Okay next part here.
As always I don't own digimon.
Chapter 6:
Matt was giving a huge sigh of relief. While they were waiting for the pizza, everyone was telling stories about the past to get TK to remember. Matt was just glad that TK hadn't brought up the topic of Blitomon again. A shiver went down his spin. How was he going to tell his brother about the digimon who almost took his life? He gave a grateful smile towards Yolie; she saved his butt big time. He was going to tell him, but just not yet, he needed time to remember the good things in his life not the bad things.
Matt let himself smile, TK was already remembering a lot by just talking and hearing stories about his past. He remembered his nickname for him, and he remembered DNA digivolving. He was positive that given time he would remember everything about his past. He was just thinking about how he would tell his parents. Their mother would probably faint, not to mention so would his dad. He thought back to the time he had to tell them that TK had....
Shacking his head from the bad memories he stared at his brother. TK hadn't really changed a lot on the outside; sure he was taller, but his face looked the same even his hair, true it was lighter. The thing that worried him was what had changed on the inside. He thought back to all the weapons he and Ajona had been carrying. Thankfully Joe knew of a place were they could turn the weapon over to the police with no questions asked. He was just happy to get them out of the house; Ajona and TK looked reluctant to let them go but didn't protest. TK clamed that he never killed anyone, and he believed him. TK might be tougher than he was, but he still valued life above all else.
Ajona on the other hand... He wasn't sure about her. She told them a little about herself, how she had grown up on a farm until hunters killed her family, all except her brother. He could understand why she went after TK for revenge. Just thinking about what Blitomon did to TK made him want to seek revenge. He was just glade, that she didn't blame TK anymore. Tai had told him that Ajona killed the three hunters in the desert after he was knocked out. He was going to make sure that he kept an eye on her, just in case. Looking over at Kari, he was sure she was thinking the same thing.
He chuckled to himself a little; he knew that Kari had a crush on his little brother. Judging by the way she still stared at him, she probably still did. Although he wasn't sure what his brother thought he had a hunch that maybe TK felt the same, or at least he had back then. Seeing TK smile at Ajona though, it looked like Kari would have some competition. Matt was almost certain though that TK wouldn't go for Ajona; she just wasn't his type. But then again it had been two years and TK had changed a lot.
He turned his attention back to the group. TK was sitting on the floor by the couch, listening to Izzy, who was talking about the digital world. TK had been quiet for a long time, just listening to the stories. He chose that moment to look at Matt and give him a warm smile. Then he went back to listening to Izzy. Matt smiled too sure things had changed. But TK would always be TK. Just then, Matt decided that he wanted to hear about what happened to make TK change in those two years. If he didn't ask now he didn't know when he would get the nerve to ask again.
"TK?"
TK turned to Matt, the same smile still there.
"Who is Liz?" Matt regretted the question when he saw TK's smile slip from his face and his eyes turn sad. "If you don't want to talk it's okay."
"No," TK said, "I guess you're only curious about what happened in the two years." Matt was grateful that he didn't take it the wrong way. After all, he did to convince TK that he was his brother; he didn't want him upset now.
"Like I said before, Liz was my mother." Not to confuse them he quickly added, "At least while I was in that world. She found me the desert practically dying from dehydration. She took me in and nursed me back to health. She let me tag along and raised me as if I was her real son. You met her-- she was the lady who helped you in the bar."
"Oh, so that was her name," Sora wondered aloud. "I was hopping to thank her for what she did but she disappeared. I was wondering what happened to...her." Sora hesitated when she saw TK lower his eyes.
Joe spoke up. "I can answer that question." He looked at TK for permission. When he got no protest he continued. "We were running from the hunters when she suddenly stopped short. Without time to react I collided into her and we both fell to the ground." He peered up at his friends. "You guys must not have noticed because you kept on running."
"Oh, that's why you weren't with us when we opened the gate." Mimi recalled, leaning closer to pay attention to the rest of the story.
"Before we could start running again..." Joe adjusted his glasses, apparently regretting what he had to say next. "She was shot."
"Oh no, TK..." Sora looked over at TK again, feeling his pain like it was her own. No wonder he looked so sad.
"Shortly after that, after TK and Ajona rode up, Liz told me then that… brothers have the same eyes." He deliberately left out the part with TK holding a gun on him; they didn't really need to here that. "I wasn't positive it was TK because of the scarf, but once she handed me the digivise I knew."
"So that's why you insisted they come." Tai said giving a proud smile to Joe.
"One of the reasons." Taking a deep breath he continued. "I tried my best but she didn't make it."
Matt got up and sat by TK, pulling him easily into a hug. He felt horrible. All this time TK was dealing with the loss of his adoptive mother and they were trying to get him to remember things that didn't really matter. "I'm sorry TK, I didn't know."
TK took a few minutes to compose himself, then pulled out of Matt's comforting embrace. "Its okay, it's just a little too much to take in all at once." He laughed a little as he wiped the tears off his face with the back of his sleeve. "Liz would scold me for crying over her like this." He smiled at the memories. "She always said that when she died I shouldn't be sad. She said that when she died she would become a part of me." Hardening his heart he continued, "Instead of opening my eyes to see her, all I have to do is close my eyes and feel her."
He felt a pair of arms encircles him and he opened his eyes to see Sora hugging him, crying softly. She was shedding the tears that he himself wanted to shed. She didn't know, but those tears meant more to him then she could possibly imagine. Returning the hug, he smiled "She was the best though; she thought me everything I knew."
Sora let go, wiping her eyes. "Like what?"
"Well, how to cheat, shoot, steel, fight, gamble, all the things I would need in...order to...survive." While he was specking he noticed Matt's eyes growing wider as he went on. "Let me guess I don't need to know any of that to survive here?"
"Oh, TK…" Sora looked heartbroken again; he could tell that she was feeling sorry for him but he didn't want them to feel sorry. Sure, it wasn't the best place in the world to grow up but he did enjoy it for the most part.
"It wasn't that bad." He gave them a big reassuring smile. "Liz and I lived nomadic lives. That was just more dangerous then staying in one place."
"That's right, I was never in any real danger were I lived." Ajona spoke up from her sitting position next to Davis. "Besides from the hunters." Ajona and TK had told them who the hunters were, but nether one of them knew why technology was illegal. Izzy had almost fainted when he heard that they had grown up with no advanced technology. He just couldn't imagine how they survived.
"I never did steal, and I only fought to protect myself." Giving a sheepish smile TK continued. "And I only cheat in cards."
"You were playing cards at the table when we entered the bar, right?" asked Tai.
"Yeah. I'm what you call a professional gambler." Adjusting a little to get more comfortable he continued, "It's how Liz and I made some of our money for supplies."
"TK?" His name was spoken in a whisper and, he turned to address Kari who looked reluctant to continue. "At the bar, that man was...was..."
"Killed." TK completed her sentence knowing what she really wanted to ask him. "I got used to people being killed around me. There was only one law: no technology. Killing isn't illegal, though you do have to give a good reason to do it." He chuckled a little "Of course 'because he needed to be killed' is a good reason."
"Well we're just all glad that you're safe," Mimi chipped in with her usual happiness. "Liz must have been a great. Was she a professional gambler too?"
Ajona instantly started to giggle after hearing the question. They all turned to her wondering why that question was so funny. TK was giving her a deep scowl, which only made her laugh all the more. Shaking his head he turned back to Mimi.
"To answer your question, no she wasn't. She was more into the…ah…selling aspect of our world." This only made Ajona laugh even harder as tears of mirth formed in her eyes. She was laughing so hard she was falling over onto her side.
"What did she sell?" asked Mimi giving curious looks between Ajona and TK.
Oh well, it's now or never. "Mostly herself."
"Oh...OH!" Mimi eyes widened as the realization of what he said finally sank in.
Davis's mouth was almost touching the floor. "You mean she was a prostitute."
TK only shrugged "Its not like I encouraged it or anything." He folded his arms. "She claimed it was the only thing she could do."
"He was probably right." Ajona spoke up. She had now calmed down and was wiping her eyes with her sleeve. "There weren't many jobs for people, so you took what you got. Anyway, the job doesn't make the person. From the time I spent with Liz I found out that she was the most thoughtful, caring person I ever met. She loved TK, and protected him the best way she knew how."
TK gave a grateful smile towards AJ. Okay so she isn't that bad. "Any other questions?"
Just then the doorbell rang and Izzy went to pay for the pizza. Matt patted TK on his shoulder. "Just remind me not to play cards with you and everything will be fine." Helping pass out the plates he handed TK a slice of pizza. "We'll stay here tonight but tomorrow you're going to meet your real mother and father." Taking a bit from his pizza he continued. "I just hope that they don't die of shock."
Everyone laughed at that, and began eating the pizza. It was agreed that AJ would stay with Sora for now. TK wasn't complaining, he didn't care what she said-- he would only trust her so far. He looked over at his brother, who was talking to Tai. He had to admit this was a comforting setting. He didn't have to look over his shoulder every second, or worry about was his next meal was coming from. He took a bit of the pizza and had to admit it was tasty, but then everything was better then Liz's cooking. He didn't want to ruin this happy reunion but he had to know about his past, and not when he was young. He wanted to know what happened the day he disappeared.
"Why would they die of shock?"
"What did you say?" Matt asked, taking another bite of his pizza.
"Why would my mom and dad die of shock? Is it because they believed Blitomon killed me?"
The whole room went dead silent. Everyone looked from TK to Matt who just stood there looking down at his lap. "Okay, you asked for it."
For the next hour Matt told about how they had gone to the digital world and how they had met up with Blitomon, who was about to complete the spell. Matt then told about how TK had pushed Davis out of the way to save him. He then told about how Izzy had found the signal and ended with how they found him in the bar. TK sat there when Matt had finished. He didn't know what to say. His friends risked everything on a hunch to get him safely home. He could tell that Davis was upset by the story, no doubt blaming himself for his disappearance. As much as he would like to stay at home and remember all the good times look forward to the better ones ahead. He knew that Blitomon was still out there, waiting for them to show themselves. He could be hunting them down as they spoke. Not to mention he still had the power to complete the spell. He knew what he had to do. Standing he looked over his friends.
"Now that were altogether again, is time to take out Blitomon for good." Turning to Izzy, he asked, "How do we do it?"
***********
There was nothing to the left and there was nothing was to the right. Moving from his cover of the shadows, he stepped into the opening. Up ahead of him was his long sought after goal. The only problem was that there was a long way between him and utopia. There were hurdles and obstacles at every turn and he needed to avoid them or he would alert the whole house. Checking himself he made sure not to step on the prone forms ahead of him. He was nearly to freedom, freezing when a moan came from one of the bodies on the floor. Standing perfectly still, he didn't move a muscle; he didn't even breathe. When the figure got comfortable, he waited until there was evens rise and fall of the chest before he let out a soft sigh. Wiping the sweat off his brow he approached the glass door and opened it. Feeling the cool breeze on his brow, he stepped on the porch and closed the door silently behind him.
He had faced ruthless killers that would cut your throat without hesitation. Run from crazed animals that would start eating you before you died. Not to mention survived an environment that most people would consider Hell on earth. Yet he still could not stay in places for a long period of time.
TK took a deep breath to settle his nerves. He loved being outside in the fresh air. Okay that wasn't the complete truth, but he just hated being inside. As a scowl formed on his lips he admitted it, he was a little claustrophobic. Not as bad as some people; he could stay inside all day if he wanted. He could probably even stay in a box for a number of hours. He just hated staying inside when he could just as easily be outside. Besides there wasn't any windows in he room he was sleeping.
Taking another deep breath he looked out over the city. It was the first time since this mess started that he could settle down and breathe. He needed to just sit down and think. Had it only been a few hours since this whole mess began. Lifting himself up so that he could sit on the end of the balcony he let his legs dangling over. It was three in the morning and everyone was asleep all except him. They had talked until well-past midnight, when the toll of all the days started taking effect, and they decided to retire for the night.
Izzy's parents were away for the weekend, which was fortunate since it was too late for anyone to go home. There were only three bedrooms so Mimi, Kari and Yolie took one bedroom while Sora and Ajona took the other. Everyone agreed Matt and TK should take the other bedroom, him being the guest and all. A smile appeared on his face. Everyone was being so wonderful to him.
Something ugly turned inside him. Why couldn't he remember these people? Always before there was sadness when he thought about his loss of memory. Now he was angry. He was angry when he saw his friends and family laughing, knowing that he should be laughing with them. What could he do, to be forever lost in this void, with no memories?
He noticed one of the lights coming on in the building next to him. Looking around he saw that there were more tall buildings clearly outlined through the dark. This town reminded him of the forbidden zone. He remembered passing through one of them one day, okay not passing through it more like sneaking through it. That was one of the most dangerous yet exciting adventures he had done with Liz.
**Flashback**
"Liz, why are we doing this again?" whispered a fourteen-year-old TK.
"Why not?" was the flip reply. They were crouched next to a large building inside the forbidden zone. It was supposed to be a short cut, but TK was beginning to think he would have preferred the long way. Already they had seen four hunters patrolling the city; if they weren't lucky they could easily wind up dead.
The forbidden Zones, as they had been called, were sites located all across the continent. They were filled with old technology worth hundreds on the black market, if you were brave enough to go in and get them. There were always twenty or more hunters patrolling each city, hoping to catch intruders foolish enough to try to get in. But that was exactly what he and Liz were— fools. Why did he agree to do this again?
"Were going to die," he muttered as he scanned the ally for any signs of movement.
Liz had told him that people used to live in these cities not too long ago. Liz herself had lived in one of them, until she was seven. She had said how one day she and her family just left town, with only a few valuables between them. She never knew why, but she said it had to do with the fact people started to believe all technology was evil. She said ever since then technology and anything related to it were deemed illegal, including these cities.
"Were not going to die." She made a quick dash to another ally across the street, and he quickly followed. Once they were sure they were safe they continued down the ally. "Think of it as a challenge."
"Running a marathon is a challenge. This is suicide."
They continued to crawl through the alleys undetected. Liz stopped to pick up a gizmo or gadget of some sorts a few feet away. "As long as we're here, why not do some shopping."
He was about to respond when a noise behind him grabbed his attention, whirling around on his feet he stared into the dark ally. "Did you hear that?" he whispered to Liz, who was bent over examine something.
"No, it's probably just your nerves."
Never taking his eyes away from the dark shadows covering the walls he spoke to Liz over his shoulder. "I don't like this, Liz. I think we should...Duck!" He threw himself on the ground as a bullet went flying over his head; he only saw the gun seconds before it went off. Jumping to his feet he saw that Liz was already racing down the ally, and without another thought he turned on his heels and followed her. Another bullet whizzed past his ear as he ran out of the ally behind Liz.
"Split up, meet me in the next town— Fulger." With that Liz turned right as he darted left, into another ally.
Behind him he heard the distinctive sounds of footsteps running towards him, and heard several gunshots in the distance. He quickly crossed his fingers hoping that Liz would be okay. As another shot exploded into the wall next to him, he crossed his fingers again hoping he would be okay. He turned and headed down another ally now realizing that he was completely lost. His luck couldn't hold out. Any minute now he could run down an ally without an exit or run into an army of hunters. More bullets flew over his head and sweat started to form on his brow. He couldn't keep running like this; his legs were already starting to cramp.
Noticing an old fire ladder hanging down from one of the buildings, he quickly formed a plan. He jumped onto a trashcan and grabbed onto the rungs of the ladder, hoisting himself up. Without hesitation he quickly climbed the ladder to the landing as bullets pinged off the metal next to him. He dashed the small distance, grabbling the other latter to climb towards the second landing. Quickly negotiating the twist and turns he hoisted himself up the last staircase and over the wall to the roof. Looking over the edge he saw five hunters considering the same fire escape, only seconds away.
Taking a quick survey of the roof, he started towards the opposite wall, and without hesitation he put one foot on the wall and vaulted over to the next roof. Rolling when he landed he got up and started for the next house. When he made his second jump a bullet grazed his arm and he fell onto the next roof. Picking himself up, TK looked back at the other roof. The five hunters were right behind him and getting closer. He started forward and winced at the pain in his ankle. He must have twisted it when he jumped. Ignoring the pain in his arm and leg, he ran towards the end of the roof. The distance was longer and a low metal rail ran along the rooftop. Without giving it another thought he leaped across the gap. Grabbing the railing, his body slamming against the metal. He had no time to feel the pain. He swung himself up and over and took off running again.
He got to the end of the roof and noticed there was nowhere to go. The building next to him was taller and the roof could not be reached if he jumped. Looking behind him, he noticing the hunters were just getting over the railing. Just then he noticed a thick drainpipe running down the wall. Without another thought he grabbed on to the pipe and began the slow descent downwards. Halfway down a bullet hit the pipe above him, causing who knew what to fall over him. The only good thing was that the spraying garbage was making it hard for the hunters to take a clean shot at him. He quickened his movements when he heard a cracking noise. Without warning the pipe broke away from the wall and started to fall, taking TK with it. Unable to hold on any longer he fell through a glass window. Rolling on the dusty floor he quickly jumped to his feet. Wincing, he held his arm where he'd been grazed by the bullet, limping slightly as he hurried towards the exit. After making it down the stairs he opened the door and took off running down the street.
He didn't know how but he had managed to get out of town without another incident. He eventually found Liz in Fulger, who was beside herself with worry. Liz herself escaped without any injury, while he had to stay in bed for a week to deal with his numerous ones.
******
A small smile appeared on his face. I better not tell Matt about that little adventure. To tell the truth he hadn't talked much tonight. He was content to listen to all the other kids' stories. He answered a few things, he told about Liz and how she found him, and how he met Ajona. But in reality he hadn't given them anything to judge what type of person he was. Maybe they just need more time.
He wrapped his arms around himself as a soft wind blew past him. Time was something he wished he had more of. Once the sun rose, so would many new adventures. He would meet his real mom and dad and probably a hundred more people whom he couldn't remember. A shiver ran up his spine. What if they wouldn't accept him? He wasn't what you would call a perfect person; he had his faults. What if they sent him away? Where would he go?
Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he thought of Matt. Matt wouldn't send him away. He had to believe that much. He used to lie on the sand for hours at night, looking up at the stars just imaging what his whole family would be like. Matt was nothing as he imagined his brother would be like. He was better. Matt was caring and kind, anyone else would have jumped down his back demanding to know what had happened while he was away. Matt stayed back and just listened to the old stories, casting considerate glances his way every few moments. Would he have grown up differently if he hadn't disappeared? He wondered what he was like before this whole mess started.
The sun was beginning to rise. Swinging his legs around, he sat on the floor on the deck. He would just stay out here a few more minutes, and then head inside so he wouldn't worry anyone. Closing his eyes he yawned. He would just rest his eyes, not sleep, for a few minutes.
*************
"TK!"
Rudely awakened by his name that shattered through the dullness of his brain, TK grumbled. He started slipping back into consciousness. What all that yelling about?
"TK!"
He opened one eye and peered around, getting his bearings. The sun was high in the sky, and he wondered why Liz would be yelling at him this early in the morning. God knows she's not a morning person.
Closing his eye, he turned to his side ignoring the urgent call. He was too tired to deal with anything this morning. Liz could take care of herself, though her voice did sound lower than usual. That when he noticed he was not sleeping on a bed or sand but something hard. Snuggling into his shirt for more warmth he remembered he must have fallen asleep on the porch.
"Fallen asleep on the porch!" He yelled, and he scrambled to his feet. His mind finally registering all that has happened not even twelve hours ago. He had fallen asleep on the porch last night. Everyone must be worried about him. He gave himself a quick look to see if he was okay then hurried inside.
******
Matt was frantic now. He looked in all the rooms, worried that it had all been a dream. His screams had awoken the whole house. But he barely noticed he was too concerned about TK to give anyone much notice.
He had awoken only a while ago, excited to start the day with his brother. He turned expected to see him still sleeping in his bed, what he saw was an empty bed.
"TK!" He wasn't to upset until he had walked into the living room and noticed he was nowhere to be found. Fearing that he ran off, he frantically started to look for him.
"Matt, what's going on?" Tai stood in front of him a worried expression on his face.
"I can't find TK!" Matt sank to the floor. He couldn't lose him again. He couldn't go through all the pain again. He had just gotten him back.
"What's going on?" Matt turned quickly and felt a huge weight lifting off his shoulders. As TK knelt by him Matt quickly wrapped his arms around him pulling him into a hug.
After a few minutes Matt stood up pulling TK with him. He put two hands on his shoulders and shock him once. "Where the hell where you?" His voice was rougher than he meant it to be.
TK scanned the room and noticed concern on all his friends' faces. Guilt was building inside him as he turned to answer the question. "I went outside last night to get some air." Motioning to the door, he added, "I guess I fell sleep."
Matt let out a shaky breath, touching TK's forehead with his own. "I'm sorry I yelled." Giving TK a pat on the sounder he straightened up and smiled. "Just tell me next time okay?"
Smiling back, TK nodded. "Deal."
"Well now that were all up…" Sora said, "what are we going to do today?"
"I don't know about you, but TK and I have to see my parents sometime today," Matt said, moving towards the kitchen.
"He can't see your parents looking like that." Mimi steeped forward and circled TK, looking him up and down. "We have to go shopping first."
"Mimi…" Tai sighed "There are better things to do then shopping."
"Like what?" Mimi said innocently. "Come on, it will be fun, and besides your parents might be more relieved if their son looked somewhat normal."
TK, who had been silently listening, glanced down at himself. His clothes were different then his friends. "She has a point." All eyes turned towards him now. "Besides, Mom and Dad will probably never let me out of the house again. At least let me do some sightseeing before I become locked away for life."
Mimi eyes went back to Matt's with a pleading expression in them. Matt sighed. "Fine, but I have to get some money." He grumbled knowing he was defeated.
"I can pay for my clothes." TK said going into his pocket for his moneybag.
"No offense TK, but you're money is probably worthless here," supplied Izzy.
"You guys don't use gold as money?" As TK said this he spilled out thirty gold pieces from his pouch along with some jewels, which must have been worth a small fortune into Izzy's outstretched hands. "The jewels I can understand. Liz always thought they were pretty. She always asked to get paid with...them." He noticed his friend faces just then. Their eyes looked as if they were about to fall out of the sockets and some of their mouths dropped open.
"Izzy?" Davis began tentatively. "Are those things real?"
"If they are..." Izzy turned to TK. "We'll have to get them checked out to make certain, but this would mean that you, TK, are extremely rich."
Blinking TK looked at him confused "That's nothing. Liz had ten times that in her bag, but with the hunters I forgot to grab it." Turning he craned his neck to search out Ajona, when he spotted her he gave her a warm smile. "Ajona do you have anything."
At the mention of her name all eyes went to her. She went into her pocket and pulled out a similar bag. Walking over to Sora she poured out its contents into her hands. Sora peered down and gasped. In her hands were hundreds of tiny diamonds. She glanced back up at Ajona who just shrugged "Diamonds are a girls best friends."
Matt, who had been to stunned to talk, looked at TK and smiled. "Well, I guess you can buy your own clothes."
******
"Master… the gate… it's open."
"I know. Soon, very soon, I will get my revenge on those digidestined. They will pay for the trouble they caused me." The laugh echoed through the darkness, floating throughout the once happy place called the digital world.
"Gatomon, did you hear that?" whispered one of the two undetected intruders.
"I heard him, Agumon." The white cat hid in the shadows as Blitomon walked past them, not noticing the two digimon. "We have to tell the others, the war will start very soon and we have to be prepared."
"Don't worry Gatomon, we got our hope back."
To be Continued":
Well that was the Digimon I told you about. Don't worry the real action starts in the next chapter. Please read and review and tell me what you would like to see in upcoming chapters.