A/N: Okay thanks to those of you who reviewed, they were great inspiration. Second thanks to Cyberdracomon and Kodachrome who helped me through a few plot hole issues. Hope you all are enjoying the new, improved version of this story and keep in mind the best is yet to come.
This is the sequel to 'By the Power of the Stars' so if you haven't read it I really suggest you do, that way you'll actually know what's going on. As always suggestions are always welcome and PLEASE review.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Day broke after the Solstice ceremony, a quiet serenity falling over the castle grounds as it residents slowly arose. Many had been sobered by their experiences the night before and where now looking at the sunrise in a new light…savoring the precious gift they had been given. The young prince was one of those people, his now gentle brown eyes taking in the rays. Last night he had seen first hand what he had almost destroyed because of his lust for power, a humbling experience for any man. Silently he thanked the powers that they had lost and his true self had been found. A quiet knock on his door brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present. He knew that knock, it was that of his personal guards, "Coming" he said simply.
He went to his dressing table and picked up the simple gold crown he had been given to wear until his coronation in the coming weeks. It was made of this pressed gold, embedded with rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and emeralds. Set in the center was the mark of the royal family, and odd combination of a cross atop two circles, in actuality the longer he looked at it the more Cody thought it looked like the symbols that adorned Joe and Izzy's heads every night. He ran his finger over the mark before placing it on his head, still uncomfortable with the show of power on his head. But his mother insisted it and he was set on making sure that she was happy and proud of him to the end of his days.
Once he was ready he picked up a small chest, it was engraved with the eight symbols of the mystics and he had it specially made for them. Inside were eight treasures he had plundered from a temple long ago, somehow it felt right to be giving them to the chosen. It was his way of thanking them and seeing as how they would be leaving for their new home that day he had to present them now.
Another knock at the door signaled he was going to be late and Cody quickly gave himself on last once over before entering the hall. His guard, who bowed deeply with respect before taking the box and leading him to the dining hall, greeted him.
As they walked down the old stone halls he looked at the pictures of his ancestors lining the walls their regal brilliance shining in the dark, he one day wished to live up to their legacy even though he had much to atone for. With a left turn they were at the hall, entering just as Genni and Tai stumbled into the room, apparently the elder had to rouse him from bed as well.
"Good morning dearest" the Queen said placing a tender kiss on her son's forehead. Cody smiled he had grown up without a mothers love and couldn't have imagined how such a simple gesture filled him with so much warmth. "Good morning Mother, Father" he returned kissing her hand before sitting down at the table.
"It seems we are all here" the King said with a smile on his face "let us eat and then we will prepare for the long day ahead". The others nodded taking his lead, helping themselves to the piles of food steaming before them.
Genni looked with pride around the table "Taichi, is everything ready to take to the village?" he asked, letting out a small laugh at the pile of food that was on its way to the leaders mouth. Tai smiled sheepishly and swallowed the food quickly "Yes" he said coughing a little "wood, food, water, and tools have all been loaded into wagons".
"Excellent, and I trust the location in completely secure" he added, their safety first are foremost in his mind, especially with three of the warlords still on the loose and out for revenge. This time Matt answered, "You will be the only one who knows the location" he said turning to the royal family "my apologies but we don't want you to become targets". The King nodded and allowed the Master of Friendship to continue "It is surrounded on all sides with one way in or out. Once we get there we will set up something to let us know if anyone breaches the perimeter".
Genni nodded "And when will you leave?"
An air of sadness seemed to fill the room because of this for the castle and kingdom had gotten used to their presence. Takeru smiled sadly, squeezing Kari's hand "We leave at noon, it will allow get us to get there before dawn tomorrow".
"And your guardians?"
Sora smiled "They are raiding the kitchens as we speak, the don't feel we packed enough food. So let us know how much we need to replace". The Queen waved her hand to signify it wasn't an issue.
Silence reigned before Cody stood clearing his throat to get their attention "I have something to say, I've wanted to do it before you left" he said quietly, securing the attention of everyone in the room. "I did some terrible things" he began "to all of you and in return you gave me back my real family. I am now forever in your debt. And I know material things can never give back what I have taken of make what I did better, it can show my thanks. I plundered these from a temple a few years ago…a temple that oddly enough wasn't far from Odiaba".
Genni's eyes grew wide his heart beginning to leap out of his chest. The prince hadn't noticed this and opened the oak box to reveal eight objects set against a red velvet lining. He picked up the first one; it was a silver wrist guard with an orange square set in the center. On that square was the symbol of courage, the rays of its sun carrying onto the intricate design of the band. "Taichi, through everything we did you remained strong, unyielding, and dedicated to protecting those you loved. You truly are the Master of Courage and your blessing was considered sacred by my men and I." He handed it off to Tai who for once in his life was speechless. He took the band and slipped it onto his right wrist, feeling a surge of fire run through his body. "Thank you," he said breathless, allowing Sora to take his arm and see if for herself.
"Yamato" he prince said gently "you were one who turned the tide within me, you alone showed me how much suffering I had inflicted on others. To your friends you are loyal and your family is sacred, loved unconditionally. This is in spite of the fact that you control the element of ice". From the box he produced another wristband, this one with a blue square bearing the symbols of Friendship, a vision of a winter storm etched upon silver. Similar to Tai, Matt was lost in thought and wonder, feeling his own rush of power as he slipped it on. "I knew you were a loyal person" he said quietly "you were just loyal to the wrong side for awhile".
Cody turned to Sora next "Sora, Mistress of Love bringing star crossed lovers together. Like the element you control you are powerful, unpredictable, and nothing can stop you. You are as good as fighter as you are beautiful". Out of the box came a silver circlet, her heart like symbols embedded dead center. The silver had been etched with what seemed like never ending swirls and lines, like those of the wind. Tears welled in her soft eyes as Tai placed the circlet on her head, as if crowing a princess.
"Mimi, you are so gentle, compassionate, and strong. You survived everything we did to you and protected Izzy in the process; I know lesser women would have crumbled under the strain. But you are the Mistress of the earth, a rock, steadfast and strong in any storm. You are like Sora, beautiful and powerful. Once again a circlet came from the box, her teardrop symbol woven into the intricate vine pattern that was all around the circlet.
Gentle tears rolled down her cheeks as Cody turned his attention to Izzy, offering a bow of respect "You are the first person to match Yolei in a game of wits, your blessings have improved the quality of life for all mankind, and you are a skilled fighter. I consider you a mentor and I hope to one day be like you" the prince bowed once again, then bringing up a wrist band "You can be quiet or powerful like the thunder". The symbol of Knowledge was set in the center, surrounded by storm clouds and bolts of lightning.
"Takeru" he said "You suffered more than any of the others and through it all you never lost Hope, perhaps that is why you are the keeper of it. We took your love and nearly your life. Your dedication to your love and family is admirable". Another wrist guards found its home at the rays of the crests sun continued into the silver. "Hikari" the prince continued "it is no wonder you are the object of Davis's obsession, you are beautiful, smart, and powerful especially for one so young. Your light fills the hearts of everyone around you and the people of this kingdom will miss it. May the powers guard you from those who wish you harm". The final tiara was placed upon her head, the intricate patter of the flower continued all over the crown.
By now the room was silent and paying close attention to the prince "Finally, Joe. You saved me mind, body, and soul. It was you who showed me what true honor was and I can never repay you for what you have given back. You are forever my mentor and will be remembered as the savior of our family line. To you I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. The final wrist guard made its way out of the box and into Joe's hands. The Master of Reliability embraced the prince in a warm, brotherly hug; much like the hugs Matt gave Takeru. "I knew you had it in you" he said pulling away.
Cody gave another bow "That is all I have to offer you with my sincerest apologies". The Queen rose and wrapped her son up in her arms, her glittering eyes resting on the chosen that were examining their gifts with a look of awe. "Those were wonderful gifts my darling" she whispered.
"Genni, what wrong?" Mimi asked letting go of Izzy's arm after taking a good look at his gift. All eyes turned to the elder as the color slowly returned to his face and his breathing to normal. "Genni?" Joe said now at his side checking his pulse, the simple action finally bringing a smile to the elders face.
"I'm fine" he assured brushing Joe's fingers off his neck "its just that you are now in possession of something you should have been given years ago. They are the sacred crests, the key to your powers".
Tai narrowed his eyes "I though our dust did that". Genni shook his head "The dust was merely a replacement for the crests after they were stolen from the temple…you were not of age so we put them there for safe keeping". The elder gently took Yamato's guard and examined it with loving awe "I thought they'd been lost forever" turning his attention back to the young prince "you my young friend are just full of pleasant surprises". Cody blushed and took his seat.
They left later that morning, carts loaded with food and timber, as they went to rebuild a new life. Only Genni knew where they were headed and only Genni knew how to get there. There they would be safe from bandits and warlords, yet close enough to still protect the land they had all come to love.
It took the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon to navigate the dense forest surrounding the kingdom and arrive at their home. Tai had insisted on back tracking a few times in order to throw off anyone who had tried to follow, and though the others groaned from the extra work they knew the precaution had to be taken.
"Finally" Mimi whispered as they cleared the brush and entered a small blooming meadow. Flowers of every shape and color were in bloom, seemingly welcoming them to their new home, which lay behind it. "Its even more beautiful now" Sora breathed as she guided the cart over the stream that ran through the center of it.
"And its home" Kari finished pulling the reigns of their horse, the same white steed that had brought TK to her aid. It had become rather attached to the pair and seemingly insisted on coming with them. TK helped her down as she looked into the treetops, looking for the one they would build their home in. "I was thinking this one" TK said as he pulled her into a hug his finger pointing to a mighty oak that was overlooking the meadow. Kari took his arms and smiled "Its perfect".
TK clicked and their horse followed them, Patamon and Gatomon waking from their naps in the back of the cart. "We really need to name the horse," she said patting his mane.
TK and Kari weren't the only ones who had found their homes, each of the mystics were now standing below their own trees unloading their carts. Wood, food, and tools fell to the ground with a clatter.
Tai wiped the sweat from his brow and looked at his family "All right we've got a good few hours until sunset so lets get as much done as we can before them. Build your home as you will but be careful to keep it concealed, we don't want to be seen from the air". Shouts of agreement and understanding were heard before the sawing of wood and hammering of nails took over.
Hours later the floors had been laid high up in the trees "On three" Joe called getting a tighter hold on the rope looking at Matt and Tai who stood ready to pull "One, two, three!" he yelled as they yanked as hard as they could. The wall frame rose into the air its base resting on the floorboards. As soon as it made contact Sora and Jun rushed in with nails, securing it in place. Once they were sure it was sturdy they fell back gasping for breath.
"Please tell me that was the last one" Sora said rubbing her sore arms. Hearing groans of agreement from her friends.
Tai couldn't help but smile "Don't worry it is, all the huts have four walls, meaning we only have to put up the roofs tomorrow".
Another round of groans were heard as they began to shimmy down the ropes to the forest floor, their shadows dancing in the fading sun. "Great, that means we get about five minutes of rest before we have to go out" Izzy said lying on a soft patch of moss, allowing Mimi to rest on his chest.
"You may be going out but I'll be here weaving the thatches for those roofs" Jun said snuggling deep into Matt's loving arms, feeling a slight ping of regret because she couldn't join her love in the night sky. Matt absently stroked her hair "We're going to leave the digimon with you for the first few nights, just to be safe". Normally she would have disagreed, her independent spirit never allowing her to be babied in such a way. But she was dead tired and in unfamiliar territory "Thanks, it'll be nice to have some company".
"And help with the work" Gomamon said cheerily as he bounded up to camp, the other guardians in tow. Each one of the mystical creatures seemed happy and content with their new home and had spent the afternoon acquainting themselves with the area, finding ambush points, setting up defenses, and gathering materials for the homes. They piled the branches and leaves near the fire before retreating to their masters, waiting for the transformation to begin.
It didn't take long and by the end of the hour all eight had lifted into the night sky to do their ancient chore.
That same night in the fiery mountains to the north Davis worked his men like ants, forcing them to burrow into the rock, hollowing out caves for chambers and dungeons. The rock was to be his stronghold, his kingdom, and the source of untold terror. He couldn't help but smile at that thought. Soon he would have his queen, and heir, and the world in the palm of his hand.
The roars of dragons echoed down the newly chiseled corridors, signaling for him to come. He turned his coarse acknowledging the beast's presence as he went, they may be beasts but they weren't dumb. His newly found allies commanded respect at all times.
He entered the corridor where the call had originated from seeing they had blown through a wall, revealing a natural chamber. This was excellent progress for this was to be Hikari's home and the sooner it was ready to sooner he could fetch her. "What?" he said coming to a stop rubbing his hands over the smooth black walls, admiring the work.
One of his men cowered at his presence; earning a look of distain from the dragon "We have found some eggs that do not belong to the hoard" he said quickly pointing to a pile of different colored eggs nestled upon a black nest. Davis was about to order that they be eaten when he felt a strange wave pass through his body, something was calling to him.
Step by step he approached the nest, noticing how a blue egg shook with his mere presence…just like the guardians eggs had in the mystics presence. His heart began to beat faster, for something this good was too good to be true, as he picked up the egg feeling it purr at his touch.
Davis didn't wait for the egg to hatch before he threw his head back in an insane laugh that unnerved all who heard it. "Come" he barked suddenly jolting the soldier to his side "Take this to my chamber and see that it is nestled upon my finest pillows".
"Yes my Lord" he said with a bow before scurrying off, only to be stopped seconds later "I did not dismiss you" Davis shouted causing the poor man to shiver in his boots "Once you have done that I want you to draft a letter to Ken and Yolei…tell then I have something that may interest them and to have 1000 pounds of gold ready by weeks end if they want it". The man didn't move awaiting further instructions, once again regretting his decision. Davis's cold eyes turned on him annoyed and full of fire "And why aren't we fulfilling my orders?"
That was all he needed as he ran into the corridor as fast as he trembling legs would carry him. Davis watched him go waiting until the footsteps had abated before he turned to his scaly ally "You may eat the incompetent fool after he has finished my task".
The dragon growled with pleasure and followed the doomed soul into the inner depths of the cave.
Yolie gritted her teeth as she fought an inner battle like never before. Her potion was finished and now she was working the liquid into a powder through more herbs and lots of grinding. She would have preferred to leave it in its strongest form but knew there was no way she would get the intended victims to take it in that way.
Another wave of nausea passed over her and her breakfast rebelled in her stomach, threatening to come back up. Swallowing hard she had won another round. "I am not getting sick now," she muttered to herself as she pounded the hardened potion with the pestle, chipping it away bit by bit. As she finished her statement her body revolted and she was forced to run for the privy, nearly running Ken down in the process.
His violet eyes narrowed with worry when the door slammed shut and retching followed. "Dearest" he called gently wrapping on the door his concern answered by another round of retching. He decided it would be better to wait it out turning to his aid "Fetch me three doctors, this has gone on far too long" he ordered "quickly". The Paige scurried off without a word and Yolei finally emerged from the privy. The great warrior looked almost green as she held the doorframe for support, falling into Ken's arms without protest.
"This has been going on for a few weeks now" he said his voice soft and loving, something only his love was allowed to hear. She nodded "It will pass by noon, it always does" she said pulling back and reaffirming her cruel mask of power, over her moment of weakness.
Ken shook his head following her back to the tent "I have sent for healers" he said realizing the error of his ways as she turned, fire in her eyes. "I have no need for a healer" she shouted rearing up on him "and if you say otherwise you will need a healer!" With that she pulled the flaps closed, effectively slamming the door in his face leaving the warlord stunned. She had been moody and sick for almost two weeks now, causing just cause for concern in his eyes.
He walked away from the tent deciding it was best to give her space for the time being, or at the very least until she'd cooled off. "My Lord" the Paige said quietly bowing to his master "I have sent three riders to gather the healers, they shall return as soon as they find one worthy of you and the mistress". Ken nodded pulling a small bag of gold from the folds of his cloak "That will double if they arrive by weeks end". The Paige caught it with happiness glittering in his greedy little eyes "Consider it done my Lord".
"Pathetic" Ken muttered "simply pathetic".
The dragon let out a satisfied belch as the last of the incompetent soldier made its way down his throat. Davis looked up "I take it you enjoyed that" the dragon nodded "continue to help me and you'll have an entire army to dine on". The dragon growled in agreement his beady eyes looking animalistic as ever. "Now I have an egg to attend to so you and your hoard are free to lay waste to the country side or sleep or whatever pleases your reptilian little hearts". He growled again and stalked out of the cavern leaving Davis to retire to his chambers.
The brown haired warlord locked his door turning his attention to the blue egg nestled among the silky pillows of his bed. He had left strict orders not to be bothered for the rest of the afternoon so he could get his egg to hatch. As he went around the room he lit candles and drew the string of a long velvet curtain, the lush fabric revealing a large portrait of the Mistress of Light, he had it painted as soon as his men captured a decent artist. Davis stared at with lust and longing, running his hand along it "Soon my love" he whispered, "soon you will be all mine…and you my little egg will help me".
The egg quivered in response as Davis picked it up rubbing it gently, talking to it, and revealing his plans to it. There he sat for hours on end, not caring about the time had passed, only coming out of his trance like state when a soft cracking noise came from the egg.
Davis jumped his heart nearly pounding out of his chest as the pieces slowly fell to the floor and a reptilian tail fell out. The head with shining followed the tail, innocent eyes "Hello my name is Veemon, but you can call me Veemon" he said as he bounced out of the remaining shell onto the bed. "I'm here to protect you and guide you and keep you from harm" he said bouncing some more, stopping when he saw the cold look on his master's face "Veemon my name is Davis and this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship".
Veemon smiled his own cold smile, any semblance of his playful personality disappearing into the depths of the cavern.
To Be Continued….
A/N: Sorry this one was so short…consider it building to better things to come. Those of you who read the original version hang on its coming. Once again please please review it really spurs me (wolf that whole last sections came after I read your review so thanks for the support). As always suggestions are welcome and don't forget to push that nice little review button, see it, its begging to be pressed.
