Chapter 5: Looks Like Bad News

*Rita's POV*

After who knows how long, the little doofus finally woke up, and I made sure to give him the scolding he deserved.

Trix's eyes fluttered open and he groaned, noticing me. "Ergh… Sis? Uh, what's up?"

"What's… up?" I muttered, staring at him in swiftly growing shock. My eyes narrowed and he gulped.

"WHAT'S UP?! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME?! I was worried sick, and all you have to say is, 'What's UP'?!"

My idiot brother winced, covering his ears, "Geez Sis, calm down!"

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" I exploded, pointing my finger at him, "I thought you died!" I felt something wet on my cheeks, but didn't really care. After a few deep breaths to try and calm myself, I turned my head away, continuing. "What happened back there? The doctors won't tell me anything…"

Before he even did it, I knew he would mess with the bandage wrapped around his forehead and shot him a glare from the corner of my eye. He instantly lowered his arm. "Uh…"

"Well?" I snapped, turning back to look at my twin.

He himself took a deep breath, looking me straight in the eye. "...I don't know Sis. I honestly don't. It was some kinda nightmare…" He winced again as though remembering and my expression softened. I couldn't stay mad at him, no matter what foolish things he has done.

"Trix…" I sighed, leaning in and wrapping him up in a hug, "I'm sorry."

As expected, he blinked, "Huh? For what?"

"For getting mad at you. It's not your fault." I smiled a little, pulling back, automatically rubbing my stinging eyes.

In response, he put his hand on mine, lowering it, smirking a little as he did so. "'Ey, 'ey, now don't you be sad." Blinking my tears away, I managed a small smile, nodding.

Abruptly, there was a knock on the door, easily ruining the moment as a high pitched voice spoke up. "Excuse me, kyu, but may I come in, kyu?"

"Uh, sure?" my brother grunted, glancing at me and mouthing "kyu?" with an obvious snicker.

I groaned quietly, annoyed, slapping my hand to my forehead for added affect. I ignored him, lowering my arm and supplying. "Yes, please do come in, nurse Cutemon."

A small, pink, bunny-like digimon with red boots, a scarf, and earmuffs silently pushed the door open, padding into the room. It—she—noticed me and blinked, staring at my forehead. I blushed, realizing it was probably red from the slap. "Erm… Is Trix feeling better, kyu?"

"Ugh… if you call not being unconscious better, then yah," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

I was about to scold him, but the nurse quickly nodded. "Yes, it certainly is better, kyu!" Cutemon had obviously never heard of sarcasm.

My brother smirked a little at her and I shook my head at him. "Is something the matter nurse?"

She blinked, quickly raising her hands and shaking her head. "No, no, no!" She chirped gleefully. "It's very good! You have visitors~!"

Trix blinked, "Huh? Visitors?" even I was surprised.

She nodded in response. "Yes! Kyuu, they insisted on seeing you~!"

"Who?" I inquired, curious as I straightened from leaning over my brother's hospital bed, smoothing the crumpled white sheets under me.

Cutemon thought a moment, smiling still. "Let's see… a few students, two teachers, and, oh! An Elder even!" she winked. "You must be a special boy, kyu~" She promptly flitted off before we could say anything in reply.

When she had gone, I stared at the door she had both entered and exited from; wondering who could possibly want to see us. Certainly Wizzie, maybe Labramon… perhaps Mystimon and Wisemon were worried about my brother as well. I smiled at the thought.

Speaking of the imp, Trix coughed. "Uh, you know anything 'bout this?"

I shook my head, snapping out of it and turning back towards him. "No, I had no idea."

He frowned, than shrugged with a slight wince. "Whaddever you say Sis."

I frowned, but rolled my eyes at him, earning a quiet snicker. At least he's feeling better.

After a few minutes of staring at the elaborately decorated walls of the room in silence, there was another, lighter knock on the door. More like a tap.

Before my brother could make an even bigger fool of himself, I quickly answered. "Come in!"

When the door opened, a… black cat walked in? I gawked, confused, as this looked like one of those cats from the human world I had heard about, nothing like a Gatomon. Only, in place of its back two legs, there was a ghostly tail with two fin-like projections on either side—likely supposed to be its legs.

Getting over my mild surprise, I giggled, jumping down from my brother's bed and stepping towards the creature. "Why hello there, are you lost?"

"Meroow…" It seemed to eye me with an unusual, haughty gaze, causing me to frown in response.

Ugh, a cat with an attitude!

My brother, oblivious, sat up, trying to see, "Hey, Sis! Who's there already?"

I grumbled, crossing my arms, "No one, just a cat."

"A… cat?" before I could respond, the cat darted past my legs, jumping up onto Trix's bed at the sound of his voice. He blinked owlishly, staring at it as it padded towards him.

"…Huh?" we both murmured at once.

"Mreoowww~" It purred in response, coming up beside him and rubbing against his leg.

I stared at the thing.

"…The heck? Whose cat is this?"

"Not sure," I murmured as a reply, about to close the door when a familiar voice stopped me.

"Why Rita, about to close the door on your teacher?" it scolded in a playful tone. "Haven't I taught you better than that?"

My expression lit up when I saw the owner of the warm voice, "Mystimon!"

"Of course," he beamed, striding in when I opened the door again. After respectfully bowing his head toward me even though it was not needed, his helmed face turned toward Trix. I could almost hear the broad smile that was sure to have formed behind his helmet.

"Ah, Trix! Thank goodness you are awake! I was getting worried."

"Eh? You were worried?" My brother blinked at the cavalier, barely noticing as the outlandish cat crept closer and sat in the crook of his lap. Mystimon, however, did notice.

"Hmm? And who might this be?" He took a step forward with his silver and gold armored boot, the sapphire glimmering in an unknown light as he went towards my brother. I couldn't help but just stare in awe at him as he did such a simple task as walking. He made everything seem so gallant and majestic, which I greatly admired.

The cat wasn't nearly as pleased. Its fur stood on end and pupils turned to slits, a surprisingly loud hiss emerging from the small creature, startling Trix, Mystimon, and myself all at once.

The knight stopped, glowering now. "Interesting… cat you have there. Whose is it?"

Trix just shrugged, staring at it warily as it went back to purring and rubbing against his satin-like fur. "Dunno."

"It seems to like you…" I muttered and the knight's frown deepened, nodding. I gave a slight shrug to relax. I mean, it's just a cat. "Maybe it recognizes you from somewhere?" I added, walking back over. The cat didn't react this time. Trix just shrugged again.

After about a minute, Mystimon spoke up again. "Well, I didn't just come to check up on Trix… or talk about a cat." He turned towards me and I blinked. "It seems the ceremony for the solstice is about to commence. Your friends wanted me to check up on you, in fact, they are waiting outside right now." He had a slightly depressed look to him, and I gave him a curious look. He just shook his head, looking back at Trix.

I hesitated, deciding not to ruin the moment. "They are?" I glanced at my brother while I said this. He had a ginormous grin on his face.

He tried to rise, annoying the cat. "Well why didn't ya say so? Let's go! I should 'a known Sparky'd be lost without me," he chuckled.

I looked at him, then back at Mystimon, soon realizing why he wore the grim expression. I went over to Trix, gently and sadly pushing him back down; this seemingly pleasing the cat. "I'm sorry Trix, but you can't come."

"Huh?" He blinked a few times, than scowled. "Why not?!" he demanded.

Mystimon spoke for me. "Trix, you are in no condition to go." He didn't even hesitate when he saw my brother's shocked expression. "I am afraid you will have to wait until next year." He finished without a hint of pity, which surprised me greatly.

"Mystimon?" I questioned softly, but he didn't seem to hear me. …Or chose not to.

"W-Wha? I…I've gotta go! I've been waiting for today for forever…!" my brother gasped out and I flinched, knowing just what he meant. He really has been. I used to watch him when we were younger, Yaamons still, marveling at just how excited he was to participate in this strange event. He would go to the trouble of hopping all the way up to the square, searching for that brilliant flash of light that signaled digivolution, eyes sparkling with wonder and envy. He never once grew up in this respect.

Every year, after the event had concluded, he would always look at me, a broad, determined grin on his face. 'Sis, someday… that's gonna be me.' And finally, it was his chance to prove this true. Maybe… maybe his only one.

I looked back at my brother sadly, about to step forward to try and comfort him, but lost my will. For once, my words weren't there to save me.

Mystimon probably didn't realize, or maybe he did, but Trix was so far behind the rest of the class he couldn't afford to miss this event, always the last to learn something new or perfect his move, despite how very hard he was trying. And it was so hard to catch up with the others… I hate to say it, but he's the weakest among us, and weak digimon… weak digimon are held back. Despite his boasting, he really isn't all that strong, and he hates it, refusing to ever admit it, which is why he keeps challenging Wizzie.

I get the feeling he just wants to prove himself, to show the others that he's just as good as them. And he feels the only way he can do this is by digivolving along with all of them and now… that's being taken away.

Ignoring Trix's pleading expression, Mystimon turned to go. "I must be going. Decide quickly Rita—we do not wish to start without you," and royal blue cape billowing, he strode out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

I stared a moment, then turned back to my brother who looked horrified. "…Trix? Are you… okay?"

"I…I gotta go! I have to!" He partly whispered, partly strangled out, struggling to rise, but I pushed him back down again.

"No! You just fainted, Trix! I don't want you to get hurt." My expression softened slightly to show this was true, but he didn't notice, desperate now.

"Let go Sis! You don't understand—I need to go!"

I winced, tears in my eyes now as I watched his expression turned crazed. "Trix… I do understand. Please, please stop it!"

He growled, angry now as he prepared to spit back a retort, looking up at me to do so. When he did, he seemed to lose his will, staring at me, tears streaming down my pale face, leaving stains in my fur.

"Trix…" I whispered, "…please…"

Even the cat seemed to realize the gravity of the situation and kept quiet, flattening itself down as we, brother and sister, stared at each other. Understanding seemed to pass between us, though it was obvious Trix didn't like it, as he deflated immediately after, losing the rest of his strength.

"Rita… you know how much this means to me…"

I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut for a millisecond as I took a deep breath. "I-I know… And that's why I'm going to find a way for you to digivolve without the ceremony!"

He stared at me in shock. "…Rita? But you know that ain't possible…!"

"I don't care!" I glared at him with unwavering determination, despite the odds. "You're going to digivolve, I promise! It's happened before, so why not now? Don't worry bro, I'll make this right." I smiled softly, knowing just how hard the challenge would be. I didn't care.

Trix began to tear up, staring at me. "Ya… you really mean it Sis?" He choked and I nodded.

"Of course I do."

Naturally, Wizzie just had to walk right in, completely ruining the moment… again.

"Oh, uh, hey guys?" He coughed awkwardly, watching the scene. Me, leaning over my brother, crying bucketful's while Trix laid limply beneath, letting the tears drip onto his own cheeks. It was obvious the candle had interrupted something. "Err… did I come in at a bad time?"

Glancing up, I quickly straightened, wiping my cheeks while Trix scrambled backwards, flushing furiously at the wizard to be. "E-Ever heard of knocking?!" He exclaimed, rubbing at his eyes heatedly.

Another voice chuckled as our shaggy, four-legged friend freely flowed inside, greeting us with a nod and smirk. "Something tells me you did, Candlemon."

"No duh!" Trix growled, lowering one of his arms to glare.

I managed a weak giggle, feeling a bit uncomfortable myself. "Uh… what are you doing here?"

"We came to check up on you two." Labra shrugged, the markings under his eyes curling up slightly as he smiled, tan, shaggy fur shifting on his frame. "Or is that against the law?" This earned a scowl from my brother while Labra laughed and Wizzie rubbed the back of his head, sighing at his friend.

"Uh, so, Trix… are you feeling any better?" Wizzie tried to change the subject.

Trix, however, just growled. "Do I look like I feel better?"

"No, but you sound it!" Labra chuckled lightly, earning another glare.

"Why I outta…!"

"Trix," I hastily interrupted. He huffed.

"Whaddeva…"

I sighed, eyes closed. After a moment, I re-opened them, looking over at the two. "I'm glad you visited… and believe it or not, Trix is too."

"Hmph!"

Candlemon laughed uneasily at the imp, looking at me with a smile regardless. "Yah, well, we were worried about you guys."

"More like you were worried about my sister…" My brother grumbled, earning yet another glare from me.

"Trix!"

"No, he's right..." Candlemon reluctantly admitted, looking away.

"See?!" Trix called, glowering at the candle. But apparently, the chandelier wasn't done.

"…but I also came to check up on you Trix. You gave us quite a scare back there." Candlemon's brow creased, hoping over. "You sure you're okay?"

Trix blinked a few times as his friend clacked his way over, than scowled. "Yah, yah, I'm fine! Now just leave me alone, will ya?"

"Mreow…" The cat added, backing him up. Both Candlemon and Labramon tarried when they heard the cat, the latter padding over as he did so, but both choose not to comment.

Labramon shook his head to ignore the strange cat, looking at Trix sulkily. "What's your problem? He's just asking if you're okay."

"Yah? And I said I was fine!" My brother countered. I didn't say anything, head bowed, confusing the other two. Candlemon actually gave me a strange look, but I ignored it.

"…Trix, what's wrong?" The candle finally ventured after a few more failed attempts to calm the demon-child.

"Nothin'!"

"Now that's hard to believe." Labramon deadpanned, giving the appearance of crossing his arms even though he couldn't.

"Yah? Well nothin's wrong! I'm perfectly fine!" He choked out, turning away. He, however, couldn't hide the tears from me.

"Trix…" I murmured sadly, than sighed, turning towards the others with a guilty expression. I knew I had one, and didn't bother to hide it. "He can't go to the Solstice."

"Huh? Why!?" they exclaimed in shock, though it was mostly Wizzie.

"He's to injured, and… Mystimon said not to."

Labramon grimaced when I said that. "That explains why Elder Wisemon pulled him away before he went in… poor guy looked troubled. I had no idea why though. …Now I know."

Candlemon stared at him, "But… what? Trix has been waiting for this his whole life!"

"Yah, and I can hear ya Sparky!" The said imp growled, turning back, eyes a little red from supposedly crying, "Now why don't all of ya just leave me alone?!"

I jumped a little at how harsh his tone was, looking at him in surprise. After a moment or two, I complied, getting up to go.

Candlemon looked at me, concerned. "Where are you going, Rita?"

"Out… Trix wants some time alone." I replied, looking back at my glaring brother with a conflicting, sad expression. "…If you need me Trix…"

He snarled half-heartedly at me. "Just go…"

I bowed my head. "I'm still keeping my promise…" With that, I left, a confused Candlemon hopping along behind me.

"Wait, Rita! Where are you going? Wait up!"

*Labramon's POV*

I watched my best friend, Candlemon, leave. Then I looked at Rita's brother whose eyes were cold, hiding any and all emotion. "...She's just trying to help you, you know." I softly told him.

"…"

I stared at him for a few more seconds, than shook my head, turning to go. "There's a reason you don't have many friends Trix. I hope you realize why soon… and, happy Solstice."

I walked out of the room, hurrying to catch up with the others.

*Trix's POV*

I grit my teeth at what Poochie said.

"There's a reason you don't have many friends… and, happy Solstice."

I said nothing as he left, quietly closing the door behind him, glaring the whole time, cheeks wet. I wasn't really mad at them. I knew that, but wasn't willing to admit that, especially to Candlemon.

"…Have fun…" I sourly hissed, turning away so I wouldn't have to see their expressions if they came back. Not that I expected them to, except for maybe my Sis…

After a few minutes of silence, an unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Merrow… Why do you put up with them?"

"Huh?!" I jolted, looking around. I didn't get a reply, which needless to say, annoyed me. "Who's there!?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I startle you?"

I blinked, turning towards where the new voice came from, which was the door. It wasn't the silky one that had startled me just a few seconds ago, but a familiar, strict one. I gulped at the figure that now stood in the doorway, clad all in red and black. "M-Mistress Witchmon…!"

"Hello Trix." She… smiled? "Are you feeling any better?"

I stared for few seconds before vigorously shaking my head to snap out of it. "Uh, y-yah, fine… what do you want?"

She pouted. "Oh, I just wanted to check up on you. I was so worried when I saw you collapse that way." As she said this, the cat stretched, standing and padding over to her. It hopped off the bed, jumped up onto a nearby table, then onto her shoulder, yawning.

Not expecting that reply, I eyed her a bit suspiciously. She sighed. "Trix, you know it's the Solstice soon, right?" I nodded slowly, expression darkening. She didn't seem to notice. "Well, what are you still doing here then?"

Growling softly, I turned away. "…Apparently I can't go…"

Her eyes widened somewhat, "And why not?"

"I'm too injured, or somethin'…"

She crossed her arms, the broom she brought propped in the crook of one. "You don't look injured to me. In fact, you look fine, if sore. Did the nurse tell you this?"

Frowning, I looked back at her. "No… why does that matter?"

She tilted her head, her hat slipping slightly as she smirked. "Simple. Why do you have to stay?"