The Heart of Arima

AN: And so is the third and last installment of The Heart of Arima: Travelers. I was planning on The Heart of Arima: Wanderers (a Taichi/Yamato side quest type thing), Heart of Arima: Explorers (For Tamers containing Leekato/Takalee, Hirota/Kenkazu, Ruri/Juki) and maybe one for Frontier when it gets a bit more developed. Let me know what you think! Oh! This fic contains Ken/Daisuke pairing, Takeru/Willis, Yamato/Taichi and there's a small slight hint of Takeru/Daisuke. See if you can find it.

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. **

Daisuke walked through the large city street aimlessly. He had at least reached Po, a neighboring province to Cormir. He idly touched the gold ring on his finger. It had an intricate pattern of knots and laces twirling around it. Ken had said it was magic. Daisuke smiled as he remembered his Koi's words.

Turn it clockwise, and it will make you invisible. Counter clockwise and it makes you visible again.

It had been a fairly long journey to Po. On the way he had asked many people if they had seen Takeru, he even took out a picture he had painted before and shown it around but to no avail. It seemed very strange to Daisuke that no one would have seen his friend around, unless Takeru never made it to shelter.

Daisuke visibly shuddered and saw off in the distance people were gathering around some sort of stage. It was a magic show. The so called "magician" was calling people to gather around, promising them the most fabulous show they had ever witnessed. Daisuke snorted and thought back to when he had asked Ken, if he was such a powerful Mage, why did he do all his chores by hand. Ken had replied that a real Mage does not flaunt his power and why should he use magic to do something his hands could do.

None the less, Daisuke approached the stage which he would have done so with glee a few months back. The man was looking for a volunteer. Another thing about Daisuke a few months ago was that he would never have raised his hand to volunteer but, Ken had shown him the basics of magic to quelch his fears. It worked.

"You! Young man, are you volunteering?" The man asked hopefully, the show couldn't work without one and most of the locals didn't really want to be part of the show.

"Yes." Daisuke nodded, the wind teasing his cinnamon hair. He was quickly ushered onto the stage before he had a chance to change his mind. Daisuke merely stood there with an amused grin. After a few moments, the man displayed a coin to the crowed.

"Now, good folks, I shall, for your amusement, pull this coin magically from somewhere on this young man." The fat man grinned. He closed his fist and opened it. The coin was gone and just as he was going to do his sleight of hand and pull it out from Daisuke's unrulely hair, Daisuke reached behind the man's ear and pulled the coin out.

"This what you're looking for?" Daisuke gave an amused grin as the man looked at the coin wide-eyed. The audience broke into laughter and quickly dispersed as the man desperately tried to call them back.

"Daisuke?" Daisuke turned to the thinning crowed. Did I just hear my name?

"Daisuke!" The voice rang clear and true. Daisuke couldn't mistake it for anyone else but who it was and his suspicions were confirmed as a young golden haired boy stepped forward.

"Takeru!" Daisuke ran to his friend and they both grappled in a tight embrace. "I thought you didn't make it!"

"Of course I made it! You didn't think I would just give up and die did you?" Takeru smiled and pulled back and looked into Daisuke's face.

"Dai-kun, your crying." Takeru gave a smile. Daisuke usually wasn't very emotional.

"Where were you? I was asking for you all the way from Saeum to Po!" Daisuke blushed slightly and wiped his tears away and sniffed a little.

"Oh! That's right, you don't know. I would have met up with you sooner but I got lost in the forest." Takeru said in an amused tone, "But I got directions from a few of the birds that were flying around."

"Takeru?" Daisuke began eyeing his friend a little bit strangely.

"Oh! Sorry, I must sound crazy." Takeru grinned. "Come on, I'll explain everything to you at an inn." Takeru grinned. Both boys were happy at finally being reunited. After walking around they found a decent inn where they spent their funds wearily, because they had little of it.

A few hours after dusk, the odd pair sat at a round wooden oak table, mugs of warm cider in hand. The mistress of the tavern had given them the cider for free. As it turned out she had a soft spot for children and said she couldn't stand to see them without something warm in their bellies.

It was then Takeru began his tale. He told Daisuke of how he awoke in the company of the Dragon Lord, the things they did, about the Great Dragon who had offered his blood and much more. Not once did Takeru actually confess his feelings towards the Dragon Lord, but Daisuke could tell just by the way he spoke of him and the things they did, especially when Takeru gave him a description, a very detailed description, of his former host.

"Wow." Was all that Daisuke could say when Takeru had finished, taking a sip of his warm drink.

"So tell me Dai-kun, did you have an adventure looking from me these past few months?" Takeru said over the top of his large glass mug with an impish grin.

"Well...I wasn't exactly looking for you the whole time we were separated." Daisuke said, not even noticing he was tapping his finger along the side of his mug nervously. The light from the far side of the room caught something on Daisuke's finger which made it shine.

"What's that?" Takeru asked nodding his head in the direction of Daisuke's hand.

"Nothing." Daisuke said quickly and hid the hand under his arms, folding them.

"Come on Daisuke! I promise I won't bite or anything." Takeru pleaded jokingly. In a few seconds Daisuke was grinning sheepishly and thrust his hand towards Takeru.

"Hey...Daisuke, this is real gold." Takeru said, fingering the ring.

"I know." Daisuke said quietly.

"Where'd you get it?" Takeru looked up at his friend. So he was up to something while I was gone.

"Well...It's like this..." Daisuke poured fourth his tale of what had happened and finally came to a finish.

"And this ring is a gift from...uhh...him?" Takeru said, a bit cautious of using the name.

"Yeah, as a parting gift." Daisuke said and then signaled Takeru to lean closer as his whispered, "It's magic."

"No doubt." Takeru said, flashing a grin. He knew exactly how his friend felt towards his would be "captor". Daisuke obviously had fallen for the person who was the Demon Lord. The mystery surrounding him was enough to make Takeru curious.

Soon after they had finished their cider, the boys retreated to the room they had purchased for the night. Too tired to make up a separate bed and too glad to see each other again, they both curled up together in the soft inviting covers.

"Just like old times." Daisuke whispered to the face of the boy which was inches from his own.

"Yeah, just like old times." The fell asleep holding each other close for warmth and comfort. They were glad to be reunited once more.

***

Back in Cormir, in the highest, darkest tower sat a disgruntled Mage leaning over his scrying water. This was an interesting development Koushiro had not expected. Their captors had fallen in love with them and let them return home. Koushiro chuckled.

In the dark corner, Iori shuddered. Koushiro's laughs were never good ones like Takeru's and Daisuke's. They had often tried to befriend him, attempting to including him in some prank or game. Iori usually refused but after they had found out he liked to go for walks in the woods, they had accompanied him regularly daily.

Iori liked Daisuke and Takeru. They treated him nice, like a person and in return they insisted that he do the same for them. Koushiro was plotting something bad. He had to find a way to help his friends. He saw everything in the water, they were coming home. He had to warn them before it was too late.

Lately, Yamato had been a nervous wreck. Taichi usually stood in for him. Some questioned why Yamato-sama had not been handling affairs first hand and an excuse that he had been sick was made.

The search parties had not been totally recalled and a few were still roaming Arima looking for the two boys. People had reported seeing them numerous times and finally one day, Takeru and Daisuke stood outside of the gates to the castle.

"Well, here it goes." Takeru said to his friend.

"Do you think Yamato-sama is going to be really mad at us?" Daisuke said, slightly cringing as the mention of the letter he did not deliver might arise.

"No...well, at least I hope not." That was all Takeru could say for sure as he bit his lip, drawing a small trickle of blood.

From that point on, everything happened so quickly. Takeru and Daisuke entered the court, making themselves known. Everyone rushed and gathered around them. They were quickly swept away by the servants to a large room in which they were to wait, which wasn't long. In moments of their entry into the room, an overjoyed Taichi and Yamato rushed into the room, collecting their loved ones in a tight embrace. Tears were shed, whispers uttered and mistakes forgiven.

After the usual questioning of their health and current disposition, serious questions were finally asked.

"Takeru, Daisuke," Yamato said the latter name a bit more softly, "What have you been doing all this time?"

Takeru and Daisuke exchanged glances, eager themselves to know where the other had been and what adventures they had.

Takeru went first. Telling of their journey, when they were separated and how the Dragon Lord had saved his life. He, of course, left out certain details which he would tell Daisuke later, and eventually Yamato.

Next was Daisuke's turn. He told of how he was separated and how he was rescued. Tension mounted in the air when the Demon Lord's name was mentioned but soon settled after Daisuke explained a bit about him, but not too much.

Later, an official declaration was made of a huge feast in honor of the return of the two boys. It was a great affair. There were many forms of entertainment, and the food was not lacking variety. Everyone was enjoying themselves, except Koushiro.

Koushiro had looked into the water again. He saw what had happened to the boys, or at least some of it. Soon he would plant his seeds of mistrust and deception.

***

The banquet was one of the largest ever known in Cormir and lasted for three days. Only after the festivities had died down did Koushiro dare show his face. He trailed behind Yamato like a lost puppy, watching and waiting. Then, he finally decided it was time to strike.

"What are you thinking of sire?" The black Mage asked, knowing very well what Yamato pondered as he sat in a large felt chair, a face of brooding plastered on.

Yamato gave a sigh before responding, "It's this whole affair with the Demon and Dragon Lords." Yamato rubbed his temples as Koushiro took a seat beside him. "I don't think Daisuke and Takeru will be safe here since their encounter."

Koushiro nodded, a smile of deception crossing his face. "Yes. May I offer you some advice sire?"

"Certainly, Koushiro." Yamato turned to face his advisor.

"There is a place, a place in the west. A tower. The tower of Yugoth, it is beyond the touch of the Mage Lords, for it is shrouded in my magic." Koushiro whispered, lulling the king into his dark plot. "Daisuke and Takeru would be safe there. Let me take them with me."

"Yes." Yamato replied absently, "Yes, take them."

"Are you feeling alright your majesty?" Koushiro smiled wickedly, "Maybe you should go lay down. Now."

"Yes," Yamato said, turning, "I think I will. Good night Koushiro."

"Good night your majesty. Sleep well."

***

"Koushiro is what?" Takeru asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes looking at a very frantic Iori.

"He's gonna take you and Daisuke away!" Iroi shook his friend awake.

"Hey! Iroi! Slow down!" Daisuke said, standing up from his bed across the room and walking over to the boy. "What do you mean? Why would Koushiro do that?"

Iori looked worried and mumbled something.

"What? Iori speak up." Takeru said.

"He's the Wyvern Lord." Iroi whispered in fear, eyes darting around ad if the shadows would come to life and eat him.

"The Wyvern Lord?" Daisuke asked, astonished.

"Yes." Came a voice from the door. The three turned to see who was there and Koushiro stepped out of the shadows. "Yes I am, but I'm also so much more."

"Iori, Iori," The Mage Lord stepped closer, "I am so very disappointed in you. To think, I was going to reward you by sharing the power that I will soon gain, with the aid of these boys."

Iori cringed.

"Come, there's so much to do and we have so little time." The Mage Lord smiled wickedly.

The Tower of Yugoth was over five thousand feet tall. It was made of black stone and the shadow it cast was as equally black and foreboding. It's sullen and blunt mood had sunk into Daisuke and Takeru as they were escorted by Koushiro, arms tied behind their backs. Daisuke was dreading the walk up the stairs to get to the top of the tower, where Koushiro was presumably taking them, when the Mage Lord stepped onto a large black disc, pulling the two boys with him. In moments the disc lifted and flew to the top of the tower. Takeru and Daisuke were not impressed.

Ken. Ken, I need you now. I wish you were here... Daisuke absently thought. Wait! That little trinket Ken gave me. He said if I tapped it three times...now where did I put it? Daisuke forced his hands around to one side of himself as Koushiro was busy looking in an old book.

There! Daisuke felt the gem through the fabric of his clothes and hastily tapped it three times...then a few more just for good measure. C'mon Ken! I need you.

Takeru, seeing what Daisuke was up to, started to fidget, trying to loosen his hands as he saw Koushiro approaching with a dark look on his face. The Mage Lord grabbed Daisuke by the collar and hauled him up to eye level.

"No!" Takeru shouted and barreled into Koushiro, knocking him over. The Mage Lord stood and gave a growl, back handing the boy across the face as hard as he could.

"Now...sacrifice." Koushiro smiled, showing inhumanly long fangs.

Can't end like this... Takeru's mind raced. Will, I need your help. Will! And Takeru did the only thing he could think of, shout to his love for help, but what came out was something entirely different.

Makena! Voreh'Nai'Haa! Yaren Vok Neeh! Takeru screamed-chanted, trying to call for help.

"Shut up!" Koushiro backhanded the blond again, knocking him out.

Willis....help, Was Takeru's last thought as everything became black.

Far across windy plains of snow and ice and howling wind, Ken Ichijouji, The Demon Lord, woke up with a start. Daisuke had summoned him, Daisuke was in trouble. His Daisuke. But Ken couldn't reach him, there was some sort of veil that blocked his talent.

Well, if it's going to be like that, I'll just have to make a personal appearance. Ken thought to himself as he mentally summoned his fastest, most powerful creature to him. Hold on Tenshi, I'm coming.

To the northwest, the Dragon Lord Willis was slumped in a chair, heaving a sigh for he missed his golden dragon. Just then, a large gust of wind opened his window and blew all of his papers about.

"Ahh!" He cried, jumping a top the paper, "Stupid wind." Willis cursed, then he heard the faint whisperings of the ancient dragon tongue.

Aid me Willis! We need you help!

"Takeru!" Will shouted and tried to grasp onto the presence of his mate with his talent, but something was fumbling his attempts. He barely got a hold of Takeru when the boy went unconscious.

"Damn." The Dragon Lord cussed. "Umaras!" He shouted out the window and a large golden winged dragon landed before him. He quickly hopped onto it's back and they took off.

"To The Tower of Yugoth."

***

Daisuke woke up with a splitting headache only to find himself and Takeru tied up spread eagle on some sort of blood stained rack of metal, wood and bone.

"Takeru?" Daisuke asked, his recent memory a bit hazy.

"I'm alright Daisuke." Takeru answered, just waking up himself. Just then Koushiro decided to show up. He was dressed in long black flowing robes with a green wyvern emblazoned on them.

"Ah. I see you're both awake. Good--screams make it all the more satisfying."

"Why, Koushiro?! WHY?!" Daisuke shouted madly as his captor and would be executioner approached him.

"I thought you'd never ask. Normally I wouldn't say anything, but seeming how you're both going to die anyway... I'm not the real Koushiro. He is...indisposed. Occupied. In here." The Mage Lord pointed to his head as he elaborated.

"You see, a few years ago, Koushiro was trying to capture a creature from another world. One somewhat like this one, but instead of magic, science reigns supreme." Koushiro gesture to the sky with his hands. "I was dying. Defeated by...children, much like you. I used this Koushiro as kind of a...bottle, to contain my spirit. But this body won't hold out for much longer. I devised a way to regain my old body, but I needed a tremendous amount of energy! That's where you come in. You children, through however many dimensions and realities you exist, all posses some sort of ethereal...power. When I realized who the Demon and Dragon Lord's alternate selves were, I realized who yours must be! Prime choice children! Ripe for the picking! Finally! I shall return to my world and pay them all back..." A loud roar pierced Koushiro's rant and a barrage of dragons sped up, flying towards the tower causing Koushiro to frown.

"Up! I command you!" And with that an army of shadowy wyverns launched themselves from inside of the tower and attacked the dragons. It was then the demon creatures appeared, also attacking the wyverns.

"Dammit! Not now! I'm so close!" Koushiro hissed.

"Why are you here?!" The Dragon Lord shouted across the wind to the dark figure.

"I presume the same general reason as you. Look down there." The Demon Lord pointed at the two bound figures, one Takeru, one Daisuke. It took less then a heart beat for Will to figure out what the Demon Lord was talking about, all of his old fears and misconceptions about the other Mage Lord evaporating.

"Truce?" The Dragon Lord inquired.

"Truce." Ken confirmed as they sped towards their mates.

"No!" Koushiro shouted, gripping an ornately carved dagger, "This isn't fair! So close! I won't let them stop me!" The thing inhabiting Koushiro's body shrieked and ran for Takeru, managing to draw the dagger across the boy's arm, blood welling and spilling to the floor before Willis jumped off his dragon and knocked Koushiro down with a gesture.

"Ahh!" The once-Koushiro yelled and gripped his head. "Must....hold...on."

"I think not." Ken said coldly, finishing untying Daisuke and approaching the demon thing in Koushiro. "You are in my domain now, demon. Obey me."

"Never!" The Mage Lord raised a hand, putting an invisible wall between himself and Takeru, Will and Ken.

"Daisuke!" Ken shouted, hammering away at the wall with his fists and talent until blood ran through clenched fingers.

"Here." Will placed a hand on Ken's shoulder and nodded, applying his talent as well. The wall started to buckle as Ken heard Daisuke shout out.

"Ken!" Daisuke dodged Koushiro's dagger over and over.

"Daisuke! The ring! Use the ring!" Ken shouted as the wall cracked. The creature was persistent though, and put all of its effort into maintaining the wall as he attacked Daisuke.

Frantically, Daisuke turned the ring on his finger. Nothing happened and Koushiro's blade bit into his shoulder.

"Ahh!" Daisuke shouted, twisting the ring the other way, rendering himself invisible.

"What trickery is this?!" The Koushiro thing shouted, obviously surprised. It was all Will and Ken needed to overcome the creature's magic and make the wall vanish.

"Now demon, it ends." Ken said, placing his hand on Koushiro's head.

"No! Sooo close..."It whimpered. "Myotis--!" It's speech interrupted as Ken used his talent to force the creature out of Koushiro's body and into another dimension. The older Mage slumped over, Daisuke and Takeru catching him.

"Daisuke? Takeru?" Koushiro said weakly, looking up at the boys, "Is that you? Did you--"

"Yes." Takeru said. "It's alright now. You can rest." He smiled and fell into a deep sleep.

***

Two weeks later everything was back to normal, or as normal as it would ever get. Ken and Daisuke returned to Ken's castle in the south and Takeru left with Willis to his abode. Yamato, under the strong suggestion of Taichi, made a treaty with the Mage Lords and allied themselves with them. There was a huge festival afterward.

Koushiro recovered in a week or so. The creature had been living in him for a manner of years and the old Mage, now Wyvern Lord decided to move back into the Tower of Yugoth, which had been remade to a more suitable purpose--a library. Iori, ever faithful, joined Koushiro and became joint Mage Lord, sharing Koushiro's power as Wyvern Lord.

And so, the shadow had ben banished and all was well in Arima. A large old dragon sitting at the heart of the world grinned to himself. Yes, all was well...for now.