AN: Hey all! Finally, after 3 weeks I re-release my, new and improved, chapter one of Digimon Tamers – The King of Darkness. I have made some slight adjustments with the plot and extended the word count even further by up to 12,800 words. Which I am proper chuffed at! :D I have toned down the language in some areas. However, this is M-rated, for some (not a lot) foul language, and more possible 'acts' later on in the story.
Three Years after D-Reaper
Chapter 1
Rika Nonaka was in history class, bored out of her head whilst listening to Mr. Mori droning on about something called the Second World War. She was in her final year as a senior at Shinjuku high; after transferring over from her all-girls private school three years ago during the summer. Unfortunately, she was in her history class… 'How boring!' Rika thought. She looked behind her and saw that her friend, Henry Wong was sitting bolt upright, listening and taking notes from Mr. Mori. 'How he does that I have no idea' she mused, a wry smile crept upon her face. She then looked over to her left, and noticed that the 'idiot twins', also known as Kazu and Kenta; where both asleep and drooling over their desks. She laughed slightly and quickly put on a passive look as she turned back towards the board, so that it looked like she was paying attention. She then slightly glanced to her right, she saw Jeri Katou, her only female friend sitting next to her. Her face was bright and cheerful, not what it used to be. "Heh, I guess getting Henry to 'fess up was a good idea as any! They both look so happy now. A lot different than what it was three years ago" *sigh*. That night… three years ago, where everyone lost a friend, lost a Tamer, and lost a family member. But the one thing that saddened and hurt Rika more than anything was that; that night… she lost her first love of her life.
**flashback**
The last night the D-Reaper attacked... and was defeated!
"Why is Ryo doing that? It doesn't have any effect on that thing" shouted Rika over the ear-splitting screams emitting from what they presumed was the D-Reaper. She was wondering why Ryo was desperately trying to inflict pain upon the D-Reaper, and it having no effect on it what-so-ever. Before Henry could answer, Takato cut him off and yelled "He knows we can't play it safe anymore!"
He then sped off in his Bio-Digivolution form of Gallantmon. The Tamers had all digivolved into their Bio-Merge Mega forms. Rika and Renamon becoming Sakuyamon, Ryo and Cyberdramon becoming Justimon and Henry, with Terriermon becoming Megagargomon.
Takato was almost reaching the top off the D-Reaper's so-called 'face', when something dragged him down. It was one of the claws that had grabbed hold of him, next minute a weird looking figure came out of the D-Reaper's lower body. It looked partly human; but Takato knew it was mainly an alien form of some sort; most possibly created by the D-Reaper's merged digital form with the unknown surroundings. "Pathetic humans and your emotions! Emotions are for the weak! You need power to survive! Power! You humans have none of that! You don't deserve to live!" it screams echoed across the whole of the D-Reaper. The monster then began shouting at Gallantmon once again; this time about how humans shouldn't rely on their so called 'friends'. The scythes then emerged out of the alien looking creature and they began throwing punch after punch at Gallantmon. "Ugh, we need to fight back!" yelled Takato. Guilmon looked at his friend and asked Takato, "Is it true, Takatomon?" Suddenly, Takato became even more enraged, and screamed "NO! We do deserve to live!" Then Takato threw a punch at the grotesque thing and it let go of him. Gallantmon then punched it again and said, "It's you that doesn't deserve to live!" He threw one final punch and the alien/D-Reaper face slowly reclined back into the main body/tower. But before it disappeared it spoke; "You have guts, but in the near future you will come across something even more powerful than I have ever achieved. I thirst for that power, but only something of pure evil can harness that power. Beware Tamer… the apocalypse is coming! And if you don't do something, you along with everything else will be destroyed! Farewell… for now!" The head disappeared into non-existence, and Takato was forced to ponder those words 'it' spoke.
'Can there be an even more powerful enemy lurking in the darkness, and even the D-Reaper cannot defeat it? Damn if that's true, then we had better be prepared' Takato thought about the words the D-Reaper just spoke, thinking about the possibility of facing an even more formidable enemy. 'What did it mean by 'only something of pure evil can harness that power'? Does that mean the D-Reaper is not pure evil enough for this power and something else is?' he shivered in fear as all these questions flew around his head.
Gallantmon shook himself down regaining his confidence as he did; and then sped off towards the top to save Jeri.
Meanwhile, the other Tamers weren't doing as well as Takato.
"Get him Justimon!" shouted Megagargomon. Justimon lunged for the D-Reaper, but the D-Reaper got the best of him and started sapping all of his energy.
"Justimon, no!" Sakuyamon shouted, she went flying in, and sliced the D-Reaper's claw in half. "Thanks Sakuyamon." replied Justimon.
Megagargomon was still spinning at the speed of light and the D-Reaper was starting to go back to the Digital World.
"Yes, you're doing it Megagargomon!" Shouted Justimon, although his voice was a little bit wheezy, because he had nearly been crushed by that big claw.
At last, Gallantmon got to the top of the D-Reaper. By this the D-Reaper was really cheesed off at losing, so it decided to speed up the process of going back to the digital world by taking all the Tamers with it. Gallantmon saw Jeri and Calumon, and started towards them…
Suddenly, Guilmon began to grow weak, "What's the matter Guilmon?" asked Takato who was worried for his friend. "I'm getting weaker; I can't hold this form much longer!" He was right; the rest of the other mega Digimon also began to grow weak, and soon they would de-digivolve back into their rookie forms.
"Ok Guilmon when we lose this form, I want you to throw me at Jeri with all your might! Got it?"
"I got it Takato!" replied Guilmon.
"On three Guilmon".
"1…
2…
3!"
Gallantmon then de-digivolved into Takato and Guilmon. Guilmon then swung Takato round on his tail with every last bit of energy he had, and… Takato flew off towards Jeri.
Meanwhile…
"YES! Come on! Just a bit more and the D-Reaper can kiss its sorry ass and sod off back to where it came from!" screamed Ryo. Megagargomon was still spinning forcing the D-Reaper to go back to the Digital world. What they didn't know was that the D-Reaper was sending them all with it, back to the Digital world. "H... Henry, I thiiiiiink IIIIIII'm gonnnnnaaaaaa be SICK!" wailed Terriermon. "No you don't, we can't give in now, not after how far we have come!" screamed Henry.
Takato grabbed onto Jeri, bridal style. Jeri tried her best not to blush, avoiding eye contact with Takato for a split second. She was wondering where everyone else was, not knowing that her friends where fighting; trying to save her and, most importantly, the world. 'At least Takato is here safe with me; I wonder where everyone else is?' Guilmon noticed Calumon and flew off towards him. They happily embraced each other and began to mess around with each other; for old time's sake, whilst Takato and Jeri where talking to each other.
"I'm glad you all came for me, Takato. I was getting worried that no-one would come and find me." Jeri said, and then she broke down in tears.
"It's ok Jeri, I'm here now, there's no need to cry. Everyone will be here soon."
Takato knew that everyone would be here soon, but he had to do one more thing before they all got out first.
**flashback**
*1 week prior to the final D-Reaper attack*
Janyu Wong, Henry's father, began the scanning process on Terriermon. Takato and Henry were watching intently. Now Henry, being one of the smartest people that Takato knew, was wondering why Terriermon had to have a scan. His father turned to face them both, and explained. "I need to find out the digital composition of a normal Digimon and compare it with the relevant information that we have on the D-Reaper!" Henry nodded, ensuing that he understood. Mr. Wong turned back to the scanner and continually observed the status of Terriermon; adding some tweaks here and there.
Takato stood further back than Henry and studied the complexities of the scanning program. He noticed a weird-looking sign in the bottom left corner, it was more of an emblem. He recognised it from somewhere, but what was it...
A few minutes after the scanning had been completed, Terriermon complained about his right ear being a bit funny. Henry was wondering what could have caused it, but Takato had realised what it was… Terriermon had been planted with a microchip containing the last remains of the Juggernaut program, the one program that destroys digital data. And since the digimon were digital beings that only meant one thing... if the Juggernaut program was not taken out in time, and the D-Reaper was defeated, when the Digimon where to go back to the Digital World... they would be destroyed.
**end flashback**
Takato clenched his fist in anger, knowing what was to come!
Meanwhile…
"Yes! You're doing it Megagargomon! Just a little bit more!" yelled Sakuyamon. Justimon noticed that the warp hole was spinning too fast due to the intense force of gravity and centrifugal force. It clicked… "CRAP! Megagargomon, STOP! It's trying to suck us all back into the Digital world with it!" Ryo's voice didn't reach Henry in time, because… BOOM! A shockwave blasted from the D-Reaper's wormhole, sending Justimon and Sakuyamon flying.
"Ugh… what the hell was THAT!" yelled Justimon, who was picking himself up off the ground. "I… don't know" moaned Sakuyamon, who was struggling to get to her feet herself. Then realization hit them… "MEGAGARGOMON!" they both screamed. The ground inside the D-Reaper's warp hole shook violently once again. "Damn! Where are they?" yelled Sakuyamon. Justimon scanned the warp hole hoping to find any signs of life, such as Henry and Terriermon…
"There I see them!" he yelled triumphantly. "Where… I don't see them!" yelled Sakuyamon over the trembling earthquake that was rattling Shinjuku. "There! Right there!" screamed Justimon.
Sakuyamon finally saw where Justimon was pointing, "Right I see 'em. I'm going in!" Justimon grabbed Sakuyamon before she did anything, "ARE YOU CRAZY! You might get caught up in the warp. Even though Megagargomon actually made it reverse the process, it's slowing down, and sooner or later, it will start to warp outwards into the Real world again. Let's go and find Takato, he always knows what to do in crisis situations like this." Sakuyamon sighed, "FINE! But let's hope the gogglehead has an ace in the hole or we might not get out here alive!" Justimon turned and grinned at her before running off towards where Takato was. "So… you understand what Takato meant before, where 'we can't play it safe anymore!" Justimon glanced at Sakuyamon, who had finally caught up, "Yeh, if we don't put our all into this battle, then none of us could end up alive after tonight. However, gogglehead always has a plan, even if it is a risky one; we'd always pull it off with no-one getting remotely injured!" Sakuyamon stated.
After over 10 minutes of running and flying (if you could call it that) they were both nearing their destination…
"Damn!" yelled Cyberdramon. "What's up Cyberdramon?" asked Ryo. "The Digital field is a lot weaker here, I think it's due to Megagargomon reversing the process removing the outer areas of D-Reaper first, I don't think we'll be able to hold our form much longer!" grunted Cyberdramon, Ryo could tell that this was putting strain on his Digimon partner. He glanced over at Sakuyamon; it looked like she was also struggling with holding her mega form.
"Damn Rika, I can't hold us in this form any longer, tell Ryo quickly before anything happens!" Renamon moaned in pain, "There isn't enough Digital data here that can support our forms!" Renamon stated.
Rika glanced at Ryo… "Ryo?" asked Rika. "Mm, yeh Rika what's up?" replied Ryo. "Me and Renamon can't hold this form any longer. If we do we'll pass out!"
"Damn!" Ryo then realized the seriousness of the situation. He flew towards Sakuyamon as fast as he could. "Ahh!" Sakuyamon screamed, suddenly white light surrounded her, "Damn! That's the de-digivolution process!" Ryo screamed his horror. Justimon, with lightning-fast reflexes managed to grab Rika in his arms and made Renamon somehow land gently onto his back. "Phew! I thought we wouldn't have made it!" Ryo breathed out an audible breath he didn't know he was holding. Justimon looked upwards; towards where Takato and Jeri were. "Right, we have to move now and fast if we're going to save Henry and Terriermon alive!" With that in mind Justimon shot off towards the top of the mini D-Reaper's head. 'But they're not the only people we have to save!' exclaimed Cyberdramon silently to himself.
Takato soon heard voices; and footsteps… one pair of footsteps. "Wait, that can't be right!" Takato mused. He looked up to where Justimon looked like he was trying to have a private conversation between himself and, erm, himself. "Ahh, right! Ryo and Cyberdramon must be conversing, however, they don't know that they are doing it out loud!" he smacked his forehead, knowing that he should have seen that coming. "Typical, whenever they want to talk about something private, it always ends up being shouted out so that everyone else can hear it as well!" Takato muttered, Jeri looked on at the mega-level Digimon and just giggled, knowing full well what could happen between the two.
Justimon, along with Rika in his arms, and Renamon on his back, finally arrived. He noticed Takato and Jeri, along with Guilmon, and Calumon. He smiled, 'Thank God! It looks like Takato defeated the miniature version of the D-Reaper by himself, well; I didn't expect anything less from our leader!'
Takato saw who Justimon was with. "Damn Ryo, here let me help you!" He turned to face Guilmon, "Keep hold of Jeri until later, ok?"
"No problem Takato!" beamed Guilmon. Takato ran over towards Ryo and grabbed Rika from his arms. Suddenly, a white light engulfed Justimon, and he de-digivolved back into Ryo and Cyberdramon. Ryo caught Renamon in his arms, whilst Cyberdramon bent down and with a hackling cough he sprawled himself out on the so-called surface. Takato looked on towards Cyberdramon; but before he could say anything Ryo beat him to it. "They're fine! They're probably just exhausted from the battle before. I mean I have to admit, I'm pretty worn out myself!" he said whilst looking at Takato with a toothy smile.
Guilmon and Calumon where playing games with Jeri to try and cheer her up, thankfully it was working, before long she was laughing along with the two Digimon who had just told a very funny joke. Over in the distance sat Takato and Ryo discussing various things. "You know what to do don't you?"
"Yeh, once they get here, shove them and go. Let me go with you, I know the Digital World better than you… Takato!"
"No, we need as minimum casualties as possible you need to stay with them, you and Henry are joint team leader, once it happens. And make sure Rika and Jeri will be ok... especially Rika!"
Ryo smirked and stood with one hand on his hips, "You got a thing for fiery red heads now Matsuki?" knowing full well he doesn't like his last name being used in those types of situations.
"W...What makes you suggest that Akiyama?" stuttered Takato. 'Damn him! How dare he use my last name for that!'
Ryo continued, "Don't lie, I see it. The way you look at her, or should I say gaze at her for hours on end, and plus the way you watch her walk. You really like her don't you Takato?" Ryo grinned evilly.
"Oi! Now don't be going into details about her figure!" Takato suddenly realized his error. "Aww crap!" Takato's shoulders sagged and he sighed in defeat.
"HA! I told you, I was right. Just admit it Takato you luuurve Rika Nonaka!" Ryo chuckled. No response… "I guess I hit a nerve there?" Ryo asked with a worrying look on his face.
"Damn right you did Akiyama!"
"Anyway let's move on to a different subject. Like, how the hell are we getting out of here?" Ryo exclaimed. Takato smirked, "You forgot someone else that's with us two!" Ryo looked on cluelessly until it clicked… "Him! Damn I can't believe I forgot him. He was helping us out from the beginning isn't that right?"
"Hell yeh just got to wait until they get here!" Takato looked over his shoulder to look at Jeri and the other Digimon. "Don't forget about what I said before eh, Ryo?"
Ryo waved it off, "Yeh yeh, I know don't worry, I'll look after them, along with Henry!"
Takato cringed at the moment that Ryo mentioned Henry's name. "Crap! I hope him and Terriermon are ok! Otherwise we're in the deep end... if you know what I mean!"
"Anyway, we have to move these two over to where Jeri and Calumon are, before they get here!" Ryo said pointing at Rika and Renamon. Takato smiled, "Kazu and Kenta, eh… you had better hurry up… for everyone's sake!" he whispered.
"Right!" said Takato, who had a grin plastered on his face. He began to walk the short distance towards Rika and Renamon, when he stopped. "What's up Takato?" asked Ryo. Takato swerved on the spot, "What!" he asked, Ryo jumped slightly at the tone of Takato's voice, he then noticed that Takato was a little agitated. "I think Renamon is coming around!" replied Ryo. "I know! That's why I'm a bit shook up!" Ryo glanced once more at Takato, with a look of confusion clearly on his face. 'What did he mean by that?' he mused. They both looked towards the fox-like Digimon, who was stirring slightly, trying to overcome unconsciousness. Gradually, after moving her and Rika partly the way over towards where Jeri, Guilmon and Calumon were situated, she came too. "Urgh! What the hell happened?" she asked looking around wondering if she could find anybody. Her sight was very blurry and she couldn't really make out who was in front of her. Ryo spoke up first, "Megagargomon got blasted somewhere and we decided to go and find Takato, so that we could come up with a further plan!"
Renamon looked groggily around, it was looking like the de-digivolution process, along with the D-Reaper's ferocious activities had drained all of her energy. She slowly used her paws and felt around herself, until she felt a pair of hands. 'His hands!' "So… who's next to me then?" she asked wearily. Takato sat down next to her, "It's me Renamon, Takato!" who patted her arm just letting her know that he was in fact there. Ryo then decided to intervene "There's me, Cyberdramon, Takato and Rika. However, she is unconscious at this moment in time!" Renamon heard her Tamer's name, "Rika… is she injured in anyway?" Takato grimaced, looked at the few deep cuts and bruises along Rika's body. Her favourite jeans were torn in some places, her full-hearted t-shirt wasn't doing so well either. Takato steadied his breath before replying. "Nothing we can't fix up! Don't worry Renamon!" Although he was berating himself on the inside for down-right lying to Renamon. Ryo decided to speak up and to relieve Takato of his anguish "Anyway, enough chit-chat! Let's get this show on the road!" he said whilst pumping his fist into the air.
Takato went over to Rika and gradually hoisted her up onto his front, so that she was piggy-backing him but on the front. "C'mon Ryo, let's get this started!" he said. Ryo just starred at Takato and the position he was in, Takato saw the weird look Ryo was giving him, "You know… if this wasn't a serious situation, I'd punch your lights out right now!" Ryo paled, possibly thinking of what could have happened to him. Instead he replied "Right you are Takato! Let's go!" who was slowly picking up Renamon from her half conscious state. They started walking over towards were Jeri, Guilmon and Calumon where. Takato suddenly remembered, "What about Cyberdramon?" he asked. "Don't worry about him; he'll be with us shortly. He's just regaining his breath back!" answered Ryo. Takato sighed, "Why am I not surprised?"
Jeri was still laughing along with Guilmon and Calumon when she sensed movement behind her. She quickly spun round looking to see who it was. She gasped at what she saw, Ryo was in a bit of a bad shape, but what shocked her mostly were Rika and Renamon. They were totally battered and bruised, as well as being unconscious. "My God, are they going to be alright?" asked Jeri horror struck. Takato looked up from his position, "Yeh, they're gonna be fine Jeri! No need to worry!" Takato looked at Ryo, who nodded. 'He looks a bit agitated. Better hurry it up guys!' Suddenly, he sensed something; he glanced at Takato, who must have sensed it as well, because he was slowly looking around trying to find any form of life.
"In 5…" Ryo whispered.
"Four!..." Takato was getting a bit edgy.
"Three…" Takato snapped, "WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY?" he screamed.
Still no sign of them…
"OIIIIIII!…TAKATO! OVER HERE!" screamed Kazu.
"About time!" muttered Ryo.
Kenta and Jeri were wondering what was going on between the three. Takato smirked, "Anyway, battle formation, Shioda, Akiyama!" Both stood to attention, "Hai!"
Kazu turned to Kenta "Let me borrow Marineangemon for five minutes. Don't worry we'll all be back soon!" he grinned. Kenta nodded dumbly, wondering what was going on, but nevertheless, let his Digimon partner go with his best friend. Kazu thanked his friend then turned around and jumped off Guardromon.
Ryo slowly walked over towards the rest of the Digimon and Jeri, holding onto Renamon. Guilmon looked worried, "Is she going to be alright Ryo?" Ryo looked up at the Dinosaur, virus type Digimon. He then smiled, Guilmon knew what it was, a fake smile. Ryo then decided to break the tension, "I honestly don't know Guilmon!" He slowly placed her on the floor next to Guilmon. "I'll be back in a moment; I'm just going to fetch Cyberdramon."
Ryo walked slowly up towards his partner, "You alright buddy?" he asked whilst bending down to hoist his partner onto his back. Cyberdramon coughed, and looked up wearily, "Grr, like hell I am! *cough* Urgh!" He then made a forced smile, "Can you help me here Ryo?" Ryo smiled back, "Sure thing buddy! Give me a second!" Ryo positioned himself next to Cyberdramon so that he would be comfortable as possible. He then lifted his Digimon partner onto his back. "Argh! *cough cough* Urgh, this is what you guys call pain huh?" his body twitching in pain. He glanced at his human friend, "Thanks Ryo, for everything!" A small, but well knowing smile crept up onto Ryo's face, "Thanks Cyberdramon, I really appreciate that!" They started to walk over towards the rest of the group, with Jeri taking care of the unconscious Rika, and the now landed Guardromon tending to the injured Renamon.
Just at that moment, Kazu landed on the ground after what seemed an eternity, he walked over to Takato. He lent over so that no one would be able to hear their conversation, "You sure about this chumly?" Takato just nodded his head slowly, Kazu continued "You do know that everyone won't be the same, without you being there to lead us all…" he slowly trailed off. "Are they all in position?" Takato asked, trying to get off the topic. Kazu glanced around slowly, recognizing that Rika, Jeri, Renamon, Cyberdramon, Calumon, Guardromon and Kenta were all safely inside 'the zone of extraction'.
"I take it that's a yes then?" Takato sighed. "Phase one completed, phase two 'extraction' begins now!" Takato commanded. Kazu nodded his head; understanding what he had to do. He put his hands together and began doing a series of hand signs.
Ryo glanced up at Kazu, from where he was standing he noticed his left arm slightly out of position, but he could see the fast flicking motions he had begun. Ryo's eyes widened, 'Military… how does Kazu know military signals? Wait a minute… the signal? That's it!' In one swift move, Ryo had glided upon Kazu, wrenched Marineangemon away from his grasp and shoved him towards the rest of the group. "MARINEANGEMON NOW!" Takato yelled. Suddenly, a heart-shaped bubble was heading towards the group. Guilmon realized what it was 'What! They started already?' The heart-shaped bubble was descending upon them faster than he expected. 'Damn, I'll have to move a bone or two, here goes!' Guilmon sprung onto his claws and did a 360 degree whip, causing his left arm to fracture ever-so slightly. He hissed at the pain, but otherwise landed outside the bubble's range somewhat gracefully, yet painfully. He then stumbled over towards Takato and Ryo. The group soon realized that it was Marineangemon's Kahuna Waves, only this form was the friendlier of the two. Kazu jumped up seeing that he was trapped inside Marineangemon's Kahuna Waves bubble. He seethed with rage; he was supposed to help Takato. So why the hell did Ryo push him into the bubble, "OI! Akiyama, what's the deal, eh?" he screeched. Ryo smirked, "You've done your job Shioda, now get outta here before D-Reaper gets its hands on you lot!" Kazu growled, "Like hell Akiyama! We were supposed to help Takato! How come you aren't in this bubble with me then?"
"It's simple…" Ryo trailed off.
"What's so simple? Eh!" screamed Kazu.
Ryo finally lost it, "WHO'S GONNA SAVE HENRY, WHEN TAKATO STOPS THE D-REAPER, EH!"
Kazu looked stunned, it finally clicked, "Sorry Ryo… I didn't know… Takato didn't tell me the whole plan… I'm sorry guys…" Kazu looked at his feet, drifting off into space.
Takato stepped forward, "It's alright Kazu, you didn't know, it was my fault, I should have told you both the whole plan from the beginning…" he looked across what was left of Shinjuku; covered in the D-Reaper, towards the vortex.
"What do you mean both of us…? I thought you told me the whole plan… Ooof!" Ryo flew forward and landed within the bubble with everyone else. "Wha…?" he looked around, then he spotted Takato talking to Guilmon, they were ready for something. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR TAKATO?" screamed Ryo, "I thought I was helping you save Henry?"
"It wasn't Takato, Ryo!" Guilmon stated. Ryo's eyes widened once more, stuttering, he finally got his words out "G...G...Guilmon… why?" Guilmon looked away in anguish; whilst twisting his neck towards Takato's direction. Takato knew what that meant; he sighed. He then strode forward a couple of paces.
Takato looked up towards the sky, "That's what I thought at first Ryo, but then it hit me, I cannot endanger the people I hold dear to me, I wasn't gonna take Guilmon with me at first, but then who would take everyone back when I went away…" he trailed off into the distance. Kenta looked shocked, "What do you mean 'went away'?"
Takato sighed, "Now's not the time or place to be discussing this… Marineangemon take this lot outside D-Reaper, Guilmon will get Henry and Terriermon!" Takato faced them, "I know they are alive, I believe in them… I believe in you all as well!" he smiled. "Now if you don't mind, I have to stop this monster!" he turned to face Guilmon, "Ready buddy?" Guilmon nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be Takatomon!" he pumped his fist in the air. "Right, let's go buddy!" he then turned around to face everyone, "Listen, I know you're all against me on this, but let me tell you something…" he trailed off trying to look through D-Reaper to see the sky, but he couldn't manage. "There will only be one sacrifice tonight… I can guarantee that it won't be any of you lot!" He spun around on his heel, "Let's go Guilmon!" he grabbed his partner and sped up the biomerge-digivolution process. A flashing light appeared; and out of the light stepped Gallantmon.
Everyone gasped at the way Takato and Guilmon looked when combined as Gallantmon once more. He was literally breathtaking. His body was clad in the Holy armour that had been refined and constructed from the rare and pure Chrome Digizoid. His body glistened in the small amount of sunlight that penetrated the D-Reaper's surface. His right arm had fully transformed into the holy lance Gram, as well as his left arm transformed into the holy shield Aegis.
Ryo then noticed a symbol on the shield looked a lot like the Shinning Digivolution that Calumon was usually associated with. 'I've never noticed that before! I've seen the Digital Hazard symbol on his chest before, like on Guilmon, but never this!'
"Let's roll out!" he yelled. He then flew off into the dark wasteland that was known as the D-Reaper.
Everyone looked onwards at Gallantmon, their hopes and dreams lye within him, and thus he had begun to save the world!
Meanwhile, throughout the whole ordeal, Rika Nonaka was still in a semi unconscious state, but had heard bits and pieces of different conversations, mainly with Takato in. She was slowly coming to terms of what Takato Matsuki had said. Her feelings had been growing for him since the IceDevimon incident. Those words; those angry words coming from his mouth all just to protect her, she had never given him enough credit; if any at all. He was really goofy at first when she met him, and even though her feelings at the beginning was nonexistent; she decided to tease him about him loving her and she loved watching him squirm when he couldn't answer. She was hoping to God that he didn't see her blush before in the tunnel. What the hell possessed him to comment on her new t-shirt? Although inside she was dancing with joy that Takato had liked her t-shirt.
However, during these past few battles she had seen a side of him that no one had seen before; his darker side. He had gotten more serious ever since Leomon had been killed by Beelzemon. And seeing Jeri like that made him crack. Then Megidramon formed from his hatred. It scared everyone, and when the ground started shaking and cracking Henry nearly lost his sister because of it. When he realised what he had done, Takato broke down. Thankfully, everyone recovered from that ordeal.
However, when Jeri was captured by the D-Reaper his anger grew even more at the fact that it was his friends always getting into danger. And when Beelzemon, who had turned back to the good side; attacked the D-Reaper with all his power but had still fallen into mere Digital data. Thankfully, he still had survived due to Takato saving him before being absorbed by the D-Reaper. But Takato felt like he could have done something to prevent it. In both scenarios when he knew Jeri and Beelzemon were in danger he wished he could have done more to help. What he didn't know was that he had done more than everyone else put together. Rika knew that deep down he was feeling that this was his entire fault.
She had decided that when this was all over; she would tell him how she really felt. And that's a challenge in itself even for an ex-cold hearted, stern person like Rika. She trusted him with everything; her mind, body and soul, including her heart. Rika Nonaka had fallen in love with Takato Matsuki from that moment onwards…
...But would he know?
Marineangemon began the ascent to extract everyone out of the D-Reaper, when a sudden jolt jerked the whole bubble about. Everyone starred off into the distance, where a couple of huge explosions where going off. "My God, he's really going for it isn't he?" exclaimed Kazu; he glanced back down, towards where everyone else was. He then looked back towards where Takato had disappeared; "GO AND KICK ITS ASS, TAKATO!" he screamed as loud as his voice would allow him. He then stood to a salute, and began observing the spectacle that was Gallantmon. He looked downwards once more towards the rest of the Tamers; Guardromon, Jeri, and Ryo where looking after Renamon, Rika and Cyberdramon respectively.
"Crap! Where are they?" yelled Takato. He had just decimated another miniature monster that the D-Reaper had created. "That thing isn't letting us get away easily, damn!" Guilmon growled. He then spotted something that quite caught his eye, "H...hey, I think I see something in the distance… can't quite make it out though…" he sighed. Takato sprung into action, "It's better than nothing, come on, let's go!" he bolted towards the speck of life that Guilmon guided him too… until, "Damn! Just another one of those crappy monsters, oh well, as they say, slice 'em n dice 'em!" Gallantmon sprang forwards and with his lances, made the monsters into chopped liver… or so he thought. The monster's remains then suddenly combined into one huge blob of whatever it was, and with it regenerated a new and larger monster, in fact this one stood around 200 feet tall, with four arms, with an axe in each, and a head made out of what looked like an alien. Gallantmon backed away, "W..What the hell is this?" Takato stuttered looking lost for words. Guilmon brought him back to reality, "TAKATO WE NEED TO MOVE… NOW!" he screamed. Takato looked; "Wha..!" the next thing he saw was a giant axe being swung down towards him at a ferocious pace. Takato was frozen to the in fear… "TAKATO MOVE!" screamed Guilmon.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Grani, who somehow had managed to transform into his Flight Mode form, launched himself in front of the oncoming axe. A sickening slash was heard in the remote silence of the D-Reaper, as Grani lay there, at the foot of Gallantmon, with the giant axe embedded into his chest. "T...Taka...to, do y...you w...want to s...save every...one?" he stuttered out in raspy breath, knowing that he didn't have much time left. Gallantmon nodded slowly, "Very well, *cough cough* absorb the last remains of my power, and you shall!" Gallantmon nodded once again, and Grani disappeared from existence, all that remained was the digital data particles, that were floating about two feet away from Takato and Guilmon. Suddenly, as if they came to life, they shot towards Gallantmon, and without even thinking he put out his hand, and the particles began to merge with him. A white-light en-loped him while the rest of Grani's digital body was merging with him.
Ryo had clambered up towards where Kazu stood. After a couple of moments they viewed Grani's demise. The Tamers watched on in shock, as Grani had been defeated by the hideous monstrosity. "GRANI!" screamed Ryo and Kazu; they could see what had happened, due to them having the best vantage spots. Kenta looked up towards them, "WHAT'S GOING ON? KAZU?" he bellowed. "That son of a bitch…" Ryo murmured, "THAT FUCKIN' SON OF A BITCH, I'M GONNA KILL HIM!" Ryo screamed; he then launched himself off Guardromon; only to be caught by his newly recovered Digimon partner; Cyberdramon. "Stop it Ryo!" he yelled, "Shouting won't do any good, Takato's gonna be alright" he turned towards Marineangemon, "Let's get this thing moving faster, now!" he motioned towards the edge of the heart-shaped bubble. He turned back again towards Kazu, "Try and calm Ryo down, do anything!" and with that he put Ryo down next to Kazu, who suddenly gave him a right hook to the face; which promptly knocked him out. Cyberdramon sweat dropped, "Thanks!" he then faced Marineangemon and went to start to make the bubble accelerate more.
"Huh! What's this?" asked Takato. "I…I...I don't know, Takatomon. It looks like some sort of Digital data particles. I…I think they're trying to fuse with us!" replied Guilmon. "Let's do it, for Grani!" he yelled. Guilmon smiled, "FOR GRANI!" they both simultaneously screamed. And with that one final yell of courage and friendship, Grani knew he was leaving his power to the two best beings in the world. One a Digimon; and the other a Human... yes... he knew it all along.
Once the blinding flash of white light had just about faded there stood a completely different Gallantmon. Gone was the cape, out of his back came a pair of angelic wings that shone God-like powers out of them. His Chrome Digizoid armour replaced with the even stronger Red Digizoid which covered his body in a crimson metallic red. His arsenal had also changed dramatically, gone were the shield and lance. In place was the holy sword Blutgang in his left hand; whilst in his right, he possessed the celestial spear Gungnir.
Guilmon looked down at themselves, "Woah! Talk about an extreme makeover!" he grinned from ear to ear, "Let's go get him Takato!"
"…"
"Takato? Is there anything wrong? Come on let's go!" he shouted. Suddenly, Takato lifted up his head, "Thank you Grani… for everything! You will never be forgotten, as a hero of the Digital and human worlds, as a saviour, and as a friend. Goodbye my friend… and good luck!" once again he bowed his head and stood quietly. For a couple of minutes he stood there saying nothing; then he went for it. He then lifted up his head, with a newfound spirit in his eyes he stepped forwards with Guilmon and Grani. "GALLANTMON CRIMSON MODE… ATTACK! HAAAAAAAAH!" he began to run towards the 200 foot monster that the dreaded D-Reaper had created.
The big oaf of a monster finally noticed that the enemy was beginning to move. It roared, reared its hands with the remaining three axes, and one fist clenched; it began to move forward to crush its opponent.
Takato wasted no time in pulling out all the stops on this monstrosity. He reared his spear backwards and screamed… "FINAL JUSTICE!" and with one mighty throw of the lightning spear, it embedded itself within the body of the monster. It stumbled, gasping from the shock it had just had. However, it still kept on charging. "Shit, come on. What else?"
"Takato, the sword!" yelled Guilmon. 'Of course, why hadn't he thought of that sooner!' "ROYAL SABER!" he shouted, feeling his voice starting to break ever so slightly. He thrust the sword towards the monster… and severed off one of its arms. The creature roared in pain once again from the shock attack. With an arm lost and a mighty spear hanging loosely from its bloody torso, it still groaned onwards so that it could take out its prey once and for all.
"GOD DAMN IT! DIE ALREADY!" Takato had had enough, and with one last breath of his screaming voice "CRIMSON LIGHT! ARGHHHHH!" Gallantmon soon became a blur and the creature couldn't anticipate where he was going to end up next. Suddenly, Gallantmon appeared out of thin air and grabbed his spear that was still jammed inside the monster; and released all of his remaining power at the alien-like creature channelling it through the spear. "HAAAAAAAAAH!" There was a flash of blinding white light, and they knew no more.
Cyberdramon heard a big explosion over his shoulder; where Takato was previously; "O...Oh M...My G...God! We gotta move now 'Angemon!" Marineangemon nodded in acknowledgement "Yeh, let's go… Takato…" they both turned around witnessing the blinding flash of white light "Crap, I hope Henry and Terriermon survived!" he cursed once more. "Now's not the time Cyberdramon, let's move" whispered Marineangemon. Cyberdramon sighed, "Yeh ok… let's move!" In one last vital push towards the edge of the D-Reaper's barricade, they finally broke through. "YESSSS!" screamed Kazu, and with that scream of joy Ryo was woken up. "Wha... What's going on?" he asked, slurring his words. "We're out… look!" Kazu pointed towards Shinjuku Park where they used to hang about. "Hey, I see something, look… over there!" squeaked Jeri, who pointed towards a mass clump of dark figures. Ryo tensed and tried to get into a fighting stance, but was still recovering from Kazu's punch before, "Ugh! I'll get you later Shioda. Anyway, be on guard, you never know who they, or what they are!" Kazu nodded and did the same, whilst Jeri went over towards Rika and the rest of the Digimon. Cyberdramon, however, got up and started to try and walk towards Kazu and Ryo. Kazu noticed out of the corner of his eye, "Hey Cyberdramon you really shouldn't be up and about…" but he was cut off abruptly, "Quiet Kazu, I am more than enough of whoever it is in front!" he said, and begrudging his aching body; he leaned into an advanced Taekwondo stance. Ryo looked at his partner, who just grunted and nodded towards him, Ryo smiled, "Leave it Kazu, Cyberdramon knows who's ahead! But never-the-less… be ready!" Kazu nodded and grinded his teeth in frustration.
Two figures were flat and sprawled along the floor of the rocky, baron wasteland. One of the figures gave a slight stir in the eyes, and then groaned as the pain took over him… "Ow! My head, oh God where did we land?" he stood up on his hind legs and sniffed the air; "Wait… *sniff sniff* I think I can smell them… *sniff sniff* YES I CAN! WOOOOO! We are so outta here!" he screamed ecstatically. The other figure sat bolt upright as soon as he heard his partner scream his lungs out at the last bit, "Ow! My ears Guilmon, you didn't need to blow them off!" yelled Takato. Guilmon was jumping up and down like the mad dinosaur he was, "Yeh, but Takatomon I can smell them, I know where they are!" Takato's eyes widened, and tried to stand up gingerly on his legs; but then collapsed back down. "Argh! I think my leg is broken; Guilmon can you help me up buddy, please". He sighed, realising what Guilmon had just interpreted, "Well then… why didn't you say so in the first place!" he panted.
Guilmon giggled, "It's 'coz you're lazy and didn't hear what I said first!" Takato groaned, "Fine! Come on, let's go!" he started to drag his battered and bruised body towards Guilmon. Guilmon smiled, who moved closer towards his partner, "Come on, it's this way!" he pointed out his left claw eastwards towards the warp hole connecting both worlds. Takato grunted in response and they began their journey towards the centre.
Cyberdramon tensed up, "Stop! Wait here!" he stated in a commanding tone. Before anyone could mention anything, he shot off into the mist to find out who, or what those figures where.
He had been gone for about 10 minutes now, and Ryo was getting a bit agitated. Kazu clearly noticed this and decided to reassure his friend, "Don't worry Ryo, Cyberdramon knows what he's doing!" he said whilst patting his friend on the back. Suddenly, they felt a shift in the air movement; they both got into martial arts stances ready for anything. Kazu grinded his teeth once again and withdrew a small blade, Ryo noticed this, "A kunai?... Where did you get one of them Kazu?" Kazu shot him a smirk, "For me to know and for you to find out!" and with that he charged forward towards the oncoming figure. Suddenly, 'WOOOSH… CLANG!' "Whoa! What the…? BLOODY HELL KAZU, YOU COULD HAVE TAKEN MY HEAD OFF WITH THAT THING!" Ryo looked forward, he knew that voice, "Oi! Cyberdramon, you alright?" he yelled. He could see two figures coming back from the foggy area. Cyberdramon then appeared holding Kazu over his shoulder with his kunai in his other hand; he walked up towards Jeri and dumped Kazu unceremonially on his ass. He then leaned forward and whispered to Jeri "Look after this manic for me ok?" he smiled at her, Jeri giggled "Yeh ok Cyberdramon" she turned to Kazu "Why did you just run off like that, dummy!" and promptly bonked him on the head, "Ow! Hey what was that for?" he screamed.
"Kazu Shioda, that is no way how you speak to a lady!" a voice yelled. Kazu paled, "Oh… crap!" he slowly pivoted on the spot and his mother was towering over him with a stare that would even make the dead roll over in their graves. Kazu quickly turned to Jeri and bowed "Gomenasai Jeri!" he spoke in calming yet very worried tone. Jeri smiled then giggled, "It's alright Kazu" she then turned to look at everyone else, Mr. and Mrs. Matsuki, Mr. and Mrs. Wong with Suzie, Kazu's parents, Kenta's mom and dad, and Yamaki. But she couldn't see her parents or any member of her family for that matter. She stopped a small sob from escaping out of her mouth; everyone's parents were here apart from her own and Ryo's father. Mr. Matsuki noticed that Jeri's parents weren't here, "Yamaki, where are Jeri's parents?" The man known as Yamaki, with his crisp black suit and dark shades was fixated on one Jeri Katou. He looked down towards the floor, "They're not here…" he whispered. "I can see that! But where are they?" he asked again sternly. Jeri could sense the anger in Mr. Matsuki's voice, "Anou, Mr. Matsuki…" He turned to her, "Please call me Takehiro, Jeri" he turned once again to Yamaki, "Well, Yamaki? Aren't you going tell us?" Yamaki coughed and looked upwards towards everyone, "Jeri's parents have said that, and I quote "She left on her own, so she can come back on her own" that's what her father has said" he looked down towards the floor looking crestfallen.
Suddenly, a very loud rumbling noise erupted from behind them. Instinctively, the three digimon sprung into action, Marineangemon's Kahuna Waves appeared around everyone, whilst Guardromon and Cyberdramon repelled most of the while light and noise that erupted there, suddenly, three figures flew out of the light and barged themselves into both Digimon.
**few minutes before**
Guilmon and Takato where still struggling within the D-Reaper towards where Guilmon said Henry and Terriermon where. "How much longer Guilmon *cough cough* please… I don't think we can last much longer in here…" he trailed off, exhaustion nearly consuming him into unconsciousness. Guilmon panted, "Nearly there Takatomon, just hang on. Then it'll be all over!" Takato smiled, Guilmon didn't know how right he would be.
"Hey, I see them Takato, look about 50 yards away, look!" Guilmon shouted. Takato looked forwards and noticed two slightly crumpled figures on the floor of the D-Reaper, suddenly a pang of realization hit him "No! They're not moving! No! No!" He let go of Guilmon, but with his counter-weight gone he himself crumpled to the floor. He gradually forced himself onto his hands and his one good knee and started crawling towards them. Guilmon looked on solemnly, hoping that Henry and Terriermon where ok, as well as everyone else, 'I hope they got out before that blast reached them'. Suddenly, he saw some movement out of the corner of his eye. He span round so fast he nearly knocked them over… it was only Takato, He grabbed a hold of his partner for more support, "Help me take the Juggernaut microchip outta Terriermon's right ear please, buddy!" he spoke softly. Guilmon nodded to acknowledge he understood, "Yeah, will do Takato. Let's move them slowly." Takato nodded in response, he could feel his throat aching and becoming dry due to his exhaustion and with hardly any strength. They rolled over Henry and Terriermon, checking that they were both still breathing; Henry especially, Takato got his right hand and slowly put it down Terriermon's right ear. After a couple of minutes fiddling around inside Terriermon's ear; Takato, with his tongue sticking out in annoyance finally felt something. "Ah, I think I've got it" he whispered. Suddenly, his hand closed around something small and rectangular. Feeling a surge of electrical force in his hand, Takato pulled it free from Terriermon's ear.
Feeling it once more crackle with electrical energy in his now open palm, Takato looked at it. It wasn't overall that big; about as long as Takato's little finger, and was roughly as wide as a small key. 'How can something this small hold so much power?' he wondered, thinking back to the original Juggernaut release. Takato could see the electrical current coursing through the microchip itself. Without much thought, Takato clenched his palm and readied himself for the unthinkable. Guilmon glanced at his feet and spoke to Takato, who he thought as a life-long friend, "Takato, what are you going to do now?" he spoke slowly. Takato, still looking at his palm enclosed in it the microchip containing the most powerful program in the world, Juggernaut, not even looking up to acknowledge his partner's question. Instead he addressed him much differently, "Container of the Hazard…" Guilmon snapped his neck up looking at Takato, with his eyes full of surprise, no one had ever called him that before thinking. 'So what's up with Takato?' So instead he played along and addressed him back, "Yes! Tamer of the Hazard…" this time it was Takato who snapped his neck upwards to look at Guilmon, looking confused for a moment, then he smirked "I need you to digivolve into Growlmon and take Henry and Terriermon outta here, now!" he continued. "Guilmon, for a friend…" he glanced off towards the warp hole, which had suddenly begun to expand at a rapid pace. Guilmon stared back at his partner, he sighed, "Of course Takatomon, but on one condition…" he began before being cut off, "No, not on one, not on any condition. We all need you now Guilmon, more than ever!" he looked up at his partner, "Please! I need you!" he looked away as he said so, gripping the Juggernaut chip even harder and felt it pierce his skin. Guilmon noticed a few drops of blood on the floor next to Takato. Guilmon nodded, knowing full well what he had to do. "Ok Takatomon. I'll do it! But never, ever call me that name again! However, promise me one thing…" he glanced at him once more, "We will all see you again!" he struggled with the emotions stirring up inside him to keep a straight face.
Takato noticed this and replied, "Of course Guilmon. It may be sooner than you think!" he winked at his partner, spun around and limped towards the warp hole on his one good, last standing leg. Standing on the edge waiting for his ultimatum he leaned over the never-ending vortex; he could just about spy the desert where all the Tamers had first arrived in the Digital world. He turned back towards Guilmon, who was now Growlmon; he had Henry on his back and Terriermon sort of clinging onto his left arm. He stepped forward slightly, "Hey Growlmon, before I go I want to give you something!" he took off a chain that was worn around his neck and threw the object at Growlmon. He swiped his right claw at the incoming object… caught it and he looked at it. He gasped; it was Takato's golden D-Ark, the new one he received after his Megidramon digivolution, because his original red D-Ark was cracked and destroyed. "Takato, this… this is…" Growlmon's voice wavered slightly, trying to control his emotions. But couldn't, and he let the tears flow freely; "You don't know how much this means to me!" he screamed. Takato grinned, "That thing will let you know certain things in due time!" Growlmon looked confused, wondering what he had meant, nevertheless he nodded. Takato continued, "Also, you can only show the Digimon this! If anything where to happen to it... do not, and I repeat do not tell anyone, that includes the other Digimon as well!" he sighed, he really wished he didn't have to do this, but there wasn't any other option. Growlmon wrapped the D-Ark around his neck. Suddenly, the D-Ark begun to sink into his chest. Once it was firmly in place, he looked back towards Takato. "Well then!" he began to limp slowly backwards, on his one good leg, towards the vortex that would take him only God knows were. Smiling at his friend and Digimon partner he stuck his hand in the air and waved. He then said two words that would stay in Guilmon's mind forever, "Ja Ne!" and Takato Matsuki promptly flipped backwards into a swan-dive, and was lost into the unknown abyss.
"TAKATOOOO!" screamed Growlmon; with the winds howling with him.
Growlmon choked back tears before turning around and began running off towards the edge of the D-Reaper, thinking about his tamer and friend. Suddenly, the whole of the D-Reaper began to shake uncontrollably; Growlmon could see a bright light coming out from the centre of the warp hole. He could feel the heat that the blast of light was giving, "Crap; better move!" he readjusted Henry on his back and began to run even quicker. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed that the warp hole began to disorientate itself with the power velocity. It suddenly expanded rapidly and nearly threw Growlmon off balance. Growlmon sighed, "It's gonna try and bring me with it. Just great! Just...GREAT!" he screamed. He shrugged his shoulders, "Oh well, no time like the present!" and with that he crossed the final Digital Mass layer.
Suddenly, pain erupted through Growlmon's body; making him convulse slightly. "Urgh! Too close for comfort there!" another jolt of pain, "Urgh! Gotta move quicker, my body can't hold much longer!"
Another flash of exceedingly bright light temporarily blinded Growlmon. "Crap! Now I can't see!" he stumbled forward, knowing that the D-Reaper would still try and take him with it. He crouched down onto all fours and scrambled himself forwards, over rocks and whatever was left of the plant-life in Shinjuku. 'Actually, the plant-life looks barely untouched, yet everything else is being devoured. What the hell?' He could feel the light pulsating slightly, along with the heat dying down from the overly bright light. Suddenly, the light gave out and Growlmon refocused his sight back to normal; so that he could see where he was going. He glanced back ever so slightly and gasped… the D-Reaper's vortex was right on top of him. "Awww, bloody great! I need help and now!" he moaned. "Do you want to fly, Guilmon?" a voice echoed through the air. "Huh! Who was that?" he gasped, he was running out of energy and fast. "I said. Do you want to fly, Guilmon?" Growlmon recognized the voice, "Grani!" he span his head around in all direction looking for the source of the voice, but could not find it. "Where are you?" he wheezed. Grani's voice echoed once more, "I am here, yet; I am not. I have come to ask you one simple question. Do you want to fly?" the voice asked once more. Growlmon's head nodded slowly, due to exhaustion, and replied albeit slowly, "Yes… Grani, I… I want to fly!"
"Humph! What was that? I can't hear you?" Growlmon looked surprised, no not surprised, more like downright shocked… Grani had smirked or snorted, he didn't know which. But that ticked him off. "Grani if you can hear me… I want to FLY!" Growlmon screamed out, he was desperately trying to hold on to consciousness. The voice sighed, "Very well. You shall fly!" the voice then disappeared with the wind, allowing the loud noises that the D-Reaper was making come back to reality to Growlmon.
Suddenly, Growlmon felt a horrible and excruciating pain coming out of his back. "Argh! What the hell's happening?" he screamed, trying to look at his back.
He then felt two large objects procuring out of his back, just narrowly missing Henry's body. Growlmon used his left arm to readjust him. "Do not worry Guilmon. I will not hurt Henry; he is also one of the Tamers. We wouldn't want anything happening to him now would we?" Growlmon looked towards his back once more; it sounded as if Grani's voice was coming from the object. "Grani, what is this?" he asked. Grani sighed, "Take a look; or should I say feel for yourself!" Growlmon's arm reached for his back once again to feel a pair of hard, yet sturdy metal wings procuring from his back. Growlmon gasped, "Grani, what did you do?"
"Oh well, you know. I gave you the last of my power to live on. I wouldn't want it going to waste. And besides, Takato has the other half of me left in him. So I am still not completely gone; you know what I'm saying?" Growlmon smiled, realizing what Grani's voice was getting at. "Thanks Grani… for everything!"
The voice of Grani chuckled, "You are most welcome. Now… get these two out of here! Use my Majestic Wings that I have given to you!" and with that final sentence, Grani's voice breathed its last, and was lost forever.
….
Or was it?
….
"Nearly there, come on legs; move faster!" he yelled; his legs moving vigorously to avoid their doom.
He glanced up to where his body was taking him, he could spy out the last of the Digital barriers slightly north-west of his position. "Right, let's see what these wings are capable of doing!" he began flapping them eagerly. He could feel the extreme pressure that they were putting on the air around him. Growlmon smirked, "Let's go!" and with an almighty crimson flash, Growlmon shot off north, towards the end of D-Reaper with the warp hole hot on his tail.
He then made a sharp diagonal left turn, towards the weakened section of the D-Reaper's barrier. This was due to the rest of the Tamers getting out within Marineangemon's Kahuna Waves bubble. "Right, now's my turn!" and with one final leap, Growlmon launched his battered and bruised body along with Henry and Terriermon through the outer layer protection barrier of the D-Reaper. He swiftly altered his body, so that Henry and Terriermon wouldn't become even more injured as they already were.
As he glanced back at the wretched place that he was leaving, that was known as the D-Reaper; one thought went through Guilmon's mind, "Takato… Wherever you are Takato, hopefully the Digital world, you had better be alive… for everyone's sake!" he smiled slightly, clutching the golden D-Ark close to his chest; knowing that his friend and partner would not go down without a fight.
Suddenly, he crashed into two smaller figures, "Oof, bloody hell Guilmon. You could have forewarned us that you were going to digivolve!" groaned an all too familiar voice, Growlmon smirked, "Cyberdramon… thanks…" and with that Growlmon passed out from exhaustion.
"Yo… Guilmon!"
"Hey… you there, Guilmon!"
"OI! You stupid virus-type! Wake up!" yelled a voice. "Hey take it easy, he won't like that!" spoke another distant voice.
"He won't like this either...HEY! Guilmon, Takatomon's here!"
That jolted Guilmon awake, "NO HE'S NOT! HE'S GONE!" he screamed, grabbing Cyberdramon and put him up against the wall occupying him. "HE'S GONE… AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT!" he snarled viciously. His eyes were bloody red and his teeth could even be seen getting sharper. Everyone that surrounded them backed off; they had never seen Guilmon this angry, apart from that one time when he dark digivolved into…
"H...Hey G...Guilmon. C...an y...you p...p...put m...me do...wn p...p...plea...se?" Cyberdramon gasped, he didn't know that his fellow Digimon had this much destructive power when blinded by rage.
Guilmon did not listen to him, instead he pinned him up tighter and brought his face to within inches of Cyberdramon's petrified body. "I… I have just had to go through hell for the past hour; I would like to see how you would endure with seeing your partner being swallowed whole by that evil-infested thing, and gone forever! So don't you tell me that my partner is right here, right now; because I have just seen him been eaten alive, and possibly been taken to the God-forsaken Digital world; along with the D-Reaper!"
Renamon gasped, she had never heard Guilmon talk of his home like that before. She stepped forward, only to be shouted at… "Don't even THINK of coming any closer… and I mean ALL of you!"
Renamon had had enough, "Listen Guilmon, Takato wouldn't want you to be speaking about your home like that!" she yelled. Guilmon swiftly turned towards her, dropping Cyberdramon in the process. "And what would you know, eh! Seeing the most precious thing in your life suddenly being taken away from you; I can bloody say what I want, seeing as no one here has seen that! That GOD DAMN D-REAPER caused all of this. But now that it's gone, we just all move on, is that it? We may have won the battle against the D-Reaper but we lost our leader in the process!" Guilmon couldn't scream anymore and crouched down into a ball on the floor and rocked himself; tears cascading down his face, and his arms wrapped around his hind legs. He whispered, "You don't know what I've just seen! I've just seen hell! It was nothing like I've ever experienced!"
Cyberdramon slowly got up and walked over towards his Digimon partner, and bent down next to him. Renamon eased herself forward towards Guilmon, hoping that he had now calmed himself down long enough. They were both sat either side of Guilmon until everyone else slowly walked towards the trio and sat down along with them (parents and all, including Yamaki). Guilmon's crying had eased slightly too only a whimper. He hiccupped slightly, and then looked up. All around him where his friends and family surrounding him, "I… I saw his leg get broken…" everyone gasped at what he had just told them, Kazu choked on what he was eating, trying to calm down himself. Takato's mother burst into tears at what Guilmon had just told them. She just buried her face into her husband. Takehiro cradled his wife's body in his arms, hushing and reassuring her. Renamon was about to open her mouth to speak, when a hand appeared on her shoulder. She looked around, it was Cyberdramon, and he was shaking his head. Cyberdramon nodded back to Guilmon, motioning for him to continue. Guilmon took a deep breath, and continued, "I saw him struggle to get the Juggernaut chip out of Terriermon's ear. I saw him limping over towards the edge of D-Reaper… I… I saw him jump into D-Reaper never to be seen again…"
"He's bound to be alive Guilmon. I mean… come on this is Takato we're talking about. He's as hard-headed as... as... YOU!" boasted Cyberdramon who pointed at the dino Digimon. A small twitch of the side of his mouth enlarged into a smirk plastered on Guilmon's face, "Yeh I know he is! But he's still in the Digital World, alive or dead, how would we possibly know. And plus there is no way any of us can travel to the Digital world, without the aid of a Digital portal!"
"The Digi-portal? THAT'S IT!" everybody span around to look at a very beaten-up and exhaust Henry Wong, who had just fallen out of his coma-like state. His father, Mr. Wong ran over to his son and grasped him in a bone-crushing hug, "You shouldn't be so reckless with your life Henry, we could have lost you!" he choked back tears as he said this. "Yeah, I know. But we have lost Takato in the process. I would have rather taken his place instead, seems as I was the one who caused the warp hole in the first place…" he trailed off. "DON'T SAY THAT! HOW IS IT YOUR FAULT?" everyone looked on in shock as it was Jeri that had spoken. Henry was speechless; he bowed his head in shame. "It was my fault though, if it wasn't me and Terriermon reversing the process of the D-Reaper then none of this would have happened". Ryo was the first one to recover, "Yeh, about that…" everyone turned back towards Ryo to listen to what he had to say. "Before he left us, Takato told me two things: one, do not look for him no matter what; and two, he has made me and Henry joint Tamers leader!" Henry snorted in disgust, "HA! Me and You; joint Tamers LEADER! You are having a laugh right, some joke that is Ryo… he can't be gone… how can he…" Henry trailed off, tears streaming down his face trying to contain his emotions, but to no avail. "How can he be alive…" he turned to Ryo, addressing him as he spoke. Ryo looked a bit perplexed, due to the fact that Henry just did a 360 on his emotions. "How can you say that when Guilmon has just explained it to us; he SAW him JUMP into the D-Reaper vortex! How can you possibly think he is alive, never mind looking for him? And bollocks to me and you being joint Tamers leader! You really think we're both up to the challenge that Takato has left us? Huh! Why hasn't it gotten through your head that Takato; and only Takato; can lead the Tamers!"
Ryo lost it, "You don't think I know that already! I tried to convince Takato to let me do it instead…" everyone looked at him shocked that he would give up his life. "He stated to me and Kazu and everyone else!" he pointed over his shoulder where the other Tamer was, "That he hadn't told me and him everything! I only knew slightly more information than Kazu! Hell, Kazu even tried to convince him out of the plan! But he would have none of it! I don't think that we're not up to the task that Takato has left us… I know that we are not up to the challenge! So stop putting the blame on me and Kazu especially, just because we knew some information about his so-called master plan and you didn't!"
With all the yelling, shouting, and cursing; it wasn't long before one Rika Nonaka was stirred out of her slumber. She tried moving her aching and worn-out body into an upright position, but just couldn't manage. She could feel that her left leg had snapped cleanly in two. Kazu noticed out the corner of his eyes that Rika was slowly coming around. Ryo was still ranting and raving at Henry, yelling that it wasn't his fault that Takato didn't tell them everything. This was the moment that Kazu stood up and started to walk away from where everyone was situated. Everybody else stopped what they were doing and looked over to where Kazu was travelling to. He bent down towards Rika and helped her slowly sit upright. "Don't strain yourself, Rika. Take it easy, your leg is broken cleanly, thank God!" He spoke slowly. Rika smirked, keeping the pain she had received inside of her, "Tch, I can look after myself, baka!" Kazu smiled, knowing that was her way of saying thank you. He sighed, "Yeh ok… whatever!" Rika didn't like that, she didn't like that at all; that with one swift kick of her clumsy and damaged left leg he smacked Kazu in the crown jewels. A painful sickening sound could be heard; Kazu then went blue in the face. He opened his mouth, with a look of pain and anguish upon his facial features. And with that he keeled over and was knocked unconscious with his head hitting the floor first.
She then looked up at everyone in attendance and stuck her left hand up and waved slowly, "Hi" she spoke weakly. *cough cough* "Urgh! I don't feel too good!" Ryo stopped ranting at Henry and walked over to Rika and spoke "Hey princess, you alright?" Rika's facial features contorted into a look of anger and pain, "Don't call me that again, baka!" She then looked up at him, "And to answer your question, what does it look like…" she sighed; due to that a lot of energy had been used up in her Mega form before. She looked around at everyone; she started counting the number of heads in the group. The monster makers, all six of them (including Henry's father) along with Riley and Tally from Hypnos where all there. Rika began counting again; "1… 2… 3… 4… … 25… (including herself) where's Jeri's parents?" she wondered. Yamaki sighed, "Ask Mr. Matsuki when you get the chance…" his voice drifted off; Rika then remembered someone else as well, "Hey, what about your father?" Ryo sighed, "Well, my father couldn't make it. No big deal, the Kawasaki ward isn't that far; I'll just catch the next train later!" he stood up and began walking away. Rika shifted herself to get into a better position for her badly damaged leg. She watched Ryo walk off towards the outskirts of the park. Just as he was nearly out of her sight, she remembered someone else, the person who gave up their life for everyone; the person who stopped the D-Reaper single-handedly, (although she doesn't know that... yet). Her voice rose, "HEY, where's Takato?" everyone was in their own conversation until Rika mentioned his name, even Ryo slowed to a stop just where they could all see him. They all stared towards her, unable to utter a word, creating an uneasy silence. Mrs. Matsuki was still crying into her husband's shoulder, trying her best to hide her tears. Rika noticed this and raised her eyebrows slightly, 'What's up with Takato's mom?' Ryo decided it was the time to speak up, "Not using Gogglehead now are we Rika?" he half-grinned. Rika's face went the same shade as her hair. She spun away, trying to hide the blush; "S...shut up, idiot! Where is he anyway?" she shifted back around on her backside, only to notice that everyone's faces were now holding looks of anguish and sadness. Ryo spoke up again, "Listen Rika, please don't fly off the handle at what I am about to say…" Rika cut him off "What's happened to Gogglehead?" she asked again, her voice edging slightly higher. Ryo could tell this wasn't going to be pretty, "Takato's…" he sighed, trying to get a hold of himself; his hands changed into fists. "Rika… Takato's gone…" he trailed off unable to keep eye-contact with Rika any longer.
Rika sat in stunned silence... Takato... gone? She stuttered, "T...that can't be true! HE'S NOT GONE!" she then spun on Guilmon, "WHY? Why did you let him do it? You know how much he means to us... how he means to me..." she trailed off into a whisper and broke down crying. Everyone was shocked that she had accused Guilmon of the disappearance of Takato. Guilmon trudged over towards her and put a reassuring hand/claw on her shoulder. He slowly bent down towards her right-side of her face and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry Rika, we'll get him back; for all of us... and also for you". She jolted her face to look up at Guilmon, she could tell that, even with his battered and bruised body, and that he had just been through hell... she knew he was telling the truth. He winked at her, "He'll be alive. I know it! I can feel it!" He then pointed to a spot just above were the human heart would be, "Trust me I can feel him!" Suddenly, a small portion of his chest began to glow; only allowing Rika to see, and capture a glimpse of the golden D-Ark in Guilmon. She smiled, and just before the unconscious world took her over once again, she managed to whisper something back to Guilmon, something that he would remember for a long time, "Thank you... Guilmon!" Guilmon then picked her fragile body up as carefully as possible and he walked over to where her mother and grandmother were standing. Before any of them could open their mouth Guilmon responded, "She'll be fine... just exhausted and needs plenty of rest!" Her mother and grandmother then took Rika's body off Guilmon and cradled her like she was their new-born child.
Guilmon noticed everyone was with their families apart from Ryo and Jeri. He saw Ryo beginning to walk over towards Jeri, before Henry beat him to it. Guilmon saw Ryo's mouth twitch into a smile, and saw him mouth something in the direction of those two, he then began walking towards the outskirts of Shinjuku Park. Guilmon decided that it was best to follow him...
Ryo looked around at everyone, everyone was with their families, except Jeri and himself, he smirked. He began walking over to her, but Henry beat him to it. "Hey Jeri, over here!" Ryo's mouth twitched ever-so slightly into a smile, "Good luck Henry. You will need it". And from there he turned around and continued to walk off into the outskirts of Shinjuku Park; out of sight of everyone.
After a short while of him walking, he could faintly hear loud, yet slow footstep behind him. Ryo glanced back to see who was following him towards the edge of the park... "Show yourself!" his voice echoed across the darkness of the trees. The large dinosaur Digimon stepped out from the shadows to reveal himself, "What's up Ryo?" he growled in an unusual raspy voice. Ryo shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing! Just thought I could finally get some peace and quiet now, with everyone with their families!" he replied. Guilmon sighed, "Come and follow me... I've got something to show you..." he trailed off as he began to walk away. Ryo had no other option but to follow him to God-knows where.
After about 10 minutes of walking through the park, Guilmon and Ryo walked over a small bridge towards a location that Ryo begun to recognise. "Hey, isn't this near the hide-out you used to stay in?" asked Ryo. Guilmon nodded and plopped down on a mound of grass. He spoke; "Yeh, in fact we're sitting on top of it..." he trailed off, his voice sounding weary. Ryo looked a bit surprised, "Really?" he asked. Guilmon just gave him a lazy nod of the head, he sighed, "When I used to stay in here, I would always just break out and l just lies on top of it, like we are doing now..." Ryo nodded, showing that he understood. Guilmon continued, "It's a great way to just forget about everything, and to let your emotions run free..." Guilmon choked on his last couple of words. He chuckled slightly, "I got something to tell you... and only you Ryo..." Ryo just sat there quiet and nodded his head showing that he understood. "This will be classed as a warning... something is going to happen within two months... and no-one will be able to stop it!"
Ryo could feel his eyes getting wider with shock. He body starting to shake until he fell to the floor. He used his hands as supports as he rolled onto his back. As he stared up into the night sky, he could feel his eyes beginning to water slightly with emotion. His emotions took over him and he could feel the tears streaming down his face... and he knew they were never going to stop...
Meanwhile...
"Heh, it's not so bad! I think I could get used to this; staying in the Digital world, I'll like it here. I'll help restore it to its former glory! Just you watch me guys! The Digimon will be here soon!" and with that being said, Takato Matsuki hit the ground... hard. "Oof! Bloody hell, gotta work on the landings!" He struggled to his feet and glanced around. He sighed, "Well, let's get to it!" he glanced at his right arm... "Are you with me...?" His arm flashed a searing bright colour; as if it was responding. Takato nodded as he strolled off into the remains of the desert, journeying into the unknown.
**end of flashback**
'Takato... what are you doing now? Are you still alive? I... I still love you... love you... so much!' thought Rika, just about managing to contain her emotions in check. She shook her head and cleared her thoughts. 'And not just Takato... but the Digimon as well. A couple of months later they left without a trace on the planet. I hope they have found you Takato... if you are still alive'.
CHAPTER 1 COMPLETED.