-

Author's Note: The names of the Chosen Children are the original Japanese names; however, the Digimons' names and their evolution forms may not be the original Japanese names (also, I do not know the Dark Evolution for Patamon). If anyone is available to such knowledge, please inform/confirm me in a review or e-mail. Thank you.

Love Knows No Bounds
Bind 4: Meeting the Kaiser I

-

Three weeks passed since the Chosen Children started battling the new Digimon Kaiser. (They had, through difficult means, discovered a way to return to the Digital World.) Although the present Digimon Kaiser had less time than the former Kaiser to form his malevolent empire, he was equal, if not superior, to Ken in brutality and power. Even his battle tactics, masterfully constructed, were malicious in nature by forcing the Chosen Children to make unwilling and difficult sacrifices. The new Digimon Kaiser, monsters and humans alike noted, was an evil force all on his own.

Like before when the Dark Towers held the reigns to the Digital World, the older Chosen Children could not get their Digimon to evolve. So they provided wisdom and advice to the younger Chosen Children as they had done before. Constantly the Chosen Children and Digimon Kaiser fought for control of areas, the delicate scale always favoring one side over another; but throughout all of their numerous encounters and battles, the Chosen Children never met the new Ruler of Darkness in person.

-

"Patamon, are you sure that this is the way to the Kaiser's base?" Hikari asked the little yellow-winged Digimon, the two seeking shade behind a sand dune. "You sure you aren't making any mistakes?" After Takeru had disappeared, Hikari had naturally taken the depressed and traumatized Patamon underneath her wing, figuratively speaking. Out of all the Chosen Children, Patamon related most easily with Hikari and Tailmon, which slightly surprised Yamato (who was Takeru's older brother).

Patamon, from his official perch on top of Hikari's head, nodded earnestly. "Yes. I'm sure."

Working together, Koushiro and Patamon had discovered information about the Kaiser's base, which the Chosen Children planned on destroying. Basically they were using the same plan they had used to defeat Ken in his Kaiser days. Although the former Kaiser had gotten a little nervous at first, he had offered all and any information on how an evil genius-bent-on-ruling-the-world would think. The information provided had assisted the Chosen Children many times against the Digimon Kaiser, so it proved very trustworthy information.

"Well, at least we're getting somewhere. It's a good thing too, that it's summer vacation," Taichi sighed, wiping some sweat from his brow, "or else we would be facing the scolding faces of our parents." A few laughed at the weak joke, although most were trying to find a way to stay cool beneath the hot, desert sun. The Chosen Children were walking in the wasteland, and their water supplies were depleting quickly. Luckily, the sun was setting, and the sands would soon be cool.

"Hey, Sora, are you all right?" Yamato asked in concern while handing her a water canteen. He helped her take a seat in the sand and sat next to her as she drank some water.

"I'm fine, Yamato. I'm just a little tired and hot, that's all," Sora smiled sheepishly at her boyfriend. Her cheeks were as red as her hair from the heat, but Sora maintained her good humor. She held up the canteen to Yamato curiously. "Do you mind if I--"

Understanding her meaning, Yamato urged helpfully, "No, go ahead."

Takenuchi grinned gratefully. "Thanks Yamato." She then turned towards Piyomon, offering the canteen to her fatigued Digimon partner. "Here, Piyomon, have some water and rest some. You really need it."

"Thank you, Sora, Yamato," Piyomon chirped thankfully as she drank her fill. The bird Digimon then passed the container to Gabumon to take a drink. "Ah, I really needed that."

"Everyone needs a break," Taichi muttered to himself, scoping the group's surroundings. He knew his friends were tired, and going into battle in a weakened state would do no one any good. Seeing no immediate danger around them and feeling semi-secure, Taichi turned to the Chosen Children and their Digimon and announced, "All right, everyone, we're going to rest behind this dune's shade here and wait until the desert is a little cooler. When we're all rested, then we'll continue our plan."

The entire party cheered and immediately plopped themselves onto the partially cooled sand. Most of the Digimon and Children took this time to quench their thirst and fill their bellies with some food (compliments from Miyako and Mimi); Jyou nursed and bandaged some cuts and blisters others suffered from; Taichi, Koushiro, and Ken (with their Digimons' assistance) reviewed and revised their plan of attack.

Everyone was beginning to relax, until the youngest Chosen Child spotted something. "Hey, look at that, in the sky!" Iori exclaimed, pointing to the setting sun. The other Chosen Children looked to where he was directing and saw a massive shadow floating in the sky: the Digimon Kaiser's floating fortress.

"That must be the Kaiser's base," Taichi muttered, shading his squinting eyes with his hand. "It's a lot larger than I expected. Heh, I hate to admit it, but this Kaiser beat you in the evil fortress thing. Don't you agree, Ken?" Yagami commented teasingly. Yamato, Hikari, and a few others (only two others) chuckled at Taichi's second weak joke; their spirits were slightly improving. Ken nodded in agreement, one of the chuckling few.

Miyako sighed with exasperation. "Would you quit teasing Ken and try to concentrate on our plan?" the girl snapped. "Jeez, he already has his own memories to face. He doesn't need us constantly reminding him what he used to be." Unfortunately, Miyako was part of the other party, the few who were still agitated by the heat, and was not herself.

"Who died and made you leader?" Daisuke snapped back, the young man also moody from the desert sun. "They were just trying to make the others feel better." Miyako gave a death glare to Daisuke, and she was not surprised he filled the role of insensitivity.

"Well, you little--"

"It's okay, Miyako. I don't mind them teasing," Ken quickly assured, placing a cheering hand on Miyako's shoulder. "Besides, Taichi meant no harm and it's all in the past. You should sit down now or else you'll over exert yourself and overheat" While Miyako blushed from Ken's kindness, the other Chosen Children giggled quietly at the sight of the two.

Nursing an oncoming headache, Taichi sighed inwardly. 'Oh, boy, this is going to be one rough day.'

-

Once the sun had set and the air was cool, the Chosen Children began their assault. Using Piyomon, Hawkmon, and Tentomon's flying abilities, the group discovered an entrance where they would sneak into the base. Holsmon, Raidramon, Digmon, and Nerfertimon then took turns transporting the Chosen Children to their secret opening. Afterwards, Koushiro and Ken developed a rough sketch of the base and presented it to the group. Their plans were underway.

After crawling through the air ventilation system of the Digimon Kaiser's fortress for ten minutes, the Chosen Children emerged from the maze and dusted themselves off, coughing and sneezing while doing so. When he himself was out of the vents, Taichi counted heads and made sure everyone was present and accounted for. After the hasty roll call, Taichi asked quietly, "Koushiro, where do you think we are right now?"

Koushiro quickly checked his lab-top and the rough sketch. After a few minutes of typing and comparing, the computer wizard answered confidently, "According to the information we have, we're currently in the storage bay. The engine room shouldn't be far from here, and we can reach the bridge easily if we follow this route."

"All right, then we'll split up into two groups. One group will be in charge of disabling the engine while the other will capture the Digimon Kaiser," Taichi planned, sketching on the rough blue prints. "From the second group, we'll form small teams. We'll then search the base, and whoever finds the Kaiser first, flare your digivice; and after we beat him, I'll treat the group who had found the Kaiser to the finest restaurant in Japan!" Everyone cheered.

"Why bother looking for me when I'm right here!" an evil voice yelled, the sound echoing through the enormous room. All the Chosen Children turned around and caught sight the new Digimon Kaiser. They were not impressed. He was dressed as the same way Ken had dressed when he was the Digimon Kaiser, down to the very last fiber of fabric. He even had the lovely blue goggles to match, but this Digimon Kaiser was a blonde and had far more unruly hair.

"So, Chosen Children, we finally meet. I had expected you to find me sooner, but I forgot your lot had a smaller mental capacity than most," the Digimon Kaiser sighed loftily, an arrogant smirk across his face.

Hearing the insult, the young Children jumped to attack, however, the others stopped them in an instant. The older Children trembled, forcing away their anger. They, like their younger counterparts, felt greatly insulted, but unlike the younger Children, knew better to react on their furious impulses. From experience they wisely acknowledged the Digimon Kaiser's tactic.

"You better watch your dumb mouth!" Daisuke yelled, fighting Taichi and Yamato's hold on him. "I'm going to make you pay for your words and what you've done to the Digital World! Just you wait, Kaiser!"

"Yeah, just you wait!" V-mon shook his fist at the Kaiser. He, like all the other Digimon, was furious a weakling, demented child had insulted his human partner.

The Digimon Kaiser shook his head, partially amused by Daisuke and V-mon's belligerent reaction. "Tsk, tsk. You two should never make brash threats. It's never a good idea, especially if you can't carry them out," the Digimon Kaiser reprimanded. With a dark chuckle, the cruel dictator added, "And trust me, you won't, Motomiya Daisuke."

"How do you know my name? I didn't know I was that famous!" Daisuke commented with surprise. Everyone collapsed from embarrassment and shame, even the Digimon Kaiser.

The Digimon Kaiser, after he had recomposed himself, rolled his eyes at Daisuke comment. "I feel sorry for you Chosen Children, having always to deal with such a fool." Returning his attention to Daisuke (although he thought a waste of his time), the Kaiser cackled smugly, "You aren't famous, Daisuke, just stupid. And I know more than just your name, Motomiya Daisuke. I know your deepest fears, the darkest depths of your heart. I know why you doubt yourself, why you cry at night when you think no one is watching."

"Sh-shut up!" Daisuke shouted. "You don't know anything about me!" He was trembling in Taichi and Yamato's hands, and the two older boys did not know what to do. Ken was about to say something, but the Digimon Kaiser spoke before he did. "And you're no better than this brainless dolt, Ichijouji. It took you a little too long to figure out where my base was, even though it was in clear view," the Digimon Kaiser glared. "You're just as weak and spineless as Daisuke."

Ken stood silently, allowing the Digimon Kaiser's words seep into his heart. Wormmon, realizing what was happening to Ken, stepped forward and protested, "Ken is not weak! He's a lot stronger than you'll ever be!"

"That's right--Ken is a lot stronger than you'll ever be!" Miyako yelled, joining Wormmon. "He, at least, fought the Darkness and won. Unlike you, Ken doesn't let the Darkness boss him around!" The girl's outburst made the Kaiser laugh, and in the middle of it, Miyako wished she had kept quiet: not because she believed her comment silly but because the Digimon Kaiser's voice was unbearably cold and cruel.

"Thank you very much for your dumb comment of the day. The words were so refreshing coming from loving, sincere Miyako," the evil lad laughed, mockingly applauding the Chosen Child. "You'll soon find out, silly girl, that Darkness doesn't control me; you'll see that nothing masters me! BlackTailmon, come forth!" Right then, a sable-colored Tailmon with a Dark Ring on her tail stealthily appeared from above and landed gracefully before the Digimon Kaiser.

The ebony feline monster bowed before the Kaiser respectfully. "You called, Lord?"

"Chosen Children, I'd like you to meet BlackTailmon," the Kaiser introduced sinisterly. "I hope you get along well because she'll be the one to destroy you all." Right then, Tailmon and Hikari stepped forward and ahead of the others.

"Hikari, what are you doing?" Taichi demanded while trying to pull his sister back. Augumon stopped his partner from reaching her, earning a questioning look from Taichi. However, when the young man looked into his Digimon's blue eyes, he knew the situation was out of his hands.

'Whatever you do, Hikari,' Taichi begged in his thoughts, 'don't get yourself hurt. I don't care if the World comes to end, just don't get hurt, Hikari.'

"It's us against you, Kaiser!" Hikari yelled. "I won't let you have your way with the Digital World anymore. This is where your evil ends."

"How sure are you that this is my evil, Yagami Hikari?" the Digimon Kaiser chuckled, stroking his chin menacingly. "Perhaps this evil as you call it is the product of yourself; perhaps you are the reason why the Digital World suffers so?"

Hikari reddened at the accusation. "You blame me for the Digital World's condition? How can you accuse me of being the reason the Digital World is like this when you're the one enslaving Digimon and place those cruel Dark Rings on them!" Taking a firm step forward, the young lady exclaimed, "I'll never let the Darkness take what belongs to the Light, not without a fight!" Watching as the events unfolded before them, the other Chosen Children had no idea what Hikari and the Digimon Kaiser were talking about or what they were about to do.

'I won't let the Darkness consume all the Light!'

"Yagami Hikari, Chosen Child of Light," the Digimon Kaiser whistled, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "The one who holds the Light within herself, Yagami Hikari: heh, I see now why you're defensive about this. And now I see that my job will be so much easier once you're out of the way. How should we deal with our honored guest, BlackTailmon?"

"Whichever way you desire, Lord," BlackTailmon answered craftily, flexing her claws and glancing at her white counterpart deviously, "although, it would be nice to do things the old fashioned way. A duel, perhaps?"

Pleased with his minion's answer, the Digimon Kaiser asked Hikari, "So, what should our stakes be, other than the Fate of all Reality?" Everyone, other than Hikari, Taichi and their Digimon, looked even more confused than before.

"You're awful," Hikari cried, glaring at the Digimon Kaiser with disgust. "Is there any greater stake than that? What else is more valuable than that? What kind of monster are you!"

"Well, we should make our duel a little more personal, and saving/destroying all reality is just so general," the Kaiser cooed coldly. "Come on, Yagami, what's the point of a duel without a personal prize? I promise, it will be fun. Here, I'll help you--If you win, I'll tell you who I am and let you Chosen Children leave my fortress without a scratch, giving you another chance. If I win, you have to give up Tailmon's tail ring and leave me to do as I please. Fair?"

Gasping, Hikari looked down at Tailmon worriedly. The feline Digimon gave her human partner a catty grin. "What's there to worry about, Hikari? It doesn't matter what we bet for because we're going to win." Flexing her claws, Tailmon growled, "Just let him try taking my tail ring." Hikari nodded at Tailmon's encouragement and gave her opponent a steely glare.

The Digimon Kaiser smiled at Hikari's consent. "They always knew that you were the smartest one out of all these fools," he chuckled while sweeping his cape about him. "Light always has to please everyone, even the Darkness." The Kaiser's quote got Ken's attention as well Taichi's. A suspicion was building up in the brunette haired lad.

'Could it be? Could the Digimon Kaiser really be--?'

"Tailmon! Evolve!" Hikari yelled, flaring her digivice.

The Digimon took her cue. "Tailmon, Evolve! Angewomon!" An embracing light radiated from the angelic Digimon as she descended beside her human partner. The once darkened storage bay was now lit brightly, the cold atmosphere driven away by Angewoman and Hikari's presence.

The Digimon Kaiser, slightly shrinking away from the Light, smirked. He brought out a Dark digivice from the folds of his cape, chuckling evilly as the trinket began glowing Darkness. "Now, it's my turn."

"Why is it suddenly so cold?" Mimi shivered. The other Children, like her, felt waves of icy air attacking them and pulling away their very lives. The warmth and joy Hikari and Angewomon had produced earlier had now melted away.

"BlackTailmon! Dark Evolve!" the Kaiser commanded.

"BlackGatomon, Dark Evolve! LadyDevimon!"

Another tidal wave of cold atmosphere pulled the Chosen Children into its eerie depths. Their hearts saddened and grew hopeless, an image of their possible failure flashing through their minds. Through their drowning in Darkness, most of the Children were able to gasp in fear, "LadyDevimon!"

"How do you like her? Lovely, isn't she?" the Kaiser asked, laughing at the shocked faces of the Chosen Children. He knew depressing notions presently passed through the Chosen Children, and the Digimon Kaiser relished at their fear and pain. Their sorrow was comfort to his pain.

"How did you do that?" Ken demanded through gritted teeth, ousting from his mind his bitter memories of his deceased brother. Ichijouji, unlike Daisuke, Miyako, and Iori, fought well against the Kaiser and LadyDevimon's evil auras because of his former ties to Darkness; and he would put his resistance to some use. "How are you manipulating the Darkness like this, Digimon Kaiser?"

'Who are you!'

"Well, wouldn't you like to know!" the Digimon Kaiser cackled sinisterly, motioning LadyDevimon to begin her attack. The battle between Light and Darkness, the Digimon Kaiser thought, would prove to be much amusement to him.

-