Title: Important Matters
Drabble: #58
Rave's prompt: Buckingham Palace
Randomly selected pairing: Kenori
Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
Notes: I didn't realise until I'd already written this, but I've done Ken in uniform again. I think my subconscious is trying to tell me something.
Authority is something that Ken has always been fascinated with. It started with his brother; the first real figure of authority, besides his parents, that he really knew. He could be helpful and kind, but he could also be very harsh. He taught Ken a lot, and he was so smart. He was the first real idol Ken had.
Then it had all gone a bit pear-shaped, and Ken had begun to get obsessive. With the help of the spore he became clever and talented; the very image of his brother. But he didn't stop there. He allowed himself to feel no compassion, and abandoned his sense of empathy. The level of power he wielded rapidly increased until he saw fit to call himself the Kaiser and have humans and Digimon alike fulfilling his every wish.
Fortunately times have changed now, and Ken can see that he took things too far. However, he can't deny the thrill he felt at being important, at being in charge. Even though he'd never trust himself as a figure of authority again, just in case, he still wants to feel that adrenaline. There must be an easier way than hurting people and creatures just because he can.
He thinks of Iori. He can hardly carry the same authority that Osamu did, but he's still taught Ken a great deal. He's taught him that forgiveness is a difficult process, and that it takes two to make it work. He's taught him how essential morals and boundaries are in life, because they keep things from spiralling out of control. Most importantly though, he's taught him how to feel again. How to laugh, how to cry, how to love.
Buckingham Palace is on the TV, and Ken eyes the guards scrupulously. Standing perfectly still with their tall, black hats and bright red coats and flawlessly shiny shoes. The epitome of authority. Ken wonders, would he get the same thrill if he were like them? He could look out for Iori, like they look out for the Queen of England.
There's no harm in trying. The thrill might even be greater if he's doing it for someone he loves. There's no need for the uniform, obviously; he can act as a guard without one. All he really needs is a cause, someone worth protecting. Someone like Iori.