AUTHOR'S NOTES AND REVIEWERS
A/N: I don't own anything. Please review! And truthfully, I have no clue where these kingdom names came from…
KoumiLoccness: Yeah, I'm pretty confused with all of the Taiora. This just isn't the site it used to be, but hey, those people will come around eventually. I'm going to enjoy writing this fic as Koumi =] and of course Sorato, Takari, and Kenlie lol.
KEY PLAYERS
Princess Sora Takenouchi - 22, waist long red hair, cinnamon eyes (Agrabah)
Princess Shannon Takenouchi - 11, calf length raven hair, green eyes (Agrabah)
Princess Mimi Takechiwa - 21, mid-back length pink starred hair, honey eyes (Labragray)
Princess Miyako Inoue - 20, waist length lavender hair, maroon eyes (Avetix)
Princess Kari Kamiya - 19, shoulder length light brown hair, chocolate brown eyes (Higsah)
Princess Kayla Kamiya – 10, extremely short raven hair, chocolate eyes (Higsah)
Prince Yamato Ishida - 22, shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes (Rambia)
Prince Takeru Ishida - 19, blonde hair, blue eyes (Rambia)
Prince Taichi Yagami – 22, big and spiky chestnut hair, chocolate eyes (Tiambra)
Prince Jim Kido – 29, forest green hair, navy blue eyes (Toshina)
Prince Jyou Kido - 23, shoulder-length blue hair, navy blue eyes (Toshina)
Prince Koushiro Izumi - 21, spiky red hair, honey eyes,(Kalita)
Prince Iori Hido - 17, dark brown hair, green eyes (Couldem)
Prince Daisuke Motomiya - 19, spiky short maroon hair, dark green eyes (Milando)
Princess Jun Motomiya - 23, waist long maroon hair, dark green eyes (Milando)
Prince Ken Ichijouchi - 20, chin-length blue hair, navy blue eyes (Mikria)
TWO DAYS UNTIL THE TOURNAMENT
A group of young men were gathered around a pool of water. The pool clearly reflected the actions of these men and some of them were clearly not very happy.
"I don't see why only T.K. and I have to go through with this!" Yamato spat angrily.
"Because you two are known for your 'rock star' good looks and we have to at least hide that 'gorgeous' hair of yours," Tai rolled his chocolate eyes.
"He's right, Mattie. You are gorgeous!"
"Seriously, Jun. Knock it off. Why the HELL did we have to bring my sister?"
"Your dad thought it was okay to bring her, but personally I think she will blow the whole operation," T.K. said, his blue eyes full of skepticism.
"Hey, Joe's brother got to come!" Jun pouted.
"Jun, my brother came, because all renowned doctors were invited. He's one of the best, and even Agrabah is smart enough to not let prejudices stand in the way of healing strong men."
Jun looked at Joe with her dark green eyes, lost for words. She usually never won an argument. 'I can't believe my father wants her in my family! I wouldn't wish that on Jim, but there's no way I could stand that. Of course, Jim's never met Jun and he's more patient than I am, but I can't stand Jun! If Jim and Jun get married, will the kingdoms join or will Jim move to Milando and I become the crowned Prince of Toshina? Then Davis would be in my family and I don't even want to think about the kids they'd have….'
"Uh, earth to Joe!"
Tai was waving his hands in front of Joe's face, trying desperately to get his attention.
"Oh, sorry Tai. I must have spaced out for a bit."
"Clearly! We need your help man! Matt won't let us do this!"
"I'll hold him down!"
Matt stopped struggling instantaneously at Jun's volunteering.
"Subtlety must run in the family," Izzy sarcastically observed and rolled his eyes.
"That's better, Matt. This won't take long and it washes right out." Ken smiled, reassuringly.
Tai took some brown goop and rubbed it into Matt's hair. He and T.K. had to darken their blonde hair to prevent any recognition while at the tournament. Some people were making modifications to their hair, but the Ishida brothers had the most drastic. Tai had to tame his hair and pin it down, or back, or in any direction other than out. The Prince of Rambia was notorious for the bush that sat on his head. Luckily, the other princes would be less recognizable, but they still made sure to alter their appearances. Those with long hair pulled half of it up and left half of it down. Those with short hair found hats or wore their hoods constantly. Tai had to tame his hair and both T.K. and Matt had to dye their hair. Matt would wear his hair down; for he refused to pull it back and dye it.
"There," Tai said after a time. He, Izzy, Joe, and Ken backed away to look at Matt. Cody and Davis had taken care of T.K.'s hair. With their disguises set, they made the last leg of their journey to Agrabah.
AT THE AGRABAH PALACE
The palace was in uproar. In less than an hour the palace doors would open to the contestants of the latest tournament but not everything was prepared, including the four princesses.
Mimi was in Sora's chamber with eight servants helping her with her hair and wardrobe. Yolei was not as bad, requiring only four servants. Kari was trying to refuse help from anyone and take care of herself, since Mimi and Yolei required so many helpers; but Sora kept sending her servants to help Kari. Sora hated dressing nicely and doing her hair.
The royal attire was the same for each girl: a strap of cloth across the chest with two straps running around the mid-bicep and low-cut, long pants. The difference in occasion meant different materials and more elaborate clothes. Normally, their clothes were of a breathable, moveable fabric; however, these rather ornate clothes had gems and jewels all over the tops and pants. The other three girls loved dressing lavishly, but Sora couldn't stand it.
Each outfit was made of velvet and each had a sheer train of flowing fabric trailing the floor. Sora's train was the longest out of respect.
"All done! I wish we could dress like this always! Our other outfits look similar, but so bland compared to these!" Mimi beamed.
She was wearing green velvet that complimented her pink hair. Her top had a broach full of emeralds and she had a gold belt across the top of her top and pants. Her jewelry was no less elaborate. She had a golden chain with emeralds, matching earrings and bracelets, and a golden tiara with emeralds. Her hair had been pulled back into a tight bun. Mimi clapped her hands and turned to the others.
"You ladies look so lovely!"
Both Kari and Yolei smiled at Mimi. Sora scowled. They were dressed similarly. The differences were the color scheme. Yolei wore lilac with gems of amethyst instead of emerald. Kari wore pink with spinel (light pink form) gems and her gold was made of white gold instead of Mimi and Yolei's yellow gold. Sora wore a deep red with rubies for her gem with diamond accents. However, her jewelry and tiara were forged from a star that had fallen many years ago in her kingdom. It was a silvery-white color that was more precious than any other metal. Its worth was far greater than any other substance. They called it Mithrilite. Her accessories shone brighter than Mimi, Kari, and Yolei's because of the material it was made of. Once again, Sora's bun had braids incorporated whereas the others had a normal, ballet bun style.
Sora sat with her arms and legs crossed, clearly dressed for the occasion, but clearly resentful of the outfit.
"Ladies, are you ready yet? The doors open in ten minutes! Get out here!"
AGRABAH'S MAIN EVENTS ROOM
Servants, nobility, and royalty were running around trying to fix the preparations for the evening. When Sora, Mimi, Kari, and Yolei entered, the general commotion ceased. The King of Agrabah approached them. His green eyes glistened at the site of his eldest daughter.
"You look so beautiful. You all do. Please, take your seats. We should be opening the doors soon." King Takenouchi held out his arm directing the four of them. He had hoped, along with the other Kings, to have his daughter wed by the end of the month.
They took their seats to the left of the thrones. The parents of the other three were to sit on the right of the thrones. Once everyone was seated, which took a short time considering the number of people that needed to be in place, the door opened.
The sun was setting over a forest in the distance and could be seen through the main doors. Pink, orange, red, and purple streaked through the sky and bathed the chamber in an orange-gold glow. In small groups, the contestants entered. They were dressed well, considering they were all supposed to be high class and a ball was to take place after dinner. As soon as everyone had filed in, the King of Agrabah stood.
"Welcome, friends, neighbors, guests, and contestants! I hope you enjoy your stay in my humble kingdom. Agrabah is at your service while you are here. I wish all of you the best of luck for the tournament! Tomorrow, you will promise yourself to events and will receive your schedules for the week. Tonight, let us feast!"
Servants bustled in with trays full of various foods. In one corner sat eight men. Jun had been left at their campsite with a few soldiers, since it would've been too suspicious to bring her along. The eight men sat happily, munching on bird legs and huge slabs of meat, drinking wine, and enjoying the festivities. There had been entertainment planned: dancers, singers, writers, poets, magicians to name a few of the acts. Joe and Cody found they were talking only to themselves. Tai, T.K., Davis, Izzy, Matt, and Ken were staring at the royalty. Even though Tai and Davis weren't allowed to pursue any of the princesses, they couldn't help but be captivated.
"I don't know which is better, the red or the green," Tai said in awe.
"I'm going with pink," Davis replied.
"You guys aren't going with any," Joe sweat dropped.
"Wow, the Princess of Avetix is beautiful. The lavender hair, lilac clothes, amethyst gens all mesh together wonderfully. So soft, yet so bold."
"Uh, earth to Ken?" Tai snickered.
Ken snapped out of his daze, unaware that he had been speaking and not thinking silently. The others laughed and Ken blushed, but Cody came to his defense.
"Leave him alone guys. All of them, regardless that we are against them, are attractive. Any fool can see that."
"Yes Cody, but we can't be distracted from the mission, for any reason," Izzy reminded them.
"Better remember your own advice, Izzy. You've been staring at Princess Mimi all night."
"Tai, she's pretty, but she's too bubbly. Matt are you sure I was the best match? I very seriously doubt—"
"Izzy, when has Matt ever been wrong about a battle strategy?"
"Fair enough, T.K. I see your point." Izzy bowed his head in T.K.'s direction.
"Matt, are you okay? You've been quiet all night," Joe looked worried.
"Hmm?" Matt asked.
"Dude, are you there? Or are you distracted too?" Tai laughed.
"It's nothing. Just trying to come up with a plan." Yamato smiled.
THE NEXT DAY
Cody and Ken were in the jousting line, Izzy and Joe were in the staff fighting line, Davis and T.K. were in the archery line, and Yamato and Tai were in the sword fighting line. Once they had signed up for their first event, they would switch and register for their second event. Since the news of the new prizes was spread this morning, whoever won wouldn't matter. A herald arrived detailing the new prizes. The princesses would not being granting a kiss to the winners anymore, but to the man that impressed them the most. If this man happened to win, then it was an added bonus for the winner.
"Phew, that means I don't have to lose to my little brother in sword fighting," breathed Yamato.
"That means I don't have to throw every event I'm in!" cried Tai.
As each of the men registered, they switched lines. Matt registered before Tai so he walked over to the archery table. As he did, he accidentally bumped into a young man a head shorter than he was.
"I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," said Matt.
"Yeah, well be careful next time. You're so tall that you should always be looking down to avoid stepping on people!" the young man said lightheartedly. He had a gruffy voice.
Yamato laughed, "I'll take your advice. Archery, eh? Think you're any good with a bow?"
"It's hard to tell which I'm better with, a bow or a sword!"
"I hope to face you in battle, my new friend!" Matt laughed again.
"What is your name?"
"Marcus, and you?"
"Sam," he bowed his head and walked towards the line Matt just exited.
Tai caught up to Matt, "Who was that?"
"Some guy named Sam. He seems really confident, but young and inexperienced."
"Well, let's get this over with. Then there's nothing to do but wait until tonight when we find out what our schedule will look like."
Matt nodded, fighting a vague suspicion he had met that young lad before.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
As Tai awoke, he noticed he was the second last to wake. T.K., Izzy, Joe, Cody, and Ken were already dressed and eating breakfast when Tai woke. Davis, however, was still snoring wildly away.
"Hey, has anyone seen Jun?"
Jun had not been since they arrived in Agrabah and Tai was really worried she would destroy the plan.
"I haven't. She said she was going into town yesterday morning and I haven't seen her since," Joe replied.
"She probably just passed out from shopping," T.K. shrugged.
"Davis! Davis! Davis!"
"Huh? What?" Davis asked groggily.
"Wake up!" cried a small, blue, dinosaur-like creature.
"Veemon, when I tell you to wake me up do it quieter so I can sleep, okay?"
Everyone laughed. The eight of them had brought their creature friends with them, just in case the foretold battle broke out while they had no reinforcements and were weeks from home. Yamato walked in the tent as Davis was sitting down to breakfast.
"Thanks Gabumon. Had you not saved me food, I would've missed out on breakfast!"
Matt patted the head of his wolf-like friend and grabbed a plate from him.
"No problem, Matt. I'd do anything you would need!" Gabumon smiled.
"You guys best hurry. Most of the contestants are already present or have already competed."
"It's unfortunate that the staff fighting is first," sighed Joe.
"Today is preliminaries, tomorrow is staff fighting and jousting, and finally the third day is sword fighting and archery. Luckily they call us to the arenas when we need to be there. Still, staff fighting is first and you four are up soon. I heard your names called."
Izzy looked at Matt, "Why didn't you say so earlier?"
In a panic, the four contestants raced from the tent. Matt laughed, but relaxed for a bit. He wasn't needed until after lunch.
They spent the day in and out of the tent, half getting called for their preliminaries while the other half rested. By the end of the day, not one of them was surprised to discover they had scored high enough to continue. The top 50% of today's contestants would continue to the next couple of days. The rest were cut from the competition. Matt had seen his "new friend" Sam fighting earlier today. He had to admit, even with how young Sam looked, he was quite good.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, Sora had slipped back into her room after the day of preliminaries. She knew her father would discover her secret later, but she didn't care. She had, of course, made the cut to compete in the tournament. She had told Mimi, Kari, and Yolei of her plan and they were to tell her father that she had disappeared for the last day of the tournament and was unable to watch. She strode to her mirror and removed her hood. Her once long and beautiful red hair was now dirty and grungy looking, and short. She had chopped most of it off, so it rested just on her shoulders. She put dirt in her hair to alter the color slightly and kept her hood on. She had a fancy scarf picked out for tomorrow to cover her shortened hair; but today, and the day after tomorrow, she was not Princess Sora. She was Sam of Norrisburg, a nobleman seeking fame and glory at Agrabah's finest tournament.