Shattered Light
By: Linkmaste
Chapter Nineteen: Dark Secrets Will be Unleashed
Author's Note: Okay, so we haven't gotten back to Destiny and Fate in awhile. So, let's check back on them, remember they had to go talk to a new hybrid? Yep! They were talking about Makoto!
Disclaimer: I do not own Destiny and Fate. BookwormGal owns those two. I do not own digimon. I own Azazel, Lindy, and other Lindy/Rose.
Through the portal, Destiny and Fate emerged into a white cell room. Looking around, it was clear that the only being in the room was a young boy around eleven years old strapped to a chair. He was unconscious. The two knew of what he was now, and what he would become, but it was their duty to disclose to him only a heed, and advice. That was the plan.
"Let's wake him." said Destiny and nudged the boy.
Slowly, he groaned and opened his brown eyes. Everything in his body felt painful, and the last thing he remembered was...
Actually, he didn't want to remember that.
"Uh, where am I?" Makoto asked.
"Kid, you're in Azazel's hideout still." Fate replied and unlocked the straps around his arms. "Listen, we have some things to tell you."
"What? Who are you?"
"Fate and Destiny, prophets and bringers." The digimon caused the boy to sit up straight in shock.
"Impmon...?"
"No Makoto, he's not your Impmon. We need to tell you about your new power." Destiny held her hand upon the groggily child.
"With great power comes a terrible sacrifice. Love breaks all spells and will be the truth. Do not shy from those who give help. Protect who cannot protect themselves."
It was Fate who foretold this one, his voice changing into a somber one with a grim expression. It was almost like he took on a new personality when it came time to foretelling prophecies. The short heed was finished and the two started to make preparations to leave. It was a quick visit, and they could not stay long, for they had other places to be.
"Hold on! I-I don't understand!" Makoto looked at his hands, feeling different. It was like an under bed of power dwelled within him. He could see better, hear better, even smell the scent of old books from the duo. He stumbled out of the chair and had trouble standing up straight, clutching his head to gain a sense of balance. His head was spinning still. "What are you two talking about?"
"It will be revealed in due time." Destiny chimed. The two created a portal but nothing happened. They tried again, but it didn't work. Destiny looked at the D-Arc in her hand.
"Batteries run out?" Fate joked but Destiny looked concerned. Her eyes scanned the place. Something preventing them from leaving.
In the corner of the room, as if he was there all along, was Azazel who clapped his hands in a mockingly manner,
"Well, if it isn't Destiny and Fate. The bringers of prophecies."
"Who are you?" Destiny asked but an image was delivered to her and Fate's mind as soon as the words left her mouth. This was Azazel, one of the Ancient Ones-the one warned in the prophecy. It seemed familiar and it only took the two a second to realize that this was the withheld part of the prophecy the one that the head honchos didn't want them to see early on. It was still unclear why but she felt...nervous being around this being. Almost afraid. Cautious, Destiny and Fate took a battle stance.
"Oh, I think you know who I am."
"Then what exactly are you?" Fate asked, looking angry. "'Cause I never sensed a thing like ya."
"Oh, I'm a variety of things, Ancient One, a digi-gnome, a program." Azazel listed off with his fingers. "But, I must omit what you just told my Makoto here. He's mine for the time being." With a snap of his fingers, Makoto fell unconscious. That was not all he did...
"Did you just..." Destiny looked shocked, pointing a finger at the boy. His memory was altered and the advice and heed Fate told him was locked in his mind-unable to be remembered. The prophecy changed. He couldn't fulfill his original duty and now as such a ripple effect has occurred! It caused a great disturbance in them. This was nothing ordinary-this being knew more than them. Different outcomes, different deaths-it was completely wrong! What had Azazel done!?
There wasn't much that Destiny and Fate could get very angry on since they didn't have much to lose other than each other. But, altering or messing with their prophecies was something that made them both lose their composure. No one disturbs their prophecies!
"Dee..." Fate growled. He extended his gloved hand. Destiny looked at him and nodded.
Azazel saw them look at each other in understanding and frowned. Oh no...they were not going to do that stupid trick. He waved his hand and a bubble encased the duo separating them. Destiny and Fate gasped, trying to reach each other and stretched wishing that now they had rubber-like bodies. If they could just make contact...
"You two are real idiots, you know that? Following your orders, trying to fulfill your duties-like lap dogs. Sickening. I think now is the best time to leave. Don't come back here, understand? We will see you at Primary Village."
With that, Destiny and Fate were sent to the other reality, and Azazel was left alone with his little project. He pushed a stray lock of hair from the boy's gentle face. He was a hybrid now, a beautiful specimen. Perfection.
"Soon, you'll be ready to join the others and meet the others...but now, I must train you."
Destiny and Fate landed at Primary Village, looking shocked and mad. Fate screamed, letting several 'Bada-booms' unleash themselves on a tree. He seethed and let his anger be well known to anyone around him, Destiny included.
"This is bad." Destiny stood up and shut her eyes. Different things were happening, causing a shift in prophecies. New fates, new spins, it was overwhelming. Fate growled.
"Have I said I really hate that guy? Well, I'll say it again-I HATE THAT GUY!" Another 'Bada-boom' was set loose. Fate's temper simmered down letting the digimon slump on the ground looking more like an tired individual than a mysterious prophet. He glanced at Destiny, "What are we gunna do now?" Fate eyes widened realizing the full extent of the ripple effect. "Dominimon..."
Dominimon wasn't supposed to fall during this! It was the last guardian of Primary Village-a village that without a guardian, would be subject to control not just from the three groups but from anyone! Even Azazel, who planned to destroy the village and burn it to the ground. But from Azazel's actions, Dominimon was now destined to die. Not just come back as an egg, be deleted and gone. Guardians weren't able to come back.
Destiny opened another portal.
"We'll observe the next part to make sure it goes to plan with the three Tamers. The others will be fine-Azazel won't change it. He thinks breaking them apart will make him stronger. Then, we can try to warn Dominimon and think of a plan for Azazel."
"Can't we just take it away from the village?" Fate asked.
"You know that would cause more problems, Fate. We can't risk losing this prophecy more than we already have so far."
Fate joined Destiny to try to salvage the prophecy that they were originally given but like a broken plate-you can't just simply piece it back together. It was missing crucial pieces, and without all the pieces, the prophecy will be incomplete or even worse-failed. They wished now, more than ever, for someone to help them-even the head honchos upstairs. It was eerily quiet, no messages and 'communication lines' were sent to Destiny and Fate . The duo wished right now, they weren't completely alone on this and had some kind of help.
Lindy Rose struggled to accept the crazy stories that her counter-part retold. It was just an insane notion to see that she had, in another reality, become part digimon. The death of her uncle, going to the digital world, hell even facing UltimateChaosmon and finding out she was a 'Holy Angel'-it was a little overwhelming. Finally, it came down to an understanding that Lindy Rose had to accept, or simply lose her mind. She turned her head trying to move on,
"Well, you can call me Rose to make things simpler. I prefer it over my first name."
"Okay, no problem Sunshine." Impmon smirked. Rose made an annoyed sound.
"Still making nicknames for people, eh?"
"Yeah, it never gets old." he answered. She made a face.
"So, you can change into a hot guy, Beelzemon, and this form as well?"
"Yes he can, and I have my forms too. Our duty is to protect Ai and Mako as their digimon." Lindy explained.
"So, you're servants to these two kids?" Rose asked, making her voice sound tight and almost on the verge of disgust. Ai and Mako frowned at her.
"They're not our slaves. Lindy and Impmon can do whatever they want."
"Hm, interesting." Rose murmured. She stood up and flicked her dull hair back. "I request a list of items before I can leave this...'room'. I will make a list." She scribbled a list down and thrust it to Lindy with an pompous attitude. The hybrid looked through the list.
"Size four John Bull jeans, a KNDY blouse size eight, some Bobbi Brown makeup-hold on!" Lindy cried. "What the heck is this?"
"It's my demands." Rose replied sitting on the edge of the bed. "I require them if we are going to be seen in public. I simply refuse to look like...this."
"You can't really make these demands." Lindy looked at her warningly. Rose shrugged, throwing on her best smile.
"You need my help? Then get me those things, hybrid. I have a card you can use. You do know what John Bull is right?"
Lindy growled, "I know what John Bull is-I wear their jeans all the time."
"Oh." Rose gave Lindy a once over. Not just any once over. It was the same once over that high school girls gave Lindy, a critical eye on her appearance. "I didn't know they make your size."
The colour was drained from Lindy's face and the room got slightly colder. Lindy was already subconscious of her appearance for the longest time since becoming a hybrid. Not that she should have been: size ten, athletic, and a nice complexion. She was healthy looking. However, in Japan, it was preferred to be under a size ten, pale, and thin. Something that Lindy simply was not. Therefore, she covered her skin up, she made sure to look decent before leaving the door and occasionally, she would try to diet-and fail within three days. Impmon had been the culprit since he kept tempting her with yummy snacks, like her favourite chocolates.
Lindy looked like she wanted to hurt Rose. The twins and Impmon knew that keeping these two together might not be the best idea.
Impmon shrugged and spoke in a strangely light voice, "Just go get her stuff, toots. Munchkins, why don't you go too?"
"Okay! C'mon Lindy." Ai and Mako happily grabbed the golden credit card that Rose had given them and took their partner out before a cat fight could ensue.
When they left, Impmon gave Rose a dark look.
"Bein' a bitch doesn't earn ya brownie points."
"Well, I can't help it. It's a part of me." Rose waved a hand looking smug.
Impmon stood up.
"Guess what, sunshine? Wake up call! You play nasty with toots," A flame lit on his finger. "I'll give ya somethin' worse than a 'make over'. Remember those curtains when ya first came over? Shame if that happened to ya hair."
The threat worked and Rose folded her arms and sulked. The two didn't exchange words until the rest came back with bags. Lindy threw the card to Rose.
"Didn't have the colour you wanted, so I went with dark brown."
"That's fine. I can pull off being a brunette." Rose unfolded her legs, and with her bags went into the bathroom. "I'll be a few hours, don't come in."
It was on the point of two hours when Rose emerged, changing her look drastically. It made the twins look astonished at how clothes, makeup, hair dye could do wonders.
The once prisoner, now looked like a beautiful young woman. Rose dyed her hair dark brown, and pinned it up in a chignon. Her makeup was put on delicately, making her eyes look bigger, her lips a perfect pout of red, and her skin looking flawless. An expensive blouse revealed her large chest and dark jeans hugged her body. A delicate necklace was paired up with some pearl earrings, and a few extra studs on her cartilage. She almost looked like a polar opposite of Lindy.
"Ah, much better." Rose observed and looked back at Lindy. "You could stand to lose a few pounds-doesn't suit you at all."
"You could use some less plastic surgery-hold on, what is that?" Lindy pointed to Rose's back where a tattoo of a black feather was inked on.
"I got it done awhile ago, don't look so shocked-"
"You got a tattoo?!" Ai and Mako gasped, running forward with awe. They admired the ink job, saying it looked awesome. Rose gloated while Lindy looked peeved.
"Rose is so cool! She had a tattoo, dyes her hair, has piercings-how come you don't Lindy?" Ai asked. Lindy rolled her eyes.
"I do not want some meaningless ink on my body. And I got those highlights in my hair the one time-I'm not a total bore."
"You scold us for swearing. That's pretty lame." Mako replied.
"And you freak out whenever I talk about getting my ears pierced." Ai said.
"Excuse me for teaching you two manners and Ai, you don't need piercings-ask your mother when you're older." Lindy glanced back at Impmon. "No comment? No help?"
"I'm stayin' out of this. I know better." Impmon shook his head. "Ai, Mako-let's go scout Rika's place so we can go back to Jeri's. I'm gettin' sick of it here."
"Okay!" The twins were glad to be getting out of the room often to do something. Impmon changed into Ian again and they parted. Ian knew the Lindy's were gunna work their stuff out, just like he and Beelzemon did. The door closed and the two ladies were alone with one another.
Lindy and Rose glared at each other for several minutes.
"So, what else is different about you?" Lindy stuck her nose up in the air. "Aside from how many guys you slept with, your drinking problem, and the fact that you're a...rude woman."
"People-and apparently, plenty. I was well known here-and treated as such."
"Oh, I know you were." Lindy muttered, remembered the stupid house party she got herself stuck in and how guys were trying to...ugh. It made her feel gross thinking about it. Something then snapped into her mind. People?
"Wait...did you..." Lindy felt herself blush bright red. "Not just guys?!"
"I got curious, nothing to be ashamed about." Rose replied. "Have you even ever-"
"No." Lindy said in a hard voice.
"Well, that explains a lot." Rose looked at her critically. "It would loosen you up. I never thought I could be this strict. You seriously scold those kids for swearing? They're ten!"
"Eleven and they're my partners." Lindy corrected. "I'm teaching them what's best."
"Fine. They're not my problem anyway. Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Yes, and he's none of your concern." Lindy replied. Rose looked confused, then her eyes flew wide open, looking at the door. The way Impmon defended her was way too close to be just friends...
"Him? Impmon?"
"Yes. And I would appreciate it if you keep your hands off him."
"Well, he is very good looking as a human, I'll admit that." Lindy flushed pink. "Seriously? Never once?"
"No, and stop asking about it."
"Okay, okay, I'll stop. Guess you know my whole history when you were me. No questions?"
Lindy made herself comfortable on the bed, looking at her counter-part who was examining herself in the mirror. She did have a few...
"Why all the drinking, the partying, the sex?"
Rose chuckled, fixing a stray piece of dark hair. She sat on the bed, beside Lindy and rested her back on the head board.
"After Ai changed, I couldn't cope. I was supposed to keep her and Mako safe. And I failed. You remember how it felt when Ethan died?"
Lindy nodded.
"This was so much worse..." Rose shook her head. "So, I took that pain and tried to fill it with anything else-from sex to drugs to even creating so much hate in me for digimon. It was unhealthy, I'll even admit it." Rose sighed. "But, it's who I am today. I can't change the past, I can only just try to change my future."
"Oh..." Lindy didn't have much to respond to that. Rose glanced up and down her counter-part.
"I'm not going to light the pitchforks and torches at you and Impmon if that's what you're afraid of. I changed a little. I'm still terrified of digimon...but at least I stopped letting myself be a puppet. I ran away for awhile, from the A.D.A, from digimon-from everything."
"Where did you go?"
"Anywhere and everywhere." Rose simply said.
Lindy thought about her counter-part. Sure, she was a bitch and loved to adore herself in the mirror, but she herself was like that too. How many times did she have to retie her hair for soccer to make it just right? Or how many times did she examine her outfits before leaving the house? Vanity ran in both of them and the flaw made them realize they had something to connect on. That and helping out Ai's curse. Deep down, she knew Rose had feelings for Ai and Mako even if she hid it, because from the moment she met the kids, she fell in love with them. And Rose would have gave anything to take it all back-to replace herself in Ai's shoes.
It took a couple of days, but finally Rika and Renamon ceased their man hunt for Rose. They spent the few days trying to stay sane, but it was hard with two eleven year old's who got bored easily. Add an imp who had two Lindy's to annoy and it was a little crazy. One thing that Impmon was bummed out about, was that even in this reality-Rose would not give him her middle name.
"What is it with you two?! It's just a freakin' name!"
Rose stuck her nose up.
"We don't like our middle name."
"Therefore, it doesn't exist. And we never told a single soul here our middle name." Lindy finished sticking her nose up as well.
"Is it...Helga?" Ai asked.
"No." Rose's eye twitched.
"Oh, I know-Moose! Like Canada!" Mako's eyes lit up.
"No." Lindy's eye twitched.
"It's probably Princess since you're both acting like snot nosed ones."
"No Impmon, it's not Princess! Stop asking!" Rose and Lindy cried together. Mako and Ai gave surprised looks.
"Woah. Talk about mood swings." they muttered.
With the brunette in their group, they returned to Jeri's house. Rose complained of all the walking they had to do, but Ian gave one glare and shut her up. Everyone was relieved to be back, and looked forward to seeing Beelzemon, hybrid Ai, and Jeri again.
It was unexpected that Jeri wasn't at the door to greet them. Or anyone for that matter. When the group let themselves in, it was Azazel sitting at the kitchen table with hybrid Ai, sipping a cup of tea. The brown haired girl looked so scared and small sitting beside the man. She squirmed but was held back by Azazel's hand.
The group didn't even get a word to say. Azazel sat his tea cup down gently and cast his yellow eyes up.
"Ah, my children. Good to see you again." He gestured to the tea cups and hybrid Ai. "I was having some tea and a lovely chat with young Ai here. Quite a nice place you settled into."
At a break neck speed, each member of the group did something different. Lindy and Ian stepped forward, ready to change. The Tamers took out their D-Arcs ready to warp digivolve their partners. Rose gave a yelp and backed up, looking like she had seen a ghost.
HYBRID WARP DIGIVOULTION-
"Ah, wait a second!" Azazel interrupted the digivoultion. "Don't you know where your other friends are?"
Jeri and Beelzemon. Where were they? Ai and Mako ceased the change, looking around expecting the mega to swoop in and shoot the Ancient One...but it didn't occur. Chuckling, Azazel snapped his fingers. Shuffling behind Azazel was Beelzemon who had Jeri in his grasp...with his gun pointed to her head.
"Beelzemon!" hybrid Ai cried, looking terrified and shifted in her seat. Azazel held out a hand to keep her in place. The group looked mortified that Beelzemon was hurting Jeri until they looked at his eyes. Some kind of golden dust clouded them. What was that?
"It's called Shattered Light. Do you like it?" Azazel took another sip of tea. "I had tracked this spell down for a very long time and it has many useful purposes such as complete control of any human, digimon, or even a hybrid if I should need to."
"I-I-I remember you." Rose spoke, using the group as her cover. Her green eyes darted nervously at the Ancient One. "You came by to see Kobiayashi now and again. Talking about that spell..."
"Oh look, it's Lindy Rose! My, I'm seeing a lot of doubles lately." Azazel chuckled. "How is your whole Anti-Digimon campaign going? I last heard that one of the Tamers captured you...how much of a pity to see you out of your cage. Frankly, a slut like you is only good for two things: being on your knees and staying in your place. You look like you're doing neither."
The vile in Azazel's voice was surprising. He had a composed, pretentious attitude most of the time, but it changed into one full of disgust. Rose looked down, not saying anything else.
"Let Jeri and Beelzemon go." Lindy commanded. "Or we will make you let them go."
"Have you reconsidered my offer yet?" Azazel ignored Lindy's threat. "I did give you ample amount of time, I'm sure you came to some kind of understanding of what I'm trying to do here."
"Yeah, you're a sicko who wants to hurt Primary Village." Ian growled. "Things like you should be dead in my eyes."
"Oh, stop it. You're making me blush." Azazel sarcastically put a hand to his face. He took another joyous sip of tea. "You sure you don't want some? Jeri put on the batch right before I came by. Isn't that right, Jeri?"
Beelzemon's grip on Jeri tightened, making her whimper in pain. Ian growled at his counter-part.
"You asshole, fight it! Fight that stupid curse!"
"Oh, he can't really hear you. Even if he could, he has no control." Azazel explained. "He's my puppet to do what I please. Right now, I have this notion that Jeri might be injured from a gunshot wound to the head."
Beelzemon's gun cocked, making the adult hybrids swear and shout at Azazel to stop. Mako spoke up.
"Azazel, why send us here? What's the point?"
"Ah, glad you asked Mako." Azazel leaned back, putting his shoes on the table. "You see, I wanted you to meet Ai here. She will be joining us on our little 'quest' so to speak. We all go to destroy Primary Village with my little army, then we take out those Ancient Ones-those dirty traitors," Azazel made a grunt. "But, we have to move this along. I need the four of you separated. Ian, Lindy and little Ai, come with me and we can start this prophecy."
"Ya think we just gunna walk away with ya? You're one messed up monster." Ian said.
"Well, considering I know your past-I can say you're just as much of a monster as I am." Azazel replied. "Do your Tamers know what you really are?"
Ian wasn't facing the twins-which was lucky because he paled instantly. Azazel had the upper hand, and he could tell the twins of what he did to Jeri in the past...how he's a murderer.
"What is he talking about?" Mako asked, looking unsure of what was going on. Lindy shouted.
"He's playing mind games! Don't listen to him!"
"Oh and you, Lindy. Your past is quite an interesting one too, you might not seem like a monster as Ian was, but you have a way with words wouldn't you say? Why, Ethan would still be here today..."
"Shut the fuck up, you bastard!" Lindy made the group gasp in shock. She never swore unless it was bad. The twins were becoming more confused.
Jeri cried out as Beelzemon knocked her out with the back of his gun. She slumped down and fell unconscious. Swearing and cries of anger spouted, but Azazel already had his hand up.
"Now, now, we`re all getting a little excited here. So, Ai and Mako I will tell you the lovely secret that these two 'wonderful' hybrids have been keeping from you."
"Like hell-" Ian stopped. Hybrid Ai was whimpering as Beelzemon used his tail to hold her steady and have the gun aiming at her. A deep rustling of wrath was unleashed. It didn't matter this was a different reality of Ai. That was still his partner and he felt the protective instinct seize him and reveal itself. He narrowed his eyes at his counter part,"Beelzemon, if you are a sliver of what I am, then you would be fighting your damn best right now! You will never forgive yourself if anything happened to Ai!" Beelzemon twitched when he heard this and Ian snarled looking like his digimon self more than his human self. "BEELZEMON!"
Ian could see the gun was shaking in Beelzemon's claw. It was only slight, but it made him know that he was fighting it-trying to figure out how to stop it.
"Azazel, don't." whimpered hybrid Ai. He ignored her.
"Ai, Mako...your partners...they are killers." Azazel gave a sickening smile.
"That's not true! Our partners wouldn't kill unless it's necessary." Ai retorted immediately. Mako shouted in agreement.
"Oh, but it was necessary. Ian...what was the deal Chatsuramon gave you? The power to become Beelzemon in exchange for the Tamer's lives? Hm, yes, I think that was it."
"Shut up." Ian said in a taut voice.
Mako remembered something hybrid Ai said. A conversation they had in the trees.
"Mako."
"Hm?"
"Did Impmon tell you...about his past?"
"Like, when he ran away from us when we ere little?" Mako gave a confused look.
"Yeah, what he did in the digital world...did he ever talk about it to your or Ai?"
Mako's mouth went dry. He looked over to Lindy and Ian, sending a thought to them.
"Guys, what is he talking about?"
"Don't listen to him." Lindy said, but something wasn't right in her voice.
"And you tried to kill them, though you only succeeded in one." Azazel glanced at Jeri. "That poor girl's partner Leomon tried to stop you-make you see that power isn't everything. You stabbed him through the chest-"
"Shut up!" screamed Ian, scrunching his eyes. The memories played in his mind. Leomon holding his arm, his attack, the fizzling data, that blood curling scream from Jeri...
"And the best part was, you downloaded his data! I mean, it's one thing to kill a digimon-but you just wanted his power too...so you loaded everything up. You said you would keep loading until you had all the power of every digimon."
"Stop it!" yelled Lindy, rushing forward but earned a gash on her arm by Beelzemon's claws. The twins gasped, feeling the wound strike her. She knelt down in pain.
"Lindy!" cried Ian and had a dangerous look in his eye.
"You two had no idea the whole time that it was your partner who killed Jeri's digimon." Azazel chuckled. "Kept out of the loop-they didn't trust you! Who would trust a couple of kids with that kind of information? I sure wouldn't."
A fallen expression came onto the twins. Mako looked at hybrid Ai with a saddened expression.
"Is this true?"
"I tried to warn you Mako, I'm so sorry-" the girl hybrid started to cry.
"And Lindy here." Azazel gestured to the woman tending to her wound. "Before, she thought she was above everyone else. She even caused her best friend to die. Ethan Colons, you remember him don't you, Lindy? He's dead because of you."
"You monster..." sobbed Lindy. The connection in the group was harmful. On one side, Ian and Lindy were shutting Ai and Mako out, but the twins were pushing through, trying to figure out the truth. It was a mess-physically and mentally. Easily, the twins over powered the hybrids and got to the truth. They couldn't lie to them...and it was revealed to them that it was true...all of it.
Beelzemon twitched again, making Azazel perk his interest.
"I think I had enough tea." Azazel stood up, putting his tea cup in the sink. "Mako and Ai, I would be careful. You were already fooled by them once...what else could they be hiding from you?"
With that, he popped away making Beelzemon gasp and seize control. He rubbed his eyes, cursing. Hybrid Ai ran towards him and hugged his leg. The digimon gently ran a claw through her long brown hair, soothing her.
"I'm so sorry." he murmured, holding her tight. "I'm so, so, sorry."
On the other side of the kitchen, the twins were unable to process what Azazel had told them. Their partner was the one who murdered Leomon all along...and they had no clue. It was adding up though, all the hushed conversations, that strange look their partner would get around Jeri, his reluctance to talk about the digital world. They were partnered to not only a killer-but someone who killed and loaded one of their friends' digimon.
Ian didn't say anything, but just stared at the twins with the most shameful expression.
"Why?" Ai asked in a strange voice. Her D-Arc clenched in her hand-cracking. Her body shook and trembled.
"Ai, we were going to tell you and Mako." Lindy said, picking herself up off the floor.
"Shut up," Mako said, facing towards her. His face was unrecognizable. "You knew all along?!"
"Guys...I ain't the same 'mon I was back then. I-" Ian felt himself want to vomit, or run away or anything. He knew at the end of the day, he only had to blame himself for not telling Ai and Mako. He had multiple opportunities...but he kept putting it off. Now, it was too late and Azazel had done the damage.
"Why didn't you trust us?" Ai had several tears run down her face, but she didn't notice them. All she felt was deceived. Her brother felt the same. The two shared emotions with each other they couldn't understand. One thing they could understand though, was that they needed space. They backed away to the door, shaking their heads. Ian threw out a hand,
"No. Ai, Mako-wait!"
Without another word, the two ran out of the house, dropping their D-Arcs...the busted old devices that they took with them wherever they went. As they hit the floor, they crumbled and disintegrated, like rocks turning to dust.
"Wait!" Lindy started to sprint after them but Rose grabbed her counter-part's good arm.
"No...just let them go. I want to chase after them as much as you, but they need time to think. That was a pretty big blow to them."
To the two adult hybrids, their worst dreams came true. The only thing they could do is stand there, feeling like the whole world came to a complete stop. In a way, their main goal-the one thing that they worked so hard to do, was protect their Tamers. Now, they felt like they failed them.
Recovering from Azazel's visit gave an odd comfort to Ian and Lindy. It kept their bodies busy and there was a lot they had to do. Jeri had to be put on the couch, and hybrid Ai was assuring Beelzemon it wasn't completely his fault. Still, the counter-part blamed himself for being so stupid.
"I saw Jer open the door and I moved her out of the way before Azazel threw that dust into my eyes. After that...I was unable to do a single, damn thing. I was trying to move the gun to myself and try to get myself to de-digivolve...but he wouldn't let me. That...fucker!" he sat beside Jeri with hybrid Ai watching the ex-Tamer-making sure she was safe. "I let her down."
"You did your best, Bee." Ai soothed. "No one expected this..."
"How's ya arm?" The mega looked at the hybrid woman with a flash of concern on his face.
"Just need to bandage it." Lindy said to Beelzemon, however blood oozed from it profusely. She might need stitches, but she wouldn't let him know that. A few torn cloths from the kitchen was wrapped around her arm. She'll attend to it later.
Afterwards, they tried to find any remaining pieces of the D-Arcs that shattered but unfortunately, there was none.
"What does this mean, Impy?" Lindy looked sullen.
"I...don't know, toots." Ian replied.
Next, they had to bandage Lindy's arm and get her stitches in. Ian sat with her in the bathroom with some string, a needle, and a bottle of sake. After an hour of cursing, crying from Lindy, and some gulps of the sake, Lindy was healed for the time being. It didn't look like was going to get infected and she would heal fast. A single bandage was wrapped around her arm.
Ian sat outside, trying to sense his Tamers, but they were long gone from the area. His mind raced over and over how he could have stopped them, or told them the truth earlier. Now, they didn't trust him at all-nor Lindy. At least if they trusted Lindy...
"You can't blame yourself."
Rose sat down next to Ian, tucking a piece of her dark brown hair back. She heard him mumble something about what did she know.
"I know nothing about this. I never did...but I do know about blaming yourself constantly. How did you think I felt when Ai got cursed? Terrible things happen when you don't let go and move on. Even worse things happen when you don't forgive-"
"Does it look like I want a pity party, Sunshine?" spat Ian, glaring at her.
"No, but you need to know you had a tough call to make. Lindy did too." Rose looked uncomfortable as Beelzemon stepped outside. She stood up and reflexively flinched when he spoke.
"Mind givin' us a few minutes?"
Rose didn't say anything but went inside, completely avoiding the mega digimon's gaze. He shook his head and stood behind Ian.
"Still scared of me-that girl. After all this time too..."
"Can ya get the pep talk over with?" growled Ian, spinning around. Beelzemon shrugged.
"Ya don't need a pep talk, ya need a get your head out of your ass and go explain to ya Tamers why ya did what ya did."
"They ain't even my Tamers anymore, ya saw their D-Arcs shatter-I'm nothin' to 'em. Me and toots, we screwed up-"
Ian was picked up by his counter-part and with a violent thrust, shoved against the house wall. Ian stared right into the mega's red eyes.
"For fucks sake, I know I ain't the smartest 'mon but I didn't know there's a me runnin' around completely retarded! Stop feelin' sorry for ya self and work on gettin' those two back! Ya still their partner! Lindy too! I already gave her shit-so if I find you mopin' around like some sob story, I'm seriously gunna kick ya ass." Beelzemon lowered the hybrid giving a grunt. Ian looked discouraged.
"How the hell do I start? How did you start?"
"Simple, I let 'em ask the questions and I answered 'em. Worked like a charm-sorta. They forgave me in the end, and I know those two will."
"Just...leave me alone." Ian waved a hand, walking in the back yard. He changed into Impmon and climbed the tree landing on one of the higher branches. He didn't feel like talking anymore. Thankfully, Beelzemon didn't follow.
It was night and hybrid Ai came up into the tree asking Impmon if he was alright. She had no luck trying to talk to him, so Lindy was asked to check up on the imp.
"He needs space, not me." she mumbled.
"You both need to talk to your Tamers." the hybrid pointed out. Lindy was in her digimon form, curled up in some blankets and picking at some dinner. She wasn't really hungry after all that had happened.
"I know..." she bit her lip. Ai nudged some dinner that was saved for Impmon to her.
"How long have you loved him?"
"Since..." Lindy thought about the question seriously. When did she start falling for him? "Since I changed. I saw a different side of him because of it."
"Exactly! Those people he lets them see his other side, that's who he needs right now. Not Beelzemon, not Jeri, not me-you. You know him best, Lindy."
Lindy hesitated but scooped up the dinner. Walking out of the room, she heard a quiet conversation between Jeri and Beelzemon. They were inside her room with the door closed, supposedly talking about today's events. She continued on and passed Rose who was filing her nails.
"Oh good, you're talking to him. Not that I exactly approve of you and him but...I think the little guy needs it." Rose looked out in the backyard. "How much has changed in your reality?"
"Everything." Lindy replied staring at her counter-part. "I'm not you."
"No, I suppose you are not." she said, "For one, I don't have a tail or devil horns."
"Whatever, Rose." Lindy growled. She still got under the hybrid's skin.
Outside, the air was warm and still. It was going to be a nice night, with the clear sky and full moon shining. A perfect night, Lindy thought remembering going on night adventures with her boyfriend when they were cursed. It always cost her sleep in the long run, but she felt it in her code to go out.
She effortlessly jumped up to the second or third branch, but struggled with the higher branches. Her arm was still sore. Lindy saw Impmon sitting to himself, looking at the moon.
"I brought dinner." she offered, making it up next to him. He shrugged.
"Not hungry."
"Impy..." Lindy sighed. Everyone thinks she knows him best-that she can read his mind, but she sometimes has no idea what goes through his head. Some things are still a mystery to her and the best examples were times like these. She felt horrible about the twins-but Impmon must have felt worse. He knew them longer.
"We failed them..." Impmon mumbled, fidgeting with his bandana. His eyes locked with hers, trying to gather some kind of response or support.
"It could have been worse." Lindy shifted her body. "We just need to go to them and talk. They'll listen to us."
"They hate us."
"No, they don't." Lindy said firmly. "Ai and Mako don't hate us. They were shocked why we didn't tell them-it's understandable." She rested her gloved hand on Impmon's to get him to stop fidgeting with his bandana. "You just hate yourself right now."
"I..." Impmon squeezed his eyes shut. Tears started to form, making it impossible to stop. Lindy hugged him.
"I know. It's okay. Just us right now."
The two sat, only thing they could hear is the occasional choked cry from Impmon. He can remember only a handful of times he cried, this being one of them. Patiently, Lindy waited, holding him dearly. This reality was getting on her nerves, with the counter-parts, Azazel, and the home sickness she was feeling-it was a wonder that the twins were not crying for their mom and dad. She wanted more than anything to see all of her friends again, and her family. But Azazel needed to be stopped, and this Ai needed to be saved before she or the others could think about home.
"Thanks..." Impmon mumbled, sniffing. "I don't think I'm ever gunna forgive myself...I just can't."
"I can't rush you to do that, that's your call. But, you know I love you-the twins love you. Everyone does. We'll always be here for you-especially me."
"I love ya too..." It wasn't often he said those words, but when he did-it was true. The couple weren't the most affectionate with each other verbally but through the teasing, the support during battles, and times like these it was obvious they loved one another. Impmon's gaze sent a chill down Lindy's spine. He can still do that to her after all these years. It was incredible.
"I guess we gotta go pay a visit to the munchkins, wherever they are." Impmon stood up on the tree, wiping away any stray tears. The sob fest was over, he and Lindy had a job to do still. Ai and Mako were top priority and somehow they had to get those two back.
"I think we know where they would go." Lindy spoke and jumped out of the tree. Changing into Ladydevimon, she held out a claw. "C'mon, I'll save you the flying."
Author's Note: Now, hold the comments for a second on how Ai and Mako reacted and let me explain. First, Impmon and Lindy never told the twins about both of their histories because they were so young when it happened. At five years old could you imagine trying to explain to them that you not only murdered someone, but you made it impossible for them to come back? Or how you told someone a few words, but those words were so hurtful and that was the last thing you ever said to them? I think it is perfectly okay for the twins to act this way, So next chapter, it will be further explained, don't worry.
Impmon and Lindy being romantic is being played down but I had to bring it back only because right now, in this world Lindy was the best suited to talk to him. Rose hardly knows him, Beelzemon is kind of...well, he's kind of a dick, and Impmon wouldn't open up to hybrid Ai. Jeri might have been a good choice but...she can't climb trees and is still injured from Beelzemon's gun.
As well, we're realizing that Impmon might never forgive himself for what he did-which is completely understandable. But, you should be asking yourself this question: How far would Impmon go to set things right for his past misdeeds? Food for thought.
For Fate and Destiny, Makoto was kind of the trump card for the prophecy and now that's ruined. With that, we get this warped prophecy that has all the same components, but now we have more deaths. I will say this: two others at least will perish in this story. But, I will not say who. And you know from my previous writing that once I kill someone-I usually keep them dead. There is no reset button here-once they're dead. They're dead. Gone. Done.
Any ideas on what Lindy and Rose's middle name is? I would love some guesses, it would be a little fun!
Next chapter, prepare for some sappy stuff and maybe some romance. Yeah, I know-it's still an adventure story but a little romance won't kill you. I'll do my best to make it painless. See you Sunday!