A Strange Future, Day 19

In West Piedmont:

Persephone (to Victor): Pssst, Victor... Are you there? It's Seph... Please, answer. It's kinda important.

Victor (to Persephone): Huh? Sorry, Seph. I was sleeping. Last night was... weird. What's wrong?

Persephone (to Victor): Oh... There's been some kind of weird pirate convention going on here... And, I overheard something about a girl & someone named Rathbone... The name rang a bell, so I thought I should pass on the information.

Victor (to Persephone): Wait. What?! What did you hear about a girl and someone named Rathbone?

Persephone (to Victor): Apparently, this Rathbone fellow was supposed to be bringing a girl & he's late. Two of the men were arguing about it. Mam got mad at them for shouting & told them they needed to leave.

Victor (to Persephone): Oh. Ohhhhh, oh shit. That's probably not good. I've got to go tell Mom. Did they leave?

Persephone (to Victor): The older one stormed out, but the younger one stayed for a bit longer and talked to a couple folks, including this creepy little girl.

Victor (to Persephone): OK. Thanks for letting us know, Seph. When can I call you back today? I've got something I've got to talk to you about. There's WAY too much to go into right now.

Persephone (to Victor): Anytime really. I've been off the hook from doing anything except reading & relaxing since the thing with my arm. I think my parents are feeling incredibly guilty about making me take that governess job.

Victor (to Persephone): And you're milking it for all it's worth. Hee hee. I might see you soon.

Persephone (to Victor): Of course, I am... There's been a ton of pirates at the Inn recently. Something is going on, I can tell & it's fascinating.

Victor (to Persephone): Heh. Of course you do. I'll talk to you soon, Seph.

A few moments later:

Victor (to Poppy): Mom! Mom! Seph just called. She said there were a bunch of pirates at the Inn, and they were arguing about a girl. Mr. Rathbone was supposed to bring her, and they were upset he never showed up!

Poppy (to Victor): God lord, honey! Could you please not burst into our room like that? We could have been... in the middle of something. Now, take a breath and say that again, slowly.

Vincent (to Poppy & Victor): What about Jacob fighting with girl pirates at the inn?

Poppy (to Vincent): I have no earthly idea, lover.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Sorry. Sorry. At the Inn... Yoyo's brother must have been meeting with the, um, Mishimotos at the Inn. They're--they're mad because Mr. Rathbone didn't deliver Yoyo to them.

Poppy (to Victor): Of course, they are... That's just typical. Well, what did Yoyo decide or is she still thinking abut it?

Victor (to Poppy): She threatened to shave her head, run off, and join the circus. She doesn't want to be sold off to a stranger.

Poppy (to Victor): Heh... That's a little drastic, but understandable. I suppose we're going to need to contact her brother sooner than I had hoped. I don't want word getting around that we have anything to do with her tardiness.

Vincent (to Poppy): Good heavens, no. Set up the meeting as soon as you can, hun, and we'll get this sorted.

Poppy (to Vincent): Alright, lover. (to Victor) Victor, please tell Persephone thank you for the information.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): I will. Um, thank you. For doing this for Yoyo.

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, I've been in position, not unlike your friend when I was little. If I can help her not go through the same kind of experience I'll do what I can. Why do you think I helped get that Home for Wayward Girls that building outside of the Tombs?

Victor (to Poppy): I know. I just wanted you and Dad to know I appreciate it.

Vincent (to Victor): Hmmm. What aren't you telling us, son of mine?

Victor (to Vincent): Nothing! I mean, it's not a big deal, and under the circumstances, it's not important. Yoyo & I...

Poppy (to Victor): Yes, honey?

Vincent (to Victor): Oh. Emm. Gee. Are you two *dating*!?! (to Poppy) Our little man has himself a girlfriend, sweetie!

Poppy (to Victor & Vincent): Oh my god! Victor, is that true? That certainly explains why you two were acting so shy & retired at dinner. (to Vincent) I don't know if I'm ready for this... Our baby is growing up so fast.

Vincent (to Poppy): I KNOW. 

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): If you MUST know, yes. We're dating. Kind of. Everything is so insane right now.

Poppy (to Victor): What does kind of dating mean, honey?

Victor (to Poppy): It means, we're going out. I'm just not sure how much actual dating we're going to get to do...

Vincent (to Victor): You two haven't had sex yet, have you?

Poppy (to Vincent): Honey, they clearly haven't otherwise, he'd be acting far more shifty.

Vincent (to Poppy): Very true.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh my GOD! That is--that is SO none of your business.

Vincent (to Victor): Oh yes it is. We're your parents. Just be careful or you'll have a Victor Jr. before you know it.

Poppy (to Victor): Yes please, be careful, honey. We are far too young to be grandparents.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): If you two are done making fun of me, I'm going to go.

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, we are not making fun of you, not about something like this... If you must know, your father & I were both quite virginal in our teens despite all appearance to the contrary. Secretly, I'm a bit of a prude.

Several hours later:

Victor (to Yukiko): Psst! Yoyo! Are you awake?

Yukiko (to Victor): Victor? What are you doing here?

Victor (to Yukiko): I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you, but I didn't want to chance calling. When do you want to try to see your parents?

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, you're not disturbing me. You just caught me by surprise. If we could go see them soon, I'd really appreciate it.

Victor (to Yukiko): OK.We should probably try in the next few days. I spoke to my other cousin, Seph, and she's going to help us find them.

Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you, thank you, Victor... Oh, I'm sorry, I got a little excited there.

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. It's alright. I wasn't complaining, was I? There's something else... Um, your brother met with the Mishimotos today.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh. That can't be good, huh?

Victor (to Yukiko): No, probably not. They were apparently very upset that Mr. Rathbone didn't delver you as requested. My dad's going to talk to Akira tomorrow, and talk to him about... um... Uh, getting you out of any, um, obligations to your brother.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, that's fantastic... How is he going to do that? Your mom was a bit vague on that part.

Victor (to Yukiko): Well, my dad can be pretty persuasive.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heh... You're pretty persuasive yourself. Must be a family trait. :-)

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Probably. What am I being so persuasive about?

Yukiko (to Victor): I didn't have any specific moment in mind. I was honestly trying to be flirty with you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh. Oh my God. You must think I'm an idiot.

Yukiko (to Victor): I don't think you're an idiot. I think you're wonderful.

Victor (to Yukiko): Thank you... I think you're pretty wonderful too.

Yukiko (to Victor): Ummm, do you think you can stay for a little while or do you need to get home?

Victor (to Yukiko): I can probably stay for a while. My mom and dad were having a good time teasing the crap out of me earlier. So, they'll probably be involved with each other all night.

Yukiko (to Victor): Well, Mars is out on a date with that boy, Daniel & everyone else went for dinner & a movie. So, we could watch a movie ourselves or go out in the backyard & look at the stars or... something else.

Victor (to Yukiko): Mars went on a date?! Heh. I guess Daniel was interested after all. Um, well, I'm willing to do whatever you want to do.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, you may want to rephrase that statement... Wait. What were your parents teasing you about?

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh? Are you sure I would want to rephrase that? Oh... Um, they were, um, they were giving me a hard time about, um, us. Let's just say that once again I was subjected to an uncomfortable "relationship talk" from my parents. This time, it included an added bonus of learning A WHOLE BUNCH of stuff about their early dating life I NEVER needed to know

Yukiko (to Victor): I'm sorry, Victor... I really like the idea of being in a relationship with you, though. Heh. At least, your parents care. They haven't tried to sell you off to some fat old shrew. :-P

Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah. For as utterly embarrassing as they are, I know. I'm lucky. I shouldn't complain. And... I like the idea of being in a relationship with you too.

A Strange Future, Day 18

In West Piedmont:

Marlena (to Yukiko): Hey Yoyo, do you want some breakfast?

Yukiko (to Marlena): No, thank you... Can I just stay in bed with the covers over my head all day?

Marlena (to Yukiko): I would say yes, but I have a feeling my mom is going to have a different plan for you. Come on, you're going to be late for class.

Yukiko (to Marlena): I don't have any classes... My classes have been taken from me... I should just become a street musician but I think carrying around a piano would be a bit difficult... I have no purpose, my life is over.

Marlena (to Yukiko): Oh... okay. Um, just so you know, Professor Rathbone called & said he took care of your class stuff, so you can still go.

Yukiko (to Marlena): What!?! Oh my god, he did! I'll get dressed right now.

A short time later:

Poppy (to Victor): Wake up, my darling son, you have things to do this morning. No time to waste away in bed.

Victor (to Poppy): Hmm? What? No. I'm up. I'm up...

Poppy (to Victor): You've got two choices for the day, honey. You can either come with me on a shopping trip for various supplies or let your father find something for you to do. I will warn you, he is chomping at the bit to grill you about your lady friend. I, on the other hand, will make you come with me while I buy groceries & cleaning supplies. So, the choice is yours.

Victor (to Poppy): Oh good heavens... May I get something to eat before I have to choose my doom? I'm starving!

Poppy (to Victor): Of course, honey. Though, the choices are a bit limited. Hence, my shopping trip.

Victor (to Poppy): No kidding. It looks like tinned soup it is. You know... I know you're going to grill me about my "lady friend" as well. You're just going to be sneakier about it.

Vincent (to Poppy): Hee hee. He has your number there, hun. I think we may have raised our boy to be a bit too smart.

Poppy (to Vincent): You are probably right, lover. However, I do have the advantage over you having made a few calls regarding her parentage, so I know a great deal more about her family than you do... Possibly, even things that she didn't know. to Victor) Hmmm, well, pick your poison... split pea soup or a frozen waffle? 

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Mom! I want to go shopping with Mom. (to Poppy) I'll take both, if no one wants them.

Vincent (to Poppy): Dirty pool, madam. Dirty pool. (to Victor) Alright. Suit yourself. I was going to work on the Impala today... 

Poppy (to Vincent): Is there any other kind, honey? (to Victor) They are all yours, honey.

Victor (to Vincent): Oh. No, I'm sure. I want to hear what Mom found out.

Vincent (to Poppy & Victor): The terrifying eating habits of teenage boys... It appears I've been tossed to the wayside. Have fun shopping. I'll do what I can to get the car and house in order while you're gone.

Poppy (to Vincent): You are as fantastic, as you are handsome, lover... You should thrown in sword or driving lessons. :-P

Vincent (to Poppy): Give me a kiss, you devious creature.

Poppy (to Vincent): I shall be counting the minutes until our return... (to Victor) Honey, stop making that face. We're not that bad.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Yes you are.

Vincent (to Victor): Oh no we're not. Believe me, we could be much, MUCH worse. (to Poppy) Do you remember when we were thrown out of that Imperial Ball, hun? I honestly thought someone would faint.

Poppy (to Vincent): Heehee, or that time you got into the argument over those dancers in Padgett's, and I had to rescue you? I believe I was pregnant with Victor, at the time.

Vincent (to Poppy): You've had to save me from myself, and from dancing girls and boys, a few times, lover. You'll have to be more specific.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Oh my God, it is SO too early for this...

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, please imagine for a moment what your life would be like without us... I bet it would be trés dull.

Victor (to Poppy & Vincent): Alright. Alright. I'm sorry. Please just stop.

Poppy (to Victor): Fine, honey...

A short time later:

Poppy (to Victor): I have a story that you might find interesting. It's about a geisha that marries an imperial advisor, only what he doesn't know is that she's not really a geisha, she's a kunoichi working for the emperor...

Victor (to Poppy): Oh my God. Yoyo's mom was a kunoichi?! That would explain why her family was run out of Nippon when the emperor was killed.

Poppy (to Victor): Yes, and why they were able to get established in the city underbelly of New London so easily... I also discovered why they were arrested on the treason charges, honey.

Victor (to Poppy): Oh. I'm not going to like this am I?

Poppy (to Victor): I know I certainly didn't... They apparently helped garner passage for Maladori to the CLANNG base where Hiiri is being held. Her imperial highness is not very happy about that & considers any aid to CLANNG as a treasonous act, despite the terrible consequences that could be incurred if you don't comply with their wishes. Sadly, I believe they were screwed either way.

Victor (to Poppy): But... but, that hardly seems fair! I mean, the Empress HAS to know what CLANNG is like. Most people can't say no to them!

Poppy (to Victor): I know, honey. Believe me, I know. The law was enacted long before Carver became the director. CLANNG has always been a bit of a thorn in the empire's side. But, ever since he came into control & obliterated most of the other "secret" organizations. There's been a very strong "no tolerance" policy in place. They probably thought that helping CLANNG was safer than saying no & there was only slim chance of getting caught. Whereas, if they said no, everyone would be dead.

Victor (to Poppy): That's just... It's SO not fair. What's going to happen to them? Is there anything we can do?

Poppy (to Victor): To be honest, honey, I have no idea. I'm not sure there's anything I can do. I have some pull, but not enough for this, depending on the verdict, it could be a life sentence, exile, or possibly death. Honestly, exile would be the best option, but it will really depend on what kind of proof they have & the mood of the judge... & the empress.

Victor (to Poppy): Oh...

Poppy (to Victor): I'm sorry, honey. I really wish there was something I could do. And, not to put a damper on this oh so cheery mood, but I may have discovered what her brother is up to & how we can help her in that front... but, it means going back to Britannia. And, your father & I are a little hesitant about doing that while Hiiri is in CLANNG's custody.

Victor (to Poppy): What is Akira up to, or am I going to like this even less?

Poppy (to Victor): Well, the head of the Mishimoto pirate family is looking for a bride for his oldest son & there's quite a monetary incentive for the person that brings him a suitable young lady. The amount of the money would allow Akira to get himself a new airship & he'd acquire a partnership with the Mishimotos, allowing him to carry on the family business in a slightly more secure and stable position... I have it on good authority that Akira isn't all that crazy about the Mishimotos, but he really wants that money.

Victor (to Poppy): And he was going to sell his sister to get it?! I... There are no words.

Poppy (to Victor): And, well, I was thinking we could buy Yukiko's freedom. I hate the idea of paying for a human being but it would get her out from under her family & keep us in Akira's good graces.

Victor (to Poppy): I... I don't know, Mom. That all sounds so, SO... I mean, I know it makes sense, but it just sounds so horrible.

Poppy (to Victor): Well then, you figure something out, honey, because I'm not quite sure if there's any other options.

Victor (to Poppy): ... No. I don't have any other ideas. I'm sorry... What, um... What are we going to tell Yoyo?

Poppy (to Victor): Well, I'm going to tell her what I've found out & then, let her decide what she wants to do. I think it's only fair. She should decide her own fate and we're all going to have to respect her decision. Whatever, that may be. And, I do mean, all.

Victor (to Poppy): You mean if she chooses to marry some horrible Japanese pirate she's never met, because that's what her family wants... *I'll* have to respect that.

Poppy (to Victor): Yes. AND, if she decides to let us buy her freedom, she becomes part of our family & we have to teach her how to be pirate. Your father & I will have to live with that... I'm just kidding. That's not going to be an option. Don't even think about it.

Victor (to Poppy): You're not funny, Mom.

Poppy (to Victor): I'm sorry, honey. This is sadly serious business. You're always wanting us to treat you like an adult, well, here it is... the ugly truth of it. Being an adult is sometimes awful & not much fun. And, people make terrible decisions for the right reasons and the right decisions for the wrong reasons, all the time. But, we all have to live with it. If you're lucky, the damage isn't permanent. And, I know, you like this girl a lot & I'm sorry that you're having to go through this. I would like for your first love to be less wrought with weirdness. It should be a special time but not like this... Sadly, them's the breaks.

Victor (to Poppy): Well, if I knew being "treated like an adult" would have entailed having to tell Yoyo her family might be executed, and that her brother wanted to sell her to the highest bidder, I wouldn't have complained. At least she doesn't have to go through it alone. I mean, in this family, we can cope with weird, at least...

Poppy (to Victor): Honey, you are not telling her anything. I think it'll be better coming from me. I'm used to being the bad guy. Besides, she'll need a shoulder to cry or lean on.

Victor (to Poppy): You're not a bad guy, Mom.

Poppy (to Victor): Thank you, honey, that's very sweet. Please, feel free to remember that the next time I ground you.

Victor (to Poppy): I'll try. I'm not sure I can promise that, though.

Poppy (to Victor): Heh. Fair enough, honey. Let's get these groceries into the house & see what sort of havoc your father has wrought.

Victor (to Poppy): Yes, ma'am.

Poppy (to Vincent): We have returned bearing spoils from our plunder... Oh my, what are you doing in here, lover?

Vincent (to Poppy): Scrubbing down this kitchen with what I have available, hun. I love that niece of ours... But it appears she did a lot of painting and smoking out of the window while she was here. :-P

Poppy (to Vincent): Well, I brought cleaning supplies. Just let me throw on some crappy clothes & I'll help.

Several hours later:

Yukiko: Oh dear god... I need some fresh air...

Victor (to Yukiko): Um, Yoyo? How are you holding up?

Yukiko (to Victor): Huh? Oh... Hi Victor... I don't know... Wait, what? I'm sorry, I'm a bit distracted.

Victor (to Yukiko): It's OK. I was just checking on you. Do you want something? I mean, like tea or a glass of water or something? I can leave you alone if that's what you want.

Yukiko (to Victor): Can you sit with me for a little while? I don't want to be by myself, at the moment.

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh yeah. Of course. Yoyo, I... shit. I wish I knew what to say.

Yukiko (to Victor): It's okay... I think I'm in a bit of shock... Do you think it would be possible for me to go visit my parents?

Victor (to Yukiko): I'm not sure. The Empire doesn't really allow visitors for treason suspects, and if your brother finds out you're in town...

Yukiko (to Victor): Victor... I need to see them... I need them to explain. I may never get to see them again.

Victor (to Yukiko): I know. But this is the Imperial Court, Yoyo. My parents can't help us. They don't have that kind of influence. Honestly, the best they can do is pay off your brother. But, um, there *may* be something we can do.

Yukiko (to Victor): There's got to be a way. Your parents are pirates, for pity sake's. There's got to be a way that I can at least say goodbye.

Victor (to Yukiko): I--I'm so sorry. I can't promise anything, but I might be able to get you to see your parents, at least.

Yukiko (to Victor): Really!?! That would be-- well, that would be absolutely wonderful. I mean, even if you can't. I appreciate you for trying. But, I don't want you to do anything to get yourself in trouble.

Victor (to Yukiko): Good heavens, don't worry about that. If everything goes perfectly, I can get us in to see your parents and we'll be back before anyone realizes we're gone. But, you have to understand, if we get caught, we'll probably get shot. Or worse.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... That's a very generous offer, Victor, but it sounds too risky... I'd hate for anything to happen to you on my account.

Victor (to Yukiko): I know you don't. And I appreciate that, but it's your parents. If I wasn't willing to take the risk, I wouldn't have offered. Besides, I'm sure it will be fine.... I mean, probably.

Yukiko (to Victor): Thank you, Victor! I know how risky this is for you.

Victor (to Yukiko): Yeah... Don't remind me. Uh, heh, that--that was a joke. You, um... I'm not trying to push you into anything, really. I'll respect whatever you decide. Really. But, um, have you thought about what you want to do about your brother?

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... um, well, the dutiful sister in me feels like I should do whatever he wants despite the fact that it terrifies me...

Victor (to Yukiko): Oh...

Yukiko (to Victor): BUT... the independent, slightly selfish me wants to punch him, shave my head, run off & join the circus.

Victor (to Yukiko): Ha ha ha! Oh. I--I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh... I, um, I just like it when you're brash. Heh.

Yukiko (to Victor): Heehee, sorry... I know, it's probably a stupid reason, but there's someone that I really like & I'd kinda like to see where it goes before I go run & get married to some fat old pirate...

Victor (to Yukiko): Heh... Well, call me selfish and insolent, but I think you should get to make your own decisions. Not have life choices forced on you by someone else who just wants to better his situation. But, I'm shamelessly biased.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh, and here I was hoping it was because you might possibly want me to be your girlfriend. :-P

Victor (to Yukiko): I do. That's why I'm shamelessly biased.

Yukiko (to Victor): Oh... Well, I'd really like that.