Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Drifting Pieces ❯ Fear in You ( Chapter 10 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Yeaomi 
Takeru can't forget what happened in a dark hall all those years ago. Will he finally get the answers he wants? Or is it safer not to know?
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 09.19.2010 | Updated On: 09.11.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 259 | Status: Completed
Takeru can't forget what happened in a dark hall all those years ago. Will he finally get the answers he wants? Or is it safer not to know?
Anime/Manga: Digimon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Psychological | Type: Shounen-ai | Uploaded On: 09.19.2010 | Updated On: 09.11.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 259 | Status: Completed
Author’s Note:
This fic was originally partially posted at the end of 2010. Since then, I have rewritten every single chapter and done a serious edit as well as finished the story. If you have not visited since October of 2010, I recommend that you start over. It’s worth it (05/2012).
Takeru is a complex character. His relationships with the team and his outlook on life were really quite interesting and I don't think they were able to really get into it all in the show. I hope you enjoy! Please review.
Chapter 10: Fear in You
Takeru had always been sensitive to the dark. Perhaps it had originated from his first encounter with Devimon all those years ago, or perhaps there was something else behind it.
While he admitted that he wasn’t nearly as sensitive or vulnerable as Hikari was, it could still keep him up at night if he let his thoughts linger on it for too long.
After their fun in the digital world, he couldn’t help but find himself pacing in his room restlessly. He had told Daisuke to contact him if there was any trouble, and so far he hadn’t heard a peep; but that didn’t mean that Daisuke wasn’t currently up to his ears in trouble and was just being too stubborn to do anything about it.
Takeru sighed and took a seat before Patamon got dizzy from watching him pace the length of the room.
He couldn’t help but think of that first time he had really come face-to-face with the Kaiser in that dark whirlpool.
He had seen something that day that still left him sitting up at night if he thought about it too hard. In that dark empty hall, he had met a boy very much like himself that was walking on a narrow edge and slowly slipping down into the darkness without even realizing it.
Kaiser had been full of insecurities back then, desperate for approval and slowly drowning in his own deepening madness. It had been hard to see under all the flare and prestige, but alone in that dark hall Takeru had seen it all seeping out from under the mask.
Ken had taken him aside once and tried to apologize for the long faded mark that had once burned across Takeru’s cheek, but Takeru had told Ken to forget about it. He had insisted that Ken had nothing to apologize for and Ken had eventually left the matter alone. Yet thinking on it now, he doubted that Ken had simply ‘forgotten about it’.
Takeru had once tried to talk to Hikari about it, about what he had seen in the hall, but he just couldn’t seem to find the right words to explain it. In the end he had brushed it off and changed the subject, but there was a look in her eyes that was far too knowing for his liking.
When it came to Ken, Hikari had always been quiet and hesitant to comment. After her own experience in the Dark Ocean and then again when she had been taken there with Miyako and Ken, she had said that Ken was just as vulnerable to the darkness as she was. She had mentioned that there was a possibility that the darkness existed inside of them and had wondered aloud that Ken might never escape it. They hadn’t really spoken of it again.
But now… Now that he had looked into the eyes of the Kaiser again… He couldn’t help but wonder if it was the same as before. There wasn’t a cape or a whip or tinted glasses to hide behind anymore.
Once he had gotten a good look into those eyes, Takeru had realized that this wasn’t really The Kaiser anymore. This was something else. Something that was more Ken than Ken himself had seemed at times.
That thought left him feeling strange inside. Curiously, he found himself wanting to know more. To get closer to and examine this dangerous creature and maybe understand just what it was that he had seen that day.
He could still see that insecure boy that was desperate for approval and guidance somewhere behind those dark eyes. The darkness wasn’t the same swirling vortex that threatened to consume him, but this boy was still walking a very thin and slippery line.
Each time he had locked eyes with this strange new creature, he had seen a fragile sanity that was slowly slipping away and Takeru had been disturbed to see the same thing starting to creep into Ken’s eyes too.
But, there had been something else…
The memory of that first encounter rose up again and the realization hit hard. “He’s afraid of me.”
“Who’s afraid of you?” Patamon rolled over onto his back and looked up at his partner curiously.
“Kaiser.”
“He didn’t look very afraid to me, Takeru.” Patamon gave him a doubtful look.
“Remember when I sort of beat on him back in the base that first time?” He tried not to blush as he remembered tackling the Kaiser back, sitting on him, and feeling more like Yamato as he pounded the guy.
“Yeah! You were amazing!” Takeru couldn’t help but smile at his little partner.
“Well… Before that. When I was talking to him. He was afraid of me. I don’t think anyone had ever tried to talk to him before. Back then I thought it was because I had challenged him… But now… I think it was something else. Just a bit ago out in the desert it happened again. That fear is still there. He’s afraid of me.”
“I wonder what he’s afraid of. Maybe he’s afraid you’ll pound him again!”
“I doubt that.” Takeru got up and started to pace again. He couldn’t help but wonder how Daisuke was doing. Was Ken alright? Was Koushiro’s prediction true? Was Ken or Kaiser currently in the driver’s seat?
The others had all decided to go to their own homes and prepare for something that no one had any idea how to prepare for. Once Daisuke sent out the word that he had returned to the digital world, they would all meet back up. Till then, they had their own arrangements to make.
It didn’t matter how good their arrangements were in the end. There was only so long they could stay and the truth was that this was a problem that would not be solved overnight. All they could do was hope that nothing really bad happened.
How long could they hold out? How long could they hold their breath and wait in this uncertainty? What if time ran out?
“I can’t take it anymore! We’re going to meet up with them now.”
“What?” Patamon nearly fell off the bed as he rolled over and sat up too fast. “You mean in the digital world? Daisuke said he’d send out a message when he was there.”
“No. Daisuke might need help now. There’s something going on between those two and I don’t think Daisuke can handle it all by himself. I’d just feel better if I went to help them out.” He grabbed his backpack and started to shove some supplies into it hastily.
Patamon seemed to think it over for a moment. “Yeah. I have to agree with you there… But just one thing before we run off!”
Takeru paused in his search for his spare hat and looked up at his partner. “Yeah? What’s that?”
“Tell Hikari.”
Takeru swallowed and clutched at the hat tightly. Hikari had pulled him aside just before they’d returned home and pleaded with him. ‘Don’t do anything foolish, Takeru. Please… This isn’t your battle.’ He hadn’t thought that Patamon had been listening, but those big ears weren’t just for show.
Would she approve of his plan? Or would she tell him to wait just like everyone else? How could she be so patient and wait for an email that might never come?
He recalled the look on her face in the desert when Kaiser and Ken had flanked Daisuke like some sort of strange guard.
He sighed and nodded his surrender at last. “I’ll send her an email when I meet up with them. They’ll most likely be heading to the nearest public computer access. They can’t leave from Ken’s house if his parents are there.”
Patamon eyed Takeru then puffed up his cheeks in a way that clearly stated that he didn’t like that answer but he would accept it. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
---
Takeru looked up at the large menacing building that acted as Ken’s school. He’d seen pictures of it in the news many times before, but it hardly did this place any justice. Looking at it now, he suddenly felt very sorry for Ken.
He couldn’t imagine having to go here every day alone without any friends there to help him and support him. It must be very lonely…
Takeru moved to sit on a front step while hoping that he wasn’t too late. It had been a long trip in which his imagination had run rampant on him. He was half afraid that he would get an email from Daisuke before he even got to his destination. While running up to the school, he had cursed his poor planning.
Now that he was actually there, he decided to wait an hour before he’d send Daisuke an email. He didn’t want to give the impression that he didn’t trust Daisuke to take care of things on his own.
Luckily he’d only waited for about five minutes before he saw the two boys approaching the school. Takeru was about to call out to them when they suddenly stopped and seemed to be arguing.
Watching from his spot on the steps it was easy to figure out who was sitting in the driver’s seat. Ken’s posture was beyond stiff and the look on his face was anything but kind or shy.
Judging from the angry voices that carried over to Takeru, apparently Kaiser had been in charge for a while and was currently not in the best of moods.
At first look, Daisuke appeared to be gaining the upper hand until Kaiser spun around and looked ready to start practicing some of those famous Ichijouji judo moves on Daisuke’s head.
Takeru jumped up and ran over. He wanted to seem casual and not like he’d been waiting for them or watching them so he slowed as he approached and lightly called out his hello.
Both boys looked over at him in surprise. Daisuke looked more annoyed than anything, making Takeru feel like he’d just interrupted something private.
Kaiser was looking at Takeru with more than surprise. For just a moment, something deep and hidden flickered across his eyes.
Takeru didn’t have time to wonder about it for very long as Kaiser swayed dangerously and started to fall forward.
As Takeru and Daisuke both moved forward swiftly and caught him easily, a very confused and timid Ken greeted them.
Now that Ken was back in charge, it was easy to see that the child of kindness was not fairing too well. Daisuke had apparently drawn the same conclusion as he clutched at Ken far too tightly.
“I thought you two might like some company. Just in case…” Takeru offered a weak explanation for his presence, though it only seemed to further Daisuke’s annoyed look.
Daisuke sighed then helped to steady Ken, who still looked far too lost for Takeru’s liking. “I guess it is a bit much for just me, huh? Could I talk to Ken alone for a moment? I wanted to talk to him about something before we went through and… It might get a little complicated.” To Takeru’s surprise, Daisuke both looked and sounded guilty about something.
Takeru looked over at Ken, who looked pale and like he was struggling just to keep his eyes focused. It must be hard not to have control over your own body… Or to feel like you’re losing your mind…
“Yeah. I’ll be right over there if you need me.” Takeru snagged all the bags and released the hidden digimon while walking back to the steps. Wormmon clearly didn’t want to let Ken out of his sight but he followed obediently.
Takeru and the digimon watched from the steps as Daisuke and Ken walked out of ear shot and started to talk. Though, as Takeru watched, Daisuke appeared to be sputtering more than talking while Ken simply looked confused and ashamed.
A hard nudge at his side reminded him of the promise he’d made earlier. “Alright… Alright… I’ll email her.”
He pulled out his D3 and flipped it open distractedly. Starring at the screen for a moment, he realized that he was utterly at a loss for what to say. He sighed in exasperation as he hurriedly thumbed out a message.
‘Hey Hikari. I decided to go meet up with Daisuke and Ken before they headed back. We’re at his school now and about to cross through the gate. I’ll let you know when we’re all settled in. I don’t think Daisuke should do this alone. There could be trouble when they first get back.’
He paused there, looking back up at Daisuke and Ken. Daisuke was now a bright shade of pink while Ken looked horrified.
Takeru looked back down at his email quickly and furrowed his brow. Hikari was going to give him the ‘I disapprove’ look later. He sighed and quickly finished it. There was just no explaining himself. He was here because he wanted to be and not because he was needed.
‘I’ll let you know how it goes later. I think Daisuke may have had some trouble a little earlier at Ken’s place. Get the guys together and as soon as you’re all ready, we’ll met you at the base. See you soon! –Takeru.’
He sent it off and flipped the D3 closed in disgust. Oh yeah… Everything’s going juuuust great. He felt like he’d missed something big as Daisuke’s stammering apologies were now starting to reach his place on the stairs and Ken appeared to now be blushing and visibly upset.
Ken murmured something softly and Daisuke looked utterly crestfallen. A surprisingly soft word from Daisuke followed by Ken shaking his head and turning to head back towards the school with an equally soft reply.
As they approached, Takeru opened his mouth to ask if everything was alright when Hikari’s words drifted back to him. ‘This isn’t your battle.’
He closed his mouth and just watched them return with a forced smile.
Ken must have read the curious look on Takeru’s face as he bent to retrieve his bag and digimon. “Just telling me what my other half has been up to. Apparently he’s having a wonderful time.” Ken walked up the steps and into the school before anyone else could reply.
Daisuke guiltily picked up his own bag and partner, who sympathetically patted his shoulder.
Takeru slung his own bag over his shoulders and sighed as Patamon flew up to his head. They followed Ken into the large building heading towards the computer rooms.
The building was a dark and cool contrast to the bright sunny day outside. Compared to his own school, everything seemed so painstakingly perfect, clean, and orderly. There weren’t any chipper posters, flyers, or motivational posters hanging on the bulletin boards. There were only simple black and white papers that announced extra study classes, college prep classes, test schedules, and statistics on success.
Takeru felt an intense feeling of solitude wash over him as he looked around the gray halls filled with neat and orderly classrooms and a profound lack of windows.
Daisuke didn’t seem to notice as he walked purposefully down the hall, but Takeru couldn’t help but notice as Ken’s posture stiffened and his eyes focused on his goal straight ahead. His gray washed out clothes faded into the colorless background easily and it was easy to imagine the timid and tired boy being swallowed up in a sea of students all fighting to be the best.
As they entered the computer lab, and the door slid shut behind them, Ken lingered as far away from the computer monitors as he could get. An intense feeling of pity washed over Takeru as he stepped up to the other boy. “It’ll be alright. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It might be better out here…” He offered a sympathetic smile that felt forced.
Ken glanced up at Daisuke then shook his head, looking back down. “I’d rather be able to see him and know what he’s doing than be told about it later.”
Daisuke looked like he’d just been punched.
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence as Daisuke seemed about to protest or argue, his frown growing by the moment as he hashed out the possible consequences in his head. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Ken stepped up to a computer and held up his Digivice impatiently. “Digiport open!”
There was the familiar pull as they were sucked in followed by a thump as they were digitized out in the now baking hot desert sands.
Thankfully, the digital world had taken pity on the group and placed them much closer to the half buried base. Takeru was about to comment on their good fortune, eager to find the silver lining in anything, when a gasping moan of pain grabbed his attention.
He spun around to find Ken and Kaiser both kneeling side-by-side in the sand and clutching at the backs of their necks. They both seemed to phase and flicker to gray for a moment, identical looks of pain etching across their faces.
Daisuke was at Ken’s side instantly, laying a hand on his back and trying to comfort his partner. Takeru surprised himself as he was suddenly at Kaiser’s side, mirroring Daisuke’s actions.
Kaiser was gasping sharply and shuddering. “Don’t touch me… Get away from me!” He flinched as Takeru ignored him and lightly pulled the Kaiser’s hand away from the back of his neck.
A small dark glow was emitting from just over his spinal cord, slowly fading till it only resembled a light bruise. A quick glance over at Ken confirmed that he appeared to have the same mark glowing under his hand too.
The spore. Was this the cause of their troubles? Was this what Koushiro had theorized on?
The glow faded away and both boys slowly started to relax, breathing deeply in unison.
Kaiser regained his composure first as he shifted back on his heels. Before Takeru could react, a fist was suddenly connecting with his cheek and sending him sprawling back into the sand.
Ken and Daisuke starred in utter shock while Patamon growled and scrambled after his partner protectively.
Takeru simply stared up at the Kaiser, who was now standing over him and staring back down at him with wide eyes. Fear.
He slowly rubbed his cheek then smiled and got back up. “I see you’re still resorting to violence when you should be talking.”
Kaiser took a small step back, his hands trembling ever so slightly at his side. The glare faltered as he growled out, “Touch me again and I’ll show you just how violent I can be.”
Kaiser turned towards the base and headed for the large gaping hole on the side.
“Are you okay?” Takeru gave Ken a worried look.
Ken returned the look, “Are you?”
“Yeah. Not even bleeding and I doubt it will swell up or anything. I think he pulled his punch, actually…” He smiled reassuringly and tried not to wince as the smile touched the now reddened cheek. Ken packed a surprising strength behind that small frame.
Ken apparently didn’t find it all that reassuring as he got to his feet. “Let’s not leave him alone in there. Who knows what he could do.”
They followed the Kaiser and walked towards the once mighty base. While Kaiser almost seemed eager to get inside, Ken started to fall behind until Daisuke had to reach back and gently take his trembling hand. Takeru took note of how tightly Ken clung to that hand.
An image of Yamato and Taichi holding hands on the battlefield came to mind and was quickly brushed aside. His heart was twisting in odd ways at the memory and the possible implications behind why it came to mind now.
Carefully, they stepped into the base, taking a moment to adjust to the slightly slanted floor. The place was dusty with sand, smelled of smoke, and was far too dark for Takeru’s liking.
Kaiser slowly walked to a wall and slid his hand over a panel, causing the lights to flicker to life dimly. They were in a small storage room with cracked and broken containers strewn about. “Remember when we built this, Wormmon? We had so much fun planning for it…” Of all the things Takeru had expected Kaiser to say, that was not even close.
Wormmon looked just as surprised. “You were so excited. You said you based your designs off of me.” He beamed proudly for a moment at the memory.
Ken looked down at his little partner then looked away. “It was all based off of you at first, Wormmon. I… Kaiser… We definitely had a muse when designing everything.”
A thought occurred to Takeru. “Ken… How long were you in the digital world before we got here?” Ken had never really talked about his time as the Kaiser before they had been summoned to take him down. In fact, Ken never really talked about any of his time in the digital world prior to their arrival. Takeru had always had the impression that Ken had been chosen once before long ago, but he had no idea how long ago or for what purpose.
Ken looked down at Wormmon almost imploringly. Wormmon suddenly looked guilty and pretended to examine a broken container of what looked like old nails.
Kaiser shot Takeru a look of annoyance. “If my memories are to be trusted, I first arrived here around the time when you were first summoned, Takaishi. For how long, what I did, or what happened, you’d have to ask Wormmon… Or Gennai.” The bitterness was almost tangible.
Wormmon looked down sadly, “I’m not sure either… Time was different back then. It was faster than it is now. Maybe… A few years?”
Takeru could accept that answer. He remembered what felt like years taking place in mere minutes when compared to the real world. Things weren’t as nice back then as they were now.
Daisuke, who had been looking around the room piped up. “Why can’t you remember? What does it have to do with Gennai?”
Kaiser sighed in frustration. “I don’t know.” He sounded like this was not a topic that he was too pleased with. “You’d have to ask Gennai. Then again, most of my memories from that time are a little… Off.”
“What about after that? How long were you here building all of this?” Daisuke honestly sounded impressed as he leaned in to look at a control panel built into a wall.
Takeru looked around and couldn’t help but feel a little impressed too. It really was hard to imagine that Ken and Wormmon had built this thing from scratch on their own.
“…A long time.” Ken and Kaiser responded at the same time. They glanced at each other and seemed to share a thought before looking away again.
Takeru was disturbed by that answer. “You were here building all of this and preparing for world domination… And we weren’t contacted till you nearly had it all?”
Ken shrank back and Daisuke suddenly looked worried.
Kaiser was now giving Takeru an odd sort of look. “You would love that, wouldn’t you? The notion of me in here all alone building something to inflict pain and suffering on others. To simply conquer. I hate to burst your bubble, Takaishi…”
Daisuke looked from Kaiser to Takeru with more than a little alarm. He cleared his throat loudly and tried to change the subject. “Uh… So… Why don’t you show us where we’ll be staying?”
Ken was staring at the Kaiser with an almost pleading look.
“The truth is…” Kaiser’s voice was soft and full of malice.
“Kaiser.” Ken’s trembling voice spoke up sharply. “Please don’t…”
Takeru locked eyes with the Kaiser and suddenly understood what Hikari had been warning him about. ‘Don’t do anything foolish, Takeru…’
Kaiser looked over at Ken and Daisuke then let out a small disgusted sound as he moved to the door. “Perhaps later…” He hit the panel harder than necessary and the door slid open, exposing the dark and battle damaged hall. “I have work to do if I’m to make this place more than a death trap. I at least want this place to have a fully functional electric system without the threat of another nuclear meltdown.”
Kaiser disappeared into the dark, his footsteps clicking down the metal hall softly. Daisuke and Ken slowly followed, hands once more tightly clasped. Apparently their argument from earlier was forgotten and forgiven already. The digimon hurried after them, uncomfortable with being left behind in the old base.
Takeru stood alone in the dark room, taking note for the first time how much cooler it was in there than it should have been with the desert creeping in through the hole in the wall. His D3 dinged and he numbly pulled it out, flipped it open and stared down at Hikari’s short reply.
“Takeru, please be careful. Don’t let him pull you in.”
He closed the D3 and put it away. She knew what he wanted and couldn’t have. She knew the dangers that Takeru could only catch small glimpses of.
Takeru had always been sensitive to the dark.
“I’m sorry, Hikari… But I need this.” He gathered his things and slowly left the room, following Kaiser’s path.
< br> --------
Disclaimer: According to Wikipedia: Akiyoshi Hongo was the creator of the Digimon concept. Bandai, Saban Entertainment and various other entities that are not me own Digimon. I am in no way making money off of this and am strictly using the characters and world for my own fan based fiction.
Converting /tmp/phpBnEKu5 to /dev/stdout
This fic was originally partially posted at the end of 2010. Since then, I have rewritten every single chapter and done a serious edit as well as finished the story. If you have not visited since October of 2010, I recommend that you start over. It’s worth it (05/2012).
Takeru is a complex character. His relationships with the team and his outlook on life were really quite interesting and I don't think they were able to really get into it all in the show. I hope you enjoy! Please review.
Chapter 10: Fear in You
Takeru had always been sensitive to the dark. Perhaps it had originated from his first encounter with Devimon all those years ago, or perhaps there was something else behind it.
While he admitted that he wasn’t nearly as sensitive or vulnerable as Hikari was, it could still keep him up at night if he let his thoughts linger on it for too long.
After their fun in the digital world, he couldn’t help but find himself pacing in his room restlessly. He had told Daisuke to contact him if there was any trouble, and so far he hadn’t heard a peep; but that didn’t mean that Daisuke wasn’t currently up to his ears in trouble and was just being too stubborn to do anything about it.
Takeru sighed and took a seat before Patamon got dizzy from watching him pace the length of the room.
He couldn’t help but think of that first time he had really come face-to-face with the Kaiser in that dark whirlpool.
He had seen something that day that still left him sitting up at night if he thought about it too hard. In that dark empty hall, he had met a boy very much like himself that was walking on a narrow edge and slowly slipping down into the darkness without even realizing it.
Kaiser had been full of insecurities back then, desperate for approval and slowly drowning in his own deepening madness. It had been hard to see under all the flare and prestige, but alone in that dark hall Takeru had seen it all seeping out from under the mask.
Ken had taken him aside once and tried to apologize for the long faded mark that had once burned across Takeru’s cheek, but Takeru had told Ken to forget about it. He had insisted that Ken had nothing to apologize for and Ken had eventually left the matter alone. Yet thinking on it now, he doubted that Ken had simply ‘forgotten about it’.
Takeru had once tried to talk to Hikari about it, about what he had seen in the hall, but he just couldn’t seem to find the right words to explain it. In the end he had brushed it off and changed the subject, but there was a look in her eyes that was far too knowing for his liking.
When it came to Ken, Hikari had always been quiet and hesitant to comment. After her own experience in the Dark Ocean and then again when she had been taken there with Miyako and Ken, she had said that Ken was just as vulnerable to the darkness as she was. She had mentioned that there was a possibility that the darkness existed inside of them and had wondered aloud that Ken might never escape it. They hadn’t really spoken of it again.
But now… Now that he had looked into the eyes of the Kaiser again… He couldn’t help but wonder if it was the same as before. There wasn’t a cape or a whip or tinted glasses to hide behind anymore.
Once he had gotten a good look into those eyes, Takeru had realized that this wasn’t really The Kaiser anymore. This was something else. Something that was more Ken than Ken himself had seemed at times.
That thought left him feeling strange inside. Curiously, he found himself wanting to know more. To get closer to and examine this dangerous creature and maybe understand just what it was that he had seen that day.
He could still see that insecure boy that was desperate for approval and guidance somewhere behind those dark eyes. The darkness wasn’t the same swirling vortex that threatened to consume him, but this boy was still walking a very thin and slippery line.
Each time he had locked eyes with this strange new creature, he had seen a fragile sanity that was slowly slipping away and Takeru had been disturbed to see the same thing starting to creep into Ken’s eyes too.
But, there had been something else…
The memory of that first encounter rose up again and the realization hit hard. “He’s afraid of me.”
“Who’s afraid of you?” Patamon rolled over onto his back and looked up at his partner curiously.
“Kaiser.”
“He didn’t look very afraid to me, Takeru.” Patamon gave him a doubtful look.
“Remember when I sort of beat on him back in the base that first time?” He tried not to blush as he remembered tackling the Kaiser back, sitting on him, and feeling more like Yamato as he pounded the guy.
“Yeah! You were amazing!” Takeru couldn’t help but smile at his little partner.
“Well… Before that. When I was talking to him. He was afraid of me. I don’t think anyone had ever tried to talk to him before. Back then I thought it was because I had challenged him… But now… I think it was something else. Just a bit ago out in the desert it happened again. That fear is still there. He’s afraid of me.”
“I wonder what he’s afraid of. Maybe he’s afraid you’ll pound him again!”
“I doubt that.” Takeru got up and started to pace again. He couldn’t help but wonder how Daisuke was doing. Was Ken alright? Was Koushiro’s prediction true? Was Ken or Kaiser currently in the driver’s seat?
The others had all decided to go to their own homes and prepare for something that no one had any idea how to prepare for. Once Daisuke sent out the word that he had returned to the digital world, they would all meet back up. Till then, they had their own arrangements to make.
It didn’t matter how good their arrangements were in the end. There was only so long they could stay and the truth was that this was a problem that would not be solved overnight. All they could do was hope that nothing really bad happened.
How long could they hold out? How long could they hold their breath and wait in this uncertainty? What if time ran out?
“I can’t take it anymore! We’re going to meet up with them now.”
“What?” Patamon nearly fell off the bed as he rolled over and sat up too fast. “You mean in the digital world? Daisuke said he’d send out a message when he was there.”
“No. Daisuke might need help now. There’s something going on between those two and I don’t think Daisuke can handle it all by himself. I’d just feel better if I went to help them out.” He grabbed his backpack and started to shove some supplies into it hastily.
Patamon seemed to think it over for a moment. “Yeah. I have to agree with you there… But just one thing before we run off!”
Takeru paused in his search for his spare hat and looked up at his partner. “Yeah? What’s that?”
“Tell Hikari.”
Takeru swallowed and clutched at the hat tightly. Hikari had pulled him aside just before they’d returned home and pleaded with him. ‘Don’t do anything foolish, Takeru. Please… This isn’t your battle.’ He hadn’t thought that Patamon had been listening, but those big ears weren’t just for show.
Would she approve of his plan? Or would she tell him to wait just like everyone else? How could she be so patient and wait for an email that might never come?
He recalled the look on her face in the desert when Kaiser and Ken had flanked Daisuke like some sort of strange guard.
He sighed and nodded his surrender at last. “I’ll send her an email when I meet up with them. They’ll most likely be heading to the nearest public computer access. They can’t leave from Ken’s house if his parents are there.”
Patamon eyed Takeru then puffed up his cheeks in a way that clearly stated that he didn’t like that answer but he would accept it. “Promise?”
“I promise.”
---
Takeru looked up at the large menacing building that acted as Ken’s school. He’d seen pictures of it in the news many times before, but it hardly did this place any justice. Looking at it now, he suddenly felt very sorry for Ken.
He couldn’t imagine having to go here every day alone without any friends there to help him and support him. It must be very lonely…
Takeru moved to sit on a front step while hoping that he wasn’t too late. It had been a long trip in which his imagination had run rampant on him. He was half afraid that he would get an email from Daisuke before he even got to his destination. While running up to the school, he had cursed his poor planning.
Now that he was actually there, he decided to wait an hour before he’d send Daisuke an email. He didn’t want to give the impression that he didn’t trust Daisuke to take care of things on his own.
Luckily he’d only waited for about five minutes before he saw the two boys approaching the school. Takeru was about to call out to them when they suddenly stopped and seemed to be arguing.
Watching from his spot on the steps it was easy to figure out who was sitting in the driver’s seat. Ken’s posture was beyond stiff and the look on his face was anything but kind or shy.
Judging from the angry voices that carried over to Takeru, apparently Kaiser had been in charge for a while and was currently not in the best of moods.
At first look, Daisuke appeared to be gaining the upper hand until Kaiser spun around and looked ready to start practicing some of those famous Ichijouji judo moves on Daisuke’s head.
Takeru jumped up and ran over. He wanted to seem casual and not like he’d been waiting for them or watching them so he slowed as he approached and lightly called out his hello.
Both boys looked over at him in surprise. Daisuke looked more annoyed than anything, making Takeru feel like he’d just interrupted something private.
Kaiser was looking at Takeru with more than surprise. For just a moment, something deep and hidden flickered across his eyes.
Takeru didn’t have time to wonder about it for very long as Kaiser swayed dangerously and started to fall forward.
As Takeru and Daisuke both moved forward swiftly and caught him easily, a very confused and timid Ken greeted them.
Now that Ken was back in charge, it was easy to see that the child of kindness was not fairing too well. Daisuke had apparently drawn the same conclusion as he clutched at Ken far too tightly.
“I thought you two might like some company. Just in case…” Takeru offered a weak explanation for his presence, though it only seemed to further Daisuke’s annoyed look.
Daisuke sighed then helped to steady Ken, who still looked far too lost for Takeru’s liking. “I guess it is a bit much for just me, huh? Could I talk to Ken alone for a moment? I wanted to talk to him about something before we went through and… It might get a little complicated.” To Takeru’s surprise, Daisuke both looked and sounded guilty about something.
Takeru looked over at Ken, who looked pale and like he was struggling just to keep his eyes focused. It must be hard not to have control over your own body… Or to feel like you’re losing your mind…
“Yeah. I’ll be right over there if you need me.” Takeru snagged all the bags and released the hidden digimon while walking back to the steps. Wormmon clearly didn’t want to let Ken out of his sight but he followed obediently.
Takeru and the digimon watched from the steps as Daisuke and Ken walked out of ear shot and started to talk. Though, as Takeru watched, Daisuke appeared to be sputtering more than talking while Ken simply looked confused and ashamed.
A hard nudge at his side reminded him of the promise he’d made earlier. “Alright… Alright… I’ll email her.”
He pulled out his D3 and flipped it open distractedly. Starring at the screen for a moment, he realized that he was utterly at a loss for what to say. He sighed in exasperation as he hurriedly thumbed out a message.
‘Hey Hikari. I decided to go meet up with Daisuke and Ken before they headed back. We’re at his school now and about to cross through the gate. I’ll let you know when we’re all settled in. I don’t think Daisuke should do this alone. There could be trouble when they first get back.’
He paused there, looking back up at Daisuke and Ken. Daisuke was now a bright shade of pink while Ken looked horrified.
Takeru looked back down at his email quickly and furrowed his brow. Hikari was going to give him the ‘I disapprove’ look later. He sighed and quickly finished it. There was just no explaining himself. He was here because he wanted to be and not because he was needed.
‘I’ll let you know how it goes later. I think Daisuke may have had some trouble a little earlier at Ken’s place. Get the guys together and as soon as you’re all ready, we’ll met you at the base. See you soon! –Takeru.’
He sent it off and flipped the D3 closed in disgust. Oh yeah… Everything’s going juuuust great. He felt like he’d missed something big as Daisuke’s stammering apologies were now starting to reach his place on the stairs and Ken appeared to now be blushing and visibly upset.
Ken murmured something softly and Daisuke looked utterly crestfallen. A surprisingly soft word from Daisuke followed by Ken shaking his head and turning to head back towards the school with an equally soft reply.
As they approached, Takeru opened his mouth to ask if everything was alright when Hikari’s words drifted back to him. ‘This isn’t your battle.’
He closed his mouth and just watched them return with a forced smile.
Ken must have read the curious look on Takeru’s face as he bent to retrieve his bag and digimon. “Just telling me what my other half has been up to. Apparently he’s having a wonderful time.” Ken walked up the steps and into the school before anyone else could reply.
Daisuke guiltily picked up his own bag and partner, who sympathetically patted his shoulder.
Takeru slung his own bag over his shoulders and sighed as Patamon flew up to his head. They followed Ken into the large building heading towards the computer rooms.
The building was a dark and cool contrast to the bright sunny day outside. Compared to his own school, everything seemed so painstakingly perfect, clean, and orderly. There weren’t any chipper posters, flyers, or motivational posters hanging on the bulletin boards. There were only simple black and white papers that announced extra study classes, college prep classes, test schedules, and statistics on success.
Takeru felt an intense feeling of solitude wash over him as he looked around the gray halls filled with neat and orderly classrooms and a profound lack of windows.
Daisuke didn’t seem to notice as he walked purposefully down the hall, but Takeru couldn’t help but notice as Ken’s posture stiffened and his eyes focused on his goal straight ahead. His gray washed out clothes faded into the colorless background easily and it was easy to imagine the timid and tired boy being swallowed up in a sea of students all fighting to be the best.
As they entered the computer lab, and the door slid shut behind them, Ken lingered as far away from the computer monitors as he could get. An intense feeling of pity washed over Takeru as he stepped up to the other boy. “It’ll be alright. We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. It might be better out here…” He offered a sympathetic smile that felt forced.
Ken glanced up at Daisuke then shook his head, looking back down. “I’d rather be able to see him and know what he’s doing than be told about it later.”
Daisuke looked like he’d just been punched.
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence as Daisuke seemed about to protest or argue, his frown growing by the moment as he hashed out the possible consequences in his head. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Ken stepped up to a computer and held up his Digivice impatiently. “Digiport open!”
There was the familiar pull as they were sucked in followed by a thump as they were digitized out in the now baking hot desert sands.
Thankfully, the digital world had taken pity on the group and placed them much closer to the half buried base. Takeru was about to comment on their good fortune, eager to find the silver lining in anything, when a gasping moan of pain grabbed his attention.
He spun around to find Ken and Kaiser both kneeling side-by-side in the sand and clutching at the backs of their necks. They both seemed to phase and flicker to gray for a moment, identical looks of pain etching across their faces.
Daisuke was at Ken’s side instantly, laying a hand on his back and trying to comfort his partner. Takeru surprised himself as he was suddenly at Kaiser’s side, mirroring Daisuke’s actions.
Kaiser was gasping sharply and shuddering. “Don’t touch me… Get away from me!” He flinched as Takeru ignored him and lightly pulled the Kaiser’s hand away from the back of his neck.
A small dark glow was emitting from just over his spinal cord, slowly fading till it only resembled a light bruise. A quick glance over at Ken confirmed that he appeared to have the same mark glowing under his hand too.
The spore. Was this the cause of their troubles? Was this what Koushiro had theorized on?
The glow faded away and both boys slowly started to relax, breathing deeply in unison.
Kaiser regained his composure first as he shifted back on his heels. Before Takeru could react, a fist was suddenly connecting with his cheek and sending him sprawling back into the sand.
Ken and Daisuke starred in utter shock while Patamon growled and scrambled after his partner protectively.
Takeru simply stared up at the Kaiser, who was now standing over him and staring back down at him with wide eyes. Fear.
He slowly rubbed his cheek then smiled and got back up. “I see you’re still resorting to violence when you should be talking.”
Kaiser took a small step back, his hands trembling ever so slightly at his side. The glare faltered as he growled out, “Touch me again and I’ll show you just how violent I can be.”
Kaiser turned towards the base and headed for the large gaping hole on the side.
“Are you okay?” Takeru gave Ken a worried look.
Ken returned the look, “Are you?”
“Yeah. Not even bleeding and I doubt it will swell up or anything. I think he pulled his punch, actually…” He smiled reassuringly and tried not to wince as the smile touched the now reddened cheek. Ken packed a surprising strength behind that small frame.
Ken apparently didn’t find it all that reassuring as he got to his feet. “Let’s not leave him alone in there. Who knows what he could do.”
They followed the Kaiser and walked towards the once mighty base. While Kaiser almost seemed eager to get inside, Ken started to fall behind until Daisuke had to reach back and gently take his trembling hand. Takeru took note of how tightly Ken clung to that hand.
An image of Yamato and Taichi holding hands on the battlefield came to mind and was quickly brushed aside. His heart was twisting in odd ways at the memory and the possible implications behind why it came to mind now.
Carefully, they stepped into the base, taking a moment to adjust to the slightly slanted floor. The place was dusty with sand, smelled of smoke, and was far too dark for Takeru’s liking.
Kaiser slowly walked to a wall and slid his hand over a panel, causing the lights to flicker to life dimly. They were in a small storage room with cracked and broken containers strewn about. “Remember when we built this, Wormmon? We had so much fun planning for it…” Of all the things Takeru had expected Kaiser to say, that was not even close.
Wormmon looked just as surprised. “You were so excited. You said you based your designs off of me.” He beamed proudly for a moment at the memory.
Ken looked down at his little partner then looked away. “It was all based off of you at first, Wormmon. I… Kaiser… We definitely had a muse when designing everything.”
A thought occurred to Takeru. “Ken… How long were you in the digital world before we got here?” Ken had never really talked about his time as the Kaiser before they had been summoned to take him down. In fact, Ken never really talked about any of his time in the digital world prior to their arrival. Takeru had always had the impression that Ken had been chosen once before long ago, but he had no idea how long ago or for what purpose.
Ken looked down at Wormmon almost imploringly. Wormmon suddenly looked guilty and pretended to examine a broken container of what looked like old nails.
Kaiser shot Takeru a look of annoyance. “If my memories are to be trusted, I first arrived here around the time when you were first summoned, Takaishi. For how long, what I did, or what happened, you’d have to ask Wormmon… Or Gennai.” The bitterness was almost tangible.
Wormmon looked down sadly, “I’m not sure either… Time was different back then. It was faster than it is now. Maybe… A few years?”
Takeru could accept that answer. He remembered what felt like years taking place in mere minutes when compared to the real world. Things weren’t as nice back then as they were now.
Daisuke, who had been looking around the room piped up. “Why can’t you remember? What does it have to do with Gennai?”
Kaiser sighed in frustration. “I don’t know.” He sounded like this was not a topic that he was too pleased with. “You’d have to ask Gennai. Then again, most of my memories from that time are a little… Off.”
“What about after that? How long were you here building all of this?” Daisuke honestly sounded impressed as he leaned in to look at a control panel built into a wall.
Takeru looked around and couldn’t help but feel a little impressed too. It really was hard to imagine that Ken and Wormmon had built this thing from scratch on their own.
“…A long time.” Ken and Kaiser responded at the same time. They glanced at each other and seemed to share a thought before looking away again.
Takeru was disturbed by that answer. “You were here building all of this and preparing for world domination… And we weren’t contacted till you nearly had it all?”
Ken shrank back and Daisuke suddenly looked worried.
Kaiser was now giving Takeru an odd sort of look. “You would love that, wouldn’t you? The notion of me in here all alone building something to inflict pain and suffering on others. To simply conquer. I hate to burst your bubble, Takaishi…”
Daisuke looked from Kaiser to Takeru with more than a little alarm. He cleared his throat loudly and tried to change the subject. “Uh… So… Why don’t you show us where we’ll be staying?”
Ken was staring at the Kaiser with an almost pleading look.
“The truth is…” Kaiser’s voice was soft and full of malice.
“Kaiser.” Ken’s trembling voice spoke up sharply. “Please don’t…”
Takeru locked eyes with the Kaiser and suddenly understood what Hikari had been warning him about. ‘Don’t do anything foolish, Takeru…’
Kaiser looked over at Ken and Daisuke then let out a small disgusted sound as he moved to the door. “Perhaps later…” He hit the panel harder than necessary and the door slid open, exposing the dark and battle damaged hall. “I have work to do if I’m to make this place more than a death trap. I at least want this place to have a fully functional electric system without the threat of another nuclear meltdown.”
Kaiser disappeared into the dark, his footsteps clicking down the metal hall softly. Daisuke and Ken slowly followed, hands once more tightly clasped. Apparently their argument from earlier was forgotten and forgiven already. The digimon hurried after them, uncomfortable with being left behind in the old base.
Takeru stood alone in the dark room, taking note for the first time how much cooler it was in there than it should have been with the desert creeping in through the hole in the wall. His D3 dinged and he numbly pulled it out, flipped it open and stared down at Hikari’s short reply.
“Takeru, please be careful. Don’t let him pull you in.”
He closed the D3 and put it away. She knew what he wanted and couldn’t have. She knew the dangers that Takeru could only catch small glimpses of.
Takeru had always been sensitive to the dark.
“I’m sorry, Hikari… But I need this.” He gathered his things and slowly left the room, following Kaiser’s path.
< br> --------
Disclaimer: According to Wikipedia: Akiyoshi Hongo was the creator of the Digimon concept. Bandai, Saban Entertainment and various other entities that are not me own Digimon. I am in no way making money off of this and am strictly using the characters and world for my own fan based fiction.
Converting /tmp/phpBnEKu5 to /dev/stdout