NOTE: I'm sorry that this chapter has been up and down but I had some text
and name problems I had to iron out. It is up for good this time.
Regless: Alrighty this is my dads computer so if dome things show up odd
when I post this it'll probably be fixed soon after.
Terriermon: Good idea, blame it on the computer.
Regless: What the hell? Oh back for more are ya.
Terriermon: Uh no, just here to read your fic.
Regless {Ignoring Terriermon} : You asked for it. It's Celine Dion's "Titanic" for you {Puts on a CD and cranks up the volume}
Terriermon: What did I do to deserve this?
{Black walks in loading his shotgun and blasts the crap out of Regless's Stereo}
Terriermon: Thanks Black
Black: Damn missed you both.
Terriermon: Ack!
Regless: First I don't own digimon and I'd just like to say thanks for all the reviews everyone. You don't know how much this means to me and I'd just like to say again that...... !!!BANG!!! ......Black you jackass, you shot me in the leg.
Black: Sorry I was aiming for Terriermon.
Terriermon: Someone help me.
Regless & Black: Momentai
******^******
Perfect Hazard - Chapter 8 - Pieces
***^***
Silence was felt throughout the forest. A man hiding in the shadows sat, enjoying the natural beauty of the digital world. He wore a cloak that covered his face and that was about all that you could see of him. He was waiting for something, a companion that he had trusted earlier to find out what was happening in Zhuqiaomon's part of the digital world. The stories were rapidly spreading of the symbol that was causing the digimon sovereign such a hard time. The figure looked up sensing his friends approach. He spoke, his voice quite soft.
Voice 1 "Your late."
The second voice has more nervous and quieter, though still a mans.
Voice 2 "Sorry."
Voice 1 "Don't worry about it, I rather enjoy the scenery. So what have you found out."
Voice 2 "Takato has acquired another one."
Voice 1 "That is good. Though I feel sorry for the boy, this is worth it."
Voice 2 "If you feel sorry for him then why don't you use the ones from Azulongmon's territory?"
Voice 1 " *Sigh* They have no immunity against the Chaos. No matter how strong they are they would lose in a second. Have you found the Remaining pieces."
Voice 2 "Yes. Uh, er Henry, Takato, and Guilmon."
Voice 1 "Guilmon doesn't count. He is the avatar. There should be someone else."
Voice 2 "Uh, but I checked everyone else. It's not one of them."
Voice 1 "It's not Guilmon either. I don't need to remind you how important this is. Find it."
Voice 2 "Uh. Yes Sir."
Voice 1 "Heh heh, have more faith in your abilities and you'll be fine. I chose you for this mission because I know of your skill in this type of thing."
Voice 2 "Thank you sir........."
***Meanwhile, The Tamers***
Impmon stood in a small clearing. It was the arranged meeting place for the Arc and the tamers had reached it some time ago. Everyone was busy occupying themselves with things to do until the Arc finally reached them. Rika and Renamon had made it their personal mission to figure out what exactly was so special about the Hazard Symbol and were talking to Guilmon about it. Takato was sitting next to Guilmon enjoying the conversation that was not his own, though he did turn around and correct Guilmon once or twice.
Rika "If this is a Hazard Sign, then isn't it dangerous?"
Guilmon "I don't know."
Takato "Tell her not to worry about it."
Guilmon "Oh, don't worry about it."
Renamon ".......... Did "Takatomon" tell you to say that?"
Takato "I'm not a mon."
Guilmon "Yep!"
Rika inched closer "Takatomon is that boy with goggles right?"
Takato "I'm not a mon."
Guilmon "Yep!"
Rika inched closer "How come you call him Takatomon and not just Takato?"
Guilmon "I just do."
Renamon **That could have saved us a lot of confusion earlier.**
Rika inched closer "Alright, then what's his connection to this symbol?"
Guilmon "I don't know."
Rika sighed and moved back since was almost on top of Guilmon. She took a deep breath and continued her persecution. Renamon spoke from behind her.
Renamon "Perhaps he's still tired, why don't you ask him later."
Rika sighed again and stood up, brushing some of the dirt from her jeans. She really wanted to learn more about this "Takato". She couldn't explain it but as far people go he annoyed her the least. Whenever she thought of him a pleasant feeling of nostalgia came over her. It was a welcome change in such unfamiliar territory.
Rika "Fine. You got lucky this time, Guilmon"
Guilmon just gave her a confused glance as she walked off, then turned to Renamon.
Guilmon "Renamon, I'm not tired at all."
Renamon "I know."
Guilmon "Oh, then why did you tell Rika-"
Renamon "-It was obvious you didn't know anything. Besides, it looked like you needed a break."
Guilmon "Thanks!"
Renamon chuckled "No problem, just don't tell Rika."
Guilmon "Okiee-dokiee."
Takato "Hey Guilmon, I think she likes you."
Guilmon "Huh?"
*^*
Jeri was playing the digimon card game with Kazu trying to refine her skills. Sadly she was having no luck. Even if Jeri had a lot of rare cards, she was clueless on how to use them. She was trying to think of her next move when a shadow disturbed her concentration. She turned around to see Rika looming above her with her arms folded. Rika uncrossed her arms and sat next to Jeri.
Rika "Kazu just played a virus so use this one. That way you can save this for the next match."
Jeri "Okay, thanks Rika."
Jeri played a "Light Training Manual" card and Kazu lost, his first loss to Jeri in what would soon be dozens. They got ready for another match while Rika continued showing her more tricks. Jeri didn't notice it but when Rika started showing her how to use cards her Tamer Level went up. Now she was on par with Takato at level 2.
*^*
Another berry fell off of a brush in Kenta's shirt. He was holding the end of it using it as a basket. He had been selected to do berry duty again as if it was the only thing he was good at. He knew he couldn't be as a big a help as everyone else with their digimon but it still frustrated him how he always seemed to be left out. He walked over to the next bush and noticed a small creature near his feet. His first thought was to panic and run, of course, but when he realized how small it was he decided he didn't have much to fear from this little thing. It was a Marine Angemon, and it was about to eat a small green berry when Kenta slapped it out of it's hands.
Kenta "Don't eat that. It's poisonous, you'll hurt yourself."
Marine Angemon looked up sadly "Pi- pipipi pi?"
{Kenta kneeled over and took one of the berries from his shirt}
Kenta "Here, these ones are alright"
Kenta sat and fed the tiny little digimon for a while. It seemed to be happy to have company that wasn't trying to delete it. Kenta talked with the little thing about some of the thing that were in his mind only moments before and the pink powderpuff listened happily. When Kenta realized he's been talking for almost an hour he got up, waved goodbye, and took off back toward his friends.
Kenta "Uh, bye!"
Marine Angemon "Pi pipi pipi?"
Kenta "No I can't stay, and I probably won't come back either. You see, I live a long ways away from here, to far for you to follow so this the last time we'll see each other."
Marine Angemon "pi piiuuuuu."
Marine Angemon obliged and Kenta resumed his mini-marathon towards the other tamers. When he got back he found Jeri kicking Kazu's butt at the digimon card game, Renamon was watching Guilmon sleep under the tree of which she rested upon. Gardromon was trying to help Kazu but it wasn't working as he lost another game. Lopmon had her ears wrapped around Suzie as she slept, keeping her warm. Rika was organizing her cards and Henry seemed to seclude himself with Terriermon off to a corner from everyone else. Kenta figured he would try and talk to him and see what was wrong. Takato and Impmon were already over there, but since Henry kept his left hand hidden in his pocket, they had no idea what was wrong with him either.
Takato "Grrr, this is so irritating. He won't say anything, maybe I should go wake Guilmon up."
{Impmon looked passed Takato}
Impmon "Maybe you won't have to."
{Kenta was walking over and stopped a few feet in front of Henry."
Kenta "Hey Henry, why arn't you enjoying yourself with the others?"
Henry "........."
Henry *Why do I feel so tired. I don't wanna talk to anyone."
Terriermon "He says he doesn't feel like it."
Takato "Oh I'll fix that!"
Takato went to pass his hand through Henry but instead of going all the through, Takato's hand met solid matter. Henry didn't seem to notice though.
Impmon "Hey Gogglehead, what's the problem?"
Takato "Uh, I can feel him. My hand won't go through....."
Impmon "What? Yeah right!"
Impmon passed his hand through Henry. There was no effect but at least it went through. Takato looked at Impmon for a second who wore a smug grin, then tried himself again. This time though, not only did his hand meet solid matter but he also felt a shock. An incredibly powerful one then sent Takato flying backwards. He landed sprawled out hurting in everyone bone of his body that he knew he had and in some he didn't. He tried to get much but his fatigue got the better of him and he fell over again. Impmon rushed to his side.
Impmon "What the hell was that?"
Takato "Beats me..... Wow, I feel so tired, hey you mind if I rest here."
Renamon's eyes shot open when she realized something was wrong. For a second she felt a great discomfort even though she didn't know what it was. She looked down and noticed Guilmon had moved, he was now in the center of the clearing and talking to air. None of the other tamers seemed to notice except for Rika who was also looking in Guilmon's direction. Renamon teleported next to her partner.
Renamon "Rika? What is it?"
Rika ".........I saw Gogglehead for a second."
Renamon ".....How is that possible?"
Rika "I don't know, I just saw him, it looked like he was hurt. I better find out if he's alright."
Renamon "Funny, I've never known you to worry about anyone."
Rika "I kinda owe him one, alright?"
Renamon "Fair enough."
Rika stood up and walked over to Guilmon. Renamon stayed back admiring the change in her partners behavior. It had only been a few days but she had made incredible progress. A smile crossed her lips when another thought entered her mind.
Renamon **I wonder if she actually likes him?"
*^*
Guilmon "What happened Takatomon?"
Takato "I just touched Henry and..... Bang, I guess."
{Guilmon tilted his head and looked at Impmon}
Impmon "Hey don't look at me, I'm just as clueless as you are Pineapple head."
{Rika walked over}
Rika "Hey Dino-Breath, what happened to Gogglehead?"
Impmon **She saw him?**
Takato **Does she have nicknames for everyone?**
Guilmon "I'll ask..... He said he just-"
Kazu cut Guilmon off "-Hey the Arc's coming!"
Jeri "About time."
Rika "Tell me later, alright."
Guilmon "Okay."
Everyone looked up to see a large metallic, egg-shaped thing come down from the sky. It hey lines behind it to be used as a guide to get back home. The tamer's patiently awaited to it reach them including Rika who had temporarily forgotten her question. Impmon helped Takato back to his feet. Takato looked up to see Henry join the rest of the tamer, his concern growing drastically. That was the first Henry's acted like this. Even when he wouldn't let Terriermon fight before. He never seemed to withdraw himself this much.
***Meanwhile***
The man in the woods was eagerly awaiting another report from his "coworker". He was thankful that he did not have to wait as long as before. Another robed figure appeared before him, his profile was the same as the others, completely cloaked with no way of seeing his face or any other distinguishing features. The first man spoke first again.
Voice 1 "Back already?"
Voice 2 "Ye-Yes, there was no one else. I have scanned everyone in the battle. I even took the liberty of scanning the two other humans that were not in the fight."
Voice 1 " This simply cannot be, we must be missing something. Let's see... Beelzemon was winning, the hazard was destroying everything, there was a bright light..... Wait, you checked everyone that was..... in the..... fight. Did you check everyone that the light touched."
Voice 2 "The only other person in the vicinity is the Sovereign, his Deva Servant was still making it's way back."
Voice 1 "Then perhaps it is the Sovereign."
Voice 2 "B-But is that even possible."
Voice 1 ".....Yes the Hazard was meant to be that way. Let us hope that it is not him either. A Deva with the power of the Digital Hazard..... and Zhuqiaomon of all Sovereigns, he would no doubt use the power to destroy the humans. Check on him now."
Voice 2 "Uh, Ye-Yes sir."
The second man walked off toward the Sovereign's Tower leaving the first to ponder his own thoughts before taking off himself.
Voice 1 **I had best warn those from my realm, this could mean a war.**
***Back with the Tamers**
The Arc was now only a few feet above the Tamer's and their digimon, however, something seemed odd. Takato was the first to notice that the Arc seemed to be wobbling and, come to think of it, so was he. It felt like their was a light wave of force come from towards the Sovereign's Tower. Takato looked over in that direction but all he could see were the waving trees.
Lopmon was the next to notice and called for the Tamer's to back away and give the Arc some room. Everyone backed up including Jeri who moved over to Henry while doing so. Henry smiled lightly. With Jeri at his side he could temporarily forget his "other" problem. Guilmon turned around to see Impmon perched on a branch trying to see what was moving the Arc, it didn't feel like a natural wind. It was more solid and unwavering.
A branch fluttered in Impmon's wide-eyed face. See saw what was causing the force and it was much worse than he thought. He turned around and looked at Guilmon with a look of seriousness that Guilmon understood perfectly. Takato was watching the two and didn't quite understand what was going on.
Guilmon & Impmon "HIT THE DECK"
Everyone ducked and looked back except Takato who was dumbfounded by the sight in front of him. A massive boulder larger than WarGrowlmon went flying by tearing out trees and everything else that stood in it's way. If Takato wasn't intangible he would have likely lost his head.
Takato "Impmon, What's going on?"
Impmon "The Sovereign's Tower, it's exploding!"
Takato "WHAT?"
Another rock sailed past breaking the lines that held the Arc up and sent it crashing into the earth between the Tamers. More came, larger and more frequent. Cracks went ripping through the earth reshaping the land. Takato was reminded of the Digital Hazard, this seemed almost as bad and, in a sense, it was worse since it had plucked the only way back to the Real World out of the sky. The Tamer's scrambled for cover while Takato ran into the Arc......... He didn't realize that his Hazard Symbols were glowing fiercely.
Guilmon "Takatomon!!!"
Impmon "Relax. He'll be fine, it's you guys that are in trouble now SHUT UP AND DUCK!"
Guilmon ducked another piece of rock. He picked his head up and let loose a Pyro Sphere which destroyed the rock before it had the chance to the Arc. Turning around he snorted, his eyes Rabid and his teeth showing he got ready for more pieces of rock.
Guilmon "NO ONE HURTS TAKATO!!!"
Jeri's D-Arc began to glow and so did Rika's. Terriermon waited for the order to fight to from his tamer but it wouldn't come.
Takato was inside the Arc still trying to get the blasted thing to do something. It didn't respond. He could hear Taomon and WarGrowlmon fighting outside, buying him more time, but he still didn't know what to do. He heard something whisper in his mind. Turning around, he saw no one.
Rika (Come on Goggles, don't let me down now.)
Takato **Rika......... She's counting on me. I think that may be the first time she's relied on anyone except Renamon.**
Takato subconsciously rose his fist as he felt his patients drain out of him. The Hazard Sign poured out red light. The sound of the fight outside seemed to fade into nothingness. As his thoughts changed, he could think of only one person.
Takato **Rika......... I won't let you down**
Takato slammed his fist down as the Hazard Sign's light became blinding.
***^*** Level Gained ***^***
Influence Level: 2
Merge Level: 3
Digivolve Level: 1
Hazard Level: 2
******^******
Everyone gasped at the sight of the Arc reactivate, including WarGrowlmon and Taomon, who, in their awe didn't seem to forget about the hailstorm of boulders flying towards their heads for a moment. When they turned back it was too late for them to dodge and to late for Taomon to make a barrier.
Jeri:
***DIGIMODIFY***
Power Activate
WarGrowlmon shoved his digimon companion out of the way and took the full force of first and second rock flinching visibly. The third knocked him back into his rookie level. The forth and fifth were on their way to deleting him when a large figure stepped in the way and crushed them.
??? "Desolation Claw."
Ryo "Good move Cyberdramon!"
Taomon "Guilmon! Are you alright?"
Cyberdramon "He isn't moving"
{Guilmon starts snoring loudly and everyone sweatdrops.}
Ryo "He's fine, everyone into the Arc! Cyberdramon, you last and go back into your rookie form when you do it."
Taomon picked Guilmon up in her arms and entered the Arc next to Rika. Jeri rushed over to her partner. She didn't realize it but she had gained another Digivolve and Tamer Level. This meant she was one up on Takato with Three Levels. Rika stared ahead at the image on the control panel of the Arc while Ryo and his companion hoped in after the. A Red Hazard Sign greeted all who entered.
Rika **Not bad Gogglehead, I knew you could do it.**
Takato **Wow, everyone's inside of me, is this how my food feels? I can't believe I merged with the Arc. Time to go I guess. Goodbye digital world.**
Impmon was snickering to himself looking on the control panel screen. Takato didn't realize it but the panel displayed his thoughts. Everyone sat looking down at the chaos beneath them. It wasn't just the Sovereign's Tower that exploded. Everything in sight was going A-Wall. It seemed they were leaving at just the right moment. Looking down the down see massive pieces of the world, shift and shred itself.
Kazu "Hey Ryo! Glad to see you could make it."
Ryo "Whew. Yeah, that was close."
Kenta " No kidding, everything's getting destroyed down there."
Monodramon "Wow! It looks like everything got caught in a blender."
Jeri "Isn't the Sovereign there to stop this?"
Lopmon "I don't see him... That doesn't make any sense, he should be at least trying to do something that."
Gardromon "I am unable to determine the source of this disturbance."
Henry "This destruction has a source?
Gardromon "Of course, all destruction has a source no matter how big or little it is"
Kazu "Who cares were out of here anyway."
Lopmon "Still..."
Guilmon woke up seeming to have fully recovered his strength, something of which Taomon paid close attention too, walked up to Kenta tripping over Kazu and Ryo as he did so. He got up rubbing his nose so that he was face to face with Kenta's glasses.
Guilmon "Why is there a digimon in your pocket?"
Everyone stopped and looked at Kenta including Kenta, who dropped his eyes to look at himself. A small pink digimon with a heart on it's stomach popped out of his pocket.
Kenta "I have a... Marine Angemon! What are you doing here?"
Marine Angemon "Pipi pi pipipi."
Kenta "That's nice of you to say, but I don't have anymore berries."
Marine Angemon looked around and beheld the carnage that was taking place outside. He looked back at Kenta with a look of concern.
Marine Angemon "Pipi?"
Kenta "Out there? Don't worry about that, you can stay with me."
Marine Angemon "Piii?"
The tiny Mega shouted happily grappling onto Kenta as best her could. A bright light formed in front of the confused child and suddenly, he was a tamer. Kenta clasped the D-Arc and shouted happily. This was quickly silenced by Rika who was trying to rest next to Renamon. Just about all the other tamers and digimon soon followed their example except for the invisible Impmon who stayed up for a while talking/reading with Takato.
***Elsewhere***
A robed man hid in the shadows, again awaiting his comrades return.
Voice 1 "A pity. It seems I was correct."
Voice 2 "Yes, I apologize. I should have foreseen this."
Voice 1 "No worries, I have heard from Azulongmon that he is alright."
Voice 2 "I'm surprised he's even alive."
Voice 1 "You give him too little credit. The others have been told so he won't likely come to our world... To much trouble."
Voice 2 "But may Lord have mercy on this one."
The man that the first voice belonged to got up and nodded in agreement. The two took off shortly afterwards.
***In the Arc***
Impmon "I still don't understand how you managed to make Guilmon real."
Takato "You and me both."
Impmon "And about Henry-"
Takato "Don't ask, I don't know."
{Rika steps through Impmon from behind}
Rika "What the? Hey this thing has words on it."
Impmon "Damn, and there were still things I wanted to ask you. Oh well. G'night."
{Impmon leaves the two alone to go and sleep}
Takato "I thought you were asleep."
Rika "I woke up... Your Gogglehead, right."
Takato "Uh, Takato. This is great, we can finally talk."
Rika ~false sarcasm~ "Oh yeah just peachy. Hey come you can do stuff like this."
Takato "I honestly don't have a clue."
{Rika stretched out then sat down while Takato watched peacefully}
Takato "Uh, if your tired you really should rest."
Rika spat back "Don't put me on the same level as everyone else in here. Why don't you rest?"
Takato "Cause we'd fall and die."
Rika "Good point, anyway I'm not tired."
Takato "Oh, sorry."
Rika "Why are you apologizing?"
Takato "Uh, er, umm..."
Rika smiled a bit "You really have a way with words, don't you."
Takato "I, I guess so."
Takato laughed while Rika did a half smile. She waited for him to stop before she continued.
Rika "So... how did you get like this. I mean, you are real... aren't you."
Takato "I'm not sure right now. I made a mistake a couple days ago, a really big mistake and... nearly destroyed everyone."
Rika "Hey, take it easy, I've been through my fair share of mistakes..."
{Rika gazes at her partner}
Rika "...I almost dumped my partner for another digimon and, well, it's complicated. Guess we've both made our share of mistakes in the past."
Takato " You mean Ice Devimon? Yeah he was a pain."
Rika "WHAT? How did you know about that?"
Takato " I, I uh..."
Rika "Well?"
Takato "All I can tell you is that I was there." **At least in my timeline.**
Rika "You were there watching me?"
Takato "Kinda... yeah."
Rika "Hey what were you before? I mean were you a person, a digimon, I even heard someone refer to you as a Guardian Angel once."
Takato let out a chuckle "Why would the Digimon Queen need a Guardian Angel? Your more able to take care of yourself then I am. Just look at the proof, I'm not real anymore.
Rika smiled "My thoughts exactly, Gogglehead. But you dodged my question, what were you."
Takato "Just a normal kid."
Rika "A normal kid? You mean anyone could've ended up in your position."
Takato laughed again "Nope it's takes real effort to screw yourself up this much."
Rika tried to hold back a laugh but she couldn't help herself. It was odd, she never even smiled before, something about the goofy looking Gogglehead just made her feel comfortable. She didn't feel the urge to hurt him or anything, almost like they've been friends for a long time.
Takato "I knew you were tired."
Rika "It's cause your talking bored me... Not that I didn't enjoy talking to someone for once."
Takato "From you, I'll take that as a complement. Maybe you should try talking to Renamon more, she may surprise you."
Rika "I'll take your advice. Oh are you gonna enter my dream tonight."
{Takato would've blushed if it was possible} "Uh, do you want me to."
{Rika blushed} "Uh n, not particularly. It's just, easier to talk to you face to face is all."
Takato **She wants to talk to me? I better not say anything or she'll hurt me**
Rika **Oh man, I must've sounded so stupid. If he says anything about it I'll clobber him.**
Takato "I don't think I can while I'm merged with the Arc."
Rika "No problem."
Rika **Awe nuts... I was almost looking forward to seeing him.**
Rika "Oh and Uh- I haven't gotten the chance to properly thank you...... for helping me... in my dream. Uh- Thanks"
Takato "No problem."
Rika got up and moved back over to Renamon, laying her head of the vulpine digimon's shoulder. Casting a glance over to the computer screen for a brief moment.
Takato "Night Rika."
Rika "Night Gogglehead..."
Rika **Goodnight Takato**
******^******
Regless: And that's it. A lot of words. Now where is Black with my new leg.
{Black walks in with KFC}
Regless: Where's my leg?
Black: I ate it. Oh and Rika says "I'm gonna kill you"
Regless: AWW CRAP my leg, and AWW CRAP why is Rika gonna kill me?
Black: I told her you made fun of her weight
Regless: And into the closet you go {Grabs Black and shoves him in the closet}
Black: Hey lemme out.
Regless: No your too evil.
Black: Lemme out or I'll... damn shotgun's with the chicken.
)BANG(
Black: Hey are you messing with my shotgun?
Regless: Umm No, but just for fun what's the number to 911?"
Black: I dunno.
Regless: Okay then how do you stop massive internal bleeding... It's for a friend.
Black: Try gluing yourself closed dumbass.
Regless: Kay. Anyway this may take a while or only a few minutes if I keep losing blood like this. Read and review and have a nice Hallowe... *Thump*
Terriermon: Good idea, blame it on the computer.
Regless: What the hell? Oh back for more are ya.
Terriermon: Uh no, just here to read your fic.
Regless {Ignoring Terriermon} : You asked for it. It's Celine Dion's "Titanic" for you {Puts on a CD and cranks up the volume}
Terriermon: What did I do to deserve this?
{Black walks in loading his shotgun and blasts the crap out of Regless's Stereo}
Terriermon: Thanks Black
Black: Damn missed you both.
Terriermon: Ack!
Regless: First I don't own digimon and I'd just like to say thanks for all the reviews everyone. You don't know how much this means to me and I'd just like to say again that...... !!!BANG!!! ......Black you jackass, you shot me in the leg.
Black: Sorry I was aiming for Terriermon.
Terriermon: Someone help me.
Regless & Black: Momentai
******^******
Perfect Hazard - Chapter 8 - Pieces
***^***
Silence was felt throughout the forest. A man hiding in the shadows sat, enjoying the natural beauty of the digital world. He wore a cloak that covered his face and that was about all that you could see of him. He was waiting for something, a companion that he had trusted earlier to find out what was happening in Zhuqiaomon's part of the digital world. The stories were rapidly spreading of the symbol that was causing the digimon sovereign such a hard time. The figure looked up sensing his friends approach. He spoke, his voice quite soft.
Voice 1 "Your late."
The second voice has more nervous and quieter, though still a mans.
Voice 2 "Sorry."
Voice 1 "Don't worry about it, I rather enjoy the scenery. So what have you found out."
Voice 2 "Takato has acquired another one."
Voice 1 "That is good. Though I feel sorry for the boy, this is worth it."
Voice 2 "If you feel sorry for him then why don't you use the ones from Azulongmon's territory?"
Voice 1 " *Sigh* They have no immunity against the Chaos. No matter how strong they are they would lose in a second. Have you found the Remaining pieces."
Voice 2 "Yes. Uh, er Henry, Takato, and Guilmon."
Voice 1 "Guilmon doesn't count. He is the avatar. There should be someone else."
Voice 2 "Uh, but I checked everyone else. It's not one of them."
Voice 1 "It's not Guilmon either. I don't need to remind you how important this is. Find it."
Voice 2 "Uh. Yes Sir."
Voice 1 "Heh heh, have more faith in your abilities and you'll be fine. I chose you for this mission because I know of your skill in this type of thing."
Voice 2 "Thank you sir........."
***Meanwhile, The Tamers***
Impmon stood in a small clearing. It was the arranged meeting place for the Arc and the tamers had reached it some time ago. Everyone was busy occupying themselves with things to do until the Arc finally reached them. Rika and Renamon had made it their personal mission to figure out what exactly was so special about the Hazard Symbol and were talking to Guilmon about it. Takato was sitting next to Guilmon enjoying the conversation that was not his own, though he did turn around and correct Guilmon once or twice.
Rika "If this is a Hazard Sign, then isn't it dangerous?"
Guilmon "I don't know."
Takato "Tell her not to worry about it."
Guilmon "Oh, don't worry about it."
Renamon ".......... Did "Takatomon" tell you to say that?"
Takato "I'm not a mon."
Guilmon "Yep!"
Rika inched closer "Takatomon is that boy with goggles right?"
Takato "I'm not a mon."
Guilmon "Yep!"
Rika inched closer "How come you call him Takatomon and not just Takato?"
Guilmon "I just do."
Renamon **That could have saved us a lot of confusion earlier.**
Rika inched closer "Alright, then what's his connection to this symbol?"
Guilmon "I don't know."
Rika sighed and moved back since was almost on top of Guilmon. She took a deep breath and continued her persecution. Renamon spoke from behind her.
Renamon "Perhaps he's still tired, why don't you ask him later."
Rika sighed again and stood up, brushing some of the dirt from her jeans. She really wanted to learn more about this "Takato". She couldn't explain it but as far people go he annoyed her the least. Whenever she thought of him a pleasant feeling of nostalgia came over her. It was a welcome change in such unfamiliar territory.
Rika "Fine. You got lucky this time, Guilmon"
Guilmon just gave her a confused glance as she walked off, then turned to Renamon.
Guilmon "Renamon, I'm not tired at all."
Renamon "I know."
Guilmon "Oh, then why did you tell Rika-"
Renamon "-It was obvious you didn't know anything. Besides, it looked like you needed a break."
Guilmon "Thanks!"
Renamon chuckled "No problem, just don't tell Rika."
Guilmon "Okiee-dokiee."
Takato "Hey Guilmon, I think she likes you."
Guilmon "Huh?"
*^*
Jeri was playing the digimon card game with Kazu trying to refine her skills. Sadly she was having no luck. Even if Jeri had a lot of rare cards, she was clueless on how to use them. She was trying to think of her next move when a shadow disturbed her concentration. She turned around to see Rika looming above her with her arms folded. Rika uncrossed her arms and sat next to Jeri.
Rika "Kazu just played a virus so use this one. That way you can save this for the next match."
Jeri "Okay, thanks Rika."
Jeri played a "Light Training Manual" card and Kazu lost, his first loss to Jeri in what would soon be dozens. They got ready for another match while Rika continued showing her more tricks. Jeri didn't notice it but when Rika started showing her how to use cards her Tamer Level went up. Now she was on par with Takato at level 2.
*^*
Another berry fell off of a brush in Kenta's shirt. He was holding the end of it using it as a basket. He had been selected to do berry duty again as if it was the only thing he was good at. He knew he couldn't be as a big a help as everyone else with their digimon but it still frustrated him how he always seemed to be left out. He walked over to the next bush and noticed a small creature near his feet. His first thought was to panic and run, of course, but when he realized how small it was he decided he didn't have much to fear from this little thing. It was a Marine Angemon, and it was about to eat a small green berry when Kenta slapped it out of it's hands.
Kenta "Don't eat that. It's poisonous, you'll hurt yourself."
Marine Angemon looked up sadly "Pi- pipipi pi?"
{Kenta kneeled over and took one of the berries from his shirt}
Kenta "Here, these ones are alright"
Kenta sat and fed the tiny little digimon for a while. It seemed to be happy to have company that wasn't trying to delete it. Kenta talked with the little thing about some of the thing that were in his mind only moments before and the pink powderpuff listened happily. When Kenta realized he's been talking for almost an hour he got up, waved goodbye, and took off back toward his friends.
Kenta "Uh, bye!"
Marine Angemon "Pi pipi pipi?"
Kenta "No I can't stay, and I probably won't come back either. You see, I live a long ways away from here, to far for you to follow so this the last time we'll see each other."
Marine Angemon "pi piiuuuuu."
Marine Angemon obliged and Kenta resumed his mini-marathon towards the other tamers. When he got back he found Jeri kicking Kazu's butt at the digimon card game, Renamon was watching Guilmon sleep under the tree of which she rested upon. Gardromon was trying to help Kazu but it wasn't working as he lost another game. Lopmon had her ears wrapped around Suzie as she slept, keeping her warm. Rika was organizing her cards and Henry seemed to seclude himself with Terriermon off to a corner from everyone else. Kenta figured he would try and talk to him and see what was wrong. Takato and Impmon were already over there, but since Henry kept his left hand hidden in his pocket, they had no idea what was wrong with him either.
Takato "Grrr, this is so irritating. He won't say anything, maybe I should go wake Guilmon up."
{Impmon looked passed Takato}
Impmon "Maybe you won't have to."
{Kenta was walking over and stopped a few feet in front of Henry."
Kenta "Hey Henry, why arn't you enjoying yourself with the others?"
Henry "........."
Henry *Why do I feel so tired. I don't wanna talk to anyone."
Terriermon "He says he doesn't feel like it."
Takato "Oh I'll fix that!"
Takato went to pass his hand through Henry but instead of going all the through, Takato's hand met solid matter. Henry didn't seem to notice though.
Impmon "Hey Gogglehead, what's the problem?"
Takato "Uh, I can feel him. My hand won't go through....."
Impmon "What? Yeah right!"
Impmon passed his hand through Henry. There was no effect but at least it went through. Takato looked at Impmon for a second who wore a smug grin, then tried himself again. This time though, not only did his hand meet solid matter but he also felt a shock. An incredibly powerful one then sent Takato flying backwards. He landed sprawled out hurting in everyone bone of his body that he knew he had and in some he didn't. He tried to get much but his fatigue got the better of him and he fell over again. Impmon rushed to his side.
Impmon "What the hell was that?"
Takato "Beats me..... Wow, I feel so tired, hey you mind if I rest here."
Renamon's eyes shot open when she realized something was wrong. For a second she felt a great discomfort even though she didn't know what it was. She looked down and noticed Guilmon had moved, he was now in the center of the clearing and talking to air. None of the other tamers seemed to notice except for Rika who was also looking in Guilmon's direction. Renamon teleported next to her partner.
Renamon "Rika? What is it?"
Rika ".........I saw Gogglehead for a second."
Renamon ".....How is that possible?"
Rika "I don't know, I just saw him, it looked like he was hurt. I better find out if he's alright."
Renamon "Funny, I've never known you to worry about anyone."
Rika "I kinda owe him one, alright?"
Renamon "Fair enough."
Rika stood up and walked over to Guilmon. Renamon stayed back admiring the change in her partners behavior. It had only been a few days but she had made incredible progress. A smile crossed her lips when another thought entered her mind.
Renamon **I wonder if she actually likes him?"
*^*
Guilmon "What happened Takatomon?"
Takato "I just touched Henry and..... Bang, I guess."
{Guilmon tilted his head and looked at Impmon}
Impmon "Hey don't look at me, I'm just as clueless as you are Pineapple head."
{Rika walked over}
Rika "Hey Dino-Breath, what happened to Gogglehead?"
Impmon **She saw him?**
Takato **Does she have nicknames for everyone?**
Guilmon "I'll ask..... He said he just-"
Kazu cut Guilmon off "-Hey the Arc's coming!"
Jeri "About time."
Rika "Tell me later, alright."
Guilmon "Okay."
Everyone looked up to see a large metallic, egg-shaped thing come down from the sky. It hey lines behind it to be used as a guide to get back home. The tamer's patiently awaited to it reach them including Rika who had temporarily forgotten her question. Impmon helped Takato back to his feet. Takato looked up to see Henry join the rest of the tamer, his concern growing drastically. That was the first Henry's acted like this. Even when he wouldn't let Terriermon fight before. He never seemed to withdraw himself this much.
***Meanwhile***
The man in the woods was eagerly awaiting another report from his "coworker". He was thankful that he did not have to wait as long as before. Another robed figure appeared before him, his profile was the same as the others, completely cloaked with no way of seeing his face or any other distinguishing features. The first man spoke first again.
Voice 1 "Back already?"
Voice 2 "Ye-Yes, there was no one else. I have scanned everyone in the battle. I even took the liberty of scanning the two other humans that were not in the fight."
Voice 1 " This simply cannot be, we must be missing something. Let's see... Beelzemon was winning, the hazard was destroying everything, there was a bright light..... Wait, you checked everyone that was..... in the..... fight. Did you check everyone that the light touched."
Voice 2 "The only other person in the vicinity is the Sovereign, his Deva Servant was still making it's way back."
Voice 1 "Then perhaps it is the Sovereign."
Voice 2 "B-But is that even possible."
Voice 1 ".....Yes the Hazard was meant to be that way. Let us hope that it is not him either. A Deva with the power of the Digital Hazard..... and Zhuqiaomon of all Sovereigns, he would no doubt use the power to destroy the humans. Check on him now."
Voice 2 "Uh, Ye-Yes sir."
The second man walked off toward the Sovereign's Tower leaving the first to ponder his own thoughts before taking off himself.
Voice 1 **I had best warn those from my realm, this could mean a war.**
***Back with the Tamers**
The Arc was now only a few feet above the Tamer's and their digimon, however, something seemed odd. Takato was the first to notice that the Arc seemed to be wobbling and, come to think of it, so was he. It felt like their was a light wave of force come from towards the Sovereign's Tower. Takato looked over in that direction but all he could see were the waving trees.
Lopmon was the next to notice and called for the Tamer's to back away and give the Arc some room. Everyone backed up including Jeri who moved over to Henry while doing so. Henry smiled lightly. With Jeri at his side he could temporarily forget his "other" problem. Guilmon turned around to see Impmon perched on a branch trying to see what was moving the Arc, it didn't feel like a natural wind. It was more solid and unwavering.
A branch fluttered in Impmon's wide-eyed face. See saw what was causing the force and it was much worse than he thought. He turned around and looked at Guilmon with a look of seriousness that Guilmon understood perfectly. Takato was watching the two and didn't quite understand what was going on.
Guilmon & Impmon "HIT THE DECK"
Everyone ducked and looked back except Takato who was dumbfounded by the sight in front of him. A massive boulder larger than WarGrowlmon went flying by tearing out trees and everything else that stood in it's way. If Takato wasn't intangible he would have likely lost his head.
Takato "Impmon, What's going on?"
Impmon "The Sovereign's Tower, it's exploding!"
Takato "WHAT?"
Another rock sailed past breaking the lines that held the Arc up and sent it crashing into the earth between the Tamers. More came, larger and more frequent. Cracks went ripping through the earth reshaping the land. Takato was reminded of the Digital Hazard, this seemed almost as bad and, in a sense, it was worse since it had plucked the only way back to the Real World out of the sky. The Tamer's scrambled for cover while Takato ran into the Arc......... He didn't realize that his Hazard Symbols were glowing fiercely.
Guilmon "Takatomon!!!"
Impmon "Relax. He'll be fine, it's you guys that are in trouble now SHUT UP AND DUCK!"
Guilmon ducked another piece of rock. He picked his head up and let loose a Pyro Sphere which destroyed the rock before it had the chance to the Arc. Turning around he snorted, his eyes Rabid and his teeth showing he got ready for more pieces of rock.
Guilmon "NO ONE HURTS TAKATO!!!"
Jeri's D-Arc began to glow and so did Rika's. Terriermon waited for the order to fight to from his tamer but it wouldn't come.
Takato was inside the Arc still trying to get the blasted thing to do something. It didn't respond. He could hear Taomon and WarGrowlmon fighting outside, buying him more time, but he still didn't know what to do. He heard something whisper in his mind. Turning around, he saw no one.
Rika (Come on Goggles, don't let me down now.)
Takato **Rika......... She's counting on me. I think that may be the first time she's relied on anyone except Renamon.**
Takato subconsciously rose his fist as he felt his patients drain out of him. The Hazard Sign poured out red light. The sound of the fight outside seemed to fade into nothingness. As his thoughts changed, he could think of only one person.
Takato **Rika......... I won't let you down**
Takato slammed his fist down as the Hazard Sign's light became blinding.
***^*** Level Gained ***^***
Influence Level: 2
Merge Level: 3
Digivolve Level: 1
Hazard Level: 2
******^******
Everyone gasped at the sight of the Arc reactivate, including WarGrowlmon and Taomon, who, in their awe didn't seem to forget about the hailstorm of boulders flying towards their heads for a moment. When they turned back it was too late for them to dodge and to late for Taomon to make a barrier.
Jeri:
***DIGIMODIFY***
Power Activate
WarGrowlmon shoved his digimon companion out of the way and took the full force of first and second rock flinching visibly. The third knocked him back into his rookie level. The forth and fifth were on their way to deleting him when a large figure stepped in the way and crushed them.
??? "Desolation Claw."
Ryo "Good move Cyberdramon!"
Taomon "Guilmon! Are you alright?"
Cyberdramon "He isn't moving"
{Guilmon starts snoring loudly and everyone sweatdrops.}
Ryo "He's fine, everyone into the Arc! Cyberdramon, you last and go back into your rookie form when you do it."
Taomon picked Guilmon up in her arms and entered the Arc next to Rika. Jeri rushed over to her partner. She didn't realize it but she had gained another Digivolve and Tamer Level. This meant she was one up on Takato with Three Levels. Rika stared ahead at the image on the control panel of the Arc while Ryo and his companion hoped in after the. A Red Hazard Sign greeted all who entered.
Rika **Not bad Gogglehead, I knew you could do it.**
Takato **Wow, everyone's inside of me, is this how my food feels? I can't believe I merged with the Arc. Time to go I guess. Goodbye digital world.**
Impmon was snickering to himself looking on the control panel screen. Takato didn't realize it but the panel displayed his thoughts. Everyone sat looking down at the chaos beneath them. It wasn't just the Sovereign's Tower that exploded. Everything in sight was going A-Wall. It seemed they were leaving at just the right moment. Looking down the down see massive pieces of the world, shift and shred itself.
Kazu "Hey Ryo! Glad to see you could make it."
Ryo "Whew. Yeah, that was close."
Kenta " No kidding, everything's getting destroyed down there."
Monodramon "Wow! It looks like everything got caught in a blender."
Jeri "Isn't the Sovereign there to stop this?"
Lopmon "I don't see him... That doesn't make any sense, he should be at least trying to do something that."
Gardromon "I am unable to determine the source of this disturbance."
Henry "This destruction has a source?
Gardromon "Of course, all destruction has a source no matter how big or little it is"
Kazu "Who cares were out of here anyway."
Lopmon "Still..."
Guilmon woke up seeming to have fully recovered his strength, something of which Taomon paid close attention too, walked up to Kenta tripping over Kazu and Ryo as he did so. He got up rubbing his nose so that he was face to face with Kenta's glasses.
Guilmon "Why is there a digimon in your pocket?"
Everyone stopped and looked at Kenta including Kenta, who dropped his eyes to look at himself. A small pink digimon with a heart on it's stomach popped out of his pocket.
Kenta "I have a... Marine Angemon! What are you doing here?"
Marine Angemon "Pipi pi pipipi."
Kenta "That's nice of you to say, but I don't have anymore berries."
Marine Angemon looked around and beheld the carnage that was taking place outside. He looked back at Kenta with a look of concern.
Marine Angemon "Pipi?"
Kenta "Out there? Don't worry about that, you can stay with me."
Marine Angemon "Piii?"
The tiny Mega shouted happily grappling onto Kenta as best her could. A bright light formed in front of the confused child and suddenly, he was a tamer. Kenta clasped the D-Arc and shouted happily. This was quickly silenced by Rika who was trying to rest next to Renamon. Just about all the other tamers and digimon soon followed their example except for the invisible Impmon who stayed up for a while talking/reading with Takato.
***Elsewhere***
A robed man hid in the shadows, again awaiting his comrades return.
Voice 1 "A pity. It seems I was correct."
Voice 2 "Yes, I apologize. I should have foreseen this."
Voice 1 "No worries, I have heard from Azulongmon that he is alright."
Voice 2 "I'm surprised he's even alive."
Voice 1 "You give him too little credit. The others have been told so he won't likely come to our world... To much trouble."
Voice 2 "But may Lord have mercy on this one."
The man that the first voice belonged to got up and nodded in agreement. The two took off shortly afterwards.
***In the Arc***
Impmon "I still don't understand how you managed to make Guilmon real."
Takato "You and me both."
Impmon "And about Henry-"
Takato "Don't ask, I don't know."
{Rika steps through Impmon from behind}
Rika "What the? Hey this thing has words on it."
Impmon "Damn, and there were still things I wanted to ask you. Oh well. G'night."
{Impmon leaves the two alone to go and sleep}
Takato "I thought you were asleep."
Rika "I woke up... Your Gogglehead, right."
Takato "Uh, Takato. This is great, we can finally talk."
Rika ~false sarcasm~ "Oh yeah just peachy. Hey come you can do stuff like this."
Takato "I honestly don't have a clue."
{Rika stretched out then sat down while Takato watched peacefully}
Takato "Uh, if your tired you really should rest."
Rika spat back "Don't put me on the same level as everyone else in here. Why don't you rest?"
Takato "Cause we'd fall and die."
Rika "Good point, anyway I'm not tired."
Takato "Oh, sorry."
Rika "Why are you apologizing?"
Takato "Uh, er, umm..."
Rika smiled a bit "You really have a way with words, don't you."
Takato "I, I guess so."
Takato laughed while Rika did a half smile. She waited for him to stop before she continued.
Rika "So... how did you get like this. I mean, you are real... aren't you."
Takato "I'm not sure right now. I made a mistake a couple days ago, a really big mistake and... nearly destroyed everyone."
Rika "Hey, take it easy, I've been through my fair share of mistakes..."
{Rika gazes at her partner}
Rika "...I almost dumped my partner for another digimon and, well, it's complicated. Guess we've both made our share of mistakes in the past."
Takato " You mean Ice Devimon? Yeah he was a pain."
Rika "WHAT? How did you know about that?"
Takato " I, I uh..."
Rika "Well?"
Takato "All I can tell you is that I was there." **At least in my timeline.**
Rika "You were there watching me?"
Takato "Kinda... yeah."
Rika "Hey what were you before? I mean were you a person, a digimon, I even heard someone refer to you as a Guardian Angel once."
Takato let out a chuckle "Why would the Digimon Queen need a Guardian Angel? Your more able to take care of yourself then I am. Just look at the proof, I'm not real anymore.
Rika smiled "My thoughts exactly, Gogglehead. But you dodged my question, what were you."
Takato "Just a normal kid."
Rika "A normal kid? You mean anyone could've ended up in your position."
Takato laughed again "Nope it's takes real effort to screw yourself up this much."
Rika tried to hold back a laugh but she couldn't help herself. It was odd, she never even smiled before, something about the goofy looking Gogglehead just made her feel comfortable. She didn't feel the urge to hurt him or anything, almost like they've been friends for a long time.
Takato "I knew you were tired."
Rika "It's cause your talking bored me... Not that I didn't enjoy talking to someone for once."
Takato "From you, I'll take that as a complement. Maybe you should try talking to Renamon more, she may surprise you."
Rika "I'll take your advice. Oh are you gonna enter my dream tonight."
{Takato would've blushed if it was possible} "Uh, do you want me to."
{Rika blushed} "Uh n, not particularly. It's just, easier to talk to you face to face is all."
Takato **She wants to talk to me? I better not say anything or she'll hurt me**
Rika **Oh man, I must've sounded so stupid. If he says anything about it I'll clobber him.**
Takato "I don't think I can while I'm merged with the Arc."
Rika "No problem."
Rika **Awe nuts... I was almost looking forward to seeing him.**
Rika "Oh and Uh- I haven't gotten the chance to properly thank you...... for helping me... in my dream. Uh- Thanks"
Takato "No problem."
Rika got up and moved back over to Renamon, laying her head of the vulpine digimon's shoulder. Casting a glance over to the computer screen for a brief moment.
Takato "Night Rika."
Rika "Night Gogglehead..."
Rika **Goodnight Takato**
******^******
Regless: And that's it. A lot of words. Now where is Black with my new leg.
{Black walks in with KFC}
Regless: Where's my leg?
Black: I ate it. Oh and Rika says "I'm gonna kill you"
Regless: AWW CRAP my leg, and AWW CRAP why is Rika gonna kill me?
Black: I told her you made fun of her weight
Regless: And into the closet you go {Grabs Black and shoves him in the closet}
Black: Hey lemme out.
Regless: No your too evil.
Black: Lemme out or I'll... damn shotgun's with the chicken.
)BANG(
Black: Hey are you messing with my shotgun?
Regless: Umm No, but just for fun what's the number to 911?"
Black: I dunno.
Regless: Okay then how do you stop massive internal bleeding... It's for a friend.
Black: Try gluing yourself closed dumbass.
Regless: Kay. Anyway this may take a while or only a few minutes if I keep losing blood like this. Read and review and have a nice Hallowe... *Thump*