Second chapter!! I got this out really quickly, compared to how I usually work. I'm really proud of this story, but almost nobody else seems to like it as much as I do. Oh well, this chapter is for Silver Horizon and like, the other TWO people who reviewed. This time, if I don't get at least five or so, I don't know how inspired I could get....
Anyway, the story is moving slowly (or slower than I usually work) and I still have like four or five characters that I still have to introduce. And if you want a certain couple, just put it in a review or e-mail or something and I might think about using it (cuz I'm lazy and running out of ideas!!!) So, I'll stop talking now and let you get on with the story....
..::--*--::..
"As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow." - A.C. Benson, From a College Window
...---... Willow, Chapter Two: Obsession ...---...
.-. by: lily-angel .-.
"Ooh! I can't wait to meet him! Everybody says that he's sooooooo handsome and that he's the best in the whole kingdom with a sword and that he's slain four dragons and that he can play beautiful music and that he..."
Prince Daisuke looked out of a window in the small riding carriage. For three hours, his sister had been rambling on about Prince Yamato. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. His mind was starting to go crazy. He couldn't wait until she married the Prince and got out of his life.
"Jun, just shut up, alright?! We'll be there soon enough and you driving everybody crazy with your stupid list of what he can do is NOT going to help us get there any faster, okay?" Daisuke finally snapped. He ran his fingers through his indian red hair, an obvious sign he was annoyed.
"Fine." And Jun looked out the window, staring at the green fields that they passed. She wasn't really that pretty, but she wasn't ugly, and had a look about her that made it plain to see that she always got what she wanted. When she had heard that one of her best friends was engaged to a handsome duke in Odaiba, she begged her parents to get her engaged to a prince. Then, yesterday, that had heard that the Ishidas had accepted the offer and were expecting them soon to finalize the arrangement. "I won't say anything about how handsome or smart or anything that he is."
Outside, the driver of the carriage sighed happily.
..::--*--::..
That night, Yamato stirred in his bed. He couldn't sleep, he hadn't eaten dinner, and there was only one thing on his mind.
That girl.
He didn't know her first name or anything about where she had come from, but she was there. He could hear her voice and see her beautiful face in his mind. He didn't know her at all, but he felt as if she had been in his life forever.
"I wonder what her name is? Could it be something common, like Ashley, or flowing, like Marina? What about Sarah? Or Lindsay?" He shook his head every time, knowing that none of these names fit her. It would be a beautiful name for her striking appearance.
He threw off the sheets, sweating under them. He had no shirt on, showing his muscular figure. His loose pants were too long and too baggy for him, so of course they were comfortable. He swung his legs off of the bed and touched his bare feet to the floor.
The biting cold of the stone woke him up. Then, he remembered, with a chill down his spine, what had happened earlier that day.
"Aw, shit. I'm getting married to the Motymia girl." He slapped himself mentally for forgetting such a terrifying thing as that. The last time he had seen her was four years ago and she had hung all over him, calling him honeycheeks and other such things. She had yelled at Tai's little sister, who was only nine at the time, to stop seducing her man. He shuddered at the memory and recalled what his mother and father had said.
---Earlier that day...---
"Matt, you know that you're seventeen now. That's how old I was when I got married and started a family. We... your mother and I think that it's time for you to settle down with a nice girl and start training for the day when you will be king." He father looked proudly upon his eldest son.
"No, you have to be kidding. You are kidding, right?" Matt looked helplessly at his parents. Tai and Mimi were right about what they had said.
"Her name is Jun Motymia. She's the King Motymia's daughter. They are on their way right now and should be here in the castle by daybreak two days from now." His mother looked nervously at her husband. "and we hope that the two of you can get reacquainted and get married soon. In a month's time or so."
"I... what... no... what about the trials? The trials are in a month! If I'm married, I can't compete. Father..." Matt started.
"A king does not have to prove his worthiness, so therefore, you will not be competing. My word is final, you and Jun are to be married."
---*---
Yamato ran his fingers through his now imperfect hair. He looked out the window of his bed chamber and stared at the white summer moon. Things always had to happen in threes: the strange and intriguing girl in the forest, his engagement to Jun Motymia, and his denial of the trials. What next? His little brother Takeru falling in love with Tai's little sister?
Matt shook his head and told himself that TK knew he was too young to be falling in love with women already.
At least, he hoped he did.
He paced around his room, contemplating the events of the day. Something had to be done before his life turned into a typhoon of unpredictability. Sighing, he slipped into the now invitingly warm sheets and pulled them around himself.
Softly, he sat awake in bed thinking about the one and only thing that came to his mind:
His angel.
..::--*--::..
Matt woke up the next day, his head groggy from his late night, staying up thinking about the girl. He knew he had to be insane, but there was something about her that he didn't understand... couldn't get. And the fact that there was a woman out there that he didn't get scared him. He had to figure out what this girl was doing to invade his mind so completely.
He jumped out of bed and threw on a loose shirt and shoes. He grabbed his sword, flung open the door, and hastily tied the sheath around his waist on his way down the winding stairs and hallways. Quietly, making sure neither his parents nor Takeru saw him, he slipped out of the castle and into the stables, throwing a bridle onto his white mare, Starlight.
"C'mon, girl, let's go for a ride," he said, slipping himself up onto her bare back.
Swift as the blowing wind, Matt and Starlight rode into the forest, following Matt's instinct. He kept his eyes open for the glittering willow. The breeze gently blew his hair around him and for once, he didn't feel held back by the restraints of royal life. The rules and guidelines of being of noble blood that prevented him from doing many of the things he enjoyed, one of them being riding a horse for no apparent reason in the early morning light. The peasants, at least, weren't forced into marriage.
He looked up around him, the hushed forest bringing him peace. Someday, somehow, he would figure out this chaos and claim his life back. But for now, the sweet silence of nature was enough for him.
Then, he spotted it. It looked just as astonishing as he remembered and shimmered in the light as he moved closer to it. The gentle woodland air swayed the branches back and forth, dancing a sweet ballet with the willow.
"Here you go, girl." He got off of the loyal horse and took her bridle off, letting her roam and graze in the clearing freely. "Now for the mystery..."
He walked towards the tree, hoping that the girl, this Princess Takenouchi, would still be there. He was surprised to find, that not only could he hear her voice, but another! He stopped just short of moving the drape of branches and listened.
"He's a mortal, a prince of the people we're sworn to protect! You can't go flouncing around with him like it's some joy ride! The council will not approve!" This first voice was male, as far as Matt could tell. He didn't recognize it as anyone he knew.
"The council said that we should be kinder to the mortals, understand them and how their political systems work! Don't use the council as an excuse for something you don't approve of! Prince Ishida is one way of finding out about the Motymias' plan, so don't say it's flouncing!" The second voice reminded him of soft wind chimes; it was the princess. He tiptoed closer to the curtain of the willow, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two.
"Princess Sora," *So that's her name...* Matt thought, "I know the council will agree with trying to understand the mortals, but you know as well as I do that falling in love with one is unacceptable," the man said, his voice dripping with jealousy.
"Jyou..." Sora started, but was cut off.
"Not now, Sora. I'm needed back in the city and you've got a visitor outside," Matt's eyes went wide and he backed as quietly away from the tree, but he could still hear the conversation. "Remember, Sora, you're bound to the magick. Don't risk it."
Matt turned on his heel and ran, as fast as he could, to the cover of the trees. This was so much to take in at once. *It can't be... it's not real...* he mind was repeating inside over and over again. But he knew it was true. She wasn't real... or at least, his vision of real. She was... she was...
A faerie.
Matt stopped and stood, wringing his hands together nervously. So the girl that had invaded his thoughts was a... faerie. Okay, he could handle that... almost. But, was everything else true? Was she just using him to find out about the Motymias? And what of the other man? Was what he said true also? Was she falling in love with him?
It was too early to tell, but Matt knew that he had just stumbled upon something that had been kept secret for centuries.
*Curse me and my Ishida luck!*
..::--*--::..
"Um... Gennai?" Matt looked nervously around the room. This was a first. He actually wanted to see that stupid book again. "Sir Gennai, are you in here?" he asked, nervous but commanding.
"Yes, my Prince. Is there something I can help you with?" The old man waddled out, his hands behind his back, smiling cheerfully.
"Um, yes." Matt shook his head and tried to regain his composure. "I would like to take that book with me. The one I read yesterday." H shifted his weight uncomfortably, knowing Gennai could tell something was going on.
"Book? You would like a..."
"Yes! I would like that book! Please, Gennai, I don't have time for games!" *There... that's better.*
Gennai turned around and walked to one of the many bookshelves. He pulled out one obviously old and used volume and handed in to the prince. "There you are, my Prince."
"Thank you, Gennai," he said, turning to walk away.
"But, my Prince, I thought you didn't believe in untruths," Gennai commented, smiling.
Matt stopped for a brief moment, then walked out the door, holding the book in his hand.
..::--*--::..
"He's reading! He's just sitting there, reading, without Gennai or his mother over his shoulder! Something must be bothering him, Meems." Tai looked up at the girl on his shoulders, her dress so long it fell behind his neck. He could smell her flowery perfume...
"Or not. He could just be trying to find something." She moved closer to the tree, trying to see their friend better. "I can't tell what the book says. All I see is a picture of a willow tree..."
"Try harder, Mimi! You're starting to hurt my shoulders!! Why don't you climb up into the tree?"
..::--*--::..
"(Each faerie has a home in the mortal world. It takes the shape of a willow tree, tall and majestic. The faerie can, from there, call upon the Earth to generate a portal to the City of Lights, Mendai, the home of the faeries)," Matt read softly. He looked up at the clouds and knew that this was all true. He had... a feeling. The only way he could describe it was just a feeling. He was never one to believe in fate or destiny or 'feelings', but, then again, he never believed in magick before today.
He looked down at the page and continued reading: "(The faerie is magickally bound to the willow. She cannot leave it, nor and they break it. Until eternal death are they together or until abandonment.)"
"Abandonment?" he whispered to himself. He read on, trying to figure out this stunning girl named Sora.
"(A faerie has one choice if they wish to forever leave the circle. The vile of life, the Mendai star, hangs around each of their necks. All they have to do is to take it off. Give it to a human, and they will be free of magick and their willow. But the choice cannot be taken back. Magick does not forgive, until death.)"
"Whoa, harsh," he said to himself. He started to turn the page, but stopped when he heard a noise behind him. He slammed the book on the log he was sitting on and drew his sword, walking towards the place.
"I know you're there, Tai. Come out now before I get mad!" he said, commanding. "What gives you the right to watch me like that?!"
"Um, hi, Matt. How are you this glorious evening?" he heard Tai say from behind the tree. "I would come out right now, but we have a problem..."
"We?" Matt asked, putting his sword back in his sheath. "Who's we?"
"Me and Mimi. She's.... uh... stuck." Tai said, trying not to laugh.
"Taichi Yagami, I can hear you down there!! It's your fault I'm stuck up here! You get me down now before I tell your father what happened to Hikari's journal!" Mimi screamed.
"You wouldn't!"
"I would! GET ME DOWN!!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.
"Okay, okay. Matt can you help me?" Tai asked.
"Yes, but how did she get stuck up there? Can't she just climb back down?" Matt said, walking over to the two.
"No! Do you know how far it is from up here! I'll kill myself!!!"
"That wouldn't be too bad..." Tai whispered.
"What did you say, Tai?!" Mimi asked angrily.
"Nothing! Now, let's get you down. I'll help you down to this low branch and then you jump and Matt will catch you, okay?" Tai said, grabbing a branch and hoisting himself up.
"Okay..." Mimi said quietly and scared.
"Here, Mimi, grab my hand."
Mimi reached her hand out, gripping as hard as she could with her other onto the branch she was leaning on. She held his hand and then Tai pulled her down to the branch he was on.
"Don't fall, Meems!" Tai said jokingly, letting go of her hand.
"Taichi Yagami!!!" she screamed, grabbing onto the branch before her feet fell off. "I'm going to kill you!!"
And Matt just stood there and laughed at the pair.
..::--*--::..
A young blonde boy walked down the halls of the dark, desolate castle. He looked nervously behind him and in front of him, as if looking for someone who was following him. He was stepping lightly up the spiraling staircase, breathing slowly as if he was nervous.
"Hikari...? Are you here?" he hoarsely whispered.
In the darkness of the room, a single candle flickered. Behind it, a small figure could be seen, kneeling with her hands keeping the wind from blowing the candle out.
"Takeru! You came!" She got up and hugged the boy.
"Of course I came, Kari. Why wouldn't I?" He wrapped his arms around her, feeling the cold that she was. "How long have you been up here? You said midnight, and it is now. I didn't make you wait, did I?"
"No! I just... I just came earlier. I didn't know it was so cold up here." She involuntarily shuddered and Takeru hugged her closer to him.
"Kari, why did we need to be up here? I could've met you somewhere else where it was warm and you wouldn't freeze. You're going to get sick again!" He held his friend close to him, trying to warm up her cold body.
"I know. I just wanted you to see something I found the other day." She walked over to a corner and opened a dusty, overlooked trunk there. She pulled out a thin book and sat down near a window, where she could read in the moonlight.
Takeru walked over to her and sat down next to his best friend. If they were caught up here alone by her brother Tai, or by his brother Matt... he didn't want to think what would happen. Both of them were overprotective of the two's friendship. They didn't like to think of what would happen if they were more than that. TK looked over at Kari and smiled. She was very beautiful and smart and kind and loving and sweet and... well, he could think of a lot of things. But, he kept his silence for the sake of their friendship.
"Kari, what did you want to..." he started to ask.
Kari flipped through the empty pages until she came to one with an elaborate and colorful picture She held it up in the light for him to see. "Look."
Takeru was astounded by what he saw... he couldn't say anything. The picture showed twelve people, each with a monster or something standing next to them. There was a large pillar of something (that was the only name he could think for it) behind the twelve of them.
"Now, I know that this is me, and you, and Matt and Tai and Mimi," she said, pointing to five of the figures. "And that looks sorta like Prince Daisuke. But I can't figure the other six. I've never seen them before."
TK stared at the picture. This book had to be at least fifty years old. How could someone have drawn people who look just like them fifty years ago? This had to be one bizarre coincidence!
"I don't know, Kari. I don't know who they could be."
And in the picture, a girl with fiery auburn hair stared back at him.
..::--*--::..
yours truly and forever,
lily-angel
Anyway, the story is moving slowly (or slower than I usually work) and I still have like four or five characters that I still have to introduce. And if you want a certain couple, just put it in a review or e-mail or something and I might think about using it (cuz I'm lazy and running out of ideas!!!) So, I'll stop talking now and let you get on with the story....
..::--*--::..
"As I make my slow pilgrimage through the world, a certain sense of beautiful mystery seems to gather and grow." - A.C. Benson, From a College Window
...---... Willow, Chapter Two: Obsession ...---...
.-. by: lily-angel .-.
"Ooh! I can't wait to meet him! Everybody says that he's sooooooo handsome and that he's the best in the whole kingdom with a sword and that he's slain four dragons and that he can play beautiful music and that he..."
Prince Daisuke looked out of a window in the small riding carriage. For three hours, his sister had been rambling on about Prince Yamato. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. His mind was starting to go crazy. He couldn't wait until she married the Prince and got out of his life.
"Jun, just shut up, alright?! We'll be there soon enough and you driving everybody crazy with your stupid list of what he can do is NOT going to help us get there any faster, okay?" Daisuke finally snapped. He ran his fingers through his indian red hair, an obvious sign he was annoyed.
"Fine." And Jun looked out the window, staring at the green fields that they passed. She wasn't really that pretty, but she wasn't ugly, and had a look about her that made it plain to see that she always got what she wanted. When she had heard that one of her best friends was engaged to a handsome duke in Odaiba, she begged her parents to get her engaged to a prince. Then, yesterday, that had heard that the Ishidas had accepted the offer and were expecting them soon to finalize the arrangement. "I won't say anything about how handsome or smart or anything that he is."
Outside, the driver of the carriage sighed happily.
..::--*--::..
That night, Yamato stirred in his bed. He couldn't sleep, he hadn't eaten dinner, and there was only one thing on his mind.
That girl.
He didn't know her first name or anything about where she had come from, but she was there. He could hear her voice and see her beautiful face in his mind. He didn't know her at all, but he felt as if she had been in his life forever.
"I wonder what her name is? Could it be something common, like Ashley, or flowing, like Marina? What about Sarah? Or Lindsay?" He shook his head every time, knowing that none of these names fit her. It would be a beautiful name for her striking appearance.
He threw off the sheets, sweating under them. He had no shirt on, showing his muscular figure. His loose pants were too long and too baggy for him, so of course they were comfortable. He swung his legs off of the bed and touched his bare feet to the floor.
The biting cold of the stone woke him up. Then, he remembered, with a chill down his spine, what had happened earlier that day.
"Aw, shit. I'm getting married to the Motymia girl." He slapped himself mentally for forgetting such a terrifying thing as that. The last time he had seen her was four years ago and she had hung all over him, calling him honeycheeks and other such things. She had yelled at Tai's little sister, who was only nine at the time, to stop seducing her man. He shuddered at the memory and recalled what his mother and father had said.
---Earlier that day...---
"Matt, you know that you're seventeen now. That's how old I was when I got married and started a family. We... your mother and I think that it's time for you to settle down with a nice girl and start training for the day when you will be king." He father looked proudly upon his eldest son.
"No, you have to be kidding. You are kidding, right?" Matt looked helplessly at his parents. Tai and Mimi were right about what they had said.
"Her name is Jun Motymia. She's the King Motymia's daughter. They are on their way right now and should be here in the castle by daybreak two days from now." His mother looked nervously at her husband. "and we hope that the two of you can get reacquainted and get married soon. In a month's time or so."
"I... what... no... what about the trials? The trials are in a month! If I'm married, I can't compete. Father..." Matt started.
"A king does not have to prove his worthiness, so therefore, you will not be competing. My word is final, you and Jun are to be married."
---*---
Yamato ran his fingers through his now imperfect hair. He looked out the window of his bed chamber and stared at the white summer moon. Things always had to happen in threes: the strange and intriguing girl in the forest, his engagement to Jun Motymia, and his denial of the trials. What next? His little brother Takeru falling in love with Tai's little sister?
Matt shook his head and told himself that TK knew he was too young to be falling in love with women already.
At least, he hoped he did.
He paced around his room, contemplating the events of the day. Something had to be done before his life turned into a typhoon of unpredictability. Sighing, he slipped into the now invitingly warm sheets and pulled them around himself.
Softly, he sat awake in bed thinking about the one and only thing that came to his mind:
His angel.
..::--*--::..
Matt woke up the next day, his head groggy from his late night, staying up thinking about the girl. He knew he had to be insane, but there was something about her that he didn't understand... couldn't get. And the fact that there was a woman out there that he didn't get scared him. He had to figure out what this girl was doing to invade his mind so completely.
He jumped out of bed and threw on a loose shirt and shoes. He grabbed his sword, flung open the door, and hastily tied the sheath around his waist on his way down the winding stairs and hallways. Quietly, making sure neither his parents nor Takeru saw him, he slipped out of the castle and into the stables, throwing a bridle onto his white mare, Starlight.
"C'mon, girl, let's go for a ride," he said, slipping himself up onto her bare back.
Swift as the blowing wind, Matt and Starlight rode into the forest, following Matt's instinct. He kept his eyes open for the glittering willow. The breeze gently blew his hair around him and for once, he didn't feel held back by the restraints of royal life. The rules and guidelines of being of noble blood that prevented him from doing many of the things he enjoyed, one of them being riding a horse for no apparent reason in the early morning light. The peasants, at least, weren't forced into marriage.
He looked up around him, the hushed forest bringing him peace. Someday, somehow, he would figure out this chaos and claim his life back. But for now, the sweet silence of nature was enough for him.
Then, he spotted it. It looked just as astonishing as he remembered and shimmered in the light as he moved closer to it. The gentle woodland air swayed the branches back and forth, dancing a sweet ballet with the willow.
"Here you go, girl." He got off of the loyal horse and took her bridle off, letting her roam and graze in the clearing freely. "Now for the mystery..."
He walked towards the tree, hoping that the girl, this Princess Takenouchi, would still be there. He was surprised to find, that not only could he hear her voice, but another! He stopped just short of moving the drape of branches and listened.
"He's a mortal, a prince of the people we're sworn to protect! You can't go flouncing around with him like it's some joy ride! The council will not approve!" This first voice was male, as far as Matt could tell. He didn't recognize it as anyone he knew.
"The council said that we should be kinder to the mortals, understand them and how their political systems work! Don't use the council as an excuse for something you don't approve of! Prince Ishida is one way of finding out about the Motymias' plan, so don't say it's flouncing!" The second voice reminded him of soft wind chimes; it was the princess. He tiptoed closer to the curtain of the willow, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two.
"Princess Sora," *So that's her name...* Matt thought, "I know the council will agree with trying to understand the mortals, but you know as well as I do that falling in love with one is unacceptable," the man said, his voice dripping with jealousy.
"Jyou..." Sora started, but was cut off.
"Not now, Sora. I'm needed back in the city and you've got a visitor outside," Matt's eyes went wide and he backed as quietly away from the tree, but he could still hear the conversation. "Remember, Sora, you're bound to the magick. Don't risk it."
Matt turned on his heel and ran, as fast as he could, to the cover of the trees. This was so much to take in at once. *It can't be... it's not real...* he mind was repeating inside over and over again. But he knew it was true. She wasn't real... or at least, his vision of real. She was... she was...
A faerie.
Matt stopped and stood, wringing his hands together nervously. So the girl that had invaded his thoughts was a... faerie. Okay, he could handle that... almost. But, was everything else true? Was she just using him to find out about the Motymias? And what of the other man? Was what he said true also? Was she falling in love with him?
It was too early to tell, but Matt knew that he had just stumbled upon something that had been kept secret for centuries.
*Curse me and my Ishida luck!*
..::--*--::..
"Um... Gennai?" Matt looked nervously around the room. This was a first. He actually wanted to see that stupid book again. "Sir Gennai, are you in here?" he asked, nervous but commanding.
"Yes, my Prince. Is there something I can help you with?" The old man waddled out, his hands behind his back, smiling cheerfully.
"Um, yes." Matt shook his head and tried to regain his composure. "I would like to take that book with me. The one I read yesterday." H shifted his weight uncomfortably, knowing Gennai could tell something was going on.
"Book? You would like a..."
"Yes! I would like that book! Please, Gennai, I don't have time for games!" *There... that's better.*
Gennai turned around and walked to one of the many bookshelves. He pulled out one obviously old and used volume and handed in to the prince. "There you are, my Prince."
"Thank you, Gennai," he said, turning to walk away.
"But, my Prince, I thought you didn't believe in untruths," Gennai commented, smiling.
Matt stopped for a brief moment, then walked out the door, holding the book in his hand.
..::--*--::..
"He's reading! He's just sitting there, reading, without Gennai or his mother over his shoulder! Something must be bothering him, Meems." Tai looked up at the girl on his shoulders, her dress so long it fell behind his neck. He could smell her flowery perfume...
"Or not. He could just be trying to find something." She moved closer to the tree, trying to see their friend better. "I can't tell what the book says. All I see is a picture of a willow tree..."
"Try harder, Mimi! You're starting to hurt my shoulders!! Why don't you climb up into the tree?"
..::--*--::..
"(Each faerie has a home in the mortal world. It takes the shape of a willow tree, tall and majestic. The faerie can, from there, call upon the Earth to generate a portal to the City of Lights, Mendai, the home of the faeries)," Matt read softly. He looked up at the clouds and knew that this was all true. He had... a feeling. The only way he could describe it was just a feeling. He was never one to believe in fate or destiny or 'feelings', but, then again, he never believed in magick before today.
He looked down at the page and continued reading: "(The faerie is magickally bound to the willow. She cannot leave it, nor and they break it. Until eternal death are they together or until abandonment.)"
"Abandonment?" he whispered to himself. He read on, trying to figure out this stunning girl named Sora.
"(A faerie has one choice if they wish to forever leave the circle. The vile of life, the Mendai star, hangs around each of their necks. All they have to do is to take it off. Give it to a human, and they will be free of magick and their willow. But the choice cannot be taken back. Magick does not forgive, until death.)"
"Whoa, harsh," he said to himself. He started to turn the page, but stopped when he heard a noise behind him. He slammed the book on the log he was sitting on and drew his sword, walking towards the place.
"I know you're there, Tai. Come out now before I get mad!" he said, commanding. "What gives you the right to watch me like that?!"
"Um, hi, Matt. How are you this glorious evening?" he heard Tai say from behind the tree. "I would come out right now, but we have a problem..."
"We?" Matt asked, putting his sword back in his sheath. "Who's we?"
"Me and Mimi. She's.... uh... stuck." Tai said, trying not to laugh.
"Taichi Yagami, I can hear you down there!! It's your fault I'm stuck up here! You get me down now before I tell your father what happened to Hikari's journal!" Mimi screamed.
"You wouldn't!"
"I would! GET ME DOWN!!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.
"Okay, okay. Matt can you help me?" Tai asked.
"Yes, but how did she get stuck up there? Can't she just climb back down?" Matt said, walking over to the two.
"No! Do you know how far it is from up here! I'll kill myself!!!"
"That wouldn't be too bad..." Tai whispered.
"What did you say, Tai?!" Mimi asked angrily.
"Nothing! Now, let's get you down. I'll help you down to this low branch and then you jump and Matt will catch you, okay?" Tai said, grabbing a branch and hoisting himself up.
"Okay..." Mimi said quietly and scared.
"Here, Mimi, grab my hand."
Mimi reached her hand out, gripping as hard as she could with her other onto the branch she was leaning on. She held his hand and then Tai pulled her down to the branch he was on.
"Don't fall, Meems!" Tai said jokingly, letting go of her hand.
"Taichi Yagami!!!" she screamed, grabbing onto the branch before her feet fell off. "I'm going to kill you!!"
And Matt just stood there and laughed at the pair.
..::--*--::..
A young blonde boy walked down the halls of the dark, desolate castle. He looked nervously behind him and in front of him, as if looking for someone who was following him. He was stepping lightly up the spiraling staircase, breathing slowly as if he was nervous.
"Hikari...? Are you here?" he hoarsely whispered.
In the darkness of the room, a single candle flickered. Behind it, a small figure could be seen, kneeling with her hands keeping the wind from blowing the candle out.
"Takeru! You came!" She got up and hugged the boy.
"Of course I came, Kari. Why wouldn't I?" He wrapped his arms around her, feeling the cold that she was. "How long have you been up here? You said midnight, and it is now. I didn't make you wait, did I?"
"No! I just... I just came earlier. I didn't know it was so cold up here." She involuntarily shuddered and Takeru hugged her closer to him.
"Kari, why did we need to be up here? I could've met you somewhere else where it was warm and you wouldn't freeze. You're going to get sick again!" He held his friend close to him, trying to warm up her cold body.
"I know. I just wanted you to see something I found the other day." She walked over to a corner and opened a dusty, overlooked trunk there. She pulled out a thin book and sat down near a window, where she could read in the moonlight.
Takeru walked over to her and sat down next to his best friend. If they were caught up here alone by her brother Tai, or by his brother Matt... he didn't want to think what would happen. Both of them were overprotective of the two's friendship. They didn't like to think of what would happen if they were more than that. TK looked over at Kari and smiled. She was very beautiful and smart and kind and loving and sweet and... well, he could think of a lot of things. But, he kept his silence for the sake of their friendship.
"Kari, what did you want to..." he started to ask.
Kari flipped through the empty pages until she came to one with an elaborate and colorful picture She held it up in the light for him to see. "Look."
Takeru was astounded by what he saw... he couldn't say anything. The picture showed twelve people, each with a monster or something standing next to them. There was a large pillar of something (that was the only name he could think for it) behind the twelve of them.
"Now, I know that this is me, and you, and Matt and Tai and Mimi," she said, pointing to five of the figures. "And that looks sorta like Prince Daisuke. But I can't figure the other six. I've never seen them before."
TK stared at the picture. This book had to be at least fifty years old. How could someone have drawn people who look just like them fifty years ago? This had to be one bizarre coincidence!
"I don't know, Kari. I don't know who they could be."
And in the picture, a girl with fiery auburn hair stared back at him.
..::--*--::..
yours truly and forever,
lily-angel