Hi ya everyone! I'm so glad to be posting this chapter up. I AM terribly sorry that this came out soooooo late. But I WON'T make any pathetic excuses about writer's block or something like that. I simply didn't feel like writing and I didn't. Well, without further talk…
Chapter 8: New Friend, New Enemy?
"Come on Cyberdramon," Ryo urged, "Come on."
"Hey," Cyberdramon growled, "I'm the one doing all the flying you're just sitting there, easy for you to say."
"I'd fly if I had wings," Ryo muttered.
"We're almost there," Cyberdramon added, "It's way colder, I think my wings have icicles on them."
Ryo shivered, "I know what you mean pal. But we have to get whatever this antidote thing is for Rika."
"I know, I know," Cyberdramon said, "It's what you've been saying for the last 5 hours."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Rika, are you sure you're okay?" Henry asked for the tenth time, "You're as pale as a ghost."
"I'm fine," Rika gasped.
"No you're not," Henry concluded.
"Then why did you bother asking me?" Rika glared at her friend, "It's nothing, I'm just feeling a bit under the weather."
"Hey guys, hurry!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kazu shouted, "Hurry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have to move before Dark Ghost gets us."
Rika stumbled, her vision was getting worse, she managed to get Renamon to carry her, and it wasn't going to be long until the rest of the group catches on. She didn't want their concern or sympathy, it wasn't worth her time. Besides, they had to be concentrating on fighting the enemy, not finding a cure for her. They just didn't have time for that.
"Renamon," Rika murmured, "What's taking Ryo so long?"
"He can't fly the speed of light Rika," Renamon replied, "He won't be back that soon."
Rika sighed, "Great, I'm going to collapse any minute now, then Henry will go berserk."
"Rika," Takato said nervously, "Why don't we stop and you can take a rest?"
"Sure," Rika said sarcastically, "Let's go for a rest stop and in the meantime, I'll find a nice way to beat your brains out. Do we have a deal?"
"Uh…" Takato gulped, "You know, I was just fooling around…let's forget the whole thing…"
Rika rolled her eyes, "You're impossible Gogglehead."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Dark Ghost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" the Darkness yelled.
"Uh, yes. your highness?" Dark Ghost asked timidly.
"Don't fool around with me!!" the Darkness roared, "Have you destroyed the children yet?!"
"Well…" Dark Ghost hesitated, "I'm working on it, just a little delay-"
"Get out of my face!" the Darkness hurled several objects at him, "Go and destroy those kids before I destroy you!!!!!!!!! Get going!!!"
"Yes!" Dark Ghost rushed away. Then he sighed when he got to safety, he had once again escaped the wrath of his master, but he knew he couldn't run forever. Pretty soon, the Darkness would lose his temper and he would be a goner. Dark Ghost couldn't take that chance, he had to get rid of those pesky Tamers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Stop Cyberdramon!" Ryo called, jumping off, "This shouldn't be too hard, after all I grab the potion and run."
His Digimon snorted his disbelief, "Right, sounds simple, doesn't it?"
Ryo ignored the sarcasm and headed in the cave, "Come on." Cyberdramon transformed back to Monodramon and pounded after his Tamer.
"I've got to get the antidote for Rika," Ryo muttered.
"We heard," Monodramon snickered.
Ryo pointed to the light up ahead, "Look, an opening." The boy gasped when he saw what was on the other side, "Look, a castle. Or a fortress."
Monodramon sighed, "Can't we ever get away from trouble, it doesn't look good."
"What would a Dark Minion be doing way out here?" Ryo frowned, "They want to take over the whole Digital World, not hide in a deserted mountain. Who cares? Let's find that antidote for Rika!"
"You don't even know what it looks like!" Monodramon objected, "What's it going to say? This antidote is for curing Blood-Eyes' Sonic Flash? In your dreams!"
"You're not helping," Ryo said impatiently, "We have to find it, Rika's depending on me."
"I know, I know, I know!!!!!!!!" Monodramon said, "What are you trying to do? Drill it in my mind? The antidote is a red liquid like the stuff you humans drink in restaurants."
"What?" Ryo furrowed his brow, "Wine?"
"Yeah," Monodramon said, "It looks a lot like wine."
"That helps," Ryo said, "And I bet it's in that castle, so let's go!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I want a weapon," Kazu said, "I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon. I want a weapon."
"Shut-up!" Rika snapped.
"Yeah, Kazu, shut up," Kenta agreed, "You're giving me a headache."
"It's beautiful," Juri said dreamily.
"Sure is," Suzy agreed.
"Juri," Takato sweatdropped, "I don't think that Suzy's
mirror is meant for that."
"No kidding," Henry agreed, "Now Suzy, I want you to be ultra careful with that thing, okay?"
"Aw Henry," Suzy whined, "You spoil all the fun."
"She's right, you do," Kazu said, "I'm glad you're not my brother."
Henry glared at Kazu," Suzy, this isn't a game, take it seriously."
"I am," Suzy said, "I'm going to whack those bad monsters with my new mirror and give them a makeover."
Henry groaned, and tried to make his sister heed his warnings.
"Hey, hey," Kenta said excitedly, "Look over there!" The boy was pointing to a shallow cave and he dashed in it. "hey guys, check this out!"
"It's a weapon!" Kazu said dramatically, "It's mine! Finally!"
MarineAngemon frowned, "Kenta found it first."
"It doesn't matter," Takato reminded them, "We have to use all that weapon activation thing."
"Right," Kenta said, "And there's only me, Kazu and Henry left."
Henry took one slow look at the boomerang, "I think I'll pass."
"Henry!" Takato said, "It's all right, you'll have to get a weapon sooner of later."
Henry groaned and held up his Digi-Vice with the others, "All right, let's get this over with. WEAPON ACTIVATION!"
White light shot out of Kenta's and hit the boomerang. Kenta gulped and picked up the weapon, "I guess it's mine after all, MarineAngemon. Oh, I just hope I won't hurt myself with it."
"NO FAIR!" Kazu shouted, "NO FAIR!"
"Kazu, be quiet," Henry ordered, obviously relieved for escaping the chance of owning a weapon.
"What a fool!" Dark Ghost slurred, "If you had a weapon, you probably can't even aim with it."
"Says who!" Kazu snapped, forgetting who he was yelling at, "If I had a weapon, I'd kick your sorry butt!"
"What?!" Dark Ghost's eyes widened at the insult.
"Oops," Kazu said timidly.
"You will pay for your impudence human!" Dark Ghost snarled, "Arise, my ghosts, destroy them!"
"Here we go again!" Takato groaned.
"This time, no more heroic acts, Takato," Henry said.
"Juri, it's up to you," Leomon said, "The rest of us can't
do a thing."
Juri nodded breathlessly, "Okay. LIGHT BEAM!" Juri determinedly fired her light every way, she did strike some of the enemy, but she missed a lot too.
"This is crazy!" Henry remarked, "Juri can't handle them all."
Juri wavered, feeling weak as Takato quickly rushed up and caught her, "I can't fire anymore."
"I know," Takato whispered, "It's okay."
"We're toast," Kazu gulped.
"Somebody do something!" Kenta pleaded, "Help!"
"Ugh," Rika groaned, "This is pathetic, we're completely at his mercy."
"Yeah?" Henry said, "But we don't expect any mercy from him."
"You foolish children," Dark Ghost sneered, "Did you really expect to win against me? I am invincible! It was only by pure luck that you escaped your fate last time. This time I ensure you, you won't be so lucky!"
"There must be some way to damage those ghosts," Henry pondered, "But any attack we throw just goes right through them."
"Don't you think we know that?" Kazu protested.
"Now," Dark Ghost sneered, "Who wants to be the first to be destroyed?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Look at this place," Ryo breathed, "It's freaking me out if you ask me."
"It's not exactly what you'd call normal," Monodramon agreed.
"Where's that stupid antidote?" Ryo muttered. The pair had entered the seemingly deserted castle and was poking around. No one seemed to be around and everything was dark and dusty.
"You know," Ryo said, "Maybe an ancient king used to live here and he ruled the Digital World, then the Darkness came and destroyed everything. So he died and left the world."
Monodramon stared at his Tamer, "You've lost it completely or you have the most lively imagination I have ever seen."
"Or," a haughty voice hissed, "He's partially right."
Ryo jumped, drawing out his sword, "Who's there?"
A girl emerged from the dark. She was pretty with dark brown hair, but her dark eyes were lonely and partially cold.
"Who are you?" Ryo demanded, "And what business do you have to sneak up behind us like that?"
"Not that I own you an explanation or anything," the girl sneered, "But they call me Laura. What business does the Legendary Tamer have to be snooping around my castle?"
"Your castle?" Ryo's mouth dropped open, "B-but you're human."
"Quite right," Laura agreed.
"You live here?" Ryo gasped.
"Yes," Laura replied, his voice was dangerously soft and his eyes were glittering with menace, "For 400 years and counting."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"FIST OF THE BEAST KING!" Leomon smashed.
"Leomon, stop!" Takato said, as the attack went right through the ghosts, "It's no use!"
"I know," Leomon said, "But you guys run and I'll distract them!"
"Me too," Guilmon said with Lopmon, Terriermon, and Guardramon.
"Let's run," Kazu said, leading the way.
"Can't…" Rika moaned, "Can't move…too dizzy…"
"Rika!" Henry called.
"I'll take care of her," Renamon said, quickly jumping out of sight.
"Guys," Kenta called, "In here! Hurry!" The rest of the Tamers rushed after him.
"Takato!" Juri cried as some ghosts snatched her away, dragging her in the sky.
"Juri!" Takato called in panic, "No Juri! Hang on, I'm coming!" Takato shot outside like a bullet.
"Wait!" Henry hollered, "Takato!"
"He's going to get creamed," Kazu muttered, "Again!"
Takato stood firm, "I have had enough! No more running away! It's time to get serious! Watch out cause it's time for action!"
ANCIENT MAGIC ACTIVATION! Red light flooded out of Takato's Digi-Vice and embraced his spear.
~Takato, use the power of FIRE, for it is yours to command~
"Fire Ring!" Takato yelled, whipping out a ring of flames which wrapped around the ghosts, chaining them together.
"Hey," Kazu remarked, "He's kicking butt out there, I thought that ghosts can't be hurt by physical attacks."
"Me too," Kenta added.
"So did I," Henry said, "But I guess that Ancient Magic is no ordinary attack. It is magic of some sort, so I'm guessing that's the reason."
"You think way too much, you know that?" Kazu demanded.
"What is this?" Dark Ghost roared, "No! Not more magic tricks."
"Look again, jerk!" Takato snarled, "This is no magic trick, now give me back Juri!"
"You foolish little boy," Dark Ghost sneered, "I have no use for this pathetic human. Take her if you wish." The other ghosts threw Juri hard on the ground.
Takato gasped, "Juri!" Anger contorted the young Tamer's face and he threw his attack out at the ghosts. "FIRE CANNON!"
Kazu, Kenta, Henry, and Suzy watched in horror as a fire erupted out of nowhere and dissolved all of the ghosts except for Dark Ghost. He gaped and disappeared.
"Takato!" Henry cried.
Takato was lying unconscious on the ground and Juri was too. Henry ran to Takato, supporting his limp body.
"Oh man," Kazu said, shaking himself, "He shot himself."
"No he didn't," Suzy said, "He would be bleeding then."
"Good point," Kenta praised, "Even she's got more sense than you Kazu. Takato didn't shoot himself."
"Juri…" Takato moaned.
"Hey Henry, take a look at Juri here," Kazu said.
"Her leg looks broken," Kenta said, gulping, "We're in trouble."
"Kazu, Kenta, carry Juri and follow me," Henry ordered, "Don't drop her! Suzy, stay close."
The two clumsy boys nodded and obeyed while Henry supported Takato.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"400 years!" Ryo cried, "Are you serious?!"
"Of course I am," Laura sneered, "I know I look your age, Tamer, but I assure you that I'm right."
"Well…" Ryo said, "Suppose you are over 400 years-old, how in the world did you manage to survive?"
"Elixer, of course," Laura drawled, "I drink it every ten years, to preserve my life."
"But what happens when you run out of Elixer?" Ryo asked.
"Silly boy, I'll never run out of Elixer," Laura laughed coldly, "I make my own Elixer, make sense?"
"You make it?!" Ryo cried, "Are you nuts? That's totally creepy."
"Of course it is," Laura sneered, "To a foreigner. But for the Master of Potions, it's nothing."
Ryo frowned, "Master of Potions? You make potions?"
"Of course," Laura yawned as if she was bored of this conversation, "I know absolutely everything there is to know about potions and spelling casting. I've been studying it my whole life."
"Well," Ryo said, "I need an antidote and it would really help if you made it for me. I need it."
"And this potion might be…?" Laura prompted.
"To cure the Sonic Flash attack," Ryo explained, "My friend Rika got hit and she needs it to get better."
"So there are more of you, are there?" Laura asked slowly.
"Listen," Ryo said, beginning to lose his patience, "I need it NOW, Rika's getting sicker, are you going to help me or not?"
"Why should I?" Laura challenged, "How do I know whether helping you will do any good? The Darkness is spreading rapidly and the 4 Dark Minions are gaining much power."
"You know all this?" Ryo asked.
"Of course I do, little boy," Laura laughed.
"Don't call me that!" Ryo snapped, "I'm the same age you are."
"Not really," Laura laughed again, "I'm over 400, remember?"
"Don't taunt me," Ryo warned, "I haven't got time for this. I've got to go help Rika."
"Okay boy, you've got a deal. I'll make you that potion, but you have to take me along with you to meet your other friends." Laura concluded.
"Why?" Ryo demanded.
"Even for the Master of Potions, it gets lonely being the only human here," Laura explained, "I'd like to meet your friends, and if they don't like me, I'll leave."
Ryo groaned, "Fine, just stop calling me boy."
"Why? You've never told me your name," Laura laughed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ow!!!!!!!!!" Takato cried as Henry moped his wounds with a wet towel.
"Stay still!" Henry ordered, "I need to clean this wound."
"Takato?" Juri whispered.
"Oh, Juri!" Takato sat up.
Henry pushed him down, "I said stay still! Juri, you shouldn't be moving around!"
"I know," Juri pouted, "I ache all over."
"I can't do anything about that!" Henry growled.
MarineAngemon flew over and blew a few bubbles on Takato and Juri, both of them sighed in relief.
"Where's Rika?" Kenta said.
"I saw Renamon snatch her off," Kazu said, "I guess she'll be okay."
"There's nothing more we can do," Henry said, sighing, "Suzy, go and see if you can find Rika, Lopmon, go with her and don't wander too far."
"OK!" Suzy chirped, eager to get a move on, "Rika!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Suzy," Lopmon said, "It'll be a lot easier if we searched instead of screaming."
"Okay Lopmon," Suzy agreed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rika winced as a stabbing pain took over her body, "Renamon, I can't hold on much longer, where's Ryo?"
"I don't know," Renamon said, "But I do hope he's hurrying."
Rika gasped in pain, shivering as well, going hot and cold. She felt her vision cloud and she could hardly support herself. "Ryo, what's taking you so long? Please hurry!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ryo was hurrying, but Laura wasn't.
The Legendry Tamer was willing to yell in aggravation, "Laura, can't you stir any faster?! If we don't hurry, I'll have no one to give this potion to!"
"I can't go any faster than this," Laura retorted, "Instead of complaining Ryo, you can help. Pass me that bottle over there."
Ryo snatched the bottle and tossed it over. Laura barely caught it.
"It's not funny!" Laura gasped, "If this was to smash on the ground, it'd explode and you would be a goner."
"You too," Ryo retorted.
"Perhaps," Laura said, "But my elixer keeps me from direct harm."
"Whatever! Elixer this, elixer that!" Ryo snapped, "I just want to help Rika and you seem to think that this is all a big joke!"
"So I do," Laura laughed again, "It's no good to hurry, the potion will be ready when it is ready, kid…I mean, Ryo."
Ryo's eyes narrowed in anger as both of them stood, overlooking the bubbling purple mixture.
"You know, Tamer," Laura said, "Why are you guys here anyways?"
"Don't you ever naturally call people by their names?" Ryo snapped.
"Not especially," Laura snickered, "But that's not important. Answer the question."
"We're trying to defeat the Darkness and stop it from taking over the Digital World, not like it's any of your business or anything," Ryo said coolly.
Laura laughed out loud, "You? And your friends? You and your pathetic attempts will hardly do any good against the supreme powers of the Darkness."
Ryo felt his anger rise and rise, "What's so funny? Whose side are you on anyways? I thought you hated the Darkness."
Laura smiled, "I do. But I don't think I fancy getting killed either."
"Why? Don't you have your great Elixer? Anyways, why are you here?" Ryo demanded, "Do you just live here for your own enjoyment of something?" Ryo glanced around and said in the most sarcastic voice he could muster, "Not exactly the idea of a dream palace, is it?"
"For your information, Ryo," Laura said, matching sarcasm for sarcasm, "I enjoy the dark. I have my reasons, you and all your inferior little pals don't need to know why."
"Hey," Ryo objected, "You could fill me in, I can help."
"I doubt it, Wonder Boy," Laura sneered, "You can try keeping yourself outta trouble. But if you really want to know, I'll shoot."
"Shoot," Ryo ordered.
"Okay," Laura sighed, "You're a stubborn one. When I first fell in the Digital World, some hundred years ago, I met this guy. He was as handsome as can be and I fell in love with him. But he wasn't what he seemed to be, he was cold and ruthless. He was as dark as he was gorgeous. He was evil, he wasn't with the Darkness, but he was no better. He was a potion master like myself, he taught me everything I know, he thought I could help him achieve his ultimate goal, to rule the Digital World. I refused and he considered my behaviour betrayal, so he tried to kill me. But since I mastered the potions as well as him, he didn't harm me. But he cast a experienced spell on me to prevent me from being in daylight, kind of like a vampire. After a hundred years I countered the spell with my own skills and tried to sought him out. But I never found him, he's gone, probably dead."
Ryo drew his breath in sharply, "That's some story, who was he? Was he from Earth?"
Laura chuckled, "It was so long ago I forgot, all I remember was that he was drop-dead gorgeous. He was so cute with his visor and strong personality. I can't even remember his name."
"Well, excuse me while I throw up," Ryo said, pretending to gag.
Laura laughed, "You're not all that bad, all I want to do now is go home. But I don't have a home on Earth, I doubt my parents are still alive, unless they've got Elixer stashed somewhere. Anyways, I'd still like to get back with you guys. I can't open the portal without help, I want to pursue a normal life. Oh! The potion's ready, let's go if we want to save your friend."
Ryo jumped, "Yes! Let's move it!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"NO luck," Suzy screamed as Henry.
Takato groaned, standing up, "We've got to find Rika."
"No kidding," Henry mumbled, "I hope she's safe, wherever she is."
"Henry!" Kazu scrambled over in a hurry, "I saw the ghosts and Dark Ghost himself, they're looking for us!"
Kenta gulped and nodded in agreement.
Henry furrowed his brow, "I don't know what we can do, it's hopeless trying to outrun them!"
"Ah ha!" Dark Ghost yelled, "There!"
"So much for running," Takato whispered.
"We'll never outrun them anyways," Juri said, "I do wish Rika was here, or Ryo, they'd be able to give them a good thrashing."
Dark Ghost laughed, "My minions can't do any real harm, I'll show you the meaning of fear!"
All the Tamers gasped as an attack hurled towards them.
"THUNDER BOLT!" Ryo shouted, hopping off Cyberdramon.
"Oh no," Dark Ghost shouted, "More magic!"
"Ryo!" Kazu said, "Just in time!"
Laura jumped off the misty cloud she was riding on and began to chant something in a low murmur.
"Who's she?" Kazu asked.
"A girl I met," Ryo said.
"Is she a witch?" Henry asked dubiously, "She's chanting something creepy."
Laura's eyes were closed and when she opened them, she waved her right hand and Dark Ghost vanished.
"Whoa!" Takato gasped, "That's crazy!"
"Where did the ghost go Henry?" Suzy asked.
"I don't know," Henry said, "Ryo-"
"I'll answer your question later," Ryo said impatiently, "Rika, where's Rika?"
Takato and Henry exchanged looks, "We don't know."
Ryo's mouth dropped opened, "What?! You don't know! Are you nuts? What are you talking about?"
"We lost her in the battle with Dark Ghost last time," Takato explained.
Laura laughed, "If your friend's sick, she can't be too far away, sick mortals don't move very fast, you know?"
Kenta crossed his arms, "Mortals? What do you mean mortals? You're human too, unless you're an evil Digimon in disguise."
Laura laughed again, "That's a good, right, evil Digimon? Give me a break, mortal."
Kenta clenched his fists, "Oooh, stop calling me that!"
"What's a mortal?" Kazu demanded, clueless as ever.
"I'm not exactly mortal," Laura drawled, turning her eyes on Kazu. She froze for a moment, then she regained her composure, "Ryo, I think I'll go find your friend now." She hopped on the misty cloud she conjured up and floated away.
"What a girl!" Kazu said, "Now that's my type."
"Ryo, who exactly is she?" Henry demanded.
"A girl I met in the mountains. She makes potions and I got her to make the antidote for Rika." Ryo replied.
"But what if she's evil and she put poison in it?" Henry asked.
"If she was, she would have casted a death spell on us all," Ryo laughed, "She's okay, a bit impudent though. Get this, she's been living for over 400 years. She has this Elixer thing and uses it to preserve her life."
"Sounds seriously creepy," Henry said uncertainly.
Takato smiled, "Well, as long as you think it's okay Ryo, I supposed it's okay. Guess what? I summoned the Ancient Magic."
"And nearly killing yourself in process," Terriermon reminded.
"Right," Takato mumbled, "Whatever."
Ryo laughed, then he turned serious, "I've got to find Rika, how could you guys let her out of your sight?"
"She was acting kind of strangely," Henry recalled, "But she kept insisting that she was fine."
"I hope Laura finds her," Ryo said.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There we go," Laura said, glancing down, "That must be her, after all, how many girls do you see around this place?" The Potions Master landed near Renamon who gave a start.
Renamon immediately switched to attack mode, "Who are you? Don't come a step closer."
"It's okay," Laura said softly, "I'm a friend of Ryo's, they're trying to find you. I have an antidote that will make you better."
"I don't need your help," Rika shot weakly.
Laura's eyes softened, "So much self-pity…just like me…just like how I was a few hundred years ago. Full of self-pity and stubbornness…never once would I allow someone to help me."
Laura shook her head, "You should accept help when you need it."
Rika's eyes widened, "Where did that come from? Who are you to be telling me about help? I don't trust you, you could be a evil person trying to kill me."
Laura sighed, "I respect your sense of pride Rika, I was like you…exactly like you. Very well, I shall get someone you trust to help you instead." She hopped back on the cloud and flew off.
"What was that?" Rika muttered, "So tired…can't hold on…"
"Rika!" Renamon said, alarmed as her Tamer fell on the ground, "Where is Ryo?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Look there's Laura," Kazu said, "She's pretty, isn't she?"
"Yeah," Henry said dryly, "Pretty creepy."
"Don't be such a hypocrite," Kazu scoffed.
"Actually, I'm surprised you even know such a word," Henry shot back.
"Ryo," Laura said, "I saw your girlfriend-"
"Rika," Ryo cut in, obviously annoyed by the girlfriend remark.
"Okay, have it your way, hotshot, Rika." Laura said, "She's pretty weak, but she won't take the antidote from me."
"Take me there," Ryo said, "I'll give it to her, you can't blame her from not trusting you, not after what we've been through."
"I agree," Laura said softly, "I know exactly how she feels."
"Awwwww…" Kazu moaned, "How come Ryo always gets the attention from girls?"
"Whatever Kazu," Henry said, "Get Rika back here after you cure her."
"Will do," Ryo said, hopping on Cyberdramon and zooming off. "Rika!!!!!!!!!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Rika," Renamon said, "I heard Ryo's voice."
"Ryo…" Rika murmured as he jumped off Cyberdramon before his Digimon even landed.
"Rika!" Ryo rushed over, "Renamon, is she okay?"
"She's very weak," Renamon said, handing Rika carefully over to Ryo.
Ryo took her gently in his arms, "Hang on, you'll be fine, just drink this."
Rika struggled up and weakly swallowed the antidote. She shuddered and laid back in Ryo's arms.
"Are you okay?" Ryo asked anxiously.
Rika felt her strength return and her vision cleared again. She jumped up, smiling and smirking. "Of course I'm okay," Rika scoffed, "What do you think?"
Ryo stood up, grinning, "That's the Rika I know."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey!" Ryo called, "Henry! Look who I found!"
"Rika!" Henry shouted, "Rika, are you okay?"
Rika hopped down, grinning, "I'm fine! Hey, who's that?"
Laura walked over, "Recognize me?"
Rika squinted, "Hey, you're that girl that was trying to give me that potion."
Laura nodded, "Quite right. You took it anyways from Ryo, you might as well have taken it from me. It's save him the time."
Rika's eyes narrowed, "Who are you? Are you one of Ryo's adorning fans or something?"
Laura laughed, "His fan?! Yeah, right! To think I didn't meet him until 5 hours ago!"
Ryo snorted, "Yeah right, Rika."
"Well!" Rika threw up her hands, "Who is she?"
"I'm Laura," Laura said lightly, "Nice to meet you Rika."
"How do you know me?" Rika demanded.
"Come on," Laura laughed again, "I have to at least know the person that I'm was making to potion for."
"You made the potion?" Rika's eyes widened.
"Uh-huh," Laura said, "I'm the Master of Potions. It was nothing."
"What did you do to Dark Ghost?" Henry asked.
"I teleported him somewhere else," Laura said, "Boy, is he going to be surprised."
"What did I miss?" Rika asked.
Everyone started talking at once until Rika told them all the shut up and listen to Henry and Ryo. After that Laura repeated her 400-years-of-living story.
"Well, I can't believe you have your Ancient Magic powers before me, Gogglehead," Rika shook her head, "And the fact that Kenta has a weapon astounds me."
"Where's Laura?" Ryo asked.
"Talking to Kazu," Henry replied, "He seems to be quite taken with her."
"Hey Ryo!" Laura said, "Ask your friends if I can stay with you guys."
Ryo glanced at his friends.
"She's pretty cool," Rika admitted, "That's a compliment I hardly give."
"I guess she's okay," Henry said.
Juri shrugged, "I think anyone should be welcome."
"She did save our skin," Takato added.
"Count me in!" Kazu exclaimed, "She's not going anywhere!"
"Well, I met her first," Ryo said, "So I have no objections."
"Well Kenta?" Henry asked.
"I DON'T LIKE her!" Kenta yelled, "She keeps calling me 'mortal'!"
"Geez," Laura said, "It was just a joke, would you like me to call you 'nerd' or 'geek'?"
"Just call me Kenta!" Kenta shouted.
Laura smirked, "I'll try to remember that, mortal. Ooops, I'm so sorry."
Kenta fumed silently.
Laura and Rika smiled at each other.
"She's really something," Rika thought, "I never thought I'd find a friend in a girl, she's different. I feel as if she's been through many difficult times. Maybe I'll be friends with her."
"Hey Laura," Kazu called, "Do you have a boyfriend?"
Henry groaned, "Is that you ever think of?"
Laura laughed, "A boyfriend? In this place? You must be kidding Kazu. I told you I did fall in love before, but that doesn't count at all, it was centuries ago. Who would I pick for a boyfriend here? Ogremon?"
"You're totally pathetic Kazu!" Rika snorted.
"It's not fair, why is she so nice to Kazu?" Kenta complained.
Everyone started laughing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Laugh while you can Laura," a sinister voice sneered from in the shadows, watching the group, "Enjoy your happy times, my sweet. Because soon you'll be mine again! I'll make you pay for all the things you've done to ruin me from my destiny!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Whew, done! Don't forget to review guys! Laura's old boyfriend needs a name, so it's up to you guys to pick a name you think will suit a dark sorcerer. Thanx. Please give me a name cuz I have no intention of thinking of a name cuz it takes me so long. Ooops, now I gave it away, now you guys now he's going to be in the story. Oops, my bad, oh well. Bye for now! ^___________________________________^
