Chapter four up and running. Enjoy and please send me suggestions when you've finished reading.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning came fast. Since Amara was on watch, Taichi and Yamato fell asleep beside her.
She was propped up by Tai's shoulder and Yama's head rested in her lap.
The early breeze was chilly and the Athenians could not repel it in artificial forms, so Amara
snuggled closer to Taichi's side as she stroked Yama's beautiful golden hair.
It was the first time that she felt at peace. She wished the moment would never end.
As the sun rose higher the group began to stir. Yamato was the first person to wake up.
"Hey," he whispered, sitting up.
"Same to you," Amara replied.
He reached over and pulled her to him. "I'm glad that we were reunited. For a long time, way
before I met Tai-chan, I felt empty. Not anymore, huh, Tai?"
The brunette opened his eyes. "How did you know I was awake?"
"You quit talking, actually you stopped mumbling." Taichi blushed.
Amara laughed. "You two never change, do you?"
"No, I guess not. Some things are so natural that even reincarnation can't change them,"
answered Yamato.
Taichi chuckled quietly. "Like you hair?"
"Hey! Take a look at your's. It's the size of the whole Japanese Islands."
The three huddled closer together. Amara rested her head on Yama's shoulder and held each of
their hands.
"I hope it warms up soon," complained Miyako as she stood up.
"It will, when the sun decides to give off heat," commented Daisuke, sarcastically.
Koushiro sat up, rubbing his eyes. "The sun doesn't just 'decide to give off heat.' It -"
"It's okay, Koushiro," said Mimi. "We all know that."
Hikari and Takeru busily set up a fire while the others whined. Ken, Iori, and Shiori silently
gathered food. Michuri was perched in a tree overseeing everything.
"Everyone, get moving. We have a full day ahead of us and we shouldn't wasted the Princess'
time," called Taichi from his spot next to the dark clothed girl.
A general wave of groans went up as everyone prepared for another long day.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It had been only two weeks and everyone was already back into prime condition, the way they were
when they left to fight all those years ago. And everyone's memory was restored from the
computer program the Mistress had given Amara.
As Amara had thought, Yamato and Taichi were her new (or maybe old) best warriors. Mimi was the
runner-up and Sora the "worst." Everyone else was mediocre. But these were the top fourteen
warriors ever. They were a deadly fighting team that all worlds inside and out of the United
Worlds' feared.
Speed, agility, and reflex were some of the fastest of all species.
Amara was proud to know that she alone had trained them. Breaking from her daze, she addressed
the squad. "Listen up, everyone. Today we are going to relax and gather energy and strength.
Tonight I will get my orders from the Mistress as will Taichi from Gennai. Tomorrow morning we
will compare notes and move out. Everyone clear?"
"Yeah, clear as crystal," answered Daisuke.
"Dai-kun, can we loosen up the attitude, please?" asked Michuri. As always, he agreed
immediately while blushing furiously.
"I'll try."
Both always got so giddy and mushy when talking to each other. And Ken always seemed a little
jealous.
Amara glanced around her team. Everyone seemed ready for the challenge ahead, however, the
words of the Mistress rang fresh in her head, "Everyone must return alive." Just by watching
them she could "see" the bonds between the young adults. If one did die it would be disastrous.
The group would fall apart.
/But as Commander I must be prepared to sacrifice myself if the need arises. None of the others
could still lead from the afterworld. It is only possible for some./
Allowing herself a brief second, the Princess took a quick inside look at each of her warriors
minds, searching for fear of anxiety. Neither were present.
With their fully restored memories came the warrior knowledge and instinct. She hoped that
those things would protect them.
/I truly have been both blessed and cursed. And I have a feeling the cursed part is about to
win dominance./
She felt strangely connected to the growing evil. A wave of uncertainty hit her. /If evil wins
out then we are all doomed./
An arm encircled her shoulder. "What's the matter. You look worried." Yamato smiled at her.
Taichi walked up behind them. "Don't even think about it. We won't allow it."
Amara turned around. "Do not think about what?" Her puzzlement was false.
"You can't take full responsibility for everything. I was a leader once, too. And that kind of
thinking does more damage than not."
The Princess blinked. "What do you mean? I had no such thought."
Tai took her hand. "Don't deny it. You were planning to give yourself up if you felt it
beneficial. That's a load of crap. We won't let you do that."
Yamato tightened his grip on her shoulder. "Especially not after we just found you again."
"As the Commander of this unit I am duty-bound to do what ever is necessary. And as a Five Star
General, I outrank all of you."
"Excuse me, Princess, but are we to use our titles?" asked Ken.
"When discussing our battle plans or in battle, you should," answered Shiori.
"What are our titles?" demanded Daisuke.
Michuri, Hikari, and Miyako laughed. Michuri stopped long enough to rattled them off. "Five
Star General Samei, to be addressed as Commander; General Mizik, Second in Command; Lieutenant
General Sosher; Major Generals Ishida and Kamiya; Colonels Mimi and Ichijouji; Lieutenant
Colonel Takaishi; Majors Kido and Izumi; Captain Kamiya; Sergeants Miyako and Hida; and
Corporals Takenouchi and Motomiya. Formal titles are always needed in combat, Dai-kun."
Daisuke turned bright red at the use of that name. Hikari giggled again and Ken fumed.
Amara had had enough of the secret love wars, so she devised a plan for while she was gone that
night.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
After dinner an argument suddenly broke out between Daisuke and Ken. No one heard what it was
about and it was quickly stopped.
"Enough!" commanded Amara. "I am sick and tired of all emotions on the breaking point. It is
quite obvious how everyone feels.
"Michuri likes Daisuke, Ken likes Daisuke, and Daisuke likes both of them. So stop fighting and
talk it out.
"Sora and Mimi, you two have been in love since before you became part of my team. Jyou and
Koushiro, the same with you, two. And Hikari and Miyako, you, too.
"Shiori likes Takeru, Takeru likes Iori, and Iori likes Shiori. Find a way to deal with it."
She sighed with feigned annoyance. "Settle these silly differences while I meet with my
Mistress."
Amara walked away, her trench coat swirling around behind her. The group stood dumbfounded.
Even Yamato and Taichi were stunned.
Slowly conversation started up again, this time about their feelings toward one another.
Since he had a meeting with Gennai, Taichi headed in a westerly direction, through the forest.
He looked back and winked once before continuing.
Yamato nodded briefly, then followed Amara.
It wasn't that they didn't trust their Commander, in fact it was quite the opposite, but Yama
got these gut feelings and they were hardly ever wrong. He knew that the Princess was about to
hear something very upsetting.
Taichi was to meet up with him as soon as he was done. Talking with Gennai never took very
long.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Tai hadn't walked very long before Gennai appeared in his customary green light.
"Taichi. The site of the battle ground is where Amara is going. However, destiny will not
allow this to be easy. This battle will answer a few questions and result in death."
Tai nodded in acknowledgement. Gennai held up a hand to prevent the oncoming question. "No,
this is not the final battle. Taichi, the consequences of today's battle will be harsh and
leave you and the others vulnerable." His voice lowered. "Protect the Princess, at all costs."
He grew less solemn. "Take the Crests and soon the events will tell you the true owners. They
will be redistributed among only three of you.
"Please, be careful, Tai. You must keep the team together."
He disappeared, leaving Taichi to mull over the new information.
/The battle is today?! Shit! Amara and Yama are all alone and they don't know!/
Tai crashed back through the forest.
"Tai, what's wrong?" asked Jyou, worriedly.
"Can't explain, now. Stay here." With that he picked up speed. /Don't let me be too late./
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Amara stood on the edge of a cliff, facing the Mistress.
"Child, I have a message you are not going to like. But first your instructions. Taichi will
collect the Crests and re-divide them amongst three people. Those three people alone will
defeat the enemy and contain the explosion.
"The others will stand in a circle holding hands. Their energy will be available to use as well
as serve for guarding the three's back.
"As for the news. I have learned that the mastermind behind this is -"
Suddenly something knocked the Princess over. Chains appeared restricting her movement. She
looked up. "Father!"
"Hello, daughter."
"But, why?"
From his vantage point in the trees, Yamato tried to charge forward, but a hand prevented him
from doing so.
"Yamato."
He whipped around to see the face of the Mistress. "Yamato, wait for Taichi. The others will
follow him, but beware of the creatures of darkness. They will come, also. Much blood will be
shed. And this area reeks of death." She vanished.
Yamato tuned back into the fight between his Princess and her father.
"... look up to you. All this time you were training me as a worthy adversary? You are the
king of a pacifist nation. You are not worthy of a fight. You are not worthy to look at me or
any of my warriors. We fight to protect peace, not to destroy it."
Yamato could see the cuts and blood covering her body.
"Change back and fight me!" demanded the king.
"I will not."
Another energy ball slammed into her side. "Change or I will destroy your puny team."
Her voice was a rasp as she spoke again. "You can do nothing of the sort. They are the bearers
of the old Crests. You, with all your power, cannot defeat them."
At those words, Taichi appeared.
"Hang on, Amara. We'll think of something." he whispered.
"Tai!" Yamato hugged him tightly. "She can't hold on much longer. We need to distract him
with the Crests."
"How?"
"Like this." He jumped out of the bushes with his crest held in front of him. It began to glow
bright blue.
"Damn him," cursed Taichi as he followed suit. His crest glowed a brilliant orange.
"Get out of here!" shouted their Commander.
"We're no leaving without you." said Tai.
Just then the army of darkness arrived and a faint pulse of pink, light pink, green, light
green, red, purple, and gray light was seen through the trees.
"No!" Amara screamed.
"So, I don't have to hunt for them, after all. Excellent."
Amara struggled against the chains. A single tear slid down her cheek as she realized what her
choice would be.
All her years of training and fighting hadn't prepared her for this. She ceased moving and
freed herself with a laser blast from her eyes.
She stood tall and pride, ignoring the physical damage done to her body, and began reciting the
words she had hoped she would never have to say. "Mother of Morn, Father of Night, I have one
last request. Athena, hear my words and install in me the power to banish this evil!"
An unseen force tugged her toward the sky. The activities below stopped.
The wings on her back grew larger and were covered in pure white feathers. Her black suit shred
and gave way to a long, pale green silk dress. Blonde hair was barely contained with her
customary silver tiara.
The Princess floated down to the ground, positioned in front of Taichi and Yamato. "I will not
let you win. Not now, not ever."
The ex-king of Athena smirked. "You have given me everything I need."
Amara spat at him. "I have given you nothing. I have the power and," she pointed toward Yamato
and Taichi, "... they have the strength. They will not need me to destroy you after I have
taken away your army."
The rest of her team broke through the trees. Amara threw her scepter above them, sealing them
in an impenetrable bubble. Yamato pounded against it.
"Amara! Please don't do this. Don't leave me again." Tears flowed down his face freely.
Taichi held on to him.
"Shh. It's all right."
The General turned around to face him. "I have always loved you." She focused back on her
father.
Green energy rippled in the palms of her hands. She put them together, feeling the energy
crackle.
The power left her, destroying the creatures of darkness. Her father knew he couldn't win
without them and disappeared to regroup.
Amara lay still on the ground as the shield protecting the others, broke.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The next morning came fast. Since Amara was on watch, Taichi and Yamato fell asleep beside her.
She was propped up by Tai's shoulder and Yama's head rested in her lap.
The early breeze was chilly and the Athenians could not repel it in artificial forms, so Amara
snuggled closer to Taichi's side as she stroked Yama's beautiful golden hair.
It was the first time that she felt at peace. She wished the moment would never end.
As the sun rose higher the group began to stir. Yamato was the first person to wake up.
"Hey," he whispered, sitting up.
"Same to you," Amara replied.
He reached over and pulled her to him. "I'm glad that we were reunited. For a long time, way
before I met Tai-chan, I felt empty. Not anymore, huh, Tai?"
The brunette opened his eyes. "How did you know I was awake?"
"You quit talking, actually you stopped mumbling." Taichi blushed.
Amara laughed. "You two never change, do you?"
"No, I guess not. Some things are so natural that even reincarnation can't change them,"
answered Yamato.
Taichi chuckled quietly. "Like you hair?"
"Hey! Take a look at your's. It's the size of the whole Japanese Islands."
The three huddled closer together. Amara rested her head on Yama's shoulder and held each of
their hands.
"I hope it warms up soon," complained Miyako as she stood up.
"It will, when the sun decides to give off heat," commented Daisuke, sarcastically.
Koushiro sat up, rubbing his eyes. "The sun doesn't just 'decide to give off heat.' It -"
"It's okay, Koushiro," said Mimi. "We all know that."
Hikari and Takeru busily set up a fire while the others whined. Ken, Iori, and Shiori silently
gathered food. Michuri was perched in a tree overseeing everything.
"Everyone, get moving. We have a full day ahead of us and we shouldn't wasted the Princess'
time," called Taichi from his spot next to the dark clothed girl.
A general wave of groans went up as everyone prepared for another long day.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
It had been only two weeks and everyone was already back into prime condition, the way they were
when they left to fight all those years ago. And everyone's memory was restored from the
computer program the Mistress had given Amara.
As Amara had thought, Yamato and Taichi were her new (or maybe old) best warriors. Mimi was the
runner-up and Sora the "worst." Everyone else was mediocre. But these were the top fourteen
warriors ever. They were a deadly fighting team that all worlds inside and out of the United
Worlds' feared.
Speed, agility, and reflex were some of the fastest of all species.
Amara was proud to know that she alone had trained them. Breaking from her daze, she addressed
the squad. "Listen up, everyone. Today we are going to relax and gather energy and strength.
Tonight I will get my orders from the Mistress as will Taichi from Gennai. Tomorrow morning we
will compare notes and move out. Everyone clear?"
"Yeah, clear as crystal," answered Daisuke.
"Dai-kun, can we loosen up the attitude, please?" asked Michuri. As always, he agreed
immediately while blushing furiously.
"I'll try."
Both always got so giddy and mushy when talking to each other. And Ken always seemed a little
jealous.
Amara glanced around her team. Everyone seemed ready for the challenge ahead, however, the
words of the Mistress rang fresh in her head, "Everyone must return alive." Just by watching
them she could "see" the bonds between the young adults. If one did die it would be disastrous.
The group would fall apart.
/But as Commander I must be prepared to sacrifice myself if the need arises. None of the others
could still lead from the afterworld. It is only possible for some./
Allowing herself a brief second, the Princess took a quick inside look at each of her warriors
minds, searching for fear of anxiety. Neither were present.
With their fully restored memories came the warrior knowledge and instinct. She hoped that
those things would protect them.
/I truly have been both blessed and cursed. And I have a feeling the cursed part is about to
win dominance./
She felt strangely connected to the growing evil. A wave of uncertainty hit her. /If evil wins
out then we are all doomed./
An arm encircled her shoulder. "What's the matter. You look worried." Yamato smiled at her.
Taichi walked up behind them. "Don't even think about it. We won't allow it."
Amara turned around. "Do not think about what?" Her puzzlement was false.
"You can't take full responsibility for everything. I was a leader once, too. And that kind of
thinking does more damage than not."
The Princess blinked. "What do you mean? I had no such thought."
Tai took her hand. "Don't deny it. You were planning to give yourself up if you felt it
beneficial. That's a load of crap. We won't let you do that."
Yamato tightened his grip on her shoulder. "Especially not after we just found you again."
"As the Commander of this unit I am duty-bound to do what ever is necessary. And as a Five Star
General, I outrank all of you."
"Excuse me, Princess, but are we to use our titles?" asked Ken.
"When discussing our battle plans or in battle, you should," answered Shiori.
"What are our titles?" demanded Daisuke.
Michuri, Hikari, and Miyako laughed. Michuri stopped long enough to rattled them off. "Five
Star General Samei, to be addressed as Commander; General Mizik, Second in Command; Lieutenant
General Sosher; Major Generals Ishida and Kamiya; Colonels Mimi and Ichijouji; Lieutenant
Colonel Takaishi; Majors Kido and Izumi; Captain Kamiya; Sergeants Miyako and Hida; and
Corporals Takenouchi and Motomiya. Formal titles are always needed in combat, Dai-kun."
Daisuke turned bright red at the use of that name. Hikari giggled again and Ken fumed.
Amara had had enough of the secret love wars, so she devised a plan for while she was gone that
night.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
After dinner an argument suddenly broke out between Daisuke and Ken. No one heard what it was
about and it was quickly stopped.
"Enough!" commanded Amara. "I am sick and tired of all emotions on the breaking point. It is
quite obvious how everyone feels.
"Michuri likes Daisuke, Ken likes Daisuke, and Daisuke likes both of them. So stop fighting and
talk it out.
"Sora and Mimi, you two have been in love since before you became part of my team. Jyou and
Koushiro, the same with you, two. And Hikari and Miyako, you, too.
"Shiori likes Takeru, Takeru likes Iori, and Iori likes Shiori. Find a way to deal with it."
She sighed with feigned annoyance. "Settle these silly differences while I meet with my
Mistress."
Amara walked away, her trench coat swirling around behind her. The group stood dumbfounded.
Even Yamato and Taichi were stunned.
Slowly conversation started up again, this time about their feelings toward one another.
Since he had a meeting with Gennai, Taichi headed in a westerly direction, through the forest.
He looked back and winked once before continuing.
Yamato nodded briefly, then followed Amara.
It wasn't that they didn't trust their Commander, in fact it was quite the opposite, but Yama
got these gut feelings and they were hardly ever wrong. He knew that the Princess was about to
hear something very upsetting.
Taichi was to meet up with him as soon as he was done. Talking with Gennai never took very
long.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Tai hadn't walked very long before Gennai appeared in his customary green light.
"Taichi. The site of the battle ground is where Amara is going. However, destiny will not
allow this to be easy. This battle will answer a few questions and result in death."
Tai nodded in acknowledgement. Gennai held up a hand to prevent the oncoming question. "No,
this is not the final battle. Taichi, the consequences of today's battle will be harsh and
leave you and the others vulnerable." His voice lowered. "Protect the Princess, at all costs."
He grew less solemn. "Take the Crests and soon the events will tell you the true owners. They
will be redistributed among only three of you.
"Please, be careful, Tai. You must keep the team together."
He disappeared, leaving Taichi to mull over the new information.
/The battle is today?! Shit! Amara and Yama are all alone and they don't know!/
Tai crashed back through the forest.
"Tai, what's wrong?" asked Jyou, worriedly.
"Can't explain, now. Stay here." With that he picked up speed. /Don't let me be too late./
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Amara stood on the edge of a cliff, facing the Mistress.
"Child, I have a message you are not going to like. But first your instructions. Taichi will
collect the Crests and re-divide them amongst three people. Those three people alone will
defeat the enemy and contain the explosion.
"The others will stand in a circle holding hands. Their energy will be available to use as well
as serve for guarding the three's back.
"As for the news. I have learned that the mastermind behind this is -"
Suddenly something knocked the Princess over. Chains appeared restricting her movement. She
looked up. "Father!"
"Hello, daughter."
"But, why?"
From his vantage point in the trees, Yamato tried to charge forward, but a hand prevented him
from doing so.
"Yamato."
He whipped around to see the face of the Mistress. "Yamato, wait for Taichi. The others will
follow him, but beware of the creatures of darkness. They will come, also. Much blood will be
shed. And this area reeks of death." She vanished.
Yamato tuned back into the fight between his Princess and her father.
"... look up to you. All this time you were training me as a worthy adversary? You are the
king of a pacifist nation. You are not worthy of a fight. You are not worthy to look at me or
any of my warriors. We fight to protect peace, not to destroy it."
Yamato could see the cuts and blood covering her body.
"Change back and fight me!" demanded the king.
"I will not."
Another energy ball slammed into her side. "Change or I will destroy your puny team."
Her voice was a rasp as she spoke again. "You can do nothing of the sort. They are the bearers
of the old Crests. You, with all your power, cannot defeat them."
At those words, Taichi appeared.
"Hang on, Amara. We'll think of something." he whispered.
"Tai!" Yamato hugged him tightly. "She can't hold on much longer. We need to distract him
with the Crests."
"How?"
"Like this." He jumped out of the bushes with his crest held in front of him. It began to glow
bright blue.
"Damn him," cursed Taichi as he followed suit. His crest glowed a brilliant orange.
"Get out of here!" shouted their Commander.
"We're no leaving without you." said Tai.
Just then the army of darkness arrived and a faint pulse of pink, light pink, green, light
green, red, purple, and gray light was seen through the trees.
"No!" Amara screamed.
"So, I don't have to hunt for them, after all. Excellent."
Amara struggled against the chains. A single tear slid down her cheek as she realized what her
choice would be.
All her years of training and fighting hadn't prepared her for this. She ceased moving and
freed herself with a laser blast from her eyes.
She stood tall and pride, ignoring the physical damage done to her body, and began reciting the
words she had hoped she would never have to say. "Mother of Morn, Father of Night, I have one
last request. Athena, hear my words and install in me the power to banish this evil!"
An unseen force tugged her toward the sky. The activities below stopped.
The wings on her back grew larger and were covered in pure white feathers. Her black suit shred
and gave way to a long, pale green silk dress. Blonde hair was barely contained with her
customary silver tiara.
The Princess floated down to the ground, positioned in front of Taichi and Yamato. "I will not
let you win. Not now, not ever."
The ex-king of Athena smirked. "You have given me everything I need."
Amara spat at him. "I have given you nothing. I have the power and," she pointed toward Yamato
and Taichi, "... they have the strength. They will not need me to destroy you after I have
taken away your army."
The rest of her team broke through the trees. Amara threw her scepter above them, sealing them
in an impenetrable bubble. Yamato pounded against it.
"Amara! Please don't do this. Don't leave me again." Tears flowed down his face freely.
Taichi held on to him.
"Shh. It's all right."
The General turned around to face him. "I have always loved you." She focused back on her
father.
Green energy rippled in the palms of her hands. She put them together, feeling the energy
crackle.
The power left her, destroying the creatures of darkness. Her father knew he couldn't win
without them and disappeared to regroup.
Amara lay still on the ground as the shield protecting the others, broke.