Dark-Angel: I've been working on this chapter for ages cause my cousins
came down a couple of days ago so it was nice to see them!
Floramon: They don't want to know that. And BTW, what happened to you being all serious? I thought that would be permanent!
A/N: Me? Serious? *falls to the ground laughing* Hey, since when am I serious?
Floramon: Well, ah...never mind! Just do ya thang before I lose it here!
A/N: *puts on headphones and starts singing "Lose Yourself"*
Floramon: Since Dark-Angel is too preoccupied with her *ahem* music right now, I'll do the disclaimer. Dark-Angel does not own Digimon or Dragonball or Zoids or *starts naming all known anime. * Ok, get the picture. She doesn't own them! *stomps out of the room*
Chapter 13
Kept Secrets
~~~
The faint fire kept rising from underneath Rika. She could feel her strength flowing through her body. The Kitsune tattoo on her arm flashed red once then cut deep into her skin, engraving itself permanently. She felt the anger rise exponentially because of her pain and sorrow. Bakemonomon had done it this time. He had used her and made her believe him. When almost all of her energy had left her, he had killed Byakkomon and loaded her data. How could he kill someone who was just trying to help?
When Rika felt the flames just above her waist, she suddenly wondered why anyone would hunger for destruction and domination. Ok sure, she had always hungered for domination and fighting, but seriously, she never wanted to take over or destroy the world.
Sometimes she just wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. She couldn't deny that, but everyone has to have something to live for, even if it was just to repay a debt. Rika had learnt that when she had almost lost Renamon when she was fighting Harpymon. Rika had left her modify cards at her house because she was angry with Renamon. When Renamon had almost died fighting Harpymon, Rika realised that she had to help her partner. She stabbed Harpymon in the back with an overgrown stick, allowing Renamon to Digivolve. Kyubimon easily destroyed the Digimon but she did not load her data. She explained to Rika that she didn't need it as long as they were partners. At first Rika did not understand but Kyubimon said that as true partners, they had to look out for each other.
Ever since then, Rika realised that her life was something more than just fighting. She cared about others and others cared about her.
Remembering everything that had happened in her life, Rika mused that with every action there is a different reaction and that reaction could change destiny. With a small smile, she took a step forward, causing Bakemonomon to move backwards. 'There's that reaction again.' "What's wrong 'O' fearless leader'? Not having second thoughts now, are we?"
"What's happened to you?" Bakemonomon stumbled backwards, feeling the heat of the flames as Rika continued to move toward him.
"I think real question is what hasn't happened to me. I've been walked out on, I've been manipulated, I've been knocked around a bit, and I've been used as a pawn in 'someone's' ambitious game of life. Well, I guess I haven't died yet. And I haven't literally killed anyone. Yet..." Rika's voice became more and more colder with each step she took. Bakemonomon had almost been backed right up against the wall. 'I'm good at doing this.' Rika mused to herself as she thought about Ryo. She quickly glanced behind her to look at him. He was still lying on his stomach, his head in his hands. Although she knew he wasn't unconscious, Rika knew that he needed help. This was all her fault and she couldn't deny that. She couldn't turn the clock back, but she could what she knew she was destined to do.
The flames had completely consumed her by now, and Rika could feel her potential power and strength surface.
"You don't even know what your life wouldn't have been like without the Digimon, so why don't I show you?" Bakemonomon said in a mocking voice that made Rika even madder. The fire was flaring up again, and Rika mused to herself that the fire always seemed to flare when she was in control.
"How 'bout no!"
"I know what your deepest desire is, Rika. Would you like me to tell Ryo Akiyama what that is?" Bakemonomon was using all of his knowledge to save him now. Although his mind couldn't penetrate Rika's now, he knew enough to distract Rika.
Rika stopped after hearing what the Mega Digimon had said and just stared at him. Sure, she had given him a chance to see what she really felt about Ryo, but how could he know her secret? She wasn't even sure she felt that deeply for Ryo. "What do you mean by that? Ryo's my friend and even you know that what happened before was just a side affect of my so-called powers. If I am a Kitsune, then I would want to experiment with human desires, right? Then that was what that thing was all about. The only reason why I kissed Ryo was because of my Kitsune powers. They were taking control of me, but now I have them under control and I don't feel like kissing one of my best friends anymore."
"Don't deny the truth, Rika. I know that you want to tell him what you really feel about him, and he does, too. Anyway, he needs your help, now. What are you going to do about that?" Bakemonomon had a wry smile on his face and now he was walking towards Rika.
"I am going to kill you, get my partner and my friend out of here, and live my life the way I want to. What do you think about that?" Rika started walking forwards again.
"You have no authority to do so, so how do you plan to do that?"
"Then I have unauthorised authority." Rika's eyes flashed light blue and then the image of Byakkomon was visible in them. "Thank you, Byakkomon. Pity you won't be around to see this..."
'I will always be with you, Rika. In spirit.' Byakkomon's voice was floating on the wind, and flew past Rika's ear.
~~~Nonaka House~~~
"Wow, so Juggernaut was deactivated once you returned to the Digital World? Amazing..." Mr. Wong stared at his son's partner in disbelief. After the Tamers had their reunion with their partners, they had all ventured into the living room to spread the good news. The Digimon were back, for good.
"Yup! Although it took a while for my right ear to go back to normal, but it's fine now!" Terriermon pronounced proudly.
"Wow, but where's Renamon? Was she with you when you were all sent here?" Rumiko asked worriedly, glancing around at all the Digimon. Then it hit her that Monodramon wasn't there either.
"Well, actually, no, she wasn't. Isn't. Whatever..." Guardromon trailed off as he searched for the correct word in his mind. Luckily for him, it was a fairly large living room and there was enough room for him.
"Wasn't, Guardromon, wasn't." Henry sighed at the big Digimon who still looked confused.
"Well then, where is she? If the Digi-Gnomes did all this for you, why didn't she return as well?"
"Ms Nonaka, Renamon may be with Rika. Since we all seem to think that she's in the Digital World, Renamon may have sensed her presence and gone to help her. I'm sure they're all ok. And as for Monodramon and Ryo, well, they're probably with Rika as well, so they'll be fine." Jeri smiled at Rumiko who sighed despairingly.
"I hope so..."
~~~Dark Fortress~~~
"Now you will know what it feels like to die. Will you tell me what it's like to die a painful death when I see you in hell? Not that I'll be going there, or anything." Rika's eyes continued to hold Byakkomon's strong image in them. By now, Bakemonomon had stopped walking forward and just watched as the headstrong girl held her ground and walked toward him. Her arms fell casually from her chest to her side as she glared into Bakemonomon's eyes.
Bakemonomon searched his mind for something strong enough to hold her back. The fire was burning him already and it wasn't even that close to him. Suddenly a though hit him. A secret that had been kept from Rika, her mother and grandmother ever since she was a baby. This would definitely through her off balance. "Rika, you have a half-brother. Did you know that? And to make this secret worse, he's your age."
"Oh, I believe you." Rika's voice dripped with sarcasm as she ignored Bakemonomon's "lie".
Bakemonomon laughed loudly. "You think I'm lying? You've got it all wrong, little girl. You are only fourteen years old and you think you can get away with calling me a liar? Well, I don't bullshit, Rika. On the night you were born, your father went out with some friends and he became drunk. Coincidently, he met up with one of his ex-girlfriends. I won't go into details, but that night resulted in your father having a son. After four years, he couldn't handle keeping the truth from his wife and daughter, so he left you in search of a better life. But what did he find? His ex- girlfriend and his son. How sweet. Anyway, to keep the truth from himself, he married this woman and they lived happily ever after. A true family, not some broken one with a lot of bad memories."
Rika stopped walking. It was stupid really, but something told Rika that the Kitsune Digimon wasn't lying. Could it be true? Could her father really have done that to his family? Surely not. "You're lying."
"Oh, how unconvincing. Rika, if you want proof, I'll give it to you." Bakemonomon swayed the conversation into his favour again, just as he planned to. He knew that Rika was considering the two opposing thoughts, but he knew which one was true.
"Fine. Prove it." Rika answered uncertainly. She wasn't sure she even wanted to know the truth.
"He's standing in this room." Those words seemed to linger in the air for the longest amount of time.
'He's standing in this room?' Rika thought to herself. 'Well, then it can only be either Ryo or...' She stopped when she looked unwillingly around the room. There was no one else there besides Renamon, Cyberdramon and Ryo. 'Ok, I don't think I'll even consider the two Digimon, so that leaves...hey! Where'd Koryomon go?'
Bakemonomon grinned evilly. 'Perfect!' He placed his arm in front of him and began chanting words Rika couldn't understand. Somehow, they were strangely familiar to her, but she couldn't remember where she had heard them before...
"The dream!" Rika shouted, staring wide-eyed at Bakemonomon. He had made her observe the dream of the school, her friends and her teacher. The one where they were all at the school, and suddenly they became large, shadowed figures, all chanting the same exact words that Bakemonomon was reciting. "What are you doing?"
Bakemonomon was concentrating his energy in the palm of his paw. His eyes were closed and he was still reciting the strange...prophecy? Prayer? Poem?
~~~Nonaka House~~~
"I've got it!" Rumiko announced loudly to the silent room, causing everyone to jump.
"What the...?" Kazu fell off his chair that he was sitting on.
"I've got it! I know where I've seen the Kitsune symbol before!" Rumiko stood up from her chair and rested her hands on the table in front of her.
"Uh...what?" Kazu stood up off the ground and gave Rumiko a confused look.
"You know? On the knife? The Kitsune symbol? I saw it in a dream!"
"Oh, yeah. The knife. In a dream?" Henry raised his eyebrows at Rumiko, telling her that he was interested.
"Yeah. Rika found out a secret about her life. I don't know what it was, but I think that it was pretty important. Anyway, I was in this room that looked like a healing chamber, and I looked up to the roof and there was the Kitsune, crouching, waiting. I don't know what it meant, but then Rika came into the room. She was wearing a black, sleeveless robe. She looked surprised, as if she didn't expect me to be there. Then I woke up before we could say anything to each other. I was pretty disturbed by it to say the least, but that was a whole year ago, so I had forgotten about it." Rumiko stared hard into the wall, although she wasn't looking at it. She was trying to remember the feeling that the dream gave to her. Intimidation? Fear? Surprise? Whatever it was, Rumiko didn't like it.
"You know, that dream might actually be true." Takato mused, but before he could continue with his theory, Rumiko stared at him in horror.
"NO! Not my poor baby...Oh, Rika! Please no!" She started to break down and cry, but Seiko supported her.
"It's ok, dear. Rika's fine! She's on her way home now, with Renamon, Ryo and Monodramon. They're coming back!" Seiko shot Mr. Akiyama a reassuring glance before whispering soothing words to her daughter.
"Don't worry, Ms Nonaka. She'll be back in no time. So will Ryo, Renamon and Monodramon. I can feel it!" Takato reassured the adults before walking through the door and into the back garden. The rest of the Tamers and the Digimon followed suit.
~~~Dark Fortress~~~
Bakemonomon's eyes shot opened and Rika found herself looking into flashing red orbs. For the first time in a while, she felt sick. She didn't want to be there anyone. She wanted to be home, safe, with her family and...Ryo.
"Tremble before my overwhelming power! Better yet, embrace it!" Bakemonomon formed a red orb in the centre of his paw. "Destructive Core!" The red sphere was released and aimed at Rika's chest. She tried moving, but somehow she couldn't. It was like in the dream when she tried to get up off her chair, but she was immobilised. It was all too simular for there not to be a connection.
Rika knew that the sphere would hit her. It was only a matter of seconds. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain. 'I'm so sorry, Byakkomon. I failed. I wasn't strong enough to bring out my full potential. I was foolish to believe that Bakemonomon was telling the truth when he said I had a half-brother. But I can't shake off the feeling that it was true. The story sounded so real...so true...I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you, help everyone. I'm sorry Ryo...'
Bakemonomon stopped the blast from hitting Rika. He was holding it there in midair so that he could tell and show her something. "Rika, the story about your father was true. You have a half-brother who is your age and who you are able to outmatch. I will not tell you anymore than that because I want you to find out after you die. You could say...in heaven, hell, or even in the next life. Either way, you will find out the truth about your devil- spawned brother. And by the way, once you die, I will kill your pathetic partner over there, and your friend's partner, and your "friend". Or would you like me to call him your boyfriend. Actually, that reminds me, how about you tell him how you really feel about him before you die, huh? I know, an emotional farewell to a much-loved friend who would sacrifice herself just to kill someone who she knows she cannot beat, and to save the ones she loves. How sentimental and pathetic. You could have been a great Kitsune, Rika, but you blew it. I know that I said your powers were just put there for me to take advantage of them, but I saw that you could very well bring them out and unleash their potential. Too bad. You wasted your talent on something so insignificant and useless. Really, tell me. What good is love when all it brings is sadness, heartache and sorrow? You and I both know that wherever you go, you cannot escape your destiny and fate. Remember, you will never find yourself until you face the truth!"
The fire slowly died down around Rika and all she could feel now was the salty tears that were falling slowly down her cheeks. She hated him. She hated life. She hated how everything that Bakemonomon had just said was true. Everything she had done just seemed to come violently back at her, only stronger. She had done nothing to improve the situation. She had done nothing to avenge Byakkomon and her beliefs. She had failed. She had failed Byakkomon. She had failed Ryo. She had failed Renamon. She had failed her friends and family. She had even failed the earth and the Digital World. She had failed. She had failed. She had failed...
"The Rika I know would never give up like that, you know. The Rika I know would continue to fight no matter how many odds were stacked against her. She may have been over her head a few of those times, but she never came out of them a quitter. What are you doing, Rika? Are you just gonna give up on the earth and your friends just because you have a slight disadvantage? And what about the Digital World and the Digimon? They will all be slaves to Bakemonomon. You can't let that happen to them, Rika. You gotta fight your way to the top like the Rika I know."
Rika shot her head around to look at Ryo. He was standing and trying to maintain his balance. Everything that had happened had taken a lot out of him, and although she hated to admit it, Rika felt sorry for him. He had come all this way and because of what? What had she given him during this time? Ok, a broken arm, a few cuts and bruises, and possibly a broken heart. Why had he come here in the first place? Did he really love her?
"Ryo, why?" Was all Rika was able to say.
"Come on! You really think I'm gonna let you die just because you feel tired and weak?" Ryo flashed his infamous grin at her, despite the way he felt.
"No way!" Rika returned the smile. She could feel the fire once again rising from beneath her. She felt the adrenaline rush she had been waiting for. This was her moment and it was time for her to get lost in her power. She had to direct all of it at Bakemonomon or else everything would fail. She didn't want that and neither did Ryo, who was now trying to walk towards her, but couldn't keep his balance anymore, and fell.
Realising at once that Rika's power was increasing tremendously, Bakemonomon released the energy blast. Although it wasn't that big, it was extremely powerful.
Byakkomon's image once again flashed in Rika's eyes. Rika knew at once that Byakkomon's power had now become a part of hers. Just as the energy blast was about to hit her, Byakkomon's paw appeared in front of her and swiped it away. A voice told Rika to find that overwhelming anger within her mind one last time and bring it all out. She searched deep inside her mind until she came across that destructive power.
While inside her mind, Rika saw images of her past present and future. Although there were a lot of interesting and amusing images, Rika knew she didn't have a long time. She pushed those images into the back of her mind, but there was one image that refused to stay down. It was undoubtedly an image of the future and an ugly one at that. What Rika assumed was the Digital World, was completely bare and wasted. It was almost as if everything had been killed, but somehow forced back to life for an evil will. And Rika knew what this was, how this happened, and why it happened. She knew that if she did not kill Bakemonomon know, this is what the Digital World will become. Although Rika wanted to push the image back, she couldn't. She was compelled to look deeper into it. She saw a chasm, filled with a sick, red-pink substance. Rika recognised the red mass immediately. There was no mistaking it, it was the D-Reaper chaos. Now that she recognised the Chaos, Rika realised that the chasm was the exact same one that she, Ryo and Renamon had ventured into to stop the chaos when it was first discovered. Rika had jumped off the cliff face in order to stop the Chaos and fight with Renamon. This is when the partners had first Biomerged. Sakuyamon had delayed the Chaos enough for the Tamers to make their way back home, only to find that the D-Reaper had followed them home.
Rika didn't know how, but the Chaos had somehow returned in the premonition. Rika searched through the image a little further only to find several Digimon with red eyes. It was obvious that they were under Bakemonomon's control and were working for him. The Digimon looked tired, exhausted, and somewhat determined. Rika wondered why, but realised that her time was running out. But before she pushed the image into the back of her mind, she wondered why anyone would want to turn such transcended beauty into something so bare and defenceless. A sudden thought registered into Rika's mind. 'What had happened to the Sovereign? Were they killed? Controlled? Locked away?'
Not wanting to be distracted anymore, Rika pushed the image violently from her mind and continued on her search for the destructive force. Suddenly, she heard a scream of pain and realised at once who it was. "Ryo!"
Sure enough, Ryo was being pulled to his feet by Bakemonomon. Cyberdramon couldn't help because he was out cold and Renamon had been badly injured because her strong body was now engraved into the far wall. Koryomon had thrown her into it before he had mysteriously disappeared. Ryo was now on his own.
As hard as she tried, Rika could not escape her mind. She was trapped inside of her own mind and thoughts were bombarding her even faster now. What would happen to Ryo if she didn't help him? How could she help Ryo now that she couldn't even escape her own thoughts? What will happen if she failed?
Abruptly, a violent force crackled inside of Rika's head. A power was stirring in her, yelling at her to let it all go. Momentarily, she was blinded by her rage and anger. The wild surge of power rose up from the deepest void in her mind, and all of a sudden, Rika could control the force. No thoughts were keeping her locked up anymore. She was ready to let go and furrow that power into Bakemonomon.
"What's happening? How can fire flare up so intensely like that?" Bakemonomon's voice was just a blur of noise, as everything seemed to rush past her. Nothing was holding Rika back now.
She started to confidently walk forward, allowing time to pass for Bakemonomon to drop Ryo to the ground and stare consistently at her. His deceiving eyes piercing into hers, but Rika didn't feel fear. She felt anger, hatred, and rage. All of it was blinding her, but strangely, she was in control of it. Rika held the destructive force inside of her mind as she continued to walk forward.
The Mega Digimon was completely awestruck. His worst fear had become real. How could he be so foolish as to allow for this to happen? Why didn't he just kill her when he had the chance?
The teenager and Digimon were almost touching and Bakemonomon felt the flames that Rika emitted lick at his feet. Without hesitation, Rika drove only a fraction of her power into the Digimon and instantly he fell to the ground on his knees. He cringed in pain as Rika applied more pressure into his mind.
"Oh, can this be possible? Is the all-powerful Bakemonomon really being defeated by a 'mere human'?" Rika mocked Bakemonomon painfully. She just didn't want him to die, she wanted him to hurt. "What's the matter? Are you at a slight disadvantage in this position? Answer me!" Rika was now playing with his mind. She knew that he would now answer any question that she asked him because he was afraid of death.
"YES!" Bakemonomon shouted in agony, although it caused him a lot of effort and pain.
"Wrong answer." With that, Rika drove even more of her harsh power into the Digimon. Bakemonomon yelled in pain. "Are you feeling it now? Huh? Are you feeling the pain of all the Digimon that cried out to you to stop your evil little game? Don't act so surprised because I know that Byakkomon wasn't the first 'servant' whom you destroyed. Oh no. I know how much energy you have stolen from other Digimon like Byakkomon. You have killed hundreds of Digimon and loaded their data because you wanted power, didn't you? And now I see why the Chaos will be brought back to its destructive state if I don't destroy you. It's because you crave power, isn't it? No, you wouldn't be satisfied with destroying the earth and taking over the Digital World. You would resurrect everything evil in the world just because you want eternal power, wouldn't you? And if that were not enough, you would kill anyone who dared get in your way and load their data, just like you would the Sovereign. I get it now. It all comes down to power. Everything just for power. Well, don't we have a few issues to work out here? Don't we? Answer me!"
"YES!" Bakemonomon again yelled desperately. He was on the losing side, and what made it worse was that Rika knew what he would do if she failed. If you're wondering how this is bad, it's because this will motivate Rika even more to kill him.
"Unfortunately, we won't have a chance to work out those issues because, well, you'll be dead. Goodbye, Bakemonomon. And remember, you'll never find yourself until you face the truth..." Rika felt the anger and sorrow rise up in one great blow, and like a knife striking its opponent; Rika thrust all of her power into Bakemonomon's mind. He yelled in pain, until he could not yell anymore. His body was completely disappearing and so was his dream. His evil dream to kill for power. Soon there was nothing left besides little bits a red digital data floating around the room.
Rika fell to her knees, exhausted and drained. She tried to stand up but only managed to fall down again, this time right beside Ryo who looked exactly like she did. Elegant, yet drained.
*At times life is wicked and I just can't see the light
A silver lining sometimes isn't enough
To make some wrongs seem right
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go one
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away...away
At time life's unfair and you know it's plain to see
Hey God I know I'm just a dot in this world
Have you forgot about me?
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and sorrows
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away...away
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Are we hiding in the shadows? *
Dark-Angel: That was long...oh well! Review and tell me what you thought. And gomen for all the Ryo stuff, but I can't just leave him in the dirt...
Floramon: Why not? You've left me in the dirt more than once. And did I ever hear any apologies? NO! Geez, I have to explain everything around here...
A/N: Shut ya pie hole and let me write the friggin' story!
Floramon: Who's stopping ya? *Looks around for Dark-Angel* Where'd she go? Ah well, the song at the end was "Don't Stop Dancing" by Creed.
Floramon: They don't want to know that. And BTW, what happened to you being all serious? I thought that would be permanent!
A/N: Me? Serious? *falls to the ground laughing* Hey, since when am I serious?
Floramon: Well, ah...never mind! Just do ya thang before I lose it here!
A/N: *puts on headphones and starts singing "Lose Yourself"*
Floramon: Since Dark-Angel is too preoccupied with her *ahem* music right now, I'll do the disclaimer. Dark-Angel does not own Digimon or Dragonball or Zoids or *starts naming all known anime. * Ok, get the picture. She doesn't own them! *stomps out of the room*
Chapter 13
Kept Secrets
~~~
The faint fire kept rising from underneath Rika. She could feel her strength flowing through her body. The Kitsune tattoo on her arm flashed red once then cut deep into her skin, engraving itself permanently. She felt the anger rise exponentially because of her pain and sorrow. Bakemonomon had done it this time. He had used her and made her believe him. When almost all of her energy had left her, he had killed Byakkomon and loaded her data. How could he kill someone who was just trying to help?
When Rika felt the flames just above her waist, she suddenly wondered why anyone would hunger for destruction and domination. Ok sure, she had always hungered for domination and fighting, but seriously, she never wanted to take over or destroy the world.
Sometimes she just wanted to go to sleep and never wake up. She couldn't deny that, but everyone has to have something to live for, even if it was just to repay a debt. Rika had learnt that when she had almost lost Renamon when she was fighting Harpymon. Rika had left her modify cards at her house because she was angry with Renamon. When Renamon had almost died fighting Harpymon, Rika realised that she had to help her partner. She stabbed Harpymon in the back with an overgrown stick, allowing Renamon to Digivolve. Kyubimon easily destroyed the Digimon but she did not load her data. She explained to Rika that she didn't need it as long as they were partners. At first Rika did not understand but Kyubimon said that as true partners, they had to look out for each other.
Ever since then, Rika realised that her life was something more than just fighting. She cared about others and others cared about her.
Remembering everything that had happened in her life, Rika mused that with every action there is a different reaction and that reaction could change destiny. With a small smile, she took a step forward, causing Bakemonomon to move backwards. 'There's that reaction again.' "What's wrong 'O' fearless leader'? Not having second thoughts now, are we?"
"What's happened to you?" Bakemonomon stumbled backwards, feeling the heat of the flames as Rika continued to move toward him.
"I think real question is what hasn't happened to me. I've been walked out on, I've been manipulated, I've been knocked around a bit, and I've been used as a pawn in 'someone's' ambitious game of life. Well, I guess I haven't died yet. And I haven't literally killed anyone. Yet..." Rika's voice became more and more colder with each step she took. Bakemonomon had almost been backed right up against the wall. 'I'm good at doing this.' Rika mused to herself as she thought about Ryo. She quickly glanced behind her to look at him. He was still lying on his stomach, his head in his hands. Although she knew he wasn't unconscious, Rika knew that he needed help. This was all her fault and she couldn't deny that. She couldn't turn the clock back, but she could what she knew she was destined to do.
The flames had completely consumed her by now, and Rika could feel her potential power and strength surface.
"You don't even know what your life wouldn't have been like without the Digimon, so why don't I show you?" Bakemonomon said in a mocking voice that made Rika even madder. The fire was flaring up again, and Rika mused to herself that the fire always seemed to flare when she was in control.
"How 'bout no!"
"I know what your deepest desire is, Rika. Would you like me to tell Ryo Akiyama what that is?" Bakemonomon was using all of his knowledge to save him now. Although his mind couldn't penetrate Rika's now, he knew enough to distract Rika.
Rika stopped after hearing what the Mega Digimon had said and just stared at him. Sure, she had given him a chance to see what she really felt about Ryo, but how could he know her secret? She wasn't even sure she felt that deeply for Ryo. "What do you mean by that? Ryo's my friend and even you know that what happened before was just a side affect of my so-called powers. If I am a Kitsune, then I would want to experiment with human desires, right? Then that was what that thing was all about. The only reason why I kissed Ryo was because of my Kitsune powers. They were taking control of me, but now I have them under control and I don't feel like kissing one of my best friends anymore."
"Don't deny the truth, Rika. I know that you want to tell him what you really feel about him, and he does, too. Anyway, he needs your help, now. What are you going to do about that?" Bakemonomon had a wry smile on his face and now he was walking towards Rika.
"I am going to kill you, get my partner and my friend out of here, and live my life the way I want to. What do you think about that?" Rika started walking forwards again.
"You have no authority to do so, so how do you plan to do that?"
"Then I have unauthorised authority." Rika's eyes flashed light blue and then the image of Byakkomon was visible in them. "Thank you, Byakkomon. Pity you won't be around to see this..."
'I will always be with you, Rika. In spirit.' Byakkomon's voice was floating on the wind, and flew past Rika's ear.
~~~Nonaka House~~~
"Wow, so Juggernaut was deactivated once you returned to the Digital World? Amazing..." Mr. Wong stared at his son's partner in disbelief. After the Tamers had their reunion with their partners, they had all ventured into the living room to spread the good news. The Digimon were back, for good.
"Yup! Although it took a while for my right ear to go back to normal, but it's fine now!" Terriermon pronounced proudly.
"Wow, but where's Renamon? Was she with you when you were all sent here?" Rumiko asked worriedly, glancing around at all the Digimon. Then it hit her that Monodramon wasn't there either.
"Well, actually, no, she wasn't. Isn't. Whatever..." Guardromon trailed off as he searched for the correct word in his mind. Luckily for him, it was a fairly large living room and there was enough room for him.
"Wasn't, Guardromon, wasn't." Henry sighed at the big Digimon who still looked confused.
"Well then, where is she? If the Digi-Gnomes did all this for you, why didn't she return as well?"
"Ms Nonaka, Renamon may be with Rika. Since we all seem to think that she's in the Digital World, Renamon may have sensed her presence and gone to help her. I'm sure they're all ok. And as for Monodramon and Ryo, well, they're probably with Rika as well, so they'll be fine." Jeri smiled at Rumiko who sighed despairingly.
"I hope so..."
~~~Dark Fortress~~~
"Now you will know what it feels like to die. Will you tell me what it's like to die a painful death when I see you in hell? Not that I'll be going there, or anything." Rika's eyes continued to hold Byakkomon's strong image in them. By now, Bakemonomon had stopped walking forward and just watched as the headstrong girl held her ground and walked toward him. Her arms fell casually from her chest to her side as she glared into Bakemonomon's eyes.
Bakemonomon searched his mind for something strong enough to hold her back. The fire was burning him already and it wasn't even that close to him. Suddenly a though hit him. A secret that had been kept from Rika, her mother and grandmother ever since she was a baby. This would definitely through her off balance. "Rika, you have a half-brother. Did you know that? And to make this secret worse, he's your age."
"Oh, I believe you." Rika's voice dripped with sarcasm as she ignored Bakemonomon's "lie".
Bakemonomon laughed loudly. "You think I'm lying? You've got it all wrong, little girl. You are only fourteen years old and you think you can get away with calling me a liar? Well, I don't bullshit, Rika. On the night you were born, your father went out with some friends and he became drunk. Coincidently, he met up with one of his ex-girlfriends. I won't go into details, but that night resulted in your father having a son. After four years, he couldn't handle keeping the truth from his wife and daughter, so he left you in search of a better life. But what did he find? His ex- girlfriend and his son. How sweet. Anyway, to keep the truth from himself, he married this woman and they lived happily ever after. A true family, not some broken one with a lot of bad memories."
Rika stopped walking. It was stupid really, but something told Rika that the Kitsune Digimon wasn't lying. Could it be true? Could her father really have done that to his family? Surely not. "You're lying."
"Oh, how unconvincing. Rika, if you want proof, I'll give it to you." Bakemonomon swayed the conversation into his favour again, just as he planned to. He knew that Rika was considering the two opposing thoughts, but he knew which one was true.
"Fine. Prove it." Rika answered uncertainly. She wasn't sure she even wanted to know the truth.
"He's standing in this room." Those words seemed to linger in the air for the longest amount of time.
'He's standing in this room?' Rika thought to herself. 'Well, then it can only be either Ryo or...' She stopped when she looked unwillingly around the room. There was no one else there besides Renamon, Cyberdramon and Ryo. 'Ok, I don't think I'll even consider the two Digimon, so that leaves...hey! Where'd Koryomon go?'
Bakemonomon grinned evilly. 'Perfect!' He placed his arm in front of him and began chanting words Rika couldn't understand. Somehow, they were strangely familiar to her, but she couldn't remember where she had heard them before...
"The dream!" Rika shouted, staring wide-eyed at Bakemonomon. He had made her observe the dream of the school, her friends and her teacher. The one where they were all at the school, and suddenly they became large, shadowed figures, all chanting the same exact words that Bakemonomon was reciting. "What are you doing?"
Bakemonomon was concentrating his energy in the palm of his paw. His eyes were closed and he was still reciting the strange...prophecy? Prayer? Poem?
~~~Nonaka House~~~
"I've got it!" Rumiko announced loudly to the silent room, causing everyone to jump.
"What the...?" Kazu fell off his chair that he was sitting on.
"I've got it! I know where I've seen the Kitsune symbol before!" Rumiko stood up from her chair and rested her hands on the table in front of her.
"Uh...what?" Kazu stood up off the ground and gave Rumiko a confused look.
"You know? On the knife? The Kitsune symbol? I saw it in a dream!"
"Oh, yeah. The knife. In a dream?" Henry raised his eyebrows at Rumiko, telling her that he was interested.
"Yeah. Rika found out a secret about her life. I don't know what it was, but I think that it was pretty important. Anyway, I was in this room that looked like a healing chamber, and I looked up to the roof and there was the Kitsune, crouching, waiting. I don't know what it meant, but then Rika came into the room. She was wearing a black, sleeveless robe. She looked surprised, as if she didn't expect me to be there. Then I woke up before we could say anything to each other. I was pretty disturbed by it to say the least, but that was a whole year ago, so I had forgotten about it." Rumiko stared hard into the wall, although she wasn't looking at it. She was trying to remember the feeling that the dream gave to her. Intimidation? Fear? Surprise? Whatever it was, Rumiko didn't like it.
"You know, that dream might actually be true." Takato mused, but before he could continue with his theory, Rumiko stared at him in horror.
"NO! Not my poor baby...Oh, Rika! Please no!" She started to break down and cry, but Seiko supported her.
"It's ok, dear. Rika's fine! She's on her way home now, with Renamon, Ryo and Monodramon. They're coming back!" Seiko shot Mr. Akiyama a reassuring glance before whispering soothing words to her daughter.
"Don't worry, Ms Nonaka. She'll be back in no time. So will Ryo, Renamon and Monodramon. I can feel it!" Takato reassured the adults before walking through the door and into the back garden. The rest of the Tamers and the Digimon followed suit.
~~~Dark Fortress~~~
Bakemonomon's eyes shot opened and Rika found herself looking into flashing red orbs. For the first time in a while, she felt sick. She didn't want to be there anyone. She wanted to be home, safe, with her family and...Ryo.
"Tremble before my overwhelming power! Better yet, embrace it!" Bakemonomon formed a red orb in the centre of his paw. "Destructive Core!" The red sphere was released and aimed at Rika's chest. She tried moving, but somehow she couldn't. It was like in the dream when she tried to get up off her chair, but she was immobilised. It was all too simular for there not to be a connection.
Rika knew that the sphere would hit her. It was only a matter of seconds. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain. 'I'm so sorry, Byakkomon. I failed. I wasn't strong enough to bring out my full potential. I was foolish to believe that Bakemonomon was telling the truth when he said I had a half-brother. But I can't shake off the feeling that it was true. The story sounded so real...so true...I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you, help everyone. I'm sorry Ryo...'
Bakemonomon stopped the blast from hitting Rika. He was holding it there in midair so that he could tell and show her something. "Rika, the story about your father was true. You have a half-brother who is your age and who you are able to outmatch. I will not tell you anymore than that because I want you to find out after you die. You could say...in heaven, hell, or even in the next life. Either way, you will find out the truth about your devil- spawned brother. And by the way, once you die, I will kill your pathetic partner over there, and your friend's partner, and your "friend". Or would you like me to call him your boyfriend. Actually, that reminds me, how about you tell him how you really feel about him before you die, huh? I know, an emotional farewell to a much-loved friend who would sacrifice herself just to kill someone who she knows she cannot beat, and to save the ones she loves. How sentimental and pathetic. You could have been a great Kitsune, Rika, but you blew it. I know that I said your powers were just put there for me to take advantage of them, but I saw that you could very well bring them out and unleash their potential. Too bad. You wasted your talent on something so insignificant and useless. Really, tell me. What good is love when all it brings is sadness, heartache and sorrow? You and I both know that wherever you go, you cannot escape your destiny and fate. Remember, you will never find yourself until you face the truth!"
The fire slowly died down around Rika and all she could feel now was the salty tears that were falling slowly down her cheeks. She hated him. She hated life. She hated how everything that Bakemonomon had just said was true. Everything she had done just seemed to come violently back at her, only stronger. She had done nothing to improve the situation. She had done nothing to avenge Byakkomon and her beliefs. She had failed. She had failed Byakkomon. She had failed Ryo. She had failed Renamon. She had failed her friends and family. She had even failed the earth and the Digital World. She had failed. She had failed. She had failed...
"The Rika I know would never give up like that, you know. The Rika I know would continue to fight no matter how many odds were stacked against her. She may have been over her head a few of those times, but she never came out of them a quitter. What are you doing, Rika? Are you just gonna give up on the earth and your friends just because you have a slight disadvantage? And what about the Digital World and the Digimon? They will all be slaves to Bakemonomon. You can't let that happen to them, Rika. You gotta fight your way to the top like the Rika I know."
Rika shot her head around to look at Ryo. He was standing and trying to maintain his balance. Everything that had happened had taken a lot out of him, and although she hated to admit it, Rika felt sorry for him. He had come all this way and because of what? What had she given him during this time? Ok, a broken arm, a few cuts and bruises, and possibly a broken heart. Why had he come here in the first place? Did he really love her?
"Ryo, why?" Was all Rika was able to say.
"Come on! You really think I'm gonna let you die just because you feel tired and weak?" Ryo flashed his infamous grin at her, despite the way he felt.
"No way!" Rika returned the smile. She could feel the fire once again rising from beneath her. She felt the adrenaline rush she had been waiting for. This was her moment and it was time for her to get lost in her power. She had to direct all of it at Bakemonomon or else everything would fail. She didn't want that and neither did Ryo, who was now trying to walk towards her, but couldn't keep his balance anymore, and fell.
Realising at once that Rika's power was increasing tremendously, Bakemonomon released the energy blast. Although it wasn't that big, it was extremely powerful.
Byakkomon's image once again flashed in Rika's eyes. Rika knew at once that Byakkomon's power had now become a part of hers. Just as the energy blast was about to hit her, Byakkomon's paw appeared in front of her and swiped it away. A voice told Rika to find that overwhelming anger within her mind one last time and bring it all out. She searched deep inside her mind until she came across that destructive power.
While inside her mind, Rika saw images of her past present and future. Although there were a lot of interesting and amusing images, Rika knew she didn't have a long time. She pushed those images into the back of her mind, but there was one image that refused to stay down. It was undoubtedly an image of the future and an ugly one at that. What Rika assumed was the Digital World, was completely bare and wasted. It was almost as if everything had been killed, but somehow forced back to life for an evil will. And Rika knew what this was, how this happened, and why it happened. She knew that if she did not kill Bakemonomon know, this is what the Digital World will become. Although Rika wanted to push the image back, she couldn't. She was compelled to look deeper into it. She saw a chasm, filled with a sick, red-pink substance. Rika recognised the red mass immediately. There was no mistaking it, it was the D-Reaper chaos. Now that she recognised the Chaos, Rika realised that the chasm was the exact same one that she, Ryo and Renamon had ventured into to stop the chaos when it was first discovered. Rika had jumped off the cliff face in order to stop the Chaos and fight with Renamon. This is when the partners had first Biomerged. Sakuyamon had delayed the Chaos enough for the Tamers to make their way back home, only to find that the D-Reaper had followed them home.
Rika didn't know how, but the Chaos had somehow returned in the premonition. Rika searched through the image a little further only to find several Digimon with red eyes. It was obvious that they were under Bakemonomon's control and were working for him. The Digimon looked tired, exhausted, and somewhat determined. Rika wondered why, but realised that her time was running out. But before she pushed the image into the back of her mind, she wondered why anyone would want to turn such transcended beauty into something so bare and defenceless. A sudden thought registered into Rika's mind. 'What had happened to the Sovereign? Were they killed? Controlled? Locked away?'
Not wanting to be distracted anymore, Rika pushed the image violently from her mind and continued on her search for the destructive force. Suddenly, she heard a scream of pain and realised at once who it was. "Ryo!"
Sure enough, Ryo was being pulled to his feet by Bakemonomon. Cyberdramon couldn't help because he was out cold and Renamon had been badly injured because her strong body was now engraved into the far wall. Koryomon had thrown her into it before he had mysteriously disappeared. Ryo was now on his own.
As hard as she tried, Rika could not escape her mind. She was trapped inside of her own mind and thoughts were bombarding her even faster now. What would happen to Ryo if she didn't help him? How could she help Ryo now that she couldn't even escape her own thoughts? What will happen if she failed?
Abruptly, a violent force crackled inside of Rika's head. A power was stirring in her, yelling at her to let it all go. Momentarily, she was blinded by her rage and anger. The wild surge of power rose up from the deepest void in her mind, and all of a sudden, Rika could control the force. No thoughts were keeping her locked up anymore. She was ready to let go and furrow that power into Bakemonomon.
"What's happening? How can fire flare up so intensely like that?" Bakemonomon's voice was just a blur of noise, as everything seemed to rush past her. Nothing was holding Rika back now.
She started to confidently walk forward, allowing time to pass for Bakemonomon to drop Ryo to the ground and stare consistently at her. His deceiving eyes piercing into hers, but Rika didn't feel fear. She felt anger, hatred, and rage. All of it was blinding her, but strangely, she was in control of it. Rika held the destructive force inside of her mind as she continued to walk forward.
The Mega Digimon was completely awestruck. His worst fear had become real. How could he be so foolish as to allow for this to happen? Why didn't he just kill her when he had the chance?
The teenager and Digimon were almost touching and Bakemonomon felt the flames that Rika emitted lick at his feet. Without hesitation, Rika drove only a fraction of her power into the Digimon and instantly he fell to the ground on his knees. He cringed in pain as Rika applied more pressure into his mind.
"Oh, can this be possible? Is the all-powerful Bakemonomon really being defeated by a 'mere human'?" Rika mocked Bakemonomon painfully. She just didn't want him to die, she wanted him to hurt. "What's the matter? Are you at a slight disadvantage in this position? Answer me!" Rika was now playing with his mind. She knew that he would now answer any question that she asked him because he was afraid of death.
"YES!" Bakemonomon shouted in agony, although it caused him a lot of effort and pain.
"Wrong answer." With that, Rika drove even more of her harsh power into the Digimon. Bakemonomon yelled in pain. "Are you feeling it now? Huh? Are you feeling the pain of all the Digimon that cried out to you to stop your evil little game? Don't act so surprised because I know that Byakkomon wasn't the first 'servant' whom you destroyed. Oh no. I know how much energy you have stolen from other Digimon like Byakkomon. You have killed hundreds of Digimon and loaded their data because you wanted power, didn't you? And now I see why the Chaos will be brought back to its destructive state if I don't destroy you. It's because you crave power, isn't it? No, you wouldn't be satisfied with destroying the earth and taking over the Digital World. You would resurrect everything evil in the world just because you want eternal power, wouldn't you? And if that were not enough, you would kill anyone who dared get in your way and load their data, just like you would the Sovereign. I get it now. It all comes down to power. Everything just for power. Well, don't we have a few issues to work out here? Don't we? Answer me!"
"YES!" Bakemonomon again yelled desperately. He was on the losing side, and what made it worse was that Rika knew what he would do if she failed. If you're wondering how this is bad, it's because this will motivate Rika even more to kill him.
"Unfortunately, we won't have a chance to work out those issues because, well, you'll be dead. Goodbye, Bakemonomon. And remember, you'll never find yourself until you face the truth..." Rika felt the anger and sorrow rise up in one great blow, and like a knife striking its opponent; Rika thrust all of her power into Bakemonomon's mind. He yelled in pain, until he could not yell anymore. His body was completely disappearing and so was his dream. His evil dream to kill for power. Soon there was nothing left besides little bits a red digital data floating around the room.
Rika fell to her knees, exhausted and drained. She tried to stand up but only managed to fall down again, this time right beside Ryo who looked exactly like she did. Elegant, yet drained.
*At times life is wicked and I just can't see the light
A silver lining sometimes isn't enough
To make some wrongs seem right
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go one
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away...away
At time life's unfair and you know it's plain to see
Hey God I know I'm just a dot in this world
Have you forgot about me?
Whatever life brings
I've been through everything
And now I'm on my knees again
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Forget the pain and sorrows
But I know I must go on
Although I hurt I must be strong
Because inside I know that many feel this way
Children don't stop dancing
Believe you can fly
Away...away
Am I hiding in the shadows?
Are we hiding in the shadows? *
Dark-Angel: That was long...oh well! Review and tell me what you thought. And gomen for all the Ryo stuff, but I can't just leave him in the dirt...
Floramon: Why not? You've left me in the dirt more than once. And did I ever hear any apologies? NO! Geez, I have to explain everything around here...
A/N: Shut ya pie hole and let me write the friggin' story!
Floramon: Who's stopping ya? *Looks around for Dark-Angel* Where'd she go? Ah well, the song at the end was "Don't Stop Dancing" by Creed.