A/N: See I said this one would be faster. FF.nets down time gave me time to catch up on my writing and the fact that I've picked up a wonderful flu bug and can't leave my bed doesn't hurt either. Once again feedback is always appreciated so keep it coming.
Disclaimer: See chapter one.
The Darkest Hour
Kari peered through the secret passage into the decimated throne room assessing the situation before they went in for the attack. She had watched as Matt caved to Arukenimon's demands ebbing some of her fear, TK would be safe for now. Feeling she had enough information she went deeper into the passage to join her brother and friends. "She's got them all in the throne room and is about to have Matt give up the crown" she reported quietly.
"Why would he do a thing like that?" Davis asked adjusting the still slumbering Sora in his arms. The others had told him that since he had taken her he was the one who had to carry her; so that's what he was doing. Mimi shot him an annoyed glace but did answer his question "Believe it or not Matt must love TK as much as Tai does Kari". Davis seemed satisfied with the answer because he didn't press the issue further.
Izzy drew his sword "If we want to get our kingdom back we have to save this one first and that's exactly what were going to do. I'm betting that we have been forgotten about and they won't be expecting us to drop in so we have the element of surprise on our side" he said his brilliant mind forming a plan as he spoke. "As soon as the queen wakes up we'll go in. Mimi and Cody I want you to free the guards, Tai Davis and I will get the king, and Kari I want you and Sora to get your husband. Before anyone complains about that TK knows them and won't try to kill them once he's free"
Tai grudgingly nodded his agreement drawing his own weapon addressing his sister "Kari just be careful" he said the concern running high in his voice. "I will Taichi," she promised making a silent promise to herself that she would get TK back even if it killed her. And it was with that in mind that she made her way to Sora gently shaking her sister in law "Sora you need to wake up now" she said softly.
Sora groaned and her eyes fluttered open "Matt" she whispered snuggling deeper into Davis's arms before her senses came back to her in a rush. Whoever was holding her wasn't her husband, so in reflexes quicker than Davis expected she sent her fist into his eye and her heeled foot onto his. Davis let out a few yelps dropping her on the ground jumping on one foot holding his hand over his eye.
The queen was up like a shot swinging her leg around catching Davis's leg sending him to the ground hard. Once he was down she relieved him of his sword grabbing it out of the scabbard and holding its blade to his throat. The rest of the group, save Kari, watched in complete awe their jaws hanging open. "We need to teach Izzy how to do that," Tai muttered in his wife's ear. Mimi could only manage a nod and Kari stepped forward to stop Sora from killing the boy.
"Sora its okay they're here to help" she said grabbing a hold of her hand pulling her back. Sora's amber eyes were still a little wild from the sudden excursion but calmed a little when they saw Kari. "Him…that little idiot over there grabbed me and another with a brown bush on his head knocked out Matt" she said her voice dripping with contempt.
Kari had to smile at the comment about her brother's hair, though it was cruel it was true "The one with a bush on his head is my brother as for the others Arukenimon's boy toy tricked them into attacking but they will help us save Matt and the others". Sora seemed happy with this answer straightening her ball gown and bowing to her guests "Very well I'm Queen Sora Ishida and I welcome you to our kingdom" she said with a practiced tone.
Izzy returned the bow "I'm King Koushiro Izumi and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. You've met the princess's brother Taichi and the one you flattened was Davis. Young lady to your right is Lady Mimi Taichi's wife and my young friend to your left is Cody," he said in the same practiced voice. "Now that the introduction's are over with how about we get our kingdoms back" he continued waiting for her permission, it was her castle after all. Sora nodded swinging Davis's sword a few times getting a feel for the weapon "Lets".
TK worked against his bindings praying to get free before Matt handed over his people to the monster that had hidden in their court for so long. Despite his efforts the white bandages refused to give way keeping him in place and Matt in Aru's control. Those in the court had feared that this would one day happen, one brother used as a pawn against the other, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Mummymon came up looking down at the prince with a smile "After all her hard work my love is finally getting what she deserves". TK didn't humor him with an answer merely turning his head away taking a sudden interest in the floor tiles. The seemed to upset the digimon because he picked up the young prince by the front of his tunic pulling him up to look him in the eyes "You best show respect to your future king" he spat.
The prince saw an opening he hadn't been awake for long but had seen Aru deck him a few times for trying to hold her hand "Right I can see just how much she adores you, you'll be lucky if she doesn't kill you once you've done what she needs you to". The Mummy's eyes widened in fury and he brought his hand up slapping TK hard before dropping him to the ground with a thud.
Ken had watched the entire incident and let out an angry yell that echoed off the walls mingling with Matt's along the way. "Don't touch him," the king screamed pulling against his chains so hard that they drew blood. Arukenimon came running down the hall with a roll of parchment and Sora's crown in her hands. Her eyes were wild from her run as the darted around the room looking for the source of the commotion. They fell on TK slumped on the floor holding his hand to his face the bruise starting to show through and Mummymon standing over him a murderous look in his eye.
"I'm warning you" Matt said addressing the spider "If your servant touches my brother again the deals off because you will have broken your end and I have it in writing". The prime minister looked at him once more before she went to Mummymon roughly grabbing his arm pulling him away from the prince who was smirking with victory. "Are you trying to make this difficult?" she scolded as if she was scolding a child.
Like a child Mummymon wanted to defend himself "But he said you didn't love me" he whined. Arukenimon let out a small groan and plastered a small smile on her face "What does he know" she said dropping her voice low and seductive, running her hand over his bandaged chest. As much as she hated to do this every so often it had to be done to keep him in line "Now ignore the brat and go get my gown everything is ready for the coronation". She finished by giving him a small kiss that sent him to the floor in dreamland.
Once he regained coherency he pulled himself off the stone and down the hall to retrieve the silk dress. Arukenimon watched him go before she looked to TK with the same murderous look Mummymon had had only seconds before "Nice try you little whelp but as you just saw he is putty in my hands and nothing…nothing will ever cause him to desert me". Satisfied she had gotten her message across her flicked her hair behind her and turned her attention to Matt in order to discuss the terms of her rein.
Yolei let out a small sigh of relief when both the digimon backed off from the bruised prince setting her sights on the glittering crown in her long fingers. The lavender haired guard looked at Ken wanting nothing more than for him to hold her at that moment setting her worried mind at ease. "Any luck?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper.
Ken stopped his struggled with the threads to look at her; frustration filling his eyes "No, this stuff is worse than irons…I need something sharp". Yolei nodded solemnly "You and me both only I want it to bug that woman's eyes out". The guard had to smile that was one thing he loved about the girl…her spirit and willingness to speak her mind regardless of the danger.
"Guys as much as I hate to interrupt your plans for revenge but it seems help has arrived" Joe said the happiness clearly evident in his voice. The pair followed his eyes to see Sora and Kari peeking out from the secret passage behind the curtains surrounding the throne. Each one had a sword in hands and their sights set on their husbands.
"We have to get free not matter how much advice we have given them they still can't handle these monsters alone" Yolei said knowing their abilities having been the one who trained them. Neither one of them spoke instead redoubling their efforts to get free. As they worked Mummymon returned empty handed skittering to Arukenimon's side.
He lowered his head begging for forgiveness even before he spoke "Dearest your dress is gone…a spark from the fire must have been got it because only a pile of ash was left…but I don't think you need it, I mean it could come close to your beauty and greatness" he groveled moving the last few inches to her side by scooting on his knees. She looked down on him her lip curled in disgust "If I must," she said haughtingly "now go fetch the prince I don't want Yamato to have any second thoughts about this".
Mummymon nearly jumped for joy at the fact that she wasn't upset about her dress and not wanting to press the issue did as he was commanded. The ever-defiant prince shot him a dangerous look as if daring him to try to touch him again. Unfortunately for the digimon he had still been reeling from the kiss and failed to see the look on the princes face. So he pulled TK off of the ground he found his hand in a lot of pain between the boy's teeth.
Matt, Joe, Yolei, and Ken all let out shouts of encouragement while Mummymon gritted his teeth and Arukenimon held her breath, if Takeru was harmed in any way, no matter the circumstances, the deal was off. To their surprise the bandaged digimon was able to keep his temper and sword in check making it to the base of the throne setting the bound prince at his loves feet looking at her happily like a dog that had just fetched a stick.
TK spit out a few white strings before resuming his glaring from the ground with the tip of a sword at his throat. Behind the rich crimson velvet certain chocolate brown eyes watched filled with concern her heart ready to pop out of her chest. The one person she cared for most in the world was in the worst situation of his life…and she wasn't going to let him or her brother in law suffer any longer.
Kari closed her eyes saying a silent prayer before she threw the velvet curtain back and dashed into the open signaling for the rest to attack.
Ken saw the curtain shudder out of the corner of his eye and felt his heart drop to the ground, Sora and Kari were going to try to rescue their husbands on their own. "Oh no" he muttered, "please don't do it". Yolei looked up quickly from her struggles gasping, "They wouldn't".
Joe shook his head wearily "They would".
No sooner had the warrior finished his phrase than the princess and the queen leapt out going directly at the digimon with a wild fire in their eyes. "They're going to get themselves killed" Yolei said in horror feeling the first waves of tears forming in her eyes. She was supposed to be their protectors and here she was stuck in a massive spider web forced to watch the royal family fight for their lives and freedom.
"Not if you help them," a new voice said at her ear while the silky threads holding her in place fell away. Yolei whirled around ready to deliver a kick to whoever freed her but no one was there "I saw what you taught your queen to do, I'm not going to see it from the expert" the brown haired girl said as she cut away Ken. "Before you try to kill me my name is Mimi and I'm hear to help".
Ken rubbed his wrists trying to get the circulation back into them, his eyes were skeptic and full of mistrust…matching the look if Joe's eyes as he was cut down by Cody. Yolei on the other hand liked the girl instantly "Thank you so much now if you'll excuse me I have a spider to squish" she said sweetly and with a bow. As Yolei ran to the fray Joe shot Ken an exasperated look only getting a shrug in response "That's why I love her".
Arukenimon's stomach had been twittering with excitement as the golden crown moved closer and closer to her head. But those twitters had turned into knots when the curtain was throne open and her captives wives shot out. It was at that moment she knew her carefully laid plan had failed and those she had brought in to help destroy were now here to help.
Dozens of thoughts crossed her mind but only one would give the vengeance she wanted "Kill them" she shouted pointing to the blondes helpless at her feet. Mummymon let out a happy laughed before he grabbed TK by the throat pulling him off the floor ready to watch as the air drained from his lungs. Arukenimon smirked her satisfaction "I like the way you think" she said pulling Matt in front of her using him as a shield against the oncoming Sora "you will watch the life drain from your precious baby brother and then your little queeny…. she can be a little gift for my new neighbor Myotismon".
Matt grabbed her hands trying to pry them off to get to TK and stop Sora; his efforts were in vain he couldn't pry off the monsters iron grip. "Sora no" he cried knowing he was too late.
Kari stared into TK's eyes as she ran for him not heeding the danger, ignoring the guards yells as she ran…all that mattered was getting to him. Mummymon looked at her taking in the look on the terrified girls face, he was enjoying her agony. That was why he didn't expect her to suddenly leap into the air and tackle him to the ground hard forcing him to relinquish his hold on the prince.
TK fell to the ground gasping for air rolling over just in time to see three strangers tackle Arukenimon from behind successfully getting Matt from her grasp. Sora was at his side seconds later using her sword to slice off the chains binding him to the wall. While she freed his brother the three strangers, one that looked remarkably like Kari, disarmed the spider woman.
He took a few more greedy breaths and rolled over to aid his wife with Mummymon only to find Ken, Joe, and Yolei had been freed and were currently working off a lot of pent up energy. It took a matter of seconds before Izzy and his team had subdued Arukenimon and placed her in the same chains she had kept Matt in with Mummymon out cold at her side.
Silence followed the capture and the reality sunk in making Matt the first to react. He ran over to the still recovering TK, pulling him into his arms reassuring both of them that the nightmare was over. He buried his face in his brother's hair ignoring Arukenimon's curses. A small tap on his shoulder forced him to look up into Kari's worried eyes.
Matt smiled and let his brother go watching with pride as he took Kari lovingly into his arms "Aren't I the one who's supposed to do the saving?" TK asked playfully as he put his forehead on hers. Kari giggled wrapping her arms around his neck "But its so much more fun not being chained to the wall by a big ugly monster for a change".
TK flashed her a smile letting the rest of the world fall away turning all his attention to her "Fine then as long as your happy" he said finally leaning down capturing her lips in his own conveying his love. Kari wasn't surprised when his lips found hers, actually it put her truly as ease letting her know deep down he was safe. So with her kiss she conveyed all the fear and passion she had been hiding throughout the night.
Tai watched his sister reunited with her love feeling at ease somehow thinking of knowing she was in good hands all those months. His smile grew wider when a pair of slender arms wrapped around his waist and soft lips nuzzled his neck "I trust you feel better after your little work out?" he asked turning to adore Mimi with his eyes.
She let out a giggle that sounded like a gentle bell "Sure do and it seems that Kari was in very capable hands all this time…" she said indicating the pair who still hadn't broken apart.
"She always was now can you please tell me what led to you believe otherwise" Matt said arriving at Tai's side Sora on his arm with a look that said she was never letting go again. Tai took a deep breath bowing with respect as he did "Its' a long story and I believe my king will be able to explain everything to you both". Izzy took that moment to approach the group Cody at his side.
"Taichi is right, my name is Koushiro Izumi king of File and the reason you were attacked" Izzy said calmly. Matt looked at him not quite sure how to react, this was the person responsible for nearly killing his brother…but on the other hand the one responsible for saving him. That was what stayed at the forefront of Matt's mind "Let us retire to my study and you can explain everything including a little vampire problem I hear you have".
Izzy relaxed motioning for Matt to lead the way. Matt did so turning to address his guards who had finally gotten back into the castle before he left "Put those two in the dungeons, doubled ironed, and in separate cells. I'll deal with them later". Wicked grins spread across Ken and Yolei's faces as they dragged the two away in the chains not taking any care not to hurt them, running them into walls whenever possible. Joe stayed at the king and queens side, like Cody his sense of duty dictating his actions.
TK and Kari however stayed in their embrace letting the others handle the new problem at hand for at that moment all that mattered was each other. It was when the passionate kisses slowed to tender pecks did they break away once more again looking into their soul mates eyes saying nothing yet everything at the same time. "Are you hurt?" TK finally asked caressing her cheeks with his hand.
Kari shook her head brushing her own hand over the bruise forming on his cheek "I'm fine…you on the other hand". TK took her hand in his own kissing it once more "Nothing a little sleep and ice won't fix. Since we're both okay why don't we go and help figure out how to get rid of Myotismon something tells me I've missed a lot".
It was when they rejoined the group did TK discover just how much he and Matt had missed. For one the old man standing in the middle of his brothers study holding a basket of eggs set off alarm bells from the beginning. "Ah, hello Takeru, Hikari please have a seat once Ken and Yolei get here everything will be explained". Kari pulled the stunned boy to one of the overstuffed chairs sitting him down before snuggling into his lap, laying her head against his chest content in listening to his heartbeat until Genni began.
"Should we be worried that there is a stranger in our kings study or is this normal where you guys come from?" Yolei asked from the door, Ken's arms fastened protectively around her waist.
Cody stood up the first to defend the elder "He's a friend, his name is Genni…he helped us agree to save you all". Ken studied him with his violet eyes before giving him a slight bow "Then we are in your debt sir".
Genni accepted the bow graciously and motioned for the two to sit down. As they did he cleared his throat and began. "I must say you did very well for your first task, started off a little shaky, but ended in the right place" he said absentmindedly. "For those of you who are new to me my name is Genni and I'm here to help guide you, the digidestined, in your quest to save the world from the dark digimon threatening to overcome it".
"Digi who?" Tai asked jumping in getting an elbow in the ribs from Mimi for interrupting.
Izzy answered first his eyes twinkling as he spoke "The legendary digidestined, fighters chosen to wield the sacred powers of the crests in order to drive away the ultimate darkness that would otherwise overrun the world". It was Genni's turn to be surprised usually the only ones who knew of the legend were monks who lived their lives in solitude, devoting their lives to learning the legends. Izzy picked up on the unasked question "We once had a Cardinal who had copies of some of the scrolls and allowed me to study them".
'The ancients chose well with that one' Genni thought moving on with his story "Well there were nine crests created; Courage, Friendship, Love, Sincerity, Knowledge, Reliability, Kindness, Light, and Hope. Each one represents a virtue that the chosen ones have an abundance of and with the help of the crests will share it with the rest of the world". When he finished he carefully sat the basket of eggs down and reached into his cloak, pulling out the nine shimmering objects
their colors casting a stain glassed light upon the walls.
Everyone in the room looked at the crests in awe with one question nagging at their minds "There are twelve of us and nine of those" Joe said his own brilliant mind running over the virtues trying to find the right person. "Yes my friend you are right for there are eight mystical eggs that correspond with eight of the crests…let me hand these out before I explain further" Genni said pulling the crest of Courage from the tangled mess.
"The crest of Courage requires a courageous heart and an undying will. Its bearer is a natural leader who uses the sword before their mind…Lord Taichi your fiery spirit has been found worthy". Tai had a look of shock on his face as he stepped forward taking the orange crest into his hands watching it burst to life, its light filling the room.
"King Yamato Ishida, you put others before yourself and once a person has earned your trust its for keeps. Though many may think you have a heart of ice it is actually one of gold filled with an unbreakable sense of loyalty. The crest of Friendship is yours to command. Ruling at your side you have another crest bearer, for you can't have love without friendship. The crest of love demands a compassionate host who also puts others before herself and you Sora have that heart". The royals stepped forward accepting the burden with smiles as Matt leaned down to whisper in her ear "I always said you had a special gift".
Genni pulled out a bright green crest "Sincerity, a virtue that is few and far between in today's society. Lady Mimi you posses a pure heart and refuse to speak anything but the truth therefore this crest belongs to you". Teary-eyed Mimi held the glowing crest to her heart making it glow brighter "I promise not to let you down".
"I know you won't my child…next I don't even need to tell you about this crest for its bearer just showed its true power. King Koushiro you have a brilliant mind which you use to better this world. You think your way through a problem rather than using the sword and the crest of Knowledge calls your name". It truly came as no surprise to those in attendance; Izzy's brilliance was finally being recognized. Genni continued speaking realizing how long he was taking kept speaking even as Izzy came to accept the crest "Lord Joe Kido, the rock that others can count on to come through even in the darkest hour. You have served loyally for years and I suspect will till the end of your days. These traits only mean one thing, Reliability".
"The heart of a warrior mixed with the soul of a lover creates the bearer of Kindness. Ken your life has not been a bed a roses but through it all you kept kind attitude many times going out of your way to help others…otherwise Aru would have succeeded" the elder said handing the lavender crest off to the unsure warrior.
He then took a deep breath and looked down at the last two crests "Finally Hope and Light, better known as the holy crests" he said reverently. "Those who bear these crests is must have the purest of hearts and the strongest of wills. Without hope there is not light and without light there is no hope…Takeru, Hikari through all the chaos you managed to find each other and fall in love to top it off".
TK gave Kari a sweet kiss before placing the crest around her neck "My angel of light" he said before pulling her in once again. Genni watched them happily before addressing the trio of saddened faces belonging to Davis, Yolei, and Cody. "As for you my friends worry not for you three, along with the prince and princess will wield the power of the armor digi eggs". All eyes in the room moved to the basket of eggs on the floor next to the elder "Unfortunately Myotismon knew of your legends and was able to get a hold or the armored eggs before I and his holding them somewhere in your castle".
"If he has the eggs we need then what are those?" Cody asked pointing to the basket.
Genni picked up the basket walking around the room handing each person their own special egg. Davis reached for his as Genni past "Great dinner I'm starved". The elder stopped in mid pass looking at Davis with complete horror "This is not dinner" he said firmly resisting the urge to shake sense into the boy "this is your guardian who was chosen for you years ago. He is the loyalist of friends and will protect you to the death am I making myself clear?" Davis nodded sheepishly taking the egg gently into his arms.
"How go we get them to hatch" Sora asked subconsciously rubbing the heart covered shell "You've already began milady all that is needed is a few simple rubs…" as he spoke the others followed Sora's example and within seconds the twelve eggs had hatched their shells falling to the floor and fading into nothingness. The baby digimon looked up at their masters with happy eyes before closing them, falling into a needed rest snuggled into their digidestined laps. "You must know that the digimon are as weak as new born babies until they digivolve and become stronger. Now I have had the horses readied so you can leave for File tonight, the longer Myotismon is in control the darker our future becomes. I will be in contact with you along the way".
Seeing they were finished the newly united digidestined cradled the digimon in their arms and headed for the door keeping their questions to themselves knowing what they needed to know would be revealed when the time was right. At that moment they had the information they needed to begin their journey. Matt's guards escorted their king out swearing on their lives Arukenimon and Mummymon would be waiting for their punishment when he returned.
So as the sun rose over the rolling green hills of Server the digidestined went into the six carriages packed and waiting for them ready to save another kingdom from the clutches of darkness.
To Be Continued…