"I think he's stirring at last…"
He could barely hear the deep rumbling that passed as a voice, moaning as an arm raised to shield his slowly opening eyes from the bright sunlight beaming down on his being. He shifted slightly, his other hand twitching before it was able to grasp the sand and dirt underneath him.
"Takato…Takato, please open your eyes. Please, open your eyes."
That was Jenrya's voice, and he could hear Gillmon whimpering somewhere nearby. "I…I can't…" Why was his own voice so hoarse? He licked his parched, dry lips, removing the arm only for shadows to appear in his line of vision. He managed to focus on the Jenrya-shaped shadow, tilting his head back. "…For some reason I just can't see…"
"Understandable." There was a ruffling of feathers. "He was hit in the eyes after all."
"Please, lend us your power. Allow him to see again." There was a gentler voice like the deep rumbled one, and a trilling of what could be passed as agreement. He could feel something lay across his face between both ears where his eyes were and a strange, peaceful feeling entered him as he closed his eyes before opening them again.
He blinked. His vision was still blurry at first but he soon came to focus on his best friend and their partners, and suddenly was engulfed in a great hug from Jenrya, which was a feat in itself. Takato managed to raise an arm to grip around the other boy's back, leaning back on the other so he was off the ground.
"Thank the Sovereigns," the blue-haired teen gasped, trembling so strongly it made Takato himself shake. "Thank the Sovereigns. I thought you'd never wake up."
"You're welcome," came a slightly amused voice with an Irish accent.
That was when the brunet raised his head to see the four Holy Beast digital monsters surrounding them. Quinglonmon was easy to spot, and next to him was Zhuqiamon, perched on a large boulder and preening his feathers like a normal bird would. Baihumon was sprawled out next to Ebonwomon, the giant turtle-like Digimon passing off as a large forest. It had been Ebonwomon who had spoken. Gillmon suddenly tackled him to the ground again, and Jenrya and Terriermon laughed, the former shaking his head.
"Finally…finally we're all together again," Jenrya breathed, happiness shining on his face and in his gray eyes. When Gillmon moved aside he buried his face in his friend's neck, one arm wrapped around Takato's chest. "I was so scared…I was so afraid they weren't going to be able to restore you…but you're real! You're real this time!"
This time?
Seeing his confused face, Quinglonmon spoke up. "Takato, you were killed by an unknown Digimon called Kagemon," he said gently, watching the young boy look up at him in surprise. "You bled to death before you could do anything to stop him. He destroyed your village shortly after."
"H-How am I alive then? And what was that about a 'this time'?"
Zhuqiamon ruffled his feathers, not taking the same tone the holy dragon Digimon had. "The Gnomes offered to bring you back. You have been in our world for so long that your body was practically data, yet you still bleed. The process has been long and tense, and once there was a mistake, but finally you are alive." The great phoenix looked a little miffed at the thought of the Gnomes bringing a human back to life.
He looked at his friend, not wanting to believe the word of the Sovereigns. "…Jen?"
The half-Chinese Tamer nodded solemnly, looking away as Terriermon climbed onto his shoulders. "It's all true, Takato. I suffered the same fate you did, though my own death wasn't so quick. Kagemon held me captive for a few months, always finding some new sick way to torture me. He finally grew bored and offered me solace…but the Gnomes brought me back as well."
That was when Takato noticed…he raised a hand to caress Jenrya's left cheek, where a large burn mark covered the better half of that side of his face. He saw the bluenet flinch slightly at the touch, feeling the dead flesh under his fingertips. "Jen…" he whispered, eyes softening. "You…"
"I…I asked the Gnomes not to restore my face to full health," the other teen murmured, looking away as he reached up to touch Takato's hand softly. "It's a reminder…a reminder of what I suffered…of what I have to pay Kagemon back..."
"There has been a legend in the Dejitarusekai for many years," Ebonwomon spoke softly, gaining attention as his twin heads moved in different directions to regard both Tamers and their partners. "A tale of a dark knight and a creature of destruction; the dark guardians. Born from the bond of a human and digital monster, born from the power of the Catalyst, the dark guardians suffer ill fate before rising from the ashes of their tragedy…"
Takato linked his fingers through with Jenrya's, cutting off Ebonwomon as though he had never heard him. "I'll help you achieve that vengeance, Jen," he hissed viciously, his eyes narrowing into deadly cat-like slits and seeming to glow a malicious silver-red that made the bluenet shiver a little. "I swear by blood and death and with the Sovereigns as my witnesses that I will murder Kagemon where he stands. I swear I will…"
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The Dark Guardians
Chapter IV
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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"Judecca Prison!"
Sandiramon was barely able to block the blast as it came from the dark knight's shield, his data flickering as he hissed. ChaosDukemon seemed to smirk with his golden eyes, the arm which held his lance transforming back to his hand temporarily as he held up two fingers almost cheekily, indicating the turns he had left of his life.
Two.
"Miserable abomination!" the Daeva hissed, recoiling to strike. "Venom Ax!"
"Demon's Disaster!"
The two attacks met in mid-air and blasted when they did so, causing those around them to try and shield themselves, Jenrya guarding Shuichon's smaller body from any impacts with his own without any concern for his own welfare. The younger girl looked up at her older brother before returning her attention back to the fight as Sandiramon was thrown back a few feet through the streets of downtown West Shinjuku, cursing himself for taking the 'abomination' so lightly. The snake-like monster rose again, dust falling from where he had impacted the ground. The other humans seemed to be genuinely surprised by the power of the dark guardian, and he raised his hand again with only his index finger raised, indicating he only had one turn left.
Sandiramon decided to delay it as much as possible.
"You could join us you know, Matsuda," he hissed, sickly yellow eyes gleaming in the sunlight. "Kagemon-sama told me to tell you he's willing to give you a second chance; he seems to be rather fond of you. I know you have more potential than this…this pathetic excuse of an existence. It's only a matter of time before your rage consumes you again…like it did six years ago…"
ChaosDukemon was silent, head bowed as though he was actually contemplating something. Ruki actually dared to hold her breath while she waited for him to bait on Sandiramon's words – expecting something, anything other than the sharp, harsh laughter that came from him.
"Be that as it may," the biomerge purred darkly with Takato's voice, eyes narrowing until Ruki could practically see the wicked smile displayed on hidden lips, "I am a guardian. It's my duty to safeguard the Dejitarusekai, and Shuichon-chan, from any and all threats. Be it another of your kindred or my own…demons." There was something about the way he said 'demons' that made Ruki frown, the redheaded Tamer trying desperately to figure out her former teammate. "I would gladly take my own life if it was to be so."
"As would I." Jenrya stood from where he had half-crouched over Shuichon to shield her, brushing some long blue hair away from where it covered the left side of his face. Several gasps went up around the Tamers and spectators at the sight of the burn scar, nonetheless his hard dark green eyes stared calmly at Sandiramon. "We have both had too many sacrifice themselves for our own existence to betray their hopes and dreams of a better world. We will not betray the Sovereigns as Dysismon and Crusadermon did eons ago. If it meant a battle against each other to decide the fate of the worlds, we would do so with pride. Such is the existence of a dark guardian…such is the pain of a fallen Tamer."
The shield on ChaosDukemon's arm was powering up.
Sandiramon didn't have much time left.
If any, none at all.
"Judecca Prison!"
The humans and their Digimon shielded their eyes again as the blast made the Daeva dissolve, his data being absorbed by the dark knight. The darker light that followed was the Omega de-evolving back into his two separate forms; Takato Matsuda and BlackGillmon. The brunet smirked lightly, brushing hair away from his eyes as he walked over to join his partner.
"Easier than I expected. If he hadn't been so damn stubborn and had just laid down quietly and died it would have only taken one turn."
Jenrya placed his hands into the pockets of his long jacket calmly, a small smile forming. "I wonder if they get that from Zhuqiamon-sama, considering he was their original creator…?"
"I'd ask, but I don't particularly want to be on my death bed." Takato shook his head, arms crossing over his chest as he sighed. "I'd better go. I interrupted the middle of my entrance exam to come here. Mie isn't exactly going to be pleased, but then again, since when are humans ever entirely pleased?"
"Alright." BlackTerriermon's Tamer leaned forward, placing a light kiss to the brunet's cheek as one hand raised to cup his other. Jenrya let his thumb caress over Takato's skin before pulling away, dark green eyes portraying the concern he was feeling. The other boy only returned the smile with a soft one, silently telling him not to worry about anything. "I'll see you later, then."
"See that you get her home safely." It was no question that he was talking about Shuichon. "It wouldn't do to have our assignment taken from under our noses."
"I won't let my guard down. You know that." Jenrya smiled as both Takato and BlackGillmon disappeared, BlackTerriermon climbing to his shoulders again. He turned his attention to the younger Tamers. "Well, let's go. Ai, Makoto, do you want me to drop you off?"
Both twins shook their heads. "Nah. We live too far away so it'll be out of your way. See you later, Susie-chan," Ai answered, squeezing her hand as did Makoto and Impmon nodded goodbye to Lopmon, the three departing for East Shinjuku.
Hirokazu and Kenta looked at each other before shrugging, telling Jenrya they'd see him later before heading off in a different direction than the twins towards Hirokazu's, leaving only the two Lees, Ruki and Ryo with their partners as the regular humans began going about daily routine, whispering softly about the battle to one another.
"What's the big deal?" Ryo looked back and forth between the two other teenagers, hands clasped behind his head lazily. "You told me it took you three adult levels to defeat Sandiramon before. What was so different about this time?" Ruki bit her lip, looking down at her feet. "Ruki?"
"It's simple fact, Akiyama." The voice made him turn his gaze to Jenrya, growling low in his throat at the blue-haired guardian. "The Daevas are our responsibility. Quinglonmon-sama and the other Sovereigns specifically asked us to take them down. Either you get out of our way or you're our enemy, just like they are. We have no qualms about fighting a Tamer without reason. Not anymore." Jenrya's voice was cold, his green eyes blazing. "Make trouble for us and you'll only end up getting yourself and Cyberdramon hurt."
Ryo relaxed his arms from their position, hands clenching into fists as he stepped forward. "Was that a threat, bastard?" he hissed, Cyberdramon's growling echoing his own. BlackTerriermon stared the large saurian-type Digimon down from his position on Jenrya's shoulders calmly, black eyes challenging and Cyberdramon almost looked ready to rip the smaller bunny-like monster to shreds.
"Jenrya…" Ruki's voice broke the tension in the air, and the dark guardian managed to gain control over himself before he did anything rash, regarding the red-haired Tamer with a side-on glance, never once fully taking his eyes off Ryo. "…What happened to Takato to make him like this?" she whispered, violet eyes showing unease. "What happened to the both of you to make you ready to throw your lives away?"
"You should know what happened to Takato, Makino." A sardonic smirk curled its way onto his lips when she flinched at the use of her last name, turning his attention back to Ryo. "Do you know how many months it took me to convince him he hadn't done anything wrong? Do you know how many months it took for his nightmares to leave him alone?"
"Nightmares?" She had a feeling she knew what they had been about…
"Of course, it's up to him to tell you the full story, if he ever wants to do so." He looked down slightly at the younger girl, eyes softening as he regarded Shuichon. "Come on. Mayumi's probably worried sick about you."
"Niichan…" Jenrya had already begun to walk away by the time Shuichon had spoken, the young half-Chinese girl turning to bow apologetically to the older Tamers before running off after him with Lopmon clinging to her shoulders.
Cerulean eyes stared at Ruki as Renamon vanished from sight, leaving them alone with only Cyberdramon for company, Ryo placing a hand on his hip. "What's up with you, Ruki?" he asked, studying her intensely. He watched her bite her lip again, bowing her head. "Why are you so concerned about Matsuda now? Weren't you complaining just last night how you wanted him to disappear again?"
"I've done a lot of thinking since last night, and maybe I decided to grow up, Ryo," she said softly, turning her head away so she wouldn't have to look at him, instead focusing on the sign outside a Chinese takeout. "We can't keep blaming him for what happened six years ago. We were in a tight spot; he did what he thought was right as our leader as we shunned him for it." She shook her head, returning her gaze to meet his own with hardened resolve. "Megidramon was never a mistake, but a solution to the problem at the time. I stuffed up…I stuffed up big time."
Ryo's eyes narrowed the way they had when he had looked at Jenrya as he lashed out, grabbing the slightly younger girl by the wrist. "Are you stupid?" he spat, pulling her closer as she winced. "He could have destroyed us and both worlds if that snake of his had been let out any longer, and you want to forgive him!"
"Ryo, let go!" Ruki wrenched herself free from his grasp, staring at him before she glared. "It's time to let bygones be bygones, Ryo. Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you lately…" Having said that, she stalked off.
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Juri Katou slid into her seat next to Alice McCoy a few days later, happily talking while the blonde girl listened politely. It was too early in the morning for art class, but Juri could feel her creativity eating away at the lack of sleep her brain had gotten last night. She eagerly retrieved her sketchbook from her schoolbag and a charcoal pencil, flipping to a picture of Leomon she had yet to finish. She felt her heart pang at the thought of her deceased partner as it usually did but upon feeling Alice place a hand on her shoulder, she forced a smile, thanking the other Tamer for her worry. Dobermon slumbered between their desks, more over to his human's side than hers. It was practically custom for the Digimon to fall asleep during class so their energy could be revitalized for the next battle they were in.
The teacher came in – an American man by the name of Remus David, adjusting his glasses before looking out over the class, the students stopping their talking to listen to what he had to say.
"Class, we have a new student." He nodded over to the doorway and Juri couldn't help the gasp that escaped when she looked at the teenager. It was Takato…though he was different from the shy boy she remembered and the Digimon at his side was most certainly Gillmon, only he was black with red markings instead of the other way around. Takato wore a black short-sleeved hooded shirt over a gray long-sleeved non-hooded one, black jeans and boots, bore slightly long brown hair and cold silver-crimson eyes. As one, the class took out their D-Arcs, moaning in annoyance when Gillmon's stats didn't show up onscreen.
"Class, this is Takato Matsuda and his partner, BlackGillmon."
"I wouldn't try that with the D-Arcs if I were you. BlackGillmon never shows up on them," the brunet said calmly, hands in the pockets of his jeans as his cool stare glanced out over the classroom.
"And why's that?" asked a girl from the back, Juri vaguely remembering her last name was Kohsaka but couldn't think of her given one.
"It's simple; because I created him."
"Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii." BlackGillmon's tail swished back and forth childishly, rubbing against his Tamer's side quite happily and Juri let her lips curve upward into a small smile. Takato pulled his backpack off and opened it, rummaging around for a moment before pulling out a Digitama. The rest of the class stared as he began walking down the aisle towards her, egg in hand and BlackGillmon following loyally behind.
Juri couldn't tear her eyes away from his as he looked at her with such contempt, amber meeting silver-ruby. "T-Takato, I…"
He shook his head, making her fall silent in the middle of her sentence. "Here. I believe you know what this is." He set the Digitama down on her desk and she looked at it, hesitating to touch it.
"L-Leomon…?"
"Consider it a gift from the Sovereigns. It took us a good six years to find his proper egg data again." He turned away from her, beginning to head for an empty seat to the far right side of the classroom.
"Takato…"
"Hey, you're that guy they showed on TV after the battle at the middle school nearly a week ago!" one student exclaimed, a young male of about seventeen. "The one who emerged from that dark knight dude!"
"If you mean BlackGillmon's Omega form, ChaosDukemon, then you are correct."
The entire classroom suddenly erupted into talking.
"Dude, there's no such thing as an Omega evolution!"
"How're you able to biomerge anyway? Only the legendary Tamers can do that!"
Takato's sudden laughter made Juri look up as he slid into his seat a few desks away from her, BlackGillmon opting to curl up much like Dobermon was. "Legendary? Is that what you're calling Akiyama and Makino now? They're far from it. BlackGillmon and I were the first to achieve biomerge evolution. And since he already has a Perfect form, Megidramon, our biomerge is an Omega level evolution. We have twice the power that an Omnimon has."
Cue the low-key whistles.
"How do we know you guys were the first to biomerge? There's no proof!" shouted an obnoxious guy at the back who was partnered with a Gabumon and reminded Juri much of what Hirokazu used to be like.
"I was there." The attention of the class turned to Juri, who blushed under the strength of their stares. "I…I was there back in the Dejitarusekai six years ago, you remember. Megidramon was created to destroy the one who had killed Leomon, my partner." Murmurs went through the class and Juri could feel something lifting from her chest, like a hard weight had been pressed down on her heart and had refused to let go until now. "Afterwards, they became ChaosDukemon and we…"
"They abandoned us in the Dejitarusekai." Takato's voice was chilled, his silver-crimson eyes narrowed. The murmurs stopped and the class grew quiet at this new revelation. "We were too poisonous for their perfect team. It's there fault I am what I am – the fabled dark guardian, destined to protect the Dejitarusekai at the cost of my own life." The Digimon in the room gasped, apparently having heard the legend while they had lived in their world. "I only came back because the Daevas needed to be defeated and Kagemon needs to be stopped. I could care less about you humans and the Real World, but it's only by Quinglonmon's orders that I'm here, nothing more."
Juri could feel tears welling in her eyes as she watched him slam his backpack onto the desk and sit down, the students erupting into talk again as Mister David rubbed the bridge of his nose, sighing as he called the class to attention again.
'Takato, I'm sorry. Really I am…'
The Digitama began to hatch beneath her fingertips…
End of chapter four