Artistic Differences
By theladyknight
Disclaimer: Digimon is not mine!
Yakari Taito: Nope, it's not Cody, but nice guess!
Chiara: Thanks! I hope you like this chapter!
Curtis Zidane Ziraa: So many questions…all will be revealed!
Yume-dream: I've never been horseback riding, but it sounds like fun…
Yama-sama: I'm sorry, it's not Jun…she'll appear later on…
Placid Snowflake: You're not the only one to think it's Tai…read to find out!
Winter-Green-Elf: Thank you!
Sorato4eva: Good reasoning, but you'll have to find out if it's Tai or not…
Sapphire Dragons: The plot does thicken even more in here!
Banana Flavored Eskimo: Thank you -smiles- I finally got my computer back; that's why it took so long for an update!
blondie121147: Thanks...hopefully I'll get the other two stories updated sooner.
Crazyamzy: Nobody dies…maybe later on in the story…but not yet.
Chapter 12: Explanations
"Where did that boy go?" Mimi asked, pausing to take a breath.
"You said it! I've never seen Tai run that fast since…never mind, I'm sworn to secrecy about that."
Nancy looked at her youngest son's obsession as they stopped at the edge of the forest to catch their breaths. Tai somehow had managed to outrun them, and they were taking this opportunity to regroup. "What did Tai do?"
"Promise you won't tell anyone?" Kari asked, biting her lip.
The Queen smiled. "I think we can conveniently forget this story after you tell it."
"Well, we had been playing hide-and-go-seek up in one of the castle towers. Tai was it, and Sora and I had hid is this concealed little area we had found. We were making ghost sounds, trying to spook Tai. Sora jumped out behind him and shouted, darting back into the hiding spot before Tai could see her. He leapt about a foot in the air and took off running as fast as he could. We didn't see him again until supper that night!"
"How long ago was that? A week ago?" Another voice asked, joining in the conversation.
Nancy recognized the speaker. "T.K., what are you guys doing here?"
The King chuckled. "We wanted to see what happened when you all caught Tai. Where is he?"
The group faced the forest. "I'd say that looks like a good place to start." Mimi mused, pointing into the clearing. "That's the way Matt and Sora went."
"Then let's go find them." Malcolm responded…
-Sora and Matt-
"Is he dead?" Sora cautiously asked as Matt pulled her closer to him.
The blond shook his head. "I don't think so. It looks like he just got hit by an arrow. The question is why is he out here?"
"Do…"
"Sora! Matt!" a voice yelled.
Matt rolled his eyes. "We're over here!"
"Whew, I thought I was lost!"
"What are you doing out here, Tai?" (A/N: Did you really think I would kill Tai off?)
Tai stared at the two of them. "I was running from the girls and looking for you." He answered, walking closer to us. "Oh my God!" he exclaimed, finally noticing the body.
"Hello! There you all are!" Queen Toshiko shouted as the others all finally joined them.
Malcolm smiled at Matt and Sora. "Why are you two out here…Good Lord? What happened?"
"We were horseback riding and had stopped to take a brief rest when all of a sudden these arrows came shooting out. Matt and I managed to avoid them all and came over here to get our horses and tell you all about it when we found this guy knocked out."
"Who could this be?" the king asked.
"I know."
The whole group turned at once to face Matt. "Who is he?" Tai asked suspiciously.
Matt paused. "He is Marcus, son of Thelonius of Lockton."
The group gasped, and the King reached down to check for a pulse. "He's alive, but needs medical help. Sora, Matt, would you ride into Roselle and get Joe. We need him at the castle. The rest of us will take Marcus up to the castle and wait for you there."
Sora nodded and took Matt's hand as he helped her up onto Phoenix and vaulted on behind her. "We'll go as fast as we can." She promised her father.
"Be careful." Nancy warned.
"Yes," King Haruhiko nodded. "Please be on your guard. Matt, watch out for both yourself and Sora. The people who attacked him may attack the two of you as well. Sora, I know you can take care of yourself as well, but I am afraid those attackers may have been after you because you're a princess."
Sora relented with a nod. "We'll be back soon." Matt answered. The blond nudged the horse, and they roared off.
"Let's get him on the horse and back to the castle." The queen commanded.
Tai and T.K. carefully lifted the young adult onto the back of Ash, and the King mounted on behind him.
I can't believe all that's happened in the past few minutes. What was Marcus doing out here? Was he trying to attack Matt? What if he was going after Sora? All I know is we have to find a way to get the two together even faster now because I have a feeling once Marcus is better, he will try to break up their relationship. T.K. fell in line behind the others all cautiously heading back to the castle.
-Sora and Matt-
Sora rested her head up against the blonde's chest. "Matt, what do you think he was doing here?" she asked, remembering his stories about his time in Lockton.
"I don't know, Sor." But I have a strong feeling it's not going to be a good reason. Maybe he's here to get some sort of revenge on my family. Or worse, maybe he's been commanded to assassin the royal family. I'll rip him apart with my bare hands before he lays a hand on Sora!
"You seem really tense. What's wrong?"
The blond looked down at the beauty in front of him. "It's nothing."
"Ishida," Sora answered, facing him and trying not to get lost in his icy blue orbs, "you and I both know very well it is something."
The artist sighed. "How do you do this to me?"
"Do what?" the princess responded.
"Know everything I think and feel."
Sora smiled. "I don't do that."
"Yes you do."
"No I don't."
Matt brushed a strand of red hair out of Sora's eyes. "We're starting to sound like the others earlier."
"Yeah. Let's stop, please. But you were saying…"
The blond smirked. "Other than you have a power no one else holds over me…"
"I can kiss you senseless." Sora interrupted innocently.
Matt pulled her back to him and rested his head on her shoulder. "That's not what I was going to say, but I definitely have no problem with that little detail. You just can break through any cold exterior I put up without much effort. You have some unbelievable power that makes me open up to you," he kissed her lips lightly, "and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Sora blushed. "Matt…"
Matt chuckled. "It's true. But to answer your question, I think there's something more to Marcus being here. He didn't just decide to come and take a stroll through your gardens. His kingdom is far from here, and he's exactly like his father. I'm afraid he's either here for my family or yours."
Sora kissed him back. "Well, if he wants you or anyone in your family he'll have to go through me. And believe me; you want to steer clear of me when I have a sword in my possession."
The artist pulled the princess into his arms and they both sat in comfortable silence, entering the village. "So this is Roselle?"
"Under any other circumstances, I would show you around, but the situation is rather dire. Shall we head to Joe's medical shop?"
"I'll go wherever you go."
Sora led the horse to Joe's shop, and they both climbed off. Matt tied up the horse next to Joe's, and they walked hand in hand into the shop.
"Joe! Hey Joe!" Sora yelled.
"No tricks this time?" Joe answered, walking out from a back room. "Princess Sora, what brings you here? And who is this with you? I don't think we have met yet."
Sora smiled. "No tricks, Joe. This is Matt Ishida, one of the artists working on our castle. The reason we came is because we are in need of your assistance at the castle. Matt and I discovered a young man who had been shot with an arrow, bleeding outside the castle. Father sent us here to fetch you."
Joe grabbed his medical kit and ushered them outside. He locked the door and headed to his horse. "I'd say we'd best be on our way then."
Sora mounted the horse, and Matt jumped on behind her. "Let's get going." The blond said as he nudged the horse forward.
Joe looked at the two. I think there's something going on between them. Sora is going to be queen soon and needs to marry. Maybe this Matt guy's the right one. "So, Matt, tell me a little bit about yourself." Sora's my friend, though, and I want to make sure he truly cares about her.
"There's not much to say." Matt responded, not really knowing how to answer the question. "My family and I are artists and we were hired to work on the castle."
He's so vague. I wonder why. "Anything else?"
"Not that I can think of." Joe frowned. Sora looked over at him and realized what he was thinking.
"Joe, how are things around town." She interrupted, giving him a look that said she'd explain things later.
Joe looked at the princess. "Um, they're fine. I talked toIzzy the other day, and he's doing a bunch of experiments."
"About what?"
The blue-haired doctor smiled. "Quite honestly I have no idea. He told me, but the words he used make all my medical terms sound simple."
Matt decided to join the conversation. "Who's Izzy?"
"He's a year younger than me and been one of our friends since, wow, almost as long as Mimi.Izzy lives here in the village and has this life dream to discover some big scientific masterpiece that will change the course of the future."
"I'd say he has a pretty good shot at it." Joe answered. "He comes up with new experiments all the time. One of these days he'll come up with something really good. I'm sure of it."
Matt nodded. "I see."
The trio rode in silence the whole way there, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. I've got to explain to Joe why Matt is so silent. Joe was wondering about that back there, and I don't want to leave him in the dark.
Joe seems like an okay person. I hope he's not too mad about me not answering his questions more in depth. I'm not very open to people I don't know. Hopefully I can find a way to explain it. Matt wrapped his arms tighter around Sora and gave her a smile.
The doctor watched the two interact and pondered over his own musings. They may have not come out openly and said anything, but I can tell there is something between them. Matt seems like a good guy, but I wonder why he hasn't said much to me. Oh well, Sora will explain it.
The group arrived at the castle to see T.K., Kari, Tai, and Mimi waiting for them at the front door. "Go ahead and go in," Tai said, "Matt and I will put the horses away."
Joe nodded his thanks, and both he and Sora climbed off the horses. They, along with the two girls, went inside the castle while the other two led the horses to the stable. "I'm assuming you want to talk to me." Matt finally said.
Tai opened up the doors and tied up Joe's horse. "Matt, I'm going to give you some helpful advice: tell Sora you love her!"
"What?" the blond exclaimed.
"You heard me loud and clear. It's obvious you love her, and she loves you. Why can't you work up the guts to tell her?"
Matt sighed. "Look, bushy, even if I did have feelings for Sora it just wouldn't be accepted."
"Is it bad when I pick up something yet you miss it?" Tai cried out to no one in particular. "Your parents and her parents are trying to set the two of you up! They accept it, the others at the castle accept it, I accept it, you accept it, and Sora accepts it. Ta da; everyone accepts it and we can all live happily ever after, the end!"
"But…"
Tai shook his head. "Matt, this is not a hard concept to grasp. If I understand it then you should have absolutely no problem not getting it. Just use that little brain I think is buried under that mound of hair and THINK ABOUT IT!"
"Tai, you need to calm down!"
"Calm down? Calm down? How can I calm down when something so obvious is not happening? Your sanity, Sora's sanity, and my sanity are all on the line!"
Matt scratched his head. "How is your sanity on the line here when this is between Sora and my chance at a relationship?"
"Sora has been my best friend since…um…that time she threw the mud in my hair, no that's not it. Maybe it was the time I tripped her when she was walking down the grand staircase, no…it could have been the time when she pulled down my pants during the Independence Day celebration in front of everyone…" Matt snickered, and Tai flushed. "The point is Sora and I have been best friends longer than I can remember, and she wants you to be a part of her life. You are the best thing that has happened to Sora so you'd better not screw it up or else you'll have me to deal with."
Matt gulped. Tai wasn't much of a threat any other time but the blond could understand how much his best friend meant to him. "I'll think about it."
"I guess that's better." The brunette smirked. "Oh, and Matt, thanks for admitting you want to be with Sora too."
Matt flushed remembering what he had said. Crap, who knew Tai would figure that out. I need to give him more credit. "Fine, Tai, I admit it. I love Sora. Just don't tell her before I do."
"When will that be, Mr. Artist?"
"Soon. Very soon." Matt added the last part, knowing Tai would object if he didn't.
The brunette finally tied Joe's horse up and watched as Matt tied Sora's up. "That sounds good. Your secret is safe with me." They walked up the castle steps. "I did my good deed for the day. Do you think you can mention it to Master Gennai? Maybe I'll get some extra credit points…"
-Sora and the others-
The princess, two girls, and doctor hustled up to the room the others were in. Kari led the group to a spare bedroom. Pushing the door open, they walked into the room, greeted by the four adults. "Thank goodness you made it here, Joe." Queen Toshiko said.
"Yes." The king answered. "This young man is Marcus of Lockton; Matt identified him earlier. We don't know for any reason why he was here or who attacked him, but he is not well. Could you look at him?"
"I'll do my best, Sire." Joe answered, bowing. The adults cleared back from the bed and Joe took over. Matt and Tai joined the group and they all watched silently as Joe checked the boy's condition.
"Well?" Malcolm asked, nearly half an hour later.
Joe stood up and washed his hands in the basin set out earlier. "He hasn't lost too much blood. I was able to clean up the wound and patch it up. Marcus should be much better after a day of rest."
"That's good to hear." The Queen answered. "Thank you so much Joe. You are such a reliable, well-trained doctor. We count on you very much."
"Thank you, Your Highness. I'd best set off for home. I have a few patients who said they might drop in later today." Joe packed up his things and began to head to the door.
"Wait, Joe." The king handed him a pouch full of gold. "For your services."
Joe's ears turned red. "You didn't have to. I'm happy to help."
"Joe, you know we're not going to let you walk out of here without it. I'll walk him down so he doesn't decide to throw it in a plant or something along the way." Sora volunteered.
The others all laughed and bid their goodbyes to the doctor. "So what is it?"
"Matt is a great guy. He just doesn't open up to everyone. He's gone through some tough things in his life and has a hard time trusting people. But when he does trust you and like you, believe me, you'll know. Don't worry, Joe, he'll open up to you soon enough."
"Thanks for the explanation, princess." Joe answered as they reached the stable.
"Have a safe ride home, Joe." Sora waved.
"I will. I expect I'll be seeing you and the others soon." Joe answered and Sora smiled in agreement as he rode off into the distance…
Arrogant and haughty, Marcus of Lockton was not one to accept the help of others quite readily. However, lying there in the forest with blood flowing freely, he had been glad when the Takenouchis and their friends had helped him out.
Marcus had been drifting in and out of consciousness and had heard a few of the things people had said. He ached and pained, sensing ever injury he had sustained. Feeling the heat of the sun, he opened his eyes slowly to reveal a freshly painted room around him.
Where am I? He sat up but winced immediately, slouching back in the bed. He pulled up his shirt and realized someone had dressed his wound. Guess I was unconscious when that happened, huh. I know I'm somewhere within the walls of the Takenouchi castle, but I'm drawing a blank about anything else. He noticed two people, sitting by the ledge of a window.
Marcus smirked upon seeing the redhead. He had heard stories that compared her beauty to the gods and goddesses but nothing compared to seeing it up close. The young man admired every part of her, eyes looking over her body. But his eyes flashed dangerously upon realizing her head was rested up against another's chest and their arms were intertwined.
The anger in the brunette increased faster and faster as he realized whom it was that was holding her: Matt Ishida.
How well he remembered and loathed the young man. I will never understand why father showered that idiot with so much attention. It is I who will inherit our kingdom's throne not the dumb blond! Father could have spent his time improving my needs and training me to be the most powerful king Lockton will ever see but instead he always first trained with Matt, ignoring me. Well, Ishida, now you will pay for taking my father's time and talents away from me. I'd say taking away the beauty in your arms sounds like a good idea.
Sora yawned and opened her ruby eyes. She kissed Matt's cheek. "Wake up, Mattie."
"Mattie?" he asked, opening one eye and letting out a yawn.
"I think it sounds cute."
The blond, now wide awake, rolled his eyes. "Good morning to you too." Matt reached his head down and kissed her on the lips, long and passionate.
Marcus fumed but did not want to make his presence known this way. He shut his eyes and gave a large groan, as though he had just awoken.
Sora and Matt pulled apart and noticed he had woken up. "Matt, go get my mother and father. Hurry!"
As Matt rushed out of the room, Sora walked over to the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Horrible. Am I in heaven? Because yours is only a face that belongs to an angel?"
Sora kept herself from blushing. It appears this Marcus guy is a charmer. It's obvious he's trying to impress me and flirt, but I need no guy when I have Matt. "No, let me introduce myself. I am Sora, princess of the Takenouchi kingdom. You are at my family's castle. We found you lying in a pool of your own blood in the middle of the forest."
"I am Marcus, prince…well I was prince of Lockton."
"What do you mean?" Sora asked as Matt returned with the King and Queen.
"Prince Marcus of Lockton, I assume?" King Haruhiko asked.
"Yes, sire. Well, if I may correct you I am no longer prince."
The Queen gave a quizzical look. "Please explain. And we would like to hear how you ended up in our kingdom."
Marcus smirked. "Of course Your Highness, though I would only like to tell it to the royal family. No outsiders." He said, looking at Matt.
King Haruhiko waved his hand. "Matt's practically family, don't mind him." Then as an afterthought, the king added, "Matt, how did you know it was Marcus in the forest."
"My family was working on the castle in Lockton a few years back. I remembered Marcus from there."
"I see." The Queen answered.
Marcus sat up a little, propping his back up against the pillow. "I'm sure you and your advisors have realized my father is about to declare war on the kingdoms surrounding ours, including your land." The king nodded. "Well, for the past three years I have been traveling around to different lands, learning about the lands and how each king rules their land, hoping I would do the best for my own land. I, unlike my father, do not believe war is the solution for everything and upon hearing that, my father disowned me."
Sora gasped. "That's terrible." But why do I get the feeling you're hiding something from us.
Marcus attempted to smile. "Thank you for your sympathy princess. As I was saying, he threatened to kill me if I did not leave the land so I fled. Unbeknownst to me, at first, he had a group of hit men assigned to take me out in a neighboring land. I was able to evade them for a while yet when I entered your land; they tried to shoot me down in the forest. Luckily I only got hit once and it appears nothing too serious has resulted from my injuries." The brunette paused, taking a breath. "Your majesties, if I may ask a favor…"
"Go right ahead." Sora's mother answered.
"I am indebted to you for saving my life, but I was wondering if it would at all possible, I would be able to stay in the castle for a few days. As soon as I am well I promise I will get out of here and attempt to make my living as a worker in your land."
The King cleared his throat. "Marcus, it will be no problem for you to stay with us for a few days. However we are having a ball within the next week…"
Marcus gave a guilty smile. "…that was one of the things, other than the fact you are a peace loving, just kingdom, that I wanted to come here. If you don't mind me saying, Princess Sora your beauty compares to none I have ever seen before. It would do me great honor if you would let me attend the ball and let me get to know you."
Matt seethed with anger. I knew it! He's after my girl! There is no way I will let you get your hands on her!
"We will discuss that when you have healed up a little more. But for right now, rest. Sora, Matt, your watch shift is over. I will take your place because I have a few more questions regarding your father's plans, if you don't mind me asking."
"No sire." Marcus replied. "Goodbye, Queen Takenouchi, Fair Princess Sora, Matt…" he answered, slyly. Matt shot him a glare as he and the two women walked out the door.
Matt was wrapped up in his thoughts as the group made their way to the dining room, where the others were waiting for information. I'm onto your plan Marcus and I will do whatever it takes to stop it! I can see through your pleasant manners and act you're putting up. I've got to warn T.K., Sora, and the King before it's too late…
A/N: The plot thickens. Only one more chapter before the ball takes place. Please review and let me know what you think!