A/N: well here it is, the last update that will be added to this particular fic. It's hard to believe that I spent over a year of my life working on this fic, and to think the story itself is not even done yet. I still have to conclude the legacy of the Nightmare Soldiers with the sequel. I know I said this was going to be an epilogue but it ended up like a chapter. Anyway it's not crucial to the plot but it does sort of bridge the way to the sequel.
Thanks to every who has reviewed and is still here following this little tale. I hope it hasn't been a let down to anyone so far.
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The wind sang a soft dirge as it caressed the land with as much care as a mother's hand strokes her sleeping babe. The land was asleep, blanketed under winter's lacy veil. Snow as pure and white as the feathers on an angel's wing drifted slowly from gray clouds, masking the trees, the soil, and even the water in the wonder of the season.
Rivers and lakes froze over leaving thick ice as transparent as glass to cover both deep and shallow waters. Trees once left bare from the dying autumn were now clothed in a frozen suit of ice and snow. The gray clouds moved slowly over the land, casting shadows as they went. The sun, which once shone down golden and bright, had been cut off by the livid clouds and now fought its way down loosing much of its potency until the golden ray had been reduced to pale gray.
The mountains stood tall and reached high into the low clouds, and the evergreen trees scattered around their bare companions making the forest seem less empty and exposed. Even the proud land of the South had its weaknesses, and the land which once flourished under the warm sun and silver moon now laid at the mercy of the changing season. Not even the wizards of the South could chase Skade away, she came by her own will and shaped all to fit an image more to her liking.
Though most of the digimon of the South found winter too distasteful to relish in, there were some who could think of no better time of the year. The Garurumon and WereGarurumon left their homes upon the mountains and ran freely upon the frozen planes of the Southern continent. Icedevimon no longer sought refuge from the smoldering heat upon the highest peaks of the continent but now roamed freely upon the land, mocking those who feared winter's control.
Despite most digimon's dislike of the lingering ice and snow, even the flower and fire types could appreciate a day such as this one. The clouds were a little thinner than normal, allowing more sunlight to leek through, and the wind was not as harsh, but instead was gentle and cool. The fresh snow flakes fell like white petals floating slowly to earth, where they'd lay perfectly on the land sparkling in the sun's rays.
The mountains were abandoned and would be for many months, for what digimon of the hiemal season would truly waste such a time admits the clouds and stone, when they could roam about the planes without care or worry of interference. And so the higher regions were vacant, those who were not roaming about the planes and forests were hidden deep under the mountains or seeking other such refuge.
It was a time such as this that one could feel totally alone, amidst the cold, the wind, and the sunless sky. There was no comfort in the higher regions of the Southern continent, no protection from the gray obscurity, at least none that any were willing to risk death to find. And so the mountains were lonely and one would feel nothing but alone when climbing them.
But feeling alone seemed customary to the figure trekking through the thick snow upon the ground, seemingly oblivious to his harsh surroundings. The wind, which was gracefully dancing over the planes, was rough and wild in the mountains. The sun, which was lightly touching the land below drowned in a sea of gray fog before it could ever reach the mountain, and all the majesty of the season was stripped away, revealing winter for the cruel destroyer she truly was.
The figure took large strides, lifting his long legs up and pushing strongly through the snow, making his way slowly but surely through the thick barrier. He stayed low to avoid the heavy blows from the wind; his thick but tattered black cloak blowing like black wings behind him. The season seemed to throw all of its most unpleasant elements at the wanderer, but still the small figure journeyed on. Soon the cloaked being found some release from the difficult climb as he reached a large flat area of the mountain.
A thick fog settled upon the area, making the low gray clouds of winter seem harmless and ordinary. Two great cliffs towered above the flat land on both sides, shadowing it in darkness. All was obscured; the shadow and fog hid everything, giving the flat land the eeriest of feelings. Placed on the edge of the fog was a large stone, neither ice nor snow dared to touch it, leaving it exposed for all to see. In many places the gray rock was stained black, and the figure instantly recognized the blotched of darker color to be spilt blood, which had long since dried upon the stone. Carved on one side of the stone was a warning, a warning that had never been ignored. The words were carved in both common Digi-Code and the darker Digi-Code of the South.
The figure stood for a moment, lifting his cloaked head just enough so that his eyes could scan over the warning. The wind howled around him and he stared at the stone stained in familiar blood and read the words, "Death will come on swift wings to any who walk upon this sacred land." The words were simple and they ran through the cloaked figure's mind quickly before being dismissed.
The figure stole one quick look behind him; his path up the mountain was already concealed, as the rapidly falling snow filled it in, making it seem as though the mountains had never been disturbed. A great plane lay below the mountain and then a forest could be seen in the far distance. The figure noted exactly how much the view had changed since he last saw it, then turned back to the shadow and fog. The flat land stood threateningly before him, and any other would not have the courage to trek any further into the unseen and unknown, but he had faced many unseen and unknown things, and never once had he turned back. So stretching until he stood as tall as possible the figure took one leisurely step forward, then another until his black form vanished in the fog.
The fog seemed to thicken the further he went, and the air grew even colder, making the winter chill beyond the mist seem as warm as a summer afternoon. The cliffs loomed over the flat land, causing all shadows to get lost in each other, merging into one great darkness. Below the rocky terrain began to even out. Each step became softer, until the cloaked figure felt as though he was walking on soft soil.
The figure continue to walk blindly through the silver cloud, his arms and black gloved hands swung freely at his side and his head was down cast, eyes locked upon the unseen earth below. Silence encompassed him and the atmosphere remained the same for some time, that was until drew the figure's attention in front of him.
An image blurred and bleak was beginning to take form in the mist. The figure found that the closer he got the more defined the image became, until he at last grew close enough to make out what it was. It was a statue, standing far higher than the cloaked being. The statue was that of a dragon with brittle demon wings, long sharp talons, and many eyes. As the figure looked around the slowly thinning mist, he found that there were in fact three statues, all of the same type of dragon, though none of them were in the same stance.
The statues were elevated on round pillars, which stood only three feet high. The dragon on the far left, which happened to be the statue closes to the figure, stood on its back two feet with its right arm pulled back as though it were preparing to through a powerful punch. Its long black tail was held up and curved around to its left side, while it left arm hung at its side with its sharp talons pointed out. Its mouth was shut and its head looked downwards to the ground. The second statue, which stood in the center, was also perched on its hind legs with its front arms hanging limply in front of him. Its pose gave more the impression of a dog begging for table scraps, rather than a fierce stone guardian, except for the fact that its mouth was open wide in a silent roar, and its many eyes seemed to stare at you no matter where you stood. The last of the statues was crouched down upon all four legs with both its wings and tail raised above its body. Its mouth was shut and its head titled to the right, almost as though it were seeing something of interest, while its stone eyes stared forward.
"Death will come upon swift wings." The cloaked figure quote the warning he read before entering the fog as he studied the statues before him.
A gloved hand lay gently upon the statue closest to the figure in respect. The ice which coated all three of the statues seemed to glistened in response to the being's touch, before dying out leaving the dragons as cold and lifeless as stone. The figure removed his hand quickly from the statue then journeyed on, leaving behind the swift wings of death.
The blanket of fog thickened once again, but by now the cloaked figure had grown accustom to the mist and would have felt it odd if it had not reappeared. The traveler's steps were perfectly aligned, never once did he stray from his thoroughfare, he followed it through the fog until at last he reached his destination.
With one last step the fog quickly brushed past him, as though a great breathe blew it away. The figure's head hung low until the silver mist was fully behind him, then he lifted his head, his face still shadowed by the cloak. His head turned from one side to another while he looked over the area closely, learning every detail of the clearing before returning his attention to what stood before him.
The figure looked at what lay before him, not in amazement or curiosity, but in cold acceptance. Like a person who had seen so many great wonders that all seem trivial to him. While all around him would gawk and marvel at such beautiful stone walls and statues, the figure had gazed upon it so many times that all splendor they might have possessed had long since dulled in his mind.
Despite the figure's disinterest in the glamorous walls, it was a welcoming sight in comparison to the mountain and fog that had come before it. The stone walls were high and perfectly laid. Each gray brick glistened from both the frost that coated them and the smooth polish that never seemed to dull upon them. The bricks were of a darker gray, bordering more on black, and with their polish surfaces they looked more like smooth iron rather than stone. The walls were solid and thick, reaching twenty feet high. Lined on top of the walls were pointed metal, like the tip of a lance, they stuck out of the top of the walls until one wall met another, then the pattern was broken by an object of the same design but larger in size.
A small chuckle escaped the lips of the cloaked figure as thought of how dark and forlorning the walls appeared. But he did not dwell on it long as he walk leisurely towards the only entrance to the enclosed land. The entrance was carved directly into the wall. It was wide and above it was an arch covering. The arch reached up above the entrance until it formed two slants and on the very top was a gothic cross, similar to the Celtic cross only with extravagant lining and sharpened edges. Resting upon the ground on either side of the entrance were two statues.
The figure instantly thought back to the three statues he had seen on his way here, but dismissed the past quickly, and went to study the two statues by the entrance. Unlike the three statues before these statues did not appear terrifying, nor did they give off any short of threatening omen. They were not great dragons with razor demon wings, dagger like talons, and sharp animal teeth, but appeared more like a cross between a gargoyle and an angel. They had long reptile tails, thin bodies with shorter legs and arms that reached past their kneecaps. Their faces were narrow like a snout, and upon their eyes were straps, which crossed over their face. For ears they had feathers that branched above their heads like wings, and the last and most noticeable feature upon them was the two perfect wings, which sprouted from their backs.
The figure took a small step forward, noting that the two guardian statues were not of gray stone but of white, so polished and fine that they glistened like pearls. The two gargoyles stood on their back legs, their heads were bowed and their wings pointed into the heavens. Their long arms were held up and close to their chest as though they were praying and their long reptile tails lay comfortable on the two large stone tablets below them.
The figure sighed, his breath forming a noticeable cloud in the cold clear air, then he continued to walk. He walked past the statues and to the entrance, never once raising his head to look upon the walled area's guardians. He past on the arch entrance way shivering as a gush of freezing air pushed past him from inside the walls, then stepped through. When looking through the entrance from the outside you can see nothing, only endless black, stretching so far that it almost seemed to reach out from behind the walls to grab at any who made it this far. But once inside the scenery changes, the feeling changes, everything changes. The darkness which goes on for an eternity fades away, and the cold that reaches deep into you melts and you are warm again. The figure past under the entrance emerging from the shadow into what could only be described as a dream.
Hidden deep within Skade's icy kingdom was a paradise. A garden protected by stone walls and stone statues. The figure walked further in, his covered head moved from side to side as he looked the area over, then a black gloved hand rose to his face, pushing the tattered hood off of his head. The hood fell upon the figures neck revealing hair as golden as summer sun's light, skin fair but still glowing in health, and eyes of the iciest blue, putting all of winter's marvels to shame.
"Nothing's changed." The words were spoken softly and to no one.
Quickly the young man became incredibly aware of the new and far warmer temperature in the garden and he slowly removed his cloak and the thick coat beneath it. Beneath his layers he was clad in all black, a long sleeve black shirt, which clung to him tightly revealing his defined muscles, loose black slacks, and short black boots, fit for climbing over rough terrain.
The young man discarded his outer garments by the entrance, then continued through the garden, taking in every detail that he already knew so well. There was a lined path of polished red and black stone, which branched off in many different directions through the whole garden. Dark green grass made up the majority of the garden's floor, and plant life was scattered all around. There was a small crystal stream, which curved through the garden, and lying all about in the bottom of the stream were thousands of tiny rubies, gems of the deepest blood red thrown carelessly into the clear water like pebbles.
An unusual type of ivy grew high unto the walls, the vines were dark green with leaves of a lighter green, however in the center of the leaves was a short of black cross design, and tiny white flowers sprouted amongst the vines and leaves. Over in the far-left corner of the large garden was a tree, native to the Southern continent of the Digital World. The tree seemed to be a short of willow, with branches that hung like a veil around the trunk, however the leaves of the tree were pure white and large red flowers always bloomed on the branches.
The young man smiled, pleased with the end result of the garden. All of the colors were rich and dark, and flowers of deep reds, white, and black grew freely about the area, it was, in his mind, truly beautiful and oddly fitting.
The smile on the young man's face broadened even more as he held out his hand and caught one of the small white flakes, which were falling like soft feathers around him. He closed his hand around the flake, then continued to walk on further into the garden. It was unusual, the garden was always bright and warm, yet snow still fell. Never ceasing the snow would float gently to the garden floor and melt within a second in the heat.
"'By a rout obscure and lonely,
Haunted by ill angels only,
Where and Eidolon, named NIGHT,
On a black throne reigns upright,
I have reached these lands but newly
From an ultimate dim Thule-
From a wild weird clime that lieth, sublime,
Out of Space- out of Time.'"
The young man recited the poem softly, his voice flowing on the air like a haunted melody. He walked upon the stone path his eyes of ice downcast, as shadow danced upon the blue orbs and memories raced through his young mind.
"The I will heal you! I've done it before."
"Not this time My Lord. There is a virus in my, the attack has rendered it, so that I can not be saved."
It wasn't that the attack made it so that you could not be healed, it was that I just wasn't strong enough. I didn't even try!
The young man gritted his teeth as his crystal eyes began to glisten with the many tears he had held back for so long. He couldn't cry not now, not ever. It was selfish for one of his position to let such emotions rule him, and so he would not allow himself to give in, not like before.
"I can't act on hate! It will only destroy me. I should fight Deamon to protect others from suffering…"
'But you are suffering now. And look at your friends and brother, they suffer now as well.'
"They wouldn't want me to be like this…"
'But they are not here. They don't know what you're going through, but I do. You're in pain, but you can escape it.'
"I don't want to escape it!"
I don't understand what happened to me then, the anger and the power. It was like everything I had tried to keep inside was forcing its way out. I had never felt so powerful. Even the pain of my skin splitting from the energy was exhilarating. That's probably the most frightening part, it felt good. It felt right to let my emotions hold sway upon my powers and abilities. But I can't allow that to happen. I can't allow myself to give in again…
'You are the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers, embrace hatred, destroy your oppressor and be freed from your pain.'
The blonde shook his head quickly trying to push back the voice, which still echoed in his mind as strongly as it had that day. Deciding to keep the past in the past for awhile longer, he continued to walk through the garden heading to the most distinct article of the walled area, a shrine.
It still amazed the teen at how beautiful the shrine ended up. His close companion and trusted advisor Sorcermon had designed the memorial perfectly, making sure that it did justice to the one it represented. The shrine resembled a gazebo with its dome top, and exquisite pillars, however, its make made it far more extraordinary. The dome ceiling was made of deep red glass, which seemed to weave into each other leaving leaf shaped gapes. The pillars were of dark metal, and were formed in the shape of three vines, which circulated from the stone floor to the glass ceiling. At the ceiling between each pillar was an archway lined in the same dark metal, also taking the form of vines. The floor was on the same stone, which formed the pathways throughout the garden. The stone was red all around except for the center where black stone was laid in the shape of the Crest of Friendship, and placed in the center of the crest was a statue.
The troubled blonde walked until he came to the edge of the shrine. Sorrow flashed over his azure eyes as he looked at the statue in the center of the gazebo. He then lowered his eyes as though he was afraid that someone, possibly even the stone figure, would see his pain. Taking a deep breathe to steady himself and push back the heart ache, he walk on his head still bowed, until he stood before the statue, then his head lifted quickly.
Now his fear of hiding his pain seemed to have vanished as tears streaked down his pale checks. The light, both crimson and golden, which past through the ceiling above seemed to glow like a furnace in the blonde's glistening eyes. The red and yellow light shifted over his face as he moved closer to the statue, his eyes both burning and bleeding his feelings. He stood close then placed his shaking left hand upon the face of Ladydevimon, then gently kissed her left stone check before falling to his knees at her feet.
"The world has heard your song Matt, now you must convince them that it is real. And remember… that you will never be alone. I lived because of you, and I will live forever for you, My Lord… My friend."
"What song?" he moaned, a broken Lord, unable to understand his own reasons for living. "What have I to offer the world, when I could not even keep you from dying?"
He was on his knees before the elegant statue of the fallen angel. His hands were placed in front of him, his shaking arms holding up his trembling body. His tears now flowed forth uncontrollably, sliding from his fair checks unto the stone floor below.
You died, what's to stop the others from dying? Is it my fate to watch everyone around me slowly be claimed by war or the passage of time?
"I don't want to be alone…" the blonde whispered, his voice no longer quivering, but instead took on a steady tone, which almost sound reasonable. "I know it's selfish of me to come to you like this. You gave your life for peace and a future for both worlds, but what if we were wrong?" he questioned gently as though he truly were holding a conversation. Slowly he sat up, no longer feeling the weakness that came from letting his grief flow out.
"What if peace is the illusion, and those who die for it fools. Ophanimon warned me, you warned me, but what were you trying to tell me? That history will repeat itself? That I can't change what is meant to happen? That war will forever plague this world? I use to think I was in control of my own destiny, but the more I fall into the role as Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers, the more I beginning to think that someone else is pulling the strings."
The young Lord sighed then ran a hand through his golden hair pulling it out of his face for a moment, only to have the wild locks fall back into his lost eyes.
Piedmon believed that we are all subject to a higher will, maybe he was right, at least for us. I only wish I had more answers. Ophanimon knew more than she told me, it wasn't the impending war that frightened her, it was I. But why…
At this thought Matt rose his hand to his neck, his slender fingers meet with cool metal and he grabbed the chain around his neck and lifted it up so that the trinket dangling from it was freed from underneath his black shirt. Blue eyes stared hard at the silver ring dangling from a silver chain as though he were questioning the ring and its purpose.
I trust Lady Ophanimon, I do. I know her intentions are good and her reasons for keeping secrets from me just, but still, I wish she had not been so vague with me. There is some great secret that haunts this world, and everyone, even those who don't know it seem afraid of it. It's like a shadow hangs over all, and ignorance of why this shadow is there only seems to make the digimon even more frighten.
Yamato paused in his thoughts for a moment, then looked up at the statue before him. Ladydevimon's eyes looked to the heavens, her arms laid low and opened, and her wings lay down. An affectionate look mixed with sadness fell upon Matt's face and blue eyes. He looked at the statue questionably, his break down seeming so far away that it was almost as though it never happened.
"I wish there was more records, strike that, I wish there was any records on what happened in the Digi-World before the Digi-gods. Creation is counted when they were born; however I thick what history means by that was the beginning of a new era. I think the Digi-World is considered new and reborn with the beginning of each era. But I could be wrong, and not even the Digi-gods seem to know what happened before their creation."
Deamon knew something…
"What did he mean by the 'Ritual of Destruction'? It had something to do with Piedmon. Will I truly repeat his mistakes? Am I doomed to follow in his footsteps."
'Of course you are.'
At this the blonde tensed. His breathing quickened and his heart began pounding. He could not hide the fear that past over his eyes, even if he wanted to.
"Will you give me no peace at all!" he shouted in growing fright as he placed his hands of his ears defiantly.
'Silly Yamato, there is no such thing as peace. You said so yourself, it's only an illusion. An ideal for the foolish.'
Yamato shudder involuntarily, he had forgotten, let his guard down and actually utter his distress. "I didn't mean that…" he tried arguing.
'If you did not mean it then you would not have said it.' The voice in his head argued cruelly playing with its weakening victim.
"Who are you? Why are you doing this to me?" he questioned still shaking.
'I am you.'
The voice replied plainly.
"No!" Yamato argued back weakly.
'Don't you remember? I was with you before. By the lake, remember the power? And then in the cave, I was with you then. Remember the freedom. There was no pain.'
"You nearly destroyed me, I won't let you do it again!" the blonde hissed. He couldn't take it any longer; this voice had been with him for so long. Most of the time it was nothing but a soft whisper in the back of his head, but sometimes, on days like thi,s the voice would grow loud until it was screaming in his head. He did not need inner demons, this one was enough.
'No Yamato, I set you free, I gave you power. Aren't you tired of suffering yet? Give in let, me help you so when others die because of your incompetence you will not have to feel the sting of their blood upon your hands.'
The voice offered gently almost lovingly.
"It wasn't my fault."
'You couldn't save her, you were too weak. And who will it be next time? Your partner? You brother perhaps?'
Yamato was panting now, he felt as though he could not breathe. These fits had been occurring more often as time went by, and they were worse each time.
'She died because of you. The Crest of Friendship must be meaningless if you were so willing to just let your friend die.'
"Please stop…" the blonde beg, he could no longer take it, the guilt the sorrow, the fear that more could die. "Please just leave me alone."
'I can't. I'm a part of you.'
"No!" the teen half whimpered half shouted.
'You can't escape me, and you can't run away from the truth. You killed Ladydevimon, and more will die because you are too weak.'
The voice was now harsh and spiteful.
Matt could no longer take it. The voice split through his head like a double edge sword and he could not fend it away. Darkness began to surround him. Thick suffocating blackness. He could not see and he could not breathe. It was too much, so he did the only thing he could think to do, he jumped to his feet and turned around preparing to run blindly away, hoping to leave the darkness behind him.
Weakness spread through the blonde's entire body, but it did not stop him. He forced it back, as he prepared to run away, however, his mad rush was brought to an end before it began as his first step was interrupt by an obstruction. Yamato looked up, the darkness clearing away from his gaze just enough for him to see what he had run into. To his surprise he was met with the concern chocolate brown eyes of his best friend and keeper of the Crest of Courage, Taichi.
Matt stood back and looked at his friend closely, making certain that he was not an illusion.
"Matt are you all right?" the brunette questioned with so much concern that it almost made Matt sick.
He hated being pitied, and so he prepared to plaster a cocky grin on his face and reply with his usual smooth sarcastic tone. But his intentions never came to pass as the weakness that he had forced back, finally caught up with him and he felt his legs go numb beneath him. Darkness came back to claim him and the last thoughts that registered in his mind was the sound of Tai uttering his name in concern and the feeling of his friends warm hands catching him before he fell to the stone ground below.
"Something very powerful, knew exactly what to do to control him, and that's what worries me. Whatever it was that got to him, surely, is still out there."
"And you feel that whatever it was, will come to claim you."
The conversation between angel and lord surfaced in a haunted mind, adding to the halls of memories which past through and by the unconscious blonde's attention. But soon the pleasant voice of the Lady Ophanimon was drowned out by the twisted words of the demon lord Deamon.
"We are all slaves to a greater will. You and I are the same, puppets on unbreakable strings. Serving our masters without question."
Another memory, another omen, which past by him quickly and soon the inevitable accord, and the most unwelcome of all voices returned, his own voice, mocked him louder than all the others.
"This is who you are, embrace it. Feeding off of your anger is your nature; it will make you strong."
The voices soon merged into one, becoming a loud jeering cry. They threw every title of unworthiness imaginable at the teen. Labeling him "weak", "selfish", and "useless". He took each insult; he did not have the strength to argue with them. So he let them beat him, bruise him, leaving his soul bloody and injured.
Matt awoke quickly as the voices finally pushed him out of unconsciousness. He jolted up from his lying position unable to hide the lingering traces of fear that shone from his glistening azure eyes. The tears caught in the blue orbs reflected the small traces of light that past upon the teen's face. His breathing was quick at first, as though he was struggling to catch his breath after a long and tiring run. He sat shaking and panting at the moment, completely oblivious to the dark brown eyes, which watch him with great interest.
The blonde's breathing soon evened out, and the tears that shone so plainly in his eyes before dried up as his vision cleared and his perfectly crafted mask was placed yet again upon his angelic features.
The boy sitting across from the blonde watched the change, his eyes displaying his interest but not portraying his amazement. He had seen this before, the blonde would get caught off guard and for only a moment, sometimes even less, you could catch a glimpse of what was truly passing through his mind. Most of the time the glimpse would end so quickly that you had to question whether you saw it or not, but this time the blonde was not only ailed mentally but also physically, something which allowed the brunette to see more of his feelings than usual.
Matt's vision had at last cleared, and the recollection of what had occurred before his black out came rushing back. He remembered the voice, the feeling of being trapped, the need to get away, and then Tai. It came rushing back, his best friend Tai had been there, and for the first time since he had awoken he became aware that Tai was there. Not only was he here in the memorial, but he was also sitting only a few feet across from him, watching him closely.
Immediately the blonde's head lowered and his eyes locked onto the dark green grass below him. It was then that he realized that he has been moved. Tai had apparently moved him and propped him up against the trunk of the willow tree. He could see white leaves and red petals lying around and on him, and he could only wonder how many had landed in his hair.
"You're getting better you know."
Tai's gentle voice drew Matt's attention to the brunette, and for the first time he dared to lift his head to look at him. The blonde didn't try to hide the confused look on his face, instead he let his bewilderment show in a silent question.
Tai was watching his friend closely; there was no emotion on his usual cheery face, however, a hint of worry remained evident in his dark eyes.
Matt found himself shifting uncomfortably under his friend's gaze. He had many questions of his own, like how did Tai get here, when did he get here, and how long had he been listening, but those questions would have to wait at least for the moment.
"Use to, when something was bothering you, you'd keep it hidden really well, but I could always tell when something was up, even if I wasn't sure of what it was. Sure when I first met you I didn't really know something was bothering you, but I could still feel it. Every time I was around you, I'd feel just a small portion of the weight you'd carry around." The brunette paused for a moment taking a small breath.
Tai's eyes burned deep into Matt's eyes of ice, and the blonde was finally forced to look away, for fear that his close friend would see too deep within him.
Disappointment immediately fell upon the brunette's face. 'Why does he feel like he can't even look at me? Does he think I won't understand?'
The very thought of that possibility hurt the Child of Courage, but he brushed it away, deciding to stay focused on his self appointed task.
"As I got to know you better, I understood what those weights were, they were your sadness, your loneliness, and you self hatred. When I realized what they were I wanted to help you, even if I couldn't understand why you had those feelings, I wanted to be your friend and help you get rid of them. But you didn't need my help, you got rid of them on your own." Tai paused once again, and for the first time since his blonde companion stirred he looked away, diverting his eyes to the branches of the unusual tree above him. "And now I can't even tell when something's bothering you. Like I said, you've gotten better, at keeping your secrets."
Tai could not stop the quiver in his voice as he ended his speech, it came out fully with the worlds, but it didn't bother him, he wanted his friend to know how he felt.
Silence fell between the two boys, a silence, which was only tainted by the sound of the wind rustling the leaves above them.
"Yet again you jump to conclusions, and yet again you are incorrect."
Tai's looked back in his friend's direction as the sound of the blonde's gentle voice interrupted the silence.
Matt now sat, no longer leaning again the tree behind him, with his knees pulled close to his chest and his arms wrapped comfortably around his legs. "I didn't get rid of them, not all of them anyway. I was able to rid myself of the feelings that were the strongest at the time. The loneliness, the guilt and anger about my parent's divorce, and some of the self-hatred, but I didn't do it alone. It was the very thought of you and the others, the knowledge that you were my friends and that I wasn't alone any more that got rid of those feelings. The others, the feelings I wasn't strong enough to get rid, I buried. I pushed them deep within myself, and for a while I had peace. Only now are they beginning to surface."
Matt realized mid way through his explanation that there was no reason to keep himself in check, and so he allowed his voice to take on whatever hopeless tone it would.
Tai watched Matt closely, pleased that the other boy was talking.
"Why didn't you tell us that you're suffering?"
"What's the point?"
Tai was a little taken back by the quick and almost harsh response, but decided to ignore it. "You can't keep your feelings bottled up, that's how they consume you." He explained, feeling that he had had this conversation with the blonde before.
"It's different this time." The blonde replied more calmly than before, obviously he too saw the similarity between this conversation and others he had held with his companion.
This caught Tai's attention, and he made a mental note to try and remember every detail he could of this conversation for future use.
"It's not just about me or what's bothering me, it's about my people. I worry for them and myself. I worry for what may lay ahead for us and I worry about our past. I just feel like something, something that I may not be able to handle on my own, is coming. There's just so much that I don't know, and it's making me feel helpless." Matt explained, hoping to pass of the majority of his problems as simple fears for his rein and those he rules over. It was after all a large part of his troubles, even if it wasn't the main part.
Tai nodded noting his friends concerns, then pushed further. "Who was it that you were pleading with before you past out?" the brunette questioned, his vice gaining and edge of authority which clearly demanded a response.
Matt physically winced at the question, he still hadn't restored his mask and put his guard up, so the action was plainly seen by his friend, who once again made a mental note of it. "What… what do you mean?" the blonde ask shakily, keeping his head lowered and silently cursing himself for being so obvious.
Tai's face suddenly soften, he no longer saw the need for such blunt interrogation, he knew now that his friend was ready to give, and he knew for certain that something was really wrong. "You were begging for someone to just leave you alone, it was almost like you were in pain."
Matt at last looked up, his crystal eyes seemed sad, but all other traces of emotion had vanished from his features and the mask was slowly being replaced. "After Ladydevimon… died, I began to feel guilty. I know I shouldn't, but I do. She was my servant, my responsibility, and my friend, and now she's gone. I argue with myself not to feel guilty, but sometimes the guilt wins." He expressed his voice taking on a rational tone that nearly made his companion sick.
"Matt you looked like a frighten animal, like you were trying to escape some… hunter." Tai pressed, not accepting Matt's vague answer.
Suddenly the blonde's apathetic look turned to one of anger and he jolted up from where he sat on the grass, his hands clenched in fists. "Why were you spying on me?!" he questioned in offense.
Tai too jumped up from the ground, ready to defend himself when he noticed Matt's already fair skin grow ghostly pale, and his once burning blue eyes glaze over. The blonde took one shaky almost frighten breathe before he began to fall forward.
Tai immediately reached out to his friend, preventing him from falling once again, and slowly lowered him back to the ground while commenting. "You haven't been eating well or sleeping, WereGarurumon told me." He stated gently, not even fully certain that the other boy could hear him.
"Remind me to have a talk with him when I get back." The young Lord replied, showing that he was still conscious.
"Don't be mad at him." Tai asked gently, as he placed the weakened blonde back on the grass.
A smirk appeared on Matt's lips as his eyes cleared and the dizzy spell passed. "I'm not." He replied kindly, "And I'm not mad at you." He explained as apologetically as he could.
Tai smiled brightly, giving his friend a reminder of just how cheerful he could be. "I know, and I'm sorry too, I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy." He explained while scratching the back of his head.
Tai was now sitting on his knees no more than two feet away from Matt who was sitting Indian style on the ground.
"Tai?" Matt questioned softly, in an uncertain tone.
The seriousness in his friend's voice caused the brunette to loose his goofy grin and return to a calm stare.
"Promise me that… that if I ever begin to follow in Piedmon's footsteps… that you'll," the blonde paused for a moment taking a deep breathe to steady himself. "That you'll do whatever it takes to stop me."
At this Matt looked up, staring at his friend closely. The urgency in his words and eyes caused Tai to falter back a bit, and he did not like where this conversation was going.
"Matt, that's not going to happen"
Tai began, but his argument was cut off by his companion.
"Please Tai! Just promise me. I'm not asking the Leader of the Digidestined to promise the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers this; I'm asking you as my friend. Please, promise me that if I ever loose myself, that you'll put an end to whatever replaces me. I would rather it be you than anyone else, I would rather you be the one that sets me free if I should ever be imprisoned within someone else's will." Matt eyes now glistened with tears, and his voice pleaded so strongly that Tai didn't really know how to react.
'So this is what's be tormenting you for all of these months. I knew you were sad about Ladydevimon's death, and I knew it was hard to walk through Odaiba seeing all of the destruction that still kept the city in ruin. I knew you felt guilty for both of those things, I mean it hasn't be that long, only a few months since Deamon was destroyed. No one expected for you to get over that quickly. But I would have never guessed that you were worried about this. Worried that you would become Piedmon. Now I understand, that's what you're so afraid of, that's what you're running away from.'
Tai thought over everything quickly, his steady dark eyes were still locked upon Matt's shaky blue ones.
"Matt like I said it will never happen, you're not him." Tai began; noticing the disappointed look that fell upon his friend's face at not receiving the answer he wanted. "But if it makes you feel better, than I promise. I promise that if you ever stray from who you are, if you ever fall under anther's unjust will or influence, then I will do everything and anything within my power to stop you. I will be the one that sets you free." The words were hard for the brunette to utter, but he spoke them with courage, knowing that he owed his friend this.
Matt smiled suddenly all traces of fear, sadness, and guilt faded from his eyes and he smiled a true happy smile.
"Thank you." The blonde stated, his usual gentle tone suddenly return and no emotions besides love and gratitude were evident in his voice.
Tai nodded and smile, but did not get a chance to say anything as his friend suddenly stood up, only this time no dizzy spell came upon him.
Tai sighed and shook his head in a slight show of agitation, then followed his friend's action and stood as well. Once standing he noticed his friend was scanning over the area thoughtfully.
"I didn't know her very well, but I think she would have liked how the garden turned out." The brunette commented thoughtfully.
A slight chuckle escaped Matt lips as he responded. "She would hate it. If she were here now she would be giving me a speech about how humans are far too sentimental, and how I just need to get over it because everything dies eventually." He stated unable to hide the amusement in his voice, as a mental image of his departed friend appeared in his mind.
"Sounds like she was very… dominating." Tai offered for lack of a better thing to say.
At this Matt fell into a full fit of laughter before replying. "You have no idea."
Tai smiled and snickered too, not because he could relate to Matt's images, but because he was glad to see his friend laughing. "Still the garden is cool, and the colors seem like her style. But why did you build a memorial in such an isolated place? And why do you want people to keep out?"
At these questions Matt stopped laughing, but the cheer his good memories brought him still shone in his now peaceful eyes. Matt took a step forward and looked over the walled area fondly. "This flat area, between the cliffs, is where I fought Piedmon, or rather Piedmon's ghost. This is where Ladydevimon saved my life, and I hers. Both my and her blood still stain the rock outside of the garden." He explained casually then added. "I like the digimon to stay away because the Generals and I use this as a meeting place."
Tai nodded in understanding, glad to learn a little more about his friend's life here, and also glad that his friend trusted him enough with these secrets.
Matt was silent for a moment, until a question presented itself to him. "Out of curiosity, how did you know where to find me? And how did you get here?" he turned around as he asked this so that he could look at his companion, who was now standing a little behind him.
Tai was almost astound by the change his friend had gone through in such a short amount of time. One moment he was weak and haunted, then angry and offended, then sorrowful and serious, and now he seemed clam and collective. He stood tall once again, looking much like he did at his courtrooms. His face showed no emotion besides interest as he silently awaited an answer to his question.
Tai shook his head dismissing his earlier thoughts and went to answer the question. "WereGarurumon said you'd be here, and some strange digimon, she looked like a fox with a candy cane around its neck dropped me off where the fog stars. By the way those Devidramon statues nearly gave me a heart attack."
Matt laughed at his friend's quick response then replied. "Poor baby."
"Hey it's not funny! I'm going to have nightmares tonight from those things." Tai shouted in defense.
"You're lucky they recognized you, usually they slash first and ask questions later. Maybe they just didn't see you as much of a threat." Matt mocked with a thoughtful look.
Tai huffed at the "Not much of a threat" remark then crossed his arms over his chest. "I'll never understand why there are digimon that can turn into stone." he stated bitterly.
Matt shrugged his shoulders at his friend's comment. "Nor will I, but they certainly do their jobs well." He explained with a small hint of pride, "Anyway we should get back, I promised TK we'd go see a movie or something tonight, and I need to check in with Sorcermon before I before I do."
At this Matt began walking not waiting for a response from his brunette friend.
Tai followed silently at first then asked, "Is there by any chance a quicker way to get back than climbing the mountain?"
Matt nodded then answered, "We'll take two of the Devidramon."
At this a not so pleased look appeared on Tai's face. "Oh the Devidramon…hehehe… great."
'I hate Devidramon, they really creep me out.' Tai thought as a shudder ran down his spine.
"Hey Kamiya! What's taking you so long?" Matt shouted from the arch entrance. He had all of his outer garments bundled up under his arm, and was waiting with a mock look of irritation.
"Coming dear!" Tai replied in a high pitch voice, which caused Matt to role his eyes.
Matt waited until Tai joined him at the entrance then turned to exit, but before he could leave Tai's voice drew his attention back behind him.
"Hey Matt, how come you're not afraid any more?" the brunette questioned seriously, still concerned about the events, which took place moments again.
Matt's face was soft and a small understanding smile pulled at his lips. "I no longer have a reason to be, now that I know I'm in good hands." He stated sincerely.
Tai blushed a little at the complement, he wanted to say something deep and meaningful, "It took you this long to figure that out? Man you can be real slow sometimes." He stated flatly as he walked past his friend into the fog.
Matt watched his retreating friend with a grateful smile.
I don't know what the future may hold for me, I thought such worries would die when Deamon bleed dry, but it seems some things are inescapable. I gained wisdom and strength at the price of one of my dearest friends. This will never happen again. I will find a way to end this cycle. I will find a way to bring order and peace to this chaotic world, so maybe no more will have to suffer as I have. And it is good to know that if I ever stray from my path, if I ever wander into darkness, that I will have him to show me the light again. In him the light is a raging fire, and no matter what he faces none will be able to smite that fire out. But my light is a candle, dim and flickering with even the slightest of wind. I can only hope that if that candle should ever burn out that his fire would consume me and burn the darkness away forever.
"Hey slow poke! Hurry up." Tai's mocking shout broke through Matt thoughts, and the blonde smiled and nodded.
He ran out of the entrance and caught up with his friend then spoke. "Yeah we'd better hurry, we wouldn't want to keep the Devidramon waiting." He stated casually as he walked past a most disturbed Tai.
Tai cringed at the thought of riding on top of the Devidramon, but followed his friend, who he knew was making fun of him.
"You can be so cruel sometimes." The brunette stated bitterly.
"Yes I know." Matt responded with a smile.
And the two laughed together as they disappeared into the fog. Neither could see what was before them, but it did not matter, their friendship made all fear of what was to come fade away.
~*~*~
"There have been many ages to this world Yamato, but there has been one thing that has not changed, and that is the force that brought the first darkness upon the Digital World. The force that drove Piedmon mad. It is still here, it still watches, waiting for the time, when it will find the ultimate pawn to finish its plans for full destruction over the world. You are not immune to this age old cycle. It has seen you, felt your power, and it will come for you, just as it has done all Lord's before you. And when the time comes, you will have to face this demon alone. None will stand with you, not even your fellow Digidestined. You will be abandoned to your own conscience, left too decided the fate of this world. And when this time comes, you will not remember me, or what we have spoken of, you will not remember your friends, your generals, or even your brother. All you will be aware of is yourself and a choice."
~*~*~
Well what did you think? Lots of Matt/Tai friendship. Hopefully this gives you a brief look into what role everyone will be falling into in the sequel. Now as far as the sequel goes you can be expecting it soon. I have one last chapter to complete on Prisoner of the Night then I plan on working on the sequel. Of course this all depends on your reviews. Let me know if you're still wanting a sequel quick, if not I'll put it on hold for a while to work on other projects. Anyway comments, questions, criticism? Send it in either by review or e-mail.
I said there'd be a little preview of the sequel posted in the epilogue, but I don't want to give too much of the plot away so here is a brief summary on it.
Deamon has been destroyed and it seems that the last darkness to threaten the Digital World has been erased. However, there is no peace in the mind of the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers. The many tribulations he was forced to face and the grief of loosing one of his greatest friends has weighed heavy upon the Lord's heart. As his inner demons surface he is faced with many great decisions, to end the chaos or let the world go on as it has. To follow the Digi-Cores will and do what is necessary to bring peace and order to the Digital World, or to follow his own will and lead the Nightmare Soldiers to a possible death. Lady Ophanimon will speak more freely of the Ancient race and of their demise. The Digi-gods true prepossess and fates will be decided. The Digidestined will unite and fight for their own believes no matter what the coast. Piedmon's secrets will be revealed. Deamon's desires will be recognized by others. The Nightmare Soldiers will follow their Lord to glory or death. And the Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers will decide the fate of all.
I'm afraid that will have to do in the way of a preview. Hopefully it's enough to at least spark your interest. Anyway as I stated above please review, I need some confidence builders as I venture into this new project.
Also I just opened a site along with the amazing Trayne, dedicated to Fallen Angel and Demon type digimon. There's a message board, chat room, and tones of places for you to get involved. At the moment very little is done but go check it out at and be sure and sing our guestbook, and get involved in our message board debates and conversation.