Chapter 1
Reversed Vesuvia
⚠️ Mentions of slavery, trafficking, death/murder/executions, and vivisection (if anything else note worthy was missed please let me know) ⚠️
5219 words
Masterlist
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
"A mask of my own face, I'd wear that."
"And none of them would know that I was secretly myself"
"I'd blame it on the person that nobody knows I am"
"And at the big finale I would tear my face away"
"I'd wear that mask of my own face"
- A Mask of My Own Face, by Lemon Demon
✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧
＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚
"Is this..."
"....her"
"Can...us?"
The noise that reached your ears was distant, like you were hearing it all from under water. Alas, you were definitely not submerged in any pool. Your eyes fluttered open after a considerable effort and remained in a squint to try and combat your sense of vision being assaulted by light and color. Now your ears were ringing at you bacme aware of how heavy every part of you felt.
"Young magician, can you hear us?" Small hands grabbed one of yours and you focused on a rather short and thin woman. Her skin was a soft tan. One eye was completely white, the other a light brown matching the shade of thin waves of hair peeking out of a cornette hat. She looked concerned. You had no inkling as to why.
"Who...who are you?" Your voice felt foreign to you. Speaking was a complicated procedure that took too much focus and energy. The question was asked with no real thought or focus, like you were stepping back into your own mind. Without being given an answer, hands were placed on either side of your waist and you were hoisted to stand. The one responsible for the movement was clad in red. They remained, bracing yourself on their own form when the notes your knees buckling at the new position.
You realized you were surrounded by five strangers. The group of them looked between each other, back at you, and at each other once more. They all looked worried, or was it confused? You were in such a heavy daze everything felt dream-like.
"We must leave. We need to get her away from here." The person who spoke was concealed in many bandages and the layers of a physician's dress.
˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊
That fateful day was a while ago now. Three years to be exact. Within all the time that transpired you certainly were more conscious and grounded in the present. Frustratingly, any recollection of a moment in time before the memory of being found eluded you. Trying to force recollection punished You with headaches. For your well bein, you were forced to abandon the endeavor of fighting against your amnesia. It simply was a battle you were bound to lose, as of now at least.
You could only focus on what you knew presently. You were called (Name) and were found barely alive in a bad place to be. The five strangers, who of course were strangers no more, took you away and nurtured you into health and strength. You were apparently capable of magic, although any recollection of the skill was gone, so no manifestation of such power could be conjured.
Stepping out of what was considered your room, you were faced with the surrounding of the Fortress. The Fortress was the name of the place you and your saviors resided, along with a few miscellaneous people from varying lands. It was an underground settlement concealed by a labyrinth of the earth. It was home.
You were clad in a rather odd yet whimsical attire. Complicated ruffles, buttons, buckles, and bells of shades of blues and silvers concealed your arms and legs while distorting the shape of your center. Gender defining aspects to your body's build couldn't be made apparent. Then was boots and gloves. After that was a headdress any bits of your hair was expertly tucked into. The final piece was a mask, intricately detailed and designed to fasten strongly around your face by wrapping around the back of your head. No chance of a slip or any other way for the piece to fall from your face. Your face could not be seen. Not with what you had planned for the day. You were told your face would bring you trouble. You assumed that was because you were wanted for bounty or for some other reason. You let that knowledge be, reaching for a definite truth had made your head hurt in the past.
"You're going out today?" Vlastomil had approached you, taking in your get up. You were only dressed like this when you were visiting the surface for one reason or another. If you were to remain behind in the Fortress, you were in something far more comfortable.
"Yes, how could have you have forgotten?" Valerius scoffed over from a dining table where a breakfast composed of cheap bread and foraged berries was rationed out amongst you all. The both of them looked stressed. Every time you did this, there was always a looming sensation of dread and possible doom.
"I must. I can't exactly refuse invitations. It'll look strange." You replied, the mask over your face distorted your voice, making you seem even more ambiguous. You had the disadvantage of being a woman in this current time. Women were valuable now, a disgusting truth you didn't like dwelling on. Making those around you unsure of whether you were male or female was a protective measure.
The day you knew the reality of the current world, you began cultivating a plan to develop a means to make changes. What that turned out to be was put forward the facade of an eccentric wandering entertainer. You were a famous jester, the Leveret. After just under a year of your disguise making a name, you had performed at a masquerade. The masquerade. That was your goal all along. Since then, you'd be summoned to a country known as Vesuvia every now and again. It was imperative you went every time.
You patted your hip, feeling your sack of currency. With that, you were ready to leave. You bid farewell, with a promise to see everyone once again. You left the Fortress after the sun had barely risen, you'd reach Vesuvia by noon. It was always strange to see the sun after spending time hidden away. You always forgot how delightful it's warmth was. The long walk was tranquil with you in the sun's company. The peace was well received, the Fortress resided under a barren land dubbed "The Crossroads" all land outside that region was...peculiar.
Attempts to describe to you what happened were made, but it was a lot to wrap your head around. Magical metaphysical liminal spaces had merged to the physical realm for an unknown reason, and that caused a lot of oddities to occur. The sky above you melted from a clear blue sky to that of swirling colors and dark clouds, the ground beneath your feet in this particular region was scorched and cracked with the appearance of dried lava. Now you had to be alert. Incomprehensible beasts roamed these hybrid grounds. If you weren't careful...eventually your destination was on the horizon.
Vesuvia's grand palace stood tall, strong, and glittering. Pristine white marble reflected the colors that danced in the sky. It had no right to be so gorgeous. This whole place had no right to hold onto the beautiful past it once held. Buildings and streets were still brightly colored, but there were no citizens traversing the streets. You were the only one walking, your footsteps and jingling bells were the only noise. It was like you were in the shell of what was once a beautiful city.
You knew there were still people somewhere in this city, taking refuge somewhere. Whether they were lucky or unlucky to be living here would vary greatly depending on who you asked.
Sometimes you think you'd like it better if dead bodies were piled on the streets and clogging the canals and aqueducts, turning the water red with blood, waste, and plague filth. In a way, that would be less frightening. The deaths that the devastating Red Plague racked up would be showcased, not swept under a rug. Or, more appropriately, thrown down a well somewhere. That was another missing piece of common knowledge in you mind. The illness surged about nine years ago, and raged predominantly on battlefields. Eventually it worked its way into cities and countries that were hot with trade and tourism. Now cases were rare. Everyone you ever came across, which admittedly wasn't a lot of people, had healthy white scleras. You also never noted ever seeing vivid crimson beetles scurrying about. By no means was the plague eradicated, but it seems the merging of realms gave society bigger problems.
"Halt!" A voice boomed, amplified by ricocheting off the walls of the alleyway. You turned over your shoulder to see a palace guard with a large spear. Said weapon lowered once he better took in your appearance. "Apologies, you are here on behalf of the Countess' request correct? Allow me to escort you to your meeting place."
The only place in this city that was scarier than the Palace was the Colosseum. Perhaps it was the very purpose of the building that made your stomach churn. It could've also very well been the vibe you picked up when you looked at the white bricks and detailed iron gate. The number of people that have died here would be impossible to estimate. You didn't want to try. The iron gate lifted open for you noiselessly, showing how oftenly they're oiled, how oftenly they are used.
"Welcome, Leveret." You said nothing as you were escorted to the loge box where the Countess and her inner circle would be watching over today's events. The person escorting you entered and bowed deeply, gaining the attention of three people you found yourself despising with every fiber in your body.
"The Leveret has arrived."
"Wonderful." The voice of the Countess was smooth and alluring, it paired well with her rich cocoa complexion, sharp red eyes, and deep violet hair. You bowed your head. It was a mannerism you didn't want to do, but you've had to do a lot of things you didn't want to do.
"Countess Nadia." You were sure to adress the woman first. Her scarlet eyes lingered on you, a ghost of a smile laid on her lips painted the same shade. "You look divine as always."
"You flatter me."
"Doctor Devorak," You moved on. You wanted greetings out of the way. You always wanted these personal get togethers over quickly. "Pleasure to see you once again."
"Oh, the pleasure is mine!" His long leather gloves mingled with yours in a firm handshake that had you nervous he'd end up crushing your hand. His touches were always overbearing and suffocating. You could never tell if that was his intention or just how you felt because of how uncomfortable he made you.
"And of course, Great Sorcerer Asra, good afternoon to you." A brief shallow smile and a raise of white brows was all you received from the magician reclined in a pile of bean bags and blankets.
Sitting in such a small space with the three of them felt like you were a slab of meet hug on a nail around a pack of wolves. You felt like you couldn't get enough air, but you didn't dare breathe heavier. The smell of Nadia's lavender perfume, combined with the smoky scent of herbs and incense, and an aroma of bitterness mixed with alcohol was intoxicating. Gods, may you get out of here soon. All of them made you indescribably uneasy, and that was considering being one on one. You were outnumbered by monsters in the shape of mankind.
"Just a little more, endure it for only a little longer." Your affirmation was a whisper in your mind.
Down on the Colosseum's sand, people began to be filed in. This was seeming to open up as an auction. You had to admit you preffered that to a match of civilians pitted against each other. Or worse, orders to face the infamous Scourge. Anywhere upwards of forty individuals were shackled and being dragged around the arena like ragdolls. Outside of the loge box, nobles from other nations lined the bleachers. Since the world has gone to shit for lack of better words, the morality of society was almost entirely nonexistent. Buying and selling people was perhaps the biggest market. Groups called slavers, sometimes rounders, went around to cities or settlements in all corners of the lands to find potential profits. It was disgusting.
"Kneel before the Countess of Vesuvia!" You could hear the demand clear as day from your elevated position. Some of the "merchandise" collapsed on their knees from fear or exhaustion right into submission. Those resisting either from defiance or being disillusioned to their current predicament were struck with a whip or cattle prod until they fell over. It made you sick. The mask you wore saved you from the expression of complete disgust being visible.
Auctioning began. Young women were always of most value, and caused the most action. You were told that right away back when you had began making your costume. It's best to not be perceived as a woman. Everytime an old and shady man ended up being handed over such a lady you wanted to scream, you knew what they were wanted for, but you had to be smart on your end. You can't save everyone, but you need to be damn sure to save as big as a quantity as you can.
A fairly young man was dragged to the center of the floor. He was missing a left hand and part of a leg. You could see the utter horror on his face. He knew no one would raise a card for him. People don't buy broken things. Here, if you weren't sold, you were killed. The only purpose of the slaves kneeling on the sand were to be of use serving a master. If that could be done, it was decided they were just wastes of space. Some believed death to be a better fate than being sold. Regardless...
"No bids?" The auctioneer called out. You saw a large figure by the Colosseum's gate raise a hefty axe...
"Excuse me!" You were leaning over the railing of the loge box and waving your arm holding out a white card. "You're not gonna bother to look up towards the most important people here? You're lucky it was me you were ignoring."
The auctioneer tried to stutter out some form of apology but you sat back down before he could get the words out, disappearing into the shadows the reserved noble seats provided. Beside you, you heard a soft chuckle from the Magician. You weren't sure what he found humorous, but the mere fact he found humor at all made you grit your teeth under your mask.
"You know..." The Doctor draped his arms over your shoulders and you had to fight the urge to tense. His gangly limbs felt like serpents. Speaking of which, you wondered where that lavender snake of Asra's was lurking. If she wasn't on her master, she was at least close. "If you are after the physically disabled, I'm sure I have bodies lying about."
"A kind offer, but I do not want skeletons and corpses. I'm after those still living." He grinned at your response, one of his sharp brows raising in amusement.
"Ah, well I could make you a few, too. Free of charge." You bid on a few more people as Julian talked.
"I'm afraid that's no fun." You moved out of his hold. You got to play off the rejection of his touch by acting with your body in a way that demanded space. You stretched your arms wide and slowly turned in a circle. "I'll get to ask them how they lost parts of their body later. Their stories is what makes them interesting. If twenty people told me that Doctor Devorak fastened them to a table and blindly threw darts at a body diagram to decide what to remove I'd have no inspiration, no emotions rallied."
The response got a laugh from both the Doctor and the Countess. Asra watched you with a twinkle of interest. You relaxed muscles you didn't even know were tensed. Every action and word felt like a gamble with your life.
"Yes, yes. I see. You've always been so passionate and philosophical over what art means to you." Julian patted your back and you just wished he'd stop touching you. It made your skin crawl. A doctor shouldn't make you feel so filthy.
"Exactly. My craft is my utmost priority and I know exactly what I need to start my new collection." That got an"ooh~" from the Doctor.
"Enlighten us." The Countess mused, fingers tracing a glass with a liquid as vermillion as her eyes.
"But I musn't spoil the surprise!" You twirled, putting your hands over your heart as the bells adorning your outfit jingled. "I hate showing or telling about unfinished work, it's the perfectionist within me."
Someone snorted. You don't know who. To you it didn't matter. Nadia didn't press further. You had successfully refused her, even if it was over something trivial and miniscule. It showed you had weight.
"All I will say is that I'm eager to begin. If I make pieces stunning enough, they might be worthy additions to future acts. I'm afraid I shall take my leave quite soon to get started."
"Well, before you do," Nadia's voice felt like a warning. "I'd like to remind you that the masquerade will take place in three short months. As usual, I would be delighted for you to make an appearance."
That means she wants you there, and refusing the request would be a death wish. Since the first masquerade you showed up to, you had captivated quite the audience and were regarded as quite the life of the party. Any masquerade in the future would be lacking if your presence wasn't there.
"I wouldn't miss such an event. Your parties are such a delight, Countess."
"Wonderful. That leads to another crucial piece of information I wish to share. You are quite the pesky thing to reach by letter. Stay here for a few days will you? After business here concludes there is something I want to show you."
Damn it. Damn it all.
"Oh, how unexpected." Well, you're going to give everyone back in the Fortress a heart attack when you don't return tonight. You can only hope they won't try and rescue you when you're not in any apparent danger. No, you know they wouldn't be so hasty. You've already discussed not to be too alarmed if you run late upon returns. In the meantime you'll be able to find a way to get word to them too. You're sure of it.
The auction eventually ended. Nine people were in your hands. Nadia assured you that while they would be in the holding cells under the Colosseum, they would be cared for to be in good condition for you to take back with you after your stay concluded. It wasn't something you could argue or press too hardly about.
A carriage was already waiting outside the Colosseum. A knight in shining coal colored armor opened the door for the Countess to enter first, then the Sorcerer, followed by the Doctor, then finally you. Strong white stallions began moving in perfect obedience for a smooth journey back to the palace. For you, that was just an overly gaudy prison and you were going to have to be there for a few days.
"Dahlia here will take you to a guest room and get you settled in, we shall see you at dinner." The Countess said, sounding like she was explaining how you were going to behave under her roof. To which, you had no choice but to nod. As the servant girl led you away from the vile trio you found yourself feeling like a weight was off your chest. You could breathe again.
"This shall be your quarters." Dahlia opened the door to your temporary room, inviting you in. Lavish furs, silks, decorations, and recreational items occupied the space. It was something you had fantasized about before but actually having it at your fingertips wasn't a pleasant feeling.
"There is a bell beside your bed, ring it if you wish for assistance with anything. I will return once supper's first course is to begin."
"Thank you." The simple words seemed to startle the young woman. She stammered out a few noises before deciding to shut the door to your room and leave you to your own devices.
You closed your eyes and focused on the surrounding air. Once, you had been able to sense Asra approaching you during a meeting long ago. It was perhaps your first successful attempt at magic and it let you know you had the ability to pick up on true isolation. Such was a vital instrument for your way of life. When you were certain you were alone you hastily removed your mask, locked the door to your room, and sat at the vanity. You dug in the pockets of your garments, pulling out various tools you needed. You're expected at dinner, they're trying to force you to remove your mask. They all had tried to persuade you into doing the action for a good while now. Your aura of mystery was enticing, but could only be left alone for so long. They wanted the face of the Leveret.
Whenever they'd ask why you wear the object, you simply replied with the shallow excuse that you were ugly. They didn't buy that for long. So you had to say you were disfigured. The pieces of makeup and prosthetic were laid out before you. The pigments and pieces were hand crafted by Valdemar. Their medical background allowed them to make quite the convincing body altering illusions. You've done this plenty times in the past. You used to put on this face and wear it under your mask, but you got too comfortable with just the Leveret mask that you stopped. Foolish. Now you're rushing this process when it's imperative it looks legitimate.
After two hours your face looked convincingly scarred by the lasting effects of burns. Even one eye was concealed in a white contact to appear you have gone blind in it. The makeup continued to obscure the shape of your face, your gender would still be unclear. You admired the appearance in the mirror, chest heaving from the effort and the relief it was finished. A knock at your door made you jump, and you swiped up the evidence of your facade within a facade in a panic, shoving everything sloppily into pockets.
"Who is it?" You made sure to not sound rude or bothered, just in case you were faced with the worst case scenario of the Countess being the one on the other side.
"It's Dahlia, Leveret. The first course will be served in a few moments. It's best to descend now."
"Very well." The makeup was dry. You could put your mask back in place. With it back on properly, you opened the door and Dahlia began to lead you to the dining hall.
The grand doors opened and a familiar three people were already seated. It seems Julian was going on about some story for some account of his past. His arms were wide in a great flourish. Whatever the tale was seemed to come to a convenient close with your arrival.
"Ah, Leveret. There you are." Nadia noted. A servant guided you to a lush velvet chair. The food that began to present itself was so fine you didn't know what half of it was. The smells were intoxicating. You've been able to eat, but never something as satisfying as any of the dishes present. You didn't want to indulge in the food though either. It was wrong for the palace to be able to eat like this while people are dying of famine.
"The food is fine." Asra's remark startled you. You turned to face him and his face held amusement. "We aren't trying to poison you."
"Oh, that wasn't a concern of mine." A servant piled a few steaming rolls on your plate, presented you with a bowl of assorted fruits, and a soup of some variety.
"Then my I inquire to the reasoning of your hesitation?" You are always in the damn hot seat with these people. Nadia's sharp eyes were on you, not narrowed in offense yet, but if you took any longer to either respond or begin eating that would change.
"I'd hate to spoil the appetites of my gracious hosts." You hoped the way your stomach roared in protest with what your mouth was saying was only audible to you.
"Oh, you cannot possibly be that hideous." Julian dismissed. You swallowed a stiff lump in your throat and reached to your mask. You can't get out of this. Even if you aren't showing your true face still, you can help but feel vulnerable. You took pride with how expertly crafted the mask was. It was you own invention. It had the capability to become two seperate pieces. At least you didn't have to remove the entire mask, only the bottom half that would reveal your mouth and the tip of your nose. Silence followed as you felt all their eyes on your convincing cosmetics. You stared down at your soup and brought a spoonful to you lips. It was hot, hearty, and tasted of something you've never eaten before, the flavors of which were tantalizing.
Damn it.
"How did it happen?" Jullain asked. Your eyes flicked up to him and he had taken a bite out of a roll.
"Pardon?" You made sure to add a gruff and raspy edge to your voice, to act as though the scars are external damage and there is further issue that lies internally.
"The burns. Didn't you say you like hearing people's stories about these types of things? Share with us."
"I've been told I was struck by lightning. I was in the woods many years ago, which haven't had clear skies in almost a decade's worth of time. The strike rendered me unconscious while also setting the surroundings ablaze. I don't recall the faces of the people who bothered to pull me out, or burse me back to health. I'd rather not think more on the matter." You've cultivated the story in your head for months now. You assured there was no pieces that didn't make sense or had holes.
"You don't remember?" Asra seemed interested. You shook your head.
"The strike was quite a hit of blunt force, I was delirious for a long while."
"So the rest of you must look the same?" Julian inquired about the rest of your body possessing the same scarring.
"I'm also afraid I will not be stripping to confirm such a claim." There was an uproar of laughter. That was good for you. Dinner came to a close without any more compromising instances and you were free to put your mask back on.
"Leveret, tomorrow morning I shall take you to see what I have planned." The Countess said. You replied with acceptance to the statement. Julian and Asra exchanged a glance and then glanced at you with a faint glee. You weren't sure if you were to be nervous.
You didn't sleep well in the bed you were provided. You couldn't relax. In fact you dint feel like you dozed off even once by the time the sunrise weaved through the fabric of the curtains. You stood and readied yourself. The Leveret costume and mask was back in place. You were ready when the Countess came to your quarters, followed by two guards. She seemed pleased to see your state of being. She liked not having to wait.
You were led out into the gardens. The whole time the Countess talked about the masquerade. For the most part you were quiet, aside from the occasional words of false agreement. When she stopped walking, you did as well.
"Now you know all too well how much of a riot you are." She began. "This year I want to give you the proper tools at your disposal. No longer shall you fight for attention in the crowded ballroom. I present to you, your very own stage. You gestured forward into a clearing where a massive structure still under construction presented itself. It held resemblance to a circus tent while being intricately accessorized like a carousel.
"A place of mine within your abode. Such a generous gift, Countess. I'm afraid I'm hardly worthy."
"If that were the case I would not have commissioned it." There was an edge of annoyance to her words. "Go on, look around, construction is early enough to make any changes you desire and have it still be complete before the masquerade commences."
She followed behind you as you made your way onto the stage. It wasn't really a stage, it felt like an entire theater.
"It's aesthetic is wonderful. I just want to know what kind of mechanics it has."
"It can have any components you wish. You know what you need to put on a show." That's what her gifts were disguised as. She gave out luxuries to make herself look good. This stage for you was a means for her to be even more well received. "The head of construction will be here shortly for you to discuss."
Finally, after an uncouth amount of stress, you could leave the Palace. You only had to bud farewells to Nadia. That was wonderful. You didn't want to speak to the Sorcerer or Doctor.
You were given another carriage ride to the Colosseum, the people you had purchased during the auction were already waiting, by force, shackled to one another and fastened to the gate.
"You're dismissed." You said the carriage driver, who nodddd wordlessly and went to return to the palace.
The people cursed at you as you approached. Some of the obscenities you had never even heard before. You let them be mad. They had more than every right to be furious. You paid their words no mind as you took an end of the chains and began leading them out of the city. Despite their harsh words they complied to the move with little struggle. They must've been scared to be beaten or worse. In their eyes you mingled with the Countess and her crew, meaning you must be the same type of person.
It wasn't until you were traversing through golden wheat fields that you stopped. You scanned around the open surroundings. There was no place for any sort of spies to hide. You closed your eyes under your mask and breathed into your surroundings. There were no auras floating around in the sixth sense. No magic spell to watch over you. You were alone with these people. You reached a decisive hand up to your mask and undid the disguise. The action seems to confuse the people, just enough to make them quiet.
"I am so terribly sorry for any of the misfortunes that have fallen upon you. I can only promise that things will be different moving forward." You dropped the chain that leashed them all together. "I am (Name), but I'm sure you would all know me by a different name. While I appear to be the Leveret, I am also the Jinxer."
