Myotis: Okay, new chapter's up…

Wraithmon: Hey…you don't look so good.

Sarah: Yeah…are you okay?

Myotis: I'm just…well, let's say I'm not the happiest I can be right now.

Sarah: In other words, this is your way of apologizing for taking a longer than usual time to update?

Myotis: Sort of. And I feel I've disappointed you, the readers. Sorry if you don't like the pairing. Keep in mind that I did say that this is, in a way, a Rukato, I just don't think that's how it will end. I can tell you, however, that the Rukato moments start with this chapter. Now then…for reviews.

Lady Azura: I know. It's my favorite pairing, too. Thanks for the compliment and the cookie, though.

CaliCallMePrincess: Well, sort of. See, most of my ancestry is from England, and some from Scotland. I've got something of an accent which, according to a friend of mine, sounds like a mixture of both. Not that it's my business, but how does your friend make fun of them(Us?)? Oh, and Rika, Takato and Henry are all 16 now. Ianu's 17, though. I'm glad you still like this!

BloodyKitsune: Oh, come on…I'm sorry you don't like it, but I just wanted to try a new idea…

Myotis: Okay, that's all. Now, Sarah…oh, you know the drill.

Sarah: Yep. Myotis does not own Digimon. He does own Ianu Arukado, Mareo Arukado, Devamon, Wraithmon, Dreadmon, FallenAngemon, the Feathered Spinners, and any other characters/monsters he creates. And by the way, why doesn't Wraithmon do this?

Wraithmon: It's not in the job description.

Sarah: Yeah, bull! A partner doesn't have any 'job description'!

Myotis: …I can always count on you two to cheer me up. Alright then…on with the story.


Digimon Tamers: Life's Pain and Death's Comfort

Chapter Six: Emotional Evolution


Rika opened her eyes slowly, the realization that the events last night were not dreams, but a most true reality. She could feel a large headache coming on. She struggled to clear her thoughts, and realized that she DID have a dream, after the unusual visit.

She was standing in a stone chamber, unable to move. Before her was a most curious scene. Takato stood on the left side of the room, with an angry glare on his face. He was holding a red lance of remarkable beauty, with several dragon images inscribed on it. To the right side of the room stood Ianu. He stared back at Takato with his normal, unreadable expression. In his right hand was a sword of unique design. The hilt was larger than his hand, with a pommel shaped like a cross. The hand guard was covered in thorn-like blades, and shaped like a bat's wings. The blade was longer than that of a greatsword, and much thinner, like a longsword. Longer than Ianu was tall, writing of an unknown language was inscribed all over it. It radiated a black aura.

Then it got even more strange. Takato, who seemed to be overflowing with hatred, began to yell something at the quiet Tamer, who simply stared back, and replied in a soft voice, none of which Rika could understand. She could hear them just fine, but they were speaking gibberish. Not real words. Then, whatever Ianu said must have been the last straw, as Takato rose his lance and charged toward him. Ianu dodged at an unbelievable speed, and launched a swift slash at Takato, who just barely rose his lance to block it. The two leaped away from each other, and Ianu held up his hand. He began speaking…no, chanting. A black light blasted forth from his hand and crashed into Takato, who was knocked back and dropped his lance. As quick as ever, Ianu seemingly warped in front of Takato and pointed his giant sword to his throat, said something, and…she woke up.

"AGH! I HATE it when that happens! Well…I didn't like it anyway."

Renamon then phased in. She grew a bit worried at the sight of Rika's frustration.

"Rika, are you all right?"

"Yeah…just annoying dreams. But, more importantly, Renamon…how much do you know?"

"…I have no idea what you are talking about."

"You're a bad liar. About last night."

"…Everything."

"You can't tell anyone."

"I know. I won't."

"Good. Not that I thought you would."

She then got up, and the two headed back down to the first floor, where the others were. Takato greeted Rika with a big grin.

"Good, you're finally up. Ready to go?"

"'Go' where, Gogglehead? We don't exactly know where the sword is…"

Henry then brought up an old, battered book.

"Actually, this will help us. I looked over some of the books in the library here, which I'm surprised they had, by the way. I found this book…it tells about a lot of things involving these swords Ianu wants."

Takato suddenly got very excited, and looked his way.

"Seriously? All right! So, what's their story?"

"Well…I don't know how long it is according to our world, but in the Digital World, when it was still new…there was a strange baby Digimon. It was called Optimon. It was different from the other Digimon…it was silent, didn't play, and had no friends. Then something happened one day. He Digivolved, and was the first to do so. He continued to Digivolve until…something involving several Mega Digimon occurred. The book is almost illegible. I just know the swords have something to do with Optimon. Anyway…the first sword, the King of Secrets, is just outside the town. We have to look for a shrine of some sort."

Rika sighed irritably.

"Ugh, that's all? Some help…"

Takato was continuing to grow excited, which was making Rika very suspicious.

"Okay! We know where it is, so let's go get it! C'mon, you guys!"

And with that, he dashed out of the hotel, with Guilmon trailing after him. Terriermon hopped to his usual spot on Henry's head.

"Geez, what's got him so revved up?"

"Not a clue…well, let's go. Coming, you two?"

"We have a choice?"

Henry just laughed a little, and walked out, with Rika and Renamon following. They said their goodbyes to the grateful villagers, and headed to the south end of the village, and left through the gate. Takato decided now would be a good idea to put his plan into action. He walked over to Henry and whispered to him.

"Hey, Henry. Can you do me a favor?"

"Uh…okay. But what's with the whispering?"

"I'll tell you later. But I need you to act like you see something important and go farther on. I'll stay back with Rika, and you take Guilmon and Renamon with you. Terriermon especially. Okay?"

A wry grin crossed Henry's face.

"Okay, sure…I get it. No problem, buddy."

"Uh…thanks."

Henry then walked forward a bit, stopped, and shouted out.

"Hey! I think I see something. Takato, you and Rika stay here. Me and the Digimon will go and see what it is. I'll call you if it's anything important."

Takato played along perfectly.

"Okay. Just be careful."

Henry and the others, who for some reason didn't seem to be the least bit confused, headed off. Takato then walked back to where Rika was standing. She looked at him and smirked.

"Wow, Gogglehead. Since when do you not make the decisions around here?"

"Ah, I just thought it'd be okay. Besides…Rika. I wanted to talk to you about something. And I am NOT going to have an easy time doing it."

Rika suddenly became very alert upon hearing this, but let him continue.

"(Gulp)…Okay. Rika…I…I think I'm starting to…y'know, 'like' you…"

"…What?"

"…I-I'm trying to say I like you, Rika."

"…I don't believe this."

"Huh…?"

A sickening uneasiness flowed through Rika. Emotions conflicted, thoughts collided. She didn't know what to think.

What's going on…I can't believe this is happening to me. It's been there all along. I've always liked him…I just didn't see it. But…but…what about Ianu? I feel the same thing for him…what the heck is wrong with me? What kind of person feels this way for two people at once? I think I'm gonna be sick…

She began to fall. Takato caught her just in time.

"Rika! Are you okay? Oh man, what was I thinking…"

She was dazed for a few moments, and then came to her senses. She blushed the instant she noticed her current position. She scrambled back to her feet, and pulled herself together.

"I'm fine, Gogglehead…"

"Are you sure? But why'd you react like that…?"

"Well…what do you expect? It's a freakin' shock…"

"But…do you mean that you didn't expect it at all?"

"Not really…I just now noticed, thanks to you, that I guess…I feel the same."

A huge smile then burst forth on Takato's face.

"Really? You do? Oh, YEAH! This is awesome!"

She chuckled a bit at his child-like happiness. But making him so happy made her feel horrible. She wondered how she could feel this way…loving two people at once. She had no idea of what to do, other than continue on…for now. She did her best to put on an 'affectionate' smile.

"Okay, Gogglehead. Calm down. Henry and the others are back. You'll give it away."

"Oh! Right. Sorry…"

Renamon reached the two first, followed by Terriermon, then Guilmon, and finally Henry.

"We're back. Looks like we may have found something."

Takato was surprised his plan actually did some good for everyone.

"Really? What is it?"

Terriermon hopped back up to Henry as usual, and flashed an impish grin at Takato.

"Wanna know, huh? Tell you what: I'll tell you if you tell me what you two did while we were gone!"

This statement provoked instant reddening on a certain couple of Tamers. Rika, understandably indignant, grabbed the little Digimon by his ears and yanked him off of his 'perch'.

"How 'bout you just tell us before I tear your overly inflated ears off."

"…Gotcha. No problem, Ma'am."

"Good. Now, what is it?"

Guilmon held out his hand, which had a shimmering stone in it.

"Here it is! Shiny, huh!"

"…A rock. Right."

Henry took it, and held it up to the sky.

"Well…look at my shadow."

They did, and saw that some sort of odd lettering was glowing white on his shadow. Rika gasped when she realized that it was strikingly similar to what was inscribed on the giant sword Ianu was wielding in her dream. No one noticed, fortunately. Takato seemed absolutely amazed.

"Wow, Henry! What is it, though?"

"If my guess is correct…it's something like a key. There was something in the book about a key for each shrine, which blended in with the area it was hidden in. This is the Key of Secrets."

"Alright! This is great…I mean, what if we never found it, and we got to the shrine, wondering how to get in…"

Rika slapped a hand over his mouth.

"That's enough depressing thoughts for today, Gogglehead."

"Mmph."

'Sorry' apparently. The six then walked further south where the Shrine of Secrets was said to be. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by someone far away.

"What…just happened…"

"Lord Ianu…you must calm down…"

"Calm down? Dreadmon, how can I calm down, seeing what I just saw?"

"…I know it is difficult. But it is not like you to behave this way. You always think things through, yet you have not this time. Does she seem to have deceived you?"

"No…no, there was no deception in her soul…she spoke the truth to me…and yet, I sense none in her now…I…I think I'm going to be ill…"

"Please, Lord Ianu. You should retire for today. This is causing you far too much strain."

"…Yes. Yes, you are right. I shall rest for today…please keep an eye on them. Alert me if something of importance occurs."

"Of course."

Ianu then left the room. Dreadmon fixed his eyes on the monitor displaying the Tamers. He looked directly at Rika.

Foolish girl. Do you know the pain you cause him? You know so little, and yet…never has he gotten so close to a human. Should I be grateful…? Regardless, you must realize the magnitude of your dilemma…and Ianu's, as well…

Ianu, who was walking back to his chamber, felt as though his head would explode.

I cannot…let such emotions overflow. My spirit cannot take it. Why do I forget such things? Curse you, you who call yourself my 'father'…

Are you referring to me?

He stopped dead in his tracks. That voice. That cold, heartless voice. The voice of the man he both hated with all of his heart…and the one he feared.

What do you want? Stay out of my mind, and my business, you wretch!

Such harsh words. Is that any way to speak to your own father? Ianu.

Don't you dare call yourself my father! You have no right…not after all you have done.

Ha, ha, ha…And what would that be? I did nothing to you.

Like HELL you say! You abandoned me, Mareo, and Mother, even though you could have at least healed her! And for all of your past atrocities, those are hardly even significant!

My boy…I have told you. We are of a higher standing. Why should we bend to their rules? Why do what humans say? You don't care for them, if I recall.

That's…that's only because humans refused to help her…they knew she was dying, but they wanted nothing to do with her…they may have been able to help her. But they…

Hmm…seems as though I am not the only one here with a 'problem'. If you do not like them, then why not end their meaningless existence?

You…are as psychotic as ever. I knew I wanted nothing to do with you the moment you told Mareo and I what you were. And when we refused to join you, you left us, and left Mother to die…

Bah. What good are human women, other than to produce heirs? Your many, many brothers and sisters are so angry with you…

Silence! Heartless monster…you use women left and right, just to expand your sickeningly huge family of your own children, and leave the mothers to die…

Yes. And I do not regret it at all. I personally do not understand why you do not make the human girl you seem to be so interested in yours by force.

Because I'm not a manipulating, cold-blooded fiend like you!

I see. It seems I have caught you on a bad time. Perhaps I will speak with you again, my son…

His voice could no longer be heard. Trembling, Ianu stumbled back to the room he came from. When Dreadmon turned around to see him, his eyes widened with alarm.

"Lord Ianu!"

"Wait, Dreadmon…I am fine. You must put the castle on alert."

"Why? What has happened?"

"…My father and head of the Arukado Clan has spoken to me. If he knows where we are, there is no way he cannot find us. Make sure that the…'programs' are set to attack a being with this data…"

He typed quickly and accurately, inputting the necessary data to recognize their enemy.

"There…now, for the moment, we are safe…I will never bend to you, Megido Arukado…"


Myotis: Okay! I think this one's a tad shorter than Chapter 5, but I consider 5 to be rather special. Anyway, I hope you liked this one, too. Please review! Oh, and if you have any questions, I'll answer them in the Review Response in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!