I don't own Digimon.

A/N: It's been a busy two months, but I'm back with another update! I hope you're all looking forward to the end!

Trinity

Chapter 44: Premonition

Kari

Kari stood calmly on Izzy's doorstep, and though it pained her to do so, she allowed herself a moment to reflect on the conversation from the previous evening that was directly responsible for leading her to this very moment. Less than twenty-four hours ago, she had endured one of the most horrifying experiences of her life, and yet despite the terrible images that Megareamon had forced into her mind, nearly destroying her heart in the process, speaking with the rest of the Digidestined who had witnessed her unbearable pain was the driving force behind the strength and resolve that was currently stirring deep within the burning embers of her soul. It would take a while for some of those images to disappear completely from her mind, but in time she knew they would, and until that happened she wasn't going to dwell on them. Nothing could ever change the way she felt about both T.K. and Willis, and even now thinking of them made her feel warm inside. She trusted them completely, and no matter what Megareamon tried to do to her, she was never going to cower in fear from the two blond teens who meant the world to her.

They both cared about her and respected her, and that was something she was never going to question no matter how much the darkness tried to convince her otherwise.

You won't change my heart, Megareamon, and neither will Eden.

"You're here early."

Kari jumped at the sudden voice, and looking up in surprise, she smiled at the blond teen who must have approached her while she was lost in thought. T.K.'s bright blue eyes were gentle, and letting out a soft sigh, she said, "So are you. I assume Izzy sent you a message last night?"

"Yeah, he said to meet at nine. As for why I'm early, you can thank my brother and Tai for that," T.K. said dryly, sounding amused. "They wouldn't stop bugging me all last night and again this morning. The moment their backs were turned, I made a break for it."

Kari could imagine the scenario easily in her head, and giving the blond teen a sympathetic look, she joked, "I hope they weren't too hard on you."

"Well, I was given specific instructions from Tai that I'm not allowed to put myself in any danger anymore, and I'm absolutely not allowed to do anything else to upset you. If I do, I have a feeling I'll be in serious trouble."

Kari couldn't help laughing at T.K.'s words, and looking a bit sheepish, the blond teen joined in, his obvious embarrassment making her heart flutter deep inside her chest. T.K.'s eyes were still clear, but despite the absence of that strange lavender mist swirling eerily beneath the surface of his blue irises, Kari had a strong feeling the blond was never going to truly be free of the darkness until they finally discovered truth about Eden Arakawa.

Who is she really? And more importantly, what is her true motive for showing so much interest in T.K.? What is her main goal, and what does she hope to accomplish by behaving like she's untrustworthy?

Those were her main concerns, but they weren't the only questions she had. There were so many other things weighing on her mind, but for now they would have to wait. In the meantime, she couldn't allow the American female to get to her, and shaking her head, she said lightly, "I wouldn't worry too much. You know Tai has a soft spot for you."

"Lucky me," T.K. joked. "Otherwise I really would be in major trouble! Are we the first ones here?"

Kari glanced at the door, and nodding, she said, "I think so. Why don't we go on in. I'm sure the others will be here soon."

"Before we do...how are you feeling?"

There was obvious concern in T.K.'s bright blue eyes, and reaching out to take his hand, she said softly, "I'm fine, honestly. I don't need to be afraid. I won't deny the images I saw while I was in that dark sphere were terrible, but I also know I'm stronger than the darkness. Don't you remember? Both you and Yolei taught me that a long time ago. I know you would never hurt me, and the same is true for Willis. I haven't refrained from mentioning the specifics of what I saw for my own sake. I've done it for both you and for Willis. Neither one of you should ever have to feel guilty about something you would never be capable of doing. I won't let either one of you do that to yourselves."

T.K. stared at her for a moment, and reaching out to pull her into a hug, he said quietly in her ear, "You really are amazing, Kari. I have so much respect for you. I just...I can't even put it into words."

"You don't need to. I feel the same about you."

For a moment they simply held each other, and then pulling back slightly, T.K. let out a sigh and said, "I suppose we should knock."

Kari nodded in agreement, and rapping on the door, it took only a moment for Izzy to answer. Greeting them with a smile, the computer expert said, "Come on in. I'm sure the others will be here shortly."

Kari followed the older teen into his bedroom, and taking a seat on the carpet, she said, "I'm going to assume you've found out where this 'Garden of Eden' is that Megareamon mentioned before she disappeared on us?"

Izzy quickly sat down in the chair in front of his computer, and crossing his arms over his chest, he said, "I have, but I'll wait until everybody else gets here before I explain."

"Why did I have a feeling you were going to say that?" T.K. replied, shaking his head in amusement. "I guess we can wait, though I have to admit I'm curious."

Kari couldn't agree more, and smiling at T.K., who was sitting close beside her, she said, "Looks like we won't have to wait too long. I think I just heard someone at the door."

"It's probably Yolei and Cody. Knowing Davis, he most likely slept in."

Izzy laughed at the blond teen's words, and moving towards the door, the computer expert said, "Don't let Davis here you say that."

Once Izzy had left, T.K. turned to her and said curiously, "Speaking of Yolei, I thought she spent the night at your house."

"She did," Kari agreed, listening for the sound of voices in the hall. "That's why I'm up so early this morning. Yolei wanted to stop off at the convenience store before we head out today, so she told me to go on ahead without her. I'm surprised you didn't arrive with Cody."

T.K. laughed, and scratching sheepishly at his golden hair, the blond teen said, "That was sort of my plan, but in my haste to run away from Matt and Tai, I sort of forgot about Cody. I hope he's not offended."

"I doubt it. In fact, I'm sure he probably figured out what happened already."

A moment later, Izzy came back into the room with Yolei and Cody in tow, and raising his eyebrows, the younger boy said, "Trying to get away from Matt and Tai?"

T.K.'s mouth dropped open in surprise, and laughing, Kari said, "See? He knows you too well."

"No kidding," T.K. replied, his shocked expression softening into a smile. "That's why he makes such a great DNA partner."

Cody took a seat on the edge of the bed next to Yolei, and studying the blond closely, the younger boy said, "The feeling's mutual. How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm fine," T.K. replied, giving his DNA partner a reassuring look. "Can't complain."

"That's what Kari said, but I don't know if I believe you two," Yolei interrupted, frowning at them. "What happened yesterday was a pretty big deal."

"Maybe, but with friends like you guys, it somehow doesn't seem as bad as it could have been," T.K. said gently, his tone sounding sincere. "We're pretty lucky, all things considered."

Kari had to agree, and remembering how safe she had felt sleeping next to Yolei, she said, "You don't have to worry about us. We're not going to let a digimon like Megareamon hurt us so easily."

"Well, if you're sure."

Yolei still didn't look convinced, but before she could protest any further, there was a sharp knock and what sounded like a grumpy Davis at the front door. Izzy once again left the room, and a moment later they heard voices in the hall. The loud tones indicated an argument was going on, and flinging open the bedroom door with a flourish, Willis burst into the room and said playfully to someone over his shoulder, "Someone woke up in a bad mood this morning."

"Dude, you knocked me out of bed!" Davis complained, shoving past the blond. "What do you expect?"

"Now you're just being dramatic. I didn't shove you out. You fell out all on your own."

"Did not!"

Kari raised her eyebrows, and glancing at Ken, who had trailed into the room after Davis, she said, "So what actually happened?"

Ken looked very amused about something, and sitting down next to Yolei on the bed, he waited until Izzy had taken a seat at the computer again before saying, "Davis wouldn't wake up when Willis attempted to get out of bed."

"I probably poked him like twenty times, but he refused to stop snoring," Willis added, looking offended. "Since he wouldn't wake up, I decided to just climb over him instead."

"That was when Davis finally decided to open his eyes, and after a lot of yelling, dramatic arm waving, and legs flailing all over the place, well...I'm sure you can figure out the rest," Ken finished, attempting to hide his smile and failing miserably.

"I don't know what you're so happy about," Davis grumbled, glaring at the raven-haired Digidestined. "You're the one I fell on."

Ken blushed, the smile on his face quickly fading into a look of utter embarrassment, and glancing between the three boys, T.K. said, "Wait, what was Willis doing in your bed in the first place, and how did Ken...actually, forget it. Probably best you spare me the details."

"Aw, really?" Willis asked, pouting as he took a seat next to the other blond. "But Davis and I had such a fun time last night. You sure you don't want to hear all about it?"

"Ugh, don't get him going," Davis groaned, dropping down onto the carpet next to Kari. "Dude, next time you're sleeping in your own room."

"Nope, and you know it," Willis shot back, smirking at the obvious blush on the goggle-headed leader's face.

Kari couldn't help laughing at the blond's antics, and reaching across T.K. to give the American Digidestined's hand a squeeze, she said softly, "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Oh, I'm just fine and dandy. No harm done. I'm more concerned about you and T.K. How are you feeling this morning?"

Kari glanced past Willis at the lavender-haired female sitting on the bed, who was gazing at her in return, and as the two of them exchanged a meaningful look, she said, "I'm fine, thanks to Yolei. Sleep came easy for me."

"Probably because Yolei didn't knock you out of bed," Davis grumbled, making no effort to hide his displeasure. "Unlike some people."

"That's great to hear," Willis replied, cheerfully ignoring the goggle-headed leader. "What about you?"

The words were directed at T.K., and smiling at the American Digidestined, he said, "Besides having Matt and Tai watching me like a hawk, I can't complain. At least they can share floor space without making a fuss."

"Dude, seriously, you're not helping!" Davis shouted, tugging angrily at his goggles.

Once again the leader of the Digidestined was ignored, and putting an arm around T.K., Willis said softly, "Stay with us today, okay? Keep your focus."

"Huh?"

T.K. looked understandably confused, but before he could question the American Digidestined, Izzy waved a hand to get their attention and said dryly, "As much as I'm dying to hear more about Davis and his bedroom activities, we need to get going soon. I'd like to have as much time in the Digital World as possible today."

"You have some news for us," Ken said calmly, the serious tone in his voice immediately causing a change in the room's atmosphere. "You know where the Garden of Eden is."

"How long did you stay up last night doing research?" Yolei asked, sounding suspicious.

Despite his late night digging for information, Izzy looked alert and ready to face the Erinyes, and scratching sheepishly at the back of his head, the computer expert said, "Long enough, but yes I have discovered its location, and I've decided that's where we're headed today."

"So where is it?" Davis asked, momentarily forgetting his earlier embarrassment.

Izzy was silent for a moment, and turning to bring up a map of the Digital World on his laptop, he said slowly, "Not only did I do some of my own digging from home, I also had Tentomon's help last night. He took some time to talk with a few of the residents living on File Island, who in turn directed him to a digimon named Venusmon."

"Who?" Davis interrupted, clearly confused.

"Did you not study any Roman mythology? Venusmon is the Digital World's version of a Roman goddess. The goddess of love, to be precise. Flowers bloom wherever she goes, and her beauty has the power to take your breath away at first glance. Naturally, she was able to give Tentomon some insight into the place commonly referred to as the Garden of Eden, and thanks to her, in combination with my own research, I was able to pinpoint its location on File Island."

"That's great and all, but that still doesn't tell us where it is," Davis shot back, sounding impatient. "It better not be hiding in another dusty pile of old rocks."

"Does that sound like a garden to you?" Yolei challenged, rolling her eyes. "Quit interrupting."

"I agree, let Izzy finish," Cody added, frowning at the goggle-headed leader.

"What are you guys ganging up on me for? Back me up here, Ken!"

Ken let out a deep sigh, and turning to the computer expert, he said, "Please continue, Izzy. I'm assuming from your expression we're not going to like what you have to say?"

That caught Kari's attention, and watching the computer expert closely, she could tell why Ken had made such an assumption. Izzy looked reluctant to continue, and sitting back in his chair, the older teen said calmly, "It's near the Wall of Fire."

Kari couldn't help a loud gasp from escaping her lips, and automatically reaching out to grab T.K.'s hand, she whispered, "But how? The Garden of Eden was supposed to be a holy place. A paradise for those who were free from sin. According to the Old Testament, it was the exact opposite of a place like the Wall of Fire."

The Garden of Eden. A paradise. The Child of Paradise. Eden Arakawa. There's a connection there. I can feel it...

"I remember you telling us about the Wall of Fire a few years ago," Ken murmured, looking lost in thought. "After all this time, it's still a mystery. Even Gennai hasn't discovered all of its secrets."

"Or what's really behind it," Cody muttered, shaking his head.

There are those who have come from the other side, and the darkness within them has almost destroyed the Digital World on more than one occasion. There's no denying the facts, but I've often wondered. Has anyone from this side ever stepped across the flames and entered the darkness within? And if they have, did they ever return?

"Are we really going to the Wall of Fire?" Yolei asked, her voice trembling.

Izzy shook his head, and folding his hands together, he said, "I didn't say it was behind the Wall of Fire, nor is it located at the mouth of the cave. The area known as the Garden of Eden is a hidden paradise that's located deep within a dense forest. The forest itself lies to the south of the cave that leads to the Wall of Fire. The reason very few digimon know of the garden's whereabouts is because you can't see it at first glance. The beauty that lies within the garden will only reveal itself to you once you've gained access to the true entrance, hence the reason why most digimon think the Garden of Eden is merely an old legend. A myth, so to speak."

"Wait a minute," Willis interrupted, holding up a hand for silence. "Let me get this straight. You're saying if either a human or digimon hasn't been granted access to enter the garden, then the area where this supposed paradise exists will simply look like a regular forest?"

"That's correct. To those who haven't been granted access to pass through the secret entrance, they will simply continue on through the forest as if nothing was amiss."

"Which leads us to one very important question," Ken said quietly, his deep blue gaze sparkling in the early morning sunshine streaming through the window. "How exactly do we gain access to the secret entrance?"

Izzy sat back with a sign, and crossing his arms over his chest, the computer expert said, "That's where things get a little more complicated. According to Venusmon, only those who are pure of heart can enter the Garden of Eden, but Megareamon made it clear that's where we're supposed to settle our score with her."

"And she's anything but pure," Yolei snorted, huffing in annoyance. "Same with her sisters."

"Yet by the sounds of it, she's been to the Garden of Eden before," Izzy continued, a frown marring his dark features. "If that's true, how did she manage it? How did she gain access to the garden when only those who are pure of heart can pass through the entrance?"

"Could she have had help?" Yolei suggested, looking to Cody for conformation. "Maybe Megareamon somehow managed to trick a pure digimon into allowing her access."

"I don't think it works like that," Davis snorted, leaning back on his hands. "If something like that were to happen, wouldn't the garden just let the one who was pure pass through and then like...you know, slam the door in the dark digimon's face if they tried to come through afterwords?"

T.K. blinked at the goggle-headed leader, and smiling slightly, the blond said, "That was surprisingly insightful, coming from you."

"I know, right? Like, dude, I'm totally onto...wait, hey!"

T.K. ignored the dark-haired teen's outburst, and frowning at the carpet, he said, "If Megareamon really has gained access to the Garden of Eden, I'm sure she somehow used the Powers of Darkness to do it. Remember, the serpent was in the garden and got to Eve, and it wasn't free of sin. Anything's possible."

Kari nodded in agreement, and squeezing T.K.'s hand, she said, "Now we just need to know how she did it."

"Actually, even that's not the main issue here," Willis countered, his pale blond hair glowing brightly in the sunshine. "What really matters is how are we going to gain access to the garden? We might not use the Powers of Darkness, but we're not exactly pure either. Humans have their own issues. We know that well enough."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that," Izzy spoke up, catching them all by surprise. "We'll enter the garden the same way we enter the Digital World. I don't foresee any problems on that end."

"What do you mean?" Cody asked, sounding curious.

"What was it that allowed us to enter the Digital World in the first place?"

Kari thought about the older teen's question for a moment, and then smiling, she said softly, "Our innocence."

"Exactly," Izzy replied, beaming at her. "The innocence we carried as children that still exists to some extent within us today. I'm certain that same innocence will allow us to enter the Garden of Eden without any issues."

"I hope not cause otherwise this whole trip's gonna turn into a giant waste of time," Davis joked, making a fist. "You guys ready to go?"

"There's one more thing I'd like to mention before we open the gate," Izzy warned, leaning forward in his chair. "As promised, I did send a message to Eden after I got home asking her to join us today, and she did get in touch with me late last night."

Kari immediately froze, and sensing T.K.'s sudden interest in the conversation, she said shortly, "That's good. I was a little worried we might not hear from her again."

"She'd better have a good excuse for bailing on us," Davis complained, earning himself a hearty glare from T.K. "That was so not cool."

On T.K.'s other side, Willis looked tense, and attempting to play it cool, the American Digidestined said nonchalantly, "What did she have to say?"

"Apparently there was a family emergency, which was why she wasn't able to come yesterday."

"Family emergency? What's that supposed to mean?" Yolei asked, sounding a bit skeptical.

"She didn't give me the details, and I didn't ask. That being said, she informed me that she will be meeting up with us today. I let her know the time and the location of the gate we'll be using. It's outside of the forest so there will be a little bit of a walk."

"There's always so much walking with you," Davis groaned, flopping back on the floor.

Ken looked thoughtful, and shifting on the bed, the raven-haired Digidestined said, "We can ask her about yesterday when we see her."

"We also have to fill her in on what happened with Megareamon," T.K. added, the eager tone of his voice indicating he was excited to see the American female again. "I knew she would have a good reason for not coming. She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would skip out on us when we really need her."

I don't know about that...

Kari could see the other Digidestined exchanging looks, and knowing their thoughts were similar to her own, she couldn't help feeling a little bit apprehensive. All of them had their doubts about Eden, especially after the conversation last night that had taken place at the Motomiya residence, but nobody seemed willing to bring up what they had talked about now that T.K. was present. She couldn't blame them, since she was hesitant to do so herself. Chances were, if they did mention their suspicions, it would only cause a huge argument with T.K., and considering he seemed fine for the most part, at least for the moment, that was the last thing any of them needed right now. Truthfully, a part of her had been hoping Eden wouldn't show up again, but unfortunately it didn't look like that was going to be the case.

Then again, having Eden with them might shed some more light on their suspicions, and as far as she was concerned, that was exactly what they needed to do. Izzy seemed to feel the same, judging from his plans to question the American female, and she knew he wanted them to keep an eye on the lavender-haired girl for any signs of unusual behaviour. Something was telling her that finding out the truth about Eden was important, perhaps even more so than defeating the Daughters of the Night.

But why do I feel this way? I wonder...does Willis feel the same?

A quick glance at the American Digidestined indicated he was uneasy about having Eden close by again, but unfortunately they didn't have a choice. They would just have to make sure they did whatever they could to protect T.K. from the lavender-haired female, even if that meant risking the blond teen's anger.

"I'm sure Eden will want to hear all about Megareamon, and I, in turn, have a few questions to ask her," Izzy said mildly, getting up from his seat. "Shall we get going then?"

"You'll go easy on her?" T.K. asked, looking suspicious. "I haven't forgotten what you guys were saying about her before."

Izzy nodded, and giving the blond a reassuring smile, he said, "I just want to shed more light on what we're up against in the Digital World. Besides, it would be nice if we could offer some assistance as well, since she did just have a family emergency."

"I'm assuming you have a plan for what happens after we find the garden?" Ken asked, gazing calmly at the computer expert. "After all, Megareamon and her sisters will know we're coming. Chances are we'll be confronting all three of them at once this time."

"I do, but I'll wait until we meet up with Eden before I explain. Depending on what she has to say, my plans might change a bit."

"Meaning what?" T.K. snapped, his body growing tense.

"Relax, it's nothing serious," Izzy replied, maintaining a neutral tone. "Just a few questions, that's all."

T.K. still looked uncertain, but instead of arguing, he got up and headed for the computer. Kari followed after the blond teen with the rest of the group falling in behind her, and as one unit they quickly held out their Digivices. As the light emitting from the computer pulled her into the screen, Kari still couldn't suppress the growing uneasiness inside her heart.

She had no idea why, but for some reason she felt like something bad was going to happen, and whatever that something was, she was certain Eden would be at the centre of the darkness that awaited them.