DR: Once again, we meet for a new chapter!
Henry: *sarcastic* yay…
DR: What? We're in the holidays, be happy!
Henry: You just love playing with our emotions, don't you?
DR: Call it a hobby of mine. Anyway, I don't own Digimon, which includes this pathetic excuse of a muse over here. Now…where's Terriermon?
Henry: You know where he is…
DR: The fridge…why do I even bother asking? Well, let's go to chapter 6, where Takato kicks some booty, just to be beaten too; Henry has a close encounter of the Megidramon type; the Nightmare reveal its newest plot to "test" poor Gogglehead; and this very Gogglehead, now with the aid of his Tamer friends, prepares a counter-offensive against their newest enemy. Enjoy!
"FORGET THE Y2K, THIS IS MADNESS!!!"
Chapter 6
Searching For Light
"So, what now, oh great partner of mine?"
"Don't ask me!"
"Gee, what's with the grumpy mood all of a sudden?"
"I blame destiny, my Digimon partner, and my best friend."
Terriermon gulped. Obviously, Megidramon's appearance hit a string in his Tamer's head. Not that he enjoyed the virus dragon's appearance, of course. Megidramon had been a experience he'd rather forget. However, the memories seemed to return to faster too fast to his liking. BlackRapidmon looked at the dark dragon, too, even if it took him longer to recognize him from one of the TV show's chapters. "Uh oh…" was all he managed to say.
"Couldn't have said it better…" Terriermon replied from MegaGargomon's massive body.
"So…what now?" BlackRapidmon asked. Terriermon knew the answer to that just too well.
"Well, if he attacks the Nightmare, we take the chance and retreat. If he attacks us, well…we run as if there were no tomorrow."
"I'd rather call it a strategic retreat." Henry commented.
"Call it whatever you want."
As for the dark dragon Digimon, he simply floated there, breathing heavily, as if the evolution process had been exhausting and painful, something Henry would definitely agree with. He knew Guilmon didn't enjoy becoming that…thing, either. Megidramon scanned its surroundings, trying to realize what he was doing there. Not that it really matter, though. He was born to destroy, and that was something he could do no matter where he was. Who would he fight first?
But he wouldn't be the one to make the decision. Suddenly, a swarm of tentacles attempted to surround him, but a swift move of his wings allowed him to fly to safety. It didn't take him long to discover the one who had dared to attack him. Of course, it was time to counterattack. Opening his mouth to charge his fiery power, he prepared his most powerful strike. Henry quickly realized the dragon's intentions.
"Holy crap! Full back, everyone!"
MegaRapidmon easily moved away, but the exhausted and slower MegaGargomon didn't move in time.
"Megiddo Flame!"
Flames erupted from Megidramon's mouth and engulfed both MegaGargomon and the D-Nightmare. MegaRapidmon could just watch until the flames stopped, but it was too late then. An unconscious Henry and a barely alive Terriermon were the first he saw, soon to be followed by an unscathed
D-Nightmare. Yes, there were bruises, and some more eyes were gone, but nothing much else.
"Is there a way to defeat that thing!?" MegaRapidmon wondered as he picked up his friends. He didn't need to be asked twice, as he hastily retreated, leaving the two dark creature to deal with each other.
*****The Internet*****
Takato growled. Megidramon's attack had done almost nothing to the D-Nightmare. The N-Nightmare laughed loudly.
"See? It's useless! Don't you understand the D-Nightmare doesn't feel any pain, as it is nothing more than an inanimate object? I'm the one in control, and there's no way you can defeat my superior powers! This new Digimon may be strong, but without any brains, there's nothing much he can do."
The N-Nightmare continued his maniacal laughter until he noticed the wicked grin on Takato's face. "What's so funny, Matsuki?"
"What you just said…to defeat that thing…I just have to kill you…"
"You say it as if it were that easy……what can a mere human do against me!?"
"That's your mistake…a deadly mistake, actually."
"Huh?"
"I'm more than a mere human!!!"
With that said, Takato proceeded to channel all of the Hazard's power within him. Once again, the whole place started to rumble, leaving the N-Nightmare in a temporary shock. That moment was enough for Takato to deliver a surprise attack, dashing towards the Nightmare at surprising speed, using his open hand to pierce through the Nightmare's body. The dark Takato cried in terror when Takato moved the hand inside his body, trying to reach an inexistent heart. Both Takato looked at each other, one in panic, the other in triumph, as Takato released the full blow of dark energy right inside the Nightmare's body, canceling the Hazard's effect and destroying the N-Nightmare. However, the same strategy that gave Takato the victory marked his demise, as his right hand, trapped inside the Nightmare's body, didn't allow Takato to escape before the whole Internet exploded in a burst of dark energy. Light and darkness merged into one, and Takato faded away into the realm of the unconscious, a single sentence echoing in his exhausted mind.
"I am……the Chaos."
*****Hypnos*****
The helmet automatically moved itself up, revealing Takato's face. His eyes were closed, signaling the level of exhaustion he had reached in the battle. His Omnivice no longer displayed the Hazard sign, but the sound coming from the computers revealed that Megidramon was still rampant in the Digital World. Takato slowed opened his eyes, adjusting them to the new illumination. The only thing he wished for was a warm, comfy bed. However, Rika wouldn't allow him to rest just yet.
"YOU IDIOT!!!!!"
Takato raised his head to meet Rika's angered face. Her cheeks were red, but Takato could tell she wasn't precisely blushing. Suddenly, Takato remembered what he had seen on the screen the N-Nightmare had displayed in front of him, and he remembered the reason he had gone berserk in the first place.
"Huh, Rika? How did you get here so quickly?" Then, another question popped out in his head. "How did you go to the Digiworld in the first place?"
*SMACK!*
Takato didn't even bother ask why Rika had slapped him. The looks on the other's faces revealed a truth he'd rather ignore. The fear in Jeri's face, the anger in Rika's, the disappointment in Janyuu's and Daneel's……Takato only remembered when he saw the image on the computer screen.
"Megidramon………"
Takato looked down. He didn't want to see it. The destruction he had caused, so unnecessary, so…chaotic.
"I am……the Chaos."
He gasped. "No!"
"Huh?" Ryo looked up. "What's wrong?"
Part confused, part afraid, Takato shook his head. "No…it's nothing."
Rika, who didn't care about Takato's inner problems, fixed her heated on glare on Takato. "That little pet of yours almost killed Henry and the two hell rabbits. Well, not that I care for the rabbits, but…jeez, Gogglehead, of all the stupid things you've done…"
Rika had no idea how much Takato wanted her to shut up, but he just couldn't find the words. After all, he was guilty of all charges, and there was no way he would tell Rika the TRUE reason of his psychotic outburst." I thought……
"…you were in danger……"
"Huh?"
"Nothing……just……just leave me alone…"
Physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted, Takato left the room. He needed to organize his mind; he needed to try to find the truth behind the words in his head. He then remembered something he had thought right before accessing the Internet. Did I create the Digital Hazard, or maybe…did it create…me?
"I am……the Chaos."
Takato shook the voice again. Am I truly…evil?
***** Somewhere……okay, it's Odaiba. Happy? *****
Takeru Takaishi took a last sip to his coffee and looked up. Sunrise was soon to arrive, and the city would be revived, as the people would wake up to live yet another day. So happy……so tranquil………so…………blind……………
He chuckled. "Oh, they have no idea…"
"Huh?" Patamon's voice echoed from his head. As usual, the winged Digimon rested on top of his head. With a loud yawn, Patamon welcomed the new day.
"What did you say?"
"Just thinking…" Takeru said, avoiding the newly arrived sunlight. "……how humans have no idea of what's going on around them……"
"I guess it's better like this." Patamon added. "If they knew what's going to happen in a few years, they'd go insane. Take into accounts that not even the Digidestined…heck, not even the Sovereigns know about the new prophecy."
Takeru sighed. "Prophecies…I'm getting sick of them, you know?"
Patamon tilted his head. "Yeah, yeah. It's not everyday you find out your destiny is sealed. It's like we have no control over our lives."
"You know that's not entirely true. Remember Takato."
"Yeah, I know…he who lives outside the Thread of Destiny, right?"
"Yep. But that's not all. Takato, as the one who develops the entire flow of destiny, influences those who live around him, and gives them a certain degree of freedom. That means everybody has control of their lives. The prophecy is just a possibility."
"A horrid possibility, bound to eventually come true." Patamon finished. Takeru sighed again.
"Well, you don't have to put it that way, Patamon."
Both human and Digimon stopped to watch a woman wearing sports clothes jogging at a fast pace through the park, right in front of them. Takeru laughed in the inside. Once the woman was out of hearing range, Takeru continued.
"For example, consider DC. He has no idea of what his partner's going through, yet he's meant to eventually face the Nightmare in a distant future. Actually, it'll be thanks to the Nightmare that he'll discover his true self."
"You've been fidgeting with the Event Matrix a little too much, huh?"
"I haven't been the only one."
"Okay, okay. It reminds me of the woman we just saw a minute ago."
"Yolei? What about her?"
"The Event Matrix says there's a 30% percent chance Ken will die during the next year."
"Yes, and the probability increases every year……it's funny, though, how such a number doesn't have anything to do with his job as a detective."
"It doesn't?"
"Nope……look, the highest percentage occurs in exactly three years……68,5%, to be precise."
"You mean……the prophecy?"
"Exactly……I think Ken will eventually meet Takato."
"That Gogglehead only brings misfortune, doesn't he?"
"It's not his fault……after all, he IS the Chaos………"
*****Back to Hypnos*****
I can't……I just can't sleep……
Takato remained motionless, staring at the grey ceiling of the infirmary. Images, traces of what had happened in the Internet slowly returned to his mind. Not very much details, just enough. Takato still couldn't believe it, no matter how many times he had gone through the same again and again.
First when Leomon died, then when I was fighting Azulongmon, and now this……what's wrong with me…? What……what am I?
"I am……the Chaos."
No! I won't accept that! I need answers!!!
"I can tell you are confused." A voice from the outside world was heard. Takato looked at the door, where Daneel looked at him with a grim look, which somehow made him look much older. The young adult sat down next to the bed Takato was lying on. The OmniTamer got up, but decided to remain seated.
"Isn't it obvious?"
Daneel smirked. "I'm no one to tell. However, I can see you're in desperate need of answers."
"Not that you can help me with that, huh?"
"I'm proud to say I know more than you, OmniTamer."
Takato looked up again, puzzled. It wasn't the first time Daneel proved to know more than he pretended to.
"Can you…help me?"
"Maybe. I only know part of the truth, anyway."
"I just…I just need to know who am I!?"
"That I cannot tell you, Takato. Discovering oneself is a challenge everyone must face on its own. The difference between you and everyone else is that your very existence has a bigger meaning than theirs."
"What……what makes me so special?"
"I'm just a human, Takato. I don't have all the answers. However, I might know someone who can help you. Please follow me."
Daneel led Takato through a series of hallways and passages, ignoring the piercing look of the staff members who recognized him as the catalyst of all the madness. It had been just one night, but Takato felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He and the Nightmare had caused so much damage to the Internet. Gigabytes of data were lost, and it would take months to fully restore the lost information. "Daneel…"
"What?" The scientist said without looking at him.
"Will I go to jail?"
Daneel chuckled. "You won't if you stop this madness."
"But that's precisely the problem!" Takato cried. "Every time I try to do something, it ends up in chaos!"
Takato froze for a second. Chaos……he was starting to hate that word. Realizing he was being left behind, Takato hurried to meet Daneel, who reached his small office. But office wasn't the word Takato would have used. Daneel had transformed those four walls in his very own private lab. Before Takato could ask, Daneel began his speech.
Six will be the enlightened ones,
Three from the light,
Three from the darkness.
"Huh?" Takato wondered. "What's that supposed to mean?" But Daneel continued, ignoring Takato's questions.
One who creates, one who rules…
One who controls, one who travels…
One who destroys……and one who brings balance.
"Those are the first two paragraphs of the Ultimate Prophecy, Takato." Daneel explained. Takato nodded.
"So that's the famous prophecy, huh?"
"I don't know the full text, as the complete prophecy is extremely long. Our leaders, the members of the Triad, only teach us what they think is necessary."
"So you do work for the Triad!"
"My liege, the Great Lord of Humans chose me to keep close watch on three certain people in Shinjuku."
"One would be me, right?" Daneel nodded. "And the other two are……"
"I can't tell you."
"Aww, nuts!"
Daneel smiled and began to check a series of papers and folders on his desk. Takato continued his interrogation.
"Who are these…'enlightened ones'?"
"Unique people, created by the Thread of Destiny to fulfill the task of maintaining the order in the universes."
"Thread of Destiny? What's that?"
"It's everything, Takato. Possibilities and events…a mixture of what could have happened, what happened and what might happen in the future. It describes every universe, and signals its path…may it be the path of life, or the path of destruction."
"Mucho metaphysical, man…" Takato commented. Daneel simply smiled back.
"You see, Takato……there's a reason for an Enlightened One to be an Enlightened One."
"Really?"
"Check this out."
Daneel activated a projector, which displayed an image on one of the white walls of the office. Takato, regardless of his young age, easily recognized the image.
"That's…DNA, right?"
"My DNA, to be precise, young Takato. As you know, DNA is as unique as every person in this world…in every world. However, as you must know, there are just as many identical people as universes. What I mean is, I'm not the only Daneel Randt there is. There are Daneel Randts in other dimensions, regardless of the different personality treats."
"So there are Daneel Randts in every dimension, right?"
"Not exactly. Maybe there's a world where I died in an accident at a young age, or maybe there are world where I don't exist at all. You know, there are dimensions where humanity simply does not exist."
"Hard to think of a world without humans…"
"Is it that hard, Takato?"
Before Takato could ponder that question, Daneel displayed a second image, revealing the strangest DNA double helix he would ever see. Green particles covered the double helix, even filling some empty spaces between the chains.
"What…what's that!? Who…who's the owner of that DNA? It's weird!"
"Really? Well, that's your beloved Rika's…"
"WHAT!?"
Daneel smirked once again. "At first I thought it was a consequence of having being to the Digital World, but further examination revealed that this…unique genetic code was innate in her structure."
"What's…what's that green thing?"
"Data. Zeroes and ones, Takato. Just like your Digimon, Rika is part data. And not just Rika, but Henry, Jeri and the rest of your friends, just in different proportion."
"Proportion?"
"Some of you have more data in your system than others…look at this."
A table showed up, revealing Takato some shocking numbers:
SUBJECT DATA PERCENTAGE
Akiyama, Ryo 21%
Katou, Jeri 15%
Kitagawa, Kenta 12%
Nonaka, Rika 20%
Shiota, Hirokazu 12%
Wong, Henry 19%
Wong, Suzie 14%
"Hey! What about me!?"
Daneel shook his head. "Are you sure you want to know?"
Takato nodded, even if he felt a lump in his throat. "Show me, please."
"Okay…" Daneel said before pressing a few buttons. Then, the number was revealed.
Matsuki, Takato 47%
*****Somewhere else in Hypnos*****
"Where is he!? Where's he!?" Jeri shouted as she walked aimlessly through the hall. Suddenly, she grabbed Kazu's shirt. "Where is he!?"
"How am I supposed to know!?" Kazu complained.
"What is he thinking, going to rest when Henry's out there!?" Jeri shouted.
Ryo chuckled. "I thought Rika was the one supposed to be all angry and noisy."
"SHUT UP, AKIYAMA!" Both females shouted at the same time.
"Okay, okay, have it your way!" Ryo concluded, smiling with that goofy smile of his. Janyuu and the other adults remained silent, or at least until Talley arrived. The blonde answered the question before it was even asked.
"He's not in the Infirmary."
Yamaki sighed. "Where the hell did he go? Does he plan to leave that rampant beast be until it gets tired, or what?"
"You know, that wouldn't be such a bad idea…" Kenta suggested, but the heated glares from everyone else told him he was better off quiet.
*****Back to Daneel's office*****
"Do you understand now, Takato? The reason you're who you are? The reason you became the OmniTamer, the reason you were chosen by the Thread of Destiny to fight for the future?"
"Hmm…no."
"You're almost as digital as you are human. Your unique design shows a fact you can't deny: you were designed specially for this task."
"de-designed?"
"Yes……you're Takato Matsuki, yes, but you are a child of the Digital World, too. It is your duty, your purpose in life."
"But what about the Hazard…the darkness…that power that makes me do…horrible things……."
"Didn't you read the prophecy? Three from the light, three from the darkness…you're not just a product of darkness, Takato, you're darkness itself."
"That's not very reassuring, you know?"
"Heh, I know, but it's the truth……you are the one who brings forth chaos and dissonance to the worlds. And that's exactly what makes you so important to this plan. As the one who brings chaos, you're the only one who can bring forth balance and harmony forever."
"I…see…"
"You are the Chaos, Takato. But you must understand that does not necessarily mean you are evil. Chaos does not have to bring misfortune. There can't be order without chaos, after all."
That was exactly what Takato needed to hear.
"You're still too young to face the Ultimate Challenge. It will take you years to understand yourself…to learn how to control those powers. Don't let it get to you, Takato. This won't be your last mistake, as next Friday's won't be the last exam you'll fail."
"Oh, crap! I haven't studied at all!"
"Consider that a reminder from Ms. Asagi. Anyway, I think you have a partner to save."
Takato nodded and proceeded to leave, this time in a much better mood.
"Takato."
Takato looked back for a last time to meet Daneel's smiling expression.
"You're not alone in this. Never forget that."
Takato smiled back and left. Daneel sighed as he watched Takato exit the room. I…guess I did my part……
He sat on his chair and turned off the projector before proceeding to write an e-mail. He had to report to his master, anyway.
*****Hypnos' Main Room*****
Jeri paced slowly around the room, waiting for news about Takato or Henry. Rika watched the girl with silent concern, because, as Ryo had put it a while before, Jeri wasn't like that at all. Everyone had good reasons to be worried, and the background sounds of the fierce battle between Megidramon and the D-Nightmare weren't very relieving. That's the main reason everyone froze when Takato re-entered the room. A moody Yamaki was the first to speak.
"Where the hell did you go!?" the blonde man growled, unable to hide his feelings. Widening his eyes when Takato ignored him, everyone watched the Gogglea-headed Tamer walk in front of his Tamer colleagues. Then, Takato looked at the screen, where Megidramon and the Nightmare were still busy with each other.
Strange…I thought the D-Nightmare would disappear after the N-Nightmare was destroyed…anyway…
"Okay……we have Megidramon, a Virus Mega Digimon, and the N-Nightmare to deal with……" Takato muttered before losing himself in deep meditation. Everyone remained silent, waiting for Takato to reach a conclusion. Finally, Takato spoke again.
"Kenta, MarineAngemon, Ryo, Monodramon and Renamon are coming with me."
"Huh?" Rika was the first to react.
"What didn't you get, Rika?" Takato said softly. He was in a very good mood, considering what he had done a few hours ago. He wouldn't let Rika's attitude ruin that.
"Did you just say Renamon was going with you?"
"Yes."
"Without me."
"Yes, without you."
"No way."
"This is my fight, Rika, and I'm gonna need Gulfmon for this. I'm taking Kenta for his Digimon's healing abilities and Ryo because Justimon's a Vaccine, hence he will be able to resist Megidramon's attacks."
"Hey, what about us!?" Kazu complained, followed by Jeri's nodding. Takato sighed.
"Even if Guardromon and Elecmon evolved, Andromon and Leomon are just an Ultimate and a Champion. I can't take any risks."
Takato's arguments couldn't be more convincing, so both Tamers had to retreat and accept the fact that they wouldn't go. Takato then looked at Ryo and Kenta, who nodded and gulped, respectively. But Rika wouldn't just give up like that.
"Renamon is not going without me!"
The aforementioned Digimon looked at her Tamer, visibly alarmed. Takato sighed again. There was no way around it, was it?
"Rika……Sakuyamon doesn't have a chance against Megidramon, and you know it."
"It's because Sakuyamon's a Data, right? Gogglehead, you should know that a Digimon battle is more than type advantages!"
"Maybe, but Megidramon not only has the type advantage. He is stronger, faster, and his attacks had a greater range than yours, and that's a lot, considering your attack's range."
Rika growled. "Well……but she's not going!"
"Rika, please…"
"You're not taking away MY Digimon!"
So that's it, Rika? Is that the reason you're so mad at him? Do you really think he's trying to separate us?
"Rika, stop being so selfish!"
"Shut up, Gogglehead!"
"RIKA!" Takato shouted, and the red-headed female moved a step back when the Hazard symbol glowed menacingly on the Omnivice's screen.
Get a hold of yourself, Takato!
Takato took a deep breath. He couldn't let something like that happen again. "Okay, you win. Renamon stays, but the two of us will have a long talk after this is over, okay?"
"……there's nothing to talk about……stupid Gogglehead……"
Takato ignored her words and walked to the center of the room. Ruki……
Long time since we talk…
Yeah, I know…anyway, I need a favor…
I know…you want me to open a Gate, don't you?
What would I do without you?
……live a normal boy's life, maybe?
Yeah, probably…
Takato waited for a few seconds before a Gate opened right in front of him. Ruki's ability to control the access to the Digital World always surprised him. Takato guessed he'd have to ask the Triad about it the next time he contacted them.
"So…what are we waiting for?"
*****Digital World*****
"Henry…get up!"
"Hmm……Jeri?"
"Hey! That makes two in a day!"
"What are you talking about, Terriermon?"
"Aww, just forget it!"
Henry opened his eyes, and woke up to experience a universe of pain. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, it hurts!"
"Henry, there's people watching you." A boy's voice reached his ears. Henry looked up and…
"YOU!!!!"
"Yeah, me. Why…!!!!!"
Takato couldn't finish as Henry closed his hands around his neck. "What the hell were you thinking!? This is all your fault!" A hysteric Henry shouted.
"Need…air…please…wait……let me go, Henry!"
While Rika laughed in the Hypnos building, Ryo and Kenta released Takato from Henry's grasp. Waiting for the brunette to calm down, Takato scanned the area with his Omnivice. BlackRapidmon had taken Terriermon and Henry to a small group of trees (too small to be called a forest) 550 yards southwest from the battle field. Wondering about Guilmon, Takato looked at the place where Megidramon was battling, his ears paying attention to the audible sound of fighting, even with the distance between them. Henry, now a little more calmed down, looked at Takato.
"What happened?"
Takato looked at his best friend. "The Nightmare……fooled me. He……encouraged me to release my hidden powers……the Chaos."
"Huh?"
"Just……just forget it. I'm…I'm sorry."
Henry got up. "Being sorry won't change things."
"I came here to change things."
"Are you going to battle Megidramon?"
"I'm planning to take both enemies at once."
"That's too dangerous, Takato." Henry mentioned. Ryo and Kenta silently agreed.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I brought Justimon and MarineAngemon…for back up, you know."
"Yes, but…I wish I could help…but I'm exhausted."
"I wasn't expecting you to fight, Henry…" Takato said. "……but I was wondering if your partner still has some energy left." Takato finished, looking at Terriermon, who immediately understood Takato's intentions.
"Let's give it a shot!" Terriermon said cheerfully. Takato smiled. "We'll never know unless we try."
Terriermon selected as partner.
MATRIX EVOLUTION
Bio-merge Activate
"Terriermon, digivolve to……"
Henry and everyone else, the Hypnos crew included witnessed the evolution, watching how Takato's data patterns merged with Terriermon's to become a powerful Mega Digimon. His metallic green body shined with newfound strength, and the two black cores on his chest and his head glowed with a mysterious light.
"……MegaRapidmon!"
Henry looked at the result of his partner's fusion with his best friend. "……what's the word……prodigious?"
"Not bad…" Ryo commented.
"Not bad? It's awesome!" Kenta replied excitedly. Ryo took out his D-Power.
MegaRapidmon, a Cyborg Digimon, Mega Level. Vaccine Type. This extremely fast Digimon, capable of reaching near light-speed acceleration at full power uses his Ultra Fire to send a barrage of homing missiles at the enemy, while the Pentagon Flare releases the accumulated power of his two cores in a powerful golden blast!
"Nice stats…let's see how you do in the battlefield." Ryo challenged the vaccine Digimon. Takato let go a simple smile. "I'm going on ahead and distract them. You should prepare a strategy to take the enemy by surprise."
However, a loud shriek stopped the machine Digimon. Takato could feel true pain that sound. "Megidramon! Something happened to him!"
Rushing to the place, MegaRapidmon arrived in less than fifteen seconds, only to witness a horrible scene. Takato remained speechless, just like the other Tamers when they arrived. "What the…?" Ryo managed to say, already merged with his partner.
The Nightmare had finally managed to trap Megidramon with its tentacles, and it was now trying to somehow eat it. Its purple body tried to envelop the dragon's body while Megidramon struggled to free himself. However, the tentacles had a strong grip on him, and it was a matter of seconds before Megidramon was completely consumed. "Let my Digimon go, you creep!" Takato shouted, but Justimon stopped MegaRapidmon before he could attack the Nightmare.
"Takato! You can't attack the Nightmare without hurting Megidramon in the process!"
Takato growled, his eyes fixed on the dragon, or at least the parts not yet swallowed. Suddenly, the indescribable happened. The Nightmare was suddenly filled by an eerie light, and the whole place began to shake.
"What's…going…on!?" BlackRapidmon shouted.
"They are…….merging?" Henry wondered. MegaRapidmon rushed to pick up Kenta and MarineAngemon, as the earthquake was a threat to them. Meanwhile, the Nightmare, as well as Megidramon, was suffering a transformation. The dragon's body changed to a dark purple, and two more wings grew on his back. The Nightmare's tentacles wrapped themselves around Megidramon's tail, binding him to the Nightmare's main body, whose saucer-shaped head had disappeared, and its body had become shorter and wider, acting as a binding chain between Megidramon and the ground. The Hazard symbol appeared on the Nightmare's structure, indicating that now the Nightmare and Megidramon were one single being. Kenta didn't waste any time and took his Digivice.
Megidramon Nightmare Mode, a Virus Dark Beast Digimon, Mega Level. Even if he lacks any agility, being stuck to the ground as he is, there's no need for him to evade the opponent's attacks, as its structure makes him a living fortress, resistant to almost any attack! His Megiddo Flare sends waves of destruction everywhere, while the Hazardous Nightmare corrupts the opponents' data with the power of darkness!
"Hmm…so…now what?" BlackRapidmon asked.
"Now we fight." MegaRapidmon replied, a tinge of worry on his voice.
"Do we really have to?" BlackRapidmon replied, and Takato remained silent. "I'll take that as a yes."
MegaRapidmon looked at Justimon. "You better be careful. We can evade his attack quite easily, but you could be in big trouble if you try to attack him."
"Did you forget who you're talking to? I'm Ryo Akiyama, Digimon Tamer Extraordinaire!"
Takato sighed. "Whatever…" He then looked at Kenta. "Kenta, be ready for some healing!"
"Sure thing!"
"And……here we go!"
Both Rapidmon flew around the massive Mega Digimon in opposite directions.
"Rapid Blades!" BlackRapidmon began slashing and tearing Megidramon Nightmare Mode, but ……
"Takato!"
"What?"
"His body regenerates faster than I can attack him!"
"What!?" Takato cried, proceeding to give it a try. "Ultra Fire!"
A barrage of rockets were launched from his arms, none of them missing their target. However, the holes left by the attacks were immediately refilled with more "flesh". Takato kept its eyes fixed on the Digimon's body. "This is great……"
"Megiddo Flare!"
Takato only saw a bright red light coming from Megidramon's mouth before an immense explosion covered everything. When the light and the dust disappeared, he saw that BlackRapidmon had reverted back to BlackTerriermon, and both Henry and Kenta lied unconscious on the ground, while MarineAngemon slowly got up and proceeded to heal them. Justimon was on his knees, struggling to get up. MegaRapidmon landed next to him, desperately needing to rest.
"So, Digimon King, how much do you give that attack in Digimon Card Game numbers?"
"A frickin' thousand…"
Takato smirked, trying to ignore the fact that his body ached just as Ryo's.
"Another blast like that one and we're goners…" Ryo commented.
"Don't worry. I think I know how to defeat him."
"In one strike? Impossible!"
"It's possible…just give me a second to rest…now, follow me!"
MegaRapidmon flew directly towards Megidramon's face, while Justimon ran as fast as he could. The Dark Beast, at the sight of the green threat flying towards him, prepared another of his Megiddo Flare attacks.
"Ryo! Run around his body and prepare your Voltage Blade!"
Ryo, still oblivious to Takato's plan, simply did as told.
*****Hypnos*****
"What is he doing? That's suicidal!" Rika shouted while she watched the screen. MegaRapidmon had positioned himself right in front of Megidramon's face, a and now his black cores glowed with a bright yellow light. Meanwhile, Justimon waited right behind the enemy, accumulating as much power as possible, and waiting for Takato's next instruction. Jeri's body was shaking with fear, while Janyuu held her, whispering reassuring words he didn't even believe. Yamaki played nervously with his lighter, while Riley looked at the screen, still as a stone. Talley tried to calm herself down…while biting her nails. Daneel, who had returned to the room soon after Takato, looked at MegaRapidmon with great attention. Renamon stood still next to Rika, looking at Takato's merged form with the same attention, just like Elecmon. Kazu remained silent, blindingly trusting his idol, Ryo Akiyama. Of course, Guardromon did the same Kazu did, that is, nothing.
"Everything will be okay." Daneel concluded.
"Oh, really?" Rika said sarcastically. "And what makes you think that, oh wise man?"
"The fact that Takato discovered the enemy's weak point. And in record time, too……impressive……"
Rika simply remained silent, and looked at the Gate opened a few feet away from her. Takato had kept it open, so that they would easily return to the same place. Rika looked at the screen, then at the Gate again……
*****Digital World*****
MegaRapidmon spread his arms and legs, and the energy accumulated in his chest core traveled to his hands, his feet and the core on his head. Megidramon opened his huge mouth, revealing an energy ball ready to be released at any moment. Now!
Suddenly, Megidramon closed his mouth. MegaRapidmon had disappeared from sight. Unable to see that the cyborg Digimon had reappeared right behind him, the powerful attack took him by surprise.
"Pentagon Flare!"
Megidramon roared in pain as the blast hit his back. Justimon then understood Takato's plan. Being stuck to the ground by the Nightmare's body, Megidramon can't turn around to counterattack…great thinking, Gogglehead…
"Should I attack now, Takato?" Justimon shouted to MegaRapidmon, who was right above him.
"Wait…a little longer……" Takato managed to reply while he released all his energy. However, Megidramon's reaction was unexpected. Twisting its body 180º like a monster from a horror movie, Megidramon revealed its open mouth (and the energy contained in it) to MegaRapidmon.
"Crap!" Terriermon managed to say. Takato reacted the best way he could. "Terriermon!!!!"
"Megiddo Flare!"
"Ultra Fire!"
The rockets entered Megidramon's mouth and exploded inside, forcing the energy contained inside to explode right there, hurting both Megidramon and MegaRapidmon. Justimon watched how the cyborg Mega Digimon fell to the ground while Megidramon continuously roared.
"Takato!"
"Jump and do a horizontal slash!" MegaRapidmon shouted back. Ryo then understood the true meaning of that sentence.
Forget about me and finish the job!
Justimon took a great impulse and jumped up as high as he could, which was quite a lot. His body reached a stop right in front of Megidramon's lower torso, and Justimon attacked.
"Voltage Blade!"
Dealing a horizontal slash like told, his blazing blade cut through the Nightmare's pillar-like body, separating both creatures with a swift accuracy. Megidramon's roar was interrupted when the Dark Dragon Digimon returned to his rookie form, Guilmon. The column-shaped N-Nightmare arched its body to one side and fell down, staying still after that. Henry and Kenta, who had woken up thanks to MarineAngemon's healing abilities, rushed to help the fallen Takato, Terriermon, Guilmon and BlackTerriermon.
Justimon de-evolved back to Ryo and Monodramon, and both Tamer and Digimon, exhausted after releasing their entire energy supplies, collapsed next to Takato and Terriermon. Takato managed to look at his human colleague.
"Good job, Ryo. Thanks."
"You didn't do it that bad, either…"
"I'll take that as a compliment…" Takato looked at Terriermon. "Great job, buddy. Thank you."
"Momentai……" Terriermon said before letting himself travel to the dream world. Takato smiled. "He must be very tired."
"Watch out, Takato, he snores." Henry said as he approached. Both he and Kenta carried the big and heavy Guilmon with them. BlackTerriermon walked behind them, completely healed thanks to MarineAngemon, who immediately rushed to help Takato and Guilmon. The Fairy Digimon was in the middle of the healing process, when the Nightmare began to move again.
"Now what?" BlackTerriermon complained. The Nightmare's body squirmed and shook as it changed its form, becoming bigger and rounder every moment. Eventually, it took the shape of a giant black dome, and it didn't move anymore. Henry shook his head.
"So…what was that about?" he said with a puzzled look, but Takato's look told him the Goggle-headed Tamer knew the answer. Takato closed his eyes.
"I can't feel it……he is calling me……the Nightmare's true form…is inside that dome."
*****Hypnos*****
"They're too tired to fight…what are they gonna do now?" Riley asked, while Yamaki shook her head. Daneel looked down, staring at the floor, meditating.
"Takato knows what has to be done. Let him deal with it."
"You really trust that little kid, don't you?" Talley asked him. Daneel nodded. "I'd trust him my life if it were necessary." Daneel replied.
"Hmm……guys…" Jeri spoke softly, getting everyone's attention. The girl gulped for a second before speaking.
"Where's Rika?"
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End of chapter 6………
DR: I'm on a hurry! Let's make this quick!
Terriermon: Because it's such a joyous day, no trivia for you to play! Merry Christmas, everyone! And don't forget to Momentai!
DR: And please review!
Next chapter: Takato enters the dome to meet his destiny…alone. He and Guilmon decide to challenge the Nightmare by themselves, in search for answers. But only in true friendship and the union of two strong spirits lies the power great enough to defeat the Ultimate form of the Nightmare. Will Takato find that before it's too late? You don't want to miss the next chapter! We're close to the ending! Stay close for the next chapter of "Forget The Y2K, This Is Madness!!!": The Final Test
Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)