Smothered Light
By: Theodore 'Blitz' Leung
Disclaimer: All Digimon and their characters (except for those introduced in this fic/series) do NOT belong to me. I do not have permission to use their characters, but it's a FanFic, so, who cares? =) This story line belongs to me and me alone. Please ask for permission if you wish to use it. Thanks. Now let's get onto reading!
Having an aggressive urge to kill something is something I wouldn't want to experience again.
Then again, I might not have a choice.
Just something came over me...and then I wanted to see blood...lots of blood...especially the blood of Angels.
Or worse, those close to me...
Oh please...don't let me fall to it again...whatever it is...
~Diary of Tao 'Blitz' Lee, the lost Destined
* * * * * *
There was darkness all around. The light came only from one point: a teenage girl standing in the sea of darkness, her body illuminated with the power of Light.
"It's so cold..." Shastina whispered, wrapping her arms around her body. The light grew brighter as though commanded, giving a bit of heat to the illuminated area. She slowly unwrapped herself, feeling the heat her Light emitted.
"Hello?" Shastina yelled out, her voice echoing in the sea of black. There came no reply from the darkness. "Anyone out there!?" Shastina shouted next, again her echo followed.
"S-Shas..." stammered the voice, weak and frail. Faintly and in the distance, Shastina saw the glow of another in the dark. Shastina squinted to see who that was in the distance. The Digi-Destined gasped, identifying the weak human whose glow was beginning to fade.
"Tao!!" Shastina cried out, running forward. However, no matter how hard and fast she ran, Tao never seemed to get any closer. The boy was on his knees, weak for reasons unknown.
"Shas..." he spoke weakly, his Light beginning to fade.
"TAO!!!" Shastina screamed before the boy was completely engulfed in darkness, leaving her alone once more.
"Tao..." Shastina spoke softly, falling to her knees, her Light still as bright as ever. A hand fell onto her shoulder, startling her. She gasped in surprise, slowly turning her head to face the new comer.
"Shas..." Tao spoke softly, his glow no longer visible, his form there however.
"T-Tao...?" Shastina asked, glancing down at the weapon in his hand, then back up to his face. There was an aura of darkness around him, not just the fog of dark around them, but something dark was coming from Tao.
There was a grin on his mouth; a grin of sadism, a grin of evil. With one swift movement, he thrusted his sword into Shastina's stomach, the blade emerging from the other side.
Shastina cringed in pain, her muscles tightening from the sudden attack. Slowly, the teenager opened her eyes and looked up at Tao, that grin still on his face. The weapon slowly slid out of Shastina's stomach, allowing her to fall to the ground. The blade was soaked in her blood, the Digi-Destined's vision going blurry. Her Light began to fade, the figure of Tao slowly walking away.
* * * * * *
Shastina shot up in her bed, breathing harshly. Tigramon still remained asleep beside her, partially disturb by her partner's sudden movement, but not waking from it.
"It was...just a dream..." Shastina gasped softly, a hand running down to her stomach. There was no wound, no scar, nothing. She sighed, falling back down onto the bed. It was still dark outside, indicating it was still very early in the morning in California.
She lay on the bed, but she couldn't get her eyes to closed. Every time she closed those eyes, she saw the blade drenched in blood of her body.
Then, the line came back to her once more.
Hope will shine, but not before Darkness takes that of Light away...
"Is it a sign?" Shastina thought, glancing at the Digimon beside her. Tigramon slept peacefully, a smile on her face. It was clear her dream was much better then the dream Shastina just had.
* * * * * *
Tao's eyes went wide, his forehead clear with sweat. The morning sun was just rising over the horizon in the distance, but the Digi-Destined had no time to admire the view of the Digital World.
"It...was a dream..." Tao thought, looking towards his arm. In his hand, gripped tightly was the weapon he possessed. There was no sign of the blood of his loved one on the weapon however.
"Yes...just a dream..." Tao spoke softly, getting to his feet. The campfire he and his Digimon made the night before was out, little smoke rising from the remains. He raised the weapon to eye level, still seeing the blood he shed in that darkness.
"What does it mean?" Tao asked himself, forcing his eyes closed. His grip grew tighter against the weapon.
A glimpse of darkness flashed before his closed eyes. Not just the darkness from his eyelids, but something more. Tao took a step back in surprise, gasping and sensing the evil from within.
"No..." Tao groaned, dropping his weapon. He grabbed his own body, falling to his knees. "What is it...that darkness...what is it?!" Tao cried out, closing his eyes in pain.
The Digi-Destined screamed out, awakening his partner.
"Tao?!" Harriermon exclaimed, quickly getting beside his partner. Tao's body shook in pain, the boy trembling.
"Harrier...get away from...here...from me..." Tao spoke weakly, falling farther to the ground.
"But..." Harriermon protested.
"NOW!" Tao screamed, crying out in pain once more from his out burst. "I don't want to hurt you..." was the next response, albeit weak. It gave Harriermon all the incentive he needed though, seeing what would become of his partner. Tao removed his Digivice from his vest pocket and directed it towards Harriermon, inducing a Digivolve.
"Harriermon...Digivolve to...Haeromon!"
The massive bird flapped his wings, still watching his partner.
"Now...go...before...I...lose...it..." Tao spoke, his voice raspy, his hand losing his grip on the Digivice. Haeromon didn't want to leave his partner, but at a time like this, he needed help, for his sake, as well as Tao's.
"I'll be back with help!" Haeromon shouted, taking off like a rocket towards the distance.
* * * * * *
Marc woke with a startling blaring beeping in his ear. He quickly grabbed his Digivice from the night table, energy beginning to collect.
"What's going on?" Xemon inquired, fatigue apparent in his tone, though the alarm woke the Digimon up good.
"A Digital Portal...forming now?" the Digi-Destined asked, knowing full well his partner wouldn't have an answer.
"At this time of day?!" Xemon protested, fully awake now. Neither had time to respond, the two being sucked into the Digital World against their will.
* * * * * *
Shastina wasn't awakened by the sudden blaring of her Digivice, but she was clearly surprised. Tigramon was awakened with the sound, glancing up at Shastina for an answer.
"Don't look at me," Shastina responded, taking the Digivice. It was clear from the energy being gathered that a portal was being opened, and that the Digital World was taking this pair whether they liked it or not.
* * * * * *
Haeromon soared through the sky, desperately searching those that can help him in this time of need.
A bright light caught his attention. The Digimon dived down, getting an idea of what just happened.
* * * * * *
Marc and Shastina exchanged looks, both still a bit tired, but both also ready for whatever emergency that befell the Digital World.
"At least they give us our clothing," Marc spoke, dropping his shades to block out the sun and then yawning.
"Don't go falling asleep behind those shades now," Shastina joked dryly, knowing that this call must have something to do with her dream. Tigramon and Xemon looked up at the sudden shadow, seeing Haeromon diving down towards them.
"Haeromon!" Shastina exclaimed, waving. Her expression went sour when she noticed the Digimon had no passenger.
"Where's Tao?!" Xemon demanded before anyone else could demand the same thing. Everyone waited for an answer from the bird as he landed.
"He...he's losing it...or he's lost it...I'm not sure..." Haeromon answered, forcing the words out.
"What do you mean he's losing it?" Tigramon inquired, a bit confused, as were two others. For Shastina, however, she had a good idea what it meant.
"Take us to him," Shastina spoke, climbing aboard the Digimon's talon. "And make it fast, I think I know what's going on," she quickly added, waiting for the other three to get on. The needed no more encouragement, climbing aboard.
"Let's go!" Shastina commanded, the avian Digimon blasting off towards his partner's last location.
* * * * * *
Tao watched his Digimon landing on the ground before him. He clutched his blade loosely, watching the passengers disembark. In his eyes, there was no pain, just hatred – an untold hatred that no one can see.
"You've returned..." Tao spoke softly, without malice and without stagger. Haeromon couldn't see the agony on the Digi-Destined that suddenly hit the boy so little time back.
"Tao...is something the matter?" Marc asked, stepping forward before Shastina dragged him back a step.
"Yes, he's changed," Shastina answered, holding Marc's arm to keep him from advancing. Tao smirked, knowing that the shared a dream a while back. He also knew to Shastina, it wasn't a very pleasant dream.
"You saw it too, it's quite clear," Tao spoke, not raising his weapon. Shastina remained silent, but knew what Tao was talking about.
"Darkness takes that of Light away..." Shastina spoke softly, finally understanding what it meant, or, at least, partially.
"Pardon?" Haeromon asked, unsure what the Digi-Destined meant.
"Darkness took Tao away from us?" Tigramon asked. Shastina nodded slowly, taking her Digivice out. She didn't want to fight Tao, but chances are, if she wanted even a remote chance of getting him back, she'll have to.
Tao saw Shastina's Digivice, grunted, then raised his own. Marc followed, ready for battle anytime now. Marc's and Shastina's Digivice both activated at the same time. Tao continued to wait, confusing them a bit. If Haeromon Digivolved again, it would be the much easier to stop Tao.
"Xemon..." "Tigramon..."
"Digivolve to..."
"Vormon!" "Toramon!"
Tao smirked once more, glancing between the two Champion level Digimon. He raised his Digivice again, pointing it towards Haeromon.
"Digivolve..." he whispered, barely audible. Energy collected in the Digivice, empowering Haeromon. The Digimon, however, cried out in pain, nearly falling over as energy overcame him.
"Haeromon...Digivolve to...Celeaglemon!"
The Light Digimon, however, wasn't that of Light anymore. The wings of the Angel/Eagle hybrid were as black as the night sky. There was no friendliness or caring in the eyes of the Digimon as he now stood by the side of Tao, his weapon drawn and ready.
"The Crest of Light has succumb to the Darkness..." Shastina gasped, unable to believe it.
"That's just so nice to know," Marc spoke sarcastically, loading his Crest of Hope. "Alright Vormon, let's step it up one!" His Digivice blasted with power, charging his Digimon with energy.
"Vormon...Digivolve to...Millenimon!"
Shastina shook her head, unable to believe the turn of events. "And may Light purify the Darkness that has taken you Tao..." Shastina whispered, loading her Crest of Light to combat the new enemies that has arisen. Once more, the Digivice charged with energy.
"Toramon...Digivolve to...Siberimon!"
* * * * * *
"I see you've taken his soul...." the voice commented. There was a grunt from the Darkness that ensnared the figure, though it was clear this Digimon wasn't afraid of the
Darkness.
"The boy of Light belongs to me now," was the reply from the Darkness.
"And if the other half of the Light doesn't allow it to happen?" the Digimon asked, watching the battle from the cover of darkness that was invisible to all.
"That's what you are for," the Dark replied. The Digimon nodded, continuing to watch the fight unfold. "If it doesn't go according to plan, I guarantee to terminate them all."
"You know what happens if you fail," was the response. The Digimon shrugged.
"If I fail, I'll get terminated by them," the Digimon answered. "You need not threaten me with those words, I know what can happen."
"Good," came the Dark. "It is difficult to find assistance like yours."
"It shall not be a problem to destroy them though," the Digimon answered. "I took the time to jack a spire technology bracelet from Serangmon's abode, and with the fact that there can be no more Light Ainoko Digimon..." The Digimon need not conclude himself, the answer was all too clear.
* * * * * *
Tao grinned, raising his weapon now to confront his two former friends. The fallen Angel Celeaglemon remained by his side, both void of any sort of caring and remorse they once had for their companions.
"Which one you want?" Millenimon asked the Digimon he stood beside. Siberimon regarded the opposing Digimon, then the Human, then the Digimon again.
"I'll take on my alter ego," she responded, Celeaglemon quickly leaping towards Siberimon upon hearing the challenge.
"Oh sure...leave me with the task of beating a Human without scratching him!" Millenimon exclaimed.
"Not my fault!" Siberimon shouted, leaping into the sky, Celeaglemon chasing after her with that mean looking sword of his. Millenimon sighed, knowing she was right. He was the one who asked which she would like to duel.
"Look out!" Marc exclaimed, but a moment too late. Tao was already before Millenimon, making a large gash against the dragon's scales. The dragon Digimon was stunned by the attack, but he quickly regained his senses, ready for any more attacks.
"You're going to regret that," Millenimon growled.
"And you're going to stop me?" Tao asked, laughing slightly and leaping up towards the dragon's head.
* * * * * *
Serangmon clutched his weapon's handle tightly, sensing the darkness that was being released. That wasn't the only thing that frightened him. He tried to stop it happen once, but under orders, he didn't stop it a second time.
"Now...his heart has become as black as the being that posses him..." the Angel spoke softly, closing his eyes. "I sure hope we know what we're doing...."
* * * * * *
Tao breathing was irregular and harsh, though he clearly held the upper hand, especially considering the fact that the two recent duels left all three Digimon in their Rookie forms, though Harriermon remained loyal to the cause of inflicting pain.
All three Digimon were tired beyond belief, exhausted and lying the ground, leaving Tao with everyone's fate in his hands.
"Get out of here," Marc told Shastina, placing himself in between the two other Humans. Shastina shook her head violently, unwilling to abandon her friends. She pushed Marc out of the way and approached Tao directly, unafraid anymore of anything that might befall her.
The two stood face to face, neither making a move from their positions. Marc stood still, not wanting anymore to interrupt this delicate situation.
"You will die," Tao told her. Shastina still stood her ground, knowing full well she can suffer the same fate she did in her dream. Tao didn't make any sign of weakness, only slowly raised his blade and pressed the sharp edge against Shastina's neck, though not pressing very hard.
It was then Tao saw the same blood he saw in his dreams. The blood of his friend, the blood of his lover. He pressed no more, but he still saw blood. The blade was coated with it. Tao's hand began to tremble at the sight of it.
Marc watched, unbelieving what he was witnessing. Shastina's body was surrounded in a glow, the energy of Light empowering her. Tao took a step back, dropping the weapon, his body shaking violently once more. He fell to his knees, clutching his head.
"Get out of me..." he cried softly, pressing against his head tighter. "Leave me alone...you can't make me...stop...please..." The words made little sense to the spectator. Shastina's response was to place a hand on Tao's shoulder, getting him to look up at her.
"H-help me..." Tao sobbed, tears of pain rolling down his cheeks. Shastina nodded, kneeling down and wrapping her arms around Tao's head, setting it on her lap. Tao began to cry, the glow of Light energy beginning to ensnare Tao as well. His shaking began to stop, his pain going away. Slowly, but surely, the darkness that possessed him before was repelled with the Light Shastina had.
"It's over..." Shastina spoke, the Light dissipating from both bodies. Both teenagers slowly got to their feet, tired from their ordeal.
The moment of triumph was lost in a flash, a dark energy ring blasting from the sky and knocking into Shastina. She cried out in pain as another energy ring wrapped around her neck, lifting her from the ground.
"Shas!!" both Marc and Tao screamed out, watching helplessly as something stole Shastina from them. All three Digimon were back up to their feet upon hearing the cry, Harriermon also no longer under the influence of Darkness.
"This is one annoying bitch to handle..." the Digimon spoke, slowly floating down from the sky. Shastina held tightly against the ring that held her, losing her breath slowly.
There were no words that could describe the Digimon they saw. He was a devil, coated completely in black, the only feature known was his muscular build and the crimson eyes behind that face mask. The only other part of his body revealed was the mouth, and it curled up with sadistic delight.
"Let go of her!" Tao shouted forcefully, retrieving his blade from the ground and leaping up towards the Digimon, only to be repelled with one gesture from the Digimon, knocking the boy back down with a black energy ring.
"I, Maoumon, have been ordered to destroy all of you Digi-Destined, starting with this little one right here..." he spoke, grinning once more and punching Shastina in the stomach, weakening her greatly. She cried as much as possible in pain, though being suspended in the air by her neck did nothing for her health.
"NO!" Tao shouted out, weakened, but not down for the count. No, he was far from that state.
"And what are you going to do about it?" Maoumon sneered. "You have no Hope of beating me, and your Crest proves it all."
"We'll find a way!" Marc shouted out. "And fast..." he added under his breath.
"We will!" Tao agreed. "To give up is to throw everything away! I lost that once, but now...now..."
"I won't give up on her! She never gave up on me, I can't on her...not yet! There is Hope, no matter what!"
Tao's Digivice began to react with his words, charging with power for every word he said of Hope. It was quite clear what it meant, and the fact that both Tao's Digivice and Marc's Digivice began to pulsate with energy in synchronisation was a sign of something.
Two beams of energy collided in a familiar display, the Crest of Hope formed in between. Both Harriermon and Xemon were taken into the Crest.
"Harriermon..." "Xemon..."
"Ainoko Digivolve to..."
A massive beast shattered the protection that sheltered him. Large dragon wings quickly formed on the back, as did a long dragon tail. In a blast of energy, silver armour formed all around the Digimon's body. The neck stretched out, an eagle head at the tip. There were talons for legs and dragon like arms protruded from the body. All exposed parts of the body were covered in dragon scales.
"Ichidoumon!"
Before anyone can say anything, the massive Dragon/Eagle hybrid rocketed towards Maoumon. With the speed of an eagle and the power of a dragon, the Digimon rolled over the Daemon Digimon. There was a cry of pain from the Digimon as he was bowled over, breaking his concentration on the energy ring around Shastina's neck. She didn't give a scream of terror as she fell. She did, however, give a sigh and coughed when both Marc and Tao caught her from her fall.
"Oh, Tao..." she spoke weakly, Marc backing away from the two lovebirds once he knew that both were safe. Tao cradled Shastina's head in her arms, allowing her to lie in his lap. Tao sobbed softly, placing his forehead against her forehead.
Both Maoumon and Ichidoumon faced off the in sky, far from bothering the three Humans on the ground below.
"DARK SABER!"
A blade of pure black energy formed in Maoumon's hand. The daemon grinned, rushing forward with no regard for his own safety and with a goal to run the hybrid Digimon through.
Ichidoumon dived low, narrowly avoiding becoming skewered by an unholy weapon. Maoumon was annoyed now, unbelieving that something so dragon like could move so fast. He dived down towards the Digimon.
Right into a blast of energy.
"HOLY BLAST!"
A breath of pure holy energy erupted from Ichidoumon's mouth, incinerating the unholy being with divine retribution. The daemon was slain, his remains floating slowly towards the ground as ashes of data.
* * * * * *
"Tao...even with Hope back...I don't believe you want to come back..." Shastina spoke softly, eyes closed, head on Tao's lap. Tao was on his knees, holding Shastina's head and running a hand through her hair lightly.
"I don't want to go crazy...not again...and the best way to ensure all our safety is if we remain worlds apart...me...away from you and the others..." Tao responded, closing his eyes. A small tear ran down his cheek, though unnoticed by those around.
"It's okay...I understand...." Shastina answered, not enjoying the turn of events, but accepting it as fate. "I...I just there was more I can do..." she concluded, sighing. Tao remained quiet, still brushing Shastina's hair softly.
* * * * * *
"Will the two ever be together?" Tigramon asked Marc, the three Digimon and one Digi-Destined standing a distance away from the two in love.
"Only if fate let's them..." Marc answered, wishing for that pair that fate wasn't so cruel. "Only if..."
"And when will that be?" Harriermon asked next, also concerned for his partner.
"Who knows..." Xemon replied, shrugging. "It could be never..."
Fin
Completed: 03/27/01
