Gem Warriors 1 -- #6: Kidnapping!
Matt played his harmonica slowly, savoring the music that he heard. Playing the harmonica was one of the few ways that Matt found he could relax.... and boy, did he need the chance to relax after what he'd just been through. First, being basically kidnapped by the Gem Warriors... only to find out that they weren't really the Digidestined's enemies at all...
Apparently, Koushiro (the Gem Warrior who was called Emerald') was actually a Digidestined himself! It had surprised him a lot when Matt has seen the Crest of Knowledge... Matt knew that he wasn't the only one who thought that there were only seven Digidestined, and was proven wrong when Koushiro showed up.
Anyway, now the Gem Warriors were allied with the Digidestined... which was a good thing... and a bad thing....
So... if you were stuck on a desert island with the helmet head, would you go crazy and kill yourself? a voice asked, and Matt looked up, exasperated, into the grinning face of Maria. Well? I mean, personally, I would. An hour alone with the helmet head, and I'd freak out and try my luck with the sharks.
Matt sighed. Her name is Sora, you know.
I know... I just think that the name helmet head' fits her better, don't you? Mari said brightly. I mean, it's either that or idiot'. Maybe lunatic'. Freak' might work...
Did you know that I was playing my harmonica before you came and began to irritate me? Matt asked, an edge in his voice. And didn't your friend tell you all specifically not to annoy us?
Maria shrugged. She only meant Kyra, I'm sure of it. But I'll leave you alone, and go annoy Jay-kun, okay? No, wait. Tai. I'll go annoy Tai. With that, Mari jumped up and ran off, her black braid flying in the air behind her. Matt saw the girl stop by Tai, and laughed slightly as Tai immediately went the other direction.
These other kids sure do bring some variation to this place.' Matt thought softly. For instance, Maria. She was always looking for a way to bug people, but she did it in a humorous way... she didn't insult them... unless it was Sora. For some reason, both Kyra and Maria had joined forces to try and irritate Sora.
Kyra was someone that Matt felt had constant mood swings. One minute, she was goofing off and running around with Maria, and the next second, she was calmly sitting and talking to Koushiro or Derek. It was like watching a storm... She constantly switched her frame of mind, it seemed. The attention span of a gnat.' Matt thought, recalling what Joe had said about Tai once.
Jason was another Gem Warrior that Matt couldn't get. When Matt was being held hostage by the Gem Warriors, Jason had been a total jerk to him, but now that the Gem Warriors were allied with the Digidestined, Jason was kind to him... and a jerk to Tai. It was really strange... What was weirdest about Jason was that he and Maria seemed to break out in fights every five minutes, for little or no reason at all. Not unlike me and Tai.' Matt thought with a grin.
Whenever Jason and Maria (or Jay-kun and Mari-chan, as their friends called them) got into those fights, Laura would instantly glare at them and tell them to shut up, and they would. Laura seemed to be the peacemaker of the group, but she obviously had a temper, seeing as how Matt had more than once see her threaten to barbecue Jason and Mari if they didn't stop fighting. She was quite pretty, but in a reserved way.
Speaking of reserved... Andri. Ever since she had arrived in the camp that the other Digidestined were in, Matt was unsure if she had even said a word. Andri was freaky, the way she gave you those cold glares if you aggravated her, or at least, that's how Matt saw it. That girl gives me the creeps.' Matt thought as she looked at the tall brown-haired girl.
Then there was Derek. Now, Matt personally thought that Derek was pretty cool, at least, compared to his friends he was. Derek was one of those people who seemed naturally likable, unlike most of the other Gem Warriors. Derek had instantly offered to help Sora and Joe cook, and had turned out to be as good a cook as Matt.
Finally... Koushiro. It was weird, really, seeing Koushiro. After all, the small red-headed boy was the only person in the camp that was both a Gem Warrior and Digidestined. He was so... calm and polite, Koushiro was. He was like Derek, it seemed, naturally friendly, but Koushiro was a bit more reserved than that. Matt had taken note that he and Kyra often spoke quietly, as if discussing something. Matt knew that Tai didn't like anyone, especially new allies, keeping secrets, but one glare from Kyra had silenced the brown-haired boy.
Matt looked down at his harmonica, seeing his reflection in the silver metal. How did we get into this mess?'
*****
Tentomon asked the red-headed boy in front of him, quietly. Tentomon had seen him go off a ways, alone, and had followed to see the young boy sit by a stream nearby. That was when Tentomon decided that if he was going to be Koushiro's guardian digimon, he might as well get to know him.
Koushiro responded softly, not turning around. He knew it was me.' Tentomon realized. Tentomon went a little closer and sat down beside Koushiro, who was apparently thinking.
Well, I was just wondering... if I am your guardian digimon, maybe I should get to know you. I mean, what you're like. Tentomon explained. When Koushiro didn't answer, Tentomon continued, For instance, why did you come all this way away from the group just to sit by the stream?
Koushiro paused for a minute, and then he spoke. At home in Kaneoti, I would always go by a stream by our home to think. For some reason, the water made me feel peaceful... Then, with a grin, Koushiro said, At least, until Kyra-chan came to bug me. She always did.
Tentomon looked at Koushiro quizzically. Did you get mad at Kyra? She was bugging you... right?
Koushiro laughed lightly. Iie, I wouldn't get mad at her. She's my best friend, and if she knew something was really bothering me, she'd get me to talk about it, instead of keeping it in like I wanted to do. Kyra always made me tell what was bothering me, and I made her do the same.
Why, though? Tentomon asked. If this was bothering you, and making you sad, why would you want to talk about it? Wouldn't it just make you even sadder?
As he was thinking about this, Koushiro looked down at Tentomon. Have you ever heard the saying It isn't good to be depressed alone'? Kyra and I would talk about it, so that the other person could hold some of the burden. Keeping secrets can hurt you. Koushiro looked back at the water. I'm lucky to have learned that early, because if I hadn't... my instinct is to be secretive...
Tentomon looked at Koushiro. You mean, that you would have kept everything that hurt you a secret if Kyra hadn't bugged' you? Koushiro nodded slightly, and Tentomon continued. But why? And why did you tell Kyra?
It wasn't just Kyra. Koushiro replied. She's just the person closest to me when it comes to secrets. I can tell any of my friends about what's bothering me, and they won't tease me about it. That's why being a Gem Warrior is great. It's because I have so many friends now, and I don't want to give them up.
Tentomon thought about what Koushiro had said before answering. Does that mean that you would give up your life for them? Because they're your friends, and because you don't want to lose them?
Koushiro answered quietly. I wouldn't be able to stand it if my friends died. I would die myself. Looking down at Tentomon again, Koushiro said, You said that you were my guardian. Why do you digimon protect the other Digidestined?
Because... because that's what we're suppose to do. Tentomon answered, unsure of what Koushiro was getting at.
Is that the only reason?
Tentomon frowned as well as he could with his features. Well, no... because they're our friends. That's why I stayed with them. Then Tentomon realized what Koushiro was saying. Oh... so the reason you'd die for your friends is the same reason that any of us digimon would die for our Digidestined partners. Because of the friendship that binds us, right?
Koushiro smiled. Right.
*****
The screen of the computer began to brighten, and soon it glowed with a lust, shining in it's user's eyes. Looking at the image before him, the computer's user grinned evilly, knowing the procedure.
The man on the screen, or, as called by the Gem Warriors, Toman, said,
looking straight at the computer's user, although he could not see him.
Piedmon smiled. The Gem Warriors, as you predicted, have discovered our little secret, Toman. They left early this afternoon, and are now allying with the Digidestined, of course. Piedmon laughed. Those kids really are smart, as you said. Figuring out that they were on the wrong side didn't take them too long.
I told you I had trained them well, although I should have made them want to be evil... but they wouldn't have had as much success that way. Toman agreed, nodding his head. Actually, I was surprised that it took them this long to figure it out, myself. Who, might I ask, was the person who actually did realize it, Piedmon?
Piedmon shrugged. It was that annoying Sapphire girl.
Toman asked, narrowing his eyes. Piedmon, may I remind you, that I was the one responsible for bringing Kyra up. She has never known her parents to be anyone but I, and you say that she is not worthy? Toman raised an eyebrow. You forget who you are talking to.
Gomen nasai, Toman-san. Piedmon said, acknowledging his own superior. I found her to be annoying because she did figure it out, and that was what made the group leave. Although... I suspect that Emerald had something to do with it as well. That boy... what was his name, Koushiro? Anyway, that boy seemed to have a lot of influence on what actions Kyra took.
Toman laughed as her heard this, his eyes staying sharp. Ah, yes, Koushiro. That boy is so... well, he would make a good leader of an army.... actually, in fact, he is, if the Gem Warriors could be considered an army. I swear, if Kyra had to choose between anything and that boy, she'd always choose him.
Doesn't that make you a bit suspicious? Piedmon asked.
Why should I be suspicious of a friendship?
Piedmon looked at the photos that he had in his hand. Well... I've noticed something that Kyra had. It's a necklace, it seems, but here it is known as something else. It's a crest, the Crest of Knowledge, to be precise. Looking back up at the screen, Piedmon saw Toman raising a curious eyebrow.
Hai, so?
Well... the Digidestined all have Crests much like this one. Piedmon explained. I overheard Koushiro and Kyra talking once while they were here, and Kyra said, and I quote, the powers of courage, friendship, love, reliability, sincerity, hope, light, and knowledge are strong when they are one. Thus, together, these virtues shall produce harmony'. Toman, I believe that Koushiro is a Digidestined as well as a Gem Warrior.
Toman crossed his arms in front of him and gave Piedmon a skeptical look. Why would Koushiro be a Digidestined if Kyra was the one wearing the crest? And also, Kyra often spoke about stuff that made little or no sense, and that had no relevance to the situation. How is this any different?
Kyra wore the crest because she thought it was pretty', and had asked Koushiro if she could wear it, or at least, that's what I picked up from their conversation. As for talking about the powers, she looked dead serious and apparently frightened when telling Koushiro this. Plus, Koushiro agreed.
Toman paused for a minute, and then asked, Any other news?
Piedmon grinned. I hate to burst your bubble, Toman, but I believe that Kyra is beginning to suspect something about the mission you have sent them on. She has all the evidence she needed to make the deduction of you being what you are. Piedmon smirked as he saw Toman's face arrange in a surprised look.
Toman replied after a moments pause. Kyra is beginning to suspect the truth, is she? That I am not really the Gem Warriors advisor? Well, then, we can't have that, now can we? Toman grinned. Koushiro is a Gem Warrior and a Digidestined.
We've established that fact. Piedmon replied, exasperated. What are you getting at, Toman?
Knowing Kyra, she would tell Koushiro what she suspected. I know a way to rid ourselves of both problems. Toman said, smirking. Take the boy. The rest will work itself into place.
Piedmon smiled evilly and nodded. I'll get that boy. And destroy both groups as I do.
*****
Kyra yawned and laid back against a rock. The place where she was resting was very peaceful, and overlooked a lake, where many of the others were now swimming. Kyra looked down and laughed as she saw Maria and Mimi accidentally' dunk Jason under the water... again.
The cool breeze in the air was just enough to make Kyra feel like she was at home, sitting under the large willow tree in the forest... recalling the day... For the first time, Kyra felt painfully homesick, and longed to go back to Kaneoti and sit, by herself under the willow tree, and sing to herself, where no one could hear her.
It was probably because of what she suspected. When Kyra realized that Koushiro was a Gem Warrior and a Digidestined, she couldn't help but wonder why Toman-san had sent them here to attack the Digidestined. It didn't make sense, unless what Kyra now suspected was true- Toman wasn't the true advisor of the Gem Warriors.
It wasn't likely, but Kyra knew that it could happen. Something may have happened to allow Toman to get the position... or maybe Toman tried to get the position of advisor. After all, the Gem Warriors were the protectors of the galaxy and the dimensions... being their advisor would be a very powerful position... what Kyra was confused about was the fact that barely anyone knew of the Gem Warriors, and those that did were on the good side.
It was strange. Just like the Gem Warriors, the advisor for them was chosen, and the advisor had to have a pure heart. But who was it? Kyra frowned as she thought this, and then realized that she had been singing all the while that she had been thinking. It was one of her old favorites, and she remembered the words as she continued to sing.
I want to live my life, the way you said I would. With courage as my light, fighting for what's right, like you made me believe I could. Kyra sang softly, remembering the tune. And I will fly on my father's wings, to places I have never been. There is so much I've never seen. And I can feel, his heart beat still, I will do great things... on my father's wings...
You're a good singer. a voice said, and Kyra looked up, shocked, to see Matt and Kari looking down at her. The tall blond was smiling at Kyra as she blushed about being found out. Kari grinned at Kyra, and sat down.
Umm... what do you want? Kyra asked politely, looking at both Matt and Kari. Matt looked at Kari, apparently gesturing for her to say what she was thinking.
Kari looked at Kyra. Well... a while ago, I had this weird vision thing. My oniichan, you know, Tai, was asking this kid a question. The kid was short and had red-hair, and we called him Izzy. But the strange thing is... Kari bit her lip nervously. The kid looked almost exactly like Koushiro. Except maybe younger, but definitely Koushiro.
Kyra asked, a puzzled look crossing her face. I'm sure that we've never been here, and we wouldn't have wiped your memory if we had...
Kari shook her head. No, not you Gem Warriors. We all called him Izzy, and he was a friend. He... he always told Tai what to do... and he had the Crest of Knowledge too, like Koushiro! That's what made me realize the resemblance... there aren't two Crests of Knowledge!
It was then that it struck Kyra as to what Kari was saying. No way... it can't be...' Kyra thought, her mind going into over-drive. Could it? An alternate time line... this is a freakin' alternate time line! This wasn't suppose to happen! We're in the wrong time!' Kyra's mind was nearly hitting hysterics at that point, but she didn't say anything.
Matt asked. What do you think of what Kari's saying?
Kyra looked up sharply, and forced a grin on her face. Don't worry about it, Kari. I'm sure it's nothing. Then, standing up, Kyra brushed herself off and said, But that reminds me. Der-kun wants me to help him with cooking tonight, so I should be going off. Ja ne, minna! With that, Kyra quickly began to walk off.
Oh. My. Goodness.' Kyra thought fiercely as she walked. This is the wrong time line. This time line wasn't suppose to happen. Obviously Koushiro was suppose to be that person that Kari saw.. the kid named Izzy...' Biting her lip, Kyra began to calm down. But... nothing's wrong with this time line, right? I mean, why bother changing it... nothing's wrong with it...'
Kyra stopped walking for a second and thought, Right. No one needs to know about this. We'll stay in this time line.'
*****
Koushiro continued to sit silently by the stream, not really thinking about anything, just... well, the word meditating came to mind. But Koushiro was just... sitting, even though he would vaguely think of how upset Kyra had been, and how quickly she recovered when she figured out that Koushiro was a Digidestined. Tentomon, his new-found digimon guardian' was seated beside him, but Koushiro could tell that the bug-like digimon was getting bored very quickly.
Why don't you go back to your digimon friends? Koushiro asked quietly. I'm not doing anything, and if I've survived this long without you, I'm sure I could last ten more minutes, right? Koushiro grinned at the digimon to show that he was kidding, and Tentomon cocked his head, thinking.
No, that's okay. Tentomon responded. I'll stay here. What harm could it do?
Koushiro shrugged and continued to look at the patterns in the water. The stream was going quite quickly, and as it went over the rocks, it sent the water into swirls, creating images, or so Koushiro interpreted it. Koushiro knew that Tentomon was getting bored, but if the bug-like digimon wanted to stay, even after Koushiro mentioned it... well, that was his problem, Koushiro supposed.
What are you thinking about? Tentomon asked, green eyes curious.
Kyra.' Koushiro thought to himself, and remembered what they had been talking about. But he didn't say that he was thinking about how Kyra had helped him discover that he was a Digidestined, and instead said, Nothing really. My friends, I suppose... Koushiro shrugged. Well, that isn't too different... I was thinking of my friends...'
Tentomon shifted and got up. Well, do you think that you know your friends well? Why would you be thinking about them, unless they were in trouble, if you knew them really well?
Koushiro raised an eyebrow. You're clue less, do you know this?
Others have said that.
Koushiro laughed and stood up, stepping a little ways away from the twisting, turning stream. I can see why, really. Now, I guess we could go back... I'm getting pretty hungry, myself. Are you?
Tentomon nodded. I'm famished!
Koushiro nodded, and began to go back towards camp, when a hand suddenly grasped his shoulder. Tentomon gasped, apparently horrified, as Koushiro was pulled back into the strong hold of another. Hands were gripped tightly around his upper arms, creating bruises that Koushiro knew would hurt later. Twisting his head around to see his captor, Koushiro saw someone that he had hoped never to see again.
He was staring straight into the smirking face of Piedmon.
A/N: Heh, heh, heh... cliffhanger! Whee! I know that this fic didn't totally follow the plot line of kidnapping', but he WAS kidnapped at the end, ne? Also, I want to explain something. When Kyra is thinking Okay, we'll stay in this timeline', it's because she doesn't want to have Koushiro be with the Digidestined, and she figures, Hey, nothing's wrong now, why bother change it?', you know?
But the next part... *sobs* KOUSHIRO! No!
DCI: *comes back in again* I know what happens, I know what happens!
Kyra: *rolling her eyes* Shut up, Blue!
DCI: What, Red? I do!
Kyra: Only cause you forced me to tell you the spoilers.
DCI: *bows* And I'm proud of it.
ANYWAYS, now for the big arigatou section:
DCI: Even though you CONSTANTLY irritate me (^_~), you're really kewl, and good for bouncing ideas off of. Matt really appreciates not having to be the only one to do that. Wanna be my assistant muse? ^^;
Cybra: *Kyra, Matt, Izzy, Tracey, Junpuu, and Iori wave hi to Cybra from cyber space* You're soooo kewl! I love all of your fics! (BTW... you *will* finish A Different Reality'. I sent you that Sailor Jupiter card and everything to tell you to do that.)
HRW (Her Royal Weirdness): Yaoi/Yuri queen! *bows before HRW* I humble in your greatness HRW (Also, I'm glad you're letting me us your fics for my site. Bless you!)
Shameless Promo:
C'mon... go to my site, Kyra's Fanfic Archive'.... please.... here's the link:
http://www.geocities.com/kyraice5/index.html
Anyway, arigatou for reading, and please review!