Myotis: Oh. My. God. I am so, so, so sorry! I didn't mean to take so long! I've been wrapped up in a lot of stuff lately… but enough excuses. Here is my new chapter!

Sarah: Geez, man. Where have you BEEN?

Myotis: …That is strictly confidential. Now, without further delay, to the review responses…

Lady-Azura: Thanks again! Wow, at this rate, I'll never run out of cookies.

BloodyKitsune: I wouldn't call it a flame. And anyway, nobody said that the King of Secrets was going to Rika. And as for Ianu, you'll see what's up with him in this chapter. And I don't like Ryo at all, either…

lol: As I said with the last response, you'll see why. Thanks for the review, though.

CaliCallMePrincess: Hey, no problem! As usual, I'm just glad you still like my story. But yeah, I know how addicting those games can get…! Sorry to hear that your holidays weren't so good…mine really weren't either. Well, thanks again!

Myotis: Right then. Now…

Sarah: Don't bother. Myotis does not own Digimon or it's related characters. He does own his characters in the story, as in his creations. That being certain Digimon, the monsters, and of course the Arukado clan. I think that's it.

Myotis: Thank you! Now it continues…


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

Chapter Eight: Unmasked Persona


Following Ianu down the darkened corridor, the group was becoming even more unsettled. It was as if Ianu was a force of darkness that called forth uneasiness with his very existence. Even Dreadmon seemed a bit different. Renamon surprised them by talking to the spirit Digimon in question.

"Dreadmon."

"…Yes?"

"I may be mistaken, but you seem troubled. Is he not always like this?"

"…No. No, he is not. Something is wrong."

That brought everyone to a halt. They looked directly forward, towards the strange Tamer, who was slowly turning around while radiating a fearsome black aura. Once he turned, he began to laugh in a deranged manner.

"Ha…hahahahaha! I was wondering how long it would take you idiots to figure it out! What, did my attitude give it away? Or maybe my power? Whatever, you're all so slow! Hahahahaha!"

Rika, naturally, didn't take insults lightly.

"Who the hell are you, some freak who has to imitate someone stronger than him?"

"Whoa! Check out the tongue on the brat! You wanna know? Fine!"

With that, a shroud of smoke covered him. When it dissipated, a misty, human-like figure remained.

"I'm Eins…The First. The Guardian of the Shrine of Secrets!"

Dreadmon seemed enraged.

"Fool creature, what have you done with Ianu?"

"Aw, cool your jets, shadow man! He's sleepin' that's all…"

"Was sleeping."

Everyone looked behind them (Well, Eins was already looking that way.), and saw the real Ianu walking to them.

"I will not sit around while you try to make a fool out of me. What did you hope to gain by fooling us?"

"You! How the…nevermind. I guess you are 'his' son, after all…so I assume you what the King of Secrets, eh? Well, then you gotta go through the trial!"

"Very well."

"Hold it, mister darkness. Only one of you jerks is qualified for it, and it ain't you."

"Then who?"

Eins then looked in the direction of Henry, much to his own surprise.

"That guy. With the goofy-lookin' rabbit…thing."

Terriermon snapped up at this.

"WHO's goofy, ya talkin' gas cloud?"

"Terriermon, calm down. What do you mean? Why me?"

"None of your business."

"…"

"…Okay, enough with the staring! I don't know, okay? Your spirit matches the Sword's power, okay?"

"Uh…okay…so, what do I do?"

"Simple. You gotta defeat me. I don't care how. Gimme all ya got!"

"I don't like this. Isn't there any other way to do it?"

"How are you gonna prove your power otherwise? Now shaddup and fight!"

Eins then dashed forward at surprising speed. Henry(Terriermon attached) was just barely able to get out of the way of a well-aimed punch attack.

"Whoa! Terriermon, be careful. He's a lot stronger than he looks!"

"Like I need you to tell me! C'mon, let's do it!"

"Right!"

And with that, Terriermon Matrix Digivolved into Rapidmon. Rapidmon was constantly dashing around to avoid Eins's high-speed strikes. Eins cackled wildly as he continued his assault. Henry, growing worried, readied his cards and D-Power.

"This'll do it. Digi-Modify! Illusion, activate!"

Upon the activation of the card, multiple images of Rapidmon appeared everywhere. Eins looked around himself in a panicked manner.

"What the…? Hey, how'd you do that? No fair!"

Henry had a confident grin as he responded.

"No fair? Didn't you say you didn't care how I did this? Unless strategy is an exception, that is."

Eins's blue eyes then began to glow with an eerie light.

"Strategy, huh…? Well, how 'bout this, punk! Grand Dispel!"

One by one, the copies of Rapidmon began to fade. Henry now saw his chance.

"NOW!"

"Tri-Beam!"

The attack was launched from the true Rapidmon and all of the illusions at once. Not knowing which one to try to avoid, the arrogant guardian remained still as a powerful blast struck him in his back. A deafening shriek could be heard, and when the flash of light generated from the attacks ceased, Eins remained, floating as he was. Only now, he was beginning to dissipate.

"Damn, kid…that was good…"

Henry walked up to him with a concerned look.

"Hey…you're vanishing…"

"Oh, knock it off…it's not like I was your friend or anything. Besides…I'm not dyin'… It's always like this when me or another guardian loses…we just go to sleep for awhile…'course, who knows how long I'm gonna sleep…anyway. The sword's just ahead. I really hope…you know what you're doin'…!"

And with that, he vanished completely. Rapidmon reverted back to Terriermon and hopped up to Henry's shoulder, oddly quiet. The others hurried up to Henry. Takato slapped him on the back with a "I knew you could do it, buddy", and Rika gave a small smile and said "Not bad." Even Ianu had a small grin, which Henry took as a form of congratulations. Stepped back a bit, Henry spoke.

"Okay guys, I'm happy too. But shouldn't we hurry?"

Now reminded of the task at hand, Takato sprinted ahead.

"Yeah, that's right! C'mon, everyone!"

He took off down the hall, with Guilmon just behind him.

Without another word, the remaining Tamers and Digimon hurried after him. Rika was glad to know that what they thought was Ianu was an imposter…Eins's attitude was on her nerves. But how long had he been imitating him? Right now, she didn't care. She was glad to see the quiet Tamer was as she remembered him. The chase came to a halt when they saw the forms of Takato and Guilmon standing still. Takato was staring dumbstruck at a large structure. They all looked up at it to see that it was a gigantic stone sword. Takato was absolutely fascinated.

"Whoa…that thing's huge! Is that the King of Secrets?"

Ianu seemed equally surprised.

"…I…believe it is. I did not think it would be so…large. How is one supposed to remove it, I wonder…"

The first thing aside from the overall size of the sword that Rika noticed was that the blade and altar that it was driven into tip-first was the same mysterious language as before. She unconsciously began to read it aloud…first what was on the altar.

"…Here is the Wisdom of Earth, with the Knowledge of the Wind. The Blade of Dark Secrets known only to He who Conquered. The one who wields it, is the one who unravels the truth of the Darkness. The one who harnesses it, shall be the Heir to the Demon King's Secrets."

Then, as all where staring at her awestruck, She read the inscription on the sword itself, which, although it was much larger due to the size, was not as long.

"Ul, King of Secrets."

Ianu seemed more surprised than anyone.

"Rika…you can read it? How did you…? Oh, I see…"

"What? You mean you know why? Tell me! Please, tell me why…"

"Do not worry. There are very, very few humans that can read that…to be able to read it means that one of 'my people' have taught you, or you are related to 'us'…"

The others had no idea what was going on…save for Dreadmon, who as usual was standing not far from Ianu, with his wings folded and his arms crossed. His gaze was fixed on Rika again…as if he was waiting for something.

"What do you mean? Ianu, you aren't making any sense…"

"I know…It's so difficult to explain. This concept…I hardly understood it at first."

Then he leaned in to whisper to her.

"I know this seems rude. But I can't tell you much with your friends here. Would they mind allowing us a few moments alone to discuss this?"

"…I…think they won't mind…"

She turned to Takato, Henry, Renamon, Guilmon, and Terriermon with a strange expression.

"H-Hey. Listen, I gotta talk to Ianu for a while. Would you mind…I dunno, heading out? We'll catch up…"

Takato had an instantly worried look.

"Alone? But…"

Henry began to usher him out.

"C'mon, Takato. Rika will tell us about it later."

Ianu then, unexpectedly, called out to him.

"Wait, Henry. You must first do what you came to do."

"Huh?"

"Follow me, if you will."

Henry followed Ianu, who began to walk up a previously unnoticed pathway that elevated as it continued, leading to the top of the sword. Once they reached the top, Ianu stood aside, giving Henry room to move in front of him.

"So…what do I do?"

"Unless I'm mistaken…which wouldn't be a first…you should put both of your hands on the pommel. Then wait."

"Okay, I'll try it…"

Henry extended both of his arms to the giant sword, and placed his hands on the pommel. He then involuntarily closed his eyes, and found he could not move. Ianu was forced to bring his arm up to shield his dual-colored eyes to keep the sudden flash of light from hurting them. The chamber was enveloped in the light, and in his mind, Henry saw a glimpse of a strange image…a large, steel mask the size of a house. The image faded too quickly for Henry to see what the mask looked like, only that the mask had huge metal horns that grew from the top, and curved straight down. The flash ended, and when everyone could see, they saw that Ianu and Henry now stood on the altar, with Henry holding a green scepter about three feet long. It shone with a brilliant light, and at the tip was a gem with a shining glow. It truly looked like a royal treasure. Henry held it before him, admiring its luster. Ianu then, to Henry's surprise, put a hand on his shoulder.

"This proves that you are indeed the rightful owner of Ul, the King of Secrets. I know that you will be able to harness its power."

"Um…thanks, I guess…so, what do I do now?"

"Simple. Continue on. You have made an excellent accomplishment, but the task is not yet complete…now then, as Rika said, you should hurry on out of here. We'll catch up…and do be careful."

"…Alright. I will."

Henry then walked to the hall and towards the exit, and the sounds of Takato begging Henry to let him hold the scepter could be heard. Ianu then returned to Rika.

"Now then. I must tell you all of which you need to know. But first…"

He said this to her with an expression that could only be classified as sorrowful.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Your…feelings. I have seen things…I know what you and your friends do is not my business, but I have been watching the six of you every time you travel…and I have seen the conversation between you and Takato."

"You…you've been spying on us…?"

"I have been observing you…to make sure you are headed in the right direction…I do not mean to eavesdrop…but Rika, what are your true feelings? I do not know what to think…"

She wasn't sure if she was angry, embarrassed, or distressed. She knew she was afraid. What was she supposed to say in this situation? She had no desire to lie to Ianu. But she was afraid of the reaction that the truth would spawn. What would he think of her, to learn that she was in love with two people? Himself, and someone who seemed to hate him? She realized…that there was no other choice.

"I…Ianu, listen. This is really freakin' hard to think about and explain, so just listen carefully, understand me, and don't get the wrong idea. Okay?"

"…I'm listening."

"What I said to you was true…but so was…what I said to Takato…I…I don't know what's wrong with me…I feel the same way about both of you. It makes me feel sick, and it makes me feel like scum. I don't know why…I don't know how…but that's how I feel…"

The two of them stood in silence for what seemed to be forever. The pressure was killing Rika…she wanted to shrivel up and die. Ianu then looked her in the eyes.

"I…think I understand, Rika. I do not know how such a thing happens…but I understand your pain. I do know one thing for certain, however. Despite the turmoil this has caused you, at some point, you must decide who it is you truly have such feelings for, and who you wish to be with. And at that time, I will be happy for you…even if I am not happy…no matter who you choose."

His words brought to her a combination of relief, happiness, and a deep, worried sadness all at once. She immediately lost all of her strength, her strong-willed resolution. She dropped her guard more than ever before and stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Ianu, sobbing into his shoulder. He was surprised at first, but immediately realized what was happening and hugged her back. She spoke through her chocked sobs.

"I-I don't know…I don't know who I am anymore…! I don't know what's happening to me…I don't know what's going on…! Why…why…"

Ianu was totally shaken. He had not known her long, but he had grown to know her as a person of incredible strength…of mind and will. Someone who seemed as though they would not for the life of them show any weakness, any wavering. And yet…she was here, in his arms, crying, wrapped around him as if he was the only thing keeping her from eternally drifting away into nothingness. Seeing her this way brought him such grief…he did not ever want to see her in such a state. So great the pain brought by her confusion must be…he could think of only one thing to do for her. In a gentle whisper, he did his best to console her.

"Rika…please, don't cry…it's not your fault. You cannot help how you feel…don't let it cause you so much pain."

"But…but I…what do I do…?"

"Don't worry about that. This…no one can do anything about. You must give things like this time. You will find out eventually."

"B-but…what kind of a person…loves two people at once…? I feel so disgusted with myself…"

"Rika…it doesn't make you a bad person. As I said, you cannot help it. I believe this sort of thing happens all the time…it's true that it is not meant to be, for one person to be with two people. That is why you must give your heart time. In time, you will understand which of us you truly wish to be with. Until then, you can't beat yourself up over this…"

"But WHEN? When will I know? How will I know…?"

"That…I am afraid that no one can answer. It is something that only the person will know…when and who. But please…dry your tears. Cleanse this sorrow from your mind. Contrary to what you think, you are not a bad person. You are the opposite: A wonderful person. Keep remembering that…I am sure it will help."

"Ianu…thank you…thank you so much…"

They stood there for a moment, Rika with her eyes closed so tightly, her sobs fading. Ianu, looking down at her with sad eyes and a caring smile. After a while, Rika slowly let go of Ianu, and he let go of her. He looked into her eyes, and she noticed how strangely his eyes shone. His green eye looked at her lovingly, and his red eye looked at her in a worried way. She saw this not in his expression, but as though his eyes showed his feelings. Slightly in a daze, she snapped out of it when Ianu spoke to her.

"…Do you think you will be alright?"

"…Yeah."

"…I'm glad. But I didn't know this was causing such pain for you…I'm so sorry…"

"Hey, it's not like you knew I was gonna break down…"

"…No, I suppose not."

"But, you just showed me something. Despite how cold you seem, Ianu…you're pretty kind."

"Kind? I don't-"

He was broken off by something not even Rika expected herself to do. She leaned forward and kissed him. Nothing serious, simply a quick kiss. She pulled back quickly, realizing what she did. Ianu, lost in a daze, stared off into space. Rika turned red and stared at the ground.

"Um…sorry…"

"Oh…It's…I mean, I didn't mind…"

"…Got caught up in the moment, I guess…"

"…I suppose that's natural…"

The two of them were unable to look at each other, both of which were quite red at the moment. After regaining their composure, their eyes met again. Ianu spoke in a shy and nervous manner.

"Well, I…er, that is, I'm glad I could help you."

"I'm…glad that you did. Thanks…"

"I will always be far more than happy to help you. Speaking of which…we've gotten so far off topic. You wanted to know why you are able to read the language…and what is going on in this world."

Back in reality, Rika remembered everything.

"That's right. What did you mean by saying I had to be related in some way to 'your people'? Ianu, just what are you…?"

"I am…a half-breed. I am half human…and half Aedin."


Myotis: Okay…there's chapter eight. Sorry about the cliffhanger ending, but all will be explained in the next chapter! I really hope you liked it. As usual, please review, and thanks so much for reading!