….
Chapter 10
It had been a month since Kumbhiramon had been defeated. Jeri and Leomon had been going around for a while, Naruto had a clone destroying Champions that Bio-emerged, Rika and Naruto went on 2 dates, Henry and Jeri went on more dates, and they had actually grown to like each other.
Kazu and Kenta were loners, and preferred playing the Digimon Card game for a while, though with the training Naruto had put them through, they had begun to like some points, while despising others.
For example, sometimes he has them acquire "Research" as Naruto calls it. While the initial view is always good, they were always caught within an hour. There were times Rika was there, and she noticed them, before calling them out on it in a rage, just like Naruto had asked.
Once, the Lilymon and Rika were in there at the same time, causing them both to team up on the two after they lost the others. Henry saw them once, and was about to help.
Then he saw a pissed off Rika, and decided against it.
Obito had been taking out Digimon, with or without Lucemon. While Lucemon had been keeping watch over Guilmon, he had noticed the Childish personality of the red dino. He also noticed that, sometimes, Naruto was the same.
After some time, Yamaki had asked Riley out on her time off. She had accepted and actually found that Yamaki had a bit of a fun side. Not much, but he was actually getting the ideas from Kakashi. Asking her out on a date was his idea, as well. Needless to say he was a lot more bearable to be around.
Neither of them realized it, but Renamon had seen the entire thing.
Now, we join Yamaki in the Hypnos Sphere. "We're getting a massive reading. It's coming through the juggernaut core." Riley said. "Yamaki, it's a Deva. And it's huge."
"Roger that. Obito?" Obito showed up.
"They already know."
"Good. Join them."
"I can't. This one is different. I actually recognize this one. It's Vikaralamon. With the restrictions Lucemon has on him, we can't do jack shit."
"And the others?" Yamaki questioned.
"I'm not sure if they can handle it even as Ultimate levels." Obito admitted. "Vikaralamon is more of a Raw strength with reckless abandon fighter. It doesn't bother to hide his strength, and doesn't care. Though what gets me is why Makuramon hasn't shown up yet."
Yamaki growled. "Get Janyu here. Riley! Tally! Ready the Juggernaut Program!"
"Don't you remember what happened last time?" Riley questioned.
"If what Obito says is true, then secrecy is about to get out anyway. Get it ready. I want it at full power!"
-the streets-
Gargomon, Growlmon and Kyuubimon were facing down a giant pig. "This isn't working!" Gargomon shouted.
"I see that!" Naruto retorted. 'Jeri... make sure Calumon stays safe. It's why I had you and Leomon stick with Kazu and Kenta. One Digimon should be more than enough if anything but a Deva shows up to take him.' He ended up thinking.
"I do too." Rika added. "Looks like we need to go Ultimate."
"Right!" Naruto and Henry replied. They channeled the correct amount of Chakra into their Digivices. "DIGIMODIFY! MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION!"
MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION
"Growlmon Digivolve to... Wargrowlmon!"
"Kyuubimon Digivolve to... Taomon!"
"Gargomon Digivolve to... Rapidmon!"
The three Ultimates went in front of Vikaralamon. "Stop right there you porker!" WGmon shouted.
"Not so confident now, are ya ya pig?!" Rapidmon Taunted.
The pig stopped. "Boar bog!" Vikaralamon shot a bunch of black bog, that caught Rapidmon.
Naruto looked at Henry. "We're gonna need to increase Rapidmon's sensory abilities."
"They progress as fast as mine have." Henry retorted.
"That's what scares me." Naruto admitted.
"Talisman of light!" Taomon shouted, making a half-ram sign with her paw, throwing it through the bog, destroying it entirely. It was at that point that the sky was ripped in half, Digimon on the other side.
"Shit! I didn't notice he was activating Juggernaut!" Naruto cursed.
"With the damage to the city, you're worried about secrecy?" Rika questioned.
Naruto sweatdropped. "Ah, to hell with it. Secret's out! Uzumaki Code Book: Attack plan Gamma 17!"
-Hypnos Sphere-
Janyu had entered the room as Yamaki heard that. "Attack Plan Gamma 17?" Janyu questioned.
"I know this one." Yamaki admitted. "But for him to use it?"
"What do you mean?" Janyu questioned.
"Gamma 17 is not an average plan. For them to use this one means he knows that the secret is going to get out whether they want it to or not. In other words, it's another way for the Military to say, "We've been spotted. Go loud." Now, it's a no holds barred, all out assault." Yamaki stated, saying exactly what Kakashi told him. 'Kakashi, are you sure that's all of it? There has to be more to it than that.'
"There isn't. Gamma 17 is basically, don't hold back because of secrecy. It's just disguised as an Attack Plan so the opponent will expect something specific. That's why he has it that way." Kakashi pointed out.
'He's just too confusing.'
"You get used to it." Yamaki could just feel the smile on Kakashi's face in his head.
-Battle-
"Rapid Fire!" Rapidmon shot a lot of missiles from his back into Vikaralamon's snout.
"Fusion ball!" The pig shot a red ball of Energy at WGmon, in which it hit, pinning him down. "Wargrowlmon!" Naruto shouted, charging up a Wind Jutsu. "Fuuton! Kaze no yaiba!" He cut the fusion ball in half, freeing him, before landing on his shoulder as he got up. "You alright?"
"Never better, Takatomon."
"Boar Bog!"
"Talisman of Light!" Taomon launched another one through the bog cutting it in half. "Where is Lucemon where you need him?" she complained.
"Lucemon won't be coming, Taomon. The only reason he could do anything to Indramon, and I found this out by asking him myself, is because Indramon was attacking a Rookie. Namely, Impmon." Naruto pointed out.
"So, we're on our own with this? Crap." Rapidmon replied. "Rapid Fire!" Missiles were launched from the arms. They hit the pig's hide.
"Fusion ball!" the pig shot off four into the air, two towards each flying Ultimate, meaning Taomon and Rapidmon. "Target practice! Rapid Fire!" Missiles hit each ball, destroying them before their target was hit. Vikaralamon started acting up. "What the..."
"Juggernaut has reached full power!" Naruto shouted. "Vikaralamon is getting weaker by the second! Tamer Special!"
"Fox,"
"Dino,"
"Rabbit,"
"ALL OUT ASSAULT!"
"Tribeam!" Rapidmon launched his Tribeam attack.
"Atomic Blaster!" WGmon launched his attack.
"Thousand spells!" Tons of Exploding Notes left Taomon's sleeves.
As the smoke cleared, the Digimon waited. "No way!" Taomon shouted in surprise.
Vikaralamon came out of it without a scratch, this shocked Naruto quite a bit. "All that power... and not a scratch... that's it. Wargrowlmon! It's time to use Helios 000!"
"But that hasn't even been tested yet!" WGmon retorted.
-Yamaki's head-
"Helios 000?"
"Don't look at me, that's a new one." Kakashi admitted. "Though I'm not sure what it entails, I know one thing for sure. He's getting desperate to use an Untested plan."
"So, just watch?"
"Good idea."
-Battle-
Naruto jumped high into the air, the Hazard Symbol appearing above Wargrowlmon, who jumped through it as well. The moment they hit opposites side of the symbol, there was a bright light, engulfing everything.
HAZARD MATRIX ACTIVATED
HAZARD DIGIVOLUTION
There was a being made entirely of a red light. When the glow disappeared, there was what seemed to be a Half-Human, half dragon floating in the area. The torso was covered in Dark Blue and Silver armor on the chest and arms. (See: ChaosGallantmon) There was a Shield on the left arm (See: Gallantmon X). The right arm had changed into what seemed to be a White, Red and Gold Lance. (See: Gallantmon) Below the waist was a long Red and Orange tail. (See: Megidramon in form, just orange where the White is) There was 8 wings flowing behind the torso, similar to Angel wings, partially ethereal. (See: Gallantmon Crimson Mode, just 8 instead of 10) The Hazard Symbol was on the chest of this new being, as well.
No one noticed that Naruto was on the shoulder, standing proud, his hand on the new Digimon's neck.
"What the heck is that?" Henry said, awestruck.
Lucemon appeared right next to him. "The Hazard..."
"Wait, we don't know if it's on our side yet!" Rika shouted.
"If it attacks either of you, I shall..."
"You shall do nothing!" Naruto shouted.
Henry started to scan it with Rapidmon's help. The screen finally appeared. "Finally! MegiGallantmon, Mega...level..." Henry looked up. "Guilmon just went Mega?!"
"MegiGallantmon... that's a new one. What else is there?" Lucemon questioned.
Henry continued. "Not much. No known attacks, Virus type... Wait, here's something. Dragon Knight Digimon. Supposedly the remains a Royal Knight known only as the Hazard Knight before an Evil Dragon Digimon known only by the name Megidramon tried to take over his mind, resulting in the destruction of them both due to the instability of power flowing through him."
Rika just looked at him, not bothering to question Henry. "There's more to it than that, Henry." She focused on the energy surrounding the Lance and Shield. "That lance... It feels like..." her eyes widened. "And the shield is..." her eyes nearly popped out. "Rapidmon! Taomon! GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!"
Henry and Lucemon looked at her in confusion. "That Lance has the same power of Ayvuir Chaos flowing through it." this drew Henry's attention quickly in shock. "And the shield has Ayvuir Order flowing through it."
Henry looked at Lucemon. "You think you can get us out of here?"
"This form is... different. I sense no energy from the Hazard, but... there's something off about this one."
"I'm not asking about that." Henry retorted. "With Ayvuir Chaos and Ayvuir Order tied into MegiGallantmon's equipment the slightest bit of crossfire could destroy us all!"
"I do not see that happening." Lucemon narrowed his eyes. "When I said something was off, I wasn't just talking about the lack of the Digital hazard. There's no power being released at all. No good, no bad, nothing in between. I can't sense anything that any other mega would release, even if subconsciously."
"You can detect the energy emission, I take it?" Rika questioned.
"Yes, and there is none. As to how you know what the energy is, I do not know."
"It's because the energy flowing through Ayvuir Order and Ayvuir Chaos are Unique. It's not Digital Energy common to Digimon, even Calumon has that. It's not Chakra which Humans have, whether we're trained in it's usage or not, or any plain Energy. Ayvuir Chaos is a combination of The Hazard, Digital Energy and Human Energy mixed into one. Ayvuir Order is Demonic Chakra, Nature Chakra and Human Chakra combined into one. The Combination of all 3 Energies in both of them are actually fine tuned to make an entirely new energy, both of which are not named. Ayvuir Order is weaker on a large scale, but can still put a 29 mile crater in the ground."
During this, Naruto was talking to MegiGallantmon. "So, you're MegiGallantmon now. How do you feel?"
"Just fine, really." MegiGallantmon replied, the tone gruff. "I feel, Calm. As if Order and Chaos have been quelled, and reached an agreement."
"Alright then. Let's see what we can do with this form, ne?"
"One shot should do the trick." MegiGallantmon pointed the lance at Vikaralamon. "Chaotic Lightning Joust!" Black Lightning formed at the tip, before being fired and obliterating Vikaralamon. Naruto just whistled as the Boar Deva was transformed into Data Particles. "Now that... was awesome."
Naruto looked up for a moment, and saw a Monkey Digimon jumping up with Calumon. "MegiGallantmon, stop him! He has Calumon!"
MegiGallantmon charged the flying Monkey, as Juggernaut was being corrupted and shot down. Janyu appeared on the ground, where Taomon, Rapidmon, Lucemon, Henry, and Rika stood, watching as MegiGallantmon was blown back by a Phoenix-like Silhouette as the Monkey Deva went through, before the rift closed in the sky. Naruto nearly lost it, but kept his cool. "Looks like we've lost this round. MegiGallantmon, Rookie form. We're done here."
"Right." There was a bright light, before Guilmon and Naruto were on the ground, Guilmon was panting. "Takatomon... I'm hungry..."
"After that... I'm not surprised. It's the first time you've done that. Using the Hazard for Digivolution was a risky gamble. I'm sorry."
"You don't need to be sorry. I was glad to see it worked." Guilmon then fell back, passed out. Naruto just looked at him, noticing he was asleep. Naruto just knelt next to Guilmon's snoring body.
"Sorry I put you through that... Guilmon, you're a little too much like me." he then looked around. "Looks like the blast was more controlled than I thought it would be. There seems to be no damage to the city from that blast. At least none that MegiGallantmon caused."
"How did you get rid of the Hazard within him? It may be there now, but it wasn't in that mega form. That was not a known Digimon."
"That's what happens when you use the Digital Hazard as a Digivolution Catalyst." Naruto stood up, before looking at Lucemon. "It's an ability I theorized could work. The Digital hazard is powerful enough to rival the Light of Digivolution. I figured that, since they were of equal strength, one could be used in place of the other. What you just saw was the result of that theory in action. Come on. We've got to get everyone out of here. A Clean up crew is likely to appear soon. We need to be out of here beforehand. Lucemon head to Obito. Henry, find Jeri. Odds are likely that the Monkey that took Calumon was a Deva and either knocked out Leomon, or flat out deleted him. She'll need someone there for her. Rika, Taomon, head back to your place. We're going to go after him. 4 tamers and 2 non-tamers. The 3 of us, Jeri, Kazu and Kenta. We need to get him back. Fast. If we don't, both worlds will be lost forever." Naruto's voice went solemn at the end.
"And you think I'd let the Hazard go?"
"You don't have a choice in the matter." Naruto retorted. "Someone has to keep watch over this place. Hypnos is likely in shambles. Let's get out of here. I'll take Guilmon to the Bakery. Let's get a move on." Naruto put a hand on Guilmon's stomach and they both left in a whirlwind. Rapidmon turned back into Terriermon, and got into Janyu's car. Taomon turned into Kyuubimon, which Rika rode to her house.
Lucemon just went out through a portal.
-underground-
Impmon was sitting in there thinking. 'What could I be missing? With all the power in the world... that's all there is... and yet even with that I lost to Naruto. I may have known Naruto, but this new form of his is even more dangerous.'
A Digital portal appeared nearby, breaking him of his thoughts. "Do you desire power?"
"Who's offering?" Impmon questioned.
"Are you scared?"
"Not scared. Cautious. The last time someone offered me power they ended up trying to kill me because I got too powerful for their tastes. I ended up killing him. So, as I was saying, who's offering the power? Perhaps I can avoid a headache, and you can avoid being destroyed."
"You are... different. Who was the last one to offer you power? Perhaps we know of them."
"Feh. Doubt it. Unless you can see into the past of other dimensions. Ah, to heck with it. His name was Orochimaru. A human. Then again, I was a human at that point too. Caught up on revenge. Snake gave me a taste, offered me more. I took it blindly. I'm not gonna be an idiot like that again."
The voice was silent for a moment. "Very well. Our Sovereign has decided to help you. But you must perform one task for us when we do."
"The Sovereign, eh?" Impmon questioned. "This task has to deal with those Tamers, huh?"
"Quick on the uptake."
"I wasn't a shinobi for no reason. Let me guess, you want me to off 'em?"
"..."
"If so, count me in. I've got a score to settle with one of them from when I was a Human. I got reborn, he got reborn. Him, a human, me a Digimon. If I can off him myself, I'm game. The others mean nothing to me anyway. But the first one to go down... is the Tamer of that Guilmon. Once he's gone I'll see no threat to the others. Even if he did train them, they don't know what a true Shinobi is like."
"Do that, and you keep the power we give you. The Humans are in the way of our goals."
"Heh. You and I are gonna get along great." Impmon walked up to the portal, and went through.
-Nonaka household-
"Grandma, you home?"
"Rika!" Rumiko immediately came out and hugged the red head. "Thank god you're safe..."
Rika just stood there, not bothering to move. "It was on the news, wasn't it?"
"Please... Tell me why. Why did you have to do that?" Rumiko was borderline teary.
"Rumiko, there's no need. I've known the entire time, and seen what she has seen, to a point." Seiko said, coming out of the shadows. "That was tougher than usual, was it not?"
Rika nodded slightly. "Yeah... Naruto doing that, though... I don't want to see him do that again. Or want him to have to."
"I can understand that. That was Guilmon, wasn't it?" Seiko asked, earning a small nod. "Well then, let's get dinner ready. You'll need to eat and rest up after that."
"Mother! You can't seriously think this is safe for her!" Rumiko snapped.
"Mom... I've been doing this for a while. I didn't tell you because..."
"It's because we all knew you'd act this way." A voice said from behind Seiko. They all turned and saw Namikaze standing there. "Rika, we leave in 5 days. Make sure they know what I mean by then, since your mother found out."
"Namikaze, what do you mean, 5 days?"
"It'll give us time to rest, relax, and get ready. Guilmon is not in a good shape. Takato is making sure Guilmon is perfectly fine before the trip. He just wants you to know something." Namikaze pulled out a scroll and tossed it to her, Rika caught it. "You might need it sooner than I hoped. Channel Chakra into it the first time, and it'll give you the instinctual knowledge you need. From there, you just have to make it so it's no longer instinctual, but done consciously. And don't forget your gloves. Trust me, you'll need them."
Rika nodded, and gripped the scroll tightly. "Anything else?"
"Not right now. Be at Area 3 at 0600, and bring your grandmother to the key beforehand. Key her into it. It'll allow her and your mother into the areas. Make sure at least your grandmother comes as well. If your mother is called for her job, then she should be at her job. The Matsuki's are going to be there as well. Janyu Wong will too, but not the rest of Henry's family."
"Why not the rest of them?"
"Janyu works for Hypnos part time. Something that would have surprised anyone but me. In any case, he's going to be the representative for Hypnos. It'll all be explained then." Rika nodded, and Namikaze faded from view into the shadows.
Seiko looked at Rika. "Looks like I'll be seeing what he meant by Pocket Dimensions."
Rika nodded. "With all this commotion, all shoots were canceled until further notice. So I can make due with the timing." Rumiko pointed out. "I'm coming, whether you like it or not, Rika. And you're going to explain. Now." Her tone spoke clearly: "You are not leaving until I get what I want."
Rika sighed. "We'll explain it over dinner."
-Jeri's house-
Jeri and Leomon were sitting in front of her father and stepmother. Leomon was in human form. "Why are you suggesting that she go along with this?" her father questioned, barely reigning in his temper.
"I consider this a test of sorts." Leomon admitted. "It shows that she can handle anything that is thrown at her and that I have taught her well. It is literally a survival challenge, in a place where she cannot get an adult to help her, because there will come a time that she will need to know this. And it is better to learn it early on, because knowing what's out there is more dangerous than anyone can imagine is important in many cases. There are many cases in which new adults have committed suicide because they couldn't handle the pressure, or flat out killed because of an accident, or their own stupidity. I will not let that happen to Jeri, so I am preparing her for the inevitable."
"An unknown amount of time in an unknown area with partially unknown dangers?" her stepmother questioned. "Couldn't you pick a more controlled environment?"
Leomon shook his head. "I'm afraid not. After what that giant pig did, there is bound to be patrols, and they would instantly pick her up and take her here. I have a standing partnership with a man by the name Namikaze. He is also having his 5 students go to the same area, so we are making it a bit of a joint test. His students will be without him, but I will be there myself to watch over them, only interfering if I need to. The parents of the others are being informed of the test as we speak."
"You don't really think I'd allow this, do you?" Jeri's father questioned. "She's only a kid!"
"A Kid that has been training for situations similar to this, if not worse."
Her stepmother nodded. "How long until she leaves?"
"Namikaze and I have agreed on 5 days from now." Leomon admitted. "We'll be at the meeting spot. The Matsuki Family is also involved in this, so you can ask them on the progress. They have access to a viewing platform that is hidden thanks to Namikaze's efforts. Even if you found the entrance you wouldn't be able to enter, and I am unsure as to how to allow you to."
"Then how do you expect Jeri to get in there?"
"She has already been there, from what I hear."
"Sensei is right, I have been there. It's hard getting there for the first time, but you get used to it after a while. We'll be fine. Don't worry."
While her father was hesitant, he agreed. "I am glad you have been opening up to me, Jeri. It's a good thing that I'm finally earning some of your trust. I was getting worried I might never be considered a mother by you." her stepmother admitted. "I know I can't replace your real mother, and I won't try to. I just want to help."
"I know you do. At least, I do now. Before I wasn't sure. Now that I am, I could probably consider you my true mother one day. Just... I can't right now. When I get back... I'll try to work on it. It'll just take a while to get used to."
She nodded. "I can live with that. I waited this long. A few more months won't do any more harm."
"Months? She'll be gone that long?" Her father questioned.
"It is unknown how long it will take. Months will be an accurate guess, however." Leomon stated. "It could be days, or weeks. However, I highly doubt it will take more than a year. Really it all depends on the time ratio, which I am currently not sure of. Namikaze himself isn't sure of that point, so it is unknown as to how long it will take. The only certainty is that it will be a while until we return."
Jeri nodded, as did her stepmother and father. "Alright, but she better make it back, you hear?"
"Do not worry. I will make sure of that until my final breath. If I fail to, the others coming along will do so themselves." Leomon admitted. "The 6 students coming for this are already close."
"Wait a minute, what about her schooling?" Mr. Katou inquired. "She'll need an adequate excuse for this, and she doesn't have one."
"It's already being handled. Namikaze is more than just a fighter, after all. He's also a damn good hacker. Enough to fool the government for years. He's been sending them on several wild Goose Chases over the last 5, almost 6 years. He has not, nor will he ever be caught if does not wish to. He is currently working on the excuses, and using the confusion from the Boar attack, he can come up with a believable excuse for all 6 of them."
-Shioda residence-
Kazu was talking to his mother. Telling her about the final exam for her training. The others will be trained as well, and the excuses will be provided for him, so he doesn't have to run his mouth off.
"So, let me get this straight. Your final exam in your training starts in a few days?" A nod. "Takato and the others going through the training will be doing so as well?" A Nod. "It's in the Digital World?" A nod. "And what happens after it?"
"I'll be allowed to use my training how I see fit if I pass. I should be able to show you what I can do, or at the very least explain it." Kazu explained. "Mom, I have to do this, and I know you want to know what my training entails. If I pass, then I'll be able to not only explain, but also show you. If I fail, I'll have more to learn."
"Good. Just don't run your mouth off. I'll get the homework for you and the others." Ms. Shioda said, earning a thanks from Kazu.
-Kenta's house-
Kenta had explained about the test. There was no argument, as his parents were simply glad he was getting out of the house. Dangerous or not, they didn't care.
'I wonder if I'll get a Digimon out of this.' Kenta questioned as he lay in bed. 'As Takato would say, Only Time will tell.'
-Matsuki Bakery-
Naruto had just explained to his parents the situation, and possible repercussions if nothing is done. He made it out to be worse than it would likely be, but that was literally to make them see how serious the situation is. "Do you understand?"
They both nodded, seeing why he had to go. "One question. How do you plan to let us know how you're doing? Or even get back?" Yoshie questioned.
"This isn't the first time I've been to the Digital World, mom." Naruto pointed out.
"It isn't?"
"No, it would be my..." He paused to think about it. "Actually, I stopped counting after I reached 40. I have been using Area 4, the one only Guilmon and I know how to get to to get there, but everyone will be meeting in Area 3."
"Why that one?" Takehiro questioned.
"Well, when you come, you'll see then. Rika's Grandmother, Henry's father, and possibly Rika's mother, will be coming as well. There's a reason I'm going through all of this, and you'll see it then. I gave them days to rest, relax, and get ready. It's under the guise of a Final Survival Exam from Namikaze, or in Jeri's case, Leomon. All 6 of us will be going through this, Digimon as well, but Leomon will be showing up as a Human, until actually getting there."
"How long do you think it will take?" Takehiro inquired.
Naruto simply shook his head. "I don't know. We have to find Calumon. I know where he's being held, and I know there's another human there at the moment. Only Rika and I are aware of this."
"How will explain the absence from school?"
"I got it covered." Naruto smiled. "Don't worry about that. I'll be going back to school in a few days, playing it off as a friend getting caught in the crossfire of Vikaralamon, or the Giant Pig, as it would be called. With my grades, I could easily consider my presence unneeded for the time being." He then looked at his mother. "Oh, and while I am gone, could you ask Ms. Asaji for any Homework I missed? When I get back, I'll work on it. It shouldn't take too long."
Yoshie nodded. "Alright, we'll work it out."
Naruto hugged them both, and they returned it. When they broke apart he ran upstairs and started to watch over Guilmon, who was lying in his bed.
It took 2 days for Guilmon to fully recover, and he hadn't left his room for anything but to go to the bathroom. His parents were slightly worried about him.
The moment Guilmon woke up, he saw Naruto asleep next to him, his hand on the claw. "Takatomon?"
Naruto's eyes snapped open, before meeting Guilmon's. "Guilmon..."
"Yes, Takatomon?"
"GUILMON!" Naruto shouted, drawing attention from downstairs, as he nearly squeezed the life out of Guilmon.
The door slammed open, and Naruto was instantly on guard, only to relax it at the sight of Rika. "He's finally awake?" She asked.
Being as he hadn't seen her since the fight with Vikaralamon, he hadn't known, but her eyes said it all.
She had been crying recently. Not much, but he could tell. And he already knew why. "Naruto..."
"I'm sorry, Rika. It's just..." She put a finger to his lips, stopping him short. "I know why you did it. But the least you could do is answer when I call. Yamaki said not to worry about you, but I couldn't help it. You need to get some sunshine. Still, I won't force you to come out."
He pulled her finger from his lips, after putting his own on hers. "You don't need to say anything. I know you too well. And you know me just as well." Naruto smiled at her, showing he was grateful for her worry. "Just... you don't have to worry about me. You know that. I was more worried about Guilmon than anything else for the last two days. You know it, I know it, and I know that my parents know it."
Rika nodded. They both looked at Guilmon. "You hungry, boy?"
Guilmon was immediately off the bed and on his feet. His eyes showed the happiness in his heart. "Of course I am!"
Naruto chuckled. Naruto vanished in a blur, and took every piece of bread downstairs that wasn't on the shelves or freshly made, and went back upstairs, before having it all on the floor in front of Guilmon. "Eat up, boy. You'll need your strength."
Guilmon didn't have to be told twice, as he begun tearing through the bread, as Takehiro looked into the room, seeing Rika, Naruto and Guilmon. "So, he's finally awake, and that's where all the spare bread went?"
Naruto nodded, without turning his head. "You know Takato, you haven't been eating much either. You should probably get some before Guilmon goes through it all."
Naruto simply shook his head. "If there's anything he doesn't finish off, I'll eat. My reserves are at 62% right now. I'll be fine until dinner."
"Your mother won't like that."
"I know she won't, dad. But right now, Guilmon needs the food more than I do."
Rika nodded at that. "He's right. He's been so worried about Guilmon, he forgot that he can speed the recovery at Area 2." Naruto froze right there, and slowly turned his head.
"You mean... that I..."
"No way... you really did forget?" Naruto's head went down in shame. "And here I was just joking. Anyway, he'll be fine, you need to get out."
Naruto nodded. "I'll head to Area 3. There are a few modifications to be made before I can do anything else. I sent the emails out to our schools. We're out of school for a few months because some people in the hospital took a few hits from Vikaralamon. They're in a coma at the moment, and we can barely focus on anything, let alone school, because of our worry. There was only one person that isn't really a fake. A guy named Justin Nonaka was hit by a fusion ball while he was in a copter."
This drew Rika's attention. "You mean... Justin Nonaka... in the hospital?"
Naruto nodded. "I did have a Clone hack the Hospital Records. He's been there because he survived a crashed chopper. It was a rare shot that got out before we went Ultimate."
Rika was silent, before pulling out her cell phone, dialing a number. "Mom, it's me... Yes, I know. I'm at Takato's... You know how I am... That's not why I called... Hang on... He found something that I think you might want to know... here he is..." she held out the phone to him.
Naruto simply took it. "It's Takato... yes, I did find something. If Rika weren't here, I'd have gone to her place anyway... It's something in the hospital records... Well, it's the name that I find a little disturbing, and it seems that Rika recognized it... Justin Nonaka... He's in a coma... He was the only survivor... An attack helicopter crashed... he was the only one found in it... No, no others... St. Chrysalis Medical Bay... didn't check the room number... I've been too worked up over Guilmon to say anything until now... He was out of it since the battle. Going Mega took a lot out of him... I see..." He looked at Rika. "Yeah, I hear you. We'll head over there when Guilmon is finished eating... Alright, here's Rika." He handed it back to her.
"Yeah mom?... Okay, thanks... bye." She hung up, and sighed. "Alright, once Guilmon's done, I'll be ready. It's been too long."
"I'm guessing the only reason you haven't told me anything about your father is because you barely knew him, if at all?"
Rika shook her head. "I just can't remember most of it. I can barely remember his face, but hearing the name... I just knew it was him. Thank you..."
Naruto nodded, before hearing Guilmon burp. They all looked at him, and noticed that there wasn't a single crumb on the floor. Naruto simply sweatdropped. "You had enough to eat boy?"
Guilmon nodded. "I'll be fine until dinner, Takatomon."
Naruto nodded. "No training until after we have Calumon and we get back. Until then, we have to rest. Digimon secrets are out, now. We don't need to hide any longer. Come on. Let's get going."
Guilmon nodded, and got up. The 3 of them walked out of the store, surprising a few of the people in the bakery. Some of them looked at the piece of bread in their hands and figured that it was a mascot, or a promotional stunt. Naruto saw the bread out the corner of his eye.
It was bread shaped like Guilmon's head. He mentally chuckled at that.
They walked all the way to the Hospital, seeing Rumiko and Seiko pull into the parking lot. They all walked into the waiting room, and the receptionist looked a little scared of Guilmon. "Relax, he won't hurt you." Naruto said. "We're here to see one Justin Nonaka."
"That... that thing is not getting past here!" Guilmon looked a little down, before his eyes went viral. Naruto noticed this quickly, and put a hand in front of the dino. "Guilmon, I know you don't like being denied something this important, but you can't blast everyone that does so. If you're gonna do that, do it to someone that can actually stop your attacks with minimal effort."
Rika sighed, and Rumiko and Seiko got in the room. "Rika!" They both walked up to her and Guilmon. "So, this is Guilmon?" Rumiko asked. Rika and Naruto nodded. "Okay then. I can see why he would usually be hidden." Rumiko looked at the clerk. "The five of us, the Dino included, are here to see Justin Nonaka. My Ex-husband, and father of my daughter here." Rumiko put a hand on Rika's shoulder.
Rika found herself in the small Dark Dimension she used to use with Renamon. "Renamon?"
"I have been checking up on one patient in particular. Someone I believe you may know."
Rika nodded slightly. "If it's Justin Nonaka, that means he's my father."
"Yes, and he just woke up." Renamon stated.
"Make sure he's safe, Renamon. I almost lost him once. I'm not gonna lose him again." Rika said, before finding herself back in the lobby. Seiko was confused, but Naruto was not.
"What did she want?" Naruto asked.
"He's awake." Rika said. "We need to see Justin Nonaka pronto." She gave the clerk a sickly sweet smile that reminded Naruto of Mei Terumi. "If not, I can have a Nine Tailed fox destroy everything in this lobby until you do. You choice."
The clerk quickly nodded. "Room 522. Go ahead in!" Rika nodded, and the Nonakas, Naruto, and Guilmon walked through the door.
"Seriously, you were planning on bringing Kyuubimon into this?"
"Not exactly." Rika admitted. "It's actually a Jutsu I managed to develop. I just said a Nine Tailed fox. I never said it would be Kyuubimon. In fact, the thing would be made purely out of lightning."
Naruto was impressed. They reached the room quickly, and went in. The man saw the guests, before the doctors, checking him out, did. "Rumiko..." The doctors then noticed the guests.
"No guests! He has to rest!" One of the doctors then faltered on seeing Guilmon, and backed away.
They all walked to Justin's bedside. "Justin..."
"Rumiko... I'm sorry..."
"Why? Why did you just up and leave? You didn't tell anyone, not even me."
"I cut myself off after you left, father." Rika admitted, tears in her eyes. "If it wasn't for Takato, I wouldn't have a single friend right now."
"Rika... Rumiko... I had to leave... If I didn't... you both would dead already." This drew a shocked look from Rika, Rumiko, and Seiko. Naruto just had a blank and serious face.
"Who's targeting them?" Naruto questioned.
"Most of them are gone now, but... the last of them are too elusive." Justin said. "You... I don't know."
"I'm Takato. Takato Matsuki." Naruto said, his voice holding no emotion. Rika knew that voice. Naruto was borderline warpath.
"Naruto, I know you want to help me in all sense of the word, but this is something that I can handle on my own." Rika smiled at him. "After all, you did train me."
Naruto nodded at that. "That still doesn't change the fact that, if they're still after you, I'd mutilate them. You know that, as well as I do."
"I know, and you'd get it done faster than I could, but we still have something to take care of." Rika pointed out.
"I know. These guys would have to wait. Mr. Nonaka, I just need to know what group, or organization they are a part of, members, names, and the like. If everything goes fine, I'll be taking care of them. After all," He looked at Rika. "They're threatening that which is precious to me. And I don't stand for that."
"I can't get a kid involved in this. I know why you want to do this but..."
"You don't take on Low-Ultimate level Digimon single handedly without having serious skill. I can handle anything they throw at me and then some. There's nothing you have to worry about." Naruto explained. "Just let me do this. As long as I have the names of the targets, I'll be able to find them. Normally, this would make me have to charge a fee, but for what they're doing, there is no fee. I'd even bring you their heads if you want."
Justin was silent. "Bring their sacks?"
Naruto sweatdropped. "Unorthodox, I'll admit. But definitely worth it. Consider it done. If I find a body I like, though, I'm making a puppet out of it."
"Seriously? You'd make Human puppets?" Rika asked, bewildered.
"I examined Sasori's puppet parents, I knew the Human body well enough to make my own."
"How do you plan to use it?"
"I've been practicing with Kazu and Kenta. You got a nut shot with your fist on Kenta because of me." Naruto smirked. "If I can handle those two I'm pretty sure I can handle a puppet."
"Oh. I was hoping that would've happened with Kazu. Too bad Lilly got his."
"No kidding." Naruto lost his smirk. "Anyway, just make sure everything is set for when we get back. We've got something to take care of. When we get back, I'll handle it, unless the danger level increases. Then it'll be after the danger is gone."
Justin sighed. "You care for my daughter, don't you?" Naruto nodded. "Please... protect her. Do what I couldn't. If there's anything I would ask of anyone... it would be that, of you."
Naruto shook his head. "You don't have to ask me to do that. I'd do so anyway. You don't have to worry about Rika. If she dies, then that means I'm already dead, and so is her partner."
"Partner?" Justin asked.
Rika called Renamon, who just came out of the shadows of the room. The doctors looked at the blonde fox in surprise. "Rika... we have 3 days until we have to leave. I will watch over him until then. Make sure he is safe."
Rika nodded with a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you, Renamon."
"Grandma, I have to be home for dinner, but I have no intentions on leaving Rika to the wolves." Naruto looked at Seiko.
Seiko rolled up her sleeve, and showed off a seal Array. "Please. Did you honestly think that I, an Uzumaki, wouldn't have a back up plan in case things went south?"
Naruto whistled, recognizing the seal array. "That's gonna make heads roll."
"That's the point." Seiko smiled. "Don't worry, with a fully trained Uzumaki, and the training you gave Rika, I'm sure that anything short of a Digimon would not be able to do anything."
Naruto smiled, and held out a fist, to which Seiko pounded with her own. "I knew I could count on you. Make sure Rika is safe if I'm not around, and neither is Renamon. You know how an Uzumaki gets when there's an idea in their head."
Seiko chuckled. Rika bristled. "Are you saying I'm impulsive?"
Naruto chuckled. "One of the reasons I love you, Rika. Try not to do something stupid, crazy or insane, please... at least until the mission begins. Then go all out against something and release whatever anger or frustrations you've gained over this time. Should be enough for you to vent. No matter how much Kazu annoys the hell out of you. 2 or 3 Ultimates should take care of it."
"Yeah, you're right. It should. But I didn't think I'd be on that level yet."
"Never Underestimate your own blood, Rika. When you're pissed off, take it out on someone you wouldn't have a chance to win against normally. Do that, and you'll win. Trust me on this." Rika nodded. "See you tomorrow Rika. Usual spot at 1000 hours?"
Rika nodded. "Sure thing."
Naruto looked at Guilmon, before putting a hand on his head, and then both left in a whirlwind.
Rika then looked at Renamon. "Right now, my father is in more danger than I am. Renamon... please, make sure no one gets him while we're still here."
"I understand Rika." Renamon faded back into the shadows. Rika nodded to her mother. "I think we should let him rest. We did interrupt the Doctor's tests, after all."
Rumiko was hesitant. "Justin... there was no real divorce, so when you do get out of here, you're welcome to join us. Just... don't hesitate to call once in a while. You leaving had a harder impact on all of us than you'd believe."
Justin nodded weakly. "Rumiko... I may have to rely on Takato for this. I left to protect you all... and I hurt you all in the process... please, make sure that nothing happens to Rika while he does so."
Rumiko nodded, tears in her eyes. Seiko put a hand on her shoulder. Rika closed her eyes, her fists clenched. "This time... The devas have gone too far." This earned Seiko's attention. The doctors, Rumiko and Justin looked at her as well. Rika looked up to the sky. "Zhuqiaomon... You will pay for what your Pig did to my father." There was a fire in her eyes that Seiko had not seen since she was young herself.
Seiko, Rika and Rumiko left the room, though Rumiko took one last glance at Justin, and mouthed 4 words, to which he smiled.
-3 days later, Area 3-
Naruto, Rika, Henry, Jeri, Kazu and Kenta were standing in front of a few monitors in a previously locked room. The Matsuki's were in the room, as well as Rumiko, Seiko, and Janyu. Leomon, Guilmon, Renamon, and Terriermon were next to their tamers.
"So, why are we in here? This where you're opening the portal?" Kazu asked.
"No. This is where I'm going to explain something." Naruto then looked at each of the monitors. "Each monitor will show what happens to a specific Tamer while we're in the Digital World." This drew surprise from everyone, including the Digimon.
"How did you pull this off?"
Naruto pulled out his Digivice. "Each of our Digivices has a unique code inside of them. It allows us to contact another here and find each other because of said code. By tapping into the code..."
"You managed to allow someone to monitor the others. Genius." Janyu said, cutting Naruto off.
"In a nutshell yes. However, there's only one real problem." This earned everyone's attention. "It only works for those in the Digital World. You'll hear what the Tamer hears, and the view is split to see what the Partner Digimon sees."
"Could you give an example?" Seiko asked.
"Sure. My screen would show what's happening around me, and what Guilmon sees. If Guilmon and I were separated, for some reason, then the audio will only come from wherever my Digivice is. If my Digivice is destroyed, for some strange reason, then my screen will go black, and you'll lose any visual and Audio from my partnership. If another Digivice appears, another screen will show that partnership. Oh, and if we scan a Digimon with our Digivices, it'll show the Data in the top right corner of the corresponding screen. A miniature picture of it as well."
Janyu looked at Naruto in surprise. "How do you know this works? For that matter, how do you know you can get there safely?"
Naruto sent him a deadpan look. "You don't trust me with your son, do you?"
"It's not that. It's just I don't see how you managed to come up with this in 5 days." Janyu corrected.
"My response to that: I've been going to and from the Digital World for months now. I haven't seen all of it, but I have seen quite a bit. And as to how I know this works..." He made a Shadow Clone. "Shadow Clones work wonders. I tested the system with my own self, and Guilmon on a few trips." he then turned on the screens, and showed one Ryou Akiyama. "So, Ryou's in the Forest Sector... We'll land in the Wasteland Sector. Better for Rika's temper."
"What about these sectors?" Takehiro asked.
"Oh. It's just the layout of the areas. The Wasteland Sector has 3 main villages, one of which we should land near. There are actually 3 sections filled with Forests. I'll get into the layout later for those going." Naruto looked at Janyu. "I sent a map to Yamaki's Email. He should have it already. Sadly, it only has the Southern Quadrant."
"So, you only have 25% of it mapped out?"
"I've got 92% of what we can access mapped out." Naruto corrected. "On my own, with Guilmon only, I can head to the Eastern and Northern Quadrants, and have done so. Fun fact: The Digimon TV show is actually in the East Quadrant. I ran into Matt's MetalGarurumon on a trip there once. Nearly blew my head off. Zhuqiaomon rules the Southern Quadrant linked to this reality. The Eastern Quadrant is tied to another reality, which, coincidentally is where the show in our Reality takes place."
"You met Matt's Partner Digimon?" Rika inquired.
Naruto nodded. "I'll get into the story later. Right now, Calumon is more important. Zhuqiaomon likely has Calumon in his chambers already. We find him, we find Calumon... and he finds his Phoenixian ass shoved down his throat." His voice had a tinge of malice in it. "Not even I was that stupid."
Jeri nodded in agreement. "He's right. He wasn't even that bad as the Demon King of Pranks."
Naruto looked at her with flatly. "Don't mention that. I may be proud of it, but that's only because I earned it. It's the only Demon related moniker I actually respected."
"Yeah, but at least he used it wisely when he was the Hokage." Rika pointed out.
"I thought you only had until he was 18." Jeri pointed out.
Rika smirked. "You'll find out soon." she looked at Naruto. "So, where's the portal?"
Naruto walked up to the wall, and put his left hand on it, making the Hazard symbol glow on it, before a White and Black Vortex appeared. "Right here." He looked at the others, and noticed their headbands were on. Kazu had his hidden partially under unkempt hair. "Kazu... open your mouth for a second."
"What? Why?"
"I want to check something." Naruto channeled Chakra to his eyes and Kazu did what he was asked. He nodded. "Alright, that's what I thought."
"What? Something wrong, and I can't go?" Kazu complained.
"No, not that." Naruto then looked at Jeri. "Jeri... I figure we have dog breath with us."
"You're kidding me."
Kazu, on the other hand, looked pale. 'How did he know? Wait, a better question is: How does he even know about Kiba?' Kazu leveled one of Kiba's glares at Naruto. "How?"
"I'll explain later, Kazu. Just know that the Teme is an Impmon, Blonde Banshee is a Lilithmon, don't ask how it happened, if you can't tell, I was the Rokudaime Hokage, and many other names, though Kiba called me Fox Mane, and Jeri was the Hyuuga Heiress that changed the clan."
Henry sighed. "Let's just go through, and skip all the troublesome points, Naruto." Henry just sighed, and walked through. Naruto blinked. "There's the lazy bastard."
"See ya on the other side Googlehead." Rika winked at him, before jumping through. Renamon shaking her head before following. Jeri and Leomon went through after winking at Takehiro (See: Not a typo). Kazu looked at Naruto. "You're explaining this there."
Naruto smirked. "Wouldn't you just like that?" Kazu growled and went through. Kenta just sighed. "Sorry, Takato. Kazu's been on edge recently."
"Nah, it's Kiba's influence, don't worry about it." Naruto replied, before Kenta jumped through. Naruto looked at Guilmon and nodded. Guilmon went through, and Naruto looked at the others. "I'll close the gate from the other side. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine. Look." he pointed at several monitors. "Rika, Henry, and Jeri have their Digivices in the Southern Quadrant already. You can view their progress here. When I go through, mine will show on another screen. Good luck on your end."
All the adults nodded, before Naruto jumped through, and the portal closed, before turning into a wall.
Everyone looked at the ordinary wall, before Naruto and Guilmon showed up on a screen. Oddly enough, Rumiko was the first to see them, and looked at the screen full force.
-Digital World-
Naruto was helping the others out of the craters they made. They were all unconscious, aside from him and Guilmon. "Looks like I forgot that first timers aren't used to the portal, huh Guilmon?"
Guilmon nodded. "Looks like it." The first to wake up was Rika, and then Renamon soon afterwards. "Where are we?" Renamon questioned.
Naruto looked at them both, and then around the area, before closing his eyes. He then pointed in a single direction. "We're a bit farther out than I wanted, I'll admit. But the same village I was planning to get us close to is that direction. It's not far, and filled with Chuchidarumon."
"Chuchidarumon?" Rika questioned.
"Yeah, they tend to stick to this area. It's called the Valley of Forgotten Data, I think." Naruto opened his eyes. "Basically, when something is deleted in the Real World, and it's data is not absorbed, it comes here and forms a Chuchidarumon, or just plain data packets that travel the area like tumbleweeds in a desert."
Just then several pink balls started going around the ground. "Like those?"
Naruto looked at them. "Yup, that's the Data Packets." Naruto then paused for a moment, as if thinking about saying something.
Rika noticed this, as well. "What are you thinking about?"
"It's just... those Data packets tend to make excellent food in here. I was remembering the time I actually thought I was eating Ramen when I went for one of those."
Rika sighed. "You and your ramen."
"Hey, don't knock it till you try it." Naruto defended.
Rika shook her head. "I'm not. It is good, but I don't think anyone could eat as much Ramen as you and not get sick. That one time with Hinata was likely a fluke. What's more is, even though Jeri was Hinata, I found that she can't eat Ramen like she did then. I know, I tried."
Naruto hummed for a moment. "Well, we'll wait for everyone to wake up. In the meantime, I'll see if Calumon is anywhere near here."
"Wouldn't he be with Zhuqiaomon by now?" Renamon questioned.
"Normally, yes. But remember who we're talking about. Calumon, childish as he is, is extremely crafty. It's possible he managed to escape, and is now hiding, or just outright playing with some of the Digimon." Naruto shrugged. "There's no guarantee that Zhuqiaomon has Calumon in his grasp yet. Still, if we head for Zhuqiaomon, we'll find him him eventually."
Rika nodded, and looked around. "Wait, shouldn't there be at least one more hole?"
Naruto tapped his head. "Wind Master here. I can soften the blow by adding Wind Chakra to my feet. Making a Fuuton: Rasengan on the soles of my foot only helped out with my Wind Chakra control."
Rika then pulled out a small golden stick. "By the way, thanks for the Staff. I really like it, and it seems to fit me."
Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I based it off of Sakuyamon's." She then extended it to full size. "Since you've got that part down, here's a little something you might not know about it yet. The thing doubles as a flashlight."
"Didn't try that."
"Note that it's the size of the average glow stick when shrunk." Naruto pointed out. "Channel any kind of chakra to it, and it will grow to full size. But Channel Lightning Chakra to it... you've got your own personal Glow Stick."
The others groaned, though Leomon just got up, and helped Jeri up. "Alright, everyone, listen up." Everyone looked at him. "This is the Digital World, and the rules here are actually slightly different than what you're used to."
"What rules?" Henry questioned.
"Well, for one, our bodies are turned into Data." Naruto pointed out, surprising everyone else. "The next thing is how things are down here." Naruto simply floated upwards a bit. "Around here, I have more control over the wind than I do back home. And that's saying something, since I've spooked a few people by opening and closing doors, cabinets, and the like. The reason for this is quite simple. This place is mind over matter, in a sense."
"So, our thoughts help us more here than actually applying physics?" Kazu asked. Everyone blinked at that.
"That can't be right." Kenta argued.
"Actually, he's right." Naruto admitted. "Kazu, that's a really good way of putting it."
"So that means that if we have to go under water, we don't have to worry about drowning, as long as we think we're just floating around?" Kazu asked.
Naruto nodded with a smile. "That would be right."
"Then why teach us to walk on water?" Kenta questioned.
"It's to learn control." Henry asked. "and by the way, you still owe us an explanation, Naruto Uzumaki."
"I know, I know. I'll explain it on the way. Come on. We can keep going for a week before having to eat or drink. Ryou goes 2 weeks before having to eat, drink or sleep. Physical limits don't always apply here, as long as your thoughts and Heart believe in it."
Everyone nodded, and Naruto turned to the village nearby. "Alright, let's move. I'll explain the layout of the Digital World that I know of on the way. And by the way: we're walking, not running, sprinting, or flying." Naruto was already on the ground by this point. "While I was hoping this didn't happen, I was prepared in case it did."
They walked off towards the nearest village.
00000x00000
Sorry about the late update. I was going through seasons 1 and 2 of Digimon. Still haven't finished Season 2. I'm on Season 2 episode 26 as I post this.
Once again, I'm sorry.
Anyway, how will the Digital World Arc play out? Will the appearance of MegiGallantmon change things? Or is there something else about Hazard Digivolution that would make it complicated?
And what will happen when Rika finds Ryou after getting drawn into the portal? Or will she even go into it?
Find out, NEXT TIME!