A/N: Welcome back! Thanks for deciding to continue this story. Sorry it
took so long, but I've been pretty busy with school and all that. Anyway,
I've slowly been working hard, especially on this chapter, trying to
perfect it in every possible way and hopefully to cure my writer's block.
So that's it! Thanks, and please review! (
For this chapter, I decided to flash back a bit, to the part where Ken runs out the door. This chapter will center around Ken, but be warned: there is some self-manipulation involved.
Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Digimon.
{Flashback}: A look of panic crossed Ken's face. He quietly stared at Davis's outstretched hand, a similar look of terror upon his face. Davis was pleading to Ken, trying to get through to him, but Ken paid no attention to his friend's words. The walls seemed to enclose around him as he tried to escape the Digi-destined's attempts to help him. Only one thought crossed his mind: They're all out to get me. His cerulean eyes turned cold as he struggled to get up and leave. He stood up, muttered something snappish, and was gone {End Flashback}
Ken fled down the stairs hurriedly. Thinking the other Digi-destined might try and come after him, he took a quick shortcut that allowed him safe passage out of the apartment building and onto the street.
He was alone. He had no idea where to go. Paranoia consumed him as he watched the many faces on the crowded street brush past him in a fast pace. Alarmed, he jumped out of the way, shaking with fear. His instincts told him to do one thing: Run.
He started to run. He had no idea where he was going. He just kept running. Running away from everything. He wouldn't—he couldn't—he could never go back. He couldn't think. He just kept running. He nearly got hit by a car that was speeding toward him, lucky for him, the driver had slammed on his brakes just in time. But even that didn't stop Ken. He stood back up and continued to run.
It's sad to say, but that day, Ken Ichijouji ran away from all of his problems. All the pain, all the anguish, all the suffering he had caused, he didn't want to face it anymore. He didn't want to face anything anymore.
Unshed tears were now being exposed on the young boy's face. He suddenly stopped for a moment to catch his breath, and as he did, he looked around him. He had no memory of where he was. The people in the crowds—who were they? Frightened, Ken began to search, trying to remember. His face still wet with tears, Ken abandoned his search and found an alley. As he turned the dark corner, he began to wonder, wondering if he was to blame for everything. In the dark alleyway, Ken found a small gray blanket. He slid down the wall and started to cry. He cried for himself mostly, crying for his loneliness, and cried for the darkness that consumed him. Tears blinded his vision, as he silently prayed for a way out. Never in his life had he felt so alone. And once again, he blamed himself.
"What do I do now? Where do I go?", he quietly asked himself. And seeing that he had no answers for those questions, he silently began to think. Why had he felt so depressed in the first place? He was, after all, a boy genius was he not? Didn't all the hopeful girls swoon over him and try to hide their disappointment when they witnessed his rejection? And then—as he looked back over his life, he suddenly remembered. Sam.
{Flashback}:
Ken's older brother Sam was the quintessence of the perfect boy. Not only was he a genius, he was a master soccer player, and had moves that were out of this world. Ken was younger then, watching intently as Sam taught him how to blow bubbles. It was a peaceful evening, and the two were outside. Sam was trying to teach Ken how to blow bubbles. Poor Ken wasn't doing so well. "No, Ken, that's not it!", shouted Sam. "You're blowing too hard. You have to be gentle, like this, see" Sam gently blew a round bubble. Ken, wide-eyed, said softly, "Sam, I wish I could be like you. You're the greatest."
{End Flashback}
Ken eventually did become Sam. For right after Sam's traumatic death, Ken's parents found it difficult to function without their eldest son. They pushed Ken to take upon the role of their eldest son. Ken began to take upon his brother's interests and hobbies, and overlooked his own. He felt that it was the least he could do; he was, after all, partly responsible for Sam's death. He was the one who had wished Sam dead.
Ken became the famous "boy genius". He was the professional in soccer. The girls all sighed in awe because of him. They didn't even mind his rejections; for they kept coming back day after day. Ken had the perfect life. Or so it seemed. For Ken Ichijouji was also living another life as the Digimon Emperor of the Digital World. There, Ken did as he pleased, taking his anger and resentment towards life on the Digimon he controlled and manipulated. For a while it seemed that Ken's secret life was under wraps. Until one day when five digi-destined came into the Digital World and destroyed his secret. They exposed his identity and his pride. But the biggest shock of all came when they began to realize that he too, like them, was one of the Digi-destined.
Life after that had been difficult. Ken finally began to realize that the pain he was causing his digimon was real, and it took the reality of losing Wormmon for Ken to change. Trust became a big issue after Ken's transformation; for the other five children except were lingering with the memories of how Ken, as the Digimon Emperor, proceeded to harm their digimon. Davis Motomiya seemed to be the only one who recognized true changes in Ken. He began to befriend the boy, eventually to the point where he (Davis) began to break down those walls that Ken had built inside of him long ago.
The boy who held the Crest of Kindness inside of him began to shake against a brick wall in the alley. Huddled under the blanket, he allowed tears to consume him once more as distant memories flooded his brain. He thought back to a few hours beforehand, when Davis offered him his hand, and he refused. He thought about all the times Davis had been a friend to him, even when it seemed as though Ken was friendless. What was it that Ken possessed, that made Davis want to become his friend?
The empty dark alley in which Ken laid in became increasingly darker, and unbeknownst to Ken, the alley suddenly began to resemble a familiar dark cave which began to settle around Ken, in his mind and heart. He began to feel immensely sorry for himself, as he frantically searched for an object to rid him of his pain. His hands came up with nothing until finally, in a dark corner, he found a clothes hanger. It's sharp pointy edge seemed to scream at Ken, that it was the answer to all Ken's problems. Ken eventually gave in to—whatever that was driving him to do it. Silent tears fled down his face as he placed the sharp edge upon his wrist. He drove it into his wrist so intently. He wanted to feel the pain, he wanted to feel something.
Ken awoke suddenly, only to find that he was staring the empty space of darkness which consumed him. He sighed deeply and fell back asleep.
The next time Ken awoke, it was to the strange singing sound of—birds? He hadn't wanted to awake so soon, but the desire to follow and listen to the beautiful sound was much too great. He groggily got to his feet, and began to brush the dust off of his clothes. He saw that he had a couple of scars on his wrist, but strangely, he couldn't seem to remember how they had gotten there. He walked out of the alley and followed a long path down hill that led to an ocean. The gray birds guided him along, their singing so enticing he felt as if he had no choice.
There was a strange sense of nostalgia Ken had felt for this place. For a while, it had seemed like his home, where he belonged. But there was something so beautiful and so terrible for this place, something Ken struggled to remember. Ken had a sudden urge to go back and hide, and at the same time, he felt compelled to stay where he was. Maybe, he could find answers to his questions.
Out of nowhere it seemed, a woman and a pair of digimon stepped out in front of him. The woman said suddenly, "Come, Ken Ichijouji. We know what you questions you have, and the answers you seek. Come."
Ken bowed his head and allowed himself to succumb to the woman's wishes. He followed her into the strange place, dazed, as he felt his happiness and hopeful wishes all drained from inside him. He felt trapped. After a couple of minutes, Ken finally remembered this place, for he had visited it once before.
The Dark Ocean.
To be continued. . .
A/N: Well, this is where this chapter stops, but soon, I promise you, another one will begin. In the meantime, please review! I really want all the angles of this story to finally come together. More darker elements to come. Thanks again!
- August
For this chapter, I decided to flash back a bit, to the part where Ken runs out the door. This chapter will center around Ken, but be warned: there is some self-manipulation involved.
Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own Digimon.
{Flashback}: A look of panic crossed Ken's face. He quietly stared at Davis's outstretched hand, a similar look of terror upon his face. Davis was pleading to Ken, trying to get through to him, but Ken paid no attention to his friend's words. The walls seemed to enclose around him as he tried to escape the Digi-destined's attempts to help him. Only one thought crossed his mind: They're all out to get me. His cerulean eyes turned cold as he struggled to get up and leave. He stood up, muttered something snappish, and was gone {End Flashback}
Ken fled down the stairs hurriedly. Thinking the other Digi-destined might try and come after him, he took a quick shortcut that allowed him safe passage out of the apartment building and onto the street.
He was alone. He had no idea where to go. Paranoia consumed him as he watched the many faces on the crowded street brush past him in a fast pace. Alarmed, he jumped out of the way, shaking with fear. His instincts told him to do one thing: Run.
He started to run. He had no idea where he was going. He just kept running. Running away from everything. He wouldn't—he couldn't—he could never go back. He couldn't think. He just kept running. He nearly got hit by a car that was speeding toward him, lucky for him, the driver had slammed on his brakes just in time. But even that didn't stop Ken. He stood back up and continued to run.
It's sad to say, but that day, Ken Ichijouji ran away from all of his problems. All the pain, all the anguish, all the suffering he had caused, he didn't want to face it anymore. He didn't want to face anything anymore.
Unshed tears were now being exposed on the young boy's face. He suddenly stopped for a moment to catch his breath, and as he did, he looked around him. He had no memory of where he was. The people in the crowds—who were they? Frightened, Ken began to search, trying to remember. His face still wet with tears, Ken abandoned his search and found an alley. As he turned the dark corner, he began to wonder, wondering if he was to blame for everything. In the dark alleyway, Ken found a small gray blanket. He slid down the wall and started to cry. He cried for himself mostly, crying for his loneliness, and cried for the darkness that consumed him. Tears blinded his vision, as he silently prayed for a way out. Never in his life had he felt so alone. And once again, he blamed himself.
"What do I do now? Where do I go?", he quietly asked himself. And seeing that he had no answers for those questions, he silently began to think. Why had he felt so depressed in the first place? He was, after all, a boy genius was he not? Didn't all the hopeful girls swoon over him and try to hide their disappointment when they witnessed his rejection? And then—as he looked back over his life, he suddenly remembered. Sam.
{Flashback}:
Ken's older brother Sam was the quintessence of the perfect boy. Not only was he a genius, he was a master soccer player, and had moves that were out of this world. Ken was younger then, watching intently as Sam taught him how to blow bubbles. It was a peaceful evening, and the two were outside. Sam was trying to teach Ken how to blow bubbles. Poor Ken wasn't doing so well. "No, Ken, that's not it!", shouted Sam. "You're blowing too hard. You have to be gentle, like this, see" Sam gently blew a round bubble. Ken, wide-eyed, said softly, "Sam, I wish I could be like you. You're the greatest."
{End Flashback}
Ken eventually did become Sam. For right after Sam's traumatic death, Ken's parents found it difficult to function without their eldest son. They pushed Ken to take upon the role of their eldest son. Ken began to take upon his brother's interests and hobbies, and overlooked his own. He felt that it was the least he could do; he was, after all, partly responsible for Sam's death. He was the one who had wished Sam dead.
Ken became the famous "boy genius". He was the professional in soccer. The girls all sighed in awe because of him. They didn't even mind his rejections; for they kept coming back day after day. Ken had the perfect life. Or so it seemed. For Ken Ichijouji was also living another life as the Digimon Emperor of the Digital World. There, Ken did as he pleased, taking his anger and resentment towards life on the Digimon he controlled and manipulated. For a while it seemed that Ken's secret life was under wraps. Until one day when five digi-destined came into the Digital World and destroyed his secret. They exposed his identity and his pride. But the biggest shock of all came when they began to realize that he too, like them, was one of the Digi-destined.
Life after that had been difficult. Ken finally began to realize that the pain he was causing his digimon was real, and it took the reality of losing Wormmon for Ken to change. Trust became a big issue after Ken's transformation; for the other five children except were lingering with the memories of how Ken, as the Digimon Emperor, proceeded to harm their digimon. Davis Motomiya seemed to be the only one who recognized true changes in Ken. He began to befriend the boy, eventually to the point where he (Davis) began to break down those walls that Ken had built inside of him long ago.
The boy who held the Crest of Kindness inside of him began to shake against a brick wall in the alley. Huddled under the blanket, he allowed tears to consume him once more as distant memories flooded his brain. He thought back to a few hours beforehand, when Davis offered him his hand, and he refused. He thought about all the times Davis had been a friend to him, even when it seemed as though Ken was friendless. What was it that Ken possessed, that made Davis want to become his friend?
The empty dark alley in which Ken laid in became increasingly darker, and unbeknownst to Ken, the alley suddenly began to resemble a familiar dark cave which began to settle around Ken, in his mind and heart. He began to feel immensely sorry for himself, as he frantically searched for an object to rid him of his pain. His hands came up with nothing until finally, in a dark corner, he found a clothes hanger. It's sharp pointy edge seemed to scream at Ken, that it was the answer to all Ken's problems. Ken eventually gave in to—whatever that was driving him to do it. Silent tears fled down his face as he placed the sharp edge upon his wrist. He drove it into his wrist so intently. He wanted to feel the pain, he wanted to feel something.
Ken awoke suddenly, only to find that he was staring the empty space of darkness which consumed him. He sighed deeply and fell back asleep.
The next time Ken awoke, it was to the strange singing sound of—birds? He hadn't wanted to awake so soon, but the desire to follow and listen to the beautiful sound was much too great. He groggily got to his feet, and began to brush the dust off of his clothes. He saw that he had a couple of scars on his wrist, but strangely, he couldn't seem to remember how they had gotten there. He walked out of the alley and followed a long path down hill that led to an ocean. The gray birds guided him along, their singing so enticing he felt as if he had no choice.
There was a strange sense of nostalgia Ken had felt for this place. For a while, it had seemed like his home, where he belonged. But there was something so beautiful and so terrible for this place, something Ken struggled to remember. Ken had a sudden urge to go back and hide, and at the same time, he felt compelled to stay where he was. Maybe, he could find answers to his questions.
Out of nowhere it seemed, a woman and a pair of digimon stepped out in front of him. The woman said suddenly, "Come, Ken Ichijouji. We know what you questions you have, and the answers you seek. Come."
Ken bowed his head and allowed himself to succumb to the woman's wishes. He followed her into the strange place, dazed, as he felt his happiness and hopeful wishes all drained from inside him. He felt trapped. After a couple of minutes, Ken finally remembered this place, for he had visited it once before.
The Dark Ocean.
To be continued. . .
A/N: Well, this is where this chapter stops, but soon, I promise you, another one will begin. In the meantime, please review! I really want all the angles of this story to finally come together. More darker elements to come. Thanks again!
- August