I promise to have the next chapter out within a week and I am a man of my word. This chapter is a interesting one since it reveals who the person behind the little gift that Hikari got in the previous chapter. With no further delay, go ahead and read the chapter. For the disclaimer, I don't own digimon.

Every minute you are thinking of evil, you might have been thinking of good instead. Refuse to pander to a morbid interest in your own misdeeds. Pick yourself up, be sorry, shake yourself, and go on again.
Evelyn Underhill

Chapter 3:
Face to Face
With One's Self

"Could someone tell me what the meaning of this is?" asked a very ticked off Daisuke. Right after opening the disturbing picture, Hikari and Mimi immediately called Daisuke and the others over to so they can see it themselves. When they saw it they expressed a variety of emotions but nowhere near to the furious anger that Daisuke was expressing at the moment. It looked as though he was on the verge of killing somebody.

"I'm telling you that I don't know." answered Hikari as she tried to calm her boyfriend did something that he might regret. "It just appeared with any type of address on it."

"She's telling the truth." added Ken. "Let's face facts Daisuke. Unless we get more information we're going at this blind." By the expression on everyone's face they were agreeing with Ken.

Realizing that allowing his anger to cloud his judgment, Daisuke calmed himself down. "All right then, let's think things through. Hikari, is there anyone that you suspect that could've done this?"

"He's right Hikari." exclaimed Mimi. "You are after all a very popular model. Could this have come from some obsess fan?"

"No, it can't be. It's true that I have some fans that are different than your casual ones but none of them would do something like this. Besides, there's no way that they could know where I live. Where I live isn't known to the public."

With that suspicion put on the back burner for the time being, they tried to think who could've been responsible. "Maybe it was the Takenaka Corporation." pondered Miyako. "It's not like they never done something messed with our heads." That seemed like the most reasonable thought but Daisuke put a stop to that.

"I don't think they're responsible for this. It's true that they do things that mess with our heads. But for whatever reason I doubt that they're behinds this. Also, if they were the ones who did this they would've done something else by now."

Picking up the drawing Daisuke gave it a heated glare. "For some unknown reason I believe that they person that's behind this is someone that we've never encountered before." Feeling the urge to rip the drawing to pieces growing he tossed it away from his reach. "All we can do for the moment is to investigate this further. Miyako, I want you and Ken to check out the local demon hangouts. Ask around but don't reveal anything if possible. Mimi, perhaps you should inform James about what's going just in case."

Following Daisuke's orders they headed out and soon the only ones that were left were Daisuke and Hikari. Neither one said a word as the two didn't know how to start up the conversation. Not being able to withstand it any longer, Daisuke finally spoke up. "Why don't you go ahead and say it already Hikari? We both know that you want to."

Not denying that he was right, Hikari went ahead and talked. "Why are you doing this Daisuke? Why are you insistent on doing this instead of having the police deal with it?" Daisuke was about to respond but Hikari continued. "And don't tell me that it's because I'm your girlfriend and it's your obligation to protect me."

"That's not the reason Hikari." A stern look by Hikari quickly changed Daisuke's response. "Okay, not the entire reason." Daisuke expression changed to complete seriousness before continuing. "There is a possibility of this being a result of a crazy fan but what if it isn't? We both have come across many strange and dangerous things these past few years. Perhaps one of those things that is behind this and it would be better if we handle this than police who have no clue on what they are up against."

"But if it is something not human what can we do about it? At the moment the only super strong person that we have is Miyako."

"Have you forgotten about my daughter, Serenity? She said that she was willing to help if we needed her help." Not even turning his head, Daisuke gave Hikari a suspicious stare from the corner of his eye. "You have a problem trusting her?"

Hikari was about to deny the claim but the look that Daisuke was giving her stopped her form doing so. "On a certain stand point I don't." she reluctantly confessed. "Let's not forget that in the not so distant past she nearly killed you. Also, she was apart of the Takenaka Corporation, whose one of their main objectives is you."

"Trust me, I haven't forgotten. But remember, that she's going through hard times at the moment. Struggling on what she should believe in, watching the first person that she truly trusted get killed right before her eyes and then being betrayed by the people who in a way brought her into the world. No matter how tough a person says they are those things will take their toll on them." An image of a heart broken Serenity kneeling over Rowan's dead body appeared in Daisuke's mind. It had pained him to see his daughter like that and hoped that he would never have to again.

"Thankfully she has proven to be a strong young woman and is recovering. However, something tells me that there's another reason why you're so worried about us handling this. Mind telling me what that reason could be?"

Instead of coming up with some sort of lie that wasn't true, Hikari decided to tell the truth. "I've known you for a long time Daisuke. Almost my whole life and I know that when you see someone that you care for is in trouble you'll do whatever you can to help them despite what happens to you as a result." Taking a deep breath before continuing and even though he wasn't looking directly at her, Hikari knew that Daisuke was listening carefully.

"You have to remember that you're now human Daisuke. You no longer can rely on the super strength, enhance abilities or quick healing that you had when you were a vampire. Face facts Daisuke, you now have the fighting capability as every other human."

If that bit of realization was meant to deter Daisuke it didn't work as he maintained the same determined expression on his face. "You do know that you're down grading yourself when you say that? After all, you have had your fair share of fights. You even had one that was just you, Miyako and Mimi which Ken I didn't even know about until it was done." Turning in his chair Daisuke looked right into Hikari's eyes. "Just cut the bullshit and tell me the true reason why you're so apprehensive about this whole thing."

"I just don't want you to get hurt." Hikari quickly responded. "Don't get me wrong. I've seen you get hurt more times then I wish to remember. But every time it has happen I had the security that you'd recover because your quick vampire healing. However, that's all changed now that you're human." As she spoke, Hikari's voice began to break. "If you were to get hurt like how you've been in the past you may not survive and I couldn't bare it if that were to happen."

Finally, not being able to hold it in any longer, Hikari allowed the tears that she had been keeping in to come pouring out and the sobs of sorrow to escape from her throat. Unable to standby and watch someone that he cared for in such despair, Daisuke got up and pulled Hikari into a heartfelt embrace.

"Hey now, it's okay. There's no need to worry." Fortunately Hikari had calmed down but would occasionally have to choke back a sob or her nose would sniffle. "I had no idea that you were this worried about my well being. Pulling her away from him, Daisuke lightly lifted Hikari's head so that the two were looking into each others eyes. "I truly appreciate your concern for me, really I do. However, you don't have to worry yourself sick over me. Just because I'm human now doesn't mean that I'm completely defenseless. Remember, I was the one who taught you how to defend yourself. Also, there's someone that's very special to me that I never wish to shed any tears because of me."

For a while the only thing that went on between the two was them looking into the others eyes. Slowly, if by some unknown force, Daisuke and Hikari leaned towards one another until their lips were just inches away from each other. Almost tentatively they began to kiss one another. As they continued to kiss it only got more heated. It even got to the point that they were starting to lean against the table and it seemed as though Hikari was trying to make Daisuke lay on top of it with her going with him.

Daisuke sensed this as he broke his kiss with Hikari and gave her a perplexed stare. "Hold up Hikari. Don't you think that we're going a little fast here? Maybe you're letting your emotions from what's been going on cloud your better judgment."

Tilting her head downward, Hikari lightly clasped her hands around Daisuke's shirt. "Believe me Daisuke; I'm not being clouded by anything." Even though she tried to put up a strong front, it was clear that Hikari was close to breaking down again. "I'm still worried about you getting hurt. I'll probably always be worried about your safety." Finally lifting her head back up, Daisuke could see that more tears were on the verge of coming out from the corners of Hikari's eyes.

"I don't know why but your words have somewhat put me at ease." With a shaky hand, Hikari stroked Daisuke's cheek. "As for our relationship going too fast, just think about this. We've known each other for almost our entire lives. We know the pain and troubles that the other has experienced as well as the hopes and dreams that we wish to accomplish. Despite all of the troubles and hardships that each of us have gone through we managed to become more than friends. After everything that we've been through can you honestly say from the bottom of your heart that we're going too fast?"

For what felt like eternity for Hikari, Daisuke didn't respond as he just looked at her with an expression that lacked any real emotion. Then, being as tender as possible he slowly stroked his hand over Hikari's cheek. Without a word Daisuke brought his face closer to Hikari's where they then began another passionate exchange.

After who knows how long, the two of them finally broke away as they each tried to regain their composure. "Does that answer your question?" asked Daisuke as he tried to recover his breath.

With a very loving smile, Hikari lend closer to where she was able to place her head next to Daisuke's. "I'm not so sure. I think I need another one of those kisses to be certain." Being all to willing too comply with her request; Daisuke once again pressed his lips with Hikari's. Like with the previous exchange, this one was a passionate one as it almost appeared as though they were pouring their very souls into the loving embrace.

What happen next would caught Hikari by complete surprise as Daisuke scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the house. "I believe it would be best if we continued this in a more proper setting. Wouldn't you agree?" Unable to trust her ability to speak at the moment, Hikari merely nodded her head as they continued their journey to their desired destination.

-/-/-/-/-

A Week Later…

For the past week Daisuke and the others had yet to discover who was responsible for the disturbing drawing that Hikari received. Even with the help of Serenity searching the streets, there were still no clues on who gave the drawing. Unfortunately it wouldn't be the only 'gift' that was given.

Two days ago a box appeared only this time it showed up at Daisuke's place and was addressed to everyone. When everyone arrived they discussed on what they should do with their newfound present. After a while it was decided that they would go ahead and open it. Cautiously the lid was removed but when they saw what was inside they wished that they hadn't.

Nearly the whole box was filled with blood. Whether the blood was from human or animal was uncertain. However, that wasn't the only thing that was inside as there was a verity of human body parts such as fingers and even an eyeball or two. When the contents of the box were seen there was a verity of reactions by all of them.

Mimi rushed to the nearest bathroom where she threw up, with Hikari not that far from doing the same thing. Ken's face paled considerable to where it was as white as a sheet. Even MIyako, who always tried to be all tough and everything got an uneasy feeling when she saw the contents that was inside the box. As for Daisuke, despite that he didn't show it, he was also affected by the incident.

Since then the search had increase but it didn't make that much of a difference. In the hopes that they would discover something that they previously miss they spread out every bit of information that they managed to gather in the hopes that some type of lead could be found. So far the process wasn't turning out so well.

"Ah, this is pointless." exclaimed a frustrated Miyako. "We've been looking over this stuff for who knows how long and we still haven't found anything that can help us."

"Well, bitching about it won't change things." remarked James as he helped with the investigation. "So stop with the complaining and concentrate at the matter at hand." By the look on Miyako's face it was clear that she was about to go after James. Hoping to stop something before it started, Hikari stepped in.

"Calm down you guys. All of us are pretty much stressed out from all of this but attacking one another isn't going to help any." Thankfully those words seem to do the trick as the tension slowly started to fade away. "It's true that all of this isn't really helping us. If only a big clue would present itself, then we might have a better chance at this."

Suddenly the phone began to ring. Being the closest Daisuke answered it. For a moment it seemed like whoever called had hung up and was about to do likewise until a voice was heard. "How's your guys' investigation going?" That immediately caught the attention of Daisuke.

"What did you say?" Everyone stopped what they were doing when they took notice of their friend's tone.

Despite the tone of Daisuke's voice, the person on the other end of the phone just laughed. "My, what's with the sudden change of attitude? I was simply asking a question." As he listened Daisuke tried to see if he could recognized the person's voice but he wasn't able to as it was somewhat distorted. "By the way, what did you think about the gifts that I sent you?"

While Daisuke was already becoming angered, the continuous taunting pushed him even further. "Who the fuck is this?"

"If you wish to find out then go to warehouse 7 at the docks. Be there by midnight and bring your friends. After all, the more the merrier." Before it could be asked the person on the other end hung up. Calmly Daisuke put the phone back on the receiver and that appeared to be the end of that. However, that changed when he suddenly picked up the phone and threw it across the room where it was smashed to bits.

"Everyone get ready. We're moving out." By the dead seriousness in his voice everyone knew that now wasn't the time to argue whatsoever with the former ensouled vampire.

-/-/-/-/-

Are you sure this is a smart thing to do?" questioned Ken. Shortly after heading out he and everyone arrived at warehouse 7. Since arriving they had yet to encounter anything out of the unusual.

"Yes I do." Daisuke quickly replied back. He was currently taking the front and was looking from side to side for any sign of whoever they were after. "Keep your eyes peeled you guys. The person that we're looking for can jump out from anywhere."

"My, my, aren't you a paranoid one." stated an unrecognizable voice. The owner of the voice couldn't be identified as he had yet to reveal himself. That would be soon rectified as someone stepped out from the shadows. "After all, I was the one who invited you here."

When all of them got a good look at who the person was they couldn't believe what they were seeing. "This can't be." voiced Hikari. "It has to be some kind of trick. I mean, Daisuke that person-" Before she could finish what she was going to say, Daisuke interrupted.

"I know. That person looks exactly like me." That statement couldn't be anymore truer as the person standing before them looked just like Daisuke. The two were so similar that the only way that they could be tell apart was that the Daisuke look-alike was dressed in a dark red shirt and black jeans in contrast to Daisuke's back shirt and blue jeans.

"Who the hell is this guy?" thought Daisuke as he and everyone tried to comprehend what was going on. "I don't know what it is but I got a feeling that this guy is more dangerous then we realize. We better be on guard until we figure this out."

As if reading his thoughts, the look-alike gave a knowing smile. "You're wondering who or what I am aren't you?" Taking the shocked expression on Daisuke's face as a yes the look-alike elaborated further. "Let's just say that I have a connection with each of you guys. If you wish to know what I mean you have to beat me. Are you up for the challenge?"

Instead of answering with words the response was made with action as they went after the look-alike. Being the first one to reach him Miyako tried to go for a quick knockout. However, as she tried to land the blow it was avoided almost effortlessly. "There's no way I'm going to be taken down by a quick blow from you." Before she had a chance to do anything Miyako was hit with an uppercut that had such force behind it that it resulted in her sailing across the room.

Witnessing what happen to his close friend and perhaps love interest, Ken went after the adversary. Too bad he met with a similar fate as he was easily dealt with. Once he had done that the Daisuke look-alike went back into the darkness where he disappeared. "This is turning out to be quite a disappointment." he voiced. It was impossible to tell where he was due to him being hidden in the shadows and because of the building his voice was being echoed everywhere. "I was hoping for a challenge. At lease be somewhat around to how it was when I first encounter you guys."

"What are you talking about?" questioned Daisuke who was strolling to keep his frustration in check. With Miyako and Ken out of commission at the moment it only left him, Hikari and James to deal with the current situation. "You keep talking as though we fought you before but none of us remember even confronting you until now."

"You can't possibly be this ignorant." What happen next came as such a surprise that there was nothing that could be done to prevent it. Literally out of the blue the look-alike appeared behind Daisuke and twisted his arm behind his back.

Wanting to help their friend, Hikari and James tried to free him but even though he had only one arm at his disposal, the look-alike dealt with them quickly. "It was a time not that long ago when such a sneak attack would work on you. Maybe you're becoming careless."

In hoping to free himself, Daisuke struggled to get free but was unsuccessful as his adversary maintained his hold on him. "W-Who are you? How do you know this stuff about me?"

"You really want to know? Fine, I'll tell you." Leaning closer to where his mouth was beside Daisuke's ear he whispered something that couldn't be heard by anyone else. Whatever had been whispered had to be big as a look of great shock came across Daisuke's face. Appearing to have said what he wanted to say the look-alike moved back but maintained his grip. "You weren't expecting to hear that were you?"

Before he had a chance to gloat any further he groaned then surprisingly let go of Daisuke. "What the hell?" Reaching over his left shoulder the look-alike felt something sticking into his back. Looking back it was revealed to some type of dart. Peering further back he saw that the dart had came from a dart gun and the one who fired was someone that he didn't notice until now. "You…bitch." Those would be the look-alike's last words as he fell face first to the ground where he went unconscious.

It was a short time later that Ken and Miyako came over with the help of James. "Nice move Mimi." praised Hikari to the person who had hid herself in case they needed to do a surprise attack. Their attention soon turned to the person who was laid on the ground before them. "Now, does anyone have any idea who this is?"

"No clue." answered Mimi who was basically speaking for everyone. "But maybe Daisuke can tell us. It looked as though he whispered something to him before I hit him with the tranquilizer dart. Did he tell you who he was Daisuke?"

When no answer came, Hikari and the others turned to where the man in question was and saw that he was leaning up against the wall. "Are you okay Daisuke?"

Once again they got no answer as Daisuke had a bewildered look on his face. "It can't be." thought the former vampire. "It can't be him. There's just no way."

Wasn't that a surprise? You probably didn't expect something like that were you? I understand that the discovery was only touched on a little but trust me, things will become more clearer and most likely want to know what's to come.

As for the next chapter, like with this one I'll have it up on within a week. The latest will be Wednesday but most likely it won't take that long. So until then, see ya but leave a review before going please.