((Wow! Another chapter done and it's only been a week. It's super nice when my workload is not so heavy. I am super surprised that I was able to get this chapter out as quickly as I did. I had a fun time writing this chapter so maybe that's why it went so fast. I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh GX))
Chapter 11
Part 1
The Pantry
Finally the day had come. Life at the castle had been so boring for Jaden since Jesse's departure. Though it had only been about a month since Jesse had left for school, it had felt like years to Jaden.
Jaden had been overcome with boredom since his playmate had moved away. He had begged many time to go see Jesse at the academy but both his father and Yubel had argued that Jesse need time on his own to become accustomed to school life. The King was happy that Jesse was out of his hair for a while; though Jesse had never done anything in the past few years to really be considered a burden to the King.
Yubel also miss Jesse quite a bit but did a good job of hiding it. To her it was like watching ones child grow. She also wanted to visit Jesse but was afraid that Jesse would have a relapse and follow them back home to the castle. She felt that two or three months on his own might be enough to give Jesse the time he needed but Jaden would not hear it.
Jaden had only received one short letter from Jesse since their departures. It was nice to get the letter from Jesse but Jaden could not help but wonder why he had not received more. Jaden had sent at least three in the past month and had only received one letter back. Was Jesse really too busy to think about him now. Jaden just had to go and find out.
Fortunately for Jaden, Yubel was to start her intense private combat training at the academy. The training would take place once a week during the weekend and Jaden had decided that he would tag along with his guardian and spent the time with Jesse. He had yet to tell Jesse of this new development but wanted to surprise the boy.
"Come on, Yubel! We are going to be late!" Jaden ushered as he waited for Yubel to finish her packing.
"Jaden, we are not going to be late. My training does not start for another three hours," Yubel said as she attempted to fix her wild hair. Even though she was now a monster, she could not help but worry about her looks from time to time.
"You look fine, Yubel," Jaden wined impatiently.
A small smirk spread across Yubel blue lips as she caught a glimpse of Jaden's reflection in the mirror.
"You that eager to see Jesse?" Yubel asked as she turned to look at the prince.
"Yubel, it been ages since we last met…" Jaden said as a small frown settled on his face.
"Jaden, it's only been one month," Yubel replied a she shook her head.
"But that's still a long time, Yubel. What if…" Jaden sighed as he looked to his feet. An image of Jesse not having time for him passed through his mind.
Yubel floated over to the prince and rested a kind claw on his shoulder.
"Jaden, Jesse is probably just as excited to see you as you are to see him. There is no way he would ever toss you aside," Yubel said as her features lit up with a warm smile. "And remember what I told you," she then added as she rested her other hand on Jaden's chest.
Jaden looked down at his chest before letting lose a long sigh. He then placed both his hands over Yubels. He looked up to Yubel with a soft smile.
"You're right, I can still feel him there. Thanks, Yubel," Jaden said as his eyes lit up.
Yubel gave an approving nod and a small giggle. The two sat silently as they soaked in the sentimental moment.
"And that's why we have to go now!" Jaden then said as he pulled out of the moment. "Jesse is probably waiting for us," he then added with a happy smile.
"Okay, you win. Just give me one more moment to gather my things," Yubel said with a happy smile of her own as she pulled way from the prince and carried on getting ready.
XXX
Jesse paced nervously at the school's entrance. He had received a letter from Jaden a few days ago about coming for a visit over the weekend. At the moment Jesse was waiting at the school's gate for Jaden to show up.
One might be wondering why Jesse was not full of joy as he waited for the prince's arrival. Well, it turns out Jesse was full of joy but he was also full of nerves. It had been a month since he had last seen Jaden. What if Jaden had changed? What if Jaden didn't recognize him anymore? What if Jaden did recognize him but didn't want anything to do with him anymore?
These thoughts ran though Jesse's scattered mine as he paced the front gate like a caged animal.
"Jeez, Jesse, calm down," Aster sighed as he watched his roommate pace around.
"Aster is right, Jesse. Everything is going to be fine," Chumley added as he worriedly watched Jesse.
"But… But what if he is mad at me for only sending him one letter! He sent me three. I only sent one. He is probably mad," Jesse huffed as he stopped his pacing and ran his fingers though his wild teal hair.
Jesse had not meant to only send one letter. It was just very hard for him to write at times. It was his weakest subject. He had never really been the best at it. Jaden would surly understand, right?
Jesse let loose a long sigh as he dropped his hands from his head.
"What a drama queen," Aster mumbled as he rolled his eyes.
"Listen, Jesse, just try to relax. From what you have told me, I am sure that Prince Jaden is going to be just as excited to see you are you are to see him," Chumley said in his normal clam tone.
"Do you really think so?" Jesse asked as he strolled over to the bench Chumley and Aster were sitting at.
"I know so. Now sit down and take a rest. You don't want to use up all your energy worrying about nothing, now do you?" Chumley hummed as he made room between himself and Aster for Jesse to sit.
Jesse sent Chumley a kind smile before plopping down between the other two boys.
"So, why exactly is Prince Jaden coming today and why are we the only ones who really know about it?" Aster asked as he looked to Jesse.
"Well, I don't quite know why they are coming, other then to see me. Jaden had also told me not to say anything to anyone," Jesse said with a small blush; though he had accidentally told Aster and Chumley on the day he got the letter. The only thing Jaden had told him was that he was going to come on Saturday to hang out with Jesse. Jaden had also mentioned keeping everything low key so as to not waist time with unnecessary formalities.
Of course many of the teachers knew of Prince Jaden's visit and had respected the Prince's request of keeping the visit on the down low.
"So, you really do know Prince Jaden then?" Aster asked as his expression went for board to curious. For the past month Aster had been on the brink of believing Jesse came from the castle and thinking that Jesse was from elsewhere.
Jesse turned to Aster and gave the boy a silent nod.
'I guess I will find out the truth today,' Aster thought as his stomach did a little flip. One reason Aster had tagged along with Jesse despite his skepticism was because he could not help but want to meet the prince again.
Had the prince remembered meeting Aster from 3ish years ago? Part of Aster hoped that he prince did remember him but another part of Aster was embarrassed by his actions back then and hoped that the prince did not recognize him.
The three boys sat silently on the bench as they waited. They were all dressed in the basic light blue uniform with tan pants and brown boots. Jesse had clamed down a bit but was still scanning the path that leads to the gate like a hawk. Aster was still in thought about weather the prince would remember him. Chumley had taken to looking at the clouds as they floated slowly in the bright blue sky.
Just then, movement from further up the path caught Jesse eye. Jesse sat up a bit to get a better look. His sudden movements caused Aster and Chumley to look down the path as well.
Two figures were approaching the boy. The silhouette of one looked human while the silhouette of the other had a humanoid shape but large wing's on it's back.
Jesse knew right away who they were. His nerve from earlier all but vanished as he stood up from the bench. Chumley and Aster jumped in surprise as Jesse blotted up out of the seat.
"Jaden! Yubel!" Jesse shouted with glee as he bolted from the gate and down the path toward the two figures.
The human figure seemed to stand still for a second before it too begin to run.
Aster and Chumley both stood up as they watched Jesse run down the path. As the human figure came closer to Jesse, its features became more prominent. It was a young boy around their age. The boy's excited eyes were a soft brown and he had a mop of messy two toned brown hair on his head. He wore a light blue top that match the color of the academy's uniform. His pants were of expensive brown leather and he wore brown boots that reach up to mid calf.
Aster knew right away who this boy was. His blue eyes widened in amazement as the boy gave a small jump of joy before embracing Jesse in a large hug.
"Jess!" Prince Jaden sang as he wrapped his arms around his best friend.
"Jaden!" Jesse trilled as he hugged Jaden back. It relieved Jesse to no end to be greeted by Jaden in such a way. It seems that things really hadn't changed in a month.
"Jesse, it's good to see that you are doing well," Yubel hummed as she approached the two boys.
Hearing Yubel's voice, Jesse detached himself from Jaden and gave the guardian a large hug.
"I missed you too, Yubel," Jesse said as he held Yubel tight.
Jaden shot the two an annoyed look as he watched them embrace. He had not been finished greeting Jesse. He quickly shook away the small ting of jealously as Jesse pulled out of his hug with Yubel.
"Jaden! I am so happy you are here. I missed you so much," Jesse said as he turned to face Jaden.
"Hey, I had to come and make sure you are all right," Jaden said with a wink as he wrapped his arm around Jesse's shoulder.
Jesse let loose a small giggle as he lend against Jaden.
"Everything is all right, right Jess?" Jaden said with a small giggle as if the idea of something being wrong would never happen.
Jesse hesitated for a moment as his frown faulted for only a second.
"Uh, Yeah, everything is fine!" Jesse lied, his smile became a little fake.
For the most part, Jesse had been enjoying the past month of school. He had made friend with both Aster and Chumley, and that made him very happy. A few kids had even begun talking with Jesse despite him being dubbed the school freak. Jesse had also enjoyed all of his classes and was getting along with all of his teachers. The food was also wonderful.
Despite all the positives of his new life, there were still several students, mostly first years and second years, who still went out of their way to pick on Jesse. No one had right out tried to push him around like his first day of school but many kids would bump him in the hall or push his papers off his desk. Jesse always tried his best to ignore the incidents. It was not too big of a deal to him and he didn't want Jaden to find out and worry about it.
To Jesse dismay, he had never really been good at hiding anything from the prince. Jaden could tell right away buy the change in Jesse's smile that something was wrong.
Jaden's face went from happy to serious as he pulled his arm from around Jesse shoulder and faced the teal haired boy.
"Jesse, what's wrong?" Jaden said as he placed his hands on Jesse shoulders; holding Jesse at an arm's length away and looking him in the eye.
"Everything is fine, Jaden. I promise," Jesse said as he tired his best to not seem nervous.
"Jaden, what's wrong? Jesse says he is fine," Yubel said as she shot the prince a perplexed look. Though she too was close to Jesse, she could not read him as well as the prince could.
"Nope, something is wrong and you are going to tell me what it is, Jesse," Jaden said as his eye filled with a mix of sternness and care.
"Nothing is wrong, Jaden," Jesse repeated as he looked to the floor.
The more Jesse denied it, the more Jaden could tell something was up.
"Is it the classes? Are the teachers mean?" Jaden asked as he decided to play 20 questions to get the answer out of Jesse.
"No, the teachers are really nice, Jaden. Everything is fine," Jesse said with bright smile. It was moments like this where Jesse wished that Jaden could not read his mind. Sometimes it was a gift, and in moment like this, it was a curse.
"Is it the food then? It's the food, isn't it? Is it making you sick!?" Jaden asked as his tone became quite dramatic.
"No, the food is fine, Jaden. It's really good. We can go try some now if you want," Jesse said in an attempt to advert Jaden's attention to something new.
"Jaden, please calm down. Jesse says that everything is fine," Yubel said as she rolled her eyes. Sometimes it surprised her at how protective the prince could be.
"No! Yubel, something is wrong and I am going to find out!" Jaden snapped as he shot Yubel a determined look.
Yubel let loose an exasperated sigh. She knew there was no use arguing with the stubborn prince. She just hoped Jesse would tell the truth soon or they would be there all day.
"Jesse! I can tell something is wrong so there is no use hiding it," Jaden said as he turned back to Jesse; his big brown eyes were full of worry.
"It's no big deal, Jaden. Really! Why don't we go into the school and I can show you around," Jesse said as he shifted uncomfortably. The last thing Jesse wanted was Jaden being worried over him. And it's not like the bullies were that bad. It was nothing Jesse could not handle.
"Well, if it's not the teachers or the food…" Jaden mumbled to himself as he held one hand to his chin. He hummed for a moment as the thought; both Yubel and Jesse were silent.
After a few moments of no one saying anything, Jesse shifted on his feet awkwardly. He opened his mouth to prompt Jaden to enter the school but was cut off by Jaden grabbing his shoulders yet again.
"You are not being picked on are you?" Jaden said as his big brown eyes became stern yet again.
'Shit!' Jesse thought as he looked away from Judai's examining gaze. Jesse heisted for only a moment and in the moment he had been found out.
"Who is it Jesse? Who is picking on you?" Jaden said as his face came closer to Jesse's.
"Jaden, it's no big deal, really," Jesse mumbled.
"Jesse, is it true? Are you really being picked on?" Yubel asked as her two toned eyes filled with worry. She didn't like the sound of Jesse being bullied. She hoped that he had at least one friend.
"Tell me who it is, Jesse! I will have them thrown out of the kingdom," Jaden said as he became protective.
"Jaden, Yubel, really its fine," Jesse said as he looked to the two. He was quite touched by their loyalty to him but didn't want Jaden to spend their one day together obsessing over some bullies.
"Jesse it's not fine. If someone is picking on you then I, I mean, we need to stop it," Jaden said as he sent Jesse a worried looked.
Jesse hesitated for a moment as he pondered weather he should tell Jaden about his bullies.
"Sheesh Jesse, are you going to stand outside the gate all day or are we going to show Prince Jaden the school?" came a sarcastic voice that caused Yubel and Jaden to draw their attending to the two new comers.
"Oh, hey Aster, Chuml-" but before Jesse could finish his greeting he was cut off by a defensive Jaden.
"You!" Jaden said as he strode towards Aster and got up into the silver haired boy's face.
Aster hesitated for a moment. He wondered if the prince had remembered who he was.
"W-What?" Aster shuttered as he tied to not seem too shocked.
"It's you, isn't it?" Jaden spat in defence.
Jesse turned his head to the side and shot Jaden a very confused look.
Chumley backed away a bit, giving the prince some room.
"Prince Jaden…I," Aster stuttered as he tried to think of something to say. 'Oh gosh. Am I going to get in trouble for back then,' Aster though as he tried to decided if he should come clean or pretend that he had never met the prince before.
"You're the one aren't you?" Jaden carried on as his brown eyes became suspicious.
"Jaden, what are you going on about?" Yubel asked as she approached the prince.
Aster's eyes left Jaden and fell on Yubel. The color in his face almost drained.
'She surly must remember who I am,' Aster thought with dread.
"He is the one, Yubel!" Jaden hissed. He could see guilt in the boy's blue eyes.
"Jaden," Jesse whispered as he wondered why the prince had become so defensive. Normally Jaden was very friend when meeting new people.
"You're the one who has been picking on my Jesse! Aren't you?" Jaden spat as he got up into Aster's face and clenched his fists.
Everyone's eyes widened with surprise as they all shot Jaden questioning looks.
"W-what!?," Aster stuttered as he leaned away from the prince.
"Jaden!?" Yubel questioned as she held a hand to her mouth.
Jesse sat dumbfound. He was still unsure of what to make of the situation or how to react.
Chumley sat with his eyes as round as the moon as he questioned if the event was merely a dream.
"Listen here, mister!" Jaden said as he stuck his pointer finger into Aster's face. "You better stop picking on my Jesse or you will regret it," Jaden spat defensively as he got up further into Aster's space.
With each step the prince took towards Aster, Aster would take a step back.
"Me? Pick on Jesse?" Aster gasped as he tried to figure out why the prince would think this.
As fast as lighting a flash of teal shot between Jaden and Aster.
"Jesse…?" Aster and Jaden said simultaneously.
Jesse stood between Aster and Jaden; his back was to Aster.
"Jesse, what are you doing? I need to teach this kid a lesson!" Jaden said as he motioned for Jesse to move aside.
"You're making a mistake, Jaden. Aster is not my bully. Aster is my roommate and friend," Jesse's said as he big green eyes tried to convince the prince to believe him.
"Your… friend?" Jaden repeated as he backed off.
Everyone but Jaden released a large sigh of relief; especially Aster.
"So, this snobby looking kid is not your bully?" Jaden asked as he looked around Jesse at Aster.
"Snobby?" Aster grumbled as his relieved look became insulted.
"No, he is not my bully, Jaden. He is just my friend and my roommate," Jesse clarified as he sent the prince a sweet smile.
Jaden sat for a second as he felt a sudden waive of embarrassment rush over him.
"I… Uh… I… Um," Jaden stuttered as his cheeks went red. Maybe he had gone a little overboard.
Jesse giggled at Jaden reaction. He was quite touched the Jaden would defend him so quickly.
"Anyways," Jesse said with a small chuckle in his tone. "Jaden, Yubel. This is Aster my roommate and Chumley my classmate. They are both my friends," Jesse said sweetly as he pointed to Aster and Chumley.
"Hello," Chumley greeted in his normal calm tone.
"Hi!" Aster said as he began to question if the brown haired boy in front of him was really Prince Jaden. He was still feeling a bit insulted for being called snobby.
"Hello, I am Yubel," Yubel said as she sent the boys a friendly smile. She was happy to know that Jesse at least had two friends. She hoped that he had more but it had only been a month and some friendships take time.
"Hey, it's nice to meet you both," Jaden said with a goofy smile as he tried to hide his embarrassment.
Yubel sat for a moment as she sent Aster an intense stare. She could not shake the feeling that she had met Aster before.
Aster fidgeted a moment as the half dragon studied him.
"Well, how about I take you two around the school grounds before lunch," Jesse cheered, causing Yubel to shake the feeling that Aster was someone she knew.
"Oh, Jesse that sounds great but I am afraid that I won't be able to join you boys. I have something I must do while I am here," Yubel said in a regretful tone. She really did want to spend more time with Jesse but she had a responsibility to fulfil.
Jesse's face fell as he looked up at Yubel. He was happy to spend time with Jaden but he had also wanted to spend some time with Yubel as well.
"Don't worry, maybe we can spend some time together this evening before Jaden and I go back to the castle," Yubel said with a pleasant smile. She never liked it when Jesse was sad.
"Yeah, Jess, we can hang with Yubel tonight. She has some stuff to do now. But you will still have me," Jaden sang as he slung an arm around Jesse's shoulders.
"Oh, okay," Jesse said, his voice holding a small bit of disappointment. He shook the feeling knowing he should be grateful to have Jaden with him.
"Well, how about we get a move on then," Yubel said as she tried to stay upbeat about separating with Jesse only after just meeting him.
Jesse gave a nod before turning towards the school and leading the way.
XXX
After entering the gate the group walked on for a bit before Yubel had to split off. She reminded the boy to meet her outside the dinning hall after dinner was over. She promised to spend some time with Jesse before she and Jaden had to go back to the castle.
Once parting from Yubel, Jesse, Aster and Chumley began their tour of the school grounds. Jesse walked with Chumley on his left and Jaden on his right. Next to Jaden was Aster. Jaden had made it a point to keep Aster and Jesse separated. It was almost as if Jaden still did not trust the silver haired boy despite the fact that Aster had yet to do anything in front of Jaden.
The tour took well over an hour and by the time it was mostly over it was close to lunch time.
"How about we go get some lunch? Then after lunch we can go to the practice ground and practice some sword skills on the hay dummies," Jesse suggested as he lead the group towards the dinning hall.
"That sounds like a blast, Jess. I really want to see what you have learned," Jaden replied with a fist pump.
"Yeah, we can show you and maybe you can give it a try too," Jesse suggested with a giggle.
"All right, I have been studying a bit of sword skills here and there, too! I can't wait," Jaden cheered. Jaden had been given privet fencing lessons since he was a small child. He had grown up with swords and was excited to try training with kids his own age.
Chumley let loose a light hearted laugh. He wondered if Prince Jaden would be better with a sword then them. He had a feeling that all three were probably better then he was.
Aster could not help but roll his eyes. Prince Jaden always seemed to be happy with Jesse no matter what Jesse offered they do next. Aster had to admit that Jesse was a nice guy but Jesse was not that amazing. Aster had never expected the Prince to be just as much of a moron as Jesse.
The four headed to the dining hall and made themselves comfortable at their normal four person table. Jaden and Jesse sat next to one another. Across from Jesse sat Chumley and Aster sat across from the prince.
Though Jaden stood out due to not wearing the school uniform, unless you had met him before, you probably would not guess that he was the Prince. Jaden had made it a point to try and wear cloths that blended in with the crowd to help hide his identity. The only problem is that most people in the kingdom knew what he looked like.
The boys had begun to eat and chat amongst themselves. There were several students in the dining hall that kept whispering wildly and pointing in excitement at Jaden as he sat with the group. Jaden had a feeling that they knew who he was but he tried his best to ignore the attention.
Aster and Chumley picked up on the other student's excitement but Jesse seemed to be unaware of it. Jesse was too excited to be with Jaden to notice what anyone around them was doing.
"Normally people freak out when they first meet Yubel but you were so calm," Jaden hummed as he turned to Chumley. Jaden had been legitimately surprised that Chumley had taken to Yubel right away. Most people, other then Jesse, turn into a ball of fearful mush when first meeting his guardian. Even Aster had lost some color in his face when he had seen Yubel.
"What was there to be scared of? Jesse had only ever told us good things about you and Yubel," Chumley said with a lazy shrug. "Though I am not going to deny that I was a tad bit surprised when I first saw Yubel," Chumley added with a sheepish smile.
Jaden returned Chumley's smile with one of his own. Though he was sad to be so far away from Jesse, he was happy to know that Jesse had befriended such a kind person.
Jesse smiled as well. He was happy to see Jaden get along so well with his friends. Part of him had been a bit worried that they might not click but he should have known. Jaden gets along with almost anyone as long as they are a good person.
"So, it's true. Jesse really did grow up with you in the castle?" Aster hummed as he studied the prince. He was still quite shocked by the fact that Jesse's stories of being raised by Prince Jaden were true. "And here I though it was all just fairy tales," he added with a sigh. He was not going to deny the fact that he wish he could have grown up in the castle.
"So you have been picking on my Jesse!" Jaden grumbled as his eye became stern; though he was not as defensive as earlier. He still had not given up on the idea that Aster was Jesse's bully.
"Prince Jaden, have I done anything that would cause you to believe that I pick on Jesse?" Aster asked as his blue eye's challenged the prince. He was getting annoyed by the prince's attitude towards him. He had spent almost all his childhood wishing to fight by the prince's side and this is the thanks he gets.
Jaden silently studied Aster for a moment before sitting back and relaxing.
"I suppose you have not done anything… yet," Jaden said; ending the sentence in an overly dramatic suspicious tone.
"Anyways," Jesse cut in, hoping to draw the conversation away form bullies. "Has anything exciting happened at the castle since I have left?" Jesse asked with a bright smile.
"Well, I have started some intense training with both combat and magic," Jaden explain as he turned to Jesse with excitement. Jaden had studied magic and combat off and on as a child but it had mostly just been for fun.
"Wow! Magic study? Way cool," Chumley hummed. He had always though he was better suit for casting spells instead of swinging a sword around. "We don't get to start our magic studies till next semester," he then added.
"Can you cast any spells yet, Jaden?" Jesse asked. Jesse had also always had an interest in learning magic but had never been given a chance to learn anything at the castle. The king had made it clear that Jesse was to learn all of that after going to the academy.
"Oh, maybe a few… I was able to make a small flame yesterday," Jaden boasted with a cocky smile.
"Wow! Really! You must show us later," Jesse cheered as he leaned in closer to Jaden.
"Well, they said it's not really a toy but I guess I can show you after lunch," Jaden said; his posture was still quit cocky.
"So, Prince Jaden, do they teach you how to fight at the castle too?" Aster asked wondering if the prince had a private teacher or not.
"Well for now I will be taught as the castle but I was told that my training may move to here after a year or so," Jaden cheered in excitement. It was not a set plan quite yet but Jaden planed to make it set. If he was able to train at the academy too, then he could be with Jesse again.
"Wow! Really, Jaden?" Jesse said as his eyes filled with stars. He would give anything to have Jaden join them at the school.
"It would be fun to study together, Prince Jaden," Chumley added with a jolly smile.
"Oh, you can just call me 'Jaden'. Prince Jaden is too formal. Besides, I am trying to hide my identity, remember," Jaden whispered.
Though Jaden wanted to hide his identity, Aster and Chumley were pretty sure that his cover had already been blown long ago. Many students kept whispering in excitement as they pointed at Jaden during the lunch period.
It was no surprise that he was so easily recognised by the other students. Jaden had been famous for his two toned brown hair. He had also spent the majority of his childhood making appearances at public events so it was not like he was a mystery to the kingdom.
"Well, if you say so, Jaden," Chumley replied. It felt strange to the large boy to address the prince so casually. He could not help but wonder if he would be tossed in jail if the King heard.
Jaden sent Chumley a satisfied nod.
"So, how much longer is the lunch period?" Jaden asked as he looked for a clock. He had been the first to finish his meal.
"Maybe another 5 or so minutes. Why? What's the hurry?" Aster asked as he finished off his last bite of food.
"I was just asking, Ast-" Jaden went to reply before being cut off by a new comer.
"Well, well, well… It looks like someone new has decided to join the table of freaks," came a snarky voice from behind Jaden.
Jaden noticed right away that Jesse's attitude went from happy to nervous the second the newcomer spoke. The only time Jesse ever acted like this was around the knights in the castle who went out of their way to pick on the teal haired boy. Jaden had a feeling that the newcomer was not going to be someone he was going to get along with.
Jaden turned in his seat and was greeted by a red headed boy who was accompanied by two other boys.
"Fuck off, Buck," Aster spat coolly. Aster was usually the one to verbally chase off the bullies. He was not as affected by what the bullies did and said.
"Shut it, Aster! I was not talking to you," Buck snapped as he shot Aster a glair.
Aster rolled his eyes and chose to say nothing.
"Who are you?" Jaden asked as he shot Buck an angry glair.
"Then name is Buck… and you are?" Buck asked; though he knew very well who Jaden was.
"Buck, that's the prince," one of the boys next to Buck whispered. The two boys beside Buck did not seem nearly as confident as the red head. They looked like they were ready to abandon ship if anything went wrong.
Buck made a motion for the two boys next to him to keep their mouths shut.
"Then name is Jaden! But you can call me Prince Jaden," Jaden replied in a not so friendly tone. He did not like the way Jesse was reacting to this boy's presence.
At the moment, Jesse was the only one at the table who had yet to fully acknowledge Buck's presence. Jesse hoped that if he kept quiet, Buck would go away.
Jesse was able to handle most of the boys who went out of their way to pick on him. They normally did things that Jesse was able to easily ignore. But Buck was the one who went out of his way to humiliate Jesse; as well as Chumley at times. Though Buck had yet to do anything to harm Jesse physically since a month ago, Jesse was not willing to give the boy another chance.
"Well, so the rumours were right. Little Jizzy Jessy here does come from the castle," Buck hissed as he reached a hand out and roughly ruffled Jesse soft teal hair.
Jesse flinched but made no other motion to acknowledge the red head.
Jaden felt something inside of him begin to burn as he watched the boy touch his Jesse.
"Aww, why the cold shoulder, Jizzy Jesse? Afraid that Prince Jaden is going to abandon you if he sees how weak you really are?" Buck taunted as he rubbed Jesse's head harder.
Jesse let loose a small squeak of pain as he tried his best to ignore Buck.
Jaden felt his blood begin to boil. Something inside him was about to snap.
"Aww is Little Jizzy Jesse hurt?" Buck said with a snicker.
Bucks friends backed away as they caught sight of the dark look Jaden was shooting the red head. It was almost like a tiger staring down it's helpless pray.
"Buck, please," Jesse finally squeaked after realizing his silence was not getting him anywhere.
"What as that, Jizzy Jes-" Buck began to say but was stopped by an iron grip taking hold of the hand he was using to torture Jesse.
"Don't touch him!" Jaden growled as he pulled Buck hand off of Jesse's head. Jaden was now standing up and shooting death glairs at the red headed boy.
Buck looked to Jaden as he opened his mouth to tell the prince off but was halted by fear before he could do so.
Jesse turned around to see why his torturer had stopped and was also surprised by what he saw.
Jaden's soft brown eyes were now cold and angry. His features did not have a singe ounce of caring or kindness as he tightened his grip on Bucks wrist.
"Whaaa," Buck whimpered in a small voice as he tired to not piss himself.
"Don't ever touch Jesse again," Jaden growled; his voice almost sounding like an angry dragon.
Buck's knees began to shake as he started to not lose control from fear. He was not sure but he was almost certain that the prince's eyes had flashed a cold gold for a second.
"Jaden…?" Jesse whimpered. He too could not help but feel startled by the prince's actions. He was not scared of the prince but was scared for the prince. What had happened?
The rest of the room had also fallen silent. Many of the students were now watching; some in fear but most in excitement.
Jaden's grip tightened even more, causing Buck to let loose a small whimper.
"Jaden... s-stop," Jesse pleaded as he reached a hand out and rested it on the hand Jaden was using to break Buck's writs.
The second Jesse's hand made contact with Jaden it was like what ever had been possessing the prince had been broken. Jaden's features went back to his normal self as he let go of Bucks now bruised wrist.
With a squeak of fear, Buck pulled his wrist away from Jaden and backed off.
"Wh-What was that?" Buck stuttered in a shaky tone. It was obvious that he was still scared shitless.
Jaden sat for a moment, almost in a dais. He had no clue what had come over him. When he saw the red head hurting Jesse, he lost it.
Jaden felt a soft hand on his shoulder that brought him fully back to reality. The hand belonged to none other then Jesse.
Jesse was shooting the prince a worried look. Jesse was happy that Jaden had stood up for him but he had never seen the prince act in such a way before.
Jaden then looked from Jesse back to Buck. Buck flinched as he made eye contact with Jaden.
Despite being shaken from his actions, Jaden wanted to make it clear to everyone what Jesse was off limits to any form of bullying.
"Don't you ever do anything to Jesse every again!" Jaden spat as he shot Buck a warning glare.
It seems that every last ounce of Bucks courage had drained from him as he back further away from the prince. He didn't say a single word as he backed off. Despite wanting to run, he was too scared to turn his back to the prince. At one point he almost tripped over a chair. Once he was a few meters away from the prince he let loose a child like squawk of fear before he turned and ran out of the dinning hall; his two dumb friends followed after.
Everyone in the room watched in silence as the red head and his two friends clumsily stumbled out of the room. Once the three were out of sight, everyone's gaze returned to Jaden.
Jaden looked around the room, unsure of what to do. He could not help but wonder if he had gone too far.
'I hope that did not make things worse for Jesse,' Jaden thought as his mind filled with worry.
Jesse shot Jaden another concerned look. He was still worried about the way the prince had acted. Why had the prince been so cold all of a sudden? It had spooked Jesse to see it.
All of a sudden the room erupted with cheers and laugher. Both Jesse and Jaden were torn from their worried by the many cheers. Many of the kids were shouting thanks to Jaden. It had been nice to see someone put Buck in his place.
Jaden did not know how to react to the treatment he was receiving. He looked to Jesse and saw that Jesse was also just as surprised as he was.
"Are you okay, Jess?" Jaden finally asked after staring at the worried Jesse.
"I'm just fine, Jaden. But what about you? Are you alright?" Jesse replied as his eyes become even more concerned. Jesse was still worried over the small episode Jaden just had.
"Yeah, I'm just fine, Jess," Jaden replied with a reassuring smile. He did not want Jesse to worry over him. It was probably just hormones or something; nothing to fuss over.
Jesse let loose a small sigh as he returned Jaden's smile. The worry in his heart still hung heavy but he chose to ignore it for now.
The two then reclaimed their seats at their table and carried on with the rest of the lunch period.
XXX
Soon after Buck and his posy had run away, the lunch bell chimed. For the rest of the after noon the boys were free to do as they pleased. They had decided to keep with their plan and went to the training field to practice their sword skills.
"Wow, Jaden, you're really good with the sword. A natural just like Jesse," Chumley said with a kind smile. He had taken to watching the other three practice. He had never really been a big fan of combat; even if it was just training.
"Thanks, Chumley. Why don't you give it a try?" Jaden said as he wiped some sweat from his brow.
"Oh, I am fine with just watching," the larger boy replied.
"Whatever you say man," Jaden said before he went back to whacking the hay dummy.
Jaden, at the moment, was situated between Aster and Jesse. All three were beating away at hay dummies as they showed off their skills.
"So, has that guy been bugging you all this time, Jess?" Jaden asked as he hacked away at his dummy.
"I guess, maybe he has," Jesse said as he stopped to think.
"I told Jesse not to be such a push over," Aster grunted as he gave his dummy a good hit. "Like I said, Buck was all bark and no bite. He ran away with his tail between his legs the second someone stronger then him stood up against him," Aster carried on.
"What had caused him to pick on you anyways, Jess," Jaden asked as he stopped for a moment to catch his breath.
Jesse sent his best friend a shrug. He truly had no clue why Buck had chosen him out of the whole first year class to pick on.
"He was probably just jealous because Jesse came from the castle," Aster said as he carried on hitting his dummy.
"Why would he be jealous of that?" Jesse asked in utter confusion. Jesse was still slightly unaware of the King and Jaden's status. He knew that they ruled over the kingdom but he had never understood why everyone was so smitten by royalty. To Jesse, Jaden was just a normal person like anyone else.
"Of course you would say that… moron," Aster mumbled as he carried on his training. He had at one point been jealous of Jesse, too.
Jaden looked to Jesse to make sure Aster words had not hurt him. To his surprise Jesse did not seemed bother by the comment at all. Jesse just gave a small shrug before turning back to his dummy and hacking away at it.
The boys spent the whole afternoon working out in the training field. Jaden had even showed off the little magic he had mastered since Jesse's absence. The time had flown by and before they knew it, it was almost dinner time.
All four had dinner together at the same small four person table they always ate at. They sat in the same spots as always and chatted about how much fun the day had been. The whole atmosphere in the dinner hall had lightened up tenfold since the incident at lunch. Not as many students shot Jesse strange looks; though there were still several kids who still looked unsure of the teal haired boy and his friends.
The dinner period had ended just as fast as it had started and before Jesse and Jaden knew it, they were waiting alone outside the dinning hall for Yubel. Chumley and Aster had split off and gone their own ways.
At the moment both boys were standing side by side as they watched the sun disappear behind the far off mountains. The sky was now a pinkish purple with a few starts appearing in the darker areas. The atmosphere was calm and slightly melancholy. Both boys knew they only had so much time before Jaden had to leave. Jesse felt like they had only just met. He was not ready for the prince to go.
"Thanks for helping me earlier today, Jaden," Jesse said as he leaned up against the prince.
"Don't worry about it, Jess. Like I would ever let anyone hurt you," Jaden said as he gave Jesse's shoulder an affectionate pat.
Jesse gave a bright smile to the Prince as his heart filled with warmth. Jesse then remembered that he would have to part with the prince yet again. He felt his happy heart begin to sink as he let loose a heavy sigh.
"What's wrong, Jess," Jaden asked as he noticed the sudden change in Jesse.
"Jaden… It's just. I wish we had more time together. Today went by too fast," Jesse sighed.
"I hear ya, Jess. I wish there was a way for me to stay longer," Jaden replied with a heavy sigh of his own.
The two boys, with their backs to the walls, leaned up against each other as they waited for Yubel to come. A sad silence hung between them as they tried to keep themselves happy despite having to say goodbye soon.
Suddenly a sly smile crept it's way onto Jaden's lips.
"Ya know what, Jesse. Maybe there is a way for me to stay longer," Jaden said as the gears in his head began to turn.
Jesse turned to look at the prince as curiosity and hope filled his green eyes.
XXX
Aster sat on his bed as he read from his text book. It had been an hour since he had parted from Jesse and Jaden and he expected a moping Jesse to return any minute now.
Aster let loose a board sigh as he turned the next page of his science book. The content of the book was dry and boring to Aster. Science was his least favourite subject. He sometimes wished there was less homework for science and more for history.
Aster shifted to a laying position as he tried to make himself comfortable. As he moved his bed let loose a loud creak. He let loose a deep yawn as he tried to keep awake. His eye lids were becoming heavy with boredom and the words on the page all seemed to blend as one. His head became heavy as he released another yawn. Sleep was threatening to overtake the bored knight.
"Aster! Guess what!" Jesse cheered as he burst through the door.
"Ack!" Aster screeched in surprise as he shot up in bed. Still in a fit of surprise, Aster juggled his textbook before it fell to the floor with a heavy thud.
"Jesse! What were you thinking! Don't just bursting in here like that," Aster scolded as he regained his composure.
"Oh, sorry," Jesse said with a guilty smile. Sometimes his excitement got the better of him.
"Now, what's got you so excited?" Aster asked as he studied Jesse.
Jesse was still standing in the doorway with the door still ajar.
"Well, I have a surprise for you," Jesse said as his grin grew even wider and dopier.
Aster lifted an eyebrow as he studied Jesse even more. What could be making the teal haired boy so excited? Jesse had only ever been this giddy after finding out Jaden was coming for a visit.
"What's the surprise, Jesse?" Aster asked; wondering if maybe Jesse had scored some snack before the prince left.
"We are going to have a guest tonight," Jesse sang as he tried his best to control his joy.
"A guest…?" Aster questioned as he lifted his brow yet again. He thought for a moment before it dawned on him. "Jesse… You don't mean-" Aster mumbled.
Before Aster could finish, Jesse swung the door open to reveal their guest for the knight.
Prince Jaden sat in the door way with his arms in the air as if he were the best surprise ever.
Aster slapped a hand to his face. He had a feeling this was the surprise. If Prince Jaden really was staying the night, it was going to be the longest night ever.
"Jesse, this had better be a joke," Aster sighed as Jaden entered the room.
"A joke!? Excuse me but I am the prince! The prince is never a joke," Jaden replied as he play-pouted.
"We are going to have so much fun tonight!" Jesse cheered as he plopped down on his bed.
"How? Why? Jesse, the Prince can't just stay the night." Aster said as he tried to understand the situation. He half wondered if the prince had snuck back and was not meant to be there at all.
"Oh, calm down," Jaden replied with a wave of his hand. "I was given permission to stay the night. I am the prince, you know," he said with a playful wink. Being that the Academy was arguably just as safe as the castle, it had not been hard for the prince to talk his way into staying.
"W-Well, no one asked me permission and this is just as much my room as it is Jesse's" Aster wined as he stood up in bed. It's not that he didn't want the prince around; he just wished he had been asked before decisions were made.
"You mean you don't want Jaden to stay… It's just for tonight," Jesse plead as his soft green eyes filled with worry.
Aster looked into Jesse's green eyes and knew he had already lost the fight.
"Fine," Aster mumbled as he plopped back down on his bed.
"What did you say?" Jaden said playfully as he cupped his ear.
"I said 'fine'," Aster grumbled a bit louder this time.
"What was that? I could not hear you," Jaden taunted yet again in a playful manner.
Aster shot the prince a cold stair. Why did the prince have to be such a moron?
"Jaden, stop picking on Aster," Jesse said as he tried to hold back a giggle.
"You two are such morons," Aster said as he rolled his eyes.
Jaden and Jesse exchanged glances as they giggle at one another. Both were over joyed to be able to spend more time with one another.
"So, where is Prince Jaden going to sleep? We only have two beds," Aster pointed out as he crossed his arms. His posture seemed annoyed but deep down he was excited to have the prince stay the night.
"He can sleep in my bed with me," Jesse said as he motioned for Jaden to sit next to him in bed. Jaden complied as plopped down next to Jesse.
"Sleep together… Isn't that a little strange?" Aster said as he sent the two boys a slightly disturbed look.
"What so strange about sharing a bed," Jesse asked as his green gaze filled with innocence.
"Yeah, there is nothing strange about it. Jess and I have shared beds since we were young," Jaden added as he paced his arm around Jesse's shoulders.
"Yeah, it's perfectly normal," Jesse said as he leaned into Jaden.
The two then looked to Aster with big dopy smiles.
"They really are a pair of morons," Aster grumbled as his left eye twitched.
"Is something in your eye, Aster?" Jesse questioned as he took notice to Aster's twitching eyes.
"Everything is fine, Jesse," Aster sighed as he tried to mentally prepare himself for the night.
The evening rolled by pretty quickly. The three had spent a large majority of the night playing card games and telling stories; it was mostly Jaden and Jesse telling Aster stories of their childhood. Before they knew it, it was time for bed.
The three boys were now in their sleep wear getting comfortable in bed. Jaden had borrowed one of Jesse's extra pajamas. He was surprised to find that they fit him so well despite the face that he was a bit bigger then Jesse.
Jesse had taken the spot closest to the wall while Jaden lay on the outside of the bed. Jesse was already cuddled into the covers snug and warm while Jaden sat up in bed. The small lamp in their room was still lit despite the fact that light's out had already been called.
"You know, we are going to get into trouble if you don't turn that lamp out," Aster grumbled as he looked to the prince. He was also still sitting with is back to the (head board).
"You worry too much," Jaden said as he waived off Aster's warning.
"Morons," Aster grunted as he plopped down into his bed. "If you get caught it's all on you, Prince Jaden," Aster warned as he turned his back to the other two boys.
Jaden said nothing but stuck his tongue out at Aster.
"Jaden!" Jesse warned in a giggly tone.
Jaden smiled at Jesse before turning out the light and lying down.
Aster stirred in bed as the lights went out. He tried his best to ignore the giggly hushed whispers of other two in the room. It would be silent for a moment. Then Jaden or Jesse would say something to make the other giggle wildly.
"Would you two cut it out! Someone is going to hear and we are going to get into trouble," Aster snapped after several minutes of listening to the two make noise.
"Jeez, Aster, calm down," Jaden taunted as he sent a sassy look at Aster. Of course Aster could not see the look in the dark but he could hear it in the prince's voice.
"I'm just trying to keep us from getting into trouble," Aster snarled back.
"No need to get your panties in a bunch," Jaden carried on taunting.
"Spoiled brat!" Aster came back; his voice a bit louder then before.
"Now look who is being loud," Jaden hissed.
"Why you!" Aster spat.
"Hey! If you two keep arguing like this then we really will get into trouble," Jesse whispered as he sat up.
"Well he-!" Aster and Jaden spat at the same time.
"Maybe we really should just get to sleep then," Jesse sighed thus causing the argument to come to an end. Jesse then lay back down and made himself comfortable once more.
Jaden and Aster both pouted in bed as they turned their back away from one another.
The room was dead silent now. Each boy wondered if the others had fallen asleep but all three were still awake. The silence hung in the hair for several minutes maybe even an hour. None of them could tell how much time had passed. All three boys slowly began to drift off to sleep.
"Giiiirrrrr," came a loud rumble from somewhere in the room.
Aster shot up in bed as his strained his eyes to look around the room.
"What was that!?" Aster hissed as he looked around. He could make out that Jesse was also sitting up and looking around.
"Giiiiirrr!" came the sound yet again.
This time Aster was almost sure that it was coming from Jesse's side of the room.
"Guuuuurrrrp," The sound went off yet again.
"Oh man," Jaden moaned.
"Jaden, what's wrong?!" Jesse asked as his eyes filled with concern; though no one in the room could tell due to the darkness.
"Jesse? Jesse! Jess, come closer," Jaden said in a feeble tone.
"Jaden, what is it? Are you okay?" Jesse asked in a hushed whisper as he now hung over the moaning Jaden.
"Closer, Jesse, closer," Jaden repeated before giving a small moan.
"Is Prince Jaden okay?" Aster asked, his tone now concerned as well.
"Jaden, tell me what is wrong," Jesse said as he leaned in closer to Jaden's face.
"H-Hungry…" Jaden mumbled in an almost inaudible tone.
"What's wrong?" Jesse repeated barley able to hear the prince.
"So hungry!" Jaden moaned louder then he probably should have.
A dead silence filled the room.
"Giiiiirrrr," went Jaden's stomach yet again.
"Hungry…?" Aster questioned as his worry was replaced with frustration.
"Guuuurrr," answered Jaden's stomach.
"Jaden, you scared me," Jesse said with a playful giggle as he gave the prince a playful shove.
"Jesse! Don't laugh! It's only going to encourage him to act even more like a moron," Aster scolded as he shot the two a glair through the dark. Weather they saw it, Aster will never know.
"Here I am on my death bed, starving to death, and you call me moron," Jaden groaned in a pathetic tone.
"Jaden," Jesse gasped as he plaid along.
"You two are going to get us into trouble if you don't shut it!" Aster snapped.
Jaden and Jesse sat silent for a moment, both sending Aster surprised looked through the dark.
With a sigh Jaden sat up in bed. His stomach gave another small growl.
"Seriously though, is there any food or something? I am not going to be able to sleep on an empty stomach," Jaden said as he gave his rumbly stomach a pat.
"Sorry, Jaden, but I don't have any food for you," Jesse said with a frown. It was against the school's rule to keep food in the dorms and Jesse had been trying his best to follow the rules up till now.
"Not a single speck of food?" Jaden moaned.
"Oh listen to you! What a baby," Aster said as he rolled his eyes.
Jaden shot Aster another sour look through the dark.
"Well, I guess we are just going to have to find food. Their must be something in the kitchen," Jaden said..
"Jaden, we are not allowed to go to the kitchen at night. We are not supposed to leave our rooms, too," Jesse said as his expression became worried. He had a feeling he knew what was coming.
"Come on, Jess, it will be just like sneaking around the castle. We will sneak into the kitchen, grab something small then come back and eat it," Jaden said as he gave Jesse a pat on the back. "It won't be any different then back then."
It was true. Jaden and Jesse had often snuck out of bed at night and snuck through the castle to the kitchen for a midnight snack. They had only been caught a few times. The two had learned from their past mistakes and had it down to an art now.
"Maybe… But Jaden, what if we get caught," Jesse whispered as he imagined himself being tossed out of the school.
"Oh, you are worrying to much, Jess. When was the last time we got caught? And we will just sneak out, grab some food and then come right back. It will be quick and easy," Jaden said with a confident grin.
The idea rolled around in Jesse head as he tried to decide if he should listen to Jaden or listen to the rules.
"Don't listen to him, Jesse. Prince Jaden is talking like a mad man. You will get tossed out of the school if caught," Aster warned. He could not believe that hey were even thinking about sneaking around at night.
"Come on, Jess. Who are you going to listen to, him," Jaden said as he shot an unimpressed look at Aster. "Or me," he carried on as he smile sweetly.
"Well… I… Uh," Jesse said as he tried to avoid looking at Jaden. He knew that if he caught sight of the prince's eyes, he would have to say yes.
"Jesse…" Jaden hummed in a sweet tone.
Jesse green eyes moved up Jaden's body before stopping upon Jaden's eyes. Through the dark Jesse made contact with Jaden's pleading brown gaze.
"I….Ah… Okay," Jesse sighed; unable to reject the prince. Something deep down told him that they should just stay put but he ignored it. They probably would not get caught. They have not been caught in years.
"Great! I knew I could count on you, Jess," Jaden sung as he gave Jesse a big hug.
"You two are the biggest morons ever," Aster spat as he glared at the two.
"You can come along too, Aster," Jesse said as he looked to his roommate.
"What, and chance getting caught!?" Aster spat.
"Oh don't listen to him. He is just a spoiled sport," Jaden said as he hopped out of the bed.
"What did you call me?" Aster hissed.
Jaden ignored the angry knight.
"Come on, Jess. Let's get a move on before I get even hungrier," Jaden prompted.
Jesse hesitated for a moment before crawling out of bed. He was still a little unsure of the whole idea.
"I-I'm ready when you are," Jesse said as he tried his best to hid his nerves. There was just something different about sneaking around the castle and sneaking around the school.
"Great, let's go!" Jaden said as he led the way to the door.
"Hey wait!" Aster said as he tumbled out of bed.
"Aster, are you going to join us?" Jesse asked.
"Well…" Aster began; hesitating for a moment as if he were in deep thought. "I … I can't let you two go alone. With Jesse lack if direction and Prince Jaden's lack of common sense, you two would get caught for sure," Aster said as he looked from one boy to the other.
"Great! Then let's go," Jesse said with a bright smile. For some reason having Aster along made him feel less nervous. Maybe because he knew he would not be alone if they got caught.
"I will lead the way since I know the school best," Aster said as he pushed to the front.
Jaden let loose a disgruntled grunt as he stepped aside. The silver haired boy had a point. Jaden still did not know his way around yet.
Following Aster, the three boys made their way out of the room and into the hall.
XXX
Judging by the face that the halls were empty and dark, it must have been close to mid night. The boys had expected to run into at least one adult on their way to the kitchen but it seemed that the whole school had gone to sleep. Not a single light could be seen other then the light of the full moon through the windows.
The boys stepped lightly thought the night as they approached the dinning hall. Though they had not run into a single person, they were not willing to chance catching unwanted attention.
Once reaching the door to the dinning hall they were surprised to see that is was unlocked. Across the large room full of tables and chairs was the door to the kitchen.
Before entering the dinning hall, Aster scanned the room to make sure there was not a teacher lurking around. To their delight the room was completely empty.
Aster silently motioned for Jaden and Jesse to follow after him. The two boys gave Aster a nod of understanding before following after.
As quiet as a mouse, the three crept across the big hall. The chairs were stacks on top of the tables making it easy for them to traverse across the large room.
Once at the kitchen door they were surprised to see that this door did not have a lock at all. Aster peaked through the small window on the door and scanned the kitchen to make sure no one was there. Once making sure it was empty of any inhabitance, he pushed the door open and the three proceeded in.
Once in the kitchen area they were met by stoves, ovens and various other cooking materials.
"Where is the food?" Jaden hissed as he looked around the room. Not a single speck of food was in sight.
Jesse shrugged as he looked round the room as well.
"There is no food in the kitchen. It's all kept in the pantry," Aster replied.
"What!? The pantry? Why did you drag us here if it's all in the pantry?" Jaden hissed.
"Because the pantry is in the kitchen, duh," Aster said as he tried to refrain from talking too harshly to the prince out of formality.
Jaden made an 'oh' face as he calmed down.
"Where is the pantry?" Jesse asked as he looked around more.
"Over there," Aster replied as he pointed to a door across the room.
The three boys approached the door. To their dismay it looked as if the door had a lock on it.
"Do you think it's locked?" Jesse asked as he studied the large wooden door.
"Probably," Aster said with a shrug. It was night time and they mostly likely locked it to evade keep from waning to go to the pantry at night.
"No! No! No!" Jaden chanted as his stomach let loose a groan.
Aster rolled his eyes.
"Sorry, Jaden," Jesse sighed.
"I was so hungry, too," Jaden groaned as he leaned against the door.
Just then the pantry door bunged open letting loose a loud creak. Jaden jumped away from the door in surprise.
The door was unlocked.
Jesse and Jaden exchanged smiles while Aster tried to comprehend what had just happened.
"Looks like luck is on my side tonight," Jaden cheered. "Let's go in," he then said as he opened the door more.
The three popped their head into the room only to be met by the sound of three voices that did not belong to any of them.
"Boss, did you hear that?" a girl hissed from with in the room.
"Hear what, Mindy? You are being jumpy again. There is nothing in here but us," another girl replied in a slightly annoyed tone.
"But Jasmine, I heard something! I swear," Mindy replied with a wine.
"It was probably just the wind," came the voice of a boy.
Something deep within Jesse told him that he knew these voiced.
"Someone else is in there," Aster hissed as he stopped Jesse and Jaden from entering the room.
"Who do you think they are? Students?" Jaden asked as he tried to push past Aster.
"I don't know. Now hold on, Prince Jaden! We should not just barge on it in case it's teachers or something," Aster spat as he stopped the prince.
"Guys… I think I know them," Jesse said in a small voice.
Both boys looked to Jesse with questioning stares.
"What do you mean, you mean you know them?" Jaden asked.
"Are they teachers? Students?" Aster added.
"Yes, I have met them once before and they are not teachers or students," Jesse replied.
Jaden and Aster shot Jesse questioning stares yet again.
Jesse looked to the two as his expression became serious.
"They are thieves," Jesse replied after a long dramatic silence.
"Thieves… Jesse?" Aster repeated, making sure he had heard correctly.
"Jesse, how are you so sure that they are thieves?" Jaden asked in disbelief.
"I know they are thieves because I have met them before," Jesse replied. He was now very serious. He remembered the crazy rumbled he had with the three thieves all too well.
"Jesse, when did you meet thieves?" Jaden asked as he tried to recall a time when he and Jesse came across thieves.
"It was a few years ago," Jesse began to explain. "Remember when you left me alone with Zane that first time?" Jesse asked.
"Yeah…?" Jaden replied.
Aster sat silently as he listened.
"You know how I had that bruise on my arm? I said it was from climbing a tree…" Jesse paused as he waited for a reply from the prince.
"Jesse, what does that have to do with knowing these thieves?" Jaden questioned.
"Well, the bruise was not form falling out of a tree… It was from fighting off these thieves. The very one's in the pantry," Jesse explained. He could not help but feel bad for holding the truth from the Prince for so long.
"Jess, are you serious? You fought off thieves?" Jaden gasped as he tried to picture 9 year old Johan fighting bad guys.
"I'm sorry I did not tell you the truth. Zane told me to keep it a secret but… I never expected to meet the thieves again," Jesse said as he looked down in shame.
Jaden's surprised expression softened as he studied Jesse.
"Ah, it's okay, Jess. Don't look so down," Jaden cooed.
"You're not mad?" Jesse whimpered as he looked to the prince.
"Why would I be mad?" Jaden shrugged. It was in the past. Sure when he was younger he may have been upset with Jesse but at the moment there were more pressing things for him to get worked up over.
"Jaden…" Jesse gasped in joy as his eyes shined with stars.
"If you two are done with your sappy moment, can we please get back to the matter at hand?" Aster spat, causing the other two boys to look his way.
If Jesse was right, and the people in the room were thieves, then they were in trouble.
"We should go back," Jesse said with a bit of panic in his tone. Though he had been able to fight them before, he could not forget the beating he had received. He did not want to put the prince in any danger.
"Jess, what's got you so spooked? They are just thieves, not anything to worry about," Jaden said with a smirk.
"Jesse may be right. We should just tell someone," Aster interjected before Jesse could reply.
"If we do that then people will know we snuck out," Jaden said as if Aster was dumb. "I say we scare them off. They can't be that scary."
"No, Jaden. They are too strong of us. You will get hurt," Jesse said; his voice full of worry.
"He is right Jaden. What if they overpower us?" Aster added.
"You two are worrying too much. Are you really that scared of them? I bet I could take them all on my own," Jaden replied as he puffed out his chest. He then turned back to the door.
"Jaden, please don't," Jesse whimpered as he followed after the prince.
"You moron! You are going to get us all killed," Aster hissed like an angry cat.
Jaden ignored the two and slipped into the large room full of food. He slipped behind a box so he would not get noticed. Following after him was a panic Jesse and a pissed off Aster.
Jaden shot them both a look as if to say 'calm down'. He then looked around the box at the three thieves.
In the moon's light Jaden could make out that there were two girl thieves and a boy thief. They looked to only be a few years older then he was.
'This is going to be easy,' Jaden though as he huffed a chuckle under his breath.
The thieves were picking through some can good at the moment.
"I can't help but feel like we are being watched," Mindy said in a shaky voice.
"If you keep talking like that then maybe we will get caught. Now be quiet, Mindy," Jasmine hissed.
Mindy sent her friend an unsettled look before she went back to digging through a box.
"Well, ladies. My bag is about full. We should get out of here before someone notices," Bret, their purple haired yellow eyes leader, said with a heavy sigh. He looked to be having the time of his life.
Jaden felt a small bit of panicked excitement run though his veins as he tried to think of how to stop them. He looked around his surroundings and found a few metal rods tucked into a corner behind them.
He quietly got Aster and Jesse's attention and motioned to the rods.
Jesse looked from the prince, to metal rods and then back to the prince. His eyes were full of uncertainty. He hesitated for a moment before he reached for the metal rods and passed them around.
Aster took a metal rod and rolled his eyes. He knew that this was not going to end well for them.
"When I give the word, we will jump out and attack," Jaden whispered in such a low voice that Jesse and Aster almost didn't catch it.
"My bag is full too, Boss," Jasmine said as she tied off the bag in her hands.
"I guess I am ready to go as well," Mindy said. Her bag was not as full as the other's. She had spent too much time worrying about being caught to collect food.
"Okay then, let's head on out," Bret hummed as he picked up his bag. He then led the girls to the door. He didn't take any notice to the door being ajar.
Jaden waited for a moment for the purple haired boy to get closer.
'Just a little closer…' Jaden thought as the thieves approached.
Once Bret was only a meter away, Jaden made his move.
"Go!" Jaden shouted as he jumped out from the bind the box. Jesse followed shortly after and Aster was the last to jump out. Their sudden movement had cussed the boxed they were behind to tumble to the floor.
"Whaaaa!" Jasmine screeched.
"Kyaaaaa!" Mindy shouted as she jumped behind the other girl.
"What the…?" Bret spat as he took a step back.
This situation was all too familiar.
From the windows the moon cast down upon Jaden, Jesse and Aster.
Bret's keen yellow eyes scanned the three boys before stopping on Jesse. His yellow eyes widened with surprise. He knew the teal harried boy.
"Well, well, well girls. If it isn't the little doll from the castle," Bret hummed as his yellow eyes scanned over Jesse.
"Wow, Boss, You're right. It is the little boy from the castle but he is all grown up now. How cute," Mindy sang as her gaze become less scared and more challenging.
"But he is still just as cute as before. Maybe we can take him with us this time," Jasmine said with an evil laugh.
Jesse drew back a bit as he gulped loudly. He didn't like the way the thieves was looking at him.
'So they do know Jesse?' Jaden thought as he looked to Jesse. Jesse looked like he would rather be anywhere but there at them moment.
"You better leave Jesse alone," Jaden spat as he moved in front of Jesse.
"Oh, and who might this be. This is not the same boy as before," Bret sang in a taunting tone.
"He is kind of cute…I feel like I have seen him somewhere, Boss," Jasmine said as her eyes scanned Jaden.
"Yeah, his face rings a bell," Mindy added.
Jaden's eyes scrunched together as he glared at the thieves.
"I remember, you are Prince Jaden, aren't you…" Bret hummed as he challenged Jaden's glare. He was not intimidated in the least.
"So what if I am?" Jaden spat.
"Really, the prince?" Jasmine hummed dreamily.
"Listen, little prince," Bret said as he drew his sword. "You can move out of the way now and I won't hurt you, or we can fight and I can cut off your royal little head," Bret hissed as he enjoyed the idea of fighting the prince.
Jaden narrowed his eyes as he readied his rod.
"Like I would ever back down from the likes of-" but before Jaden could finish something darted in front of him.
"No! I won't let you hurt Jaden!" Jesse said as he stood in front of the prince in a protective manner.
"Well, well, well… Look at this. The little doll want's to fight yet again," Bret chuckled.
The two female thieves also chuckled along with their boss.
"Jess, what are you doing?" Jaden hissed.
"Jesse, stand down!" Aster added.
"No! If you want to fight Jaden, then you have to beat me first," Jesse said as his stance became even more protective.
"Fine then," Bret said with a shrug. "But if I win, then you have to come with me and be my little doll," Bret carried on as an evil smirk spread across his face.
"Fine," Jesse spat as he readied his rod.
"Oh, a doll for us to play with," Jasmine cheered evilly.
"I can't wait to brush his hair," Mindy added with an evil smile of her own.
"Get them, girls," Bret hissed as he gave the girls the signal to attack.
Like a flash of lighting the two girls drew their weapons and ran towards Jaden and Aster. Bret made a b-line for Jesse.
The three boys were caught off guard and only barley dodged the attacks.
As Bret swung his sward at Jesse, he made is a point to separate the boy from his two friends.
"This is all too easy," Bret hissed with pleasure.
Though Bret was having an easy time overpowering Jesse, the two female thieves were not so lucky with Aster and Jaden.
"Jaden, he is pushing Jesse away from us. We need to stay together as a team," Aster shouted as he knocked Jasmine into a pile of apples.
"I know! I know!" Jaden replied in a panic as he sent Mindy tumbling.
"Aaahh," came a pained cry from Jesse as he fell into a box half full of bananas. His rod clanked across the floor as it rolled away from him.
"Looks like you're mine, doll face," Bret hissed as he held the tip of his sword to Jesse's throat.
Jesse, with his bum suck in the box, could barley move. His once protective eyes filled with fear as he looked into Bret's wicked yellow gaze.
"Jaden…" Jesse whimpered in an almost inaudible voice.
"Jesse!" Jaden shouted as he pushed Mindy back with so much force that she flew across the room and hit the wall.
Jasmine stopped her fight with Aster and ran to the aid of her friend.
Aster had even stopped from Jaden's the sudden display of strength.
"Don't you dare hurt Jesse!" Jaden growled like a lion and he used his rod to whack Bret's sword from his hands.
Bret let loose a gasp as he tried to figure out what just happened. When he came to he found that the Prince's rod was in his face. He stepped back a bit.
"You will pay for hurting Jesse," Jaden growled dangerously.
Bret let loose a pathetic gasp as he saw the prince's brown eyes flash to gold for a second. A waive of fear ran down his spine. Had his eye really flashed gold or was it just the trick of the light?
"Jaden…" Jesse whispered. He could tell that the prince was acting the same as he did at lunch and it made him feel uneasy.
The residence in the small room all sat in complete silence as everyone waited for someone else to make a move.
Just then the in light the kitchen flashed on causing a small stream of light to enter the pantry.
"Shit, not again!" Bret spat as he forgot all about the gold he had seen in the prince's eyes. "Let's go!" He then said as he pulled away from Jaden and grabbed his sword.
The two girls nodded and followed suit.
"Hey, where do you think you are going?" Jaden spat as he followed after the thieves.
"Is somebody in there!?" came a shout from the kitchen.
Picking up a heavy crate Bret used it to smash through a window. The three thieves then nimbly climbed a shelf and high tailed it out the window.
"Come out now, or else!" came the voice from the kitchen yet again.
Jaden turned around to find that Aster was scared stiff and Jesse's butt was still stuck in the box; making him looked very much like a turtle on it's back.
Jaden quickly tried to think of what to do but before he could come up with something the door to the pantry opened and flooded the room with light.
XXX
"Did you hear? Did you hear? Some thieves broke in last night?"
"Yeah, I heard that Aster and that Jesse kid chased them off."
"Didn't you know, they did it with the help of Prince Jaden."
The event of last night had already spread through the school and was being passed around like wildfire during the breakfast period.
"They are heroes I tell you. Heroes!"
"They saved our food from being stolen by those thieves."
"I never realized how strong they were."
The roomers kept spreading and spreading. Every kid waited with excitement for Aster and Jesse to enter the dinning hall, but their heroes never came.
XXX
"I already told you, we saw them sneaking around from our window and decided to follow," Jaden explained as he came up with a fool proof lie.
A thin strict elderly lady, Yubel and Mr. Banner were now hovering over Jaden, Jesse and Aster.
"So you went after them without even thinking of informing anyone," the elderly lady spat with disapproval. She had been the one's to find the boys last night.
The boys had been marched back up to their dorm room and were told they would be dealt with the next day, and today was the next day.
"That was very stupid of you three, nay," Mr Banner said with a troubled look on his face; he as just happy that the boys were okay.
"I'm really sorry," Jesse whimpered in a small voice. He hoped to god that they were not going to be expelled.
"Well, sorry is not going to change the face that you three broke several school rules," the elderly lady squawked as she got up into poor Jesse's face.
Aster sat with his hand's in his face, not saying a word. There goes his perfect record; down the drain. Now he will never be top knight.
"Now, now Miss. Raven, they were only trying to do the right thing, nya," Mr. Banner said as he tried to calm the angry lady.
The elderly lady shot the younger teacher an evil look.
"Now as for punishment you will be spending your evening free time doing detention," Mr. Banner explained.
Aster let loose a groan of disapproval.
"S-so we are not expelled?" Jesse asked as he looked to his teacher with hope.
"You should be," Miss. Raven snapped.
"No, Jesse, you are not expelled but that does not mean that what you did was right. If it happens again I don't know if you will get off so easily, nya," Mr. Banner explained.
Jesse gave a small nod as he looked down in shame.
"What about me?" Jaden asked with hope in his eyes.
"Jaden, what you did was reckless and crazy. Don't think you're getting off easily," Yubel scolded as she shot the prince a very disappointed stern look.
"But…" Jaden wined as he hoped Yubel would go easy on him.
"Jaden, I trusted you to behave while staying here and this is how you repay my trust," Yubel sighed as her two toned eyes willed with regret.
Jaden sunk down in his chair with shame. He felt terrible for hurting Yubel in such a way.
"I'm sorry, Jaden, but your punishment is going to be up to the King," Yubel said with a strong nod.
Jaden let loose another regretful sigh. He knew his father would not go easy on him.
"Well then, we better be on our way. I am very sorry for the prince's actions," Yubel said as she straightened up.
"If this is our future king then we are in trouble," the elderly woman sourly spat.
"Oh, don't worry Yubel. Kids will be kids. This is not the first time students have snuck out at night and it won't be the last, nya," Mr. Banner said with a shrug.
With that the group bid their goodbyes.
Jaden and Jesse gave each other long heartfelt hugs before splitting up. They had a feeling it would be several weeks before they met again.
XXX
Aster and Jesse's detention lasted the whole next month. Though they were ashamed at first, as time when on they got used to the idea of being the school's heroes. Despite their love of their new title, Aster and Jesse had not tried another sneaking out stunt; it was not worth the detention.
As for Jaden, the king had given him tedious tasks to do around the castle for the next month. Jaden had also been forbidden to visit Jesse at the academy for close to two months.
It had been hard on both Jesse and Jaden to be apart for so long but when they met up again after two long months it was almost as if they had never really been apart.
((So, what do you think? Did you enjoy chapter 11? I guess Jaden can be quite mischievous sometimes. And what was up with his eyes turning gold? Oh my! It's also too bad that Jaden and Jesse had to spend so much time apart after this but they will pull through. And poor Aster was just dragged into all of this.
So the next chapter is planed out more or less. It's going to involve all of the protagonists for this story. They will embark on their first adventure! What could it be? Here is a hint! Rubi-bi-bi! Did you guess? Well, you will have to read to find out.
I have not started the actual writing of the next chapter/section but I do have it planed out. It will probably take a few weeks for it to come out, too. Work has kicked back up again so maybe I will be putting out one or two chapters a month from now on. We will just have to see how things go.
I am very excited for the next chapter/section and have wanted to start on this part of the story for ages. It was one of the original ideas I had when planning this story out. I am thinking it will probably take 3 to 4 chapters to cover their adventure.
From this point on you may notice many similarities between Tales of The Abyss and this story. ToA was the main thing that inspired me to write this story in the first place. The plots are nothing alike but there are many scenes in this fic that might seem familiar. Also, their combat will be very similar to the combat in Tales of games. I just wanted to point this out and give credit to the wonderful video game that inspired me to write this story.
Lastly I want to thank you all for you reviews and follows. I am so happy with the amount of people interested in this story. I truly am happy, so thank you all so much. Please, if you have time, leave me a review. I love to know what you have to say.
Well then, please take care. See you soon.))