Me: Hi, I'm a little behind this week but I might, might, have a episode out on Wednesday. It depends on my teachers and the homework they give us for our day out of school. The second years have target setting so we get to stay home with work packs. Fun. If my teachers are nice then I will be able to write some episodes up. If not then I'm sorry. On the brighter side it's about two-three weeks till half term! I promise that during in the hols I will write a whole bunch of episodes up. At least to Ken's return to the goodside. So maybe Wendesday defintially the weekend as usual. So see you!

Disclaimer: I refuse to write it for a eigth, ninth or xth time. Please refer to previous chapters. Thank you.

I sat next to Cody in the bleachers as we watched the teams set up for the game. Budmon was sleeping on my lap. "Big sis, is something wrong?" Cody asked. I looked at him and shook my head. I heard the excited chatter of the team as they waited for the opposing team. Davis had been talking none stop about the fact he was going to be the first to beat the great Ken Ichijouji. Needless to say this was the major match for the team.

"No, I just know people on both teams." I told him. He looked at me. I saw that serious look in his eye like he had a feeling about something.

"Oh, you mean a friend from Tamachi?" Cody asked. I nodded.

"Yeah, I used to play soccer with Ken back when we were little." I admitted. It was kind of the truth. We did play soccer, when we weren't saving the Digital World. Then I chuckled. "Good thing Yolei didn't here that." I said. Cody laughed. Yolei was still going on and on about the great Ken Ichijouji. If only she knew she saw him almost everyday with the rest of us in the digital world.

"Good luck Davis!" Kari yelled. She had a lot of practise cheering at football matches and it showed.

"Don't forget to hug Ken!" Yolei called. I shook my head as Davis spluttered trying to think of a response.

"Give him a kiss to!" Tai added. There was a load of squeals as the coach pulled up from girls. I gave a glare to them. Ken was so far passed their league it wasn't funny. Then again Ken wouldn't care at all.

"Oh I can't believe it's really him." Yolei said as they disembarked I watched but Ken didn't show. I guessed he had a publicity event going on. I couldn't believe he'd give up the chance to defeat the Digidestined up though.

"I really hope Davis hasn't gotten in over his head." TK noted. Davis getting over his head? No way not him. He only did that everyday.

"Where is he?" Kari asked as the last member of the team got of. Ken must not know that Davis is his opponent.

"Izzy, no we're waiting for Ken." TK said mishearing her.

"Ah we know that." Yolei said. "He's not coming is he Cody."

"Will you stop asking me if I say yes?" Cody asked. He was fifty percent annoyed and fifty percent desperate.

"No I won't." Yolei said squeezing Poromon.

"Lucky for me I have no spine." Poromon said. Tai left to talk to Davis who had gone to see about Ken. He looked like he needed a push to get motivated.

"But you've got to know if you play really well against last years champions…" TK started.

"Win or lose you'll still be a hero." Kari finished. He looked rather cheered up after that. I sighed.

"Ego plus no brain equals Davis." I said. Cody laughed slightly but he was busy calming down Yolei. I stood up and walked over to the lamppost nearby and dialled Ken's mobile number. It went to voice mail. "Hey Ken it's Saki, listen I was wondering if you were going to play in the match today. Davis is looking forward to playing against the boy genius and I know you hate to disappoint your foes by not putting in a performance. See yah!" I said hanging up. I'd barely sat down before my phone went of. I looked at the text and smiled.

"Ken's going to show Yolei. Trust me." I said winking. Yolei cheered. "Hey Davis Ken will be here in the second half!" I called. Davis punched the air while his team looked confused.

"That's great! Thanks Sakura." Davis called.

I was right as usual. Ken showed up in the second half. Of course I didn't actually use my powers but still. Davis had been playing brilliantly in the first half of the game and their team was ahead by a point. Then Ken arrived and to quote Davis; 'Huston, we have a problem.' I watched as Ken lead his team like a supernova to score nine goals, most of them his. I wanted to cheer for both of my friends but I didn't want to cheer for my friend's opponents. I settled for intently watching.

"Nice game Ken." I said as the Tamachi team moved to get on the bus. I noticed he was looking else where, probably to go do some other publicity event.

"Thank you; I would have cancelled that meeting if I'd realised that it was this team." Ken said. I smiled. Knew it. He was like a book, easy to read.

"I figured, you're a show off even if your audience doesn't know who's performing." I joked. He rolled his eyes but I could tell he was laughing inside.

"Hilarious Sakura." He commented as a Taxi pulled up. I raised an eyebrow.

"What no limo?" I asked mockingly.

"Only for the big events, or when I need to make a statement." He said with a wink. He gave me a peck on the cheek making me blush before climbing into the car and being driven off. Luckily for me no one saw or else I would be on hundreds of girl's hit lists.

"I don't like Ken very much. He seems very cold." Cody said coming over. He wasn't all that wrong. Ken was cold now but he seemed to melt around me.

"He didn't use to be." I said watching the direction Ken had gone.

"Do you think the publicity got to him?" Cody asked. I shook my head. If only it was that simple. I could fix that no problem but this wasn't so easy.

"No, I think it started after he lost his brother. Well, to be honest there were small signs before that but I think that was the catalyst." I explained.

"I see, well maybe he'll come around." Cody suggested. I smiled and nodded.

"Maybe." I agreed as we joined the others who were congratulating Davis on a well-played game. I joined them as he had really earned it this time.

"Then we shook hands and he said he admired me." Davis was talking non-stop about the game even though it was dark out now. I didn't even have the heart to tell him off either.

"Oh come on." Tai said in aspiration. Ken probably wouldn't class Davis as his equal the way he was now. Mind I had to admit Davis played a good game so he might be as close as Ken was going to get to a rival. Ken probably realised that too in his own way.

"I've never seen you this happy about losing a game." Kari noted. She was obviously hoping he was becoming more humble. Not a chance.

"It wasn't so bad and guess what, he called me his worthy adversary. I mean the rocket practically said I'm just as good as he is." Davis said. He was glowing brighter than Kari did with the Numemon.

"Actually he said you came closer than anyone else, still that's impressive." I told him sincerely. I was happy for Davis. He was going to be the school hero until the next match at least. Maybe even to a load of other kids considering the rocket's reputation. They might have gotten creamed but no one has ever tackled Ken like that before. Davis was a good soccer player and he'd proved it today. He deserved to be happy.

"I can't believe you didn't get me his autograph!" Yolei whined. Apparently she didn't feel the same way.

"Need a pinch?" Cody asked. Please, please do Cody.

"Jeez Yolei. I'll get you one if you really want it." I said shaking my head.

"That sliding block you did was ultra-cool Davis." TK told him.

"Yeah cool." Kari agreed.

"It made my toes tingle." DemiVeemon said. Davis was so going to get a big head from this but he earned it so to bad for the rest of us.

"You know what I predict?" Davis asked. Ah, that was my line.

"You're stealing my job?" I asked faking insult.

"Sorry Saki but I betcha that Ken and I are going to be on the same championship team someday." Davis said.

"I've heard less likely predictions." I noted. It was possible considering their talent. It would be interesting to say the least. I might have actually to learn the rules at this rate.

"I think your getting ahead of yourself. Maybe you aorta try something first? How about you try scoring at least one goal against him." Tai suggested. That was Tai, a good sensible plan.

"Very funny Tai but I guess you got a point. I'll have to try that." Davis said. Everyone but Yolei who was still down in the dumps laughed.

"Give me your hand." Yolei demanded suddenly. I looked up from my usual spot in the corner where Cody and me were working on his math homework. We were going to go to the Digital World but Davis had gotten sent to the office to be praised along with the rest of the football team for there hard work. It made a change from his usual receiving warnings and detentions.

"Why?" Davis asked confused. I didn't blame him. He'd walked in the door, said a few sentences about how happy the principle was and Yolei had demanded he gave her his hand for no reason at all. I mean come on.

"I'll tell you why, because I said so." Yolei snapped.

"Huh? Here you go." Davis said extending his hand. So he got the dangerous Yolei vibe too.

"Since you shook hands with Ken if I shake hand's with you it will almost be like I'm shaking hands with him." Yolei explained. Oh so that was what this was about. Yolei reached forward but stopped before she shook hands. "Uh, oh I can't do it. It's not the same. I need to shake hands with my beloved in person." She said dramatically. I gritted my teeth slightly at her comment. Ken was not some toy like she and the rest of his fan base seemed to think.

"Oh brother." We all said.

"Just what are you doing Cody?" TK asked as we all stared at Yolei. Cody was examining the computer screen. He seemed rather disturbed what ever he was seeing.

"I can't believe it." Cody said about whatever it was.

'Your dreaming let me pinch you.' Upaamon told him. Oh great Upaamon got that line too.

"It's a control spire." Cody said looking at a single black dot well away from the others. That was weird. Ken didn't place random spires, a ridiculous amount of them yes, but not random ones.

"What's it doing there?" Kari asked noticing the field of white around it as well.

"Controlling…spiring…the usual." Gatomon answered. I rolled my eyes.

'It must have been built overnight, amazing.' Cody noted. Okay this really wasn't like Ken. He must be up to something.

"So just where is it located?" TK asked.

"I'm not quite sure, this map doesn't list the points of interest." Cody said.

"We probably should ask Izzy to fix that." I noted.

"It's the forbidden valley of no return." Upaamon said. Jeez what was it with bad guys and the names. Note to self, send Ken long email demanding explanation of the evildoer's handbook.

"Why do bad guys always name things like that?" Kari voiced my thoughts.

"It's in the job description, it's right after really stinky breath." TK replied trying to lighten the mood.

"Even if this place was called the valley of duckies and bunnies with a control spire there there's trouble." Cody said firmly.

"We've got to destroy it before it's used to control all the Digimon." TK agreed.

"Right." Kari said.

"What are we waiting for let's go Davis." TK said as we turned to face our 'leader'. He was still standing looking at Yolei with his hand extended as Yolei looked like she was struggling to figure something out.

"Are you really sure about this? Digiport open." Davis said without moving.

"Wow this valley sure looks forbidden alright." Kari noted.

"I have a bad feeling and seeing as how we get attacked when I have a good one this can't be good." I said looking at the barren rock motif of the valley.

"A few duckies and bunnies would spruce it up." Davis joked.

"Come on quit kidding around. The Digimon Emperor could be around here anywhere so stay sharp." TK said. Thank you TK.

"Let's stay together." Cody agreed.

"I think this valley is kind of quaint and homey." Yolei said. Was she looking at the same place as us?

"More like homely." Davis replied.

"Quiet you guys. We don't want the Emperor to hear us coming." Kari pointed out.

"AH!" Yolei screamed as she vanished into the ground along with Hawkmon. Oh boy.

"I bet he heard that." Kari noted.

"My gosh there gone." Gatomon stated unnecessarily.

"Whoa!" The others apart from Davis and Veemon yelled as they got sucked up to.

"Guys! Did you see that Veemon! You okay? The ground just ate our friends!" Davis exclaimed panicking.

"Maybe it'll swallow us next." Veemon said. Davis went to his knees and started to dig holes in the ground. Lalamon and Veemon looked completely confused. "I think you better call Tai to help us out." Veemon suggested.

"No way that'll take way to long." Davis told him.

"It's faster than that digging." I pointed out. Davis glared at me.

"Help me dig before we find more trouble." Davis ordered.

"More trouble has found you." The Digimon Emperor's voice came out of nowhere.

"Digimon Emperor what have you done? Where are my friends?" Davis yelled furiously.

"Your friends as you call them are here with me. Come and see for yourself if you dare." He taunted.

"Run Veemon, the ground could open up and swallow us at any second." Davis said taking off. What was I? Invisible? Ken looked at me and waved before leaving.

"I wanted to start getting more exercise but running for my life wasn't what I had in mind." Veemon said as they ran out of sight. I just stood there fuming with Lalamon stood next to me.

"Davis Motomiya you had better get your goggle head back here right now! Your running into a trap!" I yelled. I waited for a reply but nothing. I huffed and sat on the ground with my legs crossed. Lalamon hopped into the space between my legs and I checked the Digivice. I watched as Davis's signal barely stopped in range of the D-3. I sighed and took of grabbing Lalamon and charging after the signal. I stopped and felt my eyes widen at the sight of Davis bowing to the Digimon Emperor. It took one glance to realise why. He had the others dangling from a rock arch with a Deltamon standing and growling beneath them. Cody, Yolei, Kari, TK!

"No KEN!" I screamed. Davis and Veemon looked at me in shock as the Digimon Emperor removed his glasses.

"So Saki your on there side?" He demanded harshly. I felt tears in my eyes.

"Ken please stop this, you used to be kind. Please I'm begging you, let them go." I said walking over to stand beside Davis. Davis turned to look at the Emperor but he missed the slight flicker of compassion behind Ken's eyes.

"Ken? You're the Digimon Emperor?" Davis demanded.

"Of course I am. I'm surprised that Sakura didn't tell you. She's known ever since I first returned to the Digital World as the Emperor." Ken said smirking. I narrowed my eyes.

"I believed in you Ken. I didn't betray you because I honestly believed you were that nice kid from before deep inside." I told him. Please let that still be true. I know it had to be somewhere.

"That weakling vanished a long time ago." Ken retorted harshly. I was vaguely aware of the others landing behind us, and the captured clones turning into Bakemon as I gazed at Ken.

"No Ken, he's still there and I still love him." I whispered but I knew they all heard. Ken's eyes widened slightly. So there was something the great Digimon Emperor didn't know then.

"Oh Saki, you mean you've been fighting the man you loved all this time just to protect the Digital World." Kari asked compassionately putting a hand on my shoulder.

"You monster! You don't deserve Sakura's love!" Cody yelled after processing my comment. He was so furious there were tears in his eyes.

"Sakura, you listened to me obsess about Ken and didn't even mention it?" Yolei asked startled. I heard the Emperor's Digimon leave and Ken turned around. I felt my heart sink. Ken. Please don't leave me. He paused and looked at me before continuing. Wormmon looked at Veemon who nodded slowly before hurrying after Ken.

"Hey Ken don't leave the lady hanging!" Davis yelled. Ken just kept walking.

"Yeah that's just rude even for the Digimon Emperor." TK agreed. Ken went out of our sight. I couldn't stop myself. A sob escaped. I started crying hugging myself tightly. Kari held me as I sobbed. Cody put his arms around my neck trying to offer me some comfort. Davis and Yolei respectfully looked away while TK glared in the direction Ken had left.

"What happened?" Tai demanded as we went back through the portal. Kari and Yolei led me to my chair in the corner and sat me down. Budmon jumped into my lap and just cuddled up to me. Cody shadowed me the whole way.

"There was a control spire in the valley of no return. It seemed odd so we checked it out. While we were heading towards it the ground opened up and everyone but Sakura and me fell into the hole, which closed up afterwards. Then we heard the Digimon Emperor. I ran after his voice. Sakura called after me telling me it was a trap but I didn't listen I was just worried about the others. Then I saw that the Emperor had what I believed to be the others hanging above a Deltamon. I told him to let them go, he told me to beg for it. I was about to do so when Sakura ran up and screamed, 'no, Ken.'" Davis said. Tai, Matt and Izzy's faces fell.

"Ken's the Digimon Emperor!" Tai asked shocked.

"Yes." I confirmed from my seat. I didn't feel like saying more.

"Sakura you knew that and you didn't tell us?" Matt demanded.

"He's not evil, he's being controlled I know it. I travelled with Ken and Wormmon a while back, a few months after Diaboromon to be precise. He has the crest of kindness. The crests show our greatest strengths; Ken is kind. While we were travelling, something happened that caused Ken to get sick. After he got better he went home and suffered a relapse. He started to change after that but really became noticeable after his brother died. I'm sure that what ever made him sick is making him act this way." I said.

"Still why didn't you stay this before." Tai asked. I know that he was thinking they would help.

"She loves him Tai. She couldn't bring herself to betray him but she still fought to protect the Digital World." Kari said. Her voice was very soft and matter of fact. They were shocked to say the least. Then Izzy looked determined.

"Sakura I want you to tell me everything you know about Ken's illness. I'll contact Joe and see what we can come up with." Izzy said. Tai and Matt looked at him and nodded.

"You bet, we're alive because we trusted your judgement. If you say that Ken is a victim then we trust you." Tai said.

"Of course we have to be careful. Stopping him hurting Digimon has to come first." Matt added.

"Big sis, was Ken really different before?" Cody asked. I looked at him and nodded.

"Yes. He was so gentle and kind, always very bright and athletic but he used to let others beat him to make them happy. We were ten back then but I felt something different for Ken than I did for the other Digidestined. I didn't realise what it was until later and by then Ken was turning into the Digimon Emperor." I told him. I had the best friends. They were going to help me. They were really going to help me.

"Okay what happened after Sakura yelled." Tai asked returning to the previous story.

"Ken asked her if she was on our side. Sakura told him that he'd changed and asked him to let our friends go. I was confused so I said. 'Ken, you're the Digimon Emperor.' Ken then said something about how he expected Saki to tell us already. Sakura said she didn't betray him because she believed he was still the same deep inside. Ken said that that weakling was gone. Sakura told him that she didn't believe that and that she still loved him. The others arrived in time to hear that and I'm not sure what quite happened after that. I know that Ken and his Digimon left and we managed to get home." Davis finished the story. Tai nodded.

"I see. I wonder, maybe Ken cares about Sakura as well." Tai noted.

"Maybe." Matt agreed. He, cared for me as well? Then why did he leave! I wanted to scream. To vent my confused feelings out to the world but I didn't.

"But first things first. Cody, I think your plan will work now." Davis noted looking at our youngest member. He nodded squaring his shoulders.

"Let's confront Ken and get Sakura her answers." Cody said firmly sounding much older than he should.

So how many people are excited. Next episode we learn of the Emperor's responce to his secret going out. Also it's a hot battle so bring mashmellows and ice! All on the next TPOK!