9-11-03
It is almost a tradition for me to post on this day. Two years ago today I sat watching the attacks, crying and praying for those on the planes, in the buildings, and their families. Before you read I ask that you bow your heads and remember those we lost on this fateful day. We must never forget and never let it beat us down. May God continue to bless this nation and watch over those we lost on this day.
A/N: Sorry this took so long my writing spark had left me for a bit but its slowly working its way back. Thank you to all of you who reviewed, those reviews being the main reason I'm still writing so keep them coming. Major thanks to Kodachrome you all need to thank her (and read her wonderful fics) for getting me through writer block and editing this. Next Ella I'd better see something soon J. Hope you all enjoy this.
The guardians paced the camp like caged animals as they waited for their charges to return, each passing moment adding to their strain. Jun lay bandaged by the fire, blankets covering her prone form and Gabumon at her side. He himself feeling as if he had been hit, Matt had asked him to watch over her and he had failed…failed them all. Gently he pulled the blanket higher on her chest and let out a sigh.
Gatomon spoke quietly noting his unhappiness "There was nothing you could have done" she said gently as she wrapped another spool of rope around Veemon. Gabumon raised a furry eyebrow at this, not because of her words but because of her actions. The treacherous lizard was now completely enveloped in the rope, with only his tail sticking out.
"I know" he replied half-heartedly "I just feel I let Matt and Jun down". Gatomon merely shook her head as she added a few more knots "I just wish they would hurry back, dawn is closing and who knows what might be coming".
As if to answer her prayer the fluttering of wings broke the night bringing everyone to their feet. They all shouted the names of their charges as they landed in the clearing.
Tai's eyes were immediately filled with worry, they never greeted them is such a manor. The leader was about to question them when Matt pushed past "Jun" he cried flying to her side and taking her hand while his teary eyes turned to Joe "Quickly before the sun rises" he begged.
The Master of Reliability wasted no time as he ran by the bouncing Gomamon, his words or warning lost in the panic. Joe kneeled at her side briefly looking to the horizon and the coming sun, then closing his eyes and holding his hands over Jun. They began to glow in a warm silver light, washing over her like a healing cocoon. As it faded he looked to the eager blonde "She'll be fine, it will just take a little time for her to come around".
Matt sighed with relief as he stroked her hand, finally looking to their guardians with the unasked question.
"That" Gatomon spat pointing to the ball of rope with a blue tail. None of the mystics knew what to make of this and turned their attention to Tentomon, his affiliation with Izzy enough to know he would be the one with the answers. Sure enough the insect complied "He was fine until Jun cut herself and he said something about smelling like Davis…everything went into chaos from there including a jug of oil onto the fire".
Only the sounds of the dying fire cut through the night as reality set in.
It was Kari who broke the silence "He sent a signal" she whispered Takeru wrapping his arms around her the Master of Hope finishing her thought "And for all we know Davis is on his way here right now".
"Pack up!" Tai shouted taking to the air, making it two feet before falling back to the ground, dawn had come. Uttering a curse Sora helped him up and ran for their home.
Izzy stomped out the remains of the fire while Mimi ran to their hut, following in Sora's footsteps "Take only what we need to get to the castle…we'll be safe there until we can find a new home". Matt carefully cradled Jun in his arms, watching as her eyes opened "Davis" she mumbled "Is not here…yet" he soothed.
She shot up too fast holding her head "He's coming…I can feel it".
Matt helped her down his eyes instinctively picking out TK, assuring himself that he was ready to go. "You heard her, let's go," he shouted. Within seconds they were gathered and ready, the guardians flanking them on all sides.
They ran as fast as they could with their burdens, hitting the center of the meadow when a roar echoed into the clearing. Following the roar was the shout of an angry hoard, the hoard belonging to Ken and Yolei.
The mystics froze dead center finding themselves between two armies with no powers.
As they waited with baited breath feverously praying for aid the leaders stepped forward, swords drawn, and malice in their eyes. Yolei was the first to speak her voice shaking with pure anger "You traitor" she screamed, "you have a lot of gall coming here after what you pulled".
Davis however didn't back down, instead stepping forward, pausing only to give a longing look at Kari. "Me" he scoffed "it was my minion who found them and led me here, you are tagging along because your men are useless". The hoard seemed to growl as one at this, taking a small step forward in anticipation.
"At least ours are men" Ken growl raising his sword "remember the mission…attack!"
"Attack" Davis bellowed in response, the two waves crashing down upon the mystics like a tidal wave.
Ancient powers binding awoke again unleashing the hold power of the guardians upon their attackers. Tai watched as they soared into battle his own brilliant mind forming a plan of escape. He turned to see the others watching him expectantly "Split up" he said quietly watching as both waves hit the first round of their guardians attacks with violent cries of pain and anger.
Matt shook his head "Remember what happened last time we did that" he replied, watching as their eyes clouded over briefly at the thoughts of their capture. Izzy jumped in to the argument, taking Mimi's hand into his own "We all know what happened last time but we are easy targets when were all together…just head for the forest and get into the tree tops…hopefully they will wear each other out fighting".
The Master of Friendship still seemed uneasy with the plan but with both sides closing in he lowered his head in defeat "Everyone be careful…I'll see you at the castle" he said.
Yolei was infuriated beyond belief, the little whelp of a traitor had dared attack at the same time they did. Ken wrapped his arms around her sensing her fury "This may work to our advantage" he said, his men now beginning to clash with Davis's "Now they have to worry about two attacks, their guard will be torn".
Though Yolei didn't reply he could tell she was pleased "Then let us attack…I have a feeling what our dear Davis wants and I intend on keeping it from him" she shrugged off his arms and handed him a black satin bag "Dump this on her" she finished pulling out another bag, leaving without another word.
Ken smirked, the contents of both satin bags were the very concoctions that Yolei had been working on every since they had settled in the clearing, he was just as anxious as her to see the results.
As the battle raged the two armies clashed against each other, giving the mystics time to make their escape with minimal resistance. They had decided to split up and make a run for the castle, a plan they had in place since deciding to move there. And through the hail of arrows and guardian attacks the Bearers of Hope and Light ran hand in hand. TK held Kari's hand as they moved through the clearing while the other wielded a sword, slashing away the men and beasts that sought them. Kari too was armed muttering curses under her breath that would have been worthy of a sailor. "Why can't they just leave us alone?" she seethed in frustration, her very fiber screaming against the dark energy surrounding them.
TK wished he had an answer to his question and a solution to the problem but found he could only squeeze her hand lovingly and slash away another obstacle. He could hear Davis's voice echoing above the battle, his enraged cries demanding Kari. "And I won't let him get you…if it's the last thing I do" he promised. "I know," she said coming to a halt as their guardians began to motion frantically at them from their positions above.
Kari effortlessly kicked one of Davis's men as he made to grab her "What are they doing?" she asked as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end in answer to her question. Takeru released her hand and pulled her behind him, his icy eyes setting on the threat…Ken.
"That would be me," the warlord taunted tossing a small velvet bag up and down, watching with pleasure as a dragon halted the angels decent to their master's aid. Takeru's eyes now followed the bag, sensing the evil reeking from it he reached back to pull Kari closer and spoke in low tones "You will not use us again".
Ken laughed his cold laugh pulling the drawstring "Yes, we will and you my little pawns will once again give us the empire we so deserve". He had a full handful of the powder in his leather-clad hand and was slowly advancing, matching the mystic's moves step by step.
Suddenly a cry rang out over the battle as Davis tackled him from behind. Second by second time inched on, the warlords hitting the ground and the satin bag hurling through the air. TK pushed Kari back as hard as he could, knowing with the force there was no way for him to escape. Kari fell to the ground, her feet entangling with TK's pulling him down with her. As they hit she felt the gentle particles falling around her before white angels wings blocked her field of vision…then there was nothing.
Sora had to admit the last thing she had wanted to do was separate from the others, let alone Tai, yet he had insisted on staying back with Matt and Izzy to try and buy them a few more precious seconds. Next to her Mimi wiped away angry tears as their homes began to burn from the fires of battle. Joe could merely offer a comforting squeeze as he slowed them to a halt; confident they were safe in the forest for now.
Through the trees they could see the battle raging on, their guardians fighting men and monsters alike. "I guess we're lucky they decided to attack at the same time…effectively giving us a distraction". The girls merely nodded, neither one considering being attacked by two vicious armies at the same time being lucky. The Master of Reliability sensed their pain, knowing that their hearts were in the battle with their husbands.
"I know you don't want to leave them" he said softly "but they made me swear to protect you at all costs…now we're going to get to the castle and regroup". Both of them looked as if they were going to argue but thought better of it.
That fight came sooner than any of them wanted.
With a cackle Yolei dropped from the treetops, five men in her wake, encircling the trio in seconds. "You know the whole lot of you are so incredibly predictable" she said reaching into her cloak "Your fearless leader and his right hand staying behind to ensure the escape of their precious siblings and wives. Leaving you little gems unguarded."
Joe narrowed his eyes and turned to face the warlordess "We are not helpless" he said swinging his sword with precision and ease, testing the waters and showing his colors. At his reply she merely narrowed her eyes and gestured her men forward "Perhaps" was his answer and in a twirl of screaming and steel they attacked.
Mimi and Sora, despite their appearances, were ready to meet the challenges head on. Mimi using her foot to kick up a large stick sitting on the forest floor, while Sora pulled a dagger from the silky folds of her dress. Their original experiences had taught them and molded their caution as well as honing their fighting skill, powers or no.
The Master of Reliability chose to take on Yolei, keeping his word to his leader and friend to keep the girls safe…Yolei being the biggest threat to their safety. Sparks flew as her sword hit his, burning his face where they touched. He however didn't dwell on the pain, already into his next attack slashing at her ankles. She jumped it easily and brought her blade down, aiming for his shoulder. Joe noted this as he rolled away, she wasn't trying to kill them only injure.
He flipped up from his back onto his feet again; swinging with all his might at her charge, hitting so hard that both swords flew into the underbrush. She let out a scream of rage and threw herself at him, hitting him in the stomach and taking him back to the ground. Dazed he tried to get his bearings and the trees to stop spinning long enough to avoid her fist. Grabbing her arm and his other on her stomach he began to push away, a sense of shock overwhelming him at what he felt inside.
Joe froze, unwilling to attack or hurt an innocent, his honed instincts and brain trying to comprehend what he had just felt "Your…" he began as her fist made contact with his head, sending him into oblivion.
"You witch" Sora screamed slashing her opponent and running to Joe's side, placing herself in front of him before anymore damage could be done. Yolei smiled at this "I love it when things go my way" she muttered before launching into another volley of attacks. Sora was ready, fueled by rage at the torment they had all had to endure at the hands of her and her men.
The Mistress of Love attacked with such vigor it threw Yolei off for the briefest of moments, earning a slash on her cheek from Sora's blade. The warlordess took this in stride, jumping to the battle with a screech.
Miles away atop the highest turret of the castle stood the Queen, tears shimmering in her gentle eyes as they focused off into the forest, her heart focused on the Mystics she had grown to love. They had been used to strip her of her crown and kingdom only to overcome the odds and reunite her with the son she thought she had lost. That son, Cody, now rode with his father and the royal guard into the forest to ensure all was well. Her motherly intuition told her all wasn't well and all she could do was pray that they got there in time.
Her muscles tensed as footsteps echoed into the wind, a calm voice easing her fears "They will be fine your highness" Genni said as he joined her at gazing into the forest. She shook her head "We should have kept them here" she muttered finally letting out the guilt she had had welled up for hours "we should have kept them here where they were safe…under our protection".
"My queen" Genni added turning to her, his eyes shining with the wisdom of a thousand generations. "If you had kept them here evil would have found them, and your people…you know they would never allow innocents to be hurt".
"I know…just let the powers be with them".
Sora and Yolei continued to fight on, the men surrounding them stopping their fight with Mimi to watch their Mistress, as if hypnotized by the dance of the blades. It wasn't long before they had started to cheer and shout words of encouragement, closing ranks around the fighters. Mimi also found herself cheering from her position next to Joe, whispering words or encouragement to him, as he lay motionless. A violent scream got her attention as Yolei threw her sword aside and went for the more direct approach, tackling Sora to the ground, a dagger at her throat inhibiting movement.
The Mistress of Sincerity was on her feet in an instant running to her friends aid, fighting stick at ready. She, however, didn't make it very far for one of the jeering men had latched onto her ankle, sending her down. Yolei rolled away and let her land on Sora with both girls letting out grunts of pain, immediately setting to the task of disentangling their limbs. "Two for one is a better deal," Yolei muttered as the two looked up confused and horrified all at the same time. A fine cloud of black dust fell upon them as Joe finally rejoined the world, his shout of warning too late.
His mind reeled as the dust settled on the two he was supposed to protect, chastising himself for getting knocked out and failing in his sacred duties. Then nothing happened, which surprised all three. In all honesty the Master of Reliability thought that the two should be toads or some other woodland creature by now, thanking what ever was watching over them that the plan had failed.
"Ha" Mimi laughed unable to resist the temptation to rub it in their tormentors face.
Yolei merely smiled and held put a eerie glowing hand, "These things take time" she hissed forming a fist, this seemingly insignificant action caused both girls to scream in pain and their bodies to glow in an unholy black light that seemed to be from the pits of hell itself. It was now Yolei's turn to laugh as she pulled an unseen rope, ripping two glowing orbs; one green and one crimson from the mystics. The orbs floated to her and entered her body causing her to momentarily rise from the ground before dropping into an unconscious heap.
The men rushed forward like vultures on a wounded animal, scooping her up and running into the forest without so much as a goodbye. Joe paid them no heed, instead running to his friend's side "What did she do?" he asked looking for any sign of outward injury. Neither one answered as their held their chests. "She took something" Sora whispered, "I can feel it but I don't know what it is yet".
Joe felt a metal ball form in the pit of his stomach, something he hadn't felt since their captivity "Lets keep going" he said seeing the dragons circling overhead, apparently in battle with one of the guardians. The girls got up and dusted themselves off following his line of sight.
"Takeru" Matt screamed as he ran across the now smoldering clearing, tears stinging his eyes. He had watched as the two fell and the angels covered them. That had been seconds ago, they should have recovered and attacked both warlords before they had a chance to do anymore damage.
Jun muttered under her breath as she pulled her love away from another fireball, knowing he would do nothing for his own welfare while his brother was in danger. Another thought hit her and she reached to her left, tugging Tai back, she would have to watch them both.
"What did they do?" Tai asked no one as they ran coming into view of the small forms huddled on the ground "What did they do?" he repeated his voice full off horror.
"What did you do?" Davis echoed for the third time his hands around Ken's throat so hard the bruises were already starting to form. Ken could only gasp out an answer before Davis tossed him to the ground turning his attention back to the heap of bodies that was only now starting to stir. Kari sat up, rubbing her eyes as if she had just woken up from an afternoon nap. Tiredly she pushed away the egg now lying next to her and began to look around, her eyes filling with fear as she did. That fear soon gave way to tears.
Tai ignored all warning and stepped forward quietly, as if afraid she would run at the sound "Hikari" he called out gently his soft voice managing to carry over the sounds of battle raging around them. Her head shot up instinctively at the sound of his voice, her arms already reaching to him. The leader ran forward and scooped her easily into his arms…something he hadn't been able to do for years. She huddled into his chest just as she used to do when she was a child.
"Takeru" Matt spoke again his little brother in his arms, marveling at how he looked, as he was when he was eight again. Jun stood guard over the siblings drawing her sword should the two get any ideas, tensing her grip when she saw the look on Ken's face. "Not exactly what I thought it would do but good none the less," he chided.
Davis once again turned on him "Can you change her back?" he asked fighting off the urge to kill him then and there.
"You honestly think Yolei would do any spell she didn't know how to counteract" he replied. That seemed to be all Davis needed as he turned to make his move for the prone form still crying in her brothers arms "Then she can still be mine".
Tai took a few steps back pulling his sister closer, taking over the job he had vanquished to TK years ago, the job of protecting her. Jun made her move as well swinging her sword within inches of his throat, a warning shot as it may "You will do no such thing" she spat "you have once again destroyed something beautiful for something you can never have. I will give one chance and one chance alone to take your men and beasts, and leave this place forever". Chocolate eyes bore into one another; one full of love and life while the other was filled with hate and lust.
Davis brought his fingers to his lips and let out a long whistle "My men and 'beasts' as you call them have done their job, now I will collect what I came for and be off as well". Jun tensed she knew the others were a distraction, a means to split them up…Ken and Yolei's attack was more of an annoyance. "Then you will have to go through me," she said assuming her fighting stance. Davis fixed her with a gaze "Then you will die".
He dived at her with a scream that she echoed, finally letting out the months and years of agony her brother had caused her.
Ken watched amused as the two siblings began to fight and made ready to leave…the two little eggs sitting on the ground acting as a tempting prize. He knew they were not part of the plan and Yolei would have had what she had come for by now…yet the thought of being able to turn two of the holiest beings on earth was too much to pass up. The elder brothers would not dare to set down the now children and both Davis and Jun were too occupied to challenge him. He made up his mind and began to go for his final prize, an arrow at his foot impeding his progress "Don't even think about it" Izzy said dropping from a nearby tree, his lips and nose both bleeding profusely.
"Now you could surrender now or try and escape and let the guardians get a hold of you…they're still pretty mad about our last meeting" the Master of Knowledge challenged cocking another arrow. Ken had to admire his gall and knew he could not seek his prize. He merely bowed to Izzy pulling a second pile of the dust from his inner pocket; he had kept it just in case he got in trouble. "This isn't over" he shouted throwing the powder over the trio and making a dash into the woods where a horse and two of his men were waiting. Mounting they took off at a gallop, no one looking back to see if they were followed "Yolei" he asked.
"The Mistress's plan went to the letter, she is now on her way back to the camp to recover". Ken smiled; tonight when she awoke she would be able to join him among the stars.
Izzy watched him go only lowering his arrow when he saw that Ken had disappeared into the forest and Davis was otherwise occupied with Jun, and that scuffle he wasn't about to get involved in. Instead he ran to Matt and Tai's side, tripping over his pants.
Shocked he pulled himself up to see the sleeves of his shirt were now well past his hands and he was a few inches shorter. "Not good" he muttered seeing that Matt and Tai had fallen to the same fate, yet they still had not noticed.
"Are they okay?" he asked deciding to break the news about their own predicament later. Matt looked up his azure eyes full of worry "As far as we can tell" he said stroking his brothers golden hair "they're just eight years old again".
Kari peeked out from Tai's chest at the sound of Izzy's voice, comforted by the familiar sound. The Master of Knowledge had to look in awe; it was as if the hands of time had been turned back. "Your clothes are too big" she said innocently.
Izzy smiled despite himself "Yes they are, whatever hit you hit your brother and I as well…just not as hard". Both brothers took a sudden look at themselves noting the change in size, keeping their calm.
"What about those two?" TK asked pointing to Davis and Jun still locked in mortal combat. Matt tensed, he wanted to protect Jun though he knew full well she was holding her own. "We need to get out of here and back to the castle, Genni will know what to do".
Tai stood up "Someone should break those two up" he said indicating the feuding siblings. Matt nodded "Jun wrap it up," he shouted not wanting to tempt fate and give Davis time to recall his men.
Jun had already begun to wrap it up as she took the upper hand in the scuffle by advancing on her brother with a series of vicious blows, the final one finally forcing his blade from his hands. She didn't stop there using her fist to hit his good eye, blurring his field of vision. Davis held his face with a yelp of pain, backing away from his unseen attacker. Jun advanced seething with adrenaline, her fighting instincts ready to kill.
She leapt at him knocking him to the ground her sword at his throat, ready to end his reign of terror. Pulling back she looked into his swollen eye "Goodbye" she whispered coldly.
"Stop" a horrified voice cried. Jun froze in mid motion, leaving a small cut on her brother's neck. Her wild eyes turned to the source, Takeru. Her eyes fell on the siblings, she had once held Davis like that, she had once protected him at all costs, and she had once loved him as family. Their innocence reminded her with a jolt of what she was about to do and in front of children nonetheless. Her sword fell from her hands as the sounds of the royal horns cut through the smoldering clearing, the Calvary had arrived.
The royal guard broke through the trees at a gallop, swords drawn and voices raised. The king and prince riding at the front leading the garrison surrounding the mystics. The king jumped from his horse going to Tai and letting his men handle the retreating Davis.
The warlord was moving away, the horses momentary distraction giving him time to get to the tree line before anyone turned their attention to him. Through his swollen eye he stumbled through the woods, the wound on his neck slowly bleeding. Once into the forest he climbed into a tree waiting for a mere second before Ryo swooped by, taking him back to the mountains where he would have to amend his plans.
To be continued…
