Disclaimer: I still do not own digimon.

A/N: Well, here's the next chapter.  Please R/R.

----------Chapter 3--------------------

Takeru sat on his bed, running his fingers along the edge of the Wraith Blade.  The memories of that afternoon still rang in his head.

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Koushiro looked down at the sword.  "You had it all along.  I can't believe it."

Taichi looked on with a sour gaze.  "Traitor," he muttered under his breath.

Hikari peered at him with her affectionate eyes.  "Did you?"

The prince was at a loss for words.  "I-it's not-but--"

Taichi scowled.  "Let's go.  It's obvious that a certain someone is not on our side."

"Wait!" Takeru almost screamed at them.  "It's not my fault.  King Yelsand gave it to me.  I had no idea, I swear!"

Hikari's brother shook his head.  "C'mon, guys!  You're not going to actually believe this crap, are you?"

General Koushiro looked at him with his piercing eyes.  "I do."

Hikari stood up from her velvet chair.  "Me too."

Taichi hung his head and look on, defeated.  "So, it was Yelsand."

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Takeru had never noticed it before then, but the accursed blade was surrounded by hateful energies.  King Yelsand was behind the attack.  He was sure of it.  But one question still rang in his mind.  Where was--

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door.  He stood up and opened it to see the three from that afternoon.  He invited them in, but Koushiro waved off the invitation.

"We'll only be here for a few minutes," he explained.  "We need to take a vote.  According to Hikari, Yelsand would never even think about attacking, but it's evident he just did.  It's possible that Ohlash has possessed him.  If this is true, he won't stop until he dies, and even when that happens, someone else will be fighting for him.  The only way to destroy him is to revive the Üntä."

Takeru sighed, "And how do you propose we do that?"

          "We'll have to leave Käsen and find the other Runes."

          "With whom?" Jyou asked from behind.  No one had seen him arrive.  "I'm sorry for overhearing your conversation, but if you're going to confront an omnipotent ancient warrior, you're going to need more than just four people with which to fight."

          Koushiro nodded knowingly.  "That's why you're coming with us."

          Jyou's expression turned to one of anxious inevitability.  He stuttered, "Bu-but I'm just a doctor, I-I can't fight!"

          "Exactly.  We need a doctor.  And what about the survivor's from last night's fire?  When will they be ready to go?"

          "In a few days.  But--"

          "Good," Koushiro grinned.  That means we'll have around a week or so to get ready."

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          Prince Takeru sat as he watched the sunlight slowly eek its way below the horizon.  The crimson orange glinting happily off the grassy hillside mirrored the emotions he felt inside as soon as he got the news that they were leaving Ontak and Käsen behind.

          "May I sit here?" he heard a voice from behind.  He whirled around to see Hikari standing there.  He nodded and smiled.  "I've noticed that you come up here every night."

          "Yeah.  I always watch the sunset.  I'm here so often that people are nicknaming it 'Takeru's Hill'," he laughed.

          "I also noticed that you seem happier than usual today.  Why's that?"

          It was hard for Takeru to explain, because he'd never told anyone before.  "Well, ever since I was a little kid," he began cautiously, "I've always wanted to do something exciting.  Go places.  I mean, I've gone to other kingdoms, but I mean something out side of Käsen.  You know, to see Elves.  Maybe travel to Veltenn or Norrum.  I want to see the world, not sit on a throne and be pampered all my life.  And now I'm finally going to be able to do that, even if it means fighting for the safety of the Free World.

          "I guess my 'ambitions' started way back when we had an Elf visited our kingdom.  He was negotiating peace with my father.  I guess I was only six at the time, and I showed a big interest in affairs that went on outside the country.  Yamato never cared for any of that, because he was the heir to the throne, and so all he could worry about was what on happening here in Ontak.  I spent my childhood learning everything I could about Dwarves, Hobbits, and even Goblins.  So when I heard that we were leaving, I just jumped for joy.  You didn't hear a word I said, did you?"

          Hikari giggled.  "Of course I did.  And it was very interesting.  Now let's just watch the sunset."  Takeru smiled, and without thinking, put his arm around Hikari's shoulders.  She looked surprised for a second, but then didn't give it a second shock.  It was then, while watching the final rays of gleaming sunlight sink below the mountains to the west, that Takeru realized that he had feelings for Hikari that went beyond admiration.

Wow, that didn't take very long.  I guess I renewed my interest in it once I finally was able to check out Fellowship of the Ring at my library.  Well, anyways, I love it when people review, so please do so.  Peace out.