Chapter 6: Human in the Day, Digimon at Night

Authors Note: Rereading this was brutal. So OOC and so out of character-this needed fixing. Hope the edits are doing better for the story.

I turned my head left, the mirror image turned left. I turned to the right-the same creature turned right. I opened my mouth to reveal several fangs. I was shocked for moments before I could say anything.

"No…" I whispered. I can't be a digimon! Tears sprung from my eyes and fell down my furry face. It was me in the mirror. I have completely turned into a replica of Impmon. I was glad I was not standing because I would have fainted for sure.

"Aww…Lindy doesn't look happy." said Calumon as his large ears shrunk and frown appeared on his face. Jeri held him and sighed.

"Momentai, Lindy!" Terrimon said as he flopped on the bed walking towards me. "The Digi-gnome told us that this only happens at night. So, you can still be a human!"

"What!" My attempt to yell was unsuccessful as it came out as a harsh whisper. I needed more water as I reached for a glass and took a sip-more of a gulp.

"Yes, it did say that-but only a small chance." Rika said, glaring hard at the floor. I looked at her leaning against the wall.

"Well, I'm taking the chance." Takato said smiling and looked at me. "Don't worry Lindy, it's going to be alright."

I gripped the sheets tightly staring at everyone, they were so much bigger now and I felt so awkward having everyone stare at me. It was one thing to be recovering from death-it was another to find out you have been changed into another being!

"I think Lindy needs rest." Renamon spoke quietly before turning around and leaving the room. The rest agreed with Renamon and started to leave expect Impmon who sat there, faced away from me. I could tell he wanted to say something to me, without everyone's company.

"Lindy," Impmon sighed. His tone of voice sounded so tired-like an adult. "I just wanted to say…well…thank you for saving Ai back there. If it had not been for you, she could have..." He trailed off quietly gripping the sheets. This Digimon cared so much for the kids-I could tell just by watching. He would have probably felt horrible if something happened to either of them. "You really did take one for the team. You are only going to hear this once, but I am grateful that ya came. I'll be honest I didn't like you at first-thought you were some snot nosed kid-but I think ya might be kinda...cool. For a babysitter."

I put my now gloved hand on his hand. He looked at me finally and I smiled.

"I won't tell anyone, but thank you. You are pretty cool too." He paused for a moment and drew back his hand like it was on fire. I thought I saw his face turn red but he looked away again.

"C'mon, enough with the mushy stuff." the imp muttered. I laughed lightly with a bit of coughing and asked what time it is.

"Uh, six-that's all I can read." He sighed. It must be around six in the morning because the sky was fairly lighter. Had everyone been up all night watching out for me?

"Don't worry, I know at least its 6 a.m at least. Hey, didn't they say that I would return to normal-whoa!"

I felt weird all of a sudden. I felt myself grow and change. It was somewhat painful but I could feel my three fingers grow into five and my feet reach the end of the bed. My hair flew all over my face and everything in my body returned to normal.

"I guess it worked." Impmon said leaving the room. "Ya should rest because if that Digi-gnome said right, you will turn back at night."

I frowned. It was just temporary that I was human right now. Before I knew it, I would become another Impmon at night. Why me? Was it fate? Was this a curse or a blessing? Had God chose me because I am a freak? Was it something I had done in the past? I couldn't think straight, I closed my eyes and fell back to sleep. The slumber carried me off into dreams of children screaming, and myself getting blasted a million times by attacks...

"Wake up, Lindy! It's noon! Wake up!"

Mako…and Ai. I opened my tired eyes and stared at the happy children. They were dressed and looked-well like themselves! I put my hand on my head and sat up slowly. I needed another glass of water but other than that...I was fine! The pain from before was gone! What did the others do to me while I was asleep? Had they given me a drug or something?

"Hey guys…wow, I feel so much better!" I inspected my body. No blood or gashes, no scrapes or bruises. I was scott free!

"Digimon heal fast." Came the cool voice again. Rika was standing in the doorway holding some brunch. It contained eggs, a muffin and some soup. I looked at it with hungry eyes. I can't even remember when the last time I ate was. Then I remembered what she said, Digimon heal fast. Me. A Digimon. The memories came back and I felt a pit in my stomach and my appetite that had once so quickly came, vanished with deep, depressing thoughts to replace it. I faked a smile at the red head. I should not be too impolite, for the fact she brought up food was kind enough.

"Wow, Rika it looks great. Wait, is everyone still here?" I asked. She nodded and wanted to make sure I was alight. Ai and Mako were taken away by Renamon who said that I needed more rest and more quiet time. I was a little thankful for the fox like Digimon and her quick thinking.

"I guess I'm fine physically but...what will happen when it turns dark?" I cast the sky a worried glance. "I don't wanna be a Digimon Rika. I-"

"Did you want to be dead?" Rika asked hotly. I had shut up then. "Thought so. Look, whatever happens we're going to help you no matter what. Did we give up on Impmon once Renamon and I realized that he was alive in the Digital World?"

I was about to ask why he was in the Digital World hurt, but she kept going. "No, we did not. We are not giving up on you Lindy. Believe it or not, you've actually become a part of the group once you became Mako and Ai's babysitter."

"Wow…thanks Rika. I'm really honoured, you know that right? I am sorry, I should be a little more grateful for being alive. I just need time to adjust to this." I replied smiling. She smiled back briefly and told me to eat up. I gave a pathetic attempt to eat the food but I guzzled almost five glasses of water. I don't think I was ever that thirsty!

Rika, Jeri, and I stayed in the room for most of the day talking and listening to some of each others stories. Having female friends was nice again. I had been so occupied, that friends was low on my list of priorities when I came to Japan. Not that it was super easy making friends-I was an outsider. 'Gaijin' was tossed around in conversations when I first came here. At school, at work, even on the streets when I had trouble asking for something. These guys did not even make a hint towards that word. Instead they kept calling me friend. If they were going to stick with me through this, I was going to help them with everything I got! I might not have much to offer, other than a supreme fashion sense (although my clothing right now would put you in doubt). I can keep cool about this digimon problem and ride it like a champ!

The day went by quickly and before I knew it, the sun was going down. Everyone stared at me and I stared at the sun. It was nerve wrecking, watching this countdown. Maybe, this is a dream still I thought. I looked as the last rays disappeared down the horizon, like my last strands of hope had told me goodbye. I felt a sudden change in my body once again. I glowed brightly and moaned. The bones in my body shape shifted and I shrank several feet until I was looking up at everyone even Impmon who was slightly taller. I could see that I had sea green gloves and a bandana. The smiley face was replaced with a cross and I could see the claws on my feet. The tail behind me flickered and twirled and I could control it naturally like moving an arm. This was all so...strange. I looked down and sighed sadly. It was real. I was part Digimon.

"At least we now know that she can change back." Henry confirmed.

"Now, we should make sure she knows Impmon's powers." Terriermon piped up giving me a heart attack. This guy really should learn the word 'tact'.

"Powers?" I squeaked. I totally forgot about the Badabooms and Summon Flame attacks. I was not a Digimon fighter, I had trouble doing cartwheels and wrestling the twins when they object to bath time! By no means, I was 'strong'. I was athletic, but I relied on speed than brute strength.

"Nah, don't worry toots-" I heard Impmon said in his cocky attitude. That still ticked me off-that stupid nickname. I felt the anger being transported into my hand. Next thing I knew, a flame erupted at Impmon and burst. Nothing caught fire but Impmon muttered something about being BBQ.

"Whoa! That is so cool!" Ai cried hugging me. I squirmed and frowned. With Ai and Mako slightly bigger than me, I was going to have trouble being the authority around here. I can already imagine the pranks they could pull on me-dress ups, being tied up and watching one of their stupid cartoons or worst yet-Impmon giving me a makeover. The mere thought sent shivers up my spine.

"Can you please put me down?" I squeaked again and looked at the others were trying to cover up their laughter. I was not a plush toy! Ai put me down finally and told me she was sorry. I explained that I was getting used to being a Digimon still-picking me up was probably not a good idea to do.

"This is going to take a lot of time." I muttered. Impmon would have agreed if it wasn't for him trying to mend the burn I sent him and still muttering about BBQ. "Aw, it was just a little fireball. Grow up!" I called to him. He gave me a scowl.

"Takatomon, I'm getting sleepy!" Gulimon actually spoke for the first time in awhile. I stopped my bickering and glanced at the group. Terrimon, Calumon and Jeri were falling asleep and I could tell that Guilmon was about to fall sleep too. The twins were sleepy as well. They rubbed their eyes repetitively. I learned that meant it was bedtime.

"Alright guys, don't worry I'll be fine. I need to take care of Ai and Mako-Digimon or not." I thought about everyone doing so much for me. The least I could do is let them spend the night and actually sleep. "Actually, would you guys like to sleep over? It will settle you guys, save you the walk home and carrying your Digimon and Jeri. Plus, I feel guilty none of you had any rest."

"I agree with Lindy on this one." Rika crossed her arms. "It's kinda pointless to leave if we are going to be all sick and worried about her."

"I call first on the phone!" Takato cried searching for our phone. Henry called next then Rika. Takato offered to call Jeri on his behalf and explain the situation-aside from me becoming a Digimon.

"Well, we can all stay! So how about…truth or dare!" I suggested as we all sat in the middle. It was such a childish game but I needed a distraction. The night time kept me awake somehow. I felt more...energized. Could it be something to do with being a Digimon? So many questions...so little known answers. I wish there was a reference guide for hybrid Digimon.

"Who wants to go first?" I asked. Since I knew that half of the people had no clue how to play the game, I asked Takato truth or dare. He replied with truth with a unsure expression. I better go easy on him with this one.

"Okay Takato, is it true that you drool when you sleep?" I asked smirking. He shrugged and replied with a 'no'.

"Oh, yeah you do Takato!" Jeri said smiling. "I swear it's like he's drowning in it!" We all had a small laugh from the response with Takato's beet red face. He looked at me with his red eyes. Payback time, I thought gulping.

"Whatever, Lindy truth or dare!"

"Dare! I'm always up for a challenge." I smirked.

"Aright, I dare you to stand on your head as long as you can."

Two minutes later and with a headache I sat down and gave Impmon a turn since I already had a go at it. He gave Renamon a evil look.

"Foxy! Truth or dare?"

"I don't care."

"Just pick one."

"I suppose dare."

And the night went on with the game. The victims were me and Impmon of course making us do the stupidest things I have ever heard of. I even had to give him a kiss on the cheek! What a bunch of weirdo's. I blushed madly for awhile after that.

It was around ten o'clock that Ai, Mako, Jeri, Calumon, Takato, and Gulimon were fast asleep. I got blankets and pillows for everyone even though Rika helped more because of my new height. How could Impmon stand being this short!?

"Well, that was one way to distract the idea of me being a Digimon." I sighed bringing the pillows and blankets down the stairs. What were my parents going to think of this? Would they discard me as being a freak? Tears stated to spring from my eyes but I stopped myself. No more crying-it doesn't solve anything being like that. My parents would understand-they are my parents! What people would abandon their own daughter, who saved a life? The thought shook from my head. I have to make sure the kids were in their beds and get myself some sleep...somehow.

"Can't sleep?" I asked climbing out of the window and staring at Impmon who was looking at the moon. He nodded and said that Digimon don't need much sleep especially our kind.

"Our kind?"

"Well, since you're an Impmon kinda like me-we just explore things at night. We catch our shut eye in the daytime."

"Makes sense." I sat down beside him. "It's incredible…how dramatically your life can change." I said frowning. "I mean one minute you're worried about school work, taking care of the twins and you. Now, my main thought is...well this. Hey when I Digivolve, will I turn into you?"

"Digivolve?" he asked lightly giving a raised eyebrow at me. I wasn't sure of his tone. I tugged at my bandana and continued.

"Yeah, stupid I know, but what happens if I do? I mean will I turn into your mega form or will I just be like this? I dunno-I shouldn't even be thinking about this. I have to take care of you guys; Digimon, human or both."

"Ya know Digivolving requires a partner right?" Impmon asked looking at the moon still. I replied something about being my own partner. He got a laugh out of that and called me stupid. I flipped him the bird.

We spent the rest of the night talking. Just talking. Ok, he is a pretty huge jerk but for once he was...sweet. He seemed warm and actually listened to stuff I said and asked. In return, he gave the best answers he could. I yawned and closed my eyes. Just a second I thought but when I opened them I was in my bed and it was morning. I was back in my pyjamas and I relieved that I didn't turn out nude. That would have been a sight for sore eyes. Had Impmon carried me back in here last night?

I went inside and changed quickly because it was Christmas Eve finally. I put on jeans, and a nice red blouse that flowed nicely. I saw that the bags were placed in my room carefully beside the closet. The Tamers must have brought them home after I 'died'. My mind was in the Christmas mood save for the little prick in my mind that reminded me about my change at night. Wait a minute…tomorrow we are going to my parent's house and there is no way that they would let us leave before dark. How am I going to explain all of this? Will they have to see me change? I know I couldn't keep this a secret, but will I have to explain this so soon? I was not even used to this!

I needed another distraction. I wrapped all of the gifts with no disturbances and interruptions. I took a quick look at the clock. Ten a.m. Everyone should be getting up now. I took the gifts to the Christmas tree and set them down carefully but I noticed that there were two presents there before. One was to Impmon from Ai and Mako wrapped as well as a five year old could wrap a gift. Another was to me, but with no name on it. The temptation to open the mysterious gift tugged me but I waved it off and told myself to wait a day and open it then.

"Morning everyone." I called to the group scrambling the eggs while attending to the toast. I got out some orange juice and poured some for everyone. Bacon sizzled in a pan slowly, I was making sure it was nice and crispy. As long as I did not burn the eggs-we were good.

"Wow, I never knew you could multitask this well." Henry said. Everyone nodded at me. I blushed lightly saying that I had to take care of the house a lot on my own. So in little time I had and a lot of chores, I had to do about three things at once. It helped that I started to take care of myself when I was young-probably nine or ten.

"Morning sleepy heads!" I called to the twins who were coming down stairs. "Merry Christmas Eve!" I smiled and handed them some breakfast.

"Thanks." Ai said while Mako just rubbed his eyes and nodded. They were so cute in the morning all groggily and not hyper. I had preferred it like that. I gave Renamon another cup of tea. She and I had been talking before everyone woke up and told me about the Digital World. Things there sounded so...strange. She replied that the human world also had its...strangeness. I told her stories of the great white north Canada where moose and polar bears were common to see. I even mentioned Niagara Falls, my home town. Renamon seemed interested I think. She finished sipping her tea and returned it to the sink-saying a word of thanks.

Once breakfast was over, everyone started to leave and said that I could call them any time. I waved and gave them thanks. I was tired at this point but I had to make sure they thought I was fine. I did not want to be babied any longer.

"Bye Lindymon!" Gulimon said while leaving. I laughed and said good luck on catching the squirrels.

"Okay guys, tomorrow we are going over to my parent's house, is that alright with you?" I should have asked the twins before but I guess they didn't mind because they agreed.

"Do you guys live in Igloos?" Mako asked with a naïve look.

"No," I replied folding some clothes. I picked up my squirt gun and sprayed Impmon who was about to light something on fire again. He sure does not know when to give up. The imp told me to go do something with myself and stomped off. I was glad Ai and Mako did not understand that...

"Do you guys eat maple syrup for breakfast?" Ai asked turning away from her cartoon show to look at me. I sighed.

"No Ai, we do not eat maple syrup for breakfast."

"Lindy, do you guys ride polar bears instead of taking the bus?" The brunette boy sat on the couch beside me with his favourite toy on his lap. I was starting to get annoyed with these stereotype questions.

"No Mako, don't believe what people tell you about us Canadians. We live just like the Americans expect we are not lazy, fat, and want to have war with some middle eastern country twenty four seven. Although, they are right about the hockey..." I explained this while putting away the laundry. I told them some stories about Canadian history while I finished decorating the tree and preparing the kids and Impmon with some dinner. Do these guys ever get sick of rice?! I was starting to miss my Tim Horton's.

The rest of the day was warm and relaxing with the twins and even Impmon. Before I knew it, I was back to my toddler sized self complete with tail. I looked at my stomach where the cross was. I felt like I had a bad tattoo on myself exposed. Maybe, I can make myself a dress to cover that up. Impmon came and interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey Lindy, do you want to go out for about a bit? The munchkins need their exercise..." Impmon said. I agreed and gathered the twins to get their winter stuff on. Putting the purple coats on with three fingers was harder than I realized as I struggled getting the zipper up. Finally, Mako got his coat on and I looked at Ai who had her boots on backwards...again.

"Ai, left and right are switched." I explained and went to teach the brown haired child her lefts and rights again.

We headed for the park where soft Christmas music played and snow fell enchantingly. The snow was beautiful and glowed with the clear moon in the sky that night. It was chilly but there was no wind. The twins were in their snow coats and playing in the snow while Impmon was showing me how to climb trees or jump. I was amazed by my strength. I could jump twice as high as ever, and my speed was twice fold. To be honest-I liked it! Being a digimon had a few perks I thought, as I jumped to a further branch and landed smoothly.

Mako and Ai were playing on the swings when I was on a tree glancing at the group of people. My soccer team was hanging around the benches talking. They must have been celebrating Christmas.

"I wish Lindy was here." One of them complained. A couple teammates nodded and asked where I was.

"I went over to Lindy's house but she wasn't home. Her mom said she was taking care of some kids."

"Man, that's gotta suck having to take care some brats on Christmas." One of the fowards-Rinji said.

My anger began to rose but I still stayed in the same spot. They were not brats! Ai and Mako were sweet children.

"You should have been there Yumi; at her home, the parents are so weird. One couldn't speak and the other one was a complete-"

"Badaboom!" I threw several flames from my hands and send them towards the group. They shrieked and I smirked like a criminal before dashing for the bushes. That serves them right for talking smack about Ai, Mako and my parents.

"What was that?" One of the defence girls cried holding a burnt arm.

"I dunno, but let's get out of here!" Rinji cried shaking.

"Impmon! Did you do that?" I heard Ai ask a ways away. The girl must have heard the attack.

"Me? Why would I although, it was tempting." The purple Digimon replied snickering.

"Nah, I did it." I confessed coming out of the bushes with some snow on my body. I felt a little guilty, but those girls made my blood boil. Stupid bitches...

"Why, I thought they are your teammates?" Mako said with a frown. "We were taught it isn't nice to throw fire at friends."

I growled. "Those were my teammates. I don't like playing with people who talk behind my back. And especially talking about my family." I added coldly.

"That was you? Hah! I could have set them all on fire." Impmon boasted. Of course he would say something about him being better. I wish I can give him a good slap in the face but he was too far away and could dodge me easily.

"I didn't want to hurt them, you big moron. I just wanted to give them a good scare and reconsider what they said. Besides they are going to hurt when I quit the team."

"What!" Ai and Mako cried pulling my small arms. "You can't your so good!"

"Don't worry, I'm not quitting soccer. Just going to do something I should have done awhile ago. They treat me like scum and I had enough of it. Real friends would never make fun of the family you have."

We walked back to the house and the twins got to bed so that 'Santa' would come. They even put out milk and cookies. I thought this was a good time to put the presents in the stockings. I slipped each stocking a chocolate, and for Impmon I snuck a bra in there just to see him blush bright red. It was so cute, just like him-wait what? Ok, weird part of the brain, you can stop that.

Suddenly, I felt strange as I put the last present in. It was like a itch that I could not get rid of. Impmon saw me with a frown on my face. He told me a Digimon had appeared that's what we feel when one's around. I looked at him for advice.

"Should we wake the twins up?"

"Nah, let them sleep and what do ya mean 'we'. You're not going anywhere toots." He scoffed and started to head outside in the crisp night air. I followed growling.

"Look again. I'm a Digimon and I can fight now."

"You don't know what you're getting yourself into kid!"

"What have I told you about calling me kid?" I retorted flashing my sea green eyes at his emerald ones. He sighed knowing I was not going to give up. I was pretty stubborn sometimes.

Impmon went out of the window and changed into Beelzemon. He held out a hand and agreed but if it gets bad he wants me out of there. I climbed on.

"Fine."

We came into the fog and I felt stiff as we went in. We were in a construction zone with dirt and machines covered in snow. Danger signs were posted everywhere and we flew over the fence blocking the place. I shivered. Considering the last time I had done this was when I 'died', I had every right to feel uneasy. I was a Digimon now though-and we fought. I could feel it in my blood-code or whatever. Some kind of instinct was taking over me and it felt thrilling.

"Hey, guys!" Takato called out to us as we came into the fog like place. He had his gold D-ark out while Guilmon growled-pupils dilated into slits. Was this the same squirrel chasing Digimon I saw earlier?

"Hey Takato and Guilmon, where is it?" I asked while Beelzemon got out his guns.

"It's bio-emerging right now." Rika told us taking off her glasses. Hey, glasses! That was a good idea with this fog-ok Lindy focus; battle time!

"Get ready guys!" Henry called sending Terriermon out towards the forming Digimon.

"Ho! Ho! Ho!" called a voice. I gave a double take. It was Santa's trademark but something was off from it. I could tell what it was when I saw it. It was a robot like Digimon with a Santa costume but had dark glowing red eyes. How ironic to come tonight.

"Santamon. Ultimate and his special attack is Present Wrap. If this thing get's you-you are stunned." Takato explained. I nodded and thought hard. I know I can pull off this attack. Impmon showed me the basics.

"Summon…" The ball of fire appeared. "FLAME!" I screamed and threw the blast and it sent Santa backward a bit. He growled and lifted his arms wide. That was a complete waste I thought embarrassed .

"Present Wrap!" it cried sending what looked like wrapping paper towards everyone. I dodged mine by doing a back flip-just barely but everyone else was caught. I was amazed that it had grabbed everyone so quickly. It looked like it was squeezing them and making the Digimon's bodies go limp. They were all bunched together tightly by the clear wrapping attack.

"I can't break through Takatomon!"

"Rika, I'm stuck!"

"Henry!"

"Lindy, get out of here! You know the deal-AH!" Beelzemon was being shocked by the paper and so was everyone else. The mega was trying to breakthrough but his guns were not reachable and his wings were clipped. He was truly stuck!

"I can't just leave you guys, I gotta fight" I started to charge toward Santamon but he punched me backwards. I went back again and the pattern continued. Everyone thought I was crazy but maybe I can make myself Digivolve somehow. C'mon Lindy, find some of that fighting spirit! OW! Maybe I should find an ice pack instead.

"My grandma fights better than that!" I screamed as my vision was blurred with tears. Teasing the thing was not going to get it to disappear but I was running out of ideas. Somehow, I had to get stronger or else everyone will be lost! I can't let that happen. Especially to Beelzemon because he was the one who saved me life. I owed him one.

"Now, I have to save his!" I cried jumping in the air trying to attack. It's a cliché to put this moment out to you guys, but I suddenly felt like I was changing back but instead I was growing stronger. I couldn't believe it, I was...

"She's Digivolving!" A voice cried but I was concentrating on attacking. It was time to show this Santamon who was the better mon!

Authors Note: This was a hard chapter. Santamon is probably existing but if he is not-then you guys can use him no problem. Think cyborg Santa-not the most original Digimon out there.

Cheers!