Helloooo. Thank you all for the feedbacks and the Reviews/PM's! You're so great! I am glad you liked the last chapter.
As always: I don't own Digimon but I own my OC's. English isn't my first language so please excuse some possible grammatical errors. Also I noticed... something sometimes goes wrong when I upload the chapter on this site.. like half phrases get deleted? I don't know why that happens but please excuse that also.
Goodbye, brother
Silence. No one really appreciates the true beauty of innocent silence. Do you know why? Because it makes you realize how alone you actually are. There is no beauty in silence... only pain.
Today is the day! I've been waiting for this for a whole year…exactly 365 days, since my last birthday.
I get up from my bed and get dressed as fast as I can; black track pants and a tight, white shirt. One of the many things him and I share is how we dress, and I would never change anything about it. As soon as I'm ready I run down the stairs rather than taking the elevator... this is one of the many challengers him and I are in; taking the stairs before the elevator, walking before riding a digimon, running instead of jogging. Though he isn't around to make sure I'll stick to it, I still do it because I know he's doing it also, wherever he is right now.
"Happy birthday kid!" Zac's voice snaps me out of my daydream and I crack a huge smile at him. He looks down on me and not even a second later I feel his hands on my legs; before I realize what is happening I am sitting on his shoulders already. I grab hold on his hair in fear I'll fall down but his palms on my lower back are enough for me to relax.
"I didn't know you're back already", I look around the room before the sun suddenly starts blinding me. I'm greeted with the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and the warmth of the sun on my skin.
"Yeah I completed my training sessions so they let me go early."
"Does that mean that –", I start, hope building up inside of me.
"I don't think so...he is training much harder than me", Zac trails off before he looks up to me but I give my best to hide the disappointment in my face. I really was hoping that I'd see him today...last time we met was my last birthday and he promised... – oh well, guess I'll just have to wait longer.
"But I have a surprise for you anyway", he carefully lifts me up again and sets me down on the ground, squatting in front of me so he can look me in my eyes. His dark brown hair falls into his eyes, giving him the annoying opportunity to hide his emotions behind them. But not right now; his eyes glister in amusement and he gives me a mischievous smile.
"How old are you today?"
I hold up five fingers before I grin happily at him. He chuckles lightly shaking his head in disbelief: „You sure as hell are an accident."
"What do you mean?"
"Eh... n – nothing. It's only not typical for your brother to be 13 years older than you."
I only shrug... I never really thought too much about that. Sure the whole team of them is much older than me and going to training sessions constantly so I am left alone here back at the base...but I never thought of it as a problem. I have plenty of digimon babies I have to take care of anyway.
"You were talking about a surprise?" I change the subject again what makes him smile anew. He looks at something behind me before his gaze sticks to me again.
"Turn around."
I don't hesitate to do so and the moment my gaze catches sight of Zac's surprise I can literally feel my heart skipping a beat. My breath hitches and I can't help but gape stupidly at him. My brother's standing several meters in front of me. His hands are buried in his hoodie's pocket and he's grinning at me with that trademark grin of his. The blades hang on his belt and his bow as well as his quiver is fixed on his back. I turn around to look at Zac who's waiting for any reaction from me but I can't do anything but stare. It takes me a few seconds before I finally snap out of it and take off in a run.
Alec squats down, ready to wrap me into his arms. I jump into his embrace and he lifts me up with no effort. I bury my face in the crook of his neck and inhale his unique scent. I've missed him so much. The past 365 days were awful, although I had my own responsibilities and I always kept me busy with the digimon in the base I could not ignore the emptiness his absence caused. I can't live without him. And I don't want to either.
"Please tell me you're not going to leave me again."
I feel him smiling and his embrace tightening:" I won't."
"So from now on we'll always be together?" I just need to ask... I could not bear to see him leave again.
"We will little bro."
"Promise?"
He slowly sets me on the ground again but still holds me tight. He stares at me with his deep blue eyes before he smiles brightly at me:" I promise you, we'll be together, forever."
Best. Birthday. Gift. Ever.
MIMI'S POV
Do you know the feeling when your brain can't focus on one thought at the time? When all the different sensations of your senses come in all at once and you can't get a clear picture of what the fuck is going on? I always wondered how I would feel if something like this would happen... after all that has happened in the past years it was clearly a question of time when it would happen. But never would I ever have imagined that it would be like this.
My head is spinning and I can't breathe. I can't stop the tears from falling. Knowing something might happen someday but then it actually experiencing are two completely different things and I was not ready for this.
Hell, who would be ever ready for this?!
Out of the corner of my eye I see Kari and T.K entering the command center only for the younger Kamiya to stop abruptly and stare at the scene in front of us in disbelief.
"Guys", although I am sure T.K is whispering, I feel like my drumhead will burst any second. We stood here in silence for so long that every sound feels weird to me, and way too loud.
"What happened?"
Silence. No one dares to say it out loud. I myself struggle to come up with a sentence but my brain won't come up with anything logical.
"Daemon was here." Yolei says. I can literally hear her struggling to even move her lips properly. "He tried to kill Alec but - ", Yolei's voice breaks as soon as her gaze falls on them again.
There's no further explanation needed, really.
Alec's holding onto his dead brother's body, his gaze dull and his tears still streaming down his face. He didn't say a word. None of us did. We're all gathered around him, not daring to move, not even daring to breathe too loud in fear that he'll lose it completely.
"We came as fast as we could", Dylan's voice snaps me out and I turn around to the entrance. I feel my heart sink and instinctively grab my dagger, glaring at this son of a bitch who still has the nerve to be in this base. I can guess Matt has similar thoughts because he's holding onto his sickle too.
"What the fuck guys?!"
The twins and Sora eye us in confusion but it is Tai who obviously gets what is going on. He lifts his hands in defense, backing up lightly:" It's me guys. I swear it's me."
It takes me a few seconds before my mind inwardly registers that this person indeed is my friend but the color of one of his eyes makes me hold onto my dagger even harder. I hear Matt exhale next to me and lower his sickles again. His gaze is fixed on the silver ring on Tai's hand that is shimmering lightly in this darkness.
"Damn bro... what did they do to you?" Matt's voice is a mere whisper and causes me to take a closer look at our leader.
His hair sticks to his face and there are nasty looking, tree – like scars all over his neck and it looks like they spread over his chest as well. Apart from that he looks... okay. Kind of wild, but okay.
Tai for his part eyes the other ones before his gaze falls on Alec and his face loses all color. I literally can see his one brown eye turn into that weird blueish – grey.
"We'll talk later."
"Oh my god", Kazumi slowly walks towards the two brothers. She clasps her hand before her mouth in an attempt to muffle her sobs. "Help them! Move guys we have to help them!"
Her voice is shrill as a siren and sets my teeth on edge. Davis is the first one to react; he runs up to her and wraps his arms around her tiny frame, lifting her up with almost no effort.
"No Davis! I have to get to him. I can help him I – ",
"Kazumi!" He sets her down on the ground and grabs her wrists, looking her deep in her eyes:" he's dead Kazumi. There's nothing you can do about it."
Her lip quivers while her gaze jumps back and forth from Alec and Davis:" What happened?"
The brunette looks around, looking for someone who might be able to explain to her just what on earth went wrong that Phoenix had to die tonight. Joey is the first one who clears his throat.
"Daemon was here. He wanted to kill Alec... but Phoenix covered him."
Kazumi looks at him in disbelief before she turns around and exchanges a glance with her twin brother. Said brother however stares at Tai who slowly approaches Alec. I feel the shiver going down my spine. We tried to approach him before and it ended up in him screaming at us to keep our distance. He even threatened to attack us if we would dare to take his brother away from him.
I can tell the others are recalling the same scene from before because they eye Tai nervously, each of them taking a step back. Their uneasy expressions when they saw Tai's eyes didn't get unnoticed by me either.
Our leader for his part choses to ignore the other's gazes for now and focuses on walking towards Alec who's still rocking back and forth with Phoenix in his arms. For all I know he didn't even notice that Tai is back, and that his girlfriend entered the room. His eyes are cloudier than ever, their color resembling the one of thunder clouds. Tai comes to a halt in front of him and squats down, looking at Phoenix' eyes that are still wide open.
"You're back", Alec breaks his silence finally, without looking at Tai though.
"I am", he whispers before he slowly lifts his hand and reaches for Phoenix's face. Alec however twitches and tightens his hold.
"You're going to wake him up. He's tired Tai... let him rest."
I gape stupidly at the two guys in front of us and I can see that most faces of my teammates are drained from color. Tai twitches lightly before he glances back at Sora who just shrugs. His eyes shimmer dangerously before he takes a deep breath and – once again – reaches out to close Phoenix's eyes. This time he's successful.
"That way he'll sleep better, don't you think?" Tai says before he lifts his head and looks him straight into his eyes. Alec looks at him in silence before, ever so slowly, his gaze clears and a frown spreads on his face.
"You look like me."
"I know."
Alec keeps staring into Tai's eyes before he slowly turns around and focuses on Phoenix again, who, indeed now looks like he's just sleeping. He shakes him by the shoulder;" Hey little bro, you should wake up and check on Tai. I think they might ruined him."
No reaction.
"Do you think he went crazy?" Matt whispers in my ear. I can't do anything but stare at Alec who, once again, tries to shake his brother back to life.
"Phoenix come on you can sleep later."
"Definitely", I answer Matt's question.
"Alec", Tai starts but gets ignored completely. The boy continues to shake Phoenix' lifeless body, as if he actually would open his eyes any second.
"Hey little bro – ",
"Alec", this time it's Kari who interrupts him. She squats down next to her brother and places her hand over Alec's. He slowly lifts his head and looks into her hazel eyes before a small light appears right over their hands.
"He's dead Alec."
The light dies down.
Silence.
The room is dead silent once again. The only sound I can make out is some of the others sniffling and Kazumi who's still trying to suppress her sobs somehow. I'd die to go over and comfort her in some way but I feel like my legs have been glued to the ground. I nervously look over to Alec who slowly loosens his grip on Phoenix.
As if on cue the white soldiers that somehow entered the command center without me noticing it approach them, carrying a stretcher. As soon as Alec notices them he grips Phoenix harder again, his eyes glistering again.
"No! Don't take him away from me!"
"Master Alec we just – "
"NO!"
I feel the ground shaking lightly and instinctively take another step back. Kari for her part straightens her posture and joins T.K's side again. Tai is the only one who remains still in his position. He slowly grabs Alec wrists, causing him to let go of Phoenix completely. His gaze is one of a trapped animal, wide, full of panic and most of all; disoriented. His chest rises and falls heavily, making it painfully obvious that he still has a freaking arrow stuck in there.
Just how on earth is he still conscious?!
"You have to let go of him Alec", Tai's soothing voice sounds again and I feel a certain calmness wash over me.
"No Tai he's okay. He's just sleeping he – ", his breath hitches and only a second later I can literally see his consciousness fading away. He takes a few forced breaths before his whole body goes limp.
Before his head can hit the ground however Tai gets a hold of him.
"Okay guys we have to get Alec into the hospital wing. Fast."
"We will do that", one of the white soldiers says before he indicates the other ones to approach Alec and lay him onto the stretcher. Tai carefully takes Phoenix off of his older brother's lap and lays him down on the ground so the others can get Alec out of here finally.
"I'll come with you guys", Joe says before he gives us a quick nod and exits the room with them.
My whole attention goes back to our leader who's kneeling next to Phoenix, staring at him in absolute disbelief.
We all just stand here, joining his silence because... what are we supposed to say in this kind of situation anyway?!
Sora, as usual, is the first one who regains her self-control and slowly approaches her boyfriend, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He absently covers her hand with his, his gaze still fixed on Phoenix' relaxed face. He slowly shakes his head before I hear him inhale deeply and stand up again.
"We should – ", he starts but another white soldier interrupts him. He's accompanied by a second one carrying another stretcher and a white blanket.
"We will take care of this. If you're okay with it."
Tai looks at him for a moment before he takes a step back, pulling Sora with him. The color of one of his eyes returned back to its original brown and I can't help but get the feeling that Sora has something to do with it. Though this whole situation is messed up right now the questions about Tai's whereabouts and what on earth happened to him dare to overwhelm me.
"Fuck", Matt's whisper snaps me out of it again and I turn around to witness how they slowly transfer Phoenix' body on the stretcher and cover him up with the blanket.
I feel the lump in my throat and my eyes burn once again. The stinging gets worse when they slowly lift the stretcher and exit the room, taking Phoenix with them. Kazumi's sob is enough for me to lose my grip once again.
And damn... even Tai buries his face in his hands.
TAI'S POV
It feels like I haven't walked through this corridor for ages, though only a little over 48 hours have passed since I left everyone behind and went to rescue Dylan. I still can't put into words how relieved I was when I saw him earlier, standing upright and mostly healed. Though his face still looks kind of awful he's still okay...
If I really think about it; it was a small price to pay for him to be alright... right?
I shake my head to get rid of these kind of thoughts and ignore my personal situation for now. There are much more important matters...
After the white soldiers carried Alec to the hospital wing and Phoenix to some place I really don't want to think or know about, the digidestined – as naturally as ever – all gathered in the lounge. Though I really didn't feel like being in a crowded room I followed Sora and spent the last hour with them. As expected, no one really knew what to say. A few were still crying over our loss from tonight, others were just sitting in silence, holding onto their respective digimon partners. Matt for his part got himself all patched up in the hospital wing before he joined us in there. I know everyone was probably dying to bombard me with questions about what happened to me and how the hell I broke free by myself. But somehow they understood my silence right; namely that I won't talk about it. At least... not now.
Their furtive gazes though got to the point of being unbearable. That was the reason why I stood up and left the room without any other word. I know I am not acting like myself... but the real question is; Am I still myself?
Ugh I don't know...
I sigh deeply before I push open the door of mine and Sora's bedroom. Although every movement hurts I force myself to cross the room and enter the bathroom. I've been dying to shower since I exited that damned cottage.
I turn around and stare into my reflection. Foreign, blueish grey eyes stare back at me. Though I somehow felt that at least one of them was brown back down in the lounge I can't help but wonder why the hell both of them lost their color again. It sure is confusing. Apart from my eyes there's thankfully not really much that different from my usual appearance. The contours of my face seem harder than I remember but I don't exclude the possibility of being paranoid so... it doesn't disturb me that much.
My hair is a mess and my clothes stick to my body in an awfully uncomfortable way. I have to get rid of them.
I carefully place both of my hands over the upper part of my body and groan with pain as soon as I feel the touch.
Every damn inch of my body hurts because of this son of a bitch Daemon. I should have killed him when I had a chance... now I regret it more than ever.
To hell with Alec's revenge.
If I just killed him like my body was begging me to do, Phoenix would still be here.
This is all my fault.
I feel myself trembling and I grit my teeth in a desperate attempt to not cause some stupid earthquake or something. I glance back at my reflection and regret it instantly. Seeing these damned eyes makes me just angrier. Without me even thinking twice I haul off and aim for the mirror in front of me.
Out of nowhere someone appears right next to me; my fist is blocked by claws. I blink stupidly and withdraw my hand before I focus on my favorite dinosaur who's sitting on the sink. His arms are still raised in case I lose my head again and try to smash the bathroom.
"I wonder what the mirror did to you that pissed you off so much."
I sigh before I lean against the opposite wall:" It showed me my reflection."
"That is a good thing, you're a handsome guy", Agumon grins at me, his green eyes shimmering in amusement. I can't suppress my own grin though I really don't feel like joking around right now.
I don't answer him; instead I slide down the wall and focus on the intense sensation of the cold wall pressing onto my burning body. It hurts... it hurts like a bitch and deep down I regret to not have gone to the hospital wing too when they asked me if I got hurt. But it's too late for this now... my powers activated; it sure won't take that long for me to heal.
"How are you feeling Tai?" Agumon's concerned voice snaps me out of my miserable thoughts and I look up to him.
"What brings you here pal?" I avoid his question. There's no need to worry him now.
"In case you forgot; you got captured not once but twice already. I swore I'd protect you after we rescued you from Myotismon and then when I am recovering from a fight you have nothing better to do than to sneak out and get yourself in danger again. That was a really stupid question Tai, even from you."
I can tell by his outburst and his glare that he was waiting for quite a while to tell me all this. Instantly I feel a pang of guilt... I know now that I should've woken him up before I went to get Dylan, but somehow... well... you could say I overestimated my own capabilities and underestimated the danger I put myself in.
"I'm sorry buddy", I whisper quietly. I direct my gaze towards the tiles on the ground since I can't bear to look him in the eyes right now.
"You dodged my question; how are you feeling?" His voice changed again to a much gentler tone which I assume is his way of telling me that he'll forgive me... soon.
"I'm angry all the time."
"This is what the power of darkness does to you", Agumon just shrugs but still eyes me with that weird expression full of concern. I can't help but frown lightly.
"How do you know the impact of the power of darkness? Am I affecting you too?"
Oh no...
"No. Normally it should affect me since I am your partner. But you're keeping it very good at bay Tai, I am deeply impressed."
Finally his expression changes and he cracks a smile. I for my part can't help but huff in frustration. Keeping it at bay my ass. I feel like I'll burst any second.
"Thanks. Anyway you might want to leave. I'd like to take a shower", I slowly get back on my feet while I press my mouth shut so I won't risk showing Agumon how much I am struggling right now.
"I think I just chill here on the sink while you do what you gotta do", he encounters before he leans back against the mirror and grins lightly at me.
"Uh Agumon? What about some privacy?"
"Don't get me started. You lost every right of privacy when you left me behind", he sticks his tongue out and I officially give up. There's no need to waste nerves and energy on a hopeless case.
I silently nod and turn back to the mirror; now the hard part. I slowly take off my jacket before I hesitantly grab the hem of my shirt.
Do I really want to see this?
I look over to Agumon who obviously felt that something's odd because he turned his head towards the other side.
"I won't look at you if you don't want me to", he whispers. I can't help but grin lightly before I pull myself together and get rid of my shirt, closing my eyes in doing so.
Once again I let my fingers trail over the burnt skin on my chest. I've only seen the tree – like marks spread all over my arms. The dungeon was too little illuminated for me to take a look at the rest of myself. Judged by the way it hurts I really don't want to see it either.
"Agumon?"
"Yes?"
I take several deep breaths before I pull the last string on my self-control and bring myself to speak out:" Is it as bad as it feels?"
My voice is a mere whisper but he heard me just well. It takes him exactly one second to take a look at me, because that is the amount of time that passes until I hear him gasp. Another few seconds pass before I hear him shifting uncomfortably and if I calculate right after exactly two long, almost unbearable minutes he regained enough of his own self – control to answer my question.
"I instantly hope it's not as bad as it looks."
Great.
"You have pretty muscles though."
I can't help but grin again before I slowly open my eyes and lift my head so I can see my reflection properly. My breath hitches and I feel an annoying sting in the corner of my eye. It sure as hell felt bad, but seeing all the injuries now at once almost drives me over the edge. Deep purple, green and red marks cover my whole chest and my abdomen, painting it in an awful mix of colors. I slowly turn around and take a glance at my back only to turn around almost immediately again. I can literally see my spine copied on my skin by purple dots. The reddish tree – like marks spread not only over my arms – like I assumed – but cover both of my shoulder blades, my chest and go up to my neck. In a sick, weird way it looks cool... but I remember the pain too vividly than to admire the marks the electricity left on me.
I look like at least twenty guys ganged up on me and beat the living shit out of me.
"You should go to the hospital wing", Agumon says, his eyes scanning my whole body.
I get rid of my pants and turn on the shower, ignoring his remark completely:" I don't know about you pal but I'm going to take that shower now. If you want to keep me company, be my guest."
I step into the shower and stand right beneath the steam of water, allowing it to relax all my stiff muscles and just wash away every memory of the past 48 hours.
SORA'S POV
"I wonder what they really did to him that got him so worked up", Kari says. She's sitting on the edge of the sofa, her elbows on her knees and a mug of tea in her hand.
No one said anything when Tai got up and left the room but it really isn't that hard to guess that beside the pain of Phoenix' dead tonight, everyone is worried about what the hell happened to Tai. I myself struggle to keep sitting on my spot next to Mimi. Everything inside of me is begging me to go up into our bedroom and get out every bit of information Tai is willing to share with me.
"Well we know one thing for sure, right?" Davis states the most obvious.
Yes. Yes we do indeed.
"Well if this really is the case then why is he acting like himself? For all we know Alec's personality switched completely when he received the power of darkness", Izzy joins the conversation.
"Are you saying that the change in his eye color could be caused by something different?" Mimi asks, igniting a tiny flame of hope inside of me.
"That's highly unlikely", Dylan speaks up after what feels like hours. "Changes in eye color only appear when some dark powers are involved. Dad surely has the power of darkness now, but he is obviously in charge of it."
"What do you mean by that?" Matt leans forward, eyeing both of the twins with curiosity. Dylan is just about to answer when Kazumi takes a deep breath and answers the question for him.
"D – Dad is much more powerful than Alec was back then...he is capable of controlling these powers. Much similar to how Alec is doing it now after everything that has happened."
"So you're saying it does no harm to him?" Izzy asks again, his eyes – as well as everyone else's – wide in surprise.
The twins only nod in unison.
"Which means that we just got a huge power boost, right?" T.K chimes in, trying to lighten the mood obviously but he only receives skeptical looks from each of us.
Assumptions over assumptions... there's no point in discussing matters without Tai having a say in this anyway...
I silently get up from my seat;" I'll go up too. You guys should all try to get some rest."
"We still have to discuss the funeral", Kazumi says, her eyes once again shimmering with new tears.
"There's not much to discuss sissy. The funeral's tomorrow", Dylan says, wrapping an arm around his sister.
Since there's really not much for me to say anymore I give them a small smile and exit the room, walking over to the elevator and before I even realize it I am standing right in front of the door with mine and Tai's crest symbol on it.
Images of the events that happened the last time I was in there come back at me, sending shivers down my spine and suddenly I feel the desire to empty my stomach right here and now.
I focus on breathing through my nose and slowly push the handle of the door. The moment I step in I look over the whole room and exhale in relief when I notice that nothing's broken or anything. For all I know Tai handles these kinds of things the bad way; in demolishing furniture.
I hear the water running in the bathroom and decide it would be best if I just wait for him to get out. There's no point in getting on his nerves, really. I walk over to the bed and sit down on the edge, realizing for the first time tonight that something in me changed too. I look down to my lightly trembling hands and can't help but think back to earlier when I somehow lifted all these creatures up by only raising my arms. I remember that at some point when I was ready to scream out in pure anger my body took over and I moved on autopilot.
This is all so weird...
The water suddenly stops running and I hear Tai getting out of the shower, talking with who I assume must be Agumon. I wait for several minutes so he won't feel stressed or anything and just remain seated on the soft sheets of our bed. I feel my heartbeat quickening and can't help but get angry at myself for that reaction. Just what on earth is wrong with me?! I should be happy that my boyfriend is back here with me. He's not hurt or anything which I am more than thankful for... the only thing that has changed is ...
No Sora, don't go down that path. You're not scared of him; there's no reason to be scared. This is Tai. MY TAI. My silly, childhood best friend who I fell in love with and with whom I'll have two amazing children and everything will turn out just fine –
"Sor?"
His voice makes me jerk and I look up from my clutched hands only to find the bathroom door still closed.
"How do you know I'm here?"
There's a swift silence before I hear his muffled voice:" I felt it. Kind of."
I can't help but giggle lightly, staring at the door and waiting for him to open if finally. But it remains closed. I'm just about to call out for him when the door cracks open and he sticks his head out.
"Could you give me my shirt?" His hair is still wet and sticks to his face. He smiles lightly at me what makes me ignore the color of his eyes for a swift second. But the moment I catch sight of them I feel a pang of pain coming back at me. I silently stand up and get some black shirt out from the cupboard. He extends his hand expectantly but the look of his scars running all over his arm makes me stop right in my tracks. He knits his brows at me in confusion.
"What?"
"Since when are you so shy that you won't let me see you shirtless?"
His gaze falls down on the ground and Agumon silently exits the bathroom:" Give me the shirt Sora, please."
Feeling the anger slowly boiling inside of me I just fold my arms before my chest:" No."
Both of them sigh frustrated and exchange a long look.
"It can't really get any worse Tai, can it?" Agumon asks after a while.
"What are you guys talking about? Tai what are you hiding again?!" I can't help but get pissed. I am so sick of his secrets.
He gives me a long look during which one of his eyes turns back to its original brown color again and once again I am left confused on how the color – loss works. He finally sighs and opens the door, stepping out of the bathroom, dressed in black track pants that hang low on his hips.
I clasp my hands over my mouth in pure shock while I feel how my eyes fill with tears.
Usually that sight would wake the desire in me to spend the whole night in bed with him. This time however I feel how my heart cracks in two halves, leaving me completely stunned. It is only in this very moment when the degree of these digimon's cruelty sinks in completely. They have no honor left in them. Leaving someone like this has nothing to do with fighting us... damn it has nothing to do with being sheer enemies! That is freaking abuse!
Tai has his eyes closed and his hands are balled into fists. I can see him trembling lightly but I am not sure if it is because he is trying to keep his emotions at bay or because he – indeed – is ashamed to share this with me.
I slowly approach his stiff figure and carefully place my hand over the bruises on his chest. As soon as I touch his skin I hear him hiss in pain and see him squint his eyes harder. The skin on his jaw strengthens, indicating that he is gritting his teeth.
"Where does it hurt babe?" I whisper. I don't dare to speak any louder.
After a while I feel his hands gripping my shirt:" Everywhere."
I silently place my hand on one of his cheek, causing him to open up his eyes and gaze back at me. I carefully lean forward and trace one of the thicker red scars with my lips. I feel him shivering but I won't let him go now. As gentle as possible I lay both of my hands on his lower back before I silently lift my head and give him a kiss on his jawline. Seeing that he is not refusing any of my touches I grow a little braver and let my fingers wander over the many marks the electiricty left on him. I don't even want to start and imagine what he went through to end up like this.
I slowly lift my head and stare into his eyes. I try my hardest to show him that no matter what, he can trust me. There never were much words needed between us... and I am more than happy when he slowly cracks a smile and gives me quick nod.
"I know."
"Good. Let's get you treated then", I say before I grab him by his hand and start to walk towards the door. As soon as I take a step however I feel him gripping my hand harder and pulling me back towards him. His arms close around me before I even realize what is happening. For a swift moment I am transferred back to earlier when Beelzemon had me in his death grip.
The thought is suppressed almost immediately but it was enough for my body to stiffen, which Tai notices in an instant. He carefully turns me around so we are face to face again and examines me for any indication of what I must be thinking right now. His expression darkens when he comes to the right conclusion obviously.
"What did he to do you Sor?"
I just silently shake my head:" Nothing."
He stares at me for a while longer before he nods:" You'll talk to me when you're ready then."
In an instant I feel his arms around me again. But this time I completely embrace the feeling of him being so near to me. I bury my face into his bare chest and inhale his unique scent. Though hugging me must be pretty hurtful for him he does not give away any sign of it, in contrary; I feel him strengthening his hold on me and place his head on my shoulder. We stay in that position for a while in which I just focus on our synchronically beating hearts and the warmth he is engulfing me with. I've been longing for this for the longest time. And this is why I finally feel myself relax and the overdue tears fall finally.
I didn't cry until now... I just couldn't. Neither could I believe just what on earth happened tonight. But now? Being in the arms of my favorite person on earth and feeling save is obviously enough for my brain to finally allow me to feel the grief.
Because after all, we lost someone of us. After all these years the one thing probably everyone feared the most happened. Although we only became friends a few weeks ago I still considered him a part of our team... our family. And the pain of having lost him hits me harder than I expected.
"I love you Sor", his words are like a giant patch that somehow eases the knot in my chest.
"Please, never leave me again."
He tightens his embrace again:" I promise you, we will be together. Forever."
I turn my head towards him, tip – toeing so our lips meet again. I push the images of Beelzemon into the furthest corner of my mind and allow my inner instincts to take over from now. I press into him and I feel his mouth move with mine. For once, we're going slowly, it's like he's afraid I could break if he'd grab me any harder or go any faster; it's like he's kindling to a fire. The immense need to forget everything that has happened urges me on; the only thing I focus on is Tai now. He feels overwhelmingly good and I crave to see if he feels the same way everywhere. I clutch him to me as I bury my head in his neck, kissing him deeply.
"Jeeez, Sor", he gasps and I'm taken aback for e millisecond, fearing that I am hurting him somehow.
My hands glide down his back as smooth and careful as possible before I come to a stop at the waistband of his pants. My finger prickle at the feel of his smooth skin and my core aches in need. Totally forgetting everything around me I trail kisses from his ear to his collarbone, my tongue darting out every so often. I gently rub my hips against his when I hear him sucking in a breath through his teeth.
More...I need more.
His arms still encircle me but my hands run down his back and up his ripped stomach. I can't get enough of him and I no longer care about anything but us two in here. I need him beyond reason.
I need him to make everything better.
"I'm not stopping", I whisper in his ear and it's like someone just switched the lights on inside of him. He obviously takes that as his cue because he lifts me off the ground. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bed. He slowly lowers me down and I pull him with me, still anxious not to hurt him anyhow. He lifts my shirt to just under my bra, his fingers grazing my skin while he stares down at me.
"You're so beautiful Sor." One corner of his mouth is turned up with a small, thoughtful smile. He slowly lowers himself and my heart beats faster when his lips dip to my stomach. I let out a moan and arch up to him.
"Tai!"
He doesn't even twitch, instead he trails hot, wet kisses from my rib cage down to my hip bone and I feel the almost unbearable throbbing at my center. He keeps kissing me while I feel his hands working on my jeans button.
I gasp at the touch of his mouth right above my underwear. His tongue skims over my skin as I feel him pulling the garment off too. I barely register it because the only thing my mind is able to register is his mouth all over my stomach and my tights. The pulsing between my legs starts to hurt and I struggle beneath him.
"Tai", I choke out, begging him to release me from this tortue, because he's the only one who can.
"I know baby", he whispers, his voice hoarser then before.
I close my eyes and surrender completely, shutting my mind off at the same time. I yank my shirt over my head and Tai pulls my bra straps down, releasing my breasts. His lips cascade over my body, starting from between my breasts and going down to the one spot that is throbbing with need for his touch.
"Oh!" My eyes snap open and my body jerks when I feel his tongue run the length of my sex. I instinctively grab his hair to keep him right where he is. Everything feels so good I almost can't stand it. Though we did this more times than I can count it feels like it's the first time all over again; probably because we're kind of new people right now. But damn... please baby don't stop, like... never.
His tongue licks the length of me before he dedicates his whole attention to suck my clit. Every ounce of energy and desirce in my body pools between my legs and I can feel the tension building up inside of me.
Tai plunges his tongue inside and I throw my head back, arching into him for more.
More... I want so much more.
TAI'S POV
The door closes behind me with a soft "click". My heart is still beating fast from our spontaneous sex – session. I didn't think she would even let me touch her after her experience with Beelzemon not being me and all. But it seems like she almost needed me to help her get rid of it. And I know from my own experience that sex does the trick in clearing one's mind.
Although I'd love nothing more than to stay by her side and get a good night's sleep I can't ignore the constant urge to burst into tears. I could feel literally every emotion Alec must have felt when he lost Phoenix, and I still do. This is driving me crazy and I know for a fact that he must be miserable now.
Kazumi has to cope with the loss of one of her closest friends by her own. Dylan is probably busy comforting his twin sister... so that leaves Alec completely alone.
Alone with his dark thoughts... and this pain.
While I walk towards the elevator I get out my D – Terminal and hope that Joe is still awake.
Tai, 10;42pm; Is Alec still in the hospital wing?
Without expecting too much let the D – Terminal slide into my pocket again when it buzzes all of the sudden.
Joe, 10;43pm; No. He left a few hours before. I don't know where he is but he surely did not leave the base.
Tai, 10:43pm: Thank you.
Joe, 10:44pm; You're welcome. You should sleep though... I'm worried about you.
Tai, 10;44pm; I'm fine, we'll talk tomorrow.
Joe,10:45pm; I could probably pour gasoline over you and light it up and you'd still say you're 'fine'.
I grin lightly at my screen and let the device disappear in my pocket again. Weirdly enough... I know exactly where he must be right now. I take the elevator to the highest floor and jog up the stairs that lead up to the roof of the base.
I push open the door and sure enough; Alec's sitting on the edge of the roof, staring into the endless forest. He's dressed completely in white; white track pants and a white, long – sleeved shirt. His hair sticks out in every direction and would he be a little bit broader, someone could easily mistake him with me from behind. I silently approach him and take a seat next to him. I take a closer look at his profile; his gaze isn't as dull as when I first met him before and the half empty bottle of whiskey in his hands proves me that he – at least somehow – is processing what happened tonight.
"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask, since I don't really know how to start this kind of conversation.
His mouth twitches lightly and he silently takes a gulp from his bottle:" There's nothing to talk about."
I sigh inwardly... I expected something like this. Judged by his behavior earlier he was clearly in denial of his brother's dead and seeing him now... well I guess the only way to get to him is throwing the facts in his face.
"Your brother is dead, Alec."
He stiffens next to me before he slowly turns around. His blueish – grey eyes literally pierce through me. I see a lot of emotions in them... anger, confusion, helplessness... but there's not the glint of pain I was looking for. Although I want all of them, especially Alec, to have enough time to grief, I still did not forget that we're in the middle of an actual war. Now they even killed one of our main groups; I surely won't let that just go by without acting too. But I can't do that alone... I need Alec for his. And this is why I need him to be completely aware of his brother's dead. He needs to seek revenge as bad as I do.
"Did you hear me? Phoenix is dead."
He twitches again and stares down on the bottle in his hand. He slowly turns around and gets up to his feet, walking towards the entrance.
I hate me for this, I really do.
"You're never going to see him again."
WHAM!
I stare at the spot where the bottle of bourbon just shattered on the wall before I turn over to Alec.
"DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT!"
His voice nearly blasts my eardrum and I feel my own heartbeat quickening only because of his anger. I'm not fast enough to realize that he approached me; this is why I yelp in surprise when he grabs me by my collar and pins me on the wall. The impact is enough for me to wince in pain once again. Damn...
"Don't you think this is the only thing I can think about since I felt him dying? IN MY ARMS?" He shouts the last part directly in my face and I can't hold back the tears that actually should fall down his face and not mine.
His eyes widen in surprise at that sight and he lets go of me, stumbling backwards;" I should have noticed that Beelzemon wasn't you. That connection sure as hell is strong huh?"
I silently dry my eyes; „It is."
He's slumped over, his gaze finally showing me all the pain he must be in right now. I've never seen him like this... and as cheesy as it sounds the sight is hurting me, bad.
I give him all the time he needs until he finally lifts his head again, tears once again streaming down his face.
"I – I'm alone...", his lip quivers. "I'm all alone now."
His words struck me like lighting and I blink so the anew sting in my eyes fades away. I close the distance between us and place both of my hands on his shoulders;" No. You're not."
He eyes me, reminding me of a little boy who was left in the rain. I clear my throat so the lump I feel forming disappears before I speak out again.
"You have us."
KARI'S POV , next morning
It feels weird getting back into that uniform although barely 8 hours passed since I got rid from it. If I were the one to choose I'd say we all just dressed casually in black, in normal clothes so we can pay tribute properly. But me and the girls got outnumbered by the guys saying that we can't risk being unprotected in case someone would attack us during our walk to the "sea of deaths" how the twins called it.
I sigh deeply before I splash cold water on my face in an attempt to somehow wake me up properly. It's of no use though... you can't wash away the dull emptiness that is lulling me. After I spent the first two hours crying into my sheets I somehow drifted off to sleep only to wake up several hours later, completely drained and with a tear – stained face.
"Gatomon?" Hearing my voice makes me jerk and hurts my eardrum that got used to the silence I engulfed myself with.
Gatomon sits up from her position on the cushions and eyes me curiously. I take her gaze for a request to go on.
"I uh... know about our funerals in our world. But from what I've heard of Kazumi and Dylan it isn't anything like that here?"
My partner digimon eyes me for a while before she sighs:" No they're different. I guess you'll just have to wait and see Kari...but I'm sure the twins will do whatever there must be done."
I nod silently. I didn't doubt that but I can't deny the fact that I'd feel better if I knew what to expect from today.
"You are very sad considering the fact that you didn't even know him so well", Gatomon says. Her words pierce right through my already broken heart, increasing the pain inside of me to the point of barely being suppressible. I have to ignore the urge to lose my temper and eventually say things that will surely hurt her feelings so I just shake my head silently.
"I knew him well enough to like him, a lot. And he was part of our team... we never lost anyone before."
"We lost Wizardmon", she shots me an angry look..
I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the possibility of Gatomon getting angry at my next words.
"We never lost a human partner though. That is something different."
She narrows her eyes at me before huffing in frustration.
Since I really don't need another reason that pulls me down I turn around and look back into the mirror that shows me the unmistakable truth of how bad I actually look. My hair is messy, my eyes are bloodshot and swollen and I don't even want to start on all the cuts covering most of my face. There's really no point in even trying to cover up all of them so I just turn around again and approach my bedside table, taking my mobile phone to check the time. The moment I push the button on it, it lights up and reveals a photo of Tai and me grinning into the camera. I can't help but smile lightly, already feeling the stinging in the corner of my eye. The longer I look into his lighthearted smile on the photo the deeper I feel my heart sink. Inwardly I register Gatomon jumping on my shoulder and looking down on the screen too. She doesn't say a word, so I am the one who breaks the silence.
"Do you think oniichan will be okay?"
There's a rather long silence in which I wonder if she's still upset about the comment about Wizardmon but eventually she sighs and answers.
"Honestly Kari, I don't know. I highly doubt it but I hope he will be."
Definitely not the answer I was hoping for.
The knocking on my door snaps me out and I turn around just to see T.K peeking into the room. He gives me a sad, apologetic look before he mentions for me to come out.
"We're leaving in 5 minutes."
I take a deep breath and grab a few tissues. I am sure we're in high need of those today.
DYLAN'S POV
I glare at the dark, grey clouds that hang heavily over the entrance of our base. Sure, I expected them to be here since these bastards actually managed to spread them over our borders but it sure pisses me off to actually see them here now. The whole area is engulfed in a sick, dark color and we actually had to get flashlights for the walk through the woods.
It's been a while since we actually buried someone in the digital world. I can't remember the last time, since both, Kazumi and I were kids back then but one thing I'll probably always remember is how I've felt. I felt the exact same dull pain that is slowly spreading through my whole body, draining my energy and causing the constant urge to burst into tears. I don't dare to turn around and take a look at the giant, white, wooden, float – like stretcher the white soldiers are carrying. Sora, Yolei, Mimi and my sister found flowers with which they decorated the stretcher, covering Phoenix with them.
I take a look at Kazumi who's staring at Phoenix' dead body on the stretcher, her arms are crossed before her chest and her eyes are two, dim, brown dots. Well... I'm sure I don't look any better and after taking a glance at the other digidestined I come to the realization that no one actually looks neat.
No one dares to say something and apart from my sister they're all giving their best not to look at Phoenix' direction. Instead their gazes are stuck on the door where Alec should appear any second. After Gennai finally came back from whatever mission he was on he went directly to talk to Alec. Hell only knows what he said to him but he actually managed to get Alec to the point of agreeing to bury his brother properly. If Alec would have had his way, Phoenix corpse would lay next to him in his bed.
Morbid, I know. But can I blame him? Nope. I'd probably do the same.
"I should go and check – ", Tai starts but right in that moment the doors open and reveal Alec, followed by Gennai.
He's holding onto a dangerously shimmering dagger and his helmet is fixed on his belt. The digidestined eye him with confused glances before Izzy speaks out.
"Are you expecting to be attacked?"
Alec eyes him with an unreadable expression before he tightens his grip on the dagger:" They weakened us. They know that we have to get to the sea. This is a perfect opportunity for them."
His voice sends shivers down my spine and judged by Kazumi's expression the change in it didn't go unnoticed by her too. Whereas before she already was pale, her face lost all color after hearing her boyfriend speak for the first time after his brother's death. I see her gulping before she silently grabs the trident on her back and starts walking.
"Then I guess there's no point in waiting anymore."
Tai waits for her to approach him and joins her side, though not bothering to take a hold on his own weapons. As on cue the digidestined start to walk as soon as Tai sets in motion. I join my sister's side on the front and take a look at Alec who's walking next to the white soldiers who carry his brother. There's not a hint of emotion on his face and I can't help but fear that we just took a couple of hundred steps back in our progress with him. I can tell Kazumi's worrying about the same thing, judged by her eyeing Alec nervously.
We walk in silence through the forest. I know for a fact that the digidestined never heard anything about the sea of the death's which is not surprising considering the fact that they only ever saw digimon dying... and not people... as much we can consider the brother's as humans. Sure back in their time they were human but as much as I know now they're more like... Gennai.
As if he heard my thoughts I feel Gennai stiffen right next to me all of the sudden. I turn towards him and shot him a confused glance but he doesn't even bother to acknowledge my concern. His gaze scans the bushes and the trees around us and without me even realizing it I let my gaze wander over the foggy forest in front of us. Our sight is shit and the farther we go, the darker it gets. We're easy prey for them in our current situation. From farer away I hear something rustling and I can tell that my sister and Alec did too; years of fighting have prepared us perfectly for situations like these. As naturally as ever we slow down until we're even with Alec who's staring at the bushes, waiting for whatever is following us to come out finally.
And after a few more seconds, they do.
And almost send me into cardiac rest.
I hear my sister squeal out of surprise, causing everyone to stop right in their tracks and turn around. I feel my heart beating painfully against my chest and my mouth hanging wide open. But I can't do anything about it.
Exactly thirteen, in dark uniforms dressed figures are all standing in front of us. Each of them is holding a shotgun, ready to shoot whatever might cross their way. They're all wearing helmets so it's impossible for any of us to recognize them. But I feel them. And that is enough.
"Who are you?" Izzy is the first one to break the silence. One of the figures turns his head towards him.
"Definitely not your enemy Izzy."
"Ha! I win a bet. I knew he'd be the first to ask", one of them says, giving another one a playful slap on his back.
That voice.
I feel relief wash over me like I never felt it before, leaving me slightly light – headed. I turn towards the guy who spoke up first just to see him staring at me and Kazumi, his grip on the shotgun hardening. Inwardly I take a step towards him but he stops me by raising his hand.
"Not now son. We'll have time for this later in the base."
I feel Kazumi next to me taking a step back. Sora grabs her by her forearm and gives her a reassuring squeeze. Seeing her knowing glance makes me realize that she probably caught up with our current situation. She eyes my father for a second before she joins this time's Tai's side.
"What are you guys doing here?" Alec's voice is a mere whisper and makes dad jerk. He turns around again but it's one of the others – probably aunt Mimi – who answers.
"Paying tribute to a friend."
Alec nods slowly before he eyes dad again:" I knew you'd come eventually."
"You know me too well." With that he turns around to face the others.
"Team. Formation."
That's it. They don't need more orders; As naturally as ever their group separates, encircling us. Three of them – Cody, Uncle Joe and Aunt Yolei – are behind us while dad and Uncle Matt take the lead at the front. The rest of them form two rows on each side of our group. Tai just gives my dad a nod before he shots me a confused glance. I just shrug my shoulders... hell, as if I knew what the hell is going on.
The digidestined just stare at each other, confusion all over their faces. It's the one voice that turns my legs into jelly that breaks the silence.
"We're going to escort you so you won't have to fear to get attacked. Let's not waste time and go." Jess' voice feels like thousand sharp needles piercing through my whole body. I turn towards her who's walking on the other side next to Joe and Mimi. Though her pitched black helmet is blocking the direct view into her eyes I can tell she's staring straight at me. And she is pissed.
Damn...
"Let's go then", this time's Tai speaks up before Matt joins his side and they continue walking.
My mind switched completely on autopilot and I barely feel my feet touching the ground. My sister is in a similar state right next to me, her gaze fixed on our very – alive father in front of the group. This time's Sora and Kari join our sides but remain silent. It's only when I feel something poke my broken rib and making me groan in pain that I turn around to face my mother who somehow ended up next to me.
"Are you hurt honey?" That voice, so soft, so gentle. I'd die to just throw my arms around her.
But since I know the strict rules when we're on a mission – and this certainly is a mission of them – I suppress any urge that would cause emotional outbursts and just give her a quick nod.
"It's been a tough few days."
She stares a while longer at the two of us before she nods and directs her gaze straight ahead again.
"How can he just show up and not bother to even give us a hug?" Kazumi hisses next to me, not masking her anger anymore. Kari, Sora, I as well as our mother twitch synchronically. I totally get the reason why she's so angry. After all, one of the main reasons for our mission was to rescue dad. Now that he's fine... –
"Do you realize what happened when Phoenix died?" Mom answers. Although she is whispering I can hear the urgency clear in her voice. Kazumi's not the only one who's pissed.
"What happened?" This time's Sora asks her counterpart of the future.
"Phoenix was the ruler of this world. Though there are the harmonious ones there's still the need of someone to protect the world as well as the dimensions. Phoenix was the one, and now he's gone. Hell broke loose and your father tries to keep that chaos at bay, so excuse his lack of enthusiasm. And don't forget that he just lost a very close friend. We all did."
I can tell Kazumi is just about to say something when the group stops suddenly and I bump into Alec. I mumble a quick sorry but he just waves me off. His gaze is fixed on the light blue shimmering water in front of us. The forest ends just three meters behind us what leaves a small clearing covered in grass and a few flowers. The heavy grey clouds on the sky engulf this whole area in a never – ending darkness which only intensifies the contrast of the dark surroundings and the water.
"Wow this is beautiful", Yolei whispers in awe before she bends down and reaches out for the surface of the water.
Like lighting Uncle Davis grabs her arm and pulls her away from it: „Don't!"
Yolei stares at him in shock before he let's go of her:" What the fuck?!"
Uncle Ken places a reassuring hand on her shoulder before he explains in a much calmer manner:" Yolei no living creature should touch that water."
"Why?"
There's a swift silence before dad speaks up:" You'd die in a heartbeat. Immortal or not."
The water's light is enough for me to see all color vanish from Yolei's face and she takes several steps back from the water, quickly followed by not only us but also the digidestined of the future. The only one's remaining in front are my dad, my aunt Kari, Alec and the white soldiers who slowly lower the stretcher into the water.
Alec stares silently at Phoenix who's dressed completely in white, his hair is combed and he's holding his sparkling digicore – which I only ever heard about and never saw before – in his hands. This time's Tai slowly approaches Alec's trembling figure and places both of his hands on each of his shoulders, whispering something in his ear.
My dad for his part grabs the torch that uncle T.K was carrying all along and lights it up with a motion of his hand before he positions himself on the shore. From here I can only see his broad back with the crest of courage on it.
"I thought no one's supposed to touch the water?" This time's Mimi gasps. I follow her gaze just to witness my aunt wading through the water and standing right next to Phoenix's float. She places both of her hands on Phoenix' temples before she looks up.
"No one but me Mimi. But I need some help here", the last part is directed at this time's Kari who's nervously fumbling on her belt.
"M – me?"
My aunt only nods her head. This time's Sora nudges Kari on her side before the younger girl sets in motion, approaching her future self slowly. She comes to a stop right before the water and eyes my aunt, unsure of what to do next.
"Don't you trust your own self?"
"Well, you could always be someone sent from the enemy who disguises himself as me." Kari counters, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"She has a point", uncle Davis says, earning a few chuckles from the others.
Ha. Ha. Aren't you all sooo funny.
This time's Tai shots them a glare out from his ice – colored eyes what shuts them up immediately. I hear both, uncle Davis and uncle T.K mumble something under their breaths as soon as they catch sight of Tai's eyes but I chose to ignore it.
"Okay and now do what I'm doing", my aunt's voice catches my interest again and I turn around. This time's Kari is right next to her, holding Phoenix by his temples while my aunt covers her hands. A faint, white light is coming out of her hands, engulfing Phoenix' head. This time's digidestined follow the scene in front of us with deep interest while the digimon all wear a similar expression of sadness. I for my part team up with the digimon. I know what both of the Kari's are doing and this is probably the saddest part of it all: freeing his spirit. As soon as they're done with it there's no coming back. Every minimal chance of getting Phoenix back will be gone and the digimon know that.
The light slowly but surely increases and spreads over Phoenix' body while both, my aunt and this time's Kari remain in the exact same position while my aunt whispers some commands into her younger counterpart's ear. I take a deep breath and grab hold of my sister's trembling hand. She shots me a surprised glance before she tightens her grip and leans on my side.
Well den, farewell –
"NO!", Alec's voice pierces through the silence that we were engulfed in, making us all jerk in unison.
"No please!" He frees himself from Tai's hold and runs towards the water.
"Don't let him get in there!" My mother shouts out, setting in motion herself. But this time's Tai and Matt are faster; while Tai blocks Alec's way, Matt grabs him by his shoulders and pulls him away.
"Let go of me! They're taking him away from me!"
"Alec you have to calm down", Tai shouts out. He grabs Alec's head in both of his hands. Matt for his part takes several steps back again, giving them the space they need.
Within seconds Alec's breathing normalizes again:" I promised him we'd be together, forever. I – I promised."
"I know", Tai whispers before he embraces him, making sure he won't see the end of the ritual. Alec contents himself with burying his face in Tai's chest while my sister hesitantly caresses his back.
Both, my aunt and Kari walk back on the shore while Uncle Matt and Dad get a hold of the float.
Uncle Matt eyes Alec hesitantly before he shots my father a glance, communicating with him without needing any words. Dad just gives him a nod before Uncle Matt sighs and turns around again:"Are you ready Alec?" .
Alec slowly lifts his head and gives him a quick nod before both, dad and uncle matt push the float away from the shore and into the depths of the darkness. Before the float gets too far dad lights it up with the torch and joins mom's side. We all gather in a line and stare at Phoenix who's only a bright, orange light in the deep, thick mist. The farther the float gets, the smaller the light grows. As soon as it reaches the horizon a bright, white light illuminates the whole shore – side before we're left in darkness again.
"Now he's gone for good." Alec whispers before he bursts into tears.
BACK THE BASE. KAZUMI'S POV
No one said anything during our walk back to the base, neither did anyone say anything about going straight to the command center, but everyone does it anyway.
Everyone but Alec and this time's Tai. While Alec had the decency to excuse himself, Tai just somehow disappeared with Agumon. I don't follow my boyfriend for now for two reasons; first, he probably needs some alone time and second... I'm dying to finally hug my dad!
We silently walk through the corridor and enter the command center. As soon as we step foot into the room I literally see the tension vanish from every one of the future and one by one finally takes off their helmet. The curious glances of the digidestined don't go unnoticed by me, as well as Matt's and Mimi's gazes when Jess takes off her helmet too, revealing her face for the first time. Although several scars still cover most of her face she still looks stunning.
"Dad", Dylan calls out for him hesitantly. Dad slowly takes off his helmet; the all too familiar scar over his left eye is still present as always, his hair is longer than I remember and his brown eyes are filled with the same reassuring warmth I missed so much.
A new tension spreads through the whole room while this time's digidestined as well as our family stare at the both male Kamiyas, waiting for either of them to say something. It's needless to say that dad is probably furious because of Dylan's downfall... Dylan knows that; so it's not surprising for me that he's nervously stepping on one foot and another.
"Dyl." Dad eyes him with an unreadable expression before he slowly spreads his arms, waiting for Dylan to make the first move, like always, he is not pushing him.
My brother stares at him, startled, before he hesitantly takes a step forward but seeing that Dad never was that patient he grabs him by his shoulder and pulls him towards his chest. Dylan being Dylan needs several seconds to adjust in that kind of situation but when his brain finally catches up he returns the hug. I stare at both of them with a smile creeping up my face and suppress the urge to throw my own arms around him.
But for once, I fail miserably.
I approach the two of them and join their embrace; before I know it I feel dad's arm around both of us. All the pain, the tears, the sorrow leave me in that very moment in which I feel my father coming back to us. Everything was worth it. Call me a terrible person but I'd pay every price on earth just to never lose this feeling again.
Dad slowly let's go of us but still holds us close enough to keep eye contact;" I'm very proud of you. Both of you."
Overwhelmed by emotions we both just nod in unison before we let go of each other and come face to face with the others who look at us with equal happy expressions.
"Awww what a reunion. Congratulations guys, you didn't mess up. At least, not completely", Uncle Davis says, sitting on the giant, round table.
I'm just about to respond when uncle Izzy speaks up:" you'll be busy repairing all of this huh?"
He traces his fingers over the damaged electronic of the computers. The enemies sure did a good job in demolishing our command center. Luckily we could at least save all the data so nothing was stolen, or deleted.
"The white soldiers will deal with this kind of stuff", Gennai says from his spot on the sofas. ¨
"And who's going to deal with your time's Tai changing sides?" Uncle T.K asks, getting everyone's attention all at once. While this time's digidestined all stiffen uncomfortably, our time's digidestined shot T.K an angry glare, especially mom.
"The power of darkness –", she starts but uncle Izzy interrupts her.
"Changes personalities. This is a fact Sora."
"It didn't change me though", dad interrupts him, his brown eyes being prove of what he just said.
"Yes, but did you see your younger counterpart? He looks like Alec, and they have a higher bond. I'd say this is not a good sign." Uncle Davis says earning several glares now from this time's digidestined too.
"He seemed normal to me", mom counters, crossing her arms before her chest.
"Alec seems normal for most of the time too and then he flips for a second and half a nation dies", Uncle T.K says.
"T.K you – ", mom starts but this time's Matt interrupts her.
"You don't give our Tai enough credit. I don't know what happened to all of you to be so negative and tense but whatever is it; you need to get over it."
The digidestined of the future eye matt silently before my actual uncle matt cracks a smile:" See? Listen to me, I'm always right."
Dad face – palms before he joins his best friend's side:" Now we're back at it. You and your megalomania."
We join their laughter before an all too familiar beeping sounds. Aunt Yolei checks her D – Terminal before her face darkens.
"We should go back to the base."
The others don't question her about anything. Instead they grab their respective helmets and fix them on their belts before uncle Izzy starts to type away something on his laptop, probably creating a time gate somehow.
"Guys, I want you two to stay here. They know what you did and now they're looking for you", uncle Matt says directed at us. I feel my heart sink in disappointment and I can tell uncle Matt reads my expression easily.
"Hun, it's for your own safety."
"But – ", Dylan starts but dad doesn't let him finish.
"Consider it an order, son."
"Got it, commander", Dylan replies, not masking his annoyance.
"Hey Tai where have you been?" Davis voice sounds, causing us to turn around and face this time's Tai who just entered the command center. Both of his eyes are still shimmering in that sick, blueish color. But it's his angry expression that worries me most. He slowly approaches dad; both Tai's are facing each other in the middle of the room.
"I wanted to talk to you", this time's Tai starts but he doesn't even wait for dad to answer anything. Instead he hauls off and before I have the time to even realize what is happening Tai's fist already hits dad's face.
Everyone gasps in unison.
"Oh my god did he really just –"
"I think he did!" Uncle Davis stands up from the table and wants to approach dad who only lifts his hands, signalizing everyone to stay put. He straightens himself before pressing a hand on the aching spot.
"Tai are you insane?" This time's Kari asks in disbelief. As for the rest of the digidestined; they're all looking at their leader in pure shock. Even Gennai looked up from the book he was reading all along.
"Okay, I guess I deserved that one huh?" Dad whispers, looking into his younger self's eyes.
"Damn young Tai, you're a badass!" Uncle Matt whistles impressed.
Tai for his part doesn't even bother to acknowledge anyone saying anything. He just continues to glare at my father.
"I still have a question."
Dad raises his hands in defense, in case younger Tai wants to throw another punch:" I'm all ears."
"You have the power of darkness."
"That, my friend, is not a question. But a statement." Dad slowly lowers his hands again, taking a step back though.
"Why is your eye color brown?" Tai's voice is low, and cold as ice.
Uh oh...
"I took it by myself, that's why."
This time's digidestined once again gasp in shock, taking a few steps back from us and instead gather behind their leader. Though I grew up seeing this kind of trust and solidarity it is still weird to see anyone backing off from my father. The probably nicest person on earth.
"Why did you do that?" Tai asks further, his eyes – although Sora is right by his side – not changing color back to brown.
"Power. I wanted more of it – " WHAM
Tai's fist reconnects with dad's face and I hear an awful cracking sound.
"Tai! Stop that! You don't even know half the story!" Jess shouts, her hands curling around the shotgun's handle as if she's dying to interfere.
"You stay out of this", both Tai and dad say in unison before they turn towards each other again.
I turn towards Dylan, looking for some kind of support but he just silently shakes his head.
"She's right though. You don't even know the story. I was trying to protect my kids and if the only way to do that is to destroy myself then so be it. I don't expect you to understand this; you aren't a father yet", he takes a deep breath before he accepts an ice – pack from this time's Joe.
"Damn you hit good. I always wondered how the others must feel."
"Now you know." The left corner of Tai's mouth twitches in amusement but he keeps his façade – because that's exactly what it is – upright.
"Guess I do. Oh and tell you what, make sure that doesn't depend on only one person. You get a weakness that way."
What?
We all eye both Tai's with similar confused glances but it seems they understood each other just fine. This time's Tai just nods before he shakes hands with dad. I can't help but giggle lightly; punching him in his face and shaking hands not even five minutes after that? Who does that?
"Okay team, we're leaving." With that dad turns towards the rest of the future digidestined and approaches uncle Izzy who's waiting patiently next to a blue portal that is floating in the middle of the room.
"It's been a pleasure", aunt Mimi says, smiling at everyone before she walks through the portal, followed by Kari, Yolei, Cody and uncle Davis.
"Be safe", mom says before she gives Dylan and me a hug and waits for dad to do the same.
"Make sure Alec will be okay", dad whispers in my ear before he lets go of me. I just nod silently. I will...
Jess is the next one who gives me a tight hug.
"I miss you so much. Call me when you need back – up."
Before she can walk through the portal, Dylan grabs her arm but obviously underestimated her anger because she slaps him right across his face. Out of the corner of my eye I see not only my own parents but also this time's Tai and Sora suppressing their grins while this time's Mimi and Matt look quite content with the reaction of their future daughter.
"Jess give me 5 minutes." Dylan begs but she just frees her arm from his grasp.
"Rot in hell Dyl." I cringe at her words but before I can call her out for that she's already gone.
I slowly place my hand on Dylan's back, caressing him in a reassuring way:" I'm sure she'll get over it."
"At least she called me by my nickname."
A few of the others snicker in amusement.
"Ugh... a woman's wrath. Why do we even pull up with this?" Dad rolls his eyes, receiving a punch from mom.
"Really you two? You've been married for so long and still didn't grow up?" This time's Mimi comments on my parent's behavior, getting several giggles from the two groups.
The remaining digidestined from the future just wave the others goodbye before they leave through the portal. As soon as our parents are gone too the portal vanishes right in front of us.
"Man Tai... you've been waiting to do that for a while huh?" Matt asks this time's Tai. Tai for his part just shrugs. One of his eyes turns back to its original brown color while he wraps an arm around Sora, pulling her closer towards him.
"He deserved it."
"How on earth did he deserve that?" Dylan asks.
"He's the reason why you gave in to the spore. At least for that he deserved to be punched. I know I would want to be punched if I'd cause one of my kids so much misery. Right?"
He looks at all of us, looking for at least someone who shares his opinion. One by one slowly smiles at him, relaxing obviously.
"Right. You didn't change one bit." Davis says, slapping him on his back playfully. Tai just gives him his usual lopsided grin before we all separate, deciding for today that we should all have our time to cope with the recent events.
I leave the command center with Dylan and together we walk over to the elevator that will lead us to our respective bedrooms. As soon as we enter it Dylan pushes the button with the 18 on it.
"Do you think Alec will be in his room?" I ask him since I am still debating whether I should go and rest alone or if I should try and comfort my boyfriend in some sort.
"I highly doubt it." Dylan says before he pushes the button with the 33 on it – Phoenix' floor.
"You think he's –", I start but Dylan just nods before he exits the elevator. He winks at me before he turns around and walks towards his room.
The elevator comes to a halt on the 33th floor only five seconds later and I exit it, walking to the one bedroom I tried to avoid since I came here the first time. I come to a halt in front of the only wooden door in that base. A big "P" is engraved on the dark wood and I have to take several deep breaths before I push it open.
I silently enter the room and am met with the familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon. Phoenix had a thing for perfumed candles so he spent his time being engulfed by different scents that would mix up and create a soothing, Christmas – like atmosphere. I think it was a beautiful habit of his, though Alec always made fun of him.
The walls are in a warm beige color while the furniture is held in dark wood. There's a big fireplace on my left side with a sofa and two armchairs in front of it. The fire is sizzling and engulfing the room in a slightly yellowish light. Right above the fireplace hangs a giant painting that shows both of the brothers with their arms crossed before their chests. I've never seen that painting before but it kind of intimidates me; both of them look kind of distant with their dark blue eyes piercing me up. I take a step forward and notice a few framed pictures. My heart swells and I feel my eyes tear up again; Although Phoenix claimed to hate his brother to death he still held pictures of him, and only him! Alec's in every photo, laughing, grimacing or just staring at something. The last picture however is one I recognize since it is the only photo Alec always carried with him too; it shows Alec as an 18 year old holding Phoenix in his arms and grinning into the camera. As far as I know it was Phoenix' fifth birthday.
Dammnit Phoenix... why did you have to die?!
I slowly walk further into the room before I turn around to the giant king size bed.
Sure enough, my boyfriend is lying there. His face is buried in his brother's pillow and there's an empty whiskey bottle lying next to him on the soft sheets. I can't suppress my sigh and slowly tip toe over to him. I take the bottle and place it down on the ground before I hesitantly lay down next to him. I support my head with my left hand while I trace my fingers through Alec's messy hair. The touch is enough for him to stir and reach out for me. His voice gives away that he's still half asleep and completely disoriented.
"Nadia?"
Ouch... that hurt.
"No..."
"Phoenix?"
Okay this one hurt more.
"No babe, it's me. Kazumi."
He slowly opens his eyes and looks up to me through his damned, beautiful, long eyelashes:" Kaz?"
"Mhmm... it's me."
He slowly wraps his arm around my torso, pulling me towards his chest. He buries his face in the crook of my neck and I try my hardest to ignore the intense scent of whiskey on his breath.
"Please don't leave me." He whispers quietly, his voice full of pain and no shit... it's breaking my heart. I tighten my grip on him.
"I won't."
He sighs deeply before I feel him drifting off to sleep again. He probably didn't intend to say the next words out loud but it's enough for me to hear it. And it hurts... more than anything else. Because hell... he's right.
"Everyone I love leaves me."
End of Chapter 16.
Phew another chapter dooone. I hope it didn't confuse you too much when there were suddenly two groups of digidestined? lol. It sure was fun writing it though.
The next update could take me a while since I'll be on vacation the next two weeks and with uni starting soon and work keeping me busy it's a little bit hard.
I'll definitely try to update until the end of next month though! (no promises!)
Tell me what you think. Loved it? Hated it? I'd be happy to know!
10/08/19
