I don't own Digimon.
A/N: This chapter is a set-up into Mickey's mind and what's going on inside his head. Setting the tone for what's to come!
Following the Footsteps of Destiny
Chapter 333: A Guilty Conscience
Makiya 'Mickey' Takaishi
Net, Northern Hemisphere, Digital World
It was the noise that woke him from a deep slumber, and making an effort not to groan in discomfort, Makiya Takaishi slowly opened his eyes and proceeded to roll over onto his back.
Voices. The sound of a conversation taking place. That's what he was hearing.
I wonder what they're talking about. It's so early...
As far as he could tell, the voices weren't coming from inside the room, and blinking in confusion he took a moment to orient himself. The air was cool on his face, and the ceiling indicated he was still inside the igloo that Dianamon had graciously offered them the previous evening.
I think I was dreaming. The shadows were trying to follow Matty, but I wouldn't let them take him from me. When they realised they couldn't have him, they went for me instead...
Even now, he could hear the dangerous whispers of the spectral beings who haunted the World of Darkness echoing inside his head, and an unpleasant shiver immediately raced down his spine.
That's right, a simple yet effective threat.
The shadows had fully intended to punish him for deceiving his own brother.
How?
By taking away the very person he was trying so hard to protect.
Matty...if you knew the truth, would you still think so highly of me the way you do now? Would you still trust me? If you do find out how I really feel about your plan, I bet you won't think I'm such a great brother anymore...
"Mickey?"
Mickey jumped at the unexpected voice speaking close to his ear, and letting out a startled gasp, he turned his head just in time to catch Sam's concerned gaze before the raven-haired Digidestined quickly rearranged his facial features into a more neutral expression. As the two of them stared at each other in the early morning sunshine filtering through the door, he whispered, "Am I really awake?"
At first, Sam didn't respond, and then reaching out to take his hand, the raven-haired boy said gently, "If this is a dream, I hope it doesn't end anytime soon."
We must have let go of each other some time during the night...
Despite his efforts not to react, Mickey felt his face turn red, and sitting up he glanced quickly around the room to see if anybody else had witnessed their intimate exchange. To his surprise, the room appeared almost empty, and doing a head count, he came to the conclusion that other than Sam and himself, only Daichi, Ryoko, and his brother, along with their digimon partners, were still present.
Where did everybody go?
"Relax, the girls have all gone off to use the hot springs this morning, and all the male adults are with Frigimon in the common room," Sam said mildly, reading his expression. "Those are the voices you're hearing."
"The ones from the common room?"
"Yes, I think there's some debate on what to make for breakfast and who's going to look after it."
That explanation made sense, and shaking his head to clear it, Mickey said in confusion, "How do you know that?"
"Eavesdropping for the most part. I've been awake for a little while."
"Oh...how come you haven't gone to join them yet?"
"Because I wanted to stay with you," Sam replied, his husky tone emphasising the intense look in his deep sapphire eyes.
It was then that Mickey realised he was still holding the raven-haired Digidestined's hand, and swallowing the sudden huge lump in his throat, he managed to stammer, "S-shouldn't we wake the others?"
"Depends on if you want this moment to last a little longer," Sam murmured, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
I want nothing more than that. I'm sure you're just being kind, but I wish your words meant what I want them to mean...
For some reason, Mickey seemed unable to let go of the raven-haired boy's hand, and thinking he sensed something in the air, he turned once more to study the room. As far as he could tell, there was nothing there, indicating the shadows had decided to leave him alone for the time being.
It's not the shadows that are bugging me. I'm just distracting myself from my own guilt...
A part of him knew he needed to deal with the conflicting emotions inside his heart, but at the same time he didn't have the strength to confront the terrible reality of what he had done. No matter how you looked at it, he had essentially lied by omission to his own brother, and no doubt that was going to have serious consequences on his Spirit Chip when the time came to harness the strength inside his heart.
Even setting the Spirit Chip aside, I've done something really terrible. If Matty never forgives me, I don't have anyone to blame but myself. And yet...even if that's true I can't back out now. I have to keep Matty safe. No matter what, he has to survive this...
"Hey, is everything okay?"
Mickey heard the words, but for some reason he wasn't quite able to meet Sam's eyes. No matter how much he tried to deny it, the guilt festering inside his heart was starting to eat away at his resolve, but he wasn't about to admit it. The last thing he wanted to do was make the raven-haired Digidestined worry even more about him, so instead of being honest, he mumbled, "I'm fine. Sorry, I'm just...having a bit of trouble waking up."
Not a complete lie, but I still feel guilty. Is this really who I've become?
Naturally, Sam didn't look convinced, and studying him closely, the raven-haired Digidestined said quietly, "So in other words, you'll tell me when you're ready to talk about whatever's on your mind?"
It wasn't a suggestion, and blushing, Mickey mumbled, "Is that okay?"
"For now," Sam replied, gently letting go of his hand. "Were you able to get some sleep last night after we went back to bed?"
Thinking back on his earlier dreams, Mickey wasn't quite sure how to respond. He had managed to get some shuteye, but whether or not he could confidently call last night's attempts to sleep a success was another story entirely. Every once in a while the shadows had materialised, their black bodies lingering in his peripheral vision, but despite their faint whispers, not once had they made an attempt to approach him in the darkness. However, between their distracting presence and the nightmares, sleep had definitely come as somewhat of a challenge.
Plus, Sam's promise and the way he was being so sweet to me. I still wonder what he meant by extra awareness...
Knowing the raven-haired Digidestined expected a response, Mickey lowered his gaze and said timidly, "A bit. You?"
I wish you would hold my hand a little longer...
"As much as possible under the circumstances," Sam replied, a sigh escaping his lips. "We should probably wake the others. If we don't start moving pretty soon, my mother will inflict her wrath upon us."
There was some truth to that statement, and glancing over Sam's shoulder, Mickey caught a glimpse of his brother's peaceful face. As far as he could tell, Matty was still fast asleep, and feeling a little hesitant to disturb the younger twin, he said wearily, "I guess."
"You don't want to?" Sam asked, raising his eyebrows.
"It's not that..."
Waking them means I have to face reality again...
Resigning himself to the inevitable, Mickey turned to the two boys that were still sleeping on his right, and following his gaze, Sam murmured, "The longer we wait, the more I'll want some alone time with you."
How can such an innocent line sound so enticing?
The thought instantly created a trail of goosebumps along the back of his neck, and attempting to focus on something other than Sam, Mickey shifted his attention to the two celestial digimon who were curled up tightly in Matty's arms. As far as he could tell, both were still fast asleep, and reaching around the raven-haired Digidestined to stroke his partner's fluffy ears, he said softly, "Do you think DarkAngelicmon and the other angels are still close by?"
"Only one way to find out," Sam responded, nodding his head at Halomon. "Come on, you wake Dai and Ryoko, and I'll wake Matty."
As much as he was reluctant to do so, Mickey did as he was told, and shaking Ryoko's shoulder, he said gently, "Time to wake up."
"I swear I just fell asleep," the golden-haired Digidestined groaned, slowly opening his eyes. "Is it really morning already?"
"It is. Sorry, cousin."
"This sucks," Dai complained, rolling over next to Ryoko and scrunching his face up in obvious discomfort. "And who's making all that noise?"
"Our parents," came a voice from Sam's other side. "Don't they know we're still trying to sleep here?"
I don't even want to go back to sleep. I just want to hold Sam...
It was Matty who had spoken, and looking very amused, Sam said dryly, "I really don't think they care about that. Besides, don't you want to eat?"
"They're making breakfast!?" Matty asked, immediately sitting up in his sleeping bag. "I hope it's something hot."
Despite the events of the night before, the younger twin looked both relaxed and refreshed. Mickey had to admit, he felt a little bit envious, but at the same time he understood why that was the case. Even though there were bound to be a lot of challenges ahead, Matty obviously believed he had won their battle of wills by getting everyone on board with his plan.
Except that was far from the truth.
If he only knew what I was really planning...
The thought was enough to fuel his guilt even further, and unable to look at his twin, Mickey mumbled, "I'm sure it will be. I can't see them not making use of the fire pit outside."
"True," Matty agreed, the warmth in his tone indicating he didn't suspect anything out of the ordinary. "Hey...do you guys think DarkAngelicmon's still hanging around with those other two angels?"
"Why don't we wake our digimon partners and we'll ask Halomon and Celestimon," Ryoko suggested, getting to his feet. "Might as well before Yolei comes looking for us."
"Yikes, anything but that," Matty grumbled, wrinkling his nose.
"Still not finished your homework?" Dai asked, looking amused.
"What do you think?"
The goggle-headed leader simply laughed in response, and shaking his head, Ryoko moved off to wake Embermon, Alopemon, and Glowmon. Matty took it upon himself to wake the two celestial rookies, and once everyone was alert and settled, Mickey gave his partner a quick hug and said softly, "Morning, Halomon. Did you sleep good?"
"I didn't think I would, but I actually feel pretty good," the little rookie replied, happily snuggling in his lap. "What about you?"
"As well as can be expected."
Not nearly as well as I would have liked.
"How about you?" Matty asked, directing his question at Celestimon.
"I'm okay!" the angel responded, beaming at his partner. "I always sleep well next to you!"
"Even after what happened last night?" Matty prodded, looking a bit skeptical.
"I know there's something going on with DarkAngelicmon, but no matter how he's feeling, I don't mind his presence," Celestimon insisted. "I'll admit the way he suddenly showed up in the middle of the night did startle me, and I know Halomon feels the same, but once I got used to him being there I was able to sleep just fine."
Still unable to look at his brother, Mickey reached out to stroke one of Celestimon's fluffy ears before saying, "Is he still close by?"
I know he's planning something. Sooner or later he's going to reveal himself, and once he does...what next?
"He is," Celestimon confirmed. "Not as close as last night when he was drifting in and out, but he's definitely in the area."
"And so are those other two fallen angels," Halomon added, wrinkling his nose. "I don't know if this helps much, but...Celestimon and I can tell the three of them are all still together."
"That actually helps a lot," Dai reassured the little rookie. "I guess we should let Izzy know?"
"Probably a good idea." Alopemon agreed. "Let's head to the common room and see what everybody is up to."
It's bad enough we have to deal with DarkAngelicmon. How are we supposed to handle two more fallen angel digimon we know absolutely nothing about?
Just as they were about to abandon their sleeping bags, Yolei came bustling into the room, and placing her hands on her hips, the female digimon said boldly, "So this is where you boys are. Did you all just wake up?"
"Uh, yeah?" Dai responded, blinking stupidly at the lavender-haired Digidestined. "Why?"
"The hot springs are free now if you want to use them. You probably should before we head out."
Glancing around the room as if he only now just realised his girlfriend was nowhere in sight, Dai muttered to himself, "Oh...so that's where she went."
"For real?" Ryoko snorted, rolling his eyes.
Dai's cluelessness is a little endearing. He and Matty are alike in that respect.
Yolei seemed fairly determined not to lose track of the conversation, and tugging on her long braid, she said firmly, "Well? We don't want to head out any later than we have to."
"What about breakfast?" Embermon complained.
"You can eat after you have a bath. Besides, it's not ready yet. Ken and T.K. are still working on it. They've gone outside to the fire pit."
"But I already had a bath!" Matty protested.
"It's either that or you finish your homework," Yolei shot back, glaring at the younger twin.
She really is a bit scary sometimes. It does make me wonder how she would react if she knew about my feelings for Sam...
Realising he was treading through dangerous waters, Matty said hastily, "Hot springs it is. I wouldn't mind a second dip. Besides, I have to undress anyways to change clothes with Mickey so I might as well go relax for a bit."
The comment was supposed to be a lighthearted response, but despite the younger twin's relaxed tone, Mickey felt his heart rate speed up. The moment the two of them switched identities there was no going back, and from that point forward he would have to commit to the web of deception that was already beginning to weave its way into his heart, its dangerous pull threatening to destroy their relationship and tear them apart.
I want more than anything to be honest with you, but I can't let you risk your life for me...
Mickey could sense Sam's deep blue eyes watching him closely, which only made him feel even more guilty, and letting out a lazy yawn, the raven-haired Digidestined said lightly, "I'll probably sit this one out if the rest of you don't mind. I had my hot soak last night. I'll go help Dad and T.K. with breakfast. I'm sure they can use an extra pair of hands."
But...
Mickey wasn't quite sure whether he should feel relieved or disappointed, and as a result he suddenly felt like he wanted to cry. Was Sam finally starting to suspect his real feelings and that's why the raven-haired Digidestined didn't want to go in the hot springs with him, or was it something else?
Am I making him uncomfortable? Maybe I was a bit too forward with him this morning...
Somehow, Sam must have sensed his distress because all of a sudden the raven-haired Digidestined leaned in close and said softly in his ear, "Take this opportunity to spend some time with Matty. It'll do you both some good."
"B-but-"
"I'll be around if you need me," Sam reassured him, giving his shoulder a tight squeeze. "Please, for me?"
As if I could say no to you.
The thought of having to speak privately with his twin made him feel like he was going to be sick to his stomach, and taking a deep breath, Mickey buried his face against the raven-haired Digidestined's shoulder before whispering, "Okay, I'll try."
"I wouldn't ask anything more than that."
He definitely doesn't seem uncomfortable...
Perhaps that was simply because Sam's actions were every bit as innocent as they appeared on the surface. The raven-haired Digidestined hadn't declined the invitation to indulge in a second hot dip because he suspected anything unusual. In fact, Mickey was certain Sam's reasons for passing on the hot springs had nothing to do with the hidden feelings stirring inside his heart. It was because the raven-haired Digidestined wanted to give him some alone time with Matty so the two of them could work on rebuilding their relationship in an attempt to stop anything disastrous from happening further down the road.
He genuinely wants Matty and I to work things out, and because he cares so much he's willing to give me some space to sort out my inner turmoil...
"Come along then," Yolei said briskly, the words filtering back over her shoulder as she bustled out of the room. "Especially you, Mickey. It'll do you some good."
Maybe she really can read our minds.
It was a scary thought, and blushing in embarrassment, Mickey quickly got to his feet and proceeded to follow the others out of the room. As they turned to the left to head for the hot springs, Sam lightly touched his arm and said bluntly, "She's right, you know."
Sam...
Before Mickey could reply, the raven-haired Digidestined continued on straight down the hall with his partner towards the female voices coming from the common room, and meekly hurrying after his twin, he had to physically stop himself from looking back over his shoulder in the hopes of catching a final glimpse of Sam's handsome face.
Without him I have to face Matty alone...
Mickey knew what the hot springs area looked like, as he had briefly peeked his head inside for a glimpse the previous day, and quickly undressing before grabbing a towel, he stepped into a pair of slippers before heading out into the cold. Shivering beneath the awning, he couldn't bring himself to join the conversation as the other boys chatted easily around him, and glancing up at the sky, he paused, his amber eyes growing fixated on the dark clouds hovering in the distance. Their presence felt strangely ominous, and feeling a sense of unease building inside his heart, he hugged Halomon and little tighter in an effort to calm his nerves.
Are they a sign of what's to come?
"Everything okay?" Ryoko asked, looking a little concerned.
Mickey quickly rearranged his facial features into a more pleasant expression, and nodding his head, he said quietly, "I'm fine."
I can feel the darkness growing stronger. I wonder if Matty can sense it, as well. Normally, we can both feel when it's close, but I don't know...I feel like he's so caught up in his plan that even if it was right in front of him he might not notice...
"Then what are we waiting for?" Dai asked, shivering in his towel. "Let's hop in and get warm!"
"Yes, please!" Embermon agreed, making a beeline for the heated pool of natural spring water.
It took every effort he had not to let out a weary sigh, and following the goggle-headed leader towards the rocks surrounding the hot springs, Mickey kicked off his slippers and let his towel fall before stepping into the water. Once he was settled, he leaned his head back to close his eyes, and sitting next to him, Matty said mildly, "It's pretty nice out here once you get past the cold."
As much as I want to run away, I have to take this opportunity Sam gave me to build a bridge between us again. After all, Matty's done nothing wrong. It's all me. Me and my lies...
Almost choking on the thought, Mickey had to take a moment to compose himself, and turning to look at his twin, he said softly, "The steam is quite nice. It must have been beautiful out here last night."
"It was," Matty agreed, smiling at him. "That's why I wanted a second chance to enjoy a hot soak."
"So it had nothing to do with not wanting to do your homework?"
Matty's response was to gently punch him in the shoulder, and as the two of them turned to watch Dai and Ryoko playing a game with their four digimon partners, the younger twin said lightly, "You know, I never did get a chance to ask you last night."
"About what?" Mickey asked, feeling confused.
"About our parents. I'm pretty sure I know what you guys were taking about, but you never did mention it."
That's right. With everything that happened last night, it completely slipped my mind.
Allowing himself to relax in the water, Mickey murmured, "I'm sure you guessed correctly. I told them about my feelings for Sam, and they were nothing but supportive. In fact, they had already suspected the truth before I told them, so they weren't really surprised."
"That's good. I never doubted they would support you. We do have pretty cool parents after all."
Mickey managed a smile, and leaning over so he could rest his head against the younger twin's shoulder, he said gently, "We do. It means a lot to me to know they have my back, and they did encourage me to follow my heart."
"Like they would have told you anything else," Matty snorted, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "They feel the same way I do. Until Sam actually says he doesn't have feelings for you, there's still hope. Don't give up before you've even tried."
Oh, Matty...this is exactly why you're so important to me, and it's the very reason why I feel so guilty...
Knowing he needed to change the subject before the guilt consumed him even further, Mickey said quickly, "Speaking of not having a chance to say anything, you never told me how you feel now that you know about our dad's past."
"Oh, that," Matty replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm cool with it. After hearing about the Emperor and everything else that happened before we were born, not much surprises me anymore. Besides, it's not like I haven't had my dumb moments. I'm not exactly in any position to judge. Plus, can't really blame Dad for being so upset about Patamon. You and I would feel the same if anything ever happened to Halomon and Celestimon."
"Very true. I couldn't have said it better myself."
"How do you feel about the whole thing?" Matty asked, sounding curious. "I mean about the Dark Ocean and all that other stuff they told us about, not just Patamon."
Mickey was quiet for a moment, and when he did speak, his voice sounded surprisingly calm. "Much the same as you, I think. I could be mad about the secrecy, but what's the point? I also really admire Dad. Despite everything that happened to him, he was somehow able to keep his heart free from the darkness. Not all of the other adults can say the same thing, including our mom. To overcome the darkness, that takes an incredible amount of strength. I don't know if I could do it myself."
"Sure you could," Matty said firmly, the determination in his amber eyes indicating the topic was not up for debate. "You're more like dad then you think you are, just so you know."
Am I? I don't feel like it most days, especially not after last night. Would you still say the same thing if you knew I was deceiving you?
Attempting to distract himself, Mickey murmured, "Sam told me himself about your conversation with him in the hot springs last night."
"Did he?" Matty asked, looking both surprised and impressed. "Huh, can't say I was expecting that. What all did he say?"
"He admitted to me that he was avoiding you earlier."
"So now he's being truthful," Matty said dryly, sounding amused. "Yeah, he finally came out with at least a partial explanation. What a dummy. As if he could ever do something to make me hate him, but...it does feel good to know he cares about me so much."
"Of course he does. He told me he was afraid of failing you, and...he also said he was afraid of being unable to protect me. He basically said if something were to happen to me and it was his fault, it would guarantee he would lose you forever. He definitely doesn't want that. I could see the truth in his eyes, and I know he meant every word."
"Idiot," Matty grumbled, though his amber eyes were sparkling with emotion.
Mickey figured it was best not to tell the younger twin about Sam's other concern, which involved the raven-haired Digidestined's fear that Matty was already planning to do something drastic. If the younger twin did such a thing, that would force Sam to step in to protect him, and averting his eyes, Mickey said lightly, "Did Sam say anything else?"
"You mean about you?" Matty teased, immediately causing him to blush.
"I mean about anything."
The younger twin turned his gaze to the hazy sky for a moment, his expression indicating he had not yet become aware of the ominous clouds in the distance, and taking a moment to think, he said lightly, "Sam could definitely tell I was worried about him."
That caught Mickey's attention, and lifting his head slightly, he said quietly, "Compared to me, I didn't think you were that obvious."
"Oh, he knows you're worried about him, too," Matty confessed, keeping his voice low so they wouldn't be overheard. "He pretty much admitted he has the same fears about you that I do, but...he also said that wasn't the only reason he hasn't been acting like himself."
Once again, Mickey felt his heart speed up, and checking to make sure Dai and Ryoko were still occupied, he whispered, "Do you know what he meant by that?"
Maybe he is aware of my feelings? That would definitely explain why he's acting out of the ordinary...
"I didn't ask," Matty sighed, looking as if he now regretted that decision. "I wanted to, but...I also didn't want to push him too much, you know? Like, I didn't want to give away any hints about you, and I also didn't want him to think I was fishing for info. I meant what I said to you earlier. I don't want to do anything that might ruin your chances or make things even more complicated between the two of you."
Matty...
Unable to stop himself, Mickey gave his brother a quick hug, and holding back tears, he choked out, "Thank you. I know it must be really hard for you to stay quiet."
Look at all these wonderful things you're doing for me, and all I'm doing is lying to you...
"You bet it is," Matty groaned, returning the hug. "Staying quiet isn't really my style, but I don't mind doing it for you. Oh! He was curious about the conversation you had with our parents. I'm pretty sure he knows you guys were talking about him, or at least he suspects it. I didn't say anything, though, even though I was pretty sure I already knew what you were telling Mom and Dad. I basically just said even if you guys were talking about him, only good things would have been said."
It's true. I could never say anything bad about Sam, and Mom and Dad would never say terrible things about him either. What would I do without Matty? I should be the one reassuring Sam everything's okay, and yet it's my brother who's taking up the mantle for me. Am I really so weak and pathetic?
It was a humbling thought, and biting his lip, Mickey said in a shaky voice, "Without you, who knows what kind of state Sam's mind would be in after everything that's happened. I'm a mess, and yet he seems so calm. I have you to thank for that."
"I wouldn't say it's all because of me," Matty said sheepishly, sounding embarrassed. "It's not like he doesn't have a good head on his shoulders, especially after coming to terms with his dad's past. I can't take credit for that."
"Maybe not all the credit, but you did help with that, too."
Because you love him like you do me, and that's only one of many things to love about you.
"Did not," Matty grumbled, though despite his attitude he did look quite flattered by the praise. "It's funny, I could tell how much it means to him that our parents like him so much, but even knowing that he still seemed preoccupied. I tried asking him again if there was anything going on between the two of you, but he insisted things were fine, despite the fact that I could tell he was trying to avoid the subject."
Just like me...
Mickey wasn't quite sure what to think of that, and hoping that wasn't a sign of bad things to come, he mumbled, "Maybe I've done something to upset him?"
"No way," Matty said firmly, immediately shutting down the very idea. "He promised me no matter what he wouldn't drift away from you, and I could tell he meant it."
This time, Mickey did feel the tears slip over, and wrapping his arms around his bare torso, he gasped, "He really said that?"
"Of course he did! Besides, I made it very clearly to him that if he ever tried, that'd be the one thing I'd never forgive him for."
Mickey was so overwhelmed, he didn't even know what to say, an attempting to hide his tears from the others playing nearby, he whispered, "That still doesn't mean he loves me."
"Maybe not, but it also means the possibility that he could is real," Matty argued, a stubborn look overtaking his expression. "He knows how much it would hurt you if he ever did that, and he seemed pretty happy to know he's that important to you. He also admitted he feels the same about you. That has to count for something, right?"
Does it? I don't know. It's still possible for him to feel that in a friendly way and not a romantic way...
"He also said you were cuter than me," Matty complained. "I mean, I know it was a joke, but still. We look the same! How is that fair!?"
Caught completely off guard, Mickey blinked at the younger twin, and feeling his cheeks turn red from embarrassment rather than the steam, he stammered, "E-excuse me!?"
"Ugh, don't make me bring up the past again," Matty groaned. "Besides, that's not important right now. What is important is the fact that he said something interesting to me that I still can't figure out."
"W-what do you mean?"
Was it something good or bad?
It took Matty a moment to get his thoughts together, and frowning slightly, the younger twin said, "I pretty much told him he's lucky to have you, and he said something about how it would be nice to have more. No idea what he meant by that, and when I tried to question him he quickly changed the subject. Any ideas?"
Mickey was finding it difficult to speak, and thinking back on the moment when he had told Sam he wouldn't mind giving the raven-haired Digidestined more of himself, he felt his heart leap into his throat.
I know what I meant by those words. Could it be that Sam feels the same or does all of this have an entirely different meaning to him?
There was no way to know for sure, and turning to gaze into the trees lining the edge of the pool, he said quietly, "I don't know. His words could mean anything. I don't want to assume, which is why this is just so...hard..."
For a long time the two of them stared at the foliage, the sound of Dai's laughter echoing through the steam as he chatted with Ryoko. The four digimon were splashing happily in the water with their backs turned towards the trees, and as the morning continued, the clouds in the distance continued to grow darker and more dense.
A storm was coming, and Mickey had a terrible feeling it was going to be his undoing.
The darkness is creeping closer, and soon it will surround me...
"Hey...you're still okay with the plan and everything, right?" Matty suddenly asked, his words sounding unusually hesitant.
Without looking at his brother, Mickey said bluntly, "No. You know very well I'm not okay with it, but...the decision has been made and I'll stick to it. Like I said last night, if anything happens to you I won't hesitate to reveal my true identity, but otherwise I'll play along. I just hope we don't regret any of this later."
You know me so well. If you weren't so caught up in the idea of keeping me safe, you would have already guessed I have an ulterior motive and my own agenda. Maybe I'll be the one who ends up regretting my decisions later. I know Sam agrees with me, but at the same time I can tell he isn't entirely on board with my decision. Time will tell, but better I hurt myself than the people I love...
"Fair, I just...wanted to make sure you weren't mad at me or anything?" Matty asked, scratching anxiously at the back of his golden head.
You should be mad at me, not the other way around.
Mickey quickly shook his head, and giving the younger twin's shoulder a fond squeeze, he said softly, "No, I'm not mad. I'm just upset about the whole situation, which you were already aware of. My feelings for you haven't changed because of all this. All I ask is that you be careful. I don't want to lose you any more than Sam does."
"You won't," Matty reassured him, sounding relieved. "I promise I'm not going anywhere."
That's not what you made it sound like to Sam...
At that moment, something moved in the trees, and leaning forward for a better look, Mickey spotted a pair of glowing violet eyes gazing at him through the leaves. Seconds later, six more sets of eyes popped up, and as the dark shadows watched him silently from a distance, he glanced at his brother to see if Matty had noticed them. As far as he could tell, the younger twin was completely unaware of the dark shapes crouching in the foliage, and a quick glance at Halomon and the other digimon indicated they were also unaware of the shadows. Even Dai and Ryoko weren't paying any attention to the trees, and holding his breath, Mickey continued to watch the spectral beings in silence. Though seven of them lurked at the edge of the pool, they made no attempts to come any closer. That in itself was odd, and studying them closely, he was pretty sure there was a reason why no one else but him had noticed their presence.
It's because they exist inside my head, but it won't stay that way forever. The moment I allow them to start taking control of my heart, they'll become visible to everyone. I alone have the power to dictate whether they manifest themselves into full reality or not. The moment I falter they'll come for the people I love, and then they'll come for me...
"Mickey?"
Shaking his head to clear it, Mickey turned to look at his brother, and attempting a smile, he said, "We should probably round up the others and get dressed. Remember, we still need to tell Izzy about DarkAngelicmon."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Matty asked, sounding unconvinced.
For now. That might change later once the storm hits...
Ignoring the shadows and their malicious violet eyes, he said simply, "I meant what I said before. I'm fine. I can't guarantee that won't change, but let's take it one step at a time. Does that sound good?"
"I guess it'll have to do," Matty grumbled, pulling himself out of the water.
As the younger twin moved to call Dai and the others over, the violet eyes swivelled to follow his progress, and staring them down, Mickey lifted his chin a little higher.
I might be a liar and a terrible brother, but I won't let you take him or Sam. Come at me all you want, but I won't let you take them. Not now. Not ever.
That was the true promise he intended to keep.