Season II
Episode Three : Dark Membership
Episode Four : Dark Vengeance
***Episode Three***
Jessie's sword clanged roughly against her
opponent's. The sun shone brightly on the white rose on her breast pocket
and Nami's green rose.
Nami. The second duelist in this new Dark Roses group. She was very
tough. The duel had started five minutes ago and it was still going strong.
This girl's good....but I won't lose to her.
Misty's eyes went back and forth between the two. A tiny smile was
on her face. Jessie had been dueling with more strength and agility since
her duel with Melane. Misty didn't know what that strange light coming
down from the castle had been...but it had done something to Jessie.
James watched the duel silently. Truthfully, he had never been
too interested in this whole thing. Castles in the sky, something eternal,
the Rose Seal and the Rose Bride--he didn't believe a bit of it. Well,
now he thought there might be a remote possibility these things could be
real. Ever since he saw that light from the castle...he couldn't get it
off his mind.
Butch looked over at James. The sun was shining down on everyone,
making their eyes shine. But James' eyes held a dull, glassy sheen. Butch
raised an eyebrow in slight confusion. James felt his eyes and looked at
him.
"What?"
Butch shook his head.
"Enjoying the view?"
James shrugged and looked back at the duel. Butch's gaze returned to
the two girls as well.
"Big brother!!!"
Melody came running up the stairs and ran straight into Nami. Nami
tripped up and bumped into Jessie. Jessie tried to regain her balance,
but started to fall backwards. Butch made a move to go catch her, but James
was way ahead of him. Jessie blinked. She was tilted backwards on the heels
of her feet, leaning into James' arms. Melody and Nami were in a small
heap in front of her. She felt a small blush spread across her face as
she stood up straight.
"uh..thanks..."
James smiled softly and nodded.
"Don't mention it."
Melody untangled herself and ran up to Butch.
"Big brother, there you are!"
She threw her arms around his waist.
"I've been looking EVERYWHERE for you!!"
Butch smiled slightly.
"Well..you've found me. I just wish you hadn't
made such a...mess..when you came..."
She looked up at him, eyes sparkling.
"I couldn't help it!! I haven't seen you in
so long!!"
She buried her head in his chest.
"I missed you, big brother..."
Jessie watched them.
"She sure does idolizes him, huh...?"
James reached down and picked up her sword. He held it out to her.
Jessie turned to face him.
"Oh, thanks!"
She reached out and took the hilt of the sword, her hand covering his.
At the moment their hands made contact, another light shone down from
the castle, just on the two of them. Their eyes locked for a split second,
then they looked up at the castle. The light vanished just as quickly as
it appeared. Jessie moved her hand so James could let go of the sword.
Misty stared up at the castle.
Jessie smiled at James then turned to Nami.
"Ready to end this?"
Nami lay on the ground, twitching. James looked at her.
"Nami?"
Nami looked up at them.
"I..give...up...."
With that said, she passed out. Jessie and James sweatdropped. Jessie
gently swiped Nami's rose off with her sword.
"Well....that's that..."
Butch gently unwrapped Melody's arms from around him and stepped out
towards Jessie. Melody followed. Butch looked down at Nami and sweatdropped.
James looked at him.
"It counts...right?"
Butch nodded.
"It counts...James, take her to the treatment
center."
James reached down and picked Nami up gently. He nodded to Jessie and
turned, leaving the field. Jessie waved at him as he walked off. Butch
took her hand.
"You dueled beautifully today, Jessie."
He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it.
"Just as you always do."
Melody frowned and slapped Jessie's hand out of Butch's. Jessie looked
over at Melody. Melody scowled at her. Butch put a hand on her shoulder.
"Melody. That was not neccessary. Apologize
to the lovely lady."
Melody glared at Jessie.
"I don't have to! I don't have to apologize!"
She looked at Butch.
"She's stealing you away from me, big brother!"
Jessie raised an eyebrow.
"And...I would do that because....?"
Butch smoothed Melody's hair.
"Don't be ridiculous. She's not stealing me
from you. You know I'll always be there for you."
"You haven't been! You haven't really talked
to me! Not since she became a duelist!"
Butch smiled softly at her.
"Oh, Melody. You're being silly."
"I am not!"
She looked at Jessie.
"I don't like her! Her or Misty! They're both
horrible!"
"Melody! Why say such awful things?"
"She's trying to take you away from me!"
Jessie stepped in.
"Excuse me, but I do not want your brother!"
::THWACK::
Jessie's eyes widened slightly and she placed a hand on her burning
cheek. Melody's hand remained suspended in the air. She scowled.
"Shut up! I don't believe you! I know you're
after my brother!"
Butch grabbed Melody's arm and pulled her towards him.
"That's enough Melody! When you go so far
as to hitting the woman I love--"
"LOVE?!"
Jessie and Melody both stared at him in shock. Melody's eyes watered.
"Big brother....you...you can't possibly mean..."
She shook her head.
"No! No, I won't believe it! She's done something
to you! Some kind of magic or something, I know it!"
Misty went over and stood beside Jessie. Jessie turned to her and put
a hand on her back.
"We--we'll be leaving now.."
She and Misty headed for the stairway. Melody wrapped her arms around
Butch.
"You can't love her, big brother! You just
can't!"
"Why can't I?"
"I hate her! I hate her!!!"
Butch softly stroked her hair.
"Melody, you need to calm down."
Melody cried into his chest.
"I hate her...."
******
Jessie fingered the rose engraved on her ring,
her head propped up on her chin. She sighed quietly.
"My prince..."
Misty stepped in, carrying a tray of tea. She set it down on the table
in front of Jessie.
"I made you some tea, Miss Jessie. I thought
you might need to relax after today's duel."
Jessie stared at her ring silently. Misty looked at her.
"Miss Jessie?"
"Hmm..?"
"Are you...tired of me?"
Jessie looked up at Misty.
"Tired of you? No, I wouldn't say that...I'm
just tired of dueling..."
Misty smiled sadly.
"If you wanted...I could leave. I could surrender
myself to the Student Council president...You wouldn't have to duel anymore."
Jessie shook her head slowly.
"No, no. I don't want you to do that. I may
not like dueling, but I have to do it....I have to..in order to reach my
prince..."
Misty blinked.
"Your prince?"
Jessie stood up and headed for her room.
"Don't worry about it."
Misty watched her leave the room. She rubbed her upper arm and left
the room.
Misty went down to the library and pulled
open the large doors. She stepped inside and went straight to the table
with the puzzle on it. She stepped up to the puzzle and looked down at
it. Her eyes sparkled as she ran her hand softly down the image.
"Miss Jessie...you heart is almost noble enough....you'll
find your prince, I'm sure of it..."
"And you've already found YOUR prince."
Misty jumped and whirled around.
"G-Gary! You frightened me..."
Gary stepped towards her.
"You needn't be afraid of me. I wouldn't harm
you..."
He grabbed her arm. Misty's eyes widened.
No! Not again!
"G-Gary, please...you can't do this to me
anymore...I..I belong to Miss Jessie now..."
Gary raised his arm, threateningly.
"You may belong to Jessie now! But you will
be mine before long!"
He paused and smiled evily.
"I'll make you mine tonight..."
He lowered his arm and pulled her close to him. Misty struggled to
get free. He persisted and held her tightly with one hand, while he removed
his shirt with the other.
"Gary, please! Please stop this!"
"Don't try to resist me! If your soul cannot
be mine, your body will!"
Misty felt tears forming in her eyes.
"Gary...please let me go..."
Gary reached for the zipper on the back of her dress.
::WHAM::
Gary's eyes widened slightly before closing. He fell forward onto Misty,
knocking her backwards onto the floor. Misty groaned and looked over Gary's
shoulder. James set down the chair he had used to knock Gary out. He grabbed
Gary's shoulders and pulled him off Misty. He turned to the girl and extended
his hand. Misty took his hand and he pulled her up.
"Th-Thank you, James..."
James flashed her a sparkling smile.
"Don't mention it. What are princes for?"
Misty laughed softly and smiled.
"I wouldn't know. I never met one."
James laughed and offered her his arm. Misty slipped her arm around
his and let him walk her back to her and Jessie's room.
******
Melody stepped into Butch's room. He
sat on his bed, shuffling through some papers.
"Big brother?"
Butch looked up at her.
"Yes, Melody?"
Melody stepped in front of him.
"Big brother...I want to join the Student
Council...I want to be a duelist."
Butch blinked.
"Oh...well, Melody...you might be a bit too....young
to duel, but I could allow you to join--"
"But I wanna duel, big brother!"
Butch sighed.
"I'm sorry, Melody, but I cannot allow you
to become a duel. Why would you want to, anyway?"
Melody laughed nervously.
"Oh, I just.....uh..."
Butch crossed his arms.
"It's about Jessie, isn't it? You want to
become a duelist to duel Jessie, beat her, and gloat about it."
Melody gasped.
"Big brother! How could you accuse me of something
like that?!"
"Because I'm your brother and I know you too
well. Now, I'm sorry. You are too young to be a duelist...and your intentions
for becoming one are not honorable enough."
Melody stared at him, fists clenched.
"Fine! I don't need to be a duelist
to beat Jessie....I'll do it without your help!"
She turned swiftly and stormed out of his room. Butch sighed and looked
back at his papers.
Melody ranted under her breath as she stared
at her textbook. She tensed and looked up, sensing someone else in the
room. Rhohun leaned against her doorway, smiling softly at her.
"Who...who are you?"
Rhohun walked over to her.
"Rhohun. Leader of the Dark Roses Dueling
Team. I came to see your brother."
"He...he's in his room."
Rhohun nodded.
"Oh, I know. I've seen him already. He told
about you two's....discussion."
Melody crossed her arms.
"Hmph..."
Rhohun smirked and chuckled.
"What's so funny?!"
Rhohun sat down beside her.
"Nothing. You know...if you truly want to
duel...and your brother won't let you, you can always come to me. I'll
let you join the Dark Roses."
Melody looked at him, eyes wide.
"You will?"
Rhohun nodded.
"Of course."
He cupped her chin in his hand.
"You're a very lovely young woman. I don't
see why your brother finds you too young."
Melody blushed.
"Such a blush."
He brushed his thumb across her lips and stood up.
"Just come see me if you want to join."
He turned and headed for the door. Melody touched her lips and blinked.
"Wait!"
Rhohun stopped and faced her. Melody stood and went up to him.
"I want to join."
Rhohun smiled.
"I thought you would."
He reached inside his pocket and pulled a black bracelet with a red
rose engraved on it. He took Melody's arm and slipped it on her wrist.
"Welcome to the Dark Roses."
******
Jessie slung her pack over her shoulder and
looked up at the sky. Misty held her books tightly and walked beside her.
"So...James saved you, huh?"
Misty nodded.
"Yes, Miss Jessie."
Jessie smiled.
"I should go thank him..."
She chuckled.
"I guess chivalry isn't dead, after all..."
And my dream isn't either...
"Jessie!"
Jessie stopped and turned around. Melody stood behind her, a sword
in hand. She held it up and pointed it towards her.
"I'm the newest member of the Dark Roses!
And I challenge you to a duel!"
To be continued...
Author's Note.
Okay, I just have to say something real quick. For those of you who
are Gary fans, I hope I'm not "offending" any of you by putting him in
this role. I, myself, like Gary and I think he's very sweet...even though
he can be rather cocky.I just want to say that I don't think Gary would
ever do anything like he did in the episodes, or any of the episodes, for
that matter.
Also, I know that I've been saying "the handle of the sword" in these
episodes. I now know what it's really called and I will be calling it "the
hilt of the sword" from now on.
That said, continue on.
***Episode Four***
Butch stood, arms crossed, between James and
Rhohun.
"Rhohun, I told you. Melody's only dueling
so she can brag about beating Jessie..."
James crossed his arms too.
"If she beats Jessie, that is."
Rhohun also crossed his arms.
"I believe Melody has alot of potential. She
could do whatever she wants. Maybe she won't beat Miss Parker today, but
who knows? With some training, a re-match may end differently."
Misty stood between Jessie and Melody. She brought her hands
together and closed her eyes.
"Sword of the Rose...the power of Kojiro that
sleeps within me...answer your master and show yourself now."
The hilt of the sword appeared at her chest and she leaned back into
Jessie's arms. Jessie reached over and pulled the sword out.
"The power to revolutionize the world!"
Melody gripped her sword and lunged swiftly at Jessie. Jessie brought
her sword up and blocked her attack. Melody lashed at her again and Jessie
knocked her blade against her's.
The two dueled fiercely.
"You're good," Jessie commented.
Melody knocked her blade roughly against Jessie's.
"Of course I am! I've been watching my brother
duel and practice all my life! I've learned from him! He's my prince! My
prince is the best! And now today, in front of my prince, I will defeat
you and prove I'm better than you'll ever be!"
Jessie's eyes narrowed.
"Don't count on it."
Jessie knocked her blade out of the way and swiftly sliced the rose
off Melody's chest. Melody froze and watched the rose fall to the ground.
Jessie stepped up to her.
"Melody. I understand that you admire your
brother. That you look up to him more than anyone else in the world, that
you'll do anything to make him proud of you. Please try to understand that
I don't want to take that away. I don't want to do anything that would
damage you and your brother's bond."
Melody was silent. Jessie tentatively reached over and put a hand on
her shoulder. Melody's eyes flashed and she lashed at Jessie with her sword.
Jessie's gasped and jumped back as the blade ripped the rose off her. Melody
glared at her and held her sword in an attack position.
"Melody? What are you doing?! The duel's over!"
"No! The duel's not over! The duel isn't over
until I defeat you and I have my brother's attention all to myself!"
"Melody..."
Melody lunged at her, sword pointed at her. Jessie jumped back and
held up her sword.
"Melody, please! I don't want to fight you!"
Melody lashed at her again. Jessie blocked her attack and took a few
steps back.
"Melody!"
Melody kept attacking and walked towards her. Jessie blocked her attacks
and kept walking back.
"Butch! Make her stop, please!"
Butch stared at Melody. His eyes watched her every move, her every
advance. James looked at him.
"Aren't you going to do anything?!"
Butch didn't answer. He continued watching Melody. James narrowed his
eyes.
Melody had Jessie against a wall. A dark shadow covered her face.
"Melody, please! Stop!"
Melody managed to knock Jessie's sword out of her hand. Jessie watched
it as it fell away from her, out of her reach. She looked back at Melody,
eyes wide with fear. Melody raised her sword to attack once more. Jessie
squeezed her eyes shut. Melody's sword came towards her like a speeding
bullet...and stopped right before it hit her. Jessie opened her eyes.
James had grabbed Melody's arm from behind, stopping her from attacking
Jessie. Jessie breathed a sigh of relief. Melody frowned and struggled
to get free, but James held her back tightly.
Jessie went over to get her sword. She smiled at James.
"Thank you."
James smiled back.
"Don't mention it."
Jessie walked to Misty and handed her the sword. Misty looked at her.
"You aren't hurt are you, Miss Jessie?"
Jessie shook her head.
"No, I'm fine."
Melody tried to pull out of James' grasp.
"Let me go," she growled.
"I don't think so."
Rhohun stepped up to James. He watched Melody struggle for awhile.
Then, he brought a hand up to James' neck. He grabbed him around his neck.
James choked slightly and let go of Melody. Rhohun let go of his neck.
James turned to him.
"What..."
Rhohun's eyes were narrowed.
"You are not to get involved in duels, James."
James stared at him in disbelief.
"The duel was over!"
"Melody said it wasn't."
"Melody could've killed Jessie!"
"So?"
James turned back to Melody. Melody had started towards Jessie, sword
raised. Rhohun covered James' mouth. James' eyes narrowed and he looked
over at where Butch was. He wasn't there.
James bit Rhohun's hand and jabbed him in the stomach with his elbow.
Rhohun let go and stumbled backwards a bit. James ran towards Jessie.
"Jessie!!!!"
Jessie turned around. Melody lunged and lashed her sword at her. Jessie
and Misty closed her eyes and screamed.
::SLICE::
Misty opened her eyes and her hands flew to her mouth. Jessie opened
her eyes and gasped. Melody froze and dropped her sword. James stopped
where he was and his eyes widened.
Butch fell to the ground, his chest sliced and bleeding.
Jessie kneeled down beside him.
"Butch..."
Melody stared at him. Rhohun walked over and stood next to James.
"I suggest you go call the ambulance."
James nodded, silently and ran out of the field.
Butch looked at Jessie.
"Are...you all right?"
Jessie nodded and a few tears rolled down her cheek. Butch smiled slightly.
"Crying? Over me? I'm flattered."
Tears were streaming down Melody's face.
"Big brother...big brother, why did you....why...."
Butch looked at Melody.
"Because I'm a prince."
******
James and Rhohun stood in the doorway of Butch's
hospital room. Ash and Cassidy stood on either side of his bed.
"Now, I will not be in here too long. I will
be released, but I will be in no condition to duel. If I am challenged
by someone, I'll need someone to duel in my place. I want the two of you
to have a duel to determine who will take my dueling place."
Cassidy and Ash nodded. Butch looked over at his doorway.
"James?"
James looked at him.
"Yeah?"
"I want you to take them to the Dueling Field
and watch their duel. Then come back to me with the victor."
James usually didn't follow Butch's orders. But...since it was slightly
his fault that he got hurt...
"Okay."
He and Rhohun stepped aside and let Ash and Cassidy walk out. James
followed them out into the hospital hallway.
As they walked down the hall, they passed
Jessie and Misty. Jessie held a bouquet of roses.
"Oh, James! Hang on a sec!"
James stopped and turned to face her. Jessie pulled out three of the
roses. She walked up to him and held them out to him.
"These are for you. They're thanks for saving
me."
James smiled slightly.
"Butch saved you, not me."
Jessie blinked.
"You both saved me. You first and then Butch.
I wanted to thank both of you."
James shook his head.
"No. Give them all to Butch. He deserves them
more than I do. After all, he's the one in the hospital."
"But--"
James waved and continued walking.
"I'll catch you later, Jessie."
Jessie watched him walk down the hall. She sighed and handed the roses
to Misty.
James stood to the side and watched Ash and
Cassidy duel. His mind wasn't really on the duel, though.
Jessie's such a sweet girl...how could anyone possibly want to hurt
her...? She's an excellent duelist...I have no doubts about her reaching
the castle...She'll have to go through Butch, though..She can beat him...I
know she can....Wait..wasn't I supposed to be doing something....hm...oh
yes! The duel!
James snapped out of his thoughts and concentrated on Ash and Cassidy's
duel.
******
James stepped into Butch's hospital room. Cassidy
followed him in. Butch looked over at them.
"Ah! Cassidy won the duel!"
James nodded. Cassidy kneeled down beside Butch.
"I swear I will do my best to uphold your
honor as head duelist."
Butch smiled.
"I know you will. I suspect Rhohun will be
your next challenger. He has to duel the Student Council president after
he duels the current victor. I don't think it should take too long for
Jessie to reach him."
Cassidy's eyes flashed at the mention of Jessie. She nodded. James
turned and left the room.
"You haven't been dismissed," Butch called
after him.
James stepped back in the room and crossed his arms. Butch counted
to five in his head. He smiled cheerfully.
"James, you're dismissed~!"
James shot him a mean look and left.
James stepped into his dorm room and flicked on the light. He shrugged off his World's End jacket and hung it on a chair. He ran a hand through his hair and he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to his desk. Sitting on it was a vase with white roses in it. James blinked and picked up the card, even though he knew who it was from.
James,
I don't give up! I'm incredibly stubborn! Don't you know that
by now? You DID save me!!! And you've helped me before. I owe you much
more than just these roses! ......okay, maybe I'm exaggerating...I'll see
you later!
Thanks again!
~Jessie
James smiled, despite himself. He put the card down and looked at the
roses again. He still didn't feel like he deserved them...but what could
he do? Jessie was stubborn, just like she said.
Incredibly stubborn....but just as sweet...
He fingered on the soft roses.
Jessie Parker.....I think I'm falling for you....
Jessie stood on the East Hall roof, staring
up at the starry night sky. She smiled softly and closed her eyes, allowing
the gentle breeze to caress her face.
James is such a sweetheart....he's kind of charming too....and so
chivalrous! Maybe...he's all the prince I need....
She opened her sapphire blue eyes slowly.
James....could I be falling for you?
The castle in the air shined brightly like
the stars. A lovely melody floated through the rooms gently. It was a piece
written long ago called "The Rose Bride". In one of the rooms, there stood
a vase with red roses in it. Amongst them there was a rosebud. As the music
passed through the room, it seemed like the thoughts of two people passed
through as well, blended in with the melody.
Jessie Parker....I think I'm falling for you...
James...could I be falling for you?
And as these thoughts drifted through the roses, the rosebud opened
and slowly bloomed into a white rose.
To be continued...
