A/N: Sorry for the wait.
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any other copy righted material that may appear in this fic.
Worlds Apart
Chapter 7: Two Faces
Rika sat at her desk staring blankly down at the sheet of math problems she was pretending to do. Occasionally she would attempt to focus and write a few numbers down before losing interest and stopping. A few feet away Renamon sat quietly against the wall watching her friend feign interest in her homework. It wasn't until Rika began tapping her pencil rhythmically against the metal desk lamp that Renamon decided to speak.
"Is something wrong Rika?" Renamon asked. Rika stopped tapping and dropped her pencil.
"Well..." Rika began, spinning around in her computer chair. "I've just been wondering, what was it like before you came here?"
"What do you mean?" Renamon asked surprised. "You mean before I met you?"
"Yeah... It's just since the other day when you told us about that thing with Liam... I-it made me realize we've known each other all these years and I don't know anything about what your life was like before I met you" Rika said slightly embarrassed.
"There's a reason for that Rika... It isn't important" Renamon replied, standing up. Rika leaned back in her chair, blocking part of the light from the desk lamp, causing her face to be partially obscured as she stared at Renamon. "Just as what happened before you came to the digital world to bring me home is unimportant". Renamon stopped as Rika sat up straight.
"Brought you home." Rika repeated, smiling.
"Yeah" Renamon said with a taunting smile. "This has been home for a long time Rika".
"I know... I've just never heard you say it before" Rika said as the two laughed.
"At any rate, very little of what happened during those times would have been of any interest... Though with recent developments-" Renamon broke off looking away.
"Renamon... Do you know anything else about those protectors?" Rika asked, sensing her partner was avoiding the subject.
"I don't know anything for sure" Renamon replied turning back to look Rika in the eye again.
"I'm guessing you have some idea though" Rika said shrewdly.
"Well there wa-" Renamon began before falling silent. She turned to face the door to the yard of the house. "We're going to have to put a pin in this for now Rika".
"You sensing a disturbance in the force?" Rika asked chuckling. Right on queue her D-Arc began glowing and making a shrill beeping noise. "No rest for the weary I suppose".
The two set off for the location of the signal. Rika weaving in and out of traffic on the roads and Renamon running along rooftops adjacent to the route Rika took. It wasn't long before the two found themselves barred several blocks from the digimon the military. The two immediately Bio-merged and flew over the road block.
As they rose into the air they could see distant flashes of light and hear explosions in the distance. Figuring the others must be have gotten their already they hurried into the battle. As they approached the battle site Sakuyamon could see MegaGargomon launching a barrage of missiles and Justimon fighting what appeared to be a human child hand to hand. At least it's form looked like a child. It was maybe half of Justimon's height with no distinguishing features. The entire being was volcanic red. Despite being human in shape, it didn't appear to have eye's or a mouth.
"What the hell is that thing?" Rika asked looking horrified as it grappled with Justimon.
"Look!" Renamon's cool voice said, her voice permeating the blue sphere as she pointed to a spot a short distance down the street. There stood an identical being except this one was colored muddy grey and standing with it's arms crossed staring at MegaGargomon.
A moment later MegaGargomon launched a full out assault, firing dozens of missiles at the grey figure. Sakuyamon felt the wind pick up as the missiles soared towards the grey form and were swept into the nearby buildings. At that moment the red figure pushed Justimon back and lashed at him with a whip of fire. Sakuyamon swooped in front of him casting a shield to deflect the attack. The red being stumbled as the grey one sprinted toward them with lightning speed. The grey one jump kicked MegaGargomon in the chest sending him backwards, before landing next to the red being.
"Who are you?" Sakuyamon asked, keeping her shield up.
"I am Gemini" the red figure said in a deep voice.
"I am Mithuna" the grey figure said much higher voice.
"Gemini!" Henry yelled from within MegaGargomon "they're one of the Zodiac!"
"Now you're getting it!" Mithuna and Gimini said in unison, sending out waves of fire and air simultaneously. The three mega's scattered attempting to dodge the wave of fire that was bolstered by the wind forcing more oxygen into it.
"Where the hell is Takato?" Justimon asked as the wave of fire went by them.
"Don't know" Sakuyamon replied. "If you think you can take the grey one, I'll try to help MegaGargomon hold off the red one."
"I don't know that I can, but I'll try" Justimon said, charging back towards the two. At the same time MegaGargomon released another swarm of missiles and again the wind picked up and drove them off coarse. This time into the ground causing large craters and cracks to spread across the ground, sending dust and smoke into the air. Gemini capitalized on this opportunity and charge MegaGargomon again. Sakuyamon darted into the it's path and swung with her staff. It jumped over her and sent a slash of fire toward MegaGargomon who had moved toward them to help, he stumbled and dropped to one knee. Gemini then swooped down with a hard kick and sent Sakuyamon backwards. MegaGargomon barely managed to catch her.
A split second later Gemini rammed into MegaGargomon full force, eliciting a cry of pain as the robot toppled over and Sakuyamon soared forward, she put all her strength into the swing and it connected as Gemini met her strike with a punch. The two collided with such force it sent out a small shock wave, shattering the glass in the store fronts and pushing both combatants back several feet. MegaGargomon stood unsteadily.
"His powers are insane" Sakuyamon commented. At this Gemini let out a loud shrill laugh that made Sakuyamon's hair stand on end.
"You have made a grave mistake little girl" Gemini said his voice dripping with malevolence. "I am more than capable of keeping you two busy. While your friend battles my sister alone, who is far more powerful" Gemini continued laughing as another explosion occurred behind them. Through the dust and smoke Sakuyamon and MegaGargomon could barely see the outline of Ryo in human form kneeling in front of Mithuna.
"Say goodbye to your friends, little boy" Mithuna said in a high, cold voice. Just before she could complete here attack a beam of lightning struck her in the side, propelling her away from Ryo and Monodramon.
"Sorry we're late" Gallantmon yelled flying towards them. Gemini turned to see who had attacked Mithuna. Sakuyamon sent a sphere of blue fire directly into Gemini's chest. Gemini recovered quickly and jumped back to stand by Mithuna. Sakuyamon landed in front of Ryo and Monodramon, putting up a barrier. Gallantmon landed next to her as MegaGargomon walked up behind them.
"Henry, you and Ryo get out of here" Sakuyamon said, starring at Gemini, and Mithuna. "We'll need someone around in case these two get away."
"Okay" Henry replied, he knew he would be little help against these two. They were to fast for him. MegaGargmon picked up Ryo and Monodramon and flew away.
"Watch it Tokato, these two are part of the Zodiac" Sakuyamon said as Mithuna and Gemini moved into fighting positions.
"Great... Think we can take em?" Takato asked.
"In your dreams kid" Mithunamon said, charging Sakuyamon.
Sakuyamon and Gallantmon both jumped into the air as the two rushed them. They then flew in opposite directions down the street, trying to separate the two. Mithunamon jumped into the air sending a blast of wind to knock Sakuyamon off coarse. Sakuyamon spun in mid air and met the downward kick that followed with her staff, causing Mithuna to fly upward cursing in pain. Sakuyamon sent a jet of blue fire in her direction which grazed her arm.
Mithuna landed on the ground, creating a small tornado that sent dust in all directions creating cover. Sakuyamon lahsed out at her full force, crasher her staff into Mithuna's side. Sakuyamon heard her yell in pain, a split second later a jet of fire hit Sakuyamon sending her backwards. Rika screamed as she felt the flames searing her skin and could hear Takato trying to prevent Gemini from attacking her again.
Despite the pain Sakuyamon landed and sent another jet of fire at Mithuna who was streaking towards her for another attack. The fire missed and Mithuna's attack connected. Sakuyamon fell to her knees as her lungs emptied from the force of the attack. Mithuna wasted no time in kicking Sakuyamon as hard as she could. Something of a haze descended on Rika as pain shot through her body. Sakuyamon laned several feet outside of the cloud of dust. Rika fought to stay conscious as she felt herself separating from Renamon. It wasn't until Mithuna delivered a stomp into the center of Sakuyamon that Rika's world turned back and the two split apart. Even before the light had faded, Renamon moved to shield Rika from Mithuna.
"You don't really think you can protect her from me do you?" Mithuna asked amused. Renamon gritted her teeth. "Have it your way" Mithuna said lazily holding up her hand to destroy them both.
"Rain of swords!" before Mithuan had time to deliver the finishing blow a hale storm of lighting descened on them both. Renamon threw herself on top of Rika so one couldn't hit her. A moment later a white hooded figure swooped in, delivering a crashing blow to Mithuna who stumbled backward yelling in pain. "Are you okay?" Liam asked landing next to Renamon and Rika as the lighting dissipated. His and mask were both down and he had a very worried look on his face.
"She's hurt" Renamon said standing up.
"Get them out of here!" Exer yelled. "I can handle these two!"
"Can you carry her?" Liam asked.
"Yes" Renamon replied placing one arm under Rika's back and the other under her knees.
"Okay lead the way to her house, I'll cover your flank" Liam replied as Renamon jumped onto the nearest roof top and began running. Liam soared over both of them with his swords out looking around. They had made it several blocks before a blast of fire issued from the street and Liam had to land on a building to avoid it. A moment later Gemini jumped onto the roof.
"Did you really think a boy and his dinosaur would be a match for me?" Gemini asked, laughing. Liam moved forward, shielding Renamon and Rika.
"Stay behind me" Liam said his voice shaking. A second later Gemini sent a burst of red fire at them. Renamon and Liam jumped in opposite directions. Liam sent two blasts of blue fire towards Gemini who dodged them. Renamon jumped to the next building, trying to get away but was met in mid air by Gemini. He sent another burst of red fire at her. Renamon spun in the air and curled around Rika, hoping aginst hope she could survive the blast. Liam flew between them and the fire seemed to split and go in separate directions.
"Were you locked up so long you forgot the basis of my power?" Liam asked as Renamon landed on the roof and Liam floated in front of her. Gemini gave no response, instead he charged Liam with his fist raised. Liam caught his fist in mid air but the force of the blow sent all of them flying backwards off the side of the building. Renamon managed to land somewhat on her feet before Gemini forced her back into the brick wall of the building. She collapsed writing in pain.
Liam swung one of his swords toward Gemini who ducked it and rammed himself into Liam's stomach. Liam stumbled tripping and fell to the ground. Gemini proceeded to land blow after blow to every inch of Liam he could reach. Liam managed to get a good enough grip on Gemini to launch him off the side, as Gemini attempted to stand up Liam sent a sword spinning in his direction, which pierced through Gemini's left shoulder. Liam kneeled up, spitting blood onto the ground. Gemini pulled the sword out of his shoulder as flecs of what appeared to be magma rolled out like blood.
It was then that Gemini made his fatal mistake. He used Liam's sword to smash into the ground, sending a wave cracking earth towards him, he jumped out of the way and before Gemini to could move he had sent a wave of blue fire back at him which spread through the air and engulfed him. The fire just grew bigger and bigger as Liam moved closer, focusing all of his energy into containing all the energy of the fire into the space occupied by Gemini who began screaming as Liam poured more energy into the blaze. The fire turned yellow, blue, red, and eventually black as Liam added his own energy to the now towering spiral of fire. After more then a minute of this Liam released the energy with sent an enormous wave of technicolor fire into the sky, temporarily illuminating the horizon. The smoke cleared and Gemini was gone. He had been totally obliterate by the attack.
"Please tell me you can walk" Liam said limping over to where Renamon and Rika were.
"I think so" Renamon said attempting to stand, still holding Rika. No sooner then she managed to stand up straight one of her knees gave out and she collapsed again.
"Let me carry her" Liam said, kneeling and placing his arms under Renamon's. Renamon didn't like the idea, but she knew she couldn't make it home carrying her in this condition.
"She's light as a feather" Renamon said moving he arms so that Liam's could replace her's.
"Okay, now lead the way to her house" Liam replied kicking off from the ground as Renamon jumped to the nearest rooftop. They managed to get the rest of the way to her house without trouble. Renamon opened the door silently and stepped in, motioning Liam passed her. Liam half collapsed as he lowered her onto her bed. A moment later he stood up straight rubbing leg. Then he bent back over and placed two fingers on the side of Rika's neck.
"What are you doing?" Renamon asked quietly so she wouldn't wake any of Rika's family. This was slightly pointless as none of them had rooms very close together.
"Checking her pulse" Liam replied. After a little over a minute he moved his hand to her right side and applied some pressure. Rika seemed to convulse instinctively. Renamon moved to make sure he wasn't hurting her. "Must be a broken rib... It's just a muscle reflex."
"You know something about human medicine I take it?" Renamon asked.
"Bandaged my fair share of wounds year" Liam replied in a low voice. After checking for broken ribs on Rika's opposite side he rested his hand on top of her left breast. Renamon gave him a warning glare. Liam looked up and saw her looking daggers at him. "I see Rika's taught you a lot about the human world... I'm only checking her breathing pattern to make sure that broken rib hasn't splintered and punctured her lung." Renamon looked over Rika. There were several cuts and bruises on her face and she noticed her breathing did seem a little labored. She also had several cuts and burns up and down her arms.
"Is there anything I can do?" Renamon asked as Liam moved toward Rika's head. He pulled one of her eye's slightly open and flashed a bit of fire in his palm.
"Well you have two choices" Liam said, letting go of Rika and standing up. "You can go get her mom and she'll take her to the hospital, or you can just try to make her comfortable. I don't think she's in any immediate danger, and Exer can heal most of her injuries when she gets here... I'm sorry to say my healing powers don't work on humans, so it's up to you." Liam turned and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" Renamon asked suspiciously.
"I'm gonna step outside and take care of my injuries... By the way sorry I can't heal you... I'm kinda low on energy at the moment." Liam replied apologetically. He stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Renamon could hear him sit down on the endge of the porch outside facing the pond in the center of the house. Renamon did what she could to make Rika comfortable. After she spread a blanket over top of her Renamon went outside to see what Liam was doing. She was surprised to find him leaning against one of the wooden supports, resting an arm his knee, dangling his leg off the side of the porch. As Renamon slid the door shut he pulled a silver flask from within his cloak, unscrewed the lid and took a long drink.
"What's that? Data packets" Renamon guesses walking to the pillar across from him and mirror his sitting postion.
"Ha- Kentucky bourbon actually" Liam replied taking another drink. "Bourbon is an alcoholic drink like rice wine, and Kentucky is a place that's famous for it. Kinda like Lynchburg is famous for wine." Renamon laughed slightly.
"When you said take care of your injuries I was expecting to see you seering your wounds shut" Renamon said.
"I could do that... But in a few days all my wounds will have healed anyway so I don't see the point." Liam said simple.
"Aren't you going back to help Exer?" Renamon asked.
"No... Fat lot of good I'd do right now... Besides Exer can handle herself" Liam said looking toward the horizon where the orange glow of fire could still be seen even at this distance.
"Hm" Renamon tutted closing her eyes.
"Something on your mind?" Liam asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Just wondering why you need our help... You're clearly strong enough to destroy these things on your own." Renamon replied choosing her words carefully. Liam rolled his eyes.
"Yes I thought it might be that." Liam with a heavy sigh. "Mithunamon aka Gemini and Mithuna are not the strongest of the Zodiac individually... But as you saw when they are together they are very careful about watching each others back... As for me managing to kill one of them... I was lucky." Liam said, shrugging.
"You're joking?" Renamon asked in an amused voice.
"We would've been in trouble if the idiot hadn't used my sword to smash into the gas line that luckily ran under that street... I used my power over fire to ignite it and concentrate it into one area." Liam continued, taking another drink. "Unfortunately between the beating I took and all the energy it took to do something like that I wouldn't be much use against Mithuna now... So I'm staying here to make sure you two are all right."
"How considerate of you" Renamon said in a sarcastic tone.
"What exactly is it everyone thinks we hope to gain from you?" Liam asked angrily.
"I don't know... That's what worries me" Renamon replied calmly. "And what did you mean everyone?"
"The digidestined just tried to attack me" Liam said exasperatedly. "Now you think I have some evil plan."
"I don't think you have an evil plan" Renamon said, opening her eyes.
"Then what-" Liam began.
"I think you're working an angle." Renamon cut him off. "I think you and Exer are very smart... And are manipulating these children to get whatever it is that you want. I do not however think that whatever you want is necessarily evil." Renamon finished. Liam shifted uncomfortably and Renamon was sure she had touched a nerve.
"That's some imagination you've got there" Liam said after a moment.
"Am I wrong?" Renamon asked, a cool satisfaction in her voice.
"Guess we'll just have to wait and see... Like I told the others. You don't have to trust us, all you have to do is fight with us... Can you do that?" Liam asked turning so that both his legs hung off the side. He extended his hand toward Renamon, who shook it.
"Even if I couldn't. I get the sense we don't have much choice" Renamon said as she let go. Before Liam could reply, Exer and Gallantmon landed in front of them.
"Good to see your both okay" Liam said, sounding relieved.
"Yeah... I take it Gemini cought up with you?" Exer asked spotting the cuts on Liam's face and the flask in his hand.
"I took care of it" Liam replied.
"Sorry about that" Takato said as he and Guilmon split apart. "There was so much stuff flying everywhere I got caught up trying to attack Mithuna and he just got away... Is Rika okay?"
"You need to take a look at her Ex... She isn't in really bad shape but she got roughed up a pretty good bit." Liam said. Exer walked passed both of them without another word, closing the door behind her.
"So she's... okay?" Takato asked.
"She isn't dead if that's what you're wondering... She'll feel it in the morning, but nothing major" Liam replied, taking another drink of his bourbon.
"Are you two alright?" Renamon asked. The two gave a small nod in reply. At that moment a soft light radiated from inside Rika's room. After a few seconds it faded and Exer opened the door.
"I healed all her more serious injuries... She's not gonna feel to good in the morning but she'll be alright... Just tell her to take it easy." Exer announced to the small group.
"Thank you" Renamon said standing up. As Exer took a step forward Renamon was surprised at how pale and tired she looked.
"We should get going" Liam said getting to his feet. He was moving with a slight limp, sort of dragging his left leg.
"You're welcome and if there are any problems just contact us with your D-Arcs" Exer said as she stepped forward beside Liam.
"We'll see you soon" Liam said waving at Tokato and Guilmon who returned the gesture. A moment later the two flew away, though in different directions.
"Let's check on Rika" Takato said immediately. Renamon turned and opened the door as the two followed her in. Rika was still in the same position Renamon had left her in. Many of the cuts and bruises seemed to have disapeared, and the ones that remained look days old. She seemed to be breathing easier now.
"She'll be okay now" Renamon said stepping into the dark room.
"Mind if I stay to make sure?" Takato asked, not really caring what Renamon's answer was.
"You don't think I can han-" Renamon began looking over her shoulder at Tokato.
"I think I'd feel better if I stayed" Tokato said flatly. Renamon turned to face him. Then she did something Tokato wasn't sure he had seen her do more then once. She smiled at him.
"Alright, stay until she wakes up... If you don't think you'll get into to much trouble" Renamon added teasingly.
"I don't care how much trouble I get in" Tokato said. He walked over and sat down on the floor across from Rika's bed. Guilmon turned and went back outside to lay in the garden. Renamon smiled again as she sat down to sleep against the wall near the head of Rika's bed. While Tokato and the others were settling in to sleep, Liam and Exer's work was only beginning.
Liam sat alone on the edge of a rooftop near the edge of town. He was still drinking from another silver flask. He was staring up at the nearly full moon and enjoying the peace and quiet of the night and the chill of the cool air. Exer landed and walked up behind him.
"I thought you would've finished that by now" Exer said as she sat down, dangling her legs over the side just like him.
"I brought two" Liam said, shaking the flask slightly so that the liquid made a loud sloshing noise.
"You alcoholic" Exer said luaghing. She took an enormous bite of ice cream out of the dark blue cup she was holding.
"I swear you plan battles based on where Dairy Queens are located." Liam replied laughing.
"You deal with stuff using alcohol I deal using crazy amounts of sugar" Exer replied taking another large bite.
"And absurd amounts of chocolate apparently." Liam said eying the cup suspiciously.
"Trade ya a bite for a sip?" Exer asked, offering him the cup.
"Bourbon for ice cream... One of us is getting screwed on this deal" Liam said as they both laughed and swapped items. Liam took one bite and started laughing again. "You're gonna go into a sugar coma after you finish that thing." Exer took a drink of the bourbon and caughed slightly.
"So" she began as they traded the items back. "Which one do you like?"
"T.K." Liam replied, looking up at the moon.
"Really?" Exer asked sounding surprised. "I thought for sure you'd want one of the goggle heads."
"Tai's a good guy... But I think he likes playing the hero a little to much... And I'm sure as hell not handing my life's work over to Davis!" Liam replied.
"Davis is a nice kid but I can't say I blame you... I'm pretty sure you already know which one I want" Exer said. Liam dropped his gaze from the moon and turned to look her in the eye and smirked.
"Rika" he said simply.
"Yeah... Not really a hard choice to make honestly" Exer said.
"Hm... She's tough" Liam said, turning his head down toward the street. "When do you want to start the next phase?"
"They've earned a rest... We shouldn't do anything for at least two weeks I'd say" Exer said.
"I agree... Renamon knows we're up to something" Liam added as an after thought. Exer stopped chewing the bit to look over at Liam who wouldn't meet her eye.
"Does she know what?" Exer asked with some difficulty owing to the amount of chocolate cementing her teeth together.
"I don't see how... She just got through telling me how she thinks we're up to something, she's just not sure we're 'evil'" Liam said.
"That's a question I wish I could answer my self" Exer said setting her nearly empty cup down. "But one way or the other it's to late to turn back now."
"You're right" Liam said. The two sat in silence for a moment thinking about the string of events that had lead them here.
"I should be going" Exer said abruptly standing up.
"Where are you going?" Liam asked, knowing the answer.
"The Dark Ocean" Exer replied cooly.
"You can't go there right now" Liam said exasperated. "You should take time to rest and-"
"You know as well as I do that it doesn't make any difference what physical shape I'm in when I go there." Exer cut across him.
"Why can't you just-" Liam attempted to begin again.
"Because I want to end this Liam" Exer said forcefully drawing herself up to her full height. Liam looked down and as acid green met steel blue, he knew he wouldn't be able to talk her out of it.
"Here" he said unsnapping his cloak "I remember it's very cold there and yours isn't in very good shape... Trade me" he finished offer it to her. She smiled and unsnapped her own cloak and traded him.
"I'll be fine... Or at least I'll be better then you would be" she added in a somber tone.
"You're right... Besides we don't know how long it will take you to find the spells we need" Liam said. "Just... watch your back... Okay?" Liam asked sheepishly. Exer stepped forward and hugged him. After a few seconds the two broke apart, turned on their heels and were gone in two separate clouds of data mist. Unbeknownst to them a small humanoid figure stepped out from behind a sign on top of the building across the street. He had been listening to their whole conversation.
"Very interesting..." Impmon said, scratching his chin. "I better tell the others in the morning... What the hell could those two want with Rika?"
A/N: Again sorry for the long wait. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and whether you did or not, please review and let me know what you think!