Note to disclaimers: I do not own Digimon so please don't sue me. (AN: By the way, I've been writing in first POV but now I have to switch to third POV, ok? Great then! Enjoy!) ~Samenia~

Cold Empire (Chap. 3)

It had been hours since he'd last seen her. She'd seemed to be quite upset at having to stay with him. The very thought of her distaste towards him angered him greatly. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't see her walk in. Only when she snapped her fingers in front of his face did he wake from his reverie. There she stood, clad in her nightgown, glowering at him. Annoyed by her sudden intrusion, he stood and faced her.

"What is this about now?" He asked.

Her face softened. "I understand Master. You are unhappy aren't you?"

"What?" He was enraged. "What is this rubbish that you speak of?"

Gently, she placed her fingers on his temples and rubbed them. "You can tell me Master. Your secrets are safe with me. I don't think you a monster."

Taken aback, he stumbled into his chair. "Huh? What are you doing to me?"

Her only reply was a laugh. Her eyes twinkled and she continued her gestures of blissful assault on him. He only appeared to be bothered by this when she paused. He was beginning to drift asleep when he suddenly grabbed her wrist. In a sleepy voice he spoke. "What…are you t…trying to do to me?"

She simply quieted him and watched him sleep. With a small smile, she finished her job and walked back to Stingmon who was waiting by the entrance. "Do you think it worked Mistress?"

"I think it worked very well." She answered. "Now go. Enjoy this time while you can. Once your master wakes, then your time will be limited."

The large insect Digimon nodded and left. Seeing that she had time to relax, or find out his plans rather, she positioned herself by his computers. It took her but a second to hack them. It felt like an eternity before she found something that could help her. A stirring noise behind her cautioned her to stop. Knowing better than to push things, she quit the program and left everything as it was. Seating herself at the foot of his bed, she lay down to sleep. Ten minutes passed before she saw him sit up, rub his head, and look around. When he looked in her direction, she tensed slightly. He chose to ignore her from what she observed. Pretending to just wake, she yawned and stretched. "Has anything happened since I slept?"

"No master. Everything has been still." She replied sweetly. "May I assist you in anything?"

"Since when do you wish to help me?" He spat at her. "You only seemed to want to run away from me not too long ago."

She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. He was completely shocked at her affection. "I never meant that master! Never!"

"What has happened to you? Have you been swayed?" He questioned curiously. "This is unlike you." 

"What is unlike me?" She whispered in his ear seductively. "The fact that I might enjoy your attention, you harsh attention?"

"Uh…this is nonsense!" He stuttered. "Get away from me!"

He jumped back from her grasp. Like a snake, she walked towards him, her movements sleek and sly. With careful hands she began to massage his shoulders. His eyes widened at her forwardness. 'What is she doing to me?' He thought spastically. Her eyes glistened with mischief as she carried on her task. Before he knew it, his eyelids began to droop. As if by magic, he settled into her ministrations, which were quite relaxing. Noting that her prey was easily taken, she climbed atop his throne and caressed his face. His woke momentarily before settling once again. Smiling in semi-delight, she placed a kiss upon his lips. To her surprise, he gripped her shoulders and pushed her back. "Are you trying to seduce me my dear?"

A cat like smile spread across her lips as she leaned over. "Perhaps. The real question is, will you allow me too?"

His only answer was a sly smile as he pulled her to him. Kissing her gently, he held her in his arms. She leaned in further, releasing her tension. They would have gone further if the insect Digimon had not interrupted them. Wormmon skittered in, nervously trying to gather his courage. His master was about to retort to him when the woman beside him silenced him. "It is best not to bother." She stepped from her pedestal and made her way to the Digimon. With compassion, she leaned down and patted his head. "Wormmon, what is it that we can do for you today?"

"Mistress, I was wondering if I should have the rockmon train harder." Wormmon replied. "They have been acting up and I thought it would be in the master's best interest."

"Perhaps. Do as you think fit, as long as it pleases the master." She waved him away and returned to her previous task.

"Is there something I should know? Why are you kind to that pathetic excuse for a Digimon?" He questioned.

"Enough." She said. "That is of no concern. Please, let us continue."

He nodded slightly, placing his hands about her back once again. She shuddered a bit at his touch before easing into it. Feeling as though he held the power, he progressed in touching her exposed skin, which was more than normal. Sighing, she weaved her fingers in his hair, playing with the strands as each slipped through. 'What has gotten into her?' He asked himself mentally. 'Not to long ago, she wanted to rip my throat out. Oh well, better enjoy this while it lasts.'

SOMEWHERE IN THE DIGITAL WORLD…

A group of five people sat around a dwindling campfire. One boy, bright eyed and with light brown hair, was poking at the fading embers. He looked up for a brief moment. "Hey, where are Matt and Sora and the others?"

"Somewhere far I hope." Tai blurted out bitterly. "That way, we won't be able to hear them get all mushy."

"Actually they are far away, but from the way Matt was speaking, I don't think he and Sora are going to be getting mushy anytime soon." Izzy remarked. "They both sounded upset when they left."

"Well, from what I know, Matt sounded annoyed by the fact that Sora left to the digital world without telling him." Joe said.

"What? He didn't think I'd guard her?" Tai stood up in a jealous rage. "I'd protect her with my own life! That is how much I care for her! I did it once and by the heavens I'll do it again!"

"We know Tai, but things aren't always that way." T.K. answered. "I would protect Kari with my life as well."

"You really love her don't you?" Izzy asked.

T.K. nodded. "I've always loved her. I just don't know if I can ever tell her. Besides, Davis is becoming an ongoing problem. I just wish things weren't this way."

"I think she knows more than you think." Tai said to the blonde haired boy who was kicking at the dirt with his feet.

"Could be, but no one is for sure." Izzy tried to comfort Tai and T.K. at the same time. From his side, Cody was smiling knowingly. He tapped Izzy on the shoulder. Izzy turned to him, a curious look on his face. "Yes? What is it Cody?"

Cody's grin widened. "I was just thinking, maybe Tai and T.K. have nothing to worry about. I think all they need is time."

"I agree." Joe laughed good-naturedly. "Just give those girls time you two. What fate holds will come around."

"I hope so." T.K.'s eyes took on a dull expression as he went back to crinkling his hat.

Tai and Izzy suddenly struck up a conversation as Joe fished thru his bag of medical supplies. Cody took a sensible liking to staring at the little insect that flittered in front of him. Still childlike in many ways, he jumped at it, scaring it away. Joe looked up and laughed at the young boy. Not too long ago, everyone had been in a sort of bad mood, but now, it appeared to be better. Hopefully it would stay that way. However, ten minutes later, the peace was shattered by horrible sobs. Tai jerked himself up from his conversation and listened intently. Suddenly he began to run in the direction of the sobs. T.K. jumped up. "TAI! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

"I DON'T KNOW. BUT THAT'S SORA! I HAVE TO FIND HER!" Tai yelled back before disappearing into the trees. T.K. sprinted after him, Cody and Joe in suit. Izzy stayed behind. Someone had to guard the camp and he thought it would be best if he did. 

Finally, Tai, T.K, Cody and Joe arrived at the place. There on the ground was Sora, sobbing her eyes out with Mimi attempting to comfort her. To their side were Matt and Kari. Matt was shaking his head sorrowfully while Kari stayed calm and understanding. Seeing all of this, Tai ran up to his friend and shook his shoulders. "Matt, what the hell is going on? Why is Sora crying?"

"Look, you might hate me for this, but I just…well, you know." Matt said to the brown haired boy. "I had to. There is someone else. Besides, Tai, Sora doesn't love me."

Tai's eyes flared with anger. "Oh REALLY? What the HELL do you call THAT? She's crying! Who do you think she loves?!"

"It's called shock Tai. She' just upset, but you know Sora, she'll realize it sooner or later." Matt let out a breath. "Look, I'll catch you all later. I'm heading back to camp with Mimi. I think Izzy said he was waiting for her."

The three boys watched as Mimi, Davis and Matt left. Joe looked at Tai and nodded. "I think that maybe you should go over there and console her."

Tai nodded and passed Kari who was trying to get Sora quiet. When Kari saw her brother, she understood and left to stand by T.K. and Cody. In a silent manner, Tai sat down next to Sora. He gently turned her head towards him so that he could see her. She had been crying a while since her face was tear streaked. They stared at each other for a few minutes until Sora collapsed into her friend's arms. He rocked her back and forth gently. No words were spoken, on the way back to camp. Sora had fallen asleep and was being carried by Tai. Kari was leaning on T.K., her tired features drooping. Cody was silent as usual while Joe kept alert.

When they all arrived back at camp, everything was quiet and still. Matt was talking to Davis. Mimi and Izzy were sleeping and their Digimon were playing (It's about time I inserted them). They all felt as though things should be discussed in the morning. Tai laid Sora down before he fell asleep himself. Kari lay down next to T.K. who was currently getting ready to go to sleep. Cody just conked out the minute his head hit the pillow.  Davis stared at T.K. in jealousy but figured that a fight wouldn't help things in their current situation. It hadn't been that long since they'd been in the digital world. In fact, it had been about a day in real time. Davis figured that Yolei was being tortured as he thought. He missed her. He actually missed her. This startled him. He'd never felt that way about Yolei before now. He liked Kari…didn't he?

Aside him, Kari eyed him in worry. 'What is wrong with you Davis?' Kari knew she couldn't sleep without helping her friend. She stood up and walked over to him. Davis glanced upward, briefly taking in that the person was Kari, before returning to his past interest. She took her seat by him and warmed her hands by the fire. "Davis, is something wrong?"

"I miss Yolei." He answered plainly. " I miss her a lot."

The young brown haired girl was taken aback. "Since when have you ever missed Yolei?"

"I don't usually but now…lately I've found that her absence irks me. I think that it is possible that I…" He never finished. At this point Kari had already taken hold of his face. "Huh? What is it?"

"Are you telling me, Davis Motimaya, that you are in love with Yolei Inoue?" Kari asked.

He nodded slowly, appearing somewhat unsure of his answer. "I'm pretty sure I am. I don't doubt it." Suddenly his eyes began to tear. "I just don't know anymore…"

She hugged him gently. "Don't worry Davis. Yolei's a big girl, she'll be just fine."

At The Empire…

He sat up, his head pounded mercilessly. Somehow he found that he'd ended up on the bed, sheets draped all over him. With his free hand, he sat up, noting that his mistress was nowhere near being present. He growled before tossing the silk material to the floor. He grabbed his garments, replaced them upon himself and left his chambers. When he first entered his throne room, nothing appeared to be out of place. But, when he took a second glance, he noted a piece of soft lavender hair flowing from behind his chair. 'It's her.' Enraged, he stomped over and flung the chair around to face him. There she sat, hair falling over the chair arms. She was sleeping peacefully, her arms draped about the chair. He reached out to caress her face when her hand snapped up. "What were you trying master?"

Startled by her sudden wake, he stumbled backwards in surprise. Immediately she jumped from her perch, landing on top of his chest. With sleekness, she leaned over and stared at him. "Something wrong master?"

He struggled to speak but nothing came out. She decided that now was a good time to take advantage. Without warning, she began to place small heated kisses upon his lips. He did not refuse her. Instead, he opened up and allowed her to continue her assault. Bliss took over him as she continued. She herself began to enjoy her task more and more. If only she could actually feel what she was doing. In a sense, she was not enjoying herself. They had only gone as far as removing their top garments when she suddenly jumped off of him. Swirling around in confusion she flew from his chambers to the balcony room where she'd been setup. Allowing herself to the sink to the concrete floor, she began to cry, confusion overwhelming her. 'What am I doing?'

At the echo of sudden footsteps she jumped, afraid of whom it might be. Her eyes closed tightly for she feared the worst. Instead of a harsh order, a soft hand caressed her cheek. She immediately fell into the warm fingers that strayed across her skin. She was in heaven. As if on cue, a pair of strong arms lifted her to her feet. From her dazed eyes she managed to make out his figure, tall, thin, but strong. His iced indigo eyes were now gentle as he placed her in his arms. Running her hands through his hair, she laughed at his indifference. He was kind now, wasn't he? Her question was answered when he picked her up; they headed to his chambers. She lay down on his bed. Not too soon after, he crawled in beside her. She smiled to herself, her body encircled in his comforting embrace. With a sigh, they both fell to the gods of sleep.

IN THE DIGITAL WORLD…

Davis sat by the dying fire, wishing he could find a way to save his lost friend. Images of her face passed through his mind like a flowing river. Suddenly, an image of her manifested itself in front of him. He reached out to touch it, savoring the feel of it. He knew it was a hallucination, but he didn't care. With a tear from his eye, he hugged the mirage. "Yolei…where are you?"

(Cheesy eh? Well, sorry to keep you waiting so long. Anyway, part four should be up soon! PLEASE R&R! Bye!)~Samenia