Ice on my Fingers
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: If I owned Digimon there would be a lot more random kissing, and there would be no way I'd allow anyone to get their dirty scissors on it. And of course, Episode 50 wouldn't have happened. Unless I did an Episode 51, where T.K. confessed it was all a joke.
Warnings: My previous warnings are probably all coming into play for this chapter. Homosexual and Hetrosexual relationships. Incest… kinda. And TAKARI, slight one-sided YAMASUKE and YAMAJUN, SORATO and implied (one- sided) SOKERU.
Hikari stretched, her unused muscles aching from the strain of the past day. Her clothes, which last night had been plastered to her body, now hung stiffly due to the dried sweat. The smell of burned timber had been ingrained into both hair and fabric by her night by the fire, and the last dying embers of the fire flickered out. Hikari pulled her legs up to the rest of her body shivering because of the temperature of the cold stone floor. It was a mark of her exhaustion that she'd been able to sleep at all. She pushed her tangled hair from her eyes and looked around the kitchen. An overly plump woman, who despite her motherly figure was exceedingly cold bustled over, "Kari," She snapped, "Do you think you're here to slack off?" Hikari stifled a yawn, she was used to more sleep, before angrily saying "My name is Hikari." The woman slapped her full around the face, causing blood to trickle from the corner of the girls' mouth. "Don't give me any of your cheek scullion." She thrust a mop and pail into Hikari's empty hands. Hikari took it without saying anything.
Twinkling blue eyes met her own deep amber and the stable boy gave her a rare smile, "You're learning. Always remember Lady Kari…" He said, mocking her proud bearing, and obvious lineage, "The tree that does not bend with the wind, breaks." Hikari turned to fill the bucket and missed the boys mirthless smile,
"Yet those who bend to this life never fully recover their spirit." He finished sadly under his breath so the girl would not hear it.
Up, Down, Up, Down. Hikari repeated the pattern in her mind, ignoring the distant ache of her protesting muscles. She had spent hours mopping, and then scrubbing the cold stone floors of the manor. The pattern had ingrained itself upon her mind, blurring in her head with the sound of whip lashes on Ruki a dark haired kitchen maid who had once snuck Hikari food, and once dobbed her in for touching one of the masters weapons.
Hikari had spent just over 2 years in the manor, such a short time in comparison to the rest of the maids, and while her muscles still protested, in her mind it felt like she had never lived anywhere else.
~~~
Hikari winced as the stiff material of her under-dress brushed against the welts on her back. As was her custom at times like this she ran the reasons she was staying at the manor through her mind.
1. She had nowhere else to go - Not really.
2. She needed to be close enough to hear any news should it come.
3. If they looked they would not search amongst the kitchen scullions for her and besides… her grandmothers stories about brave young princes who hid as stable boys until they achieved their revenge for their families murders had always intrigued her. How could she do any less for her family then they had done for theirs.
Like always when she was reminiscing her childish words came back to haunt her,
"I would hide as a scullion to avenge you if you died."
Her grandmother had laughed and tapped her knuckles when she had said this. She had been told that she would never pass as a scullion.
How wrong you were Grandmother. Hikari thought sadly, how wrong you were. Sleep came quickly to the girl, but when she woke up the next morning she didn't feel like she had slept at all.
~~~
"Kari!" The voice was sharp, "Where is my cleaning water. I'm sick of your disobedience and stupidity girl. I told you last night that today was cleaning day, but not only did you not get my water you have also slept in."
Hikari blinked bleary eyes up at the kitchen overseer, she had a vague memory of the woman saying something about water and cleaning, but she had been to tired for the words to make any imprint on her brain, huge mistake that this had turned out to be.
"I-I'm sorry…" She murmured softly her amber brown eyes filling with tears. A time weathered hand caught her by surprise as it caught her face, once twice three times, with sharp capable slaps.
"Don't apologise girl, get on with your work." The woman gripped the younger girl by the ear pulling her up, and dragging her into the chill morning air.
"Get cleaning child. Yolei will be out to help you as soon as Captain Marco is done with her." She said, finally releasing Hikari's ear and practically dumping her into the ice cold water. Her dark brown almost black hair hung in rat tails around her face from the water she had been dumped in and she nodded trying to stop her teeth from chattering,
"Yes mistress."
The woman sniffed and stormed back inside, ignoring the melting snow on the ground. Hikari bit her lip and tried to pull herself together. It was only times like this, when she was cold, wet and dripping that she realised that she would never… could never fully become the person she was seen to be. She glared down at the ground, half melted snow and dirt coloured sludge were slowly soaking her dress.
"I hate snow!" She muttered furiously, wringing the wetness from her dress as best she could.
"You're up early." She heard a voice behind her say. She swung around to face the source of the mocking voice and grimaced,
"Oh get off your high horse Takeru. You're up just as early as me." She said fiercely turning back to the lake. She filled the bucket and then had to use both hands to lift it.
The blond haired stable boy slid off the horse he was supposedly exercising, and began to trot after her,
"So how are we this morning Lady Kari?" He asked sarcastically.
The girl glared, "Lovely Lord I have a stick up my ass, how about you?"
Takerus blue eyes twinkled with mirth, "Perhaps I should call you Lady Wit?"
Hikari sniffed indignantly and shot him a glare from under her sopping fringe, "And Perhaps I should call you Almighty God?"
Takeru paused as if he was actually considering it, "I could deal with that."
Hikari stopped abruptly and spun, "Can you deal with this?" She asked, emptying the bucket on Takerus head and sending water cascading down his perfect gold waves of hair and neat clothes. Takeru stared at her in complete shock for a moment then his face broke into a wide grin.
"You're gonna have to refill your bucket," he pointed out.
Hikari glared at him, "I know. You do realise this is your fault?"
Takeru stared at her for a moment then followed her as she stalked towards the well to refill her bucket, "Why?"
"If you didn't pester me, I'd be able to work!" She explained.
Takeru smirked. Strangely enough Hikari was the only one of the 15 kitchen wenches he'd ever annoyed. The others either hadn't noticed him, or had told him quite politely that if he wanted sex there were whores available in town.
Then again, until Hikari, he'd never really been interested in any of the kitchen scullions. Generally they were greasy, relatively ugly and close enough to witless that he'd never concerned himself with talking to them. Then he had seen Hikari. It had been summer, and she had been arguing with the head housekeeper. It had struck him as odd, because he'd never seen anyone fight with the house keeper before. He hadn't been able to resist, and had snuck closer.
It was then that the real surprise had come. She held herself in nearly as arrogant a manner as his sister. Takeru had sworn from that moment that he'd break her arrogance and get her into his bed.
Neither had happened… but then, he hadn't counted on her spirit being so enticing. Especially when he was lying in bed thinking about her… Sometimes he almost altered his plans to involve letting her keep her spirit and eloping with her… And then he was brought back to reality.
"Takeru you slob! Help me!" The brunette chastised him, her amber eyes flashing with the fire of her soul.
Takeru smirked and took the other handle of the bucket with out comment.
Reaching the kitchen both youths dropped the bucket and Takeru smirked,
"I think I deserve a reward." He arched an eyebrow at Kari.
The girl swung her open-faced palm at him, Takeru caught it,
"You feel the same way?" He questioned innocently, "Great!" Pulling Hikari closer he covered her mouth with her own, plundering her sweet mouth.
She fought for a moment then sunk into the kiss, opening her mouth and battling his tongue with her own.
The kiss was broken when both participants where whapped by the passing cook,
"No time for slackers. Get to work or move it elsewhere."
Gold brown eyes alight and panting slightly Hikari stared at him for a moment,
"Asshole!" She hissed before storming out the door.
Takeru stared after before letting out a whoop of delight a chasing after her.
~~~
"The prince is coming," Yamato, Lord of Ishida spoke softly staring at the piece of paper in his hand.
"Really, how fascinating." A voice murmured in his ear, "Now come to bed." Yamato leant back as he felt hot kisses trail across his neck.
"As much as I'd love to sister dear, I have other work to attend to."
Yamato could just imagine the pout she'd be wearing as her nails trailed down his arm.
"As you wish my lord," The seductive voice whispered. Her lips brushed his collarbone. He pushed her away,
"I'm serious Sora."
"Fine" The voice was sullen now, "Have you seen our younger brother? He's growing into a handsome young man."
The young man gave a harsh chuckle, "You don't have a chance. He's not your type."
"Neither were you." She sashayed out of the room.
Yamato shrugged, "You were very convincing."
~~~
"Master Izumi." Sora inclined her head to the travelling slaver, "My brother will see you now."
The red haired slave masters eyes traced her figure, "A pleasure as always Mistress Sora."
Sora giggled behind her hand, "You're too kind."
"My lady!" Izzy cried hand over his heart, "I'm a slaver, I have to be kind."
Sora smirked, "Indeed. Hopefully I will see you again soon. I always enjoy our time together."
"As do I." He watched her retreating form and then shuddered once she'd turned the corner.
"I swear that woman gets colder every time I see her," He said to the shadows.
"You find my sister distasteful?" Yamato asked stepping out from his office.
"She's not my type." The slaver replied
"She's not anyone's type but that's never stopped her," Yamato said dismissively.
"So my contacts tell me."
Yamato chuckled, "Izzy dear friend, you wouldn't happen to have spies in my household?"
Izzy bowed his head, "You're too quick for me Matt."
"Naturally." Yamato answered, "However I do believe we had other matters to attend to."
Izzy nodded, leading the taller man outside.
"We have a fine selection this season My Lord." He informed the blond.
Yamato nodded absently, his attention already caught by the cinnamon haired boy squatting on the outskirts of the group. Wearing nothing but a loin cloth he was most definitely a fine figure of a boy.
Izzy followed Yamato's gaze,
"You have a fine eye, my lord. An exotic beauty from far away lands. Never been touched by anyone."
"Perhaps." Yamato spoke dismissively, "I shall determine that for myself."
Blue eyes icy cold the man approached the slave boy. He placed his hand on the boys lower leg, then worked his way up. As he reached the boys thigh his hand was knocked away, and a cinnamon haired girl, who like the boy, wore nothing but a loin cloth, was glaring at him fiercely, and speaking rapidly in a language he didn't understand. Yamato's gaze dropped from her eyes, and he noted with pleasure her well toned body. Smirking the blond haired lord nodded at Izzy,
"I'll take these two."
"Very good sir. Shall we return to your office to negotiate the exchange?"
Yamato gave the two another once over and leered,
"Indeed."
~~~
His purse significantly heavier the red haired slave-master left his lords office.
He let a look of disgust settle on his features as he looked around, by the gods he hated this place. It made him sick just to talk to a person who reportedly did the things Lord Yamato did, but business was business.
The shadows flickered as he walked past, and Master Izumi was far from surprised when a purple haired girl stepped out from behind what appeared to be some kind of bronze vase.
"Miyako," He inclined his head.
"It's Yolei." The girl corrected him coldly, "Frankly I'm disappointed in you Koushiro."
"It's Izzy." The young man corrected.
"Of course. The 'slave-master'" Brown eyes glittered, the true extents of her intelligence gleaming in her eyes.
"Have you any more information Yolei?" The man asked, black eyes hungry.
"Perhaps." The girl surveyed him, "But not enough yet. I think I shall remain her for another month. Besides, I am growing fond of Hikari."
Koushiro's eyes widened, "Hikari?"
"Correct." She turned away, "I'm needed in the kitchens. Till next time Koushiro?"
"Till next time he affirmed." He stared at the shadows for a few moments longer. He didn't know whether or not the girl had heard, but she always seemed to meet him when he was there, whether they had arranged to meet or not.
Animeangel: Ooh I love a good intrigue!
Takeru: Finally I got to kiss Hikari ::Laughs Evilly::
Animeangel: It was necessary for my plot
Ken: Plot?
Yamato: Yeah! And what with the deal with me and Sora
Animeangel: I needed to make my story interesting. I mean after all, what's a story without incestuous lovers?
Sora: Excuse me?
Animeangel: Ignore them. Review please?
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: If I owned Digimon there would be a lot more random kissing, and there would be no way I'd allow anyone to get their dirty scissors on it. And of course, Episode 50 wouldn't have happened. Unless I did an Episode 51, where T.K. confessed it was all a joke.
Warnings: My previous warnings are probably all coming into play for this chapter. Homosexual and Hetrosexual relationships. Incest… kinda. And TAKARI, slight one-sided YAMASUKE and YAMAJUN, SORATO and implied (one- sided) SOKERU.
Hikari stretched, her unused muscles aching from the strain of the past day. Her clothes, which last night had been plastered to her body, now hung stiffly due to the dried sweat. The smell of burned timber had been ingrained into both hair and fabric by her night by the fire, and the last dying embers of the fire flickered out. Hikari pulled her legs up to the rest of her body shivering because of the temperature of the cold stone floor. It was a mark of her exhaustion that she'd been able to sleep at all. She pushed her tangled hair from her eyes and looked around the kitchen. An overly plump woman, who despite her motherly figure was exceedingly cold bustled over, "Kari," She snapped, "Do you think you're here to slack off?" Hikari stifled a yawn, she was used to more sleep, before angrily saying "My name is Hikari." The woman slapped her full around the face, causing blood to trickle from the corner of the girls' mouth. "Don't give me any of your cheek scullion." She thrust a mop and pail into Hikari's empty hands. Hikari took it without saying anything.
Twinkling blue eyes met her own deep amber and the stable boy gave her a rare smile, "You're learning. Always remember Lady Kari…" He said, mocking her proud bearing, and obvious lineage, "The tree that does not bend with the wind, breaks." Hikari turned to fill the bucket and missed the boys mirthless smile,
"Yet those who bend to this life never fully recover their spirit." He finished sadly under his breath so the girl would not hear it.
Up, Down, Up, Down. Hikari repeated the pattern in her mind, ignoring the distant ache of her protesting muscles. She had spent hours mopping, and then scrubbing the cold stone floors of the manor. The pattern had ingrained itself upon her mind, blurring in her head with the sound of whip lashes on Ruki a dark haired kitchen maid who had once snuck Hikari food, and once dobbed her in for touching one of the masters weapons.
Hikari had spent just over 2 years in the manor, such a short time in comparison to the rest of the maids, and while her muscles still protested, in her mind it felt like she had never lived anywhere else.
~~~
Hikari winced as the stiff material of her under-dress brushed against the welts on her back. As was her custom at times like this she ran the reasons she was staying at the manor through her mind.
1. She had nowhere else to go - Not really.
2. She needed to be close enough to hear any news should it come.
3. If they looked they would not search amongst the kitchen scullions for her and besides… her grandmothers stories about brave young princes who hid as stable boys until they achieved their revenge for their families murders had always intrigued her. How could she do any less for her family then they had done for theirs.
Like always when she was reminiscing her childish words came back to haunt her,
"I would hide as a scullion to avenge you if you died."
Her grandmother had laughed and tapped her knuckles when she had said this. She had been told that she would never pass as a scullion.
How wrong you were Grandmother. Hikari thought sadly, how wrong you were. Sleep came quickly to the girl, but when she woke up the next morning she didn't feel like she had slept at all.
~~~
"Kari!" The voice was sharp, "Where is my cleaning water. I'm sick of your disobedience and stupidity girl. I told you last night that today was cleaning day, but not only did you not get my water you have also slept in."
Hikari blinked bleary eyes up at the kitchen overseer, she had a vague memory of the woman saying something about water and cleaning, but she had been to tired for the words to make any imprint on her brain, huge mistake that this had turned out to be.
"I-I'm sorry…" She murmured softly her amber brown eyes filling with tears. A time weathered hand caught her by surprise as it caught her face, once twice three times, with sharp capable slaps.
"Don't apologise girl, get on with your work." The woman gripped the younger girl by the ear pulling her up, and dragging her into the chill morning air.
"Get cleaning child. Yolei will be out to help you as soon as Captain Marco is done with her." She said, finally releasing Hikari's ear and practically dumping her into the ice cold water. Her dark brown almost black hair hung in rat tails around her face from the water she had been dumped in and she nodded trying to stop her teeth from chattering,
"Yes mistress."
The woman sniffed and stormed back inside, ignoring the melting snow on the ground. Hikari bit her lip and tried to pull herself together. It was only times like this, when she was cold, wet and dripping that she realised that she would never… could never fully become the person she was seen to be. She glared down at the ground, half melted snow and dirt coloured sludge were slowly soaking her dress.
"I hate snow!" She muttered furiously, wringing the wetness from her dress as best she could.
"You're up early." She heard a voice behind her say. She swung around to face the source of the mocking voice and grimaced,
"Oh get off your high horse Takeru. You're up just as early as me." She said fiercely turning back to the lake. She filled the bucket and then had to use both hands to lift it.
The blond haired stable boy slid off the horse he was supposedly exercising, and began to trot after her,
"So how are we this morning Lady Kari?" He asked sarcastically.
The girl glared, "Lovely Lord I have a stick up my ass, how about you?"
Takerus blue eyes twinkled with mirth, "Perhaps I should call you Lady Wit?"
Hikari sniffed indignantly and shot him a glare from under her sopping fringe, "And Perhaps I should call you Almighty God?"
Takeru paused as if he was actually considering it, "I could deal with that."
Hikari stopped abruptly and spun, "Can you deal with this?" She asked, emptying the bucket on Takerus head and sending water cascading down his perfect gold waves of hair and neat clothes. Takeru stared at her in complete shock for a moment then his face broke into a wide grin.
"You're gonna have to refill your bucket," he pointed out.
Hikari glared at him, "I know. You do realise this is your fault?"
Takeru stared at her for a moment then followed her as she stalked towards the well to refill her bucket, "Why?"
"If you didn't pester me, I'd be able to work!" She explained.
Takeru smirked. Strangely enough Hikari was the only one of the 15 kitchen wenches he'd ever annoyed. The others either hadn't noticed him, or had told him quite politely that if he wanted sex there were whores available in town.
Then again, until Hikari, he'd never really been interested in any of the kitchen scullions. Generally they were greasy, relatively ugly and close enough to witless that he'd never concerned himself with talking to them. Then he had seen Hikari. It had been summer, and she had been arguing with the head housekeeper. It had struck him as odd, because he'd never seen anyone fight with the house keeper before. He hadn't been able to resist, and had snuck closer.
It was then that the real surprise had come. She held herself in nearly as arrogant a manner as his sister. Takeru had sworn from that moment that he'd break her arrogance and get her into his bed.
Neither had happened… but then, he hadn't counted on her spirit being so enticing. Especially when he was lying in bed thinking about her… Sometimes he almost altered his plans to involve letting her keep her spirit and eloping with her… And then he was brought back to reality.
"Takeru you slob! Help me!" The brunette chastised him, her amber eyes flashing with the fire of her soul.
Takeru smirked and took the other handle of the bucket with out comment.
Reaching the kitchen both youths dropped the bucket and Takeru smirked,
"I think I deserve a reward." He arched an eyebrow at Kari.
The girl swung her open-faced palm at him, Takeru caught it,
"You feel the same way?" He questioned innocently, "Great!" Pulling Hikari closer he covered her mouth with her own, plundering her sweet mouth.
She fought for a moment then sunk into the kiss, opening her mouth and battling his tongue with her own.
The kiss was broken when both participants where whapped by the passing cook,
"No time for slackers. Get to work or move it elsewhere."
Gold brown eyes alight and panting slightly Hikari stared at him for a moment,
"Asshole!" She hissed before storming out the door.
Takeru stared after before letting out a whoop of delight a chasing after her.
~~~
"The prince is coming," Yamato, Lord of Ishida spoke softly staring at the piece of paper in his hand.
"Really, how fascinating." A voice murmured in his ear, "Now come to bed." Yamato leant back as he felt hot kisses trail across his neck.
"As much as I'd love to sister dear, I have other work to attend to."
Yamato could just imagine the pout she'd be wearing as her nails trailed down his arm.
"As you wish my lord," The seductive voice whispered. Her lips brushed his collarbone. He pushed her away,
"I'm serious Sora."
"Fine" The voice was sullen now, "Have you seen our younger brother? He's growing into a handsome young man."
The young man gave a harsh chuckle, "You don't have a chance. He's not your type."
"Neither were you." She sashayed out of the room.
Yamato shrugged, "You were very convincing."
~~~
"Master Izumi." Sora inclined her head to the travelling slaver, "My brother will see you now."
The red haired slave masters eyes traced her figure, "A pleasure as always Mistress Sora."
Sora giggled behind her hand, "You're too kind."
"My lady!" Izzy cried hand over his heart, "I'm a slaver, I have to be kind."
Sora smirked, "Indeed. Hopefully I will see you again soon. I always enjoy our time together."
"As do I." He watched her retreating form and then shuddered once she'd turned the corner.
"I swear that woman gets colder every time I see her," He said to the shadows.
"You find my sister distasteful?" Yamato asked stepping out from his office.
"She's not my type." The slaver replied
"She's not anyone's type but that's never stopped her," Yamato said dismissively.
"So my contacts tell me."
Yamato chuckled, "Izzy dear friend, you wouldn't happen to have spies in my household?"
Izzy bowed his head, "You're too quick for me Matt."
"Naturally." Yamato answered, "However I do believe we had other matters to attend to."
Izzy nodded, leading the taller man outside.
"We have a fine selection this season My Lord." He informed the blond.
Yamato nodded absently, his attention already caught by the cinnamon haired boy squatting on the outskirts of the group. Wearing nothing but a loin cloth he was most definitely a fine figure of a boy.
Izzy followed Yamato's gaze,
"You have a fine eye, my lord. An exotic beauty from far away lands. Never been touched by anyone."
"Perhaps." Yamato spoke dismissively, "I shall determine that for myself."
Blue eyes icy cold the man approached the slave boy. He placed his hand on the boys lower leg, then worked his way up. As he reached the boys thigh his hand was knocked away, and a cinnamon haired girl, who like the boy, wore nothing but a loin cloth, was glaring at him fiercely, and speaking rapidly in a language he didn't understand. Yamato's gaze dropped from her eyes, and he noted with pleasure her well toned body. Smirking the blond haired lord nodded at Izzy,
"I'll take these two."
"Very good sir. Shall we return to your office to negotiate the exchange?"
Yamato gave the two another once over and leered,
"Indeed."
~~~
His purse significantly heavier the red haired slave-master left his lords office.
He let a look of disgust settle on his features as he looked around, by the gods he hated this place. It made him sick just to talk to a person who reportedly did the things Lord Yamato did, but business was business.
The shadows flickered as he walked past, and Master Izumi was far from surprised when a purple haired girl stepped out from behind what appeared to be some kind of bronze vase.
"Miyako," He inclined his head.
"It's Yolei." The girl corrected him coldly, "Frankly I'm disappointed in you Koushiro."
"It's Izzy." The young man corrected.
"Of course. The 'slave-master'" Brown eyes glittered, the true extents of her intelligence gleaming in her eyes.
"Have you any more information Yolei?" The man asked, black eyes hungry.
"Perhaps." The girl surveyed him, "But not enough yet. I think I shall remain her for another month. Besides, I am growing fond of Hikari."
Koushiro's eyes widened, "Hikari?"
"Correct." She turned away, "I'm needed in the kitchens. Till next time Koushiro?"
"Till next time he affirmed." He stared at the shadows for a few moments longer. He didn't know whether or not the girl had heard, but she always seemed to meet him when he was there, whether they had arranged to meet or not.
Animeangel: Ooh I love a good intrigue!
Takeru: Finally I got to kiss Hikari ::Laughs Evilly::
Animeangel: It was necessary for my plot
Ken: Plot?
Yamato: Yeah! And what with the deal with me and Sora
Animeangel: I needed to make my story interesting. I mean after all, what's a story without incestuous lovers?
Sora: Excuse me?
Animeangel: Ignore them. Review please?
