Takato Matsuda couldn't believe his eyes as he reached the edge of the crowd, Gillmon at his side. Of course, the surging mass of Digimon had finished a while back but there were still one or two running by in terror. The back of his neck prickled as he felt the presence of lost data float in the air; those brave enough to stay behind and fight having been deleted where they stood. The fourteen-year-old shivered before shaking his head, refocusing himself on what was happening and pulling his D-Arc from the back of his pants.
"Gillmon, it's time to go, buddy."
The red dinosaurian Digimon nodded and a crimson data cocoon of evolution surrounded him. "Gillmon, evolve! Growmon!"
"Oh, how quaint. A little adult-level is all they sent?" Takato looked around for the source of the voice but only needed to turn his head to come face to face with golden eyes and a shock of black hair shaped vaguely like his own. He stumbled back in slight shock, now able to get a good look at the person…Digimon? The Digimon smiled, glancing momentarily at Growmon before turning back to the human. "I have to say I'm disappointed."
Seeing as how his D-Arc wasn't giving off any data, Takato decided to ask for information the old fashioned way. "W-Who are you?" He shivered again as the Digimon closed the space between them and cupped his face, the smile becoming sickly sweet as Growmon growled low in his throat, unable to do anything while his partner was in firing range.
"Oh? Don't tell me you don't remember little old me?"
"I can't say I've ever met you before…"
"No. I suppose we've never really met each other before, have we?" The Digimon ran a hand through its hair and leant forward again, hands clasped behind its back this time as he bent down to look Takato in the eyes. "Do you remember when you were little, around five or six?" Takato shook his head and the Digimon chuckled. "I suppose not, but you had an imaginary friend, didn't you? Someone to play with you when you were alone; someone who laughed with you and not at you; someone who praised your little drawings?"
The brunet frowned, looking down at the ground. "I…I think I remember…"
His golden eyes narrowed, holding up a hand to silence whatever Growmon was going to say. "But then you grew up and you had to say goodbye. You weren't ready but you had to." The Digimon started circling Takato, the cherry-eyed Tamer trailing him with his gaze every time he came into view. "Didn't you call him your shadow? Kage?"
"How do you know so much about me!" It was unnerving, but yes – Takato did remember that time. He'd been four when Kage first made his appearance in his life, had just gotten into major trouble with his mother and had been scolded and sent to his room. Kage had appeared, offering comfort and protection and love and when he was six had started trying to make him believe everyone was against him…
The Digimon's arms slipped around his waist, nestling his head in the crook of Takato's shoulder and neck, moving some cinnamon hair out of his eyes. "Haven't you figured it out yet?" he purred, smiling again even as Growmon made empty threats.
It hit Takato like a ton of bricks…
"K-Kage?" He went stiff in those arms, his eyes wide as his breath hitched. This just wasn't possible…
"Bingo. Although it's Kagemon now."
"Kagemon?"
Kagemon's golden eyes narrowed into slits as he moved around the boy, once again cupping his chin. "Do you remember a year ago how angry you were? How much hatred poured into your soul?" It looked as though he didn't want to remember but Kagemon continued on. "How Megidramon made you become an outcast amongst the Tamers? Your hatred was so pure, so absolute that it woke me in your subconscious. It allowed me to take form, this form combined with Megidramon's data." He smiled again, although this time it held a darker feel to it. "You used to love it when I was able to show you how real your little sketches could be…"
"NO!" Takato broke away from his grasp, turning to face him. "You're not the Kage I remember! He wouldn't do…this!" He gestured wildly at the destroyed village around them.
"I had such delicious plans for you back then." Kagemon didn't seem to be listening to him. "You were so young and naïve; the perfect tool to mould into a prince of darkness." His eyes narrowed a little more. "But then you threw me away and came up with him instead." He glared up at Growmon who hissed back. "I could have given you anything, Takato-chan. I was willing to give you the world." He smiled, this time showing small, protruding fangs. "Such a manipulative son of a bitch…I suppose that's where I get it from, but then again you did create me.'
"SHUT UP!"
"You're angry," Kagemon purred, once again walking around the fallen Tamer. "Why don't you let it out, hm? Separate we are weak…but together we could rule the world."
"No," Takato snarled, fists clenched at his side. "I won't let you use me again! Growmon!"
"Such a pity." The demon sighed and lifted a hand, smiling cruelly. "I gave you a chance, Takato-chan. You have no one to blame for your death but yourself. Demon Hellfire!"
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The Dark Guardians
Chapter III
Written by Takato Metallium
Disclaimer: I disclaim all rights to Digimon Tamers. It belongs to Akiyoshi Hongo and other such people. I only own the fic, the idea, some Digimon you haven't seen before and not much else.
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Two days had passed since the dark guardians had arrived; two days since she had learnt of her place in the world and her own destiny.
Shuichon was cleaning up her room for once, desperate to get away from those cool green eyes of her blue-haired…bodyguard could be the term for it. Her mother and father had invited him to stay with them, but he was hardly around even though she could feel his eyes on her all the time. He came and went but more often than not conversed with that other one…Takato, the older Tamers called him although in Ruki and Ryo's case it was by his last name; Matsuda.
Takato could be seen hovering around the Matsuda Bakery a few blocks away, his Digimon partner close by. She was confused by BlackGillmon – it was obvious he was one of a kind, otherwise they'd be everywhere like Gazimon in a feeding frenzy.
Ai and Makoto were helping her clean up so the three middle-school students were talking while they did so. The twins had been ever so slightly overprotective of their girlfriend once they had learnt what the dark guardians knew and came over or slept the night whenever they could. Impmon and Lopmon were currently out scouting the area for any rogue Digimon, giving them time alone.
"Shuichon!" The half-Chinese girl looked up at Ai's exclamation and noticed she was holding an old photo. "Take a look at this!" Makoto was eyeing the photo as she made her way over, his brown eyes wide and confused.
Shuichon soon saw why.
It was an old family photo, back when her grandparents had been alive. She recognized Mayumi, Janyuu, Rinchei and Jaarin instantly but it was the blue-haired boy holding her protectively that she gaped at.
"…It's him…"
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Takato sat on the roof as he was so prone to doing these last two days, BlackGigimon on his head while his knees were drawn to his chest and his arms were crossed, allowing his chin to rest on them comfortably. His parents were thrilled to have him back, and Mie often gushed over how he'd grown at dinner times, Takehiro just as proud at how his son had turned out even after he'd told them what he'd become.
Data.
Just data.
Mere memories that were being kept alive by the Gnomes and Calumon's power of Shining Evolution.
It was still hard to believe that they were back in the Real World. Takato had abandoned his human personality five years ago, unwilling to keep hold of the child he had been. Yet now he could feel it resurfacing – the child in him was pleased to be in the company of his biological parents again.
"You're thinking again, guardian."
The familiar voice made him turn his head, watching Zhuqiamon perch next to him on the roof. Many humans down below were looking up at the large phoenix-like Digimon in awe, the younger ones reaching to their D-Arcs to see who it was. Zhuqiamon snorted and ruffled his feathers, turning his head as Takato stood and shoved his hands into his pockets.
"I take it this isn't a social call?" The brunet guardian's voice was hushed, head lowered slightly as he regarded the Digimon.
Something in the Sovereign's eyes glinted with amusement. "Quick to the take, aren't you, Matsuda? Baihumon sends his thanks for deleting Mihiramon, by the way."
"Tell him it was my pleasure." Takato turned slightly so his back was to the street below, looking at Zhuqiamon side-on now. "What are you doing playing messenger bird anyway? Isn't that normally Quinglonmon's job?"
"I was in the area in the Dejitarusekai, so he asked me to stop by with your new orders. Where's the other guardian?"
"Here." The two turned to see Jenrya phase into sight, BlackTerriermon on his shoulders. His smiled slightly, nodding his head curtly in greeting to Zhuqiamon and was rewarded with the same in return. "I thought I sensed you."
"You been walking the rooftops again?" Takato teased slightly, facing his boyfriend with a genuine smile.
"It's the quickest way to get around. Besides, with all the Digimon in the Real World now, you'd think humans would be used to the abnormal." Jenrya shrugged, hands in his jean pockets as BlackGigimon and BlackTerriermon greeted each other with a hug.
"If I may have your attention, Lee; Matsuda." The two looked over to the Sovereign, who cleared his throat. "You are to watch over Shuichon-san and her partner closely, as you know. You are also to gather as many Tamers together as possible for the final battle. Quinglonmon seems to think that it can be achieved by their combined strength."
Takato glanced at Jenrya. "Shouldn't be too hard. She goes to school with a majority of the younger ones in West Shinjuku. Mie's sending me to college even though she knows I don't need it, so I'll be able to get in contact with the older ones."
Jenrya nodded. "It's just Makino and Akiyama we'll have trouble dealing with in that case."
"I'll take my leave then." Zhuqiamon looked hesitant before ruffling his feathers. "Be careful, the both of you. You might be the strongest Tamers but it doesn't compare to his power." The Sovereign then disappeared in a flash of fire-like data.
BlackTerriermon hopped onto his partner's shoulders. "Was Zhuqiamon actually worried about us? I think Hell just froze over."
He got a light tap on the head from Jenrya, who turned to Takato. "We'll continue scouting West Shinjuku. It's no use being unprepared. Are you coming?"
The brunet guardian shook his head, bending down to pick BlackGigimon up. "No, sorry. Mie's dragging me to the college to register as a student this afternoon. I'm afraid I'll have to pass up on the offer."
Jenrya leaned forward and kissed him softly. "I'll see you later then, Takato." He and BlackTerriermon phased out of sight, leaving Takato to leap off the roof of the bakery with his partner in his arms, landing on his feet and entering the building through the back door.
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Mayumi entered the apartment with the week's groceries, Impmon and Lopmon helping the human woman as the child-level Digimon dragged two bags each behind them. They were really quite strong for Rookies – she'd been surprised when they'd asked if she needed help downstairs a block away. Although now it looked as though Impmon was straining… The Japanese woman set her share down on the bench and took the other groceries from the digital monsters, thanking them and handing them an apple each.
"Kaasan?" She turned to see Shuichon, Ai and Makoto sitting in the den and her daughter stood from the couch, holding something in her hands as Impmon walked over to his Tamers, biting into his snack while Lopmon took perch on Shuichon's shoulders. Mayumi soon saw what it was that her daughter held – an old picture of the family.
Including Jenrya.
'Oh dear…' Both Mayumi and Janyuu knew that they would one day have to explain him to their youngest and had always told her in the past when she found a photo that he was dead, as they had thought so for six years. Now that he was back, however, there was the unnerving question that hung in the air.
"Shuichon, I…"
"Who is he?" The girl looked confused as her mother set the photo down on the bench and began putting away groceries. "Kaasan…I need to know why he's so familiar."
Mayumi sighed as she opened the pantry. "He's your brother."
"My what?"
"Your brother. Your oniisan. You…you were so fond of him six years ago that your father and I thought it would be best if you thought he was dead, and we didn't know if he was alive or not. As you grew, you seemed to have no recollection of him – understandable, you were only seven the time you and Lopmon became partners." Mayumi paused, placing food cans in the cupboard and looking back at her daughter. "Shuichon, please understand that we never thought he would come back. Both your father and I thought he was dead too, since the other Tamers wouldn't go into detail about what happened in the Dejitarusekai. I never…I never dreamed that Jenrya would come back."
The screen door to the balcony chose to open at that moment and all occupants of the apartment looked up to see Jenrya entering with BlackTerriermon on his shoulders, hands in his trouser pockets. Impmon muttered something under his breath that sounded like "speak of the devil", earning himself a tap on the head from both twins.
"Oniisan!" Jenrya looked up as soon as he found himself with an armful of Shuichon, looking surprised by her sudden exclamation and seemed unsure of how to react. BlackTerriermon fell from his perch, grumbling just as he had done the day they came back and Mayumi had knocked him off.
"Jenrya!" He gave Mayumi a pained look, as if he understood what had just gone on, and pushed the younger Tamer away, shaking his head. Shuichon looked up, her eyes welling with tears.
"I thought I told you already," he whispered softly as his partner regained his position on his shoulders. "I'm not human anymore. Whatever once identified us as biological siblings is probably gone."
"But, oniisan…!"
He cut her off again with a raised hand, his eyes closed. "All I am is your guardian, and that's it." The blue-haired Tamer turned and began heading back the way he came until he visibly stiffened, as did the Digimon in the room.
"What's going on?" Makoto asked, turning towards the purple demon that was his and his sister's partner. Impmon didn't have time to respond as Jenrya suddenly ran towards the balcony as he had done two days ago, leaped over the edge and was gone.
Mayumi watched helplessly as the younger Tamers dashed out the door and down the stairs after them. "Be careful," she whispered.
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Takato had roof-hopped to get here and had decided that he was probably safer up there than the humans down below, even though the Tamer Digimon were trying valiantly to keep the humans safe. He watched a small girl cry as her partner Biyomon was deleted, shaking his head as he concentrated on the data. An egg appeared in his hands a few moments later and he and BlackGillmon leaped from the roof they stood on, coming to stand between the Daeva and the human children. He squatted down in front of the girl, holding out the Digitama and smiling kindly.
"It's your partner," he murmured soothingly, reaching out to smooth some hair away from her damp rosy cheeks. "Take care of her." She nodded, thanking him quietly as he stood, directing one of the slightly older Tamers near her age to take her and the rest to safety. "This is something you can't handle," he answered when asked what he was going to do about it. "Your best bet is to take cover."
With that, he turned to face Sandiramon, BlackGillmon growling next to him.
"Matsuda," the snake-like Mega hissed.
"Sandiramon."
Sandiramon laughed, the sound low and hissed. "Indeed, what are you going to do?"
"Kick your ass and absorb your data so you aren't reborn again." The smile on Takato's lips turned cheeky as he held out three fingers. "In three turns."
The snaky laughter continued even as the dark guardian raised his D-Arc and the same light that had shone in the middle-school grounds belted down, startling the Tamers still nearby.
"We call upon the power of the Catalyst.
Grant us the power of Shining Evolution!"
"Great; Quinglonmon's Wonder Boy got here before us," Ruki cussed bitterly as she, Ryo, Renamon and Cyberdramon arrived as ChaosDukemon appeared from the dark light. Ryo scowled as he looked at the Digimon data for Sandiramon on his D-Arc, unhappy about the fact as well.
"Takato!" a voice called out and the two college students turned to see Hirokazu, Kenta, MarineAngemon and Andromon not too far off on the other side of Sandiramon. "Need some help?" A shake of the head from ChaosDukemon was all he needed to know and Hirokazu nodded, ordering Andromon to step down as MarineAngemon retreated back into his human's arms.
"Looks like they can handle it without us." Another look found them next to Jenrya and BlackTerriermon, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Jenrya smirked disdainfully, shaking his head. "I feel sorry for Sandiramon. He's easily the weakest of the Daevas."
"Oniisan!" Shuichon, the twin and their Digimon partners were coming up behind them.
"I told you not to call me that."
"I don't care what you told me – you're my big brother, and I'm keeping it that way."
Ruki noticed the look in Jenrya's eyes at Shuichon's words but decided not to say anything about it. Instead, she only snorted, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning to the side slightly before hesitating. "Is Wonder Boy really going to beat him in three turns?" Her only answer was a smug smile from both Tamer and Digimon.
"Takato can be ruthless when he wants to be. I believe you were the first to witness that ruthlessness." Jenrya leaned against a nearby building, Shuichon at his side with Lopmon. Sandiramon swiveled his head when he caught sight of the half-Chinese girl out the corner of his eye, giving ChaosDukemon the opportunity to start his three turns.
"Judecca Prison!"
End of chapter three