Regless: Alright EvilBlackTerriermon. Yes I believe the Arc was destroyed
and though I admit that has a lot of possibilities I'm setting it up so is
that Takato doesn't have to worry about that. Just the way my mind works,
besides he's already been erased from existence once, I don't think he
could do it again right now even if he tried. : ) (This was realized at
the end of the chapter, it's damn near, if not over 6000 words and I really
don't want to make it any bigger, I'm tired.)
***^***
Regless: Hey that glue thing worked.
Rika: You look worse than Hannibal.
Regless: ........Shut up. Hey, here to kill me already?
Rika: Looks like you've already been through enough.
Black: Lemme out.
Rika: (.........Doesn't he know there's no lock on the closet?)
Regless: Shhh. Anyway this next chapter should be pretty fun since it's the first chapter of mine involving the real world.
Rika: ~ Sarcasm ~ Oh goodie.
Regless :Note to self; be sure to include lots of Rika's mom.
Rika: You wouldn't dare.
Regless: You underestimate my ability to suppress intelligence.
{Rika clobbers Regless}
Black: Oh and the soon-to-be-floor-mat known as Regless doesn't own digimon.
Rika: I hope you made a Will cause you're a deadman.
Black **Glad I'm in the closet.**
Black "Oh Rika's mom is a bit out of character in this one cause Regless wanted it that way. Since Rika's relationship with her mother didn't get better till she met and became friends with Takato and Henry, I say this is possible."
And about Henry's dad's name, I've seen and read so many episodes and fanfics I get confused by the whole English/Japanese thing. So in this fic he is Janyu.
******^******
Perfect Hazard - Chapter 9 - Welcome Home
***^***
Takato waited for everyone to exit the Arc before splitting from it and receiving his human form. His sword came back as well and reminded Takato of it's presence by bouncing against the back of his leg. When Takato left the hollow, metallic, shell it seemed what little was holding the Arc together had left with him and the Arc crumpled to pieces with an explosion of sound that alarmed all the Tamers. Takato looked to around to see the massive cluster of people before him. It was lightly raining and dark but everyone seemed by be happier at home. The flashing lights began to make Takato dizzy until he looked for the tamers.
Kazu was arguing with his parents trying to get them to keep Gardromon. His argument was basically just saying "C'mon." over and over again till his parents finally gave in and he let out a little cheer. Kenta's parents were relieved to see he had a much smaller digimon and easily agreed to let him take care of it. Ryo was smirking uneasily at his dad with Monodramon. His dad didn't seem to care all that much though. Next Henry and Suzie were chatting with their parents with Terriermon and Lopmon respectively. Henry seemed to be forcing a smile until he broke away from his parents. Takato walked over to see what he was doing and he didn't have to wait long. He came back with Jeri, Calumon, and Guilmon.
Henry's father (Janyu) "So who is this?'
Henry "This is Jeri,"
{Jeri bowed politely}
Henry "The little white one is Calumon."
{Calumon's ears grew as he got up to wave giggling}
Henry "And the big red one is Guilmon, he's a bit of a mystery"
{Guilmon looked back blankly}
Takato "It's common courtesy to bow, ya know."
Guilmon "Oh!"
{Guilmon bows hitting his head against the pavement, then stumbling back onto his butt. And then letting out a groan.}
Janyu "Well, it's nice to meet all of you."
Jeri "Thank you sir, umm my dad didn't show up......... I guess the traffic must be getting in his way. Anyway, I was wondering if I could get a ride home with you?"
In reality it was more likely that her father just didn't care enough to be there to pick her up but it was easier just to say the traffic was slowing him down plus it avoided a lot of unnecessary conflict.
Janyu "Of course, by all means,"
{Suzie leaned over and whispered to her mother}
Suzie "Henwy's been spending a wot of time with that girwl."
Suzie's mom let out a chuckle, half of it was relief that her children had come home safely, and the other half happy that Henry seemed to have a girlfriend. Or that's what it sounded like at least. Her laughing though, was cut short when Yamaki walked over to greet the small group.
Yamaki "Welcome back, I won't bother with the pleasantries but I am curious to know how you reactivated the Arc. The censors showed that the Arc was heavily damaged......... Right before the entire complex went up in flames."
Henry "What?"
Janyu "It's true, you can see it from here....."
Everyone turned to see the scorched remains of the two towers once known as Hypnos Headquarters. Debris was hanging off of every part. Henry thought that it was impressive that the building was even still standing. Yamaki turned back and began speaking again. His voice was so monotone Henry was unsure if he cared at all that Hypnos had been destroyed.
Yamaki ".....Back to my question."
{Henry twitched nervously until Jeri spoke.}
Jeri "Do you Remember that symbol I showed you?"
{Yamaki had to stop and think for a moment}
Yamaki "Vaguely."
Jeri "Well, that symbol seems to be causing some weird stuff to happen. It reactivated the Arc just in time to get us out of the digital world."
Janyu **Just in time? What was going on in there? I'll ask later, right now I'm just happy they're back.**
Takato smiled and turned to the only remaining Tamer, Rika. She was standing with Renamon half turned towards the Arc. Her mom looked like she was about to blow a gasket shooting off questions as fast as her mouth would allow. Rika just stared blankly unwilling to move or respond, her mom was always like this. She jammed her hands into her pocket. If her mom saw the newly acquired Hazard Sign on her hand, she'd never hear the end of it. Takato laughed in his mind.
Takato **Suddenly my parents don't seem so bad.**
Takato looked around for his parents but didn't see them. Even if he didn't exist they might have come out to find out about all the commotion. He wasn't very discouraged when he didn't see them around, they still had a bakery to run after all. He turned to Impmon.
Takato "Looks like it's you and me, any idea where we should go?"
Impmon "Nadda clue."
Takato "Hmmm, maybe I should follow Rika home."
Impmon "Ooo~ooo going to watch her cha-"
Takato shut Impmon up with an icy glare. That possibility hadn't even entered his mind until Impmon brought it up. He sighed, blushing, and considered other possible places to go. He found himself wondering how his parents were fairing without him.
Takato "Guess I'll go home. I wonder how my mom and dad are."
Impmon "Well I'd love to join ya but I got a couple of Tamer's of my own to track down."
Takato "Oh right I never heard about your Tamer."
Impmon " (z) It's plural Gogglehead. The reason I left was because they kept trying to get me to attack each other."
Takato "Oh, that sounds harsh. Do you want me to come with you?"
Impmon grinned "Sheesh you're the first person to give a damn about me in the longest time. Don't worry about it I'll be fine."
The Tamer's took off in their own directions. Impmon hoping along on his own way. Takato racing through buildings and people. Henry, Suzie, and Jeri all together with Henry's father and mother. Kazu and Kenta's family took off in roughly the same direction. Ryo and Monodramon had left with his father who seemed somewhat reluctant to bring the rookie digimon with him. And Rika had finally pulled her eyes away from the Arc long enough to get into the car, still trying to drown out her mothers voice with her own thoughts. Renamon just teleported.
***^***
Back at the Wong residence, Henry lay on his back with his arms folded behind his head. He had already dropped Jeri off and had gone back to secluding himself from whoever was a around, namely Suzie and his parents. Even Terriermon was beginning to feel distanced from his Tamer and determined to get him to start speaking regularly again.
Terriermon "You know, one of these your going to have to ignore that little symbol and talk to someone."
Henry "Yeah, I guess."
Terriermon "Besides, we don't even know if it's good or bad yet. Sure there was Beelzemon, but a lot of good things happened too."
Henry "Ya mean like Hazard Leomon? I'm still not so sure that was a good thing, he looked so........."
Terriermon "Messed up?"
Henry ".........Not the word I was looking for but it'll do. Ya know, Rika's got this symbol on one of her hands too, I wonder if she has any ideas on what to do about it?"
Terriermon "Not a bad idea, you should go talk to her. Bring Jeri along with you since I'm sure she wants to know just as much as the rest of us."
Henry "Sounds good, I'll call her tomorrow. Thanks Terriermon, you and Jeri both........ I don't know what I would do without you."
Terriermon "Momentai."
Henry's heavy thoughts lifted and he was soon sleeping soundly. His mother and father were both eavesdropping on the outside of the door and seemed pleased with the conversation he just had. They went off to bed as well since it was already getting dark and they were tired from a long day.
***^***
Takato sat and watched Guilmon and Calumon play together, his sword resting on the ground behind him. Seeing them was like a gentle release from the chaos back home. It seems his parents didn't have enough manpower to get supplies, bake goods, tend to customers, and take care of the rest of chores. Takato noticed there were less hours than from his own timeline and his father had turned his room into a study. There had been books lining the walls right up to the roof but, judging by how busy he was, those books would remain unread till the end of time.
His thought returned to the sight in front of him. Guilmon had stopped paying attention to where he was going and had walked into a tree which sent Calumon flying of his head. The sight was something he wished he had a picture for but a camera wouldn't do him much good anyhow since he was intangible.
Calumon "Hey does Takato wanna play too?"
Guilmon "I'll ask."
Takato "Nah I got some thinking to do."
Takato **Hmmm. Now that I think about it, Calumon never asked about me. I wonder if he remembers me......... Naw he's just always like that.**
Takato "Hey everybody's going back to school tomorrow right? You two should go see Jeri before she leaves. I'm sure Ms. Asagi will be glad to know everyone's alright."
Guilmon "I bet she'd be glad to know your alright too......... If she remembered you, and if you were actually alright."
Takato chuckled at his partner. The fact that he wasn't real didn't seem to bother him as much as before, a big part of it was Guilmon and reuniting his friends. Then his thoughts trailed over to Rika, talking with her had helped him a lot as well. He seemed to be deep in thought a small annoying voice broke his concentration and made him blush a bit.
Impmon "Thinking about Rika again?"
{Takato blushed heavily now} "How did you......... Uh I mean of course not."
Impmon smirked seeing he was right "Yeah right, Gogglehead."
Guilmon glared at Impmon still weary of him. Takato waved his hand in a dismissive manner.
Takato "Don't worry Guilmon."
Impmon "Yeah back off Pineapple Head."
Takato "Watch it Impmon. Oh how did thing go with your Tamers?"
Impmon "Better than I expected, they can't see me like you and Guilmon but at least they remember, they seem a lot nicer than when I left them."
Takato "Well you know what they say, time heals all wounds."
Impmon "Deep, tryin to be a philosopher now?"
Takato flushed a bit "Uh no, Hey Impmon?"
Impmon "Yeah?"
Takato "How come everyone remembers you but not me."
Impmon Askin the wrong the person buddy."
Takato "Yeah......... I'm gonna go check up on the other Tamers, keep out of trouble till I'm gone........."
{Takato got up and turned faced the baby dragon and white cream puff.}
Takato ".........ALL of you."
Guilmon "Okay Takatomon!"
Calumon "What'd he say?"
Takato began walking off with his sword trailing behind him, leaving Guilmon talking to Calumon and Impmon looking at the back of his hand.
Impmon thought to himself with a sour smirk **That was a good question, Maybe you should ask Megidramon.........**
*^*
Rika rolled her eyes behind her dark tinted glasses. She had been listening to her mother's incessant nagging for hours now. However the only thing Rika could think of that was actually wrong, was running away to the digital world without letting her mother know just load the data of Jeri's Leomon. Her mother however had already passed that part of the argument somewhere between the ridiculously over-priced dinner and the ridiculously over-priced dessert. Her current topic was something about being a model, easily the longest and most agitating part of the conversation. After a couple minutes of it Rika, who hadn't bothered to say a single thing in reply all night, felt herself began to snap. She walked away ignoring her mothers ranting, went into her room, and closed the door behind her.
Rika was about to get ready and to go sleep but that wasn't going to happen tonight. Her mother threw open the door behind her and walked up spewing some new words that all added up to the same thing in the end. Rika cut her off.
Rika "Hey! First off, knock! Second, can I get a real door? That sliding thing is useless."
Rumiko "Don't take that tone of voice with me young lady, your in enough trouble as it is."
Rika "Whatever."
Rumiko "Rika! Listen to me when I'm talking to you!"
Rika "Why? You keep saying the same thing over and over."
Rumiko "Fine don't listen if that's what makes you happy."
Rika "It doesn't make me happy, but I need you to lay off once in a while."
Rumiko "Again with that tone of voice. First running away, then that kitsune (A/N: Japanese fox spirit, supposedly a bad influence. I think.) you call Renamon, and now this?!?! That's it Rika, your grounded"
Rika "WHAT?"
Rumiko "You heard me, your grounded."
Rika spoke through clenched teeth "Alright, yeah running away was a mistake last time but that "kitsune" is my friend and NO I'm NOT grounded!"
Rumiko "Yes you are and you also have a photo shoot tomorrow that I've arranged."
Rika "A photo shoot? NO WAY!"
Rumiko "YES WAY, it's with the same guy you TRAMPLED over last time. Your going to make a heart felt apology to him first. And the teacher was kind enough to send over the work you've missed while you were away. You'll spend the rest of the day doing that."
Rika "Bloody......... No......... I'd rather spend my time with KAZU and KENTA, the dork wonders of the world!!! Even Ryo wouldn't be as bad as this... Well that's pushing it a bit, but my point still stands."
Rika **C'mon Gogglehead, now would be a good time to make something explode or something.**
***In the next room over***
Rika's grandmother sat on her knees eyeing the figure ahead of her sipping the tea she clasped in her hands. It wasn't a cold stare though, it was actually quite pleasant.
Mrs. Makino "Well, do you like it?"
Renamon "Yes, it's quite nice to have real food and drink again after all that time being in the digital world."
Mrs. Makino smiled "Glad you like it. You know, I thought I saw someone else around her but at my age you learn not to trust your eyes so much."
Renamon "It's takes good senses to detect me........."
{Renamon turned her head towards the argument}
Renamon ".........And I can tell you have a lot of good sense."
Mrs. Makino followed Renamon's gaze and sighed "Don't worry about them, Rumiko's just a bit stubborn, that's all."
Renamon chuckled lightly "Really, well Rika is VERY stubborn. Especially when it comes to these things."
Mrs. Makino laughed "Your right, your right. Those two are so much alike......... Well I don't know about Rumiko but as far as I'm concerned what's important is that Rika finally has some friends, she can always catch up on her homework later."
Renamon "Why don't you say anything?"
Mrs. Makino "It's not my place, I let Rumiko know how I feel from time to time but I don't want to tell her how to raise her child."
Renamon "Like I said, good sense."
The conversation was interrupted by Rika throwing her door off it's hinges and storming out with Rumiko screaming something like "And don't come back!" after her. Renamon sighed and stood up.
Renamon "Looks like I have to go."
Mrs. Makino "By all means Renamon. I do hope we can do this again sometime."
Renamon nodded and bowed before phasing out to the roof. Rumiko went over to her mother defeated from the argument.
Rumiko "What did I do wrong?"
Mrs. Makino "Don't worry dear, give her some time. Planning out her next week was a bit much for her, right now she just wants a place to relax. She'll feel better in a little while."
***Wherever Takato Is***
Takato laughed as images of Kazu and Kenta came back to him. Kazu and his mother were still arguing over Gardromon. Apparently Kazu didn't think it was very nice that Gardromon was used as a foot stool. Things were relatively the same at Kenta's, Marine Angemon was almost baked into a pie which was suppose to be a "Welcome Back From the Digital World" mini- celebration. Apparently Marine Angemon smelled the berries and then got caught under the pie top.
Takato **Nothing says "welcome home" like fresh baked Marine Angemon.**
Something wet broke Takato from his thoughts. Looking up he realized it was raining. Only a few second ago it was a clear night, now it was pouring down like a river. (A/N Yep incase you haven't noticed Takato can feel certain things like the ground and water even though it doesn't show up to other people) Takato darted between the signs and alleyways looking for a shelter with his blade swinging to his movements. He could have gone through the buildings, but he didn't want to accidentally end up in someone's bedroom and see something he might regret. He found no shelters and was considering just going through a wall, that is, until he came across Rika leaning against a box pushed to the side of a dead end ally. A miniature tarp-like setup over her head. She was soaked down to the soles of her feet but she didn't seem to care.
Takato pulled up a seat next to her. Looking over his shoulder he realized she was sleeping.
Takato **Sleeping out her in those wet clothes, she'll catch pneumonia. Wait, why is she out here anyway, didn't she go home? I better wake her up anyway."
Takato passed his hand through Rika's arm and his digivice acted accordingly, displaying the skill Takato was about to use, then using it. Takato felt himself fade away in a dreamy state.
Takato eyes shot open after he felt the process was complete. He turned around looking for Rika, he quickly realized this dream was a lot like the scene he was in only a few seconds ago. A dank, smelly ally with garbage and other things scattered everywhere. The wall shone blue with the moonlight as did Takato's sword.
Takato "Hey there wasn't a moon back in the real world."
Rika "I like it, so sue me."
Takato turned startled by the sudden sound, spun rapidly with the blade trailing his motion. Rika was behind him trying not to smile without much success. She wouldn't let Gogglehead know it but she was glad to see him.
Rika "Easy there Gogglehead."
Takato "Rika! you scared me."
Rika snickered to herself "Your basically a ghost, and I scared you?"
Takato "Yeah, uh hey why are you laughing at me."
Rika "Cause your such a Gogglehead."
Takato "Is that a good thing?"
Rika "Better than being a snob or a stiff or a major pain in the neck."
The way Rika said that last sentence caught Takato's attention. She seemed to be referring to someone in particular and Takato was about to ask who when a white, three fingered hand placed itself on his shoulder. Takato nearly jumped out of his skin until he realized it was Renamon. She was ginning at him completely enjoying the fact that she scared him half to death.
Takato "Renamon? What are you doing here?"
Renamon "I saw Rika was soaking so I was going to take her back home..... However when I touched her I ended up......... Here."
Takato "Wait your not part of Rika's dream?"
Renamon "Afraid not."
Rika "Cool."
Takato "What were you doing in the rain anyway Rika?"
Rika "I had a disagreement with my mom."
Takato "Uh, disagreement?"
Renamon "That's putting it mildly."
Takato "Mildly? What happened?"
Rika paused debating whether to tell Gogglehead about what happened. She didn't really like or trust most people but then again the brown-haired Tamer wasn't like most people. The silence caused Takato to realize he was intruding and he quickly turned back around.
Takato "Uh, sorry. You don't have to have to tell me anything. But you should wake up and get to a warm spot or you'll catch your death of cold."
Renamon "That's an odd saying."
Takato "Yeah I heard it from my parent once, at least it isn't Momentai."
Renamon let out a slight chuckle. Takato began to walk past her until Rika called out before her mouth had a chance to stop her.
Rika "Wait!"
{Takato stopped in his tracks and semi-turned to face Rika}
Takato "Uh..... Yeah?"
Rika shifted nervously trying to think of exactly what to say without telling him to much. Renamon sensed Rika's tension and walked past her whispering something before going off to explore the rest of Rika's dream.
Renamon "Good luck."
***Yamaki's residence***
Yamaki "Honestly Riley, sometimes I don't know why your still here. You could get a job anywhere else with your resume."
Riley walked into the dimly lit room with some tea to ease her former employer nerves. She smiled at him which, in turn, was met with the same blank stare as usual from behind his shades. He was sitting on the couch with a lab-top in front of him and seemed to be trying to salvage the Juggernaut program, so far with out much success.
Riley "Well Hypnos may be down but I kinda want to see how this turns out. Oh, did the children know anything about the symbol that fried our systems?"
Yamaki "No, but apparently it's been showing up a lot recently. It's also what reactivated the Arc and brought them home."
Riley "I see, does that mean the symbol is like a good omen?"
Yamaki "I don't know, but I'll find out. It's what I'm good at."
Riley took up a seat next to Yamaki smiling at him trying to get his attention with no success. Yamaki had pretended that it was hard to remember the symbol earlier where in reality it was practically burned into his mind. Riley sighed seeing at how her attempt at attention was getting her nowhere. Yamaki didn't seem to notice that either.
Yamaki "YES! I think I found the core program. Now I just need to download it and........."
Riley was knocked off her seat by Yamaki's sudden outburst. She climbed to her feet and peered at the screen, Yamaki had in fact found the core program and was downloading it while she blinked impressed. Finding one program in the fragmented rumble that was Hypnos' Archives was not an easy task. Suddenly a faint outline appeared on the computer. It wasn't in any specific program window, but on the actual screen. Riley didn't know what it was but Yamaki obviously did and moved to push her out the way immediately. The symbol became more clear. A glowing Black Hazard symbol had appeared on Yamaki's screen and, within another second, it explode just catching Yamaki's shoulder.
Riley looked up to see Yamaki standing over her. He was hurt, but not enough to even slow him down. He walked over and examined what was left of his lab-top. Every piece he picked up seemed to be reduced to ash that crumpled merely by the weight of gravity.
Riley "S-Sir?"
{Yamaki looked back at her with a dark smirk on his face} "Guess someone wants to keep Juggernaut away from me. No matter, I will find it sooner or later."
***Renamon's Alley***
Renamon stood quietly on a pole from within Rika's dream letting the moonlight catch her silhouette. Looking down she noticed there weren't a whole lot of people in Rika's dream.
Renamon "This isn't so bad, not like last time with Beelzemon: Hazard Mode."
Impmon "Someone call?"
Renamon spun around to face the rookie and frowned. He didn't seem to notice and kept his usual smirk. He was playing with a summoned fireball in one hand and he had the other on his waist.
Impmon "Hey toots."
Renamon "Impmon ~ Well since this is Rika's dream there no harm in deleting you."
Impmon "I wouldn't do that, you won't know what I know by loading my data."
Renamon "I say we find out for sure!"
Renamon dived towards her opponent but her look of intensity quickly turned to one of fear. The idea that the Impmon that stood before her was not a dream just now occurred to her. Mainly because it was no longer an Impmon. It stretched out a hand and blocked her attack, the strike actually did opposite of what it was meant to do since it hurt Renamon. Renamon bounced off and landed turning her eyes to the new form. It looked like Beelzemon but it lacked a tail and had two large black angel wings. Her eyes darted slightly to her left and noticed he was also sporting one of the biggest guns she had ever seen.
Beelzemon "Next time try listening."
Renamon moved back and her first thought was to run. Beelzemon caught on when she glanced back for a moment.
Beelzemon "Easy there foxy. If I wanted to load your data, rest assured, you wouldn't be able to stop, avoid, or prevent me in any way from doing it. I'm here to talk."
Renamon "About.........?"
Beelzemon "This."
Beelzemon raised his hand showing off the white Hazard Sign. Renamon regained her composure and arched a brow.
Renamon "Go on."
Beelzemon "Ya know, when I let this thing take control of me and lost the fight, I got wiped out of existence! But yet you still remember me."
Renamon "Get to the point already."
Beelzemon "In a second Fox-Face."
Renamon **How many stupid nicknames does he have for me?**
Beelzemon "Anyway it's occurred to me that the same thing happened before but none of you noticed."
Renamon "I don't recall anything like that happening before."
{Beelzemon sneered} "No kidding. That's what I was thinking about, how come you remember me, but you don't remember what happened when Takato lost it."
{Renamon switched to a look of shock then back} "Takato? Hm hm ha ha ha. I don't believe you. Why should I when he's proven himself a billion more times more reliable than you and he doesn't even live on the same plane of existence."
Beelzemon "Your right, he's a nice guy. After I lost the fight with Takato A.K.A Hazard Leomon he went into my dream and saved me from destruction. But he's got a dark side to him that makes the Sovereigns look like......... giant sissies."
Renamon "This is all gibberish, do you have anything to prove what you say?"
Beelzemon "Proof? Heh, let's see. Oh right......... Megidramon."
***Takato and Rika***
Takato "So that's what happened?"
Rika "In a nut shell."
Takato "......... What are you going to do?"
Rika "I don't know, I don't wanna go back home. That's not a real home anyway, just a place where I crash and go to sleep from time to time."
Takato "Mmm..... I don't know what say."
Rika "You don't have to say anything, listening was enough for me, mainly because it rarely ever happens... Uh, thanks..... Goggle head."
Takato "Your welcome, I guess."
Rika "Man sometimes I just wish I wouldn't have to worry to about avoiding dresses and stuff. Get my hands dirty and, ya know, just kinda do whatever."
Takato **Hmmm Ah I got it!!!*
Takato "Hey Rika, how would you feel about a part time job?"
Rika "A job? Hmm, doesn't sound to bad so long as it isn't modeling or makeup test-"
Takato "-Nope nothing like that. It's baking."
Rika "You mean like little housewife kinda thing?"
Takato " No my par~ents friend's own a shop that you could work at. They got a spare room too, it'll take a bit to set up but I'm sure you could stay with them."
Takato **That was close. Not that there's anything wrong with Rika knowing my parents, but it'd be easier if I didn't have to explain anything like this until I was real again.**
Rika ".........Umm, I'm not sure. Yeah it'd be nice to get away from my mom for a bit, but moving out?"
Takato "No that's the best part, you wouldn't have to move out they'd just set it up so you have an alternative to go to if you don't wanna go home."
Rika "........."
Takato "Beats sleeping in the rain at least."
Rika "Well... Okay, can I get their address?"
Takato "Sure. They should still be awake." (A/N: Yeah I know in reality they'd be closed but I trying to fit in a little extra)
Rika "Umm, thanks Gogglehead."
Rika **I seem to be saying that a lot recently. He said he was he was just a kid. Someone else thought he was a guardian angel. I wonder, what is he really? And why does he keep helping me? I haven't really given him a reason to, he just started a couple days ago on his own... Takato, I will figure you out if it's the last thing I do.**
***Renamon and Impmon***
Renamon "Megidramon? That sound's so familiar."
Beelzemon "Megidramon is the shell of the Digital Hazard. He's responsible for just about all of this and he's a manifestation of Takato's dark side. The more I fight this blasted symbol that burns itself into my mind, the more I remember. I remember fighting Leomon. I remember hearing about Takato and Henry fighting Ice Devimon. There is a lot more to this than you realize Renamon, and that kid and Guilmon are at the center of it."
Renamon "You still haven't given me evidence. What do you want me to do about it anyway? I happen trust Takato and I will not eavesdrop on him especially since Rika's taken such a shine to him."
Beelzemon "You still don't understand, Takato has been working hard to bring you and Rika together! He's been altering your emotions so that you become friends."
Renamon **So that's why Rika started being nice to Kazu and everyone.**
Renamon "You act as if there is something wrong with that."
Beelzemon "That? No! But I get the creeps just thinking about Megidramon again. I came to inform you because I had to tell someone to keep and eye out for Guilmon and that symbol. You just happened to be around and you've been watching Guilmon anyway..."
{Renamon blushed slightly} "Fine, if that's all your going to ask me to do then I have no problem. Now would you please leave? Your disturbing my concentration."
Beelzemon bowed mockingly and left leaving Renamon alone with her thoughts. She tried to clear her head but certain moments of the conversation flooded her mind till the dream began to disappear.
Renamon **Just great. Note to self: kill Impmon.**
*^*
Rika and Renamon awoke with a start lying next to each other. Renamon got up first and noticed it wasn't raining anymore. Rika got up second leaving the invisible Takato next to her unconscious and snoring loudly. Rika took off to the address Takato had given her with Renamon only a few steps behind.
Renamon "This isn't the way to your mother's."
Rika "I know. I'm checking out a place Gogglehead told me about."
Renamon "I see..."
Renamon **Hmmm, according to Impmon that "Gogglehead" was there when I faced Ice Devimon, how long has he been following us?**
Rika "Oh and Renamon..."
Renamon "Yes Rika?"
Rika "Did you hear snoring while we were back there?"
Renamon "Well, now that you mention it, yes. Faintly."
Rika "Good, I thought I was going nuts. I wonder what it was."
As they turned another corner Renamon considered what to do about her knowledge of Impmon's survival. She decided to figure that out later when she had more time. Right now Rika stood in front of an old, slightly run down, bakery. She knocked on the door and at first got no answer, when she knocked again a woman answer the door. Renamon phased out just in time to avoid detection.
Mia "Yes? May I help yo... You're the girl that was on the news a couple hours ago. What are you doing here? And in such wet clothes.
Takato's mother wasted no time in ushering the girl inside. And the girl wasted no time in letting Takato's mother know why she was there, leaving out the part of a kid from a dream gave her their address. The fact that it was about 3:00am seemed to fade away.
Rika "... Well that's my story. So uh, er... Can I work here part-time?"
Mia "Of course. To be honest you came at the perfect time. We can even rig the Study Room upstairs to be a kind of "Visitor's" room. You can do your work, have friends over, even sleep here some nights if you have too."
Rika **Wow, Gogglehead must know these people well. They're doing exactly what he said they would.**
{Takato's father (Takehiro) walked in}"Do we have to use my Study Room, honey?
Mia "Why not? Your not getting any smarter!"
{Takehiro sweatdropped} "Alright I'll set up a bed tonight and do some more of the major work tomorrow."
Mia "That's sounds good. Honestly, your like a godsend uh, er... what was your name again?"
Rika **More like a Gogglehead-send.**
Rika "Rika Nonaka!"
Mia "Mia Matsuda. Oh and don't worry, that fox creature that was on the news with you is perfectly welcome as well."
After hearing that, Renamon phased in beside Rika startling Takato's parents. They got over their near heart-attacks when they realized who was standing front of them.
Renamon "Thank you for your generosity."
Mia "Uh, don't mention it."
Takehiro "Well let's turn in for the night everyone, it's been a long day."
Rika "That's an understatement."
Rika **Mia and Takehiro Matsuki huh? I'm sure I heard that name Matsuki before.**
***Where Takato's been sleeping***
A small figure lie under a makeshift tarp snoring loudly. A sword wrapped around his waist and two red Hazard Signs on his hands. He also had a small flashing device attached to his waist. It seemed to glowing menacingly in the darkness with two simple words.
***^*** Level Gained ***^***
******^******
Rika: You put me in a bakery?!?!
Regless: Well... Ya. If it's any consolation I think you'd look good in a apron.
{Funeral music is being played in the background courtesy of Black}
Black: Hey Regless if you die can I have all your candy?
Regless: Sure I think a couple people were trying to poison me anyway.
Black: Sweet. Can I have all your presents?
Regless: Sure I think a couple were bombs.
Black: Sweet... wait that's bad right.
Regless: I dunno, open this one and find out.
Black: Alright, who's it from?
Regless: Rika.
Black: LIKE HELL {Takes out his shotgun and send the package to.... package heaven.}
Regless: Oh now Rika's gonna be crushed... like your head when she finds out you shot her present.
Black **Were both gonna die.**
*^*
R&R and C&C and Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful (Sorry, late night so I get to type whatever I want and blame it on a lack-of-sleeping-sickness.)
Black: Insomnia
Regless:... And into the closet you go.
***^***
Regless: Hey that glue thing worked.
Rika: You look worse than Hannibal.
Regless: ........Shut up. Hey, here to kill me already?
Rika: Looks like you've already been through enough.
Black: Lemme out.
Rika: (.........Doesn't he know there's no lock on the closet?)
Regless: Shhh. Anyway this next chapter should be pretty fun since it's the first chapter of mine involving the real world.
Rika: ~ Sarcasm ~ Oh goodie.
Regless :Note to self; be sure to include lots of Rika's mom.
Rika: You wouldn't dare.
Regless: You underestimate my ability to suppress intelligence.
{Rika clobbers Regless}
Black: Oh and the soon-to-be-floor-mat known as Regless doesn't own digimon.
Rika: I hope you made a Will cause you're a deadman.
Black **Glad I'm in the closet.**
Black "Oh Rika's mom is a bit out of character in this one cause Regless wanted it that way. Since Rika's relationship with her mother didn't get better till she met and became friends with Takato and Henry, I say this is possible."
And about Henry's dad's name, I've seen and read so many episodes and fanfics I get confused by the whole English/Japanese thing. So in this fic he is Janyu.
******^******
Perfect Hazard - Chapter 9 - Welcome Home
***^***
Takato waited for everyone to exit the Arc before splitting from it and receiving his human form. His sword came back as well and reminded Takato of it's presence by bouncing against the back of his leg. When Takato left the hollow, metallic, shell it seemed what little was holding the Arc together had left with him and the Arc crumpled to pieces with an explosion of sound that alarmed all the Tamers. Takato looked to around to see the massive cluster of people before him. It was lightly raining and dark but everyone seemed by be happier at home. The flashing lights began to make Takato dizzy until he looked for the tamers.
Kazu was arguing with his parents trying to get them to keep Gardromon. His argument was basically just saying "C'mon." over and over again till his parents finally gave in and he let out a little cheer. Kenta's parents were relieved to see he had a much smaller digimon and easily agreed to let him take care of it. Ryo was smirking uneasily at his dad with Monodramon. His dad didn't seem to care all that much though. Next Henry and Suzie were chatting with their parents with Terriermon and Lopmon respectively. Henry seemed to be forcing a smile until he broke away from his parents. Takato walked over to see what he was doing and he didn't have to wait long. He came back with Jeri, Calumon, and Guilmon.
Henry's father (Janyu) "So who is this?'
Henry "This is Jeri,"
{Jeri bowed politely}
Henry "The little white one is Calumon."
{Calumon's ears grew as he got up to wave giggling}
Henry "And the big red one is Guilmon, he's a bit of a mystery"
{Guilmon looked back blankly}
Takato "It's common courtesy to bow, ya know."
Guilmon "Oh!"
{Guilmon bows hitting his head against the pavement, then stumbling back onto his butt. And then letting out a groan.}
Janyu "Well, it's nice to meet all of you."
Jeri "Thank you sir, umm my dad didn't show up......... I guess the traffic must be getting in his way. Anyway, I was wondering if I could get a ride home with you?"
In reality it was more likely that her father just didn't care enough to be there to pick her up but it was easier just to say the traffic was slowing him down plus it avoided a lot of unnecessary conflict.
Janyu "Of course, by all means,"
{Suzie leaned over and whispered to her mother}
Suzie "Henwy's been spending a wot of time with that girwl."
Suzie's mom let out a chuckle, half of it was relief that her children had come home safely, and the other half happy that Henry seemed to have a girlfriend. Or that's what it sounded like at least. Her laughing though, was cut short when Yamaki walked over to greet the small group.
Yamaki "Welcome back, I won't bother with the pleasantries but I am curious to know how you reactivated the Arc. The censors showed that the Arc was heavily damaged......... Right before the entire complex went up in flames."
Henry "What?"
Janyu "It's true, you can see it from here....."
Everyone turned to see the scorched remains of the two towers once known as Hypnos Headquarters. Debris was hanging off of every part. Henry thought that it was impressive that the building was even still standing. Yamaki turned back and began speaking again. His voice was so monotone Henry was unsure if he cared at all that Hypnos had been destroyed.
Yamaki ".....Back to my question."
{Henry twitched nervously until Jeri spoke.}
Jeri "Do you Remember that symbol I showed you?"
{Yamaki had to stop and think for a moment}
Yamaki "Vaguely."
Jeri "Well, that symbol seems to be causing some weird stuff to happen. It reactivated the Arc just in time to get us out of the digital world."
Janyu **Just in time? What was going on in there? I'll ask later, right now I'm just happy they're back.**
Takato smiled and turned to the only remaining Tamer, Rika. She was standing with Renamon half turned towards the Arc. Her mom looked like she was about to blow a gasket shooting off questions as fast as her mouth would allow. Rika just stared blankly unwilling to move or respond, her mom was always like this. She jammed her hands into her pocket. If her mom saw the newly acquired Hazard Sign on her hand, she'd never hear the end of it. Takato laughed in his mind.
Takato **Suddenly my parents don't seem so bad.**
Takato looked around for his parents but didn't see them. Even if he didn't exist they might have come out to find out about all the commotion. He wasn't very discouraged when he didn't see them around, they still had a bakery to run after all. He turned to Impmon.
Takato "Looks like it's you and me, any idea where we should go?"
Impmon "Nadda clue."
Takato "Hmmm, maybe I should follow Rika home."
Impmon "Ooo~ooo going to watch her cha-"
Takato shut Impmon up with an icy glare. That possibility hadn't even entered his mind until Impmon brought it up. He sighed, blushing, and considered other possible places to go. He found himself wondering how his parents were fairing without him.
Takato "Guess I'll go home. I wonder how my mom and dad are."
Impmon "Well I'd love to join ya but I got a couple of Tamer's of my own to track down."
Takato "Oh right I never heard about your Tamer."
Impmon " (z) It's plural Gogglehead. The reason I left was because they kept trying to get me to attack each other."
Takato "Oh, that sounds harsh. Do you want me to come with you?"
Impmon grinned "Sheesh you're the first person to give a damn about me in the longest time. Don't worry about it I'll be fine."
The Tamer's took off in their own directions. Impmon hoping along on his own way. Takato racing through buildings and people. Henry, Suzie, and Jeri all together with Henry's father and mother. Kazu and Kenta's family took off in roughly the same direction. Ryo and Monodramon had left with his father who seemed somewhat reluctant to bring the rookie digimon with him. And Rika had finally pulled her eyes away from the Arc long enough to get into the car, still trying to drown out her mothers voice with her own thoughts. Renamon just teleported.
***^***
Back at the Wong residence, Henry lay on his back with his arms folded behind his head. He had already dropped Jeri off and had gone back to secluding himself from whoever was a around, namely Suzie and his parents. Even Terriermon was beginning to feel distanced from his Tamer and determined to get him to start speaking regularly again.
Terriermon "You know, one of these your going to have to ignore that little symbol and talk to someone."
Henry "Yeah, I guess."
Terriermon "Besides, we don't even know if it's good or bad yet. Sure there was Beelzemon, but a lot of good things happened too."
Henry "Ya mean like Hazard Leomon? I'm still not so sure that was a good thing, he looked so........."
Terriermon "Messed up?"
Henry ".........Not the word I was looking for but it'll do. Ya know, Rika's got this symbol on one of her hands too, I wonder if she has any ideas on what to do about it?"
Terriermon "Not a bad idea, you should go talk to her. Bring Jeri along with you since I'm sure she wants to know just as much as the rest of us."
Henry "Sounds good, I'll call her tomorrow. Thanks Terriermon, you and Jeri both........ I don't know what I would do without you."
Terriermon "Momentai."
Henry's heavy thoughts lifted and he was soon sleeping soundly. His mother and father were both eavesdropping on the outside of the door and seemed pleased with the conversation he just had. They went off to bed as well since it was already getting dark and they were tired from a long day.
***^***
Takato sat and watched Guilmon and Calumon play together, his sword resting on the ground behind him. Seeing them was like a gentle release from the chaos back home. It seems his parents didn't have enough manpower to get supplies, bake goods, tend to customers, and take care of the rest of chores. Takato noticed there were less hours than from his own timeline and his father had turned his room into a study. There had been books lining the walls right up to the roof but, judging by how busy he was, those books would remain unread till the end of time.
His thought returned to the sight in front of him. Guilmon had stopped paying attention to where he was going and had walked into a tree which sent Calumon flying of his head. The sight was something he wished he had a picture for but a camera wouldn't do him much good anyhow since he was intangible.
Calumon "Hey does Takato wanna play too?"
Guilmon "I'll ask."
Takato "Nah I got some thinking to do."
Takato **Hmmm. Now that I think about it, Calumon never asked about me. I wonder if he remembers me......... Naw he's just always like that.**
Takato "Hey everybody's going back to school tomorrow right? You two should go see Jeri before she leaves. I'm sure Ms. Asagi will be glad to know everyone's alright."
Guilmon "I bet she'd be glad to know your alright too......... If she remembered you, and if you were actually alright."
Takato chuckled at his partner. The fact that he wasn't real didn't seem to bother him as much as before, a big part of it was Guilmon and reuniting his friends. Then his thoughts trailed over to Rika, talking with her had helped him a lot as well. He seemed to be deep in thought a small annoying voice broke his concentration and made him blush a bit.
Impmon "Thinking about Rika again?"
{Takato blushed heavily now} "How did you......... Uh I mean of course not."
Impmon smirked seeing he was right "Yeah right, Gogglehead."
Guilmon glared at Impmon still weary of him. Takato waved his hand in a dismissive manner.
Takato "Don't worry Guilmon."
Impmon "Yeah back off Pineapple Head."
Takato "Watch it Impmon. Oh how did thing go with your Tamers?"
Impmon "Better than I expected, they can't see me like you and Guilmon but at least they remember, they seem a lot nicer than when I left them."
Takato "Well you know what they say, time heals all wounds."
Impmon "Deep, tryin to be a philosopher now?"
Takato flushed a bit "Uh no, Hey Impmon?"
Impmon "Yeah?"
Takato "How come everyone remembers you but not me."
Impmon Askin the wrong the person buddy."
Takato "Yeah......... I'm gonna go check up on the other Tamers, keep out of trouble till I'm gone........."
{Takato got up and turned faced the baby dragon and white cream puff.}
Takato ".........ALL of you."
Guilmon "Okay Takatomon!"
Calumon "What'd he say?"
Takato began walking off with his sword trailing behind him, leaving Guilmon talking to Calumon and Impmon looking at the back of his hand.
Impmon thought to himself with a sour smirk **That was a good question, Maybe you should ask Megidramon.........**
*^*
Rika rolled her eyes behind her dark tinted glasses. She had been listening to her mother's incessant nagging for hours now. However the only thing Rika could think of that was actually wrong, was running away to the digital world without letting her mother know just load the data of Jeri's Leomon. Her mother however had already passed that part of the argument somewhere between the ridiculously over-priced dinner and the ridiculously over-priced dessert. Her current topic was something about being a model, easily the longest and most agitating part of the conversation. After a couple minutes of it Rika, who hadn't bothered to say a single thing in reply all night, felt herself began to snap. She walked away ignoring her mothers ranting, went into her room, and closed the door behind her.
Rika was about to get ready and to go sleep but that wasn't going to happen tonight. Her mother threw open the door behind her and walked up spewing some new words that all added up to the same thing in the end. Rika cut her off.
Rika "Hey! First off, knock! Second, can I get a real door? That sliding thing is useless."
Rumiko "Don't take that tone of voice with me young lady, your in enough trouble as it is."
Rika "Whatever."
Rumiko "Rika! Listen to me when I'm talking to you!"
Rika "Why? You keep saying the same thing over and over."
Rumiko "Fine don't listen if that's what makes you happy."
Rika "It doesn't make me happy, but I need you to lay off once in a while."
Rumiko "Again with that tone of voice. First running away, then that kitsune (A/N: Japanese fox spirit, supposedly a bad influence. I think.) you call Renamon, and now this?!?! That's it Rika, your grounded"
Rika "WHAT?"
Rumiko "You heard me, your grounded."
Rika spoke through clenched teeth "Alright, yeah running away was a mistake last time but that "kitsune" is my friend and NO I'm NOT grounded!"
Rumiko "Yes you are and you also have a photo shoot tomorrow that I've arranged."
Rika "A photo shoot? NO WAY!"
Rumiko "YES WAY, it's with the same guy you TRAMPLED over last time. Your going to make a heart felt apology to him first. And the teacher was kind enough to send over the work you've missed while you were away. You'll spend the rest of the day doing that."
Rika "Bloody......... No......... I'd rather spend my time with KAZU and KENTA, the dork wonders of the world!!! Even Ryo wouldn't be as bad as this... Well that's pushing it a bit, but my point still stands."
Rika **C'mon Gogglehead, now would be a good time to make something explode or something.**
***In the next room over***
Rika's grandmother sat on her knees eyeing the figure ahead of her sipping the tea she clasped in her hands. It wasn't a cold stare though, it was actually quite pleasant.
Mrs. Makino "Well, do you like it?"
Renamon "Yes, it's quite nice to have real food and drink again after all that time being in the digital world."
Mrs. Makino smiled "Glad you like it. You know, I thought I saw someone else around her but at my age you learn not to trust your eyes so much."
Renamon "It's takes good senses to detect me........."
{Renamon turned her head towards the argument}
Renamon ".........And I can tell you have a lot of good sense."
Mrs. Makino followed Renamon's gaze and sighed "Don't worry about them, Rumiko's just a bit stubborn, that's all."
Renamon chuckled lightly "Really, well Rika is VERY stubborn. Especially when it comes to these things."
Mrs. Makino laughed "Your right, your right. Those two are so much alike......... Well I don't know about Rumiko but as far as I'm concerned what's important is that Rika finally has some friends, she can always catch up on her homework later."
Renamon "Why don't you say anything?"
Mrs. Makino "It's not my place, I let Rumiko know how I feel from time to time but I don't want to tell her how to raise her child."
Renamon "Like I said, good sense."
The conversation was interrupted by Rika throwing her door off it's hinges and storming out with Rumiko screaming something like "And don't come back!" after her. Renamon sighed and stood up.
Renamon "Looks like I have to go."
Mrs. Makino "By all means Renamon. I do hope we can do this again sometime."
Renamon nodded and bowed before phasing out to the roof. Rumiko went over to her mother defeated from the argument.
Rumiko "What did I do wrong?"
Mrs. Makino "Don't worry dear, give her some time. Planning out her next week was a bit much for her, right now she just wants a place to relax. She'll feel better in a little while."
***Wherever Takato Is***
Takato laughed as images of Kazu and Kenta came back to him. Kazu and his mother were still arguing over Gardromon. Apparently Kazu didn't think it was very nice that Gardromon was used as a foot stool. Things were relatively the same at Kenta's, Marine Angemon was almost baked into a pie which was suppose to be a "Welcome Back From the Digital World" mini- celebration. Apparently Marine Angemon smelled the berries and then got caught under the pie top.
Takato **Nothing says "welcome home" like fresh baked Marine Angemon.**
Something wet broke Takato from his thoughts. Looking up he realized it was raining. Only a few second ago it was a clear night, now it was pouring down like a river. (A/N Yep incase you haven't noticed Takato can feel certain things like the ground and water even though it doesn't show up to other people) Takato darted between the signs and alleyways looking for a shelter with his blade swinging to his movements. He could have gone through the buildings, but he didn't want to accidentally end up in someone's bedroom and see something he might regret. He found no shelters and was considering just going through a wall, that is, until he came across Rika leaning against a box pushed to the side of a dead end ally. A miniature tarp-like setup over her head. She was soaked down to the soles of her feet but she didn't seem to care.
Takato pulled up a seat next to her. Looking over his shoulder he realized she was sleeping.
Takato **Sleeping out her in those wet clothes, she'll catch pneumonia. Wait, why is she out here anyway, didn't she go home? I better wake her up anyway."
Takato passed his hand through Rika's arm and his digivice acted accordingly, displaying the skill Takato was about to use, then using it. Takato felt himself fade away in a dreamy state.
Takato eyes shot open after he felt the process was complete. He turned around looking for Rika, he quickly realized this dream was a lot like the scene he was in only a few seconds ago. A dank, smelly ally with garbage and other things scattered everywhere. The wall shone blue with the moonlight as did Takato's sword.
Takato "Hey there wasn't a moon back in the real world."
Rika "I like it, so sue me."
Takato turned startled by the sudden sound, spun rapidly with the blade trailing his motion. Rika was behind him trying not to smile without much success. She wouldn't let Gogglehead know it but she was glad to see him.
Rika "Easy there Gogglehead."
Takato "Rika! you scared me."
Rika snickered to herself "Your basically a ghost, and I scared you?"
Takato "Yeah, uh hey why are you laughing at me."
Rika "Cause your such a Gogglehead."
Takato "Is that a good thing?"
Rika "Better than being a snob or a stiff or a major pain in the neck."
The way Rika said that last sentence caught Takato's attention. She seemed to be referring to someone in particular and Takato was about to ask who when a white, three fingered hand placed itself on his shoulder. Takato nearly jumped out of his skin until he realized it was Renamon. She was ginning at him completely enjoying the fact that she scared him half to death.
Takato "Renamon? What are you doing here?"
Renamon "I saw Rika was soaking so I was going to take her back home..... However when I touched her I ended up......... Here."
Takato "Wait your not part of Rika's dream?"
Renamon "Afraid not."
Rika "Cool."
Takato "What were you doing in the rain anyway Rika?"
Rika "I had a disagreement with my mom."
Takato "Uh, disagreement?"
Renamon "That's putting it mildly."
Takato "Mildly? What happened?"
Rika paused debating whether to tell Gogglehead about what happened. She didn't really like or trust most people but then again the brown-haired Tamer wasn't like most people. The silence caused Takato to realize he was intruding and he quickly turned back around.
Takato "Uh, sorry. You don't have to have to tell me anything. But you should wake up and get to a warm spot or you'll catch your death of cold."
Renamon "That's an odd saying."
Takato "Yeah I heard it from my parent once, at least it isn't Momentai."
Renamon let out a slight chuckle. Takato began to walk past her until Rika called out before her mouth had a chance to stop her.
Rika "Wait!"
{Takato stopped in his tracks and semi-turned to face Rika}
Takato "Uh..... Yeah?"
Rika shifted nervously trying to think of exactly what to say without telling him to much. Renamon sensed Rika's tension and walked past her whispering something before going off to explore the rest of Rika's dream.
Renamon "Good luck."
***Yamaki's residence***
Yamaki "Honestly Riley, sometimes I don't know why your still here. You could get a job anywhere else with your resume."
Riley walked into the dimly lit room with some tea to ease her former employer nerves. She smiled at him which, in turn, was met with the same blank stare as usual from behind his shades. He was sitting on the couch with a lab-top in front of him and seemed to be trying to salvage the Juggernaut program, so far with out much success.
Riley "Well Hypnos may be down but I kinda want to see how this turns out. Oh, did the children know anything about the symbol that fried our systems?"
Yamaki "No, but apparently it's been showing up a lot recently. It's also what reactivated the Arc and brought them home."
Riley "I see, does that mean the symbol is like a good omen?"
Yamaki "I don't know, but I'll find out. It's what I'm good at."
Riley took up a seat next to Yamaki smiling at him trying to get his attention with no success. Yamaki had pretended that it was hard to remember the symbol earlier where in reality it was practically burned into his mind. Riley sighed seeing at how her attempt at attention was getting her nowhere. Yamaki didn't seem to notice that either.
Yamaki "YES! I think I found the core program. Now I just need to download it and........."
Riley was knocked off her seat by Yamaki's sudden outburst. She climbed to her feet and peered at the screen, Yamaki had in fact found the core program and was downloading it while she blinked impressed. Finding one program in the fragmented rumble that was Hypnos' Archives was not an easy task. Suddenly a faint outline appeared on the computer. It wasn't in any specific program window, but on the actual screen. Riley didn't know what it was but Yamaki obviously did and moved to push her out the way immediately. The symbol became more clear. A glowing Black Hazard symbol had appeared on Yamaki's screen and, within another second, it explode just catching Yamaki's shoulder.
Riley looked up to see Yamaki standing over her. He was hurt, but not enough to even slow him down. He walked over and examined what was left of his lab-top. Every piece he picked up seemed to be reduced to ash that crumpled merely by the weight of gravity.
Riley "S-Sir?"
{Yamaki looked back at her with a dark smirk on his face} "Guess someone wants to keep Juggernaut away from me. No matter, I will find it sooner or later."
***Renamon's Alley***
Renamon stood quietly on a pole from within Rika's dream letting the moonlight catch her silhouette. Looking down she noticed there weren't a whole lot of people in Rika's dream.
Renamon "This isn't so bad, not like last time with Beelzemon: Hazard Mode."
Impmon "Someone call?"
Renamon spun around to face the rookie and frowned. He didn't seem to notice and kept his usual smirk. He was playing with a summoned fireball in one hand and he had the other on his waist.
Impmon "Hey toots."
Renamon "Impmon ~ Well since this is Rika's dream there no harm in deleting you."
Impmon "I wouldn't do that, you won't know what I know by loading my data."
Renamon "I say we find out for sure!"
Renamon dived towards her opponent but her look of intensity quickly turned to one of fear. The idea that the Impmon that stood before her was not a dream just now occurred to her. Mainly because it was no longer an Impmon. It stretched out a hand and blocked her attack, the strike actually did opposite of what it was meant to do since it hurt Renamon. Renamon bounced off and landed turning her eyes to the new form. It looked like Beelzemon but it lacked a tail and had two large black angel wings. Her eyes darted slightly to her left and noticed he was also sporting one of the biggest guns she had ever seen.
Beelzemon "Next time try listening."
Renamon moved back and her first thought was to run. Beelzemon caught on when she glanced back for a moment.
Beelzemon "Easy there foxy. If I wanted to load your data, rest assured, you wouldn't be able to stop, avoid, or prevent me in any way from doing it. I'm here to talk."
Renamon "About.........?"
Beelzemon "This."
Beelzemon raised his hand showing off the white Hazard Sign. Renamon regained her composure and arched a brow.
Renamon "Go on."
Beelzemon "Ya know, when I let this thing take control of me and lost the fight, I got wiped out of existence! But yet you still remember me."
Renamon "Get to the point already."
Beelzemon "In a second Fox-Face."
Renamon **How many stupid nicknames does he have for me?**
Beelzemon "Anyway it's occurred to me that the same thing happened before but none of you noticed."
Renamon "I don't recall anything like that happening before."
{Beelzemon sneered} "No kidding. That's what I was thinking about, how come you remember me, but you don't remember what happened when Takato lost it."
{Renamon switched to a look of shock then back} "Takato? Hm hm ha ha ha. I don't believe you. Why should I when he's proven himself a billion more times more reliable than you and he doesn't even live on the same plane of existence."
Beelzemon "Your right, he's a nice guy. After I lost the fight with Takato A.K.A Hazard Leomon he went into my dream and saved me from destruction. But he's got a dark side to him that makes the Sovereigns look like......... giant sissies."
Renamon "This is all gibberish, do you have anything to prove what you say?"
Beelzemon "Proof? Heh, let's see. Oh right......... Megidramon."
***Takato and Rika***
Takato "So that's what happened?"
Rika "In a nut shell."
Takato "......... What are you going to do?"
Rika "I don't know, I don't wanna go back home. That's not a real home anyway, just a place where I crash and go to sleep from time to time."
Takato "Mmm..... I don't know what say."
Rika "You don't have to say anything, listening was enough for me, mainly because it rarely ever happens... Uh, thanks..... Goggle head."
Takato "Your welcome, I guess."
Rika "Man sometimes I just wish I wouldn't have to worry to about avoiding dresses and stuff. Get my hands dirty and, ya know, just kinda do whatever."
Takato **Hmmm Ah I got it!!!*
Takato "Hey Rika, how would you feel about a part time job?"
Rika "A job? Hmm, doesn't sound to bad so long as it isn't modeling or makeup test-"
Takato "-Nope nothing like that. It's baking."
Rika "You mean like little housewife kinda thing?"
Takato " No my par~ents friend's own a shop that you could work at. They got a spare room too, it'll take a bit to set up but I'm sure you could stay with them."
Takato **That was close. Not that there's anything wrong with Rika knowing my parents, but it'd be easier if I didn't have to explain anything like this until I was real again.**
Rika ".........Umm, I'm not sure. Yeah it'd be nice to get away from my mom for a bit, but moving out?"
Takato "No that's the best part, you wouldn't have to move out they'd just set it up so you have an alternative to go to if you don't wanna go home."
Rika "........."
Takato "Beats sleeping in the rain at least."
Rika "Well... Okay, can I get their address?"
Takato "Sure. They should still be awake." (A/N: Yeah I know in reality they'd be closed but I trying to fit in a little extra)
Rika "Umm, thanks Gogglehead."
Rika **I seem to be saying that a lot recently. He said he was he was just a kid. Someone else thought he was a guardian angel. I wonder, what is he really? And why does he keep helping me? I haven't really given him a reason to, he just started a couple days ago on his own... Takato, I will figure you out if it's the last thing I do.**
***Renamon and Impmon***
Renamon "Megidramon? That sound's so familiar."
Beelzemon "Megidramon is the shell of the Digital Hazard. He's responsible for just about all of this and he's a manifestation of Takato's dark side. The more I fight this blasted symbol that burns itself into my mind, the more I remember. I remember fighting Leomon. I remember hearing about Takato and Henry fighting Ice Devimon. There is a lot more to this than you realize Renamon, and that kid and Guilmon are at the center of it."
Renamon "You still haven't given me evidence. What do you want me to do about it anyway? I happen trust Takato and I will not eavesdrop on him especially since Rika's taken such a shine to him."
Beelzemon "You still don't understand, Takato has been working hard to bring you and Rika together! He's been altering your emotions so that you become friends."
Renamon **So that's why Rika started being nice to Kazu and everyone.**
Renamon "You act as if there is something wrong with that."
Beelzemon "That? No! But I get the creeps just thinking about Megidramon again. I came to inform you because I had to tell someone to keep and eye out for Guilmon and that symbol. You just happened to be around and you've been watching Guilmon anyway..."
{Renamon blushed slightly} "Fine, if that's all your going to ask me to do then I have no problem. Now would you please leave? Your disturbing my concentration."
Beelzemon bowed mockingly and left leaving Renamon alone with her thoughts. She tried to clear her head but certain moments of the conversation flooded her mind till the dream began to disappear.
Renamon **Just great. Note to self: kill Impmon.**
*^*
Rika and Renamon awoke with a start lying next to each other. Renamon got up first and noticed it wasn't raining anymore. Rika got up second leaving the invisible Takato next to her unconscious and snoring loudly. Rika took off to the address Takato had given her with Renamon only a few steps behind.
Renamon "This isn't the way to your mother's."
Rika "I know. I'm checking out a place Gogglehead told me about."
Renamon "I see..."
Renamon **Hmmm, according to Impmon that "Gogglehead" was there when I faced Ice Devimon, how long has he been following us?**
Rika "Oh and Renamon..."
Renamon "Yes Rika?"
Rika "Did you hear snoring while we were back there?"
Renamon "Well, now that you mention it, yes. Faintly."
Rika "Good, I thought I was going nuts. I wonder what it was."
As they turned another corner Renamon considered what to do about her knowledge of Impmon's survival. She decided to figure that out later when she had more time. Right now Rika stood in front of an old, slightly run down, bakery. She knocked on the door and at first got no answer, when she knocked again a woman answer the door. Renamon phased out just in time to avoid detection.
Mia "Yes? May I help yo... You're the girl that was on the news a couple hours ago. What are you doing here? And in such wet clothes.
Takato's mother wasted no time in ushering the girl inside. And the girl wasted no time in letting Takato's mother know why she was there, leaving out the part of a kid from a dream gave her their address. The fact that it was about 3:00am seemed to fade away.
Rika "... Well that's my story. So uh, er... Can I work here part-time?"
Mia "Of course. To be honest you came at the perfect time. We can even rig the Study Room upstairs to be a kind of "Visitor's" room. You can do your work, have friends over, even sleep here some nights if you have too."
Rika **Wow, Gogglehead must know these people well. They're doing exactly what he said they would.**
{Takato's father (Takehiro) walked in}"Do we have to use my Study Room, honey?
Mia "Why not? Your not getting any smarter!"
{Takehiro sweatdropped} "Alright I'll set up a bed tonight and do some more of the major work tomorrow."
Mia "That's sounds good. Honestly, your like a godsend uh, er... what was your name again?"
Rika **More like a Gogglehead-send.**
Rika "Rika Nonaka!"
Mia "Mia Matsuda. Oh and don't worry, that fox creature that was on the news with you is perfectly welcome as well."
After hearing that, Renamon phased in beside Rika startling Takato's parents. They got over their near heart-attacks when they realized who was standing front of them.
Renamon "Thank you for your generosity."
Mia "Uh, don't mention it."
Takehiro "Well let's turn in for the night everyone, it's been a long day."
Rika "That's an understatement."
Rika **Mia and Takehiro Matsuki huh? I'm sure I heard that name Matsuki before.**
***Where Takato's been sleeping***
A small figure lie under a makeshift tarp snoring loudly. A sword wrapped around his waist and two red Hazard Signs on his hands. He also had a small flashing device attached to his waist. It seemed to glowing menacingly in the darkness with two simple words.
***^*** Level Gained ***^***
******^******
Rika: You put me in a bakery?!?!
Regless: Well... Ya. If it's any consolation I think you'd look good in a apron.
{Funeral music is being played in the background courtesy of Black}
Black: Hey Regless if you die can I have all your candy?
Regless: Sure I think a couple people were trying to poison me anyway.
Black: Sweet. Can I have all your presents?
Regless: Sure I think a couple were bombs.
Black: Sweet... wait that's bad right.
Regless: I dunno, open this one and find out.
Black: Alright, who's it from?
Regless: Rika.
Black: LIKE HELL {Takes out his shotgun and send the package to.... package heaven.}
Regless: Oh now Rika's gonna be crushed... like your head when she finds out you shot her present.
Black **Were both gonna die.**
*^*
R&R and C&C and Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful (Sorry, late night so I get to type whatever I want and blame it on a lack-of-sleeping-sickness.)
Black: Insomnia
Regless:... And into the closet you go.