A/N: Summer vacation has arrived and I couldn't be more ecstatic. With finals over, I finally have time to read some stories that I'm two, three, ahem even four, chapters behind. And with fanfiction.net back online, I can finally do so.
Ruki: All right, just what do you think you're doing?
Doing? I have no-
Ruki: Don't play dumb with me, you know what I
mean!
About the felonious digimon stalking you? I promise, in this chapter he will be
revealed.
Ruki: And will he actually do something? Or will he still whisper and blow hot air around?
*Deviously* Oh, he will do something. But I would be more concerned about a certain gogglehead, to be precise.
Ruki: Googlehead? What does this have to do with Takato? If he gets hurt, then forget the beatings that I promised Ryou, you be the one who'll end up with an up close and personal meeting with my fists.
Sounds painful. I'll keep that in mind. I hope everyone is in character and that you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: Digimon is the property of Toei Animation and of BandaiSurprise
"Bottom line is, even if you see 'em coming, you're not ready for the big moments.
No one asks for their lives to change, not really. But it does." -Whistler- Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In the city of West Shinjuku, the sun gleamed brightly from within a dazzling blue sky. The fluffy white clouds kept their distance and the warm air smelled of cherry blossoms and sweet life.
From within the room that she shared with her younger brother Masahiko, Juri stared out at the area around her and smiled. Hirokazu was right; it's such a perfect day for a picnic. It was almost time for her to leave and Juri couldn't help but feel excited.
I know Takato and I will have a lot of fun today. I'm just happy that he said yes to me, he looked sad when I asked him. Juri remembered the strange look on his face and sighed.
We've been through so much together. He isn't one of the boys that are just obsessed with playing with digimon cards anymore. I know all of us have really grown up ever since we entered the Digital World and since…
Juri didn't finish her train of thought. When the other Tamers had been fighting D-Reaper, she had decided that she wasn't going to allow what had happened to Leomon cause her life to end. That hadn't been what he had wanted for her when he had spoken of destiny.
And after those few months, it still hurt her to think of what had happened, and of how close she had come ending her own life. Thank goodness for Culumon, she thought with a feeling of gratitude. And for Takato, too.
Even when things had seemed so awful, thanks to D-Reaper feeding from her pain and sadness, Takato had never once given up on her. And when she had believed that no one wanted her around because of everything that had happened, he had told her just how wrong she had been.
He's really changed. Juri mused. Even before he and Guilmon Matrix Evolved to Dukemon, when he found that note written by his mother, he told me how much he missed her and how he hated to make her worry about him. And he cried…he's done that before, like when Beelzebumon hurt Megidramon, but this time he did it only in front of me. He didn't care that I was a girl, like other boys, but only that he had someone he could tell how he felt. And that I was there to make him feel better.
But I hurt his feelings. He told me that he really liked me and I made my puppet say that I only liked him as a friend. But now, I'm not so sure about that anymore. He rescued me and I was just so happy to see him. I really care about him, but what if he doesn't feel that way about me anymore?
Juri would have continued her pondering, had not the voice of her stepmother called to her.
"Juri, everything is all packed, you'd better get moving. You don't want to miss your picnic do you?
Juri glanced out her window one last time and took a breath. She wasn't sure how she knew, but she had a feeling that something exciting was going to happen, and whatever it was, she was ready for it. She then quickly closed her window and made her way to the kitchen.
~*~
Takato woke up early that morning with a slight feeling of dread. It was an unusual occurrence for him; he was usually a cheerful person. But this morning, he felt nervous and more than a little confused.
He was going on a picnic with Juri, whom he thought of as only a good friend, when he really wished that he could be doing something with Ruki. But he also felt bad, because he knew that if he told that Juri, he would only end up hurting her feelings. And I can't do that to her, he thought stubbornly. I know that's she's a strong person, stronger than she even believed, but still, after everything that's happened to her, I don't want to do anything to hurt our friendship.
But I feel so guilty, like I'm betraying Ruki. Maybe should tell her what's going on. Takato glanced at the clock on his desk, it was early, but Ruki was usually awake.
He climbed out of bed quickly and walked into the living room, where the phone was located. He could smell his Mom cooking breakfast in the kitchen, but didn't bother looking for his father. He had most likely went to open the bakery, where Takato's mother would join him shortly.
Takato held the phone hesitantly for a minute, and then began to dial Ruki's phone number. It was one of the few numbers that he knew by heart. He mentally practiced what he was going to say as he waited for her to answer the phone.
Ruki, there's something I have to tell you. What is it? Well, I'm going on a picnic, with Juri. Alone. It all happened really quickly, with Juri asking me and all…
A click alerted Takato and he cleared his throat. "Ruki, I-" He began.
"Hello? Who is this?" An older feminine voice answered. A voice, Takato realized, was not Ruki's at all.
"Um, hi, this is Takato. I know it's really early, but can I speak to Ruki please?" He asked politely.
The voice at the other end of the line became more cheerful. "Takato, it's nice to hear from you. This is Ruki's grandmother and I'm afraid that she can't speak to you right now."
"She can't?" Takato's shoulders sagged.
"I'm afraid not. She hasn't been sleeping very well lately and Rumiko are doing our best to make sure that she gets some rest. Maybe I can have her call you back later?"
"That would be great." Takato said unenthusiastically. "I hope that she gets the sleep she needs."
"So do I." Seiko agreed. "Have a nice day."
"You too."
They said good-bye and Takato hung up the phone feeling defeated. I bet it's those nightmares she told me about that are bothering her. The guilt that Takato was feeling intensified. I should have tried to see her yesterday. If I had been paying better attention, then Ms. Asanuma wouldn't have kept me after school. And now she's suffering and there isn't anything that I can do, at least not now, to help her.
"Takato, breakfast is ready." Mrs. Matsuda called from the kitchen.
Takato sighed and began walking. I have a bad feeling that this day is only going to get worse. He deeply hoped that he wasn't right.
~*~
From a tall building, within the heart of West Shinjuku, he waited. It had taken quite some time and the elimination of four humans, for him to find the location that he had been searching for, but his hard work had finally paid off.
He floated in the air, his tattered wings brushing spider webs and clinging to bits of dust.
This is where it happened, he thought with rage. His data screams out to me, even from oblivion. He concentrated and could picture IceDevimon floating within his frozen garden, his wings wrapped around Makino Ruki as he tried to convince her of his worth as her partner and of their similarities.
Yet she rejected you, as I knew she would. He silently raged. You truly believed that a human child could grant you the power that you did seek. You deluded fool.
But though it had been she whom IceDevimon had captured, it had been other digimon who delivered the final blows.
He drew its power and with a cry of "Frostbite!" caused torrents of ice to fill the room. The ice reached from the floor, and touched the tall ceiling. But the attack caused the building to shake and quiver as the digimon tried to reach through the weak barrier separating the Real World and the Digital World.
He felt terrible pain, something he was not used to experiencing. This pain caused him to scream in ecstatic agony as numerous crystalline forms housing digimon suddenly burst from the ceiling.
He then collapsed to the ground, his body exhausted from using so much of its energy. It is complete once again, he thought triumphantly. He gazed at a large empty crystal the hung above him. Yet it lacks one. Shaking and stumbling, his detached dignity missing, he stood.
"Makino Ruki, your destiny comes for you this day by white wing and frozen claw." He stated coldly before he vanished.
~*~
Ruki yawned slightly from within her family's kitchen, while holding a glass of water. It was mid afternoon and she had awakened only twenty minutes prior. She felt better than usual, and was surprised that she hadn't had any dreams of her frozen stalker last evening.
But then again, he did decide to pay me a personal visit yesterday. She thought dryly. She had been so unnerved at the time that she had dashed into her home and scared her grandmother half to death.
"How are you feeling today Ruki?" Her grandmother asked as she entered the kitchen and began rummaging for a cup of her own.
"Better." Ruki said with a slight smile.
Seiko nodded. "I'm glad to hear it." She walked towards the refrigerator and extracted a bottle of water. "Your friend Takato called earlier, by the way. He seemed very eager to speak to you." Seiko glanced at her granddaughter to see her reaction.
Ruki remained composed, giving nothing away to her as she took a drink. "That's weird. I wonder what he wanted."
Seiko smiled. "Yes it is quite odd for young men to call young ladies at their homes and wishing to speak to them. You could call him back perhaps, or go and visit him." She stopped speaking and seemed to consider things. "But I did hear Rumiko planning a shopping trip…"
Ruki got the hint. "You know, it might have been important. I should get dressed and see what's going on." She stood up quickly and walked to her bedroom.
Seiko watched her leave. She may not wish to admit it, but perhaps there's something happening between her and that Takato…
~*~
A normal day. Over the last few months, Lee Jenrya had almost forgotten what that had entitled. He sat in his room, staring at his computer screen, not using it, merely contemplating the past.
If it wasn't a new Wild One entering the Real World, then it was a Deva trying to destroy the Tamers or D-Reaper trying to eliminate the world.
But with Terriermon by his side, Jenrya always knew that things would work out. Whether he was making jokes or acting silly, he always managed to make him feel better, especially when things became unbearable.
But now he's gone. Terriermon is gone and my father knew that it would happen, Jenrya thought bitterly. I know that he feels terrible about it and he practically begged me to forgive him but…I can't help feeling that he betrayed us.
Jenrya sighed in frustration. I can't stand feeling this way about my dad, especially after everything that he and the rest of the Monster Makers did to help us. It just seems so unfair how things worked out.
The phone rang, but he ignored it. I must seem so selfish. The house was unusually quiet, but the continuous ringing of the phone shattered that silence. Jenrya's older sister and brother had went to the library earlier to work on a project for school, while his mother take Shuichon with her shopping, leaving only Jenrya and his father home.
Jenrya heard the sound of his father rushing to pick up the phone before the caller hung up. Not really listening, Jenrya was jarred to attention when he heard his father address the caller.
"Yamaki?"
Jenrya immediately stood and walked to his bedroom door. He knew that was disrespectful to eavesdrop, but ever since the D-Reaper's destruction, Yamaki hadn't remained in close contact with any of the Monster Makers. And the news of Hypnos being shut down had sparked numerous amounts of controversy throughout all of Japan.
"I take it that this isn't a social call." Janyuu spoke after his surprise had left him.
"I only wish it were. Unfortunately, a problem has decided to manifest itself, and at the worst possible time."
Worry filled Janyuu's voice as he spoke, "Don't tell me that D-Reaper has found some way to regenerate itself!"
"No, of course not. This problem may be serious, but it isn't of that nature. It deals, in fact with a digimon."
For a moment, Janyuu remained silent. "A digimon? You don't mean the children's-"
"No, this digimon has incredible power and a bad attitude to go along with it. It almost crashed our computer system when we tried to use Yuggoth to delete it and based upon the frozen bodies of four construction workers found this morning, I would say that respect for human life isn't one of its priorities."
"That's terrible! But I still don't understand why you decided to call me. Wasn't finding and deleting wild digimon the purpose of Hypnos?" Janyuu inquired neutrally.
"It was. But as you know, our resources have been limited due to the decision to shut it down. Reika, Megumi and I have been doing what we can to track this menace, while trying to return Shaggai to operation as well."
"Shaggai?"
Jenrya's eyes narrowed. Shaggai? Whatever this digimon is, its power must be immense if Hypnos is being forced to use that program. But despite the dark news, a small hope bloomed within him. But if this digimon as able to enter the Real World, then maybe Terriermon and the other digimon could do so as well.
Jenrya moved closer to the doorway, anxious to hear more.
"We've devised a plan that can have one of two positive results. If Shaggai is activated within close range of the digimon, then it may be able to draw its body into the created vortex, thereby deleting it and solving the problem. However, the second result is far more dangerous and even more unpredictable. There is a chance, a small chance mind you, that by using the reversal program implanted within your son's Terriermon, we may be able to home in upon him and the rest of the Tamers' digimon in the Digital World, and use Shaggai to bring them back into the Real World. Shaggai was created to track and eliminate all digital data, but since using Shaggai accidentally brought that tiger digimon into our world, then we hypothesized that it would be possible to repeat the process. But in either attempt, there are numerous factors that could lead to destruction within both worlds.
That is why I called you, and why I've contacted the other Monster Makers as well. This is a project that requires the finest expertise and I wouldn't count on anyone but the best."
Though unseen by Yamaki, Janyuu nodded. "I see, if the situation wasn't so ominous, I would say that I'm flattered."
"Well save the flattery for later. The Monster Makers, save Shibumi, have agreed to meet at Hypnos. We need you here as soon as possible."
"I'm leaving right now, I should be there shortly." He hung up the phone and stood silently, trying to grasp everything that he had just heard. He turned his head swiftly when he noticed Jenrya coming from his room.
"Did you hear all of that?" Janyuu asked warily.
Jenrya nodded. "I did. I know I shouldn't have been listening but," He looked at his father seriously. "Dad, is there really a chance that the digimon could come back?"
Janyuu sighed. "I don't know Jenrya. From what Yamaki said, it would be very risky to, not only the Digital World but to the Real World as well." He glanced at his watch and started for the door.
"I have to get going. The others are probably waiting for me and the with four people victims to this digimon already, time is of the essence." Janyuu spoke as he opened the door.
"Dad, I want to go with you."
Janyuu turned back to him. "Jen, I don't think-"
"I want to help." Jenrya interrupted. "I may not be a computer expert, but I can't just stand here when people are being hurt and pretend that I don't know anything. Besides, you said there was a chance that you could get Terriermon back and I want to be a part of it."
Janyuu looked at his son and sighed. He's so determined. But that's what everyone says about me. He was so angry with me when Terriermon had to leave him, even though it was the only way to destroy D-Reaper. I can't deny him the chance to bring him back.
"We better get going." Janyuu said wearily.
Jenrya nodded. "I promise that I won't get in the way. I'll do whatever I can to help."
"I know you will Jen." Janyuu stepped away from the door, allowing Jenrya to walk through it before him. Janyuu was in the process of closing the door, when the phone suddenly rang. He sighed loudly before glancing at his son.
"We don't have time for this." Janyuu re-entered the apartment and made his way to the phone, which was still running continuously.
"Hello?" He answered it hurriedly.
"Janyuu? This is Yamaki. I'm glad that I was able to catch you."
"If you had called a few minutes later you wouldn't have. My son and I were just on our way to meet you."
"Your son?" Yamaki sounded surprised. "But I suppose he does have his part to play in all of this. That's the reason I called you. Despite it's constant migration, we've been able to track the rogue digimon to, ironically Shinjuku Park. We've determined that its course is the center of the park. I wanted to warn you because I know that your son and the rest of the Tamers have a habit of associating within the park. I have Reika, Megumi, Daisy, Curly, Babel and Dolphin notifying the other parents of the situation and I wanted to make sure that you received the information as well.
"Thank you for doing so, I feel much better knowing that Jenrya is with me and not anywhere near the park. I just pray that the other children aren't either."
"So do I. Especially with Shaggai still not operating. I've called my superiors, stressing the importance of the recovery of our equipment, but it seems as thought they're more worried about a security scandal than anything else." Yamaki replied with irritation.
"Our tax dollars at work." Janyuu responded disapprovingly.
"Unfortunately. But as I said earlier, we need you here as soon as possible."
"Right. Jen and I are leaving now. We should be at Hypnos shortly." Janyuu hung up the phone and ran to the door.
"Was that-" Jenrya inquired.
"It was Yamaki. He said that they have tracked the digimon to the park." An edge of fear crept into Janyuu's voice. "Jenrya, do you know if any of your friends planned upon going to the park today?"
Jenrya's eyes widened. "I heard Hirokazu and Kenta whispering something about going there early this morning. They might still be there!"
Janyuu closed the door quickly, causing a loud slam to emaciate from it. "We have to hurry! This digimon is incredibly dangerous and if they still are in the park, then they're completely defenseless against it!"
He began sprinting down the hallway with Jenrya at his heels. Please, Jenrya prayed, Let us get there in time. I've already lost Terriermon, I don't want to loose my friends too.
~*~
Within Shinjuku Park, the sun was shining, while a cool wind did blow. Pedestrians, both adults and children meandered about lazily, enjoying their good fortune. But for Kitagawa Kenta, despite the wonderful weather, the day was a nightmare.
Hirokazu and Kenta had been hidden by a tall bush for little more than an hour watching Takato and Juri's picnic. It had been Hirokazu's idea because, "We planned everything and now it's time to see how it all turns out."
"Anything happening?" Kenta inquired, his voice full of boredom.
"They're eating." Hirokazu answered.
"And?"
"And what? I told you, they're eating."
Kenta jumped up suddenly. "I can't stand this anymore!"
Hirokazu glanced at Takato and Juri, seeing if they had noticed them, then stood quickly and dragged Kenta back down with him. "Shhh, do you want them to hear us?"
Kenta glared at him. "If it would get us out of here, then I would yell at the top my lungs."
"You're pathetic." Hirokazu said rolling his eyes. "No one said that this was going to be easy."
"Easy? It's really easy. You just didn't say that it would be boring!"
Hirokazu ignored him and continued to stare at Takato and Juri, when his eyes suddenly widened. "Oh, I don't think it's going to be boring anymore."
~*~
Takato sat across from Juri, his expression one of happiness and laughter.
"Do you remember," Juri began, "The time when Hirokazu and Kenta accidentally-on purpose- put glue in Mrs. Kasatomi's chair, but when they both pretended to be polite and pulled out the chair for her, they ended up tripping and falling into the glue-face first!"
Takato laughed as he mentally pictured Hirokazu and Kenta, three years prior, with their faces covered in glue.
"Don't forget the time that Hirokazu decided to pull an April Fools joke on his mother. He brewed a ton of Green Tea and put it in her favorite shampoo." Takato continued. "And after she took her shower, her hair ended up turning bright red! After that stunt, he was so scared of her, that he ended up sleeping over at my house for almost a week!"
This drew a jubilant laugh from Juri and caused Takato to smile. It's been such a long time since she's laughed like that, he thought with a sense of sadness.
Juri saw a strange expression cross Takato's face and her smile faded. "Takato, is something wrong?" She asked softly.
Takato shook his head. "No, there's nothing wrong." But inside Takato couldn't help but feel confused. I really wanted to see Ruki, especially since she hasn't been doing that well, but I've actually been having fun today. It's been so long since Juri and I talked about anything other than guilt and blame, that I've forgotten how much I've missed it.
She watched Takato closely and blushed when he glanced at her.
"Takato," She began, "Do-do you remember when you told me that you liked me and I told you that I only liked you as a friend?"
Takato felt his stomach clench and nodded.
"It took me time to realize it, but I was wrong. You were always so nice to me, and we've been friends for so long. I could always tell you anything, like how I felt after Leomon was destroyed." Juri's voice wavered slightly. "And you would try to cheer me up or tell me how you really felt."
Juri hesitated slightly. "I just wanted to tell you that I really like you, and that I care about you. You believed in me, even when I gave up on myself. You rescued me, even when I thought that no one could. I owe you so much and I'm just glad that I finally had the courage to tell you."
Takato felt lost. He had said similar things to one of D-Reaper's Agents months ago, believing her to be Juri and had felt crushed when she had simply read the ingredients off a meal he had brought her. How can I tell her that my feelings for her have changed, that I only think of her as a close friend? I still care about her, but after everything that she's been through, how can I hurt her like this? I could never lie to her and even if I did, she would find out the truth and would be all the more hurt. That's the last thing that I want to do to her. I just want her to be happy.
"Takato?" Juri said softly as she leaned towards him.
Takato moved away from her and stood. Juri watched him feeling puzzled. "Did I do something wrong?" She whispered.
When he turned to her, Juri could see the sad expression on his face. "Juri, I-I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Juri repeated. "I don't understand."
Here goes. Takato thought miserably. "Juri, I care about you a lot. You've always been one of my closest friends and you even know me better than I do sometimes. I don't want to hurt you, but I can't lie to you either. I don't want to lose you as my friend, but that's all that we can be. I'm sorry."
Juri stared at him for a moment and then looked away. I was wrong, she thought wretchedly. I thought that Takato still felt the same way about me, but I guess he's changed more than I thought. Juri grasped her fingers tightly around a napkin. Or maybe he really listened to me. He told me how he felt and I told him I just wanted to be friends. This is all my fault.
Takato watched Juri, feeling helpless. He wished that she would say or do something to let him know what she was thinking. But one thing he knew about Juri, was that she kept her feelings inside, and yet pretended that everything was fine on the outside. But I don't think that she can pretend that this is okay, Takato thought worriedly.
~*~
Hirokazu and Kenta sat in their bush with both of their mouths hanging open. They had been watching Takato and Juri's picnic, with Hirokazu whispering "Go Takato!" every so often. They weren't able to make out all that was said, but when Juri moved closer to Takato, they both had an idea of what would happen next.
"See, what did I tell you?" Hirokazu whooped and grabbed Kenta around the neck. Hirokazu and Kenta Matchmaker's Extraordinaire is a success!" He punctuated the statement by noogying Kenta's head.
"All right, all right, I believe you! You don't have to rub my head in to prove it." Kenta yelped twisting away from him.
"Hey wait a minute…" Hirokazu said suspiciously as he resumed watching his friends.
"What? What's going on?" Kenta asked trying to see past by Hirokazu. The blue haired Tamer finally caught a glimpse of Takato and realized that Juri wasn't anywhere near him anymore. Suddenly, a flash of red caught Kenta's attention, and he glanced to his right. He then noticed a familiar red haired figure stand from the underbrush, her face a mask of fury. She turned and made her way away from the Tamers, her gait rigid and quick.
"Hey, Hirokazu." Kenta nudged his companion.
"Not now Kenta, I'm trying to hear what's going on!" Hirokazu snapped anxiously. Everything was going so great! What the heck just happened? He wondered.
Kenta elbowed Hirokazu harder. "But I just saw Ruki!"
Hirokazu stiffened. If there was any name that could provoke any fear in him, aside from that of his parents' and Ms. Asanuma's, it was The Digimon Queen Makino Ruki's.
"Gee, if I knew she was going to show up, I would have told Jen to meet us here." Hirokazu said jokingly, trying to cover up his nervousness.
Kenta shook his head. "I don't think that would have been a good idea. She looked really angry. Even Takato didn't look as scary as she did."
Hirokazu glanced at Juri and Takato. They seemed to be talking about something, if only he could get closer. But Hirokazu knew that was impossible and the last thing that he needed was for them to figure out that he and Kenta, well, mostly he, had planned the whole event.
"Maybe we should follow Ruki to find out what's wrong." Hirokazu suggested reluctantly.
"Are you crazy?" Kenta exclaimed. "You know she thinks we're the most annoying thing on Earth, next to Ryou and if seeing Takato and Juri got her upset-"
"Seeing Takato and Juri?" Hirokazu interrupted. "If that made her mad, then maybe…" He turned the thought over in his mind. No, it's impossible! I mean her and…there's no way!
"Hey Kenta, you don't think that maybe Ruki," Hirokazu hesitated. "Has a thing for Takato?"
Kenta gaped at him. "No way! I mean, I don't think so." Kenta considered Hirokazu's statement. "Could she?" He finally questioned.
"There's only one way to find out." Hirokazu said assuredly. "And since Juri and Takato aren't speaking loud enough for us to hear, then we probably won't hear anything useful by staying here." He stood up and cringed as his spine gave a very audible crack. Kenta followed suit and rubbed his back, trying to regain feeling in it.
"Let's go. Ruki has a pretty big head start, but I bet we can catch her." Hirokazu said as he took off running.
"The only question is, do we want to?" Kenta replied apprehensively and after a final look at Juri and Takato, ran to catch up with Hirokazu.
~*~
Ruki walked past multiple trees and shrubbery as she made her way towards the center of Shinjuku Park. Her eyes were narrowed to slits and her hands clenched and unclenched unconsciously. How could he? She thought furiously.
The image that she had just seen replayed in her mind over and over again. Juri and Takato sitting together talking, Then Juri moving closer and… It was at that time that Ruki had turned away. He told me that they were 'just friends.' She thought heatedly.
And what infuriated her the most, was how much the lie bothered her. She had always prided herself upon being independent, always keeping others at arms length. But slowly, that had changed. The time she had spent being a Tamer had improved the relationships she had with her mother, her partner and even helped her to become friends with the other Tamers. And hen Takato had told her how he felt about her and she had kissed him, she had been…happy. It only showed how much she had changed.
But now… Why did he even bother to call? Was he going to tell her how wrong he was and that he really wanted to be with Juri instead? Ruki stopped walking and slammed her fist into a tree. Why do I care so much? I was never into all this emotion nonsense, but now I'm angry because I caught Takato kissing Juri?
"I was better off alone." Ruki spoke bitterly. "At least then I didn't have to worry about being jealous of Juri or enraged with Takato. I was strong and didn't need anyone, aside from Renamon and now…" She stared distractedly at a large tree. I bet Ryou would have a field day if he heard about this. Not that I actually care what Mr. Perfect thinks of anything, I'd rather be deleted by D-Reaper than hear one of his smart aleck remarks.
A loud crunching sound caused Ruki to turn, irritated by the interruption.
"Hey Ruki! Wait up!" A very familiar voice called loudly. Ruki mentally cringed and glanced behind her. Sure enough, Hirokazu and Kenta, the Dimwit Duo were running towards her at breakneck speed. I'm really not in mood to deal with those two. Ruki began walking again, ignoring the two Tamers' pleas for her to stop.
"I bet if we were Takato, you'd stop!" Hirokazu yelled obnoxiously loud as Kenta tried to shush him. That finally drew a reaction.
Ruki finally stopped and turned to advance upon Hirokazu and Kenta, who had stopped running. She glared at them with flashing eyes and was slightly satisfied to see them back away slightly.
"Let me make one thing clear, whatever you two think you know about me and Takato, forget it!" Ruki said coldly. "If I hear one more crack about any of that, then I'll make sure that the both of you really spend some quality time together in the Emergency Room. Understand?"
Both Tamers nodded rapidly. If Ruki had been yelling at them, then Hirokazu might not have taken her seriously, but her voice was so cold and full of deadly menace that Hirokazu didn't dare call her bluff.
"Good." Ruki turned away from them and nearly bumped into the digimon of her nightmares.
~*~
He was shrouded in white, making his ashen skin seem all the more pallid. He wore a light blue mask that covered his crimson flamed eyes and matched his spiky hair. Two pairs of tattered white wings hung down his back neglected.
"Makino Ruki." He spoke ominously. "On this day, we truly meet."
Ruki glared at the digimon, her eyes narrowed as she reached for her D-Ark.
He watched her closely and tilted his head in identification. "Introductions, perhaps? Very well then. I am Hekatemon a digimon of the Ultimate level. I use my Icicle Stunner and Frostbite attacks to annihilate and freeze anything that stands before me."
Kenta gaped at the reserved digimon, while Hirokazu simply stared.
"Well that's encouraging." He muttered sarcastically.
Ruki resisted the urge to roll her eyes and instead glanced at Kenta and Hirokazu. "Get out of here! He's been following me, he doesn't want you two imbeciles!"
Kenta was about to speak, until Hirokazu interrupted him. "No way! We're not about to just run away and leave you with this guy!"
"And just what are you going to do, protect me?" Ruki snorted derisively. "Like that's ever going to happen."
"Hirokazu's right, we're not going to leave you here!" Kenta exclaimed.
Hekatemon ignored them completely. "I have been searching for you Makino Ruki. Crossing through both worlds for vengeance. A vengeance to be sated with your blood." He held out one of his hands, beckoning her. "Come to me, Makino Ruki."
"I don't think so." Ruki spat as she backed away in disgust.
His face turned wrathful and Hekatemon's mouth pulled back in a feral snarl, all pretense of politeness vanishing. "Refusal, unexpected." He glowered fiercely at Kenta and Hirokazu and took a step towards them. "Refuse to obey me, your humans will die!"
No! Ruki thought furiously. Even though they really irritated her at times, they didn't deserve to die. Hekatemon had really put her in a dangerous situation. I'm not about to go with Hekatemon, but I can't let him kill Hirokazu and Kenta either.
The two Tamers in jeopardy stared at the demonic digimon as he drew nearer. Ruki clenched her hands into fists, her expression set stubbornly. I can't believe I'm doing this.
"You went to all the trouble of finding me, and now you're after those two? You may be an Ultimate digimon, but I'd say that whatever you have for power, you lack in brains." Ruki taunted Hekatemon.
Hekatemon snarled wildly and began moving towards her. Ruki shot Hirokazu and Kenta a glance, clearly saying, Run!
Hirokazu watched the monstrous digimon advance on Ruki feeling torn. He didn't want to end up on the wrong end of the his claws, but he couldn't just abandon Ruki, no matter how crazy he thought she was or how annoying she thought he was.
"Kenta," He whispered. "I've got an idea. This guy just wants Ruki, so he wouldn't really notice if one of us just happened to get away and bring back Takato and Juri, right?"
Kenta glanced at Hekatemon and then back at his friend. "But even if one of us got away, then it wouldn't be only Ruki who could get hurt, but the other one of us too."
Hirokazu nodded. "So what are you waiting for? Get going!"
"Me? I'm not going!" Kenta countered indignantly.
Hekatemon suddenly lunged towards Ruki, causing her to drop to the ground with a grunt. Standing above her, Hekatemon swiftly kicked at Ruki, sending her rolling across the ground.
For a moment, things stood still, until shakily Ruki stood. A thin trail of blood flowed from her mouth and dirt streaked her face. But even her injuries couldn't still the look of determination on her face. "Is that all you've got?" She said glaring at Hekatemon insolently.
She's crazy! Hirokazu thought in shock. But she is Ruki, it's not like we should expect anything else. I'm not a hero, that's usually Takato, Ryou or Jenrya's job, but I can't just stand here like a coward!
Hirokazu turned to Kenta, "You run faster than I do, I guess all that running away from Ms. Asanuma and her essays really paid off." Hirokazu's face became uncharacteristically solemn. "You have to get Takato. I'm not really sure what he can do, but he does have a weird way of making things turn out okay, even when they look really bad."
Kenta finally relented. "You're right. Just try not to get you or Ruki killed until I get back."
"Hey, this is me you're talking about." Hirokazu replied grinning slightly.
"Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of." Kenta responded matching his smile. They stood in silence for a moment, and then Kenta took off, running back towards the trees.
Kenta, I'm counting on you dude. Hirokazu thought as he ran next to Ruki and gave Hekatemon an impertinent glare of his own.
"I thought I told you to get out of here!" Ruki snarled at him crossly.
"What, and miss fighting an evil digimon who wants to turn you into a Popsicle, no way!" Hirokazu said smirking.
Though in pain, Ruki rolled her eyes. "Idiot."
"Enough!" Hekatemon roared furiously. He flapped his torn wings and launched towards the two Tamers at an incredible speed. Before either of them could duck, Hekatemon viciously knocked Hirokazu into a nearby tree and seized Ruki by her throat.
Hirokazu shook his head to clear it. He stood slowly, feeling as though most of his bones had been broken. Now that's something I'll never try again, he thought feeling dazed. Ruki, where is she? Hirokazu wondered as he glanced around him.
He gasped when he finally noticed Hekatemon, with one of his hands surrounding Ruki's throat, holding her in the air and effectively choking her.
"No, Ruki!" Hirokazu shouted in distress.
~*~
Juri and Takato were both silent as they slowly cleaned up the remains of their picnic. The air between them was tense as Juri did her best to avoid Takato, while he tried to think of something he could do to make things right.
The two Tamers would have remained as such, if Kenta hadn't come barreling towards them, shouting Takato's name.
Takato stared at Kenta, his eyes widening in surprise. "Kenta, what are you-"
"Takato, something really bad has happened!" Kenta wheezed breathlessly.
"Something bad?" Takato repeated worriedly. "What do you mean?"
Despite her distress, Juri moved closer to Kenta and Takato, listening to Kenta's explanations of what had happened.
"One minute Hirokazu and I were just spy-I mean just fooling around, but then Ruki decided to show up."
"Ruki?" Juri watched as Takato's face paled. If Ruki was here, then she must have seen Juri try to kiss me. But I told her that Juri and I are just friends! Now she must think that I lied to her. I never meant to hurt Ruki or Juri, but now I've hurt them both. What kind of person does that to the people they care about?
"She looked really mad and then took off. Hirokazu and I tried to catch up to her, and when we finally found her, there was this weird digimon standing in front of her."
I have to hearing things, Takato thought incredulously. A digimon here in the Real World? If that digimon found a way to come here, then maybe Guilmon and the other digimon could come back too!
"And then the digimon, Hekatemon or something, says that he wants Ruki to come with him, so that he could kill her!" Kenta burst out frantically.
Juri's eyes widened. "Why would he want to hurt Ruki?"
"I don't know! But Hirokazu told me to find you two, while he stayed with Ruki to keep Hekatemon busy until you got there! We have to go help them!"
"But what can we do?" Juri inquired.
Takato turned to his fellow Tamers, a look of grim determination etched on his face. "It doesn't matter. Ruki and Hirokazu are in trouble and right now, we're the only ones who can help them. We may not have our digimon, but we're still Tamers! Hirokazu and Ruki are our friends, we have to save them!"
A sudden explosion of white light interrupted Takato. "We have to go! Are you guys with me?" He asked seriously as he looked at Juri and Kenta.
"Count me in." Kenta replied sternly.
Takato's expression softened as he focused upon Juri. "Juri if you don't want-"
"Count me in too." She interrupted him. "I don't really know what we can do, but I want to help Hirokazu and Ruki."
She always does that, Takato thought forlornly. Even when she's hurt, Juri always thinks of everyone but herself.
Juri stared at Takato, then lowered her eyes and looked away. And I'm the one who hurt her. And Ruki saw her try to kiss me and was attacked by a digimon and Hirokazu's with her. I can't fail them too.
Loud cries reached the Tamers, causing Kenta to pale slightly.
"I shouldn't have left them alone." Kenta whispered hanging his head.
"It isn't your fault." Juri said trying to comfort him. "Takato," She called to the red haired Tamer uneasily.
Takato nodded and began running. Kenta and Juri followed close behind him, all of them
hoping that they would make it in time.
~*~
Hekatemon held Ruki by the throat in one of his large hands, as though she were nothing more than a doll. Despite her struggling, she had long since lost conscious from lack of oxygen.
"Leave her alone you frozen freak!" Hirokazu shouted at the tall digimon, causing him to turn towards him with a snarl.
Hirokazu blanched as Hekatemon fixed him with his bleeding, crimson gaze. "Err, I was just kidding, you know about the whole freak thing. And as for being frozen, well, think of it this way, on a hot day, you'll never have to buy ice cubes." He stammered, his voice trembling with fear.
"Unimportant filth." Hekatemon said contemptuously as he raised one of his hands and aimed at Hirokazu. The boy suddenly glanced behind him, as he heard the distant sounds of footfalls breaking branches drawing closer. C'mon guys, I can't keep him here forever, he thought anxiously.
The digimon shouted, "Frostbite!" And like a white wave, ice seemed to bloom upon the ground, before rushing up Hirokazu's legs as the Tamer began to creep backward.
"No!" Hirokazu exclaimed in shock as the ice slowly crawled up his body, causing him to fall to the ground.
Hekatemon smiled sadistically, as Hirokazu's body was encompassed in the ice. The boy's cries of protest only granted him greater elation, if only Makino Ruki had acted so.
"Hirokazu, hang on we're coming!" The voice echoed loudly from the trees behind them, as Takato, Kenta and Juri rushed to reach their fallen friend.
The ice was almost upon Hirokazu's chest when the Tamers reached him, with Takato in the lead. From behind him, Juri covered her mouth in shock and whispered, "Oh, no!"
Brushing past Takato, Kenta ran towards the partially frozen and unconscious Hirokazu. Takato stared at Hekatemon, who withdrew his hand and stepped backwards, with pure fury.
"What did you do to him?" Kenta asked, hesitant to touch his friend. "Hirokazu, come on dude, speak to me!" He begged.
Hekatemon smiled demonically, showing his rows of many teeth. "He will not speak and soon will no longer breathe. His foolishness has granted him his death."
Juri's eyes widened. "No, we can't loose another friend! Please, don't do this!"
The smile changed to a look of disgust. "Pathetic. You are nothing more than weaklings. Undeserving of life."
"You're wrong!" Takato shouted furiously. "That's what
D-Reaper thought and it was wrong too! No one has the right to choose who lives
or dies, it didn't and neither do you! And I refuse to just stand here and let
you hurt my friends!"
"You are nothing." Hekatemon hissed at him. "You hold no power, save your words and your words mean nothing to me." He shifted his weight, and placed one of his talon covered hands beneath Ruki's chin.
"She has strength. That is why he wanted her and that is why she will die."
Takato felt his rage burn within him. That thing hurt Hirokazu and wants to kill Ruki. I won't let him hurt her. I may not have Guilmon, but I'm not helpless.
Juri, who still stood behind Takato, feeling a mixture of fear and anger, could see him trembling in front of her.
"Takato?" She spoke nervously.
He didn't respond to her. Takato merely continued staring at Hekatemon, his fists clenching and unclenching and his body giving off an aura of burning rage.
"Put Ruki down. Now!" Takato spat, his voice constrained with anger.
Kenta looked up from Hirokazu's still form and locked eyes with Juri. A thought seemingly passed between them. This is really bad.
Hekatemon laughed wildly, his voice rising to an almost ridiculous pitch. "You believe you can order me? A worthless human?" He choked out between guffaws.
"Ruki's unconscious and Hirokazu's dying and you're… laughing?" Juri flinched at the acrid tone in Takato's voice. She had only heard it once before, after Leomon had been destroyed and Takato had threatened Beelzebumon before he had forced Guilmon to evolve. It's like things are happening all over again, Juri thought fearfully.
Suddenly, without warning, Takato rushed towards Hekatemon, his fists clenched tight and his rage overwhelming his common sense.
Almost instantly, Hekatemon regained his icy demeanor and with lightening speed, lashed out with one of his clawed hands.
Juri didn't even realize that Takato had been struck, until the red haired Tamer fell to his knees, blood dribbling from his nose and into his mouth.
"Takato!" Juri cried and uncaring of the dangerous position that she placed herself in, ran to his side.
"Not you too!" Kenta cried.
Takato spat scarlet blood onto the green grass, his body still shuddering. Juri reached into her pocket, retrieving a napkin from their ruined picnic and gave it to him. Takato grasped it and stood shakily, ignoring the blood flowing down his face. Slowly he began to step forward.
Juri shook her head and moved in front of him. Takato stared at her, as tears streaked down her face. "Takato, I won't let you get hurt. Leomon, Hirokazu, Ruki, I can't lose you too."
Takato stared at her determined face. "Juri…" His voice wavered, unsure. But he still moved, as though to push by her. It was then that Kenta had had enough. He jumped up and stood in front of Takato, beside Juri, keeping him from moving forward.
Hekatemon stared at the scene before him, in boredom. He had what he wanted and was tired of wasting time. Slowly he began to ascend from the ground and float backwards, into the shadows of the trees.
Takato stared at him, and struggled against the combined strength of Juri and Kenta. "He has Ruki, We can't let him take her!"
Kenta almost shook him. "You saw what he did to Hirokazu, don't you understand? He wants to kill us!" He said frantically.
Takato continued to struggle. "He's going to kill her!"
"There's nothing that we can do!"
Takato could feel his fury subsiding, only to be replaced by painful grief. This is all my fault. If I hadn't come here today, Ruki wouldn't have seen Juri and I. And Hekatemon wouldn't have hurt Hirokazu or taken Ruki. I should have done something.
And with a final wave, the frigid demon vanished.
"Ruki!" Takato screamed into the darkness. Silence was his only reply.
~*~
Jenrya ran as fast as his legs could carry him, with Janyuu close behind him. Something was wrong, he could feel it. Please, don't let us be too late, he prayed silently. Aloud he asked, "Dad, how far away are we?"
"Yamaki said that the digimon was in the center of the park." His father answered. "We should be there in a few minutes."
Jenrya would have nodded, but as he cleared the underbrush, a terrible scene greeted him. Hirokazu lay unconscious on the ground, the lower half of his body completely covered in ice. Kenta was kneeling beside him, tears flowing down his face.
Janyuu immediately ran to the fallen Tamer and placed two fingers below his neck. His face was a picture of pain as he desperately searched for Hirokazu's pulse. He exhaled loudly when he found it, and though it was terribly weak, it was still something.
Kenta watched him closely. "Is he…"
Janyuu rummaged through his coat pockets, searching for his cell phone. "No, not yet. But he needs to get to the hospital."
He finally extracted the phone and removed his jacket, handing it to Kenta. "Put this over him, we have to try and warm him up the best that we can, until an ambulance arrives."
Kenta nodded and draped the jacket over Hirokazu's chest. Janyuu watched him as he dialed his phone, his voice becoming strangely composed as he spoke to the emergency personal.
Jenrya listened to his father give the park's location and stared at Hirokazu, feeling his chest starting to burn slightly. How could this have happened? He wondered. We've met some terrible digimon like the Devas and Beelzebumon, when he was evil, but this seems just too horrible to believe.
Jenrya looked towards the trees, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. It was then that he noticed Takato staring at the trees, completely unmoving, while Juri watched him helplessly. Jenrya ran to them, feeling relieved that neither of them had been injured, until he saw the blood and tears coursing down Takato's face.
Juri turned to him and he saw an expression of sorrow that mirrored his own, reflected upon her face.
"What happened?" He asked, his voice sounding strangled and hoarse.
"Takato and I were having a picnic and then Kenta ran up to us and told us that an evil digimon was trying to take Ruki. He said that Hirokazu stayed behind to try and help her and that they needed help." Juri took a breath, in an effort not to start crying all over again.
"And when we got there, Hirokazu was frozen and the digimon had Ruki. Takato tried to stop him but-" Unbidden, tears once again did stir within her eyes and feeling slightly awkward, Jenrya pulled Juri to him, trying to comfort her.
They stayed like that for a moment, until Juri suddenly pulled away from him. Sighing, he then bent down towards Takato, hoping to receive some type of reaction. Sirens shrieked loudly in the distance, causing Jenrya to flinch slightly.
"Takato," He began. "I know how you're feeling, but we will get Ruki back. Right now at Hypnos, Yamaki is getting the Monster Makers together in order to create away to stop this digimon. They already have a way of tracking it, and it's only a matter of time before we find it and Ruki."
Takato said nothing.
"Takato, can you hear me?" Jenrya asked frenetically. Takato simply stared ahead, tears leaking down his bleeding face.
"Takato," He called again. "Takato!"
~*~
In the next chapter: Members of the Wild Bunch join together to carry out their plans, Ruki learns the truth about Hekatemon and Takato receives a motherly intervention.