For the Sake of a Kingdom
CHAPTER 3 - What's with the apple?
Disclaimers: Don't own 'em. Don't ask.
AN: Here's another chapter. I don't know if it's any good though. So please tell me in your reviews? Sorry if it took me so long to update, to think I had 2 weeks vacation but, what can I say, I'm lazy. Fanfiction.net going up and down didn't help either.
Sky Goddess: Remember, watch out, I'll get my revenge...^.^
Spampers: Where are you? I kinda miss your reviews.
MINxie and nina de majia : I'm not sure about the couples yet.
**Thanks for the other peeps who reviewed: googles, dazed, M.C., mischa, Critica, sara, Samantha, bee, and SilverRay. Your words are much appreciated^-^
' ' person's thoughts
" " talking
AN
Meanwhile, somewhere in the darkness, a person was watching Usagi intently. Patiently waiting for his chance to strike, which was, any second now.
'A little more closer...that's right. Just one more step baby... hehehe, Papa's gonna be feastin tonight!'With that thought, the man quickly put his plan into action.
So there she was, Usagi, just minding her own business, when someone suddenly grabbed her leather belt bag and quickly ran off.
'The nerve of him! Trying to steal from me is he? Well, let's just see about that!'
She was about to teach this guy a lesson, when someone already beat her to it. Particularly, a braided-haired boy.
*****************************************
To a common bystander, what Duo merely did was accidentally tripping the thief and managing to catch the stolen material. But to Usagi, it was more than that. The glint in his eye told her so. With a sigh, she began to make his way towards him.
"Here you go." said Duo while handing Usagi her bag.
"Thanks." replied Usagi and after a moment added, "But you didn't really have to hurt the poor man that much."
The thief had gone away, staggering with what seems like so much pain. In fact, Usagi could have sworn she saw droplets of blood.
Duo shrugged. "Don't know what you mean lady." And with that, returned to his post, which was by the apple stand, with both his hands behind his head.
Usagi once again sighed and went to the vendor of the said apples. She bought four but paid for eight, she told the man to keep the change. 'I might as well pay for what this boy here stole.' For unknown to Duo, while he was watching Haruka and Usagi, both knew about it and also both knew that he was constantly eating apples and not paying for it.
Usagi then turned to face the boy and gave him two apples.
"Here have some."
Duo raised an eyebrow. "What's this for?"
Usagi shrugged. "Just a way of thanks, I guess. By the way I'm Usagi Tsukino." she said as she offered a hand to Duo.
"I'm Duo Maxwell. I run, I hide but I never tell a lie." he said with a cheeky grin as he shook Usagi's hand.
"Is that so..." Usagi said as she took a bite on her apple.
"You don't believe me? Anyway, you didn't have to give me two apples you know, I could've just settled for one."
"Well, you could give the other one to a friend, perhaps?" she said while looking at something in the other direction.
"A friend?" Duo asked. But it was now Usagi's back that was facing him. He was just starting to look at who or what she was staring at when she suddenly spoke and said, "Um, someone I know is calling me, catch you later Duo."
"Huh? Oh okay, see you later." Duo replied. After seeing Usagi run off, Duo turned and almost had a heart attack at what he saw.
"Geez, Hotaru don't scare me like that! Hey, wait a minute, why is it I always say the same line when meeting you?" Duo asked while slightly rubbing his nose.
"Don't ask me, no one, not even me, knows why you behave like that." Hotaru replied.
"What's that suppose to mean? Nevermind, why are you late!? I was almost bored to death!"
"You, bored to death? It didn't seem like that to me. When I saw you, you were talking to someone." Hotaru said while seeming to look at something past Duo.
"Oh you mean Usagi?"
"Yes, if she's the one with the blond hair." Hotaru replied, still looking past Duo.
"Hey, is there something behind me that both you and Usagi seem to have an interest at?" asked Duo after noticing that Hotaru wasn't even looking at him.
"Well Duo-kun, I don't know about Usagi, but your friend is talking to Setsuna Meioh, one of the high-ranking Oz officials who is rumored to be one of the few who really knows the true identity of the princess." Hotaru replied with a disturb look on her face.
"Damn, I knew there was something about her."
"Looks like they're about to finish their talk, you should keep an eye on her."
"You're right. But wait, you still didn't answer my question a while ago. Why were you late?"
"Oh that. I lost the papers." Hotaru said nonchantly.
"You WHAT!?" Duo all but shouted.
************************************
Usagi had just seen Setsuna arrive so she said goodbye to Duo and went hurriedly to her friend.
"Hi ya Sets!" Usagi greeted Setsuna with a huge smile.
"Hi there Usagi. Are you ready for your work?" Setsuna asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be. In fact, I've already started before you even came." Usagi said, tilting her head a bit to the direction where Duo was.
"I see." Setsuna said with a knowing smile. "Well, here's the rest of the data you'll need." added Setsuna as she handed Usagi a folder.
Usagi scanned through the contents and happily closed the folder after she finished.
"No sweat Setsuna, I can handle this." she said as she looked at the woman who was more like an elder sister to her.
"I believe you." was all Setsuna said as she slightly ruffled Usagi's hair. She looked at the younger girl with compassion and a slight smile. To this, Usagi just smiled back with equal happiness. A soldier then interrupted and said something to Setsuna. Setsuna only nodded in reply.
"Well, Usagi it seems that..." Setsuna was cut off of what she was going to say when both her and Usagi heard someone shout, "You WHAT!?"
Both turned in time to see a younger girl smack Duo on the head, which did the job of shutting him up.
Setsuna raised an eyebrow and had an amused smile while Usagi tried to suppressed her laughter.
"This job just gets better and better." Usagi said as she giggled.
"Oh stop it Usagi, just remember your true intentions alright?" Setsuna reprimanded.
"Yes maam!" Usagi replied with a mock salute.
Setsuna just sighed as she walked away towards her awaiting ride. Sometimes that girl just just...oh what was the word? Nevermind, she really wouldn't want her any other way.
************************************
"Quiet, you baka!" Hotaru said as she smacked Duo on the head.
"Ouch! What did you do that for?" Duo complained. 'That really hurt.' thought Duo.
"You mean you don't know?" Hotaru said, aghast. 'Was Duo really that air-headed sometimes?' thought Hotaru as she just stared at Duo.
Noticing the stare, Duo decided to defend himself. "So, I kind of said it out loud, big deal. I didn't reveal anything you know."
Hotaru sighed in defeat. 'He's actually right...I can't believe it'
"Hey what's with the long face? Can't accept that you're wrong eh? Well, you should have known that I would always win because I'm older" Duo said with a grin as she patted Hotaru's head.
"Hmph! You maybe older but not wiser." Hotaru whispered to herself. But Duo heard her and because of that he gave her...a noogie!
"Cut it out Duo-kun!"
"Not until you say Duo's the best!" Duo remarked. It was obvious that he was enjoying this.
********************************
'Hmmm....'Usagi was walking opposite the direction Setsuna went. In other words, she was walking towards Duo as she once again leafed through the pages of the folder.
//Duo Maxwell, rumored pilot of Deathscythe Hell. Said to have live in an orphanage until it was burnt down. The sole survivor of the Maxwell Church tragedy...//
Usagi stopped dead in her tracks. The words, "It can't be...", came out of her mouth. With a grim face she quickly turned the page and read the report on the girl.
//Hotaru Tomoe, a possible pilot of...// 'Surprises never cease to amaze me.' she thought and read on. //One of the GIFTED ONES, blessed or cursed with the power to heal. Although the youngest in their group, she is the first one to *awaken*. The others still have yet to acknowledge it. There is no knowledge about her family at this time.//
'Hotaru...firefly...where have I...' Usagi shook her head to relieve her of these thoughts. This was not the time to think of such things. She was about to read the others' profiles when she shot a quick glance at her targets and decided to read it later. She shut the folder and continued on her way, an amused smile on her face. 'Poor kid...'
*********************************
"For the last time Duo-kun..."
"For the last time what firefly? What was that? I can't hear you." Duo teased.
By now, Hotaru was completely vexed. The color of her face seems to testify at that.
"Ooh, is the little firefly mad? What are you gonna do? Singe me with your butt? Oh wait, your face is the one glowing." And Duo continued on and on. He was really enjoying himself. And Hotaru just won't take any of that.
Taking a deep breath, Hotaru finally counter-attacked. Duo, unprepared, reacted with a loud YOWL!
Usagi, who was nearing them, was surprised to say the least. The kid didn't need her help after all. And looking at the two once again, Usagi can't help but sweatdropped at the sight.
There was Hotaru, put-out but beaming with pride. While Duo, was holding his arm like a fragile baby. All in all it was a cute scene. Too bad there was no camera. These were not bad people; they were even more like her family and herself. It was a pity they had to meet in these circumstances.
"You BIT me!?" Duo said with a shocked, and at the same time, pained expression.
"Can you blame me?" Hotaru said while grinning. It has been a while since they had gotten together like this. Too bad there were so many people staring at them and that lady friend of Duo was heading their way. But, what do they know? The important thing is that she's having fun.
"No." Duo replied with a downcast face. But that only lasted a second. With a wicked grin, added, "But I could get revenge!" And Duo once again approached Hotaru. He was about to tickle Hotaru this time, when he felt someone behind. In fact, he even felt that this person was glaring at him. Very carefully he turned around and saw Usagi, and yep, she was glaring at him.
"Shame on you Duo! Picking on someone younger than you." Usagi said to Duo while waving a finger at him.
"Well...I..um...what I mean is..." Duo was flustered. He was being attacked by his conscience. 'Wait a minute, why am I even...damn what is this girl doing to me!?' Duo thought and decided to retort back but Usagi was now talking to Hotaru.
"Hi I'm Usagi. What's your name? Are you Duo's sister?" Usagi asked Hotaru with a smile.
"I'm Hotaru, nice to meet you. And no, he isn't my brother. I wouldn't even dream of being related to him." Hotaru replied and blew a raspberry at Duo, who did the same.
"Anyway, Usagi-san are you a friend of Duo?" Hotaru asked, as she looked Usagi in the eyes.
"I don't know, we just met. And please, just call me Usagi or Usagi-chan, I hate formalities." she replied as she locked gazes with Hotaru. It was only for a second but something stirred inside of them that both felt familiar.
The two was interrupted by Duo saying that he heard the final call for Hotaru's ship.
"She's not staying?" Usagi asked with surprise in her voice.
"Umm, no. Not for now at least. She forgot something important so she has to come back and get them. Duo replied, a little bit curious why Usagi seemed surprise.
"Oh I see. Well, I'll just leave you two alone so you could say you're goodbyes. Though I'll need to talk to you Duo later so don't go away." Usagi said as she began to depart.
"Huh, what would you want to talk to me for? Duo asked.
"Oh, just a proposition." Usagi replied and afterwards said to Hotaru, "Have a nice trip Hotaru-chan. Good luck on your voyage."
"Thank you Usagi-chan. I hope we meet again." Hotaru replied.
'Oh we will meet again Hotaru...though maybe not as friends' Usagi thought sadly as she walked away. Leaving Hotaru and Duo to themselves.
"Hey Hota-chan, you alright?" Duo asked as he noticed that Hotaru was still staring at where Usagi would have been.
"Huh? Oh, yes I'm alright. Why did you ask?" Hotaru replied, a bit distracted.
"Nothing. Well, don't forget the papers this time okay?"
"Yeah sure, like it was my fault." Hotaru replied with a sigh as she began to walk away.
'What's up with her? Is something troubling her?' Duo thought. He was slightly disturbed himself at seeing Hotaru act like that. "What could I do..." murmured Duo as he unconsciously rolled the apple in his hands. "Huh?" Duo remarked. He had forgotten about the apple. Taking Usagi's advice from earlier, he called Hotaru's name and as she turned around, threw the apple to her. Hotaru caught it with ease. As Hotaru caught the fruit, she quirk an eyebrow but shrugged as she took a bite and smiled at Duo afterwards as her way of thanks.
Looking back, Duo thought if it was just a coincidence that Usagi gave her an extra apple.
********************************
That's all for now. Please review guys so I would know if I should continue this or not. Cause frankly...well... Anyway, I'm thinking of posting a SM/DBZ crossover. *shrug* Eh, I just thought I'd let you know. And does anyone want to know each of their ages or who would be paired up? I might post those on the next chapter if I'm persuaded. *hint, hint*
CHAPTER 3 - What's with the apple?
Disclaimers: Don't own 'em. Don't ask.
AN: Here's another chapter. I don't know if it's any good though. So please tell me in your reviews? Sorry if it took me so long to update, to think I had 2 weeks vacation but, what can I say, I'm lazy. Fanfiction.net going up and down didn't help either.
Sky Goddess: Remember, watch out, I'll get my revenge...^.^
Spampers: Where are you? I kinda miss your reviews.
MINxie and nina de majia : I'm not sure about the couples yet.
**Thanks for the other peeps who reviewed: googles, dazed, M.C., mischa, Critica, sara, Samantha, bee, and SilverRay. Your words are much appreciated^-^
' ' person's thoughts
" " talking
AN
Meanwhile, somewhere in the darkness, a person was watching Usagi intently. Patiently waiting for his chance to strike, which was, any second now.
'A little more closer...that's right. Just one more step baby... hehehe, Papa's gonna be feastin tonight!'With that thought, the man quickly put his plan into action.
So there she was, Usagi, just minding her own business, when someone suddenly grabbed her leather belt bag and quickly ran off.
'The nerve of him! Trying to steal from me is he? Well, let's just see about that!'
She was about to teach this guy a lesson, when someone already beat her to it. Particularly, a braided-haired boy.
*****************************************
To a common bystander, what Duo merely did was accidentally tripping the thief and managing to catch the stolen material. But to Usagi, it was more than that. The glint in his eye told her so. With a sigh, she began to make his way towards him.
"Here you go." said Duo while handing Usagi her bag.
"Thanks." replied Usagi and after a moment added, "But you didn't really have to hurt the poor man that much."
The thief had gone away, staggering with what seems like so much pain. In fact, Usagi could have sworn she saw droplets of blood.
Duo shrugged. "Don't know what you mean lady." And with that, returned to his post, which was by the apple stand, with both his hands behind his head.
Usagi once again sighed and went to the vendor of the said apples. She bought four but paid for eight, she told the man to keep the change. 'I might as well pay for what this boy here stole.' For unknown to Duo, while he was watching Haruka and Usagi, both knew about it and also both knew that he was constantly eating apples and not paying for it.
Usagi then turned to face the boy and gave him two apples.
"Here have some."
Duo raised an eyebrow. "What's this for?"
Usagi shrugged. "Just a way of thanks, I guess. By the way I'm Usagi Tsukino." she said as she offered a hand to Duo.
"I'm Duo Maxwell. I run, I hide but I never tell a lie." he said with a cheeky grin as he shook Usagi's hand.
"Is that so..." Usagi said as she took a bite on her apple.
"You don't believe me? Anyway, you didn't have to give me two apples you know, I could've just settled for one."
"Well, you could give the other one to a friend, perhaps?" she said while looking at something in the other direction.
"A friend?" Duo asked. But it was now Usagi's back that was facing him. He was just starting to look at who or what she was staring at when she suddenly spoke and said, "Um, someone I know is calling me, catch you later Duo."
"Huh? Oh okay, see you later." Duo replied. After seeing Usagi run off, Duo turned and almost had a heart attack at what he saw.
"Geez, Hotaru don't scare me like that! Hey, wait a minute, why is it I always say the same line when meeting you?" Duo asked while slightly rubbing his nose.
"Don't ask me, no one, not even me, knows why you behave like that." Hotaru replied.
"What's that suppose to mean? Nevermind, why are you late!? I was almost bored to death!"
"You, bored to death? It didn't seem like that to me. When I saw you, you were talking to someone." Hotaru said while seeming to look at something past Duo.
"Oh you mean Usagi?"
"Yes, if she's the one with the blond hair." Hotaru replied, still looking past Duo.
"Hey, is there something behind me that both you and Usagi seem to have an interest at?" asked Duo after noticing that Hotaru wasn't even looking at him.
"Well Duo-kun, I don't know about Usagi, but your friend is talking to Setsuna Meioh, one of the high-ranking Oz officials who is rumored to be one of the few who really knows the true identity of the princess." Hotaru replied with a disturb look on her face.
"Damn, I knew there was something about her."
"Looks like they're about to finish their talk, you should keep an eye on her."
"You're right. But wait, you still didn't answer my question a while ago. Why were you late?"
"Oh that. I lost the papers." Hotaru said nonchantly.
"You WHAT!?" Duo all but shouted.
************************************
Usagi had just seen Setsuna arrive so she said goodbye to Duo and went hurriedly to her friend.
"Hi ya Sets!" Usagi greeted Setsuna with a huge smile.
"Hi there Usagi. Are you ready for your work?" Setsuna asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be. In fact, I've already started before you even came." Usagi said, tilting her head a bit to the direction where Duo was.
"I see." Setsuna said with a knowing smile. "Well, here's the rest of the data you'll need." added Setsuna as she handed Usagi a folder.
Usagi scanned through the contents and happily closed the folder after she finished.
"No sweat Setsuna, I can handle this." she said as she looked at the woman who was more like an elder sister to her.
"I believe you." was all Setsuna said as she slightly ruffled Usagi's hair. She looked at the younger girl with compassion and a slight smile. To this, Usagi just smiled back with equal happiness. A soldier then interrupted and said something to Setsuna. Setsuna only nodded in reply.
"Well, Usagi it seems that..." Setsuna was cut off of what she was going to say when both her and Usagi heard someone shout, "You WHAT!?"
Both turned in time to see a younger girl smack Duo on the head, which did the job of shutting him up.
Setsuna raised an eyebrow and had an amused smile while Usagi tried to suppressed her laughter.
"This job just gets better and better." Usagi said as she giggled.
"Oh stop it Usagi, just remember your true intentions alright?" Setsuna reprimanded.
"Yes maam!" Usagi replied with a mock salute.
Setsuna just sighed as she walked away towards her awaiting ride. Sometimes that girl just just...oh what was the word? Nevermind, she really wouldn't want her any other way.
************************************
"Quiet, you baka!" Hotaru said as she smacked Duo on the head.
"Ouch! What did you do that for?" Duo complained. 'That really hurt.' thought Duo.
"You mean you don't know?" Hotaru said, aghast. 'Was Duo really that air-headed sometimes?' thought Hotaru as she just stared at Duo.
Noticing the stare, Duo decided to defend himself. "So, I kind of said it out loud, big deal. I didn't reveal anything you know."
Hotaru sighed in defeat. 'He's actually right...I can't believe it'
"Hey what's with the long face? Can't accept that you're wrong eh? Well, you should have known that I would always win because I'm older" Duo said with a grin as she patted Hotaru's head.
"Hmph! You maybe older but not wiser." Hotaru whispered to herself. But Duo heard her and because of that he gave her...a noogie!
"Cut it out Duo-kun!"
"Not until you say Duo's the best!" Duo remarked. It was obvious that he was enjoying this.
********************************
'Hmmm....'Usagi was walking opposite the direction Setsuna went. In other words, she was walking towards Duo as she once again leafed through the pages of the folder.
//Duo Maxwell, rumored pilot of Deathscythe Hell. Said to have live in an orphanage until it was burnt down. The sole survivor of the Maxwell Church tragedy...//
Usagi stopped dead in her tracks. The words, "It can't be...", came out of her mouth. With a grim face she quickly turned the page and read the report on the girl.
//Hotaru Tomoe, a possible pilot of...// 'Surprises never cease to amaze me.' she thought and read on. //One of the GIFTED ONES, blessed or cursed with the power to heal. Although the youngest in their group, she is the first one to *awaken*. The others still have yet to acknowledge it. There is no knowledge about her family at this time.//
'Hotaru...firefly...where have I...' Usagi shook her head to relieve her of these thoughts. This was not the time to think of such things. She was about to read the others' profiles when she shot a quick glance at her targets and decided to read it later. She shut the folder and continued on her way, an amused smile on her face. 'Poor kid...'
*********************************
"For the last time Duo-kun..."
"For the last time what firefly? What was that? I can't hear you." Duo teased.
By now, Hotaru was completely vexed. The color of her face seems to testify at that.
"Ooh, is the little firefly mad? What are you gonna do? Singe me with your butt? Oh wait, your face is the one glowing." And Duo continued on and on. He was really enjoying himself. And Hotaru just won't take any of that.
Taking a deep breath, Hotaru finally counter-attacked. Duo, unprepared, reacted with a loud YOWL!
Usagi, who was nearing them, was surprised to say the least. The kid didn't need her help after all. And looking at the two once again, Usagi can't help but sweatdropped at the sight.
There was Hotaru, put-out but beaming with pride. While Duo, was holding his arm like a fragile baby. All in all it was a cute scene. Too bad there was no camera. These were not bad people; they were even more like her family and herself. It was a pity they had to meet in these circumstances.
"You BIT me!?" Duo said with a shocked, and at the same time, pained expression.
"Can you blame me?" Hotaru said while grinning. It has been a while since they had gotten together like this. Too bad there were so many people staring at them and that lady friend of Duo was heading their way. But, what do they know? The important thing is that she's having fun.
"No." Duo replied with a downcast face. But that only lasted a second. With a wicked grin, added, "But I could get revenge!" And Duo once again approached Hotaru. He was about to tickle Hotaru this time, when he felt someone behind. In fact, he even felt that this person was glaring at him. Very carefully he turned around and saw Usagi, and yep, she was glaring at him.
"Shame on you Duo! Picking on someone younger than you." Usagi said to Duo while waving a finger at him.
"Well...I..um...what I mean is..." Duo was flustered. He was being attacked by his conscience. 'Wait a minute, why am I even...damn what is this girl doing to me!?' Duo thought and decided to retort back but Usagi was now talking to Hotaru.
"Hi I'm Usagi. What's your name? Are you Duo's sister?" Usagi asked Hotaru with a smile.
"I'm Hotaru, nice to meet you. And no, he isn't my brother. I wouldn't even dream of being related to him." Hotaru replied and blew a raspberry at Duo, who did the same.
"Anyway, Usagi-san are you a friend of Duo?" Hotaru asked, as she looked Usagi in the eyes.
"I don't know, we just met. And please, just call me Usagi or Usagi-chan, I hate formalities." she replied as she locked gazes with Hotaru. It was only for a second but something stirred inside of them that both felt familiar.
The two was interrupted by Duo saying that he heard the final call for Hotaru's ship.
"She's not staying?" Usagi asked with surprise in her voice.
"Umm, no. Not for now at least. She forgot something important so she has to come back and get them. Duo replied, a little bit curious why Usagi seemed surprise.
"Oh I see. Well, I'll just leave you two alone so you could say you're goodbyes. Though I'll need to talk to you Duo later so don't go away." Usagi said as she began to depart.
"Huh, what would you want to talk to me for? Duo asked.
"Oh, just a proposition." Usagi replied and afterwards said to Hotaru, "Have a nice trip Hotaru-chan. Good luck on your voyage."
"Thank you Usagi-chan. I hope we meet again." Hotaru replied.
'Oh we will meet again Hotaru...though maybe not as friends' Usagi thought sadly as she walked away. Leaving Hotaru and Duo to themselves.
"Hey Hota-chan, you alright?" Duo asked as he noticed that Hotaru was still staring at where Usagi would have been.
"Huh? Oh, yes I'm alright. Why did you ask?" Hotaru replied, a bit distracted.
"Nothing. Well, don't forget the papers this time okay?"
"Yeah sure, like it was my fault." Hotaru replied with a sigh as she began to walk away.
'What's up with her? Is something troubling her?' Duo thought. He was slightly disturbed himself at seeing Hotaru act like that. "What could I do..." murmured Duo as he unconsciously rolled the apple in his hands. "Huh?" Duo remarked. He had forgotten about the apple. Taking Usagi's advice from earlier, he called Hotaru's name and as she turned around, threw the apple to her. Hotaru caught it with ease. As Hotaru caught the fruit, she quirk an eyebrow but shrugged as she took a bite and smiled at Duo afterwards as her way of thanks.
Looking back, Duo thought if it was just a coincidence that Usagi gave her an extra apple.
********************************
That's all for now. Please review guys so I would know if I should continue this or not. Cause frankly...well... Anyway, I'm thinking of posting a SM/DBZ crossover. *shrug* Eh, I just thought I'd let you know. And does anyone want to know each of their ages or who would be paired up? I might post those on the next chapter if I'm persuaded. *hint, hint*