The sun bore down on the panicked blonde as his senses slowly came back to him

9-11-01

I planned on posting this chapter today but due to the events of this morning matters have changed. I first want to applaud the administrators of ff.net for their respect for the situation and don't want to see any flames about it.

As all of you know a terrible tragedy has befallen our country and precious innocence has been lost. As I write this note I watch the pictures on the screen my heart wrenching to know people are in there. I want to take this time to send my most heartfelt of condolences to anyone who may have lost anything to this horrid event. May the lord bless you with comfort and strength in your time of need and may those responsible fear the wrath of God and a nation for what they have done. My thoughts and prayers go out and I ask that anyone reading this do the same. On Monday afternoon my professor posed the question 'Is our society less courageous than it was 50 years ago'…I woke on Tuesday to the answer. Today we witnessed a dark day in history, a day that is going to change the world, a day that 20 years from now we will tell our grandchildren about. This will bring people from all walks of life together and rally all Americans into action much as the attack on Pearl Harbor did. We as a nation must never forget what happened today for this is a true test to show what we are made of. I will forever remember what happened today and ask that before you read you allow a few moments of silence out of respect for everything, everyone we lost…and God Bless America!

Ice blue eyes shot open as the sound of TK's panicked voice floated across the sand. It took Matt a matter of seconds before he was on his feet looking down the seemingly endless beach for his brother. He didn't have to look far for about twenty-five feet down stood the bruised but alive TK running for the still from of Kari. Waves of relief ran ramped through his body and he took off jumping over the waking bodies deciding they could wait.

"Takeru" he called getting the younger blond to turn feeling him tense up and relax as he pulled him into a hug. "Thank heavens your alive, are you hurt?" Matt asked immediately not trying to hide his concern or tears as he spoke. TK nodded burying his face in his older brothers chest with tears of his own. Despite he had left his brother out of anger TK knew deep down that Matt loved him and was only doing what he thought was best.

"I'm fine onisan and I'm sorry about running away but I couldn't leave Kari…I know you were just trying to protect me but you have to understand I love Kari and will forsake my family name before ever letting her go again" TK said softly. By this time he had pulled away to look Matt directly in his watery eyes waiting with baited breath for his reply. To his relief the elder smiled and hugged him even tighter "Then I guess I need to tell her welcome to the family…now why don't you take care of her while I go find Mimi".

A bright smile burst across the boys face as he returned the hug before falling on his knees at Kari's side his eyes finding only bruises and a little gash on her cheek. He tenderly pulled her into his lap not sure if she had fared as good as he did in the wreck. At his soft touch her soft chocolate eyes fluttered opening filling with confusion upon seeing the sky and trees instead of the mast of a ship. Panicked she tried to sit up only to feel loving arms settle her down "Shhh" TK soothed caressing her hair chasing away her fears "we're safe". No more words were needed and Kari settled into her lover's lap allowing reality to come back to her as her eyes watched the other bodies strewn along the beach.

Just to her left lay the coughing Izzy as what seemed to be a lot of sand worked its way out of his lungs. His once fine tunic was torn in several places with bloody scratches under the tattered cloth to match. Thought the wounds weren't serious but would need treatment, but for Izzy treatment could wait. His mind was on one thing and one thing alone…Sora. He forced his aching muscles to move into a standing position and his legs to move making his way to her form. She lay on her back with the black eye now clearly visible and the cut on her neck already scabbed over.

Izzy wasn't the only one making his way to her, Tai too had come around and was nearly to her side angrily wiping the blood away from his eyes as a gash on his forehead flowed freely. The pirate chose to ignore this and put all his effort into getting there first, his effort paid off. He fell to her side first tenderly taking her hand and brushing her auburn hair away from her eyes. "Sora" he said carefully praying for her amber eyes to open. A small moan escaped her lips as consciousness came crashing back with a vengeance. Her instincts took over and she asked for the one her had loved and protected her for so long "Taichi" she called through parched lips.

Izzy's heart fell and the bounty hunter arrived just in time to hear his name. Tai let out a sigh of relief and moved Izzy not so gently out of the way in order to take a hold of her way. Izzy allowed this giving her what she had asked for although it hurt. He turned his attention to the rest of the party scattered along the beach. They had all come too and were nursing various wounds with Joe bringing up a very important overlooked detail, Okauwa.

"Where's Okauwa?" the king asked steadying himself before raising himself to his full height. An uneasy silence filtered across the beach leaves only the sounds of crashing waves and seagulls to fill the air. The practiced eyes belonging to Matt and Tai searched the ground for any evidence finding it almost instantly. Three sets of footsteps accompanied by droplets of blood lined the sand going north into the woods lining the beach.

"He's after something" Ken said darkly his mind instantly running through the islands surrounding the palace and what was on them. Davis spoke up without really thinking, "Why do you say that?" The guard rolled his eyes and with a sigh went into his explanation "He had us all here dead to the world, so if he wasn't after something why didn't he just kill us while we were out".

The bushes rustled an answer and the digimon piled out with arms full of berries and leaves of water "They didn't hurt you because we didn't let them" Agumon said proudly arriving at Tai's side delivering his small but needed gift. "Thank you my friend" Tai said helping Sora sit up allowing her to drink the water before turning his attention to Matt who had started to pace his brow knitted in thought.

Not sure whether to press the issue, Matt decided for him "I know this island" he said his voice full of dread as if lost memories came back too him. The tone of his voice mixed with Takeru's head shooting around and his grip on Kari become one of protection caused the hair on the back of Tai's neck to stand on end. "They're here" Matt continued seemingly oblivious to the looks he was getting from his comrades.

"What's here?" Yolei asked carefully her own memory unable to tell her what was so special about the island. The blond looked at her skeptically then to his brother debating whether to tell them or not. "They need to know Matt" TK said holding Kari like a teddy bear, the girls eyes shining with worry at his sudden change in behavior.

Matt drew in a breath looking around at his comrades "I know they need to know but right now were in the open and night is coming. We need to make camp for the night…then I'll tell you everything". Despite the fact that most of the group had never been given an order in their lives they all silently got up brushing off the sand and gathering the scraps of wood surrounding them.

Tai took the led with Sora in hand his soul at rest for the first time in days. Next came Ken with suspicious eyes ready for anyone or anything to jump from the canopy to go after Joe at his heels coddling Gomamon. Yolei stared ahead at Ken just enjoying the way his hair waved in the gently breeze turning her thoughts to how to kill Okauwa or get the guard alone long enough to pour her heart out to him. Izzy and Cody walked side by side whispering to each other Izzy writing a number of things down on a scroll he had salvaged from the wreck, the two brainstorming on what could be on the island and what the Ishida's had to do with it. Sulking along behind the pirates was Davis his own mind trying to banish the thoughts of Kari in another's arms, while Davis sulked the two lovebirds cuddled as they walked every so often sneaking a kiss. Finally at the end of the line were Matt and Mimi, the elder Ishida wanting to keep an eye on his brother and spend some time getting to know Mimi, after all he already loved her now he needed to understand her.

The lush green trees began to get thicker and the sun disappeared behind the dense foliage letting only a few specks of light filter through. With every step the path grew wider until it finally open into a small clearing still covered by the leaves. Tai stopped looking around nodding his head with approval Joe speaking before he got a chance "This will do" he said in a kingly voice assuming his accustomed role of being in control. "Tai, Matt, and Davis will go get food for dinner and breakfast that way we won't have to venture out in the dark. Sora, Mimi, and Yolei get some leaves I personally don't want to sleep on the dirt. Izzy see if you can make some sort of weapons, in case the digimon should fall. The rest of us will get the fire pit ready and the area around here cleaned up".

When he finished the group stood dumfounded at the timid kings sudden attitude but obeyed him nonetheless. Their efforts paid off and with in the hour a campsite was set up complete with a fire and dinner roasting in the open flames. While the food roasted Ken looked to Matt "Yamato I think its time that you tell us what's on this island that Okauwa would want".

The blonde stared into the fire stealing another glance at TK; he knew how painful the memories were for both of them. But Ken was right they needed to know what they were up against. "This isn't easy for me but you have to know" he began settling in "Years ago when Kido was chosen over Okauwa my father was commissioned by the king to hunt down and capture Okauwa before he had a chance to lash out. What the king didn't know was that the blood of the ancients ran through his veins making him the guardian of the twelve sacred crests". Izzy gave a sharp intake of breath at Matt's last words as hundreds of legends and little pieces of information filled his brilliant mind.

Matt ignored the gasp and continued, "So my father took us and headed out to sea. We hunted Okauwa for months on end, only stopping in port long enough to re-supply. It was at one of these stops things began to go wrong, one of our men had too much to drink and ran into Okauwa. Okauwa kept his rum to the brim hoping merely to get out search area but he got something much more valuable…the information that my father guarded crests. He knew that if he had the crests no force on earth could stop him".

It was now Joe's turn to become uncomfortable, he knew that this wasn't going to be a happy story and coming to find his family played a part in it made his stomach turn. "Okauwa wasn't going to wait long enough for us to set sail again so that night he and his men came aboard the ship…"

Flashback

The sun had set long ago leaving the young Matt laying his head in his father's lap gazing at the stars. He enjoyed watching the diamonds flickering in the night feeling safe in his father's strong arms as the soft sounds of the harmonica echoed into the night. At his father's side sat his mother rocking Takeru in her arms as his innocent eyes closed leaving the world behind. Matt gave a small smile; he loved to watch his brother sleep it made him feel at ease as he slipped into his own slumber.

Richard felt his son slowly go limp in his arms signaling that he had finally fallen asleep allowing him to bring the harmonica down. He looked to his wife in awe of her beauty and angelic glow always seeming to surround her. Her head rested on his shoulder as she let out a contented sigh of happiness "Why can't it be like this all the time" she asked wistfully snuggling deeper into his body as an arms moved to encircle her thin frame.

He gazed out to sea thoughtfully "It will one day, as soon as we take care of Okauwa for the king. After that we will be free to settle down and raise the boys properly away from all the cutthroats". A small smile played on her lips and she pulled herself up cradling her young son in her arms. Richard followed her placing the heavier Matt on his hip allowing his head to rest on broad shoulders. They parents walked by their men giving them approving nods as they passed. The crew was like extended family to them many of the men sworn to protect the ancient and his family with their lives if need be. Little did they know that call wasn't that far away.

The parents moved through the halls opening the door to the boy's room with one handed practiced ease. Gabumon and Patamon looked up from their pile of pillows at the foot of the boy's beds offering smiles before nesting back into the feathers. Nancy pulled down the sheets carefully tucking her baby in brushing a few stray strands of hair away and kissing his forehead. "Love you mama," he whispered pulling his blankets around his frame.

Nancy blinked away tears before trading places with her husband giving another tender kiss too Matt. He too smiled and muttered an "I love you" before rolling over and curling into a tight ball. The proud parents slipped out of the room closing the door without a sound fearing to disturb the boys. They walked a few feet down the hall before deeming it safe to speak. "Soon" Richard said pulling her into his arms caressing her face "I promise soon this will all be over".

"I know," she said leaning into his touch standing on her toes to give him a soft kiss. He happily received the gesture of love returning it with more fire moving his hands around her waist gently lifting her off the ground. When they finally broke free they just stared into each other's eyes with pure and true love stronger than life itself. "You up for a little more star gazing?" he asked with a slight sparkle in his eyes. Nancy merely took his hand in response leading him back onto the deck and into the cool night air.

While the couple tucked their angles away a demon learned a guarded secret and a devious plan formed in his head. The unwitting informer passed out from the rum falling to the floor of the tavern with a thud and a groan. Okauwa paid no heed stepping over the body and exiting the smoky atmosphere gazing at the stars. He made his way through the streets seeming to move with the shadows.

He made he way to his ship bringing his men to a trembling attention, each one fearing they would be struck down at any second. Okauwa ignored their fear looking at their faces "We are going to end this game of cat and mouse tonight" he announced getting more of his men out of the groggy stupors "I have learn who the guardian of the mystic crests are".

A few of his more educated men let out ahs or low whistles "It is none other than our hunter, the one who prevents me from ascending to the throne that I deserve, Richard Ishida". This statement was met my growls and calls for murder to run through the sea of men gathered before him. Okauwa smiled "Tonight it ends". The men let out a large cheers drawing their swords making the blades shimmer in the moonlight the torches making their faces look like those of the undead and the undead were out for vengeance.

Nancy still sat enveloped in her husbands loving arms hearing the bell for the second watch to begin, finally alerting her to how late it really was. "We really should go get some sleep, especially if we are going after him tomorrow". Richard kissed her on top of her head once more "I know" he said slowly standing sweeping her into his arms causing her to giggle. He loved the way her laugh sounded and wanting to hear it more he spun her around. He got his wish and his wife's laugh echoed across the ship.

"Now isn't this sweet" a menacing voice snarled from the gangplank followed by the sounds of heavy boots pouncing onto the ship taking most of the men by surprise. Because it was the changing of the guards those coming and going were not fully awake with the last remnants of sleep still clinging to their bodies. This gave Okauwa's men the advantage they needed. They jumped the guards killing many of them instantly leaving others in agony praying for death.

Richard cursed himself for being so lax drawing his sword with one and hand leading Nancy to the hallway into the bowls of the ship with the other. "Lock the door behind you and don't open it not matter what" he ordered slamming the door shut not giving her time to object. Knowing she was safe gave him a small peace of mind

Okauwa could hear them ambush begin as he wriggled his way into a hole in the wood he had made with his own blade. Congratulating himself he stalked down the halls straining to hear the footsteps of anyone who may be below decks during the attack. Which is why when he heard soft footfalls running down the hall his heart skipped a beat. As the footsteps came closer his years of training kicked in. The owner of the footfalls was small and covered by a slipper type of shoe.

It was that little tid bit that narrowed the person down to one member of the crew. Okauwa flattened himself against the wall waiting patiently like a spider waiting on its web. By now he could hear the panicked breathing of his prey and the slim figure of Nancy Ishida rounded the corner.

Okauwa pounced his hands shooting forward grabbing a hold of her golden blonde hair halting her run with a painful twist. Nancy let out a scream, a scream that was muffled by a rough hand seconds after she began. Okauwa pulled her to him tight releasing her hair using his newly freed arm to pin her arms painfully behind her back.

"Good evening Mrs. Ishida" he said politely getting and muffled scream in response her feet stomping randomly ready to deliver a painful blow if she ever made contact. "Now is this anyway to greet a guest" he asked brining his lips to her ear kissing it slightly "now where are those two boys of yours, Richard is a stubborn man and may need a little encouragement not that he wouldn't move the heavens for you, I just want some more padding". Nancy lurched away with another cry; she could deal with being a hostage but not with the thought of the maniac touching Matt and TK.

Okauwa took that as a no and forced her down the hall kicking open doors as he came to them, finding each one empty. Down at the end of the hall one of the doors creaked open and Matt's head poked out shortly followed by TK's; all the noise had brought them out of their slumbers with a start and had decided to go looking for answers. "Mommy?" the younger questioned clutching his teddy bear in the crook of one of his arms. His mother let out a truly anguished cry jumping up and slamming her feet down with as much force as she could muster slamming them into her captor's feet. Finally she hit home and he let her go with a growl clutching his injured feet.

Nancy ran down the hall to her sons sweeping TK into her arms and taking Matt's hand without slowing, pure maternal instinct running rampant through her body. Every thought, move, breath she took was focused on protecting her babies. She held them both close the digimon coming out at her heels confused but sensing the danger in the air. Halting when they saw the enraged Okauwa charging down the hall with his sword drawn. Patamon was the first to respond filling his small lungs with air expanding his body before letting it out with a burst. The burst of air sailed down the hall nailing the pursuer in the stomach sending him to the floor with a grunt of pain.

"Stay with them" Gabumon ordered the smaller digimon allowing the blue fire to fill his mouth, his tense muscles just waiting to see the whites of his eyes before he fired. The stream of blue fire shot through the air scorching the wood as is went hitting Okauwa in the leg. The dark man let out a scream clutching his charred flesh before looking up "I will kill you for that" he seethed "then I will feed you to my men like the insolent beast you are".

Gabumon never heard this however he had already taken off after his protectees not willing to leave them alone for a short amount of time. While Gabumon played catch up Nancy ran down the hall as fast as her legs could carry her knowing that if she could get to the deck or general quarters she would be safe. Most of the men were probably above deck by now but a thread of hope was a thread of hope.

Seeing the doors she let out a scream that would have woken the dead, startling her already frightened children "Help! Richard!" The doors leading out began to pound and with a start Nancy realized she had locked to door as per her husband's request. "Mom what's going on?" Matt asked his voice oddly meek. Nancy looked into the innocent eyes of both of her sons not sure what to tell them "The bad man daddy's been chasing it trying to hurt him" she explained feeling that would be enough to satisfy them.

She took the steps leading up two at a time arriving at the latch, her shaking hands unable to get a grip. Okauwa had rounded the corner pure hate causing his body to shake, his thoughts far beyond rational. Gabumon halted his path facing the intruder, Patamon arriving at his side seconds later. The pair prepared to attack once more taking aim as Okauwa took them by surprise by breaking into a dead run his sword straight out. The digimon let out small cries leaping to the sides of the hall.

Okauwa smirked as the last line between him and his prize fell. He could see she was about to pass out from terror but her instincts prevented her from doing so. Nancy heard him coming and threw Matt behind her grabbing the lock in an iron grip flinging the door open falling onto the deck because of the momentum. The trio hit the deck hard TK falling out of his mother's arms as they hit.

"Richard" Nancy screamed again as Okauwa cleared the threshold his beefy hand reaching out hauling her to him roughly by her arm. Having one he reached with his free arm for the stunned eight year old who still lay on the deck stunned. Matt was able to recover a little more quickly and desperately pulled TK away holding him against his chest as he backed away.

"Seize them" Okauwa bellowed pointing to the blondes adjusting his hold on Nancy. His men had been winning the fight above deck and now vastly outnumbered the Ishida's. Many of Okauwa's men stopped toying with their victims to heed his command. The boys didn't stand a chance their fists too small to do any damage, rendering them incapacitated in mere seconds.

It was then the ancient guardian made his was through the devastation that was once his ship. But it wasn't the state of his ship that brought tears to his eyes; it was the state his cherished family was in. He stopped dead in his tracks allowing his sword to clatter onto the deck. Okauwa smiled "Why thank you for not making me ask you too do that, now lets keep up this cooperation routine and I won't kill your little treasures…where are the crests".

A chill ran up Richard's spine finding his secrets had been betrayed "What do you want with them?" he asked carefully knowing a lie would do him no good in this situation.

"You know very well that I will use them to assure me place as king now tell me where they are or your boys are going to go for a little swim" he said snapping his fingers indicating for his men to adjust their hold on the boys in order to dangle them over the side of the ship and over the icy waters. Yet more terror clenched the guardian Matt could swim but Takeru couldn't, but he didn't know how well his son would fair in the icy water.

"Well" Okauwa pressed twisting Nancy's arm to get her to cry in pain showing mans impatience. Richard didn't answer his own inner conflict raging, was sacrificing the world for his family just…Okauwa decided he was taking too long and turned to his men again "Drop them" he said coldly. Nancy let out a bloodcurdling scream throwing her little weight into her captor and Richard fell to his knees with a cry of his own "I'll do it!" he yelled over and over his voice shaking more every time he repeated the phrase.

Once again Okauwa adorned a chilling smile as he motioned for his goons to back off. "As I thought you would" he said dragging Nancy toward the gangplank motioning for his men to follow. "Where?"

Richard felt trapped "On a island not far from here". The boys were now off the ship and hidden in the darkness "I will bring my ship around and you will lead me to the island…after the crests are in my possession I will give your family back, but if you try to trick me I will deliver you their heads". He watched in horror as his wife was drug away tears streaming from both their eyes a silent 'I love you' passing through their lips.

Matt looked around the quiet crowd as he took a break from his tale. His shaking hand took a sip of water wetting his parched throat. Eager eyes waited for more Davis the one who couldn't take the suspense anymore "What happened?" he demanded "how did you escape, did he get the crests?"

Despite himself Matt had to smile "You are a impatient one aren't you" he mused drawing another breath squeezing Mimi's hand to reassure himself that she was still at his side "Okauwa did as he said pulling along our ship and my father led him out to sea…to this island…"

Defiant blue eyes bore into her captor as she dipped her rag into the soapy water and resuming her task of scrubbing the floors of his cabin. Okauwa watched with devious smile, he knew he was enjoying this far more than he should. Richard had chosen his wife well, she was not only beautiful but had a strong will, a will he was tempted to try to break.

He had hidden her children somewhere on his ship putting her to work only minutes after heading out to sea. She of coarse had slapped him but the mere mention of hurting her babies got her into line. "You missed a spot he said pointing to a small patch of floor next to his feet" eliciting another murderous glare. She pulled her bucket over and ran her rag over the spot, humoring him.

Okauwa reached down picking her up by her hair, this becoming his favorite method for getting her attention. "Would you like to see your sons?" he asked tenderly watching her eyes mist over. She bit her lower lip fearing what he would do when she gave her answer "Yes" she said quietly her thoughts turning to them, was he making them work like her or had he put them in a rat invested cell without food or water.

He smiled pulling her up a little more in order to meet his eyes "Then earn it". Nancy didn't even want to think of what he wanted her to do but the desire to check on Matt and TK overwhelmed her. Her blue eyes shot around the room looking for something, anything that would satisfy him…a chessboard caught her attention. Richard had taught her to play of their first date and over the years she had become a master…something Okauwa didn't know.

She lowered her voice running her hand over his face "What about a game of chess, I don't play much but if I win I get to see my boys". He was thrilled by her touch and a sinister idea made his way into his head "Deal but if I win you have to kiss me". His captive looked disgusted by the mere idea, not even trying to hide it, yet her head still nodded in agreement.

Fifteen moves, a blindfold, and endless turns later Nancy was thrown into the small cell where her sons were being kept. Both the boys had curled up in the far corner farthest from the door, Matt cradling TK in his lap. TK's face still had traces of tears on his cheeks, his tiny hands clutching his brothers tightly, assuring himself that Matt hadn't been taken.

Matt looked up as the door opened resisting the urge to run full tilt into the safety of his mother's arms. She ran to their side pulling them into her lap feeling TK latch onto her almost instantly. "Are we going home?" he asked hopeful. Matt too looked at her with hopeful eyes wanting to get off the ship knowing why he was there and what is father was giving up to save him.

"No" she said gently stroking his hair pulling him close in order to rock him "but don't worry we will soon, we should be at the island by morning". It was now Matt's turn to ask "Is dad really going to give up the crests to save us?"

Nancy closed her eyes; she and Richard had made a pact when they married to never let the crests fall into the hands of darkness even if one was used against the other. That had been before they had Matt and TK. She was willing to give her life for the cause but not theirs. "I don't know Matt, daddy always has something up his sleeve. Now lay your head down and get some sleep" she paused realizing why he hadn't been asleep "I'll watch over Takeru". These words soothed Matt and he lay down closing his eyes falling asleep almost instantly giving the mother a pang of guilt all this time he had refused to sleep in order to watch over his brother.

Richard felt the hot sun pounding down on his as he waited tensely on the beach for Okauwa too disembark. He had driven his crippled ship and crew to the limit, getting to the island in record speed his thoughts purely on getting his family back.

"Good morning" Okauwa chirped pulling the rope he held hard bringing the bound Matt and TK forward. This stiff brown rope was wound tightly around their necks before securing their hands out of the way. The two looked up with defiant eyes as if determined to make themselves as hampering as possible to the madman. "Where is she?" Richard demanded not seeing his wife present. Okauwa just snapped and his men filtered off the ship dragging Nancy behind, bound just as the boys were.

"Lead the way" he said simply "but if I see any sign of betrayal I will snap their necks before you can blink". Richard nodded his head in understanding and led them into the forest lining the beach. The evergreens waved gently in the breeze casting their sweet scent over the silent travelers. Deeper and deeper into the forest they went until finally the trees had obliterated the sunlight and torchlight lit the way.

Matt looked down at the path before him, it being the only thing besides Okauwa's back he could see. He used this time to try to think of a way out that wouldn't involve his or TK's neck getting snapped. As he walked he moved his writs around in the ropes the skin under it already raw from his efforts but he had made some headway and managed to loosen the bindings enough that when he wanted he could free his hands.

The time wasn't right though Okauwa had spread them out in a straight line down the path with his father in the lead, then Okauwa dragging he and TK, five of the tyrant's men the fifth pulling his mother along. If he escaped he could get TK out but never his mother. Matt risked a glance back to check on his brother surprised to see the younger had also managed to get his hands free, the ropes hanging loosely around them. 'Atta boy' he thought fighting to contain his smile.

"Its here" Richard said coming to a halt pointing to a cave that Matt had to peer around to see. "The crests are in there now let them go" his father continued looking Okauwa straight in the eye; a feat that sent chills us his spine.

Okauwa didn't see the shiver but pulled Matt and TK forward with a jerk of the rope causing both to fall to the dirt neither expecting the sudden pull. They held in cries of pain as the sharp rocks cut into their knees. Okauwa stepped back picking up the rope that bound the boys severing their link taking the two rope throwing Matt's to one of his men and kept TK's for himself. Matt's instincts kicked in and he pulled his hands free from the rope reaching out for his brother before Okauwa could pull him away.

But too the blondes dismay Okauwa was faster picking TK up away from his open arms. "You thought I didn't know your hands were free" he mused cruelly pushing Matt away, back to the restraining arms of his men. "Now Matt and your beloved will stay here while you, me, and the little squirt go fetch the crests. If I'm not back in an hour slit the boys throat and you may do anything you wish with her" Okauwa said seeing the look of hunger in his men's eyes.

Rage flowed through Richards's veins but he kept his temper in check, now was not the time. "This way" he said through clenched teeth shooting Nancy a quick look before heading into the cave.

The cave like the forest was dark, dank, and dreary. Water dripping off of the rocks echoed down the endless tunnels every fork has one of two options, one path led to the crests and the other to death. One wrong tunnel and you were dead doomed to be lost and never see the light of day again. Richard knew these tunnels like the back of his hand able to walk through them in the pitch black if need be.

At the end of the final fork twelve pinpricks of light could be seen, each one a different colors shimmering with its own power. Butterflies welled in Okauwa's stomach he couldn't believe he was feet away from the crests, feet away from obtaining the power that would give he the lands he deserved. Every step brought him closer to his goal. The walls of the cave got wider and wider until they opened into the fast expanse of the cavern, the walls were smooth as if they had been polished by hand.

The twelve crests floated in the center held up by an unknown force. In Richards presence they glowed brighter in response to his power "There they are all twelve now please let my family go" Richard said firmly. Okauwa just ignored him and continued his path forward, TK still trapped in his arms. The crests sensed the evil power coming closer actually floating higher to get away from him except for a golden crest. It stayed where it way giving off a brilliant gold light beckoning for them to come closer.

The truth hit Richard like the scabbard of a sword to the back of his head he just didn't know why he didn't know it before. He was an ancient and the blood running through him would have been passed onto his sons making them crests bearers. Okauwa couldn't know this it would make him want to keep the boys and hunt down the other bearers to do his dirty work for him.

While Richard sat in shock Okauwa slowly reached up for the golden light his hands trembling with excitement as he closed around the object…letting out a scream as he did. Pain ripped through his arm and into the rest of his body dropping the crest and TK to nurse his burned hand. TK ran away the instant he regained his balance running for his father as fast as his legs would carry him. With a leapt he was back in his fathers arms releasing the block Richard had put on himself.

He called to the crests signaling for them to come down and they obeyed instantly forming a circle around Okauwa. The man now getting a taste of his own medicine as the combined light held him in place long enough for Richard to run, TK tucked safely away in his arms towards the exit and to aid of the others.

Another scream escaped Okauwa's lips as the shadows disappeared through the light the crests only retreating when Richard was out of their reach. "You will die for this," he bellowed barreling down the hall forgetting about his goal momentarily.

Outside Nancy worked on her bindings worry filling her tired eyes that were focused on Matt at the moment. He had been kept as far away from her as possible the men apparently fearing a mothers rage if it should come to that. That however didn't stop them from drawing straws and sharpening their daggers on wet stones making every swipe long letting the sound resonate off of the trees.

Matt too heard the stone but ignored it all together his father would be back before the limit was up and Okauwa would be in for it. Just as that thought passed through his mind and half of the allotted hour came up footsteps echoed out of the cave, one set to be exact. Moments later his father emerged TK in his arms you little boys head buried against his fathers chest.

"Okauwa has the treasure and said for me to send you in," Richard said evenly putting a look of defeat on his face. The goons just sat there dumfounded until the magic words passed by Richards lips "If you don't hurry he'll get it all for himself". That did it and the men were on their way drawing swords as they went, they may have been dumb but if someone stiffed them on payment…

When they had disappeared from site Richard spoke "TK why don't you go get those ropes off of your brother and I'll get your mother". TK didn't say anything but ran to Matt's side with a bright smile on his face "Daddy said the bad man was going to be lost in that cave forever". Matt had to smile at this "What about the crests?"

Richard broke away from his embrace to answer his sons question deciding their reunion could wait until they were back on the ship "They have moved to a new location" he said proudly ruffling Matt's hair leading them away from the cave "I have sent them to various places throughout the island that will only reveal themselves with the true bearers of the crest set foot upon this sand…"

Once again Matt paused making most of the group believe that was the end of the story "So Okauwa got out of his cave, raised an army, and went after Joe" Izzy finished feeling he had put the pieces of the puzzle together. TK looked at him across the fire with watery eyes "No…he found his way out" he chocked out sending Kari into action. She pulled him close whispering in his ear as if comforting a child. He thanked her with a soft kiss before taking over the end of the story knowing it was the worst for Matt to tell.

For the Ishida's and what was left of their crew the next few days on the island were grueling as they fought to get the ship back together just so it could make the trip home. Gabumon and Patamon had become virtual shadows of Matt and TK neither one letting the boys out of their sights for more than a few seconds. Nancy stayed by her husband when she wasn't babying them herself. She coddled over their every need watching their every move like a well-trained hawk searching for its prey.

On the third day the ship was ready for the sea once more and the men were in final preparations getting food and water. The reunited family sat on the beach putting the last of the tools on board when the hair on the back of their necks stood on end. Gabumon and Patamon let out growls as they searched the brush for the source of their distress.

The bushes to their left shook sending the digimon leapt forward into the leave sending their attacks in front of them. A terrified rabbit fled its home scampering into the woods. Richard laughed at himself for getting scared over a rabbit only have the bushes to the right explode with Okauwa coming out full tilt a sword in each of his hands

An insane rage filled his being as the deadly blades glinted in the sunlight before they went screaming for their targets…Matt and TK. The brothers stood paralyzed with fear unable to move breath or speak. Time slowed and seconds turned to minutes and the identical pair of blue eyes watched as their death came near.

A single scream shattered the air rising over Okauwa's own as Nancy realized who the targets were and the digimon had no way of getting to them. Once again, for the final time her maternal instincts came through and her small body went into action. She left the warmth and love of her husband's arms not looking back as she stepped in from of the boys thrusting both of her arms back pushing them into the sand well away from the blades.

The silver tips disappeared into her stomach and she fell to her knees her mouth open in a silent scream of pain. Okauwa pulled the swords out looking put off that he had missed his targets yet knew his window was small and made his escape. Richard let him go the only thoughts running through his mind were of his wife.

He caught her in his arms before she could fall to the ground holding her close letting the tears come in the rivers that didn't do his pain justice. "The boys?" she asked her breaths sharp her eyes trying to find them. Matt held his brother in disbelief as TK pulled away crawling to his mothers side in tears "Mama get up" he begged old enough to know what the wounds had done too her. Matt too made his way to her side taking her hand giving it a squeeze.

When her eyes fell on her angles a small smile crossed her face "Don't let him win Richard, don't let him plunge this world into darkness" she said looking to her beloved for the last time. "I won't," he promised kissing her tenderly "to my last breath". The satisfied her and she turned her attention to the crying boys "Yamato, Takeru I want you to know I love you and will always be with you even if we aren't together" she said tenderly. Matt shook his head and TK let out a whimper "I know mama but you need to get up so we can go home". Again a pained smile crossed her features "Take care of Takeru for me Matt and remember I will be in your hearts…I love you all".

That was it and the last breaths left her body the grips she had on her family's hands slipping with it. TK let out a scream shaking his mother begging for her to wake while Matt buried his face onto her chest with his own silent pleas. Richard kissed her forehead pulling his children into his arms letting them cry right then and there vowing he wouldn't rest until Okauwa had paid for what he had done…

Tears of disbelief ran down those gathered around the campfire as TK finished the tale. Tai looked to Matt with a new respect finally understanding why he protected his brother so much. "I'm sorry" Joe said, "it was my family that caused it" the king lowered his head in respect overwhelming guilt eating at his soul. "Both our parents knew the danger sire and my mothers death saved millions from the same fate. My father hunted Okauwa for years finally leaving him on a frozen island up north years ago thinking that would keep him away".

"What of the crests?" Izzy asked hating to be rude but powerful mystical objects weren't something you came along every day. TK took this question as well "Okauwa doesn't know they have been split up he thinks they are still in that cave so we have a leg up on him".

"I thought they would only react when the rightful bearers were around?" Sora asked rubbing Tai's arm. "Well they are here, our fathers left us with clues to their identities before he passed on, TK and I have come to believe we are the twelve bearers".

To be continued…