Shattered Light

By: Linkmaste

Chapter Twenty One: The Yatta Neiko Casino Part I

Author's Note: Anyone knows how a roller coaster works? It starts slow with a climb and then you get to the top where everything is all nice and calm-then it rushes down and you scream? That's this chapter. This is the falling and screaming part. Things will pick up here and it get's crazy. I know the buildup for this part has been slow but I've doing that on purpose. I'm building up to something...

Fun fact: Japan doesn't actually have 'casinos'-it's technically illegal but let's say in this reality it's allowed. I grew up in Niagara Falls-the city where we get 80% customers of Asian countries to come gamble. Add that and my mother is in charge of both casino's money vaults and tracking and well, I picked up a thing or two about casinos. Yatta Neiko are two separate words. The first is like a Japanese cheer when you get lucky. The second is cat in Japanese. Therefore, Lucky Cat Casino. Haha-I'm so lame.

"The Yatta Neiko Casino is one of the only casinos in Japan." Rose started to pass around a photograph to everyone. The man in the photo was large, almost six feet tall and over three hundred pounds. Dark beady eyes stared out, filled with greed and pride. What was left of his hair, had been slicked back into an unappealing style. Without the suit, he would look like some low class worker. Ian snorted at the photo,

"This guy eat too many doughnuts or did he just inhale the deep fryer itself?"

Only Beelzemon laughed.

"You can crack all the jokes you want sweetie, but Sebia Kobiayashi is the owner of the casino. He let's us A.D.A members operate downstairs in exchange for some security." Rose heaved a large blue print onto the kitchen table and rolled it out.

"Shit, where ya get this from?" Beelzemon asked. Rose winked,

"A lady never reveals her secrets." she put a manicured nail on the blueprint and looked up at everyone with a serious expression. "There will be one opening on Saturday to pull this stunt off. Good news is that Omoto and a lot of men will be out of the country-that means less security."

"What can I do to help?" Jeri asked.

"We need a comms. Someone to keep us on track and let everyone know what's going on. Think you're up for it?"

Jeri nodded. Next, Rose looked at Beelzemon and her counter-part, Lindy.

"You two will be our muscle. God knows we're going to need it. Infiltrate here-" Rose pointed at an entrance by the loading dock bay. "-and start taking out anyone in the way. There shouldn't be too many to worry about." Rose glanced up at Ai, Mako and the young hybrid Ai. "And you three will be our rescue squad. This is important. Go down, past the fighting and take the elevator. There will be a pass code required-it's 1212. It will take you down a level to the cells. Everyone should be present and accounted for in there. It's the only spot where they could hold that many prisoners."

Lindy looked at the children with a stern face, "No fighting once you get the others-just get out."

"That means you too, Ai." Beelzemon noted to the hybrid.

"Uh, sunshine?" Ian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Where ya supposed to be?"

"Me?" Rose gave a surprisingly impish grin at the hybrid. "Well, I'll be up in the casino lobby making sure our dear Sebia is well distracted. Azazel should be there as well-my informant told me." Rose gave a critical eye to the blond man. "Tell me, Ian," she leaned in close. "How good do you look in a suit?"

"I'm not coming out."

"Just come out." Ai pleaded to her partner, knocking on the door.

"No," Ian's voice sounded miserable. "I look stupid."

"He's being such a girl about this." grumbled Mako, who fastened his belt. The twins were dressed in black jumpsuits that resembled spy outfits. Rose nicked them from a contact while she gathered everything together. The two had pocket knives equipped to their belts. After arguing, the twins promised Lindy and Ian they would be careful with the weapons and only use them if necessary. They were not going to be hostages, again.

It was Saturday-the day of the rescue mission and everything was set. Jeri left hours ago to set up her perch-and with some help from Rose, got radios and ear pieces. Beelzemon and Lindenmon were ready to go, making small talk by the front door. Rose herself just emerged from the bathroom in a low cut red gown that revealed her bare back. Her hair was done up neatly, and she looked stunning. Jealousy bubbled inside Lindenmon, but she put it down. Ian was hers and he looked past all the fancy outfits and makeup.

Everyone was ready to go except for Ian, who refused to come out of the bedroom. Lindenmon rolled her eyes and pushed past the twins to the door.

"Impy, open the door."

"No."

"I'm coming in, whether you like it or not."

Lindenmon changed into her human form and told the twins and hybrid Ai to give them a few minutes. Ai made a snide remark about the two, making Lindy's face turn beet red. Once the three left, she let herself inside and shut the door behind her.

Lindy never saw the whole appeal of men wearing suits. They usually looked uncomfortable, or too stuffy. Plus, she never seen Ian put on anything fancier than a dress shirt and that was only if he absolutely had to. It was a foreign concept looking like a stuffed penguin and Ian would detest wearing something he wasn't comfortable with. Needless to say, Lindy took one look at Ian and she completely understood the attractiveness of men wearing suits.

Rose had picked out a black double breasted Armani suit with a crisp, white, cotton shirt and a red, silk tie. It fit him perfectly, but she noticed he had his tie on crooked. Oh well, Lindy couldn't blame him. He never actually learned how to tie a tie. He looked good nonetheless.

Wordlessly, she walked up to him and undid his tie. Wrapping it around him and redoing it up, she said one simple word.

"Priscilla."

"What?"

Lindy tightened the tie and it smoothly went up. Much better, she thought. Looking up at Ian, she felt hypnotized by him. "My middle name is Priscilla."

He was silent for a few seconds.

"I like that name." he murmured.

Ian locked eyes with Lindy-his Lindy. The one with the soft green eyes, that beautiful smile-all of it was her. It was like fire and ice-so dangerous to play with, but too tempting to resist.

If only they had more time...

"OH FOR FUCKS SAKE, HURRY UP!" screamed Beelzemon, pounding the closed door. "If both of you ain't out here in ten seconds, I'm breakin' this damn door down!"

...and privacy.

"Thanks." said Ian.

Flushed, Lindy pulled back and changed to Lindenmon. She already felt her emotions pushed away and she focused on the mission. Unfortunately for Ian, he had to stay in human form and had no luxury of escaping his wild thoughts. So, he did next best thing: covered it up with lots of yelling at Beelzemon and smart remarks about anything he could find.

"Stuff it dumb ass-I'm coming out! Munchkins, you look ridiculous-this ain't Mission Impossible. Can we go yet? This stinkin' suit itches!"

Ian marched out, adjusting his cuffs and trying his best to ignore all the responses about his suited up self. Beelzemon snorted and walked away, the twins said he looked great, and Rose gave a nod of approval.

"Good, you look presentable now at least." the lady in red turned to the group. "Now, radio's on two, remember your code names and for the love of God, don't fuck this up."

The Yatta Neiko Casino was glamorous. At fifty floors, (fifty two including the sub basements), it had everything from a water park, to a restaurant on top, to the casino itself on the main floor. Lights decorated the tall tower, changing colours from green to blue to red to white. A large waterfall greeted patrons walking into the foyer and the floor was covered in expensive Italian marble. Statues of cats were all around, never failing to remind their customers what the casino was named after.

On Saturday night, it was packed with people walking around everywhere, going out for dinner, or just gambling. Ian and Rose entered arm in arm looking like the glamorous couple. Some people even wondered if they were celebrities. This was the point, as they wanted to attract attention, and distract Kobiayashi from what was really happening with the rescue mission. Ian, playing true to his role, stayed quiet looking at the chaos called the 'casino'.

The casino room itself was large but not very obvious as lines of slot machines, poker tables, and Koi Koi games were lined up, making it seem like a complex maze. Bright lights flashed everywhere from the signs, to games to even the cash out desk as it was lit up in neon colours. Another thing Ian noticed was that the air was different here-he asked Rose who looked unfazed by the whole scene. Ian was a little freaked as his senses were completely slammed by the casino floor.

"They cut the oxygen in the room so the gamblers will spend more time here. No oxygen to the brain-less common sense. Also, notice they have no clocks here, that's another reason why those radios will come in handy." Rose put a reassuring hand on Ian's shoulder. "Don't worry sweetie, we won't die."

She made a noise and lead Ian to a poker table near the back. A tall, brute Filipino man was dealing cards to two players. Rose sat down and placed a few chips on the table.

"Set me up darling, me and Impy here are going to be here awhile." Rose gave a flirtatious wink to a glaring Ian. The dealer grunted and gave a hand to Rose. Now, it was Ian's turn to keep scout while she kept their profile high...just high enough to attract a certain casino owner.

"Come in, Black Demon."

"Black Demon here, Lionheart." came the voice. Jeri could imagine Beelzemon smiling at the code name he gave himself.

"What's your ETA?"

"Ten minutes with the munchkins and pixie here. We clear in the back?"

"Everything's looking good so far. Oh, and Beelzemon?"

"...Yeah?"

"Be careful. I don't want you or Ai to get hurt."

A thoughtful pause.

"I'll be home soon, Jer."

Jeri sighed and shut her radio off with Beelzemon. Looking across the street from a hotel room Rose set her up with, all was going to plan. It had the perfect view of the Yatta Neiko Casino and the back loading bay docks. That was where the Bravo team was going to enter, while Alpha team had already entered the front of the casino. If they pulled this off and got away with it...

"I should check the other's radios." she murmured to herself, turning on her ear piece and holding the talk button.

"Lionheart to Imp 1. Radio Check."

"All good!" Mako replied.

"Imp 2. Radio Check."

"Same here." Ai said.

"Scarlet Witch. Radio Check?"

"I can hear you Jeri-I mean Lionheart." hybrid Ai said. Jeri giggled, she loved Ai's adorable mess up. Ai was starting to become Jeri's little sister without realizing it.

"Blond Thief, radio check and status update." Jeri addressed.

"I read ya and we're at the table, no sign yet-how's toots and the munchkins?"

"Give me a second, White Angel? Status?"

"Just about to reach the loading docks, we're okay."

"White Angel is good Blond Thief."

"Tell the munchkins to behave and...I love 'em." Ian spoke quietly, hoping no one could hear him...however everyone was listening.

"Will do, Alpha Flower, Radio-"

"It's clear-now shut up. I got a full house and this bastard is doubling the pot." Rose seethed.

Lindenmon landed carefully, carrying the twins and Ai onto the loading bay dock. She looked around, her full digimon instincts kicking in. Her 'Hands of Fate' floated around her body invisible, but ready to strike. Beelzemon landed beside her with a gentle flap of his wings.

"Where's the door?" he asked. The mega loaded his shotguns and ruffling his dark feathered wings. His body was ready to battle as adrenaline and a tinge of excitement was shooting through him. They were going to finally rescue Mako, Yuki and Tai.

Lindenmon floated over to the door that stood beside the loading bay dock. If Rose was correct, then this was the most 'direct' way to the basements. By 'direct' she meant straight down through concrete. Luckily, the mega duo had a very tactful plan. Lindenmon ordered her Tamers and hybrid Ai to stand back.

Flying up with Beelzemon, she stuck out a hand and started to charge her attack. White pixels of light collected into her hand and slowly she started to glow. Beelzemon did the same with his laser canon, collecting energy into a violet light. Within seconds, purple and white light were only visible from the duo.

"Well, here goes nothing." grunted Beelzemon. "Corona Blaster!"

"Linden Blossoms!" Lindenmon cried.

With a loud smash, concrete and dirt flew up in the air from the high impact explosion. A hole roughly five feet long and wide gave the team a new entrance to the basements. Concrete and debris were sizzling from the attack, glowing bright red. The group dropped down and heard a low buzzing alarm sound off.

They were in the sub-basement room where three guards sprawled on the floor-unsuspecting from the blast to come from above their heads while they were on a lunch break.

Ai and Mako walked behind Lindenmon while the other Ai was behind Beelzemon. Hybrid Ai had three flames ready to go and her digimon senses were tingling. There were others here...

The hallway leading up to the elevators was dull. Only one guard challenged them and Beelzemon punched him unconscious without even breaking his stride. It was not until they were several metres from the left elevator when a familiar voice called out.

"Jesus guys, you're making a huge mess in Az's hideout."

The group turned around to see a familiar nineteen year old with crazy brown hair. Beelzemon and hybrid Ai recognized him.

"Kazu? What are you doing here?" Hybrid Ai asked.

"It's been awhile huh, Ai? Beelzemon-nice seeing you too. I'd offer you something to drink but ya broke the sweet mini-bar back there when you blasted down here."

Beelzemon pointed his gun at the kid. He knew Kazu wasn't here by coincidence. "Kazu, go back. I'm not gunna say it again."

"What's your deal anyway? Az ain't the bad guy here. Why, he gave me a new purpose after I lost Gaurdromon to those A.D.A bastards. You guys remember that? How I lost my partner like Jeri did and no one gave a shit?" Kazu narrowed his eyes at the group. Ai and Mako went behind Lindenmon for protection. "Yeah, good times. Az was the only one who understood my pain. He gave me something special." Kazu with a air of confidence, kicked aside a slumped guard and walked with his hands in his pockets.

"What was that?" Lindenmon asked, feeling strange around him. It was like the itching feeling in the back of her head but a strange sensation made her body buzz. Was he...no-no, he couldn't be...

"Why don't I just show you?" Kazu gave an evil grin and raised his arms.

HYBRID WARP DIGIVOULTION

"Kazu hybrid warp digivolve to...HiAndromon!"

The group gasped and backed up. Kazu was a hybrid too? How? This was not good. Lindenmon whizzed around to Ai, Mako and the other Ai.

"You three go ahead with the plan, we'll be alright." Ai and Mako gave puppy dog eyes but the mega hybrid gave a look of disapproval. "No, don't start-find Mako, Tai and Yuki." She turned to the other Ai, "Look after my Tamers, okay?"

"They won't be hurt. I promise." the brown digimon replied, looking very serious. She had a determined look in her eye when it came to protecting others. Dashing as fast as bunnies, the trio went into the elevator, pressed the code, and rode it down.

Lindenmon stood up slowly, flexing out her 'Hands of Fate'. Whipping around, Lindenmon held out a hand and a white ball of energy appeared.

"Linden Blossoms!"

HiAndromon was hit backwards with the sneak attack. Stumbling a little, the hybrid gave a harsh laugh.

"Oh, that's cute! Want to see my attack? Copy and Paste!"

The attack took Lindenmon off guard but she managed to push herself out of the way just in time. Her 'hands' stung from the blast radius. She looked to Beelzemon.

"We're going to be here awhile."

Beelzemon pressed on his radio.

"Jer-we got ourselves another hybrid!"

The twins and hybrid Ai waited nervously as the elevator shot down, arriving at the second basement floor. The trio heard a 'ding' and the doors slid open. No one was in sight. Perfect.

They stepped out timidly, preparing themselves for anything. The twins each reached for their D-Arcs out of pure reflex but were saddened that they weren't there anymore. When they got out of this, they'll figure out how to recreate their D-Arcs. The quartet agreed to only use the 'link' if absolutely necessary.

"C'mon, this way." said hybrid Ai, running through the pure white hallway. It reminded them of a hospital. Clean, and sterile. Above, the trio could hear thuds and slams, assuming the battle was raging on upstairs. The brown digimon gave a sigh.

"It's okay Ai, they'll be fine." Mako assured her.

In the hallway, there were two doors on the left, a door further on the right, and one at the end. The twins ran to the first door on the left and no one was in there but the second one held two familiar people.

Hybrid Ai felt strange and uneasy. Something was around here and an unsatisfying itch developed in the back of her head. Cautious, she followed the twins to the door.

"Who's there?" a voice asked on the other side. It sounded like Tai-the father. The hybrid pushed the twins out of the way and banged on the door.

"Dad, it's me. Ai! We're here to rescue you!"

"Ai?" came Yuki's voice. "Oh, thank God you're alright. How did you find us?"

"I had help." She smiled at her counter-part and Mako. "Now, stand back! I'm busting open the door."

"Are you..." Mako face grew excited. Ai grew curious as well. They never saw her counter-part's digivolution before.

A blush crept across hybrid Ai's cheeks and she took a few steps, threw her head back, and closed her eyes.

HYBRID DIGIVOULTION

"Ai hybrid digivolve to...Witchmon!"

A teenager sized girl stood in Ai's place wearing a bright, long, red dress and a black cape. A large pointy hat was on her head and she had dark brown boots on her feet. A ghostly black cat was on her shoulder, staring curiously at the twins. In her large claw like hands was a large broom stick, ready to attack with. Her brown eyes had specks of red in them and her brown hair was longer, and pulled back into a low pony tail.

"Woah..." Mako and Ai whispered, amazed at the change. She looked so cool!

"I know. Totally awesome, huh? Now stand back. I'm gunna bust open this door like it's a paper castle!" Witchmon smirked and flipped her hair back in a haughty manner.

Ai and Mako could understand the personality change she was talking about. As Witchmon, she was louder and more confidant. It was different from her other side, the more meek and self conscious one.

Lifting her broom up and pointing at it steadily at the door, she let out her attack.

"Aqua Blaster!"

A shot of powerful water slammed magically into the door-completely obliterating it. The scraps of metal left flew inside. Thankfully, Tai and Yuki were unharmed by it.

The parents looked tired and sore. Yuki's crisp clothes were dishevelled-along with her short brown hair looking limp with grease. Tai had a bloody lip and a bruise above his left eye. As if something possessed them, they brightened at the sight of Witchmon and pulled the hybrid into their bodies for a hug.

"Oh, my baby Ai. Thank God, you're alright." Yuki cried, her body rocked with sobs. Witchmon tried her best not to cry at the reunion.

"Mom, I'm Witchmon now."

"I don't care what you call yourself, you'll always be my baby girl." she hugged Witchmon tighter, afraid to let go. Ai and Mako stood back but felt a longing to join them-feel their mothers hugs or their father's questions on how school was. Until now, the home sickness hadn't hit the twins hard. Now, it was like a train smashed into them and it wasn't breaking. Holding hands, they sought each other's comfort opening a 'link' to each other.

We'll see them soon.

And they'll hug us like that...

I love you, Ai.

I love you too, Mako.

The two waited patiently for the reunion to finish. Then someone unexpected flew out of the cell as well, becoming a blur of white-while crying out Witchmon's name. It nestled deep into Witchmon's arms, trembling.

"Calumon?" Witchmon gasped. The white digimon took a few sniffs before babbling,

"I'm so glad to see you! I've been stuck inside that cell forever! Tai and Yuki kept me company but I'm so glad you let us out!"

The group was relieved that Calumon had been found. Apparently, Azazel threw him in the cell awhile ago. Calumon hovered beside Tai and Yuki noticing the twins. Tai looked confused, and then a little suspicious.

"Ai, who are those two?"

"Makoto?" Yuki reached out to touch the boy's face. Mako shook his head.

"We're from another reality-"

"-It's a long story. I'm the Ai who didn't become a hybrid. Lindy saved me in my world and she became our digimon partner along with Impmon. We saved the world a few times. No biggie. "

The explanation made the parents stand there shocked for a little bit. Even Calumon hung his mouth open. Witchmon rolled her eyes.

"Ai, you can't drop bombs like that. We need them to function with us while we escape."

"Wait, where's our Makato?" Tai asked, looking around.

"I thought he was with you guys." Witchmon frowned. "He was taken away after you guys were-"

"We haven't seen him." Yuki cupped her hands in panic. "MAKATO! WHERE ARE YOU-"

Witchmon silenced her mother.

"Stop. I sensed a digimon here earlier and I don't want to run into it."

"You did? Why didn't you tell us?" Ai demanded.

"Didn't think it would be worth mentioning. C'mon, elevators this way. We can find my brother once we get mom and dad out."

Tai, Yuki, Calumon, Ai, Mako and Witchmon all made their way back to the elevator. Witchmon had her broom out in an attack stance in case anything tried to grab them.

Ai pressed on her radio.

"Imp One to LionHeart, we got mom and dad-I mean Tai and Yuki. Calumon is here too, we're getting him out." Ai blushed, looking back at the parents.

"Ca-Calumon?" Jeri's voice cleared after a moment. "Good job, I'll inform the others. Get out of there."

Everyone scrambled into the elevator, except for Witchmon. Her black cat spirit that was perched on her shoulder hissed and yowled. Someone was here...

"Ai, Mako...make sure my parents and Calumon get out safe. I'll get my brother. " Witchmon said, without looking at the duo. In a flash, she threw out a large hand and pressed the elevator door closed. With a hard strike, she broke the keypad, preventing the elevator to return to the floor. Not even a cry could be heard from her parents but if she had to guess, they would be freaking out. She had to remain confidant her counter-part and Mako would lead the others out safe.

She looked down the hallway and saw her twin brother standing at the other end. He looked alright and wore the same outfit he did when he let go of her hand on that dark street weeks ago. Witchmon wanted to feel excited-even grateful that Makoto was alive and well. But she didn't. A dark feeling grew over her-making the hairs on the back of her neck stand. Her digimon instinct tingled and felt like when she was around Lindy or the other Impmon.

"Mako..." Witchmon strode towards him, putting a large gloved hand up. "Where-"

"I've been here this whole time." he smiled, sadly. "In fact, I'm here to convince you to stay. Sis, Azazel is going to cure you. He doesn't want to hurt us-he wants to help." the boy gestured to the both of them. "We can control our powers together and be a family."

"Our powers?" The dread in Witchmon's gut tightened.

Oh no. Oh, please God no...

"Azazel gave me this trade." Makoto said, walking towards Witchmon until he stood directly in front of her. "Our services for the power to change-to be like you. A hybrid!"

Witchmon gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth, eyes widening. "You didn't!"

Makoto threw his head back, letting the power consume him-a sensation that caused pain but he was starting to enjoy it. After all, it was just proving that he was becoming more powerful and Azazel said it was normal. It filled his body, and a glow erupted from within himself changing into his digimon form.

HYBRID DIGIVOULTION

"Makoto hybrid digivolve to..."

A digimon stood there, equal to the power and height of Witchmon. He looked like a eleven year old child still, but wore a jumpsuit that looked tattered and worn. A dark blue cape was latched to his back. Digi-runes were inscribed on the inside of his cloak. A old, pointy blue hat crowned his head that had skull design on it. His brown hair was longer, tied back behind him but locks fell upon his face. Brown eyes opened, looking like the very same eyes that Makoto had. In his gloved hands was staff that had a sun design on the end, useful for his fire and thunder attacks.

His voice bellowed out, announcing the name of his champion form,

"WIZARDMON!"

Author's Note: Well, there we go! Wizardmon vs. Witchmon. I had this planned FOR SO LONG. Since I first developed this story. As well, I told you guys that Kazu has a role in this story too! It took most of the story to get to him but I think he deserved some mention of HiAndromon. Everyone usually biomerges him with Guardomon so I took this oppertunity to make his appearance in a new light, and as an antoginst. Throughout my whole series, I mention how severe the bonds break when a partner dies. Losing sanity, depression, even turning evil are results of losing your partner. I drove that point home in Surfacing.

Calumon is alive and well! I didn't kill the little guy don't worry but next chapter...it will hurt. Get ready for Part II of the Yatta Neiko Casino on SUNDAY!