3. A new identity
A hard elbow bumped into Usagi and she cried out in pain. Some of the passerby gave her strange looks but the culprit was not one of those, no the cad just kept on walking towards his destination. Rubbing her side where it was throbbing with pain, Usagi had a great mind to run after the man and kick him in the chin; hard. But since she did not want to attract attention, she kept a tight rein on her temper and settled for a baleful look at the man. After all, she had gone through a lot of pains to prevent herself from being discovered.
Unconsciously Usagi lifted a hand and touched her short cropped hair. Because she knew people will be sent out to find her and bring her back once her absence was noticed, Usagi had gone through a lot of pains to make that task as difficult as possible. One was to cut off her beloved long hair with a knife. Partly because she did not want them to be discovered by road and reveal her presence and partly because she did not have the heart to burn them she had braided the silvery strands of pale blonde hair into a long braid that she kept in her backpack. A reminder of her former life on the moon.
It was a former life because she did not have any intention of returning there, at least not until her mother broke off her engagement with prince Diamond. The sense of betrayal and pain came rushing forward at the thought of her mother's deed and tears began swimming up her blue eyes. Angrily Usagi brushed the tears away. Since she was disguised as a boy at the moment it would not do to cry. There was nothing she could do about the anger that she felt though.
No way she was going to marry a total stranger that she did not love. Especially not when she knew her own mother had married out of love. If she could how could she expect Usagi to do differently? Didn't she deserve some happiness also? Of course queen Selenity had not seen it that way. She had claimed that Usagi would know the same kind of happiness that she had experienced with Usagi's father. All it took was time and she was sure Usagi would come to love her husband. Which was of course only a load of crap. The queen was only thinking of securing the alliance. Her own daughter's happiness did not matter at all. After all wasn't she just bartering Usagi away like a goods at auction to the highest bidder? Being the princess of the Moon and the next ruler of the Moon, there had been plenty of proposals for Usagi's hand. None however had quite the station or power or lineage as prince Diamond though. At least that is what Rei said.
Damn Rei! If she thought prince Diamond was such a good match then why didn't she marry him? Then she could be the queen of Mars as well as queen of Jeweln and lord over everybody as she normally did with the only difference that she would then have the title as well as the power behind her.
The others were no better. Lita who had gone starry eyed at the mention of the prince had in fact wondered if he looked anything as handsome as her old boyfriend! Since none of them had ever met this notorious boyfriend she keeps mentioning since two years back and kept claiming every guy that she had developed a crush on resembled him, Usagi was beginning to suspect that the guy was just a figment of her friend's imagination. Fine if he resembled Lita's boyfriend then maybe she could marry him.
Even Mina had been no help there. Being the senshi of love, Usagi had thought that her cousin would at least see her point of view.
Amy was the only one that had been the slightly supportive but like always Amy's support was double edged. She was being sympathetic to both sides, which was of course no support at all. What Usagi needed was a full time one hundred percent support. Since it was obvious her friends weren't going to provide that for her, then she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.
Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since dinner last night which was more than half a day ago since it was well over mid-afternoon. Usagi took a look around her surrounding and her eyes fell on the bakery stand where all kinds of tarts was displayed. Spellbound, Usagi started to walk towards the stand.
The merchant seeing a potential customer from the stars shining in those blue eyes took a quick survey of the child. A young boy, short and slender with a face that was quite handsome bordering to pretty with those long lashes and smooth cheeks. The clothes were ordinary but made of a finer fabric than what normal peasants would wear. That spoke of money and immediately a dazzling smile graced his face.
''A my young lad. See something you like? The finest tarts in the town if I do say so myself. Here have a taste.'' He took one of his finest and most expensive tart and offered it to the boy.
Usagi looked at the tart like a four year old at a her favorite sweet and a brilliant smile lit her face. ''Really?'' she asked and when the merchant nodded his head she did not waste another minute.
The merchant blinked in surprise when the boy snatched the tart away from his hand with a lightning speed and he blinked even more at the way the fine food was shoveled in to the boys mouth. The lad might have money to buy fine clothes but he was certainly lacking in table manners and watching him eat, the merchant had to keep back a shudder of revulsion at the sight of his beloved tarts being gobbled without the smallest sign of holding back to enjoy it. The only comfort he got was the thought of the money he would make out of the lad as it was obvious that he was a hungry one.
Giving another beaming smile, the merchant said after Usagi was finished with the tart, ''I see you enjoyed my tart. How about trying another one?''
Usagi's eyes turned as round as teacup at the offer. The man was actually offering her more food? Still with cream around her face, she nodded her head vigorously. The kind man gave her another indulgent smile and selected another tart for her this one with strawberry fillings on top which Usagi greedily stuffed in to her.
For the next half an hour, Usagi spent her time enjoying one delicious tart after another, filling her stomach to the fullest. Having eased her hunger, Usagi wiped the last of the crumbs from her face and patted her full stomach with a satisfied sound.
''Thanks mister. That was awfully nice of you. I haven't eaten this good of tarts in a very long time. Maybe I'll come by some other time and buy some from you.'' She said with a smile and turned to leave.
A hard hand grasped her elbow and pulled her back forcefully before she could take more than a step. ''Not so fast lad. You forgot to pay.''
A sudden chill crept up her spine and Usagi frowned up at the man. ''Pay? But I haven't bought anything.''
She did not like the way he was looking down at her nor the smile he bestowed on her while he said. ''But of course you did. You ate three of my Kingcream tarts, two Strawberrytart and six cookies and three brownies. That will be 3 Kingdom gold.''
''But you gave me those.'' Usagi told him with confusion even as she tried to entangle her arm from his viselike grip.
''There's nothing free in this world, laddie. Do I look like I'm running a charity stand?'' He asked her and waved a hand at his impressive stand. ''Now are you going to pay up or am I going to have to call the authorities?'' he asked in an ominous voice. The merchant realized that he had made a mistake in thinking he had managed to reel in a fat fish. The boy had actually thought he could get away without paying having eaten most of the fine things in his stand.
Trapped, Usagi felt herself panicking. She had brought along with her some money but not the local currency. She was pretty sure that the man would not accept the Moon gold or Venusian silvers she had in her pocket. Plus she did not want to give him them as it would reveal too much about herself. What should she do? A small crowd were already gathering around them attracted to the scene by the merchant's loud voice.
''Look I didn't eat anything that you didn't offer me. You never told me that I would have to pay after I had eaten it. You gave them to me.'' Usagi pointed out to the merchant.
Her reasoning went home to some ears as she got several approved noises from the crowd. That however only seemed to make the merchant even angrier. His face started to turn furiously red and Usagi watched with fascination and fear as a vein against his temple ticked visibly. ''You bloody kid! I offered you the first one as a sample. The rest are not for free any bloody fool knows that!'' He bellowed at her.
Usagi flinched at the tone of voice as well as the choice of words. Nobody had ever yelled at her like this before in her life. Sure Rei often snapped at her and once in a while if Usagi had annoyed her too much she would yell at her, but never with this kind of meanness. She felt tears form in her eyes. ''But you did offer me them.'' She told him with a broken voice.
The man watched the lad who was at any moment going to start crying and because the lad was getting sympathetic looks from the crowd while he was getting some disapproving frowns, the merchant's temper turned even hotter. ''Are you going to bloody pay up now or do I have to turn you over to the authorities, you thief?''
Usagi sucked in her breath in outrage at being called a thief. ''I did not steal anything.'' She protested.
''You ate my food and now you refuse to pay for them, that's stealing in my book. So what's it going to be?'' He asked her.
Looking up at his dark ominous eyes, Usagi felt dread in a way that she had never experienced before. His hand tightened painfully on her arm and she let out a small sound in pain but that was also cut off shortly as he increased the pressure. Tears that had been forming in her eyes spilled over as the pain in her arm magnified. Usagi was very much afraid that he intended to break her arm.
Fear such as she never felt before slashed at her heart and suddenly Usagi felt very much alone and vulnerable. Goddess what was she going to do now? There was no Mina, Amy, Rei or Lita to help her get out of this mess. What is she to do?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
''Halt.'' Darien reined in his white steed and halted on the road. His companions quickly followed his suit.
''What's wrong, Dare?'' Jadeite one of his personal guards as well as a close friend asked with a frown, pulling up beside him. ''We're almost at the mansion.''
Darien's attention was caught towards the crowd that had gathered in one of the smaller streets that branched out of the main town road. Too far to hear what was being discussed he could still pick out the angry tone of voices that carried from there.
''Something seems to be up over there. Let's check it out.'' He said and then without another word he dismounted from his horse and started walking towards the crowd.
''Dare, wait!'' Nephrite called out but it was already too late. Darien was swallowed by the crowd. He cast a frustrated look at his companions. Jadeite only grinned jumped off his own horse and hurried after their liege. Zoicite smiled and shrugged, before he gracefully dismounted from his mount. ''Great.'' Nephrite muttered under his breath before he followed suit. ''You do know that Kunzite will have our heads if anything happens here.'' He told his friend as they maneuvered through the crowd.
Zoicite never letting his eyes off from Darien's dark head, grinned. It was a youthful and boyish grin. ''Relax Neph. You're turning more and more like Kunzite for each day. Besides, '' He added with a devilish twinkle in his pale green eyes, ''he left Jadeite in charge this time remember?''
Neph's dark eyes turned slightly to the left where the blonde head of their friend was hurrying after Darien. Both men were tall and the top of their heads were easily distinguished from the crowd. This of course had its advantages and disadvantages. Out here they were like sitting ducks, easily picked out by the crowd. Of course they were all very well trained having been taught by the elite soldiers of the Earth. Normally Nephrite might have relaxed and followed suite, he might not be a daredevil like Zoicite or a rogue like Jadeite but he was close enough with them in personality to enjoy a little fun or two. The problem was that he had consulted the stars yesterday and the constellations had told him that something of importance was going to happen to Darien today. He didn't know whether it was a good or bad thing but it worried him nonetheless, which was why he was being extra careful today.
By the time Nephrite and Zoicite pushed themselves through the crowd they saw Darien murmur something to Jadeite. The younger man nodded his head and squaring his shoulders he cleared his voice and stepped forward. ''Here now what's the meaning of this?'' He asked with an authoritative voice.
Nephrite and Zoicite joined Darien. Zoicite's green eyes looked with curiosity at the scene in front of them. Nephrite didn't bother to look. Instead he scanned their surroundings with dark penetrating eyes, trying to register an possible danger. He was still able to hear however.
''This lad here, ate my food and now he refuses to pay.'' A voice said in a voice that was a mixture of whining and rumbling.
''Is that true, boy?'' Jadeite asked.
''He gave them to me.'' Came the squeaky reply.
Despite himself Nephrite winced at that voice. It was a voice that belonged to a lad that was clearly hanging between becoming a man and still lingering as a boy. He remembered his own headache as an adolescent, though his voice was never this bad. But still the lad had his sympathy.
''That's a lie!'' The man burst out.
''Easy there, good man. Let the boy finish.'' Jadeite told the man off with a soft voice.
From the tone of his voice, Nephrite knew that his soft hearted friend was already sympathetic to the lad's mission. That had always been a problem with Jadeite. He usually formed an opinion before he had all the facts straight. Too quickly if Nephrite had to say it himself. The man called it instincts, but to Nephrite's thinking it was called plain rashness.
Given the opportunity to say his cause, the boy started to explain his situation to Jadeite. Nephrite only listened halfheartedly to the explanation. During this time Jadeite made several encouraging sounds and the baker made even more noises of no doubt protest but was silenced.
Then the baker was given his chance to speak. As far as Nephrite was concerned the man was taking far too long. Jadeite should have cut him off in half, but it was clear that he was enjoying himself as the role of a magistrate. Nephrite shifted his feet restlessly.
Leaning closer to Darien he whispered. ''Dare, you had better cut Jade's rein short or we'll end up spending the night here.'' He did not have to add that they were already behind schedule. Dare's sense of time was even better than theirs.
Darien gave Jadeite a bemused look. He knew the blonde man well enough to see that the he was getting pretty warmed up to his role. Once steamed up however, Jadeite can go on forever. Putting a knuckle over his mouth he pretended to cough slightly. Jadeite immediately queued in on his signal and without glancing at Darien, he spoke up and interrupted the baker.
''The problem seems to me not a big one as it is clear that its all just one big misunderstanding. As it is a celebrating occasion today, let's say that he pays you for half of the amount and you look upon the rest as a generous gift to someone who obviously know how to enjoy real food?''
''No way!''
''What!''
Came the exclamation from both parties. It given in such outrageous tone that even Nephrite was startled and pulled away from his scanning to look at the scene in front of him. The scene was a bit comic. Jadeite was standing there, his handsome youthful face wincing slightly in pain as the power of their voices cut through his ears. Both the baker and the youth were much shorter than him, the older reaching him to the nose and the younger barely to his chin. Yet the look they both gave him were baleful and ready enough to skin him alive.
''I am not paying him one single copper. He is trying to cheat me any fool can see that and I will not be a participant in further helping this thief with his crime.'' The youth told Jadeite in no uncertain terms. He even had the gall to stab a finger at Jadeite's chest while speaking. The other man was too startled by the boy's audacity to react at all.
At the same time the baker was yelling at the top of his voice. ''What do you mean as a gift? Do I look like I have opened up a charity stand here? I have to earn a living, boy. Besides who are you to tell me what to do? Go home and play with your swords instead and leave the affairs of the city to the grownups, boy. I shall take it up with the magistrate himself. This boy has obviously broken a law and if the magistrate does not want to take this up then I shall petition this to the very king himself. Surely he would make sure that his laws are abided. Am I not right, people?''
There were several shouts of agreement and encouragement from the crowd.
Nephrite looked around the crowd with a slight alarm. It was clear that the crowd was getting restless from all this talk and wanted some actions taking form. No doubt some of them had already started the celebrations early and were deep in their cups and bored enough to look for some fun. From the back of the crowd Nephrite could see the royal golden flags signaling the watchers arriving. But it would take them awhile before they got here and it could already be too late.
Silently Nephrite swore. Jadeite really blundered it this time. If things weren't settled down soon this crowd will start getting out of control. They were just looking for an excuse now and the baker was stirring them up even more.
Not one much for public speech, Nephrite was just about to take a step forward and put things back to control when Darien stepped in to the ring and said with a clear and mild voice. ''I'm sure there is no need to go that far, my good man. Of course as a hard working citizen you are entitled to get paid for your labors. We will simply have the lad pay you back for what he's eaten.''
The lad made a sound of protest but Darien held up his hand in an authoritative way and he immediately fell silent.
''Did you not eat his food?'' He asked mildly.
''Yes.'' Came the sullen reply.
''Did you not know that he was a baker when you accepted the food?''
There was a longer silence and then an affirmative reply came.
''Then you will pay for it. Fair is fair. However,'' Darien added with a steely glint in his eyes. Turning he pinned the smug baker with a look. ''Since you were not entirely honest with the lad from the beginning either, I would say that it would only be fair if we deducted some of that cost as a free sampling of your various choices of food. I estimate an amount of two silver pieces to be a fair prize don't you?''
The lad made a protesting sound but once again Darien held up his hand and the boy fell back in seething silence. Darien was looking at the baker with one black brow slightly arched in that familiar arrogant way that was so typical for his family.
Nephrite knew the kind of effect that look could have on people. Few could face up to him and say no but the baker surprised him by being one of those few.
Glaring angrily at Darien not bothering to hide his feelings, the man was turning redder and redder in the face at the moment. ''I don't know who you think you are to come here and tell me what to do, but I will not have it. You think I don't know what you are trying to pull here? The lad is one of you and you lordlings always stick together. Just because you are blue blooded and born into a different station does not mean that you can cheat an honest working man as me out of his livings. I will not have it. I have the law on my side. Only the king can tell me otherwise and you are not him.''
There were several voices of agreement and some rude comments around them.
Darien looked at the man for a long time in silent. His blue eyes turned frosty and cold. It was clear sign of anger. Nephrite feared what was coming and he said slowly, ''Dare maybe we should let the magistrate handle this?''
His friend and liege ignored him. Instead he said to the baker with a deceptive low voice. ''No, you are right. I am not the king. But I'm sure as his only son. I can speak for him on this matter.''
There was a stir in the crowd one that carried like the torch through a haybarn in the middle of a hot summer. Nephrite groaned. So much for entering the city inconspicuously.
The baker stared at the tall man in front of him, his mouth moved but no sound would come out. Surely the lad was jesting. But then again claiming to be a royal person, and the crown prince to add when was not, was a martial offense and the penalty for that was death.
Then he started to notice the small things that he hadn't before. The color of the man's hair. Thick jet black strong and wavy, the kind of rare hue of black that only a few people in the kingdom had. Those deep blue eyes, like sapphires, the strong determined jaw and that slight dent in his chin that was the same as the one that graced one side of every coin in this kingdom. Then the last piece of information settled in on his dazed mind. The prince was rumored to arrive to the city today to celebrate the birthday of his beloved aunt Celeste, the duchess of Randion.
The truth dawned on him and all the color in his face drained away. Falling down on his knees the man quickly put his forehead on the hard paved ground. ''Your highness. Forgive me. I did not recognize you. Please a thousand forgiveness. I beg you humbly for the unintentional slight.''
Around them the people started to follow suit and one by one people started to fall down on their knees, until only Darien and his three friends were left standing along with the group of soldiers that were heading their way.
Disgusted with the show of groveling as well as his own thoughtless actions, Darien told them to stand up. Trust his temper to get the better of him. He hated the sight of groveling or as his teachers called it showing him the proper respect due his title and position. This was one of the reason why he had wanted to enter the town incognito.
Well there was nothing to it now, the damage was already made.
''Jade, pay the man for his trouble.''
''Who me?'' When Darien made slight growl and the man quickly muttered. ''All right, all right.''
Darien ignored his friend while he with a grumble started counting up the money to the awed baker. Turning to the lad who had gotten them all up in this mess in the first place, he said. ''You are coming with us.''
When the boy did not move or stir from his place, Darien bit back an oath. He took one step, which was all that was required to reach the boy, bent down and grabbed hold of the boy by the arm and hauled him up. Then without a word he dragged the lad with him as they left the street and headed back for the horses.
The captain of the guards approaching them took one look at Darien's face and quickly saluted. ''Your highness. We were not aware of your arrival. Is everything well here?''
''Everything's under control. Just some minor problems but we've straightened them out.''
''Then may I escort you to the duchess's residence?''
Darien inwardly sighed. No definitely no escaping that. ''Lead the way, Captain.''
The man saluted once again. Then he called up his second in command and gave orders for him to clear things out and report back to him and ordered the rest of his men to form up. Within seconds Darien, Nephrite and Zoicite were surrounded by the city guards acting as body guards.
''Are we going to wait on Jade?'' Zoicite asked as they started back down the street they came from.
''No he'll catch up.'' Darien said then to his charge. ''Stop struggling.''
''I will if you would just let me go.'' Came the pert reply.
''I think not. You have caused enough trouble as it is.''
There was a rude snort, one which got Darien's brows to rise. ''Oh no I'm not going to take the credit for that thing back there. You're the one who caused the scene.''
Because there was some ring of truth in what the boy said, Darien glowered down at him. He was not used to being treated with rudeness. ''I'm not the one caught stealing.''
''I wasn't stealing. I was being cheated. Now unhand me.''
Because the last had been said in a command, Darien's glower turned darker. He was not used to being ordered around and he found that he did not like that much at all. ''If I were you, I would be very careful with what I am saying at the moment. You are in enough problem as it is, boy.''
''No more than you will be if you do not let me go. You might be the prince here but –''
''Yes?'' Darien prompted silkily, daring him to continue.
There was a moment of silence and then the boy said, ''But even princes have no right to kidnap people against their wills. I have rights and I demand to be released at once!''
''You can speak about your right to your hearts content once we reached the duchess' residence. Maybe a week or two in her dungeon can make you realize the err of your ways. Her dungeons had not been used in a while now, there are plenty of bones and pesky things to keep you busy down there.''
There was a satisfactory squeak at that. But then boy quickly recovered and gave a rude retort back at him, which further annoyed Darien.
From behind them Zoicite and Nephrite watched the pair fight as their walked. In all the years he had known Darien, Zoicite had never seen his friend in this kind of mood before. Normally Darien was an easy going person who got along with everybody. But now he was seeing his friend actually threatening to torture the boy with all kinds of unpleasant stuffs. Some that Zoicite was sure had not been used on Earth for centuries, much less for a crime as small as the one the lad had committed. The surprising thing was that instead of being afraid the boy was giving as much as he got. Despite knowing whom Darien was, he was calling him all sorts of name and making rude comments, behaving in general not much like a boy whom knew his place. Even Zoicite being raised as a noble and a close friend of Darien knew that there were some lines he never crossed with his friend. This boy not only crossed them, he damn well trampled over them. Zoicite did not know whether to be bemused or intrigued at the new sides he was discovering in Darien.
Beside him, Nephrite was watching the pair with worry in his eyes. He was not sure how he knew but he was sure that the significant things he had seen in the stars that was suppose to happen to Darien had something to do with this boy. Whether it was good or bad he still did not know and somehow that worried the hell out of him. Just who was this boy?
A hard elbow bumped into Usagi and she cried out in pain. Some of the passerby gave her strange looks but the culprit was not one of those, no the cad just kept on walking towards his destination. Rubbing her side where it was throbbing with pain, Usagi had a great mind to run after the man and kick him in the chin; hard. But since she did not want to attract attention, she kept a tight rein on her temper and settled for a baleful look at the man. After all, she had gone through a lot of pains to prevent herself from being discovered.
Unconsciously Usagi lifted a hand and touched her short cropped hair. Because she knew people will be sent out to find her and bring her back once her absence was noticed, Usagi had gone through a lot of pains to make that task as difficult as possible. One was to cut off her beloved long hair with a knife. Partly because she did not want them to be discovered by road and reveal her presence and partly because she did not have the heart to burn them she had braided the silvery strands of pale blonde hair into a long braid that she kept in her backpack. A reminder of her former life on the moon.
It was a former life because she did not have any intention of returning there, at least not until her mother broke off her engagement with prince Diamond. The sense of betrayal and pain came rushing forward at the thought of her mother's deed and tears began swimming up her blue eyes. Angrily Usagi brushed the tears away. Since she was disguised as a boy at the moment it would not do to cry. There was nothing she could do about the anger that she felt though.
No way she was going to marry a total stranger that she did not love. Especially not when she knew her own mother had married out of love. If she could how could she expect Usagi to do differently? Didn't she deserve some happiness also? Of course queen Selenity had not seen it that way. She had claimed that Usagi would know the same kind of happiness that she had experienced with Usagi's father. All it took was time and she was sure Usagi would come to love her husband. Which was of course only a load of crap. The queen was only thinking of securing the alliance. Her own daughter's happiness did not matter at all. After all wasn't she just bartering Usagi away like a goods at auction to the highest bidder? Being the princess of the Moon and the next ruler of the Moon, there had been plenty of proposals for Usagi's hand. None however had quite the station or power or lineage as prince Diamond though. At least that is what Rei said.
Damn Rei! If she thought prince Diamond was such a good match then why didn't she marry him? Then she could be the queen of Mars as well as queen of Jeweln and lord over everybody as she normally did with the only difference that she would then have the title as well as the power behind her.
The others were no better. Lita who had gone starry eyed at the mention of the prince had in fact wondered if he looked anything as handsome as her old boyfriend! Since none of them had ever met this notorious boyfriend she keeps mentioning since two years back and kept claiming every guy that she had developed a crush on resembled him, Usagi was beginning to suspect that the guy was just a figment of her friend's imagination. Fine if he resembled Lita's boyfriend then maybe she could marry him.
Even Mina had been no help there. Being the senshi of love, Usagi had thought that her cousin would at least see her point of view.
Amy was the only one that had been the slightly supportive but like always Amy's support was double edged. She was being sympathetic to both sides, which was of course no support at all. What Usagi needed was a full time one hundred percent support. Since it was obvious her friends weren't going to provide that for her, then she had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.
Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since dinner last night which was more than half a day ago since it was well over mid-afternoon. Usagi took a look around her surrounding and her eyes fell on the bakery stand where all kinds of tarts was displayed. Spellbound, Usagi started to walk towards the stand.
The merchant seeing a potential customer from the stars shining in those blue eyes took a quick survey of the child. A young boy, short and slender with a face that was quite handsome bordering to pretty with those long lashes and smooth cheeks. The clothes were ordinary but made of a finer fabric than what normal peasants would wear. That spoke of money and immediately a dazzling smile graced his face.
''A my young lad. See something you like? The finest tarts in the town if I do say so myself. Here have a taste.'' He took one of his finest and most expensive tart and offered it to the boy.
Usagi looked at the tart like a four year old at a her favorite sweet and a brilliant smile lit her face. ''Really?'' she asked and when the merchant nodded his head she did not waste another minute.
The merchant blinked in surprise when the boy snatched the tart away from his hand with a lightning speed and he blinked even more at the way the fine food was shoveled in to the boys mouth. The lad might have money to buy fine clothes but he was certainly lacking in table manners and watching him eat, the merchant had to keep back a shudder of revulsion at the sight of his beloved tarts being gobbled without the smallest sign of holding back to enjoy it. The only comfort he got was the thought of the money he would make out of the lad as it was obvious that he was a hungry one.
Giving another beaming smile, the merchant said after Usagi was finished with the tart, ''I see you enjoyed my tart. How about trying another one?''
Usagi's eyes turned as round as teacup at the offer. The man was actually offering her more food? Still with cream around her face, she nodded her head vigorously. The kind man gave her another indulgent smile and selected another tart for her this one with strawberry fillings on top which Usagi greedily stuffed in to her.
For the next half an hour, Usagi spent her time enjoying one delicious tart after another, filling her stomach to the fullest. Having eased her hunger, Usagi wiped the last of the crumbs from her face and patted her full stomach with a satisfied sound.
''Thanks mister. That was awfully nice of you. I haven't eaten this good of tarts in a very long time. Maybe I'll come by some other time and buy some from you.'' She said with a smile and turned to leave.
A hard hand grasped her elbow and pulled her back forcefully before she could take more than a step. ''Not so fast lad. You forgot to pay.''
A sudden chill crept up her spine and Usagi frowned up at the man. ''Pay? But I haven't bought anything.''
She did not like the way he was looking down at her nor the smile he bestowed on her while he said. ''But of course you did. You ate three of my Kingcream tarts, two Strawberrytart and six cookies and three brownies. That will be 3 Kingdom gold.''
''But you gave me those.'' Usagi told him with confusion even as she tried to entangle her arm from his viselike grip.
''There's nothing free in this world, laddie. Do I look like I'm running a charity stand?'' He asked her and waved a hand at his impressive stand. ''Now are you going to pay up or am I going to have to call the authorities?'' he asked in an ominous voice. The merchant realized that he had made a mistake in thinking he had managed to reel in a fat fish. The boy had actually thought he could get away without paying having eaten most of the fine things in his stand.
Trapped, Usagi felt herself panicking. She had brought along with her some money but not the local currency. She was pretty sure that the man would not accept the Moon gold or Venusian silvers she had in her pocket. Plus she did not want to give him them as it would reveal too much about herself. What should she do? A small crowd were already gathering around them attracted to the scene by the merchant's loud voice.
''Look I didn't eat anything that you didn't offer me. You never told me that I would have to pay after I had eaten it. You gave them to me.'' Usagi pointed out to the merchant.
Her reasoning went home to some ears as she got several approved noises from the crowd. That however only seemed to make the merchant even angrier. His face started to turn furiously red and Usagi watched with fascination and fear as a vein against his temple ticked visibly. ''You bloody kid! I offered you the first one as a sample. The rest are not for free any bloody fool knows that!'' He bellowed at her.
Usagi flinched at the tone of voice as well as the choice of words. Nobody had ever yelled at her like this before in her life. Sure Rei often snapped at her and once in a while if Usagi had annoyed her too much she would yell at her, but never with this kind of meanness. She felt tears form in her eyes. ''But you did offer me them.'' She told him with a broken voice.
The man watched the lad who was at any moment going to start crying and because the lad was getting sympathetic looks from the crowd while he was getting some disapproving frowns, the merchant's temper turned even hotter. ''Are you going to bloody pay up now or do I have to turn you over to the authorities, you thief?''
Usagi sucked in her breath in outrage at being called a thief. ''I did not steal anything.'' She protested.
''You ate my food and now you refuse to pay for them, that's stealing in my book. So what's it going to be?'' He asked her.
Looking up at his dark ominous eyes, Usagi felt dread in a way that she had never experienced before. His hand tightened painfully on her arm and she let out a small sound in pain but that was also cut off shortly as he increased the pressure. Tears that had been forming in her eyes spilled over as the pain in her arm magnified. Usagi was very much afraid that he intended to break her arm.
Fear such as she never felt before slashed at her heart and suddenly Usagi felt very much alone and vulnerable. Goddess what was she going to do now? There was no Mina, Amy, Rei or Lita to help her get out of this mess. What is she to do?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
''Halt.'' Darien reined in his white steed and halted on the road. His companions quickly followed his suit.
''What's wrong, Dare?'' Jadeite one of his personal guards as well as a close friend asked with a frown, pulling up beside him. ''We're almost at the mansion.''
Darien's attention was caught towards the crowd that had gathered in one of the smaller streets that branched out of the main town road. Too far to hear what was being discussed he could still pick out the angry tone of voices that carried from there.
''Something seems to be up over there. Let's check it out.'' He said and then without another word he dismounted from his horse and started walking towards the crowd.
''Dare, wait!'' Nephrite called out but it was already too late. Darien was swallowed by the crowd. He cast a frustrated look at his companions. Jadeite only grinned jumped off his own horse and hurried after their liege. Zoicite smiled and shrugged, before he gracefully dismounted from his mount. ''Great.'' Nephrite muttered under his breath before he followed suit. ''You do know that Kunzite will have our heads if anything happens here.'' He told his friend as they maneuvered through the crowd.
Zoicite never letting his eyes off from Darien's dark head, grinned. It was a youthful and boyish grin. ''Relax Neph. You're turning more and more like Kunzite for each day. Besides, '' He added with a devilish twinkle in his pale green eyes, ''he left Jadeite in charge this time remember?''
Neph's dark eyes turned slightly to the left where the blonde head of their friend was hurrying after Darien. Both men were tall and the top of their heads were easily distinguished from the crowd. This of course had its advantages and disadvantages. Out here they were like sitting ducks, easily picked out by the crowd. Of course they were all very well trained having been taught by the elite soldiers of the Earth. Normally Nephrite might have relaxed and followed suite, he might not be a daredevil like Zoicite or a rogue like Jadeite but he was close enough with them in personality to enjoy a little fun or two. The problem was that he had consulted the stars yesterday and the constellations had told him that something of importance was going to happen to Darien today. He didn't know whether it was a good or bad thing but it worried him nonetheless, which was why he was being extra careful today.
By the time Nephrite and Zoicite pushed themselves through the crowd they saw Darien murmur something to Jadeite. The younger man nodded his head and squaring his shoulders he cleared his voice and stepped forward. ''Here now what's the meaning of this?'' He asked with an authoritative voice.
Nephrite and Zoicite joined Darien. Zoicite's green eyes looked with curiosity at the scene in front of them. Nephrite didn't bother to look. Instead he scanned their surroundings with dark penetrating eyes, trying to register an possible danger. He was still able to hear however.
''This lad here, ate my food and now he refuses to pay.'' A voice said in a voice that was a mixture of whining and rumbling.
''Is that true, boy?'' Jadeite asked.
''He gave them to me.'' Came the squeaky reply.
Despite himself Nephrite winced at that voice. It was a voice that belonged to a lad that was clearly hanging between becoming a man and still lingering as a boy. He remembered his own headache as an adolescent, though his voice was never this bad. But still the lad had his sympathy.
''That's a lie!'' The man burst out.
''Easy there, good man. Let the boy finish.'' Jadeite told the man off with a soft voice.
From the tone of his voice, Nephrite knew that his soft hearted friend was already sympathetic to the lad's mission. That had always been a problem with Jadeite. He usually formed an opinion before he had all the facts straight. Too quickly if Nephrite had to say it himself. The man called it instincts, but to Nephrite's thinking it was called plain rashness.
Given the opportunity to say his cause, the boy started to explain his situation to Jadeite. Nephrite only listened halfheartedly to the explanation. During this time Jadeite made several encouraging sounds and the baker made even more noises of no doubt protest but was silenced.
Then the baker was given his chance to speak. As far as Nephrite was concerned the man was taking far too long. Jadeite should have cut him off in half, but it was clear that he was enjoying himself as the role of a magistrate. Nephrite shifted his feet restlessly.
Leaning closer to Darien he whispered. ''Dare, you had better cut Jade's rein short or we'll end up spending the night here.'' He did not have to add that they were already behind schedule. Dare's sense of time was even better than theirs.
Darien gave Jadeite a bemused look. He knew the blonde man well enough to see that the he was getting pretty warmed up to his role. Once steamed up however, Jadeite can go on forever. Putting a knuckle over his mouth he pretended to cough slightly. Jadeite immediately queued in on his signal and without glancing at Darien, he spoke up and interrupted the baker.
''The problem seems to me not a big one as it is clear that its all just one big misunderstanding. As it is a celebrating occasion today, let's say that he pays you for half of the amount and you look upon the rest as a generous gift to someone who obviously know how to enjoy real food?''
''No way!''
''What!''
Came the exclamation from both parties. It given in such outrageous tone that even Nephrite was startled and pulled away from his scanning to look at the scene in front of him. The scene was a bit comic. Jadeite was standing there, his handsome youthful face wincing slightly in pain as the power of their voices cut through his ears. Both the baker and the youth were much shorter than him, the older reaching him to the nose and the younger barely to his chin. Yet the look they both gave him were baleful and ready enough to skin him alive.
''I am not paying him one single copper. He is trying to cheat me any fool can see that and I will not be a participant in further helping this thief with his crime.'' The youth told Jadeite in no uncertain terms. He even had the gall to stab a finger at Jadeite's chest while speaking. The other man was too startled by the boy's audacity to react at all.
At the same time the baker was yelling at the top of his voice. ''What do you mean as a gift? Do I look like I have opened up a charity stand here? I have to earn a living, boy. Besides who are you to tell me what to do? Go home and play with your swords instead and leave the affairs of the city to the grownups, boy. I shall take it up with the magistrate himself. This boy has obviously broken a law and if the magistrate does not want to take this up then I shall petition this to the very king himself. Surely he would make sure that his laws are abided. Am I not right, people?''
There were several shouts of agreement and encouragement from the crowd.
Nephrite looked around the crowd with a slight alarm. It was clear that the crowd was getting restless from all this talk and wanted some actions taking form. No doubt some of them had already started the celebrations early and were deep in their cups and bored enough to look for some fun. From the back of the crowd Nephrite could see the royal golden flags signaling the watchers arriving. But it would take them awhile before they got here and it could already be too late.
Silently Nephrite swore. Jadeite really blundered it this time. If things weren't settled down soon this crowd will start getting out of control. They were just looking for an excuse now and the baker was stirring them up even more.
Not one much for public speech, Nephrite was just about to take a step forward and put things back to control when Darien stepped in to the ring and said with a clear and mild voice. ''I'm sure there is no need to go that far, my good man. Of course as a hard working citizen you are entitled to get paid for your labors. We will simply have the lad pay you back for what he's eaten.''
The lad made a sound of protest but Darien held up his hand in an authoritative way and he immediately fell silent.
''Did you not eat his food?'' He asked mildly.
''Yes.'' Came the sullen reply.
''Did you not know that he was a baker when you accepted the food?''
There was a longer silence and then an affirmative reply came.
''Then you will pay for it. Fair is fair. However,'' Darien added with a steely glint in his eyes. Turning he pinned the smug baker with a look. ''Since you were not entirely honest with the lad from the beginning either, I would say that it would only be fair if we deducted some of that cost as a free sampling of your various choices of food. I estimate an amount of two silver pieces to be a fair prize don't you?''
The lad made a protesting sound but once again Darien held up his hand and the boy fell back in seething silence. Darien was looking at the baker with one black brow slightly arched in that familiar arrogant way that was so typical for his family.
Nephrite knew the kind of effect that look could have on people. Few could face up to him and say no but the baker surprised him by being one of those few.
Glaring angrily at Darien not bothering to hide his feelings, the man was turning redder and redder in the face at the moment. ''I don't know who you think you are to come here and tell me what to do, but I will not have it. You think I don't know what you are trying to pull here? The lad is one of you and you lordlings always stick together. Just because you are blue blooded and born into a different station does not mean that you can cheat an honest working man as me out of his livings. I will not have it. I have the law on my side. Only the king can tell me otherwise and you are not him.''
There were several voices of agreement and some rude comments around them.
Darien looked at the man for a long time in silent. His blue eyes turned frosty and cold. It was clear sign of anger. Nephrite feared what was coming and he said slowly, ''Dare maybe we should let the magistrate handle this?''
His friend and liege ignored him. Instead he said to the baker with a deceptive low voice. ''No, you are right. I am not the king. But I'm sure as his only son. I can speak for him on this matter.''
There was a stir in the crowd one that carried like the torch through a haybarn in the middle of a hot summer. Nephrite groaned. So much for entering the city inconspicuously.
The baker stared at the tall man in front of him, his mouth moved but no sound would come out. Surely the lad was jesting. But then again claiming to be a royal person, and the crown prince to add when was not, was a martial offense and the penalty for that was death.
Then he started to notice the small things that he hadn't before. The color of the man's hair. Thick jet black strong and wavy, the kind of rare hue of black that only a few people in the kingdom had. Those deep blue eyes, like sapphires, the strong determined jaw and that slight dent in his chin that was the same as the one that graced one side of every coin in this kingdom. Then the last piece of information settled in on his dazed mind. The prince was rumored to arrive to the city today to celebrate the birthday of his beloved aunt Celeste, the duchess of Randion.
The truth dawned on him and all the color in his face drained away. Falling down on his knees the man quickly put his forehead on the hard paved ground. ''Your highness. Forgive me. I did not recognize you. Please a thousand forgiveness. I beg you humbly for the unintentional slight.''
Around them the people started to follow suit and one by one people started to fall down on their knees, until only Darien and his three friends were left standing along with the group of soldiers that were heading their way.
Disgusted with the show of groveling as well as his own thoughtless actions, Darien told them to stand up. Trust his temper to get the better of him. He hated the sight of groveling or as his teachers called it showing him the proper respect due his title and position. This was one of the reason why he had wanted to enter the town incognito.
Well there was nothing to it now, the damage was already made.
''Jade, pay the man for his trouble.''
''Who me?'' When Darien made slight growl and the man quickly muttered. ''All right, all right.''
Darien ignored his friend while he with a grumble started counting up the money to the awed baker. Turning to the lad who had gotten them all up in this mess in the first place, he said. ''You are coming with us.''
When the boy did not move or stir from his place, Darien bit back an oath. He took one step, which was all that was required to reach the boy, bent down and grabbed hold of the boy by the arm and hauled him up. Then without a word he dragged the lad with him as they left the street and headed back for the horses.
The captain of the guards approaching them took one look at Darien's face and quickly saluted. ''Your highness. We were not aware of your arrival. Is everything well here?''
''Everything's under control. Just some minor problems but we've straightened them out.''
''Then may I escort you to the duchess's residence?''
Darien inwardly sighed. No definitely no escaping that. ''Lead the way, Captain.''
The man saluted once again. Then he called up his second in command and gave orders for him to clear things out and report back to him and ordered the rest of his men to form up. Within seconds Darien, Nephrite and Zoicite were surrounded by the city guards acting as body guards.
''Are we going to wait on Jade?'' Zoicite asked as they started back down the street they came from.
''No he'll catch up.'' Darien said then to his charge. ''Stop struggling.''
''I will if you would just let me go.'' Came the pert reply.
''I think not. You have caused enough trouble as it is.''
There was a rude snort, one which got Darien's brows to rise. ''Oh no I'm not going to take the credit for that thing back there. You're the one who caused the scene.''
Because there was some ring of truth in what the boy said, Darien glowered down at him. He was not used to being treated with rudeness. ''I'm not the one caught stealing.''
''I wasn't stealing. I was being cheated. Now unhand me.''
Because the last had been said in a command, Darien's glower turned darker. He was not used to being ordered around and he found that he did not like that much at all. ''If I were you, I would be very careful with what I am saying at the moment. You are in enough problem as it is, boy.''
''No more than you will be if you do not let me go. You might be the prince here but –''
''Yes?'' Darien prompted silkily, daring him to continue.
There was a moment of silence and then the boy said, ''But even princes have no right to kidnap people against their wills. I have rights and I demand to be released at once!''
''You can speak about your right to your hearts content once we reached the duchess' residence. Maybe a week or two in her dungeon can make you realize the err of your ways. Her dungeons had not been used in a while now, there are plenty of bones and pesky things to keep you busy down there.''
There was a satisfactory squeak at that. But then boy quickly recovered and gave a rude retort back at him, which further annoyed Darien.
From behind them Zoicite and Nephrite watched the pair fight as their walked. In all the years he had known Darien, Zoicite had never seen his friend in this kind of mood before. Normally Darien was an easy going person who got along with everybody. But now he was seeing his friend actually threatening to torture the boy with all kinds of unpleasant stuffs. Some that Zoicite was sure had not been used on Earth for centuries, much less for a crime as small as the one the lad had committed. The surprising thing was that instead of being afraid the boy was giving as much as he got. Despite knowing whom Darien was, he was calling him all sorts of name and making rude comments, behaving in general not much like a boy whom knew his place. Even Zoicite being raised as a noble and a close friend of Darien knew that there were some lines he never crossed with his friend. This boy not only crossed them, he damn well trampled over them. Zoicite did not know whether to be bemused or intrigued at the new sides he was discovering in Darien.
Beside him, Nephrite was watching the pair with worry in his eyes. He was not sure how he knew but he was sure that the significant things he had seen in the stars that was suppose to happen to Darien had something to do with this boy. Whether it was good or bad he still did not know and somehow that worried the hell out of him. Just who was this boy?
