A/N: Okay okay I get the idea; I took way to long with the last part. I'm so sorry about that so I tried really hard to get this one up quick. Let me know what you think, feedback motivates me to write more, so there's a little hint.
Once again major koodos to Kodachrome for editing and helping me get through the writers block. And also to raine, I miss your work and really can't wait to see something again.
Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
His breaths were getting slower and more ragged with every passing second and Joe knew that time was slipping away. TK hadn't moved or even made a sound since he'd finished bandaging the battered boy up. "Just a little longer TK, do it for Kari and Matt" he pleaded squeezing the boy's hand. There was no response.
Joe looked out the window looking at the sun as it began its journey towards the horizon. Cody looked out the window as well "Is he going to make it?" the young warlord asked turning his attention away, his tone oddly soft and meek. The Master of Reliability looked over not sure how to answer, deciding the truth would be the best "I don't know…he needs something to keep him here just a little longer and I'm not enough. Bring Matt here…"
Cody bit his lip nervously Ken's orders to leave them all where they are echoing in his head. His conscience then began to tickle him, 'Ken didn't know he'd be taking his last breaths though' it said calmly 'it won't do any harm they can't go anywhere'.
Satisfied with the conversation he had with himself Cody moved to the door raising himself to his full height before throwing the door open forcefully startling the guards. "Fetch the one in the throne room," he ordered and evidence of his soft voice long gone.
The guards didn't question him and scampered down the hall as fast as their steel tipped boots would allow. The warlord turned his attention back to Joe "Why will his brother keep him here?" he asked truly curious, he'd never had a sibling and didn't know what it was like. Then there was Jun and Davis, but they didn't have anything close to what their captives seemed to posses.
Joe shook his head a small smile playing on his lips "You know after all these years I really don't know. Ever since they were little Matt has had a bond with Takeru, a bond that could get TK to do anything. Its actually really beautiful to watch them when one isn't clinging to life".
Cody nodded and took the signal to leave them alone, Matt would be arriving soon and he didn't want to be too close when he saw the state his brother was in. Sure enough the guards returned dragging the blonde behind them.
Matt was struggling as they pulled his eyes full of defiance that is until Joe's calm voice settled him down "Yamato now's not the time". Matt stopped instantly letting out an anguished cry "Takeru!" He easily pulled free and ran to his brother's side taking his pale, cold hand into his own.
"What happened?" he demanded his fury turning to Cody. He didn't answer instead assuming his cold stance on the couch once again. Joe answered "Davis attacked him, they stopped him just in time. I've been working on him most of the day but there are internal injuries that I can't do anything for until sundown…the only problem is I don't know if he can hold out that much longer".
Tears were welling in the gentle blue eyes as they roamed over the cuts and bruises covering his brother's body "I couldn't protect you". His brother didn't answer and Joe put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Before he could offer some comforting words a slight cough grabbed their attention, it was TK. The Master of Hope had reacted to his brother's presence, though the simple act of opening his eyes caused him great agony.
Matt squeezed his hand brushing the matted golden hair away from his eyes "Shhh, I'm here now".
"It hurts" he rasped tears of his own welling in his swollen eyes. Matt was about to lose it, he just couldn't believe this had happened to his precious baby brother "I know Squirt, you just need to hang on a little longer so Joe can heal you and all the pain will go away".
TK shook his head "I just want to sleep" he said weakly his eyes drooping again. Matt squeezed his hand getting them to open again "No just a little longer, the sun is going down and Joe will make you feel all better". Again TK shook his head the orange rays of the sunset streamed through the window "I love you Matt…and tell Kari I love her".
Matt was panicking now "You'll tell her yourself" he said stroking his forehead his eyes flickering between his brother and the fading sun. Joe moved to Cody holding out his hands for his dust. He complied giving him the whole bag along with a silent prayer.
"No" Matt screamed as the sun faded behind the hills and Takeru collapsed into his arms not breathing. Joe began to run as the familiar transformation took place by the time he arrived at the boy's side it was done. Whispering his blessing as fast as he could and threw every speck of dust from the bag over the failing, battered body of the boy.
Silence echoed in the small chamber only cut off by Matt's pleading voice "Breath Takeru please…" Nothing happened and Matt's silent tears turned to sobs as he cradled his brother's body in his arms rocking him like a baby. Joe wasn't ready to give up yet gently pulling TK away and pinching his nose, he was going to have to do this the human way. He began to pump air into his lungs while Matt held himself waiting and praying. One minute went by, two minutes went by…and nothing had happened. The Master of Reliability felt tears pricking in his eyes, as his overworked lungs could give no more. He fell back onto the stone floor gasping for air watching a true look of horror and anguish work its way on Matt's face.
"No, no, no" he pleaded stroking TK's forehead wanting his closed eyes to open. His pleads became more desperate with every passing second as Joe turned away his wings lowering in his sadness. Shock filled his system when he saw Cody, their oppressor and tormentor crying. Joe wanted nothing more than to drive what he had done into him but Matt's voice stopped him once again.
"TK don't leave us" he shouted this time his voice filled with anger and determination as he beat his fist down onto TK's chest a few times. It was on the third hit that a great gasp was heard as TK's eyes opened his lungs sucking in great breaths. Matt was on the verge of hysterics as he pulled his precious brother into his arms and rocked him, letting his tears bathe his shoulder.
The bruises and cuts were gone, healed by Joe's power but leaving the boy weak nonetheless. "Onichan" he whispered. Matt just cooed and continued to rock him shooting Joe a pleading look for him to come over.
Joe complied leaving Cody to his own thoughts. Gently he pulled TK away relieved to see none of the outer injuries "Why isn't he fully healed?" Matt asked urgently, his wings twitching in anxiety. The healer felt around finding none of the broken bones and no evidence of the internal bleeding "He was at deaths door, if not through it, even my magic has its limits. He will need time to heal meaning now all we can do is let him rest".
Matt nodded pulling himself into the bed allowing TK to lean on him. Cody just watched rubbing the tears from his eyes, he knew Ken would want them all separated again, but he just couldn't do it, not after what they had just been through. In all the raids he had led, and the people he had tortured he had never seen anyone in as much pain as Matt had just been in. It was a sight he never wanted to see again.
Jun looked sadly at Kari as she held herself staring into the fire. The sun had just set and moments before she had pulled herself into the fetal position muttering silent prayers. She knew something had happened to TK just no one was sure what but she was almost positive her brother was responsible for it. She didn't dare try to comfort the young mystic, still feeling like an outsider in the closely-knit group. Kari's wings perked up and a small smile crossed her lips.
"He's okay?" Jun asked quietly well aware of the bond between the two. To her surprise Kari answered with a small smile "Yes, Joe has healed him". Jun returned a smile of her own "I'm sorry for all my brother has done to you and your friends, if I had known they would do this I would have tried to stop them long ago".
The Mistress of Light shook her head "It would have gotten you killed and I would be at your brother's side right now. Apologize for nothing, his sins are his and his alone". Jun wanted to cry the girl comforting her was a few years younger but spoke with such wisdom. Kari gazed at the sky a sudden thought dawning on her "How are you holding up, after all Tai and I aren't the only ones with soul mates in there".
The red head blushed at the reference but answered the question sincerely "Scared out of my mind, I know what they can do and what they are willing to do to get what they want. Matt exhibited his powers trying to protect me and is probably going to suffer because of it…" Kari's gentle hand stopped her from completing the thought "Have faith that light will always prevail over powers darkness, now come get something to eat and the page that went to the village should be back with news soon".
Jun gave a grateful smile and followed the girl to the main part of their 'base' finding everyone helping themselves to the bowl of stew over the fire. They were hidden in the thickest part of the forest, making it safe for more than one fire to burn. Then there were the endless booby traps and guards that surrounded their little area, all it would take was one little whistle and everyone would be gone before its echoes finished fading off of the old oaks surrounding them.
The stews tantalizing smell filled her nose with its heavenly aroma finding Mimi hovering over the pot making sure everyone was enjoying her latest creation. "This is great Mimi" Tai said between inhales unaware of the ingredients that dripped down his chin and onto his shirt. Izzy conquered with a satisfied grunt not looking up.
Kari shook her head and helped herself settling in next to her brother. While they ate they went over possible rescue plans that would get everyone, including the digimon out. Tai had suggested burning the castle and flushing them out abandoning the idea when he realized their friends would be left for dead so the cowards could save their own skins. Halfway through another impossible plan that involved catapults Leomon's ears perked "Someone approaches" he said calmly looking to the woods.
Sure enough seconds later their spy emerged from the brush, his face red and breaths ragged. "Good heavens you didn't run all the way from the castle?" Genni scolded taking the water from Izzy as they sat the boy down. He could only nod as his lungs demanded great breaths. Finally his will to speak overran the will of his body "The warlords are going to execute them all at sunset tomorrow" he said breathlessly.
Gasps of horror ran through the camp and every eye turned to the young page. "I saw Yolei make the announcement herself, she said they would be examples of those who defied them and as punishment for the kingdoms that have buckled yet".
Tai stood up letting his plate fall to the ground "I'm not going to sit here and let them die, I'm leaving at dawn alone or with anyone who wishes to join me". No one objected just nodding their agreement Jun hesitantly speaking "I'll sneak into the castle while they prepare the execution, I know where the digimon are being kept. With them free there will be nothing to stop you".
"Good" Tai said stepping into his leadership role "I'm assuming that Ken still has our dust and I'll take him we have more than just blessing power with in us, Matt showed that the other night. When we have our dust we'll show them what we're really made of and end this nightmare for good". He ended his speech with a shout at his fist in the air, a shout that was echoed by all in the camp.
Izzy went to the armory tent and began to prepare the weapons for distribution while the girls huddled around a dirt drawing on the castle looking for the best way into the stone walled fortress.
Across the woods opposite of where the mystics were camped sat and army of pure evil an darkness. Its leaders looked at the castle with hungry eyes, "Can you feel their power?" he asked happily watching his companion carefully. The dark lord next to him was known as Piedmon, leader of the Dark Masters and feared by all. The clown like king rarely left his Mountain content in picking off nations as they fell, but when Myotismon had come with news of the chosen being captive in one place he couldn't refuse.
He, like many others, had been after their power for ages but had never been able to track them down. That is until these foolish warlords had brought them all to one convenient place. "Yes, and I want it" he said licking his lips just thinking about it.
"My lord" a Vilemon said with a bow as he scurried up to the two. Piedmon looked mildly annoyed but waved his hand allowing him to speak. With a shaking voice the demon continued "I have just received word that four of them are to die at sunset tomorrow, for not obeying…"
He didn't get to finish as the dark lord exploded in fury "They are going to what! Myotismon how could you let such fools take your throne?" Myotismon cowered back for a second "It was part of my ploy my lord, by giving my crown I was given a blessing…I chose to have my army bound to me, forever loyal". He waited for the lord to make his ruling let a silent sigh of relief pass his lips when Piedmon turned his attention back to the Vilemon "Did you learn anything more?"
Again the answer was stuttered out "Yes, apparently Leomon was able to liberate four of the chosen along with Davis Moytamia's sister Jun. There were rumors that the execution was a ploy to lure them back…"
Piedmon waved his hand not needing to hear anymore "I didn't think they were that dumb and using their friends as bait makes a little more sense" he paused letting his twisted mind work "We will strike at sundown as well, make it known to all forces that the chosen are to be unharmed and the warlords killed…but they will die as just as they have set the destined too. They will serve as an example and no one will dare to cross us!"
Sora picked up the piles of tattered furniture, having nothing better to do after being locked back in her cell. No one had been to see her or to make any demands, yet just before sunset the day before she could have sworn she'd heard Matt yelling in the halls.
Outside her window she had observed a flurry of activity in the town square that put her ill at ease. Thought she couldn't make out what was being built the people beginning to gather around the four objects gave her a sense of urgency.
She was also desperate for word of Tai and the others, for all she knew they had been eaten by the lion after he'd taken them. Seeming to hear her question the door burst open and Davis stalked in a cold yet happy look on his face "Time to get them out of hiding" he said seizing her arms before she could get out of the way, she still had a few minutes till sunset and wouldn't do anything until then.
"They won't walk into a trap" she shot back making it a point to drag her feet, making Davis's job as hard as possible. He gave a hard yank on her arm and hissed, "If they want to see you alive again they will". Sora didn't want to know what he meant by that and held her tongue as they entered the hall, her eyes finally falling on the other captives…it was what she saw that made her gasp.
Takeru was white as a sheet his bright eyes barely opened as Ken half carried him out the door. Matt was right behind him, dark circles heavy under his eyes, he seemed sick with worry. Joe was ushered beside her and they were lead to whatever the warlords had planned, "What happened?" Sora asked her voice quavering.
The Master of Reliability lowered his head sadly "Davis tried to get him out of the way and nearly killed him…he'd actually succeeded for a few minutes". Sora gasped again getting her captors attention and earning a slap across the face "There will be silence from that bait". Joe glared as Sora held her cheek blinking away her unwanted tears, he was on his last thread and Davis was about to break it.
"Davis" Yolei snapped from the front the front of the line "save it". The warlord seemed to bury his anger as they entered the courtyard allowing the captives to see what they were in for. Matt was the first to speak as sheer horror ran through their systems. Four gallows had been set up, four different gallows. "Let Takeru go" he said turning to Ken, after their time as captives they knew he was the leader "He's weak and no threat to you just let him go".
Cody listened his heart breaking at the brother's tears…if it were him he would have honored the request. But that was him not Ken and Ken's answer sent chills through the warriors veins "All the better…I know little Kari can sense his pain and knowing he's about to die will get her back all the quicker". Davis let out a happy laugh at the thought "Quicker the better" he echoed.
Yolei smiled happily taking Sora from Davis leading her to the first gallow. At the top of makeshift stage sat a pyre stacked high with dry wood, hay sticking out from the holes, and a large wooden pole. They were going to burn her at the stake. Fear began to run ramped and Sora tried to pull away her eyes pleading with the gathered townspeople for help. After all they had all helped them at one time or another. However no one dared to move and merely averted their eyes trying to be somewhere else.
They, like the mystics, were there against their wills with three of the warlords armies making sure everyone saw what happened to those who defied their masters powers.
Sora tried to pulled away as the chains were clamped around her wrist and her arms above her head. More chains were wrapped around her ankles and Yolei stood before her with a ball gag in hand "I don't know if I should use this or not" she mused "your screams would certainly scare these simpletons into submission and make your love suffer".
The Mistress of Love let her tears flow and spit squarely in the warlordess's face. Yolei glared hatefully wiping her face clean "Enjoy your final moments," she said climbing down, heading for the throne platform.
Ten feet away Joe fought against his own chains as Cody latched the last ones on. He was at the bottom of a large tank with men waiting with buckets of water surrounding the rim. "You can stop this you know," he said as Cody began to leave "I meant what I said about you…you are a good person…let your heart and honor be your guide". Emerald eyes looked back at him sadly after briefly looking at his fellow warlords, he'd come to far to defy them now. "May the ancients save you?" he whispered as he pulled the ladder from the tank and joined Yolei on the stand.
Davis was chanting Kari's name over and over as he bound Matt's wrists behind his back securely. Matt however barely noticed his eyes were on Ken putting the rope around his brother's neck. 'If your going down make it worth it' he thought to himself "She'll never love you" he said surprised that Davis didn't stop or even acknowledge his comment continuing his work by forcing the mystics head on the chopping block, using a thick leather strap to secure his head.
With a final tug Davis was done and climbing down the ladder to allow room for the axe men, but before he was done he gave his final statement "Your wrong you know, with the Mistress of Love and the precious Takeru dead there will be nothing to keep her from me. It will be with her at my side that I will rule the world".
With that the warlord was gone, leaving Matt to watch the sunset the one he thought to be his last. His thoughts turned to Jun; she would never know how much he really loved her. He would never know the love that he had seen his friends and family share. It was then he felt a faint tickle within his heart…the same tickle he had felt the first time he and Jun had kissed.
TK had no idea what was going on, having woken up with a rope around his neck. Ken was there too looking at him curiously. The Master of Hope hardly wanted this to be one of his last memories "What do you want now?" he asked weakly knowing he was slowly getting his strength back, but it wouldn't be back in time to get out of this.
Ken cocked his head "Nothing, I'm about to get everything I want, after all when your friends show up to stop the 'execution' I will have all eight of you again and will never let go. My iron hand over this land will be secure once more".
TK looked at him like he was insane holding his tongue from doing likewise instead turning his attention to the almost black clouds moving in over the setting sun. Adding a final touch Ken placed the webbing over his back to ensure when his wings sprouted he didn't fly away. As he finished Ken spoke once more "Now I bid you farewell my little bait boy, that is farewell until this is all over and we come collect you again".
The mystic watched as he climbed onto the royal podium and took Yolei's hand tenderly in his own kissing it softly. The mere gesture making his heartache for Kari, though he was very happy she wasn't here, tied to the gallows ready for death. After all if Leomon truly had taken the others they wouldn't show and the four of them would be dead within minutes.
A bitter cold wind swept through the courtyard sending more than just chills up TK's spine…something else was coming.
Jun moved quietly through the halls of the darkened castle her well trained ears straining for any sound. She had yet to encounter a guard, the warlords no doubt having them all in the courtyard to ensure their plan, whatever it may be, go off without a hitch.
As she arrived at the entrance of the dungeon she let out a sigh of relief, plan A done on to plan B. Carefully she peered in through the iron-barred window seeing no one at the stool and no one at the door, this room was completely empty. She could see the shadows of the digimon pacing the cell and their voices quietly working out an escape plan. Seeing no better time she slipped in locking the door behind her, ensuring no sneak attacks.
The digimon fell silent as the door opened each one turning to greet the visitor. Gabumon was the first to speak; his soft voice filled with joy "Jun" he said running to the bars sticking his paws out to her "the guards said you had been taken". The red head couldn't help but smile, someone was actually worried about her "Yes I was taken but by the right side, now let's get you out of here before something happens to the chosen".
"Like what" Gatomon demanded her voice near a hiss, her chosen's emotions had been everywhere over the past few days and were in a state of near panic right now.
Jun knew they had to know "The warlords are going to kill Sora, Takeru, Matt, and Joe as examples to those who defy them as soon as the sun sets". Gasps were heard all around as they flooded out the now open cell.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Tentomon asked looking at the stained glass window, ready to break through it. "Because if we just run out there it will do more harm than good," Biomon said, "we need to wait for just the right moment and listen to Jun".
The other digimon complied and all turned to look at the girl. She didn't back down from the pressure "As soon as the sun sets Genni's forces will storm the castle as a distraction, you are to find Tai and get your partners dust…once you have it return to them…fate will take it from there".
Lightning flashed across the horizon as the sun finished its journey down the sky. Black clouds were feeding the flashes as if brining in a warning for what was to come. Ken smiled as his wings sprouted from his back and the ancient power filled his veins, the time had come. Standing tall he raised his hands to address the frightened crowd; most of them were there against their wills in the first place.
"We gather tonight to show what happens to those who defy us" he said in a cold clear voice that echoed throughout the courtyard "Let these four be an example…defy us and suffer the same fate". Yolei slithered up to his side her crown glittering with the lightning flashes "Kill them" she shouted.
Guards through out the courtyard obeyed without a second look at their prisoners, lighting the hay, filling the tank, tugging the rope, and bringing up the axe.
Matt had his eyes fixed on TK, determined to greet death with his eyes open, content in being the first to go. He could hear the executioner grunt as he hefted the weight on the iron ax up, as his heart threatened to beat right out of his chest…this was it. Another grunt filled his ears and the ax whistled as it came hurtling toward its prey.
Something else hit the ax first.
The Master of Friendship looked back shocked to see the ax on the ground next to him, a spear in the executioner's chest a few feet away. The ax was gone but he was still stuck on the block with a good view of the wall and courtyard right before him and nothing more.
"Fools" a new voice, chided against the now howling wind "you try to extinguish such power". Matt followed the voice to see a clown dressed man standing atop one of the turrets, Myotismon at his side like a faithful dog. It was the next words that sent shivers down Matt's spine "Power that belongs to me".
The warlords looked furious and Ken did the speaking "Kill the intruders and find the traitors!"
Pandemonium broke out.
Matt pulled at the chains desperate to get to his suffocating brother. "Need a hand" a familiar voice asked bringing one of the first smiles to the mystic's face in days. "Izzy, your all right? How did you escape?" The Master of Knowledge used his good arm to pull off the straps "Now is not the time my friend but I'll let you know we were taken by the good guys". Izzy made short work of the chains and both flew up getting a look at the horror unfolding before them.
Hundreds of dark creatures were pouring over the walls of the great fortress their eyes glowing an unholy red in the stormy night. They were killing anyone in their path, warrior or villager, man or woman. "We have to stop this" Matt said determination filling his voice as he set his sights on the guard closest to him.
Sora let out a frightened cry as the flames began to lick at the hems of her dress, the deadly smoke invading her lungs. She looked to the sky with her watery eyes praying for the rain in the clouds to fall and put out the flames surrounding her. A gust of wind swept through the courtyard at that moment fanning the fire.
Another scream escaped her lips as the hungry flames finally made contact with her legs. Consciousness was beginning to fade, the smoke taking its toll when a loving yet worried voice called to her through the fray "Sora". Slowly she looked up opening her eyes, trying to see through the orange blur before her "Tai" she coughed hope welling within her heart.
"Sora" the panicked voice called again. She tried to call again but the smoke had finally succeeded in filling her lungs and the flames were growing ever closer. It was just as she was letting herself to fall into darkness when the cold drops from the sky began to fall. Every tiny drop of water was like one of Joe's blessing, chasing away the pain. They began to fall faster and faster causing the fire to hiss and flicker in anger.
The drops of rain quickly turned into downpour, within seconds the wall of fire had been forced down and Tai flew in. His hands shook as he tried to get the chains off, but the heat from the fire had melted them together. Horrific burns were forming on her arms and legs and soot covered her beautiful face. Leomon seemingly appeared out of nowhere, sword in hand, to help the leader.
The beast king made short work of the smoldering chains and without so much as a grunt returned to the battle, beating back guards and demons alike.
Tai however didn't return to the battle right away, he cradled Sora in his arms wiping her face clean. Her eyes twinkled with happiness though they were red from the smoke "I thought you had been eaten" she said with a smile and a wince. The Master of Courage gave a smile of his own "Better than cooked" he replied. "Now lets get you to safety so I can move on to my other job". Sora didn't argue merely wrapping her arms around his neck allowing him to take off over the wall to the forest surrounding the castle. He landed in front of what looked like a gypsy wagon knocking on the side before pulling back the flap.
Genni's kind form was waiting there his dark eyes full of worry a parchment in front of him going over the battle as every goal was achieved. "Take care of her," the leader said giving her a quick kiss on the forehead before taking off into the rain once more.
The elder didn't have time to answer instead getting his medicinal herbs "Good heavens child what did they do to you?" he asked looking at the burns and wrapping a warm blanket around her. "Tried to burn me at the stake" she said smelling the herbs, her stomach beginning to churn…this was going to hurt.
While the rain had been a blessing to Sora it was deadly to Joe. He was chained to the bottom of a tank, a tank that was rapidly being filled with cold water, water that was already passing his neck and filling his mouth.
He coughed and sputtered as bucket after bucket was dumped in by a few of Ken's goons. "You're the ones who need a bath not him," a sweet voice said and a slim figure flew out of the blurring rain. Mimi landed on the edge of the tank with a sword in her hands and eyes narrowed, these were the same guards responsible for Izzy's arm.
The thugs stopped to look at her as if she was insane "That didn't take long" one smirked moving toward her "I wonder how much gold we'll get for presenting her to the masters". Joe kicked desperately to stay above water wishing he could help Mimi…somehow sensing she wouldn't need it.
He was right and as they finished speaking her eyes narrowed even more "I wonder how bad he will punish you for letting us get away". The slow men didn't have time to register her comment and by the time they did the hilt of her sword and her booted foot was in their faces.
They fell off the gallows into the mud with a squelching noise, neither one moving after they hit. Joe finally let out a gargle of distress, they may have stopped with the buckets but the rain coming down wasn't helping.
"Oh dear" the Mistress of Sincerity said quickly diving into the freezing water to cut him free. She was successful with a few swipes and Joe rose as fast as he could, taking greedy lung fulls of air as he hung to the side of the tank.
Mimi surfaced next to him an amused look on her face "You going to sit there all day or help us kick some warlord tail?" He couldn't help but smile and pull himself out, shaking off his wings "Head for the platform" Mimi said taking flight, the healer right behind her.
TK tried desperately to get more air into his lungs but the rope made it impossible. Black spots clouded his vision and his chest felt as if it were on fire. It was then he was about to welcome death and it was then that an arrow shot threw the rope that had been draining his life.
He fell limply to the hard wood, coughs racking his body. TK closed his eyes to clear his vision trying to block out the clashing beginning around him. He felt soft kisses begin to caress his face, the sweet smell of flowers fill his nose, and the hole in his heart mend in those few seconds.
"Kari" he breathed wrapping his weak arms around her nuzzling his face into her neck "your all right". Tears fell from her cheeks onto his face "Leomon is Genni's friend, he came to try and rescue us". TK let out a happy laugh; she had been safe all along. Taking her face into his hands he kissed her full and hard on the lips, reassuring himself that she was there and okay.
It was Kari who had to pull away "We'll continue this later" she said putting her forehead on his "but we have a plan to follow". The Master of Hope gave a nod and waited for her to explain. "Tai will get our dust and Jun the digimon, once we have them we'll take out the warlords and whatever it is that's coming over the walls".
That was the first time TK had noticed the demons beginning to overrun the courtyard, and coming right for them. His protective nature took over and he grabbed Kari's hand leading her off the gallows, tossing Ken's webbing away as he did, with the lightening and flying demons he didn't want to take to the air.
They stepped onto the muddy ground looking around the chaos for their friends and family, hearing them before seeing them. "TK, Kari look out!" Matt screamed from his battle with one of Cody's men.
Confused the pair looked around…the pounding hoof beats behind them finally alerting them to the danger.
Yolei let out an animalistic scream of rage as one by one her prisoners escaped and the dark army killed her men…needless to say things weren't going as planned. She grabbed one of her men by his arm as he ran by, pulling him close so he wouldn't miss a word. "Listen and listen good because if you fail I will personally rip your heart out". The man paled but nodded "I want to sound the alarm and muster every man we have from here to the border. They are to recapture the chosen and kill whatever was up on the walls a few minutes ago! Got it!"
"Yes mistress" he stuttered scurrying away like a rat.
She reared around to take her fury out on the next person, seeing Cody starting into the battle. "What?" she demanded knowing he was thinking something or noticed something she hadn't. He kept staring into the battle for a few more moments, only holding up a hand to show he had heard her.
"Cody" Ken said noticing his love's eye begin to twitch and her hand go for her sword "what is it?"
Finally turning he looked around the podium "Don't you see what's missing" he said drawing his sword; the demons were drawing closer "Davis, he's not here and neither are any of his men".
Another scream escaped Yolei's lips looking around the courtyard "Davis!" Ken was at her side not wanting to believe it, their careful alliance, the one he had orchestrated, had fallen apart, and Davis had betrayed them.
"We should have killed him when we had the chance" Ken said hearing the crack of a whip and a carriage breaking out of the stables, heading for the gallows. One of Davis's men drove the carriage, the betrayers silhouette seen in the window.
He began to point out the traitor when he heard the buzzing of wings behind him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he slowly turned to see the leader of the chosen, sword in hand and a hateful look in his eye. "This ends now" Tai said coldly. Ken answered back just as cold "Yes it does my slave".
Yolei moved back letting her love handle the battle setting her sights on the clown digimon now walking her way through the battle ignoring everything around him. She smiled; he was going to pay for attacking her.
TK was able to leap back just as the horses trampled where he and Kari had just been standing. He held his love behind him as a midnight black carriage came to a stop right before them. The door was thrown open before either one could bring up their weapon, the door itself hitting TK squarely in the head. Even if he hadn't been recovering from death it would have knocked him to the ground.
Kari cried out as his hand slipped from hers and a cloaked figure stepped out of the plush velvet surroundings. "I knew you would come" Davis said his voice cold and silky. The Mistress of Light shrank away towards the safety of Takeru's arms, who was already pulling himself up. Davis, however, had other plans. In one swift move he kicked TK away and took hold of Kari's arm. "Kari fly" TK cried trying to get up again.
She did as she was told but Davis held firm tossing her into the carriage hard. TK let out a growl and threw himself at the warlord, only succeeding in hitting the wooden door. He could hear Kari screaming for him inside, Davis yelling at her to stop, and the carriage beginning to roll away. "Kari" he screamed taking off and grabbing onto the window, trying to pull himself through the small opening. He put his head through to see blood red velvet lining every inch of the inside and his angel huddled in the corner holding the side of her face. Davis had found another way of getting her to be quiet. He also noticed the look in her eyes; he turned just as TK was putting his second arm through the window.
"She's mine now" he said his voice now shrieky, and with that said he grabbed the Master of Hope's shoulders "Now say good bye". Both mystics let out cries; anyone who heard could hear their hearts breaking. Davis pushed hard and TK flew off falling into the storm.
Kari cried again trying to leap for the window herself, only to be stopped by Davis slamming her back against the seat "You are mine now" he said taking a hold of the star around her neck, one of her last links to her love and ripped it off…throwing it out the window as well.
Matt didn't want to believe what he was seeing but was seeing it nonetheless. His brother was hanging out the side of the almost speeding carriage as it headed for the gates. "I can't believe he just did that," Izzy said referring to Davis's actions.
Matt however didn't answer, his big brother instinct was telling him to get to Takeru. He listened to that instinct and took off, using his sword to slash the demons away as he went. As he closed within a few feet he saw his brother thrown out.
TK flapped his wings trying to get leverage, the combination of rain and weakness preventing him from doing so. The young mystic was heading for the ground and the deadly wheel of the carriage and Matt put on one last burst of speed.
It was enough and he caught his brother, taking him from the jaws of death once more. Quickly he landed in the puddle of mud, holding his brother's shuddering form, and allowing Izzy to cover them.
"Are you hurt?" the elder asked quickly looking him over tilting his chin up, pulling back at what he saw. TK's normally gentle, loving eyes were ablaze with fury and he shook with determination. Throwing his head back he shouted to the storm and to the world "Kari!"
The younger then picked up the glittering star that had landed in the mud a few feet away. He put it close to his heart and ran for the stables, tears mingling with rain, mounting the first horse he could find. He ignored his brother's cries to stop and all the battles around him…all that mattered was getting to Kari. He spurred the horse hard, sending it to a gallop, following the path the carriage had just taken.
To be continued…