A/N: Okay, I'm aware that this is confusing. Because of that, I feel that I should tell you a few stats about the characters, so that you can be aware of where your fave character is all this time. Since I don't want to ruin the surprise if you want it to be, if you wish to know this information, highlight the following text! (if not, just ignore it. ^^ It ain't white, so you'd have to just pass it by.)
Tykan
Taichi: The Prince
Hikari: The Princess
Yamato: A Knight
Takeru: A
Koushiro: A messenger
Zunitïve
Sora: The Princess
Miyako: A common farm girl (lives on the edge of both Zunitïve & Tykan)
Ken: A Knight
Davis: A thief, living in a village of Zunitïve
Ærotalla
Iori: The Prince
Joe: A servant
Meritan
Mimi: A
Also, I've altered the ages.
Joe: 16; Tai, Sora, Yamato, Mimi, Koushiro, Miyako, Ken: 15; Takeru, Hikari, Davis: 14; Iori: 9.
Why, you ask? Because there is romance in this fic, and I want them to be a bit older. The only one who hasn't changed is Iori. ^^ Thanks!
Destiny's Path
A young man walked quickly up to where he had been summoned by the King of Tykan. Muttering briefly about his training session being interrupted, the man knocked sharply on the door to signify his arrival. After the traditional mutter of approval, the man was let into the King's chamber, where a golden throne was positioned at the back of the room. On the throne sat the King, of course, as well as the Prince, for some odd reason.
Bowing deeply, the blond-haired man said, Your royal excellency, what is it that I am to do for this kingdom?
Sir Yamato- the man winced at this, because he hated being called by his full name- suited him perfectly fine -there is, as you know, a war brewing between Tykan and Amoritia. We have received official word of our alliance with Zunitïve, but I wish that you would go and help the Zunitïve army out with their training. Matt raised his hand to object, but the King held up his hand for silence. Yamato, I know that you want to stay here with your troops, but it has been said that our Knight training is far better than it is in Zunitïve, and it would be to our benefit for all of the soldiers to be on the same level when war comes to pass.
Matt sighed slightly, knowing that there was no way out of this. As a thought struck him, Matt raised a slight objection. Highness, what about my younger brother, Takeru? I don't want to leave him here alone, after all, his is only fourteen. So, I--
Your brother has been given Knight training as well, am I not correct? the King asked, brown eyes wide.
Well, yes, but--
The King smiled. Then he will join the army for more extensive training while you're away. That way, both of you will be doing your service and watched over, and neither of you have need to worry. The King gestured for the Prince, who stood to attention instantly. Taichi, why don't you go back down to the Knight's training area with Yamato? You've been slacking off on your training as well, and I'm sure that you could use a bit more. Then, looking at Matt once more, the King said, You shall leave tomorrow, Sir Yamato. That'll be all.
All right, your highness. Matt said calmly, bowing. Prince Tai came to join him, and both boys left the room with perfect silence. Once outside of the large chamber, though, it was much different in terms of both noise level and rank.
Tai cracked a smile and hit Matt on the arm briefly. Hey, sorry about the whole Yamato' thing. My father's on this full-name kick, and he just won't give up! I swear, do you know that it took me over an hour to convince him that calling me Tai' when no one else is around is all right? I swear...
Matt smiled slightly at Tai's joke, but he responded with a more serious tone. I really don't want to go off to Zunitïve. Not only is it positively freezing there this time of year, I don't see why it's so important for us to train them. I mean, come on, can't we just send them the training instructions instead? It isn't like they'll instantly mess them up, right?
Who knows? Tai said, taking off the small crown that was laying upon his brown hair, and he ran a hand through the untidy forest. All I know is that we've sent Izzy to go and plee for Ærotalla's alliance in this war.
Matt rolled his eyes. Yeah, well, at least he's going somewhere that's relatively warm. Here in Tykan, the weather isn't all that bad, and the troops are liking the autumn weather. I've heard that's it's even started snowing in some areas of Zunitïve, can you believe that? Rubbing his temples to relieve himself of some stress, Matt continued, saying, The only good thing that's come of this is the fact that now T.K. is guaranteed a spot on the Royal army- not that he wasn't going to be able to before, but I do feel safer knowing that the troops will be watching over my little brother – after all, they know that if they do anything to harm him in any way, I'll-
Yeah, yeah, you'll chop em up into little bits and eat em for breakfast, right? Tai said, smirking. It was a constant joke between the two of them that Matt would seriously harm anyone who tried to even come near his little brother in a dangerous matter.
Remembering that the younger blond boy had disappeared for a half and hour or so the day earlier, Matt smiled and asked, So how's Kari? Is she still sneaking off to that secret place of her's so that she can talk to T.K.?
Tai shrugged. Probably. Kari is positively thrilled that she's found a friend in T.K., because if she hadn't, it would most likely be the death of her- death from boredom. Being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when there's already a prince that's going to inherit the throne, you know?
Matt rolled his blue eyes yet again, Oh, right, like you have it so wonderfully, Tai. I've heard you complaining constantly about how you don't want to learn about battle tactics or negotiating with other kingdoms and stuff like that. Don't say that you're not bored, because although you are busy, you hate most of it, remember?
Tai smirked and laughed, knowing that Matt was right. Glancing up, Tai jerked his face into the emotionless one that a Prince was suppose to have, and he said, Here we are. I'd better go in and start working on my sword fighting, don't you think?
No kidding. Heck, my brother's better than you are, Tai. Matt joked, smiling.
Tai objected as Matt began to walk away. Your brother's a natural at sword fighting; I actually have to work to get the stupid thing to go where I want it to. As Matt laughed, Tai frowned and asked, Where are you going, anyway?
To start packing. Matt responded quietly, moving further away. I have to be ready to go early tomorrow, if I want to make it to Zunitïve before dark. Tai nodded and went into the training area, so he didn't hear what Matt said next. It was soft, but the blond haired boy murmured, And even then, it's going to be a hassle... why couldn't some one else have been chosen for this?
Shaking his thoughts away, Matt continued to walk towards his home, where he'd begin packing for the day ahead of him.
So, what have you heard about the treaties of alliance, Hiro? an older Mamoru asked the tall, blond man, who was standing by the pillars in the main hall.
Hiro raised an eyebrow at the sandy haired man before responding, Like I predicted, Zunitïve has created an official alliance with Tykan, and we both know that Amoritia and Meritan have been allies for quite some time now. It's going to be a hard war.
Mamoru nodded. The Queen's thinking of allying with Tykan, isn't she?
Of course she is. Hiro responded, a sneer in his voice. Brown eyes flashing, the blond man could only say, I advised her against it, but her Royal Highness was insistent. If only I could get rid of her, I swear I'd--
Are you suggesting a betrayal of our kingdom, Hiro?! Mamoru gasped, his blue eyes going sharp with distaste. You know that I'd stand by you for everything, cousin, but the betrayal on the Queen is too much. We'd be thrown out of Ærotalla, and personally, I don't want to leave this kingdom. Our family has leave here for too long for us to mess things up for them!
Hiro rolled his eyes, a sly smile creeping onto his thin face. I'm not speaking of betraying the Queen openly- moreso, I'm speaking of getting rid of her'. If there is no Queen, there is no one else to make the decision, correct? But, as the Queen's advisor, I'd be able to step up and make an alliance with Amoritia easily...
As he realized what Hiro was talking about, Mamoru jerked and looked around, making sure that no one had heard a thing that his older cousin had uttered. After making sure that, in fact, the coast was clear, Mamoru lowered his voice, and asked, But what about the Prince, Hiro? If the Queen was to be- he stuttered on these next words, -to be killed, wouldn't Prince Iori be the person in charge of making an alliance?
Hiro smiled once more, and Mamoru shivered from the act. Well, then, I suppose that we'd have to get rid of the Prince while we were at it, now wouldn't we?
From those last words, all that was left in the hall was a stunning silence, as both men ceased to speak.
You want me to WHAT, Mother? the young girl asked, outraged at her mother's proposition. I can't believe that you'd even suggest something as preposterous and inconceivable as that!
Her mother frowned. Believe it, child.
Sora's argument faltered for a moment as she tried to think of something to say. After all, as the only daughter of the King and Queen of Zunitïve, shouldn't she have a little say in what she did with her life? What her mother was suggesting her to do at that moment was simply aggravating, and she, as the Princess, would not stand for it!
Sora clenched her fists, and unlikely thing for a Princess to do, but she was desperate. Mother, I don't care at all about this alliance you wish to make. I am not marrying the Prince of Ærotalla!
Sora, dear... her mother, Queen Arianna, said, standing up and coming towards her. I know that it's against your wishes, but we need Ærotalla's alliance in the war that is to come. Sora, you must understand that marriage is the easiest way to create a steady and sure alliance, and Ærotalla has a prince. You're a princess, aren't you?
Have Princess Hikari of Tykan marry him, then! Sora retorted, brown eyes flashing.
her mother warned, silent saying that rage wasn't going to help. Princess Kari cannot marry as of now, because the laws of her kingdom forbid her to to marry until she is fifteen years of age. However, in Zunitïve, I had the right to betroth you when you turned twelve, you see? And Ærotalla allows the children to marry when they're eight. It works out.
It was her mother's wording on the last sentence that worried Sora. Frowning, the princess asked, Mother, how old is the Prince of Ærotalla?
Her mother bit her lip slightly, and paused before answering. He's nine, Sora.
A NINE YEAR OLD?! Sora gasped, again mortally outraged. That's going too far, Mother! I didn't want to marry in the first place, but especially not to a person who is SIX YEARS YOUNGER THAN I! Mother, please, I'm only fifteen.
Sora, you shall stop your yelling this INSTANT! the Queen snapped, and Sora fell silent, although she was still filled with irritation and loathing. Quietly, her mother continued. Prince Iori of Ærotalla is the only heir to the throne, and his father died three years ago. His mother cannot continue to rule the kingdom for much longer, and despite the coming war, a marriage is necessary. It's a perfect time to propose, seeing as there are benefits for both sides- Ærotalla's future King has married and is prepared for ruling the kingdom, and Zunitïve and Ærotalla are allies in the upcoming war. Her mother paused, and Sora attempting to object to this proposal.
Holding up her hands for silence, the Queen continued in the same calm voice as before. Sora, you and I are going to start our journey to Ærotalla tomorrow, and we will offer the proposal of marriage. I'm sorry if you don't like this, but it's settled. Now go to your room.
But, Mother-! Sora began, eyes wide in horror.
Sora, go to your room, or I shall have a servant escort you there. her mother repeated calmly, and Sora glared at her silently. Then, just as quietly, the auburn-haired girl turned heel and walked briskly away from the Queen's chambers. It was a small walk from the chambers to her room, and Sora arrived in the large room in a matter of seconds, slamming the door behind her.
Throwing herself on the bed and crying into her pillows, Sora muttered to herself, Why?! Why should I have to marry a stupid little Prince for some stupid alliance for a stupid war?! I don't want to marry at all -- not at all... never... Eventually, Sora had cried herself out, and she had no more tears to shed.
Suddenly, though, an idea burst in her mind like a bubble, and she sat up straight in her bed. The obviousness of the situation made her smile, and she simply sat there, thriving in her wondrous thought. Maybe... just maybe... It was so simple...
All she had to do was run away...
Izzy – formally known as Koushiro Izumi, of course, but Izzy to his friends – entered the palace of Ærotalla, after traveling through the busy city before it. Frowning slightly as he remembered the land, Izzy couldn't help but scorn slightly at the condition that the streets of Ærotalla were in, but then again, who was he to judge? Maybe he was biased towards Tykan; who knew?
All that Izzy knew was that he had been sent to Ærotalla on a mission of peace – aka, he was the messenger for the kingdom of Tykan, and was about to plead for an alliance with Ærotalla, because the war with Amoritia was drawing closer, and they needed to have this kingdom on their side if they were to win. Briefly remembering that since the King's death, Ærotalla was ruled by Queen Minako, until the Prince was ready to run the kingdom on his own. Izzy frowned at this as well – why was the Prince unable to become King?
Izzy hadn't even been aware that there was a Prince in Ærotalla, much less the reasoning behind the Queen ruling, but it was strange. After all, a Queen's job wasn't to rule the kingdom in her completeness – although, yes, she was to share the job with the King – moreso, the Queen was to make her kingdom stay together, much like a mother would her children in the same case. The King was to plan war and Knight training, and the Queen was to oversee the kingdom's heath and well-being. It is how it has always been. But with the Queen ruling over everything, the city has obviously suffered some, and it wasn't as strong as Tykan was.
Or maybe Izzy was simply biased towards Tykan.
He had every right to be, of course. Not only was Tykan the city he had grown up in, it was also, in Izzy's opinion, the kindest. While Ærotalla and even Zunitïve were kind of cold towards strangers, Tykan seemed to welcome them with open arms. Also, it was the friendliness of both the Knights and the Royal Family. Izzy, for one, knew both the Prince and the Princess quite well, and they were both very easy-going, and not at all stuffy or snooty, as the stereo-typed opinion was.
Although, maybe that was simply because of his connection with the Royal Family.
After his parents had died when he was just a baby, the King and Queen had taken Izzy to be in their home. After all, his father had been the Royal advisor to the King, and it wouldn't be right to let the Advisor's child to be let out unto the streets- by the King's point of view. So Izzy had grown up amongst the royalty that was usually only presented to the Prince and Princess, but he had always known his place. Being underneath the Royal Family was never a problem for Izzy, because Taichi, who was the Prince of Tykan, had always treated him as a best friend of the sorts, anyway. He, Tai, and Matt created quite a team when trying to figure out puzzles of the kingdom, and the like.
What had been found strange – but likely, according to Tai – was that Izzy didn't want to be in the Royal Army, as Matt was. Moreso, he liked to be the one who brought word of events that other kingdoms should be aware of, such as festivities, balls, or – like he was today – treaties. It was a strange job to want to take on – after all, people usually aren't willing to be the messenger – but Izzy found it suiting, as he liked to travel to other kingdoms, and he had somehow been possessed with the strange talent of horseback riding.
Breaking out of his thoughts, Izzy came to notice that he had arrived at the front of the castle, and he gazed at it in approval. It wasn't as large as Tykan's castle, of course, but it held quite a mysterious and humble look to it, and that made it seem quite welcoming. Nodding down at the guard, who had come up to him as he walked towards the entrance, Izzy said, I am here to bring a message from the kingdom of Tykan, sir. I do believe that the Queen knows of my coming.
The guard nodded silently, and ushered for Izzy to follow him. As they entered the grand palace, Izzy couldn't help but stare in awe at the magnificent portraits that lined the walls. In Tykan, many of the paintings were of war and action, and were usually quite dark-colored, but in Ærotalla, many of the paintings were of lakes and parks, and light-colored things like flowers. Apparently, this kingdom treasured keeping the peace, and didn't focus a lot of being stronger than the rest.
Izzy came to realized that he was looking at the paintings as they had moved on, and the duo was now standing before what Izzy believed to be the Queen's chambers. As the door was opened for him, Izzy nodded to the guard politely and made his way in, clutching the plee for an alliance in his right hand. Bowing stiffly to the Queen, he paused and waited for the permission to speak before her.
The lady, Queen Minako, smiled, and Izzy saw that she had long brown hair, and bright green eyes. You may speak, messenger.
Thank you, madam. Izzy found himself saying, and he held out the document that he was holding. I am Koushiro Izumi, the messenger for Tykan, as you may know. The kingdom of Tykan would like to ask for an alliance with Ærotalla in the coming war, as the problem with Amoritia and Meritan is becoming quite large. I know that Zunitïve, a country that has agreed to ally with us, is in full support of our decision to ask for your alliance, and our kingdom would appreciate your support to no end.
I see. the Queen replied calmly, and she asked, I am quite unaware of the actual roots of the war, and why Amoritia has grown so incompetent with your kingdom, Koushiro- it is all right if I call you Koushiro, right?
Yes, m'am, that is perfectly fine. Izzy replied, although he greatly disliked his full name. But still- he couldn't exactly ask her to call him Izzy, now could he? Preposterous.
Queen Minako smiled. Well then, Koushiro, I was curious about why Amoritia has gone to such trouble to plan an attack on Tykan, a kingdom which everyone knows is one of the strongest in war. Was it a civil manner, or perhaps a trading disagreement? I apologize for my bluntness, but I do not want to send my kingdom into war unless I know that it can be avoided.
I understand your concern. Izzy said calmly, nodding his head as he realized that the woman made a lot of sense. There are many factors in this war that I am unaware of, but the main reason behind it is that Amoritia wishes to take a grand majority of Tykan's land, and turn it into training ground and housing for their soldiers. Now, considering that most of that land is farming area for Tykan's farmers, as well as a few of them in Zunitïve, we couldn't have that.
The Queen fell silent for a moment, and Izzy felt sudden anxiety course through his body. What if he wasn't able to create an alliance with Ærotalla? He couldn't let the Tykanian kingdom down like that... As you can see, Queen Minako, Tykan wouldn't have even thought of going to war over some trivial matter like an emotional disagreement, but we simply can't allow Amoritia to put so many of our people out of work, and you see--
I understand, Koushiro. the Queen said softly, and Izzy fell silent. After a few more moments, she said, I will need some time to think this proposition over. In the meantime, I will arrange a place for you to stay the night- after all, you can't hope to travel all the way back to Tykan tonight. As for my decision, I will speak to you after dinner about our kingdom's choice in the manner – we are having a small banquet, in fact, why don't you come?
I shall, Queen Minako. Izzy replied calmly, his heart beating slower than it had been only seconds earlier.
the woman said in response, and then her eyes lit up. As a matter of fact, why don't you have the Prince lead you to where you'll be staying? I doubt you've ever met him. From the expression on her face, Izzy could tell that if she could, the Queen would place her son on a stand, and place him in the front hall, where she could show him off to all who came to Ærotalla's palace. Izzy knew that kind of expression, the one where it shows absolute pride- he saw the King of Tykan giving it to Prince Tai all the time. Snapping out of his thoughts once again, Izzy realized that the Queen had called in a servant to tell her son to come in, and that was when he first saw the small boy.
Right when the Prince arrived in the room, Izzy instantly knew why the queen was running the kingdom instead of the prince, as it should be. After all, Izzy had assumed that the child was around fourteen or so, as he was, when it would be perfectly acceptable for the Prince to rule. But as Izzy saw the child, he could tell that the boy couldn't be more than ten years old. The child was small and thin, but he had a certain look to him that showed that he could handle himself – if he hadn't, him being Prince would have been almost laughable. He seemed to have darker hair and eyes than his mother, although the hair was still brown, and the eyes were still green. As he saw Izzy, he walked over and bowed slightly, his face a little nervous.
the small boy said quietly. My name is Iori.
Izzy smiled at the calm voice. He sure as heck wasn't Tai... My name's Koushiro, but you can call me Izzy if you wish.
The Queen smiled at their meeting, and she said to Izzy, All right. Iori will show you to where you'll be staying, and I'm sure he'll show you around the palace if you wish. Isn't that right, Iori?
Yes, mother. Iori replied quietly.
As the two of them left the room, Izzy waited until the door was closed before stating, You sure don't act like a Prince.
I am, though. Iori replied calmly, looking up at Izzy. You come from Tykan, don't you? Over there, everyone is very easy-going; my father told me so before he died. They all have a kind of ease in each other, because they know that they're the most powerful county, aside from Amoritia, and until now, not even Amoritia has challenged them. It's different here, because we don't have ultimate ruling powers. Unlike Tykan, even the Queen is humbled because she isn't truly a ruler: she's a server. She serves the kingdom, and when I'm old enough, I will. So being humble is something that I must learn.
Izzy simply raised an eyebrow. True, the Prince did have a point, but Izzy couldn't help but feel that he was a bit sheltered in the ways of the kingdom. Don't you ever get out and meet the people? The reason that Tykan is so easy-going is because we know about our kingdom, and we can adequately suit them.
the small boy began, blushing slightly. I never go out to meet anyone, truthfully. My mother is over-protective of me- but for good reason. Before my father died, we went out often, but now that I'm the only one waiting to take the throne, Mother doesn't want to risk my getting hurt, you know? Because, well-
Because you're all she has? Izzy interrupted, feeling a wave of sympathy for the small boy. Truth be told, the young Prince had a lot of pressure placed on him at such a young age, and it was obvious that he didn't interact with very many children his own age. I understand her motives, but you should get out into the open. The kingdom will only worship an invisible king for so long.' Izzy quoted, remembering what he had heard from the King of Tykan.
Iori gave Izzy a look of slight resentment. I'm not saying that we hide out in the palace like hermits, Izzy. I go to many other kingdoms, but I simply don't go to places where it might be dangerous. Mother goes out into the city constantly to talk to the people, but she doesn't feel that it would be safe for me. I am only nine, you know.
So he was nine, not ten. Well, it was a close enough guess. After Iori had said his piece, Izzy reacted instantly, saying, Hey, hey, I wasn't accusing you. Sorry, bout that. I guess I'm just trying to be a counselor again- Tai always told me that it would blow up in my face someday, and I guess that today is that day.
Iori looked up at Izzy, a curious spark in his emerald green eyes. Tai? As in, Prince Taichi, or some other Tai?
Prince Taichi. Izzy responded calmly, shrugging. He hates being called Taichi, though, says its--
a voice called, and both Iori and Izzy turned to see a tall servant boy walking towards them, rag in hand. Izzy could see that his blue hair was a bit tangled, but it was the most interesting shade of hair that Izzy had ever seen, that's for sure. Hey, didn't you say that you were going to help me out with grooming the horses today?
Oh, Joe, I'm sorry, I forgot! Iori said, apparently very embarrassed. If you just wait a moment, I'll go change into some more appropriate clothes, and I'll meet you out there! Turning to Izzy, Iori bowed slightly again, and said, You're room is just down the hall, third door to the left. I apologize about having to leave, but I promised Joe that I'd help him out, and that was before now.
Glancing at Joe's retreating back, Izzy raised an eyebrow and asked, Why would you want to groom horses, anyway? Sounds like a whole lot of annoying work to me.
Iori shrugged. It's fun, and I like to talk to Joe. He's really smart, and he's teaching me how to care for animals. At Izzy's skeptical expression, Iori frowned and said, You say that you go out to meet the people, right? Don't you ever meet the servants?
Of course we do, but we don't offer to help them work. Izzy replied, Although, if you like animals and talking to him, I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I just didn't know if you knew that the servants are being paid for their work.
Of course I know that. Iori responded simply. This is an act of friendship, as well as my being interested in animals. It's fun, and no harm comes from me helping him out so that I can learn how to care for horses, right?
I guess so... Izzy responded, not quite convinced. Iori began to walk down the opposite hall, heading towards his room, and Izzy headed to his own. Opening the third door to the left, Izzy was happy to see the highly furnished guest room, and he quietly took off his shoes and socks, and laid down on top of the bed.
Yawning softly, Izzy soon fell into an exhausted sleep...
~~~~
End Part 2
A/N: I'm going to tell you now that this is the last piece for a week or so. Maybe sooner, maybe later, it depends. But I wanted to post this part because I want you all to actually become hooked on it. *sheepish smile* The first part wasn't very interesting...