Hey guys. Seeeee I can keep my promises! Thank you all for the feedbacks.
As always: I own Kazumi, Dylan, Phoenix and Alec.
Please excuse the possible grammatical errors. I give my best to write correctly. But sadly, I am not a native English speaker.
Pain
You cannot defeat darkness by running from it, nor can you conquer your inner demons by hiding them from the world. In order to defeat the darkness, you must bring it into the light
A cold wind blows through the room, making me shiver and the fact that I am not wearing a t – shirt painfully obvious. My hands feel numb... actually, my whole body does.
I hang on the chains coming from the ceiling. My arms ache and my head feels heavier than ever. I wonder how long they leave me like that.
Veemon... Where are you? What did they do to you?
Memories of my partner digimon protecting me from the many evil digimon surrounding us haunt me like a never – ending nightmare. He fought like a champ, but in the end it just wasn't enough against these monsters. Because that's what they are... monsters. That's what we all are...
"Well well well... When they described you to me I assumed that we actually got your leader."
I force myself to look up to the dark figure that's standing in the shadows. I narrow my eyes in an attempt to recognize anything but fail miserably. My sight is blurred and the voice too foreign for me to even have the slightest clue who's standing there.
"What do you want from me?" – I even sound as pathetic as I probably look like.
"Oh, nothing boy. You're just the decoy, but I sure as hell am not going to waste an opportunity to intimidate you and your wretched friends."
"What are you gonna do to me?"
"Me? Nothing. I'll leave that to him..."
ExVeemon's merciless eyes stare right through me, spreading fear inside of me.
Tai's POV
The sheets slipped down to my lower back, giving my girl the opportunity to trace her hand up and down my spine. I sigh into the pillow and allow myself to relax.
This day was beyond shit. It was like a giant pile of shit that no matter how hard I scooped, it didn't get smaller... It all started when I woke up in the hospital wing, feeling a heat inside of me that felt like it was burning me up from the inside. And it still is; it's dazing my mind and withdraws my self – control, obviously. Otherwise I'd never been able to attack Alec like I did today...
Fear is slowly running through my veins, spreading cold through my body... building up a mix of completely converse sensations inside of me. My heart beats painfully in my chest, so hard that I almost fear that it jumps out of my chest every second.
I don't dare to move. Every movement hurts in a way I can't quite describe. I feel like my muscles have been glued together and with every movement of my body the glue is hardening, making the next move more painful than the first.
"Babe? Are you listening to anything I am saying?" Sora's angelic voice snaps me out of my self - misery and I reopen my eyes, turning my head to her.
She's leaning on her elbow, her hair framing her face like a curtain made of fire. Her lips are still swollen from our love session and there are several red marks on her neck, as well as her breasts which are staring at me... calling for my touch. Oh these breasts...
"Tai!" - SMACK
I grab my head and sit up, yelping in pain.
"What was that for?!"
"For paying more attention to my chest than my words!" She replies angrily, throwing on her long, black sleep shirt.
"What can I do? I'm a man I think with my balls", I state the obvious.
"Obviously", she replies dryly, leaning on the headboard of the bed.
"Who made-you mad Soly? I'll kick em!", Biyomon's voice – who is obviously still asleep – sounds from the far corner of the room where she and Agumon are sleeping.
I bite on my lip to suppress the laughter but hearing Sora giggle is enough for my self-control to burst and to join her laughter. The grumble of my stomach however makes me stop. I totally forgot to eat... or didn't I?
"You haven't eaten today, have you?" Sora asks with a worried glance.
"Uh... I'm not sure." Just what on earth is going on with my brain? Damn...
"Let's go then." Sora stands up and throws on some tights before looking at me expectantly.
I for my part just stare at her dumbfounded. "Where are we going?"
"To get you something to eat, silly!" With that she grabs my black jogging pants and my white shirt I wore and throws them in my face. Once again I suppress the grin and get dressed, ready to go and eat at 3 am. I ignore the pain and give my best to somehow, repress the tremor in my hands but Sora already noticed because she takes my right hand in hers, squeezing me tightly. As if she just pushed a button I feel the pain easing, but not fading away. Well... at least it's something.
We quietly step out into the corridor, careful not to wake our digimon. We cross our friends' rooms with the different crest symbols on their doors. Two white soldiers are standing on either side of the elevator doors, looking at us – or at least I think they're looking at us – expectantly.
"What makes you leave your room at such a late hour digidestined?" One of them asks, stepping aside so Sora can push the button for the elevator.
"I am hungry", I reply and try to hide my annoyance because these guys seem to be everywhere.
"The kitchen's on the 27th floor, there should be some leftovers", the other one tells me with a nod and they both turn to look straight into the dark corridor again, obviously dismissing us.
The elevator doors slide open and I feel Sora pulling me inside. She presses the button with the number 27 on it and looks up to me. I can tell she is beyond tired right now. I can't resist the urge to give her a quick peck on her lips – a gesture that makes her smile and lay her head on my chest. I was beginning to think that this whole digital world situation would harm our relationship in some way, mostly because I am behaving like a dick, but she just proved me otherwise tonight. And I am grateful for that.
The elevator comes to a stop and the doors slide open again, revealing, once again two white soldiers who are standing in a similar position as the two we just met. They turn to us and give us a quick nod.
"The kitchen is the third door on the right", one of them says without taking any more notice of us.
How do they know where we are heading?
We quickly thank them and cross the hallway. "These guys are so creepy", my girl whispers under her breath.
Hell yeah, they are.
We reach the door and I push it open, ready to eat whatever comes in my way. However the sight we're met with isn't what I really expected.
The room is wide and in the middle is a kitchen island with several chairs to sit on. The cupboards are made of dark wood and the floor is shimmering black. It looks like an ordinary kitchen... however it is the brothers who are sitting on the chairs beside the kitchen island that is making me frown.
"Do you two ever sleep?"
While Alec, who supports his head with his left hand and holds a glass with an amber colored liquid inside of it – probably bourbon – doesn't even bother to look up, Phoenix' head shots up in surprise before he gives us a warm smile.
"Tai, Sora, I didn't expect you two to be awake at this late hour", his gentle voice wipes my frown off my face and I smile back.
"Tai was feeling hungry", Sora replies, letting go of my hand and walking over to the Fridge. As soon as her touch is gone I can feel my hands starting to shake again. I put them in my pockets and walk over to the brothers since Sora never lets me help her prepare anything to eat, unless I started to cook before she gets home.
"You didn't eat today?" Phoenix asks me, shooting me a worried glance. I shake my head 'no', making him frown.
"Tai you should eat regularly, that will make that better", he gestures to my hands in my pockets and gives me a wink.
"Okay. I will." I am not really in the mood to argue over my eating habits. I am working out daily; I certainly know what I am supposed to do.
"There wasn't much left. Agumon and Biyomon obviously weren't the only ones who came down to get extra food", Sora says, placing a freshly made sandwich in front of me and joining me on the chair beside me.
"You, my dear, are a gift sent from heaven", I smile at her but she just rolls her eyes, looking over to Alec who still sits in the same position, staring at the bourbon in his hand. I quickly scan the half – empty bottle next to him and shoot Phoenix a concerned glance. He however just shakes his head, indicating me to better not ask the devil what pissed him off again. But I just can't resist.
"Alec you know, an argument with your girlfriend isn't reason enough to get yourself drunk", I scold him jokingly in an attempt to get at least a chuckle from him.
But he stays silent.
Instead he just tilts his head and empties the glass in one go. He places it down on the table and pours himself another glass, without bothering to even look at any of us.
Okay... weird.
Sora looks over to me but I just shrug and take a bite from my sandwich.
"I drove her away", Alec's voice makes me stop before I can take another bite and look up to him again. His eyes are hid behind his hair, making it hard for me to see through the mask he's usually hiding all emotions behind. However the fact that his knuckles are white because he's clutching the glass that hard is proof enough that there's obviously more bothering him than just the argument he had with Kazumi before.
"What happened?" Sora asks, taking a sip from her tea I didn't realize she made.
"I drove the only good thing in my life away by being the ass I am", he says, looking up finally.
I hear my girlfriend inhale deeply, masking her surprise. I for my part can't help but stare at Alec's icy grey iris which is surrounded by a reddish shimmering eyeball. It's not hard to say that this is certainly not because I choked him earlier this night. He was crying obviously. And now he's drowning himself in alcohol. Not a very good combination if you'd ask me.
"What do you mean by 'you drove her away'? I doubt she breaks up with you just because you flipped and insulted her father", I reply as careful as possible. There is really no reason to piss him off more, or making him sadder for that matter.
"You don't understand", he says quietly, tilting his head again and emptying the next glass. I suppress the urge to choke just by watching it. By the amount of the glass my throat would be burning up by now. But Alec doesn't seem to mind. He places the glass once again on the table and pours himself another. Phoenix just watches him expressionless. Why on earth isn't he interfering?
"Alec I think you should – ", Sora starts but he interrupts her angrily.
"She is gone Sora!" He shouts out, thumping the table and making us all three wince.
"Don't tell me I should stop drinking because I definitely am not doing that! I can't deal with this shit sober." He adds the last part quieter.
I feel the heat inside of me getting hotter and my appetite fading away lightly. I place the sandwich back on the plate and try to keep a lid on the anger that is slowly building inside of me. I felt this type of rage today and it scared the shit out of me. I won't let it come to surface again, let alone control my actions. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I focus on Alec again who drove all his attention back to his whiskey.
"What do you mean by she's gone. Where is she?" I ask him as calm as possible. I push my hands back in my pockets but they just keep trembling, harder than before. Alec for his part stays silent, staring at his glass again. It's Phoenix who has the courtesy to answer my question – as usual.
"We can't find her. She must have left the base by her own", Phoenix says quietly.
"Then we should go and look for her. What are you two doing here if she's missing?!" Sora jumps up, ready to go and look for her. I'm just about to get up as well when Alec interrupts us again.
"Don't you think we already did? She isn't missing yet. We wait for 8 hours, and then we officially can say that she is. And then we'll send troops looking for her."
"8 Hours? Is that one of the many stupid rules my future self came up with?" I ask them, not bothering to hide my annoyance. They both just nod.
That figures... future – me has no fucking clue.
"Do you realize how much shit can happen in 8 hours?" I say, my voice dripping in sarcasm. They both just look at me with an unreadable expression.
"What do you propose we do then?" Phoenix asks, hope flashing up in his eyes.
"I assume only you two looked for her. That is highly ineffective", I say before I get up and walk over to the door.
"Where are you going?" Sora calls out for me.
"I'm in charge in this base right?" I ask Phoenix who just nods.
"Y – Yeah. Of course."
Good.
I open the door and peak out into the hallway, spotting the two white soldiers right beside the elevator. I don't bother to explain myself and jog over to them.
"You two know Kazumi right?" I ask them right away. They nod in unison and I take that as a sign to continue.
"We can't find her. Am I right in the assumption that two of you are on all floors, guarding the elevators?"
"Two beside the elevators and another few in the arsenal, the hospital wing, the training center and the command center. There are many of us", one of them says.
"Okay. Could you tell everyone to look for her? You've got one hour." It takes all my will power not to scan this damn base by myself. But if there is anyone in this base that knows every corner of it then it certainly is them because... they are frckin everywhere!
"We will, master Tai." With that they get into the elevator and leave me back dumbfounded.
Master Tai? Are they fucking kidding me ?!
I quickly make my way back into the kitchen and am met with three pairs of eyes looking at me in confusion.
"Where were you?" Sora is the first one to ask what all of them are wondering about.
"Just took matters into my own hands. The white soldiers are looking for her."
Alec eyes me skeptical..."And what if they don't find her?"
"Do you really believe that she's still here? Because I certainly don't." There is just no way that Kazumi is still here...
"Don't you?" Phoenix asks in surprise.
I'm just about to response but Sora is faster than me, surprising me with her next words.
"If she really is mine and Tai's daughter then there is just no way that she's still here." Took the words right out of my mouth...
"You've known her for what? Five minutes? And now you think you know how she thinks?" Alec replies, anger slowly building inside of him. Oh I know how you feel bud. I can feel that anger too.
"As Sora said... she's our daughter. If Kari would have changed sites I would have hunted them down hours ago."
"Kazumi is not that stupid", Alec counters, rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"Not Stupid, but desperate. Desperation makes people do stupid things", Sora replies again, emptying her cup of tea.
"Why did you sent the soldiers to look for her if you don't believe her to be here then?" Phoenix asks, confusion still visible on his face.
"We need certainty", I shrug since it is quite logical if you really think about it.
"Look at Taichi – boy suddenly all grown up and taking the lead like the great leader he is believed to be", Alec mumbles under his breath before he empties his next glass.
I don't bother to respond to his provocation. There's really no questioning about that he is handling the situation very bad. But if I really think about it... it's about his girlfriend. God only knows how I'd handled the situation if my girl would be missing.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind I turn around to look at her. Her Bordeaux red hair is tied in a loose bun and her eyelids dare to close every minute. I wrap my arm around her lower waist and pull her with her chair closer to me. She turns around and gives me a small smile before she places her head on my shoulder.
"You should go to sleep", I whisper quietly into her ear so she's the only one who can hear me.
"What about you", she whispers back as quietly as me.
"I'll stay here and wait. I'm not that tired anyway."
She looks at me hesitantly before she stands up, giving me a peck on my cheek and leaving the kitchen again. I am glad she decided to do that. I don't want her to be unfocused in a battle because she was staying up for me. Alec doesn't even register what is happening around him because his eyes are focused on his bottle that is slowly getting emptier the later it gets. Phoenix for his part just stares aimlessly around the room.
I pick up my sandwich and continue to eat it since my stomach started to grumble again... and because there really is not much to do anyway.
An hour passes before I even realize it. The Kitchen door opens again, driving our attention to the white soldier that just entered the room. As much as I'd liked to see the expression of this person, the helmet is blocking my direct view at his face.
"So? Did you find her?" Phoenix asks, getting up from his seat.
"Unfortunately no. She certainly is not in this base."
"Fuck", Alec's voice sounds, causing me to turn around to him. He grabs the bottle by its neck and empties the remaining in one go before he throws the empty bottle against the cupboards where it shatters into million pieces.
Phoenix shoots me a worried glance which I can only mirror. Alec lead us to where we are now and it's out of question now that he is in no condition to do that anymore. This time it's about Kazumi, his weak spot.
I take a deep breath and try to ignore the immense task I am about to take up again. Izzy was right... I should have done that a while ago.
"Okay... Phoenix I want you to wake up the digidestined... spare Sora as the last one. She deserves at least some sleep."
Phoenix stares at me with a confused expression before realization that the leader in this base just switched, sinks in. His expression turns into surprise but he doesn't object. He just gives me a quick nod and exits the room, leaving me alone with his brother.
Alec for his part just eyes me curious and I can tell that some sarcastic remark is trying to slip out of his mouth, but he's obviously suppressing the urge to say it out loud.
"Let's go Alec", I gesture for him to follow me out of the room which – much to my surprise – he does without any hesitation.
I exit the room and walk over to the elevator, Alec never leaving my side. In the elevator he pushes the number with the 34 on it. I can't help but grin. Looks like we're not that different after all..
Within seconds the Elevator doors open and we cross the long corridor before we get to a halt in front of the doors of the command center. I place my hand on the handprint scanner which makes it turn green and the doors to slide open, revealing the all too familiar room with the many computer screens and the big round table.
I cross the room and take a seat in front of the biggest monitor, looking for any button that would light this thing up...I won't give Alec the satisfaction in seeing me helpless. But that's what I am actually... I hate computers. I was smart enough to handle our computers in the computer lab back in high school. But this? This monster of an electronical device? Do I look like fucking Einstein?!
I can't help but look at the blank dark monitor, hoping for it to light up by some miracle.
And just like that... it actually does.
"Huh?" I can't suppress my surprise but I hear Alec chuckling beside me already.
"What's so funny?"
"You. Trying to hide the fact that you are clueless with computers. You tend to forget that I know your future self right?" He adds the last part already laughing at me. Though normally I'd get pissed for being laughed at I can't help but join in in his laughter. He's right though, I forget that a lot.
Alec gives in a few codes on the keyboard before in front of me a giant map of the digital world appears.
"Are you sure you're able to work now? Seeing that you just killed that bottl – ", I start but he chuckles again, causing me to stop and look at him in confusion.
"I've been drinking for years now... a bottle of bourbon has no effect."
"What are we looking for Tai? You have a plan I assume?" He changes the subject, his gaze never leaving the map though.
"You agree with me when I say that she probably went to find Dylan right?" I ask him, just to make it clear that we're talking about the same thing.
"Yeah... she's reckless enough to do that if I really think about it", he whispers quietly. His head hangs low and his gaze is directed on the keyboard. We definitely have no time for this...
"Well... If I had a dark spore", I start, leaning back in my chair and looking up to the map
"I'd probably went after some innocent digimon?" I ask the last part while turning around to Alec who, to my relief, pulled himself together again. He looks me straight into my eyes before he nods slowly.
"Probably... When I got the power of darkness I destroyed everything I ran into."
"So... we're looking for a location with the most damage to it", I sit up straight and wait for Alec to tap some more codes into the computer. But he remains still.
"Alec?" he looks at me again before a grin appears on his face:" You should try it. After all... you should start to learn handling these computers."
Oh no...
Kari's POV
Red, blue, green and purple marks cover his back, showing off where claws ripped open his skin and fists beat him up. There are several purple bruises on his shoulder blades and the skin on his wrists is grazed. He's lying on his stomach so I am not able see his chest... but if I really think about it, alone the sight of his back makes me shudder and I doubt I could handle to see any more of his injuries. It is so obvious that these come from a digimon. How on earth could they send a Digimon at him? It's a miracle he's still alive...
His upper part of the body rises and falls steadily, causing me to calm down. He was obviously struggling the last few hours with some kind of nightmares. But ever since I placed my hand on his arm, his breathing stabilized. I sigh deeply and force my eyes to stay open. I don't want to miss him waking up.
His burgundy hair is flattened and covers a huge part of his face and I have to suppress the urge to reach up and brush the few strands away. But... as an idiot, I fail and before I even realize what I am doing, my hand brushes over his cheek what causes his breath to hitch and a second later, his eyes to open. Deep brown eyes meet mine and I fall back on my chair, not able to say anything. I inwardly slap myself. This is Davis for fucks sake! Act normal!
"Kari?" His voice is still sleepy and hoarse but he clears his throat instantly.
"Hi", I smile at him and can't hide the huge grin that is forming on my face. He finally woke up!
He grins back at me before he slowly lifts himself up to a kneeling position. I watch him as he squints his eyes in obvious pain before he sits down, the covers of the bed shielding his body from my glance. Refusing to lean back, he rubs his eyes before focusing on me. A grin appears on his tired looking face again, hiding all the pain he must be in.
"What are you doing here?" he asks, his grin getting wider since he obviously gets the reason why I am here.
"I – I was worried." I reply hastily, ignoring the warmth that is spreading on my cheeks.
"Sorry I made you worried", he replies, his voice still not as clear as he wants it to be because he coughs lightly.
I don't reply and he doesn't seem like he wants to say anything too. Instead his gaze fixes on his wrists before a weird expression appears on his face. He almost looks... scared. An expression I don't think I ever saw on Davis' face. Looks like my brother isn't the only one who is experiencing new emotions...
"You seem troubled", I say, snapping him out of his daze because he blinks a few times before he looks up to me, confusion washing over his face for a brief second.
"I was just thinking."
I look at him quietly, expecting him to continue, but once again he remains silent.
"Don't you want to talk about it?" I ask hesitantly. I don't want to force him to talk to me. I have done that a hundred times with Tai and it always ended up with him shouting at me before shutting me out completely. Me as well as Sora so I didn't take that personal.
"No it's not that Kari... I think I just don't know how to tell you", he whispers quietly. He hangs his head low, causing his flat hair to fall into his face, covering his eyes. Again, I saw Tai doing that way too many times that I could accept Davis doing it just now. I reach out for him and brush his hair away, surprising him by doing so because he looks at me with wide eyes. I stare back at him and for a split second I lose myself in these brown orbs of his. But just for a second because the sight doesn't look familiar... his eyes were always filled with fire... and happiness.
But when I look into them right now all doubts I had vanish completely. Something scared him... deeply.
"What did they do to you Davis?" I whisper, fearing that if I talk any louder, he will disappear in front of me.
"They didn't do anything...it was what he did – "
"Who?" Though I tried to let him speak I couldn't resist interrupting him.
"Veemon", his voice is shallow and his eyes change again.
Where before fear was, is now nothing but a dull glim. He stares into the depths of the room as if he's recalling all the memories of that dungeon he was in.
I try to control my breath and register what he just said. It does not make any sense.. But on the other side it seems logical. ExVeemon was leading their troops when they attacked us... he was being controlled. So it is absolutely relatable that ExVeemon was the one who did all this to Davis.
Suddenly him kneeling down before the blue digimon and begging him to remember him makes much more sense to me. I assumed that something bad had happened between them to make Davis act that way, but never did I ever even think about the possibility of him hurting the boy.
Deep down I feel an overwhelming sensation of anger building up inside of me and it takes all my willpower to not explode in front of Davis. How dare they turn his partner digimon against him!
"Please don't be mad at him... he surely didn't even know what he was doing", Davis' voice snaps me out of my thoughts again and I turn to him, surprised. The anger vanishes instantly and I can't do anything but stare at him.
"We would never be mad at Veemon. All this is the demon lord's fault."
"I'll kill them...I won't stop before the last one of them bursts into data", he whispers, his gaze still kind of dazed.
"We will."
"How about starting right now?" A new voice catches our attention and we turn around to spot Phoenix in the doorframe.
"You're needed in the command center Kari", he says in a serious tone. I frown in confusion... it's in the middle of the night.
"Something happened, right? It's like... 4 am", Davis asks, already trying to get up from the bed. Phoenix crosses the room and places both of his hands on Davis' shoulders, pressing him down on the bed again.
"You stay here Davis, your injuries are too severe to let you out on a mission."
"What mission? What happened?" I ask the grey – eyed master of this base. He turns around and is just about to answer when Davis interrupts him.
"It's about Kazumi right? I bet she's gone!"
Phoenix stares at him wide eyed. His mouth is slightly open in surprise before he regains control over his facial expression. "How do you know?"
WHAT?!
Davis just shrugs, his faces hardened in anger:" If Kari would be in Dylan's place, Tai would have gone hours ago. I wonder what took her that long to go."
"That's what Tai said too", Phoenix whispers...
"My brother knows already?" I chime in again, turning Phoenix' attention back at me.
"He does. He's down in the command center with Alec, working on a plan."
I sigh deeply... he surely didn't even get any sleep.
"Let's go then."
Alec's POV
I have to say; I am beyond surprised. I am stunned actually. Here I was, thinking that it would take all night to show Tai the basics of the computer system. But it took actually 10 minutes to tell him the most important codes before he actually started to use the device as his own. Within seconds several different maps open before he takes a quick glance at them and closes the maps again, obviously because they weren't showing him what he was looking for.
His fingers fly over the keyboard and suddenly a red blinking dot as well as a purple and a green blinking dot appear on the screen. I take a closer look and realize that while the purple and the red dot are pretty close, the green dot is farer away, moving.
My breath hitches and I glance over to Tai who is now leaning back in his chair, cupping his chin in his hand.
"Looks like we found our destination", he says calmly, his voice never giving away how tired he actually is.
"Cool, where are we going?" T.K's voice sounds, causing us both to turn our seats around to face the digidestined and the digimon who stepped into the room.
They are all dressed in sweat pants and loose shirts, making the fact that they have been sleeping until now obvious. Sora is the last one who enters the command center with Phoenix and Kari who looks like a zombie with her short brown hair sticking into the air and the deep dark bags under her eyes. I can't help but feel a sting of guilt.
"Am I still sleeping or is Tai really sitting in front of a computer?" Izzy asks in surprise, rubbing his eyes as if he really thinks that he hasn't woken up.
"Whoa... and the computer even looks undamaged", Matt joins the teasing, grinning at their leader in amusement.
Tai for his part just smiles lightly before he gets serious again. "Guys... Kazumi is gone." Oh okay we're not going to beat around the bush.
Just as the words are out the amused expressions of the digidestined is wiped off their faces. I scan through them and register a few very different emotions... fear, shock, determination... and most importantly; anger.
"So what are we waiting for then? We have to go and find her!" T.K is the first one to break the down – crushing silence that Tai's announcement followed. An agreeing murmur sounds from everyone but my brother's collected, calm voice drives all attention to him. He's leaning against the doorframe of the command center.
"Digidestined... have you ever been to Siberia?"
They look at him, confusion all over their faces. I don't blame them; I'd be confused too about this question if I hadn't seen our destination already.
"Well Sora and I were in Moscow once, but I don't get why that is so important?" Yolei asks, her hand cupping her chin thoughtfully.
"Ugh don't remind me... I'm still dreaming about borscht", Sora adds ruefully. I give my best to suppress the grin that is daring to come to surface. If she only knew...
"Why did you mention that? Now I'm hungry", Agumon chimes in, causing everyone to chuckle lightly. Tai for his part just face palms and leans back in his chair.
"Tell me one time you're not", he says dryly.
"When I'm asleep."
"Guys... this is serious", Joe interrupts the joking of the two. I look back to Phoenix who mirrors my gaze before he nods lightly, indicating that he'll tell them what they need to know.
"The reason for my question is that the destination you have to head to is located on a part in the digital world where the temperature resembles the one in Siberia that means – "
"That it is frickin cold out there", Tai ends his sentence.
"About what kind of temperatures are we talking about?" Mimi asks, worry visible in her gaze. If I didn't know it any better she is already thinking about what she will have to wear.
"about -26 F", Tai replies nonchalantly, receiving non – believing stares from everyone.
"How on earth do you know that?" This time it's Izzy again who can't cope with the fact that Tai – for once – has all the answers to his questions.
"I read the description on the screen when I clicked on the dot", Tai shrugs it off but the teasing from his team is obviously not over yet.
"You read?" Kari asks, her eyes wide – as wide as they can get with these massive, dark bags under her eyes.
"Wow... first he sits in front of a computer. And now he even announces that he reads stuff", Matt whistles impressed.
"This night seems full of surprises", Tai joins their bickering before I – I really wanted to leave them have their fun for a little while longer but I have to get my girl – clear my throat and drive all attention back at me.
"Phoenix, are the uniforms finished?"
My Brother eyes me intensely in an attempt to follow my train of thoughts somehow. Understanding spreads on his face before he slowly shakes his head.
"Not completely. A few technical details are missing."
He digidestined follow our short conversation with deep interest before I – once again – remain on their main focus. I for my part look over to Tai who is still sitting on the chair in front of the computer.
As soon as he feels my gaze on him he turns around and eyes me with curiosity.
"Do you know where the arsenal is?" I ask him right away.
"I think I do… why?"
"Lead the way then, boss." I say before getting up from my seat and gesturing for Tai to actually do what I told him.
He rolls his eyes in annoyance – probably because I called him boss – and crosses the room. Trusting him blind obviously, the digidestined immediately set in motion and follow their leader out of the command center.
Phoenix and I walk a few steps behind them.
"You want them to get the uniforms then?" Phoenix whispers quietly next to me so I am the only one who can hear him.
"They would freeze to death Phoenix… and the uniforms will give them at least some resistance against the cold…and some damage control."
Phoenix doesn't respond anymore and I take that as approval of my idea. We have no idea what awaits us and the temperature will just make this whole mission a lot harder. By giving them their uniforms they, at least, can maintain their body temperature.
We make our way to the arsenal and I can't help but wonder how Tai knew where to go because I can't remember him showing around the base, neither do I think Phoenix did.
"Did you show Tai around?" I ask my brother in a whisper but he just shakes his head, mirroring my surprise.
"I came here by coincidence during one of our first nights in this base. You didn't have to show me around, I did that myself", Tai shrugs nonchalantly.
"Oh okay. What are we waiting for then? Open the door", Phoenix says, fighting against a grin that is trying to come to surface.
Tai's POV
I place my hand on the handprint scanner and, as usual, the scanner turns green and the heavy steel doors slide open, revealing the arsenal I was wondering about for the longest time already. Last time I was here, I was staring at the door, making assumptions about what would await me behind the doors.
I take the lead again and step in first, quickly followed by the rest of my team and the two brothers. The sight however takes my breath away; the walls are covered completely by giant showcases, where I spot several different weapons behind the glass. Some bigger, some smaller, long lances, short daggers. Swords in different shapes and sizes cover a big part of the wall, followed by a giant collection of different bows and arrows. I try to ignore the gun – collection since I still feel kind of uneasy to use something like that… though if I really think about it. Is using a sword over a gun morally better?
"Wow", I hear Yolei whisper in awe, driving my attention to her. I turn around and follow her gaze as well as everyone else and stand next to her. The others follow quickly and stand in a line before the most impressive part of this whole room.
There in front of us are twelve mannequins, wearing a pitched black uniform consisting of tight Pants, and a light Jacket. There are several pockets on the trousers and I notice a belt fixed on them too, armed with sheaths for what I assume – weapons.
Their heads are covered with a heavy looking hood, on the wrists they wear what looks like a gauntlet with a hidden blade on the inside. The whole uniform sums up with boots on their feet. I have to admit… I am deeply impressed.
"So the helmets are the technical detail you mentioned is missing?" Alec's voice snaps me out.
"Yep", Phoenix answers before he approaches the two mannequins in the middle and turns one of them around so that the back of the uniform is visible.
A murmur of amazement fills the room and I can't help but feel the deep desire to immediately try this thing on. On the back of the jacket is a big crest of courage pictured in a fiery orange color, literally calling out for me.
"So… you want us to put these on?" Kari is the first one to break our silence.
"Well your chances of not freezing to death would sink drastically with these uniforms on your bodies", Phoenix answers her question.
"This is so cool", Cody approaches the mannequin nearest to him and turns it around. The crest of courage and the crest of friendship cover the back of that mannequin's jacket, reminding me painfully that Davis is missing out on this.
"So… you want to get dressed or…?", Alec asks from his spot next to the showcases where the swords are held.
This is actually the first time I really pay attention to his clothes. He is dressed in similar pants as the mannequins with several pockets and a belt that has the exactly same sheaths. He takes two daggers out of the collection and fixes them on his belt before he approaches the mannequin with the crest of courage on it.
He opens the jacket and takes it off before he tosses it at me. I catch it with no trouble and am surprised of how light the fabric in my hands feels. A T – Shirt and a hoodie follow before Alec turns around at the others who – I assume – are still in a kind of amazed daze.
"What are you waiting for? Get your clothes!" His tone makes it clear that he doesn't tolerate any dissent.
"He sounds like that bad man in the documentary film we watched about the second world war once, right Ken?" Wormmon says. Ken looks at him with wide eyes and I can't help but chuckle lightly, as well as everyone else.
"Did he just call me Hitler?" Alec asks his brother in disbelief. Phoenix for his part is busy laughing which we take as a good sign and join in.
However it takes one angry glare from Alec's deep icy – grey eyes and everyone turns the mannequins and takes off their respective clothes.
After a good 20 minutes of time we stand in a line again, all dressed identically. I can't help but wonder just how on earth they knew our exact sizes because I doubt that I had ever clothes on that fit me so well.
Alec and Phoenix eye us with equal expressions of approval. Phoenix holds a bow and arrow.
«Sora, this one is for you", he says before he approaches my girlfriend, giving her the items. She takes them with wide eyes.
"W – What is that? I don't even know how to use that!" She exclaims, trying to give them back to Phoenix but he just raises his hands, indicating her that the decision is final.
"Sora, this is a holy arrow. I want you to shoot Dylan with it", Alec says, his arms crossed before his chest.
"What?! Why?"
"I think that would clear Dylan from the dark powers of the spore", Gatomon answers the question thoughtfully, earning a nod from both brothers.
"Why me though?" Her gaze searches mine and I give her a confident wink. If there is anyone who can do that, it's her.
"Because you're the only person he most likely won't try to kill", Phoenix answers her question with a small smile.
"I doubt that."
"It makes sense Sora… a son would never try to hurt his own mother", Matt whispers quietly earning a sad smile from his younger brother.
"Okay", she gives in finally, fixing the bow on her back.
"Good. You leave in about half an hour if that is okay with all of you."
We nod in unison, an old feeling of a certain determination washing over me. And I can tell the others feel it too because they meet my gaze with a confident smile which I can only return. I love these guys.
I turn around and look over the many, dangerous looking weapons and don't notice that the others exited the room. It is only when I feel a certain, light hand touch my right shoulder blade that I turn around and look directly in my girlfriend's fiery eyes.
"Aren't you coming up? Grab something to eat… drink a tea?"
I shake my head. Eating is the last thing I feel like doing. "You should go though."
I trace my fingers over her cheek what causes her to close her eyes and lean into the touch before the plants a kiss into my palm and leaves me alone.
I turn around again and focus on the weapons in front of me while I try my hardest to ignore my hands that started to tremble again the moment I stepped foot into this room. Heat spreads in my chest, causing me to freeze ironically. I wrap my arms around my torso and walk through the room, past the mannequins and stop in front of the only wall that is not covered with a showcase. Weird…
The sound of a handprint scanner approving a handprint however snaps me out and I turn around to see Alec typing some code into the scanner. Without a word he turns and looks at me with an emotionless expression. It takes me a few moments before I understand just what on earth he just did.
The wall in front of me parts and reveals exactly twelve weapons.
"Which one is mine?" I ask, still looking at the items in front of me in awe. I register – once again – swords in different shapes and sizes as well as some others I don't know the name of. One thing I know for sure though, these weapons were made for only one purpose: kill.
"Find out", Alec replies before he joins my side. I take a closer look at the few swords before I let my gaze wander over every set of weapons. They are being hold by hooks attached to the wall, twelve squares separate the different "sets". While there are squares with only one big sword in it, there are different squares with two small ones in it. My gaze stops at one of the doubles. One of the swords resembles the upper part of a lance while the other one looks exactly like the one's pirates always carry with them in movies. I take a step closer and slowly reach out for the two.
I grab the handles and they immediately turn into a deep orange shade before the color vanishes as suddenly as it appeared. I look at the two weapons in my hand in awe before I look over to Alec again who is grinning lightly at me.
"As soon as you accept your power you will be able to use them."
"Accept the powers?" I frown at him in confusion while I try to fix the weapons on my belt.
"I still see you trembling. That only happens when you are fighting them while you should embrace them Tai."
Once again I can't hide my inner troubles from him. I am still wondering about that weird connection between us and why we even have that connection, but I guess denying facts he is obviously capable to see is idiotic. So I just nod and cross my arms before my chest.
I feel the switch I have to turn on deep inside of me to fully 'embrace' this powers how he put it. But I still can't get over the fact that my capabilities are freaking me the hell out. Now I even carry dangerously weapons with me with which I could seriously hurt the wrong people. I don't even want to imagine that.
"I guess I'm just scared of myself…" I admit quietly while looking down on the ground.
"I know", he replies equally quiet;" but you should be more scared of what will happen to your friends if you won't use your powers to protect them."
I don't reply anymore. And when I finally look up, he's gone already.
The Base's Gates
"According to my calculations it will be a two days walk», Izzy says, his gaze fixed on a tablet he received.
"Can someone remind me again why we can't just use a sphere?" Mimi complaints, hanging her head in dismay.
"Because it's too far away and Piximon is not here", Alec replies, while adjusting his hood around his neck. We sigh in unison. I take a look at the unhappy faces of my teammates… they don't look so good. And without Davis' happy face around the mood's even worse.
"Come on guys! It will be like old days!" I exclaim as enthusiastically as possible while I walk up to the front and lead the way.
"Yay… blisters on my feet, aching joints…", Mimi rolls her eyes but follows my example and sets in motion, followed by the rest of the others and Alec who's right behind us. My fake enthusiasm didn't get unnoticed by Matt because he wraps his arm around Mimi's shoulders and shakes her playfully.
"Aww princess, I promise I'll carry you as soon as your feet start hurting."
Said girl however only blushes madly before she shakes him off and joins Sora's side who tries to hold back her grin, but fails miserably.
"Look what you did Matt, now Mimi won't be able to even look you in the eyes for the rest of the journey", Palmon adds annoyed, causing her partner to blush even harder.
"Palmon!" She hisses angrily but the Digimon just looks at her dumbfounded.
"Oh… shouldn't he know that?" The Digimon replies confused. I can't help but laugh at the whole scene before I turn around to look at my own Digimon partner.
"You should be glad that I am much more delicate", Agumon says, giving me a playful wink.
My grin gets wider before I focus on the road again.
We walk mostly in silence and during the day Sora and Matt join my side on the front of the group, never breaking the silence though.
The day passes quickly and I literally can feel the temperature dropping, the nearer we come to our final destination. The cold air feels like tiny needles on my face and I pull up the hood over my head. The others quickly follow my example. We keep walking and it doesn't take long until our usual grey, dark surroundings change and tiny bits of white appear. I hear the snow crackle under our shoes, engulfing us in a dark, cold but at the same time, calm, atmosphere.
"Tai?" Izzy's voice snaps me out and I stop right in my tracks, turning back to him. He takes a quick look at his tablet before he lifts his head and looks at me.
"I think we should camp here. If we keep walking we will soon enter a forest and I don't think it would be a very smart idea to spend the night there", he says hesitantly.
I let my gaze wander over my teammate's tired looking faces until I come to a stop at Alec who didn't say a word the whole day. I stare into his grey eyes and he holds my gaze intensely.
"Okay", I hear me say, still holding the connection upright: "We should find a dry spot", I break the eye contact and look around. There's at least 15 inches of snow covering the whole area.
"That's no problem", Alec says before he bends down and places both of his hands on the cold ground.
We look at each other in confusion but the confusion quickly vanishes and is replaced by pure surprise as soon as we see the snow around us melting down, leaving back a wet ground. However Alec isn't done yet because his hands stay on the ground. I feel the heat coming from beneath my feet and I can't help but look at him in awe.
Obviously satisfied by the result he slowly sits down on the – now dry – ground, looking at us expectantly.
"You are amazing", Kari is the first one to react. She gives him a bright smile before taking a seat on the ground too. We all follow her example and a few more comment what Alec just did what causes him to look down on the ground sheepishly. I can tell he doesn't feel that comfortable being the main focus.
"That doesn't change the fact that it's still freezing out here", Joe says thoughtfully while he digs in his backpack. He grabs a chocolate bar and hands it to Gomamon who accepts it happily.
His example is reminder enough for us to do the same.
"The uniform you're wearing will keep you warm enough to sleep", Alec says.
"Yeah probably enough so that we won't die but that doesn't change the fact that it's frickin cold", T.K replies, pulling his hood lower. Alec for his part doesn't say anything back. Instead he just leans against a rock and closes his eyes, dismissing the blonde obviously.
"I'll take first watch", Ken says before anyone else could even think about the possibility. The leader in me immediately awakens and I want to interrupt but Yolei is faster.
"I'll join you!" She gives me a wink before she joins his side. I still don't like the idea since I wanted to volunteer but Sora sitting down next to me on the ground is enough for me to forget about it. She leans her head on my shoulder and backs off almost immediately, looking at me in surprise. I turn to her and my expression mirrors my confusion obviously.
"You are hot", she says, frowning lightly. I can't help but chuckle at that.
"Well, thanks, you too."
"Ugh…" she face palms;" I mean your body temperature. You feel like an oven", she says before she lays her hand on my arm again. Weird… I don't feel like having a fever.
"His powers are based on fire and heat. That's why", Alec's voice interrupts us. He's still in the same position but his observation is flawless, even with closed eyes.
"Oh… okay", Sora says before leaning her head against me again;" guess I should be happy about that." I feel her snuggle closer to me before her body relaxes. I allow myself to close my eyes too….
I didn't realize I fell asleep until I hear an annoying buzzing sound that wakes me up again. I lazily open my eyes. First thing I notice is that Yolei and Ken are asleep next to each other while Joe and Matt are keeping watch now. They don't take any notice of me waking up or the vibration of some device – I decided that that was the buzzing that woke me up.
I turn around and see the device next to Alec still vibrating. It almost looks like a D – Terminal. Since he doesn't look like waking up or anything I carefully free myself from my girlfriend's embrace and walk over to Alec's sleeping figure. He's still sitting upright, his arms crossed before his chest and his hood covering his eyes.
I don't really want to check the device by myself since I don't want to violate his privacy. But the curiosity takes the best of me. After taking a closer look at the black mobile phone alike device I decide for myself that no, this is not a D – Terminal itself, but it probably works as one. I push the button on its side and the screen lights up, revealing a missed call and a message. However it is the name appearing on both – the call and the message – that causes a shiver to go down my spine.
"Found what you've been looking for?"
Alec's voice snaps me out and I let the device fall on the ground. I look up into his eyes, expecting him to be angry. But much to my surprise there is no anger in his gaze. Not even annoyance.
He just looks tired. He lazily lifts the phone and checks the notifications. His eyes getting wide doesn't go unnoticed by me.
A million questions dare to overwhelm me but I just can't come up with a logical sentence in my head.
"T – That doesn't make any sense", I say, before I sit down in front of him.
"Actually… if you really think about it. It is logical", Alec replies before he types a response.
"What are you writing?"
"He asked me how it's going. I am telling him what he wants to know." His voice seems distant but at the same time I think I hear a light tremble in it.
"Are you scared of him?"
"No Tai it is not about fearing someone. I have deep respect for him. And I don't want to disappoint him. Not again."
"How is he alive?" The questions come out before I even have the chance to sort them out.
"You received the cure. You're immune now."
Realization hits me and I feel like back in high school when I messed up an exam and someone told me the right answer afterwards. I felt equally stupid back then like I do now. I watched enough movies to know that if anything that affects me would have an effect on him too. But I guess we all were too caught up in this new, weird situation to think about simple things.
"Then we can tell that Dylan and hopefully he will get back to his normal self."
"I don't think that will work out for Dylan, Tai. No offense", he says before he pushes a button on the device and holds it to his ear. A few seconds later I hear someone pick up the phone on the other side.
"Tai, it's me", I hear him say before he shots me a look and walks away. I obviously am not allowed to know what he has to discuss with my future – very alive seeming – self.
Sora's POV
The morning comes sooner that I would've liked it to come and I find myself clinking on my boyfriend's arm, seeking for the warmth that is coming out of his body. Kari is on his other side since the moment she realized that her brother turned to a mobile oven.
The cold wind blows around us, making the freezing cold even worse. Luckily the cold doesn't seem to affect any of our Digimon, nor does Alec look like it's bothering him. Which I find very weird actually.
"Why aren't you freezing? If I may ask", Joe's voice sounds. I turn around and see that he is talking to Alec who is walking next to him.
"We regularly complete training – sessions in regions with extreme conditions. I've been trained for situations like this", Alec shrugs nonchalantly.
"That all sounds like you're in the army", Cody says, making him chuckle.
"Well it sure as hell feels that way", Alec replies, still grinning though.
"Who trained you? Tai?" Mimi asks, glancing at Tai and then at Alec.
"No, you forget that I am much older than you all. And that I already fought a war against these – ", he stops in mid – sense and narrows his eyes, looking into the far distance.
"Alec? What is it?" Tai asks, looking into the same direction in an attempt to spot what caused Alec to freeze.
However there's no time for anything because he sprints forward without saying anything. Instinctively we all turn to look at Tai who just shrugs and jogs after him, followed by us. I see Alec coming to a stop and kneeling down on the snowy ground, not even bothering about getting wet. We stop in front of him and built a circle, looking at the item he is clutching on his chest.
I take a closer look and catch a glimpse of red and orange colors on the black jacket. I feel my heart beating painfully against my chest and force myself to take deep, steady breaths.
"Why would she leave her jacket behind?" Mimi asks quietly.
"Sh – She didn't leave it by her own choice", Alec's voice sounds. He turns it so we're able to see the zipper being torn apart. "They ripped it off of her by force."
"Why would they do that? She's immortal… the cold doesn't affect her, does it?" Matt asks.
"She's Tai's and Sora's daughter. Her power is based on the sun, on heat. Leaving her in the cold weakens her immensely." Phoenix voice sounds inside of our headsets.
"I can guess who gave them that hint…", Tai whispers quietly, crossing his arms before his chest.
"We should go", Izzy says;" there's not much left."
We slowly start to walk again but Alec doesn't move an inch. He remains on his knees on the ground, his face buried inside of Kazumi's jacket. If it wouldn't have been that dark here because of the lack of sunlight I'd say that I see his shoulders shaking suspiciously. Tai is the first one to notice and walks back to him. He bends down in front of him and places his hand on his shoulder. I am too far away to hear what he's saying to Alec but he obviously gets to him because a few moments later he gets on his feet and follows Tai, taking the lead alongside him.
We keep walking in gloomy Silence, neither of us in the mood to say anything after what we just found.
For all we know Kazumi is somewhere in this ice – desert, dressed in only a Tank – top. We walk up a small hill and I try to ignore the pain in my feet and my heavy breathing. Walking so long is tiring enough...walking up a hill while my feet sink into masses of snow with every step I take feels like physical abuse. I walk up the last few meters and stop right next to Alec and Tai who stare at the frozen lake in front of us in shock. I follow their gaze and my hands close around my mouth, preventing myself from screaming.
Two digimons I never saw in my entire time are watching our movements. The female one who I assume is Lilithmon sits in a giant Throne while the other one stands on her left side.
The female digimon is a cross between what seems like a demonic priestess and a feudal Japanese courtesan. She wears a long, purple robe over a leather cat suit. Her hair is black like the bat – like wings protruding from its back. She has deep blue eyes and her skin is as pale as a paper sheet. But she's freaking beautiful.
Her companion however is the opposite of her and I feel the shiver going down my spine just by looking at this digimon. He has doubled, ripped wings on his back and although I try my hardest to get a glance at his face, I fail. His head looks ridiculously small on that giant body of his. Instead of Fingers he seems to have long, reddish tentacles. If I would have to call some digimon a teratism, it would be him.
Much to my dismay – I inwardly hoped that he wouldn't be here – Dylan is standing on Lilithmon's right side.
However it is the sight of my future daughter that is causing my heart to break. Kazumi is tied to a big wooden pole, only dressed in a bra. Her head hangs low, causing her hair to form a curtain over her face. It seems like the only thing that is holding her up are her tied up wrists.
"Kaz!" Alec shouts out, running down immediately. Before he can come even near her however, something in the air sparks up and he gets thrown back into the snow. Tai doesn't hesitate and runs down to him, gesturing for us to do the same.
We run down the small hill and stop before Tai who gets Alec to his feet.
"Kazumi!" Alec shouts again. His voice obviously affects her in some way because she twitches lightly before she lifts her head.
"Alec… don't come near me. There's an energy field", her voice is a mere whisper and reminds me of the painful period where Tai was being held in Myotismon's hideout.
"Well well well. You are rude, don't you want to greet me, old friend?" A female voice sounds and reminds me of the fact that we just entered the territory of an enemy, a very dangerous enemy that is.
She approaches Alec ever so slowly, ignoring all of us. Her arm wraps around his neck and she drives him closer to her face. I almost expect her to kiss him but he stops her before she can drive him closer.
"If you come any closer to my boyfriend I will burn you down to your core, witch", Kazumi's voice sounds, stronger and angrier than I expected her to be.
Lilithmon turns her head, her wicked grin never leaving her face:" If you'd known how much fun we had back in the good old days." She turns back at him:" back then when you knew who you really are."
"I know who I am. One step closer, bitch, and you'll be deeply sorry", Alec replies. His hand lays flat on her stomach and his expression is one of pure disgust. Lilithmon obviously knows about the hidden blade because her grin vanishes and she takes a few steps back. Her gaze wanders over us while it stays too long on Tai if you ask me. However it is me who she stares at the longest.
"Love… SO overrated, don't you think dear? »
«Fuck off», Iuse the most inhumane voice I can bring up. She just grins at me without a care in the world.
"Biyomon", I turn to my partner Digimon who looks as ready as I feel.
"Oh no. We're not going to fight dear. I waited for your arrival so I can start my show", she throws her arms out in enthusiasm, looking back at Kazumi.
"Who is she? Piedmon's sister? He had a liking for shows too", T.K mumbles in disgust.
"Oh boy… trust me Piedmon is nothing, compared to me", she says before a whip appears in her hand out of nowhere.
I take a step back and feel Tai's comforting hand on my back. Alec slowly steps in front of us in a protective way and I once again, slap me for not appreciating his presence enough.
Lilithmon however just turns her back to us and snaps with her fingers. I feel a sudden force coming from the ground and driving me nearer to it. I fall down on my knees and a second later my hands as well as my knees and my ankles are caught up in ice. I try to get back on my feet, in vain. Hell, I can't even free my hands. I look around at everyone who's in the same position as me, including our Digimon.
Fuck… that means digivolution is not an option.
"Alec!" I call out for him but he doesn't even seem to hear me. His gaze is fixed on Lilithmon who just gave the whip to Dylan. And Dylan… who walks over to his sister.
I hear the others gasp and feel my heart sink. He won't do that. Never.
He approaches his sister, walking ever so slowly while he holds the one thing that ruined his own skin. The reason for all of his tattoos. And now he's about to do exactly the same to his twin sister.
I catch a glimpse of his emotionless, blueish grey eyes. His expression is a hard mask, not showing anything he thinks.
"Dylan! Don't! You will hate yourself for this!" Alec shouts out to him, struggling against the ice – ties. I feel my hands getting numb already but ignore the pain. All that matters now is that we get Dylan back to his senses before he does something he'll regret forever.
"I can't hate myself more than I already do", he mumbles before he stops in front of Kazumi.
She lifts her head up and looks at him through her hair, not saying anything. They stare at each other for what feels like an eternity.
"Dylan dear… I think I was clear enough when I told you what to do", Lilithmon's voice sounds again. She sits on her throne; her legs crossed and doesn't hide her annoyance with Dylan's hesitation. Dylan for his part only stares at her before his gaze flickers back to Kazumi. She slowly shakes her head. His knuckles are white because of the force with which he is clutching the whip in his hand and I can tell he's grinding his teeth. I almost can feel his inner fight.
"Dylan, fight it off", Tai chimes in, his voice as gentle as possible but I can hear the urgency in it. He is fearing for both of them. The boy's head snaps back and something in his mind obviously clicks because a second later he hauls off and brings the whip down on the girl's back. Her skin bursts open and I hear her gasping – because of pain or shock I don't know.
"Let's count together! ONE!" Lilithmon's voice pierces through my eardrum. I close my eyes shut and refuse to look at this horror scenario in front of me.
"Tai", Alec hisses and I reopen my eyes to look at them. Tai turns to look at him, confusion and shock all over his face.
Tai's POV
I try my hardest to ignore the sickness that is spreading through my body. I have no doubt that it was my voice that snapped Dylan out of his daze, back into their clutches. For a mere second I hoped that maybe, just maybe he was about to get back to normal. That he would not harm his own sister. But I guess I was horribly wrong. I want to turn away, but it is like my gaze has been glued to the scene in front of me. I don't want to see any of that, but I can't look away.
"TWO!"
"Tai!" Alec's voice snaps me out finally and I turn to him.
"THREE!"
"Give in Tai! Give in and melt these ties up. I've been trying to do it but their powers are too strong for me."
I turn around to look at Agumon – the only 'person' I want approval from. He looks me deep in my eyes before he nods. "Do it Tai, don't fear it."
"FOUR!"
And I do.
"FIVE!"
Heat flows through my body, igniting every cell, every deep corner inside of me. Within seconds I feel like my whole body is on fire... as if I am just about to explode. I feel my hands warm up and the ice over them cracks, making it easy for me to break free finally.
"SIX!"
My heartbeat quickens and I feel the strong desire to break something into pieces while the anger I felt before returns with full force. I stare at this bitch of a digimon and –
"Tai!" Alec's voice snaps me out again and I turn back to him. Just by looking at him I feel a type of calmness wash over me, dimming the anger and the fire that is romping around inside of me.
"SEVEN!
"How do I free you?"
"EIGHT!"
"Just focus on what you want to do... and do it", he shrugs helplessly as if it's the most logical thing to do. As simple as it sounds, it sure as hell isn't.
"NINE!"
I place my hands on the ground – similar to what Alec did yesterday – and concentrate on melting the ice that is surrounding us. Within seconds I hear the ice crack again. I look down on my hands and am met with the sight of the lake beneath the ice. I quickly withdraw my hands, fearing that if I keep going, we're all going to break into the water. Luckily it was obviously enough for the rest of us to free themselves too.
"TEN – "
Out of the corner of my eye I see Alec getting on his feet, drawing his dagger while doing so.
He stings his dagger inside of the sphere that was surrounding the twins, causing it to shatter like glass. Tiny bits of data flow around before they vanish in the wind. Dylan doesn't have the time to react before he finds himself on the ground, receiving a punch right into his face by a beyond angry Alec.
"Someone has to get Kazumi out of there", Joe says before he gets on his feet and starts running towards the girl who is slumped down, her back covered in blood.
"Not so fast boy... EXILE SPEAR!" Lilithmon's companion – named Arcadimon, a mega level digimon based on what Izzy just told me – sets in motion, his arm turning into a spear while he aims his attack at Joe.
"Joe!" Gomamon shouts out before he's engulfed in light.
Gomamon digivolves to Ikkakumon!
"HARPOON TORPEDO!"
Ikkakumon's attack clashes into Arcadimon's arm, swinging him back into the snow.
"No one attacks Joe!"
"Oh okay...my bad. DOT MATRIX" Arcadimon shouts his next attack. But I don't see anything happening.
Just a second later however Ikkakumon bends down in pain, shuddering while doing so. I realize in shock that bits of data seem to fall off his body, transferring to Arcadimon's body.
"He needs help", Matt whispers next to me before he turns to his partner digimon. Gabumon just nods. "I am ready when you are."
I myself turn to look at Agumon who just nods. "Let's do it."
Gabumon warp – digivolve to MetalGarurumon!
Agumon warp – digivolve to Wargreymon!
"You too guys!" Mimi shouts out, clutching her digivice angrily.
Palmon digivolve to Togemon! – Togemon ultra digivolution to Lilymon!
Biyomon digivolve to Birdramon! – Birdramon ultra – digivolution to Garudamon!
Tentomon digivolve to Kabuterimon! Kabuterimon ultra – digivolution to Megakabuterimon!
Hawkmon digivolve to Aquilamon!
Wormon digivolve to Stingmon!
Armadillomon digivolve to Ankylomon!
"Get him guys!" Yolei shouts, facing the demon lord sitting on her throne though. Said digimon however just grins evilly at us.
"My turn, motherfucker", WarGreymon's angry voice sounds from the air where all our digimon form a line in front of Arcadimon who doesn't look so impressed.
"T.K!" I hear Kari call out for him and turn around to them. T.K just nods at her before he takes out his digivice.
"T.K wait!" I interrupt them before they can make their digimon digivolve. They both turn to me in confusion.
"What is it Tai?" I can tell that my sister forebodes what I'm about to say and it doesn't please her.
"I want you two to wait until we dealt with Arcadimon. I think Angemon and Angewomon could be very useful against Lilithmon."
"But –", Gatomon starts but gets interrupted.
"Someone give me her jacket! She's ice – cold!" Joe's voice pierces through the air, causing us all to turn around again. He carries Kazumi in his arms before he collapses on the ground, never letting go of her though. The girl is slumped against his frame, unconscious.
Sora is the first one to react and throws the Jacket we found to Joe who easily catches it and covers Kazumi's half naked figure. I quickly jog over to them who all build a circle around Joe and her. I quickly unzip my jacket and take it off before I pull my hoodie over my head, giving it to Joe who looks at me in confusion.
"But Tai – "
"I'm not feeling the cold, really", I say before I zip my jacket back up. It's the truth. Every negative thing I've felt vanished and is replaced by this incredible warmth inside of me.
There's only the deep desire to punch something... or someone. That would be a whole lot better.
If only I could rearrange someone's face...
The thought causes me to turn around again, looking for Alec and Dylan who – much to my surprise – are standing in front of each other, both holding their respective weapons; Alec his dagger and Dylan his lance. It looks ridiculous really... Alec with that small blade against Dylan... who not only is taller as him but also looks stronger, much stronger.
Matt follows my gaze;" Alec doesn't have a chance, does he?" he whispers quietly.
"Don't underestimate my brother. I just doubt that he is capable to seriously fight Dylan", Phoenix' voice sounds inside of our ears.
Yeah... I doubt that too. I sure as hell know that I couldn't. And I don't know him that well yet.
"I can hear you guys", Alec's voice sounds but he didn't move an inch. Both of them look like wild animals, waiting for their respective opponent to take the first step.
"ARGH!" - My sight is blocked by Aquilamon who just crashed down on the ground in front of us, swirling the snow up.
"No!" Yolei shouts out and within a second she's on her knees next to her digimon.
"Yolei... he's too strong", he whispers quietly before dedigivolving into Poromon.
"Who's next?" Arcadimon's voice sounds again. I look up to him and realize in shock that, while our
digimon look quite worn out already, he doesn't have a scratch on him.
"Izzy... doesn't this guy have any weakness?!" I hiss but the red head only shakes his head while his gaze is focused on the tablet.
"I can't find any Tai what do you think I was trying to do until now?"
I grind my teeth in frustration. I honestly hate being useless.
"Metal Wolf Claw!"
"Terra Force!"
Both, WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon throw their attacks at Arcadimon who – almost easily – transforms his arm into a spear again and breaks through them.
"EXILE SPEAR!" He shots down like an arrow, but much to my surprise not at MetalGarurumon or WarGreymon, but at us.
"NO!" I hear our digimon shout in unison and out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of my sister clutching Sora's arm, preparing for the worst. Instinctively I raise my hands and close my eyes. So be it then...
"UGH!"
A loud thud sounds and a moment later Arcadimon falls down on the ground, clutching his now – cut in half – arm. I stare at him in pure shock – my hands still raised like I tried to stop him bare handed. It's only when I hear the others gasp that I look up and realize what Arcadimon's attack stopped.
Right in front of us is a giant, almost invisible, orange shimmering shield. I feel the heat against my palms and my eyes widen when realization – that I did that – hits me.
"Tai...", Cody starts, his eyes still wide. Of surprise or shock I don't know.
"You just saved our lives", Ken adds, not less stunned.
"You're incredible", Matt says, looking at me with his deep ocean blue eyes and I feel the heat decrease on my palms. I slowly lower my hands again and the shimmering shield disappears as soon as it appeared.
"Now Guys!" Sora shouts out to our digimon who themselves were stunned by my capability and forgot their opponent for a moment.
"FLOWER CANON!"
"HORN BUSTER!"
"SPIKING STRIKE!
"WING BLADE!"
Their attacks combine and hit the digimon on the ground with full force, swirling even more snow up and causing deep cracks on the ground. I quickly scan it for any holes since I really don't feel like taking a swim in that. Luckily the ice doesn't look like it's going to break anytime now –
"TAIL HAMMER!" Ankylomon sums up the attack by beating his iron sphere on the tip of his tail on Arcadimon's head.
Okay... one more attack like this and we all do the ice bucket challenge, on a whole new level.
"EVIL SIGH!" Suddenly a new voice sounds which unmistakably makes it clear that Lilithmon is done, watching her show.
A dark mist comes out of her mouth, aimed at our partner digimon.
Remembering my success from before I raise my hands again and focus on making a shield again. The heat in my palms returns immediately and the orange shimmering shield appears in front of us again. However it isn't enough to reach out for our digimon partners. One after another falls down on the ground, screaming out it pain and affecting their respective partners while doing so – just like the last time...when we fought Myotismon.
Stingmon, Lillymon, Ankylomon and Ikkakumon dedigivolve into their rookie forms before my shield can reach them.
Since WarGreymon, MetalGarurumon, Garudamon and Megakabuterimon were the closest ones to me the mist comes to a halt in front of them. Much to Lilithmon's dismay, obviously because her eyes narrow at me, ready to slaughter me.
"Good Job Tai!" WarGreymon cheers before his eyes get wide and he clutches his lower abdomen in shock. My gaze shots right to the hole inside of his body that Arcadimon just caused by his spear – hand that was restored somehow. WarGreymon's green eyes lock with mine and without me even realizing it I am already running. I don't even register Kari calling out for me.
Hot anger dares to overwhelm me and I am not longer in control of my own actions. I draw the sword Alec gave me earlier and pray to god that I activated these powers completely because I need a fucking miracle now.
The spear like dagger in my left and the sword in my right hand I attack Arcadimon, piercing the dagger into the crock of his neck and sliding the sword over his chest.
He screams out in pain and the next thing I know it that someone grabs me by my hair and suddenly, there's nothing but cold air around me. I clutch my weapons in fear that I lose them in the water – because that is where I will surely land. I close my eyes and wait for the hard impact that will surely break the ice but instead I land on soft feathers.
"I got you Tai!" Garudamon sets me down on the ground again, next to Joe who is still holding Kazumi and Kari who now holds an unconscious Koromon. I kneel down and take him into my arms, ignoring all the sounds around me. The only thing that really matters now is that he didn't die. I fight back the happy tears because this neither is the right time, nor the right place for this kind of shit.
"Whoa Tai, what did you do?" MetalGarurumon's voice snaps me out and I look up to find a helpless Arcadimon, trying desperately to put out the fire all over his body. I frown in confusion before I pull out the sword again, realizing in shock that an immense heat is coming from it.
"I – I don't know."
"Whatever you did. You just gave us an opportunity. MetalGarurumon now!" Matt shouts out for his partner who just nods at his remaining companions.
"HORN BUSTER!
"WING BLADE!
"METAL WOLF CLAW!
The three attacks combine and hit Arcadimon who still tries to get rid of the flames which seem quenchless. He sees the attacks too late and they hit him with full force. The remaining data of him vanishes in the wind, leaving the smell of fire in the air.
A bright light catches all our attention and we – Lilithmon included – turn to the two titans who were fighting all along. While Alec holds a beam of light aimed at Dylan, Dylan is countering with a pitched black one while a purple aura is surrounding him. The two beams meet in the middle before they combine in a sphere and shatter into million pieces. The shock wave caused by the explosion blows both of them off their feet and into the snow where they stay unconscious.
I'm just about to run up to Alec but the witch's voice makes me stop.
"Now Now... Looks like we're going to have fun now eh?"
Alec's POV – right before Aquilamon dedigivolved
"How could you Dylan? She is your sister!" I hiss angrily, looking at the boy I know so well in pure disgust.
He just smiles lazily at me, never breaking eye contact with me because he knows I can't bear to see the colorless, cold dots of his:" my hand was itching, sorry about that."
Just like that, I'm at the end of my tether. I clutch my dagger in my hand and throw myself at him. His reaction though, is perfect – I obviously forgot the fact that his father trained him – and draws aside. In doing so however he sticks his lance into my right side. I wince in pain and clutch the wound that is painting my hand red already.
"So, weak."
I don't have the time to register what is happening because he moves like lighting around me and before I know it I feel the steel pierce through my chest, missing my heart by a few inches.
But that's fine; I can deal with the physical pain. My body restores itself anyway...
Angrily I grab his lance and with one, swift move I break it apart. His eyes widen in surprise. I grab the lance and pull it out of my chest. The pressure disappears immediately and I take a deep breath, ignoring the blood coming out of my chest and the pain during every breath I take.
He surely ruptured my lung. This will take a while to heal... fuck.
I throw his broken weapon on the ground, followed my mine as well. Confusion spreads over his face but he remains silent.
"I'm not going to fight you – "
"Wise. You don't have a chance anyway", Dylan interrupts me, grinning at me evilly.
"That way", I end my sentence as if I didn't even realize that he interrupted me. His frown reappears immediately what gives me about two seconds to send an energy beam at him, throwing him off his feet.
He lands on his back in the snow but gets up; faster than I believed was possible.
"You little ..." He raises his hand and I wait for the flames to engulf me... but nothing happens.
I look around us but there is absolutely nothing. Nothing but the sounds of the digidestined fighting Arcadimon – the son of a bitch.
I ignore them for now and focus on my own opponent who looks at his hands in confusion. I can't suppress the grin that is forming on my face when I realize just what on earth is going on with him.
"Did you really think your holy digi – powers would still work when you're on their side?" I whisper quietly but he heard me just well. He stiffens immediately before he looks up again, his eyes dead. A small grin appears on his face and I've never seen him so freaking far away. I can't help but fear the worst...
"You're right. I have something much more effective on my side."
He slowly lowers his hands, his palms turned to the ground. His eyes never leave mine and I literally see him sinking deeper into the depths of the darkness.
My heart beat quickens and I take a few steps back when I see the dark aura slowly starting to surround him and the mist – like energy coming out of the ground and right into his hands. I know exactly what he's doing... hell, I did this too when I reached rock bottom. The only difference now is that I feel what my brother must have felt when he saw me accepting the power of darkness.
"Dylan... don't do that. You're ruining your life", I whisper in a desperate attempt to prevent him from doing what I did... and what his father did.
Like father, like son I guess...
He doesn't even twitch. He only raises his hand at me; the energy beam appears in front of me and I instinctively raise my own hands to block his attack. However I didn't calculate the immense energies clashing against each other.
Out of the corner of my eye I see how Arcadimon goes up in flames and I can't help but grin. He really did it.
Using all my strength I hold against Dylan and the power of darkness that is slowly oozing into my head. A loud explosion nearly blasts my eardrum. Luckily I black out before I hit the ground.
Tai's POV
"HAND OF FATE!" Angemon's attack shots right at Lilithmon, who doesn't have the time to avoid the attack because of MetalGarurumon biting her Arm. She falls down on her knees, shuddering as if she started to feel the temperature here.
I'm kneeling next to Joe who still holds Kazumi's unconscious figure and Bukamon. I myself clutch onto Koromon who is still unconscious in my arms.
"WING BLADE!" Garudamon aims her attack at the bitch but she moves out of the way like lighting and reappears in front of the bird like digimon like a ghost.
"NAZAR NAIL!" Her claws draw deep red marks onto Garudamon's body and she stumbles back, wincing in pain.
"No! Garudamon are you okay?!" Sora calls out for her partner, clutching her chest because she feels the pain obviously.
"Don't worry about me Sora." Garudamon straightens her posture and launches herself at Lilithmon who easily dives down only to be stopped by Angewomon's fist colliding with her face.
Lilithmon holds her nose with both of her hands, staring at Angewomon in shock.
"You bitch!" She hauls off and throws a punch at the angel who ducks and grabs Lilithmon by her hair, lifting her up into the air.
"Let go of me!"
"Oh... hell no", Angewomon looks down at her in disgust before she gives Megakabuterimon a quick nod.
"ELECTRO SHOCKER!"
The electrical beam shots through the air, connecting with Lilithmon right when Angewomon lets go of her. The digimon falls down into the snow, still trembling hard because of the attack.
She shakily gets on her feet and I am truly surprised that the fight isn't as tough as the one with Arcadimon... although this is a demon lord in front of us.
"You... will ... regret thisss", she hisses under her breath before she straightens herself, facing the five remaining digimons in front of her.
"Give up. We'll kill you fast", MetalGarurumon says, his voice as cold as our surroundings.
Lilithmon for her part chuckles lightly before she lifts her head. Her robe is torn to pieces and there's a huge part of her hair missing which Angewomon obviously ripped off.
"PHANTOM PAIN!"
Another dark mist appears; this times however it is moving way too fast and I only manage to shield MetalGarurumon and the two angel digimon from it. Garudamon and Megakabuterimon cry out in pain as soon as the mist reaches them. I realize in shock that bits of data dissipate from the tips of their bodies.
I glance at Sora whose face is drained of all color and I can tell that she is ready to run up to her partner who is slowly dissolving into data alongside Megakabuterimon.
"No... No please", Izzy's voice sounds through our lines and I embrace the immense heat inside of me and close my eyes, pushing the shield further. My whole body starts to shake violently and my heart beat quickens again. I ignore the physical pain for now and focus on saving my friends' partner digimons.
"Keep going Tai", T.K whispers right next to me, placing his hand on my back.
"You're doing great!" Kari joins his side, mirroring his gesture.
The others slowly get on their feet, carrying their respective partners and approach me. I feel their hands on my back, their support, their loyalty, their boundless trust and their love... The fire inside of me explodes.
The shield spreads around the whole area, pushing Lilithmon out of our reach and engulfing the dedigivolved forms of Megakabuterimon and Garudamon in a bright orange light. I close my eyes because of the huge contrast of the black clouds and the bright light and only open it when it's over. Sora and Izzy let go of me first and run to their partners.
I let my arms sink and look down on my palms which – much to my surprise – show burn marks. I take deep breaths in an attempt to cool down somehow and get my pulse down to normal.
Looks like I overdid myself...
"Izzy, Sora, are they okay?!" Yolei shouts out, fear clear in her voice.
The two red heads approach us, both wearing expressions of deep relief. Sora is the first one who approaches me again, wrapping her arms around me. Much to my surprise I feel another pair of arms – I assume Izzy's – wrap themselves around me too.
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
But just as suddenly their need to show me affection came, it vanishes as soon as Lilithmon's footsteps come nearer.
"How... tell me how you triggered your powers boy?" She looks at me angrily before she launches herself at me.
I take a step back but before she can reach me I hear her scream out in frustration. I didn't realize I closed my eyes but when I open them I see Angewomon and Angemon holding her by her arms up in the air. Dark light beams shot up and hit the angel digimon by full force, causing them to lose their hold on Lilithmon.
She lands on her feet as gracefully as ever and turns around;" Thank you, my boy."
Dylan just nods at her before he turns to us, raising his hand.
"Dylan wait!" Kari throws her arms up in defense but just a second later she's pinned to the ground, held down by the same dark aura that is surrounding Dylan.
One by one falls down on their knees again, but this time I can't melt these ties away... I struggle to get up again but there's no use. I feel like the whole earth is on my back, pressing me down into the snow.
Dylan turns to Sora at last and stops in his tracks. His eyes wide in surprise when he sees her aiming the arrow she received back in the base at him. Her eyes glister suspiciously and I see her trembling lightly.
He lifts his arms in defeat, his wicked grin ever so present on his face. "Please don't shoot me mommy."
"D – Dylan free them. Now!"
The sounds of the digimon attacking Lilithmon sound again but I can't look away from the scenario in front of us. Neither can the others though. Dylan looks at Sora in annoyance before I see something flicker in his gaze.
Suddenly, he stumbles back and bends down, clutching his head. He winces in pain and I'd die to get up and help him somehow but the powers of darkness are keeping me in space.
Dylan falls down on his knees, never letting go of his head. As if he's experiencing immense pain.
He lifts his head up again and I hear everyone gasp – including me and Sora.
The brown color of his eyes returns slowly and panic spreads over his face. His breathing quickens and he stumbles back on his feet, taking a step toward Sora before he realizes that she's still aiming the arrow at him.
"M – Mom..", he stammers, his voice suddenly back to the old self we all know. He raises his hand lightly, as if he's trying to shield himself from whatever she'll do.
"Mom p – please. I – I don't know w – what's going on w – with m – me", his eyes start to glister and I feel my heart burst although this is not my real son. It feels fucking real though.
"AAAH!" Lilithmon's cry of pain turns our attention to her. Angewomon kicks her into her gut with full force, throwing her into Angemon's grip again. He holds her with both arms before Angewomon herself joins his side again, grabbing one of her arms.
"Dylan", Sora whispers. I turn around again just in time to see Sora lowering the bow. Something inside of me screams at me that she just did a huge mistake... but I shake my head no. No, he just fought the power of darkness off. He did it.
But why is the aura still pinning us down?
Dylan approaches her, spreading his arms to hug her and she embraces him, that's when it finally clicks in my head.
"Sora. NO!"
Within seconds Dylan grabs the arrow by force and breaks it into two halves before he throws them away. He grabs Sora by her shoulder, pulling her backwards to his chest. His hands grab both sides of her head, ready to not only destroy my life, but also erase his and his sister's existence.
"One move... and poor mommy's neck snaps."
Uh oh... Cliffhanger. AGAIN.
Don't worry guys! Next chapter is already in progress so it should not take me toooo long. But as always – no promises. You never know what life throws you in your way...
This is the longest chapter I've written so far. I actually wanted to include SO MUCH MORE into this chapter... but I had to stop. Don't want to write too long chapters.
I'd LOVE to know what you think about my work... so why not tell me?
28/02/2019
