Okay, so I'll continue the story, but you guys better keep reviewing!
No offense, hope I didn't sound threatening. Anyways, your reviews will
help me write better. This chapter is mainly about the conflict between
Ryo and Rika. Enjoy! ^_^
1.1 Chapter 2: Hate So Strong
Rika Nonaka wavered, it was so unlike her normal tough self to feel weak and dizzy. Ryo…that name had haunted her for so long and now it was back again, like a ghost. Rika had vowed to stop thinking about Ryo since he trashed her a year ago, she even forgot what she had liked about him. But now it all came back, his eyes…eyes that were so bright, so warm and so sensitive. He had gorgeous cerulean blue eyes that seemed to sparkle from within. Rika hadn't seen those blue eyes with such sensitivy since Ryo left.
"Rika, are you going to faint?" Rika heard Kazu's gleeful voice.
But for once Rika had neither the strength nor heart to punch Kazu, she started to fall. Rika saw Ryo lean forward to take hold of her arm. "No…" Rika pleaded silently, "Don't catch me, don't touch me, don't come near me. Just let me fall, it'd be better than being in your arms again…"
Rika felt Henry's firm grip on her shoulder to steady her. Rika wobbled and managed to stand upright again. Rika was grateful that it wasn't Ryo who touched her.
"Rika, what is it?" Takato asked, he was so clueless, "You look like you've seen a ghost. The Orcs didn't hurt you, did they? I saw Ryo reach you."
"Ryo!" Kazu exclaimed, "Wow, it's great to see you again!! Have you've been winning anymore card battles? How's Cyberdramon? How are you?"
"Talk about laying it thick," Rika grumbled to Henry, "He sounds about as thick as that head of his."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Henry asked with Suzy clunging on to his leg.
Rika stood herself as firmly as possible, "Fine, thanks Henry."
All the Digimon changed back to Rookies except for MarineAngemon.
"Wow," Kenta gushed, "Ryo, Cyberdramon changed to Monodramon. I thought Cyberdramon was impossible to control, but you did it! You're such a wonderful and cool Tamer."
"Oh please," Rika thought bitterly, "I'm worth twice of that guy, who does he think he is anyways? Walking in whenever he pleased and trying to help me. I don't need any help. I thought that I made that clear."
Ryo looked embarassed, "Aw, it wasn't anything, I'm sure any of you could've have done it. All Cyberdramon needed was a calming down."
"Always so modest. Always so saauvy. Always sooooooo perfect." Rika thought sulkily.
"It's great to see you again, where have you been? You sure look grown- up," Takato said.
"Are you okay Juri? What happened to the Orcs?" Leomon asked.
"I'm fine," Juri breathed, smiling sweetly at Takato, "Thanks to Takato of course. It was so brave of him to try to save me."
"Gogglehead save someone? What a joke," Rika rolled her eyes, "As if anyone could call gogglehead's pathetic attempts heroic."
"Grown-up? Me?" Ryo laughed, "Sure I've grown a few inches, but that's about it, You're the one who grown, I mean, you have a pretty girlfriend and all."
Henry looked fairly uncomfortable with all the small talk, he liked Ryo and he didn't have anything against the Legendary Tamer, but Rika was dead set against him. That puts Henry in a tight spot. "Are you here because of the Darkness?"
"Yeah, Monodramon detected evil so here I am. I'm back in Shinjuku again too. I live near the private girl school." Ryo added.
"Hey that's near Rika," Kenta said, shutting up at Rika's frosty glare.
Ryo turned to Rika, "So do you still live where you used to?"
"Yeah, duh," Rika said in a bored voice.
"Same old Rika I see. Hey no need to grill me, I'm here in peace." Ryo said jokingly, putting up his hands in a gesture of peace, apparently not noticing Rika's angry look.
"Cute Akiyama," Rika said icily, "What do you want? Some nerve you have to show up and help me you jerk."
"Hey I was only-" Ryo started.
"I never asked for your help nor do I need it," Rika snapped, "I have enough problems without you butting straight into my life."
"I thought-" Ryo tried to say.
"I don't care what you think just shut up, in case you've forgotton, we're no longer friends or anything of that sort!" Rika shouted.
"Rika, I didn't mean to anger you all over again. I didn't come here to make you suffer," Ryo said firmly, "I'll only say that I regret what I did and I'll never stop hoping you'd forgive me."
"Well, you're wasting your time!" Rika spat, feeling angry tears sting her eyes. Why, oh why did he have to be so handsome? Rika couldn't stand looking at him, she wished a hole would open up from under Ryo and swallow him up. "Just leave me alone!!!!!" Rika was hysterical.
Ryo tried once more, "Rika, I am sorry. Really, I am. I'd do anything to take back-"
"Shut up!" Rika couldn't stand it anymore, if she listened to another second of his desperate pleas she'd cave in completely. Rika raised her right hand and sharply slapped Ryo hard and angrily across the face. She heard Kazu and the other Tamers gasp in shock. Through blurred vision Rika saw the stunned look on Ryo's face as he reached up to his cheek. Rika could see the red and stinging patch where she had hit him. "There, Ryo Akiyama, I hope that it hurt as much as you hurt me when you left."
"I see," Ryo said quietly, "I don't blame you for doing that. I deserve it." He walked silently to Monodramon and started to gently rub the dinosaur's back.
Rika was shaken and confused, she didn't understand what Ryo meant. "He hurt you. He betrayed you. He doesn't deserve forgiveness," Rika repeated over and over again in her mind to keep her from crying and saying sorry to Ryo.
Everyone sensed her dangerous mood and kept silent, everyone except for big- mouth, totally-clueless Kazu.
"Why did you do that?" Kazu demanded, "He said sorry. Gosh Rika, don't be such a grouch all the time."
"Leave her alone," Henry ordered in a rare cross voice. Henry gently hugged Rika, murmuring, "It'll be okay, don't let him get to you."
"God Henry, you act like her boyfriend," Kazu snapped.
"I don't have a boyfriend," Rika retorted, "Any big-mouth that says that is going to get it."
"Ryo coming back over," Juri said worriedly, "I hope you don't fight with him Rika."
Rika sighed impatiently, Juri was such a pacifist, and she wasn't even close to understanding. All she knew was to hug her sweet Takato.
"Ryo, don't let Rika get to you," Kazu said, "You know how she is, she's such a complainer all the time."
Ryo looked at Rika straight in the eye, "Rika, if you want me to leave, just say the word."
Ryo ignored Kazu's protests and the other Tamers objections. "I'm giving you the choice."
"Should I be honored?" Rika asked sarcastically, "The Legendary Tamer is actually going to listen to people inferior of him."
"She's going to tell him to leave," Kazu said loudly.
Rika felt unsteady under the gaze of Ryo's blue eyes, she didn't want to give in. Ryo was so confusing, what did he want from her anyways. "Go away," Rika mumbled, "Don't look at me, you jerk." Rika shook her head, "I don't really want him to leave now that I found him again, but I don't want to forgive the jerk either. Oh, what do I want?"
"Hello," Takato said airily, "Rika, are you there?"
"Didn't he know when not to interrupt?" Rika thought, "I suppose that gogglehead hasn't gotten much smarter. Leave me alone." Rika felt Henry squeeze her arm, but she didn't even want his concern, "Leave me alone, all of you."
"FINE!" Rika yelled, so confused that she felt like crying, "Just stay Ryo Akiyama! But I'm warning you, one wrong move and I'll send you to hell!"
Ryo backed away, his eyes were filled with hurt and confusion, "Okay Rika, okay. I'll leave you alone."
"Why does he always say my name like that?" Rika wondered, "With such tenderness and passion?"
"Keep a hold of your temper lady," Kazu scolded.
"What did you say?!" Rika shouted furiously, "Kazu, you have no clue what is going on so just keep your big mouth out of this!!"
"All I know is that you're insulting the coolest guy in the whole universe and that's enough for me," Kazu managed to say before Kenta worriedly dragged him away.
"Let's just keep going okay?" Takato said timidly, "Now are you both cool with that?"
Rika walked ahead with Renamon without a word with Henry trailing close behind.
"That sounds fine," Ryo said calmly.
That sounds fine. Rika wanted to scream, Ryo was so charming, so cool, so perfect. Rika wanted to throw him in a volcano and watch it erupt, maybe that'll dismiss some of his cool.
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The Tamers walked for a long time without seeing anything. Rika was deadly silent and Renamon followed her suit. Ryo, on the other hand, engaged in a lively conversation with Takato and Juri with Kazu and Kenta trying to put a few words in. Henry stayed silent, he was tired anyways, having to carry his sleeping sister. The Digimon were all uncomfortable with the silence and avoided conversation.
Finally Takato called the team to a stop, "All right, we'll stop for a break and then continue for a bit more, if we don't find anything then we'll return home.
"Hey Ryo, why don't you show us what Cyberdramon can do?" Kazu said.
"Yeah, I'd like to see a real Tamer in action," Kenta added excitedly.
"Real Tamer? What the hell does he mean by that? I'm so much better than Ryo, just because he has a title..."Rika muttered.
"Nah, maybe some other time, I kind of have something on my mind," Ryo replied, "You'll get to see in battle anyways and Monodramon deserves some rest."
"What are we looking for anyways?" Juri asked, "We've been walking for hours without seeing a thing."
"We're looking for anything suspicious," Takato replied, "Ryo what are you doing?"
Ryo twirled his sword expertly, battle eagarness lighting in his eyes, "Huh? Oh, practicing my combat skills. It'll come in handy."
"Where did you get that?" Henry asked, not liking to amount of violence in the group, "It's dangerous carrying a sword around."
"No kidding," Rika snapped, "Did you get knighted or something? Not that anyone with their right mind would pick you for chivalry or anything. Do you have a code of honor to help people who don't want your help?"
Ryo frowned and withdrew his sword, "No, I found it in a cave Cyberdramon and I were exploring. It was in a stone plate and everything. So I took it and it really comes in handy."
"That's so cool!" Kazu said, "I want a sword too."
"Oh please," Rika scoffed, "You? A sword? I suppose you could always use it to cut off your own head sometime, or even just your tongue so you'd shut up."
Kazu glared at her, "Maybe I'd use it to keep you quiet."
"Oh really?" Rika said sarcastically, "I'm SO scared. You're pathetic, even more pathetic than Gogglehead's attempts to free Juri. Real pathetic Kazu."
Ryo sighed sadly, his eyes scanning the girl he cared for, her violet eyes were so beautiful and their steely glint made her even more attractive, but Ryo knew that Rika would never forgive him. Trying to change the subject, Ryo added in something, "If you want a weapon guys, I bet there are some all around. All our enemies now aren't Digimon and they're our size. If all of us could learn to fight-"
"Excuse me," Rika interrupted ironically, "You mean that some of us should learn how to fight. Unlike some people, I already know how to fight."
"Why does she always grill me?" Ryo muttered, "Why can't she see that I've changed?"
"Girls can't fight," Kazu laughed, making a big mistake of making fun of her. Kazu flew about ten feet in the air when Rika kicked out like a karate master, "OWWWWWWWW!"
"Right," Rika said with a smirk, "I can't fight. Hope I didn't hurt you."
"Kazu, you okay?" Kenta asked frantically.
"Stop!" Henry said in a very upset voice, "You guys aren't setting a good example for Suzy. And I don't want to fight. Why can't we talk about something else? And I'm not using a weapon, nor am I letting Suzy use one."
Rika didn't really agreed with Henry's let's-all-be-peaceful idea, but it was better than listening to Ryo the Great. Rika wanted to fight, but for now she wanted to cause Ryo a little trouble. "Yeah, let's talk about something else. Suzy's still too young anyways. Let's concentrate on something useful, like beating the Darkness. Not just some stupid chat."
Henry smiled at Rika and slipped his arm around her shoulder. Besides Suzy, Henry was the only human that Rika had ever allowed to touch her. Rika relaxed, Henry had taken good care of her and she was satisfied with his friendship. From the corner of her eye, Rika saw Ryo flinch and his face was a tense. "He thinks I like Henry," Rika thought satisfily in amusement, "Good, then. It's time you feel the pain Ryo. I can make you jealoused."
"Henry," Rika said sweetly, "I'm tired too, do you think we can go home soon? Not to mention I have homework too."
"Homework?" Kazu demanded, "It's nearly Christmas."
"So?" Rika muttered, "Oh shut up Kazu."
"Ryo, do you see something?" Takato asked, "How come you look so tense and bothered?"
Ryo took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Fine Takato. I'm just a bit…hot right now."
Henry frowned, "Well, it is almost time for dinner, we have another hour. We could always go home now, we've walked a lot today anyways."
"So what do you think guys?" Juri said, "Should we go home?"
"I have to find out where that Darkness is," Takato said firmly, "Please Rika? Just another hour won't hurt a tough girl like you."
"At least he's got the tough part right, I'm not even tired. I could be an actress, not that I want to be," Rika thought, smirking and watching Ryo who looked really really resentful, "Too bad Ryo. I'll just add a final touch." Rika sighed dramactically, "Oh fine Gogglehead. I'll stay if Henry does."
Takato looked hopefully at Henry, who cracked a smile in a gesture of "yes". "Yes!!" Takato cheered.
Rika watched Ryo carefully, Ryo had his fists clenched together tightly and his eyes glittered dangerously. For a second Rika was afraid Ryo would actually attack Henry, But Ryo let out a sigh and relaxed himself. "Nice work Rika," Rika congradulated herself silently, "You've got him."
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The Tamers didn't even have to look for the enemy, it came to them.
"Oh no," Juri cried, "It's back. The Darkness is back."
The wispy shadow laughed wickedly, "Foolish humans. You don't stand a chance against me, yet you still push forward. Let me give you a taste of my real power." The shadow shot out a black streak, sending the Tamers and their Digimon backwards.
They all slammed back against a mountain except for Ryo and Monodramon and MarineAngemon who managed to stay upright.
Rika struggle to her feet, "How come Ryo's so strong? How could that puny weakling stand up to such an attack!"
"Go Monodramon!" Ryo commanded, "Digi-Modify! Speed Activate!!" The dinosaur Digimon charged forward and went right through the black shadow, crashing against the ground.
"What are you doing?" Rika yelled, "That was a total waste of time. Digi- Modify! Power Activate!" Renamon leaped up and launched a "Diamond Storm", but it went right through the shadow again.
"And that was sooo useful," Ryo couldn't help retorting.
Rika glared at him angrily. "Shut up jerk!" Rika yanked Henry up and helped Suzy to her feet. "What a jerk. I hate that guy. I'm totally losing my cool thanks to him."
"Nice going Akiyama," Ryo scolded himself mentally, "If you want Rika to like you again, you're going to have to be nicer. All I do is make her mad."
All the Digimon tried their launched attacks, but all of them just went right through the shadow.
"Oh man," Takato moaned, "Talk about nerve-wracking, this is no use."
"Takato," Juri shivered, "What can we do?"
"You can give up!" the shadow ordered, "Doom Wave!" A wave of pitch black darkness fell over Juri who screamed in the process. Takato yelled out and ran to cover her with Guilmon and Leomon behind them, when the darkness passed the four were gone.
"Takato! Juri!" Henry called anxiously, "Where are you?!"
"Henry, I'm scared," Suzy whined.
"At least that wave is gone," Kazu said.
"Wrong!" the shadow laughed wickedly. As he did, the wave suddenly appeared in front of Henry, Suzy, Terriermon, and Lopmon. They vanished as well.
"Henry!" Rika shouted, "Henry! Where are you?" Rika searched around frantically for the only person she could ever call a "friend." Rika was distraught when she couldn't find him. "Oh stupid gogglehead, jumping in front of Juri and everything. How dumb is that?"
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh," Kenta screamed as the wave turned back for another round and swarmed over Kazu, Guardramon, MarineAngemon, and him.
"He screams like a girl," Rika thought icily. She had to do something as the wave turned towards her, but nothing seemed to work.
"Rika!" Ryo shouted, he rushed up to her and tackled her out of the way in the nick of time.
Rika pulled herself upright angrily, glaring at Ryo as if he was her tormentor, "Excuse, Mr. Lengendary Tamer, but I don't need your help! How many times have I told you to back off and stay away?!"
Ryo stood up, a half-grin, half-smirk on his face, "Once."
Rika was just about to sock him and give him a good scolding when Renamon and Monodramon grabbed their Tamers and pulled them 20 feet apart as the Doom Wave rushed between them.
"Thanks Renamon," Rika said as she was put down, "I don't need Ryo's help if you're around."
Ryo was studying Rika about 20 feet away, "Same Rika Nonaka. She never appreciated my help, and I guess she never will."
"Well, if you're ever want to help her again, you'd better do something fast because the Doom Wave is heading straight for her!" Monodramon rumbled.
Rika and Renamon were powerless to escape the giant wave as it quickly blanketed them. Rika heard Ryo calling her name, what could he do anyways? Then she passed out in unconsciousness.
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That's it for now, the third chapter will be up fast if you guys review. I've already got it written sooo…Anyways, just ignored the fact the Leomon's supposed to be dead. It wouldn't do much good if Juri was sad all the time. And…Henry and Rika AREN'T an item! Thank you to everyone who reviewed my first chapter.^_^
1.1 Chapter 2: Hate So Strong
Rika Nonaka wavered, it was so unlike her normal tough self to feel weak and dizzy. Ryo…that name had haunted her for so long and now it was back again, like a ghost. Rika had vowed to stop thinking about Ryo since he trashed her a year ago, she even forgot what she had liked about him. But now it all came back, his eyes…eyes that were so bright, so warm and so sensitive. He had gorgeous cerulean blue eyes that seemed to sparkle from within. Rika hadn't seen those blue eyes with such sensitivy since Ryo left.
"Rika, are you going to faint?" Rika heard Kazu's gleeful voice.
But for once Rika had neither the strength nor heart to punch Kazu, she started to fall. Rika saw Ryo lean forward to take hold of her arm. "No…" Rika pleaded silently, "Don't catch me, don't touch me, don't come near me. Just let me fall, it'd be better than being in your arms again…"
Rika felt Henry's firm grip on her shoulder to steady her. Rika wobbled and managed to stand upright again. Rika was grateful that it wasn't Ryo who touched her.
"Rika, what is it?" Takato asked, he was so clueless, "You look like you've seen a ghost. The Orcs didn't hurt you, did they? I saw Ryo reach you."
"Ryo!" Kazu exclaimed, "Wow, it's great to see you again!! Have you've been winning anymore card battles? How's Cyberdramon? How are you?"
"Talk about laying it thick," Rika grumbled to Henry, "He sounds about as thick as that head of his."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Henry asked with Suzy clunging on to his leg.
Rika stood herself as firmly as possible, "Fine, thanks Henry."
All the Digimon changed back to Rookies except for MarineAngemon.
"Wow," Kenta gushed, "Ryo, Cyberdramon changed to Monodramon. I thought Cyberdramon was impossible to control, but you did it! You're such a wonderful and cool Tamer."
"Oh please," Rika thought bitterly, "I'm worth twice of that guy, who does he think he is anyways? Walking in whenever he pleased and trying to help me. I don't need any help. I thought that I made that clear."
Ryo looked embarassed, "Aw, it wasn't anything, I'm sure any of you could've have done it. All Cyberdramon needed was a calming down."
"Always so modest. Always so saauvy. Always sooooooo perfect." Rika thought sulkily.
"It's great to see you again, where have you been? You sure look grown- up," Takato said.
"Are you okay Juri? What happened to the Orcs?" Leomon asked.
"I'm fine," Juri breathed, smiling sweetly at Takato, "Thanks to Takato of course. It was so brave of him to try to save me."
"Gogglehead save someone? What a joke," Rika rolled her eyes, "As if anyone could call gogglehead's pathetic attempts heroic."
"Grown-up? Me?" Ryo laughed, "Sure I've grown a few inches, but that's about it, You're the one who grown, I mean, you have a pretty girlfriend and all."
Henry looked fairly uncomfortable with all the small talk, he liked Ryo and he didn't have anything against the Legendary Tamer, but Rika was dead set against him. That puts Henry in a tight spot. "Are you here because of the Darkness?"
"Yeah, Monodramon detected evil so here I am. I'm back in Shinjuku again too. I live near the private girl school." Ryo added.
"Hey that's near Rika," Kenta said, shutting up at Rika's frosty glare.
Ryo turned to Rika, "So do you still live where you used to?"
"Yeah, duh," Rika said in a bored voice.
"Same old Rika I see. Hey no need to grill me, I'm here in peace." Ryo said jokingly, putting up his hands in a gesture of peace, apparently not noticing Rika's angry look.
"Cute Akiyama," Rika said icily, "What do you want? Some nerve you have to show up and help me you jerk."
"Hey I was only-" Ryo started.
"I never asked for your help nor do I need it," Rika snapped, "I have enough problems without you butting straight into my life."
"I thought-" Ryo tried to say.
"I don't care what you think just shut up, in case you've forgotton, we're no longer friends or anything of that sort!" Rika shouted.
"Rika, I didn't mean to anger you all over again. I didn't come here to make you suffer," Ryo said firmly, "I'll only say that I regret what I did and I'll never stop hoping you'd forgive me."
"Well, you're wasting your time!" Rika spat, feeling angry tears sting her eyes. Why, oh why did he have to be so handsome? Rika couldn't stand looking at him, she wished a hole would open up from under Ryo and swallow him up. "Just leave me alone!!!!!" Rika was hysterical.
Ryo tried once more, "Rika, I am sorry. Really, I am. I'd do anything to take back-"
"Shut up!" Rika couldn't stand it anymore, if she listened to another second of his desperate pleas she'd cave in completely. Rika raised her right hand and sharply slapped Ryo hard and angrily across the face. She heard Kazu and the other Tamers gasp in shock. Through blurred vision Rika saw the stunned look on Ryo's face as he reached up to his cheek. Rika could see the red and stinging patch where she had hit him. "There, Ryo Akiyama, I hope that it hurt as much as you hurt me when you left."
"I see," Ryo said quietly, "I don't blame you for doing that. I deserve it." He walked silently to Monodramon and started to gently rub the dinosaur's back.
Rika was shaken and confused, she didn't understand what Ryo meant. "He hurt you. He betrayed you. He doesn't deserve forgiveness," Rika repeated over and over again in her mind to keep her from crying and saying sorry to Ryo.
Everyone sensed her dangerous mood and kept silent, everyone except for big- mouth, totally-clueless Kazu.
"Why did you do that?" Kazu demanded, "He said sorry. Gosh Rika, don't be such a grouch all the time."
"Leave her alone," Henry ordered in a rare cross voice. Henry gently hugged Rika, murmuring, "It'll be okay, don't let him get to you."
"God Henry, you act like her boyfriend," Kazu snapped.
"I don't have a boyfriend," Rika retorted, "Any big-mouth that says that is going to get it."
"Ryo coming back over," Juri said worriedly, "I hope you don't fight with him Rika."
Rika sighed impatiently, Juri was such a pacifist, and she wasn't even close to understanding. All she knew was to hug her sweet Takato.
"Ryo, don't let Rika get to you," Kazu said, "You know how she is, she's such a complainer all the time."
Ryo looked at Rika straight in the eye, "Rika, if you want me to leave, just say the word."
Ryo ignored Kazu's protests and the other Tamers objections. "I'm giving you the choice."
"Should I be honored?" Rika asked sarcastically, "The Legendary Tamer is actually going to listen to people inferior of him."
"She's going to tell him to leave," Kazu said loudly.
Rika felt unsteady under the gaze of Ryo's blue eyes, she didn't want to give in. Ryo was so confusing, what did he want from her anyways. "Go away," Rika mumbled, "Don't look at me, you jerk." Rika shook her head, "I don't really want him to leave now that I found him again, but I don't want to forgive the jerk either. Oh, what do I want?"
"Hello," Takato said airily, "Rika, are you there?"
"Didn't he know when not to interrupt?" Rika thought, "I suppose that gogglehead hasn't gotten much smarter. Leave me alone." Rika felt Henry squeeze her arm, but she didn't even want his concern, "Leave me alone, all of you."
"FINE!" Rika yelled, so confused that she felt like crying, "Just stay Ryo Akiyama! But I'm warning you, one wrong move and I'll send you to hell!"
Ryo backed away, his eyes were filled with hurt and confusion, "Okay Rika, okay. I'll leave you alone."
"Why does he always say my name like that?" Rika wondered, "With such tenderness and passion?"
"Keep a hold of your temper lady," Kazu scolded.
"What did you say?!" Rika shouted furiously, "Kazu, you have no clue what is going on so just keep your big mouth out of this!!"
"All I know is that you're insulting the coolest guy in the whole universe and that's enough for me," Kazu managed to say before Kenta worriedly dragged him away.
"Let's just keep going okay?" Takato said timidly, "Now are you both cool with that?"
Rika walked ahead with Renamon without a word with Henry trailing close behind.
"That sounds fine," Ryo said calmly.
That sounds fine. Rika wanted to scream, Ryo was so charming, so cool, so perfect. Rika wanted to throw him in a volcano and watch it erupt, maybe that'll dismiss some of his cool.
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The Tamers walked for a long time without seeing anything. Rika was deadly silent and Renamon followed her suit. Ryo, on the other hand, engaged in a lively conversation with Takato and Juri with Kazu and Kenta trying to put a few words in. Henry stayed silent, he was tired anyways, having to carry his sleeping sister. The Digimon were all uncomfortable with the silence and avoided conversation.
Finally Takato called the team to a stop, "All right, we'll stop for a break and then continue for a bit more, if we don't find anything then we'll return home.
"Hey Ryo, why don't you show us what Cyberdramon can do?" Kazu said.
"Yeah, I'd like to see a real Tamer in action," Kenta added excitedly.
"Real Tamer? What the hell does he mean by that? I'm so much better than Ryo, just because he has a title..."Rika muttered.
"Nah, maybe some other time, I kind of have something on my mind," Ryo replied, "You'll get to see in battle anyways and Monodramon deserves some rest."
"What are we looking for anyways?" Juri asked, "We've been walking for hours without seeing a thing."
"We're looking for anything suspicious," Takato replied, "Ryo what are you doing?"
Ryo twirled his sword expertly, battle eagarness lighting in his eyes, "Huh? Oh, practicing my combat skills. It'll come in handy."
"Where did you get that?" Henry asked, not liking to amount of violence in the group, "It's dangerous carrying a sword around."
"No kidding," Rika snapped, "Did you get knighted or something? Not that anyone with their right mind would pick you for chivalry or anything. Do you have a code of honor to help people who don't want your help?"
Ryo frowned and withdrew his sword, "No, I found it in a cave Cyberdramon and I were exploring. It was in a stone plate and everything. So I took it and it really comes in handy."
"That's so cool!" Kazu said, "I want a sword too."
"Oh please," Rika scoffed, "You? A sword? I suppose you could always use it to cut off your own head sometime, or even just your tongue so you'd shut up."
Kazu glared at her, "Maybe I'd use it to keep you quiet."
"Oh really?" Rika said sarcastically, "I'm SO scared. You're pathetic, even more pathetic than Gogglehead's attempts to free Juri. Real pathetic Kazu."
Ryo sighed sadly, his eyes scanning the girl he cared for, her violet eyes were so beautiful and their steely glint made her even more attractive, but Ryo knew that Rika would never forgive him. Trying to change the subject, Ryo added in something, "If you want a weapon guys, I bet there are some all around. All our enemies now aren't Digimon and they're our size. If all of us could learn to fight-"
"Excuse me," Rika interrupted ironically, "You mean that some of us should learn how to fight. Unlike some people, I already know how to fight."
"Why does she always grill me?" Ryo muttered, "Why can't she see that I've changed?"
"Girls can't fight," Kazu laughed, making a big mistake of making fun of her. Kazu flew about ten feet in the air when Rika kicked out like a karate master, "OWWWWWWWW!"
"Right," Rika said with a smirk, "I can't fight. Hope I didn't hurt you."
"Kazu, you okay?" Kenta asked frantically.
"Stop!" Henry said in a very upset voice, "You guys aren't setting a good example for Suzy. And I don't want to fight. Why can't we talk about something else? And I'm not using a weapon, nor am I letting Suzy use one."
Rika didn't really agreed with Henry's let's-all-be-peaceful idea, but it was better than listening to Ryo the Great. Rika wanted to fight, but for now she wanted to cause Ryo a little trouble. "Yeah, let's talk about something else. Suzy's still too young anyways. Let's concentrate on something useful, like beating the Darkness. Not just some stupid chat."
Henry smiled at Rika and slipped his arm around her shoulder. Besides Suzy, Henry was the only human that Rika had ever allowed to touch her. Rika relaxed, Henry had taken good care of her and she was satisfied with his friendship. From the corner of her eye, Rika saw Ryo flinch and his face was a tense. "He thinks I like Henry," Rika thought satisfily in amusement, "Good, then. It's time you feel the pain Ryo. I can make you jealoused."
"Henry," Rika said sweetly, "I'm tired too, do you think we can go home soon? Not to mention I have homework too."
"Homework?" Kazu demanded, "It's nearly Christmas."
"So?" Rika muttered, "Oh shut up Kazu."
"Ryo, do you see something?" Takato asked, "How come you look so tense and bothered?"
Ryo took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Fine Takato. I'm just a bit…hot right now."
Henry frowned, "Well, it is almost time for dinner, we have another hour. We could always go home now, we've walked a lot today anyways."
"So what do you think guys?" Juri said, "Should we go home?"
"I have to find out where that Darkness is," Takato said firmly, "Please Rika? Just another hour won't hurt a tough girl like you."
"At least he's got the tough part right, I'm not even tired. I could be an actress, not that I want to be," Rika thought, smirking and watching Ryo who looked really really resentful, "Too bad Ryo. I'll just add a final touch." Rika sighed dramactically, "Oh fine Gogglehead. I'll stay if Henry does."
Takato looked hopefully at Henry, who cracked a smile in a gesture of "yes". "Yes!!" Takato cheered.
Rika watched Ryo carefully, Ryo had his fists clenched together tightly and his eyes glittered dangerously. For a second Rika was afraid Ryo would actually attack Henry, But Ryo let out a sigh and relaxed himself. "Nice work Rika," Rika congradulated herself silently, "You've got him."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Tamers didn't even have to look for the enemy, it came to them.
"Oh no," Juri cried, "It's back. The Darkness is back."
The wispy shadow laughed wickedly, "Foolish humans. You don't stand a chance against me, yet you still push forward. Let me give you a taste of my real power." The shadow shot out a black streak, sending the Tamers and their Digimon backwards.
They all slammed back against a mountain except for Ryo and Monodramon and MarineAngemon who managed to stay upright.
Rika struggle to her feet, "How come Ryo's so strong? How could that puny weakling stand up to such an attack!"
"Go Monodramon!" Ryo commanded, "Digi-Modify! Speed Activate!!" The dinosaur Digimon charged forward and went right through the black shadow, crashing against the ground.
"What are you doing?" Rika yelled, "That was a total waste of time. Digi- Modify! Power Activate!" Renamon leaped up and launched a "Diamond Storm", but it went right through the shadow again.
"And that was sooo useful," Ryo couldn't help retorting.
Rika glared at him angrily. "Shut up jerk!" Rika yanked Henry up and helped Suzy to her feet. "What a jerk. I hate that guy. I'm totally losing my cool thanks to him."
"Nice going Akiyama," Ryo scolded himself mentally, "If you want Rika to like you again, you're going to have to be nicer. All I do is make her mad."
All the Digimon tried their launched attacks, but all of them just went right through the shadow.
"Oh man," Takato moaned, "Talk about nerve-wracking, this is no use."
"Takato," Juri shivered, "What can we do?"
"You can give up!" the shadow ordered, "Doom Wave!" A wave of pitch black darkness fell over Juri who screamed in the process. Takato yelled out and ran to cover her with Guilmon and Leomon behind them, when the darkness passed the four were gone.
"Takato! Juri!" Henry called anxiously, "Where are you?!"
"Henry, I'm scared," Suzy whined.
"At least that wave is gone," Kazu said.
"Wrong!" the shadow laughed wickedly. As he did, the wave suddenly appeared in front of Henry, Suzy, Terriermon, and Lopmon. They vanished as well.
"Henry!" Rika shouted, "Henry! Where are you?" Rika searched around frantically for the only person she could ever call a "friend." Rika was distraught when she couldn't find him. "Oh stupid gogglehead, jumping in front of Juri and everything. How dumb is that?"
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh," Kenta screamed as the wave turned back for another round and swarmed over Kazu, Guardramon, MarineAngemon, and him.
"He screams like a girl," Rika thought icily. She had to do something as the wave turned towards her, but nothing seemed to work.
"Rika!" Ryo shouted, he rushed up to her and tackled her out of the way in the nick of time.
Rika pulled herself upright angrily, glaring at Ryo as if he was her tormentor, "Excuse, Mr. Lengendary Tamer, but I don't need your help! How many times have I told you to back off and stay away?!"
Ryo stood up, a half-grin, half-smirk on his face, "Once."
Rika was just about to sock him and give him a good scolding when Renamon and Monodramon grabbed their Tamers and pulled them 20 feet apart as the Doom Wave rushed between them.
"Thanks Renamon," Rika said as she was put down, "I don't need Ryo's help if you're around."
Ryo was studying Rika about 20 feet away, "Same Rika Nonaka. She never appreciated my help, and I guess she never will."
"Well, if you're ever want to help her again, you'd better do something fast because the Doom Wave is heading straight for her!" Monodramon rumbled.
Rika and Renamon were powerless to escape the giant wave as it quickly blanketed them. Rika heard Ryo calling her name, what could he do anyways? Then she passed out in unconsciousness.
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That's it for now, the third chapter will be up fast if you guys review. I've already got it written sooo…Anyways, just ignored the fact the Leomon's supposed to be dead. It wouldn't do much good if Juri was sad all the time. And…Henry and Rika AREN'T an item! Thank you to everyone who reviewed my first chapter.^_^