At long last this story is coming to a close. I basically have the story finish and I promise that the few remaining chapters will be coming out once a week. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter as it helps to set up for the finale. Like usual, I don't own digimon.
Chapter 16:
Final Battle Approaches!
Painful Memories Are Brought Forth
In an undisclosed location a servant lady was walking through the hallways of an extravagant mansion. Her destination was to the very end of the hallway that led to two large doors. Tentatively the servant push the doors open which lead to a huge room with the only source of light coming from a few lit torches that were scattered across the room.
In the very center was a chair that resembled a throne and sitting on it was a man but you couldn't see what he looked like since he was covered in shadow. That man was none other than the person who hired Takato to kill Daisuke. "My lord, I'm sad to say that we've gotten word that Mr. Matsuki, the man that you contracted has not completed his objective."
Knowing the reputation on her master's to his servants she readied herself incase he took his anger on her. However, to her relief he just remained in his seat and wasn't saying a word. "So, are you saying that Motomiya was able to defeat him?" "Actually, he teamed up Matsuki as they saved a village from a group of bandits. Currently they are no longer with each other but before going their separate ways Matsuki had informed Motomiya on the location of this place and we've got it on positive information that he's in fact heading towards this place."
The servant girl was now worried about her safety more so than ever as she knew that her master didn't want this situation to happen. "Very well then." spoke the master in a calm tome. "It couldn't be helped. Now leave me so I may mediate on the situation." Not wanting to risk a beating the servant girl quickly exited the room. As soon as she was gone the man went into a fit of rage.
"Damn it! He was supposed to be taken cared of before he even had a chance to find this place." Once he was calmed down he sat back down on his chair. Once regaining his composure he turned his glance to the right wall which had a sword in a sheath hanging from it. Looking more closely you could see that there was a slight imprint of what resembled a sword was right beside it. "Apparently I'll have to deal with this problem personal. And it'll be a problem that will be dealt with once and for all."
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"Come on Daisuke, slow down." Despite the pleas of his friends Daisuke continued his journey with the same fast pace since leaving Takato and Ruki. Throughout the while journey he had lost a breath but the same couldn't be said for his three friends who were barely able to keep up with him. "It'll be nightfall soon so we should really consider setting up camp for the night. After all, we won't be getting far if we can't see where we're going." said Takuya loud enough so that Daisuke would get the point.
Seeing that what his friend was speaking was the truth, Daisuke reluctantly stopped. "Fine….we'll make camp for the night. But we'll be heading back out early in the morning. Do I make myself clear?" Wanting nothing more than to get some rest, all three of them quickly agreed to the terms. Setting up camp went quickly as all four of them did their part. Soon they were all sitting around a roaring campfire which was cooking the food that they were able to capture earlier.
"Well, it's still too early to go to bed so what should we do for the time being?" asked Izumi. "We could tell some stories." answered Takuya. "The only question is what kind of story should we talk about?" While the two of them were quietly arguing about what they should talk about, Hikari glanced over to Daisuke who was just silently watching the campfire. "Why don't you go ahead and tell us a story Daisuke?"
Hearing that cause both Takuya and Izumi to stop their bickering and turn their attention to their quiet friend. After a while Daisuke turned his attention towards them. "I know what you really want me to talk about Hikari so why don't you spare me the hidden motive?" Seeing that she was found out Hikari looked away in embarrassment. "But I see that there's no point in hiding it anymore. I'll tell you everything that you want. About my past and why I'm so driven in this journey. It all started fifteen years ago.
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Flashback, Fifteen Years Ago…
"Okay Daisuke, let's do it one more time." Preparing himself a younger Daisuke griped his bokken - a wooden sword - tightly as he waited for what was to come. It finally came when a group of pebbles went flying towards him all at once.
Moving quickly he knocked each and every one away without much effort. "That was good son. You've definitely improved over these past few months." exclaimed an older man that was wearing the same black and white that Daisuke was wearing.
"Thanks dad, I really appreciate that. Do you think that I'll be as good as you are?" Enjoying the enthusiasm that he was showing, the father rubbed his hand over his son's head. "Who really knows? Maybe when you get older you might become one of the best sword masters that there ever will be. Now it's getting late so we should be heading back home before your mother rings are necks."
Hurrying back home they arrived to an average size cottage and in front of it was a middle age woman with light brown hair that went pass her shoulders but was tied in a simple ponytail and she was wearing a tan colored women's kimono. When she came into view, Daisuke went running towards her and got close enough the two of them gave each other a warm embrace. "Hey mom, did you miss us?"
Looking up he saw that his mom had a unreadable expression on her face which worried Daisuke as he thought that he did something wrong. In the end she broke the facade as she gave him a loving smile which made him relax.
"You should really stop frightening boy like that Suki." said Daisuke's father with a hint of amusement in his voice. "I can help it Kazuo. It's so easy to scare my boy. Besides, it serves him right for taking you out with him without bringing Kioko along." "Speaking of which, where's that daughter of ours?"
Before she had a chance to answer, a small blur went running by and actually knocked Daisuke down. "There you are brother. I miss you so much." spoke the person with a feminine voice. The person had short hair that only reached her shoulders and had the same hair color as the mother. She even had a similar kimono as she did. "Kioko, remember your manners and get off your brother this instant." ordered her father. Following her father's request, Kioko got back to her feet.
"Man, why do sisters have to be such a pain?" muttered Daisuke to himself as he got back to his feet. "Son, now be nice. Your sister just was happy to see you return. It's been a week since you and your father left to improve your training. Speaking of which, how did the training go anyway?" "You'd be amaze honey at how fast our son was learning. I telling you that sometime in the near future he might very well become one the of the greatest swordsmen that will ever be known."
Finally the family headed in and started to have dinner which allowed them retell stories and other stuff that had happen the week that they were separated. Soon it got late and they all headed for bed, not knowing that would really be the last time that they would be together.
Next Day…
"See you mom and dad. I'm to the river to do some early morning practice." Hearing a mumble of understanding from his still sleeping parents, Daisuke headed towards the door but was stop by his sister, who wrapped her arms around him. "Don't go brother. Please stay here." "Let me go Kioko. I have some practicing to do before lunch." "But I have a feeling that if you go something bad will happen."
Grabbing her hands, Daisuke was able to release Kioko's grip on him. "Don't be silly sis. Nothing going bad is going to happen. Besides, I'm only going to be gone for a couple of hours, what kind of trouble could possible happen?" After ruffling his sister's hair Daisuke headed off. But as he was heading off he couldn't shrug away the worry that his sister was feeling.
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"I think one more shall do it." Breathing out he began to climb to the top of a cliff that had a waterfall at its end, which flowed to a large river, Daisuke made sure that his bokken was fasten tightly to his waist.
Once that was done he took a deep breath and dove right off the cliff and into the river. Nothing seemed to happen until suddenly Daisuke literally jump from the water. When he reached the highest point of the jump he grabbed his bokken and in a quick fury he swung it around with mark precision.
Soon he crashed back into the river and when he resurfaces he swam over to where he put his shirt and kimono. Fastening them back on he headed towards the path of home until he notice a trail of smoke rising up from where his home was.
A fear of dread swept of Daisuke as he hurried back home as fast as his feet would take him. When he finally reached his destination and he couldn't believe his eyes. The entire house was absolutely destroyed as it resembled if a tornado gone through with some parts of it still on fire.
Not caring for his safety Daisuke rushed in, to find his family. "Mom…Dad...Kioko! Where are you guys!" Continuing his search he did see or hear any of them and after another ten minutes left the ruined house, which collapsed shortly after he exited. When he coughed out all the smoke that he inhaled he looked towards the few trees that were around and when his vision cleared up he nearly fainted.
There were both his parents as well as his sister hanging from the trees with ropes that were tied to their necks. Edging over reluctantly he saw that each one of them were cut up and beaten within an inch of their lives. It wasn't hard to tell that all of them had bleed to death which only helped in their hangings. Realizing that standing there in shock wasn't going to help; he removed the ropes from their necks and slowly laid them on the ground.
Just seeing the mangled bodies of what were once his family made Daisuke sick to his stomach but he had to suck it up since there was still something that he had to do and it was going to be the hardest thing that he ever had to do.
With a heavy sigh Daisuke began to dig up the ground and after nearly an hour had three holes big enough for three bodies. Not wavering for an instant he carefully placed his deceased family in each hole and then placed dirt over them. The whole time that Daisuke was doing this he didn't shed a single tear. Once he was done he kneeled in front of the graves and gave them a prayer. "It seems as though I came at a bad time."
Turning his attention away from the graves, Daisuke looked over his shoulder to see a man who was had to be in his late twenties. He had grayish colored eyes which stood out because of the short black hair that was as black as night but despite the shortness it was long enough to make a small ponytail in the back.
The outfit that he was wearing was a dark blue kimono with black pants. Strapped to his waist were two sheaths that contained fighting swords. "Whoever you are can you please leave? I'm not in any mood to deal with anyone at the moment." Instead of following his request the man stepped closer to the point were he was only a few feet behind Daisuke.
"You may not know this but I knew your parents for quite sometime." Hearing that statement immediately caught the interest of Daisuke. "Your parents were involved some big time stuff that you may not have known about. Unfortunately, it cause them to become the targets to some dangerous people and it looks as though they finally got them."
"If you came here to warn them or something like that, then I have to say that you're a little too late. So, if you have nothing else to say then leave." "My deepest apologizes; it's obvious that you're still mourning over your lost. But if you wish retribution against the ones that did this then may I suggest working for me?" Despite saying a word, it was obvious that Daisuke was thinking about it.
"You work for me I give you my word that I'll use all the power that I have in my disposal to find the ones responsible for your family's death. Also, I can train you so that you will be prepared to go against your enemies. If you are interesting in my proposal just follow me." Without a word the man turned around and began to leave. For the next couple of seconds Daisuke just stayed there in front of his family's graves in thought about what he was just asked.
Apparently coming to a decision he grabbed his bokken and stood to his feet. Taking one last glance at the three graves he drove the point of the bokken at the head of them and hurried over to departing man. "I made my decision and I decided to take you up on your offer." The man obviously heard him but continued walking.
"That's good to hear. Jest to tell you now, you will most likely have to do things that you never thought that you would ever have to do. Are you still willing to go through with this?" "Yes I am. However, before we even start, do you mind telling me what your name is?" "My name is Kado Hashi." "Kado you say? That means gateway doesn't it? Is there some kind of double meaning to that name?" "Maybe you'll find that out some day."
End of Flashback…
Taking a moment to allow what he just said to sink into his friends' minds Daisuke looked at each of their faces and it was easy to tell that they were surprise by what they just heard. It would be Izumi who would be the first to recover from the shock. "My word, I must say that was some story you just told. I never thought something like that ever happen to you."
"I admit that it was but I was able to manage." Not buying that for an instant Takuya spoke up. "There's more to the story than you've told us, isn't there?" Seeing that he couldn't hide it, he decided to tell the other half of his back story.
"For the next ten years I was under the wing of Kado as he taught me skills that I never thought existed. However, as the training intensive, so did my way of thinking. To test me he would send me out on mission, some of which were to eliminate people, telling me that they were involved in the same group of people who killed my family. Apparently I never argued with him since I was still vengeful from their untimely death. Things went like that for quite sometime but one even changed all that."
Flashback, Five Years Ago…
"Daisuke, I have another mission for you." Hearing that, Daisuke reluctantly went over to Kado to get his orders. "What type of mission is it this time?" "We've found another person that could have possibly been connected with your family's death. He lives a few miles away from Tokyo. Be warn though, this man is a highly skilled fighter that could give even you a challenge. If you wish I allow a small group of my soldiers with you to assist."
"No thank you. You should know that I prefer to do these things on my own. It shouldn't take me more than a couple of weeks to get there, do the job and come back to report to you." With that said he left so that he could complete what he was ordered to do.
True to his word, Daisuke arrived at his target's home within a week Using stealth he was able to sneak through the area and actually enter the home. Keeping quiet he slowly snuck through the place, looking for the person that he was after. As he was doing that, Daisuke saw that whoever this person was didn't appear to be some kind of killer. In fact, it looked as though it was nothing more than an ordinary family home and to help with his feeling he saw that in one of the rooms were three kids, two boys and a girl who could be no older than six or eight, which was the same age as his late sister.
Finally he found a large room that judged by the wide selection of weapons hanging from the wall it was the training room and at the far end of room with their back to him was apparently the person that he was sent to take care of. Quietly he pulled out his sword from his sheath and crept over to him. Prepared to end this in one blow he raised it over his head and was going to bring it down as fast as he could. "I'm surprise that a fighter as experience as yourself would actually attack someone from behind." exclaimed the man without even looking back.
Being taken by surprise from the sudden statement, Daisuke lowered his sword as he backed away from the person. "I guess that Kado finally sent someone after me." Getting to his feet the man turned to look at the person that was sent to kill him. He looked to be in his forties but despite age he still appeared to be in remarkable shape. "However, I am surprise that he would send only one person to deal with me. Are the rest of the men hiding out somewhere in my place?"
"No. I'm on my own. It's something that I prefer to do without assistance. Get yourself a weapon. I almost dishonored myself attacking you while your back was turned and without a weapon. I'm not about to make the same mistake twice." Slowly the man went to a nearby wall and picked out a simple battle sword. The two of them set themselves and without even saying a word went at one another.
Amazingly the two were seemingly even as neither one could get the upper hand. However, despite that Daisuke couldn't help but smile. "I must admit, you're skills are impressive. It's been sometime since I had another give me a decent fight." "The feeling is mutual. I can't help but get the feeling of déjà vu. It's as though I've faced someone with a similar sword style as yours. Tell me, what your name is?" "If you must know, it's Daisuke Motomiya."
That must've caught the man by surprise as he had a wide eyed expression on his face. "Did you say Motomiya? Are you by any chance were you related to Kanzo Motomiya?" "That was my father. How did you know him?" Moving away from Daisuke, the man went over to a small dresser that was in the corner of the room. Opening one of the compartments he pulled out what looked like a photograph. "This may shed some light for you."
Handing the picture over, Daisuke saw that it was indeed a photograph of the man but he was much younger than the present and he wasn't the only one in the photo. Along with him was a lady that he could only guess to be his wife and on the other side of him were two people that he knew quite well. "Okay, think it's time for you to tell me who actually our and why you're in this photograph alongside my parents."
"The names Makato and ten years ago I was part of a group known as Freedom Law, which was people who went out and stop those who were doing wrongs to innocent people. We did some incredible work but the one that perhaps did the best was none other than your father." "What you said can't be true. My father never mentioned anything of this to me before his death." "That was because he wanted to wait until he believed that you were ready to join us. Unfortunately, someone took him out before that day came and I think that we both know who that person was."
"Are you telling me that Kado was the one who killed my parents as well as my sister?" "I'll answer your question with one of my own. Who was the first person that you discovered your family's death?" "Then if what you're saying is true then why didn't he just kill me instead of bringing me into his group?" "If you were in his place what would be the better way of getting revenge on one of his greatest annoyances, take him out quick or unbeknownst to the person make him do his dirty work and take out the very people that his father worked with?"
All of this was too much for Daisuke to take as he dropped his sword to the ground and fell to a knee. "It can't be true. I couldn't have possibly killed good men for the person who was truly responsible for the death of my parents. But for some reason I believe in what Makato is saying." "The question that you must asked yourself Motomiya is after hearing what you just heard what are you going to do now?"
Grabbing his sword Daisuke got back to his feet. "I suggest that you take your family and get as far as you can from here as you can. Just hideout and don't do anything that would draw attention to yourselves. I'm going back to deal with some retribution."
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"Well Motomiya, were you able to complete your mission?" asked Kado as soon as Daisuke had returned. "Yes I did. I had some difficulty but I was still able to eliminate the target." It sickened Daisuke to even see let alone speak to the bastard responsible for what happened to his parents. However, he knew that now wasn't the time to deal with him. He'll just have to wait until he had a better chance in taking him out. "It's funny that you said that you dealt with your target when in fact you allowed him to escape." "Excuse me, I don't know what you mean."
"Oh I do believe that you do." Getting out of his chair, Kado grabbed the sword that was leaning beside his chair. "Did you truly believe that I'd allow you to go on your missions without having someone there to make sure that you actually completed them?" Seeing that there was no point in lying, Daisuke removed his sword from his sheath, ready to fight if necessary.
"Shortly after leaving Mr. Makato's place, one of my more loyal fighters went in and took care of him along with his family." Hearing that his attempt in saving the man who showed him the truth was all in vain infuriated Daisuke however he was still able to maintain his composure. "Do you mind telling me who was the one who took out Makato?" "It doesn't matter really. He completed the job that you choose not to complete. The question is what do I do with you now?"
Daisuke didn't allow him to come out with an answer as he charged at him, hoping to take him out quickly. The maneuver proved to be pointless as Kado easily blocked the shot. "You actually think that you can actually take me on? Remember, I taught you mostly everything that you know but I didn't teach you everything that I know." "I don't give a shit you say. I'm going to make you pay for what you did to my family."
Despite the determination that Daisuke was showing it prove useless as every one of his attempted attacks were being blocked. It looked as though Kado was finally becoming fed up and took the offensive as he knocked Daisuke almost clear across the room.
"Don't you remember when you first met me you discovered that my named stood for gateway you asked why I was chose that name?" Stepping over the prone body of Daisuke he went ahead and kicked him in the gut. "Well, to answer your question, it stands for what I do." Lifting his sword over his head and was ready to bring it down on Daisuke.
"I'm the bringer of death and I'm their gateway to hell." In one fluid motion Kado brought his sword down but just before it could make contact Daisuke lifted his sword over his head and was now in a test of strength of power against Kado. "Give it up Daisuke. There's no chance of you beating me." "You might be right about me not being able to beat you but that's only for the time being."
With a burst of adrenaline Daisuke was able to push Kado back and was able to lose his footing for a bit. Not allowing the chance to get away from him he threw his sword like a javelin at Kado. Seeing the sword coming at him he was able to dive to the ground just as it passed him by only the smallest of margins.
"You must be desperate to do such a move Motomiya. Did you actually believe that would take me out?" Getting back to his feet Kado saw that Daisuke was nowhere to be seen. "I guess you choose to run and fight another day didn't you Motomiya." Walking over he grabbed what once was Daisuke's sword. "Then I guess will settle this another time but there won't be any running if we ever met again."
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End of Flashback…
"And that's all of it." Judging the shocked looked on his friends' faces it was easy to tell that they were even more than were earlier. "For the last five years I've made it my mission in taking out every single member of Kado's group. As of now I've been successful in doing so since I dealt with all of them except for three. But that has changed since I might you guys." That statement really caught Hikari, Takuya and Izumi by surprise.
"It started by taking care of Shen in that first city that we went to together. Then it was Jin Kata who I defeated in the tournament. A day after defeating him I paid him a visit in the police holding cells and was able to get him to tell me where Kado has been hiding out for the last five years. The rest you know is history. Now if you excuse me, I want to be left alone for a while."
Not even waiting for a response, Daisuke got up and headed further into the woods leaving his friends to think about what they just discovered about their friend. "Can you believe what we just heard?" asked Izumi. "I mean, we kind of figured that he had an interesting past but did any of us actually could ever imagine if would actually be like that?"
"That just helps to show prove that despite all the hardships that he has gone through Daisuke has still been able to keep the goodness in him and fight for what is right." answered Takuya. "Wouldn't you say so Hikari?" When there was no response both Takuya and Izumi turned around and saw that Hikari was nowhere in sight. "That's strange. She was just here a moment ago. "Where could she have possibly gone?" "I think I have a good feeling where she went." replied Izumi with a knowing smirk on her face.
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Deeper in the woods Daisuke was sitting on a fallen log just listening to the quiet tranquility of the nature around him. "Are you coming out anytime soon Hikari?" Slowing coming out from behind a tree was Hikari. "Why am I not surprise that you were able to tell that I was hiding?" Walking from her hiding spot Hikari heading over to where he was sitting.
"You know this sword. This reverse blade sword is in a way a simple of what I'm fighting for. The sword that sword that I used all those years under Kado's wing I slay so many people and it still sickens me to know that spilled the blood of innocent people who were only trying to keep the world safe. I believe that the only way that I'll be able to get retribution for what I did to them is by stopping the one who was responsible for me going after them or at least die trying."
"Don't talk like that Daisuke. It's true that you did some wrong things but they weren't entirely your fault. You discovered that you doing something wrong and you tried to fix it. Just remember that you aren't the man that Kado tried to make you out to be. You're a man with a good heart and willing to help those who are in need of help. With every person that you have encounter you have shown them that there are still good people out there trying to make the world a better place."
Being deeply touched by her words, Daisuke placed his hand on Hikari's shoulder. "Thank you Hikari. I truly appreciate your words of kindness." "You're welcome. What are friends for? Now why don't we go back to the camp and get some reason. After all you have a big thing coming up tomorrow." Getting up the two of them headed back to Takuya and Izumi where they went to sleep knowing that soon they would be involved in something that very will change them for the rest of their lives.
I hope that this chapter helped to explain the background information about Daisuke and why he was doing what he was doing throughout the story. Before I go, here are some info on the meaning of the names that I used.
Kazuo: Manof Peace
Suki: Loved One
Kioko: Happy Child
Kado: Gateway
Hashi: Bridge
