Tale of Two
Chapter One
A boy with dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes looked across the horizon as he slowly hum a few notes. His gaze had fixed intently towards the sea and his hair, flew by with the gentle air of the wind.
"Taichi! C'mon and hurry up! We'll be late!!" someone called.
Taichi turned around to see his little sister, Hikari running towards him.
"What's the hurry, little sis?" he asked casually with a small smirk playing around his lips.
Hikari stood in front of him and crossed her arms up front. "What do you mean, what's the hurry? Have you forgotten? Tonight's the night!!!" Hikari wailed with her arms up in the air.
"The night? The night of what?" Taichi asked in total confusion as he slowly began to sit down on the ground and watch the sun setting.
"Big brother!!!! You're supposed to get dress for the ball!!!! YOUR ball!!!!" Hikari wailed once more as she scooped up her brother's arm and started to pull him up.
"WHAT!? Ball!? What ball!? I just came home from hunting with Father!!!!" Taichi said back, totally shocked with the news.
Hikari looked at him with an arched brow until something dawned unto her.
"Mom and Dad are setting you up...AGAIN." Hikari said with a smile.
Taichi faced her sister glumly as realization took hold of him too. "Not again... we've been over this for the nth time!" Taichi complained as he laid himself flat on the ground and looked up at the sky.
Hikari sat beside him and smiled, "I can't blame mother and father, big brother. I guess they're worried about you and the kingdom" Hikari said as her hands held her two feet up.
Taichi stared back at the sky. "I know, Hikari but the girl I'm waiting for hasn't arrived yet I mean I'm going to spend my next years in life to being a king. I can't just be with someone I don't really like or love at all Hikari... I don't want to end up being alone one day. I want to live my life as a king with someone who loves me." Taichi replied.
"Oh, big brother... I'm sure there's someone for you out there€ there has to be! Each of us has their own pair" Hikari said.
Taichi sat up. "I hope so... and I hope she comes here soon. I don't want to end up being a-king-with-no-wife for my whole life" Taichi replied as he began to stand up.
"Now c'mon... we don't want to upset mother for being late once more" Taichi added as he helped his younger sister up and started off back to the castle.
Prince Taichi Yagami was the next heir to the throne of his family. And since his 20th birthday is almost approaching, his parents offered him a ball where he may be able to choose a willing wife for himself. One thing hard for Taichi is that he is rather picky. But heck, who could blame him?
Princess Hikari is Prince Taichi's younger sister. She is engaged to their cousin, Prince Takeru and will be getting married in a few more months. Princess Hikari and Prince Takeru had always been friends ever since childhood. That's why their parents engage them.
Unfortunately, Prince Takeru has no parents left. That's why his brother, King Yamato had assumed throne even in an early stage. He is currently single-handedly ruling his kingdom and is, close friends with prince Taichi.
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In a far away kingdom, there lived a young princess named, Sora. Her radiant orange hair that compares to the sunset and her eyes of radiant fire had always been the best attraction to her. She was the best of their kind. A product of loveliness and poise.
Sora has her father by her side and the fact that she had grown up without a mother, made her somehow€ close to the male specimen
So in other words, she was a very adventurous person and in some ways, risky.
But that never stopped King Takenouchi in loving his daughter. He loved Sora with all his heart and wouldn't give her up to anything. Because of this€ everyone in the kingdom loved her more.
She was their treasure
She was their soon-to-be-queen.
"But Father!!!! Why must I attend to this ball!!!!?" Sora asked in desperation as she ran to her father.
"Sora try as you may... you've reached the proper age of at least going to balls." Sora's father argued back.
"And where have you gone, this time?" he added.
"Ehehe" Sora said as she tucked her hands at her back, trying to hide away the bow and arrow she was holding.
"You went hunting again?" Sora's father asked with an arched brow.
Sora timidly nodded. "But I love hunting, father!" she argued slightly.
Sora's father laughed at Sora.
Where in 100 kingdoms can you find a princess who enjoys hunting instead of jewelry!?
Sora beamed at her father.
"But that doesn't mean you're safe from going to that ball." Sora's father said.
"What!? But Daddy..."
"Don't you daddy-daddy me... you're going to that party, Sora." The King said to his daughter.
"But, WHY!? At least answer me that!!! Surely you don't plan on disposing me already... right father?" Sora asked with a sad look on her face.
Sora loves her father very much and the plan of getting married pierced Sora's heart. For never will she dreamed of leaving her beloved father and kingdom. She knows well enough that getting married would mean getting away from this kingdom and staying at her husband's kingdom and not hers... and worse... being apart from her dear father.
Sora looked at her father as the king looked at her daughter back.
"Right, father?" she asked once more.
The whole court turned silent.
"Your highness... surely you don't plan on making our dear princess leave us just yet" said one of the many people in the court.
"Our dear princess has reached the age of getting married. It's time for her to come and gather herself to at least find a suitable king." One of the advisers said.
"But our dear princess... please do not think that we want you away... we are also thinking of your benefit... for a princess that has reached more than a 20 may have a difficulty in finding her rightful husband and king." He added.
Sora took all these into account. She knew that what the adviser said are true and are actually right
'I have to remember that I am a Princess... and I will act with due respect and thought.'
Sora took in her courage and finally said, "I am greatly honored that you have thought of my benefit and I am truly grateful for all these as your princess I will do my best in doing the right thing for the kingdom"
Everyone in the court cheered.
"My daughter don't only think about the kingdom... also think about yourself" the king added.
Sora smiled and bowed. "Yes, my father."
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"King Yamato of the Ishida kingdom has arrived." The commoner announced.
Yamato went down the red-carpeted stairs to where he was announced. Behind him was his younger brother, Takeru. Before Yamato could even reach the last step, Taichi came running towards him with a sword.
Yamato, truly alert, raised out his sword and the two began to battle.
"Takeru!" Hikari called as she ran to his soon-to-be-husband and threw herself at him.
For in Hikari's heart, Takeru is truly the one for her.
"Taichi, you're getting better and better each time we meet." Yamato said as their swords clashed.
"Hah! I better be! I'm about to be king!" Taichi said proudly.
"I heard." Yamato replied.
"Tell me, my friend... have you found a queen yet?" he added.
Taichi stopped as he slung his sword at his back.
"Still no?" Yamato asked with a chuckle.
"Feh! You're a king and you don't even have a queen. Don't question me, you fool!" Taichi said.
"Well, at least I'm looking. Unlike someone I know, who doesn't." Yamato retorted.
Taichi sighed. "As much as I want to get married, my dear friend... I can't seem to find the right one. Believe me... I lone to have a family on my own... and a queen to be by my side and help my rule my kingdom with ease." Taichi replied as he walked off to the garden.
Yamato followed. "My friend... I am sure that the one for you will come but please you're always closing yourself towards others. Be open and surely, the person for you will open as well." Yamato said.
Taichi nodded. "Thank you, Yamato. This helped me greatly. I wish no more than your support."
"In what? Finding a wife? Or ruling the kingdom?" Yamato teased.
Taichi laughed. "I might say, both."
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"Father... could I ask you a question?" Sora asked as she looked outside the carriage.
"Yes, my daughter?" the king asked.
"How will I know that the one for me is the right one? I mean... there are a lot of people out there" Sora explained.
"You'll know him, my daughter... you'll know... just remember... it's your heart that matters" the king replied.
Sora smiled. "Father, if I may, could I ask another question?" she asked.
"Go ahead"
"Where will we be going?"
"To the Yagami Kingdom he's a very close friend of mine and his son is looking for a queen since he's going to be a king in a short time"
"I see... father try as I may, if I don't like him, will you be mad at me?" Sora asked.
"No, my love... it's your choice not mine just remember, follow your heart." The king replied.
Sora nodded and smiled, "Thank you, father."
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"The time has come to take what's mine soon, the Takenouchi kingdom will be mine and that princess will be in my arms just as her mother once was"
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"My son, come here"
"What is it, father?" Taichi asked as he followed his father's order and went towards him, fully clothed for the ball.
"There is someone special I like you meet."
"Really? Who?" Taichi asked, knowing that it's another princess.
"She hasn't arrived yet. But I want you to pay a special attention towards her. Her father, is a very dear to me. He had helped me in my long journeys and it is my utmost wish to have a stable link between him and our kingdom. I believe you haven't seen her yet but I know that you have heard of her."
"And who may this young princess be?" Taichi asked.
"Her name is Sora of the Takenouchi Kingdom." The king said.
"Wow... she's one princess you don't want to mess with, Tai." Yamato said.
"You know her?" Tai asked.
"Yep! Why, don't you?" Yamato asked.
Taichi shook his head. "never heard of her either" he added.
The king and Yamato sweat dropped.
"You should be more aware of what's around you, Tai." Yamato said.
Taichi shrugged. "What's special about her anyway?"
"Princess Sora is known to be the goddess Artemis. Her skills in hunting, riding, swords and archery befalls than any other princess in the country. Her sense of judgment precedes anyone. She's a treasure, Tai." Yamato said.
"If she's that important, then why don't you court her?" Taichi asked.
Yamato looked at Tai's father.
"Well, that's because my son... she's already engaged." The king said.
"Oh? Then why must I give special attention to her, then? I mean... she is engaged" Taichi asked.
"That's because you're her fiancé, Tai." Yamato said.
"WHAT!?"
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Sora had fallen asleep during the journey. But the sudden halt of the carriage had bolted her up. The King looked around and asked, "What's going on?"
No answer was heard.
The king went out of the carriage but told Sora to stay put and not to go out.
"My King" a man in the darkness said as he held a knife out.
The king saw that his two henchmen were already killed.
"Who are you?! What do you want!?" the king asked.
"Have you forgotten about my father who you killed?" the man asked.
"I killed no one!" the king replied. But slowly, realization dawned.
"You... you're... you're" the king started to stutter as he backed off.
"yes, your highness. I am the son of the real king. I am the true king!" the man said as his face was shown with the moonlight beams.
The king's eyes widened.
And Sora, went out of the carriage. "Father, are you alright?" Sora asked.
"My queen" the man said as he approached the king and the princess.
"Sora, hurry! Run away!!!! Get away from this man!!! And whatever happens, don't listen to a word he says. You will believe no one... no one except yourself... hurry!!! Go!!!" The king assured as he pushed Sora off.
"But fa-"Sora tried to argue but was pushed off.
"GO!!!" the king demanded.
"But father, I-"Sora said.
"I order you, DO AS I SAY!" the king yelled.
Sora felt hot tears welling up in her eyes as she slowly carried her feet and ran through the woods.
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"Father, you never told me that I had a fiancé!" Taichi said as he banged his fists onto the table.
"This engagement was long ago decided. When you turn 20 and have not found a wife yet, she, the heiress to the Takenouchi Kingdom shall become your bride" the king replied.
The queen entered.
"My husband... I have terrible news" she said.
"nothing can be more terrible than this.." Taichi mumbled as he slowly slid off to his seat.
"My wife, that has to wait. Taichi has to understand-"
"This cannot wait, my beloved. Something terrible has happened." The queen said.
The king looked at his queen.
Even Taichi and Yamato looked at her.
"King Takenouchi has been assassinated... their carriage, was thrown on the road side and three lifeless bodies gave puddles of blood"
"and the Princess... is she alright?" the king asked.
"She is nowhere to be found... she-"
"Taichi! Where are you going!?" Yamato yelled as he saw Taichi ran off.
The king smiled.
"If you'll excuse me, your highness. I find it best to help Taichi." Yamato said.
"Yes, please." The king replied.
And Yamato left.
"My husband... what's happening? Sora has not yet known of the truth about her past and we are the ones who are supposed to tell her and Taichi what if-"
"I don't think she is dead yet, my love. There are far more greater things to happen that has not yet happened. Princess Sora is out there somewhere and Taichi is going to find her. For their fates are entwined.
"I hope so.." the queen mumbled as the king pulled her into an embrace.
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Sora ran through the woods as fast as her feet can carry her.
"father... please be alright" Sora mumbled in between her pants.
Her eyesight adjusted to the darkness when all seemed all right, she slowed down.
She knew that this wasn't her style. She never ran off from a battle. But when she saw the terrifying man and the look on her father's eyes, she just had to took off and leave.
Her heart thumping wildly, Sora rested herself on a tree.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps closing into her.
Sora looked around and controlled her breathing, not to let the one following her know her presence. She quickly hid behind a bush and looked across the forest, seeing if there are any movements.
She found some movements from the right and she lowered her head.
"Come out, come out wherever you are princess... I know you're here so don't hide" the man said. His voice was of those of dark and eerie his voice was cold and demanding
Sora had stay put on her position but her heart was thumping really fast.
"Found you!" the man said as strong arms wrapped around the Princess's neck and the knife was directly in front of her throat.
"Move and I shall have you killed." The man said.
Sora could hear his breathing over her shoulders and the movements the man was doing around her waist, made her disgusted.
One arms was around her neck with the knife. While the other was moving it's way around her waist and going to her breasts.
"You're beautiful, my queen" he said as he buried his face within Sora's neck and planted little kisses.
"Where's my father?" Sora asked.
"Your no-good-excuse of a father is lying where he truly belongs... on the ground!" the man said, following it with laughter.
Sora had enough of her attitude.
She held the man's left arm that was holding a knife, and threw him unto the ground. And with all her might she ran off again.
Tears were streaming down her face. Not because of fear of death... but fear of being alone. Her father was just killed by that man and her thoughts can stop swirling as her greatest fear had come true
Sora finally got off from the forest and ended up in a road.
She looked to the right, then to the left. Not knowing where to go.
Suddenly, the man too came out of the forest and held a sword up to her. "I had enough of you, princess. You will do as I say and come with me and bring me to my rightful place as king and every night, you will be reminded that you are my queen. Whether you like it or not." He said.
Sora's eyes darted with anger at him as she picked a stick up and aimed it at him.
"a stick? What can you do with a stick?" the man asked with a laugh.
"You'll see." Sora said angrily as she charged forward at the man, fighting head to head with him.
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"Taichi, slow down!" Yamato called up from behind as his horse tried to follow Taichi.
Taichi didn't slow down. But eventually, Yamato caught up.
"What got you so worked up? I thought you were-"
"I wasn't. but the thought of my future queen being in danger frightens me." Taichi replied.
"But you haven't met her yet, Taichi." Yamato explained.
"I don't care. Even if I had met her or not, she is still my queen." Taichi replied.
"Do you realize what you just said?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I have. For one thing, I don't care if I love her or not anymore. All I care about is being king and having a queen. The rest, it's history." Taichi replied as he sped up more.
Yamato was lagging behind with a great question mark on his head.
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The battle between Sora and the man was still not done. Sora had wounded the man on his right arm where a gush can be seen. But unfortunately, Sora too, was wounded on her left foot that was stabbed by the sword.
Sora could feel her head spinning as blood came oozing out of her leg.
She could hear thunder and the night became darker.
"I'll kill you... I'll kill you for killing my father!!!" Sora cried out as she charged at him once more.
The man stepped back and was about to hit Sora by her abdomen with the sword but she shielded herself with the wooden stick she had. But it made the stick snap into two and made her fall backwards.
"You'll be mine!" the man yelled as he was about to plunge the sword into Sora.
Sora closed her eyes and waited for the metal to come in contact with her skin. Nevertheless, it didn't happen. All she heard was a clang of metal and she opened her eyes.
There, in front of her stood a man with princely clothes and a sword that protected both her and him.
Sora tried to open her eyes but soon, the dizziness invaded her and she fell into unconsciousness.
"Who the hell are you!?" the man asked angrily.
"Her knight in shining armor." Taichi replied as he pushed the man back using his sword.
The rain started to pour down and the man looked at Taichi.
"You'll pay for interfering with me, Prince Taichi." The man said.
Taichi smirked, "We'll see about that." He said as he positioned himself once more.
But before he could do anything else, the man put his sword up and a crash of lightning appeared before him.
The man had disappeared and so did his frightened horse than went galloping off.
Taichi threw a curious look. "That man was a magician?" he asked with a stunned face.
He suddenly remembered the princess and quickly bent down towards her.
All he saw was a beautiful face and when he carried her to his arms, he could feel the soft creamy skin of the princess.
The rain started to pour much harder and Taichi looked around. He suddenly heard a rumble and looked to his left to see an avalanche.
"I better get us out of here before we end up dead!" he said as went into the forest.
To be continued.
So how do you think of it? Hahahaha, there's more from what that came from! And besides, I have loads of ideas for this one it's going to be my masterpiece!!! But hey, it's a MAJOR Taiora!!!!! So, watch out for the next chapter!!!
Reviews please!
Thank you!