Note: I own the following characters: Ariyuki, Midori/Mysticmon, Kii, Ariyami, Neomon, Digimon Sovereign, Digimon Baron, Alan/Alanoko(real name), Lilith Tsutomo, Lyle Tsutomo, William Knightsphere (more to come in future chapters) I don't own the Digidestined or their parents. By the way, I apologize for not having the poem at the beginning of chapter six. I spaced out. ^_^'

Chapter Seven:

Ken's Magic

Born from Darkness, in the light, the child exists in shadow,

Born from hated, given love, the child exists to fight.

Yet know he not the road is long and should he stray from right,

Grow cold is heart, grow dark his mind, may Evil grow that night.

Ken was awakened in the morning by the delicious scent of pancakes and sausage. Still not completely in the conscious realm, he slowly climbed down his bunk ladder, slipping on the third step. Nearly falling to the ground tingled his senses and made him more wary of where he was going. After safely making it to the solid floor and rubbing his eyes until he could see straight, he stared out his bedroom window, and discovered that it was still somewhat dark outside. Curious, Ken staggered slowly into the kitchen, where his mother, who had her back to him, was tending to the pancakes.

"Morning, mom," croaked Ken, stretching his cramped arms and legs.

"Good morning, dear," Molly replied, turning to face her son. "Sleep well?"

"Better than usual," he said, slouching into a chair. "Why are you up so early?"

"Well, I decided to make some breakfast for you before you went to school today. Do you mind?" Molly asked, checking the sausage.

Ken gave his mother a funny look. "Well, no, but...I don't have school today. It's a holiday for the teachers." he stifled his sniggers as Molly stared at him in shock.

"Oh, no. All this for nothing!" she whined, looking discouraged.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Mommy, dearest," sang Ariyami's energetic voice from behind. "I'd be more than happy to help you eat-"

"Not before me!" now Ariyuki was awake and ambling into the kitchen with some difficulty- he was more asleep than Ken was- with Midori in his arms.

"Well," said Molly happily, patting both Ariyuki and Ariyami on the heads and sending them to the table. "It seems everyone is awake except for your father. That man...Never wakes up unless he has to."

"I think all men are like that, Molly," chimed a voice near her ankles. Midori had come for attention. She leapt onto Ariyuki's lap and accepted Ariyuki's pets and strokes.

Ariyami soon began giggling at Ken. "What?" Ken asked.

"Nice P.J.s, Kenny boy," he pointed at Ken's teddy bear pajamas. Each one had a little red bow tie.

Ken frowned. "At least mine don't have rubber duckies on them, Ariyami." he hissed.

Ariyami desisted his laughter and glared at Ken. "That is so low." he muttered.

"Well, I think they're both cute," Molly budded in, bringing in plates of pancakes and well done sausage. "Breakfast served!"

She placed a plate with three pancakes for Ken, a plate of...ten pancakes for Ariyami, and one for Ariyuki, giving him an extra kiss on the head. Ariyuki laughed and blushed. Then Ken and Ariyami gave fake looks of jealousy to their mother, and she laughed and kissed them too.

It was cold all around, snow littered the floor. Down below the cliff, Digimon were running for all they were worth. Lilith stared around; where was she? Then, a high-pitch cackle filled the air. Lilith panicked and stared around, but couldn't find the laughing person.

Was this the Digimon Sovereign laughing? Just then the person laughing grunted with struggling or with pain. The next instant, a Mushroomon was hurled over her head, and a cruel voice: "You'll know better next time, if there is a next time for you!" Was the Sovereign behind her? If he was, she couldn't turn to see; it was like she was paralyzed.

She even tried to scream, but couldn't. If she didn't move, the Sovereign might attack her. Just then a flash of thin red light struck out.

"No, stop!" Lilith cried and sat up in bed, drenched in cold sweat. She panted and gazed around. Realizing where she was, she fell back onto her pillow. "It was just a dream...Maybe I should tell Ken about it..." Lilith was distracted, however, by a liquid feeling running down her arm from elbow to wrist. She checked and found a thick, red substance; blood.

"What the...?" she ran into the bathroom and washed her arm in the sink. "Gazing outside the bathroom window, Lilith noticed that it must be noon or around that time. "I wonder what caused my arm to bleed like that. It doesn't even hurt that much." after binding her painless wound with bandages, Lilith strolled back into her room and sank onto her bed.

Her nightstand next to her bed caught her attention. "I bet I hit it on that in my sleep," Lilith concluded. She smiled at herself and her embarrassing panic, but still, that dream...

Lilith simply shrugged and got undressed. Time to go out. Now redressed in dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a red cotton vest, Lilith ran down the hall and down the staircase. "I'm going outside!" she called through the house.

"Lilith, wait! Where are you going?" a young man's voice called from the living room.

Lilith poked her head around the corner to the living room and spotted her brother, Lyle, laying on the couch, watching The Crime Detectives. "Just out to play, maybe go into the city." she told him.

"Well, make sure you've got taxi money to get around; I don't want you stranded alone in Tokyo," he warned, looking up from the sofa.

"Don't worry, I'm not alone anymore. I've got a new friend."

"Already?" Lyle seemed shocked and impressed. "Well, just remember; don't talk to strangers, don't touch any stray dogs, and don't pay the hoboes! They'll never leave you alone."

Lilith was moving her hand in the shape of a mouth while Lyle was repeating the city rules again. "Don't worry. I'll be safe. Bye, Lyle!" but before she left, she turned back and said, "Lyle, thanks for not telling Will where I'm going. I don't mind him, but he treats me like I'm a precious metal or something. He won't let me do anything."

"It's no problem, Lily," he told her, "Just be back before five, okay?"

"Sure!" and with that, Lilith bolted away from the living room. She ran next to the door, slipped on her black half-boots and brown half-gloves. She turned the doorknob and ran out of the house, slamming it behind her.

Now leaving the front door, Lilith strolled past the long garden of flowers on both sides of her; Lyle, being a huge floral lover, planted and grew them himself. She turned back and gazed at the house she just left; two stories with an attic, her room was on the upper floors. Their house contained five bedrooms (three upstairs and two downstairs) and two bathrooms (one upstairs and one downstairs). Lilith smiled to herself and turned back around to leave.

A mewing around her ankles made Lilith recoil in shock. Looking down, she saw her white cat. She mewed again and rubbed against Lilith's legs, demanding attention.

"Nekomata, you silly feline," Lilith scolded playfully, bending down and petting her cat. Nekomata was a snowy white, short haired cat with a red collar, and big blue, friendly eyes, just like Lilith's.

It's not every day I have to resort to yowling to get your attention, Lilith, she said to Lilith, staring up.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't see you down there," Lilith apologized, scratching the back of her head.

So, where are you going? Nekomata asked, leaping up onto Lilith's shoulder.

"To Tokyo," she said simply. "I've got some money on me, and I figured I could spend it there. Maybe get Ken and go on a shopping spree with him." she smiled at the thought of it.

You'd best be careful, Lilith, Nekomata cautioned. Has it never crossed your mind that Ken might be using you? I mean, how often does a guy meet a rich young girl who's willing to spend it all in one day? I'm not trying to be your mother, Lilith, There was some hurt in her voice, but, please be careful.

"Don't worry. I trust Ken; and besides, it's not we're dating or anything. We're just good friends. That's for sure!" said Lilith. She kissed Nekomata on the forehead, set her on the ground, and ran down the stone steps. Lilith's house settled in the outskirts of Tokyo. The first step of getting there was to trek through a two mile long gravel road. This didn't bother Lilith; she used to be a champion track runner, and could run three miles without feeling the need to stop.

However, with the loud yelling coming from Ken's apartment, it's amazing that Lilith couldn't hear.

"No, mama! Please don't make me go! Please!"

"Ariyuki, there's nothing else I can do. Besides, school will be good for you. You can make new friends, dear."

"Then, why don't ya make Ariyami go?" Ariyuki protested.

"Because he wouldn't be any more thrilled than you, and you need more schooling than he does." Molly looked as though she too was against school, but she had no other choice. The Government had even called that threatened to take Ariyuki away if he didn't go to school.

"Kay," said Ariyuki with despair. He trudged back into his and Ken's room, shutting the door behind him. Midori walked right through the door and into his lap.

"I don't think school's so bad. Besides, you could sneak me in with you. See?" she tilted her head with an air of cuteness. Her plan to cheer Ariyuki us worked.

"Yeah, and we could even speak out of school too, sometimes. Don't know if it'll work, but we can try." he giggled and at that moment, Ken and Ariyami opened to door.

"You okay?" Ken asked.

"Yeah." said Ariyuki, straightening up.

"Ya know, I seem to remember promising you two that we'd get some ice cream yesterday after school. What'd you think?" Ken grinned and his counterparts smiled with delight.

"Yeah!" they both cheered.

All three of them got dressed immediately. Ariyami slipped on light blue jeans, a blue and white buttoned T-shirt, and white socks. Ariyuki pulled on the same kind of pants as Ariyami's, a white T-shirt, and his new royal red long jacket that Molly bought him. Ken wore tan khakis and a green T-shirt with white socks.

"Now, before anyone starts calling, lets get outta here," Ken said, almost whispered. Grabbing his wallet, and slipping on his black shoes, (Ariyami pulling on white tennis shoes, and Ariyuki pulling black shoes like Ken's) Ken ushered his brothers out the door.

Outside was bright and sunny. The breeze was cool and the clouds in the sky were simply fluffy-looking. The trip to Keichoe's Ice Cream Parlor wasn't too far, and all three Ichijouji boys enjoyed the nice, pleasant walk. Ariyami soon scooped up Ariyuki and placed him on his shoulders. Ken was so busy laughing with amusement, he almost didn't hear someone call his name.

"Ken! Ken, over here!" it was Lilith. She was running down the sidewalk toward him and his brothers.

"Lilith!" Ariyuki cried with joy, jumping down from Ariyami's shoulders. Lilith giggled and patted Ariyuki's hair. "Are you coming to get ice cream with us?" he asked excitedly.

"Sure," she responded. "How have you all been?"

"We're just fine," said Ken truthfully, "I'm just taking these two to get some ice cream. I promised them yesterday."

"Oh yeah," said Lilith. "Ariyami, it's nice to see you here."

"Bet you weren't expecting the Magic Couch Potato, were you?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.

"Oh," said Lilith, scratching the back of her head and laughing nervously. "I didn't know you heard..."

"Well, do you mind coming with us?" Ken asked. "I can buy for you-"

"No, it's no problem. I have some money of my own." she waved away to question.

At the ice cream shop Ken bought Ariyuki a chocolate and marshmallow malt like last time, and bought Ariyami a chocolate cake sundae. Ken got himself a strawberry cone this time, while Lilith surprised them all with a large banana split. "It's amazing to watch such a petite girl eat an entire banana split." stated Ken in astonishment.

"Yeah, how do you keep your figure?" Ariyami asked, not caring how rude it was to stare.

"Good question," she responded, taking a gigantic bite of the banana split. "I mean, it doesn't seem to matter what I eat, I always stay this thin. Then again, I am a great athlete."

"That could explain it," said Ken.

After the delicious snack, Ken, Ariyuki, Ariyami, and Lilith all set out to the park with no name. There was a large garden there, and they all felt like a walk. While Ken and Lilith stuck to the path, Ariyuki and Ariyami went exploring; Ariyami flew through fields of various flowers, scooping a handful up and giving them to Lilith. "From the Magic Couch Potato," he told her.

Ariyuki ran around in circles often and danced around streams and ponds. Later, he, Lilith, and Ken all sat in a field of flowers and began making flower crowns and giving them to each other. When Ken and Lilith were finished, Ariyuki looked something like a princess, with daisies in his hair, cherry blossoms from trees around his wrists, and a rose crown on his head. It was only when Lilith created a tiara of lilacs did things begin to go bad.

Lilith placed it on his head, giggling, then Ariyuki took it off to admire it. He then stopped laughing and stared at it. At first it was with curiosity, then it seemed like he was in a trance. Then he heard it; laughing. Two people laughing merrily. Then, flashes of what seemed like lightning struck everywhere before them.

Ariyuki then keeled backward, curled up, clutching his hair, screaming with pain.

"My God!" Lilith cried in alarm.

"Ariyuki! Snap out of it!" Ken forced Ariyuki into sitting position and shook him hard. When Ariyuki made no response except to continue screaming, Ken started to cry. "Please, stop. Please leave him alone," he said to no one.

Then Lilith seized Ariyuki's hands and closed her eyes. Ken heard her chant in a whisper over and over, "Power of magic, come to me. Power of magic, come to me..." Blue light flashed over Ariyuki and Lilith, and Ariyuki ceased his flailing and crying at once. The light soon vanished and the energy faded, and Lilith ended the spell, "So mote it be."

Ariyuki shuddered and Lilith wrapped her arms around him. "Are you alright, now?" she asked.

"Teach me," he muttered simply, pulling away. "Teach me your magic. I wanna learn."

Lilith stared at Ken with uncertainty. "You must have the power, the gift of magic, to successfully learn it," she said.

"Ariyuki has the healing gift," said Ken.

"Healers should never be taught the gift of destruction. The power they inherit becomes too much for them to understand; they become corrupt." Lilith replied darkly.

"You know a lot about this, don't you?" Ken asked, holding Ariyuki.

"More than you know. I am one of the few healing mages who also wield destructive power. We understand how to control it, and not let it all go to our heads. However, I sense purity in this little one. I think he could be quite the mage." she smiled at Ariyuki.

"Everyone sees purity in this little guy," teased Ken, ruffling Ariyuki's hair. "C'mon. Let's get Ariyami and go home. You sure you're okay, Ariyuki?"

"Yeah," he said wearily. "I just heard two people laughing happily, then whatever it is that's inside me made my head hurt again. Whatever it is, it uses black lightning."

"Black lightning?" Lilith asked.

"I think I know what this thing is," said Ken, with horrible worry and tenseness in his voice. Everyone, including Ariyami, who had just arrived, stared at Ken with apprehension. "It's a Dark Spore."

"What's that?" Lilith asked, horrified.

"It's something that was implanted inside me when I was little, about ten years old. It's what turned me into-" he stopped, remembering that he hadn't told Lilith yet about him being the Digimon Emperor.

Ariyami, however, finished it for Ken. "This Dark Spore thing turned him into a very bad person called the Digimon Emperor. Let's just say he wasn't the nicest Emperor in the world. He's kinda like this Sovereign dude now."

"But, I don't think he's any worse than I was," said Ken. "I mean, I was under the control of the Dark Sore, however, he seems to be under something much more powerful. I don't think he's that bad, really-"

"Not that bad!" howled Ariyami in rage. "That little wolverine bit me!"

"Well, getting back to the subject," Lilith budded in tartly. "This Dark Spore thing is inhabiting Ariyuki, and yet he shows extraordinary resilience to its evil."

"I know," said Ken.

"That's why he's called your pure counterpart, Ken," stated Ariyami, as if trying to bring Ken into reality. "I mean, why else do you think he's a pint-sized version of yourself? He's your younger self, representing your innocent self!"

"Oh, so you two are his counterparts?" asked Lilith with interest.

Ariyami slapped his forehead. "Ken, didn't ya tell her any of this?"

"Well, no. I didn't think I had to," admitted Ken.

"It's alright. This is interesting," said Lilith. "So, if Ariyuki's the innocent side, that makes you the darker side. I've learned all about this in my magic books."

Ariyami yawned. "Guys, I thought we we're gonna go home."

"Yeah, might be the best thing," said Ken. "I guess we'll see ya later, Lilith."

"Bye, bye, Lilith," said Ariyuki, running off to catch up with Ariyami.

"Ken?" Lilith called after him, who was trying to catch up to the others.

He pulled back, "Yeah?"

Lilith wouldn't look directly in Ken's eyes. "I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go for a walk with me tomorrow. Maybe come see my house? I'm sure Lyle would love to meet you."

"And Lyle is your brother?" Ken asked, forcing Lilith to look at him with his hand under her chin.

Lilith blushed. "Yeah." she pulled away from Ken, fingering her vest. "He's not exactly like William, and I really think you two would get along great!" she looked hopeful.

"Sure!" said Ken. "We'll meet here in this park, okay? At around five?"

"Sure!" Lilith repeated. "I'll meet ya here then, bye!" and she ran off.

Ken chuckled, then ran to catch up to his brothers.

The next morning was the worst for Ariyuki. It was his first day at school; Ken shook him awake at around seven and handed him some clothes. "Today's your big day, Ariyuki. I hope you have fun," Ken told him cheerfully. "C'mon, Mom's makin' breakfast."

"I don't feel very hungry. My stomach might explode," he replied, pulling his socks on.

"I know that feeling," said Ken. "Oh, well; at seven thirty I'll help walk you to school."

"Kay."

It was seven thirty-one before the two actually left, though. Down the sidewalk, Ariyuki was looking everywhere, as if searching for a glimpse of hope to get out of this. He was so busy worrying that he didn't even notice he was separated from Ken. When he did, he searched around and screamed for Ken's name. "Ken, where are you?"

He was in such agitation that he didn't look where he was going, and collided right into someone. Ariyuki gazed up and saw he ran right into a very tall woman. Her hair was long and seemed silver; her skin was pale, but warm; he couldn't see her eyes because of the sunglasses she was wearing. They concealed her eyes better than Ariyami's glasses.

She wore a white blouse with a blue jacket and a light blue skirt. She wore high (but not too high) heeled sandals and a purse.

"I'm sorry," said Ariyuki, looking down.

"Lost?" she asked him, removing her sunglasses. Her seemingly black eyes were both harsh and gentle.

"I can't find my brother," he admitted, looking back up into her face. "His name is Ken."

The woman's face gave the expression that she knew Ken, or thought she knew. "Well, child, I don't know where your brother might be, but I might be able to point you in the right direction, wherever you're going."

Ariyuki pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "Sento Elementary," he told her.

"You've got quite a reading skill," she told him with an air of amazement. "Yes, I know where this school is. Follow me." Ariyuki stayed close to this woman. He didn't want to stray again; finally, they came upon a three story building with the title, "Sento Elementary" inscribed on it. "There you are," she gracefully told him." I'll be looking forward to our next meeting." and she walked away.

Ariyuki stared after her for only a second before he heard the school bells ring and dashed inside the building. He went to the front office and stood on his tip-toes to get the person at the desk's attention.

"Excuse me," he said shyly. "Is anybody here?"

A young man then leaned over the top of the desk to get a view of who was talking to him. He had shoulder length white hair and caramel eyes. The clothes he was wearing was also white. He stepped out from behind the counter and Ariyuki saw that the long white jacket he was wearing had small rubies embedded near the hem.

"Hello there," he said cheerfully, "And how may I help you?"

"Hello, my name is Ariyuki and I need to-"

"Oh, you're the new kid," he said with enthusiasm. He dug around his messy desk and pulled out a clean sheet of blue paper. "Here are your classes, kido. Have fun!"

"Umm, mister?" Ariyuki asked.

"Yes?"

"Are you at all related to a woman with long silver hair and black eyes?" he imitated, using his own hair as a prop.

"A woman with...Oh, her! She's a teacher here. Well, no." Ariyuki saw him blush. "I'm not related to her."

"Do you like her?" Ariyuki persisted.

"Don't you have a class to go to, little guy?" the man asked, laughing nervously and returning to his desk.

Ariyuki didn't say anything else, but walked away. He looked down at his list of classes. His first one was Reading and Language Arts, room 204. Ariyuki looked from left to right at the other doors. 196, 197, 198..."I just need to follow these doors," he said cheerfully to himself.

When he came upon room 204, he knocked. When he saw the person who opened the door, he gasped. It was the woman who helped him get to school. She smiled pleasantly at him. "Welcome. I trust you found your way here alright?"

"Yes," squeaked Ariyuki, as the teacher closed the door behind him. He was receiving stares from all the children in the class room.

"And you must be..." she checked her list of students. "Ariyuki Ichijouji. Well, Ariyuki, I want you to take a seat next to Jem Mizu." she pointed to a boy with short blond hair.

"Kay," Ariyuki slowly ambled to the desk next to Jem and seated himself.

Jem smiled at him. "First days can be scary, but I'm sure you can handle yourself."

"Thanks," said Ariyuki.

The woman walked to the front of the class, "Good morning everyone."

The children responded, "Good morning, Miss Aruanna."

Ariyuki stared around. Miss Aruanna, huh?

"Now, I have a new spelling list for everyone," she indicated the blackboard. It had the words: Immediately, shiny, telephone, and powerful. "Now, I'm going to erase these words and call on different kids to spell them out. Ready?" she picked up the eraser and swept her hand gracefully over the board, clearing every bit of her elegant handwriting.

She then pointed her hand at a boy three seats from the front row, "Chance, spell immediately."

The boy hesitated. "Umm, I-M-I-D-I-A-T-L-Y. Immediately."

"I'm sorry, Chance, but that's wrong. How about, Celest? Spell immediately." When this girl got it wrong to, she turned to Jem. He couldn't spell it either. "Can anyone try to-" Ariyuki shot his hand in the air. "Alright, Ariyuki."

Ariyuki's face lit up. "I-M-M-E-D-I-A-T-E-L-Y. Immediately."

"Very good, Ariyuki!" Miss Aruanna praised. "Very good!"

The rest of the class clapped for Ariyuki, making him blush. Then Jem said, "What did I tell ya? You're doin' great already!"

Lunch was also a good time. Ariyuki didn't have any money, but Jem bought some lunch for him. Jem showed him all around the school, the playground dos and don'ts, and even pointed out the bullies. Ariyuki had Jem in every one of his classes, though they weren't always seated next to each other. Then, in Science, Jem told Ariyuki something that made him stare.

"If you ask me, Miss Aruanna is weird!"

"What? I think she's nice. She showed me the way to the school and everything," said Ariyuki.

"She's probably trying to get you to be the teacher's pet." he told him. "That's why none of the other kids like her; she only shows respect to a few kids."

Ariyuki stared at his hands; he didn't think Miss Aruanna was like that. Maybe Jem just didn't like her, but that was his business.

When school was finally over, Ariyuki spotted Ken standing near the front gates. "How was your fist day?" he asked.

"It was cool!" Ariyuki exclaimed. "I met a really nice teacher named Aruanna! Ken, I'm sorry I got lost earlier today."

"It wasn't your fault," said Ken. "I should've been paying attention to you. Ready to go home?"

"Yeah!"

Back at their residence, Ken and Ariyuki kicked off their shoes and slumped onto the couch. "First day fun?" Ken asked.

"It's okay," said Ariyuki. "Just wanna relax now-" but at that moment the telephone rang and both Ken and Ariyuki grimaced at each other.

Ken got up to get the phone, but Ariyami flew in a beat him to it. "Ichijouji residence!" he sang cheerfully. "Yeah? Oh." he handed the phone to Ken. "It's for you."

Ken sighed and took the phone from Ariyami. "Hello? What? Okay. Alright! We'll be there soon!" he slammed to phone back onto the receiver.

"What is it?" Ariyuki asked from the couch.

"The Digimon Sovereign is attacking the Digital World right now! Everyone Else is already there! Let's go!" Ken charged into his room, Ariyuki and Ariyami following. They each shook their Digimon awake. Ken put his Digivice to the computer monitor, and the journey back to the Digital World began once more.

They arrived in a forest, but judging by the sound of explosions, the Sovereign and Digidestined weren't very far away.

"Wormmon, Digivolve!" Ken shouted.

"I would, Ken," he said, "but there's a Control Spire right there!" he pointed at the large black obelisk way to the right.

"Damn it!" Ken muttered.

"Don't worry, Ken." Ariyuki aimed his Digivice at his Digimon. "Midori! Crystal Digivolve!"

In an instant, Kailomon had become the beautiful Mysticmon. "Come," she said. "I will carry you all."

"Nobody carries Ariyami!" Ariyami said with pride.

It wasn't hard to find their friends; they just needed to find the Digimon Sovereign, and he was riding on his Kuromon's shoulder. Down below no the ground were the Digidestined, running with all their speed. "We've gotta do something!" Ken cried through the whistling of the wind.

"Leave it to me!" Ariyami shouted. He flew ahead, then launched a beam sword at the Sovereign, who barely saw it coming and darted into the air to avoid it.

"Cheater!" he screeched. He summoned a red beam sword and hurled it at Ariyami.

"Missed me!" he hollered, making the Sovereign clench his fists tightly. Just then, Kuromon appeared behind Ariyami and bashed him on the head, rendering him unconscious.

"Get rid of him," the Sovereign drawled.

However, Midori, with Ken and Ariyuki still on her shoulders darted forward, slashing Kuromon and causing her to drop Ariyami. Midori caught him and gently placed him on the ground. At that moment, Kuromon took Midori by surprise and punched her in the face. Nearly dislodging Ariyuki, Midori countered and kicked Kuromon on the chin.

"Stop!" the Sovereign shouted. Ken turned around and saw that the Digimon Sovereign was on the ground, pointing a beam sword at the unconscious Ariyami. "Give up, or I kill him." he sneered.

Anger boiled inside Ken. Even if the Sovereign was under control, he needed to be taught a lesson. Ken wasn't just going to sit there and watch the Sovereign kill Ariyami! Ken leapt off of Midori's shoulder and tackled the boy. They tumbled backwards down the hill, Ken not releasing the Sovereign's cloak.

Finally they hit the bottom of the hill. Ken made to land a punch on the boy, but he slid out from under him. "Sovereign!" Ken shouted. "Let's make this a fair fight. We fight with our fists and legs. No magic!"

"That's fine with me," the Sovereign scoffed. He got into fighter position, his fists raised in front of him, Ken doing the same. Then they both charged; Ken made a strong swing toward the boy's face, but he grabbed Ken's arm and swung him over his shoulder.

Ken tried the same tactic, only to have the same result; being thrown to the ground. Ken looked up and saw the Sovereign kick high. He rolled out of the way just in time as the Sovereign's foot smashed the ground where Ken's head was. Then Ken realized something; remembering that this boy was a defensive fighter, he must also have a way to turn his opponent's attacks against them. He had to be careful.

"Tired, Ichijouji?" the Sovereign asked tauntingly.

"Not tired enough!" Ken dashed forward, making another punch move. His plan worked; the Sovereign made to catch his fist, then Ken pulled his fist back and instead kicked the boy hard in the stomach. He fell to his knees, completely winded, and tried to catch his breath quickly. He stared up at Ken, who was grinning triumphantly. "Now, let's find out who you are." he reached for the Sovereign's hood, but felt a strong pair of hands grasp his arms and force them behind his back.

"Thanks, Baron," he heard the Sovereign say.

"No problem," snarled the Baron. "Can I finish him? Please?"

"I don't see why not," The Digimon Sovereign taunted. The Digimon Baron grinned and pulled out his leather whip, using it as rope to tie Ken to a tree nearby. Ken struggled with all his power against his restraints, but it was no use. He watched in frustrated terror as the Baron unsheathed an enormous broadsword. He put it to Ken's neck, then pulled away.

Ken closed his eyes as the Baron made to swing hard, but at that moment Nephertimon came roaring down and landing between Ken and the Digimon Baron. The Sovereign was just about to ask how Gatomon Digivolved, but instead turned to find his precious Control Spire destroyed. "Damn!" he shouted. "Kuromon! Come to me!" Kuromon came soaring down and The Sovereign jumped up to her shoulder, the Baron doing the same. "Let's get outta here!"

Before Ken or Nephertimon could do anything, Kuromon soared away, out of sight. The next thing Ken knew, Ariyuki jumped into his arms, cheering. Then Davis and the others came dashing down the hill, all looking as though they had defeated Myotismon.

"Yeah! For the first time we beat the Digimon Sovereign at his own game!" Davis cried.

"This calls for a celebration!" Yolei hollered.

Ken nodded, but while everyone else was cheering, his pocket watch went off. He dug around in his pocket and read the time. He felt like his insides had disintegrated. It was five thirty! He had promised to meet Lilith in the park at five; he was a half hour late!

"I gotta go!" Ken shouted, running up the hill, back toward the portal to the real world.

"I wonder where he had to go in a hurry," said Cody.

Only Ariyuki and Ariyami knew where Ken was going, and they grinned to each other. Luckily none of the other Digidestined noticed them.

Back through the portal, out his door and down the sidewalk, Ken panted with the effort of not slowing down for anything. He didn't want Lilith to think he couldn't keep a promise. Reaching the gate to the park's garden, Ken saw, with an icy feeling in his stomach, that Lilith was leaving. "Lilith!" Ken called, "Lilith, wait!" he started down the path after her.

When Lilith turned and saw Ken, utter relief grew in her face. Ken stopped in front of her, panting. "I'm sorry," he breathed, "I'm sorry...I wasn't...here...on time..."

Lilith laughed. "It's okay. I'm just glad you showed up at all. What happened? You look like someone beat you with a stick."

Once Ken regain his breath, he proceeded to telling her everything. "The Digimon Sovereign attacked the Digital World again?" Lilith gasped. "Was anyone hurt?"

"Not life threatening wounds," he reassured her. "Well, are we going to your house or not?"

Lilith giggled, "Sure. Let's go."

Taking a taxi, which Lilith paid for, Ken and Lilith began talking about their science homework and about how ridiculous it was. Once out of the main city, the taxi had to pull over and let them out since the taxis weren't allowed to leave Tokyo. Lilith thanked the man and shut the door. As the taxi drove away, Lilith lead Ken down the two mile dusty road to her house.

On either side of them was a thick forest. Lilith told Ken about the animals that lived their: birds, bears, and even wolves. Ken gulped and stuck close behind Lilith. Giving her a more thorough check, Ken realized that Lilith had changed her clothes since after school. She now wore light blue jeans, and a white shirt, but the same red vest and black half-boots.

She really knows how to accessorize, thought Ken. After ten minutes of eventless walking, Ken heard a high-pitch yowling sound from somewhere that made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. "What was that?" he asked.

Lilith listened intently, "Must be Nekomata," she said. "My cat. She's a sweet little thing."

Just as Ken nodded, he felt something brush against his legs. He yelped and jumped back. A big, snowy white cat was meowing at him, her tail high in the air. "Hello, Nekomata," Lilith cooed.

Ken stared. "So that Nekomata?" he asked.

"Yep," said Lilith. "I think she likes you."

Well, he's certainly not the cruel player I expected, stated Nekomata.

"Nekomata," Lilith murmured.

"Your cat can talk?" Ken asked, astonished.

"You mean, you can understand her?" Lilith looked both as though a lightning bolt struck her, and that all her wishes just came true. "That's wonderful! Only people who have a trace of the magical gift can hear her!"

Ken looked stunned. "Are you serious?"

"Very serious! Now you simply have to come to my house. I can help you bring your magic out. What do ya say?"

At first Ken didn't reply. Then, "Of course! How do you think I got the gift?"

"Well, normally people who have magical inheritance have it, but there have been a select few who were born from a normal family and have it."

"That must be me," said Ken.

Enough chit chat. Let's go home. I'm cold and hungry. whined Nekomata.

"Alright," said Lilith.

"And I'm not a player," Ken muttered to Nekomata.

Ken goggled at the sight of Lilith's house. It was enormous and the garden outside the house was lovely. Ken couldn't help but be jealous. The inside was just as Ken pictured it. The carpet was plush and comfortable, and Ken had no problem feeling at home. Nekomata slithered past them and into the kitchen where her food and water dish was calling her name.

"Lyle!" Lilith called. "Lyle! I have a friend I want you to meet!"

The sound of footsteps echoed upstairs, then Ken watched as a young man trotted down the stairs. He was tall, tough, and gentle-looking, with blond flattop hair and a light beard and mustache. He seemed to fit the profile of a policeman. He was also very smart and seemed to know a lot about the human mind.

"Hello, there. And you must be Ken." he said. His deep voice was full of warmth. "It's so nice to meet you. My sister goes on and on about how great a friend you are, even though she's only known you for a few days."

Ken smiled. Lyle, unlike Will, was very nice and welcoming. "It's an honor to meet you, sir." he said sincerely.

"Man, if only I could get my clients to talk to me like that. Well, come in. Come in. Make yourself at home. I was just getting started on dinner. You'll be staying, I trust?" Lyle was very energetic and began bustling around.

"Uh, sure. Do you have a phone? I need to call my mom." Ken said shyly. Lyle nodded and pointed toward the wall in the living room. Picking up the phone, Ken asked Lilith, "How old is he? He looks like he could pass off as your dad."

"He's nineteen." she said simply.

Ken shrugged and called home. "Mom? Hi. I was wondering if I could just stay for dinner at my friend's house. Lilith. Okay. Thanks mom! I love you!" blushing, Ken hung up. "I've got a question." Ken asked, sitting on the sofa next to Lilith. "What did Lyle mean by 'Clients'?"

"He's a detective," she replied. "He's well paid for his work, but the people he does his work for, his clients, don't treat him with much respect. Oh, well. C'mon! I wanna show you my room."

Lilith's room upstairs was larger than Ken's. She had a queen-sized bed with blue sheets, blankets, and Nekomata sleeping at the back of her room, a nightstand next to it with a lamp and an alarm clock, a computer, desk and chair in the corner, and a dresser. Ken whistled. "Man, now I'm jealous. Your room's bigger than mine."

"Oh, well." said Lilith. "Here," she pulled a small hope chest out from under her bed and opened it. Inside was full of books and bags of herbs. "Now, be known Ken Ichijouji that what I'm about to teach you, I'm not doing out of fun, and that you should not use your magic out of fun. Hear me?"

"Yes," said Ken stiffly.

"Alright." Lilith took a bag of white powder and made a circle around her and Ken. "I open the gate to the gift and the sight to the one Ken Ichijouji, who possesses the gift and the will to learn. Not for profit, not for Evil, not for selfish wants, but to help others in need. And so it is done. So mote it be."

A strange, white energy rose around them, causing Ken's and Lilith's hair to float. Then, Ken's entire body tingled and he shook his shoulders. Then, just as all the energy came, it went, and Ken felt himself grow weak, and he fell forward into Lilith's arms and fainted.

Ken awoke an hour later on Lilith's bed, Lilith stroking his hair, and Nekomata licking his face with her rough tongue. "You okay?" Lilith asked.

"Yeah, what happened?" Ken replied.

"The Order of Mages accepted your magic and granted you the ability to tap into your power. You've made it!" Lilith helped Ken sit up. "Dinner's almost ready."

"That's good," said Ken. "I'm feeling kinda hungry, but is there anything different about me?"

"Absolutely not," Lilith replied. "You are still Ken Ichijouji, but now you can learn how to heal and grow things."

"Whoa," said Ken. "Does that mean I'm something like Ariyuki and Ariyami?"

"You're exactly like Ariyuki and Ariyami. You can learn how to make beam swords and everything, but I'd advise you to not learn that yet. Not until you've mastered how to heal." said Lilith cheerfully.

"Wow," Ken whispered. "What's this Order of Mages you're talking about?"

"It's an organization of mages. My mother was a part of it." Lilith blushed.

"What's with the 'was'? Did she quit?" Ken asked. Lilith's face fell considerably, and Ken realized. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lilith."

"Dad's gone too. I miss them a lot sometimes," Lilith stared at her nightstand that had a little portrait picture of four people. One person was a handsome young man with bright red hair like Lilith's and hazel green eyes; next to the man was a beautiful young woman with hair that seemed to be made of gold, and gorgeous blue eyes. Kneeling below the woman was another man younger than the red head gentleman; he too had golden blond hair, but the other man's hazel eyes. Being cuddled in the red head man's arms was a little girl that had to be Lilith, bright red hair that almost touched the ground, and giant blue eyes. This was Lilith, her brother, and her parents.

"You all look so happy," Ken whispered.

"And we were," said Lilith.

Ken hesitated, then ventured, "How did they die?"

"I haven't the heart to tell you. Maybe when I can pull myself together." Ken saw tears form in Lilith's eyes.

Ken wiped them away with his hand then smiled. Lilith did too. At that moment, Lyle's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Dinner's ready!"

Lilith sat up and sighed, trying to forget her parents. Ken walked after her, feeling sorry for Lilith.

Dinner was just as good as Ken's mother's cooking; steamed rice and deep fried vegetables with sauce. There was also the chicken that no one could miss because of the delicious scent. It was astounding to Ken at first to see that Lilith and Lyle allowed Nekomata to eat at the table with them, but soon it seemed almost normal that they should treat their pet like a member of the family. At that moment, the door opened and shut, indicating to Lilith and Lyle and William was home.

"In here!" Lilith called. Will ambled in, looking exhausted.

"What's up?" Lyle asked, stuffing rice in his mouth. "You look like you've been beaten by old grannies all the way here."

"I wish," William muttered as he meant to sit down, but one sight of Ken brought him jumping out of his seat. "What's he doing here?"

"Will, I invited him. Come sit down. Everything's delicious," said Lilith, reaching over and stealing one of Lyle's fried peppers when he wasn't looking.

"You're way too jumpy, Will," teased Lyle. "Maybe this bodyguard thing is gettin' to ya. Ever think of a vacation?"

William looked horrified, "I'm fine!" he insisted, then he turned around and walked upstairs.

Lilith, seeing the suspicious and worried look in Ken's eyes, patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about him. He's always so worried that we're gonna fire him if he doesn't do a top notch job. But we would never fire him; he's like family. Just like Nekomata." she scratched her ears.

Yes, praise me, love me, said Nekomata in contentment, making all three of them laugh.

"Wait," said Ken, "Lyle, you're magical too?"

"Of course," he replied. "Everyone in the Tsutomo family has magic. What astounds me is that you have it."

"Yeah," said Lilith. "He was born into a normal family, but has the magic, just like his counterparts. I even did the spell to bring his magic out-"

"You what?" Lyle barked, standing up. He then sat back down, sighing. "Lilith, you gotta quit contacting that Mage Council without asking me first. They're gonna start getting on my back about that."

"Sorry," said Lilith, hunching her shoulders in apology.

"Well, it's seven forty-five. I think it's time for our guest to start heading home," said Lyle, standing up and putting his dishes in the sink back in the kitchen.

"Alright. I'll walk you to the end of our road, okay?" Lilith suggested to Ken, and he agreed. It was getting very late and Ken was more afraid of the dark these days.

It was colder outside than Ken thought. He even started shivering as they made their way down the dark gravel path. The woods on either side of them looked menacing in the dark. During the day these trees seemed friendly and inviting; the perfect picnic spot. But at night, these dark, seemingly evil trees were not something to approach.

Ken was all too relieved when they reached the end of the road, though he didn't want to part with Lilith.

"I hope you can visit tomorrow, Ken," said Lilith. "I wanna start teaching you the basics of healing. Kay?" she tilted her head.

"Sure," said Ken, smiling. Lilith made to turn away, but Ken grasped her wrist. "Lilith, wait. I just...wanted to thank you for helping me..."

"It's no problem," Lilith replied, turning back around. "I'm just glad I-" but at the moment, Ken pulled her to him and kissed her, gently at fist, but then passionately. Lilith struggled for only a moment, then relaxed as Ken ran his fingers through her hair.

Ken decided to pull himself away from her, before any other urges took him over. "I guess I'll see ya tomorrow then," he said, gazing at her. Lilith nodded, smiling. Ken gave her one final kiss before taking off toward Tokyo.

Lilith leaned against a tree and sighed. It was a good thing Ken couldn't see how red she was in the dark. Did this mean he loved her? Meanwhile, Ken started going red himself; he had made his move and finally kissed Lilith. He had wanted to almost all day today.

She must have enjoyed the kiss if she didn't slap him. He smiled; he loved her dearly and hoped he could keep this a secret from his counterparts and parents. Unknown to him, Lilith was hoping the same thing, only praying Will would never find out. Will might come after Ken with an axe. She laughed at the comical thought, and ran back home, Ken's love and kiss keeping her fears of the dark away.