Upon the Dawn

PG-13

Chatay

Disclaimer: Same as usual, I don't own digimon. See previous chapter for the rest.

AN: It was requested that I explain about the dark magic, unfortunately I won't be able to explain that one til next chapter due to plot conflicts.

Chapter 2 - Guidance

Takeru sighed as he stared at the ever continous cavern walls, "How much longer is it?"

Their strange tourguide shifted Daisuke in his arms, "You sound very much like a child asking such a question. It isn't much further so I wouldn't concern yourself."

Takeru frowned, but said no more. Hikari smiled and then looked worriedly at Daisuke, "Do you think he'll be okay?" she asked of her brother.

Taichi who had his own doubts about their situation merely nodded and then turned his attention back to their tourguide, "Why are you in these caverns?"

"I did not know I was required to tell my life story, and to be quite honest I have no desire to. So please keep your petty questions to yourself," Ken replied.

Taichi went to reply when suddenly something ran past his feet, "What the?"

Ken stopped and looked down at the ball of fur at his feet. Bui promply wiggled his antennae affectionately before he scurried up his partner's body to rest on his shoulder. He looked at Daisuke curiously before poking at him with a paw. Daisuke scrunched up his face, but made no sound.

"A wynn! He's so adorable! Doesn't he look a lot like Veeh?" Jun asked.

"Veeh?" Ken asked somewhat politely before he once again started walking.

"Veeh is Daisuke's wynn, he's pretty similar to yours in the color and body style category. Except Veeh has cat ears instead of atennae," replied Hikari.

Ken shrugged his shouldlers and then looked ahead, "We're here."

They looked at the empty passageway in confusion. "But there's nothing here," stated Jun.

Ken simply walked further ahead and vanished from sight.

"I suppose that was his way of saying idiots, " replied Takeru.

"Well, we might as well get a move on it, before things become more pleasant around here," stated Taichi.

Hikari giggled and tentively stepped forward and also vanished from sight. The others quickly followed suit. A small home of sorts was laid out before them. Most things in there were caved out of stone, with the exception of the bedding over in the corner. There were a few small items scattered around the room including a chest and a small mirror. Ken who was still carrying Daisuke bypassed the bedding and headed towards the water in the back of the room.

"Water? That's not gonna help him! Daisuke's weaker near water!" cried Taichi.

Ken simply laid Daisuke down into the cool water. The water glowed a faint amethyst before Daisuke's body sank to the depths. Ken placed his hand in the water and small violet glyph appeared beneath the water and floated down and placed itself over Daisuke's nose, working as breathing mask.

"What is that stuff?" asked Jun, who was eyeing Ken warily.

"Moon water. It works quiet well as a power enhancer, and as you so kindly pointed out earlier. I'm quite aware that your friend is weaker in water, but that's simply because he doesn't know how to use it," stated Ken.

Ken then called forth two more violet air glyphs, he allowed them to float down near his feet. He then levitated up near the ceiling, and pulled a rock down from the celing. A small stream of sunlight flew in through the small hole and fell upon the moon pond.

"The effects of sunlight are stronger when they shoot through clear water. Just like if you were to go swimming in one of Keyia Lakes and didn't put on sun shell. You almost always come out with a sun burn. He's using the moon water to enhance the sun to help Daisuke heal," stated Hikari.

Ken nodded and then gracefully sank back down and sat down on the floor near the pond. Everyone else eventually settled down as well. It was silent with the exception of breathing, Ken had closed his eyes and was now resting his head on the back of the cavern wall, with one hand lingering in the water.

"Excuse me? Ken?" Hikari asked.

Ken opened his eyes slowly and studied the small brunette in front of him. She was petit in size and definately came more across as a porcelain doll than a priestess of such a prosperous country. However her eyes portrayed differently. They gave off the aura of someone who was rather kind hearted, but would make sure her people were taken care of. She was currently looking at him with a cautious determination.

"Why do you have no markings?" she asked.

Ken raised an eyebrow, "Markings?"

Hikari raised the sleeve on her own gown and showed him her arm. Various black markings or tattoos ran up the length of her arm, starting just behind her wrist, "All people in Diluculo have these markings, they usually appear from birth. While their are some exceptions, its odd to see someone with such impressive magic without any."

Ken seemed to consider this for a moment, "Why is it odd?"

Hikari pulled her sleeve down, "As you can probably tell Daisuke is unique in the utmost sense. He was also born without any markings on his skin. His didn't appear till a few years ago after he went through the ceremony for a priest. However there have been other people born like that, but their markings usually appear upon maturity."

Ken shrugged, "I have never have no such markings and have never seen anyone with them."

"Well how many people have you seen? Your lack of manners seems to indicate that you've led a very anti-social life," stated Jun.

Ken frowned and rested his head back on the cavern wall, "The sun's setting for the evening. In the morning, we should probably head out. There are more people of the kind that attacked you in this cavern, so it would be in your best interest to leave soon."

"Will you be coming with us?" asked Hikari.

The others turned at their priestess with a look of surprise, as did Ken who looked like someone had asked him to kill himself.

"I have never left these caverns," stated Ken.

"Those people who attacked us will eventually associate the fact that you have been helping us. You are not safe in these caverns," stated Hikari calmly.

"I believe I can take care of myself," replied Ken rather annoyed.

Jun laughed and Ken looked at her in an annoyed glare, "May I ask what is so amusing Clairvoyant?"

"You sound like the squirt over there. Always thinking you guys can take on the world," replied Jun, amusingly.

"I have lived here all my life and people have come and gone, those people are of no threat to me."

"Sounds more like your scared to me, " stated Taichi.

Ken's eyes narrowed into a glare as he focused on Taichi, "I would not make such accusations, fire."

Taichi shrugged and settled down onto the floor, "Look dude, I really don't give a rat's arse what happens to you. If you weren't helping Daisuke I wouldn't even be bothered with this situation at all, so don't even try the badder than all act with me, cause it doesn't matter."

Taichi then turned over onto his side, "Now if we're done discussing useless information, I say we all get some sleep."

It wasn't long before the arguments had been forgotten and sleep had settled over the small group. However one person still lay awake staring sternly into the silver waters of the moon pond. Ken had always been a classic insomniac, however tonight was for different reasons entirely. He wasn't thinking about his past, or sad memories, or hopes, he was merely staring.

Staring at one red-headed priest that lay in the pristine waters before him. Ken sighed and slowly began to slip himself into the lukewarm water. Calling him anti-social was an understatement, Ken had experienced human contact maybe four times in his lifetime, and each occasion had led to a bloody battle and loss. However for some reason that didn't matter at the moment, all that mattered was the boy before him. He really couldn't explain what led him to want to be around the young priest. He assumed it was the call of magic, it had to be the call of magic. You can't be attracted to someone you've never really met right?

Ken knew that was a stupid question if he ever heard one. Regardless of whatever the boy's personality be, he was definately attracted him. With his maroon hair, and liquid chestnut brown eyes. Skin like the sand dunes, and magic that swirled around him like a glass inferno. Being merely attracted was a huge understatement, hell he was ten times past infatuated. Ken sighed in a slight bliss as the moon now fell down through the small crack and landed upon him in the dim waters. He smiled in a slight satisfaction as he felt Daisuke's aura strengthen a bit, and then he relaxed back in the power related high, for once at peace with himself.

0000

"It shouldn't be much farther now," Ken stated.

Hikari watched him with a mild interest. Every now and then she glanced back at everybody, Jun was looking rather ruffled from sleeping on such a hard floor. Taichi was grumbling about Daisuke needing to lose a few pounds as he shifted the still unconcious priest in his arms. Takeru was his usual docile self, although a air of unease seemed to float about him, as he didn't entirely trust Ken. Honestly, Hikari didn't blame him one bit. Ken wasn't exactly a social charmer or anything, he had been anything, but charming throughout their meeting. However, she didn't fear him, he wouldn't lead them into any harm. Now would he help them if harm came their way? Well, she wasn't really sure about that. He might protect Daisuke, but the rest of them? It was definately doubtful.

"I think I might do it," stated Taichi.

Jun blinked, "Do what?"

"Ask Yama, I think I might," replied Taichi.

"Mmmm, what brought about this idea?" asked Takeru.

"Dunno, just think I might," stated Taichi, grinning.

"Don't pay any mind to him guys, he's been saying that for a six months now," stated Hikari.

"I have not!" replied Taichi, rather annoyed.

Hikari laughed and then shifted her attention to the front. A pale light was visible further down the tunnel, it wouldn't be much longer now. She risked a glance at Ken and sighed. She would prefer if he came with them, she honestly had no idea on how to convince him though.

"What is it?" Ken asked, as he turned to face Hikari.

Hikari sighed and opened her mouth to reply, but a sound caught her attention instead. Ken's eyes narrowed as the rumbling grew louder, "I suggest running if you wish to continue living."

Ken took off with a start and the others were quickly in suit. It didn't take long for Hikari long to figure out what the rumbling had been as she risked a glance behind her. A wall of fire was quickly racing towards them, she didn't even want to think about that, and added an extra burst of speed.

"Oh shit!" yelled Taichi, as he went flying forwards, Daisuke ending up sprawled onto the floor.

Hikari and Takeru went to stop, but were suddenly thrown forward by a burst of air. Hikari turned to Ken in surprise as he raced past them and stood somewhat protectively in front of Taichi and Daisuke.

Ken's arms flew out in a flurry of motion, and a variety of blue and violet glyphs appeared in front of him. He threw his arms out in one sweep and the glyphs flew into a star configuration. The fire raced forward and hit the glyphs full on, the glyphs held however. Hikari watched in fear as beads of sweat started to appear on Ken's body and his face twisted up into a painful expression. Hikari could see Ken's reserves fading, and his body was now shaking with the force of his exertion.

'We're all gonna die, he can't do it...' she thought desperately.

It would take a few moments for her mind to register what happened next. A small gold glyph had appeared and floated past Ken and his own glyphs. It flew into the fire drawing it into itself before shooting up towards the cave's ceiling and bursting through. The fire ball glyph exploded within the depths of the stone, causing the ceiling to cave in.

As the dust cleared, Ken fell to his knees in exhaustion. He turned back to look at the small group. Hikari was white as the proverbial ghost and Takeru was staring in a similar expression. Jun was working on straightening out her clothes. Taichi was sitting on his haunches, rubbing the back of his head in pain, and Daisuke was grinning weakly at him.

"Daisuke!" cried Hikari, as she ran over to him and enveloped him in a hug. Daisuke sagged slightly in her embrace, he smiled, but it was easy to see he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. He was far from healed and the use of even one glyph had left him throughly exhausted.

"Daisuke?" Hikari asked as Daisuke's full weight suddenly pressed against her. She looked to see his eyes closed once more. Ken had recovered and was now standing in front of them, Taichi and Takeru were now next to them as well.

"It would seem, my dear tourguide and savior, that you no longer have a choice," stated Hikari simply.

Ken frowned, but said no more as he picked Daisuke's unconscious form from her. Hikari smiled as she dusted herself off and the group began once more heading towards the cave's entrance.

0000

Ken blinked and scrunched up his face as they stood outside the cave.

"Mmmm, sunlight must be new to you," stated Jun calmly.

Ken didn't reply, but simply shifted Daisuke's body against his back.

"Mmm... feels good, " murmured Daisuke as he nuzzled against Ken's neck, still asleep.

The others laughed as Ken's alabaster features took on a bright shade of red.

"So how are we going to get home?" asked Takeru.

"Mmmm.. I suppose we can't all fit on Agynn, now can we?" mused Taichi.

"Agynn?" Ken asked.

"Taichi's dragon, most of us have different creatures that serve as companions," stated Hikari.

"Veeh, won't come of his own accord either, will he? Daisuke has to call him right? And I sincerely doubt we'll be able to get sleeping beauty there up anytime soon," Takeru muttered.

"Well we can always start walking, then send someone on Agynn to bring back some others right?" asked Jun.

Taichi who had been currently rummaging through his pockets frowned somewhat, "Uhhh... looks like we're gonna be walking period."

Takeru groaned and slapped his forehead, "Again Tai? Can't you keep that damn pendant on you?"

Taichi flushed and rubbed the back of his head nervously. Ken stared at the group in a mild confusion until Jun fixated her eyes upon him, "What about your wynn?" she asked hopefully.

Ken blinked, "He doesn't transform, if thats what your wondering."

"What? All wynns transform into something or other, its like a force of nature," replied Jun.

Bui who was currently perched on top of Daisuke's shoulders wiggled his nose slightly then curled up into a smaller ball.

"Uhhh.. law of nature or not, I don't think that wynn is transforming anytime soon," Takeru stated, relunctantly.

"How far is it?" Ken asked.

"A good two day's travel at least. We might as well get started, when we get closer I should be able to link with Tailiann, then she and Veeh can come out and get us," Hikari stated as she began heading towards the horizon.

The others began to follow suit. Ken observed his surroundings with a odd sense of calm. It had been years since he had ventured this far out of the caverns. A even longer amount of time since he had such a large amount of human contact. He could of easily moved those boulders in the cavern, but he just couldn't bring himself to do so.

'I just want to make sure he's alright, then I can return home.'

"What's his name?"

Ken blinked as he was brought out of his thoughts and turned to look at Hikari who was smiling warmly at him and pointing at his wynn, "Bui."

"Have you been partners long?" she continued.

"We have been since I began to live in those caverns. He was a gift from my mother, a protection of sorts I suppose," Ken replied.

Hikari went to reply when a gust of wind suddenly seemed to fly past, "What?"

"Need a lift?" came a male voice.

Ken looked up to see a blonde a few years older than himself. The boy had warm eyes and held a striking resemblence to Takeru. He sat atop a wolfish looking creature who sported a pair of furry wings.

"Dude, you always gotta be the star huh?" asked Taichi's amused face.

Yamato grinned, "I could always leave you here. I have no issues eating your dessert for the next two days."

"What the hell ya waitin for? Pick my ass up!" Taichi yelled.

Yamato flashed a wicked grin, "How many times have I heard that one?"

"Ewww! Bro, I so didn't need to hear that!" muttered Takeru.

"You and me both," muttered Hikari, "Anyways Yama, take Daisuke and Ken first. I think Dai's on the road to recovery, but resting in a bed will be much better for him."

Yamato flew down as he noticed Ken for the first time, "I'm taking it your Ken right?"

Ken nodded as the blonde took Daisuke from his arms.

"I know we didn't really get to do the whole proper introduction, but the name's Yamato Ishida."

Ken nodded in return and swung his body up onto the creature, "Ken Ichijouji."

Yamato raised his hand to his chin, "I know I've heard that last name somewhere before. Well anyways, let's get Motomiya here back home so Sora can baby him to death."

With that the wolflike creature flapped it's wings and shot into the sky.

"Sora?" Ken asked.

"She's one of our healers, very nice, but also very motherly and overprotective. Daisuke will be lucky if she lets him out of bed for two weeks after this one," replied Yamato.

Ken nodded and looked at the scenary that was visible through scrapes of clouds. It was definatley the first time he had seen the countryside in many years, much less airborne. He could see a small area of villages and the mountains from where he came were rapidly disappearing from view.

"How'd Dai manage to hurt himself this time?" Yamato asked, casually.

Ken was silent for a moment. To him it was an odd conversation of sorts, Yamato had yet to ask him any questions about his past or who he was. It was almost refreshing.

"They were attacked by technologicals. Daisuke was hit by two of their darts," replied Ken, still unsure.

"Mmmm, he's lucky then, but man is he gonna piss Sora off. She's only a level two healer, so she won't really be able to use magic to help him, all she can do is order bed rest. Dai's so gonna be soaking this up once he wakes up," Yamato stated, highly amused.

Ken didn't reply to this, but risked a quick glance at the sleeping redhead. He then returned his gaze to the front as a large castle began to come into view.

"I'm not much of a tourguide, but welcome to NorthStar Castle. It's located in Mynervn, the capital of Diluculo," stated Yamato.

The castle which was a stark white, stood proudly against the misty blue skyline. It was still a bit on the foggy side, and the mist was weaving itself in and out of the castle's outer structures. Ken resisted the urge to jump off and head back towards home. He stared ahead and realized that home was a long time in coming.

I hope everyone enjoyed, lots more character interaction in the next chapter. Not to mention some cultural explainings.