The Second Chance

Part 5 : Strange Alliances

By
Sarnokh

"You can get much more with
a smile on your face and a gun
in your hand than with
a smile alone."
Al Capone

Authors Comment:
This is the fifth chapter in my Digimon fiction "The Second Chance". Initially it was presumed to be a single, closed story; but then I grew fond of the story arc and more and more ideas grew in my mind to continue romance and adventure. As promised, Daisuke is going to play a greater (and positive) part.

WARNING: The following parts contain some dark twists. Regard them as necessary as the saying goes: where the night is darkest, the dawn is most near. Be patient and have faith. All will be settled to good. :-)

What happened previously: To advert a life without their true loves, six Digidestinied confess each others love. So besides Tai and Yamato, there are Takeru and Ken as well as Daisuke and Iori. Hikari and Miyako supported them to go for their love, even though it meant to lose the boys they loved. As a result the DigiWorld was saved, too
One year later Sora became the evil Empress of the DigiWorld and tried to play the Digidestinied against each other. But TK believed in is love into Ken, and didn't fall into Sora's tricks. In the end, Sora fell into Coma and the DigiWorld was saved.
In Part 3 Robert and Dean Runeward moved to Japan. Rob is an old friend of Ken. When he entered the DigiWorld the first time, the Digimon revealed Rob, that he should stay there, because he was the Chosen, destined to unite the good Digimon in building an new future for the DigiWorld.
In part 4 Jyou, Koushiro and Mimi were twisted to evil by a powerful demon from beyond, but the other Digidestinied smashed the Portal - Mirror and thus freed their friends from the curse.

Comment to Ages: (I have no definite idea; this is just a suggestion)
Tai & Yamato: 19
Jyou: 20
Koushiro: 18
Ken, TK, Iori, Daisuke: 16/17

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

Daisuke Motomiya watched his beloved take care of the cake he was baking. Iori had really grown older during the last two years of their relationship. At first it was curious to go with little Iori, even though he wasn't the small boy when he stopped Davis from leaving Japan forever, but there was little resemblance to the kid he once was. Iori would have his 16th birthday shortly after Christmas, and that would be only four weeks from now, Daisuke thought in horror. He still had no idea what to buy for his friend.
At first Daisuke's parents were really shocked to know that they only son was gay; Davis had the reputation of a womaniser, and Hikari would have taken any bet, that after Takeru coming out, Daisuke would use this opportunity to try to go with her. That was before Hikari found out, that the younger Goggle - Boy always was envious about her good friendship with TK, because he wanted Takeru! And for a time he even had an affair with Ken, but this was just physical desire, never love. Iori was now as large as Daisuke, who hadn't stopped growing, either. Surprisingly it was Daisuke's sister Yun, who had supported her brother before their parents, and finally they accepted their son, though Miss Motomiya couldn't help to make a remark about the curious fact, that seemingly all friends of her son were found to be gay. "Must be a virus of some kind!", she mumbled smirking. This week the Motomiyas had visited a distant related together with Yun, and so the whole week their son and Iori had the apartment for themselves.
Daisuke stretched in the large chair to sit more comfortable. Yes, he thought, Iori had grown into a very attractive young man in these years! He remembered every detail of last night, and had to shift his position, as something was growing in his pants.
"Davis! Do you want cream, too?", Iori shouted from the kitchen.
"Hm, yes dear, I would like to…", Daisuke answered in a deep voice.
Iori stopped his doing and walked into the living room, wearing an apron with the text: "Cook with Love" written on it. His hands were white with flour, and some of the white powder was spread over his face. Iori's hair stood wildly in all directions. "One cent for your thoughts!" He looked down at Davis and rose an eyebrow. "Ah, I know in what mood you are, if you speak in that voice."
Daisuke turned in his seat, looking at Iori who was now standing near him. He took one dough-pasted hand and started to lick the sweet dough away from the fingers.
Iori smiled, and retreated his hand. "Oh, save it!", he said giggling. "There is work to do! And then we will eat!", he decided. As he saw an expectant look on Davis' eyes he added: "And after that you have the task to clean the kitchen to repay my arduous work."
The Goggle-Boy smirked.
"Don't you like my cooking, my big boy?", Iori asked mockingly.
Ah, he was so sweet when he smiled, Daisuke pondered. A smile appeared on his face, too. "Eating is my second favourite passion I share with you.", he commented, grinning wickedly.
Iori kissed his boy and returned to the kitchen. His cake and cookies were famous among all their friends, and since December had just begun, all would come to visit Iori to fetch some of the wonderful bakery.
"Oh, can't we call the others to come later!", Daisuke suggested. They had asked Tai, Yamato, TK and Ken to come for a small tea party. Jyou, Mimi and Koushiro had been invited, too. But all three had declined, still ashamed of what happened in the DigiWorld two weeks ago. They had been possessed by three powerful evil spirits from a netherworld, who tried to use their bodies as hosts. But even though they were not responsible, they still blamed themselves for it, and wanted to stay among themselves. Jyou and Mimi each stayed in their homes and seldom leaved them, while Koushiro had accepted Roberts invitation to stay in the DigiWorld for a time. Now Daisuke watched his boyfriend preparing the cookies for, as he put a cream unto each of them.
"Don't you have anything to do?", Iori asked.
Without thinking, Davis answered: "Not really…"
"Well", the younger boy said. "Then clean the table in the living room and put on dishes for six guests."
Davis let his head hung down. Then he walked into the living room and prepared the table.

*RING*RING*
The doorbell had rung! Davis ran to the door, shouting to Iori: "I am going!"
He opened the door, and saw Ken and TK standing there, both smiling and TK held some flowers in his hands. "For you two, from us.", TK said.
Davis unwrapped the paper, while Ken und TK stepped in and closed the door. "Oh, white lilies!", he grasped. "They must have been very expensive!"
TK grinned. "Ken remembered how much Iori likes lilies. We didn't know your favourite flowers, but after all, Iori is doing all the baking, so he deserves the flowers more."
The Goggle-Boy stretched out his tongue. "Blllllp!"
Ken laughed. "Despite your enormous age, you are still a child, Motomiya!"
"And that is just the way I want him.", a voice said from behind. It was Iori. To Daisuke's surprise he was without the silly looking apron and completely clean. How had he cleaned himself that fast?
"Mr. and Mrs. Motomiya have a wonderful kitchen, much larger than anyone's I ever saw. But my little lover-boy here doesn't feel the necessity to learn how to cook!", Iori mentioned, twinkling towards his friend.
Davis shrugged. "Well, marry the cook, so you can have all the wonderful meals without effort! Besides, I could never compete with you, oh wonderful master Chef!" he bowed deeply.
"Let's just lead them in, before they starve!", Iori answered and the four boys took seat around the great table.
"Yamato and Tai are late again?", TK asked. He knew his older brother, who seldom was punctually, and Tai was even worse. Sometimes he forgot an appointment at all - if it wasn't with Yamato, of cause! They talked about the most recent events, when the doorbell rung again.
This time Iori opened the door. Before them stood Yamato and Tai, both panting heavily, as they had obviously been running.
"We…we…" Tai coughed. "Had a call from… our friend. Rob…"
"Are you talking about me?", they heard a familiar voice. There stood Rob, accompanied by Koushiro.
"We were just about to warn them of your coming.", Yamato joked.

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

Eight satisfied young boys sat around a table as they had eaten dozens of cookies and many pieces of Iori's wonderful Banana Cake. Iori Hida was quite renown for this cake, as it was equally delicious as lightly.
A slight burp emerged from Takeru. "Sorry!" He blushed, but all the other boys just grinned.
"Yes, we are all far too filled up; right koi?", Tai said to Yamato.
The Blonde nodded. "Yep. Just as perfect as ever, Iori!"
Even Koushiro wore a smile on his face. The holidays in the DigiWorld had given his skin some colour, which was unusual to see, as Koushiro normally was quite pale. Rob told them that the red-haired had supported the building of a street of stone between Central and the other cities on the Island of Al Nitak. The physical labour had distracted him from pondering the terrible events, when he was a vessel of a great and evil power.
Robert told of the progress of road - building. "The road to Ras Alhag is already finished, but we had to stop the road building to the east."
Six boys stared at Rob. It was Koushiro who explained them. "I had led the builders group for the eastern road, when a group of Digimon from the city of Eltanin approached and demanded to stop building this road. They threatened us, if we would continue to push the road into their territory."
Tai looked at Koushiro with an expression of surprise. "Evil Digimon again, that try to stop the creation of a new Digimon civilisation?"
Rob shook his head. "No. They are definitely not evil. The Digimon of Eltanin joined the Kingdom of their own free will, and they didn't renounce that membership. But their faction in the Council disagreed with many new projects, like the road building, but as the minority, they had to accept the Council's decision."
"The Digimon in Eltanin and Danbar formed a new faction, called the 'Protectors'.", Koushiro added. "Their declared goal is to prevent the destruction of nature by the spread of infrastructure and technology. Some of them saw our earth, the environmental pollution and the dying of animals due to industry and waste. They fear that this will happen to the DigiWorld as well, if we continue in our path of progress."
Yamato made a sad expression. "Hm, I don't think that their fears are not justified. This is a new way for the DigiWorld, and we humans have destroyed much with our technology."
"What!", Tai shouted. His face wore a slight anger when he looked at his lover. "How can you say that, Yama! You know how weak the Digimon were when we came into the DigiWorld for the first time! Only in a prosperous civilisation they can learn to help themselves and defend against evil!"
Yamato sneered. "But for what prize? What if their technology will pollute the DigiWorld, like we did with ours? Do you want to see the forests and hills, plains and valleys filled with dirt, garbage and poison?"
Tai laughed joyless. "Hey, we are talking of a simple road!"
"Yes, but for that trees must be cut down!", Yamato answered. "You must respect their wishes, you can not force your so-called progress upon others against their will! Why not just leave them be?"
"Because they are a minority.", Taichi said. "The few always must follow the many. That is the core of any Democracy."
"We are not talking about abstract principles, Tai! It is a fundamental decision to transform into a modern civilisation. Can you take the responsibility for all that will result of that change?"
Tai's teeth were tightly pressed onto each other. "If we are guided by fear, we would never accomplish anything! We must have some courage to gain something!"
Yamato tried to suppress his anger and kept his voice low. "Yea, I know how that works, Oh powerful and wise leader!"
This last word obviously had beaten Tai, because he looked at Yama first with shock, and then with suppressed anger.
"Huh, now that debate was a bit overheated.", Iori said to no one in particular. "Perhaps we should take a look at this ourselves? I mean…", he stammered not certain what to say. "Some problem grow much smaller, once you see them from near."
"Yes!" Daisuke tried to cheer the two older boys up. "Let's go into the DigiWorld!"
"Well, it's late now.", Robert interceded. "We can go tomorrow."

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

Much later that evening, Ken and TK sat in Ken's room, pondering about the events of the tea party. For a while it had been fun, but the debate between Tai and Yamato had depressed all of them. TK had never see them discuss that fiercely about anything. Their little bickering always had been about trivial things, as in all relationships. After so many years he had believed that such fundamental disagreements would be impossible.
"Thinking about your brother?", Ken asked, looking thoughtful at TK.
Takeru nodded. "Yes. And Taichi. I have never seen them debate that fiercely about principles. I know, that Yama has supported any environmental protective groups since he was 12, and Tai is not really mindful about this. But I don't understand how this could happen. They were totally lost in their quarrel. I was really shaken to watch this." His blue eyes gazed through the window into the starry night. There was a sorrow written in his features.
Ken began to caress his friends hair and pressed a soft kiss on his cheeks. "Now, they will get over this, I am certain. They are together for many years now and will make it."
A faint smile formed upon TK's mouth as his lover kissed him on his ear and licked in it with his tongue. He smirked. "Oh, don't stop this!", he whimpered. TK still thought about Yamato and Tai, while Ken tried to distract him. "How could my own brother be that ignorant! We have gained save and clean technologies nowadays." Suddenly TK felt a great pain in his ear. "Ouch!" he cried and removed from Ken.
The raven-haired boy grew red. "Oh… sorry TK!", he stammered. "I didn't mean to bite you! I was just completely surprised!"
TK looked at Ken as if he had lost his mind. "What! I simply fail to understand this!", he shouted angry, gazing at Ken is disbelief and holding his left ear. He took away his hand. It was bloody red. "Damn! You just chopped a piece of my ear!" Now Takeru grew really angry.
Ken looked at TK in fear and shame. "I am so very sorry! It's not that bad, I mean it is just a scratch!", he tried to defend himself.
TK jumped up and pressed a handkerchief on his bleeding ear. "What do you mean, you were surprised, by the way?" Takeru still seemed in a bad mood.
Ken didn't know what to say. He had never believed that he would support Tai and didn't see the dangers of such a drastic change in the Digital World. "TK, I think we really shouldn't speak about this now. Let me just look for your ear! You have to wash it!"
"I can hear you still with the other ear, Ichijouji!" the blue-eyed boy shouted. "Now out with it! If I have shocked you that much, that you eat my ear, I do have the right to know why!"
"Well… erm… I just…", Ken stammered, looking down.
"I am waiting!" TK tapped impatiently with his fingers.
Ken's voice was just a whisper. "I just was so very… astonished… how you talked about this. You… you have supported Tai!"
"And I should agree with Yamato, just because he is my older brother?"
"No, but because he is right!", Ken frowned. "Look, my dove. The DigiWorld is so wonderful! Didn't we love it just the way it is? I understand the strife of many to get all the comfort we humans have…"
"Oh yes!", TK interrupted sarcastically. "But you will keep that comfort for us!"
"Look, kitten. Just let us talk about this tomorrow. We shouldn't let our emotions let us divide like Yamato and Tai.", Ken tried to calm TK.
That was wasted effort. "Takeru, please! I am not against progress. But shouldn't they be more careful?"
"But some people want to find new ways of living!", TK shouted. "They don't need all-powerful wannabe Kaisers or Kings to command them what to do!"
All calmness was blown away from Ken after that statement. He clenched his fists in rage. "If you are implying that Rob is behaving like a tyrant you are just doing him wrong. He is not like… like I was as the Digimon Kaiser! But somehow you see evil power at work, as soon as there is some kind of government. But Tai was wrong about one thing: even in a democracy the majority can't dictate anything! With simplistic and false promises you can lure any fool into following you!"
*SMACK!* Takeru had slapped Ken on his cheeks with such a force, that Ken's face was pushed around.
Ken, his face still twisted aside, didn't move and stared to the ground. TK gazed at his hand in disbelief. He felt a fire of shame and regret burning under his skin. He wished, he would sink into the ground immediately. TK's heart was bumping in terror, Sweatdrops formed on his face and ran down his back - and then tear welled in his eyes. He jumped and ran out of Ken's room, through the floor and left. Ken still hadn't moved. He was looking down and tried to find out what happened. How could this get out of hand? Was there a sinister power twisting them against their will? He wasn't sure. He didn't feel any evil presence here, nor was it the case when Yamato and Tai had their quarrel. But tomorrow they would meet in the Motomiya residence to go to the DigiWorld and look for a solution of the Road building problem. How could they accomplish this, now that these heated debates had occurred?
He held his burning cheek. It hurt. Not only because TK had beaten him, but to see his beloved loose all self-control because of a discussion. But he hadn't been much better! Ken had never thought that any difference in ideals or viewpoints could come between two people in love. But this was now the case. Would he let ideology come between him and his love? He loved Takeru more then his life, and shared TK's enthusiasm for technology. But blind support of technology and progress was no solution. It was just a question of logic that demanded great care in any new progress! Pollution and destruction were made easy, but healing natures wounds was a much more difficult task!
They would talk about this at the next opportunity, and then Ken would stay calm and sincere and TK would understand him! With that thought, Ken fell into an uneasy sleep.

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

"Gee! Now Takeru has called to put off our task in the DigiWorld!", Daisuke said.
Iori sat at the table, while he tried to eat his Cornflakes. "Hm. Do you remember the quarrel between Tai and Yama yesterday evening?", he asked while eating noisily. "Perhaps Ken and TK had a similar debate. They seemed to look at Tai and Yama with very different feelings of support."
Davis rose his eyebrow. Did Iori really have the ability to watch such hidden emotions, or was he just guessing? Iori remained to be a continuous flow of surprises! Daisuke never knew what other people felt, until it was plainly obvious, even his own feelings. But this seemingly 'mindless' character made him a very much like person, that was able to cheer his friends up in times of trouble.
"But TK and Ken will come both?", Iori asked.
Daisuke nodded. "As will Tai and Yamato. I don't know how such a thing can cause any quarrel. Well, both sides do have their point, but it is not up to us to decide what the Digimon should do. We are only Digidestinied to help them to find their own way. So I can't see, why such a debate would be necessary."
"Hm, perhaps it is just the surprise to see, that the person you love has very different views in things which you believe in much.", Iori pondered. He finished his Cornflakes and took the dishes into the kitchen. He sat quietly beneath Davis on the couch, holding his hand. Davis rested his head on Iori's shoulders, closing his eyes and smiling happily. The younger boy gazed intensely out of the window. "What do you think about this?" He looked at Daisuke. "Davis?" The Goggle-Boy was snorting and in deep slumber. "Oh my…", Iori whispered and carefully lay Davis aside. 'It has been a short night for both of us…' he thought grinning.
*RING*RING*RING*
The signal of the doorbell was loud and shrill. Daisuke rose up in terror. "What! Who…." He looked around with wide eyes. Then he saw Iori coming out of his room. "I'm coming!", he shouted as the paced towards the door.
When Iori opened, he saw Taichi, Yamato, Takeru and Ken. They had obviously met before. "Come in!", he told them, but he noticed that all was not right. All four boys had sour faces, and neither Tai and Yama nor TK and Ken noticed each other much. So their differences still hadn't been ended!
"Hello, nice to see you again!", Daisuke cheered with a broad smile. But his face suddenly dropped out, when he saw the sincere looks on the boys faces. Storms where about to draw up. He looked questioning into Iori's eyes, but his lover just shrugged, obviously not knowing what to do, either. "Come on", Daisuke continued. "Take seat at the table." He winked them towards the large dinner table and the guests took seat - in a most unusual order. On one side sat Yamato and Ken, facing TK and Tai at the opposite side. None of them said a word.
Iori and Davis joined them. "Well,", Iori stammered. Robert has gone back to the DigiManor to prepare our task. But he gave us a map of the Island of Al Nitak. Or two of them, to be honest, as he had planned to divide us into two groups. One should go into the west, who favours technology, while the others should go eastwards to see for the supporters of nature."
"Then I will go east!", Yamato proclaimed fiercely, staring expectantly at Tai.
Tai grinded his teeth. "Certainly. Then I shall go west! And Takeru will come with me."
TK nodded. "Yes. I will go west with Taichi!"
All looked at Ken. The raven-haired boy sighed. "I don't like that kind of split up much, but I prefer to join Yamato, going east."
Daisuke didn't understand and made a foolish face. "What? But don't Tai and Yamato want to go together, and TK with…", he broke off, as he saw four bitter faces staring at him. Iori made a silent signal, moving his thumb over the neck, as if someone would cut his throat. 'Don't go ahead!', he tried to signal him. Davis blushed. "Oops, sorry! Of cause you can choose for yourself. Hehe!", he forced an unnatural laugh.
"Okay…", Iori started. He was uncertain what to do or say. "Okay, then Daisuke will go with TK and Tai, I shall accompany Matt and Ken." He jumped from his seat and grabbed Daisuke, pulling him far enough away not to be heard by the others. "Okay, little lover boy. It is your task to watch them and try to end this squabbling. I will see if I can talk to Yamato and Ken. I hope we can help them."
Daisuke frowned. "But aren't we there to help he Digimon?"
Iori nodded. "Yes, both tasks need our attention."

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

"They have done what?!", Lord Robert shouted. None of his friends had ever seen him so angry. Rob, still a young man of 16 years, had grown with his task to lead the DigiWorld. Under his leadership the three islands of Al Nitak, Al Nilam and Al Mintaka had united and send representatives to the DigiCouncil in the capital of Central. Now Robert was in rage, and the four council-members Agumon, Gabumon, Tentomon and Leomon were upset, too. "Why in the whole DigiWorld should Yamato and Ken support a resistance?"
"It seems to have been Yamato's idea for the most part." Tai explained. His face looked bitter. He knew that Yama was up to something, when he had declared his opposition to the building plans of Robert. Streets, Yamato had argued, can quicken any evil Digimons progress, as well. And new technology was beyond debate for him. Ken agreed with Yamato completely, much to TK's anger, but not that fiercely. Now Yamato seemed to have talked himself into something, as he had done before. Tai knew his beloved very well. His beloved? Where they still lovers? Tai looked sad as the debate went on around him. Never had differences in ideology parted them before, and Tai would have been the least to think of any conviction that could split him from his lover. But this overprotective nature fanaticism was beyond his understanding. Yes, industry had brought pollution, but things were on the way back on earth, and they wouldn't make that mistake here! Yamato just had no right to deny the Digimon a life in an advanced civilisation. Without technology on earth, none would ever know the DigiWorld, perhaps it would even not exist! Thriving cities, far reaching highways, sewerage, modern communications systems, all these things would be unknown to this world forever, and all to save some trees that would grow again? They could declare reservations, where nature could thrive unhindered. But these Digimon and Yamato would not allow others such gifts of science. They preferred to live a rural and primitive life forever!
"Tai? Are you with us?", TK asked. Taichi looked at Takeru, who obviously had asked him a question. Goodness! TK really looked much like Yamato, now that he was growing up, Tai thought. Ken is a lucky boy, to fetch him!
"Erm, sorry TK!", Tai stammered. "I… I was just thinking."
TK nodded. "I understand. Well, Leomon reported, that the 'Protectors' - this group of Digimon that wants to stop the technological progress in the DigiWorld - had chosen Yamato as their leader. And since then they had begun to undo all our building projects. Streets are dig down, sawmills are destroyed and manufactures are shut down and razed. They demand that we allow the Digimon to keep a way of 'simple and natural life' as their tradition was - or so they say!"
Tai's eyes widened. "They are destroying the installations we had build just recently?! I can not believe it!" Tai slammed his fist on the table. "Then we must gather all Digimon we can fetch and move against them! There is no other way!" Tai's features had grown dark. He seemed to be sincere in this, and TK folded his arms before his breast, radiating grim agreement.
Rob frowned. "Now, now! Look, as much as I agree with your rage against that senseless destruction, we can't just move against our own friends, no matter how wrong their way is. I am certain that there is a way to negotiate with them to stop the hostilities! What do you say to this, Daisuke?"
Davis had listened to the debate with great intense, but somehow he had no clue what do to. This was just like a nightmare! His best friends, and lovers among them, had turned against each other for a reason that was beyond his understanding. Iori had tried to explain him the meaning of the different viewpoints, but even the patient Iori had finally given up. For Daisuke there was nothing that couldn't been overcome by courage, love and honesty. Iori had smiled nonetheless, at Daisuke's failure to understand, because in a certain way Daisuke WAS right. But the opponents had forgotten that simple wisdom some time ago. Daisuke Motomiya was working right. It was the world that had lost the path.
But this same Daisuke knew no answer. "Um, I am not certain. But I think that this disagreement will be do no good! It doesn't matter so much that there is majority here or a minority there. Shouldn't we try to work out a solution that is for the good of all?"
"No!", Takeru shouted suddenly. "The majority decides, that is the basis of democracy! And besides: these Digimon are just led by fanaticism and prejudice! They just have to see it clearly to behold that they are wrong. And just remember Andromon! He lives in a great factory! That proves that technology already is an integral part of this world!"
"This squabbling will need to nothing!", Tai interjected. He rose from his seat and gazed around determined. "I shall lead as much Digimon eastward to protect our building project as will follow me. Agumon? What about you?"
Agumon rose, too. "I shall do whatever you say, Tai!"
"I am with you!", TK answered hotly and reached his hand to Tai. Both boys shook their hands as if to seal a promise. Not waiting for Roberts reaction or Daisuke's comments, the two boys left the room, followed by several Digimon.
Rob, the raven-haired boy with his blue eyes looked behind them in concern. "This is getting out of hand. Daisuke, you must meet with Iori immediately and warn him of Tai's coming!"
Daisuke nodded. 'And I need advice from Iori how to handle this!', he thought.

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

Iori and Daisuke sat on a small clearing in the forest, far to the east of the capital city of Central. It was night, but the full moon bathed the clearing in bright light. Iori was in Davis's arms, and both boys rested here from a hard day. It had been Iori's plan to keep Tai's and Yamato's Digimon armies separated until they came back to reason. For two long weeks the plan had worked. No one besides Robert knew about the scheme, and so Tai, TK, Matt and Ken believed that Daisuke and Iori hadn't met in this 14 days - and thus had no chance to exchange news. Iori definitely had the most difficult part to deceive the genius of Ken to follow all the false trails he was laying, and Yamato was nearly as cunning as distrustful in Iori's advice. 'Your lover is working with our enemy!' Matt once said to him with a questioning look. 'So be careful with your alliances!'
"Now, Daisuke!" Iori moved in his boyfriends arms, and tried to rise. "We mustn't stay away to long, or we will be suspected!"
Davis mumbled something. He had still closed his eyes and wore a smile on his face. "Just five more minutes!"
Iori turned around and kissed Daisuke onto his mouth. Davis's lips parted and their tongues started a wild play in their mouths. After two minutes Daisuke had to breath. "Huh! That wasn't fair! You know that french-kissing always arouses me! And now we have no time for anything!"
Iori was nagging at Daisuke's ear, which drove the other boy crazy. The Daisuke jumped up. "Alright, alight! You win! Now let us talk, right?"
The younger boy was grinning from ear to ear. He had learned well how to handle his beloved in the time of their friendship. "Okay, here is my plan.", he explained. "You must return to our world and try to fetch some of the other Digidestinied to help us!"
Daisuke eyes widened. "What! But you know how bad relationships grew among us. Miyako and Hikari hardly speak with us, Mimi is in America, Jyou and Koushiro are still in no condition to do anything after the last events…"
"It doesn't matter! There are important things going on. For the first time we are divided! Our strength was our strong bond of friendship, if we split up, we can not defend the DigiWorld against any real threat! The others must see this!"
Daisuke nodded. "You are right. I just fear that it will be a difficult task. But I shall try…"
They exchanged another passionate kiss as the moonlight shone upon them and then Davis went away, back to earth.

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

Yamato Ishida and Ken Ichijouji were sitting quietly around a campfire. Gabumon had already retreated to sleep. The leaders of the 'Protectors League' still were awake to consider their next move against the rulers in Central. They had build factories and roads, mills and villages all in the south and east of the Island of Al Nitak. As a result the forests had retreated and many rural Digimon had lost their home. When some Digimon rebelled against this program of progress, called out by Robert and the DigiCouncil, they were only few, but since Yamato and Ken had appeared, their numbers had grown. Now the 'Protectors' had grown into a kind of nature - saving Guerrillas, fighting against technology wherever they found it. Consequently all mechanical Digimon were shunned and driven away, seeking refugee in the west.
At first Ken was quite reluctant to this plan, but Yamato's fiery speeches before the Digimon had incited him, too. And then he saw the Crystal Lake! That changed everything. The lake was in a quiet and dense forest, but a great metal foundry had been erected recently at a small river in the mountains, and its waste flew directly into the river, poisoning the waters and driving the Digi-fishes out. It reminded him of the destruction he had caused in the time he was the Digimon Kaiser. It angered him to see this happen, and from that day he added his genius to Yamato's ruthlessness in the defence of nature. Never again should the DigiWorld be the subject of senseless destruction!
Every day he fought at Yamato's side against the industrial destruction, but every night he pondered about the boy he still loved with all his heart: Takeru. He was torn between love and his ideal to leave the DigiWorld untainted. But for Yamato is was doubled suffering. He now stood against his brother TK and his lover Taichi!
Many times since then they had led their Digimon against the buildings and factories, and every time they didn't face any opposition due to Ken's perfect timing. He had devised plans of small sabotage acts that would slow down the builders and thus try to discourage them. And they had planted new forests in that places, too. It was like a holy crusade! And they had fooled their technological persecutors many times before, but tomorrow they would strike at most precious target. Yamato had spied out a factory that could repair broken mechanical Digimon, who were workers and builders in the enemies group. With the destruction of that facility the largest structure of that kind in the whole area would be razed. They wouldn't be able to build new facilities for many months, and because of that the 'Protectors' could start their final offensive against the capital city. With Central in their hands, the old government would have to submit their cause of technology. To capture the symbols of the enemy is always of prior importance to demoralise him.
Suddenly Ken gazed up has he heard an unfamiliar tune. Yamato, who was sitting next to him, had begun to play his harmonica. Ken knew of that particular instrument and Yamato's favour for it from TK, but he had never witnessed him playing. Since Yamato was in the DigiWorld as a boy with the first Digidestinied he had solely played for Tai. It was a wonderful but sad tune, and Ken listened with admiration. It revealed to him a side in Yamato's personality he hadn't seen before. The blonde had shown much care for nature in general and the Digimon in particular. Every pollution and chopped tree had made him suffering, but this was a gentle musician, the one that was adored equally by female and male fans alike.
Then the song ended, and Ken stared at Yamato. He seemed like a heavenly appearance to him, and saviour of the defenceless and mistreated! An avenger of the wronged, Yamato Ishida. How could anyone not admire this boy? For the fist time he realised how very manly Yamato looked, much like an older and more virile version of his younger brother. Ken felt his heart racing. What kind of emotion was stirring within him! He gave Yamato a glance, and blushed at the reaction of the older boy. Was it such a long time ago, that Ken had been intimate with TK? It must be that simple, he said to himself and tried to think of something else.
"You have been a loyal friend in our cause.", Yamato said in a soft voice that caused Ken's hair to raise. Had he ever listened to this most sexy voice of the singer? How could he not have noticed before? Yamato and Ken had spent nearly three weeks together now, and a bond of trust and friendship had grown unexpectedly. "I didn't believe that you had really changed since you were the Digimon Kaiser, to be honest.", Yamato continued and smiled approvingly. Was there really a little twinkle in his eyes? "But now I see what my little bro finds so attractive in you…" Yamato slid around the campfire until he sat directly near Ken. Both boys stared into the fire and none dared to more.
Ken's heart was racing now, and he felt as never before. He had always been dominant near TK, but this time it was him that felt passive and melting. What could he do? A fire seemed to burn within him. Then, completely unprepared, a warm hand lay on top of his. His heart seemed to stop bumping for a second and his head whirled around to look at Yamato. The blonde was grinning with affection and lust at Ken, and the raven-haired boy seemed to melt at Yamato's eyes. How could he resist? His body ached for the older boys caressing, and then the miracle happened.
"I can see in your eyes what you need, Ken Ichijouji.", Yamato whispered and unbuttoned Ken's shirt, his hands softly caressing his breast. Ken could only moan, as for the first time he was the submissive! It was a completely new experience for him, and so he closed his eyes to concentrate on his feelings. Yamato moved forward and pressed his hot lips on Ken's, his tongue darting into his mouth, and two hungry boys gave in to their animal desires as if they were starving. This would be a rough but pleasant night, Ken and Yamato though, as pure lust washed away all moral considerations.

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

Davis, TK and Taichi stood on the hilltop and gazed down on the scenery. The great factory was burning like a great torch. It was a terrible defeat! Soon the rebels would seize the capital, if they could not find a way to stop them. And what then? Tai knew with grim determination, that the progress of the 'Protectors' had to be stopped here and now. There was far too much at stake now. The whole effort to form a democratic system in the DigiWorld would fail if these fanatics would not be stopped. But Tai and TK had begun to make a new plan. Well, it was TK's plan for the most part. Takeru knew his brother well, and how he would act - and he had a good insight into Ken's thinking, being his former beloved. Former? Well, neither Tai nor TK allowed themselves to ask such questions. For now the future of their relationships were out of debate. It would be of no help to consider such things now.

Davis had just returned from his visit on earth and spoke to Koushiro and Miyako. Both were in no mood to promise any help. Koushiro's spirit was still broken from the time, he was possessed by an evil being, and so was Jyou! Miyako was very busy with her fathers shop and Hikari had visited some relatives far away. But Miyako had promised to keep things in her mind and try to come as soon as possible. Since his return, Daisuke had been unable to find Iori or anyone of the 'Protectors' and so he had no idea of their next move. No longer he could redirect Tai and TK to prevent the disaster of two Digimon armies crashing into each other.

Taichi Yagami stood on the hill like an ancient General. The wind blew through is wild hair, his eyes were gazing over the landscape searching out for the 'Protectors'. TK had devised a plan to set up a trap for Yamato and Ken. They had build a fake builders camp and began to rise a new factory - but all was a fake! Troops of powerful Digimon lay hidden in the forest beneath. And there was a surprise that Tai had prepared, that only TK knew of. They hadn't told Daisuke, perhaps suspecting him of being a possible threat, because his boyfriend Iori was with the other side.
"Yamato and Ken are good.", Tai said sincerely. "They have led a good Guerrilla troop, but they are not that good. I know that Yamato will never sit and wait, as soon as he hears about that, no matter how careful and smart Ken may be." He pointed toward the eastern forest edges, where a group of Digimon had begun to cut down the trees and burn them in a great fire. Great piles of earth where moved away, as if something should be dug into the ground. Ken would warn Yamato that it may be a trap, but Yamato's anger and fanatic ideals would lead them into it nonetheless.
A evil grin formed on Tai's features. "This time, victory will be ours."
"And their losses will be devastating!", Takeru added from behind. All the day he had studied the map that showed the local hillside. Ken and Yamato would come from the southeast, as all other ways were naturally blocked. There was a slope to the north and a deep river to the northeast, their own Digimon army was in the west.

Suddenly some kind of thunder emerged. Daisuke looked up. Was the weather changing? No, the sky was clear. Then he heard the booming again. It came from the valley to the northeast!
"They are coming!", Tai sneered. Then he turned to TK. "Tell our guards, that the first group shall emerge at the first sight, but the wings must wait until all of Yamato's Digimon have entered the valley. Then we will close it and finish them!"
TK nodded and ran away.
Daisuke smirked. This was going to be very bad! He had tried to talk Tai and TK out of this, but in vain. They had lost to many structures to their enemies, and this was their last chance to prevent them from reaching the capital of Central.
Tai took out his spyglass - the one he had used on File Island many years ago. He looked content. Then Daisuke could see them, too. It was a large group of Digimon, mixed of every kind. There were some Digmons, Togemons and Frigimons, and many Digimon he didn't know by name. And there! There was Yamato, sitting on top of Garurumon. Ken was not there, though. Yamato shouted some commands, and his army split into two wings to surround the new build factory. Tai watched it with satisfaction. Then a group of Unimon emerged on Tai's signal and attacked Yamato's Digimon. All went as planned. Yamato tried to surround his enemy and in the expected triumph led all his forces into the forest clearing. After two minutes of battle, Tai gave the second signal, and three more groups of Digimon emerged out of their forest hiding and had encircled Yamato's army. They outnumbered them 3 to 1.
But their luck didn't last. Suddenly a large group of Kabuterimon appeared in the sky, and Ken was sitting on top of one of them. They stroke down to help Yamato. Daisuke gaped at the events and now the fight looked balanced once again. He turned to Tai, just to behold a broadly grinning boy. This was not right! Why was Tai still grinning?
"Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen!" Taichi Yagami waved his hands and his troops retreated, forming a circle around their enemies, thus preventing their escape. Then Daisuke saw why Tai was still content. A large row of catapults moved out of the forest and began to strike at the flying Kabuterimon as well as Yamato's army on the ground! Without the possibility to escape, they were blown down within no time! Daisuke watched in horror, as one Digimon after the other was hit and digivolved back to the rookie level, helplessly given to the mercy of Tai's army.

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

Yamato growled while he rode on Garurumon's back. Catapults! He knew that Tai had lost all measure, but this just proved, how justified their rebellion was! Taichi had cut down the forest to produce weaponry! How could he think so low.
The blonde watched in anger as his fellows fell to the raining stones. Many Digimon already had been beaten and digivolved back to the rookie level. Most of the Kabuterimon had been hit, too. Ken was nowhere to be seen. Had he been hit, too? Perhaps he fell from his Digimon? Yamato clenched his fists on this thought. No! Ken will survive! He is a genius.
Ken had warned him that this may be a trap, but Yamato had been overwhelmed by his anger, when he saw the forest burning. They had been so close to their victory, just two days travel away from Central, and now all was lost.
Suddenly Yamato spied a towering figure on top of the hill in the west. Tai! There he was! Yamato whispered something into Garurumon's ear, who was already cornered by three Digimon. Garurumon's muscles tightened and then he jumped over his enemies and ran into the forest.

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

Daisuke walked through the forest in search of TK. The catapults had began to fire and the sound of smashing boulders now mixed with that of Digimon crying in despair. The Goggle-boy practically ran as fast as the dense wood allowed it. "TK!", he shouted between his hands. "Takeru! Where are you?" He stopped and looked around. Where could he be? There was no trace of him. Damn! How could it have gotten out of hand that far?! Now Digimon had to suffer in the name of righteousness and ideals! This was just so terribly wrong.
Daisuke moved through the wood and pushed the twigs aside. Some smashed back in his face, but he didn't care. "TK! Please, answer me!", he shouted once again. Davis was so focussed to find his companion, that he failed to look down.
"Aaaahh!", Daisuke cried as his foot was entangled by a root. He lost balance and tried to grab something, but in vain. He fell to the ground with a thud. "Ouch!" He felt a great pain in his right leg, as it was twisted by his fall. Daisuke clenched his teeth together to prevent him from crying, so great was his pain. Now he had seriously hurt himself! Very slowly he removed his foot from the root. Tears formed in his eyes. The boy was used to pain, being the sportive ace he was, but this was truly terrible. He winced in pain and crawled a few metres ahead, when a familiar figure towered over him.
He looked up. "TK!"
TK's eyes where filled with sorrow and surprise alike. Had he wept? Davis wasn't sure, but the blonde was certainly in no good mental condition. "Oh! I am glad I found you… erm, or you found me, it seems."
Without a word Takeru grabbed Daisuke and carefully dragged him to a forest clearing. Daisuke lamented at the pain in his leg and foot.
"Here, let me take care of that.", Takeru answered. He brought a small bag that was lying on a stump and fetched a small bottle. With great care he removed Daisuke's shoes and socks. There was a large blue spot. "Careful, this will be cold!", he warned as he opened the bottle and poured cold water over the foot and leg. Davis clenched his teeth and fists together and closed his eyes until he seemed to see stars before his eyes. When TK had spend all the water the pain had subsided a bit. "Okay, and now this…", Takeru explained. He took a small package of ointment and pasted it slowly onto the aching parts.
Daisuke started to relax, his eyes remaining closed. This was good! He felt that TK spread the salve all around the foot. He didn't realise how many minutes Takeru had worked at his foot and leg, when TK's hands slid higher and reached Daisuke's knees. 'Well, a little massage will be welcome!' he thought and subjected to the caressing hands. Then TK's second hand was rubbing Davis' other leg, too. 'Well, this is all okay! Just for the balance.' Davis told himself. He was so completely lost to the caressing that he didn't notice the large tent that already had risen in his pants. He opened his eyes to look at TK and saw it towering between his legs. 'Oh my God!' He knew he should jump up, but his leg wouldn't appreciate any quick movements, and besides he saw that TK was smiling approvingly. He was not anymore wearing his hat, and now he looked so very seductive. Sweat was running down his forehead. He felt like frozen as he watched TK's hands moving higher and higher, until they had grabbed his manhood. Daisuke moaned softly. He thought of Iori and their love, he told himself how wrong it was to give in, but that arguments were weak when a beautiful boy had grabbed his most vulnerable piece, rubbing it rhythmically. One of TK's hands slid under Daisuke's shirt and caressed his breast. The Goggle-boy sighed as he realised that he had lost the battle and gave to Takeru's special 'medical' procedures.

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

Tai tried to see what happened to Yamato. He was gone! What has happened? He had given the command that Yamato and Ken should be caught and brought to him immediately. The battle was nearly over, as most of the 'Protectors' where beaten and imprisoned. But where was Yamato?
He walked to the edge of the cliff to see the whole valley beyond. The Digimon of Yamato and Ken had now all been caught, Ken had likely escaped with a flying Digimon, but Yamato? And there was no trace of Gabumon (or Garurumon), too.
"So, I found you at last!" a familiar voice thundered.
Tai whirled around. Behind him stood Yamato Ishida. Alone. His face was twisted in anger, his eyes burning lava pits and his blond hair was tousled. Tai gazed at him with a cold expression. "It seems that you have finally lost.", he stated. "Will you give up your ridiculous rebellion?"
Yamato's face darkened. "It is just as I said, Taichi! Your factories have polluted the rivers and lakes, you burned down the trees to forge weaponry of war! Can't you see that it is you who chose the wrong way? This will destroy the DigiWorld! I will not allow you to continue that! I will stop you!"
Taichi laughed mockingly. "And who will stop us? You and what army?" He went on laughing.
Yamato used that distraction and jumped forward. "Your army will be useless without their leader!", he cried. Yamato had surprised Tai and wrought him down in an instant, but Tai was quick enough to roll away. He jumped back and went into a defensive position.
"So, you want to fight?", Tai shouted. "Then come if you dare!" The boys stood in fighting positions and knew what would come. Both had visited a Kung Fu school for two years now to be safe from any homophobe that would attack them. None of them dreamed that one day they would use their skills against each other. They did have friendly fights before, so they knew their strengths and weaknesses. They exchanged kicks and beatings without great success. When the fight finally was raging wildly, legs and fists smashing and kicking, Iori appeared on the hill.
"Stop this! You must finish this madness! There is something else going on here!", Iori shouted. He stepped toward the fighters.
"Stay away!", Yamato sneered between clenched teeth. "I have no will to hurt you!"
"I agree! For once!", Tai couched. "This must end here!"
Iori looked desperate. He had some fighting skills, too, but more violence wasn't needed here. "Koushiro has found out, that something is wrong with our dreams!", he cried. "He believes that we are under some evil influence."
"Nonsense!", Yamato answered. "We have double-checked this whole area. There is no evil power… besides Tai's henchmen, that is!"
"Perhaps this bad dreams we had the last four weeks have fanaticised our ideals!", Iori tried again. "You must give that a consideration!!!"
Both combatants breathed heavily, already beaten up thoroughly. But should they yield, now?
Yamato stepped forward, still in a position of defence, but not that aggressive than before. He spied at Tai with distrust. "But this pollution must end! You must stop this!", he commanded to Tai. "Please, Taichi! Don't go on with that!", he begged. His voice wasn't angry now, but pleading. "I don't want to hurt you anymore! But please, promise to stop this!"
Tai looked at Yamato with an unreadable expression. Then Yamato's hand reached forward. "No! I…" Tai never finished that sentence. He stepped back and his foot smacked at a small stone. Tai lost his balance and fell backwards, gazing at Yamato's outstretched hands in shock, trying to grasp it. He failed. Iori and Yamato watched in horror as Taichi fell backwards to the ground and landed on a sharp rock. They all heard a terrible crack in Tai's spine and his face was distorted in pain. Tai opened his mouth as if to cry, his features twisted, but it was a silent cry.
Yamato spun down to Tai. "Taichi! Tai! Please! What is wrong? Oh my God! Oh my God, what have I done!!!" Tears rolled down Yamato's eyes as he watched Tai twisting in pain. Yama move Tai aside and took his head in his hands, placing it on his lap. "Tai, please. I am sorry! I never wanted to hurt you! I love you so much! My God!!!!" Tai was ashen pale and his body shivered. Iori had watched the scenery in horror, uncertain what do to. Then he told Yamato to take care of Tai and that he would go for help and ran away as fast as his feet could carry.
After two minutes Tai opened his eyes and gazed at Yamato. "My beloved! My beloved Yamato." Blood drooled out of Tai's mouth. "How could we come that far….", he trailed off.
"Please, Tai!", Yamato was still sobbing. "I will do everything for you! I… I am just a piece of dirt!"
"Yama… I feel so very cold!", Tai stammered. Then his eyes widened. "And… and I can not feel my legs!", he cried in terror. "Yama, my legs! All is so numb! I can't rise! Yamato, help me!"
"No! No, this can't be!", Yamato shouted. He moved away from Tai and stumbled backwards. What had he done! He had crippled his beloved, ruined his life for his little crusade! All his sanity was washed away as he beheld the groaning body of Tai, unable to move or rise. "I can't live on with that shame!", Yamato shouted and walked toward the cliff. He stopped right in front of the chasm, then he spread his arms, ready to jump.

"Yes! Bravo! Jump now, and do what you deserve, Ishida!", a female voice echoed from behind.
Yamato spun around and saw a young woman around 15 years. She looked at Yamato with mocking green eyes, her blond hair was moving in a breeze. "Who are you?", he spat.
"What does that matter?", she answered grinning evilly. "You have finally done it! You have finished the Digidestinied by making a cripple of Taichi! Wonderful! No dark power ever succeeded in that! But you…", she pointed at him. "are guilty!" Her face grew dark. "JUMP, YAMATO!", she demanded. "You have crippled your beloved! There is only one path left now: your death!"
Yamato turned around and looked into the chasm. It was deep enough. Yes, he deserved death. He just couldn't face Tai ever again or live on with the terrible guilt. Yamato took a deep breath.
"Hold Asuka! Your treachery ends here and now!" This was Roberts voice. The raven-haired boy looked fiercely at the woman he had addressed. As ever he was dressed in the violet robes of the DigiKing. He stepped towards the woman, followed by Koushiro and Iori. "We finally found out what is going on here - Yamato, please, don't jump. This is NOT your fault! I can prove it!"
Yamato wasn't sure. Sadness, guild and pain washed over him, and now there was just one step, and all would be over.
Then he heard Tai's weak voice from behind. "Yama!", he pleaded. "Please don't throw away your life! I will never blame you, whatever will come out of this. The only crime you can do is leaving me alone with this!" Tai tried to turn to Yamato. "How can I live on without your love, Koi? Please, we can find a way together!"
Tears welled again in Yamato's eyes and then he ran towards Tai, and grabbed him. Both boys lay in each others arms, weeping silently. "I… I will never leave you, Taichi!", Yamato said. "I shall be with you for all my life!"
Koushiro stepped forward. He felt very uneasy, but he had to tell them nonetheless. "It was this woman - Asuka - she has influenced you in your dreams to make you follow your ideal with extreme fanaticism. She has used a dream crystal, an old artefact to raise your fears against each others!"
"But how do you know her?", Iori asked Rob.
Roberts features were grim. "She is my cousin, my uncles daughter. I told her of the DigiWorld, and it seems she has made plans of her own. I found betraying letters accidentally when I visited her some days ago, but it was not until Koushiro came to me and told me of the manipulated dreams when these letters made sense. She is in contact with someone here in the DigiWorld, who told her about the dream crystal and how to use it." Rob turned to Asuka, who gazed at him with amusement.
"Hm, I will be more careful with my letters next time!", she mocked.
"There will be no next time!", Rob explained and moved towards the girl. But Asuka just laughed at him - and suddenly vanished. "Just a sending, an image!", Rob sneered. "Damn!"
"She wasn't really here!", Koushiro agreed.
Iori went towards Tai and Yamato. "Come! We must leave the DigiWorld and go to a hospital immediately!"

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

Daisuke sat in Iori's room staring out of the window. Dark clouds hung in the sky and it was raining now for hours. He held a hot tea beaker in his hands, his eyes had an expression of unusual sorrow. He felt Iori's arms wrapping around him from behind. Davis sighed.
"Come on now, still feeling guilty for giving into Takeru's rub off?", Iori asked softly. He smiled. Daisuke had told him all about his incident with TK, and how sorry he felt about it. At first Iori was shocked, but he understood that TK had once been Daisuke's prime object of desire, and old loves die hard. But he understood that it was a singular accident, and the tears in Daisuke's eyes, his shameful expression was enough for Iori to prove Daisuke's continued love to him. Iori had forgiven him some time ago, but the recent sinister events in the DigiWorld were still nagging in all of them. Iori caressed Daisuke's neck and gave him a gentle massage. Finally Davis' muscles relaxed, and Iori once again wrapped himself around his lover. Both looked out of the window.
"And, what about Ken und TK?", Iori asked.
A faint smile was building on Davis' features. "You know them… Both TK and Ken had made their mistakes. Ken by sleeping with Yamato and TK… Well, you know…", he was grinning wry.
"How could anyone resist your charm, Daisuke Motomiya!", Iori cheered, and both boys laughed. Their love had grown in strength and there was nothing that could change that ever. It was a love, different than that between Ken and TK or Yamato and Tai. It had begun soft and silent, but the bond between Iori and Daisuke was strong. These two boys really understood each other, no matter how different they were in some things.
"And Tai…", Daisuke asked, feeling a big lump in his throat as he thought about Yamato and Tai.
Iori took a deep breath and held his lover firmly. "I have spoken to Kari yesterday. His spine is damaged and he needs a wheelchair…" Daisuke gaped at Iori in shock. That was terrible! But it wasn't a surprise anymore. They had suspected that much. "The doctor said, that he might be able to walk again someday.", Iori continued. "But they can not give a guarantee, they just do their best."
"Has Tai returned to his family?", Daisuke asked.
"No, he is living with Yamato, who is taking care of him. Yamato still feels so guilty of all that happened to Tai, while Tai is trying to silence this feelings. He demanded to live with Yamato." Iori pondered a moment. Sometimes he could feel what would be within himself. It was as if a higher being within him gave him certainty about some things - from time to time. "I am confident, they will make it." Iori knew, that this was the truth.

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

In a café two boys sat around a table, watching the pouring rain coming down and eating their ice-cream. The one was blond, blue eyed and the other brunette and sitting in a wheelchair. They looked at each other with open love and affection.
"I am so glad you decided to stay with me!", the brunette boy said. He stretched out his hand.
"You are my life!", the blonde answered and grabbed the hand.
Yamato moved forward and kissed Tai on his mouth. "Hmm, tastes like chocolate!", he said to Tai after their kiss.
Tai smiled. "And you taste like rum and vanilla!" Both boys were smiling happily.
"Together we will make it!", Tai said and held Yamato's hand more firmly.
Life can be cruel sometimes, but love and virtue can stand in the face of all darkness.

"The light shines even in the
darkness. But the darkness hasn't
grasped this."
Proverb of the Order of the Golden Dawn

TO BE CONTINUED….

Okay, that was pretty hard stuff! Just give me a chance! Will there be hope for Tai to recover? And who was that mysterious woman Asuka? Watch out for Part 6 - "Mirror Images" to see!