AN: Hello it's me, I'm back. This one took a little bit because a couple of reasons, 1. because I've been working a lot specifically at night which is when I do my writing. 2. I kind of had writers block and trying to figure out the best place to go after the big moment last chapter. and 3. admittedly I wanted to wait so readers could process last chapter. So obviously the main character isn't dead, but he's very much side lined and won't be popping for the foreseeable next couple of chapters. I did this mostly to show how the others develop and act without him to point out their screw ups and as well to make HYPNOS more of a threat without Takato around to just put a stop to it if he really feels like it. So without further ado let's get to the chapter.

Digimon Tamers: Hazards Sorrow

Episode 16: Struggling to move on

Shinjuku, Japan

It was the middle of October and the city of Tokyo had grown colder since the events of two weeks prior where the citizens of Shinjuku saw a large fireball in the sky. Official reports claimed it was simply a military test and few knew what had actually happened. No one knew about the sacrifice that was made that day and if the government of Japan had anything to say about it no one ever would. Now something else weird was happening in Shinjuku, it was snowing.

While it wasn't that weird to have snow so close to Halloween it was odd as the day before the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. In the middle of the park was an even more unusual sight, a large snowman who was breathing out trails of icy wind. It was dancing around seemingly oblivious to things around it. Suddenly a teen with brown hair spiked up and styled appeared before the snowman, "Hey what do you think you're doing?" The snowman turned to the teen, "Me? I'm just making things a little colder since it's a little too hot here."

The teen took out a device and looked at the screen that began to display something, "Look Frigimon I'm only gonna ask you once, go back to the Digital world or else." Frigimon looked at the teen, "Why would I do that? This human world is pretty nice." The teen shrugged, "Fine have it your way" He signaled to something Frigimon couldn't see, "Take him down" Before Frigimon could comment he heard a shout, "STRIKE FANG" A Digimon seemingly encased in fire appeared and rammed into Frigimon deleting him instantly.

The teen smiled at the Digimon, "Good job Strikedramon, now let's go before HYPNOS shows up." Strikedramon nodded, "You got it Ryo, besides you gotta go meet Henry for breakfast anyway." Ryo frowned, "Don't remind me, haven't seen the guy in two weeks and now he wants to meet for coffee." Strikedramon dedigivolved back to his rookie form and frowned, "Maybe he was just giving you some time to mourn, or maybe he was mourning himself."

Ryo rolled his eyes, "Yeah well while he's been mourning, we've been dealing with Digimon by ourselves." Monodramon looked at his partner, "Alice and Dobermon did offer to help us, you just turned them down." Ryo scoffed, "Because we don't need their help, HE asked me to take care of things so I will." Monodramon sighed, "He asked you to take care of everyone, I'm sure he didn't mean go lone wolf like he did." Ryo frowned again, "You know what I don't want to have this conversation right now, let's just go see what Henry wants."

Monodramon nodded and began to follow Ryo who started to walk out of the park. Ever since the incident Ryo had been more angry, refusing to even mention Takato by name and wanting to do everything himself. Even Monodramon could tell that Ryo wasn't alright and was refusing to grieve for his lost friend and instead began to take on some of Takato's worse traits and had stopped caring about justice. If this were two weeks ago Ryo would've tried to help Frigimon, not just execute him despite the digimon being mostly friendly. Monodramon sighed again, "Even when Takato isn't here he still leaves an effect." The pair walked on, curious to see what Henry wanted to speak to them about.

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When he arrived at the cafe Ryo found Henry already sitting at a table and had already ordered. Ryo went and sat down and nodded at him as Henry smiled at him slightly, "Hey Ryo it's nice to see you again." Ryo nodded as a coffee cup was placed in front of him and he had figured out Henry had ordered for him, "Thanks for ordering for me." Henry nodded, "So how are you?" Henry looked at his friend in front of him, he had bags under his eyes indicating he hadn't slept much and his hair didn't have it's usual shine as if he hadn't been putting much thought in his appearance.

Henry frowned at him, "You sure about that?" Ryo nodded, "I'm fine" Hearing the venom in his voice Henry decided to drop the subject. He took a sip of coffee and continued the conversation, "So have you seen Rika?" Ryo shook his head, "Nope, she hasn't responded to any texts or calls and I haven't seen her at school." Henry nodded, "I see, I know Riley told me she doesn't come out of her room much." Ryo frowned, "She cared a lot about him so it's understandable she'd be a little distant." Henry frowned, "I know, she tried to stop him right up till he walked out of the building." Ryo not wanting to think about it changed the subject, "How is everyone else taking it?"

Henry shook his head, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, Alice is being silent but I think she misses him and Jeri has been crying a lot." Ryo nodded, "And what about HYPNOS" Henry smiled slightly, "It's weird but Yamaki has kind of gained a weird respect for him, I guess he appreciates that Takato was willing to give it all for everyone." Ryo slammed his hand down on the table, "He wouldn't have had to if we all weren't so useless." Henry sighed, "Ryo we've talked about this, WarGrowlmon was the only one who could've done something and Takato wasn't letting him go alone."

Ryo glared at Henry, "We still could've helped somehow, he didn't have to die" Henry narrowed his eyes, "You think I don't know that? I keep running it through in my head trying to think of a way we could've done something, it's kept me up at night Ryo so don't think I've just accepted it and moved on." He had started to yell so at this point most people were looking at the two wondering what was going on. Ryo spoke quieter, "What do you plan to do now?" Henry shrugged, "Try to find a way for DIgimon to stop coming through, what do you plan to do?" Ryo finished his drink and frowned, "I'm gonna do what he asked me to do, take care of things."

Henry sighed, "You know you don't have to do that alone right?" Ryo scoffed, "Well I don't intend to work for HYPNOS so I'll do it by myself." Henry looked at his friend, "Ryo listen don't do anything stupid ok?" Ryo smiled slightly, "C'mon Henry it's me" He got up and began to walk out of the cafe as Henry watched, "And that's what I'm afraid of." He pulled out his phone and began to text someone, "He won't admit he's in mourning and putting everything on his shoulders." He sent the text and got a response back quickly, "I'll watch him, just keep taking care of Jeri." Henry sighed and went back to drinking his coffee, things were never this complicated in the show.

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As he walked outside he was met by Monodramon who looked at him funny, "So I take it that didn't go well?" Ryo shrugged, "It went as well as one could imagine." Monodramon nodded, "So what's the plan? Go get some sleep?" Ryo shook his head, "Nope, there was someone behind that digimon getting sent here and we're gonna find out who." Monodramon looked at his partner like he was crazy, "What makes you so sure there's some big villain?" Ryo smiled, "Because of that symbol that flashed after that program that guy wrote failed, Takato knew what it was and so did he."

Monodramon nodded understanding what his partner was going on, "So what's the plan?" Ryo stopped and shrugged, "Uh I guess try to find that Shibumi guy, I don't know I didn't really have a plan." Ryo began to laugh as Monodramon sweat dropped, "Well I guess I could try to track him, I do remember what he smells like." Ryo clapped, "Alright let's go then, we're gonna find Shubumi and find out whoever this evil Digimon is so we can bring him to justice." Monodramon nodded and smiled, at least in that moment Ryo was acting like his usual self again.

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Henry arrived back at the HYPNOS building and entered the control room, waiting there for him was Jeri along with Yamaki watching over some kind of test they were running. Jeri ran up to him eager to hear how his conversation with Ryo went, "Welcome back Henry, how was Ryo?" Henry frowned and shook his head, "He's denying he's even upset and throwing himself into protecting the city." Jeri frowned, "I hope he's ok." Henry put a hand on her shoulder, "Alice said she'd set him straight so let's not worry." In front of them he heard Yamaki laugh, "Let's hope Akiyama won't become a problem like Matsuki was at times."

Jeri turned around and looked at Yamaki, "What does that mean ?" Yamaki walked closer to the, "Akiyama has seemed to have been inspired by Matsuki which is already troubling, but to put it bluntly Akiyama is a bigger idiot which could mean bigger problems." Henry shook his head, "You're wrong, Ryo may not be the smartest but he cares a lot about justice and doing what's right so he won't do anything that could cause problems."

Yamaki raised an eyebrow, "Are you really so sure about that?" Henry nodded, "Ryo isn't dangerous and I can assure you he won't be a problem" Yamaki shrugged, "Best hope those words don't come back to bite " As he walked away Henry sighed, "Yeah me too" Henry looked at Yamaki as he exited the room, really hoping his faith in Ryo wasn't being misplaced.

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The two had searched all day but in the end their search had been pointless, Ryo wasn't able to find Shibumi and though it took some convincing Monodramon managed to get him to go home for the day. He had sat himself on the couch after eating some leftover Chinese food for dinner and before he knew it he had passed out on the couch, TV still on and a sleeping Monodramon besides him. Unfortunately for Ryo it wasn't a peaceful sleep soon he began to hear what had been plaguing his dreams for the past two weeks, "Take care of everyone" Ryo began to struggle in his sleep, "No don't, we can help you"

He heard the voice again, "Someone will explain it to you later" He began to shake in his sleep and violently shaking his head before he heard a new voice, "Ryo, Ryo wake up" Ryo shot forward now awake and recognizing that he had fallen asleep on the couch. He looked over to see Monodramon looking at him concerned, "Ryo are you ok?" Ryo nodded, "Yea I'm fine" Monodramon frowned, "Are you sure? That seemed like a bad nightmare" Ryo nodded again, "I said I'm fine so drop it"

Monodramon put a hand on his wrist, "You don't seem fine, you've been having nightmares every night and you're starting to worry me" Ryo frowned at him, "I'm fine Monodramon, I can't afford to have anything wrong with me, not when I have to protect everyone." Monodramon shook his head, "Protecting everyone means protecting yourself too." Ryo looked at his partner annoyed, "I need to be a hero to protect everyone Monodramon and that means I can't be weak." Monodramon frowned again, "Being a hero doesn't mean you can't be upset that your friend is gone."

Ryo shook his head, "I'm fine, Takato knew that I needed to be the one to take his place so I'll do what I have to." Before Monodramon could respond Ryo got up and began walking towards the door, "Ryo where are you going?" Ryo got to the door and turned around, "I need some fresh air, I can't deal with this right now." He opened the door and exited allowing it to slam behind him. Monodramon looked on helpless, his partner was in pain and he had no ways of trying to help him.

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Unknown Location(Digital World)

Alphamon wasn't sure why he had been summoned by King Yggdrasil, the royal knights had been in mourning since losing one of their own and all of them had jumped into the war against the demon lords. It was odd as Yggdrasil hadn't spoken or even summoned any of them since the tragedy and Alphamon was convinced he was in mourning as well. Once he entered into the champers he kneeled before Yggdrasil who floated in the middle of the room, "Your majesty you have summoned me?"

There was a pause for a moment before the booming voice of Yggdrasil began to speak, "Alphamon it has taken me some time but I've managed to determine something." Alphamon looked up at his lord, "What is it King Yggdrasil?" There was another pause, "Gallantmon is alive somewhere in the digital world" Alphamon's eyes widened in awe, "Are you sure your majesty?"

King Yggdrasil glowed as if he was nodding, "Yes, I discovered he'd opened a portal before the blast fully consumed him." Alphamon nodded, "But how can we be sure he survived?" King Yggdrasil answered him, "Because I still sense him, unfortunately his life force is too weak for me to determine where." Alphamon nodded, "What will you have us do?"

King Yggdrasil spoke one last time, "Send out our two fastest and have them search the digital world, when they find him bring him back to be healed." Alphamon stood up, "I will send out Ulforceveedramon and Kentaurosmon at once, we will not fail you majesty." King Yggdrasil stopped glowing signaling the conversation was over and Alphamon began to walk towards the door. He whispered to himself, "Takato, Guilmon, if you two are alive we will find you." He exited the door and prepared to go summon his two comrades, King Yggdrasil's will would be done and they would find their youngest members to bring them home.

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Shinjuku, Japan(Two Days Later)

It had been two days since his argument with Monodramon and since then the two hadn't spoken. Ryo had committed to finding Shibumi and unfortunately he hadn't come any closer to finding him. His fangirls had been annoying that day and while usually he'd take the time to flirt with them he wasn't in the mood for them screaming his name. He was hiding in a janitor's closet as no matter where he went they would follow. Suddenly though the handle of the door began to turn and Ryo froze as he feared who had found him. The door swung open and there on the other side of the door was a frowning Alice clad in her school uniform.

She said nothing as she entered into the closet and closed the door locking it behind her, Ryo slapped his head in stupidity cursing himself for forgetting to lock the door. Ryo glared at the blonde who hadn't exactly been a friend to him these past few months, "What do you want?" Alice rolled her eyes at the comment, "I wanted to escape all the girls chasing me." Ryo mockingly laughed, "No that's what I'm doing, what are you doing in here." Alice punched him in the arm, "Contrary to your belief I do still care about you and both Henry and your partner seem to think you're having problems."

Ryo shook his head not convinced, "You sure haven't acted like you cared, and besides how could you have even talked to Monodramon." Alice frowned, "Just because we have two differing opinions doesn't mean I lose my feelings towards you, and I did talk to Monodramon because he showed up to fight a Digimon even though you weren't with him." Ryo's eyes widened, "He did?" Alice nodded, "He wants to be stronger to help you in whatever problems you're having." Ryo shook his head, "Well I have no problems so he's wasting his time."

Alice laughed, "Oh please, you look horrible, hardly slept, hardly put any time in your appearance and you're avoiding your fangirls." Ryo frowned, "So what?" Alice sighed, "Look I'm already dealing with a depressed Rika so I'll ask this once, what's wrong with you." Ryo glared at her, "Nothing is wrong with me so you can stop pretending you care." Alice looked at him actually offended, "I care Ryo, I care a lot so talk to me" Ryo sensing the sincerity in her voice sighed, "I'm just trying to do what Takato asked me before he left."

Alice frowned at him, "So taking care of everyone means acting like an asshole like him and pretending you aren't upset about something." Ryo scoffed at her analysis, "I'm not upset about something and plus Takato was strong so maybe I should be like him." Alice cursed under her breath getting annoyed at his stubbornness, "Ryo you're upset that Takato died and feel like you need to blame yourself so you're trying to act like him because if you do it'll be like he never died." Ryo looked away from her knowing she was right, "I don't have time to be upset, people die and we have to move on."

Alice shook her head, "This isn't moving on Ryo, this isn't healthy for you." Ryo knelt down, "I can't afford to mourn Alice, something is out there." Alice knelt down besides, "A lot is out there, but if we don't mourn we aren't human. Don't abandon who you are just so you don't have to feel pain." Ryo let out a tear, "I just want to feel like I didn't fail him, I want justice against whoever did this."

Alice put a hand on his shoulder, "You didn't fail him, you stood by him through everything going on and that's why he asked you to take care of everyone. He wanted the Ryo who flirts with girls and cares about justice, not the Ryo who refuses to admit his grief." Ryo looked at her, "I just miss him, I miss him a lot."

Alice nodded, "I know, we all do but it helps to admit it not run from it." Ryo looked at her, "Even you miss him?" Alice nodded, "He proved how human he was in that moment and for what he did I'll miss him." Ryo stood up, "I need to make things right with Monodramon." Alice nodded and smiled at him, "Yes you do and by the way I heard you were looking for that friend of Takato's, I'd be willing to help you a bit."

Ryo smiled at her, "Really?" Alice nodded, "Well I got my hands full with Rika but when I get time I'll ask Yamaki about him." Ryo smiled, "Thanks Alice, now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go find my partner." He opened the door and ran off leaving Alice in the closet by herself. She smiled slightly, "Anytime Ryo" The usually cold Alice felt a burning in her cheeks, maybe their friendship could be repaired after all she was the one who hurt it.

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Knowing where Monodramon would be Ryo ran as fast as he could and after 10 minutes found himself at Monodramon's favorite tree where he'd come to relax and take naps. Breathing heavily he looked up to see his partner sitting on the branch. Gasping for air, Ryo called to him, "Monodramon, we need to talk." Monodramon looked down to see Ryo standing there, "Ryo? Shouldn't you be in school?"

Ryo waved him off, "You're more important." Monodramon jumped down, "So what do you want?" Ryo sighed, "I wanted to apologize for getting mad at you and not telling you about how I was feeling, I just didn't want to admit I was grieving." Monodramon frowned, "I understand that you didn't want to admit your feelings but Ryo I need you to know that you can talk to me about these things."

Ryo nodded, "I know I'm sorry buddy, can you forgive me." Monodramon smiled and nodded, "Of course I can, just promise no more acting like Takato." Ryo smiled at him, "I think I can do that." The two high fived as all was right with the world, however Monodramon felt a scent on his nose, "Uh Ryo I think I smell a Digimon." Ryo frowned, "Why is there always a Digimon at the worst times?" Monodramon shrugged, "We can figure that out later for now let's go stop it." Ryo nodded and the two took off ready to go fight the evil Digimon.

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The two arrived at the sight of the Digimon, thankfully an abandoned area near the waterfront. Monodramon had already Digivolved to Strikedramon and Ryo had his Digivice out ready. The enemy Digimon appeared in front of them jumping down from a nearby building. Ryo was shocked to see who the Digimon was, "Silphymon ultimate with no type, special attack is STATIC FORCE" Silphymon glared at them, "What is this? A human and a champion come to challenge me?"

Ryo looked at their opponent, "Silphymon, you're usually a good Digimon, what are you doing here?" Silphymon scoffed, "I only care about a good battle, if you can't do that then step aside or be destroyed." Ryo shook his head, "No chance, we won't let you hurt anyone." Strikedramon got into a fighting chance, "If you really want to fight I'll give you one." Silphymon smiled at him, "Very well then, let's see how you hold up puny champion." Silphymon shot forward and punched Strikedramon in the gut , knocking him back a few feet.

Ryo while watching suddenly felt a pain in his gut and felt the wind knocked out of him, "What the hell? Why can I feel Strikedramon's pain?" Strikedramon looked at his partner, "Our bond must've evolved as we got closer, I remember Takato mentioning this once." Ryo nodded, "Right, you and I are connected so let's use that connection to bring this guy to justice." Strikedramon nodded and prepared his attack, "STRIKE FANG" Silphymon smiled at the attempt, "My turn, DUAL SONIC" Silphymon created a shockwave that was fired at Strikedramon's attack resulting in both attacks colliding and creating a tiny explosion. Unfortunately due to being the weaker one Strikedramon was knocked back and Ryo felt his pain.

Gritting his teeth Ryo struggled to keep standing, "No dammit we can't lose, I understand now Takato wanted me to protect everyone as myself because he believed in me and my desire for justice, I can't let him down." Strikedramon rose again and nodded to his partner, "He knew you could do it Ryo and so do I, so let's win this." Suddenly a card began to glow blue in his hand and Ryo looking at it understood what he had to do, "DIGIMODIFY: MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE." Strikedramon began to glow blue, "STRIKEDRAMON MATRIX DIGIVOLVE TO" Soon a large dragon covered in armor and cybernetics emerged from the light, "CYBERDRAMON" Ryo stood in awe at his partner, "Cyberdramon a ultimate level vaccine type, special attack is the deadly DESOLATION CLAW" Ryo smiled at his partner, "Alright Cyberdramon ready to deliver some justice"

Cyberdramon growled and nodded as Silphymon looked on and smiled, "Finally a good fight" He charged at the newly digivolved Cyberdramon who simply stood there. Silphymon readied a kick to Cyberdramon, but Cyberdramon still not moving, caught the kick and flung Silphymon backwards. Silphymon growled and began to move his arms around himself, "Fine take this, STATIC FORCE" He fired the energy shots at Cyberdramon who when close enough slashed at them, "CYBER NAIL" His sharp claws ripped in through Silphymon's attacks as Silphymon frowned at the results. Ryo looked at his partner, "Cyberdramon finish it, show him our justice." Cyberdramon growled again and charged towards Silphymon raising his claws, "DESOLATION CLAW"

The attack landed at Silphymon at such close range he had no idea what had happened as the powerful attack deleted him instantly. Ryo smiled at his partner who had dedigivolved back to Monodramon, "Alright good job Monodramon you were pretty cool." Monodramon smiled, "I guess I was huh, well Ryo I guess we found the strength to protect everyone." Ryo nodded, "Yeah, and hopefully wherever Takato is he's proud." The two smiled at each other and walked off having learned a valuable lesson and hopefully with his partners help Ryo would no longer be struggling to move on.

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It was after school and Henry having learned Ryo cut class to go deal with a Digimon had to make an excuse to his teacher where he had gone. Now he was back in HYPNOS updating Yamaki on what had gone on. Yamaki raised an eyebrow, "So Akiyama won't be a problem then?" Henry shrugged, "Honestly I don't know but I think he's accepted his feelings about Takato's death which will hopefully not make him like what you were thinking."

Yamaki nodded, "I suppose you were right, what is Alice doing now?" Henry sighed, "She's still trying to get through to Rika but who knows what'll happen there." Yamaki nodded, "I see, well anyway I wanted to introduce you to a new scientist that's helping with the juggernaut program." Yamaki pressed a button to signal someone could come into the room. The person entered and Henry's eyes widened, "DAD?" Janyu Wong looked at his son in shock, "Henry?" Father and son looked at each other as Yamaki watched on, this was going to be a very interesting conversation.

To be Continued!

AN: Alright so couple of fun things, next chapter will be an Alice chapter. Haven't done one of those awhile and I want to go into her personality more and backstory to show why she hates Takato's lying and deceiving so much. And obviously with this chapter I did want to confirm she still cares about Rika and Ryo. So anyway see ya next chapter and stay safe.