Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

A/N: Another chapter finally done and I promise I'll get back to my usual schedule of one a week. As for this chapter, I'll I can say is...ouch.

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 154: Lightning Strikes Twice

Ken Ichijouji

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

Letting out a deep sigh, Ken slowly took a seat at the kitchen table and turned to gaze at his wife, who was busy preparing a late meal for the family, since it was her turn to cook dinner that night. The two of them, along with Minomon, who was sleeping on the table, had arrived home from the Ai-Mart about twenty minutes ago, and even though it was getting too late to join Miya and the others at the Motomiya residence, Ken was still finding it hard to resist the urge to meet up with Davis and the rest of his friends, despite the fact that his presence there wouldn't really be of any use. As much as he didn't want to admit it to himself, he was desperate to find out what was happening with his son and the other Digidestined who had gone to the Digital World earlier in the afternoon. He was sure Yolei felt the same way, even though she hadn't said so in those exact words, and that only made him even more determined to find out what was going on in the Digital World. It was hard to explain, but ever since the moment he had woken up that morning, he had felt...uneasy, as if something bad was going to happen, and as the day wore on, instead of his fear disappearing, it only seemed to have gotten worse.

I hope Sam isn't doing anything too dangerous. I want to believe he's safe and happy, but...I don't know. I just have this feeling something bad is going to happen, and I can't help thinking it wil somehow involve Sam...

"Ken, is something wrong?" Yolei asked, turning away from the refrigerator and sitting down in the seat across from him. Folding her hands together, she raised her eyebrows and gave him a sympathetic smile. "You've been really quiet today. I mean...more so than usual. Is there something on your mind?"

"I'm not the only one. You've been pretty quiet today, too."

"I'm sorry, but...I can't help it. I just have this feeling...I don't know, it's hard to explain."

Ken stared at his wife in surprise and reached across the table to take her hand. "You mean...you, too? I thought maybe I was just imagining things."

"Do you really think Gennai did tell them about the Spirit Chips?" Yolei asked hesitantly, frowning thoughtfully at their intertwined fingers.

"I don't see any reason why he wouldn't have. How much do you want to bet Dai and the others are looking for the Spirit Chips, or at least one of them, even as we speak? I doubt they would all be in the same place."

"Maybe, but don't you think it's taking them a little too long to get back to the human world? It is getting late. You don't think something might have gone terribly wrong, do you?"

I wish I knew, but there's no way we can be sure until Sam comes home...

Giving his wife's hand a quick squeeze, Ken slowly shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. I hope Sam and the others aren't getting themselves into trouble, but in order to find out, we're just going to have to be patient for a little while longer. Yolei, why...why do you feel so uneasy?"

"Well...I could ask you the same thing."

Ken stared silently at his sleeping partner for a moment, the pale blue hands on the clock hanging just above the door next to the refrigerator ticking loudly in his ears, and turning slightly, he managed to give his wife a faint smile. "I'm not really sure. It's just...ever since this morning I've had this strange feeling that something bad is going to happen, but it must just be my imagination. After all, the day is almost over, and so far nothing strange or unusual has happened."

"Not yet, but that could still change. Ken, I don't think you're imagining things. I've felt the same way all day, and I can't help worrying about Sam and the others. Like I said earlier, it's getting pretty late. Don't you think they should have been back by now?"

Yes, but how can I say that without making you worry even more?

"Yolei..."

"Ken, do you think they might be in trouble?" Yolei asked anxiously, interrupting him before he could even attempt to reassure her. "What if they're hurt, or...or..."

"Yolei, I'm sure they're fine. For all we know, Sam, Miya, and Nao could be heading home right at this very moment."

Yolei let out a frustrated sigh, and pulling her hand away, she crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a stern look. "Ken, I really think we should join T.K. and the others at Davis' and Noriko's house. They might need-"

"Trust me, Yolei, I feel the exact same way, but there's no point in going over there now. By the time we get there, the others will probably be on their way out the door. Like I said, Sam, Miya, and Nao could be walking through our front door at any moment."

"But-"

"You know I'm right, Yolei, even if it is hard to accept."

Yolei looked like she wanted to continue protesting, but before she could open her mouth again, the front door suddenly slammed shut and the sound of footsteps in the foyer caught Ken's attention. Smiling to himself, he quickly got to his feet and motioned for Yolei to follow him. "See? I told you so."

"Honestly, Ken, you don't need to rub it in. I swear you're getting as bad as Davis!"

Taking his wife's hand, Ken quickly made his way into the foyer and stopped short when he spotted his son standing just inside the door. Sam was holding Glimmermon in his arms, and his face was so white he looked like he was going to faint. There were thick, red tear stains streaming down both of his cheeks and he was gazing at the floor as if he didn't know quite what to do with himself. Glimmermon looked a little lost, as well, and the shock and disbelief in their eyes made Ken feel slightly uneasy.

"Sam!" Yolei gasped, her amber eyes growing wide with fear. "What's wrong, honey? What happened?"

Instead of answering his mother's question, Sam merely let out a soft sob and quickly lowered his head, his hands coming up to cover his face. Unable to stand seeing Sam in so much pain, Ken took a hesitant step towards his son and gently placed his hands on the raven-haired Digidestined's trembling shoulders. Wincing at the sudden contact, Sam quickly jerked away in surprise and slowly looked up, his blue gaze searching for the face of the hands that had reached out to offer him comfort and support. When he realized who was standing in front of him, his whole body froze and he quickly turned away again, his deep blue eyes beginning to well up with tears.

"Sam?" Yolei whispered, gazing apprehensively at the raven-haired Digidestined.

Catching hold of Sam's arm, Ken quickly pulled his son towards him so the two of them were directly facing each other. Despite Sam's efforts to avoid looking at him, their eyes met, and suddenly Ken knew without a shadow of a doubt exactly what was wrong with his son.

No! No...Sam. Please...

He tried to speak, but despite his desperate need to make Sam understand what had happened in the past, he did not seem able to utter a single word or sound.

This can't be happening. It just can't be! How? How did he...who would have...Sam...

He did not know how Sam had managed to figure out the truth, and under the circumstances, it was of little importance. The only thing that truly mattered now was the fact that Sam knew the true identity of the Digimon Emperor, despite all the time and effort taken to keep the past a secret.

I knew something terrible would happen! I could feel it in my heart, but I never expected it to be this bad. Why didn't I see it coming? The past always has a way of catching up with you no matter how hard you try to hide it.

Even though Sam's knowledge of the truth shouldn't have come as a surprise, Ken still felt like someone had just punched him right in the stomach, but more importantly, his heart felt like it had just been stabbed right through with a sword, not once, but several times over, each strike piercing right through his soul.

I should have known Sam would find out about my past, but...no, that's not true. I did know Sam would discover the truth, I...I just didn't want to admit it to myself, and now look what's happened. If only I hadn't been such a coward, but I suppose that's what being a parent is all about. We'll do anything to protect our children, only...I haven't been protecting Sam at all. If anything, I've failed him. What kind of a father hides such an important part of his past from his own son?

And yet, if he could go back in time and alter the past, he knew he probably wouldn't change a single thing. Even though he had known all along that his past would eventually cease to be a secret, he had still wanted to believe there was some way to change the inevitable. That determination to find a way around the truth had been the one thing that had kept him going, but now he didn't even have that small source of comfort anymore.

Sam...I'm so sorry...

"Ken!" Glimmermon cried tearfully, his large violet eyes peeking up from the depths of Sam's arms. "I tried! I really did! Oh, this is terrible! I'm really sorry, Ken..."

Ken opened his mouth, trying once more in vain to speak, but before he could even attempt to utter a sound, the door burst open again, only this time instead of Sam, Miya and Nao came stumbling into the foyer, almost tripping over each other in their haste to get inside.

As soon as Miya spotted Sam, she threw her arms around him and buried her face against his shoulder. "Sam, what's gong on? Why did you run away from us like that?"

"Sam, please don't be sad," Nao said tearfully, clasping his hands together and gazing miserably into his brother's dark blue eyes. The younger boy looked completely devastated and he was staring at Sam in a manner that suggested he was quite hesitant to get too close to the raven-haired Digidestined for fear of being pushed away. "I don't know what's wrong, but I want to help."

"No," Sam whispered, trying desperately to free himself from Miya's arms. "No, please..."

"If you think we're going to leave you alone, even for a minute, forget it!" Miya snapped, shaking the raven-haired Digidestined by the shoulders. "We're not stupid, Sam! Something obviously happened to you in the Digital World today and I'm not going to stop bothering you until I find out what has upset you so much."

"Sam, we just want to make you happy again," Nao whispered, the tears sparkling in his big, blue eyes beginning to slide freely down his cheeks.

"No," Yolei moaned, covering her face with her hands. "It wasn't supposed to be like this..."

"Sam, say something!" Miya pleaded, her arms tightening around the raven-haired Digidestined's neck.

Tearing his gaze away from Sam's pale face, Ken stared at his other two children in shock, unable to believe what he was hearing. He didn't know how it was possible, but even though Sam had somehow figured out the truth about the Digimon Emperor, it was obvious Miya and Nao didn't have a clue what was going on. They were still blissfully unaware of the pain and sorrow Sam was experiencing, but despite their lack of knowledge, with regards to the volcano that was about to erupt, they could still tell Sam's strange behaviour and the secrets he was clearly keeping from them were somehow significant.

They might not know the truth yet, but they will before the night is over, and at this point in time, whether Sam tells them about my past or not is of no importance. If he doesn't, I'll tell them myself. What's the point of hiding all the terrible things I did when in the end they're just going to find out the truth whether I tell them or not? Now that Sam knows, nothing else matters anymore...

And yet, even though his thoughts made perfect sense, he couldn't help hoping there was still a chance to prevent Miya and Nao from experiencing the same pain and sadness he had no doubt Sam was currently struggling with. He may have lost his chance to save Sam, but perhaps he could still protect Miya and Nao from the taint of his dark past...

"Sam, please come back to us," Nao whispered, tugging anxiously on his brother's arm. "You're not acting like my big brother and it's scaring me. The Sam I know never acts mean to other people. I miss him and I want him to come back right now!"

"Ken? Ken, what's going on?" a small voice cried from the doorway leading back into the kitchen.

Minomon...

Sudden tears stinging his eyes, Ken whirled around in surprise and spotted his partner sprawled on the floor, the little in-training digimon having just fallen on his face upon entering the room. All of the shouting must have woken him up because he was rubbing his eyes and he looked a little confused about what was going on.

You were right, Minomon. I should have listened to you...

Desperate to avoid Sam's gaze on him, Ken quickly crossed the room and scooped Minomon into his arms, his cheek coming to rest against the little digimon's small body. He wanted to say something, anything, but again he could not seem to express in words how he was feeling inside.

"Ken, talk to me! What's going on?" Minomon cried. "I don't like all this yelling. It's hurting my ears."

"It's bad, Minomon. It's really bad," Glimmermon whimpered, turning his small body away and hiding his face against his partner's chest. The soft glimmer from the light bulb hanging over his head flickered before dying completely, and he let out a soft moan, his whole body shivering with fear.

Pulling back slightly, Ken gazed deeply into his partner's eyes, and almost immediately Minomon's gaze widened in understanding. "He knows, doesn't he. Oh, Ken, I'm so sorry. I swear I never...I didn't..."

Moved by his partner's concern, Ken was at last able to find his voice, but even so his words were just barely above a whisper. They certainly weren't loud enough for anyone but Minomon to overhear. "I know. It's not your fault. It doesn't matter how it happened. If anyone is to blame, it's me and only me."

"That's not true! Not in the way that you think. Oh, Ken, if only you could see..."

"Dad?" Sam suddenly whispered, his soft voice shattering the tense silence hanging in the air around them.

Ken felt his heart skip a beat, and hugging his partner tightly in his arms, he turned to face his son, his soul screaming in agony. He wanted to run, or at the very least he wanted to collapse onto the floor and sob his heart out, but more than anything, he wanted to hug Sam as hard as he could and never let go. His past, the Emperor, none of it mattered. The only thing that truly mattered was the fact that he loved his son more than he could ever put into words and he couldn't lose him. If he did, then all of the things he had done to try and make up for his past would be meaningless.

It was pathetic. He was scared of his own son, but even that was nothing compared to how he felt about himself. Gazing into Sam's tortured blue eyes, at that moment, he truly hated himself.

He's suffering because of me. Am I destined to hurt everyone I love?

"Sam, please," Yolei said quietly, holding out her arms and gazing tearfully into the raven-haired Digidestined's eyes. "It's not what you think. You have to understand..."

Sam suddenly wrenched himself free from both of his siblings, causing Miya to stumble into Nao, and Ken jumped in surprise as Sam slowly stepped towards him, the raven-haired Digidestined's deep blue eyes pleading for answers. Tears were streaming silently onto the carpet from Sam's cheeks, and the pain in his eyes was almost more than Ken could bear. "It's not true, is it? Please, tell me it's not true."

"Sam, I..."

You hate me, and I don't blame you. I'd hate me, too, if I were you.

"I can't believe it," Sam choked out, a sob escaping his throat. "It really is true. How...how could you? How could you have hurt so many innocent humans and digimon?"

"What?" Miya gasped, her amber eyes growing wide with shock. "Sam, what are you talking about?"

"Daddy, what's going on?" Nao cried.

Unable to respond, Ken merely stared at his children, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. There were so many emotions running through his body, he didn't really know quite how to feel. He was sure he was in shock, which explained why he didn't really know what to do with himself, but even his inability to fully grasp what was happening to him wasn't enough to mask the pain in his heart. The truth was, there were so many things he wanted and needed to feel, that he couldn't make up his mind which of his feelings would be most appropriate at the moment. In a way, it didn't really matter. At the moment, Sam's feelings were the only thing he cared about.

"All my life, I've always looked up to," Sam whispered, his words ending in a sob. "I've always wanted to be just like you, but now...now it's like I don't even know you anymore. I can understand allowing the Powers of Darkness to enter your heart, that sort of thing can happen to anyone, especially in times of trouble. No one can fully escape from the darkness, but to have let yourself fall so far? To...to have allowed yourself to become the Emperor? I can't..."

"Sam, what...what are you saying?" Miya gasped, clapping her hands over her mouth in horror. "The Emperor...it just isn't possible..."

"Daddy, is Sam telling the truth?" Nao asked anxiously, peeking around Miya's arm and gazing at him with wide, frightened eyes.

Unable to stand the look on Sam's face anymore, Ken reached out a pleading hand towards his son, hoping to somehow connect with the raven-haired Digidestined. "Sam, please, let me explain. I-"

"No! No...I...I don't want to hear it."

To Ken's complete horror, Sam slowly began to back up, his feet taking him towards the stairs. Realizing what Sam was about to do, Ken shoved Minomon into Yolei's arm, leaped towards his son, and attempted to grab the raven-haired Digidestined's arm, but before he could close the distance between them, Sam turned and raced up the stairs with Glimmermon in his arms.

"Sam, wait!"

Experiencing a flash of fear more powerful than anything he had ever felt before, Ken raced up the stairs and hurried around the corner of the hallway just as Sam reached the last room on the left. He couldn't explain why Sam's eagerness to get away from him seemed somehow significant, but he had a feeling if he let the raven-haired Digidestined walk away from him now, he would lose his son forever.

I can't let that happen. If I lose Sam, I lose everything. Miya and Nao, too...

Gasping for breath, Ken leaped towards Sam's bedroom, desperate to reach his son, and he made it to the door just as Sam entered the room. Hearing his footsteps, Sam turned back to look at him and he caught one last look at his son's haunted expression before the door slammed directly in his face.