Swiftly Burning Ice: The Demon Saga Part I

by Frozen Phoenix

An unseen evil haunting Ruki's dreams brings forth a spiral of loss, vengeance and destruction to her and the rest of the Tamers. But can the return of their partners bring the salvation that's so desperately needed? *RUKATO*

7. Miraculous Rage

So, what do you think of the story? Any questions or comments? The Quantum Ranger said that the story was cool, but I'd say it was "chilling."

Cyberdramon: *snarl* Are you my enemy? (Considered in Japan, to be his trademark line).

Me? No, of course not! But you'll meet him very soon.

Cyberdramon: *grunt*

Err, yes. So what do you think of Hekatemon? 

Cyberdramon: When will Ryou and I face him?

Like I said, soon. I'd say the Tamers were fortunate that I was in a good mood when creating my villain. At least he wasn't like Dagomon, the ruler of the Dark World (Dark Ocean) from Digimon Adventures 02. That enormous monstrosity wanted Hikari for the purposes of procreation. But the dubbed episodes cut that part out. I can certainly see why.

Cyberdramon:…

*Sighing* What you wield in power, you lack in conversational skills. Anyway, I hope everyone is in character and that you enjoy the chapter.   

Miraculous Rage

"So what are we, helpless? No. The big moments are gonna come. You can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's when you find out who you are." –Whistler- Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

~*~

The waiting room of Shinjuku Medical Center had finally become silent once again, and Kenta could be gladder. The endless waiting and uncertainty about Hirokazu and Ruki had put everyone on edge and the last thing that he wanted to hear was the parents arguing about different ways to correct the situation. All Kenta wanted was some peace and quiet, so that he could sort out the tumulus emotions that raged within him.

Hirokazu's laying in a hospital bed and I'm stuck out here. Kenta thought miserably. He still couldn't believe how quickly things had changed. One minute we're spying on Takato and Juri and the next some freaky digimon kidnaps Ruki and turned Hirokazu into a human Popsicle.

Kenta stared out the hospital window forlornly. I should have been there. I know that we wouldn't have stood a chance against Hekatemon, but at least we would have both ended up in this mess together. Kenta slammed the palm of his hand against the window, ignoring the concerned looks of his parents, Juri and Jenrya.

We're the Dynamic Duo, Hirokazu and Kenta Matchmakers Extraordinaire and not to mention best friends. But instead of staying to help him, I left him to face Hekatemon all by himself. And I brought Takato, my other best friend right to him too. He's lucky that he isn't dead, and it's all because of me.

Because of me, Hirokazu might die and Takato… with him off the deep end, who's going to rescue Ruki? Right now only Jen, Juri and I are the only Tamers left. Kenta deliberated. But if Ryou were here…I know that he could help us. Too bad he lives all the way in Hokkaido.

From across the room, a phone rang, but Kenta ignored it. I wish there was something that I could do. Something to help Hirokazu and Takato and make everything all right. 

~*~

Across the room, Janyuu extracted his cell phone from his pant's pocket.

"Hel-"

"Hello, Janyuu? It's Yamaki."

"Yamaki." Janyuu repeated warily. "Please, tell me you're calling with good news."`

"I'm afraid not. The situation has just taken an unexpected turn for the worst."

Janyuu sighed. "I was hoping you wouldn't say that." 

"I know that this isn't the best time, what with the Shiota boy and Takato in their current conditions, but we need the Tamers immediately. We've been in preparation to test our hypothesis to bring the digimon back, but under the current circumstances, we no longer have that luxury. The power this digimon has is incredible, but also unstable. The location where it has hidden itself and Makino Ruki has become frozen by an impenetrable sheet of ice. And to make matters worse, this ice is slowly spreading, freezing anything that gets in its path. Dolphin believes that the longer this digimon remains in our world, the more the ice will spread and the more difficult it will be to remove it." Yamaki explained curtly.

"That explains it!" Janyuu exclaimed without thinking.

"Excuse me?"

"The doctor examining Hirokazu said that the ice that he was frozen in was spreading up his body and that no matter how many times it was removed, it continued to return." Janyuu responded.

Yamaki was silent for a moment, then finally spoke. "The two are most likely connected. But as I was saying, we can't wait any longer. We had planned to have the children report here before instituting Shaggai, but we now think it best if they simply went straight to the digimon's location. The army had planned a preemptive strike, but Babel managed to contact Johnny and the Special Forces, explaining our situation and managing to acquire us the time that we need."

"How much time is that, exactly?"

"Not enough." Yamaki admitted. "So I'd advise you to get the children to the Yashimoto building as soon as possible." 

      

"I understand. I'll call you the moment that we arrive."

"No need. Reika and Megumi will be tracking your progress and will inform us of your arrival. Once the children are in position, Shaggai will be activated."

"I see. Is there anything that the children should do during the activation?" Janyuu inquired.

"Pray."

Janyuu pushed the "talk" button, hanging up the phone and glanced around the waiting room, meeting numerous pairs of anxious eyes.

Rumiko was first to break the silence. "Have they found anything? Do they know where Ruki is?"

Janyuu nodded. "Both Ruki and the digimon are within the Yashimoto building, which from what Yamaki told me, has been completely frozen."

"You're joking." Tadashi spat disbelievingly. "What kind of fool would seal themselves inside a building? What would that accomplish?"

"Technically, the digimon didn't seal itself in." Janyuu corrected. "Its extended presence in the Real World has created this situation."

"And now it's time for us to fix it, isn't it Dad." Jenrya said standing.

Janyuu glanced at his determined son. "Unfortunately, yes. I hate to do this, but we must leave as soon as possible."

"I'm ready." Juri spoke firmly and mirrored Jenrya by standing. "We can't let the digimon hurt anyone else, not if we can help it. And If Takato were here, he would say the same thing."

"I'm coming too! Lopmon and me can help you stop the mean digimon." Shuichon piped up from beside Jenrya.

Her exclamation caused her mother to pale. "Shuichon-"  

"Not this time." Jenrya interrupted. "This digimon is much 'meaner' than Zhuqiaomon ever was and I don't want you to end up in the same position as Hirokazu. Besodes," Jenrya kneeled before his sister. "Someone has to stay here and protect everyone, and I know you're the only person who can do it."

Shuichon considered her brother's proposal and finally nodded. "Okay. I won't let the mean digimon in." She answered indomitably.

Jenrya smiled. "I knew I could count on you." He stood and wrapped his arms around his sister, encasing her in a tight hug.

"Help Ruki-san Jen-niichan." She whispered. "So her Mommy won't be sad anymore."

"We will." Jenrya replied. "And in a little while you and Lopmon will be back together as well."

Janyuu watched his children with pride. I've been lucky that nothing terrible has happened to them. I just pray that this digimon doesn't injure him or the other children.

As if sharing his thoughts, Tadashi uncharacteristically took his daughter in his arms.

"You had best come back in one piece Juri." Her father said seriously. "Because if anything happens to you, then this digimon will have much more to worry about."

Juri couldn't help but smile. Though he hadn't been very demonstrative with his feelings before the incident with D-Reaper, he changed greatly. And Juri still didn't doubt that he would face anyone who hurt her.

"Don't worry Daddy, Takato and Jenrya and the digimon won't let anything happen to me." Juri said as she pulled away.

Jenrya reluctantly released his sister and glanced around the room at Juri and Kenta, who had turned away from the window.

"Well, I guess it's just the three of us." He said circumspectly.

"Make that two." Kenta responded causing Jenrya's eyes to widen.

"Two? What are you-"

"I'm not going." Kenta interrupted.

"But, why?" Juri asked confused.

"The last time that I left Hirokazu, he ended up this. I just don't want anything else to happen to him."

"But it wasn't your fault!" Juri disagreed frowning. "If you stayed with him then you would have gotten hurt too."

"But at least he wouldn't have been alone!"

 "We won't force you to go if you don't want to." Jenrya relented sighing. "I just wish that you would realize that, like Juri said, what happened to Hirokazu wasn't your fault."

The blue haired, Tamer looked away. "Thanks." He said gratefully.

Jenrya nodded. Without Takato, Kenta, Hirokazu and Ryou, Juri and I are the only Tamers going on this rescue. And because Juri no longer has Leomon, that leaves Terriermon, Guardromon, Guilmon, Lopmon, Monodramon Impmon and I to face the digimon. And with no knowledge of what he's planning, I just hope that we're strong enough to stop him and save Ruki.

Feeling uncomfortable, Janyuu cleared his throat. "If things are all taken care of, then I think that its time for us to leave."

Juri and Jenrya nodded and made their way past Kenta to the waiting room doors. As Jenrya walked trough them, the doors to the Emergency Room suddenly buzzed open, and Takato came bursting out, his parents close behind him.

"Hey, wait! Don't leave without me!" Takato shouted loudly.

"Takato!" Juri couldn't believe her eyes as she ran towards him. "Are you…" She let her question hang in the air.

The concern in her voice caused Takato to smile slightly. "I'm better and I have my Mom and Dad to thank for that." Takato looked at his parents, who smiled in return.

"But what are we waiting for?" Takato asked excitedly. "Ruki's in trouble and we have to save her!"

"He's right." Janyuu spoke with slight frustration. "We have to leave now."

Takehiro sighed and walked towards his son. "We can take my van, I'll make sure to get us there quickly."

Mie gasped and her husband turned to her. "Don't worry honey, if Takato and his friends can go out and save the world, then I'm sure that I can drive them."

His wife rolled her eyes. "Now I know where Takato gets it." Her expression softened. "Just be careful, the both off you. If anything happens to either of you, I don't know what I'll do."

"We will, Mom" Takato said.

"Then let's go."

The three Tamers, Janyuu and Takehiro then made their way to the exit. Takato stayed behind and placed a hand on Kenta's shoulder. "Hirokazu will get better, you'll see."

"I hope so." Kenta answered unconvinced as Takato removed his hand and left the room.

As she stared at the doorway where Jenrya had just stood, Mayumi pulled her daughter into her lap and held her tightly. Sighing, she whispered "Be careful."

~*~

Cold.

It was the very first thing that Ruki noticed as she slowly opened her eyes. Pain was the second, she discovered wincing. She could still feel the pain of Hekatemon's frozen hand biting into her skin.

I'm lucky he didn't take my head off. She thought scowling. He said he wanted me dead, but then why am I still alive? It wasn't as if I could get away or that Hirokazu could do anything to help me. Any other time, that thought might have made Ruki laugh, but as she began to take in her surroundings, the crystalline images of frozen digimon, the all encasing ice, and laughter became nothing more than a memory.

Everywhere she glanced she saw only ice. Ruki herself was suspended above the icy floor, by two icy bands encircling her wrists. The only distinct object in the area was fixated upon the ceiling. Like a macabre garden of bereavement, mass amounts of digimon were transfixed, their faces forever trapped in excruciating wails of torment.

Ruki looked away from the horrific vision. Hekatemon is sick. Ruki thought furiously. But it all makes sense. This place, the attractive ceiling decorations, it's like IceDevimon all over again.

Ruki's eyes narrowed as she remembered the evil digimon's obsession with her. He had kidnapped her; frozen Guilmon and Terriermon, then attacked Renamon simply to convince her to become his Tamer.

So far all Hekatemon had done was stalk and attack her. Ruki only hoped that Hirokazu had grown a brain while she was unconscious and gotten away while he was able to.

A frigid wind blew past Ruki, causing her to shiver slightly. With a loud whoosh, Hekatemon appeared from the shadows, his pallid form almost indistinguishable against the ice. He wore a look of triumph that seemed mixed with slight agitation and his shredded wings flapped sporadically.

Hekatemon floated in front of Ruki, his face only millimeters from hers. Ruki glared at him audaciously and was half tempted to show just how much she loathed being held captive. He stared at her distractedly before reaching out one of his hands and grabbing her face. "Let go of me!" Ruki growled, trying to pull away from Hekatemon's iron grasp.

But she was unsuccessful and Hekatemon began to dig his sharp claws into the skin of her face. "Remain still." He ordered her softly. "Or I'll continue." As if she had any doubts, Hekatemon dug one finger in deeper into her flesh.

Ruki clenched her teeth, yet made no sound. She stopped moving and allowed Hekatemon to pull her face directly before him. Despite his humanoid proportions, his face was all the more inhuman. The crimson eyes, the rows of teeth that were oddly omniscient of a shark, only increased his demonic appearance.

"You do not scream." Hekatemon observed uncomprehendingly. "I cause you pain and yet you do not express the injury. You have strength and that is what he wanted." His face suddenly became wrathful. "Yet you denied him. He offered you the chance to stand by his side as the most powerful of your kind. Instead, you led him straight to deletion."

Ruki narrowed her eyes. "IceDevimon was the one who decided to kidnap me, not the other way around." She said defiantly. "And I won't scream for anyone, especially not you."

"Such insolence." Hekatemon snarled. "You forget to whom you're speaking to Makino Ruki.

I am not IceDevimon and I will kill you."

Ruki snorted. "Anything's better than listening to you fan worship him." And I thought Hirokazu and Kenta were bad enough with Ryou.

Hekatemon's eyes narrowed. "In the Digital World a time ago, within the frozen ice, two Impmon met. They fought and were evenly matched. A pact was made; both would battle and gain power and when the time came they would do battle once again, this time to deletion. I fought and eliminated areas of digimon and became a Perfect. IceDevimon pined for you and remained an Adult. Then, he was destroyed by one unworthy. I deleted more enemies and entrapped others, honing my strength, until I became an Ultimate, ready to eradicate you and those who had absorbed the data of IceDevimon, data that was mine by right."

"You're joking." Ruki spat unbelievingly. "You harassed me and attacked my friends over a stupid bet?  That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

"Your opinions mean nothing to me Makino Ruki." Hekatemon responded callously. He suddenly whipped the hand not holding her face in front of her. "Explain this."

The pressure on her face tightened, causing Ruki to look at the digimon's metallic hand. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed the brownish red liquid staining the fingers and palm. Blood. He kicked and tried to strangle me, so it can't be mine. That means…

Hekatemon watched with satisfaction as Ruki's face paled. "It came from a human with strange devices upon his head. He thought to defeat me. He was a fool."

Ruki's face blanched. Strange devices? He has to mean Takato! Ruki's mood went from arrogant to panicked in an instant. "What did you do to him?" She snarled, trying to keep control over her emotions. It didn't matter that she was still furious with Takato for lying to her about Juri. If Hekatemon hurt him, I swear that I'll make him regret it. Ruki deliberated angrily.  

The reaction of Makino Ruki to the red liquid on his palm mystified Hekatemon. It mere had come from one of the humans who wished to save her. Perhaps that was the key.

"He tried to injure me," He began slowly, trying to choose his words well. "And when he came too near, I tore his thin throat from his body. The other humans shed tears for him and the human that I had already frozen." Hekatemon smiled venomously. "Death came calling for two humans this day, but I will be more satisfied with yours."

"You're lying." Ruki spoke softly.

Hekatemon's face became cold. "Believe what you wish Makino Ruki. It is your decision." Inwardly he laughed at the fury that flashed across her face. He had planned upon killing her once she awakened, but he found this game to be more amusing and wished to draw it out further.

Ruki struggled against her bonds, trying to get free. "I don't believe you! Hirokazu and Takato aren't dead, you're making this up just to get to me!"

"The blood of the male human gushed from his neck like a crimson river upon the grass and the other humans could do nothing but watch. You have already seen proof of that." Hekatemon growled convincingly.

He has to be lying. Ruki thought frantically. Hekatemon's trying to trick me, but it won't work! But Ruki still felt doubt burn within her chest. Hirokazu had been left alone and defenseless and she clearly remembered what had happened when Takato had stood against Beelzebumon.

He had been so unconcerned with his own safety, ready to do anything necessary to stop the evil Ultimate digimon. Takato is so protective of his friends and if Hirokazu had really been hurt and I was unconscious, then he wouldn't have cared about what happened to him. He'd be obsessed with trying to save us, no matter what.

She still does not cry. Hekatemon thought with alarm. I tell her that two of her human acquaintances are dead and yet she shed's no tears. The digimon's eyes widened as he noticed something strange happening to her body.

Her eyes flashed with fury and mouth was set. A blue light began to emancipate from her small body, shattering many small icicles around her. She glared at Hekatemon with pure hatred and the larger digimon stared back at her uncertainly.

"I'll make you pay for hurting Takato and Hirokazu! I'll show you all my 'strength' and 'power' and make you regret ever meeting me." Ruki's voice was low and dangerous. "You can't keep me stuck here and when I get out, I'll make what Guilmon did to IceDevimon look like nothing compared to what I do to you!"

She's challenging…me? Hekatemon was confused. The blue light that surrounded Ruki grew brighter as she spoke and her young face was full of loathing and wrath. Something is wrong. Hekatemon thought seriously. As more of his crystals cracked, he could feel the energy touching him. It seemed dark, almost evil. Something is very wrong.

~*~

The journey to the Yashimoto building was unusually silent. Takato could feel the beginnings of doubt set in. What if this doesn't work? He wondered. How will we save Ruki if we don't have our digimon to help us?

The Matsuda van slid slightly causing Jenrya to hit the side of it loudly.

"Sorry about that." Takehiro said apologetically.

Jenrya winced and rubbed the back of his head. "I'm okay. I think."

"This means we're getting closer." Janyuu explained. "As long as we continue moving at this speed, the ice should be able to touch us, based upon how slowly it moves."

The transition of road to ice, caused the van to slide erratically and caused the Tamers and adults to hold tightly to anything stationary. After minutes of chaos, the van finally stopped, mere feet away from its destination.

Takehiro exhaled loudly. "Is everyone all right?"

Janyuu moaned. "As well as could be expected."

"We're fine." Takato answered.

"Then you had better get to the building. Yamaki said that once you were all there, they would begin the activation of Shaggai."

Janyuu opened his door and quickly climbed out of the van. He pulled the side door open and the Tamers filed out of it. Takato looked up at the immense, ice-covered building, his dread returning. But it was Juri who then noticed a flood of ice, slowly creeping towards them from the side.

"Oh no."

Jenrya glanced at her worriedly. "Juri, what's wrong?"

She pointed off to the left. "The ice, it's getting closer!"

"Great." Takato muttered.

"We didn't anticipate this!" Janyuu exclaimed.

Takehiro glanced at ice, then back at the van. "What if we tried to, lead it away? Would something like that work?"

Janyuu considered it. "It just may. But then we would have to leave the children here alone…"

"Don't worry Dad." Jenrya spoke. "We'll be fine."

The ice continued on its trek, only inches away.

"We better leave then. Takehiro stated. "Just be careful, all of you. If there's anyone who can stop this, it's you." He opened the door and stared the van.

Janyuu reluctantly followed him. "We'll come back as soon as we can. Please make sure that you're all here waiting."

Jenrya watched his father get into the van, his chest burning. Dad, I won't let you down. I promise.

As the van pulled away, with the icy wave in tow, Takato, Juri and Jenrya made their way to the entrance of the frozen building. Jenrya eyed the structure closely, searching for signs of humans and digimon alike. Close to a large tree, Jenrya noticed something moving.

"Wait a minute." He whispered. "There's someone over there."

"You guys weren't thinking of leaving without me again, were you?" A familiar voice called as a figure emerged from the darkness. "Who's going to be there to rescue you, for probably the fourth or fifth time when you get in over your heads?" The voice continued with mock seriousness.

Takato's eyes widened with surprise as Akiyama Ryou, Mr. Legendary Tamer himself, casually strolled towards them from the shadow of the hulking, frozen tree next to the frozen entrance.

Jenrya shook his head grinning. "We should have known that you'd show up."

Ryou smiled good-naturedly. "When I saw that half of Shinjuku was slowly becoming a giant icicle, how could I resist? Though I'm a little surprised that Ruki didn't threaten me with bodily harm or regale me with her charming personality after my entrance." Ryou glanced around suspiciously. "Where is Ruki anyway?"

"That's one of the reasons that we came here." Juri spoke up from beside Takato. "The digimon that's causing of all this attacked us at the park today. He hurt Hirokazu and took Ruki."

"The technicians at Hypnos finally pinpointed that Ruki is located somewhere inside this building. Strangely enough, a digimon named IceDevimon also held her prisoner here a few months ago." Jenrya added.

Ryou's eyes narrowed. "Then why are we just standing around out here, while this freak could be doing who knows what to Ruki?" He demanded heatedly.

"We're waiting." Takato replied, finally getting over his initial surprise. "It's really good that you showed up Ryou, because Yamaki and the others are about to bring the digimon back into the Real World."

"All right! It'll be great to see Monodramon again. But how long do we have to wait?"

Before anyone could answer, a bright green light abruptly shot into the sky.

"I guess we won't have to wait anymore." Takato stated.

~*~

From within his office at Hypnos, Yamaki stared up at the jade light that illuminated the sky. So far, things are going as planned. "Are the Tamers in position?" He inquired.

"Yes, they are." Reika answered. "Beginning operating sequence."

"Operating sequence initiated." Megumi replied. "Countdown commencing."

The Monster Makers watched the larger computer begin to glow eerily. Although most of the unnecessary objects had been removed, data printouts and papers began to blow around the room with wild abandon. 

"This is it." Babel was forced to yell over the wind.

"Let's just hope that it works as well as we hypothesized." Daisy shouted in return.

~*~

The Tamers watched in awe as the green light was joined by several others. The dark night sky was filled with light, nearly hiding the slowly growing rift by its brightness.

As the light began to intensify, the ground started to quiver in time. But while the area around it was shaking, the Yashimoto building remained intact.

Please, let this work! Takato thought fiercely. Let Guilmon come back so that we can play in the park and share Guilmon bread. Let Renamon and Ruki be a team again, and let us save her! Please!

Jenrya watched as Takato's D-Ark began to glow with a crimson light. I guess this is actually happening. Terriermon and Lopmon are really coming back. I've missed Terriermon so much, his jokes and even when he says something he shouldn't. This has to work. He held his D-Ark tightly as it began to glow with a green light.

Juri stared upward in amazement. Leomon may be gone, but I still have Culumon and Impmon, Guilmon and all the other digimon as my friends. I miss them and want everyone to be happy again. Juri's D-Ark started to glow with a golden light.

I know that my parents won't be thrilled about it, but I want Cyberdramon to come back. We were together for months and watching him leave was one of the hardest things that I've ever done. Ryou tightened his hold on his D-Ark as a pale blue light burst from it and mingled with the red, green and golden shades before flying towards the jade light in the sky. And from out of nowhere, a dark blue light suddenly joined the growing cornucopia of colors, causing the rift in the sky to grow wider.

~*~

In the hospital waiting room, silence reigned. Kenta shifted in a hard orange chair, trying to get comfortable. Maybe I should have gone with them. MarineAngemon always has neat ways to help out-

A sudden cry from across the room interrupted his deliberations. Shuichon jumped from her mother's lap and pulled her D-Ark from her pocket.

"Terriermon and Lopmon are coming home!" She squealed delightedly as her D-Ark began to glow magenta.

"Whoa." Kenta whispered as he reached into his pocket and extracted his D-Ark. They're really doing it. MarineAngemon, if you can hear me, I'm really sorry that I couldn't be with the others when you return, but we'll see each other really soon.

It was Rumiko who cried out when the pale purple light began to shine from Kenta's D-Ark and mingled with Shuichon's magenta beam across from it. Both beams flew upwards, shattering the small window as they passed into the night.

~*~

Takato watched the sky anxiously, as two shafts of light flew towards the widening rift. Where did those- It must have been Shuichon and Kenta! And with all of us working together, there's no way that we can fail! He thought to himself.

The colorful display in the sky merged, creating an explosion of light that caused all those near it to cover their eyes. They did not see the rift separate, merely glimpsed multiple shadows bathed in green light. 

The illumination then began to dim, leaving the Tamers and the shadows in near darkness.

Takato was frozen. He opened his eyes slowly, slightly afraid of what he would see. But as he heard a familiar voice, he felt his fear slowly melt away as it was replaced by joy. 

"I don't think we're in the Digital World anymore." Guilmon stated with confusion.

Terriermon sweatdropped. "Really? What was your first clue?"

The red, saurian digimon put a clawed hand to his chin. "Um…"

"Ya know this is nice and everything." Impmon growled angrily, "But get offa me!"

Culumon giggled, his green eyes glowing and large ears retracting . "But your so soft, culu. And really, really bouncy."

"Bouncy?!" Impmon yelped.

"If you don't include his head." Terriermon added snickering.

"Where'd MarineAngemon, Lopmon, Guardromon and Renamon go?"

"Maybe Impmon is sitting on them, culu!"

"That's it!" The purple demon rose, knocking the other digimon away from him.

Cyberdramon snarled, his crimson wings twitching. "Ryou is near."

"Forget near," Ryou called out, unable to wait any longer, "I'm right next to you!"

"I knew I smelled Takato!" Guilmon shouted exuberantly.

"Guilmon…" Takato said softly. He began running across the frigid ground, unable to think of anything else than seeing his best friend. "Guilmon! I'm coming!"

"Well, you don't have to yell about it!"

Jenrya felt himself smile. That could only be one person. "Terriermon!" He yelled as he followed Takato, with Juri at his heels. 

It didn't take long for all the Takato to reach his partner, who practically crushed him in a hug.

Guilmon smiled. "I told you we'd see each other again Takato."

Takato nodded, feeling tears slip down his face. "You were right."

Guilmon tilted his head uncomprehendingly. "You're crying. Takato, are you sad?"

Rubbing his eyes with embarrassment, Takato shook his head. "Nope, I'm just really happy that you're home again. That's all."

Close to them, Jenrya stood holding Terriermon in his arms. The pudgy, rabbit like digimon grinned up at him.

"So Jen, did you miss me?" He asked innocently.

Jenrya hugged him. "Don't be silly, of course I missed you!"

Terriermon's eyes bulged. "Yeah, but strangling me is a really strange way of showing it"

At Terriermon's exclamation, Jenrya released his hold. "Sorry."

"Momentai Jen." Terriermon said waving a hand. "I'll let it go this time, but only because I missed you too."

Juri smiled watching the two of them. She wasn't prepared when Culumon suddenly decided to jump into her arms.

"Juri!" The small digimon cried happily. "I missed you so much! In the Digital World there were no cream puffs and Impmon was mean when he dropped me in sake and said it was a milkshake."

Juri looked at Impmon. "You dropped him in sake? Why?"

Impmon shrugged. "I was lookin' for a laugh. And it ain't like anything happened. Five minutes and badda boom! He was out. What a waste."

Takato sighed. "Some things never change."

"Yippee!" Culumon laughed from Juri's arms. "Now everyone is happy!"

Impmon rolled his eyes with disdain. "Oh yeah, it's a regular party."

Culumon frowned. "You're just mad because Renamon isn't here, culu."

Juri giggled at the pink blush that began to creep up the Child digimon's face, despite his attempts to rub it away. "I am not." He snarled defensively. "But speaking of fox face, where is she anyway? She was with us when the light show started." 

Jenrya glanced around quickly, searching for Renamon's familiar silhouette. "MarineAngemon, Guardromon and Lopmon aren't here either…." He muttered distractedly. "What if there was some kind of glitch in the system? Dad said that the digimon would be fixed upon our positions, what if that meant all of our positions?"

"And with Kenta, Shuichon and Hirokazu in the hospital and Ruki inside-"

"Why are they in the hospital? Are they sick?"

Takato shook his head, his expression becoming serious. "No Guilmon, they aren't. An evil digimon came to our world and froze Hirokazu and kidnapped Ruki."

"And that's why we have to go in there and get her back." Ryou said from beside his partner. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd say that things have a little too boring around here."

Cyberdramon grunted in affirmation. "In the Digital World, there were no enemies worth fighting."

"At least, not where we were." Guilmon added.

"That's about to change." Jenrya responded.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Ryou asked. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his many cards. "This ice looks pretty tough so…" He searched through his cards quickly, until finally settling upon one.

"Card Slash! Hououmon!" He cried as he slid the card through his digi-vice.

Everyone stepped back as Cyberdramon took flight, his wings taking on a crimson glow. "Crimson Flare!" He roared sending torrents of energy from his wings, into the ice.

The building shuddered slightly, the ice cracking and revealing two doors. But as quickly as they had been revealed, the doors were once again covered.

"It wasn't strong enough." Juri observed.

"This is going to be tougher than we thought." Takato replied. He reached for his cards, while Jenrya did the same. "I didn't realize how much I missed doing this." Takato said as he held the card that enabled evolution. "This is just like old times, right Guilmon?"

"Right! His partner responded.

"Less talkin', more action!" Impmon said.

"Ready Terriermon?"

"As ready as I'll ever be!"

"Card Slash! Super Evolution Plug-In S!" Takato and Jenrya called out in unison.

"Evolution_" The digi-vices spoke monotonously as red and green energy flowed over the two digimon.

"Guilmon evolve!" The scarlet, dinosaur digimon became much larger and gained a shock of white hair, "Growmon!"

"Terriermon evolve!" Where the small, rabbit digimon had stood, a bigger, more humanoid digimon, clothed in blue jeans, with a belt over his chest and two galit guns replacing his hands, "Galgomon!"

"Let's try this again Cyberdramon!" Ryou shouted. "Card Slash! Hououmon!"

"Card Slash! Fladramon!" Jenrya yelled whipping out another card.

Galgomon's guns started to glow with burning flames as Growmon prepared to release the flaming blast in his mouth and Cyberdramon's wings flared.

"Knuckle Fire!"

"Exhaust Flame!"

"Crimson Flare!"

The three fire-based attacks met in the air, becoming one enormous fireball before hitting the building. The ice shattered completely and the glass doors caved in completely due to the impact.

"Hurry, before it closes again!" Takato cried as the digimon de-evolved. The Tamers and their partners then ran inside quickly, doing their best to avoid falling shards of ice and glass. An instant after Ryou, who was the last person to enter, the ice crawled down from the top of the building, sealing the entrance. 

"Cutting it a little close wouldn't you say?" Jenrya questioned him.

Ryou shrugged. "At least we're inside." He said grinning.

~*~

Hekatemon had been staring at Makino Ruki for some time, uncomprehending of the blue light that had first surrounded her, then flashed from the device at her side. The only thing that he did know, was that he didn't like it. But he was most unwilling to allow her to see that.

"And now, Makino Ruki," He paused dramatically while floating in front of her. "Now I will bring you your death." He raised one of his clawed hands and smirked as the familiar white radiance began to glow.

Ruki watched him unflinchingly. Whatever happens, I'm ready for it. She refused to close her eyes, preferring to face death head on. But suddenly, she felt her chest begin to burn. Mixed with her anger and hatred, she felt something so wonderfully familiar. Ruki's eyes widened.

"Renamon?" She whispered uncertainly.

Hekatemon's shrill laughter snapped Ruki out of her musings as he shrieked, "Icicle Stunner!"

Several jagged shards of ice then flew from his hand, aimed directly at Ruki's unshielded body. This is it. She thought clenching her teeth.

"Fox Leaf Arrowhead!" A familiar voice called as numerous smaller, glowing crystals suddenly collided with the shards of ice, resulting in a small explosion before Hekatemon. The tall digimon stepped backward in astonishment, while Renamon's golden figure stirred from the shadowy ceiling and landed gracefully upon the frozen ground. 

                                                                                                                            

For a moment, Ruki wondered if she were dreaming. She didn't speak, for fear that one word might make this vision vanish and instill in its place the desolate truth. Renamon, you came back. I cried so hard, something that I NEVER do, after the battle with D-Reaper when you and the other digimon returned to the Digital World. I felt like I had been torn apart inside and it hurt much more than anything that D-Reaper could dish out.

There've been so many times that I've wished you had never left or that I could find some way into the Digital World to see you. But now that you've returned. A part of me still doesn't believe it, but was still was hoping for it nonetheless. And this time, I won't let you go, not without a fight!

Hekatemon stared at the kitsune digimon before him. Where did she come from? He searched his memory for some type of recollection and snarled as the knowledge finally came. She belongs to Makino Ruki! She is her partner!

"You witch!" Hekatemon bellowed furiously. "I will not allow you to deny me my vengeance. Makino Ruki will die by my hand!"

Renamon's blue eyes narrowed to slits. "I don't think so." Her calm voice was filled with deadly malice. "No one hurts my Tamer, not while I remain standing."

"Then you shall die as well! Frostbite!" Hekatemon screeched.

The ice on the floor seemed to rise up and flow towards Renamon with incredible speed. Not perplexed, she used her remarkable speed to teleport to the icicle holding Ruki. Before she could even blink, Renamon smashed the bonds enclosing her wrists and alighted to the ground with Ruki safely in her arms.

"I knew you would come back." Ruki said simply.

A slight smile lit her partner's usually neutral face. "Of course. I couldn't remain in the Digital World while you were in danger in the Real World. I'm not quite sure how I returned, but I do know that it was you who helped to guide me."

Before Ruki could reply, another frozen wave crept towards the pair. Renamon held Ruki closer, then dexterously jumped into the air and flipped to the other side of the area.

"But perhaps it would be best if we continued our reunion after we deal with this nuisance." Renamon said glaring at Hekatemon.

Ruki followed her gaze and felt her cold hatred returning. "Good idea. But we're not going to finish him too quickly. He deserves to suffer."

Renamon's eyes widened slightly at fury Ruki's voice. It was something that she had never heard before, not even when they had first become partners. "Ruki-"

"He killed Takato and Hirokazu." Ruki continued forebodingly, ignoring the interruption. "He deserves to pay for what he's done and I fully intend to make him." As she spoke, the sapphire light began illuminate her, while Renamon processed this new information.

This explains why Guilmon and Guardromon were acting so oddly. Renamon reflected. With the deaths of their Tamers… Renamon clenched one of her fist tightly. Even though Hirokazu may have irritated Ruki at times, he and Takato didn't deserve to die at the hands of this coward. Renamon thought unaware of the similar blue light that began shine around her. And if I hadn't intervened, he would have destroyed Ruki as well. Ruki is correct. He must pay for what he has done.

When Renamon finally released Ruki, she grasped her D-Ark and looked at her partner, feeling uncertain. "Renamon, you know I won't force you to fight if you don't want-"

"Ruki," Renamon interrupted. "You are my partner and my friend. I will always fight by your side, no matter the consequence." 

Ruki nodded. "Right. Then let's do this." She said firmly. Holding her D-Ark close to her, she called out "Matrix Evolution Activate!"

"MATRIX EVOLUTION_"

The words appeared upon the D-Ark as the cerulean light burst from it and flowed over its owner.

Hekatemon had been watching the exchange between Ruki and Renamon uncomprehendingly. He had never understood why IceDevimon had wanted to be under the control of a human, but as he watched human and digimon assimilate into one being, he couldn't help but be awed by the raw power that surrounded the digimon.

"Renamon Dark Matrix Evolve!"

How could human and digimon become one? He wondered. The power that I feel… Could it possibly destroy me? He didn't like that thought. And as he watched the light begin to dim, and the digimon perform a graceful back flip into the air, he growled with aggravation. They will not destroy me! It will not be allowed!

He summoned all his power and concentrated upon the single humanoid form. "Frostbite!"

"Kuzuhamon!" Two dual voices exclaimed.

Then, the frigid wave of ice crashed into the new digimon, enveloping her completely in its frozen grip.  Hekatemon moved closer to the unmoving form, feeling relief, but no satisfaction. Makino Ruki's death was supposed to have been more torturous and lingering. He had wanted to make her scream and cry and beg for him to just kill her. But now… Hekatemon sighed. At least he still had the other humans who had been foolish enough to enter his domain to play with. He turned away from the frozen Kuzuhamon with a smile. The game is not yet over. He began to cackle manically, until a strange sound caught his attention.

Almost fearfully, he slowly turned around to face his ice-entombed foe, his jaw nearly dropping when he noticed hairline cracks appearing upon the ice surrounding her. Impossible. He thought while gawking. No digimon has ever escaped my ice. How could she?

With one final crack, the ice surrounding Kuzuhamon shattered, causing Hekatemon to fold his wings around himself to avoid the sharp remnants. When he set his wings once again, he was finally able to truly see the form of the digimon who had dared to defy him. 

Kuzuhamon was humanoid, like Hekatemon and resembled Renamon's true Ultimate form Sakuyamon almost identically. But while the armor that protected Sakuyamon's body and mask were a brilliant gold, Kuzuhamon's armor was midnight blue, perhaps a reflection of the darkness that tainted the hearts of digimon and Tamer alike.

Her face still held beauty, but unlike Sakuyamon's calming serenity, it was cold and distant, like that of the bitter wind blowing across the moonless night.

The only true remnant of Sakuyamon was the bronze staff that she held. The multiple rings were ever present in its circular apex. She had used her staff to create the Shadow Sphere of light that had protected her from Hekatemon's ice attack.  

"Impossible!" Hekatemon yelped as she began to step closer. "This is unbelievable!"

"Believe it." Kuzuhamon said coldly in the dual voices of Ruki and Renamon, as she drew ever closer. "Instead of evolving to Sakuyamon, who bears the duty and honor of protecting all those around her, your vile actions have released the fury within our hearts."

Hekatemon snarled, his face contorted with rage. "Those who dared to stand against me fell deserving of their fates."

Within Kuzuhamon, in a sphere composed of data and dark light, Ruki's eyes narrowed. "The only one 'deserving of their fate' is you!" Kuzuhamon spoke with her voice. "You've murdered our friends for your own sick amusement and now it's time for payback."

"Sakuyamon is a creation of light and beauty, I am vengeance incarnate." Kuzuhamon stopped walking and pointed her staff at Hekatemon. "And you will suffer for your crimes."

"The only one who shall suffer here is you!" Hekatemon screamed. He flapped his tattered wings and took to the air, dispersing numerous crystals of ice around him. Kuzuhamon watched the frigid digimon circle above her intently, waiting for him to make his move.

Hekatemon abruptly dived downward, his sharp, metallic claws extended and ready to tear her to shreds. Unwilling to wait for the attack, Kuzuhamon jumped upward to meet him. "Now you shall feel the twin blades of Retribution and Despair!" She shouted swinging her staff and creating two arks of black light.

Hekatemon dodged the blasts, and adjusted his course towards the descending Kuzuhamon. They met mid-flight, with Hekatemon's claws scraping Kuzuhamon's staff. A struggle ensured, with each trying to gain the upper hand, until with a swift motion, they separated, both landing on opposite sides of the room.

He's tough. Renamon spoke from with Kuzuhamon.

But we're tougher. Ruki answered undauntedly.

Hekatemon breathed raggedly from his side of the room. Never would he have imagined that Makino Ruki or her digimon had so much power. He only knew what he had been told, and this  information had not been included. No matter, He mused arrogantly. I must only delay her for a time. Now that the intruders are in my lair, I have them. Makino Ruki, you have no idea of how drastically the situation will change.

Both digimon turned and faced one another, preparing to make their next moves. Hekatemon raised both hands, aiming at Kuzuhamon. "Icicle Stunner!" He hissed, sending numerous chunks of ice hurtling towards her. 

"Pathetic." Kuzuhamon scoffed superciliously. "You'll have to do better than that." She held her staff before her and chanted "Shadow Sphere!" The dark light flared from its head and encased her within a protective barrier.

"It's my turn." Renamon's voice uttered as the shield surrounding her dissipated. "Reverse Rice Cord" Several red dragon spirits formed and encircled Hekatemon, causing him to shriek and struggle as he was trapped by their sweltering flames.

Ruki smirked evilly. "And there's a lot more pain where that came from."

The dragon spirits vanished, leaving the burned Hekatemon shuddering in agony. He growled softly and glowered at Kuzuhamon. Soon, very soon. You will regret this.

~*~

The inside of the Yashimoto building was very similar to the outside, with its sparkling white floor and numerous icicles hanging from the ceiling.

But aside from the icy decorations, the building's inside was incomplete, with numerous holes and, as Terriermon, who rode atop Jenrya's shoulders found out, spider webs.

"Whoa," The dog digimon spoke with disgust. "Who decorated this place? Dracula?"

"You can say that again." Ryou muttered brushing the sticky web from his skin.

"This building was under construction." Jenrya said. "But the some of the construction workers that were working on it were murdered. Frozen solid by the digimon."

Impmon's eyes narrowed upon hearing the news. He glanced at Juri, who walked next to Jenrya and Takato, while still holding Culumon. He had thought the as yet unnamed digimon had been bad new before, but now… Impmon knew from experience that if you wanted to cripple a team, you would go for its most vulnerable units.

Impmon didn't like the idea of anyone coming after Juri, and deliberately, he moved closer to her. She wasn't his Tamer, but after everything they had been through together, he wasn't going to leave her to count on the others to save her if things got nasty.

But Impmon had no idea just how bad things would become.

As the Tamers and their companions continued walking down a long dimly lit hallway, searching for the stairs or a working elevator, Juri screamed.

Her shriek caused everyone to halt and move to help her.

As though she had stepped in quicksand, the area where Juri stood had started sinking and pulling her down along with it.

"Juri, grab my hand!" Takato said reaching towards her. Impmon held onto her other free hand, but was unable to budge her.

"On no, culu!" Culumon screeched. "We're sinking!"

"No! Ya think?" Impmon snapped at him in frustration. This isn't gonna work! He thought to himself. Takato, Jenrya and Ryou were trying to free Juri, but even the three of them weren't strong enough. Cyberdamon and Guilmon remained in back, their sharp claws making them useless, unless they wanted to turn Juri's arm into shish kabob.

When Juri was waist deep in the floor, Impmon felt something wrap around his foot, causing him to yelp in surprise and release his hold on Juri's hand as he was quickly dragged under.

"No, Impmon!" Juri cried out. Her face was full of fear and with one final tug, she and Culumon were ripped from the Tamers and pulled under.

"Juri!" Takato called as he reached towards the floor. But his hands hit only cold linoleum, it was as if nothing had ever been there.

But he didn't have long to lament their losses, as seconds later Jenrya, who stood near a wall to get his bearings, felt something wrap around his waist.

"No." He whispered.

Hearing his partner, Terriermon turned around. "We just got back together Jen, you just can't leave me now." He yelled as he tried to pull him away from the wall.

Ryou's eyes widened. "Takato!" He shouted the goggled Tamer's name as he ran to help. This time, the Tamers and Terriermon were clutching his partner rather than Juri but to no avail. With only his head visible, Jenrya said, strangely calm, "Don't worry about me. Find a way to save Juri and Ruki."

And with that he vanished, with Terriermon in tow, leaving Takato, Guilmon, Ryou and Cyberdramon wholly alone.

~*~

Notes: About Kuzuhamon, she's an actual digimon, Data type, Ultimate level and her attacks, which were graciously provided by DigiDestined of Courage, are Womb Mandala and Reverse Rice Cord. Shadow Sphere and Blazing Wind were created by me. You'll more of her personality in the next chapter. And sorry if the beginning of this chapter was dull, it's pretty hard trying to encompass everything that's happened, but the next chapter will be simpler and have more action.

I planned making Ruki embrace her "dark side" early on in this story, and that's also the reason for Hekatemon's odd name. Instead of using NeoDevimon or another existing digimon, I wanted to do something original. In Greek mythology, Hecate or Hekate is considered the patron goddess of witchcraft, who often traveled by night in the company of baying hounds.

It was said that she, the goddess Selene and the goddess Artemis represent the three phases of the moon. Selene represented the light of the moon, Artemis represented the moon on Earth and Hecate represented the darkness of the moon. The full moon, the crescent moon and the new moon. Throughout Tamers, Ruki and Renamon have been firmly connected to the moon, during their evolutions to Taomon and Sakuyamon and Ruki's theme song "Moon Fighter."

In my story, Hekatemon stalked and kidnapped Ruki, and then told her how he "murdered" Takato and Hirokazu, finally leading her to the darkness that had been building throughout the story. I know it's a bit odd, but that isn't unusual for me.

(Tentative) Chapter preview:

"Blazing Wind!" Kuzuhamon shouted sending a shower of black crystals tearing through Hekatemon's body.

"What's wrong Hekatemon?" Kuzuhamon taunted the injured digimon. "You usually find pain to be so amusing, why aren't you laughing?"

"No! Please stop!" Juri cried covering her eyes in horror.

She's gone too far. Jenrya thought fearfully. "Ruki, stop this!" He shouted.

Kuzuhamon glared at him. "He has inflicted so much pain upon us, I'm only repaying the favor."

"What he's done to Hirokazu is unforgivable, but you can't do this!" Jenrya argued. "I know you Ruki, you aren't a cruel person."
A wicked smile crossed Kuzuhamon's face. "If you think that I am cruel now, you haven't seen anything yet." She began to raise her staff…