Kingdom's Fate

by kayono

AU. Ista Princess Ruki is trying to find a way out of her isolated life, while Igen Wyerleader Takato is trying to just get on with life after the war. With chance encounters comes many changes, including one's perspective on life.

2. Of Wyers and Wyerlands

Title: Kingdom's Fate

Chapter Two: Of Wyers and Wyerlands

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Part Two of the Christmas Upload Present!

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By: Kayono

Disclaimer: We don't own. Blah.

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She sat silently in the shadows, watching the human woman sleep. It was strange- she had never felt a connection like the one she shared with the red head before, and it confussed her. Her tail swished back and forth gently, and she appeared to be staring fixedly on the woman on the bed with clear, crystal blue eyes. The night and shadows hid her slender, furred figured perfectly, and she waited, silently, with the stealth of a ninja.

She noticed the woman roll over, her hands reaching out to grab something in her dream.

She stood up suddenly, hearing some quiet noises coming from downstairs. It would not be long before someone came to wake the woman up- she had memorized these people's schedule. What she noticed, though, was that they showed an un-natural kindness to pretty much everyone- that large Child digimon, Guilmon she thought his name was, seemed to enjoy her company greatly. And, she was not about to admit it, but she also nejoyed his company.

She walked over to the bed, and re-aranged the covers so that the woman would not get cold. Above her, her sensitive ears picked up the sounds of movement, and she knew that the man that cared so much for the woman she decided to look after was also waking up.

She gently placed her hand upon the woman's forehead, before phasing out of reality, and back into it near where Grani stayed during the night. The dinosaur digimon was there, as was the little imp.

Hiding in the shadows, she waited until the imp had woken up and left, heading towards the bottom floor to help with the repairs and construction, leaving her alone with Guilmon. She walked over to him, and kicked him lightly in the side.

"Guilmon... time to wake up..."

The red dinosaur/dragon opened his golden eyes to see blue ones staring back at him. He sat up, shook his head, and then looked at his visitor calmly.

"Renamon! Are we going to go play today?"

The figure now identified as Renamon nodded, and Guilmon ran over to her. Renamon's sensitive hearing caught another sound, and she phased out right before Impmon poked his head out of the door way.

"Hey! Pineapple head! You coming or what?!"

Guilmon stopped for a moment, before nodding and following Impmon, Renamon almost completely forgetten.

The kitsune appeared once again, and wonder, 'Now what shall I do?'

---

Ruki got up slowly. She seemed to remember someone else being in her room, but couldn't quite figure out who it was. Shrugging, and ignoring the feeling, she got up and looked at her self in the mirror. Her red hair was a bit greasy, and filled with knots. Her skin had become slightly more tanned- but she was still almost as pale as usual. Her clothes were a bit wrinkled, and she quickly realized that she needed to wash them soon.

She slipped on the least-wrinkled shirt and pants she had, as she quietly slipped out the door. She was surprised to find Juri there with a large pile of clean clothes in her hands.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Ruki... did I wake you up?"

Ruki shook her head. "No... do you know where I could wash my clothes?"

Juri grinned. "Actually, I noticed that some of your clothes have become... less than spotless over the last week, so here's some new ones."

Ruki nodded and took the extra clothes from Juri's arms. Both girls proceeded into Ruki's bedroom, and started to put things away. Ruki, getting another look at herself, turned to Juri. "I'm going to take a bath, okay?"

"Sure. Just don't get something stuck in the drain hole!"

Ruki nodded, and proceeded into the bathing room. Removing her garments when she got there, she slowly slid into the water, letting the warmth wash over her. She stayed like that for a few minutes, before taking a deep breath and proceeding to completely submerge herself. When she resurfaced, she heard Juri calling from the other room, "Ruki! I'm taking your clothes to go wash!"

"Alright!" Ruki called back, before leaning upon the side of the natural pool.

After another few minutes of staying in that position, she took some of the cleansing sand and rubbed it through her hair and over most of her body, removing the dirt and grime and leaving her with a nice, beachy scent. However, I wrote most of her body as there was one place that Ruki could not reach- her back.

"Damn it..." Forgetting that Juri said she was leaving, Ruki called out to the air, "Can someone help me clean my back!"

The next moment she felt some of the sand being poured onto her back, and the wash cloth was soon applied as well. Ruki noticed that the movement was strong, and yet gentle. She grinned, relaxing against the gentle touch.

"Thanks..."

"Of course."

Ruki immediately straightened up, all relaxation gone. The voice was older, and yet, like the hands, gentle. It certainly didn't sound human, and when Ruki turned around, she found that the creature the voice belonged to certianly wasn't human at all. A yellow fox crouched behind her, the wash cloth in her paws, which were covered by purple arm guard/glove thingies. Her crystal blue eyes were set in an elegently elongated face, and her ears stuck up just like a fox's would. Her stomach and paws were white, as were the ends of her ears. On her strong legs and purple glove thingies was the same symbol that Ruki had in her mind, and was next to Takato's symbol on the doors of the cold room.

"Who... who are you?"

"My name is Renamon. It is my pleasure to know you, and serve you."

Ruki was taken aback. She hadn't expected a digimon to just come out of nowhere and offer to be her partner... Ruki snapped out of it. Renamon wasn't offering to be her partner- well, Ruki would just have to change that.

"Renamon... would... you like to be my..."

"Partner?"

Ruki nodded. "Yeah. We both seem to be kinda out of place, and besides... I bet that we both could easily take on anyone in this Wyer and win."

Renamon smiled at her new partner's joking manner. "Of course..."

"Oh! My name is Ruki."

"Of course, Ruki. Now, would you like me to finish scrubbing your back?"

"Yes please."

Ruki turned away from Renamon again, as she relaxed into the still warm water. The two were silent for a moment, before Renamon spoke.

"What would you rather be known as?"

"Hm?"

"Have you not understood the differences between this Wyer and the others?"

"...There's others?"

Ruki felt Renamon's hands slip for a moment, and could easily picture a large sweatdrop on the kitsune's head.

"The others call themselves digidestined, but due to the war..."

"The people here have to be called something different?"

"Yes. Tamers."

"I... see..."

"So?"

"I dunno... can't we just be called 'Chosen's?"

Renamon gave a slight laugh. "We all wish, Ruki..."

The two were silent, until Renamon scooped up some water and splashed it onto Ruki's back to clear the sand away.

"Renamon?"

"Yes Ruki?"

"Isn't there supposed to be some special thing that signifies that we are partners?"

"...Maybe the choice has to go through the people higher up before it becomes official."

Ruki laughed a bit at that. Although Renamon appeared so... calm, and serrious, it was apparent that she could also have a bit of fun. Then she remembered what Guilmon had said not too long ago. "Are... you the same Renamon that's always playing with Guilmon?"

"...Indeed..."

Ruki remained silent. She ducked under the water once again, only to come up immeidately and lean back against the pool's wall. She stayed like that- until Renamon dumped the whole nucket of sand on her head.

"HEY! RENAMON!"

The fox digimon chuckled, before she began masaging the sand into Ruki's scalp. The girl had to admit- it did feel good. And it was slowly getting her hair cleaned... although how on Earth she was going to get everything out of her hair was still a mystery to her. It took almost another half an hour (and almost thirty dunkings by Renamon) before the sand was all cleaned off of Ruki.

The girl got out and wrapped a towel around her body. She noticed that it was warm and fluffy, and looked where Renamon sat watching the dirty water slowly swirl down the drain, while the new, clean water replaced the dirty stuff. Smiling evily, Ruki tip-toed over, and pushed Renamon into the water. The kitsune immeidately phased out of the water and right next to Ruki, who grinned at her. Renamon, feeling silly, also grinned, and both broke into laughter.

Ruki proceeded out of the bathing room into her bedroom, where she got changed quickly, and then walked into her sitting room. There she found Takato and both of his partners trying to get further into the room, while Juri was trying to hold them off. Apparently, no one noticed Ruki walked out of the bedroom, as they continued their 'conversation'.

"Juri! For all we know, Ruki might be hurt!"

"And for all we know, she might be just fine! Now, will you calm down!"

"No! Not until I know for sure that Ruki isn't in trouble!"

"She might have just made another friend!"

"SO?!"

"WILL YOU JUST STOP!"

Takato and Ruki both stopped in their tracks- although neither of them were moving, both just plain stopped moving. Almost breathing as well.

Juri took a deep breath before continuing. "Listen. Even if she was in trouble, I highly doubt that she would appreciate you charging in there, and more than likely seeing her without much clothing on. Now sit down, relax, and wait for her to come out."

"Alright, alright..."

Ruki decided that, just as Takato sat down, this was as good a time as any to make her presence in the room known.

"Good morning Gogglehead, J-"

"Ruki!" Takato immediately scampered over to her. "You're not hurt, are you? No bruises, scratches..."

"No Gogglehead, nothing's wrong. It was just a surprise visit from Renamon. Why do you ask?"

Takato remained speachless for a moment, before shaking his head. "Right... the other Wyerleaders want us to meet them at Benden Wyer to discuss the current state of affairs between our Wyer and the others. Myself and a few others are supposed to go- of course, that would include the current Wyerwoman. Since there isn't one..."

"Juri's going?" Ruki asked.

"No. I want to stay back here, and make sure that the men who are left behind don't mess anything up." Juri told Ruki, her eyes dancing with laughter.

"So...?"

"So, Ruki, you're going to be going with me to Benden. Is that okay with you?" Takato asked, suddenly remembering the woman's hidden violent streak.

"...I guess. As long as Renamon can come."

"Renamon?" Both Takato and Juri questioned.

Ruki let out a small sigh. "Renamon?"

The kitsune phased into existance right beside Ruki, obviously scaring Takato and Juri. While Ruki was still a little scared with the sudden appearance, she kept it hidden.

"Gogglehead, Juri, this is Renamon. Renamon, this is the current Wyerleader Takato, and his sister, Juri."

"...pleased to make your aquantince, Juri... Gogglehead?" Renamon looked questioningly at her new partner. Ruki just shrugged.

"Nice to meet you-" Before Juri could finish speaking (Takato in the back ground still getting over his heart attack), Renamon froze in place, listening to something. She nodded to Takato and Juri, bowed to Ruki, and phased once again out of reality to who-knows-where.

Ruki turned to Takato again. "Are either dumb and dumber going to be coming with us?"

Juri looked confused, but Takato, having been there when she came up with all the nicknames, grinned. "No. Just us."

"So... brainiac's taking over?"

"Yes. For the three days or so we'll be gone."

"...And Renamon, Guilmon and Impmon are coming?"

"Renamon and Guilmon, yes. Impmon has a habit of causing trouble at the worst times, and as we are going to try to restore the relationship between Igen and the other Wyers..."

"...Impmon would just cause trouble. I see. So, when do we leave?"

---

Guilmon was sitting happily with the other digimon, apparently talking to air, when Takato, Ruki and Juri came downstairs.

"We're going on a trip?! Yeah! Are you coming?" He paused for a moment, as though listening for a responses. "Really?! Ruki must be really happy to have you as a partner... I know I would be!" Another pause, but before Guilmon could continue, Takato called down to him.

"Guilmon! Hey boy, eat as much as you can right now, 'cause we might not be able to eat for another little while!"

Guilmon looked up to see his Tamer between Ruki and Juri- and, he noticed, Ruki did not look all that happy about something. Juri, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Wondering what was up, Guilmon stood up from his spot on the floor, and Impmon jumped from the head of an unknown digimon to the head of Guilmon.

"Yeah?" Impmon asked, cocking his head as Guilmon did so, to make it almost seem they were one digimon.

Takato nodded, and Impmon and Guilmon took off for the kitchens. Juri's smile immediately disappeared, and she whacked Takato on the arm before jumping down the last few stairs, and running after Guilmon and Impmon, warning them, "Don't you DARE eat anything until I get there!"

Takato, while rubbing his arm, smiled a little, and Ruki, also looking around, tightened her grip on his arm when she saw the new digimon.

"Oww! Ruki! You're going to rip my arm off!"

"Well?! It's your fault for not telling me sooner!"

"I only learned of this this morning!"

Ruki stopped, looking him straight in the eye. It had become almost a habit- and they seemed to almost communicate with each other by simply looking at the other's eyes. Ruki, seeing this was true, sighed, annoyed. "Fine... but who was Dinoboy talking to?"

"That was me." Came the calm voice of Renamon as she appeared from the shadows a corner into the light. Ruki smiled, while Takato nearly had another heart attack.

"Alright then, Renamon. So, you heard?"

"Yes. This digimon here, infact, is from Benden. He, and his Digidestined, has come to guide us to Benden."

"Alright then, Renamon."

Ruki and Takato decided to actually walk down the rest of the stairs, as then they were facing the entrance to the Wyer, and, more than likely, where the human partner of the digimon was. Seeing no one, they turned to look at the digimon, and only then noticed the man who was sitting behind the large bug type.

Both Ruki and Takato bowed formally (Ruki's hand still tight on Takato's arm), and the man did so in reply. "Forgive me for waking you up, Wyerwoman. I am Kain, of Benden Wyer, one of the Wyers on the mainland. I have come to escort you and your partners to Benden Wyer for some peace talks between our Wyers. The other Wyers have recognized that it was a past member of Igen that so distorted the Wyer, and not the current Wyerleader."

"I am Takato, the Wyerleader of Igen Wyer."

"And I am Ruki, the a-" she stopped, when Takato nudged her. She remember then on her way down when he told her that she had to say that she was the Wyerwoman, otherwise the would not be allowed to go. "I am the Wyerwoman of Igen Wyer. We welcome you to Igen."

"Thank you. When are you able to leave? I have heard that you have a large dragon that is able to take you places- that is why they sent me and Kuwagamon, instead of one of the large messengers."

Ruki nodded, and Takato smiled gently at the man. "There is no need to be so formal. You seem to almost be stressing to even remain in the straight pose. Forgive me for saying so, of course."

The man did look a little stressed, as though he was not used to these kinds of things. However, that changed when-

"Chumly!" Takato and Ruki turned around to see Hirokazu and Kenta standing there, their partners beside or behind them, holding what looked to be a 50 lbs fish. "We stayed up all night, and finally caught a fish! And look at it- huge!"

Takato grinned, and walked over to them- but Guilmon it seemed was quicker, and was out of the kitchen and sniffing the fish before anyone could say 'Momentai!'- which Terriermon did, seconds later.

Kenta, Marineangemon and Guardromon started holding the fish above their heads, away from Guilmon's snout, and, therfore, mouth, while Hirokazu started trying to 'shoo' Guilmon away.

Takato and Ruki laughed at the sight, which was indeed hillarious to even the most serrious person, as they heard a chukle from behind them. Ruki turned to look and saw the man was trying to hide his smile and laugh- and failing miserably. Takato, however, started calling, "Guilmon! Come on, boy... I bet that Juri has something even better than that in the kitchens!"

Guilmon stopped for a moment, sniffed, then turned to Takato. "But, Takatomon... this long thingy smells good! Better than what Juri makes!"

This caused Juri to march out of the kitchen, straight for Takato. "What does he mean, 'better than what Juri makes'?! I can make anything better than that over-sized fish! And you all know it!"

Guilmon paused for a moment, before breaking into a random song. "Guilmon bread, Guilmon bread, it's a loaf shapped like my head."

Everyone looked at Takato quizically, who was laughing. "Alright! Guilmon... if you come here now, we can go to Benden!"

Guilmon turned to look at him. "Does Benden have berad?"

Kain was startled at this. "Of course Benden has bread!"

"Does Benden have peanut butter?"

Kain look confused at Takato and Ruki, as well as everyone else there- Kuwagamon just seemed to be asleep. "What's this... 'peanut butter'?"

Takato laughed again. Everyone looked at him confused. Takato turned to Guilmon. "Now, Guilmon... the sooner we go to Benden, the sooner we come back, right?"

Guilmon nodded.

"So... that means the sooner I can bake you Guilmon bread, and teach Juri to make peanut butter!"

"YEAH!" Guilmon started dancing around. Then, he turned to Takato, and, smiling, launched himself at the Wyerleader. Takato, being fully prepared for something like that, let Guilmon tackle him.

Everyone looked at the spectacle before them, unsure of what to do. Guilmon got off of his Tamer, then turned to Kuwagamon, his last train of thought forgotten. "Why is the bug sleeping?"

Everyone sweatdropped.

"Gogglehead..." Takato turned back to Ruki, wondering what was up. "Can I go upstairs and pack?"

Kain, however, quickly stepped in, saying, "The Wyerwoman has no need to pack. All the nessecary clothing needs, as well as anything else you might need, will be provided at Benden Wyer."

Ruki nodded, and called out, "Renamon?"

Renamon appeared immediately at her side, once again scaring Takato.

"Yes Ruki?"

"Are you ready to go on a bit of a trip?"

Renamon nodded. "Of course, Ruki."

Ruki grinned, and Renamon faded away into the shadows. Kain seemed to be in a similar position as Takato- scared out of his wits.

"Well? Are we going?"

Takato and Kain nodded, straightening up.

Kain looked around, as though almost expecting something to show up out of nowhere. "So? Where is it?"

Takato and Ruki looked at him as though he were insane. "Where's what?"

"The flying dragon! I've heard that it's not a digimon, but not a carbon compound, either. But..." he stopped his train of thought for a second. "What else could it be?"

Takato grinned, jumping up on the stairs, Ruki in his arms. "A mecha."

Guilmon followed suit, and Impmon was on his head in minutes. "Hey! Gogglehead!" Takato groaned- it seemed that everyone was either calling him 'Gogglehead' or 'Chumly', or something else to that degree. Ruki had even got Juri calling him that last night.

"Yeah Impmon?"

"Am I going with you?"

Takato turned around to face the Imp. "Now, Impmon-"

"Am I going or not?"

Takato could only sigh. "No, you are not going. Impmon-"

However, Impmon grinned. "Don't worry! I didn't want to be stuck with some people who probably have a thing against viruses! Besdies- with only the physco bunny back here to defend Igen, there needs to be someone who knows how to fight!"

"Hey!"

"Momentai!"

"No using my word... weird imp thing!"

"THING?!"

Impmon immediately jumped down and started arguing with Terriermon. Takato, a huge sweat drop on his head, continued up the stairs with Ruki, but not before telling Kain "We'll meet you outside. Then you can see Grani."

Kain nodded, and began trying to arouse his sleeping partner.

Takato set Ruki on her feet half way up the stairs, and they both continued climbing. Guilmon, getting tired soon after they began their climb, had gratefully let himself be dragged up the stairs by Renamon, who didn't seem to tire of watching the large dinosaur/dragon continuously hit his head upon the stairs.

It took almost five minutes to reach the top of the mountain, where Grani was. The three who were concious were surprised to not see Kain and Kuwagamon waiting for them, since they had been certain that Kain should have been able to wake up Kuwagamon by now. Shrugging it off, they proceeded to climb onto Grani (Renamon more than a little hesitant), and prepare everything that they would need, depending on how long the flight was.

"You ready?" Takato asked Ruki, ready at a moments notice to stall their little trip if she needed anything.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"Alright." 'Grani?'

'Yes, Wyerleader?'

'Grani, if you don't call me Takato, at least call me Tamer.'

'Of course, Tamer.'

Takato sighed- Grani refused to call him anything other than his titles, no matter how hard he tried. 'Can you take us into the air? We will be waiting for a Kuwagamon with it's partner on it's back. They will be guiding us to Benden Wyer.'

'I do not need a guide, Tamer.'

'You don't, no doubt about it, but he was the messenger, so it would be polite to wait.'

'Certainly.'

'...can you sense where he is now, before we get off the ground?'

'...approximately South-East of us, lifting off the ground right now.'

Takato looked to the South-East, and the others followed his gaze. Indeed, moments later, Kuwagamon, with Kain on his back, was seen in the air, not too far from their position. "Alright, Grani."

Ruki looked at him as she felt Grani lifting from the ground. "Takato... wouldn't it be smart to at least let the others know what they should be doing?"

Takato grinned, and shook his head. "They know plently well what... and besdies, Jen's pretty good at handling that. How do you think so much got done while we were off relaxing?"

Ruki grinned, giving Takato a peck on the cheek, and then turned to face Kuwagamon, Renamon and Guilmon behind their respective partners.

Kain was speechless as he saw the strange dragon mecha lift off the platform it was situated on. "Wow... so THAT'S a mecha..."

"Kain! You ready to go?" Takato called. Grani flew up beside Kuwagamon, who looked at the mecha with interest.

Kain grinned. "Yup! Just follow me!"

Obediently, Guilmon de-digivolved to Gigimon, and hopped into a small space near the front of Grani, as what appeared to be a large buble incased the mecha. Renamon, seeing what the Tamed digimon had done, followed his actions, de-digivolving to Viximon, and walking up beside the small, red digimon, who had an uncanny resemblance to a ball.

Ruki looked curiously at Takato, after making sure that Viximon was fine. "What's up with this bubble thing?"

"One of the many upgrades that Grani recieves on a infrequent basis- baisically whenever I, Guilmon, or Grani think that it is needed. We do everything ourselves- it seems to be easier to upgrade Grani because, it some way or another, Grani is a part of me and Guilmon. Anyways, this bubble protects us from the side effects of long-distance travelling- weather, speed, backlash... anything that could possibly happen that would make us uncomfortable is kept outside of the bubble, including high altitudes."

Ruki blinked. "Why would high altitudes cause a problem?"

Kain joined in this conversation- they had never said it was private, and, judging by the way that he saw their Wyer lived, conversations were not usually private things, anyways. "Because they higher up you go, the thinner the air is, and the harder it is to breathe. You can really upgrade the dragon?"

"Grani, you mean?" Takato asked, with a disarming smile to show that no feelings were hurt.

"Yes, Grani."

"Of course. But only when they're needed- it takes too much effort, time and energy to do an upgrade."

Kain nodded, and turned back to looking ahead of them, which was pretty much all water, thinking about something. Making up his mind, he turned back to them. "Erm, don't mean to be rude, but it's a 5 hour flight to Benden, and I was just wondering..."

Ruki stopped him by putting her hand up. Glancing around, and finding extra room, she moved closer to Takato and pulled the Wyerleader down onto the floor, or, to be more specific, Grani's back.

"You may sit with us. Besides- Grani can travel faster than this. We're just hanging back with you."

Kain hopped off Kuwagamon, and promptly sat down, while his partner de-digivolved to Kunemon and lept into his arms. "Thank you very much... it was getting a bit cold..."

"And I'm still sleepy!" Kunemon complained, right before he fell asleep. Ruki and Takato looked at the sleeping digimon, while Kain looked around. "Erm, you said that Grani could go faster?"

Takato grinned, and closed his eyes. 'Grani?'

'Yes Tamer?'

'Err... I'll let that one slide. DO you mind going a bit faster?'

'Of course. How long would you like to take to get there?'

Takato looked at Kain and Ruki. "When do you want to get there?"

Kain remained silent, but Ruki had an idea. "Well... how about just before lunch, since we don't have to unpack everything, and since we're not doing anything that would make us need to take a bath..."

Takato nodded, and closed his eyes again.

'Could you get us there just before their lunch?'

'Of course. I'll give you time to talk with the Wyerleader as well.'

They all felt Grani's speed pick up slightly, but didn't bother about it. Takato opened his eyes, and sat in silence for a few moments. He knew that Ruki wanted to ask Kain something, and he gently nudged her in the back. She looked temporarily over at him, but nodded and turned back to the other man.

"I'm sorry to ask, but I was wondering..."

"Yes Wyerwoman?"

Ruki looked at him strangely. "First off, just call me Ruki. I, personally, don't like titles."

Kain nodded, and let the woman continue. "Secondly... well... I haven't travled very often, Ista being the furthest away from Igen I've ever been, so would you mind describing what Benden Wyer is like?"

Kain grinned. "Sure! But you have to tell me more about Igen and... wait, did you say that you've been to Ista?!"

Ruki nodded, unsure of the other man's excitement.

"And they didn't kill you?! WOW! You're the first person I've ever met to go to Ista and come back! You must be super powerful, or super beautiful- well, you are, but- oh, I mean... erm... anyways, about Benden..."

Ruki blushed, and Takato wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his lap as they let the young man start talking about Benden Wyer, and his adventeurs there when he was just a boy, and everything since then. He continued talking all the way to Benden (for the next 3 1/2 hours or so), completely forgetting about learning more about Igen and the remote island kingdom of Ista.

On the way, the two leaders of Igen found out many things. One was that Kain, being about the same age as them, didn't know much about the Igen war, and so was not as nervous as they all knew the other Wyerleaders would be. Another was that every single Wyerleader would be at the meeting at Benden, with the Wyerwoman- Ruki was not sure is she would like to meet the other women who shared her 'title', but put it to the back of her mind- now would not be the time to think of such things, and they could wait until they arrived at the Wyer.

When Kain fell asleep, although for barely five minutes, Takato took time to think about what was happening. First he recieves a letter that states that Igen was no longer considered a Wyer- or, at least not like the other Wyers, and was no longer protected by them. Second, this would be the first time meeting the other leaders as a leader. He had met a few in the past, when he was still learning how to control Guilmon, but then they simply said 'hello' to him, and started talking with the old leader. Now he was meeting them on equal terms, to mainly discus, apparently, what was going on with his Wyer, and it confussed him- why summon him all the way, with Ruki? Why not just him?

"Why...?" He whispered to the air. Ruki, though, was not so trapped in her thoughts that she did not hear him.

"Why what?" She replied back, wondering what he was talking about.

He looked at her, then kissed her lips gently. "It's nothing, Ruki. Nothing. I think that we should probably immitate Kain here, and have a good, long sleep."

"Or as long as we have until we arrive."

Takato nodded, and, leaning back against one of the supports that Grani had, fell into a gentle slumber. Ruki, letting herself become surrounded by his warm body, leaned against his chest, and closed her eyes, letting sleep take over her.

Kain woke up not too long later, and saw the two sleeping in the lee of the wind. He grinned when he saw how close they obviously were, and how unashamed they were to show it. Unlike with his own Wyerleader and Wyerwoman, and all those he knew, these two seemed to share a true bond, brought about by something that he couldn't explain. He thought of fate and destiny, and how strongly so many digidestined believed in them.

He gave a sigh, and closed his eyes, concentrating completely on one thing- sleep.

It soon over took him, like a wave crashing down upon the sands.

---

Ryou paced back and forth irritably infront of the doors to the Queen's chambers. Ruki was HIS woman- his bride, his wife, HIS. Regardless of what anyone would say. He had every right to be in that room, but for some reason, he held himself back.

Maybe it was just his reverence of the Queen and King, or maybe it was something else... regardless, he didn't dare enter, although he tried many times. It seemed that there was almost something un-Earthly keeping him out.

He growled again, as he started concocting pictures of this 'Wyerleader' person, who dared to take Ruki as his own.

Ruki would be his- that much he could promise.

---

Inside her chambers, Queen Rumiko chatted amiably with Biomon. "Really... it is good that Ruki somehow found someone of royal or at least Noble blood to fall in love with. Believe me, I tried with that old prune of a King- and I found it far harder than my mother said it would be."

"But, why would you be forced?" Biomon asked questioningly. "I don't understand why someone would actually FORCE you to do something like that... to give all of yourself to them, for no reason other than for a country. He could have found someone that he loved, you could have found someone that you loved."

Rumiko grinned. "Yes... we both had someone else that we loved, but we were forced to give them up, 'for the sake of our country' as we were told. Really, it was pretty pointless- we didn't do much together, and still don't, other than have Ruki. I even named her- her father was, and still is, too much in love with himself and his affairs, and of course his power, to notice that he even had an offspring, until she jumped on him once when she was four.

But there is no use going on about the past- I support Ruki in her decision, if she wishes to remain at this 'Igen', and I will try to forestall if not stop any attempt to bring her back."

Biomon nodded, and fluffed her wings. "You have been very generous, Queen Rumiko."

"What have I said? Just call me Rumiko."

"Of course. Thank you for not letting them eat me. Or doing anything like that, for that matter."

Rumiko grinned at her companion. "You are free to go whenever, and to whereever you wish, Biomon. Thank you for your help- I no longer worry... as much, about my daughter."

Biomon looked at the open window which Rumiko pointed to. "I want to leave, but something tells me to stay here, with you. Is that okay, Rumiko?"

The elder woman nodded. "Of course! You will always be free to leave. But try to stay away from most of the castle occupants... and the villages and those who live in them... and-"

"Baisically, be careful?" Rumiko nodded. Biomon spread her wings wide, and bowed to her formally. "Of course I will, now! I'll be back before sundown!" The pink bird type digimon shouted over her shoulder as she took flight through the window, and into the noontide sun.

---

A/N: Well, since I realized that there's NO WAY IN HELL OR HEAVEN that I could possibly fit this all into just one chapter, I've decided to split this into two different chapters- in total, making this story three long, at least. And, if I feel like I REALLY need to split this into another chapter, it will be done- regardless of how long the two seperate ones end up. What sucks, though, is that everytime I write something, I ALWAYS have to go to what I origianally dubbed 'MAIN FIGHT SCENE'- baisically, the ending- and double check that everything is right. If not, I change either the part in the story, or the ending- usually the ending, because, although it takes more physical work, if I change the part in the body, then I'd have to think of another way things can be done- and, lately, I've been super- lazy in the thinking department (or, as my 'friends' say, I've become a blonde- and, then again, I am, so I find it ALL good. And yes, the sequal to this WILL be written... although I have pretty much NO idea why...

---

'Wyerleader... Wyerleader...'

'Zzz...'

'Wyerleader...'

'Zzzzzzz...'

'Why can't I communicate with someone else OTHER than Wyerleader and Gigimon? Maybe...'

Granni suddenly banked to the right, causing Kunemon, who was perched in a precarious position on his partner's stomach, to summersault, and almost slide right off the mecha's back. However, the small rookie woke up, realised what was happening, and stopped himself before he slid right off. He glared at the front where he assumed the mecha's main computer was.

"You COULD have woken me up a little nice... r..."

Kunemon stopped where he was, seeing what was ahead of them. What appeared to be a huge ridge of land reared up from the constant blue, a streak of green between one almost solid blue, and another, lighter blue that was sporting some fluffy white clouds that day.

"Oh! We're almost there! Well, guess I better wake everyone up..."

'Why do I bother?' Granni asked itself.

Immediately, Kunemon stood up, glad that Grani still had the protective barrier around them. He slowly made his way over to his partner, and gently began tapping him on the face. He knew it wouldn't work, but it was worth a try anyways, just so he could say he did. Getting no response, he quickly moved over to the other digimon- Viximon and Gigimon, he remembered their names were, and began trying to arouse them.

"Hey... hey... HEY!"

Both digimon woke up with a start, and looked at him through sleepy eyes. "Yes, Kunemon?" Viximon asked, surprised at how annoyed she was at having been woken up from her slumber- right beside Gigimon, tucked comfortably, and warmly, between the red 'ball' and the wall.

"We're almost there! But I need help to wake everyone up..."

Viximon nodded, and helped to baisically drag Gigimon out of the small indent. As soon as the red digimon felt the cool air, he woke up with a start, and, somehow remembering what Kunemon had said, ran over to Takato.

"Takato! Takato! Takatomooon...." He whined when his partner did not move. Kunemon and Viximon, after coming up with a plan, moved over to Guilmon, whispered in his ear. Although he did not get it, he agreed that it was a good plan, and nodded to them.

Moving quickly and silently, each digimon crouched beside their partners, mouths right by the human's ears.

"One... two... THREE!" Kunemon called slightly quietly from his position.

"WAKE UP!" All three yelled simultaneously.

And, also simultaneously, all three humans jerked awake.

"AAAAHHHHHHH!" Kain screamed, as he sat bolt upright, holding his heart and trying to calm his breathing, once finding out that nothing was wrong. Although Ruki had a somewhat calmer return to reality (having been used to being woken up by maids, servents, slaves and butlers, as well as her mom and dad, every morning), Takato had no such experience, and, therefore, his reaction was similar to Kain's.

"GGAAAHHHHH!!!! Hmm? Oh, Gigimon, it's just you... WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!"

Gigimon grinned, regardless of his partner's behavior. "'Cause Kunemon said that we're almost there!"

Indeed, during the screaming and yelling and waking up, Grani had kept on with it's normal pace, and they were now quite closer to land than they had been prior to the aforementioned screaming, yelling, and waking up.

Ruki gasped. "Wow... I've... it's... huge!"

Kain grinned, joining them. "Yup! Well, we really ARE almost there. It takes about 45 minutes minimum at Grand Kuwagamon's top speed to get from here, the coast, to Benden- and about 1 1/2 hours to do the same journey on Kuwagamon. So, I'd say that, judging by the sun, we'll be there in about... oh, 20 minutes to half and hour."

Ruki's eye twitched, and she turned on Kunemon. "So WHY didn't you wake us up earlier?!"

Kunemon quickly hid behind his partner. "Well, I only woke up not too long before we woke you guys up... because Grani here decided to bank and almost knock me right off!"

'If only because your snoring was unbareable.' Grani responded, it's voice echoing in Takato's head- which promptly caused him to sweat-drop.

'Right...'

Ruki, however, had turned on the mecha. "Then why didn't you wake Kunemon up earlier?!"

'Because I was not given a time to wake you up at.'

Takato nodded, and relayed the message. Ruki, however, turned on him instead.

"So why didn't you give Grani a time to wake us up at?!"

"Because not only did I not think that we'd ALL fall asleep, I did not know that you needed any extra time to make yourself look beautiful... although, I find that impossible."

"Enough with the cheesy lines. Now, I at least have to try to make myself look presentable..."

And so, Ruki sat about making her dress, hair, face, hands, and other things look tidy, while Takato and Kain began talking about Benden. Gigimon and Viximon had evolved to their rookie forms, and sat around talking with Kunemon. Grani simply continued on it's course, until Kain told Takato to tell Grani to stop. The mecha slowed down into an almost unbareable slow motion, while Kain motioned for Takato, Ruki, and their partners to listen to him and Kunemon.

"Alright. Me and Kuwagamon will lead you in. Don't be surprised in everyone is shocked that we're here- we weren't supposed to arrive for another few hours, until just before dinner. A guard is there, because of... what happened, so Kuwagamon and I will signal to him that it's us. We'll teach you the signal later. Anyways, I think we're supposed to take you to where ever the other Wyerleaders are, Takato, and Ruki is supposed to go with the other Wyerwomen. I hope you don't mind the seperation..."

"No, of course we don't." Ruki said, her 'princess' nature and teachings quickly taking over. She reamined calm, impassive, and stoic for the rest of the journey- except for one time when she berated Takato on proper posture, stance, and to 'not sound like you completely frozen and your mouth barely works'.

Kain smiled, wishing that he could spend more time with the couple before he had to depart. However, he was only a messenger, and, as such, would not be permitted to talk to them at all- and, he was to have shown the two with him major landmarks on their journey. Well, he didn't show them, but he made sure they were drilled into Takato's head, and he had full confidence that Grani could adequately make up for anything Takato missed. As such, he would not accompany them, and decided to make one last comment as a parting for what he could only assume would be forever-

"Wow... you two sound like you've been married or something for quite a few years... at least thrity... but you're not even that old, right?"

As soon as Ruki turned her gaze on him, he sweatdropped, evolved Kunemon to Kuwagamon, hopped on his partner's back, and flew along side the mecha for the rest of the journey.

---

Benden Wyerleader O'kawa paced back and forth in his wyer, his Wyerwoman, Celandine, watching him through her clear, crystal eyes. Their digimon, a Kotemon and a Bearmon, watched O'kawa also, wondering what was wrong with their Wyerleader, and, in Kotemon's case, partner. However, Celandine knew. As did a select few of their advisors, and the rest of the Wyerleaders and Wyerwoman.

She watched her husband pace back and forth, wishing that she could say something to get him to calm down. However, as a Wyerwoman, she could advise, do her duties, and keep everyone in line only- except for O'kawa. He was the only being in all of Benden that was above her authority, and, although they didn't really love each other, she was bound to him by title, blood, and, most importantly, children. She had borne three children of his, all of which were just learning the proper ways of fighting, one just barely old enough.

It was not worry for their children that had him pacing around, though, nor was it anything about the way the Wyer was working, or about herself. It was all about her first son, who was sired by another Wyerleader, and was given birth to, barely an hour after his father had been killed, and she had almost died as well, since bearing him at a tender, young age. It was all about-

"Kain!" O'kawa roared, more annoyed about his step-son than usual. "We send him on such an important mission, and what does he do?! He completely forgets to not only send back a message, saying that he got there, that he delivered the message, and whether or not they would be coming, but he forgets to TAKE who was supposed to bring back the message! The irresponsible, dim-witted, slow boy... for all we know, the new Wyerleader or Wyerwoman of Igen might have killed or slaughtered him, and we'd have just invited them back into our council! When I get my hands on him... or if either of our guests are hurt, or are doing the hurting..."

Celandine wisely stayed out of the way of her husband, watching him with patient eyes, hands folded neatly in her lap. Although inside, she was fuming about how he was talking about her son, she kept her mouth shut- O'kawa was in a temper right then, and she dared not become the center of his wrath and anger.

Kotemon and Bearmon stood on either side of her, also watching, also patient. Until Bearmon, and then Celandine, felt a familiar presence enter Benden territory. Ignoring her husband, Celandine stood up, and walked to the mouth of the wyer, where she looked Southward in the skies, her sky blue, long dress with simple silver and white trim swirling about her legs as she walked, and her almost pure white hair pulled up in a high pony-tail with a sky blue ribbon gently brushed her back. Bearmon stod by, also watching the Southern skies, soon followed by Kotemon and O'kawa, who decided to stop his rant to see what had caught his wife's attention.

"Celandine?"

"It's Kain. He's coming back, and others are with him."

O'kawa looked South again, and nodded. "Yes. I can feel that it is the Wyerleader and Wyerwoman. I am sorry for my tyrade about him and our visitors, Celandine."

She shook her head. "No, don't be sorry. It's too bad that the other Wyerleaders and Wyerwomen were so busy today. It is good that they shall come tomorrow, though. Today, we shall let our visitors get to know Benden, let them get used to these new surroundings, and then speak to them about what we need to do."

O'kawa nodded. "Wise counsel, as always, Celandine. I am lucky to have such a wise and beautiful Wyerwoman, as was Tristen before me."

O'kawa walked away then, leaving Celandine alone with her thoughts. Bearmon nodded to a Hawkmon on the rough-hewn stone steps leading downwards, which he began flying down immediately to his partner to relay the information that someone was coming.

Not too long afterwards, a large group of Digidestined were gathered along the top wall of Benden Wyer, watching the Southern skies, O'kawa, Celandine, Kotemon, Bearmon, and a few advisors standing in the landing area. When a Mega Seadramon roared an arrival, everyone tenced, expecting Kuwagamon or Grand Kuwagamon, with maybe an Aquilamon or something else along those lines with it.

What they did see, however, was not what they had been expecting.

---

Kain sighed at the sight of his home, while somehow managing a smile for the two he was guiding.

"Here we are, Benden Wyer! Kuwagamon?"

Obeditently, Kuwagamon let out an ear-splitting roar, which was taken up by a Mega Seadramon on the top of the wall, along with quite a few dark shapes, which turned out to be digidestined and their partners.

Both Takato and Ruki gasped, surprised at the sight of so many others- Ruki because she had never seen others like her before, Takato because he could barely remember what Igen had been like before, having locked up all of those memories forever.

Kain went forward on Kuwagamon, landing off to the side of a large circle that had been cleared in front of some important-looking people.

Takato squeezed Ruki's hand, and she returned the squeeze, before Takato mentally signalled Grani to land when Kain raised his arms to signal that it was okay for them to land.

Grani began a slow, leisurely descent, spiraling down slowly so that Ruki, who had spent so long trying to look nice for this could remain exactly as she was. The bubble, which had been removed when they had slowed down, was now completely disengaged, allowing a few digimon who could see, and, in consequence, their partners, a look at Takato and Ruki- both of which had almost emotionless faces, fear keeping them from smiling, and some sanity keeping them from loosing it right there.

Renamon and Guilmon simply stood behind their partners, not really doing anything other than ignoring the scrutenizing gazes from those around them.

As Grani landed, Takato and the digimon immediately hopped down, before he turned around to help Ruki down from her place. She took his hand, held up her skirts, and steped down gently. Linking her left arm in his right, they proceeded over to O'kawa and Celandine, Renamon and Guilmon always behind them, every step of the way. Takato bowed his head slightly, Ruki mimicing his motions.

"Wyerleader O'kawa, Wyerwoman Celandine?"

The two in question also bowed their heads slightly.

"Wyerleader Takato, Wyerwoman...?"

"Ruki." Ruki finished for O'kawa.

"Wyerwoman Ruki, we welcome you to Benden Wyer." O'kawa said, his voice stiff. He didn't know what the mecha behind them was, nor what type of digimon their partners were- what he did know was that they both had come from Igen, and might be dangerous.

However, all thoughts along those lines were interupted when Takato turned back to the mecha, a huge grin on his face.

"It's alright Grani... you can go back to Igen, if you want. Or, there might be a place for you to stay here...?"

Celandine nodded. "Of course. As long as you are here, we will try to accomadate you as best as we can, including room for... Grani, did you call it?"

Takato bowed his head again to her. "Yes. Grani?"

The mecha made a few beeps, which Takato seemed to understand, and baisically fizzled out of sight, re-appearing who knew where.

Surprise was written on O'kawa's face. "Wha... where did the... erm... Grani go?"

Takato shrugged. "Where ever Grani could find a place, since he accepted Celandine's offer to stay here. I want to thank you for letting us talk to you, to just come here is a great enough honor."

O'kawa nodded, still stiff. Ruki eyed him slowly. "Hmm... stands straight, chest puffed out, rigid, eyes constantly roving, hands gripped tight... neat black hair, tall, muscular, but lean, hands not too big, partner is a..."

"Kotemon." Renamon finished for her. Ruki nodded. "So, I would think that you were probably of high standing after a quick promotion from a lower rank before you became Wyerleader, where you worked often with your hands, and always felt a need to impress. The nervousness is just probably recent- our arrival, and something else, too, I would guess."

O'kawa gawked at her, surprised that she could figure out that much from just his posture, body, and digimon. While Celandine only smiled pleasently, Takato had a similar expression to O'kawa's.

"Ruki, if you don't mind me asking, where did you learn how to do that?"

"Well, partially from you, Mr. I-Can-Look-Into-People's-Eyes-And-Know-Almost-Everything-About-Them. And partially from hanging out with royals for a while. Why don't you try your hand at it?"

Takato nodded, and grinned, while turning back to O'kawa. He looked straight into the older man's eyes, and was surprised to find so many emotions there. He could tell that Ruki was right- there was definately a need to impress. However, there was also a very strange combination, which Takato was sure he would be able to find in his own eyes at times- a strange savageness that was born of desperation, and yet a calmness. He could see that whatever had caused the savageness was a big event, which haunted O'kawa still, and the calmness was his usual manerism before whatever had caused so much desperation. Hidden deeper was what almost appeared to be a desire, for what he could not tell, but it was burried- probably due to normal customs at Benden, Takato surmised. And, last but not least, was a great amount of nervousness, layered thickly.

Takato blinked- he had stared continuously into the man's eyes for but a second, and yet found out so much. He grew worried- this man was not stable, not as a Wyerleader.

"Well?" Ruki asked him. Takato could feel the others slowly crowding closer, and took a shaky breath, unable to get rid of the frown that now adorned his face.

"First off, Ruki was right- you do feel a need to impress, because you feel like you need to do that to keep people's faith in you, and your council and guidance. You were calm before, but something happened that made a strange... almost savage quality start to develop in yourself. You desire something, but refuse to try to get it. And lastly, you're nervous, about many things- right now about us coming here, what I'm saying, too, but it's not just this- other things have been going on. However, I am not one to pry into other people's business. And, I am sorry for both myself and Ruki, as we read your actions and feelings without your consent. Gomen."

O'kawa blinked as his hands unclenched and Celandine worked hard to suppress a small smile that was gingerly forming on her lips as Takato bowed, pulling Ruki down with him. Both straightened, however, as one of the advisors spoke out, "Well then, Wyerleaders, Wyerwoman. I assume you would like to be shown around our Wyer?"

O'kawa glanced over at the man, as did Ruki, Takato, and Celandine. Takato nodded subtly as Ruki replied, "Of course. But, if I may enquire, who will be leading us?"

Celandine grinned, and took Ruki's hand in her own- the hand that was not linked together in a death grip with Takato's. "Why, myself and O'kawa, of course. By the way, I am Celandine, Wyerwoman of Benden Wyer."

There was an air of kind, and yet harshness around the woman that Ruki took an immediate liking to the white-haired individual. Takato, meanwhile, somehow untangle his hand from Ruki's, and turned to face O'kawa with a disarming smile on his face. "O'kawa... do you happen to know when the other Wyerleaders will be arriving?"

"Sadly, they were detained. They will not arrive until tomorrow morning at the earliest."

Takato sighed, but grinned. "So, what shall we do until then?"

O'kawa looked surprised, but then grinned. "Why, we need to show you around the Wyer, and introduce you to our advisors. All this, however, will be after we eat."

"YEAH! FOOD!"

Takato sweatdropped before calling to his partner. "Come on, Guilmon... you already had something to eat this morning!"

Guilmon stopped and blinked. "But... when we go to the coast, you let me go fishing, and I eat more." His ears dropped and his eyes widened as he realized something. "I haven't eaten anything other than breakfast today, Takatomon."

Cue a round a sweatdrops from digimon, human, and everyother creature around.

"I guess... we should eat?" Takato asked uncertainly.

O'kawa blinked, before laughing. "Of course we shall. It seems you have quite the partner, Takato."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, O'kawa."

Takato grinned as both he and O'kawa started to head down the ledge towards the nearest stairs, Ruki and Celandine behind them.

"Takato seems to be very... youthful." Celandine observed.

Ruki blinked and nodded. "Well, yes... if you mean immature. However, I have to be thankful for, and it all stems from him. And sometimes, being immature isn't so bad- I was brought up in a... strict household, and being immature, even when we were merely children, was strictly forbidden."

Celandine cast her eyes over Ruki before turning back to the back of O'kawa's head. "Yes, I know what you mean. I was raised to be a Wyerwoman, pretty much. The only time I could ever really be free, be, as you call it, immature, was when I was around the previous Wyerleader, Tristen. He was the one who truly made me Wyerwoman- although it had been just a title before, he helped me to take on the responsibilities and mannerisims that were expected of me, all the while making me laugh. However, he was killed in the Great War, and O'kawa became the new Wyerleader. Although O'kawa does not make me laugh as much as Tristen, I still am glad to be able to be by his side."

Ruki nodded, before continuing on in silence, digesting what she had just heard. After a while, she noticed Celandine was looking at her, and realized that the other woman was waiting for a response.

"I've never really loved anyone. My family was trying to marry me off to some gerk that I had met. My family was... is, rich, compared to others, and he only really wanted to be my husband because of the money factor. However... when I met Takato..." Ruki sighed and paused. "It's... weird, now, talking about the past. Igen... the past... we try to forget. Live in the present and the future, and learn from mistakes. But... just never actually talk about those mistakes. That's how it works there, where I live...." Ruki realized how brokenly she was speaking, and quickly corrected herself. "I know I might not make much sense, but living on... er, IN Igen is so different from where I used to live..."

Celandine studdied her, before making a quiet observation. "You were an outsider to our kind of people not too long ago, weren't you?"

Ruki blinked before looking at her. The other woman grinned. "I can tell by your face, you know. Many of my friends here are the same as you- they weren't born into this way of living. They... migrated here. Although they're not usually accepted, after a week everyone is fine with them. They're all driven by different things away from their homes- and, by the sound of it, it was your family and this jerk you speak of which drove you away."

Ruki growled in her throat, annoyed that someone could read her instead of the other way around. Celandine just laughed.

---

Lunch was a perfectly regular affair- no special foods, no special preperations or decorations. Well, normal for Benden. When Takato and Ruki had entered the dining hall, they were surprised by not only the number of people there, but the different selections of food. Many Bendeners assumed that Takato and Ruki were simply visitors from either a Hold or another Wyer on the mainland- more than likely the latter, based on the two new, strange digimon that entered the room after them.

Following Celandine and O'kawa, Takato and Ruki made their way to a table in the corner, away from most prying eyes.

"You'll forgive us, if you please- we'll introduce you properly tomorrow, but many from the mainland Wyers still do not want to associate with Igen, and are even less prone to look at someone with Igen blood." Celandine explained as she brought over some food to the nearly-abandoned table. A single, older man sat at the other end, watching them carefully. Noticing their looks, O'kawa gestured to the man.

"Oi, Shibumi. This is Takato and Ruki."

"Eh? Really? Then welcome to Benden and the mainland Wyers, Wyerleader, Wyerwoman." He said respectfully, bowing his head partially, before raising it to admire Takato and Ruki's fine, but simple, dress, and how power did not need to be shown by jewelery or other riches- it floated like an aura around them and their partners- before going back to his meal. Takato and Ruki soon followed suit.

"Shibumi here is the last descendant of the island Wyers that lives in one of the mainland Wyers," Celandine told them as they made their way up to the Wyerwoman's wyer. The stairs here, Ruki noticed, were certainly different than that of Igen Wyer- however, she did not care, as Takato had taken the opportunity to walk on the outside. O'kawa was already up in the wyer, preparing for their meeting.

"I'm sorry if I seem ignorant, Celandine, but... what are these island Wyers and mainland Wyers?" Ruki asked the other Wyerwoman.

"Yes, I forgot about that. You see, when the Wyers were first created, each Wyer had a certain, definite area to protect, and exactly three Holds each. One which went by the name of the Wyer, one close to the one which was named after the Wyer, and one on the border of another Wyer. There were fifty Wyers total, each with a group of Destined to protect the area they had been assigned. 25 mainland Wyers, and 25 island Wyers.

"However, as time went on, some Wyers began to grow larger, as others diminished. Some Wyers took over others, whether under mutual agreement, or forced surrender. In this way, the island Wyers, which were quite small, yet usually prosperous, slowly vanished, being taken over by the much larger mainland Wyers. This was known as the Conquest of the Islands. The mainland Wyers then began to fight- some Wyers supported others in the Conquest, so who should get the spoils? In the end, mainland Wyers began taking over neighbors, or banishing the losers to other Wyers, or far-away places. It was brutal- the Wyers were so caught up in either getting more space or protecting what they had that they forgot about their duty to protect those Holds put under their care originally, and those which they attained by the conquest. Even Benden Wyer, one of the few who did not participate in the conquest, ended up taking over some other Wyers only because those who had originally taken them over were unable to make the profit they had wanted."

Ruki nodded, understanding, as she and Takato followed Celandine up the final flight of stairs to the Wyerwoman's wyer. Inside sat Kotemon, Bearmon, and O'kawa, all sitting at the table, waiting patiently.

"Ah, there we are. Come now- tables are meant to be sat around, so let yourselves rest for some small, after-dinner chat." O'kawa said as he stood to pull back Celandine's chair for her, as Takato did so for Ruki.

When everyone was comfortable, O'kawa turned to the foreign leaders. "I heard from Celandine about Ruki's history. And, I myself am curious about Igen's history. For tomorrow's reference, and all the mainland Wyers, could you enlighten us to your Wyer's history, Takato?"

"I thought that Benden was the source of the mainland Wyers' information? Surely something about Igen is in the Records?" Takato replied, surprised.

"The only thing in our records is that Igen Wyer has gone through constantly dramatic changes through all of it's existance- that, and it exists." Celandine replied, O'kawa looking slightly lost. Ruki matched the Benden Wyerleader's look perfectly.

"I am sorry, but... 'Records'?"

"Er... I kinda forgot to mention that, did I?" Takato asked, nervously.

Ruki turned to him, and whispered in his ear, "If we weren't in the company of people we were trying to impress, I would pound you right now."

A meep was all the reply she let Takato give before turning back to the Benden leaders. Both were smiling. "I don't suppose that Takato would be able to mention something like the Records, considering that most of Igen's have been destroyed?" Celandine asked kindly, trying to stop herself smiling- and failing.

Takato nodded. "All the information once recorded in them now lies in the minds, memories, and thoughts of myself, and the other dozen left at Igen. The wild digimon and other creatures that inhabbit the island also know parts- however, not one of us knows everything."

"That is as it should be. Not even I know all the Records- and I was forced to study every line of every Record before anyone allowed me to claim the title Wyerwoman." Celandine said, almost as if talking to herself.

O'kawa nodded. "The Records, Ruki, are the History of the Wyer. Each Wyer keeps it's own Records- the Wyerwoman records whatever happens in them. She also is the only one allowed to look at the entirety of the Records, and draw knowledge and wisdom from them. They are ancient, sacred- and all very important."

"Especially for my all-time favorite Records, those of the anual tithings from the Holds, and the ingredients of ancient pastries." Celandine made a face, which Ruki could easily appreciate- she had to do something like that in Ista.

"Also, one mainland Wyer and one island Wyer were chosen to be the keepers of the Records of all the Wyers- in their Records, there was no difference between islands and mainlands, types of partners, or whatever else we base our judgements of people on. There are names, approximate locations, and what happened to each of the fifty Wyers. Most Records-"

"Exactly 43 Wyers." Celandine chimmed in.

"43 Wyer's Records end abruptly, and they are mentioned as Holds in the Records of one of the six mainland Wyers. This means that they were taken over in the Conquest, or in the Mainland War by another Wyer. Benden is the Record Keeper of the mainland Wyers, and always has been, too. And a small Wyer just South of the island called Ista was where the island Wyer Records were kept. Actually, I have seen the island they speak of, and I'm surprised it was considered a Wyer. It is not even as big as Benden Wyer! But, none the less, when that Wyer was taken over- it was in existance for such a short time that it's name is never mentioned- all the few Records it possessed were lost, and another island Wyer Record Keeper was never appointed. However, now one will be- in case something happens to Benden, the Gods forbid it. And the new island Wyer Record Keeper is the only remaining island Wyer- Igen."

Ruki blinked. "So... does this mean I'll have to write out every single Record?" She asked slowly, not sure about this.

Celandine laughed. "Unfortunately, yes. However, myself, and the Wyerwoman in training here at Benden shall help you- I have to school her now in the fine art of trying to not look too bored while reading about tithings and how much flour the cooks put in the pastries."

Ruki shared her laugh, before both turned to look at their Wyerleaders.

"So... back to what we were talking about before..." O'kawa said, turning to Takato. "For the Record, what exactly happened to Igen?"

Takato sighed. "You honestly want to know?"

Nods from all around the table, Digimon included, met his gaze, before he sighed in defeat and stretched. "Just to let you know... this is going to be long."

"Don't worry. Celandine can write pretty quickly." O'kawa replied, grinning as he heard the Wyerwoman's indignant 'HEY!' from one of the other rooms. She reappeared before long, her arms laden down with paper, writing untensils, and a small, thin thing that Ruki had never seen before. Takato, however, reconized it from when he was younger.

"Celandine... you have a D-Terminal?" Takato asked, surprised. Both the Benden leaders looked up in amazement at the thought that Takato had never seen one. Seeing their looks, Takato blushed and looked down. "I'm sorry... but I haven't seen any real technology for a while. Everything like that was destroyed in Igen's War...."

Nodding in understanding, O'kawa pulled two D-Terminals out of his pocket. "We thought so. Here- one for each of you." Takato took his, looked it once over, grinned, and placed it in a small pocket over his chest on his undershirt, hidden by his other layers of clothing. Ruki, however, upon recieving hers, stared at it dubiously. Takato noticed this, and placed it in the sash that went around her waist.

"I'll show you how to work it later, Ruki." Takato whispered in her ear, before turning back to face the other Wyerleaders. Celandine had her D-Terminal open, preparing it to record spoken words. The papers and pens in front of her lay temporarily forgotten, and Ruki took great interest in staring at them. Celandine saw this and discretely passed the other Wyerwoman a pen under the table for her to examine. Ruki took it gratefully, and began twirling it between her fingers.

Both Takato and O'kawa saw this, and smiled, before getting down to business. "Ready, Celandine?" Takato asked, taking a sip of water from a small cup in front of him.

When she nodded, Takato sighed, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair. For all intents and purposes, it looked as though he was asleep, and Ruki was about to kick him under the table, when he began to speak. His voice was monotone, and yet filled with something so ancient everyone around stopped what they were doing to listen. Celandine barely remembered to turn on the voice recorder before she, as well as Ruki and O'kawa settled back into their chairs.

"Before the time of the Wyers, Chaos reigned throughtout the World. Hoping to put a stop to it, small groups of people who were able to befriend and become connected to Digimon, banded together to form a group called the Wyers. The people, after stopping the Chaos, were called Destined by the other people, who all believed that they were sent by the Gods as people Destined to save them. Soon, the World was divided into the different Wyerlands, twenty five mainland Wyers, and twenty five island Wyers. However, the peace did not last. The Conquest of the Islands followed, and within ten years all the island Wyers were now under the control of the mainland Wyers, which then fought amongst themselves, creating the Mainland War. Every Wyer seemed to be fighting another, and no one had any true allie or enemy.

"However, one single, island Wyer, was not marked as something to take, or something to be wary off. Known as Isen, the single, long island stretched from one side of the world to nearly the other. It was not exceptionally prosperous, but it did not have enough trouble to try to take over other places. The actual Wyer was on the West part of the island, it's named Hold basically a part of the Wyer. The second Hold, the one close to the Wyer and Wyer-named Hold was almost exactly halfway between the East and West banks of the island. The final Hold, as far as you could get away from the Wyer, was on the Eastern-most part, nearly half a day apart from the Wyer it served under.

"The middle land of Isen was extremely low, the coastland actually being higher above sealevel than the middle of the middle land. The central part was actually nearly 20 m below sealevel- however, due to the higher coast and small rivers which ran out of it, the area was never flooded. Until just over 100 years ago. The Great Flood of Isen struck then, flooding the whole middle land. A few small islands were all that remained- the Hold that had once been there, known as Igen, was consumed by water, destroying everything and everyone there. A few people who had not been in Igen Hold were able to make it to those islands which remained. Using whatever materials they had, and rescue missions from the Wyer, every person who escaped the flood found refuge in either Isen Hold and Wyer, or Ista Hold, the small Hold on the other side of Isen.

"Where the refugee people went depended on their ideals. Isen Wyer and Hold were more honor bound, and law abaiding- however, the area they occupied was prime targets for anyone who still believed in the Conquest. Ista was completely different. They wanted nothing to do with Wyers, the Conquest, or anything else going on in the World. They had served, tithed, and prayed for the safety of people who lived nearly half a world away- too far to reach their Hold in time. They created their own law, their own code- they became a virtually seperate nation, seperate Wyer from Isen. They did not call themselves a Wyer or Hold, though- they called themselves a Kingdom, and established a monarchy.

"Isen, though wanting to reprimand Ista, realized that the salvation of the refugees, and mourning so many people and creatures, was to come first, before Ista. So, they re-named the Wyer Igen, in memory of the middle Hold. The Wyer-named Hold also became Igen. Ten years of mourning followed- rebuilding, restructuring, and recommencing the economy and all other aspects of life. At the end of ten years, Igen turned to Ista to support them against- being so far away, Igen, as Isen, never truly made Ista Hold into a full-fledged Hold, more like a permanent allie under their support and care, if Ista would return the favour.

"But the Igen Messenger was shot down in the sky by some- at the time- advanced weapons. When another messenger, more discreet, made their way to Ista, they found the unthinkable. In the ten years when Igen and Ista had had nearly no connection, Ista had erased all memory of the outside world from the new generations, and from those of the old. Any who even thought of anything and anywhere other than Ista was jailed, if not killed. The monarchs were strict, thinking that if they never spoke of anywhere else again, then everywhere else would never think of them again.

"And so it continued- Ista, off by itself, isolated from the rest of world and keeping itself stuck in the past. Igen, however, went a different route to ensure that they were not the subject of the next Conquest. Making an alliance with the six remaining Wyers- Benden, Fort, High Reaches, Southern, Telgar, and Keroon- was the main way to protect themselves. However, Igen and it's Wyerleaders did follow one thing that Ista did- shutting themselves off from most of the World, and only becoming involved in international affairs if they needed to be. Igen was the swing vote- if three mainland Wyers were for something, and three against it, Igen would step in to brake the tie, and the other Wyers would do the same if there was a tie between Igen and the other Wyers."

Takato sighed and slowly opened his eyes. Celandine, O'kawa and Ruki looked at him expectantly for more.

"Sorry. That's all I know."

O'kawa's eyes widened. "But-"

"It was the way things were done when Ruki's predecessor's mother was Wyerwoman. In Igen, from what I can remember, the first daughter of the Wyerleader and Wyerwoman would become the new Senior Wyerwoman when their mother died out. Any sisters the Wyerwoman-in-training would have became junior Wyerwoman, there to take over incase something happened to the current Wyerwoman before she could bear a child. The order the Wyerwomen were picked if that should happen was in descending order. If the new Wyerwoman already had a husband or mate, and the old Wyerleader was in good condition after his own mate or wife's death, then the new Wyerwoman would either choose between the old Wyerleader and her husband. Sometimes, she never chose, and ended up having two mates."

That surprised O'kawa. "Igen... goes by the maternal side?"

Takato shrugged. "I've heard legends of the Old Times, when instead of digimon we had dragons. With the end of some menace the Wyers fought ever 200 years- or Turns, I believe they were called- came the end of the Wyers, and of Dragon-kind. There were different kinds of dragons- however, the Wyerwoman, and all junior Wyerwoman, had Gold dragons- those dragons were not allowed to fight the menace properly, but they were the mothers of all Dragon-kind, and, as such, the most powerful and precious beings in every single Wyer."

"And... that is just a legend?" Celandine sighed, standing up and walking around to stretch.

"Yes. Legends in Igen, however, carry much weight, and most of our old ways were traditions, carried down from when the Wyers were created, the Conquest, and the Great Flood. Or, they were ideals and policies, based on legends, like the Dragons."

Ruki sighed, and looked at Takato. "Who has the next piece?"

Takato shurgged. "We who know the history of Igen were not told who the others were- for all I know, everyone else might have been... killed..."

He left it there, took a moment to compose himself, before continuing. "However, we are given a brief over-view of the times we do not know. From what I can tell, nothing really important happened between the Great Flood and the war last year..."

O'kawa and Celandine, noticing Takato's obvious pain, annoyance, and distress, shared a look before grabbing Ruki and Takato's hands and leading them up an inner flight of stairs, hidden behind one of the many tapestries hanging in the Council Room.

"This is a hidden Wyer we found. This will be your wyer while you stay here. Alright?" Celandine asked Ruki and Takato in quiet voices as they wound through the darkened tunnel, only the occasional flare or torch lighting their way.

"Yes, but... why do you use the old methods of lighting?" Takato asked, catching on to talk quietly in the tunnel.

"Because, normal lighting would be too dangerous. This is a hidden wyer- we do not want anyone to find this place. It is hidden, and shall remain hidden. My successor shall only be notified of it's existance on my death bed." Celandine replied. O'kawa remained silent- which Ruki caught onto.

"O'kawa, why do you not speak?" She asked, her voice hushed to the point of a very quiet whisper.

"O'kawa's voice has a habbit of echoing in here, as would our voices if we spoke normally. Come now- not much further..."

Through another tapestry, and all four stopped, amazed. A large, circular room was hewn from the stone, the walls lined with far too many tapestries, depicting all sorts of anceint battles and dragons. Takato grinned. Breen, Blue, Brown, Bronze and beautiful, but gigantic, Gold dragons and their riders covered the walls, as well as other depictions of far-off places. The rock that formed the walls sloped upwards to form a ledge above their heads which looked remarkably like a roof, a near-perfect cricular hole in the middle left open. Shimmering air in said skylight showed that an illusion was there to make it so that no one could see in and the rain stayed out, as directly below the skylight, in the middle of the room, was a pool, with steam coming off it. A small island in the middle showed the approximate place of where the water entered and left, while ledges in the pool on the outside edge and the island showed where people could sit.

Directly opposite the doorway they had entered (through a tapestry which depicted all the Dragons, and small dragon-like things), was a canopy bed, filled with beautiful and comfortable-looking sheets, quilts, comforters, pillows, and blankets. Rich blues, reds, and yellows was the main color scheme, blue and red being slightly more prominet than the yellow. The same material formed drapes around the bed, which had been pulled to the side.

To the right of the bed, and the left of the door was a small alcove with a wood-and-paper screen (ya know those three-piece screens with the wood frames and the patterend paper in between, and that's traditionally Japanese and used as either a partition or a changing screen? That thing), the pattern being pink blossoms scattered around, fire between them.

To their right, and the bed's left, was another alcove, this one with a finely-hewn stone bench and table, as well as beautifully decorated chairs. A ledge showed where food could be placed.

Also to the bed's left, directly beside it, was the last alcove, smaller than the others, and the opening, althoug just as wide, was barely three feet tall. It was filled with pillows, obviously meant for thier partners. Draperies not unlike the ones on the bed partially covered the opening.

The light from the skylight- the only source of light in the room, other than a small basket of glowing things by the bed- was reflected off the pool's small ripples, and cast pale, blue light everywhere, giving the wyer a mystical feeling to it. Both Takato and Ruki felt as though they had intruded on some sacred ground, and silently prayed to all the Gods they knew to forgive them for doing so.

Ruki felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Celandine looking at her. Speaking in her normal voice, Celandine commented, "We can speak in our normal voices here, you two. The barrier which blocks out storms and sight extends all the way around this room, also blocking out sound. And the tapestries do a pretty good job of that, too."

"Celandine... there's only one bed..." Ruki still whispered, only to the other Wyerwoman- Takato and O'kawa were also whispering about something.

"Oh... so you two aren't that comfortable together, ne?" Celandine asked, an evil-looking smile eding it's way onto her face.

Ruki blushed, wanting to retaliate, but simply muttered, "No."

Celandine sighed, the smile never leaving her face. "Well then, this is a perfect opportunity to get comfortable! You, my dear, are the Wyerwoman, and Takato the Wyerleader. Unless you can stand to kill him, you won't have a choice who is your mate- your husband. And, just to let you know- with all the protections on this room, no one outside can hear anything, even if they're just on the other side of the tapestry."

Ruki blushed and gasped as she realized what Celandine was saying. the Benden Wyerwoman grinned, before moving towards the exit. Ruki, through her haze of both embarrassedness and anger, barely noticed that Takato sported a blush and look quite similar to what she knew must be on her face at the moment.

"Er... Takato?"

"Yes, Ruki?"

"...what are we going to do?"

"I could sleep on the floor."

Ruki was about to agree- however, her conciousness somehow got the better of her. 'Darn it... I should be able to tell him that it would be fine with me... oh well.'

"No. Er- I mean..." Ruki blushed as Takato looked at her, before he hugged her.

"Don't worry. I'll sleep on one side of the bed, and you on the other. Okay?"

Ruki blinked at him, before nodding.

Ruki and Takato looked at each other, before sighing.

"Shall we go to sleep, then?" Ruki asked him, gently. Takato nodded, still not releasing her from his arms. Both cast their eyes around, trying to find any clothing that could at least act like sleep ware.

"I thought we were supposed to be supplied with clothing." Ruki muttered, wanting now, more than ever, to get to sleep. Takato, deciding to check their new quarters out, loosed his grip on Ruki, and instead took her hand in his, dragging her to their left, where the screen was. "Wha-"

She cut herself off abruptly as, around the corner, two piles of clothes, beautifully made and obviously freshly washed, waited for them. Five pairs of clothes each- skirts, dresses, and shirts for Ruki, breeches, tunics, vests and shorts for Takato. Takato grabbed his piles of clothes, and left the alcove to let Ruki change. Slipping into a light, pale blue silk dress, Ruki admired herself in a large mirror she found attached to the wall. The dress, although not tight and conforming, hugged al her curves perfectly, and she almost laughed outright, changing it into a giggle, at the thought that if she was planning what Celandine suggested, this would be the perfect dress. With it's low neckline, thin straps, low hemline and slits up to her waist on the sides, she looked exactly like a temptress.

Letting her hair out of it's bindings, and applying a small amount of her mother's ruby cream to her lips and kohl to her eyes, Ruki couldn't help but almost wish that she had someone to seduce. Her mind strayed to Ryou- 'That pompus bastard. I hope to never think, or see him, again!'- before moving immediately to Takato. At this thought she stopped, and recalled Celandine's words.

"...You, my dear, are the Wyerwoman, and Takato the Wyerleader. Unless you can stand to kill him, you won't have a choice who is your mate- your husband...."

Deciding that she not only like this title, but what it entailed her to do, especially at Igen, Ruki smirked into the mirror. 'I can stand to have a husband like Takato, especially after that jerk...'

Grabbing her other clothing and putting them into a small carved out area in the alcove, Ruki stepped out, to find Takato standing with his back to the room, looking down into the pool.

"Takato..." Ruki whispered gently.

He swung around to face her, his eyes widening at the sight.

"R.. Ru... Ruki... er... wow... erm..."

Ruki rolled her eyes. "Your turn, Takato. And don't worry- I won't peak."

Grabbing the clothes he had placed down beside him, he hurried into the alcove. Ruki almost laughed at this- however, she quickly decided to tell Takato about the indents where they could put their clothes.

"Takato..." She said gently as she turned the corner of the screen. He stood with his back to her, against, with his top already off, and it looked like he was removing his pants.

"I thought you said you wouldn't peak?" He taunted her jokingly, turning his head to grin at her. Ruki rolled her eyes, before bending down and grabbing his clothes.

"There's a place over here where you put them." She called over her shoulder, placing him clothes in the other area.

"Thanks, Ruki."

"Your welcome."

Walking back out of the alcove, Ruki examined the bed. Big enough to hold at least two people, and filled with pillows. Grinning, Ruki began to dig her way through the pillows, pushing them onto other parts of the bed. Somehow, she managed to make a cocoon out of the pillows, and found the top of the sheet. Slipping under it, she was about to fall asleep when she heard Takato's voice call out, "Ruki?"

"I'm on the bed."

He heard his muffled response. "I only see pillows."

"I'm under the pillows."

She didn't hear anything else, until the bed slightly dented to her right, signalling that Takato had just gotten on.

"Ruki?"

"You have to find me, first. I am not moving."

A barely audible sigh, before a few pillows near her feet were picked away. Slowly, more and more pillows were removed from her cocoon before three pillows, right above her head, were taken away, and Takato looked down on her. A small blush crept onto his face, and it was obvious he was trying to look away, but not succeeding. Wondering what the source of his uncomfortable-ness was, Ruki looked down to see that her low neckline became nearly no neckline, for all the good it did her. Also, one of her straps had slid off her shoulders, revealing a little too much for her liking.

However, she looked up again, and Takato had turned his head away.

'Perfect...'

She reached up, grabbing his neck, and pulling him down. He flipped over her, manouvering his body in the little space provided so that he did not land on her. However, he did end up stradling her waist, and his head somehow found the area just above the neckline of her nightgown.

Ruki blushed, about to smack him off, when Celandine's words echoed once again in her mind. 'A little fun never hurt anyone...' she thought to herself as she reached down and picked up Takato's head, cradling it in her hands. "Now now, Takato. It's not nice to stick your face in a lady's chest." She told him, her voice sounding like she was talking to a two year-old.

Takato raised his head to look right at her eyes. "You realized that you are right in the middle of the bed, right?"

"Really? Whatever shall we do?"

Takato's eyes develloped a slightly evil look to them as she slid under the sheet beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and gently nibbling on her ear lobe. "I have a pretty good idea..."

Ruki sighed happily, wistfully, before turning her head to meet his own. "It's sleepy-sleepy time now, Takato. Maybe tomorrow, if we're not so tired..."

He groaned but obeyed, snuggling down with her under the sheet and pillows. "I love you, Ruki."

"I love you too, Takato."

Both fell asleep moments afterwards.

---

Yes yes, could be longer, I know. Anyways, this is part two of the Christmas Upload Present! Two updates for stories... and I've been working on this chapter for a LONG time... mrow.

So, yes, not many notes. Anyways... Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, Happy Holidays, and all that crap... ja matta ne!