Here it is. As I promise, here's the next chapter to my wanderer story. The long await battle between Daisuke and the person that he has been searching for so long. I hope that the fight will do justice to how long I made you all wait. As with all the previous chapters, I don't own digimon.


Chapter 17:
Only One Swordsman Shall Remain

As soon as the sun creaked into the sky Daisuke and the others resumed their journey, only stopping for rest when it was absolutely necessary. By continuing this process they arrived at their location close to nightfall.

"This is it you guys. It has been over five years to get here but at long last I've finally got the chance that I was searching for. I won't lie to you; this will be a dangerous fight that will definitely result in someone meeting their maker. I won't hold it against you if you don't want to bare witness to it and leave." Instead of answering with words they chose to answer by placing a hand on his shoulder.

"If you actually think that after all the stuff that we've been through together that we would let you do this on your own then you're more crazier then I though you were." exclaimed Takuya. "I agree with Takuya" added Izumi. "We're your friends and we aren't going to let you do this on your own." Hearing their response, Daisuke turned towards Hikari feeling that there was something that she wanted to add. "I believe you already know my answer. Also, after all the times that you been there for us it's the least that we can do for you."

Not needing to one another the four of them heading bravely into the mansion. As they moved along they saw that the place looked completely empty. "What's the deal here?' questioned Izumi. "Did Kado get away before we got here? I mean, there's not a single person here." "No, he's here, I know it." answered Daisuke. "This has always been Kado's problem. He's so damn egotistical that despite probably knowing that we're here he'll just wait until we come to him, believing that I won't be able to stop him. I guess I'll just have to prove him wrong."

They continued to search the mansion and soon they came to a long hallway that went to two large doors. "I guess this is the place. I mean, this is just like him to have something intimidating out so any trespassers might become worried to face him." Not allowing this obstacle to stop him, Daisuke definitely pushed the doors open and was greeted by the sound of a person clapping.

"Welcome Motomiya. It has sure been a while since we've last met." The origin of the voice was quickly discovered to be at the throne like chair, where a man emerged from the shadows. "I also notice that you've brought some friends with you and I must say that you got some good taste if I do say so." The perverted stares that Kado was giving Hikari and Izumi cause the two girls to shudder in disgust.

"Leave them out of this Hashi. This is only between me and you. Leave them out of this." "Very well Motomiya. Besides, it'll be amusing to allow your friends to watch me put an end to your life." While Kado was getting up he reached at the side of the chair to pick up two sheathed up swords. Tying one to his sash he removed the other from its sheath.

"Remember this Daisuke? It's the sword that you used to kill all those people that I sent you out to kill. It's also the one that you used to distract me so that you could escape me which resulted in you having to depend upon on that pathetic reverse blade that you're now using. What would've possessed you in choosing that kind of weapon?"

"I have my reason. After I got myself away from you I returned to what was once my home and I discovered the actual sword that my late father used as part of Freedom Law. As I use it I carry the spirit of him and the rest of my family that you slaughtered." "Well, that was quite a touching story but remember this. You're father may have use that sword to fight people like me and look where he ended up."

That comment infuriated to the point that he was about to charge for an attack but was able to regain his cool before he actually did so. Surprisingly, Kado tossed the sword that he was holding over to Daisuke. "Pick up the sword Motomiya. You know that you want to." Being hesitantly, Daisuke finally picked up the sword and pulled it out from the sheath. "That's right. Doesn't it feel good to have that sword in your grasp again?"

You could cut the tension with a knife as everyone awaited for what Daisuke would do next. Suddenly, without warning, he threw the sword away from him and because of the force that he used the sword went straight to the wall where it actually embedded nearly halfway into it. "No thank you. I prefer to never use that sword ever again and use the one that once belonged to my father. Then when I beat you I'll be getting retribution for his death." "If that's what you wish to do then so be it. I promise you though, once this is over you'll be in the afterlife like your family."

Pulling his sword from his sheath, Daisuke readied himself. "Takuya, stay back and protect the girls. And whatever you do don't interfere. This has to be a fight between just me and Kado. I hope that you can understand." Taking his own sword out, Takuya placed himself in front of Hikari and Izumi. "Don't worry Daisuke. I understand why you got to this and I hope that you come out of this okay."

Glancing over his shoulder, Daisuke nodded in reassurance to Takuya as well as Izumi. However, before he turned back he locked his eyes onto the eyes of Hikari. Neither of them had to say a word as he gave her a look as if to say 'I promise that I'll return'. Returning his attention towards the matter at hand, he readied himself for what was to come.

Without even saying a word the two charged at one another. With swords in hands they tried to take the other out with as quick as possible but all of their attempts were blocked. Things went like this for almost a half an hour with neither one gaining the clear advantage.

"I hate to admit it Motomiya but you've have improve greatly. I guess all of those battles that you have had have made you a better swordsman." "You're not so bad yourself. However, I'll still take you down for all those you have slain." "I believe that you're in no position to judge my ways." "What do you mean by that?"

"Since you have gotten here you've basically called me a stone cold killer. I'm not saying that it isn't true but in some way the same could be said about you. After all, how many people did you kill just because I said they could've been connection with your family's death? 10? 20? And while all that you did it without so much as care in doing it. So, take a good look at yourself before you call anyone a killer."

Throughout all this Daisuke remained silent with his head bowed slightly down. "What's the matter Motomiya? The truth is too much for you to deal with?" "You did make a few good points there Kado. However, you were wrong about one thing." "Oh really? And what I may ask was it?"

"When I had to take the lives of all those people I did feel remorse for what I did. Not once did I not wish that there was some other way to get over the pain of having to seeing ones family dead and hanged when you were only entering manhood then have to put their bodies into the earth but I was so consumed by anger and revenge to find it. I know that I have a lot to atone for but no matter how long it takes I will find a way to pay for the sins that I committed and I will start by taking you out of this world so that the gods can pass their judgment on you."

Returning into a fighting stance, the two readied to resume there match. "I can't allow my emotions to get the better of me. If I wish to even survive I need to keep a clear and focus on the matter at hand." Looking more closely at the stance that Kado was in, Daisuke came up with a decision. "The fighting stance that he's in is almost flawless. If I try to go at him from any direction I'll most likely be taken out quick. That only leaves me with only one course of attack."

Gripping the hilt of his sword tightly Daisuke charged into the battle. Seeing as a chance to end it, Kado went for one mighty swing from the side but it proved pointless as Daisuke crouched down to avoid the blow then with all the strength that he could muster leapt into the air. Reaching the limit of the jump he began to fall back down. As he was falling he began to spin around at a furious pace. To Hikari, Takuya and Izumi immediately know what was coming.

"He's going to do it." exclaimed Takuya. "He's actually going to do the Cyclone Slash. If he connects with it he'll sure to win." "I wouldn't be so sure about that Takuya." muttered Hikari whose eyes hadn't left scene of the battle. "What I mean is that we don't know the full skill of Kado. So until it happens we should always consider the possibility that the worst could happen."

Gathering all the strength that he could muster, Daisuke spun straight down on Kado and just when it looked as though his move was going to connect, Kado moved to the side only missing getting hit by the narrows of margins. Having his big time move come out empty cause Daisuke to faultier for a few moments which gave Kado enough of an opening to get the advantage as he thrust his sword right into his sword with such force that it actually came out from the other side.

With a sadistic smile on his face, Kado swiftly pulled the sword out that was nearly covered in Daisuke's blood. "Ah, did that hurt?" To the disgust of everyone he brought the bloody sword to his lips where he actually licked the blood off of it. "I sure hope that it did."

Clutching his injured shoulder, Daisuke swallowed up the pain and by the look in his eyes seemed readied to continue fighting. "Come on Daisuke, did you actually think that I haven't been keeping taps on you from time to time? I mean, did you believe that Jin was the only person that sent to that silly tournament that you won?" "So are you telling me that there was another person that was competing in it?"

"I'm afraid not. That person's only had one job and that was to keep a close eye all the combatants that was involved. So, in case they became a threat to me someday I would have some insight on there fighting ability. That's how I knew about your little Cyclone Slash maneuver." Instead of seeing a look of dread on his face like he hoped, Daisuke had a look on his face that closely resembled a smirk.

"I hate to admit it but that was some idea that you did." Removing his hand away from his wound, Daisuke saw that basically his entire hand was covered in his very own blood. "Think about it. While you had other people do your dirty work by taking me and my friends out, you stayed back here like a coward, gather whatever type of information that you could gather from anyone who could probably take you out. Quite the brilliant plan you had. A cowardly one I must say but still a brilliant one."

By the type of tone that he was using it was obvious that Daisuke was trying to raise the anger of Kado and it appeared to be working as he body was starting to shake from the anger that he was trying to keep inside. "I guess I shouldn't really be that surprise. After all, the plan did come from a man who had a kid to do the work that he apparently couldn't do himself."

That was all it took for Kado to finally lose his composure as he attempted to take Daisuke's head off with a blow that could hardly be seen by anyone's eyes. Thankfully Daisuke could see it coming and was able to block it with his sword. However, despite the fact that he was able to cancel out the blow it still left a impact as when the two swords hit it actually cause both to crack a little.

In spite of this the two fighters were still willing to continue as they resumed their assault and as this went the condition of their swords were getting worst. It was obvious to anyone watching that it would only be a matter of time until one or both of their weapons would become useless.

"Give it up Daisuke. You have no chance in winning with that pathetic sword of yours on the verge of breaking." "The same could be said for you Kado. But we both know that neither one of us will give up until the other is no longer breathing. Thus, let us not talk and continue this deceive fight."

In an unspoken pact the two resumed their battle and just like they thought both of their swords were on the verge of breaking. "I can't keep this up for much longer. It'll be only a matter of time until this sword completely breaks and unfortunately it'll happen sooner than his. I have to think of something quickly to end this. The only problem is that my sword won't be able to sustain the impact of any serious attack that would end the fight."

It was then that Daisuke saw that right behind Kado was the sword that he threw into the wall before the whole thing started. "I have a plan. It might be a crazy one but I don't have any other choice then to try it. I just hope that it'll be effective enough to work."

Ignoring the pain that he was getting from his injured shoulder he grabbed the hilt of his sword with both hands and charged back into the fight. Seeing that Daisuke was going to attempt a straight charge, Kado went into the best defensive position that he could do which was somewhat difficult as the pain that he was getting from the battle were at last getting to him.

Time seemed to slow down as Daisuke went directly towards Kado. When their swords the force finally became too much for one of them as Daisuke's sword broke completely in two. With this new development it allowed Kado to go on the offensive by delivering a slash that went almost completely down Daisuke's back as he skidded across the floor.

"At last, I've won." cheered Kado who seemingly had victory at hand. "I have at long last dealt with the thorn that has been a thorn in side for so long." After his gloating he turned his attention towards Hikari and the others. "Now which one of you fools wish to be the next one to die?"

Both Hikari and Izumi were now trembling in fear as they just witness there friend apparently being killed. Swallowing up the fear that was nearly consuming his body, Takuya stepped in front of the girls and was seemed prepared to protect them to the very end. "Ah, I see that you're share the same type of bravery that Daisuke showed. How unfortunate though that you also share in his stupidity by actually willing to challenge. Why don't you join me instead and I may spare the lives of the young ladies.

For a moment it looked as though Takuya was actually considering the offer only because it would mean that both Hikari and Izumi would have their life's spare. "Don't even think about it Takuya." screamed out a voice. Looking over to where it came from he was shock to see that it actually came from Izumi. "Whatever you do don't even consider that man's offer."

"At least if I accept at least you and Hikari will be safe." "But at what price? You'll have to become a killer." As she said this she was getting to the verge of breaking down as a few tears were coming out the corners of her eyes. "Did you already forget what happen when Daisuke accepted a similar deal? He went through numerous hardships that he continued to deal with to this very day. So please, don't repeat his mistakes. I rather die knowing that you'll be the same person that I care for."

Being taken back by the emotion that she was using, Takuya turned completely around to be face to face with her. "Izumi? I didn't know that you felt so strongly about this." Using his hand he lifted her chin up so that she was looking at him in the eye. "If that's what you truly feel then so be it. I'll fight to the very end instead of you looking down on me." As if fueled with a new adrenaline, Takuya readied himself to go out to protect the ones that he loved.

"Ah, what a sweet moment that was. It's unfortunate that I will have to end it by ending all of your worthless lives." Continuing his slow walk towards his prey he was prepared to start the slaughter until he spotted the look that was on Hikar's face as it showed no signs of fear. "What's the matter little girl? Have you become so frightful that it has cause you to become numb to what's going to happen?" "No, it isn't that. I was thinking about what's going to happen to you once Daisuke gets you."

Kado didn't really know what she meant by the remark until he turned back around and saw that Daisuke was not only alive but was slowly heading towards the sword that was embedded into the wall. Not wanting to allow his enemy the chance to regain whatever composure he had left, Kado quickly spirited towards him. "You're like a cockroach. You just don't know when to keel over and die."

Not allowing the knowledge that Kado was coming towards him to finish the job, Daisuke was finally reached the sword. Grabbing onto the hilt he use whatever strength that remained in his body attempted to pull it out from the wall and gradually it began to come out.. However, it looked as though it wouldn't do him any good as Kado was fast approaching him. Summoning whatever strength that remained in his body he at last was able to pull the sword and without even turning around twisted the sword around where he thrust it back as it hit its target.

Time seem to stand still as the body of Kado was slumped over the battered form of Daisuke as his sword had pierced right through his enemy's body. Despite that Kado was still alive but only barely. Coughing up some of the blood that was in his throat he lifted his head slightly up.

"Well done Daisuke. I guess you were the better man in this match. It's just a shame that we won't have a chance to have another one to see who was truly better." It was obvious that by the sound of his voice that Kado was on the verge of entering the afterlife. "I know that it might not mean anything to you but for a time I did consider you like a brother. And despite that you betrayed me I was proud that you had the strength to continue come after me. Don't forget what you've been through as it allowed you to become the man that you are."

Those would be Kado's the last words as he completely slumped over Daisuke. Shrugging the now dead body off, Daisuke turned to Hikari and the others and staggered over to them with the sword being dragged on the ground behind him. He only went a few feet until fatigue and all the injuries that he suffered took their toll on him as he collapsed to the ground.

Rushing for to their fallen friend they went to see what his condition was. "How is he? Is he…?" Hikari couldn't even finish her question as the mere thought of it made her fear about what the answer could be. Putting the back of his hand to his friend's face, Takuya got the answer. "No, he's merely unconscious." Cradling his hurt spent friend, Takuya lifted him up. "We're done here. Let's go home."


There it was. I hope you enjoyed what I did in this chapter. Now all that's left is to do the wrap up to this story and I'll promise that the second to last chapter will be on by next week. Until then, leave a review and tell me what you thought about everything in general.