Disclaimer: I do not own GX.
Talkie: I SAID that this story would come fast for the first few chappies! Thanks to those of you who reviewed! I was actually gonna update this earlier, but I ended up going to Charleston, SC for my bro's karate tournament, and I had no way of putting it up, so yeah. Enjoy!
Chapter Two
The Banquet
Classical music played softly as Judai walked into the banquet hall, his cape trailing on the scarlet carpet. Behind him, Sho peered around at all the important figures seated at the long table.
"You better go, Sho," Judai whispered, "Thanks for walking here with me."
"Any time Judai-sama," the small boy slipped away, leaving Judai to face the people himself. Regally, the prince stepped over to an empty chair and sat down.
The boy beside him smiled slightly, "You're late, Judai," his piercing blue eyes met Judai's brown ones.
"You think I don't know that, Edo?" the brunette replied, thinking about his earlier conversation with Cobra.
"It comes as no surprise, though," another boy added, his tone playful. Judai kicked him gently under the table, and the boy grinned.
They ate in silence for a while before Edo put down his silver fork and turned to Judai, "So, prince, have you heard the talk of the rebels?"
Again with this talk of rebels! Judai thought, and then said, "No, I haven't. Why?"
Edo gaped at him, disbelief in his eyes, "You're not serious, are you? EVERYONE knows about the rebels! Word is that they have spies within the castle!" Judai cocked his head, causing his carefully brushed brown hair to flop over his eyes.
The other boy sighed, "That is entirely possible, Edo. However, in my opinion it is the gathering demons that should concern us." Judai's head was spinning, rebels? Demons? Why didn't he know about any of this?
In the castle kitchens, the chefs rushed about, fervently cooking delicacies for the banquet. Jim wove among them and carefully lifted one of the serving platters, which was laden with fresh fruit, and carried it to the banquet hall. As he set it down upon the table, he overheard some of the dukes and duchesses speaking about rebels and demons. Such things are not of my concern, the servant was about to turn away when he heard one guest say: "And what of Prince Judai? His escapades are increasing in number and one day he could find it." Jim froze, what was IT? His curiosity flaring, he rushed back to the kitchen to grab a pitcher so he could stay near the table and listen as he refilled mugs. But when he returned, all talk of Judai had ceased for a new guest had arrived at the celebration.
He was a muscular man with narrow black eyes that held no expression whatsoever. Jim ducked his head and poured a rich woman a drink as they discussed marketing issues. His work brought him down the length of the table, to where Judai, Edo, and Misawa sat. Judai spotted him first and waved him over, "Hey, Jim," the prince spoke in a hushed voice, so as not to disrupt the adults conversing.
"Good evening," Edo nodded at the servant boy.
Misawa smiled at Jim, "Nice to see you again."
Jim bowed, "It is my honor to serve you all."
The prince held out his glass and Jim filled it without spilling a drop as the brunette said, "So, what are the grown-ups talking about?"
Jim shrugged, "Demons and rebels." The three seated boys exchanged looks and Jim wondered if he was missing something.
"Thank you, Jim," Judai dismissed him.
As the banquet came to a close, Jim remembered that he'd promised to sneak something for Johan. Silently, he crept back to the kitchen, glancing around for any leftovers. It was then he saw a small basket of rolls left on one of the counters. Slowly, he stepped over to them and reached for the top one. It was then that he heard a raspy voice coming from the back room of the kitchen.
"When will our time come, Master?" it hissed, its tone impatient.
Then came another voice, this one much deeper and more powerful. "You know the prophecy, how many times must I remind you? Just keep gathering your kind together. I will take care of things here."
As he listened, Jim didn't notice the head chef come in until the cook exclaimed, "Thieving servant!" and slammed a large stirring spoon on Jim's hand. The boy managed to grab a roll before retreating from the kitchen. As he left, he heard a screech so piercing it felt like his ears were shattering. Then there was a scream…and silence. He ran down the dimly lit castle halls, not looking back, some inner voice telling him to get as far away from that room as possible. His hand throbbed, but he ignored it and headed for the side door, which would lead him to the gardens. In his haste, he almost ran into Sho.
The young boy stared after Jim, who had barely missed hitting him as he ran down the hall. What's up with him? Sho wondered, then turned and continued on his way. Outside, Jim loped towards the garden where Johan usually worked, the moonlight streaming down upon him. The pale light illuminated each stone in the garden wall and shone on the bandages covering Jim's right eye. He burst into the world of flowers and exotic plants, his breath coming in short gasps. He saw Johan coming towards him and heard heavy footsteps falling behind him. Slowly, almost fearfully, he turned his head and saw the burly man from the banquet standing behind him. But this time, the man was staring right at him, almost, into him. A sharp pain lanced through Jim's right eye and sent him sprawling to the ground, clutching at his bandages. The last thing he saw before blacking out was a dark aura around the man.
End Note: I know I have said this a billion and one times, but I am having a contest. If you're interested, check out my bio for details! ^.^ Now then, you KNOW you wanna press that review button! Haha!