Heaven's Land
When hope becomes an angel,
It'll sprout wings and fly away.
It'll leave this wretched town,
And find the light of day.
-
Part of Takeru's poem that'll be full when this series ends. If I finish it that is.~ Present Day in Cherbourg, France. (Present day being sometime before uh, the light bulb was invented? O.o)
"You thief! Thief! Guards!!!"
A young blond-haired boy dashed through the narrow and stone streets. He was running away from several larger men with angry looks on their faces. The boy's face was smudged with dirt, but his bright blue eyes shone out like the sky in mid-July. In his hand were slices of bread and a small canteen full of water. It was obvious that the innocent looking youth stole it.
As he ran down the streets on his bare feet, the men yelled after him, swearing in French and waving their fists in the air. The brigand didn't even care; he was out running them by far. Turning the corner, he finally called out his own comeback in French with his kid-like voice, "Damner le français sauvegarder. Adieu, vous idiots." He spoke too soon, it was an alley that he turned into and a wall was seen far back. His mind raced quickly as he kept running. Soon he would be at the wall, he thought he could jump it. When he got there, the thief underestimated the size of the wall and found himself hanging off the edge of it with one hand.
"Stop!" one French guard hollered.
The boy dangled helplessly and remarked, "It doesn't look like I'm going anywhere."
A different defender stepped towards him, the young man in return just hung there, his grip beginning to slip. "Non tricks, you boy?" he asked.
"Nope. No tricks, sir." He answered, his bright blue eyes assuring the truth.
"Hand de it'ms over, boy."
"But sir!" he exclaimed, "I stole this with my own money!"
The guards exchanged a confused glance. Without hesitation, the youth jumped onto a barrel nearby and then launched himself over the wall, taking the guards' confusion for advantage. Shouts came from the other side of the wall as the boy landed on his feet. He dusted himself off and adjusted his food and water.
"Sorry," he shrugged faultlessly, "I was raised with constant liars." Then he took off in a sprint down the rest of the alley.
~ Paris, London, the same day.
"But, Mama," a young girl dressed in formal attire swirled around. Her dress followed her spin and wrapped around her legs, then let its hold go to return to its normal look. "Must I go to this occasion? I am of no need… And I-"
"Your brother has done a good deed, he is to be rewarded. Do you not want to see him in his glory?" a woman tied a bow tightly to the girl's waist.
"He is proud and smiling. I see his joy when he accomplishes such deeds, Mother." The girl winced when her mother tightened the bow around her waist again. "Why so many bows?"
"Bows stand for beauty of which you have plenty of."
"But, Mama…"
"Do not say you are not beautiful. You are, dear. You are very beautiful. Someday you will meet a precious prince whom will take your hand and fall in love." Her mother said as she again tightened the bow around her daughter's waist. Each bow was pink with red trimmings at the very ends. It matched well with the girl's flowing light pink dress. There was an overlap of white over her skirt part and her shoulders puffed out with white evening gloves covering her thin arms.
"Then you will…"
"Start a family of my own and raise my own daughter and son. I know, Mama, I know."
"Luncheon will take place in the dining hall in approximately ten minutes." The mother said and walked away from her offspring.
When she heard the door shut, the girl loosened the bow around her waist. "I can breathe again…" she sighed and looked at herself in a mirror. "Beautiful? How can I be beautiful? And a prince? Ha… I shall never marry because of my looks…"
Despite what the girl said about herself, she was indeed very beautiful. Her deep brown eyes complimented her hair. Fragile and fair was her skin, it was soft to touch and pretty to decorate. The way her hair fell over her shoulders was a bit rough, but it blended with her pale skin on her chest. Her dresses never seemed to fit right for her; of course she rarely ate a large meal. The shoulders always slipped onto her arms, leaving her clavicles easily seen. It was embarrassing when she was meeting new princes; they would stare at her and her dress. Of course they didn't mind it, but she did. Her mother kept telling her it was a good thing to attract men by looks. For it was then that they would try to get to know the girl inside.
"Beautiful," she sighed, "Hikari, you will never be beautiful…" The girl lifted her brush into her hand and started to brush her hair gently. In the next action, she threw it against the mirror and it made only a small crack. Her face started to display pain and hatred for herself. She then turned away and exited the large and luxurious room.
~ Back in Cherbourg…
The young thief from earlier walked into a small house with many other kids in it. It was the self-made orphanage for the youngsters of Cherbourg. While the house was not perfect and tidy, the children were greatly proud of it. Their faces lit up when the older lad walked in with his arms holding some bread.
"Takeru!" they cried out, almost together.
"Hey, Kiddos." He said with a nod. "I only got eight slices. So that means one of you has to split it with two others."
An older girl walked out from behind a door. "I won't eat mine. I'm not hungry."
"Sora, Sora, Sora…" Takeru tried to convince her with his pleading tone.
"No, no, and no, Takeru. They need it."
"You need it, too." Takeru tossed her a slice and she caught it. "You can have mine. 'Cause I don't need it. I get my fill with the adrenaline rushes I get every day."
"Funny." She replied coldly.
"Aw, come on. I really don't need it--"
"Thieves!" a French accent drew into their conversation and stole it away, leaving them startled.
Takeru's eyes widened. As the door swung open, all the kids jumped and stared up at the tall men.
"Eh… Hey! Get outta my house!" Takeru growled warningly. The guards weren't entertained.
"Get," one ward raised his arm, "him."
Takeru smirked and turned to Sora. He nodded his head and bowed lowly. His hand gripped hers and he kissed it lightly, "Adieu, Sweet Sora." Then he slid away from the guards almost professionally. The guard-flunkies dashed after the youth.
The main guard blinked in confusion and asked, "Mademoiselle, are dese all your children?"
Sora blushed deeply. She and Takeru only took care of them. Then she thought she should amuse the man and stood proudly. "Yes, sir." Said she, "These are my children, all sixteen of 'em."
The man quirked a brow. "I never knew ze boy had it in him." He gaped at the concept and left in a hurry. Sora burst into an uncontrollable laugh as did the older three of the children.
The so-called swindler dashed through the streets just as he did before. In his mind he knew were he wanted to go. He wanted to go to Paris to see the stars. Sora once told him of it. While he ran, he thought of the friendship of his. Sora was a great girl, and he looked up to her in many ways. The thought of love never occurred, however. Takeru only thought of her as a near friend, like family. His mind switched when he saw a traveling wagon. There was no one in it so he automatically jumped into the chair and grabbed the reigns.
"He-ya!" yelled he and the two horses started to gallop. The yells started to get fainter and fainter until he finally heard only the hooves hitting the ground. For years these guards have chased him for thievery and other minor things. And for years Takeru outran them all. But this day was different; he told Sora he was going to explore. She asked where he was going. And he answered, "To Heaven's Land." They both knew that meant to Paris. Sora understood why he wanted to go and she didn't stop him. After all, she knew he would return.
Takeru leaned out on the side and saw the town he lived in begin to end. His journey was now beginning. A smile appeared on his face and he leaned back to check what was in the back.
"Damner! This is a load of good stuff…" he reached his hand and opened a basket. There were many different types of goods he could sell. "If Sora were here, she'd be jumping with joy…"
~ Paris, France-
"Yagami Taichi."
Hikari's older brother stepped towards an armored guard. He knelt down in respect and they began the usual ritual.
"Mother, may I be pardoned?" the girl asked quietly.
"No you may not."
" 'Tis an emergency." She lied.
"I expect to see you in a matter of minutes."
Hikari stood up from her seat and walked away without a 'Yes, Mother.' As soon as she left the large room, she looked both ways to check for any guards or any wanderer. It was empty. She then turned to take the left wing of the hallway. In fast, short steps, the girl roamed the wide hallways, lit by candles and decorated with various things. While shining from her mischievous move, her eyes searched every available exit. One door was guarded while another was locked. The only way she could think of getting out was to climb out the windows of her chamber. Those were large enough to let her slip through with ease. If only she could get there without sounding anxious or strange. Small clicks of her heels echoed off the walls and then died off with silence.
"Halt!"
The girl jumped and turned around. "Pardon moi?"
"Oh! Madam, forgive me. I didn't notice you with the dress-"
Hikari smiled, "Amusant guard. Silly… I just needed to retrieve a mere trinket from my bedroom."
The young man blushed at her words. Secretly, he adored her. "I-I'm sorry, Madam."
Hikari, who knew of his crush, curtsied and turned to leave. "A pleasure speaking with you, Sir Daisuke."
Before he could say anything more, she turned the corner and made her way back to her room. Once inside, she untied the bow around her waist and her dress released the pressure on her stomach. Using the bow as a hair tie, Hikari then slipped off her shoes and walked to a wooden dresser. She opened it and pulled out a small purse. Digging through for only a second, she came up with a pen and ink. It was only a matter of minutes before her items were gathered inside a bag and a note was hanging over the cracked mirror. The note read:
Mama, Papa, and dear brother,
Despite what you may think of me, a beautiful, intelligent, obedient young girl; I am the opposite, I despise my looks, my thoughts, and I'd like to escape from the world. Do not fret about me. Strange how I can say such things, yet you do not obey my wishes. Live a life of wonders, dear brother. I'm proud to say I'm your sister. I just wish you were proud of me. ~ Your daughter, Hikari. Oh, yes, Mama. I am running away.
Changing into a more laid-back and simple dress, she slipped the bag over her shoulders and climbed up to the window. Footsteps were heard outside her chamber door and her eyes widened. The door opened just as she leapt carelessly onto the thin ledge beside the window. It shut and she heard two voices.
"But sir! She said she was in here."
"Daisuke! How could you let a mischief-maker like her come in here alone?"
Hikari heard stutters and a loud smack. She jumped only a little.
"You are to send the guards out to find her immediately. She's most likely wandering the outside garden right now! Go!"
"Yes sir."
It was obvious that they didn't realize her note on the mirror. When the door shut, she took one last peak inside. She noticed that the note had fallen from its position and was nowhere to be seen. The bathroom door opened and a round man stepped out, mumbling things about what happened. In his hand was the note. Hikari gasped and slid around the window again. Inching her way on the narrow ledge, she neared a tree that she could easily jump onto.
Daisuke's voice was heard faintly. "Come on! She should be somewhere around here!"
"Ugh, great." Hikari leaned against the cold stone. " 'Suke and his goons. I swear, he should get an actual day job." She could tell that getting away wasn't going to be easy.
~ On the road-
Takeru yawned loudly and propped his feet up on the wood in front of him. Night fell upon his pale face and his eyes were shut. Still held tightly in his hands, the reigns danced to the beat of the horses. It had been a full day of traveling and Paris was arriving. With another yawn, he finally started to lean to the side. He didn't realize that the horses were slowing down. Somehow, he fell off the simple bench and landed on the green grass beneath him.
"Ouch! What the hell!" Takeru jumped up and looked at the horses. Two larger men were now mounted on the horses and reaching for the reigns. Their faces were dirty, dark, and disgusting. They smiled a toothless grin and waved as one yelled, "Hya!"
Takeru chased after the wagon and grabbed a hold of it. "Come on, guys! Let's talk it out!" He hurled himself into the back. Surprisingly, a third man was in the back with his hands in some of the baskets.
"Hey!" Takeru growled and reached for a basket. After all, he was going to trade the items for money and food.
"Go way! Go way!" the man shoved the boy.
"You go way!" the blond shoved back and grabbed onto a basket.
There was silence for a couple seconds as the man whispered to his friends. He turned around and yelled loudly, "NO!"
After that, Takeru was lifted up into the man's large and filthy hands and thrown out of the carrier. The basket he was holding went one way and he went the other. With a thud, he landed hard on the ground, knocking the wind out of him. Groaning from pain, he forced himself to sit up. Breathtaking views surrounded him and left him dumfounded.
"Whoa…" he stood up and looked around. Not far ahead was a large site of lights and houses. Each home had a candle burning above the doorway that made it seem welcoming and peaceful. From what his eyes could see, it was a very large city with varieties of different sizes of buildings. Far north, there stood an almost castle-like structure with many blazing candles. The silhouettes of the town made the sky seem brighter. The thought crossed his mind that this was indeed Paris and a smile appeared on his face. His hands fumbled to find the basket that he took and he lifted it up. Uncovering it, he tilted the container towards the light from the moon and looked in.
"Great," he groaned. "Of all the things I could've stolen… I grabbed the one with clothes." Inside of the basket were many types of fabrics, silk, velvet, etc. Takeru dropped the basket and sighed.
"This'll be fun." He remarked and lifted a clean, white, and silk shirt from the basket. Without much meaning, he took off his dirty one and replaced it with the new. The sleeves ran passed his hands and the bottom was longer than he wished. Takeru then tucked in the shirt and rolled the sleeves up just a little bit. After gathering the rest of the clothes from the ground, he put them back in the basket and started to head for the town.
~ Back to the escape route-
Hikari slid herself onto the tree and crouched down near the branch. Daisuke and three others were just beneath her. At once, they looked up at the rustling tree. Holding her breath, Hikari waited for them to leave. But they didn't.
"What was that?" Daisuke asked.
"I don't know."
"Beats me."
A moment of silence made her shutter.
"Come on," he finally said. "She not around here. I bet she wandered to the greens."
They left the girl and she released the air she was holding. She waited another minute and cautiously made her way down the tree. It wasn't easy in the outfit she was wearing. And her flat slippers didn't help much. At last, her foot touched on solid ground and she swiftly crossed the stone path. Seven minutes later, she was to the entry gates. Another problem crossed over. She couldn't get past without the guards seeing her and she couldn't open the gate without the guard opening it. As Hikari thought about it, she hid herself behind the shrubbery.
"Taichi!"
Hikari glanced up and watched as her brother burst through the large wooden doors. An angry but worried expression was formed on his young, handsome face.
"Maybe I can find her." He called back to his mother. Hikari frowned. Taichi had always found a way to find her. No matter how hard she tried to hide from him, he would always find her. It was a strange bond that they had.
"But Sir Taichi!" Daisuke pushed his way through the small crowd of royalties. "It's too dangerous. Bandits are said to be here already."
"Bandits are just fools with skillful weapons. That's all." Taichi said and walked to the front gates. Hikari froze immediately and waited for him to spot her. But he didn't.
"Son, please!" his mother begged. "Hikari will realize her foolish decision and come back home. You'll see!"
The runaway frowned once more. Why didn't her mother believe her words? She never did!
"Hikari is stubborn, Mother." Taichi turned around. "She will prove her point and wait for someone to come for her. This is what she does. She runs away and waits to be found. Like our game."
She smiled brightly. Her brother's words were so wisely chosen for once and he sounded so worried and brave. If it were any other day, Taichi would've just said that she would come back. But this night seemed different.
"Taichi, Taichi, Taichi…"
"Mother, don't worry. Unlike her, I'm a seeker, not a waiter. I'll come back." He assured her. "With Hikari, too."
After the commotion ended, nearly everyone walked back inside. Taichi stepped to the gates and looked at the guard.
"Idiot…" He shook his head and pushed the sleeping guard.
"Wha!" exclaimed the surprised guard.
"Let me through already."
The guard nodded and unhooked the locks to open the gate. Soon after, Taichi left with a slight chuckle.
"Brilliant Taichi! Brilliant!" Hikari whispered. Now she had a plan. She was going to wait for the guard to fall back asleep so she could sneak through.
~ The entrance to the city-
Basket in arm, Takeru walked through the small welcome arch and waited for a couple minutes. It was later that night so the lights over the houses were put out. The candles on the ends of the streets, however, were still aglow. The young ruffian walked down the stone roads and looked from house to house, hoping for a welcoming face. Instead, all the people who were up at the late hour didn't even notice him. As his journey to the largest building continued, he saw a shadowed figure running down the path towards him. Instincts kicked in and Takeru slid into the shadows. Taichi bounded into light and stopped. His eyes scanned the surroundings and then started to jog away. When the stranger was well out of sight, Takeru walked out.
"I wonder what's--" Takeru's words were cut off when something bumped into him. "ACK!"
Takeru fell to the ground and the basket of clothes fell on top of him. Struggling to sit up, he then shoved all his stuff back in. "You should watch were you're going!"
"I apologize…" A sweet sounding voice filled through the boy's mind and a sweet swell of roses swept through. Takeru looked up to see a young girl with a bag in hand. Her eyes were displaying terror and her dress was torn from her own journey. Slowly, he stood up and blinked.
"Hi there." He smirked, amazed by her beauty. Then he held out his hand for a shake, "I'm Takaishi Takeru."
Puzzled by the ordeal, the girl glanced at the rudeness of the boy. "Do you have any idea of whom I may be?"
Takeru took back his hand and scratched his neck. "A beautiful girl… That's what I thought. Unless if you're a guy-"
She blushed and slapped him across the face. "Mind your manners!"
He rubbed his cheek and his bright blue eyes gazed into her brown ones. "I'm sorry, ma'am."
"Hikari! Is that you!" Daisuke's voice pierced through the conversation like an arrow of fire through dry hay.
"Oh no…" she whispered.
Takeru smirked, "Running from trouble?"
"You could say that…"
"C'mon. I'll get you out of here." Takeru held out his hand again.
Hikari hesitated but finally set her hand in his. "Please hurry."
"Sure thing." Takeru grabbed the basket and pulled the girl into a dark alleyway. Just like his earlier escape, he came to a wall and searched for something to step on. Nothing was available.
"H-hey! I can't believe you! Get away from her!" Daisuke cried out as soon as he looked into the alley.
"Aw, shut up." Takeru snorted and heaved the girl over the wall. After that, he tossed over the basket and took a few steps back to get a running start.
"Hurry up!" Hikari said from behind the wall.
He was about to run up, but he was stopped by Daisuke. "Oh great."
Daisuke, who was a weak soldier, restrained Takeru's struggles as best as he could. "Sir Taichi!"
"Help! Help! He's harassing me!" Takeru screamed out. Several doors opened around the area and some people made cruel comments.
"Sir Taichi!"
"Help! Help me! I'm just a boy!"
"Taichi, hurry up! He stole your sister!"
"Help! He's going to steal ME!"
"Shut up!"
"Ah! He's threatening me!"
Daisuke growled and cupped his hand over the boy's mouth. Takeru bit his finger and he cried out in pain.
"Leave that poor boy alone!" one villager yelled.
"He bit me!"
"I bet you made him!"
Taichi finally slid into view and ran down the alley. He looked at Daisuke and Takeru and the odd position they were in.
"Eh," Takeru twitched. "Help! He's harassing me?"
Taichi blinked, "What's going on?"
"He's the one that's helping your sister escape." Daisuke said.
The blond looked around. "What sister? I don't see anyone here."
"You helped her jump over the damn wall!" snapped Daisuke.
Taichi jumped up onto the stone wall and peered down into the darkness. "No one's over there…"
Hikari waited silently inside of a barrel. If she were to move, she would surely blow her cover.
Daisuke tried to insist Taichi that she was over there, but it didn't happen. Takeru was released and the two left with a short apology. After a minute of innocent whistling, the thief then jumped over the wall.
"Miss?" he whispered. "Miss? Are you here?"
Hikari tipped over the barrel and fell out. "Owwie…" she whimpered.
"Toughen up." Takeru grabbed her arms and pulled her to her feet.
Hikari dusted her simple dress and held up the stranger's basket. "I thank you for helping me."
He took it into his arms and shrugged. "No problem at all. I'm used to it back home."
They started to walk down the rest of the road. "Is that so?" she asked. "Where do you live?"
"Uh, in a little town called Cherbourg."
"How quaint."
"I guess. It's really rough though. You'd have to know how to fight to survive."
"Why is that?"
"A lot of people there like war."
"Strange… Do you like it?"
"Not really. But I've been involved with fights. Nothing big of course."
"I see." Hikari stared into her bag. "Are you a good fighter?"
Takeru shrugged. "Does it matter?"
The warm air slipped through the silk of his shirt and despite the warmth, he shivered. "Let's find a place to just take a break."
Hikari looked out at the vast green plains in front of them. A smile formed from her sweet, red lips and she pointed towards the comforting grass. "We could stay up there."
"Fine with me." The blond said.
When settled in the grasses, Hikari set her bag down and fell onto her back. She sighed a sigh of relief. For once, she felt safe and away from pressure. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a loaf of bread. Then she offered a piece to the boy.
"So why were you running away from your brother?" Takeru asked, taking the piece of bread.
"I just wanted to get away. That's all."
He bit into the bread. "Oh."
Hikari curled up in the grass and yawned. Her eyes trailed from the sky to the boy beside her. His eyes were gazing at the stars.
"I want to thank you again." She said carefully.
"It really wasn't a problem. I was just on my way 'round town and you bumped into me. No big deal. It was lucky for me I guess." Takeru finished the bread and placed his arms behind his head.
"Why do you say that?" she studied his childish face and his fierce blue eyes.
"I like meeting new people." He said simply and turned to look at her. "Especially when they're gentle and pretty like you."
Hikari blushed and looked up at the heavens. "Thank you all the same."
"You're welcome." Yawned the brigand and he closed his eyes. Silence inched its way to the two young teens and there it stayed. Before long, Takeru drifted to a calm slumber. Still awake, Hikari focused her attention on the strange boy. Something about him made her feel comfortable and protected.
"It must be his eyes…" she whispered to herself and folded her hands under her head. Her eyes shut and the night gave her a tranquil lullaby.
"Hikari!"
"Hikari!!"
"HIKARI!"
The girl's eyes shot open at the sound of Daisuke and Taichi's voice. She found herself close to Takeru and he was still asleep.
Daisuke pointed as he and Taichi ran towards them. "I told you she was with that boy!"
Takeru mumbled and rubbed his eyes open. "What's going on?"
"Sir," she said and pulled him to sit up. "We have to go."
"What?"
"Come on!" Hikari jumped up and pulled him along. "We must leave!"
Takeru, still drowsy, let himself to be pulled along the greens. It wasn't until Taichi grabbed his wrist that he was up. Infuriated, the older brother pulled the boy from Hikari and brought him to his feet.
"What the-"
"You bastard! You villain, you rascal, you-you!"
"Scoundrel, blackguard, cad?" Daisuke anxiously waited for Taichi to beat him to a pulp. "Idiot, dolt, boob? Fool, oaf, stupid?"
"Shut up already!" Taichi and Takeru said at the same time. The amateur soldier silenced himself.
"You liar!" Taichi shook the enemy with anger.
"Gee, I'm sorry." He lied through his gritted teeth. "Sometimes stories catch up with me and I forget what is real." Takeru reversed the hold with a quick spin of Taichi's arms. Soon the older boy was leaning back to try to release the pressure on his arms.
"Sir Taichi!" Daisuke stepped in to help, but Takeru easily kicked the back of his knees to make him fall. Hikari, though in shock, was very impressed by the skills of her newly found friend.
"You listen to me," Takeru said, pushing on his arms a little bit more. "Your sister asked me to help. I didn't steal her away from anything or anyone."
Taichi lurched forward quickly and sent Takeru over his shoulders. He grabbed the younger boy's arms and held onto them tightly. "Good for a boy." Muttered Taichi. "If only you were believable."
"But Brother!" Hikari spoke.
"Shush, Hikari. You don't need to be mingling with ruffians like him. Daisuke, hurry up and get the guards."
"Ugh, guards. Such simpletons." Takeru sighed as he was pushed back towards the town. Silently following, Hikari held onto the basket and her bag, unsure of what to do or say. Within a matter of minutes, Takeru was inside of the soldier's prison-like room. Inside of that room, there was nothing to do. There were no windows to look out, no chairs to sit in, there wasn't even a bed or faucet or anything. It was a stone room with one door and one candle.
"Eh," Takeru watched as the candle died out from his own breath. "Hey! Can… can someone please give this candle a flame? I mean I… I can't see in here. I don't like not being able to see. Somebody? Anybody? Hello!!!"
"I tell you he's intelligent!" Taichi boasted to the round-faced officer. "He is skilled in fighting. This boy would make a brilliant soldier!"
The man paced back and forth between Taichi and his lovely sister. "He is what you said--A ruffian! We cannot trust such a person."
"But he can fight!" Taichi insisted. "Isn't that right, Hikari?"
Hikari, who never let go of the basket or her bag, nodded. "Yes, he is indeed a great junior warrior. He is skilled in many ways other than fighting."
"Is that so? How?"
"Well, s-sir," she looked up at Taichi and waited approval to speak. When he nodded, she continued, "He escaped from French guards i-in Cherbourg. And, he is very swift on his feet. He could think quickly and acknowledge plans when he sees the situation."
"If that is true," the man rubbed his chin, "then he would be out of the jail al-"
"STOP! HALT! HEY YOU!"
All three of the people jumped and turned their attention towards the open door. Their eyes caught the sight of Takeru running past with two guards chasing after. Taichi and Hikari looked at the bewildered man.
"See?" they exclaimed and hurried out the door. Another sight of Takeru turning a corner was captured by their eyes.
"Non, non, non! Dun' go there, boy!" one guard was screaming.
A smile appeared on Hikari's face when she saw him pushed out the door after her mother screamed. "He found Mother's chambers."
"Pervert!" the older woman cried.
The boy winced as a hairbrush was thrown at him. He blocked it with his arms, but then he was pulled away by a guard.
"Sir!" they said together and made the boy faced the round man. Takeru's smudged-with-dirt face and bright blue eyes shocked the man.
"I assumed he was an older lad. And a bigger one at that."
"Yeah, well, I assumed you were skinny." Takeru shot back, not knowing who he was.
Hikari hid a little giggle. "Monsieur Takeru, meet Sir Pierre. He is the leader of the… soldiers."
Takeru quirked a brow. "What makes him so special?"
The girl smirked and dropped the basket at the boy's feet. As she walked around him to get to her room, she whispered, "Still your tongue if you wish to talk with me again. Behave, beau Takeru… Behave."
The boy was then baffled at the girl's words but said nothing more as he heard the man speak. Escorting the boy into an office type of room, Pierre started to explain about soldiery and weapons. And how he, Takeru, was 'destined' to be a fighter.
"I don't do much other than threaten," Takeru tried to persuade the man into letting him go.
"Nonsense," he said sharply, "I intend you to be one of our best soldiers. Much like Sir Taichi."
Taichi nodded with respect, "Please understand that we're not just going to let you roam the castle. You are but a-"
"Ruffian. Yeah, whatever."
"Silence! Let us speak. Then you may have your turn." Pierre glared. The youth sank down into his chair. No words were spoken as they lectured him.
"See? Isn't he adorable?"
"Hikari's right!"
Two young girls spied through the open crack of the door. Giggling at the boy, they then exited to prepare the newcomer's bedroom.
"You think he'd be right for you?" one girl with glasses looked up at the other.
"Pfft! That's a giggle and a quart!" the other snickered, "Miyako, I think he'd be better off with you."
"Ugh! No way, Mimi," the other one boasted.
"Sounds to me like you like him!" the older girl teased sharply.
Miyako rolled her eyes, "Sounds to me like Hikari likes him.
They giggled and said together, "Mischief-makers match!"
"Jeez," Takeru muttered as he walked into the room he was to stay in, "I've never heard such a long lecture before."
Peering over the dimly lit room, his jaw dropped. It was the most luxurious place he had stayed in. He walked to the bed and sat down on it. A bit rough it was, but it was much more comfortable than what he was used to. And the sheets… they were so soft and touchable. Takeru placed himself in the middle of the bed and set his head on a pillow. So soft and silky… His fingers ran through his hair and then he dropped his arm to the side. It had been quite an adventure for the past two days. Musings about how Sora was doing, and all his friends back home, filled his mind. And thinking of those thoughts, he fell asleep without blowing out the candle.
Midnight easily crept into Hikari's room. She was seated in the windowsill, reading by moonlight. The book was old looking and a few pages had torn edges, but it kept her mind occupied. After minutes of silent reading, she placed a pink ribbon to keep her spot. She then slid the book onto a bookshelf and walked to her bed. Before she went to bed, she looked at herself in the mirror. The brown eyes of hers displayed a certain feeling that she had never felt before. It was a mysterious type of feeling, because it was unknown. And it drove the girl insane. Ever since she met that boy… that feeling never died within her. Hikari decided to check upon the junior warrior.
Knocking on the chamber door, Hikari waited patiently in the dim hallway. When there was no answer, she took caution and opened the door. She then slid her body through the frame and walked to the boy's bed. Seeing him sleeping peacefully brought a smile to her face. The fragile and beautiful young lady sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at Takeru. He was sleeping so soundly and innocently. It was almost as if he were in his own world of happiness. Hikari then looked at her hands. Both of them were shaking gently, but she wasn't cold or frightened. Her eyes focused on Takeru again and before she knew it, her lips brushed against his in a secretive kiss. Quickly standing up, Hikari blew out the candle and ran out the door, shutting it quietly.
~ The next morning-
"So, Junior Warrior," Hikari's father looked at the thin boy to the left. "How was your rest? I trust you are well?"
Takeru stared at the food in front of him. "Y-yes, sir."
"Did you have any dreams?" he asked, almost teasingly.
Hikari looked at him from across the table. There was no way he could know what she did…
"Yes, sir." Takeru spoke quietly for once in his life.
"And?"
His pale cheeks turned a dark red. "I dreamt of an angel, sir."
Laughter filled the dining room. Although Takeru didn't understand why they were laughing, he gave a little chuckle. He raised his eyes to look at Hikari. He was surprised when he noticed that she was looking back. They both blushed and looked back down at their food. Daisuke, who saw this happen, grumbled under his breath. Following breakfast, Takeru was to experience his first battle training. Hikari and two of her maid-friends were going to watch.
"Focus, Takeru!" Pierre yelled. "Daisuke's got the upper hand. What're you going to do?"
"Reverse it."
"How?"
Takeru grabbed onto Daisuke's wrist and pulled him back. Daisuke, being the weakling he was, followed the pull and Takeru tugged sharply on his arm. Falling to the ground, Daisuke gave out a small "I give up" and Takeru let go.
"Good, good." Pierre nodded. "Are you good with swords?"
The blond gulped. "I've um, never handled one before."
"You're a quick learner." The man said and tossed the boy a sword. "You'll learn."
"But sir," he stated, "I'm better without weapons. I can outsmart others and I'd end up hurting myself with a w-weapon like this."
Hikari giggled.
"Nonsense!" Pierre snapped. "Everyone can learn something new. This will add on to your abilities, my boy!"
"Yes sir." Takeru sighed.
Two hours later, Takeru went through the sword training and physical training. It was break time before he had to go back and work on his mental skills. The 'Junior Warrior' sat down and sipped some fresh and cool water. Hikari seated herself beside him and smiled heavenly.
"Is it hard?"
"Have you ever held a sword?"
"No…"
"That thing's heavy…" Takeru sighed and Hikari giggled.
"Daisuke is upset because you tricked him with his own move."
"He's slow on his feet."
"He's slow in his mind too." Hikari folded her gloved arms over her stomach.
"I take it you don't like him very much."
"I despise his actions. They're loud, cruel, and unplanned."
"You seem harsh towards guys." Takeru set the cup down and looked at the girl. "What do you look for?"
Instead of returning his gaze, Hikari kept her eyes on her hands. "Why do you want to know?'
"Because everyone has a right to have a chance at something."
Hikari's cheeks burned. "Tell me the truth. Why do you want to know?"
"Because," Takeru leaned and whispered in her ear, "I want to know why you kissed me."
Leaving the girl horrified, Takeru walked out of the door to finish his day of training. She was so sure he was dead asleep by the time she left! Terror raised in her soul and her face was a bright red. Aside from the fact that she was alarmed, a shy smile was displayed on her face.
That night, Takeru relaxed in the large bathtub filled with warm water and bubbles. It was something that he'd never experienced before; the bubbles that is. His eyes shut when he got use to the warmth of the water and his head tilted back against the edge. Blocking out everything around him with his own thoughts, he didn't realize that someone knocked on the door. After another knock, the door opened and Hikari's brown hair and eyes poked through the door.
"Um…" she blushed. "Sir Ta-Takeru?"
Takeru opened his eyes and glanced across the washroom to look at her. "Damner!" he exclaimed and sank into the water. Seconds of regaining his mind, his head rose out of the water and looked at Hikari who was dressed in a beautiful pink gown. Her face was towards the wall and her hands were folded behind her back.
"I apologize." She said, hiding a giggle. "I did not expect to see you… um… like this."
Takeru blushed and shifted his view onto the floor. "Sorry I didn't hear you knock or anything."
"Well, you see, there is a banquet and celebration for the completion of your first day seminar. You are needed in the grand hall in an hour or so."
"Good, I have time to kill." Takeru muttered and relaxed again.
Hikari turned around, the bow in her hair complimented a secret and mischievous streak in her eyes. Her heels clicked against the floor as she neared the boy. Again, his eyes opened and looked up at her. Sitting beside the bathtub, she set her arms on the edge.
"Can I 'kill time' with you?" she asked with a smile.
A continuation of the story is in the works.
Well? Does it seem interesting? Should I continue? Should I stop? (Cough*yes,mostlikelyyes*cough) Which was your favorite part of this chapter? O.o Can I ask anymore questions? Is there a part were you thought it was stupid? Geh, I need feedback to finish this story… ~.~; Um… I guess all I have to say is: Review! Please review!!!