A/N: GOMEN NASAI! I've been really slow on the update cause, you know, college and all that jazz has a thing for keepig you from what you really wanna do and I just lost my PSP recently and I been saving up to buy a new one. By the way, I got a new one now and in the latest model. Play Valkyria Chronicles II if you got a PSP that can download games. It is awesome, especially for those who like guns, war games and rpg. Anyway, final chapter of this ficc and soon to come (hopefully there will no be interruptions) will be the sequel. Of course, I'll be juggling that with my other ficcs like If Daiyako were a movie which someone begged me to continue and this Clamp school ficc I'm eager to start on. Hayyyy let us see. For now, let me present to you the finale of Royal Fiancé
Royal Fiancé
Chapter Four: Vendage
Yamato's POV
When I was young, I made a vow. I would not love anyone and made someone else unhappy. I would never be like Father, whose actions caused the one I called mother to abandon us.
But... Right now, I am doing exactly the same thing my father has done to Jyou-san. He didn't deserve what my father did to him, he doesn't deserve to distant himself from the one he really loves in favor of the King. And I am still wondering whether or not Koushirou deserves what he's getting from me...
"Why are you... doing something like this to me? Yamato-sa—"
I ignored his cries and picked him up from the bed, slamming him down my cock. He groaned loudly.
I licked his ear lobe considerably. "Didn't I tell you to call me Yamato?" I hissed at his ear. "Since you are my new wife, you should be more intimate with me."
"No..." He squeaked and squirmed but I held him down, thrusting my fingers into his mouth. "Stop... Yamato, please... Stop this..." He sobbed.
Ignoring him once again, I bucked my hips and he gave a piercing cry into the dead of the night.
Honestly, It doesn't make me feel good, seeing him in pain and so defenseless. But for some reasons... I just can't stop myself. Maybe because I never stopped feeling pain myself... And as my wife, well, we are one now. If I'm in pain, he must be, too.
...Right? Isn't that how things are?
END of POV
"Koushirou-sama," Jyou addressed the troubled red-head who was currently buttoning up his dress shirt. "I brought the outfit for tomorrow's banquet." He held out the garment for Koushirou to see.
Koushirou looked up to him shyly. "Yamato...?" He questioned, apprehensively.
"He's gone back to work," Jyou told him curtly. "But... He's not in a good mood."
"It's all my fault, isn't it?" The younger male looked down. Jyou sensed his misery. Even when our bodies are connected, He thought. I can feel that our hearts are separating farther and farther away... This is exactly what I feared for... Koushirou shook his head, feeling disappointed in himself. "There's nothing I can do... Right? Just as I thought," He sighed. "We weren't suppose to go on with the wedding after all."
Jyou scrutinized his expression and felt the need to speak up, for Koushirou's sake... And Yamato's. He decided to tell him what happened in past that involved himself.
""To become the King, the Crown Prince must marry the bride chosen by the Previous King," It's an old custom, and there are times when it invites unhappiness." Jyou begun, adjusting his glasses to the bridge of his nose. Koushirou looked up to him, curiously listening. "Yamato-sama's father, before he became the Present King, the previous king that time had chosen a fiancé for him." Jyou had a sad and distant expression in his eyes. "Even though I stood back and rejected His Majesty, the Present King would not let me go."
Koushirou felt sympathy for the older Japanese man.
Jyou continued his story. "Yamato-sama was born in such a situation. Since he was young, he's used to see this and involve himself in the King's rivalry." He explained furthur. "Without anyone realizing it, he's become someone who cannot trust in other people."
Jyou looked down, feeling quite down and guilty. "However," He said lowly. "He's never blamed me... Not even once." He shook his head in disgust for himself. "Me... Who has sinfully broke his family apart..." He sighed deeply, and as he stepped forward, and when he got to his knees, he bowed down in front of Koushirou.
"Mister Secretar...!" Koushirou yelped and stood up from the bed, uncomfortable with the idea of someone bowing down to him that way. He was barely used to the slight bow, let alone this.
"So please, whatever happens," The bluenette pleaded, barely managing not to choke. "Stay by his side."
Koushirou looked down at the man, and felt a spark in him. A spark motivating him to try harder. He nodded at the man. "I'll do my best, Jyou-san."
That being said, he went to search for the blond Prince.
Koushirou's POV
I wandered around a bit , thinking of a possible place on where he could be. "Excuse me..." When I opened a door, what I saw were shelves of books everywhere."Wow... A lot of collection." I looked around a bit, and while the array of books interests me of all the information they could possibly contain, it was not enough to keep my thoughts away from the general person in my mind for a long time now.
Yamato-sama... Has given up a lot of things. Family. Brother. Friends...
"Huh?" My eyes caught a blur of yellow and when I took a second glance, I found the one I've been looking for. And he was asleep on a couch, with his cheek resting on a single hand. He had a scowl in his face, and doesn't seem at ease at all as one must be when asleep. I frowned deeply at this, and can't help but feel I'm just another cause for his stress.
He has given away... Even his own happiness. I fell to my knees in front of the couch... In front of Yamato and just gazed at his face, how one so beautiful can still be so despite how sad they must feel inside. What more if Yamato was happy? This was all I've been thinking as I look at that face.
Even though I have been abandoned by my parents and left all alone... I still have my auntie, Willis, my friends... I placed a hand on Yamato's lap. But Yamato... Even when he's surrounded by a lot of people... He's all alone...
A tear fell down my eye.
END of POV
"Nnh..." A while later, Yamato was stirring from his nap. Despite his drowsiness, he recalled the banquet to be held this evening and a few final preparations he must check on. He made motion to get up but felt oddly burdened in the literal sense, mostly from the lower half of his body. When he glanced down, he was shocked.
There was Koushirou... Fast asleep on his lap, looking relaxed and well settled.
Yamato frowned, scrutinizing the sleeping red-head. "Even though I have treated you very badly... Why are you still..." He didn't complete the question. Either way, he knew he wouldn't be getting any answer.
Koushirou begun to stir now as well. Yamato stiffened. Koushirou move away from his slap, and sat up to rub his eyes. He blinked before blushig furiously after seeing the blond already awake. "Yamato... Um, good afternoon... How... Did you have a good nap?"
Yamato reached up and cupped the red-head's face. Koushirou stared into his eyes, face all red. Embarrassed, but confused as well.
"Yamato?"
"... Get dressed. The Banquet should start in two hours."
~~0~~
...Ecuratan Royal Court Announcement banquet
Koushirou stood closely to Yamato's side, beholding the banquet and the mass population present as the guests. The banquet's purpose was a private announcement of Yamato and Koushirou's marriage union of prestige and elite people and other high officials of the country. The public announcement of Yamato being presented as the next King and his marriage to Koushirou won't be to known to the public or other countries, however, until the following year.
Koushirou felt overwhelmed by the large crowd attending the banquet, not to mention the luxurious and extravagant decors, catering and preparations. "Amazing..." He muttered.
A man in a blacksuit with an earpiece and who was wearing shades step closed to Yamato ever so slightly and whispered to his ear. "Yamato-sama," he said. "The chancellors who are suspected to be targeting Koushirou-sama have arrived." He reported. "We've restrained them and terminated their murder plan."
"And the Dark Masters? Any signs of them?" Yamato questioned. "They are of more greater concern than those chancellors."
The man said nothing.
"I see," Yamato frowned deeply. "Tighten security. And send some scouts to search the nearby woods. I will not tolerate it if they slip under our noses."
"Yes, your highness, as you wish,"
The man moved away and left the banquet hall. Yamato turned his head, looking for Koushirou. He found him curiously looking at a young lady, and she was smiling politely back on him. He reached forward and grabbed his hand none too gently. Alarmed, Koushirou met his gaze. "Wh..."
"Don't leave my side!" The blond snapped, pulling him along. Koushirou looked down, feeling shy for no apparent reason at all. The young lady looked apologetic.
"Uhm," The red-head shivered, feeling like he was being watched. He felt more nervous now in the banquet hall. "Is there someplace we can go for air?"
"Are you feeling unwell?" Yamato looked at him, checking for any signs of fatigue.
"It's a little hot in here," Koushirou said as an excuse, but was actually thinking, Everybody's watching us...
Yamato scrutinized him. "If that's so, you can go to the terrace over there." He said. "But don't let anyone get close."
"Y-yes."
~~0~~
A midst the shadows outside the banquet hall, a mysterious man smiled grimly, looking at his target, staying close to his would-be defender. Silencing the surroundings from his ears and only focusing on the two men, searching for an opening.
"Is there someplace we can go for air?"
... The man smiled to himself. He watched as the Prince pointed him to the terrace outside. At that moment, three other men appeared behind him. "It's almost time. Prepare yourselves."
"Yes, [1]master Pierre."
Koushirou's POV
I stared out, beyond the terrace in wonder. "Uwaaa... So wonderful." Ecuratan is really a beautiful country, much so like Yamato, that it makes sense that he was born here. I frowned. Though he's born in such a beautiful country... Yamato always looks so sad and lonely. Despite the beauty of the country, Yamato can't think of anything that can bring him happiness.
"I have a story for you... Somewhere in this country there is a sparkling legendary tree. If you say a love vow under that tree, you wll gain happiness forever... Don't you think it's ridiculous?"
Maybe Yamato did believe in that, though. That's why he hoped to chose the one he will marry, the one he would love as his wife. So he can find that tree, make a vow under it with that person he chose, and find his happiness.
But he's stuck with me now, and he doesn't love me. Maybe that's why he think it's ridiculous... Because if that were the only way he could be happy, then even that chance was taken from him.
I frowned, bringing one of my arms down. Suddenly, I felt something at my side. I looked down at it and saw a bulk. "Huh?" I reached into it and pulled out a familiar golden rectangular object. He blinked. "Yamato's harmonica," I remember now. I hadn't change my pants after the fitting during my Royal Queen's lessons back in Japan before going out to the orchard. Then that incident happened, and Yamato dropped it. I had meant to return it, but I guess with all things considered, it slipped off my mind. I better return it to him now before I forget about it again later.
I turned around, and jumped. Suddenly, there were two strangers infront of me. One looked like a child with a mischievous smile and the other was a taller man with a slender body and gray and yellow coat.
"Uh-hm... Is... Is there something you want with me?"
The coated man smiled down at me and it sent a shiver down my spine. "With you? No, just... You, in general." I widened my eyes at the implication and backed away slowly.
"He's really a Japanese as the rumor says," The child said then continued with a whiny voice. "But jeez, isn't he just an ordinary kid? What does the Previous King intend to do by chosin' him? Makes the entire family look weak as it already is. How pathetic, right [2]Seig?"
The slender man shrugged. "Then that works on our favor more, doesn't it, Pyno? Makes our job easier to bring down the Royals." Seig pointed out.
"Yeah, I guess," Pyno drawed out lazily, looking bored. He tucked his arms behind his head. "Still, I was hoping for a challenge. It's no fun to JUST kill him."
I gasped, feeling more scared than ever. "K-kill?"
END of POV
Yamato'sPOV
I was feeling really unsettled now. I kept reaching into my pocket only to realize my harmonica was still missing. I went to my quarters to find it but it wasn't there no matter where I looked. Frazzled, I finally decided to go back and retrieve Koushirou. Nevermind that he felt a little hot, I wouldn't feel so nervous about the future Queen's safety if I was just beside him.
I stopped to think about that. Future Queen, huh? Is that all his importance to me is? Just to secure my throne? I shook his head. Of course. That was the original plan. And Koushirou means less to me than I do to him. I proceeded to take a step forward.
"Yamato-sama!" Jyou came runnig from behind me. "We have a situation!"
"Jyou?"
"A moment ago, several men broke into the premises. Taichi-sama and several other guards went to chase after two who ran into the woods." Jyou panted. "We believe the others are somewhere inside the palace. I already announced the banquet was over and had several of our men escort our guests home. In counting, I regret to say that they were four of them."
My eyes widened in panic. "The Dark Masters..."
END of POV
"K- kill?"
"Well, don't forget Master Pierre's plan. Don't you worry, you'll have your fun chasing him around before we finish him," Seig shrugged. "Master Pierre wants his fun, too. Now let's move, when he's gone the King's rivalry will start all over again. Followed by chaos and the Kingdom's downfall."They begin to approach Koushirou.
"Ah! N-no! Stay away!" Koushirou planned to move away, and try to get back towards the door. But before he can even move a little bit, the red head felt something liken to strings grip his arms and pulled himback. "No! Let go! Ah!" Koushirou struggled out of the binds but ended up tumbling behind and his back met something. When he looked up, and a large knife was pressed against his neck slightly. Koushirou stiffened. "W- Why? Why are you doing...?"
"Tsk, tsk , tsk. It's because you move we reacted violently. Now if you just behave, we'll try not to make your death too painful." Seig chuckled evilly. "But Master Pierre has other ideas."
"Koushirou!"
They turned our heads. "Y- Yamato... Help..." Koushirou pleaded.
How could I have been so careless?! Koushirou... If anything happens to him... Yamato growled involuntarily. "Let. Him... GO!"
Jyou came in with Takeru and some of the Palace guards. "You're not going anywhere with the future Queen,"
"Men, surround them.. Make no room for escape." Takeru stepped in, raising his hand.
The Palace guards surrounded the terrace, following the younger Prince's instruction.
"Well, if it isn't the crowned Princes. So nice of you to join us, but we best be on our way." At that, the coated dark master twisted Koushirou's arm violent behind his back. The young man hissed in pain. "Now remember that we have the upper hand." Seig then transformed the knife into a rifle. He pointed his gun up in the sky and triggered it as a warning shot. Koushirou screamed in terror as he turned back to a knife and was returned to its previous place on his neck.
"Koushirou!" Yamato grimaced, not knowing what to do. He can't let them get away... They've been trying to take the Dark Masters under custody for years, and this is the first time they got to see the members in the face of their crime. This was the closest chance they got to arrest them... But Koushirou's safety is jeopardized.
"Onii-chan," Takeru frowned. "What are we...?"
Suddenly, Koushirou bite down on Seig's hand. The slender man cried out in pain, shoving Koushirou away. The red head's back hit the terrace, Yamato's harmonica still in hand. The blond blinked his eyes.
"Is that...?"
Seig sneered at the red head, flipping it into gun mode and pointed it towards him. "Insolent brat," He prepared to trigger it. When suddenly, someone shoved him. Takeru. But it was still triggered, followed by the sound.
*Bang!*
"No!" Yamato screamed as the bullet went towards Koushirou. Koushirou screamed and instinctively raised his hands in defense. Luckily, with the harmonica still in hand, the bullet was reflected and merely tore a part of his sleeve. But still, Koushirou tumbled out of the terrace. "Koushirou!"
Takeru got up and rushed to the terrace, hoping to catch Koushirou's hand in time. But strings held him back. "Ah!"
Pyno laughed in a sadistic yet childish way. "This is so much fun!" He made the strings go tighter, causing Takeru to wince and grit his teeth.
"Stay away from my brother!" Yamato brought out his sword and sliced it through the strings, setting Takeru free. He then made to attack Seig, charging towards him. Seig triggered his gun but Yamato reflected it with the blade and went for a slash. But the slender man somersaulted to the terrace.
The younger blond unsheathed his sword, and charge towards Pyno, attacking with various slashes. But the child dodged it, jumping then positioning himself to stand on the terrace beside Seig.
The Palace Guards charged to subdue them but Pyno released chains this time to subdue them.
Pyno continued laughing like it was all a game. "Now it's getting interesting! Tell ya what, that red-head survived that fall. But he's running of right now like a scared puppy. First one who finds him, takes all!" He suggested. "That all right with you, Seig?"
"Quite. Ta-ta,"
The two jumped down from the terrace. That's when the chains were taken away
"Go after them!" Yamato cried out. "And find Koushirou! NOW!"
When the Palace Guards left, half to search for Koushirou, others to track down the two Dark Masters, Hikari came in to check on Takeru. "Hikari, it's not safe here."
"I know, but I was worried. Are you all right, Takeru?" She placed her petite hands on his chest. "Where's Koushirou-san?"
Takeru sighed. "We don't know, Things got completely out of hand." He looked over to his brother. Yamato shook his head, frustrated. "I'm sorry, Yamato. I couldn't..."
"No, don't apologize, Takeru. It wasn't your fault, it's mine for leaving him here out in the open in the first place." He turned to the people remaining. "But nevertheless, we must find him before the Dark Master does." Yamato did his best to think and remain calm as he addressed the people still present. "Jyou, I want you to go out to the woods. Meet up with Taichi and search for Koushirou and the Dark Masters, whichever comes first." He instructed. "I'll do my own searching, as well."
Jyou nodded, but had mix feelings about having to work with Taichi, knowing the exuberant brunette too well. "Yes, your highness." He placed his fingers at his ear piece and spoke to Taichi through it.
"As for me?" Takeru questioned.
Yamato looked at him directly. "Just stay here and oversee the Palace's lock-down. I don't want you going out there. You done enough."
"But Yamato, I...!"
"Please understand that it will not only help Hikari from worrying about you," Yamato forestalled. "But me as well. I know you can handle yourself, but Koushirou is mostly my concern... I don't want you to be in jeopardy as well. Please Takeru, as your older brother, this is my request."
Takeru pouted and sighed. "Well, if you put it that way," He sheathed his sword. "Just promise me in return that you won't let anything happen to either one of you. Save Koushirou from danger, but watch yourself as well. Please?"
"I promise you, Takeru. I'll be careful."
I will definitelty not let anything happen...
In the middle of the dark of the night, Koushirou sought to find safety at the woods. At first, he considered finding a different entrance into the Palace but thought better of it. If those two strangers were still in the Palace, he didn't know what his chances of being found by Yamato first before them. He didn't think those men were ordinary. So he thought he'd wait out for a friendly search party to find him.
It seems I've managed to get away from them. Thought Koushirou But in the middle of a darkness like this, what can I do...?
Suddenly, due to his haste, Koushirou tripped and twisted his ankle slightly. "Ouch!" In his pain, he crouched down. He wince. It didn't feel too bad, more of a hot, throbing pain than anything else. He felt nothing broken, but he could no longer run and would have to settle with a steady, walking pace. Koushirou shuddered as he felt the wind rustle the dark trees looking down at him. He felt the atmosphere change around him and realize his current situation.
He was alone... At the dark.
Koushirou looked down and hugged his knees against his chest. I shouldn't have been separated from him! He thought in spite of himself. Even though he had told me to do that, still I... I am really useless after all...
All I can do is stand in his way!
~~0~~
In the other parts of the woods, Yamato was frantically searching for Koushirou, ordering his men left and right to check and re-check parts already searched and yet to be searched. He punched a nearby tree, frustrated. Koushirou! All Yamato could think of was the red head, and that moment ago when he was and asleep on his lap... And that he had to find him before those bastards does no matter what.
Jyou was doing a search of his own... Although not exactly the one instructed to him. He managed to get himself lost in the woods, trying to meet up with Taichi still. But if he happens to run into Koushirou before then... well, whichever comes first. He took another step forward when he heard a unfamiliary chuckle in the air. Jyou stopped in his tracks.
"Well, well," It grunted. "Pyno told me there was a game. A chase to whoever finds the Crown Prince's Queen, however, I manage to find something else."
"Who's...?" Jyou only had a moment to turn around slightly when he suddenly felt himself captured securely from behind.
"The Royal secretary, no less."
Jyou stiffened as he felt a hand crawl up inside his clothes. He gritted his teeth as he felt it poking his nipples. "Unhn... Unhand me..."
"How cute that you manage to stay calm in such a situation. Are you that used to being taken from behind by the King?" Jyou flinched at that, his blood boiling. "Well then, I, Dark Master [4]Mogun, will make sure to pleasure you thoroughly. So that the King will pale in comparison to my touch." Mogun nipped at his neck.
Jyou screamed. "Ahh!"
Meanwhile, Taichi was having his work cut out for him, taking on two Dark Masters at once. His men were all taken down by Seig's sword dance. He had no time to make sure if they were fatal blows for he was busy trying to stay alive, never mind that he had to capture the fiends and take them into custody.
Pyno whined frustatedly. "He just won't make it easy for us!"
It was true. Taichi was not one to be taken down easily. He jumped to avoid his legs from getting caught up in Pyno's chains, while letting his body remain crouched mid air to avoid the chains from above. It was almost like a game of double dutch. The brunnette somersaulted, his palm landing on the ground and he used it as leverage to launched himself at Pyno and go for a slash. Pyno raised his chains to reflect the blow, but barely managed as he was forced to stumble back.
For a long time, Taichi has been secretely training by himself and about the Dark Master's techniques by asking those who have encounter them in combat and lived to tell. Yamato's grandfather being one of them, of course that being when he was younger. He did this because Hikari was almost killed by them one time, encountering them only by chance, when they were much younger. If it weren't for now Previous King, Gennai, who knows what might have happen to her. He has yet to master any technique himself, however, on how to defeat them single-handedly or even with a group. But at the very least he managed to learn the best ways to dodge their attacks and somehow used it against them. But he can only keep this up for as long as his stamina holds up.
"He's tiring, Pyno. Keep up what your doing and I'll make the final blow."
"Why do you always get to make the final blow?"
"Pyno!"
"Aw, all right, old man! Hyaa...!"
"Ahh!"
All three froze at the sudden scream, but unlike the other two, Taichi's blood ran cold. "Jyou..." He launched up, dodge the incoming blows from the dark masters, and followed the sound in the darker parts of the woods.
"Hey!"
"Don't let him get away!"
Jyou retaliated, hitting Mogun's gut with his elbow on reflex, placing a hand to his neck. Luckily, he moved away before it could leave a mark. Tears rolled down his eyes and he glared steadily at the man. "Never... Never again will I let anyone that I don't love take me that way. Never!"
"What a pity." Mogun scoffed, and brought out a large machine gun. "Then I guess you die here."
Jyou widened his eyes. "No... Taichi... Help..."
Mogun triggered his weapon. Jyou raised his hands in reflect. But suddenly, he heard the sound of gunshots and it clashing against metal.
*klang klang klang!*
When Jyou opened his eyes and looked up, he gasped, beholding Taichi reflecting every single shot with just a sword.
After a while, Mogun finally held fire, his bullets run out. Taichi panted heavily, collapsing. Jyou rushed towards him and held him in his arms. "Taichi, are you all right?" He examined the brunette and gasped. "Your arms! They're bleeding, Taichi, why...?"
Taichi laughed tiredly. "You finally called me by name without honorifics," He panted then glared at Mogun. "Well, I guess I couldn't reflect them all, but I could not allow harm befall my Jyou-chi anymore..."
"Taichi, you are an idiot." Jyou frowned, eyes softening as he looked at the young Lord.
"Impressive," He said. "I don't remember the last time one was able to reflect my bullets since Gennai. Remarkable," He restocked his gun. "However, unlike Gennai, you will not live to tell this tale."
At that moment, Pyno and Seig appeared beside him. "Attack together?"
"Have it your way,"
Jyou clenched his jaw and held Taichi close. "Taichi, gomen... A... Aishiteru..."
"Me, too... Jyou, I love you..." Taichi held the arms around him. "And you have nothing to apologize for."
At that moment, the three Dark Masters charged at the two lovers, weapons in hand. Suddenly, there was a blur of shining blue and gold, launching out a beam of light towards the three's weapons. "What the?!"
Jyou and Taichi blinked, beholding the shining wolf-like creature attacking the evil men. The creature got hold of Pyno's chain with its teeth, and tieing them up with it. Then, the creature broke down a tree, causing it to fall on the Dark Masters, causing them to fall in to unconciousness.
"What is...?"
Suddenly, a person in a hood came out from the dark and placed a hand over the creature. "Well done, Metalgarurumon. But our work isn't over yet," He continued to speak in a hush tone.
Taichi couldn't believe his ears, but the voice sounded familiar to him. "No way... Yamato?"
"Yes and no," The person said, looking at Taichi. The brunette couldn't see his face but he caught only a touch a yellow. "But I don't need to explain myself. Let's go, Metalgarurumon." He got on the back of the creature and took off.
Taichi was confused. But once he saw the guards show up, he didn't think about it anymore. He instructed them to take the Dark Masters to custody and tranquilize them, their execution to follow in the morrow for all their crimes.
He went back to Jyou when the guards left. He grinned cockily at him. "So... You love me, do you?"
"Agh," Jyou blushed heatedly. "You always have been an obnoxious idiot, I almost wish to take it back."
Taichi feigned sadness. "Will you?"
"No, I hate lying" Jyou sighed, shaking his head. Taichi pulled him closely to him. He yelped. "Taichi! Let me go! We still have to find Koushirou-sama and someone might see us!"
"No, I am never letting you go." Taichi buried his face to Jyou's chest and clutched him tightly. "I always wanted to hold you, and I wanted to make you mine since the day I met you. But... Not without your consent."
Jyou finally gave himself up to the brunette and put his arms around him, tearing up. "You're the only person I'd give consent to, Taichi. But I can't understand... Why do you want a person as used up as me?" He choked out.
"How could I not? Your beautiful, Jyou. And what was done to you doesn't make the person you are," He pulled back a little only to hold the bluenette's face. "I only see best things about you, Jyou. And I would very much like to take you as mine forever. When Yamato is King, and you are finally able to put the past behind you. I'll be with you every step of the way, so please, promise me that when that time comes," Taichi held up Jyou's hand and the bluenette gasped and shuddered when he felt a cold, metallic object inserted into his index finger. He held it closer for his eyes to see the glinting of a silver ring. Jyou's blue eyes filled with tears as he looked up into Taichi's brown ones. Taichi smiled softly at him, holding up Jyou's hand and kissing the ring. "When that time comes, become my wife."
Jyou felt overwhelming emotings pump his heart and could only embrace the younger yet taller man. He could say nothing, but only nod his head. Taichi felt overjoyed and held the man close to him. Some words need not to be spoken.
After a while, Koushirou got on his feet, using the trees around him for support, trying to find his way. No, I can't let myself be weak because of this. He thought with new resolve. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks as he looked beyond him, seeing a bright light. Koushirou rushed towards it. Is it from the Palace?
When Koushirou arrive to the clearing, he didn't see the Palace but a shinig tree. He stood at awe of what he saw. Is it the Legendary Tree...? I can't believe this... Really exists.
Suddenly, a new voice was heard. "Yes, it does."
Koushirou flinched and turned around, but with his twisted ankle, the movement caused him to fall back. His eyes went wide as he saw a new stranger.
"Finally we meet, and my, my, I did not expect the future Queen to be such a beauty." He approached Koushirou slowly. The red head tried moving away but with just his hands, it didn't take him far. "Oh? You're disabled? Well, that makes things easy for me then. Let's have some fun before I take your life."
Koushirou started to cry as the man straddle him. "Why... Why are you doing this to me? Who are you?" He sobbed.
"I am Pierre, Leader of the Dark Masters. And I do this for destruction, with you gone, the Royal family will remain at feud within each other, causing destruction and inevitable chaos to befall the Kingdom. Destruction is what feeds me and my brethren with strength. Unfortunately, the tree's Guardian has beaten my comrades and they are to be executed in the morrow. But no matter, I am still alive and it is no trouble to find new allies." He reached out and stroke Koushirou's cheek, who flinched in response, whimpering in fear. "But enough talk, let's get to business." He started to unbutton Koushirou's pants and pulled down the zipper. Koushirou struggled the best he could, but Pierre took his two swords and crossed them over the red head's neck to cease the struggle. The red-head stiffened, not wanting to slice his own neck off. "Please behave. You don't want your neck cut off, do you?"
"Koushirou!"
The blond prince charged into the scene, raising his sword and bringing it down towards Pierre. However, the Dark Master saw it coming, he grabbed his two swords and moved away from the red head. Yamato pursued the evil man as Koushirou gasped, instinctively placing his hand around his neck to ensure that they were free from the danger of the sharp edges of Pierre's blades.
"Well, well, if it isn't the supoosed Crown Prince," Pierre laughed like a maniac, sounding like a derange Clown. "That gives me an idea! If I kill you, it will still bring destruction to the Kingdom and I can have this beauty for myself!"
Yamato growled in objection.
Pierre's movement was quick and agile. One second Yamato was in front of him, ready to strike directly at his face. The next, he was behind Yamato's back with his swords ready to harm the young man.
Yamato felt his presence, however, and reflected the blow by bringing his own blade to guard his back, turning around swiftly, knocking the enemy's own sword to the sky. Pierre used his surroundings to leap to the air and retrieve his weapon. He sheathed one blade and brought out metallic-like cards and launched them towards Yamato, and the said weapon cut through the man's skin.
"Ah!" The blond winced, and momentarily distracted, Pierre rose above him, ready to make the final blow.
Suddenly, the same wolf from came in from in front of the Dark Master, leaping towards him. Pierre's eyes went wide in surprised. "WHAT THE-?!"
Yamato blinked in amazement.
"NOW METALGARURUMON! Finish him!"
A large sphere of blazing energy formed from the creature's snout, before launching directly at Pierre full force. The evil man's appearance shifted from a moment, changing from his dark, cloaked attire into one with odd red garments and painted face before his essence erupted to nothingness.
Yamato breathed heavily, still looking at the mysterious, hooded man... Or young man. When he stood up and the figure dismounted, they were off the same height and form. "Who... Are... Are you the Tree Guardian?"
"I'm not sure how to answer that," The voice said, with slight humor to his tone. "But I am here to guard something important. You, take better care of him." He gestured towards Koushirou's prone form. "It affects my life as well as it does yours."
Yamato blinked at the sound of the voice. "You... sound just like..."
Suddenly, a blue portal opened just behind the hooded figure. And just like that, the hooded man climbed back unto the wolf and dashed away into the portal, his hood falling back only to give the Prince a glimpse of blond hair.
Yamato stood there, frozen for a moment. overwhelmed by what he just witnessed. Then he remembered the reason for his being there.
Koushirou's POV
"Koushirou!"
Finally able to recover myself, I stood up shakily as Yamato threw his entire form unto mine, his arms around me in a second. My eyes go wide
"My heart feels as if it had been broken into pieces!" The blond Prince admitted, clutching me tightly like he never intends to let go again. "DON'T LEAVE ME EVER AGAIN!" He demanded, both an order and a plead.
"Yamato..." Somewhere inside me felt fluttery and hurt... Hurt for causing the man so much pain. "I'm so sorry!" I said hysterically. "Ah..." I remembered something and held out the rectangular, gold instrument. "I... I've been meaning to give this back..."
Yamato took the hand that was holding it up. "Never mind that," He pulled away from me, and I felt a stab in my heart. But he only did so to examine my face and form. "Have you been hurt?" He questioned frantically. "Just wait, the medical team will be here soon."
His hand is hot... And sweating... I held up my free hand, and reached up to press it against his own which was holding my cheek. I looked down, a smile in my lips and a hopeful resolve in my heart.
"Kou..."
"I have decided..." You have worried about me,"Until you can find true happiness..." You have been desperately searching for me,
even if it's the only reason... I can...
"Until that time comes, I will always stay by your side."
And unlike that vow I made days ago at the church, I sincerely meant this promise.
I smiled brightly.
END of POV
Yamato'sPOV
My eyes went wide at this heartfelt promise... But more so than that, I was dazzled by the sheer beauty radiating from Koushirou's smile... Koushirou's entire being.
And felt disgusted with myself. "I..." I choked, trying to get the words out. "I have made an irreparable mistake," I admitted, looking directly at him. He looked at me with wondering eyes. I could only look away in guilt. "And when I realized it... I already made you unhappy because of my ego." I sighed, shaking my head. "I can't send you away anymore. But," I looked at him again, my heart beating very fast. Something burning warmly from within. "while you are gone, I finally admitted my own foolishness." My eyes gaze on the beauty that is entirely him, and I could feel nothing else but warmth by just looking at Koushirou. I finally confided him what I have known all this time, but was too stupid to acknowledge it. "Something that I don't want to lose more than anything, is only you Koushirou."
I went down on one knee, and brought the hand that held my harmonica to my lips, planting a soft kiss upon it.
"Yamato..."
I looked up to Koushirou with my heart full of affection towards the red headed male. "Let's make an oath under this Legendary tree," I suggested earnestly. "No matter what may happen, Koushirou, I will continue loving you forever... Without you..."
END of POV
Koushirou'sPOV
"...Without you, I cannot be happy."
My eyes went wide as I stared into those beautiful eyes. Here was Yamato, pouring his heart out to me in a way I never imagined impossible. He was so far away... Glowing... Then all of a sudden... this... confession... My eyes felt wet with tears I knew could only come from unexplainable, confused, yet definite, joy. "Can I stay by your side... Always?" I managed to get out in a quite, hushed tone.
"Koushirou," Yamato whispered my name tenderly, so pull of affections... Affection for me, I could hardly believe it.
Why haven't I realized before... That this is love?
I whispered, "I'm in love with you."
Yamato got up from his kneeling position and immediately took my face between his warm heads. He smiled softly at me as he leaned his face closer to mine, just brushing his lips against my own as if too tease me. I smiled as he slowly and sweetly pressed his lips to mine with a gentle kiss.
END of POV
In good times, In bad times
In sickness and In health
I promise to be true to you
I will love you for all the days of my life
The two renewed lovers walked back to the Palace in a slow pace, just basking in each other's company. They held each other's hand as they walked. A handkerchief tied aroud the torn sleeve of Koushirou's. Yamato played a tune in his harmonica. The first tone that Koushirou ever heard him play that day at the roof. But this time, he felt that it was a happy one. Koushirou smiled brightly, thinking that the music's theme is affected by the mood of the player.
And at long last, he finally got what he wanted: To see his beloved happy.
"The group that attacked you has been capture and will be excecuted in the morrow," Yamato told him when he placed his harmonica in his pocket. "They can't put you in danger anymore." Then, something occurred to him. "By the way, today the Previous King is coming home. He wants to see you, Koushii."
Koushirou's cheeks reddened deeply at the endearment. Yamato had asked him what beloved meant in Japanese. He told him it was Koishii. But Yamato decided to play with the word instead, and changed it to Koushii, sounding like the first two syllables in his own name. He had to calm his heart down first before thinking about what Yamato said. "What kind of person is he?"
"Just an ordinary white-haired and round-glasses senior citizen," Yamato shrugged carelessly. "Also fairly round."
Koushirou thought about the description. "That reminds me, when I was in Japan I was talking to someone who looks like that; I was coincidentally passing by" He mused. "That old man was also the one who offered me the tutoring job," Koushirou blinked at his musings, placing a hand on his chin, halting their movement. "Err... What happened to the tutoring job? Hmm..." He thought about it. Is it possible that the person is...? Koushirou looked at Yamato, who was smiling knowingly, and he yelped, startled. "Ack!"
Yamato pulled Koushirou closed to him, and he laughed. Koushirou laughed nervously. "Let's go greet the Previous King," He suggested. "With my beloved wife, the one I'll share my life," Yamato pulled him along. "From now on until forever."
A/N: Hehe! FINISH AT LAST! Kinda anti-climatic, but whatever! There's a sequel.
I'm planning on this fic that will explain why the 'other dimension Yamato'(which is also the same Yamato we know from the series... Er, sort of the same, relatively speaking)was there a someday in the far future.
R&R! H
ow did you like the Taichi-Jyou scene? The fight? I hope I made it all right. Preparing for my other ficcs, as well as a sequel to this ficc. "Born out from Love"
Dark Masters Guide
[1] Pierre - Piedmon
[2] Seig - Sedramon
[3] Pyno - Pinocchimon/Puppetmon
[4] Mogun - Machinedramon/Mugendramon