Chapter 2: Ballroom Blitz
[Scene 1: Porsession]
[INTER- WA CASTLE- BALLROOM- NIGHT]
A large room with red curtains outlining elongated narrow windows, a large crystal chandelier is used like a magical floating disco ball. An orchestra is playing in the background. The room almost has a vintage '80s wedding environment. The tables surround the dance floor. They are covered with fine linen, silverware, and elven crystal goblets. Yuki's table is the largest at the head of the dance floor, with all the chairs facing it, with Yuki in the center.
Exotic meats survived on swords like a Brazilian rotisserie. Servers are dressed in black and white tuxedos that are long, exaggerated, robe-like outfits. Fancy but relaxing, if the servers are relaxed, so shall the guests. Glasses of different sizes were passed around for all the different-sized people or those with proclivities. Elves drink for show, while dwarves, there is no glass big enough.
The style of the women's dresses is very revealing. The style for the city is in a sexual exploration and is shown to the younger guests in tight short dresses. While older conservatives have no frills. Most men wear a black suit and tie. The vibe of the room is joyous, full of smiles and laughter.
The royal family of King Vrek. His wife, two sons, and daughter accompany him. He and his wife look about 60-something, and their children are in the range of mid-thirties to their forties. The way he stands next to Yuki, it feels as though they are the closest of friends. His wife and children don't seem as close, but polite and have a familiar smile. King's Vrek's laugh fills the room.
A lot of the other royals and ambassadors from close cities and neighboring countries, there regaling in old stories, joyously regaling in the quirky alien-like behavior of young Yuki. The people attending were a good variety of humans, demi-humans, cobolts, dwarves, elves, orcs, Noms, Pixies, and Merfolk (human legs with fish heads).
Yuki, his wives, followed by his daughters, stand in a line at the bottom of the stairs from youngest to oldest, greeting the many guests of human and humanlike people. The long line of guests thanked the family for inviting them. Kay stands between Miran and Dina. Kiff, sniffing the food from across the room, is getting jittery.
Whisper of clusters of guests talking about rumors of the strength of the demon army. Some are unsure if this is the best time to celebrate. They are saying things about dispersing armies closer to the south. Seeing King Vrek relaxed reassured them.
Kiff (leaning over to Dina and sniffing)
Sniff… Chicken hearts with chestnuts. Sniff… I'll be back in a minute.
Taking a step, Dina quickly grabbed Kiff's tail. Kiff squirms. Dina takes her hand and holds it tight. Celestra leans forward, giving Kiff wide eyes, saying, 'Knock it off.'
DINA (whispers)
Not much longer. What is 37293 plus 71124 equal to?
KIFF
What?
DINA
Add them together. In your head.
Kiff gets what Dina is trying to distract her from. As more guests came down the procession, we can see her eyes look up and her mouth working on the number. Kiff can nod and almost make eye contact as they come.
KIFF
Good evening. Carry the one…
This one family walked down the procession and gave an aura about them. They had this smile of, 'you should know us.' They were a good-looking family, tall, clean, but their smiles were sort of vacant. As they came upon Kay, their expression changed with excitement.
WOMAN (to Kay)
Which one are you?
KAY (confused)
Pardon? (slight pause) Oh, I am Duchess Kay.
WOMAN (snotty, high-pitched, irritating high pitch voice)
Oh Hwa, Kay, you are not the one I was expecting. (as if she were disappointed in the new puppy that was just brought home) You're so… (pause, trying to find the written words or any words, hoping it doesn't come out nasty) … so not human.
Yuki heard her voice. He excused himself to the other guests and walked between the woman and Kay.
YUKI (rushed to intercept)
I'm pleased you made it safely, Your Majesty. (Yuki takes her hand and walks, and the other family members keep her away from Kay) I hope your trip was uneventful.
MIRAN (tilts her head and quietly asks Kay)
What was that about?
KAY (realizing who she is)
I think that's my new mother-in-law.
MIRAN (Mockingly)
Ohhwaaah, whatta twat.
Kay laughs, turns around, and excuses herself. Draka sees from the other side of the line, then looks over at Yuki entertaining a strange family, and starts to get angry. She walks over to Kay.
DRAKA
Go get some fresh air. (Points to Miran) Go with her, and take your time.
DINA
Should I help, too?
DRAKA
We can't have everyone leaving; more people are waiting to thank us.
KIFF
Dina, it's 168,873.
Miren takes Kay's hand and walks to the patio. Draka got back in position, and under her breath, she informed the others what was happening.
DINA
Kiff, I believe you're right.
[scene ends]
[Scene 2: Can You Believe This Guy]
[INNER- WA CASTLE- PATIO- NIGHT]
Miran and Kay are leaning on the fence, looking at the darkness. Miran is waiting for Kay to speak. Kay just stared out into the void with her nostrils flaring. Kay suddenly looks up, and a large white flame vomits out of her mouth, lighting up the backyard, illuminating the furniture and bushes below. Behind them, a dark figure is sitting on a lounge chair, relaxing, covering his eyes from the sudden brilliant light. The figure doesn't look ominous, just casual. It goes dark again; all we see is Kay and Miran.
MIRAN
Let it out. (rubbing Kay's back)
KAY
I'm fine now. I'm fine. It's not like… What happened to our future? That's not right. Nothing is right. FUCK!!!!! I had a plan. I knew what I wanted. He knew what I wanted. He was just humoring me until he could sell me like cattle.
MIRAN
I know you're not.
Kay looks at Miran, tears running down her face. Hugs her sister, burying her face in her chest. Cries louder, then pushes against and looks up.
KAY
He said he was doing it to keep me safe. (smoke exhaled from her nostrils) My whole life, I've been training to protect myself and ALL I love. I'm supposed to be a warrior. I can take on the best city guards since I was 12.
MIRAN (seriously)
I hear you, but let us put the pieces together from his perspective. The more we see things from his eyes, the more we can control the situation. From what he told you, you said he wants to keep you safe from the oncoming demons. Make sure you will be far enough away, or distract yourself with royal duties. What is so important to him? Why so much focus on you and not me, Dina, and Kiff?
Well, Kay is too young, and Dina would rather stay with her mother. Why not you? You're the oldest?
MIRAN
From what I know, this city will be mine. Since being part elf, I can care for it long after him. Making sure the family and citadel will thrive. That's what men think about?
The dark figure silently steps out of the darkness. He is in his early twenties, well-groomed, sporting a perfectly tailored red velvet tuxedo. His hair is black with white flecks and perfectly messy. The fine fabric mixed with his messy hair shows that he comes from money but doesn't want people to know how much. His presence startles Miran, while Kay clenches her fists, ready to take whoever to the floor.
BARD
Parents believe that their own mistakes will correct their wrongs. Age does not equate wisdom.
KAY (Yelling, her tail tense, standing up like a frightened cat)
This is a private conversation. Think you know something about me and my family? Please remove yourself. (Gritting her teeth)
BARD
I'm sorry for startling you; that wasn't my intention. (Taking Kay's fist with both hands) I felt connected to your situation. I've heard many songs about your feelings.
MIRAN (realizing who is talking, she restrains from jumping up and down like a schoolgirl)
I'm sorry, sir, we believed we were alone.
BARD
My apologies, but seeing two maidens saddened by the pressures of family responsibilities called for me to inspire you with song.
Kay is taking back her hand.
MIRAN
Again, kind sir, I ask you to remove yourself. Don't you have responsibilities to take care of before your performance?
BARD
I was but seeing two deities so gloomy, I thought I might have the right words of inspiration.
KAY (trying not to yell, smells alcohol on his breath)
If you tell us, will you then leave?
BARD
Ladies, I'm not here to be an annoyance. I'll see you inside. (Starts walking away, then turns around) I, too, am in a similar situation. In the end, it's your life, they can't live it for you.
All went quiet. The Bard quietly left back into the party. Kay and Miran watched Bard leave and resumed their conversation.
MIRAN
The creep is right. When a sleeping golam is in your path, you don't turn around; you walk around it or find a new path.
Miran hugs Kay. The noise from the ballroom changes. It sounds like the introductions have ended.
MIRAN (cont.)
I'll see you there. I think the Bard is about to go on.
Kay watches her leave. Miran's dress sparkled like pixie dust. Kay turns around, looks up, inhales, and releases another fire breath. Now, she is calm enough to return.
[END SCENE]
[Scene 3: Let's Put On Your Dance Shoes]
[INNER- WA CASTLE- BALLROOM- NIGHT]
Kay enters. She scopes the room, looking for Yuki. He is talking to a few guests and Lyerla with interlocked arms. She heads over to have a quick conversation about last night.
KAY (not sure how to address him)
Da… Father, do you have a moment to talk?
He hands his drink to Lyraela and allows Kays to lead him to a closet. Yuki is about to talk when Kay interrupts.
The closet near the ballroom
KAY (nervous)
Do you remember when I was little, and you would tell us, "I will be proud of anything you choose just as long as you are happy" (pause, deep breath)? What happened to that? And why am I the only one excluded?
YUKI (wanting terribly to comfort her)
I remember saying that. Life isn't the same as it was when you were little. I've personally seen the worst that demons can do. They are the first things I see when I wake up in the morning. I want to protect you and your sisters, but the difference between you and them is that you always go headfirst into dangerous situations. (His voice is getting louder.) Fighting opponents you don't understand will get you killed or messed up, just like Kenji.
Yuki froze. He hadn't said that name aloud in twenty-five years. His heart is pounding so loudly that he can't hear her talking. His hands shaking, he clasped them together to stop.
KAY (Loud)
That doesn't give you enough to control me and my future. This makes me feel like I'm a fragile doll that is being sold at a market. I am not anyone's possession. I am your daughter, I am a warrior. I can take care of myself. I don't think I will ever forgive you for this.
Yuki is bent over, holding his stomach as though he is about to throw up. He is having a panic attack. Kay looked down, feeling relieved that she was able to tell him her honest thoughts.
KAY (feeling mature)
After tonight, I'm going to find a residence in Salan. I will graduate and join their army. After tomorrow I'll go back. After tonight, we'll go our separate ways.
Kay leaves the closet feeling that she did the right thing. She doesn't look to see him.
Intr-Ballroom
The lights dimmed slightly to focus on the stage. Hydex walked on, and everyone stopped talking. Hydex's flapper-like dress made men's jaws drop and women jealous. Kay sees Dina and Kiff sitting at a table. Miran was talking to people. Kiff's plate is towering with food. Kay kissed Kiff, then Dina on the cheek, and sat at the table. Kay looked around the room, searching for her father. She finally spots him, he is with people she doesn't know, and Celestrian and Lyraela. He was too busy to notice her. Then searched for her mother, who had Rin on her shoulder, talking with King about the woman whom Yuki had talked to before Kay left. Draka looked like she was waiting for a reason to attack. Kay smiled, looking over a Kiff with cheeks stuffed with food. Everyone's eyes were all on Hydrex.
HYDEX (without microphone voice voice carried to all)
Evening, friends, family, Royals, Diplomates, and everyone else who took part in making the memories to celebrate the man we come to honor: my hero, my friend, my savior, and my love. Like me, many of you wouldn't be here today. From defeating the Demon Lord to just bringing water to a village. So in honor of you, my love and lovelies, like you, someone who is being talked about. I thought hard about what a capture you have. Twenty-five years of great importance to our world. I had to do some begging, and you love it when I'm on my knees (pause for laughs). I present to you, The Bard.
Hydex reaches out, hugs, and kisses a tall man in a red tuxedo. Kay and Miren locked eyes and realized it was the man on the patio. A large applause, and some of the women screamed. This elegant party turned into Beatlemania.
BARD (smiling from the attention)
Oh, thanks, Hyedex, you exaggerate; your begging was just a bonus. (pause for laugh) Wow, first, I want to thank everyone for their kindness; it's more than I deserve. (he looks over at Kay.) If you don't know my ballads, there is no turning back.
He picks up a two-headed mandolin, starts playing. Prerecorded background music comes from Magic Dol Crystals. Crystals amplified music like a rock club. The Bard was tall, lanky, and with too much jewelry. The song is punk rock and is about finding love at the bottom of a bottle. It was loud; most of the guests cheered in front of the stage, even King Vrek. It is uncomfortable to see the royals acting like normal people.
Kay excused herself from the table. Her sisters were talking about magic with an instructor from a neighboring city. She walked to the bar and ordered a drink (there is no drinking age here). As she got her drink, she stood and watched the performance. In her mind, she debated whether she should tell Dina that she had talked to The Bard outside and found him to be a donkey's tail.
As she drank, people she knew came to her and talked about school, her father, and the rise of demons. Their stories of Yuki and the demons sound exaggerated.
Guest 1
… a small village devastated by an Ameru. Thankfully, adventurers were there to help with the evacuation.
KAY
A what now?
Guest 2
It's a horrid creature; some say it's a serpent or a flightless dragon, but its face looks like a puma.
Guest 1
Yes! Exactly. I've never heard that before. People have been saying that this new Demon Lord has bred or created new types of creatures that are far more dangerous than we have ever seen before.
KAY
That can't be true.
Guest 2
Why not? There haven't been any issues since your father beat the previous Demon Lord.
The music ends. The Bard is exhausted. The audience cheered. The Bard raises his hand to signal silence, and in seconds, all ways silent as though a spell was cast.
BARD (Breathy)
My lords, my ladies, a moment, I pray, for a man who walked among us, and brightened our day. A stranger he was, yet a savior he'd be, teaching us to dream and be forever free. He built not a kingdom of stone but of heart and showed us that hope is the greatest of art. So raise your glasses, let the music resound, for the noblest of rulers, whose wisdom is crowned! Let's raise a glass to our Lord, our Duke, our friend...Duke Yuki Wa!
Yuki comes up on stage, relaxed and calm, like he has talked in front of crowds all his life. Kay noticed her sisters and their wives followed him on stage. They stood in the back as Yuki took center stage. Kay remembers Celestia saying she should stay near the stage. Instead of making a scene, she stood where she was. The cheering was louder than before.
YUKI
Wow, (some people hooted). Wow,( He waited for the clapping to subside). Defeating the Demon Lord was easier than giving speeches. Never in my life would I think I would ever receive such praise. Twenty-five years? I've been here over half my life. Six wives, five children. Living in a castle, a world full of magic things that were stories back home. Magic was just a wish, no science behind it. Seeing it used and understanding its science was mind-blowing.
I grew up a nobody. I wasn't good at school; I was pretty much an Otaku. (he mutters.) Ask me later what that is. (Pause) I could only hope for a desk job pushing papers.
That all changed when I arrived in a forest with three strangers. My first night in Klem Forest, I had never in my life been camping, we had no tent, no food, thank god Kenji had a lighter or we would have frozen. I need to (he gestured peeing with his hands), you get it. So I went behind a tree. As I was loosening my pants, a spider-owl lunged from the branch above and stopped in front of my face. I had to cross my eyes to see it. I've never seen anything like it. Insects where I came from don't have feathers. So I'm staring at this thing, and I forgot I was still peeing. I jumped when my show was warm and wet. Scaring myself and the spider-owl. I freaked it so bad that it attacked me. I started flaring my arms and jumping with every step, hearing the squish of my shoes. I paused to see where it went, so I went back to camp, and everyone screamed. I figured it was because I smelled like piss. They pointed at my ear, and the spider-out had clamped down on my earlobe, causing my ear to swell like I had Judo ear. I then threw it to the ground and stepped on it with a pee shoe. Not until years later that I find out, while you sleep, they go up your nose and eat your brains. (big laugh)
Bard, there were challenges, so many of them… (sounding down)
Yuki looks at two strangers in the crowd. Flashes of memories come flashing at him, voices of screams, cring, death. He stutters, trying to continue. Memoirs of A beautiful human woman we haven't met smiles at us. Pause and start thanking people.
Lady Kanisashi (whispers in Yuki's ear)
We should have stayed at Bunny Village.
YUKI (Scared)
No. You're dead. Ak…
We find Kay looking between the two guests and sees two gorgeous women enter. The voice of Yuki mumbling in the background. The one closer to her was in a white clock, with skin that unnaturally shone like a jewel. The other woman wore a heavy red velvet cloak. Looking at her lower legs, these women are breathtaking. Two things bothered Kay about them. First, why are they showing up so late? Their beauty would have been spoken of throughout our kingdom. A third person joined them. It looked like a tall, slender human with a dark complexion. They split up. The man went up a few stairs while the two women walked close to the stage as Yuki was continuing his speech.
She excuses herself. Kay looked around the room to inform the guards about these people. There should be more guards. The crowd laughed at something Yuki had said. Kay found two guards, and as she was explaining, the two women started walking up the stage. The guards started to act when the glittery woman in white was standing behind Yuki. The other woman picked up Kiff and held a knife to her neck. Screams came from the audience. Yuki turned around and looked to see Kiff and the glitter woman (Lady Kanisashi) standing in front of him. It seems Yuki recognized her face. Lilith jabs a syringe into him with her devil-like, white tail, causing him to faint. She holds him with one hand. The screams became louder with panic. Kay and the guards rush to the scene.
LILITH (To the audience)
Keep calm. If you are curious, I am Lilith, the newest demon lord. We are only here for your dear beloved Duke Yuki. Your hero belongs to me. Don't worry; he isn't dead yet. He has to be punished before his death. Revenge is funny; it never feels as good as you expect it to be.
F and Hydrex flinched to rescue Yuki, but they saw the knife dig closer into Kiff's neck. The crowd panics and starts to run towards the stairs at the exit. The tall man extends his arms.
LILITH (cont.)
Please don't leave, or you will upset my bestie.
They still rush closer when bugs come flying out of the man. More and more bugs flew out. One landed on Kay's hand. She looked closely at it. It was just a firefly. She shook it off and headed close to Lilith.
LILITH (cont.)
You're not going to take me seriously. (Nodded at the man)
Boom. An explosion at the exit stopped the people.
LILITH (cont.)
My dear friend, Adze, would like you to wait until we leave. Well, if you don't, boom, a bang, a bone fragment rips through your skull. If you wait until we leave, no one will get harmed.
Some people stopped, but not enough. More explosions happened. Ruble flew. Some people died. The rest lay on the floor and covered their heads. Smoke filled the room. Fireflies are living bombs. The explosion blasted holes into the stone walls, knocking over rubble. Smoke and ash filled the room, causing visibility as far as your hand.
LILITH (cont.)
Good, thank you. Let me, Lady Kanisashi, and Yuki leave no more booms to this country. All of your major cities have been under attached while we celebrate a lie and a liar.
Lilith lowered the hood, revealing that she was a white succubus. Lady Kanisashi removes the knife from Kiff's neck. Tossing Kiff to her family. Lilith and Lady Kanisashi jump off the stage holding Yuki on her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Kay and Draka were ready to pounce on them when another explosion happened, but this time, Draka was hit. A few fireflies were on her wings. She flew 50' to a stone wall. Her wings were shredded under her dress, where dragon scales were used to protect her body.
Kay screams and rushes to her mother. Lilith and Lady Kanisashi went up the stairs and waited for the Adze to join them. As they reached the entrance, Lilith turned.
LILITH
I have one last gift for you all.
They left the doorway, and all the remaining fireflies exploded. The room was filled with smoke and broken stone walls. Kay hovered with her wings over her mother.
KAY
Are you okay? Where are the guards? Help!!!!
Draka nodded, dazed from the explosion. Kay lowered her wings to see a whole wall that looked out onto the castle yard. Smoke and a glow of fire filled the city skyline. Her family came to see the horror of what had happened. The city is under attack.
KAY (panicking)
Mother, are you ok? Mother, stay with me. (holding her in her arms) Somebody help me!!!!
[END OF CHAPTER 2]