Chapter Text
As Floyd continues to drag Grim and me by our arms, still nearly yanking them off with each pull, I can’t help the sense of trepidation that is settling in my gut. Azul is, for the most part, a good guy. But that doesn’t mean all of the rumors about him being conniving and cunning are wrong. That’s good for a man in his position, but it still scares the crap outta me.
“Don’t be scared Koebi-Chan! You an Baby Seal are part of our family now! That means you’ll never have to see Azul’s scary side! And plus we’ll protect ya!” Floyd says with a toothy grin.
My eyes widened slightly and Grim splutters tripping slightly on the other side of me. I wasn't expecting such sweet words from Floyd of all people. That surprised me. And Grim by the looks of it as well. But I gotta say I like this side of Floyd. Maybe I was wrong about him at first.
“Thanks, Floyd I really appreciate that,” I say with a small smile.
Floyd gives a giggle. “No problem Koebi-Chan.”
Floyd, Grim, and I round another corner and come to the elevator but before we get inside we are–well more like I am, stopped by a deep voice, tall irritatingly handsome stature, and deep green eyes.
I let out a soft sigh. “I didn’t see you in the breakfast hall, Leona. Where were ya?”
Leona lets out a chuckle and smirks. “What? Did you miss me Herbivore? I got my food before everyone and went to the Botanical Garden.” He meets my gaze and his smirk widens. “Which reminds me, you wanted to hear allll about Sunset Savannah’s history. And I remember you making a deal with me that I’d give you those stories in exchange for being my lap pillow. “
I huff out a laugh and nod. “Alright, but first I’ve got to go see Azul for some manager duties. I’ll join ya after kay?”
Leona reaches forward and ruffles my hair causing me to let out a whine and swat his hands away. “You have to see that octopus eh? Ok, but I won’t wait forever. Don’t make me chase you down Herbivore.”
I chuckle. “Wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll see you in a bit Leona. C’mon guys we don’t want to keep Azul waiting.”
We then head into the elevator and Grim and I brace ourselves for it to shoot up. Floyd clicks the twelfth-floor button and it shoots up. Grim and I still stumble out after even though it was just six floors we rose through.
“That’s still going to take a while to get used to,” I mumble, bracing myself on the wall to try and rid myself of vertigo.
“Tell me about it. I may just start takin’ the stairs.” Grim says as he shakes his head to get rid of his dizziness.
Floyd just smiles and puts his hands lazily behind his head. “You guys are silly. By the way Koebi-Chan, I didn’t know you were close with Sea Lion.”
Close. Right. If you wanna call it that. I push off the wall with a snicker. “I wouldn’t say we’re close, he just happened to take an interest after Grim and I kinda sorta–”
“Hid in his dressing room to avoid Jade and me?” Floyd finishes for me.
“Yea, that. Plus I wanted to more about Sunset Savannah's history, and in exchange for being his lap pillow, I get to learn.”
Grim rolls his eyes and lets out a snort. “Once a history buff, always a history buff.”
Nudging Grim on the shoulder, I smile up at Floyd. “Anyways enough about him. We’ve got a meeting with Azul remember?”
Floyd’s face pulls into a pout. “Aww, but I want to know more about your relationship with Sea Lion!”
Relationship? My face immediately warms at that even though I try my best to hide it. “Y-you got it all wrong, Floyd. There’s nothing going on between me and Leona. If anything, he just sees me as someone to amuse himself with.”
“Uh-huh.” Both Grim and Floyd say at the same time.
“It’s the truth!” I say, puffing up my cheeks in frustration.
Floyd lets out a giggle. “But he usually doesn’t pay much attention to anyone except Ruggie and Jack. He’s going out of his way to talk to you Koebi-Chan.”
My eyes widen slightly at this. But then I just shake my head. No, I don’t have time for relationships, and besides if Leona knew, hell, if the whole group knew where I came from and the things I was forced to do, I don’t think they would want me as their manager.
I feel a hand touch my arm gently, bringing me out of my head. Grim is looking at me with a concerned look. “You good Yuu?” Grim asks. “You’re safe now, you’re not back there.” He says just soft enough that only I can hear him.
I give Grim a small smile. “Thanks, Grim. I’m good. And yea, I know.”
If Floyd noticed our little interaction or my reaction to his comment, he doesn’t act like it. “Well, we should probably get to Azul before he sends Jade or gives me more work,” Floyd says starting down the hall. I have to practically speedwalk to keep up with his long strides.
As Grim and I finally catch up, we round the hall and head straight for probably the biggest and most impressive office I have ever seen. At the end of the hall sits two glass windows that cover the entire back wall and right in the middle, is an ornate black door with a gold octopus motif sitting in the center with its tentacles stretching out to cover the top corners of the door.
“What the point of a solid color door if the rest of your office is gonna be see-through?” Grim questions.
“It’s actually one-way glass. You can see out but you can’t see in. You only think you are seeing inside.” Jade says as he comes out of the door.
Floyd puts his hands behind his head in a lackadaisical manner. “Oh hey, Jade. Well, I brought ‘em. So that means my job is done. I’m outta here. Bye Baby Seal! Later Koebi-Chan.” Floyd then takes off in the direction that way came before I can even utter my goodbyes.
I hear Jade chuckle. “Floyd and his moods. You can never tell what my brother will do sometimes.”
I smile at him. “Yea, I’ve come to figure that out really quick.”
“You bet we have Minion! He nearly yanked our arms off to get over here!” Grim complains.
Jade lets out a small chuckle. “He gets excited. Now, if you two will follow me inside, Azul is waiting for you.” Jade says as he holds the door open for Grim and me.
If Floyd is night, Jade is most definitely the day. Those two may be twins but they are a stark contrast to each other. Floyd is rambunctious and high-energy. You can never predict what he’ll do. While Jade takes on the appearance of a polite gentleman. Although, I can tell there’s something behind that smile.
It’s no surprise that Jade and Floyd are the team leads of the security team for Night Raven. With Floyd’s brute force and unpredictable attitude and Jade’s gentlemanly facade to hide a more meticulous and conniving mindset, no one would dare cross them or try in the slightest to do harm to anyone at Night Raven. Or break a rule set during any of their concerts and fan meets for that matter.
Grim and I head into Azul’s office with Jade following right behind us. If Azul’s office looked impressive from the mere things we saw on the outside, it’s a masterpiece on the inside. What looked like just a giant office is actually a beautifully decorated room with dark purple walls, ocean motifs scattered here and there on them with an impressive large half-circle black leather couch smack dab in the middle of the room.
A big floor-to-ceiling window is the first thing you see as you first walk in. As I look out from where I stand, the view of the island the Tower is on is absolutely magnificent. Then there are things that actually make it look like an office. Bookshelves line the walls all around with the occasional file cabinet.
I have to suppress a chuckle when I look over at one bookshelf in particular and see a numerous collection of things you would find in a shipwreck. Little different trinkets, gold coins, there’s even a model ship in a bottle. At least I think it’s a model. With Azul you never quite know what he’s capable of, being a man who keeps his cards very close to his chest so to speak.
“They are some of the many trinkets I brought with me when I came on land. You’re free to take a closer look if you’d like Miss Yuu.”
My head snaps immediately in the direction of Azul’s voice and I see that he was behind a large pinewood desk off to the right side of the room watching as I practically gawked at everything in his office. Well. That’s not embarrassing at all.
I hear Jade chuckle behind me and I even hear Grim give a small snicker. In retaliation, I lightly hit Grim upside his head and clear my throat as I force a smile on my face.
“No, it’s alright. Those items look pretty cool though. You must be quite the collector. Also, Azul please, just call me Yuu.”
“Oi! Minion, that hurt!” Grim complains as he gives me a look of contempt.
This time it’s Azul’s turn to chuckle. “I must say it was rather fascinating to find some of those things in the occasional shipwreck that Jade and Floyd would drag me along to. And alright, if you insist. Yuu.” He then gestures to the couch. “And you don’t have to keep standing there, please take a seat and make yourself comfortable.”
“If I remember correctly, It was you Azul, who was always eager to come along with us when Floyd found a new shipwreck to search through.” Jade points out with a snicker.
If I didn't look up at Azul right when I did, as Grim and I sit down on the couch, I would have missed the flustered glare that Azul sent Jade’s way. Heh, cute. Good to know that there’s more to the cool-headed, conviving businessman personality that Azul likes to put forth.
“Well, I believe here is where I take my leave. Yuu, Grim, have a good meeting. I hope we get to spend more time getting to know each other in the future. If anyone needs me, I’ll be–”
“In the greenhouse on the roof, tending to your mushrooms. Yes Jade, I know.” Azul finishes for him still clearly irritated by his teasing a few seconds ago.
Jade just gives his signature smile as he tips his fedora and exits Azul’s office.
Azul lets out a sigh and puts his own fedora onto the desk in front of him. “I apologize for Jade. Because we’ve known each other since childhood, he likes to take the occasional jab at me.”
My lips curl into a small smile. “Nah it’s alright. I think it’s kinda cute actually. The Seven only knows how many times Grim has taken jabs at me.” I nudge Grim playfully.
“You pick on me too Henchman!” Grim fires back.
I just stick my tongue out at him.
Our back and forth brings out a chuckle from Azul. “Yes, I guess when one knows someone for so long that ends up as a way to express fondness. I guess.” He then clears his throat. “Anyways. Let’s get down to why I needed to speak with you. Night Raven is about to go on our yearly world tour and as managers, you two are an integral part of putting it together and making sure everything runs smoothly.”
I let out a puff of air through my nose. That’s a lot to put on someone who just started a mere day ago.
As if he could read my thoughts, Azul smiles at Grim and me and moves to get out a thick-looking manilla folder. “Not to worry Yuu. You won’t be in this alone. I’ll be helping you and of course, as the leader of Night Raven Vil will be helping too. But since you and Grim need to be doing most of the work since you two are the managers, after all, I put together a folder with all of the information that you could possibly need to get this tour to go off without a hitch and run perfectly. I have the utmost faith in you that you will succeed.”
An uncertain feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. Could we really do this? I take the folder and set it in my lap forcing a smile onto my face. “Alright, thanks Azul. I’ll make sure to read over it when I get some time to do so later today.”
Azul nods. “Just make sure to look through it as soon as possible. I plan for us to begin the tour at the end of this week. So you have seven days to start the scheduling, help Vil prepare songs and rehearsals, and make sure that everyone has everything they need to go. Don’t worry about the venues, I have that covered. But also speaking of making sure everyone has everything, seeing that our first stop is the Queedom of Roses, I want you to keep a close eye on Riddle just to make sure he is doing alright among other things. His family can be rather,” He pauses trying to find the right word. “Overbearing. I’d talk to Riddle himself if you want more information. But it is a rather sensitive topic so you might want to speak with Trey first seeing that he and Riddle have grown up together.”
My eyes soften at Azul’s information. I can definitely sympathize with the topic of difficult families, but for someone like Azul to be concerned? I’m definitely taking him up on the advice to talk to Trey and perhaps Riddle himself about this.
“Don’t worry Azul! My Henchman is the perfect person to talk to about dealing with difficult family members!” Grim states with a proud smile.
I freeze at Grim’s proclamation though. I know he meant well, but the last thing I need is for Azul to start prying into my past. Azul just merely raises an eyebrow but then nods. “I’m glad we have someone so capable for a manager then. You as well, Grim. I expect great things from you as well.”
Grim stands straighter and puffs his chest out like a proud peacock. I have to hold back a series of giggles at this. He was always someone with a lot of pride. And someone from his all-time favorite band complimenting him? I’m going to be hearing about this for days.
“But of course! I am the great Grim, so I always do amazing things!”
I let out a sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose while Azul on the other hand lets out a chuckle. “Heh, well then that’s all I have to tell you two for now. If you have any questions don’t be afraid to come and find me. I’m always willing to help.”
“Nah I think we’ll be good. I’m not in the mood to be in debt more than I am. I know of your contracts mister.” I say with a playful smirk.
Azul smirks back. “I only wish to help, Yuu. I do, after all, strive to copy the benevolence of the great sea witch from the Seven.”
My smirk widens and I stand up, Grim following suit. “Sure you do Azul, sure.” A chuckle leaves me and I put the folder under my arm. “Well, since we’re done, Grim and I will head out. Have a good day Azul.”
“You as well,” Azul says as we exit his office.
As the door closes behind us, I turn to Grim about to ask him if he wanted to come with me to hang out with Leona in the Botanical Garden, when we’re suddenly rushed by two familiar troublemakers.
“Yuu! Grim! Just the people we’ve been lookin’ for!” Ace says as he comes to a halt in front of us, Deuce following behind shortly after.
I let out a chuckle. “Hey, guys. What do you two need now?”
Ace pouts. “You make it sound like you’re always bailin' us out or something!”
I raise my eyebrow and fold my arms across my chest causing Ace to let out a bashful chuckle. “Fine, fine. Whatever. We were wondering if you could help us out with flamingo duty. You know spend some time with your favorites!”
Both Deuce and I end up giving him another ‘your joking right?’ look.
I let out a sigh, about to turn him down when an idea crosses my mind. “Do you think Riddle will be in there as well?”
“Well, around this time he usually comes by to feed the hedgehogs, so probably,” Deuce explained.
I nod with a smile. This might be a good opportunity to talk to him about what Azul mentioned. “Alright then, I’ll join you guys.”
Ace makes a confused noise. “What would you want with that stick in the mud?”
Deuce swats his arm. “Ace! He’s our superior damn it! You need to show more respect!”
He just lets out a snort in response to Deuce’s chastisement.
“I have my reasons. Let’s just say they’re manager ones.”
Ace crosses his arms and narrows his eyes at me but doesn’t pry any further. Thank the Seven.
“Well, lead the way, boys. Hey Grim, you’re coming along yea?”
Grim shakes his head. “Nah, not this time. What Jade said about his mushrooms and the green room seemed cool so I wanna check that out.”
I let out a small chuckle. The guy always did have an interest in plants, especially mildly ambiguous ones. “Alright, then we’ll meet up at the cafeteria around lunch then?”
“Sounds like a plan Minion!” Grim says as he rushes off towards the elevator without another word.
I can’t help the fond chuckle that passes my lips. Then turning back to Ace and Deuce I jerk my head towards the elevator as well. “Let’s head to where ever the flamingos are then, boys. I’m sure Riddle will be cross if you shirk it.”
They both shiver. “Don’t remind me.” They both say in tandem.