***^***

Important Notice: I have redone the last Chapter. Please reread or you will most likely be unable to understand this one.

***^***

Black: By the way, I've decided to discontinue the continuation of Rabbit Games (As if I need to point that out now) and have started working on another story about one of my own characters, Black... same character I got my pen name from.

Regless: Oh, THANK YOU. That digimon story you were doing was a piece of crap. I mean every second I spent reading it was like putting my head in a vice with the handle slowly turning until I screamed in unbearable agony and pain.

Black:...Thanks. Anyways, it's in Original, Fic/Anime & Manga. It's called Phantom Hearts. It's a little more serious but I'm trying to keep it lighthearted.

Regless: It's a lot better than that other piece of crap.

Black:.......Regless.

Regless: Yeah?

Black: I wouldn't go to sleep tonight.

Regless:.......? No problem.

*^*

Regless is hiding in the closet: Alright it's time for the last chapter.

Rika: Good, showdown with ChaosGallantmon. I'm gonna rip him apart.

Black sweatdrops: Yeah... Good luck with that.

Neowargreymon: Heeeere Reggy Reggy Reggy... I got some candy for you.

Yami Hamtaro: He's in the closet. Get him.

Regless sighs: It's gonna be a long night. Oh and sorry the update took so long but uh, well. Just look at the size of this and you'll understand why.



** = Thoughts

" = Dialogue



******^******



Perfect Hazard - Chapter 19 - Master of Hazard



******^******



Gallantmon, Sakuyamon, Justimon, and MegaGargomon stepped/stomped through the woven floor of what appeared to be what was left of the digital world. Sakuyamon was in front, followed by Justimon, then Gallantmon making sure his friend was alright in the rear. They had swiped the Red Card and entered the Juggernaut, half expecting to be attacked as soon as they entered. Oddly, that was not the case. Instead there was just a hallway of red vines heading straight forward, not that anyone was complaining. There was no sign of any life within... whatever they were in. No sign of ChaosGallantmon... or Jeri.



MegaGargomon's steps faltered "Ugh."

Gallantmon "Are you alright? See, I told you this wasn't a very good idea, your still hurt."

MegaGargomon quickly regained himself "Relax. I'm fine."

*^*

Henry **And I'll stay fine until we find Jeri, right Terriermon?**

Terriermon **Momentai Henry. Of course.**

*^*

Justimon "This place is creepy. In all my travels in the Digital World I've never come across anything quite like this... The walls look alive."

Sakuyamon looked back "And I thought I was the only one who noticed it. This place... What is it?"

Gallantmon "Guess we won't know till we get to the end."

Sakuyamon turned back to the front and folded her arms "Humph!"

*^*

Guilmon **What's she angry about, Takatomon?**

Takato **Don't you remember. I fell into the shower rooms yesterday while she was... er... showering.**

Guilmon **So?**

Takato **So? Whaddaya mean so? I saw her.**

Guilmon **...? I don't get it.**

Takato **Oy. Let's just say I accidentally invaded her privacy.**

Guilmon **Oh. Renamon likes it when I do that. Says it keeps her senses sharp when I try to sneak up on her.**

Takato **You two... are both nuts. But I guess as long as your happy.**

Guilmon replied in a tone that made it seem like he was smiling, wherever he was **We are!**

*^*



The group walked on a little more, grumbling and tossing back wild theories of where they were. Gallantmon even suggested that the entire thing they were walking in was the D-Reaper. It was crazy enough to make Sakuyamon stifle a sarcastic laugh. At last they came to a change in scenery... though it wasn't much of an improvement. It was a fork into the road, with one small path to the left, and a larger path to the right.



Sakuyamon "Hmm. A fork in the path. Guess we'll be splitting up. I'll take Justi... nevermind. I'll take the right with-"

MegaGargomon shouted out quickly "-I'll take the right with Justimon."

Sakuyamon "...Nuts."

*^*

Takato's Hazard symbol flashed green **Thanks Henry.**

Henry **No problem. I heard about what happened from Terriermon so, good luck.**

Takato **Thanks... Hey wait! How did Terriermon find out?**

Henry **Beats me.**

*^*

Gallantmon "Guess it's just you and me, Sakuyamon" The white knight laughed uneasily.

Sakuyamon rolled her eyes from within her helmet "Wonderful... Just wonderful"



The two parties separated, each going their own way. MegaGargomon and Justimon were off to save Jeri, the Gallantmon and Sakuyamon were off to do the final battle with the Dark Knight, ChaosGallantmon.



Henry's path:



The two Mega's walked... no strolled down new the hallway. Everything felt lighter without the tension that the Digimon Ice Queen radiated. The large Golem-like Mega continue to falter in his movements though, to the point where Justimon had to stop and wait for him to catch up.



Justimon sighed "You shouldn't be here, you know."

MegaGargomon "This injury is nothing. I have to save Jeri."

Justimon "I wasn't referring to your injury... If you see Jeri, what will you do?"

MegaGargomon looked down, the question seemed too obvious to be an actual question. It felt more like a test "Save her of course."

Justimon sighed again "That's what I figured you'd say."

MegaGargomon "Is there something wrong with that."

Justimon "No, it's normal for someone in your position to say something like that. My only concern is that get caught up in the moment and get yourself hurt... What's that saying... Hero's die first... or something to that effect."

MegaGargomon "..."

Justimon "Anyway, let's go. There is no use complaining about it now."



The two walked only a bit more, until they came up on a wall, same texture as everything else. They were about to turn around thinking it was a dead end when it opened up, as if on cue for something. They entered hesitantly with Justimon taking the lead. The new room was different from before. First off, the tendrils that wove together to make the landscape were now bigger and pulsating. The walls were curved and sloped to make a perfect sphere room. In the middle of the room there was a massive hole in the floor, sending surges of light and energy outward through the sickly red vines. The hole must've been at least 20 meters wide.



Justimon "What the hell is this?"

MegaGargomon advanced taking no note of his friends language "I think we found this thing's power source... So who gets to look over the edge first?"

Justimon "You, you taller and I can't fly."

MegaGargomon "You can't? I thought-"

Justimon "I can jump extremely high, but I got no wings what so ever."

MegaGargomon "...Alright."



The massive Mega peered over the edge slowly, careful not to lose his balance with his hurting limbs. It appeared bottomless at first but as the Mecha squinted more he began to see something moving below in the darkness. As his head lingered over the hole, trying to get a better look into an endless pit, something lunged outward from it and swallowed MegaGargomon whole. It's size was incredible and it was made of the same vines as the rest of place. However they melded together at the top, where the mouth was. Several of the vines detached revealing blades at the end... all looming around Justimon.



Justimon "I knew it was going to be one of those days."



The creature bent over the smaller Mega, who turned around and noticed the entrance had closed. The blob-like thing didn't have any facial feature apart from a toothy grin that looked like it was cut out of a pumpkin, but it looked menacing regardless.



*^*

Cyberdramon "Let's rip it to pieces."

Ryo "I'm with ya. But let's not go overboard. Remember, Henry and Terriermon are still in there."

*^*



One of the sickle arms lashed out Justimon. The Mega dodged the attack, then countered with his Trinity Arm. No damage. The D-Reaper struck out again, this time with all of it's arms. Justimon ducked the first blade and jumped the second. The third blade collided with him while he was in the air and unable to alter his trajectory. The attack was an experience the Tamer hadn't felt for a while. It actually hurt, and quite a bit as well.



Justimon "Ugh. This is not good. My attack didn't even scratch it."



***Meanwhile: MegaGargomon***



The Mega began to glow brightly as it lost it's form, forcefully being separated into two smaller persons. Being swallowed by the D-Reaper creature had taken the last of the Blue haired Tamer's energy so that, even though Terriermon was relatively unhurt, they lost their Mega form regardless. It felt like they were falling forever before they finally hit the ground. It was soft... well, soft enough not to kill both of them on impact. Terriermon was obviously the first one up while Henry struggled to keep from going to sleep.



Terriermon "Ooo. Never seen birds like that before."

Henry "uhh... huh! What? Did you say something about birds."

Terriermon looked back smiling as always "Come on Henry, get with it."



Henry got up shakily and glanced at what his rude little partner was motioning to, almost falling back again as he did so. There were no walls to be seen here, just a red floor made of the same intertwining cords and tentacles and there was blackness everywhere else. Nearest Henry could figure, he was inside another part of this... world... if you even wanted to call it that. The creatures in front of him did have wings... but they were by no means birds. Birds have eyes and a beak... and they don't have cables coming out of their backside like puppets on strings. The worst part though, was the eye designs on the wings. The way the beings lined up next to each other, hiding whatever was in the darkness behind them left Henry uneasy...er. Something began emerging from it.

It was a humanoid form a bit larger than Henry with over sized arms similar to Antylamon's only they were deep purple in color and one was shaped like a wolf of some sort. The feet were also oversize considering the legs were so thin. It's eyes were... hallow would be the best way to describe and it had no mouth. It had hair though it was only a mess of wires and plugs. The final detail Henry took note of was this entity had no cable, it was getting it's power from somewhere else.



??? "Evening... Henry Wong... We have been awaiting your arrival. Your kind will be the next to fall after the digimon world. Then the humans, then the rest of organic life."

Henry "Who...What are you."

??? "I am D-Reapers primary agent, code named: The Reaper. I am a shell to: The Mother."

Terriermon "Really? Didn't mommy teach you any social skills?"

Henry "Terriermon, this is no time for that."

Terriermon smirked and jumped into front of his Tamer "Momentai. I can take him, her, it, whatever."

Henry "Wait, why are you doing this."

The Reaper "...I follow The Mother's command."

Terriermon "Ever consider adoption."

Henry "Terriermon!" Henry stepped forward, nearly collapsing under his own weight.

The Reaper "Hmm? Your injured? How mortal of you. Prepare to defend yourself."



Henry took out a card and focused his thoughts, morphing it into a blue card. A second later The Reaper was facing one Rapidmon, primed and ready for battle. Henry drew his other cards, though he didn't have very many. Most of them he left back at home since he could Biomerge, and even before that he disliked fighting intensely. At least in this timeline he did. Henry took out a Hyper Speed Card and slashed it... The battle was on.



Takato's Path:



Gallantmon "Hello?"

Sakuyamon "..."

Gallantmon "Still not talking to me?"

Sakuyamon "..."

*^*

Takato sighed heavily "This isn't working."

Guilmon "Yeah. Please think of something Takatomon. Renamon not talking to me is getting me worried."

Takato sighed again "It's not Renamon it's Rika. She must still be angry about before."

Guilmon "So I'm not in trouble?"

Takato "Not yet."

Guilmon piped up happily "Oh goodie."

Takato "Hey wait. You still gotta help me with Rika."

Guilmon "Awww nuts... Well... Hey she got really energetic last time you called her your dream girl."

Takato groaned "But that was in the other timeline."

Guilmon "Doesn't that mean you won't have to worry about Rika burying you alive."

Takato "...Not really. But it's worth a shot I guess."

Guilmon "Make sure she hears us."

*^*

Gallantmon "Uh, hey."

Sakuyamon carried on as if no sounds were made "..."

Gallantmon "Er... Hey dream girl"

Sakuyamon stopped dead getting visibly tense, then turned around slowly. The knight couldn't see her eyes, but he was sure they were narrowed at him "...What did you just call me?"

Gallantmon **I'm dead.** "Uh it's something we, I, called you back in the original time-line... You- you didn't like it then either."

Sakuyamon shifted her weight to one hip and refolded her arms "Gimme one good reason that I shouldn't just beat the crap out of you and toss you out of here. I could get ChaosGallantmon by myself if I had too."

Gallantmon frowned behind his armor. Was she nuts? ...Wait, nevermind. "I don't think so. He seemed to be doing a real number on you last time you two met."

Sakuyamon growled at the memory. She was only able to hold him off for so long before... Even Renamon felt a twinge of annoyance against Guilmon for needing his help. It wasn't very warrior-like. She spoke with deep sarcasm "Yeah and you did sooo much better."

Gallantmon frowned again "No I was losing too. We defeated him together which is why I think it's a bad idea to go into this last fight ticked off at each other because of some little misunderstanding."

Sakuyamon stepped up to Gallantmon doubling her volume and causing the knight to retreat a step "First off, WE aren't ticked off at EACH OTHER!!! I'M ticked off at YOU! And second, WHAT misunderstanding?!? You walked in on me in the shower you PERVERT!"

Gallantmon "I didn't exactly walk in." **Though I can't say I'm not happy with the result.**

Sakuyamon "Oh, my mistake. You fell in... biiig difference."

Gallantmon regained his balance, which was hard with Sakuyamon trying to bowl him over the way she was "Yes it is a big difference. At least I didn't do it on purpose."

Sakuyamon "The result is still the same."

Gallantmon looked down shamefully "...Your right, the result is the same. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"

Sakuyamon snorted "It'll take way more than that Gogglehead."

*^*

Takato **Come on Guilmon. Any more ideas?**

Guilmon **Yep. Renamon gave it to me. An eye for an eye.**

Takato **How come I don't like the sound of that?**

*^*

Gallantmon "...What if you saw Takatomon naked?"

Sakuyamon "WHAT?!?!?!"



Alright that had definitely come from the part of Gallantmon that Guilmon controlled. Takato looked up from within his sphere, ready to gauge Rika's rage but she had the look that matched what Takato was feeling. Complete and total embarrassment. The brown haired (A/N: Yes it's still brown hair inside the sphere to don't bother pointing that one out to me.) boy's first response was to negate what his partner had said until he noticed the eerie quiet. Like before... only Rika didn't look angry this time. And judging by the way the feminine digimon was trying to hide her face, she was blushing. Takato had just acquired an edge in the argument, and he wasn't about to lose it either.



Gallantmon "Come to think of it, it is kinda hot in here."

Sakuyamon blushed deeper and spun around "You've got to be kidding me. You wouldn't dare."

Gallantmon "Why? There is no one else here and I'm sure Renamon doesn't mind. Besides the D-Reaper is lethal only to digimon and Guilmon already has the Red Card in effect."

Sakuyamon spoke in Renamon's voice "Doesn't matter to me, just remember where we are and why we're here."

*^*

Rika spoke bitterly "Thanks for the help Renamon."

Renamon "Don't mention it."

*^*

Gallantmon "Alright! So there's no problem."

Sakuyamon's blush deepened again "There's a big problem."

Gallantmon arched an imaginary eyebrow "And that is...?"

Sakuyamon "Look, if you do... that. ChaosGallantmon will be the least of your problems."

Gallantmon "...Yes ma'am."



The two walked on for a bit before Sakuyamon looked over to the knight. Obviously something he said had peeked her interest. The path also began to widen.



Sakuyamon "Hey. In the other time line, did you really call me dream girl and live to talk about it."

Gallantmon "Well, I survived but you said if I ever mentioned it again you would beat the crap out of me... Hey your talking to me on your own again."

Sakuyamon mumbled "Shut up Gogglehead. Why would you be calling me that in the first place. Having fantasies about us or something." Rika was hoping the last sentence wouldn't be true, it would be too weird.

Gallantmon "Not fantasies. It was a dream, I saw you and Renamon fighting a Linxmon. You were really cool. Shortly afterwards I made Guilmon."

Sakuyamon glanced at the white knight "Riiight... You definitely a weird kid, that's for sure. Oh and by the way..."

Gallantmon "Yes?"



-SMACK-



Sakuyamon "Don't call me that again. Or I'll send you to dream land." The Dark Priestess finished the sentence with a smile

Gallantmon was holding the side of his face "Uh Yes, Rika." **Well she's smiling again. That's good... isn't it?**



Sakuyamon slowed her pace realizing the path had widened into a room. It was made of the same thick red cords weaving together to form a dome shaped room. In the middle of the room there was a figure, a small boy. With a red shirt and red tinted goggles. His eyes were hidden by a mess of hair but his mouth showed perfectly. He was smiling sadistically.



Crimson Youth "Welcome all. I'm glad you could make it, though you walk terribly slow."

Sakuyamon "Well if your really into save time, why don't you just turn around and bend over. Save us lots of time there."

The Crimson Youth's smile widened "Cute. Anyway, how are you Takato, feeling alright? You should be. After all, it wasn't you I stabbed... it was your dimwit friend Henry."

Gallantmon "Shut up." **I'm going to enjoy beating him down.**

Crimson Youth "And don't worry about Jeri. Your other friends should have their hands full with her as we speak. Any questions before we begin? good...



ChaosGallantmon Mode Change to...

Normal Mode



The small boy was replaced by a larger black knight in it's place. It drew it's weapons as did the two Mega Level digimon across from it. The fight was about to begin when darkness spread out from under the Dark Knight, turning the cords black. Sakuyamon stepped back in surprise but it didn't seem to matter to Gallantmon. Suddenly something occurred to the priestess.



Sakuyamon "Hey, I got a couple questions. How come the D-Reaper didn't delete you."

ChaosGallantmon "Simple. I partially control the D-Reaper's evolution with the Black Hazard. I simply caused it to evolve so it wouldn't harm me and only me."

Gallantmon stepped forward "That's something that's been bugging me for a while. How come you can do all this with the Hazard when all I did was make Guilmon go ballistic?"

ChaosGallantmon turned and blinked his two blue orbs before narrowing them again "All you did? Are you STUPID?! Daemon told me you were a moron but that is truly foolish."

Gallantmon "what do you mean? ...Hey wait, did you say Daemon?"

ChaosGallantmon sighed "Alright, since your going to die let me explain this to you slow enough so is that even you can understand."

*^*

Red Hazard (Takato) - Hatred/Rage - Strength, Speed, Megidramon, Power

White Hazard (Beelzemon) - Infectious - Shifting Dimensions

Black Hazard (Zhuqiaomon) - Greed - Creation - ChaosGallantmon (Zhuqiaomon creates his minions. This does have it's limitations of course I.E. can't recreate Azulongmon)

Blue Hazard (Rika) - Suicidal - Makes Nightmares

Green Hazard (Henry) - Deceitful - Telepathy

*^*



ChaosGallantmon "Get it?"

Gallantmon "...Not even in the slightest."



ChaosGallantmon slapped his head. It looked humorous seeing something so evil get frustrated by the impossible task by teaching Takato something useful. The Dark Knight was suddenly overcome with the regret of not kidnapping Ms. Asagi.



Sakuyamon "I got it. The list he just gave us does the Hazard's color, who started with them, it's personality traits when it's in effect, and the ability it gives it's holder. But, what's it for."

ChaosGallantmon sighed "Your all idiots. Takato, you especially. Since you remain ignorant of what you have spawned."

Gallantmon kept it's pose "Insult me all you want, I still don't get it."

ChaosGallantmon "Alright, I'll walk you through it. You used the Blue Hazard in your dream about Rika before you even met her, then the Green Hazard became active when you started feeling Guilmon's pain. The Red Hazard is obvious. You used it when you made Megidramon, and the White Hazard is responsible for removing you from this time line in Megidramon's explosion, Putting you back in during Hazard Caturamon's explosion, as well as your little run-ins with Daemon. He thanks you for the scar by the way."

Gallantmon "That... actually makes sense to me."

Sakuyamon "Huh? Are you serious Gogglehead?"

Gallantmon "Well... Yeah. But you forgot one. When did I use the Black Hazard."

ChaosGallantmon seemed to get annoyed once again "You still can't figure it out? Try thinking harder you fool. It's so obvious it can't get any closer."

*^*

Takato **Hey Guilmon, do you have any idea what he's talking about?**

Guilmon growled **Who cares. Let's get him.**

*^*

Gallantmon "Alright enough talking. Let's finish this."

Sakuyamon got into her ready stance "Bout time."

ChaosGallantmon clasped his lance "Stupid little humans. Demon's Disaster!"



Gallantmon dodged to the left while Sakuyamon shifted to the her right. The Dark Priestess easily got behind the lager and slower Dark Knight, then waited for her chance to strike. She didn't have to wait long however, Gallantmon charge his mirror image with his lance. The Dark Knight waited until the White Knight's lance was only inches from his face, glaring all the while.



Gallantmon "Sakuyamon, Now!"

Sakuyamon "Spirit Strike!"

ChaosGallantmon "Attacking from behind... I'll make you pay for your lack of honor, woman."



ChaosGallantmon angled the attack off with his own lance then turned left while pushing off to his right. The result sent Gallantmon stumbling into his friend's attack. ChaosGallantmon was looking forward, odd though. He had a perfect chance to strike at the Priestess during the mess up... so why didn't he. Only he knew the answer and he wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he was afraid. Afraid of what might happen if he successfully killed Rika before Takato. Daemon had told him what a great folly that would be, guaranteeing his destruction.



Sakuyamon "Get out of my way Gogglehead."

ChaosGallantmon "Your forms are impressive, Both of you. Now if only you had some skill... No matter. I guess even a Renamon losses it's edge when Tamed by a human."

Sakuyamon "Oh shut up."

Gallantmon "My aching head."

Sakuyamon "I'll show you what's losing it's edge."



Sakuyamon got up and lashed out towards ChaosGallantmon ready to take him down. Pity she didn't notice the surge of energy through the wires on the floor... The Dark Knight swung widely with his lance, an obvious motion and easy to dodge. The Priestess flipped over the knight's head and landed behind him, facing his back. She primed her staff quickly while the other was just start to turn around.



Sakuyamon "Spirit Stri-ACK."



The surge in the wires finally found their mark, not just harming her, but taking her completely out of her Mega form as well. Rika and Renamon were blasted backwards, then slid down the wall onto the floor, both breathing heavily. Renamon got up first then helped her Tamer. ChaosGallantmon had not pursued the kill, he was standing in the center of the room. Come to think of it, he hadn't even needed to move from that spot yet... not too reassuring, especially when your life is on the line... or the life of someone you care about.



Rika **Don't lose Takato. Don't you dare lose.**



Gallantmon held his lance ready shaking off the cobwebs while ChaosGallantmon had yet to take this fight seriously. The white knight leapt forward and crashed into the darker of the two with his shield in front. He knew he couldn't match ChaosGallantmon in strength, but perhaps by using his weight he could get the upper hand in the fight. So far it was working. The Dark Knight felt the full force of his counterpart and had to do backwards roll to keep from falling on his back. ChaosGallantmon landing facing ahead with his lance ready.



ChaosGallantmon "Demon's Disas-"

-POW-

Gallantmon had used his spear as a baseball bat. He knew it wasn't stong enough to pierce the other's armor. This was much more effective. "You will not hurt my friends and you will especially NOT HURT RIKA OR RENAMON!!!"



The Dark Knight now rolled to the side and struggled to get up. He didn't expect such a competent opponent this time. Gallantmon was practically running the fight... but he did so poorly in the first attack. Could it be because of the females... or is the Hazard merely giving him what he needs... anger. The Dark Knight couldn't tell. All he knew was that the was a heavy White Knight barreling down on him, fortunately he had come overly prepared for this fight. The Black Hazard flashed and the D- Reaper sent a rapid surge of energy, similar to the one before it only stronger... much, much stronger, through on of it's many interlocking cords. The energy locked onto Takato like a ground missile. It was to small to see clearly, but when it hit the White Knight you saw everything you needed to. It was sent flying into the wall while ChaosGallantmon got ready for his shield attack.



Rika "Takato! You alright?"

Renamon "Guilmon... It was just a scratch, right?"

Gallantmon "Ooo. No I'm not. and those that was one hell of a scratch."

ChaosGallantmon "You fought well and I shall remember this day warrior... Good Bye."



The snake-like walls came to life and binded Gallantmon to his place, preventing any movement. Gallantmon simply wasn't strong enough after than attack to break free. The arrows on the Dark Knight's shield began to charge slowly. It looked grim. Gallantmon could feel sadness welling up inside of him as he continuously struggled against the D-Reaper. Not for himself though, but for everyone else. For Henry, who he still wanted revenge for. For Ruki, of whom he wanted to get to know better. For his parents and friends... even though some thought he was a criminal. It wasn't their fault. But most of all for Rika and Renamon. No one understood them better then Takato and Guilmon, and vice-versa. It was at the moment he felt an odd tingle near his left hand, he looked to see who it was and was greeted by the aggravated expressions of Rika and Renamon, trying desperately to break the bindings... Rika, she was beautiful even when agitated.



Gallantmon "You... both."

Rika "If you give up now and die on me I'll kill you."

Takato's voice was stunned more than anything else but he managed to choke out "I believe you"

Renamon "Guilmon, we still haven't finished reading that book together. Don't you want to know how it ends?"

Guilmon's voice was a worried "I hope it has a happy ending. I like happy endings."



With the combined strength, the three were able to pull that one arm free... Just before ChaosGallantmon fired his blast. He didn't bother stopping the girls because he knew his attack was strong enough to break even Gallantmon's shield. He let that attack go with a feeling of satisfaction that he was the superior, and that now that would never change. The blast collided with the White Knight as he rose his only free arm defensively. The explosion it caused generated a great deal of black light so potent it stung if you kept your eyes open. The explosion cleared revealing a broken knight... looking centuries old... Covering two figures with it's arm. He didn't even try to block his face. It's only priority was the ones closest to it. Rika looked up at the knight's face still in it's grasp but said nothing. She was still in shock and the once gallant face did nothing to ease her thoughts. It was hallow and chipped as if someone had sucked the life straight out of it... straight out of Takato. Renamon squirmed out it's grasp and backed away to get a better look. Another piece of armor fell off, revealing something black underneath.



Renamon "No..."

ChaosGallantmon looked over what he had done with pride "He was a worthy warrior... Now, Surrender and I'll make this painless.... As a favor to him."

Rika turned around glaring. Her eyes were beginning to water so she put her Violet shades on. It was beneath her to cry in front of this THING "You bastard... I am GOING TO KILL YOU."



Rika lunged out only to be tossed back effortless by the knight. Renamon tried the same and was tossed next to Rika, both were now hunched over and kneeling in front of their friend.



ChaosGallantmon approaching slowly, flaunting his lance and making suggestive movements with it "I'm surprised you care so much. I've seen you cooperate and stand being near each other. But every other second I look your fighting with each other. Why did he care for you so much...? Perhaps you both would've had a more enjoyable life if one of you never existed."

Rika gave a look that could kill to the Dark Knight "I know I would not have. He united me with everyone. From my mother whom I ran away from twice, to Renamon who was my partner but never my friend till he showed up.

Renamon "I owe him for showing me to Guilmon and, as Rika said, my Tamer."

ChaosGallantmon looked unimpressed "How nice... But what did he receive. He was beaten down by you constantly and... Look at him now. He didn't guard himself because he was to busy saving your worthless hides."

Rika didn't notice a tear slip through her shades "It's... not true. We were his friends... They needed us as much as we needed them."

Takato's voice came from the Gallantmon's body though it's face remained expressionless. "When Rika's around... I can't lose... Because I'm at my best... Which is more than you can handle... JUDECCA PRISON."



Another beam of black energy bursted forth, this time heading AT ChaosGallantmon instead of away from him. The Dark Knight raised it shield and an explosion ensued. Once again black light illuminated the room, and once again there was a shield broken. When the light cleared ChaosGallantmon looked ahead, gripping his fragmented arm, only to see Gallantmon's armor peeling off to reveal another Dark Knight underneath... another ChaosGallantmon? That should be impossible, shouldn't it?



Rika focussed on keeping her voice firm and swept away a few stray tears that had trickled down her face before Takato could see them "What the hell is going on?"

Takato "The first time we defeated ChaosGallantmon...When you took back the White Hazard I took what was left, including the data of CG's shield. I didn't have a use for it before... but now I am going to make this insult to life regret his sins." (A/N: This happened in chapter 14part two or just 18... bet ya thought I forgot didn't ya.)

Renamon clapped absent-mindedly "You do have a way with words don't you."

Rika stood cautiously "How do you feel."

The ChaosGallantmon nearest to her replied while cracking it's knuckles "...Angry."

Then the wounded knight spoke "Grrr, Pitiful victory. Your world will still be dead by the time you get back."

Renamon "Pardon?"

Evil Chaos Gallantmon "Have you forgotten the D-Reaper? It's sending it's agents to earth now. Even if you have some strong digimon down there, they haven't used the Red Card. And as for me, well, I'm out of here."



The wounded Dark Knight turned around as the gold symbol on his chest flashed with black light. It signaled the D-Reaper to cover his escape and, sure enough, it did. The cords in the floor and walls and roof tangled together in the middle of the room effectively making a wall. The good Dark Knight was too big and Rika and Renamon were too exhausted to make it through in time before the wall sealed up. The evil Dark Knight walked towards the exit chuckling to himself... When another attack knocked him back into the room. It was similar to Sakuyamon's but... different. A moment later another figure stepped out of the darkness.



ChaosGallantmon "Kuzuhamon. You little wench. How could you be here without a partner."

Kuzuhamon glared back "Beats me. But that doesn't matter. Where is 'he'?"

ChaosGallantmon **...I am going to kill all of you.**



The wall behind ChaosGallantmon ripped open revealing Sakuyamon, who had seemed a bit dazed, probably from Biomerging again, and a normal Gallantmon. The data Takato used to change into his darker half seemed to have a narrow time limit. A good thing for CG, but it didn't really help the Dark Knight at this point.



Gallantmon "Kuzuhamon! What are you doing here?"

Kuzuhamon smiled widely "I couldn't leave you alone with Rika. Who knows what you two would be doing here."

Gallantmon looked at Sakuyamon, then blushed "..."

ChaosGallantmon ".........Heh...Heh...Heh heh heh HA HA HA. You are the most interesting people I have ever met. But now I must destroy you I'm afraid. Pity. I didn't want to use this."

Sakuyamon "Oh give it up already. Your beaten."

ChaosGallantmon "Not even close, oh Dark Priestess."

Kuzuhamon moved over next to Gallantmon cause Sakuyamon to growl and do the same thing "......"

Gallantmon "Something wrong Kuzuhamon?"

ChaosGallantmon "Something Zhuqiaomon told you, right?"

Kuzuhamon "...Yeah, but I'm still not sure what it means. He said this guy could match Takato in every way possible."

ChaosGallantmon "Heh heh heh. Why yes I can... and it's time I showed you what I can really do. Still, I didn't want to use this... but you forced me."

Sakuyamon "Awww shut up. Spirit Strike."



The cords leapt out of the ground and forged a makeshift shield, effectively blocking the attack and giving ChaosGallantmon the second he needed to accomplish his task.



ChaosGallantmon Dark Digivolve to...

BlackMegidramon!



Gallantmon "...You have GOT to be kidding me."



Black Megidramon looked like the normal one gone horribly wrong. It was mostly black with blue rims on it's armor, most of which was cracked. It had silver Hazard symbol on the armor and very round silver eyes. It's teeth were gnarled and the armor was curved at it's tip to form hooks and spikes. It's chest was easily the worst though. The original had armor plating on it's chest. This one looked like it's middle exploded and all that was left was some sort of crystal and a Hazard sign made of silver light. It's hand also bore the Hazard sign, and were significantly larger than it's counterparts; almost half to length of it's upper body.



Kuzuhamon "Ewwie. It's so disgusting."

Sakuyamon "Goggles, I think were in trouble."

BlackMegidramon "heh heh heh. Give up, you've lost. You're tired and weak, your friends are being defeated as we speak, and the earth has probably fallen by now. Kuzuhamon was the only Mega worth anything there."

Kuzuhamon snickered, causing everyone to look at her "Hee hee. Your wrong. You forgot about Calumon. Everyone down there has made it to the Mega Level. HiAndromon, Cherubimon, and, of course, Marine Angemon. The forces back in the Real World are winning."

BlackMegidramon "Another hollow victory. The D-Reaper will never weaken while your friends may only last for so long."

Sakuyamon "No problem, we'll just take you first, then deal with the D- Reaper."

BlackMegidramon used his index claw and motioned for her come forward "Your welcome to try."



At that moment the ground below ripped apart sending pieces of wire everywhere. Rapidmon flew out first with Henry clinging on to him, next came The Reaper, then finally the Scout Agents. The hole began to regenerate and Gallantmon turned to his friend.



Gallantmon "Henry! Are you alright?"

Rapidmon "What? Do I not exist?"

Henry looked pale "I'm managing. It's looks like you've got troubles of your own though."

Sakuyamon "Temporary setback!"

Gallantmon "Kuzuhamon, could you help Henry? Me and Sakuyamon will take out Megidramon."

Kuzuhamon "Awww. Alright."



The blue armored woman flew towards The Reaper, she was only a few feet away when the wall to her right exploded. Dozens of cords with blades attached to the ends flew through the debris and sunk into the opposite wall, narrowing missing the Demon Woman and The Reaper and the Android with a human hanging from it. Justimon followed the blades smashing into the wall with his back. The next thing the Tamers saw was a large toothy grin plastered onto a blob-like face made out of the same cords as always woven tightly together. It looked like it was smiling but, then again, that might just be it's normal expression.



BlackMegidramon "Still alive? You humans refuse to die, a problem that will be soon rectified."

Sakuyamon "Hey Mr. Perfect, having trouble?"

Justimon "Are you kidding, I'm just getting -cough- my groove on."



The fight restarted with BlackMegidramon slashing at Gallantmon with his hand. Sakuyamon pulled him out of the way just in time. The Dark Dragon then slashed with his other sideways. Gallantmon grabbed Sakuyamon in his arms and jumped, landing a few meters away and putting the woman back on the ground.



Gallantmon & Sakuyamon "Thanks."



Behind them Rapidmon and Kuzuhamon could be seen outflanking The Reaper, though they weren't strong enough to do much damage and it always recovered quickly. Ryo seemed to be having the roughest time though, something Takato took note of. The Hazard symbol flashed green inside of Gallantmon's sphere.



*^*

Takato **Grani... I have a favor to ask of you...**

*^*



Takato was rocked from his thoughts when Sakuyamon gave him a hard shove, causing him to stumble over and inadvertently dodge BlackMegidramon's next attack.



Sakuyamon "Stay awake Gogglehead! I... I just might need your help with this one."

Gallantmon "Er, Yes. Alright."



BlackMegidramon roared, sending out a shockwave all around that washed over everyone ground based. That would be Gallantmon, Henry, and Justimon. At first nothing seemed to happen but Kuzuhamon knew better. The attack had a delayed response; that is too say the force of the attack would hit everything at once a few seconds after the shockwave disappeared, and Henry would not be to take the shock. Kuzuhamon moved to his location and held her staff firm.



Rapidmon "Hey where ya going Foxymon number two?"

Kuzuhamon "Womb Mandala!"

Henry "Huh?"



The shockwave hit every as was expected, the force sent Gallant in backward as he charged in for another attack, making it look like he was just clothes-lined by something invisible. Justimon felt the attack from the side and it sent him into the air with his body twisted, when he landed, he didn't move apart the slow bobbing of his head. Sakuyamon, as the weakest Mega there, felt it the most. Her barrier cracked and she was slammed into the wall behind her. She tried getting up at first, but it wasn't any good. The attack took to much out of her. Oddly, the D-Reaper was completely unaffected.



Gallantmon "That was... ugh... Everyone all right?"

Kuzuhamon "I...I glad I was at least... able to help...I did what I could... Takato..."



Gallantmon got up, the strain of the fights combine with that last attack had put too much strain on him. His armor was cracked, his shield was shedding pieces of silver and gold metal, and his entire right arm was completely destroyed. He motioned for Henry to check Kuzuhamon's pulse, he obliged, though he was a bit stunned at what the attack had done. Sakuyamon was keeping BlackMegidramon distracted as best she could.



Gallantmon **One... Just one attack just about finished us... And I'll bet it wasn't his strongest...**

Henry "She's alive, but she's out of it." Henry shifted his gaze "Looks like Justimon has about had it as well."

The Reaper "Three targets neutralized."



The smiling face leered at Justimon as best something could with no eyes. It studied the Mega's movement for a moment, or lack there of, realized the small form was defeated, and raised one bladed cord getting read to finish the job to finish the job. Grani exploded through the wall just then and increased it's speed. Takato asked Grani to help his friend, and that's just what it intended to do. It rammed into the blob, and was the grabbed by the tens of tentacles that made up the creatures body. The cords secured themselves, then threw the metallic dragon through the wall, ripping one of it wings off in the process. The wound made by Grani healed in only a few seconds.



Henry "This isn't working! We need something else, something that could corrupt the programming of the D-Reaper and stop these guys."

Sakuyamon "dammit we don't have anything like that. Hey Gogglehead, got any last minute ideas."

*^*

Takato **Something that corrupts the D-Reaper...**

Guilmon **Takatomon, do you have an idea?**

Takato frowned inside the sphere **Well... Yeah, but... I don't think it's a very good one... but... no... nevermind...**

*^*

Sakuyamon frowned, dodging another slash "Come on Gogglehead, wake up."

Gallantmon snapped his head up, he was keeping his distance from the fights since he was broken so severely. He wouldn't be much help if he charged in now "Oh yes sorry."



BlackMegidramon let out another roar, the shockwave catching everyone it had before. Only this time there was only one person who could take the force and two that need saving. An odd predicament no child should find themselves in. But he had one more chance.



Takato's Hazard flashed green again **Grani... Help Ryo. This might well be the last thing we do together.**



Grani did as asked firing it only remaining engine so is that is sort of crawled towards the unconscious Mega. Gallantmon ran over to Henry and took up a guarding stance. The shockwave came a few seconds later. Grani exploded into fire and Gallantmon exploded into light. The light and fire covered the room, Sakuyamon, was still facing BlackMegidramon and didn't notice the recent happening until it was too late.



Henry "What the?!?!"

Sakuyamon "TAKATO!!!"



When the blast cleared, there was nothing but Ryo, Henry, Cyberdramon, and a hole in the ground. The Tamer's luck worsened as The Reaper finally defeated Rapidmon with a hard spinning round kick that that immediately forced Rapidmon back to his Rookie form. The Ultimate had put all his energy into delaying the fight since Kuzuhamon was defeated. While Sakuyamon was distracted, BlackMegidramon pinned her with a single claw.



BlackMegidramon "You were so tedious little witch woman. I wonder if your meat has gotten tough from all the fighting... guess there is only one way to find out."

Sakuyamon "No... Stupid dragon. It can't end like this."



BlackMegidramon drew it's head closer to the Mega woman, she was the last one left able to fight. The Dark Dragon let out a chuckle as he slowly began to close his mouth right around the Dark Priestess's head.



??? "Megido Flame"



BlackMegidramon stopped what he was doing and looked towards the hole, where what can only be described as a river of fire was heading towards him. The Dark Dragon let go of Sakuyamon to brace himself while the woman jumped out of the way and turned to see her savior... Needless to say she was impressed... but not necessarily in a good way. She recognized the form from the clone Zhuqiaomon sent, it was Megidramon: the original and he wasn't looking very happy... scratch that... we was looking very happy, the kind of insane smile you only see in horror movies and the like. BlackMegidramon spread his arms quickly, dispersing the attack and sending fire in all directions.



BlackMegidramon "YOU!!! Where did the human go?"

Megidramon "GRAAAHHHH"



Megidramon screamed, his Hell Howling attack. It didn't sent out a shockwave, but it had force, enough to cause BlackMegidramon to try and cover his ears. The evil dragon stuck out while it's prey was distracted. (A/N: Megidramon = Evil Dragon BlackMegidramon = Dark Dragon.)



Sakuyamon "G-Guilmon?"



The evil dragon digimon paid no attention to the woman, it's only focus was killing. And after it's defeat at the hands of Beelzemon, a fight that was still fresh in it's mind, he was not going to lose to some cheap copy of himself. Currently Megidramon was trying to shove it's hand through it's darker side's chest against a wall. The wall was beginning to give under their combined weight and force, soon BlackMegidramon was forced through completely. A wave of broken cords where sent up all around the two, like dust... only red. Sakuyamon followed and noticed the D-Reaper and the blob heading towards the dueling dragons as well as the Evil Dragon.



Sakuyamon "Guilmon! Where's Takato?"



Takato's voice came from behind, back where Henry was. The demon woman turned around to see Takato standing over Henry, not visibly hurt, but he seemed... different. He wasn't at all concerned about the fight at hand. Instead, he was talking to Henry about something, though they were to far away to hear what.



Sakuyamon called out "Takato! Are you alright?"



The boy looked up, then smiled at her. He thanked Henry for whatever information he had given him and the next thing he did left her amazed. He teleported, similar to Renamon's way of doing it. Sakuyamon rushed over to Henry forgetting about the twin dragons and picked the already injured boy up by his collar.



Sakuyamon started firing off as many questions as she could at once "What's going on? How did Takato do that? Where is he now?"

Henry blinked then answered "I have no idea. I have no idea. And he asked me where the core was so I told him where. It's at the base of that blob thing, a room with a hole that radiates energy, to your right. He might be trying to destroy the D-Reaper somehow."

*^*

Renamon "Could he be..."

Rika "Renamon?"

Renamon "Perhaps he's trying to corrupt the D-Reaper programming."

Rika "How?"

Renamon "By using the Red Hazard. We have to stop him before he does something drastic."

Rika "Alright."

*^*

Sakuyamon lowered the boy to his feet "Henry, will you be alright here?"

Henry looked around then motioned to Megidramon, who was dominating everything except the blob "I think 'he' has everything under control. I'm gonna look for Jeri."

Sakuyamon nodded "Alright see you later."



***^***



BlackMegidramon had heard Henry's conversation with Rika... if you call that a conversation "The Core? No... he wouldn't! I've got to get over there."



BlackMegidramon waited till his raging counterpart was occupied with the blob again before taking off into the darkness. He did however leave one final bit of advice for Henry before he was completely gone though.



BlackMegidramon "Hey Henry. Your looking for Jeri? Well you found her. She's been formatted into The Reaper. Having fun trying to keep Megidramon from eating her alive..."



***^***



Takato stood in the core. He had come up with a plan to destroy the D-Reaper... though it would cost him, it needed to be done. That's why he wasn't concerned about Megidramon, he knew the dragon would die soon, so would he... If he ever figured out how to take care of his next problem. The base of the blob filled up the hole, keeping him from his destination. At the rate he was going he'd be an 80 year old by the time he actually got into the D-Reaper's core. His Hazard flashed green.



Takato **Megidramon! I need your help.** ...A soft 'patting sound behind him alerted him to the presence of another. His hearing was much better now that he was using the Red Hazard 'with' Megidramon instead of just Megidramon by itself. "Who's there."

A boy stepped out of the shadows, it was a boy all too familiar. Takato's other. ChaosGallantmon's human form. And he was brandishing a long sword with him. "Your heard me? I guess I was right about you."

Takato "Pardon?"

Crimson Youth smiled "I've had a theory about you and those symbol's covering your body... You're a digimon."

Takato "Yeah... Gallantmon. Stupid evil twit."

The Crimson Youth frowned and made a note of Takato's personality change. He was much more irritable, and fear seemed to be a fading memory "No... I mean about your normal self, the way you are now."

Takato rolled his eyes "Just keep talking till Megidramon gets here. I'll tell him your theory while he chews your leg off... Damn idiot evil twit."

Crimson Youth narrowed his eyes "...Shut up. It makes sense now when I think about it. You didn't need Dobermon's help to Biomerge. You were real in a digital field before you were real in this world, and you have traits same as any other digimon."

Takato turned in slight interest "Traits? Like in the cartoon?"

Crimson Youth smiled menacingly "Yes... Takatomon, Virus, Mega Level. Human Type Digimon and you attacks are... Perfect Hazard."

Takato drew his sword, his eyes flashed red though the contacts along with every symbol on his body. New ones snaked their way up to his face and under his eyes. He began to glow an eerie crimson "Perfect Hazard... What a stupid name. Did you think of that by yourself?"

Crimson Youth frowned again drawing his long sword "As a matter of fact..."

Takato "Figures... Megidramon is taking too long. Let's settle this now." **Leomon, give me strength.**



Takato made the first strike while the Crimson Youth was busy noting Takato's increase in aggression. Takato slashed downward while the other raised his sword to block. When the blades met ChaosGallantmon was forced down to one knee immediately. Considering he still had his Digimon strength, being out powered by such a little whelp was unheard of. Takato raised his knee and delivered a harsh front kick while stepping forward. The kick sent the Dark Knight/Child back two meters and Takato was already directly in front of him by the time he recovered. Takato slashed down quickly, it looked odd giving the sword was nearly the size of his body but it was powerful. The Crimson youth leaned over and shuffled forth. It was the only thing he could do to avoid losing a limb and slashed upwards using the reach of his blade. Takato phased out in the split second the blade WOULD'VE cut him. He phased in afterwards with an open shot anywhere on the Crimson Youth.



Crimson Youth "WHAT?!?! NO!!!"



Takato brought his sword across, but slowed down when the sound of breaking wires and Henry yelling caught his attention. It was enough for CG to doing several flashy backflips out of harms way. Both turned to see what the commotion was. Out of the darkness Megidramon, the blob, The Slayer, Henry, and Sakuyamon came. The Reaper had apparently lost her scouts and was circling around waiting for a new batch to be generated while trying to slow down Sakuyamon. The blob was chewing on Megidramon's arm... But Megidramon was chewing on it's neck so it was hard to say who had the upper hand. Henry was riding on Megidramon yelling something out. He was also doing something. He was... pounding Megidramon with his first? Oh yeah, that'll work.



Crimson Youth sighed and turned to Takato. He had been looking forward to this little one on one "Can't we get some alone time?"

Takato nodded "You said it. What's Henry doing."

Crimson Youth "Trying to commit suicide it seems."



The two laughed for a second... then glared at each other for laughing... The 'Hmph'ed and turned away with their arms folded. They looked more like twins then ever. Megidramon made his way over and started forcing the blob back into his hole while Sakuyamon picked Henry off Megidramon's head and dodged the Reaper.



Takato smiled like this was an everyday thing "Hey everyone, how are you?"

Sakuyamon stared disbelief at Takato "Are you nuts? Can you not see wha-"

Henry cut in "Takato! Don't kill The Slayer, it's Jeri!"

Sakuyamon nodded "Uh yeah. We need to turn her back somehow."



The slayer lunged at Sakuyamon, forcing her away from Takato and into another fight. Henry still looked worried about what Takato would do while the Crimson Youth had started tapping his foot.



Takato waved his friend off absent mindedly "Really? That's nice. HEY MEGIDRAMON, HURRY UP!"

Henry grabbed his friend by the collar "Is that it?!?! Don't you care?!?! You have to stop this."

Crimson Youth interrupted "HEY! You mind? We're in the middle of something here."

Takato leaned forward and whispered in his friends ear "Look. You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt you or Jeri. Just trust me... and... Goodbye."



The Crimson Youth lashed out with his sword and Takato threw his friend to side... through the air... with one hand. Takato blocked the slashes and thrusts from all directions backing up towards the hole. He didn't need to beat CG, he just need to get to the core. The Red Hazard would take care of everything else from there. When he neared the edge he looked back over to see if his Dragon partner had finished... he had. The Crimson Youth was using every attack he had. (The only thing he lacks in his human form is his Digimon attacks... should've mentioned that in earlier chapters. Sorry) However Takato phased out every time the sword touched his skin. The Dark Knight had gotten his opponent to the edge, but he could do nothing further to make him fall off or even look up. Dozens of attacks but nothing hit... Well actually one hit, Henry ran up to the Crimson Youth from behind and punched him in the head then dropped to his knees from exhaustion. The action cause the child to fall through Takato into the hole while Takato laughed.



Takato "You've got guts Henry... bravery... so... you know... watch over everyone while I'm gone."

Henry took a deep breathe "Gone...? Wait! Where are you going."

Takato shrugged "Hell maybe. Tell Rika I'm sorry I couldn't ride with her in the clouds again. This... this has to be done."

Sakuyamon dropped to the ground next to Henry, carrying an unconscious Reaper on her shoulder. Henry took the creature from he and held it tenderly "Hey! I did it, we won. Now we just have to turn Jeri back and that's that."

Takato "Sorry, your mistaken. Jeri won't turn back as long as the D-Reaper is alive... and this entire place, is the D-Reaper. That's why I'm going to destroy it's core."

Sakuyamon smirked "No problem Gogglehead. I'll help. And you gotta show me how to teleport like Renamon does."

Takato laughed "Sorry I'll have to do this alone... Megidramon might attack others... You know. Maybe I'll show you when I get back."

Sakuyamon frowned "Oh yeah, what's up with using Megidramon all of a sudden. I ought to clobber you till you can't even remember who you are... But then, you've had enough of that for one day. Well, if that's really the way you want to finish off the D-Reaper I'll head back with Henry and Jeri. Kazu's probably gotten himself killed five times over by now."

Henry nodded and picked up The Reaper making sure she didn't suddenly wake up and started toward the exit. "Alright. See you later Takato. And don't worry, I'll tell her."

Takato nodded "Thanks"

Sakuyamon's frowned deepened "Tell who what?"

Takato shook his head "Nothing... It's nothing."

Sakuyamon "Well, alright." The Dark Priestess started for the exit

Takato "Uh, Sakuyamon."

Sakuyamon turned around "Huh?"



Takato stood on his tiptoes and kissed her once, quickly. Before she had the chance to stop him, or pound him as the case may be. She stepped back, unsure of what to do. Finally, she regained herself and glared at the boy in front who was smiling shyly though his blush. Even though the Hazard was making him... temperamental, it seemed nothing was different when Rika was near.



Sakuyamon "What was that for?"

Takato became worried "You didn't like it?"

Sakuyamon turned beat red in the span of an instant "Well I... I uh... Your dead, Gogglehead."

Takato smiled light-heartedly "Not yet, try again in about... Ohhh five minutes."

Sakuyamon's arched an eyebrow "What did you just say?"



Takato's symbols flashed and he teleported.



***^***



The Crimson Youth stood up, he was in a room surging with energy. It was made of the same red Cords as everything else but that lit the room up instead of the usual 'Darkness in the Distance' scenery. Power could be felt every. The walls glowed light, the floors pulsated with life, Megidramon screamed in anger... wait... Megidramon? Yep still holding down the blob and waiting for his partner to arrive. The Crimson Youth picked his sword off the floor.



Crimson Youth **Megidramon can't teleport.**

Takato's voice **I heard that.**



The other child appeared in front of CG smiling widely. The Dark Child lashed out with a jab but Takato merely phased out, phased back in to the left a little, and grabbed ChaosGallantmon by the neck.



Takato "Hey. What was that attack you said, about me being a digimon?"

Crimson Youth struggled, though he didn't need any air he was still trying to get free of Takato's vice-like grip. "Per- Perfect Hazard."

Takato nodded than dropped the Crimson youth on his but "Ya know. Maybe that isn't so bad... Shall we give it a try?"

Crimson Youth "What?! Here?!?!?! NO!!!"



Takato smiled, the Red Hazard glowed brightly, bright enough to overpower the red of the light in the room. Bright enough to blind ChaosGallantmon, Megidramon, and distort the D-Reaper's senses beyond recognition. It was what the Red Hazard was meant to do. Destroy completely and utterly.



"Perfect Hazard!"



***^***



Sakuyamon was standing staring off at the abyss. Thinking about what Takato had just said to her. She jerked at two sudden explosions. One was close by, just down that the chasm, while other was a spire of blood red energy piercing the ground and reaching to the sky in the distance dead ahead. Another spire followed shortly after, to her right, then another behind her. Sakuyamon felt... nostalgic, like she had been in this type of situation before, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She felt a hand place itself on her shoulder and spun around to see Kuzuhamon. She was holding her side and her staff was nowhere to be seen, probably broken.



Kuzuhamon "Where is he?

Sakuyamon blinked then pointed to the pit, steadily filling up with fire "He's... down there."

Kuzuhamon "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go down and drag his ass out of here."

Sakuyamon looked down at the fire. It was intensely bright "But..." She stopped herself. She had never been afraid of anything before and this was no time to start. Shaking her head, she looked at her counterpart with a smile "Nevermind. Just make sure you don't slow me down."



Both Megas leapt into the hole... They were so focused they didn't even notice the Hazard Sign on Sakuyamon's hand flash white...



***^***



Henry raced through the halls of the D-Reaper, though they wouldn't be halls much longer. Everything was losing it's consistency and rapidly turning to mush. Henry wanted to leave, but he still had to get Terriermon, Ryo, and Cyberdramon. The pathway was closing in around him, there was to much distance to cover, and judging by the spires of energy emerging, he was out of time. The Reaper began to stir and struggled so that Henry dropped her. His wound prevented him from keeping a decent grip. The second she hit the floor she began to melt away... At least that's what it looked like. In reality it was just the D-Reaper shell that was melting away. A few seconds later there was the sleeping form of Jeri. Henry rushed to her side.



Henry grabbed her shoulder and shook her lightly "Jeri! Jeri! Are you alright."

Jeri "Henry... Oh! Hi. I had he weirdest dream." The girl looked around realizing it was NOT a dream. Her voice shivered involuntarily "...What's going on?"

Henry "I'll tell you later. Right no we get to get out of here... Though I'm not really sure how we're going to do that. The walls have started melting together cutting off our exit. Can you move?"

Jeri started to get up then stopped when she remembered something "Hey! I should be asking you that. Weren't you hurt by Takato before."

Henry got up and sweatdropped nervously "Uhh, well it wasn't Takato. We can talk about this later."



Henry looked around, now surround by the goop that was once the D- Reaper. It looked like there was no way out and that the two would not be able to escape but. But Hope arrived, in the form of Ryo and Cyberdramon. Terriermon was being carried with them shooting off his remarks about Henry and Jeri as always. He was ignored. Cyberdramon loaded his allies onto his shoulders then took off into the sky, and flew towards the exit. Jeri shuddered at the sight below, like a sea of red, flowing and churning and generally making everyone seasick. Cyberdramon stopped suddenly.



Ryo "Not good."

Henry looked over "What is it?"

Ryo frowned drawing several cards "One of the energy spires... It's blocking the exit. We'll have to fly through if we want to escape. You guys ready?"

Henry felt something grab his hand, Jeri. She was smiled and nodded. Terriermon plopped himself on his partner head and made his best battle stance. "We're ready."

Terriermon "Let's go already. I'm not getting any younger here ya know."

Ryo "alright everyone, brace yourself."



Ryo swiped the first card and Henry was able to get a glimpse of the rest . Marine Angemon, Kuzuhamon, Sakuyamon, Taomon, and finally, the Aegis. Hopefully, that would be enough to make it through.



***^***



Kazu through up his hand and cheered. The D-Reaper was finally starting to lose ground after hours of battling. Kenta, Suzy, and Alice all rallied around him. Though he had to admit, things looked pretty bad when Kuzuhamon left the fight, the group had persevered with the help of Calumon and the military. Now they could see the fruits of their labor, a D-Reaper Agent, without the energy to support itself deleted without even being attacked. An explosion from inside the vortex caused him to worry though, Alice had told him that's where Henry had gone. (Though she kept the information from Henry's parents)



Calumon "Wow! Bright lights."

Kazu "Eh? Hey, what's going on."

Kenta rushed up behind his friend "Hey, isn't that where Henry is? You think he's alright?"

Alice frowned "Of course. He has Takato, Rika, and most of all Ryo with him."

Kazu folded his arms and groaned "Sorry for not being enthusiastic about the Takato part. I'm still not sure I believe that story you told us earlier about there being two Takato's."

Calumon "Wow. I think I see a birdie"

Kazu "Huh?"



Cyberdramon flew out of the firestorm, he was onto his last card, the Aegis and it was already half melted. The Dragon landed in front of the other Tamer's with Kazu jumping up and down and screaming something about how cool Ryo was.



Alice walked up to Ryo and placed her hands on her hips. She smiled, a rare happening "Your late."

Ryo smiled back casually "Really? Looks to me like I was just in time, again."

Kazu finally took his attention off Ryo and onto Jeri, who was holding on tightly to Henry with her eyes scrunched closed "Hey! Your out of the fire now ya know. You can let him breathe." Then he turned to Henry "And shouldn't you be in, oh I don't know, A HOSPITAL MAYBE?

Kenta laughed out loud "Yes mother."



Jeri blushed and released her grip. Henry was dazed, confused, and as red as a tomato. Henry looked around, he was impressed with Kazu's partner but he was hoping against fate to see someone else.



Henry "...Takato isn't here, is he?"

Kazu "Takato? Nope. Guess he's still in there."

Kenta "What happened... with the Dark Knight I mean."

Henry "That guy was a copy made by Zhuqiaomon. Takato's fighting him now..." **...Or maybe he's already won. He was untouchable last I saw him**



Another explosion occurred, this one stronger than the ones before it. That's because it was the finisher. The final explosion that wiped out the D-Reaper, the Juggernaut, and everything that remained inside the Digital World. Fire poured from the opening in air as the worlds were separated once again and the Juggernaut closed from the stress caused by the explosion. Henry and the others stood looking up in disbelief, there parents came up behind them, also looking in the same direction.



Rumiko "Hey... Where's Rika."

Henry turned to Rika's mother, and looked down "She was... in there..." Henry pointed to where the portal had been."

Rumiko felt the strength in her legs leave her. She was helped by her mother who kept her gaze locked on the sky "No......No...It can't be true..." Tears began filling her eyes. The fire disappeared into the air. The fight... At long last... was over.



***One Week Later***



The city buzzed with life, people everywhere were reconstructing schools, offices, soccer fields and the like. There was also a memorial, to remember those who fought against the D-Reaper, and didn't make it out alive. Both Human and Digimon were welcome, and the Tamers were at the front next to the parents of the deceased. The Matsuki's were at the front as well by Henry's request though he wouldn't tell them his reasons. It rained that day... perfect. It was a lovely scene, hundreds of people, most who didn't even know the deceased gathered in the usual black outerwear. It took place in a field, under cherry trees. They were Renamon's favorite, and they were blooming now. The memorial passed by slowly with a great deal of passage reading and so one. It wasn't too long though, Rika had few friends and Takato had 13 years of his life erased. It ended with everyone dropping a flower or flowers onto the statue at the front, though those in attendance were forbidden to bring Pink flower by Rumiko's request. She, like Henry, kept he reason to herself. There was no need to explain. Henry went last, he wasn't wearing his suit, but his normal clothes instead. He stood in the rain without dropping his flower until Jeri walked up next to him.



Jeri "Henry...?"

Henry started talking as soon as he heard his name. He was looking at the flower "What do you think about this? It's pretty, right?"

Jeri looked confused "Well, yeah. But-"

Henry cut her off by handing the flower to her "Good, you take this. There's no need to for this since they aren't dead."

Jeri shook her head "What?"

Henry smiled "Takato, Guilmon, Renamon, Ruki, and Rika.... They aren't dead. Takato still talks to me sometimes. The Green Hazard is still active."

Jeri "...Henry..."

Henry "Don't worry. Thanks for caring though."



Jeri took the flower hesitantly and kissed him lightly on the cheek. It really was pretty, Yellow with a green center. It seemed somehow appropriate. Henry turned away and started walking over to his family, Terriermon, and Lopmon. Jeri noticed something though... his hand, the one still covered from in symbols from the Green Hazard. It seemed to be glowing slightly... But then again, that was impossible... Wasn't it?



******^******



Regless: HOLY CRAP THAT WAS LONG. And I still have to show how Takato is alive in the epilogue. Relax, I'll get to it. I'm eager to close up this story so hopefully it won't take to long. Damn my aching self. And I have to Proofread all 36 pages of this too. Well here goes.



To Riskomon -

NeoWarGreymon: Yeah, lemme help! Oh wait the chapter was redone. Ahh well. Thanks for the review and have a nice week.



To R6 (I love that name, so short and easy to spell) -

Regless: I redid it. He was gonna be saved anyway but it works much better like this. Rukato forever. Thanks for the review.



To SerpentTreize -

Black: Yeah... I stopped watching when the second season came out only started watching digimon again cause of all the publicity of the third season. And thus, I liked it at that point.

Regless: And cause of RIKA. The show needs more like her. Don't you think? RUKATO AND RIKATO and... sorry I lost my train of thought. Thanks for the review.



To -

Regless: The page didn't open completely, it ain't me and there's nothing wrong with it. Probably the sever so just try reloading the page. If that doesn't work chuck you computer out the damn window, scream profanities, and swing your cat around by the tail. Good luck and thanks for uh... increasing the number of reviews?

Black: And there is still a couple more things mysteries to clear up, mainly how Kuzuhamon was able to enter the D-Reaper. And what is going on with Daemon.



To DC and Evil Black Terriermon -

Black gets ducks the first blast: You know, when you fight back you encourage Regless to call you that even more.

Black starts dodging the other blasts: And the new version of chapter twenty three is much better than the one you reviewed.

Yami Hamtaro runs at Black Terriermon with a peanut cannon: Leave my mental alone.

Regless running away from evil chainsaw: LOL. RUKATO FOREVER BABY. And thanks for the review.



To shadow -

Regless sighs: Well that's not really what I call constructive criticism but anyway at least someone told me. I redid the chapter, hope ya like it. And thanks for the... flaming?



To D3fan -

Regless walks into the next room with a swollen head: He doesn't need to. he smacked me anyway. Takato was the worst though, he gave Black a bat, then Black was the worst again. Ohhh the humanity.



To tigonwolf -

Black peels reviewer's hand off of him: He wrote it. We don't work together on the same story. Here's a baseball bat, go nuts.

Regless screaming like a girl: ACK! I changed it, I made it better. Lemme go. Uhh COULD ONE OF MY MUSES PLEASE HELP ME?

Neowargreymon shook his head: ...

Yami Hamtaro: I think I speak for everyone when I say NO.



To Anime Fan (I'll reply to the second one, okay?) -

Regless uses his Anti-Everything Muse cannon... Problem is, he's holding it backwards. He shoots himself in the head: ...

Rika: Okay... Is he finally dead?

Black: No, he's done that before.

Yami Hamtaro: How can he take so much punishment?

Black: He looks human but he's a shadow beast, this stuff rolls right off him.

Neowargreymon: No wonder... can I strangle him now.

Black: Go for it. Thanks for the review.



To Gregory Stephen/nightdragon0 -

Regless being choked, enough said: Gak

Yami Hamtaro: I like fireworks. This chapter was lotsa fun cause it was the final fight and it was huge. I hope this answers your question. Ja Ne.



To -

Regless: Hiii! I'm taking good care of your Muse!

Neowargreymon: Pfft. More like the other way around. Cyber Blade!

Regless: Tremble with fear caused by my running away attack. {Runs away}



To Sugah High -

Black: Evening. Sorry that chapter wasn't up earlier, me and Regless both worked on it bust it was just freaking huge. We'll get the Epilogue soon... I hope. Take care and thanks for the review.



To Adam Kamiya -

Regless: I've replied. I'll talk to you more after I've got this finished. Take care till then and thanks for the review.



To Dark Child -

Yami Hamtaro: Regless says not to worry about reviewing so much... Well he's trying to anyway. Rika's got him held down.

Black: Christmas and new years both blew chunks. Between bouncing checks, Getting sick, Dud parties, and the screaming and whining of adults and kids alike... We are both NOT looking forward to next year. Glad you had a nice time though. Redid last chapter, hope you like it. Thanks for the review and see ya later.



To Sora Potter -

Black:... What?

Regless: Man I don't want to drive. I want the license but I can take the bus for anywhere I want to go, plus there's insurance, gas, and maintenance. But I guess I'll have to learn sooner or later, just be careful when I do. There's a fifty/fifty chance I'll accidentally ran you off the road at 200 MPH. Congrats with the tree and good luck with the Pussy...cat.

Yami Hamtaro shivers: Did he have to say it like that?

Black: Unfortunately yes. He'll die if he doesn't.

Yami Hamtaro: So what's the problem?



To YumeTakato -

Regless: Yay your energetic again. Your were all dark before, too much like black.

Yami Hamtaro: True.

Regless: I thank you for your review.

Yami Hamtaro: False.

Regless: ...BLACK, SHUT THE FURBALL UP.



To Neverwhere -

Black: I agree. This is much better than last time. Thanks for the review.

Regless: Yep yep. Takato saves the day and yadda yadda yadda. See you around.



To Firehedgehog -

Regless: Hmm, more like writers overload. It wasn't that I didn't have any ideas, it was that I had to many ideas and not enough time or space to use them since the fic was drawing to a close. Anyway I fixed it.

Yami Hamtaro: Black's teaching me Ninjitsu so I can kill Regless.

Regless:... Since when?

Yami Hamtaro: Since your first beating.

Regless: ...By who?



To -

Everyone sits and eats tea and crumpets. Regless speaks: Reverse psychology... Go figure. I DON'T want another crumpet.

Crumpet pegs Regless in the head and knocks him out. Black speaks: Nice shot Yami.

Yami Hamtaro: Feels so good to be so kind.



To Silver Warrior -

Regless and Black bow: Thank you thank you. I took lot of right and three ass cushions but we did it.

Black: I was the moral support, he'd be lost without me.

Yami Hamtaro: Anyway, thanks for the review. See ya around. It's just the epilogue then we can focus on the sequel and smaller stories.



To Lonewalker -

Rika: I realized it... what's your point?

Regless: ...She's scary... like so many other girls I ask out.

Black: Pfft, whatever. Thanks for the review. See ya.