Apparently this story got a better response than I thought that it would. I would like to thank those who reviewed the previous chapter. Your comments were most appreciative. Anyways, I hope that you enjoy this chapter. As usual, I don't own digimon.

Chapter 2:
First Encounter

Daisuke's POV...

Its strange how things turn out when you didn't do anything to cause it. After saving Hikari, Izumi and Takuya I was prepared to walk off until Hikari asked if I wanted to join them. I don't know what it was, I have been traveling on my own for years and not caring for the company of others. But for some unexplained reason I actually wanted their company.

Coming back to the present, the four of us were continuing our walk down the dirt path that would lead us to the nearby town. It was now midmorning and I was walking behind the two girls as I watch their backs. Besides me was Takuya who seemed to be a decent kid but he couldn't keep his mouth close for a minute if his life depended on it.

"Man, you're were amazing. I've never seen anyone do what you did with those bandits. It was as if they were standing still by the way you were moving. I bet you're the best swordsman around." "Thank you for your praise for my ability but don't get it wrong. They were simply overwhelmed with my speed. If it was someone else that fought them the outcome would probably come out different. Besides, I wouldn't say that I am the best swordsman their is. Their are many others out their who could possible be far superior than I am. Like am old saying that I know, you might be the best at something but their is always someone who is more better than you."

That seemingly was enough to keep Takuya quiet for the moment. For a while not a word was said between anyone which suited me fine since I enjoy being able to relax and hear the calm peaceful sound of nature. "Their is something I have be meaning to ask you Daisuke. Why were you walking through the woods in the middle of the night? I mean, don't you have someplace to call home?" asked Hikari. "Not really. I am just a simple traveler who goes place to place doing what I need to do and not stay no longer." "That sounds sad. Don't you ever feel depressed that you travel all over the place without taking the time to make a decent life for yourself?" voiced Izumi. "Can't say that it does. I may not have the greatest life in the world but it suits me just fine."

Hikari's POV...

Turning my head back to the front of the dirt path I began to wonder if their was more to Daisuke than meets the eye. He apparently doesn't have a long term place that he would called home but seems perfectly okay with it. Another thing that surprise me was that he didn't show any sign of arrogance when Takuya was praising him on how good he handled a sword. He went so far as say that their could be better swordsman than he was, which I found hard to believe after seeing him in action.

Seemingly, I most have been deep in thought since I didn't notice of Izumi's conversation until she shook me by the shoulder. "Hey, didn't you hear my question?" "Sorry. I must have been not paying attention. What was your question again?" "I asked what do you think about this Daisuke guy? I mean, you are good at judging people." "Well, I am not to sure about it but I sense that he is a kind person with a big heart. However, I also sense that he is hiding something. Whether that something is good or bad I don't know. Their is just something that makes me trust him completely."

"Maybe you're right about that but you have to admit that he isn't that bad looking." "What are you talking about? I haven't notice anything special about him that is worth mentioning." "Come on Hikari, don't tell me that you saw him walking from the shadows to save us and the way he fought you weren't captivated by him." "I'll admit that he is incredible when fighting with a sword but I still don't see anything that would make him appear better than any other boy. Besides, why are you even looking at him like that? I thought you liked Takuya." "M-Me and Ta-Takuya? What are you taking about?"

"Don't try to deny it. This is me after all, your best friend. I've seen the way you look at him when he isn't looking and always wanting to be beside with him whenever we are traveling." "Th-That doesn't prove anything. We're just good friends." "Sure you are. Face it, it's obvious that like him and I think the feeling is mutual." "Okay, I might like Takuya but he obviously he doesn't like me the same way. So for now can we please drop the subject?" "Alright, I we don't have to talk about it anymore. Besides, we're close to the town and we could always continue some other time."

****

After another hour we finally reach the town and everywhere that you went their were large crowds in each passage. "Can you tell me why you guys wanted to come here? Is this town where you live?" asked Daisuke as he tried to pass by people to keep up with us. "No, we don't live in this town. We live in the next one. The reasons we came here is because we were returning from a trip and on the back we saw that we need to gather some supplies. You don't mind do you?" When I didn't get an answer I turned around to see if Daisuke got lost from us but he was only about ten feet away from me. Walking over to him I noticed that even though he wasn't moving his head his eyes were moving all over the place as if he was trying to see something.

Reaching over I put my hand on his shoulder and that seemingly made him return to normal. "Are you alright Daisuke?" "What? Oh yes I'm okay Hikari. I just must of lost focus for a while their. I'm fine now." "Alright, if you're sure about that then lets get a move on so that we lose Takuya and Izumi in this crowd." As we hurry to catch up with the others I saw that despite his best efforts to hide it he was still showed small signs of concern and whatever it might be all anyone could do is wait and see what happens next.

Daisuke's POV...

I knew that this would happen sooner or later. Not soon after I stepped into this town I sensed that something. *Their is someone out here and whoever the person is most likely they're not here by coincidence.* Trying to make it not obvious that I was on to the person I looked around for anything out of the ordinary. But before I could really take a look Hikari came over to me. Not wanting her or the others to realize what I was sensing I tried to pretend I was okay and nothing was wrong. However, as we went to rejoined the others I keep having that same feeling that something was going to happen and it wouldn't be long for it to transpire.

For most of the day nothing happen. We just went throughout town gathering up the needed supplies. When we were almost done we suddenly heard some kind of commotion. Running to where we heard it come from we had to maneuver our way through people who were running in the opposite direction. Grabbing the nearest person I grabbed some man and began to question him. "What's going on? What has happen?" "It was terrible. Out of nowhere some man started to rampage through the streets and slashing at everyone with his sword that was in his way." "Tell me, where was this man going to?" "I believe he was heading towards the center of town."

Getting everything that I wanted I let the man go. "Listen you guys. I want you to help the towns people as far away from here as possible." "But what are you going to do Daisuke?" "I'll be dealing with the man that is causing the trouble and don't follow me. It will be better if you stay as far away from the area as you can." Before any of them could argue I ran towards the center of town where it was said that this man was going to be. Hopefully I would be able to stop him before anyone else could get hurt.

As I was getting closer to the center of town I saw that their were fewer people around. I was glad about that since I didn't want anyone around who could get hurt. When I finally arrived I saw that their was nothing around except for some shops and a fountain in the middle of the open area. Taking in my surroundings I saw that their wasn't a single living person around but I knew that some where in the area the man that I seek was nearby. Walking around I started to search for him. I wouldn't have to wait long as a kunai came flying at me from the left. Acting quickly I bent backwards to make the kunai fly pass me and hit the nearby wall. Having much time to think about it three more kunais came flying down at me but this time from the front. Leaping to the side I barely moved out of the way as the three kunais imbedded themselves into the ground.

"Impressive. I had a feeling that you would be able to avoid those kunais." Getting back to my feet I turned around I saw a man who was about three feet taller than me with black hair that was greased back to a low ponytail. He was wearing all black clothes and strapped to his back was a sword and all around his belt was many more kunais. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Shen Shinto, I am here to take care of you." Reaching for my sword I pulled it out and positioned it in front of me. "You can try but you aren't the first one to try and you most certain won't be the last." Without more discussion, I charged forward to begin the fight.

Hikari's POV...

Convincing the towns people to evacuate the area wasn't a difficult assignment. Once their were told what was going on they were more than willing to vacate the area for a safer location. We were all now on the outskirts of town, about half a mile away. From where we were no one could see anything out of the ordinary in the town. However, without warning, half of one of the buildings started to come crumbling down. "What in the world is going on over there?" "I don't know Takuya but isn't that near the place that Daisuke ran off to?" asked Izumi.

I don't know what made me do it but I started running back into town. Takuya and Izumi seemingly wanted to follow her but saw that they would be better off if they stayed and try to help with the injured towns people. Running down the deserted roads I quickly reached the center of town. Hiding behind one of the buildings I saw Daisuke facing off against what I assumed was the person responsible for all the trouble that has happen. From where I was standing I saw that never one had the advantage so far in the fight but that would soon change as these two fighters continued to fight.

Daisuke's POV...

Minutes Ago...

Charging forward I prepared to start off the fight. I knew that this person wasn't going to be taken down as easily as the bandits but it would allow me to estimate his fighting ability. Moving in I tried to deliver a thrust to his chest. But before I could connect he pulled out the sword from behind his right shoulder and positioned it in front of my sword. Leaping back before he could do a counter strike I surmise my opponent. *He's quick. He was able to tell where my attack was going and was able to come up with a counter for it. It's clear that this man Shen isn't no amateur. I need to stay on guard because one mistake will cost me more than just this fight.*

"Surprised you with that defensive move didn't I? That just shows you that no matter how fast you move I will be able to counteract it." Reaching into his right sleeve he pulled out a small chain and tried it around the hilt of the sword. Once he did that he throw his sword at me. Moving aside I easily avoided the sword which allowed it to embedded itself into the building behind me. "What were you hoping to accomplish with that? You must have known that I would have simply move away from that attack. So why did you even try?" "Just look over to where my sword hit and you'll see why."

Looking back I saw that his sword was still plunge into the building wall. But I then realize that the chain was still connect to the sword which lead back to Shen's arm. With a quick tug the sword was freed and went back to Shen's hand. "Now I see. With the chain attached to the sword's hilt you are able to use it as a spear but with the pull of the chain you can bring back to your hands." "You got me there but you forgot back one thing." Seemingly to answer my question, the building wall that Shen's sword hit started to couple down. "That is another one of my specialties. I am able to find the weak points of any object allows me to make the entire structure to breakdown with one swipe of my sword. But I am disappointed in myself, I should've of been able to knock that whole building down. I guess I held back too much in my throw. Now don't you start thinking that I can only do that with just objects. I am able to do the same thing to people, only it is more bloody."

Not saying anything I ready myself for when he throw his sword again. When he did I moved away from the attack and ran at him in a attempt to finish the fight. *His attack is impressive but it leaves him vulnerable after the sword is thrown.* Jumping into the air I tried to land my sword on his right shoulder. Unfortunately, just as I was about to connect he placed a different in the way. Taken off guard by his defensive move I couldn't block the kick that he gave me. Stumbling to the ground I saw that I had to not only worry about Shen's sword spear attack but also his second sword as well. "You thought I didn't know that you were going to try to attack me after I threw my sword? I must of surprised you more than I thought since you couldn't avoid my counter attack."

"I see now. You are using a kodachi. A sword that is smaller than a regular sword but longer than a dagger. Used mostly as a defensive weapon due to its size." Getting back to my feet I wiped the trickle of blood from the corner of my mouth and looked over to Shen. "You use your sword spear maneuver as a offensive weapon and it you are in a close in fight you use the kodachi as a defense until you are able to retrieve your other sword. A clever tactic but it will take more than that to take me down." Going back to a fighting stance I waited for the next attack. For almost a minute neither one of us move for we both knew that one false move could cost them dearly.

It seemed as though neither of us would move an inch until we heard some crying. Looking over to the left I saw a little girl crying. Most likely because she was scared and couldn't find her parents. "Now look what we got here. Some scared little girl has interrupted our fight. I figure it is only right that she be used as a example to those who get in my way." Turning back to Shen I saw that he was actually going to launch his sword at the girl. Moving quickly I ran towards the girl just as Shen launch his sword. With not much time to do much I leapt at the girl and when I grabbed her I used the momentum to roll out of the way of sword.

"Damn it, I can't believe I miss. I was hoping to at get one of you." After making sure that the girl was okay I set her down and turned back to Shen. "You think this is like some big game where you decide who lives and who dies? It's time for you learn that you shouldn't toy with human life." Wasting another moment I went charged forward. As expected Shen launched his sword at me which I once again avoided and continued towards him. But he expected me to do that and ready himself to block my attack with his kodachi. When I was in striking distance I attempted to slashed my sword to his left side however it was blocked by the kodachi.

By the look on Shen's face he thought that he prevented another one of my attacks but he was mistaken as I pulled out my sword's sheath from my waistband and struck him in the chest. Because of the force that I put into the blow he inadvertently pulled on the chain on the way down to the ground that it caused his other sword to come flying back. Moving quickly I dropped the sheath to turn around and grab the incoming sword in my hand. Turning back around I stepped over to Shen and placed both his sword and mine on both sides of his neck, similar to a scissor like hold.

"Please don't kill me. I didn't mean to cause trouble." spoke the now frighten Shen. "You lie. You didn't care about all the people that you hurt. You were even willing to kill a child." "I'm sorry. I know the things that I did were wrong. Please, show some mercy." "Why should I? Once I let you go you could just do the same thing again. I will not let that happen." Just when I was about to use both swords to cut his neck I noticed that the little girl was still in the area and was looking at what was going on in fear. This was probably the first time she ever saw and experience a near death experience. Not wanting her to witness someone killing another person I stepped away from Shen and removed the swords from his neck. Unclipping his sword spear I throw it to the far end of the town square.

"I won't do it. Killing you won't make up for what you have done today. Leave now and don't come back." Walking away I left Shen where he was and not looking back. Obviously not preferring to end the battle the way he did, he grabbed his kodachi and tried to attack me from behind. Sensing his attentions I turned away and drove my sword into his right arm. The force of the blow resulted in his arm being severely broken. Letting go of the kodachi he fell to his knees as he clutched his disabled right arm. "I gave you the chance to leave and you refuse to take it so you will now suffer the consequence. You will never be able to hold a sword again with that arm."

No longer seeing Shen as a threat I put my sword in my sheath and started walked away from him again and walked over to the little. Kneeling down I put out my hand to her. "No need to be frighten. Your parents must be worried about you. Lets go see if we can find them." Despite being still being a bit frighten she came over to me. Picking her up I held her close to my shoulder and as we exiting the town square I saw that their was someone was watching us. "Hikari? What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be with the towns people?" "I was with them until we all saw that one building come crumbling down. Apparently my curiosity got the better of me when came back into town to see what was going on. But forget about that, are you okay?" "I'm fine. I didn't receive any type of injury to speak of. Now lets head back to the others and tell the local authorities to lock up this unlawful person."

Hikari's POV...

We walked out to meet with the towns people and when I informed them what happen they all cheered Daisuke for what he did but at the time he was returning the little girl back to her parents. I to was paying no heed to what anyone was saying since I was thinking back to what I saw in the fight. Everything looked okay till Shen tried to kill the girl. After he saved the girl Daisuke seemingly turned into another person as his eyes turned to black as coal and when he spoke his voice had hardly any emotion in it expect for anger. I feel if it wasn't for Daisuke seeing that little girl watching him he would've most likely taken Shen's head off.

But thankfully he was able to return to his old self before that could happen. Before we came to this town I felt that their was more to Daisuke than what he was letting on and after seeing what he did I was now positive that their was definitely more to him and it would only be a matter of time until I would fine out what he was hinding.

Their you go readers. I hope that their was plenty of action in this story. I've never been that good in making action scenes so I hope it was good enough. Remember to leave a review and tell me what you thought about the chapter. As with the last chapter you can tell me which characters you would like to be added in this story and why. I already have some in the planning stages of this story but it wouldn't hurt to hear from you guys.