Hey Guys! I AM BACK!. Words can't describe how sorry I am for being absent SO long. I also can't really say too much but, sorry.

I doubted a long time that I could come back to write this story, I was thinking to delete everything. But honestly... I don't want to. I am thinking about this story so much. I can't just let it go. So this chapter is me trying to come back to my old self. Does that sound weird? Probably. Anyway here comes nothing.

Anyway as usual, i don't own digimon, but i own my OC's Phoenix, Kazumi, Dylan and Alec.

English isn't my first language, so please excuse a few possible mistakes.


Family

When I open my eyes the room seems to be darker than usual. Is it because I feel worse? Why is everything so dark?

My gaze wanders over to the bedside table, checking the time. 3;56am. Still too early to get up. The first group who's going to scout heads out at 5am. So there's still an hour left.

I close my eyes again, enjoying the absolute silence in the room. Being out there the whole day and having your drumhead nearly blasted by the sounds of weapons clashing together makes you realize how calming silence actually can be.

With this peaceful thought in my mind I welcome the feeling of my body getting heavier by the second.

I'm just about to drift back to sleep when the silence in the room is disturbed by the sound of someone turning around abruptly. My eyes dart open immediately and I turn around to check on the person who started to toss and turn all of the sudden.

"No..." The agony in his voice makes me shiver almost immediately. Somewhere deep inside of me I feel my heart breaking a little bit more because of the fact that not even in his sleep this man finds peace.

I lay my hand on his shoulder in an attempt to make him feel my presence, to make him realize that he is not alone. Not alone in this darkness.

"No... No please"

"Babe... wake up", I try to wake him up, obviously without going anywhere with it. He turns around again and buries his face in his pillow.

"Let me go please!"

"Alec!"

"No, no.."

I get on my knees and pull him around, straddling him and shaking him by his shoulders.

"NO!"

I'm met with icy grey eyes in the dark when he finally opens his eyes. His chest rises and falls heavily and his gaze reminds me of the one of an animal who just got caught. I slide down a little bit to give him space but before I realize what's happening I feel his strong arms around me, pulling me down on his chest.

I lay my head on his chest, listening to the sound of his heart beating at least 200 times a minute.

"It was just a nightmare Alec..." I try to calm him down a little bit though I know that it won't change his momentary state.

"That's the problem love... it was not"


Izzy's Prov command center

"Phoenix, we have to get them out of there!" Yolei stands up from her chair in front of one of these many computers.

While the rest of us got out on their mission Phoenix and Gennai took the time to instruct Yolei and me on the technology of this base. I have to admit; I've never seen anything like this in my entire life. We're able to see every little bit of the digital world by typing different codes on the computers. It's brilliant.

While Yolei's screen is showing the water-level of the underground tunnels team A (We call Tai and the others who are in the city that way so we won't have any misunderstanding) is in, my screen shows the activity over ground. So I'm perfectly aware of the fact that if Team A takes the exit right over their heads, they'll be attacked by the at least three dozen evil digimon guards who are currently walking around the marking square. The only way for them to get out is to take a different tunnel that has its exit right behind an empty House.

"I know Yolei, we will", Phoenix says, staying behind us with the rest of Team B (that includes every one of us who stayed behind).

"Alec, you have to get to the end of the tunnel on your left" he talks into the headset microphone he's wearing around his neck. "Do you know which one?"

"I do."

"The water is rising too fast. By the time they reach the end of the tunnel it will be too late", Cody links in, looking at both, mine and Yolei's screen.

"I'm on it." Alec's voice sounds through the whole room again, leaving us with no clue what he's about to do.

After glancing at Phoenix' and Gennai's worried expressions however I'm sure he's up to no good.


T.K's Prov underground tunnel

I feel myself freezing because of the water rising constantly. Seeing that it's already above my ankles does definitely no good to my well-being. I look around at my friends who are all looking at each other, hoping for anyone to find a solution for this mess we're in. While Kazumi and Dylan are looking at each of these tunnels Alec seems deep in thought. I honestly don't see how he can remain so calm in this fucked up situation.

"Alec, you have to get to the end of the tunnel on your left." Phoenix' voice sounds through our headsets which were placed in each of our ears before heading out.

"Thank God, they found a way for us", Sora exhales deeply, relief clear written on her face.

"The water is rising too fast. By the time they reach the end of the tunnel it will be too late." Cody's words however crash our hopes down again.

"Fuck" Although Davis whispers his curses we're all perfectly able to hear him.

I try my hardest to ignore the fact that I almost feel the water getting higher by the minute.

"Alright guys. So we'll just run as fast as we can. I mean are you really giving up because of that bit of water?" Tai finally speaks out, driving all attention to him.

"I'm on it", Alec speaks into the microphone before turning to us.

"Do as your leader tells you. Run as fast as you can to the end of this tunnel", he says, pointing at the tunnel right behind me. I turn around, expecting this tunnel to be kind of special, or at least, there being anything that differs in something from the others. But no, it's the exactly same dark tunnel as each of them.

"What about you?" Kazumi takes a step towards him, taking his hand into hers.

He looks at her with an unreadable expression; at least, for me it is unreadable.

"I'll be fine love. Go."

"No. There's no way I'm leaving you behind!"

"I said go Kazumi!" He repeats, this time however louder, his voice at least ten degrees colder as usual. I don't know what it is that has changed in him within these few seconds. But I can tell by the way Kazumi is looking at him with a shocked expression that something definitely is different about him now.

"Don't do that... please", her voice is a mere whisper before Dylan takes her arm, pulling her away from him. He however shows no emotion anymore. He turns away from us and stretches his arms out as if he'd be able to stop the water with his bare hands.

Within seconds I feel the water getting colder but not rising anymore. I can tell my friends do too because everyone's looking at Alec with the same stunned expression. Everyone but the twins. Their look however is a look of pure horror.

"Dylan!" Alec's angry voice snaps us out of our daze.

"Alright guys let's go! He won't be able to stop the water from rising forever." Dylan says, pulling his sister behind him and taking the lead.

"Don't forget the traps!" I shout out, being the only one who didn't forget about the probably most dangerous thing down here. Immediately everyone stops right in their tracks, looking at Andromon for either to tell us to keep going or to deactivate a trap.

"The traps are deactivated when they touch water. Everything is based on electricity. You know best that electricity doesn't work when being in touch with water", Andromon responds calmly.

"But we know also that if electricity is in touch with water we'll be dead in a second", Ken states the obvious thing.

"Alec is deactivating them, don't worry", Phoenix voice sounds again. However the hint of sudden sadness in his voice doesn't go unnoticed by me.

"What do you mean?" Tai says while starting to walk again.

"He's using the power of darkness Tai, there's not really much to say about that." The hopelessness in Phoenix's voice feels like a heavy wall pressing every one of us down. I was already foreboding something like that. After all; Kazumi's reaction was really clear.

"Let's not waste time then. The longer he's forced to use this power the worse", Ken says, starting to run again.


Kari's Prov command center

"Phoenix, are you okay?"

Palmon's question snaps me out of my daze I was in. The whole time I was staring at the big screen in front of us, trying to understand what is happening to our friends down there. I turn around and look over to where Phoenix is sitting on the ground, burying his face in both of his hands. A frown appears on my face.

"What is with him?" I ask Joe who's sitting next to me. He looks over to him and shrugs, waiting for him to answer Palmon's question.

But nothing.

He's just sitting there in the same position, ignoring everything and everyone around him.

Gennai stands up from his seat and goes over to him. He kneels down on his level and lays his hand on his back. He whispers something into his ear I'm not able to hear. Obviously Gennai's words affect him in a way because within seconds Phoenix stands up again and looks back at the screen where all dots that stand for our friends are moving. All but one. And the one stands for phoenix' brother. That's when I finally realize just what is wrong with him. I immediately feel bad for him. He has to witness how his brother is sacrificing himself for the rest of us.

"He'll get out Phoenix", I hear me say before I even realize that I opened my mouth.

He turns to me with a tired expression and inhales deeply. "I know he will Kari."

"But what is it then? What's wrong with you?" Cody asks, looking as concerned as everyone who's sitting around the table. Although we had our disagreements with this person we can't ignore our desire to help other people.

"Digidestined you have to understand that Alec is using the power of darkness", Gennai explains instead of Phoenix.

"What does that mean?" Izzy asks from his spot in front of one of the computers.

"The way Ken did when he was the emperor?" Yolei asks draining of color.

"No. Worse." Phoenix speaks up finally. "My brother has the power of darkness deep inside of him. This is what ruined him all these years ago. Kazumi managed to keep him together and got the good in him back. But as soon as he uses this power again..."

He doesn't continue because his voice starts to shake.

"It might be possible that history will repeat itself if Alec turns evil again. Not that he's an angel now but... he was okay", Gennai says.

"But this time Kazumi is by his side. She'll surely be able to help him. I mean, love is way stronger than this ridiculous power of d –", Yolei starts but Tentomon interrupts her.

"You should not underestimate the power of darkness Yolei. It is much more dangerous than you think."

"Why? What makes it that dangerous?" I ask since I cannot understand the way not only Phoenix and Gennai fear this power so much, but also our own digimon. Of course, we're fighting against these powers all these years...But even Ken turned nice after letting go of this darkness. So how bad can Alec be when he uses this power?

"Kari it is something different when the power is inside of you. Ken didn't use the real power of darkness. At least not in the way Alec is corrupted by it. Alec turns into a whole new person when he uses it. This is what worries me so much", Phoenix says and takes a seat on the table we're sitting at.

"And what are we going to do now?" Joe asks, leaning back in his seat.

"We just have to wait I guess", Phoenix says, staring blankly into the room.


Tai's Prov

I climb up the ladder as the last one and run around the corner into a run-down house where the others are waiting already. I turn around and mirror the others who are all looking through the doorframe at the exit of the tunnels, waiting for the last one to come.

Where the fuck is he?!

I look over to check on my daughter from the future. The shock is still visible on her face. She's paler than I've ever seen her before and if I am not mistaken she's shaking lightly. Dylan however is the fastest of us who snaps out of the trance we all seem to be in. He turns on his microphone.

"Phoenix is he moving?"

"He is", I hear Izzy respond. "But the water started rising again. Way faster than before. He really should –"

"I think the water is a little bit faster than him", Ken says, pointing at the hole again from where water is coming out slowly.

Fuck.

As if on call I hear Kazumi's breath getting heavier and her face going paler than before. I scoot closer to her and lay a hand on her shoulder what causes her to turn to me. Her expression however doesn't really change that much. Her of fear widened eyes pierce right through my heart.

"He'll be fine Kazumi", I try to reassure her in my calmest voice I can bring up right now.

"How do you know that? You don't even know him."

She's got a point...

"You just have to believe in him I guess", I reply and direct my gaze back at the one spot where my future daughter's boyfriend is supposed to come out.

"I don't see shit. Why is it so dark?" Davis speaks out, leaning against the brick wall next to me.

"Because we're in a city that is controlled by the demon lords and their army", Andromon replies, looking at the same spot as everyone is staring right now.

"What takes him so long?" Sora whispers quietly, changing the subject again. However her question goes by without being answered. She probably didn't expect an answer anyway...

From what I can see through this darkness the water is still pouring over from the hole we escaped a little while ago. I can tell that the twins are getting more and more nervous the longer it takes Alec to come out finally.

"Okay I've got enough of this. I'm going –", Dylan takes a step into the direction of the tunnel exit when Phoenix's voice sounds in our ears.

"DON'T MOVE!"

"Why the fuck are you screaming into my ear...damn", Davis complaints, holding his one ear where the headset is placed.

"Patrol. Stay where you are", Phoenix replies in a much calmer voice now.

Everyone immediately hides in the shadows. I myself duck under the small wall that's left of the house wall. My gaze is directed straight forward into the darkness that is suddenly broken through from a light beam. A few seconds later two dark figures appear, illuminating the whole area. They look like digimon...

"Duck, everyone", I hear Izzy's voice through my headset. I lie down on the ground and pull the others with me.

My heart beats violently against my chest but I try my hardest not to breathe too loud. I stare at the faces of my friends. Everyone wears quite the same expression as I do. They can't really believe what is happening right now since no one of us experienced something like this before. I try to give them a reassuring smile which only Matt returns before turning to Kazumi whose gasp scares the shit out of us.

"What is it?" Dylan whispers to her.

However instead of responding she nods to the direction the figures are standing. I scoot over to the doorframe and dare to sneak a peek.

There on the spot where we exited the tunnel system lies a figure on the ground, not moving. The two digimon however – I inwardly decided that these things certainly are digimon since they don't look like anything else to me – hold their flashlights at the one on the ground. That's when I realize that it's actually Alec who obviously got out of these tunnels. His soaked appearance proves our assumption; the water was way faster in rising as him holding it back.

"Why isn't he moving?" Davis whispers right next to my ear. I didn't even realize that he also scooted closer to get a look at the scenario.

"Do you think he's –"

"He's immortal Davis", Kazumi responds, staring at her boyfriend lying on the ground.

"Immortal yes, but not invulnerable", Dylan says who's leaning on the opposite wall.

"Shut up Dylan."

Should his sister really talk to him that way?

"Oh god what are they doing?" Davis asks, shaking my shoulder violently. I immediately turn back to them.

One of the figures is leaning over Alec's body. I lean a little bit farther out, trying to hear something of their conversation.

"Do you think he's alive?" One of them asks.

"Don't know, you're the one checking him." - yep, definitely digimon.

"I think he was trapped down in there. What do you think?"

"He probably fell down yes. And if so, he drowned. The water raised a lot faster than I thought."

"Tai what do you think? Should we attack?" Agumon asks, seeming ready to bounce in any minute.

"I –",

"NO! Don't cause a stir", Yolei says through our headsets.

I shake my head no, following the instructions of the command center. I don't know why but I don't dare to disesteem their advice. At least, not at the moment.

The first figure grabs Alec's right shoulder. And just when he's about to turn him around the boy spins around and stings something that looks an awful lot like a dagger into its neck.

"Aaaaargh!"

Alec grabs the figure by his shoulder and lances the blade through his neck. I have to look away because I certainly don't want to see its head falling down.

Kazumi for her part leaps up and runs forwards. I immediately stand up from my spot, ready to follow her when I feel Dylan grabbing my arm, holding me back. I shot him a questioning glare which he responds with just a shake of his head.

"She doesn't need help. Trust me."

I turn around again and see that Kazumi got to the second figure who probably was about to raise an alarm. She holds its arms behind its back with an obviously very strong grip. Alec turns around, stinging his dagger into the chest of it, causing the figure to disappear into dusts of data as well as the first one.

"That was... ",

"Horrible", T.K ends Davis' sentence. I look at my friends who are all standing right behind me all of a sudden, staring at Kazumi and Alec in shock. "They just deleted two digimon as if it was nothing..."

The two of them return to us together. However as soon as they're out eyeshot, Kazumi pulls him into a hug, which he returns after a few seconds of hesitating.

Sora, Ken, T.K and Davis all took a few steps back, their shock still visible on their faces. Alec breaks the hug and turns around to look at us. I don't know if it's because I saw him using dark powers or if it's because he just slaughtered two digimon unknown to me, but something seems different about him.

The glim in his eyes seems dulled. While they were always shining in this icy shimmer, they're just two dim greyish dots now. His wet clothes sting to him and make him shiver lightly, which he is ignoring consciously.

"What's with the faces?" he asks, looking around at every one of us.

"How could you do something like that?" T.K asks, his eyes still widened

"Do what?"

"Kill them. As if it was nothing." Davis says, his expression mirroring T.K's.

"Would you rather be dead instead? Killed by them?" Alec shots back, his eyes narrowing in a dangerous angry way.

"No but –",

"Then be thankful for me saving your life. Again", Alec says before collapsing on the ground, exhaustion getting the best of him.

"Tai what do you think? Should we camp here?" Dylan asks me, reminding me that in their eyes – what surprises me a lot – I'm still in charge.

"Eh..."

I turn on my headset again; "Izzy what do you mean? Would it be save to stay here for the night?"

"Let me check the area Tai", he responds. I wait a few seconds before his voice sounds again.

"Looks good. But I request you go up to the last floor, from there you should be almost invisible. But don't come up with the idea to light a fire or something. You'd burn down the house."

As if we would be that stupid.

"Thanks", I look up again at my team;" You heard him."

They nod in unison and grab their flashlights. No one dares to say something since they're probably still freaking out about Alec's *fight*. He however takes a hold of kazumi's hand and lets her lead him up the stairs.

I try my hardest to ignore the creaking sound of the stairs and grab a hold on my girlfriend myself. She squeezes my hand in her usual calming way and follows me up the stairs.

Dylan who's the first one reaching the door at the end of the staircase opens it and leads us into a wide room. The brick walls are still whole, in contra to the one's downstairs.

There are a few sofas standing in the middle of the room, as well as a cupboard on the opposite wall. The glass of the windows is broken and it's out of question that there's no light in this house.

Dylan and Alec don't even bother to look around the room. They approach the sofas and push them into a circle so everyone will be able to be near each other.

Davis, T.K, Ken, Matt, Sora and the twins all collapse on the sofas, leaving Alec and me the only ones who are standing in the middle of the room. Kazumi places her flashlight on the floor, giving us a little bit light in this otherwise pitch-dark room.

Alec however doesn't bother to notice the gazes he's still receiving from my friends. He approaches the cupboard and opens it, obviously looking for something.

"Alec I doubt there's bour –"Dylan starts but smiles when Alec turns to him again, a bottle of whiskey in his hand.

"As you were saying?" He grins widely, the sparkle slowly returning into his eyes.

"Aren't you sitting down?" Sora asks, looking at me with a worried expression.

"Shortly", I reply, approaching one of the windows. I was wondering a while what this city looks like.

I squeeze my eyes and try to recognize something. The few street lamps illuminate a few streets. However as far as I can see they're empty.

Shouldn't there be armies walking around?

"What are you looking for?" I hear Kazumi next to me. I didn't even realize that she got up from the sofa. I look over to her but her gaze is directed on the streets.

"The streets are empty." I reply simply.

"You're not able to see the dark figures when there's no light, or rather without the right equipment and training", she says turning her back to the windows and looking at me instead. I mirror her gesture.

"Training?"

"As soon as you activate your powers you'll be able to see them Tai. But until then we've got some glasses you can wear", she says before going back and sitting next to Alec.

I for my part sit down next to Sora, allowing myself to relax finally.

"We should discuss our next steps", Dylan says, placing a tablet on the ground. He types a few things on it before it lights up and shows a hologram copy of the city we're in right now.

"Alright. I'd say we split up. Dylan, Sora and me –", Kazumi starts but is interrupted by Davis.

"Why should we split up? I say we go up that market square and kick Belphemon's sleeping butt!"

Kazumi observes him for a few seconds with emotionless eyes before taking a deep breath.

"Davis. We're not going to kill Belphemon today. That would be suicide. You'd be dead before you even reach him."

"Why is that? I thought that was the plan to begin with? Kill Belphemon if there's a chance" T.K asks from his spot next to his brother.

"Because the members of the dark army are all around this city. It looks like we completely underestimated this city. If someone of the dark army sees you he'll slice your neck open before you even realize that you're being followed." Dylan answers instead of his sister. He types something again on the tablet, causing many red dots to blink all around the city.

"I suppose these red dots are the army members you just mentioned?" Sora asks, her voice way thinner than usual.

The twins just nod in unison. "There are too many down on the ground, while the roofs are clear though", Kazumi says, studying the map carefully.

"Guys I think it would be best if you really split up and observe the situation. There should not be any fighting activity before you're not one hundred percent ready for situations like these", Phoenix's voice sounds again.

"And why did we even come when we're not supposed to fight?" Matt asks confusion visible on his face.

Alec and the twins look at each other, obviously communicating without using words. I feel the anger build up and can't hold myself back any longer. They can't hide the truth from them forever.

"Tell them."

The twins immediately look up to me before exchanging unsure glances with each other. However it is Alec who finally speaks up.

"Kazumi and Dylan have to get something here. We're not supposed to tell you too much about this mission of them. The original plan was to find a chance to kill Belphemon, yes. But as we already said, the situation here is a lot more complicated than we expected. What is more that it is undeniable that you're already overstained by all this. Or am I wrong?"

I look around at my friends and although I'd love to disagree with Alec, I cannot. Though we've been through a lot of shit over these past few years, I have to admit; we never faced something like this before. They were right when they told us this. We were never forced to enter a city through underground tunnels that were flooded. We never faced enemies which we can't even see because of this never ending darkness around. Hell, we didn't even know about some so-called powers every one of us is supposed to have. So yes, there is no doubt that Alec is right and everyone knows that, seeing that no one disagreed with him by now.

"So what are we supposed to do then?" Veemon asks, his disappointment that there probably will be no fight clear in his voice.

"As Kazumi was saying; We think it would be best if Sora would accompany me and my sister while Alec will stay with you", Dylan starts before Alec takes over again.

"So we will split up in the morning, the twins and Sora go east while we will be going to the market square, where Belphemon is sleeping. I've got some glasses for you, so you'll be able to see the enemies. The ones who are not digimon of course."

"And what are we supposed to do there if not fight?" T.K asks again, looking at the market square and the many red blinking dots on the map.

I myself take a glance at it and realize that while Sora and the twins will distance themselves from the enemies we will be going straight to the one place where most of them are located.

At least my girl won't be in danger...

"Observe the situation T.K. Observation is the most important part in a war. The moment you find your enemies' weakness is the moment you're in advantage", Dylan answers again.

"Sounds like something Tai would say", Matt says, grinning lightly.

"Well he did", Kazumi says, mirroring Matt's grin.

"We think the most important part tomorrow is that the twins comply their mission and that you won't cause any trouble. It would not end well if they'd see you. Let alone realize that Alec is back again", Phoenix' voice sounds again through our headsets.

"Okay then –", I start but Ken interrupts me, sending me an apologetic glance.

"I've got a last question though."

Everyone's gaze turns to him, waiting for him to continue.

"Why didn't you tell us before that you have a mission to comply here?" He asks the twins who probably didn't expect us to come up with that question, though when I really think about it. I wondered about that too when they mentioned it before, I just didn't come to that point to actually ask them about it. I don't know why but these people seem like persons who don't like to talk too much about these stuff.

"We're not allowed to tell you..." Kazumi trails off, looking at her brother for help.

"We –", Dylan starts before Alec interrupts them again by cleaning his throat. Immediately everyone's gaze fixes on him.

He reaches up to his ear and takes out his headset, turning it off. The twins follow his example, gesturing us to do the same. I decide to trust them for now and take mine out too what causes the others to do the same.

"I think it's time for us to tell them a little bit more than Phoenix and your dad believe they should know", Alec says directed at the twins.

"Don't you think we'll change history then when we tell them too much?" Kazumi asks, placing her chin on her knee.

"No."

"Really?" Dylan asks, crossing his arms while leaning on his sister.

"Yes, really. How are they supposed to trust us when we're not telling them anything?"

He has a point.

"Okay then..." Kazumi says, tensing up visibly.

"I'll tell you", Dylan starts, looking quite calm. Though after taking time to observe the storm that is raging inside his eyes I start to regret asking them too much. "Something bad happened in our time –"

"Concerning Tai", Alec adds, looking right at me with emotionless eyes. I immediately feel Sora stiffen beside me. I steal a glance at her and notice that although she seemed very collected up to this point the news obviously caught her off guard.

"What happened?" she asks, clutching my hand tightly.

"He got injured and didn't recover from that injury yet. So we had to find something that can heal him", Dylan says, looking at Alec as if he's expecting him to add something again. He however just nods approvingly, construing that he said enough.

Suddenly the fact that these kids seem a little bit clingier concerning me than Sora makes sense. Just how long have I been injured already? And how bad is my current state in their time that they feel the need to talk to me so much?

"And that cure is here somewhere?" Davis asks, stealing a nervous glance at me.

"Yes." The twins respond in unison. "Daemon destroyed the one that existed in our time", Kazumi adds.

"Okay then. We won't mess this up. Don't worry", Matt says, getting up from his spot.

Kazumi's and Dylan's glances are fixed on Matt who's approaching one of the windows, standing next to it so that he's able to see what is going on down on the street, but being hidden by the darkness at the same time. He nervously twiddles with the ring on his finger. An identical one I am wearing on mine.

"We are really sorry that we involve you in our mess ", Kazumi apologizes, looking back at everyone at us.

"We're kinda family, aren't we?" I hear me say before I even registered that I opened my mouth. Immediately everyone's gaze is directed at me. While the twins look at me in disbelief I notice that not only my teammates are looking at me with warm smiles but also –what surprises me the most – Alec.

"We are" I hear him whisper and seeing that no one is reacting to his words I feel like I'm the only one who heard it, though that would be impossible... but if I really think about everything that is happening right now I slowly start to doubt the impossible here.

"Alright. I think it would be best if we rest then. It is out of question that we have to be fit tomorrow", Davis says, getting up and arranging his bivouac for the night by using some of the cushions which are sprawled around the room. The others do not really say much and do the same, making it obvious that the couches are for the girls to sleep on.

I get myself a few pillows and sit down next to the couch Sora is lying on, while the digimon are all lying in a big pile near each other.

"I'll take the first watch", Matt volunteers, still standing next to the window.

"Here. That way it'll be more comfortable", Alec says while giving him a chair to sit on. "And this is very useful", he adds, giving Matt something that looks like sunglasses.

"What's that for?" the blonde asks, looking at the glasses curiously.

"If you wear them you'll be able to see the enemies' way better", Kazumi says, getting comfortable on her own sofa. Matt however just nods, still looking at the glasses in awe.

I somehow manage to blend everyone out as soon as I turn to look at my girlfriend who's lying on her stomach, her head resting on her crossed arms. Her gaze is focused on me and a smile forms on her face as soon as I turn to her. The moment our gazes meet I somehow manage to forget about everything that is happening right now. Finally I'm able to breathe again.

The sounds of the others talking to each other grow very distant and I feel like – for a brief moment – that nothing bad has ever happened.

"Are you okay?" she whispers, paying heed that no one hears her worry again.

"I am".

It's a lame lie, because... in all honestly, who of us is really okay right now?

However before Sora's able to go on and on I hear me say;" you should sleep now", before turning away again and lean on the sofa, resting my head right next to her hand.

I close my eyes in an attempt to rest them and focus on the appeasing strokes from Sora through my hair. She uses to do that a lot whenever we're in bed and falling asleep together.

However while her strokes get slower by every passing minute, showing that she's slowly drifting to sleep, I notice that also the voices of the others died down too, replaced by their steady, peaceful breathing.

I open my eyes again, looking up to the ceiling. Since I don't really feel like I'm going to be able to sleep anyway I take a deep breath, preparing myself to stay awake. I look at the sleeping figures of almost everyone. Since Matt volunteered to be the first watch it's obvious why he's not sleeping. However when my gaze falls on Alec who's also sitting next to Kazumi in a similar way I am sitting next to Sora I notice that he's also just staring blankly into the room, not seeming like he's going to even try and sleep.

He obviously feels my gaze upon him because within seconds I'm met with icy grey eyes staring back at me.

I try to gesture him what I want to say without using any words, since I don't want the others to wake up.

*Why aren't you sleeping?*

Much to my surprise he gets my sings because he grins lightly before shrugging

*Can't. What about you?*

*Same*

"You should try though", he whispers quietly.

Instead of answering him I just repeat his gesture and shrug my shoulders before getting up ever so quietly and make my way over to Matt who's leaning against the brick wall, looking down at the street that is illuminated by a few greenish shining street lights.

Sensing my presence next to him my best friend turns to me.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" he whispers, looking at me with confusion filled eyes.

"I can't." I repeat the same answer I gave Alec already.

Matt however doesn't respond. Instead he just nods knowingly, totally aware of the reason why I'm not able to sleep here. Because I know that he feels the same way as I do. Though we've been in the digital world a lot, I've never felt so uneasy here. If it is because of the darkened sky and the tension all the time I don't know.

"I don't know what to think you know?" Matt says, his gaze still directed at the street down there.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't stop wondering about what is going to happen to you. And when it will happen", he says, turning to me finally;" we've been through a lot the past year, we almost lost you already. I just wonder how we're supposed to get through it again."

"That won't happen for at least 17 more years. And when the twins find this cure thing they've been talking about I'm sure we won't get into that situation", I reply since I was thinking about the same thing a lot too since they told us that I most likely am going to get knocked out in a few years, again.

Though... I don't really know how soon that will be, do I? For what I've heard from the twins they did spent time with me. But who says their father isn't knocked out for years now?

I already feel my headache coming so I bury these thoughts into the back of my head again. I sure as hell am not going to overthink these things now.

I sit down on the windowsill and try to recognize anything down on the streets. But there isn't really anything. The whole city is engulfed in a kind of darkness I didn't see before. When you first see it you'd think it's just the night that fell over the city. But I feel like there is something down on these dark alleys that is just waiting for a poor soul to pass their way. It is undeniable that something really bad is coming through this darkness.

Something evil.

"Okay Tai if you're not going to sleep then I'll go if you don't mind to take it from here?" Matt asks, suppressing a yawn. One quick glance at my best friend is enough for me to see that he really is in need of sleep. I give him a slight smile and gesture him to go and rest. He gives me a smile in return and lies down next to his little brother and Gabumon. The Glasses Alec gave him before lie in front of me.

I take the glasses and put them on before directing my gaze back to the streets. However where before I couldn't see anything at all I now catch sight of at least a dozen weird looking creatures walking around. Each of them is clothed in a long dark cloak that blocks any view of their stature. It is not that difficult to guess that they very much look human though. However the part of them that really makes me shiver are the massive weapons every one of them is carrying. Each weapon of one differs from another one's however. I can't help but take a glance at the twins' weapons again.

They're not really that different from them out there if you put it that way...

I inwardly slap myself for that thought. What the fuck? These are my future kids. I should not compare them with the demon lord's armies.

The sudden sound of something rustling by the sofas makes me wince. I look over to the source of the sound and see Alec who just got on his feet, just to hunker down instantly. He holds his head in both of his hands. I get up from my spot and take a better look at him, that's when I see that he's actually trembling. Hard.

After a quick glance at Kazumi I make sure that she's still sleeping.

I make my way over to him as quietly as I can, careful so no one wakes up. I doubt Alec would like the idea of someone seeing him that way.

Though my mind is screaming at me to just turn around again and keep watching the streets I know deep down that Kazumi was right when she told me about the bond I am sharing with this person. It doesn't matter how much I force myself to dislike him, I cannot.

I squat down in front of him but it doesn't seem like he took notice of my presence. I slowly reach out for him but before my hand touches his shoulder he looks up at me. His gaze is wild and disoriented. I back up unwillingly by his sudden reaction. However as soon as he realizes who is squatting in front of him he pulls himself together. Where before a storm in his gaze was is now nothing left but a dullness I saw already tonight. It is the same numb gaze he had after he used the power of darkness.

Since I don't know what to do I come up with the first thing that comes to my mind.

"Are you okay?"

Alec however just keeps staring at me for at least another minute. As soon as I get really uncomfortable with his silence he answers finally.

"No..."

"Okay... Okay get up. I'll help you", my mind subconsciously switched to autopilot so I'm doing the first thing that comes to my mind. I'll stretch my arm out for Alec again.

This time however he takes my hand and we stand up together.

I make my way back to the window again, not letting go of him though. He follows me and collapses in front of the brick wall right next to the window where Matt was leaning on a while ago. I sit down in front of him and just stare at him, waiting for this mysterious guy to say something. I can tell by his gaze that is wandering over the whole room without fixing on anything that he's losing it again.

"Alec", I call out his name in an attempt to force him to focus on one thing. Much to my surprise he turns to me again. The spark in his eyes still absent though. I decided for me that this is a good way to understand if he's alright or not. I've never met a person that was so obvious and so ambiguous at the same time.

"I – I'm losing my m – mind T-Tai", he stutters, holding his head with his hands again.

"Why? What is it?"

"Everything's s –so clouded and t-twisted. I –I can't come up with a-a clear t-thought."

Though I'm focusing very hard on what he's telling me it is extremely difficult for me not only because he's stuttering but also because I didn't expect him to act that way. After everything Gennai and Phoenix – even our own digimon! – told us about this person I can't believe that any of what they said was true. He's the embodiment of evil? The only thing I see in front of me is a broken man. Someone who was destroyed many years ago. I can't help but feel bad for him. I have to help him somehow.

"Okay... what about you try and tell me what they did to you when the caught you?", I start slowly. He instantly stops trembling and looks at me again. I take that as a good sign and continue

"I saw in a dream that you were waiting for them... and you were trying to kill yourself when you realized that the demon lords themselves were coming for you." I hope I didn't go too far...

To my endless relief I see a spark coming back in his eyes. Suddenly his gaze gets clearer by the second and he relaxes.

"You don't have to tell me if – ", I start, since I wouldn't like to talk about shit that has happened to me too. I mean if he'd ask me about Myotismon stealing my power and nearly killing me I wouldn't answer too. However he interrupts me.

"No... No it's fine. I'll tell you", he says in a much calmer and collected voice. I can't suppress the small grin that is forming on my face. I made it.

He takes a deep breath before he starts telling me.

"What you need to keep in mind Tai is that... what the demon lords can do to you goes beyond the power of Myotismon or someone like him. The enemies you've faced until now are nothing compared to them."

"How come?"

"They have the power to change you Tai. They can change your whole personality to the point where you'd even kill your own family", he says before his gaze clouds again. This time however I am certain it is because he's deep in thought. Probably because he tries to remember his past.

"They changed you then?" I have to make him keep talking; otherwise he'd might flip again...

"They did..."

"How?"

He looks at me for a second before directing his gaze on the sleeping figure of Kazumi. He keeps looking at her when he finally answers.

"They corrupted me with the power of darkness. They did it so long until it was a steady part of me."

"How did it feel?" Without me having any control over my thoughts I remember Ken when he was the emperor. He wasn't himself either. Was he also corrupted by the power of darkness? But if so, there'll be hope for Alec to become free of it then?

"I felt as if every good memory I had was turned against me. Every bit of joy and goodness was sucked out of them. And it had an effect on me I couldn't really understand back then. But I turned to a very, very angry person... I was pissed all the time."

Yep... sounds like Ken. Kinda.

"It was burning me up from the inside", he continues while staring aimlessly around again.

"So we'll be able to heal you then? When we kill them... will it go away from you?"

Alec stares at me again. This time however I can tell by observing his facial structure that he's amused. By me?!

However before I even realize what's happening he's already laughing. A sad, hopeless laugh.

"No... No Tai it won't help me", he says, serious again all of the sudden.

"Why? What happened with you that is irreversible?"

"It changed me Tai. It changed my personality completely, don't you listen to me?"

"I do... of course I do. But I – "

"I liked how it felt when my blade slit open their necks Tai."

I stop in mid – sense and look at him in shock. What did he just say?! What the fuck?!

I slowly shake my head since I can't believe what he just said. He can't be serious, can he?

My confused glance is obviously enough for him to continue.

"I liked the sound of their screams... liked how it felt when they were running away from me. It felt good to have this kind of power. It makes you feel unbeatable when they fear you. I haunted them... even in their dreams I tortured them. And I didn't stop. I couldn't stop."

"Who are you talking about...?" I can't bear to look at him. If I'd look at him I'd be able to imagine all these scenarios he just described. And I'd surely throw up by then. I can't deny that I feel the sickness coming already just by hearing what he's telling me.

"Innocents."

I take back what I said earlier... it makes perfect sense what Phoenix, Gennai and our digimon told us about him. And now I understand what they meant. Just how on earth fell Kazumi in love with him?!

"I became a monster..." he continues. It's obvious that he wanted to tell all these things to someone a while already... so I don't interrupt him but wait for him to keep talking. "But you know what Tai?"

Him mentioning my name causes me to look up again. I take a look at his face and my heart almost stops as soon as I see they skin on his cheeks glistering. Is he actually crying?!

"What?"

"I realized later that I already was one before the power of darkness corrupted me." he says, losing another battle against a tear because by the moment I see it trailing down his left cheek I'm one hundred percent sure that he is actually crying.

Neither of us says something. Alec, because... well, he probably waits for me to continue our talk in asking him what he means – which I will do of course... as soon as I collected my thoughts – and me for said reason; I have to collect my thoughts.

However the longer I watch this guy in front of me with his icy grey eyes and the dark hair that is constantly falling into his face I realize that – indeed – there is not much that differs him from me. Not only do we kind of look similar but I feel deep down that there is more between him and me. I feel his need to protect the ones he loves; I feel how much he regrets what he has done in the past. And I see how much he loves my future daughter. So much that he is willing to risk his life for her father. In other words; Me.

I'm not sure which of all these things leads me to my decision... or maybe it's the combination of all these things. But I feel a determination I haven't felt for a while now.

I will kill these demon lords and if not for me or my friends, then for him. He'll get his revenge.

"Tai? Are you still with me?" he snaps me out of my thoughts. I focus my gaze on him again.

What did he say before I zoned out? He was a monster before the power of darkness?

"What do you mean by what you just said?" I ask, hoping that I didn't mess up now. Hopefully he continues talking... I need some more answers.

"Tai if you really think about this whole thing we're not that different from them. We kill, we fight. Of course we do it because we think it is the right thing to do. Right?"

"Yeah... but –", I start but he wasn't really expecting me to answer because he continues before I can ask further questions.

"They are the bad ones. We're the good ones. We do the right thing in killing them and their lackeys. Because we are good. But the only reason we think that way is because we believe it to be right. And our believes come from our opinions. Our opinions however come from what we heard from people whom we trust and know. So you see there is a very very fine line between believing to do the right thing and being a monster. Don't you agree?"

Fuck. I do. He's absolutely right.

"So you're saying it is possible that we are the bad ones here?" I ask, trying to get a clear thought in my mind.

"No Tai. What I'm saying is that in this war there is no good or bad. For the moment, the most important thing is to save Kazumi's and Dylan's dad. I guarantee you I'd kill everyone who would try and prevent us from doing so. This is what I fight for today. Tomorrow I'll fight for something else I am sure. You can't say you are fighting for the good, neither can you say you're fighting to please Gennai or Phoenix for that matter. Latter you can say, but I doubt you ever will. But what I'm trying to say is that it doesn't matter what anyone tells you. At the end of the day you are fighting your own battle. For things you care about. Things you believe in. And your team follows you because they trust you. And you are worth trusting. People like you are very rare."

"But I'm not less a monster than them...", the realization hits me like a gunshot. I can't argue with Alec because he is absolutely right, about everything he just said.

"It is good that you realize it this early. If you'd realize it later you would have had killed already a lot. And then it would crush you down."

I don't respond anymore. I feel like the conversation just ended here since Alec does not seem like he's got more to say. And I am certainly not able to say anything right now. Alec made me realize things I've never really thought about until now. I always thought I am doing the right thing, every time I came into this world.

I don't regret any of the things I have done, because when I really think about it, I was always doing what I thought was best. So I did it for my believes.

If it wasn't for Gennai's – or the sovereigns for that matter – opinion Nadia would still be alive...

As soon as the thought forms itself in my mind I feel me tense up and an old anger which I thought I overcame boils inside of me. No. No No No don't go down that path now Tai. It happened. It's over.

"We should wake them up, the sun's rising", Alec says and snaps me out from my thoughts again. I look at him just to realize that he actually got up and is looking out of the window now. However I don't see any hint of a rising sun out there. I stand up too and stand next to him, looking out on the streets. There is absolutely nothing different than before. It's as dark as it was before. The clouds are still hanging dangerously low on the sky. It almost looks like they dare to press us down on the ground..

"Where do you see the sun?"

"It's past 6 am. I thought that'll be the time it has to rise", he answers, chuckling lightly. I can't help but join his laugh. Though, it's kind of sad...

We wake up one by one and by the time the last one of them – Davis of course – got up Kazumi already prepared a decent breakfast. I didn't even realize that they packed food when we left.

As soon as everyone's sitting in a circle again I feel Sora's gaze burning on me. She obviously realized that I haven't slept the whole night. God knows how I must be looking right now.

"You okay?" she whispers after taking a sip from her water bottle. I just nod before giving her a peek on her cheek.

"Alright guys, we'll split up as soon as we leave this building. Alec will lead you to the market square where we were supposed to get out yesterday. However it would be safest if you'll go over the rooftops. That way you'll be able to see more", Kazumi starts before opening her bag and takes out several glasses that look exactly like the ones Matt and I used for the night.

"Don't lose these glasses. They are the only things that help you to actually see your enemies. For now", Dylan adds before he distributes them to every one of us digidestined.

"Okay... this is the last time you can quit", Alec says while looking at every one of us. I take a glance for myself at every one. Where yesterday was a hint of doubt in their gazes is now nothing left but pure determination. I can't help but feel a little bit proud of my team.

"Good. It's settled then", I say and stand up from my spot next to Sora. I put on the glasses and wait for them to follow up to my example. Each of them gets up by themselves and puts them on. Everyone but the twins and Alec since they're able to see these creatures without any help.

"Turn on your headsets again", Dylan says while doing so on his set. I totally forgot about this thing. I turn it on but nothing happens.

"Phoenix, are you there?" Kazumi talks into the device, waiting for an answer. After a few seconds I hear Phoenix' voice right inside my ear.

"We all are. It looks good, there aren't really that much guards out there. Most of them are on the market square where Belphemon is. Good luck guys."

Alec shots me a quick glance that looks like he's waiting for my approval or something. I just give him a quick nod which he returns before turning to the twins.

"I'll see you two tonight. Good luck", he says directed at them. The twins nod in unison before – and I really didn't expect that! – They wrap their arms around Alec. I for my part use these few minutes to hug my own girlfriend. Sora wraps her arms around my neck.

"Please, be careful Tai." Her voice is a mere whisper. "You too."

I feel her nod against my shoulder before she lets go of me. After taking a quick glance at the twins and Alec I realize that they're ready to head out, as well as the rest of the team.

"You ready?" Kazumi asks, directed at Sora. She nods and before I even realize what is really happening they disappeared out of the room already, leaving Alec, Matt, T.K, Ken, Davis and me behind.

Alec turns to us again, getting serious all of the sudden. "Listen guys, it is important that no one sees us. But since it is very unlikely that that will be the case I want to make sure every one of you is absolutely ready for what you'll probably see today."

"What do you mean?" T.K is the first one to react of Alec's little speech. I for my part already understood what he means. After all, i doubt they gave me and Matt a gun for fun. As soon as I remember it I feel the heavy, cold steel on my back. Phoenix told us to keep it on our back where no one can see it so they wouldn't get nervous.

"I think he means it will be much similar to what we saw yesterday when Alec got out from the tunnels", Ken says since he obviously too made the connection already.

I see T.K's face pale. "You mean... we have to – ?"

"No... No T.K, I'm here to protect each of you. You haven't fought against them and no one lets you fight without training first, we already said that back in the base", Alec assures him.

Matt shots me a confuse glance which I return with the same confusion. What are our guns for then?

However I gesture Matt to stay shut and since no one has anything to say anymore we make our way up to the roof of this building. Alec waits for everyone to climb the ladder up. I wait until the last one is up before turning to him.

"What are our guns for if we're not supposed to fight?"

"That's the backup plan. If they knock me out – which I doubt they will – you'll have to join the fight. Given that you know how to handle it?"

I never used a gun – or any weapon for that matter – before, but I don't think that's that difficult, right?

"I never used it, but I'm sure I can handle it."

"Aim at their head. One shoot and the enemies down", Alec says before gesturing me to get up. I just nod and try to ignore the sick feeling in my gut. I climb up the ladder up to the roof where the others are standing and waiting for us.

Once at the roof I take in my surroundings. The City isn't really that special, there's nothing but mid-high buildings and empty streets. I turn around and look at the other side, that's when I see that all the buildings stop at the same spot, creating a big circle in the middle. So... looks like I've found our destination then.

Luckily the buildings are near enough so it won't be much of a problem for us to jump over the gaps between them.

"Okay, let's go and kick some ass!" Davis says enthusiastically. However no one dares to take a step before Alec didn't say anything. Alec notices that we're obviously waiting for his OK because he looks at us with an odd expression.

"You guys do realize that Tai is your leader, don't you?"

As if that was the call everyone turns to me. Wow man ... thanks.

"O-Okay. I'd say we go."

Alec pushes a few buttons on his device he is wearing on his arm and lets the hologram map of the city appear in front of us. After pushing a few more buttons the dots start blinking again and we're able to see the guards and the traps. However it looks clear to me, at least for now.

"You heard your leader", Alec says before he takes a few steps back just to run to the end of the roof. In one quick jump he lands on the next roof of the building in front of us.

"Doesn't look too difficult, right Davis?" Veemon says before climbing up his partners back.

"Yeah sure... I'd say the same thing if I hadn't had to jump", Davis says before mirroring Alec's action.

One by one takes their partners on their back before jumping over to the roof. We continue in that way for a good amount of time, the market square getting nearer with every roof we jump on. No one really says something since everyone's too focused on putting all their strength in their jump.

I land on a roof and lose my balance what causes not only me but Agumon who was on my back to fall over. Alec's the first one who turns around and approaches us in a quick run.

"Are you okay?" He reaches out for my hand and helps me up on my feet before helping Agumon up too.

"Whoa Tai I think you were a little bit too fast when you jumped", my partner says before he breaks in a laugh. I can't help but join him, he's right, as usual. Alec for his part just smiles lightly before turning around again.

Davis is just about to jump to the next roof before Alec stops him.

"Davis wait!"

Everyone turns around and looks at him. Alec however checks the map that is still hovering over his arm. I don't need that much time to understand why Alec stopped Davis; there on the roof next to us is a black blinking dot. A trap.

"I can't sense anything there Alec", Andromon says after taking a good look at the roof.

"What do you mean? Isn't there anything?"

"No master", Andromon replies, confusion clear in his voice. I for my part can't help but frown at the way he just talked with Alec. Master? Wasn't Phoenix the 'master'?

"Huh... looks like our map needs to be updated then", Alec replies.

"Good then... can we go?" Matt asks, approaching Alec and me and taking a look at the map himself.

"Wait here digidestined, I'll check it", Andromon says before he prepares to jump over.

"Andromon, are you sure about this? What if there really is a trap?" Phoenix' voice sounds inside of our ears.

"Well then, it has been a privilege to work with you Master Phoenix", Andromon replies, before he actually jumps over to the roof.

Every inch of my body tenses and I have to force my eyes open since I am expecting the worst. However nothing happens. Andromon walks over the whole roof, examining every inch of it. Seeing that he can't find any danger over there he turns to us again.

"Digidestined I think you can –"

BANG


Kazumi's prov (meantime)

"Soo... you wanna tell me what exactly will happen to Tai?" Sora asks for about the third time. I can't help but smile at her stubbornness. I glance at my brother who is wearing a similar expression.

"I doubt you really want to know that Mom", Dylan answers. Sora's face twitches when she hears him call her mom. But we can't help it, it would be much weirder if we'd call our mother from the past by her first name.

"But I do", she says before closing her mouth since Dylan gestured her to do so. We've been walking in this routine for almost 20 minutes already. Dylan going in front of us since he's the one with the map on his arm, stopping every now and then because we have to wait since guards are passing our way. Dylan peers around the corner, Sora and me however lean as near as we can on the wall of the building. We stay in this position for a few more minutes, no one of us even dares to breathe, let alone say something.

Dylan turns over to us, gesturing us to run over to the door of a house that is right on the other side of the street. After taking a better look at it I realize that the door is cracked open.

I take Sora by the hand and run over the street, paying heed that my mom wouldn't look their way. I am sure they just turn their back in our direction since Dylan gave us the sign. He follows us quick and I can't put in words how relieved I am when I hear the door being closed by my brother.

"So... you two ready to tell me now?" Sora picks up the theme again.

"Okay I'll tell you. It doesn't matter now anyway. We probably changed history already. Daemon owns a dagger mom. This dagger is the only thing that can kill us", I say.

"So you're telling me this dagger of his can kill you... although you're immortal?"

"Yeah... but very slowly. The dagger is poisoned, once used, the dagger loses its effect. It's a one-time shot", Dylan explains.

"Why not just kill this time's daemon then?"

"That would be suicide", my brother answers, anger clear in his voice.

"O-Okay... Then am I right in the assumption that Daemon poisoned Tai with this dagger? And now he's...?"

"Dying, yes", I end her phrase for her.

She slowly nods; a gesture of her that shows that she's trying to understand what she just heard. I recognize that gaze of hers as the same one whenever I've told her that I messed up something really bad. However different than my mother back home this time's Sora takes a deep breath before closing her eyes and opening them right afterwards.

"Let's go then", she says, approaching the stairs inside of this house. "I assume we're going over the roof again? Since there are a few guards in this area", she says nodding in Dylan's direction. He takes a quick glance at the map just to confirm Sora's assumption. There are a lot of red blinking dots.

Weird... there weren't that much before... something's not right here.

Sudden voices coming from the second floor make us stop right in our tracks. Sora, who was already half up the stairs slowly, walks them down again, carefully without making any sound. Dylan takes the lead again, signalizing us to be quiet and follow him up the stairs.

The house looks very old and run down. The windows are all shattered and half the walls are broken down already. It's very similar to the building in which we slept in tonight. The stairs are made out of wood, making it twice as difficult to climb them quietly as it would be usually.

Lucky for us there's a small cupboard right on the left side where the stairs end on the second floor. It's big enough for us to hide behind it. Dylan and I peek over the cupboard at two guards who are positioned right in front of the window. Each of them is holding what looks like a gun to me, pointing down on the streets. Dylan shots me a glance, signalizing that I should take care of our mom. I am sure she won't approve of what is going to happen now. I move nearer to her so I am facing her back perfectly. I lay my hand on her shoulder in an attempt to not only calm her down but also to stop her from doing anything stupid.

As soon as my brother registers that I understood what he means he leaves our hideout. Sora's just about to call for him, but I am quicker to react. I shut her mouth by pressing my hand over it. She looks at me with wide eyes, shock clear in her gaze. I shake my head *not now* what causes her to turn around again. However as soon as she does, I regret causing her to look back at Dylan.

He approaches the two guards so quietly that none of them takes notice of his presence. In one quick movement in which he pierces his hidden blade on his arm through the guards head on his left and breaking the neck of the second with his right arm he finishes off our enemies.

I hear my mom scream in my hand, tears streaming down her face. There's no doubt that we just put our mom in a shock.

I take my hand off her mouth so she can breathe normally. However I turn her around and take her head in my hands so she's forced to look at me.

"H-He just k-k-illed t-them... How? Why? What was that?!"

Dylan sees her state and approaches us quickly, hovering next to me so he can get a good look at the younger version of our mom. He lays his hand on her knee. I actually expect her to back up but since she doesn't do so I take this as a good sign.

"Mom... I had to do this, I'm sorry. Otherwise they'd kill us as soon as they'd catch sight of us. And I can't let that happen", he says in the softest voice he has. I for myself haven't heard him talk like this for months now.

His tone however has the desired effect. She calms down immediately, her breathing normalizing. I quickly dry her tears but refuse to let her go just yet.

Her gaze meets mine and I can't help but touch her forehead with mine. I feel her hot breath against my face that has a calming effect on myself. I feel my brother's arm around me and just give in for the moment and enjoy this moment in which I feel safe. Finally I feel safe again. We can do this.

"You are right. I am sorry I overreacted", she says, her voice back to normal too. We stay in this position for a while before Dylan gets up again, causing me and Sora to do the same.

"Okay.. The vial is in the next building", Dylan says after taking a look at the map. I take a look for myself and see that the green blinking dot is located underground again. So there has to be a basement then. I fucking hate these things.

"So what are we waiting for then?" Sora says, looking over the room, obviously looking for something.

"What is it mom?" Dylan asks while opening the window.

"Where's the access to the roof? Aren't we going to jump over?"

"No Mom, the other building is too far away to jump", I answer.

"But I could digivolve and fly", Biyomon joins the conversation. She was quite quiet the whole time. This mission probably is not only hard for us but also hard for the digimons. I inwardly slap myself for not making sure enough that Biyomon is okay too.

"They'd notice us in a second Biyomon. This place has no light and a digivolution would engulf the whole city in light", Dylan says, smiling warmly at the digimon.

"Yeah... you're right", the little bird like digimon answers, disappointment that she can't help us in this situation is clear in her voice.

"Anyway, since we can't use the street we'll just use this", Dylan says. He attaches a rope on his lance and aims at the balcony of the other building. He throws it in a perfect way over where it sticks deep into the wall of the building. He pulls at the rope, checking if the lance is deep enough inside the wall before he stretches it and attaches it on the banister.

"Do you think that will do?" I ask, looking at the wooden banister that looks like it just waits to be cracked.

"It's just us three", Dylan answers. "Mom I think you should go first", he adds looking straight at her. Sora for her part just looks at the rope that is stretched between the two buildings.

"You want me to walk over?"

"Actually I thought you'd hold onto the rope with your hands and get over to the other building like that... but if you can walk on it the better", Dylan answers, suppressing a grin.

I know that our mom back home is a pro in balance and climbing. But I am not sure when she started to train that. So I am not expecting this time's Sora to just walk over on the rope. However she surprises me by climbing on the windowsill and putting a foot on the rope.

"Sora please be careful!" Biyomon calls out. However Sora's not listening to us anymore. She's absolutely focused to hold her balance.

She continues to walk over the rope, her gaze keeping fixed on her feet. In a few minutes she reaches the balcony of the other building and jumps down on it. She immediately turns around and gives us a smile. I let out the breath I was subconsciously holding in. Thank god.

Next one who walks over is Dylan, followed by me. After I reach de balcony I jump down too and cut the rope. One of the many things my dad taught us is to never let your enemy know that you were there. This is why we never let anyone alive. No witnesses, no problems.

"Dyl... are there any unwanted surprises inside of this house?" I ask my brother. He takes a quick glance at the map before shaking his head.

Very good.

I crack the door open in less than a minute – also something we had to learn in our training – and enter the house. I don't even care to take in my surroundings. I immediately walk over to the stairs and go down. Although there were no guards visible on the map in here I am still careful. After all, you never know. I continue to walk down the stairs slowly. As soon as I reach the first floor I turn around and wait for Sora and my brother. Dylan gives me a quick nod and takes the lead again. His lance always in his hand. I for my part take my trident off my back and keep it in my hands as well. As I said, you never know.

I scan the room for something that looks like an access to the underground. However it is Sora who finds it.

"There", she points to a wooden door in the farthest corner of the room. I give her a smile and follow Dylan who already started walking towards it.

I reach my brother's side and before he opens the door he turns to look at me again. He gives me one of his warmest smiles before he opens the door.

Here goes nothing.

BANG


Tai's Prov

A high-pitched sound that hasn't stopped for the last few minutes dares to tear my eardrum. I have absolutely no idea where I am or what the fuck just happened. All I know is that I want this sound to go away. I feel the cold, hard ground on my back and although my mind registers that something just went horribly wrong I don't feel any injuries on myself. I slowly open my eyes but my sight is too blurry to recognize any of my surroundings.

"TAI!" Someone calls out my name. Though I just heard it I'm not well oriented enough to realize where is comes from. It seems like that this someone is miles away.

"Tai!"

There it is again. This time however nearer. What the fuck?

Suddenly I feel someone pulling at my shoulder. I get lifted up from the ground and am forced to stand on my anything but stable feet. It takes me a few moments in which I clutch at the person's shoulder that just pulled me up, to find my balance.

"TAI!" The sound stops suddenly and I am finally able to recognize Alec's voice. My sight sharpens again and I see the bright flames coming out of the building Andromon just stood on a few minutes before. Realization hits me like a gun shot and I swear to god wouldn't Alec hold me in his tight grip I'd jump down this building and would look for my longtime friend down there.

He died... for us. Again.

"Are you able to stand?" Alec's voice snaps me out again.

I turn to him; his eyes shining bright and his face full of soot and sweat. I'm sure I don't look any different. I nod at his question. He immediately let's go of me and runs over to Ken's laying figure. This sight however is the rest that is needed for me to finally snap out of this weird state the explosion of the building caused me to be in. I look over the roof and see that Matt is trying to get T.K on his feet.

I run over to Davis who seems to be knocked out still and kneel down immediately.

"Davis! Davis wake up!" I shake him by the shoulders. Luckily he slowly opens his eyes, his hands immediately holding his ears.

"What the fuck was that?!"

"The building exploded", I answer quietly. His eyes dart open in shock and he sits up slowly, turning his gaze at the building that is aflame.

"Is Andromon – ?"

"I don't think so", Alec's voice sounds again from behind us. Ken, T.K and Matt follow him without digimons.

"Was that a trap?" Davis asks while I help him to get on his feet.

"I think it was... since it was on the map", Ken answers quietly, looking down on the flames.

Seeing that the whole city is covered in darkness I am sure that the flames are visible for kilometers.

"Phoenix... did that wake Belphemon up", Alec asks, talking into his headset.

"No. But you've got exactly 10 minutes to get the fuck out of there because Andromon activated a trap. Guards are on their way", Phoenix's voice sounds in our ears once again.

"No Problem, I can fight them", Alec answers without blinking an eye.

"Alec...", his brother's voice sounds again, his tone full of worry. Alec frowns at his tone.

This doesn't sound good...

"What?"

"Daemon's with them."

As soon as Phoenix mentioned his name I hear everyone gasping, including the twins and my girlfriend through my headset since everyone's connected.

"Fuck. We should get out of here. Fast", Dylan's voice sounds.

"Absolutely agreeing. Phoenix, send us an emergency bubble or something, we have to get out of here", Alec says. His tone a whole lot more nervous and his eyes wide. Though I don't doubt that Daemon is bad, since we already met this son of a bitch, I can't quite understand why they're fearing him that much.

"But we fought Daemon once, he's not that bad", Davis starts, his desire to fight always with him.

"Davis this Daemon's different. He's a demon lord", Izzy's voice sounds.

"The bubble's on its way. It waits for you on the roof of the building where you spent the night. As soon as you see it just jump in, it will take you back. Everyone understood?"

I hear everyone telling him 'Yes' and turn around to Alec again. Suddenly I feel really grateful that he's accompanying us. I wouldn't know what to do here without him.

"You heard him guys, we have to get out of here", Alec says before taking out in a run again and jumping back to the building we came from. Everyone takes their digimons again and follows him.

I focus myself on jumping far enough to reach the other roofs since my head is still spinning lightly. Agumon is clutching on me and I imploringly hope that he doesn't fall off my back.

And as if life is playing with me I hear Davis' scream.

"VEEMON! NO!"

I stop right in my track and turn around. Alec, as usual being the fastest to react is already running back to Davis who is kneeling on the edge, looking down to the streets.

I run back and stop right next to him, looking down myself. I feel my heart sink when I see the blue digimon lying unconsciously on the ground. Fuck.

However I'm not even able to think straight before I feel how the building starts to shake.

"What the fuck?!" T.K shouts, looking around frantically as if he's expecting any attack right now.

"Guys. Veemon just activated a trap. It's an earthquake. So get off of the roof. QUICK!" Izzy's voice sounds so loud in my ear that I jerk.

"Davis! Wait!" Matt's voice drives my attention back to the situation.

Davis runs over to the entrance of the stairway. He opens the door and is out of my sight before I even realize what the fuck's happening.

"You heard him. Let's go!" Ken shouts, grabbing my arm and pulling me with him.

"Tai, are you okay?" I just nod and force myself to focus again. I am dazing out way too much. I grab a hold on my digimon and run down the stairs as fast as I can. The whole building shaking however doesn't really help much. It seems like I literally can feel the walls crack.

"Davis! Wait!" Alec shouts before he grabs the boy at his shoulder and pulls him back.

"Let go! Veemon is hurt. I have to get him!"

"We will. But together."

Davis for his part doesn't really care what anyone tells anymore. He keeps running down the stairs, followed by everyone of us. We reach the end of the stairs and run right to the exit of the building. And as if God just played a role in this whole situation I hear how the floors of the building we just came from are breaking down, one by one.

"Get out of here guys!" I shout, grabbing Matt and T.K who are standing right next to me and run away with them so the building doesn't collapse on us. Thank god, at least the earthquake is over.

However the building's down within seconds, leaving nothing but a giant dust cloud. I cough violently and try my hardest to see Davis somewhere.

"DAVIS!" Alec shouts before breaking into a cough.

"Guys. Get out of there, Daemon's on his way with tons of guards", this time it's Phoenix voice again.

"No! We have to find Veemon and Davis!" Matt shouts looking at every one of us as if he's waiting for an approval.

"Dad!"

Kazumi's voice drives my attention to her. Dylan, Kazumi and Sora are all running in our direction. As soon as my sight catches Sora's I feel like a ton of bricks were lifted off of my heart.

"We'll get Davis back but we have to go. NOW", Dylan shouts looking past us at something I'm not able to see obviously. Though I am wearing the glasses I can't see shit because of this dust.

"No. There's no chance we'll let Veemon and Davis behind", Agumon joins in, looking angry at the twins.

"Agumon we have no chance", I hear me say before I even really thought about it. They are right. If Daemon is on his way with so many guards we'll be dead within minutes.

"Tai, you can't be serious", T.K looks at me in shock.

"T.K, he's right", Matt says quietly. I can tell by his tone that he too, doesn't like this at all. But he's thinking about everyone here. Not only Davis. I am sure Davis himself would have said the same thing.

The sound of dozens of feet hitting the ground causes every one of us to tense immediately. I take a look at every one who's still waiting for me to say anything.

"Run everyone."

This is enough for them to break into a run again.

"The bubble's waiting on the end of the street", Izzy's voice sounds again.

"DIGIDESTINED. Where do you think you're going?"

I don't really have to turn around to see whose voice just caused my heart to almost stop. However one quick glance over my shoulder is enough and I'm able to see the demon like digimon who's following us in a speed I haven't thought was possible.

"GO! I'll slow him down", Alec says before he stops and turns around.

"NO!" Kazumi however seems to remember last night's events because she grabs Alec's arm with such a force I haven't expected from that small girl. Alec's obviously surprise too because doesn't respond and follows her.

I already feel my legs hurting and my lung burning because of the whole lot of dust and soot I've breathed in.

A light about 50 meters in front of us however gives me new hope and I force myself to keep running.

"EVIL INFERNO!"

I see Daemon's attack before I even hear him say it. Giant flames appear in front of us, blocking our way to the bubble. We stop right in front of it and turn around. Agumon jumps off my hands.

"Tai let me digivolve I'll tear him apart!"

"NO!" the twins and Alec shout in unison. "Don't digivolve! He'll delete you with a blink of an eye!" Alec says, looking back at Daemon who's slowly approaching us.

However there's no sign of the guards Phoenix told us about. What the fuck? Where are they?

A bright light coming out of the giant dust cloud next to the collapsed building is answer enough. Veemon just digivolved. Davis...

"Digidestined... I didn't expect us to meet so soon. But it is my pleasure." He smirks at us evilly at us. His long, red claws cause my heart to beat painfully against my chest. The wings are close to his body and the horns on his head look dangerously sharp. Okay, now I know what they meant when they said this is not the same Daemon as the one we've met.

No one of us dares to say anything. The twins and Alec stand before us, ready to fight.

"Huh? Who are you two?" Daemon asks, looking at Kazumi and Dylan, his eyes going wider by any minute.

"Not your concern", Alec answers instead of them, his voice dangerously low. He looks at Daemon, with hatred filled eyes.

"Long time no see... Master, Alec. I see the power of darkness still suits you well. However you're standing on the wrong side... don't you think so?"

"No, he does not", Kazumi answers and stands before him, holding her trident as if she's about to throw it any moment.

However my future daughter didn't really think her action through because Daemon's smirk just got wider.

"Immortal huh?" He says, approaching her slowly.

How the fuck does he know that?!

Kazumi, as well as everyone else backs up and I feel the heat coming from the flames right behind me. Why is it that we're always surrounded by flames?! Why can't it be water, or crocodiles or anything that isn't that hot!

Alec immediately pushes Kazumi behind him. However that was probably one of his worst decisions today because he just proved his enemy that he'll protect her, giving away his weakness.

"Guys, I'm able to blow out the fire. However as soon as I do, I want you all to run to the bubble. As soon as you're in there you're save", I hear Dylan whisper inside his headset so everyone hears him. I give him a quick nod before turning my attention back at Daemon.

"You, as usual, picked the most beautiful one out", Daemon says directed at Alec. "It will be my pleasure to see her die."

As soon as he says it I feel the flames gone behind me and everyone takes out in a run again. The bubble is right in front of us.

"NOT SO FAST!" Daemon's voice sends the cold shiver down my spine and I can't help but look over my shoulder again. Thank god I did.

I see the dagger flying through the air, aimed at Kazumi who's still running and not looking back. No... No No No No! Not her!

"NO!" I shout and jump right behind her, covering her from Daemon's weapon. However in doing so I push her right into the bubble and fall down on the ground, he beneath me. The bubble immediately takes off and I feel how we're flying through the air.

The stinging pain in my back is proves that the dagger didn't hit my future daughter but me instead.

Thank god nothing happened to her.

"Dad?" Her voice quivers and every one eye me with worried looks.

"I'm okay, can someone get this thing out of my back please?" I try to grin but the pain seems like spreading all over my body.

Alec kneels down next to me and takes the dagger out slowly, pressing a cloth on the wound.

"It's not that deep", he says, looking at my back.

"What is this?" Matt asks, looking at the dagger Alec just pulled out of me.

"It looked like a dagger or something", I start but the twins' and Alec's pale faces as soon as they see the dagger just proves that it's way worse than I thought it to be.

"Y-You saved my life", Kazumi whispers quietly, her eyes filled with tears as she's looking at me.

"And just ended yours", Dylan ends her sentence, a single tear falling down his cheek.


18/02/2018

I gave my best. I know I'm not the same person I was when I started this story. But I hope you still like what I am doing with this story. It means a lot to me; otherwise I would have just deleted it.

I'll get the next chapter up as soon as I can!