A/N: yep, this is chapter 16. I finally had an inspiration about 2/3 days before school started. -_-' Which means that I'll be writing during the school year-hope I have enough time to finally –finish- this story. This chapter is going to be switching between characters and time quite frequently. Hope it isn't too confusing.
Shadow: Thanks for all the reviews, we both really appreciate them all. We're hoping this'll be a tragic chapter but this is the first time Midnight tried anything tragic. Definite angst, though…or maybe that's the next chapter-if we don't finish the story on this chapter, that is. Anyway, onto the story!
Henry: uhh…disclaimer is the same as all other chapters and as all other stories-Midnight does not own Digimon or Mel!
/…/-thoughts
(…)-A/N
*…*-action
Chapter 16
The Battle of a Lifetime
~early next morning~
Rika laid wide awake in her bed as she protectively held Juri, who was still half asleep. No matter what she did, she couldn't get last night's scene out of her mind.
~flashback~
"No! I won't let you die! You mean the whole world to me! If you die, I'll just die with you. We were meant to be together FOREVER and you know it! I'm not going to let you die just because of some stupid prophecy, I'm not!" Takato cried, tears showing in his ruby red eyes.
Henry didn't answer but also didn't move away. The others quietly looked on, their hearts clenching in pain from the scene.
"Henry! Answer me, goddamnit! You won't leave me, right? Right?!?!" Takato yelled, falling into Henry's now outstretched arms.
"I'm sorry…but you can't deny the fact that no prophecy has every been altered. I hate it too, but I can't change what has been written ages ago. You know I can't change it. You know I can't, no matter how much any of us wants to change it. I can't change my destiny…" Henry broke off, tears falling out of his silver eyes as he and Takato clutched each other, as if doing so would change what was destined to happen.
~end flashback~
/I guess the quote, "bad stuff always happen to good people" is true…I just wish it weren't. If it wasn't true, maybe none of this would have happened to us. First, it was losing our families in the massacre and now this! We might die but Henry will –definitely- die. Seraphymon, couldn't you have made our destinies to be a lot more peaceful?!?/ Rika thought angrily.
Juri stirred, slowly waking from her sleep.
Rika had a sudden thought and asked, "Hey, Juri? What's the date for today?"
Juri mumbled, "May 14, 1947 [1], why?"
Rika's eyes widened in shock then closed in sadness. In a barely audible whisper she replied, "It's the same date we all met and Takato and Henry admitted their love for each other several thousand years ago [2]…"
At that, Juri's eyes widened as her mouth formed a little "O".
"You're right…it is that date. And Henry could die today! Oh, this is horrible! Do you think the others remember? If they do, it can't be a good thing, Rika!"
"No, it can't. Chances are, they will remember. This is a very important date to us all! Takato is going to –hate- today if the prophecy decides to finally end today. We're all going to have this day ruined…"
"Rika…I just thought of something…"
"What?"
"Today is the day we all met but is also the day Takato and Henry got together. Don't you think it's kind of a coincidence that the prophecy might come true today? Everything that happened so far happened leading up to this date. The rest of us got together before and after Henry and Takato found each other. You don't think Akuma knows this, do you? If he does…the prophecy –will- come true and today."
"I never thought about that…If Akuma knows then it's certain that today is the day Henry dies…We –cannot- let some stupid prophecy determine one of our closest friend's future! We have to do everything to keep Henry from dying or we're going to lose more than one friend…"
"Takato…Takato will follow Henry no matter what the cost…just like he said in his promise to Henry years ago…"
"Yeah…"
~flashback~
"I'm so glad I finally told you how I felt about you!" Takato gushed, dancing around happily. His boyfriend, Henry, laughed at his antics.
"Me too. I'm glad I told you how I felt about you before…" Henry didn't finish his sentence. His silver eyes darkened with sadness and mystery. Takato stopped fooling around to look at his boyfriend worriedly. Henry didn't speak often but he was always smiling. The few times he –did- look unhappy usually meant something serious had happened or was going to happen.
"Henry, what's wrong? And don't you dare say 'nothing'. You know I can read you like a book and that there's something you're hiding from me. Now spit it out. It's not good to keep your emotions bottled up inside you [3]." Takato demanded, grabbing Henry's hands and holding them in his own slightly bigger hands.
"I'm afraid that you'll eventually leave me." Henry whispered.
/Before I leave you, that is…/ Henry thought. Takato luckily didn't pick up on this stray thought through their mindlink.
"Never! I would –never- leave you! How can you think of such things?"
"Everybody else left me…my own parents left me! Everybody I ever cared about or knew left me. I just don't want to lose you or the others-especially you."
"Well, don't worry about that anymore." Takato said decisively, hugging a surprised Henry.
"Nani? Naze?" Henry made out, however muffled by Takato's shirt.
"We will never leave you-especially me. I'll follow you wherever you go. I'll never leave your side. In fact, I'd follow you to the ends of the Earth if need be! Yep, I'll follow you no matter what happens-even if it means losing my own life."
Henry looked up at Takato, horrified. "No! You mustn't!"
Takato looked shocked. Now it was his turn to stammer out, "Nani?! Naze?!"
"No, you must –never- give up your life just to follow me! In fact, never give up your life –for- me! You have a life you must live even if I'm not in it!"
"Sorry Henry, no can do! You see," Takato continued on, ignoring the fact that Henry was about to speak, "You see, my life, my future, my –destiny- is to be with you. If you die, I won't have a life to live. Yes yes, I know it sounds stupid but it's true. At least to me it's true. If you die, everyone else will certainly miss you but they'll heal-they do have their significant other, you know. But me? I'll never heal. You are my whole life. I just can't let you go without taking me with you. Besides, I know you'd do the same thing for me…right?"
Henry gave a tiny smile but nodded.
"Yes…you're right. I'd do the same thing if you were to die…But it'd still be my fault!"
"What fault? Huh? What are you talking about?"
"You, dying, because of me! You would die because I die therefore making it my fault. I could never live, I mean, die peacefully knowing you died because of me!"
"Nuh uh, pet[4]. It'll be whoever killed you fault's. Whoever killed you would also kill me because it/he/she/they killed you. OK? No, you are –not- going to contradict/deny/whatever, me. That's that and that's all there is to it. o.O Now I'm confusing myself. OoOoO Big word for me! 'con-tra-dict'!"
Henry laughed at the pleased expression on Taka's face, momentarily forgetting his troubled thoughts.
"Just remember, I will always follow you no matter what the cost." Takato said, gently kissing Henry.
~end flashback~
"We're going to lose two of our closest friends in the upcoming battle and there's nothing we can do about it…" Rika whispered, no longer denying the truth.
"I just wish there was a way…" Juri whispered, wishing with all her heart that there was some mistake.
~Kazu and Kenta's room~
"It's today." Kazu stated. Not a single emotion could be seen on his face while millions were swimming in his eyes.
"I wish it wasn't going to happen today. Think the others realize what today signifies?" Kenta asked, looking sadly at his love's emotionless face.
"Yes…if we realize what today signifies then they will too."
"…how can they not? Today will signify a day of life and ultimately, death."
Kazu merely nodded and they both fell silent.
~Mel and Ryo's room~
"I'm glad you're okay. Are you sure you're okay? I mean, you looked really tired yesterday after sparring with Juri." Ryo ask, concerned about Mel's health.
"Yes yes, I'm fine. Just need to get used to it again, that's all. Anyway, I should be asking –you- the same question. You're not acting like yourself. Well, you are, but I know something is bothering you. I can feel and sense it." Mel retorted, worried about Ryo's health instead.
"Nothing ever escapes your notice, huh." Ryo fell silent, thinking. Mel didn't say anything knowing Ryo would continue on his own.
"Today was the day me and the others met. It was also the day Takato and Henry became a couple. You see, before any of us met, Takato and Henry had known each other for a long time. Therefore, when we met, Takato suddenly looked like as if he had happened upon some amazing discovery and blurted out his feelings to Henry and kissed him. Henry was so shocked and surprised that he just stood there. Takato immediately released Henry and tried to bolt. You can't even imagine the look on his face when Henry grabbed his arm and kissed –him-. It was both funny and romantic." Ryo finished, with a happy smile on his face. Mel smiled at him, albeit a little sadly, wishing she had been there to witness the exchange.
"Then why…oh. I see…that's so sad…" Mel trailed off as the hidden implication finally rose to the surface.
"Yeah it is. What's worse is that I can no longer deny the truth. The memories that come with this date also brought one other memory to surface-the memory of Takato swearing that he would follow Henry no matter what the cost."
"That means….that means that…but…" Mel trailed off uncertainly and unhappily.
"Yes, exactly." Ryo said grimly.
~Henry's and Takato's room~
"Today is the day. Happy anniversary, love." Henry stated somberly.
"…It is our anniversary, isn't it. Happy anniversary to you too. Why today?! I don't want to accept that fact but I know I can't and that's what's making my life a living hell right now. Why you? Why us?" Takato asked angrily. "Why couldn't it have been someone else?"
"Takato!"
"I know what I just said sounds extremely heartless but it's true! I don't want his to happen to us! I don't want to lose you!"
"Just like how I don't want to lose you…"
"…yeah…I remember." Takato reached over and pulled Henry close, never wanting to let go but knowing they would have to.
"…I wish this moment would last forever but we have to get up." Henry said, despising the fact. Takato merely nodded and stood up, releasing Henry. Henry immediately felt a cold without Takato's touch but didn't say anything. He too stood up and dressed, along with his now silent koi. Together, they left their bedroom for the last time.
Behind them, their room grew slowly colder, already missing the body heat of the two young lovers.
~Rika and Juri~
"Rika, do you remember where we first met?" Juri asked thoughtfully.
"You mean the two of us? Or the place all of us met?" Rika asked.
"The latter. I remember grass-and lots of it." Juri said dreamily.
"Yeah, I remember where it is. Why?" Rika looked confused.
"I want to go there. If anything, I want to go to a place of happiness. And what better place than there?"
"…okay. Let's go. It'd be nice seeing our old meeting place again. I haven't seen it in such a long time."
With that, Rika took Juri's hand and they both disappeared in a swirl of blue mist.
~meeting place~
Upon their arrival, Rika and Juri saw the others arrive at the same time. Apparently, their friends had had the same idea.
"Fancy seeing you here, girls. Thought you two would prefer to stay in bed and do…other things." Kazu said, attempting to joke around.
"grrr…watch it, visor-boy. I can still kick your ass seven ways into next week if need be." Snarled Rika, putting up her clenched fist threateningly. Small smiles started to grow on the others faces.
"Guys…please." Takato attempted to appease his two friends and surprisingly, they complied. The mood was instantly spoiled, however. A dark and somber air filled the clearing. Even the birds seemed to sadden and the sunshine began to fade from its happy brilliance to a sad glow.
"Oh…Happy anniversary you two. Wish there was something we could give you but what we want to give you is something none of us can attain." Ryo quietly said. Henry and Takato nodded their thanks but didn't say anything.
"…it's great to be here again. Even under the circumstances, this place has always been beautiful. Nothing could ever mar the beauty of our 'meeting place'." Henry smiled slightly, his eyes taking on a faraway look. Murmured sounds of agreement floated across the quiet clearing before silencing once more.
As if sensing a hidden signal, everybody rushed to each other and hugged. Tears started to fall and voices rose and fell in prayer. Through their mindlink, memories, both good and bad, started to flow into each other's minds. Their auras, once darkened with sadness, began to lighten back to their original colors. However, many strands of dark blue still stood out against their auras, as well as bright and angry red streaks and pale yellow, which represented anger and fading hope in their respective order.
"How sweet. It's so saccharine!" Came a drawling voice from the depths of the shadows. At once, our heroes heads snapped around towards the voice.
"Akuma!" Rika hissed, eyes flaring a neon blue.
"So glad you remembered my name, Rika!" Akuma said, delighted. He clapped his hands like a little kid and even jumped up and down.
Rika snarled and tried to get at him but the others, with difficulty, held her back.
Akuma shook his head and shook his finger at her, " Naughty naughty! Of course, I did expect that from you-you were always the feisty one of the group. The saying 'opposites attract' is so true. You, dear Rika, are feisty while your pretty and innocent girlfriend over there is so quite and pacifist.
"You stay away from me and Juri, you hear?!" Rika shouted, struggling a lot harder to free herself from her friends.
"Rika, please!" Juri begged, placing a calming hand on Rika's shoulder. Rika reluctantly relaxed and slumped, defeated.
"Just like a little puppy! Nuh uh! You shouldn't try that if you know what's good for you, Mel." Akuma simpered. Mel had changed into her vampiric form and had tried to attack Akuma for his comment on her friend. Mel's eyes flashed red and her canines elongated into fangs. Her pretty features were twisted into a mask of hatred and anger. The only thing that was stopping her from attacking Akuma right on the spot was Ryo, who was holding her back.
"What do you –want- Akuma?" Henry asked, seething. He absolutely –hated- it whenever someone degraded and insulted his friends like that.
"You mean aside from you?"
"Yes, you low, disgusting, and slimy creature from hell." spat Henry in disgust.
"Ouch! You wound me! Hmmm let me think…I want you and I also want your love. But it's obvious I'll never have that so I'll have to simply satisfy me with yourself and your heart. Oh, and I also want to take your love away…wait, I already said that-I think."
"Get real! You'll never have me or my heart! And one thing you'll never ever have would be my love. If you haven't –noticed-, pea-brain, someone already has what you want! He also happens to have a lot more than you could ever wish for!" Henry growled as his eyes flared silver. His power was raising steadily and was growing wild, but still under control.
Takato gently pushed Henry a little ways behind him as he stepped in front of his lived boyfriend protectively. "Hey, Akuma? I hope you realize that Henry doesn't –want- you! He has me and that's all he needs! No matter –what- you may do to us, you will never shatter our love. Our love is stronger than you, me, and all of us combined. You'd be a fool to think you can take that away. Oops, my bad. What am I saying? You already are a fool!"
Akuma growled in warning and snapped his fingers. "If we can't do this the easy way, I'll just have to use the hard way! KILL THEM!"
A hoard of Evils rushed from the shadows and attacked the eight Mystics. Soon, explosions were to be seen and heard from miles away. Humans hid in fear as they felt the enormous evil emanating from the clearing. Unexplained terror grew deep within their souls as they scrambled to find comfort with their loved ones.
"This is it you guys! Remember, kill or be killed!" Henry shouted as a last word of advice before racing off to engage Akuma in battle along with Takato.
"Good luck, guys! Diamond ice shards!" Rika shouted, eliminating several of their foes. She nimbly dodged several red blasts as she continued to take out the enemy with both her power and physical ability. So far, nobody had been hurt but she knew that it wouldn't last. Her prediction came true as she heard a shrill scream coming from her left. Rika gasped in fear as she ran towards the scream.
/Juri!/
"Glacial iceberg!" Rika furiously screamed as she took down hundreds of Evil that were attacking her wounded girlfriend.
/I'm okay! Don't worry about me-I do have healing powers. Just go help the others!/ Rika heard Juri say in her mind. Mentally, she nodded and took off.
~~~~
Ryo was currently attacking 15 Evils at the same time while trying to keep from falling into the water behind him. With sudden speed and a stroke of luck, he managed to dump nine of the 15 Evils into the water and electrocuted them. The rest all gained up on him and he was only spared when Mel came up and killed them with her supernatural strength.
"Phew. It must be useful to be part vampire right now, isn't it." Ryo remarked as he felled another Evil sneaking up on his mate.
"You betcha. Nice work you did with those Evils over there." Mel said, unconcernedly chatting with Ryo as she quickly finished off her foes with several plasma blasts[5].
"Who? Them? Oh, that was nothing. I just merely sent a current of electricity into the water and well, water and electricity doesn't exactly mix well, do they."
"My, aren't you a humble one?"
"That's why you love me, hun."
"How very true."
Mel and Ryo managed to get a quick kiss in while beating up other Evils with their power.
~~~~
"Behind you!"
"Thanks! Woah, watch it, bud."
"Rainbow ore!"
"Earthquake!"
"Oh, you are so not going to hurt my mate and get away with it! Gaia[6]!"
"Thanks, Kazu."
"You owe me one, Kenta."
"That I do. Whoops, looks like I don't owe you anymore!"
"Ow! SHINE! …no, you don't, unfortunately."
*gasp* "ungh…luckily we heal fast."
A breathless 'yeah' was heard before the sound of flesh hitting dirt was heard. By now, the battle had gone long enough for the Mystics to gain severe and non-severe injuries. Juri was running around the place killing Evils and healing her friends when they needed it. Thanks to all the training they had gone through none of them were even close to exhausted. Sweaty, yes, exhausted, definitely not.
~~~~
"GRRRRRRRRRAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Takato growled as he shot off a ball of flame instantly incinerating a large group of Evils. He was now in his impressive dragon form and killing of Evils by the thousands. All around him were piles of ashes. Only a few were dead, burnt, and smoking bodies. To go near dragon-Takato would be a suicide mission. He had enough molten lava and fury inside him to battle for weeks.
While Takato was taking care of the remaining Evils, Henry and Akuma were fighting it out, both at equal levels. Luckily, Akuma was hurt more than Henry. Unluckily, Henry was more tired than Akuma. In a sudden and unsuspected move, Akuma leaped towards Henry and held him fast.
Henry gasped in surprise and let out a breathless "eep!" Henry was now pinned against Akuma with one arm behind his back and Akuma was holding the other arm. His legs were tied together thanks to thin tendrils of black smoke, representing Akuma's power. Akuma's only free hand reached around and twisted Henry to face him.
"Well well. Look at what we have here! Looks like I have finally gotten you, ne?" Akuma breathed, gently tilting up Henry's face. Akuma leaned down and caught Henry's lips in a fierce kiss. Henry struggled to no avail, his mind screaming in anger, fear, hurt, and guilt.
/NO! LET ME GO!/ Henry screamed in his mind. Takato, upon hearing the message, shot one fiery blast, incinerating all remaining Evils. He almost burnt his friends in his anger.
/HENRY! AKUMA, YOU LET HIM GO THIS INSTANT!/ Takato mind-shouted. Akuma winced from the force of Takato's voice in his mind and shook his head slightly to clear it. Rika and the others had also received Henry's cry and had immediately turned towards the captive Henry, beyond furious dragon, and the victorious Akuma.
"Let him go, damn you!" Rika shouted, her fist glowing blue. Juri's eyes glowed green and every single plant within miles came tearing straight towards Akuma and Henry. Takato, seeing what Juri was planning on, shot a stream of fire at the plants and was met by Ryo's electricity, Kazu's metal, Kenta's wood, Mel's wind, and Rika's ice. Together, the attacks all combined formed an Elemental Dragon. Hoping against hope, they all watched their creation speed towards Henry and his captor.
Akuma's eyes opened wide at the site of the fearsome Dragon and slackened his hold on Henry. Immediately, Henry sent an attack straight into Akuma's mind, causing Akuma to stumble back, clutching his head, and screaming in pain. Henry leaped out of the Elemental Dragon's way just in time for it to hit Akuma head on full force.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Akuma screamed a high keening scream filled with pain. When the dust and debris cleared, it revealed Akuma to be still standing although in terrible shape. The others nervously watched him sway on his feet. Luckily, Akuma didn't seem to be able to do anything considering he looked extremely disoriented.
/He's still standing…how can that be?! The attack was so strong! Henry, are you ok?/ Takato sent frantically.
/I'm okay. I'm just a little shook up. Not hurt or anything…I'm so sorry Takato. I kissed Akuma./ Henry sent back, guiltily.
/No, you didn't. He kisssed you, not the other way around. If it was the other way around I wouldn't be talking to you right now. It's not your fault, so don't feel guilty about it./ Takato sent, hoping his mind-voice sounded soothing.
/Yeah, okay. Oh, he's coming around!/ Henry desperately sent.
/I am going to MURDER him!/ The others viscously sent to Henry. Henry looked startled for a moment before a look of understanding crossed his face.
"Well, too bad you had to come along-the kiss was going so well!" Akuma said, licking his lips and staring lustfully at Henry. Henry shrank back in disgust.
"Yeah, well, too bad for you! No one makes a move on my mate without my consent! Those who do make a move end up regretting they were ever born." Takato threatened.
"I'm so scared that I'm shaking in my boots! Look!" Akuma pointed down at his booted feet and mimicked a shaking movement. Takato growled and attacked Akuma.
"Takato, no!" Henry shouted but it was too late. Akuma smirked and turned the attack right back at the Taka-dragon. Taka-dragon's eyes widened in fear as his own attack hit himself. He was thrown far into the trees, leaving a wide dusty path in his wake. When Taka-dragon finally came to a stop, he involuntarily changed back into his human form. Takato laid motionless in the midst of fallen branches and trees.
"Oh no! Takato!" Juri gasped, running to her unmoving friend. Kenta and Kazu followed close behind, knowing their knowledge of potions was going to be a big help.
"I don't think so, kiddies! Evil Slash!" Akuma threw his attack straight at the three's backs.
"Juri watch out!" Rika screamed at the same time as Ryo shouted "Kenta, Kazu, behind you!". In a desperate attempt, she threw out the biggest and strongest shield she had ever formed. Born out of worry, love, fear, hate, sadness, joy, and anger, it was enough to protect Juri and the other two. Unfortunately, it also used up what remained of Rika's strength. Rika fell to the ground spent and unconscious. She was now unprotected. Juri stopped in her tracks, torn between helping Takato and running to her girlfriend. Kenta and Kazu ran on to their childhood friend. Juri's hesitation cost her dearly.
"Shadow ball!" Akuma quickly threw out a ball of shadows straight at the torn girl, only to be met by a briar wall. Akuma grunted and strengthened his attack, "No, you will not escape my wrath!"
"Yes she will!" two voices shouted, adding their strength to Juri's wall. With Kenta's stone and Kazu's steel, Akuma was hard pushed to destroy it. The thought of three "teenagers" angered Akuma even more and with a mighty heave, he tore through the shields and hit the three Mystics dead on.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Juri, Kenta, and Kazu screamed in horrific agony as they were thrown through trees. They finally came to a stop after hitting an enormous boulder. Ryo and Mel stared in horror at their fallen friends before turning in anger at the one who caused them so much pain.
Together they spoke and held hands, "You crossed us once, never do it again! [7]". They held their clasped hands together and formed a giant power ball. Mel's and Ryo's eyes were glowing with their combined supernatural power and as their power ball grew to a size so great it could destroy a planet, their auras flared until it lit up the night sky to Mystic and Evil eyes.
"Destructo Ball!" shouted Mel and Ryo together, firing their ball right at Akuma. Akuma frantically retaliated with his own attack but was not strong enough to push back the combined power of Mel and Ryo's attack.
"Ungh!" Akuma grunted as he was hit and thrown back. Mel and Ryo released their entwined hands and immediately clung onto each other for support. Henry rushed over to them and started to heal them. Soon, Mel and Ryo were back on their feet, desperately trying to heal their friends before Akuma could recover from such a deadly blast.
/I wish that was enough to destroy Akuma!/ Mel thought furiously to Ryo.
/Yeah, me too. Hey, who knows? Maybe it was strong enough!/ Ryo sent hopefully back.
/Fat chance./ Mel replied unhappily. Ryo didn't answer. As Mel and Ryo quietly and quickly worked together side by side, they were able to revive Rika.
"Augh…what happened? Is Akuma dead? Is the battle over? Is Henry okay? Are you okay? Is Takato and the doofus pair okay? Is Juri okay?!" Rika asked in a rush, grabbing onto Ryo's collar. Mel gently pried Rika's hands off of Ryo.
"You collapsed exhausted after protecting Juri. No, no, yes, yes, we don't know, and Henry's healing her right now." Mel answered quickly. Rika blinked but nodded. She quickly stood up and then decided that standing up so fast maybe wasn't the best of ideas. With Mel and Ryo steadying her, however, she regained her equilibrium and ran to Juri's side. Henry was still healing her but was almost finished.
Not caring that she had just been healed, Rika immediately leant her limited skill of healing to Henry, speeding up the process. Mel and Ryo started to work on Kenta and Kazu, them being relatively undamaged.
/Poor Juri. She was hit directly while these two were not. Hope they all come out fine./ Ryo murmured to no-one in his mind.
/Juri is going to be okay. Those two are also going to be okay. After all, Kenta and Kazu are like those balloon things that always bounce right back up./ Rika answered with obvious relief. Mel and Ryo finished their work and looked up. Rika was still slowly healing Juri but Henry was nowhere to be found.
"Where's Henry?!" Mel asked worriedly.
There was a brief pause as Rika finished up before she answered, "He's gone off to heal Takato. Juri! How are you feeling?"
"Mmm, much better. Thanks. How about you?" Juri asked, smiling.
"Fine, thanks. Oy, dorks! You alright?" Rika asked, trying to prevent her concern from showing through. Kenta and Kazu still noticed though, but decided not to comment on it.
"Fine, no thanks to you. Hey, where'd Henry go? Is Takato okay?" Kazu asked, looking around.
"Henry's with Takato. Let's go join them." Ryo stated and they all disappeared in a flash of light, only to reappear in another flash of light by Takato's and Henry's side. Henry was still healing Takato, as his injuries were severe. Juri kneeled down across from Henry and helped him heal Takato. Rika noted, with some concern, Henry's pale face and the line of perspiration that was beginning to start. She also took note of the worry lines on his young face and his quickened breathing. Juri was also beginning to show signs of strain although she had just started. Mel suddenly gave a start as she felt a dark presence draw near once more.
"He's coming! Oh Seraphymon…Guys, hurry! He's coming! Damn it all! What are we going to do?" Mel asked frantically.
"We'll stall him, that's what." Rika said with a determined glint in her eyes. The others grimly nodded and formed a line in front of their friends.
*gasp wheeze choke cough* "You thought *gasp* that you could *cough* get rid of me so easily?!" Akuma demanded, going into a fit of coughing.
"We were hoping we'd be able to. Looks like we did a good job in hurting you, though." Kenta said snidely. Akuma glared at him and threw a black lightening bolt at the Mystics. It disintegrated upon contact with the Mystics invisible shield, however. By now, Rika and co. (excluding Takato, Henry, and Juri, that is.), had joined hands. They had erected a barrier, continuing to add layers to it in hopes that it will buy enough time for Henry and Juri to finish healing Takato.
/How much longer?/ Rika asked Juri.
/Not much! Henry had healed most of the major injuries-we're now closing up the rest of the injuries./ Juri instantly replied.
/Well, go faster! We can only hold this up a couple minutes longer!/ Rika sent desperately. Juri didn't answer. She just increased her focus on her healing, willing the process to go faster. Henry never even flinched.
"Looks like you can't hold your shield up for much longer. That's too bad because I can continue my attack! Shadow blade come forth!" Akuma summoned a shadow blade into his hands and struck the shield, increasing pressure onto the one spot. Rika and co. struggled to hold their shield up but knew it was going to come down extremely soon. None of them were 100% healthy-it was just a temporary cure.
"Can't-hold-much-longer! *gasp* Juri, please hurry!" Rika begged, tears coming to her eyes from the pain of holding the shield up. The others were too busy trying to stay standing and holding the shield up to say anything.
Just as the shield was about to come down, a victorious cry of "Done!" issued forth from Juri's lips. The shield collapsed, only to be replaced with a much stronger shield from Henry. Rika and co. turned around to see an elated but tired Henry hugging a dazed but unhurt Takato. Juri was sitting next to them, looking like she was about to collapse but happy.
"Takato, you can't do anything to strenuous-you'll only re-open your wounds. What we just did is temporary-it won't hold much more than several hours." Juri warned. Takato just nodded before turning to look at his lover and then his primary source of hatred. Currently, Akuma was trying in vain to break through the shield. However, holding the shield up was taking it's toll on Henry. With one powerful hit of a Grim Reaper blast, the shield fell and Henry's hands snapped up to grab his head as he screamed in pain.
"*gasp* That *gasp* was a LOT harder than it was worth! Forget about owning you-I'll kill you instead! Shinigami come forth!" Akuma hissed, summoning the God of Death to his aid. Shinigami attacked Henry and his friends but was unable to kill-only to stun. Henry had put up a last minute shield around him and the others preventing them from being killed. Shinigami disintegrated as Henry fired was small but powerful light attack straight at it.
"Light angel, lend me your help!" Henry cried, summoning a beautiful angel to his aid. Hikari, the light angel, flew forward and attacked Akuma, severely injuring the Evil demon.
"Oomph! That's it? Apocalypse! Come and wreck Hell upon this place and its inhabitants!"
"Seal of the Dark Gates bind!"
"You're not getting away with this!"
"Bring it on, Akuma!"
"Shadow Blade, come forth!"
"Dark-light blade, come forth!"
Henry and Akuma rushed at each other, meeting in a powerful explosion. They continue to fly at each other, occasionally getting hits in. Soon, they were moving so fast you could see nothing but the flashes of light in where they made contact with each other. The battle, instead of slowing down, continued to speed up and grow in intensity. The others slowly came out of their various state of stun only to see a furious battle going on between their close friend and hated enemy. The duel continued for several more minutes, only to end with an earth-shaking explosion, sending both combatants flying in opposite directions. Both enemies flipped and landed on their feet, their weapons at ready position.
Henry's friend quickly soaked in their friend's and enemy's state. Henry was in worse shape than Akuma, both were bleeding from numerous wounds, and both were tired and out of breath. Henry didn't seem to notice that his friends had snapped out of their stunned states but Akuma did. The light side realized that Akuma had seen them conscious when they saw his eyes light up with unholy glee. With a shouted battle cry, Akuma launched at Henry only to suddenly veer off course and attack his friends. They were able to dodge out of the direct path of the weapon but were thrown back by the aftershock.
"No!" Henry cried, seeing his friends thrown into the air. "Akuma you coward! I can't believe you attacked helpless innocents! Your battle is with me, not them! Turn around and face me like the scum you are."
"Harsh words for someone who's going to die by my hand. Care to change what you just said?" Akuma asked, turning around to face Henry.
"No, but I should be asking you the same thing. Any last words?"
"Yes, just one. Die, Henry Wong of the Mystics!" Akuma charged at Henry, his weapon straight in front of him. Henry leaped a second later, his own weapon straight out in front of him. The two weapons collided with enormous force and disappeared. Akuma and Henry were left standing, weaponless, and panting with exhaustion.
"Don't tell me you're already tired, old man!" Henry exclaimed, smirking.
"Look at yourself and tell me who's old." Akuma snapped back.
Again, the battle resumed with extra vigor, different summons and blasts meeting at the center. Henry's friends came to once more and weakly stumbled over to the fight. They were so exhausted by now that all they wanted to do was lie down and sleep forever. But they couldn't. Not until they knew if Henry was going to make it out alive.
"Shadow tsunami!" A black tsunami headed straight towards Henry and before he could retaliate, Henry was hit and thrown back.
"Unghh…" Henry moaned in pain as he shakily stood up. Akuma quickly fired five shadow blasts in succession at Henry, before he could recover and protect himself. Takato, without thinking, shouted out his lover's name and jumped in front of the attack. Takato painfully turned so his back was facing the upcoming blasts and hugged Henry, forever protecting him. Henry's eyes widened in terror at Takato's plight but was prevented from doing anything about it as the rest of his friends came up behind Takato, each protecting the ones they cared about. When the barrage of blasts stopped, Takato and the others slumped to the ground, Takato being held up only by Henry's arms.
"No…Takato…why?" Henry whispered brokenly. He harshly wiped away the tears that had started to fall and stood up, walking to the front of his group of friends. Akuma's eyes widened in terror as he saw Henry slowly walk up to him. He had always loved Henry's eyes but now, now, he was terrified of them. They glowed with an unnatural light and his aura was rapidly changing colors. Henry's whole body started to glow with unrestrained power and Akuma now knew why this young Mystic had survived his life for so long and why he and so many others were addicted to him. Henry's hands began glowing stronger and slowly spread to the rest of his body until it looked like he was covered in color-changing flames. His expression had also changed-no longer was it angry and determined, instead, his look was one of cold determination and hatred-all directed at Akuma.
Soft, biting, menacing words reached Akuma's ears although it looked like Henry wasn't even talking, "You killed my race, you destroyed my life, and now, you killed my only family and my love. No longer will you hurt me-I have had enough! Killing my race and destroying my life was one thing, but now, now you've gone too far. No one hurts the ones I love and gets away with it! And especially NO ONE ever gets away with killing Takato, my lover! Akuma, I'm going to send you to the darkest and deepest pits of Hell and make sure you NEVER ESCAPE!" Henry hissed, slowly stalking closer to Akuma. Akuma continued backing up until he could back up no more. Instead, he began summoning his most powerful and darkest summon-Shinigami Reaper. Henry noticed, however, but did nothing about it.
"You may kill me but you're going down with me! You will not escape my wrath any longer." Henry stopped walking and stood still. He spread his arms out low, tilted his head up to the sky, and closed his eyes. Akuma increased the speed of his summoning spell, in hopes that he would kill Henry before Henry killed him.
"Anger, Fear, Love, and Mirth, hear my plea, hear my call. Dark and Light, Ice and Fire, Wind and Electricity, Stone and Wood, lend me your power-lend me your strength! God of Chaos let your power run through my blood, use my body to wield your chaos and fury unto this Evil Being before me!" Henry had started floating up to the sky, only to stop in the light of the moonlight as he finished his spell. Akuma had just finished his summon at the same time.
"Shingami Reaper, wreck your havoc!" Akuma screamed desperately. A dark and menacing figure that came from nightmares and fear rose out of the shadows.
"Chatoic Destruction!" Henry shouted using his own body as a portal to summon the God of Chaos. His body glowed from bright silver, to pure white, and finally, ultimate black. The God of Chaos emerged from Henry's body, just as Henry's friends became conscious for the third time.
/Takato…ashiteru…/ Henry whispered into his mind-link with Takato.
"Henry! No! Don't! You'll die! HENRY!" Takato screamed, running to his boyfriend, hoping against all hope that his boyfriend would hear his pleas and stop. His pleas were to no avail as the Chaos God fully emerged and Henry plummeted out of the sky, lifeless into Takato's waiting arms.
"No…Henry…you can't die…not today…not on our anniversary…" Takato sobbed, clutching Henry to him, hoping to find a heartbeat, a pulse, anything to signify that Henry was still alive.
"Takato, look! Akuma is winning!" Kenta screamed, pointing up into the sky. It was true, Shinigami Reaper, in Akuma's body, was definitely winning against Chaos. Takato stood, carrying Henry in his arms and started walking.
"Takato, where do you think you're going?! Chaos could lose and Henry would have sacrificed his life for nothing!" Rika screamed, enraged. Takato said nothing, only walked until he was underneath Chaos.
"Chaos! You took my only love's life only to lose, but I won't let that happen! I lend you my power!" At his last words, Takato raised his arms into the sky, his power flowing out of him in a steady stream to Chaos. The others finally understood and stood with Takato, offering up their power too.
/We're doing this for Henry…/ Rika said before Takato could ask them why. He only nodded. Above them, Chaos started to glow and with Takato and Henry's, Rika and Juri's, Kenta and Kazu's, Ryo and Mel's combined power, it unleashed it's [8] most powerful attack and destroyed Shinigami Reaper along with Akuma. Before Chaos disappeared, streaks of red, blue, yellow, green, gray, brown, and white flew from its body and returned to Takato, Rika, Ryo, Juri, Kazu, Kenta, and Mel's bodies, respectively. Their power had been returned and their life had been spared. Takato and his friends anxiously turned their faces to the sky again in hopes of seeing a streak of silver leave Chaos. There was nothing. Rika and the others slowly turned towards Takato, afraid of what they would see. Tears started and fell down their cheeks in rivers at Takato's heartbroken and empty expression.
"Takato…" Juri whispered, only to be ignored. Takato slowly turned towards his dead love and picked him up. He began the long and lonely trek back home.
"Henry…ashiteru…" was a soft whisper that was taken by the wind before it could be heard. Two crystal drops fell from magenta eyes and dropped silently to the ground where it was soaked up by the dirt. Behind the two broken lovers, their family slowly walked behind them, leaving the burning ground in which everything began-and ultimately ended.
A/N: …I don't feel like speaking…this chapter put me in a somber mood. Hey, will you look at that! It's 12:25am! *attempts some laughter but fails* oh…I hope you like this chapter. Sorry if some of the scenes seem stupid and stuff. I also hope this chapter wasn't too long…please read and review. It'd make me feel a lot better.
Shadow: …
[1] Thanks Mel for giving me this date! If you want to find out what's so special about this date, read her stories!
[2] Did I mention that the Digimon cast was going to be really really old?
[3] Based on life experience, ppl. It's good advice…wish I had followed it.
[4] Sorry, couldn't resist! Hehe From BtVS, btw.
[5] Don't hurt me! I was making this up as I went along.
[6] Yeah, I got this from Golden Sun. Hey! I suck at making up names, okay?
[7] From the Princess Bride when Buttercup is talking to Westly
[8] Dunno the gender.
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