The Heart of Arima
AN: This story is actually my second attempt at a fic, so I'm still getting into the swing of things. This has Daiken/Kensuke (Daisuke/Ken pairing), Taito/Yamashi (Taichi/Yamato pairing) and something I've never heard of but call Takewill/Willkeru (Takeru/Willis [or Wallace, whatever his name is] pairing). Hurrah! More Daiken/Kensuke and Takewill/Willkeru!
I think this ones a bit short.
Notes: I don't own Digimon, or any of the characters. I don't really own any other anime besides the other stuff I write from my twisted mind. But! This is my fanfic so you touch, you die! or get tickled. ^_^ Oh, if I spelt any names wrong, correction would be appreciated.
A few (more) notes: the '-chan' suffix is used to show affection of sorts (though it has other
uses, they will not be used here). '-san' is used as a sign of respect. '-sama' is used when talking
to someone who is high in power or as I like to think of it "God like". '-kun' is a sign of friends
between two males. 'Koibito' means 'my love' or something to that effect. 'Oniichan' (or
'niichan) means big brother. 'Tenshi' is angel.
***
It had been three days since Daisuke had awoken in the possession of The Demon Lord, or as he insisted on being called by Daisuke, Ken. Daisuke felt like a prisoner even though Ken always referred to him as a guest. Whenever the subject of Daisuke leaving came up, Ken was quick to change the subject, making excuses which he was quickly running out of. Ken didn't know why, there was just something about Daisuke, an air of innocence, of purity which he couldn't bear being away from.
Daisuke remembered earlier that Ken said he would get him whatever he desired, so he had asked for some art supplies, only to find the finest paints, brushes and canvas beside his bed the next morning. Daisuke started to paint, mostly to pass the time. He didn't really want to have anything to do with The Demon Lord. For a few days, Daisuke tried and failed to paint the landscape outside the castle. Daisuke threw his brush down in frustration again.
Why can't I paint!? Why? It's a beautiful scene... Daisuke's thoughts wandered idly while he was looking out the window of the main hall, then he noticed Ken looking out the window on the opposite end of the hall. Daisuke picked up his brush and began to paint, watching Ken.
How could something so evil be so...beautiful. Daisuke thought absently, painting what he saw, determined to capture the beauty portrayed before him. Ken was evil wasn't he? He was the Demon Lord after all, but oddly enough Daisuke noticed he had never seen Ken do something evil, or even do anything that suggested he was a Mage. Granted there was the odd strange occurrence, but who didn't have those?
It was the gasp behind him that brought Daisuke back to reality. Ken had been standing behind him for several minutes. He had curiously wandered over to see what Daisuke was painting. He was astonished to see who it was.
Why would he paint me, me of all people? Ken thought to himself in awkward silence as Daisuke waited for the worst reaction.
All his life, Ken had been sheltered away in the large castle and the snowy regions which surrounded it. The only other person he had ever seen, was his brother and now Daisuke. Osamu had taught Ken that the people outside were stupid and feared what they did not understand, but Ken still couldn't help wonder what the outside was like. Then Osamu had died. That very day, Ken took one of the winged monstrosities called a demon and flew. He flew to the edge of his realm and dared not go further out of respect for Osamu. Now Daisuke did something like this.
"Why did you paint me?" The violet eyed boy near demanded of the young artist, his voice cool and calm, betraying nothing.
"I...you...you were just sitting there and...looked....beautiful and..." Daisuke trailed off and looked down at his feet. Why an I worried? He just wants to keep me prisoner here...doesn't he? He's evil isn't he? Daisuke's mind spun, confused. Why did he have these feelings all of a sudden? The Demon Lord, beautiful? What was he thinking.
"Do you mind...that I painted your...uhh...portrait?" Daisuke dawdled, daring to look up at the face he had been so intent on a few minutes prior. He thought he saw a smile at the corner of his captor's lips, but it vanished as quickly as he thought it had appeared.
"No...I don't mind. You can paint me anytime you wish." Ken said, his voice but a whisper among the great hall. Daisuke felt his cheeks burning slightly and told Ken he was going to his room. The Demon Lord nodded in response.
Later, after Daisuke had awoke, dinner had been prepared by means Daisuke didn't know. The dining hall was different this time. All the other times he and Ken ate, there was a huge table with a silk white table cloth. This time the table was much smaller, and the plates closer.
Maybe he wants to talk? Daisuke thought. It must be lonely all the way down here, alone, in this huge castle... Daisuke stopped thinking as he reached the answer he had been looking for. That was why the Demon Lord kept him here. He was lonely. Perhaps he was more human than people thought. Daisuke decided to make his remaining time here pleasant. After all, Ken had saved his life.
Daisuke attempted several times at starting a conversation but each time, Ken retorted with a short, closed reply. After a moment Ken realized just what Daisuke was trying to do and placed his pale hand on the other boy's darker tanned one.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to talking. I usually don't have company." Ken said, trying to think of a way to make it up to his precious guest.
"I have an idea." Ken said with a slight smile, as much as he would permit himself to show. He handed an astonished Daisuke a small blue gem, spherical in nature.
"You can explore the castle." Ken said closing Daisuke's hand around the small gift. "If you get lost, tap this gen three times and I'll come to get you." Daisuke obviously didn't mind Ken touching him. Ken's skin was pale and soft.
Finer than silk. Daisuke thought privately. He gave a pleasant and excited smile. He always liked to explore new places and discover new things, and it seemed he was going to do both.
"But remember." Ken's voice took a more serious tone, but stopped when he saw Daisuke visibly flinch in distaste. "You must never go to the West Wing of the castle."
Daisuke nodded in understanding as they silently finished eating, both smiling inwardly.
On the outside, the castle appeared to be several large shards of pointed crystal, slanted and sitting the center of a lake. The water was black and thin. It's waves lapping at the beach less shore far away. Much to his own surprise, Daisuke found that the whole inside of the castle was like polished marble of different colors. There was white and grey, black with gold and silver with green. All in all, it was extremely impressive.
The days began to slip by. Ken greeted Daisuke every morning, when he came to his bed room to fetch him for breakfast. There had been more conversation and more pleasantness coming from Ken, which utterly surprised Daisuke.
Daisuke had stopped asking when he was going home every day, but his mood seemed to slightly decline with each passing moment. Ken frowned at this and brought it up one day at dinner.
"Daisuke, Tenshi, what's wrong?" Ken asked, using the nick name he bestowed upon Daisuke. It happened so suddenly one day when Ken said he looked like an angel that had fallen to earth. Daisuke had chuckled and brushed the compliment off, and the name just stuck.
"It's..." Daisuke began, about to tell Ken but then stopped. "Nothing."
"Daisuke, you can tell me. You know I can get you anything you desire." Ken said, setting his silverware down and reaching a hand out to comfort his guest. Ken saw Daisuke as a glass rose. So beautiful, and yet so fragile. Ken had to protect Daisuke from the harshness of the world, it would be a sin not to.
Daisuke saw Ken as a silver winged angel whom had fallen from the grace of the heavens. Daisuke had vowed in his heart to help the angel to regain it's wings, to know what it was to fly once more.
Daisuke gave a weak smile. He knew he couldn't hide anything from Ken, his love, his Demon Lord, his master and protector. "It's...I'm worried, Yami." Daisuke said, using his own nickname for his beloved. Ken had at first been offended deep inside when Daisuke used it, until Daisuke explained. He said Ken was like darkness, his darkness, like a comforting blanket. Their feelings for each other were never actually put into words. It didn't have to be. They both knew how each other felt.
"Worried?" Ken's brow knitted in a furrow with confusion, something one didn't often see the Demon Lord do, but then again, one didn't often see the Demon Lord.
"Yes. About..my friend, Takeru. About 'niichan." Daisuke said the last part quietly. He had found Ken was somewhat touchy on the subject of family.
'Niichan. Ken thought silently. Osamu-san. I have to do this. For me. Ken had reached a decision.
"Alright. It's time." He said quietly, sadly.
"What?" Daisuke said, looking up from his half eaten dinner.
"I said I could give you anything you desire, Tenshi, and if this is what you desire..." Ken sighed and looked into the eyes of his angel. "I will not keep you from it. You can go home if it is what you really want." Ken said finally, a single tear trailing down his face, but it was worth it to see the look of joy on Daisuke's face.
"Really, Yami-chan?" Daisuke grinned. "I can really see my friends and family again?"
"Yes." Ken said, his fingers gently touching Daisuke's face.
It was then another thought cam to Daisuke's mind. "What about you, Yami? I won't go. I won't leave you."
Ken chuckled. "You know very well you must go. You must go back to your family. Don't worry."
Daisuke nodded slowly, shedding a tear. He knew what Ken was saying. He would wait, wait until Daisuke returned.
"But first...there is something I must tell you, and show you as well. Follow me." It was practically an order but Daisuke knew Ken would never tell him what to do. It was mostly out of habit, and partly jest. Daisuke found himself trailing behind Ken, following him to the West Wing of the castle. It wasn't long before the pair came to a large door made of black obsidian.
Ken seemed to have slipped into one of hid dark moods.
"This door was made long ago by my brother, Osamu-san." Ken winced as he spoke. Daisuke made no move to comfort Ken, he knew his just being there was enough, so he waited for Ken to finish.
"Long ago, my brother created this place to house an object of great power, a ring of gold. It belonged to the Three Maidens of the Glade. Osamu-san stole it." Ken said, tracing a finger down the runes etched into the front of the door.
"Little did he know, only one pure of heart could wear it without suffering it's curse. All he knew, was it held enormous power. Beyond that of any imagination." Ken spoke, his voice a near whisper echoing though the empty halls. "After weeks of researching it, he said he had found it's true power, and donned it."
Ken was crying now, the tears coming freely as he gave out one of his deepest, and darkest, secrets. "He wasn't able to use it, and it was too late for him. The curse of the ring slowly ate away at his mind and soul."
"He was slowly going mad." Ken paused then turned to Daisuke. "It wasn't evil was it? What I did to him? I did it to set him free. If he were making sense, he would have ordered me to. It was the right thing to do, wasn't it?" Ken searched the face of his love for comfort.
"What did you do?" Daisuke asked slowly in a low, calm voice, already knowing the answer.
"I killed him." Ken half hissed at Daisuke. "I killed him! By all the Gods in the heavens, I killed my brother!!" Ken shouted upwards, as if the Gods were even listening, but perhaps they were, for Daisuke was there.
No words of comfort were spoken, no fears chided, Ken simply held onto Daisuke, and Daisuke held him back. They didn't need words to express what they wished. Ken's sobs filled the hall, and were absorbed by the darkness.
Ken then looked into Daisuke's eyes. The young boy saw a single question there, "How could you love me?" Daisuke looked back and spoke softly.
"Ken, I love you because I do. I love all of you, not just the good parts, but the bad as well. I love you as one person. I don't expect you to be perfect all the time. I don't just love your perfection, I love your faults as well." Daisuke wondered how he ever came to be here, comforting one of the world's most powerful Mages. Then he remembered what Gennai had said.
Remember, things are not always as they seem. Soon you will fall into the demon's clutches, and kindness shall save you from death.
It was true. It made sense now. Leave it to a prophecy to tell the future but the person who knows it only realizes it after it's happened.
Ken slowly broke the embrace, finally coming to terms with himself and smiled lightly at Daisuke. "I want you to go in there, Dai-chan."
"What?" Daisuke asked confused.
"I know that you can wear the ring. I know you can use it's power. Take it. It is the bane of my existence and the boon of my future. Take it...as a parting gift.
Daisuke looked at Ken, his eyes saying one thing, "Thank you...for everything."
***
Far across Arima, Takeru was watching the Dragon Lord pace about. He had been there only three, or was it four, days. Takeru quickly learned what upset the powerful Mage who was yet a boy, and what pleased him. Takeru thought of Will as an amber harp. At times, different moods were able to take hold of him and play a beautiful melody, or a sour note. Takeru was rather impressed at how well he had learned to pluck at the other boy's strings. Usually it was a song of happiness and on occasion, a teasing song.
Will had been very kind to Takeru, and had insisted on him staying as a guest.
"Am I to go home tomorrow?" Takeru asked over dinner.
"Takeru..." The Dragon Lord began, setting his silverware down. "You know you can go home anytime you want to, and I would never try to force you to stay. But, would you please? Stay here with me? Just for a little while. It get's so lonely up here all by one's self." Will had finished, brushing a sandy blonde strand from his eyes.
"I...Alright." Takeru agreed. He didn't know why. He liked Will sure enough, but was it more then he thought it was? Takeru rubbed his temples in confusion.
The days passed. Soon Takeru found out Will was subject to violent nightmares when one night he went to the kitchens to fetch something to eat. The Dragon Lord was cowering in the corner. He had begged Takeru to leave him be, he even went as far as to lash out with his magic, hitting a table, warning Takeru that that could've been him, yet still Takeru persisted.
Eventually, Takeru coaxed the sobbing boy back up to his room and laid him down on the large bed. Will was soon asleep.
For all his power, Takeru thought to himself, He can't even keep a nightmare away. I bet he's been up here all his life. He must have been so lonely growing up... Takeru bit his lip and collapsed on the bed beside the Dragon Lord, quickly falling asleep himself.
Will was the first to wake up. He was a bit confused at first. He couldn't understand what had happened.
How did I-- Will started to ponder but stopped when he saw Takeru's sleeping face. It all came back to him. Slowly at first, then like a dam breaking he remembered. He had that dream again. That terrible dream. He had some how ended up in the kitchens and Takeru had coaxed him out, but not before a table had been crushed mercilessly.
The sunlight was peaking through the window, making everything seem as if it was in a dreamy haze. Will looked back to the sleeping boy's face and then noticed something else. He was holding Takeru and Takeru was holding him back.
Must've been dreaming and...yes, dreaming. That's it. Will tried to calm himself down, to come up with a rational explanation for being nearly naked and in the same bed, hugging, another person. People were not Will's department, but he kind of liked the way Takeru's bare skin felt against his. Kind of warm and soft. Will's eyes wandered back to Takeru's face. The sun glinted off his hair making it look as if it really were spun of gold. Will reached out and touched it.
Spun of gold, yet as soft as silk. Takeru grinned in his sleep and leaned into the attention he was getting unconsciously. Will chuckled a bit. Takeru seemed so innocent and pure.
He's so...beautiful. The Dragon Lord thought absently and then edged away from the thought. He wasn't supposed to think those things. He had been told by Kisari, the Great Dragon. But Will couldn't help it. Whenever he saw Takeru...
"Huh?" Takeru said, slowly waking up and rolling closer into Will. Still half asleep, he nuzzled closer and smiled, giving a content purr. Will blink wholeheartedly at what had happened, and not meaning to, shifted a bit. It was enough to jostle Takeru out of the dream world he was in.
Takeru blinked as he became aware of the feeling of soft bare skin against his.
Daisuke? Takeru thought with a blush, then felt his cheeks burn even more when he realized who's chest his face had been buried in.
"W-Will-kun! I'm sorry. I...I was...dreaming and...I--" Takeru sat up and started to stammer an apology. The Dragon Lord waved him into silence.
"It's alright Takeru, I understand." Will said with a smile and friendly wink. Besides, I kinda liked it. He add the last part in thought.
A few moments of awkward silence preceded. Takeru was a bit confused at what had happened but knew he definitely would do it again. Will had laid back down and was enjoying the aftermath of actually being close to another person. His smile was cut short as he quickly sat up when a loud roar ripped though the air.
"Oh, Gods!" Will exclaimed and swung his legs over the side of the bed, accidently hitting the small silver bell which he had given Takeru in case he had needed something. The bell fell to the floor giving a rather loud, clear ringing which snapped Takeru completely back to reality.
"What's happening?!" Takeru asked. Will was running about pulling clothes on like mad.
"Kisari, The Great Dragon is passing on today! We have to get to the ceremony! He won't leave without my blessings!" Will threw several things at Takeru, which he donned without thinking. Later, Takeru regretted it. It was extremely fancy clothing. Mostly silk and felt. The cape was crimson and edged with gold. The jerkin was white and grey with gold lining and the shirt was pure white with silver tassels on the end of the sleeve cuffs.
Takeru followed Will down to the Dragon Stables and mounted a large blue dragon with silver wings. Takeru had never been on a dragon's back before, at least consciously, and gripped Will like a cat near water. To Will this was a nice surprise and a welcomed treat. Just to touch another person felt so wonderful. After an hour, they had arrived.
The scene was brutal and bloody. Kisari, a Great Dragon was lying on the ground. He wasn't like Gennai. Kisari was long and snakelike with a hide that resembled velvet. He had no wings and a long mane which was now matted in blood. Everything near the creature was coated in blood. Nearby, the corpse of a dragon slayer was lying, lifeless. Even though the slayer had been killed, it was obviously Kisari's last victory. The dragon was simply too old to go on. He had predicted his death and welcomed it, relishing his last victory of this life time.
Will had walked up to the dragon and smiled with victory and defeat, for he was losing a friend yet he knew Kisari would finally get to rest.
Kisari's breathing was labored and husky. His throat was nearly tone out so he used mind speak.
Who is that? The old beast asked with a sigh after Will had given his blessing's for the creature to die in peace.
He is my guest. Will replied and tried in vain to keep his pervious thoughts of the other boy, but felt the mind of the Great Dragon browse his feelings and thoughts at his own leisure.
It was then a soft chuckle came from the dying beast.
My young friend. Do you remember when I told you not to feel those things? Kisari asked Will quietly. I was wrong. Love is one of the greatest things you can take part in.
The large dragon craned his neck as more blood issued forth. Tell him I choose him. The dragon said, then continued with a somewhat bemused tone, As a gift in honor of your union.
The Dragon Lord was silent for a moment, gathering his composure and then turned and walked towards Takeru.
"He has chosen you." Will said in a soft whisper.
"What?" Asked a confused Takeru.
"Well," Will began, "When a Great Dragon dies, it can choose a mortal to pass it's powers to. He chose you. All you have to do is taste some of his blood."
"His what?!" Takeru's eyes opened wide.
"Just dip your finger tips in it and take a small lick. That's all it takes, but the more you taste the greater the power you get." Will reminded him in a monotonous voice as if reciting from a book.
"What if I don't want to?" Takeru asked, a bit appalled at the whole idea.
"If you refuse, you die." Will said flatly. "Sorry. Those are the rules."
"But...why? Why did he choose me?" The golden haired boy asked a bit bewildered.
"It's in honor of our...friendship!" Will said hastily and heard a small chuckle from the dragon who had heard him change the reason around.
Takeru hesitated a moment and then approached the beast. He laid a hand on it's flank as it rise and fell with shallow, husky breaths. Slowly, the dragon's eyes watching, Takeru reached down and dipped a finger tip in the blood, closed his eyes and pressed it to hip lips. It wasn't until after that he realized his hands had been shaking. The blood tasted sweet and yet bitter. The dragon gave a sigh then closed it's eyes, after a minute it stopped breathing. Thousands of dragons let out cries of sorrow and roars of joy. Will was standing there with tears streaming down his face and a smile.
Takeru walked back and after a few moments of silence asked:
"Why are you smiling are drying at the same time?"
"Because," Said the other boy, wiping his tears off, "I have lost a friend and teacher but he finally gets to rest."
"And them?" Takeru asked pointing to the other dragons.
"They will wait until the old one has chosen a reincarnation and then depart." The Dragon Lord said solemnly and then softened his voice, "Let's go home."
The days passed quickly and the two became even greater friends. Will was more liberal this time, he expressed his feelings more freely. At night, they slept in the same bed. At first it was awkward, then Will told Takeru how he loved the feeling of his skin next to his, how he just loved to be near Takeru. It was that night Will looked into his eyes and compared him to a golden dragon.
"The golden dragon," Will said, "Is the most rare of all dragons. It is hunted by many. Some just to get a glimpse of it, others for it's hide which is made of pure gold. You, Takeru, are my golden dragon. I've hunted you, and gazed into your eyes. Now I'll be yours forever." Will gave his confession knowing fully he could be easily rejected and refused.
Takeru had said nothing but just smiled and hugged Will tightly and pulled his closer. Their lips met for a few moments. Will enjoyed the feeling of his lips to his love's softer ones, but enjoyed even more the meaning it held. They were lovers, forever.
The next week was filled with merriment. Will taught Takeru to ride the dragons, to learn their unspoken language, but Takeru found he could already understand the beasts. Will had said that one of the powers of the Great Dragons was to understand the language of all the beasts. This must have been the power he had inherited.
One day, Takeru came back to the castle to meet Will at the gate with tears in his eyes and arms folded across his chest. Takeru hurried to his friend to see what was wrong.
"I have kept you here too long." Will said, not meeting Takeru's eyes. "It is time for you to go back to your family and friends. I will wait here. And don't you try to tell me you're not going." Will had put his foot down.
And so it was. They spent their last night together, in each other's arms, by the fire. The next day Takeru departed for Cormir.