Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Shinwa ❯ 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Picking up where we left off…

When we last saw our heroes, Daisuke was a famous soccer player turned restaurant owner who was being suddenly attacked by creepy demons, goblins and many more creatures to come. Ken, a cold vicious warrior, saved Dai from being eaten alive (literally) in a bar. Our favorite pale faced man then dragged Daisuke to a shop run by none other than Sora- with Jyou, Koushiro, Taichi, and Yamato in tow. Dai discovered they all seemed to have crazy magical abilities varying from touch sensitivity to pyrokenises. While learning some things from Sora, Daisuke also discovered Ken was raised by demons, and is pretty cranky about the whole ordeal. Takeru, Iori, Miyako, and Hikari tried to kill Daisuke causing him to unleash some violence. While it turns out the soccer star was harboring some talents of his own; he was attacked once again while in the shop. Ken being Ken decided to save him. Is it because he may be developing feelings for him? Probably! We left off with Ken sending the others away to face this strange, and oddly familiar, power on his own…

Shinwa- chapter 2

"You can come out now." Ken knew this power. It had been years since he felt it so strongly. But he knew it all too well.

The doors melted away from their illusory post blocking the center of Daisuke's torment and allowing Ken to step inside. Around him, the room itself seemed to snicker. Thoughts of a childhood lost ran through the warrior's mind. Still curled on the chair before him, Daisuke seemed to be calming down. Little by little his shoulders relaxed, the tightness around his eyes softened, but before he came back to reality completely he sighed and slumped forward- down for the count.

Instantly wary, Ken drew in a shaky breath as he heard another whispering snicker around him. Behind him the doors slammed shut. He glanced at the real barrier and then turned around again, ready to run to Daisuke's side. Before he took a step, the air thickened and pulsated, undulating in a familiar form. As the waves grew they took on color and definition finally forming a man. A very arrogant, handsome man.

His hair was similar to Daisuke's in style and his skin held a touch of bronze, but the resemblance ended there. The brown spikes were kissed with streaks of sunlight that glittered as if made of gold. Creamy caramel hugged the contours of his body, skin so delectably soft it could not be real. Honey kissed eyes with streaks of russet gleamed with pure smugness. The clothes were modern enough, but the unmistakable sparkle in his skin gave him away. A child of the Earth to be sure. Weapons so different from Ken's own hung at his belt accompanied by a well-oiled shoulder holster and nine millimeter Glock.

Lips pulled into a tight line, Ken gave the other shining one a small nod. "Ryo."

A bitter smile broke through all the arrogance on the comely face. "Aw, I'm touched. It's been so long, and yet you still remember me." Stepping forward he tapped Ken's nose and traced his jawbone with one tapering finger. "What are you carrying these days, hmmm? Will you let me take a look?"

As Ryo reached for Ken's waist a firm grip on his wrist stopped him. "Don't." Fury was biting at him and it took so much control to maintain a monosyllabic dialogue.

A perfect pout formed on the other man's face- a mere wrinkle in the smooth surface of caramel. "But I just wanted to check out your… weaponry."

Casually throwing the man's arm aside, Ken rolled his vibrant eyes and stepped around him to check on Daisuke. "What do you want Ryo? You know what weapons I carry so stop the bullshit games. You know damn well that I prefer swords to your guns." The last was said with obvious distaste.

"Flatterer," Ryo's sickly sweet eyes flashed. Games of sexual intrigue were so fun to play with Ken. However, at the harsh glare he received the child of Earth rolled his eyes and put his game face back on. "You're such a spoilsport." Pulling the gun on the pale warrior, he saw him stiffen. "Relax, I'm not here to shoot you. But there is an awfully high bounty of Sleeping Beauty over there. I figured I'd take him off your hands for a while. Bring him back where he belongs."

Ken shook his head. "You know I can't let you do that. I won't. He stays with me whether you like it or not." Rising from his place by Daisuke's side he drew his sword. Blade gleaming through the blunted edges of so much use. Freshly cleaned, it flashed through the air.

Ryo only shook his head. "Pity, pity, pity… Poor Ken. Spent too much time among humans and doesn't even have his own weapons anymore. You know that thing doesn't stand a chance against me." His grin was feral, cunning.

With a defiant smile, the pale one threw his weapon aside. "Perhaps," he replied. "But I know something that does. Something that can best you any day of the week." At the surprised look he received, Ken could only smirk. Reaching out to a sheath of pure air he drew again, as if pulling from nothing at all- this time the blade was dazzling, unreal. No sword, no matter how well kept, if it is used frequently keeps a shine. But this was not just any sword. "Simply because I don't throw my power around you think I'm weak. Your mistake then. Of all of us you know what I'm capable of," he stepped closer to his opponent, casually rotating his wrist sending the gleaming length of metal flashing through the air again. "You know I'll gut you like the disgusting little fuck that you are, Ryo. So why are you here?"

"Such coarse language," the other chided. "I told you what I want. Give up the boy so I can take him back where he belongs."

Pressing the strip of silver to the caramel skin of Ryo's throat, Ken let some of the darkness he kept fill his eyes. "And where is that?"

"Not here." And Ryo laughed, swiping a rough kick across Ken's legs. As the pale warrior stumbled to the floor, the child of Earth reached for his belt. "You children of Air," he mocked. "Always so violent. Why couldn't you be more like your brother?" Pulling a pouch from his belt loose he reached in gathering a handful of dust. "Ready to give him up yet? I know what this house is to you. I know who lives here. Are they prepared for what I have to unleash?" Tilting his hand ever so slightly, the child of Earth let a few particles hit the floor. In an instant a gaping hole replaced the wood, quickly filling with creatures that thrived in the thickest mud of the earth. A writhing mass of insects and magical things alike squirmed towards the door.

Knowing full well what it would mean if the pile escaped, Ken stood. In a moment of decision he weighed the consequences of what he could do. After this he was leaving. The others never had to know. But he could not keep shielding them forever. Eternity was a long time to hide. Raising one hand he clenched it into a fist squelching the air around the slithering batch conjured up by someone he had once dared to call a friend. With the lack air some of the creatures simply died, others exploded leaving a slimy trail. "Don't push me, Ryo. I'm not known for my patience."

"Indeed. I've heard that about you," there was laughter in the words. "That you were forceful, and quick." He snickered again as the air thickened with pure rage. "Oh, you'd better control yourself my boy. Don't want our precious Daisuke to get hurt do we?" When he motioned to the chair where the captive had been sitting he found it empty. Without a chance to register what had happened, Ryo found himself being hit on both sides- one by air, the other by fire. Things were not going as planned.

As common knowledge suggests, fire if fueled by great amounts of hydrogen and oxygen will flourish. And indeed, Ken being a Child of Air was able to feed the flames exactly what they needed. But where had they come from? And where was Daisuke? Without a moment left to find his answers, Ken felt a staggering pain in his abdomen. Looking down he saw a hole in his skin, blood pouring out, quickly soaking into the dark material of his clothing. Raising his eyes once more he saw Ryo facing off to him, gun leveled, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Well, well, looks like you aren't invulnerable after all. Didn't those demons teach you anything?" The arrogant child of Earth shook his head. "A pity, really. I can't imagine that being shot feels good in any way."

A voice sounded from somewhere behind Ken's assailant. "Well why don't you take some time to find out." Daisuke stood brandishing his own weapon and pulled the trigger. He watched as Ryo stumbled a bit, then fell to the floor.

Once the pale warrior came to his senses, he stood and motioned to Daisuke. "Come on. He won't be out for long. If we leave he'll probably follow us and leave the others alone, but we should get a head start while we can." When the other man nodded in agreement they departed, running for the nearest door.

After the duo had safely made it out of the shop, Ryo groaned from the floor. Cursing to any deity he could think of he coughed, blood dripping from his mouth. Damn, that little human was a good shot- nicked a lung. Somehow getting to his feet he wiped his chin and stared out through the doorway. "Looks like we'll be doing this the hard way…"

***

Ken and Daisuke had jogged for a few blocks before the pale man felt the pain in his stomach lurching and growing worse. Motioning for his companion to stop he struggled to breathe. "We need to get to a motel or something so I can take a look at this."

Daisuke nodded. "Fine. But isn't there something you want to explain to me first?"

Blinking his still luminous eyes, Ken pulled his glamour back into place to ensure that other people passing by would see nothing out of the ordinary. "Like what exactly?"

"Like what the fuck is going on?" Unfazed by Ken's display of magic, Dai stood expecting an answer. "What are you? What the hell is he? Shit- who the hell is he?"

Straightening up Ken winced hoping his traveling partner took no notice. "His name's Ryo. He and I met a long time ago. As for what we are… that's a really long and fucked up story."

"We've got nothing but time." Daisuke refused to give an inch. He was not going anywhere until he got some answers.

"I'm a sidhe," Ken stated.

"A shee? What the fuck's that?" As they resumed walking, the shorter man raised his voice so Ken could hear him better.

Indigo eyes rolling skyward, Ken heaved an overly dramatic sigh. "One of the fey, the gentry, the shining ones." When he saw no recognition in Daisuke's eyes he continued. "The fairies…"

"You're a fairy?!" Stopping dead on the sidewalk, Dai was oblivious to the stares from passers by.

Grabbing the other man's arm Ken hissed, "Could you say it a little louder? I think there's a kid in Nicaragua who didn't hear you."

As he tried to comprehend this strange twist of events, Daisuke only managed to restate the obvious. "But you're a fairy!"

"And you're a fucking genius," Ken replied. "But yes, if it makes you happy to say so- I'm a fairy." Under his breath he added, "In every sense of the word it seems."

"What?" Daisuke felt confusion overwhelming him for the billionth time that day.

"Nothing. Come on, we've got to get to a hotel before this gets any worse." Ken motioned to his wound and continued walking down the street. Stopping at the first place he came to, heedless to its rather seedy appearance, Ken trudged to the room he rented for Daisuke and himself.

The curtains were drawn keeping the room in near perfect darkness despite the daylight outside. Stepping into the small space, Daisuke flipped the light-switch and was pleasantly surprised to see that the room was bug free. Insects either from general infestation or from… Ryo… made him cold. Something about bugs. But, he would have Ken to protect him. His guardian and savior- having saved him so many times already. Turning, he noticed the beautiful man locking the door and murmuring something too low for Daisuke to hear. His next action took Dai by complete surprise, causing him to almost fall to the floor in utter shock.

Ken stripped off his shirt and undid the fastening on his pants. Without removing any more clothing he sat on the only bed in the room and began to inspect his wound. "God dammit this hurts," Ken winced, prodding at the tiny hole in his skin.

"Do you, um, want me to take a look at it or anything?" Though Daisuke was offering he was hoping against all hope that Ken would say no.

Deep black hair swayed back and forth in the dim light as Ken gave a quick gasp. "No, but don't go anywhere. I may need something." That said, the pale man set his lips in a tight line and proceeded to dig further into his cut. Gritting his teeth against the pain he looked down to see that his index finger and thumb were immersed in his body up to the second knuckle. He heard a strangled sound from Daisuke but chose to ignore it. The bullet was so close to his reach- he could feel it.

Daisuke stared at his companion. Stone faced, lips set in a tight line, a fine sheen of sweat forming on his brow. How could he simply reach into his own body like that and pull out a bullet? Cinnamon eyes widened as Ken sucked in a breath and removed his fingers from the wound. A small lump of metal covered with blood and thicker things fell to the floor. Swallowing back his tension, he took a shaky step forward. "Do you need anything?"

Having closed his eyes tightly, Ken opened them and was surprised to see the genuine look of concern on Dai's face. Pulling that bullet out had hurt and he was willing to bet his shields had come down while he had been concentrating. And in his mind, running through his veins, Ken could feel it- something he thought he had forgotten. Fear. Blinking quickly he covered it as fast as he could. What was it about this man that affected him so? "No, Daisuke," he replied softly. "I'll be fine." To prove his point he stood and let the other man watch as the bullet hole closed and healed itself leaving no trace of a scar.

Absolutely stupefied, Daisuke felt his mouth open, then close as he blinked in a vague attempt to comprehend this new twist. Finally deciding he needed to sit he sat, forgetting that there was nothing below him but the floor. Grimacing slightly when his tailbone connected with the hard flooring covered by such thin carpeting he looked back up at Ken. The other man did not seem to be willing to talk, so Daisuke tried to do what he had felt Yamato and Taichi do to him. Reaching out with fingers he could not see he gently pushed at Ken's mind. And felt a cold slap against his efforts.

"Don't do that," Ken scolded. "I don't appreciate it. People have tried to use me my whole fucking life and if you think I'm going to let you do it simply because you're attractive, think again."

Scowling, Daisuke stood up. "Well it isn't like you're going to tell me what's going on. For some reason you seem to think I'm either or a complete dumbfuck or just not worth your time." The full impact of Ken's words had yet to sink in.

"Not worth my time?" Shaking his dark hair, the warrior whirled showing his back to his sparring partner. "Not worth my time… Indeed, that's why I try and save your sorry ass whenever someone tries to kill you. That's it exactly! You're not worth my fucking time! That's why I put my life on the line for you. That's why I dropped every barrier I had to get you out of that fucking room. Jesus, Dai…" Running his hands through his hair, he choked back the rest of his words. How do I let you do this to me? How did you get in when no one else could? Why do I care so much about you?

Barely stifling a gasp, Daisuke felt his eyes widen. The thoughts that ran through Ken's mind reflected in his own. "You… care about me?"

Spinning around again with a stricken look in his eyes, the pale man shouted, "It's not what you think! If I didn't protect you, who the fuck would? You've gotten into something that you don't understand. Something you can't understand. Unfortunately for me, no one else is able to handle this shit so I'm stuck defending you!"

Daisuke tried not to let his eyes fill with tears. He tried so hard. "Ken… I…"

"Don't," Ken cut Daisuke off. "Just fucking don't."

Why was he hurting him like this? The words cut so deeply, especially when Ken had finally been opening up to him. Biting his lip, perhaps a little too hard, he tasted blood. The metallic taste fueled his anger. "You know what, Ken? Fuck you! You might have saved me but you've been nothing but an asshole since. Telling me how girly I am, saying my skin fucking glows- yours is just as bad, if not worse! You're as moody as a woman too. Make up your fucking mind. You're either going to help me or you aren't. But just fucking decide will you? I'm sick of your macho bullshit!"

That caught him. Long moments of silence answered Daisuke's outburst before two glittering twilight eyes looked into burning spice, desperate to understand. "What do you mean when you say I glow?"

"I mean you fucking glow. Your skin shines like moonlight. It has from the time I met you. I don't know if it's because you're a freaking fairy, or whatever your word for it was but you fucking glow!" Finally moving from his position that faced off to Ken, Dai began to pace around the tiny room.

"Stop pacing," Ken frowned. Daisuke had always been able to see the glow in his skin? Did that mean he could see everything else? "Daisuke, look at me. Tell me what you see, tell me what I look like."

When he stopped pacing and stared at the other man, Dai had to take a breath. There was no way he could hide his attraction to Ken for this. "You've got… I mean, you're…"

"Just start with my hair," Ken said quietly.

Daisuke nodded. "Your hair… it's like velvet with diamonds in it. This deep blue that's almost navy, but doesn't quite make it, and it glitters in the right light. Your skin does glow, and it does look like moonlight. Like pale silver light that should only shine when the sun has set. And your eyes…" Daisuke's voice stopped working. He had seen how much Ken's eyes had widened at his words. Taking a breath to steady himself he finished his thoughts. "They're perfect violet. I mean, what else do you want me to say? You're beautiful, Ken, you've got to know that. Sora told me that this isn't your true face, that the true one was amazing. But I don't think I could handle seeing that one, this one is enough to, it's enough to-" His words stopped again, this time by a hand placed over his mouth. Through the soft ivory skin he could feel that Ken was shaking.

One hand over Dai's mouth, the other behind his head to make sure he could not get away, Ken tried to swallow his fear away and closed his eyes. "I don't know how you did it, or just who you really are," he began in a whisper, "but you've seen through my glamour. You've managed to see my true face. You threw fire at Ryo, you survived his torture, you've charmed everyone you've met, and you've seen me. How?"

Reaching up he slowly pushed the gentle touch away from his mouth. "I don't know. I told you I don't know anything about this stuff, Ken. I don't know how I threw that fire at Ryo or where the fuck the gun came from. I just don't know anything anymore." Tears fell from his eyes as he locked gazes with Ken. "Help me," he whispered, for once not worried that the warrior would think he was weak for crying.

The part of Ken that had cracked when he had first saved Daisuke broke even more. Pulling the crying man into his arms he hushed him, smoothing his hair, trying desperately to breathe around the tightness in his chest. Lowering his lips to one bronzed ear he whispered his reply. "Of course I will."

***

Sora gaped at the hole in the floor. It was more or less a crater, but the rim was smooth- a nice clean break. Just beyond the hole were a few stains from something that none of the others had been able to identify. As she surveyed the room, the rest of the house's occupants were researching the phenomenon that had occurred. Taking a deep breath she contemplated whether or not she should touch the broken surface of the floor. Though it would reveal what had happened she was unsure as to what Ken would want. Touching things in the room would reveal Ken's true self. Sora was plagued with indecision.

Behind the auburn haired woman, Yamato and Taichi stepped into the room. Both went wide-eyed at the hole in the floor then cast quick glances around the rest of the space. Trying to gauge where the power source had come from they ended looking at one another, sharing the same thought.

Yamato spoke up, "Do you think Ken did this?" The blond had tried to steal remnants of the fight with his power but found nothing. The room was clean.

Sora shook her head. "No. I think whoever he fought did it. Ken would never willingly do something like this. Not to us." She took another step closer to the hole.

"Wait a minute, Sora," Taichi called her back. "How do you know he didn't do this? I mean, shit, we know he's strong and crazy as a motherfucker. What's to say he didn't do it? I can't get anything off the room. No traces left on the walls, the ceiling, even the furniture." As he spoke, the brunette studied his surroundings as if seeing them for the first time.

Behind the trio another voice sounded. "It's been purged." Koushiro stood in the doorway, a heavy and very old book in his hands. "This is one of the books Ken grabbed from the shelves during the fight. I think he was trying to warn us about something." Raising his onyx eyes from the pages he noticed Sora's movement. "I wouldn't, Sora. I'm fairly certain that there's a reason why Ken is warning us, and it's not because you'll see his true form."

"Ken does everything for a reason," Jyou came up to stand beside his beloved redhead. "He's precise in every last thing he does. So, I agree with you Kou-chan. There's a reason he pulled those books. He might not have known it at the time, but there's a reason."

Studying the pair, Sora tilted her head- she could almost hear whispers echoing off the walls. "Do the books all have similar content? Are they about the same subject?"

Koushiro nodded. "Mostly. They cover a wide variety of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is one particular group that appears in every book Ken set aside."

Sapphire eyes rolled. "And that would be? Come on, Kou, don't keep us in suspense here!"

"The fey," the redhead answered.

Taichi's breath halted. "Did you say the fey? I thought they were extinct. No one's heard anything from them in centuries, right?" Stepping closer to Yamato he gladly curled into his arms when pulled ever closer.

"They aren't as terrifying as you might think, Tai," Miyako called as she walked up the hall to the rest of the group. Iori was behind her.

"They were very powerful," the green eyed young man stated. "But they were immortal as well. Something that's immortal can't become extinct. It's impossible. But if that's what Ken is, then I think there's a good reason why he didn't tell us." He held up another book. "He also pulled out a couple books on demonology. We've got a lot of research ahead of us. Powers or not, this is going to take some time."

"It could," Sora replied, voice calm. "Or I could figure things out here and now…"

"I wouldn't," Miyako offered. "We're not certain of what Ken was trying to tell us. He's a methodical bastard, but we still don't know for sure." Looking past the shopkeeper, the maroon haired young woman finally noticed the hole in the wood floor. "Where did that come from? Holy shit! This floor was warded, I set the runes myself!" She shoved the others aside and knelt down at the crater in the wood. Sure enough, something had eaten right through her wards without breaking a sweat. This was even more disconcerting than a first glance would suggest. Miyako was known for her protective abilities- her warding was something of a phenomenon itself. Training school was helping to refine this skill, but her raw talent for the subject matter was something that had only previously existed in legends. "My wards," she whispered running a hand against the smooth break in the floor.

As the other woman touched the surface, Sora felt a painful flash in her heart. Gasping she staggered back a step before more power leaked away. "Miyako," she gasped, "get away from it. I think its booby trapped."

Standing quickly she caught the auburn haired woman before she fell, not minding if her memories were unleashed. Focusing her thoughts into something calming she gently sat Sora in the doorway. As she stood something flashed to her right, barely catching her eye. Looking at it straight on she saw no trace of whatever it was. Trying again she barely glimpsed it out of the corner of her eye. "Koushiro?"

"Yes, Miya? What is it? Did you find something else?"

"Wait," Iori spotted it as well. "There's something in the doorframe. "Koushiro pull it out if you can. I'll guide you."

After a few shaky minutes of direction the group marveled as a small light flickered before them. A perfect ball of blushing pink and blue- a silver tube lay in the center. The power had called Hikari and Takeru, and the pair stood trying to decipher how to grasp the tube without hurting themselves. It had been fairly easy to figure out that the light was meant as a protective barrier against unwanted readers- Taichi had been the one to test that theory. Yamato was nursing the burn on his lover's palm.

"Son of a bitch," the brunette cursed. "This better be worth it." He continued to mutter while his beloved ran comforting hands down his back. As he cursed every power that could create such pain he noticed his sister carefully eyeing the pulsating orb. "'Kari? You think of something?"

In response, the slender girl felt her brow furrow in confusion. Something about the light, it was pulling her in, nearly whispering to her. Taking a cautious step forward, hand outstretched, Hikari ran her power through the glowing ball. Almost immediately, she was pulled into a completely black space, the only light coming from within her own body. No walls, or doors, not even a floor per se. Hikari cast a few quick glances around her, marveling at how complete the darkness was. Closing her glittering cherry eyes she reached out farther still, only to feel the whisper of a touch.

Somewhere, there was a place in Hikari's mind that recognized the distinctive signatures of each of her friends. Regardless of their separate powers, their personalities had their own patterns that shimmered in the air- lights in the midst of a dull world. These signatures were something she used to ground herself when she let her mind wander too far away. The familiar designs of each person would pull her back to safety. When her eyes opened again to the same void, she noticed something. In the darkness she had stepped into a familiar shape began to emerge, yet still stayed too faint to easily recognize. But she knew it all the same. Smiling to herself, Hikari shook her head in wonder. Even then, Ken was able to hide from them.

An impression of deep navy against the blackness flickered into her line of sight. Darkness against true emptiness, the colors shifted to rich violet laced with ebony, then morphed again before the surface of the pattern could shimmer the way it should. Ears perked, she listened, and Ken spoke to her. On the edges of consciousness, 'Kari could feel a threat looming. A blistering light of copper and caramel, a painful wave of oceanic blue. Before she realized what happened the outside powers overwhelmed her, tearing her away from Ken's voice and pulling her into complete darkness…

***

Shifting on the bed, Daisuke sipped at his cup of coffee. It seemed he and Ken were calling a truce on the insults. This was fine by Daisuke's standards. Without even understanding it, he was beginning to fall into something perilously close to… infatuation. He grimaced at the weak taste of his beverage, thinking on how risky it was to feel the way he was starting to feel about someone like Ken.

Back in the shop, Daisuke had witnessed the fight between Ryo and Ken, and found it entirely strange. They spoke as if they knew one another, fought as though they recognized the techniques. Still, Ryo had underestimated Ken in a big way. He had underestimated Daisuke too. The threat against those who had provided safety when no one else had shook him. Everything happened so fast that Dai could barely remember the heat of his anger, the flash at his fingertips. Taking another sip of coffee, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Closing his eyes, he bit back the confusion that threatened to choke him.

Ken was in the bathroom, having retreated there once he bought a few cups of coffee for Daisuke and returned to the room. Three empty paper cups stood tall on the nightstand, evidence of the soccer player's nervousness. He had wanted to ask Ken about something Ryo had said. Something about a brother, and Children of Air… However, Ken had seemed to anticipate this question and had simply holed up in the tiny bathroom. Sighing, Daisuke wondered if the pale, beautiful warrior found comfort sharing space with any cockroaches that might happen to have wandered into the vicinity.

Getting to his feet, he tried to reach out to Ken with shaking psychic fingers. For a moment he felt warmth, the need of a child to be comforted after a terrible nightmare. Daisuke pulled back. This feeling from Ken bothered him. If they were both scared, who would protect them? Ken was supposed to be strong, Daisuke was supposed to be the one who was falling to pieces. As he took a deep breath, he stepped up to the door. "Ken?"

There was quiet shuffling beyond the flimsy wooden barrier, then a hesitant response. "Yeah?"

"Are you okay? You've been in there for a while now, and I was starting to get worried." He tried, and failed, to hide the shake in his voice.

A derisive snort came from the other side of the door. "You sound scared, Daisuke," Ken's voice was mocking. "What's the matter? Afraid of the monsters? Afraid I might try to kill you or maybe torture you the way Ryo did?"

It took a moment, but Daisuke realized Ken was not mocking him; he was mocking himself. "Ken," he stuttered around the name, "I'm sorry you feel that way about things. If it makes you feel any better, I don't think you're a freak." Gently, he ran one bronze hand against the wood, watching as it stood out in stark contrast- shine against flatness.

"Oh really? Then what am I?" Around the bitter laughter, Ken muttered something else that he thought Daisuke would not be able to hear. "I'm nothing, just worthless. You don't need me."

Startled by this notion, Daisuke pulled back a bit, eyes blinking in rapid fire. "You really think that? That I don't need you?" A small laugh escaped him. "How could you think that way about yourself? Fuck, Ken! You're so beautiful-"

"You don't know me! You don't know what I've done! Don't call me that when you have no idea who I am." His anger was so thick that it crashed against the door. Ken bit his tongue until he tasted blood, and felt the wound close seconds after it was made. "You have no idea," he whispered.

In his desperation, the fiery man slammed a fist against the wooden door. "I don't fucking care how many people, or demons or whatever else you've killed, Ken. I need your help. Even if I didn't need your help I still wouldn't give a shit what you've done." A hand ran through his wine colored hair, pulled at the roots as his cinnamon eyes squeezed shut. "Jesus, Ken- stop acting like such a fucking child. I'm not going to try and stone you to death or something so stop the hissy fit." Slamming a fist into the door again, Daisuke stepped back to sit on the bed once more. He was surprised to hear Ken fumble with the doorknob, the creak of rusted hinges. "It's about time."

"I'm not acting like a child." Violet eyes narrowed to sparkling slits, Ken stalked towards the bed and towered over Daisuke.

Raising an eyebrow, he pursed his lips. "Oh no, not at all." Cinnamon eyes gleamed, daring Ken to fight him. "Quit being such a fucking baby. We need to figure this out, not beat the shit out of each other."

The tension eased out of his frame as the pale man realized he could not easily intimidate Daisuke. Not anymore at least. "I supposed you're right." Stretching and scratching his neck, Ken noticed the way his companion tried not to look at him, but kept staring. Eyes rolling as high as they could go, he sighed. "Just ask already, would you? The wait is getting tedious."

Daisuke stuck his tongue out. "You can be such a bitch, you know that? But since you demanded so nicely…" Clearing his throat he eyed Ken, completely aware of the caution that was necessary for this task. "Ryo, he called you a Child of Air, said you have a brother… do you? And what's a Child of Air?"

He had not been expecting that question. Ken coughed, hiding his surprise. Throughout the confrontation he could have sworn Daisuke was unconscious. "Yes, I have a brother. No, we don't get along- for many reasons. The biggest reason being that he's a power hungry asshole, but that's ancient history. As for being a child of Air… well, you saw what I did, what I can do. It's only a small measure of my true power."

"Fuck."

"Indeed." Ken smirked at Daisuke's shock. "Sora probably told you about my… upbringing. The demons who raised me taught me how to manipulate my power practically from birth."

"Wait a minute," Dai interrupted. "If they had you almost from birth how do you know your brother well enough to dislike his so much?"

"I'm getting to that," Ken sat on the bed, long legs crossed. "And I don't dislike him," he replied.

"Oh no?"

He shook his head, twilight hair shaking with it. "No. I fucking hate him."

***

Cherry eyes flickered towards consciousness once more. Around her she could hear the voices of her friends.

"Hey guys! I think she's waking up," there was Takeru, most likely he was the one she could feel perched over her.

"Back up, let me take a look at her," Jyou, voice full of command and knowledge of medicine if needed.

Her eyelids opened finally, once and for all. "I'm okay," Hikari breathed. The swarming of power had left her more than a little winded. "Did it work?"

"Did it ever!" Taichi bounced over to his sister brandishing half of the silver tube. Looking past him she could see Koushiro, Sora, and Iori pondering over the scroll that had been inside.

As she thought about it, Hikari felt a gentle hand sifting through her hair. Turning to its owner she gave a hesitant smile. Miyako blinked back at her, amber eyes full of unshed tears. The maroon haired young woman was known for both great magical skill and having a heart of steel. She never cried.

"Miyako, are you okay?" She leaned forward, cherry tinted vision radiating puzzlement.

Miyako nodded as her gaze dropped. Swallowing, she looked up again and whispered, "I almost lost you." Then before 'Kari could say anything she found herself wrapped in a pair of strong, though trembling, arms. "I was so scared I had lost you forever," Miyako whispered. "I can't stand the thought of losing you, Kari-chan."

Nuzzling into the arms of her love she smiled at what went unsaid, but was known at the same time.

***

"So, let me get this straight," Daisuke fidgeted as he thought. "If you're a fey, why are you in Japan? I thought your kind came from Europe."

"We did originally. What's left of my family came from there. Aside from my brother I haven't seen them in years. The demon pack that raised me took me away when I was maybe two years old and brought me here. After I broke free of them I met a man who helped me control certain tendencies I have. I blood bonded with him. He was a kitsune- a fox."

"Yeah, I know what the kitsune are." Casting a furtive glance at Ken, Dai took a deep breath and continued. "Tendencies?"

"Rage. Killing. Bloodlust. If you need more description let me know…"

"No, no, no… that's really okay."

***

"From what we've gathered, Ken placed this in the doorway shortly before he left," Koushiro motioned to the scroll on the table the others had seated themselves at. "He's loath to admit what he is, but he's pretty much assuming we've figured it out by now. Basically, all he's told us is that he and Daisuke have left. Ken knows who's after them now, so he knows what to expect. And it seems our assumptions about his feelings concerning Daisuke were correct. It's another touchy subject with him, but he's sworn he'll protect Daisuke from what's after them."

"He said he would protect us too," Sora spoke up. It was only fair to mention that part as well.

"That's true, but I might add that was secondary to his concern about Daisuke's personal safety." The redhead broke out in a smile. "I think our mysterious warrior has fallen in love."

"Or at least a serious case of lust," Taichi snickered from his seat. "Can't say I blame him much. You saw Dai's body. Damn, he's fine." The brunette whistled as he lounged in his chair. "Did Ken mention if he figured out the hottie's powers? Like having an ass you could bounce quarters off of…?" He squawked a moment later as his lover cuffed him across the back of the head.

"You stay away from Daisuke," the blond's voice was smoldering. "Bitch." Yamato kept muttering until Tai leaned over and whispered something in his ear, causing him to give the others a devilish grin and pull his boyfriend onto his lap. As they started kissing there was a cough.

"This is all well and good," Miyako blatantly ignored the couple's antics. "But did Ken say what we're up against?"

"Well," Koushiro paused, "no. But he did give us some great clues."

Everyone present let out a groan at the thought of research.

***

Cinnamon eyes watched as Ken checked the window and door locks for the thirtieth time. "You're blood bound with a kitsune. How do you benefit from that?"

Standing up after firmly assuring himself no one was getting into the room, Ken walked over to a chair beside the bed. "It means wherever the kitsune are, I will always have a place to stay. Thusly, Japan has become my homeland just as it is theirs. My own healing powers also went through the roof when I was first bound. But I haven't had to use them in a while." He sat back in the chair and watched as Daisuke thought this over. Violet eyes shifted with the small point of pearl that bit at the other mans lower lip. In the dim light, he was a sparkling jewel- a delicious bundle of blood… Ken cut the train of thought short unsure where it was going.

"Tell me about your brother." Dai knew he was blushing as he made the demand. Eyes flickering up to the beautiful face opposite him he continued. "I know you don't like him. Ryo said you were a Child of Air, but he didn't say your brother was. And I think you know who's coming after me." Words dropping away he gasped at the few images flickering behind his eyes. "Strike that," he corrected. "I know you know who's after me."

Startled by the accusation, Ken looked up sharply. As he did, he noticed the way Daisuke's eyes were flickering around the room, the fine shake of his eyelashes. Dammit, he must have been broadcasting. How did this man get past his defenses so easily? Finally, he spoke in slow, measured tones. "Yes, I'm pretty sure I know who's after you, though I'm not sure why. As for my brother…" He frowned as a collective of memories swelled and crashed over him in a tsunami of bitterness, anger, and regret. "No, he isn't a Child of Air like I am. He's a Child of Water, just as Ryo is a Child of Earth, and you know about me. There should be four of us, with a Child of Fire we would be complete. Maybe they think that's what you are. I honestly don't know."

"The four basic elements," Daisuke murmured to himself. "It makes sense." Raising his voice a little he frowned. "But why me? People know my name and my face. If I randomly disappear someone's going to notice. As someone of Water your brother should be chock full of intuition, he should know all this. It doesn't make sense." Shaking his head, he pounded a fist against the mattress. "When was the last time you saw your brother?"

"When he tried to kill me."

***

"Back up the gravy train here," Taichi jumped in. "How did you say we were going to find them? They're two of the most shielded individuals on the planet. 'Kari's not going to be able to find them. We all know Miya and Iori can't find them. And as much as I love you Teeks, you won't find them either. Yama and I have already tried. Kou, you and Jyou don't have the necessary skills. That only leaves…"

"Me," Sora said calmly. "Or, if we knew where she was, Mimi." She turned away from the others. The simple thought of her love nearly driving her to her knees. When her girlfriend had been around, they had faced this kind of danger without worry. Laughter and happiness bubbled throughout the shop. Now the air was thick, dead. "But, she's gone. So, it looks like I've been volunteered. It might be because I've seen Ken's true face before that he trusts me with this. Whatever happens, let's just hope I can tell you something useful before I pass out."

Miyako and Hikari were on their feet in seconds. "You can't do this," Miyako was insistent.

"You could die," 'Kari gasped. She stopped, cherry eyes slowly filling with the fine shimmer of tears. "But that's what you want," she whispered.

"Maybe," Sora replied. "I want to see Mimi again too, but you can't always get what you want, ne? Come on." Standing, the auburn haired woman motioned for the others to follow her into the front room. "We've got to prepare."

***

Silence had descended upon the tiny space for several minutes. Daisuke swallowed, trying to make his suddenly dry throat work. When he first spoke his voice cracked a little. "He tried to kill you?" There was a nod. "But you're immortal aren't you? Bound with a kitsune, another immortal creature, you should be indestructible."

Ken's smile was bitter. "As Ryo so kindly pointed out, apparently not." Memories he had not accessed in a very long time built in the back of his mind, waiting to overtake him. "Though I was raised by demons, they never shared their secrets of prolonged life. And the sidhe can die. That bullet Ryo shot me with was iron- it hurts my kind. Some of the old legends were true. Cold iron will harm me, even contain me if necessary. Hot iron will scar me and if properly applied kill me." He sighed letting the bitterness of his words seep into the air. Smiling to himself, Ken thought over how much the air could effect everything.

"You were shot, but you healed. And you never answered my question about your brother." Rubbing at tired eyes, Dai saw a few filtered images in his mind. At least Ken was sharing. "How could he drown you?"

The warrior shrugged. "He couldn't. He tried and he failed. When his plans didn't go how he wanted he sought out someone who would take care of his problem. Being the bastard that he is, he gave them all the information they needed and lead them straight to me." When he stopped, he blinked at the other man's horrified stare. "Do you still wonder why I hate him?"

"No."

"Good. Now, we should try and get some sleep while we can. I don't think anyone will look for us here so we should be okay." Studying the small space, Ken grabbed a pillow from the bed and one of the blankets. "I'll sleep on the floor. If you need anything…"

"It's okay, Ken. I'll be fine," Daisuke gave the other man a tired smile. Eyes cautious, Dai watched as Ken returned the smile. The marvel was not in its rarity, but in it's simple beauty. So, here he was with a sidhe who had been blood bound with a kitsune and raised by a pack of demons. Well, at least he knew Ken would keep him safe. It was better than being on his own. Not to mention the fine scenery. As he skipped through a vaguely sexual train of thought he paused again. Wondering if it would be okay to ask, or whether Ken would kill him for it, Daisuke decided to save his questions about Ken's sexuality for another day. No use getting ahead of himself.

***

A chalk circle marked the floor with designs of white, pale blue, and forest green decorating the edges. Compass points were marked and each presented with a gift of that destination's element- be it air, fire, water, or earth. At the east and west points two statues gleamed, their finely polished porcelain catching the light. Outside the chalk lines, each person who was needed for the ritual stood, holding sigils that signified who they were, who they were offering to.

Koushiro eyed the statues and glanced at Sora who stood calmly behind him. "The Dragon and the Tiger?"

Her gentle eyes flicked to him briefly. "It's Tigress, actually. Xi Wang Mu, the mother of the East, goddess of death and rebirth, all that is feminine. Mu Gong, the Dragon, father of the West, once a commander of legions now immortalized forever as yang- everything masculine." She stopped and thought about something Mimi had once remarked on. A ghost of a smile flitted over Sora's face. "You know it's funny really. They represent balance to one another, yet they hold their own balance within themselves."

The redheaded man was silent as he thought this over. "Shouldn't there be an aspect for yodel, the Angel?"

"That goes in the center," Sora replied, "where I'm supposed to stand." Trying to ignore the blood draining from her face, she stepped forward making sure, one last time, that the others held the correct sigils. A star for Lucifer, an I-Ching coin, a feather for Isis, a mirror, a crescent moon for Hecate, a tear-shaped crystal, a shell for Vishnu, an olive branch, a cross for Brighid…

Gathering all the strength she could find, Sora stepped over the first line of chalk- forest green casting memories of the Hunt. A flash of fur and blood, a glimpse of horns and goblets of wine, a fire in a cave. Taking a deep breath she crossed the second line- pale blue sending her into the sky. Feathers covered her vision for a moment, replaced by sights of the sun shining it's first light over the horizon. The serenity gave her courage to step into the center, beyond the white line. Once there, all memories and thoughts ceased. Sora stood alone and emotionally naked, stripped of power for the first time in years. Quietness resounded in her head. Tranquil moments of peace made her realize there was no turning back. Feeling so vulnerable to the universe she sent out a quick prayer to whomever might have been listening to grant her safe passage. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a tiny piece of silver, taken from Ken's tiny altar in his room. Placing the gleaming metal at her feet she lifted her eyes to look at her friends. "Take each other's hands," she murmured.

As the others obeyed the now subdued woman, they did what they had been instructed to do. Each one closed their eyes and focused their energies on Ken- be it a purely visual memory or a complete experience. With their emotions swirling through the room they remained still, their heads bowed and eyes closed to the sight of true power being unleashed. Sora stood in awe as she watched the play of light energy flutter through the air. Given only scant moments to enjoy the sight, she felt herself become grounded in the floor. Pure energy bolted up her spine like a shot of white lightning. Sounds of laughter and tears beat against her eardrums. Sora stood tall, for the moment a being of pure emotional energy. She gasped as the power surged through her. "Ken…"

***

to be continued

and I leave it hanging yet again. I know this part was shorter than the first, but this seemed like the right place to stop. writer's block has, thankfully, stayed away but the story is still tough to write- all involved and everything. since it wasn't at the top: I don't own the show, or the characters, I don't own the pantheons. review if you like, but no one's going to force you…