A/N: Well this chapter is for all of you romance lovers out there; especially you Takari lovers and I know you're out there (kale, Lace123, Takari 4 Life, raine, TK Takashi, Caspian, Time Lady, Lys, and many more you know who you are). Please be sure to tell me what you think and any suggestions are always welcome. Also check out some of my sister fan art on our profile page.
Disclaimer: I really don't own them some other rich people do.
Power Hungry 2-
Two and a half months, it had been two and a half months since that fateful night Myotismon had attacked and changed her life forever. Now Hikari slept an uneasy sleep in the Kingdom of Server. Images of the attack filled her mind as once again she saw guard's fall trying to protect her. She felt the vampires cold hands wrap around her neck as he pulled her off of the stone floor. Taichi's cries echoed in her ears as Davis drug him down the hall leaving her alone with the monster.
Kari sat up in her bed with a scream not wanting to relive the memories as she did every night. Tears fell down her cheeks as she broke down sobbing into her pillows. Due to this she didn't notice the sounds of panicked footsteps barreling down the hall just outside her door, almost missing it altogether in their haste to reach her.
She didn't notice the large wooden door flying open and slamming into the wall as the owner of the footsteps nearly knocked it down getting in. She did however notice when Takeru stepped through the door his compassionate blue eyes filled with worry as they looked around the chamber until they fell on the sobbing girl.
She caught sight of him and leapt into his arms before he was even at her side. Her tears falling onto his nightshirt as his strong arms wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. Gently he rocked her and whispered into her ear until she had settled down, slowly pulling away to meet his eyes. "Same dream?" he asked quietly getting a nod in response. She buried herself deeper into his arms wanting to feel safe, and now days the only time she felt that was when Takeru was at her side. "Don't worry our finest men are out there and they will find your brother and friends" he soothed.
True to his promise Takeru he had made the first night of her arrival the prince had sent his finest men out in search of her brother, yet with the evil digimon looking for them as well they remained hidden. He hoped for her sake that they were found soon, her dreams were coming more frequently with every passing night, soon he was afraid she would stop sleeping altogether just to avoid them.
"Is everything all right?" a gentle voice asked from the doorway. The pair turned to find Matt in the doorway his own blue eyes filled with concern. Behind the king Ken sheathed his sword realizing there was no assassin lurking in the shadows for him to slay.
TK spoke not sure if Kari was up to it quite yet "Yes, she just had that dream again".
By then Joe had arrived looking as if he had dressed while he was still asleep. His pants were backwards and inside out, complementing the unmatching tunic perfectly. His eyes were bloodshot and still not ready to accept the reality of being awake at such an odd hour.
"I'm sorry to be such a bother," Kari said quietly feeling ashamed for rousing nearly the entire castle over a bad dream.
Matt flashed a smile and shook his head "Think nothing of it, its because of you that we know of a coming evil that could have destroyed us and for that we are forever in your debt". Then he silently added 'Besides you've made Takeru the happiest he's ever been in his life'.
TK turned to Lord Kido "Is there anything you can give her to help her sleep?" he asked knowing from experience that when she was that upset sleep was the last thing she would be getting.
Joe set his bag down pulling out various bottles "Of coarse" he said with a little pride in his voice finally finding the green bottle he was looking for "Take a sip of this and you'll sleep like a baby".
Kari took it with a grateful smile settling back into her sheets. As the small group began to leave her pleading brown eyes fell onto TK "Please don't leave me" she said the fear evident in her voice.
The princes heart melted, ever since she had arrived all he wanted to do was protect her from any harm, to never allow her to feel pain, and he certainly wasn't going to start now "Never" he said settling in next to her amazed at how well she seemed to fit into his arms.
As Joe, Ken, and Matt filed down the hall with knowing smiles on their faces a groggy voice entered their thoughts. "Is everything okay, I heard the most wretched scream…" Aru said fake concern clearly evident in her voice.
The three men turned to see a gruesome sight, the woman had rolled up her hair sending many strands out at odd angles, her face was covered by a green substance that looked like a festering sore, and to top it all off a very revealing nightgown.
Joe's weak constitution nearly gave out as he mumbled a goodnight and fled down that hall. Ken envied him knowing that the mans reputation for being a little weak easily got him out of situations like this, but he and the king were stuck.
"Nothing to worry yourself with, the Lady merely had a nightmare so just go back to sleep we have Takeru's crowing to plan come morning" Yamato said calm his eyes focused on one of the burning torches as if he was trying to burn the memory of her appearance from his mind.
This flustered the prime minister a trifle but she didn't show it "But the prince can't be crowned without a bride milord".
Ken snapped before Matt could answer, "He still has some time and I have a feeling that matter has already been taken care of". The warrior surprised himself at that moment; he rarely raised his voice to anyone, yet something about that woman made is skin crawl. He knew very well of the law that would give her the crown and the last thing he wanted to see was TK married to her.
Her eyes flared with anger as she bowed "Of coarse milord, I now retire for the night". She steamed off down the hall careful to hide her anger, her mind flashing back to the prince and the girl with every day they were becoming close, dangerously close and it was time for her to drive a wedge between the two.
While Matt and Ken saw their worst nightmare standing before them dressed in silk Kari had began to fall back into slumber as Joe's potion began to take affect. "Thank you for staying TK" she said sleepily enjoying the simple sound of his heartbeat.
"Its nothing, I promised to take care of you and I will whether it be a ugly slave driver or a nightmare" he replied pushing away a few stray hairs from her eyes. He knew something was happening between them, just wished he understood it. When he was away from her he longed to be with her, hold her, and make her troubles go away. When Matt and Sora had first met, his brother had spoken of these feelings…love.
Unbeknownst to him nearly the same thoughts were running through her head at the same time. She had watched as Tai and Mimi fell in love, seeming to complete each other…just like he did too her.
TK's voice shattered her thoughts "Kari how would you like to go for a picnic, just the two of us?" he asked his voice full of a child's hope.
A smile crossed her face sending TK's heart flying "I'd love too, but I don't think Matt and Ken would be too happy about the prince running around the countryside without a full armada for protection.
Deep down he knew she was right, but he wanted time alone with her, "I'm sure I can work some sort of compromise out," he said cheerily holding his breath waiting for her answer.
"I'd love too," she said tucking one of her hands into his before drifting into a peaceful slumber content in the boys arms.
TK couldn't control the smile that ran across his face at her words. Mustering every ounce of courage he had placed a soft kiss on her cheek watching with delight as a smile crossed her lips. It was at that moment TK knew he loved her and would for the rest of his life. He closed his eyes content to say precisely where he was for the rest of his life. He closed his eyes feeling Kari shift in his arms and seconds later her own soft lips caressed his own cheek. The feeling that shot through his body could only be described as euphoria, pure and complete euphoria. He didn't open his eyes for the confines of sleep had them in their grasp.
Aru was fuming as she stomped back to her chambers after her encounter with the king. How could he dismiss her like that, and how could that twit of a prince find a girl this close to the deadline. Everything was going so perfectly until that girl and been rolled onto the throne room floor.
Her wicked mind began to work, she knew that her little lackey wouldn't return from File before the coronation so she had to do something soon, 'The law must have another loophole' she thought and that's when it came too her…the law.
She began to cackle to herself and she crawled into her bed lined with only the finest silks, "I think its time that little Kari and I had a heart to heart chat".
As dawn broke TK rose with the sun, he wanted today too be perfect and it all started with talking to his brother. He silently slipped out of the bed carefully whispering in Kari's ear. She cracked her eyes nodding before going back to sleep. He once again placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
He moved down the hall feeling like he was walking on a cloud ignoring the surprised looks of the castle workers not used to seeing anyone up and about this early especially a member of the royal family.
Finally he came to the doors to his brothers room knocking quietly and when he received no answer he knocked louder this time hearing Matt groan out something that sounded like come in.
The excited blonde ran into the room jumping onto the end of his brother's bed just as he had done when he was eight. Matt sat up slowly rubbing the sleep out of his eyes before scowling at the rising sun. Sora's voice made its way through the piles of blankets "Takeru I love you to death but before dawn is another story".
"I'm in love," he blurted out bouncing up and down in excitement. Those three words got the two sleepy royals attention. The pair sat bolt upright their eyes wide with not a trace of sleep left in them. "What did you say?" Sora asked not quite sure if she had heard right.
"I'm in love" the prince repeated "and I want to marry her".
Matt knew full well whom it was but wanted to make sure "Who?" he questioned. TK gave him a shocked before noticing his brothers eyes and smile "Hikari" he said his voice now sounding dreamy showing that beyond a shadow of a doubt he loved her.
Sora leapt out of bed grabbing her brother in law into a tight hug. "It's about time" she exclaimed letting him go and running to her closets "I've got to talk to Kari…"
"No!" TK cried frantically his eyes wide with horror "I haven't told her yet that's why I'm here…I need help on how to tell her…and if she returns my love I'm going to propose, I never want her out of my life again" he said quickly.
Sora froze and Matt smiled a gentle smile to his brother finally pulling himself out of bed. "Well you have the foundation, just tell her what you just told us and be yourself." He paused heading for a hidden compartment behind one the bricks and after a few minutes of rummaging he turned around handing TK a small box.
Curious TK took it carefully opening up the lid gasping at what he saw, his mothers ring. Its jewels glittering in the suns morning rays making them even more breathtaking. Matt spoke happily "Now tell me what you had in mind".
A few hours later Kari pulled herself out of the warm bed with a smile on her face. The spot on her cheek where TK had kissed her still tingled, making her hum to herself as she prepared for the day ahead praying that Matt would allow them at least a little time alone. "I'll tell him today" she said her voice full of determination as she studied herself in the mirror.
So wrapped up in her thoughts and dreams that she didn't notice the soft knocking at her door. After a few moments the patron became impatient and cracked the door open herself, its old hinges letting off a terrible squeaking as they were pushed.
Hikari jumped at the sudden sound and quickly turned to see the visitor, Aru. The prime minister put an innocent smile on her face as she looked at the frightened girl "Forgive me milady, I didn't mean to frighten you".
"It's alright Aru, I wasn't paying attention" Kari replied plastering a fake smile on her face resisting the urge to shudder. Ever since she first laid eyes on the woman she knew that there was something wrong with her and until this moment had never been in the same room alone with her. The girl wished that TK would return quickly fearing what the lady wanted, she may have been new to the castle but she knew when someone was evil.
Aru moved up from her bow "I merrily dropped by to make sure you would be attending the ball celebrating Takeru's birthday in a few weeks".
Hikari was now confused, she had been told that is was to be his coronation ball but still answered "Of coarse, but I thought it was a coronation".
'Got her' Aru thought happily putting on a mask of shock. "It will only be a coronation if he gets someone to marry him before his birthday". Kari's eyes widened even more in confusion and a little pain waiting for Aru to continue. "Don't tell me you haven't been told of the law," she said questioningly.
Again Kari sat in silence and Aru continued. "Well we have a law here in Server that if the heir to the throne doesn't have a bride by their eighteenth birthday they will marry the highest available noble or give up the crown to the prime minister". Aru stopped as she saw tears forming in the girl's eyes as her words hit their target, her heart.
The white haired woman then stood up "I have lots of planning to do, be sure to see the royal tailors about your gown my dear" she said cheerily nearly prancing out the door.
Kari watched her go feeling her heart rip apart in her chest 'Is he just using me to keep the crown?' she thought as more tears came.
Another soft knock at her door broke her thoughts again. "Come in" she called quickly composing herself hiding the last of her tears. She had expected TK to walk through the door all smiles, but instead Sora's small form entered.
The queen looked at the girl flashing a large smile "Good morning" she said cheerily "I trust you are feeling better".
Kari nodded not quite sure how to act; in the time she had been in Server she had never seen the queen this perky, especially in the morning. "I am thank you for asking" she replied letting a little of her sadness slip into her voice. The queen however was too excited to notice.
"Kari I've been sent to get you ready" Sora said throwing open the doors to her closet rummaging through the dresses tossing one onto the bed every now and then. Kari banished the last thoughts of her conversation with Aru out of her mind "For what?"
Sora gave her a mischievous smile "Takeru has a little surprise for you, the carriage leaves in an hour so we don't have much time".
Memories of their conversation the night before flashed into her head "Matt agreed to it?" she questioned surprised. 'Good I can tell him when we are alone…'
"This one" Sora exclaimed throwing a nice little pink dress onto the pile. It was elegant yet simple at the same time, and to Kari's delight made of cotton so it wouldn't be uncomfortable like every other piece of clothing she had been given. Sora grabbed her hand pulling her out the door to the bathroom down the hall "Come on I had a bath prepared for you and Yolei's standing by with your breakfast".
Exactly one hour later the royal carriage pulled out of the castle gates bound for a quiet meadow just on the outskirts of the town. Takeru sat in the carriage on the soft cushion fidgeting with his hands nervously every few seconds glancing at the girl who had stolen his heart sitting across from him.
As too keep the surprise he had Sora blindfold her before leading her to the carriage. Now they sat in silence as the prince once again went over his words in his head, and for him the half hour ride seemed to fly by, so much that when the carriage door was opened he jumped.
Ken offered a small smile to his friend, he'd never seen TK so worked up but knew that it was all for the best. TK's eyes widened giving Ken a quick nod gently taking Kari's hand "We're here" he said quietly. She only nodded and stood up allowing him to guide her.
"Now remember we'll be just over those hills so if you need any help don't hesitate to call" Joe said pointing the way. The young prince grinned, "Thanks I will". He had to beg and plead for nearly twenty minutes before Matt had agreed on only Ken and Joe as an escort, after ten more minutes he had convinced his brother to have them over the hill far enough away for privacy yet still close enough to protect.
Kari listened as the carriage pulled away leaving her and TK truly alone. He carefully led her through the meadow, the smell of the blooming flowers delighting her senses. She had no idea how far they had walked but was relieved when TK helped her sit down on the large soft blanket already set out, along with a small feast.
Takeru undid the blindfold tossing the cloth aside moving forward to see the look on Kari's face. He had picked the spot especially for her; it had a full few of the white castle set up again the clear blue sky. The wildflowers complemented the scene going as far as the eyes could see in every color of the rainbow.
She let out a gasp as the sight trying to take in all the beauty at once. "Takeru its perfect" she said quietly afraid of killing the mood by speaking too loud.
TK took her face in his hands gently bringing his eyes to meet hers, as they made contact she nearly fell into them seeing something there she hadn't before. "Kari there is something I need to tell you and if I don't do it now I'm going to lose my nerve". She only smiled running her hand down his cheek.
The blonde prince took on last deep breath and began "I know I have only known you for a few months, but they have been the best months of my life. You bring a light into my life that no one else can or will. I can't imagine living another day without you…my heart literally aches when you are away".
Kari's heart began to beat like a runaway horse, he was telling her what she felt about him…only he felt it about her. "Hikari" he continued "I love you, I love you more than life itself…" he faded off when he saw tears forming in her lovely brown eyes.
Aru's words were filling her mind "Takeru, I know about the law" she said not wanting him to stomp over her heart anymore.
His blue eyes filled with confusion for a few brief seconds before everything came crashing back. Ever since Kari had arrived he hadn't given the thing a second thought, but he knew someone else had, Aru. "Kari you have to believe me that my love has nothing to do with that stupid law, I would give up the crown to be with you…look in my eyes and you'll find the truth".
Reluctantly she did looking deeper this time…tears fell from his eyes as well as hers as she did see the truth, he loved her. "I love you too," she whispered wiping his tears away "I don't want to leave you ever again".
The prince wanted to jump for joy and run around the meadow like a madman screaming to the world that he had at last found true happiness. But none of that happened for he was caught up in her eyes, as if some divine power possessed them their faces ever so slowly came together.
Hearts raced as their eyes closed in anticipation, and after what seemed like an eternity to the two they met. The kiss was soft and tentative at first, as if they feared hurting each other. That notion soon faded after the first two soft brushes. TK pulled her into his arms, kissing her with more passion now, putting every ounce of love he had into it.
Kari felt his arms wrap around and pull her closer. Her hands happily traced the muscles of his back and chest as her reciprocated TK's passion with her own kisses. She was so wrapped up in her love that she nearly didn't feel a cool metal ring slip over her delicate finger.
She stopped kissing him to glance from his smiling face to her finger shocked at the rings beauty. "Beautiful just like you" TK whispered into her ear. Words couldn't describe what she was feeling, so she grabbed TK by the tunic pulling him back to her.
The food had been eaten and the sun had set hours ago, but the pair still hadn't left their spot. They lay gazing at the stars, Kari's head on TK's chest enjoying the sound of his heartbeat, a constant reminder that he was there. TK's finger ran through her hair his heart still twittering with happiness.
Soft footsteps broke them from their revelry as both Joe and Ken arrived, gentle smiles on both their faces. "We know your happy but it's late and we need to get you back to the castle before Yamato sends out the Calvary" Joe said chuckling knowing he was telling the truth.
Takeru looked up at him an annoyed look crossing his face followed by a sigh of defeat. Kari sat up allowing him to move finally and he stood brushing off his tunic. Kari began to follow only to find herself cradled in TK's arms, a childish grin on his face. She snuggled into his chest once again closing her eyes praying she wasn't going to wake up from this dream.
The escorts gathered up the supplies and followed the prince to the waiting carriage. It was then that Ken noticed the ring on Kari's finger. He nudged Joe pointing it out before asking his question "So when's the wedding?"
Before the prince could answer his fiancé did for him "Tonight" she said from his arms causing Joe to drop the baskets in surprise. TK even stopped to give her a quizzical look "As much as I want my brother to be there, that witch Aru needs to be stopped".
"We still have a week and half till my birthday so we can give them time to find King Koushiro and his court" TK said knowing how much planning had to be done in a little time.
Kari shook her head "I have a plan that will get rid of Aru once and for all as well as save my kingdom". They had arrived at the carriage and all four piled in with three curious men wanting to know what she had cooked up. "If Aru thinks she has won, she's likely not to do anything rash…so we get married tonight and announce it at your coronation it will be too late for her to do anything about it".
Ken laughed and clapped his hands "My hats off to you milady, true tactical genius".
Matt held Sora's hand tightly in his own as he watched his baby brother in front of the small church. Memories of his own wedding ran through his head, though they were nothing like this. His was a large elaborate event with nearly everyone in attendance, while Takeru's was just the opposite. They had been sent an urgent message from Joe to use the secret passage and meet a carriage taking them deep into the city.
Fearing the worse the king and queen gathered Yolei and set off. Needless to say they were pleasantly surprised when they found out the plan. The minister rambled on as the prince and soon to be princess stared into each other's eyes oblivious to his words.
Tears of joy ran down Yolei's face as the vows were uttered. She felt Ken put his arms around her pulling her close in a surprise gesture 'It must be going around' she thought happily and she snuggled deeply into his arms.
"Your Majesties, Lords and Ladies, may I present present Prince Takeru and Princess Hikari, may the fates smile upon you and your time be long and happy together…" Cheers erupted from the small audience as Matt rushed over pulling his brother into his arms while Sora embraced Kari "This is truly a bright day for us" Matt said pulling his friends and family as close as possible.
It had been two and a half months since Myotismon attacked, two and a half months since they had gone into hiding, and two and a half months since his precious sister had been taken from him. Her cries for help still echoed in his dreams. He remembered every last detail of that horrid night right down to the way the tears had streamed down her face.
Taichi sat in his crude bed staring at the stars now allowing his own tears to fall; only at night did he let them fall. Next to him slept the love of his life, Lady Mimi. Her like his family had been members of File's court for generations and even at one time chosen as King Koushiro's bride and future queen.
But they had somehow managed to fall in love before the wedding and Koushiro wanting his friends happiness more than appearance allowed the two to wed with his blessing. Although Mimi brought great joy to his heart nothing could eclipse the pain he held for the loss of Kari.
The sound of approaching footsteps quickly shook the warrior out of his trace allowing him to once again put on his mask of strength. The door to his tent flew open as the young page, Cody, ran in out of breath. His dark green eyes were lite up with excitement as he tried in vain to speak between his shallow breaths.
"Cody, settle down did something happen to the king?" Tai questioned quickly fearing the worse.
Still unable to speak he shook his head and pointed outside taking one last deep breath "There is a stranger outside who says he has news of Kari".
Tai's eyes widened with happiness and fear all at the same time "Where?" he asked carefully getting out of bed as not to disturb Mimi, he wanted to be certain before getting her hopes up. Many clues had turned up but each one had been a dead end, opening up the emotion wounds each time.
Cody spoke quickly already heading out the door. He had grown up with Kari, the girl the closest ever had or would to a sister "He's with the king and don't worry Davis already searched him for weapons".
The elder only nodded his approval and resisted the urge to sprint across the camp. Controlling himself the strode into the tent every step seeming to take and eternity as his eyes fell on a man dressed in blue patiently awaiting his arrival.
King Koushiro sat behind his makeshift desk, with Davis fiddling with his sword at his side, his dark eyes teeming with their own anticipation "Sir Taichi has arrived my good man now please tell us what news you have of Lady Hikari".
The stranger's one eye looked at each of them studying them as if drawing this out as much as possible. "My mistress has sent me with this letter, for safety reasons her and my names will not be given. What you need to know is that she is in a place of well standing in the Kingdom of Server and what she is doing now is for the greater good of both the lands".
Tai was about to go beat the information out of the stranger if he didn't hurry and Koushiro noticed this. "We understand now please give us the message, no matter what you shall be greatly rewarded so the sooner the better".
A quick sparkle crossed the yellow eye before he reached within the folds of his blue tunic pulling out a scroll, sealed with the mark of Server. He handed it to Davis who in turn handed it too the king. Tai moved to read over his shoulder unable to wait another minute.
As his dark eyes scanned the page they narrowed with anger and filled with tears of sadness. His precious Kari had been sold as a slave to the King Yamato of Server, but if that wasn't bad enough, given to Price Takeru as a whore for his personal use.
Taichi put the scroll down his hands shaking with rage his dark eyes dead on the stranger. He had heard the ruling brothers of Server were kind and opposed any form of slavery with a passion "Now you must swear on your life that every word of this letter is true, because if any of this is a lie you will face the wrath of my blade".
The stranger smiled beneath his mask "Every word milord".
Koushiro stood up and began to pace, he held onto to his kingdom by the thinnest of threads and leaving to save Hikari may be enough to give the evil digimon total control. On the other hand someone he loved as family was being but through who knows what in a foreign land.
He looked around at his friends and advisors. Davis's usually bright eyes where downcast and fighting tears, he always had adored Kari even when they were young. Cody didn't fight the tears; he allowed them to fall wringing his hands together in silent prayer. Finally there was Taichi, her brother, and her protector. He had forced him to leave her behind that night and now it was time to atone for his sins.
"Davis tether six horses immediately we are going for Hikari…and our revenge" he said determination filling his voice.
The messenger grinned wider knowing it was hidden under his clothing 'Aru will be so please' he thought happily thinking how she may reward him….
To Be Continued…
A/N: There you go I hope you liked it, that's the most romance I've done in one story for a while. Tell me what you thought in a review and be on the lookout for part 3, don't worry the digimon are coming.