Shattered Light
By: Linkmaste
Chapter Ten: Riddles & Rhymes, Make the Time Pass By
Authors Note: Alright, now we're getting into the meat and potatoes of this story. I would like to introduce a new mysterious character. I created him and he has a little...bit of a quirk with the way he talks. Took a few days to sort out his dialogue. It's in italics. Plus, we get to see just Renamon, Terriermon and Guilmon interact without their Tamers. I find that doesn't happen often. Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. I own Domovoi.
It quickly became night when everyone met up at the rendezvous spot. It was where the digimon spent their time waiting for their Tamers a long time ago called the Lost Village. Most of the huts were gone, and grass overgrew making the name appropriate for the place. In the center of the huts, they made camp and started a fire.
Everyone talked about their unsuccessful diplomacy with each group and learned that within three weeks, Primary Village would be in danger of three groups battling. The Tamers retold their stories with a dismayed expression on their faces. No one wanted to hold off, and even worse-they all wanted to seize the village as their own, for all 'good intentions'. Trying to find a compromise within three weeks was a daunting task. The Tamers and digimon wanted to be done by then. However, it was never stated how long the prophecy would take-just that if they failed, it would have disastrous consequences.
As the group slept, a thick fog had become present, making the forest around them appear more menacing and unpleasant. Bare branches rattled against each other and only the glow from the small campfire provided light and comfort. Terriermon was on watch with Guilmon. The bunny digimon wrapped his ears around himself, jumpy at the slightest noise.
"Momentai, Terriermon. Just the wind." comforted Guilmon, sitting upright-staring out into the dark forest. Terriermon frowned. He was about to complain that his line was taken when a twig snapped loudly. He jumped, almost shrieking. Guilmon narrowed his eyes-letting a low growl escape from deep within his throat. Terriermon recovered and looked at what caused the noise.
Since it was so dark, it was hard to describe the figure. It was short-almost like a child- and hunched over. A robe was draped around it, making it unrecognizable. The figure simply stood there, awaiting the two digimon several feet away. Terriermon summoned a vast amount of courage and stepped forward.
"You better not give us any trouble! We're warning you." But Terriermon sensed something was off. This was no digimon. He asked Guilmon how in the world a human could be alone in this place.
"He doesn't feel human either, I sense something else-like that man with the yellow eyes. Should we wake the others?"
"No," replied Renamon, phasing into view beside the red virus digimon. "I don't think its intentions are harmful."
"How do you exactly know that, Renamon?" Terriermon asked skeptically.
"Because, it would have already attacked. Look." The vulpine digimon pointed to the beckoning figure. It slowly turned and limped away into the fog. Renamon followed first, then Guilmon, then finally Terriermon who gazed back at the sleeping Tamers before going with the others.
Through the fog and forest, the trio moved quietly. They analyzed every move the figure made. It did not seem troubled by the fog or creepy atmosphere. The light steps almost made it impossible to hear from it. Renamon assumed that if it wanted to make its presence unknown, it simply would and no one would notice.
A clearing came into view. It was an enclosed area, completely void of trees and shrubs. Above them was the clear sky, with the human world light shining down upon them in an luminescent glow. Short grass covered in dew was beneath the digimon's feet. The fog lifted, just enough to catch more details on the stranger. He appeared to be an old man. A long, silvery beard was hanging down several inches from his chin. His cloak was ivory and pale pink with interacted details laced into it. The eyes were the most bizarre feature-they were bright pink.
"Greetings to each and every one of you. I come in peace, to place a new perspective into view." he spoke in a whimsical voice, like a flute.
"Is he...talking in rhyme?" asked Terriermon, uneasy. Renamon didn't answer and stepped forward with determination.
"Speak your name and then we will talk."
The man took a deep bow.
"Domovoi is my title, I assure you my friends. That this is no trick, nor your end."
"Domovoi. What an odd name." Renamon remarked. Guilmon sniffed him lightly. He smelled sweet, like flowers.
"The world you stand in appears to be on the brink of a revolution. To save Primary Village, there needs to be a solution."
The hood came off and revealed the man had a dark olive complexion. Like his beard, long silver hair draped around his face. His ears were pointed, as if someone pinched the tips of them.
"A solution?" Guilmon became excited. "Do you know how to save Primary Village?" Domovoi smiled and pat Guilmon's head. His touch was soft and sent a mysterious trickle down the digimon's spine.
"Well, old man? How do we save the village? We're not exactly equipped with facing the Demon Lords, Royal Knights and the Holy Angels." Renamon gave a rough nudge to Terriermon.
"My friend means to say: how can we find a solution to our problem?"
"Nothing is easy to grasp at first, repetition is the key," Domovoi scratched behind Guilmon's ears and he slumped over, enjoying the attention. "Three great weapons of truth, they are yet to be."
The three digimon remembered part of the prophecy depicting three weapons. Were they the key to stopping the groups? Renamon pressed further but Domovoi wouldn't respond.
"Domovoi, how do we find these weapons? Where would we look?"
The old man looked at Guilmon, picking apart his questions slowly. Sitting cross-legged, he beckoned the other two to come closer. Terriermon sat across while Renamon knelt down. In hushed whispers, Domovoi spoke.
"The one you seek, lives in a cave. Tip toe lightly, because if not-he will send you to your grave."
"Can you explain that a little more?" Renamon narrowed her eyes. He shook his head sadly.
"Let's ask something else-hey! You know anything about this 'yellow eyes'? He's been a pain in our butts and we never even met him yet."
Terriermon's crude question made Domovoi look away alarmed. His face aged significantly, causing more creases and wrinkles to appear. Guilmon gasped,
"Terriermon! You're making him go all pruney!"
"Yellow eyes," Domovoi's voice cracked. "He is aloof, destruction he can create. But his end is determined by destiny and fate. He is like me, but different in nature. I am here to protect, while he only causes danger."
Digesting the rhymes from the elder man was becoming exhausting to all three digimon. Danger was the last thing they wanted to hear about this guy! They haven't even faced him yet-aside from Guilmon and they were no closer to figuring what he was or how to stop him. A few moments passed and the old man was interested in a blade of grass, picking it up and playing a tune with it.
Renamon listened, her mind trying to make sense of the information. Was there a missing puzzle piece? Was there something else she could ask? A part of the prophecy stuck out in her mind like an itch. Perhaps...
"Domovoi," Renamon adjusted herself. "Can you tell us about something called 'shattered light'? What is it?"
Pink eyes bore into her ice blue ones. Renamon felt a chill run down into her core. He was fine to talk to, but she was weary of him. She learned appearances can be deceiving.
"To be controlled by his ways is indeed tragic. For his 'shattered light' is quite the black magic."
Black magic. That alone wanted to make the fox digimon shudder. She had some nasty experiences with it. Without proper training and control, even simple magic could go horribly wrong. It is why she treated magic based digimon with the utmost of care.
"It's a spell," Terriermon said in a flat voice. "We are facing a yellow eyed man who casts spells that can control others to his whim?"
Domovoi clapped his hands and nodded enthusiastically. The green and white digimon gave a frustrated cry to the sky.
"Out of all the ridiculous things we're facing! We faced D-Reaper, hybrids, crazy humans and even UltimateChaosmon! This just takes the cake! Spells...bah!"
"We don't have to worry too much. He told us how to solve it. Find the three weapons." Guilmon piped up. They were seasoned fighters, heroes of both worlds. With their Tamers, they would be fine. Now they have more information, confidence boosted within Guilmon and Renamon. Terriermon was more annoyed.
"Time is up my friends!" Domovoi looked up at the cloudy night sky, his brow furrowed in concern. "I must flee!" The old man stood up, put his cloak back on and became a shrewd figure. The fog reappeared. He raised one hand, preparing to snap his fingers. "Be not afraid, have courage within thee!"
"Wait-" Guilmon started to run at the mysterious being, but it was too late.
Snap.
The three digimon jolted awake-unknown that they were asleep to begin with. Sitting up, the trio looked around. They were back at their camp, with the Tamers sound asleep. It was still night. Disorientated, Guilmon asked what happened. Terriermon complained that there was no way it was just a dream. Renamon simply looked frazzled-staring into the woods where nothing but fog and darkness looked back at her. What forces were they dealing with?
The morning came and the group walked through the forest. It was peaceful again with digimon passing by, not paying mind to the Tamers. It was while they walked, the digimon recounted their mysterious meeting with Domovoi. Takato felt relived that parts of the prophecy was starting to make sense, however Henry was trying to ask about the weapons. Domovoi provided no real help as to what they were or how to acquire them.
"Well, it's someone who's in a cave, are there any of them nearby?" Takato asked to the digimon.
"Other than the one Impmon found, there are none around this area. We might have to consult some of the locals." Renamon explained.
"Okay, let's go find us a local." Takato rubbed his hands together and looked around the forest path. No one was around and the last digimon they passed was a Tusnumon an hour ago. This might take a little bit of time.
Strike, after strike, after strike, Takato and the others talked to the digimon with no success. Either, they did not know any caves holding weapons or they were not interested in talking, such as a passing group of Tiguramon that Renamon might, or might not have told them they were stuck up fur balls. It took a couple of minutes to convince the Tiguramon not too attack Renamon.
Another day passed. Sulking, the group didn't talk much during camp set up and went asleep afterwards. Tonight, it was Takato's turn to watch. It seemed time passed more slowly in the digital world. Looking up at the human world, he wondered how his girlfriend Jeri was holding up. She must be worried about him and Guilmon.
"Takato."
The goggle head Tamer turned to see Renamon standing behind him. She walked a few steps and with one fluid motion, sat down beside him. "Your turn for watch is finished. I'll take over."
"Thank you, Renamon." Takato sensed the digimon wanted to say something else. Her tail was twitching and her eyes did not look away. Takato spoke, "Is there...something else?"
Renamon seemed nervous in her response. Takato thought this was strange.
"I need to ask you for some...advice."
Takato wanted to pinch himself. Either he fell asleep on watch or this was real. As if Renamon was reading his mind, she narrowed her eyes.
"Yes Takato, I sometimes do not know all the answers and seek advice from friends. I wanted to know about...love."
"Uh, okay. What about it?" He had no idea where this was going.
"Rika. I see her sometimes admitting she likes Ryo but even when he reciprocates the same feelings, she becomes angry. Why does she do that? I told it her it is completely alright, but she won't listen to me. I don't want her to figure out her feelings and find out Ryo has moved on. "
Takato clicked his tongue. That explained the behaviour Rika was doing. He threw another stick in the flames and thought of his answer.
"Rika sometimes get's scared of things that require commitment. Admitting her feelings with Ryo and seriously considering dating him is a huge step for her. Love can be scarier than fighting a million D-Reapers."
"I seriously doubt that."
Takato shrugged and looked at the fire. Renamon shifted a little.
"Were you scared of love with Jeri?"
"Of course," Takato replied. "I puked twice before going out on our first date. I was scared I was going to screw up or make her hate me." He chuckled at the memory. "But, I learned once you find that person you want to be with, everything starts becoming less scary. It feels exciting. It's like you two were always together. I can't imagine life without Jeri now."
The fire crackled, sending sparks of ember into the night air.
"What should I do?" Renamon wrapped her tail around herself. "I don't want Rika to get hurt."
Takato pat Renamon on the back, "Just be there for her. No amount of advice can replace the fact you're with her-good and bad. Rika is smart, she'll figure it out. There is a reason they call it 'falling in love'."
"Thank you, Takato. I appreciate the advice..." Renamon replied. Her eyes glanced at him. "You should get some rest."
"Alright, goodnight Renamon." Takato waved a hand and went off to sleep.
It was the next day that there was a break through. The group travelled north, stopping at a Bukamon village along the river. One of them mentioned about some caves across the river. It was dangerous to go in there, as a digimon attacked anyone who ventured into them.
"Do you know the name, little guy?" Takato asked, kneeling down to a Bukamon. He scratched his tuff of orange hair with his fin.
"Um, I think it's Vulcanusmon. We don't like to bother him..."
Takato made an 'aha' cry and dug through his cargo shorts to grab his deck of digimon cards. He quickly shuffled through them and produced a card and gave it to Bukamon. It was a card of a tall figure in a bright red suit of amour. Eight arms shot out of his body each holding a weapon ranging from a broad sword, two battle axes, a club and even a few fail like weapons that had spikes on the balls. Upon his head was a dome of glass, protecting his angry face. His feet had two claws emerging from them. To the group, he resembled a battle ready octopus android with an human head.
"That's the guy!" shouted Bukamon, jumping up and down. "Please, don't make him mad! He lives so close to here-and-and we would never stand a chance!"
"Don't worry, we will never let anything bad happen to you." Guilmon replied. The group thanked Bukamon and made their way to a long river. It's currents were swift and white water crashed onto the rocks. With a little effort, the group crossed without much excitement. A hour later, they were upon the cave where Vulcanusmon dwelled. Nervous, the group waited at the entrance for a minute.
"We should go in." Rika said.
No one moved. All was quiet inside which wasn't unusual but it made the group want to stay on high alert. It was Terriermon who made the first move out of anyone. He muttered about 'getting this over with', and waved over the group.
The cave was dark, and damp. The light from outside was soon disappearing, becoming lost within the dark depths. Takato used his cell phone as a flashlight and the group continued until they heard a grumble and a snore.
In the far corner by a nook, was a red being sleeping away. His loud snores were making the cave tremble and shake. A few pieces of rocks landed on the ground. The legendary digimon, Vulcanusmon appeared to be in the middle of a nap.
"Tip toe." Renamon spoke to herself, remembering Domovoi's heed. Were they supposed to be quiet? She had not watched her partner march over to Vulcanusmon and cup her hands. By the time Renamon tried to stop Rika, it was too late.
"WAKE UP!"
The digimon lurched up suddenly, cursing out. A arm swung out, almost smacking Rika if Renamon hadn't pulled her back. Vulcanusmon stretched and gazed at the group with a sleepy demeanour.
Vulcanusmon looked different than in the cards. His 'battle suit' which was a dark shade of red was brown, rusty, and it squeaked when it moved. He himself looked older with an eye patch covering his left eye and had snow white hair. Was this the legendary weapons maker?
"Oi! What the hell do you want? Vulcanusmon likes his sleep and quiet." his voice rumbled loudly. His demeanour caused the group to jump. Not only was he a mega, but he was a grumpy one. Takato put hand up in peace.
"We're so sorry for disturbing you Mr. Vulcanusmon, but we need your help. You see, we need three weapons of truth to help save a village."
The digimon cast a sideways glance with his good eye at the group. Sitting down on the ground he crossed his arms.
"What makes you think I want to help, puny human? I retired myself from making weapons."
"Because lives are at stake-a lot of lives." Rika gave a disgusted grunt. "But looking at you, the weapons you make will probably break in battle."
Vulcanusmon turned bright red as a tomato, glaring daggers at her. Terriermon piped up,
"He probably can't even make a simple sword."
The digimon had enough. He stood up and steam proofed out of his battle suit in violent bursts. He stomped his foot repetitively.
"Pissing me off will earn you a ticket to your deletion!" With a fierce war cry, a sword appeared in two of his eight hands and charged at the group with incredible speed. Takato took out his D-Arc and cried out to stop.
BIOMERGE DIGIVOULTION
"Guilmon Biomerge to...Gallantmon!"
The knight blocked the sword with their large shield, saving the group. Gallantmon grunted in discomfort. For an 'old man', he was strong. Thrusting his shield up, Gallantmon tried to stab Vulcanusmon with his lance but another red arm blocked the attack. The Royal Knight heard Vulcanusmon mumble something but did not understand what exactly. Pushing back, he jumped away and crouched, preparing for the legendary mega.
"Summon!" A large battle axe appeared in Vulcanusmon's other hand. It was almost the size of Gallantmon himself. Feeling suddenly very tiny, Gallantmon stepped back from the charging mega. One hit from that axe and they were done for, Gallantmon thought. He grimaced from a sucker punch from Vulcanusmon.
Rika watched the large weapon carefully with keen eyes. "I know that axe..." she said. Where had she seen it? Henry pulled out some cards and made a discovery. With a gasp, he pulled out a Boltmon card.
"That's his axe!"
"How is he able to use a Boltmon's axe?" Rika demanded, peeved.
The battle was becoming one sided with Gallantmon winning. It seemed once they understood Vulcanusmon's battle habits, it was easy to dodge, or anticipate his attacks. Swinging his lance, he knocked Vulcanusmon off his feet. The mega crashed with a thud and almost lost grip on the axe. It stopped inches from the old digimon's dome helmet. With a grunt, Vulcanusmon snapped his fingers, making the axe explode into data. Laughing, he looked up at Gallantmon,
"Now, this is interesting. Let's try...Berenjena!" Two very familiar shotguns appeared in his hands. They were double barrel, ebony coloured guns and caused Gallantmon to pale. Those belonged to a very familiar mega!
"No! Beelzemon's guns?! How?" Gallantmon cried. Two shots ran in the air and the knight digimon had to duck for cover, risking taking a bullet to his head. Vulcanusmon cackled,
"These are the Berenjena shotguns. I made them and they are beautiful! You have every right to fear them!" A free red hand pointed at Gallantmon. "Do you have any fucking idea how pissed off I was. I have to see my beauties tested out-that way I can make sure the digimon is suited for them. But, no! Stupid bird Sovereign...taking them away from me...saying there wasn't enough time for them to be tested out for Beelzemon. Bah! What a fuckin' moron!"
"Trust me, they suit him." Terriermon muttered. "I still remember being shot by them."
Renamon looked at Rika. Domovoi's words echoed. Tip-toe lightly... "He doesn't need to be angry. He has a weakness in pride, we can shower him in complements on his weapons. We still need him to work for us."
Gallantmon stopped his stride and looked at Vulcanusmon with distrust. "If you stop fighting us, we can talk more about your pretty weapons. Then you can maybe think about making us some?"
Stopping, Vulcanusmon scratched his 'head' grumbling and walking towards Gallantmon. He inspected the biomerged mega with dark eyes.
"Human and digimon combined...well, I've seen it all! Even if I were to agree Gallantmon, I would never help an human. You have any idea how poisonous you beings are? I can't imagine a worse fate for my weapons than being in the hands of you things."
"We're not going to run around with them like toys. Believe it or not, we saved the worlds a few times. I think you can trust us." Rika growled. Vulcanusmon waved a few hands' dismissive.
"BAH! How do I know you are telling the truth? You show promise as fighters-I'll give you all that much. But, I would have to see if you are worthy of my craft."
"Then test us." Henry challenged.
Gallantmon looked unsure what was happening. Were they still battling? Vulcanusmon ignored them and talked to Rika and Henry. The digimon snapped his fingers after a minute and the Berenjena shotguns disappeared. His scowl had vanished to replace with a firm frown.
"If you three humans can pass the trials of truth, then I will make you the weapons. But, I will need you to train with them. A craft like mine takes time and I will be a poor excuse of a smith if I do not ensure my weapons fit their masters."
The group sighed in relief. If the ancient digimon had not agreed, it was unfathomable what else they would have had to do. With a loud clunk, Vulcanusmon stepped away into the deep cave, leading the group further down. The dark tunnel was lined by small torches of light. Dirt crumbled from he ceiling as Vulcanusmon marched each step sounding a 'thud'. Gallantmon split apart back to Guilmon and Takato.
"If you three want these weapons of truth so bad, I will put you through the trials of truth. I will warn you, they are not for the light-hearted. Not many could pass. Do not ask me what the task is-for that is your problem to solve."
Vulcanusmon explained further that it will be only the humans to do the trials. The digimon will not help whatsoever. Guilmon became concerned.
"Will they have to fight?"
"Depends..." rumbled Vulcanusmon.
The group passed a elaborate archway with an ancient language inscribed onto it. The cave had changed to a sort of dojo room. It was open with rock walls polished smoothly. The room was designed for practically and function-not style. A work bench was taking up half of the room with an anvil, various tools and scraps of metal. In the centre was a ring made of stone and rock. Dents and cuts in the ground supported the notion that it was heavily used for sparring.
"Don't touch anything." Vulcanusmon ordered, catching Terriermon about to inspect some tools on the bench. Mumbling 'sorry', he climbed back onto Henry, looking like a scolded puppy.
They were lead past the arena, to a path that lead down deeper into the cave. Several minutes of silence made thoughts ran wild within the group. What would these trials be like? How would they be able to fight anything without their digimon?
The next opening of space was more interesting. It was a large room, with a dark blue pool of water off to the left side. It looked deep, unsure if there was a bottom. A strange glow cast off the pool. The water looked clear and undisturbed. Ripples of reflection flickered onto the rough cave walls. The floor was more smooth, like it was absent of any ridges of rock and appeared more marble like. The group could see their reflection clearly in the water.
"This pool here is where your trials will begin." Vulcanusmon explained. The group was at the mercy of Vulcanusmon's torch-the only source of light. Carefully, he lit up the rest of the room casting a eerie atmosphere.
"We're going swimming?" Takato joked. No one laughed.
"It's cold. So you might as well just throw yourselves in." The red ancient digimon leaned against the wall, messaging one of his shoulders. "After a few minutes, the trial will start."
"Wait. What the hell?" Rika jested a finger at the pool in disgust. "How is a swim a trial?"
"You're ain't swimming-you're floating. This pool has the ability to find your inner truth. In order for that to work, you need to be in the water-on your back works best." Vulcanusmon grinned. "Hop to it."
"Great. Last thing I wanted to do is soak in frozen water." detested Rika. She knocked off her runners and peeled off her socks. She refused to strip completely but wet socks was the worst feeling. She undid her pony tail, and passed her red hair tie carefully to Renamon.
"Don't lose this okay?"
"I will keep it safe. Good luck."
"Please, don't drown." Terriermon warned Henry as he took off his shoes and blazer, and shirt-revealing a white undershirt underneath his green dress shirt. Takato wore a black tank top and his shorts with bare feet. It made no sense to get all of their clothes wet for this.
The water was not cold-it was freezing! It made them gasp and curse loudly at the chill. The icy liquid consumed the thoughts of each Tamer as they eased themselves carefully into the pool, despite Vulcanusmon's advice.
Takato swam out a little, struggling to move his body properly. The shock of the cold water still made him lose his air. How were they supposed to relax when the water was so cold?! At this rate, they'll catch hypothermia!
"Just relax." Instructed Renamon to the Tamers. "This is like meditation. Just close your eyes and focus on your breathing."
Henry, Takato and Rika all floated on their backs trying to push the coldness from their thoughts-focusing on their breathing.
"Breathe in..."
"Breathe out..."
In...
Out...
Several minutes passed without a sound. Slowly, each Tamer relaxed and their faces looked almost serene. Guilmon whined. He hated waiting.
"How long is this going to take?" Terriermon asked, not breaking his gaze on Henry. He breathed calmly, his dark blue hair floating with the water.
"Depends," Vulcanusmon stretched. "Sometimes minutes or even hours. I suggest you get comfortable, little digimon."
All the digimon sat down, not taking their attention off each of their partners. It was a strange feeling that each digimon had not felt in a long time. That feeling of helplessness, where they could not follow or protect their partners from the mysterious trials that awaited inside the Tamer's minds.
Author's Note: People write about Apollomon, Dianamon, hell even Minervamon is popular recently because of the new anime season. But no, I decide to premiere my first Olympus XII digimon with...Vulcanusmon. He's pretty much the weakest one but has the most useful ability in my opinion. He crafts many weapons for digimon in the lore and therefore he can summon them to his will. (That doesn't mean he steals them-just has a copy of them in his data). Also, he isn't young and handsome as he was in the card game, he's a little older- a little more crankier. So, do you know what each of the trials are for our trio? Next chapter we will find out!
How did you like Domovoi? He's a quirky thing but he wants to help them out. Domovoi is actually in real life lore, a fairy guardian in Russia. Also, he's named after one of my favourite characters from an old series called Artemis Fowl. You know him as Butler since you only hear his name...twice in the series.
See you Sunday!