[A/N] Wow, I am sooooooooooooo sorry that I haven't updated in a very
long time. Well here it is. Chapter 6 of this little ficcy I started so
long ago. The chapter should start the revealing of the true plot
(whatever that is) and make add some more Drama to the story. Not that it
need it. I might soon have to move it to the 'Drama' category. Oh well.
You may be wondering whatever happened to that crazy muse of mine. We'll he's very happy now, living with my alternate personality 'the Kaiseress' outside of FF.net. I wish them both well and pray they leave me ALONE.
Disclaimer: I don't own digimon, in any way shape or form.
Oh yes. And a big thanks to Mr. Disclaimer. He just never gets any credit. The poor guy
Disclaimer: Damn straight. Now on with the fic.
~*~
Through the Darkness
Discoveries and Revelations
***P.O.V. Tk***
She was lying to me, again. So I followed her. Usually I wouldn't have done something like that, I would never invade her privacy, but desperate times call for desperate measures. There was definitely something wrong and I intended to find out exactly what it was. It was scaring me, she was scaring me; and not know what was going on in her head was driving me to the brink of insanity. We always told each other everything. Now something was happening and I wanted to know.
I cautiously waited until she was a few meters away before I started after her, making sure not to gain her attention. As I had originally thought, she was heading down the pathway that lead toward the beach. She was walking rather quickly, whatever it was she was planning she was certainly in quite the hurry, In my own haste I tripped over what must have been a large rock almost as she had reached the sand. I yelped in pain, but quickly silenced myself and hoping she might not have heard me. If she had she didn't acknowledge it because she continued along in the pace rushed pace. I looked down to examine the damage. There was a large throbbing gash on my right shin, decorated with smaller bit of gravel pushed into my skin. Because of the pain I nearly didn't notice her muttering quietly to herself, but her next words were distinct and frightful.
"Demonic Portal!" I heard her cry, or at least her voice. A sudden blinding flash of light ensued and when my eyes opened again she was gone.
"Hikari!?" I gasped much louder than I had meant, gaining the stares of a few passers by who 'happened' not to see the light only seconds earlier. "Hikari? Where are you?" I gathered myself and pulled my body onto my feet. Limping, I made my way toward the edge of the water, calling out to her helplessly. I was panicked, rushing out into the water fully clothed. The improbable coldness of the water caused my wound to erupt in pain, but still I kept going. The water was now passing my waist.
"Hikari!" I yelled again. I knew it would do no good. She was no longer on this plain, and there was only one other place I suspected her to be. I forced myself back to the land and collapsed onto the beach. Pain was almost unbearable by now; it felt as is I had walked out into acid. From the shore I could tell the river had a blackish tint. It had taken her from me again. She was once again in the clutches of the black ocean. I could barely remember how I had gotten to her the first time. I waited for what seemed like forever. No vision appeared, no portal opened. It was beginning to get to the point where I thought I would scream it I sat there any longer. I had to go back.
Luckily for me, I had put on pants that morning and simple rolled them up for the basketball game. Returning them back to there full length to conceal my gash I began the slow trip back to the courts. If anyone would know how to reach the Dark Ocean, it would be Ken. It was him that I would have to talk to if I wanted to help. After all, here was the one to open the portal and conceal Daemon.
~*~
***POV Kari***
As I neared it the fire suddenly flickered and when out. Perplex I wandered nearer aware that I had to be extremely careful. Unlike in the digital world I did not have Gatomon to protect me. In truth, I had no one to protect me. 'The damsel was in distress once again.' I thought bitterly. Why was I always the one in trouble? Why was it forever me to need rescuing? I inched closer trying to make as little noise upon the gray sand as I could. That's when I heard it.
"Help." Someone's raspy voice called toward me. "If there's anyone out there would they please help me?" The voice was faint and barely audible, but echoed slightly from the mouth of the cave. My heart jumped. I had never suspected there would be anyone here apart from me and those that who had brought me here. Perhaps Takeru is right, there is good in all things. Even though I probably wasn't brought here for good, there was someone who I could help and - as long as they weren't the scubamon that had taken advantage of me last time - there maybe something I could do for them. I ran toward the cave forgetting the care I had taken to begin with. At first sight the blackness inside the cave the stretched on without end, overwhelming me as it had in the void; but the calls form the trapped creature pleaded with me to keep going.
Eventually, after stumbling through the darkness for what seemed like eternity, I happened upon a small chamber dimly light by the grey-black light that streamed from the ceiling. It was damp and the sound of water dripping off the cold cave walls echoed loudly. In the shadow I could make out the form of something, or something lying on the hard floor. As I began to walk closer a bright, or rather dark light nearly blinded me. It was a reflection from what seem to be a mirror hanging on the wall by the figure.
"Hello?" I called. "Are you okay?"
"Please, please help me." The same raspy voice coughed, a little clearer this time. "Bearer of Light. please help me."
Whoever this was it obviously knew who I was. The figure rolled over to reveal himself to me. I remembered that cloak, that necklace .it was none other than Daemon. He coughed and sputtered again. His data was starting to waver. I immediately ran to his side.
"Are you okay?" I asked propping up his head. He was relatively unresponsive. This was definitely not my field of expertise, where was Joe when you need him? Over on the far side of the cavern I saw the charred sticks and twigs that I suppose must have been form the fire I had seen earlier. It was some time before I managed to haul them over and build a fire. It was now that I was glad for the survival experiences I had in the digiworld so many years ago. Had it really been 8 years already since the eight of us defeated VenomMyotison and went to beat the Dark Masters?
"Help." The voice of a groggy Daemon brought me back to reality and reminded me to check on him.
"Look, I'm going to see if there are any more stray branches outside, and perhaps if I can find something for us to eat. You stay here; and try to stop the fire from going out if you can." Lighting an extra stick that I figured might function as a torch; I traveled back down the same stony corridor that had led her in. The darkness of it was far less scary with the light form the makeshift torch, but even with that to soothe my fears, I found no inner comfort. The trip seemed even longer than it had been before leaving much time for my mind to wonder, that is if there had been room for it to wonder. The truth was I was in total confusion. Why was I helping Daemon? Was he not the same digimon that I had helped to banish here a few years past? Even so I couldn't just leave him to die.could I?
~*~
***P.O.V. Tai***
I looked up from the game to see Tk sluggishly walking along the path, dripping wet. Creating a 'T' sign with my hands I signaled for a time out and ran over to him, closely followed by the rest of the gang. Upon noticing us he smiled brightly and jogged up toward us.
"Hey guys." He beamed. "I was just taking a little stroll with Kari. We went down to the beach and I kind fell in. Anyways, she said she had to leave early, something to do with sort of appointment, but she wants you to bring home her stuff Tai." He spewed. "Um, Matt? That reminds me, I've got to get going too. But first I need to talk to Ken. I'll see the rest of you later." With that he grabbed his stuff and pulled ken aside. I tried listen in on their conversation but it was very low and difficult to make out. Soon Tk nodded and ran back along the path from which he came leaving us completely puzzled. Why would my sister just leave like that to go to some unnamed appointment, and furthermore why hadn't she told me about it in the first place. I probably could have given her a ride. Even more peculiar was his short talk with ken.
After he had left I confronted Ken about it. "Wow that was odd. What was it he wanted with you? I couldn't hear a word." I asked casually and we returned to the court. Ken shot me an odd look before answering.
"I'm not sure. I told him I didn't have much time to talk at the moment, but we would talk tomorrow morning at school." I think he purposely had been aiming to keep it vague. "You shouldn't be tried to eavesdrop on other people's private conversations anyways Tai. It's rude." With that he left my side and went over to sit with the girls who were both still pretty worked up about my sister's sudden faint and Takeru's odd behavior. I too was genuinely worried, especially about my sister. What is the sickness that plagued her childhood was returning. I just didn't want to think about it.
As I panned across the group I saw Sora, sitting alone obviously worried. Her eyes we bloodshot and puffy from the tears she had cried earlier. How could any self-respecting boyfriend just leave her like that? Maybe this was the chance I had been waiting for. Either way she was in need. I trotted over toward her, but was stopped short but Matt returning with a thermos. Taking a large sip of the warm tea inside she smiled, and snuggled closer toward him.
"Thanks Matt, I really needed that."
"Anytime Sora. Are you okay? I know Kari's faint must have been really shaking for you." He replied brushing his fingers through her hair and kissing her gently.
Who was I kidding? Matt was the perfect boyfriend. She was happy and safe with him and I should respect that. They are in love, who and I to come between them? I would just have to love her form afar as I have always done, and part of that love is wanting what's best for her. If that's Matt, then so be it. I turned away in defeat. My heart and been broken and taped back together so many times that even see them together hurt. It was right then, as I was trying to hold back the tears that they decide to notice me.
"Hey Tai, common over!" Matt beckoned happily. I turned toward them with the tears still welling in my eyes and smiled warily.
Sora got up and rushed to me. "Oh, Tai! How stupid of me. You must be hurting more than any of us. Don't you worry. Kari will be okay. I'm sure that nothing is wrong and she's simply off doing something to surprise us." She soothed although I had the nagging thought that she didn't believe any of that herself.
"Thanks Sora, your right." I lied wiping the tears form my eyes. "I'm going home, I'm sure she will be soon too." With that I grabbed my stuff and left.
The basketball game had dissolved anyways.
~ ~*~ ~
[A/N] Again, I'm sorry this took forever. I plan to right another chapter before the end of November. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, because now I must go and devote all of my extra time to PoA. I am glad to say Ch2 is over ½ complete! *cheers* but there is still a long ways to go, so I WILL have it done before Christmas, hopefully ^_^; Please, please, please (!) review. I need all the help I can get with this. Mandy~_~
You may be wondering whatever happened to that crazy muse of mine. We'll he's very happy now, living with my alternate personality 'the Kaiseress' outside of FF.net. I wish them both well and pray they leave me ALONE.
Disclaimer: I don't own digimon, in any way shape or form.
Oh yes. And a big thanks to Mr. Disclaimer. He just never gets any credit. The poor guy
Disclaimer: Damn straight. Now on with the fic.
~*~
Through the Darkness
Discoveries and Revelations
***P.O.V. Tk***
She was lying to me, again. So I followed her. Usually I wouldn't have done something like that, I would never invade her privacy, but desperate times call for desperate measures. There was definitely something wrong and I intended to find out exactly what it was. It was scaring me, she was scaring me; and not know what was going on in her head was driving me to the brink of insanity. We always told each other everything. Now something was happening and I wanted to know.
I cautiously waited until she was a few meters away before I started after her, making sure not to gain her attention. As I had originally thought, she was heading down the pathway that lead toward the beach. She was walking rather quickly, whatever it was she was planning she was certainly in quite the hurry, In my own haste I tripped over what must have been a large rock almost as she had reached the sand. I yelped in pain, but quickly silenced myself and hoping she might not have heard me. If she had she didn't acknowledge it because she continued along in the pace rushed pace. I looked down to examine the damage. There was a large throbbing gash on my right shin, decorated with smaller bit of gravel pushed into my skin. Because of the pain I nearly didn't notice her muttering quietly to herself, but her next words were distinct and frightful.
"Demonic Portal!" I heard her cry, or at least her voice. A sudden blinding flash of light ensued and when my eyes opened again she was gone.
"Hikari!?" I gasped much louder than I had meant, gaining the stares of a few passers by who 'happened' not to see the light only seconds earlier. "Hikari? Where are you?" I gathered myself and pulled my body onto my feet. Limping, I made my way toward the edge of the water, calling out to her helplessly. I was panicked, rushing out into the water fully clothed. The improbable coldness of the water caused my wound to erupt in pain, but still I kept going. The water was now passing my waist.
"Hikari!" I yelled again. I knew it would do no good. She was no longer on this plain, and there was only one other place I suspected her to be. I forced myself back to the land and collapsed onto the beach. Pain was almost unbearable by now; it felt as is I had walked out into acid. From the shore I could tell the river had a blackish tint. It had taken her from me again. She was once again in the clutches of the black ocean. I could barely remember how I had gotten to her the first time. I waited for what seemed like forever. No vision appeared, no portal opened. It was beginning to get to the point where I thought I would scream it I sat there any longer. I had to go back.
Luckily for me, I had put on pants that morning and simple rolled them up for the basketball game. Returning them back to there full length to conceal my gash I began the slow trip back to the courts. If anyone would know how to reach the Dark Ocean, it would be Ken. It was him that I would have to talk to if I wanted to help. After all, here was the one to open the portal and conceal Daemon.
~*~
***POV Kari***
As I neared it the fire suddenly flickered and when out. Perplex I wandered nearer aware that I had to be extremely careful. Unlike in the digital world I did not have Gatomon to protect me. In truth, I had no one to protect me. 'The damsel was in distress once again.' I thought bitterly. Why was I always the one in trouble? Why was it forever me to need rescuing? I inched closer trying to make as little noise upon the gray sand as I could. That's when I heard it.
"Help." Someone's raspy voice called toward me. "If there's anyone out there would they please help me?" The voice was faint and barely audible, but echoed slightly from the mouth of the cave. My heart jumped. I had never suspected there would be anyone here apart from me and those that who had brought me here. Perhaps Takeru is right, there is good in all things. Even though I probably wasn't brought here for good, there was someone who I could help and - as long as they weren't the scubamon that had taken advantage of me last time - there maybe something I could do for them. I ran toward the cave forgetting the care I had taken to begin with. At first sight the blackness inside the cave the stretched on without end, overwhelming me as it had in the void; but the calls form the trapped creature pleaded with me to keep going.
Eventually, after stumbling through the darkness for what seemed like eternity, I happened upon a small chamber dimly light by the grey-black light that streamed from the ceiling. It was damp and the sound of water dripping off the cold cave walls echoed loudly. In the shadow I could make out the form of something, or something lying on the hard floor. As I began to walk closer a bright, or rather dark light nearly blinded me. It was a reflection from what seem to be a mirror hanging on the wall by the figure.
"Hello?" I called. "Are you okay?"
"Please, please help me." The same raspy voice coughed, a little clearer this time. "Bearer of Light. please help me."
Whoever this was it obviously knew who I was. The figure rolled over to reveal himself to me. I remembered that cloak, that necklace .it was none other than Daemon. He coughed and sputtered again. His data was starting to waver. I immediately ran to his side.
"Are you okay?" I asked propping up his head. He was relatively unresponsive. This was definitely not my field of expertise, where was Joe when you need him? Over on the far side of the cavern I saw the charred sticks and twigs that I suppose must have been form the fire I had seen earlier. It was some time before I managed to haul them over and build a fire. It was now that I was glad for the survival experiences I had in the digiworld so many years ago. Had it really been 8 years already since the eight of us defeated VenomMyotison and went to beat the Dark Masters?
"Help." The voice of a groggy Daemon brought me back to reality and reminded me to check on him.
"Look, I'm going to see if there are any more stray branches outside, and perhaps if I can find something for us to eat. You stay here; and try to stop the fire from going out if you can." Lighting an extra stick that I figured might function as a torch; I traveled back down the same stony corridor that had led her in. The darkness of it was far less scary with the light form the makeshift torch, but even with that to soothe my fears, I found no inner comfort. The trip seemed even longer than it had been before leaving much time for my mind to wonder, that is if there had been room for it to wonder. The truth was I was in total confusion. Why was I helping Daemon? Was he not the same digimon that I had helped to banish here a few years past? Even so I couldn't just leave him to die.could I?
~*~
***P.O.V. Tai***
I looked up from the game to see Tk sluggishly walking along the path, dripping wet. Creating a 'T' sign with my hands I signaled for a time out and ran over to him, closely followed by the rest of the gang. Upon noticing us he smiled brightly and jogged up toward us.
"Hey guys." He beamed. "I was just taking a little stroll with Kari. We went down to the beach and I kind fell in. Anyways, she said she had to leave early, something to do with sort of appointment, but she wants you to bring home her stuff Tai." He spewed. "Um, Matt? That reminds me, I've got to get going too. But first I need to talk to Ken. I'll see the rest of you later." With that he grabbed his stuff and pulled ken aside. I tried listen in on their conversation but it was very low and difficult to make out. Soon Tk nodded and ran back along the path from which he came leaving us completely puzzled. Why would my sister just leave like that to go to some unnamed appointment, and furthermore why hadn't she told me about it in the first place. I probably could have given her a ride. Even more peculiar was his short talk with ken.
After he had left I confronted Ken about it. "Wow that was odd. What was it he wanted with you? I couldn't hear a word." I asked casually and we returned to the court. Ken shot me an odd look before answering.
"I'm not sure. I told him I didn't have much time to talk at the moment, but we would talk tomorrow morning at school." I think he purposely had been aiming to keep it vague. "You shouldn't be tried to eavesdrop on other people's private conversations anyways Tai. It's rude." With that he left my side and went over to sit with the girls who were both still pretty worked up about my sister's sudden faint and Takeru's odd behavior. I too was genuinely worried, especially about my sister. What is the sickness that plagued her childhood was returning. I just didn't want to think about it.
As I panned across the group I saw Sora, sitting alone obviously worried. Her eyes we bloodshot and puffy from the tears she had cried earlier. How could any self-respecting boyfriend just leave her like that? Maybe this was the chance I had been waiting for. Either way she was in need. I trotted over toward her, but was stopped short but Matt returning with a thermos. Taking a large sip of the warm tea inside she smiled, and snuggled closer toward him.
"Thanks Matt, I really needed that."
"Anytime Sora. Are you okay? I know Kari's faint must have been really shaking for you." He replied brushing his fingers through her hair and kissing her gently.
Who was I kidding? Matt was the perfect boyfriend. She was happy and safe with him and I should respect that. They are in love, who and I to come between them? I would just have to love her form afar as I have always done, and part of that love is wanting what's best for her. If that's Matt, then so be it. I turned away in defeat. My heart and been broken and taped back together so many times that even see them together hurt. It was right then, as I was trying to hold back the tears that they decide to notice me.
"Hey Tai, common over!" Matt beckoned happily. I turned toward them with the tears still welling in my eyes and smiled warily.
Sora got up and rushed to me. "Oh, Tai! How stupid of me. You must be hurting more than any of us. Don't you worry. Kari will be okay. I'm sure that nothing is wrong and she's simply off doing something to surprise us." She soothed although I had the nagging thought that she didn't believe any of that herself.
"Thanks Sora, your right." I lied wiping the tears form my eyes. "I'm going home, I'm sure she will be soon too." With that I grabbed my stuff and left.
The basketball game had dissolved anyways.
~ ~*~ ~
[A/N] Again, I'm sorry this took forever. I plan to right another chapter before the end of November. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, because now I must go and devote all of my extra time to PoA. I am glad to say Ch2 is over ½ complete! *cheers* but there is still a long ways to go, so I WILL have it done before Christmas, hopefully ^_^; Please, please, please (!) review. I need all the help I can get with this. Mandy~_~