Me: Well, people-I don't own Digimon, Pokemon, any authors-other than myself-or their Digimon-other than BlackTerriermon! Also, this chapter is dedicated to Frozen Phoenix and GryphonDragon, because they helped me in finding out some important information. I also don't own "Tomorrow I'll Be..." The lyrics are from Megchan's site. And, there's also a brief mention of Yu-Gi-Oh in this chapter, in which I don't own anyone from them as well.
Rika: Really? And, just how important is this information?
Me: So important that I had to halt the progress of this chapter so I could adequately figure out how to properly piece it to fit our standards!
BlackTerriermon: In other words, Phoenix, Dragon boy, expect this info to be chopped up and never returned to sender the correct way again!
Takato: Oh, boy...
Max: Where is he?!!
Me: (gulps; BlackTerriermon sweatdrops) Uh...who?
Max: Millenniummon! For the past few chapters, I've sat on the sidelines while you've had Ash and his friends, plus Takato and the others trounced on by this guy! He calls himself a Dark God, huh? Well, he hasn't compared his power to the power of an Ascendant!! (transforms into an Ascendant)
BlackTerriermon: (eats candy and other goodies wrapped inside bag; talks with mouth full) Thanks, Digikittyo123! Enjoy this chapter, 'cause not only do we get to find out Ryo's connection, Rika has a deep, dark-
Me: (covers BlackTerriermon's mouth) Shut up! Do ya wanna ruin it for everybody?!!
BlackTerriermon: (muffled) Well...not really, but this is an awesome plot twist!
Me: Trust me-you'll thank me later.
Digimon Tamers/Pokemon: Three Worlds Collide
Chapter IV-Ryo's Past and Rika's Secret
"If this doesn't work, we're sunk!" -Takato Matsuki, "The D-Reaper's Disguise"
"Why is this happening?!" -Rika Nonaka, "Such Sweet Sorrow"
Ash, Takato and everyone else were amazed-they found themselves under Mount Caina, where Mewtwo had used his Psychic powers to hide the cloned Pokemon, as well as the water that could heal any injury.
"And I never thought I'd see this place again!" Brock noted in astonishment.
"You can say that again..." Ash added cynically.
"Pika..." Pikachu nodded in agreement while bounding off of Ash's shoulder and drinking some of the water from the stream-instantly, his wounds were healed!
"So, what is this place-some kind of Pokemon paradise?" Rika asked calmly while noticing both Takato and Ryo on either side of her.
"Uh..."
"Not exactly." Everyone turned to see Gary, Drake and Dracomon-deDigivolved from Agnimon-appear, along with Mewtwo, who'd used his Psychic powers to respond to Rika's question. "This is where the cloned Pokemon and I hide from the rest of the world, so we can live in peace. Few know of this place, and now, even more of you know. However, you have all proven yourselves to have pure hearts, so, until we can think of a plan to effectively stop Ryo's adversary, you can all stay here."
Rika's eyes narrowed as she pushed Ryo away from her and turned to face him. "That reminds me-how do you know that pompous wanna-be God Digimon, anyway?"
"I can only remember bits and pieces of it, Rika, and you wouldn't understand about it anyway-none of you can!"
This heated response-from Ryo, nonetheless-stunned everyone, including the authors/Tamers! (As for Mewtwo, his eyes simply narrowed, as had Renamon's.)
"None of us can, huh? Well, you'd better tell us so we can understand, 'cause we nearly lost Takato, Ash's Pikachu and BlackMegaGargomon all because you were too stupid to remember some tough Digimon who wants to destroy our worlds in just a heartbeat-!"
WHAP!!! A second later, Ryo's palm swatted out and hit Rika on the side of her cheek. His eyes narrowed, Takato flung himself forward and popped the former Digimon King in the face, starting a fight, despite the welt that was appearing on his own face!
"You heartless JERK!!! How dare you just stand there and hurt Rika like that?!! I should just delete your partner and beat you within an inch of your rotten life right here and now!!!"
"STOP IT!!!" Ash screamed angrily, the fight ending only seconds after it had started, everyone looking in his direction, including the combatants. Ignoring the look of concern Renamon was giving her, Rika took a few steps forward, lifted Ryo to his feet, struck him directly in the stomach with a well-aimed shot and turned to leave, not wanting Takato-or anybody-to see the tears welling up in her eyes.
"And you guys call yourselves Tamers! What the two of you are doing-it's disrespectful to yourselves and to your Digimon! Here, in our world, the only way we settle disputes is with a Pokemon battle-I guess now, we could have a 2nd Poke/Digibattle-your Cyberdramon against...CHARIZARD!!!"
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!" The Fire/Flying Pokemon appeared on the scene, shooting a powerful Flamethrower attack into the air.
"Uh, Ash...we don't settle disputes with a Pokemon battle-that's also disrespectful." Misty whispered into Ash's ear, but he shrugged her off.
"That's how they probably do it in their world, so, who am I to disagree?"
"This is a one-on-one Digi/Pokebattle-Charizard V.S. Cyberdramon, with no time limit! Begin the battle now!" Brock demanded confidently, everyone-once again-on pins and needles. This would be Ash's second battle against one of the Tamers.
"Let's make this battle even sweeter-if Charizard and I win, you tell me everything you remember about Millenniummon, and I'll tell the others at my leisure. If you win, you get all my Pokemon. I'm sure people from your world would be eager to see a little Electric mouse fire a potent Thunderbolt attack."
"Ash, no!" Misty protested worriedly while Pikachu reluctantly hopped onto Misty's shoulder.
"Don't do it, Ash!" Richie insisted. "You've cared for these Pokemon ever since you first started your journey and beyond that day. To give them all up now because of a crazy bet..."
"...Means nothing if Millenniummon goes through with his plan about our separate worlds! This battle could be the only way for us to understand what we're up against-and give us a way to beat him. Charizard-let's go!" Ash demanded while jumping onto Charizard's back, Ryo doing the same thing with Cyberdramon, whose familiar instinct for battle-and bloodlust-returned in a heartbeat!
"You've got a deal, though battling against Rika was just mere child's play. When you battle me, you battle in the big leagues!"
Ash's eyes narrowed into slits as Ryo pulled out an unfamiliar card, but to the authors/Tamers and to the Tamers who'd seen it, this card was way too familiar!
"Digimodify!! Goliath, activate!!"
The second Ryo slashed it, Cyberdramon grew at least twice his original size! Ash gasped in amazement-and shock-as the Ultimate Digimon fired his main attack!
"DESOLATION CLAW!!!"
"Ash, look out!!"
"Pika pi!!"
"Use your Flamethrower, Charizard!!" Ash demanded, pointing directly at the oncoming attack.
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!" Instantly, the Flamethrower attack completely incinerated the Desolation Claw attack and hit Cyberdramon on impact! The Ultimate Digimon had received some damage, but not enough for a KO.
"Charizard, give 'em your Take Down attack!!" Ash yelled out bravely, bracing himself for the recoiling blow.
"Char!!"
"Time to fight fire with fire, Cyberdramon! Dodge it!!"
Grunting lightly, Cyberdramon was able to dodge Charizard's Take Down attack by soaring upward, the Fire/Flying Pokemon immediately giving chase.
"We can't give up in this match, Charizard! Everything's riding on it-as well as the fate of all we hold dear..." Ash advised, his face a look of sheer determination, but his eyes spoke differently. He had witnessed firsthand how powerful Rika's Digimon was, and at the Mega level, Charizard had been lucky that they'd both used all their energy, otherwise, he would've lost. Against Ryo's Digimon, at near full power, Ash feared that with Charizard, not fully recovered from the battle against Sakuyamon, wouldn't stand a chance.
"Time to show Ash Ketchum what a Tamer can do! Digimodify! Avenging Knights, activate!!"
Ash gasped in shock-as did everyone else-when a pair of staffs appeared in Cyberdramon's hands!
"Waa-Charizard, look out!" Ash screamed as Cyberdramon took careful aim, then threw the two
staffs directly at Charizard's stomach, practically point-blank range!
That time when I had a dream seems so far away...I feel like crying more than anyone knows...
Too clumsy to convey my feelings, I try to pretend to be strong...
After being positive that she'd run far enough so that no one would ever find her, Rika finally collapsed onto a lone rock overlooking a cliff atop a raging river, one that she didn't know the name of-mostly because she had never been to this world. It was at this particular time that Rika Nonaka-Matsuki had succumbed to her overwhelming emotions and started crying softly into her cupped hands which eventually ended up turning into hiccuping sobs that she tried to keep everyone else from hearing. It had worked-to a degree.
"For someone who claimed to be one of the most powerful Tamers in their own reality for a brief time, you aren't acting like it."
Gasping lightly, Rika wiped her tears away and got up...to find herself staring directly at Mewtwo, who was patiently hovering above her, finally making his presence known to the former Digimon Queen.
"I didn't tell you to look into my head! And, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be stopping Gogglehead and Mr. Perfect from beating each other to death?"
Narrowing his eyes slightly, the Psychic Pokemon waited a heartbeat before responding. "That debacle has been halted due to an unknown...interference by one Ash Ketchum, who is, at this moment, battling Ryo Akiyama in another battle between the worlds-his Charizard against Cyberdramon, with his own Pokemon's lives on the line should he lose."
"What?! Is that boy crazy? Ryo's gonna slaugther his Pokemon within a second if he used one of his special cards! Come on-we've gotta call off the battle-"
"This particular battle, if Ash wins it, will finally allow us to understand the connection between Ryo and our current foe. As for you, I can sense your conflicting emotions battling inside you at this very moment, and that alone is why you shouldn't be near anyone else...for the time being."
Rika gulped as she turned away, instantly clutching her stomach protectively, worried that someone had discovered her secret, worried that someone had figured out that-
"Yes...I know about them, because they are a part of you, as you, and Takato, are a part of them."
Rika grimaced as she felt tears spring to her eyes before wiping them away. "How can you know about them if you can only read thoughts and emotions?"
"Two months have passed since you've learned about this, yet your thoughts mirror the two lives inside of you at this instant, and I can sense the fear you have, because you haven't told him about them."
Takato... This time, Rika wasn't able to keep her tears from falling as she envisioned a disappointed look on Takato's face, then saw him running to Jeri, who pushed Henry away from her, before responding again. "How can I tell him about this? What if he hates me...? What if he leaves me? What if...he doesn't love me after this?"
The Psychic Pokemon allowed one tiny grin to cross his face before replying. "As you have mentioned, I can sense thoughts and emotions, and I can especially sense the heated emotions your soul mate carries for you. The only emotions he feels for you at this time, and undoubtedly for the rest of your lives, are compassion, love, understanding, faith, joy, desire and a commitment to be by your side...whether you like it or not. These positive sides aren't without their negative traits, though. Because of a bond you both share, he feels your pain, your agony, your torment, your sorrow; yet despite the fear you have, one thing is clear as day-he will never leave you, and he will never stop loving you."
The tears were still streaming down Rika's cheeks, but they were tears of happiness as she smiled broadly at Mewtwo, amazed that a Pokemon as powerful as him could understand human emotions. She said just that to him a second later.
"After experiencing some adventures with Ash and his friends, I have learned that most humans have a tendency to do what's right for the world, and with you and your friends, I can sense that same tendency inside your hearts. Now...return to your soul mate and tell him about his children."
Rika's smile turned into a smirk as she wiped her tears away before boldly heading down the
cliff and back to the others, but not before eyeing Mewtwo once again. "...Thanks."
Chorus: But, if I'm all alone in this world, and love disappears instead of tears...
I won't hang my head, I'll fly away...
Tomorrow I'll be closer to that dream I held...
Charizard roared in indignation as he-and Ash-barely dodged the protruding staffs that would've signified their demise had they connected!
"Great job, Charizard! Now, let's show Ryo what we're made of! Sunny Day attack!!"
The Fire/Flying Pokemon roared proudly as the flame on his tail expanded to beyond normal measures, which surprised Ryo and the rest-with the exception of most of the authors/Tamers.
"Whoa...Charizard's tail just lit up like a Christmas tree ornament!" Takato exclaimed.
"Yeah-guess that means we won't need to buy an angel for the top of the tree this year!"
"Don't forget the star-we can just leave that in the box, too!"
"Terriermon!!"/"BlackTerriermon!!"
"That's Charizard's Sunny Day attack..." Misty explained calmly to everyone else-those who didn't understand about normal Pokemon attacks.
"The Sunny Day attack will greatly increase his Fire attacks for at least 5 turns or less." Brock added, Pikachu nodding in agreement, while Togepi slept soundlessly in Misty's backpack.
"Hey-it's just like in the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game!" Drake noted excitedly, which confused everyone, with the exception of Phoenix and DC and most of the authors/Tamers-they'd heard of the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game, as well as the TV show.
"Okay, Charizard-hit 'em with your Fire Spin attack!!" Ash exclaimed excitedly.
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!" The Fire/Flying Pokemon fired a powerful blast of fire aimed directly at Cyberdramon, hitting the Ultimate Digimon squarely in the face and forcing him and Ryo to the ground, also reverting him back to his normal size.
"Now...finish Cyberdramon off with your Seismic Toss!!"
Nodding, Charizard dived down and grabbed Cyberdramon in a bear hug, spinning around and around in the air, the picture of the Earth in the background.
WHAM!!! Ryo-and everyone else-winced as Charizard flung Cyberdramon to the ground hard the instant he and Ash appeared before everyone. The Ultimate Digimon growled loudly as he struggled to rise back up to his feet, but after being seriously damaged by most of Charizard's Fire attacks, he couldn't find the strength to continue the battle.
"This match is over! Charizard is the winner." Brock declared calmly, a grin appearing on his face. Ryo got up from his position on the ground and helped up Cyberdramon-who'd deDigivolved into Monodramon-to his feet before walking over to Ash.
"Okay, Ash-you won, which means you and I are gonna have a good, long talk."
Ash nodded as Pikachu bounded up to his trainer's feet, happy that Ash had won the match, but
curious as to what was going on with this latest villain.
The journey is long and sometimes painful; people are just so small...
My weakness suddenly makes me unable to see even the meaning of my being here...
Ash and Pikachu walked, able to keep up with Ryo's long, broad strides as they walked deeper into the hidden tunnels under Mount Caina until the Tamer stopped, motioning for the two of them to stop.
"Well, Ash, I promised you that if you won the match that I would tell you everything I could remember. I'd better warn you-I can only remember bits and pieces of my past, though."
"Okay." Ash and Pikachu waited until Ryo was composed and focused before revealing, for the
first time ever, to someone about his past.
Flashback...(many years ago...)
"For starters, Ash, according to my father-who isn't really my father, but my guardian-I'm not originally from the world of the Tamers, but from the world of the DigiDestined. I would imagine that Takato, Rika and the others never told you about the original battles that the DigiDestined went through, so I'll fill in the blanks: the battles that they went through are nothing compared to the carnage that us Tamers have gone through for the past number of years, but Millenniummon came awfully close when I faced him alongside one of the DigiDestined in the Digital World. I've encountered the DigiDestined as well as other DigiDestined from around their world in many different adventures. I received Cyberdramon when he was in his Rookie form, Monodramon, as well as the power to jump in between worlds, but that was during the time when Millenniummon sent me back in time-and space. I learned that the Tamers world and the world of the DigiDestined are two different worlds, separated into two different universes. The main problem that occurred was when Monodramon and I ran into Millenniummon again and discovered something else...that he was also my Digimon partner. Yet, Millenniummon is feeling the effects of the bond, despite himself, which means that he can't ever bring himself to use his full powers to kill me everytime the two of us engaged in battle. The last thing I discovered before I figured out a solution to our problem was that Millenniummon and I are linked together by destiny, like Light and Darkness..."
(end flashback)
"So...how did the situation get resolved?" Ash asked in astonishment, while Pikachu sat in Ash's lap, a look of amazement on the Electric Pokemon's face.
"Well, both Millenniummon and Monodramon DNA Digivolved into a Digital Egg, which
eventually hatched into Cyberdramon. The darkness inside Millenniummon was contained, and
he could be with me...until this one day while the two of us were in the Digital World..."
Flashback (before the events in "Blame it on Ryo...")
Ryo Akiyama, known as the Legendary Tamer, had scoured the Digital World for almost an entire year because his partner was becoming too wild to tame in the Real World any longer, and, he had left the sanctity of his guardian and had departed across another world once again, with Cyberdramon by his side. At this moment in time, he was nearing the land of clocks-or very near the vicinity-when Cyberdramon growled in extreme pain!
"Cyberdramon! What's wrong?!"
"I...I don't know!" The Ultimate Digimon grunted while struggling to hold on, to keep his insides from coming apart on him.
"What's happening?!"
At that precise moment, Ryo and Cyberdramon heard laughter...deep, dark laughter that Ryo had forgotten about for the longest time, and couldn't remember, until now.
"No...it can't be! You can't exist anymore! I had you DNA Digivolve with Cyberdramon long ago!"
"And, I have enjoyed the time we've spent together, my Tamer...all this glorious time. But, now, it is time for me to depart, for now. But, heed my warning-I will return, and you had better remember me, and this day..."
Cyberdramon howled in pain and agony as he slumped to the ground, still holding his sides in defeat.
"Cyberdramon! Hold on..."
A second later, the Ultimate Digimon heard the sounds of a battle raging on, and his instinct for battle fueled him and restored the lost energy taken from him moments ago.
"Ryo, there are some Digimon over there, and it sounds like there's a fight!"
"...Okay, Cyberdramon. But, you'd better listen to me when we get over there...!"
(end flashback)
"That's when I ran into Rika, Kazu and Kenta, and the rest is history from there on out." Ryo concluded while standing up and stretching before walking back.
"Wait!" Ash yelled while he and Pikachu were able to keep up with the former Digimon King. "If you remembered Millenniummon all this time, why didn't you warn any of your other friends about this guy and prepared for him?"
"I didn't want them-especially not Rika!-involved in a battle against this Digimon! Unlike other Digimon, Millenniummon can't be defeated...not without killing me at the same time! That's why he and I are linked by destiny, and why his feelings towards me are the way they are today. Besides, Cyberdramon and I trained, and we're ready for anything he'll throw at us."
"Really? Sure didn't seem like you were ready for anything before." Ash cracked as he walked by, Pikachu giggling lightly while crawling up to Ash's shoulder. Ryo couldn't help but grin.
"This Ash kid has Takato's determination and spirit, but Rika's stubborness and wildness...a
perfect combination!"
Chorus: But, if I clear my heart, someday I'll surely find a love I want to fill it with...
I won't give up, I'll fly away...
Tomorrow, I'll get stronger for someone's sake...
Rika had returned to where she'd left everyone else and saw that most of them were conversing about the battles that had taken place, most even battling at this moment, evidently training for an upcoming battle. The one person she was looking for wasn't in eyesight...at least, not in her eyesight.
"Are you okay, Rika?"
Rika nodded without even turning. This time, she knew who it was. "Yeah, Renamon...I'm fine, now. Do you know where Takato is? There's something I've got to tell him, and it can't wait."
In response, Renamon pointed to the west. "He's been over there since the match between Ash and Ryo ended, and yes-Ash did win."
Rika nodded once before starting off, feeling Renamon's paw lightly graze her shoulder.
"Rika...congratulations."
Rika's eyes widened ever so slightly at that statement, but who else-other than Takato-would know about everything that she felt, then her Digimon partner?
"...Thanks, Renamon."
Chorus: But, if I'm all alone in this world, and love disappears instead of tears...
I won't hang my head, I'll fly away...
Tomorrow, I'll be closer to that dream I held... (song ends)
"Takato?"
In amazement, Takato turned to face his wife, who had a smile of serenity on her face as she approached him.
"Rika...I thought you'd be blowing off some steam to the nearest tree trunk!"
"I would Gogglehead, but I didn't want to bloody up my knuckles this early in the day."
The two of them laughed quietly at that statement before Rika grew serious.
"Takato...you know as well as I do that I'm not one for small talk, so I'm just gonna come right out and say it..."
The Tamer nodded while feeling Calumon crawl atop his head, using the goggles as leverage.
"Takato, I didn't realize this until about 2 months ago, but I wanted to be absolutely sure about this before I told you...I'm..."
A second later, Millenniummon split the skies above them in two, the Dark God Digimon grinning evilly while aiming his attacks directly at the Tamers!
Aw, man! Just when Rika was about to admit the truth, this guy shows up! The question is, how did he find them? We'll uncover the secrets, plus see some amazing battles next time on "Three Worlds Collide!"