deep breath and continued. The staff of the cross was the Five, then Eight of Blades, and the Six of Cups. Natsu had caused separation, possibly violence. However, someone was restricting her, depressing her. She was lost, and hoped to regain past happiness. The last position was the final outcome. The Devil. As this last was laid, she withheld a shiver. The pocket of her robe held her blindfold. However, World could See nothing out of the ordinary with either of the Blades-- they prepared once again for the Tower; nothing to do with Natsu at all. The Devil was more curious: just the image of a card, a horned demon holding a pair in chains, pinned to a wall. The resonance of another surrounded the card, but someone not Arcana, and she could not track it. On a whim, she Looked for Natsu's friend Hotaru. She received the same block-- the Devil returned. Dropping the blindfold, Francine dropped her head into her hands, all at once feeling the tiredness of the night. He would know. She could wait until morning proper-- No. She would see Hanged Man now. + + + Something like kissing the ground of his native country would have been hackneyed and corny. Also, the man probably would not have been able to rise again had he fallen to his knees. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to be back in Japan. So much closer to his goal. So much closer to the Tower. He would not be given entrance like this, however. He would need more resources. He would need sustenance. It was easy to follow the old woman back to her tiny house; easier still to convince her to let him inside. The meal she provided was simple but filling. In return, he gave her an easy death. It was more than the others would offer, he whispered as her eyes glassed over. The man screamed. It hadn't become any easier. Her husband's clothes were slightly too small, but less torn, less stained. His hands would always be. But now he might redeem himself. The man could. Three hours rest was his reward. Now they traveled. He had an appointment to keep. + + + The seemingly young girl ran through the dull nothingness of dreamspace, finally rushing to the familiar dark courtyard, and the small corner where the Page of Cups usually passed his time. "Page!" she cried, uncharacteristically frantic as she rushed to him and grabbed his hands. "Ace," he said, blushing deeply. "I-- the King was looking for thee..." "I cannot deal with that right now," she waved off, stepping away from the Page and beginning to pace. "Something terrible has happened... I have helped to cause. I don't know how to save her... but I fear I must." The boy reached out to her; hesitated, hung in midair. Then a presence around her, a grasp without fingers, a voice without sound. YOU HAVE BEEN ABSENT FOR A CONSIDERABLE WHILE, ACE. She did not move; in fact, tried to make no reaction at all. "I was just about to report to you, King. The High Priestess--" YOU WERE ASKED TO REPORT BEFORE. YOU DID NOT. THAT WAS NOT A WISE DECISION. "King--" The air around here dropped in temperature, doubled in pressure. Ace froze, assuming a more deferential tone. "Sire, the High Priestess betrays us. Even now he uses our realm for his own twisted devices. He--" The pressure was turned up; it became labored to breathe. "He attacks our ally, the Magician." Hopefully that would be enough to draw his attentions from her own disobedience. The pressure was not lifted, nor was it increased. YOU KNOW THIS. "I've been tailing him, my liege. Forgive me if I did not find him trustworthy, but it seems that he has not been completely honest with us." The grip around her tightened once more. DO YOU PRESUME TO JUDGE HE WHO I WOULD DEEM OUR COMPATRIOT? "No, sire, only you may do such," she gasped, all her will keeping her from struggling. "But it is fact that the greedy Courts prepare for another-- more forceful assault. At present, the High Priestess has caused the Magician to be badly beaten." There was a heavy silence, broken only by the Ace's panting breaths. Then she was released, showing no weakness other than a predisposition for deeper breaths. TAKE THE PAGE AND BRING HIM HERE TO ME. I SENSE SOME TRUTH IN YOUR WORDS. "My lord... if I may bring him back alone?" she asked, a little too quickly. "As repayment for my...transgressions." Silence again. Then, SO BE IT. GO AS YOUR LORD AND MASTER COMMANDS YOU. Curtsying to no particular direction, the Ace cast a quick look at the Page, stepped backwards and disappeared. Perhaps she would be able to help the girl after all. + + + SHE IS ONE WITH ULTERIOR MOTIVES. FOLLOW HER, he addressed the Page. "S-sire?" To work against his love, and face the High Priestess again? YOU ARE LOYAL TO ME, ARE YOU NOT? "Forgive me, lord." The Page bowed low, then disappeared as well. + + + Chris Forrester had thought about it since their battle with the Cups; given it a night's sleep, and showed up to the obscenely early reconnaissance meeting Rusty had called with his Court. He had to confront them. "Do... do you even know what he wants?" Chris blustered. "The only reason he wants us to fight is so he can be Emperor!" This was met with rather less than the response he'd expected: Arisa was silent, hands jammed into pockets; Sumire stood next to her, eyes narrowing. Bronwyn remained seated, expression pleasant. Rusty himself exhaled slowly, looking downward, then turning back to the younger King. "That's right, Chris. I do want to be Emperor. Just as Maki wants to become Empress. To do this, we need to free the Tower Reversed from the Shackles. Unfortunately, the Shackles are protected by the Court of Cups. However, with your help, with the help of all of the Pentacles, we can free the Tower. That is why I asked Maki for an alliance." Rusty turned to his Knight. "I'm sorry Arisa, for using you like this. You see now why it had to be done?" She gave a tight nod, a touch of bitterness on her face. The blonde shook his head, utterly confused now. "But... you wanted to backstab us all along... didn't you?" "No," Rusty said, "though everything is as I'd planned for. The King of Cups is weaker than I'd thought." "His Ace wasn't present," Bronwyn reminded. "True," he acknowledged. "But with Victory on our side?" "Will you please answer me!" There was a brief silence where everyone turned at the boy's outburst. Then, Rusty turned back to Chris. "Yesterday was basically reconnaissance. It struck me, I'd never seen the Cups, didn't know how this incarnation fought, much less you Pentacles. I knew it would be dangerous to have so many unknowns. When Arisa overheard me talking to World, I realized I now had a believable way to handicap myself without overtly holding back against the Cups. I knew you would have reservations about our alliance, especially with Maki being so... mercurial. You're a good man, Chris, and I knew you would protect the safety of your Court before the goals of an outsider, and so I had my time limit to test our relative strengths." Chris' brow furrowed, fists clenching. "So... you played me for a fool? What if someone had gotten hurt?" he yelled. Rusty took a step forward, voice steel. "I did this so no one -would- get hurt," he said, grabbing his forearm. "I made a promise... there're a lot of forces looking out for your safety, Chris." He gave a hard look, then released him, pleasantly offering a chair. "I'm still interested in an alliance with the Pentacles, Chris. How about we forge a true one?" The King of Pentacles chewed on his lower lip, troubled. "I'm still uncertain of why this is a good idea." "Chris. Let me explain. The Imperials have power over all of the Arcana; however, they do not overtly rule them. As Emperor I would have power to name any Arcana. Perhaps Maki can become Empress. You would have an opening for a new Queen, hmm? I could help you to figure that out. "However, I'm not trying to bribe you. I'd rather have an alliance based on mutual trust and respect, not debt. The Cups are holding hostage the Tower. By defeating the King of Cups, we can not only free the Tower, but strengthen the Spread as a whole. "To be perfectly honest, I have no burning desire to see Maki as Empress. However, I do have a desire to ally with the Pentacles. I realize that Maki can be a bit of a loose cannon. You are King, and I recognize the power of that position, even if your Queen will not. I hope you will reconsider our alliance." Chris was quiet, deep into thought. "I'll tell the others. Everything. But I think that it won't be a problem. Thanks for being straight with me, finally." "Don't worry, Chris. Rest assured that I as much as anyone want this to go smoothly and easily. I know that we can have a productive relationship." Rusty stood, extending a hand. They shook, then Chris took a step backwards, and disappeared in a pentacle-shaped flash. "Looks like we're still a team. Let's be ready to move out this afternoon, all right?" Rusty smiled. + + + The dark-haired woman strode into the darkened chamber, half-wondering if she'd find Hanged Man asleep on his thread like some bug in a cocoon. But that thought went against her focussed anger, and she swept it away with a toss of her head. "Hanged Man," World called, voice strident. "I've seen the Devil card. Where is Natsu?" His reply was silky smooth; maybe it was impossible to catch him off-guard. "You can't see her?" She shot him a hard look. "Don't do this, Henry. If you know where she is, I want you to tell me." The inverted man leveled his gaze at her, filled with a practiced tired impatience, as if every word she said to him was immature and meaningless. "I couldn't tell you exactly where they are, but I'm certain that the girl is with the Magician." "And the Devil? What's going on here? You told me you'd share what you knew." "World. It's early, yet you're already wearing thin on my nerves. Don't make me reconsider this alliance." "Henry, please," she cried. "Why do you always do this? You won't even talk to me like a real person. I have a name. I have parents. I have--" here her voice choked, and she winced at the show of weakness. "I have children." She looked down, then stared back into his face. "You can't imagine how hard it was for me not to tell you." His eyes narrowed, but his voice didn't change in tone. "I don't want to talk about this." "Well, I do!" she shouted. "You never want to talk, that's why we're in this position! What the hell happened to you?" World softened, anger melting. "What happened to us? When did it become more important who we influenced and where we were in the Spread than who we were and who we cared about? I... I cared about you, Henry. I could have l--" "Please don't," he grabbed her upper arm, for the first time showing true emotion in his voice. World's head snapped up, staring into his eyes, so rich that they shone black in the dull light. "Francine..." For one instant, his guard faltered, and emotion flashed raw over his face. Then, quickly enough for World to wonder whether she'd seen it at all, his mask slipped back into place. "Time passes, Francine. We can't go back to that time. I wish I'd done some things differently. I wish we both had. But we didn't. We can only move on from here. Soon, the Prophecy--" "To hell with the Prophecy! Henry, I just want to look out for my son and my niece. I thought that was what you wanted as well." He gritted his teeth, taking a cleansing breath. "Francine. You know that I take care of what I need to take care of. I always have. Don't get snippy with me over my priorities when you were too much of a coward then to take responsibility for your own child." The raven-haired woman did not move, stunned by the blow. "Right now," she began, voice deathly cold. "I want to know what your plan is. As your partner, I don't think that's too much to ask." "And if I think it is?" World's face began to contort in rage before abruptly schooling itself to a placid calm, her stiff squared stance the only indicator of her true feelings. "Pity," she said. She removed her blindfold and stalked off. + + + "Francine. Why can't you look past family ties and see that there are more important things at stake?" The dark, empty room made no reply. + + + Despite the dreariness of the Cups' courtyard, you could shape dreamspace however you wanted. Currently, Shirosawa Keisuke wanted his bedroom. It was decorated as before, with his baseball trophies, pictures of his friends and family, clothes and equipment and junk strewn across the floor. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds, and though his bedroom door was closed tightly, he could hear his parents puttering around downstairs; at any minute his little brother might run into the room. This was where he belonged, what he wanted more than anything in the whole world. This was something that had never happened, could never. His parents were always at work. His family was never together, and probably never would be. He couldn't return to face them. Keisuke curled up tighter into the center of the bed. It was a haven, where he could be himself-- the self he wished he had the strength to be. He'd fought his friends again, after swearing to himself not to. Sumire, Hanako-chan. They were supposed to have joined together. Why had they fought instead? He'd tried his best not to hurt anyone... he'd wanted to charm them out of wanting to fight at all, but he wasn't all that good at using his powers. Sumire was too strong, had fought despite his efforts. He envied that strength, that power. It had almost destroyed him, but maybe that would have been better. His King-- the King had told him they would be able to stay away from others, that they could unify all Arcana. Maybe he should have known it was far too much to ask. There was a knock on the door, then it opened. "Must you be so melodramatic?" The door swung closed, and Keisuke was faced with Koishikawa Tetsuya. "Wha-- what are you doing here?" Keisuke yelped, rising to his knees on the bed, some part of his mind scanning his room for possible weapons, the rest of it feeling guilty for doing so. "I could ask you the same thing. The mighty Knight of Cups, hiding in his bedroom like a petulant child?" He bristled, then sighed, sitting back onto the bed. "I am, aren't I? I've only been trouble since the beginning. Maybe you were right all along, Tetsuya. Strength comes from direction, but I don't have any. I've let myself get pushed into so much-- and you as well." For some reason, instead of getting angry, Tetsuya just looked at him curiously and changed the subject. "Now's not the time to mope about that, Shirosawa! There are big things cooking, and you've been content to sit and sulk, out of the loop." "What are you getting at?" Keisuke frowned. The other Knight sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Come on, Shirosawa, don't be a stereotype. Put some things together. Why do you think that the Tower you met weeks ago and the Tower you met yesterday did not look the same?" "There... you told me yourself that the physical condition of the Tower Reversed had to do with Tower's health." "Well then, how does the Tower Reversed look?" "I... haven't been," the Cup admitted. "I have. Not like that. Shouldn't even you be feeling a bit suspicious? Something is going on with Tower. Something that your King either doesn't know or doesn't want you to know about. Maybe all you want to do is hide here, in your own memories. But you have a chance to be a part of something for once, to make a difference. You wanted direction. Take it." "Why don't you?" Keisuke asked, more drained than angry. "It's no secret how you feel about me. Why not take the glory for yourself? Why not just leave me to my misery?" Tetsuya paused, staring at him. Finally, he took a step forward, grabbing his shoulder. "This is something for the Knight of Cups. I have my own duties." He smiled, then stepped backwards, towards the door. "Speak with the Queen; she knows the most. I'll see you again." With an enigmatic glance, the Knight left, leaving Keisuke behind. He sat up straight, considering. He couldn't escape here forever. Already, the room around him had begun to fade in color, in believability. It wasn't until later that it occurred to him it was rather odd for Tetsuya to have known that much about the Tower and the Cups within. + + + Nakamura found her in the outdoor cafe beside the courthouse, as planned. He had little information on her other than her name, but still, he knew exactly who to look for. Her long, purplish hair was pulled back, giving her a severe look softened by escaping wisps that curled around her face. Her eyes were a deep golden brown, and gave the illusion they'd seen enough to not be surprised by anything. She was pinched in a way that indicated she'd been forced to be serious from an early age, and he wished he could give her pleasure. On sight he felt attracted to her, and embarrassment for feeling so. Shaking it off, he pushed up his glasses and walked up to her. "Ms. Selene Bulan," the policeman asked, holding up a manila envelope. "I believe you sent for me?" He pulled out the tarot cards inside. "Nakamura Takeshi-san. I believe there is a lot you would like to learn." She gave a thin but engaging smile, taking a set of car keys from her pocketbook and getting to her feet. "Shall we go?" "I need to know about Sergeant Sagara," he said, very much intrigued by the woman, but still, procedure was procedure. "Please believe me when I tell you that Sagara-san is alive and unhurt. I will admit to being less than completely honest with you about that. Do know that I have something of great importance to show you." Bulan peered at him, and his resolved softened. After all, this was an unofficial investigation... She linked arms, leading him to a low, black car at the corner. "Soon you will know everything." + + + While more or less harmless, Hell was pretty hot. Hotaru wiped her forehead again, drying her arm off against her already damp skirt. A few water spells easily doused the flames, however, they tended to pop back to life every few minutes. After a few cycles of this, Hotaru had decided to save her strength and deal with the heat. There was a walkable path through the flames, though it seemed to have no particular destination; everything looked exactly the same, so she could have traveled miles or a few yards wandering in circles for all she knew. It had been quite some time since Magician-sensei had left her, and longer still since Natsu had disappeared. Since then there had been no contact by anyone. Mother was probably worried sick. Ishido-- Hotaru bit her lip... this was neither the time nor the place. Oh... what could Natsu possibly be up to? There had to be something she could do without hurting her... Faintly she heard a voice... crying? "Who's there? Where are you? I can help," she called, beginning to run to where she heard the voice; before her, around the next corner, so close-- "Hotaru-chan," came the plaintive cry. The brunette whirled; behind her stood the large, heavy chains she'd released herself from. Hanging limply from the manacles was Natsu herself, looking beaten and pathetic. "Hotaru... help me." "Natsu-chan!" In an instant she'd run to her friend, examining her for wounds. "You're going to be okay. What happened? How did you get in here?" "High Priestess... he--" the blonde shuddered as Hotaru's hand hovered over a raw stripe across her shoulder. "I'm so scared," she whimpered. "You've got to get me out of here." "Of course," she nodded. Hotaru embraced her friend, careful not to aggravate any of the bruises, then began concentrating-- she'd never involved anyone else in her magic before. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you." "How touching." The deep, wispy voice of the High Priestess echoed in her bones, and next thing she knew he'd backhanded her into a pile of ash. "Get away from here," Hotaru said, coughing slightly as she lifted herself upright. "Leave her alone!" Instinctively, she began to gather magical power around herself. "Shall you hurt us again?" The man's long, angular body and black outfit seemed to meld into Natsu's, identical sorrowful expressions on their faces. His voice turned more menacing. "Or rather, haven't you learned by now that you can't stop us that way?" High Priestess chuckled at Hotaru's floundering scowl, grabbing Natsu's hair and yanking it close to drop a kiss onto the top of her head. "Do you think it's love?" Hotaru ran closer, reaching for the High Priestess. Unexpectedly, a hand snaked behind her, grabbing her forearm and keeping her from moving. "Natsu-- don't--" The indigo-haired man wrenched Natsu's lips to his, grip easily bruising the pale skin of the base of her neck. She watched in horror as Natsu did not struggle, instead taking control of the kiss, hungrily devouring the older man. Hotaru realized the hand holding her back was Natsu's own. "You... Natsu-chan..." Hotaru seemed to deflate, completely at a loss. "How--" "The Paradox is so much fun." He lifted a chain, offering it to Hotaru. "So... innovative. I understand why you've enjoyed her as your companion for so long." "No," she murmured, shaking her head, then gaining strength. "No, High Priestess. I know what you did to Natsu, and I can't accept it. Whatever issues you have with me are about me. Don't bring others into it anymore. Let Natsu go, and..." She swallowed. "And you can take me instead." The man drew back, looking her in the eye. "You're a noble one, to sacrifice yourself. This does put me in a bit of a predicament, now doesn't it. I would like to do what you say, I really would. But your headstrong friend doesn't seem to want to leave. She likes it here, you see. You're just too-- boring for her. I hope you understand what I'm trying to tell you." High Priestess stepped forward and grasped Hotaru's chin, voice perversely seductive. "You aren't enough for her. She wants to stay with me. I think you should stay with me as well. What... experiences I could show you. We could be the very best of friends," he purred, pulling a nail down her chin to her collarbone, and tracing around her breast. She kept her eyes wide as saucers, undeserving of anything less. "Why?" Hotaru asked, afraid to say anything more. "I despise you. But what could possibly better than not only taking what was yours, but taking –you- as well?" A cold shiver ran up her spine, shortly followed by his fingers. "You... you did this to Natsu, didn't you." "Ishido was better," High Priestess said off-handedly. "But I believe you'll be the sweetest of all." "You sick--!" Hotaru was immediately in motion, slamming her elbow into the space between his collarbones. She summoned a barrier of wind around her, flinging the man away from her before he had a chance to react. Running after him, she paused where Natsu was now unlocking herself from the manacles. "Natsu-chan-- you should get out of here. You can end this." The blonde turned away as Hotaru passed. High Priestess slowly stood; smirked. He stalked towards her, a hunter who knew he'd cornered his prey. "How does it feel? Your Fool has left you. Your Paradox has turned against you. Your friends have found new pursuits. What is left for you? What more can there be for you?" Frightened, the Magician let of a huge blast of energy. Wincing slightly, he gestured, then absorbed it, the blast winking out like a damped candle. A quick motion and he had her by the neck; she pulled against his hand, and he shoved her to the ground, straddling her hips. "Natsu--" He slapped her, the force knocking her head sideways. "Wrong answer." She tried again to force him off, to teleport away, but couldn't gather the concentration for him not to cancel out the magic. "Nothing's left for you, Firefly." The term of endearment was said with as much acid as could be packed into the word. "The only thing you have left is me. I'll always be here with you, Magician. Beside you. Within you. -I- am the one who defines you! I must build you up so I may crush you again!" "You're... you're insane," Hotaru choked, struggling for breath beneath him. "Is that what you think?" He giggled, a sound more frightening than any shriek he might have produced. "You like them crazy, don't you? Look around! This is not the creation of someone who is all there," he said, gesturing to where the flames had begun to gutter out around them. "But that's fine... for they are yours-- or rather, were. Now they will be mine, as will you-- body and soul." Keeping his hand at her neck, he released her arm, moving instead to her thin linen shirt, slowly popping the buttons. At that, she moved from scrabbling at the iron hand pinning her to the ground, to any part of him she could reach, grabbing, pulling, scratching. Anything to stop him from progressing further. She felt herself dig into the surprisingly soft skin of his back, almost gagging at the feel of his blood on the pads of her fingers, his skin caught beneath her fingernails. "Natsu-chan--" "So violent, Magician. Your Fool didn't put up this kind of fight." He took her hand, sucking the blood off of her fingers. "I like it. And now we're twins," he sighed, gouging into her back on the opposite side. She gasped with pain. "Natsu! Somebody please... Help--" Hotaru only saw it from behind. High Priestess' amber eyes bulged, a gasping, arrested cry coming from his lips almost as an afterthought. Then his eyes faded, limbs going slack. Nothing seemed to happen for a few beats. Time had frozen. Nothing was real. She was speaking without knowing what she was saying. She could be going into shock. "You... why did you?" "Typical of you not to thank me," Natsu said, eyes lidded. Rising from behind High Priestess, she tossed the body off of Hotaru, letting it crumple to the ground. Flexing her bloodied hand, she turned to her erstwhile friend, staring impassively. "Because you asked. And he went against the plan. Get up." Hotaru didn't move, staring at her assaulter, at his. Natsu's features seemed to sharpen under the scrutiny; seemed to stand straighter, taller, glowing faintly. "Oh God... Natsu, what have you done?" She wrinkled her nose in annoyance. "He's not dead; he can't be until I take care of one more loose end." She smiled dangerously, raising her hand once again. "It really isn't that hard once you've done it once or twice. Still think I'm to be trusted?" "Natsu-chan... It's all a lie. There's something wrong with you, but I know it's not your fault! Don't make things worse. Please, why won't you let me be your friend? Why won't you let us work things out?" "There is nothing -to- 'work out.'" Her voice was a controlled anger. "You would rather see me in jail than be happy. You took him from me, and you made me take them from you. You left me to be captured by the High Priestess, and then you couldn't even avenge me, just like when I was stabbed by Joker, and then you made him your boyfriend. You don't seem to have considered how I might be feeling ever-- and then you want to know why we can't 'be friends'." "But... Natsu-chan. All I've been trying to figure out is how you feel for so long now." "Then here's a hint." She leaned forward. + + + The Ace of Cups saw the scene from her perch in the shadows, heart inexplicably clenching. "It seems I may be already too late. Stepping backwards, she followed after the girl. A minute later, the Page of Cups revealed himself, eyeing the rest of the scene. After giving a pained look, he walked to the High Priestess, gently touching his hand, and they both disappeared. + + + Miyuki was waiting for Francine when she returned with the first coherent thing she'd said in days. The address was for Yokohama. "We have an invitation," Fortune commented. + + + "Rusty," Will greeted tersely, entering the lawyer's office. Rusty greeted him with a friendly smile, pushing up his reading glasses as he looked up from the plans for the evening. "Will. Glad you're here. I smoothed out a couple things, and we're all set to get into the Tower Reversed, but there were a couple things I wanted to go over with you and Chariot." "About that," Will said, looking more over Rusty's head than at him. Something was up. "Executive decision; Victory and I are gonna take over for this one. Say what you want to keep your Court in line; we both know there's been a lot of time and resources wasted because of you, and we can't afford any more." Rusty stopped, stunned. "What? It's my planning that's gotten us this far! My training to coordinate our forces. Hell, I personally had to save the alliance with the Pentacles after you quite literally fucked it up. How can you possibly kick me out of a leadership position?" The businessman met his fierce gaze, every bit as driven. "Easily. While we appreciate your efforts," Will sneered, "we do need to go forward. Despite what you may have thought, you were never the leader of this group. Victory thinks you're cute, that's why you've gotten to do this much." Will opened his palm, and the Blade of Might leapt to it. "Sorry to disappoint you, pal." Rusty bit back a snide remark, asking instead about the real important things. "What about Emperor? We had a deal, Will. You and Chariot were going to help me become Emperor, and I and my alliance were going to make sure you had whatever freedoms you needed. I've looked after you for a long time, Willard. You owe me." "Not as much as you think, Rustom," the redhead snapped. "But hey, there's no need to be so hostile. I have no intention of taking the Imperials for myself. Though that would be interesting, no? Victory and I, the people in charge?" Rusty's look was measured, but unpleasant. "No, Rusty, I won't keep you from Emperor, just warn you not to get too big for your britches. You've been keeping secrets from me." The King shrugged. "You've done the same. That's a given." "But it's unacceptable if it's concerning my family. How long have you known?" His lips thinned, gaze casual. "Known what?" "Forget it," Will said, storming past. "The Blade is mine. My source has told me: the Cups' alliance is in shambles. We're going to take the Tower Reversed, right now, and the Shackles will be broken, and the power will be ours. And then I will have revenge on that woman." "Will? What are you going to do? Will!" The businessman stormed out; the lawyer following afterwards, almost worried. The small training room was crowded with the Courts of Blades and Pentacles present. Outside, Victory waited, revving appreciatively when Will entered bearing the Blade of Might. Rusty followed beside him, letting him speak... when Will was in one of these moods, it was better to just ride out the storm. He wrote off the funny feeling in the pit of his stomach to anticipation. No one seemed to have any problems with Will in charge; the Ace of Blades was giving him a funny look, though Rusty nodded to trust them. Chris seemed to be adapting to Arcana life well; noting that his uncle had appeared at this 'secret' meeting, he just shrugged. "Well, people," Will began, "the time has come. Yesterday was a little bit different, not quite how today's gonna run, but you know that already, and that's fine. Really, I doubt we'll have any problems, not with Victory on our side." He gave a fond look out the window. "You all know where to go and the best way to get there. A slight change of plans though; King of Pentacles, I want you on point. Take your Knight and teleport in there. The confusion will give the rest of us more than enough opportunity to get in behind you. I'm counting on you, King, to be there. All right? Let's move out!" Atsuko grabbed Chris' hand, and after exchanging a worried look, faded out. The others left in teams of two or three until only Maki, Rusty and Will were left. Rusty's face was almost troubled as they followed him to Victory. "Will, are you sure you wanted the Pentacles out there alone? You know-- I mean, that's Chris. Your nephew." Will made no response, hopping into the jeep hybrid. "Jesus, Will... Francine made me swear--" "That's enough. I am more than aware who the King of Pentacles is and just how Francine is keeping track of him. At this point you've said-- or -not- said enough." He let his eyes narrow, leveling a heavy gaze at the lawyer. "Get to your position. We've got a Tower to win." They drove off, leaving the pair who would be Imperials behind. Maki looked as if she were about to say something, but a harsh look from Rusty silenced her. + + + Keisuke wandered around the Tower Reversed's dreamspace for a long time before deciding to just dream of a door that would send him to the Queen. Almost instantly, an arched doorway appeared before him, and a low voice beckoned, "Come." He tentatively stepped through, jumping slightly as the door slammed behind him. When he turned back around, he was in a round, stone room, like a tower from some European fairy tale. Gauzy curtains draped to the floor, which was covered in cushions, richly patterned in burgundies, greens, and golds. "You were looking for me?" the Queen of Cups asked, not looking up from where she gazed intently into a goblet of silver. "Ah... yes ma'am. I didn't mean to interrupt though," the Knight apologized, his nerve quickly fading. "No interruption; I have been waiting for your arrival. It has taken you a while," she said pleasantly, abruptly giving a last swirl to the contents of her cup and setting it on a table beside her. Finally, she turned to him, lips curving reservedly and gesturing to cushions beside her. "Please sit, Knight of Cups." "Oh, thanks. Call me Keisuke." The teen hunkered down, attempting to pull himself into a reasonably small amount of space. He'd always preferred Western-style seating, being as large as he was... "All right, Keisuke-san. Speak." She handed him a cup of tea, which he accepted gladly if for no other reason than to have something in his hands. It seemed like some sort of joke cup, as the teacup resembled a thimble more than a mug, Keisuke felt. "Well... I don't mean to be rude, but is this room... safe? For talking in, I mean?" Keisuke could feel his face blazing. The Queen looked at him seriously. "Do you think it is?" That hadn't been the answer he was expecting. "I... I guess?" "Be more decisive, Knight of Cups. How's this: the room is secure from even the King. The door is your creation-- you tell me if the place is secure." "If... if it's up to me? It is." "I appreciate that," the Queen said. "Maybe you can answer me a question. I don't know you as well as the other Cups. You also have a different background than us; living in the physical realm, someplace the rest of us have not been in a very, very long time. What have you found your biggest challenge throughout your life?" "My biggest challenge?" He sighed. "Honestly, most of the time, just walking around, I feel like a bull in a china shop. Sometimes... I feel like I should just stay away from people. But want to help my friends. I just wish I could be more useful to others. Kinda pathetic sounding, eh? But I just want to be able to take care of my friends and family, make everyone happy. I tried to do the same with my Arcana powers, though I've done a terrible job." "Don't doubt yourself, Knight. Just now, you've revealed you want more important things than power and position. You have a good heart, Keisuke- san. I will answer your unspoken question. There is someone hidden in the Tower Reversed. More than just the Tower is bound to this place. The one who would bring The End." The teen's brow furrowed, running a hand through his short hair. "You mean..." "The Last Judgement. You have heard of the Prophecy, correct?" He nodded. "Our King aims to deny the Tower from the rest of the Spread, because of the power it would release to all Arcana. What I am unsure of is if the King realizes that it is the Tower that holds and is held captive by Judgement." "So... who we think is Tower isn't really Tower?" She nodded. "So that's why he looked different..." "The time of the Prophecy is quickly approaching. The four Kings have been drawn, and have gathered their Courts. Soon, the others will be complete, as we are. As that happens, it will be increasingly hard to maintain the Shackles. And yet, that is our task." Keisuke looked down, staring into the impossibly small cup of tea he held. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "What's his crime?" "Come again?" This time the Queen looked as if she'd missed something. "Why's Judgement locked up anyway?" the Knight clarified. "It seems that everybody... that nature wants the Shackles to be broken. Who are we to keep Judgement from doing his job?" "Who indeed..." she trailed, taking a last, ruminating sip of her tea before sitting the china on the table as well. "A good question, Keisuke-san. Shall we find out?" The woman stood, her robes gently flowing to the ground. Keisuke scrabbled up after her, somehow seeming lesser despite towering over her. "We'll have to get you some proper clothing as well," she mused, pointing at his jeans and t-shirt. She handed him a bundle from a matching coffee table, and directed him to a screen on the other side of the room. "Finish your tea and put these on. Make sure you drink it all." Keisuke did as instructed, though somewhat uncertain about the tea now, he'd always liked ceylon. The bundle was a set of robes in a rich emerald, matching his eyes. They fit perfectly, which was always a pleasant surprise- - usually things were too short. "Now you look like one of us," the Queen approved. Keisuke smiled back, though he was unsure of whether that was something he wanted or not. "Now, let us find the Tower." Then the room was empty. + + + By midday they arrived at a low office building outside of Yokohama. "Follow me," Bulan instructed, travelling up the walk and into the glass doors of the modern building. In the lobby stood two familiar faces. The older woman he knew as some relation to the Forrester girl. The younger brunette, the subject in her own murder case. It seemed death had been kind. "Aren't you..." he trailed, staring at the blind girl. "Justice?" Forrester asked, looking almost as confused as he felt. "Not now," Bulan answered the blonde, bidding all three follow her further into the building. "You will find fact is not always as it seems, Nakamura- san." The purple-haired woman led them to an elevator, taking them to the top, fourth floor and into a large conference room of some sort. Seats were arranged around a long conference table, and a large console stood before a projection screen. Ushering the others to sit, the woman stood at the console. "I am Selene Bulan, but here at work you may call me Moon. Thank you for coming. World, Fortune, Nakamura-san. You are here because for whatever reason, you have realized the reckless actions of many Arcana are causing us to move closer to war than enlightenment. I hope that you will join us. We are the Questioners-- we seek knowledge and meaning from the Arcana. If you desire it, there is much you can learn, and much help you can give at this important junction. Our network can track almost anyone. I know that each of you has someone you are looking for. All we ask is your support in our goal to peacefully fulfill the Prophecy. Help us keep the others from their selfish in-fighting. Your information, your powers, even a decision to stay out of others' conflicts aids us." Silence as Bulan-- Moon took a drink from the water bottle at the console. Nakamura was uncertain what to say... this all seemed so fantastic. But with everything that had happened lately? The dead coming to life, Usono's many escapes, the whole Forrester debacle? He unconsciously fingered Usono's cards, stashed in his pocket. He felt a slight tingle, and quickly turned his attentions back to the room. "Who else is involved?" Forrester-- World's expression was guarded. "I lead the Questioners, and have done so since I was very young. I know everyone involved, and only keep people I trust. Many non-Arcana help us to organize, to keep a lookout for when new Arcana are born. Of late, they come so quickly it is difficult to instantly keep track of everyone. The Queens of Blades and Cups have stated they will support our cause through their Courts, and Hermit has pledged to us. Temperance, as always, supports us through inaction. Even Death has expressed interest. Sun and Star too stand with us." "I didn't know they had revealed themselves," World frowned. Though a barely visible change, Nakamura felt Moon was markedly uncomfortable with the subject. "Sun and his sister, Star are... old acquaintances. We grew up together. Now we are slightly... estranged. We had a bit of a falling out," she explained, tone clearly indicating the topic was closed. "Their alliances still stand with peace, I give you my word on that." Pulling one of the escaping hairs back behind her ear, Moon shook her head. "You don't need to answer right now. But I do hope that such powerful Trumps as yourselves would join us. It may convince others." Silence again, then curiosity got the better of Nakamura. "I don't claim to understand everything going on here. But obviously these other two have some sort of power," the policeman said, gesturing to World and Fortune. "Why am I here? It's more than just Sagara, I imagine." "That's correct," Moon said, giving him a tiny but genuine smile. "Let me backtrack a bit. Forgive me for this roundabout answer, but I hope it will explain everything. We are Arcana, those who have the powers of the Cards. Some are born Arcana, and have power since birth. Other Arcana choose their host. Not everyone does; not every human can host an Arcana. Others can. The Questioners are made up of many such 'Arcana-sensitive' people. They can sense us, can tell the power in the Cards. Those of us born Arcana are drawn to them, as they are kindred spirits. Those Arcana who switch hosts seek them out that they may have corporeal form. Justice, Death, Hermit, the Lovers, all are known for their ease in changing hosts. They say that Justice can... 'possess' someone nearly without their knowledge." Here she looked keenly at Nakamura, as did World. "Something here seems familiar, does it not? "However, any Arcana may change hosts; all do once their body has died. Those killed by accident or surprise tend to be the quickest to come back, to choose older hosts, to realize their powers sooner to the time they gain their host. It is difficult to do, yes. But those with strong purpose or force of will, they can theoretically be killed one day and back the next, having found a suitable host nearby, with memories and conscious nearly intact. Of course, this rarely comes without problems, especially concerning the previous owner of the body... "That brings us to this man." She pressed a button on the console in front of her, and the image of a pleasant-looking Caucasian appeared. "Leonid Konstantinov. Russian male, age twenty-two. Unmarried, works part time at a factory since graduating university. Last seen four weeks ago in a small town fifty miles east of St. Petersburg. However," the slide changed to a grainy satellite photo of a similar looking man, though the hair was long and matted, and face haggard and bruised. "This photo was taken yesterday in the town of Hamamasu, in Hokkaido." "How does that affect me?" "We believe this is the King of Wands, previously known as a Mr. Sudou Akira. You and Sagara worked on his murder investigation, did you not?" Slowly Nakamura nodded in recognition. "That was around the same time as the Sokana girl," he murmured, unable to avoid the blank gaze of Fortune. "Yes. The King of Wands is moving back to Tokyo-- more specifically, to the janitor's closet of Hataraku High School. The gate to the Tower Reversed. He is also calling others to his side. The number of Arcana-sensitive people in that area is low. We have contacted most of them, told them of the danger. You're the last one, and probably in the most danger, since you have been in contact with so many of the Arcana already." Nakamura shook his head. "I'm... I'm still not sure what you want from me." "It's more what he'll want from you. Konstantinov's consciousness is still alive in there, Nakamura-san. It won't be for long. We're saying you should be wary the same doesn't happen to you." + + + They appeared in the Tower Reversed instantly, Chris ready to form a field any moment; giving his Ace a second to recover from the teleport before quickly moving to secure the room. "Left side is clear," Atsuko called, checking the corners, then moving towards the U-shaped table. "Same here," Chris returned. "I feel like I'm in that Playstation game, Metal Gear Solid... How do you think I'd look with a mullet?" "No comment." She cracked a smile, the comment cutting some of the tension. "All right, 'Snake,' then what do we do now?" "Just check out the other rooms on this floor, and make sure no one comes into any of them. The others are supposed to show up once we give all clear." "All right," the Ace said, doubt tingeing her voice. She started towards a door on the near side of the wall. "Let's check it out?" "Something's wrong... what is it, Atsu?" She paused, emotions warring on her face. "It's just-- Something about this seems fishy. What's the point of keeping people from getting in doors when they can pop in from the dream world? ...I'm worried for you." "I thought about that... but I figure the others must have taken that into consideration. Maybe things are different here in the Tower Reversed. They said you could be stronger here. So, nothing to worry about. Come on, Atsu, when have I ever let you down in this sort of situation?" "When have you ever been in this sort of situation?" "Don't sweat the small stuff," he said loftily. YOU ARE SURPRISINGLY FLIPPANT, KING OF PENTACLES. IT IS UNNECESSARY AND FOOLISH... AS ARE YOU. Chris didn't even have a chance to react. + + + tbc. + + + [notes] And then everybody dies. Oh wait, I can't do that here; it's just the author's notes. Is that enough torture for everyone? Maybe just get extra points for excessive use of the (non-)word 'dreamspace'. This is actually the longest single chapter of anything I've ever written, and even with all these K plus the super- extension (thanks Lawrence!) there's stuff I couldn't get to. Still, I guess I've had (more than) enough time to put all the characters through hell and back (or at least there); hope someone's enjoyed reading my chapters as much as I've liked writing them. Best of luck to Signus and Scott; thanks to them, Segev and Janet for letting me bounce off ideas. signing off.... eme 12.july.2002 + + + "But everything's become clouded-- confused..." Then stop it. It -is- your dream, after all. "It is..."