Takato Matsuki, a soldier in the Senshi Army, was packing his belongings into a pouch. 'Why do I have to go to this camp? And leave Jeri behind? It's all too much too fast…' he thought as he packed. He heard the entrance to his tent brush open but he didn't look up. "Takato… what are you doing?" a sweet voice asked. Takato sighed. It was Jeri. He stood up straight and turned to face the young girl he loved. "Jeri… I'm packing," he simply said. Jeri's soft brown eyes were suddenly stricken with pain. "You're… you're leaving me?" she asked slowly. Takato nodded sullenly. Jeri burst into tears. "You're leaving because you don't love me anymore, right?" she cried. Takato's eyes went wide. "Jeri! That's not true!"
Jeri glared at Takato. "You're lying. Of course that's why you're leaving. Why else would you!" she yelled before turning on her heel to leave. Just as she took a step, she felt a gentle hand land on her shoulder and she paused. Much to her surprise, she heard the pain in Takato's voice when he spoke. "I'm leaving… because I have to go to war," he whispered. Jeri gasped and turned around to face the young man. "No! You can't go! You'll be killed!" she exclaimed frantically. Takato put a finger on her lips to silence her. "I'll come back… I promise," he said softly.
These words comforted Jeri. She knew she could trust Takato to keep a promise of his. Still, her tears flowed freely. "You better…" she whispered as Takato pulled her into a tight hug. The strong arms around her comforted Jeri even more and she sighed softly, burying her face into Takato's shoulder.
Suddenly, the captain of the army shoved aside the entrance cloth to the tent and stepped inside. "Takato… we're leaving now. Say your good-byes now," he said before stepping out again. Takato sighed painfully. "Jeri… if I don't come back-" Jeri silenced him. "Shush… you will come back. You will," she said before letting him go. Takato kissed her quickly before grabbing his sack and running out of the tent before he began to have second thoughts.
Takato came up to Kazu and Kenta, both his friends. "You ready to go, buddy?" asked Kenta. Takato nodded, noting the sadness in Kenta's voice but not paying much attention to it. The three boys jumped onto their horses' backs and rode off to join the rest of the army group.
The group rode for almost three months. Takato sent Jeri a letter every day, telling her of that day's occurrences. He would sometimes get a letter from Jeri and that always cheered him up, no matter what.
Takato was staring at the stars when the captain called out for camping for the night. Takato sighed and swung off his horse's back. He patted the stallion on the nose before walking off to set up his bed. Takato found a nice spot under a tree and unrolled his blankets and pillow. As he did so, a sharp hawk's cry rang out in the air. He looked up and raised his arm just in time for his red-tailed hawk to land on it. He smiled. "I haven't seen you for three days, Kurai. Where have you been, hm?" he said as he stroked the hawk's back. Kurai nipped his finger affectionately before biting at the letter attached to her leg. Takato smiled even more and removed the letter, unrolling it to read it.
Dear Takato,
It's been so long and I long to see your face again. You're birthday passed two days ago, you know. I'm sorry to have kept Kurai for longer than usual. I needed her for a few errands before I sent her back. I'm sure you'll be overjoyed to see her.
I just recently found out that you will be going to a camp at the actual Palace of Senshi. You'll be able to see Prince Lee and his family! You're so lucky! Well, the Prince should have a gift for you when you arrive. How do you know? You might ask. Well, I have my ways that you don't know of, love. You shall see when you arrive there. The Prince is very kind you know. Well, I shall end here.
Lots of Love, Jeri
Takato was very curious about what Jeri had written and he thought about it as he continued to unpack his stuff. As soon as Takato finished, he yawned and lay down upon the blankets. His eyelids began to droop and he was soon fast asleep, Kurai nestled up in the tree above him.
Takato awoke the next morning and sat up slowly. Suddenly, a realization came to him. "What the! Where is everyone?" He leapt to his feet and looked around frantically. Kurai was awake now and fluttered down to his arm. "Kurai! Look around for anyone!" Takato cried. He shoved his arm into the air, sending Kurai into flight. The hawk flew away to search as Takato had asked her to.
Takato packed his belongings as he waited for Kurai to come back. He rolled and tied his blankets and put away his other belongings. He paused as he reached to put away his dagger and eventually decided to keep it out. After slinging his pouch back on, he ran off to find his horse. He found the stallion tied to a tree, rolling its eyes and jerking against the rope. "Sha, boy!" he cried, trying to calm the horse. The stallion eventually calmed and Takato slipped the rope off it, jumping onto its back. He jabbed his heels into the horse's sides and the horse burst into a straightaway canter.
As Takato rode, he watched for Kurai. After a few minutes, the hawk swooped down and landed on his raised arm. Takato stopped the horse. "Find anything, girl?" he asked the hawk. Kurai let out a soft noise, her way of saying "No." Takato's face fell. "Well… we must continue on. We must arrive at the Palace!" he cried before digging his heels into the stallion's sides once more, running off into the noon sunlight.
Takato rode for two days without stopping. He knew the way to go but there was also a stop he had to make before he went to the Palace. A stop he had planned on making since the day he left for this camp. He soon spotted a cave ahead of him. "There! Kurai! Go ahead and alert Guilmon that I'm here so that he'll be ready!" he cried. Kurai flew farther ahead. Takato heard her scream for Guilmon then saw the red Digimon come out of the cave. Takato rode up to the Digimon. "Takato-mon!" cried Guilmon. "Yeah, it's me. But, we have to leave now, Guilmon. We need to get to the Palace. You ready for a good run?" said Takato briskly. Guilmon nodded and they took off once more.
After another three days of running and taking breaks, Takato finally caught sight of the Palace. "We're here!" he yelled joyously. He stopped his horse at the Palace gate and jumped down before the guards. "I'm here for the army camp," he said to them. They nodded and opened the gates for him. He bowed and led his horse and Guilmon into the Palace, Kurai on his arm. The four of them walked down the streets, looking around at the large buildings and homes. Takato longed to go to the market and get some food for he had not eaten in a week or so, but he knew he had to get to the palace as soon as possible. So, he sped up the pace and walked to the stables.
At the stables, Takato was overjoyed to see Kazu and Kenta's horses. He put his horse into a stall and gave him some water and hay. Guilmon poked one of the cats in the stable and it scratched his hand. Guilmon yowled and Takato smiled softly. "Oh Guilmon… when will you learn to leave kitties alone?" he inquired. Guilmon didn't respond, just stared at his bleeding hand. Takato took out a bandage and wrapped it around the scratch marks. "Now come on. We need to get to the Palace now."
Takato approached the huge doors of the Palace and stretched towards the huge knocker. He couldn't reach it. He sighed and stretched again, managing to make it slam against the door slightly, just enough to catch someone's attention inside. The huge doors open majestically and Takato walked inside, followed by Guilmon.
Takato was surprised to bump into a young girl, maybe around five. "Hello! I'm Suzie! What's your name?" asked the young girl. Takato blinked. "I'm Takato Matsuki… I'm here for the training camp," he replied slowly. Suzie nodded. "I thought so. My big bwother is commanding that. Want to go to him?" she asked. "Uh… sure," replied Takato. Suzie grabbed his hand and began to drag him to a room. Guilmon followed close behind.
Suzie giggled, stopping in front of another huge set of doors. She knocked on the doors before pushing them open. "Lee! Someone here to see you!" she called cheerily. Takato came into the room slowly after Suzie. Just then, a boy Takato's age turned around, gray eyes piercing and looking slightly annoyed. "Suzie… how many times have I told you that it's rude to interrupt?" said Lee coolly. Suzie blushed slightly. "Sowwy… but he is here for the training camp," she said, pointing at Takato.
Lee's eyes moved to Takato, the rest of his body unmoving. He looked Takato over. "A fine warrior, he'll make," he said finally. Takato smiled firmly. "Thank you, sir," he said, bowing slightly. Lee smiled approvingly. "Do you speak Japanese, Mister…?" Lee paused. "Matsuki. Takato Matsuki. And yes, I do, sir," answered Takato. Lee nodded appreciatively. "Then you wouldn't mind helping me discuss a small matter I am dealing with, would you?" he asked. Takato looked shocked. "Well, sir… I wouldn't mind at all," he stammered.
Lee led Takato over to a small table. An older man stared at Takato. "Father, meet Mister Takato Matsuki. He has agreed to help," said Lee. His father nodded. "Very well," he said. Takato knew he had to bow, so he did. Lee cleared his throat before speaking. "You see, our latest group for the camp has a missing member. They want to form a search party, but there are few who can leave. I wished to go, but some disapprove of this," Lee shot a glance at his father, "We need to figure out who this young man is but there are no records and the trainees have no time to be asked." Takato couldn't help but to laugh. "I can figure that out right here and now," he said. Lee looked skeptical. "Oh?" He replied.
Takato nodded. "Oh yes. The missing person is me. I was separated from my group out in the desert. I have traveled many days with my Digimon, my horse, and my hawk," he said. Lee smiled. "Well, well. That was solved very quickly. You have a Digimon, you said?" Takato nodded. He motioned to Guilmon. Lee walked over to Guilmon and smiled even more. "Oh… he's amazing…"
A huff came from the ceiling. "And I'm not?" A green and white rabbit-type Digimon landed on Lee's head. Lee laughed. "Oh Terriermon. Of course you're amazing!" Lee exclaimed. He and Terriermon both laughed. Suddenly, there was a knock on the doors. Lee turned. "Come in."
The doors opened and a young man stood there. "Ryo!" Takato cried. Ryo looked at Takato. His eyes went wide. "T-Takato!! I thought you were lost!" He ran over to his younger friend. "Was, my friend. Was lost. Now found," said Takato. Lee cleared his throat. "Ryo, do you have a message for me?" he asked. Ryo nodded. "The camp is ready to move on," he said. Lee nodded. "You will move on to the camp area tomorrow morning," he answered. Ryo nodded, waved to Takato, and walked back out.
Lee turned to Takato. "Why don't you come with me and we'll get you registered for the training?" he said. Takato nodded eagerly. Lee smiled and walked out, Takato at his side. They walked down a few corridors and up two sets of stairs. Takato was slightly worn out by the time they arrived at the registration room. "Here we are," said Lee as he opened the doors.
As soon as he looked inside, Takato gasped. "Jeri!" he cried. Jeri turned and her face turned into shock. "Takato…" she whispered. She ran to Takato and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Takato held her close to him, whispering about how much he had missed her. Jeri cried into his shirt, listening to his sweet words. Lee smiled softly. "Takato…we need to register you…" he said, reluctant to break the reunion. "Oh…right," Takato said, slowly letting go of Jeri. Jeri waited for Takato to finish before taking his hand once more. "Your Highness, I would like to take Takato to my room, to catch up," she said to Lee. Lee nodded and turned away to talk to the young woman behind a table.
Jeri led Takato down the hall to a set of doors. She opened them, revealing a glorious room to him. His lover, Takato smiling slightly at her strength, pulled him in gently. "Oh Takato…It's been so long…" she whispered, sitting down on the bed. Takato sat beside her. "I know… too long… Almost three months since we have last seen one another. But, now, that loss of time is over… I'm here now," he said. Jeri smiled weakly and Takato pulled her into his arms, onto his lap. Jeri nestled into his shirt as he caressed her face and ran his fingers through her hair. Soon, both of them were fast asleep.
Lee paced in his bedroom. "How am I going to get this to work…?" he muttered softly. He glanced out the window. Darkness had now fallen upon the Palace and fires were going up around the area. He sighed. 'I need to get someone to help me… someone who is willing to help me and won't need to be taken by force of any kind…' he thought as he continued to pace. Then, it clicked. "…Takato."
Takato stirred and awoke in the middle of the night. Jeri had rolled to the other side of the bed, so he got up and stretched. "Sweet dreams, love…" he whispered as he leaned down, kissing Jeri's cheek before he left the room silently.
Creeping down the hallway, Takato began to explore the Palace. He poked into many rooms, eventually finding a huge library. He walked into the library, interested at what it might hold. Curious, he walked down its many isles. "Everything… such wonderful condition… and practically every single book ever written is here…" he whispered as he pulled a book off the shelf. He flipped through its pages, admiring the fine printing and fancy paper. He placed the book back upon the shelf, turning to walk to the next isle. Just as he turned the corner, someone grabbed him, a hand over his mouth, and pulled him into the shadows.
Takato was almost roughly tossed back against the wall. He got to his feet and narrowed his eyes. A sigh came through the darkness and a candle was lit. Takato looked surprised. Lee was standing in front of him, holding the candle in its stand. "I thought you would eventually come, so I waited. I have a favor to ask of you, Takato," he said. Takato tilted his head. "What sort of favor?" Lee glanced around. "I need you to help me get into the camp. Under an alias, anything. I want to fight in the war to help my country," he said quietly, as if to make sure anyone nearby wouldn't hear him.
Takato looked shocked. "But…. But you can't come!" he stammered. "I can too, Mister Matsuki, and I will," Lee replied. "Prince Lee!" Lee sighed. "First thing: call me just Lee. No 'Prince' just Lee. Second: I'm coming and you are helping me get to that camp. Okay?" Takato looked very nervous. "What if we get caught?" he said shakily. "That's just the thing! We won't get caught!" Lee chirped. Takato took a deep breath. "Fine. But what if you get killed? What happens to me?" Lee paused for a moment. Finally he answered, "Wait for my father to come and pray you get a swift death." Takato groaned and fell over. "Why me!"
Chapter One!! This is just the first part. Second chapter coming soon!!!
Akiyama Shadow