I don't own Digimon Frontier or the Prince and the Pauper.
I feel like answering some reviews now =^___^=
Sakura-Riddle: Heya, Tofu :p hopes the Takouji vibes in this one will be strong enough to keep you happy. And, hm… *gives you a Tomoki voodoo doll* that'd have to do for now :p
TerrierLee: o.o Junpei? Tons of neat thingies! o.o
Blind Dark Fate: yep, Tomoki's evil evil evil! :D hm… about the relationships… well, just read on :P *goes to WRITE on*
Redrum: I'm hearing that a lot lately :p
Two Sides of a Coin
Chapter 6 – Two Old Friends
It was late afternoon by the time Kouji left Izumi's quarters to start and try to find his way to his own chambers. He got lost, naturally, but the boy didn't really mind. The castle was huge, providing many new sights for the young man. Noises broke from a nearby hall and he followed them, curiosity getting the better of the would be prince.
Upon passing through the doors, two guards, one on each side of him, jumped to alert, saluting. Momentarily fazed, Kouji blinked at them before uncertainly waving his hand, mumbling 'at ease'. They calmed down, and his eyes scanned the hall. It turned out to be a training hall for the new recruits where quite a few of the young soldiers were trying out each other's skills. A spark of hope lit in his heart.
'Please, be here…'
His heart sank when he didn't find Takuya, even on the third look.
"Looking for someone, your highness?"
The guard asked.
"No, I just…"
He turned to leave, only to come face to face with the one he's been searching for. Takuya came in with Arbor, talking lively.
'Like he would with me…'
Upon noticing him, both boys stopped, Arbor jumping to salute.
"Your highness!"
Kouji paid him no attention, his eyes fixed on Takuya.
"What's your name? I kinda forgot it since the ceremony, sorry."
He asked in a soft voice, a slightly embarrassed blush on his cheeks for the lame excuse. Takuya answered plainly.
"Kabnara Takuya, prince Kouichi."
The 'prince' shook his head dismissively.
"Just Kouichi would do. Let's do this again."
Arbor stared at the scene before him as Takuya scratched the back of his head at Kouji's offered hand.
"Hi. My name's… Kouichi."
He half stumbled. However, the only one that seemed to notice was Arbor, and he was too shocked to breathe, let alone say anything. The tanned boy stared at the offered hand for a moment before taking it, smiling sheepishly.
"Hi. Takuya. Pleased to meet you… Kouichi."
"Pleasure's all mine. That's quite a shake you got there."
The commoner retracted his hand, blushing.
"I, er, well…"
"How about a spar?"
"Huh?"
"You know… fight with each other?"
As though demonstrating, Kouji drew his sword and slashed at one of the training dummies, quickly putting his sword away. His fight with Wolf taught him his sword was a center of attention and should not be waved around too much.
"You're in?"
His expression changing from shock to delight, Takuya nodded.
"Sure! I'm in!"
"One condition, though."
"Which is?"
"We use these."
Takuya caught the training sword thrown at him, quicking an eyebrow.
"Wouldn't wanna get your pretty sword dented now, do we?"
The delight turned to slight hurt and surprise.
'How… how did he…'
Seeing the look on his face, Kouji chuckled nervously.
"Sorry, I have this thing about my sword… can't understand there're better ones out there."
Takuya smiled not too surely, but the radiant smile Kouji flashed him made all doubts disappeared. Just like back home.
"Let's go!"
"Yes sir!"
"Maybe I shouldn't have…"
Izumi mused as she held the magic pills in her hand. The prince had left not too long ago, and the jester's words kept haunting her.
"I will win this thing, no matter what! The prince _will_ love me back!"
She clasped her hands as though in a prayer, looking out at the sun.
"Kouichi-sama… please, love me back. I can't under any situation lose to that devilish jester! I cannot!"
After a moment of silence, she threw the pills out the open window and slammed it close.
"No point in losing it like this… maybe I'll go see him… he missed his magic lesson today over the ceremony… yes, that's it. I'll ask Lowe to take his lesson… he always says how much ahead Kouichi-sama is… yes. That's what I'll do."
And with that decision, her determination boarding with madness, Izumi left her room, the jester's bells still ringing.
Takuya's heart raced as he took a fighting stance on the training mat. The surprising match up caught the attention of everyone in the practice hall, causing all the new recruits to look at the two fighters.
"You're shaking."
"From excitement."
"Good. I'd hate to think you were afraid of me."
"Afraid? I'm simply overjoyed!"
"Then why don't you go ahead? Strike first."
Takuya's mind flashed back to when he said the same things to Wolf. The other boy's movements were swift and graceful, and painful. Almost like someone he knew since birth.
"If it isn't too rude for me to ask… Kouichi…"
Kouji watched him curiously as Takuya bit his lip, gathering his courage.
"Please, let's go together!"
Murmurs and gasps filled the hall, almost like Kouji's fight against Wolf. After a moment of surprise, Kouji smiled in content. He couldn't accept fighting Takuya in any other way. Hearing the would be prince's reply, Takuya sighed in relief.
"It'll be a pleasure."
"Then by all means, allow me to start you off."
Both boys turned to see Lowe standing at the entrance. He held a golden coin in his right hand, ready to flip it.
"Wow, that's really Lowe!"
Takuya said in astonishment.
"Yeah, that was my reaction too."
"Eh?!"
"Eh, what?"
"What did you just say?"
"No, nothing! I didn't say anything!"
"Ok…"
'He's weird…'
Noticing he was staring at Kouji, Takuya shook his head violently.
'Stop it! He is NOT Kouji, he is not!'
"When the coin hits the floor, you both start. Understand?"
"You did too say something."
He argued, pouting childishly.
"I did not."
"Did too."
"Did not."
"Did too!" "Did not!" "Did!" "Didn't!" "Did!" "Didn't!"
Lowe blinked several times, utterly confused at the prince's behavior.
'What's going on? …I've never seen him this… alive!'
"I was right here and I say you said something!"
"Well, I'm the prince and I say I didn't!"
Pause.
"Can't argue with that, can I?"
"You're welcomed to try."
"Don't mind if I do!"
"All right, now you're talking!"
The two took fighting positions, the training swords drawn, murderous glares in their eyes… and neither moved an inch.
"What…"
"THROW THE COIN, LOWE!"
Both barked at the tutor, who hurried to flip the coin.
"On your marks…"
The two made eye contact, neither willing to look away first.
"…get set…"
'Takuya… I'm glad I met you here.'
'Why am I so nervous? This is prince Kouichi… The prince, not someone I've known for a life time… Kouichi… yosh.'
The coin hitting the floor rang through the entire hall as all present held their breathes. Both boys sprang to action simultaneously, wooden swords hitting repeatedly.
"Who do you say wins…"
Arbor looked up at Lowe, who was watching the fight with his arms crossed. He was about to mumble an answer when it turned out the question wasn't directed at him.
"… Eh, Wolf?"
The recruit glanced back at the door where Wolf was, leaning against the wall, arms crossed as well. He was side glancing at the match silently.
"Hard to tell. They both seem very well informed about the other's fighting styles… I wonder why."
"Good intuition?"
"Only if you're blind enough to believe that."
He looked back at the fight to see Kouji perform the same move he used to knock Wolf down, and Takuya easily dodged.
"That's a good move… you taught him that."
"Nope."
"Interesting."
"Indeed."
The fight continued smoothly, though Takuya's slight lack of confidence was evident.
'What really happened last night… _Kouichi_ sama?'
"Wha!"
The fight had taken a turn from calculated blows to feral survival instincts. Takuya was scared silly of his opponent's title, and gambled none stop on each blow and block. Kouji was delighted, feeling completely at east despite Takuya's heretic attacks.
'How… how can he do it?! How can he know my movements so well?!'
"You're… just like him…"
"Like who?"
"Kouji."
Wolf's eyes narrowed lightly as he saw Kouji slip.
"An answer to your answer, Lowe."
"What about?"
"The winner of this fight. It will not be our prince."
The other tutor merely watched on silently.
The scene that followed was alien to both as it never happened in their years of fighting each other. Kouji was half kneeling and unarmed as a result of his fall at the sound of his real name. Takuya towered over him, the training sword aimed at the other boy's neck.
"I was wrong… you're nothing like him."
"You judge too quickly."
With a swift movement, Kouji ducked farther, swinging his legs, bringing Takuya down. Instead of dodging, he grabbed the boy and the sword, not once flinching. The cheers that began when Takuya seemed victorious died out instantly.
"It would appear, Wolf, you were mistaken."
"And I gladly admit so."
"What did he say?"
"Ah, Izumi-san."
Lowe greeted as the girl sorceress joined them.
"We were simply discussing this fight here."
"What fight?"
"It's over now."
Wolf stated calmly, for some reason enjoying the expression on the girl's face at the sight of the two boys.
'Even after seeing his abilities earlier, I am still surprised he is able to perform like so against an armed opponent. Why was I never able to see such strength in him?!'
Kouji was sitting on the floor, Takuya held close, the wooden sword against his throat. Both boys seemed completely at ease with each other and the position they were in.
"I take it back. About my friend."
Takuya said, his hands resting on Kouji's arm, wrapped around his waists.
"What about him?"
Kouji half purred in his ear, making Takuya blush lightly.
"You're so much like him… you're even worse."
"He sounds like a good guy, that friend of yours."
"I already told you. He's the best."
A blush crept to Kouji's face, and he snuggled closer, half burying his face in Takuya's shoulder.
"Takuya, um…"
"What is it?"
Takuya asked, tilting his head lightly.
"I…"
"YEY! HE WON! KOUICHI-SAMA, GO GO GO!"
Izumi's voice interrupted the somewhat romantic moment, and the would be prince glared at her from the corner of his eyes.
"Looks like you have a fan here, Kouichi!"
Hearing the plain reference to the prince, the girl went on a tantrum, and to taunt her farther, Takuya leaned against Kouji, sticking his tongue out at her before anyone would notice.
"What is it… Izumi-san?"
The lack of emotions in his voice made the girl jump back as though stung.
"I… I just…"
"The sorceress would like to make up for the lesson which was cancelled today, my prince."
"
Lowe said, receiving a somewhat warmer reply from the bluette.
"I see. Well then, I better get going now."
Hearing this, Takuya hurried to stand up, feeling ashamed of himself.
"I… it was an honor fighting with you, your highness!"
He bowed, and Kouji couldn't help but lightly tap the boy's forehead with the wooden sword. Takuya blinked several times.
"Your stance is good, but you rushed a lot. Pay attention to what's going on underneath you. Next time it might be a golem instead of my legs."
The boy's deep brown eyes became distant as he recalled an event quite similar to that one…
~&~
It was Takuya and Kouji's first fight. Though their parents didn't allow them to use real swords from fear of injury, they still managed to perform quite well with the wooden poles.
"Go on, Takuya, be a man about it".
Takuya's father had forced him to bow and thank his friend, and the other boy tapped him on the forehead with the stick he used.
"Your hand pose is all wrong, I'm surprised you didn't drop your sword! You stumbled a lot, too, that's bad. And stop making all those 'I'll win for sure!' declarations, it'll only agitate your opponent and distract you. And…"
Chibi Kouji blinked as he stared at Chibi Takuya. The boy was fighting it, but he was crying quite badly.
"Takuya, stop it!"
His father scolded.
"Why are you crying?"
Chibi Kouji asked calmly, not bothering to continue his little lecture.
"Because… Because… Because you're mean! I try really hard, you know!"
"Baka."
The wooden sword came down on his head, not too hard though. Chibi Kouji then threw it over his shoulder, his other hand on his hip.
"Try harder."
Seeing that only made matters worse, Chibi Kouji hurried to continue.
"See, you even got me!"
Hiding his hands behind his back, dropping the would be sword in the process, the young boy scratched his right hand so badly it began bleeding, and showed it proudly to Takuya.
"Look! You got me good! See?"
Chibi Takuya sniffle-blinked at the scratch, before shaking his head.
"Liar!"
"I'm not lying!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah! I'm a warrior and warriors don't lie!"
"Really?"
"Would I lie?"
It took him a moment to really believe the other boy, but then the brown eyed boy grinned like a madman.
"Papa! Papa, look! Look, I got him! Papa!"
Chibi Takuya grabbed Chibi Kouji's hand and ran to proudly show it to his father.
"Papa! Look! I… Papa?"
Seeing the wound, the man's face reddened with anger as he raised his hand.
"Takuya! I told you to be careful!"
His hand came down, but it wasn't Chibi Takuya's cheek it hit, but Chibi Kouji's.
"What?!"
"Don't you dare hurt him! Only I can!"
Both father and son blinked at the boy who pointed at his wounded hand.
"He hurt me! Until I repay him, I'm the only one who's allowed to hurt him!"
The man was astounded by the strong words and backed away, the shadow of a smile on his face. Chibi Kouji turned to Chibi Takuya only to see tears in his eyes.
"Kouji… you…"
The slightly taller boy poked his friend's forehead with his finger that time.
"Stop crying and listen up! You hurt me, so I owe you! But don't think I'm just gonna hurt you back, cuz someone else'll come and hurt you, and then what'll I be?! I'll just be the first person to hurt you! No sirrie, I'm gonna be the first, the last, and the only on! So until you can kick my ass real good, I'll protect you no matter what! So you get better real quick, ok? Cuz I don't wanna look after you forever!"
"I will…"
"I didn't hear you!"
"I WILL! I'll get stronger and kick your ass, and then I'll protect you!"
Eyes sparkling, Chibi Kouji held out his pinkie and smiled.
"Promise?"
Chibi Takuya nodded, blinking the tears away, and with a grin, took Chibi Kouji's pinkie in his.
"Promise!"
The two stood there, smiling happily, not a care in the world. Except…
"Whaaaaa, Papa, Kouji's bleeding on me!"
"It's your fault, Baka, let go of me!"
"You let go first!"
"No, you!"
"You!" "You!" "No, You!"
On his way home, Chibi Kouji cringed as he kept scratching the cut, cursing as his hands got dirty.
"Damn!"
"Kouji! What are you doing?!"
His father ran to him and looked at the cut, shaking his head.
"That's a nasty cut. Would probably leave a scar."
Instead of being afraid or disappointed, the child simply smiled out of true happiness.
"It's ok, dad!"
"Eh?"
"Really! Because I really, seriously wanna remember today!"
"Why? What's so special about today?"
"A promise."
~&~
Kouji sighed as he looked at his right hand, the scar there until that very day.
"Kouichi-sama?"
Izumi's voice came in again, this time filled with worry.
"Right, sure, coming."
Standing up, Kouji handed Takuya the training sword and shook his head.
"Let's fight again soon."
"Yes sir!"
Takuya saluted, smiling as Kouji did the same.
"See you around, cadet!"
"I'll try to be seen, my prince!"
Waving, Kouji followed Izumi out, only to be stopped by Wolf.
"Quite a performance display today. I hope you won't hold it against me if I'll go a bit rougher on you on tomorrow's lesson."
"Be my guest."
"I'll hold this against you."
Takuya sighed as Kouji left the room, but he wasn't alone for long as Arbor ran up to him.
"MAN! That was like, supreme! Amazing! Unbelievable! And you're not listening to me, are you?"
"Arbor, have you ever been in love?"
The other cadet jumped back in shock, his glasses almost falling.
"What?! I, you…"
He looked from his new found friend to the door, and back, and again. And had a heart attack.
"NOT THE PRINCE?!?!?!"
"No, not him."
Arbor calmed down as the sad, serene atmosphere around Takuya was contagious.
"Then who…"
"His mirror image."
A/N: THERE! Can anyone read what I wrote in this chappie? I'll spell it for you: T-A-K-O-U-J-I! happy?! :P I know I am :D