Shattered Light

By: Linkmaste

Chapter Seven: The Good, the Bad, and a Prophecy

Authors Note: Alright, so it should be Sunday when you are reading this chapter. We are ramping things up here and it will get interesting. We're also back with Takato! I wonder who Guilmon was following all this time...

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. I also do not own Destiny and Fate-that belongs to BookWormGal. I own Lindy.

Takato let out a sigh of relief, as he finished his drawn out conversation with his mother and father. It started out as an attempt to locate Guilmon, then it quickly switched to a lecture about not helping around the bakery enough, then finally to a whole 'what are you going to do with your life?' interrogation. His mother was talking mostly, while his father added a word in-between. The two were worried about his education and what he wanted to do with his life. Being a lawyer or a doctor didn't really interest him, and he sucked at math, so engineer was off the table. Being a Tamer didn't have too many perquisites. He had Guilmon, they worked together well, and he was accustomed to having to fight digimon. But, was that all Takato was able to do?

Now, he had lost sight of Guilmon for almost two hours. Where the hell could he have gone? Worry had already settled in Takato's stomach. Now, it changed into panic. Was it possible someone could have taken him? What was he going to do now?

Luck could not had been more obvious other than grabbing Takato and hitting him in the face. He caught a glimpse of the red digimon running past his eyes, making a loud 'woosh' sound. Jumping into action, he caught up to a focused Guilmon.

"Guilmon! Where have you been? You scared the shit out of me." Takato's relieved expression changed into curiosity.

The minor scolding was unheard by Guilmon. Maybe, there really was a rogue digimon around. Takato observed that his digimon was acting differently than when a rogue digimon was nearby. His personality was still the same, no dilated pupils, no feral growling, no raspy voice, just him simply...focused.

"Takato, we need to follow him." Guilmon pointed a claw at the small hooded figure drifting between crowds-completely unnoticed by anyone else. It danced around the legs and bodies, not missing a beat. Perplexed, the Tamer was about to ask more questions when his cell phone beeped.

"What? H-hold on, Guilmon." Takato jogged to keep up with his partner and answered his cell phone. "Hello?" He almost hit a person and apologized, staying with Guilmon.

"It's Henry. You need to come up to the panel room, now."

"Can't it wait? I'm a little busy-" Takato pushed aside a group of Tamers, so he could continue jogging with Guilmon. He rushed out a 'sorry' for the intrusion.

"No, that figure your running after is leading you two up to where I am."

"Why-" Takato was getting annoyed with all the chasing, and lack of actual information. His patience was certainty being tested today. Henry interrupted him again.

"Because it's partner is here with me and Terriermon. She won't say anything useful until 'the original group' is 'united'. I'm calling Rika right now."

Takato was met with a dial tone and he cried out in anger. What the hell was going on? Henry was vague, Guilmon was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, and there was this mysterious cloaked figure! Not to mention how much of a lecture Impmon and Lindy were going to get from him and everyone else. Changing into mega digimon at the competition was about as low key as wearing a neon flashing sign saying 'Hey! Look at me!' Takato had to focus on one thing at a time or he would go nuts.

First order of business was following the figure ahead of him and ask who it was.

Takato ran along with Guilmon up the stairs, leading to the panel room. The figure jumped up the stairs effortlessly, showcasing its agility. It must be a digimon-no human could move that fast the Tamer thought. But, why was Guilmon not going all 'feral' on it? This was so strange to Takato.

The duo followed all the way up, not exchanging any words. Takato was too tired from all the running and stairs. When they arrived into the panel room, it was empty except for Henry, a bloated Terriermon, and another hooded figure around the size of a child. The face could not be seen, as hard as Takato tried. Henry was fidgeting with his cell phone, keeping an uneasy eye on the ambiguous figure.

"What's going on? Who are you guys?" Takato asked, stepping towards the hooded child. The other cloaked figure went over and stood beside the child. "Are you a Tamer of some sort?"

"Please, all will be explained when the rest arrive." The figure did not even shift feet or move an inch. Her voice spoke clearly, but it was in a occult tone. "Do not worry, for I am your ally and friend."

It only took a few more seconds for a panting Rika and a materializing Renamon to burst forth into the room, growling and prepared to attack. The woman clenched her hands into fists.

"Okay, you smart ass. Let my friends go or else!" Rika held her blue D-Arc ready to change with Renamon into Sakyuamon. "I told you this was going to happen, Takato! They must be part of the Anti-Digimon Association!"

No one was sure why the two mysterious figures were so placid. They just stood next to each other, undisturbed by Rika's obvious threat. The female child took off her hood to reveal a girl, with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Her beige skin contrasted the dark, woollen cloak. The other figure revealed himself as well, earning several gasps and shocked expressions from the group.

"My name is Destiny and this is Fate." The girl pointed to her partner-a complete look alike of Impmon. "We have a prophecy for you that involves the balance of the different worlds."

Ian and Lindy were sitting along a wall, watching the Exposition guests walk by. They were sitting close, with Lindy resting her head on the hybrid's shoulder. The two had declared peace for now, as Ian promised he would make it up to her for the prank. He didn't know it would upset her this much to lose a bit of her hair. Genuinely, he found the new hair edgy and attractive.

"How has everything been here?" Lindy asked, playing with a loose string on her boyfriend's shirt.

Ian shrugged indifferently, "The munchkins are excited to be here, and Tai and Yuki are goin' away again for another book tour. We're probably gunna get stuck watching them again."

Lindy yawned, watching the crowds of people walk by. It was nice that the two just appeared to be a normal couple sitting together when in fact, an hour ago, they were the 'legendary megas' in battle. It was the kind of privacy that the two appreciated. They knew there was going to be a long lecture from Henry about the little stunt they pulled-but that would be later. There was more important matters to discuss.

"We still need to talk to Ai and Mako about us, Impy. About our pasts..."

Ian gave an uncomfortable sound, almost like an 'hmph'. Lindy sat up fully and looked at her boyfriend.

"Ian, we agreed on this. It's time to tell them. About Leomon, about Ethan-everything."

The two hybrids agreed awhile ago on telling Ai and Mako about the death of Leomon. What Ian did as Beelzemon when he first got his power, and the terror he caused to the Tamers would have to be explained. It was becoming almost impossible to hold the secret any longer. Lindy also wanted to tell Ai and Mako about what happened with her and Ethan Colons when he died. While her confession was more minor, Ian's was a game changer. It was unsure how their Tamers would react. Would they be okay with the fact that one of their partners murdered Jeri's digimon and loaded his data? Would Ai and Mako hate him? The thought of losing the two made Ian clench his fists and stand up abruptly.

"I really don't wanna do this, toots." Ian looked at his hands uneasily, expecting them to suddenly change into the claws he wore as Beelzemon. "They're gunna hate me..."

Ian felt a warm hug from Lindy, comforting him very little. She looked up at him.

"No, they won't. They love us. How long have we all been together?" The question made Ian think for a minute. It had been almost...six years? Six years ago, a stupid, blonde teenage girl knocked on Ai and Mako's door, unsuspecting that she will become their digimon and partner. The thought made Ian almost chuckle. Instead, his lips twitched to a smirk.

"Almost six years. That long, huh? I feel like an old 'mon."

Ian knew Lindy was right. It was better to tell the twins now, rather than them finding out from someone else. There were close calls with them; wondering why he always watched Jeri like a hawk. Or, the twins would ask about the nightmares constantly. His dreams reminded him of what he did with vivid imagery and horrifying re-enactments of him; killing not only Leomon but Lindy or Ai and Mako some nights. Or even, when the twins would ask details on what Ian did in the digital world with the Tamers on their first adventure, he would purposefully be vague. Somehow, he couldn't quite find anything more tactful than saying ' Oh, you know. Just trying to kill the Tamers and murdered Leomon which caused Jeri to temporarily become engulfed in sadness'.

Lindy came up with the plan to sit the twins down and talk to them privately, all four of them. Lindy would go first, explaining the time during D-Reaper where she told one of her best friends, Ethan Colons, to die as they were in a hazard zone. How she felt him push her out of the way as a red blob consumed Ethan beside her and disappeared within the monster. She would have to describe how she could never take back those words, the very last words she told him was to 'die'. Afterwards, the twins would then listen to Ian's story. His awful story that no matter how hard he could wish it, how hard he could try, Leomon was never going to come back because he killed him. It was time for them to know. Lindy was going to be there, and Ian knew the twins loved him. Just that, would they still love him after learning about this?

"Yes, it has been a long time hasn't it?" asked Lindy, and cupped Ian's face. "We can get though this. We're the unstoppable team, right?"

"The toughest and meanest around." joked Ian. He gently clasped Lindy's hand. "Let's go get 'em. The sooner we do this, the less time I can chicken out." The two went to go find Ai and Mako, but saw someone else standing in their way. Lindy gave a gasp at whom it was and went rigid.

"Lindy, it is a pleasure to see you again." the man spoke softly, as if he was partaking in a causal conversation with an old friend. The man seemed normal. Tall, fair skinned, black hair and a goatee. He wore a simple dark suit, complete with a black tie. The only striking feature on the man was his eyes. They were an eerie yellow that Lindy had only seen once before. In the other reality where she was sent to a long time ago. The same man that told her it was her destiny to be Ai and Mako's digimon, was now standing before her.

"What are you doing here, Azazel?" Lindy sidestepped around a perturbed Ian and slowly walked towards him. Ian pulled her back while maintaining eye contact with the man.

"Lindy, who the fuck is this guy? Do ya sense his energy? It ain't normal." He whispered into her ear.

"Relax, he's not dangerous. Remember I told you about my little trip to that crappy world where you were a jerk?" The faint memory of Lindy acting like a complete lunatic, jumping around, kissing him saying she was thankful that he wasn't a drunk passed through his mind. Oh right, the alternate reality.

Ian remembered the crazy story that Lindy told him of how she was sent to a world where Ai was a hybrid, he was an alcoholic, and everything was messed up. He also saw that she realized who she was supposed to be and accepted her role as Ai and Mako's other digimon partner. Lindy was afraid that she would make Ian mad, but in fact he was ecstatic that she was officially part of the team. It was easier handling the twins as a duo and having someone watch your back in battle. Ian also remembered Lindy describing Azazel to him-but he never imagined this is what he was like. An awful feeling ate at his gut.

"Lindy, I don't like him." Ian felt tense, like a tiger about to strike if any ill came to him or Lindy. He had no idea what this thing was.

"Come with me." Azazel smiled and waved a hand, not even paying mind to Ian's apprehension. "I have your lovely Tamers waiting for us in a private room, where we can chat."

He started to stroll through the Exposition, unbothered by the crowds. It appeared that they simply parted for him-from his presence or pure coincidence, it was unknown. Lindy glanced at Ian,

"It's not like we have a choice if Ai and Mako are there."

"Can't we catch a break from all this weird mumbo jumbo?" muttered Ian. He gave a dirty look to Azazel and begrudgingly, followed behind. His instinct was shrieking at him to run or flee, like a predator was hunting him. Ian was just not sure what his intentions were. Was Azazel being friendly or not?

No one spoke a word except Azazel himself, who chatted happily about the battle the two participated in and complimented them on their skills. As well, he talked about trying the famous 'Guilmon Bread'.

"A little too sweet for my liking, but I'm picky."

They passed the bakery stall itself and went into a small hallway on the left. A few doors lined it, hosting meeting rooms and offices. Upon the last one on the right, was a small board room with a long, dark table and swivel chairs to match. Ai and Mako were playing on the chairs seeing how fast they could spin. Ai spun herself faster, sticking her tongue out at her twin brother. The hybrids let out a sigh of relief. Ian piped up,

"Ai, you're gunna get sick doin' that."

"Hey!" Mako shouted, getting off the chair. "Look, it's the man that took us to see you when we were little, Ian! We never got to say thank you, Mr. Azazel."

Azazel ruffled Mako's brown hair, nearly causing Ian to blow a vein. No one touches his Tamers, especially some freak that could travel between realities. The man gave a little chuckle,

"Well, you are most certainty welcome, Mako."

"Mr. Azazel, you can tell us why you're here now?" Ai asked, finishing her spin on the chair and sat down. Mako copied his sister and plopped himself on a dark chair. Lindy and Ian remained standing, arms crossed. They two opened up a link to the twins so all four could communicate. The twins felt it and complied.

Don't be too friendly with him, guys. Ian thought.

Why? Mako replied.

He helped us before and he seems nice. Ai chirped.

Ai, lotta people in the world seem nice at first and give ya things you like. Ian thought in a serious tone. But, that doesn't mean they're your friend.

"Am I interrupting your little telepathy conversation?" Azazel asked, smiling at the shocked faces from the children and hybrids. Ian gave a sound of disapproval.

"Ya know it's rude to eavesdrop. Where did ya learn your manners?"

"Apologies," Azazel put a hand up. "But, I have things I need to discuss. Obviously, I did not show up just to socialize." With a wave of his arm, the chairs and table disappeared with a 'pop' sound.

"Woah! How did you do that?" Mako asked, looking bewildered at the magic act. Ai was stunned at the impressive display.

"Oh, that was nothing. Just a drop of the power I'm capable of," Azazel motioned to Lindy and Ian. "Among that was the power to change these two into hybrids. I'm sure the two of them told you what happened when each became the impressive specimen I had the inspiration of creating. The ability to grant wishes is upon us, but as well, we have specific abilities to make the world for round. For example, I control reality and manage them. Not as simple of a task as you think, but useful nonetheless." The explanation earned a variety of responses. Awe, interest, disgust, and an unreadable expression upon Lindy's face.

Azazel continued, "You see, I came here because you two owe me a favour. My 'colleagues' and I didn't exactly see...eye to eye. We had a little disagreement and they casted me out. I need some...persuasion if you know what I mean."

"Let me guess: you want us to help you get back in with your little tree house club so you can play tea party."

Ai and Mako laughed at Ian's joke. He was pretty funny when being rude. Lindy made a displeased sound, and shifted her focus to Azazel.

"Are those 'colleagues' the ones that locked away UltimateChaosmon when we defeated him?"

Azazel nodded and changed his usually pleasant face into a disgusted one.

"Those traitors thought they were so much better than me. They don't see the potential in you as hybrids. The perfect blend of digimon and human, able to change and adapt. It's perfection-"

"-which was also a curse at first. Let's not forget that obvious detail." mouthed off Ian. "It was only because of your 'traitor' buddies that we got a grip on our forms. Ya got any freakin' clue how hard it was not being able to protect those two?" Ian pointed a finger at the twins with an enraged expression on his face. His eyes could have intimidated the meanest digimon.

"We lost family because of the curse! As far as I'm concerned, we don't owe you anything, Azazel." Lindy agreed walking over to the twins, her voice turning ice cold. "If that's all, then we're leaving." Mako shrugged.

"Sorry, Mr. Azazel. But, if our partners don't want to help you out, then it's their choice."

"Plus, you made them suffer for a long time." Ai pointed out, flipping her hair braid, and waving. "Later!"

"Let's go, munchkins." Ian joined them, and they went to the door.

Pop.

The door disappeared instantly. It was there a second ago, but now it was a clean wall, matching the rest of the room. An uneasy feeling dug itself into Ai and Mako. Something along the lines of, 'what had we gotten ourselves into now?' entered their minds.

"I'm afraid, I wasn't really asking." Azazel announced, making it clear that the quartet were stuck in the room, against their wishes.

Ian was trying not to lose his patience, but he was failing. Standing back turned, he spoke calmly; something that made him very, very, scary.

"Looks like I got two choices here. Either, you bring that damn door back and I'll leave you be," Ian turned around, eyes blazing in anger. " Or, I'll make you bring the damn door back anyway, just with a laser cannon to your head and a few broken bones. I'm likin' the second option."

Azazel chuckled softly. "I'm sorry, but you are still beneath me. I control what happens here, not you. To be frank, I should be the one making the demands here."

Ai and Mako turned around, taking out their battered D-Arcs. Playtime was over. It was time to kick some ass. The children changed to an austere attitude and narrowed their eyes,

"Go get him, Ian!"

Ian smirked and started to glow a bright light. However, the pretty lightshow was all he could muster and seconds later, he was still in his human form. The twins looked confused.

The dark haired man wagged a finger. "Ah, ah, ah! No changing, Ian. Neither will you, Lindy." He saw Lindy trying to change, but struggled to even start. He lifted his hands up in the air. "I am a God! Do you really think you are a match for me? Listen, no hard feelings, but I want you to reconsider my request."

"Here's my reconsideration." Ian threw up a finger, making Azazel laugh loudly.

"Oh, I love this," he clapped his hands together. "Such a spit fire! But, let's keep this PG, for the children's sake."

Silence. It's a beautiful thing sometimes, such as when you are alone wandering a forest pondering thoughts. However, silence can be frightening or even awkward, depending on the situation. For example, a ten year old child and a look alike of Impmon gather a group of the strongest Tamers around and tell them they are about to reveal a prophecy about saving worlds. That could be categorized as an 'awkward silence'.

Takato was giving uneasy looks to his friends. He was battling in his mind between disbelieving Destiny and Fate, or asking more questions. Henry looked tired, as if he had cleaned up a room and his little sister came around just to destroy it again. Rika had the most common reaction that anyone could experience when confronted with strange situations they didn't grasp. She became angrier, and yelled louder. The Impmon copy cat put a hand up to stop the woman's outburst.

"I believe we should explain ourselves." Fate interrupted. His eyes calmly stared at everyone, including Guilmon, who had a slacked jaw expression.

"Impmon?" Guilmon asked, sniffing Fate curiously. It didn't smell like him at all. Impmon had the scent of cinnamon and leather while this one, smelled like old book pages and sand.

"No, Guilmon," Renamon lowered her arms down, disengaging her attack. She glowered at Fate. "This isn't Impmon at all, but you look like him."

"Fate is not related to your hybrid friends in any way. Besides, we have more important matters to discuss," Destiny ignored the surprised looks from the group when she mentioned about the hybrids. "Fate and I are responsible for handling prophecies-good, bad, false, and true. While mostly what we do is just observing, sometimes we have to give a little nudge..."

"So, I assume this is our nudge you speak of?" Renamon put a paw on Rika's shoulder, allowing the Tamer to relax. If Renamon trusted the duo, then it was because they were not a threat. She had a very good sense of character and judgement. It was not often she would lead the group astray.

Destiny took a breath. "This prophecy is in the digital world. I'm not sure how to classify this location but it simply described as the where the dead restart their lives. A place where digimon who were deleted, can start again with new memories to made and a second chance at life."

"Wait," Henry put a finger to his lips in thought. "You mean like a 'Primary Village?'

Takato spoke softly, "Like in the TV series..."

In the private room, Lindy looked at Azazel strangely,

"What do you plan to do with us? Do you have any idea who we are?" Lindy's voice turned cold and distant. Her next action went to protecting the twins with her body. Ian did the same.

"Oh yes, the whole you're a Holy Angel and he's a Demon Lord-so cliché," Azazel dismissed the threat and rolled his eyes. "I mean what's next? You two have a child that controls both light and darkness?" A moment's pause and he gave a cheshire grin. "Oh wait..."

Azazel's mockery caused a unnatural snarl to erupt from Lindy. It made a rush of emotion surge through the frightened twins that they never felt before. It was like anger, and protection combined as one-something like a motherly instinct.

"Don't you dare talk about our son!"

The middle aged man chucked softly and walked around the group with clear strides-like a shark circling its prey. He was playing them like toys, and they had no clue.

"All the realities hang in the balance..." he began in a quiet voice. To his unsuspecting prey, he was dropping mysterious sand behind him, to form a circle.

"Wait!" snapped Rika. She zeroed in on Destiny. "I'm not going to even begin to question how the hell a kid your age is in charge of handling 'prophecies' with some lookalike of Impmon. But, are you saying that there is a Primary Village in the digital world? Where?!"

Everyone sensed a eagerness in her voice. In fact, all had become slightly excited. If there was a Primary Village in the digital world then that meant digimon were reborn and they had a second shot at life. All the effort they had put into advocating not downloading a digimon was going to pay off.

"Hidden in the digital world is a Primary Village where all digimon are reborn. Virus, vaccine, and data digimon all restart there once deleted. It is protected by an ancient guardian. However, other forces are arising to claim it. Listen closely, as I will only say this once," Destiny instructed, focusing her eyes among the group with such intensity that could never belong to a regular ten year old. Henry quickly pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons.

"The birthplace of all will become the death of many..." Destiny spoke in a haunting tone, that did not sound appropriate for a girl. It was like an old soul was talking. It made the group feel on edge, giving goose bumps on their skin and fur.

Azazel continued his speech dauntlessly, despite Lindy and Ian narrowing their eyes in suspicion. They didn't notice the sand falling behind Azazel yet, and it would have been too late when they did.

"A life is at risk between light and dark. Retributions will be resolved and dark secrets will be unleashed..."

"...Three great forces will fight to control what cannot be controlled. Three weapons of truth are required for the chosen to ascend to a new level..." Destiny held up three fingers to emphasize her statement.

"...and when the end is nigh..." Azazel finished the circle, pleased with what he had accomplished. The group looked around, realizing what he had done. A faint circle had been drawn around them in sand. The dark haired man lifted his arms and shouted,

"...four will become two, and two will become one!" He cast a large pool of light to form on the floor where the group was standing. Crying out, they started to sink like it was quick sand. Lindy and Ian were first to fall through, unable to stop the inevitable. Mako was next, taking a deep breath. Ai was last, narrowing her eyes at Azazel's. She was engulfed by the floor and fell ill with the rest of the group. The light ceased as soon as it came and the strange man chuckled,

"It's always a pleasure doing business with you, my children. See you soon."

"Beware the yellow eyes and the false promise of hope. For if he succeeds, the world will be consumed with shattered light." Destiny's tone of voice grew firm and dangerous. The group took note. Yellow eyes equals bad.

She lifted her D-Arc and with a exaggerated motion, opened a portal to the digital world beneath the group. They all cried out, falling through the entryway, unprepared for the adventure awaiting them. After a few seconds, the shimmering light faded and closed itself.

Fate clicked his tongue.

"Well, I think they took that pretty well."

END PART I

Author's Note: We are doing this in parts now. I figured since we have three different story lines now going along-it will be the easiest to tell it apart.

Part One: The Tamers Expo is officially done!

Part Two: A Tale of Finding Three Truths, will have Takato, Rika, Henry, Guilmon, Renamon, and Terriermon on their adventure wherever Destiny and Fate sent them.

Part Three: Hybrid Theory, will be about where Lindy, Ian, Ai, and Mako were sent.

Part Four, will finally have the conclusion of them meeting up.

Destiny and Fate are present throughout the story and developing behind the scenes.

Later!