Andrew stirred groggily as he sat up in Rika's bed. It was only around 5ish, according to the clock on the wall. Feeling his forehead again, Andrew shook his head violently, trying to remember why he was here in the first place.
"You made the news. Good job child." Renamon said sarcastically. She appeared from the shadows. It looked as if she was watching him.
"W-what happened again…?"
"You fell out of a tree, shaking violently."
"Did I just have a spasm…?" Andrew asked himself out loud.
"Don't joke about such things." Renamon said sharply. "But… What exactly happened, I don't know."
"Yamaki…"
"Yamaki?"
"That's what happened. I saw him earlier today at Rika's school. He captured me when I was younger, put me in a tube, and… did some, experiments on me. I got so angry, I must have fallen out of the tree!" Andrew exclaimed, finally standing up.
"That still doesn't explain the black eyes…"
"What?"
"Rika said you're eyes went jet-black."
"Rika? That's right… she ran out of school… so, she called you, and you brought me back here no problem."
"Actually, no. Rika came with me, to make sure you were okay. When her mother found out, she was sent back to school."
"Damn, she must be in a mess of trouble."
"I mentioned that to her. She said you're in trouble too."
"Damn it!"
Elsewhere, Rika walked alone in the middle of the forest, unaware of anyone around her. She had an MP3 player on her side, and an old head set placed over her ears.
"What happened to that idiot. There's no way that was normal… even for him." She was saying to herself. "He must be going insane… or maybe… his data is getting unstable with his human self…" Rika stopped short, and looked up into the sky. "Ether way… I better keep an eye on that idiot…" Rika said, beginning to walk again. She suddenly got cold, and instinctively turned around. "Who's the-…" Nothing… "What…?"
"…Hey, Renamon, you feel that…?"
"Feel what?"
"Some form of Digimon… it's faint, but it's there."
"…I don't think so. "
"…Gah, I am going insane!" Andrew said, gripping his head, and falling back onto the bed. "OW! Floor still hurts even with covers on it… I think I'm internally bleeding."
"At least your personality is still intact…" Renamon sighed.
"Unlike my common sense."
When Rika got home, she was immediately pulled into another room by her mother. Curious, Andrew peeped in.
"Why not this dress. Try it, it'll make you look more like a girl."
"Am I being punished, or something?" Rika asked, her fists tightened. I told you I don't like cute stuff like this."
"Well, what about that stuffed animal with those big ears. He was cute."
"It was for a science project… we were, uh, testing gravity on small objects… so I threw it off a bridge."
"You threw Calumon off a bridge!? Or was Terriermon?" Andrew suddenly shouted. All of Rika's family turned towards him, and he smiled nervously. "Hee hee, my bad… Now, Rika, if you ask me… uh…" He titled his head slightly, giving a nervous laugh. "I say stick with the jeans… and that dress… GET IT AWAY!" He shouted, running away, laughing.
"What's with him?"
"I dunno, but for once in his sorry life, he's right. I'm outta here."
Later that night, Andrew was invited to the dinner table. Feeling out of place, and almost unwanted, Andrew ate quickly, trying to think of a way to excuse himself. When he finally felt himself full, Rika's mother didn't allow him to leave the table just yet.
"So, you were on the news this morning my friend. You too Rika. Care to explain."
"I fell out of a tree? Why, is that a big deal?" Andrew said. Deciding he was going to be there awhile, he grabbed a second helping and swallowed it whole.
"Cause you were at an all-girls school. People are starting to think you're looking for a victim of rape."
"Oh… that's not good for my rep."
"Not really." Rika said emotionlessly. She looked towards the garden quickly. When she turned back, she looked paranoid.
"Are you okay hunny?"
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Excuse me…" Rika got up quickly, and dashed towards her room. Looking over at her plate, Andrew stole the last bit of Rika's meal.
"…Sure, you let her go." He said, after swallowing Rika's meal, and ran off after her.
"Andrew… before you come in, is anything out there…?" Rika asked, her voice shaking. Andrew had only just appeared outside the door. He took a quick clockwise turn, looking for anything. When he was satisfied there was nothing there (or dizzy), he opened the door to Rika's, and walked in.
"Nothing's out there… you okay, you don't look to good."
"Don't lie to me!" Rika shouted. She looked scared. "I know some thing's out there."
"Renamon, you check. I'm more of a "see in the dark" kinda guy."
Renamon opened the door, and did a more precise search. Satisfied, she closed the door. "Nothing is out there…"
"Told ya… Seriously, you okay?"
"I-I'm fine…" Rika said. She looked back at Renamon. "What's that look for?"
"Don't worry." Renamon replied. "I'll do whatever I can to protect you."
"You don't need to protect me!" Rika said forcefully back. Andrew stepped out of the two's way.
"Rika…" Andrew said concerned.
"I don't even know why you say things about protecting me!"
"Because Rika, we're partners."
"Okay, let me just tell you, I don't believe this stuff about partnership, and feelings!" Andrew, now in shock took a small look at Renamon to see she felt the same way. "I don't need you…" Rika began, opening the door. "I don't need anyone…"
"…Renamon…?" But Renamon just stood there, in complete shock. "Look, I'm sorry. This is my fault, she had a rough day. Just give me an hour or two, I'll make this whole thing right." Andrew finished, running out the door.
Stealthy as could be, Andrew hide behind telephone polls, in trees and on top of small buildings, watching Rika, waiting for her to calm down. She looked furious at something.
Continuing to follow her, she wandered into a subway station. Hiding behind polls, Andrew followed Rika like a lion stalking its prey. Suddenly she stopped short, and Andrew did the same. She turned around suddenly.
"What do you want from me!?" She shouted at no one. Andrew stayed hidden, hoping she hadn't noticed him.
His eyes suddenly shot open. "That's… the feeling from before… there's… there's a Digimon here." Rika gasped, and Andrew noticed her run up a flight of stairs.
"Get back here!" Rika shouted. Andrew had to sprint to keep up with her. The wind had tossed his hood from out of his face. When Rika came to a stop in the middle of two stair cases, she backed against the wall, panting madly. Andrew finally revealed himself.
"Rika… are you… okay?"
"Wh… Andrew… was it just you…?" Rika asked. She put her hand over her heart, but Andrew shook his head.
"No, there's a Digimon here. Is that what you've been feeling Rika?" Andrew asked, suddenly realizing why she had snapped at Renamon and himself. Suddenly, the wall Rika was leaning against turned a misty color, and two hands shot out, covering Rika's face, and dragging her in. She gave a short gasp, followed by a loud, but muffled scream. "W- RIKA!" Andrew shouted, diving into the wall where the hands appeared. But by the time he got there, the mist had disappeared, and the wall returned. Andrew slammed his fists against the wall, and shouted something in English…
He shouted into nothingness. Instinctively, Andrew rushed back to Rika's, knocking over ever man that was I his way. He ran into the garden, and yelled for Renamon. When she didn't appear, he rushed towards the city. Though the city life was nice and calm, Andrew panted wildly as he ran towards the center. Atop of a large building, a giant ice cap had appeared.
"Totally not conspicuous."
"I'll say." A familiar voice said from behind him. Andrew looked behind him, and was relieved to find Terriermon was the source of the voice. With him were Henry, Takato, and Guilmon.
"Andrew, where's Rika."
"Thank god you're here! Rika's in that thing. A Digimon dragged her in there… I couldn't save here…" He added quietly. "Help me."
"Right. Come on guys." Takato shouted, leading the pack. Andrew stayed behind, and looked at the building.
"Maybe I can get in there quicker if I climb…?" He asked himself. Without a second thought, he ran towards the building, latched on, and quickly began to scale it. When he was about half way up, a yellow flash passed him quickly. "Renamon… good, so she did come." Stepping up the pace, Andrew entered in the way Renamon had made for him. When he appeared, Renamon was already in fierce combat with an Icedevimon. Not even taking out his Digivice, Andrew was able to tell.
From the old Digimon game he had played, Andrew could remember that face. He encountered one. With its Frozen Claw attack, Andrew's Patamon didn't stand a chance until it Digivolved.
"A champion level… wait, where are Terriermon, and Guilmon?" Andrew asked himself. He jumped down. Keeping one eye on the fight, Andrew looked to the left to see the rabbit and dragon incased in a small stalagmite. "Uh-oh, not good…"
"Rika!" Takato shouted. "Renamon's getting creamed, she has to Digivolve, now!"
Andrew, ignored the shouting, and rushed in towards Icedevimon. The giant white Devil had pinned Renamon down with his giant claw, laughing hysterically. He looked towards Andrew, who was barely able to control himself. He threw his free arm in Andrew's direction, and sent him flying across the frozen wasteland. Wiping blood from his mouth, Andrew stood up, and made another rush attack.
"What is he thinking. He's just rushing in without a plan, or weapon!" Henry was saying to Takato. "This is what I was talking about earlier…"
"Back for more I see. Well, if it's Renamon you want kid, you can have her…" Icedevimon snickered. He picked the half-conscious Renamon up, and chucked her in the direction of Andrew. The impact sent the two flying again. Though Andrew managed to catch Renamon, the ice scrapped against Andrew's back as the two skated across the iced room.
"Andrew! Renamon!" Rika shouted, as Icedevimon approached her.
"Come. This two are of no use to you. I am stronger."
"You're also a creep… Renamon… get up!" Rika shouted louder. She fell to the ground, protecting herself from Icedevimon with only an arm.
"I… have to save… Rika…" Renamon grunted.
"You have to Digivolve. This might be the last chance you get to prove to her you are her partner." Andrew said painfully back, pushing Renamon up.
"But I can't do it without her…"
"Focus your eyes on her, and then tell me you can't Digivolve." Andrew said darkly, pointing his index finger at Rika. Renamon took one quick look at the frightened Rika, and growled. Glowing brightly, Renamon changed shape again, one tail turning to nine, and her hands becoming paws.
Kyubbimon has been reborn.
"Get away from my partner!" Kyubimon shouted. "Fox Flame Dragon" Kyubimon began to spin in mid-air, summoning a dragon like creature. The dragon hit Icedevimon in the back, stopping him. Annoyed, but still standing, he turned around.
"Insolent pest. I will rid you from this world!"
"Go ahead and try." Kyubimon stated fearlessly.
"…Kyubimon…"
"Rika, get outta there!" Andrew shouted. He ran at full speed, and skated his way towards Rika. When he finally reached her he fell to his butt, skid the remainder of the way, and grabbed her, pulling her with him.
"No! She can't get hurt."
"She'll be fine Rika… have faith." Andrew said strongly, turning back to the fight.
"N-No, she isn't!"
Andrew's eyes widened in surprise. Kyubimon had been knocked out. "What the hell!?"
"Even a Champion cannot defeat me… come Rika… I am stronger…"
"Back off, Jack." Andrew said defensively. He got up, and spread his arms wide in an attempt to defend Rika. "Kyubimon may have fallen to you, but I'm not given up just yet!"
"Rika's doomed, isn't she?" Takato asked Henry.
"Yeah, pretty much. Come on, we gotta find one card that'll get these two free. Andrew can't fight him all by himself!"
"Andrew, you've never been in a real battle!"
"No time like the present to start." Andrew said, cracking his neck. He quickly took out a card, and slashed it. "Pepper Breath activated." Andrew shouted confidently, and then filled his checks. Giving a small smirk, he let out a giant belch, surrounded by red flames.
"What is this!?" Icedevimon shouted. Henry and Takato cheered.
"You owe me 5 yen."
"Shut up."
"Not so cool now, are you buddy. Maybe cold steel is more your style." Andrew said, reaching for his sword. He then remembered he didn't have it. "Gah, damn… Come on…" He took a step backwards. "Of all the times to work, I need it now." He said to himself. He began to charge Icedevimon, skating along the ice. When he got into range, his hand turned into a fist, and he stopped skating, and wound up. Lucky for him, his momentum kept him going. Icedevimon had finally recovered from the attack, and stood up on one knee. Andrew's wound up punch was now ready. He threw the punch. The second before the hit connected, Andrew comically shouted "FALCON PUNCH!" Icedevimon was sent flying. "One more time! Pepper Breath!" As he shouted it, flames erupted from his mouth again, this time in full effect.
When the attack hit, Icedevimon began to melt on impact. "Nooo… I am, the strongest… Digimon… beaten, by a… kid…" The Icedevimon began to melt into nothing but data.
"This game's winner is-!" Andrew kicked the air. "Captain Andrew! Show me your moves!" He shouted loudly, absorbing the data. The Digital Field, the giant glacier, and Terriermon and Guilmon, turned back to normal.
"Andrew, that was amazing, how did you do that?" Takato asked when the plane had melted.
"Sappy as it sounds, got my power from my good friend over there… Right Rik… Rika?" Andrew looked around aimlessly, until he found the still shocked Rika, sitting on the ground. She stood up, and still shaking, threw cold-hearted words at the group and Kyubimon.
"I… I hate them all… I hate Digimon…" She said quietly, before walking away, shivering.
"Rika…" The group looked at Kyubbimon, who was beginning to walk away, hurt physically, and emotionally..
"Wait, Kyubimon, she didn't mean it, let me talk to her, I can straighten it out!" Andrew shouted. Kyubimon did not listen. She struggled, but leapt from building to building, trying to avoid conversation. Takato and Henry turned to Andrew.
"You gonna be okay?"
"I'll be fine… it's Kyubimon and Rika I'm worried about, you know…?" Andrew said, placing one foot on the edge of the building. "When she says she hates Digimon, does that include me?"
"Possibly…"
"Damn." Andrew looked up at the sunset. Takato and Henry, noticing how late it was, ran off. Andrew sat down on the edge of the building. "The one time I win… Rika's not even here to congratulate me… Show me your moves my ass…"
"Is that all you care about. You just want to impress her? Snobby little brat."
"Okay buddy, I'm not in the mood. If you're a Digimon, I could use more Data, and if you're a human, a little bloodshed never hurt me." Andrew said annoyed turning around. He noticed a small, purple, devil-like Digimon. "Oh, it's you… Impmon, right? Yeah, don't have time for you."
"No… no you don't."
"Yamaki… so you're back to annoy me too, aren't you?"
"A little paranoid aren't you." Yamaki asked, continuing to flick his lighter on and off. Impmon looked from Andrew to Yamaki and back again.
"Well, I feel awkward." He said, before jumping effortlessly to another building.
"What do you want?"
"I've come here to collect what you've stolen from me. My research experiment."
"You mean my body, asshole?"
"Such a sharp tongue"
"Well, you can't have it. I'm using it."
"No one's here to tell me other wise… Shot him."
"Sho- gah…" Andrew blacked out, and fell to the ground, breathing heavily. What he was shot with, he didn't no, but one thing was for sure;
Worst… day… ever…
"No, no, no! This wasn't in my plan!" Trompezmon shouted. This will not do! … hmm, maybe this could work for the better… Maybe I can… well, I suppose it all depends what the humans do to him, yes… Hahah, well… only one way to find out."