Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. I do own this ficcie, though... and I own five yummy Rayearth2 videos that have my l'il cutie Ascot-kun in em... and I own a Sailor Moon video set, as well as about eight of the Sailor Moon mangas... BUT, I don't own Digimon. *shrugs* Soon, though... very soon... *evil giggle* *darts away, still giggling like a maniac*
Couples: Medieval Taiora, Mimato, Takari, and Kenyako. *bows* Enjoy.
Notes: This is EXTREMELY OOC. I assure you this, because they are in medieval times now. This ficcie is basically Iori-centric (is that a word? Centric?), but it involves all of the characters... cept for Michael and Wallace, cause I couldn't fit em in. Sorry, Ameriboy fans. (^^ I've given Michael n' Wallace a new name! They're the Ameriboys! ~.~; Be proud...)
Also, I must tell you peeps: For those of you who are fans of Gem Warriors, I have to say this. I AM going to continue it. Right now I am at a major writer's block for that ficcie, but I'm coming out of it, I can feel it! Don't worry. ^^ Also, YES, all of the Digidestined (again, cept the Ameriboys) are in this ficcie! I assure you this! And I must warn you: It's a bit (a lot) confusing...
Destiny's Path
It was, strangely enough, a time of great peace in the kingdoms abroad. Or, at least, that was the main vision of many, but those many were usually peasants of the sorts, and never were they quite up to date on any of the newest information.
At this time though, it was becoming quite a moment of celebration for the kingdom furthest south of the area. Actually, considering the time of peace that the entire area was in, it was a celebration for all of the surrounding kingdoms, seeing how Ærotalla had been in hopes of receiving a heir for quite some time now.
A man walked briskly towards the main chambers, where a woman could be heard gasping for breath. The man gave the servants at the door a strict glare, and the doors were opened at once. As the man entered the room, robes sweeping around him, many of the members in the room stopped to bow slightly, before continuing the difficult task of delivering a child.
The man, better known as King Hiroki, ruler of Ærotalla, stopped by the bedside of the woman in labor. Giving her a quick glance to assure her health, Hiroki murmured, How are you coming about, Minako?
I'm sure... that this'll be over soon. Minako, the Queen, managed to gasp back at him. Her stomach was swelled profusely, and it was obvious that she was in a lot of pain, but the brown haired lady managed to smile. Isn't this... amazing, Hiroko? Finally.. after so many years of trying, we've... been able to conceive a child.
Hiroki smiled and nodded, his dark emerald eyes darting this way and that, making sure that everyone was doing their part in making sure that the Queen had a healthy and successful birth- not to mention, being absolutely certain that the child was to come out in working order. It had taken quite a long time for the King and Queen to conceive a healthy child, and at this point in time, they were becoming worried about the fact that they might not be able to have a child. Luckily, though, Queen Minako had become pregnant, and so far, the pregnancy had been going along excellently. It was only a matter of time before the child would appear.
In another corner of the room, two young men were conferring. One of them, a tall, blond haired man, stood perfectly still, his dark brown eyes gazing sharply at the event that was taking place. The other one seemed to be almost trembling, but it was carefully disguised as a simple reaction to all of the action taking place before him.
Amoritia is becoming a problem for the northern kingdoms. the first man murmured, his eyes not once leaving the scene of the birthing.
The second man, who was somewhat short and plump, seemed to nod his head as he shrunk back from a maid, who was hurrying to the Queen's side. So I've heard. It seems to me that they want to go to war with the them, am I not correct?
It appears to be that way. A short, curt answer came from the blond's mouth, and the two fell silent for a few moments, simply watching the events that were taking place before them. The conversation appeared to be over, but the blond continued, murmuring, If they call for an alliance, it will come down to our kingdom's choice, you know.
The shorter man narrowed his blue eyes as the other said this. How do you predict this, Hiro?
It's obvious, once you think of it. Hiro Yagasuki said, his eyes darting quickly from the birthing to the smaller man, and back again. Amoritia's King has recently announced that his son is to be wed with the princess of Meritan, thus forming an alliance. Amoritia's main target is Tykan, and they've always been close friends with Zunitïve. All in all, whichever side of the war that Ærotalla decides to join is going to be the winning side.
Ah, I see. the smaller man uttered, his eyebrows raising. But are you certain we are to go to war?
It's not certain, Mamoru. Hiro said simply. But if we do, I am quite convinced that our kingdom will vote in favor of the northern kingdoms, Tykan and Zunitïve. Tis our mistake, of course, but the King and Queen have always been on good terms with both kingdoms.
Mamoru noticed the odd wording that Hiro had used, and he question, Tis our mistake', advisor? Why is that you used such an implement?
Hiro looked down at the sandy haired man next to him, and he responded, I do believe that allying with Amoritia will grant our kingdom more power in the future, Mamoru. From my perspective, if we help Amoritia win this war, they'll take down two of the greatest powers for us. After all, like I said before, the side that we ally with is going to prevail- three-to-one odds and all. Once Tykan and Zunitïve are out of the way, we can easily take down Amoritia and Meritan.
The King and Queen won't go for that, you know. Mamoru reasoned, shaking his head. They believe in keeping the peace- war is definitely not on their priority list right now.
Hiro shrugged. As the royal advisor, I'll try to make them see my way when the time comes. As of now, though, it appears that we have a new prince or princess coming into the kingdom. At those words, Mamoru turned to the birthing, missing the sudden look of contempt that fluttered over Hiro's thin face.
A shrill wail cued everyone in on the successful birth, and a small cheer was heard from the waiting servants and royal subjects. It was a small room, and only the people closest to the Royal Family – and the helping servants, of course – were allowed in, and were able to hear the first proclamation of the child's gender and name.
The birthing maid smiled at the weary-looking Queen, and she gently laid a small child wrapped in white cloth into the waiting mother's arms. Very softly, as to not disturb the now sleeping child, the maid whispered, It's a boy.
Minako gasped and smiled, looking over at her husband, who was simply glowing from the prospect of having a son as a heir to the throne. After a few moments of letting the fact sink in, Queen Minako turned to her husband, and she asked, What shall we name him, Hiroki?
There was a moment of brief suspense, in which all the people in the room did not seem to breath or speak. No one wished to miss the announcement of the child's name, for that it would be a name that they would have to know for probably the rest of their lives. After considering the ideas of names in his head, Hiroki smiled down at his wife.
His name shall be Iori. Prince Iori.
Minako smiled down at her sleeping son. Iori... perfect.
At that moment, many of the people that surrounded the King and Queen began to talk wildly, thriving in the prospect that they now had a prince to become heir for their kingdom. Another maid carefully took the sleeping child out of Minako's arms, taking him to another room where he was to be laid down in a proper cradle so that he could rest. Minako and Hiroki simply smiled, knowing that their child would grow up to be an excellent heir to the throne.
But in the corner, not one of them saw the look of fierce loathing that masked Hiro Yagasuki's face...
Nine Years Later...
A young girl crept quietly through the garden, trying to be so silent that not even the birds in the rafters could hear her. It was her secret meeting place, of course, in that garden, and it was absolutely crucial that it stayed a secret- of course, if anyone was to ever come upon it but herself and the other child who came here, she could simply order them to leave and never return to this blessed place, this secret garden. After all, she was a princess.
It was hard to make way through the batches of roses that were scattered upon the ground- at least, not without ripping her beautifully tailored dress. That made for slow moving, unfortunately, but the young girl saw the bright side of it all and told herself that at least then, she was able to look at all of the lovely flowers and plants that surrounded her.
It was then that she felt a hand on her arm, and another snuck up to cover her mouth. After a brief moment of fear that she was being kidnapped, she realized that the touch was gentle and kind, and there was nothing at all to be afraid of.
Gotcha, milady. her capturer's voice murmured.
Lifting her free hand to free her mouth to speak, Princess Hikari of Tykan – preferably called Kari – smiled and said, You most certainly did not! Turning around to face the culprit, Kari simply said, I knew it was you right away, T.K.
Takeru, or T.K., as he was commonly called, simply smirked. Oh, right, you know all along. So that's why you jumped so high when I grabbed you, isn't it, Kari? As Kari gave him an aggravated glare, T.K. simply laughed and ran a hand through his short blond hair.
You can be so irritating sometimes, do you know that? Kari asked, frowning and crossing her arms in front of her chest. The wind blew suddenly, and Kari shivered, her short cut brown hair blowing from that abrupt wind gust. Her dress was short sleeved and made of mainly satin and lace, which didn't prove to be very affective in keeping the cold of the northern areas from reaching her skin.
As Kari shivered, T.K. reached over and rubbed the Princess' arms, trying to warm them up. Remembering that he was wearing an overgarment, T.K. took it off and offered it to the smaller girl. Do you want this, milady? It'll suit you better than I, you know.
Kari raised an eyebrow, and decided to take the warm cloak, hoping that it would keep her warmer than her white dress would. Remembering what T.K. had said, Kari frowned in mock irritation and asked, How many times do I have to tell you not to call me milady', T.K.?! My name is Kari, and you've been calling me that ever since we were eight, remember?
Oh, right, Kari. T.K. joked, smiling at the Princess. Blue eyes sparking in humor, the blond-haired boy asked, Does that mean that you don't want the overgarment? Because I can take it back if you're going to be so ungrateful...
Oh, hush. Kari said, and she wrapped the cloth tightly around herself. Turning the conversation to become serious, Kari asked her friend, How is knight training coming along, T.K.? Have you been asked to join the rookies yet, or are you still finishing up your lessons on battle tactics?
T.K. shrugged. I don't know yet. I've finished with all my lessons, that's for sure, but I haven't been asked yet. Although, Matt says that I'm right at the top of the list for new recruits, so I'm keeping my hopes up, you know?
Yes, and if it comes down to a vote, I'll be sure to put in a recommendation for you. Kari said, her warm brown eyes looking up at her taller and stronger friend. I've seen you with a sword, T.K.- you're no one to mess with, that's for sure.
T.K. blushed softly, but smiled at the compliment that Kari had given him. Changing the subject so that it wouldn't focus on him, T.K. asked, Have you heard anything about the new war developments? I've heard that Amoritia is definitely getting ready for war, although they haven't come close to officially declaring it yet. The knights are training harder than ever, from what Matt has to say.
Yes, I've heard about that from Tai and Father. Kari said softly, noticing that it was growing darker. Father says that Amoritia has already created an alliance with Meritan – well, they did that nine years ago, but still – and you know that we've taken action in allying with Zunitïve.
T.K. smirked. All that's missing is Ærotalla, and who knows where that kingdom will wind up...
Father is sending a messenger to Ærotalla to ask for an alliance, actually. Kari said, picking a small white flower from out of a tree, and letting it drop to the ground quietly. If that works, then all this worry about a horrible and long war will be for nothing, because we'll win. Majority rules, you know?
T.K. nodded, and readjusted the sack of arrows that was along his back. Now noticing the darkening sky, T.K. looked at the young girl before him, and said, I think you'd better get in, before your father sends my brother to go and look for you.
You're right. Kari responded, nodding. Same time tomorrow?
Both of them began to go their separate ways, for each of them had found a different way into the garden. That was how they had come to meet, after all. Kari had been very bored one day in the kingdom – it was during a time where there were no festivities to plan for, or knight training to watch – and she had begun to explore the area outside the palace. It was then that she had stumbled upon the entrance to her secret garden, and came upon the realization that T.K. had already been coming here for a year or so. Once the two of them met, they instantly hit it off as friends, and they had come back each day that they could, either to work on the garden, or play games, or simply to talk like they had that day.
As she walked away from her friend, Kari was struck with the realization that she still had his overgarment that he had given to her. Turning around suddenly, Kari shouted, T.K.! What about your cloak?!
Keep it until tomorrow! T.K.'s voice shouted back, and Kari nodded to herself, continuing to walk towards her home, the castle. As she reached the nearly invisible entrance to the garden, Kari suddenly felt a small sliver of fear crawl up her back, and she shivered. For some reason, she had the premonition that something was going to happen, something dangerous.
And it was going to happen soon.
The cry of the rooster awoke her, and Yolei rose from where she had been lying in her warm bed. It was, sure enough, five a.m., and thus, time to begin the early-morning chores. Yawning and rising out of bed, Yolei raised her arms over her head to stretch, not wanting to get out of bed that morning- because it was so warm under her heavy quilt, it was so cold and windy outside...
Yolei rubbed her eyes, ignoring the voice in her head that told her to crawl back into bed. After all, this was a farm, and there were important chores to be done- the eggs had to be collected, the chickens had to be fed, the water had to be retrieved from the river, ect. It was her job to complete those tasks, just as it was her sister's job to let the horses and cows out to pasture, and her brother's to get an early start on finishing the harvest before winter set in.
Reaching for her work dress, Yolei shivered as she climbed out of her bedtime clothes, and she quickly yanked the worn garment on. Reaching into her drawer, Yolei pulled out the thickest pair of socks that she owned, as well as the warmest pair of girl's boots, and she pulled those items on as well. Grabbing a brush from where it sat on her dresser top, Yolei began to carefully untangle her hair, and pull it back into it's typical bun, so that it wouldn't bother her as she worked.
Obviously, she took a little too much time as she heard her mother yell up the stairs, Miyako Inoue! Are you up yet?!
Yes, Mother, I'll be right down! Yolei responded. Miyako was her first name on all accounts, but she usually went by her middle name, Yolei. Out of everyone she knew, her mother was the only person that ever called her Miyako, but it didn't bother her too much- after all, what was wrong with her first name? Nothing; it was just that she liked Yolei better.
Shaking her head to clear her mind, Yolei grabbed her bonnet from her beside table, so that her ears would be protected from the wind as she worked. Nearly sprinting down the stairs, Yolei burst out the door--
--and nearly ran straight into one of the king's men.
Jerking and trying to stop, Yolei found herself unable to stop her fast-paced running, and she plowed right into the young man that stood before her. After she and the unknown man had fallen to the ground, Yolei instantly blushed deeply, and started to quickly apologize. Oh, sir, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you! Here, here, let me help you up - oh, really, I am so very sorry, I truly didn't mean to run into you, it's just that I was late for chores, and I had to get moving or -- really, sir, I am so sorry; are you all right?
Hey, hey, calm down! the man said, holding out his hands and placing them on her shoulder so that she would calm down. As Yolei stopped her rambling, the man smiled and said, Really, it's all right. I can imagine that you'd be in a hurry if you were late.
Yolei smiled, and she said, Well, I'm still sorry. I should have watched where I was going, instead of just running out like that.
Don't worry about it. the man said simply, and Yolei nodded. Now that she was able to get a better look at him, she could see that the man was actually her age, and very athletic. He had somewhat long black hair, and kind blue eyes, but the thing that caught Yolei's attention the most was the fact that he was wearing a cloak that held the King's seal on it- meaning that he was either a knight or a royal guard or something of the like.
My name is Sir Ken Ichijouji, miss. You?
At this, Yolei blushed once more, and she said, Oh, I've been so impolite! My name is Miyako Inoue, but you may call me Yolei if you wish; everyone does. After taking in what the man had said to her, Yolei's eyes widened and she asked, You're a Knight?
Ken nodded. Yes, I am, and I have been sent here on royal court summons. Apparently, Amoritia is preparing to go to war with the northern Kingdoms, and we are looking for all available men to come and fight for Zunitïve. Is your father or brother at home, perchance?
Yolei began, tucking a hair that had come loose in her fall behind her ear, My father is away right now, because he went to visit his sister, who lives in town. My brother is harvesting right now, but I'm sure that if you wait a moment, I'll be able to get him-
That's quite all right, Miss Miyako. Ken interrupted quickly, his blue eyes holding a kind tint. I'm actually in a hurry, so would you be so kind as to give them these royal summons? The knight reached into a pouch in his bag, and pulled out two rolled up pieces of paper. I hope that they'll be able to fight for our kingdom, when the time comes.
Yolei smiled softly, and she took the papers from him. I'll be sure that they get these, Sir Ken. she said, and the knight gave her a kind smile. After giving his thanks, the ebony-haired man mounted his horse, and turned the animal so that it was facing the road.
Before leaving, though, Ken turned to face Yolei, and he said, Thank you, Miss Miyako. I hope to see you again sometime. With those last words, Ken gave his horse the signal to go, and the two of them galloped quickly away from the small farmhouse.
Clutching the summons in her hands, Yolei could only sit and watch as the horse and knight became smaller and smaller, until she could see them no more. Only then did she allow her eyes to drop from that spot, and she heard a small and happy sign escape from her mouth.
Tucking the summons into her apron pocket, Yolei set out again to do her chores, murmuring, I suppose that getting up today was a good idea after all...
Prince Iori, I must say, you sleep more soundly than the dogs sometimes. a voice said, and Iori blearily opened his eyes. It was obviously morning, as he could see the yellow-tinted sunlight peering in through the window, but Iori was never really much of a morning person. Sitting up, Iori rubbed his eyes and looked at the speaker- his closest friend, and a servant – Jyou Kido, more commonly known as Joe.
Remember Joe's comment, Iori responded, Joe, the dogs don't sleep soundly at all, remember?
Yeah, well, you don't get up very well, that's for sure. Joe responded simply, shrugging. Running a hand through his long blue hair – and trying to straighten in out, for sure – Joe said, Anyway, her Royal Highness wishes to speak to you, Iori, so I'd suggest you get up and going. You're clothes are on the dresser. Apparently, though, you're suppose to go straight to the Queen's quarters; no going to breakfast first, mind you.
Iori nodded, and climbed out of his warm bed. As Joe left the room, Iori saw where his clothes had been laid out, and he instantly began to change from his nightclothes to his regular garments. Yawning slightly, Iori came to the realization that he wasn't exactly awake yet- which wasn't all that surprising, considering he'd had nightmares the night before.
They had been about his father. The grand King of Ærotalla had been killed three years earlier, when Iori was six years old. Luckily, his mother, Queen Minako, had been willing to take charge of the kingdom after the King's demise, so that Iori wouldn't have to become King at that time. After all, a six-year-old King is never a good thing, especially with the prospect of war staring the kingdom of Ærotalla straight in the face.
But war wasn't what Iori had been dreaming about. Moreso, it was twisted rendition of his father's death. Contrasting to the real event, in Iori's dream, he had been the one to kill his father, not the criminal that was looking forward to be put on trial. Instead of the insane attack of fire and screaming, Iori had simply stabbed his father in the back, and watched him fall.
That's around the time that he'd wake up, sweat forming on his forehead.
Truly, though, Iori knew what had happened. A criminal was being charged with the murder of a young girl, who had been found suffocated in her home. The man was stark raving mad, and he'd lunged himself at the Royal Family, who had arrived to oversee the sentence. Since Iori had been in the way of the man's attack, his father had tried to steer him clear of the chaos, but in the end, the man had gotten ahold of a torch, and he hit the King square in the face and throat. Iori's father had died a few hours later from the fatal burns.
So, in a way, maybe it had been Iori's fault...
Shaking his head to clear away the memories, Iori made his way to his mother's quarters. After knocking softly on the door, he heard her clear voice say, Come in.
Iori opened the door and walked in quietly, not wanting to make a lot of noise if his mother wasn't feeling well. Quite the contrary, though, as his mother was wide awake, and smiling at him as he came in. Bowing his head slightly, Iori said, Joe told me that you wanted to speak to me, Mother.
Yes, I did. his mother responded, and she walked over to her cabinet, where most of her jewelry and important possessions were kept. Opening it and pulling something out, the brown-haired woman turned to her son and smiled. Iori, I believe that it's time for you to receive something that you're father was suppose to give you earlier...
was the only word that Iori could muster, reminding himself of the fact that he had to be polite, even though it was his mother. Smiling down at him, his mother held out a small box, which Iori was hesitant to take, but did so anyway. The box itself was very beautiful. It was made of a green velvet material, which looked much like the trademark emerald green eyes that ran through the Royal Family of Ærotalla, and always had. Although his hands were nearly shaking from the anticipation, Iori had enough courtesy to look up at his mother and say, Thank you.
His mother scolded lightly, looking exasperated. You need to open it before you say thank you.
Iori blushed slightly at the comment, but he did as his mother asked. Opening the velvet box, Iori saw something that he though he'd never see again- his father's golden pendant. Encircled in the pendant was the symbol of the Ærotalla's kingdom: A dolphin, jumping out of the ocean waters, symbolizing that the people of the kingdom were both wise and happy, and that they worked together in times of need. Upon receiving this gift, Iori could only stand there. It was seemingly impossible for him to speak, because, if he could, just what words would be able to describe the extent of this gift?
his mother asked, smiling down at him.
Unable to do anything else, Iori walked forward and hugged his mother tightly around the waist. It was hard to prevent the tears from falling – both tears of happiness and of sorrow – but he was able to do so. Iori did find it in himself to speak, although the only word he could choke out was, , and he said it while burying his face into his mother's dress, so it was doubtful that she heard it.
The Queen kneeled down so that she could have a better look at her son, and she said, Iori, you are becoming so much like your father, and you know that soon you will have to take the throne. I just want you to know that you are capable of it, because no matter where you are, your father will always be there with you. And you have that pendant just to prove it.
Iori looked down at the pendant once again, and a small but noticeable smile played on his lips. The pendant seemed to glow in the morning light, making it seem all the more magical to the nine-year-old prince. Looking up at his mother he once again said, Thank you...
His mother smiled. You're welcome, Iori.
*****
End of Part 1.
