Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ In Sickness and In Health ❯ Challenge ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimers: I do not own Digimon Adventures or the characters. But this plot is mine.

In Sickness and In Health

Chapter 2 - Challenge

The forest grew darker and darker as they pressed forward. Ken sensed the foul smell of demon around them. He did not wish to worry the others who could not sense it for it was not going to harm any of them if it wanted to live. It was a small lesser demon that's only goal was trickery. Inside Daisuke's mind he knew things would get worse and worse. Their steps were quick and sure as they purged deep into Torugorn Forest. And with his right hand on his sword's hilt and the other holding Daisuke's the continued toward the kingdom of Valangard.

Mimi twirled her hair around her index finger. She wondered how long it had been since they had had some rest. She wasn't really one for adventure. She stared at the one reason she came on this journey. Her love was true and pure. The way she eyed the person was preditary. Licking her lips, she glanced over the lithe frame and slid her eyes over the shiney hair. Mimi wanted to reach out and stroke it, feel its silkiness between her fingers. This was impossible though. Miyako was so out of her reach. Or so she thought.

Miyako's foot falls were smooth and well placed, all except for the last one. Her heel landing on a round and gray rock, she started falling backwards. Miyako landed but not on the ground. Mimi let out and 'omph' and her arms shot out to grip the girl who's head just knocked into her chest. Miyako blushed furiously and quickly stood upright.

"I'm so sorry Miss Tachikawa. Please forgive my clumsiness," Miyako bowed.

"Please Miyako, my name is Mimi and there is no need for gratitude. We are companions here, are we not? It is only natural for one to look out for the well being of another."

"Only natural, you say, Mimi?" Miyako sighed.

Ken did not stop to wait for anyone to catch up. He held onto Daisuke's hand tighter and tighter. They were getting deeper into Torugorn where no light could be seen. The evil presence around them signaled many demons watching them. The foul stenches meant that those demons and monsters were close enough to breath on them. Yet, in the vast darkness of the forest, they could not see a single on of them. The Shinto priest did not know what was keeping these creature from attacking them, nor did his student and love. The pair had made a silent agreement to not speak of this.

The others knew what was happening, for the most part. They knew these trees housed evil. They were afraid, but not to the point of being scared to death. They did not need to know. Possibly the only ones that could figure it out were the two spiritualist. There was a slim chance for Jun. But as for the others no way. Ken and Daisuke just prayed that nothing would happen. They both silently whispered protection rites over the group of people.

What seemed like hours had passed and still no sign of light. As long as they followed the path they would be fine. Jyou could be heard reciting medical terms to pass time. Koushiro was fondeling his hilt [NOT THAT WAY YOU PERVS] and disscussing movements of the sword with Iori. Taichi and Yamato were whispering between themselves. Mimi and Miyako kept purposefully brushing against each other to make sure they were still by one another's side. Jun was wondering how her friend was doing in Valangard and Sora hummed a soft tune. Daisuke had long since wrapped both his arms around the bluenette's[1] arm. Their body heat being shared and heartbeats in sync.

A thump camp from the right of Jun. Sora jumped in front of her and pulled two small objects out of her leather bag and slid them on her fingers. Mimi followed in doing so. Together they chanted, holding their right hands up to their faces and rubbed their index and middle fingers together. The rings made a buzzing sound and the chanting made the intrudered scream in pain. Taichi chanted out a spell and it lit the whole area and encased the group in a circle of fire. That is when they all found out. They were completely surrounded by a race of A-class demons. Thankfully they were not S-class, only a few S-class existed throughout the kingdoms. A-class were still very powerful foes one on one but with this many it would take a lot of will power to go on living.

Daisuke drew an arrow and placed it gently to the string of the bow. He drew it back, said a few words, aimed well and fired directly into the forehead of one of the Khahataks. The demon squealed in agony and crashed to the forest floor. This enraged the other demons and they drew in towards the ten. Ken, Koushiro, Jyou, and Iori drew their swords. Mimi and Sora chanted to protect their companions and attack the demons. Taichi and Prince Yamato recited spells using the best element against Khahataks, ice. Miyako, Daisuke, and Jun had their arrows enchanted and then fired at the mass of demons. Their resistance seemed useless for the demons were hard to kill and they kept coming and coming.

A giant black demon came charging directly into the group, knocking away Yamato and Sora. Mimi ducked the swinging arm only to be knocked out cold against a tree by a second one. Daisuke was running low on arrows and his power was getting weaker, his defense was running low. The mahogony-haired boy jumped up into a tree to stay out of danger. Miyako and and Jun had the same problem and they liked Daisuke's idea. Ken was covered in demons blood and a little of his own. His blade swung high above his head and chopped off another head only to add to his blood drenched clothing. Koushiro was doing the best out of everyone. He had no cuts on his and wounded each Khahatak precisely where he should to kill it without splattering too much blood. He was having too much fun for his own good. Jyou and Iori weren't having much luck either. They had been struggling with claw marks bleeding over large portions of their bodies. Iori wasn't used to not being able to get in close to the enemy. He could dodge easily but tired out too fast and could stand no longer. Jyou suffered from the same and both had gotten knocked by the black creatures far back into the trees.

"Coldness beyond measure, For pain and not pleasure, With my soul as the price, Lend me your deadly ice," Taichi screamed out again and again, aiming his staff at demon after miserable demon.

To spare their remaining arrows, Daisuke, Jun and Miyako made sure ever shot was a sure shot right between the eyes. The only fault in that was that they were all so excited and nervous that they were trembling. Daisuke forced himself to steady out and fired the arrow. He fell the demon that had just about killed Ken from behind.

The Khahataks tattered black wings flapped when they realized that the men would not give up and they would die before they defeated the group of men left standing. Five of the hundred of demons flew off the ground and back into the trees. The archers fired their last arrows bringing all five to the ground.

Jun hopped down from her branch and tended to Yamato and Sora who were below her. Miyako landed next to Mimi after jumping from the tree she was perched in. The lavender haired girl stroked Mimi's hair and held her, trying to bring her back to conscienceness. Daisuke found the spot where Iori and Jyou had landed. Making sure nothing was broken, the priest dragged both of them back to the path. Koushiro and Ken had finally fallen to the ground out of pure exaustion. Taichi held himself up by his staff and silently cursed himself for not being able to protect his prince.

Finally everyone came around and Jyou cleansed all the wounds. Jun went around collection all the arrows from the fallen demons. They tryed to salvage what they could of them. Koushiro wiped all the swords clean. He could stand a dirty weapon, that was what angered him the most. Ken ended up leaving his cloak behind, he had a spare and the old one was completely drenched in foul blood.

Wearily they continued on the path. If more demons were to attack now, they travelers would be dead for sure. Daisuke was suddenly filled with optimism. Ken soon noticed it also. Then the ones behind both of them saw. Slowly but surely, it was getting lighter. The trees were not as dense and they could see a light coming up about 200 meters in front of them. Daisuke then bolted forward with what little strength he had left. He collapsed at the gate of Valangard City. Ken reached him soon and picked him up, then carried his boyfriend to the inn that the gate keeper reccomended.

They all paid for their rooms and headed off to the bath. To wash off their sweat, blood, and stench. After shortly washing up, most of the team headed to their rooms and got the rest they well deserved. They all barely slept 4 hours those 3 days in the nightmare called Torugorn. Mimi, Miyako and Sora shared a room, while Jun, Daisuke, and Ken were in another. Iori, Koushiro and Jyou were fine with their three bed room. Of coarse Taichi slept in the same room as his prince. There was no way that the magic user would leave Yamato's side. And Yamato couldn't live without his Taichi.

Things were all set for tomorrow. Miyako, Koushiro, and Jun would track down Miyako's sister. Ken and Daisuke would use what little money they had for purchasing more supplies and food. Sora, Iori and Jyou would try to find new clothes since most of what they had was torn up. Prince Yamato would go to the castle with Taichi. But that was tomorrow. Right now, they all needed what rest they could get.

Unfortunatly for Daisuke, the dreams returned when he slept. That was the only thing that stayed with him after the temporary antidote he was give. Sora was tonight's dreams. As bloody as ever too.

Takenouchi Sora held a dagger to her heart and a picture in her hand. The picture was blurry so Daisuke could not make out who it was. Tears streamed down the girls face. Closing her eyes and drawing in her last breath she thrust the dagger into her chest. Sora fell to the ground with a empty stare. She mouthed some words before falling into eternal sleep. The candles and velvet furniture around her seemed to be the perfect setting for a heart-broken suicide.

Daisuke sat up straight in bed. He knew no more sleep was to come from him that night. He layed back down in his bed and snuggled up really close to Ken. He didn't know what he'd do if he didn't have Ken there with him all that time. Ken was always there to protect him. Daisuke felt so lucky to have his violet friend in his life to guide him through it. He'd be totally lost without Ken.

'Four days have passed. I have ten more left before this medicine wears off. We have to leave tomorrow, guide or no guide,' Daisuke thought to himself.




[1]Yes... bluenette is a word! Not in the dictionary though. *sigh*

I bet you all are wondering where Hikari and Takeru are in this. Well, you see, I don't like them so I planned ahead to hold off on their appearence for as long as possible. Have hope you Hikari and Takeru lovers! Expect to see them in Valangard aka Chapter 3! As a hint... they share the same fate as their siblings...

Pluto's Pronunciations: Syldell - Seel' Dell; Valangard - Vall on' guard; Torugorn - Tow rew gorn'; Khahatak - Kah' hah tahk