As I promise, here is the next installment to my series. Before this chapter starts I want to touch on a few things. It's been apparent that the people who have read the series have been wondering what's the deal with this Serenity person that I've mentioned occasionally. Well, hopefully you'll understand by the end of this chapter. Anyways, I won't waste your time any further and allow you to get to the chapter. As of the disclaimer, I don't own digimon.
The Path Taken
They say that blood is thicker than water. Maybe that's why we battle our own with more energy and gusto than we would ever expend on strangers.
David Assael, Northern Exposure, Family Feud, 1993
Chapter 1:
Serenity
"So, how is our little lady doing?" asked the female higher ups to the lead scientist as they were watching some girl going through what looked like an obstacle course of some sort.
"Remarkably well I must say. She has far surpassed all of our expectations with all of the tests that she has undergone. I believe in due time she'll have no equal."
"But I wish to know is she ready now? Is she able to do the job that she needs to do?"
"Well, she does appear to be capable of doing the job. However, we don't know what would happen if she were to get involved in a fight against a possible tougher opponent."
"It does not matter." informed the higher up. As long as she is able to do what she is meant to do then everything will be good." Heading over to the panel the yet identified higher up pressed a button that turned on the loud speaker. "That's enough training. Give yourself a break."
Following the advice, the girl went to a nearby bench to get herself cooled off. "Your training has gone remarkably well and that is why it has been decided that it is time for you to finally deal with out little nuisance. How does that sound?"
The girl said nothing for about a minute. Then, without warning, she drove her fist right through the bench as if it was nothing.
"I believe we got our answer." spoke the scientist who could see the smile that was forming on the higher up's face. "Is this what we're reduced to? Having a child fight our battles?"
-/-/-/-/-
"How much longer are you going to be working on that thing?"
"For the thousandth time I don't know so quit asking me."
"Why don't you two acted like adults and not a bunch of children?" spoke a third voice that fortunately had stopped the other two from continuing with their arguing.
"But Daisuke, it has been almost two months since you were able to get the box from the Takenaka Corporation. Don't you want to know why they were so dead set on getting it?"
Indeed, it had been basically two months since dealing the corporation and none of them had heard a peep from them that entire time. With nothing really happening, it gave Daisuke and the others time to relax and recover from everything that they had gone through recently. However, that didn't mean it was a peaceful rest.
"Of course I do Hikari. But I'm not going to nearly bit Ken's head off because he hasn't finished with the translations yet." What Daisuke was saying was true. When he returned with the metal box they opened it to discover that there were two items inside. The items were two rolled up scrolls that were written in a strange language that none of them understood.
"Thank you Daisuke for the support and also I apologize for not figuring out these scrolls any faster. Even after two months of study I still haven't been able to translate much of it with the exception of a few words and phrases." Grapping one of the aforementioned scrolls, Ken groaned when he saw that he could hardly understand the strange language better than he did from the start. "Whatever is written on these scrolls we better find out what it is because it's only a matter of time until the Takenaka Corporation tried to retrieve them. We can only guess what they would do if they got their hands on them."
As the conversation continued, Miyako and Mimi returned with a few books tucked underneath their arms. "We have returned and we come with information." said Mimi in an attempt of humor.
Dropping the books onto the desk Ken picked up one of the books and skimmed through it. "I believe that with these new sources I can figure out what else is written in the scrolls but it'll take some time to do so."
"Oh, great, more time. That's all we need for our troubles." muttered Hikari.
"It's no problem really." remarked Daisuke offhandedly. "Despite that we have to be on guard until the text is translated it doesn't mean that we need to be totally focused on it. Until it's done we can allow ourselves to have some rest. Does that sound good to you guys?" Getting no complaint from any of his friends it was clear to see what their answer was. "Come on you guys. Whatever the Takenaka Corporation could have planned we'll be sure to handle it."
-/-/-/-/-
"So this is where you've been hiding." Inside a small room was the same girl that had been training earlier and now she was watching footage of Daisuke and his friends from previous fights.
"It still confuses me." said the girl in a calm voice. "Vampires have been known as one of the lowest creatures in the demon world and have considered humans as nothing more than cattle for them to feed upon whenever they please. However, this particular vampire seems to be different than the rest."
As if helping to prove her point she pointed to the monitor just as it was showing Daisuke as he was protecting the Santo children from some of the Jackson Industries' hired men. "There's an example right there. He was willing to put himself in danger to protect people he doesn't even know. Why would he do such a thing? It just doesn't make any sense."
"That's one of the reasons why the higher have such an interest interested in him." elaborated the scientist. "That's why you're here. So that you can confront him and if able bring him here where we can persuade him in working for us." the scientist informed. "For now though you should rest up since you'll soon have to confront that vampire and you can't possibly face him if you're exhausted."
Deciding to follow the scientist's advice the girl got up and started to leave the room but stopped at the doorway. "Thank you Rowan for all that you're doing. I appreciate it." With that said the girl exited the room leaving the scientist, now identified as Rowan behind.
Once she was gone a look of uncertainly came across Rowan's face. Leaving the video archive room, she headed towards her private lab which was stocked with the latest science technology that was at her disposal. Sitting on one of the stools she simply collapsed onto the table as if she was letting go of all the tension that she was holding in. It wasn't until she heard a beeping sound that she composed herself.
Pushing a button a portion of the wall came apart to reveal a monitor that had three shadowed figures on it and despite that she couldn't see any of their faces Rowan already knew who they were. "Hello sirs. May I ask what did I do to deserve to have your presence bestowed upon here?"
"We're contacting you to discuss about the girl." answered the female higher up.
The answer caught Rowan off guard. "Serenity? Was could you possibly want to discuss that involves her?"
"You have already stated that Miss Serenity was prepared to take care of the problem that we've been having lately. The question though if it becomes necessary could she take him out once and for all?"
"Perhaps she could if she had no other choice but if I may, sirs. After conversing with Serenity I come to the conclusion that perhaps now isn't the time for her to confront her eventually target. It may cause some complications if we allow her to go after Motomiya at this time."
It seemed as though that the higher ups were considering the notion. "We value your opinion Rowan. We'll take your words into consideration. This ends our discussion." With that the monitor went to black, signaling that the connection was severed.
"Yeah, you'll think about it my ass." thought Rowan. "They'll still send her out despite the justified concerns. I just hope that Serenity comes out of this all right."
-/-/-/-/-
"So what's on the agenda tonight you guys?"
"Well Daisuke, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that there's nothing planned except for relaxing." exclaimed Hikari who was sitting across from Daisuke.
"Come on, you can't be serious? I mean, the night is young and patrolling has been slow lately. So we shouldn't waste this opportunity to have some fun by just sitting on our asses. Give me a reason why we should do nothing more than relaxing?"
"I'll give you one. Ken has practically worked nonstop for the past four days translating those scrolls and the same can be said for Miyako and Mimi who have been trying to help him. As for myself, I've been doing numerous photo shoots that have almost been back to back. Face it Daisuke, the four of us are exhausted from the past couple of days and we wish to recover from them or we'll be in no shape to help you if there's any trouble."
Knowing that what Hikari said was true, Daisuke let out a defeated sigh. "All right, I give up. You win. It's just that things have been so slow these last couple of days and I've been itching for some excitement."
Out of nowhere the sound of the front door being broken through could be heard. "You had to jinx it didn't you?" asked a not so amused Hikari. Not bothering to even answer the two of them headed off to see what the cause of the commotion was. They weren't the only ones as Ken; Miyako and Mimi son joined them.
"Hey Daisuke, what's going on?"
"I don't know Ken. But I think it has something to do with her."
Pointing over to the now destroyed doorway was a girl who probably was only a few years younger than the group. She had auburn eyes which were about the same color her hair that went down to the center of her back but was kept in a simple ponytail. The type of outfit that she was wearing was a dark red shirt that was almost skin tight and black pants. On closer examination they noticed that she was armed but it was impossible to tell what type of weaponry she had.
"Boy, you just love to make an entrance don't you?" joked Daisuke in an attempt to lighten the mood of the situation. "I mean, you could've just knocked instead of busting through my door, which by the way gets a little tiresome to fixed up after a while. Anyways, what's the purpose of you coming over?"
The girl remained silent for a few moments as she simply looked at them. It looked as though she was sizing them up. "The name's Serenity and I'm here to take you to my superiors, Daisuke Motomiya."
"Is that so? Let me guess who your superiors are. Could they be the Takenaka Corporation? Was I able to get it on the first try?"
Instead of answering with words, Serenity reached behind her and pulled out a fighting sword and positioned it in a way as if to say 'let's fight'. She didn't even give Daisuke a chance to respond as she charged straight at him. Fortunately, Daisuke was able to react quickly enough by grabbing her by the arm and while turning around toss her over his shoulder. "My, don't you have a lot of spunk for such a young one. Could there be more to this than just a job for you?"
Serenity's response was simple yet effective as she drove her shoulder into the gut of Daisuke. Using the momentum she continued to push him to where they actually crashed through one of the windows. Not being ones to be left behind, Hikari and the others hurried outside so they could see what was now happening.
What they saw was the two of them in a test of strength type hold and it looked as though the two were about even. After struggling to gain some sort of advantage they broke away from one another and were now staring at one another with determined stares.
"Do you want to know something interesting?" asked Daisuke from out of the blue. "You said that your name is Serenity. However, as far as I know doesn't the word serenity mean calm, peaceful, tranquil and things like that? Don't tell me that I'm the only one who sees the humor of how the name is a complete contrast to the owner of it." Not even getting the slightest chuckle from his remark Daisuke returned to his serious mode. "If you still wish to continue our fight then I'll be more than happy to do so. All I ask is that we have a change of venue for it to take place. So we won't have to worry about causing property damage or having someone getting in the way. What do you say about that?"
Serenity just remained there, readied to attack in an instant. Fortunately though, she eventually put away her sword. "I agree to your terms. Meet me at the rundown fish packing warehouse on the other side of town within the hour. If you don't show up I'll return to take you to my superiors and take out anyone who gets in my way." Having said that Serenity turned around and left.
After she left, Daisuke hurried back into his house and headed straight towards the weapon's cabinet. "Daisuke you can't actually be thinking about fighting that girl again are you?" questioned Mimi as she and the others came in.
Pulling out a dagger from the cabinet Daisuke stuffed it into his coat. "Yes I am. You heard what she said. If I don't show up she'll comeback to get me. So instead of waiting for her to come after me, I'll go after her." Strapping on the device that his collapsible sword came from to his wrist he headed out to keep his appointment.
"Well, if that's the case you won't mind us joining you." They were prepared to head out but Daisuke stopped them.
"I don't think so. This is something that I need to do on my own. Besides, I need you guys to do something for me. While I'm dealing with this Serenity girl, you guys will help Ken in hacking into the Takenaka Corporation's computer system and try to find out more about our recent visitor." It was obvious that none of them were all that enthusiastic about the idea. "Please you guys, I know that you're worried about me doing this but I promise you I'll be careful."
Retrieving his last bit of necessary weapons Daisuke headed towards the wrecked doorway. However, just before leaving he looked over his shoulder to his friends. He gave them a nod as if to say 'I'll be seeing you again soon' before headed out.
-/-/-/-/-
In no time Daisuke managed to arrive at the predetermined destination. "So you actually showed up voluntarily." spoke Serenity from somewhere in the building but it was impossible to tell where.
"Well, you know me, never willing to back away from a fight. Now why don't you come out so we can get this over with?"
"All in good time Daisuke. But I'm going to have some fun with you first." Nothing more was said as the entire place was consumed by darkness with the only light source being the street lights that were coming through the broken windows.
Going onto the defensive Daisuke tried to ready himself for whatever Serenity had planned as he was unable to tell where could possibly be. "Before we go ahead with this answer me this. Why are you so determined to take me down? Also, what exactly are you?" For a while there was no response and he figured that maybe he might have hit a sensitive spot.
"Does it really matter what my reasons are for doing this?" questioned Serenity from the shadows. "And if you're so curious about what I might be why don't you use those keen vampire senses of yours to find out?"
"That's just it. I've already tried and no matter how many times I check I keep getting the same result. Every time I get the sense that you're not a vampire or any other demon that I know of. However, I do get a trace of human from you but at the same time it's slightly off from an average human. In other words, you're not one of those run of the mill humans. So cut the crap and tell me what you are."
To somewhat Daisuke's surprise, Serenity just walked out of the shadows and stood right in front of him. "No thanks on the offer. But I might change my mind if you're able to defeat me in combat." Reaching back she pulled out her sword. "Do you accept my terms vampire?"
Daisuke's response was a simple one as his face went into vampire form and brought out his collapsible sword. "Let us begin."
-/-/-/-/-
"Has anyone found anything yet?" The silence was all the answer that Ken needed.
"This is pointless!" hollered Miyako as the frustration was getting to her. Soon after Daisuke left the rest of the gang went right to work in figuring out more about Serenity. "We've been going at this nonstop and we haven't found anything that could be of any use in helping us. We should forget this and go after Daisuke."
"That is no even an opinion Miyako." exclaimed Hikari. "Daisuke gave us a job to do and we've got to do it as soon as possible."
"Speaking of which, here's something that'll not only shock him but all of us." Surrounding themselves around Ken they looked at the computer screen which had a picture of Serenity with what looked like vital information beside it. "I was able to hack into the corporation's secret files and came across this." As he was saying this he began to print up a copy of what he found.
"It seems as though our recent troublemaker has somewhat of a connection with Daisuke. Apparently after his run in with the higher ups when he went to save Takeru, some of his blood was spilled. Then for the past ear they've been using that blood to create something and I'll give you one guess what that thing was."
"Are you saying that girl is some how a clone of Daisuke?" asked Mimi.
"That's not exactly correct. They tried to do cloning but that was a failure. So they did the next best thing which was combining it with traces of human blood."
"Is there anything in the file about what the second 'donor was?" questioned Hikari.
"As a matter of fact it does." Scrolling down a picture of a woman who they presumed is where the second source of blood came from. "According to this the blood was from some woman named Katara."
Hearing that name caused Hikari to recall something that she was told. "I know who that is. Daisuke told me that she was the person who trained him after he became a vampire. He also said shortly after he had completed his training she disappeared without a trace. I guess we discovered the reason why."
Everyone was silent for the moment as they allowed everything that they've discovered to sink in. The silence would be broken by Miyako. "Then if all this is true, then what type of connection does Daisuke have with Serenity?"
"I'm not all that sure but I had to identify it the best way would be like a father and daughter." declared Ken with uncertainly.
Hearing all that she wanted to hear, Hikari headed for the door. "I think we get all the information that we need. So who's going to come with me to tell Daisuke about this?" Following their friend's lead, the rest of the group went to join her.
Not wanting to waste another minute they hurried to the door but just as they were about to leave, several heavily armed men stormed in and surrounded them. "Man, we really need to improve that early warning spell that we've installed. Maybe we would've had time to prepare for this."
"It wouldn't matter if you upgraded your little spell." spoke a voice from outside the building. Slowly a black haired woman entered the scene by standing behind the armed men. "I mean, we'll just get pass it like this one."
-/-/-/-/-
Neither one spoke or moved as the two were waiting for the right to strike. "How about we skip the warm up and just get straight it?"
Bringing his sword up to where it was right in front of his face, Daisuke had a look of absolute determination on his face. "I couldn't agree more. Let's do this."
I hope that you readers like that chapter. Also, I hope that you like how I explain the whole Serenity origin because I felt that it was the best way to go with it. As this story goes on you'll see that it'll mostly involve with the paths that characters will take, hence the title of the story. Before you go I hope that you be kind enough to leave a review.