A/N: So here ends the three parts. Will the group go along with Kiva or will they stay behind? Read to find out. To San Child of the wolves, White Hunter, Night Owl, Black Prism of Certain doom, for your fabulous reviews. They make me smile. And I am so glad you all have patience with me with waiting on update, but I promise you all, you'll enjoy this. To the excitement mobile...
Yumi: I am sorry for our Author...she seems to have experienced a minor melt down of over loaded glee of some sort...that or experience sleep deprivation...
Chapter 36
Break and Enter
Kiva: I want to go rescue Kota.
"Kiva, are you mad? You do realize the dangers that surround this possible outcome right?" Victoria whispered in a hush voice. The message got Victoria's attention right away. She had inkling that Kiva was planning something; she could see it in her friend's eyes. She just didn't think she was THAT serious.
Kiva: If we stick together then we'll have no problem.
"Do you truly know what would happen if by chance we were killed? Yumi is still out there somewhere. We don't know where for sure. Okay, don't get me wrong, her dot is screaming HEAR I AM! But that's beside the point. If there were something to happen and she didn't know we would never find each other."
Kiva: I understand the risks, but we have to try. We did this the entire time we've been here.
"Yes, but that is different. Risking our lives for someone we don't know could pose as a threat."
Kiva: How can you even say that, you of all people?
Victoria's voice brought everyone's attention to the two girls who seemed to be in a heated discussion. For once, Victoria seemed to be on Kiva's bad side. Everyone knew what that usually meant.
Kiva: We have to go and rescue Kota, he need our help!
"Kiva, that's suicide!" Puppymon blurted out startling everyone finally catching the entire plan.
"What's suicide? What is going on?" Bearmon and the other digimon asked.
"I want to go rescue Kota. Ember and Johnny were able to locate the easiest routes for us to go. Of course we'll have to be careful with the digimon that inhabit the castle, but that's all technicalities. We just have to stick together and fight as one and we'll be fine. I want to get Kota out of the castle and back here with me…the group. I'm sure if we do this together there would be no problem," Kiva explained through the bond.
"Just technicalities on the digimon that inhabit there? Kiva, you can't underestimate digimon that are working for him," explained Mark.
"How would you know about these digimon? You've never had to deal with them."
"The fact that Robert did his research on the digimon. I highly doubt he'll keep his guard down. Besides, from how we gathered from Ember and Johnny, they are not to be reckoned with," James argued.
"If we don't stick together!"
"Kiva, even if we do stick together, who is to say that our digimon will be strong enough to take them on?" Yukito said.
"Our digimon are strong enough. You saying they aren't?"
"I'm not saying that at all. Sure, they've gotten tougher over the time we've been here, but we can't just assume that these digimon are pushovers."
"Kiva, he's right. We might not be properly prepared to face them."
"I can't believe you are admitting defeat already."
"We aren't, we are looking at this logically."
"This is ridiculous. How many times have we overcome something through our travels? Do you truly think Victoria would have given up if it was that easy?"
"Hey, don't get me involved in this. Kiva, please listen to reason. We are looking out for your best interest right now."
"My best interest is to get Kota out of there. Nothing more!"
"If we were better prepared, had a plan as well as a back up plan and escape route, I'm sure this would not be a problem."
"Then quit gabbing and come up with one! Ember was able to get a map and knows the route. I'm positive with their help we can get out unharmed."
"It's still massive suicide. You aren't hearing yourself right now. You just want to hear what you want to hear. You can't handle the sad truth."
"That is complete bull shit."
"So you want us to go on a suicide mission for some person we don't even know? You're demented!" snapped Mark.
That was the final straw; Kiva was fuming now. How dare they say something like that to her? Her irritation grew more and more hearing the digimon put in their two cents over the matter. She grew upset with their comments as she hung her head. Her loose hair she left down fell into her eyes and over her shoulders. At one point it would appear as if she were about to go into tears. Not Kiva, Kiva never shed a tear, she just bit her bottom lip as the anger erupted from her.
"Oh, so we can't risk out lives to save MY friend, but we'd risk our lives to save Kisho or anyone of us?" Kiva snapped through the telepathic link using Puppymon to communicate. He could feel her anger radiate through the bond and feared for what would happen later on.
Out of all the digimon and digidestined, Kisho tried desperately to raise his soft voice for everyone to hear him as he kept insisting on going with Kiva. Although young, he wanted to help out as much as he could.
Labramon tried to get him to just drop it, that it was unsafe, even more so for a child of his age. Even with all the bad comments, Kisho wouldn't believe them, which really put Labramon in a spot because he refused to leave his partner's side and this was a good way to prove oneself.
Kiva: You know what?! Fine! I'll go save him myself! I DON'T NEED YOU!
She got so furious she broke the connection and signed her frustrations even though Puppymon still translated the message. Everyone turned their attention to Kiva in complete shock. This was a suicide mission, why didn't she see that?
Standing up, Kiva slung her sheath that held her sword, over her shoulder and took out her digivice and threw it into the air uncaring of where it landed and headed toward the edge of the campsite. As a faithful partner, Puppymon went to go follow her, not wanting her to go on her own. He came to a halt when he found her brandishing her sword at him, which was a mere half inch from his nose. Kiva glared down upon him with furious obsidian eyes.
'You. Stay. Here!' Kiva said in a deadly voice through the telepathic connection before spinning on her heel and rushed out into the growing night. The more distance she put herself from the group and her, the better it was for her to sever her telepathic connection with Puppymon.
Everyone stared in complete shock at Kiva's actions and determination to save Kota. It took Puppymon some time to even budge from his spot. After all they've been through; this was the first time Kiva ever threatened him before. Sure they had their differences in the past, but it usually lead to not talking to each other.
"She's going to get herself killed. She doesn't stand a chance."
"Even if we did go with her, our lives would be at stake."
Ember and Johnny stood a few feet away from the group listening to the bickering. Ember leaned against the tree, her arms folded across her chest; her focus was toward the departing Kiva. Johnny himself kept his eyes on the group, standing in front of her.
"This is crazy, they are going to let her go to the castle alone and get Kota? They need to follow after her, help her."
"They are not going to listen to you. They already won't listen to Kiva."
"You think I didn't hear? Look, I'm going after her. She'll need somebody to help her."
"Count me out; I've seen what is in that castle, not dealing with it again."
"Fine. Stay. You are in charge of persuading the group to come to the castle," Ember insisted pushing herself from the tree fluidly.
"Ember, its still suicide to go back there!" argued Johnny.
"Johnny, you do recall that we can't die. Second of all, you are being a chicken for not even trying to attempt to help her," fought Ember knowing her ground she stood on.
"Fine, go, I'll try to talk them into it," Johnny sighed dejectedly.
"Good, don't take forever to convince them," Ember warned as she strolled passed him.
As soon as Ember was out of sight, Johnny rolled his eyes as he went to go sit on top of a high branch. Looking down, the roaring fire glowed brightly on the humans and digimon illuminating their faces. Mark, James, Victoria, Tora, Robert and Yukito were in a heated discussion over the whole Kiva going off on her own. Meanwhile, Renamon was able to get Puppymon over to digimon group along with Kisho, who didn't want to sit with the humans.
"Puppymon, calm down," Renamon hushed, sitting cross legged with Puppymon in front of her, she ran her paw down his back as he continued to mumble about regretting not going with Kiva and not agreeing with her in the first place.
"Perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut, or at least went along with it. I could lose my tamer," moaned Puppymon burying his head into his paws.
"We couldn't have foreseen her actions. All of us think the same thing. It is dangerous to go there. I know you don't wish to hear those words right now, but it's true," assured Renamon.
"She's right you know, you can't keep beating yourself up over something like this," Lalamon agreed resting in front of Puppymon patting his head and nudging him slightly.
"I'm sure Kiva will forgive you in time. You have to have patience," Labramon assured nuzzling Puppymon with his nose.
"We've never done something like this before. Something so dangerous. I understand that we had scare attacks months ago with my evolution…but…nothing so extreme."
"The more you put yourself down, the more you won't be of use to Kiva when she will need you," Bearmon explained.
"He's right you know. She'll want you strong, she needs your encouragement," agreed Gaomon.
Puppymon kept his head buried under his paws but the mumblings ceased. Not once did he push the other digimon away, for the first time, he wanted to keep everyone close.
In the thickness of the forest, Kiva ran at full speed never once looking back, never regretting her decision of taking off and freaking out on the others. Her anger was skyrocketing with each step she took. The low branches, nor the roots or twigs that littered the ground bothered her or stopped her. A few of the branches did scratch her arms and face but she completely ignored the pain.
High about her, keeping out of sight for the time being, Ember flew in the sky finally catching up with Kiva. She didn't want to make her presence known until they were at the castle. She needed to make sure that Kiva went the right way. Ember didn't care about the others right away; she was more concerned with Kiva's well being.
Kiva's breath was becoming uneven as she kept jumping over the tangled branches and high roots. She couldn't get out of her head the words that Kota had spoken to Ember and Johnny. She kept his voice strong in her head.
Voice over: Kiva, you mean the world to me. I don't know what I would do without you. I pray that soon we'll meet each other soon. All those times I had to leave you, it broke my heart fearing I would never see your face again. Please, if what they say is true, I pray that you be safe. I know I cannot change your mind from rescuing me, I just hope that you have the back up of your group with you. We both have lost each other in the past and only have found each other after all these years. My dear friend please be safe.
Kiva could never forget those words, she knew he spoke the truth, and meant those word he spoken. That was her determination to rescue him and why she was so headstrong to get the others to come with her.
'Those bakas! They don't realize how important this is!' she seethed mentally.
At the campsite, the voices of the humans raised more and more as the heated arguments got worse. Victoria was on her feet, the glowing of the fire on her face made her look far more furious than she felt.
"We all knew that she was going to try and commit suicide this way. Why would she take us down with her?" Mark argued.
"You idiot! She has her reasons for all this! Wouldn't it be better for all of us to take a stand next to her?"
"That's a laugh, this coming from the girl who even said to her that it was dangerous, to her own friend," Tora scoffed.
"Don't you dare start that!? I know what I said, and don't think I haven't regretted those words either."
"So you would rather have us get ourselves killed in the process?! Are you insane?" yelped James.
"I want to make sure she is safe, she needs all the help she can get!"
"Why don't you go after her then if you are that concerned?" Tora asked crossing her arms over her chest.
"I would rather know I have people coming with me!" shouted Victoria getting close to Tora's face.
"Don't you dare get in my face and yell at us! You should know where your won loyalties lie!"
Renamon looked back at the group letting out a low growl in full out warning for everyone to back off. Even Puppymon lifted his head to look at the group solemnly. As much as wanted to add his two cents in the matter, he needed to keep his mouth shut and keep his opinions to himself. He was the one to agree with them when Kiva desperately tried to convince them.
"Victoria! You fully agreed with the rest of us in the long run. Why change your mind all of a sudden?" Robert asked.
"Because I was wrong, I shouldn't have said those things to her!"
With the forest well behind her and clear sailing before her, Kiva made a dash toward the clearing. When the covering was gone, the realization of someone following her became apparent. Instead of looking back or confronting the person, she kept her mind focused on the task at hand. She couldn't risk stopping now; she wanted to get to Kota's side.
Ember maintained the height she was at; she wanted to keep her presence unknown for the time being. Although she wasn't stupid, there was a tiny odd feeling that Kiva knew that she was there. Ember was very proud of the girl for her determination. There was a bit of a similarity with the girl that she saw in herself. It must have been the stubbornness inside her.
On and on both headed through the night world, passed the clearing and coming upon the high cliffs. Ember was amazed that Kiva was able to keep going this long. Soon they would be upon the castle. There was still high debate of showing herself or just watch over her even into the castle itself. Letting out a sigh, Ember turned her head to glance back at the way they came.
"Johnny, you better be on your way."
Kiva located a safe area to get to the castle and stood by the stone wall. At the time being, she had no intention of moving right away. For the time being, she wanted to confront whoever followed her even after she told all of them to stay.
Ember hovered in the sky for a little while trying to figure out what was going on and why Kiva wasn't attempting to go inside. Was there no safe location? Perhaps she couldn't get inside at all.
'I'm not stupid,' Kiva connected with Ember. Ember raised her eyebrow, how did she hear that? Since when did she possess the ability to hear thoughts? 'So…are you coming down or what?'
"Want to explain to me how exactly I can read your thoughts?" Ember asked lowering to the ground to stand behind her. Kiva spun around to face her, eyes blazing.
'First of all, ever notice anything strange in this castle when you and Johnny came to visit? Second, why are you here?'
"Whoa, take it easy. You need to completely realize one thing, you never told Johnny and me to stay back. You were furious at the others when you told them to stay put."
'Well, where is Johnny then?' Kiva asked un-amused that only Ember would show up and stay those things.
"Johnny didn't wish to come -hold it- I told him that while he is staying back to convince the others to come follow us."
'Do you truly think that they are going to listen? That's a laugh. If they will not listen to me, what makes you think they will listen to him?'
"He has his ways. Trust me on that."
'So, why exactly are you here?'
"To make sure you stay safe. Hey, don't argue with me, I came on my own free will. I can help you navigate through the castle."
'Fine. But we do this my way.'
"Of course, just know, I tell you to do something, don't argue with me."
'So how exactly do we get in?'
"Another reason its awesome having a ghost by your side," Ember grinned taking hold of the teens wrist and made both intangible, making it easier to simply walk through the wall.
Johnny was getting frustrated by the arguments already. That was all he heard for the last hour or so. He let out a frustrated groan as he jumped from the branch and landed on the ground a few feet from the group.
"Do you guys truly hear yourselves? You are allowing your friend to go off on her own? Would you do that if it were one of you guys? Would you go after your own friends?"
"But we could be killed," argued Mark.
"So? That's only one down side. What happens if it were Kisho or Robert or any of you? I'm pretty sure you would do the same with no hesitation, like Kiva. Don't give me that shit, 'Oh, it's not even our friend,' or 'we don't know him. He's a good kid. Suck it up, get off your asses and get moving!" Johnny snapped finally taking control.
"Why should we even bother? She wouldn't do that for us."
"Maybe if you were a little nicer to her she might."
That set off a whole new argument of its own; Mark and James seemed to be the main ones to start the whole fiasco. Victoria couldn't keep quiet about the whole thing any longer. This time however, Kisho refused to stay quiet, he had been silent long enough.
"STOP! I'm so sick on hearing these petty arguments. It would be better to go after her. I knew I should have gone with her in the first place. It would have been better than listening to this!" Kisho exclaimed infuriated, standing up with his fists balled up.
"Kisho that is enough. I wouldn't have allowed you to go anyway," Mark simply stated.
"That's my point Mark, I'm sick of you always coddling me. You can't protect me forever! Kiva is my friend too and I would rather see her friend safe!"
Victoria was floored by the brand new outlook of Kisho. He was finally standing up for himself. It was good to see that he wouldn't allow Mark to push him around any more. A hidden smile appeared on her lips.
"Perhaps being around the triplets was a bad mistake. The three are a bad influence."
"That is not true! You are far too ignorant to hear the actual words coming from his lips. You refuse to allow him his freedom and be able to breathe!" Victoria stepped in defending herself, her friends and Kisho.
Silence filled the group at the words that were exchanged. Victoria was really letting all of them have it. Suicide or not, the group was officially heading out to the castle. Victoria wouldn't allow anyone to stay behind.
Ember and Kiva treaded through the castle in total silence and stealth mode. The treks through the corridors were pretty simple with the use of the map, compared to the first time Ember and Johnny ventured inside. As the two continued their way down the corridors a ringing of voices seemed to enter their ears. The only problem was, no digimon were near them. It didn't take long before either of their voices seemed to sound clear the further they went in.
"Okay, this isn't freaking me out at all," whispered Ember turning her head this way and that trying to indicate the location of the voices.
'They are not coming from anywhere around here. It's all in our thoughts. There was only one other place where this occurred. It wouldn't surprise me if this was the same set up.'
"How did all that turn out?"
'Anyone who uttered a word paid the consequences. I highly doubt it'll happen here. My only concern is, if we can hear their thoughts, who is to say they can't hear ours?'
"You know, you have this gift to making people feel real comfortable in these situations."
'It's a gift. However, while we are in here, I suggest we shield our thoughts unless necessary. I don't want to set off any alarms that could potentially get us killed in the process.'
"You've been on these adventures for too long for your own good." Ember couldn't resist a grin over in Kiva's direction; she loved to joke around d with her, even in the dire situations. Making sure the coast was clear one last time; Ember led Kiva down a long corridor that was marked in colour ink.
Their footsteps thudded against the stone floor as the two continued to run. It echoed off the walls in every direction. The corridors seemed longer than the first time down them. It was her responsibility to protect Kiva, and that even meant avoiding the red skeleton.
Time ticked by as the two continued down corridor after corridor. Every so often other digimon would appear at ends of different passages causing Ember to drag Kiva down a different passage or making both go intangible at the last second.
"I feel as if they are following us," whispered Ember with a slight hiss.
Kiva: There could be a possible chance of that happening. I think it wise to fully shield our thoughts. I am unsure if they were following us through our thoughts or are just appearing out of the blue.
Ember: To say they are coming out of the blue is complete bull shit. It just feels a little too coincidental.
Kiva: Believe whatever you want to say. Regardless, we need to be careful.
Both froze in fear as a Bakemon floated past them, he didn't seem to realize that the girls were even there. Due to Ember keeping them intangible, the ghost digimon was oblivious to their presence. However, that didn't seem to stop a Gizamon or a Gazimon. The scent of the human was very strong to them. Moving closer to the girls, Kiva could feel her heart race at being caught.
Kiva: We have to move. Now!
Ember: You don't have to tell me twice.
Backing away slowly, ghost and human took off down another corridor before the two digimon could get close to them. Neither wanted to have their cover blown.
The corridors were turning into a maze the longer the two were in there. Time was truly ticking by and either one no longer kept track of time itself. With the determination of rescuing Kota and the fear of getting caught, their thoughts strayed far from time.
'Are we even following the map anymore?' Kiva asked stopping to catch her breath, both tangible once again, knowing they were in a safe location.
"Sadly no. I don't even recall this corridor at all. Map or no map."
'Just lovely. So where do we…' Kiva stopped mid sentence at the sound of footsteps coming down a second passage on the right side. A familiar tall, red skeleton digimon Ember encountered earlier that evening appeared. Kiva refused to back down this time, she didn't' want to appear weak, especially when she could head the digimon's thoughts.
Analyzer: Meet SkullSatamon, a fallen angel digimon who fell to the Dark Area whilst pursuing strength and destruction, its body a pale shadow of its former self. Watch out when it uses its "Nail Bone" attack; which emit's a powerful light from the jewel on its staff that corrupts and destroys the data of enemy digimon.
Ember could sense her tension rising as her hand reached for the hilt of her sword. Thinking quickly, Ember placed her hands on the young girl's shoulder pulling her back. Kiva resisted wanting to take on the digimon.
Kiva: Let me take him out!
Ember: Are you kidding me? He is one I would not even deal with.
Kiva: If you heard the thoughts you would think other wise.
Ember: I am not going to have you risk your life. We need to keep focused on the mission.
Kiva gave Ember a look of disbelief as the digimon's footsteps came closer still. Ember's concern right now was to get Kiva to a safe place, away from the particular digimon, and no arguments from Kiva were going to stop her. Pulling her down a separate corridor from where they came from, Ember ran at full speed to avoid any more run ins.
"This is becoming insane. There was no appearance of digimon when Johnny and I were here."
Further and further the two made their way down new corridors. The map no longer matching their present location. Ember didn't even want to take it out and check to see where they were. After all the twists and turns Ember wasn't entirely sure she knew exactly where she was taking Kiva.
Minutes passed by that felt like hours after taking a brand new corridor. Their hearts raced with uncertainty of what lay before them. Kiva felt as if Ember was deliberately dragging her down unknown corridors for the sake of it. Ember wasn't stupid, she knew that Kiva was getting annoyed but there was nothing she could do about it. Half way down the corridor exiting from another passage was SkullSatamon, there was no way that this could be a double, it had to be the same one. A sweat drop appeared on the side of Ember's head as she pulled Kiva back and fled down a second corridor.
Kiva: Where are we?
Ember: I can't say for sure any more. Due to being sent down new passages, I am starting to get confused.
Kiva: Oh, that's very reassuring.
Kiva let out a silent sigh as she continued to follow Ember. These mazes were getting to get and becoming very irksome. Several minutes passed by with the odd digimon appearing, instead of running or going intangible, Kiva took out her sword and challenged them or ended up knocking them unconscious, Ember couldn't help but join in and use her guitar to attack showing off her own power.
Johnny dodged all the trees in the forest as she showed the digidestined the way to the castle. It took them several minutes or more for everyone to finally agree to go with Johnny, Victoria and Kisho. Victoria was not amused at the fact that another argument erupted amongst the preteens. Bearmon, Gaomon, Renamon, Tentomon and Labramon all digivolve into their champion forms, carrying their partners. Victoria held on to Puppymon and Lalamon as she held tightly to Kyubimon. Tora sat behind her with her arms wrapped around her waist. As for Yukito, he was with Robert staying close to him, Penguinmon in his arms. The digimon were the only ones to see in the dark, better than the humans could.
"Johnny, how much further?" called Kisho.
"Just a little longer."
"You said that ten minutes ago," Yukito replied.
"So sue me, it's hard to navigate through the thick trees."
"I am going to be blaming you if anything happens to Kiva or Ember," Victoria warned ducking her head avoiding a low branch.
"Nothing bad is going to happen to them, I swear."
"You can't say that for sure."
"Are you kidding me?" seethed Ember seeing SkullSatamon coming down a passage directly in front of them thirty minutes after their last encounter with a Gizamon. This time, there seemed to be something odd about his eyes. Unlike before, where Ember assumed he just seemed to be randomly showing up, now, he was on the hunt and they were his prey.
'Is he actually following us?'
"That would be my guess. Down here, come on."
If they thought things couldn't get worse, they were dead wrong. A group of digimon started to gather around blocking their only exit. Ember went straight on her guard as Kiva gripped the handle of her sword. A handful of Pumpkinmon, Gotsumon, Bakemon, Bombmon, Gizamon, Gazimon and a Dokugamon were all gathered around them.
"Intruders!" yelled a Bombmon.
"Oh shit!"
'I'm not leaving.'
The attacks came all too quickly, Ember struck a cord on her guitar that sent out a blast knocking the digimon off their feet.
"Kiva, while I have them distracted, run! Go find Kota! He needs you alive rather than dead!" Ember commanded.
'I am not leaving!'
"So you've said. I can handle them. Unless you wish to get killed, be my guest."
Kiva let out a sigh as she swung the sword at a charging Gazimon. It was becoming impossible to take them all on at once and Ember wanted her to run? Was she insane?
"I am not telling again. Run!" Ember yelled nearly pushing the girl at a small opening before firing a pink blast from the guitar.
Kiva saw no other way out and there was no sense in arguing with the rocker ghost. She knew that Ember could handle herself and she had her own tricks up her sleeve. She took off running down the corridor after carefully placing the sword back in its sheath. Now that she was on her own, the importance of shielding her thoughts was imperative now so no other digimon could alert the entire castle or inform their master. She was officially taking matters into her own hands, Ember kept the map on her and she didn't know the exact layout.
Outside, Johnny was able to safely get the digidestined through the forest and up to the safe point of the cliff. Now was the time to properly come up with a plan, going into the castle blindly was not an option.
"What are something's we need to know about this place?"
"The big one, there's a tall, red skeleton that roams the halls. We have to keep out distance from him. I don't exactly have healing abilities."
"I thought ghosts couldn't get hurt?" Kisho asked curiously.
"We can, we just know when to go intangible. Ember can heal herself, only her. Now, the next thing to know, once we get inside, do not, under any circumstances, does not split up."
"How exactly do we get inside?"
"We can go over the wall or we can go through it."
It was clear to know what he was talking about and didn't need an explanation. The only fear all of them had was what would occur once inside. They didn't know for sure what kinds of digimon would be waiting for them.
Kiva ran down corridor after corridor, unsure where it was leading her. She was already lost; the hallways were starting to look familiar more and more, which wasn't a good thing. The voices of the digimon filled her head making it impossible to think clearly. She couldn't concentrate at the task at hand forcing her to stop and look around.
'Damn it, this isn't good.'
Moving around further, a ghost like digimon with a black hat came from the walls unaware of her presence right away. Taking the chance Kiva jumped in front of the digimon pushing him back.
"You shouldn't be here!"
'I'll give you two options, tell me what I want to know and I won't harm you.'
"Anything," the digimon insisted seeing the sword at her side.
'Where would one hold someone captive?'
"The…the dungeons, you have to go down the next corridor keep going straight then turn left and go down another corridor, you'll soon locate a set of stairs."
'How do I know you aren't lying?'
"I wouldn't lie to someone who has a sword pointed at me."
'You better be telling me the truth.'
Kiva went to turn away and leave him but decided at the last second to knock him out. She needed to find out more information about Kota's safety. Although she got to see him every so often, that didn't mean that Kota couldn't hide them.
Taking the digimon's direction, Kiva ran to the upcoming corridor and turned down another long stretch unsure what she was going to encounter. He luck seemed to be on her side when Porcelainmon appeared before her. She acted quickly before the digimon could attempt to alert the castle.
'Don't even think about it, I need more info and I need it now!'
"What do you take me for? An idiot? Think I'll truly just give over information over to a pathetic human like yourself?"
Kiva took out her sword in a quick movement and pointed the tip at Porcelain's neck. 'I was thinking more forcefully.'
"Okay, okay take it easy."
'There is a human that was brought into this castle years ago. Kota, what is his actual condition?'
"Oh, that small child. What I've seen of him, scratches here and there…kid looks like he's been through hell," Porcelainmon snickered.
Kiva put more pressure on the sword drawing blood from the digimon before her. Porcelainmon for once showed a sign of panic, no longer did the joking around appear, the child actually meant business.
"I'm sorry, please don't kill me."
Kiva smirked as she removed the sword and hit the digimon over the head with the hilt. 'That'll serve you right for actually saying those things to me.'
With the knowledge of where to go thanks to the Soulmon, Kiva noticed how quick it was to get to the dungeons. She noticed that no other digimon appeared; in a sense she took that as a good sign, in another sense, she feared for her life. Getting to the set of stairs, Kiva slowly descended down the dark staircase. She just hoped that it would be easy to locate Kota.
No lights appeared at all at the bottom of the stairs, she was in complete darkness. It was going to be a challenge and a half to find anyone in all the darkness. Cursing herself for not bringing any lights, Kiva made her way through the dank halls hoping to have some good come from all this. With her sight blocked, her other senses were kicking into high gear.
Footsteps could be heard against the stone floor echoing against the walls. Kiva kept turning her head to determine where they were coming from. Quickly she shielded her thoughts when the footsteps came closer.
'You don't have to be afraid child,' a voice said through her mind.
'Who are you?'
'A friend, I can assure you that.'
'Reveal yourself.'
A light shone before her from a staff in the hand of a familiar figure. Even though Kiva never fully met him, she recognized him easily. 'I am Wizardmon, I am sure you have seen me countless of times Kiva.'
'How do you know my name?'
'Kota told me all about you.'
Kiva was stunned by the news but never faltered; she was just relieved she finally ran into a friendly digimon. 'Can you take me to Kota please?'
'Of course, we were informed you were coming. Tell me, did you make it here all right?'
'Sort of.'
Kiva went into a full story of what happened leading up to the current time. She refused to leave anything out. She was fuming by this time; she needed to get everything off her chest. She felt bad that she was raving to a digimon she barely knew and if she could truly trust him.
'It'll be so much better if all of you could stay together, you have to work together or he wins.'
Wizardmon lead Kiva right to Kota's cell, inside, Kota was sitting at the far corner curled up. He looked so depressed, so torn; the once perky child now looked like he lost his light. Wizardmon took out the keys from under his cape while Kiva gripped the bars. Quickly, he unlocked the door and opened it for her as Kiva dashed inside to go to Kota's side. Right before she got to his side, Kiva turned around ready to thank Wizardmon, only to find him gone. 'Thank you…'
'Kota…Kota, come on, wake up,' Kiva whispered shaking his shoulders.
Kota slowly rose from his slumber not realized right away who was in the cell with him. He brushed her off going into a do not disturbed moment.
'Kota, please.'
'Wait…Kiva…?'
'Hey sleepy head. We need to leave.'
'How did?'
'Explain later. More now!'
By this time, Kota jumped up fully awake with his arms around Kiva's shoulders. For the first time in five years he was finally able to wrap his arms around her. It felt so good to be with her once more, he didn't care if he was still in a coma, he finally got to see and hug her.
'I've missed you so much,' Kota said voice muffled.
'And I you, but we can talk more when we leave.'
Kota nodded as he sat back and fully stood up with Kiva. The next challenge was to get out safely without the help of Wizardmon or the others. Somehow, Kiva knew she could do it, she needed to do it. Grabbing Kota's hand, she took him out of the cell and down the hall to the stairs from memory of what she could recall Wizardmon taking her.
Making their way up the stairs leading to the next floor, neither was expecting to come face to face with a digimon right away. Kota stepped up and took care of the digimon himself. He was able to mess with the digimon's data reducing it back to a fresh digimon.
'Since when could you do that?'
'Figured that out the one day…sadly I got found out and was punished for it, but it was worth it.'
The two made their way down the corridors away from the dungeons. The next step was to locate Ember and get the hell out of the castle. Kiva already grew weary of the castle and the make it brought. A satisfied smile filled her knowing her childhood friend back. As for Kota, he was simply happy to be free of his cell at long last.
Corner after corner the two ran; glad to be avoiding any digimon that lay in wait for them. Somehow that didn't ease their nerves in the slightest. Could a trap be lying in wait for them? Did a digimon go and alert Myotismon and now they were being hunted? All these questions raced through their minds, never once ceasing for a moments rest.
Again and again Kota would mess with those digimon that did appear, messing with their energy, forcing them to go back to digi-eggs or completely destroying them altogether. Kiva couldn't help but amazed at him. He was really proving himself more and more.
A sound of fighting could be heard somewhere ahead of them. Crashing echoed down the passages from powerful blasts. One of the things that went through Kiva's mind was Ember was surrounded by digimon and was getting attacked.
'We need to move,' Kiva insisted grabbing Kota's hand and dragged him down the hall toward the sound of the fighting. Fifteen minutes later they were faced with a giant group of digimon facing off against the digidestined and the ghosts.
"Kyubimon, on your other side!" yelled Victoria.
"Dragon wheel!" Kyubimon shouted, her whole body turning into a fire dragon and aiming for two big digimon.
"Dobermon, you can do it!"
The attacks continued on and on, the other digimon didn't seem to be backing down any. It was almost if their luck was diminishing.
"Kiva!" called out Yukito hearing the sound of feet on the stone floor and turning to face her.
Puppymon lifted his head from Victoria's side, the digivice in his mouth still. He was hesitant still about going over to Kiva's side, fearing she was still furious with him. He slowly got to his feet and faced her fully.
'Kiva, we need you,' he pleaded. 'Listen to me; I am truly sorry for what went down. I should never have disagreed with you. If you wish for me to apologize out loud I will. I will take any punishment you see fit,' Puppymon apologized making his way over to her, some distance between them but not by much, passing the digivice over to her.
'You need to get in there, as partners we stick together. No matter what,' Kiva told him picking up the digivice.
"Puppymon digivolve too…Wolfmon!"
'Good to have you back Kiva,' Victoria said eyes glued on the battle but thoughts focused on her friend.
"Wolf blast!"
The attack was the only thing that could be heard before the remaining digimon were knocked down. The digidestined digimon stood glowering at them sending out their own attacks.
'Would have been better if all of you could have at least made it with me.'
'Please don't start again. Please understand how deeply sorry I am and how quickly things changed after you left. I regretted not going.'
'Discuss this after; we need to focus on our digimon.'
It didn't take long to officially take out the digimon that were coming out of no where. It was still a disturbing question to everyone of where the other digimon's master, Myotismon was. With the path clear and not taking the risk, Victoria got them to pull back and retreat from the castle. No one was arguing with her on that one, no way did they wish to deal with Myotismon.
Fifteen minutes later, eight digimon, two ghosts and nine humans were out of the castle and over the wall. Victoria pulled Kiva aside to talk to her privately. She needed to go in explanation mode with her, she deserved that much.
"Kiva, I want to apologize deeply for everything that occurred. I realize something like this can't be done alone. Honestly, right after you left, I regretted everything I said and did. As a friend I ask of you, please forgive me."
Kiva: While I did not appreciate the abandonment. I am glad you did finally come. You of all people should know what it is like to lose someone and need to find that person. I hold only an x-amount of trust for people and I don't wish for anyone to break it.
"Never again shall that happen. I know that once trust is broken it will take forever to win back. Please know I value our friendship and hold your trust close to my heart."
Kiva: I forgive you, don't let this happen again.
Victoria only nodded her head in understanding. She was glad that she didn't lose her friendship with Kiva and the two could continue to trust one another. Victoria herself knew how difficult it was to trust someone and hold on to that trust.
On the back of their digimon, excluding Tora and Yukito, the group made their way back to the camp. Leading the group was Victoria, Kiva with Kota behind her and Kisho the others remained behind them wanting to get back to the camp before anything bad happened.
"One thing I'm wondering is why didn't Myotismon show his face?" Victoria wondered.
"Oh, he was probably out feeding. Every night he leaves the castle and doesn't return until sunrise."
"First of all, how did you know about that? Second why didn't you tell us?" Kiva asked.
"I found out from Wizardmon a while again when he came to visit me with no fear surrounding him. And it didn't come to mind, I wasn't really thinking on that, my mind was strictly on escaping."
"Well, at least we didn't have to deal with him," Kisho breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, and Kiva, I wanted to let you know that I would have willingly come with you earlier. Mark refused to have me leave the site. I also didn't want to cause any more conflict. I just wanted you to know I was the first…well second to get everyone moving. Hehe, Victoria beat me to it on that round."
"You're a good kid, Kisho, I am glad I can count on friends like you."
The tension mounted by the time everyone returned to the campsite. The digimon, exhausted from the fight and travel, were back to their rookie forms and resting, if not, sleeping by the fire. Victoria, Kota, Kisho and Yukito (who did his apology as soon as they arrived. Kiva wasn't fully forgiving of him but accepted the apology nonetheless), sat by their digimon sipping at their water warming up room the cold night. As for James, Robert, Mark and Tora, the four were dealing with a very livid Kiva. Ember and Johnny say on the high branch smirking at what Kiva had planned for them.
"You can't be serious; there is nothing to even apologize for. You need to accept that we have our differences in all this," Mark, as always, started the fight after Kiva demanded for an apology.
"Oh I am being dead serious. How you all acted earlier this evening is completely rude. We were all able to get in there safely, just as I said we would. If anything were to happen to one of us and put into that predicament we would be there in a heartbeat."
"It could have turned out differently," Tora argued.
"But it didn't. What happened, happened. From each of you, I want to hear a sincere apology," Kiva demanded bitterly.
Robert was the first to pipe up; he didn't wan to deal with any of this fiasco any longer. "I was wrong, while I can't speak for the others, while it was still dangerous, we still could have helped you."
"Thank you, that's all I ask."
Tora, while still hesitant, spoke up next, her fear of Kiva still very strong. "I am sorry, if something like this were to occur again. I'll listen to you."
"Thank you…boys?" Kiva's attention turned to James and Mark annoyance filling her slowly.
Mark and James were quiet for some time, debating whether or not to give Kiva the satisfaction. Neither could come up with the right words to exactly say. The two needed to keep their smirks contained as long as possible. An irritated noise sounded inside Kiva's throat telling them to hurry up.
"Fine; I'm sorry, I'm sorry for not listening to you," James quickly blurted.
"I'm sorry that none of us came to help," Mark sighed.
Kiva just stood there not believing a word that escaped their mouths. The ignorance of those two, how can either one be so naïve and self absorbed? Without another word, Kiva refused to control her anger and punched both of them in the face giving each a black eye.
"Oh the power of violence," Victoria sighed looking back to see Mark holding on to a now bloody nose.
"She still holds on tight to the power of power of her fist doesn't she?" asked Kota lowering his water bottle.
"Yep, she feels it's the best way to get the message through."
"Not the bike, not the bike," Johnny panicked jumping to the ground when James got punched hard and stumbled back toward the motorcycle.
A/N: So Kiva finally got her friend back but not without issues at the beginning. I originally had Kiva punch everyone excluding Kisho but thought against it. I am sorry that it seemed rushed; this chapter wasn't supposed to focus on any fighting. Keep your eyes out for the next chapter.
James: My poor bike
Ember: Enough with the whining, it was merely knocked over.
James: Not when it's my baby…