The Second Chance

Part 6 : Mirror Images

By
Sarnokh

"Humans are seeking the light;
Not to see better, but
To shine brighter."
Friedrich Nietzsche

Authors Comment:
This is the sixth 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.

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.
Part 5 described the Digidestinied to split into two factions. Tai & TK fought against Yamato & Ken. In the end a fight rages between Tai and Yamato, in which Tai's spine in damaged. Now he needs a wheelchair - and recovering is uncertain

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

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

It was a chilly February morning. Tai had awoken early, far before the necessary time. For both Yamato and Tai this was the last year in school. After their exam, both would look for a place in the university. There was a week special holidays, because the wife of the Japanese Emperor (the Tenno) had given birth to a heir, a male child. To celebrate this events, all schools had been closed for several days.
Tai had moved himself into his wheelchair silently, not to wake up Yama. Outside the fog was slowly drifting by, and it was difficult to see far. Tai was happy - and he was most surprised to realise this, as his life would offer not much to be glad about. The exams would be hard work, he was handicapped and his future in sport was over. But there was Yamato, his beloved. Thinking about his blue eyes which expressed so much, warmed his heart. He smiled. Yes, he was content, no matter what difficulties would come.
"Mmm... What are you doing here that early?", Yamato called from the doorway. Tai turned his wheelchair and saw Yama standing with sleepy eyes and tousled hair, standing in all directions. The blonde stepped forward and kissed Tai gently.
"You may still fetch some sleep, koi.", Tai mentioned.
"Nah! It's alright!" Yamato rubbed his eyes and started to make some coffee. Tai moved to the cupboard to produce some toast, but Yamato stepped towards him and tried to help.
"Look, Yama", Tai said softly. "I am not completely helpless, okay! I can handle this!"
Yamato looked at his love with an expression of guilt. He wanted to do everything for him, but he understood that Tai didn't want to feel useless. No matter that Tai assured Yamato of his innocence, he still felt awkward at the thought of Tai's handicap. He could never look at him without shame.
Tai saw what feelings were once again raging in his lover. So he grabbed his hand and rubbed it gently. "Come on, my dove. I am happy with you; just don't let this guilt torture you! No one is blaming you, but you!" His brown eyes looked up compassionately and both boys hugged each other for a few minutes.

Later that day Tai and Yamato sat at the table, playing chess. Yamato was a good player, and Tai lost most games. But their skill was equal enough to make playing fun. Then the phone rung.
"Let me go!" Yamato jumped up and held the phone. "Mochi, mochi. Ishida Yamato speaking. ... Oh hello Koushiro! ... Yes ... Hmm... Puh ... okay. Wait a second." He held his hand at the receiver and spoke to Tai. "Koushiro asked, if we might come this afternoon. He needs our advice in something. Tai nodded. "Koushi! Yes, we'll be there. Bye!"
"Has he told you the cause of his problems?", Tai asked, rising an eyebrow.
Yamato gaped at him with open mouth.
"Gee, Yama! You better try not to forget to ask next time!" Tai rolled his eyes. "We could have prepared ourselves better..."

Yamato pushed the wheelchair through the streets. They had borrowed Mr. Ishida's car to visit Koushiro and were now heading towards his flat. Yama pulled the chair over some steps. He had realised how many difficulties life offered, if you were bound to a wheelchair. Simple steps could become impenetrable barriers. They used the elevator and moved to the door, using the doorbell. Koushiro opened. He looked as he didn't have much sleep last night, deep shadows hanging under the red-haired boys eyes.
Koushiro led them into his room. He had seen his friends regularly in these days and supported Tai in cheering up Yamato. Tai was hurt physical - but Yama had a serious crack in his soul! Now Koushiro was in distress, too.

"You... Erm... Well, you know from events that revealed... That told you..." He was sweating. "Well, that I like Jyou beyond the average measure." They knew this quite well, and the problem this caused, too. Jyou had been in love for Mimi for a long time, now.
"And?" Tai asked. "Did you finally talk to him?"
Koushiro nodded. A sad expression formed on his face. Something went wrong, they could sense it. Suddenly the red-haired broke into tears, sobbing heartily as they had never seen him before. He always used to be such a calm boy! Tai moved to him and held his hands. "Now! Just tell us what happened, right?"

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

FLASHBACK (one day prior)
Koushiro and Jyou were sitting in the Sushi - bar. Both had just finished their rice - balls and looked satisfied. They allowed themselves a small amount of Sake afterwards.
"Now, Koushi. There was something you wanted to tell me.", Jyou pondered. He drew his long hair back and looked at the other boy expectantly.
Koushiro felt his heart racing when he looked at Jyou. He looked so nice! But then he had retreated from the other Digidestinied in the last two years. Jyou really had much to do, and now he had began to study medicine just one year ago, so his time usually was short. He only wished to touch Jyou, to hold him and press a kiss on his lips.
"You know Jyou, that I have held you as a friend since our first adventure in the DigiWorld.", he began, looking down - unable to stand Jyou's gaze. "And it is a pity that we met so seldom... as I missed you... very much, that is."
Jyou smiled. "Well, thank you. I like you, too." Jyou breathed deeply. "To be honest, you are the only one of the Digidestinied I like to meet. Don't get me wrong! I don't care what Tai, Yamato, TK, Davis or any of them are doing. But that is just too much for me!" He grimaced and winked to Koushiro.
The red-haired boy's eyes widened, as he realised the meaning behind this words.
Somehow Jyou saw Koushiro looking at him in fear. "What? Did I say something wrong?" He shrugged. "Alright! I tolerate them, as long as they don't bother me with that."
Koushiro was shaking now. "How... how can you say such a thing!", he stammered. "They are in love!"
Jyou smirked. "Are you certain? Isn't it unusual that suddenly all of our friends turn out to be gay? Perhaps it is just a phase that will pass?"
"You know nothing!", Koushiro yelled. His face was grim with anger. "You just repeat the prejudice others told you. Don't you dare to make your own judgement?"
Now Jyou looked astonished at Koushiro. "What is going on, Koushi? You never pondered much about love and that stuff. You use to live like a monk!"
Koushiro had tried his best not to burst in tears. "But... but... I wanted to meet you, to tell you... how... how much I loved you..."
Jyou looked at the other boy in disbelief. "Koushiro! This is simply ridiculous! I am a man, like you - or like you will be, soon! You just deceive yourself with that. I think you have talked yourself into that, being in that queer company! Just try to meet some girls, and..."
Koushiro rose from his seat and slapped Jyou's cheek.
Jyou gaped. "But look, Koushiro. This doesn't help. I am straight! I am not gay!"
To Koushiro it was as if his heart would break. Such a pain! He felt so lost, so lonely! He went pale and started to shake.
"Look, I love Mimi!", Jyou explained. "I never told her, but now she will come here tomorrow, and I intend to ask her, if she wants to go with me!"
Koushiro jumped up and ran away. He just couldn't bear it! He ran through the streets without aim, while the rain was pouring over him until he was soaked wet. Thus none saw that he was weeping all the time.
FLASHBACK END

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

Yamato and Taichi silently pondered about Koushiro's tale, as they went through the park. Truly, it was rather chilly, but now the sun had broken through and both of them needed a little bit fresh air. Yama pushed his lovers wheelchair through the alleys as usual.
"I can't believe that Jyou treated him so bad.", Tai stated. "That doesn't fit to him."
"We haven't met him for nearly two years now.", Yama reminded him. He shrugged. "The old Jyou we knew was a fearful boy. Fear can easily drive you to hate. It prevents you to face your true feelings of weakness."
"But fear is the worst advisor, Yamato!", Tai interjected. "We should never allow ourselves to be guided by fear in our decisions!"
Yamato could only nod gravely.

On the next day Yamato Ishida had returned to the Yagami residence to fetch some belongings of Tai, he still had left in his fathers flat. Taichi had given him his key-ring, because Mr. Yagami would be at work and Hikari likely gone. He silently walked through the floor, when he heard a familiar voice behind a door. It was his brother Takeru.
"I am not sure whether Yamato should know this or not.", TK mentioned.
Yamato suppress his urge to enter and he froze in the very step. 'What should I know?', he thought and decided to wait another moment in silence.
"I am not so sure, Takeru." This was Ken's voice. "This just could not be the right time. And it is up to Taichi alone to tell him."
"I agree.", Hikari said. "But how can Tai ever tell him? Yamato is already broken because of my brothers handicap. This will not be easy from him. I fear he might do something… stupid if Tai tells him the truth."
"Over time, Yamato will suspect himself!", said Ken..
"We just can't tell him!", TK stated. "It would just kill my brother if he would find out, that his beloved will never be able to walk again…"
Yamato gaped at disbelief at the door. No! No! This just could not be! The key-ring fell out of his hand and dropped at the ground with a loud noise. He whirled around, ran to the door and fled, slamming the door behind him.

Yamato couldn't remember the following hours exactly. He ran through the park until it was darkest night. For hours he had wept and cried until he felt numb with sorrow and pain. Tai, his lover, his Koi - would be bound to a wheelchair for all his life! And it was him, Yamato Ishida, that was responsible for that! He was the most wicked man on earth, he thought. Tai had been such a lively and wonderful person, and now they would never walk side by side, never run and swim… And all because of me!
Suddenly he found himself standing before his old school. How did he come here? That were happy days, days when none of them knew of the dark fate they would face. They strolled through the DigiWorld and despite all the evil Digimon it was one of their best times. This was the end! He could never face Tai again, knowing that he brought the doom upon the very person he loved most. Then he knew where to go. Yes, he thought - there is only one place I can go now, he mumbled to himself…

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

For three days now Yamato was missing. Taichi sat in his wheelchair, gazing out of the window. It was constantly raining now, as of the sky would weep. Tai was trying to hold his emotions. Why had Yama left without so much than a word? Didn't he have confidence in him? All the Digidestinied had tried to find a trail of Yamato in the last three days. TK had told Tai, that they found the key-ring before Hikari's door and so they suspected that he must have accidentally heard what was not meant from him to know yet. All, including Jyou, had began to search for Yamato, without any success, until they heard that someone broke into the schools computer room, activated the terminals but obviously didn't steal anything. Koushiro and Miyako started to search for any opened Digiport since then.
*RING*RING*
Then the doorbell rung. Tai moved to the door to open it for Koushiro, Miyako, Ken and TK.
"Can we come in?", Miyako asked.
Tai moved aside and waved them into the living room. When his guests had taken seat he asked: "Now, do you have any news of Yama's whereabouts?"
Koushiro sighed. "Well, Miyako and I have searched all possible places where Digiports may have manifested…"
"And?", Tai demanded eagerly.
The four guests looked at each other awkwardly. Finally Ken answered him. "Yamato has used a Digiport that led him to the south of the mainland, but there is no trail of him. If he would be in the DigiWorld, Koushiro and Miyako would be able to trace something of him, as he must have carried his Digivice with him. He definitely has entered the DigiWorld, and he has used no Digiport to return to earth."
Tai failed to understand. "Well, it seems my mind is handicapped, too!", he sneered sarcastically. "Because I totally fail to understand. Doesn't that mean that he must be in the DigiWorld?"
Tears formed in TK's eyes and Ken continued: "He has entered the Digital World, but he has definitely not returned AND there is no life-sign from him!", he told Tai gravely.
"No.", Tai said firmly. "I refuse to believe that. He made a waving gesture with his hand. "Yamato would never have done that. He would never commit suicide, whatever you say!", he cried desperately. This could not be. Yamato would never leave him alone with this! But then… no. He just could not allow this idea to grow in his mind. There was some error, some dark force that had captured Yamato, or some place where he couldn't be located… or….or…
"I must go there to find him!", Tai demanded. His face gazed sincerely at the others. "I WILL go! No matter what you may say!"
"But… but Taichi!", Miyako said. "You will not be able to… erm, I mean… it is not as before…."
"It is far to dangerous for you!", Ken agreed.
"No. Taichi is right.", TK interrupted. "And I shall come with you!", he said to Tai.
Taichi nodded with a weak smile. "I can not give up! I love him, and I will tell him that I want to live with him, that I want to live! No matter what happened with me! Life is still worth living, even I have more reason to jump from a rock than he! But I want to live on - with Yamato!"
"I owe him - and you, Tai - something, too!", Koushiro added. "I will accompany you. There are many secrets in the DigiWorld we still do not know. There might be a chance to find Yamato, and I will do anything to find that out."
"Okay, then I am with you, too.", Ken said. "I know a bit about the DigiWorld that might help from my 'dark past'. Perhaps that knowledge will come in handy." He certainly didn't like the idea, but leaving his beloved TK alone, was out of debate. Ken would not separate from Takeru so soon.
The boys expectantly looked at Miyako, who rolled her eyes. "It seems, that I am outnumbered!", she sighed. "Well, I have obligations in my fathers store, but I shall do Koushiro's work at the terminal and supervise your progress from here. Wish you luck, boys!"

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

Ken instinctively knew that something was wrong, when the had stepped though the Digiport. It was decided that they should visit Lord Robert in the capital city of Central to ask for news. All Digimon under Rob's influence had been sent to search for Yamato, but there was nothing to report, yet. Rob had expected them in his manor. His face looked troubled.
"Welcome back to the DigiWorld!", Rob said and hugged his friend Ken. "Good to see you, Ken, even under bad circumstances." Robert saw that Ken had suspected that something else was wrong. "Okay, let's get into my meeting room. There is much to discuss."
Rob led them into a small hall and they gathered around large table. One chair was moved aside to make room for Tai's wheelchair. Tai looked at Rob expectantly. It was chilly, even in the DigiWorld, and so a small bonfire had been lit in the chimney. "Any news of Yamato?", he asked pleading.
Rob shook his head, making a sorrowful expression. "Regretfully no. We have sent all good Digimon we could reach to search for your friend, and there is a trail somewhere in the southwest of the main continent, north of the city of Sergas. But we have no sign of Yamato. No one have seen or met him. Gabumon and Agumon went to Sergas to search form him, but we haven't heard of them either. And there is more…."
"More?", TK asked. "What more could there be then my brother missing?"
"I have noticed that the sky is somewhat… I can't really say… empty.", Ken said.
Rob nodded. "Yes. There is something going on in the DigiWorld. A new force has risen in the east. Far to the east lies the island of Nora. There is rumour that a group of children or teens has entered the DigiWorld and they claim to be new chosen Digidestinied!"
"What!", Tai shouted. "New Digidestinied? That is ridiculous!"
"Two girls and one boy, as far as I have heard.", Robert continued. "They say that our world needs new values and that they represent the new future! They even started to gather Digimon around them. They have been seen on the main continent, too."
"Are they evil?", Ken pondered, rising a eyebrow.
"I can not say. They have told that our values of love, truth, courage and hope are outdated. They have called out for new values, and they claim to represent them. They say that they stand for Order, Sobriety, Pride and Obedience. Only these values will secure the future of the DigiWorld - so they say!"
TK gaped at Rob. "Sobriety? Obedience?? What kind of virtues are these?"
Ken grimaced. "That of a very boring world, at all!"
"And there is something else.", Rob told them. "I have reports from the southern and eastern reaches of the DigiWorld that are troubling." He took a deep breath before continuing. "There are Digimon who fled from these far away regions. They say that their homeland is… fading. Some places seem to have lost their… magic… it is as if a grey shadow is falling over the land. Already some regions begin to lose the substance. If this disintegration will spread the whole DigiWorld will fall into non-existence within the next few years."
All looked shocked at Rob's last statement. "But… but what can we do, now?", Koushiro asked.
Robert shrugged. "I don't know. There is no evil presence, at least we know of none, and all this occurrences are seemingly unconnected. We are doing our best to locate the origin of this trouble, but we don't know anything more then ever before! I am telling you this, because if you go to the main continent, you endanger yourself. Some areas there may be under control of the 'New Order'. This is the name these three children have given their ideal. They say that only a new, stern order will make the digital world a safe place for everyone. All kind of democracy will lead to chaos and destruction, they claim. Many Digimon are weak and frightened, and some among them may join with anyone that promises a strong hand, protection and simple solutions." Rob frowned. He knew well, that he could never offer that and that he counted on reason and cooperation instead of strong leadership. "Perhaps you can have an open eye on these things if you go to the south?"
"Well, Yamato's life is my top priority!", Tai explained. "But we shall keep our eyes open."
"And take care of yourself!", Rob said. "If that greyness comes and things begin to dissolve, run as fast as you can!"
"How reassuring!", Tai joked grimly.

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

He walked for hours while the sun was shining hot and merciless upon him, burning on his skin. His neck was aching as he had caught a sunburn. His mind was empty and his soul seemed to have burned away. For a week now he had crossed the main continent of the DigiWorld in search of… something. Some place, an answer or someone to end this pain, this regret and the endless shame and guilt that tortured his soul. He could not forget or forgive himself. Never.
At first many questions had whirled through his mind again and again, giving him no rest. Why did he fight against his beloved? Why did he allow ideology come between him and his love? Why wasn't he able to stop fighting before it was too late? What could he do now? This had reeled in his mind for days. But now with the exhaustion and under the hot sun in this desert all pondering had left him, leaving the empty shell of a human being. He had forgotten his name, his home, his friends and family. He was no one. And only the appearance of a handicapped young man was burning in his mind, giving him endless pain.
He stopped and looked ahead. In front of him, far to the north, lay a wide mountain range and some unknown structure at it's foot. He tried to see what kind of building might be there, but he was unable to see that far.
Suddenly out of nothing a figure manifested. Yamato stopped and shadowed his eyes from the light of the sun. There was a young woman, with blond hair, cut to shoulder-length and green eyes. It was Asuka, Rob's cousin! Once, when Yamato had crippled his koi, she had demanded that he - Yamato - should commit suicide, because he deserved this due to his guilt. Now her sending image appeared once again before him. Yamato wasn't able to say a single word as he stared at the girl.
Asuka grinned at him "Nothing like warm 'hello' for me? No matter, so I welcome you, Yamato Ishida, here near our new residence."
"Go away!", Yamato croaked hoarsely. "I will not listen to anything you will say."
She laughed with a shrill voice. "Oh you should, Yama-kun!" She looked at the blonde with an expression of bemusement. "Well, when I met you the last time, I was just worried about your… pain and guilt. And jumping to death would have been what every brave Japanese boy should do. But as you obviously decided against it, I have another offering for you."
"I don't want any of your dubious offerings!", he spat. "Just go!" Yamato turned away and started to go.
"Even not if I would offer you Taichi's health?"
Yamato stopped in mid-move. He spun around and gazed at Asuka with hatred. "Don't even mention Tai's name!!!", he yelled angry, raising his fists against her.
"Well, well, well!", she mocked him, "I am just a worthy to speak his name as you are!"
Despair and shame washed over Yamato in a wave of pain. Asuka's features grew sober. "Okay, enough of that bickering! I and my friends really do have a way to heal Taichi, and we would offer that - for a price, that is!"
He stared at her is disbelieve. "Why should I trust you?"
She shrugged. "Because the price may even be welcome to you. And besides - you don't have much of choice, don't you?"
Yamato let his head sink. She was right. And whatever trick she had in mind, he wasn't in any mood to resist evil anymore. It was certainly a trap, but he didn't care. "What shall I do?", he asked weak.
Her stature seemed to rise higher. "Go to the castle in the north. There we are waiting for you to discuss the price." Then, without another word, she vanished and was gone.

It was cold. This was the most striking thing Yamato felt when he entered the black castle that stood at he mountain fringe, as he was used to the heat of the seemingly endless desert he had passed. Now he was shivering because of the coldness. He walked through a high and wide hallway which was flanked with large statues that depicted nameless creatures he had never seen. They stared in a nocturne gaze upon him, all emitting a black glow that was the only eerie light here. This was a place of evil, and the presence of the dark forces swept through him. It was a trap, only a simple trap, dedicated to destroy him. But Yamato didn't care. May they take me, take me to oblivion.
After a long walk through the castle hallway he finally reached a large portal, that swung open as he approached it. He stepped into a large, round hall, that seemed quite unfitting compared to the medieval style of the hallway. It was a cold, technical room, with monitors on the wall and all kind of computing mechanisms and consoles tugged at the walls. At the higher end of the hall was one pedestal, flanked by four chairs; two to the left and two to the right side of a large throne. The throne and the chairs to the right were empty. In the left chairs sat two figures: the blond warrior-girl Asuka and a boy around 17 with red hair and a gaze like madness. He was dressed in the white cloak of a medic or a scientist.
Asuka was dressed in black leather and she wore a Katana on her back. Several throwing-knifes were tugged to the leather. She rose and stepped towards Yamato.
"Ah, welcome. We have expected you!", she said and bowed to Yamato. "This is Lee, our scientist and computer geek." The red-haired Lee was hacking something into a laptop he was holding. "Just overlook him. He is a social cripple. No pleasure to have any conversation with him, anyway!"
Lee looked up from his terminal. "I don't agree to help this Digidestinied, no matter what the Mistress says!", he snapped. "I will help him as she has ordered, and our Master said…"
"Silence!", Asuka shouted. "Just care of your circuits or programs and shut up!"
The scientist snorted something and returned to his terminal.
"Now, Yamato Ishida. There is an offering that we give you that will let you forget your guilt and pain. It will seem like a great sacrifice. But isn't sacrifice for the sake of love a great virtue?", she told.
Yamato gazed with a sinister expression. "What kind of trick is that, Asuka? If you want to catch me, you have me. I will not resist, just spare me your pretty little games. I am tired of this!"
"As you wish!", Asuka answered. She went to a small box and grabbed a flask and leather pouch. "Here are the answers." She opened the pouch and showed Yamato a black splinter of the size of a fingernail. "This is the only splinter that is left from Devimon's destruction."
Devimon? Yamato remembered. Sora had found several splinters from Devimon's body that she had used to resurrect Devimon to bring revenge upon him and Tai. That seemed to be such a long time ago! And finally they had succeeded in the ultimate destruction of Devimon and hoped that all splinters were gone, too. No one could now resurrect Devimon again, but it was said that his remains would have great magical powers. Powers beyond mortal comprehension.
"I know you have heard the rumours, Yamato. This is the last splinter of Devimon, all that remained of him. And it possesses the power to restore your beloved Tai's health. If it's powers are unlocked at the right place in Tai's presence he will be restored.", she explained. Her face was unreadable.
Yamato's features were dark. "And what is the price?"
"This!", Asuka said, holding the flask before his nose. "It contains the Waters of Sacrifice." Within it welled a black liquid. "It is one of the most potent artefacts of good. Yes, truly! But all things can be twisted, be certain of that!" She laughed at her own joke. "Anyway, this liquid has the power to completely destroy a personality forever. It will clean you of everything: your character, your ideas, your emotions and most important: all your memories! Yamato Ishida will be dead - in a certain way! But you will begin a new life without remorse or regret. You see, I put the options plainly before you. No haggling, no games. Just a simple choice."
Yamato grabbed the flask out of her hands. It would be a simple step into oblivion. His pain, his guilt and his shame - all would be gone. As would be his love for Tai. But this was the only choice, the only way to restore Taichi's health. "But how can I be sure, that you will use the splinter on Tai?"
"Oh, he is already coming here!", Asuka explained. "We shall catch him, use the splinter, and then he will be able to use his legs just in the very same way as his arms… It is now your choice!"
Yamato opened the flask. Just one step ahead. He thought of Tai, how happy he used to be, how happy they both were in their love. "Even if I forget everything about me", Yamato whispered. "I shall drink this for you, my eternal love Taichi!", he whispered and with that he swallowed the liquid. Blackness engulfed his soul, dragging him into the void.

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

"He was here!", Tai expressed excitedly. "Just as the Digimon from Sergas said. Tai and the others had recently left the city Sergas and were crossing the forest. It was unusually quiet here. Some of the bushes had a curious grey colour, obviously the effect of the withering DigiWorld. It seemed as if nature itself was sick. The air itself seemed dead. There was no single insect in the air.
Ken had found a pair of gloves that obviously had belonged to Yamato. Tai knew it very well, but Yamato hadn't worn gloves for ages. Why did he now? They knew no answer.
Koushiro, who was pushing the wheelchair, looked down at Tai, who was holding the gloves like some holy relics. Tears welled in Tai's eyes and he caressed his koi's gloves at his cheeks.
"Say said that Yamato went north, to the great desert.", Ken interceded. "Should we really follow him there?"
"We must find him!", TK answered. "We do know that he was alive as least several days ago, so we must hurry!" Takeru looked so desperate and Tai had hardly said word in the recent time, seemingly lost in thought about Yamato. So Ken and Koushiro hand talked about the possibilities and decided what to do most times.
"TK", Ken said, grabbing his beloveds hands. "I fear for Yamato as much as you. He encouraged me to learn to forgive myself, when I just had ceased to be the Digimon Kaiser. So I owe him much, too. And I have something to repay him." He lowered his voice. "But Tai might not be able to cross the desert in his wheelchair. So we must think of another solution! You must get to the idea that we - you and I - shall seek for your brother without him. And if that is the only way, you must help me to convince Tai NOT to cross the desert!"
TK looked at Ken. For a time he had suspected that Ken was reluctant to search Yamato, but now he realised that Ken cared as much as he did. It was Ken's expression of care and compassion that warmed TK's heart. Takeru suddenly held and hugged Ken and pressed a kiss upon his lips.
"For what was that?", Ken asked surprised, gazing at his lover smiling.
TK grinned. "For your care." Then he stepped to Koushiro. "Let me push it a while!", he told the red-haired boy and took the turn in pushing the wheelchair.

The evening sun hung deep in the west when the four boys finally reached the northern fringes of the forest. Before them stretched the endless width of the desert. They all knew that a harsh decision was necessary now.
"Tai!", TK said. "You know that there is no option to let you cross the desert! It can not work!" Ken and Takeru had pleaded Taichi now for minutes not to follow them through the desert, as it was far too dangerous. While they spoke at Tai, trying every argument to convince him, Tai was stubborn.
"I can't give up now!", he winced, tears welling in his eyes. "Yamato would do the same for me!"
Koushiro stood silently absent, his features were unreadable as he looked into the wasteland.
Suddenly they heard an eerie, shrill sound in the air. Ken looked up. "What is that?", he pondered. They all looked around when out of the north a projectile of some kind seemed to rush towards them.
Taichi gazed at the black projectile he saw moving towards him, his eyes looking at the small thing coming near with great velocity. No one saw it coming until it was too late. Something like a black bullet shot right into Tai's breast who cried out in terror. Then he broke down in his wheelchair and lost consciousness.
"Tai! Tai! What happened!", Ken shouted bowing down to Tai.
TK opened Tai's shirt desperately to look for a wound, but he didn't find anything. The bullet just seemed to have hit and vanished within Tai without a trail. "That is impossible!", TK sneered. "We all saw the projectile enter his breast… but there is nothing!"
"Let me see!", Ken demanded and searched Tai's whole breast and belly. "Nothing."
Then Tai opened his eyes and looked up tiredly. "What… what has…. Ohhh!", he stammered. He tried to move, but something was wrong. Tai's eyes gazed up in horror. "I can't move my arms! Ouch! And there is a terrible pain in my breast!", he winced, panting heavily while sweatdrops ran down his forehead. "Now I can not move my arms, too!!!"
"We must go back to earth, immediately!", Ken demanded and started to move the wheelchair back to the forest. "Tai is obviously getting worse!"
"NO!", Tai shouted, his face twisted in pain. "NO! In will not give up as long as I can speak to Yamato! He must live! He must not kill himself or give up! Never!"
"But you can't cross the desert now! And we must get help!", Ken told him. Fear and sorrow were written on his face.
Suddenly Koushiro moved forward and stopped Ken. "I shall carry him!", he said grimly. He looked with a dark expression at Ken und TK and grabbed the wheelchair. "I can carry him on my back, and you can fold the wheelchair and carry it - if you want!" With that Koushiro stepped to Tai and attached him onto his back. Then, without another word, he began to walk right into the desert, followed by TK and Ken.

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

A large figure stood on the balcony, gazing down at the wasteland below. A large group of Skullgreymon and Kuwagamon had just been sent to the northern cities. This was their forth attack within a short time, and soon they would have to submit to the 'New Order'. They will have no choice, the young man thought. He wore black leather and a black cloak that moved in the wind. He wore dark shades to hide his eyes and wore a great Daikatana (a two-handed sword) on his side.
He had become a terror among the cities of the north within a short time, being a great general and a terrible fighter who had already subjugated many cities for the 'New Order'.
"Our visitors have arrived, Lord Taniro!", a young woman said, bowing to him.
Lord Taniro, the new dark master in the rows of the New Order was set as the leading general and was favoured by the Shadowmaster. The Shadowmaster was the feared man behind the conquest of the New Order, but none had ever seen him, not even Lord Taniro. The Shadowmaster used to communicate by a barely visible sending image, his features completely hidden under a large hooded cloak. But Taniro was made leader of their army and thus he was now Asuka's superior.
Asuka hadn't suspected that someone else could gain the Shadowmaster's admiration so easily, but of cause she followed her masters wishes. The Shadowmaster had gathered four young people to serve his plan of conquest of the DigiWorld. There was Lee, the mad scientist; Asuka the assassin; Lord Taniro the new general and the Mistress - the only person who knew the Shadowmaster's secret identity.
"Yes! I know!", Lord Taniro answered sinister, not even turning around to look at Asuka. "I have felt their presence already. I presume you have prepared everything as I have told you?"
Asuka bowed again. "Of cause, my Master!" She hated this! But Taniro was strong and used to forgive no mistake. Several evil Digimon had paid a high price after they failed.
"Failure is not an option!", Lord Taniro reminded her. "Now leave me!" Taniro always used to speak in a soft voice, but it was grim and dangerous nonetheless, like a poisonous serpent.

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

The march through the desert had taken many days. Koushiro and Tai looked beaten, and the skin of all four boys was burned red from the sun. Only twice they had succeeded in refilling their water. But now the great mountains were ahead. And there was no trail of Yamato.
"There!", Ken croaked, pointing northward. "There is a building of some kind!"
The other boys looked up. Yes, there was a temple or castle of some kind.
"Perhaps we can find shelter there?", TK asked. "I hope…"
Koushiro had virtually said nothing since they had entered the desert, using all his strength to carry Tai, who had equally fallen silent. Koushiro rose and moved towards the great structure.
"I feel so tired!", TK said moaning.
"Me, too!", Ken mentioned. He pressed a dry kiss on TK's cheeks. "But we must go on. Perhaps the inhabitants of this temple know of Yamato. He must have been here, as there is no way east of west from the desert."

They arrived at the 'temple' - who proved to be a large castle - in the evening. They had finally left the desert and returned to safer ground. So TK had unfolded Tai's wheelchair and pushed him now towards the castle.
Suddenly a booming noise became louder. "What is….", Ken began. Then they saw it. A dozen Skullgreymon were running towards them. And there was nowhere to flee!
"Isn't it an irony, that we shall die here, after all we have accomplished!", TK murmured. He was weak. Too weak to do anything.
Within minutes they were surrounded by the Skullgreymon, and a person who was standing on top of them jumped down. The boy was completely dressed in leather armour, wore a Daikatana and a large black cloak. He wore dark shades, that hid his eyes and he had very short cut blond hair.
"Now, it took quite a time for you to cross that desert!", he mocked, laughing evil.
"Who… who are you?", Ken asked.
"I am Lord Taniro, Oh mighty 'former' Digimon Kaiser!", the warrior said to Ken. "But you will address me as 'Master'!"
TK gazed at him defiantly. "In your dreams!", he yelled.
Taniro pulled out a small whip. But instead of beating TK with in, he whipped it in the air - when suddenly a lightning flash emerged from the whip and hit TK, who cried out in pain. "This lightning whip may teach you some manners, knave!" Again he swung the whip and TK winced under the electric blow.
"Enough!" It was Tai who suddenly cried at Lord Taniro. "Stop this!" Tai gazed at their opponent, who stopped the whipping.
Taniro waved his hands and the four boys were grabbed forcefully by the Skullgreymon and dragged into the castle.

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

Tai could not remember how many days he had been held in his prison cell. Their captors hadn't talked to them. They boys were just separated and brought into a dungeon prison. Each day a guard had given him food and water, that was all. Was it just to catch them and let them rot here? Taichi could not tell whether it was day or night, and he frequently doze off, just to receive terrible nightmares. Was Yamato held prisoner here, too? But he was immobile, sitting helplessly in his wheelchair. It was hell. Deepest desperation was upon him, and for the first time in his life he did not know what to do. If only Yamato would be with him, he thought, once again beginning to sob.
"There, there!" a female voice echoed. Tai looked up. It was Asuka.
"What… what are you doing here? Having fun at my misery?", Tai snapped. "And where is Yamato?!"
Asuka looked at him in bemusement. "Still being that strong? Very interesting! Tell me, Taichi: you are handicapped, crippled and completely immobile. What gives you the strength to carry on?" She grinned wickedly.
"Something the likes of you will never understand! It is my love for Yamato. I would do everything for him!", Tai explained fiercely, regaining strength.
Asuka's eyebrow rose. For a moment she seemed surprised, but regained control soon. "Hm, perhaps there is something to learn for you. The dark side finally always wins, Taichi! And do you know why? You take care, we do not! We don't have any scruples. That is the reason we will win!", she laughed.
But her laughter froze when she saw Tai's expression. It was compassion. "But you will never be happy, Asuka. You never will be on the dark side, no matter how forcefully you laugh."
Asuka's features went pale. "What do you know of this! Come! You will see, that there is no happiness for you left, either!" She grabbed his wheelchair and moved him out of the prison. "Just now some interesting ceremony is going on. It is a bit private, but you should see it for yourself! Then you will learn, that evil always wins!", she proclaimed as she moved Tai's chair.

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

Koushiro had carefully tried to find a weak spot in his prison cell, but without any result. He was desperate. 'It is all my fault!', he thought. 'Without my stubbornness to carry Tai we wouldn't be in that situation.'
The cell was cold and wet. Soon he would fetch an illness and wither. This was definitely not the end he had expected. To rot in some dark prison!
"Koushiro!" a voice came from behind the closed door.
He red-haired boy looked up in shock. "What? Who is there?"
"Just step back from that door!", the voice said. "Immediately!!"
"What the….", Koushiro started, as a loud explosion smashed the door open. Koushiro had just stepped back in time. When the smoke had vanished, a familiar figure appeared in the doorframe.
"Jyou!", Koushiro shouted enjoyed.
Jyou ran towards Koushiro and threw his arms around the red-haired boy. "Koushiro! Koushi, I am so glad I have found you!", Jyou said exited.
Koushiro did not know what to say. He just gazed at Jyou in disbelief.
Jyou made a sad expression. "Koushiro… I.. am so very sorry for what I said. You know… about Tai and the others." Jyou looked down ashamed. "The truth is… is… that… uhm… ", he winced. Then he grabbed Koushiro's hand with his hands and pressed the most passionate kiss on his lips, Koushiro had ever received. When Jyou had finished and took breath, he grinned from ear to ear. "I think we do have much to talk, but that must wait now!"
Koushiro nodded, smiling too. "Yes, Jyou! We have all the time in the world now. Let's just find the others, right?"
Jyou nodded, pressing another slight kiss on Koushiro and led him through the tunnels.

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

Taichi sat in his wheelchair, hidden behind a large, black curtain trying to see what happened in the small chapel. Asuka had led him into the chapel to let him witness something of importance, and she was standing right behind him.
There was a large, slim Digimon of ghostlike appearance dressed in some robes and Lord Taniro, dressed as usually and wearing his shades. He caressed his short-cut hair as if lost in some thought. Why did he always play with his hair, as if it would be long, Tai pondered. Behind the silver altar was a great chasm that looked quite deep. Fiery blazes erupted from time to time, making a spooky light. It looked like the abyss of hell itself! The whole scenery looked so unreal. This was definitely the core of evil.
Then a young woman in white robes was led in by a young man with red hair and the white cloak of a medic or a scientist. He looked utmost mad. The young woman wore a veil before her face.
"Ah, my mistress!", Lord Taniro exclaimed in a deep voice. "I have eagerly expected you! Soon we shall be one!"
"Yes, my beloved!", the veiled woman spoke and nodded to Taniro.
A shiver went down Tai's spine. This was a familiar voice! "I know that woman!", he whispered to Asuka.
"What?", Asuka whispered back. "You must be mistaken. She was brought here by the Shadowmaster, and none but she knows of him. The Mistress has never been on earth, before!"
But Tai was sure. He moved his head forward and parted the curtain away, so that his head could be seen. "Stop this!", Tai shouted before Asuka could shut his mouth. "Explain this now, Sora!"
The veiled woman spun around and lifted her veil. It was truly Sora!
Asuka, shocked at the turn of events, moved Tai into the chapel.
"Sora!", Tai continued. "We haven't seen you since you fell into coma nearly two years ago! And then you were gone, we all were searching for you! So could you explain what you are doing here!"
Sora grinned at Tai evilly. "I am so very grateful for your concern, Taichi, but you look much more in need of help, disabled as you seem." She laughed wicked. Then the turned to Asuka. "And what do you think of bringing a cripple to me at my very marriage? Soon I shall be bound to my beloved forever…"
Asuka looked at her suspiciously. "I just thought he might learn what we of the dark side gain, and that their pitiful efforts always lead to nothing."
Sora seemed to ponder this words a while. Then she smiled triumphantly. "Why not?" She gazed at Taichi. "This will be the ultimate revenge!" Again the laughed terribly. "You body is broken completely, and now, Taichi Yagami, I shall break your heart and soul!" Sora turned to Lord Taniro. "My koi, could you please remove your shades, for me?"
"Yes, my dove!", he answered. "Everything you wish." He removed his shades.
Tai gazed at him in utter disbelieve. "But… but…", he stammered. "Yama! What… why…" This was Yamato Ishida. But for some reason he had cut his hair very short and his expression was sinister. "Yamato! Don't you recognize me! It's me, Taichi!" Tears welled in his eyes, as he saw Yamato gazing at him with empty eyes.
Yamato/Taniro made an disgusted expression. "What kind of game is that, Asuka? Why do you bring that miserable man before me?" Yamato completely ignored Tai, as if he where just an unimportant insect. "Why do you bother my wedding with that - that jerk?"
"But Yama-chan!", Tai sobbed. "How could you say such a thing! Please, you must remember! I love you, and in your heart, you love me!"
Yamato laughed. "Hahaha! How could I, the great Lord Taniro ever love a boy!", he spat. "And such a miserable, weak cripple at all!" Yamato continued to laugh, and every moment was a sting in Tai's heart.
Tai couldn't say a word.
"Thank you, Asuka!", Sora said cheerfully. "You have really given me a gift I shall not forget! This is truly the best triumph I could have." The she turned to Yamato. "Can we begin our wedding ceremony?"
Yamato nodded and grabbed Sora's hand. "Yes, my love. Let's not care about this idiot's babbling!"
Yamato led Sora to the altar and removed a golden ring from his finger. "With this, my one and only love Sora, I will give you my eternal love…" Yamato looked at the ring and trailed of. This golden light. It should remind him of something. But what? He was worried. And some hidden pain seemed to cry from his very depths.
"What is it, my lover-boy?", Sora sneered a bit angry.
"THIS IS MY RING!", Tai cried forcefully. "I gave it to you, Yamato! I swore my eternal love to you, and you promised to remember me always and everywhere! Just read the inscription!"
Sora gazed at Tai in hatred. "Are you still alive, Taichi?" Her face was twisted in anger. "Enough, you are mine, Yamato!", she shouted and took the ring out of Yamato's hand before he had looked at it closely.
"Yamato?", Yamato said lame. "Why do you call me that? I don't remember that name. I am Taniro!"
Sora blushed. "It's of no importance! This madman has just worried me! Let us continue, now!"
Yamato did not know what to say. "Yes, my love. He turned with Sora to the altar, ready to receive the blessing of the ghostlike Digimon.
"Erm, you have forgotten just a little tradition of the DigiWorld!", Asuka suddenly interceded and stepped forward.
"What is it now?!", Sora shouted in rage.
But Asuka produced a small chalice and poured a red liquid into it. "This is an old wine, and the DigiWorld tradition says, that any lovers shall drink to each others to make their love eternal. It is said, that nothing will ever divide them thereafter!" She held out the golden chalice and Sora grabbed it greedily.
"Okay, but let's finish this! For you, my beloved!", she said to Yamato and drank form the chalice. After she had half emptied it she gave it to Yamato.
Yamato took the chalice and looked at the red liquid flowing within it. "This wine I give to my one and only love. I dedicate it to the one person that gave me all, and means everything to me. With this I give my life forever into my love's hand. All I am is yours completely, my love…" and then drank his half. After he was finished he gazed into the empty cup. His voice was barely audible: "My love Taichi!"
"What! What treachery is that? How could you….", Sora raged in anger. Then she turned to Tai. "YOU! You have taken him from me once again!" She threw the golden ring at Tai. "Yes! I may not get Yamato Ishida." Yamato gazed at Taichi, his eyes filled with love and joy. "But you will not have him, either!!!", she shouted and made a quick movement at Asuka's leather-armour. Something made of metal shone and before anyone could react Sora tossed Asuka's knife deep into Yamato Ishida's heart. Blood erupted from Yamato's breast and he collapsed.
"NOOOOOO!", Tai shouted and tears welled in his eyes. "YAMATO!!!!"
Yamato held his breast. "Tai, Tai my beloved, my koi…" he weakened quickly. "Tai, to see you once again, makes me… happy…", he couched blood. "My Taichi… I love you more then my… life… I am sorry… that I have failed… you." He couched once again. "Tai, remember me… my love for you… will last… forever…"
"Yama, no! NO! Don't leave me!", Tai cried aloud. His hands were shaking and his heart felt as if it was breaking. His cheeks burned. "Yamato, I love you more than my life… More than anything!" Suddenly his fingers restrained around the arms of the wheelchair. And slight tingling sensation flew though his spine and spasms shook his whole body. No! It can not end so!, he said to himself and from the very depths of his tortured heart erupted a cry like no living creature has have made before, so filled with love and despair. And out of this cry the impossible happened. Tai grabbed his wheelchair with both hands and stemmed his body out of it with the strength of his arms. His arms and legs were shivering as if they would give in any moment. But then his legs started to convulse and he rose out of the wheelchair. His left foot moved forward. And then is right leg, too.
Sora gazed at Tai as if death itself would walk towards her and Tai mechanically made one step after the other. "I shall not give in to a whim!", Sora shrieked in terror and grabbed the lightning whip of Yamato smashing an electro shock at Tai, who broke down before her.
"Now you will pay the price for you foolishness and ignorance, Taichi!", she triumphed. "You will die here with your lover!" Once again she unleashed a flash and Tai moaned under her rage.
Asuka stood beneath Sora and watched with a stern expression as Sora whipped Tai again and again. Soon Taichi would be finished.
"Yamato!", Tai moaned. "Yamato…", again wincing under an flash and trying to reach for Yamato.
Then Asuka looked at Sora, seeing her unforgiving hatred burning in her heart. Would Sora ever be happy, Asuka pondered. Sora didn't notice a change in Asuka's expression. It was compassion. Then Asuka grabbed Sora around her waist and rose her body from the ground, walking towards the chasm, but the lightning whip flung around Asuka sincerely hurting her.
"Noooo! Nooooooooooo! Aaaaaaaahhhhh!", Sora cried, desperately trying to free herself from Asuka's grip. Then, with one forceful move she threw Sora over the edge into the chasm where she fell into the endless depths of the fiery abyss. But in that event, the whip cut deep into Asuka's flesh. With a loud cry, Asuka collapsed.
Tai rose with great effort and went to Yamato. He was alive! Tai pulled the Dagger out of Yamato's breast and more blood spilled out.
Yamato opened his eyes. "Tai? Are we in heaven… all is so foggy!"
Tai began so weep again, when Asuka slowly stumbled towards him. "Tai, we must get him out of this!", she urgently demanded. "The priest and Lee have both fled, but they will obviously come back soon - with some very evil Digimon! We must flee! Help me take Yamato away!"
Asuka and Tai grabbed Yamato and carried him away, suddenly four familiar boys ran towards them. It were Koushiro, Ken and Takeru - accompanied by Jyou!
"Jyou?", Tai shouted. "Jyou, please come here! Yamato is sincerely wounded!" Tai could not stop weeping and Jyou stepped forward and examined Yamato's wound.
"Koushiro, my bag please, quickly!", Jyou demanded. Koushiro gave him a large bag and Jyou took care of Yamato. Asuka had led them into a secret chamber, where they could hide and rest while Jyou took care of Yamato.

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

The next day they all where once again back on earth. Yamato had been brought to a hospital, accompanied by Taichi, Jyou and Asuka, who needed medical treatment, too. The doctor later told Taichi that only Jyou's good medical treatment had saved his life. Without Jyou's help Yamato would most certainly be dead.
And Tai himself was recovering now, too. His handicap was gone and though he was still very weak and shaky he already could walk and visited Yamato and Asuka in the hospital daily.
Tai sat at Yamato's bed, holding his hands. Both boys smiled at each other, their expressions showing deep love.
"Yama, my love. I am so glad to have you back.", Tai said.
"It will take a while before I am back to the living, but you will soon have me around again.", Yamato answered.
Tai grinned. "Can't wait for your cooking. My meals are terrible!"
Yamato laughed, still very weak. "I know, my koi! How very good I know that! But I would want no other, then you!"
Yamato and Tai exchanged a passionate kiss.
"But what about Asuka?", Yamato asked.
"Hm, I am not certain.", Tai answered. "Somehow she seems different. As if some burden was lifted from her heart. I hope she will find her way."
"She has saved both of us!", Yamato said. "I hope that she finds her way!"

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

In another world, seven boys sat around a dining table. Lord Robert rose from his seat in the DigiManor. He rose his cup to get the attention of the others. "Well, I am glad that this crisis is over now! Let us raise our glass for our absent friends Yamato, Tai - and perhaps even my cousin Asuka!" All rose their glasses and agreed with Rob.
"Have you visited your cousin?", Iori asked.
"Not yet!", Rob answered. "But I shall do so very soon. I will help her as best I can."
Daisuke frowned. "From what I have heard she had been quite nasty."
"And that about Sora…", Takeru said. "It will be hard for her to get over this. Even though Sora was evil."
Ken held Takeru's hand and both exchanged a kiss. Daisuke, motivated by this expression of love, hugged Iori and gave him an even more passionate kiss.
"He always must compete with others!", Ken mocked Daisuke friendly.
"In that way I gain ever more from him!", Iori defended his beloved grinning.
Jyou, who sat beneath Koushiro blushed at this open expressed feelings. Jyou had spoken to Mimi, for whom he had felt love for some time, too. But it was his hidden love for Koushiro that finally was stronger. And Mimi had explained that she had found a love of her own she would tell them all someday.
Jyou looked at Koushiro with a shy smile, and then he wrapped his arms around his red-haired koi.
Later that evening a great festival was held in Central, where the six boys met many old friends among the Digimon, like their old Digimon partners Tentomon, Patamon, Wormmon, Gomamon and Veemon. But there were many other merry meetings there.
Only one stood aside, drinking from his cup and gazing thoughtful at the stars. Rob, the chosen protector and King of the DigiWorld. Lord Robert gazed at the stars. Who was this mysterious Shadowmaster that was behind all this? With Sora the only one to know his identity was gone. What would his plan now that both the 'New Order' was disbanded and the withering of the DigiWorld had stopped? In any case, this time he would be alert, Rob decided and returned to the others.

"Remember: all existence is pure pleasure;
all sorrow is just a shadow;
it will pass and be gone.
So take your fill of love
As you will, when, where and with
Whom you will."
From: The Book of the Law
Aleister Crowley

TO BE CONTINUED….

Now that was dark and angsty! But I hope you have enjoyed it nonetheless. Now there is just one last story to be told, the last and seventh Part - "The Shadowmaster". Look out for the grand finale!