Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Wings, White Wings ❯ Deception ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: No, no, no! I hate this, I hate this, I hate this! Can I just skip the disclaimer for once? Ok, fine. I do not own Digimon or its characters.

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Chapter 4: Deception

A week is not long especially when something unpleasant is waiting for you at the end and for Takeru, it was unbelievably fast. He had half the heart to tell Hikary everything but he was afraid that she would turn on him. And why was he so afraid in losing this friendship with her? He didn't know the answer to that.

To capture Hikary was the right thing to do wasn't it? It would end the war and that was what he really wanted wasn't it? But then, why was he feeling guilty? To let her go meant that he was betraying his people, breaking the law. He would probably be banished or worse, executed. What would everyone think then? He would be bringing disgrace to his whole family. Was keeping this friendship more important than that?

No. Takeru decided. But every time he saw Hikary smiling at him he would began doubting his decision and would think everything over again but always arriving at the same conclusion. There was only one more day left.

***

"There's one more day. Does he look as if he would do it?"

"He is still confused, father."

"Hmm, that could bring some problems. Does he realize his own feelings yet?"

"No."

"That's good, if he does then my plans will become more complicated. Convince him to do it, Yolie."

"I know father."

***

"What?" Yamato exclaimed. He and Takeru were sitting in Takeru's room again. The younger prince had finally turned to Yamato for help. He couldn't ask anyone else since he had no close friend.

"What should I do?" Takeru asked.

"That's easy, get the princess."

"I can't!" Takeru said exasperated. He walked over to the window and stared outisde, turning his back toward his brother.

"Why not?"

"I-I don't know." He admitted.

"Takeru, she's our enemy!"

"I know that, but. . ."

"But what?" Yamato asked.

"I can't." This time he didn't shout, it was more of a pleading tone. "I just. . .can't."

Yamato went over and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"It's the right thing to do. This is a chance to get peace and power, Takeru. Isn't that what we've been wishing for? And the time has come for that. Don't miss this chance, please Takeru."

"It's the right thing?" Takeru whispered.

"Yes, it's the right thing. Have I ever lied to you?"

A pause.

"No."

***

"You did a good job, you know." Yolie smirked as Yamato left Takeru's room.

He glared at her. "Why didn't you do that yourself? Why did you have to blackmail me?" Yamato was enraged.

"Well, you can't expect him to listen to me since he hates me. And besides you're the one who shouldn't be doing things that you don't want people to find out." Yolie smirked.

"And you made me tell him a lie because of what?" Yamato asked.

"That's for me to know."

"What can you achieve by capturing the princess of Heaven? If Heaven falls, then the balance will be broken completely not to mention complete distruction on Earth!"

"It's none of your business really." Yolie replied.

"None of my business? If you won't tell me what you're planning then I'm going to get to the bottom of this by myself!"

"If you can."

***

Hikary couldn't sleep. For the past week, TK had not been himself or it seemed to her. He did not seemed to be able to concentrate on the questions she asked him. He had a deep frown on his face and didn't even respond until she gently shook him.

She had asked what was wrong but he would only assure her that nothing was wrong and he would slide back into that frown. Hikary wanted to help but how could she if TK wouldn't tell her anything?

Somehow she didn't feel as enthusiastic when TK wasn't there to explain stuff to her. It wasn't the same. She hoped that tomorrow will be a better day and with that thought in mind she drifted off to sleep.

***

Takeru woke the next day with a heavy heart. Even though Yamato had convinced him it didn't mean he had to like it. And besides there was still a bud of uncertainty which he pushed aside. He couldn't back down now and besides, he didn't have a choice right now.

'It's the right thing. Have I ever lied to you?'

Yamato had never lied to him, everything he taught him was true. How he wished that just for once, this once, his brother would be wrong.

He went down to Earth again, this time with three guards.

He met Hikary with a false smile. Hikary smiled back at him, the smile that she smiled when he told her that they can be friends even if she was a girl.

*She has no idea,*

"Hi, TK. What are we going to do today?" Hikary asked eagerly.

"We-we're going somewhere today." Takeru faltered. The excitement shone in Hikary's face at those words. He avoided her eyes because he knew those same eyes would be filled with hurt a few minutes later.

He turned away and began walking.

"TK, where are we going?" Hikary asked from behind him.

"It's a surprise," Takeru said through gritted teeth. He hated lying.

*It's alright, this is right. I'm doing the right thing.*

"TK, I'm really glad that you became my friend and I really enjoyed everything you've shown me. I just wanted to say that if something's bothering you, I would be happy to help with your problem if I can."

Takeru stopped suddenly at those words. *Ignore it, ignore it.* He told himself.

"Thanks Hikary but it's ok, I don't have any problem right now." His voice came out bright and energetic which was a complete contrast to his facial expression. He resumed walking.

*She's my enemy, she's my enemy. She's only being nice because she doesn't know who I am. If she knew she probably would hate me and betray me if I don't betray her. So there's nothing to worry about because I'm doing the right thing.*

He felt a bit better as he continued to reassure himself quietly. He didn't notice the worried looks Hikary gave him and he couldn't have known that Hikary was currently thinking it was her fault that Takeru was acting different and a little distant than usual.

The gate from that part of Earth to Hell is located near a field of cherry trees. It was there that Takeru brought Hikary.

"Oh, it's beautiful." Hikary said breathlessly. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom and the wind gently caressed the petals. They floated through the air and landed on the grass, making the ground a rosy colour.

*They should be coming soon* Takeru thought when suddenly two arms were flung around his neck. Surprised, he looked up.

"Oh thank you, thank you, TK. This place is so wonderful and cherry blossom is my favourite flower!" Hikary exclaimed into TK's shoulder. "You're such a good friend."

Takeru stood frozen in place. A good friend? Him? Did she really think that?

"Do you really mean that?" Takeru asked.

"Of course I do." Hikary dropped her arms and smiled once more.

"No matter what?" He blurted out the question before he could really think about what he was saying.

Hikary gave him a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"Do you think I'm a good friend no matter what?" Takeru repeated his question. Somehow he dreaded that she would answer no and yet he wished she would.

"Yes," Hikary replied.

Takeru stared at Hikary. At that moment he realized that he had been lying to himself about his feelings because he didn't have the courage to find out the truth. He didn't have the courage to trust and therefore made an false assumption. But it wasn't too late, he could tell Hikary everything now.

"Hikary, I. . ." He began.

Suddenly three people appeared and grabbed the girl in front of him. Takeru saw the surprised look on Hikary's face and he couldn't do anything but swallow what he was about to say. He was too late.

"TK!" Hikary cried out as she struggled in the two guards grips. The other one went over to Takeru and knelt in front of the prince of Hell. Hikary's eyes widened in shock.

"With your permission, Prince Takeru, we will be heading back now." The guard said. Takeru caught one brief glance of the hurt and surprised look in Hikary's eyes. He lowered his head to avoid looking into those eyes that tore at him. His hands formed into fists and they shook as he spoke to the guard. Every word made him want to hit himself for been stupid.

He couldn't bring himself to leave with the guards and the prisoner because he was ashamed and didn't want to see Hikary's hurt looks. He stayed there, still staring at the ground, still shaking, even after they left.

He had to help her, even if she hated him now. He would help her even if he defied every law in the kingdom, because he wanted to see her smile again, wanted to see the happiness shine in her eyes. And this world, where he shared all the secrets with her, he will protect because he loved it. It was foolish to hope for peace without the balance of the two worlds and Takeru would not make that mistake again because he understood finally what he wanted and what he wanted was real peace and to protect what he loved.

***