Another chapter! Once again, I'm flattered by your comments. Thanks to them, I now know I'm succeeding in my purpose: giving Digimon fanfiction a more serious approach. Don't take it as an insult but Digimon fanfiction isn't what it used to be anymore. But that won't make me stop from completing this epic, even if, at the pace I'm going, it seems it will take me years. I guess I should write a little bit, faster, but college and sleep take 90% of my time, and the other 10 percent I'd rather use it for less demanding activities. Bear with me, please.
As for the continuous Evangelion comparisons, well……my top three favorite fics of all time are Evangelion fanfics, so if you're comparing me with Eva fics, well……I'm flattered.
Anyway, I don't own Digimon, but I do own the Omnivice idea and the original characters (Ruki, Pauline, Daneel and Chaos). BlackTerriermon is a conception (or misconception, I don't know) of Digidestined of Courage, as well as his very own identity. Eclipse is owned……okay, is related to Tatsu no Houou, as well as his own persona, which I'm using, too. Once that's settled, we're off to chapter 6, where Takato's will is finally broken, Rika's heart shatters, Beelzemon FINALLY makes an appearance, DC gets a pretty cool nickname and TK finishes his tale. Enjoy!
SILENT SORROW
Chapter 6
Damnation, Part II: And So, the Hunter Becomes the Hunted / Shattered Glass
He ignored that he was being watched. He ignored that his voice could be heard in the Main Base of what is called Hypnos II. He ignored that his friend, the one he loved as if she were his own sister, was at the moment crying in the arms of his best friend, Henry Wong. He ignored that the Hypnos crew had jerked their heads aside, unable to watch the horrible display he was performing. He ignored that some of them had also covered their ears. He ignored all that, and pretty much everything else, because he had become part of another universe.
A universe of pain.
The Kurisarimon still had their tentacles wrapped against his skin, using an attack that was meant for Digimon. No human could resist so much torture. Someone else would have died almost instantly. But Takato, involuntarily, was one tough cookie. Which made things much worse for him, though.
Even if the shock hadn't knocked him out, his body had long ago lost its balance, making him fall to the soft grass, shaking and convulsing with each pulse of electrical current. He could actually feel his blood heating, his heart beating erratically, his lungs contracting before he could fill them with the necessary air. Little he knew that help was on the way. However, more out of sheer pain than anything else, he let go one final cry, releasing all the pain and anguish in a heartbreaking sound. Inside the Hypnos complex, Jeri Katou passed out, unable to bear watching his pain anymore. But Takato's final display of unbearable pain had its good side. It made the two approaching mega Digimon's anger reach its highest level.
"You……YOU BASTARDS!!!"
Beelzemon slashed and scratched like a maniac, not allowing the Kurisarimon enough time to react before being reduced to their most basic binary components. The DarkScubamon immediately retreated to the shadows, perfectly camouflaging themselves to regroup and study the new threat. The remaining Kurisarimon, having a much lower IQ level, did the only thing they found appropriate: they followed the larger Digimon behind the bushes.
Beelzemon was about to follow them when Takato's loud coughing interrupted him. The Demon Lord rushed next to the fallen Tamer.
"Hey……hey, Gogglehead! Can you get up?"
Takato curled himself in a fetal position, his body trembling and his lungs breathing heavily. And for the first time in his life, Beelzemon felt the pain of watching a friend in pain.
He didn't like the feeling at all.
He was about to pick the Tamer up when a massive body tackled him against a tree. Shaking the stars circling around his head, Beelzemon faced the attacker and frowned at the sight of a familiar enemy. Somehow, the remaining Kurisarimon had managed to merge together into Infermon. The Mega Digimon growled.
"Not even YOU can defeat me!"
Beelzemon was about to unleash his Darkness Claw attack when the four DarkScubamon leapt at him, daggers ready to cut, slash and tear flesh (or data) apart. Beelzemon wouldn't normally fear a group of Ultimates, but the way they took him by surprise and the way their eyes glowed like a pack of rabid wolves at the sight of easy prey told the Demon Lord that he should be prepared for a lot of pain.
The pain never came.
The only reason the DarkScubamon survived Sakuyamon's Spirit Strike attack was because of their special training and the type advantage. However, that doesn't mean they weren't sent flying several dozen feet. But the extremely pissed off female Digimon didn't give them the chance to get up after the blast. Showing no mercy, her staff went right through the first one's chest, destroying him instantly. 0.6 seconds later, she was throwing her main weapon towards the second one, which ended up being smashed against a tree twelve yards behind him. The third was just getting up when Sakuyamon grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against another tree, in an attempt to choke him to death. The fourth and last DarkScubamon's approached forced Rika to use more pressure, finally breaking the captive enemy's throat. Right at the same time the fourth enemy threw his knife right at her head, Sakuyamon made a quick roll behind the tree she was in front of. Half a second was enough to tell her that the second DarkScubamon, the one who had being hit by her staff, was already up and joining his partner. She also saw the approaching blur of Beelzemon, who had obviously taken care of Infermon in the few seconds she had spent killing the two DarkScubamon.
At the same time Beelzemon's Darkness Claw removed one of the enemies from existence, Sakuyamon leapt out of her hiding place, landing a powerful blow to the last remaining enemy's face, sending him back to the very same tree he had been smashed against seven seconds before. Shaking his head to recover from the shock, he barely managed to see how Sakuyamon recovered her staff and lunged towards him, releasing a berserk yell from her mouth.
Then, he saw nothing else.
Twelve slashes in 2.3 seconds were what destroyed him. Sakuyamon, having her anger already released, stared at the place where the last enemy had fallen for what seemed an eternity. She only stopped when she felt Beelzemon's hand on her left shoulder.
"Hey………you ok, girl?"
He had good reasons to ask that. After all, he had never seen a Tamer……any Tamer fight with such fury. She had had no mercy with her opponents, something that was expected of a wild Digimon, not from her.
Obviously, Rika had no response. The only sound she made, a gasp, was released when she looked to her left, where Takato's body lied crumpled on the ground. Was he conscious? Unconscious? ………dead?
"Takato!" Rika shouted as the light of reverse evolution bathed Sakuyamon, reversing her back to the human and Digimon components. She fell down to her knees, using her right hand to raise Takato's head. This time the Gogglehead didn't try to move away, more out of lack of energy than anything else. However, he seemed to recognize her, as his body seemed to naturally feel drawn towards her. Before Rika could even tell, a sobbing Takato was buried on her chest. Normally she would have proceeded to redefine the word 'pain' with Takato's body, but the situation they were facing was anything but normal, even to the Tamers' standards.
"I'm……so tired………Rika, just………just let me die………."
The redhead gasped in response. "Shut up! Just……just don't dare say that again………"
"But………but they want to take me away……away from………"
"I won't let them." Rika replied with a tone that didn't seem confident at all. "I won't let them take you away……away from………."
She only finished the sentence in her mind, but Takato seemed to get the idea.
"Do………do you promise?"
Rika didn't waste a second to nod in response. "I promise."
"Th……th-thanks………"
And with a satisfied smile on his tired face, Takato drifted away to unconsciousness.
*****Someone's Mind******
"You strive for something, and you fail miserably. That is, definitely, your life in a few words."
NO! I won't accept it!
The Tamer known as DC was fighting a new battle. Having left the realm of consciousness in the Dark Ocean, he was now forced to face this……intrusion in his subconscious.
"Oh, but it is true. What just happened was a very good proof."
How come sometimes you treat me nicely and now you're being a total bitch?
The female voice released a giggle. "Oh, my, now that's a pretty rough way to treat a lady, my dear……"
I'm not 'your dear'. I don't even know you! Heck, why am I even talking with you!?
"Because I speak with the truth."
No! It's because I don't know how to get you out of my mind!
"Well……that, too. But you have to admit your life has been a waste until now."
Hell no!
"Truth hurts, but……you're a loser."
SHUT UP!
"You just failed in the mission Takeru assigned you with. He trusted in you, and you failed……big time."
He……he should have given me that responsibility!
"But he did."
I never had a chance against Daemon!
"Yet you tried to fight him. Why?"
Someone had to!
"Why YOU?"
Someone had to save Tatsu and Eclipse!
"So you did it for them?"
YES!
"And why did you accept Takeru's petition? Was it to please him? You did it for him, even if you risked your life by doing so?
YES!!!!
"So you're saying that you do everything for others?"
……yes, I guess.
"Does that make you strong? Does the feel of being important to others make you strong?"
………………
"Would you fight for me?"
What?
"I asked: would you fight for me?"
…………why do you think I should fight for you?
"I'm not saying that. I just want to know if you'd do it if I needed it. So I ask again: would you fight for me?"
……………yes. It's what makes me who I am.
DC could swear the girl who was talking with him had just tilted her head and smile, even if he couldn't see her.
"Thanks. I knew you'd say that, though. That's why I love you so much."
……………how could you……!!!!!!!!
DC couldn't sense any other "physical" presence in his mind. And, unlike Takato's and Takeru's mental conversations, there was no mental image of the girl he was talking to. But he could definitely recognize the feeling of lips on top of his. He was being kissed by an invisible, yet beautiful, intruder.
"If you die, we'll never be able to meet. And I'd be very sad if that happened. So, you must go now, my dear Sandalphon. Go and fight bravely. For you and for me."
……how did you just called me?
The girl giggled one last time. "Now I'm sure. You're the tenth. But we'll have plenty of time to talk later."
I f I actually managed to survive today, that is.
"Oh, you're so pessimistic! Of course you will! I'm sure of it. You're very strong."
Well, thanks for the compliment.
"You're welcome. Besides, if I don't compliment you, then who will?"
…………whatever. Goodbye……whoever you are.
"See you later, dear. Oh, and maybe next time we meet I'll give you my name……and my phone number!"
Gee……I'm looking forward to it……
Her giggles were the last thing he heard as he slowly returned to the world of the conscious.
*****The Dark Ocean*****
Light and sound.
A loud howl escaped Daemon's shadowy face when the D-Ark began glowing with a bloody crimson. Scarlet light filled the Dark Ocean, normally devoid of color, forcing everyone in the nearby zone to cover their eyes. The light was strong enough to awaken the barely conscious Tatsu, who had somehow survived Daemon's blast. For now, we should focus in the male figure Tatsu was looking at. The weak, seemingly exhausted DC, who still managed to find the strength to get up and walk to the place Daemon stood. The Mega Digimon was still groaning in pain, as if the mere act of holding the object was a terrible torture. Finally, he was forced to let go of the Digivice, which fell to the ground without making any noise. DC stopped for a moment to look at Daemon's hand, which was greatly damaged. The Digivice was, indeed, burning him as he held it. The Tamer then looked back at Tatsu, who was slowly struggling to get up, but that proved to be a quite formidable task. Then, he looked at the fallen Eclipse, who had taken the shape of Raidramon, lying still on the cold surface. She had fully received Daemon's blow, and by doing that, she had unconsciously saved Tatsu from certain death……if the word "death" counts for someone like him. With a grim smile, DC realized Eclipse would be out of commission for a while, if she wasn't already dead, that is. Finally, he looked at his partner, or at least he tried. The DarkScubamon were still lunging at him by dozens, while the much smaller and weaker Digimon barely managed to keep them away. But his Tamer knew the Dark Animal Digimon wouldn't be able to keep his opponents away much longer.
Do not worry, I'm on my way. Everything's clear now………
DC leaned down to pick the crimson Digivice, sighing in relief when he felt its cool, smooth surface on his hand. Once again, he felt complete. In fact, he felt better than before losing it.
"It's time." He said to himself, while looking at the place where his Digimon was fighting. At the same time, Daemon finally got up, and with a quiet growl, realized he had lost the precious artifact. He didn't waste time to attempt to crush DC's head with his sane hand………when everything got filled with light. The Digivice extended its bright to the fullest, filling the empty, barren land with a purifying crimson. DC smiled.
"Now we're complete."
BIO-MERGE ACTIVATE
MATRIX EVOLUTION
"BlackTerriermon, digivolve to………BlackMegaGargomon!"
The new Mega Digimon didn't waste time to begin his strike.
"Radiation Missiles!"
And all hell broke loose.
*****Hypnos-2*****
Takeru was completely still, his eyes fixed on the person resting on the hospital bed. Completely alone, the blonde Tamer had all the time in the world to observe Takato Matsuki.
So young……so fragile……it's hard to believe this is the Higher Entity's finest creation……the perfect evolution of humanity………the one who will save us all.
Unconsciously, Takeru delicately placed his right hand on Takato's forehead. The younger Tamer didn't even flinch, his deep sleep uninterrupted by TK's actions.
He already has one foot on hell………and I can't even shed a tear for him………am I that much of a miserable person?
Takeru……
Yeah………I'm pathetic………I laugh, but my heart is not happy……I'm sad, but I can't just slump down and cry………what have I become? Did I make a mistake by leaving Odaiba so many years ago? Am I really satisfied now? Would I have found happiness if I had stayed? I guess I'll never know now……
Takeru………please………
Takeru didn't move his eyes off Takato's seemingly serene expression.
I wished we could switch places, Takato. If my death could save the world, I'd gladly give my life. I have nothing left here. Not anymore. But you're still so young. You could be so happy………you would make Rika so happy………
Takeru!
But I can't. You're the one who has to die, and I have to stay and live this empty, meaningless life. And I'm a bastard for feeling sorry for me when you're the one who I should worry the most for. You're the one who is going to die, but my heart cries for my living. I'm worthless………
Takeru took something out of his pocket, revealing it to be an injection. He didn't waste time mixing it with the serum that was being intravenously fed to Takato.
"This will keep you up and running for a while longer. Maybe it would be better if you died right now. At least you wouldn't have to witness the end of te world. But I am a selfish person, so I keep you alive. I'm sorry, Takato. I'm really sorry."
Unable to shed tears, Takeru clenched his fists in anger towards himself. Takato didn't hear anything the blonde Tamer had said, and he didn't hear the sound of the door closing as Takeru left the room. But in his subconscious, his mouth let go a simple word.
"………understand…………"
*****Eastern Quadrant Dimension. Odaiba.*****
I don't know why I came here. Today of all days. I have a very important business meeting today, you know? But I chose to come here instead. I must be insane, but I guess I can trust in my people. They'll do well in my absence. They haven't failed me before…………why am I thinking about this?
Davis Motomiya smiled as he stood in front of a familiar grave.
Taichi Kamiya
1988-
Valiant warrior,
Loving friend.
The flame within you shall never die…
Your parents refused to allow anyone to write the year of your death on this grave. Did you know that, Tai? They still believe you're alive………just like me.
Unafraid to stain his expensive business suit, Davis sat on the moist grass, the smile never leaving his face.
You're not the kind of person to do something like that. I know that because we're very similar, and I'd never find the guts to kill myself. To hell with the Crest of Courage, it wasn't meant for something like this.
He remained silent for a minute, thinking about absolutely nothing, almost expecting a response from the headstone. Of course, there was none.
Takeru left before you did. Were you following him, Tai? Have you planned on doing it, and Takeru's leave gave you the last encouragement?
He sighed.
He's alive, Tai. At first I didn't believe it, but then I saw him with my own eyes. He's alive and healthy. A little on the cold side, but……he's alive, and I'm glad. Your sister was the most overjoyed by it, you know? I think she's starting to realize what she ignored in the past. I think she has finally understood that Takeru left Odaiba mainly because of her. There were other reasons, yeah, but…………
Davis stared at the grassy ground. After almost one and a half decades, the grass had grown again on the soil where the empty coffin was buried. Davis realized that thinking was becoming harder every moment.
But now she's sad again, Tai. She's sad because she can't find Takeru and talk to him. So many things could be solved if they just talked. Maybe those two would finally find peace……the way it was supposed to be since the beginning.
Davis stopped for a while to ponder his thoughts. He did not want to talk about that anymore. He feared the feelings he had fought so hard to shake away returned to make his life unbearable. He was living a fine life, being the owner of one of the world's greatest chain of restaurants and food franchises, gaining millions of yen every week and dating top models and famous actresses every weekend. The last thing he needed was to be haunted by a childhood crush.
I know you're out there somewhere, Tai. Do not worry, I'll keep an eye on your sister while you're gone. And I'll make sure Matt makes Sora happy. You'll be proud of me when we meet again………I hope.
*****Hypnos-2 Conference Room*****
Once again, they had gathered. Everyone who was somehow important to the grand scheme of things was there. Well, almost everyone. Some of the most important ones were absent, though. The main reason was that they still ignored their importance. And some that could be considered as important were absent, too, as they weren't that important. But it was not just the matter of being there or not. The true matter was the meaning of their presence, and how what they were about to learn would change their lives.
Takeru stood at the entrance, checking on everyone as they were arriving. When Yamaki, Riley and Talley walked inside together, Takeru realized no one else was expected to come. "Oh well, let's get this party started."
He made sure everyone had found a seat in the long, rectangular table before he took the seat at the front. After all, he was the one in charge for the moment. It feels good being the center of attention. I wished it were for a different reason, though.
Well, there's nothing we can do about it, right………
Maybe, but we can at least pretend our future is not controlled………
"Well, I'm glad you're all here………what's wrong, Mr. Wong?" Takeru interrupted himself as Janyuu had raised his hand.
"You………knew this was going to happen, right? The……attack, I mean."
Several jaws fell down and every eye in the room stared at Takaishi. Takeru didn't even flinch.
"……yes, I knew Takato was going to be attacked. I didn't know it was going to be precisely today, but I was kind of expecting it."
A small hand slammed the table, startling everyone in the room. It surprised Takeru to realize it had been Impmon.
"Well, I'm sick of you! You have to stop keeping secrets from us, damn it! He could have gotten killed!"
There was no response from the others, but Takeru knew they agreed with the Small Demon Digimon. And TK understood their anger.
"I……I know this isn't much comfort, but he wouldn't have died. He needs Takato alive."
"Who!?" Jeri asked.
"I……not yet, Jeri. I'll tell you soon, but not yet. Not before……"
"You're doing it again, dammit!" Impmon interrupted with an angry shout.
"I have to keep an order!" Takeru pleaded. "I have to explain you the whole story before……"
"What does it matter?" Yamaki joined the conversation. "The only thing you've done is giving us a Digital World History class. We don't CARE about that, we just want to know what the hell's going on!"
This time there were some muttered words of agreement and some nodding. Takeru sighed.
"It is important for us to……"
"IT'S NOT IMPORTANT!!!" An irate Yamaki shouted as he stood up and walked to the front, where he grabbed Takeru by the neck and slammed him against the wall behind him, still squeezing him as he spoke. Neither Patamon nor anyone else had time to react.
"Do we have to force the truth off you, mister Takaishi?" Yamaki growled after saying those words.
"S…..stop………" Takeru forced to speak even with the lack of air.
"STOP RIGHT THERE, MR. YAMAKI!!!!"
The one who shouted was not anyone of the ones present in the room. It was one who had been absent until that precise moment.
"Matsuki………"
Everyone gasped as they witnessed the impossible. Takato stood at the entrance, next to a mainly confused Daneel. Finally, the young Tamer walked inside the room, grabbed Yamaki's hand and pushed the bigger, older and stronger man off Takeru. Takato proudly stood between Takeru and everyone else.
"If there's a person who should complain about Mr. Takaishi's actions, that person is me and only me. He is not to be harmed or threatened during his stay! Only over my dead body! Understood?"
If looks could kill, there would have been multiple genocides in that room. Takato's glare was so ferocious that even Rika cringed under his powerful gaze. Nobody had the guts to say a word.
"UNDERSTOOD!?"
Silence. Until……
"Momentai, buddy!"
Takato raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, the cold air that had seemed to invade the room was gone, to be replaced by Takato's soft laugh. No one else joined him, though. I guess they didn't find it as funny. Finally, Takato sat on the chair Takeru had been seating until a minute before and faced the former Digi-Destined.
"You may continue, Mr. Takaishi……oh, wait! Impmon……"
"Uhh……yes?"
Being on the seat at the front, Impmon could only see the top of Takato's head peaking from the other side of the huge seat. That didn't stop him from smiling when he heard Takato's words.
"Thank you………for helping."
"……no problem."
"Same to you, Rika, Renamon. Domo………arigato."
Knowing that there would be no response from either Tamer or Digimon, Takato spoke once again, this time to Takeru.
"Last time we stopped on……what did you call them? The Ultimate Crests, I think."
Takeru released the breath he had been unconsciously holding for the last minute and smiled.
"Yes, Takato……are you okay?"
"………I can hold on for a few more days, if that's what you want to know."
Everybody simply ignored Rika's gasp.
How can he be so senseless!?
"Okay……well……as I explained, the Western Quadrant was too well protected, and nothing wrong ever happened at the Northern Quadrant, so we can pretty much ignore them for the rest of this discussion. The Southern Quadrant……this Quadrant, dwelled in an eternal struggle for survival, which isn't really that important……"
"……still painful, though." Takato commented. Unseen by everyone, Renamon smiled, as somehow she felt the comment was directed to her. Takeru continued.
"……all the important stuff happened in the Eastern Quadrant. Before I go into details, we must return to the beginning."
"The beginning of the story?" Rumiko asked. Takeru shook his head.
"No……the beginning of the Universes."
The blonde man deeply inhaled. "At the beginning, there was nothing, and the fundamentals of existence floated aimlessly in the vast nothingness."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm lost there!" Hirokazu shouted. Pretty much everyone agreed. Takeru started again.
"I'm talking about the very beginning. The starting point of everything……the Planck time. At the beginning, only two……entities existed. Two higher entities. They were two, but at the same time they were one. I'm talking about 'God'. The thing that is everything, the Higher Entity, the eternal dance between light and shadow, day and night, balance and chaos. At the beginning, only Balance and Chaos existed."
"The one and only, ladies and gentlemen!" Takato……Chaos added with a chuckle. Everyone groaned.
So you're older than the Big Bang, huh?
"Yeah, pretty much………hard to believe, huh?"
Yeah, anyone would think you'd have matured by now……
"Hey!"
"So……what you're saying is that whatever lives within Takato………is one of God's sides?" Ryo asked.
"You almost got it, Ryo. You must not think of Balance and Chaos as different sides of God, as they are actually the same, therefore being a whole by themselves. Our minds can only perceive them as separate because we're limited. In another words, Chaos is NOT a part of God……a part of the Higher Entity……….Chaos IS the Higher Entity."
"That will teach you not to mess with me, Mr. Perfect!" Takato added. Rika chuckled, while Ryo seemed unnerved.
"Well, you don't seem that strong for a God right now, Gogglehead. I'm pretty sure I could kick you ass if I wanted to."
"Bring it on!"
"Takato!" Takeru complained.
"Sorry." Asmodeus finally put an end to the argument. "He just has an ego the size of the Milky Way."
"Whatever." Takeru finally said. "Another thing you've got wrong, Ryo. You described Chaos as something that 'lives within Takato', as if Takato and Chaos were two different beings. It's another of our limitations, but Takato and Chaos are, in fact, the same being, separated by reasons I'll discuss later. Anyway, eventually, the 'Balance' side of the Higher Entity managed to control the 'Chaos' side long enough to create the Universes. How many did it create? Probably infinite."
"Actually, I stopped it at the……shut up, Chaos!"
A massive sweatdrop followed.
"Ahem…well………the thing is, the history of the Universes became the eternal shift between Balance and Chaos. When Balance visits the Universes, growth is enhanced, civilization develops and peace prevails. Chaos brings disorder and decadence to the dimensions, and alters the stability of things."
"Gee, stop talking as if I were some sort of devil." Takato muttered. "It's not like I killed the dinosaurs or started World War II. My work is much more subtle."
"Oh, yes, and convincing our generals to attack Pearl Harbor was subtle." Takeru replied with an evil grin.
"Oh, come on! All the fun was taking place in Europe, how could I resist moving the stage to Japan!?"
Another sweatdrop. Takeru sighed. "Oh, well………the thing is, Chaos has the nasty habit of taking a human shape to have fun in his very own twisted way. He never stays too long, though."
"Yeah……no human body can handle this much power." Takato explained. Takeru nodded.
"Anyway, Azulongmon noticed that a new arrival of Chaos was bound to come. Afraid of how Chaos might affect the Digital World, he asked his Digital Guardians to prepare countermeasures. It was called 'Project Asmodeus', and it was kept a secret from the other Sovereigns."
Here's where it gets interesting…… Terriermon said just to himself.
"While The Digital Guardians created the second batch of eight Digivices and the eight Digi-Eggs for the second group of Digi-Destined……my group, they also prepared a vessel."
"A vessel?" For what?"
"A vessel for Chaos, Mister Shibumi. Instead of waiting for Chaos to show up unnoticed, they created a body for Chaos to take as its own. A body that would be able to control God itself and stop it from bringing disorder to the dimensions."
Everyone's eyes widened. They already had a pretty good idea of what Takeru meant.
"Are you saying that-?"
"No, Mister Wong. Project Asmodeus was never completed. It was interrupted for two reasons. One was that they could not find the proper code to create the perfect vessel. The second reason was that the main complex where Project Asmodeus was being developed was destroyed by the Dark Masters. As those who watched the TV show must know, the Digital Guardian known as Gennai was the lone survivor, and he was the one who told me most of what I'm telling you right now."
"So………what happened?" Rika finally asked, after a minute of silence. Takeru smiled.
"Well, the worlds began to display the obvious symptoms that precede Chaos' arrival, and the Digital World was not the exception. You already know Devimon, Etemon, Myotismon and Apocalymon, as well as Ryo's battles against Millenniumon. However…………"
Takeru remained silent. He had reached the moment when everything would change. He wondered how the others would take it. He wondered how Takato would take it. He felt a strange sensation in his stomach, almost repulsed by the idea that, at the moment, he controlled the lives of those in the room. But, unconsciously, he also knew that he was nothing but another puppet in Destiny's sick games. He knew a lot of things, that's true, but………he didn't knew even half of it.
"Project Asmodeus was never completed………officially."
After noticing everyone's puzzled expressions, Takeru continued, at the same time Daneel exited the room. "Someone……of something……….finished what the Digital Guardians couldn't do: completing the code, designing a body, gathering the info in a DNA patch………the vessel of God……was completed. The DNA patch was then infused in the womb a pregnant woman from the human realm connected to the Southern Quadrant. A woman by the name of Mie Matsuki."
More silence. Everyone was processing the meaning of those words. Takeru swallowed. He had started……he might as well finish.
"The DNA patch merged with the fertilized ovum and altered the parents' innate genetic code, modifying it to create body fit for the Higher Entity. A body that eventually acquired a soul……the soul of the Higher Entity. And a boy was born. Takato Matsuki."
Takeru waited for a reaction. A word from any mouth, a movement, anything. He would be surprised if Takato tried to deny what was definitely the truth. But that did not come. The aforementioned boy simply processed the information and accepted it. Maybe, somehow, he knew all along. But that didn't mean it wasn't any painful. The exact opposite, actually.
That's why Takeru's heart broke when he saw Takato's expression as he got up. A mixture of anger, despair, but most of all, acceptance.
"I………that who I am…………"
The others struggled to look away, but it was impossible. Their eyes stared at the young boy, waiting for him to do something. Anything.
"That's………that's WHAT I am………"
Somehow, the way he said that word struck a cord in their hearts. After all, a new question had popped out after the truth had been revealed. A question that was now torturing Takato, eating him from the inside. The inner struggle was visible in the way his eyes glowed, forcing the tears inside. It was also visible in his fists, clenched until his knuckles looked white. He had never been surrounded by that many friends and he had never needed them so much before. Yet, in the moment he most needed a word of comfort, a relieving hug, a body to lean on or a shoulder to cry on, they failed him. Nobody said a word, nobody tried to approach him. Only Rika, who slowly raised her left hand towards him to finally retreat it, as her fear overcame her desire to be close to him. Only Terriermon, who understood Takato in a way nobody else could have understood, as he knew things nobody else could even imagine, things even Takeru ignored; managed to whisper a few words. Words that were everything but comforting, but stated a truth that was painfully obvious. Good thing that nobody heard him.
"Deus ex machina………..."
*****The Dark Ocean*****
The couple stood at the edge of a cliff, watching the sad mockery of a sunset in the monochromatic pandemonium ruled by Dragomon. The normally silent Dark Ocean unleashed its true power at the rocks, hitting them with great force, foam jumping great heights, yet unable to touch the boy and the girl. It would have been a beautiful sight……with color, that is.
"………thank you."
"Hmm……" the girl muttered softly, her sleepy form more concerned about finding comfort by leaning against the boy's body rather than his words. This, of course, prompted a blush from the male, blush that went unnoticed. However, the boy didn't stop.
"Thank you……for getting in the way of his attack. If you hadn't, I'd have died………again."
"………welcome."
Tatsu sighed, wondering if Eclipse was actually paying attention to him. He did his part by saying thanks, though, so he wouldn't insist. He wrapped his left arm around her body, making sure not to touch the wounds the battle had left on her slender figure. He released the breath he'd been holding when Eclipse's content sigh signaled her approval of his action. Then, he smiled, as moments like those weren't very common. At least not without her teasing and his nosebleeds.
"I……I wonder what happened to those two. I guess they made it back home."
"Hmmm………?"
"I didn't have the chance to thank them. They pretty much saved the day back there. I don't think Daemon could follow us……or them, for that matter. But we couldn't stop him from invading Takato's world, though."
Eclipse finally opened her eyes, after realizing Tatsu wouldn't let her sleep anytime soon. "That's not our problem anymore."
"I…..guess………but his Digivice………it was…………"
"They'll live without a Digivice………"
Tatsu looked to his left and met his partner in crime's big, bright eyes, admiring her beauty for a second……just a second. If he didn't know what she was capable of, he would have considered himself the luckiest man in the world in that moment. However, the question of what exactly was Eclipse and where did she come from still remained, nagging in the back of mind as a reminder of the fact that they were, indeed, the oddest pair of friends in the Universe……in any Universe, for that matter.
"Yeah………let's go home, Eclipse."
"Aww……back to Hotland and Mr. Big, Meany Dragon?"
"Well, I could use some clean clothes and a hot bath………"
Immediately, Eclipse's peaceful expression changed as she switched to 'Teaser' mode.
"Oh, yes………I gotta admit he's got a pretty nice sauna………" she said as she inched exaggeratedly close to Tatsu. "And we could share the bathtub……and maybe the bed, if you behave……"
THAT was the teasing. The nosebleed arrived almost immediately.
*****Hypnos-2 *****
"I knew it would be tough. I guess I lost my sense of tact."
"No matter what you did or could have done, it's still difficult. You did what you could."
"Thanks. I could have used some help, though. But I guess that'd be asking too much, right?"
Terriermon didn't reply. He simply stared at sight of Shinjuku, filled with artificial light as night had finally arrived. "I was sure he'd arrive today."
"I thought so, too. I guess DC and BlackTerriermon did a better job that I expected."
"You should give them something for a job well done."
"I already did."
"What about Tatsu and Eclipse?"
Takeru shrugged. "There's nothing they could need from me. They already have everything they need."
"Each other?"
Takeru chuckled.
"You could tell them the truth. You could tell Eclipse everything she ignores about herself."
"I'd do it if I knew. Unlike you, I do not know everything, Terriermon."
"Don't talk as if I knew everything!"
"Well, is there something you don't know, little one?"
"I don't know how this is going to end."
"Touché."
Once again, they remained silent for a while, trying to ponder their thoughts, at the same time they attempted to predict what the other had in his mind.
"Why can't you tell me?"
"……………"
"Terriermon, you could answer so many of my questions. I have involved so many in this, I don't want innocent lives to be lost because of this! This should be Takato's fight and only Takato's. This should be a matter of Takato and the Enlightened Ones, the ones with the Ultimate Crests."
"No."
"What?"
"Not just them…………the Crests aren't important, what's really important are the se…………forget it."
"No! I can't just forget it, Terriermon! Why can't you help me!? Why can't you al least give me clue!? It doesn't matter to you or what? I could put an end to this! Takato wouldn't have to suffer so much!"
"No!" Terriermon finally snapped, the tears finally escaping his eyes. "He has to live through this. It's necessary. The pain, the loneliness, the despair……his death is necessary. All this is necessary. No matter if I told you or not, you'll only know the truth when you're supposed to. Eclipse will know her truth when her time comes. Same with DC, same with the Enlightened Ones, same with the Angels………"
Terriermon walked away from Takeru, making his way to the exit.
"I don't know how this is going to end, but it will be okay. At the end of this darkness, I see light. Everything will be good once this is over. I feel it……in my heart………if I have one. Do not be worried, Takeru. Momentai."
Takeru looked away from the Small Animal Digimon. He was in too much pain, and he didn't want Terriermon to look at his tears. The Digimon sighed. Why did he have to know that much? Why did he have to be……?
Daath…………
Terriermon sighed again before leaving the roof of the Metropolitan Government Building.
"Momentai………"
E.T.D. (Estimated Time of Death): 124:06:11
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End of chapter 6……
Terriermon: Hehehe, I rule! I know EVERYTHING!!!!
DC: Yeah, yeah, whatever. I have a very special surprise concerning Terriermon at the end of this story. It's gonna be very cool. As for this chapter, the mystery continues. Heh, I think it's never going to end, not even with the end of this story. Damn. I know these chapters have been lacking in the humor part, but that will change after chapter 8, more or less. Oh, yes, Takato and Rika are going to give us a few last laughs before Tamers Forever is over. As usual, reviews and comments are more than welcome, any questions will be gladly answered by e-mail or in the 'author's notes' section at the beginning of next chapter. Ja ne!
(The Biggest Dreamer starts playing)
Rumiko's Voice: Once again, confusion has struck the Digimon Tamers and those close to them. The truth about Takato's origins has divided the group, as questions of trust are planted in front of them. "What IS Takato Matsuki?" has become the main question. While the others try to understand how their feelings for Takato have changed, Takato struggles against his own mind, as he's forced to face the doubts about his own identity. "Am I human?" That's his question. The most basic feelings are put to the test: courage, honor, friendship………and love. The enemy finally arrives in the next chapter of "Silent Sorrow": Damnation, Part III.
Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)
