A/N: After all these months the end has finally come, the final chapter. I want to thank everyone who has read and reviewed this fic, Kodachrome, raine, Sir Brass, and Alison just to name a few. Be sure to let me know what you think and if you want a sequel…I am entertaining ideas so if there is something you really want to see happen let me know. Enough of the babbling and on with the show.
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
The rain was coming in massive sheets and the lightning flashed every few seconds, adding to the horror of the situation. Demons filled the courtyard, slashing at anyone who got in the way of their goal, the chosen. Tai flexed his wings as his chocolate eyes bore into Ken trying to get him to back down before the battle even began. It did little good, for Ken was glaring back with equal malice. Each one was a leader of their respective groups and each one had everything to lose in this little scuffle. "Give me the dust" Tai said in a commanding tone raising himself to his full height.
The leader of the warlords merely laughed "You should be more worried about your sister than your dust" he muttered pointing his sword across the courtyard. Tai turned his head to follow the point just in time to see Kari being pulled into the carriage. "Kari!" he cried watching helplessly as she was taken through the gates.
Seeing TK was on it he turned back to Ken "How could you do such a thing? Look around, your're being attacked by demons and you let one of your best fighters take off with what might be your only hope". Fire flared in Ken's eyes and Tai understood he hadn't let Davis go.
This finally brought a smile to Tai's face "What a tangled web you've gotten yourself into" he taunted twirling his sword around as a quick warm up "all that plotting only to be betrayed by one of your own".
Ken wasn't going to let himself be made a fool and brought up his own weapon, lightning flashed as he did so, the elements seeming to respond to his mood. "I was going to kill him anyway…" He was cut off as Tai lunged forward not wanting to hear anymore of the rants and not wanting to give the new hostile digimon a chance to get them.
The swords clashed in a rain of sparks that exploded in sync with another flash from the heavens. Tai didn't wait to act again dropping into a low crouch and swinging his leg around, catching Ken behind the knees. The evil mystic let out a quick cry before taking to the air, hovering around the platform. Just as quick as Tai had attacked Ken followed, diving down like an eagle on the hunt, as he aimed his sword at Tai's heart.
Tai easily dodged the attack and jumped into the air himself, swinging his sword as he took off, drawing first blood. The Master of Courage ran his blade up Ken's leg with a quick twist of his sword. With Ken distracted by his recent blow, Tai reached in and tried to apprehend one of the bags of dust. He came up with one.
A green one.
Mimi's.
A glint of silver forced Tai to back off before he could grab another bag. He flipped back feeling the rain beating down on him as he soared high over the battle looking for the Mistress of Sincerity before Ken decided to reclaim his prize.
Hisjaw fell at the sight that greeted him. What seemed like hundreds of demons were clashing in the courtyard, the three warlord armies falling one by one. In the distance he could see the black carriage heading for the mountains, he would have followed had TK not been far behind, closing in with every passing second.
"Mimi" he called over the hail. There was no answer and he feared the wind had drowned out his cries. Then he saw her, sword in hand, taking down the guards who had hurt her beloved. He had to take pity on the men. "Mimi" he called again seeing Ken coming for him and having no other choice but to throw the bag. As if by magic, Mimi looked up this time. She saw her bag and easily dispatched her foe to catch it.
Tai didn't wait to see what she did with it diving back down to meet the oncoming coming Ken, "One down seven to go" he mocked diving in again.
Jun ran through the hall as fast as her dress would allow, cursing herself for not changing into something that she could move in. Her room was just a few floors away but from the sounds of the battle she didn't have time to go there either.
The digimon ran behind them exchanging nervous whispers about their partners. "Something's coming" Gatomon said stopping as they neared the door leading into the courtyard.
"What kind of something?" Jun asked pulling her sword up feeling shivers run up her spine.
"Evil" Patamon said landing in front of her protectively.
Seeming to hear the small digimon the door burst open in a blast of searing red light belonging to Myotismon. The vampire strutted in laughing when he saw the group. "Now isn't this convenient" he said in a silky voice "all eight of you in one place.
Jun didn't like the sound of this "What do you want?" she hissed surprising herself with the amount of venom in her voice. The dark lord inched forward a few steps causing all the guardians to move up and surround the girl.
"What I want is foolishly trying to protect you right now" he said "come quietly and no one will get hurt, namely her". As he finished speaking thunder crashed shaking the castle to its foundations.
Numerous growls escaped the throats of the digimon, Jun may not be a chosen but she was like family and that distinction was more than enough to entitle her to their protection. "You will not lay a hand on her" Gabumon said lowering his ears.
Again Myotismon stepped closer "Then come with me, Lord Piedmon has big plans for all of you". It was Agumon who gave their answer "We are not pawns and neither are the chosen! Pepper Breath!" The fireball soared through the air striking the attacker squarely in the chest. Myotismon stepped back a little as he absorbed the shock and put out his burning silk vest. His icy eyes looked up with hate and malice "I liked this shirt, Crimson Lightening!"
With every beat of his panicked heart he was taken one step closer to his love. Kari was now less than fifty feet away and the horses pulling the carriage were beginning to tire from pulling the massive weight. Kari's star was tied securely around his neck, linking him to her in their darkest hour; every ounce of his dwindled strength was going into getting her back.
"Hang on" he begged spurring his horse harder leaning against the horses ear "I'm sorry, just get me there and I'll see you live the rest of your life in a lush pasture by a lake with all the oats and apples you can eat". The horse seemed to understand and put on an extra burst of speed.
This brought them just behind the carriage, so close that the mud from the wheels was now covering the Master of Hope, yet he didn't care his love needed him. "Just a little more" he begged one last time and again the steed responded by coming up right along side the black carriage.
TK steeled his nerve standing up in the stirrups, bending his knees for balance. He could now see the hooded head of the driver hunched over on the seat trying to shield himself from the rain. Below him he could hear struggling inside the carriage and his horse crying. The blonde looked up to see the tree line of the forest coming up; the sharp branches ready to take off his head.
Knowing it was now or never he jumped, flapping his wings a few times for leverage. Having taken the diver by surprise he pushed the hooded driver off his perch and into the mud. He looked back to make sure he hadn't hurt him too bad. The driver sat up slowly holding him arm, the horse he had been riding slowed from his gallop to rest, giving TK a small bit of relief, now for Kari.
He pulled the reins hard and brought the carriage to a sudden stop.
Kari wiggled her hands trying to get the curtain cords off of her wrist; Davis had bound them after she split his lip. Now he sat across from her, just watching like a hungry dog as she worked. She didn't look at him, fearing it would encourage him to come sit by her.
"Why do you fight me?" he asked finally breaking the silence "I'm going to make you a queen and love you more than that TS ever could". He stopped, seeing a fire ignite in her eyes, "No one could ever love me more than Takeru, and no matter what you do or where you take me I will love him and only him"
Davis smiled and shook his head "Kari, my dearest Kari, that is where you are wrong; right now we are on our way to my secret mountain stronghold where my men are waiting for us. They have picked up a preacher and we are to be married before I begin my campaign for world domination. You will bring me an heir by year's end to carry on my great name…"
The Mistress of Light couldn't take it anymore and brought her foot up fast and hard, splitting the other half of his already battered lip. He cursed out loud putting his fingers on his lips and looking at his own blood with disgust. Slowly he got up and moved across the bumpy carriage to sit next to her. He ran his bloody finger across her lips "I'm hoping that was some sort of custom you mystics have".
Spit in his eye immediately answered his question.
And a hard kiss greeted her actions.
Tears flowed from Kari's eyes as she tried to pull away, loathing the feel of his cold hands on her arms and his foreign lips on her own. This was nothing like the tender kisses her love gave; this one was pure lust and void of love. She again tried to pull away restraining a sob, as he pressed harder crushing her tender wings behind her.
Then she was suddenly in the air, although for a brief moment, before hitting the velvet seat across from her. Davis's cold hands and lips left her as his head made contact with the wooden roof, leaving a considerable dent in its wake.
Kari pushed his semi-conscious body away letting a smile cross her face as the warm feeling of TK's love filled her very being…he had come for her. No sooner had she finished her thought did the door open and her savior appear.
His blue eyes were full of worry, as he looked her over fearing the worst "My Angel" he said opening his arms to her. She held back a cry of joy as she fluttered into his arms…almost making it. Their fingertips had just brushed when she felt a strong hand gripping her hair, yanking it hard and forcing her head back. She didn't see the weapon but knew what was at her throat, a dagger.
"Stay back" Davis commanded, his voice now screeching uncontrollably, his whole body shaking with frustration and rage "I swear I'll slit her throat and you'll watch her bleed to death in my arms". TK instantly stepped back into the rain his hands raised. Davis forced her forward as well as the knife not moving a centimeter either way. Within seconds they were both soaked to the bone with the wind whipping their clothes against them.
"I don't know how you caught me but you did, bringing us to this little impass" he said still in the insane tone "I can kill her or kill you, I prefer the latter". Kari let out a small whimper turning Davis's attention from the Master of Hope "You don't want that my love? But I don't see any other option, he or you must die".
"A duel" TK shouted his voice full of desperation "Man to man, just you and me".
This seemed to appeal to the warlord as a happy noise made its way out of his throat "A duel you say" he said "To the death!" Kari screamed not wanting it to happen only to find she would have no say in the matter. Davis roughly threw her into the plush carriage, caressing her cheek one last time "This will not take long my love". With that he closed the door and bolted it shut with the dagger he'd been using to keep TK at bay.
He closed his eyes and let the raindrops bathe them in a cold blanket as he opened his senses to that which surrounded him. He could hear the old oaks in the looming forest creaking from the mighty wind and he could feel the evil coming from the direction of the castle, evil that only added to his strength. Feeling he was ready he turned to greet the Master of Hope.
Takeru watched helplessly as Kari was locked in the carriage, foiling his original plan of starting the battle and making a run for it with her. He could see her face through the window ready to pull herself out, using his eyes to get her to stay put. Davis was unstable and desperate…she was better off with a wall of wood between them. She mouthed an 'I love you' and let him prepare for the battle.
He drew his sword letting it ring as it came free from its scabbard like the ringing of a bell. He took a few deep, calming breaths of the rain sweet air turning his attention to the warlord and calling upon the ancients for help.
Davis's cruel eyes came into view ending his moment of peace "Let us do this, I don't want to keep the preacher waiting". The brunette had been hoping to get TK to make the first move and his comment was unsuccessful with the mystic merely raising his sword to a fighting stance "An appointment I'm afraid you are going to miss".
Seeing he couldn't bait his opponent Davis made the first move with a wicked swipe of his sword aimed at taking TK's head off. The blonde hit the dirt when he saw where the sword was going, answering with his own attack quickly. He went for Davis's legs, wanting to end the battle before it began. But like Davis he too was unsuccessful with his first strike as the warlord jumped the blade like a small child's jump rope.
He landed just above TK's kneeling form with his sword already coming down point first. The Master of Hope dove into a summersault hearing Davis drive his sword deep into the muddy rain soaked ground. A curse followed the thud, and TK pulled himself up quickly wiping his hands dry while Davis regrouped.
It didn't take him long and in seconds both fighters were charging at each other meeting the other half way. As they met their swords smashed together with a crash that echoed like thunder across the meadow and sparks that lit the area up like a lightning bolt. They stood sword-to-sword, foot-to-foot, eye-to-eye, glaring at each other trying to get the other to let go first.
It was TK who decided to break the stale mate by kicking Davis in the stomach using the moment to slash his arms. An angry red line of blood formed almost instantly on his silken shirt dripping onto the ground like one of the many raindrops coming from above. The warlord hissed in anger and answered fast spinning around drawing blood of his own from Takeru's leg.
The mystic bit back a cry and tried not to let Kari see the pain, he could hear her crying out. He had to end this, for her and for their friends. He knew that something terrible was happening at the castle and it would take all of them to stop it.
With that in mind he launched into a flurry of parrys and thrusts, none of which were meant to kill, only to wear his opponent out. It was working. Davis was beginning to slip and TK's sword came close on a number of blows.
After going back and forth for what seemed like hours TK's opening came. Davis had jumped forward in another futile attempt to run him through, but slipped in the mud. On his way down TK slashed his sword up, its tip hitting Davis at the base of his chin and going all the way up to his forehead.
Davis screamed holding his eye, or rather what was left of it as blood flowed from between his fingers. The warlord fell to the ground, dropping his sword, the battle was over.
Takeru gave Davis one last look before running as fast as he could to the carriage. He was in such a hurry he slipped a few times dousing himself with even more mud and grime. Finally he reached the carriage pulling the dagger out and the door open in one swift move. Kari was in his arms before the door had hit the carriage, tears of fear and love pouring from her eyes.
He covered her face with butterfly kisses assuring himself that she was there safe and in his arms. She snuggled up against his chest looking at Davis "You didn't kill him and he would have you if given the chance" she said softly. TK hugged her comfortingly "I know," he said pulling back to tilt her head up "but I had your love behind me and with it I can do anything".
Not knowing any other way to answer Kari pulled his lips to her in a gentle, loving kiss that warmed their rain soaked bodies. This kiss was brief but as special as all the others they had shared, ending just as their one in the oak had…as TK placed the glittering star back in its rightful place. "Back into heaven" he whispered pulling her in again.
The chosen pair stayed in each others arms with neither one willing to let go, being forced to when a gentle nudge got TK's attention. Reluctantly he pulled away to see the horse that had brought Kari's salvation, looking at him with pleading eyes. TK understood they had to get back. "Your willing to take us then?" he asked rubbing its mane. It neighed softly and knelt down to let TK and Kari onto his back.
Kari settled in the saddle with TK's arms wrapped around her in a blanket of love. The horse took off on its own when it felt they had settled, taking off at a full gallop knowing that the evil at the castle was getting stronger by the moment.
Davis watched them go with bloody blurred vision, accepting the fact that he had lost. "My lord" the carriage driver uttered softly clutching his broken arm "I fear it will not be long until your comrades find out about your disloyalty and come after you. For your own safety I must insist that you allow me to escort you to the fortress".
The defeated warlord sat in the mud a few moments longer as the horse disappeared from his sight. His pain turned to hate and rage for the bearers of Hope and Light, hate that they had each other and rage that they had defeated him. He allowed his driver to guide him to the carriage. It was as he was being set in that he finally spoke "I will not be defeated like this, we will bide our time and let them think that they have won…then when they think that they are safe I will strike…and everything I want will be mine".
The driver muttered his agreement and bowed his respect helping Davis in and locking the door. He pulled himself into his seat with one arm taking a hold of the reins and sent the horses into a gallop. They were crawling into their rock for the time being but when the time was right they would rise again.
Mimi soared over the battle her silk bag in hand as she looked for the perfect vantage point to test out her newly discovered powers. She landed on one of the turrets lining the castle walls taking note that most of the civilians had fled to the safety of their homes. Izzy fought at Matt's side using his good arm to swing his sword to barrel his way through the mobs of guards and demons. The pair were trying to get to Tai.
She smiled slipping her hand in, relishing the feel of her dust on her fingers again. "Now its time for some real payback" she muttered her soft brown eyes locking on the soldiers blocking Izzy's path.
She took a few calming breaths calling upon her energy reserves, bringing light to her hands. The warm glow was like a beacon in the storm and with a flash of lightning she knew what she had to do. She took flight once more, fighting against the gale, only wavering once or twice with the gusts of wind. It took her mere seconds to pass over her destination and let her magic go.
The glittering powder fell like snow sparkling all the way down before disappearing into the muddy ground without a trace. Mimi flew back to her turret while Piedmon watched from his battle with Yolei. His icy eyes flickered with joy as he watched the scene unfolding before him. The warlord's army was falling like autumn leaves and soon he would be in control. For now he chose to watch and wait with the Mistress of Sincerity putting on quite a show "Lets see what you can do" he muttered.
As if hearing his command Mimi closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, forming a light green glow around her body. The aura grew brighter when she thrust her hands up into the air…and for a few seconds nothing happened. Then the ground shook as if rocked by an earthquake, only to burst forth hundreds of deep green vines that moved like they were alive, responding to the very will of their Mistress, Mimi.
The mystic looked at her handiwork in awe for a few moments before turning her attention to the battle.
Izzy fell to the ground as it shook feeling Matt give him a supporting hand up. "Thanks…" the Master of Knowledge began before the vines shot from the ground, dancing in the breeze. His dark eyes searched the courtyard for what his heart already knew, finally he saw her high a top a turret working with her new power. Matt came up behind him following his line of sight "Not bad for her first try" he commented motioning to the path the vines were currently clearing for them.
"That's my girl," he said happily beginning to run for the podium again. From a distance the pair could see Tai had managed to liberate another bag from Ken and was just holding him off until the bearer could arrive.
The bag in Tai's hand was a deep icy blue that Matt recognized the instant he saw it. His fingers tingled with the mere thought of holding it again. He ran as fast as he could just wanting to end this and get back to what was once his life…and to start a new one with Jun.
They were upon the podium by then watching the battle between the two leaders. Both were bloody and tired but showed no sign of wanting to give up. Tai's chocolate eyes fell upon his friends, a cocky smile crossing his lips. It was along with that smile that he landed a kick into Ken's stomach, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
He hissed in pain and his violet eyes lit with rage as another bag was liberated from his cloak. Izzy sailed off with his dust to join Mimi upon the turret, the tides of the battle were beginning to turn out of their favor. Ken flipped back onto his feet slashing his sword hearing it meet Tai's with another shower of sparks. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Matt taking off into the rain leaving him to fight Tai alone once more.
Yolei screamed and hissed with every blow of her sword forcing Piedmon back one step at a time. She harbored so much hate for this creature that had interfered with her plans and whose army was providing enough of a distraction to keep her men at bay. "You will regret the day you set foot here," she yelled stabbing her sword into his leg. Blood welled from the wound, staining the fine silk fabric.
Piedmon cursed and went onto the offensive "It was you who ruined my plans…you actually thought that your pathetic army could take over the world" he said coldly with a laugh "you are greatly mistaken and now it is time to show you the error of your ways".
The evil lord then went into a flurry of moves that took Yolei by surprise, he had been toying with her the entire time, taking three swipes of his sword to disarm and put his own blade at her throat. "See, pathetic".
Matt pulled back as he took his bag looking over the courtyard to see where he was needed. Hundreds of bodies, good and evil, littered the muddy ground many injured and some dead. He was about to join Mimi and Izzy when it felt as if an icy hand had taken hold of his heart. Gasping for breath he fell to his knees his mind whirling at what could be wrong. Takeru was the first one, who came to mind, but he dismissed it immediately, the feeling he got when TK was in danger was completely different.
Then it hit him "Jun" he cried praying she would answer, only then realizing he hadn't seen her the entire battle. Was she with Genni? Izzy would know. He took off ignoring the Vilemon clawing at him and the warlord's men trying to grab him. "Where's Jun?" he called as soon as they were in range.
The red head looked up from studying his dust "She was going to get the digimon…" Matt didn't wait for him to finish the phrase and dove back down heading for the small door leading out of the castle. He threw it open running into the drafty halls just as a purple bolt of lightning shot out of the sky.
He could hear the sounds of a struggle coming down the hall, the icy feeling in his heart growing stronger, more urgent. There was another flash of lightning that illuminated the hall showing Matt the horror straight ahead of him.
Myotismon stood with his clawed hands around Jun's tender neck. On the floor the eight guardian digimon lay either unmoving or just waking up. Scorch and scratch marks covered the wall and Myotimon's triumphant laugh taunted the Master of Friendship, even though he wasn't aware of his presence.
Jun on the other hand did, she knew he was there even before the door had opened. Her dark eyes were full of tears of joy and fear all at the same time. She was forced to break contact when Myotismon shook her "Now its time for you to die" he said amused "but how to do it is the question? I could slit your throat and let you die in a pool of your own blood or I could suck you dry…it has been a long time since I fed".
The digimon moaned and cried out trying to pull themselves up to save her. The vampire laughed at their efforts, kicking Tentomon for emphasis "But you know both of those sound good to me" he whispered pulling on of his hands from her neck and putting the sharpened nail at her throat "Goodbye my dear".
"No!" Matt screamed with every fiber of his being, throwing a handful of dust with it. Myotismon turned in shock, only able to watch in his own horror as the cloud of dust turned into a spear of ice, a spear he wasn't able to get out of the way of in time and it impaled him directly through the stomach.
A gasp of surprise and pain escaped his lips and his iron grip faltered letting Jun drop to the floor. She immediately scooted away from her attacker feeling loving arms wrap around her seconds after she was free. Matt whispered into her ear trying to calm her down as they both watched Myotismon fall to the floor holding the ice his eyes locked on the pair. "You may have defeated me" he gasped a small trail of blood trickling from his lips "but my master will have you all". Those were his final words and his body disintegrated into bits of data, floating away into the night.
Matt didn't move, merely rocking his love muttering in her ear "Forgive me" he whispered. She snuggled deeper into his arms not wanting the moment to end "For what?" she asked not knowing what he could have possibly done. The answer surprised her "For thinking you had betrayed me".
Jun's heart stopped at his answer but he quickly kept talking "I thought you were in league with Leomon and had sold the others out to a different enemy…I was so wrong…please forgive me". She turned to look him in his icy eyes "Of coarse I forgive you, I love you and nothing will ever change that". Matt smiled feeling another wave of relief run through his system before he leaned down, giving her a gentle kiss.
She responded just as tenderly before pulling away "We'd better get the digimon back on their feet, this battle is far from over". He knew she was right and let her go, picking the nearest guardian up.
Sora cleared the wall of the castle, bringing her back to the scene of the battle she had been taken from not too long ago. She was back against Genni's wishes, insisting that the others would need her…upon seeing the battle she knew she was right.
"Sora up here" Mimi called never taking her attention away from her vines. The Mistress of Love joined them giving Izzy and the newly arrived Joe hugs of relief; they were almost all together again. "What is going on here?" she asked
Joe spoke so Mimi and Izzy could continue to use their powers "Tai is taking on Ken, Matt went after Jun, TK and Kari have disappeared along with Davis, and this belongs to you" he finished by producing her crimson bag "lets see what you can do with it".
Sora could have sworn that there was a twinkle in his eye as he spoke. She knew why, it was time to return the favor. Reaching in she pulled out a large pile, throwing it into the wind and spreading her arms and wings. Her sopping, singed dress flapped against her body as she dug her heels into the shingles. The howling wind accompanying the rain stopped, waiting for its mistress to command it.
"Wow" Sora breathed in shock before bringing herself back into the battle. 'Get rid of the storm' she thought. The wind responded to her thoughts picking up once again, only this time sweeping the clouds up into its unseen grasp pulling them away taking the rain with it.
Tai chanced a look at the sky as the rain came to a sudden halt, the moonlight bathing them all in a ghostly light. Ken uttered a curse and attacked with a vicious slash of his sword "You will not defeat me, you are my servant and will bow to me before the sun rises again".
"Think again" Tai said coldly throwing caution and his weapon aside in order to tackle the violet haired mystic. The air rushed out of Ken's lungs and he collapsed onto the ground holding his stomach. Tai wasted no time and grabbed the last bags of dust using one of Ken's own daggers to pin him in place.
With Ken recovering Tai joined the others atop the turret. As he landed he gave Sora a quick hug and took a head count…they were still three down. "Any sign of TK and Kari?" he asked. When everyone shook their heads his stomach began to turn with worry "Matt?"
"Went after Jun and the digimon" Izzy informed stopping his bolts "it seems that the tide of this battle has turned more in our favor". The Master of Knowledge was right for most of the warlord's men and demons were either dead or had fled. Piedmon seemed to be finishing up his duel with Yolei, though it was short, and had turned to face them.
Like so many others before him he looked over the chosen approvingly pulling Yolei close as a shield. "Ah, there you all, well most of you are just waiting for your master like good little slaves".
A collective wave of anger ran through them and Tai spoke for the group "No, we aren't yours, or the warlords, or anyone else's for that matter!" To emphasize his point he threw his dust down at him turning it into a rain of fire. The Jester shot them away with a brush of his hand, laughing at the effort. By now his Vilemon were gathering around him and moving in a collective wall toward the turret.
"And Tai speaks for all of us" Matt said as he entered the courtyard, an arm wrapped protectively around Jun while his eyes blazed. He wanted this nightmare to be over. The mystics took off from their perch in order to land by Matt and their digimon, deciding to hold off the reuniting until Piedmon had been dealt with.
"Let her go" Ken hissed seeming to ignore the arrival of the digimon, approaching from behind his wings fluttering like a hummingbird to keep him above the ground. Piedmon turned annoyed at the interruption "You again, you are powerless and of no use to me". Ken hissed again but kept his temper, he was evil but the one he loved was in danger and he would do anything to keep her safe. "Let her go" he said again this time with a little more force.
The emperor didn't and shook his head "You are a gnat to me, and I will squash you when I see fit and this ball of fire here will become one of my slaves, mining in the caves". Any straw of control that Ken had left snapped at that very moment and in a blur of movement he picked up a bow and arrow from a dead solider, "If you won't let me have what I want you won't get what you want" he bellowed letting the string go with a twang.
There was no mistake on where the arrow was headed, the mystery being who and by the time it was apparent it was too late. Joe looked at the oncoming shaft in horror, he was the target, and had no time to move out of the way. His friends' cries filled the air and echoed off the stonewalls, Ken's own mingling with it as a blonde blur dove from horseback to tackle him to the ground.
Ken had picked his target well, if the healer died, the others wouldn't stand a chance. But what he or Piedmon hadn't counted on was the small warrior huddled underneath a hay cart just a few feet away. This warriors honor ran deep, like fire through his veins and fueled his legs to run as fast as they could…the mysti's words echoing in his ears 'You could be so much more'.
With a final burst of speed he became much more as he dived in front of the Master of Reliability, taking the arrow dead in the center of his chest. His limp body fell into the mud and his emerald eyes twinkled in the moonlight.
"Now that was unexpected," Piedmon said casually looking at Ken amused. In his clutches Yolei lost her temper again "Cody you idiot! How dare you!" those opening statements were followed by a string of curses that caused Piedmon himself to wince.
Joe paid no attention to this as he knelt to examine their youngest captor and oppressor. "He's alive," he whispered breaking the shaft of the arrow in order to pull the rest out. 'Thank heavens he's not awake to feel this' Joe thought as he pulled hard, the pain great enough to elicit a small cry from the boy. He began to work with his dust letting the others put a physical wall between him and the evil.
Meanwhile Ken recovered from his own blow just in time to see TK and Kari flutter over to their friends, apparently Davis's plans had fallen through as well. It was at that moment that he realized that they had lost, all their plans, all their work was done and for nothing. The whole ordeal leaving them weaker than ever before. There was only one option left, retreat.
Now the chosen were reunited, with their dust and guardians, putting them in control of their own lives for the first time in months. Izzy placed his hand on Tentomon's head looking at Piedmon coldly "Lets see what you can do" he said sprinkling a little dust over the digimon's head. The others wordlessly followed suit not unknowing of the results, but trusting what this would do.
Multiple colors of light filled the courtyard and surrounded the guardians, a light so pure and holy it made the Vilemon hiss and step back to shield their eyes. Piedmon too cursed tossing Yolei aside, she was now useless and he needed to be ready to defend himself. He barely took note as Ken swooped in like a hawk and gathered her into his arms calling to what was left of his army "Retreat!"
His men didn't need to be told twice and tore their eyes away from the newly formed guardians now looming over them. They with their masters were gone before the last of the lights had faded away, Ken's ominous words echoing long after they were gone "We will be back!"
No one commented on this as they locked themselves in the stalemate with one another. Piedmon was smiling "If that dust could make those menial creatures grow, it could make him a god. "Get them Vilemon". The demons of the night obeyed without second thought.
The destined weren't paying attention to the warlords or emperor, instead taking those few precious seconds to reunite with each other in a round of joyous hugs. Matt looked to be on the verge of tears as he folded his baby brother into his arms while Tai while Tai's eyes sparked with fire when he saw the bruises inflicted by Davis during Kari's brief capture. "He won't be bothering us anymore" she said looking to TK quickly "Takeru took out one of his eyes and his army is gone". Tai nodded kissing the top of her head looking around at their guardians for the first time.
The once small digimon were now great beasts, masters of their own elements in their own rights. All with one thing in mind, protecting the chosen. And as the Vilemon came forward like a wave of evil hissing all the way. The guardians gave reassuring looks to their charges before stepping forward to meet the oncoming wave.
Greymon and Birdramon were the first to pair off, using their combined firepower to pave the path toward the dark lord, this path that would let the angels surround the evil and extinguish the lord. No one good or evil knew how they knew that was the key, they just knew. The dinosaur sent volley after volley of his fireballs into the sea of monsters as Birdramon picked them up with her talons and deposited them over the walls.
Izzy took Mimi's hand with a small smile as Kabuterimon and Togemon entered the battle, taking the north flank. Togemon was literally plowing her way through with Kabuterimon lending air support. From the east Garurumon and Ikkakumon pressed on, leaving a train of ice and water in their wake.
It was now Piedmon's turn to watch in horror as his great army of darkness fell around him. Above his head a pair of angels with golden blonde hair descended upon him, the moonlight accentuating the halos encircling their heads. "No more will suffer at your hands" the male boomed, his voice echoing with a driving authority.
Piedmon leapt into the air and out of his sea of Vilemon to land right before the destined, two of his four swords drawn and ready…his minion would keep the guardians busy long enough for him to pick off one or two of them.
Joe fell back taking Cody's unconscious body with him ready to protect the young warlord if need be. Matt and Tai moved in front of the group hands full of dust and ready to let it go when Piedmon got too close.
The digimon growled in frustration as they were held back from protecting their masters forced to watch from a distance. "Stay back" Sora warned from behind her love readying her own power.
Piedmon smirked and walked forward holding his hands out to block the elemental attacks. He was successful in blocking the five that were fired at him laughing as they sailed back into his own warriors "You'll have to do better than that".
TK and Kari looked on in shock as their friends released their power, TK stepped forward tugging on Matt's tunic. The elder turned with frustration residing in his eyes, only softening at the site of his brother "How did you do that?" he asked his voice hinted with awe.
Matt smiled slightly he had forgotten the pair had been gone for most of the battle "Just use your dust and put your heart into it". TK nodded and whispered the instructions to Kari quickly before they both gathered handfuls of their own dust. They stepped in front of the group ignoring their brothers cries to get back, throwing their dust at Piedmon watching in awe as the glittering granules turned into one solid beam of light, holy light.
It struck Piedmon in the leg eliciting a scream of pain "Holy" he seethed realizing why he should fear the angels. "And angels of Hope and Light will rise to save the loved ones of those they were sent to protect" Cody muttered in this sleep, the first hints of a fever beginning to take shape.
The dark lord looked up in horror as the digimon broke through the lines leading the angels straight to him. Angewomon was in the lead her hands clasped together as if in prayer before she opened them to release a cross of holy light "Heaven's Charm". As the pink cross struck him he lost his ability to move and use his attacks. Angemon was right behind her passing the frozen lord all together to land before his charge "I need your combined powers" he said. TK and Kari knew what he meant, linking their hands and emptying the contents of their bags onto him. A gold and pink cocoon surrounded the angel as more wings sprouted from his back and a great sword appeared in his hands.
"Your type of evil is tearing this world apart and the ancients will no longer permit it to exist…Gate of Destiny!" A golden portal seemed to appear out of thin air opening the night sky around them and turning pitch black. The gate opened and began to suck in every bit of evil surrounding them, starting with the Vilemon. Piedmon began to shake with fear when he realized he was next and gained his ability to speak just as he felt his frozen feet leave the ground "There is more evil than me this world and they know about you…they will find you".
The gate closed and disappeared into the night leaving the stunned mystics alone in the moonlight. In those seconds they realized that they had won and that they were free "We won" Mimi said a smile spreading across her face "And we're free" Izzy added taking her into his arms and spinning her around.
Tai let out a whoop throwing his bag into the air embracing Sora in a passionate kiss, his dust slowly falling around them like the first snow of winter. TK gathered Kari into his arms running his hands along her cheeks "Time for that life I promised you" he whispered loving the way her eyes were glittering with happiness "I knew you would never break a promise to me" she replied "now be quiet and kiss me". He was all too happy to comply.
Matt took Jun's hand and kissed it softly as they walked hand in hand to where the sleeping digimon lay, scattered throughout the courtyard "I wonder if they'll get better through time" he mused picking up Tokomon. "I bet they do" she replied tenderly "but you have to admit that was pretty impressive". Matt only nodded heading back to the group.
Izzy reluctantly came out of his embrace as he suddenly remembered the young warlord who had saved Joe "How is he?" he asked quietly peering over the healers shoulder. "He'll be a little sore for the next few day's but he'll live" Joe said brushing stray hairs away from his face "You know I accused him of not having any honor". Mimi placed a comforting hand on his shoulder "Perhaps that is what he needed to see the light". Joe smiled back and turned his attention to the digimon as Matt and Jun placed them at his feet.
While Joe tended to his patients Tai addressed the group "Once we have everyone stabilized we'll go find Genni…"
"No need for that child" Genni said as he rode through the open gate his old eyes twinkling "I have brought the true rulers with me, everything will be right by sunrise". Even as he spoke battalions of the royal guard entered the courtyard, two breaking off to open the carriage Genni was driving.
The king and queen stepped out looking a little worse for wear, their eyes lighting up at the site of the chosen gathered together, alive and well. "Thank the heavens," she said forgetting her royal protocol and running to embrace the first ones she came in contact with. TK and Kari returned the hug knowing it would put her at ease as she pulled away she saw Cody lying on the ground "Isn't that one of the warlords?" she asked.
Joe nodded "He saved my life…" he was cut off when the king unexpectedly pushed him aside moving the rest of his tattered shirt away from his chest "It can't be" he said tears pouring down his weathered face "he was taken…killed…we stopped looking". The queen was there too and had gathered the boy into her arms "My sweet little Iori" she cried.
"Genni" Tai asked seeing the elder was in shock as well. "The king and queen bore a son years ago, but he was kidnapped as a baby and never seen again, we had all given him up for dead. But you see that cross-shaped mark on his chest that is the mark of the royal line. Only the first born gets it and marks the heir to the throne".
In her arms Cody cracked his eyes open to look at the face cuddling him "Mama" he muttered closing them again before falling back to sleep. Sobs racked the queen's body as she rocked her baby kissing his forehead, ignoring the fact that she had missed a great deal of his young life.
Genni wiped a tear from his eye when the fading moonlight caught his attention "I know you have already been through so much but tomorrow is the first day of spring, you must cast your blessing for the season tonight". He was surprised when they didn't flinch knowing the ritual would most likely empty their energy reserves.
The destined joined hands creating the small circle, Jun stepped back to watch. The night once again became still as the auras surrounded their bodies and they lifted off the ground. Wind swirled around them in a turret as the auras exploded into a solid beam of light that shot straight up into the sky, spreading across the world, bringing life back to the sleeping earth.
All over the world people rejoiced as the blessing lit up the sky, not only was it blessing their lives but served as a symbol that the mystics were free and the evil that had been threatening the world was gone, banished back into the shadows to where it belonged.
The beam of light faded and the auras disappeared with the rising sun taking their fairy-like with them. As the sun crested the hills the battered courtyard lit up in its warm rays bringing new life to it and its occupants. Eight seemingly ordinary figures lay sleeping on the ground with small smiles decorating their faces, their nightly powers hiding again, waiting for the power of the stars once more.
The End