Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm sorry for the delay. I was in Yosemite for 2 weeks on a back pack ressearch trip. Afterward, I finished qa chapter for another story, then had brain blockages for this one. I'm hoping to update more often. Now we are getting into my favorite part of the story. Violent bloodshed and constant insanity.
Enjoy.
The darkness of the trees, the thickness of the brush, the lack of sun, all dawned down on the waiting army in the Grey Forest
The darkness of the trees, the thickness of the brush, and the lack of sun, all dawned down on the waiting army in the Grey Forest.
Jagar listened to the silence of the impending woods, wondering whether the plan would work or not.
"Lord Jagar." Came the sudden scratchy throated voice of his feathered companion. Jagar looked over at the Crow perched on his shoulder.
"What is it, Crow?" he asked sharply.
"The accomplice you hired for this mission, you're sure he can be trusted, right?" asked the crow.
Jagar sighed.
"Of course, Crow, We've gone over this already. The man is a master of disguise and an excellent magician. He has served Shadow for many years."
"I know… but something's bothering me about all of this…. What if the ceremony doesn't work?" asked the crow.
"Then that's good." Jagar sighed, growing irritated by the sound of the bird.
"What if it works?" the crow asked finally.
Jagar looked over at the crow with golden eyes.
"Even better."
--
The hours went by in what could have been years… The wait was painful, tedious, and long.
The Digidestined waited within the city for hours, wondering why the ceremony was taking so long and what they were doing.
Each person was silent; their digimon partners watched them with worry.
"Man, it's been three and a half hours! What's taking them so long?" questioned Tai, kicking a rock on the ground.
"Exorcisms take a long time, Tai. Sometimes hours, or sometimes days or months. You can't rush it." Said Sonya.
"I know, I'm just worried is all." Said Tai.
"We all are." Matt said, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "But we have to trust the Grand Doctor and what he's doing."
Suddenly, the doors opened to the Temple. The city went silent and everyone stared at the open doors; the darkness concealing whoever was inside. Slowly, two figures appeared, one after the other, from the darkness. T.K and Kari stood tiredly at the top of the Temple stairway. The guards stood behind them silently. Tai, Matt, and Sonya rushed to them in joy and relief, followed by the others. Patamon and Gatomon ran pass them and leapt upon the two teens.
"T.K!"
"Kari!" they shouted happily. The two caught their digimon, but remained silent, staring at them blankly.
"What's wrong T.K? Are you alright?" asked Patamon, noticing the lack of response. T.K blinked.
"Forgive them. Their memories have been completely erased. But don't worry. Their long-term memory will soon return. They just need rest and attention." Said Page from the doorway. "Citizens of the Orenda! The Demons Karakin and Tojima have been released into the arms of Hell! We can now sleep in peace." She announced to the village with open arms.
An ocean of cheers and applause erupted from the silence. The Grand Doctor stepped from the shadows and watched the joyous actions. The Digidestined embraced T.K and Kari affectionately. The two seemed bewildered, but did not retaliate. Their eyes were normal once more, much to the relief of their brothers.
They were gone. Karakin, the Demon of Hate, and Tojima, the Demon of Deceit. They vanished from their siblings' bodies. Now they could finally find a way to defeat Shadow and march their army to victory. The army stood at the fortress entrance, watching happily as the village gave its sigh of relief. Sonya smiled up at her twin, wondering what occurred in the tower but not caring in the least.
'He's back with me now. I'm so glad.' She thought.
Things were bright once more.
"Come. We shall celebrate our success." Said the Grand Doctor.
"A banquet should be held." Suggested Dorian suddenly, walking up the steps.
"And a festival." Said Chloe bounding to her cousin, Page.
"Everyone should come! It will be a shared celebration!" shouted Jahari, of the Jyotsuna.
"Then it's decided! A feast it is!" the Grand Doctor gestured to the village, starting another wave of cheers.
"It's disturbing though…." Started Hyperion.
The group looked at him.
"Why?" asked Mimi.
"Everyone but Titus and Kai are here…. It makes me nervous of their intentions." said Hyperion. The other leaders' faces became serious.
"You're right." Said Dorian.
"Who?" asked Tai.
"Titus of the Toltec. The younger children met them already. Do you remember?" asked Chloe. The digidestined nodded. The older digidestined looked on curiously.
"Kai is the leader of the Yatacyn. He's been acting suspiciously, making me believe he may be with Shadow." Said Jahari. "He was against your involvement in the war."
"Let us not dwell on this any longer, friends. We will begin preparations for tonight's event." Said the Grand Doctor, walking back into the temple.
"Kari and T.K should get rest." Sonya spoke up. Everyone looked at her.
"Where can we rest for now?" she looked at Page.
"We have a place ready for you. Follow Adrella. She knows the way." Adrella, from nowhere, appeared at the digidestined's side.
"Hi! Remember me?" she asked cheerfully.
"Hello again, Adrella." Smiled Sonya.
Hyperion's daughter stood tall beside the teens.
"Come with me." She said and led the large group away from the crowds. The sounds began to fade and the huts became few. At a point beside the large temple, Adrella stopped at a hut, holding the door open.
"This is where you can rest." She said.
The digidestined entered the little hut to find it incredibly spacious inside. There were beds and other furniture for their comfort.
"Thanks Adrella, this is great." Thanked Sora.
"Don't mention it! I'm going back to make sure father doesn't start a fire. Have a good rest!" and Adrella was gone.
"Just who was that again?" asked Izzy.
"Adrella, Hyperion's daughter." Said Cody.
"Dude, this is so cool! We finally have a hard on chance of beating Shadow! This fight'll be over in no time!" Davis shouted, punching his fist in the air.
Tai and Matt led T.K and Kari to a set of beds, telling them to get rest. Everyone sat comfortably, grinning and laughing for their situation.
Everything was alright now.
Sonya sat beside T.K, who was now sleeping soundly. She watched him sleep, wondering what happened in the tower when they left. Her curiosity now plagued her mind. There was something a little different, a little off about the whole thing. She sensed something deep inside her, but she ignored it.
'This is the way it's supposed to go.' She thought and returned her attentions to the digidestined.
They talked cheerfully about what they do when everything was done and they returned home. The digimon lay down to rest, feeling the drain from the dark sky taking their effect once more.
'This is the way… It's supposed to be.'
--
The cave was dark and damp. The group stood deep below the earth in black and red cloaks and robes. The room was circular with candles surrounding the people in a circle. A podium stood at the front of the room and a large, blood-painted pentacle lay in the center. The people stood on the edges of the pentacle while a single man stood in the center. Shadow stood at the Podium with a large black book. He smiled down at his sons in the center of the ceremonial circle.
'Everything is going as planned.' He thought.
"God of Fire and Brimstone, Lord of Hate and Lies, Keeper of Deciet and Disgrace! We bring before you,Darcy and Ti'dramknock, children of chemical creation! Their blood is shared with the Shadow of your likeness. Accept this degraded soul and grant them the power their spirits deserve!" he shouted to the empty air.
Light chanting circled the brothers as Shadow spoke.
"These two bring an offering of blood. The first initiation: Spill the blood of a creature and drink in its soul." Two robed men dragged a screaming, kicking figure.
"They will emancipate themselves from their heart and join the realm that belongs to the Dark Lord." The men placed the creature before Darcy held a knife in front of him.
"Ti'dramknock, Darcy. Show us your strength." Said Shadow. Timmy and Darcy looked up at Shadow, then down at the digimon before him. Electmon lay petrified at their feet. Timmy and his brother grinned and sliced Electmon's throat and belly, making the blood flow to the floor. The blood spread and formed the lines of the pentacle.
"Now, drink to your brotherhood." Shadow ordered darkly.
The boys knelt and drank the blood from the slowly dying digimon. The torture Electmon felt was excruciating. The digimon died long after as Darcy and Timmy finished drinking his life blood.
"And so ends the first step." Shadow smirked to his sons.
--
"Hey, has anyone else noticed something?" asked Izzy. The digidestined looked at him.
"What?" asked Davis.
"I never really thought of it until now… but has anyone else really seen any other digimon while we've been here?" Izzy asked. Everyone was silent, wondering as well. Izzy was right. It hadn't dawned on anyone until that moment, but they hadn't seen any other digimon during their visits.
"That's right…." Said Jyou. "What do you think happened to them?"
"Shadow." Came a voice from the doorway. Everyone turned to see Gennai walking into the hut.
"Hey guys. How did the exorcism go?" he asked.
"Gennai! It worked! Page says they need rest, but it worked!" said Tai excitedly.
"That's very good. We can finally add you to our army then?" Gennai inquired.
"Well duh!" Davis grinned.
"How long do you think it'll take for T.K and Kari to recover?" asked Sora.
"I don't know. It could take a long time or a little…." Gennai trailed off.
"Gennai. What's Shadow been doing to the Digimon?" Matt asked.
"He's rounded up the digimon in all the different areas and is using them as experiments, food, sport, sacrifice, and pets. The ones that he left have become completely feral, like wild animals." Gennai answered grimly.
"Why would he do that?" questioned Yolie with disgust.
"He's sick, remember that. Shadow has no human spirit left in him. The sooner we find and defeat him, the sooner we can end this." Gennai looked behind the group to the sleeping teens. "They're resting now?"
"Yeah. Out like a light." Said Tai.
"Good. There's something else I need to tell you."
Everyone looked at the man.
"What is it?" asked Ken.
"There's a spy in the Allies." Said Gennai darkly.
Everyone gave a start.
"What?"
"We don't know who it is, but everyone suspects that someone is spying for Shadow and giving him information. The Ally leaders are being careful what information they're giving out." Said Gennai.
"So careful in fact, that it appears to be affecting your 'army'." A voice came from the door. The group looked over and stood quickly. A Blood Harvester walked into the hut with a long wooden staff. It was a female Cheetah with human styled spiked hair at her neck. Around her throat was a necklace of long claws and beads. She blinked at them.
"You won't get anywhere at this rate."
"Who are you? How did you get in here?" demanded Gennai.
"The Name is Inca. I came in through the door, or I think it's a door. Unless you humans decided to change the names of wall accessories to confuse us 'Creatures'." Inca said.
"Enough. How did you get pass the guards?" Gennai stood ready for a fight.
Inca eyes him.
"Don't act so defensive. I won't bite. There is a weak spot in the fortress."
"Why are you here?" asked Cody.
"I wanted to see if the rumors were true about the exorcism." Inca responded. She looked around passed the group with interest. "Did they really exorcise the souls of Karakin Yamakami and Tojima Takikawa?"
"That's none of your business. You leave T.K and Kari alone." Matt and Tai stepped in front of the cheetah to prevent access to their siblings.
"You all act as though I would eat the little darlings." Inca said with fake hurt. She then laughed.
"Calm down! I'm not here to fight or to spy. Everything's off-record. Eh?" she said.
"Yeah right." The digimon were now awake and leapt in front of the group.
"Get out now! Before I pummel you to the dirt!" Gatomon threatened.
"Is that so? What a pretty kitty. I assume you're Kari's pet?" Inca gestured.
"Don't talk, leave." Patamon growled.
Inca's composure hardened and she glared at the group of digimon.
"I will not leave until I see the vessel." She growled. Her voice deepened to a deadly growl as she spoke.
The digimon leapt at her and attacked. The force of their blows sent the cat flying out the door and into a tree. She pushed herself up and dodged another attack.
"What do you want with T.K and Kari? They have nothing to do with you or Shadow!" Biyomon shouted.
Inca didn't answer, but dodged another oncoming attack from Augumon and Gabumon.
She was suddenly hit in the back by a lighting shock from Tentomon. She fell to the floor with light convulsions. She shook it off and crouched in defense. The digimon gathered around her in a circle, staring her down. Inca realized she was out-numbered, but she was trapped. She looked around, her pupils dilating as she began to panic.
She growled, making her fur and hair stand on end.
"She's scared. Said Gennai, watching the display. They noticed the guards running toward them.
"What is going on? What is this Blood Harvester doing in the premises?" one shouted.
"She snuck in. There might be an opening in the fortress." Said Tai. The guards seized Inca, causing her to thrash and roar.
"We'll take and interrogate this one. Good work, friends." Said another guard as they dragged the cat off.
"No! I'm not your enemy, Damn it! He's here! He's going to take over! He'll kill you all!" Inca shouted desperately as she struggled with the guards' grip.
The digidestined and digimon watched as she was carried off.
"What's she talking about?" questioned Sora.
"What happened?" came a tried voice from behind the group. They turned and saw Kari standing the doorway groggily.
"Kari! Are you alright? How are you feeling?" asked Tai.
"Fuzzy. What happened?" Kari asked.
The group led her back inside to explain the previous events. T.K was leaning against the head board of the bed, allowing Sonya to sleep in his place.
"Hey guys. How long were we out for?" asked T.K.
"How are you, T.K? Do you remember anything?" asked Patamon, flying to T.K's arms.
"Well, just arriving at the Plainsmen's village, but everything else is black. What happened?" T.K asked.
"Well you see-" started Izzy, but was soon cut off by Gennai.
"We were attacked. You and Kari were knocked unconscious." He said. Everyone stared at him.
T.K and Kari looked at each other with raised eye brows.
"I'll take it." T.K shrugged. Kari shrugged as well and sat on a bed.
"Gennai, why did you lie?" Whispered Matt in Gennai's ear.
"We can't have them knowing about the exorcism. After effects may occur with the memory." Gennai whispered back.
The digidestined were curious, but didn't press the matter.
"Kari are you hungry? Should we go find something to eat?" suggested Gatomon with a purr.
Kari shook her head.
"No thanks, Gatomon. You go eat." She smiled lightly. The little digimon ran to the door with several of the other digimon in search of a meal.
We should go as well. The banquet is at hand." Said Gennai happily and the group followed after the digimon.
--
Jagar glanced at the dark skies above the canopy of the Grey Forest. The Army was restless and bored; many sitting and playing poker or polishing their weapons. The army was made up of both Sun breeds and Moon breeds. Panthers, Leopards, Grizzly Bears, Lions, Bobcats, Wolverines, and other such animals made up the numbers occupying the army. Each character was armed wit golden Cuirass, Arms, Leggings, and Helms and all carried various weapons of great strength.
Jagar was sure of their victory, were there an attack.
A rustling came from the leaves behind Jagar. He grabbed the hilt of his Ax and turned to attack, but stopped when he saw the masked man in front of him. He growled and replaced his weapon.
"You bastard, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the temple with the vessels!" Jagar said lowly.
"The procedure worked. The Demons have been removed from the children. We can now make a move." Said the Grand Doctor.
Jagar nodded. Looking over to the army. He signaled for them to rise and follow.
The army abandoned their cards and stiffness and took up their weapons.
"Half of you will follow me to the Fortress Gates. We will herd the Children of Light into the Forest where a fourth of you will wait. The other fourth will circle the fortress and take out any of those who try to escape. On my call, you may do what you please with the city." Jagar announced. The Army cheered.
Jagar raised his ax and roared to the dark sky, soon followed by the demonic howls and roars of his followers.
On they went to battle.
--
The Festival was bright and lively. People were dressed in exotic robes and carried colorful banners and masks. The music was fast and the food was plentiful. Many people had arrived at the festival in celebration of the success of the exorcism. Of course, Kari and T.K were unaware of that.
"They are here to celebrate our on coming victory against Shadow." Gennai told them. Everyone played along; the whole city was in on the deception.
T.K looked around at the movement from behind his own mask. The wooden Dog mask covered only half his face and fit quite comfortably. He picked up the plate of food he put together and went back to the little hut where Sonya still slept.
He saw Kari leaning against a wall in the darkness, looking out at the dancers and the celebrations. She seemed to be thinking.
He brushed off the thought and continued to the hut.
He pulled back the cloth from the door way and saw Sonya sitting up in the bed. She face the wall with her back strait. She seemed to shiver a little.
He set the food down and went to see her.
"Hey, you're up. Are you okay?" he asked. Sonya didn't look at him.
"Why don't you come out with us? It's warmer out there." T.K suggested. Sonya looked up at him quietly, then nodded.
Ignoring the food left on the table, the twins walked out of the dark hut and into the light of the festival.
"Sonya, what's the matter?" asked T.K, feeling a tight pull in his abdomen. He knew this wasn't his emotion, what felt like guilt or fear.
Sonya shook her head.
"It's nothing." She said quietly.
"Come on, you can tell me." T.K said, looking down at her as they walked.
Her eyes were hidden be hind her hair. She seemed upset about something, and he knew she was.
They arrived at the lights of the party. T.K looked over once more at Kari, who now seemed to be brooding in the dark. He wondered what was bothering the two girls.
Taking in the thought of the events going on, it didn't seem all that appropriate for an oncoming battle. He felt that there was some other underlying reason for their celebrations. T.K then wondered where the other digidestined had gone. Looking down at Sonya, he knew she was wondering the same thing. They walked over to Kari, thinking she may have seen them.
Kari sttod leaning against the wall in the darkness, away from the noise and the festivities.
'What it this?' she thought to herself. 'We're going to war, not Grandma's birthday party. There's something not right about this….' She noticed T.K and Sonya walk up to her.
"Have you seen the others at all?" asked T.K. Kari shook her head.
"Anyone else notice this is all off?" Kari questioned in return.
T.K nodded, looking out at the party. The village leaders sat above the festivities, watching over the people from their throne-like chairs.
Kari looked at them darkly.
'Lies.'
She looked away, shocked with herself.
'They lied.'
Kari shook her head, wondering where these thoughts were coming from.
'They have no right to deceive you like this. You are not below them. You are not a subject to their pitiful 'rule'. You are above that. Teach them. Show them.' Kari listened the voice, now interested in its words. Staring up at the leaders, she felt her heart grow cold. The feeling was familiar. Her vision became slightly darker. Kari looked over at T.K and Sonya.
"Where is the Grand Doctor?" she asked, voice slightly deeper than before. Sonya seemed to freeze.
"Uh… I don't know." She said. Kari looked at T.K and he shrugged. Kari kicked off the wall and walked into the crowd, leaving T.K and Sonya baffled.
'The Doctor. That lying, self centered, perverted, egotistical bastard.' Went through Kari's mind.
'I will find him.'
--
"Gennai, why didn't we bring T.K and Kari with us?" asked Davis, sharing his curiosity with the other digidestined./ Gennai led the digidestined to the top of the fortress walls by a watch tower.
"I needed to speak with only you guys. Kari and T.K can't know." Said Gennai. "The Village leaders and I think we found the spy."
"Really? Who?" asked Tai.
"The Grand Doctor." Gennai said lowly. Everyone was thrown into shock. They couldn't speak.
"Wh…What?" Matt stuttered. "But he helped T.K and Kari…. Wait….."
"Something else happened up there." Izzy concluded. "He didn't actually perform the exorcism… did he?"
"We aren't sure." Gennai said.
The digidestined all felt a cold tug on their hearts.
"Now what do we do?" asked Yolie after a short silence.
"We continue like we have been. Look out there." Gennai pointed out into the darkness.
Everyone was silent as they listened and watched.
Nothing happened for a moment, then a small growl came from the darkness, followed by a series of other growls and roars.
"Another Army's approaching. Our men are waiting for our call. The Grand Doctor informed them of our location, no doubt. They may plan to surround the fortress…."
"We have to do something now!" Davis said.
"You're right. We won't tell T.K or Kari of The Grand Doctor. We only need to tell them that we need to fight." Gennai instructed and every nodded.
They made their way back down to the Village leaders to inform them of the on coming threat.
--
Kari pushed through the crowd, searching for the man in the metal bird mask. Many masks were already worn, making her vision twist and blur with color.
'Find him. Show him who's greater.' The voice said over and over in her mind. 'Put that bastard in his place!'
Kari couldn't explain where the voice came from, whose it was, or why it was telling her this, but she felt an incentive urge to follow it. She couldn't even remember who the Grand Doctor was, only that his masked face showed in her head. She only knew what the voice told her, and she trusted it. She felt herself drawn to this dark, familiar voice.
'To your left' the voice said, and Kari turned left. On through the crowds she searched until she found herself at the foot of the leaders' thrones. She looked up at them from the darkness of the mass of people to the men and women in the chairs.
'Lies. They treated you wrong. They treated you like an animal, like nothing.'
Kari felt her breathing become slow and hard. All the sound around her faded out and everything slowed around her.
'What will you do?'
'Can I decide?' Kari asked herself.
'You're a creative girl. You do what you want to them. They are the animals. They are the Test subjects. They are the rats that will submit to you. You choose what you wish.' The voice chuckled.
Kari smiled.
'I wanna play.'
'That's my girl.'
--
T.K and Sonya found the digidestined running through the crowds toward the leaders above the festival. They followed, curious of the hurry they were in.
"Davis, what's going on?" asked T.K, catching up to Davis's side.
"It's an attack! We have to warn everyone!" he answered.
T.K and Sonya looked at each other with shock. "From Shadow?" asked T.K.
"It looks like it. We need to evacuate the city and get the army ready!" shouted V-Mon.
"Our first fight!" Patamon said in T.K's ear with excitement. T.K felt a rush of pride and grinned. Sonya smiled as well.
'This is how it's supposed to go….' Went through her mind over and over.
--
The Leaders sat above the Festival, watching the joy and merriment and enjoying the lively music.
"Jahari, do you really think the Grand Doctor may be the spy?" asked Chloe.
"I have little doubt." Jahari answered, smoothing back his thick brown hair.
"Speak of the Devil…" Page said with a low voice. The Grand Doctor swept up the stairs to them and greeted them lightly.
"I believe you should like to know, There is an advancement on the Fortress." He said.
"What is this talk?" asked Hyperion, ready to stand.
"I speak of Jagar and his troops. They are ascending on the city. We must evacuate everyone." The Doctor stated.
"See now, Doctor. This Fortress is impenetrable. Even if an army was on its way, they wouldn't be able to enter. But the sentries have yet to raise their alarms, so there is nothing to fear for now." Said Jahari.
"You greatly underestimate Jagar." The Grand Doctor purred.
The digidestined ran up the stairs to the leaders, panting.
"Children, what is the matter?" asked Chloe.
"A Blood Harvester Army is coming! They're going to surround the fortress; we need to get everyone out while we can!" Tai said.
The leaders looked at the Grand Doctor, who watched them silently, then at each other.
Page stood and held her hands over her head. Suddenly, the music stopped and the crowed mellowed down, looking up at the leaders in curiosity.
"A Military Advancement is being made upon our city! We must evacuate before it's too late!" page shouted.
Everyone began to murmur and shift nervously.
"Now, there's no need to panic." Hyperion stated, his voice projecting throughout the fortress. "We will evacuate everyone through the back in a calm and orderly manner. Then, we will have the mages remain at the walls to hold fire from the Creatures." He explained calmly.
A murmur of agreement wove through the people.
"Everyone, follow Taurus, Adrella, Jahari and I to the back passage ways. We will instruct you what to do from there." Said Chloe with calm authority. She and Jahari began leading everyone away to the rear of the fortress, leaving the Grand Doctor, Hyperion, Page and Dorian with the digidestined.
Dorian looked over to Tai and Matt.
"We must separate and guard the fortress. Half of you will go with the evacuation as guards. The other half will remain here and help us fight off any who dare approach the walls." Dorian punched a fist into his palm.
"I will rally the Mages. Said the Grand Doctor. Sensing danger, Hyperion and Dorian quickly grabbed his robes.
"No, you won't." Page said darkly.
"What is this?!" the Grand Doctor demanded.
"We know you informed shadow's army of our location." Said Gennai, walking up beside the digidestined. "You're caught, 'Doctor'."
"This is outrageous! I have been nothing but loyal to this city! This act against God will NOT be tolerated!" the Doctor shouted, quickly becoming desperate.
"What have you done with the souls of Karakin and Tojima?" Page questioned.
"I exorcised them from the children and locked them away, as I said I would!" the Grand Doctor shouted.
T.K and Kari blinked, confused.
"What are they talking about?" T.K asked Sonya.
The group stopped, aware of the grounds they were treading on. Page persisted, however, with her interrogations of the Grand Doctor.
"Page, I believe we must rally the Mages. The Army is nearly here." Said Hyperion. Gennai agreed and ran off to gather the soldiers.
"It's nothing, T.K. We need to get ready for the fight." Said Matt.
"But wait, you never really explained what happened earlier, and now I'm suddenly hearing about an exorcism. You don't think we're curious?" questioned Kari.
Gatomon seemed to shrink slightly on her shoulder, but regained herself.
"We'll talk about it later. Let's digivolve and fight, Kari." She said.
Kari nodded reluctantly and everyone followed suit. Holding out their digivices, everyone's digimon began to digivolve. As the light surrounded the digimon, the walls of the fortress and building lit eerily. T.K and Kari looked up and stopped.
The digimon were fully digivolved and were about to run to the fortress wzlls, but was stopped by Kari.
"Stop." She said firmly. Every looked at her. She was still, completely unmoving.
"We're already surrounded." T.K added softly. Everyone was bewildered, then followed their gaze to the top of the walls. On each wall stood the creatures that came to them during the exorcism; Nicoli, Knox, Tact, and Xantar.
"Beasts!" Page snarled angrily.
"Such a pretty woman shouldn't hold so much anger." Purred Xantar mockingly and the Blood Harvesters laughed.
"Why are you here?" Questioned Hyperion.
"For our Lord." Said Knox.
"And our Lady." Tact growled with a twitch.
T.K and Kari felt a strange hostility toward the creatures; only, Kari's was toward the wolves and T.K's to the Cats. It was baffling to them to have a kind of familiar affection for the opposite animal.
"Who are these guys?" asked Kari.
"Just a bunch of animals, Kari. Don't you worry over them." Gennai answered.
Xantar jumped from the wall and landed before Kari.
"My dear, what a pleasure to see you." Said with a light bow. He seemed tense, nervous almost.
"Leave her alone." T.K pulled Kari behind him protectively. Kari felt a sudden white hot sensation grow in her chest, but she held it back. Why was she angry with T.K for protecting her?
"Move it, boy. This girl is coming with us." Tact advanced toward the kids and the digimon attacked.
Tact was thrown back by Nefertimon and Pegasusmon, sending the lion into a wall.
Xantar growled and swept a large paw at T.K, but was too knocked down by the digimon.
Nicoli and Knox jumped to the ground.
"Takeru, we must leave. Sheba awaits us outside." Said Nicoli. Garurumon charged the Nightwalker and Knox pulled Nicoli out of the way.
"You won't touch them!" Matt shouted.
The Nightwalkers didn't reply. Suddenly, the cats leapt above them and at the throats of the digimon. Flamedramon threw his fire rocket at Tact, but the attack was dodged and soon Tact bit into Flamedramon's armor. The other digimon charged and began attacking the creatures.
Attacks, charges, and aerial assaults from the digimon resulted in dodges, parries, and re-strikes from the creatures. There was a blood curdling scream from the rear of the fortress.
"We'll go help them, you hold the walls!" Matt called to Tai as he and half of the group dashed to the rear of the fortress. Tai, Mimi, Izzy, Sonya, Ken, T.K and Kari remained with the digimon.
The digimon began throwing the creatures back, noticing both sides growing weak. The darkness in the skies seemed to be draining both sides' strength and their attacks became slower and more drawn out. Each breathed heavily.
Suddenly, as a final blow was to be sent to the creatures, everything went completely still.
The digidestined watched in wonder. T.K and Kari looked at each other, then at the others. They didn't move either. Everything had gone still and the air chilled to a frosty cold. Sonya looked up at the two. Her eyes shone an eerie and unnatural color green.
Softly, with heavy steam rolling from her words in the cold air, she whispered.
"He's here."
--
10 Minutes Earlier
Chloe, Taurus, Adrella, and Jahari led the groups of people to the back side of the fortress, utilizing what to do from the next point.
"We must surround the army from behind when we exit." Said Jahari. "Catch them by surprise.
"But the protection of the people is more important." Said Chloe.
"Perhaps Chloe and Adrella should lead the sick and weak away while the rest of us stay and fight." Suggested Taurus.
"No, we'd need help protecting them. We can't fight off creatures on our own." Adrella said.
"Then get your faerie friends to help." Said Taurus.
"She can't. She's half human, and so isn't one of them. They wouldn't help us unless she was a full faerie." Chloe said, looking around the dark.
The group found the passageway and began leading everyone through. Lines and lines of people; sick, elderly, fit, and young, all pushed through single-file to the other side. Jahari and Taurus were the first through the passageway. Making sure there was no one around, they ushered the people out of the fortress and into the trees. There they waited for everyone to filter through before hearing their orders.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we're through. We must now escape to the village in the White Plains. We will be safe there." Said Taurus.
I think not." Came low, growling voice behind him. Everyone looked to the sound and saw an army of Blood Harvesters among the trees, staring at them with hot and hungry eyes. At the front, their leader grinned maliciously.
Chloe and the other leaders' eyes widened.
"Kingsley!" Jahari shouted with surprise. The short man to several steps forward, growing taller as he stepped until his appearance was unrecognizable. Then, before them stood Ven with his malevolent grin and background of battle ready monsters.
The creatures pulled their weapons and sprinted at the mass group. Everyone ran back to the fortress, but the door had been shut and was unable to be found.
They were trapped. Chloe, Jahari, Adrella, and Taurus stood their ground before the creatures, ready to fight.
The slaughter was on.
The creatures twisted, tore, shredded, and burned the bodies of the screaming people. Chloe threw her arrows, Jahari swung his sword, Adrella cast her spells, and Taurus fought with brute force. No matter what numbers they knocked down, more appeared in their place and more people were killed. The black clouds above began to turn red with the coming of a Blood Rain. Countless bodies lay upon the reddening earth. Chloe jumped away from the army. Her arm was torn, showing the white of her bones beneath. She couldn't move it.
"Jahari!" she shouted. Jahari was fending off a group of Lions, swinging and jabbing at them with great force. He ran to Chloe, ready to defend her.
"We need to pull back!" she shouted.
"Pull back where! We're trapped!" Jahari returned.
"This is a blood bath. We stand no chance!" Taurus said, joining them. Where is Adrella?" asked Chloe. There was a burst of blue fire from among the screaming bodies. Adrella ran toward them as well. The horrors of the battle shown in her face. They watched, feeling helpless and weak as the slaughter continued.
"We can't just sit here!" We must do something!" Taurus roared.
"What can we do? Every time we knock one creature down, three more appear!" Jahari said.
Suddenly, they saw more creatures fly in from the fortress. They recognized the digidestined among them. A small glint of relief appeared in their faces.
"Digidestined! Your assistance is requested!" Jahari shouted, waving the digidestined down.
"What happened?" asked Matt, jumping from Birdramon's back. Sora, Jyou, Davis, Yolie, and Cody joined.
"We're outmatched, we need your help." Said Chloe.
"Of course!" The digimon dashed into the fight, taking out the creatures numbers at a time.
The digidestined looked upon the bodies of the dead and dying people.
"O-Oh… M-My God…." Sora stuttered almost silently.
A loud howl erupted from Garurumon as an arrow stuck through his chest. He fell on his side and reverted to Gabumon. Matt screamed and darted toward the fallen companion.
"Gabumon! Are you okay?" he asked fearfully. The battle raged around them, blood spilling from the other digimon and remaining people as they gradually grew weaker.
"I'll be fine, Matt. You need to get away. It's dangerous." Gabumon drawled out. He coughed and blood flew in Matt's face. Matt was terrified.
"We're getting you away from here." He said.
"Matt! Hurry! Get out of there!" Sora shouted.
A bobcat jumped over Matt, but was tackled by Ankylomon. More and more cats piled on the digimon until his movements became slow and trying.
"Ankylomon!" Cody shouted, trying to run to the digimon, but was held back by Jyou and Yolie.
"You can't go out there!" Shouted Jahari, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You'll be killed and mauled on the spot."
"I don't care, they need help! Do something!" Cody shouted back.
Birdramon fell to the ground after a series of arrows flew into her wings. She landed with a crash and reverted to Biyomon. Ikakumon, Ankylomon, and Flamedramon fell soon after.
"No!" Davis shouted with fright. Everyone's heart leapt to their throats in dread and anticipation. Suddenly, everything grew cold and began to slow to a stop. Everyone felt the chill, and soon, their vision blackened to frosty darkness.
--
T.K, Sonya, and Kari walked slowly around, wondering why everything had stopped.
"Children of the Moon." Came a deep, growling voice. They turned to the sound.
Jaganu stood with three other lions in golden and earth toned armor.
"Your soul belongs to that of the darkness, child. Come with us, and we will help you with it." Said the black lion.
"Yes, young lord." Came another voice. Turning again, the three saw Nicoli, Knox, and two other Nightwalkers on their other side.
"Come with us, young lord. Your help is critically needed now." Said Knox.
T.K recognized the wolves from his dream many nights before. They called on him for his help. He accepted. He felt a surge of pride and duty, finding himself fighting to remain still. Kari, too felt a sense of recognition to the lions. She remembered them, she ran with them in her sleep. They were her allies in war; her companions against all of her troubles and obstacles. She also felt the urge to run to the cats.
"What happened? What did you do?" she asked instead.
"It was not them, it was I." said the dark voice of Shadow as he walked from the darkness of the fortress walls.
He eyed the Teens.
"My, My, My… You're all growing beautifully. Soon, maybe you'll be able to join me finally." Shadow purred.
"Fuck off." T.K growled.
"Sonya, restrain your 'dog'." Shadow said bluntly and turned to Kari. T.K tensed and stood in front of the girls. His eyes were an intense blue now, seemingly glowing with anger.
"Leave, before I tear your throat out." He growled menacingly. "And take the cats with you."
"But the wolves?" Shadow grinned and T.K's brow rose.
"When I threw you into that pit, I almost expected you to die, Takeru." The teens looked at him critically. "However, my fears were shot and you recovered, just as I hoped. But your little Moon Piece there had to dramatically slow the whole process of conversion. Awe well. It's still in effect, as you can see from your hatred toward my Harvesters, and your love for the Nightwalkers." Shadow paced around them.
They eyed him as he circled them.
"What do you mean, Love for the nightwalkers?" questioned Kari, looking at Shadow and T.K.
"I was curious what state he would take up, but, as thought, he took on the mental genes of a Wolf. It was very interesting, but a little study into his family showed me why his spirit would choose such a creature."
"You know about my family?!" T.K bared his sharp teeth angrily.
"It's terribly unfortunate, your relationship with your mother and non-existent father. Maybe this would drive you to the darkness? Into a loner? Deprivation?"
"Shut up." T.K growled.
"Suicide?" T.K was beyond words through his anger. He noticed, also, that as Shadow paced, he grew gradually closer.
"What do you plan to accomplish here?" Kari asked, looking over her shoulder as Shadow continued his pacing.
He smiled at the brunette.
"And you, little Kari Kamiya. I've studied you as well. You come from the plainest background I have seen so far, and yet you are probably one of the angriest people I've met in a long time. You make me think of one of the previous digidestined I brought into my power."
"Previous digidestined? What are you talking about?" Sonya asked.
"Gennai spoke to you about another series of digidestined, yes?"
"He might have mentioned it…." Kari muttered.
"There were two children among their group that caught my eye, much like you two have. Karakin and Tojima, digidestineds of Light and Hope. Very interesting to learn that Tojima was suicidal and Karakin was clinically insane." The three watched in wonder as he walked, now growing absorbed with the information.
Karakin and Tojima, the demons from before, were digidestined like them? With their crests? Kari, for some strange reason, wasn't able to put a face to them, but she knew she had heard their names. Karakin… Memories of the name were fuzzy, but slowly re-emerging.
"Yes, Karakin was in a situation much like yours. Her father regularly disgraced her, her mother was a fiend, and she had nothing to tie her mind to the earth. She went mad, but, of course, was basically ignored until she killed her father and her mother. Such a sadistic little girl, laughing manically as she did so and banishing their souls to Satan." Kari was unfazed by this and suddenly felt a sense of pride for Karakin. Why wasn't she sickened?
"As for Tojima. He wanted to be one of the boys, wanted to be on top. He did everything he could to fulfill his 'Scar Face fantasy'. Hmph, scar faced indeed. He killed, raped, hustled, pillaged… until he discovered one of his victims was his own mother." Shadow began snickering. T.K seemed to loosen, curious why Shadow was telling them this. Why was he taking his time? Tojima, such a familiar name, why couldn't he place it?
"Then they met. Such a pair, such good enemies. They had such similar pains, and yet they felt the worst retraction. They were easy to bend to my will. Pitting them against one another until they would bleed from the heart. What fun." Shadow began to laugh. They tensed once more. T.K gave an animalistic growl at Shadow, threatening his throat.
"Who'd of thought that children of light would so easily fall into darkness?" Shadow stopped and looked them in the eyes.
"Much like you." He said lowly. T.K leapt at Shadow, biting into his flesh. Shadow raised his arm for protection, causing T.K to ram into and maul his forearm.
Sonya held her hands to her mouth, holding back a gasp.
Kari raised a brow and watched apathetically.
Shadow seemed amused as he watched T.K looked up at him from the arm angrily. Blood splattered his face and hair and dripped to the ground.
"Strange. I feel a light tingle in my arm. Could it be the beginnings of pain? I'm not quite sure." Shadow mocked with a smirk. T.K jerked his head and a soft crack rang through Shadow's arm. He jerked it back and jumped backward.
"You little bastard, you broke my arm!" Shadow chuckled.
"I'll definitely keep my eyes on you" He said finally and disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.
Time around them suddenly began to speed up and pass them by.
"What's happening?" asked Sonya, looking around as the previous battle happened in double time around them.
"Time is catching up with itself." Kari said. She began to feel slightly light headed and she touched her pulsing temple. Sonya and T.K also felt the effect and soon, their visuals went black.
Kari saw a woman in black among the bloodshed of the double sped battle, staring her down with a yellow eyes.
'Karakin….'
Did this chapter make sense to anyone? I lost myself just now... huh... Please review! Lots and Lots of reviews make Bagira Happy.