A/N: My typing program is back! I'm really glad to, and now all graduation part's and such are out of the way and I am ready for * starts crying * summer school. Yes I am taking summer school and I am working through the summer, but fear not I will not abandon this fic (well not so long as I keep getting reviews asking me to continue that is). Anyway I should warn you this chapter is very slow, and it might also get a little confusing so please keep in mind that I gave you a fair warning. Well on with the show.
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Digimon
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"Okay we've went around this place over ten times and I don't see an exit anywhere."
Now that was an exaggeration on Yolie's part, we've only been around this place exactly ten times. There's nothing but light, I feel like I'm in a hospital from all the white. Nothing but white and light, and really loud kids, not that I'm going to name any names.
"If only I had my laptop, then maybe we could use the digi-vices to get us out of here."
White and light, light and white; I feel like I'm going crazy! I feel so out of place amongst all of this white. It stretches out forever, and everything is so still. In the Digital World there was always some kind of breeze, but here there is nothing, no movement what so ever. I feel like I'm suffocating, but I'm still alive, I can still breathe perfectly. Why do I feel like I'm suffocating?
"I wish Gatomon was here."
Poor Kari, and the others they all seem so sad, but they're not sad; I'm so confused! This place has me really messed up.
"If I walk anymore I think my feet will fall off!"
Now Mimi has collapsed to the ground; it looks like we're taking a brake.
We've been here for over half an hour just sitting. Every once in a while someone will stand stretches their legs and walk around a bit, then sit right back down. I guess I'm a little tense, not out of fear or anything, it's more aggravation. I really hate this place, it's hot, bright, white, open, still, and absolutely quiet. I still feel like I'm suffocating, but now I feel like I'm going mad as well.
"You know you've been really quiet Matt, is something bothering you?"
TK's bright blue eyes glow whenever he is worried or concerned about anyone. His eyes are so beautiful, everyone says that we share the same stunning eyes, but they don't know how wrong they are. my eyes are like ice, completely cold. A wall of darkness is over my eyes, a shadow that has been with me since I walked into that cursed cave so long ago, a shadow that still haunts me to this day. that's what my eyes are ice and shadow; not like his. His eyes are bright, beautiful. His eyes glow with hope and gleam with an innocents unlike any other; they are completely pure, something my contaminated eyes will never have.
"Matt?"
There I go spacing out again.
"I'm just tired TK, this place has really got me drained."
He didn't believe me, not completely anyway, but still he nodded and turned back to the others who were now arguing.
"I'm doing the best I can Tai, it's not like I can just snap my fingers and boom there's a gate, so just have some patients."
I missed what was said before this, but the argument stopped there as Tai crossed his arm over his chest looking very aggravated. I have to admit when I first meet Tai I hated him. he seemed so arrogant, and if I didn't know him better I would have taken this little standoffish stunt as arrogance, but now I know what kind of weight he carries. He, as our leader, has taken it upon himself to watch out for each of us. That is a heavy burden, and I don't think anyone could have carried it as well as Taichi Kamiya.
"Maybe we could try holding out our digi-vices like we did after we defeated Myotismon. That opened a gate remember."
Sora isn't very sure of her own idea, I think the tension has caused her to go into protective mode again. I guess everyone has reassumed their former position, everyone except me. What was my place before? I can't even remember, I argued with Tai and looked after TK. I can't do those things anymore, there's nothing to argue with Tai about, and TK can pretty much look out for himself. I have no place.
What was that?
"Did you guys hear that?"
Well judging by the funny looks I'm receiving I would have to assume they did not.
Why is standing up so difficult? The others are still staring at me like I've just gone crazy, maybe I have.
"I heard someone crying." My voice sounds so alien.
"Crying?"
Tai flashed me a crooked grin, which clearly said 'you've lost it'.
"I'm telling you someone is crying, I can hear them."
I wasn't shouting, that surprised me. I guess even I realize how crazy I sound. They can't hear it because my scenes are keener; or maybe I am hallucinating.
"All right, then where is the crying coming from?"
Tai still thinks I'm hearing things, but at lest he's willing to keep an open mind, unlike the others who are giving me a sympathetic look.
"That way." I whispered, I'm not sure why, but suddenly I wasn't in the mood to argue or raise my voice.
"All of you stay here and rest, I'll go check it out." My announcement only earned me more sympathetic looks, but this time I'm ignoring them.
I'm running, not at inhuman speed like before, but I'm still running. They're following me; TK's leading them, followed by Tai as the other try to catch up.
Why is it that every time my feet hit the ground it shoots pain up my body and into my head, it's making me so dizzy, but I have to find the child. Yes it is a child, a boy to be more exact. His voice is growing more distinct with every step.
I'm still running, my head still hurts, and I'm still dizzy. My vision has blurred completely and now all I can see is spirals of light. I hate this white light, I hate this place!
"Hey I hear the kid too, we're getting close!"
Tai's shouting only added to the pain in my pounding head, but still I ignored it and kept running.
He's so close; he's so familiar. I can feel him; I can feel his pain all around me. The light is beginning to fade; the closer we get, the dark it grows. I wonder if the boy is crying because someone left him in the dark, or maybe it's that someone left him alone. Alone and in the dark I can relate to that.
Tai ran ahead of me into the shadows, but TK stayed behind. I'm so tired and my head hurts.
"There!"
My vision back, Sora just pointed out the child. Where are we? We walked around this world ten times and we some how managed to miss the shadowed area enclosed on three sides by black walls. Something's not right here.
"You poor boy are you all right?"
Kari's working her magic and trying to coax the boy to come out of the shadows.
A boy in the shadows, not abandon by light, but hiding from it. Knowing exactly the difference between good and evil and knowing that you fall somewhere in-between
"Come on kid we're not going to hurt you."
Cody's approach was a little more demanding.
It's so unreal. A sea of light stretches out behind us, the white, and the light goes on forever, yet this boy chooses to stay here. Three walls of pure darkness, nothing is closing him in, the area is small but the opening is bigger then any door. He just has to get out of the corner and he'll be in the light.
"Maybe someone can pick him up and carry him out."
Yolie may be loud but that girl sure is smart, at least she's keeping a cool head under this pressure.
"I wonder how the boy got here in the first place."
Izzy and Tai were now working on that mystery.
I wonder why he's crying. I wonder why he won't let us see his face. He almost blends in with the shadows perfectly with his black pants and shirt. He's hiding in the corner; he doesn't won't anyone to see him cry. I know how that feels. He's huddled on the ground; his knees are pulled into his chest while his arms are wrapped tightly around his legs. Trying to be as small and unnoticeable as possible, while trying to hide his tears. Head bowed face hidden, why does something feel wrong here?
"Look, I'm not going to leave him here, so I'll carry him."
The others agree with Tai, but something isn't right. Can't they feel it?
"Don't worry kid I'm not going to hurt you."
Tai approached the corner like the boy was a little lost puppy dog. Why does this boy seem so familiar? All black, crying, alone in the shadows, spiky blond hair. This is impossible.
"Tai don't touch him!"
I'm was too late, the boy stood up and grabbed Tai, who was kneeling, by the neck. Tai's struggling, but the boy won't let go.
"Tai!"
"Kari don't!"
TK got her just in time. The boy is still looking down; his eyes are glaring into Tai as he tightened his grip. I've got to do something, but I don't know what.
"Tai! Let him go kid!"
No good Sora. My head hurts so bad, and the boy wont let go of Tai. He stopped struggling; he's growing limp. I've got to do something, but I can't move my legs.
"Tai!"
Was that Davis, he just ran pass me. Tai, Davis and the boy landed in a tangled pile after Davis tackled the boy. The others have rushed pass me too and are now helping Tai and Davis up, I still can't move, my legs feel like led and my head feels like it's on fire.
"Tai are you all right?"
"I'm fine Kari, but that kid isn't going to be."
The boy doesn't really seem fazed by Tai's threat. Oh great now he's back on his feet and I still can't see his face.
"Listen kid I was just trying to help, what's your problem anyway?"
The boy's laughing, it's almost bittersweet, his laugh.
"Who are you?"
Finally I can move, just enough to hold TK away. I don't like the sound of this kids laugh, it's too bitter.
"You already know me little Takeru."
This can't be happening, please tell me this is just a dream.
"I don't know you, and how do you know my name?"
My head is spinning again, and numerous gasps are ringing in my ears. The sounds of shock and fear are so piercing, and the boy, I hate this boy! I hate him more then any evil I have ever faced. I didn't have to see his face to know him; I didn't have to see the anger, the fear, and the hatred burning in his eyes to know who he is. I already knew him, the little boy crying alone, alone and in the dark; I hate this boy, more then anything.
"Matt…"
TK couldn't finish; the others were too in shock to say anything. I can feel my brother's lost eyes darting from me to the boy. He doesn't understand, not that I blame him, I don't even understand.
"Don't look at him Takeru, he doesn't have the answers, he never did."
He's mocking me. I can't tell if he's mocking me more with his words or with his actions. His eyes are red and puffy from crying, and he's using the back of his hands to wipe his already dried and flushed checks. I use to hate crying one of the reasons was that you could always tell when I did.
"Even if he could offer you an explanation he wouldn't. He would just hand you a bunch of lies, that's what I've always done. I lie to you, I keep secrets from you; secrets that are horrible."
Why won't he shut up! I don't remember speaking this much when I was seven. Seven that's how old he has to be, because that was the first year I hid when I cried.
"I've never lied to my brother! I don't know who you are, but …"
"You never lie to him?"
He cut me off and now he is mocking me again. It's so strange having a smaller version of myself jeering at my like I was a clown.
"What about when mommy and daddy were fighting all the time? I lied to him then, I remember. He ask if everything would be okay, I lied then; I told him everything would be fine."
"I remember that."
TK remembers, I thought he had forgotten about all those night, all of those nightmares.
"I lied and told him we'd always be together, I lied. I knew we wouldn't be together much longer, then daddy came and took me away. I hated him for taking me away from my little brother. I hate him now. They are so selfish! Both of them, I hate both of them!"
I did hate my parents. "But I don't hate them now." I can't even get the words past a whisper.
"Yes I do! They tore us apart. She took my brother away, then they left me in the dark. I hate the dark I hate being alone, but they left me."
"But I'm not alone now."
"But I will be, I'll be alone again, just like when they left me, and it's all because I lied."
"I was just trying to protect them, if they knew the truth then it could put them in danger."
Why won't he just leave me alone? I thought he was gone, after I left the cave, but he will never leave me. I will always be this little bitter boy.
"You were not, you were just trying to protect yourself!"
He's screaming, I didn't do that often when I was young, actually I only did it once. I yelled at my parents. They told me they were getting a divorce, they said they were doing it for the family. They said no family can live with fights all the time. I yelled at them then, I told them they weren't doing it for us, they were doing it for themselves.
"Matt, what is he talking about?"
TK is on the brink of tears. I'm crying, when did I start crying?
"Tell him Matt, he deserves to know."
My other self is ordering me around now. Tell TK, what do I have to tell him. This whole thing was a trap right? That means I was never really the candidate to be the new Lord, so there's nothing to tell.
"It was a lie, a lie that could have gotten them all killed; even if it wasn't true."
I'm so dizzy; I can't stand up any longer. Two arms caught me and lowered me to the ground. TK caught me and now he was checking to see if I have a fever.
"Matt are you all right?"
He's so worried about me; I don't deserve his concern. I lied to him, how could I have lied to my brother.
"Matt?"
"TK, I'm so sorry."
That was all I could chock out.
"Sorry? For what?"
He doesn't understand, how can I tell him that I lied and that I was going to be a part of the very thing he hates most?
"TK I know who the new Lord is."
"What?"
That was Tai. Now both TK and Tai are beginning down so they can hear me better. The others are now crowding around.
"It's me."
The sound of the others gasping sliced through my aching head.
"What are you talking about Matt?"
TK doesn't believe me, I don't think he can believe me.
"He means that he is the enemy you were looking for this entire time. He is the reason why your digimon my fight again. He is your enemy."
"No, I'm not their enemy! I could never do anything to hurt them."
I could never hurt them. They are my friends, my reason for living.
"But you are hurting them now, you lied to them."
I couldn't answer that. TK is staring at me, wide eyed and in complete disbelief. My eyes are blurring and I can feel both Tai and TK supporting my weight.
"Matt? Matt please tell me that he's lying."
TK's crying, he knows. He doesn't want to believe but he knows.
"I am so sorry TK."
My voice is leaving me and I'm crying again.
"You lied to me? How could you have kept this from me?"
He deserves and answer, but I can't give him one, I wish I could, but I can't.
"Because he is weak. He lied because he was too weak to tell you the truth. He'll never change; he'll always be the same old jerk. That's all you are Matt, a jerk. You're never going to digivolve, you're never going to grow."
"Stop taunting me!"
Placing my hands over my ears doesn't seems help; his words, my words, are still echoing in my head. I'm never going to grow; I'm too weak.
"He lies to you too Tai."
No, please stop!
"Like when he says he's your friend. That's a lie, he was never your friend."
"That's not true, Tai is my friend!"
All I can do is shout through my tears, but all my argument is gaining me is a twisted smile. I remember that smile; I use to give it to all the bullies I use to humiliate on the playground.
"Did you ever tell him why you attacked. Of course you didn't. He didn't attack you Tai because he was confused, or even because he was angry, he attacked you because he was jealous. He was jealous because you weren't confused and angry. You're so weak Yamato, you couldn't even control your jealousy."
"I'm sorry I know I made some mistakes, I can't change them, but I have tried to make up for them."
"But you can't, can you. Nothing you can do now can take away the pain you've caused people in the past. And even now you hurt them. You lied to them, and you were going to serve as their enemy."
Please make him stop. Am I really this boy, this weak bitter child? WereGarurumon and Ladydevimon believed in my, but I let them down. No matter what choice I make someone will be hurt.
"But what if I told you that nothing has changed, what if I told you that there is still a chance for you to become the new Lord."
My head hurts even worse now, I guess I looked up too quickly, but I had to make sure he wasn't lying.
"What do you mean?"
"It's simple really, here you are given two paths. On one path there is your family, your friends, everything you have come to know and love. On the other path there is mystery, uncertainty, you don't know what could happen to you, or who you could become."
"Matt doesn't want to be the leader of those digimon."
TK almost hissed the words out. I don't know what to do. If I choose to be the new Lord then I could loose my brother's trust, but I promised Zhuqiaomon that if he'd give me the chance then I would save the Nightmare Soldiers.
"Well Matt? Have you made up your mind or are to too weak to decided."
"I'm not weak!"
I sound like a toddler, a weak helpless toddler.
"You are too weak to make sacrifices. In life you are given choices, choices mean you have to give something up. How much are you willing to give up to make a difference in both the digital world and your world?"
How much am I willing to give up? My brother and friends have fallen silent, I guess they're at a loss for words. I'm at a loss too. Am I really so weak that I can't make a sacrifice in order to make a difference. I knew they wouldn't trust me, that I would never be the same person, but now I really have to face the truth. After this there is no going back, I will never be the Child of Friendship again, I will be the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers.
Without thinking a pulled my brother into a tight hug. I can feel the bitter tears stinging my eyes. My head is still spinning, but my brother returning the hug makes the pain more bearable.
"TK I'm sorry I never told you."
"It's okay, but what are you going to do now?"
He pulled away from me, I hate the feeling of him leaving my arms, it's just another reminder of how much he has grown. He's so afraid, he knows what I'm going to say, but he doesn't want to accept it.
"TK, I want to be the new Lord, I want to. I want to take this risk, and I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure until this moment."
Now I'm standing up, my legs are shaky. I guess I've made my decision now, I can't look at my brother though. I only caught a glimpse of his eyes, eyes that screamed hurt and betrayal.
"He was lying to you, I'm not your enemy, even if you hate me forever for choosing this path I will always love you."
Now I finally have the strength to look at him, he's hurt, but I think he understands. Who knows maybe in time my life as the Lord and my life as a Digidestined can learn to operate as one.
The boy jumped when I jerked my head in his direction. I know my eyes most show how disgusted I am, I know because my eyes always show what I feel. The boy, my younger self, my greatest fear, is backing away slowly. He knows I have him beat. I've made my decision; I've faced the one thing that could have kept me from this path, myself.
"I thought I was rid of you once, but it seems that you survived. This time I won't make the same mistakes, this time I won't hold on to my bitterness. I have no regrets, because all you can do with regrets is dwell on them. You can't use them in life except to make you bitter and angry. I won't let that happen this time. I will be the new Lord; I won't be this little helpless boy crying in the corner any longer. Now leave, you are not a part of me anymore."
At my command the boy began to fade, everything's beginning to fade including my friends. I wanted to grab my brother before he left me, but my vision began to blur once more. My body feels like it's on fire. It hurts so badly, I feel like I'm being split in two, everything is spinning. The darkness and light have become one. I just want to sleep. I want to close my eyes and returning to the intoxicating darkness. I want to return to my solace.
~*~*~
The sound of soft humming filled Matt's ears, relaxing him and giving him a comfort he had not felt since he was in his mother's arms. Slowly the blond forced his tiered eyelids open, immediately the dim light of the room flooded his vision forcing him to shut his confused eyes once more. This time he raised his arm and draped his sweaty palm over his face, blocking out most of the light as he once again opened his eyes. Slowly the crystal orbs adjusted to the dimly lit room and Matt was able to remove his palm inviting the light and atmosphere of the small room into his line of sight.
"It's good to see you are finally awake."
The voice was soft and famine, but the words match the tone of the hum, and the voice sounded just as enchanting when speaking.
Matt slowly tore his eyes away from the dark blue ceiling and with much effort he turned his head in the direction of the voice.
The blonde's eyes widen slightly at the sight before him. There sitting lazily on a large chair of purple velvet and mahogany wood, sat a young woman. The woman looked to be in her early twenties, despite the fact that her deep voice sounded much older. The young woman had long very light silver hair that flowed in elegant ribbons down her nicely framed body. The silver locks curled perfectly at the tips, which reached to the end of her back. Her skin was like porcelain, pale and perfectly smooth. Her dress was medieval in style with dark blue, the color of a clear midnight sky, velvet fabric. But all this failed in comparison to her eyes. Her eyes were a very light blue, with rings of white and a beautiful tent of purple. The mystical orbs held wisdom and kindness in their depths and they looked upon the boy with respect and love.
The woman's violet lips curved in a small smile as Matt finished looking her over. He didn't seem so much entranced by her beauty as he was intrigued by her purpose. After he had determined that she was not an enemy he decided to speak.
"Who are you?"
The teen's voice was a fragile whisper, he wasn't afraid, but his ordeal in the white room, as he had affectingly grown to call it, left him exhausted and confused.
The woman's smile grew larger at the question and she slowly stood from her seat on the large chair. Her mystical eyes locked with Matt's mesmerizing stare. Slowly she approached the soft bed that the teen laid upon. Once she reached the bedside she lazily lowered herself to her knees and with an almost uncertain action she lifted her hand and gentle stroked Matt's check. Her long elegant finger brushed across Matt's warm check once before the woman pulled away.
"Why did you do that?" Matt asked softly, he couldn't understand this woman's actions, and her being so close was beginning to frighten him.
"I had to make sure you were real." The woman replied almost plaintively as she pulled back a little allowing Matt his space.
"Where was I? Was that all just a dream?" the blond asked, not certain if he wanted it to be a dream or not.
"Yes."
Came the simple reply, Matt was relived but he was also distressed. With a heavy groan he feel back onto the soft feather pillows he had just risen from. Then he grabbed the beautifully woven blanket, that draped over his body covering him up to his chest, and flung them over his head.
The woman stood, very confused but this sudden action.
"What are you doing?" she asked as her face twisted into a smirk.
"I'm going back to sleep, after the night I just had I think I've earned it." came the muffled reply.
The woman laughed lightly; very amused by the answer she received. Quietly she tiptoed to the bedside once more and yanked the covers off a very annoyed Matt. Then she placed her hands on her hips as her face formed a mock frown.
"Now up, there is not time for rest, a leader most think of his peoples needs before his own." The woman lectured with a smile.
"Leader?" Matt spluttered out in confusion as he swung his leg over the bedside and looked at the woman questionably.
The silver hair maiden only smile and nodded her head showing the blond that he had heard correctly.
Matt closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His knuckles turned a deathly shade of white matching the white bed sheets, that he was gripping tightly. "The dream was the test." He spoke more to himself then the woman, as realization of what his nightmare was for hit.
Slowly the teen opened his eyes, this time the blue orbs had changed from a light crystal to a darker shade of blue. Once he lifted his head from the polished wooden floor that his sweaty feet rested upon, and shifted his eyes to the lady, who had returned to her chair, he received a confirming nod. Finally he shook his head as confusion took over.
"And that was the best you could come up with?" he asked skeptically with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
The woman leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs before relaxing completely. Slowly a knowing smile pulled at her lips as she replied. "Yes"
A scowl crossed over Matt's face at the simple answer. 'A stupid dream was my final test, who comes up with this stuff?'
The woman smiled even more knowing that the teen's thoughts were of sarcastic remarks and sadistic ideas.
"It wasn't about the dream Yamato." She cut through the blonde's thoughts as she addressed his concerns. "Inside us all is a monster, or at least in our eyes it is a monster. Everyone has a part of themselves they don't like, some have a part of themselves they loath, this part is our greatest weakness."
Matt looked at the woman with focused eyes. "You're the Digi-Core."
He had suspected from the beginning, but now he was certain that this enchanting woman was the most powerful being in the Digital World.
"Yes." The Digi-Core smiled like a mother smiling at her child who had just taken his first steps. "But you may call me Cayla."
"Why?" the teen asked as he tried to fit the name to something he might have heard on earth.
"I like that name." came the simple reply.
Matt nodded and gave up he quest to match the name. "What happens now?"
"Don't you have some questions?" Cayla asked as she leaned forward in her chair so that she could better hear the whispering teen.
Matt thought for a moment he had so many questions, but there was one that seemed to rise above the rest.
"Why me?"
Cayla leaned back in her chair her face grew very serious as she thought of the best way to explain the answer.
Matt soon grew tried of waiting for a reply. He fidgeted slightly then pushed himself further onto the bed. Slowly he adjusted himself so that he was comfortable then with a soft sigh he leaned his head against the rooms walls covered in dark blue and deep purple wallpaper.
"Choosing a candidate is a very difficult processes. Originally you were only one of thousands of possible choices. The list of possible Lords were filled with both digimon and humans that had the qualities we sought in a leader. Slowly as time went on the list would get smaller until soon there was only a hand full of candidates left. When Piedmon died he used his last bit of power to decided between the remaining candidates, and you were the one he felt was most qualified for the position." Cayla finished explaining the basic process and then fell silent.
Matt looked at his pale hands; they were shaking from stress and hunger. "You talk about this like it's some management position in a franchise." The blonde's voice was dazed with worn emotions.
"I wanted to keep the explanation as simple as possible. That is basically how the process works, there is certainly more to it, but that is the best way of putting it."
The teen nodded showing that he understood. "But you still didn't answer my question. Why did you choose me?"
Cayla closed her eyes, her long dark eyelashes laid softly as she took a deep, after she had worked out exactly what she was going to say she opened her eyes once more and looked at the urging stare of the blond across from her.
"From the beginning we new you were different. When Gennia first processed the original eight's information we believed that it was the innocents of a child that enable a digimon to digivolve and grow stronger, but after going over your data we found that you were different." Cayla paused for a moment allowing all she had said to sink in.
Matt only stared at the woman closer as he raised an eyebrow to show his confusion.
"The other seven were the same, they were completely innocent, but you were different, you had no innocence left. Your parent's relationship and the reality that you would soon loose your brother forced you to see the world as it is. Most children don't see the bad in the world, and most children don't really see past themselves and the moment, they just can't. It's not selfishness it's how it should be, you only get a few precious moments of sunlight and rainbows then it's gone. You never really got that. You gave everything up for your brother, you abandoned your innocence so that you could be strong for him."
Cayla stopped once again as she noticed the perplexed look on Matt's face.
"So the others were innocent, that was what they had in common, but I wasn't like them. So why did you choose me to be a Digidestined?" he asked as he tried to understand this new puzzle.
"While the others were innocent we found something in you that they did not posses, purity and strength. The other were still to young to realize how their decision effected other people, but you knew that every bad choice you made hurt those around you. You would go out of your way to do the right thing."
Matt cast his eyes back to his hands as the Digi-Core continued.
"When they first analyzed your data they were not going to let you become a Digidestined, they felt that your view points on the world were too real and that without the faith of a child you could never get your digimon to digivolve."
This caused Matt to come back to life. "So what happened?"
"I usually don't interfere with Azulongmon and his operations but when I saw your information I grew very interested in you. The outcome of the war between all of you and Piedmon didn't really interest me, but I wanted the children to survive their journey here, even if they didn't seceded in liberating the world from the Dark Masters. That is where you come in. your information showed that you were a very protective person, if the others were to survive they would need someone who could be more concerned with life rather then wining the battle."
Matt shook his head as everything began to process. "I guess this makes since, I never really cared about beating the enemy, in my opinion war was simply apart of every world, and I didn't see why we needed to change the way this world functioned."
"That is why you were so confused, and it was my fault. I knew it would be difficult for you to function as though you were like the others, but each of you had your own purpose so I thought you would eventually adapted." Cayla explained sadly. "But you served your purpose, you protected the others until they grew strong enough to watch out for themselves."
"Wait a second, were you the one that entered Kari's body and explained our purpose to us?" the volume of Matt's voice raised as he asked his question.
Cayla smiled and nodded. "You were confused, and Gennia wanted to send you back to the real world, but I insisted that he offered me the chance to help you. He didn't know that I was the Digi-Core, I over saw his project in a different form, no one knew that I was the Digi-Core, and I still prefer that it remain that way."
"So you helped ease some of my doubts." Matt stated almost to himself as he processed all the new information he was receiving. "This explains how I became a Digidestined, but it doesn't explain how I became the candidate."
Cayla smiled at Matt's statement. "You are right. Now where to begin, let's see, you first entered the list when Garurumon digivolved into WereGarurumon. You see all of the Digidestined's partners were created with a little piece of the partner. Generally you don't see the piece of the Digidestined until the digimon reaches the ultimate level, because that is the first level which requires the use of your crest. When Garurumon became WereGarurumon, a new Nightmare Soldier was born. No digimon born outside of the South could be traced back to the Nightmare Soldiers, but your partner was not only a true Nightmare Soldier, but he was also a very powerful one."
"So I was put on the list the first time I used my crest." Matt summarized the Digi-Core's explanation and went silent once more.
"Yes, but it wasn't until the final battle that you reach the top of the list. You were able you use your crest to bring your leader and his digimon partner back from the brink of death. It was at that battle that you were selected as the new candidate."
'I became a Digidestined so that I could watch over the others. I had the power to create a Nightmare Soldier, and I learned how to use my crest.'
"Does this mean that the others can use their crest in the same way?"
Cayla shook her head sadly. "You were chosen for a different reason then the others, the Child of Light possesses a powerful crest, this enables her to use unusual powers, and the others have the ability to tap into more power from their crest, but not all of your strength come from your crest. Most of your power is simply from your own abilities, you just use your crest to channel the power."
"This makes no sense!" Matt exclaimed in aggravation.
Cayla smirked at the confused teen. "Let me paraphrase it. Gennia chose your seven friends to come save the Digital World from the Dark Masters. I, in the form of a digital entity, selected you to accompany your friends here so that you could protect them and provide a level head under pressure. When your digimon partner, who was created from a part of you, digivolved into a Nightmare Soldier using your crest, you were put on the list of candidates to be come the Lord of the Nightmare soldiers, should anything happen to Piedmon. When you learned how to use your crest's power you were bumped to the top of the list. And finally when you and your friends destroyed Piedmon you were elected the new Lord."
"You handle things very strangely here." Matt stated in exhaustion.
"Well do you understand now?" Cayla asked as she leaned back in her chair and locked eyes with the blond teen.
Matt's face was completely expressionless as he stared back at the digital woman, finally he seemed to make his decision and with a baffled smirk he shook his head no.
Cayla's face dropped as she raised her hand and rubbed the side of her head as though she had a migraine. "Well maybe it's best that you don't understand. All you need to know is that you have past all your test and that if you are still willing I will announce you to Zhuqiaomon as the new Lord."
Matt nodded slowly, he did understand some of Cayla's explanation, but he could tell that she was leaving things out and he had hoped that if he questioned her enough that he would receive an uncut answer. Now he saw that he was going to get anymore more information on the function of the Digital World then he already has.
"I have another question." He finally announced once he decided to drop his other concerns.
The woman removed her hand from her face as she looked back at the teen, who now had a very straight face.
"Why do I have so much knowledge of the Digital World and its history? It would make sense to equipped me with this information after I became the Lord, but why give it to me when I was merely a candidate."
"A good question indeed. The law of the Digital World states that leadership can be forced unto no one. The candidate to be the leader in any society of the Digital World must be given a fair chance to deny the position in question, and how can a fair chance be provided if they are not aware of the facts and possibilities that could effect their lives once they accept the position as leader." Cayla smiled as her mock stress vanished. She knew that the Child of Friendship would not accept half of the story, but in order to explain in full of how he became the new Lord would be to give up information about the Digital World that no free mortal was allowed to posses.
Matt nodded showing that he understood. "How strong am I?" he asked with a hint of skepticism in his voice as he looked at the Digi-Core.
"As strong as you want to be." Cayla explained jeering slightly at Matt's tone.
Matt only scowled at the answer as he glared at the woman across from him.
"When taping into your full power you have the strength of a mega." Cayla finally explained once she realized that the teen was not going to accept the inefficient answer. "But you still have difficulty using your full strength and right now it takes you awhile to recover from battles. In time you will fight at a higher level of power then Piedmon and you will regenerate as quickly as a mega digimon."
Matt looked at Cayla in shock and fear. "Stronger then Piedmon," he whispered in awe and dread.
The digital woman could only raise and eyebrow at the teen's distress. "You sound frightened." She stated in a kind whisper.
"What if I become like him…" Matt was lost in his own world of doubt and fear.
Cayla's face softened with compassion for the teen. "Piedmon wasn't really as evil as you may think Yamato." She coaxed with an almost mournful look. "In your world you called them conquerors. Do you look back at leaders like Alexander the Great and think of him as a tyrant."
"Alexander the Great and Piedmon handled things a little differently. Alexander wanted to conquer the world, Piedmon wanted to destroy it." Matt stated bitterly.
"By the time you arrived yes." The digital woman agreed. "When Piedmon first attacked the west his only intention was an honorable battle. A war of skill, the west digimon were more then capable of handling the attacks, and most of them wanted to. The west digimon and the south digimon are creatures of battle; it was inevitable that one of them would grow restless. The conquest of the west was going very well for the Nightmare Soldiers, but the war was far from won. Azulongmon felt that it was his responsibility to bring peace back to the Digital World, since it became obvious that Zhuqiaomon had no intentions of ordering an end to the war."
Matt listened to the story with little interest, he already knew the history of the Digital World, and the story behind each battle that took place. "So Azlonmon destroyed the Nightmare Soldiers mercilessly therefor driving Piedmon to seek revenge." The teen finished the tale and then grew silent once more.
"Azulongmon did what he thought was right, but sometimes what is right isn't always best. Every world has wars; the Digital World is not and can not be an exception. Part of this world's development came from the information on the Internet, there is constantly war, terrorism, and death in your world; and our world is made from parts of your own." Cayla explained as she watched the teen across from her closely.
Matt took in every word that the Digi-Core spoke and then tried to piece all the information together until another question formed. "I thought you created the Digital World."
Matt's bewildered look and confused accusation cause a smile to spread on Cayla's face. "I'm not sure who or what created the Digital world. The world already existed before your world had computers and such, but it wasn't until your world developed networks that our own world began to evolve. Originally the world was shapeless; all beings were like myself, simple entities with no real reality. It wasn't until your world created networks that everything began to change. The networks somehow got crossed with our own world and the data passing through the channels began to build up in this world until a shape was formed. At first the world was primitive and there were no living creature besides the entities, but as your technology grew more advanced and your networks grew more complicated our world grew more real. Soon an entire world was formed, with data in forms of organic life like grass, water and other natural things."
Cayla paused for a moment to take a breath and decide how to continue from where she left off. "For a long time nothing happened, the world simply grew more advanced, more like earth. But soon data began to take another form. The most complex forms of data compressed themselves until they formed a shape, and thus the first digi-eggs were made. The original digi-eggs were not like the ones in Primary Village or Forbidden Valley, these digi-eggs were solid gold, silver, and bronze. When the digi-eggs hatched we entities were not sure what to expect and we certainly weren't prepared for what we received. The digi-eggs hatched and colorful data streams flew out. The data streams then began to take form until these beautiful creatures were formed."
Cayla stopped once again and smirk at the teen, who now seemed very interested in her story.
"The creatures resembled humans except there were some key differences. They were tall, most with long hair in light colors like silver, gold, and white. All of them had glorious wings, some had two wings, and some had as many as eight. Their wings were also in many colors, some gold some bronze some soft white and other enchanting silver. Some wore armor and others wore flowing cloths. The one article of clothing that they did have in common were mask. Each of them wore mask of silver and gold over their eyes."
"They were enchanting beings, and at first the entities were too shy to approach them, so they elected me to be the first to introduce our kind to theirs. By the time I finally revealed myself to the being they had already begun to build a society. They elected a leader and began building a kingdom on the island where they were born. They had a perfect utopian society built, everything was peaceful and the beings were wise and carefree."
Matt sighed knowingly. "But all of that changed" he stated what he was sure was coming.
"Yes, but not at first." Cayla went on her eyes growing distant as she relived the past. "I introduced my kind to theirs, they called themselves digimon. And so for centuries the angel digimon and the entities lived in peace, but nothing as wonderful as those times could last. The evil in your world was entering the digital world. Soon new digimon were born digimon with the will to do evil and good. The angel digimon didn't have a classification, but the new digimon were separated into three types, data, virus and vaccine. The angel digimon remained with these digimon for eons, they watched as we did. They watched the digimon grow in numbers, build societies and eventually begin wars."
"The angel digimon couldn't stand the petty wars that began amongst the other digimon so they left all societies behind, and to this day we do not know where they went. For a while we entities simply watched as our world changed, but soon the wars grew to be too much. I could no longer stand to see such crud battles."
"So that is why you created the four Digi-Gods." Matt stated coming more to life now that the digital woman had reached a part of the digital timeline that he knew.
"Yes, despite opinions to the contrary I did not create the other digimon, only the Digi-Gods. I instilled in them the ability to lead with wisdom, and the will to allow the world to evolve as it may. Of course you know what happens after that." Cayla stated with a smile as she at last brought her small tale to an end.
Silence filled the small room. Cayla leaned back in her chair with her eyes locked on the woven rug laid upon the room's polished wooden floor.
Matt was silent as well; he allowed the story to replay in his mind many times until he felt he was familiar enough to extend his attention to something else. With a deep breath Matt lifted his hand and ran his long finger through he blond hair.
"Do you have anymore questions?" Cayla asked once she grew tired of the silence.
"Just one."
"Well what is it?" she asked calmly.
Matt did not answer right away; he closed his eyes as he thought carefully about what he wanted to ask.
"Why did you really create the Nightmare Soldiers?" the blond finally asked once he was certain of his question.
Cayla's eyes widened slightly in surprise at the question then just as quickly as her expression changed it returned to its calm stare. "An unusual question, not even Piedmon asked something so absurd."
Cayla's mirth didn't dissolve Matt's set face. He was sure of his question and had every intention of receiving some sort of answer.
"If you really needed an army it would have made more scenes to create drones, not willful warriors like the Nightmare Soldiers." The teen stated as he began to stare down the uncertain woman.
Cayla sighed and then reluctantly replied. "Balance." She stated simply as she stood from her large chair. "If light is to prosper darkness must exists, I knew that the Digital World would face war and tragedy, that is a factor in all world. All I care is about harmony, without it the digital world can not exists."
Matt pushed himself back to the edge of the bed and lazily leaned his elbows on his knees. He then rested his chin in his hands as he looked up at the standing woman with a curious glance.
"The Nightmare Soldiers are perfect. They are the only digimon with a perfect balance of light and darkness. I didn't really create them, I took the data necessary to make harmony and placed it together, that is what made the Nightmare Soldiers." Cayla explained hoping to settle the teen's curiosity.
"So what you are saying is that they are neither evil nor good." Matt expressed as he sat up straight.
Cayla nodded her head. "Light, darkness, none of that is important to me, only life is important, but enough of this, I'm sure you understand enough to handle the position as leader. However there are a few things you should know, the government of the south is very strict. First you must choose generals, and make sure they are digimon you can trust, then build your rein from there. Of course this is only if you still wish to take the position." Cayla spoke with an urge look in her eyes.
Matt was silent; he thought of everything which had been revealed to him, and every danger that this path in life would come with.
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference."
Matt quoted more to himself then to Cayla.
The digital woman raised an eyebrow at the alien words.
Matt noticed the Digi-Core's confusion and smiled slightly. "Robert Frost" he explained as he stood from the bed. To his surprise he was not dizzy from the sudden movement nor did his head hurt any longer.
"There is so much at stake here, and the more I think of what I could loose the more afraid I grow. You said I defeated the worse part of myself, that little bitter boy, if that is so then why am I still so reluctant to do what I want to do?"
"Because you care, you have something to loose that is what shall make you appreciate your choice more. Piedmon did not have the burden you will bare, you will not only have to lead, but you will have to pick up the pieces he left behind."
Matt nodded, as his voice grew grave. 'And I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. I suppose I'll never know if this is wrong or not if I never try.'
"Digi-Core, I accept this position of leadership in which you have chosen me for. I also accept the burdens that come with it." Matt announced with a decided stare.
Cayla clapped her hands together excitingly as a bright smile formed on her lips. "I know that you will make a difference Yamato, I am glad you have agreed to help us with the battle for life."
Matt smile, his decision was made at last. There was no longer a need for regrets or fear of the future. 'Since I can not go back on what I have decided I will simply have to go forward.'
"Now I will send you back to where your partner waits, remember Yamato, I will not be there to help you. You are the Lord, you and you alone shall rule."
Matt nodded showing that he understood as a bright light filled the room. Light and then darkness once more.
~*~*~
Swirls of blue and green flashed behind Matt's closed eyelids. He shivered as a soft breeze caressed his resting body, tugging at he clothes and playing with his golden hair. There was a chill in the air and the ground he laid upon was smooth and cold. The fresh air filled his nostrils as he inhaled the clean free wind. He wanted to simply lay and enjoy the cool, his subconscious battle left him sweaty and the talk with the Digi-Core didn't erase the physical effects of the battle that had taken place on this smooth platform. The wind and the chill were soothing; they relaxed his tense muscles and granted him peace and comfort.
"Do you think he's dead?" a soft famine voice broke through the silence which Matt had grown to love.
"He's breathing." A deep and almost gruff voice replied with annoyance.
Matt took another deep breath preparing himself for the blinding light that would certainly invaded his scenes the moment he opened his eyes. Slowly he cracked his eyes opened, but to his surprise and relief he was welcomed by a night sky and a full moon.
"He's waking up!" the deep voice exclaimed in excitement.
"I can see that." The famine voice spoke with sarcasm.
"Can the two of you stop arguing for two seconds?" a new voice spoke, this voice was soft and pleasant.
"No!" came the unanimous reply from the famine and the deep voice.
Matt slowly blinked and with some reluctance pulled his crystal eyes away from the silver orb hanging high in the sky. He pushed himself up allowing two strong arms to support some of his weight.
After muttering a soft thank you to the two digimon holding him up he shook his head to clear his mind and then turned his focus to the three digimon looking at him with concern. Stunning yellow eyes, haunting red eyes, and gentle blue eyes, all looked at the teen with love and devotion.
Matt smiled as his partner silently helped him to his feet.
"I am so glad that all of you are all right." The blond finally spoke as he looked over the three digimon standing near by.
"Of course we are fine, I was more concerned about you. What happened?" WereGarurumon questioned as he began to calm down from the panicked state that had consumed him the moment his partner vanished.
"He has passed the final test, therefor proving that he is the true Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers."
The three digimon and one human looked up to see Zhuqiaomon floating amongst a red field of energy. The fourth Digi-God held his head high in pride as he looked upon the new ruler of his land.
"Yamato Ishida, following the customs of the digital world I shall announce you as the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." Zhuqiaomon spoke, as he remained motionless in the sky.
Matt nodded solemnly and then turned back to the three digimon.
"Ladydevimon, how did you brake free from the stone?" he asked as he looked at the fallen angel in relief.
WereGarurumon stepped forward and prepared to relay the events which took place in Matt's absences.
"Shortly after you vanished Sorcerymon appeared. Apparently the wizard was curious on how the test was going, but whatever the reason was for his arrival I am grateful. He was able to calm me down and then he went to Ladydevimon and using some short of potion he was able to melt away the stone. First the rock began to go soft until it turned back to blood and flowed off of her completely." WereGarurumon explained with a smile.
Matt smiled back at his partner then turned his attention to the smallest of the digimon who was trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. "Thank you." Matt spoke softly to the timid digimon showing his gratitude.
"I really didn't do much." Sorcerymon replied as he held his head low in homage.
"You saved my life, you took care of my partner, and you saved the life of one of my dearest friends, that's not nothing." Matt argued back. "I owe you my life Sorcerymon, I will always be in your debt." Matt stated.
Sorcerymon's eyes brightened as he realized that Matt was showing him acceptance. Wizard type digimon were often feared and avoided due to their power over minds, but Matt, WereGarurumon, and Ladydevimon respected and enjoyed the mysterious digimon's presence greatly.
"Zhuqiaomon." Matt spoke as he bowed to show his respect to his Digi-God. "I have decided who the first of my generals will be." The blond announced as he pulled back up and looked at the Digi-God with a commanding gleam in his cerulean eyes.
Zhuqiaomon nodded his head asking the teen to continue.
"I will make as my second in command my partner, WereGarurumon. There is no one I trust more. And Ladydevimon shall serve as head of my armies. And my chef political advisor will be Sorcerymon." Matt announced his voice changing from his gentle tone to the commanding voice of the leader he was.
WereGarurumon and Ladydevimon both smile pleased that they would be serving close to their Lord. Sorcerymon seemed shocked by the announcement but he too was pleased. His position would offer him a chance to help bring peace and nobility to the South.
Zhuqiaomon nodded once more showing that he agreed with Matt decisions. "And now Lord Yamato I will announce you to the South and then to the world." Zhuqiaomon exclaimed, despite his calm exterior the phoenix digimon was very excited that a new Lord as worthy as Matt would be ruling his people.
"Announce me to the South yes, but not to the world, not yet." Matt replied as he felt his three new generals come to stand behind him.
"What do you mean?" the Digi-God asked his deep and powerful voice echoing over the volcano.
Matt took a deep breath to clear him mind then he spoke what he felt. "Deamon already knows who I am, he has already attack the real world in search of me. I would prefer that he be the only enemy I focus on right now. Gennia will not accept me, even though I am a Digidestined, I would rather wait till the South is rebuilt and the Nightmare Soldiers are a world power once more before the rest of the world knows. I'm sure our enemies would take this time to attack and possibly destroy us. We are unorganized and unprepared for an attack." Matt explained.
All that he said was true, if the outside world knew that a new Lord had been chosen then they would attack now while his rein was still weak, but that was not the only reason. He wanted to be able to tell the Digidestined in his own way and in his own time.
"A wise decision." Zhuqiaomon agreed after he thought the possibilities over. "Build and empire Yamato, one that can demand respect, one that will unsure virtue and one that the Digi-core will be proud of. Once you have secured your rein then you will be announced to the world, but until then we must still bring you before your people."
"Yes I will go before them and announce our first agenda." Matt stated as a smile spread upon his face.
"What is our first agenda?" Ladydevimon asked with a hint of glee in her voice.
"To build and empire of course." Matt replied to the excited demon.
"And what is our second?" Sorcerymon questioned, as he too grew excited about the movement.
Matt's face grew very serious as he answer.
"Our second agenda will be Deamon."
~*~*~
Screams of agony filled the halls of the decaying palace. The moans and yells of pain echoed off the cracked walls filling the entire castle with the sounds of suffering. Lighting flashed from the coal black storm clouds, which had formed above the dark palace, thunder drained out the screams for a moment then vanished.
Horrid creatures ran about the palace's halls, ducking low to keep warm from the piercing wind that howled through the cracks of the broken walls. The digimon rushed throughout the corridors and rooms seeking to do their master's biding and trying to remain as small and unnoticeable as possible.
In the center of the castle, lining in arms in the great courtroom, were armies of forsaken beast ready to do as their master commanded. Sitting at the head of the room on a cracked and crumbling throne was Deamon master of the World of Darkness. His cold eyes sent chills down his servants backs as he stared straight ahead lost in his own twisted thoughts.
The demon lord was enraged and death could be felt throughout the room. The deaths of several scouts. The poor creatures were forced to inform their short-tempered master of the defeat of Devimon and the triumph of the Digidestined of Friendship. These humble scouts were forced to pay the price of Devimon's failure as their master released all of his anger and hatred upon the simple creatures.
Now Deamon's greatest armies stood at attention waiting orders from their cruel master. The demons and ghost waited silently each hoping that the orders would be execution for all their fellow digimon who stooped so low as to serve a human.
At last the demon lord stood from his cured throne and turned his attention to his generals who kneeled in fear at their master's feet.
"My loyal generals today shall mark a time in history, for today shall be the begging of the end for all who oppose the powers of darkness." the Dark Area digimon chanted, his deep and cynical voice rang out bring all attention to his deranged speech.
"First we shall destroy this boy who dares to call himself the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers, then the rest of the world shall see my power."
"Should I have our troops attack the southern lands my Master?" a bowing Soulmon dared to ask. His voice shacked with fear as his master's cold eyes fell upon him.
Deamon growled in irritation, then he held up his clawed hand covered by his priest like robe. A ball of dark energy formed in his clawed hand and with no effort the energy went flying towards the unsuspecting Soulmon.
The ghost digimon screamed in horror as the energy sent waves of pain through his data, and then he went silent as the white cloth that was his form began to brake into tiny particles of data. Seconds later nothing remained of the poor champion.
Deamon shifted his stare from where the Soulmon once stood and turned it back to his awaiting generals.
All the digimon present coward at their master's feet, each trying to remain small, while attempting to look humble. The ghost digimon silently mourned for the loss of their companion while the fallen angel digimon smile pleased by the fresh feeling of death.
"This boy is aware that I know of him." Deamon began once more, his voice remained calm and emotionless as he addressed his servants. "The Nightmare Soldiers will do everything in their power to protect their Lord and Zhuqiaomon will also support this child. But once the boy is gone I shall be the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." The demon announced with a hint of glee and malice in his hallow voice.
His armies cheered as bloodlust entered their eyes. The thrill of hunting and killing was like caffeine, fueling their adrenaline.
"But first I must get rid of the boy." Demon spoke, silencing his demented troops.
"This child is like an insect, if you wish to kill the queen, you do not attack the beehive. Instead I will attack this insect where it will hurt the most." Deamon's words dripped with pleasure at his own twisted thoughts.
"Yes I will attack the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers where it will do the most damage, earth."
~*~*~
I know what you are thinking, "What was she own when she came up with the test, and what does catiwompous mean. Well the answers are I was on pure caffeine (espresso to be more précis) and I have no idea what catiwompous means, if you know please tell me.
Anyway I hope this chapter cleared up some confusion, if you still have a question about anything having to do with this fic then please ask in a review and I will try to answer it in future chapters. Also I took some of the ideas from the third season, the digital entities are suppose to be like the digi-gnomes. Also I originally had a different idea for the test, but somehow it got changed into Matt defeating his inner-child so to speak.
Last thing I promise, if you were wondering when the others are going to finally find out that Matt is the Lord, don't worry it will happen. I have a special idea for that; it was actually the idea that helped put most of the story together. Well I'm done now please review, tell me what you thought about this chapter.