A/N: Several pairings suggested ahead, along with much angst, and little happiness.
Rejecting the Light
by: Lady Dragon
Years pass, as they are want to do; children growing towards adulthood. Maturity comes and goes, behaviors perfected at a young age unconsciously become a guiding force. These facts were just as true for the Digidestined as the rest of the human race.
Over these ensuing years, the Chosen children had grown, drawing closer together in some ways and losing touch in others. Relationships blossomed all around, whether they be ones based on friendship or true love. The most shocking of these revolved around Daisuke Motomiya and Ken Ichijouji. Not only had the bitter rivals become friends, with the young redhead listening in morbid fascination as the amethyst eyed boy had confided that the Emperor wanted to return and he was scared he wasn't strong enough to stop him.
Daisuke had listened without laughing and stubbornly informed his friend that he wouldn't let him; the Emperor would have to go through Daisuke to steal the reformed boy back. Their unprecedented friendship changed after their digital partners learned to jogress; once they'd felt the other's heartbeat in perfect unison with their own they'd hesitantly started to date.
And Ken had seemed to blossom under Daisuke's loving care. Gone was the guilt that had marred his handsome features whenever he remembered his past. Instead, he was filled with a boundless determination to do whatever it took to make his beloved happy; regardless of the personal cost.
No matter how pure one's intentions are, that kind of attention can lead anyone astray. The closer they grew to each other, the further away the violet eyed teen felt from his savior, and the harder he tried to please, regardless of his personal desires. The final straw had come after Ken's nineteenth birthday when his boyfriend had blithely announced they were going skiing. Unfortunately Ken had hesitantly made plans for the weekend, hoping the redhead wouldn't be too upset for his presumptuousness.
And now he was paying for his selfish act. Or to be more precise, Daisuke was paying for his selfish desire to help Elekmon get some much needed sleep by taking care of the young hatchlings. I should have been with him! If I had, he never would have fallen over that cliff!
It didn't matter that Stingmon had helped him get his beloved to the hospital; though it was pure luck that it had been midnight on Earth and no one had seen the powerful insect landing in front of the emergency room entrance, or that the doctors were sure the redhead would make a full recovery once he regained consciousness. The only thing that mattered were the harsh words they'd exchanged when Ken had forgotten his place and what he owed his beloved Daisuke for keeping the darkness in his mind and heart at bay.
Ken closed his eyes fighting back the memories. He reached out, taking Daisuke's hand to entwine their fingers together, and for the first time he could remember, started to pray. You have to wake up, Daisuke. I need you...God, why didn't I ever tell you how much I need you? His deep amethyst eyes restlessly shifted over the pale redhead's face, mentally cataloguing every bump, bruise and scratch as he looked for any sign the teen might be finally waking up.
A voice called softly from the doorway. "Any changes?"
He shook his head, the chin length blue strands brushing against his jaw. "He still hasn't moved. I just want him to open his eyes..."
"He'll wake up. Daisuke's too stubborn to let something as silly as a coma keep him in bed for long." Kari tried to smile reassuringly, but all the former Emperor could see was the worry in the Child of Light's eyes.
It's entirely your fault he's here. You can't deny it, Ichijouji. Just like you can't deny me. It's only a matter of time now...
No...no, go away. I don't want you here! Ken shook his head wildly, trying to deny the taunting laughter echoing in his mind; jerking his head up when the younger girl asked in confusion, "Why don't you want Chibimon to see Daisuke? He's worried too, you know."
"What?"
Kari sighed. "I asked you if I could bring Chibimon by tomorrow. He swears we're not telling him something. Why don't you want him here?"
"I'm sorry, Kari." the violet eyed teen apologized, running a trembling hand through his already rumpled hair. "I had my mind on something else." Or someone else...but I can't tell her about him. I can't tell anyone. Only Daisuke understood...oh please wake up, Suke-chan! I didn't mean to fight with you! He ignored the whispered voice that called him weak and focused up at the girl still standing uncertainly in the doorway.
"Ken, are you sure you're all right?"
Putting on the smile he'd perfected almost as soon as his brother's funeral had ended, he nodded. "I'm just worried about him. You're right though. He'll wake up, and tell me I'm stupid for even worrying."
"You should get some sleep. How long have you been here?"
"I haven't been home." he finally admitted, fighting the urge to shuffle his feet, and stared down at his and Daisuke's entwined fingers.
Coming to a decision Kari strode determinedly into the room and over to the ever-present bedside phone. Punching in the one phone number she could dial in her sleep she waited for someone on the other end to pick up.
Ken glanced back up at her almost curiously, wondering who she was calling and almost smiled when Kari's face seemed to start glowing. Must be T. K....I wonder why he's not here with her. They're usually inseparable...like we used to... Muffling a sob, he ruthlessly forced himself to stop that train of thought before he picked up on it and stared blindly at the monitor that tracked Daisuke's heartbeat, completely tuning out the softly whispered conversation.
"Hey, I'm glad I caught you. I know you're supposed to work today, but can you call in sick? Why? Ken hasn't left the hospital in six days. Yeah, I'm not surprised either, but I want to drag him away from here for a few hours. At least to shower and change, and we both know he won't leave Daisuke alone. You will? Thanks. Love you too. Bye."
Kari hung up the phone and walked around the bed, affectionately touching the unconscious teen's hand as she did so, and crouched next to the violet eyed boy. "Ken?" She had to call his name twice more before he looked down at her, and she stared for a moment at the haunted look in his amethyst gaze. "Listen, T. K.'s on his way here, and then I'm going to take you home so you can change and get something decent to eat, ok?"
"I'm not leaving him. What if he wakes up while I'm gone?" Ken squeezed Daisuke's hand convulsively, and a note of panic entered his eyes. "I need to be here with him."
"You also need to take care of yourself. He's going to be pretty upset if...I mean when he wakes up and he sees you sick from exhaustion." Kari smiled gently. "And I'm not taking no for an answer. If I have to, I'll drag you out. It'll only be for a few hours, I promise."
Muffling a yawn, Ken stared down at her uncertainly. "You're sure it'll only be for a couple of hours?"
Looking at the worried teen, Kari couldn't see a single sign of the Digimon Emperor, except for his blue hair. It was as if they were two totally separate people. Where the Emperor was cold, Ken was warm. Where the Emperor was cruel, Ken was kind. And most of all, where the Emperor was demanding and possessive, Ken was giving and generous. In fact, in all the time he'd been on their side, she couldn't once remember the teen ever saying no to anything one of their group asked of him: especially Daisuke. Kari was almost worried they'd been taking advantage of his unselfish nature, but she knew now was not the time to worry about that. "I promise."
"A...all right. I guess I could bring a change of clothes back with me too."
"That's the spirit. T. K. will call me if anything changes." She grinned suddenly. "That is, if he knows what's good for him." Kari sighed in relief when her teasing comment elicited a weak chuckle from her friend.
I'm still waiting, Ichijouji. You can't fight me forever, and he's not around for you to hide behind anymore. I hope he NEVER wakes up. Then I'll be free, and you'll be the one locked away forever!
As T. K. walked in, Kari sensed Ken shiver again, and she glanced at him worriedly. "Cold?"
"No, I'm fine." Noticing the worry in her eyes, the former Emperor forced a reassuring smile. "Just thinking, that's all." He watched the anxiety leave her eyes and stood up reluctantly. "Since blondie's here, I'm guessing you're going to drag me out now?"
T. K. mock glared at his friend before grinning cheerfully. "Yep! And don't worry, if he so much as loses an eyelash I'll page Kari." He sat down in a chair with an air of determination. Nothing's dragging me away from this spot. You have my word. And...don't call me blondie." His blue eyes sparkled up at Ken, relieved when he too got the troubled teen to smile weakly.
"I won't...blondie." The sound of a pillow hitting the door kept Kari giggling all the way to the elevator.
The first thing he noticed, before he even opened his eyes was the soft soothing fragrance his bed gave off. Something deep inside told him he should know what the scent was, but for the life of him he couldn't place the first time he'd smelled the unusual, intoxicating odor. As he tried to figure it out, his vague curiosity turned into a blinding panic. What's wrong with me? Who am I?
"Ken, I think he's waking up!" he heard a childish voice exclaim, followed by the sound of someone hurrying over, and then a soft voice murmuring near his head.
"Daisuke, if you can hear me, look at me...please?"
The voice sighed in relief when he fluttered his eyes open to catch a glimpse of the most stunning pair of violet eyes he'd ever seen light up in relief so intense it was almost palpable. Of course, since I can't remember anything, I wouldn't know that, would I? He ignored the microscopic voice that asked if it really mattered, since stunning was stunning. "Do I know you?"
He watched as the young man's jaw dropped in disbelief, and squeak "Wh...what?"
"Do I know you?" His gaze was captured by the adorable blue stuffed animal that was...moving? He rubbed his eyes, glaring irritably at the I.V. in his arm before staring again. Yep, it's moving. So's that giant...hermit crab? What is going on here? How can stuffed animals move?
Jerking his gaze from the moving impossibilities, he peered hesitantly at the distraught teen who had pulled away from him with a horrified expression on his face. As he started to ask what was wrong, he heard the door open and a cheerful voice call out, "Ken? I brought something for Chibimon and Minomon to eat while we wait for...Daisuke?"
The bedridden redhead's attention was immediately riveted on the beautiful girl who stared in stunned happiness at him. "H...hi. I guess you know who I am?" His name's Ken. That's nice. Now if I can just learn who this angel is, things will be just about perfect...as long as she's single! "I hope you've been waiting for me?"
He watched the girl dart a questioning glance at the boy she'd identified as Ken, who just shrugged and settled back in his chair, cuddling that giant hermit crab in what Daisuke would swear was desperation. Sighing, she looked back at the prone boy and smiled brightly again. "I'm so glad you're awake. We've all been worried about you, Daisuke."
That's the third time I've heard that...so either the both like me or... "Is...is Daisuke my name?" A light blush spread across his cheeks and he looked down at the blanket covering him, plucking at it nervously. "I know that sounds stupid."
Peeking up through his lashes, he watched the angel glance at Ken again and reach down to pick up the wriggling stuffed animal before moving next to his bed. "Daisuke, do you remember anything? What about Chibimon here?" She gently put the...the blue thing on his stomach and he couldn't keep himself from instinctively flinching away; though in a hospital bed he couldn't move very far.
"No. What is it?" Fighting another blush, he looked up at the girl. "I'm glad you seem to know me though." A barely audible moan of agony came from Ken's general direction and both Kari and Daisuke glanced at the former Child of Evil; Kari's gaze full of worry, and Daisuke's with polite inquiry. They both watched as Ken jerkily picked up Minomon and hurried to the door where he glanced at the redhead sadly.
"I...I have things I need to do. The hospital knows how to reach me i...if you need anything." His violet eyes ran over Daisuke's face, memorizing it before he slipped out the door.
"Did I say something wrong?" He felt strangely unsettled at how the other teen had been staring at him, and he wasn't sure if he liked the feeling. Daisuke mentally shrugged the thought away. I can think of much better things to think about than his gorgeous violet eyes. Like this angel...
"I...you...Daisuke..." The girl sighed, looking rather helpless as she stared at the closed door.
"I'm so glad you're all right now D'ske!" the stuffed animal exclaimed, darting forward to nuzzle his cheek. The girl muffled a giggle at the startled look on the redhead's face, and at how wide his liquid brown eyes got.
"Who are you? Not only that, what are you?"
His only answer at the moment was the wounded look on the little blue and white face; a pain that strangely mirrored the expression on Ken's face before the older teen had left. "You don't remember me?" At the negative shake, he glanced at the girl and back at Daisuke. "I'm Chibimon, your partner. I'm a Digimon."
"Partner? Digimon? Wait, I know, I'm dreaming right? And when I wake up I'll know what's going on, and laugh at how freaked out I got over a stupid bad dream."
"You are awake, Daisuke. And since I'm guessing you don't remember, I'm Hikari Kamiya, but my friends all call me Kari." She smiled weakly, feeling slightly unnerved at how her bedridden friend was staring at her. After all, it had been a long time since he'd looked at anyone other than Ken Ichijouji with that mixture of wistfulness, longing and hero-worship. While the expression was perfectly appropriate for one's boyfriend, it wasn't for a mere friend: especially a friend who was involved with someone else.
The countdown's already started, Ichijouji. And I for one can't wait. It's about time the better half of us takes over. I'll conquer both worlds so fast it'll make your head spin...that is, if I let you stay around long enough to see it.
"Shut up!" he hissed back, ignoring the stares he was getting. "Daisuke'll remember me, and everything will be fine. I'll apologize for yelling and things will go back to the way they were." They had to. If the Emperor took over again, Ken wasn't sure he'd ever be able to get control back.
Your precious Daisuke is lusting after Kamiya again. It's her he wants, not a freak like you. All he ever wanted you for was someone to slave for him, and you made sure he knew you wouldn't do that anymore. Ken heard an evil chuckle and it sent chills down his spine. He instinctively clutched Minomon closer, but even that didn't help. There's nothing anyone can do to save you Ichijouji. Who would believe you? After all, YOU are the Emperor. At least, that's what all your pathetic acquaintances think. And when I kill them all, they'll blame you. Enjoy your last days, knowing you're helpless to stop it. I always win in the end.
"No...I won't let you." Ken whispered uncertainly, missing the worried look his small partner shot up at him.
Something was wrong. Daisuke didn't know how he knew, he just did. The last few days had surprised the redhead. Whenever he was awake, the violet-eyed teen was unobtrusively there, listening when Daisuke needed someone to talk to, telling him about the other people who visited that the amnesiac had no clue why they'd be seeing him. There had been no sign of whatever had been bothering Ken the day he'd woken up, and there had been too many other things to occupy his attention...like his second favorite visitor. Daisuke now felt comfortable enough around the older boy to start asking subtle questions about Kari, the girl he was starting to consider his personal angel.
But today, Ken's back was rigid as the violet-eyed teen stared out the window. Kari had told him, in one of the rare visits where Ken hadn't been present, that in the past Daisuke had always been blunt and outspoken, so he decided to try it out. After all, it can't hurt. What's the worst that could happen? He tells me to shut up. Big deal. She told me we were best friends, though she did have this weird look on her face when she said it... With that last thought firmly in mind, he smiled brightly and blurted, "Hey Ken, sumthin' buggin ya?"
Impossibly, Ken stiffened even more, but his voice sounded neutral as he answered. "Just thinking, Su...Daisuke. I have a project due in school."
The redheaded tilted his head curiously, trying to figure out why a part of him was so disappointed when Ken obviously changed what he was going to say. "Isn't it winter break? Never mind." He sighed. "Can I ask you something?"
His friend's soft response sent an unexpected thrill through him. "You can ask me anything, Daisuke. Always."
"Is Daisuke really my name?" He watched as Ken spun around, a flabbergasted expression on his pale face, and Daisuke fought a blush. Why did that surprise him?
"What do you think your name is?" Ken asked carefully, staring at Daisuke intently.
"I don't know!" was the frustrated response. "Whenever you say it...it just doesn't feel right." Warm brown eyes sought out shuttered amethyst, and the redhead sighed soundlessly. What is his problem? For someone who's supposed to be my friend, he's so...closed off. Did I say something wrong? I wish he'd talk to me. Maybe I can get him to open up.
"I...don't always call you that." Ken forced a smile. "Don't worry about it. The important thing is you get to go home tomorrow. Do you want a ride?"
"I already asked Kari to give me one. Listen Ken...can I ask you something else? I mean, I know what you just said an' all, but...this is kinda embarrassing..." The blue-haired teen raised one eyebrow inquiringly, for all the world looking like he didn't have a care in the world; even though he felt his heart was breaking.
I told you! the Emperor crowed in Ken's mind, between gales of cold laughter. He wants an angel, not a has been like-
"Ken! Are you all right?"
"Fine. I am just fine. Gomen, Daisuke, but there's something I have to take care of."
"Wait, just for a second, please? I really need to ask you something."
Ken finished picking up Minomon, settling him gently in his traveling bag before peeking at Daisuke through the strands of hair cascading softly over his cheeks. "Of course. What is it?" Some sixth sense screamed at him to leave, that he wouldn't be able to handle what was coming, but he ignored it. After all, nothing could hurt worse than his boyfriend thinking they were just friends, right?
Wrong. With a desperation born more of habit than any real desire to keep the Emperor from taking over right then and there, Ken stared at Daisuke in morbid fascination as his world shattered with one simple question.
"Do you think there's a chance Kari likes me?"
"He asked you what?" Kari and T. K. blurted out in perfect unison.
Ken kept his voice emotionless as he answered, absently scratching Miiko's ears. "He asked me if there was any chance you'd like him, Kari." He laughed bitterly; though the attention he gave Kari's cat didn't change from the slow, gentle strokes that had the feline curling around his hand purring in delight. "He wants me to set the two of you up."
"Oh Ken..."
T. K. patted his girlfriend's hand and looked sympathetically at their former enemy. "He's not trying to hurt you. If we just tell him the truth..."
"It wouldn't matter." was the resigned answer. "Did you see the way he stared at Matt and Tai when they visited him the other day? He wasn't quite disgusted but..." Ken gently set Miiko down on all fours and stood up, fastidiously brushing away the cat hairs from his slacks. "Keep him out of trouble, ok?"
"Why, you'll be here too to help out, won't you?" When he didn't answer, Kari repeated her question more insistently.
"I...I can't. I can't do any of this anymore. I'm not strong enough."
Of course you're not! You're pathetic and weak. You don't have the strength to stop me. You need your precious Daisuke to keep you safe. Too bad he doesn't want you anymore, Ichijouji. Why don't you warn your friends the Emperor is back?
Ken closed his eyes tightly for a moment, feeling more helpless than he had since the day he thought he'd lost Wormmon. Just a little longer. I can't fight him...but I can leave with a shred of dignity...
"But Ken, you're one of the strongest people any of us know!" T. K. insisted. "I don't think any of us could have adapted half as well as you have! And Daisuke's memory will be back someday..."
"And he loves you. You of all people should know that." Kari added quietly.
Ken took a deep breath and looked from T. K. to Kari. "I can't go back to being just friends again. Not when-" He stopped as his voice started to crack and he quickly slipped his jacket on. Not when I've had more...even if he did... He ruthlessly interrupted that train of thought. Thinking about their only fight would only depress him even more, and he needed as much strength as he could to keep the Emperor at bay for as long as possible. "I've tried...but being around him hurts now...pretending we're only friends when I want so much more. It's just better that I leave, before I make a mistake and scar him for life."
"I...we understand. Where are you gonna go?" the blonde finally asked sadly.
"No!" Kari turned and glared at Ken. "You're giving up on him, just like that? It hasn't even been two weeks yet, Ken!" She stood her ground, even though the cold fury in her friend's violet eyes reminded her of the first time they'd seen who their enemy once was. "You've decided he's not worth fighting for?"
"How am I supposed to compete against you?"
Kari glanced from T. K. to Ken, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "That depends...how much do you trust me?"
It's a waste of time, Ichijouji. You can't stop me now. Give in, and I might let you live...
Ken's hand froze as it reached for the doorbell. "No..." Hearing someone start to walk down the hall he shook his head and briskly knocked on the front door.
Daisuke opened the door and grinned cheerfully. "Well, whad'ya know? If it isn't the boy genius." Grinning even more broadly at the faint blush that spread over Ken's pale cheeks, he backed up and waved his friend in, trying to ignore the butterflies attempting to beat their way out of his stomach. "Gotcha."
Ken put his partner down, who immediately went wriggling in search of Chibimon, then sat on the couch. "I've got news for you."
"Oh?" the redhead asked curiously, sprawling in an overstuffed chair near his friend.
Ken nodded and studied the ground in front of him intently. "Hai. Hikari agreed to go out with you tomorrow night."
"She did? WOO HOO!!! Man, I don't know how to thank you!"
"Anything for you." Ken whispered before standing up. "There is one other thing."
"What?" Daisuke asked eagerly, bouncing up out of his chair to stand in front of the violet-eyed teen. "Did she tell you where she wanted to go?"
Ken shook his head, ignoring the voice that laughed cruelly in his head. "No. That's up to you. I just wanted to say goodbye."
Daisuke's face fell; a reaction that might have made Ken rethink his decision if he'd seen it. "G...good-bye? You goin' on vacation or sumthin'?"
"No. Just away to school...well actually an internship...with Microsoft. In America. I just...well I couldn't turn them down again, and..." He finally trailed off as he realized just how badly he was stammering. I never babble! Maybe I shouldn't leave. After everything I did, maybe this is my penance, that I'm just not meant to be happy...
Not so fast Ichijouji. You're mine now. And what you're feeling guilty over is something I was entitled to do. Part of my life as the Digimon Emperor. You understand I'm sure. Now tell him off, or I will.
Ken stiffened, and Daisuke sensed something was wrong; something he knew he should be able to help with, but couldn't remember how. So he said the first thing that popped into his head. "Why're you leaving me?" He watched in disbelief as Ken's head jerked up to face him, and shivered at how cold his normally vibrant eyes were.
"What do you care, Motomiya? You have your precious Kamiya again. It's not like you want me around." The Emperor sneered, reveling in his first taste of freedom that he'd had in years. He could already sense Ken breaking free from his mental prison and threw one last barb before retreating back into his safe tower, something that totally baffled the redhead. "You can't save him this time. You have no idea he even needs protecting. And personally, I hope you never get your memory back."
The ice in Ken's eyes shattered at he stared at Daisuke in horror. "I...you...I have to go!" Without waiting for a response, Ken spun around and fled, calling over one shoulder, "I'll send someone to get Minomon later!"
"What just happened here?" the amnesiac wondered, studying the floor. "Why do I feel like I just lost him, when I never had him to begin with?"
"Ken's in his room, dear. He's packing, but he won't tell me why!" The worry and anxiety in Mrs. Ichijouji's voice was almost palpable.
"I've heard, and we're going to do something about that." Kari responded reassuringly. "That's why I dragged these two lugs with me. He's not going anywhere, at least until Daisuke's feeling better." With a last smile, the brunette latched onto her brother and Matt's arms and practically dragged them to Ken's bedroom door.
"Who is it?" was the muffled response to the blonde's reluctant knocking.
Kari grinned as she answered. "Pizza delivery!"
"Go away Kari! I don't want to hear any more of your crazy ideas. I'm leaving and that's that!"
"Oh no you're not." she muttered and opened the door. "Are you trying to show you can be just as pig-headed as Daisuke?" Tai and Matt looked at the surprised teen apologetically.
"She threatened to cut my hair off if I didn't come."
"Not to mention she offered to have my brother cook for me and my dad from now on." Matt shuddered. "Have you ever eaten something T. K.'s cooked?" At the silent headshake from Ken, the blonde shuddered again. "Be grateful. Be very, very, very grateful."
"What do you all want?" Ken asked expressionlessly, turning back to his packing.
"To stop you from making a huge mistake. Dai-kun called me last night after you left. He's confused, Ken, and thinks he did something wrong."
"But he didn't! I just-"
"You're running away." Matt murmured, looking at Ken sympathetically. "I did the same thing once. Gabumon finally bit some sense into me."
"Bit?" Ken glanced up from his packing long enough to look at Matt inquisitively.
"Long story. I'll tell you about it sometime." With great dignity, he ignored his quietly snickering boyfriend.
"I don't have much time. I have to leave soon."
You can say that again. Why don't you tell them why? That their days are numbered once the Emperor returns...
"No!" Ken exclaimed, missing the worried glances his friends exchanged at the sudden, seemingly uncalled for, outburst.
In that case, I'll tell them. The Emperor ruthlessly shoved Ken aside, reveling once again in the power and freedom just being able to breathe gave him. Ignoring the pathetic screams of his alter ego, the terror of the Digital World looked at his three victims and grinned coldly. "I told you to get out. Don't make me tell you again."
"Ken? What's wrong with you? I didn't mean to upset you...its just-" Kari started to apologize.
"Personally I could care less what your simpering little mind was thinking. I have much better things to do than listen to your idiotic ramblings. Now get out, before I have to throw you out."
Don't you dare hurt them! They haven't done anything to you! Ken screamed silently in the vaults of their joint mind and beating on the walls of his invisible prison.
"You should have thought about that before." The Emperor murmured back softly, then started stalking towards the baffled teenagers. Stopping right in front of them, he glared at Kari in absolute hatred. "And I am not running away. Did it ever dawn on you that I hate the sight of all of you? Especially Motomiya. It's a relief that he's lusting after you again. I can leave and not have to worry about any of you failures trying to contact me." All the warmth seemed to vanish from the room at his next words. "And if that Digimon ever comes near me again, I'll gut him."
Kari gasped. "Who, Minomon? Ken, what has gotten into you?"
"Get out, or I'll have you arrested for trespassing." The Emperor stalked slowly forward as the three teens backed up nervously, looking for all the world like a hunter about to slaughter its prey.
"Come on, Sis. It looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Keeping one cautious eye on the violet-eyed teen, he opened the door, making sure to stay protectively in front of his sister.
Ken shook his head violently and started to tremble as he once again took control back from his darker half. In sorrow he watched three people he was certain had just become former friends slip out of his bedroom. The moment the door closed he collapsed onto his bed, fighting back tears.
You can't say I didn't warn you. Next time I'll be in charge for good, Ichijouji. I'm just counting down the minutes...aren't you?
Daisuke nervously rang the doorbell for the Kamiya residence, unconsciously shifting the bouquet of roses he'd bought for his date from hand to hand. He was running his fingers anxiously through his spiky red hair when the door opened. "Hello."
"Come in, Daisuke! How are you feeling?" Mr. Kamiya asked, looking at the flowers in confusion.
"Much better sir. I still can't remember anything, but," He forced a nervous grin. "It's letting me discover things all over again." Like the feelings I have for your daughter. The redhead was puzzled by the sudden surge of guilt that washed through him at that thought.
"I'm sure. Kari's in her room." The redhead waited by the front door, almost embarrassed that he didn't know where to go. Mr. Kamiya coughed in embarrassment before smiling apologetically. "Which you wouldn't remember how to get to. Just down the hall and to your left."
"Thank you." Daisuke followed his date's father's instructions and stopped in front of a door adorned with a huge poster proclaiming 'Kari's Korner'. That's pretty cute. I wonder if Ken has something like that on his bedroom door. He ground his teeth together in frustration Why the hell am I still thinking about him after what he said to me yesterday?! Something wasn't right with his friend...ex friend...whatever. He sighed and just as he decided to think about it later, the conversation going on behind the closed door filtered out to him.
"...-n't believe it."
"Neither can I. If I didn't know better, I'd swear that wasn't Ken we were talking to, Tai."
"Well, he is taking Daisuke's amnesia pretty hard, not that I blame him. I don't know what I'd do if Matt didn't remember me. Maybe he's just not sleeping well, and you hit a nerve?"
"But why would he just disappear? And that threat about poor Minomon..."
"Tai's right. I don't know what I'd do if he ever forgot me either..."
Daisuke's eyes widened and he hastily knocked on the door. Why on Earth is Kari's brother comparing my friendship with Ken to his...relationship with Matt?
The door flew open and Kari stared up at the redhead breathlessly. "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting! Are you ready?"
Valiantly trying to forget the conversation he'd unintentionally eavesdropped on, and another surge of something he refused to call guilt, Daisuke nodded. "Oh, these are for you Kari, but they pale in comparison to how beautiful you look tonight." he murmured softly.
"Thanks, Daisuke. Come on, let's get out of here. Tai can put these in water for me, right?" The brunette didn't wait for a response; she practically dragged her date out the door.
"Whoa, Kari, what's the hurry? We have all night if you want."
T. K. forgive me, but...here goes my Jun Motomiya impression. By now the two teens had wandered several blocks, and Kari took a deep breath before gushing, "I've been looking forward to this date ever since Ken mentioned it to me!"
Daisuke flinched almost imperceptibly at the mention of the violet-eyed teen and smiled. "Me too. I wasn't sure if I should ask or not. Especially with how close you and T. K. seem to be."
Kari flushed in guilt, and brushed it off with a giggle. "T. K.'s the best! I don't know what I'd do without him. He's just as important to me as Tai! He's my best friend." She finished softly before latching herself even tighter to Daisuke's arm, resting her head against his firm bicep. "But enough about him. Let's talk about me and you!"
"Y...you never acted like this around me before. Why now?" The redhead shifted imperceptibly away from his exuberant date.
"I've been waiting years for you to ask me out, Dai-chan! I just can't control myself anymore!" Come on Daisuke, freak! You're in love with Ken, whether you remember it or not. You have to know us dating is hurting him...
"Oh look, we're at the restaurant." Daisuke announced in relief. What am I doing? I'm out with a hot girl, and all I can think about right now is getting away from her! Thoroughly disgusted with himself, he deliberately wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, closed his eyes and bent over to kiss her cheek. In his mind, he wasn't kissing Kari. Instead, he saw those shimmering pools of amethyst that had fascinated him from the moment he'd first woken up, shining at him with more love and laughter than he'd ever imagined could exist. In the blink of an eye, he saw those same violet orbs filled with terror, grief and heartache that had the teen jerking away from his date as if burned.
"Dai-chan? Are you alright?" Kari murmured softly, staring up at him worriedly. At his jerky nod, she re-attached herself to his arm and started babbling again.
Is this evening ever going to end? Daisuke groaned to himself. He didn't know how someone could talk so much and not say anything. Glancing unobtrusively down at his watch he noticed only a few minutes had passed since the last time he checked. He had to distract her, somehow. The last thing he had wanted to do was go out with an airhead like his sister. What happened to the girl I met in the hospital? Could I have been so wrong about her? Man, what I wouldn't give to be out with Ken right now...
Nodding politely to whatever it was Kari had taken upon herself to tell him about, he stared blindly into his water glass and started reminiscing about the second time he'd met the violet-eyed teen.
He glanced up from the newspaper one of the nurses had recommended he read to see Ken waiting hesitantly in the doorway with an undecipherable expression on his face. "May I come in?"
"Only if you promise not to ask me how much I remember, or who's in charge of the country, or what the most recent currency exchange rates are."
"Why would I ask you that? You wouldn't have known that even before you hit that hard head of yours." Daisuke watched as his new friend gave him one of the shyest smiles he'd ever seen; one that sent an unexpected surge of heat through him and jolted his heart in a way he couldn't remember ever feeling before.
"Hard head, huh? Prove it."
Ken ducked his head, the blue chin-length strands of hair hiding his expression. "Well, you fell off a cliff, and your only serious injury is your memory loss."
"I fell off a cliff? What am I, a klutz or something?"
"No. You were just...upset and misjudged the footing near the edge. It could have happened to any of us." Ken responded softly, sounding as if he was defending his actions, instead of just explaining them.
They had talked for what seemed like hours. Ken hadn't asked how he was feeling, or treated him like an invalid. Somehow, the older teen had even managed to avoid referring to things Daisuke just couldn't remember. And when the redhead had spoken, he'd noticed that his friend listened with an intensity that was flattering. None of the others paid attention to him like that. They mostly joked around with him, which in its own way was fun, but Ken treated him as an intellectual equal. Which must be pretty hard for him considering how smart he is. I wonder why we're such good friends
"Dai-chan? Daisuke are you feeling alright?" Kari asked worriedly, hoping that part of her friend was waking up. How could Jun act like this all the time? I'm exhausted!
He had the grace to flush in embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking."
"About Ken?"
"How did you know?" he stammered incredulously.
The brunette detached herself from Daisuke's side with a relieved sigh. "Because I know you two." She stared at him thoughtfully for a moment. "How much did you overhear?"
"Overhear?"
"Me, Tai and Matt talking. How much did you hear?" At the guilty expression on his face she smiled reassuringly. "It wasn't a private conversation, Dai-kun."
He started to respond, then looked around nervously at the other diners. "Can we go somewhere else?" Not waiting for an answer, he threw down more than enough money to cover dinner, stood up and waited impatiently for her to follow him.
While Daisuke was escorting Kari out of the restaurant, Ken was finishing packing up his room. There was nothing left except his desk, computer and the lonely looking stripped bed. "This is it." he murmured softly to himself.
I can't believe you said good-bye to those pathetic losers you call parents. Is there anyone on this miserable mud ball that isn't a hypocrite?
Ken ignored the voice. He could feel the mental walls collapsing and wanted to savor what little time he had left. He settled down at his desk and pulled out a sheet of vellum.
You're joking. I'm not going to let you write a letter to him! I demand you stop this at once!
The genius heard the panic in his alter ego's voice and smiled. If the Emperor was that worried about this letter, it was definitely the right thing to do. "No." he whispered and started writing.
- Daisuke,
By the time my parents give you this, I'll be gone. I'm sorry
if this causes you any pain, but it's something I had no choice
in. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you, and in less
than two months I've done it twice. Your friendship means more
to me than I could possibly tell you.
I'm sure you know by now the truth about T. K. and Kari. Don't
be angry with her, she was doing me a favor. I didn't have the heart
to tell you she was seeing someone else; not when you looked at me
with your heart in your eyes and asked me to help set the two of you up.
If I can break free, I'll try to let you know I'm all right, but I know once
I leave I'll never be the same.
Farewell my friend,
Ken
You're just as weak as the rest of them! Move over, Ichijouji; as the old movie once said..."I'm back!"
Ken struggled, more out of habit than anything else, and felt the last shreds of his control fading. "I...won't let you...get him...them." he gritted out, stumbling to his feet and practically falling through the ready and waiting Digiport. The last actions Ken Ichijouji took before being banished was to shatter his Digivice, and smile as the Digimon Emperor howled in rage.
Daisuke waited for Kari to settle on the bench before sitting down next to her. "Why did..." The redhead sighed and buried his face in his hands, trying to gather his thoughts. Now that he wasn't worrying about how to act, his mind was a jumbled mix of images, most revolving around the sapphire-haired genius. "Why won't he leave me alone?!"
"Daisuke?"
"Ken! He's just my best friend, right? So why is it whenever I close my eyes, I see him staring back at me?"
"Do you really want to know the answer to that, Dai-kun?" Kari asked softly.
"Yes!" he growled back in frustration. "And why the hell was your brother comparing his relationship with his boyfriend to my friendship with Ken?!"
Instead of answering, she just stared up at him with a raised eyebrow, her expression saying louder than any words 'You figure it out'.
With an almost audible snap Daisuke's jaw fell open. "You're not trying to tell me that Ken...That Ken and I...No way!" He wouldn't believe it. There was no way he was gay!
Kari abruptly leaned forward and pressed her lips against his parted mouth, her tongue lightly dancing along his. Daisuke froze in shock then jerked away, just barely managing to keep from wiping his mouth in disgust. "Whadya do that for?"
The brunette leaned back, grinning smugly. "If you tell me you liked that, I'll call you a liar. Daisuke, you liked me when you were eleven."
"So?" he shot back defensively. "That still doesn't mean that Ken and I...ahhhh!"
"You do know we tried to talk to him before he left, don't you?" she asked after several long moments of watching Daisuke struggle to get his blush under control.
"Yeah. I still don't understand why he totally weirded out on me. He was..."
"Cold?"
He nodded in agreement. "He said some really strange things too. 'Bout you, and how he hoped I'd never get my memory back..." He slid down the bench, shoving his legs out in front of him in a depressed sprawl. "It was almost like he was-"
"A different person." the brunette finished softly.
"Yeah. Any idea why?"
Kari didn't answer, lost in memories of her youth, and the last time she'd seen Ken act that cruelly. Sitting up with a start, she gasped, "No way! He couldn't have..."
"Couldn't have what? Kari?" When she didn't answer, Daisuke grabbed her arm and shook her a little rougher than he'd intended. "Kari! Why would Ken have taken an internship in America?"
"You're telling me the only reason Chibimon's with me is because we all used to fight Ken when we were younger? That Ken, the guy who you told me didn't leave my side while I was in a coma, the person who goes out of his way to help any of you when you need it, used to torture and kill Digimon? That's even harder to believe than you telling me we were dating!"
"He was and you are! Or were...whatever. If you don't believe me, ask the others! I think I even have some old pictures I managed to take right before we defeated him."
Daisuke chewed on his lower lip, staring at Kari uncertainly. Loyalty to his friend demanded he deny the accusations, but there was something in her voice that rang true. "Say I believe you...why would you tell me about this now?"
"Because when I saw Ken earlier he threatened to kill Minomon if you brought him back. Does that sound like the Ken you know and love?"
"No." he responded, shaking his head and completely missing that he'd just acknowledged how he felt about the older teen. "But what does that have to do with him moving?"
"What if he didn't move? What if something happened to him and..." She didn't even want to think about the idea that the Digiworld might be in danger again.
Ahhh...I love the smell of terror and destruction in the morning. And the best part is they'll blameyou, Ichijouji! the Emperor thought in smug satisfaction.
The others will stop you. Ken argued weakly.
"Yeah right. That bunch of pathetic losers? If they do, I'll kill them. It's as simple as that." The Emperor stretched, enjoying the feel of muscles moving under his control. Having spent the last eight years trying to figure out how the Digidestined had found out about his original attempt to take over, he'd finally narrowed it down to a few possible culprits. His number one suspect was even now bringing him his breakfast, the normally pristine white pony tail dark and matted with blood.
"Here's your breakfast, master." Gennai whispered brokenly.
"Don't just stand there you idiot! Bring it here, then start looking for a way to smother unwanted presences."
"Master?" the older 'mon questioned, not quite sure what the Emperor wanted from him.
"I want Ken Ichijouji out of my head, so I can kill him with my bare hands! Is that clear?"
"Y...yes master. At once master!" Gennai carefully placed the tray next to his Emperor and fled in terror.
"Feeble old man." He dug into his breakfast, trying to decide which Digimon to spiral today. He wasn't taking any chances. Without the dark Digivice he couldn't keep Digimon from digivolving, so he decided to take out the ones who were the greatest threat first: the Digimon partnered with the Digidestined. He'd already managed to spiral Tentomon, Palmon, Biyomon and re-capture that blasted Agumon.
How can you do these things? How can you be part of me?
"That's amusing, I've been wondering the same thing."
It had taken them almost a week to be sure, since no one wanted to over react, but it was official. Ken was missing. Izzy and Iori had hit the internet, actually breaking into the Microsoft personnel files to make sure Ken wasn't on the payroll. The genius had been offered several high positioned corporate jobs, and they were even able to confirm that he'd turned the last one down right before Daisuke's accident. Tai and Matt had hit the airports, using the blonde's status as a famous rock star to charm their way into finding out that Ken hadn't left the country.
"His mom has his passport, and everything was boxed up in his room." T. K. sighed. "And if Daisuke hadn't reassured her, she would have panicked again. I felt so bad, she kept saying 'Not again, not again.'"
"I still can't believe he lied to me. That jerk! Promise to get in touch with me if he could my-" Daisuke muttered furiously, feeling incredibly betrayed as he clenched the note his now former best friend had left him.
"We know how you feel Daisuke. There has to be a logical explanation for this." Tai responded.
The redhead whirled and glared at the former Digidestined leader. "No you don't! None of you do! You all might have experience dealing with strange things happening, but I don't! I can't remember anything if it didn't happen in the last two weeks. He was the one thing that felt remotely familiar and safe, and now he's gone! So don't you dare tell me you know how I feel!"
Matt looked from his slack-jawed boyfriend to the heavily breathing Daisuke and shook his head. "Daisuke, chill. Tai didn't mean it that way."
"Then tell your boyfriend to say what he means. I'm getting sick and tired-"
"ENOUGH!" Kari shouted. "Dai-kun, we had this talk about them last week. And Tai, he's right. None of us know what he's going through. How could we?"
"Thank you, Kari." He glanced at both Matt and Tai. "Sorry. I was just...venting, I guess. I don't understand half of what you're talking about, and it's so hard for me to believe that Ken was...evil."
"And might be again." Miyako muttered under her breath, smiling innocently when Daisuke turned to glare at her.
"It would help if we could figure out what he was thinking about the last couple of months." Izzy suggested, trying not to look expectantly at Chibimon's partner.
"You know...right before Daisuke woke up, I was thinking that Ken never turned any of us down when we needed something, or suggested something to do." Kari looked at the others a little guiltily. "Maybe we were taking advantage of him?"
"But he'd've said somethin', right?" Mimi glanced from Kari to her Sora in confusion. "I know I haven't been back that long, but he seemed outspoken enough the times I visited."
"Maybe, maybe not." Tai looked a little guilty. "I know for a fact there were a few times I really needed help studying for finals, and I asked Daisuke to ask Ken for me."
Echoes of agreement reluctantly came from other team members. "Did we ever find out anything he'd want to do?"
"He just seemed to agree with everything."
"So let me get this straight. You guys took advantage of a formerly evil genius, and just now realize it?" Daisuke looked disgusted.
"That's not the worst news." Izzy glanced up from his laptop. "I can't get a hold of Gennai or Leomon. In fact, out of all our partners, I can only find Gabumon and Gomamon." His midnight black eyes were filled with worry. "There's no sign of the others."
"Whoa!" Daisuke wobbled for a few moments on his shaky legs and looked up with a grin. "That was way cool!"
Before the others could comment at his enthusiasm Kari gasped in horror. "Guys, look!"
"Is that what I think it is?" Miyako asked quietly.
"What is that thing? Some sort of dark Washington Monument?" The redhead looked from the Control Spire to the terrified expressions on his friends' faces. "Someone wanna tell me why you all look like someone's died?" His head started to spin as everyone started talking at once.
"Why would he do this again?"
"Are we sure it's him?"
"How many are there?"
"Who else could it be?"
Daisuke gave a shrill whistle and choked back laughter as ten heads jerked around to face him. "HOLD IT! I have no idea what's freaking you guys out, this is all new to me, remember?" He felt a tugging on his pants leg and looked down, barely managing to keep from jumping back in terror at the small blue wingless dragon looking up at him.
"They mean the Emperor's back D'ske."
"Ch...Chibimon?"
"Actually, I'm Veemon now."
"Oh. You did that digi-whatever." His warm chocolate brown eyes searched the other Digidestined faces. "He means that Ken did this?"
"That's the only logical assumption if you factor in how long Ken's been missing and how many Control Spires I'm detecting. It's consistent with his construction rate. We have a lot of work ahead of us, guys."
Gabumon and Gomamon hurried over, both looking ragged and starved as they collapsed at their partners' feet. Matt and Joe immediately cuddled their exhausted companions, whispering words of comfort. Gabumon glanced at the others before his attention focused in on Daisuke. Matt soothingly stroked his fur and finally the Digimon began to speak.
"E...everyone's gone. Ken is...he's colder, more ruthless than he used to be." Gabumon swallowed hard, and Matt felt him tremble beneath his gentle ministrations. The blonde shot a worried look at his boyfriend and shifted to settle his horned partner onto his lap. "It's like any compassion or boundaries he had before are gone. Gomamon and I just barely managed to get away from him. Gennai and Centauromon were spiraled helping us escape. We haven't even had time to contact you."
"Yeah, how did you guys know we needed you?" Gomamon panted from the comforting embrace Joe had him in.
"It was a logical conclusion when we couldn't find him on Earth. And then we were convinced when I could only find your signal and Gabumon's. The circumstantial evidence seemed to speak for itself." Izzy replied in his usual clear, concise tones.
"Oh." The normally mischievous Digimon glanced up at his partner. "Sometimes I wonder how you can stand listening to him."
Joe smiled affectionately at the redheaded genius. "Listening to him is one of the many perks I get. Besides, he's great help with my homework."
"Isn't this such a touching scene? The queers trying to justify their disgusting personal lives," a cold voice announced from behind them.
Eleven heads craned around while two Digimon trembled in terror, burrowing closer to their partners. "Ken?" Daisuke stared incredulously at the imposing figure. He could hardly recognize his almost delicate looking friend in the person before him.
"Ken no longer exists. I am who I was always meant to be...the Digimon Emperor."
Daisuke! The tiny mental presence in the back of the Emperor's mind was all that remained of Ken Ichijouji and it drank in the sight of the redhead standing before them; his reaction forcing the Emperor to do something before he lost control.
"You'll never be able to get him back, Motomiya. He's mine now!" An evil chuckle filled the small valley as the twisted genius strode closer. "I've waited years for you to screw up. Every time you, all of you were thoughtless, inconsiderate, self-centered I came that much closer to breaking free of my exile." His laughter echoed again, so cold and hate-filled the bordering trees almost shivered.
"What are you talking about?" Iori finally demanded. "You're Ken Ichijouji!"
"And your complete lack of intelligence truly staggers me. You all thought you'd defeated the rightful ruler of this world? I'll rip you apart with my bare hands for allowing that weakling to imprison me. Starting with you!" The Emperor unerringly pointed at Daisuke, knowing he of all the Digidestined was the only true threat to his new reign of terror.
No, leave him alone!
The other Digidestined tried to move protectively in front of the redhead, but Daisuke easily slipped past them and started walking towards the Emperor without a trace of fear. "Ken, what's going on?"
"You will address me as the Digimon Emperor." was the hissed response, his heated glare filled with enough hatred to melt the artificial chill his laughter had brought to the valley. With an internal twist, he managed to cut off Ken's mental tirade. "And you, of all of them have the least right to question my actions. You were the worst. Your thoughtless actions gave me all the leverage I needed." The Emperor snickered. "Can you believe that weakling actually felt guilty when you fell?" His snickering turned into outright laughter again, a deep full-bellied laugh that sent shivers down everyone's spine. "But the best part...was when you woke up...and asked him to...set you up...with Kamiya!"
Leave him alone! He doesn't need to know any of this! Just send them back! You have me! You don't need him...or them!
"No." he murmured softly. "My body, my rules."
Not that the Emperor's voice mattered to Daisuke at the moment. The violet-eyed teen's earlier accusations had hit a nerve deep inside his mind, and a memory was floating to the surface.
"I thought this weekend I'd help Elekmon with the babies." Ken said softly, looking at Daisuke with a smile. "I'm sure he could use a break."
"We can do that next weekend. I told Frigimon we'd go skiing on File Island. I knew you wouldn't mind." the redhead responded carelessly, continuing to pack.
"But...I already told him." Daisuke glanced up to see an unaccustomed anger momentarily burn in those bottomless amethyst eyes. Turning up the charm, he walked closer to his boyfriend and gave a loving, pleading smile, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that Ken could never say no to that expression.
But he was in for a surprise. "Do I have to ask you for permission to breathe now too? You know how much being able to help out like this means to me! Do my feelings count at all?"
"Ken-"
"No! Not this time. For once, I'm going to do what I want to do! Go on your skiing trip if you want, I don't care. It's not like you care about my opinion anymore, if you ever did." He turned and walked out without a backwards glance, his back held so stiffly Daisuke was surprised it didn't shatter with each step.
That one memory seemed to be the key to unlocking his past. In an uncontrollable wave his entire life seemed to flash before his eyes and he cringed. How could I have treated him like that?!?! "Ken-"
The Emperor backhanded the redhead, watching in satisfaction as his head rocked back from the force of the blow and, losing his balance, stumbled down the hill. "I told you how to address me." The evil genius glanced up to look at the rest of the Digidestined. "That goes for all..."
This stops NOW! Ken screamed, lunging out of the mental cage the Emperor had locked him in. While the physical body of Ken Ichijouji stood motionlessly the two distinct personalities housed within battled for dominance.
You can't hurt him! I won't let you!
You can't stop me! Once I defeat you here, his death will be assured!
NO!!!
Daisuke, unaware of the battle going on before him, walked up to the deathly still shell. "Ken," he called softly, his voice full of the love and support that had been missing since he'd woken up from that fateful fall. And probably a lot longer than that, he admitted ruefully to himself. "I'm so sorry...for everything. Come back to me, please?"
Oblivious to the redhead's apology, Ken and the Emperor continued to struggle for control, their physical body's facial expressions shifting rapidly from the icy coldness of the Emperor, and the fiercely determined look Ken usually wore on the rare occasions he tried to put his foot down with the Digimon he was trying to help. Daisuke started to grow more and more concerned each time Ken's face froze, somehow sensing the internal struggle, and realizing Ken's worst fear had finally come true...he was having to fight his dark side. And what was even worse than that was the fact it looked like his Ken was losing.
As Daisuke desperately tried to think of something to help, another memory arose, crystal clear in its clarity even though it dated from right after their partners' second jogress and before they first started dating.
"Please...don't..."
"Ken, you twisted your ankle. I'm just trying to wrap it so we can get home." Daisuke gracefully dropped to his knees in front of his friend.
"I don't want you kneeling before me Daisuke. I...It felt wrong the first time. I never wanted to see it again."
The redhead looked up with a grin. "Coulda fooled me, Ken. What was it you said?" His forehead scrunched in concentration as he tried to remember, hands gently wrapping the injured limb.
"Seeing you squirm is so delicious..." was the whispered answer, accompanied by the genius ducking his chin so the silky blue strands of his hair would shield his eyes from seeing the boy at his feet.
"That's it!" Tying off the bandage, he reached up and lifted Ken's chin with infinite tenderness. "Ken?"
"I promised myself I'd never see you like this again."
"Like what? Ken, you're hurt. I can't exactly help while standing up. Even you're not that flexible. Besides," The violet eyed teen looked into his friend's dark eyes, and at that moment he would have sworn the chocolate depths were melting, reaching out to encircle him in a warmth he desperately needed.
"Besides?" he queried hoarsely, unconsciously leaning into the hand cradling his cheek.
"I like looking up at you."
Daisuke started to smile. That was the day they'd kissed for the first time. He'd never forgotten the expression in Mrs. Ichijouji's eyes when he'd carried her son over their thresh hold. The catalyst for that first kiss hadn't been the twisted ankle, but the heartfelt desire Ken had to never see the redhead forced into submitting to anyone, least of all his former enemy. And just maybe, that need was still there. Man I hope so...
And he didn't have much time. He heard his friends start up the hill and cursed silently. Come on Ken-chan...come on...don't give up. I need you too much... Precious seconds went by, the Digidestined drawing closer when the facial switch happened again. The rigidity melted away, and those glorious amethyst eyes narrowed in determination. "Ken...Ken-chan...KEN-CHAN!" His boyfriend's attention jerked towards him for just a moment, but it was all the time Daisuke needed.
With a grace and ease born from years spent playing sports, the redhead dropped to his knees and looked up at the torn teen with a looked of mimed submission. "Master, you can stop him. You have to. This time, I need you..."
NO! I won't let you win! You can't! Its MY turn!!!
Shut up! With a vicious blow Ken threw the Emperor across their mental battle ground and stalked closer. Never again. I will never allow you to harm another creature. Your reign of terror is over.
If I'm going down, you're coming with me Ichijouji! In a last desperate effort, the Emperor tackled the kind-hearted genius to the ground, wrapping his hands around Ken's throat. To his consternation, his enemy just lay there, not fighting and the Emperor tightened his grip.
You can't kill me. I'm a part of you, just like you're a part of me. Living with you is my penance and an eternal reminder of the evil I could do if I ever forget who I am. Gently pushing the stunned Emperor off of him, Ken stood and pulled the evil teen to a bed that appeared out of nowhere. Sleep... And the Emperor did.
Daisuke irritably waved his friends off, while still keeping his head lowered in submission, so he missed the violent shudder Ken's body gave as the teen came back into himself. He did notice when his boyfriend dropped to his knees before him, tears streaming from his eyes. "Daisuke? Why did you call me..."
"Ken-chan!" he cried, launching himself forward into the arms just beginning to open. "I'm so sorry...for everything!"
"So am I. I almost...almost..." He choked back a sob and tightened his arms, reveling in an embrace that just a few short days ago he'd been sure he'd never feel again.
"Shhh...I know. I knew you'd come back to me. You're stronger than he is."
"I know I am. Now. But...Suke-chan..."
Daisuke pulled back just far enough to look into Ken's tear-filled amethyst eyes, and felt something inside him go cold. Whatever Ken was going to say, he knew he wasn't going to like it. Trying to avoid whatever was coming, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against the older teen's. Ignoring the muffled sound of surprise he tugged the older boy closer and whispered against his mouth, "Ai shiteru, zutto, Ken-chan."
For just a moment that almost felt as if separate from time itself Ken melted into Daisuke, throwing his heart and soul into the kiss before pulling away with an obvious reluctance. The redhead tried to tug him back, but the violet-eyed genius stood up and stepped back a few paces, putting even more space between them. "I love you too, Daisuke. But I have to leave for a while."
"What?" the redhead cried, scrambling to his feet as well. "Why?"
"Because of everything that's happened." Ken gestured towards the Digidestined, and the still cowering Gabumon and Gomamon. "Because of what I did."
"But that wasn't your fault!"
"It was." he responded softly. "I never learned how to deal with him on my own. I hid behind you. And when I lost you..."
"But I'm here now!"
"I know you are. But I need to learn to stand on my own, Suke-chan...Daisuke." The genius was so lost in his own misery he missed the look of pain that flashed across the redhead's face as Ken deliberately called his boyfriend by name. "And I can't do that here. At least, not yet." The sapphire-haired teen raised his head and stared into those deep brown eyes that had stolen his heart so long ago, pleading for him to understand.
And Daisuke did. "Wh...when will I see you again?" Unspoken were the words 'Where will you go?'
"I don't know. Soon I hope." He smiled weakly, the expression never reaching the desolation radiating from his amethyst eyes. "I'll call you." Running his gaze over Daisuke's face, he memorized each plane as a ward for the lonely days to come, then turned and walked away.
A/N: I split them up...I must be sick. Actually, as sad as it is, this just seemed the right way to end it. As much as everyone loves the 'True love conquers all' bit, in reality, it doesn't always happen. But who knows...maybe I'll write a sequel.