Chapter Text
In the near future....
Her breathing was heavy as her footsteps treaded against the cold, metal flooring of the warehouse.
"Please no, please no, please no..." Velvet repeated over and over to herself. What had she done? What had she done?
The alarms kept blaring, the red lights flashing. She should be leaving, she should be exiting... but her heart twisted and turned when she saw someone wasn't behind them...
She turned over her head to find Veneer close to her heel; tears staining his dirt covered face already. His breathing was heavy as he followed his sister through the corridors. Together they barged through two metal doors that lead them to a wide open warehouse that was beginning to catch fire.
"DAD!!!" They both called out at the same time. Their eyes scanning the rubble below for any signs of their father.
Veneer was the first to hop over the railing and onto some metal stairs that lead below. Velvet's breathing never ceased, her heart continued to pound when she couldn't find her father.
"DAD!!!" She called out again. The fire caught quickly; debris from overhead began to tumble down. Velvet quickly made her way down to catch up with her brother: she was not about to lose him either...
.... This was her fault... It's all her fault.
She had her family again... everyone. Her mom, dad, brothers... She also had Apollo. But what did she trade it for? Yet again, she traded everything for pride, luxury... fame, "...Maybe he made it out?" She tried telling herself, "Maybe he made it out after us after all?"
"Vels come on! Help me look for him! DAD!!" Veneer's cries were getting more desperate. His eyes stringing with dust, ash, and tears. "DAD!!!!!"
Together they over turned rumble, praying that their father wouldn't be under any one. For a moment they split apart, time growing short as the fire grew and grew. Velvet felt herself growing aggravated and desperate.... until...
"DADDY!!!!" She heard Veneer cry out.
Velvet dropped everything and made her way towards her brother's horrid cry, "....No, no, no, no no..." She repeated to herself. Her footsteps came to a halt when she saw Veneer caressing their fathers limp body.
"Dad! Dad, come on get up!!! Get up!! We're here!! We're here for you! Mom is waiting... you promised her you'd come back... you'd promised me we wouldn't be separated again!! Daddy please!!! Vels! Vels help me wake him up!" Veneer begged.
...Never had Velvet seen her father in such a state. He was the strong one. Nothing ever hurt him. He was unbreakable, immortal. Yet there he was: limp, cold. Blood stained his face and clothes. Fear locked her in place.
"Vels help me please!!!!" Veneer begged.
But she couldn't move...
"I AM NOT YOUR LITTLE GIRL ANYMORE!!! I AM BUILDING MY OWN EMPIRE!! WHATEVER IT TAKES, I'LL BE BETTER THAN YOU DAD!!!" She could hear her cold words echoing in her mind.
....Whatever it takes....
....She sold her father out... They figured out his one weakness that would be the end of him: his family. All because she sold him out... for what? Velvet fell to her knees as she realized what she had become: she had become her father's enemy.
....Whatever it takes....
"VELS!!!" Veneer cried again.
".....Ven....what....what did i do-" Her breathing quickened as she clenched her chest, "....I helped them kill dad....I helped them kill dad....OH MY GOSH....I KILLED DAD!!!"
Present Day
Summit Rageous...
Emeryl's phone rang.
His office was dark, an eerie red lighting illuminating it every so slightly. One the couch to his left sat his sister: Vivian. She had been seeing her brother grow angrier and angrier... she began to grow afraid. He had told her no news of Velvet and Veneer since their escape a year and a half ago. Then again, he kept the news from her, completely cutting her from the outside world. Vivian eyed her brother as he picked up the phone.
"....What." His words were dry and dark.
"....Sir...I- I have some ill news." The voice on the other line said. Emeryl was silent, his eyes angry with a glint of hatred. With no other word, the voice on the other line continued, "...Sir, it seems- it seems we have lost contact with the Bluelight District in Under Rageous... They've... They've been taken over by new management."
".... How much did they buy it out for?" Emeryl finally asked.
"...That's the thing, sir... there was no transaction involved."
"What the hell do you mean?"
"We don't know that yet sir. But no transactions involved at all... they just took over everything in the blink of an eye."
Emeryl let out a long angry sigh, "...How many have we lost now?"
"...This would make three, sir."
Emeryl slowly stood from where he sat, a dark glare in his eyes, "Tell those bastards in the under-city to get their head out of their asses!!! Unless they want me coming down there myself!!! DONT YOU IDIOTS GET IT!!! THEY'RE AFTER MY BUSINESS IN THE UNDER-CITY THEN THEIR COMING UP HERE!!! GET THE FUCK IN LINE!!!"
Click!! He slammed the phone, breaking it on his desk.
"AAGGGH!!!" He cried out throwing the broken phone against the giant monitor causing it to crack and break. Vivian flinched at the impact; each day growing more afraid for her well being.
At that moment Emerly looked at her, "...It seems that your daughter is taking up very well after her father."
She blinked at her brother, "....Velvet?... You think- you think all this is Velvet's doing?"
"She disappears, her and her brother. Suddenly within no time at all I started losing my businesses in the under-city. Coincidence?"
Vivian blinked. As far as she could remember her brother told her that Velvet wanted nothing with her father's business and name in the under-city. Especially after Vivians' disappearance- Vaughn and Velvet had spiraled the most. But what if it is true?
.... Whatever the case, Vivian needed to play it low... for her children's sake.
"You told me she had no desire to take up her father's throne in the under-city. Why would she do it now with him gone?"
"Like I said, she is her father's daughter. I am sure she has help from her brother and her new lover."
"...Lover?" Vivian's heart skipped a small beat. Did her daughter really find someone? And she wasn't there to experience it with her.
Emeryl's eyes went down to some blueprints he had on his desk: his plans for the ultimate Rageous. Plans that were being postponed to the things happening now. He knew it was Velvet... he knew it was BOTH of them.
"Despite them being my niece and nephew, I will not hold back in the punishment I have for them when I find they are destroying MY legacy."
"You don't even know it's them!!" Vivian stood to her feet. With a snap of his fingers a guard came in holding Vivian back as she struggled to break free.
"Oh I know it's them, little sister. Don't fret. When I get hands on them I'll allow for a small goodbye before I end them like I did your dear husband." Emeryl smirked, "Take her away."
"No!! Don't touch them!! Don't touch my children!! You're lying!!! Vaughn isn't dead!!! You're a liar and a coward!!!!" Vivian screamed as they dragged her away.
Emeryl's smirk dropped as soon as she left.
....Vaughn.
That could be the only reason why this was happening. He had reunited with his children... and now together they were seeking revenge...
... Emeryl needed to act fast.
Meanwhile in Under Rageous...
The club's music was bursting from the open doors. Under Rageons made a line to enter. One particular Rageon marched past the rest. Her black heeled boots clicked against the cold concrete of the under-city. Her black jacket shined against the neon lightings of the club. No entourage, no nothing, she simply walked up to the guards, hood pulled over her head.
"ID. We don't let just anyone in here." The Goyle Rageon security demanded.
"For me there are always exceptions." The girl muttered, "It's sooo important that I go in. Please let me in." She peaked from under the hood, her eyes giving off a pink glow, a sweet innocent smile plastered to her lips.
As if in a trance the Goyle Rageon swayed, her spell overcoming him, ".... It's important. Go ahead, come in." He muttered dryly as he opened the doors.
"Aww, thank you!" The girl patted his cheek as she entered the club. Once inside, she pulled back her hood revealing her bright green hair. "Sucker." Velvet smirked as she stood at the top floor of the club. Below her the music and lights blared, Under Rageons and Bergen alike moving together to the music.
Velvet took a moment to circle the area taking in the scene. On one end were rooms: rooms Rageon or Bergens could go in and have a good time. On the other end she noticed an entrance into another bigger area, "Bingo." She muttered.
She made her way down the stairs and straight towards her desired destination. A few male Rageons and Bergens alike tried to get her to dance,but she declined.
As she continued making her way a set of eyes were on her from the top floor of the club. Another Goyle Rageon spoke into his mic, "... She's here. She's making her way to the Red Room.... No. There's no one else. She's on her own.... Copy. Neutralize the target."
Click. He loaded his gun...
"Over my dead body." A voice behind him spoke. Before the Goyle could react, a strong force whacked him upside the head causing him to fall unconscious to the ground. A dark grey Bergen smirked as he pulled the fainted Goyle into a small closet closing the door behind him.
"Cake." Vince smiled, dusting his hands.
"It's kinda scary that you enjoy this." Another bright green head popped in next to the Bergen: swooped green hair with a purple beanie plastered on top.
"Come on, Veneer. Just some fun. Not really gonna hurt anyone unless they try to hurt you or our sister." Vince reached over ruffling the small Rageons hair.
Veneer swapped his hand away, "Hey! Watch it! I have someone to meet later." He adjusted his beanie on his head.
"Oh, that's right. You have another "non-date" with Maleek." Vince air quoted, "Pretty sure he'll be impressed on how you managed to swipe those keys and get us in here."
"Don't start. Let's just help Velvet get this over with." Veneer adjusted his own black jacket.
Velvet's presence alone made others turn and watch her: her confidence, her demeanor. It wasn't only that; they all knew who she was as well. Velvet couldn't hide the smirk that formed on her lips at the shock her presence made alone. She was Velvet; con artist queen. She decided to take the name and wear it as a crown as she began to make her mark in the under-city. She pushed back the curtains and entered the Red Room. Silence overcame everyone in there as Velvet marched across the room to the one Rageon she was looking for in particular.
Smoke filled the room as a strong essence filled the Rageons with a strange yet soothing feeling. No. It wasn't Trolls. This was something else. Something else Velvet wanted to get her hands on for herself. Who more than to go to the guy who owned the source himself. The Rageon she was looking for sat at the center of the couch in a man spread, one girl giggling and laughing on each arm. A cigarette on his lips as he inhaled the smoke around the room. He was a Hybrid, Goyle and Gorgen mixed. Horns stuck out from the sides of his face, snakes coiling around. They hissed as they sensed Velvet's presence grow close.
"Well, well, the queen con artist herself." He smirked, "Got word you were around my club."
"How cute." Velvet crossed her arms, "You thinking this is still your club. In a few minutes this will be my club and I'll have you tossed out on your ass in a second."
"The hell you think you are, little girl? Think just cause you were able to get your way up there in Mount Rageous it'll be the same down here?"
"Oh, I've learned a few tricks that'll get me exactly why I want, when I want." She leaned forward on the table. Her eyes shifted to the girls sitting next to him, "Why don't you save yourselves and leave. I heard he has really bad crabs." Her eyes glowed.
A look of disgust formed on the female Rageon's face as they quickly left the room, "What gives! Ladies!! Don't listen to this bitch!! The fuck!" He glared at Velvet, his snakes standing and hissing. The room began to clear except for a handful of Rageons: his entourage.
"Oh come on, the way you sleep around? You have to have something." Velvet chuckled sitting herself on a couch, crossing her legs as she smiled at everyone around her, "Now. I don't want to hurt any of you since you all are going to be working for me soon."
"Like hell they are!" The Hybrid Rageon marched his way to face her, "The fuck you want?!"
"You're business."
"This damn club? Hah please."
"The club? Oh hell no. Although," She pursed her lips glancing around the place, "I am looking to expand my location. This club is in a good spot and like, oh my gosh, it could toooottallly use an upgrade."
"Expand? The fuck you talking about? And what the hell do you know about running any kind of damn business?"
"Let's just say it runs in my blood. Besides, me getting this club would just be plus! No, I want the business you run in this under-city: you have hands on some valuable minerals, don't you?" She smiled, cocking her head. "Minerals that's a perfectly good resource for a number of things."
The Hybrid was stumped, "I- I don't know what you're talking about?"
"You don't? Oh darn it. Well let's give you the recap then, yeah? Apollo, mind doing the honors?" She crossed her legs glinting at her nails as if unimpressed by all this.
The Hybrid arched his brow confused as to who the hell she was talking to. Until he heard a voice coming from the corner of the room, "Sure thing, princess." An orange haired Strobe beamed. His green eyes lit by the computer he had with him on his lap, a lollipop in mouth as if this was just another casual meeting.
Apollo continued to speak, "Looks like he had some transactions here for a few big companies. Oh look! Some in the Summit. Damn they pay a lot for this stuff. Oh, Vels, looks like the main warehouse is farther up the mountains! Sweet!"
"The fuck are you?!" The Hybrid demanded.
"Oh!! I'm her guy in the chair, amongst other things." Apollo wiggled his eyebrows, "Got in here with ID."
"ID are invited members only!"'
"Which I have been since like, two hours ago? Amazing what you can do with technology right." Apollo flaunted his fake ID.
"You small shit." The Hybrid took out a gun, aiming it straight for the Strobe's head.
"Oh, no, no. Don't pull that trigger, sweetie." Velvet called out in her sweet voice, her eyes forming that pink glow once again. The Hybrid lost complete control of his body; with all his strength he tried pulling the trigger, but he couldn't. This feeling... he didn't like it, as if he wasn't in control, "Why don't you point that gun to your own head for some comfort, handsome."
...And he did; the barrel of the gun aimed straight to the temple of his head. His men around him stared at him like he was crazy, "....THE....FUCK...." The Hybrid said through gritted teeth.
"First, no one dares point a gun at my boyfriend. Second, we're going to make a little deal: you're going to sign off and give everything to me without any turf war claims. All your assets and workers mine. If you deny, well, then you're just going to shoot yourself in the head."
"Like hell I am!!!" At that his men took out their guns to aim Velvet. The door then bursted open, Vince came in and disarmed each one with ease. A low growl rumbled through his chest as he bared his fangs at the thugs.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He growled.
Veneer came behind him. He casually grabbed a gun on the floor, handing it back to one of the thugs. The thug looked at Veneer quizzically before the green haired Rageon smiled, a glow coming to his own eyes, "Mind pointing that at your friends?"
Without a thought the thug turned to point the gun towards his comrades; his hand shaking as he tried to turn it away... but his will wasn't his own anymore.
"...The fuck are you and your brother?" The Hybrid stared at Velvet in horror.
"I think you already know who we are." Velvet smiled. Apollo appeared next to her holding out the computer towards the Hybrid. Displayed on the screen was everything, documents, wills... his right to owning the business, "Now. Do we have a deal? Or is your finger slowly putting pressure on the trigger?"
At that sentence the Goyle could feel the pressure his finger was putting on the loaded gun, "FINE! FINE!! YOU WIN!! YOU WIN!!"
Velvet clasped her hands together, "Oh perfect!! So you're saying you're giving everything to me? No turf war claims? It's better if you say it." Her eyes glowing again.
"Yes, yes! Everything is yours! No war! No hard feelings!" He gave her a weakened smile.
"Oh you're such a doll!! Babe, mind transferring everything to me. Including the bitz he has now." She wrapped an arm around the Strobe.
"Bitz? Even my money?"
"Duh!! I did say everything right?"
"But that'll leave me with nothing!!!" The Hybrid growled.
Velvet shrugged, "That's not my problem. I mean you don't have the best track record so you kinda deserve it."
"Done!" Apollo smiled, "Princess, you are now the owner of the Azphalt Industry."
"Perfect!! Now, about that memory of yours and everyone in here. Ven, you're up!" She smirked down at the Hybrid.
Veneer looked at Vince. The Bergen gave him a small smile, pressing his shoulder for reassurance. Veneer exhaled as he approached the center of the room, all eyes on him. True, he and his sister being twins had this same so-called talent: having people bend to their will with mere words. But Veneer had discovered something he could only do; something his sister had tried but failed. This is why she made him come with her on her little missions. He didn't even know how he could do it... but Veneer figured he could take memories from people... and, well, he found out the hard way...
Veneer put on a purple bangle on his wrist: a new accessory he carried. He knelt down in front of the Hybrid Rageon first. He looked at Veneer with wide eyes: he was terrified. The green haired Rageon extended a hand, touching the cheek of the Goyle with a finger. Like he once absorbed the talent and essence of Floyd, Veneer absorbed this Rageons memories. He tried only to take this moment, anything that had to do with this whole business... at least he hoped he didn't take anything else.
One by one Veneer approached them absorbing their memories; the purple bangle on his wrist glowing as he did so. When he was done, he took off the bangle and placed it in his pocket; all his victims in a trance as their minds tried to heal and figure out what was real and what wasn't.
Velvet smirked, "One day you'll learn how to do that without that jewel... just like I did with the essence."
Veneer didn't return the smile... he honestly wasn't sure he wanted to learn... things like this never ended well.
"...When everyone here comes to, this would have all been a dream... Running this place, working here and so on... It was all a dream and I was running everything the whole time." Velvet said those words with one final glow to her eyes, "Alright boys, let's roll."
Outside the club, the Rageons who partied inside were escorted out as Velvet declared the club closed for renovations. It didn't take long; with the bat of her eyelashes and her sweet voice, she bent their will to do hers. Vince stood guard behind her with his arms crossed. Veneer stood off to the side, leaning on the cold brick wall; his eyes shifting as if lost in thought.
"You good?" Veneer was startled as Apollo's voice broke his train of thought. Veneer turned to find Apollo perched himself on a radiator, his head cocked to the side looking down at Veneer.
Veneer was slowly (very slowly) warming up to this Strobe. One, he took his sister away from him back to Mount Rageous almost two years ago. Second, well, what more, he was dating his sister! Veneer knew that they were "physical". Heard them once down the hall but tried not to make a big deal. Aside from that... Apollo seemed to genuinely care for Velvet; love her despite her flaws. He had to give it to the Strobe, he was the only thing anchoring Velvet from really going mad.
"....Yeah. I'm alright."
Apollo stared at Veneer for a moment before he spoke, "... Don't like it, hermano. I saw your face there. I've seen your face every time you have to do that: you hate it."
"...I do. But as long it keeps turf wars from happening; as long as it keeps my sister safe." Veneer muttered.
"Yeah. But at what cost to you? Does it hurt you?"
"No. Just feels weird.... Their memories kinda become mine. I just don't want my reality to get mixed with theirs you know.."
Veneer suddenly felt Apollo's hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Apollo giving him a warm smile. Funny how small he was close up. He didn't think Velvet would have a thing for shorter guys, but here they were, ".... You've proven stronger than you think, hombre. That won't happen."
Veneer couldn't help but manage a small smile, "...Thanks.... I guess this means I'll have to be nicer to you."
"That would be nice!" Apollo beamed, "...I could use a brother, you know."
Veneer chuckled then heard the familiar clicking heels as Velvet approached, "Hey. Go flirt with your own boy toy. This one is mine."
"Whoa, whoa. Not gonna happen. Appa aint my type... no offence." Veneer shrugged at the Strobe.
"Yeah, yeah. That's what this one said and look at us now." The Strobe smiled.
Velvet smacked his arm, "Shut up."
Veneer smiled as he rolled his eyes, "Okay. My job here is done. I'm gonna head out. I do have plans, you know."
"Ugggghh. Maleek? Am I right?" Velvet scoffed, "It's because of you I'm forced to "get along" with his sister."
"And no one appreciates it more than me."
"Whatever. When are you finally gonna admit you two are dating?"
"....We're... We- Shut up! Vince!! I'm ready to go!" Veneer marched off to find his Bergen brother.
"You know he's warming up to me." Apollo gushed as he leaned against the brick wall.
"Oh really? And what would make you think that?" Velvet arched her brow.
"Come on. People warm up to me eventually. I mean look at you." He winked, "I guess you can call that my special talent, huh."
She walked up to lean against the wall next to him, "Hmm, being an obnoxious dweeb? Alright I'll settle, that's your talent."
"...Heeeeyyy. Come on, give me some credit, princess. Not all of us can be like you or your brother. Even Vince is suave, fast, and strong... And Maleek is a good fighter, not to mention what his snakes can do... Even Morgona... my own brothers..." Apollo's voice began to falter, "....Everyone has something... except me..."
Velvet noticed the change in his mood. She began to recognize the pattern in his lighting. His lights dimmed to a soft glow: sadness was drooping in. She hated when he got sad. He was always the happy one, and sometimes she never knew how to cheer him up. It was him always doing it to her. Velvet shifted herself to where she leaned up against him, pinning him against the wall, her arms wrapping over his neck. With her heels she stood a foot taller than him, but something about having this dominant feeling she loved.
"What do you mean, except you? Who is able to hack into any system? Who the hell builds things like you do? That bracelet my brother has? Who has the brains to do all that stuff?"
"I'm pretty sure there are others out there, princess."
"Really? Then how come I haven't met any other one except you, nerd? I guess being a nerd is your talent."
Apollo arched his brow, "Okay... is that a compliment, cause it doesn't sound like one?"
She smirked, silencing him with a kiss, her lips gently pressing against his, ".... You also have another talent you kow?" She spoke between kisses, "A talent that you unleash in the bedroom. A talent only I've seen."
"Oh. That talent." He smirked, "You sure I shouldn't share that one with the world?"
She smacked the back of his head, "Shut up. That's not even funny, moron." Then brought him into another prolonged kiss.
The night was cold, but at that moment Velvet felt a warmth. She didn't even know how much time flew by; kissing Apollo against the cold brick walls felt like an eternity. Sometimes she would think that maybe she should leave everything and run off with him... live a quiet life somewhere. But at the same time the thrill and riches of this life called to her. She wanted to say the words to him right there. Was this the right time? Would it be bad luck if she said it? Would it ruin everything they've been through?
....I love you...
She wanted to say those words right there and then. She had been wanting to say those words for a long time...
"Perhaps I should come back another moment?" An accented deep voice came in.
Recognizing the voice, Velvet and Apollo pushed each other away, a huge blush running across Apollo's freckled face. Vaughn stood with his arms crossed staring down at both of them. The collar of his black trench coat pulled up over his neck; his ice blue cold eyes staring at both of them.
"DAD!! Could you have at least coughed or something?!" Velvet blushed.
"Supposedly you are out here on a mission. I believe you had another mission in mind then." Vaughn arched a brow.
"You being here means my mission was successful." She crossed her arms, "I got the business and the bitz. I already transferred some to you if that's why you're here."
"I noticed. I sent them back. From now on you rightfully keep what you get. I am here on another note." Vaughn's eyes dropped to the ring on his finger.
Velvet would never admit, but her heart hurt seeing her dad missing her mother this much. Would he ever love again? Could he? She and Veneer have spoken about finding him another match. They noticed all the women who would give their father that lustful look... but it was hard to imagine him with anyone else other than their mother. Besides, his love for her was too much.
"Then why are you here dad?"
Vaughn inhaled deeply, not sure how to choose his next words, "...I have... I have gotten confirmation... I don't know how... but your mother.... She's- she's alive."