Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon in any way, shape, or form. So there. ^sniffs^ This fic is a Rukato/Takruki/Takato+Ruki, so if you don't like it, don't read it. Although, I suppose you've gotten this far so... Never mind. Oh! And, I feel the urge to state the fact that this fic was begun before I saw the end of 03, so it does not acknowledge things that happened. (Like Ryouki! ^heh^)
Italics: thinking
...Italics... : flashbacks and dreams O_o
Ch.8
Alertness returned slowly to Takato's still body. The temperature of the darkness was quite comfortable, but he was still trembling. Rika was still close by. Takato had heard her scream.
In a way, this knowledge was comforting, but another side of Takato was starting to wonder.
~~~
As much as she disliked it, Rika was drifting through her life in memories. Watching herself grow older moer quickly than she should have, as a layer of ice protected her heart from love and compassion.
...Rika strode down the crowded sidewalk, her mind lost in the music coming from her headphones. A colourful poster caught her eye, and she turned, almost disdainfully, to look at it.
Digimon Card Game Championships. Digimon. The word brought thoughts of battle to her mind. Championships. To be a champion, you had to be ruthless. She could be a champion. She was one.
Rika smiled. I'll be the Digimon Queen....
...The announcer lifted Rika's hand high into the air.
Ladies and gentleman, the champion!
Rika didn't jump up and down or wave. She didn't even smile. There was no need. She was the queen...
...Her heart was pounding. Rika had never felt so afraid. The dark shapes closed in on her, talking in hushed voices.
Be my Tamer...
I'm the strongest digimon...
We'll be invincible, you and I...
Then Renamon came out of the darkness like a beam of light, dispersing all the dark shapes. As soon as Rika saw her, she knew they were perfect for each other. The would fight, and they would win...
...And they did. Rika and Renamon battled ruthlessly, destroying every digimon they encountered. Then they met...
Rika frowned. She never she had been so cruel. I alienated so many people. I treated Renamon like and tool, rather than a living creature with feelings. Reliving my life, it's such a strange feeling. Mine was so bleak.
~~~
Why do I still care. When was the last time Rika even tried to be nice when she was unhappy? If there had been such a time, Takato couldn't remember it. Then why am I still trying to earn her forgiveness? The next time we have a fight, she'll just go back to being cold.
Juri. If there was anyone who deserved Takato's affection the most, it was Juri. But still I was Rika's slave.
...The red hot metal sliced a path down Juri's cheek. She didn't even scream. She just crumpled to the ground. Takato screamed though. He screamed enough for all the Tamers. Lee rushed to Juri's side, Rika surveyed the scene, a worried expression on her face, and Suzi wrapped around her legs. And Takato still screamed...
~~~
...Takato. She was his dream girl'... Rika smiled slightly at the memory, although at the time, she was, typically, disgusted.
...Although she hated to admit it, Takato's charm was irresistable. His and Guilmon's antics brought a light-heartedness to into Rika's life that wasn't there before...
...And he came over to her house too. That was embarassing. But she started engoy his company, and that mortified part of her. The rest of her actually liked it though...
He melted the ice, he brought an end to the winter inside of me, Rika whispered. It sounded very cliche, but it was true. When Takato cam einto her life, he added something to the bleakness: hope.
And when he left... I shouldn't have been so hard on him. It wasn't his fault. Even when he was in New York, he kept trying. He never broke his promise.
... Takato said quietly.
I have a... He cleared his throat, A present for you. Rika tried to pretend that she wasn't surprised as Takato reached into his pocket and produced a small box. You once told me about a promise bracelet you had. I have a promise too... I promise that we'll never be apart, ever.
Takato smiled as Rika tentativly accepted the box and, shyly, returned the smile.
You changed my life Takato, Rika said softly, I promise... I promise that I will never alienate you, or anyone, ever again. Thank you....
Rika removed one of her wristbands, exposing a thin gold chain. In one spot it had been patched together with a bit of wire. On it there was one charm, a small gold heart. I broke mine.
I forgive you, Takato... Even though she remembered her promise, her proud, stubborn side kicked in. But only if you admit your mistake.
~~~
...Juri didn't ever sulk or complain. She was always so proud, even with the scar curving from her jsut below her right eye to her jaw. She was always so happy...
Takato sighed. A mistake, that's what it was.
...We're moving to New York, I have to go, Takato choked, I'm really, really sorry, Rika.
Rika's eyes narrowed, No! No, you're not! I don't know why I ever trusted you, Takato Matsuki! And Rika had never spoken to him- nicely -again...
...I'm sorry Juri. I'm moving to New York, maybe for forever. I don't know. Takato strained to hold back his tears.
Aw, it's okay Takato. Don't worry about it. Juri gently hugged him. I still love you, you know that?...
That was the difference, clear as day.
You don't deserve me, Rika.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Neko's note: Finally, the next chapter! ^heh^ I think it's the longest yet, too... Anyways, what do you think?! Pretty please review? Suggestions are much appreciated!
psycho__neko@hotmail.com