*Disclaimer: Digimon doesn't belong to me. Taichi, Yamato, Sora, and Mimi don't belong to me. So leave me alone! Ugh, I'm getting tired of writing these disclaimers. T_T
Author's Note: A spur of the moment thing, based on the German fairytale, Swan Lake. Speaking of that, it doesn't belong to me either. And I'll admit it; I'm not a Sora fan. At all. Period. It was just so unfortunate that the Taichi/Sora/Yamato triangle fit this story the best. *Sigh*
Feathers in the Sky
By: RaspberryGirl
Sora, beautiful Sora, was a princess.
No, less than that. She was a prisoner.
Even now, after all these years, she remembered it all too clearly
~~~~~~~~~~
Sora was the most beautiful girl in her kingdom, and her parents, the King and Queen, were very proud. They had every right to be because even from the time when Sora was just a baby, she'd already started to work her charm over people. The princess had large hazel eyes and a mass of orange-brown hair the color of a bright flame on a winter's night.
Because of her extraordinary beauty, people were instantly captivated by Sora and always smiled, nodded their heads, and agreed with almost anything she said.
The King and the Queen adored their daughter. They were good parents, but spoiled her often.
Yet despite all this, Sora grew up good-natured, with a kind disposition. She was not vain and cruel, as some princesses tend to be, but modest and compassionate.
On the princess's eleventh birthday, her parents threw a grand celebration and invited all the important nobility.
Sora appeared at the main entrance of the feast hall, dressed in a pale blue gown with a long train. A crown of morning glories and baby's breaths were woven into her hair. She looked around her with a happy smile. Bright colored banners and tapestries hung from the walls. Large vases filled with peonies and roses adorned the corners of the hall.
"Announcing, the Princess Sora of Takenouchi," the herald declared, and with delighted excitement, Sora began making her way elegantly to the High Table where her mother and father waited.
"Did I do it right, Mother, Father?" she asked excitedly, sitting down next to the Queen when she reached the table. "Did I look grand and wonderful?"
"Of course you did, my dear," said the King, leaning forward and taking his daughter's hand. He gave her a reassuring pat. "Like the princess you are."
"I'm so glad," Sora giggled. "It would've been horrible if I'd tripped."
"You're growing up so fast," the Queen said, a little misty-eyed. "Soon, you'll be all grown up and married to a handsome prince."
"Married?" Sora repeated. She wrinkled her nose at the thought. "But I don't want to"
"Now, now, my love," the King said to the Queen. "We shouldn't speak of such things yet." He smiled. "I have no intention of losing our daughter so soon." He winked at Sora.
The girl smiled back in relief.
The King stood up and held out his arms. "Let the feast begin!" he proclaimed.
The guests dug into their food immediately, eating sloppily and hungrily. The castle dogs ran between the legs of the guests and the servants bearing dishes, their excitement showing at the prospect of leftovers. But Sora only picked at her plate. She was so ecstatic that she couldn't eat. The musicians had struck up a lively tune and she had the sudden urge to dance.
Standing up abruptly, Sora rushed down the steps leading to the High Table to the center floor. There weren't many people there, since most were busy eating. Humming, Sora swayed to the music and she began to twirl happily. The princess closed her eyes and imagined—
"Oh!" Sora's eyes flew open. She had run into somebody. Quickly, she turned around to apologize. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's all right." A boy with messy brown hair and brown eyes, around Sora's own age, smiled at her. He was wearing a fancy red and blue doublet with a gold cloak. He looked a bit puzzled. "You're the Princess Sora, aren't you?"
Sora nodded.
"Then I am honored, Your Highness." The boy was strangely formal for his age and he swept an elegant bow.
Sora laughed. "You don't have to call me 'Your Highness'."
"As you wish, Yourer, Princess." He bowed again.
Sora stared at the strange boy quizzically, intrigued by his behavior. "What's your name?"
"Taichi, Princess," said the boy. He went on, more quietly, "I'ma magician." There was a twinkle in his eyes and he grinned mischievously.
"A magician!" Sora clapped her hands together in delight. "How wonderful! Can you perform tricks?"
Taichi coughed, a bit embarrassed. "I'm afraid not. I'm only an apprentice, you see." Then, he straightened proudly. "But Allemar, the most famous and powerful sorcerer in the kingdom, is my master."
"Allemar" The name did sound familiar.
"A thousand apologies for not being able do to what you asked," Taichi continued. "But would Your Highness like to dance?"
"Oh, why not?" Sora reasoned and then took Taichi's outstretched hand.
As the two danced Taichi began telling Sora about his life and his trade. Sora listened, her attention fixed on every word he said and when he was through, Sora told him about her life of being a princess.
When the dance ended, Taichi bowed to her again. "Thank you," he said. "I hope to see you again, Princess." And before Sora could protest, he disappeared among the crowded tables.
* * *
Later that day, the guests had all filed into the gardens and it was then that Sora saw Taichi again.
The air was clean and crisp and the sky was a clear blue. The sun smiled down warmly. The nobles had scattered throughout the beautiful royal gardens taking their own private walks. Sora strolled peacefully about with the King and Queen, flocked by attendants. Their stride was a little too slow for the princess's taste and her attention wavered. Her eyes suddenly settled on a huge apple tree nearby. A gentle wind stirred and its blossoms rained down in a shower of white drifting petals. On the marble bench by the tree was Taichi.
Sora stopped when she caught sight of him. The King and Queen didn't notice and now that Sora looked, her parents and the attendants had wandered far ahead of her. Thinking that her mother and father wouldn't mind, Sora ran over to Taichi, calling his name.
"Princess," said Taichi, sounding shocked to see her. His shoulders had been stooped but he straightened up when he realized it was Sora. Yet, to the princess's surprise, his face was ashen and he didn't even stand up and execute one of those elaborate bows he'd been doing earlier.
Immediately, Sora knew something was wrong. "What is it?" She sat down next to Taichi.
"It'sMaster Allemar" Taichi began slowly. "He's fallen ill" He trailed off and looked extremely dazed.
Sora gasped. "How horrible! What will you do?"
"I must go to him," replied Taichi. "Immediately." He stood up.
"Must you?" Sora said, a bit downcast. "You're very interesting. Not like any other boy I've met before." She paused. "I had hoped"
Taichi smiled at her. "I am happy to know that you like me, princess. And I must admit, I like you a lot too." He fell into silence. Then, without looking at her, he asked, "Will you miss me while I'm gone?"
"Will you miss me?" Sora asked, instead.
"Wellyes," Taichi admitted. "Strange, isn't it? We've only known each other for a few hours and yet..." His gaze flitted briefly over to Sora. "I feel as if I've known you my whole life. I think it's safe to say that we're friends, don't you agree?" He stared at her imploringly and Sora could tell he was holding his breath, waiting for an answer.
The princess was about to reply when somebody shouted, "Sora!"
She turned around, recognizing the voice. "Father?"
"Come here!" The King sounded cross.
Sora turned back to Taichi. "I'll be right—"
But the boy had disappeared.
"Taichi?" Sora looked around but saw no one. She was alone in the shade of the apple tree, its blossoms swirling around her.
Where did he go? Feeling angry and strangely hurt, Sora walked slowly back to her parents.
"Sora," the King said, as soon as his daughter reached him, "you know better than to wander off. And just who was that boy you were talking to?" He was staring at the spot where Taichi had been a moment ago. Sora thought she saw her mother hide a smile.
"Taichi," Sora said. She was a little annoyed at her father's interruption. "His name was Taichi." Her parents only gave her blank looks in return. She had expected them to say something like, "Oh! Taichi, the son of Lord and Lady so and so," but they didn't. But wouldn't they know who Taichi was, anyway? Considering the fact that he was Allemar's apprentice and Allemar was supposed to be a famous wizard. Something here was not quite right. Sora opened her mouth subconsciously to inform her parents of Taichi's last name but then realized that he had never given her one. Instead, she said, "He's Allemar's apprentice."
"Allemar?" The Queen gasped. All trace of the smile was gone from her face.
Sora stared at her mother, bewildered. "Yes, Allemar." What was wrong? Allemar was a famous magician, wasn't he? That was what Taichi had said. Had he lied? Nothat couldn't be. Sora vaguely remembered having heard her parents speak of this "Allemar" once or twice before. It had been a long time ago, the autumn when she was five, but she remembered the name nevertheless.
The Queen took Sora by the shoulders. "That boy said he was Allemar's apprentice?" she demanded.
Sora nodded, still not understanding.
The Queen turned pale. She looked at her husband desperately.
The King's own face was slightly contorted. He called one of his attendants over hurriedly.
"Your Majesty," the attendant mumbled, executing a respectful bow.
"Go tell the Captain of the guard to take his men and search the castle immediately," the King ordered. "A dangerous criminal might be lurking around." Noticing that his wife and daughter were within hearing distance, the King moved farther away and bade the attendant to do the same. Then, the King resumed giving out his orders.
"Mother, what's going on?" Sora cried. She stared after her father.
"Listen to me, Sora," the Queen said, gravely. "If you ever see that Taichi boy again, don't go anywhere near him, do you understand?"
"Why?" Sora asked. "What did he do?" Then, as things began to dawn on her, "What did Allemar do?"
"Your father and I thought Allemar was long dead, but nowit seems we were quite wrong."
"Who is Allemar?" Sora persisted.
The Queen, looking like she'd rather not talk about it, said, "Allemar is a sorcerer of Dark magic. He plotted against our family and even killed your grandfather. This was all before you were born, of course." The Queen looked relieved at the fact. "He was caught, eventually, and was banished from the kingdom. That was the last time we ever heard of him. But nownow, it looks as if he's found some way to revive his Dark arts. He hates us, you know. And I'm afraid he might come back here and try to take his revenge"
"Taichi said Allemar had fallen ill," Sora said quietly.
The Queen looked at her daughter sharply. "Did he, now? Well, whatever he said, I'm not sure if we should believe it. Forget about that Taichi. I don't want you having anything to do with Allemar or anybody associated with him. The boy saying that he was Allemar's apprentice is almost as bad as saying he was Allemar himself." The Queen suddenly looked worried and irritated. "I'm going to have to make sure you have a personal guard around you at all times from now on."
"A body guard?" Sora cried. "But—"
"Well, at least until we know it's safe." The Queen sighed. "I'm sure your father is planning to send soldiers out into the kingdom and search for any sign of Allemar." The Queen motioned for one of the attendants to come. "Take the princess to her chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the attendant said. "Come, Princess."
"Will everything be all right, Mother?" Sora asked. A bud of tiny fear had sprouted in her heart. What if
"Of course, my precious, of course," the Queen responded, trying to sound confident. "Everything will soon be back to normal."
Sora nodded sullenly. Why did this have to happen? And on her birthday too. Not that it mattered, as long as her family was safe. And if her family continued to remain safe, she didn't care if something awful happened on all of her future birthdays.
But the part about Allemar being evilwouldn't that make Taichi evil, too? Taichi was Allemar's apprentice. But stillSora couldn't believe it. Sora didn't want to believe it.
The Taichi I met today is the real and genuine Taichi. It's the evil Taichi that is the illusion. When we meet again, I'll prove to everyone that he isn't the wicked sorcerer-to-be that my parents think he is. I will.
And from the bottom of her heart, Sora wished that one day, she and Taichi would meet again.
__________
"Master?" Taichi peered into the dark room. It was gray and rundown; sparsely furnished except for the narrow bed and writing desk overflowing with parchment, ink, and quills. Timidly, Taichi crept into the room, grasping a flickering candle in a candleholder. The light was dim, but offered Taichi a little comfort. The boy went further into the room. He could make out a man, hardly older than someone in his mid-fifties, lying on the bed. He lay there very stiffly, with the blankets pulled up to his chest. His face was lined with wrinkles not from old age and his thin mouth sagged. His eyebrows were bushy and gray. His moustache and beard were scraggly and gave the appearance that they had not been combed in weeks. Indeed, Taichi believed they hadn't. The hair was long and wiry; a coal black streaked with different shades of gray.
"Master?" Taichi whispered again.
Allemar's eyes flew open. They were jet black. "You're back." His voice was hoarse.
"Yes, Master," replied Taichi. "I received a message that you got sick—"
Allemar waved the matter off with a calloused hand. "So, that scrawny messenger bird I sent actually reached you, eh?" Even though he seemed weak, the man still had a testy air to him. "But forget about all that now. Tell me, Taichi, what did you learn at the royal castle?"
Taichi was caught off guard. "Theythey were allvery nice. E-especially the princess." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Taichi regretted it.
"What?" Allemar found strength to sit up. "All you have to say is that they were kind to you?"
Taichi couldn't find words to answer. The people at the castle had been kind; it was the truth. What more did Allemar want him to say?
"Speak up, boy," the sorcerer barked.
"The princess," Taichi stuttered on, "she was friendly to me. She—she told me about her life. And I told her about mineshe seemed impressed that I was your apprentice"
"What?" Allemar roared. "You told her you worked for me?"
"I—" But before Taichi could finish, a blast of energy slammed into his chest and threw him against the wall. The boy screamed in pain, and the candleholder dropped from his hands.
"You stupid wretch!" Allemar's voice seemed to ring throughout the tiny room. "What else did you tell that girl?"
Taichi only cringed in fear at his master's rage.
"This is what I get!" Allemar bellowed. "You ungrateful twit! Who was it that found you as a baby in the forest, left to starve, or be devoured by the woodland beasts? Who was it that saved you and took you under his care? Who was it that made you his apprentice and taught you his trade? Who was it that fed and raised you for eleven years?"
"You, Master," Taichi whispered softly.
Allemar seemed to settle down a bit. "You were able to get close to the princess, I take it?"
Taichi nodded meekly.
Allemar muttered something incomprehensible. "Well, at least you did one thing right. She just might be the key to our success." Allemar's tone grew sharp. "Listen, boy, my time in this world is almost up. Starting from today, double your training. We must make haste and have you prepared, both physically and mentallyfor your destiny."
Still trembling in the dark, Taichi could only utter two words, "Yes, Master."
__________
Three years past and Sora was now an exquisite young woman. Many young nobles and princes came from all corners of the land, seeking her hand in marriage. All of the men were handsome and charming but Sora refused to give her heart to any of them. The King and Queen grew worried. They bade her to pay more attention to her suitors and made her spend time with each one individually.
"At least one of them has to be right for you," the Queen insisted to Sora one day. "My dear, you're just not giving them enough attention, that's all."
"I don't understand why you don't even show the slightest bit of interest in any of them," the King chimed in. "They're all very attractive boys. Sooner of later, Sora, you will have to marry"
Sora only brushed these comments from her consciousness. She had other things to think about besides her admirers. Most of the time, the name "Taichi" came to her mind. For the past three years, she had always been thinking of him whether consciously, or subconsciously. She always wondered what had happened to him, and if he would ever come back. Sometimes, Sora convinced herself that Taichi couldn't be Allemar's apprentice, that there had been some mistake, but other times, the princess wasn't so sure. And most frustrating of all, Sora knew she would never know the truth. At least, until Taichi came back and explained himself.
If he came back.
Sora's heart always grew sore at these thoughts. It made her horribly depressed but she couldn't stop thinking them. The only thing she could do to ease her mind was to hope that Taichi would return.
__________
Sora walked lazily in the gardens. She had turned fifteen only a few months before, and as a sort of privilege, her parents had allowed her to wander about with only one handmaiden. Sora was glad because she desperately needed some time alone. The noise and the chaos of her grand birthday celebration still resounded in her mind. She was fifteen now, and traditionally, a princess of Takenouchi would already have chosen a man to wed. This was the first time in several hundred years that the custom had been broken, but Sora didn't care. Her heart mattered more to her than some silly tradition.
This is the placeSora thought. She glanced at the tall apple tree. Petals from the white blossoms littered and the marble bench. The scene was so familiar that it made Sora smile wistfully. Taichi
Why she was so infatuated with him, she wasn't sure, and didn't quite understand either. Perhaps it was because of the simple and innocent air he had around him. Those moments when the two of them had danced as children in the feast hall would remain with her forever. She remembered the happiness she had felt with him. Why didn't she feel the same emotion now, but with another person? Sora shook her head, still pondering over the matter when a flash of color caught her eye. Immediately, the princess whipped around. "Who's there?"
A young man was standing by the large trunk of the apple tree, almost in a lazy fashion. He was wearing a gold shirt and a long, scarlet tunic. A matching gold cloak was thrown about his shoulders fastened in place by a bronze pin. The brown hair was pushed back messily and strands of it fell into his eyes at the front. The young man looked at Sora for a long time and his mouth arched up in an impish smile.
Sora gasped. "Taichi?"
"Princess Sora," the young man responded with a curt bow. He stepped away from the shade of the tree.
"Taichi!" Sora cried, for it really was him. The princess ran and threw her arms around him.
"Y-your Highness?" It was the handmaiden. For a moment, Sora had completely forgotten about her. The princess turned and saw the attendant, standing a few feet away, looking uncertain of what to do. The handmaiden's eyes went from Sora to Taichi, and back.
Sora let go of Taichi with a blush of embarrassment. To the attendant, she said, "You may go."
The handmaiden stared at the young man. Then, with a curtsy, the girl retreated back in the direction of the castle.
Sora turned back to Taichi again. "When did you arrive?" the princess asked excitedly.
"Only a few moments ago," Taichi replied.
"Oh." Sora became uneasy at her next question, but decided to ask anyway, "And? Is he here, too?"
"Allemar died a year ago," Taichi responded curtly.
The warnings to keep away from Allemar and anyone associated with the sorcerer rang in Sora's ears. But now that Allemar was deadand that was the truth, wasn't it? Yet, how could she be sure that Taichi wouldn't lie to her?
He wouldn't, she told herself intently.
Besides, with Taichi now standing in front of her, Sora found it hard to doubt him. Even if he had been with Allemar all these years, nothing had changed.
"I have nothing to do with Allemar anymore," Taichi was now saying. "So I came back here."
"How did you get in?" Sora asked. It wasn't an important question, but she wanted to know out of curiosity.
Taichi grinned. "I proclaimed myself as Lord Tai of one of the estates from neighboring Ishida, come to seek your hand in marriage."
Sora felt her face grow hot. "I see."
Seek her hand in marriage? Was it for real? Or was that just something Taichi had said so the guards would let him in?
Suddenly, Sora felt herself being pulled closer to Taichi. Surprised, she suddenly found herself in his embrace.
"I've missed you," he said. His chin touched her hair.
Sora didn't know what to say. To be honest, she felt a little uncomfortable. She was sure there had been a strange glint in his eye seconds before. There was something in it that she did not like.
Taichi leaned close so that his lips were to her ear. She heard him whisper; "Did you miss me?" Slowly she felt his lips slide to her mouth. To her surprise, Sora struggled. She broke free of Taichi's grasp, gasping and blushing. Taichi stared at her, expressionless.
"I-I've got to get back to the castle now," Sora blurted. "M-maybe we'll see each other again." And without waiting for a response she turned and ran.
* * *
Sora stared at the ceiling of her canopy bed. She had been lying there for hours. The same thought kept running over and over in her mind. What had just happened in the garden? That wasn't the sweet, innocent Taichi she had once known. That had been someone else down there with her. Someone she wasn't sure she liked. SomeoneSora's thoughts trailed off. She remembered the menacing, conniving look in Taichi's eye before he had pulled her to him. Had she been wrong, after all? Had Taichi changed?
"No," Sora said aloud. "He" But she couldn't think of any reason for his odd behavior. The thought of Taichi wanting to marry her briefly crossed her mind. "He'll explain himself," Sora assured herself. "He will."
* * *
That night at dinner, Sora couldn't help but steal looks at Taichi. He sat not too far away, at the table for Sora's suitors. He didn't seem to notice Sora's glances. So far, Taichi did not appear to be any different. He smiled and nodded his head slightly if someone tried to strike up a conversation with him. In other words, he didn't seem to be saying much.
"Dearest?" Her mother's voice startled the princess and she jumped in her seat.
"Yes?" Sora said, turning her attention on her mother. But the Queen didn't respond. Her eyes had followed Sora's gaze until they settled on Taichi. With a slight smile, the Queen said nothing more and turned back to talking to one of the court nobles.
Sora guessed what the Queen was thinking, and a knot twisted in her stomach. Let her mother think what she wanted. Sora's attention fixed on Taichi again. He was staring into space, his face barren of all expression. The young man's features were half in shadow, giving him an almost sinister look.
Abruptly, there was a sudden flurry of motion and an elbow knocked over Taichi's goblet, causing dark wine to splatter all over Taichi's clothes.
Sora gasped as she watched Taichi's face change.
From blank and emotionless, the young man's expression contorted into one of absolute fury. His eyes turned almost black and his lips drew back in an ugly snarl. Sora trembled in her seat. The man who'd knocked over Taichi's goblet didn't seem to notice Taichi's change of expression at all. He had probably drunk too much wine and in his stupor, was oblivious to everything. Still with his darkened expression, Taichi got up from his seat and left the hall.
And in that moment, Sora knew that this was not the Taichi she had known.
__________
Sora looked out sadly across Takenouchi Lake. It wasn't far from the castle, yet her parents still required six handmaidens to accompany her there for safety. Only a few days had passed since that truth-revealing night. Taichi had changed and the fact lay heavy upon Sora's heart. Allemar must have had a part in it. She hated the sorcerer now, more than ever. What he had done to Taichi, she didn't know, but she wondered if the old Taichi would ever come back.
Sora's autumn-colored hair danced in the spring breeze and the white material of her simple gown fluttered behind her. Her six handmaidens followed the princess in a quiet, reserved train. Sora raised a hand to brush the white hair ribbon away from her face.
"Princess." One of Sora's handmaidens tugged at Sora's sleeve and pointed to a figure a hundred paces in front of them, standing by the lake.
It was Taichi.
A surge of fear rose within Sora. Even though the young man had once been her friend, he frightened her now and she had no idea what to expect from him. Sora wanted to turn away, to run back to the castle, but Taichi had already spotted her. She felt his eyes upon her and knew he wanted her to come to him. She had no other choice, but to obey.
Sora took a step. Something was drawing her to Taichi, something not of her will. Something that felt like magic. But she didn't resist.
When Sora reached him, she said nothing and averted her eyes.
"The weather is fair today," Taichi said pleasantly.
"Yes." Sora knew that behind the cheerful mask was only a poor replica of the real Taichi. Desperately, she wanted a wisp of the old Taichi to resurface. She wanted him to be kind and playful again. She wanted him to have that blissful, almost ignorant, freeness he had once had about his presence. The emotions welled up so fast that Sora had to bite down on her lip to keep the tears from coming.
"And the lake is fair too," Taichi went on.
"Yes, it's beautiful," Sora responded mechanically.
"But the princess is fairer." Sora tensed at the words. She stood there dumbly, even as Taichi reached out a hand and tilted her chin up. The princess looked into his eyes and forced down a shiver. There was only emptiness.
Despite the fact that Sora's handmaidens were now murmuring and whispering behind their hands, Taichi continued, "Do you love me, Sora?"
The princess was startled at this forward question. "I" she bit her lip, unable to think of an answer, "I"
"Will you marry me?"
Sora turned away. "I cannot marry someone I do not know," she whispered.
Taichi took the princess by the shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "What are you talking about?" He laughed harshly. "I know you love me, Sora. From the first day we met. Don't try to fool me."
There was a pause before Sora painstakingly said, "I cannot love someone I do not know."
She felt Taichi's grip on her shoulders tighten. She looked at the ground.
Taichi put his face close to Sora's. "You do love me and you will marry me," he hissed. Then, he leaned forward and forced a kiss on Sora's lips.
Sora struggled violently and then wrestled out of Taichi's grasp. Her handmaidens grouped around her, ready to protect their princess. But Sora pushed herself to the front. "What has happened to you, Taichi?" she cried. Her shoulders throbbed from the young man's rough hold. "What has Allemar done to you?"
Taichi's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You have no right to talk about my master," he said darkly.
"What has he done?" Sora screamed.
Taichi's eyes were now narrow slits. His fist was balled up, and he shook in anger. "You will be silent!" he shouted. A burst of Dark exploded from him, enveloping the princess and her handmaidens. He heard them cry out, but then the sound was quickly silenced. When the dark haze finally cleared, he saw that in place of seven maidens were now seven swans.
Taichi took a step back in horror.
The white swans looked about each other in a dazed manner, but the one at the front of the group looked at Taichi sorrowfully. Then, with a flutter of white feathers, she turned and took flight, skimming across the surface of the lake. The six other swans followed. Soon, all of them were but tiny specks in the sky. All that was left was a white hair ribbon that was now slowly drifting to the ground before Taichi's feet.
Taichi stared at the ribbon. He had done it. It was his fault. He had turned the princess and her companions into swans
A cruel smile slowly spread across his lips.
Now, you are truly mine, Princess.
Scooping the ribbon into his palm, Taichi strode away from the lake and disappeared into the woods.
~~~~~~~~~~
Sora awakened from her memories at the soft call of her name. "Yes, Miyako?"
Miyako was her head handmaiden. During the two years of their imprisonment, the two girls had grown close.
"Someone is coming," Miyako said softly. Sora detected the fear in her voice.
The princess cocked her head and listened. Miyako was right, there were footsteps heading their way.
And Sora only knew of one person who visited them during this time of the night.
Taichi.
Author's Note: Whoa, I am way too fond of flashbacks! X_X If you've read my other fics, you'll know what I mean. And this is not a Taichi-bashing fic. Got it? Good. ^_^