Sorry this took so long! I've been dealing with college, sorting out my timetable for next year and getting results, and family so I'm truly sorry! But, the past few days I've had chance to get several chapters drafted so I should be able to update weekly for a while, with the possible exception of the next weekend because it's the first week back. So, enjoy this long awaited chapter. Also, major surprise coming! Tell me what you think, please.
'The crests weren't meant to be so powerful. It's dangerous.' The voice sounded panicked and alarmed, even frightened, though it seemed like it was far away, and yet close by. My mind wasn't working properly, probably because there was a dull throbbing in it, but I knew I didn't like this guy that much.
'The crests are functioning properly, you just never accounted for the power of human children.' I decided I liked this second voice better. It sounded kinder, more protective than the first. Yet still, it was like I was listening though water. It was hard to make out the words clearly. Also, it was so familiar the voice, almost like Ken, but different somehow.
'Please, human children do not have that kind of power.' The first voice snapped angrily. The tone was defensive, almost like he was unwilling to accept a mistake. I'd heard that tone plenty of times.
'Oh, human children have more power than you could ever imagine. I should know.' The second voice was amused, like it was saying a joke no one understood. I found myself wanting to know the punch line so I could laugh with him.
'Imagination, please, you've been going on about that for years looking over that last crest of yours.' The first voice countered still riled. Last crest, oh of course. Cassy would need a crest; she did have a talent for creating things.
'Enough, she's starting to wake.' The second scolded. I felt someone's shadow over me and struggled to open my eyes. I wasn't about to be left defenceless around strangers so easily. 'Easy sister, theirs no need to panic. Your safe here.' The kinder voice told me gently. Sister? I felt a light hand brush some hair away from my eyes in a soothing touch. I didn't flinch away like I'd normally do. Something told me I could trust this man. I let my eyes open slowly, wincing at the glare from the overhead lights. Instantly a hand was above my eyes shielding them. I followed the arm to see a man with a kind face and soft eyes standing beside me. He wore a white coat but underneath was a blue top and jeans, casual wear. 'Good morning Sakura, welcome to the Control Centre.' He said allowing me to place him as the second voice. He was so familiar. His eyes were just like Ken's, a bit more analytical but otherwise the same. His hair, it made me think of the emperor's hair. I felt like I was missing something obvious but I didn't have chance to continue my thoughts as the other man spoke up.
'Would you hurry this up, Cody, Izzy and Joe are worrying about her.' The first voice snapped. I looked in the direction to see a guy with iron-grey hair and a scowl who also wore a white coat, though his was over a dull shabby suit. How'd he know the others, and why those three specifically?
'You don't think Ken and Cassidy aren't? All of them are concerned.' The kind man said with a hint of warning in his tone. The way he said Ken's name startled me, it was like he was used it. The grumpy man shrugged adjusting his nametag; I couldn't see the name on it though.
'Whatever, Meg wanted to see Sakura so pick up the pace.' He said as he walked out the room haughtily. Yeah, didn't like him.
'I'm sorry about my colleague, he's just anxious because of current events. Plus we can sense our Digidestined's emotions and it's stressing him even more because he has Cody.' He paused and looked at my confused face and looked a bit sheepish. 'I promise that it'll make sense soon. Oh, I'm Sam, case you didn't realise.' He assured me with a smile. That was when it hit me, the reason I wasn't scared by this man. Sam Ichijouji, Ken's late brother. He was standing right before me in another dimension.
I felt my eyes go wide as we entered the main area of the base. It had to be the biggest room I'd ever seen. Not only was it large enough to fit the Hida's apartment building in easily it rose up so high I ended up craning my neck and still not being able to see. There was a load of balconies circling the room that had bridges leading to a glass tube elevator in the centre. The whole thing made me think of the good guys headquarters in a Sci-fi film. In a circle around the elevator, leaving breaking only to allow access to the door, were loads of huge computer machines. Sam walked over to one of the machines and pressed some buttons. On the screen three windows opened, one for three Digidestined. I could see myself in one, looking rather shocked as I stared at the screen looking at myself. Ken was sat on a log holding Wormmon while the gang waited by the cave opening around a fire, waiting for my return. Cassy was in the real world waiting in my room with my mum as they watched the computer for news. 'Cody's on this one.' The grumpy man, who name was Craig I'd discovered, said from the next computer. I looked to see Cody sat talking to SnowDromon along with Davis and Yolei though they were only visible because they were on his screen. The windows showed Joe and Izzy who looked to have fallen asleep working on my cure. 'There's screens for everyone. Yolei, Sora and Mimi are the next one and monitored by Meg, Tai, Davis and Matt are the one on the other side and the last one is TK and Kari. It's our job to look over you guys and, encourage events to help you. We can't interfere directly but we can arrange for you to meet people who can help you, like when we made your paths take you to Leomon.' Sam explained pulling out the chair and smiling as he gestured for me to sit.
'Is that why you keep this place secret?' I asked sitting in the offered seat. Sam had always been nice to me, he treated me like family with out any problem.
'One of the reasons, there's others but we have many things that we can't tell you.' Sam admitted leaning on the back of the chair watching the screens. I noticed that despite the fact he was looking out for all of us he focused on Ken's screen.
'How did you get here? Last I heard you were killed by a car crash.' I noted frowning.
'Good question; when I was hit by the car I was pushed into a portal to here. My body was a fake placed by the Controllers, that's us. They healed me and offered me a job here. They saved my life so I could hardly say no and it helps me look after Ken, you and now Cassidy.' Sam told me calmly. He still didn't look away from Ken though.
'Ken was really shaken when you died. He's been blaming himself ever since. I still can't get though to him.' I pointed out turning to look at him. Sam's face was emotionless but I could see his eyes were clouded with grief.
'I would of died, at least this way I can watch over him.' Sam whispered. I wasn't sure if I was meant to hear so I didn't respond. 'Please don't tell him, it's easier for him to believe I'm dead.' I nodded so he knew I understood.
'Here's your Digivice; we made it so your visions won't effect you so badly. It'll pass the program to the others automatically.' Craig told me passing me my Digivice. I smiled and took it.
'Thank you.' I said honestly meaning it.
'Sakura, this is Cassidy's Digivice and Crest. I know you don't want her involved but she's a Digidestined so she deserves to have them.' Sam told me passing the crest and an original style Digivice to me. I nodded and placed them in my bag. I saw a portal open beside me.
'That's your ride Sakura, get going before they freak even more.' Craig told me gesturing to it. I nodded and started to walk towards.
'Sakura, thank you.' Sam said, as I was about to go though. I paused and turned to him.
'Sam?' I asked surprised.
'Thank you for loving Ken, you protect him more than I ever could.' With those parting words he pushed me though the portal.
'Ah!' I heard a heavy intake of breath as I landed on top of someone and sent him or her to the ground. I groaned and looked only to blush. I'd landed on Ken and the way I'd landed was a rather awkward position. 'Good thing your light.' Ken noted wearily as he moved so we were sat up, me on his lap. He hugged me tightly as I met the stares and crossed arms of the Digidestined.
'Ah, hey guys.' I laughed sheepishly realising I wasn't going to get let off as easily as I normally did.
'What were you thinking running of like that? Do you have any idea how worried we've been!' Davis demanded furiously.
'Sorry, I had to go and you weren't allowed to know!' I protested whining slightly.
'Davis let her be, I'm just glad you're alright.' Ken said firmly before turning to me and giving me a smile. I smiled back glad to be back with him. 'Cause don't think your getting of lightly.' He added tapping my nose with a grin. I just smiled shyly realising I probably deserved that.
'Fine, I'm glad you're alright too.' Davis muttered shaking his head.
'Shall we go?' TK asked looking at the sky and noticing it was starting to get light out. There were several nods as we all stood up and started to head towards the TV. On the way I filled them in on events, leaving out Sam. They were relieved that the crest situation had been solved but slightly creped out that people were watching them. We headed back to the real world easily eager to both return home and introduce SnowDromon to Cassy.
'Cassidy's a Digidestined too!' Mira asked stunned as she took in the young girl playing with SnowDromon happily in front of the fire. I nodded sighing as I watched from my point on the sofa.
'Afraid so, I don't know whether to be worried or happy to be honest.' I admitted frowning as I looked at her Digivice and Crest in my hand. Sam told me she deserved them but being a Digidestined was dangerous. Surely she didn't deserve danger.
'That's the crest of imagination. It was never found by anyone but now we know why.' Budmon noted from my lap. I glanced down at my friend and nodded.
'Imagination; that could be very powerful.' Ken pointed out giving me a look. Same thing Sam said, I thought laughing in my head.
'Well we're not going to test that theory. The Digital World is to dangerous for Cassidy.' Cody said firmly from his spot by the wall watching over the two. At least I had some back up here.
'I agree, but she's a Digidestined so it's her right to go there.' I told him groaning. Truth was I couldn't see how not, at best I'd talk her into waiting till Arukenimon was dealt with.
'She's as old as we all were, or are, when we started. Kari and TK too.' Ken countered calmly. He didn't even flinch when I glared at him just meeting my gaze with a shrug.
'Yeah, and she's not as strong. She wouldn't be able to watch the fights like we can.' Cody spoke up obviously never going to condone any actions that placed Cassy in danger. Unfortunately his argument didn't work.
'I couldn't, and neither could Sakura.' Ken admitted shaking his head. Cody frowned.
'You couldn't?' He repeated confused. Ken and me shared a look. We nodded. This had been coming for a while now anyway.
'Maybe it's time we told you a little more about our past.' I suggested smiling at him.
'Cassidy, SnowDromon, Upaamon, Mira you guys should here this too.' Ken called them over. Once everyone had gathered we looked at each other trying to work out where to start.
'Guys, lets tell you the first and second Digidestined teams.' I said firmly as we got ready to start our tale. They were a good audience gasping at all the right places though Mira often looked ready to scold us when we did something reckless. By the time we'd finished Cassidy was awed by the Digital World and made sure we promised to take her when it was safer. Cody was silent but he had that look that told you he was considering everything carefully. With the tale finally finished Mira rather firmly told us all to go to bed. Cody and Cassidy were to busy yawning to argue and Ken and myself weren't much better. Making no further comments on the story we all headed to dreamland. When I woke up with nightmares Ken just held me needing no further hint.
Can a meeting with BlackWarGreymon change the fate of the Digital World? Find out on the next, The Possibility of Kindness!