Through Their Eyes: Phoenix by Child of the Faeries
Part 9: To change the future, you need to change the past...........Yamato and Koushiro have a unique chance to change everything.... will they take it?? And what will the outcome be??
"This wasn't supposed to happen!" Ken said furiously, slamming his fist into the cold stone wall.
Across the frozen garden a shallow grave stood, the earth still fresh from when Mimi was buried. "They weren't supposed to fight us......"
"Ken," Jyou's voice rang out from behind him. "It's time for the execution." Ken sighed, and pulled gently on his blue hair. He stood up, determined.
"For Mimi," he said, pulling out a small revolver.
"For Mimi," Jyou replied, pulling out a gun of his own.
In the tiny prison beneath the palace, three prisoners sat. "Where was Sora?" Taichi asked, peering into his friends' eyes.
"She was the betrayer, Taichi," Iori said softly. "She was using you the whole time. That's how the three kings knew we were coming to attack."
"NO! You lie," Taichi said angrily. "You have always been a liar." The young man said nothing. "You should be ashamed to call yourself our friend."
"Think what you want to think, Taichi," Iori murmured. "We're all going to die anyways. Just like I told Hikari."
"We will not die," Taichi scoffed. "Again, you lie."
"On your feet!" a gruff voice yelled from outside the cell. "It is time for your execution." Taichi's eyes widened as the door opened and several armed soldiers entered.
"You couldn't be telling the truth," he said in astonishment.
Iori glared at Taichi, saying nothing.
"You three stand accused for attempted murder of the three kings of Japan and the murder of Tachikawa Mimi," Ken said with contempt, towering over the three prisoners. He wore all black, and his face was dark. "Inoune Miyako." His eyes glittered maniacally as the pallor girl was thrust forward, collapsing on the ground.
"Ken.....please.........don't do this...." she whispered and Ken laughed.
"Do you think you gave Mimi a chance to beg her way from death? No, my sweet Miyako. On your feet. Meet Death bravely."
"Ken...I can't...." Miyako cried, and a soldier pulled her to her feet. The other soldiers pulled the other two prisoners aside, and Miyako struggled to break free of the chains that held her to the wall.
"Traitor," Ken whispered as he pulled the trigger. A scream escaped from Miyako's mouth before her body hung limp. Ken's eyes glowered as other soldiers removed her body and place Iori in the chains.
"Hida Iori," Jyou said sadly, gazing at his young friend. "Do you have any last words?"
Iori lowered his head. "I would have thought you were better than this, Jyou." Jyou's anger flared, and he raised his gun.
"Mimi was my friend. You killed her!" he yelled, aiming. "I thought you were better than this, young Iori." His voice trembled.
"No, dear Jyou. It was you that killed Mimi. You." The gun trembling in Jyou's hand, he let the bullet fly, colliding with Iori's tiny body.
Yamato stood, his eyes sorrowful as the guards removed Iori and locked Taichi in Their eyes met, and Yamato felt a wave of sadness engulf him.
Taichi, unlike the others, stood tall and defiant. His eyes blazed with fury as Yamato took his place before him.
"Bearer of Friendship," Taichi sneered, his eyes blood red. "You are no Bearer of Friendship."
"You were the leader, Taichi," Yamato breathed, his confidence fading. "You forgot about your friends. It is you that does not deserve your title."
"Brave words, coming from a ruler that got his power from trickery," Taichi said, and Yamato felt himself cowering.
"I hate you," Yamato spat out angrily, firing the gun. It hit Taichi and Yamato watched in horror as their eyes met one more time before Taichi felt lifeless.
Their guards took the bodies and threw them into the alley outside of the palace. "Leave them to rot," Yamato heard himself saying. He then stood silently, the gun still in his hand. He had like killing Taichi. That thought haunted him.
Yamato looked at the others, glowering in anger and started to cry, his tears drowning the world in sorrow.
When Daisuke returned to the palace a few days later, everything was changed. Jyou walked as though he was in a nightmare, trying desperately to free himself. Ken glowered with anger. As for Koushiro and Yamato, they could not be found. Both of them stayed in their rooms, never coming out.
"Yamato........brother?" Daisuke said softly, entering Yamato's darkened room. "You should really get some lights in here."
"She's dead. They're all dead," Yamato said listlessly and Daisuke sat beside him. "I killed them," he whispered hollowly.
"Yamato..... it wasn't your fault...." Daisuke urged, touching Yamato's shoulder lightly. Yamato threw his hand off of him quickly.
"Accursed, contemptible world," he spat out, leaning back. "We should all die for our sins."
Koushiro sobbed, his pillow wet from all of his tears. It wasn't fair.... why did everyone he had ever loved have to die?
Am I cursed? Doomed to never love anyone, lest they be taken away from me? He thought about the last night he had spend with Mimi. Kissing her... and realizing that deep in her heart she longed for another.
But Takeru was dead, also. It seemed that in life, the one you cared about most was the person that always let you down.
"Mimi, I loved you!" Koushiro lamented, sobbing. "Why didn't you love me? Why?"
But of course there was no answer.
Later, Koushiro walked the halls, trying to remember every second he had spent there with Mimi. Walking past the infirmary, he saw Yamato sitting at the side of Hikari's bed. He approached the bed silently, and the two boys gazed at the unconscious girl.
"She was my brother's guardian angel," Yamato said softly. "He loved Mimi but needed Hikari like a fish needs water."
"Why haven't you killed Hikari yet, like the others?" Koushiro asked Yamato softly. Yamato stroked the young girl's hair.
"She's still in a coma. No one can speak with her. It is our wish that she be kept safe until she awakes."
"And what that? Will she joined the rest of our cursed, bloody friends?" Koushiro asked, grief in his voice. Yamato's hand rested in her hair, and Koushiro touched the side on the bed. The two friends looked at each other.
"I do not know," Yamato said, his soul shattering. "There has been enough death already."
The air around Hikari suddenly changed, and the two gasped. The air started to spiral around them, and Hikari started to glow. A bright light filled the room and Koushiro as the shadowy streams of lights surrounded Yamato and him. The beams of light changed into ghostly images of her friends, shrieking and crying.
The light consumed them, and everything went dark.
They were in a place full of light. It was an hallway, devoid of color or sound.
"What is this place?" Yamato whispered softly and Koushiro shook his head.
"I don't know."
"Yamato. Koushiro," a voice called softly, and the two turned. A woman stood before them, red hair cascading down her shoulders.
"Are you an angel?" Yamato breathed, and Koushiro felt a stirring within himself with so deep words could not express. The woman smiled but said nothing.
Koushiro shook his head, trying to clear his mind. "No....this is my mother."
Yamato swallowed and looked around uncomfortably. "Dude, I know you were the one that was most effected when Mimi died..... but you have totally flipped."
"No," the woman said softly. "I am Koushiro's mother. I have been brought here to help you find your way."
She bowed her head and moved closer to them. She whispered, "The only way to change the future is to change the past."
Walking down the hallway, she beckoned for them to follow her. Cautiously Yamato joined her side and Koushiro followed, his eyes full of wonder.
The walls started to warp and filled with color. Images flooded their minds- pictures and instances from their childhood.
Visions pushed past them, flowing like a river. Summer Camp. Myotismon. Being replaced by the new Digi-Destined. "What is this?" Koushiro gasped as the memories drenched their senses.
"This is the Past."
Suddenly Yamato stiffened. The air around him turned cold and the light in his eyes disappeared. Around him, dark shadows wrapped tightly around him. "What is it?" Koushiro whispered.
"It is the darkness that entered his soul. The darkness that his friends fed, growing larger and larger until it warped into the tormented soul that he is now. A murderer. He killed his father.......brother......friends....." Koushiro's mother shook her head sadly. "This is the night that started it all."
"The night we found Jyou, battered and almost dead. Ken and I.....were talking..... We were very angry.....and then we saw Jyou......" Yamato muttered incoherently. "If I could stop us..... confront our problems, instead of running away..... none of this would have happened." A ray of light appeared in his eyes. "Yes. If we could contain our anger and cling to our friends...... hold the friendships that we held dearest to our heart near to us........"
"Go to them," the woman said softly. "It is the only way to save your friends."
Yamato looked confused. "How?"
She placed her cold hands on his head. "Clear your mind.... you will hear a voice calling to you. Follow that voice, and it will guide you." She kissed his cheek softly. "You have been given a chance to redeem yourself."
"How can I ever thank you?" he whispered, his blue eyes troubled.
"Seeing you smiling and laughing with your friends will be good enough," she said gently. "Nothing more is required."
Yamato gave her a small smile and closed his eyes. The sensation of falling consumed him and he let out a small scream......
"What was that for?" Ken asked, punching his friend on the arm. "Are you going psycho on me, Ishida?" He smiled, and Yamato shook his head.
"I..... Never mind," Yamato said, looking around at the dimly lit streets.
"Sometimes...... my parents..... I hate them" Ken said suddenly, a chilling coldness in his voice. "I wish they were dead."
"Ken.... I have learned..... never to let your anger control you," Yamato said softly, taking hold of his best friend's shoulder. "You are your only master. Never forget who you are. The Keeper of Kindness."
"Why do I have to have the crummy Crest?" Ken complained. "I mean.... it's pink....."
"You were chosen for that Crest because everyone can see the Kindness that flows out of you. Just like everyone can see the Friendship in me. But if we forget that..... forget the Kindness and Friendship that we have..... We could become cruel and friendless."
"I suppose you are right," Ken mused. "I never thought.... about the consequences my actions could have. Like before, when I lost control of my anger....it cost Wormmon his life."
"The death of a friend cuts deeper into your heart than the death of yourself," Yamato said softly. "But when your soul is dead, there is no point living for tomorrow."
Koushiro turned to face the mother he had never known. "Why did you do this?" he asked.
"I didn't. I was simply sent here.....to help you and your friend." She smiled and sat down. "I'm very proud of you, Koushiro. I never knew that my son would grow so wise."
"I have been equally foolish," Koushiro replied, lowering his eyes. "I should have never succumbed to foolish revenge."
"It only proved that you were loyal and daring," she said softly. "You and your friends- I think they learned their lesson. Never lose those friends, Koushiro. They are....special. More so that even you know."
"What do you mean?" Koushiro asked nervously.
"There is something about them........Together you are an unstoppable force. Each person's weakness amplifies another's strength. You were given a second chance for a reason. Not everyone is given a second chance. Don't waste it."
"Am I to stay here with you? Forever?"
She laughed. "No. In due time, there is something much more important for you to do. There will be others who crave power. You must, with your friends, protect the world. My little redheaded phoenix."
"Phoenix? Like the legendary bird?"
"Indeed. One day, your death will save thousands."
Koushiro looked around apprehensively. "I need to go."
His mother smiled. "Of course you do. Good-bye, my dear son." She kissed him gently. "I'm sorry I never got to know you more."
Koushiro closed his eyes and disappeared through time and space.
"Good-bye...Koushiro. I shall see you again soon."
There was subtle changes. Instead of an angry alliance, Jyou, Ken, and Yamato formed an unbreakable circle of friendship, allowing nothing to shatter their dreams.
Yamato looked at his calendar and recognized the date. It was the day that Takeru was going to propose to Mimi. Changing into clean clothes, he ran outside and caught the bus that would take him to where they had all gone to summer camp so many years before.
Yamato watched as Taichi tried to cook the meal, burning everything in sight. Sora stood beside him, giggling.
Ken called to Yamato and he stood up, picking the soccer ball in Ken's direction. The two started to play, Jyou joining after a minute's hesitation.
"I'm going left, I'm going left!" Ken yelled, spinning to the right a faking Jyou out. Laughing the tow battle for the ball, kicking it into the water.
Yamato collapsed on the grass, exhausted. It felt good to see his friends laughing and enjoying themselves. The other future seemed far from him. Koushiro sat down beside him, his computer in his hand. "It's amazing how different everything it," he muttered softly.
"I know," Yamato replied, laying down on the grass. "None of them know what we did. No knows except for us."
"Did we do the right thing?" Koushiro asked, gazing at his laughing, cheerful friends.
"Of course we did!" Yamato exclaimed, sitting up. "What do you mean?"
"I guess," Koushiro said with a sigh. "Some wounds will never heal." Yamato followed Koushiro's gaze towards Mimi and Takeru flirting at the picnic table. Mimi laughed, and Koushiro's eyes hardened.
"Sometimes are just not meant to be," Yamato said softly, putting a comforting hand on Koushiro. "You knew that they were meant to be together."
"I know," Koushiro said, standing up. "I just never knew how much it was going to hurt."
Daisuke arrived, Jun in tow. "I couldn't get rid of her!" he confided to Yamato. "Psycho stalker alert!"
"You love her, Daisuke, and you know it," Yamato said with a smile. Daisuke said nothing, but a small smile crossed his face.
"Hey brother, long time to see!" Takeru exclaimed, settling down beside Yamato. "Hey, did you hear? Shin got out of the hospital today. He had a few bruises, but the doctors say he will be okay."
Yamato smiled. "I know. Jyou told me."
Takeru's face turned sober. "I was going to propose to Mimi today," he said quietly. "But I'm not going to do it anymore."
"Why not?" Yamato asked, sitting up. "I thought you loved her."
"I do. It's just..... I think she was meant for someone else." He nodded in the direction of the cabins, and Yamato saw Koushiro and Mimi walking off together, hand in hand.
"I've missed you, Koushiro," Mimi said, pulling him closer to her. "You haven't talked to me in ages."
"I guess.... I thought you and Takeru were an item...."
"Takeru and I..... are great friends." She suddenly blushed. "But I think.... I'm in love with someone else."
Images of them standing on the balcony kissing entered Koushiro's mind, along with his mother's prophetic "Your death will save thousands of lives". All of this he pushed aside.
"And who is that?" he said, daring not to breathe as she looked into his eyes.
"You," she whispered, simple and yet exquisite. She leaned forward, kissing him. And this time, he knew that deep in her heart, she only longed for him.
"I wanted to thank you, Yamato," Takeru said later that night. All of the others were gathered around the campfire. Taichi and Sora were singing off-key, and Ken was hurling good-natured insults at them. Jyou was making s'mores with Iori while Hikari danced to the music that was playing in the background. Daisuke was asleep, leaning against his sister's shoulder.
"Thank me for what?"
"For everything. For giving us all a second chance."
"What do you mean?" Yamato asked, baffled. Takeru smiled.
"While I was in heaven, I saw it all. The deaths. Betrayals. Sorrow. Tears that were shed. Every single one of them." Yamato didn't know what exactly to think. Takeru bent closer and whispered in his ear," I saw it through their eyes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I want to thank Cres sooooooo much for all of the help that was given to get this last part just right and I want to thank everyone that actually read through my whole story........I know it was long...... Thank you soooooo much!!!!! You're all the greatest!!! ~Kaci
Part 9: To change the future, you need to change the past...........Yamato and Koushiro have a unique chance to change everything.... will they take it?? And what will the outcome be??
"This wasn't supposed to happen!" Ken said furiously, slamming his fist into the cold stone wall.
Across the frozen garden a shallow grave stood, the earth still fresh from when Mimi was buried. "They weren't supposed to fight us......"
"Ken," Jyou's voice rang out from behind him. "It's time for the execution." Ken sighed, and pulled gently on his blue hair. He stood up, determined.
"For Mimi," he said, pulling out a small revolver.
"For Mimi," Jyou replied, pulling out a gun of his own.
In the tiny prison beneath the palace, three prisoners sat. "Where was Sora?" Taichi asked, peering into his friends' eyes.
"She was the betrayer, Taichi," Iori said softly. "She was using you the whole time. That's how the three kings knew we were coming to attack."
"NO! You lie," Taichi said angrily. "You have always been a liar." The young man said nothing. "You should be ashamed to call yourself our friend."
"Think what you want to think, Taichi," Iori murmured. "We're all going to die anyways. Just like I told Hikari."
"We will not die," Taichi scoffed. "Again, you lie."
"On your feet!" a gruff voice yelled from outside the cell. "It is time for your execution." Taichi's eyes widened as the door opened and several armed soldiers entered.
"You couldn't be telling the truth," he said in astonishment.
Iori glared at Taichi, saying nothing.
"You three stand accused for attempted murder of the three kings of Japan and the murder of Tachikawa Mimi," Ken said with contempt, towering over the three prisoners. He wore all black, and his face was dark. "Inoune Miyako." His eyes glittered maniacally as the pallor girl was thrust forward, collapsing on the ground.
"Ken.....please.........don't do this...." she whispered and Ken laughed.
"Do you think you gave Mimi a chance to beg her way from death? No, my sweet Miyako. On your feet. Meet Death bravely."
"Ken...I can't...." Miyako cried, and a soldier pulled her to her feet. The other soldiers pulled the other two prisoners aside, and Miyako struggled to break free of the chains that held her to the wall.
"Traitor," Ken whispered as he pulled the trigger. A scream escaped from Miyako's mouth before her body hung limp. Ken's eyes glowered as other soldiers removed her body and place Iori in the chains.
"Hida Iori," Jyou said sadly, gazing at his young friend. "Do you have any last words?"
Iori lowered his head. "I would have thought you were better than this, Jyou." Jyou's anger flared, and he raised his gun.
"Mimi was my friend. You killed her!" he yelled, aiming. "I thought you were better than this, young Iori." His voice trembled.
"No, dear Jyou. It was you that killed Mimi. You." The gun trembling in Jyou's hand, he let the bullet fly, colliding with Iori's tiny body.
Yamato stood, his eyes sorrowful as the guards removed Iori and locked Taichi in Their eyes met, and Yamato felt a wave of sadness engulf him.
Taichi, unlike the others, stood tall and defiant. His eyes blazed with fury as Yamato took his place before him.
"Bearer of Friendship," Taichi sneered, his eyes blood red. "You are no Bearer of Friendship."
"You were the leader, Taichi," Yamato breathed, his confidence fading. "You forgot about your friends. It is you that does not deserve your title."
"Brave words, coming from a ruler that got his power from trickery," Taichi said, and Yamato felt himself cowering.
"I hate you," Yamato spat out angrily, firing the gun. It hit Taichi and Yamato watched in horror as their eyes met one more time before Taichi felt lifeless.
Their guards took the bodies and threw them into the alley outside of the palace. "Leave them to rot," Yamato heard himself saying. He then stood silently, the gun still in his hand. He had like killing Taichi. That thought haunted him.
Yamato looked at the others, glowering in anger and started to cry, his tears drowning the world in sorrow.
When Daisuke returned to the palace a few days later, everything was changed. Jyou walked as though he was in a nightmare, trying desperately to free himself. Ken glowered with anger. As for Koushiro and Yamato, they could not be found. Both of them stayed in their rooms, never coming out.
"Yamato........brother?" Daisuke said softly, entering Yamato's darkened room. "You should really get some lights in here."
"She's dead. They're all dead," Yamato said listlessly and Daisuke sat beside him. "I killed them," he whispered hollowly.
"Yamato..... it wasn't your fault...." Daisuke urged, touching Yamato's shoulder lightly. Yamato threw his hand off of him quickly.
"Accursed, contemptible world," he spat out, leaning back. "We should all die for our sins."
Koushiro sobbed, his pillow wet from all of his tears. It wasn't fair.... why did everyone he had ever loved have to die?
Am I cursed? Doomed to never love anyone, lest they be taken away from me? He thought about the last night he had spend with Mimi. Kissing her... and realizing that deep in her heart she longed for another.
But Takeru was dead, also. It seemed that in life, the one you cared about most was the person that always let you down.
"Mimi, I loved you!" Koushiro lamented, sobbing. "Why didn't you love me? Why?"
But of course there was no answer.
Later, Koushiro walked the halls, trying to remember every second he had spent there with Mimi. Walking past the infirmary, he saw Yamato sitting at the side of Hikari's bed. He approached the bed silently, and the two boys gazed at the unconscious girl.
"She was my brother's guardian angel," Yamato said softly. "He loved Mimi but needed Hikari like a fish needs water."
"Why haven't you killed Hikari yet, like the others?" Koushiro asked Yamato softly. Yamato stroked the young girl's hair.
"She's still in a coma. No one can speak with her. It is our wish that she be kept safe until she awakes."
"And what that? Will she joined the rest of our cursed, bloody friends?" Koushiro asked, grief in his voice. Yamato's hand rested in her hair, and Koushiro touched the side on the bed. The two friends looked at each other.
"I do not know," Yamato said, his soul shattering. "There has been enough death already."
The air around Hikari suddenly changed, and the two gasped. The air started to spiral around them, and Hikari started to glow. A bright light filled the room and Koushiro as the shadowy streams of lights surrounded Yamato and him. The beams of light changed into ghostly images of her friends, shrieking and crying.
The light consumed them, and everything went dark.
They were in a place full of light. It was an hallway, devoid of color or sound.
"What is this place?" Yamato whispered softly and Koushiro shook his head.
"I don't know."
"Yamato. Koushiro," a voice called softly, and the two turned. A woman stood before them, red hair cascading down her shoulders.
"Are you an angel?" Yamato breathed, and Koushiro felt a stirring within himself with so deep words could not express. The woman smiled but said nothing.
Koushiro shook his head, trying to clear his mind. "No....this is my mother."
Yamato swallowed and looked around uncomfortably. "Dude, I know you were the one that was most effected when Mimi died..... but you have totally flipped."
"No," the woman said softly. "I am Koushiro's mother. I have been brought here to help you find your way."
She bowed her head and moved closer to them. She whispered, "The only way to change the future is to change the past."
Walking down the hallway, she beckoned for them to follow her. Cautiously Yamato joined her side and Koushiro followed, his eyes full of wonder.
The walls started to warp and filled with color. Images flooded their minds- pictures and instances from their childhood.
Visions pushed past them, flowing like a river. Summer Camp. Myotismon. Being replaced by the new Digi-Destined. "What is this?" Koushiro gasped as the memories drenched their senses.
"This is the Past."
Suddenly Yamato stiffened. The air around him turned cold and the light in his eyes disappeared. Around him, dark shadows wrapped tightly around him. "What is it?" Koushiro whispered.
"It is the darkness that entered his soul. The darkness that his friends fed, growing larger and larger until it warped into the tormented soul that he is now. A murderer. He killed his father.......brother......friends....." Koushiro's mother shook her head sadly. "This is the night that started it all."
"The night we found Jyou, battered and almost dead. Ken and I.....were talking..... We were very angry.....and then we saw Jyou......" Yamato muttered incoherently. "If I could stop us..... confront our problems, instead of running away..... none of this would have happened." A ray of light appeared in his eyes. "Yes. If we could contain our anger and cling to our friends...... hold the friendships that we held dearest to our heart near to us........"
"Go to them," the woman said softly. "It is the only way to save your friends."
Yamato looked confused. "How?"
She placed her cold hands on his head. "Clear your mind.... you will hear a voice calling to you. Follow that voice, and it will guide you." She kissed his cheek softly. "You have been given a chance to redeem yourself."
"How can I ever thank you?" he whispered, his blue eyes troubled.
"Seeing you smiling and laughing with your friends will be good enough," she said gently. "Nothing more is required."
Yamato gave her a small smile and closed his eyes. The sensation of falling consumed him and he let out a small scream......
"What was that for?" Ken asked, punching his friend on the arm. "Are you going psycho on me, Ishida?" He smiled, and Yamato shook his head.
"I..... Never mind," Yamato said, looking around at the dimly lit streets.
"Sometimes...... my parents..... I hate them" Ken said suddenly, a chilling coldness in his voice. "I wish they were dead."
"Ken.... I have learned..... never to let your anger control you," Yamato said softly, taking hold of his best friend's shoulder. "You are your only master. Never forget who you are. The Keeper of Kindness."
"Why do I have to have the crummy Crest?" Ken complained. "I mean.... it's pink....."
"You were chosen for that Crest because everyone can see the Kindness that flows out of you. Just like everyone can see the Friendship in me. But if we forget that..... forget the Kindness and Friendship that we have..... We could become cruel and friendless."
"I suppose you are right," Ken mused. "I never thought.... about the consequences my actions could have. Like before, when I lost control of my anger....it cost Wormmon his life."
"The death of a friend cuts deeper into your heart than the death of yourself," Yamato said softly. "But when your soul is dead, there is no point living for tomorrow."
Koushiro turned to face the mother he had never known. "Why did you do this?" he asked.
"I didn't. I was simply sent here.....to help you and your friend." She smiled and sat down. "I'm very proud of you, Koushiro. I never knew that my son would grow so wise."
"I have been equally foolish," Koushiro replied, lowering his eyes. "I should have never succumbed to foolish revenge."
"It only proved that you were loyal and daring," she said softly. "You and your friends- I think they learned their lesson. Never lose those friends, Koushiro. They are....special. More so that even you know."
"What do you mean?" Koushiro asked nervously.
"There is something about them........Together you are an unstoppable force. Each person's weakness amplifies another's strength. You were given a second chance for a reason. Not everyone is given a second chance. Don't waste it."
"Am I to stay here with you? Forever?"
She laughed. "No. In due time, there is something much more important for you to do. There will be others who crave power. You must, with your friends, protect the world. My little redheaded phoenix."
"Phoenix? Like the legendary bird?"
"Indeed. One day, your death will save thousands."
Koushiro looked around apprehensively. "I need to go."
His mother smiled. "Of course you do. Good-bye, my dear son." She kissed him gently. "I'm sorry I never got to know you more."
Koushiro closed his eyes and disappeared through time and space.
"Good-bye...Koushiro. I shall see you again soon."
There was subtle changes. Instead of an angry alliance, Jyou, Ken, and Yamato formed an unbreakable circle of friendship, allowing nothing to shatter their dreams.
Yamato looked at his calendar and recognized the date. It was the day that Takeru was going to propose to Mimi. Changing into clean clothes, he ran outside and caught the bus that would take him to where they had all gone to summer camp so many years before.
Yamato watched as Taichi tried to cook the meal, burning everything in sight. Sora stood beside him, giggling.
Ken called to Yamato and he stood up, picking the soccer ball in Ken's direction. The two started to play, Jyou joining after a minute's hesitation.
"I'm going left, I'm going left!" Ken yelled, spinning to the right a faking Jyou out. Laughing the tow battle for the ball, kicking it into the water.
Yamato collapsed on the grass, exhausted. It felt good to see his friends laughing and enjoying themselves. The other future seemed far from him. Koushiro sat down beside him, his computer in his hand. "It's amazing how different everything it," he muttered softly.
"I know," Yamato replied, laying down on the grass. "None of them know what we did. No knows except for us."
"Did we do the right thing?" Koushiro asked, gazing at his laughing, cheerful friends.
"Of course we did!" Yamato exclaimed, sitting up. "What do you mean?"
"I guess," Koushiro said with a sigh. "Some wounds will never heal." Yamato followed Koushiro's gaze towards Mimi and Takeru flirting at the picnic table. Mimi laughed, and Koushiro's eyes hardened.
"Sometimes are just not meant to be," Yamato said softly, putting a comforting hand on Koushiro. "You knew that they were meant to be together."
"I know," Koushiro said, standing up. "I just never knew how much it was going to hurt."
Daisuke arrived, Jun in tow. "I couldn't get rid of her!" he confided to Yamato. "Psycho stalker alert!"
"You love her, Daisuke, and you know it," Yamato said with a smile. Daisuke said nothing, but a small smile crossed his face.
"Hey brother, long time to see!" Takeru exclaimed, settling down beside Yamato. "Hey, did you hear? Shin got out of the hospital today. He had a few bruises, but the doctors say he will be okay."
Yamato smiled. "I know. Jyou told me."
Takeru's face turned sober. "I was going to propose to Mimi today," he said quietly. "But I'm not going to do it anymore."
"Why not?" Yamato asked, sitting up. "I thought you loved her."
"I do. It's just..... I think she was meant for someone else." He nodded in the direction of the cabins, and Yamato saw Koushiro and Mimi walking off together, hand in hand.
"I've missed you, Koushiro," Mimi said, pulling him closer to her. "You haven't talked to me in ages."
"I guess.... I thought you and Takeru were an item...."
"Takeru and I..... are great friends." She suddenly blushed. "But I think.... I'm in love with someone else."
Images of them standing on the balcony kissing entered Koushiro's mind, along with his mother's prophetic "Your death will save thousands of lives". All of this he pushed aside.
"And who is that?" he said, daring not to breathe as she looked into his eyes.
"You," she whispered, simple and yet exquisite. She leaned forward, kissing him. And this time, he knew that deep in her heart, she only longed for him.
"I wanted to thank you, Yamato," Takeru said later that night. All of the others were gathered around the campfire. Taichi and Sora were singing off-key, and Ken was hurling good-natured insults at them. Jyou was making s'mores with Iori while Hikari danced to the music that was playing in the background. Daisuke was asleep, leaning against his sister's shoulder.
"Thank me for what?"
"For everything. For giving us all a second chance."
"What do you mean?" Yamato asked, baffled. Takeru smiled.
"While I was in heaven, I saw it all. The deaths. Betrayals. Sorrow. Tears that were shed. Every single one of them." Yamato didn't know what exactly to think. Takeru bent closer and whispered in his ear," I saw it through their eyes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I want to thank Cres sooooooo much for all of the help that was given to get this last part just right and I want to thank everyone that actually read through my whole story........I know it was long...... Thank you soooooo much!!!!! You're all the greatest!!! ~Kaci