Once the school bell rang, Yolie hurried towards the computer room. Every other day, she and the other Digi-Destined would travel to the Digital World. Since Ken was no longer the Digimon Emperor, the kids were more comfortable about traveling. Lady Sinister had been a problem, but the kids were certain that she was gone for good.
"Hey Yolie!" Davis called as he hurried down the stairs. On the second to last step he tripped and fell flat on his face. "Stupid step!" He snarled as he got up.
Yolie tried to cover a giggle. Every day Davis tripped on the same step!
"Its not funny!" He growled.
"Where are the others?" Yolie asked as she pointed to the empty computer room. "Aren't we going to the Digital World?"
Davis shook his head. "Nope. We're going to have a meeting at the park instead."
Yolie frowned. "How come you know and I don't?"
Davis looked proud of himself. "Because I pay attention!"
"Is Ken coming?" Yolie asked as she followed Davis outside.
"That I know of."
* * * * * * Ken smiled as his friend Jay Jay danced for joy in the hallway after school. "I can't wait to get out of this stuffy uniform! Are you going to soccer practice?"
Ken rose an eyebrow. "That was today?"
Jay Jay nodded. "Its last minute I know. Coach won't get mad if some don't show up. Well, are you comin'?"
Ken shook his head. "Sorry, but I have other plans."
"Oh, okay, I'll make an excuse for you."
Ken sighed in exasperation. "The last time you did that you said my goldfish died and I was holding a furneal for it! Just tell him I have other plans okay?"
"Whatever you say," Jay Jay said.
Ken shook his head wryly as he walked out of the school. It was a beautiful day outside. I wonder if Aleida will be there, Ken briefly wondered. At this, he paused and looked all around him at the busy streets of Tokyo. I sure haven't seen Aleida for a while...I hope she's okay. Why didn't she want to be a Digi-Destined? He knew his best friend pretty well, but her refusal was still a mystery to him.
"Ken Ichijouji!" A familiar voice demanded behind him. "Might I have a word with you?"
Ken slowly turned to see Aleida's mother. She had her hands on her hips and she looked very angry. "What kind of sleepover lasts for 3 days?!"
"Huh?" He asked in confusion. "I'm sorry Mrs. Katomi, but I haven't a clue what you're talking about."
"I know you two are best friends, but this is going too far!"
Ken struggled to be polite. "Aleida didn't spend the night at my house. In fact, I haven't seen her in three days!"
Mrs. Katomi's anger left in an instant. "You haven't seen her?"
Ken nodded.
Tears started to form in her eyes. "Then that must mean...She's run away!"
* * * * * * "We're camping?!" Willis's older sister exclaimed. "That's great!"
Willis looked just the opposite. Speak for yourself! "Mom," he said trying to talk some sense into her. "Why are we going camping in the fall? Its cold!"
His mother wasn't falling for it. "Perhaps this way you can make some real friends and not spend all your time with stuffed animals."
Willis blushed. He knew the stuffed animals she was refering to were his twin digimon Lopmon and Terriermon, but he didn't bother to correct her. He knew that if he tried, she'd insist he had been playing too many video games.
"You might as well pack," his mother said. "We leave in two hours."
Willis stamped down the hall in anger into his room.
"Hey Willis," his sister called from the doorway. "You'd better get a bigger suitcase."
He was puzzled. "What for?"
"We wouldn't want your precious toys crushed!"
He blushed and threw his pillow at her.
* * * * * * Kyoto at last! Aleida thought as she continued to walk down the street. She wore her hair down and put a gray snow hat on top. She also had a dark orange shirt and a white long-sleeve shirt underneath. She even had a pair of gray shorts. She was aching to put her hair up in the traditional ponytails, but she couldn't risk it. It had been 3 days since she lied to her mom about spending the night at Ken's house. She felt guilty about that, but at least no one would bother her about joining the Digi-Destined.
"Do you know where to go from here?" Her digimon Risimon asked from her perch on her shoulder.
Aleida glared at her. "If you keep talking, I'll put you pack in the backpack!"
Risimon cringed as Aleida approached the crosswalk.
She sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way."
A little blonde haired girl eyed them suspiously and tugged on her mother's hand. "Mommy! That girl talked to her toy and it talked back!"
Aleida froze. Oh no! I hope her mother doesn't believe her!
"Nonsense," her mother said, trying to calm her down. "You know that toys can't talk." She chuckled and looked at Aleida. "Please excuse her, she tends to tell tall tales."
Aleida forced a smile. "No problem."
Her heart leaped for joy as the walk sign indicated that it was okay to cross. As she crossed she heard the little girl crying. "I'm not lying Mommy! It did talk! It did!"
Aleida glared at Risimon who smiled nervously. "Oops!"
* * * * * * "Hey! Ken!" Davis exclaimed as he saw him finally arrive for the meeting. He paused as he noticed how distrubed Ken looked. "Are you all right? You look like you lost your best friend."
Ken sighed. "Its quite possible."
"What are you talking about?" T.K. asked.
"I just spoke with Aleida's mother, and she says she hasn't seen her. The last time she saw her was 3 days ago when we broke the spell Lady Sinister put her in."
"Hmm," T.K. said thoughtfully. "You walked her home right?"
Ken nodded.
"Well? What was she like? Was she acting strange?"
"She was now that you mention it," Ken admitted. "She told me that she didn't want to be a member of the team. She seemed really scared about the whole thing."
"She doesn't want to be a Digi-Destined?" Kari asked in confusion. "What for?"
Ken shrugged. "I wish I knew. She wouldn't tell me because it seemed too personal to her."
"I guess we never stopped to think what effect it had on her," Cody mused as he sat in front of the tree.
"What are you talking about Cody?" Ken asked.
"Well, maybe being the Digimon Emperess made her feel insecure," Cody pointed out. "She felt that she was a danger to us all, perhaps even to herself."
"But we broke the spell---" Davis started.
"No Davis," Ken interrupted sternly. "She broke it herself."
The others gasped. "She did?"
He nodded firmly. "I was there. Come on."
"Where are we going?" Davis asked.
"We've got the to tell the others," he said. "We'd better find her and soon."
"What?"
Ken didn't answer because even he didn't know himself! I don't know why I feel so pressured to find her. Could it be that I have some connection to her?
* * * * * * Willis covered his ears as his family started singing camp songs in the car. Unfortunately for him, he was sitting next to his sister who sang the loudest...as well as the worst. This is definately the worst part!
Lopmon and Terriermon was sitting in a duffel bag at his feet. Lopmon noticed what was doing on. "I don't think Willis likes his family," he whispered to his twin.
"Its not that," Terriermon insisted. "He just hates their singing."
When they finally finished, Willis got out his lap top computer that was similiar to Izzy's.
"What are you doing?" His sister asked as she looked over his shoulder.
"Emailing Izzy," he said in irritation. "You mind?"
"Man are you grumpy!" She remarked, but turned away.
Willis sighed in relief and opened up his email account. He had one message from Izzy and opened it.
Greetings old friend. I'm afraid that I do not have good news to report. A friend of ours, Aleida Katomi, has run away. The reason why we must find her soon is because just recently, she was turned evil by Lady Sinister. We're afraid that she will now hunt Aleida down and continue on with her evil plans. The others believe that Lady Sinister is dead, but I honestly think otherwise. Evil never dies so easily. She was last seen in Kyoto which is in your general area, so please an eye out for her.
Your Friend,
Izzy Izumi
Hmm, Willis thought to himself. Why does that name sound so familiar?
* * * * * * Katra Katomi sat on her bed and stared at her digivice. It was glowing again. What's going on? Why is it reacting? I can't help but feel that Aleida needs my help...but why? She put it in her pocket and got her shoes on. I'll have to ask Ken. He might know what's up. She left a note on the table for her Dad and hurried out the door. She appeared normal to anyone. She had chocolate brown eyes, basic jeans, a red shirt with a heart in the center and a gray long-sleeved shirt underneath. The only different thing about her was her hair. It was short ice-blue and was pulled into one pony-tail on one side of her head. She guessed that Ken was in the soccer field for practice. She found one of his friends Jay Jay who had short spiky red hair.
"Is Ken here?" She asked short of breath.
"Nope," Jay Jay said as he held the ball in his hands. "He said he had other plans." "Thanks," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. She headed for the park. Why don't boy's just stay in one place? She looked around, but couldn't see him. Her fists shook in frustration. Her friend could be in danger and she needed to know for sure! "Darn you Ken!' She yelled to no one in particular.
"So what did I do now?"
She blushed and turned to see Ken standing behind her! She laughed nervously. "Sorry about that," she said, still red.
"Its okay," he assured her. "Did you want to see me for something?"
She plopped down on a bench and sighed as he sat by her side. She took out her digivice and looked at it.
Ken gasped. "You have one? Then that means---"
"I'm a DigiDestined?" Katra asked softly. "Yes. My Digivice has been acting strangely lately. Have you other DigiDestined been having the same problem?"
He frowned. "How did you know I was a DigiDestined?"
"Aleida told me."
"You know her?" Ken asked in surprise.
Katra nodded. "She's my cousin."
"But how---"
"There's no time for this!" She cut him off. "I keep feeling like Aleida needs my help and I need to know if she's all right. You see her more often than I do."
"Well, she's run away." He paused. "Wait a second...you mean you can sense whenever Aleida is in trouble?"
Katra nodded.
Ken stood up. "There's a meeting at Izzy's house. I think you should attend it."
* * * * * * "Willis?" Lopmon asked as he walked by his side in the forest. "Where are we going?"
"I'm not sure," Willis admitted. "But we need to find that lost DigiDestined."
"What is she doesn't want to be found?" Terriermon asked as he relaxed in his arms.
Willis paused and looked off to the distance. "She does. I should know. I've been alone for so long---"
Lopmon's ear's pricked. "I hear something..."
Suddenly, Aleida burst through the bushes with Risimon at her heels. In the distance, a tiny ball of light was following. She was concentrating on it, and she accidentally ran into Willis. She fell backwards to the ground.
"You all right?" Willis asked as he helped her to her feet.
"Yeah," she said as she dusted dirt off her pants. "Sorry about that. I guess I didn't see it."
Terriermon circled around Risimon. "You're a digimon aren't you?"
Willis glanced at Aleida suspiously. "You're a DigiDestined aren't you?"
Aleida turned red.
"You're Aleida Katomi aren't you?" He asked. She didn't answer, but he expression gave it away. "The others are worried about you."
To his surprise she folded her arms and frowned bitterly. "So? I don't care what they say! I'm not going back!"
"Why did you run away?"
She calmed down and looked away. "Its rather personal..."
"I know how you feel," he said softly and took a seat on the ground. He patted the ground beside him and she sat down. "When I was younger, I was always alone. I was a genius, but that didn't make up for my lack of friends. I only had Lopmon and Terriermon for company. I wanted more friends so I created a digimon on the internet. It turned evil and soon I went to Izzy and the others for help."
"I heard this story before," Aleida remarked throughfully. "You're Willis aren't you?"
He nodded. "After it was destroyed, I thought it was over. But somehow the virus tracked me down and took Lopmon away from me."
At this, Lopmon curled into his lap. "Its okay now Willis. I'm here."
Willis smiled and stratched behind his ear. "I know, and I'm glad. I then realized that running away only made things worse. If I had looked for help, I wouldn't have been so alone."
Aleida stood up and walked a short distance away. "You may be right, but this is the only way I can break free."
Willis followed her. "Free of what?"
Aleida shivered. "This girl comes into my dreams. Her message is always the same." She closed her eyes and seemed to relive the dream. A girl her age had her hands clasped in a pray posistion as though pleading with her. Everything was black, except for her eyes which were as green as Aleida's.
"What was her message?" Willis asked with curious interest.
Aleida opened her eyes, the dream vanished. "You must remember who you are."
"And what would the princess do?" A high voice demanded. Willis was surprised to see the ball of light circling her. Aleida blushed and glared at it. "Would she run away? I think not!" The ball finally stopped and the light faded to reveal a fairy with spiky black hair, and a tattered red belly tank top and a matching knee-length skirt. She rolled her keen green eyes. "Some Princess!
Aleida continued to glare at her. "I told you I'm not a Princess!"
The fairy sighed. "And I told you that you don't remember!"
Willis leaned to whisper in Aleida's ear. "Is that what you were running away from?"
Aleida nodded and rubbed her forehead as though she was getting a headache. "Yep, she won't leave me alone!"
The fairy nodded at Willis and turned to bow to him. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dani, personal attendant of Princess Latrina and sent to awaken her."
Aleida groaned. "She's really dreaming!"
Dani glared at her. "Of course, her highness told me that she wouldn't remember but I wasn't expecting this! I'll need to get paid more when this is all over! I have a feeling this will be harder than I thought!"
* * * * * * Ken knocked on Izzy's door and waited.
"You know, I really don't think I should be here," Katra said nervously. "I'm not really a social girl..."
"Nonsense," Ken assured her. "We'll need your help."
The door opened and Izzy poked his head out. "Oh hi Ken, who's your friend?"
"This is Katra, Aleida's cousin. She wants to help."
Izzy smiled. "That's great! Why don't you come in?"
"Thank you," Ken said politely as he entered, Katra reluctantly trailed behind. "Everyone, this is Katra."
Kari smiled. "I know you, you're Aleida's cousin right?"
Katra nodded. She jumped as she heard a high wail pierced the air. She turned to see a boy with brown spiky hair sitting on the floor crying waterfalls. "Why did she run away?"
"That is Davis," Ken said as he followed her gaze. "He's braver than he looks."
"Hmm," Yolei remarked as she checked the internet. "Someone's sent us an email. Its not from Aleida though..."
"Who sent it?" Kari asked as she looked over her shoulder.
"Its says: Long live the Digimon Empress. It was sent from the Digital World."
Ken frowned. "It has to be Lady Sinister and she's kidnapped Aleida again!"
"Huh?" Cody asked. "But she's dead."
Ken shook his head. "I can sense her."
"What are we waiting for?" T.K. demanded. "We've got to go to the Digital World and stop her!"
"Not so fast," Izzy said calmly.
"But we need to stop Lady Sinister before she's started something!" T.K. protested.
"Trust me T.K., if she has a plan in mind, she's all ready started it," Izzy pointed out. "Still, a few of us can go, but the others will stay here and look for Aleida. Any volunteers to go to the Digital World?"
Ken placed a hand on Izzy's shoulder. "Davis, Katra and I will go."
"Is she a DigiDestined?" Izzy asked looking her over.
Ken nodded. "She has a Digivice."
Suddenly, a boy with red spiky hair cut similar to Joe Kido's ran to Izzy's side. He clasped his hands together in a pleading posistion. "I want to go too!"
Izzy sighed. "Sorry, you can't." He pulled his Digivice from his pocket. "You need to have one of these."
The boy frowned and folded his arms across his chest. "Why can't I have one? Is it because I'm not a good enough cousin for you?!"
"I'm sorry Carson. I didn't make the rules."
"Izzy, who's this?" Davis asked.
"Oh, this is my cousin Carson from America," Izzy introduced. "He's staying here with my family until his family finds a home. Now that that's done, the rest of us can leave to look for Aleida."
"We should go interview her mom first," Kari suggested.
"Good idea," Izzy said. "Now Carson, you stay here and make up an excuse if we don't get back on time."
Carson leaned against the wall, scowling. "Whatever!" He frowned as he watched Ken, Katra, and Davis fiddle around with the computer. His eyes widened as they were suddenly sucked into the screen. He quickly frowned once again. That's not fair! Why must they have all the fun? He appraoched the computer with his hands on his hips and cocked his head curiously. I wonder where the Digital World is anyway... He stamped his foot in anger. "I wanna go!"
Suddenly, the computer started to glow. He started to back away in surprise. "On second thought...I don't wanna go!"
Before he could leave the room, a ball of light shot from the computer towards him and bounced off his forehead. Surprised, he fell to the floor. "What was that?!" He yelped as he stood up. The ball of light had settled on the computer desk next to the computer. The light faded to reveal a Digivice. Carson slowly approached it curiously. "Is that what I think it is?" He then grinned and picked it up and cuddled it. "Yes! I got one too!"
* * * * * * Katra led the way through the forest of the Digital World. She suddenly stopped and looked around warily.
"Is something wrong?" Ken asked.
"Someone's coming this way..."
"Hey guys! Wait up for me!" A voice called out.
The three froze. It couldn't be! Unfortunately it was. Carson ran up to their side with a strange snake-like digimon on his shoulders. He proudly showed them his new digivice. "Check it out! I got one too!"
Ken placed a hand on his head as though he had a headache and groaned. "Who isn't a DigiDestined these days?!"
Katra grabbed Carson by his collar and pulled him close. "Do you think this is some sort of game?"
He laughed nervously. "Well, no---"
"Good," she said coolly as she pushed him away. "This is real. Get used to it."
She turned on her heel and continued to walk as though they had not been interrupted.
"Her parents must be army drill sergents," Davis whispered to Ken, who struggled to hold back a smile.
* * * * * * "I hope you don't mind us asking questions," T.K. said as Mrs. Katomi offered them a seat at the table.
"Its all right," she said, holding back tears. "I only hope that my information proves useful. Where should I start?"
"At the beginning," Kari said. "During her childhood."
"When I first went to adopt Aleida---"
"Excuse me for interrupting," T.K. said politely. "You adopted Aleida?"
Mrs. Katomi nodded. "I adopted her when she was six. When I first met her, she was so quiet. The other children either feared of hated her, all because of this strange scar she had on her left hand."
"Aleida has a scar?" T.K. asked. "Could you draw it for us?"
She nodded and left to get a piece of paper and a pencil. She drew a brief sketch. It was a small vertical line a wavy line underneath followed by two more vertical lines. T.K. and Kari glanced at each other. Both recognized it as the mark Lady Sinister had given Aleida when she was the Digimon Empress and to Ken when he was the Digimon Emperor.
"I soon discovered that she had the ability to blow objects away," Mrs. Katomi went on, oblivious to Kari's surprise. "Before she started school, I gave her some special gloves to prevent her from using her strange new power. For many years, nothing was wrong. But lately, every now and then her scar would ache. After that, she busied herself with activities. If she had a problem, she certainly didn't tell me. Three days ago, she didn't return until after dark, saying that soccer practice had lasted longer than usual. She then asked if she could spend the night at Ken's house. That was the last time I saw her."
She then burst into tears. T.K. patted her shoulder reassuringly and handed her a tissue. "Thank you Mrs. Katomi. You've proved to be most helpful."
Once they stepped outside, Kari tapped her chin in thought. "Why would Aleida avoid her own mother?"
T.K. sighed. "I have a feeling that we all want to know that Kari...come on, lets see what the others have found."
I need your help, a strange voice said. Kari paused for a moment to make sure she was really hearing it. Go to the Digital World. Our moment of truth has arrived.
T.K. stopped to see that Kari wasn't following. "Are you all right?"
She had a dazed look on her face as though she was awaking up from a daydream. "I just felt a strange feeling that we're needed in the Digital World..."
* * * * * * Willis had brought Aleida back to his campsite, saying that she was a friend he'd just met. His family welcomed her with open arms and invited her to stay for dinner. Willis's sister quickly noticed that Aleida had a "stuffed animal," and said how much cuter her's was compared to Willis's. Aleida had to hide a smile as Willis blushed.
That night, she stood by Walden Lake alone. Risimon was swapping ghost stories with Terriermon and Lopmon. She gazed out at the water which reflected the full moon. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, relaxing. She got down on her knees and gently placed a finger in the cool water, watching the ripples that started to grow. Willis has a point, she admitted. What do I hope to accomplish? I miss my mom, by now she's on to me. She arose and faced the lake and stretched her arms out wide. "I need to face my fear and destroy it once and for all!" She paused. "But how?"
"This is where I come in," a voice said softly behind her.
Aleida whirled around to see a young woman about 5 inches taller than her. She had hair the same color as Aleida's and the same green eyes. Her hair was up in meatballs which bore the Crest of Loyalty. She had a tank dress than ended out poofy as a tutu and white gloves that went up as high as Kari's. She even had wings on her dress.
Aleida gasped and took a step backward. "Its you again! But...you're real!"
The woman smiled and gently took her hands into her own. "Yes and no."
"I don't understand..."
"I am only a figment of the past," the woman said.
"Why are you here?" Aleida asked. "Why have you been calling me in my dreams?"
The woman giggled. "You're still as curious as a kitten. The Digital World needs your help."
"Mine? But why can't you help?"
"Because I do not truely exist, but I live in you."
Aleida paled. "Then...you...are me?"
The woman nodded. "Come, you must fufill your destiny and learn of your true past."
* * * * * * Katra suddenly shivered.
"What's wrong?" Ken asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder, surprised to feel her tremble.
"Something is not right here!" She said. Before she could say more, long vines shot up from the ground and snaked around her arms and legs.
"Katra!"
She gritted her teeth as she struggled against the vines. "Stay back! Or they'll get you too!"
At that moment, a black hole appeared underneath her and pulled her down, covering her up. Ken stared in shock. "She...disappeared."
Carson started to cry. "I wanna go home!"
"Where did she go?" Davis asked.
"You're friend is over here if you wish to see her one last time!" A familiar voice called out.
"There!" Ken exclaimed as he pointed north. "It coming from over there! Come on guys!" He took off with Carson and Davis on his heels. They came out to a clearing, the same one that Ken had lured Davis into a trap after their soccer match when he was Digimon Emperor. "Where is she?"
"Up there!" Davis pointed up ahead. On the narrow ledge that Ken had used the Bakemon to pose as Davis's friends. She seemed unharmed, but unconcious.
"Who are you?" He asked, looking around who had led them here. "No more games!"
"You DigiDestined are no fun," the voice said sadly. "But if you insist."
A sudden cloud of smoke appeared on the narrow ledge, which quickly evaporated to reveal the last person Ken wanted to see again.
"Lady Sinister?!" Ken gasped as he stepped back.
She smiled deviously. "The one and only. Like the new look?" She gestured to her red cape and eye patch covering her left eye. "I have Aleida to thank for that. I must admit, I was hoping to see her again. Its a shame she's too scared."
"If she's scared, then its all because of you!"
Ken turned to see Kari and T.K. running up to him.
T.K. rose a questioning eyebrow at Carson. "What are you doing here?!"
Carson showed him his Digivice. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Kari felt like we needed to be here."
"Oh," Carson said. "Is she by any chance a Jedi Knight?"
T.K. shook his head, then cocked his head. "What is a Jedi Knight anyway?"
"Perpare to meet your doom DigiDestined!" Lady Sinister said as she held up one arm. Smoke started to form in the palm of her hand. "You're no match for my power! Smoke Surround!"
She hurled the ball of smoke at them, enveloping them in a large cloud of smoke.
"I can't see a thing!" Carson wailed. "No fair!"
"My goggles!" Davis exclaimed. "Where are my goggles!?"
"Ow!" Ken exclaimed. "Who kicked me?"
"Sorry Ken," Kari said. "I can't see where I'm going."
"Well, be more careful then!"
"Where's my hat?" T.K. asked.
Lady Sinister rolled her eyes. "This is just too easy!"
"This ends here and now!"
She moved her gaze to see Aleida staring at her defiantly. The cloud evaporated and the others saw her.
"Aleida!" Lady Sinister said in surprise. "How good of you to join the party. I have a little present for you." She raised both hands in the air, a tiny flame of fire ignited out of thin air. "Sorry I couldn't wrap it! Fire Blast!"
"Aleida!" Ken exclaimed as it hurled at her. "Look out!"
She only had time to take a step backward before the flames surrounded her and started to approach. Her winter hat disappeared in the flames.
"Fairy Magic Destory!"
The flames vanished and Dani rested on Aleida's shoulder. "Dani!" Aleida exclaimed in relief. "Boy am I glad to see you!"
Dani grinned. "You're just saying that!" She glanced down at the ground and pointed. "Look! Its the Rod of Peace! Use it to transform!"
"To what?" Aleida asked cautiously.
"Never mind! Just do it!"
Carson turned to look at his digimon who still was on shoulder. "Vipermon, have you ever heard of the Rod of Peace?"
The digimon nodded. "Of course! Every digimon knows the story! It once belonged to the legendary Princess Latrina. She used it to keep the Digital World safe from all evil. She was defeated by Lady Sinister. No one knows whether she lived or died. Only the Princess can hold it, if you're not her, you instantly die."
Ken gasped. "You...die?" He turned to see Aleida stooping to pick it up. He quickly held her back.
"Ken!" She exclaimed. "What are you doing?!"
"I won't let you do this!" He said firmly.
"Can't you see?" She asked in exasperation. "I am the Princess!"
Ken paused. "What?!"
Dani hovered in front of him. "You've got to let her do this! This is more important that you realize!"
He let her go. "What if she's wrong?"
Aleida looked him straight in the eye. "That's a chance I have to make."
Ken bowed his head in thought. "Just in case you don't make it back..."
He quickly put his arms around her waist so she couldn't escape and drew her in for a kiss.
Davis frowned. "Darn! He beat me to it!"
Carson rolled his eyes. "I hate love stories!"
Ken finally pulled away and ran a hand through her long hair. "Good luck."
She nodded and turned away and started to pick it up. Lady Sinister grinned. "Not so fast..."
Suddenly, Aleida dropped to her knees with a cry of pain. She held her left had to her chest as though it was mortally wounded. Ken knelt down beside her. "Take off you glove so I can see what's wrong."
She slowly took it off. Ken gasped as he saw the scar. "No! It can't be!"
Lady Sinister laughed evilly. "You really think you can beat me? You won fairly last time, but I'm not about to let that happen again! You might as well surrender! I control you!"
Aleida shivered uncontrollably.
Ken took her hand in his. "She's wrong," he said firmly. "She can't control your spirit and love for life. Even when you were the Digimon Empress you broke her control! You can do it again!"
Aleida looked confused. "But she's right---"
"No she isn't!" He growled and pulled her closer. "Listen to me Aleida! You're more powerful than I am! You can do things that I can't! I look up to you!"
Aleida was in shock. "Ken..."
"Do this for me, for the Digital World," he continued. "You can't give up on us!"
She paused for a moment then firmly nodded. "I'll give it my best try."
It was then that Dani felt the presence of someone from the past. She shivered. "Is it just me or has it suddenly gotten cold?"
A wind started to pick up. Ken raised an arm to block the sand from getting into his eyes. "Hurry Aleida! Use the Rod of Peace!"
Aleida snatched it and held it up in the air over her head. "Princess of Harmony return!"
She was suddenly enveloped in a golden bubble. Aleida felt frightened, then felt calm. Why do I feel like I've done this before? She felt herself grow taller and her hair longer. I'm turning into that woman from my dream! She realized. The bubble disappeared and she stood and faced Lady Sinister, the Rod of Peace in her hands. Katra groaned and looked up to see Aleida, who was now Princess Latrina. Why does this look familiar?
Kari eyed Latrina curiously. This reminds me of something...
Davis seemed in love. Dani rose an eyebrow at him. "Get over it buddy! She's all ready been taken."
Davis looked disappointed. "Figures."
Latrina looked at Katra and Kari with a smile. "Seila, Annika...Its good to see old friends." She held out her hand and two pendants appeared. One bore Kari's Crest of Light and Katra's Crest of Truth. "Take these." She threw them to their owners and it landed around their necks and started to glow. Both girls were lifted up off the ground and surrounded by their own golden bubble.
Ken turned to face Dani. "Can you please explain what's going on?"
Dani pointed to the bubble Katra was in. It suddenly burst. Katra had on black and yellow battle armor with her crest on it, two belts, one had a scabbard and she drew a long sword that had her crest on it as well. She had on a marron body suit and black boots that went way past her knee and a royal blue cape. Her green hair was as long as Latrina's and held back from her face by a red headband. "Katra is really Princess Selia, the Protector of Justice." She then turned to point at Kari. She had spiky bangs, a circlet on her forhead and her long brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. She wore a modest dress with pleated sleeves and a wide sash of cloth in place of a belt. "Kari is really Princess Annika, Protector of Peace."
Latrina turned to see Ken and wore a relieved smile. "Knearo! Its great to see you! We can talk later. You must take the others to safety."
Ken bowed. "My name is not Knearo, its Ken. I don't mean to sound rude, but why can't I help?"
She lowered her eyes as though still witnessing a bad nightnare. "I lost you once. I'm not about to do that again. Please do as I ask."
Selia and Annika approached Latrina. She looked at them. "Let's finish this once and for all!"
Lady Sinister folded her arms and looked bored. "Can't you just admit that you don't stand a chance? The problem with you good guys is that you aren't willing to make sacrifices. Observe!" She lifted one hand and hurled Lightening past them. "Lightening Strike!"
Latrina turned to see Ken square in its path. She leaped in the air and held him in arms as she protected him from the danger. Ken watched in admiration as she took the blow for him. She really is Aleida, he thought. She's always willing to protect others, despite the results. She moaned softly and struggled to stand up, weaving a little.
Lady Sinister smirked. "My point exactally."
Selia glared at her. "No one makes fun of my Lady!' She jumped high in the air and drew her sword, pointing it at Lady Sinister. The blade started to glow. "Justice Revolution!"
Annika followed suit and gather a ball of energy in her hands. "Orb of Fate!"
Latrina held her rod in air. "Rod of Peace Activate!"
Lady Sinister held out her hands and blocked both moves. "Hah! You think that will stop me?"
The three regrouped, looking wary. "None of our best attacks are working just like last time!" Selia said in frustration. "What's Plan B?"
Latrina pondered. "Only the Sword of Destiny can stop her now."
Annika looked at Latrina with sympathy. "But it was destroyed by Keanna...wasn't it?"
Suddenly, a flash of light twinkled in the horizon. Everyone turned to see a young girl in her late teens flying towards them. Her shoulder-length spiked black hair was whipping in the wind as well as maroon cape. She had a purple belly shirt with three quarter inch sleeves and matching mini skirt, a sword in its scabbard, and knee length boots. Her green eyes were narrowed at Lady Sinister. Ken was surprised at how his heart leaped to see her. Why would I do that? I don't even know who she is?! Still...she seems awfully familiar...
Lady Sinister was delighted. "What a pleasant surprise! Keanna!" She triumphantly pointed at Latrina. Selia and Annkia instinctively stood in front of her. "Finish them off!"
Keanna folded her arms and glared at Lady Sinister. "You're going down Lady here and now!"
"You wouldn't!" Lady Sinister said in alarm. "You're on my side...aren't you?"
Keanna drew her sword and lunged at her. "Destiny Destroyer!
Lady Sinister was too surprised to move, giving Keanna the advantage. She plunged it deep into her chest. Lady Sinister screamed in anguish as she suddenly dissolved into thin air. She turned to face Latrina and jumped off the cliff edge. Annika and Selia closed around Latrina as she approached them. Annika glanced warily at Latrina. What will the Princess do? Selia glared at Keanna. What's her deal? Why did she help us?
Keanna paused uncertainly when she came within a meter of them.
"Its all right," Latrina said softly to her friends. "I know what I'm doing."
Selia reluctantly stepped aside as well as Annika. Latrina walked towards Keanna and stopped within a few inches. Keanna curtesyed. Latrina smiled and when she arose, she hugged her. Annika and Selia gasped.
"Thanks for giving me a second chance," Keanna said as she cried.
Latrina smiled and stroked her hair. "Mothers are always willing to give a second chance and then some."
Ken was surprised, but also strangely dismayed. "She's a mother?"
Dani nodded. "The Aleida you see now is from the future."
Keanna wiped away her tears and looked around. "Where's dad? I need to give him back his sword."
Latrina turned to glance Ken. "I have a feeling that he's too young to handle one at the time!"
Ken turned bright red. Davis had had enough. "First you're a Princess, now you're married to Ken! I demand an explaination!"
"Sounds fair enough," Latrina admitted. She turned to see Dani at her side. "I'll need you to fill in the blanks Daniesha."
The fairy bowed her head. "As you wish."
"As a Princess, I had to balance out the evil and good forces of the Digital World."
"I thought I recognized your voice!" T.K. exclaimed. "You're the same person who possessed Kari so you could tell us how we were chosen as the DigiDestined. How did you gain a body?"
"You're right about my using Kari. She was the only DigiDestined among you early ones who I could contact. I'll explain later about gaining a body. During the early years of the Digital World, it was ruled seperately. Princess Selia ruled the Mountian area and Princess Annika ruled the Forest area. I ruled the Oceans. A friend of mine introduced me to Knearo, you know him as Ken. After becoming close friends, we eventually married. Through him, I gained the ability to help him govern over the other rulers. At times it was overwhelming, but we managed to pull through. We even had a girl and named her Keanna, which means 'little miracle.' When Keanna was about 18, Lady Sinister started to cause trouble for the Digital World. At one point she kidnapped her and turned her against us. She took the sword from Knearo that was the only way to stop Lady Sinister." Latrina paused to hold back tears. "We all did the best we could to stop her, but without the Sword of Destiny, we didn't stand a chance. Soon only Keanna, Daniesha, Lady Sinister and I survived. Once the battle was over, Lady Sinister left to claim her new kingdom, which was hardly a victory since everything was destoryed during the battle. I didn't notice that Keanna had stayed behind and was watching me mourn over Knearo's death. It was then that she realized what she had done...but it was far too late..." She wiped away her tears and smiled at Dani. "Then Daniesha suggested the idea of sending us all into the past. That way we could have a second chance. This time when we faced Lady Sinister, Keanna could make up for what she did."
Dani nodded. "The plan was very risky. There was the possibility of Latrina and Knearo following in love, which would disrupt the future. Also some thing could happen to either of them." She then looked troubled. "To make matters worse...Lady Sinister found out."
T.K. pondered on this. "So that's why she turned them evil, so they could hate each other."
"It seemed that the opposite effect occured," Davis pointed out. "Instead of hating each other, they grew to care about each other."
Carson looked rather uneasy. "What happens now? Aleida's mom is still waiting for her."
Dani flew over to Keanna. "Here is where we must part. We await for you all in the future..." They slowly began to dissolve into thin air.
Latrina suddenly faded away, turning back into Aleida. She moaned softly and fainted. Ken caught her. Selia and Annika also faded away, but didn't faint once they turned back into their original forms.
Katra came up to her. "Is she going to be okay?"
Ken nodded and held her in his arms like a groom would do to his bride. "It was too much for her."
"I don't blame her," Kari admitted. "She recovered more memories of the past than Katra and I put together!"
Katra softly stroked Aleida's hair. "She went through more than we did."
* * * * * * Aleida was so delighted to see her mom again. She didn't realize just how worried her mom had been and seriously had not meant to worry her. She vowed then and there to never do so again. That night she was sitting outside on the front step, staring at the stars. It reminded her of the night she met Princess Latrina. She still couldn't believe she was such an important a person in the past. She always thought she'd live a boring, but relatively normal life. She heard the front gate creak and looked up to see Ken.
"May I join you?"
She nodded, blushing slightly as she remembered what their future held for them.
"Its great to see you home again. I bet you're mom was estatic."
She nodded. "I think it'll take a while to build up the trust we once had. I now will think twice before telling her a lie." She looked uneasy. "Hey Ken...we're still friends right?"
"Of course," he said, looking at her, surprised. "What made you think otherwise?"
She sighed. "Well, what happened today was really weird. Its not every day that you find out that you're meant to marry your best friend!"
"Yeah, that was little weird," Ken admitted. "But..." He held a flower he had picked from the Digital World in front of her face. "I actually look forward to the day."
To be continued.....
"Hey Yolie!" Davis called as he hurried down the stairs. On the second to last step he tripped and fell flat on his face. "Stupid step!" He snarled as he got up.
Yolie tried to cover a giggle. Every day Davis tripped on the same step!
"Its not funny!" He growled.
"Where are the others?" Yolie asked as she pointed to the empty computer room. "Aren't we going to the Digital World?"
Davis shook his head. "Nope. We're going to have a meeting at the park instead."
Yolie frowned. "How come you know and I don't?"
Davis looked proud of himself. "Because I pay attention!"
"Is Ken coming?" Yolie asked as she followed Davis outside.
"That I know of."
* * * * * * Ken smiled as his friend Jay Jay danced for joy in the hallway after school. "I can't wait to get out of this stuffy uniform! Are you going to soccer practice?"
Ken rose an eyebrow. "That was today?"
Jay Jay nodded. "Its last minute I know. Coach won't get mad if some don't show up. Well, are you comin'?"
Ken shook his head. "Sorry, but I have other plans."
"Oh, okay, I'll make an excuse for you."
Ken sighed in exasperation. "The last time you did that you said my goldfish died and I was holding a furneal for it! Just tell him I have other plans okay?"
"Whatever you say," Jay Jay said.
Ken shook his head wryly as he walked out of the school. It was a beautiful day outside. I wonder if Aleida will be there, Ken briefly wondered. At this, he paused and looked all around him at the busy streets of Tokyo. I sure haven't seen Aleida for a while...I hope she's okay. Why didn't she want to be a Digi-Destined? He knew his best friend pretty well, but her refusal was still a mystery to him.
"Ken Ichijouji!" A familiar voice demanded behind him. "Might I have a word with you?"
Ken slowly turned to see Aleida's mother. She had her hands on her hips and she looked very angry. "What kind of sleepover lasts for 3 days?!"
"Huh?" He asked in confusion. "I'm sorry Mrs. Katomi, but I haven't a clue what you're talking about."
"I know you two are best friends, but this is going too far!"
Ken struggled to be polite. "Aleida didn't spend the night at my house. In fact, I haven't seen her in three days!"
Mrs. Katomi's anger left in an instant. "You haven't seen her?"
Ken nodded.
Tears started to form in her eyes. "Then that must mean...She's run away!"
* * * * * * "We're camping?!" Willis's older sister exclaimed. "That's great!"
Willis looked just the opposite. Speak for yourself! "Mom," he said trying to talk some sense into her. "Why are we going camping in the fall? Its cold!"
His mother wasn't falling for it. "Perhaps this way you can make some real friends and not spend all your time with stuffed animals."
Willis blushed. He knew the stuffed animals she was refering to were his twin digimon Lopmon and Terriermon, but he didn't bother to correct her. He knew that if he tried, she'd insist he had been playing too many video games.
"You might as well pack," his mother said. "We leave in two hours."
Willis stamped down the hall in anger into his room.
"Hey Willis," his sister called from the doorway. "You'd better get a bigger suitcase."
He was puzzled. "What for?"
"We wouldn't want your precious toys crushed!"
He blushed and threw his pillow at her.
* * * * * * Kyoto at last! Aleida thought as she continued to walk down the street. She wore her hair down and put a gray snow hat on top. She also had a dark orange shirt and a white long-sleeve shirt underneath. She even had a pair of gray shorts. She was aching to put her hair up in the traditional ponytails, but she couldn't risk it. It had been 3 days since she lied to her mom about spending the night at Ken's house. She felt guilty about that, but at least no one would bother her about joining the Digi-Destined.
"Do you know where to go from here?" Her digimon Risimon asked from her perch on her shoulder.
Aleida glared at her. "If you keep talking, I'll put you pack in the backpack!"
Risimon cringed as Aleida approached the crosswalk.
She sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way."
A little blonde haired girl eyed them suspiously and tugged on her mother's hand. "Mommy! That girl talked to her toy and it talked back!"
Aleida froze. Oh no! I hope her mother doesn't believe her!
"Nonsense," her mother said, trying to calm her down. "You know that toys can't talk." She chuckled and looked at Aleida. "Please excuse her, she tends to tell tall tales."
Aleida forced a smile. "No problem."
Her heart leaped for joy as the walk sign indicated that it was okay to cross. As she crossed she heard the little girl crying. "I'm not lying Mommy! It did talk! It did!"
Aleida glared at Risimon who smiled nervously. "Oops!"
* * * * * * "Hey! Ken!" Davis exclaimed as he saw him finally arrive for the meeting. He paused as he noticed how distrubed Ken looked. "Are you all right? You look like you lost your best friend."
Ken sighed. "Its quite possible."
"What are you talking about?" T.K. asked.
"I just spoke with Aleida's mother, and she says she hasn't seen her. The last time she saw her was 3 days ago when we broke the spell Lady Sinister put her in."
"Hmm," T.K. said thoughtfully. "You walked her home right?"
Ken nodded.
"Well? What was she like? Was she acting strange?"
"She was now that you mention it," Ken admitted. "She told me that she didn't want to be a member of the team. She seemed really scared about the whole thing."
"She doesn't want to be a Digi-Destined?" Kari asked in confusion. "What for?"
Ken shrugged. "I wish I knew. She wouldn't tell me because it seemed too personal to her."
"I guess we never stopped to think what effect it had on her," Cody mused as he sat in front of the tree.
"What are you talking about Cody?" Ken asked.
"Well, maybe being the Digimon Emperess made her feel insecure," Cody pointed out. "She felt that she was a danger to us all, perhaps even to herself."
"But we broke the spell---" Davis started.
"No Davis," Ken interrupted sternly. "She broke it herself."
The others gasped. "She did?"
He nodded firmly. "I was there. Come on."
"Where are we going?" Davis asked.
"We've got the to tell the others," he said. "We'd better find her and soon."
"What?"
Ken didn't answer because even he didn't know himself! I don't know why I feel so pressured to find her. Could it be that I have some connection to her?
* * * * * * Willis covered his ears as his family started singing camp songs in the car. Unfortunately for him, he was sitting next to his sister who sang the loudest...as well as the worst. This is definately the worst part!
Lopmon and Terriermon was sitting in a duffel bag at his feet. Lopmon noticed what was doing on. "I don't think Willis likes his family," he whispered to his twin.
"Its not that," Terriermon insisted. "He just hates their singing."
When they finally finished, Willis got out his lap top computer that was similiar to Izzy's.
"What are you doing?" His sister asked as she looked over his shoulder.
"Emailing Izzy," he said in irritation. "You mind?"
"Man are you grumpy!" She remarked, but turned away.
Willis sighed in relief and opened up his email account. He had one message from Izzy and opened it.
Greetings old friend. I'm afraid that I do not have good news to report. A friend of ours, Aleida Katomi, has run away. The reason why we must find her soon is because just recently, she was turned evil by Lady Sinister. We're afraid that she will now hunt Aleida down and continue on with her evil plans. The others believe that Lady Sinister is dead, but I honestly think otherwise. Evil never dies so easily. She was last seen in Kyoto which is in your general area, so please an eye out for her.
Your Friend,
Izzy Izumi
Hmm, Willis thought to himself. Why does that name sound so familiar?
* * * * * * Katra Katomi sat on her bed and stared at her digivice. It was glowing again. What's going on? Why is it reacting? I can't help but feel that Aleida needs my help...but why? She put it in her pocket and got her shoes on. I'll have to ask Ken. He might know what's up. She left a note on the table for her Dad and hurried out the door. She appeared normal to anyone. She had chocolate brown eyes, basic jeans, a red shirt with a heart in the center and a gray long-sleeved shirt underneath. The only different thing about her was her hair. It was short ice-blue and was pulled into one pony-tail on one side of her head. She guessed that Ken was in the soccer field for practice. She found one of his friends Jay Jay who had short spiky red hair.
"Is Ken here?" She asked short of breath.
"Nope," Jay Jay said as he held the ball in his hands. "He said he had other plans." "Thanks," she said, trying to hide her disappointment. She headed for the park. Why don't boy's just stay in one place? She looked around, but couldn't see him. Her fists shook in frustration. Her friend could be in danger and she needed to know for sure! "Darn you Ken!' She yelled to no one in particular.
"So what did I do now?"
She blushed and turned to see Ken standing behind her! She laughed nervously. "Sorry about that," she said, still red.
"Its okay," he assured her. "Did you want to see me for something?"
She plopped down on a bench and sighed as he sat by her side. She took out her digivice and looked at it.
Ken gasped. "You have one? Then that means---"
"I'm a DigiDestined?" Katra asked softly. "Yes. My Digivice has been acting strangely lately. Have you other DigiDestined been having the same problem?"
He frowned. "How did you know I was a DigiDestined?"
"Aleida told me."
"You know her?" Ken asked in surprise.
Katra nodded. "She's my cousin."
"But how---"
"There's no time for this!" She cut him off. "I keep feeling like Aleida needs my help and I need to know if she's all right. You see her more often than I do."
"Well, she's run away." He paused. "Wait a second...you mean you can sense whenever Aleida is in trouble?"
Katra nodded.
Ken stood up. "There's a meeting at Izzy's house. I think you should attend it."
* * * * * * "Willis?" Lopmon asked as he walked by his side in the forest. "Where are we going?"
"I'm not sure," Willis admitted. "But we need to find that lost DigiDestined."
"What is she doesn't want to be found?" Terriermon asked as he relaxed in his arms.
Willis paused and looked off to the distance. "She does. I should know. I've been alone for so long---"
Lopmon's ear's pricked. "I hear something..."
Suddenly, Aleida burst through the bushes with Risimon at her heels. In the distance, a tiny ball of light was following. She was concentrating on it, and she accidentally ran into Willis. She fell backwards to the ground.
"You all right?" Willis asked as he helped her to her feet.
"Yeah," she said as she dusted dirt off her pants. "Sorry about that. I guess I didn't see it."
Terriermon circled around Risimon. "You're a digimon aren't you?"
Willis glanced at Aleida suspiously. "You're a DigiDestined aren't you?"
Aleida turned red.
"You're Aleida Katomi aren't you?" He asked. She didn't answer, but he expression gave it away. "The others are worried about you."
To his surprise she folded her arms and frowned bitterly. "So? I don't care what they say! I'm not going back!"
"Why did you run away?"
She calmed down and looked away. "Its rather personal..."
"I know how you feel," he said softly and took a seat on the ground. He patted the ground beside him and she sat down. "When I was younger, I was always alone. I was a genius, but that didn't make up for my lack of friends. I only had Lopmon and Terriermon for company. I wanted more friends so I created a digimon on the internet. It turned evil and soon I went to Izzy and the others for help."
"I heard this story before," Aleida remarked throughfully. "You're Willis aren't you?"
He nodded. "After it was destroyed, I thought it was over. But somehow the virus tracked me down and took Lopmon away from me."
At this, Lopmon curled into his lap. "Its okay now Willis. I'm here."
Willis smiled and stratched behind his ear. "I know, and I'm glad. I then realized that running away only made things worse. If I had looked for help, I wouldn't have been so alone."
Aleida stood up and walked a short distance away. "You may be right, but this is the only way I can break free."
Willis followed her. "Free of what?"
Aleida shivered. "This girl comes into my dreams. Her message is always the same." She closed her eyes and seemed to relive the dream. A girl her age had her hands clasped in a pray posistion as though pleading with her. Everything was black, except for her eyes which were as green as Aleida's.
"What was her message?" Willis asked with curious interest.
Aleida opened her eyes, the dream vanished. "You must remember who you are."
"And what would the princess do?" A high voice demanded. Willis was surprised to see the ball of light circling her. Aleida blushed and glared at it. "Would she run away? I think not!" The ball finally stopped and the light faded to reveal a fairy with spiky black hair, and a tattered red belly tank top and a matching knee-length skirt. She rolled her keen green eyes. "Some Princess!
Aleida continued to glare at her. "I told you I'm not a Princess!"
The fairy sighed. "And I told you that you don't remember!"
Willis leaned to whisper in Aleida's ear. "Is that what you were running away from?"
Aleida nodded and rubbed her forehead as though she was getting a headache. "Yep, she won't leave me alone!"
The fairy nodded at Willis and turned to bow to him. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dani, personal attendant of Princess Latrina and sent to awaken her."
Aleida groaned. "She's really dreaming!"
Dani glared at her. "Of course, her highness told me that she wouldn't remember but I wasn't expecting this! I'll need to get paid more when this is all over! I have a feeling this will be harder than I thought!"
* * * * * * Ken knocked on Izzy's door and waited.
"You know, I really don't think I should be here," Katra said nervously. "I'm not really a social girl..."
"Nonsense," Ken assured her. "We'll need your help."
The door opened and Izzy poked his head out. "Oh hi Ken, who's your friend?"
"This is Katra, Aleida's cousin. She wants to help."
Izzy smiled. "That's great! Why don't you come in?"
"Thank you," Ken said politely as he entered, Katra reluctantly trailed behind. "Everyone, this is Katra."
Kari smiled. "I know you, you're Aleida's cousin right?"
Katra nodded. She jumped as she heard a high wail pierced the air. She turned to see a boy with brown spiky hair sitting on the floor crying waterfalls. "Why did she run away?"
"That is Davis," Ken said as he followed her gaze. "He's braver than he looks."
"Hmm," Yolei remarked as she checked the internet. "Someone's sent us an email. Its not from Aleida though..."
"Who sent it?" Kari asked as she looked over her shoulder.
"Its says: Long live the Digimon Empress. It was sent from the Digital World."
Ken frowned. "It has to be Lady Sinister and she's kidnapped Aleida again!"
"Huh?" Cody asked. "But she's dead."
Ken shook his head. "I can sense her."
"What are we waiting for?" T.K. demanded. "We've got to go to the Digital World and stop her!"
"Not so fast," Izzy said calmly.
"But we need to stop Lady Sinister before she's started something!" T.K. protested.
"Trust me T.K., if she has a plan in mind, she's all ready started it," Izzy pointed out. "Still, a few of us can go, but the others will stay here and look for Aleida. Any volunteers to go to the Digital World?"
Ken placed a hand on Izzy's shoulder. "Davis, Katra and I will go."
"Is she a DigiDestined?" Izzy asked looking her over.
Ken nodded. "She has a Digivice."
Suddenly, a boy with red spiky hair cut similar to Joe Kido's ran to Izzy's side. He clasped his hands together in a pleading posistion. "I want to go too!"
Izzy sighed. "Sorry, you can't." He pulled his Digivice from his pocket. "You need to have one of these."
The boy frowned and folded his arms across his chest. "Why can't I have one? Is it because I'm not a good enough cousin for you?!"
"I'm sorry Carson. I didn't make the rules."
"Izzy, who's this?" Davis asked.
"Oh, this is my cousin Carson from America," Izzy introduced. "He's staying here with my family until his family finds a home. Now that that's done, the rest of us can leave to look for Aleida."
"We should go interview her mom first," Kari suggested.
"Good idea," Izzy said. "Now Carson, you stay here and make up an excuse if we don't get back on time."
Carson leaned against the wall, scowling. "Whatever!" He frowned as he watched Ken, Katra, and Davis fiddle around with the computer. His eyes widened as they were suddenly sucked into the screen. He quickly frowned once again. That's not fair! Why must they have all the fun? He appraoched the computer with his hands on his hips and cocked his head curiously. I wonder where the Digital World is anyway... He stamped his foot in anger. "I wanna go!"
Suddenly, the computer started to glow. He started to back away in surprise. "On second thought...I don't wanna go!"
Before he could leave the room, a ball of light shot from the computer towards him and bounced off his forehead. Surprised, he fell to the floor. "What was that?!" He yelped as he stood up. The ball of light had settled on the computer desk next to the computer. The light faded to reveal a Digivice. Carson slowly approached it curiously. "Is that what I think it is?" He then grinned and picked it up and cuddled it. "Yes! I got one too!"
* * * * * * Katra led the way through the forest of the Digital World. She suddenly stopped and looked around warily.
"Is something wrong?" Ken asked.
"Someone's coming this way..."
"Hey guys! Wait up for me!" A voice called out.
The three froze. It couldn't be! Unfortunately it was. Carson ran up to their side with a strange snake-like digimon on his shoulders. He proudly showed them his new digivice. "Check it out! I got one too!"
Ken placed a hand on his head as though he had a headache and groaned. "Who isn't a DigiDestined these days?!"
Katra grabbed Carson by his collar and pulled him close. "Do you think this is some sort of game?"
He laughed nervously. "Well, no---"
"Good," she said coolly as she pushed him away. "This is real. Get used to it."
She turned on her heel and continued to walk as though they had not been interrupted.
"Her parents must be army drill sergents," Davis whispered to Ken, who struggled to hold back a smile.
* * * * * * "I hope you don't mind us asking questions," T.K. said as Mrs. Katomi offered them a seat at the table.
"Its all right," she said, holding back tears. "I only hope that my information proves useful. Where should I start?"
"At the beginning," Kari said. "During her childhood."
"When I first went to adopt Aleida---"
"Excuse me for interrupting," T.K. said politely. "You adopted Aleida?"
Mrs. Katomi nodded. "I adopted her when she was six. When I first met her, she was so quiet. The other children either feared of hated her, all because of this strange scar she had on her left hand."
"Aleida has a scar?" T.K. asked. "Could you draw it for us?"
She nodded and left to get a piece of paper and a pencil. She drew a brief sketch. It was a small vertical line a wavy line underneath followed by two more vertical lines. T.K. and Kari glanced at each other. Both recognized it as the mark Lady Sinister had given Aleida when she was the Digimon Empress and to Ken when he was the Digimon Emperor.
"I soon discovered that she had the ability to blow objects away," Mrs. Katomi went on, oblivious to Kari's surprise. "Before she started school, I gave her some special gloves to prevent her from using her strange new power. For many years, nothing was wrong. But lately, every now and then her scar would ache. After that, she busied herself with activities. If she had a problem, she certainly didn't tell me. Three days ago, she didn't return until after dark, saying that soccer practice had lasted longer than usual. She then asked if she could spend the night at Ken's house. That was the last time I saw her."
She then burst into tears. T.K. patted her shoulder reassuringly and handed her a tissue. "Thank you Mrs. Katomi. You've proved to be most helpful."
Once they stepped outside, Kari tapped her chin in thought. "Why would Aleida avoid her own mother?"
T.K. sighed. "I have a feeling that we all want to know that Kari...come on, lets see what the others have found."
I need your help, a strange voice said. Kari paused for a moment to make sure she was really hearing it. Go to the Digital World. Our moment of truth has arrived.
T.K. stopped to see that Kari wasn't following. "Are you all right?"
She had a dazed look on her face as though she was awaking up from a daydream. "I just felt a strange feeling that we're needed in the Digital World..."
* * * * * * Willis had brought Aleida back to his campsite, saying that she was a friend he'd just met. His family welcomed her with open arms and invited her to stay for dinner. Willis's sister quickly noticed that Aleida had a "stuffed animal," and said how much cuter her's was compared to Willis's. Aleida had to hide a smile as Willis blushed.
That night, she stood by Walden Lake alone. Risimon was swapping ghost stories with Terriermon and Lopmon. She gazed out at the water which reflected the full moon. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, relaxing. She got down on her knees and gently placed a finger in the cool water, watching the ripples that started to grow. Willis has a point, she admitted. What do I hope to accomplish? I miss my mom, by now she's on to me. She arose and faced the lake and stretched her arms out wide. "I need to face my fear and destroy it once and for all!" She paused. "But how?"
"This is where I come in," a voice said softly behind her.
Aleida whirled around to see a young woman about 5 inches taller than her. She had hair the same color as Aleida's and the same green eyes. Her hair was up in meatballs which bore the Crest of Loyalty. She had a tank dress than ended out poofy as a tutu and white gloves that went up as high as Kari's. She even had wings on her dress.
Aleida gasped and took a step backward. "Its you again! But...you're real!"
The woman smiled and gently took her hands into her own. "Yes and no."
"I don't understand..."
"I am only a figment of the past," the woman said.
"Why are you here?" Aleida asked. "Why have you been calling me in my dreams?"
The woman giggled. "You're still as curious as a kitten. The Digital World needs your help."
"Mine? But why can't you help?"
"Because I do not truely exist, but I live in you."
Aleida paled. "Then...you...are me?"
The woman nodded. "Come, you must fufill your destiny and learn of your true past."
* * * * * * Katra suddenly shivered.
"What's wrong?" Ken asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder, surprised to feel her tremble.
"Something is not right here!" She said. Before she could say more, long vines shot up from the ground and snaked around her arms and legs.
"Katra!"
She gritted her teeth as she struggled against the vines. "Stay back! Or they'll get you too!"
At that moment, a black hole appeared underneath her and pulled her down, covering her up. Ken stared in shock. "She...disappeared."
Carson started to cry. "I wanna go home!"
"Where did she go?" Davis asked.
"You're friend is over here if you wish to see her one last time!" A familiar voice called out.
"There!" Ken exclaimed as he pointed north. "It coming from over there! Come on guys!" He took off with Carson and Davis on his heels. They came out to a clearing, the same one that Ken had lured Davis into a trap after their soccer match when he was Digimon Emperor. "Where is she?"
"Up there!" Davis pointed up ahead. On the narrow ledge that Ken had used the Bakemon to pose as Davis's friends. She seemed unharmed, but unconcious.
"Who are you?" He asked, looking around who had led them here. "No more games!"
"You DigiDestined are no fun," the voice said sadly. "But if you insist."
A sudden cloud of smoke appeared on the narrow ledge, which quickly evaporated to reveal the last person Ken wanted to see again.
"Lady Sinister?!" Ken gasped as he stepped back.
She smiled deviously. "The one and only. Like the new look?" She gestured to her red cape and eye patch covering her left eye. "I have Aleida to thank for that. I must admit, I was hoping to see her again. Its a shame she's too scared."
"If she's scared, then its all because of you!"
Ken turned to see Kari and T.K. running up to him.
T.K. rose a questioning eyebrow at Carson. "What are you doing here?!"
Carson showed him his Digivice. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Kari felt like we needed to be here."
"Oh," Carson said. "Is she by any chance a Jedi Knight?"
T.K. shook his head, then cocked his head. "What is a Jedi Knight anyway?"
"Perpare to meet your doom DigiDestined!" Lady Sinister said as she held up one arm. Smoke started to form in the palm of her hand. "You're no match for my power! Smoke Surround!"
She hurled the ball of smoke at them, enveloping them in a large cloud of smoke.
"I can't see a thing!" Carson wailed. "No fair!"
"My goggles!" Davis exclaimed. "Where are my goggles!?"
"Ow!" Ken exclaimed. "Who kicked me?"
"Sorry Ken," Kari said. "I can't see where I'm going."
"Well, be more careful then!"
"Where's my hat?" T.K. asked.
Lady Sinister rolled her eyes. "This is just too easy!"
"This ends here and now!"
She moved her gaze to see Aleida staring at her defiantly. The cloud evaporated and the others saw her.
"Aleida!" Lady Sinister said in surprise. "How good of you to join the party. I have a little present for you." She raised both hands in the air, a tiny flame of fire ignited out of thin air. "Sorry I couldn't wrap it! Fire Blast!"
"Aleida!" Ken exclaimed as it hurled at her. "Look out!"
She only had time to take a step backward before the flames surrounded her and started to approach. Her winter hat disappeared in the flames.
"Fairy Magic Destory!"
The flames vanished and Dani rested on Aleida's shoulder. "Dani!" Aleida exclaimed in relief. "Boy am I glad to see you!"
Dani grinned. "You're just saying that!" She glanced down at the ground and pointed. "Look! Its the Rod of Peace! Use it to transform!"
"To what?" Aleida asked cautiously.
"Never mind! Just do it!"
Carson turned to look at his digimon who still was on shoulder. "Vipermon, have you ever heard of the Rod of Peace?"
The digimon nodded. "Of course! Every digimon knows the story! It once belonged to the legendary Princess Latrina. She used it to keep the Digital World safe from all evil. She was defeated by Lady Sinister. No one knows whether she lived or died. Only the Princess can hold it, if you're not her, you instantly die."
Ken gasped. "You...die?" He turned to see Aleida stooping to pick it up. He quickly held her back.
"Ken!" She exclaimed. "What are you doing?!"
"I won't let you do this!" He said firmly.
"Can't you see?" She asked in exasperation. "I am the Princess!"
Ken paused. "What?!"
Dani hovered in front of him. "You've got to let her do this! This is more important that you realize!"
He let her go. "What if she's wrong?"
Aleida looked him straight in the eye. "That's a chance I have to make."
Ken bowed his head in thought. "Just in case you don't make it back..."
He quickly put his arms around her waist so she couldn't escape and drew her in for a kiss.
Davis frowned. "Darn! He beat me to it!"
Carson rolled his eyes. "I hate love stories!"
Ken finally pulled away and ran a hand through her long hair. "Good luck."
She nodded and turned away and started to pick it up. Lady Sinister grinned. "Not so fast..."
Suddenly, Aleida dropped to her knees with a cry of pain. She held her left had to her chest as though it was mortally wounded. Ken knelt down beside her. "Take off you glove so I can see what's wrong."
She slowly took it off. Ken gasped as he saw the scar. "No! It can't be!"
Lady Sinister laughed evilly. "You really think you can beat me? You won fairly last time, but I'm not about to let that happen again! You might as well surrender! I control you!"
Aleida shivered uncontrollably.
Ken took her hand in his. "She's wrong," he said firmly. "She can't control your spirit and love for life. Even when you were the Digimon Empress you broke her control! You can do it again!"
Aleida looked confused. "But she's right---"
"No she isn't!" He growled and pulled her closer. "Listen to me Aleida! You're more powerful than I am! You can do things that I can't! I look up to you!"
Aleida was in shock. "Ken..."
"Do this for me, for the Digital World," he continued. "You can't give up on us!"
She paused for a moment then firmly nodded. "I'll give it my best try."
It was then that Dani felt the presence of someone from the past. She shivered. "Is it just me or has it suddenly gotten cold?"
A wind started to pick up. Ken raised an arm to block the sand from getting into his eyes. "Hurry Aleida! Use the Rod of Peace!"
Aleida snatched it and held it up in the air over her head. "Princess of Harmony return!"
She was suddenly enveloped in a golden bubble. Aleida felt frightened, then felt calm. Why do I feel like I've done this before? She felt herself grow taller and her hair longer. I'm turning into that woman from my dream! She realized. The bubble disappeared and she stood and faced Lady Sinister, the Rod of Peace in her hands. Katra groaned and looked up to see Aleida, who was now Princess Latrina. Why does this look familiar?
Kari eyed Latrina curiously. This reminds me of something...
Davis seemed in love. Dani rose an eyebrow at him. "Get over it buddy! She's all ready been taken."
Davis looked disappointed. "Figures."
Latrina looked at Katra and Kari with a smile. "Seila, Annika...Its good to see old friends." She held out her hand and two pendants appeared. One bore Kari's Crest of Light and Katra's Crest of Truth. "Take these." She threw them to their owners and it landed around their necks and started to glow. Both girls were lifted up off the ground and surrounded by their own golden bubble.
Ken turned to face Dani. "Can you please explain what's going on?"
Dani pointed to the bubble Katra was in. It suddenly burst. Katra had on black and yellow battle armor with her crest on it, two belts, one had a scabbard and she drew a long sword that had her crest on it as well. She had on a marron body suit and black boots that went way past her knee and a royal blue cape. Her green hair was as long as Latrina's and held back from her face by a red headband. "Katra is really Princess Selia, the Protector of Justice." She then turned to point at Kari. She had spiky bangs, a circlet on her forhead and her long brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. She wore a modest dress with pleated sleeves and a wide sash of cloth in place of a belt. "Kari is really Princess Annika, Protector of Peace."
Latrina turned to see Ken and wore a relieved smile. "Knearo! Its great to see you! We can talk later. You must take the others to safety."
Ken bowed. "My name is not Knearo, its Ken. I don't mean to sound rude, but why can't I help?"
She lowered her eyes as though still witnessing a bad nightnare. "I lost you once. I'm not about to do that again. Please do as I ask."
Selia and Annika approached Latrina. She looked at them. "Let's finish this once and for all!"
Lady Sinister folded her arms and looked bored. "Can't you just admit that you don't stand a chance? The problem with you good guys is that you aren't willing to make sacrifices. Observe!" She lifted one hand and hurled Lightening past them. "Lightening Strike!"
Latrina turned to see Ken square in its path. She leaped in the air and held him in arms as she protected him from the danger. Ken watched in admiration as she took the blow for him. She really is Aleida, he thought. She's always willing to protect others, despite the results. She moaned softly and struggled to stand up, weaving a little.
Lady Sinister smirked. "My point exactally."
Selia glared at her. "No one makes fun of my Lady!' She jumped high in the air and drew her sword, pointing it at Lady Sinister. The blade started to glow. "Justice Revolution!"
Annika followed suit and gather a ball of energy in her hands. "Orb of Fate!"
Latrina held her rod in air. "Rod of Peace Activate!"
Lady Sinister held out her hands and blocked both moves. "Hah! You think that will stop me?"
The three regrouped, looking wary. "None of our best attacks are working just like last time!" Selia said in frustration. "What's Plan B?"
Latrina pondered. "Only the Sword of Destiny can stop her now."
Annika looked at Latrina with sympathy. "But it was destroyed by Keanna...wasn't it?"
Suddenly, a flash of light twinkled in the horizon. Everyone turned to see a young girl in her late teens flying towards them. Her shoulder-length spiked black hair was whipping in the wind as well as maroon cape. She had a purple belly shirt with three quarter inch sleeves and matching mini skirt, a sword in its scabbard, and knee length boots. Her green eyes were narrowed at Lady Sinister. Ken was surprised at how his heart leaped to see her. Why would I do that? I don't even know who she is?! Still...she seems awfully familiar...
Lady Sinister was delighted. "What a pleasant surprise! Keanna!" She triumphantly pointed at Latrina. Selia and Annkia instinctively stood in front of her. "Finish them off!"
Keanna folded her arms and glared at Lady Sinister. "You're going down Lady here and now!"
"You wouldn't!" Lady Sinister said in alarm. "You're on my side...aren't you?"
Keanna drew her sword and lunged at her. "Destiny Destroyer!
Lady Sinister was too surprised to move, giving Keanna the advantage. She plunged it deep into her chest. Lady Sinister screamed in anguish as she suddenly dissolved into thin air. She turned to face Latrina and jumped off the cliff edge. Annika and Selia closed around Latrina as she approached them. Annika glanced warily at Latrina. What will the Princess do? Selia glared at Keanna. What's her deal? Why did she help us?
Keanna paused uncertainly when she came within a meter of them.
"Its all right," Latrina said softly to her friends. "I know what I'm doing."
Selia reluctantly stepped aside as well as Annika. Latrina walked towards Keanna and stopped within a few inches. Keanna curtesyed. Latrina smiled and when she arose, she hugged her. Annika and Selia gasped.
"Thanks for giving me a second chance," Keanna said as she cried.
Latrina smiled and stroked her hair. "Mothers are always willing to give a second chance and then some."
Ken was surprised, but also strangely dismayed. "She's a mother?"
Dani nodded. "The Aleida you see now is from the future."
Keanna wiped away her tears and looked around. "Where's dad? I need to give him back his sword."
Latrina turned to glance Ken. "I have a feeling that he's too young to handle one at the time!"
Ken turned bright red. Davis had had enough. "First you're a Princess, now you're married to Ken! I demand an explaination!"
"Sounds fair enough," Latrina admitted. She turned to see Dani at her side. "I'll need you to fill in the blanks Daniesha."
The fairy bowed her head. "As you wish."
"As a Princess, I had to balance out the evil and good forces of the Digital World."
"I thought I recognized your voice!" T.K. exclaimed. "You're the same person who possessed Kari so you could tell us how we were chosen as the DigiDestined. How did you gain a body?"
"You're right about my using Kari. She was the only DigiDestined among you early ones who I could contact. I'll explain later about gaining a body. During the early years of the Digital World, it was ruled seperately. Princess Selia ruled the Mountian area and Princess Annika ruled the Forest area. I ruled the Oceans. A friend of mine introduced me to Knearo, you know him as Ken. After becoming close friends, we eventually married. Through him, I gained the ability to help him govern over the other rulers. At times it was overwhelming, but we managed to pull through. We even had a girl and named her Keanna, which means 'little miracle.' When Keanna was about 18, Lady Sinister started to cause trouble for the Digital World. At one point she kidnapped her and turned her against us. She took the sword from Knearo that was the only way to stop Lady Sinister." Latrina paused to hold back tears. "We all did the best we could to stop her, but without the Sword of Destiny, we didn't stand a chance. Soon only Keanna, Daniesha, Lady Sinister and I survived. Once the battle was over, Lady Sinister left to claim her new kingdom, which was hardly a victory since everything was destoryed during the battle. I didn't notice that Keanna had stayed behind and was watching me mourn over Knearo's death. It was then that she realized what she had done...but it was far too late..." She wiped away her tears and smiled at Dani. "Then Daniesha suggested the idea of sending us all into the past. That way we could have a second chance. This time when we faced Lady Sinister, Keanna could make up for what she did."
Dani nodded. "The plan was very risky. There was the possibility of Latrina and Knearo following in love, which would disrupt the future. Also some thing could happen to either of them." She then looked troubled. "To make matters worse...Lady Sinister found out."
T.K. pondered on this. "So that's why she turned them evil, so they could hate each other."
"It seemed that the opposite effect occured," Davis pointed out. "Instead of hating each other, they grew to care about each other."
Carson looked rather uneasy. "What happens now? Aleida's mom is still waiting for her."
Dani flew over to Keanna. "Here is where we must part. We await for you all in the future..." They slowly began to dissolve into thin air.
Latrina suddenly faded away, turning back into Aleida. She moaned softly and fainted. Ken caught her. Selia and Annika also faded away, but didn't faint once they turned back into their original forms.
Katra came up to her. "Is she going to be okay?"
Ken nodded and held her in his arms like a groom would do to his bride. "It was too much for her."
"I don't blame her," Kari admitted. "She recovered more memories of the past than Katra and I put together!"
Katra softly stroked Aleida's hair. "She went through more than we did."
* * * * * * Aleida was so delighted to see her mom again. She didn't realize just how worried her mom had been and seriously had not meant to worry her. She vowed then and there to never do so again. That night she was sitting outside on the front step, staring at the stars. It reminded her of the night she met Princess Latrina. She still couldn't believe she was such an important a person in the past. She always thought she'd live a boring, but relatively normal life. She heard the front gate creak and looked up to see Ken.
"May I join you?"
She nodded, blushing slightly as she remembered what their future held for them.
"Its great to see you home again. I bet you're mom was estatic."
She nodded. "I think it'll take a while to build up the trust we once had. I now will think twice before telling her a lie." She looked uneasy. "Hey Ken...we're still friends right?"
"Of course," he said, looking at her, surprised. "What made you think otherwise?"
She sighed. "Well, what happened today was really weird. Its not every day that you find out that you're meant to marry your best friend!"
"Yeah, that was little weird," Ken admitted. "But..." He held a flower he had picked from the Digital World in front of her face. "I actually look forward to the day."
To be continued.....
