Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, unfortunately. If I did, the second seasonwould have been quite...different. Especially the ending.

Full Sum: TK and Kari have been called on once again to save the world. But this time it's not the Digital or Earth. Along the way they meet some...interesting creatures, get caught up in a Legend, make many enemies, fight many battles, find a different kind of love, and...oh yeah...find out some interesting things about themselves. NOT TAKARI.

A/N: Again, this IS NOT and will NOT TURN INTO a Takari. Also, this story will contain a lot of magic and magical things in later chapters, incase you didn't figure that out from the 'fantasy' genre. I'm only putting this note here so people won't flame me for "making it too unrealistic". So, now please read and review: The Gaurdians of Hiata.

"Are you sure these are the new Guardians of Hiata who have the power to defeat us?" a woman asked sharply.

"Yes mistress," an eerie floating half-skeleton ghost replied. "Those are the children. Two of them at least."

"They don't look very threatening to me," she mused.

"Their powers are only in the infant stages now, but very soon they will evolve rapidly."

"Will they be any use to us with developed powers?"

"Yes," the skeleton hissed. "When their powers first start to evolve they will be scared, confused, and in pain. If we can get to them before Karina, they will be very useful tools."

The woman smiled evilly. "Then let's make sure that we get them first. Send a Breathstealer to follow them. When their powers develop, it will weaken them and bring them back here. My Lord Isan will be very pleased, should this work. And it had better," she warned, placing razor sharp nails around the ghost skeleton's neck, "Or it'll be eternal torment for you."

The skeleton shrank away. "Y-yes my m-mistress Shaukaka. I'll send the Breathstealer out now."

"Very good," Shaukaka replied as she looked into the magic portal that allowed her to view the children. "Soon everything will fall into place. Starting with you two."

/o-o/

Dark. Dark. Why was it so dark?

A high pitched shriek filled the air and TK had to clamp his hands over his ears to block it out.

How had he gotten here? Where was he? He didn't know. He cautiously lowered his hands and looked around when the sound stopped. No sooner had he relaxed, it started again. The shooting pain in his head caused by the awful sound made him very dizzy. He sank to his knees to keep from falling over.

Again the sound stopped, but the pain didn't. It intensified. As TK bit his lip to keep from crying out, he tried to figure out what the heck was going on. This pain, it was more mental anguish than physical hurt. It was…dark…evil. Like what he had felt in both the Dark Ocean and the Dark Whirlpool, only magnified 100 times.

It didn't make any sense. And it scared him.

As he concentrated on trying to make the pain stop, he noticed something weird. He could sense where the dark energy was coming from. From his left.

He forced himself up and stumbled slowly towards it. The closer he got, the worse the pain became. But he made himself continue. Suddenly, the pitch black surroundings faded to a murky gray. He saw a giant, human-shaped dark shadow with glowing red eyes in front of him.

As he looked at it, he heard dark whispers in his head.

'Fetch child. Mistress needs child. Weaken and take boy child. Child is needed. Get child! Get child!'

The shadow extended its arms with their thin, razor sharp claws. Its red eyes narrowed as it came closer and closer. TK tried to back away, but found that he couldn't move an inch. He squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the fingers slowly wrap around his neck and begin to squeeze.

/o-o/

TK shot up in bed, gasping, and drenched in a cold sweat. He shakily swung his legs over the side of the guest bed he was using while at his dad's. He took deep breaths to try to calm his breathing. He pushed himself up and quietly walked out into the hall and into the bathroom.

Hands trembling, he turned on the cold water and splashed some on his face.

'Get a hold of yourself TK,' he mentally ordered, 'It was a nightmare, that's all. Just my imagination. …but, it felt so…so real. Ugh, what am I thinking? It was just a nigh-'

He froze as he looked closely in the mirror. On his neck were faint finger bruises.

He started to panic, but checked himself. 'Chill TK, think like Izzy. There must be some logical explanation. I must've subconsciously grabbed my own neck. Yeah, that's it.'

But as he looked more closely, he began to doubt his theory. The thumb prints were high and to the side, a very awkward position for TK to have choked himself. Also, the fingers were much longer and thinner than TK's. Before TK could think further on this, another figure silently entered the bathroom, unnoticed.

TK jumped and let out a yelp when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He whirled around, terror evident in his eyes, and found himself looking into the confused and concerned face of his onii-san.

He sighed and relaxed. "Jesus Matt, don't do that," he exclaimed wearily.

Matt looked down at him, worried. "Sorry Squirt, I didn't mean to scare you. Why are you up at this hour?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he replied.

"I woke up a bit ago with inspiration for a new song. I just finished it when I heard you. Which brings us back to my question, why are you up?"

TK tried to hide his trembling and appear nonchalant. "A small nightmare, is all. Nothing big."

"Right," Matt replied skeptically, "That's why you're shaking. Come on, I'll make some tea to relax you and you can tell me all about this 'small' nightmare of yours."

TK looked down. "I- I don't really remember it," he lied. For some reason he didn't want to tell anyone yet. Especially not his overly overprotective 'nii-san.

Matt inwardly sighed, well aware of TK's lie. "Well, then I'll just make some tea to relax you. Go wait in the living room."

TK complied, and ten minutes later the brothers were sipping tea. Matt kept looking over at TK, who had yet to completely lose his spooked appearance. Whatever nightmare he had must have shaken him up badly. Badly enough to make him lie, anyway.

Soon they were finished. Matt put the cups in the sink before returning to the living room.

"It's only three, so you should get some more sleep kiddo. Are you feeling better now, or do you want me to sit with you until you fall asleep? I don't mind."

"I'll be fine 'Mato," he replied. "Besides, I know you're tired too." He stood up and stretched. Suddenly, the pain from his dream came back with a vengeance. He let out a sharp cry and fell to his knees, clutching his head.

He felt Matt hold him around his shoulders.

"TK! TK, what's wrong!"

"My head," TK groaned, "…oh Matt!…make it stop…it hurts so bad!…make it stop…" he trailed off as the intense pain caused his vision to dim. He let his head loll on Matt's shoulder.

Matt started to panic, "TK! It'll be okay TK, I promise. Just hang on buddy." He scooped TK up as carefully as he could and quickly carried him back to the guest room.

He placed the now limp form under the covers and sat next to him, smoothing his hair. It was too early to call a doctor, and Matt wasn't sure whether to call an ambulance or not.

He finally settled on calling his dad, who was working the night shift, and waiting. Minutes seemed like hours after he made the call as he watched the pale, trembling boy sleep.

Usually TK looked peaceful when resting, but his face clearly showed pain now. Matt looked up in relief as his dad came rushing in. Malcolm nodded a greeting to his elder son before turning his attention to the younger.

He checked for a fever, TK had a slight one, and checked the pulse, slightly faster than usual. He looked over and saw the scared look on Matt's face.

"Don't worry son, he'll be fine," he reassured. "If he hasn't woken by 7, we'll call a doctor, but he doesn't have a high fever or anything. He might have just gotten a very bad migraine. He can get medicine to help with it."

Matt nodded slowly. "But-But, he was in so much pain. Was it really just a migraine?"

Malcolm nodded. "I think so. His symptoms seem to fit. In any case, I'm sure he'll be fine. You, on the other hand, could use some sleep. I'll stay with him."

Matt shook his head. "I won't be able to sleep. I'm going to stay here too."

Malcolm nodded, "Alright, but don't blame me if you can't stay awake tomorrow."

Matt smiled weakly before turning his attention back to the form on the bed. He was sure his dad was right. Everything would be fine.

/o-o/

TK slowly came to consciousness. First he was aware that he was in a bed. Then he was aware that he could hear other people in the room, moving a little. Finally, he was aware of a dull throbbing pain in his head.

He slowly opened his eyes, wincing as light hit them.

"Hey dad, he's awake!" he heard Matt say excitedly from next to him.

He saw his dad lean over him. "How are you son?"

He shrugged and tried to sit up. Matt helped him. 'Bad idea' was the first thought that passed through his throbbing head. He put a hand to his head. "Owww," he muttered.

He looked up as a pill was placed in front of him. "Here," Matt said, "It'll make your head feel better."

TK took it gratefully. "What time is it?" he asked, after swallowing the pill.

"Four in the afternoon," Matt answered. "You've been out for thirteen hours Squirt," TK could tell he'd been worried.

"Thirteen hours?" he echoed. "That long?"

"'fraid so. But the doctor said it was probably just a migraine. These pills will help."

"Oh, shoot!" Malcolm burst out suddenly.

Both boys looked at him curiously.

"I have a meeting at 4:30. I can't miss it. But I'll come straight home after. TK, you take it easy. Matt, you make sure he does. I'll order dinner when I get back. See you later boys."

"Bye dad," they chirped as he left.

Matt turned to TK. "You heard him. Take it easy. Maybe you should rest some more."

TK stared at Matt. "I slept for the past thirteen hours Matt, I'm not tired."

"Oh, right. Well, let's go watch TV then. Do you need help getting up?"

TK shook his head, trying not to be annoyed by Matt's super overprotectiveness flaring up again. "Nah, I got it." He pushed himself up and made his way to the couch. They sat down and Matt began channel surfing.

TK spaced out slightly while he waited for Matt to find a channel.

'Fetch child! Child is needed!'

TK jumped slightly. Was he hearing things? It was the same voice from his dream, only he wasn't dreaming now. Was he?

'Mistress needs boy child! Weaken and take him! Weaken and take him!'

TK looked over at Matt, who hadn't seemed to notice anything. He tried to shrug it off as nerves, but suddenly he saw red eyes outside of the window. He turned his head further for a better look, but the shadow disappeared. 'Oh great, now I'm hallucinating.'

"TK? What's up?" Matt asked, finally noticing his otouto's odd behavior

"Umm…n-nothing. Just my imagination acting up. So, did you find something to watch?" he asked, changing the subject.

Matt looked at him weirdly before slowly nodding. "Yeah, MTV. That okay with you?"

TK nodded and tried to focus on the show, but his nerves kept getting the better of him. He just knew something else was going to happen. He could feel it. Somehow, he could feel it.

/o-o/

Late that night, around 11:30, TK lay in bed, trying to sleep. But, for some reason he couldn't. It was almost as if he was dreading it. He sat straight up as a scratching sound entered the room. It came from the window. Almost instantaneously, a throbbing pain began in his head again.

TK found that he could sense something dark outside the window too. He didn't know how he was able to sense it, but he knew it was there. He cautiously crept to the window and opened the shade. Nothing.

'Okay, I'm officially losing it,' he thought, sighing. He turned around and jumped back. That shadow was in his room! As it stepped closer, he stepped back. It reached out for him and he stumbled backwards quickly. The shadow only managed to cut his cheek.

The sudden action of moving backwards caused his foot to catch on the end of the bed, and he landed on his back on the floor with a thump. He pushed himself up onto his elbows and looked at the creature fearfully. Its red eyes glistened as it reached its hand towards him again. This time though, the hand began to turn to mist as it neared his face. The pain increased.

TK tried to shrink back, but there was really no where to go. The shadow stopped and looked up quickly, the misty hand only inches from the boy. TK wondered why it had stopped. Not that he wasn't grateful, but it was weird.

He heard footsteps come quickly down the hall. As the door opened and the light flicked on, the shadow disappeared instantly. He saw Matt looking at him, confused.

"TK?" he asked warily, going over. "Are you alright? I heard a loud thump from in here. And how did that happen?" he asked, more concerned as he saw the blood on TK's cheek.

"I-I don't know," TK replied. "But, I've been hallucinating ever since I took that pill. It happened again, just now. I must be losing it," he sighed, placing a hand on his head.

Matt looked at him, eyes slightly widened. "No, it's probably just a side effect. I'm sure it'll pass. We'll call the doctor tomorrow and see if he'll give you a different prescription. Now, let's get your cheek cleaned up."

TK nodded and followed Matt into the bathroom. He sat on the edge of the tub as Matt used water to wash the blood away. Suddenly, Matt stopped, and a spooked look came over his face.

"Matt? What is it?"

"I-I just realized something. You-you couldn't have done this to yourself."

"What do you mean?" TK asked quietly, concerned by his brother's tone.

"This cut is deep and straight, your nails are too short and dull to do that. Besides, I just realized…there's no blood on your hands."

"So, I wasn't hallucinating?" TK asked, shocked.

Matt shook his head before making TK look him straight in the eyes. "What exactly did you 'hallucinate' just now?"

TK looked down, something was telling him not to tell Matt. "It-it was dark, I couldn't really see. It just looked like a big person. I can't remember anything else. Sorry."

"It's alright Squirt. Umm…why don't we switch rooms tonight? Y'know, just in case."

"What if it comes back for you?" TK asked. "I don't want that to happen. What if I sleep in a sleeping bag in your room and you stay in your bed?"

Matt nodded, "Except, you get the bed. I'll use the sleeping bag."

"That's alright, I don't mind sleeping on the floor."

"Well, I do mind if you sleep on the floor."

This little argument continued for nearly ten minutes and ended with Matt physically forcing TK to take the bed. TK pouted a little, but knew he wouldn't win. He just laid down and tried to sleep.

A peaceful sleep just wouldn't come to him, though. Every time he began to drift off, he could swear he heard the creature again, or at least sensed it. The sudden ability to 'sense' evil still freaked TK out, but he couldn't think of any other way to describe it.

He sighed and rolled over, looking at Matt's snoozing form. 'At least one of us is getting a good night's sleep.' Matt mumbled in his sleep and shifted.

TK sighed again, it was going to be a long night if all he could do was stare into space.

/o-o/

At about eleven in the morning, Matt finally woke. He sat up and looked over at TK. The boy was laying down, facing away from him. He quietly got up and walked over.

"TK?" he asked, shaking the younger's shoulder. "Time to get up."

"I was never asleep," TK mumbled inaudibly.

"What was that?" Matt asked from across the room.

"Nothing, 'nii-san," TK replied, forcing himself up. Boy, was he ever exhausted. Maybe a cold shower would wake him up.

He left Matt in the room and went to take the shower. He looked in the mirror before he started the water and inwardly winced, noticing the very visible bags under his eyes. He sighed and continued with his shower.

When he came out, Matt was sitting on the couch, fully dressed.

"Hey Squirt, we're going to meet Tai and Kari in, like, 20 minutes. Hurry up and get dressed," he said, barely turning his head.

"Sure thing," TK tried to sound happy, but the happy thing just wasn't working today. He hurried to the guest room before Matt could make an inquiry.

Ten minutes later he was ready to go. He and Matt headed towards the park at a nice even pace.

"TK?" Matt asked right after they left.

TK recognized the tone as one that meant unwanted questions were going to be asked. "Yeah?"

"Did you sleep last night?"

TK swallowed nervously. "Of course. You were in the room, remember?"

"Yeah, but I was sleeping. How would I know if you were or not?"

"If I had gotten up, you would have heard me."

Matt was silent for a few seconds. Then he continued, in a very serious tone. "If you slept, why are there so many bags under your eyes? Did you keep having more nightmares or something?"

"Sort of," TK muttered in reply. "You're taking this too seriously Matt. So I had a bad night's sleep, so what?"

Matt sighed. "Never mind Squirt, forget about it."

TK walked behind him with mixed feelings. On the one hand, he was glad the subject had been dropped. On the other hand, he could tell Matt was at least a little upset. He hated when his brother was upset.

The walk to the park was silent after that, each brother lost in his own thoughts. Soon, they saw Tai and Kari up ahead.

After making the usual greetings, the foursome headed towards the mall. Matt and Tai led the way chatting, while TK and Kari quietly followed.

TK looked over at Kari. She was being very quiet, but he didn't know if it was for the same reason that he had. Only one way to find out.

He leaned over and nudged her arm gently to get her attention. She looked up and TK saw bags that reflected his own. He leaned in closer, so the conversation would not be overheard by the older brothers.

"Kari?"

"Yeah?"

"This may sound kinda weird, but have you…had any weird dreams lately?"

Kari's eyes widened slightly, "Yes, you too?"

TK nodded. They couldn't talk anymore, because the two elder siblings had stopped and turned around.

"We're here," Tai announced, "Let's go get something to eat."

"Is that all you think about?" Matt asked in a teasing tone, "Food?"

"Hey, a growing boy's gotta eat," Tai replied, laughing, "Let's go already!"

The four walked into a café on the second floor and sat at one of the window seats. As they waited for a server, TK looked out the window boredly. Suddenly, the shadow flashed by, seeming to pause in mid-flight to stare into his eyes. That stare brought back the annoying pain that TK was now starting to get used to. He tried not to be noticed by the others as he tried to catch another glimpse of the shadow.

After a few minutes he looked over at the others. They too were looking out the window. Tai and Matt seemed genuinely bored while Kari had wide eyes.

"Did you see that?" TK silently mouthed to her.

She nodded before gesturing to the older brothers with her eyes.

TK shrugged, understanding her silent question of why they hadn't seen anything. The four looked up as the waitress finally came.

"Can I take your order?" she asked robotically.

"Hamburger, fries and a medium coke," Matt answered.

"A piece of pepperoni pizza and a medium coke," Tai replied.

"And you two?" the waitress asked TK and Kari.

"Umm…nothing for me, thanks," TK replied, finding that he didn't feel like eating. That shadow had seemed to take away his appetite.

"Yeah, nothing for me either," echoed Kari.

The waitress shrugged before walking off. Tai and Matt looked at them, slightly concerned.

"TK, why didn't you get anything?" Matt asked.

"I wasn't hungry."

"But you haven't eaten for almost two days."

TK shrugged again and went back to looking out the window.

"Well, what about you Kari?" Tai joined in. "You haven't eaten for nearly 2 days either."

Kari sighed. "Have I ever told you that you blow things out of proportion?"

Tai 'hmphed' and leaned back.

As TK looked outside, he felt his stomach knot up and a strange dark feeling entered his mind. It was…calling him. Beckoning him to come find its source. Though he knew he shouldn't, his curiosity was getting the better of him. He stood up.

"I'm gonna go for a walk. I'll be back in a bit." With that, he left quickly, not looking back at the confused faces at the table.

He hurried down the mall stairs and out into the warm June air. He glanced around, trying to figure out which way to go. A feeling told him to go left. He walked down a bit and passed a dark half-hidden alley. The same feeling told him to go down it. So, without thinking, he did.

After walking about thirty yards, he found that he could barely see where he was going. But the feeling was stronger, and it was urging him on. He blindly followed it, occasionally cursing whenever he tripped on something.

Just when he thought about turning back, the alley began to get slightly lighter. Curiosity getting the better of him, he continued down the ever narrowing path. Soon, the walls were no more than two feet apart.

Suddenly, he felt a pang in his chest, and one in his head. He leaned against the wall, his breathing slightly heavy.

'This was a bad idea from the start,' he told himself. 'I should just turn back now, before the others get worried. This is getting way too weird, and besides, what could possibly be at the end of this alley worth investigating?'

He pushed himself up and turned back the other way, but found that he couldn't move. That feeling had gotten stronger, it was telling him that he needed to keep going. That he couldn't go back yet, there was something he needed to find.

'But, what?' he silently asked.

He sighed, it was obvious that this was going to continue to haunt him unless he went. Sighing again, he continued down the narrow alley. Onlyfifteen feet further, he saw a broken door; its wood in shattered timbers.

'What the heck is a door doing here of all places? I wonder where it goes. I guess there's only one way to find out. Here goes nothing.'

He stepped through the door, glancing around cautiously. He found himself in a very dark place. He couldn't really see anything. Slowly advancing he tried to get his bearings. No luck. Suddenly, a shriek sounded.

TK clamped his hands over his ears, unsuccessfully trying to block the pain. 'Not again!'

Suddenly, the darkness began to lighten. As TK looked up, he found himself looking at the same shadow figure that had been causing him so much pain. It looked at him evilly. 'This is not good,' he thought as it reached for him.

A/N: Well? If you like the idea, I have more chapters waiting, but they won't be put up unless I get good reviews. Please, no flames. Constructive critism is alright, but I think that outrightflaming is stupid and there is no point.(Sorry if I offended anyone.) Also, this will apply to later chapters moreso than this one, but if you have any ideas for...well, anything, let me know and I will see if I can incorporate them into this story. Until next time. Ciao.