A/N: I honestly didn't think anyone was really interested in this story but judging by the emails I've been getting some of you certainly are. So you all have Wild Mage and Takari&Taiora to thank for this. I do apologize for the delay I had SEVERE writers block and kept getting other ideas. I will try to get part four up faster and suggestions are always welcome. Hope you enjoy this so I'll shut up and get to the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Power Hungry 3-
Aru looked around the ballroom while she rung her hands together in anticipation for tonight she would be crowned Queen one way or another. Around the room peasants and nobles danced the night away celebrating the birth of the prince, none of them having the slightest idea of what was about to happen. To her delight the prince had failed to find and bride and lost all interest in the mystery girl that had been brought to the throne room 3 months ago. The other fact sending her evil spirits even higher was the fact that her devout servant would arrive tonight with the girl's brother, and thanks to her letter would create a very interesting show.
Ken walked by her narrowing his eyes in contempt before passing on "He's first to go" she muttered straightening up as she heard the royal trumpets blaring through the grand room. Nobles and peasants stopped their dancing turning their attention to the doors as Joe raised his hands for silence "Lords and Ladies King Yamato and Queen Sora". The guests burst into applause as they made their entrance with bright smiles on their faces and hands intertwined lovingly.
The sea of people parted to allow the to pass to the throne platform many bowing in respect. 'They're mighty happy tonight' Aru thought seeing their smiling faces and she could have sworn the queen shot her a 'look'. Anger boiled in her veins as Joe smirked at her before speaking once again "Lords and Ladies Prince Takeru…and Princess Hikari". A stunned silence filled the room before the truth of the situation set in and once it did those in attendance burst into even louder cheers bowing to their future ruler.
Aru's world came crashing down around her. The little brat that had been dropped into her life had somehow hooked the prince. She shook her head a few times trying to block out the cheering voices, she closed her eyes to block out the happy couple strutting to the thrown, she opened her heart to the evil power within her…she would get the crown one way or another.
Moment's prior Takeru held Hikari in a tight embrace as they waited for Joe to announce them for the first time to the subjects of the Kingdom. Ahead of the two Matt and Sora slowing made their way down the aisle looking as happy as ever. The two seemed made for each other as their jewels and satin glittered in the light of the room.
The blonde princes hands were shaking with anticipation and Kari took a hold of one of them gently with in her own. "Don't worry everything will be all right" she soothed adjusting his crown. He took a few moments to compose himself before flashing her a smile the always turned her legs to jelly. He had never seen her so beautiful, her brown hair was clipped up by two glittering clips which matched her tiara perfectly. Her dress was made of the finest white satin making her look like an angel on earth.
"With you at my side I can do anything" he said quickly capturing her lips with his own. Kari wasted no time returning the surprise gesture with the fire and passion that they had since their first embrace. Their kiss continued as Matt and Sora took the throne and nearly went through their own introduction had they not come up for air. TK cupped her face gently "Time to show my angel off to the world" he said as the grand doors open once again.
The two began to move down the aisle worried about the silence filling the room. Kari tightened her grip on her loves hand giving him a boost as she finished the gesture the crowd erupted into cheers bowing at their feet showing their acceptance. As they climbed the throne platform Matt gathered his brother into his arms with tears threatening to fall from his blue eyes.
After being released from his brother's embrace he knelt on the platform with Kari at his side. Once they had settled Yamato spoke "My people as you can see my brother did find a bride and it is at this time we apologize for not making you a part of the joyous union, but dark forces threatened. I now will officially crown my brother and his bride King and Queen of our Kingdom. The crowning will not become official until they complete a few months of training and upon their completion of it I will leave you to rule by my beloveds side".
Again cheers rose through the crowd blessing the royal family with long life and prosperity. "Now for the dark forces I spoke of….it is in this very room tonight, she is like a spider waiting on her web for her pray…her prey has evaded her and the bell now tolls her name…guards seize Prime Minister Aru immediately". The announcement of the traitor's identity came as no surprise for those who were close to the inner workings of the palace but got the rest of the subjects to gasp in surprise.
Every eye in the room turned to see where the guards, led by Ken, Joe and Yolei, were heading. Their eyes found a horror beyond imagination, the woman's body was surrounded by a blood red aura as she hunched over in pain. Legs burst out of her dress and horns grew out of her head while her cackling filled the air. "Fools" she boomed skittering up the walls well away from the guard's blades.
A chilled wind began to blow through the room sending the guests for the exits screaming in horror. Evil seemed to fill the room invading their hearts and souls. A thick fog followed the wind accompanied by an unfamiliar cry "Snake Bandage!". White bandages flew through the air wrapping themselves around Ken and Joe sending them to the floor hard. Yolei let out a cry running to her lover's side trying to pry the cloth off of Ken before he ran out of air.
Takeru pulled Kari into his arms his eyes frantically searching out the attacker but the fog was now thick and it was a miracle he could see his own hand. "TK what's going on?" Kari asked the panic clearly evident in her voice. "Aru's making her move so I need to get you out of here" he said wrapping one arm around her and using the other to find his way to the side exit.
He then heard Matt's voice echo over the chaos "Who are you?" he demanded. A voice unfamiliar to the prince's ears answered his brother "I'm just here for an angel".
Kari stopped dead gripping TK so tight he couldn't breathe, she knew that voice "TK its…" she began before a hand reached through the fog covering her mouth. TK saw this and tried to pull away only to feel another hand cover his own ripping Kari from his arms with a muffled cry. TK watched helplessly as his love was pulled into the fog, rivers of tears falling from her gentle brown eyes.
The prince fought fiercely only causing his attacker to hold tighter bringing their head right to his ear "Too bad about the princess, I was becoming so fond of her". Takeru let out another muffled scream not only because of Kari but also because of the owner of the voice…Aru. The Spiderwoman chuckled with delight at her prey's cries "And little Takeru you are now mine".
Koushiro paced around the small clearing impatiently waiting for Tai and the others to return from their rescue mission. The mysterious stranger had shown them the place that was conveniently at an opening to one of the secret passages leading into the depths of the castle. The young kings brilliant mind had been turning, everything seemed just too perfect the stranger showing up and knowing exactly how to get Kari back, where she was, and how she had arrived in her current situation.
"Something seems off doesn't it?" a voice asked stepping out from the bushes.
The red headed king jumped in surprise before spinning around his golden blade at ready, he may be the king but he wasn't defenseless. "Who are you?" he demanded summoning up every ounce of royal pride running through his veins.
The feeble figure stepped from the bushes his hands up in an act of peace. The man was dressed in crimson robes lined with purple trim. His head was nearly bald save a few snow-white hairs accompanying his mustache. "My name is Genni" he said in a quiet voice "and unlike your little escort I am a friend".
The king's dark eyes narrowed as he looked at Genni. He looked deep into his eyes seeking the truth…he found it he could trust him. "I believe you," he said simply lowering his sword as he spoke "now what is this about a traitor in my mists".
Genni bowed and sat down on a log "It is a long story and we will wait until your companions return before I tell you all you need to know" he paused to see curious eyes thirsting for knowledge, determined to know what was going on "what I can tell you my young friend is you have been led into a very clever trap designed to overthrow King Yamato and Prince Takeru. You must unite with them and others in order for you both to reclaim what is rightfully yours".
Koushiro opened his mouth to ask more questions when the door leading out of the castle flew open and Tai came barreling out a familiar struggling figure in his arms. "Kari" the king said happily not really believing his eyes until Tai sat the struggling girl down holding her shoulders to look her straight in the eyes.
"Kari please cam down its me" he pleaded trying to get her to stop thrashing. His efforts paid off as she stopped long enough to look at her surroundings. "Tai" she cried leaping into her brothers waiting arms. As they closed around her she felt the safety that only TK's arms had given her through her ordeal "You could have just come in you didn't have to take me away like this" she said as she cried into his tunic. She had dreaming of this very moment since Myotismon had captured her.
Tai looked at her with confusion in his eyes "What do you mean? They were holding you prisoner how else did you think I would get you out?" Yet again before the question could be answered the door leading out opened to reveal the rest of the attack party. Mimi came first her eyes filling with relief as they fell on Tai still in one piece. Next came the ever calm Cody followed the Davis carrying the unconscious form of the queen.
Izzy had his head in his hands as the rescue mission turned into one of kidnapping "Guys sit down" he ordered in a serious tone causing everyone to fall to the ground seconds later stopping their celebration of a job well done. Satisfied that he had their attention he began "Okay first Davis what are you doing with the queen?".
The brown haired boy looked at Sora with contempt "Revenge, they took Kari so I took her she seemed to mean a lot to the king". It was Genni's turn to put his head in his hands how could they work together if they didn't even trust each other. It was Kari who voiced his frustration "Revenge for what, saving me from a slave driver, nursing me back to health, loving me…"
"Using you as their whore" Davis added shocked when he was given a sound slap in the face. "Don't you ever say anything like that, Takeru is a good man and would never even think of doing that" Kari shot tears streaming down her face forcing Genni to finally step in.
"My friends it is time you knew the truth" he said getting a sword at his throat for his trouble. Cody had jumped up his emerald eyes flashing with anger as he stood in front of the king protectively "Cody's he's a friend so listen to what he has to say…I fear we have made a grave mistake" Izzy said calmly getting his bodyguard to calm down allowing Genni to continue.
The elder took a few moments to compose himself before beginning his tale "As I was saying you are all part of an elaborate scheme planned by Aru to overthrow the royal family. Her real name is Arukenimon and her right hand man is your little friend Mummymon. For years they have made sure that the heir to the throne Takeru was unable to find a bride due to that fact that if he didn't he would either marry the prime minister or give up the crown. That's where Kari comes in, Myotismon had no knowledge of her plans and thinking Yamato was in power sent Kari as the proverbial olive branch".
Anger flashed in Tai's eyes and Kari lowered her head in shame as Genni continued, "However things didn't happen as you were told. Yes Kari was brought here as a piece of meat but a large miscalculation was made, the princes compassion. Takeru took her in and as she said nursed her back to health, falling in love with her in the process".
"We were married in a secret ceremony a few weeks ago, so that Aru wouldn't know about it and by the time she did there would be nothing she could do to stop us. I was wrong" Kari finished sadly looking at her friends and family "now she has him and Matt…" the tears finally came and she buried her head in Tai's shoulder.
"And its all our fault" Mimi said, "if we hadn't attacked there would have been no fog and I bet the others would have been able to escape".
Izzy nodded in agreement turning to Genni "So what do we do? You seem to know what's going on in there so we will do whatever you want us too". The old man gave the young king a soft smile "There are two tasks you must complete, the first being to rescue the Ishida's and the second to pull your kingdom from the powers of darkness. I will give you the tools needed for that once you prove to me that you can work as a team…"
Silence followed and the small party gave the stranger determined nods. "Then I take my leave and I warn you time is of the essence the lives of those you love as well as the people of this world lay in you hands". With that he faded into the forest from which he came.
Matt felt as if his entire army battalion had just run over his head when in actuality a man with a head full of brown hair had hit him with the hilt of his sword. His ice blue eyes slowly opened to find he was still in the now destroyed ballroom a thick metal collar around his neck chaining him to the wall. Slowly he looked around the room praying he was the only one in the situation his prayers weren't answered Ken, Yolei, and Joe had fallen in battle.
The trio was stuck to what looked like a massive spider wed just left of the grand platform Joe was already awake his dark eyes narrowed in concentration as he tried to work himself free from the sticky silk threads. So far he had only succeeded in giving himself several bleeding cuts. Matt continued his search relieved when he found no one else. "At least they got out," he whispered getting Joe's attention.
The warriors head snapped up at the sounds his yes suddenly filling with relief "I was starting to worry that you'd never wake up, are you all right?" he queried wishing he could be closer. Matt gave a small smile "I'm fine, have you seen who's behind this and who else made it out"
Joe nodded "I'll give you two guesses and the first one doesn't count" he said. Matt clenched his teeth in anger before seething out one name "Aru". The guard gave a grave nod "As for the others Sora and Kari made it out but…"
An evil laugh echoed through the chambers and the skittering of eight legs broke the following silence. The skittering came closer until the spider creature dropped from the ceiling right in front of the king "You called" Arukenimon said as she landed smiling sweetly to the king. "What do you want?" he demanded refusing to play her little game.
She again laughed "Oh you know what I want, your power, lands…basically your kingdom". She saw the fire in his eyes knowing it was a fire of defiance and that he would have to be persuaded; luckily she had planned for that. "Now listen up your highness I'm going to make this nice and easy you give me what I want and I give you what you want".
It was the king's turn to laugh. Ken, Yolei, and Joe would die to save the kingdom just as he would as for Kari, Sora, and TK they were safe well away from the insane creature. "What could you possibly have that I want?" he questioned coldly.
"I was hoping you would ask that" she said her tone fully of a perverse joy. She snapped her fingers causing Mummymon to come from the shadows carrying the unmoving TK in his arms. Matt nearly passed out right then and there at the sight of his little brother "As you can see I have something of personal value".
"Let him go" Matt screamed pulling on his chains cutting off his air supply in the process. Mummymon arrived at her side his yellow eye staring at her adoringly as he held the price for her. Arukenimon ignored the look and focused her attention on the distraught king "Then you agree".
"Never" at the sound of Matt's voice TK began to stir in his captors arms letting out a small grown before opening his eyes. They instantly fell on Arukenimon and the chained form of his brother. "No" he whispered hoarsely. Mummymon set the price down holding him in a chock hold limiting his movement to a few centimeters.
Arukenimon was enjoying the brothers fear and suffering more that she should "Fine then we'll have to do this the hard way" she mused picking up TK's wrist poising her fangs above his veins. TK tired to pull away but the walking band aid he him firm as Joe voiced a panicked warning "She's a spider and spiders have venom". The guard wasn't trying to help the win but protect the prince. The sharp point of her tooth was just about to pierce the tender flesh when Matt looked directly into his brothers eyes and broke down "Wait…I'll do it"
She moved away patting TK on the cheek "I knew you would" she said turning to Mummymon "You stay here and watch our guests whatever you do don't let the prince you we don't want Matt having a change in heart. I'm going to fetch the crown and the papers this Kingdom will be mine before dawn…"
To be continued…
A/N: Sorry this is so short but as I said before I had really bad writers block part four will be longer and have more of everything. Just consider this a building chapter. So until then review.