Sorry this took so long I was waiting for that personal info bug to be fixed before I posted this. Here it is the last part of this series so please please let me know what you think and if you want a sequel your input does matter to me!
Finale-
"Kill them" Okauwa said his voice colder than ice and his dark eyes focused on the small army before him. Arukenimon and Mummymon let out happy cries waving their captured crests in one hand and their swords in the other.
The trio wasted no time advancing with Okauwa taking the lead. He heaved his still bloody blade at Matt aiming for his head forcing the bounty hunter to fall back with a shout as he pushed TK and Kari into the brush. Mummymon focused his efforts on the king is yellow eyes locked on the furious Ken who stood before his Joe, wielding a stick knowing it may not be much but it could be the difference. Arukenimon had set her sights on Sora eliciting angry yells from Izzy and Tai when she charged "No one beats me and lives to tell about it" she hissed swinging her blade. Sora dropped to the ground feeling the sharp rocks dig into her knees and the sword swish over her head, its breeze ruffling her hair with the intensity.
Before the spider woman could get another chance Tai jumped in smashing his branch into her abdomen knocking the wind from her making her double over in pain. While she was occupied Izzy swooped in pulling her from the ground and into the safety of his arms.
Cody had slipped from sight just as Okauwa began his attack, ducking into the brush surrounding the clearing using it as cover as he made his way to a tree. Taking a hold of one of the low braches he hefted himself up effortlessly as if he was climbing the mass of his own ship. His emerald eyes watched the action closely as he gained altitude, making sure his friends were holding their own. Seeing they were okay he tested the strength of the branch he had come to ten feet above the ground. No cracking came from the old limb as he put his full weight on it deeming it safe before he journeyed out.
The branch put him directly over the battle setting his sights on the glittering crests in the hands of evil. So he waited watching like a hawk waiting for his chance to swoop down and seize his prize. He didn't have to wait long, Mummymon had somehow managed to draw blood from Yolei and that had sent Ken into an inhuman rage. The guards face was redder than lava his eyes blazing with fury as he screamed swinging his makeshift weapon so hard it sent Mummymon's sword into the brush.
Cody didn't waist another second, jumping off the branch landing right on the bandaged mess sending him crashing to the ground. Yet even before he had hit the ground the young pirate had found his prize…TK and Kari's crests. Mummymon cursed from the bottom on the pile reaching to snatch the crests back missing by the preverbal mile. Cody was small and quick getting to his feet and out of harms way seconds after claiming his prize.
"TK, Kari" he called over the fray looking for any sign of the two. "Over here" Kari called as she carefully made her way across the clearing her chocolate eyes on Takeru every second. He had joined with his brother against his mother's killer tears still streaming down his cheeks as Okauwa reopened as many emotional wounds that he could think of knowing it would get them off guard.
Kari arrived at Cody's side a warm smile crossing her features when he held out the glittering objects that were now starting to glow in their master's presence. "Thank you" she said putting hers carefully around her neck feeling the surge of power yet still feeling empty…she still needed her hope.
While Cody retrieved Hope and Light Mimi had set herself into getting Patience and Perseverance. None of the attackers had noticed that she wasn't in the fray and being the hunter she was she began to stalk her prey, waiting for the perfect moment. Arukenimon seemed to have her sights set on killing Sora and while the digimon, Tai, and Izzy were doing everything in their power to stop her they were starting to falter. But all she needed was one shot and it was Tai who gave it to her.
The brown haired bounty hunter's branch was only a twig of its former glory splintered in hundreds of places from where her sword had hit. He however had been watching her strategy noting that she put her weight on her right foot and when she lunged forward she was tipsy and open to attack. So taking a gamble he allowed Izzy to handle the front and in his mind the unbelievably important job of protecting Sora. As the red head kept her attention he moved around watching and waiting surprised when Izzy picked up on what he was doing and lured her into the attack. She stabbed forward with a frustrated snarl that turned to a cry of pain when Tai rammed into her sending her down and Mimi in.
The other pirate must have been waiting for that kind of timing needed precision. She slipped in at the right time, just before Arukenimon hit the ground, snatching the crests. They lit up in her hand responding to the touch of one of the digidestined, their glow getting the attention of the bearers as if a leash had been tugged. "Davis Cody" she yelled making sure they were watching as she hurled the crests to their owners knowing that she could have thrown them the opposite direction and the still would have reached their intended location.
Okauwa let out a furious yell of his own as he could only watch as the last two crests found their masters. And as their hands closed around the cool metal all twelve burst to life filling the clearing with their glowing nimbus. The dark man shuddered as he felt the light power rush through his body stinging him down to his very being. He was in trouble, if he allowed the crests to reach their full potential he would be dead within moments. He wasn't going to let that happen.
Matt and TK were distracted by the glowing crests in their palms to see what Okauwa was doing and by the time they looked up it was too late. Kari's screams shook their very souls as she saw the sword going for their necks and there was no way they could move. "No" she screamed as time began to stand still and her crest grew even brighter with the desperation of protecting her beloved…creating a miracle.
Kari's pink light exploded up to the heavens stopping time for the briefest of moments. The light then faded and she fell to the ground completely spend and gasping for great lung fulls of air her attention on Takeru who still had his head.
TK really couldn't explain what was happening or why but one moment he saw Okauwa's sword coming for his head and then and angel before him. The angel had its back to him, a white gown and blonde hair the only thing he could see. Then the angle spoke sending the brothers to the ground in shock tears streaming from their eyes "You hurt them once but death cannot stop me from allowing you to hurt them again". Silence filled the clearing only broken by Okauwa's squeaking in disbelief and Matt's single word "Mother".
As the words left her sons mouth Nancy turned around with a loving smile on her face and tears in her eyes "My angels" she said kneeling before them caressing their tear stained faces in her hands just as she had done when they woke up with a bad dream all those years ago "you have grown so much". Okauwa had retrieved his voice and his anger letting out a howl and charging again "I killed you once I'll do it again".
Nancy didn't even flinch as the sword came upon her stopping inches above her head "Now you have come unto the power that has been destined to you since birth" she said proudly ignoring Okauwa's attack all together. "All of you" she said a little louder in order to address the entire group "You are the digidestined, chosen long ago to protect the innocent and the virtues within you from the darkness that threatens. Now that you are all one take down your barriers and allow your true power to shine through".
With their attackers forgotten the digidestined stood moving to their partner's sides as if in traces not saying a word as they formed a circle, joining their hands and closing their eyes. Nancy held her arms to the heavens letting her hidden ancient power fulfilling her destiny "Ancients hear my call…the chosen had come to defend this world and will defend it with the virtues you gave them. Relinquish their power and bring peace to the land once more".
In a soundless wave the ancients complied with the angel's request sending down the last of the crests hidden powers. The final burst of light exploded from the heavens filling the souls of the digidestines with a peace they had not known. It was then the digimon let out startled cries from their positions in front of their partners as a tingling sensation ripped through their bodies giving birth to something they didn't think was possible.
They could feel their bodies growing, changing, filling with the power flowing freely from their partners. The change was over in a flash as suddenly as it began. The protectees heard gasps from their chosen children forcing them to look down at their new features many of which included wings, height, and weapons. Okauwa had paled visible at the sight of the grown guardians as Nancy smirked "You wanted the true power of the crests and now you have it".
No more words were needed and the digimon leapt into action taking on those who had caused so much pain. Mangangemon and Weregarurmon were the first to reach Okauwa the wanting so seek vengeance for the loss he had caused their partners. The wolf like creature let out a ferocious growl as he took to the air his clawed foot forward digging into Okauwa's skin. With a cry he dropped his sword and clutched his injured limb the blood seeping from between his fingers. It was his turn to fall back and reassess the situation.
Arukenimon skittered along the clearings muddy floor her palms out in defense "Spider's Thread" she shouted sending the silky but binding thread from both of her palms. Lillymon and Megakabuterimon were the only ones quick enough to get outs of its was leaving Guardiamon and Greymon wrapped up snarling in their binds. Sora and Tai both left their cover picking up sharp rocks and dropping to their partner's side trying to set them free.
Mummymon too had managed too fend off a few of his attackers. Akylomon (I don't know what their ultimate forms are so I just used their champion sorry if this upset anyone) was the first attack and the first to go down. He had driven his drill like claws into the ground shaking it violently yet was still unable to knock the bandaged mess off of his feet. Aquillamon went next putting himself in a nosedive "Grand Horn" he bellowed the red beam cutting through the air. Mummymon looked up seeing it coming just after it left the giant birds horn, he let out an amused chuckle jumping out of the way sending his own attack in retaliation "Snake Bandage". The white bandages soared through the air wrapping around Exveemon, Akylomon, and Aquillamon. The trio fell down only to have Stingmon and Zudomon jump over their fallen forms in protection of the others firing their attacks together finally knocking out Mummymon.
"Face it you've lost" Joe shouted a hint of smugness tainting his voice "Surrender now and I promise you a fair trail when we get back to Kido". There was sincerity in the kings words but Okauwa was so far gone that he was never going to bow to the will of any king let alone one that was a digidestined. With a scream his eyes began to glow a haunting blood red spurring Nancy into action "Combine your powers now before its too late" she yelled knowing something of pure evil was trying to break to the surface.
Angewomon took to the skies hovering over the battle the knowledge of what needed to be done coming to her as if she had know it all her life. Her hands went above her head a pink light forming as soon as her fingertips touched; Mangnangemon joined her raising the glowing Excalibur high summoning the energy. Faint snaps from the ground let them know the five bound guardians were now free and on their feet "Everyone give your power to Angewomon and Magnangemon" Metalgreymon boomed as his breastplates opened and the two cannon like objects flared out.
The other digimon weren't far behind as a Garuru Kick, Wing Blade, Vulcan's Hammer, Flower Cannon, Horn Buster, V Laser, Grand Horn, Tail Hammer, and Spiking Strike joined the objects disappearing into a light above the angels. Angewomon seemed to be the one who harnessed the power as it came from all angles directing into on single attack aimed at Magnangemon. "Heavens Charm" she cried sending the pink dream to Excalibur's point causing it to grow brighter and the angel bore down.
"Gate of Destiny" he cried using the sword to draw a circle forming a golden gate that revolved a few times before opening. The guardian digimon backed up and the angels flew higher into the air as to avoid the powerful pull of the portal they had created. The portal's pull was strong oblivious to Arukenimon screams and she was drug along the ground before becoming the first to be pulled into the golden depths. Mummymon saw her go in and just let go of the branch he was holding onto "I'm coming my love" were his final words before he was swallowed whole.
Only Okauwa remained his muscles tense from holding the boulder just before the brothers. He could feel his fingers slowly slipping as the pull began to intensify his darkness like a beacon in the night for the righteous light to hunt down. He turned to address TK who was huddled with Kari just a few feet away from him behind a tree. The young blonde held her to his chest cradling her head from the wind not allowing her to see any carnage should it come. "I will be back" he swore his eyes locking with Takeru's for the last time "mark my words your blood and the blood of your family will bathe my hands". He lost his grip on the granite rock and soared into the portal without a sound.
The gate was satisfied as Okauwa's body passed through the threshold closing up in his wake leaving the digidestined alone in the clearing with their digimon. The digimon sensed that the danger was gone and came back to the ground falling back into their baby forms. The babies crawled to their partner's arms before falling into a deep slumber without a word.
Nancy watched with pride written across her features "You have done well digidestined but know this isn't the last, where there is light there is darkness and where there is good there is evil. Never let it win for even in the darkest of darks light will always shine through". Her features softened even more as she turned to address her sons who were holding Mimi and Kari tight in their arms. "My little angels, you have grown so much and I couldn't be prouder. Know I love you now and forever…"
Again old memories tore to the surface as TK opened his mouth to beg her not to go only to see her raise her hand before he could speak "Kari is your angel now my son and she will be your light. I will always be with you but now I must return my destiny has been fulfilled". TK nodded in defeat and watched as a pillar of light opened from the heavens bathing her in holy light taking her home once more.
Two days later the bruised, battered, but alive rag tag team sat on the beach watching as the royal armada inched closer. The flags of Kido could be seen flapping in the breeze the signal fire sending plumes of black smoke into the blue sky. Joe let out a small sigh of satisfaction as he realized that their ordeal was over, he would be back safely on his throne by weeks end and his life could return to some sense of normalcy…or could it.
Two of the worlds most wanted criminals were now his allies, the first mate of one the soul mate to his head guard. Two rival bounty hunters were to become family as soon as their siblings found a church, and his digimon guardian had a few hidden secrets of his own, especially the one about growing into a large walrus. So finally he had to ask the nagging question, after all he was the king "What now?"
Eleven pairs of eyes left the ships to look at him with different reactions ranging from confusion to sorrow. "I mean we can't go back to our old lives, you all heard the angel we are the digidestined bound to fight side by side to save the world, and a hard feat to master when we are all trying to kill and or kidnap each other" he continued his dark eyes now pleading for an answer.
Again silence filled the air with Izzy the first to speak "Well if my memory serves me true I do remember a certain king interested in my pursuit of knowledge who also happens to have a first mate trained in the ancient art of kendo, a fine asset to any army". Mimi too joined the train of thought "I haven't raided every merchant ship with fabric on it for nothing, I am a skilled seamstress and can give his majesty and his court the finest clothes in the land". A gentle smile adorned her face as she saw the look of shock that flashed across Matt's "What you thought that I would pillage ships all my life, I did have a retirement plan".
Matt kissed her playfully "I guess I have no one to chase" he said after releasing her. "That makes two of us" Tai said, "that means that his highness is going to get some new neighbors". Joe laughed adjusting his still sleeping digimon "Well I guess that settles it" he said putting his hand in the center of the circle "from now until my last breath" he vowed. "To my last breath" the other vowed their crests lighting up in unison the beams of light joining above the hands creating the bond that would never be broken.
Just as Joe had predicted to himself they had arrived safely home at the end of the week and as the sun set on their second day home the town square was a bustle with activity. The people of Kido had been overjoyed when their king came back to them alive and with the news that the threat of Okauwa had bee dealt with for good. For years they had dealt with the fear of the darkness would overtake them one day and now that fear was gone.
Those who had helped the king were welcomed to the kingdom with open arms, their pasts disregarded just as if they had blown away in the wind. The people had put together a grand celebration in the hours after they came ashore. Wine flowed freely in the streets and music filled the air only adding to the merriment leaving everyone dancing in the streets. In the thick of it were the newly united heroes bounding along with the music their laughter mingling with the people.
TK spun Kari around in his arms holding her just above the ground as he did getting her to cry out with delight roping her hands around his neck. The pair had been literally inseparable since the island neither on willing to leave the other for seconds at most. Now after they had a chance to rest they openly displayed their love without fear. Yet the two seemed to take on a holy air after the crests had taken hold, an air of awesome power hovering over them at all times. While none of the digidestined had asked if anything was different, knowing the answer already.
They had once again clad themselves in white only adding to their holy air. TK's golden hair shimmered in the fading light with Kari's dress flowing around her as they moved making her look like an angel in flight. He let her down and pulled his lips to hers relishing the feel, the scent of her perfume, and her light touch. Her hands linked around his neck pulling him closer to her. Kari wanted to sigh with happiness as his hands caressed her back. Breaking away he cradled her face tenderly "I love you," he said softly even though the fiddles notes filled the air. She smiled wider in response snuggling into his chest hearing her brother's voice enter their little world.
"Then why don't you marry her?" Tai demanded with a stern look in his eyes yet the smile on his lips betrayed his intension. Sora too only added to the situation beaming from Tai's arm. Kari's chocolate eyes lit up with happiness "Really?" she asked excited clutching her loves hands tighter knowing he was thinking the same thing "You'll give your blessing?" she asked one more time just to be sure. The now ex bounty hunter stepped forward pulling her from TK's arms momentarily to give her a hug "You heard his mother you are his angel now".
Kari hugged him back and gave Sora a quick one too "Thank you" she said before turning and jumping into Takeru's arms both letting out cries of happiness returning to their embrace. While the pair once again went into their world Sora held her glowing crest up high for the others to see. Despite what one might have thought both Matt and Tai were behind the marriage, especially seeing how much the two meant to each other. So on the journey home they had plotted with the other digidestined arranging a little surprise to make up for their past misdeeds.
Ken and Yolei emerged through the crowds first hands resting on the hilts of their swords leading Joe safely through the crowd. In the kings wake came Izzy carrying a large dust covered book Cody as always at his side with a small pile of scrolls filling his arms. The light dancing music turned into a wedding marching as Mimi herself picked up a harp and gently plucked its strings allowing its soft music to fill the courtyard. Matt arrived seconds later breaking their embrace to lead TK to the front of the courtyard where Joe had placed himself. Davis stood off to the side in the thick of the crowd willing to support his friends yet aching inside as he lost her forever. Finally the digimon appeared pushing their way through the now quiet crowd forming an aisle for Kari to walk down.
Tai took is precious sisters arm leading her down the broken path led by Patamon and Gatomon the harp's music cresendoing with every step they took. Matt held his gave his brother one last hug looking into his brother's eyes "You know they are both very proud of you" he said fondly "I'm proud of you". The younger fought to hold back tears "And I you, you were the one who got me here; Okauwa and others like him would have finished me off years ago if it weren't for you".
Now it was the elder's turn to hold back tears "And I would have been lost without my beacon of hope, Takeru you kept me going after we lost mom and then a reason to stop all those madmen sailing the seas. I will always be there for you…always". TK leapt into his brother's arms once again just as he had done when he was eight knowing his love for Kari was pure and true, but his love for Matt was only the love brothers could share.
"Your bride is coming" Matt said letting him go allowing TK to behold his bride. Although she hadn't changed her clothes or hair there was something about her that took the bearer of Hope's breath away. The sun had was setting behind her casting a pink halo around her body her eyes sparkling with happiness as his hand closed around hers. All twelve crests lit up when they did as if the ancients were giving their blessing.
Joe waited for the crowd to become fully quiet and Mimi to stop playing before he began to speak "My people I first want to thank you for the outpouring of support you have exhibited over the past few days and you must know that is touches me to the bottom of my heart. I understand that none of you had a wedding planned as part of the celebration but it is the least you can do for the two who saved us all. If it wasn't for their love we wouldn't have all come together and Okauwa would have been your ruler right now. So as my first duty back as your ruler I'm going unite the hope and light of our land". Cheers erupted from the crowd, as the citizens somehow knew how right it was.
Tai held Sora in his arms as the carriage containing his sister and brother in law rode down the cobblestone street toward the manor the king had set up for them. He had in truth set one up for each of the digidestined enabling them to stay together. He watched until the carriage was out of sight before he leaned down to kiss Sora lightly on the cheek "I'm sorry" he said quietly.
The bearer of Love turned around with confusion written across her features "For what?" Tai hung his head in shame before getting down on one knee "For letting you go, you were right about Takeru and I didn't listen and almost lost you because of it. I've seen how Izzy looks at you, it's the same way TK looks at Kari so if you want to be with him I understand".
A gentle laugh escaped Sora's lips and she also kneeled to come face to face with Tai "Taichi while I'm forever grateful for what Izzy did and how he treated me he isn't you. You are my soul mate and my one true love every second I was away from you it was like a knife through my heard, every kiss that TK and Kari shared nearly reduced me to tears because I hadn't touched your lips for a day. I know that you thought you were protecting Kari and part of me loves you for that I merely just put myself in her place that's why I left…I never will again though". The surrounding torches flickered in her eyes casting her spell over Tai. His hands moved around her waist and his head down "I don't deserve you" he said letting his own tears fall before he gratefully took her lips.
The kiss was sweeter than the ones they had shared before, this one hiding no secrets or hidden fears. Her hands played with his hair as she truly realized just how much she nearly lost. He too knew what he had nearly lost and was grateful for whatever power was responsible for bringing her back to him. It was with that thought he deepened the kiss pulling her closer hearing her gasp in surprise but not hesitate to reciprocate his action moving her hands from his hair to his chest her hands easing the tenseness that had resided there since their ordeal had began. Her hands always had that affect on him, her kisses able to chase his fears away. And he never wanted to be afraid again.
Carefully he picked her up, unwilling to break their embrace walking to Joe who still stood up on the podium signing the last of the wedding papers. Step by step he walked never letting up the fire he had created with his love afraid to extinguish it knowing the cold feeling to follow would be unbearable. Finally he came to the top setting Sora down regrettably letting go to address the king "Joe I couldn't trouble you for another ceremony could I?" Tai asked catching his breath as he spoke a huge smile across his face. Sora let out a cry searching his face for a few moments before kissing his again starting the boy with the feverity.
The king looked up with his own smile "I guess I could fit you in" he said in the haughty voice he had become so good at when he was teasing his friends. He picked up the book opening it "Dearly beloved…" The remaining digidestined again gathered around the couple, the king taking note of the two remaining couples cuddling each other as he spoke; this wasn't going to be the last wedding he performed today.
Tai wasn't the only one watching the carriage ride away into the starry night; Davis stood on the tower wall watching until he could see the carriage no more. Tears rolled down his cheeks once more with no solace coming from the fact that Kari was finally happy. His mind flashed back to the church and how she had been on the verge of hysterics at the thought of marrying him. 'Why?' he questioned mentally asking for answers.
Then to his surprise he got an answer 'Hope is light, light is hope you can't have one without the other' a gentle voice echoed in his mind. 'But I love her' he stated this time bitterly 'doesn't anyone care about my happiness'. 'Of course child but light was not the one you were destined for'. Davis really couldn't believe he was arguing with a voice in his head but it was giving him the answers no one else would 'She is the one' he thought stubbornly his crest glowing for the briefest of moments "I will wait as long as it takes" he said out loud the angelic voice answering for the last time 'I assure you that you will find the happiness Takeru and Hikari has…you just need to give it time'. Davis finally nodded in decent the voice somehow easing his pain and giving him hope; so refreshed and relived he left to find some of the others.
Even after Davis had left the power of his crest moved across the miles, over the castle, ocean, finally coming to the island they had just escaped from. The pinprick of light soared through the trees until it came to the small clearing where the battle with evil had been decided. High above the ground it stopped swirling around impatiently eventually finding the exact spot where the Gate of Destiny had once been, the light grew bright for the briefest of moments bringing the shadow of the gate back to life.
When the faint outline was visible the outer rim began to turn and the door opened…
Kari slowly came to her senses as the sun peeked through the windows of their new home bringing her out of her happy slumber. She had just had the most remarkable dream and was afraid to wake from it. In her dream she had found true happiness and been allowed to marry the one she truly loved, Takeru. Soft breath on her neck brought her truly awake and aware her dream was reality.
Takeru was against her back his arms wrapped around her body his hand resting on her stomach his face against her neck tickling her with every breath. She snuggled into his warm body feeling his arms hold her tighter and his lips move to her ear "I was wondering when you were going to get up" he purred kissing her ear moving to her neck slowly. She giggled happily "Just how long have you been up?" she questioned.
"Since dawn" he said between the kisses "watching my angel sleep…I'd never thought you could look more beautiful than when I first saw you, I was wrong". She rolled over to meet his eyes that were glittering with his own happiness. "Really?" she questioned playfully nipping at his lips getting her answer when he pulled back looking deeply into her eyes; kissing her tenderly and deeply only pausing to answer her question "Really".
The new masters of the manor used the beginning of their day to acquaint themselves with their new home learning every nook and cranny. It was over breakfast that a sudden thought hit TK like a ton of bricks "I left the horse outside" he said laughing at himself remembering the night before. They had taken the carriage the king had provided them just as far as the cutoff road to their manor. Once there they allowed their drive to return to the celebration opting to take one of the horses and ride the rest of the way together.
The horse they had borrowed was pure white, just like the one TK had used to rescue her from the church. They rode in silence watching the stars twinkle above them wrapped in each other's warmth. Upon arriving at the lit but empty house they left their steed tied to the rail leading up to the manor.
"Then I hope he enjoyed sleeping under the stars," Kari said setting the dishes in the basin "now you go out there and out him in the stables while I find a book for you to read to me in front of the beautiful fireplace in the parlor. The blonde needed no further encouragemeant kissing her quickly before disappearing though the door and down the steps.
Kari smiled as she watched him go the crest on her chest glowing warmly making her think of her partner back at the castle ready to start training with Ken and Yolei. The two had insisted that the digimon learn to work as a unit, especially Gatomon and Patamon for they seemed to posses the most power. Sending a happy thought to her friend she finished gathering the dishes and made her way through the lavish halls to where the library was. Joe certainly spared no expense for the house; everything from the carving to the molding to the dishes were the finest quality in all the land.
"I must thank him" she said happily entering the library looking at the bookcases lining all the walls, it would taken them years to get through all of them and she didn't mind that one little bit. Her eyes went to the rows her fingers delicately running them along the spines her eyes scanning for something that caught her interest. Her attention being on the books she didn't hear the window open or the curtains part as a gray hand parted the silky fabric.
Ice blue eyes watched the bearer of light quietly licking his lips with anticipation. Moving like the night me made his way across the room his footsteps not making a sound as his boots hit the wooden floor. Her back was to him unaware of his presence, yet. Picking up his speed he threw aside his cape the flap of the velvet finally getting her to turn.
Love was the first thing getting and evil grin to cross his features when the love melted into terror he mouth opening to scream. The intruder muffled the scream before it could pass her lips. "Lost your hope little light" the sinister voice asked her loving the feel of her tears "but don't fear he will be back and you will get to see him one last time before I rip out his heart". A desperate scream was muffled against his hand this time and he pushed forward out the door towards the parlor he wanted to see the look on Takeru's face when he walked through the door.
TK bounded up the stairs leading into the house eager to get back to his new bride. Upon clearing the threshold his happiness vanished and fear enveloped his heart, something was terribly wrong and he found himself wishing Patamon and Gatomon weren't at the castle. "Kari" he called a waver in his voice already knowing he wouldn't get an answer "Kari please answer me" he cried desperately again.
Panic was taking hold threatening to overwhelm in his body and he took off running as fast as he could toward the parlor grabbing one of the swords lining the wall of the main hall. The silver blade burst to life in his hand with a golden fire licking off the blade responding to TK's power, feeding off of his love, fear, and hope. The stench of evil grew stronger with every step the tears now making their appearance. The doors leading to the parlor were closed and the blonde swore he could see black light seeping out from under the door.
Taking a steadying breath he positioned himself in front of the door before leaping into the air and kicking the oak door open. Splinters of wooded scatted through the halls and the crash shattered the silence. TK looked into the room and let out a cry of horror. Kari was in the center of the room bound and gagged to one of the wooden chairs. Tears streamed from her eyes and her mind screamed for him to run, shocked when his gentle voice answered her thoughts "Everything will be okay" he soothed his eyes becoming hard searching for the one who had attacked his beloved.
I know you're here so come out," he shouted taking measured steps toward his love his first priority being to get her out. He was greeted by a cruel laugh and a living shadow appeared behind Kari putting its hideous hand on her shoulder possessively "Hello to you too Takeru". TK narrowed his eyes and moved forward once more "Who are you and what do you want?" he demanded twirling his sword around twice getting a feel for the new weapon testing its weight.
The intruder pulled off his hood revealing a familiar face to both the digidestined although the other didn't know it yet. "Okauwa" TK hissed bringing his sword forward sharply leveling it at his throat while his head spun. Although it had Okauwa's face horns were growing from his head and his eyes were now ice blue, piercing his very soul. Okauwa's size had also increase and fangs grew in place of teeth giving him the vague look of a vampire.
"Your only half right my boy" Okauwa purred, "My other half is known as Myotismon, someone another holy warrior killed long ago". Kari screamed again struggling to turn around and see his face to confirm her worst nightmare but her ropes held firm. TK looked at her with pleading eyes desperate to know what she did and clearing her thoughts she sent a reply 'One of my ancestors drove a stake through his heart years ago, but I didn't know they were holy warriors'.
No more words were needed "Your dead" TK said bluntly taking another step forward tensing his muscles readying for battle. "You think a little thing like death could stop me from going what my master has asked me" Okauwa said another voice underlying his own "And to think you thought you had killed the darkness back on the island. The darkness is everywhere and it got that little burst of perseverance to break free from the holy prison we had been sealed in. Tonight you die little hope and do you want to know what I'm going to do with your beloved here" he taunted seeing a flash of anger "master wants her…can you imagine light will bring the pure power of darkness into this world".
That was the final straw and TK leapt into a battle cry worthy of Kahn himself. The blonde darted forward with inhuman speed swinging his sword around in a deadly arch aimed right for Okauwa's head. The beast hadn't been expecting this expecting that he would never risk hurting Kari and underestimating his sword skills. He barely had time to pull his sword out and save his head before TK reversed his momentum getting the sword back around and at a downward angle aimed at his knees.
Okauwa was forced to jump back giving him a few seconds to gather his thoughts and ready his own attack. The golden flames coming from his opponents sword was a little unnerving the demon hadn't let him in that TK had that little talent. He was forced to call upon his own inner power willing his blade to show his soul; turning his pitch black with the blood red flames from the depths of hell itself. Now that he was gathered he could dispatch the boy and get the girl back to his master before it was time for dinner.
With those thoughts fueling his movements he went on the offensive begging with a ferocious slash at the hilt of the boys sword intending to knock it away. Takeru saw this coming firming up his hold on the hilt deciding to take the hit. As the dark flames hit his own both blades hissed with hate as holy hit evil the clash getting sparks to flash across the floor and the flames to burn even brighter.
Although the flash was blinding neither fighter was affected TK using it as a window to get a quick shot in. The move was quick and not intended to kill, which is why Okauwa wasn't concerned his concern skyrocketing when the golden blade slid down his own entering his arms slicing into without effort. Okauwa screamed as pure holy power touched his body scorching him to his very soul. TK took a step back looking at his work catching his breath the black blood soaking his white shirt and dripping onto the wood floor.
Pure hatred now resided in the beasts eyes as he let out an animalistic howl charging TK head first his own blade forward his injured arm bundled in his cloak trying to let the dark power to heal it before the battle was over. The bearer of hope parried with him settling into a comfortable pace of parrying back and forth seeming to get a handle on his strategy.
For what seemed like hours they went back and forth neither one gaining the advantage or doing any critical damage. It was then that Takeru felt he had enough knowledge to get through the window. Okauwa was holding his injured arm within the folds of his cloak leaving him off balance when he swung for TK's head. So all he had to do was get Okauwa to swing at him and follow up into the hole that was created. Takeru faked a lapse in his defense leaving his neck unguarded for a meager few seconds getting a physical and mental scream from Kari.
Okauwa saw the opening too and let out a triumphant cry spinning his body around in order to gain momentum, giving his sword enough power to take TK's head off. The black flames reached out hungrily to devour the source of holy light, wanting to kill it before it killed him. The flames burned the tender flesh of TK's neck but the blade never hit its target. Takeru used the flames as a signal to drop down and his glistening blade forward into Okauwa's stomach. Now the golden flames licked at the evil seeking it out determined to obliterate it.
The beast fell to his knees in a silent scream just as Nancy had years ago giving Takeru the sense of closure he so desperately needed. The golden flames disappeared when TK pulled the sword out its power no longer needed knowing the evil was beaten. TK left Okauwa on his knees and ran to Kari's side cutting the ropes freeing her taking her into his arms in one swoop. A sense of peace filled his soul feeling her safe in his arms again "He didn't hurt you did he?" TK asked still holding her.
She shook her head snuggling into his arms before pulling away and looking at the fallen intruder. Okauwa's eyes were fading as death was coming the holy fire that had dealt the fatal blow preventing his soul from returning to its master "I am not the last" he gasped though the pain looking at them with all the hate he could muster in his final moments "Neither of you will ever be safe because the power running through her veins reeks of everything holy, and my master will take what is holy and make it what he wants…he will come for you and all you hold dear" death finally over took him and his threats grew silent as his body dissolved into tiny bits fading into thin air leaving the newly dubbed holy warriors alone once more.
"Was he telling the truth?" Kari asked seeking the safety of his arms again; Okauwa's touch still lingered making her feel cold where his fingers had once been. TK again read her mind running his hands over her shoulders and face lovingly chasing the last of the evil away. "I don't know but I just know the evil is gone for now and you are safe that's all that matters" he cooed kissing her lightly "but never the less I think the digimon will be in a panic and Matt and Tai will be here any…" pounding footsteps in the hall finished his statement.
Matt, Tai, the digimon, and the rest of the digidestined piled through the door swords drawn and crests glowing ready for battle. "You're a little late" Kari said amused settling against TK's chest rubbing his arms.
Matt fought to catch his breath in order to get a question out "Mother appeared to all of us saying you were in danger, what happened?"
"Okauwa merged with something and came back on behalf of his master" TK said looking to Davis "he said he got a touch of perseverance to free him and came after Kari". Davis hung his head knowing that the blonde wasn't being accusing just informative on how powerful the crests really were. No one else knew what he had meant their attention on the monster "But he's gone for good this time".
Izzy looked around the room seeing the singe marks on the wall and the burns on TK's neck knowing that the deeper powers within the two had been released "Your mother said that if you killed the monster all would be well…and since you are still alive I assume you succeeded".
The pair nodded in unison "But he won't be the last so we must embrace the peace that has been created for one day we will be needed once more" Kari said a glassy look seeping over her eyes for the seconds she spoke. All but TK seemed taken back by this letting it pass as part of her powers. The two led the way out of the room ready to offer them drinks and explain everything in detail the smiles adoring their faces knowing that they had beaten back the first wave of darkness ready to embrace the peace even if it was temporary.
The End
A/N: I know I left the ending way open but I wanted to just in case you guys wanted a sequel, so if you want one be sure to let me know. As I asked before please review and tell me what you think and if you do have suggestions for the sequel put them in I always love to hear what my readers want. I do have another story rolling around in my head as well as raines project (I didn't forget about it). So until next time!
