Notes: Um... I'm late again... truthfully, I'd be surprised if anyone actually still reads this... teehee... *sweatdrop* Anyhow, I've been getting into Fushigi Yuugi (*hugs Chiriko*) and Gundam Wing (*hugs Wufei (and Duo) (and Quatre)*) lately. Mucho fun! I love all these new characters that I have to glomp! Chiriko is SO much like Iori that it's scary, and Wufei is just kewl. ...and Duo is mucho hot... and Quatre is SUCH a sweetheart... I WANT A REAL QUATRE! I WANT A QUATRE-LIKE BOYFRIEND! *weeps* Ano... anyhow...
Disclaimer: If I owned Digimon, I would spend most of my time laughing my head of at my own creation- and the fact that people actually like it. *smirk* Gomen, I've been spending too much time with my friends.
Warnings: Medieval Taiora (TaixSora), Yami (YamatoxMimi), Takari (TakeruxHikari), and Kenyako (KenxMiyako). - *grin* The only canon one there, that Kenyako is! ^^;
Destiny's Path
by A-chan
Hikari, Hikari, Hikari–
Don't call me Hikari, T.K.!
Smirk. Princess, Princess, Princess–
Takeru Takaishi – commonly known as T.K. – smiled as he saw the aggravated look on the brown-haired girl's face. After all, she was so cute when she was mad. Kari glared at him, but T.K. could see a hint of amusement in her soft brown eyes, so he knew that he wasn't in that much trouble- just a little.
Smiling even more, T.K. said, Why, milady, why are you so upset?
Kari twitched. T.K... I'm warning you...
Princess Hikari, whatever about?
I can have you removed from my sight, you know.
Yeah, but the question is, will you?
Kari gave T.K. a look. If you annoy me enough, I just might...
Fine, fine, I'll stop. T.K. said, holding his hands up to signify that she had won (again).
Kari smiled softly, knowing that they could finally talk about the reason that she had called him here. It wasn't their normal afternoon chat- mainly because it was so early in the day, and because Kari had formally removed T.K. from knight training so that she would be able to speak to him. There was a royal banquet later on in the evening, and Kari apparently had something extremely important to say.
There was a pause. T.K. frowned.
Well, what? Kari asked in response, fiddling with the lace on her dress, this time being a pale pink instead of white.
T.K. sighed. What did you take me out of Knight training for, Kari? Was there something you wished to tell me?
Kari bit her lip, looking down at her dress. Eyes downcast, she murmured, Now that I think about it... it's kind of foolish... I'm sorry for bothering you, just go ba–
T.K. said, slightly annoyed. Realizing how rude he sounded, T.K. lowered his voice a bit and said, Trust me, Kari, if it was important enough that you had to pull me out of training, then I want to hear it. Besides, I'm your best friend. I won't laugh too much...
Kari smiled at the joke, and then became serious once more. she asked hopefully, her eyes nervous.
I promise. T.K. replied just as seriously, knowing that Kari wasn't going to be convinced by one of his jokes.
Kari nodded and sat down on a log. They were in their garden, of course, so no one could hear what they were talking about. Senseing a long tale, T.K. sat down on the log as well, giving Kari a serious and calm look, almost as if he was silently prodding her to begin. Taking a shaky but deep breath, Kari began, saying, Well, you know how I sometimes receive... uhm, premonitions, right?
You mean, like the time that you predicted that the crops were going to fail in the northern areas of Tykan because of frost last year? T.K. questioned, and Kari nodded silently. His face arranging in a skeptical view, T.K. responded, Yeah, I know. What are you saying?
I think I'm getting them again.
T.K. groaned. Don't tell me that the frost is coming early again! The northern regions were without money or food nearly all winter because of that!
Kari looked down at her dress yet again. No, T.K. It's not that.
T.K. asked, and he gave Kari a stern but gentle stare. Then what is it, Kari?
I keep seeing these strange people. Kari murmured back, and she closed her eyes. Leaning back a little bit, Kari continued to speak, her voice dropping a bit lower than normal, First, I see this boy – I know who he is and everything; he's the messanger for our kingdom, Izzy. I see Izzy with another boy, a tall one, and they are both in a strange room. I can feel that the room is cold. T.K. bit his lip as Kari began to slightly rock back and forth, her voice again going deeper than before.
Then the scene switches, and I see Yamato with a pretty girl, and they're both entering a house, but it's not familiar to either of them. Again, it switches, and then it comes to the most important part. Kari paused slightly – to catch her breath, T.K. assumed – and then continued, I see three children, and they are riding on two horses. The one in front is a boy with this strange, spiky-looking hair. Then, on the second horse, is a tall girl, with long hair that goes down her back. The third one is covered in a cloak, but the child is younger than the other two, and he or she is riding on the same horse as the girl, and is sitting in front of her.
After the last sentance, Kari stopped her speaking, and her eyes snapped open. T.K. realized that she was breathing hard and sweating profusly, and the blond-haired boy took her in his arms before she could collapse. Kari looked up at T.K. with wide brown eyes and said, T.K... that last child that I saw...
T.K. asked, trying to sound calm – in reality, he was terribly afraid for his friend's condition, What about the kid?
Whatever is coming... it's revolving around the little kid. Kari said breathlessly, her eyelids drooping. He or she is the key to all of this, somehow. It's dangerous... With those last words, Kari's eyes closed completely, and she fell asleep, her body physically and emotionally exausted.
T.K. could only stare at his now-sleeping best friend as he tried to make sense of what the brown-haired girl had revealed to him. A little child was going to bring danger? T.K. was definately not the type to figure these kind of things out, but if it was hurting Kari, one thing was for sure.
He had to keep Kari from getting these dreams, no matter what the cost.
Wait a moment here, Prince Iori. Joe murmured, holding up his hand to stop the young boy from speaking any further. Are you telling me that Izzy, this messanger from Tykan, wants you to go to Tykan to sign the alliance treaty because he feels that Hiro is trying to take over the kingdom of Ærotalla? And you're okay with all this?
Not really, Iori admitted, But I think that Izzy is telling the turth for some reason... and besides, you've always hated Hiro, remember?
The two boys were seated at the kitchen table of Joe's small home- the favorite meeting place for both of them, because Joe hated that the palace was so furnished, and Iori didn't like the fact that everyone in the palace was suppose to keep an eye on him. At that moment, Joe was staring down at the green-eyed boy, trying to figure out where the child's logic had disappeared to.
Joe sighed. Yes, I know that I've always hated Hiro, Iori, but I really don't think that he'd poison the queen like this messanger said.
It's not like it's unusual. Iori said quietly, a bitter hint in his voice. His hunger for power affected your family too, remember?
Joe felt a pang of anger when Iori said this, remembering the details of the certain event that was on both of their minds. But instead of allowing that anger to show through, Joe just said, Iori, you're being – no offense – foolish! Hiro Yagasuki, despite being a cheating jerk who will do nearly anything for power, is a–
Joe, you just said it! Iori interrupted, his green eyes wide. Hiro Yagasuki will do anything for power. Quieting down, Iori looked at the ground in nervousness as he murmured, I may be young, and I'm probably easily manipulated, but I'm almost positive that Izzy is telling the truth. But the fact that I'm not completely sure is why I'm asking you to come along. This way, Hiro won't find out until we've already left, and if Izzy is lying, you can tell me and help me out. Iori then looked up at Joe, his green eyes hopeful. I don't know very much about wars, and you do.
Joe sighed, resting his head on his hands. It was true, of course. Joe did know a lot about the way wars functionated, and if he did go with Iori to Tykan, he would probably be able to advise Iori in what he should do. Also, if this character was lying to the young Prince, Joe was positive that he would be able to get Iori out of there before the Tykanian messanger struck. But... the whole idea of it just seemed so preposterous! Sure, Joe knew that the queen was sick, and he would put money on it to say that Hiro Yagasuki was the one who did it, if it had been planned. It was just that the entire idea seemed like it came straight from a fairy tale – and that's what made Joe nervous. Sure, in the stories they all had happy endings, but this was real life...
Please, Joe? Iori pleaded, snapping the blue-haired boy out of his thoughts.
Joe bit his lip. This Izzy guy. He's the red-head I saw when I came to get you for the grooming, right?
He seemed pretty upset with you then. Joe said, worried. Are you sure he's trustworthy?
Iori looked down at the table, looking like he was giving the idea serious thought. After a few moments, the brown-haired boy murmured, I'm not positive. But why would he want to trick me?
To gain the alliance. Joe said simply.
Iori looked up. What do you mean?
Well, think about it. Joe said, standing up. What if your mother really didn't want to ally with Tykan, and Hiro was simply relaying the information? Since your mother is now sick, the decision is rightfully yours to make, but Hiro probably wouldn't want to lay that on you, because – as you said – you don't know anything about wars and alliances. So Hiro was just going to ally with Amoritia himself, like the Queen wanted, and leave you out of it because it wouldn't mean anything to you anyway. And now, since any alliance or treaty that you make would immediately overrule anything made by Hiro, Izzy figures that he'd just con you into signing an alliance with Tykan, because you didn't know what your mother was going to decide.
Iori paused for a few moments as he thought that over, and Joe lifted up a small kettle from the stove.
No, thank you. Iori said quietly, and Joe poured himself a cup of the fresh herb tea. After a long silence between the two of them – aside from the sound of Joe's sipping of tea – Iori said, Your idea would probably be the right one if my mother was planning on allying with Amoritia.
Joe raised an eyebrow. So, you know she's not?
No... but I'm going with my inner feeling on this one. Iori murmured. I know the way my mother acts when she's feeling different emotions, and I know she was feeling happy when Izzy proposed the idea of alliance. Also... Iori pause a moment before answering, Also, I personally think that Izzy is more trustworthy than Hiro Yagasuki is or ever will be. So, yes, I think I'm making the right decision. At this, Iori looked up at Joe, eyes pleading. So... will you come?
Joe sighed, knowing that Iori would probably go with or without him. Sure, I'll go with you, Prince Iori. But I want to have a talk with this Izzy person beforehand.
It was sometimes very hard being the Prince of Tykan. There were many times when hours and hours of study lessons were required, to insure that the Prince was brought up educated. Knight lessons, horse-riding lessons, and even cooking lessons were issued to give the Prince a well-rounded view of life. Sure, the Prince would have time to have fun, but work always came first. Always.
Unless, of course, it didn't.
Tai sat back in his chair, half sleeping and half paying attention to the messanger from a foreign kingdom drawl on and on about the trade benefits for Tykan if they were to begin trading with this new kingdom, Jerrikyn or something. Did Tai care? No. Was he suppose to? Well, yes, but Tai figured that his father would take care of the whole caring issue, and Tai himself was only needed to look nice.
Tai just wasn't made to be Prince.
So, as the man from Jerrikyn – or was it Jerinika? – droned on and on, Tai found himself slipping into a seemingly endless stupor. The banquets had become so long and boring lately... Tai yerned for adventure in his life, like in the stories and plays about charming princes saving fair maidens and killing dragons. Now, sure, Tai realized that those tales were simply fictional ideas, but staying cooped up in the palace day after day would make anyone strive to leave! But no, with a war approaching, King Osuro of Tykan couldn't risk anything happen to the heir to the throne.
Hearing stuff like that made Tai want to puke. What on Earth was a Prince for if not to discover information about the enemy, or to save helpless maidens from dragons and such? Living a educated but sheltered life was definately not of Tai's agenda, and there was no way that he was going to become King without going on a few journeys away from Tykan.
The man from the foreign country had ceased his speaking, and now there was a simple stream of conversation throughout the entire dining hall. That was superb; maybe there was a chance for him to get away... But no, unfortunately for Tai, his father was makeing his way over to where the brown-haired boy was seated.
Tai was simply itching to get away, and if the King was going to make a speech, there was no way in Tykan that Tai would listen to it. After all, he drowned out the man from Jerrikyn, and that man's high-pitched voice was so irritating that anyone who was old enough to walk would wince when hearing it. At that thought, Tai suddenly felt a wave of pity for that man's family... his poor children...
Too busy thinking about the annoying man from Jerrikyn and his , Tai barely noticed that the King had reached him. Once he did, of course, Tai simply blinked up at the man, and he murmured,
Taichi, I must ask you to meet me first thing tomorrow in my chambers. his father said, quietly enough so that the banquet hall wasn't disturbed by it. There is something that I have become aware of, and I do believe that I will need your assistance. I may be incorrect, but do come anyway, won't you, Taichi?
Tai nodded silently. The King walked away as unnoticable as he had come, and to Tai, it was somewhat odd to see him like that. His father usually made a show of everything he did, whether it be important or trival. Why was tonight any different? Tai frowned.
What could have happened to make his father so strange?
Hey! Hey, boy, get away from– hey, hey, he just stole that! Someone get that little theif!
Davis smiled as he ran, pocketing the small, wooden whistle as he did. As soon as he reached the next crowd of people, he'd be home free – luckily for him, but not for the shopkeeper. Of course, then again, why should he care about the profit of a person who was dumb enough to sell toys and books right in the middle of the street? If that person was smarter, he would have built a shop.
Davis nearly dove into the crowd, instantly slowing down and pulling the hood of his cloak over his head. In the distance, the young boy could hear the sound of the angry merchants (and the Zunitïve guards that roamed around the marketplace, trying to keep the peace) shouting. Davis simply smiled to himself as he walked peacefully away from the crime scene, the whistle in his pocket.
Hey, kid. a voice said, and Davis looked up, eyebrow raised. The person talking was one of those people that you were instantly afraid of – that is, if you were a normal civilian. Davis wasn't, of course, so he simply looked at the man with a cool look of distain.
Davis asked, somewhat gruffly. After all, he wasn't going to let himself be intimidated. That was what ordinary people did... and Davis was definately not ordinary.
The man gave him a sly smile. I saw what you did back there. Nice work.
I have no idea what you are talking about, sir. That was Davis's way of saying, Get lost to people that he didn't wish to talk to. With men like the one that he was talking to now (the kind that made a living out of stealing), Davis would usually just ignore them until they finally realized that he didn't want to join them and their group, nor be trained by them. Stealing was Davis' way of life, yes, but he did it for fun, not for food or money.
Young man, I do think that you'll reconsider once–
Davis glared at the man. I said beat it, okay? Jerking away from the man, Davis proceeded to walk swiftly away. Unfortunately, the man didn't cease in pursueing him.
Giving a quick glace behind him, Davis started off in a sprint, knowing that if he didn't get away, the man would most likely kidnap or kill him – most theives don't leave possible theives-in-training that they've talked to simply open to talk. After all, what if the possible recruits did talk- to the royal guard? Davis knew that once he arrived home, the unknown man would quit. Usually, they stopped caring by then.
Sensing that the man was close behind, Davis smiled as he saw the familiar face of his sister. Running up and latching onto the older girl's arm, Davis said, Jun! Pleasure seeing you here!
Jun asked, and she then sighed. Davis, you have to stop running around in the marketplace! Someone could get hurt! Davis wasn't listening. He had looked back to see if the man was still there – which, in fact, he was. A few moments later, and the man simply rolled his eyes and left.
Which was what Davis wanted.
Davis? Davis, are you even listening?
Davis let go of his sister and smiled brightly at her. Yep! Course I'm listening, Jun! You're right, I shouldn't be running, but I've been looking all over for you!
Jun frowned, her brown eyes curious. You have? Why?
Because... ah... because I wanted to give you this! Instantly, Davis pulled out the wooden whistle and grinned at his sister. And instantly, his sister's gaze turned cold.
Jun snapped, pulling the smaller boy to the side, How many times have I told you, don't steal!
Davis moaned. It's just a silly whistle, Jun...
This time, the words were a bit kinder, but they still held a reprimanding tone to them. I'm getting this close– Jun held her pointer finger and thumb a short distance apart, –to telling Mother and Father about your little habits!
Jun, you wouldn't! Davis said, eyes widening. Biting his lip, Davis said, Fine. I won't steal again, I promise!
That's what you said the last time, Davis!
This time I really mean it!
Jun sighed, letting Davis' arm go as she did. Narrowing her eyes at him, Jun threatened, One more time, Davis, and Mother and Father will be informed. Do you understand?
Davis' gaze turned to the ground as he realized that Jun was serious. Quietly, he murmured, ...yes, Jun, I understand.
Jun stated. As she looked down at her younger brother's abashed expression, Jun simply said, Davis, you know I love you. But if you keep stealing, one of these days, you're going to get caught. And where would we be then?
Davis nodded. Yeah, you're right, Jun. I'm sorry.
Jun smiled. Well, I'll be off! Mother wanted me to pick up some more thread and fabric for the shop because Father's working late tonight. Remember, be home by the time the sun sets, Davis!
But Davis was already off.
Walking away from his sister (after waving), Davis simply thought about what she had said to him. The two siblings had already been through that conversation quite a few times before – ever since Jun had discovered that Davis was stealing when he was eight. Now he was eleven, and Davis hadn't ceased his stealing since. But, quite frankly, he would need to soon. Eventually, the shopkeepers would catch on.
Davis smirked. Then again, until they did, it was all in a day's work...
Hiro frowned. This action wasn't gone unnoticed by Mamoru, of course, who instantly asked, What's wrong?
The appearance of the messanger. Hiro replied coldly, scowling more. That bratty Tykanian boy is way too curious for his own good.
Mamoru felt his stomache clench tightly as he heard Hiro speak. Never had Hiro been subtle, but Mamoru had becomed quite afraid of the blond-haired man within the last few weeks. After all, with all the talk about taking over Ærotalla, and poisoning the Queen... Mamoru was going to stick by his older cousin no matter what, of course, but he was simply terrified that Hiro was actually liking thinking of the chaos that he was planning...
What are you saying, Hiro? Mamoru ventured cautiously. Not anything like...
No, of course not. Mamoru breathed a sigh of relief at this, gracious that Hiro wasn't going too far... We'll just need to speed up the process of elimination', as I have put it.
Mamoru's terror grew as he realized what the blond-haired man was saying. Trying to keep the tremble out of his voice – and not suceeding – Mamoru stuttered, N-no, Hiro, you c-can't mean...
Hiro's cold blue eyes looked over at Mamoru, and his mouth was twisted into a cruel smile. Kidnap and kill the Prince, Mamoru...
It was unbelieveable, at best. But it was true, and that was all Sora could ask for.
There she was, pretending to be a common traveler, and she was offerred a job at a local flower shop. The woman who had hired her – Miyuki Ama – had said that she looked like a nice girl and was willing to hire her and give her free housing until she got back on her feet. Of course, while this was happening, Sora's mind was reeling with questions.
Who was this woman? Did she suspect anything? Did she know?
Of course, Sora knew that the entire idea of the woman knowing about her true backround was completely preposterous (she had only been missing for a day), but Sora was still somewhat nervous about someone discovering who she was and returning her to the palace, where she would be force to mar– no... she was going to forget that... as long as no one found out...
It was almost fun, working in the flower shop. Sora had always known that peasant shops were to be warm and happy, and the tale held true for this little shop as well. Sora would constantly dirty her hands with the mud from the planting pots (and she hated the feeling of dirt under her perfect fingernails), but it was fun making all the flowers and plants arrange beatifully around the room.
In fact, it was during the time that she was arranging the flowers that Sora heard what she did. Luckily, though, she still had her cloak with...
The bell by the door jangled, and Sora gave a quick glance over to the door.Two young ladies flounced through the door, and Sora could tell that they were the type of woman who would by seen in corner shops, gossiping avidly. Which, in fact, is just what they did.
Why, hello, my dear Ms. Ama! the first woman, a tall and voluptuous blond, said. I would like a few roses for my dearest, you know, Matthew? A bit of baby's blossom with it as well, will you, dear?
Of course, Mrs. Pakain. Ms. Ama replied kindly, but as she turned around, she made a slight look of distain in Sora's direction, and Sora resisted giggling. Calming down, Ms. Ama said, Sarai, will you arrange some roses and baby's breath for Mrs. Pakain?
was the name that Sora had given herself, to make it harder for anyone to find her, if they were looking. Luckily, no one was looking for her – as far as she could tell – and was safe. Of course, Ms. Ama. Instantly, Sora walked to the back room.
Once she was in the back room and was carefully arranging the roses, Sora heard something from the front of the shop that made her heart stand still.
Ms. Ama, dear– it was the second woman this time, –did you hear?
What is it, Miss Bruitt?
The Princess of Zunitïve had gone missing!
Sora froze. After a few moments of silence, Ms. Ama responded, Do you mean, Princess Sora? That pretty young thing?
What other Princesses does Zunitïve have? Mrs. Pakain asked, and Sora could tell that she was simply thrilled with spreading this information around.
Sora had been able to run away enough so that she was right on the border of Tykan and Zunitïve – but she was now actually in Tykan. So, after hearing about this... was she in trouble here? Sora decided to listen to more of the conversation.
This time it was Miss Bruitt talking. Isn't it simply tragic, Ms. Ama? The Queen sent out the orders for her daughter to be found immediately this morning. Sora sighed. That sure did sound like her mother, always taking things on full speed.
That is horrible! Ms. Ama responded, and Sora could hear that her voice was full of fear for the missing – possibly kidnapped – Princess. After all, Zunitïve and Tykan were allied... Sora bit her lip. If only Ms. Ama knew that the missing Princess was right here, in her own shop... but she would never know.
Then- Sarai, where are those flowers?
Sora blinked, and shook herself from her thoughts. Wrapping the flowers quickly and pulling her cloak tightly over her head – she say she was cold – Sora responded, They're right here, Ms. Ama.
Sora walked out of the room and gave the flowers to Ms. Ama, who rang them up contently. Sora nervously stood there, and then the question she was dreading came up: Mrs. Pakain, frowning, asked, Say, Ms. Ama, who is this? I don't remember her being here last week.
New helper. Ms. Ama replied, ringing up the items. Boarder, too.
Mrs. Pakain asked, giving Sora a scrutinizing gaze. How did you come about this little shop, S- ah...
Sora replied calmly, making her voice softer and lighter than usual. I'm an orphan, and I needed a job and boarding for awhile until I am able to support myself. Sora could feel herself blushing under her cloak. She had never been a good liar...
Mrs. Pakain said, her friend Miss Bruitt nodding beside her. Sora sighed, noticing that the two woman seemed to accept that. Well, it's getting late! Dear me, I must be going. Mrs. Pakain said, and Miss Bruitt said something to that same respect.
Ms. Ama nodded and waved, but Sora noticed that she looked relieved to have the two women leave. After they had left, Ms. Ama began to close up shop for the night, giving permission to go up to her room in the unstairs home. As she walked upstaires, Sora tried despretely to calm her beating heart.
After all, it was really no big deal. She'd just have to be more careful...
It was late at night, but Iori couldn't sleep.
Strangely enough, it usually didn't happen that way. Most nights, Iori would have no trouble at all when going to sleep – it was during the night that the nightmares attacked and woke him up. But right then, Iori doubted that he would ever get to sleep, mainly because his brain was thinking about the plans that had been made for the following morning.
Izzy had told them a layout stetch of the plan. Basically, the next morning, Iori would meet Izzy outside his bedroom, and they then would both go down to Joe's small house, and they would ride to Tykan from there. After going over the plan around four times, Iori and Joe had split up from Izzy, and that's where Iori had asked Joe about what he thought.
Iori smiled slightly as he remebered Joe's response. Well, I trust both Izzy and Hiro about as far as I can throw them, but since Hiro's the heavier of the two, I suppose that I'll have to go with Izzy. Luckily, Izzy hadn't heard that, even after Iori giggled at the joke.
Maybe it was the plan. Maybe that's why Iori couldn't sleep.
Actually, though, Iori was drifting off. It was quite late, and young boys could only stay awake for so long. It seemed that Iori's thoughts were calming down, and he was going to go to sleep... but that was before he heard the footsteps.
Sitting up in his bed, Iori rubbed his eyes and listened carefully. Sure enough, the steady sound of footsteps appeared to be coming closer. Could it be Izzy? After all, the red-haired boy had said that he might come during the night instead of the morning, in case something came up. But the footsteps seemed to be too heavy to be Izzy...
Iori quietly stepped out of bed, and he reached for the small sack that was resting by his bedside. In the sack were a few things, such as a cloak and a spare change of clothing, as well as a bit of Ærotallian coins, in case money was needed. Also in his sack was his father's pendent, which was placed carefully in its case and tucked neatly in between the cloak's pockets. Iori had packed the bag just three hours before, because he didn't want to have to rush in the morning.
Walking to the hard, wooden door of his room, Iori opened it a bit and quietly called,
The footsteps had stopped, Iori realized, as he looked into the dim hallway. Glancing this way and that, Iori walked out into the hall, his bag resting on his shoulder, and asked again, Who's there? Izzy?
Wait...
–someone was behind him!
Iori turned sharply–
There was a figure–with scared but determined blue eyes–
–a flash of silver–
Something hit Iori hard on the side of the head, and everything suddenly spiraled into darkness...