Tadda! Another chapter just for you lot! This should answer any questions about the previous one. Enjoy! Thank you for everyone who's voted on the poll, please remember to vote if you haven't.
'Is something wrong? Your out early.' I noted easily my legs swinging below me. I could tell he wasn't sick just from looking at him so I wasn't worried like I might have been. Ken jumped, clearly startled by my voice, and turned looking for me. He didn't look up however making me chuckle from my spot high in the tree. He paused, catching the direction of the sound, and turned to look right at me.
'Couldn't you wait somewhere a bit safer?' He asked clearly irritated. I shrugged and hopped down landing easily beside him. I used the momentum to walk forward and kiss his cheek.
'Now where's the fun in that?' I asked grinning. He glared at me but then smiled easily.
'All right, let's go or the other's will call the good jobs.' He pointed out grasping my hand gently.
'Relax, like I said your early. They won't have even finished yet.' I told him giving him a look. He frowned and checked his watch.
'Hm, guess I was quicker than I thought.' He noted more to himself than me.
'Quicker?' I repeated surprised. He looked at me smiled.
'We had an exam so that's why I'm out so early. Since we have time why don't we go to the café nearby and get some cake?' He offered politely. I grinned and grabbed his arm.
'Yeah! Hey, I can pay for once with my own money.' I realised happily. I'd gotten my first paycheck from the TV station earlier that week much to my pleasure. It was nice to have something I'd earned for myself.
'You can, but your not going to.' Ken countered smirking. I gave him a look and opened my mouth to argue with his statement only for him to capture my mouth with his own. I was startled and didn't stop him pushing me against the tree and pinning me against it. Ken wasn't normally this forward, or this inclined to PDA's either. He pulled back and gave me a wicked smirk. 'So, do I get to pay?' He asked lightly. I could only nod needing to focus on keeping my breath steady. To my surprise I fell slightly only for Ken to catch me. 'Sakura?' He asked concerned. I just shook as I let him lower me to the ground.
'Sorry.' I whispered giving him a sad look. Even my voice was shaking, I thought dimly. Why couldn't I be stronger, his kiss shouldn't have done that to me.
'Sakura, don't be. This isn't your fault.' He said softly stoking my hair. I felt a rustle in my bag but I knew Budmon wouldn't risk coming out in a public area like this while Ken was taking care of things. I didn't respond just leaning against him more.
'Is everything alright here?' I tensed as I heard a male voice that I didn't recognise, clearly adult and very strict.
'I think so sir. My friend collapsed but she's looking better so I think it's best for me to walk her home.' Ken said politely looking at the man who walked up. The man wore a suit with a silver nametag like most teachers at the school did.
'Well, if you say so Mr Ichijouji.' The teacher said frowning but nodding. I let out a sigh as he left but didn't let the tension go.
'Sakura, it's all right. I'm here and so is Budmon and Wormmon.' Ken whispered standing and pulling me with him. I nodded and looked at him.
'Yeah, but I want to know why I collapsed like that.' I admitted frowning. Ken's faced mirrored mine, full of confusion and worry.
'I think we'd better go find Joe and Izzy.' He suggested pulling out his phone to tell Diana that we'd be late for tea, if we made it. She wasn't happy but didn't argue thinking it was Digidestined business.
'I'm glad you came straight here, collapsing like that isn't normal.' Joe noted as he held my wrist to take my pulse. Ken nodded his arm round my waist comfortingly. We were in Joe's living room and Joe was giving me a quick check up while Izzy ran some kind of scan.
'I know, she really scared me.' Ken admitted giving me a look. I gave a sheepish grin making him shake his head.
'Guys, we have a problem.' Izzy said alarmed. I felt my face pale as we turned to look at him.
'Problem?' I repeated shakily. Izzy looked at me seriously.
'The Dark Spore is draining your crests power. That's why your visions have been doing overtime and why you collapsed nearly.' Izzy explained still looking at his laptop.
'What does that mean? Is she going to lose her crest?' Joe demanded going to look at the laptop. Izzy shook his head and took a breath.
'It means she might die.' He admitted. There was silence in the room. Ken pulled me even tighter his face one of disbelief and shock. Joe was frozen clearly trying to work out just what Izzy had said. Izzy was patient waiting for someone to comment.
'I'm, going to die?' I asked my voice smaller than ever. Ken shook his head before kissing my forehead. I felt his tears land softly on my face. Joe unfroze at the words and clenched his fists.
'Not if I have anything to say about it.' He said coldly before turning to Izzy. 'How do we stop this?' He demanded urgently. Izzy frowned.
'Well, if we can remove the spore before it takes much more of her energy we might be in with a chance. The problem is that the spore's location makes removing it highly risky. There's a major artery right beside it. Your dad might be able to do something but still, this is high-risk surgery we're talking about here. It needs to be done quickly too or she'll lose so much energy she won't be able to heal afterwards. Oh, there's a risk she won't be able to use the hand again.' Izzy filled us in on the options. Ken cursed telling me just how worried he was.
'Isn't there anything else? Gennai might have something.' I said desperately. Izzy had a thoughtful look.
'There is something, Gennai mentioned it a while back but I need to check with him. Give me a minute.' Izzy said typing furiously. We were quiet letting him communicate with Gennai. Izzy sighed in relief.
'So we can use the Digi-egg as a catalyst then?' Izzy said to Gennai seeming much happier. The rest of shared confused looks.
'Yes, the energy from the Digi-Egg should support the crest's energy long enough for you to send a signal and force the spore to leave the skin. Just be ready to destroy it or it'll try to reconnect.' Gennai confirmed though the computer.
'That's great, I'll get the others and tell you once it's done.' Izzy promised before closing the window he was using to communicate with Gennai. 'Good news, we have a new plan with low risks.' Izzy said grinning. We all sighed.
'Good, now call the other's so they can get here.' Ken noted firmly.
'Actually they're currently fighting a Control Spire Digimon but they'll be here as soon as they're done. Oh Hawkmon Digivolved to Champion by the way.' Izzy filled us in. Ken nodded frowning.
'We should be there.' I noted looking at him.
'Not when your ill. Otherwise I'd agree.' Ken pointed out reasonably. I nodded sighing.
'I hate this, I hate it.' I muttered crying. Why was I so weak? Why couldn't I be strong enough to do something?
'Sakura?' Ken's tone was alarmed as he grabbed my shoulders. I looked at him sadly.
'I want to be stronger, not weak.' I admitted shaking from my sobs.
'Ken, the Spore's energy levels are rising!' Izzy shouted urgently. Ken's eyes widened.
'Oh, Sakura listen to me!' Ken started urgently making sure he had my attention. 'Listen, this isn't you. It's the spore taking control. It's feeding on your darkness and trying to use that to turn you evil, just like it did with me. You've got to fight it, please you've just got to fight it.' Ken urged shaking me slightly. Spore? The spore didn't affect me, but what had that guy said? I had a balance, if the balance shifted then it could take control. That must have happened. Something must have shifted my balance between dark and light. Maybe, maybe it was my desire to prove myself? Could that be it? Would that be enough to tip the scales? That wasn't fair! Why was I the only one not allowed to be strong! I was stick of it! They were always being so high and mighty telling me to stay back and let them handle it! Even Cody, my 'little' brother did! Talk about degrading. 'No more.' I whispered harshly narrowing my eyes. Ken gasped and stepped back like I'd burned him. I smirked.
'See you later love.' I muttered kissing his cheek and vanishing though a portal to the Digital World. I could hear them yell after me but I didn't care. Sakura Tenshi was gone, killed by her own weakness. Now it was my time to be strong.
I stopped as I came into view of the ruins. Smirking to myself I raised my Digivice. 'Awaken, Guardian of Time, Talankomon!' I ordered letting my voice run over the area. The ground began to rumble a purple light shot out of the temple. The light widened glowing brighter and brighter making it hard to look at before vanishing to reveal a woman in dark purple outfit of the Ancient Greek style with a veil that covered her face. 'I am Talankomon. Why do you summon me child?' The figure asked with a enthral voice. Her robes fluttered in the wind and I was sure her eyes were on me.
'Simple, to do this.' I said snapping my fingers. A dark spiral shot forward easily clipping onto the bare fair skinned arm. The letters glowed red and the figure froze. 'Of course I've made some improvements to Ken's design but the general idea is the same.' I noted easily walking over. I looked the powerful Digimon over. 'Who's your master?' I demanded softly smiling slightly at the feeling of being in control.
'You, Data Sovereign.' The Talankomon replied emotionlessly. I laughed clapping my hands.
'Oh yes, this is perfect!' I infused turning around. I paused and looked back at the temple. 'It'll do.' I noted after thinking. I snapped my fingers again. 'Talankomon return the temple to its former glory and create a protective barrier around it!' I commanded pointing. Talankomon raised a hand enveloping the place with a force field even as the ruins returned to their former slender and stood proudly in the desert.
'Excellent, now let's get to work.' I said walking inside. This would be easier than I thought. Now I just needed a few more things in place before I could reveal myself to the Digital World.
I sighed as I sat on the altar, which I'd turned into a cushioned seat, and looked at some of the hovering screens around me. Most showed boring views of the Digital World but one in particular showed the Digidestined searching for me. Not only was every one there, even Mimi, but they were an easy target in the mountains. I raised a hand and touched the holographic keyboard underneath another screen. 'Who to meet them?' I wondered out loud as I moved to a more lounging position. I watched as it cycled though the Digimon I'd captured and holding in the Roman Coliseum like prison/arena that was with in the temple's protective field. It stopped showing a boar like Digimon and I smiled licking my lips. 'Perfect, deal with them Boarmon!' I commanded clicking my fingers, the screen that was actually showing Boarmon's cell light up as the light in the cell flicked on. The Boarmon gave a roar as it charged out the now open cell to carry out my orders. Unlike Ken I was able to take advantage of the previously build control spires to spread my control signal. I'd also made it so they were unable to turn into Digimon anymore, just to eliminate the competition. Thanks to the time portal Talankomon set up Boarmon appeared before the Digidestined and started to attack them easily. I smiled enjoying the show as they battled valiantly. They'd win this time; it was one champion against all of their Digimon so it wasn't even that entertaining. This was merely to give them a message. No more Sakura. Now there was only the Data Sovereign. I noticed that Stingmon seemed to be doing most of the fighting and zoomed in on Ken. He had a hard look on his face as he held Lalamon. I found myself reaching to touch the image without thinking. Huh, even now I still loved him, I thought laughing silently. Well, it wouldn't do for me not to get what I wanted now would it. I pressed another button bringing up another Digimon. 'Separate Ken from the others Ninjamon! Musyamon' I commanded. I stood up not even bothering to watch the small ninja Digimon and the samurai Digimon leave. Instead I walked out into a large open courtyard and leapt onto a Unimon's back sitting sidesaddle. I rapped it easily with a riding crop and it took of giving a strong push and a whiny. I held the dark ring round its neck to steady myself as it charged of into the air. Time to pay my old friends a visit.
I hovered over the battlefield watching with sharp eyes as the Digidestined worked to deal with the Boarmon while fending of attacks from the invisible Ninjamon. Ken was being forced away from the group by Musyamon despite the other's efforts to keep him nearby. One easy way to solve that problem, I thought grimly judging the distances. 'Aerial Shocker!' I ordered quietly so they wouldn't hear. Unimon let out a neigh as he let the attack go easily. It hit the ground right where I intended making an explosion between Ken and the others. Ken was forced of the cliff but Stingmon broke of from battling Musyamon to grab him and land at the bottom of the cliff safely. Musyamon jumped down and attacked Stingmon from above but the insect Digimon dodged easily resuming the battle as Ken backed away from the Digimon. I noticed he was looking around searching for something, or someone more likely. He was a genius but Davis could probably work out it was me. I kicked Unimon holding onto the ring as he dove and landed on the ground neatly only walking a few steps. Ken met my eyes with a startled but unsurprised expression.
'Hello love, did you have a nice trip?' I asked causally. Ken clenched his fists.
'Sakura, snap out of it.' He said slowly clearly containing his anger. I dismounted easily and took a step towards him. I stopped and lent back as Musyamon was sent flying past me. Stingmon moved so he was in between Ken and me.
'You say away from him or else!' The green warrior threatened standing ready to attack.
'Stingmon, stand down!' Ken commanded his eyes wide from fear. Fear that he would attack and hurt me. I resisted the urge to smirk at the fact I had him wrapped round my little finger.
'Ken listen, that's not Sakura anymore that you were the Emperor. If knocking her out is necessary then I will.' Stingmon said firmly. I scowled. Obviously Stingmon could be a problem.
'Be quiet, Unimon!' I snapped my fingers. The winged horse took a run and leapt into the air before diving at Stingmon. Stingmon avoided the attack easily and started to slash away with his sword aiming for the ring. The battled forced Stingmon to move away from Ken and allowed me to walk up easily. Ken stepped back but I reached up and touched his cheek lightly.
'Going somewhere? I'm hurt you won't stick around when I need you.' I said making my tone plaintive and whiny. Ken gulped but he held strong stepping back and holding his Digivice.
'Sakura, please stop this. Let me help you.' He whispered his eyes sad and pleading.
'Oh, you will.' I promised smirking before I punched him in the stomach. He gasped as he fell forward and I used the chance to hit his neck and knock him out.
'Ken!' Stingmon shouted distracted. It gave Unimon the chance to spear him with his horn. The attacked forced Stingmon to de-Digivolve to Wormmon and collapse on the ground. I knelt next to Ken and turned him over so I could see his long black hair covering his face. I pushed the strands away and kissed his lips letting my hand stroke his cheek. 'Ken.' I whispered pulling back. I stood up and walked over to Wormmon picking up the bug with one hand like it was a stuffed toy. Using the other hand I managed to move Ken onto Unimon's back. I stuffed Wormmon into a bag not wanting to ring him just yet. Climbing on behind Ken I made sure he wasn't going to fall before kicking the Unimon so it took off. I glanced at the Digidestined to see they were urgently searching for their missing partner. Taking Ken's Digivice I threw it at Davis having to hold back a laugh when it hit his head and bounced into the middle of the group. I could see the panic rise when they realised what it was. They'd make up some excuse for Ken so I'd have no concerns there, if I would have. I briefly wondered what they were saying for me but brushed it off. It didn't matter after all. I already had the only things that mattered to me: power, and Ken.
Will the Digidestined save their friends? Will Sakura succeed in her evil mission? What are her plans for Ken? Find out on the next, The Possibility of Kindness!