Chapters Hello Dear Readers,
In 1830, the French composer Hector Berlioz premiered one of his greatest pieces of orchestral music. This was the Symphonie Fantastique. A five-movement symphony that was fully program music, the first of its kind. It tells the story of a love-sick artist chasing the dreams of his love but is torn by grief and sorrow where eventually he is executed and is sent to hell where his beloved becomes the devil's witch. This was a fantastic piece of work that portrayed feelings through the power of music, but was also a piece of Berlioz's reality, for this was his autobiography in music form and his thematic idea in the entire piece, his Idee Fixie was an Irish actress named Harriet Smithson, whom after listening to this in a concert agreed to marry him. It didn't work out though as both Berlioz and Smithson divorced years later. Years later in 2011, a Deviantart curator named Cartuneslover16 invented the ship that took Deviantart by storm. It was a pairing between Regular Show's Mordecai and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's Twilight Sparkle ultimately creating the ship Mordetwi. Several years later in 2021, the ship that had been received life as a sort of a joke is enjoying a revival being a viral meme on TikTok and what better way on capitalizing on this ship is to write a fanfiction using the Symphonie Fantastique as inspiration. This will be a short story in five-seven chapters, of which is based on the five movements of the symphony. As a standard disclaimer, I do not own any of the cartoons or anime used in this story. They are property of their creators and therefore rightful owners, whomever they might be. Also, the following events are purely fictional, besides the names of the nations, wonders, and great people and have no ties to any other peoples, historical events, etc. and any relation is coincidental. The ships in the FanFiction are canon to most fandoms but some are made up. Most of the character's ages will remain the same unless written as otherwise. This fic will be rated PG-13. On another point, Mordecai and Twilight Sparkle will be human in the first parts of the story, and will transform in the very last chapter. If there any problems with this, feel free to leave a comment in the story, and if it is overwhelming I will go back and fix it as soon as possible. Please also keep in mind that being busy and all, I won't have time to update this quickly, I will update as much as a can quickly. Without further ado, please enjoy La Fiction Fantastique, a look into Mordecai's passion for Twilight Sparkle.
Best Regards,
Nicoville20
La Ficiton Fantastique
Prolouge
It is morning in the small European town of Tune Village, a town on the grow in the early 19th Century. The young thinkers of the day gather in the newly established coffee house. The Age of Enlightenment has enriched the lives of these students, and outcomes an age of romanticism and nationalism. Beethoven's music dominated the scene, even after his death. Revolutions were taking place all over Europe, as it happened in France years ago. Many of the young people have rejected the old ideas of all their elders and embraced new-age thinking from democratic principles to the portrayal of emotion through poetry, music, and art.
One of these new-age students was a young poet with blue hair named Mordecai B. Jay. A student at the local academy, learning the new ideals of the day. He was a deep man of culture, a man with a love for all things romantic. He is a frequent patron of the local coffee house where he talks with his mates about life and poetry. His mates include three students from the university.
One of them was a young blonde man named Edward Elric. A budding scientist studying chemistry from the same countryside village Mordecai was from. He has a brother, but since the death of their mother, his younger brother decided to take charge of the family farm. He often joins Mordecai and indulges in his philosophy and poetry. On that morning, Edward entered the coffeehouse, books and scrolls packed in his satchel.
"Bonjour Mordecai," He says, spotting the place where they meet.
"Bonjour Edward," Mordecai says back. Edward pulls up a chair, both bring out pennies which their regular server takes and bring them cups and a coffeepot.
"So Edward, how are your studies going?" Mordecai asks, taking a sip of the strong black coffee served. So does Edward before he responds.
"It's all coming along well. Professor Utonium is already teaching our class atomic theory. Took some extensive notes on the subject as well. You know, this sounds crazy. But, I think one could create life with just a few of these elements. It is a fact that is humans are created with such simple elements".
"Really? And what of these elements you speak of?" Edward pulls out a pocketbook he always brings with him, turning the pages to where he wants to. He proceeds to read off his little list.
"Water 35 Liters, Carbon 20 kilograms, Ammonia 4 Liters, Lime 1.5 kilograms, Phosphorous 800 grams, Salt 250 grams, Saltpeter 100 grams, Sulfur 80 grams, Fluorine 7.5 grams, Iron 5 grans, Silicon 3 grams, and fifteen traces of other elements".
"Whoa. Is that a shopping list or what?"
"These are what makes the human body, or so our professor told us. It could be possible to bring people back from the dead, or better yet create a new human being entirely. It's amazing I'll tell you that much. Best of all, all of these elements are cheap. Even a street urchin can afford to make a human".
"Interesting. A human creation scheme. Said urchin would make millions".
"But something is missing. Sure you can create life with science. But I have a feeling that something important is missing. Something even science can't explain".
"Perhaps," a new voice enters. "What is missing is something science can't bring. Something that must connect through the soul. Something like... religion". Another one of their mates popped in. A man with orange hair walks in, doing the same as his mates. Takes a penny out and pours his own cup of coffee. His name is Philip J. Fry. A philosophy student in the university who contemplates and questions everything in life, but also justifies religion into reason.
"Bonjour Edward, Mordecai".
"Bonjour Philip," both answer back.
"Sounds like creating humans is a little more tricker than you may think Ed. There has to be something that gives a human life. Something that makes them a person, a living creature. There has to be a connection to the outer realm. A connection to God".
"Sounds like someone believes in the belief of absolute monarchism" Edward responds sarcastically.
"But that's just it Ed. We don't know who controls the cosmos. We don't know if there is a heaven or a hell. Personally, I don't commit myself about heaven and hell. I have friends in both places. All we can learn after death is what will ever happen next".
"The argument continues. Like felines and canines" Mordecai replies trying to lighten the mood. "Oh by the way, have you heard about the Parisian revolution?"
"Another one? It's the third time already".
"But it's a given that people when not given the resources to survive, there will be tension between social classes," Fry says.
"Well thank God, my family does not reside in Paris" another voice responds. Enters the final of these mates, Tamaki Suoh. A man from a wealthy landowning family who has gone to the university to study music composition, under the influence of Bach and Beethoven. He like everyone else takes out a penny and grabs himself a cup of coffee.
"Bonjour Messieurs," Tamaki says gracefully.
"Bonjour Tamaki," they all reply in unison. The morning inside the coffeehouse was certainly becoming busier.
"Some of my family and friends are living in Paris. I certainly hope they don't go the way of my other relatives in 1790".
"I'm sure your relatives will be fine. A failed revolution in 1832 has proven that well" Mordecai responds to Tamaki's worries. "On a different note, Tamaki how are your music studies going?"
"Pretty much alright. Beaulieu has me working on fugues. Pretty much the most complicated thing I can think of. Bach is a great composer. But seriously, if there is a time I would need to represent hell, it would be a fugue".
"Sounds complicated, I could never dream of doing something like that. You have... such... talent...". Mordecai stopped speaking when out of the window, something caught his eyes. Something out of the ordinary, but not as much out of the ordinary. It was a group of sewing ladies, but one of them had fair purple skin and luscious dark purple hair. It was enchanting to Mordecai, who hasn't seen anything like it. He was decidedly in love. So much so, that he has been ignoring everything the others have been saying.
"Mordecai!!" Tamaki shouts, leaving his hands in front of his face, which causes Mordecai to break out of his trance.
"Oh, sorry. I was distracted by a beauty... a speck of light outside on the village square". He points outside and the students look. One of the women was familiar to Edward, whom he was seeing.
"Hey! Are you talking about my Winry?" Edward asks, slowly becoming suspicious.
"No! Not the blonde! I'm talking about her!" He clarifies pointing to the purple-skinned woman.
"Oh... Oh! I think Winry talked about her before".
"Who is she?"
"I think her name is... Twiggy Spankle? Or... No, wait". Edward tries to slowly remember what her name was, since it only was mentioned to him once. "Twistar... Twihead... No, I got it! Twilight Sparkle was her name".
"Twilight... Sparkle" Mordecai repeats. It was a strange feeling inside of him. Can it be? Is this strange feeling called... love? Is it true what Shakspeare wrote? Love at first sight? A Romeo and Juliet love story, coming true in front of his own eyes? He was distracted yet again, Edward had to snap his fingers to get his attention again.
"Mordecai!" he shouts, "Are you okay?"
"Oh, sorry".
"Anyway, Winry told me she has come here from another European country to study at the university. She works at the new fabric factory near the outskirts of town".
"A hard-working woman, AND a smart one too!" Mordecai was fully enchanted yet again.
"Yeah, it is surprising! When Napoleon was emperor," Fry starts. "There was a time when women were not allowed to do anything".
"Well thank God, that Napoleon is dead". Edward finishes his cup of coffee. "Well, I got to get going. Early morning classes have me in stitches".
"Before you go Ed!" Tamaki starts, "I want to all invite you to my manor tonight. I throwing a little soiree for my birthday. I've invited almost everyone in town to this event".
"It really pays that your father is a rich landowner".
"Well I don't like to brag much..." Tamaki didn't say anything else for a while. "Anyway, I hope to see you all tonight". Tamaki too finishes his coffee and starts leaving, "But I will see you three later as well. I should be getting on a pianoforte and practice". Both Edward and Tamaki leave the coffeehouse, as their regular server comes round to collect their empty cups.
"Sounds exciting, maybe this Twilight Sparkle will be there too," Mordecai says, a hint of flaming romance in his eyes. His heart is set on this woman he has only seen through the window.
"It's all that you can think about now isn't it?" Fry replies. He has rarely seen Mordecai in this state of total oblivion. Fry doesn't argue back and his attention is now on their regular server with black hair.
"Say, Monsieur Naofumi. You heard what Tamaki said. Are you going to his soirée tonight? I know he would be delighted to see you there". Naofumi laughed at the idea. A cynical man like himself, being invited to a rich boy's soiree was beneath him.
"Are you kidding me? Hell no!"
"What do you mean no? You're one of his favorite servers in this coffeehouse! And besides, I'm sure there will be fine bachelorettes for you to hook up with. After all, a woman in a man's life is the key to tranquility".
"Maybe where you are from. But!" Naofumi continues on with a stern tone, "I DO NOT mess with women. I had a thing for a Parisian Grisette, the bitch lied about me and had me sent out of town. I am not interested alright. I'm laying out from experience". He collects the rest of the coffee cups and pot.
"Listen. If you want to go around, having women by your side go on ahead. But you certainly don't want that blemish on your reputation. Trust me". He continues on with his work as Mordecai and Fry leave the coffeehouse to the dormitories of the university. They do not have classes until high noon, so they have plenty of free time to do whatever. For Mordecai however, there was one thing and only one thing he had in mind. The beautiful Purple-skinned woman named Twilight Sparkle.
"So Mordecai. Are you going to come with me to the theater? The actors of Hamlet are having a morning matinee. I know how much you like Shakespeare's work".
"Oh... No thanks. I have some other business to attend to".
"Suit yourself". As they were talking, he didn't know but Mordecai bumped into someone and he couldn't believe his eyes. It was the Twilight Sparkle he saw earlier this morning! It was by pure luck and divine providence that he would see her, her purple hair shining brightly in front of him with an air of radiance. Mordecai was in awe.
"I-I-... B-Bonjour mademoiselle. comment vas tu ce matin?""I-I-... Hello Miss! How are you this morning?"
"... ... ... was war das?" She finally responds. She can only speak and understand German, so whatever this man was saying is making no sense to her."... ... ... What was that?"
"je veux juste dire, comme tu es merveilleuse et belle aujourd'hui!""I just want to say, how wonderful and beautiful you are today!"
Twilight didn't say another word, and after a couple of seconds of awkwardness, she decides to slowly walk away from him. Mordecai couldn't understand, why did she not respond to his compliment? Perhaps... perhaps, she didn't like her at all. Mordecai starts to freak out a little. He has always been popular, especially with the ladies. But this is different. He felt dejected, ignored, heartbroken.
"Is it something I said?" Mordecai frantically asked. "Maybe she doesn't understand me? Or maybe she thinks I'm weird? Am I weird? What she hates me? She hates me! She really hates me!!"
"Oh relax Mordecai!" Fry shouts to him. "I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding. Perhaps if you were to talk to her again I'm sure she'll get to know you better. But for now, I think you should forget about it. Try and get her out of your head for now. It should probably calm you down".
"I hope your right Fry". He's probably right. Perhaps he should talk to her later, as well as stop thinking about her for the most part. Perhaps if he thinks of something else, he can forget about the bad impression he made on Twilight.
I. Daydreams of Mordecai's Passion
I. Daydreams of Mordecai's Passions
He couldn't stop thinking about her. Throughout his classes, he's been thinking about Twilight. He's been writing praises about her, tried finding her class schedule. he even tried to sneak into the factory of which she works just to get a whiff of her as well as drop some letters in her satchel, it was literally the only thing on his mind for the day.
Under the oak tree of the university, he continues to think about Twilight. Under the spring sun, he drifts into a daydream, but his dreams were not of the normality, at least not anymore. He is surrounded by the darkness, drifting into the abyss of melancholy. He floats around in a timeless void, of which Mordecai is no longer human. In his dreams, he is an anthropomorphic bluejay, a magnificent creature full of life and love. He enters his little land of dreams, with the winds of passion blows through the air. It was a world of fantasy and perhaps possibilities for the future.
He lands on the ground of his fantasy melancholic land. He enters his world that provides him with joy in a world of bleak, colorless, unchanging attitudes. It is a happier world where all are happy, free, wealthy, and romantic. All except for Mordecai. In his mind, he can never truly be happy. But he saw his friends, happy and married in his dreams. Married with children, living the rest of their days happily. There was no revolution sweeping the Paris streets, only the sounds of content people in a new republic of freedom. The sounds of the city creating a gushing and harmonious melody. He saw up above in the starry sky an object flying over the clouds. He wasn't sure what it was, but he has heard Edward talking about a concept of a flying machine. He has seen balloons flying with people up into the sky, but it was not one of those. But would he believe that these were a sight to behold, he pretended those flying machines in the starry sky were shooting stars. He could definitely use a wish right now.
As if everything happened at once, he heard the sounds of brass horns and drums, citizens gathering along the streets to see this magnificent celebrity walk down, surrounded by guards. To Mordecai's delight, it was his love, Twilight Sparkle. In his dreams, she is a purple unicorn with wings, or an alicorn to be more specific. An almighty creature, reaching the rank of nobility or a great politician. A sweet, beautiful melody is heralded in his ears as his eyes gaze upon her. The citizens were cheering her arrival in Paris. But Mordecai was just standing there in awe of her beauty. He tried to get closer to her to ask her for her hand In marriage. But he was cut off by a Republican Guard.
"Make way for the President's Wife!" He shouts, and this causes Mordecai to get all frantic again. Is he saying that Twilight has chosen someone else over him? He felt a bit pale. His beloved wouldn't abandon him for someone else? He thought no. He knows that her heart is true like his. He decides in that moment of passion to pursue her throughout the city to confront her.
He begins his chase, running through the streets. But with his chase comes obstacles. He was stopped by the speed of horseless carriages. Horseless carriages fill the road up to the point of congestion. With shire determination, he weaves through the carriages carefully before he gets back onto the other side of the street, running in haste to chase his only love.
He continues running, chasing the enticing smell of her elegant perfume. While the guards weren't looking behind her, Twilight makes seductive gestures at Mordecai as if she is saying, 'baby, get closer and I'll grant you eternal happiness'.
Enticed by her elegance and gestures, Mordecai runs faster and faster, trying to get closer to his sunshine. But he is stopped by this person, who he has never seen in his life. But this man, he starts talking to him.
"Bonjour, mon ami. Can Ol' Gil interest you in this state-of-the-art refrigerator?" Mordecai looks confused for a quick moment. This word, what does it mean?
"Re-frig-er... I HAVE NO TIME FOR NONSENSE!" He shouts angrily at the merchant. "I need to chase down someone important!" He starts running down the street leaving Ol' Gil to sigh in disbelief. There go his chances at paying his rent. His chase leads him tired and worn out for a bit, as he slowly falls behind her and her entourage.
"You know..." a voice says out in the open. Mordecai turns to see a well-rounded, stout man cheerfully waving hello. "If you are traveling to the Élysée Palace, you might get there quickly on the Metro". Again, Mordecai looks confused, and it is noticed by this man.
"It's the French way of saying subway, a train if you will. Kind of like the underground of London". Mordecai just stands there confused, slightly brain dead.
"Guess you never heard of them. Come with me, I'll show you". There was a flight of stairs leading down to the metro station below them. Mordecai runs down while, the stout gentleman walked. Mordecai tries to run through a small gate but couldn't get through like everyone else. The gentleman laughed a little.
"You need a pass to get through. Don't worry, I already paid for the both of us". He scans both the passes and immediately Mordecai runs past the gates quickly while the man continues to walk to the platform.
"Now slow down son. I think you are forgetting something".
"What!"
"I paid for your pass, you do owe me five Euros".
"WHAT THE HELL IS A EURO! I ONLY USE FRANCS!" Mordecai really has no time for this... nonsense, and it shows in this angry response to this helpful man.
"Calm down son, I guess you don't have the money. It's fine, nothing to worry about". The train arrived at the platform, and to Mordecai's shock, there are no horses pulling it. But there wasn't time to dwell on it, he has his love to catch as he rushes onto the train. The train leaves the station, Mordecai tapping his feet to the palpitations of his heart. Will he ever see his love? Perhaps he should just give up. Wanting to break the ice, the stout gentleman tries to stir up a conversation.
"My name is Monty Uno. I live across the channel. You know, England? How about you good man?".
"Oh... uh... it's Mordecai". Mordecai gave a quick answer and didn't dwell on anything else. His mind was only on Twilight Sparkle, and her beauty radiating all of France. His mind races and his feet tap even quicker.
"UGH! Can't this machine go any faster!?"
"It only goes as fast as it is safe". The train stops at the next station. With a sigh of relief, He runs out of the train, even with the shouting of Monty saying something about a wrong stop. It didn't matter to him, what mattered to him was catching up to Twilight. He runs almost catching sight of her again, but he is once again stopped by orange-haired twins.
"Hey Hikaru look! A commoner!"
"Quick Karou, get the phone out. We can take a selfie next to him". For the third time today, Mordecai is in a state of confusion. He continues so as the teens take out this rectangle that seems to have this wired pamphlet on it, but it turns into this portrait-making thing. The boys take their pictures with a confused Mordecai in the background. His patience finally at an end, he yells in anger and pushes the twins away to catch up to her. It took a good while but he finally found the dark purple hair that he had been chasing throughout the town. He pushes anyone in his way, thrusting himself to turn the corner. His eyes close, he is close to his love. He opens his wings, puckers his beaks, he falls into what he thought were the open hooves of his love. But once he kissed her, there was something different about her. He opened his eyes and to his shock and horror, it wasn't Twilight. It was a black and white dog-cat-like creature wearing a purple wig.
"I didn't know you cared". Mordecai let out a loud shriek. His brother and sister rushed out, the younger brother punched him, and in pain, dropping to the ground, the sister grabbed his wallet, running away laughing. Street gamine! Damn it all! Even in this strange fantasy dream world, he should have been careful! But this dream was no longer for him. It was a nightmare!
His unrequited love for Twilight, his failed chase, this strange cruel world that was his dreamscape! He was on his knees, on the brink of tears. He was losing control of everything. He was about to lose his mind. But as his sorrowful state was getting worse, a beam of light shone over him. He looked up and saw a familiar face, which was a sigh of relief to see.
"My child. Whatever is the matter?" That voice! That very caring and mellow voice. He knew that voice well. It was the words of Father Jean. An old man who is the priest of the local church. He has always looked up to him for guidance, and Father Jean has always guided him towards God.
"Father Jean!" he mutters through his sobs. He felt a little better seeing such a familiar, calming face.
"I'm here to help my child. Follow me, I think it'll help you find your way". Mordecai gets up and follows Father down through the alleys of his dream Paris. Out of the alleys, he saw a sight to behold. He has heard of this structure from books and from other citizens for many years but hasn't had the time to actually see it for himself. The Cathedral of Notre Dame was a sight to behold. He remembers how trashed the place was after the revolution, but it seemed that it was all intact. He thought it was the most astounding structure of his world. In his dream world, it was all cleaned up full of men and women giving their prayers inside the cathedral. The glass stained windows shone color and warmth as a heavenly choir sings hymns and praises. He kneels down in prayer, Father Jean kneels and puts his hand on Mordecai's shoulder.
"Almighty God, please give this young man the strength to face life again. May you show him the way from loss and provide light to the way of your virtue. May he live forever in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And may he be forgiven of all of his sins". His sins. Mordecai has indeed committed a grave sin. He lusted over Twilight to the point of obsession. The heavenly choir in his mind sings amen in accordance. Mordecai kept kneeling, his tears flowing into a fierce sob.
Mordecai!
His world was shaking,
Hey Mordecai!
he was shaken.,
Mounsier Mordecai! Hello!
violently to the core of his beliefs. Never to reach the sun of his life. He was both Icarus and Daedalus, and he has flown too high to the starlight of love.
MORDECAI!!!
The shaking was getting more violent, but it wasn't his dream world. It was his friend Edward shaking him to wake him up. He was no longer in the dream world. His was no longer a majestic bluejay. He slept throughout the day. It was now nightfall.
"Oh my God! I've been asleep all day!"
"Getting real worried about ya Mordecai" Edward explains, "Look, I'm glad that you are getting more sleep than rather staying up to write poems. But we got to get going, otherwise we will be late for Tamaki's Soiree". He has completely lost the time, forgetting about that ball.
"Wait! I don't have my good clothes, I haven't washed my face!"
"I brought your clothes from the dormitory, you can change in the back of the cart!" Edward points to a horse and cart, where Fry was also sitting.
"Oh! I don't want Twilight to see me changing, naked in public".
"AH, no one is on the streets at night anyway!" Edward retorts, "And are you still on about that!?" Mordecai chose not to respond. "Come on! We got to get going". Edward dragged Mordecai through the courtyard on onto his cart. With all on board, Edward commanded his horse to trot along down to Suoh Chateau on the outskirts of town.
Mordecai's dreams of passion were not his reality. But, it gives Mordecai a sense of omnipresent concerns that everything was not fine, and everything he has dreamed about will cave in on him. Never to be happy, never to be free.
-End of Chapter One-
II. A Ball at Monsieur Suoh's Chateau
II. A Ball at Monsieur Suoh's Chateau
An hour passed, and Edward's carriage arrives in front of the chateau. Mordecai no longer wears his blue coat from the morning but wears a black frock coat, as does Edward and Fry. The shimmering of harps play a harmonious race of scales, and that was in the grand hall of the chateau. The gentlemen walked through the winding space that is the hall. They find their way into the ballroom. They couldn't believe how big this event really is. It seemed that the whole entire town showed up. The orchestra and harps were playing a wonderful waltz as the couples on the ballroom floor dance, their bodies hand in hand with each other. The power of love compels them to waltz through the night with elegance. Mordecai feels uncomfortable with the whole entire thing. He sees the whole thing as artificial, unlike his love for Twilight. But he tries to rub off that feeling. If his dream meant anything, he was a wretched sinner, totally unworthy of God's love. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of his friend Tamaki.
"Bonjour Mesuirs! I welcome you all to my father's chateau!" Tamaki greeted. Besides him was his partner, a young lady with short hair, a fitting hairstyle, considering that many women like her did cut their hair short in honor of those who were slain during the Reign of Terror.
"You all remember Ms. Haruhi Fujioka. Her mother once worked for us back in the Napoleonic era".
"Good to see you all again," Haruhi says to the gentlemen.
"I'm so glad you could come tonight! I want you all to have that special feeling that Haruhi and I have for each other".
"So you decided to play matchmaker didn't you?" Fry asks. Tamaki blushes and chuckles a bit.
"Well... just you and Mordecai" he replies, "I know that Edward has that special feeling as well". Just as Tamaki said that Edward's love Winry Rockbell appears next to him, wearing a dark blue ball gown that contrasted well with Edward's red and black.
"Winry! You're looking wonderful this evening" Edward compliments. Winry smiles happily.
"Merci Bien Edward. Madame Fujioka helped me pick it out for tonight. A wonderful fit if you ask me".
"Well, it's just simply marvelous" Edward replies, he asks Winry for a dance, and the two of them waltz on the dance floor, leaving Mordecai and Fry with Tamaki and Haruhi. 'They seem to be a great couple' Mordecai thought to himself. He was jealous. Jealous of the fact that Ed and Winry are in a tremendous relationship. The relationship that he wishes he had with Twilight Sparkle. He shakes his head. He can't get her out of his head! He knows that his lust is strong and he knows that he has to stop. Her beauty is all that he could see. And it's funny because he could have sworn he saw her while Ed and Winry were talking. Her melody, the one he heard in his dream of her, being weaved into the dance orchestra. But in his deep thoughts, he was abruptly interrupted by Tamaki, who introduced the two to two other ladies, invited to Tamaki's ball.
"For the rest of you two. I have matched some fine ladies from the town. And they agreed to share a dance". The ladies present themselves to the men. The lady approaching Fry has long, straight, orange hair wearing a light yellow ball gown. The other approaching Mordecai is almost like him but has red hair wearing a blue ball gown.
"Fry, meet Madame Saori Takabe, she is one of the local milkmaids".
"I'm delighted to meet you, Monsieur Fry! I am pleased to have this dance with you. I hope we can get to know each other by the end of the evening". Saori reaches out her hand to Fry and they too waltz together. Tamaki returns his attention to Mordecai, who is starting to feel a little blue.
"Mordecai, I would like you to meet Madame Margaret Smith. The daughter of a wealthy English Merchant".
"English?"
"Don't worry. She also knows her way through French".
"Oui. Bonjour Mounsier Mordecai" she replies. Reaching her hands out, she asks for a dance from Mordecai. Mordecai, trying to keep his true feelings deep down, reluctantly accepts her offer. And for the beginning of the night, all the happy couples stride across the dance floor as the orchestra sweeps through the waltzes of Schubert, Chopin, and this up-and-coming composer, Strauss. The night continues on, as the merry couples often paired by Tamaki himself were getting closer to each other emotionally, and it seemed that Tamaki's matchmaking worked. All except you know who.
"So Mordecai, so I hear that you are a poet," Margaret asked, wanting to stir up conversation with the sad little poet, who didn't seem like he wanted to be there. But the question puts Mordecai out of his thoughts.
"Oh uh... yes. I am a poet".
"A handsome poet huh? That is incredible. Do you get a lot of girls chasing when you read your little stories". It would seem that Mordecai was getting more and more upset by the minute. She sounded like she was seriously condescending on Mordecai's works, something that he believes Twilight would never do.
"I guess you can say that Madame," Mordecai says, trying his best not to sound offended by the whole question. The waltz continues on and once more, Mordecai could have sworn he saw Twilight. This time, he now knows he's not hallucinating. He knows under all the orchestral noise of others, that melody of his love is still there. But alas, he is stuck with Margaret, but perhaps in time, he can lose her and scramble inside the hall to find her. It would be sooner than he thought.
"I don't know why you would choose the profession of a poet. You don't seem to make a lot of money". That sentence, that very sentence is not something Mordecai wanted to hear. He was never into poetry for the money. But this makes it seem that Margaret was a gold digger, which Mordecai absolutely loathed. "A man should take up a much more respectable profession. You should drop the quill and paper and take up a job as an artisan craftsman. Lord knows we could use new wagon wheelmakers, or how about a rugged but practical job like a blacksmith, or a butcher. That is where the money is at. Well, besides being a merchant. Or, why not be a solider, you should take up a job that will support me?". That was the last straw for Mordecai, who silently but sternly fumes at her.
"Well! Maybe I don't want to take a job that won't make me happy! Especially trying to make me YOUR husband!" His meltdown offended her as much as her words offended him. Silently angry, she walks away from him, but she was going back later. Perhaps some drinks would calm him down. With her away from him, Mordecai scurries through the dance floor to find his beloved. The different colors of silk shimmer through the eyes of Mordecai, but none are the colors that he would know to be Twilight's. From the corner of his eye, he saw a glimpse of purple. He gasps in the belief that he found his beloved. He taps the back of the woman, but it turned out not to be Twilight, seeing how he mistaken purple hair for scarlet red apparently.
"Oh, excusez moi monsieur?" the red-haired lady asks him. Mordecai stutters in embarrassment before running off, trying to find his own lover. A man with blue hair also walks up to her.
"Erza, who was that," asks the confused lady's fiance, who himself is confused.
"Oh, Jellal. I think someone has mistaken me for someone else" Erza replies. All meanwhile, Mordecai continues his search. This time, he found her! Actual purple hair this time, no joking! He runs up to her, tapping her shoulder again. But again, it wasn't her. She had purple hair yes, but not the shade that he initially thought of. Instead of the radiant young woman she saw earlier this morning, she was a little girl.
"Oh, Pardon moi monsieur," she said. Flustered again, he runs off. The young girl's large boyfriend walks up to her, seeing the whole situation.
"Melty, what just happened?" He asked.
"It's alright Hoagie, must have been a mistake" Melty replies. His chase continues, the waltz of the orchestra speeds up as Mordecai keeps looking through the ballroom, from waltz to scherzo. His search goes from one woman to another, mistaking them for Twilight. His night's pursuit turns into failure as he walks back in disbelief. His night of happiness is ruined. But at that moment, he felt something on his back. He turns around and to his bewilderment, there was Twilight Sparkle in the flesh. In his eyes, she look radiant in her purple and and blue ball gown, very much complimenting her hair and skin. To Mordecai, this was perfect to reintroduce himself to the lady of his dreams once more. But there was one slight problem. He lost the words he wanted to say. He is eye to eye with the love of his life, the waltz of the orchestra seems like nothing to him, as he hears the melody of his dreams. He stutters and struggles to come up with the words to say to her. In such silence, Twilight stands confused, totally oblivious to the feelings of Mordecai.
"Uh.... Monsieur. Are you alright" she asks. Mordecai was absolutely shocked. Instead of some gibberish he was used to, he can finally understand her! He wanted to say something, literally anything at all. But he couldn't.
"Alright, alright, I think that is quite enough Twilight". Mordecai looks behind her and sees another familiar, yet hated character, to him. Another wealthy aristocrat from another town. A gentleman with spiked black hair, wearing a black coat with orange bow tie. His name was Son Goku, the offspring of a Japanese Geisha girl and the wealthy French landlord, the other last remain at of the Pre-Revolutionary era having grown up in Austria. Mordecai scowled at his face. He absolutely hated his guts. Not only did he come from a wealthy aristocratic family, but he is currently serving in the local army garrison as a wealthy officer, paying his way through the rank of Lieutenant.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't little Mordecai" Goku says mockingly. "The little poet who goes every day without eating breakfast, the little poor wretch".
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Mordecai angrily asked.
"Oh, not much really. I would be rather abusing one of my tenants at home. I think his name was Broly something. Anyway, it doesn't matter. My father is supporting this young lady in her studies, so I came here to escort her and give her the dance of a gentleman". Goku chuckles in victory.
"But she doesn't love you" Mordecai responds passionately. The fire of love fueling his rage at this flamboyant playboy. "She's doing this because her studies are being paid".
"Oh, but I believe I had wooed her into my arms. Isn't that right Twilight?"
"Uh... Ja" she replied, but Mordecai sees in her eyes that that wasn't the truth.
"You only manipulated her. She would never love you!"
"Oh, piss off! You can't even keep her attention!" Goku says sternly, slapping his face and embracing Twilight in his arms. "Why don't you go back to your little hovel, think of some little writing paper, and starve with nothing to feed you but your so-called love". The two left to waltz as the orchestra continues to play, Goku laughing once more in victory. The music continues, but everything was going silent for Mordecai. His world was closing in on him. He was rejected by her love and mocked by both a substitute and a pompous brat. The light of passion fading before his eyes. Tears started to form, he couldn't take it anymore. Saddened at the happiness and love that would never be his to experience around him, he runs off the back. But not before Edward and Winry got his attention at the wine table.
"Edward, isn't that your friend?"
"Mordecai? Yeah, that's him. I wonder what happened?"
"Something must have upset him. I think you should go and check on him".
"Oh alright". Edward puts down his glass, promising to come back to her later, and followed Mordecai outside.
"Mordecai!" He shouts, "are you alright?" He saw him, tears and snot flowing from his face. His sobs turned ugly. He could say anything clearly, and his eyes were in a bloodshot sorry state.
"M-My love!" He shouts through the sobs. "My love rejected me! I'll never get to hold her in her arms!" He runs up to Ed crying on his shoulder.
"That stupid playboy brat got to her. I-I... it's all too much". It was clear that he was extremely distraught. Edward didn't know what else to do but to awkward stand there and comfort his friend.
"It's... going to be okay. You'll find another lady who will love you back".
"NO!" Mordecai shouts. "Twilight is all I have. I-I-If I can't have her, then what's the point of living! My life is a lie!!!" he continues to wail gibberish all throughout the night. A bit awkward for Edward to hear all this, but he tries to give comfort. For Mordecai, his world views have crumbled beneath the fiery passion of love, and that fiery passion faded that night. There is a feeling that he will never be the same ever again.
-End of Chapter 2-
III. Mordecai's Depression in The Country
III. Mordecai's Depression in The Country
A song on an alpine horn can be heard throughout the countryside of the small village of Risembool. Edward and Mordecai's home. Another alpine horn answers the call of the other in a back and forth manner. It was nice to come back home after a disastrous night. The calm and serenity of the hills and fields were a wonderful needed change of pace. But the lingering feeling of rejection is still present in Mordecai's head. Luckily, Edward is there to keep him in check.
"Mordecai!" He would often say, "Are you feeling alright?" Mordecai was out of his lingering trance.
"Oh, I-I'm okay. Uh... thanks for letting me hop on with you to home".
"Hey, it's no problem" Ed replies happily. "I think a trip home would put you at ease. And besides, Winry wanted me to drop off a few things at Granny's house. And I also need to check up on my little brother, and the family farm". On the horse and cart Edward had last night, they continue traveling through the countryside of their hometown, the melody of the shepherd's alpine horns ringing through the hills and mountains. Mordecai couldn't help but notice how well Edward can handle a horse, especially since both how hard it is to tame one of these gallant steeds.
"Hey, Ed. I wonder how you were able to learn how to control horses. I can barely tame one, let alone on a cart".
"It's not that hard really, living on a farm for most of your life would teach you a lot of things. Though mostly, I did read up on a few things in the libraries".
"Oh, so your father never taught you this?"
"How could I learn from someone who hasn't been in my life ever, the bastard" Ed replies a little ticked. Not at Mordecai, but to his deadbeat father that left him and his family when he was younger. "No, I had to learn everything more or less by myself. Just me and the books".
"Oh. I'm sorry".
"It's nothing really. That's all in the past. I assume he's dead anyway. How about you? Are you going to visit your folks?"
"Nah, they disowned me for taking up my passions rather than working at the family inn".
"I figured it much. But you are lucky to have lived with your folks, someone older and wiser to look up to. All we ever had was each other, and for a while Granny and Winry". Edward was feeling sentimental at this point, something that Mordecai or any of their friends rarely see in him. The horns continue to play, probably at the point of which the sheep that were being called were almost all herded. Just in time too, as the cart reached in front of a small, two-story cottage, behind it was fields of vast farmland growing mostly potatoes, corn, and grapes. This was the Elric farm, a lot more simple and humbler than that of Suoh's Chateau during the previous night which is to be expected for, unlike Mordecai's family which were doing really well, the Elrics were not as well off. Edward ties the horse up to a post and opens up the small gate that leads to his home.
"Well, we're here. Come along Mordecai". Mordecai hops off the cart and walks with Ed to the front door. He knocks on the door, and footsteps along with a muffled voice are heard inside. The door opens to reveal his younger brother, Alphonse Elric. Though a bit taller than him, he is younger by one year. It was hard not to see him as Ed's brother, he has the same blond colored hair and yellow eyes.
"Brother!" He says happily, before embracing him in his arms. Ed does the same.
"It's been a while, Al".
"I hope your studies are going well".
"Better than well. You know me, just returning for the weekend to check up on you".
"Oh brother, I'm doing well thank you". Al looks back to see Mordecai, who has often visited the Elrics since the beginning of Ed's studies at the university. "Oh, bonjour Mordecai. Fancy seeing you here with brother". Mordecai waves hello back, but after that looks to the side of his shoulder absolutely silent.
"I kind of escorted him home" Ed explains, then whispering to Al, "He... had a rough night with... love". Al nods in understanding. He knew the subject of love is rather tricky. And the looks of Mordecai say more than any words he could say.
"Well, why don't you all come in. I'm sure you are hungry from traveling all that way. I was about to have breakfast myself. But I have room for the two of you as well".
"Before we do..." Ed reaches inside his sachel bringing out a piece of sheet music for Alphonse to look over. In their youth, Alphonse had a keen talent for playing the pianoforte, having read books on it along with practicing at the local tavern piano. in his early teens, he would have played at the tavern in the evening to earn money for himself and his brother for basic necessities. "Tamaki gave me this for you. I told him you played piano, and so does he". Alphonse reads the sheet music presented to him, it so happened to be a popular piece from Germany but transcribed by a Hungarian, two of which Alphonse is familiar with.
"Ooh! Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, the Pastorale!".
"You heard of it?"
"Heard of it from passing travelers from Germany. A very popular piece. Ooo! And it's transcribed for piano by Franz Liszt! Thanks, brother!"
"I knew you'd like it".
"Well, come in now before breakfast gets cold. I want to start learning this piece. Oh, and come with us Mordecai". Throughout that time, Mordecai was in remorse, silently standing there. Not getting over the fact that he was dumped by his love, and to the man he hates the most too. But of course, when his name was called he is immediately out of his worries and back to reality.
"Oh, Uh... of course. Thank you". They all settle down for breakfast, which was a light fare of porridge and bread. For Mordecai, this would be the most he would have for breakfast since in years past. Not because he is too poor, but simply he was too busy with his poetry in the morning only having a cup of coffee at the coffee house. After breakfast, they all gathered in the small drawing-room the Elrics had where Alphonse would play the pianoforte the Pastorale Symphony Ed brought with him. Like many pianists of the conservatories, Al's performance was elegant and is at the level of even the most stellar students, even though he himself never went to the conservatory. It helps that the piece is rather simple, and yet oozing with heart and soul. It envisions the countryside, much like their small hometown. It was a peaceful symphony, and it captured the essence of a stroll in the quiet countryside.
"Amazing how this Beethoven fellow can transverse the sound of music into the realm of art" Ed comments.
"Isn't it?" Al responds, continuing to play. "Beethoven knows how to play up the emotions of country life, and Liszt is able to take his music and make it all easier to perform. 'Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande', or 'Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside'. I find the feeling mutual in both our childhood and everyday life. What about you Mordecai, do you share the same feeling?". Mordecai, who was staring out the window, was interrupted in thought when Al asked him the question.
"Uh... Yeah, sounds... like home," Mordecai replies. He stares again out in the window. His mind was closing on the chapter of his failed love affair as he sees the light of the past, his childhood growing up as a son of the local innkeepers. He no longer hears the melody of his unfeathered love. His mind was at peace. He was at peace, through the calm symphony of Beethoven, his world returned to peace. He was happy once again. Mordecai's mind was brought back to the realms of reality when Alphonse ceased the music, getting up and to the kitchen.
"Al, why did you stop?" Mordecai asks. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Indeed I am" he replies, "Before you all came here, I was going down to the market to sell our produce. Hope Monsieur Syzlak is still there... Anyway, would you like to come with me to the market? I'm sure you would find many things unchanged".
"Good idea Al!" Ed replies, "Could keep his mind out of trouble". Mordecai didn't know what to say, what does Ed mean by keeping his mind out of trouble? He chooses not to go further and complies.
"Sure. I guess". Alphonse took the produce that has been growing on the farm into the horse and cart Ed brought. Ed himself was staying home, working through some experimentation with the various elements in the living room. Al and Mordecai were on their way to the marketplace. Throughout this ride, Mordecai got a glimpse of his childhood home. True though, this was the west side of the village, whereas he grew up on the east side. But the sights were pretty much familiar. this was his happy home. He warmly smiles.
"This place... it really hasn't changed hasn't it?"
"Told you. Pretty much how it looked like growing up... brother and I would play out in the fields with Winry before sunset. It was many great memories... well before mom died... I don't think Ed or I told you about our upbringing".
"Well, I only know that your mom died and your father left you at a young age". Alphonse took a minute to breathe. It was a story he was very familiar with, though it still gets him a little sad. As for Mordecai, he may have lived in the same village, but he rarely knew the Elrics until university.
"Yeah. When mom died, Ed and I were on our own. We didn't know how things were going to turn out on the farm. But bad harvests left us with nothing. We sold everything we had to get by. But we still starved wearing nothing but rags and nearly died. It was so bad, we had to dig through the bins of other people's homes for something to eat".
"Dear God. You both had it rough".
"It was a hard, demeaning life. Fortunately, when Winry and her granny found out about our plight, they took us in and thought us better ways of cultivation. We are grateful for their help". The rest of the ride was silent, a bit awkward for Mordecai to hear such a sad story of the Elric's upbringing. But it somehow helped him forget last night, which made him feel a little better. It did give him a lot to think about. Maybe his life was better than others, considering he hasn't had to dig through peoples' food scraps in his youth just to survive. Of course, when they arrived at the market, The vegetable seller Monsieur Moe Syzlak was busy selling various vegetables grown in the village. Al halted the horse, jumped down, and grabbed the produce from the back of the cart.
"Come down Mordecai. I'm sure Monsieur Syzlak would like to see you too". Mordecai complies and both of them approach Moe.
"Ah! Bonjour Alphonse, about time you showed up. About to run out of produce, and customers ain't gonna stay for ambiance".
"Bonjour! Sorry I'm late, I had to welcome home brother."
"Ed's back in town?"
"Just for the weekend". Alphonse hands over potatoes and corn to Moe, and he hands him a good sum of Francs. Moe's eyes turned to Mordecai, who he is very familiar with, especially since his parents were patrons to Moe.
"Hey! Monsieur Mordecai! You're looking well. Haven't seen you in years".
"Bonjour Moe. Yeah, you know. Just been busy around".
"You know your parents haven't mentioned you in years. And you know they used to talk about how helpful you are around the inn".
"Well, I... I... I......" Mordecai is stopped in his words. He thought he heard a familiar sound. A voice and a melody to match. It can't be, can it? Can it be that his love followed him to his childhood home? But she's going out with that God-awful Goku. It doesn't sound comforting now. It was a sound of mocking and haunting.
"Mordecai!" Al shouts, snapping back Mordecai back into reality, but still is jittery.
"I... got to... go". He said slowly.
"Home? I thought your parents disowned you".
"Oh is that what happened?" Moe asks.
"I-I... j-just. Just leave me alone!!" Mordecai shouts frantically as he runs out of the marketplace. The haunting of his mind of Twilight Sparkle is still there. Whether it was the haunting melody that was from his earlier dreams to seeing her figure next to trees and bushes. Twilight was engraved in his mind, and he can't do anything about it. There is no more peace within his childhood home. He was having delusions.
"Mordecai" the Twilight delusion speaks to him. "I love you. I want to marry you". In a small moment, Mordecai was smiling. He's hearing what he wants to hear from her at last! But of course, that moment was cut short by another delusion.
"Good Twily!" Comes out a voice of Goku. "Lie to his face! I want to see his world crumble". The haunting voice laughs as the delusions. He can't take it anymore. It's not like he can go up to her and ask her if she would betray her then ask her out. There was nothing. Nothing he can do.
The shepherd on the alpine horn plays its melody. But there is no reply. The other shepherd went home. And just in time too. Thunder rumbles and sounds as clouds gather to bring an evening storm. But this storm too was of emotions and torments of Mordecai. He can see that his love was becoming eviler in his eyes. That fluctuation of love that has burned inside him was whimpering away.
It's here he decided. If he can't have her, there is no point in living.
He takes out a bottle of opium which he stole from Ed's chemistry table in the living room earlier, opens it, and drinks its content in an act of suicide. He feels nothing. But as a minute or two passes, he begins to choke. His stomach hurling from the drug. His knees are bent on the ground, gasping for some air. He could stomach it no more, he vomits out green and brown fluids and chunks from his mouth. In his last minutes on earth, he falls on the ground everything turning dark. He is now dead.
"Mordecai!" comes a shout from the distance. Alphonse shouts his name louder in hopes of finding him after he ran off with no rhyme or reason. But there in the fields of the small country village lies a body, a body that no longer sprang life.
-End of Chapter 3-
IV. A Murderer's March To The Scaffold
Darkness. Darkness everywhere. That was all that Mordecai can see now. He can't remember what happened before he blacked out. As he regains his consciousness, he can hear voices. Murmurs and shouts alike. He tried to reach his face, but upon his hand reaching his face, he soon realized there was a sack over his head, explaining the constant darkness. All of a sudden, the bag was lifted, and what he saw confused and scared him. Two guards were standing by along with others besides him. In front of them was a panel of judges, in wigs and uniform. Next to them, was a jury of peers. He realized what is going on. He is on trial, a convict among many. Mordecai was trying real hard to figure out why he is being charged as a criminal. He looks around the court trying to find familiar faces, and fortunately for him, there were. his colleagues like Tamaki Suoh and Bartholomew Simpson from the college, but he sees Naofumi Iwatani from the coffeehouse. He sees Jellal Fernandes, the town apothecary (whose lover he accidentally bumped into two nights ago), and Richard Watterson the town fool. All good people from town, facing in front of judges of law.
Mordecai has no idea what's going on, or why all six of them are in chains. But before he could ask further questions, a gavel banging silences the crowd of onlookers. Upon the benches were three judges, one of them was so familiar to him. It had to be Seymour Skinner, the dean of the university.
"Order in the name of the Citizen's Revolutionary Court of Justice!" shouts Skinner, and immediately, thoughts rushed through Mordecai's mind. The revolution in Paris actually succeeded in replacing the monarchy? It was the biggest fear of many, another revolutionary-anarchical government willing to see heads fly for not complying with their government and laws.
"These six men are charged with treason against the state, with the many crimes they have committed. The reputation of France, as a free sovereign power is at-"
"Wait a minute!" Mordecai shouts in confusion. "why am I here? I do not understand! What is going on?" Judge Skinner clicks his tongue in disappointment.
"Typical Mordecai. I knew that you were such a troublemaker even in your classes. Trying to cause a stir in the court, are we? Pathetic". The courtroom murmurs at the supposing disobedience of Mordecai, and Tamaki whispers something into his ear.
"Listen Mordecai, it's best that you keep silent and obey the judges. Well, not like that would matter anyway. We're all being sent to death after all". The somber tone of Tamaki's voice when he said that didn't make the situation any better for Mordecai. He has to now kneel down in chains as his name gets dragged through the floor of the court. Skinner looks upon his comrade Francis Bonnifoy.
"Citizen Francis, please read to these traitors what they are accused of". Francis stands up with a long list.
"Citizen Tamaki Suoh. You are accused of holding money in your family coffers, Citizen Bulma and Citizen Vegeta have testified.
Citizen Jellal Fernandes, You are accused of poisoning the town with your "witchcraft" and anarchical ideas. Citizens Millianna Necconyaan and Shou Roberts have testified.
Citizen Naofumi Iwatani, you are accused of assault of fairer sex. Citizen Malty Melromarc has testified, and might I add, in a most traumatized manner.
Citizen Bartholomew Simpson, you are accused of cheating, conning, and lying to the people. Citizen Moe Syzlack and Citizen Peter Griffin have testified.
Citizen Richard Watterson, you are accused of sloth and overall stupidity. Your wife, Citizen Nicole Watterson has testified". Citizen Francis finishes his roll call of shame, and Skinner looks at Mordecai straight in the eyes.
And Citizen Mordecai B. Jay. Oh, how very disappointing". Mordecai begins hyperventilating. What sort of crime has he done to deserve this fate? He was going to find out.
"You are accused of murder of the highest degree".
"Hold on!" Mordecai shouts angrily. "What do you mean murder!? I would never kill anyone!" Skinner nearly laughed.
"No. Testimony from Citizen Saori Takebe and Citizen Son Goku has proven it" Skinner looks at his comrade, whose name is Chad Dickson. "Citizen Dickson. Please read the testimony given by Citizen Takabe". Chad brings out a piece of paper that was handwritten in haste.
"The handwriting is a bit hard. But if I remember correctly, Citizen Takebe mentioned the date of the murder, three weeks ago on November 10, Citizen Takebe mentioned shouting coming from the flat she was staying at. She heard lines along the lines of and I quote...
'Why are you crazy?
Shut up! This is all your fault! I finally have a chance to ask out Margaret. But you had to but in and ruin everything. You don't do that to your fiancé!
Well, maybe I would be better off with anyone except YOU!
I'LL KILL YOU!' And she heard three gunshots". The murmurs were getting louder. Mordecai panics once more. If he really did say all those things, it was not what he meant anyway. He had no idea he was capable of murder. But no. No! He couldn't have done it. He wants to deny doing that. Especially the part with him wanting to get with that awful, awful Margaret.
"Citizen Mordecai, the evidence has been stacked against you. Therefore, you shall be sent to the scaffold and be executed through the guillotine. I cast judgment and pass sentence on thee! All of you, wretched traitors to the republic shall be sentenced to death!" Shouts Skinner as he throws his gavel of justice down.
"Wait! That's it? Don't I get a lawyer, what about the rest of the convicted?"
"Denied!" shouts Francis. "Scum like you do not deserve such legality".
"But shouldn't we be tried before a jury of our peers?"
"Also denied!" shouts Chad.
"Guards. Escort these heathens to the scaffold". Mordecai is then escorted out of the court much to his horror and dismay, along with the others. His friends. His fellow countrymen. denied their rights for such false accusations. They are all loaded onto a cart drawn by a horse. Their hands and feet were tied behind their back.
"It's best that you do what they say Mordecai" Tamaki whispers to him in fear. "They are the government now".
"But this isn't right? Where is Edward? He's fierce against tyranny like this". Tamaki looked down in sadness.
"You don't remember? He and his brother were sent to the guillotine last week for witchcraft".
"What! No. No. No. This can't be!" Mordecai exclaims in shock and horror. He didn't know what was going on. What happened to his country while he was knocked out? It once again fell to chaos, chaos that hasn't been seen since the reign of terror.
"Well it's too late" Naofumi adds. "gods be damned. It's not going to matter now, not after our deaths". And at that moment, they arrive at the town square. Thousands of angry citizens chant for their deaths and executions, a military band plays patriotic rousing marching music as they come closer to the scaffold. The blade shines brightly under the sun. The executioner, the local constable, Clancy Wiggum who's head is covered but everybody knows him from his wide build approaches the victims.
"Okay, gentlemen. Now is the time for the fun part. The killing!" Citizen Wiggum proclaims. He looks through the group of convicts, having his top pick of the litter. "Okay, the one with the black hair. I'll have you first. Then I'll take the rich blonde bastard with you".
"It can't be helped," Naofumi rises from the cart, his scowling face visible to the crowd. "As for you constable, I'll see you in hell".
"Whatever, move it misogynist". Naofumi is marched to the scaffold, where he will receive his death soon. Mordecai panics, as the mob's anguish for blood increases with every roar for death. Naofumi's head is placed onto the scaffold. The drums of the military band are rolled, signaling the end is nigh for the wretched.
"Any last words dirtbag?" Citizen Wiggum says in a sneering conniving voice.
"I hope that the so-called gods of yours bury you with the firey demons of Hell" Naofumi angrily replies, spitting in his face. Wiggum leaves him be. And as the drums crescendo, the blade drops down. Naofumi's head is now chopped off. The cries of joy for his death ring through the town square. He hears a whisper of one of the clergymen, Citizen Timothy Lovejoy. Mordecai looks around to see if he can find some solace with Father Jean, but he doesn't see him. He figures that the revolution must have swept him too, and these bastards executed him. He prays, not for himself, but for Father Jean, for Monsieur Iwatani, for the brothers Elric, and for Madame Twilight Sparkle, his beloved. But he has to wait even longer. Next was his friend, Tamaki Suoh. He is pulled out of the cart by Citizen Wiggum.
"Farewell Mordecai. May we meet again in front of the gates of heaven". He is dragged by Citizen Wiggum. His head was placed down on the scaffold. When asked for last words. He doesn't say anything. Mordecai could see though, Tamaki silently praying. Perhaps to save these souls from the judgment of God, or for himself to be saved by divine power. It really didn't matter though. The drums once again rolled, crescendo, and finally, for him at least, the nightmare was over. The blade drops onto the poor rich boy. More cries of joy for the beheaded rich boy from the blood-hungry crowd. And one by one, the rest were sent.
The prankster Bart Simpson, drums roll, blade drops, the crowd cheers.
The lazy yet philosophical Richard Watterson, drums roll, blade drops, the crowd cheers.
The quiet and stoic Jellal Fernandes, drums roll, blade drops, the crowd cheers.
The crowds cheer furiously. Their lust for blood is not quelled enough, they cry for more! More! More! Mordecai looks around the square, he hasn't seen Fry in a while. He wonders if he fled to safety outside of the chaos, or perhaps he too was sent to the scaffold. It was most likely the latter since he was a fierce opponent of all things oppressive. But his time is up, Citizen Wiggum grabs him by his hair. Mordecai pleads dramatically, he begs for mercy. Perhaps he can be sent to prison instead, or perhaps sent to exile. But no Citizen Wiggum isn't listening. He places his head on the scaffold. The crowds continue to cheer for his blood. Mordecai knew his time was up.
"Citizens! Let us gaze anger upon this man, his deeds a crime to the republic and the freedom of its people. We must be purged of his treachery and defiling of this great republic. Therefore, his execution is just and fair in the eyes of our great leaders in Paris!" The crowds' cheer. The drums roll. Well, it seemed that God has been thrown out for the government. A cult of personality has formed in place of reason and faith. It was a world Mordecai no longer wants to live. A world without love. A world without... ...
Twilight!
In front of his eyes, before he sees death. It was his beloved Twilight Sparkle. That same melody he heard, that same melody that haunts him, stands before him. She's not dead, she is not suffering. She's in front of him. Was it lies? Was it a mistake? An optical illusion? No. It can't be. She has to be real, or so Mordecai thought. He reaches his hand out, reaching out to his beloved. To save her. To save himself.
The blade drops. The horns sound out the death of the criminal. His head held up for all to see. The crowd cheers for the wicked blood that has spilled, the wretched is gone from this earth, and only the good, honest, loyal remained. Down with the oppressive, entitled, eccentric, criminals of the world. Long live the new republic.
As for Mordecai. He is now dead but would find himself in the hands of the damned soon.
-End of Chapter Four-
