Authors Notes: Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed. All of your reviews are very much appreciated. Sorry for the crapiness of this chapter. My grammar and spelling is very poor, so I apologise for the probably many spelling mistakes.

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. Please do not sue.

Hate before Love: Chapter two

The eight children headed into the deep never-ending forest. Yamato still choose to walk behind. He wasn't needed. He wasn't wanted. He was worthless and he knew it. After all why would the others need him around when they had their precious leader? Why would Takeru need him? Takeru still hadn't spoke do him since the incident earlier, and seeing his Otouto-san walking beside Taichi at the front of the group was enough to make Yamato's jealousy rise to its limits. But maybe it was better this way. After all, Taichi was very brave and courageous. He had the abilities to take care of Takeru. Yamato tried so hard to protect him, only to end up failing miserably.

A voice told him to run, to run after away. There was no reason for him to stay. There was no reason even to be in The Digital world. There was no point for him even to exist….

"Alright everybody, I think we're near the crossing to the other side of the river. Just a little bit further." yelled Taichi.

"Can't we just stay here for tonight?" Jyou sighed reluctantly. "My feet are killing me."

"Yeah Taichi I'm a bit tired myself." Agreed Mimi.

"No we have to keep going. It's best if we get there before nightfall." Taichi answered, stubbornly.

"Oh, but can't that wait until tomorrow?"

"No. Now stop complaining and start moving!" Both Mimi and Jyou sighed, and continued to drag along.

There he goes again, pushing everyone around. He should just-

Frowning Yamato stopped. His cold, dark eyes stared down on to the filthy pathway. At least he makes the effort to help….

Suddenly Yamato was awoken from his thoughts by aloud scream. Quickly he rushed towards were everyone else had gone, not realising how long he had spent apart. As he turned around a corner, he stopped instantly. A huge horrifying Digimon stood in front of Takeru and the others. To Yamato it seemed to be half dog, half-insect. A strange combination and nothing like Yamato had ever seen before. He looked around panicking. Tsunomon stood behind him. The poor little Digimon didn't stand a chance against the thing.

"Tsunomon what the hell is that thing?!" But before he could get an answer, the creature roared loudly. It sounded like one of the Tyrannosaurs-rexs he had seen on a movie a few years ago. Its eyes were focused on Taichi and the others, containing the look like it was ready to kill. It ran quickly towards them, about to attack. Yamato could hear loud cry's from the others as they all leapt out of the way. Everyone lay on the ground, hurt from the impact of the Digimon's attack.

"Takeru!" Yamato's eyes widened in shock. "Don't worry! Takeru I'm coming!" But Yamato was cut short as the large Digimon swept pass creating a gust of wind. Yamato was thrown out of the way. He wailed in pain as he hit his back of a tree.

The creature's hideous growls were the only things that kept him from falling unconscious. Suddenly he was remembered of Takeru. What if he had been hurt by the gust also? "Takeru…" Using the little strength he had left, he forced his head up. He spotted Takeru lying near the others. He didn't seem to be hurt badly, but looked extremely frightened. Although Yamato was relieved that his Otouto-san was alright, sorrow wavered over him as he saw his Onii-chan crouched in the arms of his rival, tightly clinging on to the goggle boy's shirt.

That should be me holding him, not Taichi. Yamato mentally slapped himself before his jealousy could grow any stronger. He couldn't believe how selfish he was being, he should be relieved that Takeru was all right, even if he was in his rival arms or not. Bright lights shone from were Takeru and the others stood. The Digimon were Digivolving.

"Nova blast!" The large blazing fireball spat out from the dinosaur's mouth towards the enemy. But Greymon was no match considering the creatures' great speed. It dodged the attacks with ease. It was at that point that Yamato was reminded of his own Digimon. "Tsunomon!" Frantically he looked around him. The little Digimon was lying near by, unconscious. God damnit, not only can't I look after my little brother, now I can't even take responsibility for my own Digimon. "Tsunomon!"

"Electro shocker!"

"Needle spray!"

"Meteor wing!"

"Harpoon torpedo!"

"Lightning claw!"

Yamato could hear the attacks of the others Digimon being called out as they went into battle. Taichi started shouting orders over all the commotion that was going on.

Suddenly his vision started to go blurry, but before he could fade out, a loud scream was heard. The scream of an innocent child. Hikari had been hit…

**************************************************

Slowly he opened his eyes. His vision had become blurry making it difficult to make anything out. His head pounded and his bones ached with much pain. He wished he could just fall asleep again, to be free of the pain for just a little bit longer. But he couldn't. Something had happened, something bad.

"Yamato you're awake!"

Wearily he turned his head around. "Tsunonmon!" He smiled as the Digimon jumped into his arms.

He hugged the little Digimon tightly and told of how happy he was that Tsunomon was all right. "God, I'm so happy you're okay."

"I'm glad you're safe too."

He let go of the Digimon, as his expression turned to that of worry. "Takeru! Takeru, is he alright?!"

"Yes, he got away alright. He's got a few bruises but nothing serious."

Yamato let out a sigh of relief. It felt like he had been holding his breath in forever, waiting for an answer. "Thank god."

"Tsunomon what happened?"

The Digimon frowned. "We were attacked by a Digimon called Dokugaimon."

Yamato blinked, slightly confused. "Dokugaimon? Attacked? But-but why?"

"Dokugaimon is a very violent Digimon, and exists only to fight. To him he doesn't need a reason to attack."

"That bastard!" Yamato spat clinching his fists tightly together. "Did we win?"

"Yes, but it wasn't easy. Dokugaimon is one of the most deadliest Digimon in the whole Digital world!"

"What?! He can't be! Is he even stronger that the Darkmasters?!"

"No he's far from that level of power, but inside his body is a deadly poison, so his defences are amazing. Digimon who fight against him and don't know of his poisonous attacks, usually wind up dead. They're deadly Digimon but very rare. That was the first time I had ever seen one."

"I bet the Dark masters had something to do with it!"

"Maybe…."

"It didn't manage to poison anyone did it?" Yamato asked hopefully.

Tsunomon looked at the ground sadly and turned away from his partner.

Fear struck Yamato's heart. Someone had got hurt. "Tsunomon what-what happened?"

"Hikari got struck by its poison, and soon it is most likely that she shall die…"

"What?! Oh my god. Please no." Although he wasn't close to her, the thought of the sweet innocent child dying sickened him. Hikari was definitely wasn't someone who deserved such a cruel fate. The Child of Light was a powerful part the Digidestined, and without her they would surely be lost. His thoughts soon become focused on Hikari's brother. Poor Taichi…..

Taichi was far to protective of Hikari, and in an instant Yamato came to the conclusion that Taichi would blame himself for Hikari's injury.

"Tsunomon where is she?"

The Digimon motioned to the trees. There she lay, completely motionless. Yamato's back hurt like hell, but he forced himself up and walked behind the trees. His heart sank. She looked as if she were dead, so small and fragile. She was surrounded by all the other chosen children, minus Koushiro who was working away viciously on his laptop.

Yamato could see the tears running down Taichi's face, and realised this was the first time he had seen him cry in months. Guilt pierced the blonde's heart from the fight earlier. Although to him, he and Taichi were complete opposites, he could deeply relate to what he was going through. Takeru was his one and only reason for living, yet the younger boy clearly didn't need him anymore. But if something were ever to happen to him, he would never forgive himself.

If it were Takeru in Hikari's place, he could see himself in a utterly hysterical state. It wasn't difficult to see that Taichi wanted to do the same thing, yet he held his priorities as the leader in high regard and tried his best not to show fear while around the others. With their leader in that state, the others would panic and be totally lost to themselves.

Frowning, Yamato turned to walk away, but Sora had stopped him and immediately made it clear to everyone of his presence. "Yamato!"

The small blond boy's eyes lit up instantly at the sight of his brother. "Yamato!" He quickly run towards the older boy and hugged him. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"I'm glad you're okay too. Or are you? Are you hurt? Have you got many bruises?"

"Don't worry Onii-chan, Taichi took care of me." Yamato frowned, the jealously of Taichi becoming close with his brother angered him greatly. But it was wrong to be jealous, especially in this situation. The younger boy's face revealed sadness, and small drops of tears ran down his cheeks. "But Hikari got hurt and it's really bad."

"I know." He replied quietly, unsure of how to comfort him.

"Is she going to die?" Takeru asked between sobs.

Yamato bit his lower lip. What could he say? Tsunomon seemed sure that she was going to die, but could he really tell his brother about it? He hated lying to his sibling, knowing that the younger boy deserved to know the truth just as much as anyone else. But he couldn't tell the truth this time. It was too hard, and would break Takeru's heart. "Don't worry she'll be alright. We'll find a way to help her get better."

"The little boy's eyes lit up." Really?"

"Sure…"

"Yay!" He grabbed on to his Onii-chan's waist and hugged him tightly. Takeru smiled and wiped the tears away from his eyes.

"Yamato are you all right?" asked Sora, who had just arrived beside them.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Yamato replied, ignoring the red heads concern for him.

She smiled. "I'm glad." But as with Takeru's smile, it soon faded and was replaced with a frown. "Hikari, she-"

"I know." Yamato interrupted.

"Oh."

"Takeru." Spoke Yamato, turning to his younger brother. "Why don't you go back with the others?" Obediently he nodded and ran back over to join the other chosen.

"She's going to die, isn't she?"

Sora tilted her head away. "We don't know yet. The Digimon don't think she will last much longer. Koushiro's searching on his laptop for any information of a cure. She's pretty bad right now and I don't…" Tears ran down her cheeks as she spoke.

"How is Taichi doing?" Yamato asked sympathetically.

Sora lifted her head. She was surprised by the blondes sudden concern over their leader, but then she reminded herself that Yamato was not as cold as he sometimes made himself out to be. Yamato had a heart, a very big one.

"He's not that good. He is taking it really bad, and who can blame him? I've known Taichi since we were little kids, and he has always been overprotective of Hikari-chan."

"So he blames himself?"
She nodded. He walked past her and walked towards the brunette who was in a pitiful state. He was kneeling down beside his sister, his hands clamped over his face to shield away the tears. A hand was placed down on the child's forehead. He looked up to see Yamato looking at him sympathetically.

"I'm sorry Taichi."

"It's okay." He replied, washing away his tears. "It's not your fault."

"I'm sure she'll be all right."

Taichi rose to his feet, as did Yamato. Taichi stared deep into Yamato's eyes, a look of fury coming upon his face. "Maybe…." He turned and walked away. Now Yamato was confused. Why had Taichi stared at him like that? Like Taichi had said, it wasn't his fault for Hikari's accident. He sighed. The one time he was being nice to Taichi and he had stared at him like he had just killed someone.

He walked over to a tree near by and leaned against it. Once again he was trying to stay away from the others. But the way Taichi had looked at him was caught in his thoughts and kept repeating itself over and over again. It sent a shiver down his spine. Even when he tried to be nice, nobody wanted him. Takeru could take care of himself and everyone else was to bust following Taichi's orders to realise he was even alive.

I wish I never came to the Digital world. I wish I didn't even exist…

"I've found something!" Yamato was awakened from his thoughts by Koushiro's cry. While the others crowded around the small red head to see what he had found, Yamato stayed were he was.

"What is it? What did you find, Koushiro?!" Taichi asked, demanding an answer.

"It was really difficult to find, but I finally managed to locate Dokugaimon's data file."

"Well hurry up and tell us then!" cried Mimi impatiently.

"Dokugaimon, one of the deadliest Digimon. Half-canine, half-insect. It's known for its poisonous attacks and its peculiar appearance. It spits out poison from its back, onto its enemy in the form of a gooey sap. The sap then dissolves into the victim's pores and penetrates into the body. Once in the blood stream, its poisonous substances spread all over the body, slowing down and making the victim weak. It usually takes about forty-eight hours before the victim is fully effected. After the forty eight hours, the victim…." Koushiro turned to Taichi, looking sympathetic.

Tears filled Taichi's eyes as he stared at his sister's limb and lifeless form. Everyone knew what eventually happen, and it struck fear to all their hearts.

"There had to be a cure, Koushiro. Please say there's a cure." Pleaded Sora.

"I'm not sure, I'll have to check."

Everyone waited patiently as Koushiro continued to type on his computer. Yamato watched from a distance, his bones still aching, wishing desperately that there were a cure.

"Well?!" yelled Taichi angrily.

"Hold on Taichi, just try to be patient a little longer." Koushiro replied, not once glancing away from his laptop.

"How the hell can I be patient?! My little sister is dying for fucksake!"

Everyone stared at Taichi. Each scared that he would lose his temper again.

"I'm sorry Taichi. I didn't mean to-"

"Just…just keep searching." The red head nodded and went back to his research.

Everyone stayed silent, each wishing they could say or do something to make everything all better again. But life was never that simple.

A few minutes later, Koushiro finally spoke. ""I think I might have found something that might help." Everyone crouched down, around the small pineapple laptop. Koushiro pointed out a peculiar purple plant, with strange black stripes around it. "It's an ancient healing herb and like Dokugaimon, it's really rare. It is known to heal many different poisons. Its name isn't exactly known considering that they were used centuries ago. In fact they were thought to have all dyed out until someone discovered one growing up a mountain ten years ago."

"So are you saying that this plant can heal Hikari?" asked Taichi, hopefully.

Koushrio nodded. "That's what it says here."

"Where can we find it?"

"Oh no…"

"What is it Koushiro?" asked Mimi, worriedly.

"The nearest place to get them, is up a really dangerous mountain, one of the highest in this part of the Digital world. Plus it's miles away."

"Where is this mountain?" demanded Taichi.

"I imagine it would be in that direction." replied Koushiro pointing back towards the trees. The same way the river leads."

"I'm going. Come on Agumon." stated Taichi as he started to walk away.

"What?! Taichi you can't, it's too dangerous! Besides, you'd never make it up there alive!"

The brunette snorted. "You think one little mountain is going to stop me from saving my sisters life."

"Please Taichi, Koushiro is right, it's way to dangerous." cried Sora. "There's got to be a safer way." She turned back to Koushiro. "Koushiro?"

The younger boy shook his head. "I'm afraid not. You may be able to get the plants in other places, but you'd never make it back in forty-eight hours. Sorry."

"Please Taichi just -"

"Be quiet Sora. Nothing you say or do will prevent me from going to that mountain. I have a chance to save my sister before it's to late, and I'm not going to put safety before her life. It's my fault she got hurt in the first place. I love her to much to sit around to nothing, waiting for her to die."

"Taichi…"

"Agumon are you with me?" Taichi asked, turning to his partner.

"Of course!"

"Then let's go!"

"Then I'll go too!" cried Sora. "If you can risk your own life to safe Hikari, then so can i. I care about her too."

"No." Taichi replied, not bothering to face her.

"But -"

Slowly he approached the red head and gently too hold of her hand. "Sora, Hikari looks up to you a lot. You've always been there for her, for everybody. I know how much she misses our parents, but you've always been there to make her feel better. I guess she kinda sees you a mother figure."

She blushed. "She does?"

Taichi smiled. "Yeah she does. And if she wakes up, I want you to be there to comfort her. I know you can make her feel better."

Sora nodded. "I'll do it. But I don't think you should go alone, Taichi."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." He replied calmly.

"It's dangerous and what if you ran into one of the dark masters. Then what will you do?"

"I'll get Agumon to Digivolve to Wargreymon. Together Agumon and I will kick their sorry little asses!"

"Yeah, leave it to me!" cried Agumon proudly.

Sora frowned, still uneasy about the situation. "Couldn't Jyou or Koushiro go?"

"He sighed. "Jyou's the closest thing we have to a doctor. I need him to stay here and take care of Hikari. And I want Koushiro to stay here and keep gathering information on Dokugaimon, just in case I don't make it back in time. If I don't get back, then I'm counting on him to find another cure."

Sora sighed, giving in. "Alright, but be careful."

"I'll go!" Takeru cried out. "I wanna go help Hikari-chan!"

"No Takeru, you're t little."

"That's not fair, Taichi. I'm old enough to take care of myself. Please let me help."

"Takeru please try to -"

"I'll go..." stated an unheard voice.

Authors Notes: Sorry for the last line, I couldn't really think of a better way to put the sentence. Well I suppose you can guess who that is. ^_^ I hope that chapter wasn't too bad. I'll post the next part if anyone thinks I should continue.