DR: Okay, I have received tons of questions lately, mostly about the plot. I guess I can take a while to answer them. Of course, Henry and Terriermon will be here to help me. Brainiac?
Henry: ……you know I don't like that name. Anyway, about Tai, well, you'll find out in the last chapter of this story. I should warn you for Sorato/Taiora hints in advance……Terriermon?
Terriermon: The colors for the Omnivices have a very special reason, which shall be discussed in a further occasion. After all, there are only two Omnivices right now…our know-it-all Takeru will make the honors very soon. This question won't remain unanswered much longer. Daneel?
DR: About Guilmon's attitude, it's never been my intention to make his look like an idiot or something. Guilmon is just curious, in fact, we'll see more of that very soon. The big red dinosaur is just trying to understand the world, and that gives cue to some slightly humorous situations. He grew up a lot during the season, but he still like those children who show stuff to their parents asking what they are. And finally, some people have been wondering how long this series is. The truth is, there are still two more stories left: Theory of Chaos and Silent Sorrow. The first one is pure humor, the second one is pure plot development, and of course, the unexpected ending. But let's not go that far. We still have to finish THIS story, and that won't take us much longer! Enjoy! Today, Takeru has a meeting with the past, which will get him a lot of trouble! Takato faces the Nightmare one last time, and discovers the true power of friendship! Have fun!
Note: I don't own Digimon, which includes the song "One Vision", used in this chapter…or at least the translated lyrics (courtesy of Animelyrics.com). Norton Antivirus belongs to Symantec Corp. Pc-Cilin belongs to Trend Micro Incorporated, and McAfee, well…I don't know. There, I'm done. Now let's get to the good stuff.
"FORGET THE Y2K, THIS IS MADNESS!!!"
Chapter 7
The Final Test
"I have to go."
Henry looked al Takato, surprised at his friend's sudden change. His energy had magically returned, even if he was exhausted a few minutes before. Guilmon had his eyes fixed on the black dome, too. Henry looked down, then back at his friend.
"Are you sure you can go on with this?"
"It's not like I have any other choice. He won't precisely wait for me to show up. If I don't go, he'll force me to go. Might as well put an end to this as soon as possible."
Henry sighed. "I…guess you're right. Anything you want me to do?"
"Wait a darn second!" Ryo pouted. "Did you forget I'm still here!?"
"Take everyone to the Gate. It's where we found you. If you don't remember, BlackTerriermon can guide you." Takato replied, ignoring the older boy.
"Hello? Ryo here…for God's sake don't ignore me!"
"What do I tell the others?" Henry continued.
"Don't you remember? They're watching us at this very moment. Just…go. They are worried about you."
Henry nodded. "Thank you…for coming."
"Did you expect me not to come, or what?"
Henry chuckled before suddenly wrapping Takato in a hug. "Thank you…friend."
"You're welcome……… I guess." Takato replied. Henry simply smiled.
"Oh, come on! Stop the buddy-buddy stuff and listen to me!" Ryo insisted. Henry let go of his best friend, allowing him to leave, Guilmon closely behind him. Ryo growled under his breath, forcing BlackTerriermon to laugh like crazy. Henry finally looked at Ryo, a puzzled look on his face.
"Did you say something?"
Ryo's glare was enough of an answer. Kenta smirked at the little scene. And of course, MarineAngemon and Monodramon remained as silent as usual.
BlackTerriermon guided Kenta, Ryo, Henry and their partners (have into account that Terriermon is sleeping, hence the awkward silence) to the Gate Point. The dark animal Digimon was the first to leap inside. A still angry Ryo followed him, and Kenta was third. Henry looked back at the black dome, nothing but small dot in the distance. My spirit is with you, Takato…hope that's enough…
And he left the Digital World. He wouldn't visit it again for a very long time.
*****Odaiba*****
Takeru watched the people. So many different faces, yet he felt as if he knew each one of them. Maybe it was because, deep inside, they were all the same.
"People are open books. So easy to predict. So…superficial……"
"Hmm?" A half-asleep Patamon muttered from his usual resting place (Takeru's head). Takeru remained silent. Soon after the fall of MaloMyotismon, the rate of children acquiring Digimon grew dramatically. Fourteen years later, it was usual to see a blonde man talking to a Patamon. Nobody would recognize him as Takeru Takaishi, former Digi-Destined, missing for more than twelve years. And he enjoyed that title. It gave him a sense of freedom he had never experienced before. Being someone who doesn't exist……living aside from the Thread of Destiny.
The blonde man took a sip of his espresso. He was bored. It was the bad thing about ruling the dimensions from the shadows. He didn't get to have any fun. Events like the battle against Cyclonemon didn't happen very often. Deciding to ignore the superficial people around him, he began fidgeting with his Omnivice. Pauline?
You called?
So……what have you been doing lately?
I live around your wrist. That kind of limits my alternative for having fun.
Takeru chuckled. I'd apologize, but……
Actually, I could use an apology.
You're so cute, Pauline…
I'd blush if I could, Takeru…
I'm flirting with a machine. I can't get any lower…
Okay, now what's that supposed to mean!?
And that's why I shouldn't think THAT much…
Ignoring Pauline's multiple complains, Takeru went back to watching the people walking around. Being in the middle of a shopping center, Takeru got to see many people, doing just as much different activities. Yet they were all the same. "Living your simple lives……I don't know if I envy you, or despise you."
"Hmm…sir?"
Takeru looked up, to notice a waitress looking at him with a puzzled look. She was rather young, probably 17 or 18, and her uniform was so small Takeru couldn't help but notice it, even if it had been years since he had shown any interest in a woman, or a person in general.
"What can I do for you, honey?"
The girl's puzzled expression changed to a slight blush. After all, Takeru was still relatively young (26, to be exact), and he was very handsome. Takeru smirked. Guess my technique is not rusty after all…which is weird, considering I've never had a "technique" to begin with.
"Hmm…well…do you mind if a couple sits with you? You see, we've have run out of seats and…well…do you mind?"
Actually, I do. "How could I say no to you?" He replied with a wink. Even more reddened than before, the girl bowed, expressing her multiple thanks in the name of the entire staff of the coffee shop.
It didn't take long for Takeru's new "company" to appear. And the sight forced a grimace out of him. Crap…Am I unlucky or what?
The two people he'd rather not see at that moment were approaching. The reason for their reunion, he did not know. Heck, he didn't want to know. What he knew was that Hikari Kamiya and Matt Ishida were going to sit with him. "Patamon……"
"Hmm?"
"Time to hide." Takeru said before wrapping the small Digimon with his coat. "Stay there and don't move. Take another nap of something."
He'd have preferred to cover himself, but Takeru had no chance of escaping unnoticed. Besides, he had to pay for the coffee he had drunk. Finally, his brother and the woman he had cared for the most during his childhood sat in front of him. He prayed that they wouldn't even bother talking to him, but, knowing Kari, that wasn't very likely to happen.
"I offer you my most sincere apologies. I know this must be awkward for you, but……"
"It's not necessary, miss. I'll be leaving soon, so please make yourselves comfortable." He interrupted. He couldn't even bear listening to her voice. It was enough with the memories flooding in his mind. I think I'm getting a headache…
He finished his espresso and looked out the window. However, his ears couldn't help but catch every single sentence the two former Digi-Destined said.
"So…where's Gatomon?" Matt begun, even if it was obvious that he didn't care about the feline's whereabouts. He was just trying to begin a conversation.
"She's…I left her at home. She's taking care of him." TK didn't have to be a genius to know who 'him' was.
"Kari, really…"
"Matt…" Kari interrupted him. "…I…appreaciate your concern…yours and Sora's, but……I don't need your compassion. I'm fine, really."
"But Kari, you don't look fine at all. Since the divorce, everything's gone downhill for you. You have no money, you're about to lose your job and your house, too!"
"Okay, now how do you know all that?"
"I…have made some……investigations……"
"You mean, inquiring into my personal life, right?"
TK let go a smile, unnoticeable to Matt and Kari. So she divorced……I hate to say it but I knew that was bound to happen. The guy was a jerk, is a jerk and will always be a jerk, anyway……… Takeru moved his head, now looking at his brother, who seemed to be in a loss of words. Takeru had enough time to call the waitress and order some more coffee before Matt actually continued.
"Ah, well……"
"Well, Matt Ishida, what do you have to say about that!?"
"Kari, you have to let us help you! You need someone to take care of you!"
"WHAT!?" The woman shouted, getting the attention of practically everyone in the place. Once the looks were away from her, Kari continued, this time in a softer tone of voice. "I'm twenty-seven years old! I'm a little grown-up to need someone to take care of me! Gosh, you're talking just like Tai!"
"And he's doing it for a good reason, Hikari."
Both Kari and Matt looked at Takeru, who realized the horrible truth in that moment. Pauline, did I say that out loud?
Hmm……yeah.
Crap, crap, double crap, crap again!
Oh, stop it, Takeru!
I love it when you call me by my full name…
Flattery won't get you anywhere, you know!? I'm still mad at you. Now let's see how you get out of this one, "Lord of Humans".
"How…how did you call me?"
"Hmm…Hikari. That's how he called you, right?" Takeru said, pointing at Matt, who shook his head.
"I never called by her complete name, mister……"
"But...but…" TK muttered; sweat quickly forming on his forehead. "……you're Hikari Kamiya, the Digi-Destined…right?"
Kari's and Matt's expression changed from a frown to a smile. TK sighed in relief. After all, Kari and Matt were in the group that saved the world fourteen years before. Everyone knew their names. But Kari's frown suddenly returned, making Takeru gulp.
Kari looked at this…person who had interrupted her conversation with Matt…a quite private conversation, in fact. Who did he think he was? However, there was something in that blonde hair, something in those cerulean eyes……
Oh, gosh, don't be paranoid. He's dead, Hikari, don't you remember that? You can't just see him in every blonde you find on the streets…
However……"What…what are you trying to say?"
Takeru, a little (and I mean a little) more relieved, proceeded to save himself. "I couldn't help but listening to your conversation. I know it's not polite, but it's a consequence of sharing this table. Anyway, for a person who has gone through that much, someone who has relied on her friends more than once, someone who has needed a shoulder to lay on, a voice to be soothed with………for a person like you, anyone would think you already know that your friends are supposed to be always with you……"
Look who's talking…
Shut up, Pauline!
Kari looked down, at the table, then at Matt, who was just as surprised as her after the little speech this…stranger had made. Kari finally looked at Takeru, slowly getting lost in his cerulean eyes. Her defenses were slowly being weakened. "What would you know?"
"Yeah, maybe…after all, I'm no one but a lonely wanderer. But I know that you have a huge bunch of people who want to look after you. Friends have to stick together, you know? No one is saying you're weak because you're having so much trouble in your adult life. You just made a wrong decision, marrying whoever you married…and divorced…" Jerk! Jerk! Jerk!
"But……"
"But nothing. They're not going to take care of you, Kari. That's not their intention. Think of them as the helping hand that will help you get back up. Once you're back on track, you can say thanks and continue your way."
Matt looked at the stranger in front of him, visibly impressed. "You have a way with words, mister…"
"My name's not important. We'll probably never see each other again, anyway. But, Hikari, I'm sure your friends wouldn't like to see you pouting like this. At least I know Davis wouldn't…" he finished with a smirk. Hikari looked up, and both men discovered tears going down her face. TK looked at Matt, who immediately took out a handkerchief and took care of Kari. I guess this is my cue for leaving……
Takeru looked for some money in his coat's pocket, an action Patamon mistook for safety.
"Is it okay to go out now, TK?"
Takeru froze. Slowly looking at his former colleagues, he realized they had their eyes fixed on him, and the bulge inside his coat. I think I'm gonna cry……
"Who……who said that?" Kari asked him, her tears suddenly gone. Takeru looked down, while Patamon gulped. Now what do we do?
You run as fast as those feet of yours can take you!
Say that to Patamon!
Takeru immediately got up, which was his last mistake, as his rush uncovered the small rookie Digimon, who easily recognized Takeru's company.
"Oh, so who was the one saying 'Patamon, you can't go see Gatomon anymore!', huh?"
"This is definitely not the time or the place to discuss that!"
Takeru and Patamon looked at Kari and Matt, who were simply in shock. Of course, the not-so-dynamic duo took advantage of that.
"Ta………Takeru…………" Kari was able to mutter.
"No way……." Matt replied.
"It was very nice to meet you, the two of you, really. Now it would be excellent if you completely erased this encounter from your minds, okay? See ya!"
And Takeru ran as fast as those feet of him could take him, dragging Patamon with him, of course. However, Matt's shock didn't last long, and the older brother soon chased after the younger brother. Meanwhile, Hikari remained motionless, unable to process the sudden revelation.
"He's alive…………."
"That bastard! He left without paying! Oh, here it is! Whoa, now this is what I call a tip. These uniforms really work!"
Takeru……your brother is behind you……and getting closer…….
I know!
Takeru stopped for a second, and finally decided to hide in a public bathroom. It's empty! Perfect!
"Digi-Port, open!"
The Omnivice opened a Gate right in front of TK and Patamon. I guess it's good-bye to Odaiba for a while…a very long "while", in fact…
"TK, wait…what the!?"
Takeru looked back to meet his brother's terrified expression. After all, the Gates Matt knew of were always related to a computer screen. This one had appeared out of thin air. Takeru sighed. He wanted to erase that entire day of his life. I guess the Thread of Destiny decided to toy with me today……
"Goodbye, Matt………brother."
"Why?"
Are you sure that's all you want to know, brother?
"It's better like this, Matt. Believe it or not, it is better."
"How can you say that!? Who…who are you?"
"I am Justice. Now step back. Your presence is forbidden where I'm going."
"No, wait!!!!"
But Takeru entered the Gate, which closed right behind him, leaving a thirty-year-old man standing there, confused, angry and happy at the same time. But for some reason he was unable to contain the tears going down his cheeks.
*****Okay, back to the Gogglehead*****
Whoa……this place is huge!
Takato was standing at the entrance of the dome. Or at least, what seemed to be the entrance. There was no way to distinguish it from the rest of the structure, but something inside Takato told him that was the entrance. Guilmon looked at his Tamer with a puzzled look.
"What are we doing now, Takato?"
"I have no idea, buddy."
"And as usual, you can't do anything without me." A third voice said behind him. Looking back, Takato met……
"What are you doing here!?"
"What, no 'thank you'? No 'thank God you're here' or 'I've never been happier to see you'?" Rika said, while Takato looked at Renamon. The vulpine Digimon simply shrugged, muttering a single sentence.
"I tried to stop her. Really."
Takato sighed. "Now, really, what are you doing here? I thought you were mad at me because you though I was taking your partner away from you."
Renamon looked at the Omni-Tamer. So he knew all the time!? Why do I even bother?
Rika, who had been showing her back to Takato, spun around. "Oh, I'm still mad at you, Gogglehead. But not as mad to wish your death."
Takato remained silent. Rika continued. "You don't stand a chance by yourself, Goggles."
"Oh really? What makes you think that?"
Rika walked right in front of him. Takato, trying his best to ignore the dangerous proximity, watched how Rika placed her right index finger on his forehead, and pushed. Takato suddenly found himself unable to win over gravity, and fell to the ground with a loud thud. My butt hurts……
Oh, don't be a wuss……
Shut up, Ruki……
"Ouch……"
"Oh, come on, don't be a wuss………"
Weird…… Takato thought as he got up. However, it wasn't that awkward. After all, Ruki was created with Rika's personality traits.
"The point is, you can barely move! You're tired, exhausted, without energy!"
"I don't care. I have to go! The Nightmare is waiting for me and just me!" Takato said. He then turned around and tried to walk, only tripping with a rock in the process. When he had already closed his eyes and prepared for the unavoidable hit, he felt a hand pulling him back up.
"Thanks……I guess."
"Oh, shut up and move it, Gogglehead."
Finally, the two Tamers and their Digimon entered the black dome, where the true form of the Nightmare was waiting.
"So…how did you know that was the entrance, Goggles? It looked like wall to me."
"Call it OmniTamer's instinct."
Just plain luck, huh?
"Just plain luck, huh?" Rika replied.
"Oh, dear God…"
"What's wrong, Takato?" Guilmon asked his Tamer.
"Nothing……" I need to do something with your personality algorithm, Ruki…
Did I tell you it is unchangeable?
Groaning in the process, Takato leaded the way to the center of the dome. The darkness made it difficult, but they eventually reached the center, which was completely lighted (and both Tamers thanked God for that). And there, they found the Nightmare.
Once again, it was nothing but a black shape. A human shape, nothing more. No face, no details, just a black human silhouette. The first thing the dark entity noticed was the presence of another human in the place.
"Rika Nonaka……what an…unexpected pleasure………"
"How the heck do you know my name, you freak!?"
Ladies and gentlemen, Rika Nonaka… Takato thought. The Nightmare simply laughed. It a cold, simple, emotionless laugh.
"I know more about you than you could possibly think, Rika. I know everything about you."
Immediately, a screen appeared out of nowhere, displaying all types of information about Rika Nonaka, from age and birthday to favorite food and shoe size.
Man, what I'd do for a pencil and paper right now!
Gee, don't be so desperate, Gogglehead……I'll memorize that for you.
Would you be that kind!?
I think I'm gonna puke…
You can't, Ruki…
Touché…
Meanwhile, Rika was growling and glaring, you know, the usual. The Nightmare proceeded to look at Takato. "I knew you'd come."
"Of course you knew. I have some questions for you."
"Oh, really? Shoot."
He's become more intelligent. The way he speaks…so fluently…it's the proof. "Which are your intentions?"
"You should know that by now, Matsuki. I was created to test you. At least that was the creator's original idea."
"The creator? Who…?" Takato asked, but the Nightmare wouldn't listen to him.
"An idiot! Using a masterpiece of computer programming like me for a stupid test. You could say I grew…disappointed. Why would I limit myself to follow the algorithm when I could do more……much more."
Takato didn't like the way he said those last two words. Both Tamers looked at each other, and Rika mouthed a few words so that only Takato could understand.
"He's nuts."
Takato smirked. However, he was not done with the interview. "Who created you?"
"Does the name of a pathetic human really matter? Besides, I don't think we're here to chat. In fact, I think you're here to die."
"Wait!" Takato shouted before the Nightmare could attack. "If you don't plan to follow the algorithm, why do you still want to kill me?"
Good point. Rika thought.
"Simple question, Takato Matsuki." The Nightmare began. "You see, you're the only thing standing between me and total control of the net. Now be a good boy and die."
The Nightmare attacked with an old trick, transforming his arms into tentacles directed straight towards Takato. Not even Renamon had enough reflexes to stop them, and Takato closed his eyes, waiting for the asphyxiating wrap, when…
"Trump Swords!" (A/N: Heh, thought I had forgotten about him, huh?)
Takato opened his eyes to watch the tentacles retreat back to their original form. For a being without a face, the Nightmare looked quite frustrated. Its voice, which didn't come from a mouth, but echoed in the entire dome, shouted with a new energy.
"Who dared interrupt my victory!?"
"Oh, shut up, freak-o." Piedmon said as he slowly walked to a point between the Nightmare and the Tamer, so that the Tamers, Piedmon and the Nightmare now formed the three points of a triangle. Rika let go a small grin. For once I agree with the demon Digimon…
"You miserable creature…what are you doing here?"
"The same thing I was doing at the Real World yesterday: seeking the Omni-Tamer's data."
"Data!? Taka…the Gogglehead's not a Digimon, you moron!"
But Takato shook his head, as he knew much more.
You're almost as digital as you are human.
Daneel's voice echoed in his mind, he now knew what Piedmon had meant the day before. Takato walked one step forward. "Why me? Why are you so fixated on me?"
"What can I say?" The clown Digimon shrugged. "Your data looks tasty, that's all."
Takato sweatdropped. "But you're kind of interrupting something here, you know?"
"And what makes you think I care-aarghhh!!!!"
Piedmon suddenly found himself wrapped with the Nightmare's tentacles, squeezing him to deletion. "Die, you fool!!!!"
"Guilmon!" Takato looked back, to his partner, who nodded in response.
MATRIX EVOLUTION
Bio-merge Activate
Omni-Tamer……
"Guilmon, digivolve to……Gallantmon!"
Rika was left dumbfounded. How can he digivolve without energy? He should be exhausted, how can he fight like that?
But we all know that the power that made Takato strong was something beyond his energy resources, or even the Hazard itself. Something beyond him being the Omni-Tamer, the Chaos or anything else.
As long as Rika's with me, I can do anything…
Oh my……my heart would beat faster…if I had one…
When two shining bodies
Melt together, matrix evolution
Then you'll understand everything
The meaning of your meeting
"Lightning Joust!"
The flash of light launched from his lance pierced through the chain binding Piedmon, releasing from the Nightmare's death grip. Gallantmon stood next to the other virus Digimon.
"Why…?" Piedmon simply asked.
"Because even you deserve an honorable death. I just couldn't let you die like that. That's just not me."
"You know I'm planning to kill you, right?"
Rika had slammed her forehead against her right hand. That Gogglehead…
"As I already told you, Piedmon, I'm in the middle of something right now. Once this is over…well, let's just say I'll be waiting."
The clown Digimon walked out of the dome, muttering a short sentence before leaving.
"Holy Knights."
The Nightmare looked at Gallantmon, then at Rika. "So…is it gonna be two-against-one, or I kill you one after the other?"
"Oh, please! I'm gonna make you eat those words! Renamon!"
"You called?"
MATRIX EVOLUTION
Bio-merge Activate…
"Renamon, digivolve to……Sakuyamon!"
It was the first time in years she had bio-merged with Renamon. And for a second she couldn't blame Takato for wanting to take her partner away from her. It felt great. Then, she remembered she was still mad at him, and returned to reality.
"Okay, you…Nightmare or whatever! Get ready, 'cause you're going down!"
Can you write the shape of your heart on a piece of paper?
It's something that can change its color in just one second…
Do you know what it means to believe?
Your everything is being tested
*****Hypnos*****
"Henry!"
Janyuu looked at Jeri, and vice versa. Then, the girl realized she had shouted at the same time. Stepping aside, she let the father welcome his son back to the real world. An angry Ryo and a smiling Kenta soon followed. Hirokazu and Guardromon immediately went to check on Ryo and Kenta (something that didn't help Ryo's mood at all). When Janyuu finally let go of his son, and Henry received some encouraging words from Riley and Talley, Jeri approached him. Once she was in front of Henry, she could notice how beaten he was. And for the hundredth time that day, she wished that she were strong enough to help her friends. Maybe Henry, Takato and the others wouldn't have to go through that much pain if she were stronger. She looked at Elecmon, blaming herself for his being unable to evolve. Then she looked back at Henry.
"Henry……are you okay? Is Terriermon…?"
"He's just sleeping. Me…well……I could use a hug."
Jeri just couldn't say no to that.
*****The Black Dome*****
"Gosh, he's fast!" Takato complained inside his orange sphere.
"No, it's because you're too slow!" Rika replied, evading a tentacle attack in mid-air.
"Well, I'm sorry I can't fly!"
"Then why don't you do a mode-change?"
"If I knew how to do that, I wouldn't be in this mess! Oh, crap, he got me!"
"What the!?"
Before Rika could react, the Nightmare, who had captured Gallantmon with his tentacles, threw the Holy Knight straight towards Sakuyamon. Both Mega Digimon fell to the ground with a loud thud, Gallantmon falling on top of the female shaman, his face on a certain……well……oh, please, I won't go into details…3……2……1……here we go………
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, GOGGLEHEAD!?"
That's…what, the third time she says that?
"Hmm?" Takato mumbled incoherently. Bad choice of words……or lack of them.
*SMACK!*
"Ouch! Takato, that hurt!" Guilmon complained. Welcome to the club, buddy… Takato thought.
"We're supposed to be fighting him!" Takato cried, pointing at the Nightmare as he got up. He then look at Sakuyamon, who was, well…more red than golden at the moment.
"Then keep your face out of my breasts next time!"
"Well, Rika, technically, those are not your breasts, you still don't…"
*SMACK* *THWACK!* *POW!*
"Oww!!!!!!"
"Takato, tell her to stop!" Guilmon cried, sharing his Tamer's pain. Meanwhile, the Nightmare looked at the two Tamers.
"Okay, that was……entertaining. Shall we continue?"
Sakuyamon took a fighting stance, shooting daggers at Gallantmon while doing that.
"Rika, I didn't mean……"
I'd shut up if I were you.
Okay.
Courage alone can't reach
In that instant when your fear, too, becomes one
*****Hypnos*****
"Finally! I broke into the Nightmare's security!" Daneel shouted proudly. BlackTerriermon sighed.
"I'm getting tired of that virus…where's Norton when you need him!? Where's McAfee? Heck, where's Pc-cilin!?"
The others (hey, even Yamaki) sweatdropped in response. Daneel continued with the computer.
"We should get visual…right……now!"
And the image from inside the dome appeared on the screen. Henry, who had refused to receive medical treatment, was the first to notice.
"Is that Rika!?"
"No, it's Sakuyamon." Kazu replied.
"That wasn't funny, Kazu." Ryo commented, looking at the screen with more interest. "Hey…is she……"
"Hey, she's blushing!" Kenta finished Ryo's idea at the same moment Terriermon opened his eyes to the world.
"Hmm…what did I miss?"
"Gallantmon and Sakuyamon are fighting the Nightmare's true form as we speak." Jeri explained the situation.
"Cool!"
"And Sakuyamon's blushing for some reason." Kazu finished with a smirk.
"Okay, that's good material!" An excited Terriermon said, looking at the screen. "Don't worry. Guilmon will talk after a few pieces of bread."
Henry sweatdropped. "You just love messing with other people's lives, don't you?"
"It's my lifestyle!"
Yamaki growled. "Can we please focus on the important matters!?"
"Well what do you want us to do?" BlackTerriermon complained. "It's up to them now."
When two shining bodies
Melt together, matrix evolution
The instant everything is fulfilled
Now, it's now!
When two hearts change to zero and melt together, matrix evolution
Then you'll understand everything
The meaning of your meeting
*****Black Dome*****
"Lightning Joust!"
Gallantmon fired his spear attack once more, but the Nightmare evaded it easily. It won't work. Takato concluded. My attacks move on a straight line, they're too predictable……and Rika's not having much luck either. Takato thought as he watched how the Nightmare evaded Rika's attack with great ease.
If I could just……Daneel said that the powers of the Chaos are not necessarily evil……maybe I can……
Please don't tell me you're planning to summon the Hazard…
That's exactly what I'm planning to do.
We're all dead…
First, you're a machine, you can't die…
Well, I can be destroyed, you know!?
……and second, thanks for the support, really!
Takato focused on his inner strength, making sure it wouldn't become too much for him to control. Please……if I really can control the Hazard, let me use it for good today!
"Do you really think you can handle it, kiddo?"
It's you again……you don't know you're not welcome here, do you?
"Hmm…but there's nothing you can do about it. You need my power as much as I need your body."
Ignoring Rika's orders ("Do something, Gogglehead! Am I the only one fighting here!?"), Takato continued his inner dialogue.
I don't care what you say, I need power!
"Do you…want the power?"
Yes!
"Do you…think you can handle the power?"
Yes! Wait, no! Wait…damn!
"Sweet. Anyway, the power is already within you. The power of the Son of Destruction. What you do with it is not my problem."
Who are you, anyway?
"Didn't I tell you earlier? I'm Takato Matsuki, or at least a part of him."
Why do you speak of me…us in third person?
"Does it really matter right now?"
……good point.
"Now, go. Release the power……let's see how you use it……"
Why are you helping me?
"Who said I was helping you? You should listen beyond the words more often, Takato."
Huh?
"Oh, just go! Your sweetie needs help."
What!?
Takato looked at Sakuyamon, who was trapped in the Nightmare's death grip.
Whoa, just like one of those tentacle hent……
RUKI! If you finish that sentence I swear I'll…
Okay, okay, jeez…
Takato closed his eyes; trying to feel the "power" he was supposed to have. "Takato…"
"What is it, Guilmon?"
"Who were you talking to a while ago?"
"Wha-what? Did you listen to the entire conversation?"
"Uh-huh…Why? Should I have covered my ears?"
"Uhh…no, that wasn't necessary. That was…well…it's hard to explain. Maybe I'll tell you later, okay?"
"Okay! Let's go help Renamon!"
"And Rika…"
"And Rika!"
If you carve even your hearts with the same rhythm
You should be able to feel the overflowing power
Gallantmon gained impulse and leapt high in the air, his shield shining with a great bright. Rika managed to sigh inside her blue sphere. "Shield of the Just? That won't work, and you know it!"
The Nightmare "looked" up, noticing Gallantmon preparing a new attack. "Useless…your attacks are so predictable…"
Predict this… Takato thought, a fierce look on his eyes, and the hazard symbol glowing menacingly on the Omnivice's screen.
"Takato's Star Storm!"
What the!? Rika thought at the moment, while Renamon remained silent. She had waited for a huge beam to go out of the shield, but the beam was replaced by individual shots from each of the shield's triangles. Combining the multiple attacks, Gallantmon's shield had become a plasma machine gun.
You didn't so much become one in order to fight
Rather you became one in order to understand one another
*****Hypnos*****
"Awesome!" Both Hirokazu and Kenta shouted at the same time while Gallantmon released a barrage of beams. The others simply watched, unable to hide their surprise. Daneel was fixated on the screen, and the mega Digimon displayed on it.
He has gone a step further………good job, Takato.
Henry looked at Jeri, who gulped. "What's wrong?" The brunette asked.
Jeri shook her head. "No, nothing, I just……forget it."
But Henry couldn't stop looking at her. "Does she……feel it?"
*****Black Dome*****
Sakuyamon got free from the Nightmare's attack and gracefully landed next to Gallantmon.
"You never cease to amaze me, Gogglehead."
"It didn't work."
"Huh?" Rika replied before looking at the dust in front of them, which was clearing out, revealing the Nightmare, who didn't seem to have important wounds. In fact, he didn't seem to be wounded at all.
"Impossible!" Rika exclaimed, but Renamon differed.
"Actually, it was expected. Gallantmon's new attack has the speed and mobility element his other techniques lack, but it's noticeably weaker than them. Even if the attacks hit their target, they didn't do great damage."
"We need the perfect combination of mobility and raw power to defeat him." Takato concluded.
"Well, that's easy. Renamon and I are as graceful as a swan, and you are the barbarian."
"Rika! I'm being serious!"
"So we need to keep him in one place for a while, right?"
"Guilmon……did you say that?" Takato wondered.
"Yes. Why?"
"Well, that's the smartest I've heard today!"
"If you keep listening to yourself, that's not a surprise."
"Rika!"
"Whatever. Just let me handle it."
In the instant when the drops of time that have piled up
Open the door to a miracle
Takato would have wanted to stop her, but he knew she was his only chance. Only Sakuyamon's agility might stand a chance against the Nightmare. If the shaman Digimon could keep the Nightmare busy enough time, he would be able to launch his Shield of the Just attack. So, he waited.
Sakuyamon attempted a strike with her staff, but the Nightmare just moved aside, that being exactly what Sakuyamon expected, so she used the other tip of the staff to hit backwards, making contact with the Nightmare's lower torso. The blow sent the Nightmare a few feet backwards, so Sakuyamon spun around to hit it again, but the dark creature used its tentacle attack to grab the staff, pulling Sakuyamon towards it in the process. The data Digimon didn't release the staff soon enough, so the Nightmare was able to hit Sakuyamon's stomach, forcing to let go of her primary weapon. The Nightmare examined the staff while Sakuyamon recovered from the blow.
"Interesting artifact, this is…let's see……Spirit Strike!"
Before Sakuyamon could tell, she was being attack by her own special technique. She evaded the first fox spirit, the second, and then she did a back-flip to evade the third, but the fourth struck right when her feet touched the floor. Rika closed her eyes to prepare for the blow…but it never came. She reopened her eyes.
It was The Aegis.
"Gogglehead……"
"Let me go get your staff back."
Once Gallantmon said that, he switched places with Rika. He charged directly towards the Nightmare and struck with his lance, but the dark enemy moved aside.
"Amethyst Mandala!"
"I won't fall for that, Nightmare! I've seen those attacks a thousand times! Takato's Star Storm!"
Gallantmon's new attack pierced through the Nightmare's and struck him right on the chest. Takato took advantage of the enemy's slight moment of confusion to use a more powerful attack.
"Lightning Joust!"
However, the Nightmare disappeared from sight right before the beam finished him off. "Now where did the bad guy go?" Guilmon asked, worried.
"Right behind you!" Sakuyamon shouted with Renamon's voice. Gallantmon only had time to turn back and look at the Nightmare, who was awfully close to him.
"Spirit Strike!"
The explosion covered the entire area with dust clouds.
"Gogglehead!"
But Takato wasn't the one who came out of the dust. It was the Nightmare, still holding Sakuyamon's staff with his right hand. He was walking directly towards Sakuyamon, decided to put an end to her, when a big hand grabbed the staff from behind and forced the Nightmare to release it.
"Gallantmon!? Impossible!!! That was a direct hit!"
When the power to choose the future
Awakens, matrix evolution
Only you can do it
Now open your eyes!
The answer you've been searching for
Is Realizing, evolution
Joining the shapes of your hearts
Never to be parted again
Takato allowed himself to smile inside his sphere. "Don't you know? I'm a Holy Knight Digimon of the Virus Type. My armor and my shield block any Data-Type Attack. Sakuyamon's are no exception."
Since when did the Gogglehead become such a show-off?
Gallantmon gave the staff to its rightful owner. "I think this is yours." Rika just replied with a "hmph!" Takato sighed.
"Might as well fight together, don't you think?"
"Whatever, Gogglehead."
Gallantmon began charging his shield, preparing his strongest attack. Sakuyamon concentrated too, as she too knew that would be the decisive strike. The Nightmare simply released his icy cold laugh once again.
"Fools! Don't you see I can evade any of your attacks!?"
Gosh, I'm tired of that guy! Rika thought. She's more annoying than Ryo! Well, not really…but he still freaks me out!
"Dodge this, you creep! Spirit St-"
Sakuyamon couldn't finish the sentence, as a power from beyond took the moment to contact her……
*****Infinity………The Realm of the Gods………*****
Do you really think that's going to work, Rika Nonaka?
"Huh?"
Rika opened her eyes to find herself in a place shrouded in darkness. Darker than the Black Dome, darker than a bottomless pit, yet she could see through it. She discovered she no longer was in her Sakuyamon form. "Where am I?"
This is Infinity……a place usually forbidden to humans………even special ones like you. Twenty years ago, only the most holy of all creatures resided here. Today, this has become the home for the Triad.
"The…Triad? What are you talking about!? I have to go fight that Nightmare thingy! Gogglehead doesn't stand a chance without me!"
True……very true, indeed. Takato will never win without you, Rika Nonaka.
Rika noticed that a different voice had said the last two sentences. This new voice was more……human.
"What's going on!?"
Don't be so desperate, Rika. The second voice replied. Time doesn't exist in this place, so you will return to the exact moment you left when you abandon this place. Now, let's go to more…important matters.
"What could be more important now!?"
……him.
Suddenly, a light appeared, revealing a second human being inside that place……
"Gogglehead!"
But Takato didn't respond. His eyes were distant, and his expression was cold and emotionless. Rika realized the truth.
"Who……who are you?"
"………I'm Chaos."
He's Chaos, Rika. The one who destroys……the one who creates………a being beyond humans……a being beyond God itself………you may call it……'Existence'………
That was the second voice again. The first one had left, and wouldn't be heard again. Rika, of course, was confused.
"What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying Takato is some kind of Supreme Being?"
………interesting………
"What!?"
You said his name.
"Oh, shut up!"
Anyway………Takato is a human, Rika. A human with powers that go beyond human possibilities. That's why he can't control them, that's why he can't focus them to follow the right path………
"You mean…the Hazard, right?"
Indeed. His body was specially designed to carry such a burden, but not even nature can create a body powerful enough to contain Chaos.
"So……what's going to happen to him?"
………Rika………Takato is dying.
Rika opened her eyes in shock. Gogglehead, dying? That was simply unacceptable; after all, Takato had never displayed any signs of serious weakness. He always carried that goofy, silly smile of his, except when he was battling, of course. Besides……he can't be dying……he just can't!
"You MUST be joking!"
I wish I were, Rika. It's because of his efforts as a Tamer. Until his eleventh birthday, he had a peaceful life, so Chaos couldn't be released. Since the moment Takato became a Digimon Tamer, his mind has been in constant pressure, which has weakened him, allowing Chaos to take control of him in the worst situations. It wasn't Takato who released Megidramon, it was Chaos. It wasn't Takato who defeated the Sovereigns in battle, it was Chaos. It wasn't Takato who defeated YOU in battle, it was Chaos.
"I knew it! Gogglehead just doesn't stand a chance against me!"
……the point is……every time Chaos is released, Takato's body has to contain immense amounts of power. Such sudden outbursts are slowly weakening Takato's body, to the point of self-destruction. At this rate, Takato won't be able to resist another power surge.
Rika remained speechless. It was just too much information in very little time.
"Does…….does he know about it?"
We're not sure……he has learned a lot about himself lately; especially since the moment he became the Omni-Tamer……to be honest, I think he knows.
"That Omni-Tamer thing……what is it exactly?"
It is not something I can explain easily. What I can tell you is that we can't afford to lose Takato Matsuki. Only he can bring balance to the dimensions and if he dies………Chaos won't be controlled, allowing the forces of evil to take over everything…and I mean EVERYTHING.
"Why……why are you telling me about this?"
Because you are The Chain.
"The Chain?"
The Chain which binds Chaos to its mortal body. Your help can give Takato the strength he needs to overcome Chaos. Maybe he can find a way to understand his power……and maybe, just maybe, control it. Gallantmon's new technique is the proof we needed. Somehow, your influence allowed Takato to tap into the powers of Chaos and use them for a good cause.
"Really?"
Takato and Chaos are one being. Takato needs Chaos' powers as much as Chaos needs Takato's mind powers. Takato has a great potential by himself. He could easily become a great Tamer, even without Chaos. But the fact that Chaos lives within him makes him almost invincible. However, Chaos is a two-bladed sword, and Takato has yet to know that. You must help him. But you must not let the other Tamers know about this. They will know in due time.
"Okay…I guess. This is weird, but……it's the best explanation I've heard about Takato's……unique personality."
Now you must go help him. We trust in you. Remember, as long as you're together……you can do anything.
*****Back to the Black Dome*****
You don't know what will happen
Together you'll overcome
The fear of the unknown power
Now open your eyes!
"Rika!"
Rika opened her eyes a second too late, allowing the Nightmare to trap her again. "Oh, crap…stupid Triad bunch……"
"What did you just say, Rika?" Renamon asked, making sure she had heard the word 'Triad'.
"Oh, just help me already!"
"Rika!" Takato shouted. "I won't let you get away with this, Nightmare!"
Gallantmon charged once again, this time at a much greater speed. This time, the Nightmare didn't have time to move aside, and Gallantmon hit him with his shield, sending his opponent backwards.
"That speed……that power……where does it come from!? Gallantmon doesn't have this much power!" The Nightmare cried right before evaded Gallantmon's lance, Gram.
"Let Rika go, now!"
"And suddenly he forgot I'm here, too."
"Very funny, Renamon." Rika replied.
Gallantmon's continuous strike forced the Nightmare to release Sakuyamon, but Takato just wouldn't stop there. He retreated next to his friend and charged Gallantmon's shield for another Shield of the Just attack.
"Gogglehead, wait!"
"Huh?"
"You won't do this alone……I don't want you to go berserk, you know?"
Takato smiled. "I'm fine, Rika, but thanks. Let's do this the right way……together."
"Together, Gogglehead."
Gallantmon's shield glowed brightly while Sakuyamon also prepared her strongest attack. The Nightmare, still dwelling over the pounding he had just received, courtesy of Gallantmon, was slowly getting up. A little too slowly, actually. That was its only mistake, which turned out to be fatal.
"Ready, Rika?"
"Ready, Takato!"
"Hey, you said my…"
"Oh, shut up already!"
They never knew why, they just felt it in their heart. Maybe it was the Triad work, or maybe it was their strong friendship finally giving results. What we know is that, instead of Sakuyamon shouting "Spirit Strike!" and Gallantmon shouting "Shield of the Just!", they both shouted the exact same words, releasing a power like nothing seeing before. Takato (or was it Chaos? We'll never know) and Rika, working together in a while they have never worked before.
"Dual Force! Spirit of Chaos!"
When the power to choose the future
Awakens, matrix evolution
Only you can do it
That's the final evolution
Gallantmon released an immense beam from his shield, soon followed by the four foxes of fire, water, wind and lightning coming from Sakuyamon's staff. Then, the four spirits merged with Gallantmon's beam, making it take the shape of a giant vulpine head of pure energy, aimed directly towards the Nightmare.
"What? No, no, noooooooo!!!!!!!!!"
The beam collided with the Nightmare's body, generating a shockwave that sent both Mega Digimon flying, forcing them to de-evolve back to two humans and two rookies. The attack pierced through the multiple data layers of the Nightmare, deleting them on contact. Takato watched in awe how the Nightmare disappeared, when he heard the Nightmare's last words directly in his head. The Nightmare was using telepathy.
So you were worthy, after all……
"What?" Takato replied.
I was created to test you, and you passed. You're worthy……
"Worthy of what?"
Wor………thy……………
And the Nightmare Virus disappeared, without leaving a clue of where it came from, of what was it trying to accomplish. To the Digimon Tamers, it was just another enemy. But to Takato and Rika, it was a reminder. A reminder of the true enemy, of the power that threatened to destroy everything. Rika felt the weight of a newly acquired responsibility, but she wouldn't fail to the world she was destined to protect. She got up with Renamon's help, and looked at Takato, who was much more exhausted than her. It was hard to believe that short and sometimes clumsy twelve-year-old kid held to key to the Ultimate Salvation……or the destruction of all dimensions. But Rika didn't know what else to believe, so she would believe that.
As for Takato, well, he felt the prophecy even closer, his destiny looming around him, his fears and anger piercing from within him. Life had given him a terrible fate, but he now felt a little more prepared. If life could give him enough time, he might have the chance to become strong enough to face his true enemy. Takato looked at his Omnivice, a reminder of how his life changed the day he became the Omni-Tamer. But then he realized his life hadn't changed at all. His destiny had been sealed since long before his birth. Was it really worth thinking about that?
It will just give me one hell of a headache……
But he knew the day would come. One day, he would have to face his strongest enemy, the one that could destroy him, and everything he loved and cared for. But he wouldn't let that happen. He couldn't allow it. As long as he had Rika and all his friends by his side, he had a chance against him.
Against Chaos…………
Against himself………..
When two shining bodies
Melt together, matrix evolution
The instant everything is fulfilled
Now, it's now!
When two hearts change to zero and
Melt together, matrix evolution
Then you'll understand everything
The meaning of your meeting
THE END
************************************************************************
************************************************************************
DR: There! It's over! Creepy, huh?
Takato: Yeah……so….what now?
DR: Gee, I just announced your death and you're all normal about it?
Takato: I'm just waiting for you to stop writing. Then, I'll kill you.
Rika: And he's not alone…… *clenches fists*
DR: *gulps* Where are Henry and Terriermon when you need them? Anyway, special thanks to those who read and reviewed. Thanks to DC for letting me use his BlackTerriermon…and himself! Of course, this is not the last you'll see of them. Ahem……thanks to…….anybody else? Nah……I'm done. Thanks you everyone, see you soon, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!
BlackTerriermon: *pops out of nowhere* And don't forget to Momentai!
Next Chapter: Yeah, I know the story's over! But that doesn't mean I'm done with it. Takato and Rika will have a conversation that will define their friendship forever. Daneel and BlackTerriermon reveal some interesting new mysteries, as the dark rabbit/dog prepares to go back to his Tamer. The
Digi-Destined dwell with Matt's and Kari's little encounter, while Takeru kicks himself for making such a stupidity. And finally, we get to find out what happened to Tai! All this on Tamers Forever: Second Interlude!
Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)