Yukiko (to Marlena): So, have you thought about what I asked you?
Marlena (to Yukiko): Yeah. I'm totally up for moving into the campus apartment with you. Are you sure you want to live with me?
Yukiko (to Marlena): I wouldn't have asked you, if I didn't. I asked Victor if he wanted to, too. But, he said he needed to think about it. I think he's going to say no. Not that I blame him, but it would have been nice. Besides, you're my best friend & I couldn't think of anyone else I'd be able to live with. I mean, we're doing it now, the only difference is we'd be on our own.
Marlena (to Yukiko): Yeah, yeah... Don't give up on my cousin just, yet. He might surprise you.
Yukiko (to Marlena): He always does. :-P
Marlena (to Yukiko): Are you trying to make me sick first thing in the morning? ... I'm going for a smoke before El Jefe wakes up.
At Poppy & Vincent's apartment, West Piedmont:
Victor (to Nathaniel): Good morning. What are you doing up so early?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Your aunt. I worked the ass early shift today. She said everyone has to do it at least once a month, and since I'm the fresh meat, I got to do it right after a holiday. Joy to the fucking world.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Heh. That does sound like Aunt Mouse.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Isn't today some kind of British holiday or something? Is there going to be more family bullshit to do?
Victor (to Nathaniel): You are in a charming mood. Yes, today is Boxing Day where the servants and tradesmen are supposed to get gifts from their "betters." We aren't fans. My mother says it's imperialistic, patriarchal classism wrapped up in a bow, and my dad says, and I quote, "the service quarter has to spend enough time groveling and kissing their bosses asses without making it a holiday." The class structure is VERY rigid in Britannia. There is no deviating from your station if you want to live a "proper" life. If I stayed in England, and wasn't a pirate, for example, my list of "acceptable jobs" would be... Let's see, factory worker, shop boy, possibly a clerk, any kind of unskilled labor. I could be tapped to be a spy, of course, but it would never be anything too high ranking. Like my mom, I'd never be in the inner circle due to my "class."
Nathaniel (to Victor): That's kinda fucked up.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Yes. As I said, VERY rigid. Heh. That's why it was such a scandal when Dad was made a lord. Not only is he a commoner, but he's FOREIGN. He's a colonist! The shame nearly killed the royal family, I'm sure.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Wait. Uncle Vincent is a lord? Of what? How the fuck does that work? Jesus. Just when I think I've got a handle on this shit.
Victor (to Nathaniel): He's the 7th Baron Yates. He inherited the title from his first captain. He was a prince, the Queen Mum's brother. I believe it's the only reason he wasn't executed for treason when he kissed Empress Victoria.
Nathaniel (to Victor): I have no idea what any of that meant. Christ. How the hell am I supposed to brood on a stupid regular problem when I'm living in some --I don't know-- some midget, goth version of a Grimm's Fairy Tale?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Why? What happened?
Nathaniel (to Victor): Don't worry about it, Sir Fancy Pants. It doesn't involve any royal intrigue. I'm going out for a smoke.
A minute later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Aaah! You scared the shit out of me! Don't sneak up on someone like that.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh Jesus! Sorry. I wasn't paying attention. Victor just gave me a fucking headache with his tales of familial back story. I feel like I'm about to fail a fucking history test.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Huh? History lesson? ... I'm confused.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Sorry. Some crap about class systems and Uncle Vincent being a lord or a baron or something. I'm not sure. It was too early.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh, that whole thing... It's not really as impressive as it sounds. Oooh, I wonder if that means I'm royalty now? I'm so going to need a tiara & a fancy dress... I'm just kidding. Stop making that face.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I do not have the mental fortitude to keep up with all of this shit this morning.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Sorry.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No, I'm being a dick. I'm sorry. I'm just in a really shitty mood, because I'm tired, and pissed off, and confused. None of that shit is your fault.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): What's wrong, Nate?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Nothing is wrong. I'm OK. I'm just pissy because no one in my family called me yesterday. It's-- it's SO fucking stupid. But I guess I was expecting that *someone* would call to check up on me. Heh. The only person who contacted me at all is some old pervert that wants in my pants. Big shock there. I knew no one would call, but I guess I was kinda expecting... And on top of our conversation last night, Oliver fucking asked me out, because THAT is how my luck runs.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... I'm sorry.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Don't worry about it. I'm gonna pout because my family acted the way I knew deep down they would, and because some guy I thought was hot asked me out? Somehow, I think I'll survive. What's wrong with you?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Hmmm... Why do you assume something's wrong with me?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Because you're smoking a cigarette before you've even had coffee, you're acting all twitchy, and you're doing that thing you do with me, where you act like there's something on your mind that you wanna talk about, but you don't wanna burden poor, broken old me with your troubles. So, fuck all that noise and tell me what's wrong.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): It's the same old thing, Nate. Just bad dreams. I wish I could say it was something else. This one was a little different, though... It was odd.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What was it about?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I was in a sitting room having tea with Hiiri & she was trying to show me something. She kept handing me papers, but when I would look at them, they were filled with gibberish. She'd then get cross at me for not being able to read them. But, she wouldn't stop handing them to me over and over again. She seemed quite emphatic about it. I've never had a dream like that before.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What are your dreams usually like?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Usually, they're memories of the terrible things she did or what was done to her & Mouse, I mean, Emma. I've never had a dream where Hiiri is actually in it with me... Do you think it means something?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Kinda. In the other dreams you were either Aunt Emma or Hiiri, right? In this one you were you: Zoe. Not someone else. Beyond that, sounds like a pretty normal dream, you know? Someone's trying to get you to understand or read something, but you can't figure out what they're trying to tell you. Everyone has dreams like that, I think.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... It was completely normal, I guess I'm not used to that.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Tell me about it. For a long time, I expected everything in my head to be pure, concentrated insanity, but sometimes a weird dream is just a weird fucking dream.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh well, then I'll stop worrying about it.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. It's not like you can help it, right? Um, this is gonna be a weird question, but do you ever get, like, flashbacks? From Aunt Emma or Hiiri?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, every now & then. Once when I first woke up, I accidentally jumped to the place it happened... Why do you ask?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Christ. There's a terrifying thought. I would *lose my shit* if I ever woke up someplace that gave me nightmares. It's just, you know, you probably have a bit of PTSD from all those memories. Especially, all the Hiiri shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I have no idea what that means... Is it contagious? Am I going to die?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. No, no. It's not like a virus, you weirdo. It's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You can develop it after you see or experience something traumatizing. You get flashbacks, bad dreams, "relive the trauma," mood swings, dissociative states... It causes all kinds of shit. I'm just saying it wouldn't be surprising if you had it. And if so, all this shit that's going on that makes you feel nuts? It's normal. It's your brain trying to cope and heal.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Hmmm... Unlike you, Nate, I didn't actually experience any of it, though. Can you really be traumatized, if it wasn't you? I've been trying to separate myself from the memories... I mean, Emma's already dealt with them. Hiiri thrives on them. I just want to be me and make my own memories and experiences.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Yeah. I dunno. I know just seeing something shitty, like a car wreck can do it, but maybe not. It was just a thought.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): No, it's okay. I appreciate the sentiment & the fact that you're trying to help.
A moment later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Ummm... Oh my! I need paper & a pencil... Quick.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Uh... I've got a pen and a napkin.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): That'll do... Are you seeing this? What the hell!?! Why am I drawing a map?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I have no fucking idea. What are you writing on the edge?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Isla de la Puertas? ... No, that can't be right.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What is that? Island of bitches in Spanish? What the fuck is that?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Doors, silly... Island of Doors. It's what Carver has been looking for ... And, Hiiri once saw the pieces of the map. And, that was what she was trying to tell me in the dream. That I know where it is, sort of. I need to go talk to Vincent.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Oh shit.
Zoe (to Vincent): Vincent? VINCENT? Where are you? This is important.
Vincent (to Zoe): I'm in the practice room, sweetie. What is it? Is everyone alright?
Zoe (to Vincent): I need maps from the other side... I have coordinates in my head. Hurry! I'll explain in a minute.
Vincent (to Zoe): They're in this cabinet, hun. Here we go. What do you need to see?
Zoe (to Vincent): I don't need to see anything. You do... This one's wrong... No, not this one, either... Wrong... Wrong... Here, it is...
Poppy (to Vincent & Zoe): What on earth is going on in here!?! What's with all the shouting?
Vincent (to Poppy): I'm not sure, lover. Zoe burst in and started tearing through the maps.
Zoe (to Vincent): Perfect... Where'd I put that stupid pencil? Here.
Nathaniel (to Vincent & Poppy): She's looking for the Island of Spanish Bitches or Doors or something. She drew this.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Oh? This is a fairly crude map. Wait... What does it say here? "If you can't bring Mohammed to the mountain. Bring the mountain to Mohammed... or in this case, the tiny pirates." ... Blooming Hiiri.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): She said Hiiri saw parts of a map and knew where this island was...
Zoe (to Vincent & Poppy): Shhhhhh... Concentrating.
Poppy (to Nathaniel): Honey, would you please go get Zoe a glass of water & an aspirin? I have a feeling she's going to need it in a minute.
Nathaniel (to Poppy): Oh. Um, yeah. Of course.
Zoe (to Vincent, Poppy & Nathaniel): Found it! It's here. Right here... Heehee, I found it.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oh my God... Of course it's there. Off the coast of Cuba. Do you realize where this is?
Zoe (to Vincent): No... where is it? what does it mean?
Vincent (to Zoe): Hee hee. It's the Bermuda Triangle, hun.
Zoe (to Vincent): ... Oh.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, that would certainly explain a few things, if that's where an island of stable portals is hiding.
Vincent (to Zoe): Oops! Sit down, sweetie. You look like you're ready to fall over. (to Nathaniel) Nate? Do you have that aspirin?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): I'm here! (to Zoe) Here. I got you some juice too.
Zoe (to Vincent): Thank you... I feel like I ran a marathon in the wrong shoes. (to Nathaniel) Thank you. Why does my brain feel like jello?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I don't know. Are you OK?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I don't know... My head feels empty.
Vincent (to Poppy): Heh. It makes so much sense, you wonder why we didn't think of it before, doesn't it? (to Zoe & Nathaniel) You'll be alright, sweetie. Why don't you take it easy for a while? Nate, will you help her to lay down?
Nathaniel (to Vincent): Um, yeah. OK. (to Zoe) Come on. You can crash in my room.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, to be fair, we did have a lot on our mind, lover.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Alright, lead the way.
Vincent (to Poppy): You say that as if there's always some kind of drama in our lives, sexy lady.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee... Now, is not really the time for that sort of thing. Do you remember who's been working in that area recently?
Vincent (to Poppy): Well, the Birdies are always active down there. I believe Jack's son Amal is currently running the family rum right now. Diabolito is operating out of Cuba, but he shouldn't give us too much trouble if we fly English colors.
Poppy (to Vincent): Well, honey, it looks like we now know where we need to go... Are you up for it?
Vincent (to Poppy): You have to ask? If CLANNG knows where it is, we may have a spot of trouble with them. Who owes us a favor? A large, "this may potentially get you killed and involves Director Carver" type favor?
Poppy (to Vincent): Oh well, there's Lucy after that "little" incident in Portugal and that big Viking of a man, what was his name? You remember, the one that nearly got me killed in Iceland... Oh, what was his name? It's on the tip of my tongue. Anyway, he said he owed me big for helping him.
Vincent (to Poppy): Angantýr, wasn't it? I kept calling him Ang. Although, going up against CLANNG isn't quite what he had in mind. I do believe he was hoping for a distinctly more intimate form of repayment. :-P
Poppy (to Vincent): I'm sure he was, honey... But,this is the favor I'm asking for, so he'll just have to deal... or I'll break his knees.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. I knew I was crazy about you with good reason, lover.
Poppy (to Vincent): Heh... Now, what do we do about the children, honey?
Vincent (to Poppy): That is a very good question. I don't want them anywhere near CLANNG or that island until we get it sorted. I'm sure you don't either. How do we convince them to stay behind?
Poppy (to Vincent): I don't know, lover... We need to give them a reason to either want to stay behind or a distraction. Any ideas? I'm sure Nate has no desire to go on a pirate adventure.
Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. It doesn't seem like it, does it? Well, we could ask them to do some research, and ask Victor and Zoe to keep an eye on Nate and Yoyo here where they're safe.
Poppy (to Vincent): That may be the best choice... They're going to hate it.
Vincent (to Poppy): They're going to hate the hell out of it, but I worry if we try to lie to them, they're going to run off, and try to get involved out of spite. We'll ask them to be our emergency cavalry. I know it's not a great suggestion, hun, but I think the kids are all old enough to know what we're going to do.
Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, honey, we shall do it your way. I'll get us packed up, you go talk to the kids.
Meanwhile:
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Do you need anything? You seem kinda, I don't know, dazed.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Huh? Oh yeah, just a bit... Sorry... I think she's gone.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Who's gone? Hiiri? REALLY?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I-- I think so. Usually, there's a weird little pressure in my head where she is, but I don't feel it, at all. It's gone. Maybe, she burned herself out with that map stunt... It had to have taken a lot of energy.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Really? You think so? That's... That's AMAZING! I mean, it is, isn't it?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): eah, it would be completely amazing... I'm just a bit worn out & nervous about being too excited.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh yeah. You're right. Sorry. Um, here. Just settle in and take it easy. Do you want another blanket?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes, please... And, thank you, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Here you go. It's no big deal, really. Get some rest.
Several hours later:
Zoe: Huh? Oh right, I laid down in Nate's room. Where'd this note come from? "Honey, we wanted to surprise you with this before we left, but you looked like you needed the rest. Go to the door next to Victor's... It's all yours. We love you. Please keep your brother & cousin safe. - P & V" Oh my god, oh my god! I've got my own bedroom... And, it's decorated. This is amazing!
Nathaniel (to Zoe): What the fuck are you doing in here? Why are you squealing?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Look around, Nate... Did you know about this?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Wow. I didn't think they'd have it all set up and ready already. I mean, um, no?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... You are a surprisingly terrible liar. The note said something about them leaving. Where'd they run off to? Are they going to be gone long?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): They're going to check out that island you told them about earlier today. Victor is fucking pissed about it. They said they'd be back as soon as they could. And for your info, I'm an excellent liar if I care enough to do it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I can understand why Victor is pissed. I'm not too happy about it, either. I hope they'll be okay.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I'm sure they will be. I mean, they know what they're doing, right?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh yeah... Of course, they do.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Then they'll be alright. Don't. Don't worry. Are you hungry? You kinda slept through, like, every meal.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah, actually I'm starving.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Come on. Stop stressing out and let's get something to eat.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Fine, Mister Bossy pants.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Gimme a break. You weren't awake for the huge fucking fight between Victor and his dad. Heh. If I had any doubt Vincent was really my uncle, that erased it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Shit. Really? Where is Victor now?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): In his room, I think. Why? What is it?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Because, I want to make sure he's okay & that he doesn't do anything stupid.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Right. Shit. I keep forgetting about you two and your alternate reality trick.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh... It's your trick, too.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Don't look at me. I'm the 98 pound weakling that needs to hold hands with his cousin to do that shit. Not really impressive.
Zoe (to Victor): Victor? You in there?
Victor (to Zoe): Yes, I'm sitting home on my arse, flipping through files like a bloody idiot. ... I'm sorry, Zoe. I'm just agitated. Are you feeling better?
Zoe (to Victor): Yes, much better... What are you looking for in the files?
Victor (to Zoe): Anything that might be related to the Isla de las Puertas, which is a whole lot of jack and also shit. (to Nathaniel) You can come into my room, Nate. You don't have to hover just outside the door.
Nathaniel (to Victor): How did you know I... Never mind. I don't wanna know. You're kinda freaky when you do that shit, you know.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh... Is there anything on a man named Jameson Gallagher? He was the man that supposedly first discovered the island.
Victor (to Nathaniel): If you think I'm odd, you should spend time around Aiden. (to Zoe) There might be. Pull up a pile and start rooting.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Heh. Fair enough. What is all this shit?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Files from the ISS my mother's collected over the years.
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Victor): You should probably eat something. You want anything, Victor?
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): You're right. I'll grab myself something & then I'll come back to help.
Victor (to Nathaniel): No, thank you. I'm fine.
Nathaniel (to Victor): You're not hungry? Are you dying?
Victor (to Nathaniel): As shocking as this seems, there ARE times when I'm not actively cramming food into my face.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah, I know. I was just trying to make a bad joke. As shocking as it seems, that's my defense mechanism. You're really worried about your parents, huh?
Victor (to Nathaniel): ... I am. They're going up against CLANNG. It's... It's like they're taking on a small militia all by themselves.
Nathaniel (to Victor): What are you hoping to find in the files?
Victor (to Nathaniel): I don't know, but if I sit here and do nothing, I'll either go mad, or go after them.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Yeah. ... Hand me a stack. Who are we looking for again?
Victor (to Nathaniel): Jameson Gallagher. Thank you, Nate.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): He was locked up somewhere... That's how Drake & O'Malley got a hold of the map pieces.
Victor (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Well, that narrows it down a bit. We can check the prison records and pirate registries first.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): Give a holler if you find anything. I'll look through this stack.
Victor (to Zoe): I will.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): This Dandy character is based on your dad, right?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee, Vincent is the Dandy.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): Wait. I thought you said he was a character based on your dad.
Victor (to Nathaniel): That's a character in a romance novel Mr. Rathbone wrote named Captain Dearheart. The Dandy or the Dainty Dandy is Dad's pirate name.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): The DAINTY Dandy? Ha ha ha! Um, heh... Sorry. I'm sorry. It's just... heh heh holy shit is that appropriate!
Victor (to Nathaniel): You're supposed to be looking for Gallagher, not making fun of my parents.
Zoe (to Victor): Victor, relax. We're looking.
Nathaniel (to Victor): And I'm not! Making fun, that is. I was just flipping through these things, & if half of this shit is true then I don't think we have to worry too much about them, OK? This shit's pretty fucking impressive.
Victor (to Nathaniel & Zoe): I know. I'm sorry. I'm trying. I hate feeling helpless, and I hate getting stashed "somewhere safe."
Zoe (to Victor): Weren't you the one that wanted to have a normal life?
Victor (to Zoe): I don't know. I think I wanted stability. Truth be told, moving around all the time, and spending all your time with adults who either ignore or condescend you bloody well sucks. It doesn't mean I have to like it when my parents are off doing something dangerous. At least if we were with them, we wouldn't be sitting here fretting. I don't disagree with them... I just don't like it. I know that makes me sound like some kind of whiny hypocrite.
Zoe (to Victor): Just a little.
Victor (to Zoe): At least I know I sound like an ass.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh... It'll be ok, big brother. Besides, would you rather have left Nate, Yoyo & I here on our own without you? We'd get into so much trouble.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): She's right. I can't be trusted in the slightest. Zoe and I might start a brothel in the house or something.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): Oh yeah, that was completely our plan.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): A brothel full of beefy guys. Speaking of which, have you *read* some of these files? Zoe check this one out!
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Wow... Who on earth is that? And, does he like girls?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): God, I hope not.
Victor (to Nathaniel & Zoe): Who are you two drooling over? Oh. That's Siegfried Valkyrie. He was a dancer of some sort that Dad used to use as an informant. I believe he was the one who tried to blackmail him. That's not his real name, of course.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): He tried to blackmail Uncle Vincent?
Victor (to Nathaniel & Zoe): He drugged my dad, and when he woke up the two of them were naked in a hotel room. He then threatened to tell my mom about their affair. I think she was pregnant with me at the time.
Zoe (to Nathaniel & Victor): What a sleazeball!
Nathaniel (to Victor & Nathaniel): He can try to blackmail me any time he wants.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'd be insulted if I thought you meant it. (to Zoe & Nathaniel) He's not the worst. Nate has the "people who've tried to kill my parents" files. Most of them are about my dad in his late teens, early 20s. He was kind of nuts before I was born.
Zoe (to Victor & Nathaniel): I hate to break up this party before Nate stumbles on the Hiiri file, I think I'm going to go lay down in my very own room. I'm still feeling a little rough.
Victor (to Zoe): I would imagine. Thank you for helping me shift through all this paperwork. And for checking on me. I'm sorry I was such dreadful company. And don't worry. None of the Hiiri files are in here. Good night.
Zoe (to Victor): It's okay, Victor. You have every reason to be concerned. I am, too. Good night. (to Nathaniel) Good night, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Night. (to Victor) Hey. Um, are those files on Hiiri really as nasty as everyone keeps saying?
Victor (to Nathaniel): They are.
Nathaniel (to Victor): Have you read them?
Victor (to Nathaniel): I have but not because of Zoe. I read them before when I traveled back in time. I don't know that I'd advise reading them...
Nathaniel (to Victor): I don't wanna read them. They're not about her, are they? Besides, I know how I felt when I found out your mom read my juvie and psych records. If there's something Zoe wants me to know about that shit, she'll tell me.
Victor (to Nathaniel): Heh. Yes, I suppose so. You don't have to keep helping me if you don't want. Tintypes of Mr. Valkyrie aside, I know it's not exciting work.
Nathaniel (to Victor): If you're gonna stay up and keep searching, I don't mind doing it a while longer. I'm not up early tomorrow. Thank GOD.
