( I trust you all know the Story line by now! Please review and enjoy!!! )
The Digidestined in tights Part 3
Yamato finished tying up one of the last of Ken's royal guard as Davis and Koushiro unloaded the many bags of gold and handed them to Taichi. The brunette archer was tying them onto the saddlebags of their four horses so they could quickly head back to Sherwood Forest. The young rebel wanted to get out of the quickly, for he knew that more of the prince's knights would be on there way. And he couldn't help but notice that Koushiro was favoring one arm, while Davis's face was bruised.
" I think we have enough for the villagers to last over a week, Yamato. ", Taichi grinned smugly, unable to see the grim look on his companion's face, for the blonde was behind him. " And we'll sure be teaching Ken that he can't stop you no matter how much he is offering for your capture! "
' Why must you remind me? ', the lead rogue thought as he stood up, replacing his sword to it's hilt on his hip. He slowly made his way to his friends and stroked his horse's neck softly. " We best take our leave now, it's almost dark. "
" Yes, and we need to get this gold to the villagers before tomorrow. ", Davis agreed with a grin, even though his cheeks hurt. " Is that all of it, Koushiro? "
" Every last piece, my friend. ", the red head grinned back. They quickly mounted their horses and rode back into the forest ignoring the knights' muffled protest through the gags Yamato had tied around their mouths.
Once back at their camp, Taichi and Koushiro congratulated each other on another job well done, but Davis did not participate in it because he saw the look on Yamato's face. He slowly walked over to him, watching him carefully.
" Are you all right? ", he asked him gently.
" I want you and Taichi to take the gold to the villagers, they need it as soon as possible, and I cannot risk going myself. ", Yamato implied as he slowly began to pull off his tunic and head towards one of the small huts of the camp. " Be careful, the sheriff will be watching for us now. I need some time to think anyway. "
He left them standing there, a bit stunned and speechless for a moment. But then Taichi turned to Koushiro once more. " This is really getting to him now, isn't it? The pressure of this is rising and he is trying to hold it back himself. "
" Nothing like this has happened before. And he never wanted us to get Maid Mimi or Takeru involved, you know that as well as I do, Taichi. ", the red head remarked sadly, his dark eyes wandering back over to the hut. " But there is nothing we can do for him right now, and you'll only make things worse if you do not leave quickly. Here, I will help you put on new disguises. "
* * *
Mimi hurried back to her chambers with Kari on her heals. Sora as waiting inside, pretending to be mending one of the brunette maiden's dresses with a needle and thread. She tossed the garment aside when they rushed inside.
" What is it? ", she asked them. " Is something wrong? "
" Prince Ken has ordered a mask ball for tomorrow night and wishes the entire kingdom to attend! ", Maid Mimi informed her, still a little breathless.
" A royal ball? That is what you're worried about? " Sora almost laughed, but restrained herself, for she knew it would've been rude. " I can assure you, Maid Mimi, a ball will not be a problem for Yamato, or his Merry men. "
" It is not just a ball, my friend, " Kari remarked, a worried look in her brown eyes. " it's that the prince is planning the ball to be a trap for Yamato. He thinks that he can lure him here for the night, and then capture him in front of the entire kingdom! We have to get a message to Sherwood Forest immediately. "
" When has the prince scheduled the party for? ", Sora questioned, nervousness finally creeping it's way into her sturdy form.
" Tomorrow night. I'm afraid we won't be able to get a messenger there in time to warn him! ", Mimi stammered unable to contain her concern. She held her hands over her heart; sure that it would soon beat so fast that it would shatter.
" Wait! Fryer Takeru has not left yet. If we could have him relay the message it may get there in time! ", the red headed rebel exclaimed after a moment. " Maid Mimi you must tell him to find Yamato and warn him! He cannot risk being captured in front of everyone in the land. Takeru has to go now! "
The brunette young woman nodded her head, fighting back the urge to cry. She told them to wait for her here, and that she would return as soon as she escorted the man of the church out. She found Takeru in the main hall, just now getting ready to leave when Koushiro had left hours ago. Maid Mimi pulled him into an empty corridor and told him of the whole situation and of what he must do. Takeru agreed wholeheartedly to find Yamato and tell him of the trap, but what neither of them knew, was that the sheriff had been listening in on them.
Quickly, Sheriff Starmon ran into the prince's chambers, panting and hunched over. Ken soon became impatient with him. " Well? What is it? "
" The-the fryer, Yamato's brother, he got word from Maid Mimi of your plan and is going to warn the rogue! ", the strange looking man rasped in between breaths. His tone was desperate, as if something was wrong.
The prince sneered. " Just as I thought, Mimi is still worrying about her precious Yamato. Well, this will play right into my plan. That rogue will not listen to his brother, and stay away from my ball, he will be coming. He won't disappoint his old flame, or me. Be sure that everything is ready, Sheriff Starmon. "
" Yes, sire! " He quickly bowed and headed out the door, but not fast enough to escape the sound of the prince's evil laughter as it echoed down the hall.
* * *
" Are you sure, Yolei? Why would Ken hold a ball at this point in time? ", Taichi remarked, still in his costume in the humble home. Cody sat next to him while the young girl was throwing some wood onto the fire.
" I overheard the knights on the street a few hours ago. They were putting up royal proclamations saying that the whole kingdom is supposed to attend. ", the brown haired boy explained as he sipped some of the tea Yolei had made. " They seemed very excited about it, as if it weren't going to be an ordinary masked ball. "
" I see. Well, thank you two so much for your hospitality, and your information, but I really must be going. The sheriff starts his rounds again soon, and I believe Davis and I should be gone before then. ", the young rebel implied as he stood up from his chair. He gave Yolei the small bag of gold. " I hope this is enough for now. I'm not sure how long Yamato can fight with a price on his head. "
" But if he doesn't, who will? ", she demanded as he headed for the door. There was a worried look on her face, and he saw it when he looked back.
" The rest of us will, but we need him to lead us. ", Taichi answered.
* * *
It was the middle of the night, and everyone else in the camp had long ago gone to sleep, but the lead rogue was still awake. He was still lying in his bed, staring up at the straw ceiling. His thoughts were wandering, and he was sure that that was what was keeping him awake. ' If only I hadn't gotten Maid Mimi involved. I swore to myself in the beginning that I would keep her out of my war against Prince Ken, but I have broken my promise now. And I have even endangered Takeru as well. '
" Brother? Are you awake? ", a small voice asked from the outside of the small structure. Narrowing his eyes the rogue sat up in his bed, pulling out the dagger he kept under his pillow. He moved towards the entrance soundlessly.
" Takeru, what are you doing here? ", Yamato demanded in a hiss just before his blade had pierced through his younger brother's heart. " I could have just killed you! You shouldn't come here this late at night! "
" I needed to warn you of something, Yamato. Have you heard of the masked ball the prince is holding yet? ", the young fryer asked him in a whisper.
" Yes, Taichi told me of it. ", he nodded. " But what has that to do with you sneaking out here in the middle of the night when the guards are out on patrol? "
" It is a trap, brother! Ken knows you will sneak inside to see Maid Mimi, so he has set a trap for you! You cannot go to the ball! Ken will be waiting for you and if he finds you he will catch you! ", Takeru said, his voice almost hysterical. " Mimi sent me here herself to warn you of his plot. Tomorrow night you must stay here! "
" Takeru, I know that you mean well, but it is my choice wether I will go tomorrow night or not. ", Yamato sighed finally going back into his hut. His brother followed him, determination written all over his features.
" Brother, with the price on your head and Ken's impatience to see you dead you cannot seriously be considering going to the ball. Even if it is a masquerade ball, he will be looking for you. ", the man of the church protested. " He will know that you are coming to see Maid Mimi and have guards around her all the time. "
" I will do as I wish, Takeru. You telling me to stay will only make me wish to go even more! It will give me the normalcy that I crave, and I will be able to see Mimi. Can you truly deny me that, little brother? Can you make me lose a chance to see the woman I love more than any other in the world? "
" Yamato, I just wish for you to be safe. ", Takeru insisted.
" If I choose to go to the prince's ball, then I will be as careful as possible, Fryer Takeru. ", the rogue told him, a tone of finality in his voice. " And if I don't then you will have nothing to worry about. But it will be my decision, not yours. "
* * *
The next evening Taichi discovered the leader of the Merry men in his hut, his hair black and his clothes that of a complete gentleman. He almost laughed as Yamato the put on a mask that was the deepest blue he'd ever seen.
" Are you ready to go, my liege? ", the archer said mockingly. The plan had been set into action then, and being the actor that he was, Yamato would play his part in style. His friends were to be noblemen, and himself, a prince from far off. Takeru had been told to send a message to Mimi of his arrival, but was not told that the prince coming was really the rogue in disguise. They had 'borrowed' a carriage that morning from a fat man on his way through the kingdom, and Davis had volunteered to be the driver, and would never actually get to enter the ball.
" All right, remember, we are only staying until midnight. Any longer and it will be too dangerous for us to try to leave with the other guests, do you all understand? ", Yamato told Koushiro and Taichi as they pulled out of Sherwood Forest and onto the dirt road leading to the palace. " I wish only to see Maid Mimi and then get out of there. We cannot risk anyone being captured. "
" Don't worry so much, Prince Matthew. We simple peasants are taking you to a party, not a court. ", Koushiro grinned, playing along with the costumes and act. " We will not get caught by anyone. We're too smart for Prince Ken. "
As they neared the castle gates, Yamato turned to them one last time. " Now remember they are only on guard for me. If I am discovered, none of you are to blow your own cover, is that clear? If worse comes to worse, I will be the only one taken. I will not tolerate any of you stepping in, no exceptions. "
" If that is the way you want it, my friend. ", Taichi sighed.
They were through the gates in minutes. And in the next few moments, they were escorted into the party by the prince's footmen. Then Yamato ordered them all to spilt up and mingle, for they could not be seen together all night. Adjusting his mask once more, the rogue headed over to the only semi-familiar face he saw.
" Cody, is that you under that disguise? ", he said softly, masking his voice. He met gazes with the young boy and gave him a wink through the eyehole of his mask. A smile crossed his face as the adolescent's eyes went wide in surprise.
" Is that you…. ", he started in awe, his mouth still hanging open.
" Prince Matthew? Of course it is, my young friend. Who else could I be? ", the leader of the rebellion finished for him, just in case. " This is quite a turn out, is it not? And where is the lovely Yolei? Is she not with you? "
" She is over there, Ya- uh, Prince Matthew. ", Cody replied, pointing at a young woman in a lavender dress with her long purple hair up in tight bun.
" Thank you, young man. Please tell her I came by. ", Yamato, using his tainted voice, said as he headed over to another part of the room. The prince was talking with the sheriff and if the rogue were to act as royalty, he had to be around royalty. He forced his face to light up as he approached them. " Ahhh, Prince Ken, and his captain of the royal guard, I'm so very glad to meet you both. It's almost terrible trying to find any familiar faces in this ballroom. You have so many guests! I do hope you remember me, your majesty, although we did meet as young boys. "
" Yes, uh, I'm sure we have. ", the blue haired young man replied as they shook hands, and the sheriff greeted the new comer as well. He looked him up and down and was sure he'd never seen the raven-haired teen before, but for royalty to admit to that was to look foolish. Ken tried to cover that up gracefully, acting as if he were speaking to long lost friend instead of a stranger. " Yet, your name… "
" Prince Matthew, from the kingdom of Trinoidy across the plains and over the mountains in the east. ", Yamato introduced himself, bowing slightly. " It's been many years, Ken. I'm lucky that one of my servants received word when they did, or I never would have made it in time. And what a grand party this is. "
" Yes, indeed. ", the other young man quietly agreed. He turned his gaze from the strange teen to the table not from where he was standing. The prince wanted someone he knew to entertain the somewhat annoying prince from Trinoidy so he could continue his search for the rogue Yamato. He spotted Maid Mimi, talking with her handmaidens and looking utterly bored, and knew he had his way out. " Maid Mimi! Oh, Maid Mimi, can you come here for a moment? "
With a sigh, the young woman led the way over to Ken still looking unimpressed with anything before her. That is, until she saw the boy claiming to be Prince Matthew. Their eyes met, and she swore she knew him from somewhere.
" Mai Mimi, this is an old friend of mine, Prince Mathew of Trinoidy. He has traveled very far to be here tonight. ", Prince Ken implied, hoping to get rid of his new acquaintance. " Could you and your handmaidens show him around please? "
" Uh, yes, your majesty. ", Mimi mumbled, her gaze never leaving Matthew's. He grinned at her, and it sent a thrill down her spine.
" Good evening then to all of you. ", Ken quickly stated as he rushed off. He had to grin to himself as he thought. ' Good, now that fool Matthew will be mesmerized by that young woman's beauty and leave me to my plan. Yamato will not escape this time. I have him exactly where I want him, this time for sure! '
Yamato had to grin to himself as the prince left. The performance he'd just given the wicked teen had worked just as he'd hoped. He was alone with Mimi, almost. Her handmaidens were still with them, but one of them was part of the rebellion, and she would surely know it was him. He turned to Sora. " Dear girl, I do believe we have met before. Why, you must be the famous Lady Sora! "
When her fuchsia eyes went wide, along with Kari's and Mimi's, he gave them the young girl in the yellow dress a private wink. Her smile was that of realization as she whirled around and took Hikari's arm, and pulled her away. " I do believe the prince and Maid Mimi wish to be alone for a while. "
Maid Mimi was a bit disturbed by this, but then Prince Matthew took her hand, and pulled her closer. She was then pressed up against him, a startled look on her face. He whispered in her ear. " Smile, my love, or the prince may wonder if I am who I seem. I know you warned me not to come, but I had to. "
" Ya-Matthew, are you insane? If he knew… ", she hissed.
" I could not bare the thought of missing a chance to see you, no matter what the cost. Besides, Taichi, Koushiro, and even Davis, are here as well, I will be safe. ", he replied, holding her in front of him so they did not have to whisper. " Please, let's not argue. I wish to enjoy what little time I have with you, dearest Mimi. "
" Then dance with me, Matthew. ", the lovely maiden implied as she pulled him to the dance floor. She knew how to go along with the charade despite she knew how dangerous it would be for everyone involved. " You can dance, can you not? "
He grinned at her, wishing they did not have to hide behind masks. He held her as he'd been taught long ago, when he was a noble not an outlaw, and they began to dance with the rest of the couples around them. Over her shoulder, he saw that Koushiro, Takeru, and Hikari were chatting while Taichi and Sora were dancing as well. He then smiled back down at the young woman in his embrace.
" I have missed you, Mimi. ", Yamato remarked softly.
" And I you, Prince Matthew. ", Maid Mimi retorted in her gentle voice. Her brown eyes were locked on his and how she wished they could be closer.
" Sometimes I wish things were they way they were before Prince Ken, before I became a rogue. ", he implied softly. He then turned his gaze from her, and stared only at the floor. " I don't know how you ever forgave me for leaving you. "
" I love you. ", Mimi whispered, cupping his chin with her slender fingers. When their eyes met, he could no longer stand it. He pulled her close and kissed her with all the passion he had been restraining for so long.
There was a sudden shout that made them pull away and they both recognized it to be the prince's voice. He now stood on his balcony, looking over all of his party guests. He grinned down upon them. " I have an announcement for my whole kingdom to hear. We have a special guest with us tonight, one I'm sure you all know. I know you are here, Yamato. Guards, seize him now! "
To be continued: