I can't believe you're still here. That officially makes you the greatest fans ever. Anyways… here is ch. 4 -if you couldn't tell by the title – so keep reading and reviewing, because I am officially on summer break as of Tuesday.
Ch. 4 - The Most Dangerous Game
This endless falling is becoming quite familiar. Renamon mussed as she along with the others Digimon and their Tamers plunged into the abysses between our world and the Digital World. This better go better than planned or I'll personally dismantle Yamaki's head…permanently. As the green and purple grid patterns disappeared the sandy floor of the center level of the Digital World replaced them. And suddenly, there was nothing but a sudden feeling that she had been cremated by a dump truck that had taken a nosedive off Big Ben. Staggering to her feet the golden fox took surveillance of their surrounding.
Kazu was dumping sand out of his…visor. Still not the brightest kid. Kenta was cleaning his glasses. Takato was pulling Jeri to her feet. Ryo was looking dazed and confused, and Renamon allowed a slight smirk to cross her face. Henry was prying Terriermon off the back of his head while Rika was already scaling one of the giant rock pillars. Good, let's figure out how bad it is and then go home. Especially since no one knows we're here.
A few feet away Takato had finished pulling Jeri to her feet. He had been watching the way her hair framed her face to beautifully until he noticed something behind her. Immediately his eyes were drawn away. Slowly one by one the whole group stopped and realized that their goggle head was no longer in the present. Looking out into the horizon time seemed to stand still. Black splotches scattered not only the dessert ground but also the sky all the way to the horizon. "It looks like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle." Jeri said quietly. Slowly in a daze, Takato nodded.
And indeed Jeri was right. No matter where any of them looked, they could not escape the empty space that had polluted the Digital World they had once known. This is terrible. Henry thought bewildered. All of this was cause by the D-reaper?
"This will make traveling difficult." Ryo observed.
Rika rolled her eyes. "Great deduction Sherlock. Care to make another?"
The boy shrugged. "I was just pointing out the obvious."
"It doesn't matter." Jeri said. "All we have to do is fix it, not worry about it."
"Not necessarily." Renamon said. "Look over there."
A herd of well something was moving toward them at a very fast speed. "That doesn't look very good." Terriermon said.
"Everyone up on the rocks." Takato cried.
"RILEY!" Yamaki roared into his cell phone. "Get down to room 7-86B immediately!"
The brunette slowly climbed down from her station muttering, "He probably found a cockroach or spilled his coffee."
Walking into the computer lab Riley noticed Yamaki hovered over a computer.
.
Dear Yamaki
We know this is sudden, and probably something you were expecting. But, we had to go back to the Digital World. It's broken and only we can fix it. The Port seems to be working so you can monitor us. We understand you're worried but this is something we have to do. And in essence, we feel really bad about leaving like this again, and we will make it up to you as soon as we fix the Digital World.
Until then,
The Tamers
.
Yamaki sighed as he sank into a thankfully nearby chair. "These kids are leading me towards an early retirement."
Riley would have come up with some smart remark had she not been so shocked by the letter. "I guess this is a little worse than spilt coffee." She muttered.
"You spilt my coffee." Yamaki said started he almost fell out of his chair.
Riley shook her head. "No, but shouldn't we notify their parents?" She said gesturing toward the glowing computer screen.
The Hypnos leader shook his head. "No. I don't know how much stress we can put them under right now. Besides if we don't get word of them being home in two hours we're pulling them back with the Port."
"Is that safe? I mean, it's never been tested."
"I designed it. Of course it's safe." Yamaki said showing a little hurt around his dark sunglasses. Disgusted he walked from the room.
Riley watched him go with a worried look on her face. "That's what you said about Juggernaut."
Sitting on top of one of the still in tact rocks Rika could see a herd of Jagamon rushing toward them. Well this is lame. They almost ran over us last time too. I'm going to pound them to a pulp if they even come near us.
But aren't you here to help Digimon, not destroy them? Juggernaut whispered deep down inside her. Rika shivered as the program continued. Didn't you decide to risk your life to help them? This means you contradict yourself. It was not a question but a statement, and Rika didn't like it one bit.
Who do you think you are to try and boss me around?
I am as you described me as: a drug for a druggie. If this is true Rika then you are the most obsessed druggie I have ever met.
Henry and I are the only people you've ever me. Rika argued sarcastically, but it didn't help ease the sinking suspicion that Juggernaut was learning. I need to talk to Henry about this.
Juggernaut seemed to chuckle. You'll have to survive the Jagamon first.
"Stupid all knowing piece of junk program." Rika muttered, looking down at their now surrounded rock, trying to ignore Renamon's look of concern.
Takato was jumping up and down protesting something about how they were there to help with Guilmon hovering behind him asking if they were here to play. Kazu and Kenta had flanked Ryo.
"Come on Dude." Kazu said excitedly. "Tell Cyberdramon to kick their butts." He pushed his left foot out in some form of karate kick but happened to hit Guardramon in the process and fell over.
"Just ignore Kazu." Kenta said shaking from laughter. "He doesn't understand the meaning of the word tact."
Ryo laughed. "Didn't you steal that from Henry?" Kenta turned beet red.
"Hey goggle heads, we're working over here." Immediately the quartet silenced.
"Hey! Jagamon!" Terriermon called down. "Momentia."
"We're just passing thorough." Henry added.
"We're here to save the Digital World!" Takato called.
"That's what we're afraid of humans." All of the Jagamon started yelling at once, making most of it incomprehensible. "You come to our home and now it is destroyed." "You are not welcome." "Go home before we destroy you!"
"Henry, I think that qualifies as rude." Terriermon whispered.
"We'll worry about manners later." Henry replied quietly. "Right now I'm concerned with getting out of here without a fight."
Takato nodded. "We know what happened with the D-reaper was bad, but we're here to fix it!"
"Except we don't know how." Rika grumbled.
"Details." Renamon replied in like.
"You foolish human children can't possibly expect to repair all six planes of the Digital World." One said advancing forward slightly.
"We won't be able to if you keep us here." Henry replied the appearance of calm, even though his hand twitched toward his D-arc.
"We should split up." Ryo said stepping forward. The whole group turned to look at him. "If we split up we could cover more ground and really figure out what's going on and still be home on time for dinner." He said flashing his trademark smile.
"But, what if Yamaki pulls us back using the Port?" Jeri asked. "Only a few of us would go home."
"That's a risk we're going to have to take." Rika replied.
"Yea, easy for you to say." Kenta stuttered. "You and Henry get to keep it."
Takato was unnaturally silent. "Splitting up is probably the most dangerous thing to do right now."
"Especially with all these holes." Guilmon added usually observant.
"Is it more dangerous then staying with all these Jagamon?" Renamon asked.
That seemed to decide it for them as Kazu proclaimed. "All in favor of splitting up say 'I'."
One by one, the whole group chorused in. Ryo shrugged. "Now bad, aye Wildcat."
"You got lucky." Rika rolled her eyes.
"So how are these teams going to work?" Kenta asked.
"Cause I'm with the Ryo man." Kazu cried.
Takato shook his head. "Fine. Kazu and Kenta can be with Ryo. I'll be with Jeri. Ah, is that ok, Jeri?" He shot a nervous glance toward her.
Jeri meekly nodded. "It's fine with me."
"Right. That means Rika and I are together." Henry said.
"Henry and Rika sittin in..." Terriermon started to sing. "AHH Henry I was just." Henry chucked the dog-bunny off the ledge. "KIDDDINNGGG!"
Henry turned back to the group his face white. "Let's get moving then."
With chuckles from all around the three groups slowly climbed down from the rock formation. The forward most Jagamon raised his head. "I will be escorting you." He said to Takato.
The goggle headed boy nodded. "As long as we all meet up in an hour." The group nodded and split up, heading across the barren dessert.
Group 1. Takato, Jeri and Guilmon escorted by Jagamon
"I suppose if you don't mind." Takato said nervously. "You could show us some of the damaged places."
The Jagamon grunted. "Just look around you. The Digital World is in pieces like this everywhere."
Jeri leaned in toward Takato. "That's allot to fix." She frowned slightly. "I don't know how much of this we can really do."
Takato nodded solemnly. "Especially because we don't even know how to fix these holes yet." Jeri nodded.
The Jagamon looked back toward them, it's purple face portrayed hope. "You humans have allot of work ahead, but I think you can do, just as long as we talk to the others first."
"Others?" Takato and Jeri chorused together.
The Jagamon nodded. "With so many Digimon without homes there are so many fights due to lack of space and wandering around is dangerous."
"Then why are we alone?" Takato asked.
"Because I am not putting my herd at risk just for a few silly children." The Jagamon replied matter of factely.
"What about the sovereign?" Jeri asked. "Are they helping?"
"Oh, they do as much as they can, but there's only four of them. And even so, they spend most of their time breaking up fights."
"Takatomon. Don't worry. We'll make it all better."
"Yea, I hope so Guilmon." Takato replied sadly.
After a few minutes of an awkward silence the group reached a cluster of houses. "This is a small village of Cupimon, mini angel vaccine Digimon. Their registered as in - trainings but can be nasty if upset. So don't do anything stupid."
"W-we'll try." Takato gulped.
Walking into the small clump of dome like houses revealed about thirty small Cipimon hiding around carefully watching their guests. "Greetings Cupimon." Jagamon cried loudly in his nasal like voice. "I bring two of the Tamer's who wish to repair the damage they have done to our world."
"Woah. Hold on there." Takato interrupted. "We didn't harm your home, the D-reaper did."
"We just want to help." Jeri said. "So you can all live peacefully."
"And play." Added Guilmon.
"Hmph." Muttered the Jagamon.
Takato took a step toward the nearest Digimon. Getting closer, he realized the small white creature did resemble a small angel. They don't look nasty. Takato thought offering his hand to one of them. Slowly the small Digimon reached out and gently shook his with it's two own. Smiling shyly it quickly fluttered back behind a flowerpot looking piece of metal. Takato smiled. "It certainly was a pleasure meeting you."
Straighting he looked back at Jeri who was beaming at him. Motivated Takato directed his attention back to the Cupimon. "We just want to help you. So if you could please tell everyone you meet that we don't want to fight."
"Only play." Guilmon added while carefully sniffing a particularly brave white angel for approaching him.
Just play. Takato smiled.
Group 2. Ryo, Kazu, Kenta, Cyberdramon, Guradramon, Marineangemon
"So what are supposed to be doing?" Kenta asked.
"Saving the Digital World, again. Duh." Kazu responded.
"I think it would be best to just scout the area first. Then we can get a big picture with everyone else." Ryo said.
"Exactly what I was saying. Good call Ryo man!" Kazu said slapping the Digimon King on the back.
But Ryo didn't acknowledge Kazu or Kenta. He simply stared off into the distance, his eyes focusing something not in their dimension. "Ahhh, Ryo dude?" Kazu asked. The Digimon King ignored him. Slowly his shoulders shook and he turned back towards the others.
"Do you see that hole there, just in front of us?" Slowly the others nodded. "That's where Takato's flag stood...and now... it's nothing."
"Ah. You're kidding!" Kenta exclaimed.
"No chumley. Look." Kazu said, pointing off towards their right. "That's where we were first sucked into a data stream."
"Yea, and Rika had to come and save us." Kenta laughed sadly remembering.
The whole group stood stoic as time seemed to slow down as they recalled their first few moments in the Digital World in a place that no longer existed. Even though this place has less meaning to me. Ryo thought. It still hurts to know that something I cared about, even if it's as insignificant as a rock is no longer here. Slowly he shook his head. But now, it's just a memory.
"It seems like we were here only yesterday." Kenta said quietly.
Marineangemon nodded slightly. "Pi piah."
"It's ok little guy, it'll always be in our hearts." Kenta replied affectionately pulling the little mega into his arms.
Group 3. Rika, Henry, Renamon and Terriermon
As the four walked in silence Henry tried extremely hard to give his partner the cold shoulder. Why would he do that!? Does he have any idea how much is at stake here?...The whole Digital World and he pulls jokes like that, jokes that put my AND his life at risk to not only the whole population of this world but Rika, and that's scary enough.
"Are you even listening?"
"Huh? What?" Henry pulled his head out of the clouds to realize Rika had said something.
She shook her head. "Typical." Henry stared at his shoes embarrassed. "If you're thinking about the immaturity from your weeny partner it's fine."
Henry stared at her. Is she serious? No death penalty, dang I am one lucky guy.
"But if you tell anyone." The infamous Ice Queen continued.
"You'll rip my heard out and shove it down my throat and then let Renamon tear up what's left."
Rika nodded, and than smiled. "You learn quick Wong."
Henry smiled. "I have to with you around."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Are you two done yet?" Terriermon whined.
"We need to focus on Juggernaut right now." Renamon said seriously.
"Especially because we still have no idea what we're doing." Henry added.
Rika sighed. "This is going to be fun." Oh Juggernaut I know you're in there. She called taking hold of her D-arc.
Henry picked up his and grabbed Rika's free hand with his, earning himself a look of confusion and something that would scare small children into giving up their Christmas presents. (Sorry if you celebrate something else, it was just generalization.) Remember how we could communicate using this peice of junk program?
I was trying not to.
Ah good. This will make this earlier. Henry smiled.
A cold wave of shock washed over them. Juggernaut now entering chat room. Rika muttered sarcastically. Henry smirked, even though Rika didn't see it, she could somehow sense it.
What do you two think you are doing? Do you want to die?
What are you talking about? Henry asked. We want to fix the D world just like we said we would.
You do remember that you promised to obey us. Rika reminded him.
You foolish humans. I was created by a genius with a mind of my own. I obey no one.
Typical Yamaki, create an egotistical program. Rika muttered.
Weren't you created to keep the Digital World and the Real World in tact? Henry asked confused.
Yes.
Then why won't you help us? Rika practically cried exasperated.
Feeling slightly left out of the conversation Terriermon wandered away toward the nearest deleted area. "This whole thing seems rather silly. Why not have Boss man just rewrite the programs?"
"Because that would be simple." Renamon replied.
I agree with Terriermon. Henry said. Do we really need Juggernaut to do this?"
"Yes." Rika responded breaking the connection. "With Juggernaut we can do it much faster not to mention it will be exactly how it was."
Henry rubbed the back of his head deep in thought. "I don't know. Something about this just sounds to simple."
"Isn't that a good thing? It would take Yamaki three months just to approve the idea of fixing the patches with a computer. We could be finished by that time."
"Something about Juggernaut just doesn't connect well. Every time Juggernaut says it's"
"He's" Rika interrupted.
"He." Henry corrected. "It doesn't matter, something always goes wrong."
Renamon nodded in approval. "Maybe Rika, it would be best to sit this one out."
But I can help you. Juggernaut insisted. I have more power then you could possibly understand.
Rika frowned confused. Why is everyone against Juggernaut. He's a tool we possess that wants to help... I think. But, if you have a weapon why handicap yourself by not using it? Am I missing something?
Group 1.
Jeri was sitting in the center of a circle of Cupimon, sharing stories of the Real World. The current one being how the sun sets on the horizon and the whole world turns orange. The entire group was fascinated by the idea, including Jeri. Takato smiled and let his gaze roam peacefully. Guilmon was playing tag with a few, and apparently losing due to his lack of wings. "Takato-mon, I want to fly too." He moaned as he tripped over a rock to sprawl on his face. The goggle headed boy only laughed.
This went allot better than I anticipated.
"Do not look so smug human." The Jagamon said settling down beside the boy. "I have spoken with the leader here. He also believes you play a dangerous game."
Takato nodded. "But if it saves the Digital World than I believe it is worth it."
"Don't be coy!" The Jagamon snapped. "Had I known earlier that you were plagued I would have never agreed to escort you."
"Plagued?" Takato asked confused and slightly insulted. "What are you talking about?"
"You carry the program Juggernaut with you, do you not?"
"Oh." Takato said suddenly confused. "Rika and Henry do, but Juggernaut has agreed to help us."
"And yet you still continue to associate with them knowing that?" Jagamon demanded.
"Well yea. They're my friends. There's nothing wrong with them, or any of us for that matter." Takato said his voice rising slightly.
"Takato are you alright?" Jeri asked as she joined them.
"And does she know?" The Jagamon demanded.
"Know what?" Jeri asked. "Takato what's going on?"
"He thinks Juggernaut is unsafe." Takato replied.
"What? Rika said it was fine." Jeri exclaimed the whites of her eyes widening.
"They lie to you!" The Jagamon said standing, which would have been impressive if he was more than two feet tall. "Juggernaut is a part of the D-reaper program and is only out to destroy us. As soon as it has what is wants it will destroy you as well."
"Now wait just one second." Takato exclaimed. "I trust my friends and if they think it's fine then I believe them."
The Jagamon shook his head, before meeting their gaze seriously. When he spoke his voice was a deathly whisper. "You are foolish human, you let his program suck your blind friends like a tick would. You will be the reason for their downfall. We will spread your word, but leave us in peace. We want nothing more to do with you."
"Guilmon!" Takato called, his voice cracking slightly. "It's time to go."
"Awe. No more fun." The Dinosaur moaned.
"Take you for your… hospitality." Jeri said trying to sound cheerful, but it sounded false even to her.
The Jagamon nodded. "May the Sovereign have mercy on you."
Takato and Jeri both nodded nervously before walking out of the small village with Guilmon in tow. Glancing nervously back, Takato realized the whole town was once again staring at them. "I don't like this." He whispered.
Jeri nodded. "Something's not right."
"Why are you so sad?" Guilmon asked.
The two tamer's ignored him. "They should be happy and excited about this." Jeri continued.
Takato shook his head. "We need to have a talk with Yamaki."
Group 3.
Why would they be against me Rika? Juggernaut shivered from inside her D-arc
Hold on, I'm thinking. Rika wasn't sure but she could have swore that the program had laughed at her.
"I think we should regroup with the others and go home." Henry said. "Coming here was a mistake."
Renamon inclined her head slightly. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
Henry shook his head confused. "This just doesn't add up. We already knew the Digital World was in trouble and I guess I was just waiting to slash a card and have it fixed."
"But that won't work anymore." Rika said quietly. "It's just like Yamaki said: we're playing God and someone's going to end up hurt."
"And we blindly ignored him." Henry finished.
"What do you plan on telling the others?" Renamon asked. "Those Jagamon are convinced you can fix the damage."
Rika frowned. "I, I don't know."
You will tell them you have successfully repaired one of the deleted areas. Juggernaut resonated this time from deep inside her.
Rika blinked in surprise. But how? You won't help us.
I never agreed to that. The program argued.
"This is stupid." Henry cried exasperated, throwing his hands up. "I'm not going to sit here arguing with some useless piece of program that just wants to toy with us."
Is this toying?
A white beam erupted from the D-arcs. Started Henry almost dropped his. "What is this?"
This is my power.
"Incredible." Rika mumbled.
Indeed.
Slowly Rika raised the arc parallel to the ground and the white beam reflected off of the missing fragment of dessert. The white beam faded into a soft blue and then seemed to become more concentrated.
Henry carefully imitated her. His beam also changed from a white to a forest green. So this repairs the Digital World how?
Just wait.
Group 2.
Kenta sighed. "I guess Jeri was right this is just one big unfinished puzzle."
"If only we could fix it." Ryo said quietly.
Slowly the black patch in front of them lit up like a light was being reflected into it. "Ah, is that normal?" Kazu stammered. No one answered him as the air suddenly got cold and the light changed as if it were being shown out of the nothingness. Then slowly a tint of blue and green winked in just for a second, but they were replaced by a rock image with a funky blue flag waving gently in the breeze. Incredible… Kazu thought stunned at the idea. But, I thought the flag was just a little closer to the actual rock. Then slowly the Tamer's flag drifted back toward the rock where it settled into place.
The light dimmed out and the warmth of the Digital sun came back to them. Glancing up Kazu saw the deleted patch was gone.
"It's as if…someone put the piece back in…" Kenta mumbled bewildered.
"But how?" Ryo asked.
Cyberdramon growled and advanced slowly toward the newly formed rock. Carefully following his lead the group flanked the large ultimate and slinked toward it. The large dragon hesitated before he placed his giant claw on top of a rock, as Marineangemon fluttered around the flag.
"It's all, real." Ryo muttered.
"The whole things been recreated." Kenta added.
"This is nuttier than a soup sandwich." Kazu said outloud.
"We should probably tell the others about this." Guardramon said.
Ryo nodded. "Good idea, we should be heading back anyways."
Yamaki was furious, but at the same time confused out of his mind. "How did they return so quickly? Why?… No, that is a silly question, because they believe they can do what a whole team of professionals did in twenty years." Shaking his head his fingers continued to fly over the keys. He was still sitting in front of the computer in room 7-86B this time accompanied by Riley and Janyuu Wong.
"Yamaki." Janyuu said, bringing his boss's attention back to him. "What do you plan to do?"
"We can't bring them home." Yamaki said after a short pause.
"Why not?" Janyuu said his glasses almost falling off of his nose.
"If they've split up we won't bring them all home." Yamaki answered.
"But they don't know how to operate the Port." Riley pointed out.
Yamaki nodded. "Which is why Juggernaut is going to have to do it."
"What?!" Janyuu cried. "You're joking."
"I wish I was Janyuu. But, it's the only way." Yamaki absentmindedly reached into his pocket for his lighter only to realize he had thrown it away the last time the Tamer's had returned from the Digital World. Frowning slightly he continued. "I don't want anyone at Hypnos to know about their latest stunt. This is highly classified."
Riley still smirking, knowing Yamaki was furious over the loss of his lighter pulled herself back together. "But you can bring them home soon?"
Yamaki nodded.
"Yamaki." Janyuu said extremely serious. "I want to know exactly when they are getting back."
"We will not discharge them." Yamaki agreed knowing perfectly well Janyuu wanted his son back. He turned his attention back to Riley. "I would like you to release Leomon from the lab. I have a feeling Jeri would like her partner back."
Riley smiled. When the Tamer's had returned with the newly reconstructed Digimon he had been placed in the Hypnos Lab to ensure he would not disappear back to the Digital World. As she walked out of the computer lab, she could have sworn she heard Yamaki mutter, "I need to get a new lighter." But she wouldn't bring it up.
Group 1.
"Are you alright Takato?" Jeri asked, having noticed the goggle headed tamer was rubbing his eyes.
Takato looked up just as tired as Jeri felt. "Just trying to figure out what's real and what isn't.
Jeri nodded. "I don't think Rika would lie to me."
Takato nodded quickly. "I don't think either of them would Jeri. I don't think they realize what's going on."
"Which is why we need to talk to Yamaki." Jeri finished.
"Yamaki will make all better, and than I can play with Leomon." Guilmon said excitedly.
Jeri smiled widely. "Seeing Leomon will be nice."
Takato smiled weakly at her. "You really miss him don't you?"
Jeri's face took an unusually serious look. "I'm mostly just happy he's alive."
The trio fell into a comfortable silence worn out by the recent events. Takato fiddled with his hands nervously though the entire time. I should say something, do something.. Gah. This is so awkward!
"Heeeey! Ta-ka-to!"
Takato immediately looked up his uneasy disposition long gone, because there about three hundred yards away Kazu, Kenta and Ryo with their partners.
"Dude you have GOT to check this out!" Kazu cried again.
Jeri looked at the boy confused. "What's he talking about?"
Takato shook his head. "Who knows, probably not even Kazu."
Group 3.
Rika could feel something rushing through, adrenaline most likely but there was something else… something she couldn't exactly place, maybe pride. For as much as she refused to admit it all the Digimon she had so selfishly ordered Renamon to destroy when they had first met had left a pretty heavy conscience, and the idea of shedding it was unbelievably gratifying.
Imagine being able to fix the entire Digital World just like this patch. Juggernaut hissed.
It would be incredible. Rika agreed. But I don't see a difference.
Slowly the blue and green beams merged together and entangled themselves to a thick black substance that was pulled slowly back inside the D-arcs until there was nothing left.
Rika's arm was vibrating so quickly she could barely make out where it was. This is either really impressive or we're in some serious trouble.
"Look!" Terriermon said jumping up and down excitedly. "The deleted bit is, well, not deleted."
And indeed, he was right; patch of sand and a handful of rocks replaced the black patch of nothingness. And this is only the beginning of my power. Together we could accomplish so much. Juggernaut hissed.
All I want to do is repair the Digital World. Rika replied calmly.
But don't I get a say? You are ignorant to how much we could do to both worlds. We could not only repair this world but what you call Endeavor as well. Your leader Yamaki would never force you into a lab again and you could spend your days becoming stronger.
As tempting as that sounds, I think I'll pass. "Isn't it time we found Goggle head? Because he's probably got his underwear in a bunch by now."
Henry smiled. "Yea."
The walk back was extremely uneventful. Each member was still amazed but slightly worried by Juggernaut's godlike power. And for some reason the same, thought kept bouncing around in Henry's head: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he realized that the other Tamers were now in view.
"Hey!" Henry called out, as his group approached the remaining Tamers.
"Alright you're back." Takato exclaimed excited.
"We were worried you'd left without us." Kazu joked.
Takato laughed nervously. "Anyways, if everyone is ready, we should probably be getting home soon."
"I don't know goggle head." Rika said falsely cheerful. "I was kinda thinking about moving in to one of those rocks."
"But where would all the bread be?" Guilmon asked.
"It was a joke, you goofy dinosaur." Terriermon said jumping on Guilmon's back.
"Whatever, let's just go." Kazu whined.
"Yea I have sand in my underwear." Kenta added.
Slowly every head turned toward the two, to give them awkward looks. "Because we really needed to know that." Rika summed up.
Henry ignored them. Juggernaut do you think you could get us home using this Port. He reached into his slightly sand covered best and pulled out the short black cylinder.
I know the answer to that question Henry Wong the question is do you?
Obviously not or I would not be asking. Henry replied trying not to show annoyance on his face.
Rika placed her hand on the port making sure she subtly had a finger on Henry's D-arc. What's wrong?
Juggernaut won't tell us if he can take us home using the Port. Henry answered now slightly annoyed.
And why won't you? Rika demanded.
I have mentioned it many times: I seek adventure and whether you die during the process is of no concern of mine.
So I guess we'll just have to test it out then. Rika said.
Is that really such a good idea? Renamon asked sliding into the conversation.
Probably not, but does it look like we have a choice? Rika answered. I'm sorry, that wasn't supposed to sound so mean.
Renamon placed her paw on her Tamer's shoulder to show she didn't care.
So Juggernaut.Henry asked. How does this Port work then?
The same as anything else.
"Helpful as ever." Rika muttered.
"So, uh, guys?" Takato asked. "Are we going home anytime soon?"
"Yep." Henry answered putting on a smile.
The Port seemed to extend in length as its grooves lighted up in an array of multi colored lights. "Well this is new." Takato said. "Did I know it could do that?"
"Momentai." Terriermon said happily. "We're going home!"
And sure enough, a pink and purple portal opened up in front of them. "Way to go Juggernaut." Rika smirked.
"He finally pulled through to us." Henry smiled.
Rika nodded as they walked through the portal and back into cyberspace. The whole trip seemed to have been cut down to an amazing three seconds, because as soon as she blinked Rika found herself sprawled across the floor of the same computer lab, staring dumbly up at Yamaki.
"Welcome back." He said sounding anything but pleased.
"Glad you missed me." Rika smiled sweetly.
Henry hit the ground next to her followed immediately by Takato and Guilmon who was moaning something along the lines of "No fun, more like dream, but no fun."
"Ah." Yamaki said suddenly looking happy when he saw Henry. "I'm so glad you could finally join us. You better have a great explanation to give to your parents."
Grinning foolishly Kazu stood up. "We are champions of freedom and justice! You can punish us but our spirits will live on in the name of good!"
"Where did THAT come from?" Ryo asked.
"Obviously somebody hit their microscopic brain just a little to hard." Rika replied.
"All of you go home." Yamaki said his voice cold as ice. Terrified the group jumped to their feet and hurried out the door. "Except you Mr. Wong." Yamaki added.
Henry froze his hand on the door handle. "Please, Yamaki just let me go home."
"How do I know you aren't lying?"
Henry looked at the Port in his hand and then carefully placed it on the Hypnos leaders desk, then walked out the door. Rika gave Yamaki a nice death glare before following him out. "You really should go home." She said quietly as soon as the door was closed.
Henry nodded. "I know. If I survive, will I see you tommarow at Endeavor?"
Rika nodded. "Later Henry." The two split up and headed home unaware that Takato and Jeri still lurked inside the computer lab.
"Yamaki," Jeri asked sweetly. "would it be alright if I came with you to the lab to see Leomon?"
The blonde man nodded understandingly, and then pulled out his sleek black phone. While he was occupied, Jeri glanced meaningfully at Takato who nodded.
"Guilmon why don't you go find Calumon and see if he wants to play. I'm pretty sure he's running around somewhere by your old hideout."
"Are you sure Takato-mon?" Guilmon asked confused.
Takato smiled. "Yea, I'm just going to be keeping Jeri company and I know you aren't going to have much fun."
"Okie dokie." The red dinosaurs said excitedly, and then hurried out after the rest of the Tamers.
"That was very smooth Takato." Yamaki remarked, impressed.
Takato turned red. "I didn't know you were listening."
"It's alright. Now what do you two want to talk about?"
"While we were in the Digital World we came across a few Jagamon." Takato began. "He thought that Juggernaut was dangerous and said he didn't want to talk to us because Henry and Rika were playing 'a dangerous game'."
Yamaki sighed and rubbed his nose where his glasses left small indents. "Takato, do you know what a Juggernaut is?"
The boy shook his head.
"The dictionary describes it as something that obliterates everything in it's path, or at least seems too."
Jeri gasped slightly. "Does that mean Rika and Henry are going to get hurt?"
Yamaki nodded. "To some extent it is possible, which is why we tried to keep them in our lab...which was a rather interesting experience."
"So by using Juggernaut to repair the Digital World the two of them are in danger?" Takato asked.
Yamaki sighed. "It is possible. In the beginning the D-reaper program was designed to delete old and unnecessary data, and to ensure that it never got out of hand I created Juggernaut to keep it in check. Juggernaut in essence was used to destroy anything that was too powerful to survive peacefully. It was rather ingenious actually, the two programs were self supporting and kept each other in check. There was only one problem: the two were not created at the same time so the D-reaper slowly built up power in the absence of Juggernaut and eventually became to powerful. Then you kids destroyed the D-reaper which caused the self supporting structure to collapse. Which means Juggernaut has nothing to keep it in check and because it was designed as an AI program it is learning through experience. The experiences that Rika and Henry went through. Now because you kids saw the D-reaper program it is safe to assume that Juggernaut also sees the D-reaper as a threat."
"But we destroyed the D-reaper." Takato interrupted.
Yamkai nodded. "Exactly, however in the process the Digital World was destroyed so Juggernaut sees it's purpose as to repair it, which will be perfectly fine until the Digital World is back to normal."
"But that's good isn't it?" Jeri asked.
"Except for the fact that Juggernaut is a computer program. It isn't real. It doesn't need to sleep, eat, breathe, live. It will push Rika and Henry farther than was thought possible and eventually the will snap. They will become robots, or rather animals that possess no soul; a lifeless body, or shell. However, in the process one or both of them will become hurt and when Juggernaut sees them as vulnerable it will abandon them."
"What do you mean abandon?" Takato asked.
"It, or He rather, will kill them."
Animal I have become
As made famous by Three Days Grace
I can't escape this hell
So many times I've tried
But I'm still caged inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
(This animal, this animal)
I can't escape myself
(I can't escape myself)
So many times I've lied
(So many times I've lied)
But there's still rage inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
Somebody help me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
Somebody wake me from this nightmare
I can't escape this hell
(This animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal, this animal)
So what if you can see the darkest side of me?
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
(This animal I have become)
I wrote this whole chapter in under three days. Think how cool it would be if every four days there were a new chapter posted. However, in order for that to happen I would please like to see at least three un-anonymous reviews.
Well either way, next chapter will be posted next Thursday somewhere before 4PM Florida time, because after that I'm visiting my family in England for the rest of the month so you won't see an update till around July 13th. I'm Sorry.
Due also to the length of the chapters I am considering removing the song at the end, just so the scroll bar is something more than a microbe, any objections. But that would require reviewing P
Until then
Sky