Rage of the Heart--Chapter4a
FortressMaxmus
Authors Notes:
1) Hello everyone! Here is the first part of the conclusion to 'Rage of the Heart'. The conclusion (4b) will be posted tomorrow (Monday, May 6th). I am sorry to split the story up, but due to RL work problems I'm VERY limited on free time right now. My thanks to everyone for being patient and I hope it was worth the wait!
2) I don't own Digimon. Duh.
3) This chapter PG-13.
4) I could /not/ find any of my earlier Tamers tapes so based on memory I am calling Gargomon's attack 'GargoCannon". If it's something else I'll change it as soon as I find the correct term.
5) To everyone awaiting 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Of Crests and Planets' I'm sorry. I have no desire to work on them at the moment due to lack of muse, time, and other concerns. I am VERY sorry and will try to get the current chapters up soon.
6) I hope you liked my first Tamers story. If you get a chance to read and review I would greatly appreciate it!
THANKS!!--F_M
--------
A flash of light filled Takato's window, jarring the just-asleep young man somewhat awake. Groggily he turned over, facing away from the window muttering how it wasn't supposed to storm tonight.
Seconds later, another bright flash of light filled his room. Again, he tried to bury himself deeper into the covers and return to his Rika-filled dreams. It was only when the air filled with gunfire-like thunder did Takato jolt awake enough to hear the soft beeping of his D-Arc, still buried in the folds of his discarded jeans.
"What's going on out there....?" mused the half-awake Tamer as he fumbled through the darkness, guided only by brief flashes of lighting and the pinpoints of light that managed to escape from his confined D-Arc. Rubbing his eyes he uncovered the device then blinked once, then twice ,at the readout before yelling a less than proper 'Oh crap!"
In seconds Takato was dressed, heart racing as he again peered at the display that showed two powerful Digimon less than a mile away. He couldn't yet tell exactly who was involved, but regardless of what Digimon had crossed over he knew Rika would be there before anyone else--himself included.
And she might need help.
It was only then Takato realized he could little--if any--help. Without Guilmon, he couldn't offer much more than another target for whatever rogue Digimon was out there. And in that same second he realized that he didn't care. Rika was going to be there, and he would help no matter what. Even being a target was more than acceptable if it meant keeping her and Renamon safe a few seconds longer.
Grabbing his goggles, the Tamer ran out the door to his bedroom and started down the steps to the bakery's back door when a voice stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Takato! For heaven's sake it's nearly 4 in the morning! Just where do you think you're going??" asked his mom in that tone of voice reserved for disapproving mothers when their sons did something incredibly illogical to the rest of the world but themselves.
**Gotta work on being stealthy when sneaking out...** he thought, putting on his best face before looking at his mom.
"Sorry Mom, but there's Digimon in the park and...."
"Takato, there's /always/ Digimon in the park! Why do you think hardly anyone goes there after dark anymore!? I am /not/ about to let you go traipsing into the park at such an unholy hour by yourself! If there's Digimon causing trouble let the police handle it!" Composing herself, the upset woman glided down the steps and wrapped her son in an unexpected embrace. "I just got you back Takato, and here you are, rushing off into danger without thinking again...."
The young man returned the hug, full well seeing his mother's point of view. But still..."Mom, I've got to go. Henry or Rika are bound to be there, and they might need my help!"
"But without Guilmon, what good can you do all by yourself? You're just a little boy..."
Takato inwardly cringed at the 'little boy' remark, but bit his lower lip as now was not the time to bring up how painful it was to still be thought of that way, even after all that he had accomplished.
"Mom, I've got to go. It's my job as a responsible adult and as a Tamer..." and with that he pulled away from her and out the back door before another word could be said.
Standing alone, the woman pulled her robe tighter as she watched her son slip out into the early morning chill, his final words still ringing in her ears. * 'It's my job as a responsible adult...'* echoed in her mind as she tried to understand how fast her son had grown up and how she had missed it.
A soft arm surrounded her as Mr. Matusdo pulled his wife close, reassuring her as he gently escorted her back to their bedroom. Even though there were words that would possibly help, the silence said more than enough.
Huffing as his body tried to work on a level this time of morning usually didn't require, Takato jerked his D-Arc from the belt loop and blinked as the readings got stronger. Suddenly, he skidded to a stop as the holo-projectic display came up to show both Renamon and Gargomon involved in a major fire fight.
"But who are they fighting??" Takato asked the night sky as he glanced in the direction of the park. If the two energy signatures were Renamon and Gargomon, who were they fighting? Another Deva they didn't know about? Some other kind of Digimon able to shield their Digital Profile?
Another flash of light and the ripple-echo from Gargomon's attack drew Takato's focus back towards the park and within seconds the young man was dashing headlong into battle.
**Hang on Rika, I'm coming....**
At the opposite side of the park, an ambulance screeched to a stop and two ladies--one clad in a white doctor's overcoat and blue low-heel pumps, the other in a cotton T-shirt with a solid heart design and denim jeans-- nearly leapt from the vehicle and began their own 100-yard dash towards the entrance when a strong voice called out from down the street.
"Hey...you...stop right there!"
Blinking, Rika and Amy Mizuno came to a halt and looked over at the security guard who had called out as the young man in his mid-20's jogged over, flashlight in hand. "I'm sorry ladies, but no one is allowed in the park. We had had reports of unidentified gang activity and are in the process of sealing off all entrances. I'm afraid you'll have to leave as we can't guarantee your safety..." his voice trailed off, finishing the cover story that had been created by his superiors in case of civilian interference.
Rika felt the bile rising in her throat! She was not about to let some rent-a-cop keep her from helping Renamon; not when she was /this/ close! About to let loose a verbal barrage, the young woman was gave pause as a reassuring hand landed on her left shoulder.
Smiling, Amy gently took over knowing full well that this situation called for a bit more...tact...than Rika was able to muster at this moment. "Of course officer, " pleasantly stated Amy as she moved a few steps closer..."I can understand that, but I'm Doctor Amy Mizuno and I heard that medical assistance might be required. This young lady is Rika, my assistant. Now if you'll be so kind as to let us pass we can see about getting help to...."
"I'm sorry Doctor Mizuno, but no one, not even emergency services, are allowed inside the park boundaries at this time. If you care to go to the main entrance and join the others waiting for clearance than....urgh!"
With a flash of motion, Rika had lunged forth and grabbed the man by his shirt front and jerked him down to her level, lighting flashing in her violet eyes as they locked onto his own started features.
"Now you listen to me jerk! That's MY Digimon in there and she's in trouble!"
The man paled, but if from Rika's anger or the fact that someone knew that Digimon were involved Amy couldn't tell.
"Y...your..D..Digi....?" stuttered the guard as he stared at her in shock.
"That right! MY Digimon. THAT means I'm a TAMER. A DIGIMON TAMER..." and as if to further prove her status, one hand left his front only to return a second later D-Arc in hand. "So you either let us by RIGHT NOW....or...."
Amy blinked as a look of pure darkness seemed to cross Rika's eyes, giving the young woman an otherworldly appearance.
"O...or....?"
"Or I bring even stronger Digimon to Earth--creatures powerful enough to storm the Gates of Hell itself-- and THEY can ask you--for me--to let us pass. Now /which/ is it going to be....?" and with that Rika smiled darkly, secretly glad there was only enough information about the existence of the Tamers and their Digimon to confuse the entire issue, making it quite easy to create a frightening aura about her and her 'powers'.
"I...I...I...I. ughhhhhhhhhh......." gurgled the man as in a fit of self-preservation his mind simply chose to shut down and he fainted onto the cold concrete of the sidewalk.
Still holding her dark smile, Rika pulled out her sunglasses and slipped them on, only now looking up at Amy who had watched the whole incident pass without comment.
"Well?" Rika asked, her voice still tinged with darkness as she was fully within 'bitch mode'...and loving every moment of it.
Amy stood there for a long moment before she gave her young charge a smile. "Remind me to never get on your bad side..." she mentioned, the barest hint of humor in her voice.
Nodding, Rika turned her attention back to the park and hid the smile that started to tug at the corners of her mouth. A distant flash of light pulled her attention back to the reason she was here in the first place. But first....
"I really appreciate you helping me this much Amy, but you don't have to go any further. This isn't your fight."
Amy turned the young woman around to face her and knelt down with a look of understanding in her eyes. "Rika, since that day Renamon materialized out of thin air and saved me from those muggers, I've been part of your life, even if by the thinnest of connections. Renamon has been a good friend since, and by extension you are my friend as well. So, being your friend in addition to being your doctor I can't...and won't...let you face this alone."
Rika wanted to argue against her point, but she knew the elder woman was right. This woman was too much a part of her life already to ask her to step back now. Renamon trusted her; if not she would not have brought her to see Amy for the tests that needed to be done. Slowly, Rika's smile became much more pleasant and before she could even stop herself , the Tamer gave Amy a powerful hug of thanks.
The moment passed slowly as Amy felt this was a rare occasion; for Rika to open up like she had this night was something Amy doubted she would ever see, based on what Renamon had told her about the Tamer.
Pulling away, Rika let the moment past before taking a deep breath. Slowly releasing it, she leapt over the still-unmoving form of the security guard and into the park with Amy right behind her.
**Please Renamon, be okay. Give me a chance to make you understand. That's all I ask....** pleaded the young woman as the pair entered the park and disappeared up the path as the sounds of battle grew louder with each step.
With a sigh of relief, Takato gave thanks that the security guard that tried to chase him down gave up on the effort. Waiting a few seconds longer to make sure it was clear, the young Tamer scrambled out from under the park bench and back along the main path as the sounds of battle filled his ears.
"DIAMOND STORM!!"
"GARGOCANNON!"
With an earth shattering collision, the powerful shards of crystal met the explosive rounds and canceled each other out, leaving both Renamon and Gargomon stalemated once more. Panting for breath, both combatants rushed for cover as Renamon took shelter behind a fountain with Gargomon and Henry taking advantage of a small tool shed off to one side of the main trail.
Needless to say, the combatants were less than happy.
"I...can't....keep this...up...much longer...Henry...." panted Gargomon as he watched Henry slump to his knees, back against the tool shed as he could easily see the exhaustion on his Tamers' face. "We can't keep trying to stall her. I don't want to hurt her, but we can't stand around and keep shooting to miss either!"
"I know...Gargomon...I know!" angrily mumbled the young man as he stared at his few remaining cards. In disgust, he threw them down onto the Earth at his feet.
At that Gargomon blinked, and tried to apologize. "Gee, I'm sorry Henry, I didn't mean to upset you...." his voice trailing off, the large Digimon not used to seeing his partner that angry.
With a sad smile Henry looked up and shook his head. 'It's not Gargomon, it's just...how can we stop her without hurting her? And we've /got/ to stop her from getting to Takato! As angry as she is, there's no telling what she might do! I've used every defensive and restraining card I had on me and nothing worked!"
Nodding in silent agreement, Gargomon looked at the remaining cards and blinked as an idea came to him. "Henry, what if we're going about this the wrong way??" asked the Champion Digimon.
Looking up, Henry himself blinked at the odd question. "What do you mean?"
"We've been playing 'patty cake' with Renamon when we should playing football!"
"It's a little early in the morning for sports analogies Gargomon...." mummered Henry as he looked up at his friend.
"What I'm saying Henry is digivolve me to Rapidmon! If I can get close enough with one Tri-Beam, it'll knock her out cold without hurting her! That way it ends and we all keep our fur on!"
Shaking his head, Henry frowned. "Too dangerous Gargomon! It'll take most of your energy to digivolve to Rapidmon, and if you should miss with the Tri-Beam you won't have the energy to try again! And if you get too close ..."
"I know Henry! But there's no other way! Sooner or later Renamon's going to get past us, and I'm no urban commando! She gets into the city and Takato's a goner!" And with that Gargomon looked down at his Tamer, eyes filled with a regretful sadness.
The churning in his gut was tearing him apart. He never thought...never expected...to ever fight Renamon one day. There were times early on it looked as if the fox Digimon would have preferred fighting to talking, but those days were long past.
But now, she wanted to hurt a fellow Tamer. Possibly do worse. Henry still couldn't believe Takato had done what he was charged with doing, but he could see Renamon's point of view and that only added to his agony.
Seconds creeped by like hours until Henry finally nodded in agreement and deftly picked up the deep blue card that lay atop the others, discarded minutes earlier in the soft dirt. Taking a deep breath the Tamer stood and ready himself as Gargomon did the same....
Moments earlier, Renamon was quietly weighing her own options. This battle with Gargomon was taking much too long! Soon her prey would be protected by his parents, then by school. By tomorrow night, others could know of his treachery and apply their own punishments, but it would not be enough.
It would never be enough for what he had done to Rika.
A deep, bitter snarl surfaced from within the Digimon as her face tightened into a stone cold mask. **There is no more time to waste Henry...** silently apologized the Digimon as she stood and readied herself for what must be done.**...but neither you or Gargomon will stop me...**.
Summoning all her strength, Renamon phased out of existence and materialized several feet up on a tree limb, looking down upon the tool shed. Crossing her arms, Renamon took a powerful leap, aimed, them summoned her attack...
"DIAMOND STO...!"
But as with all best laid plans....
"GARGOMON MATRIX DIGIVOLVE TO......RAPIDMON!!"
"TRI-BEAM!"
"Wha....???"
Caught totally off-guard by the appearance of Rapidmon, Renamon was distracted long enough for Rapidmon's Tri-Beam to explode behind her against the tree she had just been on.
Her cry of agony lost in the explosion, Renamon was pushed by the shock wave several hundred feet until her limp form collided with the ground, bouncing once, then a second time, before landing at the base of a large oak tree.
"AAAAAAH!" screamed Rika as she collapsed to her knees, feeling as if someone had rammed a white hot poker into her belly and was twisting it. Tears streamed from her eyes as she gasped for each bit of air, unable to hold back fearful sobs between breaths.
Within seconds Amy's arms surrounded the woman, trying to offer what comfort she could. "Rika...what's wrong? Is it the baby?"
Shaking her head, Rika clasped onto the doctor's arm for strength as she tried to ride out the agony running through her body. "No...not...baby. Renamon. She's hurt. I...can't..can't...feel...her..." but her voice trailed off as the young Tamer was unable to explain further, the pain taking most of her strength.
Cradling the stunned Rika in her arms, the physician carried her the last few dozen yards to where the sounds of battle had ceased, but in its place now rested an uneasy silence.
His energy all but depleted, the exhausted Rapidmon started to fall, digivolving back to Terriermon. As gently as possible, Henry caught his partner and the pair looked bleary-eyed at unmoving form of Renamon.
"Oh...God Terriermon..." whispered the young Tamer. "What have I done...?"
(To Be Concluded......)
FortressMaxmus
Authors Notes:
1) Hello everyone! Here is the first part of the conclusion to 'Rage of the Heart'. The conclusion (4b) will be posted tomorrow (Monday, May 6th). I am sorry to split the story up, but due to RL work problems I'm VERY limited on free time right now. My thanks to everyone for being patient and I hope it was worth the wait!
2) I don't own Digimon. Duh.
3) This chapter PG-13.
4) I could /not/ find any of my earlier Tamers tapes so based on memory I am calling Gargomon's attack 'GargoCannon". If it's something else I'll change it as soon as I find the correct term.
5) To everyone awaiting 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Of Crests and Planets' I'm sorry. I have no desire to work on them at the moment due to lack of muse, time, and other concerns. I am VERY sorry and will try to get the current chapters up soon.
6) I hope you liked my first Tamers story. If you get a chance to read and review I would greatly appreciate it!
THANKS!!--F_M
--------
A flash of light filled Takato's window, jarring the just-asleep young man somewhat awake. Groggily he turned over, facing away from the window muttering how it wasn't supposed to storm tonight.
Seconds later, another bright flash of light filled his room. Again, he tried to bury himself deeper into the covers and return to his Rika-filled dreams. It was only when the air filled with gunfire-like thunder did Takato jolt awake enough to hear the soft beeping of his D-Arc, still buried in the folds of his discarded jeans.
"What's going on out there....?" mused the half-awake Tamer as he fumbled through the darkness, guided only by brief flashes of lighting and the pinpoints of light that managed to escape from his confined D-Arc. Rubbing his eyes he uncovered the device then blinked once, then twice ,at the readout before yelling a less than proper 'Oh crap!"
In seconds Takato was dressed, heart racing as he again peered at the display that showed two powerful Digimon less than a mile away. He couldn't yet tell exactly who was involved, but regardless of what Digimon had crossed over he knew Rika would be there before anyone else--himself included.
And she might need help.
It was only then Takato realized he could little--if any--help. Without Guilmon, he couldn't offer much more than another target for whatever rogue Digimon was out there. And in that same second he realized that he didn't care. Rika was going to be there, and he would help no matter what. Even being a target was more than acceptable if it meant keeping her and Renamon safe a few seconds longer.
Grabbing his goggles, the Tamer ran out the door to his bedroom and started down the steps to the bakery's back door when a voice stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Takato! For heaven's sake it's nearly 4 in the morning! Just where do you think you're going??" asked his mom in that tone of voice reserved for disapproving mothers when their sons did something incredibly illogical to the rest of the world but themselves.
**Gotta work on being stealthy when sneaking out...** he thought, putting on his best face before looking at his mom.
"Sorry Mom, but there's Digimon in the park and...."
"Takato, there's /always/ Digimon in the park! Why do you think hardly anyone goes there after dark anymore!? I am /not/ about to let you go traipsing into the park at such an unholy hour by yourself! If there's Digimon causing trouble let the police handle it!" Composing herself, the upset woman glided down the steps and wrapped her son in an unexpected embrace. "I just got you back Takato, and here you are, rushing off into danger without thinking again...."
The young man returned the hug, full well seeing his mother's point of view. But still..."Mom, I've got to go. Henry or Rika are bound to be there, and they might need my help!"
"But without Guilmon, what good can you do all by yourself? You're just a little boy..."
Takato inwardly cringed at the 'little boy' remark, but bit his lower lip as now was not the time to bring up how painful it was to still be thought of that way, even after all that he had accomplished.
"Mom, I've got to go. It's my job as a responsible adult and as a Tamer..." and with that he pulled away from her and out the back door before another word could be said.
Standing alone, the woman pulled her robe tighter as she watched her son slip out into the early morning chill, his final words still ringing in her ears. * 'It's my job as a responsible adult...'* echoed in her mind as she tried to understand how fast her son had grown up and how she had missed it.
A soft arm surrounded her as Mr. Matusdo pulled his wife close, reassuring her as he gently escorted her back to their bedroom. Even though there were words that would possibly help, the silence said more than enough.
Huffing as his body tried to work on a level this time of morning usually didn't require, Takato jerked his D-Arc from the belt loop and blinked as the readings got stronger. Suddenly, he skidded to a stop as the holo-projectic display came up to show both Renamon and Gargomon involved in a major fire fight.
"But who are they fighting??" Takato asked the night sky as he glanced in the direction of the park. If the two energy signatures were Renamon and Gargomon, who were they fighting? Another Deva they didn't know about? Some other kind of Digimon able to shield their Digital Profile?
Another flash of light and the ripple-echo from Gargomon's attack drew Takato's focus back towards the park and within seconds the young man was dashing headlong into battle.
**Hang on Rika, I'm coming....**
At the opposite side of the park, an ambulance screeched to a stop and two ladies--one clad in a white doctor's overcoat and blue low-heel pumps, the other in a cotton T-shirt with a solid heart design and denim jeans-- nearly leapt from the vehicle and began their own 100-yard dash towards the entrance when a strong voice called out from down the street.
"Hey...you...stop right there!"
Blinking, Rika and Amy Mizuno came to a halt and looked over at the security guard who had called out as the young man in his mid-20's jogged over, flashlight in hand. "I'm sorry ladies, but no one is allowed in the park. We had had reports of unidentified gang activity and are in the process of sealing off all entrances. I'm afraid you'll have to leave as we can't guarantee your safety..." his voice trailed off, finishing the cover story that had been created by his superiors in case of civilian interference.
Rika felt the bile rising in her throat! She was not about to let some rent-a-cop keep her from helping Renamon; not when she was /this/ close! About to let loose a verbal barrage, the young woman was gave pause as a reassuring hand landed on her left shoulder.
Smiling, Amy gently took over knowing full well that this situation called for a bit more...tact...than Rika was able to muster at this moment. "Of course officer, " pleasantly stated Amy as she moved a few steps closer..."I can understand that, but I'm Doctor Amy Mizuno and I heard that medical assistance might be required. This young lady is Rika, my assistant. Now if you'll be so kind as to let us pass we can see about getting help to...."
"I'm sorry Doctor Mizuno, but no one, not even emergency services, are allowed inside the park boundaries at this time. If you care to go to the main entrance and join the others waiting for clearance than....urgh!"
With a flash of motion, Rika had lunged forth and grabbed the man by his shirt front and jerked him down to her level, lighting flashing in her violet eyes as they locked onto his own started features.
"Now you listen to me jerk! That's MY Digimon in there and she's in trouble!"
The man paled, but if from Rika's anger or the fact that someone knew that Digimon were involved Amy couldn't tell.
"Y...your..D..Digi....?" stuttered the guard as he stared at her in shock.
"That right! MY Digimon. THAT means I'm a TAMER. A DIGIMON TAMER..." and as if to further prove her status, one hand left his front only to return a second later D-Arc in hand. "So you either let us by RIGHT NOW....or...."
Amy blinked as a look of pure darkness seemed to cross Rika's eyes, giving the young woman an otherworldly appearance.
"O...or....?"
"Or I bring even stronger Digimon to Earth--creatures powerful enough to storm the Gates of Hell itself-- and THEY can ask you--for me--to let us pass. Now /which/ is it going to be....?" and with that Rika smiled darkly, secretly glad there was only enough information about the existence of the Tamers and their Digimon to confuse the entire issue, making it quite easy to create a frightening aura about her and her 'powers'.
"I...I...I...I. ughhhhhhhhhh......." gurgled the man as in a fit of self-preservation his mind simply chose to shut down and he fainted onto the cold concrete of the sidewalk.
Still holding her dark smile, Rika pulled out her sunglasses and slipped them on, only now looking up at Amy who had watched the whole incident pass without comment.
"Well?" Rika asked, her voice still tinged with darkness as she was fully within 'bitch mode'...and loving every moment of it.
Amy stood there for a long moment before she gave her young charge a smile. "Remind me to never get on your bad side..." she mentioned, the barest hint of humor in her voice.
Nodding, Rika turned her attention back to the park and hid the smile that started to tug at the corners of her mouth. A distant flash of light pulled her attention back to the reason she was here in the first place. But first....
"I really appreciate you helping me this much Amy, but you don't have to go any further. This isn't your fight."
Amy turned the young woman around to face her and knelt down with a look of understanding in her eyes. "Rika, since that day Renamon materialized out of thin air and saved me from those muggers, I've been part of your life, even if by the thinnest of connections. Renamon has been a good friend since, and by extension you are my friend as well. So, being your friend in addition to being your doctor I can't...and won't...let you face this alone."
Rika wanted to argue against her point, but she knew the elder woman was right. This woman was too much a part of her life already to ask her to step back now. Renamon trusted her; if not she would not have brought her to see Amy for the tests that needed to be done. Slowly, Rika's smile became much more pleasant and before she could even stop herself , the Tamer gave Amy a powerful hug of thanks.
The moment passed slowly as Amy felt this was a rare occasion; for Rika to open up like she had this night was something Amy doubted she would ever see, based on what Renamon had told her about the Tamer.
Pulling away, Rika let the moment past before taking a deep breath. Slowly releasing it, she leapt over the still-unmoving form of the security guard and into the park with Amy right behind her.
**Please Renamon, be okay. Give me a chance to make you understand. That's all I ask....** pleaded the young woman as the pair entered the park and disappeared up the path as the sounds of battle grew louder with each step.
With a sigh of relief, Takato gave thanks that the security guard that tried to chase him down gave up on the effort. Waiting a few seconds longer to make sure it was clear, the young Tamer scrambled out from under the park bench and back along the main path as the sounds of battle filled his ears.
"DIAMOND STORM!!"
"GARGOCANNON!"
With an earth shattering collision, the powerful shards of crystal met the explosive rounds and canceled each other out, leaving both Renamon and Gargomon stalemated once more. Panting for breath, both combatants rushed for cover as Renamon took shelter behind a fountain with Gargomon and Henry taking advantage of a small tool shed off to one side of the main trail.
Needless to say, the combatants were less than happy.
"I...can't....keep this...up...much longer...Henry...." panted Gargomon as he watched Henry slump to his knees, back against the tool shed as he could easily see the exhaustion on his Tamers' face. "We can't keep trying to stall her. I don't want to hurt her, but we can't stand around and keep shooting to miss either!"
"I know...Gargomon...I know!" angrily mumbled the young man as he stared at his few remaining cards. In disgust, he threw them down onto the Earth at his feet.
At that Gargomon blinked, and tried to apologize. "Gee, I'm sorry Henry, I didn't mean to upset you...." his voice trailing off, the large Digimon not used to seeing his partner that angry.
With a sad smile Henry looked up and shook his head. 'It's not Gargomon, it's just...how can we stop her without hurting her? And we've /got/ to stop her from getting to Takato! As angry as she is, there's no telling what she might do! I've used every defensive and restraining card I had on me and nothing worked!"
Nodding in silent agreement, Gargomon looked at the remaining cards and blinked as an idea came to him. "Henry, what if we're going about this the wrong way??" asked the Champion Digimon.
Looking up, Henry himself blinked at the odd question. "What do you mean?"
"We've been playing 'patty cake' with Renamon when we should playing football!"
"It's a little early in the morning for sports analogies Gargomon...." mummered Henry as he looked up at his friend.
"What I'm saying Henry is digivolve me to Rapidmon! If I can get close enough with one Tri-Beam, it'll knock her out cold without hurting her! That way it ends and we all keep our fur on!"
Shaking his head, Henry frowned. "Too dangerous Gargomon! It'll take most of your energy to digivolve to Rapidmon, and if you should miss with the Tri-Beam you won't have the energy to try again! And if you get too close ..."
"I know Henry! But there's no other way! Sooner or later Renamon's going to get past us, and I'm no urban commando! She gets into the city and Takato's a goner!" And with that Gargomon looked down at his Tamer, eyes filled with a regretful sadness.
The churning in his gut was tearing him apart. He never thought...never expected...to ever fight Renamon one day. There were times early on it looked as if the fox Digimon would have preferred fighting to talking, but those days were long past.
But now, she wanted to hurt a fellow Tamer. Possibly do worse. Henry still couldn't believe Takato had done what he was charged with doing, but he could see Renamon's point of view and that only added to his agony.
Seconds creeped by like hours until Henry finally nodded in agreement and deftly picked up the deep blue card that lay atop the others, discarded minutes earlier in the soft dirt. Taking a deep breath the Tamer stood and ready himself as Gargomon did the same....
Moments earlier, Renamon was quietly weighing her own options. This battle with Gargomon was taking much too long! Soon her prey would be protected by his parents, then by school. By tomorrow night, others could know of his treachery and apply their own punishments, but it would not be enough.
It would never be enough for what he had done to Rika.
A deep, bitter snarl surfaced from within the Digimon as her face tightened into a stone cold mask. **There is no more time to waste Henry...** silently apologized the Digimon as she stood and readied herself for what must be done.**...but neither you or Gargomon will stop me...**.
Summoning all her strength, Renamon phased out of existence and materialized several feet up on a tree limb, looking down upon the tool shed. Crossing her arms, Renamon took a powerful leap, aimed, them summoned her attack...
"DIAMOND STO...!"
But as with all best laid plans....
"GARGOMON MATRIX DIGIVOLVE TO......RAPIDMON!!"
"TRI-BEAM!"
"Wha....???"
Caught totally off-guard by the appearance of Rapidmon, Renamon was distracted long enough for Rapidmon's Tri-Beam to explode behind her against the tree she had just been on.
Her cry of agony lost in the explosion, Renamon was pushed by the shock wave several hundred feet until her limp form collided with the ground, bouncing once, then a second time, before landing at the base of a large oak tree.
"AAAAAAH!" screamed Rika as she collapsed to her knees, feeling as if someone had rammed a white hot poker into her belly and was twisting it. Tears streamed from her eyes as she gasped for each bit of air, unable to hold back fearful sobs between breaths.
Within seconds Amy's arms surrounded the woman, trying to offer what comfort she could. "Rika...what's wrong? Is it the baby?"
Shaking her head, Rika clasped onto the doctor's arm for strength as she tried to ride out the agony running through her body. "No...not...baby. Renamon. She's hurt. I...can't..can't...feel...her..." but her voice trailed off as the young Tamer was unable to explain further, the pain taking most of her strength.
Cradling the stunned Rika in her arms, the physician carried her the last few dozen yards to where the sounds of battle had ceased, but in its place now rested an uneasy silence.
His energy all but depleted, the exhausted Rapidmon started to fall, digivolving back to Terriermon. As gently as possible, Henry caught his partner and the pair looked bleary-eyed at unmoving form of Renamon.
"Oh...God Terriermon..." whispered the young Tamer. "What have I done...?"
(To Be Concluded......)