"Metal Impulse!"

Dorugoramon stomped dropped his foot with enough force to send a shockwave throughout the entire city. It was about time he got rid of one of the Tamers, he had been looking forward to this moment the second he was created. Unfortunately for the Mega, It seemed as though he would have to wait a bit longer.

The mist condensed without warning, crashing into the dragon without warning and sending him off balance. He would have caught himself quite easily, if there was any ground behind him with which to displace his weight, but rather there was only air. DoruGoramon extended bladed his wings, waiting in anticipation as the mist cleared.

He was surprised at what he saw, as was Takato, still clinging onto Sakuyamon's limp body. Shinjuku park had completely disappeared except for a few scraps of land her and there, and those were fading fast as well. Now only a gaping black world filled with ones and zeroes remained. Both Tamer and Digimon began to float helplessly as the last of the park disappeared. And the dragon, he seemed to have had lost focus due to confusion… or perhaps irritation.

"A reformat?" The dragon glanced at the children for a moment. "No, you would have changed if it was. Perhaps this is more the work of that troublesome Shibumi."

"Omega Cannon!"

Jerking to the sound of the new voice, Dorugoramon raised his tail defensively, barely catching a glimpse of his new enemy as an explosion tore straight through the dragon's appendage, sending shrapnel everywhere. There wasn't even any time to react as a metal hand clamped onto the Mega's nega like a vice, making it's imprint in the shingled metal scales.

"Omnimon?!" Takato called out in disbelief. "From the V-Pet incident?"

"Yes child. It is good to see you again although I'm sorry I was so late. I still can't act in your world, and pulling this creature into mine took quite some doing." The massive knight narrowed hi eyes at the dragon. "Your own Digital Field as worked against you my friend. I promise you I will be the last Digimon you will ever see."

"Transcendence Sword!"

"Dorudin!"

Omni did a double take as the monster he had rendered helplessly a second ago suddenly blew up into the most literal way possible. The legendary Mega was flung back while Dorugoramon wasted no time and surged forward enveloping Omnimon before he even had a chance to recover.

"Omnimon!"

"Don't worry child, this is nothing."

Like the proverbial bat out of hell Omnimon ripped out of the explosion, his arming gleaming red from the intense heat. This was bad, if Dorugoramon went for the children now his only defence would be to take place himself since his armour was now too hot to hold them. Fortunately the lack of any solid ground made one of the enemy's attacks useless, and at the moment the dragon seemed to have forgotten the kids were even still around. He was more focused on savoring a worthy adversary for once.

With a speed to match the dragon's immense power, Dorugoramon rush at Omnimon once more, his blaze body still cackling like a sick laughter. However the knight was too fast. By the time the fireball found it's way to where the legendary knights body was, he had already moved and outflanked him.

"Can't you do anything except run?" Dorugoramon growled out as his body slowly collected and resumed his regular form.

"Come at me once more you'll see exactly what I can do."

"Dorudin!"

The Dragon once again burst into a searing flame, more powerful this time, as if Dorugoramon was pouring every once of strength he had into the attack. The inferno swelled up like a vicious tidal wave and poured down toward Omnimon.

"Hmph." Omnimon glanced behind him toward the two children. "Why do you waste your power attacking the ones that saved us all from the D-Reaper… This, I do not understand… but rest assured, I cannot let you succeed. Transcendent Sword!"

Like a scene straight out of the digimon movie, Omnimon slashed forward with such a force it sent the flames rolling backwards. Quickly Dorugoramon began to reform, but this time his opponent was on the offensive. The second the dragons chest was solid, Omnimon ran him through with his blade in the same amount of time it take to blink.

"You… You won!" Takato said in disbelief.

"That's…. a bit of a ov… overstatement." Dorugoramon growled.

Omni narrowed his eyes behind the chromedigizoid armour. "Admit it, monster. You've lost. But you're not what first drew me here. Where is your colleague?"

"Colleague…? …Heh… That's funny, I never knew you had a sense of humor… I have no colleagues."

"Then your master-"

"Oh them. Hmph, as much as I'd like to see them get what's coming to them… well, that's just not in the cards now is it."

"Omnimon! Sakuyamon still isn't breathing. She's been out of it for a while now, please tell me you can do something." Takato called out, trying his best to keep his voice from shaking.

Omnimon turned around and gave a reassuring nod before he suddenly felt an odd tightness around his arm. Dorumon had latched on and was holding the limb in place with one hand while drawing back with his other. The dragon grinned wickedly as the knight lifted his cannon.

"Omega Can-"

"Metal Impulse!"

With one swift move Dorugoramon laid into Omnimon's arm and sent a swell the size of most minivan's through the knight's armour tearing it too shreds at the same time. The transcendent sword was torn completely in half and the cannon took it's share of the damage too. Omnimon fell back limply but at least he still had the sense to re-aim his gun arm and finish the battle.

"Omega Cannon!"

"Dorudin!"

Once again Omnimon's efforts failed as the energy pellet said harmlessly through the blaze that was just his adversary. This time however the dragon wasted no time in recollecting himself right in front of the knight and ploughing both his legs into Omnimon's remaining good arm.

"Metal Impulse!"

Another pulse ripped through Omnimon's armor, shattering the cannon into about a billion pieces. But Dorugoramon wasn't about to stop there. Using his massive wings to propel himself downward he lunged once more at the silver Mega's head.

"Brave Metal!"

The dragon's claws stopped just inches from Omni's head, being held off weakly by what was left of his arms. Dorugoramon embedded his other hand into Omni's chest to keep him from floating away. Takato cringed at the sound that made.

"Omnimon!"

"Children… you must get out of here. I will use what's left of my power to send you home."

"Running won't save you Tamers, I'll find you again, and you're running out of allies to save you."

With one final burst of strength, the dragon forced his claws down, finally tearing Omnimon in two. Meanwhile behind the Tamers a vortex was appearing in the void drawing the children in. The metal monster didn't even take a moment to absorb the data, but rather continued with his momentum and barrelled down on the kids.

"Brave Metal!"

Takato did a double take as he saw the giant coming at him top speed. There still wasn't much the boy could do except slowly drift away, vainly trying to use his hands to float faster. Takato closed his eyes, the talons were just a few feet away from him but then, they began to fade. The darkness too began to fade, being replaced by a calm orange sunset narrowly visible as it was lined with dirty buildings in disrepair.

Never mind the fact that Takato had no idea where he had been dropped off in the city. "Sakuyamon!" The first thing on Takato's mind was still his friend, and she still wasn't breathing. Guilmon was probably still at the Bakery, and there was no way Takato could lift her in order to take her to a hospital. Hell there might not even be one around, and even if they did get there, no one had ever tried human medicines on Digimon before.

"Nevermind that. I need to get her breathing somehow."

Takato leaned over Sakuyamon hesitantly and took a deep breath. She may not of been human but the principle was the same, simulate breathing in the hopes that her body picks up the hint and takes over. A lifesaving action more commonly referred to as CPR. Takato knew the procedure fairly well. His parents made sure he took a class after falling out of the boat one time when he went fishing with his cousin Kai.Generally the longer a body is inanimate the less likely it is to take, but for reasons beyond Takato's pre-pubescent mind he still couldn't stop shaking.

First of all, the airway had to be checked and made sure it was clear. True Sakuyamon hadn't been around any water, but pieces of her mask could've easily got lodged in her throat when it crumbled. Takato parted her hair carefully and pushed his thumb into her mouth, pulling it open. A shiver went up the boy's spine as he seemed to become even more uncomfortable.

Next Takato used both hands to hold her mouth open bent over further and began exhaling as hard as he could into the Demon Woman. As soon as he felt his body touch hers his face went numb. He never was comfortable doing this, even in practice. And Sakuyamon was so much… softer than the test dummy Bob. He began trying to block out all sensation and focused just on counting breaths.

With his other hand he brushed off some of the remaining pieces of Sakuyamon's breastplate that clung to her body. He probably should've done that first. But he wasn't thinking of it at the time. When his hand brushed something soft he retracted it instantly like it had touched fire, and the way his entirely body turned red afterward, few would know the difference.

Third on the list he had to start pressing down on her chest, hard enough to crack ribs. Takato put one hand just above her and the other overtop and began pumping as hard as he could. However the woman's strength was now working against him. The whole reason you have to push down hard was to reach the organs behind the rib cage, but Sakuyamon wasn't a human, and whatever was underneath that black skin-tight outfit refused to give a hair's width.

"This… this isn't working!"

Tears began to well up in Takato's eyes as he had to start over. It was difficult to tell what was contributing to it more, fear or frustration. This time he didn't hesitating putting his lips on Sakuyamon's nor did he focus on counting. He was trying to figure out where he should try putting pressure next. Should he waste time trying to find out if another rib was already broken, or should he just try under the rib-cage. Quickly he decided on the latter.

After finishing the second step this time he went onto the third. Checking her heartbeat. Another adrenaline rush happened when Takato brought his ear to Sakuyamon's chest. This was another thing he should've done earlier but didn't think about. It didn't do him any good though. There was no way he could hear the Mega's heartbeat over the blood pounding in his own eardrums. He just quickly went back to the first step and repeated…

…and repeated…

…and repeated…

…and repeated…

…and…

Suddenly Sakuyamon's body erupted in light causing Takato to fall back on his butt. He wasn't sure if the CPR worked, or heck even if anything he did had any effect on Sakuyamon, but that didn't matter. The important thing was Rika and Renamon seemed to be alright now. They were both breathing, albeit they were both still unconscious. Now the boy had a new problem, how was he going to get them to a hospital? Even at his best he doubted he could carry Rika more than a few blocks. And Renamon, he'd be lucky if he could even pick her up at all.

Of course to every problem there is a solution. And while's Takato's first thought was to run out of the alley and flag down the nearest motorist, he quickly remembered that Rika had a cell phone on her. The boy cringed when he realized that meant rifling through her pockets. If she ever found out about this his life span would become indefinitely shorter. But once again, his lack of the ever elusive 'better option' had handcuffed him.

Naturally he started with the side pockets first. It was his hope that he could stay away from the awkward scenario and patting Rika's rear and thus further endangering his life. Unfortunately all he found was some loose change and a crumpled piece of paper depicting her hanging herself during English class. Apparently it wasn't her favourite subject and the funny little X's for eyes made the boy smile faintly, right before he remember where the last two pockets were located.

Please don't wake up yet, please don't wake up yet…

Takato reached for the friend slowly, jerking back only as her body moved… no vibrated was more like it actually. She shivered. It was at that point the gogglehead realized he left her on the cold cement. Grumbling to himself sheepishly about what a twit he was, he rectified the situation by placing his hoody under her head, and then proceeded to roll her onto her side. At least he didn't have to guess which pocket, the outline of her cell phone was clearly visible through the jeans.

Getting the cell phone was just as nerve-racking. In fact Takato closed his eyes while he made the grab for it, as if that would somehow help. Rika groaned as the gogglehead dialed the ambulance. It was reassuring to hear her voice again, even if it did sound strained. Of course that also meant it was getting closer to the time when she'd wake up and kill him for going through her pockets… Takato sweatdropped. After giving the operator the streets names which were still narrowly visible from his location in he fiddled with the phone nervously… he still had a call to make.

Takato sighed as he scrolled through the list of available options. If Rika was going to the hospital her mother should know about it. The boy frowned knowing full well Rika wasn't going to be happy with this either and began playing out various scenarios of all the ways she'd kill him.

Messages… E-mail… Pictures… Phonebook…

…Pictures…?

Takato shifted another glance to the sleeping beauty. Come to think of it, in the few times he had been allowed into her room, he didn't see any family photos. There weren't any in the living room either or the kitchen, of which the boy had visited during her birthday. But there were definitely some in her cell phone.

"Unnnhhnn."

Rika's low moan almost made Takato jump out of his skin as he quickly backtracked through the menus and found the number he was looking for. It sounded like the girl was actually on the verge of waking up. His time was short.

It was Rika's grandmother that picked up the line, Takato began to relax a little. Although when he tried to explain why he was calling, he began fumbling his words horribly all the same. For a second he paused, not because he was worried about how the lady would react, but rather because all the blood in his had just ran cold as he felt a hand on his should. Rika was awake and she wanted her cellphone back.

"Hello? Young man, are you still there?"

"Hey grandma, it's me."

"Oh Rika, is everything all right. I think you're friend was trying to tell me something."

"Yeah, that new Digital Field dropped us on the other side of the city, I'll be late for dinner."

"Oh that's a relief. For a moment it sounded like your life was in danger."

"Not as much as his is." Rika growled, casting a glare in the boy's general direction.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing grandma. I got some scratches from a wild one and the Gogglehead overreacted."

"Nothing life-threatening I hope."

"You know Takato, he thinks everything's life threatening."

"I'll bet he's just worried about you."

"Ya well I'm fine. See you soon."

"Bye dear."

Rika hung up and slid the phone back into her pocket without even glancing at the boy. The gogglehead was thankful, he doubted he would be able to lie if Rika asked if he was snooping. He was generally better at that with his parents. A quick scan of the area revealed Renamon had already disappeared and was probably watching from the shadows.

The red-head grunted as she tried to stand up, pressing her hand against the filthy alley wall for stability. Takato practically bounced up onto his feet and was offering his arm in a heartbeat. Rika just shot him a glare that could repulse stampeding buffalo and the boy shirked back… At least until Rika took another step and grabbed her stomach like she was afraid it would fall off.

"Rika!"

"I'm fine goggles… Just need… A moment of rest."

The mop-headed boy nodded. "That's a good idea. The ambulance should be here shortly."

"Ambulance?" Rika lurched forward again almost falling to her knees right then and there. Still she didn't make a sound. "I'm not sticking around to be poked and prodded."

"But your hurt."

"I'm fine." She repeated, like that had become her new catchphrase.

Takato frowned and stepped in front of her. He didn't try holding her back, at least not yet. Even in her weakened state she could still probably take him. "You don't look fine. You look like you can barely walk."

"I just had the wind knocked out of me." Rika took another step forward, began looking around as if she suddenly became aware of her surroundings. She didn't think much of when she said it over the phone, but she really was on the other side of the city. "What the?"

Takato recognized the look of confusing on her face. "Ahhh, well you see… We kinda need a ride home from the ambulance anyway." The boy grinned sheepishly.

"Gogglehead… why are we lost? And what happened to dragon breathe. Did Henry save us? Wait, please don't tell me it was Ryo."

Takato glanced off to the side wincing a little at the memory. "N-no. It wasn't any of them. Do you remember Omnimon?"

"From the V-Pet incident? How could I forget? It was the first time we took on a Mega."

"Well…" Takato fidgeted by the rubbing the back of his neck. "He sensed a disturbance and came to save us…"

"Good, Omnimon is one the toughest Digimon around. If anything could beat that guy he could…Takato?"

"He was one of the toughest… Dorugoramon destroyed him and almost got us as well. And without Guilmon all I could do is watch." Takato crumpled down and leaned against the auburn brick walls as if the strength had just been sapped out of him. Rika did a double take; she could leave easily now if she wanted, instead, she followed suit with her friend and took up a seat beside him, still clutching her side.

"You're not going home?" The boy asked trying to sound like he still had at least some feeling in him.

"…" The girl didn't respond. She had a million excuses ready but they all seemed so vain at this point. Instead she just murmured a quick little inaudible something and let the awkward silence take up the air in a way that made them both uncomfortable.

"Ummm… Thanks for saving me earlier. You…" Takato paused sneaking a glance at Rika's expression. If she heard anything he was saying she didn't show it. Instead she was firmly fixatated on the wall across from her, zoned out from exhaustion or perhaps in deep thought from something else. It was impossible to tell with her. "…really went out of your way."

The silence returned, and seconds later so did the strange uncomfortable feeling. A few times Takato thought about turning to saying something, most of it pretty mundane, but always stopped himself before any sound came out, and inevitably back to his starting position. He knew he had something to say, he just didn't know himself what it was.

"I'm going home." Rika said standing up. Her voice matched her blank almost vacant expression.

"Halfway across the city? In you're condition?" Takato protested again.

"Quit worrying about me Gogglehead , I'm fine!" Rika raised her voice, causing the brown hair boy to stumble back. The tomboy seemed to calm down seeing his expression. "I mean, I'm feeling better. Besides, I have Renamon, and I could use some time to think."

Takato grew silent for a moment. There was no way he could out-stubborn Rika. But he seriously doubted she was 'fine' as well. He wanted, scratch that, had to keep an eye on her. "Mind if I think with you?"

The girl nodded without even having to think about it. "Good thinking Goggles, I guess it had to happen sooner or later."

"Eh?"

"That Digimon found you so easily at the park, how long do you think it would take to track you down to the alley."

"O-Oh yeah. That's right." Takato forced a smile. Actually he hadn't considered that at all.

Most of the trip went by in silence. It took hours to get home, but neither child had a compliant. It was actually rather nice to enjoy the city so peacefully. Both children lost in their own little world, And Takato almost getting 'actually' lost several times because of it. The only time it nearly happened to Rika was when she stopped to look at some scenery. Following her gaze the boy a park filled with some very familiar trees, not that they were in blume mind you. Almost everything was bare this time of year save a few autumn leaves. Takato didn't ask why she was looking at them, he wouldn't get an answer anyway, he just patiently waited until she done and had caught up.

"Takato…"

"Yeah?"

"Do you remember my birthday?"

"Which part?" Takato asked, a grin starting to form already. "The army evil Digimon part or the Kazu and Kenta singing a duet part?"

"The… On second thought, never mind."

"…"

Rika left as soon as she Takato off at Henry's. The last thing she wanted was another kid fawning over her injuries which, again, from her stand-point were all minor. Upon entering the apartment the low calm air seemed to lift, probably because of Suzie and Terriermon, the former of which ran up and giddily wrapped herself around the boy's legs, while the latter plopped himself down of Takato's head.

"Terriermon! Er, little help." Takato pleaded.

The bunny dog just folded his arm. "Better you then me Takato, sorry."

"Momma, momma. I found another player." Suzie cried out.

"Player?"

"Sorry Takato I forgot to warn you…" Henry said calmly fishing out a plate of leftovers from the fridge and placing it next of the microwave. It was for the gogglehead, everyone else had finished eating and taken care of their dishes. Takato made a mental note about how clean the place was even with so many people, a stark contrast to his own home. "…Tonight is family game night. And Suzie has just recruited you to her team."

"Eh?

"Don't worry, you don't have to play. I haven't since I was-"

"I call Red!" Takato hollered. Suzie made little squeal of approval. "Er, sorry Henry I think I cut you off."

The blue-haired Tamer just stared at his friend for a moment as if to ask if he was actually serious, then cleared his throat. "I, uh, just thought I should warn you that I was the former champ."

Actually as it turned out, Henry's older sister Jaarin was the one who really ended up cleaning house. Everyone had to team up since for most games there weren't enough spots open. Lopmon naturally went with her partner since despite the fact that she had lived with the little girl for almost a year she still had trouble grasping the rules. The fact that Suzie kept trying to make them up as she went along probably didn't help. But everyone else was paired up randomly with the exception of Janyuu, who was still at work. Takato didn't notice it, since it was his first time, but truth be told, all the older siblings had stopped such silly board games years ago. The only thing that made any of them want to join in is when they saw how much fun Henry was having.

It had been a while since any member of the Wong family saw him enjoying himself that much at home, usually he was glued to a computer screen or focused on his homework. And it wasn't lost on the parents either, who also happened to pick up on the fact that these strange good moods often coincided with visits from Takato.

"Ha! I win." Terriermon announced from his standpoint on top of Takato's head.

"You mean we win." The boy chided, leaning back so that the dog type could roll down his stomach.

"You are a worthy adversary Terriermon. Glad you're on my side… most of the time." Henry held out his hand.

"Don't make peace with the enemy." Rinchei, Henry's older brother scolded. "And we aren't done yet. We still got time for one more game."

"Aren't you boy's tired?" Jaarin asked wearily.

"Not me." Answered Takato. "I've been walking all day. My feet'll probably be sore for the next week."

"Yeah I meant to ask you about that. What kept you out so late, and without even giving me a call. We were starting to get worried sick about you."

"Probably enjoying his alone time with Rika." Terriermon giggled, right before the mop headed boy grabbed him and began kneading him like the dough at his bakery. "Ack, I'm under attack. Hee hee. Help Henry it tickles."

"Rika? Is the girl with the sock puppet or the attitude?"

"Attitude, and it's really not that bad once you get to know her." Henry explained.

"Really? wow, sounds like you got your hands full." Jaarin smiled placing her arm on Takato's shoulder and leaning in close to his ear. "If you need any tips…"

Takato flushed, badly. And all eyes fell on him as he began to look like a sunset with feet. It wasn't just what they were insinuating between him and Rika that was making feel light-headed though, It was the memories that were attached to it; first having the Demon's woman's body being pressed down on him, then trying to resuscitate her, and even rifling through the girl's pockets. He was infinitely glad she didn't ask him about it, hopefully she didn't even know it happened.

But really, knowing his luck she'd probably remember it in a day or two.

"T-That's not it at all." Takato stammered while the older girl giggled and got up to stretch her legs and grab a snack. "The Digital Field dropped us on the other side of the town and Rika's Cell phone wouldn't work so we just decided to huff it back."

"How come her phone didn't work."

"It was… busted? No wait, it had no signal."

Rinchei frowned. "Well which was it? Broken or Signaless?"

"Ummm, little of both?" Takato ventured.

Henry sighed, Takato could take the prize for the all time worst liar ever. But he didn't press it, if something happened between him and Rika, it wasn't any of his business… for the moment. "You're lucky Takato. There was an accident on the other side of town that took place shortly after you disappeared."

"An accident?"

Jaarin walked back into the room chewing on some pocky. "You didn't see it. Apparently it was pretty bad. An ambulance was responding to a call when a kid stumbled onto the street right in front of it."

"Eh?" Takato's mouth hung open. That… couldn't have been the ambulance he called. Although come to think of it they were strangely late.

"The kid said someone started a fight with him for no reason and shoved him onto the road... It sounds so unreal. I mean, who does that?"

"Mmmm. I hope everyone was all alright."

"Way to be a downer Henry." Terriermon reprimanded.

The Tamers sighed once more before Henry's mother issued the order to begin packing everything up and Suzie was forced to stop playing with all the tiny pieces. The children had time for one more quick snack if they wanted before they went to bed and then it was lights out. Takato waddled into his friends room before collapsing on the futon, the day's events showing their wear on him. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, an hour, the child couldn't sleep, He couldn't stop thinking about what happened before. He needed to talk to someone unfortunately he wasn't sure who.

Naturally Guilmon and Henry were the first two choices. However Guilmon was probably already asleep like the dead and would be that way for a while yet. Plus, he didn't have a key to the bakery for after they closed up so that was a bust.

Henry was much more plausible, but he was asleep too. And somehow waking him up to explain what happened with him, Dorugoramon, Omnimon, and Rika was a… less than attractive prospect.

There was on other possibility… Renamon. She was still awake and she already knew most of what happened so things so be… less awkward with her (A stunning change from the norm I might add) But no, The gogglehead was not so desperate that he was go scour the city in the middle of the night just to get his feelings out. He didn't even know where to find Renamon. Was always with Rika or did she go out on patrols? Mumbling something inaudible the boy turned back once more to sleep and closed his eyes, just barely catching a glimpse of Terriermon who had curled on Henry's computer chair.

"Terriermon huh? Maybe I should listen to him for once and just… momentai."

Takato frowned at the scene in front of him. Rika's gate, tall towering, like an initial warning before meeting her in person. Why was he here? He had no idea really. If he had to guess he'd probably say he'd given into his childishness and come here to find the infamous kitsune… or Rika, you know, whichever he found first would be fine. He just had to talk to her. That was all, he couldn't be at ease until he said… something to her. He still wasn't sure what. That was the really twisted thing, he wasn't even sure he knew what was really bothering him. Given how the past couple weeks have been going he could practically pick his grievances the way others pick their Danish. But still he knew he had to be here, even if it was only about two in the morning.

Climbing the gate was easier than he thought it would be. It's was too bad Kazu and Kenta weren't around, it would've been a good chance to show off to them. Of course, the child could've knocked, but he didn't want to wake up Rika's family. That might make things awkward. Frowning to himself as he snuck across the courtyard the gogglehead felt a little strange. His thoughts seemed natural, but unfamiliar, like he wasn't thinking as clearly as normal. Oh well, probably the lack of sleep.

Sneaking into Rika's room was easy enough. Her mom was fast asleep and her grandmother was glued to the computer. The only person that should've still been able to catch him, Renamon, was no where in sight. Even as tired as he was he found that more than a little odd. Then again, who knows perhaps Renamon found a hobby. Maybe it was reading poetry… yeah, maybe not. Takato chuckled while simultaneously reprimanding himself for acting so goofy. Renamon probably didn't up because she knew him, there was no reason to be on alert with him. The child frowned, wasn't there something off with that logic?

Okay he had reached his destination, Rika's room. Time to wake her and summon death. Since there was no 'good' way to do it without having her enraged, he decided he might as well have as much fun as possible while doing it. Again, Takato got the sense those weren't his usual thoughts. But who cares, he's having fun. A laboured groan seemed to snap the boy slightly closer to his right mind as a wave of concern flooded through him. That's right, Rika kept saying she as fine before, but she probably really wasn't… How come he just let go before? He should've been more insistent. Omnimon needed help too but again, he was useless.

Gingerly, Takato rolled up the girl's shirt and pressed firmly inside her side. Another moan and Rika flinched, her unconscious body trying to get away from whatever was attacking her. Takato sighed. Nothing seemed broken, but something was wrong. He had heard of internal bruises before, but really didn't know anything about them other that what they were called. The boy's grimaced increased, what was he doing here anyway. Didn't he have something he wanted to talk to her about…? Well, whatever it was it could wait. He got up, ready to leave, when something inspired him to glance back.

"Oh yeah, almost forgot."

Palming something with a skill the boy didn't remember having, he took a step back towards Rika. There wasn't even any hesitation when he raised the object, a small blade and brought it down on her stomach. She would of course wake up to scream, but that's why his other hand was wrapped around her head crushing it. The terrified look in her eyes was particularly satisfying, almost as much as the look of confusion and hurt that followed. Describing it would be useless because it was, quite simply, beyond words.

Renamon burst in holding her stomach. Right, the whole shared pain thing. Usually only feelable in the Ultimate level. How come it was active now? Was it because Rika's life was in danger? Somehow, that was expected, but it was also too late.

"Rika!" The Vulpine's eyes widened when she saw who the attacker was. "You?!"

Why waste time answering to garbage. Takato hunched down ignoring the expression on the kitsune's face and exploded in a wicked lunge, the arc of which covered the entire room. Renamon did the same, but it was useless, nothing could hurt him, certainly not some two bit Digimon Rookie. Just before he slashed Renamon to pieces he caught a glimpse of himself in her eye.

"What in the world...?"

"Waa-gah!"

The shouted coarsely before choking on his own breathe. A fact of which just might have saved him from accidentally waking everyone in the whole complex up. It was only a dream… a very real, very… disturbing dream. Takato glanced at his pillow on the floor like he was afraid to place his head back on it. A feeling like that had had never known. So much hate and rage it stifled the mind… Actually scratch that, he did feel something like that once before, but at least then there was a reason!

Takato shook his head wandered into the living room trying to relax while he figured out the purpose of the dream. He was still worried about how Rika was doing, so that might explain the first part of it but… what about the rest? It was such a weird experience, but even that was fading quickly as most dreams do. Takato reached for the phone, still not sure exactly who he wanted to call. Everyone was most likely asleep by now, so it would be rude. And heaven help him if he ever woke the wildcat up for something this stupid. With that in mind, he dialled her home number anyway after a few hesitant attempts. If he was lucky, someone else would answer.

"Hello? It's a little late to be asking if you can come over young man."

Takato blinked at his good fortune. It was the grandmother, probably the most open and easiest to get along with of all the women in the household. But hang on… "Huh? How id you know it was me?"

"Takato? I thought it was Henry. We do have caller ID you know."

"O-oh. Sorry. Ummm…Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time." The boy floundered. He hadn't really thought this far ahead yet. "How's Rika? Err, I-I mean, did she say anything about the Wild One today?"

"Afraid not." Seiko replied wistfully. "She just came home and went straight to bed. Didn't even touch her dinner."

"Oh… Uhhh can I… speak to Renamon then please."

Seiko arched a brow. This was a first. Normally Renamon was as Rika's shadow, socially as well as physically. This was the first time someone had asked to speak to her specifically that she knew of. The Rookie, hearing as sharp as ever, had already materialized just inside of a few nearby shadows. The elderly woman handed the phone of gracefully.

"You'll let me know if it's anything important, won't you?"

Renamon just gave a solemn nod before lifting the phone to her ear. Seiko gave a small chuckle as if fit rather strangely against the side of her head. Foxes were significantly different than humans after all. "Yes?"

"Oh, hi Renamon. U-ummm. How is Rika."

"Sleeping. Is there something you needed to talk to me about?"

"Yeah, I… just don't know how to say it."

"Generally it works better if you get to the point rather than stalling." Renamon stated calmly. On the other end of the line the child had to wonder if the Digimon was actually losing her patients with him or not.

"Right… Can you… watch Rika for the night?"

"I would've done that anyway."

"I know but usually you stay on the roof, right? Ummm, can you stay in her room her room this time, just for this one night… Please."

"…Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just got a bad feeling."

Renamon paused before answering. It was clear there was something else going on, but for whatever reason, Takato didn't want tot talk about it. "Very well. I shall do as you ask for tonight."

"Thanks Renamon. That takes a real load off my mind."

"…"

"Err, well… Thank again. Bye."

With that Takato hung up the phone. Only one more thing he needed to take care of. Moving as quietly as he could he slipped back into Henry's room and changed his clothes before making for the door. A quickly giggle stopped him cold in his tracks.

"Terriermon?"

"Hee hee. That's riiiiiight. "

The gogglehead exhaled deeply. This was the last person he wanted to deal with right now. "What are you doing up?"

Terriermon grabbed his ears and flapped them towards Takato. "You screamed like a girl and woke me. I think that qualifies as rude you know. And just what do you think you're up to anyway, sneaking out by yourself like that."

"I'm just going for a walk to clear my head. I had a busy day you know."

"Oh? And how's Rika doing." The bunny-dog asked coyly in voice that showed he had heard the phone call a moment ago clearly.

"She's fine!" Takato blurted out, like a knee-jerk reaction. He couldn't help but feel the irony as he repeated the same two word's Rika kept telling him. "I-I'm not going to see her."

"Hee hee. I only asked how she was doing. I didn't really think you were going to her place… but now I do."

"I'm just going for a walk, to see Guilmon… Because I haven't seen him in a while." Takato repeated, regaining his composure.

"See." Lopmon's voice rang out from behind the Tamer. "I told you Takato wasn't up to anything."

She's awake too? Oh right, the ears.

"You're too gullible Lopmon. If I had to make a guess I'd be willing to bet our fearless leader here is heading out to the digital field all by his lonesome."

Takato froze. Terriermon, in his usual only half-serious manner had actually hit a slam dunk with what the boy was trying to do. "D-Don't be silly. I'm just going for a walk because I haven't seen Guilmon in a bit. I'll be back within the hour."

"At two in the morning?" Terriermon chuckled to himself. "Well if you say so. I won't tell Henry but you better have your keester back in bed before her wakes up, ya hear me mister."

"Yes mom." Takato did an exaggerated bow, trying to hide the smile Terriermon had brought across his face while the rabbit/dog scurried past his legs. "And thanks."

Meanwhile Renamon waited patiently in Rika's room still unsure of why she was even there to begin with. The rays of moonlight forcing their way through the little girl's screen door and still falling just short of her futon. Still though, she felt some clue might've perhaps been hidden in the day's earlier happenings. Perhaps she missed something while she was out cold. The Rookie frowned in spite of herself, perhaps she was over thinking this. Maybe the boy, Takato, was just letting his anxiety get the better of him because Rika refused to go to the hospital. Renamon touched her stomach fondly for a moment. As Sakuyamon, she could have sworn she felt a presence nearby as she began to regain consciousness. In fact it was very close, just hovering over top of her, Pressing down on her chest, and blowing into her mouth. Renamon recognized the latter feeling of course, she had seen pairs of humans doing it in the streets and parks during her patrols, on billboards and TVs. It was called… kissing wasn't it? It was a strange sensation to be sure, it was forceful, but delicate in a way that made Renamon unsure of whether it had actually been trying to attack her or not. But in the end a feeling was just a feeling. With her senses fogged during that time she didn't remember much more than the queer sensations here and there. It felt like a dream, and even if it wasn't it seemed inconsequential to the fox type for the moment, Still she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more going on than just what she was seeing, in more ways that one.

Renamon had just refocused her gaze on her partner when something managed to surprise her. The shadows of two perfectly formed silhouettes washed over the room, casually glancing towards the door, as if they could see through walls and peer inside at will. The first one looked strange, not like a Digimon she had even seen before, but one thing that was easy to recognize was the form of a knife swinging back and forth in it's hand. There wasn't even a question of who the second one was, she'd know that form anywhere. It was Dorumon.

"Hold it!"

In a burst of speed even she could be proud of, Renamon heaved herself backwards and opened the screen, just as the shadows disappeared completely off to the side.

"What are you doing here?!"

"My my. It is my home too you know."

Renamon was stunned. "Ms. Hata… I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone else."

"Why is everyone so jumpy tonight? Well, I suppose you wouldn't tell me the real reason even if I asked you."

"Truth is, I'm not quite sure myself."

"Is that so." The older woman glanced down thoughtfully. "Well, normally I'd invite you to a cup of tea, but I'm afraid I'm at my limit right now. I need to go to bed, perhaps tomorrow."

"It would be a pleasure."

With a smile and a small wave the older woman disappeared down the corridor while retreated back into her partner's room. This time when she closed the screen, she left it open just a crack. If someone did pass by again, this time Renamon would know for sure. But beyond that, one more thing still bothered her.

"I… didn't even sense those two."

What went wrong.

It was the phone call. That kid tipped her off.

Him again? You should have torn him in half when you had the chance.

You make it sound so simple. He seems to know where we're going to be before we're there. And given how well YOU follow a plan that's something of a miracle in itself.

Wow… you actually sound like you want to be deleted.

Hmph, it seems a decent alternative to being your slave. But if you really want to see if it's worth it, why not wait just a little longer.

Why?

He's coming. In fact, he's right outside waiting for me.

Dorumon stepped out of the Digital field into the abandoned tunnel. Directly across from him were Takato and Guilmon. "I've been looking forward to this, Tamer."

"Guilmon, get ready."

"That's the Digimon that beat Rika? But he looks like me."

Takato sweatdropped. "He's purple and furry…"

"Hi!" didn't hear his partner and instead began waving. "Wanna be friends."

"…" Dorumon glanced at Takato. "Is he for real? I'm the one that attacked you at your shed, stupid."

"Why did you do that?"

"Ugh, it's like talking to a retarded kid."

"Hey!" Takato and Guilmon both shouted at once.

"Metal Cannon!"

Guilmon turned feral faster than you could blink or Takato could swipe a card and snapped the orb out of the air easily with thick jaw, only being pushed back slightly.

"Metal Cannon!"

"Rock Breaker!" This time Guilmon didn't even defend but rather rushed ahead bearing his skull and weapon. The cannon didn't even slow him down, but rather shattered on contact. All the while red hot flames were building up in the dino's throat and were on the verge of spilling out of his mouth.

"Pyro Sphere!"

Wising sensing that he was outmatched as a Rookie, Dorumon retreated into the Digital Field, the Tamer and his part disappeared into as well a second later.

Biomerge Activate!

A/N:

Wow… big chapter. I wanted to get all this done in the last chapter too but damn, I was debating splitting it again. It really suck that this all take about 5 minutes in my head and a month to write. Just to address some a quick question: Why the other Tamers didn't come back to help. That's simply because none of the other had their Digimon on them. Henry and Kenta had brought theirs too school before but I's not a regular thing. Terriermon usually coming along when not invited and Marine Angemon only showing up once in some ending credits, I think to the movie. Rika's the only one that can summon her partner at will so that's why she was the only one to come back to Takato's aid while the other all got their partners.

Heh heh. Omnimon… Wonder how many of you saw that coming.