Love. Forever and Eternal - Chapter Two

By: Pyro Prodigy

A/N: Well, here's the next chapter. It's longer than the last one.

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(The Next Day)

I pulled on the reins of the horse, keeping a firm grip incase a noise sounded and it got out of control. After all, Sora and Hikari were riding the horse. They'd defied at first, but in the end, they climbed atop the creature. We'd been walking for about two hours already, and I could already see the outline of the Yagami's castle. Suddenly, there was a noise. I stopped immediately, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword. There came another rustling in the bushes. I narrowed my eyes, trying to make out the shadows. A familiar stench wafted in the air. Those creatures from yesterday were back. Their ghostly red eyes blinked at me through the bushes. An abrupt cry startled me, and soon enough I was flat on my back with the being trying to claw at my face. I kicked it off with my feet swiftly, returning to my place in front of Sora and Hikari. Glancing at the countless eyes still staring at me, I gulped. They had created a ring around us, watching our every move. We were impossibly outnumbered. Suddenly, the first of the creatures made their move. Two of them lunged at me simultaneously. 3 quick slices, and they were on the ground; dead. I turned to see the girls kicking at the oncoming horde of monsters, still atop the horse. How are we gonna get through this? We needed help fast. I felt one of them jumping on my back and instinctively whirled my sword around. It jumped off, circling me, along with three others. I lunged at one of them. At the last minute, jumping up and giving it a swift kick to the head. Landing on the ground once more, I swiveled around and slashed two more. Damn. It was quick. I lunged, missing, as it jumped into the air. Kuso! I turned around, yet not quickly enough to duck a flying claw. I scrambled up from the ground, gripping my sword in one hand while the other checked my forehead. Blood. It began circling me once more; going faster and faster. I didn't have enough time to back away as a few rapid kicks connected with my head and upper body. I grunted, getting up again. Oh that thing would pay. I shook my head, focusing on its now predictable moves. Spin twice, kick to my abdomen, and spin four times, flying kick to head. I jumped up at the second time it kicked, narrowly being missed. Four more kicks, duck, and stab. I pulled my sword out, finding slimy blue goop dripping from it. Disgusted, I turned back around to face the rest of them. Still outnumbered. They circled me once more, forcing me to back up against the horse with the girls still there and thankfully not hurt. The tallest, largest, ugliest and possibly the one with the most disgusting odor I've ever smelled stepped forward, making a hissing sound to the rest of them. Their claws came out immediately, and they snarled, fierce sharp teeth showing. I nearly brought a hand up to my mouth. Their breath might've smelled worse than their body odor!

"Disgusting little filths..." I muttered darkly, eyes narrowing at the leader.

"Disgusting filths are we?" it hissed.

I made a startled face. "You can speak?!"

It hissed once more. "Of course"

"Kami! You're ugly, fat, you smell bad, hiss waaay too much for my liking, but you can still speak?!" I cried incredulously.

I heard a faint giggle from the girls behind me.

The leader, once again, hissed. "Think he's funny do you?" it inquired, "We'll see if you will be laughing once each and every one of your heads is chopped off. That's what you get for venturing into our forest"

I growled at the being. "Listen, we don't need you wasting out time. Move out of our way, and we'll get out of 'your' forest"

"It is too late for that now, boy" it... aargh! It hissed again!

"Look, will you stop hissing?!" I shouted. Smirking, I continued, "Or is that all you can do?"

It growled.

"Okay, a growl... different from hiss but I still prefe-"

The creature cut me off abruptly. "Stop making jokes, boy!"

"I'm not a boy. For your information, I happen to be sixteen years ol-"

"Cease your talking or you will no longer have a tongue" it spat bitterly.

That definitely shut me up.

Making a gesture to another one of the individuals, it glared at me. Feeling childish, I stuck out my tongue briefly. Big mistake; that must have provoked him even more because the 'thing' it gestured to grabbed Sora and yanked her off the horse.

"Sora!" Hikari cried.

"Let her go you creep!" I yelled.

The leader ignored me, turning to Sora and circling her. I stepped forward to try and keep the creature from laying a withered finger on her, but stepped back, remembering Hikari was in danger, just sitting on the horse. What am I going to do? Before the leader could tap Sora on the cheek, a loud cry sounded from the bushes. A galloping horse came into view, with a tall knight gripping a sword right at the creature's throat.

"Halt!" the person shouted.

The leader sneered.

The knight, seemingly unaffected by such a rude action continued. "Touch her, and you die..."

"Die?" I believe not. You are outnumbered-" the creature was cut off once the knight waved his hand in the air. Hundreds of other knights appeared. Swords held high, pointing right at the cluster of slimy beings.

I looked back at the knight, still holding his sword firmly at the leader's throat. It was then that I noticed the symbol of Yagami on his armor.

The creatures back away, terrified.

"Guards," said the knight in the middle who was apparently the general, took off his helmet. The young man looked merely nineteen, with large brown hair, and an icy gaze.

"Taichi!" I heard Hikari and Sora shout, seemingly relieved.

He gave them a warm smile before turning back to the leader of the creatures, his glare back.

"Leave, now..."

Sneering one last time at him, they sped out of sight.

I dropped my sword, thankful that these knights came. Turning around, I saw the knight dismount his horse and have Sora rush towards him in a fierce hug. Soon enough, Hikari was with them as well. I approached them slowly.

"Taichi, I'm so glad you ca-" Hikari stopped mid-sentence when she saw me. Taking me by the arm, she forced me to face the knight.

"This is Takeru. He rescued us from being killed from those bandits before..." she explained.

I gave him an embarrassed smile, while he, in turn, grinned. "You have my gratitude, Takeru. Arigatou..."

"It was nothing, really... I was passing by"

"He's on his way to visit the king..." Sora cut in.

This made Taichi raise his eyebrow. "The king?" he asked, "then it must be important. We must go..."

I nodded, following.

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We entered the castle, Taichi in the lead. Pausing in front of a set of large doors, he whispered something into another knight's ear. The knight nodded quickly, and opened the doors.

"Excuse me, your highness?"

A tall man with a slight beard arose from his throne. "Yes, sir knight? What is it?" King Yagami inquired.

The knight bowed. "Taichi has come back with Sora and Hikari"

The king's eyes widened. "Come... come right in, then"

The rest of the knights left, leaving only myself, Hikari, Sora, and Taichi to kneel in front of the king. Standing up, and bowing, Taichi spoke.

"Your Highness, I've come back with Hikari and Sora"

"So I've heard, Taichi..."

He stepped aside, bringing me up with him. "This is Takeru; he's come with some important news from the land of Ishida." Taichi introduced.

"News from Ishida?" the king asked, sitting down in his throne. "Do go on, err... Takeru..."

I spoke up, "The castle, and King Yamato have been receiving strange letters; letters that include threats of starting a war between Ishida and Tachikawa. My mentor sent me to ask you of something..."

"Very well. What does he ask of me?" King Yagami questioned.

"He asks of your aide... if there were a war to break out between the countries. You know very well... our two countries are great allies, and have fought in wars before" I replied.

"Yes... yes, I know". He stood up once more. "We shall discuss more of this matter in a banquet tonight. Taichi, get one of the maidens to assist in making sure Takeru feels welcomed"

Taichi stood up, "Yes, your majesty..."

"Sora, Hikari?" King Yagami said, "You two get freshened up as well..."

The four of us bowed. "Thank-you, Your Highness. We shall see you again, tonight"

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I thanked the maiden for showing me to my room. It was large, and very spacious. Silk sheets, cushioned chairs... definitely nothing I was used to back 'home'. Suddenly, the maiden knocked on the door.

"Sir Knight?" she asked.

"Yes?" I replied.

She came in with a folded tunic in her hands. "His Majesty requests you wear this for the banquet tonight..."

I nodded. "I will... and thank-you"

"You're very welcome"

With that, she left. I closed the door, walking over to the closet. Taking out a towel, I strode over to the bathroom. A bath would certainly be nice after all this. After all, I couldn't go to the banquet smelling like that ooze from those creatures in the forest, could I? Most definitely not. I grinned, adding to myself silently, "Especially not when Lady Hikari will be there..."

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I waited patiently at the door for them to announce my name.

"Presenting... Sir Knight, Takeru"

I stepped into the room, taking my place a few seats away from the throne, as assigned. The trumpet sounded a few minutes later, and everyone's eyes, including mine, turned to the entrance.

"Presenting the Royal Family of Yagami! King and Queen Yagami... *applause* and now, Prince Taichi Yagami and his fiancée Sora Takenouchi *more applause*. Lastly, Princess Hikari Yagami."

My head snapped up at the name. Hikari was their princess?! And Sora was engaged to PRINCE Taichi?! I sure miss out on a lot. How could I have not known?! They all took their seats. To my utmost delight, Hikari sat beside me, with the King a few seats down from me.

Soon enough, the cooks laid out an enormous feast for us. Wow... this is a LOT of food! Music from the King's finest band filled the room. Everything was great. Slicing a piece of steak, I leaned over to whisper to Hikari.

"I didn't know you were the princess..." I murmured softly.

She turned towards me. "Gomen. I didn't think it would matter" was her answer.

I gave a slightly embarrassed smile. "I would have treated you much more respectfully"

"It's alright, Takeru..."

Before I could utter another word, the king called me over.

"Please excuse me, princess" I murmured, heading over a few seats.

Settling into Taichi's spot (He was off dancing with Sora on the dance floor), I faced the king.

"We must discuss our plans... " I noted.

"Hai..." he replied.

"First off, you will help us, will you not, Majesty?" I inquired.

"Of course Takeru. It would be a wise decision. After all, if a war does ensue, joining forces with the Ishidas will help all our people"

"It would. Arigatou... I'm sure King Yamato will be pleased to hear such news"

"Once you go back to Ishida, we'll have an army ready to follow you within a day or two. Is that alright?"

"Fantastic, King Yagami. Arigatou, again..."

"You may go... err... mingle, now" the King said, unsurely.

I gave a small laugh. "Hai, Your Highness"

I found Hikari sitting by herself, as I had left her. "You haven't danced with anyone? I was sure I saw a few of the knights ask..." I stated.

"Nani? Oh... hai. They asked, I didn't feel like a dance then..."

I gave her a charming smile, holding out my hand. "Do you feel like dancing now, princess?"

Her cheeks turned pink, but she took my hand, looking into my eyes defiantly. "Are you asking me to dance with you, sir knight?"

The smile never left my face, as I led her out onto the dance floor. "Maybe I am.."

The soft music seemed perfect, as I encircled her slim waist with my arms. She, in turn, lopped her arms around my neck, resting her head gently on my chest as we swayed to the beat.

When you're feeling lost in the night When you feel your world just ain't right Call on me, I will be waiting Count on me, I will be there Anytime the times get too tough Anytime your best ain't enough

I'll be the one to make it better I'll be there to protect you See you through I'll be there and there is nothing I won't do

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I held Hikari close, wishing this moment would last forever.

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I will cross the ocean for you I will go and bring you the moon I will be your hero, your strength Anything you need I will be the sun in your sky I will light your way for all time I Promise you For you I will

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After all, how often is it, a guy like me, who doesn't even remember his past, end up with an angel in his arms?

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I will shield your heart from the rain I won't let no harm come your way Oh these arms will be your shelter No these arms won't let you down If there is a mountain to move I will move that mountain for you I'm here for you, I'm here forever I will be your fortress, tall and strong I'll keep you safe I'll stand beside you, right or wrong

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Maybe somehow, time will stop. It'll be just me and her.

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I will cross the ocean for you (I will cross the ocean) I will go and bring you the moon (yeah, yeah) I will be your hero, your strength Anything you need (And I will be..) I will be the sun in your sky (The sun) I will light your way for all time I Promise you For you I will

For you I will Lay my life on the line For you I will fight 'em, oh For you I will die With every breath, with all my soul I'll give my world I'll give it all Put your faith in me (Put you're faith in me) And I'll do anything

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Do I love her? I guess.. I do. I'm happier than I ever remember just holding her like this.

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I will cross the ocean for you (I will cross the ocean) I will go and bring you the moon I will be your hero, your strength Anything you need I will be the sun in your sky I will light your way for all time I Promise you (I Promise you) For you I will, I will, I will, I will

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I wish I could always be like this. No problems.. no cares.

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I will cross the ocean for you I will go and bring you the moon I will be your hero your strength Anything you need (Anything you need) I will be the sun in your sky (yeah, yeah) I will light your way for all time I Promise you (I promise you) For you I will (Ooooh)

I promise you For you I will ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Unfortunately, the song stopped, and she pulled away. "You're a great dancer, Takeru.."

I hid my sad smile, replacing it with another grin "As are you, Hikari.."

She was about to walk back to her seat once more, when I gently grabbed her by the arm. "Wait.."

Hikari turned around, giving me a questioning glance. "What is it?"

I cranked my head and looked out to the balcony. Full moon. Turning back to her, smiling, I made a small motion towards the doors. "Come outside with me, princess?"

Taking my outstretched hand once more, I led her outside.

I leaned on the railing, looking up at the darkened sky thoughtfully.

"What's on your mind, Takeru?" Hikari asked.

My attention turned to the beautiful girl beside me. Giving a sly grin, I asked, "You really want to know?"

She smiled. "Try me.."

"To tell you the truth," I paused, looking into her eyes briefly and then turning away, "I was wondering if you are an angel"

There was a short pause before she answered. "An angel? What makes you think I am such a thing?"

"Well.. firstly, you are beautiful without a doubt, princess" I began, giving her another charming smile, "Angels are known for their beauty on the inside and outside, which brings me to another thing that stands out about you; your personality. It is beautiful as well; kind, forgiving, and graceful."

I leaned closer, staring deep into her eyes. Our faces were so close I could feel her warmth breath on my face. Hikari's soft brown depths were mesmerizing, and I found myself wishing I could look into them forever. When our lips nearly connected, she pulled away.

Hikari failed to hide the faint blush coming up on her cheeks. "I see you are very charismatic. The ladies in Ishida must absolutely adore you.." she commented, turning away.

Hiding my sadness once more, I grinned. "Yes, well.. Takaishi-san says I'm adorable; she's the only real woman I've been around, though. Does that count?"

She let out a laugh, giving me a light punch on the shoulder. I pretended to double over in pain.

"Princess.. I am impressed. You know how to hit?" I smirked, straightening myself.

She gave a mock-glare, "Sir Knight, you seem surprised." With those words, she strode back into the castle ballroom where the banquet was still in full swing.

I jogged up to her, grinning. "Oh, Hikari. Don't be mad!!". The added effect of puppy-dog eyes seemed to do the trick.

She laughed, and delivered another light punch to my shoulder. "Takeru.. You are such a kid".

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A/N: There you go! Hope ya liked. R&R please!