I don't own Digimon Frontier or the concept of the prince and the pauper.

Bonnie Mizuhara Asakura: They be a coming, mate. Fear not D

Wouldn't you like to know XD: Something in your eye. Of course. Well, expect some more Kouichi a coming, cuz after so long I can't help but write him… otherwise I'd have to remove him from the main characters .

About the prequels… it evolved into a bloody trilogy o.O save me.

Two Sides Of a Coin

–

–

"Done talking already?"

Junpei asked as Kouichi and Kousei came into the room he, Arbor and the unconscious Satomi were in. The older boy was holding Arbor's sword, his hands and the blade glowing as he was busy casting a spell on it.

"We thought you were asleep."

Kousei said while his son's cheeks turned redder at the realization they might've been heard.

"Are you alright, your majesty?"

Arbor asked softly, seeing the prince's somewhat red eyes and still tear-stricken cheeks. It seemed to have caught Kouichi off guard. He stuttered, waving his hands in front of him.

"Ah, n, no! I, I'm ok, really, thank you, Arbor."

"Give him a break."

Junpei said, smiling.

"Whatever's been eating him's resolved now. Ne, prince?"

The royal child nodded eagerly, earning himself a relieved sigh from the solder and an amused chuckle from his father.

"Thank goodness."

Kouichi nodded again, not knowing why.

"There. All done."

Junpei declared, giving Arbor his sword back.

"A protective spell?"

Kousei asked, thoughtful.

"Protective, warding, holy, healing… you name if, I pumped it in there."

He said, looking proud.

"Does he really need all that? Is it really that dangerous, where we're going?"

Kousei was about to answer when Arbor beat him to it.

"I… I'm not coming with you, your highness…"

"Huh? But why?"

Biting his lip, the soldier looked away.

"I… don't think I can handle it well enough… going back there, that is. If I'd come I'd only get in your way… and besides, you need someone to stay with Satomi-san, right? I can do that for you."

"Father?"

Kouichi turned to Kousei, who seemed to be considering what was said.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. You saved me, and are about to save my friend. This is the least I can do."

"Alright. I understand."

That being said, Kousei's hands glowed as bright light suddenly filled the room.

"I've just enforced the barrier. You should be safe as long as you don't move outside this house."

"I'm sorry for being so weak."

"Nonsense."

Kousei declared.

"A truly weak man could never admit his weaknesses like you just did. Knowing yourself well enough to admit that proves you are not only strong, but also, are a good man. That is hardly something to be ashamed of."

Arbor's cheeks went red, as did Kouichi's. A naughty smirk danced on Junpei's lips.

"Daddy praised someone else, eh?"

Kouichi glared at him, but Junpei just smiled.

"You really are over it, aren't you?"

"Huh?"

Kouichi blinked, surprised.

"Even if we weren't about to head into a danger zone, it's still important to get along with your father."

"You also knew."

Junpei crossed his arms behind his back.

"About the switch? Yeah, I did. Kouji you weren't, that much I did know. And my dad's a sucker for gossip involving the royal court. He used to do tons of dealings with people there, still does occasionally. That's how he got his initial fortune, actually. Knowing the queen gave birth to two children instead of just one."

"Silence money!"

"Yep."

Kouichi was shocked, but Junpei merely gave him a pat on the back.

"They just wanted to make the lives of you twins, as well as the queen's, easier. I mean, look at the mess you two finding about each other caused…"

"You make it sound like we made this happen…"

"Heaven forbids."

Junpei said casually, making it impossible for Kouichi to keep glaring him. He still felt bad, though.

"I didn't mean it like that, I… look, Kouichi…"

Kouichi just smiled softly.

"I know. But one can't help but ponder the coincidence…"

"True…"

Falling silent, Kouichi looked at the woman lying on the floor in front of him. His eyes were soft and caring as they fixed on her calm face. Junpei took a few steps back, seeing as Kousei was approaching.

"You seem concerned."

The prince looked back at the man with determination Kousei found surprising.

"Even in my worst moments, I never could bring myself to hate the woman you might've married after you left the castle. Satomi-san is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever known. Having met her, I must say I'm relieved. She took care of you… and of Kouji… better than I ever could've hoped for."

"As she did with you."

Kousei said, crossing his arms. Kouichi nodded softly.

"Speaking of taking care of Kouji…"

Junpei's voice came in, reminding both father and son of the reality around them.

"…we should get going. Allow me to be selfish and say that you two should be more concerned towards your son-slash-brother and ex-wife-slash-mother, have your pick, than you are at the moment."

"He's right. We should head out."

"Arbor, I'm leaving Satomi-san in your care."

The soldier jumped to salute, sword in hand.

"It will be my honor, my liege!"

Sighing, Kouichi extracted his hand, catching the soldier completely off guard.

"Yo, your highness…"

"Kouichi."

Arbor blinked.

"Call me Kouichi."

A smile rose to Arbor's face.

"Funny…"

He said, taking the prince's outstretched hand.

"…that's exactly what your brother told me."

Kouichi's eyes widened before a radiant smile appeared on his lips.

"Take care of her. And yourself. That's an order."

"Don't mind if I do."

Slowly turning away, the three stood side by side, concentrating their magic. In a flash, father, son and friend were gone.

"It certainly is hard… watching them leave…"

Turning around quickly, Arbor drew his sword, taking a battle stance. He soon discovered it was for naught.

"There really is… no need for that. Unless you wish to challenge a wounded woman…"

He grinned.

"Satomi-san!"

Arbor cried happily, seeing that the woman regained consciousness.

"Arbor-kun, was it?"

"Yes ma'am… how are you feeling?"

He asked as he kneeled next to her. She nodded.

"Junpei-kun's healing magic is better than he thinks. I was up for quite a while now."

"That's a relief… but then… why didn't you say anything! His highness and his Excellency were worried sick!"

She put a finger to his lips, stopping any comments which might've followed. She gave him a stern look, making the boy almost afraid.

"Didn't he ask you not to call him that?"

For a moment he was confused, until a tingly sensation in his right palm clicked and he knew what she meant.

"Ye, yes, Kouichi, I know, but…"

"Let them worry a bit."

Arbor blinked.

"Pardon?"

"A woman needs to be reminded she is loved once in a while, dear."

"Why good lady!"

Arbor exclaimed, shocked by the sudden change of attitude. However…

"Besides…"

She was only teasing.

"…had I 'woken up', it would've been impossible for him to leave here."

She said, a distant, loving look on her face and in her eyes. Sighing, Arbor nodded.

"Yes, Kousei-san truly seems like a reliant…"

She shook her head, catching him off guard.

"Had leaving his wife behind ever been a problem to that man… I never would've even met him."

The boy looked at the woman in shock… stared, even. Having said such a thing, she still sat there smiling, an almost untraceable touch of regret on her face.

"They…"

"Yes dear?"

Clenching his fists, Arbor took in a deep breath and stood up rather hastily.

"They will definitely, definitely come back to you! All of them, in one piece, without a doubt!"

"Come back… alive…"

"And very much well!"

Studying him for several minutes, the woman eventually sighed, chuckling immediately afterwards in obvious relief. Her smile softened as she looked at him again.

"Thank you."

–

–

He remembered hearing a voice. He remembered running, running as fast as he could… running towards blood… blood… -his- blood. And then came the bells, and then came the darkness.

And then…

"Wolf… san?"

Takuya uttered as he opened his eyes, seeing kneeling next to him the one he had indeed 'imagined' seeing. The man smiled upon seeing that the boy was awake.

"Had me worried there when we saw you fainting. Hold still."

Takuya nodded as the warrior wrapped several bandages around his right arm. Mentally checking himself, he discovered that his chest and legs were at least partially wrapped up as well. His shirt was replaced, however.

"I was injured?"

"Not in the conventional way, but yes, you were injured."

Aguni said, startling Takuya from his position on the floor next to his subordinate and comrade.

"You're disturbing the patient. Shut up."

"Aww, Wolf-chan's worried"

"Sit still, you'll reopen your wounds."

Takuya blinked, but apparently it was not meant for him.

"It really is rare for you to worry about me…"

Aguni's expression was sad and ecstatic at the same time, yet he instantly recovered.

"…I guess getting hurt protecting Taki-chan was worth it!"

The grin received quite an air of pain as Wolf's fist connected with an open wound on Aguni's leg. Takuya wondered if he really heard that sickening 'crunch' sound.

"See, I told you you'll reopen your wounds. Here, let me wrap them up… starting with your mouth!"

"Wouldn't you like to…"

"Um, excuse me…"

Takuya managed to utter and was amazed at the sudden changes in the two in front of him. While Wolf seemed kind and welcoming, like he seemed at all times around the prince, Aguni reverted back to how he used to be, the strict commander who ruled his subjects with an iron fist. He certainly looked the part, too.

"What is it, Takuya?"

Wolf asked, all the while skillfully applying an odd lotion to Aguni's wounds.

"Um… 'what happened' would be a good start. I remember fainting, but I don't know why."

"And the continuation?"

"How does… why does Wolf-san know my name? D, don't get me wrong, it's an honor, but…"

"Simple."

Aguni blurted, silencing the boy.

"Wolf knows everything and anything there is to know about the prince, and whether by your choice or not, the prince has something to do with you. Logic demands he'll know about you."

The blood rushed to Takuya's cheeks as the man continued.

"Your other question, however, should be answered by my acquaintance."

Aguni grinned cheekily again, making Takuya feel just a wee bit better.

"We felt a strong demonic aura."

"By 'we' he meant him."

Aguni 'explained' to Takuya, receiving no reaction from Wolf.

"Naturally, seeing as it was this close to the Elder-Queen's chambers, we rushed over immediately. When we got there it was mere seconds after the main presence disappeared. There was more than enough left to get to you, though."

"Was I attacked?"

Takuya asked, more curious than concerned. Both warriors chuckled.

"You were, just not in a way you could defend yourself."

Wolf began, letting Aguni carry on while he was finishing wrapping himself up.

"Demons, being abstract beings, can take any number of shapes. They can hurt you physically, like in my case, or like what happened to you, when they try and take over."

"Take over!"

"Aguni nodded."

By wounding one's soul rather than the body, the demon can enter it and eat it from the inside out. There is little you can do against it, as you don't even sense it usually. You faint and when you wake up, it's not even you anymore. No worries, though, Wolf here patched you up real good. You should be ok by now."

Aguni reassured, seeing Takuya's growing concern. But apparently, that wasn't the reason behind it.

"Then… Aguni-san god hurt in order to save me…"

The two warriors exchanged looks before Wolf gave a naughty smirk.

"He'd have gotten hurt even without your assistance."

"How was I supposed to know the bastard was gonna go physical on us!"

"You're the one who dared him to do so."

"Well, yeah, but…"

Aguni trailed off, much to Wolf's air of triumph, but Takuya broke that again.

"But… Wolf-san didn't get hurt?"

The two blinked, but then worry settled in as they realized he was right.

"Well…"

Wolf tried to begin, only to be beaten to it by Aguni.

"Nah, not even a scratch."

He said, leaning back comfortably.

"Aguni…"

"No, I won't hear of it! You're a much better warrior than I am, you deserve the praise."

"It was my magic, not my skills."

"You're a warrior wielding a sword. That spell was cast in the heat of battle. Don't try to shake me off."

The man nodded, his cheeks a rather deep shade of rosy red. The somewhat intimate moment struck a cord with Takuya, and despite the pain he stood up, gripping his sword.

"Don't. You're in no condition to move."

Aguni commented calmly.

"But… the prince…"

"We know. But with all due respect, kid, there really isn't all that much you could do at your current state."

The man said, smiling apologetically.

"But…"

"The exit leading to the nearby village is close… I wouldn't recommend going, but once you're out you could maybe…"

"You're telling me to run away!"

Takuya yelled, enraged. He never once dreamt having that said to him, let alone from the war hero who was his role model for as long as he could remember.

Aguni met his emotional storm with collected calmness.

"You're fighting for someone important to you, aren't you? To prove something to both him and yourself."

He locked eyes with the boy, showing him nothing but the man he became on the battlefield.

"Dying wouldn't prove a damned thing, other than maybe how idiotic you are."

The boy said nothing as he stood there, though the soft shakings that rocked his body were proof he heard, listened, and very much understood.

"I'm right, aren't I?"

Aguni suddenly grinned childishly.

"That sort of thing? I'm good at it."

"Great, now you boosted his ego."

Wolf as though complained, but the teasing tone in his voice was undeniable.

"You sound like you don't like it when I'm right about those things, even when the only one I was ever wrong about was y…"

"Wait here."

Wolf suddenly said as he stood up.

"You're changing the subject here!"

Aguni protested, pouting.

"Yes, I am."

And with that, he was gone. Aguni sighed.

"That guy… always keeps everything bottled up, taking too much on himself. This castle's to blame… He wasn't always like that… used to be all smiles and laughs, like you and I are… One of these days, he'll break. He'll break and it ain't gonna be pretty but I'll be damned if I won't be there when that happens. You can bet your soul I'll be here."

Takuya sat back down as he studied the man next to him, taking his words into consideration.

"Aguni-san, is he…"

"Hm?"

Aguni turned to Takuya with curious eyes.

"Is Wolf-san your… I mean… is he… to you… your…"

Smiling, the man patted the boy's head.

"Looks like you're good about those things too, eh? Well, not like I'm going out of my way to deny it, if you know what I mean. But keep it a secret anyway, ok? Or I could just make it an order…"

Takuya shook his head, making Aguni smile again.

"What a lovely Kodak moment."

Takuya jumped as Wolf as though appeared from thin air.

"Back so soon?"

"I can leave again, you know."

"Nah, it'll get boring again, ne?"

He turned to Takuya, but the boy wasn't sure how to reply.

"On your feet, both of you, we won't be alone for long."

At that, the two jumped to their feet, the smiles all gone. Wolf then turned to Takuya, handing him a small crystal orb. The boy took it with a confused air to him.

"It'll let us know where you are. It'll light up instantly if you're in danger, so we can come and save you. Is something the matter?"

He asked, seeing how Takuya was looking at the object. The boy shook his head quickly.

"N, no, just someone I know sells those things in his shop."

At that, Wolf's face lit up with a grin.

"He always did want to open up shop…"

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Aguni and I are off to search for the prince and the Queen. I realize telling you to get out would be pointless, so I won't."

"I wouldn't have listened either."

Aguni said as he nodded to himself, arms crossed.

"That's how I knew. You two are too much alike."

"Humph!"

Was Aguni's parting words as he began walking away. A moment of silence passed before Wolf turned to Takuya again.

"Takuya-kun…"

"Yes?"

The man took his time, studying the boy.

"How do you feel about him?"

"About…?"

"The jester."

The boy tensed. Lowering his gaze, what was seen of his face was blank.

"He's… the one responsible for the prince's disappearance, right?"

"Probably."

"And… why everyone else disappeared…"

"Most likely."

Clutching his chest, he looked up.

"He… that morning, when I woke up in the prince's room he… tried to take my soul, didn't he? That's why I fainted and couldn't remember a thing…"

"A part of it, yes."

Takuya chuckled.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Well, I…"

Looking up, Takuya locked eyes with Wolf, determination written on his features.

"I don't hate him."

Wolf blinked, but decided to hear the rest.

"Mad at him? Sure I am, he made a lot of people disappear, one of them a friend of mine… tried to get me too… but…"

"But?"

Wolf gently edged him on.

"But I don't think he's the one to blame here."

"What…"

"When I didn't laugh, but told him I didn't hate him, either, I… he looked surprised. And happy. He was real happy, actually. The kind of happy you get when someone tells you they like you… and honest, innocent kind of happy. It was just for a second, but… he didn't look like a demon at all. That second, even though just a second… it was there. It was definitely there. That's how I know."

"Know what?"

Takuya took a deep breath.

"I don't know why he does what he does, or if he's a real demon or if like you said, his soul was eaten or what… but I do know that he, he definitely has a human heart in him!"

Wolf's eyes widened.

"That's all that matters to me. Demon or not, I don't care. For me, that jester's just what he looks like, and that is a human child with a human heart beating in his chest!"

Takuya was caught off guard when strong arms pulled him into a hug. He felt drops fall on his shoulder and could do nothing but stand there as Wolf apparently cried on his shoulder.

"Thank you."

Was all he said as he slowly pulled back, regaining his composure almost instantly.

"I, um…"

That way is where the main source of demon energy is."

Wolf said as he pointed towards where Aguni left to.

"That way is where you must not go under any circumstances. That way…"

He pointed in the opposite direction, which Takuya had his back to.

"…is where you'll probably find what you're looking for."

Understanding immediately what the main was talking about, Takuya nodded.

"I…"

"Be careful out there. I'd hate it if anything were to happen to a friend of the prince's."

"Yes sir!"

Saluting once, Arbor-style, he turned and began running off away from the man. Giving one last look his way, Wolf turned around and disappeared.

"Took you long enough."

Aguni barked out as Wolf reappeared next to him, both of them running forward.

"Exactly how much did you tell him?"

He asked with a frown.

"Not too much. Don't you trust me?"

"You ask that even after what happened with –him-?"

"Aguni, I…"

"Of course I trust you, idiot! I know you since I was a child, you're nothing like that traitor!"

Smiling, Wolf nodded, but even though he felt reassured, he still had one big concern on his mind.

They were, after all, filled with conspirators.

"Lowe…"

–

–

A/N: MUAHAHAHAHA all hail the evil queen of confusing evil cliffhangers XD fear not, all will be explained, and what won't be explained here… well, I did promise two prequels, ne:

And I'd just like everyone to take a moment and celebrate\mourn with me. Since I started this fic, I wrote 95 of it in a single notebook. With this chappie, that notebook has officially, completely and totally ran out of space.

It was a good notebook.