DR: A new chapter! Whoa, I'm fast!
Terriermon: Come on, I want to see how we take care of ChaosGallantmon!
DR: What makes you think you'll take care of ChaosGallantmon?
Terriermon: Well, I don't think you'll let him kill us and destroy the world, right?
DR: Of course not, this is not a DBZ fic. Well, I don't own Digimon, that's for sure. The only things I own are the concept of the Omnivice and the Triad. Let's go to the next chapter, it's the end of Doumon, and the Tamers versus Takato! Jeri receives "the revelation" and Takato decides to throw away his life……for love.
THEORY OF CHAOS
Chapter 6
Tamers Unite Against the Chaos
You've got mail.
Daneel loudly yawned in his office at Hypnos Center. He hadn't had much to do after the Nightmare, and his new job with Yamaki was slowly acquiring a rather calm pace. Besides, he had no new reports on Takato or Ryo. Due to his increased amount of free time, he had absolutely nothing to do. Wasting his time on the now-restored Internet, Daneel checked his mail account to discover a message from the Lord of Humans, Takeru Takaishi. He didn't waste a second and clicked on the hyperlink, opening the new window with the message.
It's been a while, Daneel. I'm sure you now have nothing to do, so I'll update you on what's going on. A wild Digimon evaded the Hypnos system and entered the Real World seeking for the powers of the Crest of Chaos. Circumstances had caused Takato to release Chaos' full power, and right now the Tamers are fighting ChaosGallantmon, the bio-merged product of Chaos and Guilmon. Don't let anyone interfere in the battle, that's my only order. The Tamers as they are right now will be unable to defeat ChaosGallantmon, but I'm working on the unlocking of a new Dual Force skill which might help them. To be honest, I doubt it'll be enough. Our only hope is for Takato to regain control of his dark traits. Good luck.
Takeru.
P.D. Don't try to contact me, I'll be busy dealing with ChaosGallantmon. Then, I'll go gather more info on Project Asmodeus.
Daneel sighed in disbelief when he was done. To think I'm the one supposed to give him info, not the other way around……
He immediately clicked the 'Delete' button. He couldn't take any risks. ChaosGallantmon……the name itself sounds terrifying. He thought. But the viral knight was the last thing that worried him. He trusted Lord Takeru, even if the former Digi-Destined of Hope didn't have much faith in his possibilities. However, the thought of a Digimon evading the Hypnos scan was intimidating.
I personally upgraded the Hypnos System……it uses the mainframe's full power, it's impossible for a Digimon to go past it unnoticed……
He looked around the office. Amongst the mountains of paper and datasheets, he found his deck of cards. He spent most of his free time toying with it, looking for ways to improve it or inventing new card strategies. Maybe he'd challenge Rika or Ryo one of those days, even if he knew it was a sure defeat. He looked each of the cards, one by one, until he stopped in a certain card.
Unless……the wild Digimon didn't come from the Digital World itself……
Daneel immediately got up and took his laptop and his deck of cards. He reshuffled the deck to mix the "Dark Area" card he had been looking at with the other cards and left the office. He would have to make a short trip to the Digital World, but there was something he had to pick up at his apartment first.
Jeez, the moment Lord Takeru chooses to go into 'Do not disturb' mode………
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MATRIX EVOLUTION
"Leomon, Matrix Digivolve to……Grapleomon!"
"Guardromon, Matrix Digivolve to……Andromon!"
"Terriermon, Digivolve to……MegaGargomon!"
"Monodramon, Digivolve to……Justimon!"
"Renamon, Digivolve to……Sakuyamon!"
Takato yawned. "Are you finally done?" he complained. Rika growled. "Who does he think he is?"
"He does have a reason to show off, Rika, he's extremely powerful."
"For God's sake, if you keep talking about how almighty Gogglehead is, I'll go crazy!"
"Rika, I'm just speaking with the truth. This will be the toughest battle we'll have to face. Not only we're fighting a formidable foe, but he's also one of our friends, too."
"If I cared about that, maybe……" Rika snorted.
"So………" ChaosGallantmon said menacingly. "………who's gonna be first?" Only then, his caught something he had skipped for a while.
"Wait a second………someone is awkwardly silent in this place……"
He looked to his right, where Doumon had inconspicuously walked to the edge of the small clearing the in the forest. "Ah..umm……"
Takato snorted. "Please don't tell me you were trying to escape. Weren't you the one who was after me in the first place? Well, I'm here, I want to know what'll you do now that you've found me."
Doumon backed away a few steps. She was in front of a Mega Digimon, a Virus-type Mega Digimon, actually. She knew her attacks would be useless against his dark armor. But……what if……
The Demon Man Digimon closed her eyes to prepare a spell.
"Silent Curse……huh?"
Doumon had fired her spell to the air, because ChaosGallantmon had disappeared. She looked around her, behind her, above her, but he had simply vanished. The Tamers also watched the desperate Ultimate Digimon look for her opponent.
"I'm too fast for you, Doumon!"
Suddenly, ChaosGallantmon reappeared right in front of Doumon, startling her. Before the Data Digimon could try something, the dark knight used his right hand to grab Doumon's head, crushing it with his overwhelming strength.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!! Great Lord, please help meeeeeeEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Eventually, what once was Doumon became nothing but tiny data bits. ChaosGallantmon remained there, while Takato had a sinister grin on his face. "What a wuss……she didn't even count as a warm-up. So……." He said, turning to face the Digimon Tamers. "Now, really, who's gonna be first?"
Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Ryo, Henry and Rika remained silent, unable to even think at the sight of the darkness that Digimon irradiated.
"I'm waiting! I don't have all day, you know!? Gogglehead might ruin it any moment!"
Grapleomon and Andromon exchanged a glance and then they looked at their Tamers, who nodded in response.
"US!" Both Ultimate Digimon shouted.
"Digi-modify! Offense Plug-In N, activate!"
"Digi-modify! Aurvandil's Arrow, activate!"
Grapleomon charged forward while Andromon prepared the lightning arrow. ChaosGallantmon simply chuckled.
"Lion Whirlwind Kick!" The Beast Man Digimon shouted, but now even the attack boost he received from Jeri's card helped him against ChaosGallantmon. His whirlwind kick met an unexpected end when his foot slammed against the dark knight's shield. The impact sent Grapleomon backwards several feet.
"Aurvandil's Arrow!" Andromon shouted as he launched a perfect copy of Valkyrimon's attack. ChaosGallantmon didn't have enough time to block the arrow with his shield, but he didn't even bother giving it a try. He simply received the attack, which not even made a crack in the armor. Hirokazu was left dumbfounded.
"No way………"
"It didn't work……" Jeri replied. Rika, Ryo and Henry remained speechless.
"We told you! You can't say we didn't tell you. This guy is serious!"
"Terriermon!" Henry replied, but his thoughts were different. This is no time to play big-ass Tamers……if we don't give it our best, he'll kill us!
ChaosGallantmon simply stood there, shaking his head at the Tamer's futile effort. "Heh, that……kind of tickled. Now, I guess it's my turn."
Moving at incredible speed, ChaosGallantmon first dashed until he got between Grapleomon and Andromon. Then, he suddenly turned left to charge towards Grapleomon.
"Lion Beast Killing Wave!"
Takato simply bent his body downwards and the attack went above him, directed towards Andromon, who was forced to move aside as fast as he could. ChaosGallantmon tried to hit Grapleomon with his left fist, but the Ultimate Digimon jumped upwards and stood on the black shield, jumping again to gain even more height. Takato smirked inside his black core as ChaosGallantmon quickly turned around 180 degrees and shot his lance attack directly at Grapleomon.
"Demon's Disaster!"
In midair and unable to avoid the attack, Grapleomon was sent even higher by the impact which severely weakened him in the process. This gave ChaosGallantmon more than enough time to dash towards Andromon at an incredible speed for a knight wearing such a bulky armor. The cyborg Digimon took to long to prepare an attack, mostly because both Jeri and Hirokazu were too shocked to be of any help.
"Spiral-argh!!!"
Andromon was just preparing his attack when ChaosGallantmon jumped and slammed both feet against the android's face, using the impulse to launch himself upwards, even higher than the immobilized Grapleomon. When ChaosGallantmon was high enough, he launched his attack once again.
"Demon's Disaster!"
The powerful beam that came out of his lance struck right on Grapleomon's stomach, sending him back down and slamming him against the barely conscious Andromon, both receiving the energy blast's full power. When the smoke cleared out, the two Ultimate, now unconscious, had returned to their Champion forms. ChaosGallantmon gracefully landed on the soft grass. "So……who's next?"
"Leomon!"
"Guardromon!"
Both Jeri and Hirokazu ran across the field to help their injured partners. Henry watched in alarm how Jeri ran right in front of ChaosGallantmon to get to Leomon. If he does something to her, I'll……!!!!
But ChaosGallantmon didn't move. His eyes never left Jeri's figure as she ran, but for some strange reason he didn't attack, even if both Jeri and Kazu were easy targets.
"Come on, I'm wait-hey!"
Without him noticing, MarineAngemon had gotten behind him and trapped him in one of his heart-shaped bubbles. Everyone smiled triumphantly.
"Excellent!" Terriermon shouted excitedly.
"Great job, Kenta!" Justimon said with Ryo's voice. Kenta couldn't help but smile at his role model's praise.
"Look more carefully." Renamon commented, putting an end to the Tamers' joy. ChaosGallantmon was trying to break free, he wasn't even moving at all. Everyone noticed his lance had disappeared again. Slolwy, he raised his right hand until it was just an inch away from the bubble. Suddenly, the hand transformed back to its lance form, piercing through the barrier in the process. Once the hole was done, it was easy to get out of the barrier.
ChaosGallantmon smiled. "That was lame, but it counts as an attack, so I guess it's my turn again."
Before anyone could complain, ChaosGallantmon disappeared from view. His extreme agility allowed him to get behind MarineAngemon without being noticed. Kenta searched in his deck until he chose a card.
"Digi-Modify!"
But ChaosGallantmon wouldn't wait until Kenta was done. MarineAngemon barely managed to turn around and face before the dark knight hit him with the right side of the lance, sending the fairy Digimon flying towards a nearby tree. The small Mega Digimon hit the tree trunk, just to be slammed against it again, courtesy of ChaosGallantmon's right knee. ChaosGallantmon finished his attack by crushing MarineAngemon against the tree with his massive shield. An unconscious MarineAngemon was left lying under the tree's shade when the virus Mega Digimon retreated.
ChaosGallantmon returned to the middle of the clearing, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Kenta, Kenta, Kenta……your Digimon in a support character, you should have used his powers to heal those two over there……" Takato explained, pointing at the still unconscious Leomon and Guardromon. "……now they won't be able to fight anymore. And you call yourselves Tamers? You think you can protect this world with the way your act. Although, I can't blame you, you're just children, anyway. You think you're so cool because you have strong Digimon and fancy cards, but you still don't know how to fight strategically."
"Did you forget who you're talking with!?" Rika shouted angrily. "I'm Rika Nonaka, top card player in Japan!"
"Hey" Ryo complained. "Last time I checked, I was the top card player in Japan!"
Takato couldn't believe their stupidity. "WE'RE NOT PLAYING THAT STUPID CARD GAME, NONAKA!"
The harsh tone of voice he used froze the Tamers, who suddenly found themselves unable to do anything but looking at ChaosGallantmon. "My other side is the worst card game player in the world, but he's still the strongest of the Tamers. Now I know why."
"Why?" Henry couldn't help but ask.
"Compared to all of you, he's strangely mature. He has accepted his destiny, his purpose, the sole reason of his existence. You, on the other side, are still nothing but spoiled brats."
"That does it! You're going down!" Rika shouted, charging towards ChaosGallantmon before anybody could stop her. Sakuyamon first tried to hit the dark knight with her staff, but Takato easily moved aside. Sakuyamon leapt away in case her enemy tried to retaliate.
"Spirit Strike!"
The four foxes of fire, water, wind and lightning struck their target, which didn't even flinch. "Oh, please……and you call yourself a Mega?"
That's……impossible…… Rika thought, finding it incredible for her strongest attack not to do a thing against the dark knight.
"He is a Virus Digimon, so he has the type advantage. His armor can easily block Ultimate-level attacks and Mega-level attacks, if they come from a Data Digimon." Renamon explained.
"So you're telling me our attacks won't do a thing!?"
"……yeah, pretty much."
Sakuyamon stood there, frozen. What could she possibly do, then? "Being a Data Digimon sucks." Rika said.
"Hey, that's rude." Renamon complained.
ChaosGallantmon walked a few steps forward. "Is that all? Well, I guess it's my turn, then."
Once again, he dashed towards Sakuyamon at amazing speed. The Data Digimon closed her eyes, waiting for the attack, but the dark knight stopped inches away from her. When Rika opened her eyes, she met ChaosGallantmon's gaze upon her, before he disappeared from sight.
"Now where did he go!?" Rika wondered.
"Urgh……aww………that really hurt………"
Leomon groaned loudly as he regained consciousness. Jeri smiled happily at the sight. "Are you okay, Leomon?"
"No, I'm definitely not okay……"
Jeri bit her lower lip. "Yeah, I guess that was a silly question……"
Next to her, Hirokazu had his eyes focused on the still-unconscious Guadromon, waiting for any reaction. Jeri looked at the others, looking forward to telling them of Leomon's recovery, when she gasped.
ChaosGallantmon was right behind MegaGargomon, preparing his attack, and it was obvious nobody had noticed.
"Henry, behind you!"
"Demon's Disaster!"
Being the big and slow walking fortress he is, MegaGargomon didn't have time to do a thing, receiving the powerful dark beam right on the middle of his back. The attack sent him away a few feet, but nothing more, due to his great size and mass. It still hurt him like the dickens, though.
"Aww………did anyone get the number……?" Henry groaned in pain. Terriermon was left to complain.
"Hey! That was so unfair! Why did you attack us!?"
Takato chuckled. "Which rule says I can only attack the one who attacked me first?"
Ryo's eyes narrowed inside Justimon. He attacked MegaGargomon because he's the Digimon that could cause him significant damage, being a Vaccine with great raw power (A/N: Even if, according to the Card Game, Justimon has a higher attack power than MegaGargomon…).
Everyone waited for MegaGargomon to get up before thinking of a plan. As ChaosGallantmon had said before, they had no chance at winning if they just charged and waited for a miracle to happen. "So……any ideas?" Terriermon asked. Considering that Sukayumon was pretty much useless, the only fighters left were Justimon and MegaGargomon. They also had to consider Henry's Mega Digimon's great disadvantage: its lack of speed.
"The only thing I can think is……well, Justimon and Sakuyamon must force him to stay in one place for long enough, so we can use our strongest attack." Henry replied.
"……sounds like a plan to me." Ryo replied.
"Alright, we'll do what Brainiac says."
Both Justimon and Sakuyamon faced the dark knight. Takato simply smirked.
"It seems like you have a plan. Will it work, or will the dark knight's power prevail over the Digimon Tamers? Isn't this incredibly thrilling!?"
Monodramon growled in response.
"Shut up, Gogglehead!" Rika shouted angrily before the two Digimon attacked ChaosGallantmon. The Virus Mega Digimon retreated a few feet back until his back was stopped by a tree trunk. There, he received the multiple hits from Justimon and Sakuyamon, blocking them all with his shield and his right hand. Much to Ryo's and Rika's concern, Takato's and Guilmon's combination seemed to have no problems keeping two Mega Digimon's speed and blocking all their punches and kicks. Meanwhile, MegaGargomon prepared his entire arsenal.
"Ryo! Rika! Move away! Mega Barrage!"
Oh, come on, that was so expected…… Takato thought. Sakuyamon immediately backed away from the fight. Justimon tried to move away as soon as he heard the dozens of rockets MegaGargomon had sent at them, but I wrote "tried" because for a sudden reason he found himself unable to move.
"I don't think so, 'Digimon King'!" Takato shouted right before Ryo realized ChaosGallantmon held them by Justimon's red scarf.
Justimon was a perfect shield for MegaGargomon's attack, and received all the impacts from the small rockets. When the dust and smoke cleared, Monodramon lied unconscious on the grass while ChaosGallantmon held an also-unconscious Ryo Akiyama by the neck. Then, he threw it aside as if it were a ragged doll.
"Ryo!" Both Kenta and Henry shouted at the same time. "Oh, dear lord, what did I do?"
Sakuyamon shook her head. "It wasn't your fault."
"Foxy chick is right, Henry! Momentai!"
"Call us like that again and I promise your ears will be a lot shorter!"
ChaosGallantmon impatiently waited for the two remaining Digimon. "So, are you giving up?"
"Of course not!" Rika replied.
"……thought so."
The dark knight dashed straight towards Rika, who took a fighting stance. Takato smirked before changing direction. MegaGargomon prepared his arsenal, but ChaosGallantmon was already behind him.
"Too slow, Henry, too slow."
MegaGargomon quickly turned to hit the Virus Mega Digimon with his massive arms, but ChaosGallantmon easily moved behind the machine Digimon, immediately ramming him with his shield against –guess what?- a tree trunk, who shook with the impact of the giant Digimon.
"Spirit Strike!"
"So….USELESS!!!!" Takato shouted before quickly leaping away, this time being MegaGargomon the one receiving a friend's attack. Due to the type advantage, Sakuyamon's attack was strong enough to force the walking fortress back to Henry and Terriermon, who had little spirals around his eyes. ChaosGallantmon shook his head and chuckled.
"You people have to do some serious work on your aiming, you know?"
Sakuyamon struck with her staff, but the dark knight simply grabbed it with his right hand. He suddenly released it and transformed his hand into the lance, attempting to do an uppercut, but Sakuyamon quickly jumped to her left side, barely evading it. Takato, however, was already prepared for such an evasive maneuver, and he had something special prepared. Lowering his right arms at the same time his whole body turned 270º counter-clockwise, he got in the right position to attack Sakuyamon in no time at all.
"Demon's Disaster!"
Sakuyamon barely saw what hit her before it actually hit her stomach, dragging her to a group of bushes twenty feet behind her.
Whole……body……hurts………must not……de-evolve………only ones……still standing!!!
Rika listened to herself and slowly forced her body to get up. She was in the middle of it when both Tamer and Digimon felt something pulling them by their hair. ChaosGallantmon was literally dragging Sakuyamon back to the clearing. He threw her next to Henry, who had Terriermon cuddled against his body. He then looked at the limp body of Ryo Akiyama, and he looked at Monodramon, who had just regained consciousness, slowly walking closer to his Tamer. He then shifted his gaze towards Hirkazu, Kenta and Jeri. Both MarineAngemon and Guardromon were still knocked out cold, while Leomon looked at him with a glare and Jeri tried to avoid his eyes. Finally, he looked up. The sun was going higher and higher and the day was getting warmer. He was surprised the noise hadn't caught any attention. But he also knew it was a matter of time before that happened, so he decided to put an end to it.
The Tamers' lives were in his hands. He knew he could kill them without any problems, but he also knew he had to think things more carefully. If he killed them, that would only bring trouble to Takato Matsuki, and that was the last thing he needed. Besides, wasn't that the reason he started that fight in the first place?
Yes……I did it for him……his pain, I felt it……and I had to find a way to ease it…………
He knew the most convenient thing to do was leaving them there. They had already learned the lesson. However………
If I let them live………Takato's pain will eventually return……the feelings he has for his friends are what cause him……cause us all this pain. And I……I……
"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!"
ChaosGallantmon focused all his energy in his strongest attack. His shield began to glow with faint silver and his entire armor soon after that. His lance returned to its original arm shape, and he crossed both arms in front of his face at the same time he lowered his body a few inches. Wind began to blow around him and his blue cape waved upwards with it. The Tamers, silenced by fear, simply watched the dark knight's actions, as they were unable to move an inch. Sakuyamon, using Renamon's voice, was the only one with the energy (and the guts) to say something.
"Takato, no!!!!!"
"Join me at the darkness of the eternal abyss! JUDECCA PRISON!!!!"
******Meanwhile, somewhere in Takato's head******
Takato's "original" mind pattern can be described in several ways. In an electroencephalogram, it would be an abnormal electrical reading contrasting, yet resonating with the main pattern. But I know, and I want you to know that Takato Matsuki's mind patterns are much more than a bunch of electrical signals. Takato's body is different from the human average, and his mind is no exception. While Chaos took control of the body, Takato……the nice, good Takato we all know and love……to laugh at, retreated somewhere deep inside the subconscious, where he could be alone. However, in a place where two split personalities and a intruder personality product of a machine's algorithm reside, it's kind of tough to be alone. What I mean is, Ruki eventually caught up with him.
Takato "sat down" and waited for Ruki to get closer. The girl's high heels made a rhythmical sound each time her jogging forced them to hit the "ground". Ruki eventually reached Takato and sat next to him, crossing her legs for comfort.
"Takato, aren't you gonna do a thing?"
"Ruki, I'd really like to be alone right now………"
"Well, that's too bad, because I'm not moving until you decided to do something about Chaos!"
"Something? Like what, Ruki?"
"Takato, you have to stop him! He just digivolved to ChaosGallantmon and he's now fighting the Tamers!"
Takato nodded. "I know. He may be the one in control, but I still keep my senses working."
"So? Aren't you going to do something!? Are you going to let him kill your friends just like that!?"
"………he won't kill them, Ruki. It wouldn't benefit him."
"Oh, I can't believe you! Your side personality is beating the crap out of your friends and you don't give a damn about it! What kind of friend are you!?"
Takato sighed. "Does it really matter anyway?"
"Takato, for God's sake, it's just Rika!"
"IT'S NOT 'JUST RIKA'!!!!" Takato shouted right in front of Ruki's face. The girl was forced to move back at Takato's sudden outburst. She spoke sadly.
"The Takato I met didn't treat me like crap. It seems like I can't distinguish you from Chaos anymore."
Ruki got up and began to walk away. She had walked thirty feet when Takato spoke again.
"That's precisely the point, Ruki. We're merging."
Ruki looked back. "Huh?"
Takato silently asked Ruki to sit down next to him. Once Ruki had returned to her original place, Takato spoke.
"The more I try to resist him, the weaker I get, and it gets harder to regain control each time. I'm dying, Ruki, and I know you know it."
Ruki looked down, unable to bear Takato's gaze. "I just……I just don't like to remember it. You won't be the only one gone if you die. Remember I live from your energy supplies. Without your power, I'll be deactivated."
Takato nodded. "Precisely. However, when my feelings resonate with Chaos', I feel no pain, and my body loses its weakness. When I'm one with Chaos, I'm powerful and I feel full of energy."
"But your dark side takes over………"
"Yes………I've merged with him several times, just to give it a try, but I'm always forced to retreat, as those dark feelings always end up trying to take over. I know Chaos is not evil, I feel it, but I don't understand where those feelings come from."
Ruki didn't know what to say.
"Why me, Ruki? Why does this happen to me?"
Ruki shook her head. "Your origins are a mystery to me, Takato. I know you were created by the Thread of Destiny to seal Chaos in a body strong enough to hold him……"
"I'm supposed to be strong? Well, that Thread of Destiny did a terrible job……"
Ruki would have chuckled in any other circumstance. "……however, I still ignore why you were chosen to become a Digimon Tamer, too. I guess it's a consequence of you creating a Digimon, Guilmon. But I do know something………"
Takato looked at her, visibly interested in what Ruki was about to say.
"……if I'm with you, it means that the Dragon God considered you have the will to do whatever you want, even controlling Chaos. You know, not just any person can use an Omnivice the way you do."
"Does that mean there are other Omnivices like you out there?"
Ruki shrugged. "I think I have a sister somewhere, but I'm not sure."
Takato smiled for a second and looked down. "But I still don't know what to do. I'm too weak to even try to stop him, and if I try to stay alive, that will only make him stronger…………how am I supposed to stop something so powerful?"
Ruki remained silent. She knew exactly what to say, but she just couldn't do it. It was too much for her……for the two of them. Gathering the little will she had, she let the words flow out of her mouth.
"Takato, you know what you have to do, right?"
Ruki waited for an answer, which came in the shape of a small tear coming out of Takato's right eye. "Yes. Are you willing to let me do it?"
Ruki's expression saddened. "I……that's not something I can control. It's your choice."
"But once I………he would take total control again……"
"But you would give the Tamers enough time to destroy the body. Without the body, Chaos can't exist." Ruki explained.
"……he would eventually reincarnate in another body. A human body, easy to control."
"It would take him decades, or even centuries to do that. Let the future generations deal with that. Do it for those who would suffer if he had a body like yours. For your family, for the Digimon, for you friends……"
"For Rika?"
Ruki smiled and nodded. "Yes, for Rika, too."
Takato sighed and got up. "Even if it kills me………I guess I have to stop it. Are you coming?"
Ruki shook her head. "I……I think I'll go into Idle Mode."
"Do you want to die alone?"
Ruki smiled. "No, I just want to wait peacefully. I'll be back when you return."
Takato smiled. "Thanks……I guess."
Ruki blew him a kiss. "Good luck."
Takato's smile disappeared as he started to walk away. "Luck won't save me today………"
******Infinity******
Am I……am I………dead?
Jeri opened her eyes to find herself lying in the middle of a flower field. Flowers of all colors covered the soft ground, and thousands of different smells filled her nostrils.
It's……beautiful………huh?
However, the sky was a different thing. Storm clouds filled a crimson red sky, while lightning and thunder were constant, overwhelming Jeri's eyes and ears. The awkward combination of bright lights, red and gray was almost unbearable.
"Where……where am I!?"
"This is Infinity, Jeri Katou."
Jeri turned around to realize there was a boy behind her. A young boy, a year or two older than her, was wearing white shorts, a yellow t-shirt with a big blue stripe going from the neck to the lower end, and a big, white fisherman hat. The boy was not wearing shoes, as his feet seemed to be enjoying the softness of the flower field. He was sitting on a big, round rock. His big cerulean eyes and his short, rather spiky blond hair gave Jeri the feeling she had seen the boy somewhere before.
"You……aren't you from that Digimon TV show? You were……your name was……"
The boy's smile grew wider as he got up, his body changing as he did it. His body grew even taller and muscles grew on his arms, legs and chest. His face acquired a deep expression and his eyes narrowed a little bit. His attire changed to black pants and some sort of green cape that covered his entire body, even his arms and legs. The hat disappeared and black shoes covered his feet. He had transformed into an adult in a few seconds.
"Takeru Takaishi is the name. Pleased to meet you, Digimon Tamer."
Jeri needed a few seconds to react to what she had just seen. "How…what……how?"
Takeru laughed quietly. "Do not trust what you see. Everything in Infinity is just a reflection. But I think we should wake up your friend before starting a proper conversation."
Jeri looked at the direction Takeru's right index finger pointed at. Rika Nonaka lied unconscious on the flowerbed.
"Rika!" Jeri rushed to her friend's side. Takeru patiently waited until Rika slowly opened her eyes.
"Huh……what………Jeri……?"
"Yes, it's me. Let me help you."
Jeri helped a weakened Rika stand up to face their host. Rika didn't recognize the man as the first glance. "And now who are you!? Where are we, anyway!?"
Takeru smiled at the redhead. "Welcome back to Infinity, Rika."
"Infinity………." Rika muttered. A second later, she recognized the voice. "Hey, you're one of those Triad guys!"
Takeru nodded. "I am Takeru Takaishi, Lord of Humans. It's good to finally meet you face to face, Rika."
The two girls walked closer to Takeru, who waited patiently for them to approach. Finally, Rika spoke. "This place……is this really Infinity?"
Takleru nodded. "I guess you wonder because of its different appearance. However, this is, indeed, Infinity. This place changes its form to reflect what's in its inhabitants' hearts. My guess would be Jeri created this beautiful flower field and you created that lovely crimson sky."
Jeri looked up at the sky and sweatdropped. Doesn't really match my definition of lovely……
"And what about the lightning?" Rika wondered.
"That? That's Takato's permanent influence over Infinity. The leader of the Triad, the Dragon God, created this place……and it seems Takato had a bond of sorts with him. That's why his feelings permanently shape the form of Infinity. Now that Chaos is in control, his thirst for revenge had created this……magnificent thunderstorm."
Both girls nodded. Rika continued asking. "Why…….why are we here?"
Takeru smiled. "For the same reason I brought you during the battle against the Nightmare, Rika."
Jeri looked at Rika, who nodded in response. So she really has been here before………
"And why did you bring her here?" Rika asked, pointing at Jeri.
"It is time she receives my instruction and my blessing. It is time she learns the truth……about me, about Takato and Chaos…………"
Jeri's ears perked up at the mentioning of Takato. What did he mean by 'the truth'?
"Why?" Jeri finally spoke. "Why do those things happen to Takato?"
Takeru's smile faded, to be replaced with a deep, serious look. "Do you really want to know?"
"Yes!"
Takeru smiled again. "I see you're truly worried about him. I'm glad to see that. Maybe you'll be more helpful to him that Rika here."
"Okay, now what do you mean by that!?"
"Calm down, Rika. After all, I entrusted you the responsibility of taking care of Takato, and look what happened. In an indirect way, this is your fault."
"Of course not! I don't know why he went berserk today, in the first place!"
Takeru looked at Jeri and gave her a revealing wink. Jeri smiled. So he knows of Takato…….and Rika……
"Let's just forget it. Now……"
"Wait." Rika insisted.
"What is it?"
"Why did you bring us here? Why not Brainiac, or anyone else?"
Takeru smiled again. "Their time will come. Anything else?"
Rika nodded. "What's happening in Shinjuku while we're talking here?"
Jeri's eyes widened in alarm, not having considered the thought in the short time she had spent there. But Takeru's smile worked amazingly well, soothing her tragic thoughts and eliminating the alarm.
"You should know by now that this place exists at a different time axis. Only nanoseconds will pass in your world, even if we spend hours talking."
Takeru walked a few feet away, looking at the crimson sky every moment. "I only know a part of the whole story, so bear with me. Rika, I'll repeat some of the things I've told you so that Jeri can understand the magnitude of the situation. Please, remain patient."
Rika nodded in agreement.
"………Chaos is the living essence of his name, and it was born with the Universe itself. Every once in a while, he assumes a fleshy form, as……a form of entertainment, we could say. He has gone through many names and bodies before, and it will inhabit other bodies in the future."
"So you're telling me it's just a coincidence he's Takato?" Rika asked. Takeru shook his head.
"No……not in Takato's case. Yes, it has been circumstance what has taken Chaos to take his earlier bodies, but Takato is an exception. From what I've discovered, Takato's body was specifically created to host Chaos. To hold him, supposedly."
"Supposedly?" Jeri asked this time.
Takeru sighed. "I don't know what failed. I don't even know what kind of 'special' features Takato's body has to hold Chaos' power. The problem is, Chaos' power seems to have increased now that Takato is his host. And the further Takato tries to contain Chaos, the weaker he gets. At this rate, I give him a month, maybe less."
"What………what do you mean by that!?" Jeri asked, alarmed at Takeru's words. Was he actually saying……?
She looked at Rika, who avoided her gaze to look at the ground. Her fists were clenched and her body was shaking in despair.
"He's going to die………"
Jeri's world shattered in that instant. How could se believe what they had just told her? However, she knew they were sincere, and she knew they had said the truth. My best friend………dying?
The pain brought by the death of a loved one………she knew that feeling, maybe too well……hadn't been her grief what got the D-Reaper's attention?
She had barely gotten through it the first time, would she be able to bear another death? Another useless, unfair death?
"It……It's not possible……"
Takeru looked at her with a rather grim look. "It's painful, yes, but it's the truth, and we can't ignore it."
"But……but it's just not fair!"
"Who said life was fair?" Takeru replied, mostly to himself, as shadows of the past haunted him, reminding him of times long gone. A time when he was happy…….
Shaking away those thoughts, Takeru continued. "Of course, Chaos is not affected by the body's weakness. His powers make it for the strength loss. That's why he's still so strong. When Takato……the Takato you know, dies……Chaos will have total control over the body, and he'll have powers even he has no idea about. Takato's body not only has become the perfect vessel……it has unlocked Chaos' hidden abilities, those that normal human bodies are not allowed to reveal."
Rika sighed. "Okay, enough with that. How do we kill him?"
Takeru shook his head. "The answer is simple: you don't."
"Huh?" Both girls said, puzzled.
"You don't kill him because of three reasons. First, you'll never be able to beat him……" And with an innocent grin, he finished. "……not now, and not in a million years."
Jeri couldn't help but giggle while Rika snorted in return. Takeru continued.
"Second, even if you had the power to destroy him, I wouldn't allow it. I need that body, you know? And third………even if you were strong enough, and even if I allowed you to……..would you have the will to destroy Takato Matsuki?"
Takeru fixed his eyes on Rika's, who somehow found herself unable to look away. Takeru insisted.
"Would you?"
"No………" Jeri responded for the two of them. Takeru nodded.
"Takato and only Takato himself has the power to control Chaos. That's what he's been trying to do all the time. This has weakened him to a point where it's extremely easy for Chaos to take control. You can't defeat him, but you can……no, you must at least weaken him enough for Takato to be able to hold him……self."
Rika nodded, but Jeri had some doubts. "But, how are we going to do that? My Leomon was already defeated and Sakuyamon's attacks don't even hurt him."
Takeru smiled once again. "Ai and Suzie are still too young to fight, which makes you the only true female Tamers. You can't the strong guys like Takato and Ryo do all the work. Don't you believe in girl power?"
Both girls smirked. Takeru sweatdropped.
"What? I only say it because I witnessed it……when I was your age."
Only then Rika recognized the man standing in front of her. "Takeru Takaishi, Digi-Destined of Hope. I can't believe it……"
Takeru shook his head. "I lost that title a long time ago. To be honest, I think your Takato deserves that title much more than I do. After all, he's the dimensions' only hope."
"What do you mean by that?" Jeri wondered.
"Everything at its due time, Jeri Katou. You still are too young to understand Takato's importance………your importance."
"Our……importance?"
"Yes, Jeri. Takato is the vessel, the scales, the one who will bring balance. You, Jeri, are the healer. Your silent work will cure the vessel's heart when it's most hurt. And Rika, as I already told you, you're the Chain that connects Takato to the mortal world. Your mission is to teach him the joys of this material world before he…………I……I guess I said too much. It's time for you to leave."
"No, wait! What about……!!!???"
Rika tried to stop, but it was beyond her. It was as if an invisible force pulled her away from Takeru and the flower field. Jeri seemed to be under the same influence, but she didn't seem to be trying to resist it. Her eyes were closed, and a smile had been formed on her face. Rika, too, was forced to close her eyes by the strange invisible power, but she was definitely not enjoying it. She could only guess Jeri was going to a whole new, different experience.
Receive my blessing, Jeri Katou. Use it wisely and never let it go…………
*****Back to the Real World*****
Jeri opened her eyes very slowly, the image of Elecmon forming in front of her as her eyes focused.
"Jeri………you're okay…………I'm so glad……………."
"Elecmon! What……what happened!?"
Then, she remembered. She had lost consciousness right after ChaosGallantmon released his Judecca Prison attack. The force had obviously forced Leomon to de-evolve to his rookie state. She looked around to notice that the clearing had grown much bigger, due to the nearby trees being destroyed by ChaosGallantmon's powerful attack. In the middle of the obscene destruction, ChaosGallantmon stood there as if nothing had happened. Around the place, unconscious Tamers and Digimon laid helpless.
"Rika!" she shouted carelessly, getting ChaosGallantmon's attention. Their eyes met and Jeri shivered in terror.
"Still conscious, I see. You, of all people………surprising, I must say."
"And she's not the only one, you creep!" Sakuyamon shouted as she slowly got up. Rika and Renamon had a conversation of their own.
"I thought I had lost you for a second."
"No way! I was a little out of this place, that's for sure."
"Did you meet him?"
"Yes, I…….hey! How come you know about him!?"
"Ah…umm…well……Takato and I talked to him the day we merged into Gulfmon."
"Oh………"
ChaosGallantmon looked at both girl and Digimon and chuckled. "So the girls are more resistant than the guys. What a shame. And I should be embarrassed, too. How could it be that a Data Digimon received my attack and it's still capable of fighting? Not even Azulongmon wanted to fight after receiving it! Very well, I praise you, Rika Nonaka. You're indeed a fascinating person. But I guess someone like Takato wouldn't hang out with just any woman."
"What do you mean by that, Chaos!?"
Jeri sweatdropped. So aggressive, yet so naïve………
Takato chuckled. "Please, call me Takato."
"NEVER!" Rika replied.
"Too bad." Takato continued. "I guess it'll take time for you to get used to it, and you better do so, because after today, I'm the only Takato you'll ever see!"
It was Jeri's turn to reply. "No! I won't allow it! WE won't allow it! I know Takato, I trust him, and he's my friend, my best friend………my brother! And I know he's strong……stronger than you! He'll overcome your dark influence, and I'm going to help him!!!!"
ChaosGallantmon silently acknowledged the girl's strong will, but it wasn't enough.
"Oh, really? You and which army?"
"THIS ARMY!" Jeri shouted from the bottom of her soul, showing her D-Power to ChaosGallantmon as she did it.
My blessing, Jeri………human and Digimon are no different……deep inside, we're all the same………we're all children of the Higher Entity. Feel it in your heart, and prove it!
"Bio-merge, activate!"
MATRIX EVOLTION
Jeri closed her eyes, as her five senses weren't necessary for her to experience how her inner data pattern transformed her into data that linked with her partner, Elecmon.
"Elecmon, digivolve to………"
The reorganization of the new code forced the rookie Digimon to go through his Champion and Ultimate forms, Leomon and GrapLeomon, to finally experience an incredible power surge that allowed him to reach the Mega Level. It was a four-legged creature with yellow fur, a long tail and powerful claws. Two extremely long fangs and the mane around the neck were the marks of the king of ancient beasts.
"………SaberLeomon!"
Jeri reopened her eyes to find herself inside a golden core, without clothes. However, she found no shame in it, as the sensation filling her was too much for her to ignore it. "So this is how it feels………"
"Jeri, are you okay?" Elecmon's voice echoed from somewhere outside the golden sphere.
"Of course I'm okay, silly! I've never been better! Now, let's see what we can do………"
Rika and Renamon still found it hard to believe the new evolution they had witnessed, and they didn't notice that they were smiling at the sight. The light SaberLeomon emitted was strong enough to wake up the other Tamers and Digimon, who soon focused their eyes on the newcomer. A rocket scientist wasn't needed to realize what had happened.
SaberLeomon, an Ancient Beast Digimon in the Mega Level, Data type. The Howling Crusher pierces through the enemy's defenses with this king of beasts' mighty force! And don't think the Infinity Arrows are weak! Maybe one of them isn't really much, but a million of them will sure be a hell of a lot of pain!
After the initial surprise, ChaosGallantmon returned to his usual arrogant attitude. "ANOTHER Data-Type? How useless……I find it fantastic that you were finally able to merge with your Digimon, Jeri, don't misunderstand me. But it's still a shame that you will lose your first battle as a Mega Digimon."
Filled with her partner's fighting spirit, Jeri spoke back. "Fight now, talk later!"
"Way to go, pussy cat!"
"TERRIERMON!" (A/N: What? I was missing the little guy……)
SaberLeomon began with a direct charge, with a sudden change of direction right before ChaosGallantmon attacked. Jumping to a tree trunk behind the Viral Knight, SaberLeomon gained impulse, jumped to a fallen tree a few meters to the right, and jumped at ChaosGallantmon with the mouth wide open for a powerful bite. The Data Digimon would end up biting metal, though, as ChaosGallantmon was fast enough to put his shield in between just in time. The Dark Knight shook his left arm to force SaberLeomon to release its strong grip on the dark version of The Aegis, but SaberLeomon charged again as soon as its paws touched the grass.
"Howling Crusher!"
ChaosGallantmon crossed his arms to block the lion's claw attack, which couldn't pierce through the shield and armor, but managed to send the Virus Digimon a few steps back. ChaosGallantmon was uncovering himself when……
"Spirit Strike!"
The only reason the attack hurt ChaosGallantmon was because he didn't expect it.
"Don't annoy me, Nonaka!"
Then, he looked at SaberLeomon. Takato smiled with that wicked grin of his before speaking. Guilmon, still under the Hazard's control, growled with a low tone.
"Very fast, Jeri Katou. Fast, and very strong. That's not bad………NO BAD AT ALL!"
ChaosGallantmon jumped as high as he could, transforming his right arm into a lance in mid-air and letting himself fall with his lance pointing down. SaberLeomon jumped aside and the lance pierced the ground where the Data Digimon had just been standing. ChaosGallantmon immediately took aim and de-attached his shield, which hit right behind SaberLeomon's neck. The Data Digimon lost its balance, which gave Takato enough time to prepare his next attack.
"Demon's Disaster!"
SaberLeomon jumped as high as possible to avoid the dark beam, to be clouded by something blue. A second after Jeri realized it was ChaosGallantmon's cape; the Dark Knight launched another Demon's Disaster attack which sent SaberLeomon back to the ground.
"It's over!" Takato shouted right before dealing the final blow, when he felt a stinging pain on his right shoulder. Sakuyamon had slammed hr staff against him.
"You again!?"
ChaosGallantmon spun around to hit Sakuyamon, but she gracefully jumped over him to evade it. However, ChaosGallantmon quickly transformed his lance into a hand and grabbed Sakuyamon's right leg, spinning over and over to gain momentum and finally throw her next to a weakened SaberLeomon.
"Alright, we have played enough…….it's surprising we haven't caught anyone's attention yet………my guess is that the Triad is somehow behind it. Well, it makes things worse for you. Judecca……"
"Beat Knuckle!"
"Kahuna Waves!"
"Terrier Tornado!"
"Destruction Grenade!"
A Mega, a Champion and two Rookies attacked at the same time, hitting ChaosGallantmon with everything they had. The Dark Knight simply grunted.
"You're……so…………USELESS!!!!"
An energy wave came out of his body and rammed against the four Digimon, sending them to fly away. ChaosGallantmon faced the two Data Mega Digimon.
"Okay, now that the nuisances are gone, we can put an end to-hey! Now what do you think you're doing!?"
In one last, desperate effort, Guardromon, Terriermon, Monodramon and MarineAngemon had wrapped themselves against ChaosGallantmon, in an attempt to keep him unable of any movement.
"Foxymon! Pussy cat! Give him everything you've got! This is our last chance!"
Ignoring Terriermon's nicknames for them, both Sakuyamon and SaberLeomon got up and prepared one last attack.
"Everything we've got……" Rika said softly.
"One last effort……is everything we need………." Elecmon added.
"Our full power…in just one shot………" Renamon completed.
"For Takato………" Jeri concluded.
"Infinity………huh?"
Jeri and Elecmon found themselves unable to finish, as a completely new feeling seemed to take over them. SaberLeomon looked at Rika, who seemed to be in the same state.
"What are you two waiting for!? They can't hold him much longer!" Ryo shouted. Indeed, Guardromon, the biggest and heaviest of the four Digimon was barely able to keep his grip on the much stronger ChaosGallantmon. But Jeri and Rika were unable to move. Rika was experiencing a new sensation……something she had felt before……it wasn't as strong as it was back then, but it was definitely similar. As for Jeri……
My blessing, Jeri……feel it……use it………cherish it…………BE ONE WITH IT! I am Justice………I am the Scales, the keeper of balance……two sides of the same coin……find the other halves………can you feel it, Jeri?
Jeri, confused, looked at Rika, who was being reminded of events that took place some weeks before……
"Dual Force! Spirit of Chaos!"
Yes, that attack……the one they had used to defeat the Nightmare. Her Spirit Strike and Gallantmon's Shield of the Just had combined into a much more powerful attack. Was that what she felt in that moment? Was that what Jeri was feeling? Could they……combine their powers like she did with Takato?
Just let yourself go………girl power, remember?
Both girls smirked. It was time.
"Take this, ChaosGallantmon! Dual Force! Eternal Justice!"
Sakuyamon's Amethyst Mandala and SaberLeomon's Infinity Arrows began to merge as they were launched, transforming into pink spear-shaped crystals. ChaosGallantmon and his captors watched the new attack going straight towards them.
"Everyone, BEAT IT!" Terriermon shouted right before the four Digimon jumped away, leaving ChaosGallantmon to receive the attack's full power. He didn't even have time to raise his shield.
"Yes! We did it!" Jeri shouted excitedly before realizing she was completely drained of energy. Both Sakuyamon and SaberLeomon de-evolved to Tamer and Rookie Digimon, and the exhausted Jeri sat on the grass.
"You should have told me bio-merging would be so tiring."
The girl looked at Elecmon. "How did you feel, Elecmon?"
Elecmon blushed in response. "I……I still don't know."
Jeri smiled sweetly. "Well, that's a beginning."
"THIS IS NOT OVER, DIGIMON TAMERS!!!!"
The Tamers froze as they listened to Takato's voice, more cold and frightening than ever. The dust cloud faded, revealing a weakened ChaosGallantmon. Scratched armor could be seen, and little cracks by the forehead, but aside that, he seemed as willing to fight as always.
"No way………" Henry muttered.
"It's too strong……" Hirokazu said, holding on to the closest thing he found: Kenta.
"Too……tired………" Renamon managed to whisper.
"We can't fight…….any more……"
"Too bad." ChaosGallantmon said. "I guess that makes me the winner. Don't worry, I'll make it painless. It's the least I can do after such an interesting battle………."
"I don't think so!"
The Tamers frowned. Takato was the one who said those last words. Could it be……?
"Ahem……now……"
"Leave them alone, Chaos!"
Jeri smiled in triumph. "Takato!? Is that really you, Takato!?"
"Let me put an end to this, Gogglehead!"
"No! You won't hurt them! Not as long as I'm standing here!"
"You IDIOT! Do you want to feel more pain!? These people are the cause of your pain! Let me help you!"
The Tamers merely witnessed how ChaosGallantmon talked with himself. Takato never changed to mental conversation, so the Tamers could listen to every word.
"Killing them is not a solution!"
"Takato, if I don't do it, I'll only feel more sadness and despair!" (A/N: Consider than by 'I' he means the two of them, please understand that)
"No! What makes you thing killing them will ease the pain!? Sadness and grief are part of life; I must learn to live with it!"
"But I need peace! Chaos can't exist without peace! Don't you understand how much pain you'll have to go through because of them!?"
"That doesn't change the fact that they have given me the best years of my life!!!!"
That was a definite halt in the course of the argument, and everyone had heard it. Takato could feel his dark side's resistance getting weaker.
"Yes, do you remember? You've been with me all this time……how can I…how can you………how can WE throw away all the happiness we've had since I became a Tamer just for something that might or might not happen in the future? The future is the future, and I'll deal with it when it comes……if I'm alive, of course. But I won't make it without you, that I know…….so, please, don't let grief take over you……over us……"
"NO! It's……it's too much!!! It's just too much!!!!!!"
Jeri noticed something blinking inside ChaosGallantmon's helmet. Is he……crying?
"Please, let's leave it at that. Don't make things any worse. I know you're not evil, but right now I'm the only person who trusts in you…me……us."
"No………I have to………"
"NO, YOU DON'T!!!!!!"
Suddenly, a blinding light filled the dark knight, forcing the Tamers and their Digimon to look away. When the light faded, they heard the thud of the heavy Guilmon falling to the ground, unconscious. The Hazard had consumed most of his energy. As for Takato, he was still standing, but barely. His breathing was loud and irregular and his body was thrashed after the Eternal Justice attack. Old wounds had reopened and his clothes were being stained with blood. His eyes were almost completely closed, and a single tear went down his pale, grim face. He found enough energy to say three words:
"Rika……help……me…………"
And with that said, Takato fell to the soft, grassy ground, his eyes closed and his body dormant. He wouldn't get up again. Or at least, the person who eventually woke up won't be the Takato Matsuki we know.
*************************************************************************
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End of Chapter 6……
DR: I'm done!
Terriermon: Finally!
DR: Yeah, this one took a while……but the story's almost over! One last chapter and the Third Interlude!
Terriermon: *sarcastic* Yay……
(The Biggest Dreamer starts playing)
Jeri's Voice: Hello, everyone! Everyone is very sad……Takato is in the hospital, he's in coma and the doctors don't give up much hope. His body is so tired, and I'd really like to know what's going on in his mind…….what? Rika says she knows how to bring Takato back! What is she thinking of doing!? Is she really going to……!? Don't miss the final chapter of "Theory of Chaos": Spirals of Everlasting Chaos! A shocking revelation that will leave Takato's mouth hanging wide open! Tee-hee, you don't want to miss it!
Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)