Sorry this took so long to write up. Stupid exams and assignments….

Big hugs to Aerith for beta-ing this chappie

Chapter 5

Trunks escorted Marron back up the stairs, feeling as if he was in a dream. She was witty, intelligent, actually conversational, and far more beautiful than any other lady he had ever seen in his life. Her eyes had danced with mirth that night because of his jokes. His jokes! And she had read all the books he loved… Perhaps I'll change what I told Bra from half-lie to complete truth…

Marron held up her skirts, trying not to trip in the unfamiliar dress. To her surprise, she had actually enjoyed the night. Sir Terinus had certainly never managed to fit into her image of a typical nob and tonight…he had not even cared about the looks all the other nobs were giving them! Don't forget…what happened with Uncle Yamcha… The sudden thought made her stiffen – before she shook her head and forced herself to relax.

Perhaps…perhaps her ideas about nobs were wrong, but she knew better than to put her entire trust on them…she had learned that lesson the hard way years ago and she did not want to Rei to experience what she had... With a pause, she interrupted Sir Terinus' step.

"Uh…I have kept you late enough in the night already. I can make the way to my lodgings myself."

Trunks stopped, confused. After all, it was she who had asked (meekly) for him to accompany her back. Turning to face her, his eyes finally caught sight of the pendant she had been wearing suspended on a silver chain. A flowering chestnut tree on a red field…where have I seen that before? Pushing the thought to the back of his mind he smiled. "Are you sure, lady? After all, it is but a matter of chivalry for a knight like myself to make sure you arrive home safe."

"We are near enough home, Sir Terinus. I only have a couple more steps to go. I believe it would no great harm to your chivalry if you turn around now and catch up on some sleep."

Trunks paused. If she didn't want him to escort her that much… He grew instantly suspicious. Did she have anything to hide? But at the same time, he knew better than to intrude. It had taken so much to gain Marron's trust…he didn't want to risk losing it. "If that is what you wish, lady, then very well." With a teasing grin, he bowed and brushed her hand with his lips before turning and walking down the steps.

Marron continued up, relieved and yet…regretting the absence of the knight's presence? She sighed. It was late. That was probably why she was so muddled up in the head.  Pausing, she scrabbled an ancient key into the lock and was about to push it open, when her eyes caught a piece of paper pinned to the door. That wasn't there before…perhaps Rei…

Tearing the note away, she scanned it in the dim light. To The Cat…Instantly, prickles of fear crawled up her spine. Who…? Apprehension tightening her stomach, she knocked on the door. "Rei? Rei, are you awake?" There was no answer. Nothing but silence…

Marron noticed that she was unconsciously wiping her sweaty palms on her dress. With a ragged breath she forced herself to stop. There was no reason to fear. No reason to think…no reason…

She pushed open the door. Rei lay in a corner of the room. Eyes closed. Still. As if she was dead.

It was only after she saw the rise and fall of Rei's chest, that Marron was able to let out the breath she was holding. Whoever had posted the note intended no harm. Not tonight, anyway.

Easing herself upon a stool, she stoked the fire, her eye glancing over the scrawled print.

To The Cat:

I know who you are. I know where you live. And I know what you attempt. Your goals are great and glorious, but they are hard to reach. Come to the Canal's Way tomorrow, at the tenth hour of the night. Ask for the Green Lord and you will see what I mean. If you do not come, then there is only one fate left for you. There is more than one way to kill a rat…

X

The last line sent an involuntary shudder down Marron's spine. Who was this "Green Lord"? What did he want with her? There was only one way to find out…

~

Her face concealed carefully under a black mask, she stepped into the Canal's Way. Located in one of the least reputable streets of the slums, it was one of the best places to eat – and be sure of what you were eating. It was also the home to the city's Underground.

Eyes scanning the rows of tables for a familiar face, Marron desperately wished she had contacted someone beforehand. She had contacts within the Underground. She had helped them once…but that had been long ago. Ever since Uncle Yamcha had died, she had ceased her involvement with their affairs.

There. With a tiny grin she walked over, hoping he still remembered her. His face was hidden behind a black mask, like hers, but she could not mistake him.

"Majesty."

He spun around, eyes widening as he saw who it was. "Ma- I mean Kitten…what are you doing here?"

Marron grinned. So he did remember. Looking at him, Marron still could not help but be surprised that the seemingly clumsy fool before her was the King of Thieves. But then again, she had seen what Ubuu was like with a knife…

"Dear Majesty, is that a way to greet an old friend?"

Ubuu laughed. "Of course not, Kitten. You are welcome to my hospitality anytime. But-" At this his eyes became sober. "There are others here who have become jealous of your activity. They do not wish a Free Thief to have as much skill as you have. The Underground is no safe refuge anymore."

"I understand." Marron paused, her eyes focusing on the room around them. "I am not here from choice. I was…summoned."

"By who?"

She shrugged. "I do not know. He calls himself the Green Lord."

Ubuu's face hardened at the words. "The Green Lord? Do not trust that man, Kitten, he-"

"Majesty." A soft, almost meek voice interrupted Ubuu's words. "Please excuse me. I have some business with Lady Kitten here."

Marron could feel Ubuu's hostility towards this new stranger, but knew she had no choice. She had to go with him. Find out how much he knew. Find out exactly what he wanted. With a slight bow, she excused herself. "I must go, Majesty."

"Of course." Ubuu gracefully inclined his head, his eyes sending a silent message of 'take care'. Marron smiled in acknowledgement, before following the stranger to a side cluster of tables.

Ubuu's eyes followed them. The Green Lord… The King of Thieves knew that this 'Green Lord' had been part of the Underground long before he had come to power. And his lack of ambition was…disturbing to say the least. All members of the Underground had some ambition….

A picture of Marron's innocent face flashed through his memories. Ubuu's fists tightened. No matter what happened, he knew he would always protect her.