Disclaimer: This story contains my ideas, not your's. Please use your own when making your fics, the Digimon franchise is not mine. Thank You, enjoy reading!

Chapter 3 – The Return of the Emperor

My body is weakening as each day of hell passes by. Days after encountering Daemon, I've been wandering around the desolate island. My heart feels like its slowly being ripped out, and I seemed to have lost the essence of my soul. Looking for answers, I search endlessly.

I'm on the verge of giving up. How can I regain my strength if I don't have hope? How can I have hope when I don't have light to guide me through the Darkness? How can I feel love, when nothing but guilt wraps around my heart?

I sigh, I can't continue on like this. If it weren't for Wormmon, I would be dead by now. Fatigue finally hits me, and I had to lie down. In a dreary state, I ponder about the conversation I had with Daemon earlier.

-Flashback-

"Welcome to the Dark Ocean Ken. I see your fears and doubts; you cannot hide your thoughts or feelings from me. In this world, I have power beyond those mere insects you call friends."

Ken stares at Daemon, hatred filling his heart, he replies.

"Take that back Daemon! My friends mean the whole world to me, and I know they won't give up until they find me."

Smiling diabolically, Daemon laughed and continued his verbal wounding.

"Don't you see Ken; this is why I summoned you. Do you realize that the darkness in your heart has really been dormant for all this time?

Shocked and in awe, Ken was shaken by Daemon's words. With his evil smile, Daemon continued.

"It's time to take action. With some power being contributed from the Dark Ocean, I will be able to awaken the prophecy and unleash your true Darkness."

"Prophecy…true Darkness?"

Ken was stunned once more.

"No, that's not possible. I turned my back against evil for two years now. How is it that you can simply awaken it?"

"I think I shall make myself clear. As long as that spore is in you, you contain the Dark spirit of Wisemon with his partner GranKuwagamon."

Loosing myself in his words, I felt numb and I start to loose the strength of my legs. Quivering, I collapsed and started to loose my breath.

Laughing, Daemon continued to torture Ken's mentality.

"Every second you waste brings you closer to your grave! Remember, your future and destiny lies in your hands."

With one last chuckle, Daemon disappears into the darkness.

-Flashback Ends-

My destiny…I don't know. I want to think that Daemon is poisoning me with his lies. Though another feeling in my heart knows he's telling the truth. I start to cry, my head hurting once more. Wormmon has been out cold ever since we got here, and I was worrying ever since. Thoughts of loosing Wormmon again pass through my head. I need to stay positive, and remain hopeful.

Watching over Wormmon, I noticed he started to move. Hope began to lighten my heart once more. I no longer felt like a weak and helpless child. Wormmon opens his eyes, tears pouring down his face.

"Wormmon…I thought I lost you again. Please forgive me; I wasn't able to protect you."

Sobbing and loosing control, Ken embraces his partner. Tears of joy rained down on the faces of Ken and Wormmon.

"Its ok Ken, please don't cry. I feel it's my fault for not being able to protect you."

"Isn't that sweet? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha… It almost warms my heart. Not really, but still…touching for the young boy. Daemon, Barbamon…my demons of Wrath and Greed…I send you to the bearer of Kindness. By the time you return, the Dark Spore will be activated. Do not fail me."

Agreeing to their master, Daemon and Barbamon set off to Ken and Wormmon. Unaware to Ken, that the two demons were heading his way; he starts to reminisce with Wormmon.

With nightfall approaching, Ken begins to sleep with a sense of comfort and safety for the first time in days. That would drastically change when Daemon looses his patience and decides to activate the Dark Spore at once. With Barbamon keeping watch, Daemon, using the essences of his darkness, engulfed Ken and Wormmon with pain and sorrows. This was dangerous, not only to Ken and Wormmon, but was also precarious to Daemon.

I scream, louder and louder each time. My mouth is about to explode, my heart seems like its pounding harder and harder as each second passes by. I can't take this anymore; my life passes through my eyes. My parents, Sam, Yolei, my body was beyond control. I had to make this stop, I had no choice. The essence of my soul was nearing its end. I would die a horrible death. The only choice that remained was to give myself up to the darkness. Fighting with the last of my breath, I gave up and deep in my heart the Dark Spore was activated.

"Well done Daemon, we should report to the Lord immediately."

"I agree, oh and…help me up will ya? The boy is stronger than I thought. I almost had to break my hold."

After a long debate, the DigiDestined decided to sleep over in the Kamiya residence. It was also decided they would search for Ken the next morning. T.K, Kari, and Yolei were having a long discussion after everyone was fast asleep.

"Yolei, you know that's not a good idea. Why do you want to search for Ken by yourself when you have all of us to back you up? I know you have a strong bond with him, but there are times when you have to realize that you can't do it yourself."

Glaring, Yolei countered T.K.

"Ha! You didn't wait for anyone when you were going after Kari."

T.K was speechless; silence loomed over the three DigiDestined. Finally, Kari breaks the silence and speaks for the first time that night.

"Then it's settled. We search for Ken by ourselves. Is that ok with you T.K?"

"Sure Kari, but we'll have to go now."

T.K, Kari, and Yolei nodding their heads, and smiling with relief; started to prepare for their long journey ahead, which would eventually bring them to Ken. Packing their bags, they brought all the supplies and equipment that they would need: tents, sleeping bags, food, and water. T.K still had a worrying feeling inside, that it still might not be a good idea to go on without the others.

"Are you two sure about this? You know we can always wait until the morning comes."

Yolei, who sounded very annoyed, replied.

"Yes T.K, we are sure about this."

"Kari, do you think you'll be ok?"

"I'm very sure T.K. Anyways, why should we worry when we know you're there to protect us?"

Smiling, T.K responds.

"Thanks Kari. Ok, if we're all set let's go! Digi-Port open!"

The three young DigiDestined entered the portal, in search of their lost friend. As the hours passed by, the other DigiDestined began to wake up. At first, no one was aware that T.K, Kari, and Yolei were no longer in the Kamiya residence. While eating breakfast, Tai was the first to notice this.

"Wow Matt, these eggs are really good. Where's your brother?"

"Thanks Tai. Knowing my brother, he must have slept in with Kari again."

While Matt and Tai winked at each other, Tai continued.

"Oh well, we better wake them up or they'll miss the search trip."

Unaware aware of his missing sibling, Tai proceeded to Kari's room. Meanwhile, Joe and Cody were having a conversation.

"Uh…Joe, can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Sure Cody, what's up?"

"Well, I guess I'm still in doubt about searching for Ken. True, we are the DigiDestined. But isn't it a bad idea to search blindly for him?"

Why can't I stay quiet! Oh well. I trust him the most, and I know he understands me. But…Joe might think I'm still a little baby, worrying about everything.

Listening intently, Joe replies coolly.

"I think I know what you mean Cody. Is it ok if I ask why this is bothering you so much? I might be able to help."

Phew…Thanks Joe. I knew I could trust you. Well, here goes nothing.

"It's ok Joe. It's better to let your problems out, instead of bottling it up inside, right?"

"That's right Cody. I just want to compliment how mature you are. You really do feel like a little brother to me. Ha, ha…enough of me talking, go ahead Cody. Tell me what's on your mind."

Cody and Joe's heart-to-heart, abruptly cut short by a screaming brunette.

"Kari's GONE!!! What the hell? Where did she go! T.K! That's it, I'm calling the cops."

"Enough! Calm down Tai…They must've gone off without us. Just chill man, jeez… Kari is in good hands, remember that Kamiya. T.K would do anything to protect her, and besides has he ever let her down?"

Tai begins to relax; with his heart slowing to a steady pace, he regains his composure.

"Thanks Matt. I needed that. Well, you know me too well that I would overreact if my sister was missing. So, I think we should go after them. Does everyone agree with me?"

"Yeah!" Replied in unison, the DigiDestined agrees with Tai and prepares to enter the Digital World once more.

Ugh… Where am I? I feel so different, it feels evil. Whoa! What happened to my hands? My face… Did I die? I feel my cold hard skull with my hands, it felt like death has taken me. Still, this feeling is irresistible, I love it. Somehow, being doused in evil and darkness made me forget about my parents, friends, and especially, Yolei. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. I want to be like this forever, ooh, isn't that Agumon with his friends? Yes, that's Gabumon and Biyomon.

"Daemon, Barbamon, well done. The child's darkness has grown. Eventually the spirit of Wisemon will take over forever. Ah yes, perfect timing. It seems that Barbamon's Phantomon has captured the Digimon of the bearer of Courage, Friendship, and Love. Watch, as soon as the child embraces the evil, the spirit will take over his body."

"Gabumon, Biyomon, are you two alright?"

"Don't worry Agumon, we're ok. Do you have an idea where we are right now?"

"No, and I don't think I want to know. Doesn't this place feel familiar, as if we've been here before?"

Before receiving an answer, Gabumon was interrupted by a cloaked figure, floating in the distance.

"Wow, guys… Who is that?"

"I'm not sure Biyomon, he looks strong, so be alert."

The three rookies, unaware of the true extent of the power coming from the cloaked figure, steadily moving its way towards them, started chuckling.

"I am the true ruler of the Digital World, who dares to come forth? You there, pink chicken!"

Shocked and disgusted, Biyomon retorted.

"Excuse me! No one calls me a chicken and gets away with it."

Biyomon had enough of this mysterious figure, and started to attack.

"Spiral Twister!"

Before the attack was even initiated, Wisemon countered.

"Eternal Nirvana!"

Biyomon's attack was abruptly stopped by Wisemon's counter. Eternal Nirvana was an attack used to stop the opponent from attacking, changing their mind, leading them to be vulnerable to another attack.

"Biyomon! What's wrong?"

Agumon and Gabumon called out at their friend with concern. Without hesitation, Wisemon continued to attack. This time, Agumon and Gabumon.

"Pandora Dialogue! Ha, ha, ha… Agumon, Gabumon, I foresee darkness. Darkness that will consume you and trap you forever, you will never see the light again."

Pandora Dialogue was an attack that caused tragedies, unable to cause deaths it was able to cause real disasters. Screaming in horror, Agumon and Gabumon were sucked into the darkness. Biyomon was now alone, at the mercy of Wisemon.

"No, please no… Sora!"

"Biyomon, your time has come. Say goodbye to this world, and everything with it… Eight Balls of Lust!"

Wisemon's ultimate attack, Biyomon was hit full force by the dark spheres. One after the other, the spheres hit Biyomon from all directions. Every sphere connected, causing wails of pain and anguish. After the last sphere, Biyomon's shine was gone, her feathers torn apart. With one last breath she muttered. "Sora…"

Slowly, Biyomon started to fade. Particles of her started to float into the air, as she was being deleted.

"Zone Black Hole!"

A dark Digimon suddenly appeared. It was GranKuwagamon, a Mega Digimon. Wisemon smiled, it was the Mega form of the Wormmon line. Zone Black Hole is an explosion warp that gathers all matter and data. Digimon and human alike, this was no ordinary prison, holding you until the ends of time. Chuckling evilly, Wisemon goes to his partner, praising him.

"Well done GranKuwagamon. I suppose that I'll give you Agumon and Gabumon as well."

Transferring data, Agumon and Gabumon was now trapped in GranKuwagamon's darkness. Enjoying their achievements, the evil duo returned to the Dark World. Before doing so, Daemon and Barbamon approached them.

"Well done Ken, or should I say, Wisemon? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha…"

"Yes Daemon, the child has exceeded our expectations. With three of the Chosen Children's Digimon now in our grasp, imagine the possibilities. We now hold the power of Omnimon! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

"Hmm…thank you Daemon, Barbamon. Let's get out of here; I sense a strong light not too far from here."

"I agree, Barbamon, Wisemon, GranKuwagamon, let's go!"

The Demon Lords agreeing with Wisemon, dissipated, on their way to the Dark World.

T.K, Kari, and Yolei have been in the Digital World for quite some time now. Ever since entering the Digital World, Kari felt lightheaded. As the bearer of Light, Kari could feel anything evil. As soon as Ken submitted to the darkness, she couldn't take it any longer. Kari collapsed; T.K sensed this, immediately came at her side hoping she was ok.

"Kari, Kari! Are you ok? Please Kari, what's wrong?

Damn it! We should've stopped to rest. How could I be so blind, I let her down.

Concern was all over the blonde's face; his deep blue eyes were as deep as the depths of an ocean. A tear started to form, holding Kari in his arms, he shook her lightly. In a soft and caring voice, T.K spoke in Kari's ear.

"I'm sorry Kari. I knew we should've stopped earlier. If it weren't for Yolei, this wouldn't be happening."

-Flashback-

"T.K, Kari! Would you two hurry up? Ken is still out there and he needs our help. We can rest later, for now, we have to go!"

"Yolei, can you relax. Kari doesn't look too good, so we have to take a break for now."

I looked at T.K, seeing his care and concern, made me smile. He always watched out for me, ever since we met on our first adventure, he's watched over me to this day. Thank you T.K.

"I'll be ok T.K, Yolei's right. I don't want to be the reason why we can't look for Ken."

"Kari, are you sure? You know I can tell when you're not telling the truth."

"T.K! I'm fine okay…"

Smiling T.K moved closer to Kari, looking into her deep dark eyes.

"Kari…lying is bad."

Damn, why can't I resist those blue eyes? He always wins, err…I'm too easy. Trying my best to frown, I retorted.

"Fine! You win, again."

With a smile of satisfaction T.K replied.

"Yes, I win again."

"Be quiet, okay. I just had feeling of a dark energy, not too far from here. It feels awful, just don't tell Yolei okay? It feels very familiar, it feels like, Ken."

"Uh Kari… I don't think you have to worry about Yolei."

"Now why is that?"

"Kari, Yolei's gone."

-Flashback Ends-

"T.K…"

Faint words started to come out of Kari's mouth, hope never left T.K, and he was filled with joy. Trying to hold his tears, he spoke.

"How are you Kari?"

"I'm okay…T.K, why are you crying?"

"I failed you Kari, we should've waited. You were weak, and yet we still continued. Now, along with Ken, Yolei is missing. It's my fault, I'm sorry Kari."

"T.K…it's not your fault. Please don't cry, you'll make me cry too."

Seeing T.K in this state was hard for Kari. She couldn't help but shed tears herself.

"Oh Kari…we have to look for a shelter, from there we contact the others."

"I agree. We need their help; they might be worried sick about us."

The two DigiDestined headed for Toy Town, the nearest area to stay. Reaching Toy Town, T.K messaged Davis.

Davis, where are you guys? I'm with Kari, and Yolei has disappeared. No sign of Ken, it seemed like we were close but we lost him. Come quick, we're in Toy Town.

T.K

AN – Dear readers and reviewers. Thank you for you patience, I finally updated! School has gotten the best of me, I apologize. I appreciate the support you give, please continue, I deeply appreciate this. To make it up to everyone, I'll try my hardest to get Chapter 4 up by today. I'm not promising though, so don't get too excited. Thank you again.