our bones, underfoot

by Aiko Isari

It makes it all so much worse, the knowing, the caring, the recognition, and the acknowledgment. Because he can't really save her partner no matter where and when but he can save her and he's going to try.

38. 38

38.

The rage is red. A pretty, pretty red. Screaming loud, roaring even though he can't feel his mouth moving, his throat throbbing. He can feel the rage strong in his arms and legs. And Takato is proud of it, glad to have it glad to feel it. He doesn't say words, but he makes sounds he's sure, desperate sounds that his partner understands. Guilmon, MegaloGrowmon is an extension of him a part of him. Partner and part, partner and extended piece.

If only it had been this way before, with Bearmon. If only this was what had happened back then. Bakumon would have lived, things would have been better! If only they'd been like this then, then-

And then Kato-san is screaming. Screaming, screaming, screaming as-

Hands the size of baseball mitts, a sword as long as takato's torso in one holding Demon and Demon apart.

"Enough," thunders the adult and he's so small really, so small.

No, Takato thinks. It is not enough. Not yet. Not now. Not until the end.

And MegaloGrowmon warps beneath his fingers, before his eyes, and the world clears with a snap.

And the lion dies.