I don't own Digimon Frontier or the Prince and the Pauper (is there any relation at all between this fic and that other than the switch and medieval parts? Plot wise?)

Two Sides of a Coin

Chapter 7 – A chat, a hug, and an invitation

Another sunrise graced the land of Furontia as another day began. As usual, knocks were heard from the door to the prince's chambers, asking to wake him up.

"My prince?"

The maid asked, knocking on the door again.

"Kouichi-sama?"

She opened the door and peeked in, only to find an empty room.

"Mou, where did he go to? I'm gonna get in so much trouble for this. Kouichi-sama? Kouichi-sama!"

The would be prince admired the view from his seat on one of the towers. His spirit was up and his heart light from the previous day's events. He very much enjoyed his time with Takuya, and even running away from Izumi afterwards was rather amusing.

'I should thank Junpei for teaching me those few things when I get back.'

He leaned backwards, hands behind his head, nothing above him but the clouds.

'Now this is how a morning should start.'

"Have you seen the prince?"

"Have you seen Kouichi-sama?"

"Kouichi-sama!"

The same cries rang through the castle's halls as a very worried Lowe ran through them. He had looked seemingly everywhere for the boy, yet found no trace of him.

"My prince! Mou, where is he?"

"Still looking for him?"

A rather amused Wolf asked, not yet properly dressed for his lesson with the prince.

"What happened to you?"

Lowe asked, awed at the contrast between his royal attire to his friend's common place clothes, not unlike those Kouji was wearing when he met Kouichi.

"Nothing, just didn't find a good reason to dress properly."

Came the simple reply as he stifled a yawn.

"What about your lesson with the prince, eh?"

Scratching the back of his head, Wolf smiled proudly.

"You saw how he fought yesterday. There's little I can teach him about technique alone, and there's no point in forcing him to fight me unless he wants to."

"There is!"

Lowe argued.

"The point is that the prince must live up to his duties!"

"Which are?"

The warrior asked, hands crossed.

"To show up to his lessons on time?"

"Not doing so it a sign of negligence, both on his part, and on ours, for letting him do so."

The scholar answered.

"He is the future king, he must know his responsibilities! What have you to say to that?"

"Like father, like son?"

Lowe wanted to reply, yet nothing seemed suitable against the tune of voice Wolf used, clearly stating the mysterious man was on his good side, and so was 'Kouichi's behavior.

"That man… doing that to the queen… I can't believe it. How had he the shame?!"

He received a well aimed slap to the face.

"Never talk about him in that tune around me again."

Wolf growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"From what I heard…"

"What have you heard, really? The gossip the maids say? The nonsense those foolish lords speak? You've gotten to this castle five years ago, and as a fellow teacher to Kouichi-sama, I respected you. But you know not what happened here those 15 years ago."

"And you do?"

"Yes."

The scholar awaited a continuation, yet none came.

"You should pay more attention to your young charge than those idiots. And unless he tells us what happened, we have no way of knowing. So let it go, and look for him."

"Well, there is a way of knowing without him telling us…"

Before Lowe knew what was happening, a sword was aimed at his throat, close enough to draw blood on the slightest touch.

"Are you suggesting spying on the prince? How dare you. You are lucky I'm not beheading you on the spot."

Shamefully, Lowe lowered his head.

"Forgive me. My concern overshadowed my duties."

"You were thinking of asking the girl, weren't you?"

Though he put the sword away, he still held his hand close to it.

"Magic is the best way, you must agree."

"I agree, yet it is not acceptable."

"Ah."

"…Well, no point in wasting time here, go look for him already."

"You're not angry?"

"It's my lesson he's missing. After yesterday, I'm considering canceling my lessons with him. There is very little I can teach him now."

"And jealousy has no part in it?"

The warrior smiled, farther confusing his companion.

"Maybe. But I truly am happy he's gotten better. You know the saying, a teacher's greatest joy is to be surpassed by his pupil."

"Indeed. But it does seem like he is a completely different person fighting out there…"

"Ah."

Bells ringing were the only proof the jester had been listening in on them.

Not only the substitute prince found his new surroundings fascinating, but the would be commoner did as well. Kouichi was awed as he walked through the market place. The village was prosperous and it showed. Many bizarre things were around, and it made sense to him how Kouji's father's store was still alive, selling such thing.

"Maybe I should get some of those."

"Why? Your dad pretty much sold the merchants those."

He almost jumped out of his skin. Junpei was standing next to him, idly eating an apple.

"Been looking for you all day, where've you been?"

"Uh, here and there."

The younger boy began walking away, but the older followed him nonetheless.

"Something the matter? You've been acting strangely since you lost yesterday."

"Just… thinking. Mind's wondering."

"About Takuya?"

"Let's… not talk about Takuya."

"Ok, suggest a different topic."

"…I have none."

"Ok, so let's talk about what I want to talk about. Takuya."

"Can't you drop it?!"

Kouichi leashed out, but Junpei just smiled back.

"It's ok, you know, he'll be back. But you have to get used to it, he won't be here for a while. You two really were close… like brothers… even more so."

Hearing it, envy filled Kouichi's heart. He had never had such relationships in his life, yet here were three young men who knew nothing about the world, yet knew so much more than he did about it all. He wished to be with them forever, even after just a day. Only if Kouji was there… and Takuya not.

'Why? Why do they care about each other? Even though Takuya's gone after his own selfish dream… Why? What happened that had brought them so close?'

Looking away, Kouichi's gaze fell on a mirror, and his hand moved to the back of his head. Unlike in the reflection, though, he found no ponytail.

'I don't belong here, even the animals know that. This is his world, not mine. Mine's there, behind stone walls.'

Sadness filled Kouichi's blue eyes as he thought of the good life he left behind, not once regretting the act.

'One day, he'll long for the wind of freedom those stones block. I'll be forced to go back. And when that'll happen…'

"Junpei?"

"What?"

"Will you still be my friend?"

The word sounded foreign on his lips, not because he knew not the meaning, nor was it because he never said it. But the emotions that stirred in his heart that caused him to speak it were overwhelming. The older boy blinked a few times before nodding.

"Sure thing! I mean, we've been through too much, to…"

Suddenly, Kouichi threw himself at Junpei, hugging him as strongly as he could. Tears stung his eyes, yet pride kept them back. Kouji wasn't the type to cry… then again, he wasn't the type to glomp, either.

"Thank you, Junpei."

Smiling, Junpei hugged back lightly, rubbing the other's back reassuringly.

'Man, you really left us with an over emotional replacement, eh, Kouji? Really, what were you thinking?!'

"Look."

"Where?"

"Over there!"

"Nothing's there."

"Come on, he was right there! How didn't you see him?!"

"Who was where?"

"HIM! THERE!"

"He's not there."

"ARGH!!!"

It was close to noon. Takuya and Arbor were making their way to the recruits' chambers, having finished their guarding duty. Since arriving at the East wing where their dorms were, Arbor had claimed they were being followed, whereas Takuya saw no one.

Smirking, he ruffled the other boy's hair.

"Maybe Arbor-chan is just tired so he's seeing things?"

"Am not!"

The boy released himself from the tease and stood there like a bird with ruffled wings. Now would be a good time as any to describe Takuya's new friend.

Arbor was slightly shorter than Takuya, with black hair and a pair of glasses. The uniform seemed to be oversized and he proved to be clumsy with a sword. However, he was top rate in hand to hand combat.

"Well now, how come I haven't seen anyone there?"

Arbor felt like strangling the boy with midnight blue eyes and Indigo hair as he suddenly stood behind Takuya, revealing himself to Arbor. He signaled the boy to keep quiet, barely holding in his laughter. Seeing the look on the boy's face, Takuya blinked and turned around. The figure moved between him and Arbor quickly.

"I don't see anyone."

Turning around again, Takuya forced the figure to move back behind him.

"What now?!"

As the look on Arbor's face wouldn't go away, Takuya began turning in every possible direction, each time the one behind him keeping out of his sight. Arbor could only take that much.

"HE'S RIGHT BEHIND YOU!"

He shouted.

"But there isn't anyone there!"

Takuya barked back.

"See?!"

He turned around quickly to prove it, only to come within a kissing range from the boy whom he called prince. The royal child tapped Takuya gently on the forehead, causing him to fall backwards like a turtle upside down.

"Just call me no one there."

"Kouichi-sama!"

Arbor jumped to salute while Kouji helped Takuya to his feet.

"A bit jumpy there, aren't we?"

"We just finished the late night shift, your highness."

Arbor excused them, as Takuya was too busy staring.

"I see. It's your first, second day though, no? They're making you do that sort of stuff?"

"Hard work under the supervision of veteran soldiers helps to acquire experience, sir."

"Is that so?"

For the first time, Kouji looked at the other boy, and he smiled as he did so.

"What's your name, bro?"

"'Bro'? …Arbor, sir!"

"Arbor, eh? I'll keep that in mind. Heard you're good in hand to hand combat."

A flattered blush rose to Arbor's cheeks at the attention, which until now was directed at Takuya alone.

"Ah, hai, sir!"

"Don't 'sir' me, simply Kouichi would do."

"But…"

"That's an order, cadet!"

Getting infected by Kouji's smile, Arbor saluted again, playfully this time.

"Will do… ma'am."

"What can we do for you, Kouichi?"

Takuya's voice came in rather angrily. He locked eyes with the bluette and the would be prince knew that look, and it made him feel just a little bit better. Takuya was jealous.

"I was just wondering what you were doing today."

"Well…"

Arbor jumped in, ignoring the looks Takuya was giving him.

"We have to sleep first, then sword practice with Wolf, then we're free for the night."

"Great. Then will I be able to see you tonight, Takuya?"

The tanned boy stared, not understanding the meaning of the question.

"Er, pardon?"

"Tonight, at my chambers. I'll let the guards go so you could come in. How about it?"

Saying so, Kouji gently rubbed his hand against Takuya. Said boy was so stunned, no words came to him. Arbor remained silent, not wanting to stick his nose where it was obvious even the least bit of help would be unwanted.

"I'll… I'll have to think about it."

Kouji's expression broke, yet he still remained smiling, for their sake.

"No rush. I don't want to push you. Just… know that if you feel like it, I'll be waiting for you. Now, if you ladies excuse me..."

He grinned at Arbor, who grinned back for returning the 'ma'am' favor.

"…I better get going before Lowe'll have either a seizure or my head on a platter."

He ran off laughing, and the boy with the glasses laughed as well, before shouting 'that wasn't funny!' after him. Takuya was still mute.

"'Ladies, eh? You'd think the prince would have more manners…"

"He's a good guy."

"A good guy who wants to see you in his chambers tonight."

"…Yeah."

"You two!"

Looking up, both noticed Aguni was running towards them, a grave expression on his face. Arbor just jumped to salute again, and Takuya wondered just how he was able to do so as he saluted as well.

"Aguni-sa…"

"Who was that you were talking to right now?"

The two boys exchanged glances, not knowing what to say.

"Why?"

"Has the prince gotten into trouble?"

"So that really was him… what is he thinking?"

Aguni slammed his fist against the wall, leaving a dent. He glanced at the two and their scared expression before looking sheepish.

"Sorry. The prince has just been missing since morning, and the queen is worried sick. But if he's still in the palace, that's good…"

His demeanor returned and he looked at the boys questioningly.

"What are you two doing here, anyway?"

"Finished night shirt. Going to rest before afternoon practice."

Arbor said, acting as spokesman.

"I see. Well then, carry on. And should you see him again, tell him to stop messing around."

"Yes sir."

"You can count on us, sir. We'll let Kouichi know the minute we see him."

The plain way in which Takuya called the prince didn't go unnoticed, only found irrelevant in comparison to the matter at hand.

"Very well then. Carry on."

It was only when they began walking away that Aguni recognized them. His eyes widened at Takuya as he recalled the events from the ceremony.

'That boy!'

"Halt!"

They stopped and looked back, Arbor with fright, Takuya with confusion.

"What's your name, boy?"

"Kanbara Takuya, sir."

"Kanbara Takuya. What are you to the prince?"

He was about to answer when his mind returned to mere minutes ago. The prince smiled in the most beautiful way when he invited him over, and Takuya gently touched the place where Kouji's hand touched his. Then he saw the day before, and the feeling of Kouji's arms wrapped around him returned as he could almost hear him purring in his ear. Arbor hoped the head of the royal guard missed his friend's blush. They had no such luck.

"I am… but a mere servant to his royal highness."

And though it was the right answer, it fooled neither. The tune of voice was too far off, distracted… shy.

"Dismissed."

The boys began walking away again, talking.

"That was close."

"No worries. Ain't no way I'll be dismissed."

"Why not?"

"Because I promised. And if there's one person I keep my promises to, it's Kouji."

Aguni stared at him at the mention of  the name, the last thing he made out of their chat.

'How… why does he know that name?! It is taboo even among the queen's most trusted advisors… yet he…'

Shock soon fading, Aguni found himself genuinely intrigued about the boy who caught the prince's eye.

'I will find out about you… Kanbara Takuya. This I vow.'