I don't own Digimon.

A/N: I love this chapter and really enjoyed writing it. And just to add some fun little background info, though my husband and I already knew we loved each other, I will say there's definitely some inspiration taken from a moment we shared on the morning of our wedding, which was also by the water. (Except he's nothing like Dai, though Kara shares many of my personality traits. My husband's more of a lovely cross between Sam and Matty!)

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 312: Romantic Confession

DarkAngelicmon

Cyber, Western Hemisphere, Digital World

Sitting on the edge of the large fountain situated in the centre of the castle's courtyard, DarkAngelicmon allowed himself a moment to study his own reflection. The emerald gaze staring back at him looked strangely calm, and trailing his fingers through the water, he found himself thinking of Spritemon.

What a fool she was, allowing her anger and resentment to turn the tide of battle. A classic example of what happens when you let the darkness in your heart control you...

Not that he wasn't happy with the end result. Quite the opposite, actually.

If she had remained amicable towards me, perhaps I might have lamented her tragic demise, but as it stands now, I cannot say I'm mourning her loss.

Having thrown away all sense of logic and reason, Spritemon's inevitable fate had not come as a surprise, and as a result he wasn't going to allow her dramatic exit to distract him. Encantamon, however, was a different story. Though he hadn't known the serpent digimon very well, she had shown more loyalty to him than all of the other digimon who served the Ruler of Darkness combined.

That alone deserved his respect regardless of whether she considered him friend or foe.

Anyone else from this wretched castle would have reported my traitorous behaviour to either their superiors or the Ruler of Darkness himself as soon as they had the chance, but she was content to let me do as I please.

Not only that, Encantamon had also sacrificed her own data for a human, which was not something he had foreseen would happen.

A terrible price to pay for a spontaneous act of kindness. I do believe I'm going to miss her. If she had ended up finding out the truth about my contact with Lucemon, I don't think she would have stood in my way. In fact, I suspect the opposite would have happened.

Unlike all of his deceased comrades, he was fairly certain Encantamon would have kept any and all information about Lucemon to herself.

There is no one left here whom I can trust, and now that Spritemon has effectively taken herself out of the picture, my master has one less servant to do his bidding.

Which posed a whole new set of problems, such as who would act as Spritemon's replacement and how that would affect the course of the future.

BlackWidowmon, Jestermon, and Spritemon...They're all gone, leaving only myself and YukiOnnamon. My master will need to fill their vacant positions, and that is what frightens me most of all...

The last thing he wanted to do was put Lucemon even more at risk, but if his suspicions concerning who would be joining him on future missions were correct, there would be no way to prevent that from happening.

I must protect him at all costs, even if it means doing what Encantamon did and sacrificing my own data. And yet, having said that, the odds of saving my dear friend are woefully against me. Where do I even begin? How do I do the impossible?

"Anything is possible as long as you have faith."

That voice. Though he was the only person currently occupying the courtyard, those words had definitely not come from him. In fact, they weren't coming from the castle grounds at all. The disembodied voice was speaking to him from within, the gentle words and empathetic tone yearning to reach the deepest corners of his mind.

Who are you, and what are you doing inside my head?

"I am the being they call the Entity, who watches over this world. I am merely one of many, and together we are collectively known as the Voice of the Digital World. You seem conflicted, Angel of Light."

DarkAngelicmon jerked back in surprise as the water trickling into the fountain began to glow brightly in the late afternoon sunshine, and tentatively trailing his fingers through its clear, rippling surface, he gazed intently at his own reflection and murmured, "It is you. You are the voice who spoke through Kari."

"Indeed, I am. You know your history well, Angel of Virtue."

Angel of...Virtue?

The title confused him, and doing his best to remain aloof, he said calmly, "I know it well enough. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"Follow the path of faith, and in doing so you will find the answers you seek. Only then will you save the one you hold dear and set yourself free from the past. Your future is bright, servant of the Dark One. The heir to the power of the Spirit Chip awaits you, and one day his light will guide you down the road you were always meant to follow..."

The road beyond the horizon...

Why, after all this time, had the Entity decided to reveal her presence to him? It was absurd, and letting out a dry laugh, DarkAngelicmon said wearily, "Perhaps you hadn't noticed, but the future isn't looking so bright at the moment. Angel of Virtue? The path of faith? Why have you come to me like this? What is the purpose of paying me a visit?"

The light emanating from the water began to dim, and as he felt the presence inside his head slowly slip away, he was given one final message.

"Those who are lost lack direction. They seek guidance to set them on a new path. I have answered your call. The rest is up to you."

With that, the water stilled and the light died away, and pulling back his hand, DarkAngelicmon said quietly, "I do believe I've been given a challenge. As elusive as Seermon and every bit as shrewd as Gennai. No wonder even the Four Guardians seek your advice."

"Who are you talking to?"

DarkAngelicmon felt his back stiffen, and without turning around, he said shortly, "You must be hearing things. What do you want?"

"Please, I want nothing from you," the intruder responded, the words dripping with obvious distaste. "I'm only here because the Ruler of Darkness has summoned you. He wishes to speak with you."

I do not wish to speak with him, but I suppose I should have expected this.

Letting out a soft sigh, DarkAngelicmon finally turned to face the fallen angel standing only a few feet away from him, and raising his eyebrows, he said lightly, "You're never going to be his favourite with that kind of attitude."

A position I would gladly give up if I could...

"You dare to speak with such an air of superiority after failing our master countless times?" Phelesmon hissed, his tail flicking angrily in the afternoon sunshine. "I would hold your tongue, if I were you."

Not likely to happen, you fool. Unlike you, I'm not a mindless puppet.

DarkAngelicmon could tell Phelesmon was still suspicious, but without any proof of another presence in the courtyard, there was little the fallen angel could do to convict him of treason. Even so, he could not deny the timing was too close for his liking, particularly because he had been so focused on the Entity that he had failed to sense Phelesmon's impending approach until it was almost too late.

I must be careful, now more so than ever. Particularly when I'm around those who would jump at any chance to aid in my demise...

"Well, are you coming or not?" Phelesmon said coldly, tapping his trident impatiently against the flagstone walkway. "The Ruler of Darkness does not like to be kept waiting, and I have better things to do with my time than babysit you."

"By all means, lead the way."

Phelesmon started towards the door without a backwards glance, and following after the fallen angel, DarkAngelicmon found himself thinking back on the events that had occurred in the waterway beneath the city of Abacus. Truthfully, he couldn't say he was all that disappointed in the outcome. If anything, the entire fiasco had worked out exactly as he had been hoping it would. Takara had received her Spirit Chip and Daichi Motomiya's life had been spared. The Digidestined had performed admirably, and above all else he had been able to distance himself from the fighting without making his actions look suspicious. That was largely in part thanks to Angelicmon, whom he would have to remember to thank later if the opportunity ever arose.

Imagine that. Never did I think I would see the day when I would be asking the Digidestined for assistance.

And yet, here he was, doing exactly that and more.

I wonder...how will I move forward now that the Spirit Chips belonging to Mickey and Matty are the only two that remain...

It was an interesting thought, one he didn't have an answer for. It was also a question that could wait. At the moment, the more pressing issue was how the Ruler of Darkness intended to move forward, and even more importantly how he intended to use YukiOnnamon and the Demon Lords to achieve his ambitious goals.

And what does that mean for the Digidestined?

Takara and the others had known he was only faking unconsciousness, of that he was certain, but thankfully YukiOnnamon hadn't been quite as observant. After allowing the Digidestined to escape from the waterway, the former vampire digimon had taken it upon herself to kick him repeatedly in the ribs in order to wake him, thus permitting him to make a grand show of opening his eyes. It was then that YukiOnnamon informed him she had received the ability to open gateways to the World of Darkness from her incident with the chasm in the Ice Caverns, along with her new form. They had used that ability to escape from the city, though he couldn't say it was a pleasant experience.

I'd rather not subject myself to that again if I can avoid it. What a terrible sensation, travelling through the darkness only to have another portal deposit us right here in front of the castle. As Vampiramon, she was worthless, but as YukiOnnamon she has become a formidable foe...

The thought made him shiver uncomfortably as he followed his reluctant companion through the narrow halls of the castle, and coming to a stop in front of the drawing room, he waited as Phelesmon knocked on the door and said in a much more polite tone, "I have brought him, Master."

"Excellent," a voice responded from the other side. "Please, come in."

The door swung open almost of its own accord, and hesitantly stepping into the room, DarkAngelicmon surveyed his surroundings with interest. Standing next to the Ruler of Darkness, who was seated comfortably in an armchair, Persiamon nodded in greeting, and off to the left, YukiOnnamon and LadyDevimon stood side by side, their dark forms hidden in shadow. Phelesmon moved to take the spot on their master's right, and beckoning him closer, the Ruler of Darkness said pleasantly, "I am glad you have returned to me unharmed. YukiOnnamon has filled me in on what happened beneath the underwater city."

"An unfortunate setback, losing two of our companions," Persiamon commented, shaking her head in regret.

YukiOnnamon immediately bristled at those words, and doing her best to keep her anger in check, the icy digimon said coldly, "Encantamon betrayed us. I see no reason to mourn her loss, though I would have much preferred to bring her back and have her answer to our master for her deceit. As for Spritemon, she is the sole reason we were unable to acquire any of the Spirit Chips. The blame lies with her."

"Now, now, Encantamon always was a free spirit," the Ruler of Darkness said mildly, dismissing the serpent digimon with a wave of his gloved hand. "It was not unexpected for her to do as she pleased. She was loyal enough in her own way, and for that I lament her loss. As for Spritemon, while I agree her actions today were detrimental to the mission, it is of no concern. If anything, it simply proves she was never fit to be in my service. Her loss is inconsequential."

"But...the Spirit Chips, my lord," LadyDevimon murmured, keeping her head bowed.

"As I said before, while the Spirit Chips are important, time is even more important. Having said that, I suppose I should give Spritemon some credit, even though she denounced her loyalty to me. Like Jestermon and BlackWidowmon, her actions have bought me more time, and for that I must commend her. Her sacrifice is far more important to me than her life, and I intend to use it to my advantage."

Will you say the same about me, once you learn of my true intentions?

DarkAngelicmon was well aware of the fact that he couldn't protect Lucemon in secret forever, but there was no point in dwelling on that now. First, he needed to know the full extent of his master's next move and how that was going to affect both himself and the Digidestined.

"Your words confuse me, my lord," YukiOnnamon murmured, stepping into the dim light. "I thought the Spirit Chips were our main priority."

"Ah yes, that's right. Only DarkAngelicmon was there to hear my words," the Ruler of Darkness replied, placing a gloved hand under his cloaked chin. "How shall I put this? The Spirit Chips have their role, but not quite yet. Although it would benefit us to obtain a few of them early, all is not lost even if the Digidestined manage to acquire all six. By that time, our forces will have grown, and it will be easy enough to steal all of them at once if need be."

"But until then you would still like us to steal a few if we can and...buy you time," YukiOnnamon said stiffly, her dark eyes sparkling in sudden understanding. "That's all well and good, except you're starting to run out of decoys, my lord."

So she finally understands, and by the looks of it she's not happy at all. How does it feel, YukiOnnamon? How do you like playing the role of an expendable puppet? Are you enjoying the strings our puppeteer has tied to your very existence?

Though his face was cloaked in shadow, DarkAngelicmon could see those strange violet eyes gleaming with anticipation, and holding out his arms, the Ruler of Darkness said grandly, "While I agree I need to increase your ranks again, one is only a decoy if they choose to make mistakes. I trust that won't be an issue for you?"

"Of course not, my lord."

"Then rest easy, my dear YukiOnnamon. Now, as for the problem at hand, I believe Persiamon and Phelesmon will do nicely as replacements for BlackWidowmon and Jestermon, and LadyDevimon is more than capable of filling the void for Spritemon, particularly now that her digivolution is almost complete. As for me, I've already assigned myself a new guard to fill in while Persiamon and Phelesmon are away, and he will have his own role to play in the near future."

Of course. You always have your bases covered.

DarkAngelicmon quickly shook his head to clear it, and taking a step forward, he said, "With all due respect, my lord...While the obvious potential for LadyDevimon is there, Persiamon and Phelesmon are only ultimates. That hardly makes up for the three megas we've lost."

"You, a mere champion, have no right to question our abilities," Phelesmon spat, brandishing his trident. "I'll have your head for this!"

"Stand down," the Ruler of Darkness commanded, sounding impatient. "On the surface, it may seem that way, but you must remember. Appearances can be deceiving. Don't let her femininity fool you. Persiamon has the same potential as LadyDevimon, and soon her digivolution will be complete, as well."

Huh? Wait, but that could only mean...

In the dim lighting of the room, her pleasant smile looked almost eerie, and watching for his reaction, Persiamon said softly, "They call me the Demon of Greed."

It...can't be...

Unable to respond, DarkAngelicmon merely stared at the feline digimon in utter shock, and seemingly pleased with his reaction, the Ruler of Darkness said boldly, "And that's not all. I have even more news, which I'm sure will put your fears about our ranks to rest, my dear servant."

"And what news would that be, my lord?" YukiOnnamon demanded, interrupting before he could form a coherent sentence. "I do not understand."

"Of course you don't. That is because in your previous form you were not privy to the information I'm about to reveal now."

YukiOnnamon's eyes narrowed, and clenching her hands into fists, the icy digimon said quietly, "Was I not worthy?"

"Not as you were then, but now it is time for you to learn the full extent of my plans."

"The...full extent?"

Instead of responding, the Ruler of Darkness sat back in his chair, his fingers coming together to form a steeple. Though the atmosphere in the room hadn't changed, there was something about the robed figure that seemed darker and more menacing than what DarkAngelicmon could ever remember having experienced before, and bowing his head, the Ruler of Darkness whispered, "Belphemon has awakened."

Takara 'Kara' Kamiya

Cyber, Western Hemisphere, Digital World

Holding Dai's warm hand tightly in her own, Takara was content to remain exactly where she was until Whamon resurfaced, and letting out a disgruntled sigh, the goggle-headed leader muttered, "Sorry to be such a pain."

"Don't be silly. You're nothing of the sort."

"But...I did cause you a lot of worry, didn't I?" Dai asked, sounding both hesitant and a little embarrassed.

Takara couldn't help a soft laugh from escaping her throat, and smiling, she said gently, "To be fair, I think I caused you just as much worry. Why don't we call it even?"

"I dunno about that...I still want to make it up to you."

Takara was quick to note that Dai seemed much more alert than previously, and not wanting to get her hopes up, she said softly, "I know a way you could do that, but only if you really want to."

"Huh?"

"Don't worry about it for now. We'll talk once we're back on solid ground."

Only if you really love me, Dai. I won't hurt myself or you by forcing anything if that's not the road you want to follow...

Though the stubborn look on his face indicated he wanted to talk now, instead of arguing with her, the goggle-headed leader merely said, "Okay, but you promised. Don't forget."

"I won't."

As the two of them fell silent, Takara once again allowed Dai to rest his head on her shoulder, the sound of his soft breathing lulling her into a peaceful state of rest. All around her, she could hear the voices of her friends and family members murmuring in the darkness, and stroking Dovemon's soft feathers as the little rookie snoozed quietly in her lap, she snuggled her cheek against the goggle-headed leader's dark hair. They remained that way for the rest of the journey, and after some time, Whamon called out, "Land ho! Prepare to disembark!"

"About time," Matty grumbled, stretching to ease the tightness in his lower back. "I could really use a hot shower right about now."

"Ditto that," Matt sighed, looking down at his own drenched clothing. "Everybody ready?"

Takara glanced at her father, and looking amused, the former leader joked, "Is that your way of asking for an apology?"

"You mean the one I wasn't going to get?" Matt shot back, rolling his eyes.

Takara laughed at that, and turning to Embermon, who was curled against Dai's thigh, she said, "How are you holding up?"

"As long as Dai's okay, I'm fine."

That makes two of us.

Dai looked surprised by that statement, and wrapping an arm around his partner's shoulders, the google-headed leader said fondly, "Thanks, buddy. Now, let's get out of here. No offence, Whamon, but it does kind of stink in here."

"Well, what do you expect? My taxi service is free, you know. You get what you pay for. Anyways, watch my teeth on your way out!"

"Quickly, before he takes offence!" Tentomon whispered, making a beeline for the shore.

"Need some help?" Ken asked, coming over to offer Dai his assistance.

The goggle-headed leader nodded, and following after the slow-moving duo with Dovemon and Embermon, Takara squinted as the sun hit her eyes. After being stuck in the waterway for so long, her eyes needed a little time to adjust to the bright glow, and nodding his head towards the gate, Mickey said softly, "We should probably head back. The others must be pretty worried about us."

"In a moment," Izzy spoke up, seating himself next to the gate and pulling out his laptop. "First, I want to contact Gennai, and then I want to get in touch with Taniko. With Tai and Dai both injured, I'd rather use the computer in the living room rather than the one in the office. Taniko will make sure everything is set up for us to arrive safely. I also want to make sure Joe's there, and if he's not somebody on their end is going to have to contact him and make sure he comes as quickly as possible."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. More waiting," Matty groaned, flopping onto the ground near the computer expert and stretching out on his back. "Fine, wake me up when you're ready to go."

"Oh, Celestimon and I will nap with you!" Halomon said eagerly, dive-bombing the younger twin and cuddling into his neck.

Celestimon was quick to join his fellow rookie, and smiling in amusement, Mickey seated himself next to his snoozing twin. Sam hesitantly sat on the older twin's other side, and looking a little left out, Glowmon immediately hopped onto Matty's chest and proceeded to make himself comfortable. Matt, Ryoko, Tentomon, Centarumon, Gabumon, and Alopemon quickly joined Izzy, and helping Dai into a sitting position on the sand, Ken said with a hint of concern, "Are you okay to rest here while Izzy finishes up with his messages?"

"I'm fine," Dai replied, giving the former Emperor a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Embermon will keep me in line. You and Wormmon might as well join the others."

Wormmon didn't look convinced, and glancing uncertainly at his partner, the insect digimon said hesitantly, "Well, if you insist..."

Like Izzy, I bet Ken understands...

Sure enough, the former Emperor glanced meaningfully in her direction before saying, "Just don't do anything too strenuous."

"I won't. Geez, you're as bad as my mother."

Ken laughed at that, and motioning for Wormmon to follow him, the former Emperor proceeded to sit next to his son. That left only her parents and their digimon partners, and giving her a quick squeeze, her mother said softly in her ear, "You've got this, sweetie. Just be yourself."

Takara felt her face heat up, and glancing nervously at her father, she said, "You knew?"

"After all these years, I've mostly got Izzy figured out by now," the former leader said dryly, his dark eyes focusing intently on her face. A few feet away, Dai was talking quietly with Embermon, and taking extra care not to be overheard, her father stepped closer to her and said in a low voice, "I'll only say one thing. Speaking from experience, this will be the scariest thing you'll ever have to do. Telling someone you love them is far more terrifying than anything the Digital World could ever throw at you. If you can do this, you'll never have any reason to doubt yourself ever again. And even if you do, he'll always be there to bring you back to your senses, and you'll do the same for him."

Dad...

This time, the tears obscuring her vision were tears of happiness, and hugging her father as tightly as she could, she whispered, "Just knowing how much both you and Mom support me is all the strength I need."

"Glad to hear it."

"Now, go on," her mother encouraged. "I'll make sure your father gets some rest while we're waiting for you."

"And we'll do the same," Agumon added, gesturing towards himself and Biyomon.

Her father raised an eyebrow at the determined looks on their faces, and laughing, the former leader said, "You guys are as bad as Matt."

Thank you, all of you.

Takara took a moment to gather her composure, and as her parents and their digimon moved away to join Izzy's group, she glanced down at her partner and said, "I guess I'd better not let this opportunity go to waste."

"Don't worry, I'll distract Embermon and get him out of there," Dovemon promised, puffing up her feathers. "That way the two of you can talk in private."

"You really are the best partner, you know that?"

Dovemon smiled in return, and tilting her head to the side, the little rookie said, "Same to you."

It's now or never. Izzy went out of his way to grant me this opportunity. I might as well make the most of it.

Taking a deep breath, Takara slowly made her way over to Dai, and settling herself on the goggle-headed leader's left, she said softly, "Still doing okay?"

"As long as you keep my mother away from me, I might survive," Dai joked, leaning back on his hands. "Can we just like...not tell her the entire truth about what happened?"

"You know we have to."

"Wait, hear me out for a minute! I know Uncle Joe needs to know, and I'm cool with that, but if we just leave out a few of the details for my mother, there's no harm in that, right? You know what she's like. Totally embarrassing and completely unbearable at times like this."

Takara laughed at the goggle-headed leader's outrageous behaviour, and shaking her head, she said pleasantly, "Nice try, but I don't think that's going to fly."

"Ugh, well it was at least worth a shot."

"Now, if you're done giving your mother grief she doesn't deserve, Embermon and I are going to go take a nap with the others," Dovemon scolded, giving the dark-haired boy a disapproving look. "Honestly, boys."

"We are?" Embermon asked, looking confused. "But...what about Dai?"

"It's fine, Takara will look after him. You don't want to upset Halomon, do you?"

Embermon looked properly scandalised, and quickly getting to his feet, the draconian rookie said, "Just thinking about it is making me feel guilty. Let's go."

Nice one, Dovemon! I knew I could count on you.

Takara watched as the two digimon wandered off to join Matty's group, and turning to gaze out at the ocean, she said quietly, "When you disappeared from the human world, I was more scared than I had ever been in my entire life. I was so afraid I was never going to see you again."

There was a moment of silence, and resting his elbows on his knees, Dai murmured, "When I was in that sphere, there wasn't a single moment that went by where I wasn't thinking of you. I definitely know where you're coming from because...you know...I felt the same way."

Dai...

Takara felt her heart speed up, and realising Dai was having trouble looking her in the eyes, she kept her gaze focused on the waves drifting gently towards the shore. The sand beneath her was warm, and letting it slide through her fingers, she whispered, "You were scared?"

"Absolutely terrified," Dai admitted, sounding a bit sheepish. "And you know...it got me thinking."

"About what?"

Takara knew there was still no guarantee that the goggle-headed leader would return her feelings, and yet sitting there listening to his voice, she still felt surprisingly calm and composed. Despite the conversation she knew was coming, those feelings hadn't deserted her, but what had changed was the sudden feeling of butterflies attacking her stomach, which hadn't been there before. There was no denying that the nerves had finally hit her, but it wasn't a bad feeling. It was more like a sense of anticipation, and no matter how Dai responded, there was something telling her she would always be important to him, which gave her the courage to carry on, no matter the final outcome.

Regardless of what you say, I'll always love you. We'll always be together, even if it can only be as friends.

"Uh...you see...knowing that you were gone and everything, it kind of made me realise just how important you are to me," Dai managed to stammer, his cheeks turning a light shade of red. "That sounds kind of dumb, since I should have realised it a long time ago, but sometimes I'm not always the most observant."

There was no denying the sound of her own heartbeat pulsing painfully in her ears, and taking a deep breath, she said as calmly as she could, "Is this what you wanted to tell me earlier?"

"Um...kind of? Wait, no. I mean...that's not all of it. It's just...ugh, can I start over?"

Oh, Dai...you really are a sweetheart.

Takara couldn't stop a giggle from escaping her lips, and reaching out to take his hand again, she said softly, "Take as much time as you need."

"Right, so how do I put this," Dai muttered to himself, unconsciously squeezing her hand in return. "Is it supposed to be this hard?"

"Is what supposed to be hard?"

Dai seemed to be holding some sort of internal argument with himself, and taking a deep breath, the goggle-headed leader proceeded to stare at his feet before mumbling, "The thought of losing you almost tore me apart inside, and realising how badly it would affect me if anything bad were to ever happen to you...it really opened my eyes. I've never experienced that sort of feeling ever before in my life, and I think...it woke something inside of me that I know now was there all along. I was just too stupid to notice it before."

Could it be?

Takara gently placed her hand against the goggle-headed leader's cheek, and waiting patiently for him to meet her eyes, she said quietly, "You're not stupid at all. I know better than anybody it's not always easy to admit your true feelings to yourself, and it's even harder trying to convey those feelings to the people you care about. I just want you to know that whatever it is that's making this so difficult for you, there's no need for you to let it hold you back. You know I'm always going to support you, and that's why you can tell me anything no matter how hard it is to voice your thoughts into words."

"Promise you won't laugh?" Dai asked, ducking his head to avoid her intense gaze.

"I would never laugh at you for confiding in me. Tell me, Dai. Your feelings are important to me. You're important to me."

Dai nodded, and once again taking a deep breath, the goggle-headed leader mumbled, "So...you know how Ryoko and Ami are always like holding hands and stuff now? Well, so...it's like this. I maybe...kind of want to do that with you?"

As if I could ever say no to such an adorable confession.

Staring at the goggle-headed leader's face, which had turned a deep shade of red, Takara could feel her heart bursting with happiness. Any doubts she might have had disappeared completely, and refusing to let go of his hand, she whispered, "I kind of want to do that with you, too."

"Really?" Dai blurted, his mouth dropping open in utter shock. "You're serious!?"

This time Takara did laugh, and unable to stop smiling, she said, "Of course I want to, silly. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. Actually, that's what I meant earlier when I said there were things I needed to tell you, too."

"Wait, so...um...you feel the same?" Dai asked, his baffled expression changing to one of awe. "I mean...about me?"

Takara gently took Dai's other hand in her own, and leaning forward so she could rest her cheek against his shoulder, she said seriously, "I've felt this way about you for a long time, Dai."

"Then...why? Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Honestly, I wasn't sure if you would feel the same. We've been friends for so long, and a part of me was worried that you would never see me as anything more than that. I'll admit, those feelings of doubt contributed to my behaviour in the waterway, but thanks to you and the others calling out to me in the darkness, I was able to find my way back to the light."

"I'm sorry...I..."

Takara quickly shook her head, and closing her eyes, she said firmly, "Don't be. You can't blame yourself for what happened to me, especially since you weren't even aware of your own feelings until after you'd been captured. My feelings of self-doubt started long before then, and I should have told you the truth about the effect you have on me before letting my emotions get out of hand. And besides, my feelings for you weren't the only thing that caused me to end up in that cave. Far from it."

"If it's any consolation, I think...no, I know I've also felt this way about you for a long time," Dai said seriously, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Probably since the beginning. I just wish I would have realised it sooner. If I had, you wouldn't have had to suffer so much."

Takara slowly lifted her head, and as the goggle-headed leader finally met her gaze, she said, "Just hearing you say that more than makes up for it."

"It's everything, you know," Dai said in a rush, unable to look away now that he had finally found the courage to blurt out all of the things that had likely been weighing on his mind. "You're smart, and brave, and friendly, and you're like really pretty, too. You're all kinds of amazing things, and I dunno what I'm even trying to say anymore."

Takara could feel the heat of Dai's blush against her hand, and leaning forward so their foreheads were touching, she whispered, "Replace 'really pretty' with 'super handsome,' and you're all of those things, too."

"Um...can I kiss you?" Dai blurted out, quickly averting his eyes.

Do you know how long I've waited to hear you say that?

Takara had to take a moment to compose herself, and managing a quick nod, she murmured, "You can."

Looking as if he couldn't believe his good fortune, Dai slowly leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against her mouth. At first, the kiss was tentative, but as they quickly grew accustomed to the pleasant sensation, there were no words for her to describe just how electrifying it felt to have the goggle-headed leader's mouth moving against her own. It made her whole body tingle in a way she had never before experienced, and wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him even closer. Dai responded by tightening his arms around her waist, and as the world around them disappeared, they had eyes only for each other. There was just something so sweet and intimate about their embrace, and not wanting to let go, Takara made the most of their closeness. When they did finally pull away, Dai seemed at a loss for words, and after a moment, he said blissfully, "Are you sure I'm still alive?"

Cuffing the goggle-headed leader lightly on the shoulder, she scolded, "Don't even joke. Remember how I said earlier you could make it up to me only if you really wanted to?"

"Like I'd forget. So what did you mean by that?" Dai asked curiously, trying and failing miserably to hide how flustered he was.

Takara gently placed a hand against his heart, and smiling at him, she said, "I was going to suggest you take me out on a date, but I didn't want to bring it up unless it was something you really wanted to do."

"Okay, but only because despite what just happened, your dad doesn't look like he wants to murder me," the goggle-headed leader joked, indicating there was more to the story than what she had witnessed for herself.

Why do I have a sneaking suspicion they must have come to some sort of understanding about me while I was stuck in that cave?

Takara glanced over her shoulder, and realising her parents were watching them with smiles on their faces, she said mildly, "You're lucky he likes you so much."

"Trust me, I don't take that for granted. So...are we like...going out now?"

"If that's your way of asking me if I want to go out with you, of course I do."

"Right...uh..."

At this point, Takara knew the whole group was now watching them, and holding Dai's hand tightly in both of her own, she said boldly, "Dai, let me make something very clear to you. I love you more than I could ever try to put into words, and no matter what, that's never going to change. Do you understand what that means?"

The blush on Dai's face disappeared, and gazing directly into her eyes, he said simply, "Yeah, I do. How could I not when I feel the same way about you? I know I'm not always good with words, but I am so hopelessly in love with you, I don't even know how else to put it. You have the most amazing soul of anyone I've ever met, and that's what I love about you most of all."

Dai...and you say you're not good with words...

Takara once again felt her eyes fill with tears, and pulling the goggle-headed leader into her arms again, she whispered, "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Come on, we've kept Izzy waiting long enough. Let's go home."

"Wait...did he..."

Takara merely smiled at the unvoiced question, and helping Dai to his feet, she instructed him to lean on her shoulder as they slowly made their towards the gate. Ken instantly came to meet them, and relieving her of the goggle-headed leader's weight, the former Emperor said gently, "I trust then that everything worked out for the better?"

"About time," Ryoko snorted, pointing an accusing finger at them. "You were causing Ami a lot of unnecessary stress."

"Ignore him," Matty advised, having woken up from his short-lived nap. "He just doesn't want to admit how worried he was."

Ryoko attempted to sputter a protest that everyone ignored, and beaming at them, Mickey said softly, "I'm really happy for the two of you. It was always obvious to us how much you love each other."

"What!?" Dai shouted, looking outraged as he slumped against Ken's side. "And you didn't say anything!?"

"We tried multiple times," Sam said dryly, giving the goggle-headed leader a look. "You just refused to take the hint."

"I...oh..."

Takara laughed, and smiling at her four male friends, she said with sincerity, "Thank you, all of you. I don't even know what to say, especially after the way I treated you..."

"You don't have to say anything," Mickey replied, coming forward to give her a hug. "We know you love us. We never doubted that even for a moment."

"Duh," Matty agreed, tugging playfully on her ponytail. "Like you, of all people, would ever stop caring about us."

This is why I do love you all so much. You're the kindest and most caring friends I could have ever asked for.

Standing just behind Matty, Sam was glancing between her and Dai with the most peculiar expression on his face, and watching him closely, she suspected there was something weighing on his mind. Before she had a chance to ask, though, Ryoko said gruffly, "If you're all done acting super mushy now, can we get going?"

"Don't worry, we love you, too," Matty teased, ducking to avoid a half-hearted blow to his head.

Setting Ryoko's embarrassment aside, Takara turned to Izzy and said, "Sorry about the wait."

"Not at all," the computer expert replied, tucking away his laptop. "I'm just glad I could help."

You did. All of you have helped me in so many ways. Looking back now, I can't believe I ever found it so difficult to just say what I feel inside.

"You said Halomon wanted us to nap with him," Embermon accused, glaring at a sheepish Dovemon. "What was that all about!?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to trick you, but how else was I supposed to get you out of there to give them space?" the little bird digimon protested.

"You could have just told me!"

"Don't be mad, Embermon," Halomon said in a soothing voice, fluttering over to wrap his slender arms around the draconian digimon's neck. "I am happy you came to nap with me."

"Well...I guess it's okay then."

Thankfully, Halomon's cuteness immediately put the argument to rest, and coming over to wrap an arm around her, Matt said firmly, "I'm proud of you, Kara. Dai's very lucky to have you, and I'm glad he knows it."

"You know, you scare me more than Tai," Dai joked, his eyes once again drooping as he struggled to remain upright.

The former musician raised his eyebrows at that, and laughing, her father said, "I'd be more scared of him, too, if I were you."

"You two are impossible," her mother sighed, smiling despite her words. "All of you, through the gate. Now."

Takara wasn't about to risk another scolding from her mother, and as they all said their goodbyes to Centarumon, who was going to catch a ride from Whamon back to the Eastern Hemisphere, she glanced once more at Sam. The raven-haired Digidestined's sapphire eyes were now focused on Mickey, and something about that intense gaze made her pause. It seemed...familiar somehow, but at the moment she was too tired to place it.

I know that look, but...

Raising the tips of her fingers to her lips, Takara could still feel the pressure of Dai's kiss, and as the light from the gate pulled her in, she couldn't help wondering if she was seeing something of herself in Sam.