Sorry this took so long I've had mid terms and my work did pre Christmas inventory. I want to thank all of you for the positive reviews and beg you to keep them coming, they are what keep me writing. Without them I don't know if anyone is even reading them and that gets me discouraged…
Disclaimer: See chapter one
Power Within
Ten jaws fell open in disbelief as Matt's words sunk in…they were crests bearers. The firelight flickered on confused eyes as Izzy finally forced his mouth to move into a coherent sentence "What do you mean us?" The thought of being a bearer boggled his brilliant mind and made butterflies flutter in his stomach.
"I mean you" Matt said with a small smile as the last of his tears fell from his cheeks. It was rare for him to tell anyone what had happened to his mother let alone who did it and where it happened. "Our father taught us everything he knew about the crests, teaching us what they meant, and what we should look for in the bearers".
"We have been around you all for years and come to know you even better over the past few days" TK said hugging Kari giving her a light kiss before continuing. "For instance Izzy you are brilliant, have a undying thirst to learn, and know more than a monastery full of monks…a trait of the crest of knowledge. And Kari…she has a power within her that lights up the world and fills a hole in my soul giving her the crest of light".
Kari blushed unable to hide her smile while she snuggled deeper into his arms. "Okay lets consider for one second that we are these bearers," Tai said holding up his hands "What do we do and how do they help us stop Okauwa?" Nods waved around the campfire forcing Matt to take a deep breath and he began to summon the ancient power that ran through his veins, the same power that his father and brother possessed. "The crests scattered throughout the island after Okauwa went after them the first time and they won't reveal themselves until the rightful bearers arrive…with the right help".
"Brilliant" Ken muttered with a smile "Your father placed some sort of shield on them just in case we were discovered and forced here". Matt answered with his own smile "Of course after what happened with TK he feared Okauwa knew the secret and would hunt down the bearers one by one…I'm going to release the shield and your crests will be revealed to you, but only if you are worthy. You also must be willing to accept the responsibilities of the crest devoting the rest of your life to the defeat of the darkness".
Now a stunned silence loomed in the night filled only by the crackles of the fire. "Lets do it" Joe said coming out of his quick conversation with Gomamon knowing deep down his digimon would be affected by his decision "If we don't my kingdom could suffer at Okauwa's hand and that is something I will die to prevent".
Hearing no dissents on the decision Matt stood up standing tall before the fire holding his arms straight out above the flames just out of the hungry flames. TK slowly moved Kari out of his lap joining his brother taking his hands closing his eyes in concentration. Foreign words passed through their lips starting at a whisper the tone growing with each word. The fire between them took on a life of its own with the flames spiraling between the pair and snaking around those gathered seeming to sense them. The brother's words now echoed like thunder in the night as beads of sweat fell from their brows only to steam away in the fire. Finally both threw their arms to the sky with a shout causing the fire to explode followed by the darkness and silence of the night.
Everyone laid on the ground their chests heaving and concerned digimon hovering over them. "Ken are you all right?" Wormon asked crawling onto his chest in order to look into his eyes. Ken looked at his friend and guardian "I'm fine" he said not able to put into words what was going through his mind and body right now. He felt a power there had never possessed and wasn't sure how to deal with it. Carefully he rolled over his eyes meeting with Yolei's, crystal tears streaming down her face.
A wave of concern ran through his body and his hands gently wiped her tears away "Are you hurt?" he asked concerned. Yolei could only shake her head and crawl into his arms. For her a new sense of peace ran through her veins soothing the once torrent mind making what he wanted perfectly clear. He welcomed her and as his arms closed around her their chests began to glow, two symbols emblazed in violet and scarlet light. The light then formed a faint beam through the forest back towards the beaches they had just come from.
"Your crests lit that way" Matt said trying to catch his breath and regain the power he had drained himself of. Mimi noticed his weakness coming to his side ignoring the pain she felt, ignoring the blood and dirt. Matt had his arms open to meet her seeming to sense her coming his heart literally aching her hold her. As she came to him two more symbols flashed and beams shot off into the forest in the opposite direction of Ken and Yolei's. Around them the other light began to shine glowing brighter than then fire, with the exception on one pair.
TK still lay on the ground trying to catch his breath, it had been the first time he had used his ancient power in such a way. He was too tired to move or even think as Patamon nuzzled him trying to get him up. Kari too lay on the ground they to cope with the charge running though her yet at the same time feeling empty. 'Hope' echoed through her mind telling her what she needed to fill the void. Not needing any more encouragement she held her arms out for TK knowing the boy would jump across a bottomless pit to get there.
The young blonde saw the gesture and in movements quicker than he thought he was capable of he was in her arms holing her tight at last filling the hole. Gold and pink light exploded from their chests shooting off into the woods. Six different paths were now lit with Tai and Sora, Davis and Cody, Joe and Izzy each forking off one way or another.
Cody looked around then down at the symbol on his chest somehow knowing the meaning, patience. "What do we do now?" he asked his voice now gentler than before. "We go get the crests," Davis said rubbing his hand over the symbol before him, Perseverance.
Joe held his hands up before anyone took off "Wait do we really want to split up now, Okauwa is lose and this island and after the same thing he wants. Two of us would be easy to over run". The group halted their preparations taking the kings words into account on one hand they needed to get to the crests as soon as possible, but one the other Okauwa could over run the small groups and get what he wanted that way.
"Turn away from the light" Matt ordered realizing they had created a beacon in the night for the madman to follow "The King is right we go after two at a time starting with the closest pair from what I saw was Tai and Sora's, Courage and Love. When we have those two we can go from there, anyone disagree?" When no one said anything the blonde finished "then we leave at first light. Those of you who are paired off need to talk your crests are together for a reason and you need to know that in order to beat off the darkness".
Arukenimon let out an
annoyed sigh while she watched Okauwa begin to dig yet another hole in the
small clearing he had led them too. The
clearing was outside a cave, the chill from is depths seeping out onto her short
sleeved arms "I don't understand why you need to find this sword, you already
have one" she whined rubbing her hands over her arms in an effort to warm
herself up one small part of her tempted to ask Mummymon to take her into his
arms. Her employer looked at her with
narrowed eyes "It is the sword that I slew the brothers mother with, it will
deal an emotional blow…besides I want to use it to kill them".
Though she wasn't amused Arukenimon let him continue to dig turning her attention to the star filled sky getting her bearings. Okauwa had approached her years ago in a bar offering her money and power beyond her wildest dreams for her help. She had agreed without second thought. Mummymon had joined the little band later that night and Okauwa had laid out his plan for world domination to them. It had been his plan all along to get the Ishida's back to the island, the others who were there were just an accident, King Joe however was an added perk. Once he had the crests he would use them to bring Kido to his knees and the world into the palm of his hand.
But even the best-laid plans hit snags and with ten additional people on the island things were going to get interesting. It was then twelve different colored beams shot into the sky before falling back to earth. Okauwa looked up letting out what sounded like a giddy cry "Their all here" he cried out reaching into the hold pulling out a blood stained sword "the crest bearers are all here…thank you ancients you have played a hand in your own demise". As suddenly as the light began it stopped leaving only the full moon and the stars in the sky once more.
Mummymon had his ever-present dumbfounded look on his face "So what now you have the sword and know all the bearers are here". Arukenimon smacked him on the arm before Okauwa could do it "We get them first and kill them you dolt" she shot as she tried to figure out which pair was the closest.
Okauwa now gave her an approving smile "Excellent my dear not I say we head the direction of the gold and pink lights well pick up the blue and yellow on the way" as he spoke he pointed to the top of the hill housing the cave that had once been home to all of the crests. "They will eventually come for those and when they do they will die".
Dawn broke hours later with the crest bearers already on the move, all of them waking before dawn wanting to get to the crests before Okauwa had a chance. Matt and Mimi led the way with Tai and Sora right behind every so often peeking around the two to allow their lights to flare up and guide the way. The walk for the most part was in silence so each one or their trained hears could listen for attack. The digimon too seemed to sense the tension staying close to their partners every so often throwing a murderous glance into the forest.
At last the trail came to an end opening onto a rocky beach, the white crested waves hitting the beach adding to the serene atmosphere. "They're here" Tai said closing his eyes while taking Sora's hand. An overwhelming sense of calm and power was running through his veins and the orange sun flared up once again on his chest. At his side Agumon gasped as the flow of power hit him like one of the waves on the beach. Sora too felt the power as she squeezed Tai's hand allowing her eyes to gloss over and the power to take over.
Izzy watched at the soul faded from her eyes and began to move to her side in panic only to be stopped by Matt "The crests are calling them, don't interfere" he warned motioning for the others to rest "I don't know how long this will take so rest while you can". The tired masses needed no further encouragement to plop down to the rock-covered ground. TK looked at the pointy rock warily before motioning Kari into his lap, at least one of them would be comfortable. Ken watched the two cuddle up and carefully put his arms around the shivering Yolei. Her clothes hadn't fared too well in the wreck and the ocean breeze although welcome was a little cool.
Yolei felt a pair of loving arms wrap around her startling her at first and forcing the warrior instinct back down in order not to attack her savior. "Better?" Ken whispered in her ear, his hot breath sending shivers right down to her toes. She couldn't stop the shiver allowing it to pass before laying her head on his shoulder "Yes thank you" she replied taking in everything her senses would allow, this was something she wanted to remember as long as she lived.
Cody watched Tai and Sora wander the beach in a trace "Are the crests going to give them back?" he questioned the blondes using the opportunity to learn what he could, Izzy was his mentor and he never failed his mentor. Matt offered a small smile "Yes and no. The crests are a part of our being, our souls; to cast them out would be like cutting off an arm or a leg. Once they find the physical representation of their power they will return to normal only with the ability to utilize the power they were born with".
"What crests do the others have?" Mimi asked from his arms finally able to ask the question that had haunted her since the night before. Again a sweet smile crossed his lips giving her the desire to kiss them. He seemed to read her mind and his lips moved down and met hers in a short but sweet embrace "I was wondering when someone was going to ask that".
"Takeru knows more than I do so you'll have to ask him". All eyes turned to the younger of the two who at the moment was more interest in cuddling but spoke up nonetheless "Well the crests represent twelve of the most powerful traits or virtues any mortal can posses. Every bearer knows what they posses but if we are to work together you need to know what the others have. Tai is the bearer of courage, Sora is love, Mimi sincerity, Joe reliability, Izzy knowledge, Matt friendship, Kari light, I have hope, Davis perseverance, Cody patience, Yolei serenity, and Ken kindness. Certain crests react to each other…Tai and Sora's for example it takes courage for one to admit their love and love is protected by courage".
The last words were like the final nail in the coffin for Izzy, Sora was happy and meant to be with Tai. Putting his personal feelings aside finally he cleared his mind focusing on the task at hand, watching Tai and Sora stop before a large granite rock "I believe they have found them" he stated simply.
Tai and Sora stood before the rock their bodies acting on their own accord as foreign words passed through their lips and their arms moved in synchronized but unpracticed movements. The rock began to glow an orange and red light its rays ebbing the pain of the tired sitting a few feet away. From then on the light only grew brighter, even brighter than the sun forcing hands to shield eyes from the painful rays. It was when the light was brighter than the brightest star that the two small crests made their appearance. The sun and heart symbols turned rapidly before theirs masters slowing with every rotation finally coming to stop in their palms.
The pair let out gasps of surprise as their hands closed around the surprisingly cool metal and the power reacted to their touch. Senses came crashing back as the crests allowed their coconsciousness to return to them leaving only their new power in its wake. Crystal tears glistened as they ran down their cheeks Tai's strong arms enfolding Sora in a cocoon of his love, kissing her softly. Two soft "I love you's" were heard before they parted and faced the group.
Davis looked at them transfixed, much like a child with a new toy "When's it my turn?" he asked in awe his body craving the power it had just witnessed his and the other crests calling out across the island for their masters to come.
"Soon" Matt said motioning everyone up "now everyone turn until you get a fix on your crest". The next pair was apparent even before everyone was on their feet; the crest of Knowledge and Reliability lay just to the east on the edge of a small peninsula. The king smiled a genuine smile "Well lets get going so we can get there before night fall".
The king was right and just as the sun began its journey down the horizon stretch of land lay before them. Silver and violet light shimmered at the tip hanging high in the tree limbs calling to their masters. "Oh sure they don't have to hunt theirs down" Tai muttered under his breath not thinking anyone had heard…he was wrong. "I'm the king, I never have to lift a finger" Joe said in a haughty voice before following Izzy.
"You know I think he's actually getting a sense of humor" Gomamon said proudly his toes tingling with the anticipation of what was to come. Tentomon hovered next to him a blank look on his expressionless face "Then there must be hope for Izzy".
The two men in question were now far out of ear shot picking their way around rocks and tree limbs in order to reach their goal. "You figured out why we were paired off?" Joe asked still perplexed by the problem. The red head however had all day to think of it "Yes, knowledge is based on facts, reliable facts or they are considered myths or rumors. Then on the other side for something to be reliable one must have a knowledge of past actions".
The young king was impressed "Now why are you out pillaging ships when you could be in my court or a teacher somewhere". This got a smile out of the pirate "Teaching doesn't pay enough and being in your court would have bound me to what you wanted to know, not what I wanted to know". The king accepted this as they arrived at the base of the tree looking up through the intertwined branches to the glowing beacons.
While Joe and Izzy retrieved their crests the rest of the group broke camp and began to plan their strategy for the next day. "Well Mimi and I are next then Yolei and Ken we should be able to get those as well as Davis and Cody's by sundown tomorrow. That will just leave TK and Kari's for the next day" Matt said setting the skewered fish over the fire.
"What about Okauwa?" Mimi asked watching as Izzy and Joe climbed. Her instincts screamed at the fact he had not attacked yet "He's still out there and had to have seen those lights last night". She was right and everyone knew it.
Tai was the one who spoke "We hurry and just keep out eyes open". As he finished lights flashed from the tree and two shouts of success made their way to the group.
The two next two days passed like sands through and hour glass and by the time the sun rose on the third morning only Davis, Cody, TK, and Kari needed their crests. Yet the unsettling fact had become apparent that one pair had moved leaving both of them at the top of a small mountain. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Okauwa was involved leaving the question as too how.
So without any other choice they trekked through the woods coming into the small clearing before a disturbingly familiar cave. TK let out a choked sob before falling to his knees. Memories once again flooded his being as the harsh memories of this being the last place his mother was alive haunted him. Matt gathered his brother from Kari allowing his own tears to fall. This was enough for the others to back off long enough for the brothers to have their moment.
Cody's emerald eyes looked at the family embrace before a small wave of power hit him his crest was near. He looked to Davis whose eyes were wide in silent awe as they scanned the top of the mountain before him for any speck of light that had been present with the other crests. His heart fell a little when nothing appeared and fear clenched his being…what if he wasn't worthy?
Meanwhile Matt rubbed TK's back trying to sooth his pain, it didn't matter how old the younger blonde was because here he was still the scared eight year old boy who's only wish was to go home. "I can feel her Matt," he whispered through tears "its like part of her is here with us right now". The elder was ready to reply when the hair on the back of his neck stood straight on end and Gabumon let out a vicious growl.
"Because part of her still is," a cruel voice said emerging from the cave. The others fell back allowing the digimon to jump before them the crests around their necks beginning to glow. Okauwa paid no heed to this instead keeping his attention on the brothers "So do you recognize this?" he teased as he held the silver blade out for them to see. The red blood still on the blade stood out giving all there a mental slap.
"I wanted you to die as your mother did…and this time she won't be here to save you". When he finished Arukenimon and Mummymon dropped from the trees the four missing crests dangling from their hands. Tai had had enough and turned his attention too Agumon "How about we see what these things can do" he said pulling the orange crest from his shirt.
Seven more hands pulled out their crests each one glowing with power the digimon bearing down ready for the changes to come…only to their horror nothing happened. Confused Kari looked too Matt "Why aren't they working?" she shouted seeing the deadly trio to begin to advance.
The bearer of Friendship pushed TK and Kari behind him wishing feverishly that he hadn't lost his sword to the sea "They won't work until we are all united first…" Okauwa laughed pulling the blade back "And since I have four you are defenseless…kill them all!"
To Be Continued…
Once again I'm sorry this took so long but things may not get any better I work in retail and Christmas is coming so I will only write when I'm not there or doing school work. PLEASE give me feedback, good or bad, and what you as the reader want to see happen.
