Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Rise of the Demon Lords ❯ Chosen Tension; Warrior Insight ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I don not own digimon or it's character. But I do own the digimon that I do make up in this story.

Chapter 2: Chosen Tension; Warrior Insight

Daisuke huffed as he ran up the stupid stairs to Koushiro's place. Taichi and Yamato were still a few stairs behind. They looked too tired to argue though. Good! Less headaches for Ken! Daisuke rang the doorbell and was happily greeted by Mrs. Izumi.

“Hello boys. How are you?” Daisuke smiles at Mrs. Izumi.

“Good Mrs. Izumi! Where's Koushiro?”

“He's in his room with the others. He told me you boys were coming.” Mrs. Izumi looks at us and frowns slightly. “Where is Ken? Is he not coming?”

“Ken should be here soon. His grandmother sent Ken's cousin to accompany him. They are walking here. He should be here in a little bit.” Daisuke replies with a smile. Mrs. Izumi sighs in relief and motions them to come in. Daisuke walks in, followed by Taichi and Yamato.

“How is Ken holding up?” Mrs. Izumi asked after Taichi dragged Yamato towards Koushiro's room.

“He's doing better.” Daisuke answered. “He still gets nightmares and minor panic attacks, but it's not as bad as before.”

“That's a relief. The poor dear has been through a lot. No child should have to go through from what he has. No child should have to endure such cruelty from someone whose supposed to be protecting them.” Her voice quivered slightly, but it was expected. She saw Ken at the hospital both times. The first was when Ken's father beat him when he came out to his parents. And the second time was when they rescued Ken from his father. Despite the soft Darkness healing Ken's external injuries, it wasn't able to do anything about his internal or emotional injuries.

Ken still suffers from panic attacks when he's with a big group of people. He wasn't sure if Ken would get a panic attack or not when he sees the others, but he insisted that he wanted to go and see his friends. Hopefully Ken will be fine with him, Taichi, Yamato, and his cousin around. Daisuke stops walking when Mrs. Izumi gently pulls him to a stop. She directs him to the sofa and they both sit down. Daisuke saw the hesitant look on her face.

“Do you think he'll react badly to me this time?” So that's what that look was for.

Daisuke wasn't sure how to answer that. After that day Ken had been terrified of adults, especially those of the male kind. The only one who Ken hadn't been afraid of was his grandmother. It was heartbreaking when Ken was terrified of his sister and his parents. Jun and his parents were shocked when Ken reacted badly to them when they visited him in the hospital. It had taken three long weeks before Ken was comfortable and not freaking out when he was around them. However, Ken was still nervous whenever his father was around. Thankfully, Ken doesn't freak out anymore when his father talks to him or hugs him. Though his folks hated to see Ken in such a state. His parents saw him as a second son and did everything they could to make Ken less afraid of them. Even Jun helps out since she saw Ken as the little brother that she likes. Not that Jun doesn't love him or anything; it's just that Daisuke has a love/annoy relationship with his sister.

Daisuke thought about Mrs. Izumi's question. Ken had the same reaction when the Izumi's visited. However, Mrs. Izumi was more hurt then her husband was. She cared for Ken deeply and hated seeing Ken afraid of her. Daisuke remembered that she came to the mansion many times in the past five months helping with the cooking and cleaning. Ken had gotten less scared of her over time, however, considering how Ken hasn't seen her in three weeks could change things.

“I'm not sure, Mrs. Izumi. Ken has been having trouble getting over his phobia of adults. I'm guessing that's why his grandmother has him home schooled. However, Ken was insistent in coming here. I know he wants to put the past behind him and you have helped him when you took care of some of the chores everyday. Hopefully he'll wont act as scared around you, however, he might be nervous around you though.”

Mrs. Izumi looked a little worried at the answer, but she knew this type of stuff took time. Ken was still fragile emotionally.

“Alright. I don't want Ken to be afraid of me anymore, but I'll wait if that's what it takes.” She smiles as we stand. “Go on and join the others. I'm sure they are waiting for you. I'll send Ken in when he arrives.”

“Okay.” Daisuke says as he turns and walks towards Koushiro's room. As he turns the corner, he notices that Yamato and Taichi were in the hall. They looked angry. Why?

“Guys? What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” Yamato replied flatly.

“Let's go in. Ken will be here soon.” Taichi replied in a monotone.

Before they walked in Daisuke wonder briefly what just happened, but he pushed it aside for later. Maybe Ken can help him decipher the moods of their boyfriends later. When Daisuke entered the room he got the feeling why both of his senpais were acting strangely. Koushiro was at his computer desk talking to Gennai. On the right side of the room were Miyako, Mimi, Iori, and Sora. On the left were Hikari, Takeru, and Joe. Hikari and Takeru both got up to greet their brothers and even asked where Ken was. Miyako, Mimi, and Sora were sending them daggers. Iori looked troubled and unsure. He was most likely on that side to keep the peace.

“Tai, where is Ken?” Hikari asked worriedly. Hikari and Takeru were among the ones who had witnessed Ken's panic attacks and know full well that he cannot be left alone due to that reason.

“You didn't leave him alone, did you Niisan?” Takeru's asked just as worried.

“What's the big deal?” Miyako asked in huff.

“He's a big boy and doesn't need his big, bad boyfriend to care for him.” Mimi continued. Daisuke saw Yamato forcing himself not to attack the girls.

“Don't worry, Hikari. We ran into Ken's older cousin on the way here.” Taichi reassured his sister.

“Miss. Mockingbird wouldn't let Ken go, unless he was accompanied by his cousin. They'll be here soon.” Daisuke added.

Koushiro looked at them with an unreadable expression. “Does this cousin know about the Digital World or about Digimon?”

Daisuke shrugged. “I'm not sure. We just met him, but he didn't seem surprised when he saw our Digimon. He even talked to Minomon when Ken introduced us.” Koushiro raised an eyebrow in thought.

“Interesting. I guess I would have to ask when they get here.”

“How's Ken-kun?” Daisuke smiles at Iori.

“Better. He's not like a hundred percent or anything. He's still got some issues to work out though.” Iori nodded. He was aware of Ken's panic attacks and was quite disturbed by them. He was sad and constantly asked if there was anything he could do to help.

“Where is Ken-kun? I haven't seen him in months.” Yamato glared at Sora as she spoke.

“Well it's not like you ever cared in the first place. You didn't help when he was kidnapped! You haven't visited him when we took him to the hospital! Nor did you come by when he retuned home!” Sora glared back at him.

“Why on earth would I want to go somewhere with a buffoon like you everywhere? You act like you know everything and are the only one who cares for Ken! We all care for him! So don't go acting like you have the right to yell at us when you are the one who refused to listen to reason!”

Daisuke and Taichi held Yamato back as Sora and Yamato cursed out each other. Miyako and Mimi only watched and nodded whenever Sora made a point. This just ticked Yamato off more. The two started screaming at each other. Koushiro, Joe, and Iori tried to calm them down, but nothing worked. What was he going to do?

(Line Break)

Ken looks nervously at the door. He knew he had to go in, but a sudden fear was creeping in. He hated this. Why was he so afraid of adults? He knew Mrs. Izumi would never hurt him, but that feeling was just there. Why can't he be normal? Normal kids don't have to deal with the problems that he deals with. Life was unfair.

“Ken?” Ken feels a warm hand on his shoulder, totally unaware that he was trembling slightly.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?” Koichi asked in concern. Ken gulped for air. Why was it so hard to breathe?

“I think…” Ken forced himself to close his eyes. He suddenly felt very lightheaded. His chest began to hurt as an overwhelming fear hit him. Ken vaguely heard Minomon yelling that he was having a panic attack. Ken barley registered his cousin pulling his trembling body into a hug and whispering words into his ear that he could not hear. Ken did however see and hear Mercurymon within his mind.

(Line Break)

It was merely a reaction when he saw Ken beginning to tremble. One minute he was fine, but then the next he was trembling and leaving his current state of mind. He had seen Ken having a panic attack before when he visited him during the nighttime and noon. However, he never thought that Ken would experience a panic attack in broad daylight.

He could feel his partner's overwhelming fear. Ken eyes were closed and he seemed totally unaware of the Warrior of Darkness's soft words and gentle hug. Mercurymon focused his mind on his partner and felt his spirit disappear from the physical world.

Mercurymon looks around as he appears in Ken's psyche. Mercurymon found Ken whimpering on the ground. Chains surrounded Ken, trapping him in place, as varies shadows insulted him. Mercurymon felt something inside him snap as the shadows took the form of Ken's father and mother. They were mocking him, telling him he wasn't good enough, telling him that he was nothing but a piece of trash that deserved to be punished. They laughed at him as Ken sobs and tries to fight back their lies. The shadow version of Ken's father laughs as he retells the painful memories of him beating and raping Ken. This made Ken only more distressed. He sobbed for the shadows to go away, to leave him alone. When the shadows simply laughed at him. Ken cried for Wormmon and Mercurymon to help him.

Mercurymon felt his protective instincts that he didn't know he had kick in. Mercurymon ran in the direction that his partner was in, pushing back any shadows that that dare get in his way. The shadows that were tormenting his partner saw him. Dark energy surrounds them as they shoot shadow balls at him. Mercurymon raises his mirrors and absorbs the attack and repels the attack back at them.

“Dark Reflection!”

The shadows screamed as they were attacked with their own attacks, with twice the power. Within seconds of the attack, they disappeared. With a sigh of relief he runs up to Ken and begins to remove the chains that surrounded him. Ken continues to sob even after he removes all the chains. He pulls Ken into an embrace, rubbing his back as he did so. Ken's sobs slowly reduced to mere sniffles and heavy breathing.

Mercurymon gently wipes away a tear that was still on Ken's face. “Art thee alright?”

Ken nods ever so slightly and looks up at him. “Yes. Thank you for coming after me. It usual takes me several hours to fight them off.” Mercurymon felt bad. This was one of his more overwhelming panic attacks. It was odd really. He hadn't had one of these attacks at this height in over a month or so now.

“It's mine pleasure. Thee art not alone now. I will help thee with thy attacks.” Ken smiles at him in gratitude.

“Thank you, Mercurymon. Thank you so much.”

“Thee art welcome. Let's go. Koichi must be worried about thee.” Mercurymon smiles as Ken relaxes. Ken smiles in return as they both leave Ken's psyche.

(Line break)

As Ken returns from his panic attack the first thing he noticed was that he was being held by someone. The next thing he noticed were the voices of his cousin, Mrs. Izumi, and his digimon. His cousin was whispering words of reassurance to him as he held him gently. Ken was breathing heavily as his body slowly stops shaking. Five sighs of relief can be heard from around him.

“His panic attack is passing.” Mrs. Izumi said in relief.

“Good job, Mercurymon.” Loweemon praised his partner.

“Thanks.”

“Ken? Can you hear me?” His cousin asked quietly.

Ken took a few deep breathes before replying. His heart was pounding very hard in his chest and was also very tired. “I-I think so.” Ken rested his head on his cousin's shoulder. Koichi gave him a soft squeeze as if afraid he would have another attack. Ken opened his eyes and looks sleepily at his cousin. Ken meets his cousin's eyes and sees concern in his blue eyes. Ken smiles faintly, which seems to calm his cousin down a bit.

“How are you feeling?” He asks.

“Tired.” It was true. Ken always seems to feel tired after he has a panic attack.

“Here you go dear.” Ken looks up and finally notices that he was in a bedroom. How did he get here? Mrs. Izumi smiles at him as she hands him a cup of tea. Ken accepts the tea and takes a sip. Ken sighs as he drinks the calming beverage. He did like how Mrs. Izumi makes her teas. “Good to have you back with us. You've been out of it for a good hour.” An hour? Well that's a lot shorter then he expected, but what about the others? They might be mad if he missed the meeting.

“What about the others?” Ken asks as Koichi takes the emptied cup from him and gives it back to Mrs. Izumi.

“The meeting ended twenty minutes ago. I'm sure my son will tell you tomorrow. Right now you should get some rest.” Ken felt disappointed that he missed the meeting. He really wanted to see the others, but it couldn't be helped. Did they all leave then? And what about his grandmother? She wanted him to call her after the meeting was done.

“Grandma?”

“I've called her already. She agrees you should get some rest and spend the night. Daisuke and Koichi are going to be staying with you. Everyone else has been sent home.” Ken tries to cover up a yawn as he rests on his cousin's shoulder. “Get some rest dear. I'll check up on you later.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Izumi.” His cousin said.

“Not at all.” And with that she left the room and closed the door.

(Line Break)

Koichi gently tucks his cousin into bed. Ken had fallen asleep shortly after Mrs. Izumi had left. He was glad Mrs. Izumi came rushing to the front door when Ken suddenly had his panic attack. He wasn't sure what he would have done. He felt so helpless when Ken had his panic attack. Ken barely took notice of his presence when he tried to comfort him. Was this what grandma had to go through when his panic attacks happen? Was it always this bad?

Koichi watches his cousin as he sleeps. He couldn't imagine what his younger cousin must be going through. His grandmother was right about worrying about Ken. When they came into the house the other Chosen were fighting with each other. They only stopped when Daisuke heard Mrs. Izumi rushed them inside to the guest room. After that Daisuke, Taichi, and Yamato ran after them, but Mrs. Izumi wouldn't have it. She heard the argument as well and demanded they go on with the meeting without Ken. The three were distressed at seeing Ken in such a state, but complied with the women. Koichi heard bits and pieces of what the Chosen were talking about, but really paid no mind to it. He was to busy worrying about his younger cousin.

Koichi quietly stands up from the bed, careful not to wake Ken, and stretches. He had been in that one position for almost an hour now. Koichi thought about what he heard from the Chosen. This guy named Gennai was telling the Chosen about some strange activities in the Digital World. Many of the Digimon have been attacked and are either destroyed or kidnaped by the unknown Digimon. This Gennai person informed them that the Holy Beasts, Divas, and the Three Celestial Angeles are preparing for war. He had asked them for assistance for the enemy is after the Neural and Purified Darkness. He was glad he wasn't there though. The Chosen freaked out and demanded why should they help Darkness. One of the boys mentioned something about all Darkness being evil and that they have no business helping it.

Koichi cringed at the thought. The Chosen might not like him then. Ken had the right idea about not introducing him to his friends. But then how would they react when they find out that Ken is the Neutral Darkness? Would they shun him? Leave him to fend for himself against this enemy? Koichi shook that thought out of his head. Koichi didn't know the Chosen at all. But he did know that three of the Chosen would never abandon his cousin. All three of them risked their lives to save him. He could at least give them a benefit of a doubt.

Koichi walked to the nightstand table and picked up his cell phone. He dialed a number that he knew from heart. As Koichi waited for the line to pick up; Koichi thought about what this Gennai person had said. He instructed the Chosen that they cant fight the enemy alone. They are going to need the help of the Original Chosen Children, the Legendary Warrior.

Gennai told them a brief summary of when Ophanimon summoned them and how they saved the Digital World. The Chosen didn't believe that humans could turn into Digimon, which was not surprising to Koichi. They asked who the Celestial Angels were and why they never heard of them? Koichi was shocked to learn that the Celestials are commanded under the Holy Beast, Xuanwumon. This Holy Beast is the oldest of the four and had wanted help ruling his quadrant.

Koichi 's thoughts were interrupted as the other line picked up.

“Hey bro, what's up?”

“Hey Koji. How's the tournament?” Koichi asked in a low voice. He didn't want to accidentally wake up his cousin.

“Good! Half of the guys got disqualified or lost todays match. At this rate I should be home at around noon tomorrow.”

“That great Koji.” Koichi wasn't sure if it was the way he replied or maybe the tone in voice that made his twin brother concerned.

“Koichi, are you and Ken okay?” Koichi sighed and briefly looked at his cousin. Ken was still sleeping peacefully with Minomon snuggled cutely by the pillow. Mercurymon was sitting on the bed watching the both of them.

“Not really.” Koichi said simply.

“Koichi?”

“Ken had a very bad panic attack.” Koji gasped on the other line. “I felt so helpless Koji. All I could do was try and comfort him, while Mercurymon helped him with whatever fear that caused his attack. Grandma was right to worry.”

“Koichi, calm down! You can't do anything when he goes into a panic attack. All you can do is comfort him until he calms down.”

“Yeah, you're right.”

“Of course I am. Now then, what do mean Mercurymon helped him? Is Ken Mercurymon's partner?”

“Yeah. It's a long story and there's a lot I need to tell you.”

“I've got time.”

Koichi signed quietly. This was going to be a long day. “Remember when the spirits were acting strangely for the past few months?”

“Yeah. How can I forget? Lobomon and KendoGarurumon were saying something about the rising of the Corrupted Darkness and how the Neutral and Purified Darkness are in danger. However, he never said who the Neutral Darkness is.”

“Loweemon told me the same. Me and Ken are the Purified and Neutral Darkness.”

“KEN? How is he the Neutral Darkness?”

“Ken told me that when the Corrupted Darkness tried to steal his memories when he was kidnaped. I'm not sure how or when, but the Neutral Darkness healed him when he was rescued. It also helps him with his panic attacks and nightmares.”

“Damn! Both you and Ken are in danger then. We are going have to get the others to help protect you guys.”

“We are not that helpless, bro.” Koichi hated when his younger brother acted like he had to protect him. “I have my spirits to protect me and Ken has Mercurymon and Minomon to protect him.” Koichi could practically hear his brother raising an eyebrow at him. “Mercurymon's been leaving in the middle of the night. I found out today that the reason was because he was looking for his partner.”

“And Ken is his partner.” His brother finished his train of thought. “Since Ken was already a Chosen, did his digivice change into a D-Tector?”

“Kind of. When the spirits went into Ken's D-3 it changed into a slightly modified D-Tector.”

“What you mean `modified'?”

“Ken's D-Tector is green and violet and is decorated with his crest. There is also a slot, which is believed to fit his crest. Mercurymon told us that Minomon would still be able to digivolve, armor digivolve, and DNA digivolve. In addition to Ken transforming with Mercurymon.”

“Your right, his is different. I guess it is because he was already a Chosen to begin with and a Chosen of the Virtues at that. I heard from Lobomon that they are powerful since these crests are the Chosen's most powerful trait. What's Ken's?”

Koichi smiles as he replies, “Kindness.” Koji laughs on the other line.

“I should have known. He is one of the most kindest and sweetest person we know.”

Koichi agreed with his brother before continuing his story. “Ken told me that he feels something bad is going to happen.”

“He may be right. I was getting the same feeling too. What did he say?”

“He's afraid that digimon that kidnapped him and tortured him is going to strike soon. He was telling me how the other Chosen are not getting along right now and are not ready. I didn't realize how bad the situation was until Ken got a panic attack before the meeting. I heard the other Chosen arguing when Mrs. Izumi dragged us into the guest room. The fight was not pretty bro. They were at each others throats.”

Koji groaned in annoyance on the other line. He could understand why. If they were fighting among themselves how can they be expected to defeat his new enemy or at least protect their fragile cousin?

“Damn! These are the people that are supposed to be protecting our cousin? No wonder they failed to keep him safe the first time!”

Koichi winced slightly at his brother's outburst. Koji gets very protective when he or Ken is in danger. He already hated himself for not being able to do anything when Ken got kidnapped and raped.

“I might have to agree with you on that. There's more though.” Koichi rubbed his temple as his brother gave him the okay to continue. “The Holy Beast and the Celestial Angels are getting ready for war against the enemy. This digimon named Gennai informed the Chosen about us and wanted them to get us to help.” Koji huffed on the other line. “However, the Chosen are not so fond with Darkness and believes that all Darkness is evil.”

“You got to be kidding me!”

“Nope,” Koichi said dryly. “I'm not. One of the boys demanded this Gennai to explain why they should help the Neutral and Purified Darkness if it is evil.”

Koji ranted on the other line for a good five minutes before asking, “So these jerks would not help you or Ken if they found out?” Koichi could clearly hear his brother's impatience and dislike for these Chosen. Koichi had come to the same conclusion too. It was possible that Ken could be shunned by his own friends. Ken would be devastated and completely vulnerable.

Koichi sighed. “It could be possible. Ken has at least three good friends, including his boyfriend, that would not abandon him, but I'm not sure.” Koji sighed on the other line.

“This is a problematic situation, Niisan.” Koichi agreed with him. “I'm going to call Takuya and tell him what happened. Hopefully the others will be able to travel to grandma's mansion tomorrow. Ken's going to need protection and we need to teach him about Spirit Evolution.” Koichi hummed his agreement, but it didn't mean he had to like it. If he had his way, Ken would be at home in a nice warm bed surround by people that loves him. He would be nowhere near the enemy or the forces of the Corrupted Darkness again. He and the others will face it for him “Is he awake?”

“No. He's asleep right now.”

Koji sighed on the other line again. “Sleep will do him some good, I guess.” There was the sound of someone calling his brother from afar. “Hey, Koichi I have to let you go. The second half of the competition is about start. I'll talk to you later.”

“Okay, bro. Good luck.”

“Thanks! Take care, the both of you. K?”

“Don't worry Koji. We'll be fine. See you tomorrow.”

“I'll stop worrying when both you and Ken are safe and out of dangers. Laters.”

“Bye.” Koichi clicked his cell off and sighed heavily. His brother took the news better than he thought. But why did he feel that something was going to happen?

“Koichi , we have a problem.” Koichi turned to his partner in question.

“What's wrong, Loweemon?”

“Someone's at the door and it is not the female.”

Koichi looks at the door in question and walks towards it. He places his hand on the doorknob and opens the door. Koichi stood there frozen in place as he comes face to face with Ken's best friend. Koichi stiffens as the boy narrows his eyes angrily, crossing his arms across his chest, and tapping his foot in a sign of impatience.

“We need to talk.”