Dragon Lady: Hi!!!

Ken: Wow its been a while since we've put up a story hasn't it?

Dragon Lady: It sure has!! Boy was this story a long time in coming!

Ken: Wait!!

Dragon Lady: *pauses in confusion* What?

Ken: You can't say anything about the new story yet!

Dragon Lady: *is still confused* Um…why not?

Ken: Because! I haven't complained and done the disclaimer yet!!

Dragon Lady: Oh yeah…that's right…Well what are you waiting for then? Hurry up already! *crosses arms impatiently* I wanna tell about my new story!!

Ken: Okay, okay…*takes deep breath* Disclaimers are so stupid because they are enormous waste of my time and yours and why can't we take credit for Digimon, its just not fair! But every time one of these fics is posted its always the muse who's forced to admit how he and his author own nothing of value and its always the muse that feels terrible in saying it because his author isn't being recognized for anything more than some little fan fiction that most people won't read anyway…*stops*

Dragon Lady: Are you done complaining yet?

Ken: Um…yeah I think so.

Dragon Lady: Then do the disclaimer.

Ken: *sighs* DigimonDragonLady does *not* own Digimon or any of the characters she uses in her fic. She has nothing of value to give you and just about no money to her name, so please don't sue us!

Dragon Lady: All finished?

Ken: *resentfully* Yes.

Dragon Lady: Good. Because there's a *lot* that needs to be said about this fic…if anyone actually *is* reading…Okay…here goes. This is a kind of strange fic, but it's the kind that I love doing. ^_^ Its fantasy and full of wonderful magic and all kinds of goodies. I've got my own little disclaimer to put here. I've borrowed some of the concepts from just about any good science fiction or fantasy book I've ever read. So no I didn't come up with a lot of this stuff on my own, I just borrowed several author's ideas and shmixed them together understand? You'll read things that relate to any number of fantasy authors…bits and pieces from the short story "The Rule of Names" by Ursula K. Le Guin, from the wizarding books of Dianne Duane, I believe there are some small snippets from the book "The Chronicles of Chrestomanci" by Diana Wynne Jones, and I think I put a section in there from the narnia books by C.S. Lewis.

Ken: Dragon Lady didn't steal their work, she only borrowed bits of it for a fan fiction, and she did so to show how much she admires their efforts and contributions into the wonderful world of fantasy writing. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Even if it comes in the form of a Digimon fan fiction.

Dragon Lady: Anyone who enjoys fantasy as much as I do should check out these authors…C.S. Lewis's books were ones I read in the fourth grade, but if you don't mind checking out something for a younger reader they are very good.

Ken: Not everyone might read on the same level as you DL.

Dragon Lady: Oh yeah…Wait a second! Was that a compliment or an insult?!

Ken: Whichever way you want to take it.

Dragon Lady: Um…okay…Seriously though, all those authors are very good. Check 'em out! Now that I've put that out there…on to the fan fic!! Oh yeah…and yaoi people. Kensuke. Don't like? Don't read.

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Magical Game

By: DigimonDragonLady

The Kaizer concentrated intently on the object in front of him, focusing all his being into it. His hands clenched the arm rests of his chair in an iron grip as sweat beaded on his forehead. His entire body was on edge, flooded with painful energy. Harnessing as much as he could he quickly tied the ends of his spell securely and slumped down into his seat.

He'd been attempting to make the power of the dark spiral greater with more of his magic, he just hoped that it would work this time. He'd used the strongest power spell he could find, but even the greatest spell seemed to weaken and bend when put to the test of the Chosen Children. He had been sure that the first one he had placed on MetalGreymon would last through their attempts, but somehow they had still managed to free him.

Ken consoled himself with the fact that the spiral had withstood the attacks of Garurumon and his Chosen partner, but Augumon had still been released from his control. Not just somehow either, but…Daisuke Motomiya.

The boy infuriated him with his boldness and undeniable beauty and charm. No matter what he did he could not manage to get around Motomiya. Ken couldn't deny though, how he loved the point in the battles when it came to a standoff between Daisuke and himself. Whenever he was close to him he felt…well it was indescribable. The Chosen Child of Courage just radiated with a stubborn goodness, and a desire to do what was right, no matter what the cost; and Ken admired him for it. But it angered him to be denied his victory time and time again by a boy with such temerity.

And so another battle had been lost. With the help of his newest Digimental, the digi egg of Friendship, Daisuke had been able to armor digivolve his partner and return the once captive Augumon to the arms of his Chosen partner Taichi Kamiya. Ken found himself puzzling over the "digi eggs", as the Chosen Children referred to them.

The Digital World was helping the Chosen by providing them with new weapons to use against him. It was like changing the rules halfway through a game, and it irritated Ken to no end. He frowned thoughtfully. It seemed that the Digital World was attempting to counter act his use of magic by coming up with some of its own.

It was an interesting idea…Digital World magic. The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed to Ken that the Digital World had a vast power source, a sort of magical tap, that it drew upon in times of need. Maybe, he thought, just maybe he could find a way to tap into that source as well. Then he could do much more with his magic, and the Digital World, in an attempt to destroy him, would actually be working for him. Ken chuckled at the thought. How deliciously ironic that would be. But first, he must discover how the world was aiding the Chosen Children; just how was it providing them with ammunition?

In order to do this he would have to delve deeply into the past of the Digital World, probably back to the very beginning. Ken growled in irritation. But that would take a time displacement spell, to allow him to travel back so far, and that particular spell would require a vast amount of energy. Right that minute his energy levels were already stretched to the max, he was magically exhausted.

Ken sank back further into his chair. To be able to accomplish a time displacement he would need to replenish his energy levels, and unfortunately there was only one way to do this. Rest, and plenty of it. It also meant no magic. None, whatsoever.

This spell was going to set him back considerably in the control war that he fought with the Chosen. He grumbled at the thought of loosing any of his conquered areas to them. It was simply an enormous chess game that had to carefully planned, the use of strategy; and most likely the player with the most pieces was the best and had greatest chance of winning the game. So where would that put him if he lost several important spires?

On the other hand…the information he so desired could be put to good use and could prove to be invaluable to his cause. Obtaining the information and correctly coming up with a way to pull power from the core of the Digital World itself would enable him to increase his rate of spire production and give time advantage over the Chosen and their respective partners. In other words, he would be able to fully conquer the Digital World in very little time. In that case…what was a few control spires?

The Kaizer sighed and spoke his thoughts aloud to himself. "Well…I suppose the time displacement spell it is. I could take down some of the minor defense mechanisms I've set up around my base in order to draw a little more power for this spell…which means I wouldn't have to rest as long…" He proceeded to make plans for his spell.

Ken knew if he was lucky it might only take him three days to accomplish the initial energy and material gathering, there was much preparation to be done.

* * *

"What do you think Ken's up to now?" Miyako asked as they returned from the Digital World that day.

"What makes you think that Ken's "up to" anything?" Daisuke asked.

"Well think about how Ken operates. He comes up with a plan, we blow it for him, he runs off and formulates a bigger plan and comes up against us again to test this new thing out. Usually there's a space of about a week between his evil plans…so what's it gonna be this time?"

"Miyako's right," Takeru nodded. "The Digital World's been too quiet lately. Its all been too easy…that whole area freed without a sign of Ken or any extremely powerful digimon…"

"He must be planning something," Iori agreed sensibly.

"But…there's no way we can know what…" Hikari frowned thoughtfully.

"If Ken is planning something we'll never be able to figure it out, that's why he's the genius and we're not," Daisuke pointed out. "We just have to be on our guard and wait until whatever it is hits us," he declared.

"I don't think I like the sound of that strategy leader," Miyako glared at him.

"Well there's not much we can do about it Miyako!" Daisuke defended himself.

"As much as I hate to admit it…I think Daisuke's right…" Takeru sighed. "There's nothing we can do but wait for Ken to make the first move."

A rather ominous silence filled the computer room, as the fear of the unknown filled their minds. It was broken by Hikari. "Its late now, we should all be getting home…"

Nothing more was said. Daisuke stood and watched as the other Chosen filed out of the room. His partner, Chibimon, squirmed uncomfortably in his arms and looked up at him. "Whatcha thinking about Daisuke?" he squeaked.

"Hhmm?" Daisuke looked down at him. "Oh nothing…I was just trying to decide what I should do about Ken…"

"Why do you have to do anything about Ken?" Chibimon asked. "All the Chosen Children will defeat him soon, and then everything will be fine and Kaizer free."

"I wish I could share your optimism Chibimon," Daisuke sighed. "I really do…But I think Ken's getting even more powerful…and its getting to the point where I'm not sure if the other Chosen can handle it without my stepping forward and taking a hand in it…"

"Why don't you just tell the Chosen what you are?"

"Its not that simple Chibimon!" Daisuke shook his head. "There are rules about that kind of thing. We never reveal ourselves to outsiders or set ourselves apart as more than just ordinary mortals unless its absolutely necessary. Even Ken realizes that, and he's the Digimon Emperor and not directly descended from a magical family line!"

"Don't you think that the situation here counts as "necessary" Daisuke?"

Daisuke sighed again. "Not yet…but I have a feeling it soon might be…"

* * *

Daisuke lay on his bed starring at his ceiling. He'd been that way for over an hour now…simply letting his thoughts chase themselves in endless, unintelligible circles around his head. Chibimon was lying beside him. As they lay there together there came a soft knock on the door, and it peeked open. Daisuke looked at Jun as she stuck her head in the door.

"Hi little bro…. Can I come in?"

Daisuke sat up against his pillows and shrugged. "Sure, why not."

Jun came in and closed the door behind her. She crossed the room and came and sat on the end of the bed. Chibimon jumped up and bounded happily into the elder Motomiya's lap. "Hey there Chibi," she greeted him and scratched him behind the ears. Daisuke smiled at the sight; if Chibimon had been a cat, he would have been purring.

"Hey Daisuke…what's wrong?"

Daisuke blinked. "What makes you think anything's wrong?" he asked. Then he narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Had she been…

Jun caught the suspicious look and put on a hurt look for his benefit. "No I have not been reading your mind without your permission. How could you even think such a thing of me Daisuke? I just know you too well, when you mope constantly for days on end it tends to be a big sign. And what kind of sister would I be if I didn't even know when you were upset?"

Daisuke sighed. "Sorry, but I didn't think you'd noticed anything. I mean you've been so busy with training your powers lately I thought you didn't have any time for me."

"Never!" Jun appeared horrified. "I'll always have time for you Daisuke. Don't ever hesitate to come to me when you have a problem okay?" Daisuke nodded. "So then, what's bothering you brother? I bet it has something to do with the Digital World…"

Daisuke rolled his eyes and attempted a weak grin. "When does it not?"

Jun smiled. When Daisuke was chosen to protect the Digital World the Motomiya's had regarded it as an enormous honor for their family. It was something that pointed out that their son was special beyond other enchanters at such a young age. The only other enchanter that had enjoyed the honor had been Yamato when he was taken to the Digital World.

"So what is it this time?" Daisuke opened his mouth to speak out his problems, but Jun interrupted him. "You know…it would be easier if you just let me read the thoughts from your head. Quicker too…"

"No way!" Daisuke shook his head. "You're too good at reading minds Jun. You can read the emotions that go with the thoughts and I don't want you to know everything that's running around in my brain. Some things happen to be personal and confidential!"

Jun pouted. "You know you always end up telling me those things anyway."

"That may be," Daisuke responded. "But I'll do it my way thank you."

"Oh all right, have it your way."

"Its Ken…"

Jun's eyes lit up as soon as the name passed Daisuke's lips. Ken fascinated her. She could hardly imagine a sorcerer who went into the Digital World and would rather harm it than help. "More about our favorite little psychopath? Do tell!"

"He's getting stronger Jun…the Digital World gave me a new Digimental. Ken's come up with this new kind of dark ring…a dark spiral he called it. He's putting more and more of his magic into everyone that he makes. And this time he managed to take control of a Chosen digimon."

Jun gasped. "Who's?!"

"Taichi's digimon Augumon."

"That's not good…"

"I know…Augumon couldn't fight it at all." Daisuke frowned. "But I'm worried about Ken…he's using too much of his magic on this…he could be on the verge of a power burnout. I think if he continues using his magic this way I might have to step in…"

Jun blinked. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"I don't know…" he shook his head. "But I know I won't allow Ken to be hurt. Least of all by himself."

Jun gave him a sly look as she picked up on some of his emotion. It was genuine, true concern, and lots of it. "What was that snippet of emotion you just couldn't dampen down there Dai?"

Daisuke blushed. "Nothing! I'm just concerned about him that's all! He is a Chosen Child after all, and while I have to protect my friends from Ken, at the same time I have to protect Ken from my friends."

"As well as himself," Jun pointed out.

"Yeah…"

"Does he have any idea of his potential power?" she asked curiously.

"I don't think so," Daisuke replied. "Right now he's only functioning on an ordinary wizard level. He hasn't grasped his enchanters magic yet."

"Wizarding level? That's all?!" Jun was appalled. No wonder Daisuke was so deeply concerned. If Daisuke was right and wizard was as high as he was going with his magic then he could burnout. Jun had been impressed that Ken had even discovered his magic after all. He wasn't descended from a magical family, so even the fact that he had knowledge about his power was something in itself…but even he should realize how foolish it was to use so much energy!

"That's why I'm worried about a possible burnout Jun!" Daisuke could pick up the stressed vibes that Jun was sending out, and that was unusual because he wasn't as sensitive to emotion as his sister was in her power, nor was Jun the type of person that radiated her emotions, so she must have been truly distressed.

"If he continues to go so deeply into his magic on such a low level he might even begin to use some of his life force energy! So you see…I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place here."

Jun nodded sympathetically and her distress only grew.

"On one hand I could let Ken continue until it comes down to his death…which would mean that I'd failed to protect a Chosen Child…or I could teach him the enchanter magic that he's capable of and he could turn on me and use it against us. Of course I could always revel myself to all the Chosen Children in order to defeat him…but that would mean breaking a very important rule…"

"That rule is only for our protection Daisuke…" Jun reminded him. "But it would still be in your best interest to keep your secret if at all possible. What do you think is your best choice?"

Daisuke surprised Jun by moaning and putting his face in his hands. "I don't think that I could do anything that would mean loosing Ken…"

Jun's eyes widened. "Okay there was more than just concern in that wave of emotions Dai! What are you still keeping to yourself?! It might be a very important fact into making a decision Daisuke…"

"I…" Daisuke looked up at her. "I think he's my soul mate…"

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Ken: Okay *that* was cruel beyond belief!

Dragon Lady: What?

Ken: Leaving the first chapter in a cliff hanger like that!

Dragon Lady: *blinks innocently* Ohhhhh….did I leave it in a cliff hanger?

Ken: Stop playing innocent, you're anything but! And yes, you did!

Dragon Lady: Well…I figured that maybe if people didn't like this story of mine I'd only put out one chapter and then they wouldn't have to worry about my continuing it if they didn't like it. *shrugs*

Ken: You can't be serious?!!!

Dragon Lady: Why not?

Ken: Because you can't not continue a story!!! You just can't! You wouldn't dare!

Dragon Lady: Maybe…or maybe not.

Ken: That isn't funny DL! Stories aren't something to joke around with!!

Dragon Lady: If you like it, review. If not…well I'll know not to write something like this again. And if you do like it and find something that confuses you let me know and I'll see if I can try and clear it up in the second chapter, if you want one that is…

Ken: You're joking! *silence* You are joking aren't you? *more silence* Aren't you?!!