Shattered Light
By: Linkmaste
Chapter Eleven: The Trials of Truth
Author's Note: Italics underline means the character's inner thoughts.
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. I don't own Fate or Destiny-that belongs to BookwormGal.
Takato snapped open his eyes, and adjusted to the bright light. Squinting, he made himself look around where he was. The last thing he remembered was dipping himself into that cold water. Then...this.
Is this the trial?
He was in his bedroom sitting upright on his bed. Everything looked like as he had left it. The bed was made, some clothes were on the floor, a bag full of school books laid in the corner. Even a shirt Jeri left behind was hanging off the desk chair. Looking at the bedroom door, Takato went over and opened it to find himself looking into his room again. Wait-what? Takato looked back. His room was on one side of the door and the same room was on the other side. It was like someone copied and pasted the rooms side by side.
Okay, weird.
Takato shut the door behind him. Opening the door ahead of him again, he found himself back inside his room. He was stuck in some kind of limbo of his bedroom. Trying to gaze out of the window for a clue, he found it was white washed and fuzzy. He couldn't depict what was outside. Whatever the trial was, it was in this room. On his desk, papers were stacked neatly to the side full of drawings. On top, an odd parchment paper and pen were placed. Takato felt enticed for a closer inspection.
The paper was a crème colour and thick, looking very important. The pen was ornate fountain style, something that Takato would never actually own. Some words were already written on the parchment. It read the following:
It is precious, worth more than gold
It can be earned, but not bought or sold
It doesn't start out life and it does not end at death
What am I?
Along the bottom of the paper was a solid black line meant for Takato to write down his response.
My trial is a riddle! Somehow, I was expecting an intense fight with my dark side.
He hoped his riddle solving skills were as good as his drawing or else he would be here for awhile. Carefully, he sat down at his desk. His favourite picture of him and Guilmon was in the frame in the far corner. It had been the one where he visited his cousin Kai. They were on the beach and Takato wanted to give Guilmon a piggy back ride. The photo was taken as a result with a laughing Guilmon, sitting on a squished but content Takato. Focusing back on the task at hand, Takato looked at the riddle.
Some ideas came to mind but it didn't seem to fit, such as 'digimon'. That would have been too easy, Takato pouted. He bit the end of the fountain pen subconsciously. Look inwards Takato told himself. What had he been having trouble with? The argument with Alphamon was on the back of his mind. He felt guilty, almost like betraying his duty as a knight. He didn't mean to be disrespectful, just wanted his leader to understand their perspective...
Hang on...
Takato took a sharp breath.
Respect!
It doesn't start at life because you have to earn it. Also, it's way more precious than silver or gold. He laughed to himself. Takato Matsuki: Riddle Expert! Maybe that should be his career. Feeling smug, he carefully wrote down 'respect' onto the bottom line. As he finished the writing, he waited for something to happen, a sign that he was done. Some trial this was-he had complete confidence in himself that the answer was correct.
Until, he felt an unbearable pain wash through him, burning his body.
"I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Henry."
Henry bowed deeply, saying thank you. The next person in line came to him and repeated the same phrase.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
It was numbing, reliving through the funeral of his father. When Janyu Wong-his father died, it was full of Henry watching people crying, comforting his siblings and mother who was stricken with grief. He remembered how exhausting it was simply shaking hands and trying to remember everyone's names. That and the constant 'I'm sorry' people told him.
His only break was when his friends arrived as a group. They looked a little out of place in a room full of stuffy men and women in black attires. Takato, Guilmon, Rika, Renamon, Kazu, Kenta, Lindy, Ian, the twins, Jeri and Ryo all bunched up together-unsure of just what exactly to do. They looked lost.
"Thank God, my ears are getting cramped from shaking," Terriermon messaged his large ears in relief.
What kind of trial is this? It's just a memory...
The two strolled over to the group while Henry was realizing he was himself reliving his memory. He first hugged Takato and Rika thanking them for coming. They nodded and gave sympathetic eyes. It felt strange...like he knew what to do without exactly thinking it. He couldn't exactly control what he was doing, so he let himself go through the motions.
"How are you feeling?" Rika asked.
Terrible...
"Fine, just glad to get out of that line. I can't even remember all these faces." Henry replied.
The false response earned a little laugh from the other two Tamers. They chatted a little more while the twins, Lindy and Ian went to Suzie and Lopmon who was stuck in the line. Each gave their condolences-even Ian after a little nudge from Lindy.
"I'm sorry. He's not comfortable at funerals."
Do I have to fix something?
Henry assured her it was alright, and started to listen to Kazu and Kenta who were telling him if there was anything he needed, to just ask. The two goofballs were wearing nice dress shirts and pants making them look almost too mature for how they acted. Henry remembered how surprised he was by their attire and somewhat adult attitude.
"If you ever want to go out..." Kenta began.
"Or bring you dinner..." Kazu added.
"Or mow the lawn-"
"Kenta, you dumbass, they don't have a lawn."
"Well, were not his girlfriends either-so I'm not taking him out for dinner-"
"-No, I said 'bring' him dinner-that's different."
"That sounds worse!"
The funny argument was cut off by Rika, timely pinching their ears and scolding them on their childish behaviour.
What am I supposed to do here?
Henry looked around the funeral parlour. Many faces were there, some he recognized like Yu and Hana from Hypnos, the monster makers and his family. A few were acquaintances or colleagues. Others simply blended in. Low murmurs of conversations drifted in and out of Henry's ears but one higher pitched voice stuck out.
"I'm-sorry, I-" sniffed Suzie, tears falling down. "I-I-just really miss him already. I know he's always with us but..." Henry saw his younger sister crying next to Ai and Mako who were doing their best to comfort her. An uncomfortable notion took over Henry, like he lost his control even further and walked forward. His mouth was unbearably dry as he asked Ai and Mako for a moment of privacy. They left, looking for their partners.
No, this shouldn't be happening...I don't want to relive this next part-please!
"Suzie, you sure you want to be here? No one would blame you if you left." Henry heard himself say. It was going to play all over again-their argument. As if the first time wasn't bad enough, he had to relive it a second time.
"What do you mean by that? It's not a bad thing to cry." Suzie sniffed again, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
"Mom needs us to stay strong," Henry knelt down. "And you have to control your emotions."
"At least I have emotions," Suzie retorted, eyes changing into angry ones. "You haven't shed a single tear since dad died. Do you even give a shit, Hen?"
Yes, I do!
"Of course I do!" Henry felt himself take over all of a sudden. The calm demeanour that usually ruled over him was gone. "I just don't want to look like a complete mess in front of everyone."
Suzie just stared aghast at her brother. Without saying anything else, she stormed off. Henry followed, trying to get her to come back.
"Wait, Suzie!"
"Don't." The tone of her voice was bitter and angry. "Come talk to me when you're not a damn robot."
With a twist of her heel, she took off from the funeral room with Lopmon following behind. Henry wanted to scream at himself. It was completely unfair to say that to his little sister, of course she would cry at her fathers funeral-she's just thirteen! What had he been thinking?!
Everyone heard the argument but went out of their way to pretend nothing happened. Making his way to Terriermon, he felt like a naughty child. The digimon stood there with arms folded and gave him a look.
"You could have handled that better."
A white hot pain seared though Henry's body, making him see spots in his vision. His body seized up, being subject to spasms of pain.
No...
She wasn't prepared for this. Monsters, her mother, hell-even facing a giant sparkly dress with frills and frills was less terrifying than what she was facing right now.
Rika and Ryo were standing on top of a skyscraper in the city. The sun was about to set, casting a orange glow on the roof top. Rika felt her hair blow over her face, for some reason, she didn't have her hair up.
Ryo was standing close to edge. He was wearing a comfy shirt and jeans-something that Rika liked much better than his cruddy 'battle getup'. Blazing, blue eyes locked on to her violet orbs, making her shiver all over.
Anything but this...
"Do you trust me, Rika?" Ryo asked, holding out a hand. He didn't look happy or sad just...normal. He gazed at her, awaiting an answer.
The Tamer was hesitating, but she shook herself. As one of the best Tamers in the world, Rika was not a coward. She nodded her head, trying to dispel the dryness from her mouth or the sweaty palms. Taking a slow step, she walked forward and felt prickles touch the back of her neck as she grabbed his hand. He was soft and warm to the touch. He was even wearing that cologne that made her head spin. Rika thought-indulging herself being so close to him-that this was perfect. Ryo pulled her close for the embrace.
This feels so right...
"Jump with me then."
The idea almost didn't fully click to Rika. She then swivel her head to look out to the ledge and the city. It must have been at least a twenty story drop. She let out a half laugh,
"No way, you're crazy."
"It won't hurt. I promise." Ryo whispered, tucking a piece of her red hair behind her ear. Rika felt her body being pulled closer to the edge.
What do I do!?
It was like during a battle as Sakyuamon, her instinct to fight or run overpowered her. Panicking, the Tamer struggled free-all the while pushing Ryo off her. She sometimes forgot how strong she could be and to her horror, pushed Ryo off the ledge. A dismayed look was on his face and he fell down to the ground.
No! Ryo!
And when he fell, she cried out in pain. Her body flared up, sending a shock throughout her body...
"Pull her out!"
"Rika, wake up!"
"For fucks sake, let her breathe!"
"Rika!"
"Oh, no..."
"RIKA!"
Rika snapped open her eyes, pulling herself upright and gasping for air. Violently, she was clawing at anything in front of her, disorientated from the pain, cold, and voices. Thankfully, a soft body was already embracing her. The yellow fur helped her shivers settle down. Renamon was speaking quickly, looking over Rika with great worry in her eyes.
"Rika, Rika-can you hear me?"
"Re-r-Renamon?" shivered the woman, chattering her teeth. A blanket was put over her cold, wet body. Vulcanusmon was shouting a string of curse words, ordering the others to give her space and get the others. Renamon focused on her partner by gripping her shoulders.
"I'm getting the others out. I'll be right back."
The digimon ran off and went back into the cold pool of water to fetch a thrashing Henry. Guilmon was dragging Takato out of the water who was screaming in pain-eyes sewn shut. His screams were unnatural. She felt herself want to puke-was she just like that?
It took several minutes to wake Takato and Henry but they did, gasping for air and trembling. Rika was about to give her blanket but Vulcanusmon was already on point. The Tamers chattered, answering questions partially by their respective digimon. Terriermon had his ears all over Henry who couldn't focus. Guilmon was shouting.
"I take it you three didn't pass." Vulcanusmon said, setting more blankets down. "Not that I'm surprised. Others never got it on the first shot either."
"I...can't remember anything." Rika murmured holding her head and bundling her blankets tightly. Slowly, she was starting to warm up. Renamon held her close to share some kind of body heat.
"Nope. Not supposed to. Part of the trial brings your skeletons from the closet out. The only way you will solve it is by yourself-not your digi-mommy holding your hand." mocked Vulcanusmon, rolling his eyes. One of his hands was holding chunks of soft bread, passing it to the group. "Don't have to be a nasty host along with a human hater. Take it before it gets cold."
"How do we know if we pass then?" Henry was trying to wring out his top from all the water, but with little success. Vulcanusmon let out a half laugh,
"Oh, you'll know."
"Guilmon, how long have we been in that water?" Takato was alarmed by how concerned, his digimon was. The red dinosaur was laying on the teen's lap, protectively.
"An hour."
The trio almost choked on their bread. An hour?! They couldn't believe it! The digimon assured them that for most of it, they were peaceful until Rika started to cry out and thrash in the pool. Renamon dove in and got her out.
"For a Renamon, she got pretty spooked by looking at you, little girl. Never seen anything quite like it." The red armed mega remarked thoughtfully.
Rika glanced over at Renamon. The blushing digimon looked down,
"I...got carried away."
"It's alright. I'm sorry for worrying you." Rika smiled at her partner. She let her head rest upon Renamon's shoulder.
The trio were exhausted after the day's events. They told Vulcanusmon that tomorrow, they will attempt the trials again. The digimon gave uncomfortable looks, but let the Tamers stick with their decision. Vulcanusmon retired to his quarters, threatening that if anyone disturbed his sleeping again, someone was going to get 'blasted into a million pieces'.
Destiny and Fate watched the unsettling event transpire, focusing on Rika being pulled out of the water. Her body convulsed, as her cries of pain were almost deafening to hear. Both the prophetess and digimon did not feel any remorse, for it was all part of the plan.
"That's something I never want to do." Fate shivered, sympathetic to the Tamers. He detested cold water.
"Considering what the hybrids and their Tamers are going through, this might be the better option," Destiny replied. Renamon was gripping Rika's shoulders, shouting at her. The digimon was panicking and shouting at the others to help. No one could see Destiny or Fate as they were encased in a dome that concealed their presence. It was a vital tool for their occupation.
"Pft, they're dumber than a bunch of bricks. Can't even work together properly without squawking at each other. Wait until those twins find out his secret."
"They will make it. Times like these might turn dark and discouraging but if they believe, they will do fine."
"And if we're wrong?" Fate asked. Destiny smiled,
"We haven't been wrong yet." she whipped her head back up. "Next stop is that new hybrid. We have to talk to him."
"Oh yeah, he will be ecstatic to see us-can't wait." Fate sarcastically called out, diving into the portal Destiny created. It shimmered and faded, not noticed by the group who were recovering from their failed attempt of the trials.
The next day, it was time to attempt the trials again. Tensions were arising slightly, the digimon were making excuses for the trio not to go into the water again, from suggesting waiting longer, or convincing Takato he had a cold.
"Guilmon, I'm fine. I'm not sick."
"You should stay out of the water all day." Guilmon didn't even listen to him. "I heard you sneeze last night."
Takato insisted that he was well, and to Guilmon's despair, headed to the water along with Rika and Henry (who was trying to calm an irritated Terriermon). Vulcanusmon whistled a happy tune, looking at the event unfold. This was more entertaining to watch than that busted television he found the one time.
With more strings of curses and shouts, the trio went back into the water. Again, lying on their backs and closed their eyes.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
"I'm terribly sorry for your loss, Henry."
Okay, I'm back here again. Round two.
Henry remembered everything from the last time he attempted this trial. So, if this was a reoccurring thing, he needed to change something. Just what exactly? He snapped his eyes to the person who gave his condolences.
"Oh, thanks-um, excuse me." He pushed his way past and left the receiving line. Terriermon was perched on his shoulder, and gave a confused sound.
"Everything okay, Hen?"
I have to do something different this time...
Henry tried to ignore the group of his friends waving at him by the entrance, but it was almost impossible with the crowds of people almost funnelling him towards them. He felt more in control than last time of this trial but there must be some things he couldn't avoid.
"Thank God," Terriermon sighed. "My ear was cramping..."
Am I supposed to say something different? Maybe to these guys?
Henry didn't want to hug Rika and Takato again but they did-looking at him with those eyes. The 'sorry' eyes. It made Henry bubble with anger. Just how many people can look at him like that? He wasn't a wounded dog, he was fine!
"How are you?"
I swear if I have to keep hearing that damn question...
"Fine." Henry's eye twitched. If he had to sit through this sad excuse of a conversation over and over again, he was going to snap. But everything went right on schedule including Ian's mumble of a condolence to which Henry rolled his eyes. He shouldn't have even bothered to come.
"Henry, as much as the imp annoys me-it's kinda nice of him to show up."
"Sure, Terriermon." Henry looked around and saw Suzie talking to Ai and Mako. He had to get out before she started to cry. An idea formed in his head and he thought about it.
"-buy you dinner..."
Maybe, I'll just avoid the conflict. No conflict, no failure.
"-I'm not taking him out for dinner!"
Henry placed his hand on Kazu and Kenta to stop them from arguing.
"No offence, but I would like you two to shut up for one second and let Rika take you away. I need to think."
Before the duo could reply, Rika timely came in. She dragged them away, pinching their ears. Their yelps went unheard by Henry.
"Henry," Terriermon's looked down at his partner, sadly. "They were just trying to help."
Henry ignored the bunny digimon and made a beeline for the exit that he finally saw in sight. He would leave, let Ai or Mako comfort Suzie and he will fix his stupid problem and pass this stupid trial.
Suzie suddenly appeared at the exit, making Henry gasp in astonishment. Her pink eyes were blotched red, tears rolling down her face. Henry looked back behind him. His sister was just over there a second ago with the twins! How in the hell did she suddenly appear before him?
"Henwry." Suzie speech impediment kicked in. "Why don't you cware?"
This is ridiculous-this whole trial is pointless! She needs to see a shrink, not me! How can she just sit there and-and cry!? It's so embarrassing!
The anger and frustration reached Henry's breaking point. He couldn't stop himself from losing his composure.
"I CARE!" he shouted, eyes glaring hard. "I GIVE A SHIT THAT DAD DIED!" Henry lost all of his composure, looking like a Gorillamon that was going berserk. Everyone whipped their head in surprise and shock. His voice echoed loudly, like he was in a canyon instead of a funeral parlour. Words kept bubbling out, unable to be stopped.
"I may seem to be robotic or emotionless but that doesn't mean I don't care. JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" He turned to Rika and Takato. "I don't know what you fucking expect me to say other than 'fine' when you ask me that damn question!" The next part was to Lindy and Ian who looked freaked. "Stop pretending you two give a shit about me. It's obvious you don't want to be here-Kazu and Kenta, for once in your fucking life-act your age!"
Finally after lashing out at anyone he could see, he faced Suzie with an enraged expression. "STOP CRYING! IT WON'T BRING DAD BACK!"
Running wild with rage, Henry threw a vase across the room and marched over to a casket where his father laid in. Eyes closed and arms folded, Janyu looked peaceful and serene, unlike his son who had appeared to be turning into a psychopath. Clenching his fists, Henry took out his anger on the dead man.
"And you!" he pointed a finger. "I hate how you left us! Why didn't you fight harder? Why did you leave us...why did you leave me..." he voice turned softer and more choked. With every fiber of his being, he fought against crying.
I. Will. Not. Cry. I. Am. Not. Weak!
Everyone disappeared, including Terriermon. The funeral room was empty and quiet, so quiet Henry realized he was panting from his outburst. He slumped down to his knees, overcome with sadness and exhaustion.
I just want dad back...
Someone put a hand on his shoulder. It was soft, and small belonging to a familiar thirteen year old girl. He felt so ashamed for losing composure like that. He refused to look anywhere but down.
"How many times do I have to relive this?" His voiced croaked. Henry stared at the coffin in front of him like it was death itself. A few moments passed until Suzie spoke in a soft voice.
"Until, you understand the truth."
Rika was back on the roof top with Ryo. He gazed at her softly, unknowing what happened last time. The memories of her last attempt of the trial rushed back to her and she gasped.
"Ryo, you're okay!" Rika exclaimed with relief, placing a hand on her chest. She felt bad for pushing him off.
The setting was the same, and even Ryo had started out by doing the same thing. He extended his arm and held out his hand.
"Do you trust me, Rika?"
Trust. Such a hard thing to do for the Tamer. When she first met Renamon it took a long time to trust her. Takato and Henry took even longer as she frequently suspected them of something. Even when she was befriending Lindy, it took ages for her to open up and even now, she shied away from topics such as boys, or anything love-related. Jeri would try her best to offer the redhead advice but it usually went ignored. But with Ryo, she knew she could trust him.
Now, it was like this tension in her heart was dying to break free from its prison. Her eyes caught Ryo's more often while hanging out, or she would constantly think about his well being. Even times she would just stare at his contact information on her phone-debating on calling him or texting him. Every time, she would put her phone away and ignore her feelings.
Rika looked up at Ryo with something new. A kind of feeling that she had blocked again and again. Something that was a myth to her-a fairy tale. Her eyes softened and a tender expression appeared on her face. Slowly, she took his hand again and looked up at him. His eyes-the clearest blue she had ever seen, stared back at her.
A memory sparked. It was a man who was walking away from Rika, never to be seen. A man with dark hair and violet eyes like her.
No...I can't.
The feelings disappeared and abandoned Rika. Instead, the familiar sensation of fear gripped her. She couldn't breathe. An ice cold chill prickled down her body, giving her pins and needles all the way down to her toes.
"Jump with me." Ryo whispered, moving Rika slowly to the edge.
Maybe, I don't have to say yes...
"No. I'll jump when I'm damn ready." Rika retorted, pushing her friend away carefully. Her violet eyes burned into Ryo with such a fierce stubbornness, a mule would have been impressed.
"Jump with me. I promise you won't get hurt, wildcat." Ryo winked. "After all we've been through, would I ever let you down?"
"I-" Rika was caught between a rock and a hard place. A part of her screamed, "GO!" and another pleaded her to "Wait!'. It was starting to really piss her off.
"What if things don't work out?" Rika sounded like a small child again, not the grown woman she was. "What if you leave me?" She took another step back, terrified. At once, the hot flash of pain returned and took over her body. She screamed in agony.
Not again!
Takato watched afar, eyes glazed over at the cold pool where Henry and Rika were floating, calm and serene. He had about two blankets wrapped around him as he was again, dragged out of the pool by Guilmon. Apparently, he was thrashing and making unnatural cries of pain. He couldn't remember anything or what the hell the trial was, but he knew he failed...again. He waited for his other two friends to come out of their trance, eager to see if they had succeeded or failed.
"How long had it been this time?" he asked Guilmon, bundling up and trying to stop himself from chattering his teeth.
"Two hours." he replied turning to his partner. "Takato, I...don't like this. I don't like seeing you in this kind of pain. I feel..." Guilmon struggled with his explanation. The world was still new to him in many ways and Takato had to frequently help him describe what he was feeling or seeing. "Do you remember when you were empty? Like a peanut butter jar that I ate."
"When Jeri was taken to Canada?"
"Yeah, that. I couldn't get you to do anything or talk to me. It was so horrible, I feel like that, but more...useless. I can't do anything to help you."
"Guilmon..." Takato exhaled, and hugged his partner dearly. "Being worried about me is fine, but we need to do this. It's the only way."
"Can't there be another way? Can't we wish really, really hard?" the innocence Guilmon displayed had made Takato smile sadly. He watched too many Disney movies...
"Wishing doesn't always work, buddy."
The choking and thrashing sound of water alerted the duo and the others that Rika had emerged. Takato watched in horror, feeling everything become numb.
Her face once peaceful face had become twisted into pain. Her teeth were gritting and her eyes were scrunched up. She opened her mouth to scream in pain, so loudly it made him jump. His blood ran cold watching this happen. Those screams were not natural. Was this what it was like for their digimon watching?
Renamon dived into the water with no hesitation, scooping the shivering woman up and bringing her to the edge where Vulcanusmon brought Rika out. She was dripping wet in her shorts and white tank top. Petrified, Takato saw she skin was tinged blue and almost too pale to be considered alive.
Is that what Guilmon had to look at a little while ago?
Rika was wrapped carefully in blankets by Renamon, like a mother would do to her child when sick. It took several minutes, but Rika came to. Tears poured down her face, disorientated and confused again. Takato hardly saw Rika cry and it made an uncomfortable twist in his heart. It was alien-so unlike Rika. He pushed his feelings down and went to comfort his friend as she trembled and shivered.
It was then Henry came to, acting the same way. The teen was brought in and the two worked on giving him some kind of warm and comfort. Terriermon looked distraught, tears prickling out of the corner of his dark eyes. His ears were wrapped around Henry, unable to say anything to comfort his Tamer. Takato pitied him. There was no way to protect them from this pain of failing the trials.
"Give up, humans?" Vulcanusmon asked rising an eyebrow. "Trials are not something to take lightly-this is pretty serious stuff."
Everyone was tired. This was not a walk in the park, or a digimon battle they were accustomed to. This test separated them completely, and pushed them to their limits.
"No," Rika growled. "We'll figure this out."
"Tomorrow, we'll try again." Henry stated, wrapping the blanket tighter. The colour started to come back to his face.
Takato looked at his friends with awe. In determination, Takato was not going to give up if they weren't. Not by a long shot.
"Tomorrow."
The agreement was made and they smiled at each other. They needed Vulcanusmon's weapons and Primary Village counted on them. They were going to protect it, no matter what the cost.
The digimon had different thoughts on what their Tamers should be doing. It was like pulling a serrated knife out of their chest to even think about them stepping back into the cold pool. What if they couldn't save them? Sure, they weren't about to drown, but the trials...could it kill them?
Worry and a raw instinct to protect surged through Renamon, Terriermon, and Guilmon. The digimon all glanced at each other with an unspoken thought. The Tamers were absolutely not going back in there. It was Renamon who stepped forward while the Tamers were recovering within their blankets.
"I think we should look for another way to get those weapons."
"What are you talking about?" Rika wringed her red hair, still soaked. "It's the only way. And we don't have time to travel around."
"But we can't keep doing this!" Terriermon cried. His eyes looked pleading and he gripped his ears with his tiny arms. He wobbled a little, showing how exhausted he was from pulling Henry out of the pool with some assistance from Vulcanusmon. The rabbit digimon wanted to cry again.
"You'll get hurt more or worse!" Guilmon agreed.
"We have to do this, for Primary Village!" Henry snapped, giving a glare.
"We can talk to Vulcanusmon." Renamon offered. "Make him see you are not evil or deceiving. Just stop doing this, Rika." the digimon looked at the shivering woman. "I normally wouldn't do this unless I feel its absolutely necessary, but you have to stop. Next time, the trial could very well kill you."
"Don't be like that." Rika stood up, looking like a royal princess with all her blankets draping around her. "How many crazy, dangerous things have we done over the years that could've killed us?"
"This is different." Renamon pointed at the pool. "We can't protect you from whatever goes on in there. As well, none of you can remember what happened. How can you figure out what to do when you can't even remember?"
"We can't stop trying because of that." Takato said, gently.
"We have lives depending on us." Henry said.
"Well, your lives count too!" Terriermon objected pointing a ear at all three. "Ever think about that?"
"Yes, we did. But, we're not giving up. You three have to let us do this-we can't be treated like children forever."
"Fine!" Terriermon snapped. "Be stupid and get yourselves fucking killed." The bunny digimon walked out angrily, muttering a string of curses. Renamon sighed and followed. She left with one final comment,
"This isn't easy for us to do either. You three should at least consider our feelings. I think we earned that much."
Finally, Guilmon let out a sad sigh. He left as well but unlike the others, made no response to the shocked Tamers. Each one looked down in guilt.
"Well, I do have to agree with the digimon." Vulcanusmon popped into the room, carrying some food. His nuts and bolts from the rusted suit creaked as he knelt down, placing the food before the group. Even though eating wasn't really required, the mega thought they could use a pick up. "If you keep dunking yourselves blindly into that water-it could kill you. These trials take energy from you and are not merciful." He walked towards the exit and gazed his red eyes at the group. "If I were you three, I would seriously think twice before going back in there. At least talk to each other, all of you are fucking closed up basket cases."
With some creaks, and groans from the suit, Vulcanusmon departed, leaving the group even more discouraged with the task at hand.
Author's Note: Well, that didn't go well. Eek. I'll be honest, writing this chapter was both hard and fun at the same time. It had all the Tamers involved and I got to really dive deep into their personalities I've been building for a long, long time. Like since my first story long. I been around death...a lot, and it was something that took me a long, long time to figure out why people get angry when you give them so much attention. They're exhausted, and oddly enough, it's when the funeral and stuff is all done when the fact someone died finally sinks in. So, that's why I chose to go this route with Janyu's death. He was a very important person not just to Henry. I might not like Ryo much (I can go on a twenty minute rant about him) but it makes a lot of sense why he's a good match for Rika-and why Rika is good for him as well. Relationships are a two way street. And Takato...well, I always wanted to see him solve a riddle. Any guesses what the real answer is?
Another hybrid huh? Any guess who that is?
See you next week!