Title: The Prince of Thieves and a Moon Maiden
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Six
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com (changed address)
Okay, this is a rough sketch of what happened in the deleted chapter.
I tried to put all the important details in but I'm not sure I got it all,
so if a puzzle piece seems to be missing, I'm sorry. Also, in advance,
sorry about the grammer!
Thanks for putting up with the extremely LONG wait. I know I really
put this off. I hope that you enjoy the story!!!! And please EMAIL me
and tell me how you like it.
Ja ne!
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
'This is crazy but it's happening. I'm finally doing it.' Serenity
smiled brightly to herself as she surveyed the hoards of men, women and
children gathered around, getting ready to see the tournament of the
year.
"Al'right now, it's all up to ya'r now. Are ya sure ya want'in to go
through with it?" Jarick asked me for the third time.
Serena nodded and fixed the rather large hat on her head that hid all her
hair from everyone's view. She was dressed in brown pants, an off white
shirt and brown sturdy boots. To everyone else Serenity would look like a
boy, at least, she hoped so. To be even more careful she had bound her
chest against her self with thick material. It was a little uncomfortable
but she would manage for a day.
"Okay, then off with ya and sign up with the rest of the crew. Ya'r far
behind them."
Serenity nodded at Jarick and then smiled at Pete who nodded with a
nervous look on his face, "Thank you." Then she walked off in the
other direction, looking for the building where she needed to sign up.
There were lots of lines to several different entrances to the arena
where people sat in wait for their turn to buy their ticket.
'Where is the line for the swords men?'
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"This line is taking forever. Can't we just barge through and announce
the Prince is here? We'll get in much fast that way, Darien." Jadeite
smiled at the great idea he had.
"No." Prince Endymion shook his head, "We came here as commoners, I'm not
about to throw my cover. You may have nothing to loose but, I, on the
other hand, do."
Jadeite frowned and folded his arms, turning back to stare at the man
in front of him.
"Taking a while?" Malachite came up to the two men with a serious expression
on his face.
"Oh, good, you're here!" Jadeite smiled happily, "Here, you stay here and
watch over Darien and I'll go get popcorn." And before either of them
could protest, Jadeite was gone leaving Malachite with no choice.
Prince Endymion sighed and rubbed his forehead, glancing after his
disappearing general, "Sometimes I wonder how he can be so loyal in
battle."
Malachite broke a smile before quickly covering it, "Yes, yes, I agree."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Finally, Serenity spotted the long line of men. She sighed and began
to trudge her way there. Suddenly, however, something stopped her in her
tracks.
"Oh, no. I don't need this." Serenity glanced at the two familiar men
standing in one line and then glanced at the line she needed to be in,
just past them. She bit her lip. 'What am I going to do now? There's no
way to get through unless I pass them.'
Staring worriedly at the two men, she was surprised when the Prince
himself, looked strait at her.
Her eyes went impossibly wide. 'Oh, no. Oh, no. This is not happening!
I'm recognized!'
The prince waved her over.
She shook her head.
He stared at her oddly before waving her over once again, more insistent
this time.
Hesitantly, she began walking towards the Prince muttering to her self
how doomed she was.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Arriving in front of him, Serenity stopped short, "I can explain."
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice that you seemed lost... boy."
He reached out his hand, "My name is Darien and this," he nodded his towards
the tall familiar man next to him, "is Malachite."
Serenity's mouth formed a small "o" before she quickly gave them a smile,
"My name-" suddenly she stopped, what was her name?! Swallowing nervously,
she searched her brain for a name but coming up with nothing in particular,
she sputtered something out, "Drake Lake." Even as she said it, she
cringed, what kind of name was that.
Malachite lifted an eyebrow and the Prince looked at her with some
amusement but neither said a thing about the name.
"Well, Drake, what brings you here? Are you here to see the tournament?"
Serenity shook her head, "No, actually, I'm trying to sign in for the
tournament to... fight."
This time, the Prince lifted his eyebrow, "Really?" He took a deep breath
then gave a smile, "Okay, then, in that case, I think we can help him,
can't we Malachite?"
Malachite nodded hesitantly.
'Hey, I may look small but I can hold my own!' Serenity thought clearly,
to her self, "Thank you but I already know where the line is..."
"Oh, well, I was planning to help you get 'through' the line."
"Really?" Serenity was surprised. 'Well, of course, you idiot, he's the
prince of earth, I'm sure he has connections.' "Thank you!"
Turning to Malachite the Prince continued, "Keep our place in line while
I take Drake here to Signing Box."
Malachite nodded.
Putting his hand on Serenity's back, he led the young man/woman to sign
up. Serenity let him lead her through the crowds, past the line and up to
the signing box. He led her around the back and through the back door where
two men stood, one at the window and the other standing looking at
papers.
"Joe." The Prince smiled.
The said Joe turned around and gave a surprised smile, "Well, hello,
Pr-um," he cast a uneasy glance at Serenity then spoke again,
"how are you? And what are you doing here at such a busy time?"
"I have a favor to ask." The Prince smiled and pushed Serenity forward,
"Can you sign him up?"
Joe looked the boy up and down, noting his thin waist, small figure and
daring eyes. His face grew very serious as he looked at Serenity,
"You understand, that fighting could mean death... you're literally
putting your life at stake playing this game."
Serenity nodded, "I do."
"Okay, then. What's your name?"
"Drake Lake."
His head snapped up from his paper, before shaking his head and writing
the boy's name down, "Alright. You are number 12. When your name is called,
it will only be called once so you better listen carefully or you could
miss your turn."
Serenity nodded in understanding.
"The entrance to the ring is on the other side, you'll see two large doors,
just knock and tell them what number you are."
Serenity smiled, "Thank you, sir."
Joe nodded to the Prince, "It's good to see you again. I hope you enjoy
the games."
"I'm sure I will, thank you."
With that, the Prince and Serenity left the building.
"It's all up to you now." The prince turned to her and shook her
hand.
"Thank you, your highness. I really appreciate it."
"Of course."
With that Serenity quickly left, racing around the corner, towards the
entrance to the ring.
Prince Endymion stared after the young boy, wondering if he would do well
in the ring or not... then a sudden thought entered his mind. 'Highness?
He KNEW?!'
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Serenity stopped at the entrance where two other tall men were
standing, talking, however, they stopped suddenly when she came into their
line of vision.
"Hello." Serenity turned to knock on the door but one of the men stopped
her.
"Hey, you lost?"
"Huh?" Serenity turned to face them. From the looks on their faces,
she could tell that they didn't approve of her small frame and young
features. Serenity frowned at them.
"The entrance is on the other side." The other one said.
"I'm not lost, for your information. I'm competing in the arena."
"Really?"
Serenity rolled her eyes, she didn't care what these men thought, if
she was lucky she would get a chance in the ring with them and show
them what was what. She lifted her hand and knocked.
The door opened and at first, she thought it opened of its own accord
but after a small sound of a throat clearing, she looked down to find a
short little man with a beard and a rolled up paper in his hand.
"Number." The man asked.
Serenity stared. She had never seen a man this short before.
"Number?" The man asked again, a little irritated this time.
"Oh, um, 12."
The little man then turned to the two tall men behind her and looked
at them expectantly.
"13."
"14."
The little man nodded and turned around, "Follow me."
The three of them followed the short man into the darker quarters where
there lay dried hay, barrels of water and crates sitting in the corners.
The room was divided into several groups of men. "Number 12, over there."
He pointed for Serenity before quickly telling the other two men where
their groups were.
The men she was to join looked gruff and bored. They all sat in a corner
by the door that entered into the arena. Some light trickled in from the thin
boards of wood nailed onto the side.
Serenity took a deep breath and approached the men, remembering she had to
act just as manly as they did, "Hello." Her voice came out in a squeak,
making her wince.
All four men looked at her.
"Ah, hi." She repeated, "I'm was told to come over here."
They stared.
'Okay, now I feel really stupid.'
Finally, a smile broke out on one of them, a tall buff dark man with black
eyes and no shirt on, "Well, it's good to meet ya, boy. My names Matthew."
He swung the long sword that he held in his hands to point to a man sitting
on the floor, "And he's Dark."
"Oh?"
"My name's Dark." The man sitting on the floor spoke to clarify, "Stop
point'in that thing at me."
Matthew smiled sheepishly and turned back to the boy, "What's your name?"
"Drake."
"Hey, Drake, I'm Stephen!" Serenity spun around to meet the voice and
was greeted by a very tall curly haired red head. His complexion was just
as fair as hers was except for the dirt that clung to his arms, hands and
face. His eyes were a stunning dark blue which made her stare at him. He
held out his hand with a big boyish smile on his features as he if were
very excited to have a new friend.
Serenity couldn't help but smile as she raised her hand and shook his.
"And this," he indicated to the young man standing next to him, "is my
brother Tephan."
Tephan was obviously the younger of the two, he looked about sixteen.
He looked much like his older brother with red hair, fair skin but with
light green eyes and a slightly shorter frame.
Tephan smiled shyly at her and let his hand reach out to hers in a
handshake. Serenity smiled brightly at him, "Nice to meet you."
"What is this? A tea party?"
Serenity turned to head to see Dark watching her and two the brothers with
an annoyed look on his dark face. Serenity took the opportunity to get a
good look at him. He had a nice brown tan, blonde hair, ice blue eyes and
a scare down the left side of his cheek. He wore brown leather pants,
a dirty white shirt and an equally brown leather vest. He held his sword
in his hands, cleaning it with a white cloth.
He would have been good looking if it weren't for the annoyed look in his
eyes and face and the way he held himself aloof on the floor.
"What?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Never seen a true
fighter before?"
Serenity frowned and chooses to ignore him. She didn't like him.
Instead, she turned to Matthew, "When does the tournament begin?"
"Half an hour."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Meanwhile, Princess Lita, Ray, Mina and Amy were on the road to the
tournament. Men and woman in carriages and on foot walked beside them,
past them, or behind them. The road was crowded, as everyone seemed to
be going to the same place all at once.
"I wonder what is going on." Mina mused as she looked around.
"Hey," Lita grabbed the first person close enough to touch,
"What's going on? Where is everyone going?"
The young man looked at them funny, "Girls!" He scoffed, "The
tournament of course. There's going to be some wack'in good sword
fight'in!" With that, he pulled away and ran up ahead of them.
Lita wrinkled her nose, "Brat."
"You guys, Serena's really into that stuff right? She could be there."
"If we're lucky." Mina thought aloud.
Amy looked around at the crowd, "It seems that this tournament is a truly
big thing on earth. Serena must have heard about it if she were here."
She looked at Lita, Ray and Mina, "There's an excellent chance we'll see
her there."
"Good thinking, Amy. Okay, let's go check it out."
To Be Continued...
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Six
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com (changed address)
Okay, this is a rough sketch of what happened in the deleted chapter.
I tried to put all the important details in but I'm not sure I got it all,
so if a puzzle piece seems to be missing, I'm sorry. Also, in advance,
sorry about the grammer!
Thanks for putting up with the extremely LONG wait. I know I really
put this off. I hope that you enjoy the story!!!! And please EMAIL me
and tell me how you like it.
Ja ne!
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
'This is crazy but it's happening. I'm finally doing it.' Serenity
smiled brightly to herself as she surveyed the hoards of men, women and
children gathered around, getting ready to see the tournament of the
year.
"Al'right now, it's all up to ya'r now. Are ya sure ya want'in to go
through with it?" Jarick asked me for the third time.
Serena nodded and fixed the rather large hat on her head that hid all her
hair from everyone's view. She was dressed in brown pants, an off white
shirt and brown sturdy boots. To everyone else Serenity would look like a
boy, at least, she hoped so. To be even more careful she had bound her
chest against her self with thick material. It was a little uncomfortable
but she would manage for a day.
"Okay, then off with ya and sign up with the rest of the crew. Ya'r far
behind them."
Serenity nodded at Jarick and then smiled at Pete who nodded with a
nervous look on his face, "Thank you." Then she walked off in the
other direction, looking for the building where she needed to sign up.
There were lots of lines to several different entrances to the arena
where people sat in wait for their turn to buy their ticket.
'Where is the line for the swords men?'
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"This line is taking forever. Can't we just barge through and announce
the Prince is here? We'll get in much fast that way, Darien." Jadeite
smiled at the great idea he had.
"No." Prince Endymion shook his head, "We came here as commoners, I'm not
about to throw my cover. You may have nothing to loose but, I, on the
other hand, do."
Jadeite frowned and folded his arms, turning back to stare at the man
in front of him.
"Taking a while?" Malachite came up to the two men with a serious expression
on his face.
"Oh, good, you're here!" Jadeite smiled happily, "Here, you stay here and
watch over Darien and I'll go get popcorn." And before either of them
could protest, Jadeite was gone leaving Malachite with no choice.
Prince Endymion sighed and rubbed his forehead, glancing after his
disappearing general, "Sometimes I wonder how he can be so loyal in
battle."
Malachite broke a smile before quickly covering it, "Yes, yes, I agree."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Finally, Serenity spotted the long line of men. She sighed and began
to trudge her way there. Suddenly, however, something stopped her in her
tracks.
"Oh, no. I don't need this." Serenity glanced at the two familiar men
standing in one line and then glanced at the line she needed to be in,
just past them. She bit her lip. 'What am I going to do now? There's no
way to get through unless I pass them.'
Staring worriedly at the two men, she was surprised when the Prince
himself, looked strait at her.
Her eyes went impossibly wide. 'Oh, no. Oh, no. This is not happening!
I'm recognized!'
The prince waved her over.
She shook her head.
He stared at her oddly before waving her over once again, more insistent
this time.
Hesitantly, she began walking towards the Prince muttering to her self
how doomed she was.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Arriving in front of him, Serenity stopped short, "I can explain."
"I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but notice that you seemed lost... boy."
He reached out his hand, "My name is Darien and this," he nodded his towards
the tall familiar man next to him, "is Malachite."
Serenity's mouth formed a small "o" before she quickly gave them a smile,
"My name-" suddenly she stopped, what was her name?! Swallowing nervously,
she searched her brain for a name but coming up with nothing in particular,
she sputtered something out, "Drake Lake." Even as she said it, she
cringed, what kind of name was that.
Malachite lifted an eyebrow and the Prince looked at her with some
amusement but neither said a thing about the name.
"Well, Drake, what brings you here? Are you here to see the tournament?"
Serenity shook her head, "No, actually, I'm trying to sign in for the
tournament to... fight."
This time, the Prince lifted his eyebrow, "Really?" He took a deep breath
then gave a smile, "Okay, then, in that case, I think we can help him,
can't we Malachite?"
Malachite nodded hesitantly.
'Hey, I may look small but I can hold my own!' Serenity thought clearly,
to her self, "Thank you but I already know where the line is..."
"Oh, well, I was planning to help you get 'through' the line."
"Really?" Serenity was surprised. 'Well, of course, you idiot, he's the
prince of earth, I'm sure he has connections.' "Thank you!"
Turning to Malachite the Prince continued, "Keep our place in line while
I take Drake here to Signing Box."
Malachite nodded.
Putting his hand on Serenity's back, he led the young man/woman to sign
up. Serenity let him lead her through the crowds, past the line and up to
the signing box. He led her around the back and through the back door where
two men stood, one at the window and the other standing looking at
papers.
"Joe." The Prince smiled.
The said Joe turned around and gave a surprised smile, "Well, hello,
Pr-um," he cast a uneasy glance at Serenity then spoke again,
"how are you? And what are you doing here at such a busy time?"
"I have a favor to ask." The Prince smiled and pushed Serenity forward,
"Can you sign him up?"
Joe looked the boy up and down, noting his thin waist, small figure and
daring eyes. His face grew very serious as he looked at Serenity,
"You understand, that fighting could mean death... you're literally
putting your life at stake playing this game."
Serenity nodded, "I do."
"Okay, then. What's your name?"
"Drake Lake."
His head snapped up from his paper, before shaking his head and writing
the boy's name down, "Alright. You are number 12. When your name is called,
it will only be called once so you better listen carefully or you could
miss your turn."
Serenity nodded in understanding.
"The entrance to the ring is on the other side, you'll see two large doors,
just knock and tell them what number you are."
Serenity smiled, "Thank you, sir."
Joe nodded to the Prince, "It's good to see you again. I hope you enjoy
the games."
"I'm sure I will, thank you."
With that, the Prince and Serenity left the building.
"It's all up to you now." The prince turned to her and shook her
hand.
"Thank you, your highness. I really appreciate it."
"Of course."
With that Serenity quickly left, racing around the corner, towards the
entrance to the ring.
Prince Endymion stared after the young boy, wondering if he would do well
in the ring or not... then a sudden thought entered his mind. 'Highness?
He KNEW?!'
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Serenity stopped at the entrance where two other tall men were
standing, talking, however, they stopped suddenly when she came into their
line of vision.
"Hello." Serenity turned to knock on the door but one of the men stopped
her.
"Hey, you lost?"
"Huh?" Serenity turned to face them. From the looks on their faces,
she could tell that they didn't approve of her small frame and young
features. Serenity frowned at them.
"The entrance is on the other side." The other one said.
"I'm not lost, for your information. I'm competing in the arena."
"Really?"
Serenity rolled her eyes, she didn't care what these men thought, if
she was lucky she would get a chance in the ring with them and show
them what was what. She lifted her hand and knocked.
The door opened and at first, she thought it opened of its own accord
but after a small sound of a throat clearing, she looked down to find a
short little man with a beard and a rolled up paper in his hand.
"Number." The man asked.
Serenity stared. She had never seen a man this short before.
"Number?" The man asked again, a little irritated this time.
"Oh, um, 12."
The little man then turned to the two tall men behind her and looked
at them expectantly.
"13."
"14."
The little man nodded and turned around, "Follow me."
The three of them followed the short man into the darker quarters where
there lay dried hay, barrels of water and crates sitting in the corners.
The room was divided into several groups of men. "Number 12, over there."
He pointed for Serenity before quickly telling the other two men where
their groups were.
The men she was to join looked gruff and bored. They all sat in a corner
by the door that entered into the arena. Some light trickled in from the thin
boards of wood nailed onto the side.
Serenity took a deep breath and approached the men, remembering she had to
act just as manly as they did, "Hello." Her voice came out in a squeak,
making her wince.
All four men looked at her.
"Ah, hi." She repeated, "I'm was told to come over here."
They stared.
'Okay, now I feel really stupid.'
Finally, a smile broke out on one of them, a tall buff dark man with black
eyes and no shirt on, "Well, it's good to meet ya, boy. My names Matthew."
He swung the long sword that he held in his hands to point to a man sitting
on the floor, "And he's Dark."
"Oh?"
"My name's Dark." The man sitting on the floor spoke to clarify, "Stop
point'in that thing at me."
Matthew smiled sheepishly and turned back to the boy, "What's your name?"
"Drake."
"Hey, Drake, I'm Stephen!" Serenity spun around to meet the voice and
was greeted by a very tall curly haired red head. His complexion was just
as fair as hers was except for the dirt that clung to his arms, hands and
face. His eyes were a stunning dark blue which made her stare at him. He
held out his hand with a big boyish smile on his features as he if were
very excited to have a new friend.
Serenity couldn't help but smile as she raised her hand and shook his.
"And this," he indicated to the young man standing next to him, "is my
brother Tephan."
Tephan was obviously the younger of the two, he looked about sixteen.
He looked much like his older brother with red hair, fair skin but with
light green eyes and a slightly shorter frame.
Tephan smiled shyly at her and let his hand reach out to hers in a
handshake. Serenity smiled brightly at him, "Nice to meet you."
"What is this? A tea party?"
Serenity turned to head to see Dark watching her and two the brothers with
an annoyed look on his dark face. Serenity took the opportunity to get a
good look at him. He had a nice brown tan, blonde hair, ice blue eyes and
a scare down the left side of his cheek. He wore brown leather pants,
a dirty white shirt and an equally brown leather vest. He held his sword
in his hands, cleaning it with a white cloth.
He would have been good looking if it weren't for the annoyed look in his
eyes and face and the way he held himself aloof on the floor.
"What?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Never seen a true
fighter before?"
Serenity frowned and chooses to ignore him. She didn't like him.
Instead, she turned to Matthew, "When does the tournament begin?"
"Half an hour."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Meanwhile, Princess Lita, Ray, Mina and Amy were on the road to the
tournament. Men and woman in carriages and on foot walked beside them,
past them, or behind them. The road was crowded, as everyone seemed to
be going to the same place all at once.
"I wonder what is going on." Mina mused as she looked around.
"Hey," Lita grabbed the first person close enough to touch,
"What's going on? Where is everyone going?"
The young man looked at them funny, "Girls!" He scoffed, "The
tournament of course. There's going to be some wack'in good sword
fight'in!" With that, he pulled away and ran up ahead of them.
Lita wrinkled her nose, "Brat."
"You guys, Serena's really into that stuff right? She could be there."
"If we're lucky." Mina thought aloud.
Amy looked around at the crowd, "It seems that this tournament is a truly
big thing on earth. Serena must have heard about it if she were here."
She looked at Lita, Ray and Mina, "There's an excellent chance we'll see
her there."
"Good thinking, Amy. Okay, let's go check it out."
To Be Continued...