Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tella was on a way to her job if she could call it that, but it paid so Scarlett worried just a little bit less and it was not complicated, most of the time. But she was in a hurry this morning, so she forgot to dress herself properly. Blue shirt with straps that showed her shoulders, and short jeans were not proper office attire but if Mr. Lord could walk around with unbuttoned shirt she can show her shoulders and ankles. Not to mention her clothes and jewellery had matching butterflies even in a few minutes she managed to put together a good outfit.

She sneaked in the big office building and sprinted over the stairs. Elevator was always occupied with employees in stuffy clothes who thought were important because they worked for the government even though this was where they put those who had … problems of some sort. She hurried down the hall until she was in front of the door with Mr. Lord Jacks (Market inspector) hanged on it.

Tella did not bother to knock since she was working here and just stepped in, maybe he would be late.

“Here you are Miss Telemark is late and not dressed properly I see…” Tella heard and crossed her arms “I could say the same!”

“ Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi,” he replied, and Tella angled her head Scarlett threw a lot of weird phrases around must he too.

“It means try to follow the rules and –” he gestured at the pile of change on his desk –"bring me coffee you know which one!”

Business as usual it seems Tella took the change which she knew he counted and got on her way. At least he did not send her to buy some apples also. She sighed Scarlett warned her that she would probably be general dogsbody, menial work and pain in the ass bosses (Scarlett put it more nicely) which Jacks is Tella decided once more, when she waited in the line for a fancy hipster coffee shop because coffee from The coffee machine was too peasant for him. Snob, Tella scoffed although she knew it could be worse, she could have the boss which was like Scarlett follow all the rules, laws and regulations. Jacks probably didn’t, even though he was the one responsible for reinforcing them. That did not give her any trust in the government officials, but the stuff she’s seen. Tella sincerely hoped that this Coffee shop was up to minimal standard. She finally got to place her order dark coffee with a splash of taste they called Warm embrace just an excuse to sell Christmas stuff all the year round: cinnamon, apples and cloves. She swore under breath as she counted her mountain of change bearing the look of employee who was used to the shiny credit cards.

She made her way back when she spotted a shop window which presented a scene of an enchanted meadow with crystals, stuffed doe and an old-fashioned floral dress but then Tella spotted something else on the head of the creepy mannequin was a beautiful red bow. It would go so well with Scarlett’s red turtleneck, and she left most of her hair accessories in her old room. Tella had to get it Jacks and his schmancy coffee can wait.
She opened the door and found herself in small dim shop which was a lot messier than it presented. Were they renovating and how in hell would she find her bow here? The shop did not appear to be organized at all.

’’Hello! Welcome at the Maximilian’s Curiosities, Whimsies & Other Oddities! How can I help you?” unknown voice startled her, and she took a slow turnaround and first noticed the pink hair.

“Do you have the red bow?” Tella asked and pointed to the shopwindow.

Girl, who seemed her age, turned around and eagerly jumped as she stepped up Tella noticed that she had a small paw print painted on the sole of her tight-laced boot, Tella tried to deduce the species, but a voice interrupted her again.

“I know my display would work!” she said as she took the bow from the mannequin.

“Yeah, it is pretty,” Tella said, and girls smile widened as she handed her the bow. It was soft decorated with small fake crystal and embroidered wines perfect for Scarlett.

“It will bring good contrast to your look,” girl said.

Tella shook her head. “Nah, I love the blue, this one is for my sister...”

Tella did notice that girls smile dropped a miniscule when she mentioned her sister, but she ignored it and said, “I will take it!”

“I have the blue one too actually, just a minute!” girl said and turned around in her dress which Tella noted was the same than those from a shop window just a lot pinkierr and quite modified.

“And here it is!” she said as she put another one which was beige in her hair.

“Don’t worry it is gratis –" Tella tried to object but was shut down immediately “–you are my first customer in a while take it as opening gift…”

Donatella thanked her, said that Scarlett would love to match with her and hurried out she was late. The fact which Jacks did not miss to point out again, but she mumbled an excuse about long lines and the fact that he always gave her the spare change, it took so much time to count it, and baristas always get impatient and start rolling their eyes before she even presents it.

“How terribly tragic but I am not here for those kinds of complaints,” was Jacks only response which reminded Donatella that she should get over the actual ones.

It was a tedious job since a lot of complaints were targeted at the wrong office like those who filed complaints over teachers what does Market inspector have to do with that? Not to mention the one she was working for. Or were they insufficient though she was careful with those since she once almost caused the huge scandal, well technically Jacks did because he pushed the work onto her. She sighed as she spotted the one from a lady who sent the same one over and over again, they checked the place it was fine what did she want. Tella scanned those who remained and prayed to God that it was just some technical stuff. But then she spotted something interesting not as much as one guy who claimed one of the supermarket chains sold alien and vampire parts that was something, but it was a complain over a night club.

Donatella was never in a proper night club in her hometown there was nothing like it and even if it would be her father Tella felt an involuntary shudder and closed her eyes took a deep breath and decided it was time for a coffee break, the peasant one. A quick walk to push the thoughts away.

In Valenda opportunities for fun were infinite but Scarlett would never allow her to go to a place like that. To be fair Scarlett would also not go to the place like that because she was too deep in her studies and worries for Tella. Donatella will oblige anything than get back to she shook her head but this, this will give her an opportunity to at least see it so she will take it. Not to mention this was one of supposedly prestigious ones, she heard whispers about those kinds of clubs, and she always wanted to go.

So, when Jacks asked her if she had something she said “There is a complaint over a night club some serious things like drugs…”

“That is police issue not mine, - “Jacks waved with hand –” name?”

“Caraval,” Tella replied and noticed that Jacks suddenly looked more invested than in any case before.

“Owner?” he almost demanded.

Tella scanned the page and muttered “It does not say but Daniel DeEngl is a coowner…”

“That last name sounds made up the place is ripe for inspection I think,” Jacks said more to himself than her.

“Now Telemark you will be a good employee and check all the possible documents you have access to see if that ridiculous last name comes up or Caraval.” he ordered so quickly that Tella did not have time to roll her eyes at pronunciation.
Jacks seemed to be deep in the work, so Tella got searching but not a lot came up, maybe because her access was so small or because Caraval was a prim and proper thing. So, when she found nothing, she headed to the wide web and after some rabbit holes she found herself on old forums talking where the most fun is. Though Caraval was mentioned it often seemed to be on the different places. Was it a change of night clubs Tella wondered but then her shift was over. So, she left Jacks who was too deep in his thoughts to throw some last-minute order at her which was odd since he spent most of the time doing the same thing as her pretending to be doing something. Or rarely looking after her mom who Tella pushed from her thoughts.
When Tella got to the small crampy apartment, she discreetly placed the red bow on Scarlett handbag and noticed Scarlett already prepared the meal for her with a note apologizing for her absence since she must work, so Donatella ate alone.

Chapter Text

The moment Jacks heard that name he knew that the smart thing for him to do would be to ask Donatella about another complaint. Especially now, because he was receiving invitations to pick up the gun once more. So honestly he should ask Donatella to skip, she would not suspect a thing, he did that often. He also made the decisions that were not good for him quite often. Of course, it could be a coincidence, but Jacks doubted it the name was not generic enough and that last name sounded so made up.

Caraval, no it had to be the one where everything is a game, that was their slogan fitting promise to important patrons that showed up, good excuse for the matters of the heart. Jacks blinked yeah sure but even the police seemed to buy it from time to time. To underpaid to care probably, Jacks sighed now he was relating to the freaking police perfect. Though was he that stupid to try again under the same name after everything that happened Jacks had to wonder, no he was cocky enough for that and she was probably still protecting him no doubt.

So, Jacks should probably stick to his paperwork, restaurants with no sanitary standards, ignore invitations and not poke his nose in the business that was not his. But it was his business Jacks reminded himself as he cut one of his apples in half, he was running out Donatella was in for a shopping trip. It was fault of the Daniel DeEngel, or whatever name He was hiding behind, Jacks was here regulating laws and having a smug secretary on his neck, through her mother was an interesting and maybe even useful case. He had to investigate that too, Jacks reminded himself as he sprinkled his apple with powder and took a bite and choked this was disgusting better to inject the poison dose.

Not to mention nothing bad can happen if he goes there to inspect some things, harden Daniels life a little. It was a mistake that they thought they could get rid of him forever, Jacks snickered to himself he practiced last week, and all the targets were hit so if anyone needed him or if DeEngel would want to try something Jacks checked his jacket, and his pocket pistol was there along with book of his Latin phrases but if things got serious Jacks eyed his closet. No, it was a night club, and he doubt anyone will recognize him especially if he puts on some disguise maybe He would but… Jacks doubted He was stupid enough to work there in the open. Though it would be smart to apply some of his famous lipstick just in case .

But what if Jacks thought as he was running over some paperwork what if he saw him. Even in disguise Jacks was confident he would recognize him. They both did in the past but perhaps He changed, maybe He was trying to be a lawful citizen. Jacks rolled his eyes law abiding Master of Caraval in dreams maybe.

In the morning where there was mountain of paperwork waiting for him, Donatella was late with coffee and apples again and Elantine was going on about his supposedly non-existent professional standards (nobody complained about those previously) Jacks decision was cemented; they would go to Caraval and inspect the hell out of it. Elantine and her approval be dammed she was not the boss of him, the real one at least.

So, when Donatella came with apples and coffee muttering the same excuse than yesterday Jacks smiled “It is decided Telly! Tonight, we are going to the Caraval, dress appropriately, please.”

Legend was in for a hit.

Chapter Text

“Your boss is taking you to the night club?” Scarlett asked her tone stern over morning tea. She was not happy when Donatella explained to her that tomorrow night, she was up for inspection in the night club Caraval. She was angry at Jacks’s well her boss also that she halted it for a day if she did not Scarlett would have less time to get worried but now, she had an entire day.

“Don’t say it like that it sounds weird,” Tella grimaced in response and her not sweetened cereal as that was healthier according to Scarlett almost fell out of her mouth.

Because it is weird Donatella it sounds suspicious, I am—" Scarlett wanted to end the sentence, but Donatella interrupted her “Please do not be worried it is a business thing.”

“We I mean he mostly will only do an inspection nothing else,” Donatella said and waved with her spoon to emphasise it.

“Look I went to some restaurants that were a biohazard or one’s cleaner than operating table. This is the same we must get there when they are working!” Donatella was satisfied with explanation, so she stuffed her mouth meanwhile Scarlett looked at her muesli bowl as she wanted to petrify it.

“The things you told me about your boss” — she stabbed her strawberry –"do not raise my confidence.”

Donatella sighed many things Jacks did would not raise Scarlett’s confidence, his disdain to follow law procedures comes to mind. Even though Donatella was confident he was more busied with himself than her, honestly.

“If he would try anything Scarlett, I will kick him and report and sue him in oblivion,” Scarlett still looked unconvinced so Donatella her on her last card "and you will help me pick the dress deal?”

Scarlett sighed and nodded. “Deal.”

Donatella was excited and because she did not want Jacks to throw her out of this inspection, she only waved Evangeline as she learned yesterday was her name, trough the shop window and she waved back even though she was carrying heavy boxes around. She made no fuss even though Jacks called her Telenovela seriously could he not and quietly did her job it really did not take so much effort since Jacks was in his own head the whole time. He only reminded her of the hour, to show up before the building on time to dress appropriately and not like “the main character in high school movie” whatever that meant.

Honestly it was a bad advice because appropriately meant proper to Scarlett and Donatella did not want to say she would not take advice about appropriate clothing from a man who could not bother to close his shirt. So, in the end they came to an agreement that she will wear blue blouse which showed her shoulders but sleaves went to her elbows. Not a mini dress Scarlett did not want to hear about it but this one which was longer, frilly and dark blue was fine. But at least she could pick her jewellery and apply stronger make up, it would be dark so it would not be that noticeable she reasoned with Scarlett.

“Always watch your drink, do not leave it unattended and take it only if it is prepared in front of you!” Scarlett said and Tella nodded.

“Inform me where you get there and when you finish so I can pick you up!” Scarlett added and Tella sighed.

“Do not give me that look it will be late, and it is a big city. Not to mention this building,” Scarlett pressed, and Tella nodded and with that she was good to go not to the club but to the office building as Jacks probably did not trust her to get there herself or it was the law thing probably the first.

“You are not late for once Telenovela a miracle really,” Jacks said, and Tella had to take a double look, he dressed himself up, she had to double check did he even apply some lip gloss, better not to think about that. He looked like a businessman and not his usual: businessman who is running from tax evasion and murder. This was probably the most effort he ever put in his clothing which was odd.

“Now I need a wig,” Jacks sighed and looked around like it will materialize out of thin air, but it gave Tella an idea.

“I know of a place!” she said and quickened her step maybe with a little luck the Curiosity shop would still be open.

“Why did you not put it on at home, you bothered with the clothes,” Tella said.

“Someone unwanted could notice,” Jacks replied dryly, and Tella wondered who would have a time to observe some random inspector.

“Here it is!” Tella presented and Jacks only looked around quickly as she knocked.

“We are, oh it is you!” Evangeline gasped and opened her shop as Tella announced, “I got you a customer!”

Tella looked around and noticed that the shop looked a lot more put together, Evangeline put in a big work it seemed.

“So, there is where the long lines are Telenovela,” Jacks said and turned to Evangeline “do you have a normal wig?”

Evangeline blinked but then got herself together. “I think I do just give me a minute please.”

They heard the rummaging and muttering and after a few minutes Evangeline emerged a little bit dustier with box in hand.

“I have this beard with lights, this green one annnddd here it is normal one!” Evangeline exclaimed as Jacks looked ready to vomit. She lifted wig with straight, blond hair with pink highlights.

“You must be kidding,” Jacks said looking at thing as he wanted to burn it and threw a bomb on it.

“Beggars can’t be choosers “Evangeline replied.

Jacks sighed and took it, Donatella elbowed him, so he also paid and not in change for change, honestly what was going on.

“Does this shop have any other entrance?” asked Jacks and looked around.

Evangeline angled her head and answered. “Yes but I don’t have the key not that I need it, it will just take a little bit more time”

She smiled nervously as she led them through the shop and started to pick a lock with her hair pin Tella just wanted to offer that they could go through the main entrance when the door opened.

“Thank you for your purchase and good night!” she waved and winked at Tella who had to held her giggle at Jacks marvelous new look.

Tella reminded quiet at their ride because Jacks was more antsy than usual a lot more paranoic also.

“No comment –” he looked at her before continuing “– and where we are there try to be quiet and subtle,” Jacks said, and Tella nodded hard to be subtle with this haircut though and stupid nicknames.

“Also do not eat, drink, inhale, snort whatever they offer you here just do not, do you understand,” Jacks said and threw her a look.

“I won’t,” Tella replied and sighed she was not stupid, but it made her worry if Scarlett said it was one thing, but Jacks just where were they going?
Jacks parked his or governments, who knew car in a shady corner and put a bunch of documents in her hand just great.

“Now listen you have to help me inspect with the most proficiency and in detail, point everything out!” Jacks said and he sounded way to eager.

Tella heard a loud voice somewhere around the corner and the next thing she noticed were two guards and guests showing shimmery tickets. She looked at Jacks with raised brow and asked, “How will we get in?”

Jacks put a shimmery ticket in her hand and smiled. “It turns out Miss Elantine has some long-abandoned hobbies.”

Tella sighed and decided she would not ask if it was stolen so she just asked, “and you?”

“Aut inveniam viam aut faciam Telenovela,” he replied, and Tella rolled her eyes.

“Just go there and act cranky it will work.” he almost pushed her, and Tella made her way and hoped she did not look too young and that her hand was not shaking when she presented her golden ticket, but guards only inspected it and almost pushed her in. Tella remembered her promise and texted Scarlett and looked around.

The music was even louder and there was a mass of people dancing, drinking. Tella looked up and saw a glinting sky, it was beautiful. The clouds of smoke added to the atmosphere, but Tella remembered what Jacks said so she decided to try to keep herself away. Not to mention this was a mess some people were frantically running around but she spotted others who were just observing from balcony which looked like carousels. Some were dressed in extravagant costumes and did some elaborate dance moves. The whole place was shimmering and though she did not want Tella smelled cotton candy. Also, the walls were laden with colorful lights and paintings that looked like you could step into them.

“Pretty huh?” Jacks startled her so much that she almost dropped the papers, but he just went on “Don’t let it trick you won’t find a fairy tale here.”

Suddenly he perked up. “What I will find is a bunch of mistakes!”

“The celling is too low,” Jacks noted and even measured it “those lights seem ancient probably some lead in them too bright also.” Jacks looked away and spotted something “ And carousels are they properly fixed?”

“Not to mention fire escapes where are they?” Jacks said in mock horror as Tella tried to scribble everything down.

“Look over there how some of the drinks are stored hazard for employees.” Jacks pointed out the bottles who seemed to be floating in the air.

“It looks cool,” Donatella mumbled.

“Rule of cool is not compatible with law!” Jacks opposed and Tella bit her tongue to say that he was not either.

Jacks pushed through the crowd and said, “To loud music is played there.”

Tella who barely followed him agreed but Jacks was looking at the counter again. “Not to mention they serve alcohol to underage people.” He was looking at something and started to walk.

“Let’s see how they operate backwards,” Jacks said, and Donatella almost tripped over some guy who was lying on the ground also the air here was quite bad.

She saw Jacks leaning on the bar table and showing something to the guy in front who looked tired. Jacks waved with his hand and the guy just rolled his eyes and Jacks walked away with determination.

“Here you are! Sharpen your pen those pesky criminals are not letting us in!” Jacks said as he looked around with suspicion.

“But aut inveniam viam aut faciam, idiot!” Jacks said to himself or to the void Tella could not tell.

“Now you pretend to do something and I –” Jacks bent down as Tella tried to act nonchalant –” will pick a lock!”

Tella yawned and Jacks hissed something about where was that pink girl when you need her until he said screw it and kicked the door open.

“Ohhoho, my oh my, this storage is a gold mine!” Jacks said as he put the light on, and rows of bottles were displayed.

“Opened here instead of the fridge” – Jacks picked one open –” not to mention this things aint sturdy they can fall and kill someone!”

As on cue the heavy footsteps were heard and Jacks whispered to Tella “You are the inspector now!” before he vanished.

Tella wanted to object when a man appeared at the door standing tall, his gaze dark and looked at her.

“What are you doing here?” he asked though Tella felt this was addressed to the whole room.

“Inspecting,” Tella replied masking her fear.

“For what? –" he stepped forward and grabbed a bottle of wine –“ which drink to steal?”

Tella shifted her weight and cursed Jacks for leaving her with this tattooed stranger, but she tried to be confident. “I would not even touch them I don’t want to get an infection!”

“Look there is bunch of moss over here!” she pointed to the corner.

Guy sighed, crossed his arms and stepped aside. “ Miss Inspector it would be in your best interest that you get out of there immediately!”

Donatella wanted to scramble but then she heard “I could say the same for you!”

Man turned around and saw Jacks leaning on the doorway and Tella wanted to slap her head. Now she was caught but the guy had his undivided attention on Jacks and Tella noticed his shoulders tense.

“You!” he hissed and stepped forward and Tella swore he looked like he wanted to strangle Jacks this instant. She nervously looked around and saw Jacks was playing with a bottle.

“You have out of date wine here!” Jacks mused which was probably a stupid thing to do.

“Still uneducated about that it seems,” man replied before he added mockingly “and everything else!”

“You too judging by the name you picked!” Jacks replied cheerfully but Tella rather moved a little bit back as the man glared at Jacks and Tella saw a flash of metal.

“Great master of the names speaks!” he stepped forward and put what appeared to be the knife under Jacks chin.
Tella wanted to scream or something, but the voice stuck in her throat, and she did not want to be on the other end of the knife. Did they do that to inspectors? Was he hiding something in there.

“Now, now is that the way you treat your friendly inspectors?” Jacks responded way too casually.

“Wait you are an inspector now?” man quirked a brow and corners of his mouth rose a little. “She put you there? You of all people!” he was laughing now and Jacks looked at him unamused.

“Yes, I am, and I am going to close this place down because you refused inspection!” Jacks replied and the guy stopped laughing.

“No, you wont!” he was pointing the knife at him again.

“Yes, I will, or do you want to get someone important accidentally poisoned again?” Jacks threw his gaze towards the set of bottles.

Guy looked around frantically “What did you do!” he pushed the knife so close and sighed “Those are expensive!”

Jacks, who was still completely undisturbed, smiled. “I am more educated than you think,”

“Yeah, sure let’s check how you do in a medical field,” man said but suddenly there was a loud crash and Tella cursed at the knocked bottle.

“What are you still doing here!” man was looking at her furiously.

“Erm it just some soda,” Tella tried and smiled nervously and tried to shield herself with papers.

“She was inspecting the bottles, so they do not” – Tella saw Jacks lift the bottle of out-of-date wine –” knock someone out!” he hit the tattooed guy with it with such force that he fell.

Tella looked at him with horror, but Jacks rolled his eyes. “He needed a nap, lets skedaddle!”

She carefully leapt over unconscious body but almost crashed in Jacks still in his inspector mode. “Look at this crowd!”

“Too many on that small place hazard are you writing that down?” Jacks looked at Tella who was looking back in fear.

He looked up and nudged her, “ let’s check if those carousels are safe.”

Tella wanted to object with some reasonable arguments but those would not get far so she just said agitated “We are not WIPs !”

“Maybe you are not but me?” Jacks smiled at her before he mumbled the obnoxious phrase again “Aut inveniam viam aut faciam!”

He went in the direction of the staircase and Tella considered running away but maybe that madman would try to get her, so she followed Jacks who stepped in front of the guard who was guarding the grand staircase to the balconies.

“Over there someone knocked your employe, the one with bunch of ugly tattoos out,” he said pointing somewhere , and guard rolled his eyes, but Jacks looked at Tella pointedly.

“ Yes, I called the ambulance and the police!” Tella said, trying to sound urgent.

“ Olympic pool of blood over there,” Jacks added casually, and Tella quickly compensated with hysterical cry “ Help him please! He will bleed out!”

Guard looked nervous now, he glared at Tella and ran as soon he was away Jacks followed suit almost jumping over the stairs and Tella was thankful for Scarlett insistence of wearing ballet flats. The balcony was bigger than it seemed and quite packed and she could almost hear Jacks instruct her to write that down.

“What a nice view this is!” Jacks said satisfied and added “Still unsafe, wri-“—

“Already did!” Tella replied with annoyance, but Jacks eyes widened as he was attempting to snatching a dead dove from some lady’s hat “Oh the princess has risen already!”

Tella followed his eyes and saw a tattooed man who had his eyes locked on the pink caurosell and fuming at mouth he was searching for something and Tella instantly crouched down so he would not notice her on the white one. She felt a tap on her shoulders and almost fell on her back.

“Put that on!” Jacks pushed a big black top hat with a dead dove decorating it on her head.

“Pretend to be rich!” Jacks instructed and disappeared from her view.

Tella reluctantly stepped up just in time to see the guy running up the stairs looking furious. She readjusted the big top hat to hide her face and took a step back and saw an array of champagne bottles. She grabbed one and tried to appear sophisticated but did not sip it with various warning words ringing in her head.

The tattooed chaser was there now furiously looking around and Tella shrunk before she noticed all were looking in the same direction, so she followed suit and almost dropped the fancy glass. Jacks was standing on the edge preparing to take a leap a man tried to run almost pushing some lady out of way, but Jacks was quicker as he jumped. Tella closed her eyes but heard a loud thud and a known voice “Those things are not fixed properly… hazardous!”

Tella pushed forward and glimpsed Jacks hanging fine and well with exclusion of his wig almost slipping off on the nearby white balcony with multiple shocked faces looking at him. The chaser disappeared from her balcony, but she did not spot him anywhere, he did not go down, that was for sure. Her thought was interrupted again as she heard some gasping and exclaiming as Jacks got himself on the roof which all the balconies were cowered, so they looked more like magical carousels. Then she spotted the one who was chasing him angrily pushing his way and Jacks who climbed down from the other side of the roof again and jumped on carousel disappearing in a shocked crowd. Guy soon following him.

Tella tried to find them but remembered that she was still on the WIP balcony without permission she looked around and spotted a guard, now this was just great. Tella took a big breath and went down the stairs gracefully with champagne in hand. She channeled Scarlett and made a polite nod to the guard as she tried to pass him.

“Miss!” guard halted, and Tella felt a shiver ran through her spine.

“The exit is over there!” he pointed somewhere on the carousel Tella thanked him with best Scarlett voice and got herself up pushed through the crowd towards the dark wooden door in the back only to hear a scream “Hey that is my bird!”

In this moment Tella decided to screw it and bolted down the stairs almost slipping on the champagne she spilled. Then on the bottom of the convoluted stairs she heard a loud crash and saw Jacks looking a lot more disheveled with a bag in his hand, laughing running past her leaving a trail of white powder and an angry guy following her boss with a flail . He glimpsed her and stopped quickly, the spiked balls shaped like hearths almost hitting him, to snatch the hat away from her head.

“You put cadaver on it!” he yelled and ran still screaming “Apple eating bastard !”

Tella blinked and carefully stepped over the white powder which reminded her she did not just imagine that and texted Scarlett .

Chapter Text

Scarlett trusted Donatella, she really did most of the time, but she did not trust her boss, she did not trust nightclubs and she did not trust majority of her neighbors in this building, which was surely not up to all safety standards Scarlett reminded herself as she took a look at the decaying facade but there were more pressing matters to attend. And when she asked around to learn just where Tella was going Scarlett was horrified. She knew college parties were wild quite often and clubs were questionable sometimes, but this Caraval sounded borderline illegal. Scarlett would know she was a law student after all.

So, when Tella left excited, Scarlett decided to follow her just in case something gets sideways. Tella was not used to being left alone, Scarlett spotted her face in the shop window and sighed not that she was. Living in this big city and leaving her alone, Tella was in her summer job, Scarlett reminded herself and felt a spike of guilt. Tella should be having fun and not working over the summer just for them to be at least a little bit comfortable if only Scarlett would be able to find a better paying job but she also had to study that was the only way to get out of ,Scarlett looked around the dark road and quickened her step, to get out of there. As when she looked at the graffitied walls, scummy corridors she had to ask herself just where was Tella going? And the noise was horrid.

Just as she wanted to find the entrance, Scarlett remembered you needed a special entry ticket so it could be bought but the prices were too high for the situation she found herself in. Scarlett wanted to go back but then she spotted a sharply dressed man with pink highlights climbing the wall and disappearing into it, this was probably a way to get in. Not the right and proper as Scarlett came close to it also not safe either. She wanted to turn around but remembered the wild stories of various substances which were passed here, even talk of disappearances and people losing their head, her little sister was in this place alone with a careless boss. 

Scarlett  took a deep breath and looked at the wall. There were some small holes close to some caged light sticking out which she could use to prop herself in the hole which the previous man used. But how did he get to those two points Scarlett was unsure, the wall had nothing he had to jump, and Scarlett was not strong enough to do it.  She did try a few times, but  it was pointless she could not reach it. She decided to look around, maybe there was an additional entrance and then she spotted some discarded faux gold furniture mixed with broken sports supplies on the other side of the road. They probably did not need it anymore, but Scarlett decided to write a small note explaining where the armchair and a probably used helmet went. It was heavier than she anticipated but this was perfect after a lot of sweat and making sure nobody spotted her Scarlett positioned it under the hole. It was at least a good warm up. She sat on it and got rid of her shoes and socks tying the shoelaces on her belt. She put a helmet on her head even though it was probably broken already but little protection is better than nothing. Then she received missed notification Tella was inside apparently.

Now there was a hard part, and Scarlett was thankful that she decided to comb her hair in the fig. She stepped on the upper edge of the seat and positioned both of her hands in the small holes she found some for her legs and started to climb. The muscles on her arms were burning but thankfully she found another hole which she could put in her legs but now she was dangerously hanging back she would have to extend her hand towards the upper hole. She stepped on her toes and pushed towards it her feet took some dangerous grasping for something to stand on, but she found it. She heard some voices coming around the corner, so she pushed herself more, grabbed the holes and stretched her leg on the cage she stepped on and pushed herself up so she could reach the small entrance. It was tight  and all her muscles were burning but she wiggled until she was sure to be completely in what appeared to be an air went. She was stuck probably but Scarlett persisted she pushed towards and spotted a dim light, so it was going somewhere. Suddenly the air went narrowed, she found herself sliding and landed on something soft. She opened her eyes looked around, and were those top hats!?

Scarlett shook her head, quickly looked around the dim room, which appeared to be some kind of storage for nothing else than the top hats. Taking steps towards the door, she peeked out and found an official entrance. Scarlett waited for them to pass  and got out of the room but found herself in front of the mass of people dancing, getting drunk she looked around to try to spot the blond angelic curls of her sister with no success. Her eyes drifted towards the carriages who appeared to be floating but even though she tried to inspect them she found nothing.

Maybe she would be near the bar, that was what she had to inspect surely, Scarlett reasoned and this number of people in such a small place. This was not up to standard, but Scarlett stepped through the crowd murmuring apologies and searching for Tella until she  spotted the free seat near the bar. Scarlett jumped and almost collapsed on it. 

“You are sitting on my chair!” Scarlett heard startled at the sight of a tall man smiling devilishly at her.

“Oh, I did not know!” Scarlett gasped “I am so sorry, I will be …”

“Leave her be, Armando!” an unknown voice said, and Scarlett saw a young man glaring at the red dressed stranger who glared back.

“Nice outfit!” he sneered at Scarlett before he left with a huff.

“I apologize sincerely miss, take a seat,” man said and smiled “you seem to need it.”

Scarlett wanted to thank him, but he was already turned around and then she realized she was still wearing a helmet and was barefoot. Scarlett felt a blush creeping on her cheeks no wonder that man insulted her she looked ridiculous. She got rid of the helmet and quickly put on her shoes, dusted off her clothes and looked around again.

“Looking for someone?” she heard him again as he was pushing a bunch of berries in a mixer.

“My sister,” she replied, and guy nodded and pushed a mixer. Even though she had a good vintage point she still did not find her sister. But she did spot a lot of young girls and boys, too young glamorously dressed and drinking too much. Scarlett felt out of place, her T shirt with printed realistic heart and dark blue jeans looked so, so unproper. She could almost hear her father scolding her and instinctively went to shield her head and stopped horrified as she reached her left ear. She lost one of her mother’s earrings. She lost it here, how would she get it back, they were probably gone forever. In a vent or storage room or here.  Scarlett felt a tear pickle in.  

“You alright miss?” the voice startled her again and she quickly took a deep breath and nodded.

Bartender looked unconvinced but poured a red liquid from a mixer in the tall glass, Scarlett looked as he decorated it with strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. He smiled and put it in front of her and Scarlett objected.

“It is on the house,” he said and added with a smile “ nonalcoholic of course.”

“But,” Scarlett tried again, she was not supposed to be here at all and with not paying for the entrance she felt kind of bad.

“Red smoothie just for you, goes well with your shirt,” he winked.

“Thank you sincerely,” she smiled, “ it really is unnecessary.”

“Oh, nonsense you need a little cheer since you looked so distraught,” he said and smiled again, he had nice smile Scarlett noted.

“ I just lost my earring nothing serious,” Scarlett said it was her mother’s but Scarlett kept quiet and took a sip so she would not be crying again.

“The one you are wearing? I will keep an eye on it,” he promised.

“No, it is really no need for that,” Scarlett objected.

“We clean up every day anyways, ” he shrugged, “if I find it, I will post them on our web page standard procedure.”

Scarlett thanked him again and popped a strawberry in her mouth and realized she was hungry. She scanned the crowd but no Tella in sight. She was looking everywhere and even when she finished her surprisingly tasty drink which eased her hunger pains but not knots. She placed the glass on the counter and thanked him again.

“It is really alright but if you are looking for someone ask her,” he pointed towards girl in white dress on the other side of the room.

Scarlett smiled again and made her way towards her. She was taking photos animatedly and almost did not notice her when she tried to ask her.

“Hello! Excuse me but have you seen—"Scarlet tried to ask but was interrupted “ If you allow a photo, I will try to answer your question.”

“I beg pardon,” Scarlett said.

“Oh, you do not have to of course but this helmet you are carrying, heart print and light!” gir gestured to her, “You are a model I need!” 
Scarlett sighed and when she made sure her picture would not be posted or used for illegal reasons she agreed. The result surprised her, face was not visible, all attention was put to the light reflected on the helmet and a hearth motif. Scarlett looked like someone daring in this photograph. 

“So, describe me the one you are looking for?” the girl offered, and Scarlett offered a detailed description of Tella as the girl was thinking.

“I think I saw a girl like that enter but I did not spot her anymore then,” she said and went on her way.

Scarlett took a deep breath she would not find Tella it is best to get out of there. Everything was too loud and as she thought of her missing earrings, she almost wanted to cry but then she felt her phone ring, she quickly opened it and there was Tella’s message:
Scar pick me up I am just a little bit scared
Nothing serious! Promise:)

Chapter Text

Donatella was tired, she hardly held her eyes open and just mindlessly tapped on the keyboard and nodded as Jacks was explaining all the laws and regulations that were broken and how the place was going to get put down, rats were there, and people were apparently going nuts after visiting this place. Tella tried not to yawn as she spotted a bag on Jacks desk, the one he was carrying last night, it was considerably smaller.

“Drugs?” Tella mumbled and Jacks was startled from his little speech.

“What about them?” Jacks said annoyed and followed her gaze. His face lighted up “Oh this! Do not worry this is just arsenic I think.”

“What!” Tella said stirred from her dazed state.

“Arsenic, rat and husband dispenser,” he suddenly looked at her mug full of peasant coffee “thinking of it I need a sleep dispenser, up, up !”

Tella groaned and went on her way, glancing at the bag again, was this legal? Stupid question better one is why did he need that? Not to mention this thing was treated haphazardly what if it spills? Or worse, what if it is not arsenic but anthrax, he did not sound sure… Tella swore under breath and decided to pay Evangeline a visit less time she spends in the room filled with white powder the better.

She heard the familiar ring of trinkets as she opened the door and shouted “You would not believe—”

Tella looked at Evangeline who exclaimed the same thing, Eva smiled. “You first!”

Tella placed the cup on the corner and told her everything as Evangeline giggled and inquired, she was curious about the whole thing anyway after last night’s visit. As Tella came to the part with chasing Evangeline suddenly stopped her.

“Pink flail you say?” she asked, and Tella nodded. “With hearths even, like imagine!”

“Funny thing I sold exact thing to the guy yesterday!” Evangeline said and looked at Tella.

“Tattooed, darkhaired guy?” Tella asked.

“Yes, I mean he did kinda look like he is from the mafia,” Evangeline said, and Tella rubbed her temples. She wanted to ask another question but then the doorbell rang and spotting the dark silhouette, Tella instantly covered her head with her hoody.

“Do you have it!” Tella recognized his voice immediately and stepped back, praying to whatever deity that he would not recognize her.

“You mean Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory?” Evangeline asked and Donatella used all her strengths not to shout “What” again.

“Yes! Do you have all of them?” he asked hastily as Donatella put on some weird looking triangle glasses on. Wait there were more of them!

“All sixty of them in my basement!” Evangeline assured him and Tella almost gagged just what was Evangeline doing exactly.

“I need them quickly!” guy said impatiently.

“Well, I do not want to get exposed to accidental radiation kind sir!” Evangeline said sternly as she shifted around searching for the key.

“Tella! Will you help me please?” she turned to Tella who nodded and hurried after her, glad to be out of sight.

“Evangeline how big is your basement?” Tella asked.

“Not much, too small honestly,” she said as she turned on the light revealing a small, cramped place and no shining laboratory gadgets in sight.

“Now where is it, ah!” she pointed to the shiny chest and pointed to Tella.

“Daddy put a layer of lead over this chest just in case, carefully is quite heavy!” Evangeline warned as Donatella grabbed the handle. Wasn’t lead also dangerous and what was Evangeline’s father involved in?

“Whole lab in here?” Tella gasped the thing was a heavy as well lead.

“Lab kits to be exact,” Evangeline said sounding breathless “,you know for kids!”

For who now? Donatella decided not to think too much but was reminded just who was waiting outside quite impatient.

“Here you are!” guy looked at the heavy load with excitement.

“I advise you not to take radioactive samples out!” Evangeline warned him as she swept her forehead and went to the counter, guy nodded absentmindedly but then stopped.

Tella realized that her hoodie had slipped off revealing her recognizable curls, she also realized that his gaze was locked onto her, and she heard his whisper of recognition.

“If this isn’t our miss inspector?” the guy said sounding menacing and Tella stepped backwards preparing to jump. But suddenly the guy stopped as something else caught his gaze and he tried to step between two high shelves. Donatella took use of the opportunity and darted towards the exit. She made her run across the street almost colliding with a tall, tattooed lady with dark red hair. The guy was almost on her feet, but Tella was quicker beating him to the office building where she worked. She jumped over the set of stairs pushing angry disgruntled employees away. She almost fell on the corner and pushed her legs, so she reached the office doors just in time she closed them with a thud spotting Jacks who looked very annoyed.

“We need to talk about—” he started but Tella cut him off as she almost jumped behind him spilling the bag and yelped “He is there!”

“Who now?” Jacks asked but the door had already opened with such force that the entire office shook.

“Here you are you little –” Donatella heard but stopped as he saw Jacks who looked only mildly annoyed.

“Chasing my employees?” he asked and shook his head. “I always knew, you are a coward!”

Guy looked confused only for the second but then he sneered back “And you are a greedy thief!”

“ Timidi mater non flet!” Jacks read from a tiny book sounding smug.

“Oh, you picked up a new language great!” guy scoffed just as Elantine popped her head in looking furious.

“Mr. Lord can you kindly explain the reason for all the conundrum?!” she said sounding stern.

“I am just enlightening this guy with some Latin proverbs!” Jacks explained and pointed to his book.

“I will advise you Mr. Lord to go back to work and you,” she turned to the other guy, “what are you doing here?”

“Seeing Mr. Lord, Mrs …” he trailed on, but Elantine just said sounding very angry to do that in peace and may Mr. Lord come to her after his meeting was over. She made a point to carefully close the doors as she left.

“I will repeat her question,” Jacks turned to the guy again “what are you doing here?”

“Warning you not to meddle!” guy said and put hands on the table.

“You cannot tell me what to do!” Jacks said and crossed his arms. “Besides is also my business!”

“You are going to end in Cards again if you keep that up!” guy said in low voice.

“You can’t put me there!” Jack said as he also leaned forward on the table.

“She could!” guy said and leaned even more forward.

Jacks scoffed. “In her dreams!”

“You know what she can do with them!” suddenly the guy sounded more guarded, and Jacks look turned sour. Tella looked at them, the guy leaned even closer if he leaned an inch they would kiss. Maybe they would do that if suddenly the door hadn’t busted wide open.

On the doorway was Evangeline, looking angry but mostly afraid holding a pink baseball bat with sparkly purple spikes.

“Stop!” she screamed as she stepped in and both Jacks and the guy jumped apart, Jacks almost hitting Tella with his sudden desire to go away.

Evangeline’s scream though not loud attracted Elantine again, who looked furious.

“Just what is all this shouting about!” she said and crossed her arms. Her look landed on Evangeline, who turned around smiled and quickly put her bat behind her back, Tella noted her arms were shaking, heavily. Elantine wanted to inspect her but then she spotted the white powder on the floor which was trampled and spilled all over the office. Her face previously red from anger lost all color.

Elantine came her senses quickly “Everyone from this level out, out, out!”

“Not you! Stay there!” she ordered the guy who stopped looking a little bit confused.

Elantine rang an alarm as of the threat of chemical attack or something Tella did not really understand. But the chaos ensued as people scrambled out one old guy proudly displaying a gas mask which Tella saw in a history book. They were ordered not to move at first since they were contaminated and Tella wanted to strangle Jacks who wanted to strangle her, or the guy Tella was not sure. After this messy evacuation in which Elantine almost lost her voice, they were ushered down the fire exit and kept far away from the supposedly uncontaminated folk.

Evangeline was panicky still holding her bat which was not taken from her and Tella suddenly felt a surge of warmth. Eva tried to help her and got in this mess. She was pale so Tella made her way to her even though she was forbidden to move.

“Do not worry too much is just arsenic,” Tella said as she hugged her around the shoulder.

“Arsenic?” the guy said confused “You got this wrong!”

“What!” it was Jacks turn to be confused as Donatella and Evangeline shuddered what if it was anthrax!

“Powdered sugar!” guy replied just as heavy protected men approached them.

Chapter Text

Legend is going to die, no that would be too kind all his teeth would be pulled out one by one and then he would be grilled so long for Jacks to learn all the Latin phrases in his book. Then his skin would be peeled off after he would get a tattoo on his forehead with words, I am a poor loser. Jacks looked around his flat he was late all of disinfection and questioning him, taking forever not to mention Elantine, for saints she was furious. And all of that just because some guy cannot yell that it is sugar. 

Though the worst of it was all the media attention and though Jacks made sure not to draw it the pink-haired girl did good enough job with that silly bat of hers. Not to mention they were in the epicenter of it all and he went over the reports again. If they tried, they would spot him, they could find him easily. 

Jacks rubbed his temples, this was not that bad, and they really did not have a lot on him, not anymore at least. Jacks sighed not now! Just like Legend to bring unpleasant memories up.

Legend though he was recognizable with those stupid tattoos and his perfect symmetrical face oh and they will connect the dots easily. Stupid bag of sugar why did he take it again? Ah of course Legend was weirdly attached to it. Why was he? The only reason he could find is that he mixed it up with something else. Well Tella knocked it over, but she was running from Legend, so it was his fault. All of this was Legends’ fault!

And he just received an email about temporary suspension from work just great. Well, he would not really miss him that Dragna girl would be assigned to someone else probably. No! Jacks suddenly jostled  he could not let her slip, if her mother was the thief turned whistleblower he speculated she was. Donatella complained quite a lot about her intrackability which confirmed his suspicions even more. 

Paloma Dragna not her maiden name not to mention that Marcello Dragna guy was some lovely politician, Jacks really did not care but she married him and then disappeared after some time. Well, he had experience with people like that! 

Jacks scrolled through the guy’s Facebook page but just promotions some pictures of young girls dressed mostly in purple but those were obscured and none of his wife.  Donatella did not know of her maiden name because of course she did not because things refused to be easy for him. None of her like she just vanished. Or someone important wanted her too.

Jacks prepared his apple again, so it was smart to build up his poison immunity. He will have to catch Donatella tomorrow and get some of the information out of her. But first he must send Legend this envelope he took great pains to make. It was crafted in a way it would explode with flour in his face, a shame Jacks had to go through the whole bag.

Jacks spotted Donatella immediately she was dressed completely according to the code which was odd and leaning on the corner with disinterest.

“Good morning boss!” she waved. “Scarlett is going to kill you!”

“Your sister I presume,” Jacks said, and Tella nodded. 

“Why may I ask?”  

“You will hear it is too complicated for me to repeat,” Tella said and shrugged. 

Just when he wanted to say something the door was opened and young woman emerged. She was dressed completely in red but something else grabbed his attention. Dark thick hair neatly tied, oval face and olive skin she looked familiar to familiar and angry she was mostly angry.

“Excuse me sir!” her voice was guarded but polite. Jacks smiled and noticed Donatella looked more awake.

“Are you Mr. Lord?”  she asked.

“Yes, how can I help you?” Jacks smiled.

“I am Scarlett Dragna sister of your employee Donatella Dragna!” she said as she offered her hand.

Jacks shook it, she had hazel eyes Jacks swore he saw her in the past. Though that would be impossible since they moved here recently but maybe someone who she resembled… Her mother comes to mind and Donatella’s of course. So, his suspicions were correct he just must confirm them Jacks looked at his watch as a sharp voice startled him.

“Are you even listening to me Mr. Lord?” she asked still polite.

“No, I would love to Miss Dragna, but I have urgent matters to attend to! So, if you will excuse me,” Jacks said as he shook her hand and flashed her his dimples before he left.

“Hey!” annoyed voice reached him “That is no way to speak to Scarlett!” 

Donatella caught him looking angry and she let it show unlike her sister.

“Miss Dragna those matters are related to your mother!” Jacks said to her and started browsing his phone.

“My mother!” she gasped.

“Hey, stop ignoring me!” she hissed and ran in front of him. “Tell me more!”

His best bet would be newspapers but she was hiding behind a pen name no picture attached until it was revealed after her disappearance. So the next best thing were the archives of Meridian Immortal library. Surely some missing posters in Tabloids remained. Downside, those things would not be digitalized so the trip was due. 

“Not right now,” Jacks replied and fastened his pace, but Donatella was still persistent.

“Tomorrow,” Jacks said and that satisfied Donatella, so she ran back to her sister.

If their mother really was Paradise the Lost, that complicated things because right now she really was lost, and Jacks had only one idea where she could be, and it was not pretty. Maybe it is a false alarm, and he is just going insane because Legend mixed something to stupid powdered sugar. 

Archives were cramped and Jacks made his way through old tabloids bearing the headlines. Who knew that pigeons were actually government drones, and some woman married a train station. Better choice than Legend who wooed an heiress Jacks was inclined to look but then he saw the date this was shortly after their little … accident.  No time for that Jacks reminded himself and persisted until there it was. 

Paradise the Lost: MISSING!

It was written in bold letters over the picture of smiling woman. Scarlett didn’t have the mischievous glint in her eyes but everything else was eerily similar. Jacks took the picture and headed outside the air inside here was unbearable. As he stepped up and headed down the corridor, he heard a familiar click of the pistol before the bullet flew over his head.

Chapter Text

Jacks turned around quickly as he pulled the gun from his jacket.

Three dark figures stood there draped in sliver cloaks. Narrow corridor but Jacks noted thick new gutter guards, they would do. Two of the figures were masked and masks had thin red lines. Jacks spotted the shine of jeweled eyepatch.

“Queenie! Horrid to meet you here!” Jacks said with wide smile which the woman retuned with expression laced with disgust. She did not like dimples then or she was jealous all those failed plastic operations…

“Now what do you want?” Jacks asked, since they had not shoot him, they needed him alive but for what. He saw the guns pointed at him by her Handmaidens standing just a little bit behind Undead Queen who held none.

“Your expertise,” she attempted a smile “Prince of Hearts!”

Jacks returned it as he tried to calculate the right angle in his head. “Tell Superstar I said no!”

Queens eye shoot him a glare. “Fallen Star does not play part in this!”

“And you had no work done!” Jacks said cheerfully as he glanced at the metal gutter guards then at the Handmaidens who raised the guns even more but not moved an inch. Good.

“My answer is still no!” Jacks replied and shot two bullets seemingly in the air, but they bounced off the gutter guards changing their directions directly through Handmaidens’ hearts.

They dropped shortly one after another as the Undead Qeen eye widened as much as all the plastic around her would allow. Jacks pointed a gun at her.

“You will pay for this!” she sounded furious face still twisted. Jacks flashed his dimples again before he opened his mouth.

“Do not move and tell Superstar –” Jacks took his book of Latin phrases out of his pocket and browsed through it –” i in malam crucem!”

Chapter Text

Today was a bad day Scarlett wanted to decide, the irresponsible boss of Tella was nowhere to be found, and Mrs. Elantine looked at her with such an odd expression yesterday that she feared returning. She received yet another mail from her father informing her that his offer still stood, her supposed fiancée was still waiting for her, so she and Donatella could return and pretend nothing happened. Well, he will have to wait a little more Scarlett thought to herself she must finish her college first and then …

Scarlett did not want to think of that, but she did during her lectures, and she forgot some homework, so she almost started to cry and apologized to the professor immensely. Not to mention it was raining and the library was full, her shift would be soon, and she was behind, so so behind. How unproductive she was! She looked at her phone and remembered her lost earrings. They were actually found, and her plan was to retrieve them. But she put the visit off because the whole place was making her uneasy not to mention the site looked quite shabby except for part which showed lost objects. Her earrings were still there bright red among a shirt and a spoon, well best to pick them up now she decided.

The building looked less scary in the daylight, but she saw the doors were closed and decided to knock. In her luck the guy she recognized as Armando opened bearing the same mean look.

“Learned how to dress properly?” he sneered.

“I am here for my lost earring!” Scarlett tried.

“Antique shop is on the other part of town!” he laughed at her and Scarlett almost decided to go when she heard another known voice.

“No time for leaning Armando oh” – he recognized her –" you must be here for your earrings come in!”

Scarlett waited so Armando got away before she entered. The guy disappeared as Scarlett followed him, so she remained inside the room which was now empty and looked around. It looked a lot more mundane all the magic and noise lost even the balconies no longer resembled carousels.

“Quite sad huh?” she was startled by the nose.

“We are moving, “ she heard an explanation and turned around to see him holding a small plastic bag.

“Here they are safe and sound!” he handed her, and grateful smile spread upon her lips.

“You really found them! Thank you so very much!” Scarlett said and rummaged through her bag until she found a chocolate box which she wrapped in dark red paper printed with roses and added black bow.

“Here for all your troubles,” she presented with bright smile.

“Oh, there is really no need for that Miss …” he protested.

“Scarlett Dragna,” she offered her hand.

“Julijan –” he shook her hand –” but really you did not have to!”

She made sure earrings were safely stored and prepared herself to go.
“
You are going already?” Julian asked her and Scarlett nodded.

“Studying calls and library is full so,” – she took a deep breath –” I plan to go home and try to study a little before I have to go to work.”

“You can study here,” Julijan offered and gestured towards the empty warehouse.

“Not a library but it will be quiet,” he shrugged.

Scarlett surprised herself as she considered it, sure quiet was nice and from here she could study longer since she got rid of half an hour walk towards her apartment not to mention she was closer to her shift from there…

“Are you sure I will not bother anyone?” she asked.

“Nah, nobody will be there,” he said and looked at her with interest, “may I ask what are you studying?”

“Law,” Scarlett replied and Julien's eyes widened.

“Well now I know who to call if I get in trouble,” he winked, and Scarlett smiled.

“Please call established lawyer I will be no good,” she said as Julian lead her to the staircase leading up to the balcony.

“Here we are table, quiet and peace just what you need!”

“You are sure I won’t”— she asked, “Absolutely, happy studying Crimson!”

Scarlett wanted to correct him but he was already gone so she looked there was a comfortable chair and a big table so Scarlett could spread all her books and go to work. She remembered setting a timer so she would not forget to go, took a deep breath and started. She decided to start with her notes. She was halfway through the chapter when a timer jostled her, so she almost knocked over a cup of tea that Julian brought. She barely registered him, so she will have to thank him she reminded herself.
She saw him as he was looking over some paper spilled all over the bar.

“Almost feared I would have to carry you out!” he was trying to organize some papers and whistled.

“You would just have to ask,” Scarlett said and pushed away the imagery in her head.

“No need you are so productive that some of it rubbed on me –” he gestured on the papers “— you make a good study buddy!”

Scarlett blushed and saw a mug in her hand and quickly said “Thank you for the tea, hard subject?”

“Paperwork sadly –" he glared at the counter –” no studying for me.”

“I would love to study Zoology well herpetology to be exact.”

“Herpetology?”

“Lizards, Armadillo lizards for example they look like dragons,” Scarlett noticed the shine in his eyes.

“They are interesting, you know that Armadillo lizards bite their tale in turn into a ball when threatened?” Julian showed her the picture and Scarlett had to aww.

“Really? Better protection than the guy who hurt someone with talking cat toy,” she shrugged at Julian's expression.

“It was in a practical study don’t ask,” suddenly her alarm rang again, reminding Scarlett that she sadly had to go.

Chapter Text

Donatella was talking to Evangeline well, trying to. Jacks did not show up to work and she had nothing to do. She was playing with her computer but thoughts about her mother did not stop pushing forward. Jacks had news and that was the only reason she worked for him specifically, even though everyone, especially Elantine, heavily warned her against it. Though she thought he was a bluff since there were, no news apart that her mother was missing and probably not dead, Jacks said that like it is good news it was not. But now he promised and was not there and because Donatella was going insane, she decided to visit Evangeline because Eva had a magical quality to lighten up her mood at least a little.

“Something is on your mind,” Evangeline suddenly broke her tale about collection of fairytale stories all centered on love.

Donatella sighed she knew Evangeline would not buy whatever excuse she came up with so she just sighed “My mother, she disappeared when I was little and, and I have not heard nothing and now I … there may be news, so I am worried.”

Evangeline expression became more serious and sadder. “That is terrible!”

“Not knowing where your mother is just, oh Donatella why didn’t you tell me?”

Donatella stayed quiet for a while maybe because she deduced from Evangeline’s tales that she only had a stepmother and stepsister so something must have happened to her parents and Donatella did not want to stir some memories and Evangeline was like Scarlett in worrying about everything, even sad characters in a story.

“It may be nothing,” was the easiest answer.

“But it is –” Evangeline was interrupted as Jacks busted in looking like he got out of some fight even his head was bleeding.

“Thought I would find you here I will be quick,” Jacks said as he looked around.

“The magician is not there?” he asked Evangeline who shook her head in confused motion, Jacks interpreted as a yes.

“Good or not depends how you take it anyway we are in trouble,” Jacks announced.

“Why?” Donatella asked.

“Thank your mother who angered the wrong people ,” Jacks shrugged, and Donatella figured he did not want to give explanation just yet.

“You?” she glared.

“Me? Not your business,” Jacks glared back.

“Her?” she motioned towards Evangeline who was frantically searching for something.

Jacks wanted to say something as the door was opened again and now the guy who chased Donatella appeared.

“His fault,” Jacks said as he motioned towards him.

“Well excuse me! you –” guy shook his head –” not time for this listen now!”

“Why shoul—” Jacks started but guy just rolled his eyes “Because she wants you dead and me too soon, I think…”

Jacks only blinked in response and Eva dropped the first aid kit so suddenly both men winced.

“Oh yes I forgot!” Jacks smiled even though it made him look like a madman since the blood still did not stop.

“Dolly’s mother over here is Paradise Lost and she well Legend, you choose weird arms dealers I mean her” – Jacks gestured towards Evangeline –” really?”

“Who?” Donatella jumped just as guy, Legend apparently said “What?

“Hey! I am not weird!” Evangeline objected, “Or an arms dealer!”

“Listen everyone, just LISTEN for ONCE please!” Legend said mostly to Jacks because Donatella and Evangeline were all ears and fear.

“Look at yourself!” Jacks looked at his unbuttoned bloodstained shirt and shrugged, appearing nonchalant about the whole thing.

“This is just a start, and she is unpredictable so who knows what she will do to them or me or you,” as Legend spoke Evangeline grow paler and Donatella angrier.

“First, I am perfectly fine, second I’ll just get rid of her easy,” Jacks shrugged and carefully crouched to the first aid kit on the floor.

“I tried unsuccessfully we will all have to lie low for a little bit through these two complicate things” – Legend looked at Evangeline and Donatella with quizzical expression –” or not come to think of it this is perfect!”

Let me guess complications ahead?” Jacks asked as he browsed through the kit.

“Just slap a Band-Aid on you are spilling blood everywhere!” he snapped at Jacks.

“Excuse me! But I will not wear a thing that is barely for a three-year-old!” Jacks complained as he opened the box.

“Kittens and unicorns are for everyone!” Evangeline said as Legend pulled the box out of Jacks hands took out the band aids and almost slapped the biggest one on Jacks forehead.

“Enough! We are going!” Legend declared and Donatella asked “Where?”

“To the Magnificent North of course!” Legend said with showman voice.

Chapter Text

It turns out that going to the Magnificent North meant going to the warehouse since neither Evangeline nor Donatella had their passports with them. Obviously, you do not expect to flee on your usual working day. Especially because she did not expect that a leading mafia lady or whatever She was, would target her or Evangeline. But Legend said something to her about connection and paranoia. Donatella knew she worked for Jacks and was friends with Evangeline who sold things to Legend, so they were all in the mess but suddenly Donatella cried causing Evangeline to jump and Legend to sigh.

“Scarlett! What about Scarlett! She is in danger too!” Donatella said and turned back, “I have to warn her!”

“I have to warn Marisol and her mother too!” Evangeline added and stopped in her tracks.

“What now?” Legend said annoyed.

“Scarlett is my sister! So, I am going to warn her!” Donatella exclaimed and Evangeline nodded.

Legend groaned. “She will be fine!” – he turned to Evangaline –” Not to mention yours I did not even know them up till now so She will not care!”

“Maybe, but her sister looks like her mommy a little too much so consider again Legend!” Jacks said still sounding annoyed.

“I am going to her if you want or not!” Donatella declared and Evangeline stepped on her side with determination.

“Ugh, this will make things worse!” Legend said but Donatella only glared.

“Fine! I will send Julien, to her!” Legend pulled out his phone and turned to Jacks who was mostly brooding.

“And you! Here call Armando and tell him to keep an eye on –” he turned to Evangeline.

“Marisol and Agnes Tourmaline,” Evangeline said as Jacks complained about Armando's qualities and Legend instructed Julian to find Scarlett and protect her, Donatella quickly provided that she would probably be ending her first lecture by now.
That did nothing to Donatella’s nerves and Evangeline was also upset but Legend considered the matters done and Jacks was still sour about the Band-Aid, but he did not pull it off.

“So, you three will disguise and I will go pick up your passports arrange the flight and off we go!” Legend explained as Jacks rolled his eyes.

“And I will go with two conspicuous people because?” Donatella asked.

“No offense but are we not in trouble because of you?” Evangeline added just as Jacks said something about going alone.

“You do not really have a choice and precisely because of that!” Legend said satisfied.

“Nugas garris!” Jacks hissed.

“Stop with that!” Legend snapped.

“Look,” Legend said with heavy sight. “She will expect all of us to go apart all do our own thing and with my plan we trick her!” Legend said.

“We do not know you!” Donatella objected just as they heard a shot.

“Nuisance from earlier,” Jacks shrugged as he stored the gun in his pocket.

“You killed him!” Evangeline screamed and clasped Donatella’s hand which grounded her from panic sweeping over her brain.

“He tried to kill me first!” Jacks said but Evangeline stopped in her tracks and Donatella held to her.

“He will kill you in a heartbeat!” Jacks said.

“But!” Donatella tried.

“But we will have to go!” Legend said impatiently and pushed them all into a big hall.

It was plain and Donatella did not glimpse even the blink of magical feeling she tried to describe to Evangeline. It was ordinary and bare, making her even more nervous, especially because of the previous accident. Evangeline was glancing around nervously meanwhile Jacks was writing something in his note.

“So, we better start!” Legend announced and Jacks raised his hand.

“This place would not survive an inspection,” Jacks said, and Legend just glared.

“You two!”— he turned to them –” Tell me where your passports are and choose your dress!”

“They should fit you and the masks; I had to find them and my employees…” Legend trailed on.

Donatella wanted to object again but decided it was fruitless they were in trouble someone even wanted to kill them or only Jacks that was the possibility then it would be safer to let him go. She reminded him again about Scarlett and her knowledge about law just in case.

As Evangeline was talking with him Donatella glanced at the dresses in the corners which were exquisite fancy ballgowns. Donatella browsed through them as Evangeline joined her.

“If everything was not so terrible I would be so happy right now!” Evangeline sighed as she eyed the rosy pink gown.

Donatella searched until she spotted baby blue dress it was decorated with butterflies which were spread over the lower part of the dress and turned in the line around the waist. The back was open and in the front bodice slightly resembled the butterfly wings. Donatella wanted it immediately.

Evangeline was torn over the bunch of pink dresses but finally she chooses the simple pearly white one. Well, it looked like that on first glance, all the lawyers were sewn and each folded in the way that it slightly resembled wings, some were made just from delicate lace and bodice was covered with tiny, embroidered hearths and on the back, there were two wide straps of long transparent fabric.

“I am not wearing that!” Donatella heard and turned around the dress in hand. Jacks was scowling at the dark hunter green richly decorated baroque coat.

“Well, you will be accompanying two princesses, so you have to look presentable!” Legend replied as he looked at Jacks clothes with obvious disdain.

“You cannot put me in this hat!” Jacks threw Legend an ugly look which was made less menacing by the bright purple Band-Aid with hugging kitties and unicorns.

“Jovan! Help ladies with the dresses and I will deal with Mr. fashionable over there,” Legend instructed the smiling woman who appeared in front of him.

Donatella and Evangeline were led away and as it turns out gowns were a pain to put on. So many different lawyers needed to be arranged properly with many undergarments helping to hold the dress in shape not to mention the tightening of the bodice. Evangeline was enjoying it more than Donatella and twirling in front of the mirror.

"Now I will do your hair and Legend advised me not to go overboard with makeup which is a shame –" she sighed –” I had so many ideas!”

Well Donatella did not know what was supposed to mean minimal make up since she had literal butterfly wings drawn like eyeshade and Evangeline had her cheeks covered in little hearths in various shades of pink. Because of that Jovan did not have time for their hair so she only put it up in a fig and put a butterfly like crown on Donatella and heart shaped one on Evangeline.

“Now listen! You are playing Sweetheart savior, brave sacrificial princess who saved her people with power of love and kindness. She is kind and bests her enemies with gentleness and not violence.” Jovan explained to Evangeline who listened intently gently holding her hearth shaped mask.

“And me?” Donatella asked.

“You are a butterfly,” Jovan replied as if that was obvious, she took another look at them and left.

“I feel like a princess!” Eva smiled as she turned around looking almost like she would fly away.

“You are one and I am just a butterfly,” Donatella rolled her eyes but also turned around pleased to discover that all the layers had butterflies sewn on them making it look like they were flying around Donatella. They went down the stairs, which was now being needlessly difficult with all the fabric around them.

Jacks was leaning in the corner dressed to the tee and covered with big, feathered hat, scowling and Donatella wondered how Legend managed to get him to wear that since he was wearing those silly white socks that went up to the knee.

“Tarde venientibus ossa!” Jacks sighed, so he had time to learn another quote Donatella thought.

“If you hear a gunfire duck this thing is supposed to be bullet proof,” Jacks said and motioned to shining silver carousel.

“There is some protection in your corsets also,” Jacks added as he saw how pale Evangeline turned.

“So, we are clay doves?” Donatella asked crossing her arms.

“Relax if they shoot, they will aim at me,” Jacks said but Donatella heard him whisper “probably.”

“That is not any better!” Evangeline said with a worried sad look.

“Yes, it is”— Jacks smiled at her –” because I will get them first!”

“And Prince of Hearts never misses!” though he said that with pride Donatella swore she heard something else mixed in.

Chapter Text

In fairytales there usually was some vice that resulted in hardship or even tragedy and Evangeline was trying to figure out hers to make sense how she ended drastically endangering her life. Selling the ancient odd weapons her father liked to collect for curiosity shop was surely not all, right? She cannot check the criminal background of every buyer not to mention all of them were harmless and nice. Well almost all of them. She was friends with Donatella, but you cannot choose your mother, and Tella didn’t even know about her mother since recently.

But even all her thinking and gorgeous princess dress could not distract her from the fact that someone may end up getting killed her included. Donatella was throwing out pamphlets about new Caraval, smiling and waving bearing the situation like Sweetheart saviour probably would. Evangeline did not even dare to look out the window the whole time and she felt so cowardly. Cowardice was a vice so even if it was unrelated Evangeline decided she would try to overcome it.

She peeked out of the window to see some confused people, happy children whose fairytales had just come to life, there were also adults who looked pleasantly surprised. They surely weren’t that much of a threat, right?

Evangeline braced herself and sent a kiss to a little girl who laughed in delight which brought a smile to Evangeline’s face. That was enough for her to brave it, so she smiled despite her cheeks hurting, waved despite an aching hand. She sent a kiss to everyone who seemed to need it, an angry little boy trying to get his mother to listen to him, a girl her age who was looking out of the window with a dreamy expression, tired father with a pair of crying little girls.

“You two can stop now,” Evangeline heard Jacks’s lazy voice. “If you do not of course want to shoulder the anger of car riders.”

“We are going to the highway in that?” Donatella yelled.

“Doubting my driving capabilities?”

“What about the horses?” Evangeline was thinking about four beautiful white horses she wanted to pet running on the hard asphalt with angry horns blaring around them.

“We will leave them here and performers will take care of them,” Jacks explained as he was shifting with straps and cursing under breath as horses refused to stay still.

“Let me help!” Evangeline offered and got out despite the big dress and Jacks sceptical look. She smiled at scared horses and started whispering how good company they were and how good a job they did what made them calm down and listen.

“Do you plan to push this thing?” Donatella asked, visibly upset as the horses were led to some shadowy corner, Evangeline was upset too since she did not have any sugar cube on her to thank them for the help.

“ Aut inveniam viam aut faciam!” Jacks replied and Evangeline saw the roll of Tella’s eyes as she sat in front of her.

“This means he will do something stupid,” Donatella sighed and leaned back before she gasped as carriage started to move.

They both looked out and saw the carriage moving by itself. It was slow though and the glares made Evangeline retrieve back to interior which was at least pretty. She looked at the frowning Donatella who turned to her.

“Listen!” she was whispered and Evangeline leaned forward. “Held on your passport, phone and run if anything goes wrong.”

“Promise me you will run even if I couldn’t,” Donatella looked her in the eyes and Evangeline was startled where was this coming from?

“I will not leave you!”

“Just promise me!” Donatella begged. “Sometimes you have to save yourself first to save others.”

“Promise!” said Evangeline but crossed the legs under the many layers of her dress.

“That thing is to slow!” Jacks complain broke Donatella’s tense look.

“Brace yourself I am turning the nuclear motor on!” Jacks yelled.

Before Donatella could yell Evangeline got thrown against her glad off all the layers of their dresses. Evangeline barely managed to sit again as they were both violently slammed on the left. Jacks should not be trusted with vehicles Evangeline decided as she was holding on her seat as the carriage was speeding with no regard to any of the cars around who were blazing their horns or just stuck unable to make reaction. At least they were quick.

When they arrived, Evangeline was ready to barf and almost fell on her face as she stepped out. She wondered how Jacks survived but he looked fine apart from the fact he looked way messier and had lost his hat and coat, so his hair was in all directions only the band aid survived.

“Are you insane?” Donatella yelled as Jacks was observing the parking sign.

“I think we would not have to pay for a fee, splendid!” Jacks looked pleased.

Chapter Text

Evangeline never rode an airplane though she would rather ride a hot air balloon she was excited. Especially when it finally got through her that she was going to Magnificent North after Legend threw a fuss at Jacks appearance, all the examinations she was subjected to because of her dress no doubt; she underestimated how big the gown was. After all the weird looks they got she realized she would be going to a place her mother used to call home. If there was not a threat of losing her life she would be over the moon.

“I just love your look!” the voice threw her out of thoughts, and she saw a young woman.

“I mean the dedication,”— she was looking at her dress in awe –” mind if I take a picture with you?”

“I won’t post it or anything,” she smiled, and Evangeline nodded.

Donatella and she were receiving quite a lot of attention, people were whispering or even taking pictures of them and little kids looked at both in awe. Jacks Evangeline noticed looked displeased. He was arguing with Legend about subtlety who just smiled in response. Evangeline did not know what the deal was with these two, but Donatella was mostly looking at them with suspicion holding her passport tight. Evangeline did remember her warning and had it safely stored after she realized her dress had pockets!
The flight attendant did not seem happy about it, but Evangeline loved it, and the children did swarm around both too, even on the airplane as she sat down there was a family of little kids nearby who all looked at her and Donatella in awe.

“Are you a princess?” little blond girl asked her blue eyes shining.

“Yes!” Evangeline smiled just as Donatella groaned something about being a butterfly.

“I knew it!” her brother said triumphantly.

“Do you know any stories?” asked girl with black hair tied in buns.

“I can tell you my favourite about The archer and a fox!” Evangeline offered.

“Anything but that one!” Jacks annoyed urgent voice coming from the front seat scared her.

“I hate it!” he added as Evangeline sighed it was the story her mom used to tell her over and over again.

“Why?” Evangeline asked in a weird urge to protect her favourite fairytale.

“The ending is just “— Evangeline noticed Jacks’s voice had a weird almost sad tinge to it –” horrible.” She wanted to correct him that the ending was uncertain but that did not make it horrible it made it full of possibilities.

“Fine I will tell you a story of a boy who had a difficult choice between love and power!” Evangeline smiled and started she was going on and on but even Donatella seemed captivated by her tale listening intently.
When Evangeline noticed a sore throat, she stopped and noticed the kids looked sleepy too, Donatella surprised her when she told them she would tell them a story when they woke up. Evangeline dozed off too, all the stress of the day caught up to her.

“Shush now! I won’t tell you a story if you wake a princess up!” Donatella’s hiss echoed through her dreams.

“Aren’t you supposed to?” young boy asked.

“You are when she is hit by a curse!” Evangeline said causing the young girl to jump at her seat.

“Can you tell a story please!” a girl with buns begged.

“I will tell a story about me and my sister!” Donatella started.

“You know when we were little just like you –”

“I am not little!” girl and boy both yelled.

Donatella sighed. “Do you want a story or not?” All the children nodded so Donatella went on.

“We lived in a big castle by the shore where the king and the queen took care of us. We explored the castle and ate all the cookies but then one day the queen disappeared!”

“We did not know where she went but the king was angry. He turned into a tyrant to the land and to us. If my sister misbehaved, he punished me and the other way around.”
Evangeline noticed Donatella shudder as she went on.

“He was becoming more and more cruel, so my sister changed us both into butterflies to hide us from his rage!”

“You are not a butterfly!” boy objected.

“Yes, I am not anymore. My sister and I could go anywhere now so we went to find the queen. It was tedious and the king could catch us he almost did one day when we went to find the key to queen’s room.”

“My sister sacrificed herself so I could fly away, I sent one last cry and little letter before I had to hide, and my sister was promised to greedy collector.”

“And then?” girl asked.

“Well…” Donatella sighed and looked at the sparkly eyes of the kids.

“Queen barged in in heavy armour and rescued us and took as with her and we lived happy ever after!”

“But why are you here?” blond girl asked sceptically.

“Queen sent us to buy the best cookies from Magnificent North!” Donatella explained and the girl looked satisfied with the answer.
Evangeline wanted to ask Donatella if she was alright since she had a sad look to her. Evangeline knew that all the fables held a little ounce of truth just how much that was true in Donatella’s story.

“Thank you both so much!” she heard women’s voice.

“I had time to read an entire book,” she motioned to the black book with pink hearth on her lap.

“Here take those!” she gave them both a pack of brownies which Donatella and her took gratefully.

But then Evangeline gasped as she glimpsed all the lights underneath her. Magnificent North! How could she not wait to stay there to see the place where all the tales her mother told her had come from. Maybe she could even go to the town where her mother had grown up, how could she not wait to just go out and breath in the air. She was excited even though also terribly tired as they landed.

“Do not look so happy!” Jacks drawled “Fairytales come to life here!”

“But that is amazing!” Evengeline said with a smile, Jacks only laughed.

“I didn’t specify which ones, Fox!” his voice was colder than the air which surrounded them.

Chapter Text

Donatella would not recommend a mafioso for traveling agent ever, not that she was thinking about it before, but now after experience never.

They arrived at the dark directly in the snowfall and she was dressed in a ball gown, and they were supposed to be stealthy! Everyone was looking at them when they departed and now, she was freezing, and Evangeline was shaking too. Jacks, despite lacking his coat and a hat looked unbothered, or he was too busy arguing about fake last names with Legend.

“No absolutely not!”

“What is wrong with DeEngel?” Legend asked sounding annoyed.

“It sounds like a decapitated angel, no!”

“You are ridiculous!” Legend sighed. “So, you plan to what?”

“I am a Lord now!” Jacks said with smug confidence.

“Lords still need last names!”

“Yes, exactly not a concoction of words!”

“What about a Fox?” Evangeline injected with shattering teeth.

Jacks gave her a weird look which he quickly blinked away.

“Jacks Fox, Dante Fox, Donatella and Evangeline Fox sounds about right!” Jacks said pleased.

“Hey, find your own!” Legend hissed to Jacks who looked annoyed.

“There is no need!” Jacks said.

“I will not pretend to be your brother!” Legend said with disgust and Donatella wondered if he was objected to having her as an in law.

“You don't have to because you will be my husband and these two are our lovely –” Jacks looked at them and Donatella threw him a glare as Evangeline just shuddered from cold –” nieces!”

“I will not pretend to be married to you either!” Legend was almost shaking now, and Donatella could tell it was not from the cold.

Jacks only eyed him with a tired look. “You do not need to do that because you already are, remember?” Jacks smiled at Legend whose face suddenly got red.

“You two are married!?” yelled Donatella.

“Um can we please, I mean I am quite cold!” Evangeline whispered seemingly undisturbed by revelations.

“She is right please find a room,” Jacks turned to Legend who only glared at him before he started browsing.

“Aren’t you from there?” Legend sighed.

Which reminded Donatella to text Scarlett that she was alright well maybe she would die from hypothermia if Legend would not hurry with his reservation. Her phone did, poor Scarlett Donatella thought she had to fill her phone immediately.

In the end they got a room in the house which was in some smaller town. After the taxi ride on which Jacks talked how his lowly nieces loved to play to be a snow queens but then the rider started spewing conspiracy theories about pigeons being drones who control the weather and Jacks got invested in them too much.

She was lying in bed tucked under soft covers now, Evangeline passed out on the other side. Legend reserved the wrong bed arrangement, just like he wanted to argue with Jacks. Well maybe he did, married couples argued a lot. Donatella wanted to think but she was too tired, so she slowly but surely drifted back to sleep.