DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANYTHING
Wow... A Fallen Knight beat this story on Favs and Follows. I don't know whether to be proud or annoyed.
REVIEW TIMES!
Xavier Rall: I hope I can make the wait be worthy. Though you'll have to wait a tinny bit more for him to appear.
Zero Fullbuster: Here's a new chapter, enjoy buddy!
Felipe1402XZA: It all depends on their... Potential~ and I guess we'll have to wait and see.
tCecebeec: Oh god no! ANYTHING BUT SASUKE! Not even Kurapika dude, just fucking Sasuke. I flunked here if that's what Blademon appears now. When I made him, or the idea came to me, was to have a character during Ken's Arc that could keep Killua at bay. Killua alone and without the shackles could have topple the Emperor's reign by himself! So I created Blademon so that Killua wouldn't have an easy time, and yes I make him his partner because I wanted to give him one. As for his reasons... Yeah, I hope that when I give the actual explanation it does makes sense. As for the evolutions, I'm going for the Ultimates to make the fic different from the show, and to explain the Crest of Kindness that appeared in the show (that was never explained!) As for the development... I don't know, I don't think I did anything particularly special XD
AoixAka: Yup. Clown is coming.
Wickerstein: Glad to see you again dude! Your reviews were always from the best in the first part. Yeah... The Digis and the Anomaly are going to have their hands full. And well, I already addressed the Blademon issue on the previous review. I really messed up if more than one person aren't thrilled with him...
Controlchaos: Oh thanks for the compliments. And I won't be doing the movie, since that boat already sailed. That movie happened afted the defeat of the Emperor and before Arukenimon, so I don't have any other Opportunity to adapt it. And I haven't thought of Megas for them yet, I just put Hippogriphmon because I didn't wanted to repeat Sylphymon.
The clock next to her bed marked the two in the morning. Kari took a calming breath and sat up from her bed, and turned on her lamp. Tonight was the night. They will be going to Piximon's training grounds now, to perfect their usage of Nen and even develop their own Nen abilities.
She crouched next to her bed and pulled out a backpack, full of change of clothes that she hoped would last for the four months they'll be away.
Four months... She knows that it was actually going to be four hours for the rest of the world — For both worlds. But the idea both filled her with excitement and a bit of sadness for being away from her parents and her brother for so long.
She didn't even said goodbye or something like that to them. Tai knew and offered some encouraging words before going to sleep, and their parents just wishing her a good night of sleep.
She shook her head and took a calming breath. She strapped the backpack to her back and straightened herself.
"Kari," Gatomon asked, her eyes half-open. She wasn't used to waking up so late, or early, since she usually didn't attended to the trainings, none of their partners did. "Is it time?" She asked, covering a yawn.
"Shhh," She said playfully, pulling a finger on her lips. "Yup. We only have to wait for-"
She was interrupted by a knock on the door. She smiled and turned around. He was right on time.
She opened the door to see Killua, dressed in a blue pajama that Mimi got for him all the way back when they were still fighting the Emperor, when she came to visit for her cousin's wedding and to stay for the anniversary of their adventure. He actually looked a bit... cute, on the adorable side of the spectrum she means, if she allows herself to think like thay.
"Yo," He greeted. "You guys ready?"
Kari gave a nod, gripping the straps of her backpack, while Gatomon shook the remainings drowsiness from herself and gave a secure nod to him.
"Not changing the PJs either, I see," Killua said with an amused smirk.
"Neither are you," Kari said smiled back. "When we go through the gate, our clothes will change either way."
Killua gave a nod on her head. Showing that he agreed and that he was still in PJs for the same reason. "Then I guess there's no use on sitting around anymore, is it?" He said, walking to her computer and booting it up. "Let's go."
Kari grabbed her D-3 and walked to the screen, however, before going, she browsed around the map to find the nearest location to Piximon's home. Once she did, she nodded to herself and pointed her Digivice to the screen. "Digiport Open."
And with a flash of light. The three of them were off.
The light vanished and they found themselves at the feet of the gigantic mountain that lead to Piximon's mansion, and just like they supposedly their clothes had changed into their usual ones. While Killua just arched an eyebrow, Kari felt her legs growing a bit weak at the prospect of escalating all the way to the top. "I... Hope Piximon takes us back to that hallway of his..."
"While I would discuss that this could be a good training," Kari paled at the words of the Hunter. "It would made us lose real time. Last time we climbed the stairs, Tai and the others took a whole day in doing it."
The girl gulped loudly. Even if they've been training for months now, she doubts she could climb all the way up before the dawn.
The gate behind them glowed and almost at the same time, T.K, Yolei, and Cody appeared, their partners looking half-sleep at their sides. The blonde gave them a wave and a smile. "Hey, seems you're the first ones to arrive."
"So we're waiting for Davis?" Yolei asked, stifling a yawn. "What else is new?" On her arms was Poromon instead of Hawkmon. To be expected since he became an Ultimate earlier that day.
"Are we... Climbing all the way up?" Cody asked, looking up at the mountain, his face twisted with nervousness.
"That's what I would have liked. Pi," They looked up to see Piximon fluttering down to meet them. "But time is against us, Pi. So we'll be waiting for the last of you to arrive, Pi."
"He shouldn't be taking long," Kari assured. Davis might be thickheaded sometimes, and prone to sleep in, but he knew how important this was to everyone, including himself.
"Hurry, Davith!" Demiveemon urged, sitting on the desk where the boy's computer was.
"I know, I know!" Davis said, stuffing as many shirts and shorts as he could on his backpack. He considered taking his football with him, but it just didn't fit. "Aaaand... There!" He said proudly as he managed to push one last shirt in the bag. "Done!"
"Okay!" Demiveemon cheered and booted the computer on. "Let's go!"
Davis nodded and took out his D-3 before stopping and frowning in deep thought. He fished out his D-Terminal and started typing in it.
"What'cha doing, Davith?" Demiveemon asked, tilting his head to the side.
"I just... Had an idea, okay little dude?" He said as he pressed some keys before pressing send. "Can we wait a few more minutes? I wanna see how this plays out."
Demiveemon frowned before smiling and jumping on his partner's arms. "Okay... But what did you do exactly?"
Davis gave him a winning grin. "Just an extra invitation."
As usual, sleep didn't came easy for Ken.
He laid awake, whole Minomon sleeped soundly at his side. Many things swirled on the former Emperor's head, from the events that took place on that ocean, to what the woman in red could be planning.
But more importantly, going back to that ocean reminded him of something important: The person he met there. The mysterious man.
He couldn't remember his face. He couldn't remember his name. But he remembered that he had a Digivice and that he was waiting for him on that world. He had done something to him... He was the one to unlock his aura.
'There's another Nen user out there,' He thought. 'I... I never told the guys about this because I didn't felt like I fit in with them yet... I still have my doubts but maybe... Maybe I should tell them.'
His D-Terminal beeped and he frowned. What could the others want at this hour? He reached for the small device and flipped it open to see a message from Davis.
Yo! Me and the others are taking on Piximon's offer to train. You sure you don't wanna come? We can always use some help.
—Davis M.
Ken's frown deepened a bit. He didn't wanted to go in case the woman in red, Arukenimon, tried anything again. But... She never tried anything in the middle of the might. And she was busy chasing after the enigma that was BlackWargreymon.
And... He did wanted to tell the others about this mysterious figure that could be pulling the strings behind Arukenimon and Mummymon... And himself. The one who had turned him into the Emperor.
Maybe he could use this to grow stronger too...
He closed the device and got out of bed. Grabbing his school bag and grabbing as much clothes as he could, and hastily fitting them in his bag.
This won't be like when he ran away to be in the Digital World as the Emperor. This wasn't even going to last as long for his parents to worry, and this was for a good cause.
Minomon stirred when he noticed his partner wasn't on bed anymore. "Mmm? Ken?" He mumbled.
"Minomon," Ken addressed strapping the backpack on. "Remember what Piximon offered?" Minomon nodded, still a bit sleepy. "I think I'll go with them."
"Um?" Minomon blinked. "Really?"
Ken gave a nod. "Yes. I'm sure." Minomon jumped off the bed and Ken moved to catch him. "Hey, be more careful!"
"Then I'll go with ya!" Minomon smiled. "I want to be there to help in anything you need."
Ken stared at his partner for a minute before giving him a grateful smile. "Thanks."
He grabbed his Digivice and pointed it to the screen. "Digiport Open."
They waited for a few more minutes for Davis to arrive. They felt a sense of relief when the Digiport suddenly opened and the Child of Miracles suddenly appeared from beyond the gate.
Yolei huffed and put her fists on her hips. "About time!" She snapped.
"Yeah, yeah, sorry about that," Davis said, a hand on his head to scratch his hair. "I was just... Trying something."
"Trying?" Killua asked, eyebrow raised.
"Yeah, I-" Davis started to say, before the portal suddenly opened again.
Ken appeared before the group, Wormmon in arms and a shy look on his face. "H-Hi."
"Ken!/Ichijouji!" Both Yolei and Davis expressed immediate excitement at seeing the Child of Kindness here.
"You're... Going to join us?" Cody asked unsurely. His opinion on Ken might be higher now, but it was always safe to stay cautious.
Ken gave a nod. "If that's okay with you... Even if my ability is well developed, I feel I can always improve."
"Hey, it's cool man, that's the attitude we need," Killua said with a smirk, before turning to Piximon. "We're all here."
"Very well, Pi," Piximon said before twirling his staff and encasing them on a bubble and taking them to the top of his mansion.
The bubbled bursted when they reached the doors of the Digimon's home. They opened widely to allow the entry to the Digidestined and Piximon didn't wasted time with instructions, he guide them to the same hallway he presented days ago.
The same giant door stood before them. Piximon floated in front of it. His arms folded behind his back. "Once you go through this door and it closes, there won't be turning back. Pi. The forest is extensive, and if you go south you'll find a small cabin I made for myself to be in when I use the forest to relax, Pi. It will replenish with food everyday, Pi. So don't worry about another thing aside from your training, Pi."
"Thank you again for this, Piximon," Kari said, feeling the nerves and excitement bubbling within her.
"It's all to help save our world, Pi." Piximon said, then he gave T.K and Kari a look. "Children of Light and Hope. There's something I must tell instruct the two of you."
All of the attention went to T.K and Kari, their backs suddenly straightened at being addressed by the pink Ultimate. "Since you don't possess Crest to drawn out the power of your traits, I suggest you take this time to try and unlock your full potential like your peers did five years ago, Pi."
"Full poten..." Killua's words trailed off as he connected the dots. "You mean like how Tai and the others achieved the Mega level?"
"Precisely, Pi." Piximon nodded. "You were the only ones to be unable to reach that level, Pi. So for you to be able to access the Ultimate level, and beyond without your Crests, you'll need to reach your full potential."
The two veteran exchanged looks. They knew what Piximon was talking about. He had told them the same five years ago when they faced the Dark Masters, and out of all of them T.K and Kari were the only ones who didn't reached the Mega level yet.
If they unlock said potential, they can reach their Ultimate and even Mega forms. That along with their Nen will give them an edge against their enemies.
"How do we achieve it," T.K asked. Eager to know.
"That... Is up to you to figure out, Pi!" Piximon said cheerfully, causing the two to face-fault.
Killua sighed and facepalmed. "Typical cryptic bullshit..." He sighed.
Kari recovered from her fall and gave a nervous smile. "We'll... We'll do what we can..." She said.
"Good, Pi!" He twirled his spear and the doors opened. "Now, go in. Pi!"
All of them nodded and passed through the door. It slowly closed behind them and Piximon gave a smile. "Good luck, Digidestined."
Just like outside, the forest was covered in the shroud of the night. Above them the stars gave some illumination through their path towards the cabin Piximon has promised was located on the south.
Soon one aspect of the forest became abundantly clear: It was completely empty, aside from the trees obviously. There was no other sound aside from the footsteps and the sounds of the tress rustling with the wind.
"This place is kinda creepy," Yolei said. She already had a bad experience on a forest earlier that day, she hoped she wasn't going to get a new one.
Their treck didn't lasted long. Passing by some trees, the breath was robbed from the group when they stood in the middle of a massive clearing with a wood house in the middle of it. It was a two storey tall, but otherwise... there was nothing of worth to be mentioned.
They approached the building and Killua pushed the door open. It was unlocked. The inside of the house left a lot to be desired. The living room had a dining table, and further back was the kitchen, to the side were the stairs that led to the second floor.
"This place is pretty... Empty," T.K commented.
"Considering Piximon is the only one to use it... Maybe he just builded for himself," Killua said with a shrug. "I'm gonna check the rooms."
"I'mma raide the fridge!" Armadillomon said happily and running to the kitchen.
"Wh- Wait!" Cody said, chasing after his partner to avoid he eats them out of home.
"I think I just saw a setting like this in a horror movie..." Poromon's muttered from Yolei's arms.
"Don't say stuff like that!" His partner, as well as Davis said. Their eyes wide and suddenly darting from place to place, now waiting for something to jump from the shadows.
"Yo!" Killua called, walking down the stairs. "I checked upstairs. There's... Only a bathroom and one room..." He said with a sigh.
"Oh come on!" Both Yolei and Davis threw their hands into the air—Luckily for Poromon he can float. Being on a home with siblings that hog the bathroom, they knew this was going to be a problem.
"It's not so bad," T.K tried to see the good side. "Maybe we can just... Make a schedule."
"Put a pin to that idea," Killua said, running a hand through his hair. "For now, I suggest to go up there and sleep. You guys are going to need it for when we start the new sessions."
"Sounds good," Kari nodded while covering a yawn. "I guess we can continue in the morning."
They started to make their ways upstairs, but Killua stayed down and looked waited for a moment, with a pensive look in your face. "Ken," He called. "A word please."
The boy stopped, and so did the others, caught by surprise at the sudden call. Ken had a nervous look on his face and Killua raised his hands in a placating manner. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad," He assured with a smile. "Just want to make sure of something."
His stance relaxed and he gave a nod. "Okay." The rest of the group also relaxed, and went upstairs. Ken looked down at Wormmon. "Go to the room too, this won't take long... Right?" He looked at Killua.
Killua gave a simple nod.
"Okay..." Wormmon replied, a bit unsurely. He jumped off his hands and skipped along the stairs.
Ken walked down to meet with the leader of the Digidestined. "What is it?"
"Just wanted to clarify some things," Killua said, crossing his arms while walking to the table. He leaned against it as he regarded the boy. "What techniques do you know?"
"Techniques?" Ken echoed, tilting his head. "As in Nen techniques?" He received a nod. Ken put a hand to his chin and thought over for a moment before answering slowly. "The four basic ones: Ren, Ten, Zetsu, and Hatsu. And then there's Gyo, Ryu, Shu, my namesake—Ken, In, En, and Ko?" He listed, struggling to remember.
Killua frowned and chewed the inside of his cheek. "You know how to use all of them."
"No..." Ken admitted. "En, In are a bit hard for me."
Killua snorted inwardly. En was the hardest Nen technique, for anyone. Only mutants like the Chimeras were able to master them completely, and in days no less!
"Okay," Killua nodded. "So you know the basics, and the more combat oriented techniques. I needed to know that, since the others are going to be starting from the bottom." Then he adopted a more serious look. "I suppose... It's no use asking you how you actually learned Nen, right?"
Ken tensed at the question and then looked down. His forehead wrinkling in thought. "Actually... I might have an idea..."
Killua's head shot up and his eyes widened. "Eh?!"
"Listen... When the woman in red confronted me some time ago, during the explosion of my... The Emperor's base I got a... Flashback of sorts," He tried to find the right words to communicate. Killua just looked at him patiently. "When I was a kid I... I ended in that ocean once... And there... There was a man with a Digivice."
Killua's eyes flashed with recognition. But he stayed quiet as Ken spoke.
"Then... When I received my Digivice, I ended there again. And the man was there... He did something to me... I think that man... Is response for my turn into the Emperor," He scowled and cupped his hands together. "And at the same time... Unlocked my Nen."
Killua's eyes narrowed and cupped his chin in thought. "A man..." He sighed. "Ken, if what you say it's true then this man... Might be the one behind everything."
"You know about him?" Ken asked.
"Gennai told us about something that happened years ago," Killua said. "A Digimon with a Digivice was born, a possible partner for a ninth Digidestined. But that Digimon was kidnapped, and the Digivice stolen." He looked at Ken. "When Davis and the others were chosen, it was because Izzy's Digivice sent a signal to the Digi-eggs. And yet you received your Digivice years before..."
"Because that man had a Digivice too," Ken realized. "He is the one who stole that Digimon? Why? For the Digivice?"
"I don't know... But if he turned you into the Emperor then he is the one behind Arukenimon," Killua scowled. "Tell me... Do you remember how he looked?"
"No," Ken said with a sigh. "My memory is fuzzy."
Killua sighed too. "I believe you. Was his Digivice... Small and round, like Tai's and the others'? Or did it looked like a watch?"
"Umm... Round," Ken nodded. "I remember that much... And...Why ask if it looked like a watch?"
"Right, you don't know," Killua said. "Before me, Tai, Kari and the others, there was yet another generation of Digidestined, Nen user included. I thought for a moment that maybe that man could have been part of that group, and the previous Anomaly unlocked his Nen." Then he frowned in thought. 'Although... He could be, and just wanted a more updated Digivice. Five years ago the D-3 didn't existed. The question is the same, though: Why?'
He shook his head. No use thinking about it this late. "Now we know what to ask that woman when we catch her," He pushed himself off the table. "And for that, we need to train. Now go to sleep. This talk gave us more than I thought."
"Okay," Ken said. "Glad I could help," He said as he walked towards the stairs.
"Sorry if I don't say thank you," Killua called as Ken walked up the stairs. He gave him a small smile. "I just... Don't thank my friends."
Ken stopped and looked surprised at that. Killua didn't said anything as he walked towards the door. "Tell the others to not stay awake waiting, I have some things to prepare."
Ken looked at the door with an expression full of suprise. He... He didn't expected Killua to say that. Then... A smile moved to his face. "Friends... Huh?" He shook his head and continued his way upstairs.
The sunlight filtered itself through the window of the room shared by the Digidestined. V-Mon was the first to wake up, and he scanned along the room.
The room only had one king-size bed that was decided to be left to the girls, while the boys brought their futons to sleep in. Davis, Cody and T.K were pretty close to each other on the floor, while Ken and Wormmon slept on the other corner of the room.
Overnight Poromon had evolved again, now sleeping on an oblivious Yolei's grasp.
Seeing Davis still sleeping, V-Mon decided to awaken him in the only way he knew. He raised to his feet and took a mighty jump...
"Davith!"
"UGH!"
... And then landed on Davis' chest.
The sudden commotion worked to wake everyone else. They all turned to watch the two partners, specially how Davis' eyes had buldged out and his hands were twitching.
"W-what the fuck, V-Mon?!" He wheezed.
"I always wake you up like this," V-Mon blinked as he realized what just happened.
"As Demiveemon!" Davis said pushing the blue dinosaur out of his abdomen. "Gosh, I thought that I was going to die..."
"Sorry," V-Mon said sheepishly, gaining himself a sticking eye from his partner.
The Digidestined chuckled at the small spectacle they received in their awakening, while Ken merely shook his head with amusement.
As she stopped laughing, Kari looked around. "Hey, where's Killua?"
The question made everyone look around, realizing the lack of their leader's presence.
"He did say he had things to prepare but..." Ken trailed off, not knowing exactly what the white haired boy had in mind.
They all got out of their beds and walked out of the room and down the stairs. It came as a surprise to all of them, to find twelve plates of food ready for all of them, and Killua washing what they assume is a seventh one.
"Oh, good morning guys," He said with a small wave. "And yes I made the breakfast, had it ready for a while now, for everyone."
"Err... What time is it, exactly?" Yolei couldn't help but ask. She was usually someone to wake up late, so on holidays and weekends breakfast was already lunch...
"We didn't brought watches, and this place doesn't have a clock but I'd say... Around eight to nine in the morning," Killua said. "Dig in, I'll be waiting for you outside. We're starting after you're done."
"Already?" Cody asked with wide eyes, action shared by almost all the group.
"I did warned you it was going to be taxing, didn't I?" Killua said with a more serious tone, as he walked past them. "So eat up, stretch, and meet me outside."
He closed the door behind him, leaving the Digidestined behind.
They stood in silence, processing for a moment the fact that their training was finally about to get started. Before a growl broke the silence. "Welp, you heard the boss!" Davis said, sitting down. "Time to eat!"
"Can I have your portion, Davith?" V-Mon asked.
"After that stunt?!" Davis snapped. "On your dreams pal!"
Killua was sitting on a trunk, his head resting on his hand as he waited for the others to come out. He heard their footsteps as they walked out of the house and observed as they marveled at the results of what he was up to last night.
All around the clearing, he had set different training spots to work with. Tree stumps made to use to simulate battle, piles of rocks meant to be used to practice their Ko, and there were also thick, and big tree branches laying on the floor.
"All ready?" He asked, as he sat up.
"Killua... You set up all this, last night?" T.K asked, his jaw dropping at the sight.
Killua shrugged. "With a bit of help from Godspeed, yes."
"And... You're not tired?" Kari asked, looking at him worriedly.
Another shrug from his part. "Not really, kinda used to it." He shook his head, "but enough of that. Is time to start. Everyone ready!?"
"Osu!" They all yelled, except the Digimon and Ken.
"Oh, that's a thing here, Ken," Yolei helpfully informed him.
"Oh! Um..." The boy did the same gesture the others did. "O-Osu!"
Killua chuckled. "Okay, first lesson," He said, raising his hand and just holding it there. "What do you guys see here?" He asked, showing his finger.
Everyone looked confused for a moment. "Errr... That's yer finger," Armadillomon said.
"Close, but not quite. Ken, use Gyo," He told him.
"Oh!" Ken's eyes lit up with understanding. He let his Ren out and focused it on his eyes. "That's your lighting?"
Killua smiled and nodded. He wasn't sure how Bisky did the tricks with the numbers made of Nen, so he just used In to hide the electricity on his fingers. "Correct!"
"Eh?! But I don't see a thing!" Davis complained.
Kari for her part, remembered the events when she woke up after BlackWargreymon's attack, and like Ken she let out her Ren and focused it on her eyes. This time coming out a bit easier than before. "He's right!" She said, with a small gasp.
"These are two advance techniques: Gyo, and In," Killua explained, dropping In and showing the lighting. "In is an advanced form of Zetsu, instead of completely suppressing your aura it hides it. But it can be countered easily with Gyo—A technique in which you concentrate aura in a part of your body, in this case the eyes."
Killua could see the understanding dawning on their faces. It wasn't that hard after all. Seeing this, he continued. "Using In on a fight isn't absolutely necessary, unless you're trying to trick your opponent," Like Hisoka did against Kastro. "More so since like I said, using Gyo can counter it without an issue."
He knew they weren't exactly going against other Nen users anymore. At least not on a daily basis, since they still have to deal with the mysterious man Ken mentioned. But not neither Bisky or Wing showed any interest on teaching them that particular technique. He figured it out on his own after the Chimera debacle.
"So every time I raise my finger, you better have your Gyo ready and say: lightning!" Killua said, raising his finger again... No one did a thing. "Well?!"
Everyone flinched when they realized what they had to do. Their Rens flared clumsily and they focused it on their eyes. Shouts of 'lightning!' going all around.
"Too slow!" He chided. "Twenty push ups!" He ordered. He wasn't going to force them to the insanes amounts Bisky gave them, but that didn't meant they won't go unpunished.
The group grimaced and dropped down to their stances. Ken included, but then Killua spoke up. "Ken, not you."
That surprised the group. "Eh? W-why?" He asked.
"I have something else planned to do with you," He said cryptically. "And besides, you have enough mastery of Nen."
He was not him, or Gon, but he already had the level he hopes the others will reach in these months. That didn't meant he couldn't improve, however.
"While you guys finish your push ups," He told the others as he started walking into the forest. "I'll prepare Ken for what I have in mind. And for that," He pivoted around and pointed to the group of Digimon. "I'mma need your help."
"Ours?!" They yelped.
"I didn't exactly brought you for free vacations," Killua deadpanned. "Come on follow me!"
Not knowing what to expect from this, the Digimon shrugged and followed the boy, along with Ken. Leaving the others to do their push ups.
They didn't went that far into the forest, before Killua stopped and turned to regard them. "Okay!" He clapped his hands. "Now to explain what your training is going to be."
"Why are we training too?" Patamon asked, more out of curiosity than annoyance.
"Stamina," He looked at Hawkmon and Wormmon. "Both of you specially since the Ultra Level consumes your reserves." Then he looked at Ken. "Tell me, in terms of evolution stages, how strong do you think you are?"
Ken pondered for a moment. He knew he wasn't as strong as he was when he was the Emperor, but he knew he had strength. When he started hunting the fake Digimon he acted only as a support for Stigmon to take them out, never engaging them head on.
"I think... Champion, at best," He said, nodding to himself.
Killua hummed and turned to Gatomon, then at Ken again. "Then let's put it to the test. We'll start with a one on one between you and Gatomon. Is that okay?"
They looked at each other. Ken nervously and Gatomon with a bit of a narrowed gaze, that eventually softened. The boy used to be The Emperor, an enemy, but she used to be one too. And after the events on that ocean, she decided to let it be water under the bridge. She gave him a smile. "Let's try it."
Hesitantly, Ken gave one too. "Okay."
The rest of the group moved out of the way, but Killua looked at Patamon. "Tell me how it goes, I have to check on the others."
"Okay!" He said with a nod.
Gatomon and Ken circled around each other. Ken brought up hia Ten, and Gatomon's claws glistened.
Wormmon looked at his partner in worry. "Ken..."
He received a reassuring pat on the head. "Don't worry, it's just a practice," V-Mon told him. "Everything'll be okay!"
Wormmon nodded and gave the dinosaur a grateful smile. Then he went back to see what would occur between his partner and the cat.
"I'm back!" Killua announced his return to the clearing. The Digidestined had all gone to laze around the clearing, while he was out, but as soon as he entered they all put themselves in position. "Now then, time to start the next step of training." He said, raising a finger... "Ejem?"
"Lighting!" They hastily replied, while using Gyo.
"Too slow! Ten sit ups!" He barked.
The Digidestined groaned and they all had to do the excersises while Killua waited patiently.
Once they were done, the boy lifted his fist to show to all of them. "All right, pretty much like we're practicing your Gyo with my In, now I'll show you how to counter another technique."
Killua used Ren, Ten, and Zetsu all at once and his Nen focused around his fist while the others watched. "I focused all of my Nen here," He said, showing his fist. "By using Zetsu around the rest of my body, but Ren and Ten on my fist, this technique is known as Ko. It can be used in any part of the body, not only on your Now, tell me what would happen if I attacked one of you while you have your Ten up?"
Cody raised his hand faster than the others, and Killua gave him a nod to explain himself. "You could break through our Ten, right?"
"Correct," Killua nodded. "This amount of Nen will overpower a simple layer such as Ten. So... How would you counter it?"
They were pensive for a moment, before Kari raised her hand. "By using Ko too!"
"Close, but no," Killua said. A smile forming on his face as he felt nostalgic, the memories of Greed Island on his mind. "Using Ko leaves only a part of your body shrouded with aura, while the rest is left defenseless. So if your doesn't attack the part where you're using Ko, then such an attack would have catastrophic consequences."
The image on appeared clearly on the Digidestined's mind, if they left their body defenseless and someone attacks them with Ko then their bodies will be utterly destroyed. That sent shivers to their spine.
"So, instead of using a technique to focus only on one part, lets use one where you can defend everywhere," Killua dismissed the Ko and his aura shrouded his whole body again. He tensed his muscles and let his Ren come out while covering his entire body, unlike usual when the Ren flowed more freely. The kids immediately caught on the difference. "You noticed, right? This is a technique in which you cover your body in Ren: Ken!"
Davis snorted. "That's not going to get confusing at all," He said, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, we all know it shares name with Ichijouji," Killua said dismissing his technique. "But let's not get off topic, please. Any volunteer, to show how we'll do this excersise?"
T.K raised his hand. "I'll do it."
Killua nodded and dispersed the Ken. "Good, now just let out your Ren and focus on keeping it around you. Like the first time you used Ten."
T.K nodded and got into the usual stance. His Ren bursted out and he clenched his fist and teeth. The burst of aura slowly shrouded him and kept itself around him.
"Good, now..." Killua used Ko again and brought it close to T.K's body. "Keep it steady..."
T.K nodded, not responding verbally as he tried to keep the new technique around him.
The group observed as Killua moved his fist slowly towards the blonde. Like he was doing it in slow motion. T.K raised an eyebrow. 'Why is he doing it so slow?' He wondered.
Then the fist connected and T.K was sent flying across the clearing. "AHHH!"
The others stared in shock as a punch, that carried no momentum, was able to send the Child of Hope so far away. Killua just held up his fist and a stern expression. "That was only the strength on my aura in my punch. If I added speed in it, along with my mass, it would have been way stronger—A dozen times stronger. Now, that's what the excersise will be about. You guys will try and withstand my attacks with your Ken. Until it eventually runs out. Now, T.K, come here. We'll continue until your Ken drops, that way we'll learn how long it can last in a fight."
The boy nodded as he walked towards Killua. He tensed his muscles and brought his Ken up. Killua again, tapped his Ko imbued fist against his aura, this time T.K braced himself and instead of just being send flying he skidd across the floor.
He walked towards Killua and the process was repeated over and over again until the boy let out a gasp and collapsed on all four.
Immediately, the Digidestined gathered around the blonde as he panted. Worry on their eyes.
"Are you okay, T.K?" Yolei was the one to ask.
"Y-yeah..." He said, already drenched in sweat.
"A whole minute," Killua said, nodding to himself. "Not bad."
"That's hardly something!" Davis grumbled. While inwardly, he was already plotting on trying to one up the boy.
"It is something. First time I used Ken, I only lasted two minutes. You lasted half of that, so it is impressive," Killua said. "And yes, the first time was also receiving Ko attacks, where do you think I pulled out this training regimen?" He asked, with crossed arms and closed eyes. "Now then..." He brought up his hand and formed his Ko, as a malicious smile formed on his face. "Who's next?"
The Digidestined could only gulp collectively.
The training went as well as one would expect. The Digidestined didn't lasted with Ken very long, Cody and Yolei couldn't last a minute, while Kari and Davis did managed the full rounds of Ko pushing.
They continued for a few hours, allowing them breaks in between so they could recover, hydrate, and clear their minds. And by the time they finished, the poor Digidestined were a tangled mess of sweaty children wanting to lay down and rest for hours.
'At least I know with what I work with,' If they keep up like this then maybe, just maybe, they can move on sparring with Ryu by the start of the next month. "That reminds me that after lunch, we will move on with Shu..." He mused as he walked into the part of the forest where he left Ken.
What he encountered was quite not what he left behind.
"V-Punch!" V-Mon threw a punch towards Ken, who sidestepped to dodge and delivered a small karate chop to the dino's back that sent him to the ground.
"Diamond Shell!" Armadillomon curled on himself and rolled towards the boy. Ken jumped over, but in a surprising turn of events Armadillomon bounced against a tree and back at the boy.
Ken noticed and this time, he used Ryu to focus Nen on his left foot and kick the Digimon like a football. The kick sent Armadillomon flying through the air, and Ken spread his arms to catch him. "Are you okay?"
"That was fun," The yellow Digimon chuckled as Ken put him down.
Hawkmon jumped from a tree and took the feather from his head. "Sharp Feather!" Ken merely moved out of the way, and the feather stabbed itself on the floor. "Tch, I missed."
"Sorry," Ken said, with a shrug and a smile.
Patamon and Wormmon watched this small spar with star-eyed stares, while Gatomon seemed to be sulking.
"So," Killua asked as he walked to them. "Mind filling me in?"
"I lost," Gatomon sulked. "And since we didn't knew when you'd come back, they decided to continue with Ken's spar."
Killua quirked an eyebrow. "How did you lose, exactly?"
Her fur turned red and she grumbled. "See..."
The cat and the boy faced against one another, while the rest of the Digidestined watched from the sidelines.
Ken summoned his book and Gatomon took her chance to make the first move. She jumped at him and reared her fist back to use her special move. "Neko Punch!"
Ken brought kept his book on one hand while he brought his free forearm to block the attack. He skidded on his feet, and Gatomon continued on her assault. "Cat's eye beam."
Twin beams of energy were shot towards the boy, who dodge by jumping out of the way and opening his book. He teared out the chosen page and it morphed into a pair of tonfas. Gatomon pounced at him with another Neko Punch, but this time Ken was prepared and parried the punch with his tonfas. He twirled them around to use the long impact zone and started thrusting them at the cat. Gatomon went into the defensive, blocking or dodging the strikes.
Ken decided to go for a different approach. He jumped back and dispelled his tonfas and his book appeared again. He teared the page and the electric baton he used against the slimy Blossomon formed on his hands.
Gatomon noticed the change on weaponry and decided to keep her distance. Her magic ring glowed as well as her eyes, and she started firing Cat's eye beams at the boy. Ken moved around the field, making sure to stay away from the onlookers. He zigzagged across the battlefield until he decided to throw his stick at Gatomon.
The cat was taken back by his action and moved out of the weapon's way. It vanished into thin air, and she realized Ken will go for his next weapon. She turned around only for two cords to dig connect with her body. "Eh?"
Her eyes trailed to see Ken holding a taser on his hands. "Oh... Son of a bit-" Ken pressed the button and electricity ran across her.
"When I came to be, the others were now sparring like it was a game," Gatomon said. "So yeah, that happened..."
Killua couldn't help the amused smile on his face. "At least you did your best!" He said in a false, cheering tone.
"Don't patronize me," Gatomon continued to sulk.
Killua turned back to watch the practice with a thoughtful expression. 'Ken's ability allows him to adapt fast. When he realized a close combat approach wasn't good, due to Gatomon's size making her a hard target to hit, he switched to long range. And choosed a non-lethal weapon too. Guess I'll have to think of something else for him then.' He clapped his hands to call the attention of the spar. "Hey guys!"
They stopped their little play, and turned to the white haired boy. "Oh. Back already?" Ken asked. "You didn't left that long ago."
"The training went as well as expected when I introduced him to Nen's Ken," He called it that way to clarify, and not confuse it with the boy's name. "So we are going to have lunch. Then we'll move on the other part of the training. Now, Gatomon already told me about your spar together."
"Yeah, I had problems at first but... I think it went well," Ken said. "Though, I think I only won due to her size... No offense," He told the cat.
"None taken," Gatomon waved it off.
"I noticed the same," Killua said. "That's why to continue your part of training, you will be having different opponent's now: Gatomon will continue on be part of your spars, as well as... Stigmon."
"Huh?!" Wormmon yelped in surprise. "M-me?!"
"Now you'll be facing both sides of the spectrum. Big opponents and giant ones. And considering our obstacles lean towards the latter, that's for the best," Killua explained. He turned to Gatomon. "And while you lost in the spar, I doubt you'll fall for the same trick twice. So, are you up for it."
She didn't even seemed to consider it before giving her answer, "Sure!"
"Are you up for it, Ken?" Killua asked.
"Ye- I-I mean... Osu," He said with a smile. He turned to his partner. "Are you?"
"I..." He seemed conflicted about it for a moment. Then he gave a nod. "If it is to help you, then I will."
"That's settled. Let's get back and grab some grub. Afterwards you guys can start," Killua told them. Then he turned to the four Rookies. "As for you..."
"Err... What?" V-Mon asked nervously, seeing the sudden attention.
"These next months aren't going to be free vacations," Killua said. "You guys are training too, remember? And what you just did with Ken was basically a game," Then he grinned, and there was an evil glint on his eyes. "But don't worry... I think I have an idea."
The Digimon could only gulp collectively.
Ken was used to feel like the odd one out of the Digidestined. His actions in the past as the Emperor causing him to have a hard time feeling like he belongs to the group, despite the efforts on some of them.
Now, he was feeling like the odd one... But for entirely different reasons. While he is sure he looks perfectly rested, with only some spots of sweat gathered around his clothes after the small spars with the Digimon, the others all looked like they've gone through the grinder.
"I take learning to use Nen's Ken wasn't so easy?" The former Emperor didn't remembered much of his Nen training, but he didn't remember ever being in a state like this.
"Is not only that," Davis muttered as he poke on the food. "Sparky over there kept hitting us over and over with that 'Ka' stuff."
"Ko, Davis. Ko," Killua corrected as he eat.
"Whatever."
"I see..." Ken said with a small sweatdrop. Suddenly relieved his current training wasn't as hard as theirs.
Killua set his utensils down and crosses his arms. "Now then, before we move to the next training, I need to ask something to all of you. Have you all thought on what your Nen abilities will be?"
The question gave everyone a pause. They exchanged uncertain looks between themselves, and that was all the answer Killua needed.
"It seems not," He said with a sigh. "While we continue this training, you guys have to think and develop the kind of ability you want. Word of advice though: Don't try to copy mine or Ken's ability."
"Why not?" Kari asked with a head tilt.
"Remember that Nen is the use of your aura, basically your soul," Killua explained. "So you have to develop an ability of your own, one that matches your way of thinking or of fighting. While it is theorically possible to copy an ability, it won't be as effective. Also, try an ability that doesn't become a problem in the long run," Killua said.
"And... How exactly do we use an ability?" T.K asked.
"Just use Hatsu," Killua said. "Activate your aura and give it form according to what you want to make: Enhancing it, transforming it. When I use my lighting I think on how it behaves so my aura replicates it."
"It's similar with how I use my book," Ken added his two cents. "I just think about the book and its contents and give it form."
The information sank in the Digidestined minds. If the way they frowned in deep thought was an indication.
Killua stretched and got up his chair. "I think this is a good time as any to talk about the Nen Conditions."
"Conditions?" Cody echoed.
"Any user can put certain conditions to use their ability. The more severe the condition, the more effective the ability," Killua explained. "For example, let's say you want to give a super strong punch! Well you can do it, as long as you charge that attack for a few minutes."
"I think I get it..." Yolei mumbled. "We can make our abilities stronger by giving them limitations in a sense. A high risk, high pay scenario, right?"
"Bingo!" Killua said with a grin and raising a finger, stealing the girl's catch phrase. Then he waited for a few moments. "Ejem...?"
"Lighting..." They said sheepishly, realizing they missed the chance.
"Ten this time," Killua told the five students. Who left their seats and started doing push ups. "But yeah, that's pretty much it. For example I can use lighting, as long as I keep certain reserves."
"Or me... I can summon any weapon from my book, as long as it has a drawing and description in it, and it can only be one at the time," He explained.
"Of course, Conditions aren't always necessary," Killua explained. "They are just an addition. You can develop an ability without them."
"I'm still having problems understanding that," Davis said, pushing himself off the ground. "But the gist of it is... That we can start working on our powers?"
"Yes, Davis," Killua said with a small eye-roll. "Now finish eating and we can start the next part of training."
"Osu!"
As they sat down. Cody looked at Ken for a moment before frowning a bit. 'Ken and I are Conjurers... Should I ask him for advice...?'
He wasn't the only one with those thoughts.
'I can make my aura become stronger as an Enhancer,' Kari thought. 'But there must be a way for it to reach a new peak...' She thought.
'What can I manipulate with exactitude?' T.K thought. 'With what should I work?'
'What can I turn my aura into?' Yolei thought. 'Not lightning... That's Killua's thing. But what else?'
'According to sparky, I can basics shoot my aura like fireballs,' Davis thought. 'But how should I do it...'
Killua noticed how their faces were furrowing in thought and inwardly smiled. 'Good. They're already thinking on what to do... At least they're not steaming off their ears...' He added, remembering Gon's hard time in thinking of his technique.
After eating and taking a break. The group found themselves in front of the forest, with the pile of branches Killua has collected the night prior. "Okay, now the next Nen technique we'll be covering is this," Killua said as he picked a branch.
He focused his aura and the branch was soon enveloped by it. "This... Is called Shu, the shrouding technique!" He explained. "It's not as complicated as Ken, but it helps on building control on your aura." Everyone nodded at his explanation. "Now pick up a branch and try to do the same."
They did as they were told and picked a piece of wood. They closed their eyes and allowed their aura to flow through the object. They watched with fascination as their aura seemed to extend across the object.
"Your task is simple. Use those branches to take down the trees, make it as far as you can into the forest, and then when it starts to get dark, come back here," Killua instructed, pointing at the forest.
"You want us to take out the trees?! With theses?!" Davis asked, while waving his branch around. They were thick yes, but the boy doubts they can take out a tree with them.
Killua just walked to one of the trees, and like a woodcutter he slammed his branch on the tree. The trunk shattered upon impact and the tree toppled over. "Timber!" Killua yelled as the tree fell.
He turned to see the dumbfounded expressions on the Digidestined. He dropped his branch and walked away. "Okay, going to check on Ken, see ya by dinner."
The silence hung up with the Digidestined, before Davis' finally sighed. "I don't know why I'm still surprised by this."
Kari gripped her branch with determination and walked forward. "Then let's start!" She reared her branch back. "Timber!"
Ken, Gatomon and Wormmon were waiting for him on another clearing, away from the house so they can spar freely.
"Okay, ready to start here?" Killua asked, clapping his hands.
Ken extended his hand and summoned his book. "Osu!"
Gatomon sharpened the claws of her gloves. "Osu."
"O-Osu..." Wormmon seemed the lest prepared of them all.
"Wormmon," It was Ken who spoke. "Please, don't hold back when you evolve. I need you to give your all, okay?" He asked with a smile.
Wormmon nodded a bit unsure at first. Before nodding with conviction. "Okay!"
Ken brought out his Digivice, but that's when Killua spoke up. "Ken?" He called.
"Oh yeah?" The boy asked.
"I've been meaning to ask... When you met Wormmon... Did you received a Digi-egg? As in... One that causes the Armor Evolution," Killua asked, scratching the back of his head.
Both Ken and Wormmon grimaced.
"What?" Gatomon questioned.
"I... I don't like that form..." Wormmon said, with a light blush
"After we started taking out towers we used it once..."
Ken said. "And like Wormmon said... For him it's kind embarrassing."
"... At first you had my curiosity..." Killua smirked, and everyone present swears they saw a cat tail wagging behind him. "Now you have my attention. Show it!"
"Errr..."
"It can be that bad," Gatomon reassured.
Both partners of Kindness shared a look, before Wormmon sighed. "Do it fast..."
Ken gave him an apologetic smile. "Wormmon... Digimental Up!"
"Wormmon Armor Digivolves to..." Like any other Armor Evolution, the egg broke and covered Wormmon's body. But pretty much like Shurimon, it completely changed the body of the Digimon. It left behind any resemblance to a bug and instead it resembled a mamal, with the armor covering his hands, feet and head. "Pucchiemon!"
What stood before Killua and Gatomon... Was an adorable, bipedal bunny.
Killua's lips wobbled as he tried to contain his laughter, while Gatomon gave him a genuine smile. "Hey, it's not so bad you look-"
"-Adorable?" Pucchiemon sighed.
"Y-Yes?" Gatomon said in surprise.
"After seeing the forms you guys take with the Armor Evolution, this isn't that great," Pucchiemon said, slumping down. "I can't fly, swim, or run super fast. That's why I prefer evolving in Stigmon. The only difference is that I'm more-"
"Adorable?"
"Ken!" Pucchiemon gave his partner a betrayed look.
"Sorry," Ken said, trying to hide his smile. "But you are..."
"Please turn me back. Stigmon is cooler and can fly, and evolve to JewelBeemon," The bunny begged.
"I agree with him," Killua said, still trying to contain his amusement. "Remember that these spars are so you can adapt to two types of rivals."
"Right," Ken said, taking out his Digivice again, much to Pucchiemon's relief.
Flashes of lights later, and Stigmon hovered above the them. "Much better!" He said.
"Now, you guys are going to spar until you feel you can't take it anymore. Then you take a break, and then go at it again," Killua said. "It sounds harsh, and it is, but then again the others aren't on a road of roses either."
"It's fine," Ken said with a nod.
"Good," Killua said. "Now I'll be going to the Rookies, and then I'll have to prepare my only way of training. When I come back, I want to learn how'd it go." He said, while walking away.
The boy walked to one extreme of the clearing, while the two Digimon stood on the other. Ken teared a page and got ready to start.
Killua's final stop was at a lake near the house where the Rookies were all expecting him.
He stood in front of them like a drill sergeant, hands folded behind his back. "Atten...hut!" He called.
The four Rookies salutated.
"While your partners and friends are busy training, you guys are going to prepare yourself for the most important part of this months of training!" Killua said.
"Which would be...?" Patamon inquired, flapping around.
"Simple," Killua said. "You guys are merely going to spar against each other to grow stronger. Because by the time the four months end... You guys are going to face your own partners."
The silence that fell on the clearing was almost deafening.
"WHAT?!" The four exclaimed.
'There it is...' Killua said with an eye-roll. "You heard me." His gaze became more stern. "Currently Ken can stand to a Champion, and I stand to a Mega. Realistically speaking, if we stick to the plan, and everything goes smoothly, then by the end of all this the guys should stand where Ken stands now: Against a Champion. It's not much, but it's better than nothing."
Killua noticed that his friends were all fast learners when it came to Nen. But nowhere near him or Gon. Not to mention they didn't had prior training aside from the sports the boys practiced. So, if they keep advancing at this rate, they can stand to an Champion individually, and to an Ultimate as a group.
If he wants to reafirm these thoughts then he will obviously will have to test them. And so, he has to prepare the Digimon to fight against them as a final rite of passage. A graduation of sorts. And like every graduation, first they'll have to pass all of the tests first. Dominate the advanced techniques, and develop their Hatsu.
'Of course I can't keep them from fighting once we're out of here,' He reminded himself. 'But it would help so they don't charge recklessly now that they'll have more advanced techniques.'
"Of course I'm not asking you to severly hurt them," Killua reassured the still worried Digimon. "Just spar with them, see if they're equal to you in the form that's more of your liking. Be it an Armor Evolution or your Champion Forms."
He will obviously prepare the Digidestined for this. In case they decide to use their Champion Forms.
"You're in?" Killua finally asked.
The group of Rookies hundled together and whispered amongst themselves. A secret Rookie meeting. They finally broke out and V-Mon gave him a thumbs up. "Ya can count on us!"
Killua smiled and clapped his hands. "Great! Now... Ten laps around the lake! And no flying!"
"Augh!"
Killua walked into the clearing where the house was in and took a deep breath. He let out his aura and gripped the bandages in his hands.
Memories of his fight with BlackWargreymon, as well as his different clashes with Blademon came to mind.
'I have to prepare too...' He unveiled the bandages. A week might not have passed yet, but his hands were starting to look better. 'Hmm, Babamon sure knows her thing,' He mused.
Slowly he let the bandages fell. He clenched and unclenched his hands. They were still feeling a bit numb, but from experience, he knows they'll be fine as long as he doesn't strain them.
'Now then... Time to practice,' Killua smirked as he focused Nen on his hands and pictured the image on his head. Two yo-yos formed on the palm of his hands and Killua gripped them tightly.
He opened his eyes and now in front of him stood BlackWargreymon. Killua narrowed his eyes and threw the yo-yo at him, the monster dodged it and charged. Killua jumped over his head and kicked the back of it before landing. BlackWargreymon turned only to receive a yo-yo to the face.
Killua was picturing how fighting against this enemy with his yo-yos while be like. It was a way to prepare himself and get used to using his Conjuring technique.
'Next time... It'll be different!' He declared and charged again.
Night fell, and just like accorded the group reunited in the house to have dinner, a bath on the lakes, and a nice night of sleep.
The Digidestined, Ken included, were full of spots of dirt and scratches. The Child of Kindness also had some bruises, results of his sparring.
The Digidestined also had bruises around their bodies, results of their own training session.
"I can't wait to hit the bed..." Yolei groaned as she put her plate aside.
"At least you have a bed. We sleep on the futons," Davis groaned, his form slumped down.
"Enough complaining," Killua said, grabbing the plates and walking to the sink. "You wanna rest? Go. We're over today, anyways." Afterwards he inwardly added. 'Well... Almost,' He thought, looking at two of his friends in specific.
As everyone got ready to head upstairs to call it a day, on what's going to be infernal four months. Killua spoke. "T.K, Kari, I know you guys must be tired, but could you grab your Digivices and meet me outside?"
"Why for?" T.K said, in a tone that indicated his tiredness. Kari wasn't so vocal about it, but one could see the small grimace in her face.
"For Piximon's other task," He reminded them. "See if we can make some advance with it."
Their eyes lit with recognition. They still needed to try out if they could trigger their traits without a Crest.
They stood on the backyards of the house, sitting with crossed legs like meditation. Their Digivices sitting on the other side.
"So... How do we start?"
"YOU DON'T KNOW?!" Both Digidestined face-faulted.
"Hey! I don't have a Digivice, much less a Crest! I don't know how that's supposed to work!" Killua defended himself.
T.K recovered and gave a sigh. "Kari, you actually made Gatomon evolve twice now, right?" He asked the girl, who gave a nod. "Do you remember how'd you do it?"
"Well... Both times were in... That world," She grimaced a bit at the reminder, but shook her head. She wasn't going to let it affect her anymore. "I don't know, I guess I just... Wanted to help. Killua was a weird Airdramon, and then everyone was fighting the Tower-Blossomon. I wanted to help."
At that, T.K smacked his fist in his open palm. "Right! How could I forget!"
"About what?" Killua asked.
"Five years ago, during our last battle against Apocalymon, when they turned us into data, my brother and Tai said that all of us have a bit of each trait in us," T.K explained.
Killua grimaced. Remembering how his friends literally vanished in front of him, while he fought the mad Digimon. He shook his head lightly and focused on T.K's words. "So... If you guys think of giving hope and light, your traits shine?" He grimaced and facepalmed. "That sounds so cheesy!"
The two Digidestined chuckled at his reaction, before Kari looked down at her hands. "I can try," She said.
"Wait!" Killua said, suddenly sitting up. "Be right back!" He said, running into the house, and leaving the two behind, dumbfounded.
True to his word, Killua wasn't gone for even a minute before he brought back a cup of water with a leaf.
"A divination test?" Kari mumbled. "You think...?"
"If her Crest glows, she can be an Specialist?" T.K finished.
"It's the only thing it cames to mind that causes such a reaction," Killua said. Then he turned to Kari. "Are you willing to try?" He questioned.
The girl nodded. This was her trait, a part of herself, and if it helps with her Nen abilities all the better.
She took a deep breath, her Ten came out and she put her hands around the cup. Her Hatsu activated and the water started overflowing. The two boys watching expectantly.
'The light...' She thought. 'That light that helped Gatomon save Killua and Odaiba from Myotismon, that granted my brother and Agumon the ability to evolve. That helped us on that world... Please shine.'
She felt something warm on her chest. And a glow impacted against her eyelids. She opened her eyes and saw that the water was glowing.
"It's working!" T.K cheered.
Kari smiled. She was making her trait glow, and was able to use the Nen of an specialist! She looked up to see Killua's reaction, only to notice he was staring at something else. "K-Killua?"
"Guys... Check that out," He said, pointing to Kari's side.
The two did, with Kari slowly stopping her glow and flow of Nen. They observed the girl's Digivice was beeping rapidly before it slowly died down.
"What... Was that?" T.K wondered.
"... Kari, Ten," Killua said as his eyes widened. "You too, T.K."
They nodded and allowed their Ten to shroud their bodies. As they did, their Digivices came to life. They let out
"Now Ren, then Ken," Killua said, not tearing his eyes from the devices.
The two took deep breaths and did as they were told. They let out their Ren and then forced it around their bodies to form Ken.
The Digivices immediately beeped up rapidly. Almost in synch with the usage of their techniques.
Killua teared his gaze away from the gizmos and looked back at their friends. "Drop it."
They did, hunching down due to the strain. "Okay... What happened?" Kari asked, panting slightly.
"I don't know..." Killua ran a hand through his hair. "We were so focused on training before that we didn't noticed but... Your Digivices react every time you use Nen."
"Why?" T.K asked, trying to regain his breath.
Killua's eyes narrowed in thought. 'Could it be... That the Digivices are helping them? On their growth as Nen users?' He looked at the gizmos. 'The Digivice is a link between a Digimon and they, the Digidestined. Their feelings help their partners evolve. So the only connection I can make is that the Digivice noticed the change, the Anomaly, and is fomenting it. And if that's the case...'
He knew he had to give an answer to them, and so he turned to the two. "We can only speculate for now, but I don't think it's anything bad. We can continue testing it tomorrow, and then ask Gennai about it."
"So... Are we done for now?" Kari asked.
Killua smiled. "Yeah. We have a lead on how to use your trait, and tomorrow we can try with yours, T.K," Said boy smiled at the idea. "But now you earned some rest."
"You too," Kari said, putting her hands on her hips and giving him a light glare. "You didn't slept last night, remember?"
"Right, right," Killua said, waving her off.
"I'm being serious!" She snapped.
"Oh come on, don't start fighting, it's too late," T.K said, pocketing his Digivice. "Let's get in."
Kari sighed and dropped that glare in Killua's direction. "You're right, T.K." She looked sternly at Killua. "You better come rest though."
"I heard ya the first time, I'll be there," Killua said scratching her head. 'Geez do all girls become bossy at some point?' He thought inwardly. 'I prefer it when she smileeeee- Nope, not having those thoughts right now.'
As Kari walked away she had similar thoughts. 'He really has to look more after himself. He might be strong, reliable and cute but he is can be too stubborn some times... Wait... Cute?' She flushed a bit at that stray thought. 'Where did that came from?'
"You okay there, Kari?" T.K asked, noticing her flushing.
"Uh... Yeah, yes!" She said, hurrying the pace back to the house. T.K merely shrugged and followed.
After getting rid of those weird thoughts, Killua focused on this new discovery.
He clenched his fist. 'We can do it!' He turned around and walked to the cabin. 'In four months, they'll be ready!'
"... Kill me... This chapter was so hard to make! I wanted to wrap this on one chapter, but it was turning out to be sooooo long!"
"I hope I can finish on the next..."
"And I also hope the Digivice explanation is enough to explain the children's advance on Nen. Because I think this is a bit of a stretch."
"Fav and Review!"