DR: A new chapter, yeah! It's the chapter that signals my triumphant return to Fanfiction.net, and this time I'm not planning to leave anytime soon!
Terriermon: Yeah, good to know everything turned out ok. So…what now?
DR: For starters, I don't own Digimon or BlackTerriermon. For this chapter? Renamon and Rika talk about boys (namely Takato!), DC gets a visitor from another dimension, Henry is forced to fight an insanely powerful enemy with the two rabbits of hell, and Takato's dark side reaches a whole new level!
Terriermon: Whoa…that's a lot…
DR: Yes it is, so let's get moving!
Terriermon: I'll go get the food!
"FORGET THE Y2K, THIS IS MADNESS!!!"
Chapter 5
Welcome To the Nightmare
"Cyclonemon. A Dragon Man Digimon of the Champion level, Virus type. Attacks his enemies with the Hyper Heat, an extremely hot laser, and the Strength Arm, which uses to squeeze his opponents to death! Where's my partner when I need him!?"
A chilling wind blew from the west, the same direction where the sunset rays bathed the street where the Digital Fog had appeared. The young man thanked God there was nobody around, as the Digimon in front of him didn't make a pleasant sight. He crossed his arms and leaned his hands on his arms, in an effort to warm himself a little. It wasn't that cold outside, but he didn't want to take any risks. That's the reason he had chosen a completely black outfit. Shirt, pants, shoes, everything matched with his dark hair. He even had a cool-looking headband around his forehead. He looked at Cyclonemom, who simply scanned the strange surroundings. He was obviously not familiar with the idea of merging. Sights like that one made the young man consider his reasons to fight.
He knew he had to delete the Digimon, but…did the Digimon really deserve it? Stop thinking nonsense! You know he won't think twice before attacking you. You know it's him or you……well, actually, without a partner, it's just you…
The man sighed in defeat. Without his partner, there was pretty much nothing he could do, which brought the question of his partner's whereabouts. He's never left by himself this long…he could at least leave a note…
Focusing his sight on the Digimon threat, he noticed that Cyclonemon was sniffing the air. "He's probably looking for other Digimon." He said to himself. Finally, the dragon Digimon looked at him. The young man hid pretty well the fact that his heart was beating faster, and simply looked back.
"Data……must have…data……" The Digimon said as he menacingly began to approach the human. The boy sweatdropped in response. "He-hey, I'm not a Digimon!"
"You sure smell like one…" the Digimon replied.
Oh great, now I have BlackTerriermon's stench all around me…
"Hyper Heat!"
"Hey!" The boy ducked just in time to avoid the powerful beam, which ended up burning a nearby tree. Considering the options he had, the young man chose the most reasonable: run as if there were no tomorrow. If I don't get out of here, there WON'T be a tomorrow for me!
I must point that the boy was in excellent shape, he just didn't have a chance against a Digimon. Eventually, he got caught (what, don't tell me you expected him to just run away to safety!?)
The Digimon swiped him away with his right arm, sending the human who smelled like Digimon towards the sidewalk. Cyclonemon continued his attack before the boy could even get up.
"Strenght Arm!" The young man found himself being crushed against the Digimon's massive body.
Well, I guess this is the end…BlackTerriermon, I'll haunt you until the day you die, it's a promise!
His body quickly went numb, and his eyes began to close very slowly. The light was getting closer and closer…but it never reached him.
"Hey, you big ugly dragon wannabe! Why don't you fight someone your size!?"
Cyclonemon immediately dropped the boy, who fell to the street with a loud thud. Ignoring the pain, the young man looked around to see his savior. It was a Patamon. Someone his size? I'll keep my comments on that one.
"Hyper Heat!" Cyclonemon shouted, and the powerful beam was launched from his only eye. Well, at least he gave me enough time to run…
But the attack never hit its target. Patamon disappeared right before the beam made contact with him. No, he didn't disappear…he's just moving very fast…
"A speed card, maybe?" he said to himself. He received a shock when someone replied.
"No, it's not a speed card. It's the result of years of fighting experience."
Meanwhile, Patamon was toying with Cyclonemon. Being smaller and faster, he could easily hit the Virus type. However, the multiple barrages of Boom Bubbles didn't seem to affect Cyclonemon at all. And the boy, whom we shall call DC from now on, made sure to the Tamer besides him. It was a tall, blonde man, in his late twenties. His clear cerulean eyes glowed with a fierce determination, as he watched the battle in front of him. He couldn't see much of his outfit, as a green cape covered his entire body. But he could see the Tamer had no Digivice. Instead, he had a strange artifact attached to his right wrist. When the blonde man heard DC's comments about Patamon's weakness, he replied with a chuckle.
"Yeah, we haven't been able to do something about that. Guess we'll have to try something else."
Stepping forward, the blonde shouted loud enough for his partner to hear. "Patamon, try Wing Slap!"
The Digimon didn't waste a second and proceeded to deal blow after blow with his small wings. DC wondered how something that small could deal so much damage to a champion Digimon. The blonde Tamer smiled again. "It's the speed. The faster the blow, the harder it hits. Actually, Cyclonemon has received four or fives times more hits than those we are able to see."
DC looked again, to realize the other Tamer was right. Patamon had disappeared to be replaced with an orange blur which was slowly destroying Cyclonemon. Finally, the attack broke through the Champion's last defenses, fragmenting him into tiny data bits which floated until they mixed with the autumn sky. Patamon, who didn't look tired at all, flew to his resting place on the blonde's head.
"I guess I have to thank you, mister…Takaishi?" DC joked, noticing how the blonde man reminded him of the character from the TV show. The Tamer displayed a broad smile, revealing two sets of perfectly aligned teeth.
"You're welcome, DC."
*****Hypnos Building*****
"So…how are we going to do this?" Ryo asked. It hadn't been long before the rest of the Tamers arrived, each one bringing their respective partners along. They had all noticed Rika's absence, of course, but the look on Takato's face and the Digital Hazard symbol on the Omnivice's screen told them to keep their mouths shut. The Hypnos computer displayed the same message again and again, and it was driving everyone insane.
"First, we need to regain control of the system." Yamaki said, everyone else agreeing with him. Takato did not waste any time. Taking out his USB cable, he connected the Omnivice to the Main Computer, the same way he had done it the last afternoon. Daneel then realized it had been Takato who broke into the Hypnos system, but decided to keep his mouth shut…temporarily.
Takato pressed a few buttons on the Omnivice, and a file transfer began. A minute later, the black screen with the message disappeared, to be replaced with the normal blue screen of the Hypnos radar. However, there was a slight change. A huge, crimson Digital Hazard symbol covered an important part of the screen.
"That's the best I can do. As long as the Digital Hazard stays activated, the computers will work."
"I can't believe this…depending on a virus……" Yamaki growled.
"The Digital Hazard is not a virus!" Takato said angrily, the symbol on the Omnivice growing in intensity.
"What is it, then?" Janyuu wondered. Takato pondered the question for second, while he slowly calmed himself down.
"It's…a lifestyle…a protocol……a behavioral pattern which affects both humans and Digimon." And I'm its Ultimate expression. Did I create the Digital Hazard, or maybe…did it create…me?
"Takato……" Daneel interrupted Takato's meditation, pointing to the middle of the room. "Please follow me."
Takato walked alongside Daneel and Guilmon, followed by the rest of the team. Daneel asked Takato to sit down on the movable platform Riley and Talley usually used to monitor the Digital World. Daneel then proceeded to connect several sensors and cables to Takato's body, while a huge helmet-like thing automatically placed itself on Takato's head. Takato didn't seemed to be bothered by the strange artifacts, but it was hard to tell, since his hardened expression hadn't disappeared since the afternoon.
"This looks like one of those VR machines." Henry commented. Daneel smirked in response.
"It is pretty much like a Virtual Reality Simulator. It will give Takato a virtual figure while connected. And I hope it will allow us to keep in touch with him while he's in there."
The machine raised itself up high, but Takato didn't have the chance to admire the sight, as the helmet covered his eyes, clouding him in absolute darkness. "Hmm, it's kind of dark in here." He complained.
"It won't be as soon as we connect the interface…huh?"
"What?" Yamaki asked. Daneel shook his head. "It asks for a password…Takato, which is the password!?"
Password? Takato wondered. Ruki, what's that about a password?
Beats me. Guess you'll have to think of one…
Takato sighed. If he weren't so high above everyone else they would have been able to see a faint blush forming on his cheeks. Ruki, you know the magic word.
Yeah, yeah…love-crazed moron…
Hey!
After Ruki created the password (four letters: make a guess!), Daneel was able to finish the connection process. "Well…here we go!"
A blinding light filled the room, and Takato left to his newest adventure…or misadventure, should I say?
*****Back to our dimension*****
"Where's BlackTerriermon!? I demand to know!"
Takeru laughed as he heard DC's request. "YOU are demanding ME!? Ha! I thought you had better modals."
"This is not about modals! It's about MY partner, okay!?"
"At least you could be a little more respectful to the one who saved your life, you know?"
The blonde man continued walking through the middle of the empty street, until he found a bench. Once he had sat down, he relaxed and enjoyed the clear autumn air. Patamon, who had stayed on Takeru's head all the time, released a loud yawn before falling asleep. He didn't need to listen to the conversation, as he already knew everything that was going to be discussed. Takeru asked DC to sit next to him, but the younger Tamer wasn't in the mood to enjoy the relaxing moment. After five minutes of uncomfortable silence, DC insisted again.
"TK, could you PLEASE tell me where my Digimon is!?"
"He's fine, don't worry. And my name's Takeru. Got it?"
DC gulped as he realized the truth behind TK's words. People change, and the Takeru Takaishi he had in front of him wasn't (couldn't) be the TK he had "met" in the Digimon TV show. It had been enough of a shock to discover that the Digimon TV show was real…in another dimension, that is.
"Where is he?"
"BlackTerriermon? I can't tell you where he is. He'll tell you when he comes back." If he comes back, that is…
DC sighed. "When will he return?"
"That doesn't depend on me, or him, for that matter. I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but…" It's better this way…you'd be even more worried if you knew what he's getting into. I guess it all depends on Takato now…
Takeru looked at his interviewer, who now seemed more interested in the strange artifact TK had on his right wrist. It looked like a watch, but it didn't display the time. It was mostly green with a black square in the middle. Pauline…
Yes, Takeru?
Activate…
Suddenly, a bright green light filled the entire area. When it faded, the watch had been replaced with the device DC had seen when Patamon was battling Cyclonemon. Takeru smiled with the smile of someone who's showing everyone the newest toy.
"This is the Omnivice. The Emerald Omnivice, to be precise."
"Emerald…Omnivice?"
"It's the Ultimate Digivice, my friend. It has the capabilities of the previous designs, but it also includes add-ons that make the Tamer who wields this artifact the strongest one."
"Whoa…can I get one of those?"
TK laughed while he shook his head. "Sorry, but only the Enlightened Ones have the possibility to wield the Omnivice."
"Okay, now you totally lost me."
TK smiled again, his smile being a small reminder of his first years as a Digi-Destined. I used to be so happy, so cheerful……but it happened……
Shaking away the unpleasant thoughts, he continued. "There are only two Omnivices working right now. This, the Emerald Omnivice…" he said, pointing to his wrist. "…and the Ruby Omnivice, which belongs to Takato Matsuki."
DC was in shock. "THE Takato Matsuki!? From the TV…whoa…do you know him?"
TK shook his head. "Never had the pleasure. Besides, you have to understand we belong to different realms. Remember the quadrant theory?"
"The one about the Digital World being divided in…"
"…four quadrants, each one governed by a Sovereign, yes. As you know, I was born in a realm directly connected to the Eastern Quadrant, which is protected by…"
"…Azulongmon." DC completed.
"Yes, Azulongmon. Takato and the original Tamers were born in the realm directly connected to the Southern Quadrant. Zhuquiaomon's quadrant." DC nodded.
"The Northern quadrant is governed by Ebonwumon. Tamers are extremely rare in that place, and I've only had the chance to meet one of them." TK chuckled as the memories filled his mind. "An interesting experience, hanging with those two."
"Huh?" DC wondered. TK shook his head. "Forget it. Finally, there's Baihumon's quadrant. Small armies of what they call 'Guard Tamers' protect that realm. Tamers have reached a military level in that place. I don't think it's the best idea, but it has worked so far."
"What about this realm?" DC wondered. TK smiled. "Good question. This plane of reality is not directly connected to the Digiworld. It shouldn't be connected to the Digital World at all! Actually, the appearance of Gates in this world is partially my fault."
"Say again?"
"After the Tamers from the Southern Quadrant defeated the AI known as D-Reaper, a large amount of Digital space was left unoccupied. It seems like
D-Reaper took possession of vast areas of the Digital World, and transformed them into a completely different realm, called the D-Reaper Zone. After D-Reaper was destroyed, the D-Reaper Zone was emptied. Me and my comrades…"
"…comrades?"
"…don't ask. Anyway, we ignored the D-Reaper Zone, thinking that it would delete itself with time. Instead, it looked for a way to merge with the highest amount of data it could find: the Digital World. That's how the D-Reaper Zone merged with the Southern Quadrant, expanding its original area. For that reason, it was able to connect and influence other realms, like this one."
"Hmm…that's very confusing, you know?"
"I never expected you to understand it, DC. Now, if you excuse me, I have to leave."
TK got up without a warning and proceeded to leave. "Wait! There's so much I want to ask you!" DC insisted. TK smiled and raised his right index finger.
"Just one more question."
"……that five minute epilogue at the end of Digimon 02……"
"The writers said it was 25 years after Malomyotismon's fall. It's only been fourteen years."
"So it hasn't happened yet…that means it could change! That means Tai could still end up with Sora, and Davis with Yolei!"
TK laughed, shaking his head once again. Suddenly, his face became grim and filled with sadness. DC could see terrible grief in those cold cerulean eyes. TK spoke in a barely audible voice. "Sora Takenouchi and Matt Ishida got married in March 14, 2007. They've been married for nine years already. No children…yet."
"Aw, nuts!"
"Ken Ichijouji and Yolei Inoue became husband and wife on January 7, 2012. They had a baby girl a year ago. Davis was the best man…and he's now the girl's godfather."
"I see…what about Tai and Davis?"
"That makes two questions." TK complained. "Davis manages the biggest restaurant group in the world. Everybody who's someone has eaten at one of Davis' restaurants. I've heard he's dating a top model, but I'm not sure about that. After all, it's Davis we're talking about." TK explained, a smile slowly returned to his face. "As for Tai, well……he's…"
TK's grim look said something to DC. "What's wrong?"
TK remained silent for a few seconds before answering. "Tai……he deserved better. Much better."
TK left as he said those words. "Hey, wait! What happened to Tai!?" DC shouted, but to no one. TK had simply disappeared. Vanished. Gone. DC was left in the middle of the street, bathed by the gentle moonlight, his mind now clouded with more questions than before. And he still didn't know where his partner was.
*****The Internet*****
Takato had watched the Digimon Movie "Our War Game", so he knew exactly where he was. Yet still, he couldn't believe it.
"Takato…Takato, can you hear me?" Yamaki's voice echoed directly in his head. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here." He replied, in a rather angry tone of voice. He was still under the Hazard's control. He was completely focused in the sight in front of him, and he wasn't in the mood for interruptions. A big black shadow could be seen in the distance. At first, he thought he was approaching the figure. It took further examination for him to realize the thing was actually moving in his direction, too. It wasn't long before Takato got a better view of his "opponent".
Takato couldn't measure how similar to the D-Reaper this new entity was. As their former enemy, it was nothing but a mass of strange data, collapsing and squirming and bubbling and making strange sounds. D-Reaper used to delete on contact, so Takato wasn't going to take the risk with this new one. But he could sense the thing had no good intentions, so it had to be destroyed. It was then when an important realization fell on him like a rain of icy cold water. In the rush of getting things over……he hadn't taken Guilmon with him.
"Hmm……Daneel……how am I supposed to fight this guy without a partner?"
Daneel didn't have time to answer before the thing began to move faster and faster, reorganizing its "mass" to make a shape. Takato watched how the thing got arms and legs and how a head popped out of the upper part. It had taken a human shape. It had taken Takato's shape.
Well, that pretty much answers your question.
*****Hypnos*****
"Yeah, I got visual!" Daneel shouted excitedly. But excitedly wasn't the precisely the word to describe the mood floating around the room. Yamaki was visibly nervous, toying with his lighter as if there were no tomorrow. Riley and Talley watched in amazement, as Daneel seemed to be the only Hypnos member working at the moment. Janyuu was looking at the young computer genius doing its job. As for the Tamers, well……Henry was busier worrying about Jeri's attitude, who by the way was worried about Rika's whereabouts. Kazu and Kenta were listening to Ryo's explanations, who silently hope he'd have a better audience. However, when Daneel announced they could now see what was going on, they all look up in unison. And what they saw released a resonant gasp from everyone.
Two Takatos, the original and a completely black version of him faced each other in the most psychedelic background they could have ever seen. Data swirled around them as air, but they were completely focused on each other. Everyone examined the dark Takato. As explained before, it was exactly like the original one, just…black. And I don't mean his clothes or something, I mean black as in pitch black skin, too. It was as if Takato had been showered with black ink. A guttural, artificial voice echoed through the speakers, as the dark Takato finally spoke.
Takato Matsuki…………I finally found you……………
"Whoa, he can make phrases now!"
"BlackTerriermon!" Henry complained as now two rabbits found shelter on his head. However, Janyuu had different thoughts about the black Digimon's comment.
"You mean he was…less intelligent before?"
BlackTerriermon nodded. Janyuu immediately looked at Yamaki, who nodded in comprehension. Daneel, who had seen the small exchange, shared their thoughts with everybody else. "So, he's been absorbing lots of data lately, huh?"
Janyuu nodded. "Yeah, that would explain the Internet anomaly. Lots of data will be deleted after this is over."
Yamaki sighed as he flicked the lighter once more. "It will take months to restore the lost data. This…thing has cost us millions of dollars."
"Wow, so you now think in dollars, huh, shademan?"
"Terriermon!"
Everybody shut up when Takato decided to reply.
"I know this is clichéd, but…" he said as he moved his right leg one step forward and clenched his right hand into a threatening fist. "……what do you want with me!?" he shouted as he returned to his original position. Heh, that must have looked dramatic…
You're pathetic, Gogglehead…
Now that I've found you……I have to test you……
"Huh? A test? Heh, should have paid more attention to Ms. Asagi then." The Tamers smirked at the comment, while Yamaki slammed his forehead against his right hand in frustration. "Stop joking, Matsuki!" he shouted even if he knew Takato wouldn't listen.
…I must know………if you're worthy!
Suddenly, the dark Takato lunged forward, tackling Takato to the ground. Everyone in Hypnos witnessed the fight, a fight you could have easily seen in the average high school yard. Both Takato's delivered punches and kicks to each other, while Takato's body shook on his chair.
"Whoa…very Matrix-y." Ryo commented. Jeri rushed towards the now battered body, while Daneel lowered the platform Takato was sat on. When it reached the ground, Jeri held Takato's hand. "Come on, Takato…you can get through this…"
At the moment Jeri touched Takato's hand in the real world, Takato in the Internet felt a strange warmth coming from his hand. What the… It was all the distraction dark Takato needed and delivered a swift blow to Takato's stomach, which sent him flying several feet away. Jeri gasped as she saw what happened. "Oh, Takato, I'm so sorry!"
"Hehehe-ouch! Henry!" Terriermon complained.
"Then stop snickering!"
"Everybody, look!" Kazu shouted, and God he looked scared. And he had a good reason. Everyone saw how the Digital Hazard sign on Takato's Omnivice flashed with increasing intensity. Takato was about to enter psycho mode.
"That was very low, huh……what's your name again?" Of course, everybody fell down anime-style after that. The dark Takato simply smiled.
I'm the Nightmare………your Nightmare………
"Well…'Nightmare'…that was way too low. I guess I'll be forced to do…THIS!"
Suddenly, a part of the surrounding area collapsed, at the same time the Omnivice flashed brightly and Takato raised his right hand. Immediately, an invisible force sent the Dark Takato flying at least five yards away. Inside Hypnos, Jeri gasped.
"How…how did he do that!?" Ryo shouted.
"Takato, no!" Daneel ordered to no avail. "He's using the Internet resources to expand the Digivice-I mean the Hazard's abilities!"
"What's that supposed to mean!?" Riley questioned.
"He's deleting even more data. He's causing more damage to the net!"
"WHAT!?" Yamaki growled. "Takato, I order you to stop right now!"
"You know he can't hear you, do you?" Daneel said softly.
Meanwhile, the Dark Takato stood up, not visibly hurt. In fact, what seemed to be a smirk covered his face.
This is clearly…unexpected……changing to phase 2. Attack…now!
Then, Takato was struck with dark bolts of energy coming from his opponent's body. The pain forced him to cry in pain, while the Omnivice radiated even more light, as the Hazard symbol grew brighter and brighter. However, Takato's "body" was unable to resist and fell to the cyber-floor, defeated. Guilmon howled in the main Hypnos room.
"Takato!"
"We have to do something!" Kenta urged. Jeri took out a handkerchief and cleaned the blood trickling from Takato's mouth. The adults, unable to know what to do, looked at the battered Tamer. In the Internet, the Nightmare looked at the fallen Takato.
Indeed…just human. You're nothing without your partner…well, I guess that means…
Without any warning, the Nightmare's hands changed into tentacles, which connected to the floor, glowing with an eerie light. The mere sight of a Takato clone with tentacles was simply unsettling.
"Now what?" Kazu said. Kenta shrugged in response. Daneel, Riley and Talley were already working in a new disturbance.
"Sir, the computer has detected a massive transference of data coming from the virus." Talley reported. Janyuu stepped forward and studied the new numbers which were appearing in the massive screen. This…this is…it can't be…
"This code is awkwardly similar to the original Digimon code we created!"
Everyone looked at him, noticing that by 'we' he meant the Monster Makers, the Wild Bunch. Henry sighed, as the confusion got the most of him. "Are you sure?"
Janyuu nodded. "I can't be wrong. I could recognize this algorithm anywhere."
"Okay, but…" Ryo continued. "…what does it mean?"
"It means…he's creating a Digimon."
Suddenly, the room went red, as the alarms went off. Uneasiness filled everyone's minds as Daneel explained the reason of the alarm.
"Sir, an incredible amount of energy is invading this place. The virus has taken over the systems. The Hazard won't hold it any longer!"
"Damn…" Yamaki let go, ignoring any female presence. "…what is it planning now?"
It would be Guilmon the one who answered that question. Sniffing the air, he walked towards an edge of the room. "I smell…a Digimon. Takato, I'm going to help you!" he shouted at the same moment a Gate opened right in front of him!
"A Gate!? Guilmon, wait!" Henry shouted as he rushed to stop the reptile Digimon. As he grabbed it by the tail, the gate's force pulled him inside. "What the!? Help!"
"Henry!" Jeri and Janyuu shouted at the same time. Terriermon jump to help his Tamer, but his small mass wasn't enough against the Gate.
"Buddy!" BlackTerriermon shouted as he tried to grab Terriermon's ears, but he ended up swallowed by the Gate, too. Before anyone else could try anything else, the portal closed itself, taking one human and three Digimon with it.
"This is bad. This is very, very bad!" Kenta said before uncomfortable silence filled the room. Jeri's quiet sobs were the only sound that invaded the chaotic place.
*****Rika's House*****
Making her way to Rika's house was never a problem for Renamon. She had memorized Shinjuku in a matter of days, and since then she was free to wander wherever she wanted. That's why she was able to arrive before her Tamer. Patiently waiting inside Rika's bedroom, Renamon prepared herself for what would be a delicate conversation. She knew Rika just a little too well. The door was suddenly opened by the female Tamer, who stood in surprise at the sight of Renamon.
"Re…Renamon!? What!?"
"Rika, we need to talk."
Rika didn't have to be a genius to understand Renamon's intentions. "No, we don't!"
"Yes, we do. Sit down."
Rika was unable to explain what forced her to sit down, maybe it was the fact that Renamon was a powerful Digimon while she was just a puny human, or maybe it was something in the way she said it. Renamon was her Digimon partner, but at the moment, the vulpine Digimon was in control. Renamon sat down after Rika.
"Tell me what's wrong, Rika."
"What's wrong!? You know exactly what's wrong!? HE'S WHAT'S WRONG!?"
"Takato?"
"Yes, Takato!" Rika said, noticing a second too late that she had said his name. Making sure to be more cautious from then, she continued. "He's just so…annoying! With his goody-goody-two-shoes attitude and he's so selfish, and stubborn, and just plain stupid!"
"Are you sure we're talking about the same Takato? Because I know he's a nice person, but he's not selfish or stubborn." And definitely not stupid…
Rika looked at the floor. Renamon had hit on the right nail. "This isn't about him, right? This is about you, Rika."
A pair of sharp vulpine eyes met two violet orbs. "This is about you and your sense of pride. You feel he's better than you, and you think it's unfair."
Rika remained silent. Renamon continued. "Rika, if you expect me to deny that affirmation, then you're wrong. He IS better than you."
Rika's eyes widened. That's exactly what she had feared the most. She hated to admit the truth, but it would be even worse if someone used it against her. But Renamon of all people? Rika felt hurt and betrayed. However, it was the truth, and she knew it.
"I don't know if it's fair or not." Renamon continued. "Maybe it's unfair, as we've been a team for longer, and we have much more battling experience. Maybe it's unfair because you're one of Japan's Top Players of the Digimon Card Game, the Digimon Queen, they call you. But there's one thing I can tell you: Takato's abilities are unique. They go beyond being a Card Master, or a Digimon Tamer, in fact." And a human like you just doesn't stand a chance against him…
Rika looked at her Digimon, a puzzled expression on her face. She had noticed Renamon was talking to herself, as the Data Digimon was looking at the ceiling in deep meditation. However, Rika found her words quite interesting, so she paid utmost attention.
"There are big things in store for Takato. Very big things. So overwhelming that maybe he won't be able to resist, no matter how skilled he is…however, 'they' have very high expectations about what's to become of him. After all, 'they' say Takato is the most powerful of the Enlightened Ones…"
"Enlightened Ones…?"
Renamon realized she had said a little too much. "Huh? Forget it…what I wanted to say was…well……that you must let pride behind. It's not like Takato has become better than you on purpose. It's been a matter of circumstances. You should talk to him. Everything could be solved if you too just talked."
"But…but…tell me more! You know something about Takato, and I demand to know!"
Demand? Rika…you're demanding……me? Ha!
"I've said more than enough. Now it's up to you. And you've said his name twice already."
Rika growled in annoyance. "Grrr…it's all his fault! Gosh, that Gogglehead…he…he……he drives me crazy!"
Renamon twitched. "Did you just say what I think you said?"
"NOT IN THAT WAY, RENAMON!" Rika shouted, trying to hide the faint blush rapidly forming on her cheeks. Renamon stood up in front of Rika and helped her Tamer get up. "He must be fighting right now, you know?"
"So what? If he's that strong, he can handle things by himself. Besides, it's way past midnight. I should be sleeping right now."
Renamon didn't want to argue, but she had to insist. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Good night, Renamon."
Renamon sighed. "Good night, Rika." I have a very bad feeling about this……
*****The Digital World*****
"Henry…Henry, get up……Henry…"
"Hmm, Jeri? Jeri……"
"What!? Do I have a girl's voice or what!? That's it! It's time for the cuchi-cuchi strike!"
"Haahahaha! Stop it! It tickles! Please, Terriermon!"
"Now that's better. Get up already, will ya!?"
Henry Wong slowly got up, swiping away the dust on his orange vest and his pants. Terriermon and BlackTerriermon looked at him with funny looks. They were obviously thinking about the next silly sentence to say. Henry ignored them and looked around, surprised. That part of the Digital World was badly damaged. It looked like a wasteland in the middle of a thunderstorm. However, something else worried him.
"Where's Guilmon?"
"That friend! He totally ignored us and went by himself, sniffing like crazy and mumbling incoherencies!" Terriermon replied. Henry sweatdropped.
"Well, we're following him. We have to stay together, you know?"
"Say that to him!" BlackTerriermon replied. This is definitely not my day… Henry thought.
Soon after that, they were following Guilmon's trace, but it was obvious that the reptile Digimon had already put quite a distance between them.
"You know what happened on the year of 1999?" Henry commented somewhere on the way.
"Hmm……nope. What?" Terriermon replied from his usual resting place. BlackTerriermon followed the duo on foot.
"Computer Makers everywhere were worried about how computers would react to the millennia change. They thought computers would reset themselves to the year 1900, instead of changing to the year 2000. Millions of dollars were spent to solve that problem. The Y2K problem, they called it."
"Oh, the Y2K? I knew about that." BlackTerriermon commented. "But…what does that have to do with this?"
"I don't know." Henry replied. "Maybe it's because the Nightmare Virus did what the Y2K wasn't able to do: create chaos among the technologic community. And it did it in record time, too."
Terriermon laughed and said the sentence that gave this story its title. "Well, forget the Y2K, this is madness!!!"
They eventually caught up with the virus type. However, that wasn't the only thing they found. Guilmon had engaged combat with the strangest creature they had ever seen, a shadow of a fallen enemy. It was composed of a black tower, 60 feet tall, on top of which rested a saucer-shaped head, eight eyes looking at the eight main directions, not counting the multiples eyes placed randomly on the tower body. However, that wasn't the main problem with this creature. The problem was the tentacles. Lots of them. Coming out of the top of the saucer head, razor-sharp tentacles attacked Guilmon mercilessly.
"What the hell is THAT!?" Terriermon shouted right next to Henry's ear, who winced in pain.
"Looks like the Nightmare is paying us a visit." Henry commented, while BlackTerriermon shivered in fear.
"Please don't tell me we have to fight that. I'm about to throw up."
"Terriermon, you know what we have to do."
"But that thing's disgusting!"
"Terriermon…"
"Aw…alright……but I at least deserve a banana split after this!"
Bio-merge, activate!
MATRIX EVOLUTION
"Terriermon, digivolve to……MegaGargomon!"
After a long hiatus, the giant dog-tank was back to scene. Henry felt the energy, the power flowing within him, and realized something very precious: he had missed it. If I feel like this, I wonder how Takato feels after bio-merging…
But there was no time to ponder thoughts, as Guilmon wasn't precisely on the winning side against the Nightmare. BlackTerriermon, meanwhile, quickly retreated to the best hiding place available. Better let the heroes do their job, huh?
"Mega Barrage!"
MegaGargomon didn't want to waste anytime. He released his full arsenal against the Nightmare, attacking with his seemingly endless supply of missiles, none of them missing their target. Dust and debris filled the place while MegaGargomon and Guilmon retreated. When the smoke cleared, a visibly hurt Nightmare appeared, some of its eyes destroyed as green ooze flowed out of them. "Ok, now I'm gonna throw up!"
"Terriermon!"
However, the remaining eyes were fixed on Henry, and the multiple tentacles went crazy, as if they were swatting invisible flies.
"Hmm…I guess he's about to attack…"
"Henry, may I remind you we're a walking fortress, making us as slow as a turtle using crutches?"
"This isn't good…"
*****Hypnos*****
Renamon didn't arrive in the best moment. She arrived just in time to witness how MegaGargomon was continuously pierced by the Nightmare's multiple tentacle blades, while Jeri cried in Janyuu's arms. Ryo clenched his fist in anger, while Kazu and Kenta trembled in fear. Yamaki and the Hypnos staff preferred to look down, unable to do something else. Renamon looked at the Internet screen, where a seemingly unconscious Takato still lied on the
Cyber-floor, while the Dark Takato (from now on referred as the N-Nightmare) controlled the giant monstrosity with his tentacle-shaped hands.
"We have to do something!" Kazu stated.
"There's nothing we can do!" Ryo exclaimed. "We can't open the Gate to the Digital World!"
"But he doesn't stand a chance, Ryo!"
"…………"
Renamon looked at the limp body of Takato Matsuki, his face still covered with the VR Helmet. Takato could open a Gate… Renamon thought, but she didn't know if it was safe to try to wake up Takato. Takato, get up…we need you…Henry needs your help…anything will do...heck, even the Hazard will do, but Takato, please get up!
*****The Internet*****
"Get up…get up…get up…vessel…get up…keeper…"
But I'm so tired…
"Get up…vessel……get up, and release me……get up, and reveal the apocalyptic truth………"
Huh? Shut up, I'm tired……stop talking nonsense……who are you, anyway?
"I am you. I am the 'Son of Destruction'. I am what you could be…and what you already are…"
……who are you?
"I am……the Chaos."
Takato slowly opened his eyes and met the light. So artificial, inorganically created……he remembered where he was. He remembered he was in the Internet, and why he was there. And suddenly he remembered…the Nightmare...
It was a word he wouldn't forget. His fist clenched, his anger increasing, Takato ignored the overwhelming pain and slowly got up. It didn't take long before the N-Nightmare noticed him. Impressive…definitely impressive…phase one, completed. Proceeding to phase two…
"I'd clap if I could. Your persistence is admirable, Takato Matsuki…"
"Shut up…" Takato said, then noticed the tentacle hands. "Now what are you plotting?"
The N-Nightmare smiled. "Me? I'm just having a little fun with your friends."
"Huh? Wha-what are you doing to them!?" Takato demanded, his blood boiling at the mere thought of something bad happening to his friends.
"Why don't you see by yourself?" N-Nightmare responded, at the same time a small screen appeared right in front of Takato, whose eyes widened at sight of MegaGargomon and Guilmon being beaten by the D-Nightmare. However, there was a third fighter being annihilated by the giant virus. A golden female warrior wielding a golden staff…
"No! Rika!"
*****Hypnos*****
"Huh?" Daneel was unable to say another word as he checked both screens. In one, MegaGargomon and Guilmon were falling prey of the tentacle blades. In the other one, Takato watched how MegaGargomon, Guilmon AND Sakuyamon were falling prey of the tentacle blades.
"What could this possibly mean?" Daneel wondered, looking at Renamon, almost as if he needed to make sure she was still there, next to Takato's body. Then, he looked at the Internet screen. At the N-Nightmare, to be precise. What is he up to now…?
Everyone else was just as puzzled as Daneel, watching the inexistent Sakuyamon fight the D-Nightmare. Trying to discover the Nightmare's hidden intentions, they listened carefully when the N-Nightmare spoke. However, it didn't take much thinking for Jeri to realize the Nightmare's plan.
Oh, my God! He's provoking Takato!
*****The Internet*****
"Look at them, Takato. My Digimon form, the D-Nightmare, is invincible! Your pathetic Digimon friends can't stop me, as it is I who controls him. I have the total sight of the environment! I can predict their movements, their intentions, which attacks they'll use! What can you do, Takato Matsuki? Can you do something else but watch your friends suffer the immense power of the nightmare I have created just for them? Can you stand it? Watching your Digimon partner, Guilmon, call your name in desperation? Watching your best friends, the one you love as a brother, be unable to evade my powerful attacks?"
Takato was listening to every word, and his anger increased every second. He couldn't stand that "I'm invincible" attitude, and he couldn't stand how he seemed to enjoy the pain he was causing to his friends. In Takato's mind, that simple fact made the Nightmare Virus worse than the D-Reaper. He didn't care about what'd happen. He just let the anger invade him. He allowed his blood to boil freely, and inject his eyes with a tainted crimson. He allowed his fists to tighten to the point of making his hands bleed. He allowed every single of the Nightmare's words to be processed, and let his anger reach a new level.
"I am you. I am the 'Son of Destruction'. I am what you could be…and what you already are…"
*****Hypnos*****
Rika breathed heavily as she rushed inside the Hypnos main room. Unable to sleep, she had rushed there when she realized her partner was gone. She had expected a warmer welcome, maybe a "Rika, you're back!" or a "Thank God you're here!", but they were obviously too busy watching the giant computer screen. All the eyes were fixed on the Digital World cam, where MegaGargomon and Guilmon were fighting the most bizarre thing she had ever seen. Guess I've lost quite a bit of the story…
Then she looked at the other screen, and she gasped. It was then when everyone realized her presence.
"Rika, you're back!" Jeri cried in excitement.
"Thank God you're here!" Kazu and Kenta exclaimed at the same time. But the look on Rika's face forced them to check the Internet cam. And everyone else gasped, too. Maybe the N-Nightmare hadn't noticed it, but Takato's Hazard was reaching a new level. Rika walked next to Renamon, who looked at her with a worried look.
"Rika, you look pale."
"What's……what's going on here!?"
"I…I don't know……" And to be honest…I'd rather not want to know……
*****The Internet*****
"Can you stand it? Watching your precious Rika cry in pain? They're going to die, and there's nothing you can do……"
"Shut up!"
"So you want me to stop, huh? Why, Takato? Is it that painful to realize you're useless?"
"Shut up!!!"
"Listen, Takato. Listen to their pain. Guilmon's pain, Henry's pain, Terriermon's pain………Rika's pain…"
"SHUT UP!!!!!!"
That was it. The drop that filled the glass. He had gone too far, and now he had to pay. Takato let go a piercing battle cry as his body tensed and released the energy stored within him. Leomon's death and the incident at Zhuquiaomon's lair (N/A: Check OmniTamer for more info!) weren't even close to what he felt in that moment. Suddenly, the whole net started to collapse. Data disappeared at an increasing pace around the now confused N-Nightmare. Electricity flowed out of Takato's body as he let the darkness take full control of him. He didn't care about the cost; he didn't care about the consequences. He just had to destroy the Nightmare. Before the Nightmare could even react, he was covered by darkness. He looked at Takato, who looked back with a wicked grin that would have sent a shiver through anyone's spine.
"Now who's laughing, Nightmare? Can you stand THIS?"
"Wha-wha-what are you!?"
"I am the Angel of Death. Yours, to be precise."
But Takato was far from done. His grin grew even wider when he looked at the message displayed on Ruki's screen.
*****The Digital World*****
HAZARD EVOLUTION
"BlackTerriermon, digivolve to…BlackGargomon! BlackGargomon, digivolve to, BlackRapidmon!"
A black android Digimon pushed Guilmon away from the lethal blades, and blocked one aimed straight to MegaGargomon. He didn't know how he had digivolve, but he felt immensely powerful. There's a God out there, that's for sure…
"I guess…I owe you one……" Terriermon was barely able to pronounce. BlackRapidmon looked at the beaten Mega Digimon. "No prob, buddy. Now, Guilmon, why can't you be a little nicer and thank me, too? Huh, Guilmon?"
Guilmon wasn't paying attention to the Digimon's words. His feral look scared BlackRapidmon in a way he couldn't understand. The sight of the reptile Digimon, the saliva dripping from the mouth's side……the way his muscles tightened and he seemed to become bigger…how the ground around him cracked and shattered……"This…is definitely not good……"
MegaGargomon looked at the reptile Digimon and Henry's eyes widened. "Oh no……"
Terriermon sweatdropped, in a futile attempt to keep his composure. "Not again……what's wrong with Takato, anyway?"
"I…don't want to know…" Henry replied.
Guilmon glowed, surrounded by dark energy, and his body grew at least ten times bigger. Red wings grew on his back, and a longer tail completed the arrangements. A white armor with the Hazard symbol in the middle protected the dark dragon, while two rows of sharp teeth in a drooling mouth gave him a terrifying appearance. The Legendary Dark Dragon had returned.
"Henry, can I say it? Please, please it, let me say it!"
"Okay……say it."
"He's baaaaaaaaack……………………………….."
************************************************************************
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End of chapter 5……
DR: Hey, I'm done! Isn't it great?
Terriermon: ………I can't believe you……….
DR: Oh, don't begin with that. No trivia today just because of your attitude!
Terriermon: Aw, nuts!
DR: Okay, now that I'm officially back in business; expect the next chapters very soon!
Next chapter: Takato has officially gone psycho. How will this turn of events influence the outcome of the battle against the D-Nightmare? And what about Takato and the N-Nightmare? How will Rika react at Takato's sudden outburst? Will the Tamers live to see a new sunrise? All this in the next chapter of "Forget the Y2K, This Is Madness!!!": Searching for Light
Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)