Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Shinwa ❯ Chapter 4

Notes: first, let me issue an apology for the last chapter. While it ended on a great note, it was extremely short. I'll try to make up for that with this one. We'll just have to see how it goes. If this turns out to be overly sappy, blame it all on Norah Jones. The CD is awesome- if you haven't heard it. So, should this take a turn for the WAFFy side of life… my apologies.

Also- to everyone who's reviewed up to this point: you rock my world! Thanks muchly and all that sort of stuff. Hugs all around for that…

Shinwa- chapter 4

Morning found Ken and Daisuke tangled together amidst the sheets of the guest bed in Dai's room. The darker of the two men lay curled up with blankets wrapped around his midsection- the only barrier aside from clothing between him and the pale man who slept atop the sheets. They had tried to keep at least that much between them, deciding that it was impolite to consummate their "relationship" in the home of another. Despite the fact that their host had predicted the inevitable pairing.

Sunlight just peeking over the horizon lightened the room with a pale golden blue glow. Blinking, then squinting against the soft light Ken shifted from his position to look at the man that lay beside him. Face dormant in slumber, he looked so vulnerable with a gentle smile gracing his lips. That sight alone was enough to lift the warrior's spirits. He was still amazed at how electric, how wonderful everything had been. In the depth of night it had all felt so exciting and achingly passionate. Marveling at the sensations tucked in his memory, Ken let his eyes pass over his bedmate's face once more before rising.

Stretching as he looked out towards the city beyond, Ken began his customary morning routine. Simple exercises that helped maintain focus and balance and basic sword work. He would most likely have to retire to Gennai's own training room to work with his blade, but that was the price he had to pay to keep Daisuke safe. Balancing on the balls of his feet, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes picturing his field of energy that surrounded him at all times. Some would call it his aura, but to Ken it was his shield. The barrier he kept firmly in place to keep the rest of the world at bay. It was normally solid in its construction. Flares of red and orange spiked with yellow and black would ignite the air around him. The colors of strength, rage, protection, and absorption of negative energy. Normally they would keep others out and allow Ken to retreat into the air he held within to remain safe. Normally.

Once he had closed his eyes, the fey expected to see the natural barrier protecting him. The balance he kept so well under other circumstances faltered causing him to stumble. There were holes in his energy field. Enormous holes- the kind that would allow his brother to find him. The kind that would prevent him from keeping his precious Daisuke safe. Holes that would allow even darker things that his brother to find him… Violet eyes flying open, Ken struggled to breathe. No. This was not possible. This simply could not be happening. Why? Now that he had finally found someone, a lover, that he could trust and cherish, why did everything have to fall apart? Just as he was starting to feel again.

Remembering the warnings, all the predictions, every threat, Ken let his head fall. Everything they had warned him of, it was already happening. He bit his lip to keep in a quiet sob. Looking at the beautiful figure sleeping on the bed he knew he had only one choice. Hopefully Daisuke would understand.

***

Cinnamon eyes flickered open to see golden light pouring through the room. It gleamed off the surfaces of the bureau, the windchimes that hung from the ceiling, the doorknobs, the handles on the drawers- everything glittered in the morning sunlight. Daisuke felt a quiet sense of awe filling him at the simple beauty of it all. Scratching his head he looked around the room. He had already figured that Ken would have awoken and gone to do whatever it was he did in the mornings. The events of the previous night probably needed to be processed by the pale warrior before they could discuss the next step. However, as he looked around the room Dai felt something was wrong. Something was missing. That presence…

Leaping out of bed he ran to the kitchen area looking frantically. Mimi sat at the table, eyes wide and blinking at the sight of a bed rumpled Daisuke. No sign of Ken. Moving from room to room he continued to search. By the time he reached the small shop he knew the answer. Tears filled his eyes as he approached Gennai at the front desk. "Ken's gone," he whispered.

The kitsune looked up sharply from his accounting books. "Nonsense," he muttered. "Surely I would've felt his departure. He couldn't have…" But as he mentally filtered through the contents of his home he found it was true. Immediately silencing he turned to look at Daisuke who stood before him, eyes glittering and too bright as he bit his trembling lower lip.

"Why would he leave, Gennai? Where did he go? Did he say anything to you?" Strong hands gripped the old man's shoulders nearly shaking him out of his seat. "Why would he leave? Why?! Dammit you've got to know something, so start talking. Where the fuck is Ken?" Dai's voice rose to a frantic pitch but his words were cut off as Mimi approached and pulled him off of the kitsune.

Trying to soothe the heartbroken man's pain, Mimi shushed him as he fought off tears. "I'm sure he just went to go get something. He'll come back-"

"No, Mimi," Daisuke cut her off and shook his head. "He's gone. I can feel it. Before, when he was near, I could hear his thoughts and feel his heartbeat in my chest. But that's all gone. He left, Mimi." Coughing and burying his face in his hands he let out a low moan. "I guess I really was too much for him. He left me…"

The old man stood up from his stool. "No, Daisuke-san. If Ken has left then I'm sure there is a valid reason for it. He would not simply vanish with no explanation. Perhaps if she's feeling up to it, your friend Mimi could look in your room for clues or quite possibly search for him. But," he paused and gave a tiny smile, "that's if she's feeling up to it."

Indecision cut the light haired woman in two. "I don't know," she said softly. "It's been so long since the last time I did anything like this. I don't know if I can anymore. I'm sorry, Daisuke. But please, give me some time to decide."

Two red rimmed eyes stared at Mimi. Though he had met several new people in such a short space of time, and then even fallen into a serious infatuation with one, Daisuke was rapidly losing patience with being polite. "All right, Mimi. You want some time? You've had plenty of goddamn time to sort all this shit out, okay? You've been gone for how long? Running from who you are and what you are. Instead of spending that time coming to terms with things you've only buried yourself deeper in doubt. Quite frankly, I don't fucking care how much it scares you. I've got demons and a couple half-crazed fey after me because there's a bounty on my head for some unknown fucking reason. So, do me a favor? Save your pity case for someone else. Right now I want to find Ken, and you are the only one who can help me. I've learned how to do some pretty freaky shit in the past forty-eight hours. Care to test my knowledge?" When she shook her head he gave a thin smile. "Good. Now fucking suck it up because I'm giving you five minutes to prepare. Shit- I'll even help you out. But you're going to do this because if you don't face it now, you never will. Understood?"

All Mimi could do was nod. This sudden change in Daisuke's demeanor was so strange she would never dare to say no. "I'll need some things from the shop," she looked up at Gennai.

"Take whatever you need, my dear," he replied softly. After Mimi stood and managed to walk over to the shelves the kitsune glanced at Daisuke who had also risen. "May I ask what brought on this sudden need to find Ken?"

As he set his jaw and thought through all the reasons, the bronze man shook his head. "There's only one reason that I'm going to give you. And that's because he's mine. He and I belong together; even he knows that now. Whether that scared him or not is okay, but I want to find him… just to know that he's safe. That his brother hasn't come after him. That Ryo hasn't shown up again…" Words dropping away his gaze fell to the floor.

"To know that you haven't driven him away or hurt him." Gennai saw Daisuke nod and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure you will find him. Ken knows what it means for the two of you to be with one another. He knows that even he cannot outrun fate. Though, the gods know that he may try." With a wry smile Gennai ushered Dai back towards the apartment. "Come on now, we must help out Miss Mimi so that we can find our wandering sidhe."

Lost in guilt, Daisuke merely followed to wherever he was lead hoping against all hope that it would lead him back to Ken.

***

Her room lay in chaos. All the things normally kept with such care heaped around her having been thrown in a fit of desperation. Chestnut eyes closed to the world she tried to keep taking deep breaths to tune out the pain she could feel building inside. The others had to have figured things out by now. She could feel soft touches against her mind. Whispers of comfort trying to coax her from her hiding place. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.

There was a hesitant knock on the door. "Sora?" It was Hikari. "Do you need anything? Tea, or maybe a hug?"

She gave a watery laugh and stood. Crossing the room she kept the smile on her face and threw open the door. "You know as well as I do that I can't hug anybody, 'Kari. I appreciate the thought though." When Sora took a breath she could feel her lungs hitching, wanting to let go again, to cry herself into oblivion. "I'm sorry I just ran up here and hid. I'll come down and let you know what I saw now." Running two very shaky hands through her short auburn hair, she gave another sad smile and stepped out of the room. As she followed the shorter woman down the stairs she bit her lip, desperate to keep all of her feelings inside. Though she knew Taichi and Yamato would most likely pick up on anything she felt anyway, she still wanted to keep some of it locked away. They really had no idea how much she still hurt inside.

The solemn group looked up when the pair of women entered the room. Jyou and Koushiro sat hands perched over books, eyes wide at the site of their very disheveled friend. Miyako and Iori were equally wide eyed- for the space of a few seconds. Then the maroon haired woman regained her cool and moved towards 'Kari in a naturally protective way. Takeru sat on the floor sparing quick glances every few moments. It seemed he was embarrassed on Sora's behalf. Lastly, Yamato and Taichi sat curled together on a chair, eyes full of matching sympathy.

"Hello everyone," Sora's voice was rough from crying. "Sorry about that just now. But, it was…" She had to stop. Though they knew what she was trying to say, certainly, the group stared in wonder and anticipation. "I found our missing duo. They were staying in a hotel not too far away, but they… ran into someone. She… was going to help them. I think. I don't really know." Her words faltered and she bit her lip. No name was spoken. She still could not say it without immense difficulty. Even after all this time. Having spoken it earlier nearly wrenched her in two.

"Then it's true," Yamato whispered across the room. "They found Mimi."

At the name of her beloved alone, Sora felt her eyes burn and squeeze closed as she nodded. "Yes," her voice was thick. "They found her." Silence expanded throughout the room in the space of a few heartbeats. "They found Mimi."

The air seemed to gasp. In all the time that had passed, no one had previously been able to find Sora's absent girlfriend. The rest of the group watched her in awe. Finally, Koushiro stepped forward.

"Are you okay?" Obsidian eyes shone with concern. "I mean, is there anything we can…" His words dropped away as she shook a head full of auburn hair.

"No, I'm not okay. It's not going to be okay until I can see her again, talk to her, ask her why she left. But, until then we've got other things to worry about." Pulling herself together mentally, Sora stepped forward to look at the books on the table. "It's not like I want to be this hurt, guys," she said, absently skimming through the titles. "And when we reach Ken and Daisuke, I'll finally be able to talk to her. Right now we've got to focus on…" She stopped again.

On the floor Takeru shuddered. "Did anyone else just feel that?"

Iori nodded, face grim. "There was a cold rush of air. Then this… pain. Almost like something burning? But that wouldn't make sense." His green eyes clouded as he tried to focus on the source of whatever it was they could feel.

In the corner Tai let out a pitiful wail before clutching at his chest. Instantly alert, Yamato tried to steady his boyfriend. "Tai," he cried. "Talk to me. What is it? Are you okay? Tai-chan?"

Through his pain the brunette gasped. "It's Daisuke and Ken. It's them. They're doing it. Oh OW!" He howled in pain caught between wanting to clutch his head or his chest. "Fuck this hurts like you wouldn't believe." Rocking back and forth in the comfort of the blond's arms Tai felt his breath going ragged. "Shit, they must be bound some way for this kind of thing to happen… OW!" Brown eyes squinted closed again trying to force the emotions away.

Across the room, Sora stood feeling the same pain Taichi felt. However, after feeling Mimi's presence she only let out a soft gasp as another tear fell from her eyes. "They separated," she whispered.

Jyou looked up sharply. "What? Why would they do that? Don't they know how dangerous that is for them? I mean, forget anything else involving a connection between them. But Daisuke's still got demons after him!"

In the midst of the confusion, Koushiro whirled around the room. "How could this happen? Despite the fact that we were able to find them, how can we be feeling what they are? It shouldn't be possible given the parameters of our own powers in conjunction with the hesitancy they approached each other with. This is an impossibility…" His words cut off as Jyou stood and wrapped an arm around the redhead's shoulders.

"Kou-chan," he said quietly, "I love you. You know that. But breathe, and focus. You're not doing any help by trying to figure out the mathematical implications of Daisuke and Ken's emotions." When his lover nodded he placed a quick kiss on the crown of his head.

Hikari knelt beside Takeru. "You alright? I know this is overwhelming. Even I can feel their pain." Cherry eyes scanned the drawn face for any signs of instability.

"All you can do is feel it?" The blond let out a very shaky laugh. "Goddess," he muttered, "it feels like it's going to eat me alive. But I did pull something from it. Ken is the one who left. Right now that's all I can tell you. Maybe once this stops, or I get used to it I'll be able to tell you more. I don't know why Yama isn't reeling from this."

'Kari looked up at the telepath in question and frowned. "Yamato?"

Sapphire eyes shifted towards his love's sibling. "They're only letting emotions go, not thoughts. I've caught a few strays, but they aren't laced with what everyone else seems to be feeling." He ran a soothing hand down Taichi's back.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the outpouring of emotions ceased. Relief flooded the room with a deafening peace.

Shaking his head half in disbelief and half in utter shock, Takeru felt things filtering through his mind and falling into place. As he thought his head tilted to one side. "Last night," he began hesitantly, "did any of you feel something? Almost a wave like this one, only a whole lot nicer?" At the general sounds of affirmation he continued. "That was also them. I guess they…" He sat up blinking suddenly. "Oh my," he said quietly.

A soft laugh came from the vicinity of Yamato's shoulder where Taichi was trying to recuperate. "That's all you can say? 'Oh my'. It's a hell of a lot more than that, sweetie! Hmmm… damn…" He wound his arms around Yamato's neck and began to place a few sloppy kisses against the golden skin. "Looks to me like they got it on. About damn time too! Ken needed to get laid in the worst way." Chuckling to himself, Tai kept nuzzling at his lover with obviously positive results to anyone watching.

Clearing his throat, Iori raised a reprimanding eyebrow at the couple. "You know, sometimes I think Sora's rule wasn't simply for Ken's benefit." Somewhere behind him another blond snickered.

Hikari sighed and shook her head. She tried to remember what had happened the night before, but came up blank.

"Something did happen," Sora spoke softly. "But I can't seem to remember what exactly. I know I dreamt of Mimi. I usually do, but this was different." Chin in hand she thought for a moment. "You know, Taichi, I think you're wrong. They didn't sleep together. They couldn't have or Ken wouldn't be so worried about what's happening." A roomful of blank stares greeted her. "He told me once that if he ever got close with anyone like that it could be… bad."

Miyako snorted from her place on the floor beside her girlfriend. When she was elbowed in the ribs she cried, "What? It's like something on TV. Don't tell me he'd lose his soul, because then I think he would have rights to sue somebody. Hey, stop hitting me!" She barely dodged a gentle slap from Hikari.

Sora shook her head. "No, it wasn't like that. It was like he feared some sort of loss but not one like that. Not a loss of anything inside of him. The loss of his lover maybe? I don't know." Auburn hair shook through the air again.

Walking to the table covered with books, Koushiro felt his eyebrows draw together in concentration. As he flipped through pages in various books simultaneously without lifting a hand, he looked up sharply at a pair of sapphire eyes. "Don't do that Yamato. I'll tell you in a minute, but when you try and pry I lose my concentration. Please allow me to remain focused for a few seconds more, okay?" Giving a thin smile he resumed his searching. "Ha! Found it," he crowed after almost ten minutes had passed. Holding up one of the books he announced proudly, "Read it and weep. Any fey part of an Elemental Circle cannot be in close contact with another of the group in any sexual way. If they are it results in extreme corruption mind, soul, and abilities alike." As he continued to read the words slowed.

"Oh son of a bitch," Yamato hissed. "You've got to be fucking kidding me! Daisuke can't be another fey. He just can't be!"

"Aw, Yama baby are you worried I might get sidhe struck by him? Afraid I might try to screw his brains out or something?" Tai squawked then sighed as he was kissed very thoroughly. When the couple broke apart he sighed dreamily. "Nevermind."

As he tried not to laugh, Takeru spoke up. "Oni-san's right though. Daisuke can't be one of the fey. We would've noticed something like that. Not to mention that he would've noticed. In a big bad way. I mean he would have had to gained some power by now, right?"

Flipping through more pages the redhead sighed. "One would think," he muttered. "But maybe they were locked up. I'm not certain. But did anyone else notice the subtle glow of his skin? That's a trait commonly exhibited by all fey. But then, why would demons be after him? If he wasn't aware of his powers it wouldn't make…"

As the telekinetic fell into a frenzy of thought, Jyou stood and put his hands on his beloved's shoulders. "Breathe, Kou-chan before you start to hyperventilate. Besides, worrying is my job, not yours."

"I'm not worried," the redhead gasped out. "I'm just thinking."

Blue eyes rolled. "Whatever you say."

As the couples pushed at one another good naturedly, the youngest stood observing. "Interesting," he noted. "It's almost as if the feelings put out from last night are coming back. But that would only happen if they were together once again, wouldn't it? Interesting." While he pondered, the blond on the floor watched him with studied amusement.

"You think of something, Iori?" Takeru felt his eyes sparkle as he spoke the name. None of the others knew yet, but it was getting harder to hide from them.

"Just that Ken and Daisuke would have to be back together in order for this kind of result," gesturing to the conclave of love in the room he heard a soft chuckle from the blond.

"Here's hoping, right?" Aqua eyes swirled into thought. "Unless someone were covering the pain, masking it with a spell." Takeru stood and looked at the younger man. "That's possible, isn't it?"

Nodding slowly, the Pagan spoke in very measured tones. "I hate to say it, Take-chan. But, you're right. It is possible."

***

Inside the kitsune's apartment, Gennai and Mimi stood over the small dish filled with herbs, watching as it blazed first red, then pink and finally faded to a soft lilac. For all of his experience, the old man seemed just as mystified as the young woman.

"Whoa, that's pretty cool looking," Daisuke commented as he sat up from where he had fallen to the floor. In order to find Ken, he had been instructed to focus on the Ken he knew. The man he had slept beside and held the previous night. It had been a harrowing experience that unleashed so many stray emotions that it was a wonder the other two in the room were still standing. After feeling the complete ache of Dai's loss, Gennai and Mimi had put up the barrier that presently burned with it's mystifying flame.

"Why that color though? Lilac is usually symbolic of death, isn't it?" Walking around the small fire, Mimi narrowed her eyes in thought.

"In dreams, yes. Lilac is the color of death. A color associated with the fey too, much like the moon is their goddess, the flowers are like their shelter," Gennai's voice sounded from somewhere beyond her line of sight.

"I like that color," Daisuke added his two cents in. "It's like the streaks in Ken's eyes. When he gets really worked up about anything they glow that color- iced lilac." He bit his lip as it started to tremble, then clutched at his head. "Fuck! I don't understand this! I just met him, I don't even know him- so why am I feeling like this? I don't care if it's some kind of bond or some bullshit like that. This isn't normal and I just want… I want… I want him back," he whispered. Liquid cinnamon eyes shot up as a hand touched his shoulder.

"We'll find him, Daisuke," Mimi said gently. "I'll do my best. I promise."

"You better," he gave a weak smile.

"I need to be alone to do this though, I'm sorry. Other people tend to distract me when I try to focus. It gets difficult. But don't worry. If you hear stuff breaking in here just come charging in. In the long run it's better if I get pulled back by force rather than stuck in limbo." With that, the light haired woman ushered the two men out, shutting the door on their protests. Quick fingers traced a rune over the wood of the door. Protection, to keep her and them safe from her power.

Returning to the center of the room she sat, facing the window hands open and palms up on her knees. Breathing deep she concentrated on the Ken she knew, the so mysterious boy from memory. Twilight hair, shielded violet eyes- she knew nothing of the streaks Daisuke spoke of. How could he have seen them? Gleaming silver of a sword hidden along his spine or tucked into the folds of baggy pants, but more frequently at his back. Quick, sure movements that made him unique yet kept him hidden. The stern face that she had seen break only for Daisuke. What was it about that fiery young man that attracted Ken so? Ken, Ken, where are you Ken? Her mind called out. Flickering eyelids closed she felt her body letting go and suddenly she was lighter than air. A crystalline figure of pure light.

It had been so long since the last time Mimi had been in her astral form that she had nearly forgotten what it felt like. To be so free and light as the wind, to be able to fly on the clouds and walk upon the surface of the ocean… Taking a moment to get reacquainted with the sensation, she began to focus her energy on Ken. The power in him that he held so tightly and kept so hidden. Pushing up on invisible feet, Mimi soared out through the rooftop and hovered above the city. Sunlight streaming across the glass of office buildings glittered in the early day. Beyond the line of the city, darting lights of the ocean caught her eyes. Ears perked she listened to sound of the wind as it ripped past. Astral form unable to feel she would never grow cold floating in this place, but, alas, she had work to do.

Mind flashing through a few quick calculations she estimated as to how far Ken could have gotten on foot and began there. In a flashing moment she was perched on the rooftop of a shrine studying the wandering crowd. She watched each person's astral imprint as it flickered in the air. No sign of Ken. Another flashing moment brought her to a butcher shop. Astral lights passing by such tough scrutiny, Mimi still came up short. Ken still alluded her. Jumping one final time she landed on a sidewalk in front of a library. A whisper made her ears perk. In the astral plane, only the sounds of nature should catch her ears, unless she took on a body. No one should have been able to whisper across this plane of existence. Unless it were another traveler. The sound was coming from the library.

Astral form picking up speed she flew up the steps, past the desk with no trace of air current at her passing. In the recesses of the library she caught the sound again, barely touching her ears. A whisper so soft she nearly missed it. Racing through the stacks she found the light beginning to dwindle, even on the astral plane. Stopping for a moment, Mimi perked her ears again. The sound was right behind her. Spinning she found herself nose to nose with a shadow demon. Before she could leave it held up a hand, indicating she should listen.

At the most the creature could only hiss. Vague gestures began to relate that the demon knew where Ken was. The pale warrior was "resting" with some of the demon's compatriots. For a price this one would set him free. For a price. Because with demons, there was always a price. Mimi shook her head at the monster. No deal. She could set Ken free on her own. She knew she could. Giving the demon a wicked smile she jumped and found Ken's form. Without a glance around she dove in, finding that his mind was entirely chaotic.

The walls of Ken's mind echoed with pain so old it was numbing. In the depth of it, lay a shimmering light. As she approached the glowing object, Mimi found she was looking at changing images of Daisuke. The only light Ken could find in all of his darkness- Daisuke, the one who he loved beyond measure. Calling out to Ken again, she saw the fabric of Ken's mind twist, finally forming a rough outline of Ken himself. Bowing to him, Mimi noticed that he appeared ragged, confused.

"Ken I need to know where you are," she said quietly. "We want to come and help you, but we can't do that if we don't know where you are. Tell me, Ken…"

The figure waved a hand at her before coming into sharp focus. Something seemed off- though the image of Ken clear, it was still off balance. "No need, Mimi," his voice was subdued. "They'll take care of me. No fear, no pain… I had almost forgotten what it was like to be with them." Head tilted; he gave a crooked smile. "You know, I know how to cut you loose of your body. Maybe I should do that right now. They're telling me I should-"

"Ken, no! Listen to me!" If she was cut loose, Mimi knew that she would never again open her eyes in the physical plane. Astral form cut free from the body left her trapped in that plane and her body became an empty vessel that could be filled by anything. "Ken don't! You don't want to cut me loose. Just tell me where you are."

Smiling still, the pale man shook his head and drew his blade. "No. I think not, Mimi. I think that I should cut you where you stand." Drawing back, preparing to strike he gave another bone chilling smile.

"No, Ken! Daisuke needs you! He's been going crazy trying to find you. Daisuke needs you to come back, Ken. You have to protect him, to keep him safe." It was a desperate attempt, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

At the mention of the other man's name the image of Ken faltered. Light seeped through his form. "Daisuke," he whispered turning a ghostly face to the shining images. "My Daisuke…" He shook his head, as if waking from a trance and no doubt that he was. Violet eyes darting up he looked frantic. "Mimi! I won't have much time. They caught me. The shield I always kept, my protection it was weakened… I'm not sure how." An obvious lie, but there was no time to pry. "Listen to me…"

And the image began to fade from light to dark like static. Ken's words flickered as if on bad transmission. Trying to focus even more, Mimi pointed to the shining images once more watching as the darker version of Ken followed her hand.

"Their nest isn't here… not in the library… the Gaki… Jishin-Mushi… I can't get out… tell Daisuke I'll see him soon…" Ken faded in and out of bad reception- light to dark and back again, finally settling on the more sinister side. The side that had obviously been brought up in the demons' tender care. Nurtured to love the sight and smell of blood as surely as anything else. The darker Ken raised his sword. "Now where were we?"

"Nowhere," Mimi replied closing astral eyes and jumping through space. Physical eyes opened as she gasped for air back in the apartment. The return trip had been so sudden. It felt as if she had been soaring at one thousand miles an hour and crashed head on into a brick wall. Slumping forward she coughed and fought for breath. Gaining purchase she saw a pair of feet appear at the corner of her vision.

"I take it your journey was successful then," Gennai spoke so calmly, but there was a subtle tremor to his voice. The old man had been worried. Traveling was a practice that had long been outdated. Not simply because people grew out of the habit, but because the ramifications could be dangerous. Everything on the astral plane echoed back into reality one way or another.

"Don't worry," Mimi wheezed, "I didn't touch anything." Laughing a little she added, "I had forgotten how beautiful it was though. But, I found Ken. He's been taken again. We need to talk to Daisuke and find out what's going on and what happened between him and Ken."

"Nothing really happened," a smooth voice came from the doorway- unquestionably Daisuke. "I mean, it was just… we kissed and it was so," his voice faded away as the previous night's bliss coursed along his nerves again. "Like we fit together. We belong together, Ken and I. Even he noticed that much. What I don't understand is why he left." He strode across the room and offered a hand to the young woman on the floor.

Coughing again, Mimi stood on shaky legs. "He said his shield was weakened. He wasn't sure how, but it was."

Behind his younger counterparts, the kitsune could not stifle his gasp. No, if Ken had lost his protection… "No wonder they found him so easily," he whispered. But how could the barrier have broken? Even if in contact with another fey of his Elemental Circle, which Daisuke could not possibly be, it was a rare event that his spirit would be corrupted. The legends had told of the hideous changes that could befall the sidhe if they let themselves go. True enough, Gennai had seen what had happened to some who became lost in the demonic promises of lust. Yet, even they could be saved. And it was not a simple curse of any sort- it was demon's work. Weary eyes filled with tears that he had not experienced in decades. The kitsune wept in fear, in pity, in hope that he could give Ken strength and find him. Despite his mixed emotions, Gennai voiced his concerns, "We may be too late."

Cinnamon eyes blazed- highlights of copper and bronze flashing. "Never. We'll find him and we'll help him."

"No, young one, you do not understand the ways of the demon. Their nature… it is so different," Gennai began to shuffle towards the door. Only to find the well-built body of a soccer star and country sweetheart blocking his way.

"Then make me understand, Gennai." Eyes narrowed he bent down to lock gazes with the kitsune. "Make me understand, old man. I don't like to threaten people, but I will if I have to. You know something. Now cough it up." A fine rage was growing in Daisuke's chest, spilling into his voice. Without his conscious choice the air grew warm.

Mimi noticed the change in temperature and felt her eyes go wide. "You might want to do what he says, Gennai. I'm no stranger to demon politics, but even I don't want to have an angry Daisuke to deal with."

Nodding slowly, resigning himself to the fact that he had to reveal certain secrets, the elderly man shuffled past Daisuke. "This way," he called, motioning with one bony hand for his guests to follow.

Anger under control, Dai spared a glance at Mimi. "Demon politics?" His voice held his obvious disbelief. Demons would never have political structure. They were supposed to fight dirty.

"You'd be surprised at how many rules there are when dealing with demons, Dai," she answered. "They're ridiculous when it comes to tradition. Like the yakuza- only worse. And if you step on any toes it's good night to you and everyone you know." She ruffled his wine colored hair as she passed by. "Come on, Daisuke. It's time for a crash course in demon etiquette."

Making a face for a moment, the young man heaved a sigh and followed. At the doorway he turned, feeling the cold press of eyes watching him. Scanning the room he found no threat present and continued on his way.

In the corner, where no sunlight touched the tiny space, two sets of eyes glittered. Dark promises and wicked laughter twinkling in their midst.

***

"You mean their afterglow was just bouncing around last night?" Taichi's eyes grew wide. "Well god damn! No wonder I felt so good when I woke up this morning. This stuff's like wondergasm. Shit, we should find a way to bottle it and sell it!"

"No, Taichi," everyone chorused.

"Fine," he pouted. "But we could make millions."

Closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, the youngest began to speak again. "No, Taichi," he said again. "However, since we know they separated we can also assume that someone is helping one of them, if not both, to block against all the pain they feel from being apart." Gesturing to Koushiro who sat nearby he continued. "I know Koushiro has found that passage about Elemental Groups and the fey, but we have to remember, Daisuke isn't one of them. Obviously, he's something. But it isn't fey. That trick he did with his voice is not a trait exhibited by any sidhe creature in any texts. Only someone of great power can change nature in such a way, or can feel psychic attacks in the manner Daisuke seems to, or would be able to tame someone of Ken's strength. Whatever he is, I think his power is becoming like a beacon without Ken there to guide and protect him."

"And without Ken," Takeru finished, "he's got no way to defend himself. I mean, he said himself that he's new to all of this, but I think he knows more than he realizes. But that doesn't matter as long as he's feeling like this. Without Ken, he's helpless against magic of any caliber. There's got to be something we can do!"

The telekinetic of the group had been pondering for some time. Given the overall odd circumstance of Ken and Daisuke's meeting, plus their given attributes and natural draw to one another, in combination with the power exuded from their union and subsequent breakup, factoring in Daisuke's own brand of power with Ken's lineage and natural sidhe magic… In summation it led Koushiro to only one conclusion. Obsidian eyes blinking rapidly he reached for a book close by. As he flipped pages he became aware of the stares he had drawn. Holding up one slender finger he silently pleaded for a minute to prove his theory.

Knowing his love only too well, Jyou spoke up. "You figured out what he is didn't you? You figured out what Daisuke is! Please tell me it's not some strange and rare thing that we've never encountered before." Eyebrows furrowed in a worried plea, he constantly toyed with his glasses out of habit.

Raising his eyes from his reading, Koushiro only shook his head slowly. "I wish I could tell you that, Jyou-chan. But it seems Daisuke is something that none of us expected."

Settling dramatically with chin in hand, the pyrokinetic eyed his boyfriend. "Couldn't you have just lied to me?"

As he tried to radiate an apology to his love, the redhead turned to their friends. "Guys, I don't really know how to put this, but Daisuke's an Adept."

Amidst the general confusion Miyako rolled her amber eyes. "So? He's an adept? That's it? We've dealt with those before! Really, Koushiro you had us all worried over this one-"

"No, Miyako. I mean he's an Adept," he cut her off. He hoped his voice held the capitalization in its context. "He's not like the ones you've seen before."

"You mean those kids who carried daggers and waved them around before creating all that mad crazy lightning?" Tai leaned against his blond boyfriend. "What the hell's the difference?"

"This is different, Taichi," Hikari spoke up. Having recently studied the old forms of magic, the word had sounded familiar to her, though she could not exactly pinpoint why.

"He's like one of the Originals," Koushiro explained. "For those of you who actually went to class," he glared at Tai and Yamato, "you would know what the Originals were."

Aqua eyes twinkled as he remembered, and Takeru beamed. "Oh yeah! They could control the elements- I mean anything and everything. The weather, the earth, the oceans… One by one they all went into hiding and everyone thought they had died until that guy… what's his name… in, like, 1352 caused a whole bunch of problems with the forests and everything. There was one last big blast after that and no one's heard from them since… I remember now, they were revered by even the oldest creatures…" His voice slowed. "Because they were thought of…"

"As gods," Koushiro finished for the blond. A hush settled over the room. Each member of the close group of friends thought over the implications of what it could mean.

"Well," Miyako said dryly, "that would explain his celebrity as a soccer star. People are drawn to those of power."

"No," Koushiro shot her down. "That kind of thing is a skill on its own. Daisuke needed no help from the elements for that."

"It was a good thought, Miya-chan," 'Kari comforted the Pagan. "But we've got to think bigger picture."

"Obviously that's how he made the room go cold yesterday," Iori commented softly using his prime example. "It seemed as though he was familiar with that technique."

Picking up on the green eyed young man's thought process, Takeru added, "Could it be possible that he had caused accidents when he was younger? Either weather related or elementally so? But still, how could he not notice something like this?"

His brother answered him. "If the power lay dormant inside of him long enough he would've missed it very easily."

"Exactly, Yamato," Koushiro confirmed the elder blond's statement. "If you think about it in context, it does make sense. Apparently, Daisuke needed someone or something of substantial power to kick start his own abilities,"

"That's where Ken comes in," Sora said in wonder. "That's why they're so drawn to one another." Pausing in thought she shook her head. "That's only on a basic level though. There is another bond between them, regardless of complimentary abilities."

Taichi snickered at the comment. "Well, I hate to sound ultra cheesy, but isn't that like the bond between Yama and I? Or the bond between Kou and Jyou, 'Kari and Miya, you and… Mimi?" Voice lowering he bit his lip. "Sorry," he whispered as he saw his friend wince. There was a brief flash of pain behind his eyes- the reflection of Sora's amplified emotions. Trying to lighten the mood he added, "Or the bond between Takeru and Iori?"

The last two young men mentioned blushed simultaneously generating a few catcalls among the friends.

"Seriously though guys," the redhead coughed, barely masking laughter, "the kind of raw energy we're dealing with here could be staggering. The potential is there for Daisuke to be able to create entire worlds if he's as strong as I think he is."

"Given that he could survive whatever it was he and Ken encountered in that back room, I'd say he's pretty damn strong," Yamato's voice was cool. "Did we ever figure out what that was?"

The telekinetic shook his head. "I have some theories though…"

Everyone groaned. More theorizing could lead to hours of discussion and debate, and there were things that needed to get done first.

***

Once Mimi had related her experience in its entirety over to Daisuke and Gennai she had casually sipped at her tea, watching as Dai fought with himself. He was willing his emotions away to keep from breaking down. "I'm sorry, Daisuke," she said quietly. "If I could've gotten him out I would have. But he was threatening to cut my line. Even if I'd saved him then we would've been stuck in that plane, or trapped in Ken's mind."

Giving a weak smile, cinnamon eyes sparking with raw hurt he patted her shoulder. "It's okay, Mimi. You tried your best, just like you promised you would. Really, I couldn't ask for anything more. Knowing he's all right for now is helping. Not a whole hell of a lot, but it's helping." He glanced over at the flame still burning in the small dish. The barrier that kept him from blasting his pain out into the world. It still glowed pale lilac. The light it cast painted nearby objects with an almost moon-like glow.

Gennai cleared his throat to get their attention. "While Ken is safe for now, we do not know how much longer that will last. The demons he was originally sold to were notorious, even among their world. Blood thirsty, brutal and they harbored a quite severe hatred for humanity. From the time they got their hands on him they passed these traits on to Ken. Under their watchful gaze he became just as brutal, just as blood thirsty."

"Yeah, he mentioned that yesterday," Daisuke's voice was empty. Though he hurt inside and out, he had to keep it under control.

"Yes, I'm sure he did. It's a scare tactic he likes to use when he feels threatened." A smile wrinkled the kitsune's face. "From the time I found him he would tell me of the things he had done. You see, while demons have a structure system, even they must defer to their own gods. Unfortunately, Ken was never entirely certain which supposed god was the ringleader of the group that held him. They tried to take his natural power from him, to drain him dry. But that plan failed because only a sidhe weapon can drain a sidhe of his soul. Demons cannot wield such weapons. And after selling his brother into slavery, Osamu disappeared. He is most definitely still alive, but no one has been able to locate him. The few who have tried to track him have vanished as well." Sighing, he poured some tea, refilling Mimi's cup and pouring fresh cups for Daisuke and himself. "Ken has never forgiven his brother for what he did. Of all the things I tried to teach him, even I could not teach him forgiveness on that matter.

"Ken didn't so much escape, rather, he was let go. When he and I first met his own protection barriers were so low that it took a very steady astral diet to build them up again. Even that took time because he had to trust me enough to help him. As we would complete his training every day, he would tell me of the demon world. The knowledge is valuable to those who know how to use it. Honestly, I never thought I would have to."

When the words stopped Daisuke blinked a few times, processing. "And? I'm assuming there's more to this. How do I get him back? Forget that even- how do I find him?"

"I'm getting to that. Time is not on our side, but some things still require patience, young Daisuke." Another gentle smile. "You must have heard at some point about Ken's own decision regarding sexuality. It was not taken from him. His ideas were warped by the demons that held him. They told him the tales of the fey who corrupted their Elemental Circles. Those kind of fey are a rare breed to begin with, but after the centuries of ruin they endured they are now more precious than ever. When Ken came to me he learned that. However, I know those stories stuck with him. They are true, but only because of the demon's jealousy. They despise creatures of light, like the shining ones. In their rage and jealousy they cursed two of the most powerful sidhe of the high court which, in time, poisoned the rest of the group. That was when the fey scattered to the four winds.

"After a few decades passed the Circles began to start anew. Without the original magic to generate the pure essence of and Elemental sidhe, the power began to fade. The Originals had long since disbanded for realms unknown. However, one of the last gave power to Ken's family and a few others before she too disappeared. The last great Adept known in the magic world vanished some two hundred years ago leaving the sidhe with the few Circles that they now have to maintain their race. As time passes, and the power fades, their existence fades as well."

Silence fell across the small kitchen. The two younger ones thought over the tale, questions forming faster than words could be formed.

"What's an Adept?" Daisuke blushed a little. "There are still some terms I don't know yet."

Both Mimi and Gennai flashed bittersweet smiles at the young man. They had each reached the same conclusion Koushiro had. "Shall you take this one, or shall I, my lady?" When Mimi refused the elder continued with his explanation. "Adepts were once worshipped as gods, thousands of years ago. It was said that They created the universe, gave us all the magic they could. They agreed to stay to make sure the balance of things remained steady, but over time the world drained them of their energy. Although some legends say they grew so frustrated with humanity and magical beings alike that they fled to their own dimensions. In most pagan traditions, there are five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The Adepts could control the four primal elements because it was believed they were the living essence of the fifth element. They are the spirit. With this philosophy in mind, you can see how the sidhe could become so powerful."

Daisuke nodded, eyes wide. "So, what else could they do? I mean, beside create stuff and pass out magic powers like there was no tomorrow?"

Taking a deep breath, the kitsune used the calmest tone possible. "They could control the elements- as in create storms, cause floods, fires, change temperatures… even in smaller settings. They could generate almost any material item from seemingly thin air because they could call the elements needed to create it."

Throughout the description Daisuke's eyes had grown larger and then larger still. When his mouth dropped open only a faint squeak was emitted. Weighing the implications of Gennai's words, he looked at Mimi and realized what the emotion was in her eyes. Pity. She pitied him. Because how could he ever be expected to handle this sort of news. "You can't fucking be serious," was all he said. Standing and shaking his head he ranted as he paced the room. "No! Fuck no- it's not possible. Don't you think I would've known by now? No, just fucking no. There's no fucking way it could be true. Maybe I have something in my family like that- a really watered down version… But, just no… I don't believe you." Arms crossed in sheer defiance he dared the other two to argue.

"Too bad, Daisuke," Mimi stood as well, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You are what you are. Accept it."

"Oh that's rich coming from you," he shot back. "You ran away from what you are. You can't even face you're old friends because you're so scared-" His words cut off as Mimi's hand connected with his cheek. "Ow," he clutched at the right side of his face. "Sorry," he finally whispered.

"I dealt with it today, Daisuke. For you. And not just because you left me no other choice, but because you're right. I've run long enough." Lips set in a tight line she made a decision. "Get your things. We're going to see Sora." Motioning to the kitsune she added, "You're coming to. So pack up. Come on. Let's get this show on the road!"

*************

oy. So, I tried to extend it beyond this, but that stuff really has to go into the next chapter. Hope you liked this one. We finally know what Daisuke is, yay! And the part about the demons and fey is entirely my creation. While it would be pretty sweet if there were actual myths like that, I haven't found any. If you know of some, feel free to inform. If not, thank you for reading and I will try to have the next part out soon. Review if want, but no one's going to force you… even though it would make me really REALLY happy. (hint, hint)