Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ The Outcast ❯ Getting Closer ( Chapter 9 )

The Outcast

Chapter 9: Getting Closer

by Silver

*Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon's creatures or characters.*

Author's notes: Yes, I am still alive, just really slow. It's taken a while to get this chapter out, but I promise not to quit until I've finished all my stories. I hate it when people give up in the middle of their works and I intend to finish what I start.

Before beginning this chapter, some clarification is needed. This chapter deals with the episode "His Master's Voice," but differs from the dub. In the dub, the Scubamon who tried to kidnap Kari wanted her to overthrow their master. This is a very different story for the original Japanese version. Because the Japanese version makes more sense, I will be working from a translated script, not from the dub episode.

To see a translated script of the original Japanese episode, go to http://www.polarcom.com/~damienk/Lynxara/DigimonAdventure0213.txt. My good friend Lynxara was kind enough to share this with everyone. Thank you, Lynxara!

Aside from that, many thanks go to DaisukeFire and Chapel for proofing my stories. I couldn't write as well as I do without their help. And thanks to all of you for reading and reviewing!

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PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTES ABOVE BEFORE YOU READ THIS CHAPTER. OTHERWISE, SECTIONS OF IT MIGHT NOT MAKE SENSE!

"The art of love ... is largely the art of persistence."

-Albert Ellis

By all appearances, the room looked as if it'd be transplanted from a hospital. The steady beeps of a heart-monitor bounced off the sterile white floor, walls, and ceiling. The acid stench of cleaning chemicals drifted stagnant in the air; and the hum of the surrounding equipment provided a backbeat to the heart machine's beeping. Any doctor in Japan would have considered it a state of the art treatment facility, except that the occupant wasn't in any hospital. The room was at the top floor of the Digimon Research Center. Several of the large, blocky machines displayed a wire frame image of a teenage girl, with a thin aura shinning around the model.

These devices, which were a complete enigma to Davis, somehow monitored Kari's physical connection to their universe. Mr. Takenouchi said it was a byproduct of his team's research into the Digital World, but Davis didn't really care about that. All he knew was that the connection was slipping, and Kari was fading away.

Kari lay on the bed with an IV attached to her arm and a respirator over her mouth. The harsh, grating sound of her lungs forcibly breathing carved out the inside of Davis's heart. He sat next to her, holding her hand, which, like the rest of her body, continued to flicker dark shades of gray.

She'd been like that for almost a week. Her skin was damp with sweat, and she was paler than Myotismon. Her tone was a sickly gray color that didn't belong on any human. Izzy and Dr. Takenouchi were trying all they could to somehow detect the force that was trying to pull her away from their world, but they were having no luck. The strain of fluctuating between two worlds was too painful for Kari's body. If the Dark Ocean didn't get her, then her body would most likely give out from exhaustion. Davis had never felt so helpless in all his life. This was even worse than watching Kari being shut up in a house for her "protection." She was fading, and there wasn't a thing Davis could do about it.

He pulled out the crest and tag than hung around his neck. This close to Kari, the thing should have been shinning like the sun; but instead its glow was a mere flicker. It faded for short periods, as if it had lost touch with the very person it sought.

The door slid open, and Izzy and Mr. Takenouchi stepped in with solemn looks on their faces. A third man, taller than Izzy and with blue hair followed them.

"Joe." Davis managed a small smile. Joe Kido still looked much like his teenage self, even though he was 23. His hair was cut shorter, and he was dressed in a doctor's lab coat, complete with a medical bag.

"Hey, Davis." Joe walked up and looked at Kari. She continued to flicker like a broken image. "Oh man…" Joe shook his head.

Izzy said, "Joe just arrived this morning. We brought him over right away because he's the closest thing we have to a doctor who might know how to help Kari." Mr. Takenouchi and the others were hesitant to ask for a doctor's help, due to possibility that word of Kari's condition would spread. People could hardly handle Kari's glowing; there was little chance they could understand the notion of her fading between dimensions.

Joe rubbed the back of his neck. "You're giving me too much credit, Izzy. I'm only a medical student, and I have no idea how I can help in this situation." He looked at Kari again. "I've only seen something like this once before; when Sora was trapped in that dark cave. But she wasn't anywhere near in as bad a shape as Kari is."

Davis tried to sound confident. "If anyone can help, I'll bet it's you. I'd bet my goggles on it."

Joe smiled, "Thanks." He pondered the situation. "I don't know how much longer she can stay on IV and a respirator. What would happen if her body flickered and then returned, and the IV and respirator fell away? If they were in the wrong spot when she reappeared, they could cause internal damage."

"Don't talk like that!" Davis's confidence faded. "She's not going to fade away!" The other three men didn't respond. Davis allowed his shoulder's to slump. "Sorry, Joe. I-"

"You don't have to apologize. I know how you feel. We'll find a way to keep Kari here."

Izzy asked, "Davis, have you eaten yet?"

"No." Davis had spent as much time with Kari as her parents and brother, who now lived in a temporary room down the hall. He didn't want to leave her side for a minute, so he ended up skipping a few meals.

Izzy gently guided him off his chair and towards the door. "Let's let Dr. Takenouchi and Joe examine Kari. We'll get some lunch."

"Right." Davis's words were as empty as his stomach. "You two call me if anything happens, alright?" The two men nodded, and Davis and Izzy went down to the cafeteria.

After gathering their food, the two Digidestined sat down in a deserted corner of the room.

Izzy said, "Let me look at that crest of yours." Davis produced the item. Izzy examined it for a few moments. "Fascinating. If I didn't know better, I'd swear this was Kari's crest of light. Where did you find it again?"

"At the bay. It was covered with slime and a bunch of stuff I don't wanna think about. So, if this isn't Kari's real crest, what the heck is it?"

"My guess is that it's one of Myotismon's copies."

"Copies?"

Izzy nodded, "I'm sure you remember Myotismon's invasion of Odaiba."

Davis grimaced. "I remember being dragged off by a swarm of Bakemon." Davis tried not to think about the time he'd spent as a prisoner in the Odaiba convention center.

Izzy said, "Well, Myotismon issued copies of the crest of light to his servants, Gatomon included, in order to locate the eighth Digidestined. The crests were designed to react to Kari's presence, but I don't know if they have any other traits."

"So how did it end up in the bay?"

Izzy shrugged, "I'm not sure. Myotismon brought several aquatic Digimon with him. Raremon, Gesomon, and MegaSeadramon all had crest copies. I imagine this is just one of many copies that could still exist. I'm impressed you found it. I normally don't believe in fate, but this seems too coincidental to be pure chance."

Davis grunted as he tucked the crest back under his shirt. "Fate. Sure. Fat lot of good it's done me so far. I can't even use it to help Kari."

* * * * * * * *

She was drowning in the darkness. It pressed in on her from all directions; squeezing her so she couldn't escape. This world was strange and terrifying. The darkness robbed her of her senses. As she struggled to make out her bearings, she could feel her identity slipping away. She couldn't even remember her own name.

As she fled down an alleyway, or whatever the slimy path was, she could feel the living darkness stalking her. Living darkness… that was the only word she could use to describe those things. Their bodies seemed to be woven from the black sky that hung above her, and the darkened soil at her feet. The only colors in this world besides black and gray were a dark green slime that seemed to infest the whole city, the sickly yellow of those creatures' eyes, and the blood red glare of that moving mountain's eyes. She couldn't see where the "Master" was, but she could feel him reaching for her from the inky void behind her.

She screamed as a creature leaped at her from ahead, seemingly appearing out of nothingness. She ducked under its lunge and sprinted in another direction. She tripped and stumbled on the uneven ground. The layout of the alien city was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Buildings tilted at odd angles and took on shapes that seemed impossibly chaotic. It was a miracle this city didn't fall in upon itself.

She became dizzy, but it wasn't from the odd angles of the buildings. For a moment she felt as though she'd left the dark city behind like a terrible dream and returned to a safer place, where a warm and familiar presence waited nearby. She'd give anything to go to that place and stay there. But then she returned to the dark world, and the monsters.

After an unbearable series of twists, turns, and flight from more creatures, she reached the seashore. But the ocean was not anything like what she was used to. Instead of crystal waves and deep blue and green water, the sea was covered in darkness, with hits of gray outlining the current. The liquid was a deeper shade of black than any sea at night. There was no moon or stars to illuminate the waves, only an oppressive gloom.

"There is no escape. I rule the sea, and this island." She turned around and saw the moving mountain again. Its features were terrifying. Her mind struggled to grasp the creature's disordered appearance. One large tentacle for one arm, seven for the other. Bat-like wings and a gapping maw of a mouth outlined by even more tentacles. As it drew closer, the darkness around it resolved into a medium gray, with a red design on the creature's balloon-like forehead. It was a wearing a necklace made of large purple beads. Several white spikes jutted up from its right shoulder, and two golden rings encircled its right leg, which was also a mass of woven tentacles.

Hundreds of toad-like creatures surrounded the larger abomination. Their bodies remained a swirling mass of black and gray.

She couldn't bear to look at them anymore. Seeing them inspired a terror she'd never felt before in her life. She splashed through the waves and dove into the ocean. Better to risk drowning than stay there.

She hadn't even reached the deep water before a huge wave swept her up and grabbed her. Her lungs burned for air as she tumbled within the black water. It was cold and oppressive, calling up every negative feeling she could feel at once. With a painful thud, the wave tossed her back onto the sticky sand. She coughed and sputtered out the black liquid. Before she could stand up, wet, clammy hands grabbed her arms and hoisted her up. She struggled to get away, but they held her fast.

The titan stepped closer. "I told you, you cannot escape. The very waves obey my will. You are mine, now and forever. You belong to Dragomon."

* * * * * * * *

Davis rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he drifted back to Kari's room. Izzy had somehow talked Davis into getting some sleep after lunch. Davis couldn't prove it, but he suspected Izzy of putting something in Davis's food to make him sleep. That, or Davis was simply too tired to keep watch on Kari, but he didn't want to admit it. Far better to use the paranoid excuse.

Tai and his parents were waiting by Kari's side. Tai and Mr. Kamiya nodded to him, while Mrs. Kamiya just held her daughter's hand. Davis knew Mrs. Kamiya was still wary of Davis's presence. He sat next to Tai without a word. They waited in silence, as if expecting something new to happen.

Kari began to flicker even more. The four of them gasped as a dark cloud faded into view around Kari's body, which was now simmering into nothing.

"Get Takenouchi!" Mrs. Kamiya cried to her husband. Mr. Kamiya stumbled towards the door and ran down the hall. Tai grabbed Kari's hand and called her name in unison with his mother. Davis could only stand by and watch.

The dark cloud grew above Kari's head. It began to coalesce into a massive head and long, pointed arms. Davis's jaw fell as he looked into a pair of burning eyes that seemed to gloat over its hold on Kari.

"Who are you?" Tai demanded.

The apparition considered him for a moment, then lashed out with one long arm and batted Tai across the room. He rolled on the floor and went limp.

"Tai!" Mrs. Kamiya moved toward her son, but the cloud of darkness struck out at her next. Mrs. Kamiya slammed against the wall and slid to the floor. Then the creature swung at Davis. He tried to duck under the blow but it was far to fast for human reflexes. Stars burst behind Davis's eyes as the tendril slapped his head and forced him onto the floor, face first.

Don't pass out… Don't pass out…Davis willed his eyes to stay open. He knew if he gave out now he'd never see Kari again. He struggled up onto his hands and knees, then forced himself to stand up, albeit on very weak legs. "Leave her alone!"

Davis didn't know what was crazier; the fact he was talking to a cloud, or the fact that it actually replied. "She is mine now."

"No she's not! Get lost!"

The figure gave off a deep rumbling that almost sounded like a chuckle. "Humans. You always act as if you can dictate the order of the universe. I do not know which is bigger: your arrogance or your stupidity. I am a god and you are nothing. You cannot oppose me. I will take what is mine."

"Kari's not yours!" Davis took a step forward. The creature held out one hand, which opened into what looked like seven thick fingers arrayed in a circle. An invisible fist struck Davis, and he was thrust against the wall. The dark energy pressed in on him, forcing the air out of his lungs. Davis gasped, "She's… not… yours!"

He felt a burning over his chest. Though he could not move his head against the force of the creature, he could see a faint pink light shinning under his shirt. Just then, the force pressing in on him eased, and he slumped away from the wall. As he neared the creature, the glowing intensified. Davis couldn't make out any facial expressions on the creature, but he could tell it was surprised. It still held its arm out, trying to force Davis back. It felt good to see the big freak panicking.

The crest's light intensified. Davis pulled it out with a trembling hand. The light filled the entire room and the creature's form began to dissipate as it screamed an inhuman sound and vanished. Davis stumbled towards Kari, reaching for her hand.

* * * * * * * *

She'd given up struggling. It was obvious they wouldn't let her go, and she couldn't possibly outrun them. Besides, where would she run? So she walked along the damp pathways and into the dark city. Throughout the whole march, the giant creature, Dragomon, remained silent. His attention seemed diverted elsewhere, yet she felt that he was somehow focusing on her at the same time.

He chuckled. "Your companions are very stubborn. Even now, as I break the final ties that bind you to the other world, one tries to resist me. The fool."

"My friends? What are you talking about?"

He glanced down at her. "Nothing you need concern yourself with. Your life is here in my city, R'leyh. Here is where you will fulfill your destiny."

She couldn't muster the strength to glare at him. The sight was still too horrible. Nevertheless, she tried to sound angry. "And just what is my 'destiny?'"

"The same basic fate that my servants wished for you, but I would not think of polluting you with their weak seed. Soon, you shall help me give rise to a new breed of divinity. Creatures born from both light and the dark. No weaknesses, no fears; they will be invincible. You will become the mother of perfection."

She shuddered, knowing what he planned to do to her. Of course, given his size, it was unlikely she'd survive any advance from him.

As if sensing her thoughts, he turned to look at her. "You needn't fear my size. Behold." His body became the mass of darkness once again. And then it began to diminish in size. His form remained the same, but Dragomon was suddenly only slightly taller than his captive. He walked over to her while his body returned to its more detailed coloring. Somehow, his smaller size made him less frightening; though he was still one of the most hideous creatures she'd ever seen.

The other creatures gasped, eliciting a smile from their master. "My servants have never seen me like this. But for you I step away from my prominent size; and for the sake of our future and the birth of a new race I will give myself to you." He cupped her face with his large snake-like arm. "You are beautiful. The power you possess is awesome."

"I don't want anything to do with you!" She tried to sound mad, but the fear broke through into her voice.

Dragomon's face contorted into sickening grin. "You will soon learn to love me as I love you. The light and the darkness call to one another. One cannot exist without its antithesis. It is a union of hatred and love. You and I were destined to be together. You are the personification of light and I am the embodiment of darkness. Our union will be a symbol of the dichotomy of creation. For all living things have darkness and light within them."

Suddenly, a bright pink light burst in front of Dragomon. He and his followers screamed as the light burned into them. Several of the smaller creatures burst into fields of data that dispersed like dust in the wind. Somehow, this light felt familiar, as if it were a part of her. She could feel the energy within her heart as well as in front of her.

She lunged forward for the light, breaking free of the creatures' weakened grasps. She threw out her hand into the warm glow, and the soft flesh of a human touch her. The light blinded her, and the cold, oppressive feeling of the dark world faded away. Her vision was clouded over by another darkness, but this one was not the terrifying black night of Dragomon's city and ocean. It took her a moment to realize her eyes were closed. She opened them, and saw the face of a close friend.

He was looking at her with slightly unfocused eyes and a tired expression. His relieved grin showed he didn't notice the line of blood streaming down the side of his head.

She recalled his name, "Davis?"

His grin widened. "Kari." Then his eyes closed and he slumped to the floor.

* * * * * * * *

Tense meetings were nothing new to Hitoshi. As a lawyer, he'd been in countless word battles, and as a public speaker he'd learned to deal with skeptic eyes. But never before had he felt so trapped as he did before the board members of G.O.D. Heki sat directly across from Hitoshi, smoking a cigar. Heki had made good on his promise. None of the courts had convicted him. Hitoshi wasn't sure who Heki had bought off, the judge, jury, or witnesses, but he had somehow escaped without punishment.

Sitting around the large conference table were the other six board members. Each of them was a powerful member of Japan's upper-class society. Part of the Guardian's success as an organization was due in part to the financial status of its leaders. Now Hitoshi suddenly saw the reverse side of that benefit. Looking at the board, Hitoshi was reminded of a passage from the bible he'd memorized. How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

"Hitoshi," Heki's voice was even and controlled, "I'm sure you're anxious about this meeting. We need to straighten some things out."

Ms. Yoku, sitting to Heki's right, said, "The Guardians Opposing Digimon have suffered a loss of credibility due to the charges brought against Heki. This blow came about because you overstepped your bounds."

"'Overstepped my bounds?'" Hitoshi's brow furrowed. "Heki was orchestrating violent attacks on innocent people! How is preventing his attacks 'overstepping my bounds?'"

Mr. Jiman, on Heki's left, replied, "We asked you to become our head spokesperson because we trusted in your beliefs and your ability to persuade the masses of Japan. But we are the ones who decide the G.O.D. policy. You have no authority over such matters, yet you chose to have one of the organization's founders arrested."

Hitoshi resisted the urge to sigh. "You say that you decide this organization's policy. I take it this means you knew about Heki's maneuvers." He wanted to declare their actions and attitudes un-Christian, except for the fact that they weren't Christian. Still, why wasn't it obvious that their actions were inherently wrong by any social or ethical standard?

Heki didn't loose stride. "Hitoshi, the board has made a unanimous vote. We need to make sure we can trust you in the future. We all want to count on you during this crucial time, so we need to be sure that you will continue to speak for our cause without delving into matters that don't concern you."

Hitoshi's words were laced with ice. "Or what? You will fire me?"

Ms. Yoku raised herself up. "If you do not intend to support this organization any longer, we will ask for your resignation."

"And keep it away from the public eye I take it? After all, people might loose faith in the movement if I suddenly drop out of sight. Far better to say I'm focusing on my son rather than continuing to campaign against Digimon." Hitoshi's heart twisted at the thought of Muri. He'd just received a call from the psychologists who'd been caring for him. They said he appeared to be suffering from schizophrenia. Treatments for such a condition were almost as bad as the problem itself. No matter what happened it seemed that Muri would suffer even more. Koishii would be destroyed by the news. She was already withdrawn and lonely. Hitoshi feared for his wife as much as his son.

Mr. Jiman said, "You overrate yourself, Ikari. There are many other public speakers who will work with us. Your disappearance will not hinder things."

Hitoshi stood up. "Very well. I will not be a part to this blatant hypocrisy. You claim to educate people through loving actions, yet secretly you bomb them and send people to beat others into submission. I want no part in these acts. I resign." He spun on his heel and marched out of the room without waiting for their reply. He stormed right to his office, pulled out a box, and began to pack his things.

He wouldn't sit down to weep until he arrived home. A son with a mental disorder, a reclusive wife on the verge of collapsing, and now a betrayal by the people he'd trusted most. Hitoshi tried to remind himself that it was always darkest before the light, but he did not take much comfort in the words.

* * * * * * * *

"Davis… Davis…" The voice stung Davis's mind every time it spoke. "Davis? Can you hear me?"

"Talk… quietly!" Davis hissed while he slowly pressed a hand to his forehead. His whole body ached, and his brain felt like a soccer ball as it bounced down the field. He could feel a bandage wrapped around his head. He winced when he opened his eyes. Even the room's dimmed lighting hurt. Joe and his parents were waiting beside him. Tai's father was with them. "What's going on?"

Everyone sighed and relaxed. Joe said, "We were hoping you could tell us."

Mrs. Motomiya said, "Joe and Izzy found you, Tai, and Mrs. Kamiya unconscious in Kari's room. All of you were out cold, and you were especially hurt. Davis, what happened in there?"

Davis thought back to the last thing he remembered, no matter how much it hurt. Kari had been flickering… and then there'd been a dark cloud… and then-

Davis blurted, "Is Kari okay?"

Mr. Kamiya smiled and nodded. "She'd stopped flickering when we arrived and had woken up. She's the one who called for help."

"Can I see her?"

Joe said, "Wait until you're feeling better."

"No. I wanna see her now!" Davis pushed himself off the bed and nearly wound up face-first on the floor. His father caught him at just the right moment.

"Calm down, Davis!" Mr. Motomiya said, "You can't be much help to Kari if you kill yourself."

"Sorry, Dad."

His father took a deep breath. "You always rush around. I'm surprised you don't trip over yourself. Now, I'll help you to Kari's room. But don't over do it, okay?"

"Alright." He limped his way towards Kari's room, which was just down the hall.

Kari's skin was only slightly better. Instead of a sickly ash gray she was now more of a pale ivory. But her face lit up upon seeing Davis. "Davis!"

"Yo!" Davis resisted the urge to run up to Kari and hug her. For all her pale completion and weary look, she was still one of the most welcome sights he'd ever seen. He sat down next to her bed and slowly reached for her hand. She didn't pull away. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I just woke up from a bad dream, only to find I have a flu. Still, I could be worse. I was so scared when I saw you, Tai, and my Mom lying on the floor."

Davis started, "I forgot! How are Tai and Mrs. Kamiya?"

Joe replied, "They're fine. They're with Dr. Takenouchi and Izzy, trying to describe something they saw hovering over Kari."

Kari's expression melted. "Thing? What thing?"

Davis said, "Um, could you guys excuse us for a minute?" The adults left with dubious looks on their faces. Davis asked, "Kari, you said you had a nightmare. Did you see anything in the dream?"

"I…" Kari shifted her gaze to the sheets, which she held as tightly as her state would allow. "I don't remember. It's one of those dreams you can't remember after you wake."

She's lying. Davis could tell she did know what they were talking about, but didn't want to say anything. Even when she was deathly ill, Kari wouldn't drop her defenses. Davis felt a little bit of frustration next to a pang in his rib. He decided to let it go for now, but he was going to break through those defenses and find out what scared Kari so much that she wouldn't share her secrets with anyone.

* * * * * * * *

Kari's health improved dramatically over the next several days. Her skin returned to its normal light peach hue, and her strength and appetite grew with every hour. Soon she was walking about the complex as if nothing had happened. Mr. Takenouchi insisted that she stay for a while to ensure her safety, but Davis could tell she didn't like being penned up in a research center. In many ways, it was worse than being trapped in a house. Davis noted that Mr. Takenouchi had given Kari level 1 access, enabling her to stroll about, but she could not enter high-security areas.

Security cameras monitored everyone's movements; and Davis understood the real reason for Kari's stay. While Mr. Takenouchi was watching for Dark Ocean activity, the truth was he couldn't do a thing about it even if he did see an attack coming. What he really wanted was for Kari to be under camera surveillance in case she started to glow again. Mr. Takenouchi was very upset that neither Davis nor Kari's parents had managed to shoot video of Kari's powers. Without tangible evidence for analysis, they couldn't do anything to prove that Kari wasn't a threat to society.

Davis tried not to focus on that problem. It would be a delay, but there were more important matters. Kari's improved state meant she and Davis had resumed their tutoring lessons, even though Davis could now hold his own in homework and tests. Kari never mentioned the last conversation they'd had before the Dark Ocean attacked her. Davis wasn't sure if she'd forgotten or simply dismissed his advance. Try as he might, he couldn't work up the nerve to ask her to be his girlfriend.

He didn't have any more success coaxing the truth from Kari over her experience in the Dark Ocean. Every time the conversation even drifted towards the Dark Ocean, Kari would either excuse herself or change the subject. Davis grew so impatient that he decided to try a new strategy, a very bold one. If she wouldn't open up to him, there were others she'd talk to.

Davis's plan came to fruition on an afternoon in the midst of winter. Snow lined the sidewalks and froze the streets. People were getting into the shopping mood in anticipation of Christmas. Japan celebrated it for its yuletide, rather than the religious story behind the holiday. Davis hoped Kari would see his actions as a special Christmas gift, but an ice ball at the core of his stomach reminded him of his doubts.

Davis's cell phone rang, cutting off Kari's explanation of an old Japanese myth. He talked on the phone in a hushed voice, then placed the phone on the table and said, "There's someone here to see you."

Kari blinked, "Me? Who'd come to see me?"

Davis grinned, "You won't know unless you come out. Let's go." He held the door open for her.

A figure stood waiting for them in the hallway. His dark blond hair curved down the side of his head and ended in short spikes. His blue eyes reflected the grin on his face. He started to walk towards them, but then quickened his pace to a short run.

"TK!" Kari ran forward and flung her arms around her friend's neck. Both of them laughed and hugged one another. Davis felt a pang of jealousy while he watched from the doorway. It was like seeing the two of them when they'd been younger. Davis had always felt overshadowed by TK; and even now it seemed that Kari was still more comfortable around him than she was with Davis. Davis reminded himself of Kari's talk on the ferrous wheel. TK was like her twin; someone she felt a deep personal connection with. No matter how much Davis wanted to be closer to Kari, he knew that he would probably never be as close to her in the same way that TK was.

Davis chided himself for acting like a kid again. Kari didn't belong to him in any way. She had plenty of friends and it was clear TK was one of the most important people in her life. He was just happy to see Kari smiling and laughing. Still, it would have been nice if she would hug him like she hugged TK.

"What are you doing here?" Kari asked.

TK said, "Davis called me in. I would have come sooner, but the paperwork took forever, even with Mr. Takenouchi's help."

"Davis?" Kari looked back at him with a small frown on her face. Davis felt his stomach clench. Some of her happiness had drained away.

Before Davis could improvise an explanation, other voices came from around the corner. Tai, Joe, Izzy, Ken, and Yolei rounded the corner, all of them dressed in winter apparel. Ken and Yolei had made visits to the research center since Kari had recovered, so Kari was not too surprised to see them. She was, however, stunned to see four other people come into view.

Sora Takenouchi stood beside Matt Ishida. Both of them looked similar to their teenage selves, except that Sora's hair was hanging a bit lower and Matt's expression was not as neutral as it used to be. His grin was big enough to divide his head.

Mimi Tachikawa waved to Kari from Sora's side. She too looked much like her younger self. She was still one of the most attractive women Kari knew. Her chocolate colored hair jutted out from under her pink cowboy hat, a replacement for the one from her youth.

Cody stood at the front of the newcomers. His face was not as stern as it had once appeared. He was more accustomed to a smile and his eyes appeared to be more curious and energetic than in the past. His hair was less of a dome and had begun to rise away from his forehead. Despite these changes in appearance, he was still the most responsible and calm teen that Kari knew.

"Everyone…" Kari's voice was filled with shock. Slowly, a smile crept across her face, and then she laughed and flung herself into the group, caught up in a sea of hugs and greetings.

After finally settling down, the group went down to the cafeteria and took over one corner, away from the researchers. They joked and chatted, and through it all Kari was the happiest Davis had seen her in months. For a while, he delighted in the idea that she would thank him for inviting everyone. But that delicious dream fell away when Kari asked a question.

"Where are all your Digimon?" She asked the group.

Joe replied, "Knowing Gomamon, he's probably lounging at a lake in the Digi-OW!" His lips curled as Yolei's heel came mashing down on his foot with an audible crunching sound.

"Big mouth!" She hissed.

Kari frowned, "Digi? You mean the Digital World?" No one replied. Davis could see her happiness melt away. "Guys, where are your Digimon?"

Tai sighed, "We sent them back to the Digital World to keep Veemon and Gatomon company."

"All of them?"

Matt nodded, "They insisted on going. They knew they couldn't be there to help you, so they all opted to help Veemon and Gatomon instead."

Sora added, "Biyomon and all the others agreed that it wouldn't be right for just Veemon to go back with Gatomon."

Cody agreed, "Like the old saying goes: All for mon and mon for all." Kari just looked at Davis. He'd never mentioned that he'd sent Veemon back.

Kari said, "But they can't come back."

Ken replied, "Sure they can. Just not right away."

Mimi replied, "We can wait a while. We all know it's for a good cause."

Kari stood up. "Davis, can I talk to you for a moment." Davis's felt that ice ball in his stomach explode and seep through his veins, making his whole body cold.

Kari led him away from the sympathetic gazes of the other Digidestined. Davis kept hoping TK or one of the others would stop them and talk some sense into Kari, but they apparently didn't want to share his fate. If Kari kills me, I swear I'll haunt you guys from the grave!!!

Kari led him to a private room down the hall. When the door sealed shut, she whirled on him. "How could you do that?"

"Do what?"

"How could you tell everyone to send their Digimon back to the Digital World?!"

"Whoa! Wait a sec! I never told anyone to send their partners back. They made that choice themselves."

Kari placed her hands on her hips. "But you told them that you were sending Veemon back. Didn't it occur to you that Tai and the others would do the same thing?"

"Well… yeah."

"And you never even told me that you sent Veemon back! How many secrets have you been keeping from me?"

Davis's face started to turn red. "Well I never said he was with me! Where do you think he's been all this time; on vacation?"

Kari shouted, "Don't get mad at me! You're the one who went behind my back! I thought I could trust you and you went against all my wishes!"

"Trust? That's a joke. You don't trust any of us!"

"I do so!"

"No you don't! TK and the others could have been here weeks ago, but you kept telling them to stay away."

"I didn't want to put them in danger. Don't tell me you've already forgotten about that beating you got from those guys at G.O.D."

Davis shouted at the top of his lungs. "Didn't you think we'd be willing to face some danger for you!? Every time you have a problem you just hide it away so none of us can do anything. And when we offer to help you say no! You don't trust us to help. You think we can't help! Don't start blaming me just because you're too scared to open up to the rest of us!"

Kari's reply didn't take the form of words. Her hand came up like a whip and smashed against Davis's face. He staggered back with a stunned expression. Kari just stared icicles at him and then stormed out of the room. She walked up the stairs towards her room with tears running down her face.

* * * * * * * *

The house was dark and quiet, save for the light and the weeping coming from Muri's room. Hitoshi walked up the stairs to see Koishii sitting in Muri's chair, clutching a half-finished sweater.

Koishii was not a practicing Christian like Hitoshi. She followed the morals and the basic rituals, but it was not as large a focus in her life as Hitoshi. Her life revolved around their son. Koishii always insisted on giving a hand-made gift to Muri every year; and they all took the form of clothing. Muri's closet was filled with specially knitted shirts and sweaters. Sewing was one of Koishii's greatest talents. But now the sweater was beginning to unravel under the strain of her tears.

"Koishii…" Hitoshi knelt down and placed a hand on her shoulder.

She looked at him with red eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just… I was knitting this sweater for when Muri comes home… and then… and then I realized that he may never come home!" She sobbed even harder.

"Muri will be back. It's just a matter of time."

"But the doctors say he's schizophrenic. Do you have any idea what that does to people? Even if he returns, he won't be the Muri we remember!"

"Then we will accept this new Muri as a member of our family, which he is."

"But he's been through so much!" What she was really saying was how much she was suffering. Hitoshi knew he could not dissuade his wife from her grief. No matter what happened to Muri, there would always be pain for Koishii. I shouldn't have let her raise Muri on her own. While I worked in courts against criminals and corruption, she changed his diapers. When I started to speak out against Digimon, she made lunch for our son before he went to school. Her life revolves around him; my life revolves around my work. Now both our centers have been stripped away.

Feeling lost and afraid, Hitoshi wrapped his arms around his wife while she continued to weep.

* * * * * * * *

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Davis chucked a rock into the bay. The stinging cold air steamed against his burning face and accentuated the tingle from Kari's slap.

"You're taking this well." TK, who'd been the only Digidestined to follow Davis, said from his spot on a nearby bench.

"This isn't something to joke about, TP!"

TK laughed, "We've known each other for over seven years and you still can't get my name right." He stood up and moved next to Davis. "I know this is frustrating, but Kari will calm down and realize you had a point."

"Yeah," Davis scoffed, "that'll only take about twenty years. She made it sound like I'd betrayed her."

"Well, you did go behind her back."

"But you agree that I was right, don't you? Kari shouldn't keep all these things to herself."

TK sighed and leaned on the railing. "You were right, but your actions were wrong. Kari doesn't want to cause any trouble or inflict any pain. She's probably upset that we've all been separated from our partners because of her.

"Then there's the fact you called everyone in to see her, even though she wanted us to stay away for our own safety. She probably felt like you were pressuring her. You can't force Kari to share her secrets, and calling in a group won't help coax her either. You have to give her time and be there when she's ready to talk. Kari's not the kind of person who can handle confrontation directly. You'll never really get to know her if you're always in her face. Remember how well that tactic worked when we were kids?"

"Don't remind me." Davis tossed another rock. "Grrr… This sucks! This sucks! This sucks! She probably hates me!"

TK shook his head. "No. Kari doesn't hold on to grudges either. She'll forgive you in time; and I'm sure you'll forgive her."

Davis huffed and looked out over the darkened water. The moon did little to illuminate the bay. "This reminds me of that Dark Ocean everyone's always talking about. I'm kinda mad that I only saw it once, through the portal we sent Daemon. I just don't get what's so scary about it. You've been there. What do you know?"

TK looked up at the stars. "Nothing much. I only know about what happened when I went in to save Kari from those weird creatures posing as Digimon. Pegasusmon and I blew up a Control Spire, then Angewomon defeated an Airdramon. The next thing I knew, those creatures grabbed Kari and tried to pull her under. They would have succeeded if not for Angewomon. I don't even know what they wanted with her. She never told me."

Davis rolled his eyes. "Great. She didn't tell you and I expect her to talk to me." He groaned and banged his head on the metal rail.

TK grinned, "You've changed, Davis."

"Wadda ya mean?"

"I never saw you get this upset over Kari when we were kids. I dunno, you just strike me as more genuine with your feelings this time. I've also never seen Kari this upset before. You really have an influence."

"Yeah." Davis banged his head again. "A bad one."

* * * * * * * *

Kari sat on her bed, trembling while trying to hold back her tears. She wasn't sure who she was more frustrated with: Davis or herself. Shame welled up inside her for slapping him, but he had acted so disrespectful and rude! How could he betray her trust like that?

A quiet knock at the door cued Kari to wiper her eyes and try to compose herself. "Come in." Tai, Sora, and Yolei stepped in.

"Hey, Kari." Tai grinned. "Feeling better?"

"No."

Yolei huffed, "Trust a boy to ruin a nice get-together."

"Hey!" Tai grimaced.

Yolei shrugged, "Present company excepted, for now."

Sora giggled, "Tai, could I have a minute alone with Kari?"

"What?" Tai frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I want to have a woman to woman talk. It's something you wouldn't be interested in."

"But I- oof!" Tai didn't get to finish his sentence. Yolei shoved him by the shoulders and propelled him out the room, slamming the door behind them. Now it was just Sora and Kari.

Sora sat down and motioned for Kari to sit next to her. Sora said, "Kari, I need to ask you something personal. How do you feel about Davis?"

"I…" Kari shrugged, "I'm not sure anymore. A few months ago he was just a goofy friend who I enjoyed being with. But he's changed because of what's happening, or maybe I'm just starting to notice he's not the little boy I remember. He's been so kind and supportive. He always goes out of his way to help me without worrying about himself, even when he's been attacked. He reminds me a lot of TK and Tai now. But he's also different. He's bolder and more direct than TK or Tai. He achieves what he wants no matter how difficult it seems. He's always been like that. I guess I find him… exciting."

Sora asked, "So why haven't you told him this? I hear he's developed an interest in you too."

"I don't want him getting hurt because of me."

"Is that the only reason?"

"What do you mean?"

Sora leaned back. "When I look at the sad expression on your face, and see how mad you are with Davis, I'm reminded of how things were between me and Tai, and how they are with Matt and myself now. Both Tai and Matt can be so dense or insensitive at times. Tai was always spacing out and acting rude, and Matt's so silent; he still puts up walls around himself. It's so hard to get close to him. I used to get mad at Tai whenever he was being insensitive, and we weren't even dating. Now I get mad at Matt for not allowing me to be closer to him. It's a real struggle. The way you act around Davis is a lot like how I feel around Tai or Matt sometimes. But I care about them both, and that's why I'm willing to feel hurt sometimes. I can tell you care about him, because you've opened yourself up enough to be hurt like this. Being close to someone is frightening, because we have to allow ourselves some vulnerability. We have to be willing to be hurt."

She reached out and took Kari's hand. "Kari, are you afraid of being hurt by Davis?" Kari nodded hesitantly. "And you felt betrayed when he had us come, even though it was against your wishes?" Another nod. "Do you think he was wrong?"

"I don't know…"

Sora said, "Kari, I have to tell you, it hurt us that you didn't want us to come and meet you. We felt so helpless while we watched the news on you, and knew that we weren't aloud to come and help you. We all jumped at the chance to visit when Davis called us. It was wrong of Davis to call us without your permission, but he did it because he cares about you. He wanted you to be among friends. Was that really so wrong?"

"No…" Kari's face was wet.

Sora pulled Kari into a hug. "I think you need to allow yourself the chance to get closer to Davis. Forgive him and see what happens. I think you'll be surprised at how happy one person can make you feel, even if he is a bit thick-headed sometimes."

"Like Tai or Matt?"

Sora laughed, "Both."

* * * * * * * *

Davis paced in his makeshift room within the research center. Mr. Takenouchi and the staff had fashioned sleeping quarters after he insisted on staying by Kari while she was sick. The trouble was that Kari was better now. She had to stay, but she wasn't in danger. Should I leave or stay? Leave? Stay. I'll leave. No, wait, I'll stay. Maybe I should give her some space. But what if something happened while I was gone? I guess I should leave. On second thought, I'll stay. No…The dual lines of thought kept bashing against one another until Davis got a headache. Man, I hate thinking about stuff!

There was a knock at the door, and Tai entered. "Kari would like to see you."

"Really???"

Tai grinned at his friend's enthusiasm. "Yeah. Me and the other older kids are heading out for a drink. TK and the others are heading home, so you won't be disturbed." His expression darkened slightly. "But if you try anything with my sister, buddy, I'll sick WarGreymon on you, and that's if I'm in a good mood. Understand?"

Davis nodded quickly. "Yes! Absolutely! Your threat is my command!" Tai grinned and exited, leaving the door open for Davis to double-time his way to Kari's room.

Kari was waiting inside. Her eyes were a little red. Had she been crying? Davis grew aware of the nervousness in his belly. He didn't want to get slapped again.

"Hi." Davis said uneasily.

"Hi." Kari smiled slightly. After a brief silence, she said, "I'm sorry I hit you."

Davis scratched the back of his head to avoid rubbing his cheek. "That's okay. I probably had it coming. I'm… I'm sorry I went behind your back. If I had to do it again, I probably would, but I am sorry."

Kari nodded, "I know. I'm still upset that you contacted everyone, but I think I understand why you did it. It's hard for me to let other people deal with my problems. I don't want to be a burden to anyone."

"You're not a burden! We want to help, so don't worry."

Kari's smile grew. "Thank you."

Davis knew that was his cue to leave, but he lingered. "Kari… do you… do you wanna talk about what happened while you were 'asleep?'"

"No."

"Then can you tell me about this Dark Ocean place? I'm really clueless about it."

"I'm sorry, no. I'm not ready to talk about it."

Davis sighed. Despite her words, Kari still wasn't giving him the chance to help her. Then he remembered TK's advice. "You have to give her time and be there when she's ready to talk." Davis nodded and promptly sat down in the middle of the floor.

Kari frowned. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting."

"For what?"

Davis replied, "When you feel ready to talk about this Dark Ocean place, I'll be right here to listen. I don't want to miss the chance, so I'll just hang around."

Kari's mouth fell. "You can't sit in the middle of my room! That's coercion!"

"I'm not forcing you to talk. I just wanna be here when you're ready. You can tell me whenever you feel like. I'll be right here."

"But… I have to change!"

Davis spun around and looked at the wall. "I just sit like this." Kari considered for a moment, then tossed a thick blanket over Davis's head. "… That hurts, Kari."

Kari replied, "Like Yolei would say, 'you're a boy.'"

"Man." Davis corrected.

"Teenager." Davis decided to leave that unchallenged. A few moments later, Kari removed the blanket for Davis's head. She was now dressed in her pink pajamas.

"You honestly plan to wait there as long as it takes?"

"As long as it takes."

"You're insane."

Davis shrugged. "You gotta be a little crazy to get things done."

"How am I supposed to sleep with someone sitting in the middle of my room?"

"I'll be quiet. You won't even know I'm here."

Kari sighed, "I doubt that. Remember how loud you snore?" Davis just sat there on the floor, though she was sure he was seething at that last remark. She waited a few minutes in silence for him to give up, but he just sat there like a statue, his gaze towards the wall. Kari gave an exasperated sigh and turned off the lights.

Despite her earlier misgivings, Kari actually found herself drifting off to sleep, until Davis sneezed. "Aah-chooo!"

"You okay?"

"Yeah." Davis sniffed. "This place is an ice cube at night."

Kari got up and handed him one of her blankets.

"Thanks."

Kari said, "Davis, go back to your room and get some sleep. You're going to catch a cold."

"Naw, I'll be fine." He sniffed again.

"Then at least go to sleep. We can bring your mattress in from your room." Kari was secretly hoping he'd agree to return to his room, where she could get him to go to sleep.

"No. I don't wanna keep you up with my snoring."

Kari rolled her eyes. "It's okay, really. I spent half my life sleeping in a bunk bed with Tai, and his snoring could shatter glass. Let's go."

"You're not getting rid of me, Kari."

Kari shrugged, "Fine. I'll just let you catch cold then." Davis only sniffed in reply.

Kari lay back down, but now she couldn't sleep. It wasn't Davis's presence that kept her awake, but rather her own thoughts. Here was someone who was willing to listen to her, to hear about the thing that terrified her most, and she was ignoring him. She'd spent years worrying about the Dark Ocean. She'd always feared it would come to steal her away from the only life she knew. That fear had diminished over time, but it had never died.

She looked at the clock on the wall. 2:30 am. Davis looked like he was still awake, but she could hear the faintest snore coming from him. Sleeping while sitting up. That's gotta take talent. She grinned. That's why she liked Davis, he was fun to be around, even when nothing was happening. Kari thought back to Sora's words. "You need to allow yourself the chance to get closer to Davis."

She sighed and sat up. "Davis? Davis?"

Davis jolted. "Hunng? Wazzat?" He shook his head and woke up. "Kari?"

"I'm ready to talk."

"Really?" Davis leaned forward from his place up here.

"Sit here." She indicated a spot next to her on the bed. "I don't want to be talking down at you." Davis complied.

"First off," Kari warned, "you cannot breath a word of what I am about to tell you to anyone. Is that clear? This is something that I haven't even shared with Tai or TK, and I need to know I can trust you with this secret."

"I promise I won't tell anyone."

"Even if you think it would be in my best interest to tell someone else?"

Davis held up a hand and said, "I swear, I won't tell anyone, no-matter-what."

Kari nodded. "Okay… What I'm about to tell you is going to shock you, but it's the truth."

Davis grinned, "C'mon. I can handle whatever the news is."

"The creatures of the Dark Ocean want to mate with me."

Davis blinked. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"

"Dragomon, the ruler of the Dark Ocean, and his followers all want to mate with me so I can bear their offspring."

The look on Davis's face was priceless. His eyes became as big as Greymon's and his mouth rivaled Ogremon's in length. "WHHAAATTT?"

Despite the uneasiness that came with her confession, Kari couldn't help but start laughing at Davis's gaping mouth.

Davis protested, "I don't see what so funny about that!"

"I'm not laughing at my story. I'm laughing at the look on your face!" She giggled.

Davis looked at her as if she'd gone crazy. "Nice to know you're getting a good laugh out of this. Mind explaining why these things are so… interested in you?"

Kari took a deep breath and calmed down. She knew the full story wouldn't be so funny. "It all started shortly after we rescued Agumon from the Digimon Emperor. I started having these nightmares about a black ocean with red-eyed creatures swimming in it. For some reason, the ocean seemed to call to me. Every night I woke up in a cold sweat. Those creatures terrified me. They seemed to be made from darkness itself.

"Things got worse over time. I started having hallucinations where I was surrounded by black water, or I would see one of those creatures waiting for me in the shadows, near steps and doorways. I started to freak out. I thought that the creatures were Digimon that wanted to pull me into the Digital World and never let me return. I was afraid I'd disappear. And then I did.

"I found myself on a beach near a deserted village. The world was made up of black and gray colors. There was no light or brightness to anything. I found a group of Scubamon - who look like Divermon without any diving equipment - in a nearby cave. They all had dark spirals on their arms and said that someone like me had enslaved them.

"Needless to say, I knew it was the Digimon Emperor. At least, that's what it seemed like. Just then, an Airdramon started attacking us. It forced us out of the cave and even killed several of the Scubamon. Gatomon wasn't with me and I didn't have any way to fight back. I was afraid I was gonna die."

"Sorry." Said Davis.

Kari asked, "Why?"

"I wasn't there to help you out when you needed me. I thought you were in the Digital World, but the digiport wouldn't lead me to you. I spent the whole afternoon trying to figure out why I couldn't enter the Digital World to find you. I guess that was because you weren't in the Digital World. I felt really bad that I hadn't been able to help."

Kari smiled. "That's okay. There was no way you could have known where I was. Fortunately, TK, Patamon, and Gatomon found there way to me and defeated the Airdramon. Gatomon digivolved to Angewomon and freed the Scubamon, and that was when I learned the truth.

"The Scubamon transformed into the creatures I'd seen in my dreams. They told me that had been waiting for me because they needed my help. Their old master, Dragomon, who they considered to be a god, had drained them of all their strength. Then a new god, the Digimon Emperor, appeared. They wanted to worship him, but they didn't have the strength to do it. They wanted me to bear their offspring so that a new, more powerful race could worship the Digimon Emperor. I think the dark spirals and the Airdramon attack were all staged to pull me in, but I'm not sure. Angewomon scared them away before they could drag me underwater, and they decided to return to their old master, since I had rejected them.

"Now it seems that their master has taken an interest in me as well. He wants to be the one to mate with me to create a hybrid of darkness and light. He says it's my destiny because darkness and light call to one another and are constantly linked." She felt her eyes burn and her hands tremble. "He wants to steal me away from everyone I know and love, to make me give up the only life I know, just so I can be his concubine and give birth to a horde of little monsters. The thought of it makes me sick."

Davis didn't say anything. He just leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Kari. Kari held him and buried her face in his shoulder until she stopped trembling. "Thank you."

"Anytime." Davis said, "You know… I don't think you need to be scared of this Dragomon guy. I actually tangled with him, I think."

"When?"

Davis told her about the strange creature that had emerged from the dark aura during Kari's fever dream. "He's really strong, more than I could handle alone, but I bet you could take him, no problem."

Kari stared at him, dumbfounded. "What in the world gives you that idea?"

"Well, Dragomon wants to… um… be with you because he thinks you're so strong, right?"

"Yes. I suppose."

"And we both know that evil Digimon, or whatever this thing is, get scared when they meet someone stronger than them. Remember how scared Arukenimon was of BlackWarGreymon and MaloMyotismon? She was shaking in all six of her knees!" That got a giggle from Kari. Davis continued, "Dragomon looks scary, but I bet if you told him and his cronies to back off, they'd be so scared of your powers that they wouldn't touch you."

"You think pretty highly of me. I can't even control my powers."

Davis shrugged, "You'll learn. I bet Gatomon and Veemon could give you some pointers. After all, Digimon have a lot of powers inside them. They have to know how to control it or they probably blow themselves up."

Kari nodded, "Good point. I hadn't thought of that. When'd you get so smart?"

"You've been tutoring me, remember?"

Kari smiled. It was surprising how comfortable she felt around Davis now. She'd shared something intimate; something she'd been too afraid to tell anyone else. But Davis had been either stubborn enough or persistent enough to give her the chance to tell him; and she felt so much better for it.

Davis told Kari something personal as well. He told her that he was passing on his idea to open a noodle store. He said, "I'm not giving up on my dream, just changing it. I could run a noodle store, easy; but with everything that's been happening, noodles seem pretty trivial. I want to do something to help humans and Digimon become more comfortable with each other. Sort of an anti-anti-Digimon group."

Kari asked, "Any ideas for a name?"

"DREAM. It's stands for Digimon Relations Encouraged Among Mankind. I want to introduce people to Digimon, so they won't be afraid."

"That's a wonderful dream. I think I like it more than the noodle store. Of course, Yolei would have a problem with that whole 'mankind' thing."

"Oh… yeah…" Davis scratched his head. "I'd probably get an earful from her. Oh well, I just won't tell her." He grinned deviously.

Kari laughed. Davis was the only person who could make her laugh this much. They talked for hours about past experiences and their hopes for the future. Kari still hoped to lead a normal life someday, if she could ever get her powers under control. Davis promised he do anything he could to make that happen.

Kari glanced out the window, and saw the first haze of light on the horizon. "Want to watch the sunrise?"

"Sure." The two of them stood up and walked over to the window. They gazed out at the distant mountain range as the beams of light began to poke their way over the tops of the peaks. The sky took on a golden shine and bathed the city in bronze. It reminded Kari of the sunset they'd watched from the ferrous wheel on that wonderful day of freedom.

Davis slowly brought his hand over and placed it in Kari's. She smiled and interlaced her fingers with his, then leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder. They admired the beauty of the sunrise in blissful silence, now committed to being more than friends.

Davis yawned a few minutes after the sun was in plain sight. "I'm tired."

Kari said, "Me too. Let's get some sleep."

Davis asked, "What do you want to do tonight?"

"Tonight? You mean a date?"

"Yeah."

She considered. "There's not much we can do. It's not like you can sneak me out of the facility like you did at my home."

"Oh, I dunno…" Davis looked like was strongly considering it.

Kari quickly cut his line of thought off. "I'll see if Mr. Takenouchi would allow a TV and DVD player in here. We can watch some movies."

"Sounds good." Davis grinned. "Well, get a good sleep." He turned to leave.

"Wait." Kari leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. "Thank you for being here for me."

Davis blushed a fierce crimson. "Hey… um… any time… heh hee." He turned to leave, but forgot he'd closed the door. He head made a loud bonk sound as it bounced off the door. He laughed nervously and exited. Kari just smiled. Goofball.

She took a step towards her bed, and felt her whole body waver. The room began to blur as the sound of waves filled her ears. Not again.

Black water lunged at her from all directions. It swirled and splashed upon her, as if to strike her down and drag her away. She stumbled and shielded herself from the waves, but she could feel them pulling her in again. Her mind began to race with panic as she tried to find a place to run, but then she remembered what Davis had told her.

I'm stronger than the Dark Ocean. Dragomon and his followers are afraid of me. I shouldn't run. They should run from me! She closed her eyes and focused her mind, trying to project her confidence into the torrent around her. "I'm not going with you. I'm not afraid of you. Back off!!!" Her body sent out a surge of light that stabbed into the water and forced it back into the shadows. The aura of energy shinned around her as the sound of the ocean diminished. Kari tried to catch her breath from the sheer exhilaration of releasing all her power. Glowing hadn't hurt like in the past. It felt natural, calm, as if she'd done something she was born to do.

"Kari?" Davis's voice came from the door. "You okay?"

Kari called, "I'm fine… In fact, I'm great."

* * * * * * * *

Oh, where could Master be? Non-voices kept coming to bother him with questions and pills to take, but no Master yet. He ignored the talk and refused to swallow the pills. He would not pollute his body with things that did not come from his Master's grace. But he was getting tired of waiting for Master. He was thin and hungry, and it was hard to move. He wanted Master to be with him now.

Sitting alone in the cold, beautiful dark of his room, the hateful light blocked outside, he sat and waited. He did not know why, but he knew Master would come for him in his room, in the dark. But when?

"Muri…" The Voice! Master! "Muri… Muri…"

He stood up on wobbly feet and followed the voice, deeper into the dark. The Voice made his mind clear, made him remember things he'd forgotten.

As he staggered closer to the bathroom, where the Voice beaconed, he could feel his senses return. Muri. I'm Muri Ikari. And I serve my Master, Dragomon.

Reaching the sink, he closed the drain and turned on the faucet. Black water gushed out and pooled around his hands. For a moment, the Voice grew silent and Muri feared he'd been abandoned. But then two red eyes appeared in the black water. They penetrated his heart, filling him with a welcome feeling of darkness.

"Muri," his master cooed. "Thank you waiting for me. I need your help."

------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

What is Dragomon planning? How is Muri involved? Is Kari strong enough to face whatever is coming? All this and more in the next chapter!

Author's Note: Getting close to the end here. With any luck, I'll be able to finish this story soon and then return to Darkness Reborn before the end of the summer. I'll try to stay focused, which is never an easy thing for me. Anyway, I'd appreciate any reviews people have and I will return soon! Til then!