Okay, while I have started more WIPs, I am not neglecting this one for that. This is my work for Nano, my pride, my joy, my baby, almost and gods I'm going to miss this one when it's over, but hey there will be sequels and Tagiru and Yuu will be happier in those so yeah! Anyway, the prompt for this is 'remarkable'. These chapters are getting more positive as they get going, yay!

Chapter 12: Reunited at Last

Yuu looked around at the place they had arrived in. Koori had used some sort of portal to bring them here. Kiriha was right. It was suspicious, almost too suspicious at how much this person knew about these guys. He glanced at Ryouma who simply shrugged his shoulders causing the blond to sigh. Well, it wasn't like they had much choice right now. Gosh, there were so many rooms in here though so where was Tagiru?

"Yuu, where's Tagiru?" Damemon said.

Yuu frowned. "I'm not sure Damemon."

"Search within your heart," The familiar voice of the Dragon Phoenix spoke once more to him.

Nene blinked. "Yuu, what's that voice?"

Yuu smiled. "Don't worry, Neesan. This is just the Dragon Phoenix. It's a bit hard to explain."

"Someone's coming," Ryouma said. They made to find a place to hide but Kuro stepped out before they actually could do much.

"Oh you guys made it soon!" Kuro said so gleefully that it caused Yuu to raise an eyebrow at his lack of concern about them being here. The other seemed to notice his surprise and giggled. "Oh I'm not worried about you being here, you can just watch us conquer this world and brainwash all humans and digimon to think the way we do! Neh Koori did you tell them everything?"

Koori flinched and Yuu noticed the boy turned pale, stuttering out something incomprehensible under his breath.

Kuro just giggled. "Uh-oh did I say something wrong?"

"Kuro," Kaito sighed exasperated at the boy. "You're talking too much again."

Kuro pouted. "But it's fun talking to new people and they're Taiki-kun's old friends too!"

Akari bristled. "Where is Taiki, you bastard?" She almost lunged but Zenjirou grabbed her hand.

"Akari-kun, stay calm," Zenjirou said, squeezing her hand even more as an army of Digimon entered there, amongst them, Dorulumon and Cutemon.

"Damemon," Yuu said looking at him although swayed a little, causing Nene to catch him.

"Yuu, you're still tired, let the others handle it," Damemon said worried.

Nene agreed. "Yeah, Yuu we'll handle it." She reloaded Sparrowmon, Mervamon and Beelzebumon seeing Kiriha's Digimon already beginning to fight.

"I know my way around here since I was captured here," Koori said to Yuu. "I can help you search for your friend."

Yuu nodded. "Okay, Ryouma come with us ok?"

Ryouma frowned, glancing at Airu once who looked at him giving him a small smile. That was enough for Ryouma to make his decision and he followed Yuu with Koori. The place was rather big though and it seemed Tagiru was being kept rather far away. No guards seemed to be in sight, in fact no one was there. The situation seemed perfect, almost too perfect and that was alarming.

Yuu's first thought was that they were walking directly into a trap but he was saved from thinking further on this as someone, the last person he had expected to see stepped out. His eyes widened to an almost impossible size...how was this possible? He rubbed his eyes to make sure he really was seeing what he was. Kotone, was it really her? But she was...his heart clenched as he remembered the look of betrayal on her face when Nene had chosen to run towards him instead of going to save her. This must be some kind of illusion...he...they had seen DarkKnightmon slash through Kotone's body with his weapon then how? Pushing these thoughts aside, he stepped forward, seeing Tagiru crawling with Gumdramon's help behind her. His heart clenched seeing Tagiru's condition, seeing him crawling, wearing only a thin white sheet. Had Hideaki...? God, it seemed like it, he really was too late. If only he hadn't listened to DarkKnightmon...again, maybe he could have gotten here in time. Why was he always too late to save the people he loved, to help them?

Kotone caught sight of Yuu however and ran tackling her brother into a hug. "Niisan!"

Yuu snapped out of his thoughts, wrapping his arms around her to keep the both of them from falling. His eyes watered, a few tears rolling down his cheeks. "Kotone..."

Kotone lightly slapped him on the arm. "Oh, you big dork, don't cry."

"B-but…"

Kotone slapped him on the arm again, this time a little harder.

"If you cry now, who's gonna pick up his pieces?" Kotone said, gesturing at Tagiru.

Yuu blinked, his eyes wandering towards Tagiru who looked at him owlishly. The blond flinched at the blankness in those eyes and wondered what Hideaki had done other than the obvious.

His blood boiled and his hands balled into fists, his knuckles turning white. He exhaled through his nose and looked at Kotone, trying to remain calm. No, he needed to remain calm no matter what. "Neesan's here, too. She'll be happy to see you."

That was an understatement but it was the best he could come up with in the spur of the moment.

Kotone smiled, shaking her head and nudging Yuu towards Tagiru.

Yuu moved towards Tagiru, touching his hand gently. However, this caused Tagiru to flinch back violently. The blond quickly pulled away, not wanting to make Tagiru uncomfortable.

Idiot! Yuu berated himself. Tagiru's just been raped and God knows what else?

As their eyes met, Yuu felt his heart catch in his throat. He shivered. There was so much emptiness in Tagiru's eyes. They were hollow, as if Tagiru weren't really looking at Yuu, but straight through him. Tagiru was supposed to be full of passion, fire, and life… But right now he had none of that. He was so empty… An empty doll… Broken… Mangled…

Hideaki, what have you done?

"Tagiru?" Yuu said gently.

Tagiru tilted his head to look at him. "You're late."

Yuu flinched. How could such simple words be so cold? Late was a small word to describe it. However, he pushed his guilt aside. Guilt wouldn't help Tagiru recover. "Yeah...I'm sorry."

Tagiru blinked. "You're alive. Don't be sorry for that."

Yuu almost reached out for Tagiru again but then thought better of it and pulled back. "Tagiru? Can I carry you out?"

Tagiru stared. "You're...you're asking permission? Hideaki never asked permission before he raped me..."

Yuu cringed at the bluntness of that statement while Kotone bristled. The blond didn't know what hurt more at this point: how casually Tagiru talked about his own pain or the fact that he was shocked at him asking permission. His eyes watered again, threatening to pour but he managed to compose himself. Tagiru needed him to be strong. Kotone was right. If he broke down, then who was going to pick up the pieces from Hideaki's destruction?

"I'm not Hideaki," Yuu said quietly. "Your permission, your consent, it's important to me. I won't lay a finger on you, if you tell me no."

Tagiru didn't reply and Yuu almost thought he wouldn't until he spoke softly, "Yeah. You can carry me out."

Yuu almost smiled at that, his heart flooding with relief, and he leaned over, picking Tagiru gently up in his arms.

"Yuu?" Gumdramon's voice made Yuu look back down at the little dragon.

"Yeah?" the blond said.

"Thanks for not proving Hideaki right," Gumdramon said.

The digimon turned away before Yuu could say anything else, moving next to Damemon who gave him a concerned glance.

Yuu blinked, his heart clenching painfully at that for some reason. What did Hideaki say that made Gumdramon think that? Did he convince them that Yuu wouldn't come to save them?

"Oh, he'll have no choice in that matter," a voice said, causing Tagiru to flinch and move closer to Yuu.

The blond tightened his grip around Tagiru, his eyes flashing as he saw Hideaki getting up. Rage boiled in his stomach and his hands trembled, tempted to wrap them around the bastard's throat and strangle him to death. The only thing that was stopping him right now was Tagiru trembling in his arms.

"What's the matter, Yuu?" Hideaki taunted. "Why didn't you come when Tagiru was so desperate for you?" He licked his lips. "He was amazing you know. And he will always remember the pleasure we had together. No matter what you do, Tagiru will never escape my touch. It'll always be on him. And if you're smart, you'll hand him over and leave quietly."

Yuu didn't speak. He didn't think he could, not right now. He moved away from Tagiru, laying him against the wall.

"Kotone." Yuu's voice was calm, much too calm. It was almost deadly actually. "Watch Tagiru."

Kotone, seeing the look in his eyes, simply nodded, falling to her knees besides Tagiru and grasping his hand. Surprisingly, he didn't flinch away from her.

Yuu looked at Hideaki with a calm gaze. "I must not be very smart then." He punched Hideaki across the face and watched as he fell backward with a cry of pain.

Hideaki clutched his nose with wide eyes, bending over in pain. Blood stained his hands as he struggled to stand. "You broke my fucking nose, you bastard!"

"I could say the same," Yuu said.

He lunged at Hideaki who charged at the same time. They grabbed each other and grappled, falling to the floor. Yuu kicked Hideaki in the chest and quickly fell on top of him.

"This is for Tagiru," Yuu hissed through clenched teeth.

He raised his fist and punched Hideaki across the face. "You bastard! Go"—Yuu punched him again—"to hell!"

Kotone covered Tagiru's eyes but the brunette stopped her. His eyes were wide, trained on Hideaki's bruised and bleeding face. "No… I want to watch."

Hideaki was left a mumbling mess as he rolled over onto his knees, clutching his face. "You…bastar'…"

Yuu kicked him in the ribs and placed his foot none-too-gently on Hideaki's chest. "You will never go near Tagiru again."

He kicked Hideaki's face and the other fell unconscious.

Kotone whistled. "Nice shot, big bro."

Yuu was breathing heavily, in and out to calm himself down. Once he felt he was composed enough, he returned to Tagiru and Kotone's side. "You ok?"

A faint, very faint smile graced Tagiru's lips. "Now I am. T-thank you."

Yuu shook his head. "Don't mention it. Let's get out of here ok?" He reached out to pick Tagiru in his arms and the other curled close obediently. This made the blond smile and he looked at Kotone, before at Ryouma and Koori both of whom had stayed on the sidelines the whole time.

Ryouma nodded but Koori frowned.

"We should hide Hideaki-kun's body somewhere," Koori said. "Ryouma-kun, can you help me?"

Ryouma shrugged. "Sure, why not? Yuu, you guys go ahead."

Yuu hesitated. "Are you sure?" He didn't really trust Koori, even if he had led them this far.

Ryouma nodded. "Yeah, go on ahead."

Yuu exchanged glances with Kotone before nodding to Ryouma. "If you're not back within 10, we'll come back for you ok?"

Ryouma smiled a little. "Ok, thanks."

Watching Yuu and Kotone leave with Tagiru and their digimon was almost a perfect opportunity. Koori smiled at Ryouma.

"Shall we?" Koori said, dragging Hideaki into the room he had kept Tagiru, waiting for Ryouma to follow. "I'll just make sure he stays inside." He made some movements.

Ryouma watched him, although his movements were done so quick that it was fairly well-hidden. Once he moved away, Koori locked Hideaki in the cupboard locking it and smiled.

Ryouma blinked. "Are we done?"

Koori paused. "Unfortunately not, Ryouma-kun." He moved forward, suddenly, clamping a cloth over Ryouma's mouth.

Ryouma's eyes widened and he squirmed, but soon fell limp causing Koori to catch him.

Koori hummed. "Don't worry, Ryouma-kun. I'll take good care of you." He pulled out a Black Xros Loader. "Reload, Psychemon."

Psychemon sniffed the air. "Really? You took this long."

Koori shrugged. "I couldn't let him become too suspicious after all."

"What about Hideaki?" Psychemon said. "They'll ask about him."

Koori waved it off. "Hideaki's useless to them now, they won't ask too much." He waved a hand and the door they had entered from vanished from sight. "Not to mention it'd ruin my plans for Hideaki to go free since he'd go after that boy and that'd lead them back here. You need to go deal with the other boy though. Ren, I think the name was. Him and the pretty blond girl will be worried, make sure they can't find Ryouma-kun."

Psychemon nodded. "Of course!" The door was still visible to Koori and Psychemon's sight so the digimon went through it.

Koori hummed, laying Ryouma down on the ground before going back to get some stuff. He pulled out a syringe, filling a green-fluid inside it before kneeling besides Ryouma and injecting it into his arm and stroking his cheek.

"I'm doing this all for you," Koori said in his ear and the other stirred, squirming a little. "Shh...go back to sleep."

Ryouma tried to murmur out a protest but darkness took him and he fell into a state of unconsciousness again.

"Zeke Flame!" ZekeGreymon's attack shot back a numerous number of the army, making a fair few cracks in the wall. His opponent was a Demon Lord, Demon and the battle was evenly matched. Almost as evenly matched as if he were having a battle with a Death General like Gravimon. They needed Taiki, they needed the Final Xros. The battle was much too even to be comforting.

Kiriha shielded Nene from the debris flying everywhere, grimacing at the sight. JetMervamon was thrown back from a blast by LadyDevimon, crashing against the wall.

"JetMervamon!" Nene ran to her partner's side. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," JetMervamon grunted. "I'm fine, Nene. Get back. This could get dangerous."

Nene nodded, obediently stepping back whilst Zenjirou pulled Akari back further not wanting her to take the brunt of any attack. The redhead surprisingly listened most likely because she didn't have an army to fight with here.

"Oh this isn't fun anymore," Kuro said with a pout. "Devimon, LadyDevimon retreat for now and continue searching for Taiki-kun's team. We'll have a proper battle later."

With that, Kuro and his army retreated while Kaito who had been watching amused, smiled a little.

"He always did have a lack of patience," Kaito said giggling, knowing that sounded hypocritical coming from her and glanced at the group assembled. "Don't worry, soon most of our battles will be held in your world. You lot must have something special after all."

Nene glowered at her and Kaito giggled more before following after Kuro.

"Gods, she grates my very last nerve," Nene muttered.

"Neesan!" A very familiar voice called out, albeit she hadn't heard the voice in years.

Nene's eyes widened, filling with tears. Were her ears decieving her? Oh god, she hoped not. Slowly she turned, instantly embracing her precious little sister in her arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks and her whole body trembled. She tightened her grip around Kotone, stroking her hair. Kissing her forehead and hair numerous times, she just held her.

"Kotone," Nene whispered. "I..."

"Shhhh Neesan," Kotone said cuddling closer in her protective arms, which she had missed for so long. It felt amazing to be curled up into these arms again. "Just don't let go this time ok? Niisan, stop being a dork and join us."

Yuu had tears in his eyes and shook his head. "No, I'm the reason we seperated from you, you deserve some time with..." He was cut off as both Nene and Kotone yanked him into the embrace.

"Stupid dork," Kotone muttered fondly. "Just shut up and stay here."

Yuu flushed but obediently backed down, sniffling as he wrapped his own arm around Kotone. "I'm so glad you're back. We thought you were..."

"I almost was," Kotone murmured. "But I travelled with Lopmon and Terriermon for awhile but then something knocked me unconscious. Really hurt too. Next thing I knew, Gumdramon was there and your boyfriend was trapped."

Nene silently listened to this, just holding Kotone and not really listening to her little sister's words. She was here, her little sister was here and that was all that mattered right now. Everything else could come later. She never regretted saving Yuu from DarkKnightmon. She just wished she never had to make a choice. Looking down at both her siblings, she smiled.

I have the most amazing little siblings ever Nene thought, pride surging through her as she looked at them both. She shifted, looking at Kiriha as he walked over.

"We need to go," Kiriha said. "Nene..."

"No," Nene said her voice choking up, holding her siblings tighter but not enough to cut off their air supply. "Not letting go. I might lose them again."

"Neesan," Yuu murmured but Kotone cut him off.

"Neesan, don't be silly," Kotone said. "You won't lose Niisan ever and I'm here to stay for good this time. Besides," She shrugged. "Niisan's boyfriend needs your help more or he might fall into a coma or something."

"Kotone!" Yuu chided and Kotone pouted.

"What? It's true, look at him!" Kotone gestured to Tagiru who was now being supported by Akari, since he refused to let any males besides Yuu touch him. "He's a psychological mess, gee whiz!"

Nene laughed a little. It was refreshing to see some humour and distraction within the group. "Kotone, behave."

Kotone looked triumphant. "At least, I got ya to smile Neesan. But seriously, I won't disappear."

Nene slowly pulled out of the embrace although grabbed hold of Kotone's hand with her right hand and took Yuu's hand with her left. "We need to go for Taiki-kun."

"And Ryouma," Airu said. "Yuu-kun, where is...?"

Yuu frowned. "He went to put Hideaki away with Koori. He should be back by now though."

Ren bristled. "You left him with Koori? We know the guy, what, five minutes and you left our best friend with that guy?"

"Ren," Airu began to chide but Ren cut her off.

"No, Airu, you're worried about him too," Ren said. "Don't pretend otherwise by scolding me."

"I wasn't," Airu said defensively. "But Ryouma's strong. I'm sure he'll be back any minute." Although her expression was firm, her voice lacked confidence and her eyes were filled with anxiousness.

"I should go after him and check," Yuu said. "Ren's right, I never should have left him alone but I was so worried about getting Tagiru out and making sure Hideaki didn't regain consciousness that..."

"Breathe, Yuu," Nene said softly. "We'll get everyone, I promise. Although Taiki-kun must be well-guarded."

"We'll find him," Akari said firmly. "I don't care what I have to do. Although, Yuu-kun, get Kotone and Tagiru-kun out of here. I don't think they should take part. Things will probably only get worse. Nene, go with them if it makes it easier on you."

Nene blinked. "I don't want to let them go alone, but I don't want to leave you guys defenceless either. I know Kiriha-kun will still be here but..."

Yuu raised his X-Loader, transferring RookChessmon and SuperStarmon over to Akari. "Here, use some of my digimon. I have Damemon, I'll be fine for the time being."

Akari pushed Zenjirou towards Nene. "Yeah! And Zenjirou can go with you guys to make sure you all get home safely and all."

Zenjirou blinked. "I can? But Taiki wanted me to protect you and look out for you."

Akari slapped Zenjirou's shoulder, glowering at him. "I'm not helpless, Zenjirou. Besides, we just need to make sure these guys get home so Tagiru-kun can get some rest and not be triggered by his past memories. Now, go! That's ok with you right Kiriha-san?"

Kiriha smirked. "Well, Taiki has always said not to argue with you when you get in Manager Mode. So yeah I'm fine with it."

Akari flushed. "It's not that! But Taiki would want me to give some sort of lead since he's not here too."

"Can you give us a lead on finding Ryouma too?" Airu asked the older girl.

Akari frowned. "I promise we'll find him too. Do you guys think Koori would hurt him?"

Ren shrugged. "Can't tell. That guy was hard to read, but he kept on staring at Ryouma all weird, almost predator-style and all, like he was gonna eat im or something! Airu was sleeping but I don't like that guy. Can't explain it, just don't."

Kotone frowned. "Neesan, if it's a gut instinct, the kid might be right."

Ren glowered at her. "I'm older than you!"

Kotone grinned. "Can't tell how old you are, shorty so I'm just guessing."

"Kotone," Yuu said pinching his nose. "Behave."

"No," Kotone said grinning. "This is too fun for that!"

"Ren, focus," Airu said. "Please, forget what anyone else says we need to find Ryouma if what your gut instinct says turns out to be right. Ryouma's strong but he'll need us."

Ren nodded. "I know that! Look Akari-san, Airu and I can't leave Ryouma alone with that guy so we're going after him. We both got our partners anyway so we'll be okay."

Akari looked at them both, biting her lip momentarily before nodding. "Alright just be careful, you two. Don't take on anything you can't handle."

"We can handle anything together neh Ren?" Airu said winking at her best friend.

Ren flushed but nodded. "Yeah! Course we can! Now let's get moving already."

Ren and Airu then ran towards where Yuu, Tagiru and Kotone had just come from.

"Damemon, super-evolve!" Yuu said, holding out his X-Loader, it shining brightly as Tsuwamon appeared.

Yuu wrapped his arms around Tagiru, pulling him into his arms before Tsuwamon lifted them. Tagiru cringed a little when Tsuwamon's hand touched him.

"Shhh it's ok," Yuu soothed. "He's just helping us get out."

Tagiru blinked. "No harm?"

Yuu almost flinched at how meek the other's voice was but plastered a smile on his face anyway. "No one will harm you promise."

Tagiru nodded, relaxing a little as Tsuwamon also picked up Zenjirou. Gumdramon jumped into Kotone's arms.

JetMervamon picked up Nene and Kotone.

"Your digimon is awesome, Neesan!" Kotone said. "I mean, Sparrowmon was always awesome but this other one is too!"

Nene giggled. "Her name's Mervamon. We came together by mutual sibling issues." She winked at Yuu who flushed.

Kotone laughed, before hanging on tight to JetMervamon as her and Tsuwamon got them out of there back into the forest. The two digimon placed the humans down on the ground.

"How are we going to get to the real world?" Kotone wondered.

"Got some DigiMemories handy," Tsuwamon said giving them to Yuu. "Shoutmon gave me and Gumdramon them just in case when we were heading to the real world."

Gumdramon looked around for his ones and grinned sheepishly. "Yeah but I got no idea where my ones are."

Tsuwamon snorted. "That doesn't surprise me at all."

"Hey!" Gumdramon protested. "What are you suggesting?"

"What do you think?" Tsuwamon returned cheekily. "You're not exactly the most responsible, only thick-headed."

Gumdramon glowered. "Oi, watch it, ninja-brain."

"Watch what?" Tsuwamon said innocently making to look for something.

Yuu made an amused noise. "Gosh, you two are as bad as Tagiru and I were before."

Tagiru blinked glassily at Yuu. "Bad, very bad. Need to be punished."

The humorous mood died away with those words and Yuu clutched at Tagiru possessively.

"No, never," Yuu promised. "I'll murder anyone who tries to hurt you again, I promise. Besides, you believed in me all this time to come and save you right? Believe in me to help you heal ok?" He touched Tagiru's cheek, flushing a little. "Our love is strong enough for that right?"

Tagiru's eyes watered. "Our...love? Really? You love me?" A lone tear rolled down his cheek.

Yuu brushed it away with his thumb, kissing Tagiru's forehead. "Yeah. I'm sorry it took me this long to realise it. It's going to be okay now."

Tagiru nodded, curling closer. "Yeah." He buried his head in Yuu's chest. "Yeah."