Chapter six: Masquerade of Light and Darkness

One month after the incident with Arukenimon and Wizardmon' s death, Angewomon had made her decision. She felt strong enough now, to tell the angel that she would leave him. And what was of even more importance to her, she wanted to call him to account! He should have to justify his actions in front of her. She took her lantern, opened the mirror and touched the digiport. Seconds later she stood in the blackness of his castle. He had told her to call for him, but she did not do that. Now that darkness was all around her, she felt frightened again, but she would not return before she had talked to him. If he knew she was there he could prepare himself to defend his doings, but she wanted to hear the truth. So she paced through the darkness only guided by her lantern, hoping it would not end like it nearly did the last time she came down there. She was not sure how she had made it so far without knowing the way, but finally she found herself in a corridor with one enlightened threshold. Slowly she walked towards it and opened the door a split wide when she heard Myotismon speak. "Nrghn…Ow!… You do know what you are doing there, don't you?" Angewomon listened up, to whom was he talking? An unknown voice answered him in excuse. "I'm sorry Myotismon. The needle has detached…" Carefully Angewomon peeked into the room, she was astonished, never before she had seen a fire in one of the firesides. Maybe it was because of this guest, but who was he? "You're trying to get it out for about ten minutes now! I'll do it myself!" She regarded the guest, it was a very small digimon, almost like a ball of black feathers, with yellow eyes, talons and wings. It was flapping next to Myotismon who sat sagging in his armchair, his left sleeve was hoisted to shortly under his shoulder and he pulled something from the inner side of his elbow, clenching his teeth. "Myotismon, can I ask you something?" Said the strange digimon and Myotismon nodded rubbing his arm. "Tell me why. Why had Wizardmon to die?" Myotismon groaned and threw his head back. "My! DemiDevimon! I've told you the first time you asked me and the last time you've asked me, I will tell you now and every further time you will ask me again, that this is none of your concern! You may leave now, give me the favor, you cheeky dolt!" DemiDevimon sighed and sat down. "Do you really think I would leave you alone in this condition? That's the worst state it had ever caused…" Myotismon sat up and looked at him. Angewomon wondered, somehow he behaved different from what she knew. "Huh? What d'you mean, batty twit!" DemiDevimon scratched himself with a talon and looked at Myotismon sympathetically. "Exactly this! You would never say 'cheeky dolt' or 'batty twit' if you weren't… well… sort of high." Myotismon looked at the fireside and rubbed his smarting eyes. "Yes, sometimes I have to give my mind a little rest, if not, I'd become lunatic… If this isn't what I already am…" DemiDevimon flapped up to Myotismon's head and slapped him in the face with his wing. "Oh please Myotismon! From one extreme into the other! Don't you get your melancholy depression! You had been clean for you had not get them and I should never have given you one of those…" Myotismon rubbed over his wrist with his forefinger and looked at DemiDevimon with a demanding gaze. "Speaking of 'those'… You will give me one more!" DemiDevimon's eyes widened and he shook his head, therefore his whole body, in refusal. "No Myotismon! One dosage is enough to kill a well trained Birdramon! I won't help you to execute yourself by poisoning!" Myotismon clenched his left fist and loosened it again, he looked around and it seemed as if he was trying to hear a noise from far away. Angewomon held her breath, somehow she did not yet want him to know she was there. "My senses are weakening, my hearing is on a normal digimon's level, as my powers of vision are… but yet the fire over there is still hurting my eyes. I want to be completely unreceptive for the things occurring around me, only then I can have a few moments of peace." There was a split of resignation in his voice that made DemiDevimon sigh deeply. "I know I will regret this, Myotismon. I know I will… And what if you die? You're the master of this castle of darkness, the digiport works only as long as you decide it to work… if you die, how shall I…?" Myotismon interrupted him with a friendly smile and a brotherly slap, which he probable would not have done in an other state. "Demi! It has been a long time since I've left File Island. Be assured that I can endure a double dosage, without leaving you in the dark, fretful nut!" DemiDevimon nodded reluctant and Myotismon clasped his left upper arm tightly. "I hope you can keep your word, Myotismon! Demi Dart!" The little digimon took the syringe and injected the venom into the inner side of Myotismon's elbow. The vampire turned his head to the door where Angewomon was hiding, she thought he would notice her now, but his eyes were closed as he clenched his teeth. Hardly a minute later his facial features became much more relaxed, his whole body slackened completely while he was starring distantly to the ceiling. It almost looked as if he was dreaming with opened eyes, or as if he was… Angewomon pushed the door open and rushed over to him in worry. His black pupils had nearly displaced every bit of blue in his irises, his gaze was blank and glassy. "Myo! Myo! Please, wake up! What's wrong with you?" She shook him at the shoulders but he did not react onto her words. "He can't hear you…" Said a worried voice next to her, she turned around and faced DemiDevimon. "What? What's with him? What have you done to him!" She shouted at the small digimon who actually just now noticed that this was the female digimon he had asked Myotismon to let go. "His consciousness is switched off completely, his vitality is downgraded onto viable minimum… This is a very toxic venom, normally it's only used to… kill…" DemiDevimon said unable to look her into the eyes, but she did not quite understand what he wanted to tell her. "What… What do you mean? He's not going to die, is he?" DemiDevimon shrugged concerned, slowly he began believing what Myotismon had told him about her own will. "Don't you understand, girl? He is drugged! And I don't… I don't know... If his circulation collapses he will... The way he looks at the moment.. it's certain that he's going to die within the next hours... I'm so sorry." Angewomon starred at DemiDevimon in shock. –Is this my fault? Myotismon, I never wanted to... I loved you as my angel, but I love Angemon as a digimon... I wanted to leave the Angel of Music... I had not wanted you to...- "That cannot be true! No can't you do something?" DemiDevimon shook his head in negation and tried to calm her. "There's nothing we can do for him, if he has decided to give into it. We cannot stay here, we have to get to the digiport before he dies, or we cannot return..." But Angewomon skimmed over Myotismon' s head and demanding looked at DemiDevimon. "We can't simply let him die here! He may be a murderer, but not even he deserves that... Can't we take him to a hospital?" DemiDevimon flapped over to her, she looked him deep in the eyes and he felt she was right. He nodded. "Well, I think---" He was interrupted as something clutched his wings. "If you'll bring me to a physician, I will kill you... And if it is the last thing I'm doing!" It was Myotismon's hand that seized DemiDevimon, though he was still looking at the ceiling he addressed to Angewomon. "Hello, my dear. I am delighted that you came to visit me again. Don't be scared, I shan't die on you two!" Slowly he turned his head from the ceiling to her. "So, how's your client? Or has he found a new whore?... Forgive me... It is the drug that speaks out of me!" His voice was filled with pure cynicism, though his eyes were still faraway. "Myotismon I... I never..." She winced and tried to justify herself, but he just shook his head. "No, don't do that! Do not excuse for your juvenile inconstancy, it is what makes you the woman that you are! The hypocritical little devil, whose angelic face I love so much…" She starred at him in bewilderment and frustration. "How can you say that? I… I was so worried about you and you…you…" She ran out of the room and slammed the door, her steps echoed down the black corridor. DemiDevimon looked at his friend reproachful. "What did you want to achieve with that? She's going to get lost in the darkness. What if she walks directly into one of your traps and dies? Is your mind to befuddled to see the consequences?" Myotismon sighed deeply and leaned back in his armchair. He closed his eyes and flicked his fingers.

Suddenly it was as if someone had torn down all curtains from the windows on a sunny day. Every room and every corridor was flooded with light. Angewomon stood still like petrified. DemiDevimon flipped around and gazed at Myotismon in astonishment. "What's this supposed to be?" Myotismon sighed and slowly opened his eyes, instantly his pupils narrowed onto the seize of pinheads. Still slightly uncoordinated he managed to get onto his unsteady feet. "I'm going to look for Angewomon. Do you like to accompany me?" He tripped for a second but regained his composure when he leaned against the jamb. DemiDevimon shook his head and told him that he would have to return to his job. Myotismon shrugged and paced down the corridor, still needing the solid walls to stand upright.

Angewomon turned around and wondered. –How is it possible that everything is so bright? I thought this is a castle of eternal darkness, and Myotismon its master… Could it be that he… Maybe he couldn't cope with the drug and he… Oh Angewomon don't even think it!- She sighed when she suddenly felt a tender, composed hand laying on her shoulder. "Angewomon…" She turned around and pushed him away. He stumbled backwards against a wall and gasped. "You are totally high, Angel of Music! Go into your darkness and sleep to cure your intoxication." She shouted and turned away, but he grabbed at her hand and drew her with him. "I want to show you something." He said with a silky voice. They walked along the corridor and Angewomon felt his toxin related ungainliness. They came to a large door, it was locked but he took a small golden key from a necklace under his suit and unlocked the door. Angewomon was stunned. She was led into a high, bright room with beige marble pillows and a floor of colorful mosaics. The wall opposite to the door was lined with tall bow-windows of stained glass, soaking the room into a warm light. In their middle was a French window, leading onto a large balcony framed with an ebony marble balustrade. Myotismon led her onto the balcony and she looked onto a panoramic scene. The sun emerged from behind a mountain range. Spreading its ruddy light onto the whole area, the forests and fields. Angewomon and Myotismon watched the dawn, his weight resting on the balustrade as his legs were still not able to hold him upright. "Isn't it blissful?" Myotismon said with a deploring undertone in his voice. Angewomon nodded though he could not see her, he did not avert his gaze from the sight. "It has been so long… since I have seen the sun for the last time… Dusk and dawn… birth and death of night have such a warm light… Daylight is cold and exposing… I adore the sun's warmth, but I was condemned into darkness…" Angewomon looked at him, the balmy rays of dawn made his pale blue skin look almost as rosy as hers. There was deep gloom in his glossy eyes. She realized that he was not blinking, for the whole time they stood there he had not closed his eyes, not even for an instant. "I cannot bear whichever form of light, Angewomon… It burns me like the flames of purgatory… Only when I'm like I am now, numbness veiling my senses… Only then can I dare to view this loveliness… That is why I want to savor each diminutive fragment of this ephemeral bliss… Do you understand now?" Slowly he turned his head to her, both were totally collected when she nodded. Myotismon smiled gently, his breath was slow and deep, as his sight became slightly murky. He leaned against the wall and gasped, black points flickering in front of his eyes. Angewomon walked over to him, she noticed the shiny drops beading from his drooping hair strands. "Myotismon? Are you all right?" He wiped the hot sweat down from his forehead and tried to smile encouraging. "Of course… Perhaps, I ought to follow your advice and go to bed… Do you think you can return on your own, it should be bright enough?" She nodded with worry and wanted to helped him walking into the room again. "See you, my dear…" He whispered to her still slightly dazed, Angewomon took his hands into hers. "Farewell, Myotismon…" She said and left his realm of night, knowing she would never return to him…

It had been five month since Angewomon had seen Myotismon for the last time. She spent her days with Angemon, her love. There had been no crimson letters in the theatre' s mailbox, no digimon hurt or deleted in the last month. Angewomon knew she should have been worried about Myotismon's obvious absence, but she could not be, she was too happy with Angemon. And of course the direction and staff, were far to pleased about the peace that had unfolded after this terrible incident. Half a year had passed since that and a new year began. Everyone wanted to celebrate the theatre's success. A great feast was planned, a masked ball. Digimon from everywhere in server came to rejoice a stunning firework and captivating music. They sang and danced, even Agumon and Gomamon had fun. "Dear Gomamon what a splendid party!" They walked into the building. "The prologue to a bright new year." Gomamon cheered watching all the digimon. "Quite a night, I'm impressed!" Nodded Agumon though he was just pushed aside by a dancing couple. "Well one does one's best! Here's to us." Said the white digimon upraising his glass of Champaign. "I must say, all the same, that it's a shame that 'Phantom' fellow isn't here!" Both roared in laughter and walked into the auditorium where no chairs were in that night, while the choir started to sign an anthem onto this feast.

"Masquerade! Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade! Hide your face,
so the world will never find you!
Masquerade! Every face a different shade . . .
Masquerade! Look around -there's another mask behind you!
Flash of mauve…Splash of puce . . .
Fool and king . . .Ghoul and goose . . .
Green and black . . .Queen and priest . . .
Trace of rouge . . .Face of beast . . .
Faces . . .Take your turn, take a ride
on the merry-go-round . . .

in an inhuman race . . .
Eye of gold . . . Thigh of blue . . .
True is false . . .Who is who . . .?
Curl of lip . . .Swirl of gown . . .
Ace of hearts . . .Face of clown . . .
Faces . . . Drink it in, drink it up,
till you've drowned
in the light . . .in the sound . . ." Two masked digimon danced among them, with familiar voices. "But who can name the face...?"

The guests went on singing in joy and consumption of alcohol.

"Masquerade!

Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . .
Masquerade! Take your fill -
let the spectacle astound you!
Masquerade!

Burning glances, turning heads . . .
Masquerade! Stop and stare
at the sea of smiles around you!
Masquerade!
Seething shadows, breathing lies . . .
Masquerade! You can fool
any friend who ever knew you!
Masquerade!
Leering satyrs, peering eyes . . .
Masquerade!
Run and hide -but a face will
still pursue you!"

"What a night!" LadyDevimon sang in the melody. "What a crowd!" Added Lillymon, following her step by step. "Makes you glad!" Cheered Gomamon again, slightly drunk. "Makes you proud all the crème de la crème!" Said Agumon dancing in circles on his clawtips. Watching us, watching them!" Yelled Arukenimon swirling around. "And all our fears are in the past!" Toasted Lillymon and LadyDevimon. "Six month…" Stammered Gomamon and Mummymon added. "Of relieve…" He embraced Arukenimon who whispered to him. "Of delight!" And the two directors cheered. "Of elysian peace!" Even LadyDevimon and Lillymon agreed with them. "And we can breath at last!" Sang the whole troupe cheering. "No more notes!" Arukenimon told them and Mummymon added happily. "No more ghosts!" LadyDevimon lifted her glass at them. " Here's a health!" And Gomamon raised his glass up again spilling the half of it. "Here's a toast to a prosperous year!" Agumon applauded and toasted himself. "To the new chandelier!" While Arukenimon and Mummymon danced, singing. "May its splendor never fade!" Agumon again mentioned the six month of peace. "What a joy!" LadyDevimon grinned knowing, dancing like an angel. "What a change!" Wondered Lillymon, who had never seen their trainer so happy. "And what a masquerade!" Finally the directors fell down half groggy. "What a blessed release!" And the last words that Gomamon could speak so far were. "And what a masquerade!" Angewomon stood together with Angemon. She was wearing a little golden ring on a necklace, a ring that looked almost like a smaller version of the holy ring she wore on her tail as Gatomon. "Think of it… A secret engagement… Look, your future bride… Just think of it." Angemon embraced her gentle and touched the ring he had given her. "But why is it secret? What have we to hide? " He tender took her head and tried to kiss her. "Please let's not fight…" She pushed him softly away and blushed. "Angewomon, you're free!" He said smiling while giggled girlish. "Wait till the time is right!" He sighed and shrugged. "When will that be? It's an engagement, not a crime! Angewomon, what are you afraid of?" He smiled at her and took her hand. "Let's not argue! Please pretend! You will understand in time." He led her to the others and she smiled at him, too. "Let's not argue. I can only hope I'll understand in time!" They started dancing a waltz to a playful music. Watching each other, holding each other close. They felt like in paradise, long forgotten was the fear of one foggy night. Glasses were filled, bottles were emptied. Humanoid danced with animal digimon, male with female, male with male, female with female, no one knew. It was a masked ball! The lights were bright, the stars were shining over the auditorium's opened roof.

"Masquerade! Paper faces on parade!
Masquerade! Hide your face,
so the world will never find you!
Masquerade! Every face a different shade!
Masquerade! Look around –

There's another mask behind you!
Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads . . .
Masquerade! Stop and stare
at the sea of smiles around you!
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . .
Masquerade! Take your fill - let the spectacle
astound you ..."

The cheering and feasting was on its climax, the last song had just ended and Angemon and Angewomon kissed each other in sweet love. When suddenly all lights went out and a crimson lightning darted down from the cloudless sky onto the stage. Where it had hit the floor stood a digimon with a black cape and a black mask, in an aristocratic medieval suite of pure scarlet. Angewomon pushed her love away in fear, he who had just joined the feast could see their liaison. –It's him, Myotismon… Though his clothes are different, but it's a masked ball… My God… If someone dies tonight, it is my fault…- Everyone looked up to the stage, to the tremendous digimon which stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest, above them all, imparting an aura of power. He bared his fangs in a sinister grin and though they did not know it, ripened in everyone's subconscious the awareness, that this digimon, was the phantom of the Digiworld. No one dared to speak, all eyes rested on him. Elegantly he began walking down the stairs from the stage, a thunderclap echoed through the sky with every step. "Why so silent, good digimon? Did you think that I had left you for good?" His voice was filled with sarcasm and some sort of glee. "Have you missed me, good digimon? I have written you an opera!" –So this is why he did not interfere into the leading of 'his theatre' for so long. That's the whole reason why he did not try to divide Angemon and me… he was simply busy…- Angewomon thought, though she was amazed by his costume, it made his appearance even more menacing. "Here I bring the finished score: Don Juan Triumphant!" He took a thick in black leather covered manuscript from under his cape and threw it at Agumon and Gomamon's feet. "I advise you to comply! My instructions should be clear! Little crimson sparks danced around his fingertips. He unhurriedly paced through the crowd, which made way for him. "Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier..." Without anyone noticing it, Angemon had readied his holy staff, if he needed to, he would attack this dubious phantom to defend Angewomon. The lightning in Myotismon's hands vanished completely as he paced over to her. She looked him directly into the eyes and again she was mesmerized by their endlessly deep blue. He could smell her and remembered how long it had been since he had seen her for the last time. They looked at each other for nearly two minutes now, their faces converging more and more… His lips almost touched hers, when his eyes deviated for a split second and met the ring on her necklace. Immediately he knew from whom she had this dear little preciousness. He grabbed the necklace and ripped it off her throat. "Your chains are still mine! You will sing for me!" Myotismon snarled at her and opened a portal of darkness. He skipped into it and the crowd muttered shocked, but Angemon followed him before the portal could shut.