Shattered Light
By: Linkmaste
Chapter Twelve: A Heart to Heart
Author's Note: Heads up. This chapter has feels-lots of feels. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon.
It had been a couple of hours and the trio sat in a tight circle, watching anything but each other. The lights from the torches dimmed, creating a feeling they were camping out together in a cave where the light sparkled in the ceiling from the reflection of the pool. It was strangely beautiful but the group was in no mood to take it in. The argument with their digimon had left them drained and miserable. Takato lifted his head,
"Maybe...we do need to talk to each other."
"What? Like a heart to heart?" scoffed Rika, picking apart her hair. It was still wet and Renamon had kept her hair tie. It hung in thin, red locks over her face.
"Yeah, we obviously have something holding each of us back. It's about finding our own inner truth, so we must by lying to ourselves about something." Takato replied.
"Why don't you go first then?" Henry crossed his arms. "What do you think you're lying to yourself about, Takato?"
Takato shifted a little in the blankets. Playing with his goggles, he looked very sombre and gave a sad smile.
"That this would last forever. Us-everything. We're growing up, guys. Soon we'll be done college, getting married, having kids and jobs and we will be forgetting our adventures and spend less time with each other. Not that all of our adventures were sunshine and rainbows, but-" Takato gripped his goggles tighter. Tears came to his eyes. "At least we were all together. What if this ends and we all never see each other? I can't explain how much I want to go back and relive all the good times together. I'm not ready for this to end..."
Rika and Henry listened patiently, watching Takato struggle with what he was trying to say. After a moment, Rika put a hand on Takato's shoulder, and with a sudden force, she hugged him.
"We're your friends, Takato. We can never be truly apart."
"Even a thousand miles away, we'll have each other's back." Henry agreed. "Friendships just don't end like that. We're together on this."
Takato felt relieved. His body was relaxing finally from the water, and the nagging thought in the back of his head subdued. The others had a point. After all this time-something that strong like their friendship can't break from a little bit of distance and life. They will always be there for him. Rika and Henry's reassurance had helped him greatly.
"Okay, Rika. You're up next."
"I know Renamon talked to you about my problem." Rika gave a stonily look that made Takato blush. "That's why it's called falling in love? Really? Sound advice, Takato. You couldn't sound more cliché." Her sarcastic bite made Takato laugh nervously and gaze down.
"I know you're a little afraid of-"
"I'm not afraid of anything!" Rika shouted, looking away. Running a hand through her wet hair she quiet down significantly, "I'm just a little...unsure."
"Is this about you and Ryo?" Henry's question made Rika blush madly. "Rika..."
She liked Ryo. It was obvious to almost everyone for years. Henry leaned closer to her with an soft spoken voice. "It's just us. You can stop playing tough."
"I know." Rika bit her lip. She muttered something but the guys couldn't hear her. Asking again, she gave a grunt. "I said: what if he leaves me? What if I let myself get closer and he just disappears one day? I...like Ryo. And I want to be with him, but how do I know for sure everything will work out?"
"You don't." Takato replied with a smile. There was nothing cynical or sad about it-it was a more pleasant smile that wanted to reassure Rika. "No one can predict the future, Rika. Do you believe Ryo cares for you that much?"
"Yes..."
"Then you two will be fine. Once the first awkward dates are over, it's smooth sailing."
"Besides, I don't think he's that stupid." Henry smirked. "You're the toughest part of our group and he will forever piss us off if he ever hurts you. I think you're safe."
"Guys..." Rika smiled, she curled up her legs and hugged them. She was so lucky to have these guys watching her back. Not that she would ever admit to anyone, but it felt nice to have a few 'brother figures' looking out for her. That hesitant feeling started to fade away, leaving what Rika was known for: her fierce love.
"Just don't scare him too badly-give him a chance to catch up with you." Takato coached lifting a finger.
"Oh, and let him pay for the first date." Henry added.
"Guys." Rika's voice changed.
"And don't dress up too much."
"Guys!"
"Takato, it's Rika here. She will be wearing her favourite jeans-just add a nice top." Henry coaxed.
"Guys!" She cried, trying her best not to laugh. "I don't need dating advice. If I'm that desperate, I'll ask Jeri."
"Or better yet, ask Lindy for one of her makeovers."
Everyone burst out laughing. Lindy's makeovers were on the same level as Suzie's princess pretty pants; hilarious for everyone-except for whoever was on the receiving end. It felt good to laugh, their bodies felt much lighter and warmer. The cold shiver's from the pool had left them and filled it with the comfort and warmth of friendship. To a random person, it looked like three very good friends were having a sleepover exchanging in some pillow talk.
"Well," Takato calmed down first. "Two down. One to go."
Henry stopped laughing altogether. It was his turn. He made a 'tisk' sound and looked at the other two.
"It could be a few things...dad...Suzie. I'm just not sure..."
"Is she still mad at you?" Rika asked, treading carefully into the topic. She didn't want Henry to pull away and withdrawn himself.
"She's refused to talk to me for weeks. Ever since the funeral, it's been so tense at home. That's why I've been spending all my time at Hypnos." Henry replied, and hung his head low.
Henry sometimes found himself withdrawn and became obsessed with logic to a point where he suppressed his emotions. First, it was with Yamaki's murder. He goverment agent had become a mentor to Henry and he actually started to look up to the man. But then, he died. The first few months after that tragedy was rough on everyone; from living in Sector 7, to hiding their digimon, to Takato slowly unraveling from losing Jeri again. In the end, they pulled through. The scar was still there, and it made Henry afraid of letting his emotions express themselves. He wanted people to think he had everything under control...when in fact he had nothing in control.
"You have your own way of grieving. Everyone does." Rika gazed at Henry. "I get angry, Takato drinks with Impmon in a graveyard-"
"Hey!" The goggle head Tamer cut in.
"-and you become a robot. How you grieve is your own damn business. Just...you have to let yourself actually grieve." Rika hesitated, looking like she wanted to say something else. After a second, she continued. "Have you even let yourself grieve yet?"
A long pause made Rika and Takato wait in anticipation. The grey eyed Tamer finally shook his head-confirming Rika's suspicions. He trembled a little as he admitted this, feeling that stinging sensation in his eyes creep up.
"It's okay, Henry." Takato hugged him gently. "You've been through a lot. We're here for you."
Then, it finally started. Tears rolled down Henry's face-escaping at last. With a heave, Henry gave in and sobbed, letting his grief wash over him. It was heart breaking to see not only the Tamer accepting his loss of his father, but letting himself express how he felt. Takato felt tears come to his own eyes, saddened by his friend's pain. Ultimately, Rika joined the hug and gave way to a few tears.
The moment was touching. Three friends bounded to a crazy fate of digimon-sent through so many tribulations, from rogue digimon, to the D-Reaper, to Deciliousmon, to D-Agents, to Erika Rose, to UltimateChaosmon, and everything in-between. Half of the adventures they were just children themselves, taking on what adults would describe as their worst nightmare. Now, they know nothing could break them. Not life, not death, not even the forces of evil. They were strong-perhaps the strongest Tamers in the world and they had to save it. It was part of who they were.
An epiphany struck the trio all at the same time. They stopped crying and peeled off each other looking solemn. Without much to say, they pushed off their blankets. They were fully warm and the colour returned to their faces. The pool behind them did not look the least bit inviting, but the trio had each other's support. Holding hands, they went into the pool once again. Each gave a glance at the door where their digimon were waiting outside on guard. If they saw that they went back into the water...furious wouldn't describe the digimon's responses. They would be downright outraged...
But, this is something they had to do.
"Don't forget; we always have each other's backs." Henry let himself float on his back, the other two followed, letting the cold, chill sweep through their body. Rika took a breath and closed her eyes. Strange, Takato thought. Even after all this, the water was still so cold.
Rika was back on the roof top. The sun set, Ryo's charming smile, the hair blowing in her face. The memories of her last two attempts made her gasp. She failed twice-she would not fail again.
"Ryo..." she breathed, her heart fluttered. It was trying to break free.
"Do you trust me, Rika?"
Rika didn't hesitate. She gripped Ryo's hand firmly and in one fluid motion, jumped off the building, with Ryo in tow. Her stomach flipped as she fell, her hair whipping up and the wind was screaming in her ears. She was bracing for impact, the ground rushing to greet her.
However to her complete surprise, they didn't continue falling. The gravity stopped working and she hovered with Ryo. Their bodies gracefully picked up, moving not downwards, but straight and staying afloat.
Rika kept a hand tightly closed with Ryo's, breathing heavily. She didn't expect this! They were flying! Ryo laughed,
"Wildcat, don't you know about love? First you fall..." he gave Rika a soft kiss on the lips that made her shiver all over. With a gentle caress, he spoke. "...then you fly. You passed, Rika!"
A blue and silver light shined from within Rika's chest and everything went white.
It is precious, worth more than gold.
It can be earned, but not bought or sold.
It doesn't start out in life and it doesn't end at death.
What am I?
Not respect and definitely not love, Takato thought. He was back at his desk, twirling the fountain pen. He remembered his hasty second attempt to answer the riddle and chastised himself. Love didn't fit at all-what was he thinking?
Looking at his desk, he stared at two photographs taped to the side wall. One was him as Gallantmon with all the Canadian Tamers and Lindy. The other was him, Rika, and Henry when they were only thirteen enjoying some ice cream. They looked so different back then. Younger, and more optimistic. It made him feel nostalgic.
At least I have my friends.
Friendship doesn't just end like that-not even death can destroy it. Takato remembered Henry's little pep talk. Something about the way he said it made the goggle head Tamer bolt upright in his chair.
Friendship...
Everything clicked. Of course! It's more precious than gold, you couldn't buy them, and even after death, friendship would still be there.
I have you all figured out, riddle.
Takato finished writing his answer and nervously stared at the parchment. The answer faded and a new line appeared.
Congratulations, you passed.
A red and gold light shined in front of him and everything went white.
"I'm so sorry for your loss, Henry."
Round three. I know what to do now.
Henry felt embarrassed remembering his last attempt in the funeral. He had to ignore that for now, he had to pass the trial. Looking at the person who gave their condolences, he hugged her.
"Thank you, Riley. I appreciate it." Henry told Riley that she was strong for coming and Yamaki would have been proud of her. Turning to the casket, he spoke to his deceased father.
"I'll miss you, dad. I'll look after everyone and let myself grieve...for you. I'll always remember you and what you did for us." A tear escaped Henry again. He didn't try to hide his face this time. Looking around, he made a beeline to his friends who entered the room.
"...my ears are cramping from the shaking..."
Henry paid no attention to Terriermon's complaints and hugged Rika first. She let out a gasp. He smiled at her and Takato.
"I'm not fine guys-but I'll get there. I just need to take some time to grieve in my own way. Thank you so much for helping me out."
Turning to Ian, he put a hand on the blond hybrid's shoulder. "Ian, you didn't have to come, but despite what happened with Lindy-you did. I'm glad to have you as a friend. Don't forget that."
He didn't have time to take in Ian's bewildered looks and turned to Kazu and Kenta. "You two," he pointed. "Don't ever change. Be silly. Our group needs it."
All at once, Henry felt more and more relieved. It might not actually change the past, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Turning around, he saw Suzie standing there. Her arms folded and eyes brimmed with tears. She certainly wasted no time to confront the Tamer.
"You're just a robot! No emotion!" Her cold voice struck the him hard, making him visibly flinch. Henry pushed himself forward. He had to reconcile with Suzie in reality, but here was a good start. He hugged his little sister deeply, letting himself cry and show his tears.
"I miss dad too, Suzie. He wouldn't want us to bottle everything up and fight. I'm so, sorry for snapping at you. I love you and I will always look out for you. Even though you're a Holy Angel with Lopmon-I'll still be your older brother and I'll still be looking out for you. Always."
Suzie sniffed, pushing her tears back. Her blotchy red face turned into a smile,
"Well done, Hen. I knew you could do it."
A green and bronze light made it's presence known in front of Henry. Gasping, his vision went completely white.
You could say that after seven years of being partnered, the three digimon had developed a sixth sense of knowing when something was going on with their Tamers. They each had a feeling in the back of their mind to check up on their Tamers. Guilmon volunteered since Terriermon was still pissed off, and Renamon had become bitterly short tempered.
The red dinosaur digimon got up from his spot and went down to the strange pool room. They were probably sleeping-it was the middle of the night. Since they saw them last, maybe Takato will be better Guilmon thought optimistically.
The poor digimon walked in and saw at first, no Tamers. No one was bundled in blankets sleeping together. To his horror, he gave a little gasp when he looked around. In the pool, was the Tamers floating on their backs once again, looking pale and not breathing. Several thoughts ran through his panicking mind. Go to them! No-get the others! Wait! Dive in! It made an amusing sight to anyone watching Guilmon run a few steps but then pull back, then run forward. With a snarl, he made up his mind.
"Renamon! Terriermon! Get down here, now! They're back in the water!"
Never had the rookie digimon all moved so quickly, storming into the room with a drive so great to get their partners out of the damn water. Renamon was contemplating on tying the young adults up, or just leaving Vulcanusmon's cave altogether. Terriermon looked like he was going to lose his mind as his face went beet red.
"They're so dead! They're so fucking dead! We told them not to go back in there and what do they do!? They went back into the water-"
"Terriermon, stop talking and help us get them out." Renamon ordered. The trio dashed for the pool, preparing themselves for the icy water.
Three bright flashes of light emerged from the Tamers that stopped the digimon in their tracks. Each light died down a little and formed into three, smooth, beautiful pearls. They went into each respective Tamer's hand. Takato, Henry and Rika all opened their eyes slowly, realizing they were still floating in the water. Switching over their bodies to treading in the water, they looked at one another.
"We passed..." Rika murmured in disbelief. There was no pain this time nor any shock. To their astonishment, the water actually felt warm!
"Takatomon! You're okay..." Guilmon was not sure if what came out of his mouth was a question or a statement. Takato swam over to the edge and propped himself up, much to the dinosaur's relief.
"Never better, boy." He opened his palm to reveal a gold and crimson pearl. It was smooth and polished giving off an unearthly glow. The virus digimon peered at it-entranced by its beauty.
"You all passed?" Renamon watched Rika and Henry swim to the edge as well. Rika showed her partner a blue and silver pearl while Henry revealed a green and bronze pearl to his angry partner.
"Well, do you remember anything?" Terriermon was hugged by Henry, cringing at how wet and cold he was, again.
"We remember everything."
Everyone sat down, and the stories started. Rika complained how easy Takato's riddle was. He shot back, saying that jumping off a roof wasn't that scary. Henry shared his story, making the others give supporting looks . Everyone laugh at Kazu and Kenta's argument when Henry explained they were being so ridiculous, but it was something the group always needed. Those two clowns made sure spirits were high and lighthearted.
During this, more apologies were passed and shared all around by digimon and Tamer alike. The Tamers promised to never do anything like that again, which made the digimon feel relieved. The Digimon were sorry how they lost faith in their Tamers for a little bit here.
"We should have trusted you to pass." Guilmon gazed his amber eyes at Takato.
"He's right. I'm sorry, Rika." Renamon handed the woman her hair tie back.
"It's okay, guys. It was rough all around," Henry dried himself off and shook his wet hair. "At least we figured out the trials and got what we needed."
"Well, now we just have to show Vulcanusmon these pearl things and we're good to go! Next thing you know, we'll go save the day and make sure Primary Village isn't harmed by the three groups." Takato's optimistic plan was nice to hear. It made hope appear in everyone's faces and everything now sounded less threatening. Tensions dropped, worry was shoved aside for joy and the group had a positive energy floating around them.
It was the next day that Vulcanusmon arose from his slumber and came into the dojo/work room to find three beautiful peals sitting on his work bench. Sitting across the room was the group with a interested look on their faces, wondering how the legendary mega would react. Gazing at them with admiration, his lips pressed into a smile.
"This is quite something..."
"Well?" Takato asked giving a serious look. "Are we worthy?"
"Oh, yes," Vulcanusmon inspected one of them, seeing they were the size of a clementine. "I think you might be worthy of my weapons." He picked up his work hammer, feeling the inspiration flow. Now that he had these pearls, three great weapons of truth were about to born of Vulcanusmon's legendary craft.
Author's Note: FINALLY! They passed their trials! Like I said before, I wanted a different kind of challenge for our group. Instead of constantly fighting digimon like in my other stories, I wanted a more inner batter without pulling out the whole evil side. I think I did okay.
In Henry's trial it was always Riley who said the first condolences. She lost Yamaki back in Sketchbook and it was painful going to that funeral so that's why it was significant Henry actually comforted her instead of the other way around. Now, you're all wondering what kind of weapons these three will get, huh? Next chapter we will find out! Don't forget to leave some feedback! See you Sunday!