Part Three

Part Three

Ken slipped back into the parlor he shared with Daisuke and removed his hat. He shut the window

and frowned slightly. The confrontation with the Princess had worried him more than he was willing to admit, and he needed to rest.

"You're back already?" Daisuke asked, stepping in from his own chamber.

He nodded with a frown as he removed his mask. "I met someone tonight," he explained.

"Who?" Wormmon wondered, scampering in from Ken's chamber.

"The Princess. She and I had a chat."

"Princess Hikari?" Daisuke's eyes grew large.

"Oh great, now we're doomed," V-mon grumbled, resting his head in his hands.

"Why on Earth did you talk to her?" the redhead questioned.

Ken sighed, unbuttoning his shirt. "I didn't really have a choice," he explained.

"So you were cornered? Great. Here only a day and already my life is over. I thought you were more careful," Daisuke groaned.

"I wasn't cornered," Ken replied. "I was noticed. I was watching her from the room over her balcony. She noticed me and asked me to speak with her."

"Asked to speak with the Dark Bandit?" Daisuke could barely speak.

"Um - Ken? What did you speak about?" Wormmon wondered.

Ken removed his shirt and entered his room. The two digimon and the distraught Daisuke followed him. He searched through his trunk for a clean nightshirt.

"Actually, she told me if I didn't talk with her willingly, she'd make a scene," Ken clarified, recalling the incident. "She wanted to know my intentions. It seems her brother's information this evening didn't do anything to sway her fears."

"Understandable. Taichi's information wasn't very complimentary," Daisuke agreed.

"So what did you tell her?" V-mon asked.

"I told her that I was merely interested in preserving Miyako's safety," Ken recalled. He pulled the loose linen nightshirt over his head. "She seemed to believe my intentions were good and offered herself as an ally."

"An ally?" Daisuke stammered. "Since when do you go around allying with the royal family?"

"I didn't say I would," Ken replied. "The Prince interrupted before our conversation could be completed. She only offered herself as an ally where Miyako is concerned. She said that in any other aspect, she couldn't be expected to offer any help."

"Makes sense," Wormmon noted. "She doesn't know anything else about you."

Ken nodded his agreement.

***

"So?" Miyako wondered, laying on Sora's bed. "How was the evening with the Prince?"

Sora shrugged. She pulled her nightgown over her head and peered into the mirror. "It was alright," she replied.

"Alright? That's it?"

"We just talked for awhile," she replied. "About what's happened since we last saw each other. And a bit about this Dark Bandit guy," she added with a slight frown.

"Oh?"

"Taichi doesn't seem to think his intentions are entirely bad," Sora recalled. She turned on the stool she sat to face the other girl. "He's just afraid he'll be a threat to his father. And he'll defend his father before anyone else."

"How is the Dark Bandit a threat to the King?" Hawkmon wondered. He sat on the floor, staring up at the girls.

"Well, if the Dark Bandit is freeing criminals, he's disagreeing with the King's rule. He could have followers. And if he does, they as a group could be a threat to the kingdom."

"You mean like a revolution?" Piyomon wondered.

"Precisely," Sora replied. "Taichi isn't sure what this guy's intentions are. He's told me that he'd like to have a discussion with him. Sometimes things can be solved through talking. Taichi and his father are wise enough to know that."

Miyako nodded agreement. "I doubt the Dark Bandit will be eager to simply sit down and chat with the King or his son."

"I agree," the elder girl replied. She shrugged. "Something will come of it eventually. In the meantime, let's get some sleep. You're meeting a few more people tomorrow."

***

The next morning, Miyako and Sora awakened mid-morning and joined Jun in their private parlor. Iori knocked on their door and informed them they were invited to breakfast with the Princess and Queen in a sun parlor on the opposite side of the castle. Twenty minutes later, the three girls were bathed and dressed in light, springy dresses and on their way.

They seated themselves around a relatively large round table and began a relatively casual breakfast.

"Mother and I usually have casual breakfasts in this parlor by ourselves," Hikari explained to her guests. "Whenever we have female visitors, we invite them to join us."

"We certainly thank you for the offer," Sora replied politely.

"It's no trouble," the Queen replied. "Now tell us, did you girls sleep well last night?"

"I did," Sora replied. "The beds here are simply dream inducing. I always feel so comfortable here."

"They are very nice," Miyako agreed. "I slept quite well."

Jun frowned slightly. "It was tolerable," she replied with a shrug. "I've not been feeling well lately. Speaking of which, do we have any news from Mother?"

"It seems she's come down with a cold," the Queen replied. "She's decided to spend the day in bed. Hopefully she'll be well in time for tomorrow's get-together."

"Do you think it will be alright if I visit her later?"

"I don't see why not. Lord Jyou, the royal doctor, arrived this morning. He's probably already looking at her."

***

"Mother's not feeling well?" Daisuke asked as he followed his father down the hall.

"No, she has a bit of a cold," Lord Motomiya replied. "She's decided to sleep in today. Hopefully tomorrow she'll feel better. If you'd like, I can arrange you a visit."

"Thank you, Father," Daisuke replied. "Perhaps this afternoon?"

"Perhaps," the Lord agreed.

"Where are we going again?"

"To breakfast," his father replied, reminding Daisuke of the breakfasts the King and Prince usually ate privately in the mornings.

"Right," Daisuke replied. A short period of time later they arrived.

The King and his son were already seated around a round table in a small parlor. "Welcome!" the King greeted his guests.

Daisuke peered around the table. He noted that the Royal doctor, Lord Jyou, and the Ishida brothers were there as well. Takeru grinned at him.

He could almost feel Ken's low groan beside him. Takeru was bearable enough, but he was too cheerful for Ichijouji's taste. He got along considerably better with Yamato, the elder and more serious of the brothers.

"We arrived this morning," Takeru informed Daisuke cheerfully as he sat next to him. "I can't wait for the festivities to start."

***

After breakfast, the young people convened again on the outside grounds. After introductions - mainly to Miyako, who had never met Yamato and Takeru before - they decided to tour the palace grounds while they digested their breakfast.

The group broke off into pairs to travel around. Taichi walked first, with Sora beside him. Hikari followed, Miyako next to her. Jun grabbed Yamato's arm, to his apparent discomfort. Takeru joined Ken and Daisuke, to the dark haired boy's discouragement.

"Jun!" the Queen called, stepping outside. "Didn't you say you wished to see your mother?"

"Oh! Yes! Thank you!" Jun rushed inside to aid the ailing Lady. Daisuke turned to follow. Ken gripped his arm tightly.

"Do. Not. Leave me. With him," he whispered.

"Daisuke, you should let your sister be alone with her Mother for a bit," Takeru agreed, not noticing Ken's obvious discomfort.

Reluctantly, Daisuke agreed. As a result of the evened out numbers, Ken decided to walk beside Yamato instead.

"Close one," Yamato commented. Ken nodded his agreement.

"I'll say," he replied for an entirely different reason.

The tour continued pleasantly enough as Taichi led the group of six around the palace and its grounds, pointing out the royal gardens, the greenhouse Hikari had pointed out to Miyako, the archery targets they had used the day before, the throne room they had been in the morning before, the parlors they had eaten in, the kitchen, the several different halls and parlors and the library, and the royal family's private rooms.

"Keeping yourself out of trouble?" Yamato questioned as he walked beside Ken. The two had already seen the castle many times, and paid more attention to their conversation.

"Absolutely," Ken replied, smiling slightly. Yamato knew nothing about his secret life as a Bandit, but he was aware that the younger boy was not all that he appeared.

"Somehow I doubt this," the blond boy commented.

The other merely shrugged. "I didn't notice your parents," he noted, changing the subject. "Did you come alone?"

"We did," the elder boy replied. "Mother has been feeling unwell, and Father has much work to do." He frowned slightly. "I'm afraid they haven't been very agreeable to each other lately," he confessed.

"Pity," Ken replied with only slight empathy. His own parents had become strangers to him six years ago, and he didn't know much of the Ishida's problems.

Yamato shrugged. "I suppose," he replied. "How is the Motomiya family treating you? Daisuke's more tolerable than his sister, I assume."

"Infinitely," Ken agreed without a hint of sarcasm. "We get along better as time goes on."

Yamato nodded. "He's alright," he agreed.

"Grows on you," the other answered.

"Ah." Yamato noted the females walking in front of them. "This new girl," he began.

"Miyako?"

"Yes. What about her?"

Ken shrugged slightly. "Miyako Inoue. Youngest daughter. Sixteen. Traveled here with us."

Yamato nodded. "That's not what I meant."

"You didn't mean what I think you meant."

"What if I did?" His blue eyes twinkled with amusement at his friends discomfort.

"Then I might have to hurt you."

Yamato let out a hearty chuckle. "I didn't know you had it in you, friend," he commented.

"I don't," Ken half-snapped. Yamato had a strange sense of humor.

The elder boy didn't reply. "Taichi told me you bested him in archery," he commented, changing the subject again.

"Yes. I did. It was a good competition."

"So I heard. You're lucky he was in a good mood," Yamato replied. "I remember the first time I beat him in a foot race. He tackled me to the ground and punched me in the nose." He touched his nose lightly as though he could still feel the pain.

Ken smiled somewhat, but said nothing.

***

"It's a beautiful palace," Miyako told the royal siblings appreciatively. "Thank you for the tour."

"It was our pleasure," Taichi replied with a smile. "But now I think it's time for lunch." He patted his stomach.

"Indeed, the noon hour comes soon," Hikari agreed. "What say we have a picnic prepared?"

"Great idea," Sora agreed.

Hikari turned to the others behind them. "All agreed for a picnic?" she asked.

Yamato shrugged pleasantly. "Sure. Why not?"

Ken did the same. "Fine with me."

"A picnic? Ooh, that'll be great," Takeru cheered.

"Picnic sounds good. As long as there's food," Daisuke agreed.

And so, less than thirty minutes later, the group and their digimon were seated outside on the lawn, eating sandwiches from a picnic basket. Miyako was interested to see Takeru and Yamato's digimon, a Patamon and a Gabumon, respectively, both of which she had never seen before.

"I don't look very impressive, but I'm loyal," Patamon explained proudly.

"You sure are," Takeru agreed. "You're a great friend."

"All digimon are," Yamato agreed sensibly.

"I'm a good friend, right Yamato?" Gabumon questioned. His partner handed him a sandwich and threw an arm over his back.

"Of course," he replied with a grin.

Miyako glanced appreciatively at Hawkmon, who was eating beside her. He was most definitely a good friend.

Ken was busy feeding a sandwich to Wormmon, when he suddenly felt somewhat nervous. He glanced towards Daisuke, but the boy was engaged in a conversation with V-mon and didn't notice him.

Quickly, the dark haired boy lifted his digimon close to his mouth. "If anyone notices I'm gone, tell them I wasn't feeling well and went inside," he told his partner.

"You're going?" Wormmon wondered.

"Something's going to happen, I know it," Ken replied. "We're sitting ducks here. I'm going to try to change that. Let Daisuke know." With that, he was gone.

Wormmon sighed in disappointment but returned to his sandwich.

A few minutes later, there was a scream as an arrow lodged itself in a nearby tree trunk. Hikari stared in shock.

"An arrow!" Taichi shouted. "Quick! Everyone, to cover!" He looked around and noted that the greenhouse was the nearest building. "Hurry!" he shouted. "To the greenhouse!"

There was a flurry of yelling and feet as the group rushed quickly towards the greenhouse. Another arrow flew and lodged itself in the grass directly in front of Miyako's feet. Startled, she fell backwards and landed in the grass.

Daisuke was behind her in an instant. "It's alright, I've got you," he said, helping her up. "I'll keep you safe."

"Thanks, Daisuke," Miyako stammered. Hawkmon, V-mon, and Wormmon were there an instant later.

A dark figure landed itself a few feet away. He wore a dark cloak and a hood that covered his face entirely.

"Oh my goodness," Daisuke stammered. "That's not -."

"That's the enemy!" Wormmon squeaked.

Daisuke swore under his breath. "We've got to get out of here."

V-mon agreed. "C'mon!" he shouted, pulling his partner by his hand and dragging him towards the greenhouse.

"I'm coming!" Daisuke replied. He clutched Miyako's hand, pulling her behind him as well. He scooped up Wormmon in his arms and ran as quickly as he could towards the greenhouse. Hawkmon flapped quickly behind them.

A few feet behind them, another arrow lodged itself near the "enemy's" feet. Another dark figure landed a few feet away from the first. This one wore a dark hat with a purple sash.

"The Dark Bandit," Sora breathed in awe from the relative safety of the greenhouse just as Miyako, Daisuke, Wormmon, V-mon, and Hawkmon entered.

"What happened to Ken?" Takeru wondered.

Daisuke shrugged helplessly. "I don't know," he replied, catching his breath.

"We should go find him," Taichi stated.

"He could be out there alone," Yamato agreed.

"No!" Daisuke shouted a little too loudly. He coughed nervously. "Um. I mean that there's no reason to risk ourselves looking for him. Ken can take care of himself. Right?" He turned to Wormmon in his arms for reassurance.

Wormmon nodded. "Ken will be fine," he replied without much conviction.

"Yeah," Daisuke agreed. "See? Fine."

"I'm wondering about those two guys, though," Takeru noted. He peered through the windows. "The one guy you said is a Dark Bandit, but what about the other guy?"

"He doesn't look friendly," Hikari agreed.

***

The Dark Bandit observed his enemy carefully. "Who are you and what do you want with Lady Miyako?" he questioned.

"That is none of your concern," the other figure replied in a gruff, low voice. He, too, was dressed entirely in black, but without a hat. Instead, a dark hood covered his head, obscuring his face entirely.

"It is of my concern. You're putting an innocent life in danger," he replied.

"You are standing in my way. Prepare to be eliminated," the hooded figure replied.

The Dark Bandit didn't replied. A moment later, the figure wielded a sword. His opponent produced one as well.

***

"Great," Daisuke grumbled to himself. "Ken's not that great at swords."

"What was that?" Yamato questioned, standing behind him.

"Nothing," Daisuke replied. "I was just saying that I really do hate swords."

"Why?" V-mon wondered. Daisuke made a mental note to bonk his partner over the head when they were alone.

"They're sharp. And, um, I'm not that good at it," he improvised.

"Right," Yamato replied, shrugging and turning back to the fight.

The two fighters were fighting aggressively. The figure with the hood had an obvious advantage at the sword, but the Dark Bandit was holding his own.

"This is ridiculous," Taichi grumbled. "We can't just sit here. We've got to do something."

"But what can we do?" Yamato wondered. "We're not even sure who's on our side."

"Yes we do!" Miyako replied. "The one with the hat is on our side. I'm sure of it!"

"It's true," Sora agreed. "He saved Miyako's life once before."

"But then who's the other guy?" Takeru wondered.

"That's a very good question," Daisuke mumbled.

Hikari grasped Taichi's arm. "Brother, I think the Dark Bandit is on our side," she told him. "If you wish to be of assistance, I think we should support him."

The hooded figure swung his sword at his opponent, and the Dark Bandit jumped back, avoiding the blade. He swung his own at the figure, and metal met metal with a vicious clank.

"I'm inclined to agree with you, Hikari," Taichi confessed. "But we need to know more about what's going on here."

"It would help if we knew more about this Bandit guy. Or his opponent," Yamato agreed.

"I don't think they're willing to tell us all that much about themselves," Daisuke commented dryly. "They're both wearing masks."

Another clank turned the group's heads towards the fighting, as the swords clashed again. The red figure swung again, and the Dark Bandit jumped back again. He wasn't as swift this time, and the sword cut across his left shoulder. A trickle of red blood drizzled out.

Daisuke was glad he was holding Wormmon, as he was easily able to clamp a hand over the little digimon's mouth in case he yelled out something upon seeing the injury. V-mon himself was looking rather distressed. Daisuke began to sweat anxiously. Ken had never been injured before!

"If we're going to do something, we'd better do it now before someone gets killed," Miyako shouted.

The Prince was inclined to agree. He looked around the greenhouse for something he could use. Propped up against one of the walls were a spare bow and a single arrow. "This'll work," he decided.

"You're not going to hurt them?" Hikari wondered.

"Nah. I'm a decent shot. I'll just scare him off." He turned to his partner digimon. "Ready to help?"

"You bet!" Agumon replied eagerly.

"Alright. As soon as I've distracted him, the rest of you have to run out there," the Prince ordered. "Shout and scream. Wave swords. Just get him out of there. Hopefully he'll be scared off before any actual fighting takes place between us."

Yamato nodded in agreement and drew his weapon. Daisuke put Wormmon on the ground and lifted a sturdy stick from the floor. Sora did the same. Takeru removed his own sword.

"You two stay here," Taichi ordered his sister and Miyako. "It's safer." Neither girl objected.

"Be careful, Sora," Miyako warned.

"Ready Agumon?" Taichi questioned.

"Ready."

"Good. Go ahead."

Agumon leaned his head back and opened his mouth. "Baby Flame!" he announced, and fire blew from his mouth, lighting the end of the arrow aflame. Taichi took aim.

The Dark Bandit narrowly avoided another sword swipe. Suddenly, there was a shout from the direction of the greenhouse. The tree above him was aflame. From the greenhouse came Sora, Yamato, Takeru, Daisuke, and their digimon. All were shouting and waving sticks and swords.

Both bandits took the cue. The Dark Bandit quickly ran off in the direction of the palace, and his opponent bounded over the wall. Both were long gone before the group arrived.

***

Wincing, Ken placed the wet cloth on his arm and lowered himself onto his bed. "Rather foolish of me," he grumbled to himself. "Getting into a sword fight. I should have practiced more at that."

He sighed slightly and sank back, a ruthless headache beginning to form in his skull.

There was a knock at the door that faced the outside. He groaned and pulled the cloth off his arm. He pulled a shirt over it to hide the wound and made his way to the door.

Daisuke stood outside, holding Wormmon. Miyako was with him. He squinted at them blankly.

"You shouldn't have left in such a rush," Daisuke told his friend with a slight wink that was barely noticeable.

"Wormmon said you were getting a headache. You could have at least said something," Miyako scolded him in agreement. "We were all concerned."

"I'm sorry I worried you," he replied, bowing slightly.

Miyako shrugged somewhat. "It's alright," she replied. "I just needed to make sure you were alright." She bowed and turned to leave. "Sorry to intrude."

The moment she was gone, Daisuke shut the door quickly and set Wormmon on the bed. "Are you alright?" he asked, anxiously.

Ken had already removed his shirt and replaced the wet cloth. "Surviving," he replied. "I think it was my pride that was more hurt. That was the sloppiest fight I've ever been in."

"You haven't been in many," Daisuke reminded him. "Most of your previous work has been in stealth. Let me see."

Reluctantly, Ken removed the wet cloth and allowed his friend to examine him. "Did anyone suspect?"

"Not that I know of. I almost blew it to Yamato, though," he confessed, telling of his near slip of the lip.

"Good save," the other complimented with a wince as Daisuke dabbed the cloth at the wound.

"Sorry. It's gonna hurt a bit. I wish we could have Lord Jyou take a look at this."

"No such luck, pal," Ken replied. "Anyone sees me with a wound like this and it's all over. I don't need to risk being discovered now. Not when I'm so close."

Wormmon snuggled next to his partner and put his head in his lap. "Are you sure you're alright, Ken?"

"You're lucky I was holding the little guy when you got hurt," Daisuke told him as he handed him the cloth to reapply over the wound. "He nearly screamed out your name." He turned to leave the room.

"It was a bit traumatic," Wormmon agreed.

Ken nodded. "I'll try to be more careful," he apologized. He petted his partner slightly. "I'm safe, though. Don't worry."

V-mon stood on the floor nearby, a concerned look in his eyes as well. "Daisuke was worried, too," he offered. "He was sweating enough to fill an ocean."

"Very funny," Daisuke commented as he reentered the room. "It was frightening. I'd never seen him injured in a fight before," he defended himself.

"It's alright, you guys. I'm fine," Ken assured.

"I'm sure. Just let me bandage this. If we're lucky, no one else will notice it," the other boy replied as he opened a small box. Since Ken had begun having a secret identity with such a dangerous occupation, he'd begun keeping a box of medical supplies. This was the first time he'd had to use the items inside, however.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Of course. The old woman who gave me this stuff was pretty knowledgeable. She gave me some rags for bandages, some herbs for healing, and some funky other stuff for stomach aches."

"Stomach aches?"

"Yeah. Just in case, I dunno, you got poisoned or eat some bad meat or something," Daisuke shrugged. He removed a healing salve and a strip of cloth.

"Poisoned? How would I get poisoned?"

"I don't know! It could happen."

Ken winced slightly as his friend applied the healing salve to the wound. It burned slightly. "Are you sure it's supposed to hurt?"

"Yup. She said it was going to sting a little. That means it's working," the other replied.

"You've been spending too much time with Takeru," Ken informed his friend. "You're being too cheerful."

Daisuke only chuckled in reply as he replaced the jar of healing salve in his box. He began to bandage the arm. "You should try and stay off it for a few days and give it a chance to heal," he advised.

Ken looked at him with narrowed eyes. It was that dangerous look Daisuke recognized as meaning 'back off.' "I can't stay off it," he replied. "Miyako's even more in danger now."

Daisuke sighed as he tied the cloth tightly. Ken winced slightly. "Sorry," he apologized. He stood up and picked up the box. "I really think you are falling for Miyako."

Ken just groaned and laid down again. "Daisuke?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."

The other just laughed again as he reentered the room. "Want me to wake you for dinner?"

"Yeah, I guess. I've got a huge headache right now. I need to rest if I'm gonna get anything done tonight."

"Tonight?" Daisuke squeaked.

"I can't rest, Daisuke, I told you that. There's too much to do."

"Whatever," the boy replied. "I'll call you for dinner."

"Daisuke?"

"Yeah?" He stuck his head back in the room.

Ken lifted his aching head a moment. The pain was visible for a moment in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it. "Thanks for helping me."

Daisuke shrugged. "It's what friends are for, Ken," he reminded him.

Ken shrugged as well. "Thanks anyway, alright?"

"Alright," the other boy replied. "See you for dinner."

Ken just groaned as he rolled over and buried his head in his pillow.

***

"I'm glad everything has calmed down since this afternoon," Sora commented. She, Hikari, and

Miyako were seated on the balcony. Taichi was with the Ishida brothers, and Jun and Daisuke were with their mother. Ken was apparently still recovering from his headache.

"So am I," the Princess agreed. "That was certainly a scare."

"That's for sure," Hawkmon agreed.

"I really wish we knew who that other bandit was," Miyako mused. "I'm sure he must have been the same who attacked me in the marketplace."

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was," Sora agreed. "The question is, why?"

"If we knew who he was, that might help," Piyomon noted.

"Yeah, but we're no closer to either answer," Tailmon replied with a sigh. "This is most frustrating."

"That it is," Hikari agreed. "If only there was more of a clue."

"Well, Sir Koushiro is examining the arrows since his arrival late this afternoon," Sora reminded her. "Perhaps he'll be able to get some clues from them."

"Perhaps," Miyako agreed. She yawned. "I think I should turn in," she informed her friends. She turned to Hawkmon. "Coming?"

"Indeed I am," Hawkmon replied, trailing after her.

"I think I'll come, too," Sora stated, standing.

Hikari stood as well. "Actually, Sora, I was wondering if I could speak with you alone?"

Sora paused. "Certainly," she replied. "I'll be along in a minute," she told Miyako. Piyomon nodded, following the other two as well.

Hikari nodded. "Thank you," she replied, stepping over to the wall. She nodded to Tailmon, who followed Piyomon and Miyako back inside the castle.

"What can I do for you, Hikari?" Sora questioned.

"Actually, it's about Miyako and this Dark Bandit," Hikari replied. "I had a conversation with him last night."

"A conversation?" Sora gasped.

Hikari nodded as she told the details of the previous night. Sora gasped again.

"So no clue as to his identity?" she wondered.

"No," Hikari replied with a sigh. "And this afternoon didn't satisfy my curiosity any further. I'm convinced now, though, that he's right in protecting Miyako. That's why I need your help."

"Miyako's my friend," Sora replied with conviction. "I'll do everything I can to protect her."

"There's more than that," Hikari explained. "I think that between the two of us, we should try to be certain she is never alone. Besides Hawkmon, I mean."

Sora nodded in agreement. "Consider it done. If this Dark Bandit is as good as he says he is, he's my ally, too."

"There's one more thing," Hikari continued. "I think that Miyako should be kept in the dark about this. We don't need to worry her anymore than she already is."

"Understood," Sora replied.

"Thank you, Sora. I knew I could trust you," the Princess smiled. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night. And Happy Birthday, Princess."

"Thank you. Good night."

***

Sora slipped back into the castle, and Hikari settled down into a chair again, looking out once more at the stars.

"One day, your majesty, you'll be a magnificent leader," a voice stated from behind her.

She turned, startled, to see the Dark Bandit standing on the balcony wall behind her. She smiled slightly.

"Thank you for the compliment," she replied. "I didn't expect to see you tonight."

"I thought your majesty would like to continue last night's conversation." He offered a half smile as he dropped from the wall and bowed low. "It appears you're trying to put me out of a job."

She shook her head. "Just giving you a rest. Are you alright?"

He shrugged slightly and touched his left arm reflexively. "Nothing that won't heal, Princess."

"Are you certain? I could have the doctor look at it," she began.

He shook his head and held up a hand. "Thank you, but no, majesty," he replied. "You know as well as I do that is a bad idea."

She nodded reluctantly and sighed. "True. What do you know about your adversary?"

"Not much, my lady," he replied. "Only that he is a good swordsman and a bad conversationalist. I don't even know what to call him."

"You were lucky, today," she agreed.

He nodded. "I'm indebted to your brother, my lady. I hope he knows that."

"I'm certain he does," the Princess replied. "As we are to you. I don't know what would have happened today if you hadn't showed up." She shuddered slightly.

"It was a stroke of luck and good timing, your majesty."

"I wish I had more information for you," she apologized. "As an ally, I feel somewhat useless."

"You are useful enough, your majesty," he assured her. "It is useful to have allies of any sort." He smiled. "If you'll excuse me, Princess, I should be going." He bowed deeply.

She nodded. "Of course." She glanced towards the palace. "I should go in, too. I suppose I'll see you again soon?" She turned back towards the balcony, but her visitor had already departed. With a smile, Princess Hikari returned to her chambers so she could rest for the celebration the next day.

***

Miyako had just pulled her nightgown over her head when she heard a noise from the large picture window in her bedroom. She walked over and flung open the windows, stepping on to the small balcony.

"I was hoping you'd still be awake," a voice greeted. She started momentarily and turned to see none other than the Dark Bandit standing on her balcony wall.

"You," she whispered. "What do you want?"

"Nothing, Lady Miyako. Just to reassure you," he replied. He bowed slightly and stepped on to the floor just a few inches from her.

She stepped back reflexively and then remembered what had happened earlier. "Are you badly injured?" she asked, stepping forward again.

He bowed again and smiled kindly. "Nothing serious, my lady," he replied. "No need to worry. It is your life that is in danger. Not mine."

"If you're set on protecting me, you're at risk as well," she retorted sensibly. "Which brings me to my question. Why? And who is after me?"

"I protect you because you need it, my lady," he replied, bowing for the third time in as many replies. "And as for our opponent, that I do not know."

"Please, do me a favor. Don't bow so much. You make me nervous."

He smiled slightly. "As you wish, Lady Miyako," he replied, refraining from bowing.

"You know nothing about him?"

"Only that he's a worthy adversary, Lady," he answered politely.

She sighed. "Do you know of any reason why somebody would be after me?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't, my lady," he replied. "I was hoping that you'd know."

She shook her head in response. "No. My parents didn't know either when I asked them." She turned and peered out over the balcony. "My parents have lived at the manor peacefully since before I was born. As far as I know they haven't-," she turned back towards the visitor, but he was gone already. With a sigh, Miyako reentered her room.

From the roof, the Dark Bandit watched as she went back inside. He frowned. "So far," he whispered. "This isn't going anywhere."

***

Things appear to be at a standstill now, after the first exciting battle. Who is the dark hooded guy who is really good at swords? You'll have to keep reading to find out. Don't worry. More exciting battles and other dramatic type stuff to come.

Thanks for reading!