Chapter 5
All the Tamers held their breaths as the projectiles were released but only one digimon understood what was happening. 'They're going to let one kill the other one' thought impmon 'they don't want to hurt each other.
Sure enough as the flames arrived at half way they dissipated, giving the arrow strait course to Acheron. The arrow missed Acheron by two feet and imbedded in the ground. Acheron opened his eyes to see Angewomon kneeling on the ground, tears falling from her face but lacking the sobs. He tossed the scythe on the ground next to him the walked toward her. By now she was sobbing uncontrollably. He stood over her for a moment then picked her up in his arms. Angewomon buried her face in his shoulder and wept. "If you would be so kind, could you please support me for another night?" sighed Acheron.
"You can stay at my house. I'm sure my mother and grandmother won't mind." Acheron looked at Rika.
"Thankyou." Rika nodded then led the way toward her house with Takato at her side and the other tamers picking up the three unconscious rookies and following them. When they had gone it was just the digimon left.
"Well, I'd say that was interesting," stated Terriermon.
"We were lucky. If they were who the Sovereign used to talk about then he must be really important" mused Lopmon then saw six faces looking for answers. "The Angewomon is extremely powerful and the Angemon can Supposedly digivolve to ultimate. As for the Stingmon and Exveemon, they can DNA Digivolve to Mega. They are the digimon that defeated the Dark Masters and the ones that stopped Malomyotismon"
"So we just watched the good guys get smeared all over the pavement, well that's just great." groaned Terriermon.
"We shouldn't jump to conclusions. We should ask them later when they've recovered. Just because he was evil if they told the truth doesn't mean he still is, isn't that right Impmon?" mused Leomon as he looked for Impmon, then noticed that he wasn't there"Wait, where's Impmon?" They all looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.
"I know where he went." Renamon whispered, then teleported away.
"Jeez, she could have at least told us where," groused Terriermon, only to be silenced by Lopmon.
"Leave them alone. I think that he's somewhere private considering Renamon's response." Shushed Lopmon. "Let's go home."
"Good, I'm hungry," yelled Guilmon. That got a laugh out of everyone.
"Let's get going, we'll meet up later at dark." confirmed Leomon before walking back to Juri's. They then all dispersed to their homes.
{Rika's House, noon}
The somber procession walked down the path to Rika's house. Lead by Rika, Takato and Henry, the others carried either a knocked out rookie or a black staff. Behind them walked Acheron. The burden of Angewomon in his arms had fell in to deep and troubled sleep as she occasionally mumbled or cried out softly. Acheron's face is composed but he closes his eyes occasionally, fighting back the reemerging sadness, guilt, and shame. When he entered the house Rika's Grandmother's greeting was cut off in a gasp as she surveyed Acheron and his charge. She got her wits back in the next second then ten seconds later smiled sadly. "The poor dear looks exhausted, here, bring her to the guest room." Acheron followed her into the guest room and set Angewomon down so gently that it seemed she might break if he did it harder. He started when he heard the soft voice behind him. "You look like you could use some rest too."
"No I'm fine but thank you"
"You don't lie very well you know, at least have something to eat."
"That I will except." She just smiled at that and beckoned him to follow her to the kitchen. He walked over to a kettle and filled it with water. "Do you Mind?"
"Not at all" replied Hata Seito. Acheron's mouth twitched into a slight smile, and then he pulled out several packets of herbs and mixed them into the water. "Making Tea?"
"In a way, it's for those three when they wake up, it'll disperse my attacks side effects." Hato Seito raised her brow.
"What do you mean, are you a digimon?"
"No" he stated simply. He then but his hands over the water and light gathered in them. The light seeped into the water, and then it dispersed as quickly as it gathered. Acheron held onto the counter for support. "I'm doing more healing in two days then I've done in the last two years"
"Then why didn't you heal the soreness Rika's got from a battle she was in last night or the scratches on Takato's arms?" Hato Seito inquired. Acheron then noticed the frantic, pleading gazes from Takato and Rika to come up with an excuse. Acheron chuckled slightly.
"I didn't notice it, sorry" Hato Seito nodded and left the room. Acheron took a sip of water. "It seems someone's was a little friskee after our battle last night." Rika blushed and Takato laughed. "I wouldn't be laughing Mr. insatiable." It was now Takato's turn to blush as the table occupants around them burst out laughing.
Then all eyes turned to the now groaning figure of Patamon fighting his way back to consciousness. His eyes then snapped open as he took in his surroundings. His eyes then focused on Acheron. "Where is she?" he asked Acheron. Acheron poured the tea from the kettle into a cup then walked over to Patamon.
"She's sleeping, drink this" Patamon eyed him suspiciously. "If I wanted you dead you'd be so right now," Acheron growled, about to withdraw the tea. Patamon sighed and took a drink from the cup. A soft glow encompassed his body, and then faded. Patamon seemed fully healed if a little tired. Acheron then turned to Rika. "Could you give the tea to the others when they wake up, they'll trust you, I need to take a walk." Said Acheron then turned and left the house in a blur of motion to disappear into the trees.
"He reminds me of Renamon, the way he moves like that." Stated Juri, which drew a puzzled look from Patamon.
"Renamon are fast, but they normally aren't even close to that fast, that's why they have the teleportation ability. She must be something special if she moves like him." answered Patamon.
"Just how fast is Acheron?" inquired Henry.
"He would be fast enough to dodge the bullets fired from a gateling gun and still look like he stayed in the same place," answered Patamon.
"I can attest to that." The whole room jumped slightly as the slim figure of the golden fox of Tao revealed itself from the shadows. "He dodged every diamond out of my attack and you could barely see him move." she then sat down in a chair with a deep sigh. Only Rika noticed how worried it sounded.
"What's wrong Renamon?" Rika asked softly. She looked up with worried eyes then turned to glare slightly at Patamon, who almost took a step back from the kitsune.
"He's by their grave, she managed to get under his skin with her words more than what I've seen in a while." She put her head back down and into her hands with a deep, worried breath.
"Who's grave?" Patamon asked softly, he suddenly had a bad feeling about what had upset the young imp, which was confirmed by her next words.
"His Tamer's"
{Graveyard, late noon}
The graveyard was a huge expanse of land. Many people had been buried in this graveyard. In the center stood an area with taller, grander headstones and shrines. It was here that the famous, rich, and powerful are buried. The center of this place is reserved for those who have proved themselves to be heroes; it had been empty until three years ago. Three large headstones made by the finest craftsman in all of the world stood in the center, made of jade and other crystals from all around the world shaped into three different tombstones. One was large and over shadowing while the other two flanked it like sentinels, and in a way they were. The inscription on the central stone read as follows: "Dedicated to two young children that fought to save this world as well as the digital. Always in the memory of those who you gave your lives defending, Ai and Makoto, beloved children, Tamers, and heroes." The two sentinel stones are the markers of their parents who died with them, forever standing watch over their children's graves. People had come from all over the world to pay their respects to them as well as those who survived. 'Yes', the young imp reflected as he sat on top of a nearby shrine,' they got their respect and so did the others. It still doesn't change the fact that I failed them when it counted the most. If I hadn't been so concerned with getting Juri out of the Kernel Sphere they would still be alive.' He remembers it like it was yesterday. 'That was the day I turned back into the monster.'
{Flashback}
They saw him fall after being struck by D-Reaper. In his weakened condition after being attacked by D-Reaper after failing to retrieve Juri, he had opted to go with Gallantmon, Megagargomon, and Sukuyamon, despite their protest, to retrieve Juri and to stop D-Reaper once and for all. Now he was on his back, hurt and weak, with the three megas locked up in deadly combat and without his Tamers to give him strength, he was almost certainly dead or so he thought. He heard a yell and saw Ai and Makoto Standing there with their parents in hot pursuit. They were yelling and dancing, trying to draw the Reaper's attention from him to them, and they succeeded. Out of the blob emerged the most powerful of its ADRs, the replica of Juri. It smiled and gestured. They all watched in horror as ADRs sprung out and arced toward the family, who had gathered around tightly and braced themselves for the blow, the three megas tried to break free to help only to be snared deeper or struck in the back. Shouting for them to move, he forced himself to stand and jump towards them only to be slammed and trapped under falling debris caused by the Digi-Juri who was watching with a certain malicious glee. He watched as the ADRs sliced his tamer's parents to ribbons as they tried to protect their children, then as Digi- Juri released a Rapid Fire that killed Makoto instantly and blew a battered and bloody Ai next to him. She said "Impmon were...(cough..cough) ......sorry. Please forgive us.........(gasp)..........we love you" then she held out her hand to him and he reached for it, only to have it fall lifeless just before touching his.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Impmon screamed, feeling a dark rage build up inside him that made Takato's rage the day Magidramon was created seem like a shadow to the night. Dark energy wreathed his body as his power, the power to digivolve on his own, that which had once been his greatest dream before he came back from the digital world, empowered him with energies greater than even the three Megas now staring at him in shocked silence and maybe even to the level with the legendary Sovereign. "I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME!" and he stopped fighting the power and let it envelope him.
Impmon DarkWarpDigivolve to Beelzemon.
The Digi-Juri, the D-Reaper, and the three megas stood in shock at what they saw. Beelzemon stood before them, surrounded by a black aura. His three eyes glowed red and he was at least five feet larger then when he was formally Beelzemon or even Beelzemon Blast Mode. He then spoke "Now, I'm going to kill you." He than started walking towards Digi Juri with cold eyes, the same eyes that had destroyed Leomon and almost destroyed Renamon, Guilmon, and Takato. ADRs flew towards him, and he just gave a quick punch or slash and the ADR dissolved into Chaos. The three large ADRs fighting Gallantmon, Megagargomon, and Sukuyamon broke away and flew towards Beelzemon's back. He just spun around and used an attack "Darkness Claw" and the ADRs were blown away from the excessive force of the attack. He then drew both guns and pointed them at the Juri replica. He walked right up to it pointed a gun to it's head and fired, the bullet destroying the replica then clearing a path directly to the Kernel Sphere. He entered and the path closed behind him, leaving three shocked and disturbed megas in his wake.
{End Flashback}
'In truth, I beat D-Reaper though no one we'll ever know that. I asked them all to be silent. I destroyed the Kernel Sphere and almost destroyed Juri.' he thought. He hung his head in shame and a single tear slid down his cheek. No matter how much he had accomplished after the fact, he had still failed to protect them. He felt the embrace of strong arms and is hugged tightly to a soft body.
"It's alright my love, let it out." And he did, he wept into Renamon's fur uncontrollably. He wept for his tamers, his weakness, and his failures. The entire time clinging to Renamon, who had been his lifeline ever since that fateful day. After fifteen minutes he calmed down so that he could finally pull away.
"Thank you, for being there for me, even when we were just friends."
"It was no problem my love. Please come back with me, the others are worried and you need something to eat." at that he smiled.
"Okay, if you'd be so kind as to take me" he smiled softly, she smiled back and teleported away from the gravesite."
{Rika's house, dusk}
The tamers, Rika's mother and grandmother, the three rookies and the digimon sat around the large table eating dinner with only Acheron, Angewomon, Impmon, and Renamon absent. Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon are taken aback by their host's hospitality. Finally Patamon spoke up for them. "Why are you being so nice to us? We attacked you and threatened you. We insulted one of you and you've treated us like we're your friends."
"These humans are like that, taken in digimon when they've been attacked. "Replied a now present Impmon who has just materialized next to the table. Their was a startled flurry of movement from the Patamon and his group as they jumped back from the group, the rest of the group only being marginal startled after all, Impmon and Renamon had always been the two to sneak up on any of them. "Though" he said smiling "They kind a grow on ya." That drew a laugh from the tamers.
"May we join you?" asked Renamon politely to Hato Seito though she already knew what the answer would be.
"Of course dear, you to can sit next to our little guests." she replied, so Renamon sat down next to Rika and Impmon sat down next to Renamon and Wormmon. They ate quietly not really in the mood for conversation, though from Rika and Wormmon's point of view Renamon and Impmon are playing footsies with their respective tails. Eventually they started to notice that Wormmon, Patamon, and Veemon were all staring nervously at Impmon who was trying to ignore their stares.
"Could you please pass the tea?" Impmon asked Wormmon. Wormmon picked up the pot with slightly shaking hands, and passes it to Impmon only to drop the pot in Impmon's lap. Impmon then sighs and a large flame appears in his open palm. Using the fire he evaporates all the water off of him and the floor. When he looks up and extinguishes the flame he notices the fright from Wormmon and the tense relief from Wormmon's companions.
"What?" he asks staring at the three.
"We thought you were going to attack him." Replied Veemon.
"What? Why would I attack him? It's just a little bit if spilt tea," replied a slightly exasperated Impmon.
"Because your reputation preseads you Beelzemon." Replied Patamon softly.
"Beelzemon's dead." was all Impmon said before excusing himself from Hato Seito and walking out of the room. Almost immediately after Impmon left the room Patamon stared at a pair of blue eyes belonging to a very angry kitsune that is glaring at him from across the table.
"Haven't you and your leader said enough insults for one day. You have no right to judge any of us after all we have done to keep all of the Digimon and humans safe, him included." She said in a deceptively soft and calm voice.
"It's the truth he's a killer, what's worse is he killed for pleasure and what's the worst is that many of his victims he killed with impunity," Said Veemon, earning him a stare from Renamon.
"Yes, I was like that once." They all looked at Impmon who had just re- entered the Dining room "but if I still was like that almost everyone sitting at this table would be dead, and you would have been annihilated the moment I saw you. It's lucky for you that I'm a changed mon." he stated as he sat down beside Renamon again.
"My. My, My. Can't you three ever play nice with anyone?" Said Acheron, who had just come from outside. "Wormmon is at least polite and tactful, but you two just can't keep your mouths shut and not insult your savior's can you. "He then turned to Hato Seito. "Has she woken up yet?"
"No, she's still asleep," replied Hato Sieto. Acheron nodded then went up the stairs toward the room Angewomon is in.
"I think we all should get some sleep." Takato stated. Then he turned to Rika's mom and grandmother. "If it's alright with you, I think we should all stay here tonight." when he got a nod from the others he turned to face the to women of the house. They nodded their ascent.
"Okay, the boys can sleep in the living room and the girls can sleep in Rika's room. The digimon can sleep outside, if that's okay with them?" mused Rika's mother. The digimon nodded ascent. "The injured one can stay in the guest room, and whomever that was that just came in, he can sleep in my room," she said with a smirk.
"MOM!" Rika exclaimed with a blush.
"What? I can't look? Besides he's drop dead gorgeous."
"And he's very witty and very polite in conversation." Hato Seito added with a grin. Rika manage to turn a new shade of red.
"You two are horrible." Rika admonished.
"Well at least we know were you get it from Rika" teased Terriermon before Lopmon could put her paw over his mouth. The two woman arched their eyebrows at Rika, who wisely rushed out of the room followed by Takato and the rest of the group leaving only the two woman, the three guests, Impmon and Renamon. Renamon and Impmon ate in silence, used to being the last to finish since they usually came later than the others. The three rookies beside them however are fidgeting until finally Patamon spoke.
"Were sorry about what we said, it wasn't right of us to insult you like that."
"It's alright" Replied Impmon simply. "I deserved what you said. I was a true monster." Patamon, obviously uncomfortable, left the room with Wormmon and Veemon in tow. Impmon let out a deep sigh then rubbed his eyes. "After I'm done the dishes, I need to get some sleep."
"You don't have to, we can take care of it" Stated Rumiko, seeing how tired Impmon was. Impmon just stood and started picking up plates.
"It's only right since the ingrates don't give you any help." Impmon responded than began to laugh as he heard Terriermon respond.
"We are not ingrates!" Impmon brought the plates and began cleaning them while the three woman talked
"You're lucky Renamon, he's not the typical male." Hato Seito said, Renamon just smiled and chuckled.
"No, he isn't. But he should be like this, after being a miscreant for so long." her chuckling stopped however as a bolt of water hit her square in the face, soaking her fur but not her surroundings. Hato Seito and Rumiko began laughing uncontrollably as Renamon's indignant glare settled on Impmon, already done the cleaning, twirling a small bucket that had been full of water.
"Who says I'm still not?" he smirked. The smirk widened, if that were possible when everyone came to the kitchen to see what the noise was about and started laughing uproariously.
"You think this is funny?" she questioned raising an eyebrow. The collective nods and the bow of Impmon answered her question. Suddenly Renamon jumped and launched herself at Impmon. "Why you little." Just as Renamon was about to grab him, Impmon jumps over her, landing in the doorway.
"You're losing your touch foxy." he grinned, earning more laughs and snickers from their audience. Renamon smiled sweetly then teleported. Impmon quickly jumped back about four feet then watched as she reappeared a few seconds later with a bucket of water in her hands, one foot in front of Impmon. He grinned, and then squawked as she spun around and dumped it right on Impmon.
"I think not." she said smartly, and then turned swaggering, to walk back in with a chuckling Impmon walking behind her. The entire group is now laughing uncontrollably as the two soaked digimon walk in.
"Well, that was the most interesting foreplay I've seen in a while" Acheron said. Renamon and Impmon spun around to look at him quietly making some more tea. "You were having so much fun, I didn't want to distract you." Acheron answered. Pouring the now done tea into a cup he took a sip.
"How did you make that so fast?" inquired Hato Seito.
"I sped up the reaction, I figured I could be in and out as soon as possible." answered Acheron. "Oh, and by the way" Acheron turned to the pair in under the door frame "this is how you get someone wet." his hand snapped outward, releasing a black whip that reached out and struck something above the door. As they looked up a torrent of water landed on the both of them. Acheron gave a quick wave of his hand to evaporate all the water on the floor with a burst of black flame. The pair is shocked, wet, and sputtering as everyone laughed, and then as Acheron darted outside leaving the pair without a chance for retaliation.
"You're right, he is very witty and charming." giggled Rumiko to her mother.
"I told you so" Hato Seito replied smugly. Meanwhile Renamon and Impmon turn to stare at each other.
"He needs to be taught a lesson." she said softly, Impmon looked up incredulously.
"Yeah, but who's gonna end up being taught." he said, forming a flame in each hand and working on drying them both off. "Maybe we should just....."
"What is going on?" a tired sounding voice interrupted. All eyes turned to see Angewomon, leaning on the doorway for support. Hato Seito immediately got up and supported Angewomon then led her to the table. "Here dear, you must be tired. Sit and I'll get you some food." Impmon's face darkened slightly then he went with Hato Seito to prepare the food. Renamon's face darkens slightly for barely a moment than her face becomes impassive.
"Gatomon, are you all right?" inquired veemon.
"No not really, but I'll live. Did he catch and run again?" she asked
"No, he's still on this world. He was the one who carried you back here and he healed us." Patamon answered. Hato Seito then brought some food and laid it down in front of her.
"He was very concerned, when I came in to check on you, he was standing watch. He said he was taking a walk." Hato Seito stated. Everyone turned to look at the front door as it opened to reveal Acheron. He walked over to the table and sat down opposite and a little bit to the left of Angewomon. Hato Seito backed off and walked back over to the stove.
"So, you decided not to run away. A foolish choice don't you think?" Angewomon stated.
"I'm not running, not this time. Besides, I have something you might want to report to the Sovereign." Acheron stated, pouring some tea and drinking it. He then pointed at the assembled group watching from the doorway "They've been targeted. The powers you sensed me using were fighting off some goons, Devimon, and your former master."
"Don't call him that," she hissed in responce. "Besides, if their so powerful, why couldn't they take care of their attackers themselves." she growled, then pointed at Impmon. "They have a digimon that is capable of becoming the next Dark Master, after what he did to the D-Reaper I'm surprised he didn't take it." Impmon stiffened "I think that as long as Piedmon doesn't come himself, they could clean anything's clock that comes their way. In fact, they could have crushed us, so why didn't they?"
"I'm starting to think that we should have," growled Renamon from near the counter. "It would do you good to learn some respect"
"I'm not the one who needs to learn respect little rookie if you had just gotten out of the way this would be over, I should show you..."
"You even _think_ of touching her and you'll join the D-Reaper in the void," Growled Impmon, turning around to face Angewomon. "Do you really think that you could take what I was as any of the Beelzemons? I wouldn't have even blinked," he said softly, walking towards her. "I will bear insult and harm but if you ever even think of harming her, I will show you just what I was formerly capable of."
"What? Go ahead, turn into that monster and strike out at me if you dare." Angewomon stood and leaned over the table at Impmon, Impmon's face twisted into a sneer, then they both jumped back as a fist slammed into the table and then a chair came crashing down on the floor.
"STOP IT NOW!" Acheron yelled. Then his voice dropped almost beyond hearing then he stared at Veemon, Stingmon, Patamon, and then centered on Angewomon. "Your nothing but a shell of what you were, you disgust me." Then he turned and walked out of the door. Impmon looked slightly downcast and Angewomon looked like she has just been slapped as she collapsed into her seat. Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon have aghast looks on their face.
"How dare he." Veemon started.
"No. He's right. Impmon, Renamon, all of you, I'm sorry for what I said. I had no right ." Angewomon stated softly. Impmon looked up slightly.
"It's forgiven," he said simply. "Come on foxy, let's take a walk." Renamon nodded and they teleported out of the room. The rest of them dispersed, leaving Angewomon, Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon. The three rookies walked over next to the ultimate and sat down around her.
"Are you all right Gatomon?" Patamon asked concernedly.
"No, I'm not. But I deserved that. I acted totally inappropriately to the situation."
"What you need" Veemon suggested "is a walk by yourself to clear your mind, that should make you feel better." She nodded.
"Thank you" she said, and then walked out the door.
"She's heartbroken." Wormmon stated. Patamon sighed.
"She's been heartbroken for over four years now. She's been trying to hunt him down for years, saying that it's because of what he's done, but she could have forgiven him for that." Patamon added.
"And the problem is that the real reason she's hunting him may not be something he did. Acheron may have been telling her the truth when he said he never betrayed her." Wormon finished. Veemon looked at them.
"Remember the recording Piedmon had?" Veemon asked them.
"It could have easily been fake. You know that as well as I do," answered Wormmon.
"But it is also very likely that it wasn't." Veemon argued. As the two debated the two sides of the argument Patamon sighed.
"I just hope for their sake that it isn't." He whispered softly, staring out a window.
{Outside Rika's house, Night}
Angewomon walked slowly, taking in the sweet smells of the night. Over on the houses roof, she could see the silhouettes of Renamon and Impmon sitting together, watching the stars. 'Their very much in love, this demon and this kitsune.' she thought softly. The sight of the pair brought memories of happier days to her mind. She smiled slightly as she remembered Acheron and herself sitting in a similar position little more than four years ago. She remembered being with Kari and the others, as they would play in the forest, when they used to play tag. She chuckled a little at them trying to tag him; it had always been futile because of that speed and agility, they could never even lay a hand on him. 'Then' she thought grimly' Piedmon came back.' She remembered the war; all of the Digidestined and even some of the newly emerging Tamer's joined it. Dark V.S. Light. What the darkness lacked in numbers, it made up in power. With the return of all four Dark Masters, Myotismon, and Devimon as well as Ladydevimon and many other powerful dark digimon, the score was tied. But slowly turning as the darkness's power started to grow with the slow corruption of elements of the light. Finally, the legendary Oidiaba Digidestined decided to storm the Dark Masters directly. It was suicide. Piedmon watched as Myotismon, Devimon, Ladydevimon, and his three partners with the help of multiple other viruses crushed the severely outnumbered digimon and humans. Acheron had opposed it, so Angewomon had left in the morning and not told him. He arrived to see all ten digimon beaten and bloody on the ground. Only Angewomon hadn't Dedigivolved. Ladydevimon picked her up by her throat. She had said "Looks like with you dead, I'll have that pretty boy friend of yours as a boy toy." Angewomon spat in her face.
"Stay away from him bitch." she had said. Ladydevimon smiled, then threw her to the ground, and then slammed her boot down on Angewomon's hand, breaking it. Ladydevimon heard to late the snarl of rage as Acheron's scythe sliced her nearly in half. He then turned to the now glaring Piedmon and jumped to attack. 'And the rest' Angewomon thought 'is history.' Angewomon turned back to look at the pair on the roof. "I hope" she whispered, "that they have a happier ending."
"A happier ending than us?" the voice came from in front of her. She turned her attention to the kneeling figure in front of her and next to the coy pond. His eyes closed in a meditative stance, he sighs softly.
"Yes." she answers, sitting down eight feet in front of him. For the first time in years she studied his face. Gone now, is the hint of innocence that had always been part of him. In it's place a haunted look now resides. "Why didn't you kill me?"
"Because I can't. I couldn't then and I can't now. I was hoping that your arrow would finish it, hoped that your hate would allow you to finish me." Acheron answered softly. He then opened his eyes to look past Angewomon to the couple on the roof. "There just like us. Light and Dark, except that they've passed the trials sent their way." A single tear slid down his face. "I really do hope they have a happier ending because no one deserves ours." His gaze then centered back on Angewomon. "I'm sorry for what I said. I don't want to hurt you. I regret that I've done it already."
"You betrayed me Acheron. At least admit the truth."
"That is not the truth, I never betrayed you."
"Even if Piedmon's tape isn't real, you still became the Darkest Master and crushed all opposition."
Acheron sighed heavily, "Yes, all opposition except you. I do not recall betraying you in the manor that you speak. However I did betray you in that sense."
"Can you really account for every moment you became that monster?"
"No. I can't"
"Then it's still possible, no matter what you say." He didn't respond to that, just looked down. "So you finally except the possibility."
"No, I don't." he then opened his eyes and looked at her. She returned the stare.
*******************
Up on the roof the two young lovers sat on the roof of Rika's house side by side. Renamon could sense the uneasiness of her love without her kitsune abilities. She leans over and brushes her cheek against his, nuzzling against him. He leaned into it in an appreciative gesture and wrapped his forked tail around her bushy one. "Are you all right?" she asked, moving away to look at his eyes. He couldn't lie to her with those soft blue orbs staring into his soul.
"No, I'm not." He shuddered. "I shouldn't have threatened her. If she had called my bluff...."
"If she had called your bluff." she interrupted, in mock offense to lighten the mood "I would have digivolved and shown her a thing or two about proper respect, besides it's not like I'm some helpless damsel in distress and it's not like your a gallant knight sworn to protect me." She gave him a mock glare. He smiled.
"No, I'll leave the "gallant Knight" to our resident Jurassic Park reject. I'm the hardass punk on the motorcycle that comes in guns blazing and watches as his girlfriend mop up the "dragon" that he was supposed to rescue her from." he chuckled, feeling better. She grinned at his renewed sense of humor then froze, as if detecting something on the edge o her perception. She looked at Impmon for affirmation and saw it in his eyes. Just as suddenly it lifted from their perception, as if it was never there. They both instinctively moved closer to each other, feeling the after chill of the strange sensation.
***************
Acheron's eyes snapped open as his senses went into overdrive. He could see in front of him that Angewomon sensed a glimmer of disturbance though to her it could have been barely there. Acheron however shot to his feet. "We have to get the Tamers and their digimon away from here now!" he shouted. As he tried to pass her she grabbed his arm stopping it.
"Who?" she asked.
"Damon, Myotismon, and three others that I can't get an identity." He answered a little shakily. If he couldn't sense their identity it meant....
"You think the three are Dark Masters don't you." she stated.
"Yes." He said before breaking her grip on him and running towards the house. ****************************************************************
And that's that. Reviews would be appreciated, as it would give me reason to continue posting and help me to refine my work. Until next time.
All the Tamers held their breaths as the projectiles were released but only one digimon understood what was happening. 'They're going to let one kill the other one' thought impmon 'they don't want to hurt each other.
Sure enough as the flames arrived at half way they dissipated, giving the arrow strait course to Acheron. The arrow missed Acheron by two feet and imbedded in the ground. Acheron opened his eyes to see Angewomon kneeling on the ground, tears falling from her face but lacking the sobs. He tossed the scythe on the ground next to him the walked toward her. By now she was sobbing uncontrollably. He stood over her for a moment then picked her up in his arms. Angewomon buried her face in his shoulder and wept. "If you would be so kind, could you please support me for another night?" sighed Acheron.
"You can stay at my house. I'm sure my mother and grandmother won't mind." Acheron looked at Rika.
"Thankyou." Rika nodded then led the way toward her house with Takato at her side and the other tamers picking up the three unconscious rookies and following them. When they had gone it was just the digimon left.
"Well, I'd say that was interesting," stated Terriermon.
"We were lucky. If they were who the Sovereign used to talk about then he must be really important" mused Lopmon then saw six faces looking for answers. "The Angewomon is extremely powerful and the Angemon can Supposedly digivolve to ultimate. As for the Stingmon and Exveemon, they can DNA Digivolve to Mega. They are the digimon that defeated the Dark Masters and the ones that stopped Malomyotismon"
"So we just watched the good guys get smeared all over the pavement, well that's just great." groaned Terriermon.
"We shouldn't jump to conclusions. We should ask them later when they've recovered. Just because he was evil if they told the truth doesn't mean he still is, isn't that right Impmon?" mused Leomon as he looked for Impmon, then noticed that he wasn't there"Wait, where's Impmon?" They all looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.
"I know where he went." Renamon whispered, then teleported away.
"Jeez, she could have at least told us where," groused Terriermon, only to be silenced by Lopmon.
"Leave them alone. I think that he's somewhere private considering Renamon's response." Shushed Lopmon. "Let's go home."
"Good, I'm hungry," yelled Guilmon. That got a laugh out of everyone.
"Let's get going, we'll meet up later at dark." confirmed Leomon before walking back to Juri's. They then all dispersed to their homes.
{Rika's House, noon}
The somber procession walked down the path to Rika's house. Lead by Rika, Takato and Henry, the others carried either a knocked out rookie or a black staff. Behind them walked Acheron. The burden of Angewomon in his arms had fell in to deep and troubled sleep as she occasionally mumbled or cried out softly. Acheron's face is composed but he closes his eyes occasionally, fighting back the reemerging sadness, guilt, and shame. When he entered the house Rika's Grandmother's greeting was cut off in a gasp as she surveyed Acheron and his charge. She got her wits back in the next second then ten seconds later smiled sadly. "The poor dear looks exhausted, here, bring her to the guest room." Acheron followed her into the guest room and set Angewomon down so gently that it seemed she might break if he did it harder. He started when he heard the soft voice behind him. "You look like you could use some rest too."
"No I'm fine but thank you"
"You don't lie very well you know, at least have something to eat."
"That I will except." She just smiled at that and beckoned him to follow her to the kitchen. He walked over to a kettle and filled it with water. "Do you Mind?"
"Not at all" replied Hata Seito. Acheron's mouth twitched into a slight smile, and then he pulled out several packets of herbs and mixed them into the water. "Making Tea?"
"In a way, it's for those three when they wake up, it'll disperse my attacks side effects." Hato Seito raised her brow.
"What do you mean, are you a digimon?"
"No" he stated simply. He then but his hands over the water and light gathered in them. The light seeped into the water, and then it dispersed as quickly as it gathered. Acheron held onto the counter for support. "I'm doing more healing in two days then I've done in the last two years"
"Then why didn't you heal the soreness Rika's got from a battle she was in last night or the scratches on Takato's arms?" Hato Seito inquired. Acheron then noticed the frantic, pleading gazes from Takato and Rika to come up with an excuse. Acheron chuckled slightly.
"I didn't notice it, sorry" Hato Seito nodded and left the room. Acheron took a sip of water. "It seems someone's was a little friskee after our battle last night." Rika blushed and Takato laughed. "I wouldn't be laughing Mr. insatiable." It was now Takato's turn to blush as the table occupants around them burst out laughing.
Then all eyes turned to the now groaning figure of Patamon fighting his way back to consciousness. His eyes then snapped open as he took in his surroundings. His eyes then focused on Acheron. "Where is she?" he asked Acheron. Acheron poured the tea from the kettle into a cup then walked over to Patamon.
"She's sleeping, drink this" Patamon eyed him suspiciously. "If I wanted you dead you'd be so right now," Acheron growled, about to withdraw the tea. Patamon sighed and took a drink from the cup. A soft glow encompassed his body, and then faded. Patamon seemed fully healed if a little tired. Acheron then turned to Rika. "Could you give the tea to the others when they wake up, they'll trust you, I need to take a walk." Said Acheron then turned and left the house in a blur of motion to disappear into the trees.
"He reminds me of Renamon, the way he moves like that." Stated Juri, which drew a puzzled look from Patamon.
"Renamon are fast, but they normally aren't even close to that fast, that's why they have the teleportation ability. She must be something special if she moves like him." answered Patamon.
"Just how fast is Acheron?" inquired Henry.
"He would be fast enough to dodge the bullets fired from a gateling gun and still look like he stayed in the same place," answered Patamon.
"I can attest to that." The whole room jumped slightly as the slim figure of the golden fox of Tao revealed itself from the shadows. "He dodged every diamond out of my attack and you could barely see him move." she then sat down in a chair with a deep sigh. Only Rika noticed how worried it sounded.
"What's wrong Renamon?" Rika asked softly. She looked up with worried eyes then turned to glare slightly at Patamon, who almost took a step back from the kitsune.
"He's by their grave, she managed to get under his skin with her words more than what I've seen in a while." She put her head back down and into her hands with a deep, worried breath.
"Who's grave?" Patamon asked softly, he suddenly had a bad feeling about what had upset the young imp, which was confirmed by her next words.
"His Tamer's"
{Graveyard, late noon}
The graveyard was a huge expanse of land. Many people had been buried in this graveyard. In the center stood an area with taller, grander headstones and shrines. It was here that the famous, rich, and powerful are buried. The center of this place is reserved for those who have proved themselves to be heroes; it had been empty until three years ago. Three large headstones made by the finest craftsman in all of the world stood in the center, made of jade and other crystals from all around the world shaped into three different tombstones. One was large and over shadowing while the other two flanked it like sentinels, and in a way they were. The inscription on the central stone read as follows: "Dedicated to two young children that fought to save this world as well as the digital. Always in the memory of those who you gave your lives defending, Ai and Makoto, beloved children, Tamers, and heroes." The two sentinel stones are the markers of their parents who died with them, forever standing watch over their children's graves. People had come from all over the world to pay their respects to them as well as those who survived. 'Yes', the young imp reflected as he sat on top of a nearby shrine,' they got their respect and so did the others. It still doesn't change the fact that I failed them when it counted the most. If I hadn't been so concerned with getting Juri out of the Kernel Sphere they would still be alive.' He remembers it like it was yesterday. 'That was the day I turned back into the monster.'
{Flashback}
They saw him fall after being struck by D-Reaper. In his weakened condition after being attacked by D-Reaper after failing to retrieve Juri, he had opted to go with Gallantmon, Megagargomon, and Sukuyamon, despite their protest, to retrieve Juri and to stop D-Reaper once and for all. Now he was on his back, hurt and weak, with the three megas locked up in deadly combat and without his Tamers to give him strength, he was almost certainly dead or so he thought. He heard a yell and saw Ai and Makoto Standing there with their parents in hot pursuit. They were yelling and dancing, trying to draw the Reaper's attention from him to them, and they succeeded. Out of the blob emerged the most powerful of its ADRs, the replica of Juri. It smiled and gestured. They all watched in horror as ADRs sprung out and arced toward the family, who had gathered around tightly and braced themselves for the blow, the three megas tried to break free to help only to be snared deeper or struck in the back. Shouting for them to move, he forced himself to stand and jump towards them only to be slammed and trapped under falling debris caused by the Digi-Juri who was watching with a certain malicious glee. He watched as the ADRs sliced his tamer's parents to ribbons as they tried to protect their children, then as Digi- Juri released a Rapid Fire that killed Makoto instantly and blew a battered and bloody Ai next to him. She said "Impmon were...(cough..cough) ......sorry. Please forgive us.........(gasp)..........we love you" then she held out her hand to him and he reached for it, only to have it fall lifeless just before touching his.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" Impmon screamed, feeling a dark rage build up inside him that made Takato's rage the day Magidramon was created seem like a shadow to the night. Dark energy wreathed his body as his power, the power to digivolve on his own, that which had once been his greatest dream before he came back from the digital world, empowered him with energies greater than even the three Megas now staring at him in shocked silence and maybe even to the level with the legendary Sovereign. "I'M GOING TO DESTROY YOU! DO YOU HEAR ME!" and he stopped fighting the power and let it envelope him.
Impmon DarkWarpDigivolve to Beelzemon.
The Digi-Juri, the D-Reaper, and the three megas stood in shock at what they saw. Beelzemon stood before them, surrounded by a black aura. His three eyes glowed red and he was at least five feet larger then when he was formally Beelzemon or even Beelzemon Blast Mode. He then spoke "Now, I'm going to kill you." He than started walking towards Digi Juri with cold eyes, the same eyes that had destroyed Leomon and almost destroyed Renamon, Guilmon, and Takato. ADRs flew towards him, and he just gave a quick punch or slash and the ADR dissolved into Chaos. The three large ADRs fighting Gallantmon, Megagargomon, and Sukuyamon broke away and flew towards Beelzemon's back. He just spun around and used an attack "Darkness Claw" and the ADRs were blown away from the excessive force of the attack. He then drew both guns and pointed them at the Juri replica. He walked right up to it pointed a gun to it's head and fired, the bullet destroying the replica then clearing a path directly to the Kernel Sphere. He entered and the path closed behind him, leaving three shocked and disturbed megas in his wake.
{End Flashback}
'In truth, I beat D-Reaper though no one we'll ever know that. I asked them all to be silent. I destroyed the Kernel Sphere and almost destroyed Juri.' he thought. He hung his head in shame and a single tear slid down his cheek. No matter how much he had accomplished after the fact, he had still failed to protect them. He felt the embrace of strong arms and is hugged tightly to a soft body.
"It's alright my love, let it out." And he did, he wept into Renamon's fur uncontrollably. He wept for his tamers, his weakness, and his failures. The entire time clinging to Renamon, who had been his lifeline ever since that fateful day. After fifteen minutes he calmed down so that he could finally pull away.
"Thank you, for being there for me, even when we were just friends."
"It was no problem my love. Please come back with me, the others are worried and you need something to eat." at that he smiled.
"Okay, if you'd be so kind as to take me" he smiled softly, she smiled back and teleported away from the gravesite."
{Rika's house, dusk}
The tamers, Rika's mother and grandmother, the three rookies and the digimon sat around the large table eating dinner with only Acheron, Angewomon, Impmon, and Renamon absent. Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon are taken aback by their host's hospitality. Finally Patamon spoke up for them. "Why are you being so nice to us? We attacked you and threatened you. We insulted one of you and you've treated us like we're your friends."
"These humans are like that, taken in digimon when they've been attacked. "Replied a now present Impmon who has just materialized next to the table. Their was a startled flurry of movement from the Patamon and his group as they jumped back from the group, the rest of the group only being marginal startled after all, Impmon and Renamon had always been the two to sneak up on any of them. "Though" he said smiling "They kind a grow on ya." That drew a laugh from the tamers.
"May we join you?" asked Renamon politely to Hato Seito though she already knew what the answer would be.
"Of course dear, you to can sit next to our little guests." she replied, so Renamon sat down next to Rika and Impmon sat down next to Renamon and Wormmon. They ate quietly not really in the mood for conversation, though from Rika and Wormmon's point of view Renamon and Impmon are playing footsies with their respective tails. Eventually they started to notice that Wormmon, Patamon, and Veemon were all staring nervously at Impmon who was trying to ignore their stares.
"Could you please pass the tea?" Impmon asked Wormmon. Wormmon picked up the pot with slightly shaking hands, and passes it to Impmon only to drop the pot in Impmon's lap. Impmon then sighs and a large flame appears in his open palm. Using the fire he evaporates all the water off of him and the floor. When he looks up and extinguishes the flame he notices the fright from Wormmon and the tense relief from Wormmon's companions.
"What?" he asks staring at the three.
"We thought you were going to attack him." Replied Veemon.
"What? Why would I attack him? It's just a little bit if spilt tea," replied a slightly exasperated Impmon.
"Because your reputation preseads you Beelzemon." Replied Patamon softly.
"Beelzemon's dead." was all Impmon said before excusing himself from Hato Seito and walking out of the room. Almost immediately after Impmon left the room Patamon stared at a pair of blue eyes belonging to a very angry kitsune that is glaring at him from across the table.
"Haven't you and your leader said enough insults for one day. You have no right to judge any of us after all we have done to keep all of the Digimon and humans safe, him included." She said in a deceptively soft and calm voice.
"It's the truth he's a killer, what's worse is he killed for pleasure and what's the worst is that many of his victims he killed with impunity," Said Veemon, earning him a stare from Renamon.
"Yes, I was like that once." They all looked at Impmon who had just re- entered the Dining room "but if I still was like that almost everyone sitting at this table would be dead, and you would have been annihilated the moment I saw you. It's lucky for you that I'm a changed mon." he stated as he sat down beside Renamon again.
"My. My, My. Can't you three ever play nice with anyone?" Said Acheron, who had just come from outside. "Wormmon is at least polite and tactful, but you two just can't keep your mouths shut and not insult your savior's can you. "He then turned to Hato Seito. "Has she woken up yet?"
"No, she's still asleep," replied Hato Sieto. Acheron nodded then went up the stairs toward the room Angewomon is in.
"I think we all should get some sleep." Takato stated. Then he turned to Rika's mom and grandmother. "If it's alright with you, I think we should all stay here tonight." when he got a nod from the others he turned to face the to women of the house. They nodded their ascent.
"Okay, the boys can sleep in the living room and the girls can sleep in Rika's room. The digimon can sleep outside, if that's okay with them?" mused Rika's mother. The digimon nodded ascent. "The injured one can stay in the guest room, and whomever that was that just came in, he can sleep in my room," she said with a smirk.
"MOM!" Rika exclaimed with a blush.
"What? I can't look? Besides he's drop dead gorgeous."
"And he's very witty and very polite in conversation." Hato Seito added with a grin. Rika manage to turn a new shade of red.
"You two are horrible." Rika admonished.
"Well at least we know were you get it from Rika" teased Terriermon before Lopmon could put her paw over his mouth. The two woman arched their eyebrows at Rika, who wisely rushed out of the room followed by Takato and the rest of the group leaving only the two woman, the three guests, Impmon and Renamon. Renamon and Impmon ate in silence, used to being the last to finish since they usually came later than the others. The three rookies beside them however are fidgeting until finally Patamon spoke.
"Were sorry about what we said, it wasn't right of us to insult you like that."
"It's alright" Replied Impmon simply. "I deserved what you said. I was a true monster." Patamon, obviously uncomfortable, left the room with Wormmon and Veemon in tow. Impmon let out a deep sigh then rubbed his eyes. "After I'm done the dishes, I need to get some sleep."
"You don't have to, we can take care of it" Stated Rumiko, seeing how tired Impmon was. Impmon just stood and started picking up plates.
"It's only right since the ingrates don't give you any help." Impmon responded than began to laugh as he heard Terriermon respond.
"We are not ingrates!" Impmon brought the plates and began cleaning them while the three woman talked
"You're lucky Renamon, he's not the typical male." Hato Seito said, Renamon just smiled and chuckled.
"No, he isn't. But he should be like this, after being a miscreant for so long." her chuckling stopped however as a bolt of water hit her square in the face, soaking her fur but not her surroundings. Hato Seito and Rumiko began laughing uncontrollably as Renamon's indignant glare settled on Impmon, already done the cleaning, twirling a small bucket that had been full of water.
"Who says I'm still not?" he smirked. The smirk widened, if that were possible when everyone came to the kitchen to see what the noise was about and started laughing uproariously.
"You think this is funny?" she questioned raising an eyebrow. The collective nods and the bow of Impmon answered her question. Suddenly Renamon jumped and launched herself at Impmon. "Why you little." Just as Renamon was about to grab him, Impmon jumps over her, landing in the doorway.
"You're losing your touch foxy." he grinned, earning more laughs and snickers from their audience. Renamon smiled sweetly then teleported. Impmon quickly jumped back about four feet then watched as she reappeared a few seconds later with a bucket of water in her hands, one foot in front of Impmon. He grinned, and then squawked as she spun around and dumped it right on Impmon.
"I think not." she said smartly, and then turned swaggering, to walk back in with a chuckling Impmon walking behind her. The entire group is now laughing uncontrollably as the two soaked digimon walk in.
"Well, that was the most interesting foreplay I've seen in a while" Acheron said. Renamon and Impmon spun around to look at him quietly making some more tea. "You were having so much fun, I didn't want to distract you." Acheron answered. Pouring the now done tea into a cup he took a sip.
"How did you make that so fast?" inquired Hato Seito.
"I sped up the reaction, I figured I could be in and out as soon as possible." answered Acheron. "Oh, and by the way" Acheron turned to the pair in under the door frame "this is how you get someone wet." his hand snapped outward, releasing a black whip that reached out and struck something above the door. As they looked up a torrent of water landed on the both of them. Acheron gave a quick wave of his hand to evaporate all the water on the floor with a burst of black flame. The pair is shocked, wet, and sputtering as everyone laughed, and then as Acheron darted outside leaving the pair without a chance for retaliation.
"You're right, he is very witty and charming." giggled Rumiko to her mother.
"I told you so" Hato Seito replied smugly. Meanwhile Renamon and Impmon turn to stare at each other.
"He needs to be taught a lesson." she said softly, Impmon looked up incredulously.
"Yeah, but who's gonna end up being taught." he said, forming a flame in each hand and working on drying them both off. "Maybe we should just....."
"What is going on?" a tired sounding voice interrupted. All eyes turned to see Angewomon, leaning on the doorway for support. Hato Seito immediately got up and supported Angewomon then led her to the table. "Here dear, you must be tired. Sit and I'll get you some food." Impmon's face darkened slightly then he went with Hato Seito to prepare the food. Renamon's face darkens slightly for barely a moment than her face becomes impassive.
"Gatomon, are you all right?" inquired veemon.
"No not really, but I'll live. Did he catch and run again?" she asked
"No, he's still on this world. He was the one who carried you back here and he healed us." Patamon answered. Hato Seito then brought some food and laid it down in front of her.
"He was very concerned, when I came in to check on you, he was standing watch. He said he was taking a walk." Hato Seito stated. Everyone turned to look at the front door as it opened to reveal Acheron. He walked over to the table and sat down opposite and a little bit to the left of Angewomon. Hato Seito backed off and walked back over to the stove.
"So, you decided not to run away. A foolish choice don't you think?" Angewomon stated.
"I'm not running, not this time. Besides, I have something you might want to report to the Sovereign." Acheron stated, pouring some tea and drinking it. He then pointed at the assembled group watching from the doorway "They've been targeted. The powers you sensed me using were fighting off some goons, Devimon, and your former master."
"Don't call him that," she hissed in responce. "Besides, if their so powerful, why couldn't they take care of their attackers themselves." she growled, then pointed at Impmon. "They have a digimon that is capable of becoming the next Dark Master, after what he did to the D-Reaper I'm surprised he didn't take it." Impmon stiffened "I think that as long as Piedmon doesn't come himself, they could clean anything's clock that comes their way. In fact, they could have crushed us, so why didn't they?"
"I'm starting to think that we should have," growled Renamon from near the counter. "It would do you good to learn some respect"
"I'm not the one who needs to learn respect little rookie if you had just gotten out of the way this would be over, I should show you..."
"You even _think_ of touching her and you'll join the D-Reaper in the void," Growled Impmon, turning around to face Angewomon. "Do you really think that you could take what I was as any of the Beelzemons? I wouldn't have even blinked," he said softly, walking towards her. "I will bear insult and harm but if you ever even think of harming her, I will show you just what I was formerly capable of."
"What? Go ahead, turn into that monster and strike out at me if you dare." Angewomon stood and leaned over the table at Impmon, Impmon's face twisted into a sneer, then they both jumped back as a fist slammed into the table and then a chair came crashing down on the floor.
"STOP IT NOW!" Acheron yelled. Then his voice dropped almost beyond hearing then he stared at Veemon, Stingmon, Patamon, and then centered on Angewomon. "Your nothing but a shell of what you were, you disgust me." Then he turned and walked out of the door. Impmon looked slightly downcast and Angewomon looked like she has just been slapped as she collapsed into her seat. Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon have aghast looks on their face.
"How dare he." Veemon started.
"No. He's right. Impmon, Renamon, all of you, I'm sorry for what I said. I had no right ." Angewomon stated softly. Impmon looked up slightly.
"It's forgiven," he said simply. "Come on foxy, let's take a walk." Renamon nodded and they teleported out of the room. The rest of them dispersed, leaving Angewomon, Patamon, Veemon, and Wormmon. The three rookies walked over next to the ultimate and sat down around her.
"Are you all right Gatomon?" Patamon asked concernedly.
"No, I'm not. But I deserved that. I acted totally inappropriately to the situation."
"What you need" Veemon suggested "is a walk by yourself to clear your mind, that should make you feel better." She nodded.
"Thank you" she said, and then walked out the door.
"She's heartbroken." Wormmon stated. Patamon sighed.
"She's been heartbroken for over four years now. She's been trying to hunt him down for years, saying that it's because of what he's done, but she could have forgiven him for that." Patamon added.
"And the problem is that the real reason she's hunting him may not be something he did. Acheron may have been telling her the truth when he said he never betrayed her." Wormon finished. Veemon looked at them.
"Remember the recording Piedmon had?" Veemon asked them.
"It could have easily been fake. You know that as well as I do," answered Wormmon.
"But it is also very likely that it wasn't." Veemon argued. As the two debated the two sides of the argument Patamon sighed.
"I just hope for their sake that it isn't." He whispered softly, staring out a window.
{Outside Rika's house, Night}
Angewomon walked slowly, taking in the sweet smells of the night. Over on the houses roof, she could see the silhouettes of Renamon and Impmon sitting together, watching the stars. 'Their very much in love, this demon and this kitsune.' she thought softly. The sight of the pair brought memories of happier days to her mind. She smiled slightly as she remembered Acheron and herself sitting in a similar position little more than four years ago. She remembered being with Kari and the others, as they would play in the forest, when they used to play tag. She chuckled a little at them trying to tag him; it had always been futile because of that speed and agility, they could never even lay a hand on him. 'Then' she thought grimly' Piedmon came back.' She remembered the war; all of the Digidestined and even some of the newly emerging Tamer's joined it. Dark V.S. Light. What the darkness lacked in numbers, it made up in power. With the return of all four Dark Masters, Myotismon, and Devimon as well as Ladydevimon and many other powerful dark digimon, the score was tied. But slowly turning as the darkness's power started to grow with the slow corruption of elements of the light. Finally, the legendary Oidiaba Digidestined decided to storm the Dark Masters directly. It was suicide. Piedmon watched as Myotismon, Devimon, Ladydevimon, and his three partners with the help of multiple other viruses crushed the severely outnumbered digimon and humans. Acheron had opposed it, so Angewomon had left in the morning and not told him. He arrived to see all ten digimon beaten and bloody on the ground. Only Angewomon hadn't Dedigivolved. Ladydevimon picked her up by her throat. She had said "Looks like with you dead, I'll have that pretty boy friend of yours as a boy toy." Angewomon spat in her face.
"Stay away from him bitch." she had said. Ladydevimon smiled, then threw her to the ground, and then slammed her boot down on Angewomon's hand, breaking it. Ladydevimon heard to late the snarl of rage as Acheron's scythe sliced her nearly in half. He then turned to the now glaring Piedmon and jumped to attack. 'And the rest' Angewomon thought 'is history.' Angewomon turned back to look at the pair on the roof. "I hope" she whispered, "that they have a happier ending."
"A happier ending than us?" the voice came from in front of her. She turned her attention to the kneeling figure in front of her and next to the coy pond. His eyes closed in a meditative stance, he sighs softly.
"Yes." she answers, sitting down eight feet in front of him. For the first time in years she studied his face. Gone now, is the hint of innocence that had always been part of him. In it's place a haunted look now resides. "Why didn't you kill me?"
"Because I can't. I couldn't then and I can't now. I was hoping that your arrow would finish it, hoped that your hate would allow you to finish me." Acheron answered softly. He then opened his eyes to look past Angewomon to the couple on the roof. "There just like us. Light and Dark, except that they've passed the trials sent their way." A single tear slid down his face. "I really do hope they have a happier ending because no one deserves ours." His gaze then centered back on Angewomon. "I'm sorry for what I said. I don't want to hurt you. I regret that I've done it already."
"You betrayed me Acheron. At least admit the truth."
"That is not the truth, I never betrayed you."
"Even if Piedmon's tape isn't real, you still became the Darkest Master and crushed all opposition."
Acheron sighed heavily, "Yes, all opposition except you. I do not recall betraying you in the manor that you speak. However I did betray you in that sense."
"Can you really account for every moment you became that monster?"
"No. I can't"
"Then it's still possible, no matter what you say." He didn't respond to that, just looked down. "So you finally except the possibility."
"No, I don't." he then opened his eyes and looked at her. She returned the stare.
*******************
Up on the roof the two young lovers sat on the roof of Rika's house side by side. Renamon could sense the uneasiness of her love without her kitsune abilities. She leans over and brushes her cheek against his, nuzzling against him. He leaned into it in an appreciative gesture and wrapped his forked tail around her bushy one. "Are you all right?" she asked, moving away to look at his eyes. He couldn't lie to her with those soft blue orbs staring into his soul.
"No, I'm not." He shuddered. "I shouldn't have threatened her. If she had called my bluff...."
"If she had called your bluff." she interrupted, in mock offense to lighten the mood "I would have digivolved and shown her a thing or two about proper respect, besides it's not like I'm some helpless damsel in distress and it's not like your a gallant knight sworn to protect me." She gave him a mock glare. He smiled.
"No, I'll leave the "gallant Knight" to our resident Jurassic Park reject. I'm the hardass punk on the motorcycle that comes in guns blazing and watches as his girlfriend mop up the "dragon" that he was supposed to rescue her from." he chuckled, feeling better. She grinned at his renewed sense of humor then froze, as if detecting something on the edge o her perception. She looked at Impmon for affirmation and saw it in his eyes. Just as suddenly it lifted from their perception, as if it was never there. They both instinctively moved closer to each other, feeling the after chill of the strange sensation.
***************
Acheron's eyes snapped open as his senses went into overdrive. He could see in front of him that Angewomon sensed a glimmer of disturbance though to her it could have been barely there. Acheron however shot to his feet. "We have to get the Tamers and their digimon away from here now!" he shouted. As he tried to pass her she grabbed his arm stopping it.
"Who?" she asked.
"Damon, Myotismon, and three others that I can't get an identity." He answered a little shakily. If he couldn't sense their identity it meant....
"You think the three are Dark Masters don't you." she stated.
"Yes." He said before breaking her grip on him and running towards the house. ****************************************************************
And that's that. Reviews would be appreciated, as it would give me reason to continue posting and help me to refine my work. Until next time.