Love’s Tragedy
Chapter Three
By Crow Skywalker
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Disclaimer – Don’t own the characters, never have, never will..you get the point :P
Author’s Notes – Finally decided how I’m going to do this...I won’t post the chapter before this until this one is done and such...that way, if people get restless or I don’t get a lot of time to work on it, I’ll always have an extra chapter to fall back on :P Lazy ass, ne? ^^;
Pairings/Warnings – Pairings are still the same...and they’re yaoi and yuri, duh...what else do you expect from Crow-sama? >:P And for those who don’t know, the pairings are: Taito, Kensuke, Mira, Jyoshirou, Kensuke, Takori (Note: Takori, not, I repeat, not Takari), and Hiyako.
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Daisuke Motomiya, one of the highly respected guards, stared at the boy in front of him, whom was leading him into the garden so they could have a "talk", as Lord Ken had put it, and Daisuke was busily blushing at his Lord’s touch as he led him by the hand. They soon arrived in the garden, which was surrounded by lush trees, bushes, flowers, and many other things, including a small pond like feature in the center of the beautiful place, which was now dimly lit by torches surrounding the area.
"Beautiful, isn’t it?" Asked the taller boy, finally stopping and admiring their surroundings, and much to Daisuke’s dismay, he let go of his hand. "The stars certainly add to the romantic atmosphere." He sighed heavily, turning to face Daisuke, who was looking confused.
"What do you mean?" It’s not possible that Lord Ken, practically a Prince himself, returns my feelings is it? Daisuke mentally smacked himself upside the head. Oh course not! He’s like a mortal God! I’m a nothing compared to him...so why did he lead me out here? Was it something I did or said?
Ken’s gaze fell from Daisuke to the ground. "Its just...there’s been something that I’ve been meaning to tell you for the longest time...but I’ve never really had the courage to say it.."
Daisuke smiled, seeing Ken’s nervousness. "Hey, you can tell me anything," He stated, laying a comforting hand on the other boy’s shoulder, "I’m your friend, I’ll always be there for you, no matter what."
Ken looked back up at Daisuke, smiling faintly. "Thank you Daisuke, but I’m not sure if that helps me with what I’m about to tell you."
Daisuke let his hand drop, a strange tingly rush starting up his fingertips where he had just touched Ken. "Try me."
"Well, I guess you could say that I met this person..." He trailed off, and Daisuke frowned to himself.
He’s in love with someone else...
"And I’ve known him for quite some time now..."
Him? Oh great..I lost my only crush to another guy...stupid, stupid, Daisuke!
"And I just can’t get around to telling him how much he means to me...that I love him." Daisuke blinked, coming out of his thoughts. "Love? Are you sure that’s what it is? How do you know?"
By now Ken’s nervousness had died away, and he had a dreamy look about his face, which was making Daisuke even more depressed. "Well, I can tell by just looking at him...it sends chills down my spin and sets me afire. And when he looks at me with these big adorable eyes..." Ken sighed dreamily. "My legs weaken. That’s how I know."
Daisuke nodded, taking this in. "Sounds like it to me. Do I know this person?" He questioned, wanting to know whom this other boy was.
Ken nodded. "You know him very well. In fact, he lives in this very castle."
Daisuke put on a thoughtful expression, trying to think of people close to Ken. Of course! It has to be his best friend! Who else is he so close to? "Prince Yamato?"
Ken shook his head, a small smile spreading across his face. "Prince Yamato is a good guess, but not quiet right. Even though we’re close, I love him more like a brother."
"Oh.." Daisuke continued to think. "How about Prince Takeru? You’re pretty close to him as well.."
Ken’s smile continued to widen as Daisuke guessed all of the wrong answers, and widened even more as Daisuke admitted his defeat.
"I give up. I’ve guessed everyone I know and there’s no one left.."
"There’s one person you still haven’t guessed." Ken gave away, knowing that Daisuke still didn’t have a clue to just who this person was.
"I can’t think of anyone else.." Daisuke admitted.
"What about you? You never guessed yourself." Ken hinted.
A blush of red spread across Daisuke’s face and he soon found himself at a loss of words. "Well..uh...I..didn’t think that...you know.."
Ken took a step foreword and Daisuke found that he couldn’t take his eyes off the angel in front of him. "That you weren’t good enough for me, Daisuke? Don’t think such things! Rank has nothing to do with this; my heart has always been set on you."
"I was just afraid...that you wouldn’t feel the same way that I do..but it turns out that you return my feelings. I love you Ken, and I always have." Daisuke whispered softly, taking a step of his own to close in the space between them.
"Oh Daisuke.." Ken lifted Daisuke’s chin up, looking deep into the other boy’s eyes. "I love you too, and now that I know that we share the same feelings, I’m glad that I told you."
Daisuke smiled, leaning into his love’s touch. "I’m glad that I told you also."
With that, their lips touched ever so softy, both enjoying the long awaited moment. Above them the stars shimmered, but they weren’t the only ones in the garden.
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Takeru Ishida was not in a good situation. Since the guests had arrived, security had been on its fullest to make a good impression, and he had had difficulties getting back to the castle grounds without anyone seeing him. Its worth it though...just to see my Iori-chan.. He smiled at that thought. And some day we won’t have to sneak around like this.
As Takeru quickly made his way around the garden’s bushes, trying to make it home free, the sound of voices made him stop in his tracks. The guards...they couldn’t have spotted me, could they? But as he gently pulled back some branches and peered out of his hiding spot, he realized that nobody had even seen him. In fact, the voices were coming from Ken-sama and Daisuke who appeared to be...kissing?
He stared in shock for a minute, watching as the two continued to do their thing, but soon stepped back, a small forming across his lips. Looks like romance is in the air...and not only for me, but for everyone. Ken and Daisuke have found love in another, me and Iori...and my brother Yamato is to be married. At the thought of his brother, Takeru’s eyes widened. Yamato! I forgot all about him! I’ve certainly missed the supper! Father won’t be pleased. I never even got to meet my brother’s new wife!
In a rush he ran the rest of the way to the nearest door, not caring if he was caught or not.
"Prince Takeru!"
Takeru froze, nearly tripping over his own feet going up over the stairs. It was too late to escape, and he not thought of an excuse of why he never made it to the supper. Turning around, he came face to face with his older brother, and let out a huge sigh of relief. "Yamato! Don’t do that to me!"
Prince Yamato grinned, knowing just how to get to his younger brother. "You missed supper. You never even got to see my new bride-to-be or her...charming bro - family."
Takeru nodded slowly, trying to think of a last minute excuse. "Sorry Yamato I was uh..."
Before Takeru could finish, Yamato waved it off. "No need to explain, I already your little secret, and what you’ve been up to."
Takeru was shocked, how could Yamato know? He’d been so careful...
"Don’t look so shocked Takeru, do you really think I wouldn’t have noticed you gone and that love sick look you’ve always had on your face when you returned? Its so obvious – you’ve met some girl in the town and have fallen hopelessly in love with her, am I right?" He smiled again.
A girl? Not quiet right, brother. But I can’t let this reach Father... "Sort of." Takeru admitted, telling himself it wasn’t a lie. Prince Yamato was right – he was in love, but not with a girl. "Yamato do you think –"
"Don’t worry, I won’t tell Father." Yamato winked. "But be careful, Father might suspect something soon. I managed to get you out of trouble tonight, but I won’t always be there to cover for you."
"Thanks Yamato," Said Takeru, taking a few steps down to meet Yamato. "So, how’s Lady Hikari? I’ve heard that she’s quite the sight! Is it really true?"
Yamato leaned against the side of the stairwell, his attention turning to the cold stone that held it. "She’s quite nice, if you ask me, but I’m not sure if our marriage will work out the way Father wants it to."
"Really? I thought you’d be happy.."
Yamato shook his head, his gaze finally meeting his brother’s. "I’d be happy for Father’s sake, but not for my own. I have this feeling – I just know that Lady Hikari isn’t the one for me – the one I’m destined to love for the rest of my life."
Takeru frowned. "Have you talked to Father about this?"
"I’m afraid its my duty to do what’s best, and if Father says that marrying Hikari is what’s best, then I have to do it." He sighed, once again lowering his gaze. "There are times that I wish I wasn’t born to royalty, and these are one of them."
"You have to take control of your own life, Yamato," Takeru sighed, but continued, "Follow your dreams and heart. Don’t let someone tell you how to live your life. It may be for the best, but not for your best interest."
Yamato smiled faintly as his brother continued up the stairs, making his way towards his room for the night. "Thank you, Takeru."
Takeru turned, flashing him a grin. "No problem, big brother."
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Hikari Yagami slowly sat on the frilly bed that she was to stay in until she was married to Prince Yamato, where she would move into his room, they being husband and wife. She quietly picked at the pink frills, the nervousness finally getting to her.
After supper had finished, Prince Yamato had insisted on showing them their room, which they would be staying in while they were there, with the exception of Hikari. Both Hikari and Taichi had received their own rooms, while their parents shared one, and thankfully Taichi’s was the room next to her’s.
If it weren’t for Taichi, who knows what kind of state I’d be in now. She mused. I have to be strong...for him and Father. But I can’t help but dream of a better life...
A soft knock on her door woke her out of her thoughts, and she quickly made her way over to the door to open it. Expecting to see Prince Yamato, she bowed automatically, but was only greeted by laughter.
"Hikari-chan! No need to be so formal!" Grinned Taichi, taking a step into her room.
She blushed and swat at Taichi playfully. "Well you shouldn’t be such a fool! You know perfectly well that you have permission to enter without knocking, and I gave that myself."
"Hikari, I dare not enter unless the door is open." Taichi’s gaze wandered the room. "For all I know, you could be unclothed."
Hikari put her hands on her hips. "Its not like you’ve never seen me before. I’m your baby sister, remember."
Taichi turned, grinning at her. "And it is something that I’d rather not see again!"
This earned him another slap, and she slumped back down on the bed, Taichi sitting next to her.
"So, everything going alright? Are you doing okay so far?" He questioned, his eyes once again searching the room.
"I’m great...but it seems your mind is on something else." She answered, watching her brother.
His gaze turned to her. "I must admit, this is all new for me, and I’ve never been in such a place before. The kingdom is so big, and you know how much of an adventurous person I am."
"Then why not go exploring? It may be late, but I’m sure everyone’s up, especially with the ball planned for tomorrow night." Hikari suggested.
"You’re right. I’m sure there will be servants up half the night cooking and preparing for tomorrow. But I’m not sure if it’s my place to explore. Do you think King Ishida will mind? I mean, unlike you, I’m no royalty or anything."
"I’m not royalty!" Protested Hikari, and I don’t want to be! I want to be treated with the same respect as everyone around me!
"Not yet." Stated Taichi quietly, a hint of anger in his voice at the thought of the marriage and his Father.
Hikari laid a hand on his shoulder. "Go explore, Taichi. I’m sure you won’t get into any trouble. If you are to stay here, then you need to know your way around, right? And I’m sure King Ishida and Prince Yamato won’t mind."
Taichi forced a smile, and hugged his sister close. "If you insist. But please get some sleep. You want to look beautiful for tomorrow, right?"
Hikari nodded, hugging back. "Thanks Taichi-chan."
"Goodnight."
With that, he stood and left, leaving Hikari to herself and her own thoughts.
If it weren’t for that stupid ball tomorrow, I’d join him. But my marriage is to announced tomorrow, and I have to look my best. She yawned, pulling back the covers and slipping under them. I would have liked to meet that girl again, but I suppose it can wait until tomorrow.
Snuggling down into the soft sheets, she soon let sleep take over.
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Taichi left the room, gently closing the door behind him. He knew that his sister would take his advice and go to bed early, if not for him, then their father. He glared slightly at that thought, looking down the hall to a nearby door, which was their parent’s room.
I hope mother will be alright..she’s never been around father for such a long period of time. Usually he’s at the church or some other place, and she only sees him during lunch or supper, which she has to cook for him. Sighing, he closed his eyes briefly and leaned against the wooden door behind him. But she’s going to have get used to it, and his beatings. He’s going to be around a lot more, and there are even more changes in store.
He sighed again, opening his eyes and feebly taking a step down the hall. I don’t think I should be doing this, but oh well. He started heading down the hall, which was dimly lit by torches that hung from the walls. The hall was pretty empty, the walls made of a gray stone like material, while the floor was covered with a long red carpet. There were few rooms along the way, and he was surprised. Their rooms were right next to each other’s, while the other rooms were much more spaced out.
Walking by one door, he noticed that it was open a crack. Wouldn’t harm if I just took a peek, he thought, slowly opening the door. The room was almost completely dark, a single torch lighting up a side of one wall, just enough to see a bed and table.
Taichi’s eyes widened as his eyes adjusted to the dimmer light, and he realized just how big the room really was. Not only was the room huge, but so was the bed, which was covered in rich red sheets, that looked like satin from where he was standing. Whoa, and I thought my room was big...this must be what the royalty’s rooms look like!
He froze when something bumped into him, and practically jumped at the sound of someone’s voice. "Excuse me? But what are you doing in my room?"
Taichi turned to come face to face with a boy, that had a shocking resemblance to Prince Yamato, but was a good feet shorter than him with short blond hair. His face reddened as the younger boy’s words finally sunk in. "Your room?"
The boy nodded, hands now on his hips. "Yes, I’m Prince Takeru and this is my room. Now do you mind explaining why you are here? I don’t recall Yamato telling me that I had a visitor."
Taichi’s mind clicked once again, and he held out a hand. "Oh! I’m Taichi Yagami, Hikari Yagami’s older brother...the girl whom is to marry your brother?" He started, hoping to fine out the rough air around them. "Excuse me for intruding, if you may, but I meant no harm. It’s my first night here and I was just looking around."
Takeru shook hands with the older boy. "Oh! I’m sorry! I forgot about Lady Hikari’s family staying. You’re forgiven. I know how it must be, staying in a place like this and all, I would want to explore too."
"Thanks you for your forgiveness." Taichi bowed lightly.
"Hey, don’t worry, you’re practically one of the family now, your sister being my brother’s fiancée and all." Takeru waved it off.
Taichi stood upright, smiling. "Thank you again, my Lord."
"No need to call me that, it’s simply Takeru."
"Well then, Takeru, it’s nice to meet you." Said Taichi, eyes to the floor. He looks so much like his brother...although his brother is much cuter. Wait! I didn’t just think that, did I? He’s like an enemy to me! Besides, thoughts like that are a sin against my religion. Just a random thought..didn’t really mean it. "I never got to meet you earlier, although your Father talked about you a bit."
"Did he?" Takeru smiled, "My Father does that a lot. And I’m sorry I wasn’t in before, I had important....business to attend."
"I’m sure you did, being a Prince and all." Taichi stated, catching Takeru’s eyes for a moment before looking down again.
Takeru felt his nervousness, and smiled to himself. "Would you like a guide? Perhaps I’ll show you around?"
Taichi shook his head. "It’s late, and there’s no need for it. I’m sure you’re tired and want to get some sleep. Besides, I’m a good navigator...I’m sure I won’t get too lost." He smiled at that last comment, and looked up to see the young Prince smile also.
"As you wish," Takeru grinned, "But get lots of sleep for tomorrow. He slowly started closing the door, "It was a pleasure meeting you Taichi."
"The same goes for you." Said Taichi, giving another short bow. "Good night my Lord." Smiling, Takeru closed the gap between them, leaving Taichi once again to the dimly lit hall.
"Good night."
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"Can I help you?" Asked a voice, startling Taichi.
Once again on his own, Taichi had wandered down the hall until he came to a set of stairs. The stairs led down to the front entrance, and were decorated for royalty. Beyond him, the hall continued, and he stopped to wonder which way he should go.
Deciding he had had enough of the dark hallway, he descended from the steps, carefully trying to make as little noise as possible. But it seemed that not all were asleep, as his head snapped up at the sound of the voice, and he realized he was standing before the eldest Prince. Prince Yamato, he thought, and his heart skipped a beat.
Taichi shifted uncomfortably under the Prince’s gaze, ignoring the new-found feeling he got whenever the other was around. "I was just exploring the kingdom, my Prince."
Yamato nodded, not once did his eyes leave the boy in front of him. There’s something about him...from the moment I set eyes on him, I haven’t been able to get him out of my head. What is it that makes me so...attracted to him? Silence had settled in upon the two, and Yamato looked forward to his chance to get to know the other boy better. "I see." He said, leaning against the banister casually. "The castle’s pretty big...would you like a guided tour?"
"Oh, no sir, I wouldn’t feel right having a servant show me around at such a late hour when they’d rather be asleep." Stated Taichi, finding the red carpeting beneath his feet very interesting.
The sound of laughter made him look up, and he found the Prince walking up the stairs towards him, a grin on his face. Immediately, the same feeling he had had before took control of him, and his heart pounded loudly in his chest.
"Oh, Taichi, I believe you name was?" Asked Yamato, taking Taichi’s hand and leading him back down the steps.
The other nodded, trying to stop the dizzy feeling that had come over him at the lightest touch of the Prince. Smiling, Yamato continued, "I wouldn’t wake up the servants for anything. After a hard day’s work, they deserve their rest. When I said a guided tour, I meant that I would show you around."
For some reason that Taichi couldn’t understand, his face felt like it was on fire. I’m...blushing? What in the world is wrong with me? Taichi shook his head, trying to make the heat stop. "I wouldn’t want to be a bother to you."
"A bother? Nonsense!" Smiled Yamato, still gripping Taichi’s hand. "I want to get to know my fiancée’s brother more. In a few days, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, and I want us to be friends at least. I know that you despise me for marrying your sister, and don’t tell me that you don’t, because I can see it in your eyes. I know that if it was my sister being married off like this, I wouldn’t be too happy either."
Taichi looked down, feeling a bit better about these arrangements. The Prince was turning out to be an all right guy after all. "Thank you, my Prince."
"Please, call me Yamato." The other smiled again, and let go of Taichi’s hand.
A strange feeling of disappointment filled Taichi as the Prince let go of his hand, and he finally felt his heart beat slow down just a notch. Again, he ignored these feelings. "As you wish, Pri- Yamato."
It didn’t take long for the Prince to show the other boy around, pointing out a few things here and there. Taichi was amazed at the size of the ballroom, which the formal party was going to be held the next day. But that was nothing compared to the library, which was probably just as big, only staked high with bookcase after bookcase, containing more books than Taichi had ever seen. His jaw immediately dropped at the sight, for he had always had a taste for books, and as a young boy he had crawled into the smallest space to be alone to read.
Yamato noticed Taichi’s expression and smiled to himself. This was a good idea after all. "I take it you like books?"
Taichi nodded vigorously, running his hand over a book, just to feel the softness and texture. "Like doesn’t quite cover how much I like books. My Father would never allow us to learn to read...he never even tutored us or sent us to school. I learned to read from my Mother, and it was in secret. If my Father ever caught us..." He stopped, then looked up at Yamato. "I’m sorry, this must all be boring to you."
Yamato shook his head before saying, "Taichi, nothing you say is boring," Which caused the other boy to blush, and he continued quietly, "The castle life is much, much more boring. I have very few friends, and I’ve been alone most of my life.."
Sighing, Yamato pulled open a fancy door near the back of the library that led out into the garden. There, he sat on the cold stone steps, staring up at full moon that hung low in the sky. "I haven’t even been outside the castle gates." He looked up at Taichi, who was now standing by his side. "You’re so lucky to have seen the outside world."
Sitting down next to his enemy turned friend, Taichi, too, gazed up at the sky. "I’m not as lucky as you think. Here, you have everyone and everything you’ve ever wanted. Out there, you have no one and nothing."
"I don’t have everyone I’ve ever wanted.." The Prince said quietly, hoping Taichi never heard him.
But Taichi had heard, and he glanced at Yamato. "Do you love her?"
"Lady Hikari?"
"She’s beautiful..." Yamato started, but was interrupted.
"Then I won’t worry any more about this arrangement. You have my permission to marry her, as long as you try your best to make her happy. If you love her, then you should be with her." Taichi said in a hurry, standing. I have to get out of here...away from these feelings...away from him. Without saying another word, Taichi turned and ran, a strange feeling in his chest like his heart had been stepped on.
Yamato stared after the other boy, not bothering to run after him. Sighing, he leaned back against the stone steps.
"....but I don’t love her."
He was sure of those words, for his heart had been stolen away by someone else.
And that someone was Taichi Yagami.
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Running up the stairs which he had came down only hours before, Taichi struggled to find his room in the darkness. Still running, he had no time to stop when a door swung open and a tall figure stepped out. Taichi ran full force into him, knocking both of them over.
The other form cursed, sitting up, and in the pale light Taichi could just make out the form of his...
"Father?" He asked as the figure pulled him up by the scuff of the collar. "What are you doing out this late?"
Forcefully pushing his son up against the wall, he growled, "It’s really none of your business, although I could ask the same of you."
"I-I was out exploring." Taichi stumbled, eyes wide with fright.
"Sounds like something you’d do. Now get back to your room."
Taichi didn’t need to be told twice. He quickly opened the door next to his sister’s, which his Father had just emerged from, and went inside.
"Foolish boy." He muttered, returning to his room down the hall.
Opening the door, light flooded into the dim hallway. He glared at the fire burning in the fireplace, and then at his wife who sat in a chair, her eyes fixed on him.
"Why are you still up?" He asked coldly, closing the door behind him. "I told you to be in bed when I got back!"
"S-Sorry." She stumbled, quickly standing and backing away, so the chair was between them. "I-I wanted to wait up for you."
Angrily, he shoved the chair away, and she couldn’t help but whimper loudly.
"What’s the matter? Afraid of me?" He growled, grabbing her by the wrists as she frantically tried to escape his grasp.
"P-Please.." She pleaded softly.
"When I give an order, I expect you to follow it. Got that?" He roared, rearing back his hand before it connected with her face. She fell limply to the floor, holding the now swollen cheek.
"You’re crazy..." She whimpered, fresh tears coming to her eyes.
He stared at her for a moment, before jerking her to her feet. He leaned in close, and she could feel his warm breath on her neck. "My dear, you don’t know the beginning of it."
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Finally finished chapter three...Man that took a while ^^; Got writer’s block in the middle of it. By the way, I no longer have the next chapter done before posting...once its done, its done ^^; Anyway, I like how its turning out...and don’t worry, I promise Koushirou and Jyou will be in the next chapter lol. Until next time!