Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or Romeo and Juliet, and I am not
making any money from this.
Chapter Five
At the Lord's manor, things were getting underway. The ballroom was packed with nobles, all admiring the decor, the set up, dancing and chatting amongst themselves. The room seemed to buzz with excitement.
"Father, when is the play due to start?" Marron asked impatiently. Krillin smiled and gave her a knowing look.
"Such a romantic, are you not, Marron? The play will start as soon as the results of the casting draw are announced, be patient!"
The young woman sighed and fiddled with a strand of her hair.
"Well when will the results be announced, pray tell?"
"I don't know, my dear. In the meantime, go and see your friend, Bra"
Krillin watched as his daughter headed off into the crowds.
"She looks beautiful tonight, doesn't she?"
His wife Eighteen nodded. "Yes, darling, she looks fantastic"
"We'll have her married off yet!" Krillin said excitedly. He didn't notice the look Eighteen gave him, as he turned his attention to one of the servants.
Chi-Chi smiled as she watched the guests entering, still turning out in full force.
"It appears the ball is popular with the nobles, does it not, Bulma?" she asked. Her friend nodded, her attention focused on folding the contents of the linen basket. Chi-Chi looked at her with concern.
"Bulma?"
Bulma looked up and set down the linen. "What is it?" she asked.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, of course, Chi-Chi. Why wouldn't I be?"
The maid sighed and folded her arms. "Oh, no reason, you just seem a little detached. Say, have you seen Goku?"
"Yes, he came back from the village a while ago, I think he's with Yamcha in the servant's chamber"
Chi-Chi nodded, and set off to see Goku.
"Hi, Bra. How are you?" Marron asked, walking up to her friend.
Bra grinned at her.
"I'm fine, how about you?"
"I'm okay. I'll be even better later on though" the young woman smiled, with a glint in her eye. Bra gave her a knowing look.
"Do you intend on finding some handsome noble who will sweep you off your feet, and carry you away on his white horse to a magical land where you'll live happily ever after?" she teased. Her friend laughed.
"No, I think I have outgrown that"
"So does your father intend on finding you a husband tonight?"
Marron rolled her eyes. "Yes, that is all he has been interested in all night" she complained. "It is starting to annoy me. He says I should follow your example, and get married soon"
"It is your choice, remember that, Marron" Bra told her. Marron nodded in agreement and the two of them sat down to talk some more.
"Trunks, what do you think that fortune teller meant?" Goten asked. He straightened his tie nervously. Trunks, in contrast, seemed just as confident as ever.
"Like I've told you before, Goten, you worry too much. It was simply some crazy old woman who was trying to get some attention. We have more important things to worry about than her."
"If you say so, Trunks."
Finally, the two thieves arrived at the Lord's manor. Yamcha greeted them at the entrance.
"Good evening, gentlemen. May I see your invitations?"
Trunks held out the invitations they had taken from the two nobles.
"Hmm, you must be Valmont and Gardenia, Lord Masaki and Lord Serimori's replacements, am I correct?"
"That's right, my good man" Goten said confidently. Yamcha bowed and escorted them inside.
"Enjoy your evening, good sirs!" he called out.
"Do not worry, we are sure to do that," Trunks murmured, surveying their surroundings. The ballroom was the most extravagant room he had ever seen. There were towering white pillars, and long draping velvet curtains. Crystal chandeliers hung from the roof, glinting in the light of the hundreds of candles placed around the room. The floor was smooth white marble, as were the pillars. There were expensive looking paintings dotted around the walls, and a long, red carpet stretched down the centre of the room, right to the opposite end where Trunks could see a large stage area, not unlike the one he had seen inside the theatre in the village when he was younger. At the right side of the entrance was a large marble staircase, which Trunks guessed led to the upper level where the Lord was. The Lord could just be seen, sitting on the balcony overseeing the festivities. He looked up, trying to see if there was any way to get up there without being spotted, since it was most likely to be the place where the Lord's daughter was sitting as well.
"Wow" Goten whispered at his side. "This place is just…incredible! Does the Lord actually live like this?"
"Of course he does" Trunks replied, trying to hide the awe in his voice. He spotted a man to his left reading a piece of parchment and then rushing over to the stage.
"I wonder what's going to happen" he muttered, and took some champagne from the tray that a young servant was passing around. The two of them watched as a man stepped up onto the stage and tapped his glass with a spoon.
"What's going on, Trunks?" Goten whispered. Trunks elbowed him.
"You're supposed to call me Lord Valmont. Remember?" he hissed.
"Huh? I thought I was Valmont and you were Gardenia?"
"No, you're Lord Gardenia!"
"Oh, sorry….hey, why do I have to be Gardenia?"
"Shut up, we're missing the announcement!"
The man onstage cleared his throat.
"May I have your attention please? Here I have the results of the casting draw. I beseech you, worthy audience, to enjoy our humble production. Now, I shall announce the roles!"
Marron smiled to herself. If Bulma had done as she had asked her to, then this would be the best night of her life. She looked around at the gatherings of noblemen near the stage, and her face fell. Which of these would be her Romeo? None of them were her type; all of them stuck up, and she could tell that half of them were here looking for a trophy wife. The announcer on the stage brought her out of her thoughts as he went on.
"And now, we have our two lovers! The role of the fair Juliet will be played by..." The announcer's eyes widened as he looked at the card, and he stared at Marron in surprise.
"Come on, good sir! Out with it!" cried a nobleman from the front. The announcer cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses on his nose.
"Uh...yes. Um...the role of the fair Juliet shall be played by...um...Lady Marron!"
There was an audible gasp of shock within the audience, and one by one, they all turned to stare at Marron. Krillin leapt out of his chair.
"What nonsense is this I hear? My daughter, my young Marron, playing the role of the tragic Juliet? I'll not consent to it! Lady Marron will not be acting in tonight's play! I thought that I had made that perfectly clear when I went through the rules of the casting vote!" Krillin's eyes were narrowed in anger as he cast his gaze over the guests.
"How dare you, father?" Marron exclaimed angrily.
Krillin started, turning to his daughter in disbelief.
"I pray, my dear child, that you are not seriously considering this.... this madness!"
"Father, I wish to take part in our humble production. It will be an honour."
She curtsied and began to walk onto the stage.
"Marron! Do you dare defy me, your father?" Krillin shouted, his eyes full of hurt and disbelief.
His daughter turned back.
"My mind is made up, father. I promise, I will not let you down."
He softened. "B...but what about the lines? You don't know your lines, child!"
"Father.........I know every word"
There was a shocked silence as Marron hitched up the hem of her trailing dress and ascended the stairs, standing on the stage. The announcer bowed hastily and cleared his throat again.
"My lord, do you consent to my continuing?"
Krillin sank back down into his chair next to his wife. Eighteen nodded at him, smiling faintly. Krillin sighed.
"Yes. I consent to it," he said quietly, smiling gently at Marron. She smiled back, gratefully.
"As you wish, my lord."
Looking down at the cue cards, he continued.
"And finally, the role of Romeo will be played by...Lord Valmont!"
Trunks choked on his champagne as he heard his name being read out, setting the half full glass on a table and staring at the announcer incredulously. Goten slapped him on the back and grinned.
"Hey, Valmont, your name's been called" he smirked.
"I don't believe this" Trunks muttered, shaking his head.
"Believe it, good sir" Goten said, and shoved him forward. "Hurry up and get on the stage."
Trunks sighed, making his way gracefully through the crowds of nobles, all of who stared at him as he passed.
Marron raised her eyebrows. She had not seen this Lord before; maybe he was one of Lord Masaki's replacements. Whoever he was, he was extremely handsome. She giggled softly to herself.
"So this man is going to be my Romeo? Well, I am not complaining!"
"My lord?" the announcer asked, looking up at Krillin, who was leaning over the rim of the balcony, staring down at him.
"My lord, do you consent to the play commencing?"
Krillin nodded slowly, smiling a little.
"I consent, good sir"
Goten watched his friend onstage, a little surprised at how well he was doing. He guessed that Trunks would make a good actor, what with being a thief and all. You generally learned to improvise if you didn't want to be killed. He took a sip of champagne and leaned against a pillar.
"What lady's that which doth enrich the hand of yonder knight?" Trunks asked his companion on stage.
"I know not, sir" the man replied.
Trunks walked towards the front of the stage, his hands moving to his chest. He looked up to the sky and sighed, then turned back to the audience.
"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of the night,
As a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear,
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear"
He turned back to the stage, walking back to the centre again, and watching Marron as she danced with the man cast as Paris. He had to admit, she looked fantastic as her dress swayed with the movement, and the candlelight played upon her hair. The necklace around her neck caught his eye and he found himself mesmerised by the way the light danced within the jewel. It was almost magical. Shaking the thoughts out of his mind, he extended a hand towards the couple, and continued his speech.
"So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows,
The measuring done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And touching hers, make blessed my rude hand,
Did my heart love til now? Forswear it, sight.
For I ne'er saw true beauty til this night"
'I had no idea that Trunks even read Shakespeare!' Goten thought to himself, folding his arms.
"He seems to be in his element up there," he said aloud.
"I do agree. What are your thoughts on the play so far, my lord?"
Goten jumped as he heard the feminine voice behind him. Turning around, he saw a beautiful young woman, dressed in a gorgeous ball gown. The skirt was made of red silk, and shimmered as the light caught it at different angles. The bodice was made out of black velvet, and hugged her curvaceous figure. Aqua hair cascaded over her shoulders; corkscrew curls flowing down her back. A few curly tendrils framed her face, and she had a white pearled tiara in her hair. Her eyes were the deepest blue, wide and beautiful. Her lips were a glossy red shade, and had curved up into a smile.
"What is the matter, good sir? Why dost thou gaze at me so?" she asked shyly.
Goten blushed, looking away from her, a little embarrassed.
"I apologise, my lady, for noticing your staggering beauty" he said, then moved his eyes to look at her. She was blushing now, and giggled softly.
"Oh, good sir, thou art flattering me, surely"
"No, my lady, I speak only the truth. May I be so bold as to ask your name?"
"Of course you may, my lord. My name is Bra, Bra Briefs"
"Well, Miss Bra, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" He took her hand, knelt down and kissed it gently.
"My Lord, what is your name, might I ask?". Bra queried.
Goten straightened up again, smiling.
"My lady, let us not worry ourselves with such trivial things as these. But if you wish to call me by any name, please, call me Goten…Goten…um…Gardenia" he told her.
Bra smiled. "Gardenia? That's a strange surname" she commented. Her companion looked embarrassed and he scratched the back of his head.
"Yes, I supposed it is" he admitted. She laughed a little, and turned her attention to the play.
"Oh, it seems that Romeo and Juliet have met, Lord Gardenia!" she exclaimed, smiling.
"Just call me Goten, my lady"
Bra nodded. "Alright…Goten. Oh, I do love this scene!" she went on, and sat down next to him, watching with interest. He smiled at the young woman, and turned to the performance.
Marron walked towards Trunks, who was standing on the centre stage. She could feel a blush creeping on her face as she looked into his blue eyes. He had a slight smirk on his face as she approached, and she felt every part of her being longing for him. Mentally she slapped herself.
'Where did this feeling come from? I have only just met this young man, so why do I seem to want him so?'
She stopped in front of him, trying to ignore her feelings. He reached out and took her hand, his eyes meeting hers as he began reciting the lines.
"If I profane with my un-worthiest hand,
This holy shrine, then gentle sin is this,
My lips, two blushing pilgrims ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss"
Marron took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his, and murmured her lines.
"Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss".
Trunks lowered his eyes, a smile crossing his features.
"Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?" he asked softly.
"Ay pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer" Marron replied. She noticed that his fingers were now entwined with hers, and he was gently stroking the back of her hand. His eyes were still lowered as he carried on.
"Oh then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do:
They pray, Grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."
Marron looked up as she spoke.
"Saints do not move, though grant for prayer's sake," she said slowly, her body tingling with anticipation. Trunks looked deep into her eyes, trying to ignore the desire that seemed set to overcome him. He took a short breath and finally finished off his speech.
"Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take.
Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged"
He pulled her towards him gently, almost as if he was afraid she might break. She reached for him, pulling him close to her, and putting her arms around his neck. Trunks softly brushed his lips against hers, deliberately playing with her, heightening her longing. Marron could feel her body beginning to tremble as he finally pressed his lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. She deepened the kiss. Trunks raised an eyebrow in surprise as the young woman wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him, and just as he put his arms around her, Marron pulled away from him. She took in a few breaths.
"Then have my lips the sin that they have took." she said simply.
Trunks ran an unsteady hand through his hair, gazing at her with shock, losing himself in her azure eyes. He drew himself out of his trance eventually, and smirked.
"Sin from my lips? Oh, trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again," he murmured, cupping her chin with his hand. She smiled at him, and their lips met once more.
Bra sighed dreamily as she watched them onstage. She turned to Goten, who was watching the scene, wide eyed.
"Oh, my lord, what is it that has you so shocked? Have you not seen this play before?" she asked. The dark haired man nodded his head.
"Yes, my lady Bra, I have. However, I have never seen it acted out with such...passion" he answered, frowning.
'What is Trunks doing? He knows that she's the one whose life he must take! And there he is, embracing her like a lover would? Is he doing it deliberately? Playing with her emotions? Surely he would not be so callous as to do that!'
Chi-Chi knocked lightly on the door of the servants' chamber. After a few seconds she heard the sound of a chair scraping back and footsteps getting closer. The door was unlatched and opened slowly, and Goku's head appeared round the door.
"Oh, it's just you, Chi-Chi. Come on in, my lady" He held the door open and smiled lazily at her. Chi-Chi peered into the room and saw Yamcha sitting at the table drinking from a battered looking goblet.
"Hello, Miss Chi-Chi!" he said cheerfully. "Want some?" He held out the goblet.
Chi-Chi walked over to him, a puzzled expression on her face.
"What is it?" she asked. Yamcha shrugged.
"I have no idea, but it sure does taste nice!"
"Aren't you supposed to be on door duty?"
Goku shut the door and joined the two of them, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"He was on door duty, but Bulma has taken over his shift. She said she wanted something to take her mind off things" he said, sympathy evident in his voice.
Yamcha splashed some more drink into the goblet and started waving it around.
"I find that drinking is the best way to do that!" he said loudly, slurring a little. Chi-Chi giggled.
"It seems that Yamcha is a little worse for wear" she remarked to Goku, who grinned at her. "What is that he is drinking anyway?"
"Elderflower wine, I think, my lady" Goku told her. "Why are you here anyway? It is late, I thought you would have retired to your chamber by now"
The dark haired woman shook her head.
"No, I wanted to see you. Miss Marron said she sent you on an errand, but you didn't return. I was worried, Goku"
"I was trying to help Bulma. I was looking for her son down in the village."
"Any luck?" Chi-Chi asked hopefully. Goku shook his head sadly.
"No. Without a description there wasn't much hope anyway. Most of the people I talked to were merchants and didn't actually live in the village. And those who did live in the village didn't seem to want to say anything."
"Oh…that's a real shame"
"There was one thing I wanted to talk to you about, though. I met a young man today, he said that he was a street merchant, but I am not so sure. He seemed so familiar, Chi-Chi. I don't know why, but I'm sure I know him from somewhere."
Goku shook his head dismissively and poured some of Yamcha's wine into a chipped old crystal glass.
"Maybe I'm being silly. Maybe he was a street merchant. But I have to be sure. I am going to go down into the village again tomorrow and see if he is there. I need to find out who he is"
Yamcha looked up from his wine. "I'll come with you, Goku. I have to go down there tomorrow anyway. It would be better if we went together"
"Why do you need to go?" Goku asked.
"I have to get some more equipment for the stables. We need some new saddle soap and a new brush"
"Oh, right. Then we will go tomorrow." He took a gulp of his wine and smiled at Chi-Chi.
"Why don't you have some? It's nice," he offered. Chi-Chi sighed, and took a glass.
"Alright then, I suppose so"
"Wow, that performance was quite believable, was it not, Goten?" Bra asked. Goten nodded, frowning a little. He really had to have a talk with Trunks about that.
"Goten?" Bra said again. He turned to her and forced a smile. There was no need to ignore her just because his friend was up to something, yet again.
"Yes, a great performance, I thought" he said, nodding for emphasis.
"I really like being with you, Goten" the aqua haired girl said suddenly. Goten took her hands.
"Miss Bra, I know how you feel. We have only just met, but we seem to get along so well. I am so comfortable in your company"
Bra smiled at him, blushing slightly.
"Would you…like to dance?" she asked hesitantly.
"Uh…sure…I mean, of course, my Lady"
His companion giggled. "You do have a strange way of speaking, Goten"
"Miss Bra? Do you…are you…uh…are you with anyone?" Goten asked. Bra's face fell.
"I wondered how long it would be before you asked me that" she said softly.
Goten felt his heart sink. So she was with someone. He looked back at her, and she continued.
"Yes. I am with someone. I am engaged to be married."
Goten tried to smile. "He is a lucky man. What is his name?"
"Lord Masaki" Bra said quietly. Goten simply stared at her in horror.
Marron was sitting on the balcony outside, dangling her legs over the marble edge. She sighed dreamily, looking up at the stars and thinking about Lord Valmont, her Romeo. They hadn't gone through all the play, only acted out two scenes from it and then it had been over. She had looked for the young man everywhere, but she hadn't found him yet. And now that the night was drawing to a close, she feared that she would never see him again. She felt a little sad now, those yearnings she had felt when she was near him couldn't have meant nothing, could they? Could those kisses have meant nothing to him? Was he merely acting?
"Oh, cruel fate, why do you toy with my heart so?" she cried out to the night sky.
"My lady, fate is not something you can control. Or so a fortune teller implied to me earlier"
Marron's heart leapt, and she whirled around to see her Romeo standing there. He was leaning against the wall, an amused look on his face, with his arms folded across his chest.
"My lord, where did you go after the play was over?" Marron asked, breathless.
"I had to take care of something, is all, Miss Marron" Trunks replied.
"Oh...I see...what was this 'something' of which you speak?"
"My friend, who I did travel here with today, bid me come over and offer him some assistance in matters of the heart"
Marron giggled.
"Matters of the heart, my lord?"
Trunks nodded, grinning. "He is a little slow where romance is concerned," he told her. In the distance, the church bells chimed two 'o' clock. Trunks looked up, and gave a little smile
"I am sorry, my lady, but I must leave you now" he said.
"What? Why so soon, good sir?"
"I cannot explain, my lady, but rest assured, if I stay here any longer then I will be tempting death"
Marron gasped, staring at him. "Death?" she exclaimed.
"Goodbye, fair lady" Trunks said, smiling. He turned to leave, but Marron caught his hand.
"Wait! Would you honestly leave me without a proper goodbye?
"My lady, I cannot become involved with you," he said calmly.
Marron gazed at him.
"Your eyes say otherwise, good sir"
"Do they?" Trunks smirked, and he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him. She rose on to her tiptoes and he kissed her softly, his fingers entwined in her golden hair. They pulled apart as the sound of voices reached their ears.
"Must you go?" Marron whispered. Trunks kissed her again, fiercely. She clung to him, putting her arms around his neck, longing for him. His body was pressed against hers, and Marron could feel his heart drumming frantically inside his chest as she ran her fingers through his hair and nibbled his bottom lip gently. A moan escaped from her lips as he kissed her neck. He slowly pulled away and gazed at her levelly.
"I cannot stay with you, Miss Marron," he told her.
"Why?" Marron whispered, her breathing heavy. He kissed her again swiftly, and ran a finger down her hot face.
"Because I'm going to destroy you"
Marron's breath caught in her throat, and she stared at him in horror. He simply smirked at her, then leapt off the side of the balcony, landing gracefully on the cobbled ground below, leaving Marron alone, her lips still tingling from his kisses, and her head spinning from what he had just told her.
A/N: Well, that was the longest chapter I've written in a while! Hope it didn't bore you to sleep! Tell me what you think of it, you guys, reviews make me work faster! ^^
And thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Chapter six is in progress. Ja ne!
Aerith
Chapter Five
At the Lord's manor, things were getting underway. The ballroom was packed with nobles, all admiring the decor, the set up, dancing and chatting amongst themselves. The room seemed to buzz with excitement.
"Father, when is the play due to start?" Marron asked impatiently. Krillin smiled and gave her a knowing look.
"Such a romantic, are you not, Marron? The play will start as soon as the results of the casting draw are announced, be patient!"
The young woman sighed and fiddled with a strand of her hair.
"Well when will the results be announced, pray tell?"
"I don't know, my dear. In the meantime, go and see your friend, Bra"
Krillin watched as his daughter headed off into the crowds.
"She looks beautiful tonight, doesn't she?"
His wife Eighteen nodded. "Yes, darling, she looks fantastic"
"We'll have her married off yet!" Krillin said excitedly. He didn't notice the look Eighteen gave him, as he turned his attention to one of the servants.
Chi-Chi smiled as she watched the guests entering, still turning out in full force.
"It appears the ball is popular with the nobles, does it not, Bulma?" she asked. Her friend nodded, her attention focused on folding the contents of the linen basket. Chi-Chi looked at her with concern.
"Bulma?"
Bulma looked up and set down the linen. "What is it?" she asked.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, of course, Chi-Chi. Why wouldn't I be?"
The maid sighed and folded her arms. "Oh, no reason, you just seem a little detached. Say, have you seen Goku?"
"Yes, he came back from the village a while ago, I think he's with Yamcha in the servant's chamber"
Chi-Chi nodded, and set off to see Goku.
"Hi, Bra. How are you?" Marron asked, walking up to her friend.
Bra grinned at her.
"I'm fine, how about you?"
"I'm okay. I'll be even better later on though" the young woman smiled, with a glint in her eye. Bra gave her a knowing look.
"Do you intend on finding some handsome noble who will sweep you off your feet, and carry you away on his white horse to a magical land where you'll live happily ever after?" she teased. Her friend laughed.
"No, I think I have outgrown that"
"So does your father intend on finding you a husband tonight?"
Marron rolled her eyes. "Yes, that is all he has been interested in all night" she complained. "It is starting to annoy me. He says I should follow your example, and get married soon"
"It is your choice, remember that, Marron" Bra told her. Marron nodded in agreement and the two of them sat down to talk some more.
"Trunks, what do you think that fortune teller meant?" Goten asked. He straightened his tie nervously. Trunks, in contrast, seemed just as confident as ever.
"Like I've told you before, Goten, you worry too much. It was simply some crazy old woman who was trying to get some attention. We have more important things to worry about than her."
"If you say so, Trunks."
Finally, the two thieves arrived at the Lord's manor. Yamcha greeted them at the entrance.
"Good evening, gentlemen. May I see your invitations?"
Trunks held out the invitations they had taken from the two nobles.
"Hmm, you must be Valmont and Gardenia, Lord Masaki and Lord Serimori's replacements, am I correct?"
"That's right, my good man" Goten said confidently. Yamcha bowed and escorted them inside.
"Enjoy your evening, good sirs!" he called out.
"Do not worry, we are sure to do that," Trunks murmured, surveying their surroundings. The ballroom was the most extravagant room he had ever seen. There were towering white pillars, and long draping velvet curtains. Crystal chandeliers hung from the roof, glinting in the light of the hundreds of candles placed around the room. The floor was smooth white marble, as were the pillars. There were expensive looking paintings dotted around the walls, and a long, red carpet stretched down the centre of the room, right to the opposite end where Trunks could see a large stage area, not unlike the one he had seen inside the theatre in the village when he was younger. At the right side of the entrance was a large marble staircase, which Trunks guessed led to the upper level where the Lord was. The Lord could just be seen, sitting on the balcony overseeing the festivities. He looked up, trying to see if there was any way to get up there without being spotted, since it was most likely to be the place where the Lord's daughter was sitting as well.
"Wow" Goten whispered at his side. "This place is just…incredible! Does the Lord actually live like this?"
"Of course he does" Trunks replied, trying to hide the awe in his voice. He spotted a man to his left reading a piece of parchment and then rushing over to the stage.
"I wonder what's going to happen" he muttered, and took some champagne from the tray that a young servant was passing around. The two of them watched as a man stepped up onto the stage and tapped his glass with a spoon.
"What's going on, Trunks?" Goten whispered. Trunks elbowed him.
"You're supposed to call me Lord Valmont. Remember?" he hissed.
"Huh? I thought I was Valmont and you were Gardenia?"
"No, you're Lord Gardenia!"
"Oh, sorry….hey, why do I have to be Gardenia?"
"Shut up, we're missing the announcement!"
The man onstage cleared his throat.
"May I have your attention please? Here I have the results of the casting draw. I beseech you, worthy audience, to enjoy our humble production. Now, I shall announce the roles!"
Marron smiled to herself. If Bulma had done as she had asked her to, then this would be the best night of her life. She looked around at the gatherings of noblemen near the stage, and her face fell. Which of these would be her Romeo? None of them were her type; all of them stuck up, and she could tell that half of them were here looking for a trophy wife. The announcer on the stage brought her out of her thoughts as he went on.
"And now, we have our two lovers! The role of the fair Juliet will be played by..." The announcer's eyes widened as he looked at the card, and he stared at Marron in surprise.
"Come on, good sir! Out with it!" cried a nobleman from the front. The announcer cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses on his nose.
"Uh...yes. Um...the role of the fair Juliet shall be played by...um...Lady Marron!"
There was an audible gasp of shock within the audience, and one by one, they all turned to stare at Marron. Krillin leapt out of his chair.
"What nonsense is this I hear? My daughter, my young Marron, playing the role of the tragic Juliet? I'll not consent to it! Lady Marron will not be acting in tonight's play! I thought that I had made that perfectly clear when I went through the rules of the casting vote!" Krillin's eyes were narrowed in anger as he cast his gaze over the guests.
"How dare you, father?" Marron exclaimed angrily.
Krillin started, turning to his daughter in disbelief.
"I pray, my dear child, that you are not seriously considering this.... this madness!"
"Father, I wish to take part in our humble production. It will be an honour."
She curtsied and began to walk onto the stage.
"Marron! Do you dare defy me, your father?" Krillin shouted, his eyes full of hurt and disbelief.
His daughter turned back.
"My mind is made up, father. I promise, I will not let you down."
He softened. "B...but what about the lines? You don't know your lines, child!"
"Father.........I know every word"
There was a shocked silence as Marron hitched up the hem of her trailing dress and ascended the stairs, standing on the stage. The announcer bowed hastily and cleared his throat again.
"My lord, do you consent to my continuing?"
Krillin sank back down into his chair next to his wife. Eighteen nodded at him, smiling faintly. Krillin sighed.
"Yes. I consent to it," he said quietly, smiling gently at Marron. She smiled back, gratefully.
"As you wish, my lord."
Looking down at the cue cards, he continued.
"And finally, the role of Romeo will be played by...Lord Valmont!"
Trunks choked on his champagne as he heard his name being read out, setting the half full glass on a table and staring at the announcer incredulously. Goten slapped him on the back and grinned.
"Hey, Valmont, your name's been called" he smirked.
"I don't believe this" Trunks muttered, shaking his head.
"Believe it, good sir" Goten said, and shoved him forward. "Hurry up and get on the stage."
Trunks sighed, making his way gracefully through the crowds of nobles, all of who stared at him as he passed.
Marron raised her eyebrows. She had not seen this Lord before; maybe he was one of Lord Masaki's replacements. Whoever he was, he was extremely handsome. She giggled softly to herself.
"So this man is going to be my Romeo? Well, I am not complaining!"
"My lord?" the announcer asked, looking up at Krillin, who was leaning over the rim of the balcony, staring down at him.
"My lord, do you consent to the play commencing?"
Krillin nodded slowly, smiling a little.
"I consent, good sir"
Goten watched his friend onstage, a little surprised at how well he was doing. He guessed that Trunks would make a good actor, what with being a thief and all. You generally learned to improvise if you didn't want to be killed. He took a sip of champagne and leaned against a pillar.
"What lady's that which doth enrich the hand of yonder knight?" Trunks asked his companion on stage.
"I know not, sir" the man replied.
Trunks walked towards the front of the stage, his hands moving to his chest. He looked up to the sky and sighed, then turned back to the audience.
"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of the night,
As a rich jewel in an Ethiop's ear,
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear"
He turned back to the stage, walking back to the centre again, and watching Marron as she danced with the man cast as Paris. He had to admit, she looked fantastic as her dress swayed with the movement, and the candlelight played upon her hair. The necklace around her neck caught his eye and he found himself mesmerised by the way the light danced within the jewel. It was almost magical. Shaking the thoughts out of his mind, he extended a hand towards the couple, and continued his speech.
"So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows,
The measuring done, I'll watch her place of stand,
And touching hers, make blessed my rude hand,
Did my heart love til now? Forswear it, sight.
For I ne'er saw true beauty til this night"
'I had no idea that Trunks even read Shakespeare!' Goten thought to himself, folding his arms.
"He seems to be in his element up there," he said aloud.
"I do agree. What are your thoughts on the play so far, my lord?"
Goten jumped as he heard the feminine voice behind him. Turning around, he saw a beautiful young woman, dressed in a gorgeous ball gown. The skirt was made of red silk, and shimmered as the light caught it at different angles. The bodice was made out of black velvet, and hugged her curvaceous figure. Aqua hair cascaded over her shoulders; corkscrew curls flowing down her back. A few curly tendrils framed her face, and she had a white pearled tiara in her hair. Her eyes were the deepest blue, wide and beautiful. Her lips were a glossy red shade, and had curved up into a smile.
"What is the matter, good sir? Why dost thou gaze at me so?" she asked shyly.
Goten blushed, looking away from her, a little embarrassed.
"I apologise, my lady, for noticing your staggering beauty" he said, then moved his eyes to look at her. She was blushing now, and giggled softly.
"Oh, good sir, thou art flattering me, surely"
"No, my lady, I speak only the truth. May I be so bold as to ask your name?"
"Of course you may, my lord. My name is Bra, Bra Briefs"
"Well, Miss Bra, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" He took her hand, knelt down and kissed it gently.
"My Lord, what is your name, might I ask?". Bra queried.
Goten straightened up again, smiling.
"My lady, let us not worry ourselves with such trivial things as these. But if you wish to call me by any name, please, call me Goten…Goten…um…Gardenia" he told her.
Bra smiled. "Gardenia? That's a strange surname" she commented. Her companion looked embarrassed and he scratched the back of his head.
"Yes, I supposed it is" he admitted. She laughed a little, and turned her attention to the play.
"Oh, it seems that Romeo and Juliet have met, Lord Gardenia!" she exclaimed, smiling.
"Just call me Goten, my lady"
Bra nodded. "Alright…Goten. Oh, I do love this scene!" she went on, and sat down next to him, watching with interest. He smiled at the young woman, and turned to the performance.
Marron walked towards Trunks, who was standing on the centre stage. She could feel a blush creeping on her face as she looked into his blue eyes. He had a slight smirk on his face as she approached, and she felt every part of her being longing for him. Mentally she slapped herself.
'Where did this feeling come from? I have only just met this young man, so why do I seem to want him so?'
She stopped in front of him, trying to ignore her feelings. He reached out and took her hand, his eyes meeting hers as he began reciting the lines.
"If I profane with my un-worthiest hand,
This holy shrine, then gentle sin is this,
My lips, two blushing pilgrims ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss"
Marron took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his, and murmured her lines.
"Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss".
Trunks lowered his eyes, a smile crossing his features.
"Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?" he asked softly.
"Ay pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer" Marron replied. She noticed that his fingers were now entwined with hers, and he was gently stroking the back of her hand. His eyes were still lowered as he carried on.
"Oh then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do:
They pray, Grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."
Marron looked up as she spoke.
"Saints do not move, though grant for prayer's sake," she said slowly, her body tingling with anticipation. Trunks looked deep into her eyes, trying to ignore the desire that seemed set to overcome him. He took a short breath and finally finished off his speech.
"Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take.
Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged"
He pulled her towards him gently, almost as if he was afraid she might break. She reached for him, pulling him close to her, and putting her arms around his neck. Trunks softly brushed his lips against hers, deliberately playing with her, heightening her longing. Marron could feel her body beginning to tremble as he finally pressed his lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. She deepened the kiss. Trunks raised an eyebrow in surprise as the young woman wrapped her arms around him, clinging to him, and just as he put his arms around her, Marron pulled away from him. She took in a few breaths.
"Then have my lips the sin that they have took." she said simply.
Trunks ran an unsteady hand through his hair, gazing at her with shock, losing himself in her azure eyes. He drew himself out of his trance eventually, and smirked.
"Sin from my lips? Oh, trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again," he murmured, cupping her chin with his hand. She smiled at him, and their lips met once more.
Bra sighed dreamily as she watched them onstage. She turned to Goten, who was watching the scene, wide eyed.
"Oh, my lord, what is it that has you so shocked? Have you not seen this play before?" she asked. The dark haired man nodded his head.
"Yes, my lady Bra, I have. However, I have never seen it acted out with such...passion" he answered, frowning.
'What is Trunks doing? He knows that she's the one whose life he must take! And there he is, embracing her like a lover would? Is he doing it deliberately? Playing with her emotions? Surely he would not be so callous as to do that!'
Chi-Chi knocked lightly on the door of the servants' chamber. After a few seconds she heard the sound of a chair scraping back and footsteps getting closer. The door was unlatched and opened slowly, and Goku's head appeared round the door.
"Oh, it's just you, Chi-Chi. Come on in, my lady" He held the door open and smiled lazily at her. Chi-Chi peered into the room and saw Yamcha sitting at the table drinking from a battered looking goblet.
"Hello, Miss Chi-Chi!" he said cheerfully. "Want some?" He held out the goblet.
Chi-Chi walked over to him, a puzzled expression on her face.
"What is it?" she asked. Yamcha shrugged.
"I have no idea, but it sure does taste nice!"
"Aren't you supposed to be on door duty?"
Goku shut the door and joined the two of them, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"He was on door duty, but Bulma has taken over his shift. She said she wanted something to take her mind off things" he said, sympathy evident in his voice.
Yamcha splashed some more drink into the goblet and started waving it around.
"I find that drinking is the best way to do that!" he said loudly, slurring a little. Chi-Chi giggled.
"It seems that Yamcha is a little worse for wear" she remarked to Goku, who grinned at her. "What is that he is drinking anyway?"
"Elderflower wine, I think, my lady" Goku told her. "Why are you here anyway? It is late, I thought you would have retired to your chamber by now"
The dark haired woman shook her head.
"No, I wanted to see you. Miss Marron said she sent you on an errand, but you didn't return. I was worried, Goku"
"I was trying to help Bulma. I was looking for her son down in the village."
"Any luck?" Chi-Chi asked hopefully. Goku shook his head sadly.
"No. Without a description there wasn't much hope anyway. Most of the people I talked to were merchants and didn't actually live in the village. And those who did live in the village didn't seem to want to say anything."
"Oh…that's a real shame"
"There was one thing I wanted to talk to you about, though. I met a young man today, he said that he was a street merchant, but I am not so sure. He seemed so familiar, Chi-Chi. I don't know why, but I'm sure I know him from somewhere."
Goku shook his head dismissively and poured some of Yamcha's wine into a chipped old crystal glass.
"Maybe I'm being silly. Maybe he was a street merchant. But I have to be sure. I am going to go down into the village again tomorrow and see if he is there. I need to find out who he is"
Yamcha looked up from his wine. "I'll come with you, Goku. I have to go down there tomorrow anyway. It would be better if we went together"
"Why do you need to go?" Goku asked.
"I have to get some more equipment for the stables. We need some new saddle soap and a new brush"
"Oh, right. Then we will go tomorrow." He took a gulp of his wine and smiled at Chi-Chi.
"Why don't you have some? It's nice," he offered. Chi-Chi sighed, and took a glass.
"Alright then, I suppose so"
"Wow, that performance was quite believable, was it not, Goten?" Bra asked. Goten nodded, frowning a little. He really had to have a talk with Trunks about that.
"Goten?" Bra said again. He turned to her and forced a smile. There was no need to ignore her just because his friend was up to something, yet again.
"Yes, a great performance, I thought" he said, nodding for emphasis.
"I really like being with you, Goten" the aqua haired girl said suddenly. Goten took her hands.
"Miss Bra, I know how you feel. We have only just met, but we seem to get along so well. I am so comfortable in your company"
Bra smiled at him, blushing slightly.
"Would you…like to dance?" she asked hesitantly.
"Uh…sure…I mean, of course, my Lady"
His companion giggled. "You do have a strange way of speaking, Goten"
"Miss Bra? Do you…are you…uh…are you with anyone?" Goten asked. Bra's face fell.
"I wondered how long it would be before you asked me that" she said softly.
Goten felt his heart sink. So she was with someone. He looked back at her, and she continued.
"Yes. I am with someone. I am engaged to be married."
Goten tried to smile. "He is a lucky man. What is his name?"
"Lord Masaki" Bra said quietly. Goten simply stared at her in horror.
Marron was sitting on the balcony outside, dangling her legs over the marble edge. She sighed dreamily, looking up at the stars and thinking about Lord Valmont, her Romeo. They hadn't gone through all the play, only acted out two scenes from it and then it had been over. She had looked for the young man everywhere, but she hadn't found him yet. And now that the night was drawing to a close, she feared that she would never see him again. She felt a little sad now, those yearnings she had felt when she was near him couldn't have meant nothing, could they? Could those kisses have meant nothing to him? Was he merely acting?
"Oh, cruel fate, why do you toy with my heart so?" she cried out to the night sky.
"My lady, fate is not something you can control. Or so a fortune teller implied to me earlier"
Marron's heart leapt, and she whirled around to see her Romeo standing there. He was leaning against the wall, an amused look on his face, with his arms folded across his chest.
"My lord, where did you go after the play was over?" Marron asked, breathless.
"I had to take care of something, is all, Miss Marron" Trunks replied.
"Oh...I see...what was this 'something' of which you speak?"
"My friend, who I did travel here with today, bid me come over and offer him some assistance in matters of the heart"
Marron giggled.
"Matters of the heart, my lord?"
Trunks nodded, grinning. "He is a little slow where romance is concerned," he told her. In the distance, the church bells chimed two 'o' clock. Trunks looked up, and gave a little smile
"I am sorry, my lady, but I must leave you now" he said.
"What? Why so soon, good sir?"
"I cannot explain, my lady, but rest assured, if I stay here any longer then I will be tempting death"
Marron gasped, staring at him. "Death?" she exclaimed.
"Goodbye, fair lady" Trunks said, smiling. He turned to leave, but Marron caught his hand.
"Wait! Would you honestly leave me without a proper goodbye?
"My lady, I cannot become involved with you," he said calmly.
Marron gazed at him.
"Your eyes say otherwise, good sir"
"Do they?" Trunks smirked, and he slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him. She rose on to her tiptoes and he kissed her softly, his fingers entwined in her golden hair. They pulled apart as the sound of voices reached their ears.
"Must you go?" Marron whispered. Trunks kissed her again, fiercely. She clung to him, putting her arms around his neck, longing for him. His body was pressed against hers, and Marron could feel his heart drumming frantically inside his chest as she ran her fingers through his hair and nibbled his bottom lip gently. A moan escaped from her lips as he kissed her neck. He slowly pulled away and gazed at her levelly.
"I cannot stay with you, Miss Marron," he told her.
"Why?" Marron whispered, her breathing heavy. He kissed her again swiftly, and ran a finger down her hot face.
"Because I'm going to destroy you"
Marron's breath caught in her throat, and she stared at him in horror. He simply smirked at her, then leapt off the side of the balcony, landing gracefully on the cobbled ground below, leaving Marron alone, her lips still tingling from his kisses, and her head spinning from what he had just told her.
A/N: Well, that was the longest chapter I've written in a while! Hope it didn't bore you to sleep! Tell me what you think of it, you guys, reviews make me work faster! ^^
And thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Chapter six is in progress. Ja ne!
Aerith