I just thought I'd let you know that three years has passed since Comic 3. Now why I went from Aleida being a 7th grader to a 10th grader is beyond me! I just didn't want you (the reader) to be confused. From this comic on, there will be Japanese but don't worry, I'll include the translations. This is my least favorite comic to be honest (which is kinda sad because I wrote it!). But I'm sure that every author has a least favorite story they've written! Please bear with it!
*We (Aleida/Aledaya) don't own the original characters, but we can sure manipulate them to our will!
Risimon had been sleeping until she was suddenly kicked out of bed. Shaking her head to clear it, she looked up to see Aleida tossing and turning from yet another bad nightmare. Without a moment's hesistion, she leaped back onto the bed. Muttering a quick apology, she bit Aleida's hand. This woke her up, once again throwing Risimon to the floor.
Risimon scowled as she hopped into Aleida's lap. "Does this really have to happen every night?"
Aleida wore a small smile as she stroked her tan fur. "I don't like it any more than you do."
"You never told me what the dream was," Risimon said. "And I think you owe me an explaination."
Aleida sighed and leaned up against the head board of her bed. "I keep seeing a battle, but in the air."
"It must have been the Air Kingdom, "Risimon remarked.
"What?"
"It's ruled by Princess Kiara, well, she's a Queen now. Go on."
"Anyway, she was fighting off some Digimon and then she turns to face me and says, 'Your highness! Why won't you fight?'"
"And then?"
Aleida lowered her head. "Then it all fades away."
Risimon looked confused. "Then what makes you toss and turn?"
At this, Aleida shivered as if from an unknown breeze. "Once she fades away, then everything goes black and sharp pain shoots throughout my entire body. During all of it, I hear voices that tell me I'm a failure as a Princess and that and that the battle was all because of me."
Risimon frowned. "You don't believe those voices...do you?"
Aleida groaned. "I don't know what to believe anymore. It's been three years since I figured out I was Princess Latrina. I was only in 7th grade then. Being a Sophmore leaves me very little time to be in the Digital World."
Risimon licked her face, making Aleida giggled. "Just get some sleep. Tomorrow you can tell Ken about the dream."
Aleida snuggled under the blankets. "Why? How would he understand?"
"Genius's know everything," Risimon said with a smile.
Aleida smirked. Or they would like to think so!
* * * * * * Don't get upset, Ken told himself as he walked to school. She probably has a good excuse. Anyway, just pretend nothings wrong.
"Hey Ken!" Aleida called out. "Wait up for me!"
He turned to see her running out of her house in a hurry. She probably hadn't had time to iron her school uniform because her clothes were slightly wrinkled. He paused and patiently waited with a frown.
"Thanks," she muttered as she caught up.
"Where were you last night?" He demanded, forgetting to pretend nothing was wrong.
"Huh?"
"Our date!" He snapped. "You weren't there! Again!"
She blushed. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
He groaned. "You've said that at least four times!"
"Three."
"Whatever," he said. "What's gotten into you?"
She was puzzled by his attitude. Ususally he was so calm. "Its none of your business Ichijouji."
"I think you owe me an explaination."
She briefly remembered Risimon had said the same thing as well as to tell Ken about the dream. I can't tell him about that. Not when he's in this mood.
He sighed, starting to calm down. "I'm sorry, its just that..."
She frowned as he eyed her strangely. "What? What is it?"
"You don't look so good."
She smirked sarcastically. "Yeah, I forgot to put my make-up on this morning."
He shook his head. "You know that's not what I mean. What haven't you told me?"
She was frightened by his expression. "Nothing."
Before he could say another word, she hurried on ahead. He frowned. Something's wrong, and I need to find out what it is...
* * * * * * Ken was so lost in his thoughts that he barely made it to Algebra class on time. Aleida was sitting in the back row, but not in her usual seat. There wasn't any other place to sit but on the other side of the room. I bet she planned on that, he thought with a frown. Still, the teacher was right behind him and he hurried to his seat.
"Good morning students," the teacher said in a nasal voice. "Today we are going to explore the exciting world of ratios."
One student waved his hand wildly.
"Yes Tori?"
"I know all about those! We've got lots of radios at home!"
The class snickered, but Ken noticed that Aleida wasn't laughing. Something had to be wrong, she was usually the first to laugh at any joke.
The teacher sighed. "That was amusing Tori, but let's get serious."
He turned to write on the chalkboard. Ken got his notes out and carefully paid attention to every word. He wasn't at all surprised that Aleida wasn't paying attention. She was sleeping, resting her head on her desk. The teacher didn't notice because the other students blocked his view of her. She knew that, and that's why she sat there.
Minutes went by and Ken was so interested in learning that he soon fogot all about how weird Aleida was acting. He couldn't believe that others thought Algebra was stuff and nonsense. Wait until they find out how important it is in the future! He thought with a smile.
Look at Aleida.
He frowned. Was it his imagenation? Last he knew, the voice in his head wasn't a female one. He ignored it and continued on with his notes. This time the voice came harder.
Look at her.
He decided that he was just too worried about Aleida and his mind was playing tricks on his mind.
If you don't look at her, you'll lose her.
He was jarred to his senses. Could it be true? He wasn't willing to lose Aleida if he was wrong. He quickly looked and was glad he did. Aleida was coming in and out of focus. He recalled that was what happened to one that was being pulled between two different worlds. It looked like she was fighting it, sweat was breaking out on her face and her hands had curled into fists.
He completely forgot about being in class and he stood up. "Aleida!"
The class grew silent and Aleida was jerked to her senses. She shook her head as if to clear it.
"Are you all right?" The teacher asked. "Do you want to go to see the nurse?"
She nodded and shakily arose.
"May I take her?" Ken asked the teacher.
"Do you want help?' The teacher asked.
Aleida quickly shook her head.
Ken started forward, but the teacher stopped him. "You heard Katomi, she can go to the nurse's without help."
But you didn't see what I just did! Ken thought desperately. Still, he had no choice but to sit back down at his desk. After that, he was in no mood to take notes. After class, I'm going to see what's going on. Whether she want to tell me or not.
* * * * * * The hallway was nice and warm, yet Aleida was shivering. What's happening to me? Nothing like this has ever happened. She remembered how Ken looked at her both a minute ago and in the morning. He knows something's wrong, maybe I should tell him...
She heard someone cry and turned to see...herself! She was only about three, but Aleida was staring at her. The girl was crying, "I want my mommy! My real mommy!"
Aleida quickly hurried on. She couldn't remember anything about her real mom, all she knew was that the more she thought about her, the more the scar hurt. Could it all be connected?Where did I get it anyway? A chill ran down her spine as she saw Lady Sinister's reflection in the glass of the trophy case. It's not possible! Keanna destroyed her once and for all. She walked on, not noticing how fast she was hurrying. I've got to go home. I need rest...that's all. All of this is because of my lack of sleep.
* * * * * * Once the bell rang, Ken was hurrying out when the teacher called him back. Not now! He thought in despair, still he turned back to the teacher's desk. "What is it?"
"Why did you scream like that in class? What came over you?"
"I noticed...uh...that Aleida didn't look so good," Ken said quickly, his eyes were on the hallway.
"Well, next time please don't scream like that," the teacher said. "And furthermore---"
"Please excuse me for interrupting," Ken said as politely as he could. "But I really must be on my way. I don't want to be late."
"Oh, we'll just have to have our little talk at a later time. You are excused."
Ken nodded his thanks and hurried out the door. By then, the hallway was cleared, but Ken's mind was far from school. He ran to the nurse's office. Nothing's happened for years, so why is it happening now? Is Aleida in trouble? He waited for the strange voice in his head to appear, but it didn't.
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
Ken turned to see the nurse herself. "Has Aleida stopped by your office?"
The nurse looked surprised. "No, is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure," Ken admitted. "But thank you for your help."
She watched him hurry off. "You're welcome...I guess..."
Once he rounded the corner, he stopped. This is foolish, I'm running in circles! What's the point in running if I haven't a clue where she is?
Don't deny the true you.
Once again it was that strange voice in his head. What did it mean? She must have meant the future King inside him. He concentrated hard, surely he had a connection with Aleida. Sure enough, his instincts directed him outside. He ran out of the school, but no one was there. He blushed. Maybe I was wrong after all.
You really are impossible to communicate with! The voice said in exasperation. Where have you lost her once before?
He was slightly embarrassed by the voice's scolding tone, but he did give her question some consideration. Even though he had renewed his friendship with Aleida only a few years ago, he couldn't think of a time when he'd lost her. Suddenly, he remembered how Lady Sinister had appeared in the Real World and took her away...That's it! The park! He took off towards the park. Once he reached the area, he found her. He paled. She was fading inbetween two worlds again, only faster. She was on her knees, as if doubled up in pain. He stepped forward to help. "Aleida!"
She turned to look at him, it looked as if it took a great effort to do so. "Please," she said in a weak voice as she struggled against an unknown force. "Help me..."
As he reached out, a strong wind held him back. Aleida started to fade, but this time for good. Once she disappeared, the wind stopped. He was on his knees. He struck the ground with his fist. "Not again," he growled with rage. "Not again."
* * * * * * Once school was over, Ken went looking for Katra. She was talking to some friends of her's when Ken grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to a quiet place.
"What's gotten into you?" She asked in surprise.
He glared at her. "She's gone."
"Who? Who's gone?"
Ken frowned. "Didn't you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"Aleida's pain."
Katra paled. "What happened?"
"I'm not completely sure myself, but all I know is that Aleida isn't in this world."
Katra frowned. "Is she in the Digital World?"
"Like I said so before, I don't know." He eyed her curiously. "You didn't feel this coming?"
Katra shook her her. "I had no idea."
He stratched his head in puzzlement. "But you felt something was wrong before our last battle with Lady Sinister."
"I know, but it could be that something is blocking my mind communication with her," she looked warily at him. "How did you know?"
"I believe I could explain that."
They whirled around to see a girl about their age. She wore a school uniform similiar to their's, only it had three-quarter-inch sleeves, no bow but a sash and the colors were ice-blue and black. She also wore matching laced boots that went up to her knees. Her long purple-pink hair was put up in meatballs.
Ken pointed to her in shock. "It was you! You were the one who warned me!"
She nodded. "I thought it was better to communicate in person rather than through your mind." She turned to Katra and smiled. "I'm sorry, your highness, but it'll take me a while to get used to your blue hair."
Katra stared at her shrewdly. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The girl laughed. "You were always a poor lier Princess Selia." Ken and Katra gasped. The girl smiled and curtesyed. "Please pardon my rudeness. My name is Kiara Komakana, but I'm also Princess Kiara of the Air Kingdom."
Ken frowned. "Aleida never said anything about an Air Kingdom."
"That's because she doesn't remember much," Kiara explained. "For her safety as well as the future's, she was only allowed to remember certain things."
"Do you know where Aleida is?" Ken asked. "And how do you remember things Katra, Kari, and Aleida can't?"
"I don't fully know where she is," Kiara said. "I can't tell you why I remember things the others can't. I've been forbidden to tell. We must get the DigiDestined together, even the old ones. She'll need all the help she can get."
* * * * * * Aleida felt numb when she came to. She was floating in some dark abyss where her surroundings were as liquidly and unsteady as water in a stream. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to remain stable. Where am I? What's going on?
"Once again we meet, your highness."
Before Aleida could ask who said that, Lady Sinister appeared. Aleida gasped in horror. Lady Sinister was a spirit, but somehow she managed to bring her here to this place. She smirked at Aleida. "I was really surprised I managed to bring you here. It took about a week in your time. I must admit you were almost successful in fighting my control completely. Yet, I've been patient, I always have. I've just been waiting to regain my strength."
"But...Keanna killed you..."
Lady Sinister smiled. "But no one can kill your spirit."
"What do you want?" Aleida asked.
"I've been waiting for my chance to strike at you when your little friends weren't around and that includes your boyfriend too. Also, the beauty of this plan is that no one can reach you here."
"You shouldn't underestimate us DigiDestined," Aleida said, trying to avoid that upcoming battle.
Lady Sinister laughed. "I'd like to see them try to get here!" She drew forth a sword and tossed it to her. Aleida caught it, but the force of impact sent her flying head over heels. "I hope you remember how to use a sword. I'd be terribly disappointed if I destroyed you too quickly."
Aleida managed to stand (or float) up. "I can assure you I don't intend to here, not when my future throne awaits me."
Lady Sinister laughed. "You're reliving your past in a new way. If I killed you here and now, Princess Latrina would cease to exist and your lovely Prince would have to marry one of your other friends.'
Aleida gritted her teeth. "That's not possible!"
"In your case it will be!" Lady Sinister was, suddenly lunging at her with another sword.
Aleida blocked it, but the force sent her flying back once again.
Lady Sinister smiled. "Don't worry about the lack of gravity, you get used to it eventually."
Aleida forced herself to remain upright, holding out her sword. She can upset the future if she kills me, but even if I die, I must never lose the light inside.
* * * * * * "That's not possible!" Davis exclaimed. "Are you sure that she's not in the Digital World? That's the only place she could possibly be!"
"Well, the Dark Ocean is another world too," Kari pointed out. She gazed out the window forlornly. "I hope she'll be all right. I know how she must feel."
"How?" Ken asked in puzzlement.
"Because the same thing happened to her once," T.K. said. "She was fading in math class and having strange dreams."
Kari frowned. "But I went to the Dark Ocean because the Subamon needed my help. One doesn't get pulled through time for no reason."
"She's right," Kiara said as she concentrated on the computer screen. "There has to be a reason. Is everyone here?"
"Yeah, except Matt---"
"Sorry I'm late everyone," Matt said as he walked through the door. "My band was---" He looked at Kiara. "Holy Cow!"
She turned to glare at him. "I'm not a cow thank you very much."
He touched her hair. "This is some kind of wig isn't it?"
She snatched it back. "Of course it isn't!"
Matt laughed. "I feel sorry for then!"
Tai broke up the fight. "Cut it out you two! We've got business to discuss!"
"Earlier you said that you didn't fully know where she was," Kiara went on. "I've been scouting each and every world, but I haven't seen any trace of her."
"I don't get it," Yolei said. "Why are you so concerned about finding Aleida? You don't even know her."
"Actually I do," Kiara remarked with a smile. "I'm her cousin in this life as well as the future. The same goes for Katra."
"Hold on a second," Matt said. "What's going on? And who is this nut?"
Kiara glared at him. "Don't make me hurt you..."
"What ya gonna do?" Matt taunted.
"Oh please stop!" Tai groaned. "I've heard enough arguing to last me a life time! Matt, this is Kiara Komakana."
"Aleida's disappeared," Ken said. "It's possible that she's been sucked into another world."
Matt shrugged. "Maybe she's gone on vacation."
"I can assure you that she isn't," Risimon remarked as she entered the room.
Kiara turned to look at her. "Have you see Aleida do anything strange before she's disappeared?"
"She had these strange dreams," Risimon said. "About a battle at your Kingdom."
Kiara frowned. "It must be the Troubled Times. Please continue."
"Then all went black and she felt pain throughout her body---"
"Stop right there," Kiara said. "I think I know where she is." She turned to the computer and continued to search. In about a minute she smiled. "I found her."
Ken looked over her shoulder. "Where?"
"She's in the World of Lost Souls."
Cody frowned. "Where?"
"It's a place souls go when they aren't mean to return to the Digital World, or any world for that matter." She glanced at Ken. "That's what the Sword of Destiny can do and why it was Lady Sinister's only threat."
"You mean...that sword can send people there?" He asked in amazment.
"And creatures too," Kiara said. "But why was Aleida sent there?"
"Is there any way we can contact her?" Ken asked.
"I can try," Kiara said. She typed in some codes.
"What are you accessing?"
"The Royal Computers," Kiara said. "In the future, our computers are much easier to handle and more reliable than these."
"But my computer works just fine," Izzy said with a frown.
"Not for what I need to do here," Kiara said. "There."
Instantly, the screen showed the battle between Aleida and Lady Sinister.
Ken froze. "Lady Sinister?"
Yolei moaned. "Not again! Why can't bad guys just stay dead?!"
"I agree with you," Kari said.
"Why is Lady Sinister always after Aleida?" Carson asked.
"Because the two are not only rivals, but sisters," Kiara explained.
"Huh?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"Larissa is her real name. She was the oldest and as she grew up, she turned more and more evil. But no one would ever guess that a beautiful girl could ever be like that. Her mother sensed it and denied her the crown, henceforth giving it to Aleida. She completely flipped out and plotted to regain it one way or another. That's when she became Lady Sinister."
"Is there anyway we can get in there?" Ken asked.
Kiara shook her head sadly. "It's far too dangerous."
"I don't care! I've got to help her!"
"Listen to me," Kiara said calmly. "I would if I could, but I can't. You can't enter a world without a reason."
"But I do have a reason! I---"
Kiara slapped him across the face. "Come to your senses! What would you do if you could enter? You have to think things through first!"
Ken stared at the screen with tears in his eyes. "You mean...all we can do...is watch?"
* * * * * * "You're pretty good even if you haven't practiced in years," Lady Sinister remarked. "But you'll still lose."
Aleida blocked yet another blow that was aimed for her head. "What makes you think that?"
"Because I know all your moves."
"How? I don't know any."
Lady Sinister smirked. "If that's true, you would have died long before now. Don't you remember all those classes in swordsmanship we took together?"
"When did that ever happen?"
"You don't remember?" Lady Sinister asked in surprise. She smirked. "We were sisters."
This caught Aleida off guard as Lady Sinister had expected. She managed to dodge, but barely. The blade cut deep into her shoulder. Aleida dropped the sword, but she dove for it. Lady Sinister followed close behind. Aleida grabbed the hilt and turned to face her, but Lady Sinister's blow knocked it from her hand. Once again she was struck by the sharp blade, but this time across the cheek. Aleida's mind went numb. Her sword was out of reach and Lady Sinister wasn't about to show mercy. Lady Sinister continued to strike her until she could barely move. Lady Sinister laughed and paused so Aleida could continue to suffer until she was ready to go in for the kill.
A tear ran down Aleida's cheek. I'm going to die here and now. There's no stopping that now. I only wish that I could tell Ken how much I care for him. I don't want to ruin things for us. It's not death I fear, its if he'll be okay...The tear started to glow and soon spread, covering her in a golden bubble.
Lady Sinister struck at the bubble again and again, but the sharp blade couldn't pierce it. "What's going on? What's happening? This wasn't part of my plan!"
Aleida couldn't hear what she was saying, the bubble blocked out all noise. She felt someone gently brush her cheek. "Ken?"
"No, it's me."
She opened her eyes to see a woman holding her in her arms. She had to be in her twenties. She had long braided blonde hair, and wore a golden crown of leaves, a blue amulet with pearls outlining it, a long flowing white gown with a low neckline and a gold belt with two stars and a moon in the center. Aleida had never seen her before...or had she? Her green eyes looked familiar. "Mom?"
She nodded. "Yes, Trini. It's me."
"What's happening to me? Am I dead?"
She shook her head. "No, and you won't die." She plucked a leaf off her crown and gently pressed it in her hand. Immediately, Aleida's clothes changed into that of a Royal Princess. She wore an ice-blue dress that ended in pleats at her knees with flowing pink skirt underneath it. She also had a pink sash over one shoulder that ended with a pin that bore her Crest of Loyalty. She had dangling earrings. Even her hair was put up in meatballs with two strings of pearls circling each one. Her wounds were healed and showed no traces of scars. "I must leave you now."
Aleida held on tighter. "Please! Don't leave me!"
Her mother smiled gently. "Do not worry. I won't leave you on your own."
She disappeared and within seconds Ken arrived. He wasn't wearing his school uniform, but clothes of a prince. His blue jacket had a tails and his white pants were slightly loose and he even had dress shoes.
He held her tightly. "I was so worried about you!"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
He smiled gently. "I knew you would eventually. I'm just relieved to know you're safe."
"What can we do to stop her?" Aleida asked. "She's too powerful, even as a spirit."
Suddenly, the bubble split in half and then shattered into oblivion. Ken and Aleida were seperated.
"Well," Lady Sinister said dryly, eyeing him. "I suppose there's no place where lover boy doesn't follow you." She turned to face Aleida with a devious smile. "I'll let you go, but not until I kill him first! That would be worse than dying!"
"No!" Aleida cried out as Lady Sinister charged at Ken. Her hand closed tightly around the leaf. I won't let it end this way! At that moment, the golden leaf transformed into a large bow around the shape of Angewomon's. It had winged tips and the arrow's tip was in the shape of a heart. Lady Sinister froze and for once she looked terrified. Aleida suddenly understood. She was holding the Bow of Ai and true love was the only thing that could possibly destroy Lady Sinister, for she knew no love.
She aimed it at Lady Sinister. "May you never haunt us again..."
The arrow shot forward at the speed of light and struck Lady Sinister's heart. Once it impacted, she dissolved into the abyss...never to return again...
* * * * * *
Ken waited outside the resturant, glancing at his wrist watch. She's two mintues late. Is something wrong?
"Sorry I'm late!" Aleida said as she approached him. She wore a sky blue tank top dress that ended at her knees. The cloth was sequined making it look like glittering stars. "I was over at Kiara's house and she let me borror this dress."
He smiled as he opened the door for her. "It's very pretty."
He led the way to their table and offered her a chair.
"Thank you," she said as she sat.
"How have you been lately?"
She smiled. "The dreams are gone. I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What?"
"How did you manage to enter the World of Lost Souls?"
He leaned back in his seat and rested his hands behind his head. "Well, all I could remember was being covered in a golden light and then this woman in a white dress and long braided blonde hair---"
She rested a hand on his. "That was my Mother."
He looked surprised. "Really?"
She nodded. "Go on."
"She told me that you needed me, though I don't know why. I didn't really help much."
"Oh, but you did," Aleida assured him. "Kiara explained that only true love could make that leaf turn into the Bow of Ai. If you hadn't been there, it never would have happened and I would have died for sure."
"Oh," he said. "I guess I did help some. Besides, I actually liked wearing those fancy clothes!"
She giggled. "You're so cute sometimes!"
He smiled and took her hand. "At least now we know Lady Sinister will never come between us again."
She smiled back. "I know, and it feels great."
To be continued...
*After notes - "Ai" is Japanese for love
*We (Aleida/Aledaya) don't own the original characters, but we can sure manipulate them to our will!
Risimon had been sleeping until she was suddenly kicked out of bed. Shaking her head to clear it, she looked up to see Aleida tossing and turning from yet another bad nightmare. Without a moment's hesistion, she leaped back onto the bed. Muttering a quick apology, she bit Aleida's hand. This woke her up, once again throwing Risimon to the floor.
Risimon scowled as she hopped into Aleida's lap. "Does this really have to happen every night?"
Aleida wore a small smile as she stroked her tan fur. "I don't like it any more than you do."
"You never told me what the dream was," Risimon said. "And I think you owe me an explaination."
Aleida sighed and leaned up against the head board of her bed. "I keep seeing a battle, but in the air."
"It must have been the Air Kingdom, "Risimon remarked.
"What?"
"It's ruled by Princess Kiara, well, she's a Queen now. Go on."
"Anyway, she was fighting off some Digimon and then she turns to face me and says, 'Your highness! Why won't you fight?'"
"And then?"
Aleida lowered her head. "Then it all fades away."
Risimon looked confused. "Then what makes you toss and turn?"
At this, Aleida shivered as if from an unknown breeze. "Once she fades away, then everything goes black and sharp pain shoots throughout my entire body. During all of it, I hear voices that tell me I'm a failure as a Princess and that and that the battle was all because of me."
Risimon frowned. "You don't believe those voices...do you?"
Aleida groaned. "I don't know what to believe anymore. It's been three years since I figured out I was Princess Latrina. I was only in 7th grade then. Being a Sophmore leaves me very little time to be in the Digital World."
Risimon licked her face, making Aleida giggled. "Just get some sleep. Tomorrow you can tell Ken about the dream."
Aleida snuggled under the blankets. "Why? How would he understand?"
"Genius's know everything," Risimon said with a smile.
Aleida smirked. Or they would like to think so!
* * * * * * Don't get upset, Ken told himself as he walked to school. She probably has a good excuse. Anyway, just pretend nothings wrong.
"Hey Ken!" Aleida called out. "Wait up for me!"
He turned to see her running out of her house in a hurry. She probably hadn't had time to iron her school uniform because her clothes were slightly wrinkled. He paused and patiently waited with a frown.
"Thanks," she muttered as she caught up.
"Where were you last night?" He demanded, forgetting to pretend nothing was wrong.
"Huh?"
"Our date!" He snapped. "You weren't there! Again!"
She blushed. "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
He groaned. "You've said that at least four times!"
"Three."
"Whatever," he said. "What's gotten into you?"
She was puzzled by his attitude. Ususally he was so calm. "Its none of your business Ichijouji."
"I think you owe me an explaination."
She briefly remembered Risimon had said the same thing as well as to tell Ken about the dream. I can't tell him about that. Not when he's in this mood.
He sighed, starting to calm down. "I'm sorry, its just that..."
She frowned as he eyed her strangely. "What? What is it?"
"You don't look so good."
She smirked sarcastically. "Yeah, I forgot to put my make-up on this morning."
He shook his head. "You know that's not what I mean. What haven't you told me?"
She was frightened by his expression. "Nothing."
Before he could say another word, she hurried on ahead. He frowned. Something's wrong, and I need to find out what it is...
* * * * * * Ken was so lost in his thoughts that he barely made it to Algebra class on time. Aleida was sitting in the back row, but not in her usual seat. There wasn't any other place to sit but on the other side of the room. I bet she planned on that, he thought with a frown. Still, the teacher was right behind him and he hurried to his seat.
"Good morning students," the teacher said in a nasal voice. "Today we are going to explore the exciting world of ratios."
One student waved his hand wildly.
"Yes Tori?"
"I know all about those! We've got lots of radios at home!"
The class snickered, but Ken noticed that Aleida wasn't laughing. Something had to be wrong, she was usually the first to laugh at any joke.
The teacher sighed. "That was amusing Tori, but let's get serious."
He turned to write on the chalkboard. Ken got his notes out and carefully paid attention to every word. He wasn't at all surprised that Aleida wasn't paying attention. She was sleeping, resting her head on her desk. The teacher didn't notice because the other students blocked his view of her. She knew that, and that's why she sat there.
Minutes went by and Ken was so interested in learning that he soon fogot all about how weird Aleida was acting. He couldn't believe that others thought Algebra was stuff and nonsense. Wait until they find out how important it is in the future! He thought with a smile.
Look at Aleida.
He frowned. Was it his imagenation? Last he knew, the voice in his head wasn't a female one. He ignored it and continued on with his notes. This time the voice came harder.
Look at her.
He decided that he was just too worried about Aleida and his mind was playing tricks on his mind.
If you don't look at her, you'll lose her.
He was jarred to his senses. Could it be true? He wasn't willing to lose Aleida if he was wrong. He quickly looked and was glad he did. Aleida was coming in and out of focus. He recalled that was what happened to one that was being pulled between two different worlds. It looked like she was fighting it, sweat was breaking out on her face and her hands had curled into fists.
He completely forgot about being in class and he stood up. "Aleida!"
The class grew silent and Aleida was jerked to her senses. She shook her head as if to clear it.
"Are you all right?" The teacher asked. "Do you want to go to see the nurse?"
She nodded and shakily arose.
"May I take her?" Ken asked the teacher.
"Do you want help?' The teacher asked.
Aleida quickly shook her head.
Ken started forward, but the teacher stopped him. "You heard Katomi, she can go to the nurse's without help."
But you didn't see what I just did! Ken thought desperately. Still, he had no choice but to sit back down at his desk. After that, he was in no mood to take notes. After class, I'm going to see what's going on. Whether she want to tell me or not.
* * * * * * The hallway was nice and warm, yet Aleida was shivering. What's happening to me? Nothing like this has ever happened. She remembered how Ken looked at her both a minute ago and in the morning. He knows something's wrong, maybe I should tell him...
She heard someone cry and turned to see...herself! She was only about three, but Aleida was staring at her. The girl was crying, "I want my mommy! My real mommy!"
Aleida quickly hurried on. She couldn't remember anything about her real mom, all she knew was that the more she thought about her, the more the scar hurt. Could it all be connected?Where did I get it anyway? A chill ran down her spine as she saw Lady Sinister's reflection in the glass of the trophy case. It's not possible! Keanna destroyed her once and for all. She walked on, not noticing how fast she was hurrying. I've got to go home. I need rest...that's all. All of this is because of my lack of sleep.
* * * * * * Once the bell rang, Ken was hurrying out when the teacher called him back. Not now! He thought in despair, still he turned back to the teacher's desk. "What is it?"
"Why did you scream like that in class? What came over you?"
"I noticed...uh...that Aleida didn't look so good," Ken said quickly, his eyes were on the hallway.
"Well, next time please don't scream like that," the teacher said. "And furthermore---"
"Please excuse me for interrupting," Ken said as politely as he could. "But I really must be on my way. I don't want to be late."
"Oh, we'll just have to have our little talk at a later time. You are excused."
Ken nodded his thanks and hurried out the door. By then, the hallway was cleared, but Ken's mind was far from school. He ran to the nurse's office. Nothing's happened for years, so why is it happening now? Is Aleida in trouble? He waited for the strange voice in his head to appear, but it didn't.
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
Ken turned to see the nurse herself. "Has Aleida stopped by your office?"
The nurse looked surprised. "No, is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure," Ken admitted. "But thank you for your help."
She watched him hurry off. "You're welcome...I guess..."
Once he rounded the corner, he stopped. This is foolish, I'm running in circles! What's the point in running if I haven't a clue where she is?
Don't deny the true you.
Once again it was that strange voice in his head. What did it mean? She must have meant the future King inside him. He concentrated hard, surely he had a connection with Aleida. Sure enough, his instincts directed him outside. He ran out of the school, but no one was there. He blushed. Maybe I was wrong after all.
You really are impossible to communicate with! The voice said in exasperation. Where have you lost her once before?
He was slightly embarrassed by the voice's scolding tone, but he did give her question some consideration. Even though he had renewed his friendship with Aleida only a few years ago, he couldn't think of a time when he'd lost her. Suddenly, he remembered how Lady Sinister had appeared in the Real World and took her away...That's it! The park! He took off towards the park. Once he reached the area, he found her. He paled. She was fading inbetween two worlds again, only faster. She was on her knees, as if doubled up in pain. He stepped forward to help. "Aleida!"
She turned to look at him, it looked as if it took a great effort to do so. "Please," she said in a weak voice as she struggled against an unknown force. "Help me..."
As he reached out, a strong wind held him back. Aleida started to fade, but this time for good. Once she disappeared, the wind stopped. He was on his knees. He struck the ground with his fist. "Not again," he growled with rage. "Not again."
* * * * * * Once school was over, Ken went looking for Katra. She was talking to some friends of her's when Ken grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to a quiet place.
"What's gotten into you?" She asked in surprise.
He glared at her. "She's gone."
"Who? Who's gone?"
Ken frowned. "Didn't you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"Aleida's pain."
Katra paled. "What happened?"
"I'm not completely sure myself, but all I know is that Aleida isn't in this world."
Katra frowned. "Is she in the Digital World?"
"Like I said so before, I don't know." He eyed her curiously. "You didn't feel this coming?"
Katra shook her her. "I had no idea."
He stratched his head in puzzlement. "But you felt something was wrong before our last battle with Lady Sinister."
"I know, but it could be that something is blocking my mind communication with her," she looked warily at him. "How did you know?"
"I believe I could explain that."
They whirled around to see a girl about their age. She wore a school uniform similiar to their's, only it had three-quarter-inch sleeves, no bow but a sash and the colors were ice-blue and black. She also wore matching laced boots that went up to her knees. Her long purple-pink hair was put up in meatballs.
Ken pointed to her in shock. "It was you! You were the one who warned me!"
She nodded. "I thought it was better to communicate in person rather than through your mind." She turned to Katra and smiled. "I'm sorry, your highness, but it'll take me a while to get used to your blue hair."
Katra stared at her shrewdly. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The girl laughed. "You were always a poor lier Princess Selia." Ken and Katra gasped. The girl smiled and curtesyed. "Please pardon my rudeness. My name is Kiara Komakana, but I'm also Princess Kiara of the Air Kingdom."
Ken frowned. "Aleida never said anything about an Air Kingdom."
"That's because she doesn't remember much," Kiara explained. "For her safety as well as the future's, she was only allowed to remember certain things."
"Do you know where Aleida is?" Ken asked. "And how do you remember things Katra, Kari, and Aleida can't?"
"I don't fully know where she is," Kiara said. "I can't tell you why I remember things the others can't. I've been forbidden to tell. We must get the DigiDestined together, even the old ones. She'll need all the help she can get."
* * * * * * Aleida felt numb when she came to. She was floating in some dark abyss where her surroundings were as liquidly and unsteady as water in a stream. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to remain stable. Where am I? What's going on?
"Once again we meet, your highness."
Before Aleida could ask who said that, Lady Sinister appeared. Aleida gasped in horror. Lady Sinister was a spirit, but somehow she managed to bring her here to this place. She smirked at Aleida. "I was really surprised I managed to bring you here. It took about a week in your time. I must admit you were almost successful in fighting my control completely. Yet, I've been patient, I always have. I've just been waiting to regain my strength."
"But...Keanna killed you..."
Lady Sinister smiled. "But no one can kill your spirit."
"What do you want?" Aleida asked.
"I've been waiting for my chance to strike at you when your little friends weren't around and that includes your boyfriend too. Also, the beauty of this plan is that no one can reach you here."
"You shouldn't underestimate us DigiDestined," Aleida said, trying to avoid that upcoming battle.
Lady Sinister laughed. "I'd like to see them try to get here!" She drew forth a sword and tossed it to her. Aleida caught it, but the force of impact sent her flying head over heels. "I hope you remember how to use a sword. I'd be terribly disappointed if I destroyed you too quickly."
Aleida managed to stand (or float) up. "I can assure you I don't intend to here, not when my future throne awaits me."
Lady Sinister laughed. "You're reliving your past in a new way. If I killed you here and now, Princess Latrina would cease to exist and your lovely Prince would have to marry one of your other friends.'
Aleida gritted her teeth. "That's not possible!"
"In your case it will be!" Lady Sinister was, suddenly lunging at her with another sword.
Aleida blocked it, but the force sent her flying back once again.
Lady Sinister smiled. "Don't worry about the lack of gravity, you get used to it eventually."
Aleida forced herself to remain upright, holding out her sword. She can upset the future if she kills me, but even if I die, I must never lose the light inside.
* * * * * * "That's not possible!" Davis exclaimed. "Are you sure that she's not in the Digital World? That's the only place she could possibly be!"
"Well, the Dark Ocean is another world too," Kari pointed out. She gazed out the window forlornly. "I hope she'll be all right. I know how she must feel."
"How?" Ken asked in puzzlement.
"Because the same thing happened to her once," T.K. said. "She was fading in math class and having strange dreams."
Kari frowned. "But I went to the Dark Ocean because the Subamon needed my help. One doesn't get pulled through time for no reason."
"She's right," Kiara said as she concentrated on the computer screen. "There has to be a reason. Is everyone here?"
"Yeah, except Matt---"
"Sorry I'm late everyone," Matt said as he walked through the door. "My band was---" He looked at Kiara. "Holy Cow!"
She turned to glare at him. "I'm not a cow thank you very much."
He touched her hair. "This is some kind of wig isn't it?"
She snatched it back. "Of course it isn't!"
Matt laughed. "I feel sorry for then!"
Tai broke up the fight. "Cut it out you two! We've got business to discuss!"
"Earlier you said that you didn't fully know where she was," Kiara went on. "I've been scouting each and every world, but I haven't seen any trace of her."
"I don't get it," Yolei said. "Why are you so concerned about finding Aleida? You don't even know her."
"Actually I do," Kiara remarked with a smile. "I'm her cousin in this life as well as the future. The same goes for Katra."
"Hold on a second," Matt said. "What's going on? And who is this nut?"
Kiara glared at him. "Don't make me hurt you..."
"What ya gonna do?" Matt taunted.
"Oh please stop!" Tai groaned. "I've heard enough arguing to last me a life time! Matt, this is Kiara Komakana."
"Aleida's disappeared," Ken said. "It's possible that she's been sucked into another world."
Matt shrugged. "Maybe she's gone on vacation."
"I can assure you that she isn't," Risimon remarked as she entered the room.
Kiara turned to look at her. "Have you see Aleida do anything strange before she's disappeared?"
"She had these strange dreams," Risimon said. "About a battle at your Kingdom."
Kiara frowned. "It must be the Troubled Times. Please continue."
"Then all went black and she felt pain throughout her body---"
"Stop right there," Kiara said. "I think I know where she is." She turned to the computer and continued to search. In about a minute she smiled. "I found her."
Ken looked over her shoulder. "Where?"
"She's in the World of Lost Souls."
Cody frowned. "Where?"
"It's a place souls go when they aren't mean to return to the Digital World, or any world for that matter." She glanced at Ken. "That's what the Sword of Destiny can do and why it was Lady Sinister's only threat."
"You mean...that sword can send people there?" He asked in amazment.
"And creatures too," Kiara said. "But why was Aleida sent there?"
"Is there any way we can contact her?" Ken asked.
"I can try," Kiara said. She typed in some codes.
"What are you accessing?"
"The Royal Computers," Kiara said. "In the future, our computers are much easier to handle and more reliable than these."
"But my computer works just fine," Izzy said with a frown.
"Not for what I need to do here," Kiara said. "There."
Instantly, the screen showed the battle between Aleida and Lady Sinister.
Ken froze. "Lady Sinister?"
Yolei moaned. "Not again! Why can't bad guys just stay dead?!"
"I agree with you," Kari said.
"Why is Lady Sinister always after Aleida?" Carson asked.
"Because the two are not only rivals, but sisters," Kiara explained.
"Huh?!" Everyone exclaimed.
"Larissa is her real name. She was the oldest and as she grew up, she turned more and more evil. But no one would ever guess that a beautiful girl could ever be like that. Her mother sensed it and denied her the crown, henceforth giving it to Aleida. She completely flipped out and plotted to regain it one way or another. That's when she became Lady Sinister."
"Is there anyway we can get in there?" Ken asked.
Kiara shook her head sadly. "It's far too dangerous."
"I don't care! I've got to help her!"
"Listen to me," Kiara said calmly. "I would if I could, but I can't. You can't enter a world without a reason."
"But I do have a reason! I---"
Kiara slapped him across the face. "Come to your senses! What would you do if you could enter? You have to think things through first!"
Ken stared at the screen with tears in his eyes. "You mean...all we can do...is watch?"
* * * * * * "You're pretty good even if you haven't practiced in years," Lady Sinister remarked. "But you'll still lose."
Aleida blocked yet another blow that was aimed for her head. "What makes you think that?"
"Because I know all your moves."
"How? I don't know any."
Lady Sinister smirked. "If that's true, you would have died long before now. Don't you remember all those classes in swordsmanship we took together?"
"When did that ever happen?"
"You don't remember?" Lady Sinister asked in surprise. She smirked. "We were sisters."
This caught Aleida off guard as Lady Sinister had expected. She managed to dodge, but barely. The blade cut deep into her shoulder. Aleida dropped the sword, but she dove for it. Lady Sinister followed close behind. Aleida grabbed the hilt and turned to face her, but Lady Sinister's blow knocked it from her hand. Once again she was struck by the sharp blade, but this time across the cheek. Aleida's mind went numb. Her sword was out of reach and Lady Sinister wasn't about to show mercy. Lady Sinister continued to strike her until she could barely move. Lady Sinister laughed and paused so Aleida could continue to suffer until she was ready to go in for the kill.
A tear ran down Aleida's cheek. I'm going to die here and now. There's no stopping that now. I only wish that I could tell Ken how much I care for him. I don't want to ruin things for us. It's not death I fear, its if he'll be okay...The tear started to glow and soon spread, covering her in a golden bubble.
Lady Sinister struck at the bubble again and again, but the sharp blade couldn't pierce it. "What's going on? What's happening? This wasn't part of my plan!"
Aleida couldn't hear what she was saying, the bubble blocked out all noise. She felt someone gently brush her cheek. "Ken?"
"No, it's me."
She opened her eyes to see a woman holding her in her arms. She had to be in her twenties. She had long braided blonde hair, and wore a golden crown of leaves, a blue amulet with pearls outlining it, a long flowing white gown with a low neckline and a gold belt with two stars and a moon in the center. Aleida had never seen her before...or had she? Her green eyes looked familiar. "Mom?"
She nodded. "Yes, Trini. It's me."
"What's happening to me? Am I dead?"
She shook her head. "No, and you won't die." She plucked a leaf off her crown and gently pressed it in her hand. Immediately, Aleida's clothes changed into that of a Royal Princess. She wore an ice-blue dress that ended in pleats at her knees with flowing pink skirt underneath it. She also had a pink sash over one shoulder that ended with a pin that bore her Crest of Loyalty. She had dangling earrings. Even her hair was put up in meatballs with two strings of pearls circling each one. Her wounds were healed and showed no traces of scars. "I must leave you now."
Aleida held on tighter. "Please! Don't leave me!"
Her mother smiled gently. "Do not worry. I won't leave you on your own."
She disappeared and within seconds Ken arrived. He wasn't wearing his school uniform, but clothes of a prince. His blue jacket had a tails and his white pants were slightly loose and he even had dress shoes.
He held her tightly. "I was so worried about you!"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
He smiled gently. "I knew you would eventually. I'm just relieved to know you're safe."
"What can we do to stop her?" Aleida asked. "She's too powerful, even as a spirit."
Suddenly, the bubble split in half and then shattered into oblivion. Ken and Aleida were seperated.
"Well," Lady Sinister said dryly, eyeing him. "I suppose there's no place where lover boy doesn't follow you." She turned to face Aleida with a devious smile. "I'll let you go, but not until I kill him first! That would be worse than dying!"
"No!" Aleida cried out as Lady Sinister charged at Ken. Her hand closed tightly around the leaf. I won't let it end this way! At that moment, the golden leaf transformed into a large bow around the shape of Angewomon's. It had winged tips and the arrow's tip was in the shape of a heart. Lady Sinister froze and for once she looked terrified. Aleida suddenly understood. She was holding the Bow of Ai and true love was the only thing that could possibly destroy Lady Sinister, for she knew no love.
She aimed it at Lady Sinister. "May you never haunt us again..."
The arrow shot forward at the speed of light and struck Lady Sinister's heart. Once it impacted, she dissolved into the abyss...never to return again...
* * * * * *
Ken waited outside the resturant, glancing at his wrist watch. She's two mintues late. Is something wrong?
"Sorry I'm late!" Aleida said as she approached him. She wore a sky blue tank top dress that ended at her knees. The cloth was sequined making it look like glittering stars. "I was over at Kiara's house and she let me borror this dress."
He smiled as he opened the door for her. "It's very pretty."
He led the way to their table and offered her a chair.
"Thank you," she said as she sat.
"How have you been lately?"
She smiled. "The dreams are gone. I've been meaning to ask you something."
"What?"
"How did you manage to enter the World of Lost Souls?"
He leaned back in his seat and rested his hands behind his head. "Well, all I could remember was being covered in a golden light and then this woman in a white dress and long braided blonde hair---"
She rested a hand on his. "That was my Mother."
He looked surprised. "Really?"
She nodded. "Go on."
"She told me that you needed me, though I don't know why. I didn't really help much."
"Oh, but you did," Aleida assured him. "Kiara explained that only true love could make that leaf turn into the Bow of Ai. If you hadn't been there, it never would have happened and I would have died for sure."
"Oh," he said. "I guess I did help some. Besides, I actually liked wearing those fancy clothes!"
She giggled. "You're so cute sometimes!"
He smiled and took her hand. "At least now we know Lady Sinister will never come between us again."
She smiled back. "I know, and it feels great."
To be continued...
*After notes - "Ai" is Japanese for love
