Well things are slowly drawing to a close.

Terriermon: You have to kidding! Juri was sucked into the floor, Jen and I were pulled through the wall and you're saying that things are ending!?

I said slowly! It all depends upon how long these next chapters are.

Terriermon: And then…

Then, I may begin working on a sequel.

Terriermon: Sequel? You didn't think that you tortured us enough in this story, so you decided to start another one? 

Well, not right away. Right now I'm working on my humor fic, The Official Fanfiction University of Digimon.

Terriermon: You write humor? (laughs)

Yes I do. Anyway, I hope that everyone is in character and that you enjoy this chapter.

Revelations

The feeling of something sharp and cold pressing into her back awakened Juri, causing her to sit up quickly, then hiss with pain over the soreness that she felt flow through her body.

It took her a moment to comprehend her surroundings, and while still sitting down, she glanced upwards. A flat white ceiling greeted her, all trace of the adhesive substance that had dragged her, Impmon and Culumon down into their present location was gone, vanished as though it had never been.

But that's impossible! She thought to herself astounded. We all came in here that way, how could it have just disappeared? 

Still taken aback, Juri finally stood shakily and glanced around, her eyes searching for her digimon companions and for signs of the other Tamers. Her feet hitting the floor were the only sounds in the room, and as Juri drew closer to its end, she noticed the still forms of Culumon and Impmon.

Her heart beat wildly as she ran towards the two unconscious digimon. I hope they're not hurt.

"Culumon!" She said as she picked up the small digimon. "Can you hear me?" Upon hearing the sound of Juri's voice, Culumon blearily opened his eyes.

When he finally saw her, his bright eyes widened. "Juri!" He cried hugging her. "I had a nightmare, culu, that in a big scary place, you, me and Impmon were eaten by the floor!"

"It wasn't a nightmare." Impmon snarled close beside Culumon and Juri. "How the heck do you think we got down here, an elevator?" The demon digimon pulled himself from the floor, shaking his head to clear it.

"Do you-do you think that Takato and the others are down here?" Juri asked no one in particular.

Impmon shrugged. "Who knows? But since someone went to a whole lotta' trouble to separate us, probably not."

"I don't like it here!" Culumon whimpered and drew closer to Juri.

"Me neither." Juri replied. "But we should try and find the others, they might need us when they fight the digimon."

"Might?" Impmon snorted sardonically. "This guy made the floor attack us, I'd say they'll definitely need our help." He began walking, intent upon finding a way out of the room. Juri and Culumon followed close behind him, their eyes flickering to the wall, where icy growths created garish shadows that only increased the nightmare quality of their vicinity.

As they approached the end of the room, Juri noticed a large doorway faintly lit by two small lamps. When they were a scant distance away, Culumon began to shiver slightly. Shifting him in her arms, Juri tried her best to make him warmer. But once directly under the doorway, it became apparent that her efforts were in vain.

"What's wrong Culumon?" She inquired worriedly.

Culumon looked at her, fear burning in his eyes. "There are digimon in there! Mean ones!"

The red haired, former Tamer stepped forward, trying to see into the darkness beyond. But as multiple red eyes began to glow, Juri changed her mind and moved back. But the eyes simply followed her, creeping out from the darkness.

Impmon grinned maliciously. "Finally, some action." The situation with the floor had done little to improve his already soured mood and he was glad that he had something to take his relieve his frustration. "Get behind me." He instructed Juri and Culumon as the shadow cloaked digimon came closer.

"Iceball Bomb!" Multiple voices screamed as several chunks of ice the size of small boulders flew towards the trio.

Impmon wasted no time evolving to Beelzebumon Blast Mode and making sure that Juri was a close by. "So you wanna play games eh?" He snarled as the frozen rocks flew above his head. "How about catch?" He said as he crossed his arms before him and smirked as his metallic claws took on a purplish glow.

"Darkness Claw!" Beelzebumon roared sending volleys of purple energy from his claws soaring at the flying projectiles, shattering them into powder that fell harmlessly upon the group.

It was then that the shadow digimon decided to reveal themselves by rushing towards the Ultimate Demon Lord, growling with feral madness and red eyes that blazed with hatred. Their small, white bodies were segmented, making them seem like as if they were carved from the very ice that had hidden them.

"I should've known." Beelzebumon muttered. "In a place like this, there'd have to be Icemon. Even though they're small, their Ice Strike still packs a punch. And their Iceball Bomb attack is as cold as they are."

Juri held Culumon closer as the Icemon ravaged Beelzebumon, using their stubby hands to claw and hit him, while he did his best to prevent them from advancing any further. He swore furiously as a block of ice struck him in his chest and mentally cursed D-Reaper and even Dukemon for the destruction of his Berenjenas and his larger gun.

The Icemon weren't hurting as much as irritating him by trying to get to Juri, something he wouldn't permit to happen. Enough of this! Using his claws, he smashed several Icemon into the walls beside him, causing their bodies to dissolve into fragments of data.

"Darkness Claw!" He shouted, launching the purple energy at the remaining Icemon, reducing them, like their companions, to nothing more than data. Instinctively he felt the need to claim the data, lest it vanish uselessly instead of being used to strengthen him. But the memory of the last time he had absorbed data, the data of Juri's deceased partner Leomon, halted him.

Beelzebumon watched the data float upward and shook his head dismissively. It's not like I needed it. The data of Adult digimon won't help defeat the 'mon who separated us. But a gust of wind and a flash of light caused his three eyes to widen as the loose data was literally blown into a wall. What the hell is goin' on here? He wondered to himself, puzzled.

Feeling uncomfortable, Beelzebumon beat his large black wings, causing numerous clumps of ice to strike the ground and shatter. When he was finally satisfied, he glanced at Juri and the slightly frenetic Culumon behind him.

"You guys all right?"

Juri hesitated to respond, the destruction of the Icemon still fresh in her mind. It reminded her of his assaults against the Tamers, quick and merciless. But that was a long time ago, She reminded herself reproachfully. Beelzebumon was just protecting Culumon and I and I did forgive him for what he had done.

"I'm okay." She finally answered. "But Culumon isn't." The Baby II digimon was still in her arms, shaking like a leaf despite the absence of visible enemies.

Beelzebumon stared at the small digimon uncertainly. Something weird was happening and he didn't like it, not at all. But though he would never admit to actually having a fondness for the disgustingly too-cute, creampuff-ingesting digimon, he didn't like to see him suffer the way that he was either.

"We should get moving." Beelzebumon advised gruffly. "Next thing ya know the ceiling'll fall down on top of us or somethin'."

Juri nodded, "I hope that Takato and the others are all right."

As the three proceeded towards the doorway, a loud rumbling behind them caught their attention. They turned, and when the rumbling ceased, a tall figure loomed, stepping forward from an icy mound, to meet them.

I just had to open my big mouth. Beelzebumon thought warily, resisting the urge to roll his eyes heavenward. Well, whatever it is, I can handle it. It'll take much more than a bunch of Icemon and some overgrown shadow to intimidate me. He clenched his hands, his anticipation building.

Juri couldn't take her eyes of the solitary figure. There was something about the way he moved, it seemed so familiar to her. And when he finally stood before her, his body awash in the dim light, her eyes widened.

The digimon was massive, strong muscle flexed with every motion and numerous scars marred his pallid flesh. But it was his eyes, burning, ravening, pools of hellfire; Juri could almost feel them boring into her.

Beelzebumon was less impressed with the new arrival. He had been slightly offended that their enemy had thought little enough of him to send packs of Adult digimon to face him, but this…this was almost a blast from his not so wonderful past.

"He looks like Leomon." Juri whispered in shock beside him.

The figure growled at her statement. "Not Leomon." He rasped. "Panjamon."
 

~*~

There was some type of insect buzzing and Jenrya deeply wished that it would stop. He was in the middle of an incredible dream, but the irritating sound was drawing him out of it.

"Jen! Jen! C'mon this isn't the time to take a nap! We still have to rescue Ruki and stop the walking Popsicle before Shinjuku becomes a giant snowcone! Jen!"

Terriermon stared at his barely conscious friend. "I didn't want to do this, but you're not really giving me a choice." He climbed off his partner's chest and reached his small hands into the one place that would get the job done. "Well, here goes!"

Seconds later, Jenrya was practically howling…with laughter. He felt Terriermon's small, clawed hands tickling him beneath his armpits, the one place that he, who was well trained in the marital arts against many forms of attack, had no resistance.

When he was positive that Jenrya was fully awake, Terriermon stopped tickling him.

"Terriermon, what was that for?" Jenrya sputtered trying to stand.

Terriermon shrugged. "You're the one who wanted to go beddy-bye. And it's not like I didn't warn you."

Jenrya sweatdropped. "But you did it while I was still asleep."

"It could have been worse," Terriermon spoke cheerfully. "I could have melted the ice and put it on you, but that would have been mean."

"Something you never are." Jenrya replied dryly.

"Right." Terriermon said nodding. "But don't you think we should be looking for Ruki and everyone else?" 

Jenrya put a hand to his head, still feeling slightly drowsy. "I almost forgot about them. I just wish that we hadn't been separated."

"No kidding. We don't even know where we are, how are we supposed to find them?"

Taking his D-Ark in his hand, Jenrya pushed one its buttons, causing it to give a loud beep. "Wherever they are, they'll hear this and try and meet us. We can also use the signal to track them as well." Jenrya looked at the bland hallway before them and the wall behind them. "And right now, the only way we can go is straight, so we better get moving."

"Sounds like a plan." Terriermon replied approvingly. "There's just one thing that bothers me."

"And that would be…" Jenrya questioned as he scooped his partner into his arms.

Terriermon climbed onto his shoulder. "What if the wall decides it wants to snack on us again?"

"I guess that we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it."

"Or when it lands on top of us."

Jenrya began walking down the skinny hallway. "Hopefully it won't." They continued walking in unaccustomed silence, until Terriermon couldn't stand it any longer.

"So Jen, anything interesting happen while I was gone?"

"This is a bit weird to talk about now, given the situation, but not really. Things were a bit boring. And very quiet." Jenrya said with a small grin.

Terriermon shifted on his shoulder, making sure that his long ears didn't hit Jenrya in the face. "Quiet? Where's the fun in that?" He responded disapprovingly.

"He's sitting on my shoulder after waking me up by tickling me." Jenrya answered. His face suddenly took on an expression worthy of Impmon. "Shuichon's missed you a lot Terriermon. She even came up with a new game for you and Lopmon to play, Prince and Princess Prettypants. I wasn't going to let her, but after that tickle attack…"

Terriermon's eyes widened with terror. "I was only trying to help! You wouldn't really let her do it, would you Jen?"

Jenrya pretended to consider it. "I don't know, maybe…" He trailed off, staring ahead. Terriermon followed his gaze and his eyes widening. Before them stood an enormous doorway, that was covered in an immensely thick sheet of ice. Beside it, an unfinished elevator shaft gaped open, and in front of the doorway stood two odd statues.

They were large in stature, draconian in nature, with no visible eyes, razor-sharp claws and two avian wings covered in frozen feathers. Jenrya cautiously moved closer, careful to avoid the elevator shaft, to get a superior glimpse at the clear wall behind them.

"Do you think that's a good idea Jen?" Terriermon asked, concern evident in his voice.

Glancing at his D-Ark, Jenrya noticed a second light blinking on it, as he got closer to the doorway. "I'm sure that Ruki is in there. And if she if, then we really don't have any choice."

Trying his best to maneuver his way between the large beings, with Terriermon clutching his neck tightly, so as not to fall, Jenrya was halfway between them, when his D-Ark began beeping wildly.

An image of one of the "statues," one that looked far more animated appeared on its screen and Jenrya read its statistics aloud.

"Gargomon. Type Virus, Armored level. Though the belt on its body prevents it from committing evil, its Black and White Statue attacks reflect its dual nature."

In response to his voice, the two Gargomon opened their eyeholes, and fluttered their wings. Jenrya jumped away from them, as he noticed their 'eyes' glowing crimson. The Gargomon then began to advance on him, growling ferociously, and barring their jagged teeth.

"I told you this wasn't a good idea." Terriermon said unnecessarily as he hopped from Jenrya's shoulders and stood in front of him

Jenrya held his D-Ark tightly and searched through his deck of cards "And you were right." He replied he found the card that he was searching for "But we should probably fight now and gloat later."

"Card Slash!" Jenrya yelled scanning the card through his digi-vice. "Super Evolution Plug-In S!"

"Evolution_"

Green light burst from his D-Ark and surrounded Terriermon. "Terriermon, Evolve!" When the light cleared, in place of the small dog digimon stood a larger, weapons laden digimon. "Galgomon!"

The two Gargomon wasted not time in attacking, coming from both sides towards Gargomon, with claws ready to strike.

"Gattling Arm!" Galgomon screamed sending blasts of green light flying at the two digimon. The Gargomon both took flight, circling in the air avoiding the Adult's attack.

"Black Statue!" They cried in unison, sending black shades resembling themselves on either side of Gargomon.

"A little help here Jen!" The Adult shouted, as the attacks were mere inches away from him.

Jenrya shuffled through his deck quickly. "This should help. Card Slash! WarGreymon's Brave Shield!" The shield suddenly appeared, as both attacks crashed onto its surface. One of the Gargomon roared as his attack was reflected back at him, while the other attack smashed into a wall.

The second Gargomon swooped down as the shield finally vanished.

"Card Slash! High Speed Plug-In B!"

Galgomon ran to meet him, his speed greatly increased. "Dum Dum Upper!" He yelled, one of the gattling guns on his arm glowing with power. Unable to break its dive, the Gargomon was smashed in his jaw by an uppercut and sent sprawling.

"You'd think that when you hit these guys, they'd actually stay down!" Galgomon groaned as the other Gargomon prepared to attack.

This isn't working. Jenrya thought worriedly. We can't become SaintGalgomon, the building would be unable to support us and could collapse with us in it. And even Rapidmon is pushing it. But… Separately the Gargomon are only on Armored level, but together, they seem as strong as a Perfect. He silently willed for a Blue Card. I just hope this works.

"Black Statue!"

Jenrya's eyes widened. "Gargomon!" A Blue Card then materialized in his hand. Without hesitation he ran it through his D-Ark.

"Card Slash! Matrix Evolution!"

"Matrix Evolution_" The D-Ark stated monotonously as the words appeared on its surface.

"Galgomon, Evolve!"

Surrounded once again by light, Galgomon's body began to change. His proportions lengthened as green armor appeared on his arms, legs and chest. His face was covered in a similar mask, that left only his eyes visible and his large guns reformed into missile launchers.

"Rapidmon!"

The two Gargomon regrouped and stared at their new opponent warily.

"It's time for a little payback." Rapidmon said smirking. "And for you guys, I'll make it double."

~*~

"We're going in circles."

"Really, how can you tell?"

"I can smell us!"

"It isn't like I have a map or something! I'm just going my where D-Ark leads us."

"It is leading the wrong way."

Takato and Ryou had been having an argument about going in circles, with Guilmon and Cyberdramon, well mostly Guilmon adding their own thoughts to it. They had been searching, without finding anyone, and it was beginning to take its toll on the two Tamers.

Both of their D-Arks had began to beep fifteen minutes prior, and since then the Tamers and their digimon had been following the signal. But far, the only thing they had found were abundant dead-ends.

"By the time we find Ruki, we might be too late." Takato thought aloud.

Ryou turned to him. "If you think that you could do better, than go ahead." He snapped angrily.

Takato glared at the other Tamer. "I didn't say that."

"But you meant it."

Guilmon stared at the two Tamers worriedly. "Takato, why are you and Ryou fighting?"

Both Tamers looked at the saurian digimon. "We're not fighting!" They spoke in unison.

Guilmon's eyes widened.

Takato finally sighed. "I'm sorry, I'm just really worried about Ruki, Juri and Jen."

Ryou nodded. "So am I."

The two Tamers and their partners resumed walking down the ominous hallway. Feet and claws hitting the floor was the only sound until Takato spoke.

"Ryou," He began. "What do you think of Ruki?"

The Legendary Tamer nearly stopped in his tracks. "Ruki? She's-Ruki. Sarcastic, demanding, cold, intelligent." He shrugged. "What can I say? She's just Ruki."

"But do you like her?" Takato continued hurriedly.

"Of course I like her." Ryou glanced at Takato, whose expression was unreadable. "Why are you asking me this?"

Takato's eyes widened and he placed a hand behind his head. "No-no reason." He stammered. "I was just wondering."

Ryou was unconvinced. "Really. What do you think of Ruki, Takato?"

Feeling himself blush, Takato turned away. "Like you said, she's Ruki."

"And do you like her?"

Takato could feel his face burning. "Yes, I mean she's our friend, why wouldn't I like her?"

Ryou stared at the younger Tamer, for a moment. "You do like her, don't you? As more than a friend."

Glancing at Ryou, Takato sighed. "Yeah, I do. Don't you?"

"Me?" Ryou replied with amusement. "Sorry Takato but I think you have the wrong idea. Sure, I flirt with her sometimes, but it's mostly to get her mad. She's so different from the girls back in Hokkaido. Back there, the girls usually swarm me trying to get an autograph, picture or something. Some of them even scream that they love me and want to marry me!" Ryou shook his head. "But Ruki isn't like that, I think she'd cut off her arm before she'd say she was going to marry me."

Unintentionally, Takato gave a sigh of relief. Ruki had told him that she didn't think of Ryou, but he had needed to be sure that he didn't think of her as something more than a friend either.

"Takato, are we there yet?" Guilmon asked curiously.

He had remained silent throughout Takato and Ryou's conversation, mostly because he didn't really understand the subject matter, only knowing that Ruki was somehow involved.

But it was Cyberdramon who answered, his grating voice sounding like a primal snarl.

"We are here."

Though they had been too absorbed in their discussion to notice, a vast doorway emerged before them, its surface untouched by any ice. One large mound of ice stood beside it, ominously blocking any access.

Before either Tamer could speak, a fierce growl cut through the air, as the knoll of ice began to crack, revealing a new figure

Takato clutched his D-Ark, as the figure shook the ice from his body, much like a dog and growled at the group.

Its red eyes shined eerily, a stark contrast from the black and gold of the armor covering its quadruped body. It opened its mouth and howled, barring razor-sharp fangs that matched the claws on its four legs.

"Metal Garurumon." Takato read. "Ultimate level, Virus type. It uses its Cocytus Breath attack to freeze its enemies, then its Garuru Tomahawk blows them to pieces."

"Not the nicest digimon." Ryou said dryly while holding his D-Ark. "But nothing that we can't handle. Right Cyberdramon?"

The cybernetic dragon grunted in response.

"You're not going to take him on by yourself, are you?" Takato inquired. "Guilmon and I are here to help-"

"Not this time." Ryou cut in. "As much as I would love to burst in there and tease Ruki about saving her yet again, this guys looks pretty tough. If we both stay here and fight him, whoever kidnapped her could kill her, while we were distracted. So who better to rescue her than the gogglehead of her dreams?"

Takato blushed at the last part of Ryou's statement. "Thanks," He finally relented. "But be careful! We've already lost Hirokazu and Ruki, we don't need to lose you too."

Ryou grinned cockily. "Hey don't forget that you're talking to The Legendary Tamer. I've survived in the Digital World for ten months and helped destroy D-Reaper. This guy should be a piece of cake."

Takato mirrored his grin. "Good luck." He stared at the gaping doorway, then turned to his partner. "Come on Guilmon, let's go help Ruki!"

As Takato and his partner ran through the doorway, the viral Metal Garurumon lunged for them, only to have his neck forcefully grasped by Cyberdramon's metallic claws.

Cocytus Breath!" Metal Garurumon roared, aiming a blast of artic light at the entranceway, but Cyberdamon wrenched his throat, causing the attack to explode harmlessly into the wall.

~*~

Beelzebumon watched Panjamon warily, as the Perfect digimon stared him down. Taking down a bunch of brainless Adults was one thing, but a Perfect, especially one that kept glancing at Juri like she was an entrée, well that was a different matter.

Juri held Culumon tightly as the Panjamon gave an ear splitting roar. He may look a little like Leomon, but not exactly. And Leomon wasn't as wild or evil.

"I will destroy you." Panjamon rumbled. "Then I will devour your weak companions."

Culumon made a face. "Devour? What's that mean, culu?"

Juri blanched. "It means that he wants to-to eat us!"

Retracting his ears, Culumon became frantic. "Oh no, you don't want to eat us! We don't taste very good!"

Panjamon smiled, showing his fangs. "I beg to differ."

Beelzebumon snorted derisively. Just because he's evil, didn't mean he has to act like an idiot. Pathetic.  

"Juri," He whispered. "When I distract him, you and Culumon get into that room over there. It'll be a lot safe in there than out here."

Juri stared at the Panjamon fearfully. The last thing that she wanted was to end up on the wrong end of the Perfect digimon's claws or teeth. But she still disliked having to stay out of the way, for fear of being hurt; she was a Tamer after all. Or had been, she thought unhappily.

But knowing that she'd only serve as a distraction, Juri nodded.

"Darkness Claw!" Beelzebumon aiming the purple energy at Panjamon's chest. The Beast Man digimon roared as the attack struck him in his chest. Juri took advantage of the diversion, and ran past him.

Panjamon snarled and moved to intercept Juri and Culumon, but his plan was cut short when Beelzebumon yanked him backwards by his mane.

"Ice Beast Fist!" Panjamon screamed sending a white lion's head blazing from his fist. Beelzebumon dodged, only to find himself directly in front of Panjamon's large fist.

With one quick motion, Beelzebumon slashed Panjamon's face with his claws, leaving the Beast Man digimon clutching what had been his eyes.

The lion digimon howled in agony and when he suddenly ran at him, Beelzebumon began to power up his attack. He crossed his arms and waited for the perfect opportunity. Panjamon blinded, continued to charge forward, unknowing of his fate.

"Darkness Claw!" Beelzebumon cried out and the purple energy flew from his claws straight into Panjamon's body, reducing it to data. Seconds later, the data was once again drawn into the wall.

"Nobody tries to eat my friends." Beelzebumon muttered.

From within the elevator shaft, Juri could not longer hear sounds from the battle. Does that mean its over? She wondered. 

Her thoughts were interrupted as Beelzebumon appeared above her.

Culumon, unable to contain his enthusiasm any longer, almost jumped out of her arms. "Yay! Beelzebumon beat the mean digimon! Now he won't eat us, culu!"

Rolling his eyes, Beelzebumon glanced upwards. The shaft was free of ice, and a lot easier to move through than the wall. It might take some time, but it was probably safer.

"I've got an idea." He said as he reached into the pit and extracted Juri and Culumon from it. Carefully, he held her in his claws, trying not to stab her and began to flap his wings. Then slowly, the trio began to ascend.

"We're going up!" Culumon said cheerfully.  

~*~

What will it take to end this? Jenrya mused watching Rapidmon face the two Gargomon. It seemed that no matter how many Rapid Fire attacks he uses, they still keep getting up again. We're wasting time. Ruki, Takato, Ryou and Juri could be in trouble, while we're busy with these two.

Rapidmon flew overhead, dodging numerous "Black Statue" attacks.

"I don't know about you Jen, but I'd say that this is getting really annoying." He called down to his partner.

Jenrya nodded. "I know what you mean. They way they both keep working together, whenever you hit one, the other…" A plan began to form within his mind as he watched the Gargomon position themselves on opposite sides of Rapidmon.

"Rapidmon!"

"I'm way ahead of you Jen." The cyborg answered. "Hey! Over here, you sad excuse for ice sculptures! Come and get me!"

"Black Statue!" Two blasts of dark energy surged towards the stationary Rapidmon. And at the last possible moment, his rockets charged, sending him out of range of the attacks.

"Too slow!" He shouted. "Rapid Fire!" Two missiles flew from the launchers on his hands directly at the Gargomon, combining with the two dark attacks and creating two enormous explosions as they impacted the Armor digimon.

"Direct hit!" Rapidmon said smugly as he dropped down next to Jenrya.

The Tamer and his partner stared at the ice-frozen doorway as miniscule cracks began to appear. With a loud CRASH, the ice hit the ground, leaving the entrance clear.

"It took long enough!" Rapidmon said exasperatedly.

"I'll agree with you there." Jenrya replied. "I just-"

A loud scraping from the open elevator shaft interrupted him, and he and Rapidmon turned towards it.

"What now?" Rapidmon moaned.

The scraping grew louder and while Rapidmon stood ready to attack, the familiar shadowy form of Beelzebumon, with Juri in his arms, emerged from inside.

"Juri?" Jenrya uttered with surprise.

She stared at him, her expression similar. "Jen?" Beelzebumon put her down and she ran towards him.

"Thank goodness that you're all right!" Jenrya exclaimed. "After seeing you, Impmon and Culumon pulled through the floor, I wasn't sure if you'd be okay."

"Well, we met some mean digimon and the big lion wanted to eat us, culu. But Beelzebumon made him go away." Culumon said gleefully.

"Eat you? Why would he want to do that?" Rapidmon asked.

Beelzebumon shrugged. "He came from a block of ice, does he need a reason?"

"I'm sure you'd know all about that, Impmon." Rapidmon retorted.

The Demon Lord gritted his teeth and glared at Rapidmon. "You still can't get the name right. Is it hearing problems or just stupidity?"

Jenrya sweatdropped. "We should make some type of rule about having those two in the same room together."

While the two digimon continued exchanging insults, Juri looked at the doorway, as it began to glow. "Something's happening."

Jenrya followed her gaze. "It's closing! We have to get in there now, otherwise we may not be able to once it's frozen!"

Jenrya and Juri, who still held Culumon, quickly ran inside the room, with Rapidmon and Beelzebumon at their heels. But with incredible speed, a layer of ice formed, sealing the two digimon outside.

~*~

An instant after he had crossed through the entranceway, Jenrya knew that he was in trouble. He glanced at Juri beside him and could tell that she felt the same.

"This is bad. Without Rapidmon and Beelzebumon here with us, we're perfect targets." Jenrya said worriedly.

Juri nodded. "But I'm sure that they won't be out there too long. They'll find a way to get in."

"You're probably right-"

"Womb Mandala!" A familiar voice screamed interrupting him.

From the far end of the enormous room, a dark blue light flashed, sending a tall, pallid form tumbling into a wall and causing several jagged icicles to come crashing down upon it.

The familiar voice laughed maliciously, and someone who looked similar to Sakuyamon, except for being clothed in blue armor, stepped out from the shadows.

"Is that, Ruki?" Juri whispered.

The sound of a voice caused Kuzuhamon to glance throughout the room, her expression of triumph becoming one of annoyance when she focused upon Jenrya and Juri.

"What are you doing here?" She spoke crossly.

"We came here to help!" Jenrya shouted, still astonished with her new appearance.

Kuzuhamon smirked arrogantly. "I don't need your help." She spoke with Ruki's voice. "I have Renamon with me and don't want or need help from any of you."

This is crazy! Jenrya thought worriedly. It's like she regressed back to the way she was when we first met her, and though she may not think of digimon as merely tools for fighting any longer, but she's so cold. The only thing on her mind is defeating this digimon; it's completely consumed her!

Jenrya shook his head. "But we're a team! All of us together, we defeated the Devas and stopped D-Reaper from destroying the world. You were with us then, why are you pushing us away now?"

To his surprise, Kuzuhamon began to laugh. "A team? We were a team when Leomon was killed. We were a team when Takato and Hirokazu were murdered. And what did it accomplish? Nothing! I'm just doing what has to be done."

"But Takato wasn't-" Juri began.

"Icicle Stunner!" Hekatemon screamed, taking advantage of Kuzuhamon's distraction to launch several jagged icicles from his hands. Unprepared for his surprise assault, Kuzuhamon hurriedly raised her Shadow Sphere, but not before one of the projectiles sliced into her arm.

"Ahhhhhh!" Kuzuhamon cried out as the wound began to glow with a white light. The icicle had been freezing cold, but burned like acid as it dissolved into her body.

"You're still alive?" She growled dually at Hekatemon. "Then allow me to remedy the problem."

"Blazing Wind!" Kuzuhamon shouted sending a shower of black crystals tearing through Hekatemon's already battered 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 for the final blow, when an explosion caused the room, to shake, cracking icicles and sending them falling to the floor.

Jenrya drew Juri close to him, blushing slightly at her nearness. But it's only to protect her and Culumon, he thought to himself. Nothing more. Hekatemon folded his tattered wings around himself, while Kuzuhamon was protected within her Shadow Sphere. When the room finally ceased moving, she dissolved her shield and stood waiting, ready to annihilate whoever had interrupted her battle.

~*~

Takato wasn't sure what to expect when he entered the frozen auditorium. His heat beat wildly in his chest as he pictured the different scenarios that he would be facing. His most feared was that Ruki and the rest of the Tamers, save Ryou, were dead and that he was too late.

But even he was surprised with what he found. Standing a few feet in front of him was someone who looked like Sakuyamon, pointing her staff directly at him, an expression of fury on her face.

It can't be, he thought miserably. Ruki, what's happened to her?

Kuzuhamon stared at Takato, her wrathful face becoming uncertain.

"No, it can't be." Ruki's voice whispered as she began to back away. "You're dead!"

"Ruki?" Takao repeated softly. "How could you…? I don't understand." He stepped forward, but stopped when Kuzuhamon raised her staff threateningly.

"Stay away from me!" She spat, her rage returning. "Is this some kind of a trick?" She asked, turning to Hekatemon. "Do you think that I'll let you live because you've brought Takato back from the dead or something? Think again. Womb Mand-"

"Please, listen to me!" Takato cried. "It's me Takato! I'm not sure what happened to you Ruki, but you have to believe me! I'm not dead, a little scratched, but that's all."

"He's telling the truth." Jenrya added. "Takato was only injured, and Hirokazu," He bowed his head, "We don't know how he is right now."

Kuzuhamon turned back to Takato, staring at him as though she had never seen him before. He stared back, knowing that she was searching within herself, in order to believe him.

Ruki, it seems highly possible that he is Takato. Renamon said calmly.

Inside her sphere of dark light Ruki sighed. I'm not sure what to believe anymore.

Takato could feel despair welling up within him. She doesn't believe me. How can I help her if she won't let me? Wait, what if…

"Ruki, I know that you're confused right now, but I can prove that I'm Takato and that I'm alive. Do you remember what happened a few days ago, in the park? We met each other and you were mad it me because you thought that I still liked Juri." Takato looked apologetically at the aforementioned Tamer.

"And I thought that you liked Ryou," Takato continued. "But you told that you didn't and then…you kissed me. Do you remember?"

Is this true Ruki? Renamon inquired quietly.

Yes.

"I…I remember." Kuzuhamon began uncertainly. "Takato?"

~*~

Notes: I know that Ruki may have seemed a bit out-of-character, but that's for a reason. I firmly believe the saying that "revenge taints the soul," and while Ruki has every reason to seek vengeance, it is affecting her. When Takato caused Guilmon to become Megidramon, the situation was similar, but he realized the consequences of his actions before he went too far.

And to all Ryou fans, I'm sorry that his role is so minute, but since he never was one of the main Tamers until the end of the D-Reaper saga, I didn't even plan upon adding him into the story, at least not in the beginning.

One final thing, I accidentally used Panjamon's American name, Panjyamon in a previous chapter, which will be corrected.

Chapter 9- Ruinations: After crossing so far into darkness, can Ruki be brought back by Takato? And Hekatemon plays his final hand against the Tamers, a trap that may end up costing one of them their lives.