DR: Chapter 3………and Daemon hasn't even appeared yet. This story is definitely getting longer than I expected. Oh, well, it's the last one, anyway.  Someone else has anything to say?

Terriermon: Just get started already!

DR: Momentai, little one………

Terriermon: Don't use my special trademark word! You told me you had many things to point out before getting started, right?

DR: Oh, well……I don't own Digimon. I do own the characters of Daneel, Ruki and Pauline. BlackTerriermon belongs to DC and Eclipse belongs……wait, that's definitely NOT the right word………let's see……Eclipse is an original idea of Tatsu no Houou. David, this chapter is for you! Notice that I changed this chapter's title, but anyway! Chapter 3 is here, when Pauline wreaks havoc inside Takato's mind right after a sisterly reunion, a shocking scene that will leave Rukato fans VERY happy, Takeru gives everyone a first insight of Gospel, and we see how his influence reaches the Dark Ocean, where a massive invasion is being prepared. Enjoy!

Terriermon: Oh, and on a side note, the little Evangelion reference DR puts here is just for fun. Oh, and if you find Rika slightly out of character…well……you can't expect her to be the same brat she was during Tamers, okay? People change!

DR: Well, what can I say? I said this was a Rukato series but I've never done some serious work on it. This is the last story, where I finally go and hit the Rukato topic…and, well……I hit it hard. To make things simple, this is a warning: the Rukato scenes you'll see in this chapter and pretty much the rest of this story are not my average funny-Rukato scenes. They're still funny, but there a completely different focus. They might be 12, but what the hell? Alright, sue me! But I tell you, this fic is rated R for a reason…….okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. Enjoy!

Terriermon: Oh, come on, you have to write that just because they k-hmph!

DR: *keeps Terriermon's mouth shut* Enjoy!

SILENT SORROW

Chapter 3

Singularities, Part II: Goddramon

"Ow, ow, ow, that really hurts!"

"Oh, shut up, Gogglehead! Be a man!"

"Shut up, Chaos!"

"No, you shut up or I'll stop!"

"Hey, you can't stop now!"

"I can stop whenever I want to, Ruki!"

"Not if I'm here!"

"Oh, yeah? Bite me! ………ouch! Dammit, Ruki!"

"Ruki, stop that! I feel what he feels!"

"Oh, dear……sorry, Takato."

Ruki stopped chewing Chaos' arm and looked at her Master with a concerned look. Chaos gave her a "hmph!" and continued with the process of healing Takato. It was basically an energy transfer from Chaos to Asmodeus. Once the transfer was done, Takato's data portions of the DNA would readjust to the infusion, revitalizing the weakened Asmodeus. It would also help reconstruct the destroyed tissue. Chaos shook his head.

"I don't get it………it's not working the way it's supposed to. And my earlier incarnations didn't complain the way you do, Gogglehead!"

"It's not his fault, Chaos. He's not used to it, that's all."

Both Takatos and Ruki looked at the newcomers. Chaos chuckled at the sight of the tall blonde man walking towards them and the girl who was practically clung to his arm.

"So you came, Triad boy.  Who's the hottie?"

Pauline grimaced at the twelve-year-old look-alike that was hitting on her. But then, her gaze focused on Ruki.

"So you're my little sister." She said with a cheery smile. Ruki's eyes widened.

"Big sis?"

Pauline nodded and Ruki hurriedly moved in front of her. Pauline let go of Takeru and the two girls joined in a friendly hug, accompanied by loud cheering and shouting and stuff. Takato and Takeru smiled, Chaos looked as if he were about to throw up.

"Oh, this is great. A girly reunion. I think I'm about to gag."

"QUIET, YOU!" Both girls shouted so loud that Chaos retreated behind his counterpart. Takato chuckled and looked at Takeru.

"Are you really Takeru Takaishi, Digi-Destined of Hope?"

Takeru nodded……and then shook his head. "I am Takeru Takaishi, but I no longer am a Digi-Destined. I go by many titles, though, like Lord of Humans and Enlightened of Justice. But those are just titles, nothing more. Call me Takeru." He said extending a hand.

"Pleased to meet you, Takeru."

Takeru shook his head again. "Oh, no, the pleasure is entirely mine………Asmodeus."

Takato frowned. "What was that again?"

Takeru shook his head. "Everything in due time………are you ready to regain control?"

Takato tried to get up but his legs immediately failed him, sending him back to the "floor" of Takato's mind.

"……I'll take that as a no."

"Takeru!"

Takeru gasped for air when Pauline hugged him tightly from behind. The girl walked back to Ruki, fiercely holding her Master.

"Takeru, I want to make a formal introduction. This is my younger sister, Ruki. Ruki, this is TK!"

Ruki frowned and looked at Takeru, then at Pauline and the back at Takeru………and then back at Pauline.

"Are you two……an item?"

"YES!/NO!" Pauline and Takeru replied at the same time, blushing fiercely. They immediately eyed each other as they noticed their answers differed.

"Pauline! Could you please stop saying that!?"

"Oh, come on, Takeru! Don't fight the feeling!"

"THERE IS NO FEELING!"

Chaos looked at if he had seen the most horrible scene ever. "A human and a machine……that's just so………sick."

Pauline simply cuddled closer to Takeru. "Well, that's too bad. I think you and Ruki make a wonderful couple."

Ruki and Chaos looked at each other for a second……

"Eeww!!!" Both shouted at the same time and looked away, Ruki blushing a little more than Chaos. Takeru scolded Pauline.

"That was mean, Pauline."

"But I meant Ruki and the other one!"

Ruki and Takato/Asmodeus looked at each other……

"EWW!!!!!" They shouted even louder while Chaos, who easily recovered from the earlier embarrassment, began chuckling in delight. Pauline looked at Takeru with a loving smile, while the blonde man looked away, unable to hide the faint blush forming on his cheeks. Pauline giggled and looked at Ruki.

"Oh, come on, sis! Takato is so cute! How could you not like someone like him?"

Takato's and Ruki's blush grows darker. "I-I-I-I never s-said I didn't like him! But I'm definitely not attracted to him!"

Chaos chuckled. "That didn't stop you from kissing him that day at the bus."

Ruki shot a death glare at him while Pauline squealed in delight. "You kissed him!? Like……whoa! That's sooo cute! Was it a sweet innocent kiss? Or maybe there was tongue involved?"

Chaos laughed even louder. "The answers to those questions are yes, no and yes."

Pauline's eyes widened while Takeru and Takato slapped their foreheads. "You frenched him!? Oh my God!"

"Pauline, could you please stop it!?" Takeru shouted angrily, causing an immediate effect in Pauline's behavior.

"Sorry."

Takeru sighed and walked next to Takato, offering him his right hand. Takato used it to get up, although stumbling a little bit in the process.

"Once you take control, you better find a seat as soon as possible. I want you to listen to what I have to say with great attention. Same goes to you, Chaos."

Chaos bluffed. "Whatever."

Takeru smiled. "It's good to see you're not as interested in achieving total control as before."

"Who said that? I'm still waiting for Gogglehead to die."

"Gee, thanks for the support." Takato replied while Ruki was shooting daggers as Chaos, who shrugged in response.

"So what? It's what I always do."

"Maybe, but that may not be the best option for you this time." Pauline replied with a smirk.

"What do you mean by that, blondie?"

"That's for me to know and for you to suck up at me until I tell you."

"You wished."

"Bite me!"

"I don't bite, I kill."

That left Pauline silent. Takeru sighed. "We've wasted enough time. I think it's time to talk with the others. Pauline, let's go."

Pauline pouted. "Alright." She said rather grimly. "I'll be seeing you later, sis."

Pauline and Takeru walked away from the others so that the link could be broken. Before that, however………

"Takeru………"

"………yes?"

"………are you mad at me?"

"………a little."

"……………I only did it because I love you…….."

"How could you possibly know what love is?"

Pauline remained silent. She definitely had no answer to that question. But she would ponder it later. She had something else to ask.

"Daemon could attack in any moment. How can we be prepared?"

"I already thought about it. I sent someone to keep track of Daemon's moves in the Dark Ocean."

"Please tell me it's not who I think it is."

"Oh, it is."

"Are you crazy!? They'll probably get lost in that place! And in the remote case they found their way in the Dark Ocean, Daemon would probably kill them!"

"………let's just say I hired a guide. Someone who knows the terrain."

"Are those guides by any chance Mr. Silent Treatment and the Miss Singularity?"

Takeru remained silent. Pauline simply shook her head.

"You just broke all hell loose, Takeru………"

*****The Dark Ocean*****

The dictionary defines Singularity as something unique, extraordinary, remarkable, peculiar, odd……just plain weird. Physics describes a Singularity as a point in time-space with an infinite density and an infinite time-space curvature. A friend of mine, Takeru Takaishi, defined Singularity as any grouping of matter whose characteristics simply challenge the Thread of Destiny. I still have no idea what that means, but I am certainly sure of a thing: when a Singularity takes the shape of a hot barely clad girl, you know there's something wrong with the world.

"Tats………Tatsu? Dammit, I hate it when you're in 'deep thought' mode!"

The boy addressed as "Tats", alias D.H., alias Karhaedron, alias Tatsu; patiently waited in the selected rendezvous point. The place where, fourteen years before, Takeru Takaishi and Hikari Kamiya fought Airdramon and escaped the realm of darkness. His outfit helped him camouflage with the place to a certain extent: black painter's jeans, an open dragon camper shirt and a Yin-Yang necklace. What his clothes didn't do, the artifact attached to his wrist completed.

 The small gadget, called a Bio-Link, began to react, much to the boy's and the girl's surprise. Speaking of the girl, I already gave you a pretty average description. For that day she had chosen plain black hair that went down in a very long ponytail. She was wearing a very revealing white tank top and tight black jeans with the right leg almost entirely cut. A pair of black tennis finished the outfit. What do I mean with 'for that day'? Just you wait……

"They're coming………I think." The boy said.

"I hope so! There's sand in my shoes!"

Just as expected, a portal opened two hundred yards away from them. The awkward thing was that Gates were usually placed vertically, while that one was horizontal. That could only mean………

"PUT SOME HAAAAYYYY!!!!!!"

Yes, that's what it means. Two being came out of the Gate and landed flat on the sand. "How's that for a first impression, D?"

"Let them be, Eclipse."

Both boy and girl went to help the newcomers, and to get a better sight of them. One of them was a boy wearing black. It was rather excessive, if I may add. Shirt, pants, tennis shoes, heck, even a neat black headband around his head. To make things worse, his Digimon was black, too.

"Ouch………that really hurt."

"Why are you complaining!? You fell on me!"

"Gee, Momentai!"

"Don't 'Momentai' me, little one!"

Eclipse giggled and increased her pace, becoming the first to arrive where the Tamer and Digimon were still groaning and complaining.

"Damn, now my clothes have sand. What will I tell my mom when she asks where I've been!?"

"You can always say 'Momentai'!"

"Oh, shut up!"

Eclipse's giggles stopped the argument, as both DC and BlackTerriermon eyed the girl with the revealing outfit.

"Wow, now how's that for a welcoming party!"

"My, thanks for the compliment, long-eared one."

"I guess now's when you begin to undress and we throw money at y-ow!!!"

Eclipse looked at DC as she stomped BlackTerriermon's face with her left foot. "Do you mind if I do this?"

"Not at all." The boy replied.

"Neat, I like you!" Eclipse replied cheerfully ignoring the Digimon's muffled complains. Tatsu finally arrived to the scene.

"We need him in top shape, please."

"Aww……" Eclipse pouted as she finally let BlackTerriermon free. The girl immediately walked right next to her companion.

"I take it you're Lord Takeru's Agents, right?"

DC frowned. "If by that you mean he sent us here, then yeah, we are."

The dark animal Digimon jumped to his Tamer's head immediately. "DC and BlackTerriermon, secret Agents extraordinaire!"

DC sighed and offered his hand. "I am DC. And you are……?"

Tatsu shook DC's hand. "I go by many names, but you may call me Tatsu. I'll be your guide during your stay at the Dark Ocean."

"And I'm his cute assistant, Eclipse! Nice to meet 'cha!"

BlackTerriermon jumped off DC when the boy and the "girl" shook hands. Eclipse immediately eyed BlackTerriermon.

"Are you checking me out?"

"Who, moi? Of course not! I'm just……you know……..scanning the surroundings!"

"The surroundings of my ass, I bet."

DC chuckled. We have a straight-forward one here………

BlackTerriermon silently returned to DC's head. Eclipse immediately cuddled next to Tatsu.

"But you know, I could use some flattery from your part every so often!"

Now both DC and BlackTerriermon chuckled. Tatsu didn't even flinch, but BlackTerriermon could notice the trace of a blush on his face. The monochromatic Dark Ocean didn't allow the dark animal Digimon to confirm it, though.

"She only does this to annoy me. Please ignore her. Now could you be so kind as to follow me……"

The group of two humans, a Digimon and a Singularity walked away from the beach and entered what looked like a deserted town. While BlackTerriermon checked the endless monotony of the place, Tatsu took the time to speak in a barely audible voice.

"It's not wise to stay in an open space like the beach for too long. The Scubamon are getting more violent everyday. Now Eclipse and I have to fight them almost everyday."

"You know, TK……Takeru didn't give us many details."

Tatsu chuckled. "He likes surprises, I guess. I'll answer your questions once we reach somewhere safe."

They remained silent for the new five minutes while Tatsu guided the group through a maze of dark alleys and narrow passages. DC and BlackTerriermon were already getting depressed by the endless shades of gray that surrounded them, but Eclipse never stopped displayed her big grin as she walked next to Tatsu. Sometimes DC and his Digimon witnessed how Eclipse leaned closer to Tatsu and whispered something to him, and how it always ended with Eclipse being pushed away while giggling like mad. DC and BlackTerriermon simply looked at each other and shrugged.

Half an hour later, Tatus finally stopped. By what DC had been able to tell, the other boy wanted to take them as far away the beach as possible. They were at the ghost town's outskirts, in front of a structure that barely resembled a house. Tatsu and Eclipse walked inside.

"Hmmm……buddy?" BlackTerriermon muttered as he tapped his Tamer's head.

"What?"

"What if the ceiling falls on us? It certainly does not look very stable."

"But if Tatsu walked inside, then I guess……"

DC didn't finish the sentence before the shack began to crumble and creak, and eventually break down in front of them. DC and his Digimon remained silent during the whole process.

"Told ya." BlackTerriermon said after a while.

"Hmm……and what about Tatsu?"

"I'm here." Tatsu replied as he walked out of the house right next to the fallen one. "So you are smarter than you look."

"You mean that was a set-up!?" DC asked in shock.

"More of a test, actually. Idiots are not fit for what we're going to do. Guess what? Now you're officially non-idiots."

"Yay." DC muttered sarcastically while he covered his Digimon's mouth before he could make any R-rated complains. I know this is an R-rated story, but I'd rather keep it safe for now, considering the increasing amounts of violence we'll see in the future.

Anyway, DC and BlackTerriermon followed the boy to the other house, which much to their comfort looked a lot more strong that the other one. Eclipse was waiting for them inside, holding something very long with her right arm. DC didn't have to be a genius to realize it was a sword. A katana, to be precise.

"Huh……may I ask what that is for?" he asked, a nervous tinge in his voice.

"It's mine." Tatsu replied. "As you might have noticed, I'm not a Tamer like you. I fight my battles by myself."

DC frowned, a little hurt by those words, but realized Tatsu meant no harm. "And what about you, Eclipse?"

The girl simply smiled. "I have my own methods, and they are definitely not as gory as my friend's."

"Gory, no. Just freaking weird, definitel-oww!!!"

A kick to the groin was all Eclipse needed to shut Tatsu's mouth. With no further ado, DC and his Digimon sat with the odd couple. Tatsu suddenly acquired a really deep look, contrasting with the permanent blush he had as Eclipse wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"Anyway……ahem………Daemon's troops are gathering in a small valley behind the hills at the outskirts of this city. It's obvious they're planning a full scale invasion of Tokyo-3."

"Tokyo-3?" DC asked. Eclipse explained.

"As you know, each quadrant of the Digital World is connected to a certain realm of the Universe. To prevent confusion, we gave them numbers by going clockwise, starting from the Northern Quadrant. That would be the first world, and its Tokyo would be Tokyo-1. That makes the Tokyo connected to the Southern Realm Tokyo-3."

DC nodded. "So they're going to the Southern Quadrant. How long will it take them to reach the Digital World?"

Tatsu shook his head. "They're making no stops in the way. The portal will take them straight to the human world. Daemon has tapped into very powerful dark forces during his stay here. He has not been wasting his time, that's for sure. He has used these new abilities to open a large portal, capable of sending him and his army to the real world."

"Damn………Daemon……." DC thought deeply. The few things he knew about Daemon he knew them from the TV show, and that meant no good. After all, he has been displayed as insanely strong, to the point that it was the only evil Digimon the Digi-Destined had been unable to completely destroy.

"How……how much stronger has he become?" DC asked, a little surprise that his partner hadn't done any witty remarks, especially considering that Eclipse was now ruffling Tatsu's hair for no reason.

"Daemon………his power fourteen years ago is nothing compared to what he……could you find something useful to do, Eclipse!?"

The girl complained with a "hmph!" and walked away to a small kitchen. Tatsu frowned and looked away from her. "Well, you're annoying at times……correct that, all the time."

The girl stuck out her tongue and stomped away from the men in the living room. Tatsu sighed and continued.

"Anyway, Daemon's power has increased exponentially. It's his hatred what makes him stronger……and what's worse, he's still as cunning as always. I'd rather have him completely possessed by his fury. At least that way he wouldn't think before acting. But each one of his actions is carefully planned, which makes him an extremely dangerous opponent."

DC and his Digimon nodded and gulped. "So………what does he want? Revenge? Power? World-Domination?"

"…discounts as Macy's?"

Tatsu and DC stared at BlackTerriermon. "What? Humor is the only thing that keeps me from peeing on my……oh, wait, I still don't have pants……"

Tatsu chuckled. "You know what he's after, BlackTerriermon. Lord Takeru told me of your adventures with the Omni-Tamer. That's what he's after."

"WHAT!?" The dark Digimon shouted loudly right next to DC's ear, who groaned in annoyance. Omni-Tamer……BlackTerriermon told me about that……

"What does he want from Takato Matsuki?" DC asked. Tatsu shrugged.

"Takeru didn't give me much info about that, but it seems like Takato is what Daemon needs to acquire absolute power."

DC nodded, but there was still one last thing he ignored. "So……what are we supposed to do? If what you told me is true then we don't stand a chance against Daemon."

Tatsu nodded. "Yes, Takeru told me you're unable to reach Mega yet. Can you go Ultimate?"

"With a little luck we might!" BlackTerriermon said cheerfully.

"Well……then we can only try to delay Daemon's troops as much as possible. Takeru is already warning Takato and the Tamers. We must give them as much time to prepare as possible. Once Daemon crosses the Gate……our mission is officially over."

DC nodded. "Stalling, huh? That we can do."

*****Rika's House*****

Takato opened the door of the pitch dark room. It took her a few seconds to get used to the lack of illumination, but she eventually found his friend, sitting on the floor on one of the room's corners. She looked as if she were crying, but the Tamer knew she was not. Rika was not that kind of girl. He could detect a tinge of grief, though. That was enough punishment for him. Chaos had a different idea, though.

"Oh, come on, let me toy with her a little!"

No……

"Just a few minutes! Nothing mean, I promise!"

Not today, Chaos. Not ever, in fact.

"Aww, come on! You'll enjoy it, too, I promise!"

How could I possible enjoy Rika's pain!?

"I never said I would hurt her, I just said I would torture her………you know how much she hates anything remotely romantic, right?"

Takato's lips curved in a smile as Chaos explained his idea. He had to admit it, it sounded kind of fun. Heck, even Ruki was snickering.

………okay, we'll do it.

"Alright! You're the coolest, Gogglehead!"

And you still want me dead………

"Hey, it's my purpose in life. Nothing personal."

Gee, now that's a relief……

It was then Rika noticed someone had opened the door. When she recognized Takato, a soft gasp escaped her mouth. She watched how Takato approached her……or at least tried to. It seems as if every single step was unbelievably painful. But he eventually reached her, his hands clutched against his aching body.

I……I caused it…………I hurt him………

Yes, after all, killing Digimon was one thing, and seriously hurting a human being was something completely different. Well, she does beat the crap out Kazu, Kenta and Ryo all the time, but she wouldn't go to jail because of that. She also pounded Takato every once in a while, but it was never serious. She just found the whiny Takato……awkwardly pleasant. But for the first time ever, she had hurt a person……for real. And it scared her.

Takato groaned a little as he inclined his body and sat down in front of her. Rika wouldn't admit it, but she as a little scared. Just a little. Would Takato retaliate? No………it's not Takato I'm worried about……

Maybe not Takato, but Chaos………as weak as the body was, Chaos still had the power. Rika realized that if the boy proposed it to himself, he could easily kill her. Rika's eyes widened as she considered the idea.

"Sorry for sitting on your lap."

Rika's eyes remained wide open, but this time it was not because of fear. It was shock.

He's apologizing…………he's apologizing, for God's sake! I……I should be the one humiliating myself, but he………dammit, why is he doing this to me!?

"You should be." Rika replied matter-of-factly.

You know, Rika? Sometimes you're more of an idiot than him……… Rika said to herself. She looked at Takato, fearing his reactions as what she had just said. In the case they switched roles, she would definitely be mad at herself. However, Takato was displaying his usual Matsuki grin. Oh, yes, he was driving Rika crazy……in more than one way……

"Now that's the Rika I know. Come on, Takeru is waiting for us."

Rika watched how Takato futilely tried to get up. It was obvious he was still too weak. She did the least she could do: helping him get up. She groaned in annoyance as she did it, though. "Gosh, Gogglehead, you're heavier than you look."

The moment she said that, Takato's body slipped off her grasp and he fell down again, crashing with Rika in the process. The next thing she noticed was the she was sitting on the floor again, this time with something warm pressed against her chest………Takato's face.

Must not kill Gogglehead……must not kill Gogglehead…… must not kill Gogglehead…… must not kill Gogglehead…… must not kill Gogglehead!!!

"Uhh………Rika?"

"WHAT!?"

"……well……I can't move."

"Oh, I can't believe this……"

Gathering her strength, Rika pushed Takato away from her, making roll and fall down, his back against the floor.

"Ow."

"Oh, shut up, Gogglehead………"

"Hey, what can I say? My body is made of jell-o right now! I can't move an inch!"

"Oh, really? Now that's interesting………"

Takato inclined his head to see how Rika walked around him on her four limbs. Takato bit his lower lip at the sight.

Damn……

Takato!

"Let him be, Ruki. You have to admit that for a twelve-year-old she's got a really nice ass."

*PZZT!*

"Oww!!!"

Hentai!

Oww……Ruki……I felt that too, you know……

Believe me, I do! Gosh, kids these days grow just too fast!

Before Takato could notice, Rika was right by his side, her face dangerously close to his. As unable to move as he was, he didn't do a thing.

Umm……this definitely was not in the plan……

"Hey, the face-on-chest thing was not in the plan, either! To hell with the plan! Have fun!"

Rika displayed a mischievous grin. "So you can move………I guess there's nothing you can do if I do this."

"Ouch! Rika!" Takato complained as Rika hit his forehead with her left middle finger. Rika chuckled.

"What? Are you gonna do something to stop me?" Then she proceeded to delicately slap his cheeks with her right hand.

"Rika, don't be so mean! What kind of game is this!?"

Rika stopped. "That was for what you did at the Card Game Tournament……and for what you did as Gallantmon during the battle against the Nightmare." She then leaned her head on Takato's torso, causing him to grimace a little. "Now you'll pay the price for your mischief." She got up and sat again.

"Those were accidents!"

"Well, you sure have a lot of 'accidents' concerning my body lately, Gogglehead." Rika said with an evil smirk as she trailed her fingers up and down Takato's upper torso.

"Damn, I'm kind of horny now."

Shut up, Chaos! / Shut up, Chaos!

"Rika, I'm not some sort of toy for your twisted entertainment!" Takato replied with a frown. Chaos chuckled inside Takato's mind.

"You have no idea how naughty that sounds……"

Oh, the things I have to witness!

"Oh, really?" Rika replied, her eyes narrowing to tiny slits. She leaned her face even closer to Takato's, to the point their noses were almost touching. Takato was in the verge of a massive nosebleed. Rika had no idea of the terrible mistake she was doing.

"But you still deserve to be punished." She said softly. Takato could feel her breath as she spoke.

Uhh……do you think there are still traces of Doumon's spell in her system?

I don't think so. She just wants to toy with you; there are no sexual intentions on her actions. She's too naïve when it comes to that kind of stuff.

"What are you waiting for!?"

Huh?

"This is your chance to take control! KISS HER!"

WHAT!?

"Which part of 'KISS HER' didn't you get, you dork!?"

Chaos, I couldn't even if I wanted to! I CAN'T MOVE!

"Well……I CAN!"

Wait, no!!!

Too late. Before either Rika or Takato could react, Chaos took control of the body, regained the ability to move, slid his right hand behind Rika's face and pulled her in a deep kiss.

"I did my part. Enjoy!"

WHAT!?

Once again Takato couldn't react in time. Chaos switched places with him, and now he was left to deal with what could possibly become Armageddon. Oh, yes, Rika would kill him several times before she calmed down.

Well……I'm already dead……so I might as well leave this world with style!

So he didn't let go.

***** Oh, I'm definitely not done with this scene! Rika's Partial POV! *****

He's kissing me.

Heartbeat.

He's still kissing me.

Heartbeat.

He's STILL kissing me!

Heartbeat.

………no.

Heartbeat.

I'm kissing him.

How long had it been? Five seconds? One minute? An eternity? Did she really care? No……her mind was too busy to mingle with such meaningless thoughts. For a reason she still couldn't understand, all her mind could process at the moment was the way Takato's right hand played with her hair, the way Takato's left hand wrapped itself around her waist, and the way his lips tasted as he pressed them against hers. From the little she knew about romance and mushy stuff she could tell it was a very clumsy kiss, almost as if he had been forced to it………

…………but hell, it's the best I've ever felt in years………

Five heartbeats later, and he hadn't let go of her………and she hadn't let go of him.

So this is how it feels…………this is what my mother's soap operas never mention………they definitely never explain this………it's much more than a guy and a girl joining their lips, that's for sure……

Many heartbeats………it was then when Rika noticed that her heart was pounding at an exaggeratedly fast pace.

I wonder if he's thinking as much as I am………probably. I wonder what he is thinking. I'm sure he's asking himself why I haven't stopped him yet. You know, that's a good question. Why haven't I stopped him yet? Why am I not smashing his head against the floor? And why the hell am I caressing his torso with my left hand!?

Oh, yes, she was doing that. And Takato replied by getting rid of whatever it was that held her hair in that awkward hairdo of hers. Now it was let loose, and Takato continued playing with it.

Okay, that's it! He can be a stronger Tamer, he can make fun of me with his witty remarks, he can touch where no other man is allowed to, heck, he can even kiss me! But no one, NO ONE, messes with my hairdo! That's it, Gogglehead, you're dead meat!

She moaned.

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT I JUST DID!?

Takato replied with a moan of his own.

Gee, thanks for the answer, Gogglehead………

Takato slid his left hand under her shirt and caressed her back. Rika's body tensed in response. Takato's hand stopped, but his lips didn't let go. She could tell he doubted.

Oh, so you think you're Mr. Great Lover, huh? Two can play the same game!

Before she could realize what she was doing, her body was completely on top of Takato's and her two hands were under his t-shirt. It would be the most she would do……at least as a twelve-year-old.

From there, their kiss would reach new levels of intensity. Takato had never expected it to last so long……he hadn't even expected Rika to let him do it! But she was not complaining, so he guessed it was okay, right. He knew that once he let go of her, Rika would regain her senses, realized what they had just done, and kill him. So he guessed his only option was to not let go. Gee, tough choice, huh?

As for Rika, well, she knew what she was doing. And she knew she had to stop. But she just couldn't. She didn't know when she would feel like that again, and she didn't want the feeling to end. It reminded her of a time long gone……of a time when she was completely happy. Yes, that was it. Takato was making her happy. As simple as that. So she kissed him back, with all the longing and the need for love she had kept bottled up for so many years.

But if we know something about this kind of stories, it's that someone always ruins things when they get interesting. This time, it was Takeru. Heck, at least it wasn't Ryo!

"What are you two doing? We've been waiting for……holy shit."

Rika immediately looked up and met Takeru's cerulean eyes, which simply stared at them. He was surprised, yes, but he wouldn't display it. He had spent fourteen years learning to hide his emotions. Not that he was very good at it, though.

He couldn't have said it better…… Rika said to himself. ……Holy Shit.

She looked down. Takato was exchanging glances between Takeru and her. Chaos was speechless.

"Whoa………so totally and completely whoa! Ruki, time, please!"

Four minutes and forty-seven seconds! And it would have been much longer if it weren't for Takeru!

"Yeah……that idiot! Takato………Takato?"

No response.

Damn……we lost him. You better take control, Chaos.

Nah……he'll do just fine.

With a surprising speed for someone who has a foot in hell, Takato moved Rika off him and jumped up, looking at Takeru with a nervous glance. Takeru didn't say a word.

Looks like you played third wheel right now, Takeru.

Shut up, Pauline! Gosh, the things I have to deal with......

Oh, come on! In a few years we'll remember this moment and laugh!

Takeru chuckled at Pauline's remark. "Anything to say in your defense, Takato?"

"Ahh…umm……well……how about……I fainted while I was talking to Rika and she was doing some CPR?"

Swift move, Goggles……

"Oh, shut up, Ruki!"

"Cute, Takato, very cute……"

Takato looked at Takeru. "Don't you hate having a voice in your head?"

"At times, Takato."

Hey!

Shh, calm down, Pauline.

Takato walked outside of the bedroom. "Well, I have two. Think about it."

And Takato left to meet the others. Takeru noticed the Omni-Tamer was still having difficulties to walk. He wondered if it was because of his weakness or because what he had just done. He then looked at Rika.

"What about you? Got anything to say."

Takeru couldn't help but chuckle. Any trace of the Digimon Queen was gone. All that was left was a twelve-year-old girl in a deep state of confusion.

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed. Thank God Patamon is not here, though. He wouldn't know to keep a secret even if his life depended of it."

Takeru never knew if Rika had actually listened to him. In a rather dizzy state, the redhead walked outside of the room and followed Takato's tracks to where the others were waiting.

They're too young.

Yes……

This could become a problem……

Love is always a problem in these cases……

I take it this is the voice of experience speaking…………but you're right.

Whoa……for once you agree with me. It's strange, considering that you mostly think with your hormones……or their electronic equivalent.

Oh, shut up, this is serious……

Yes……but I can't just make Takato stop loving her………it would be asking the sun to not to come out every morning………

*****Infinity*****

Pauline and Takeru are right………this is a problem………

The Dragon God, Goddramon, calmly rested in the skies of Infinity. A fierce storm was raging a few miles away from him. But this time it wasn't Takato's anger what had unleashed it. It had been passion. In its strongest, purest form.

He shouldn't be supposed to recognize those feelings at such an early age. It must the Asmodeus Patch………it's redesigning itself………

In simple words, our little Takato is growing up. Chaos' power keeps increasing, and now his body is going to start its puberty………it's too soon! His true power will begin to awaken, and neither Chaos nor Asmodeus will be prepared to handle it. He's going to become a teenager……and that's going to kill him.

The giant Dragon Digimon then considered the threat of Daemon. There is not much I can do about that. I am a God, but I cannot interfere in the Thread of Destiny. I can see, but I can't touch. Daemon will go after Chaos, that's for sure. I seriously hope Takeru can prepare them for it. But they don't stand a chance. At this point, only three Digimon could actually survive a combat against Daemon. The Tamers only have one of those Digimon amongst them, yet Takato ignores how to summon him. That's because neither Asmodeus nor Chaos can tap into the powers of Gallantmon Crimson Mode. Only their merged form, Takato Matsuki, can withstand such a power.

However, and even greater problem was expecting them if they could defeat Daemon. And that problem was Takato himself.

The others' influence is altering Takato at a speed he can't keep track of. He has t alter his personality patterns constantly to cope with the permanent emotional stress his Tamer responsibility and his sentimental life have brought upon him. At this point, he'll soon experience a physical and mental breakdown. He's a being beyond humans, and that's precisely his greatest weakness. Emotions affect him in a much stronger way that any other person. He is either too sad, or too angry, or too excited, and at his current level of maturity he is unable to find a balanced level. I must find a way to alter that. A way to reduce the stress………

……but………how?

*****Rika's House's Yard*****

Can you feel the tension, Pauline?

I'm a machine and I can feel it. That pretty much gives you an idea………

Takeru sighed. He looked at Takato and Rika, making sure none of them noticed it. Of course, they had chosen to seat in opposite ends of the place. In order, they were: Ryo and Cyberdramon, Rika and Renamon, Rika's family, Jeri and Elecmon, Henry and Terriermon, Janyuu, Suzie and Lopmon, Hirokazu, Kenta and their Digimon, Riley Ootori, Talley Onodera, Daneel Randt, Yamaki and Shibumi. In front of them, a sleepy Guilmon rested on the grass, alongside Impmon and Calumon. Takato had preferred to seat against a wall at the very end of the yard, as far away from the others as possible. Due to his serious look and the way he had crossed his arms, Takeru was unable to tell if it was either Asmodeus or Chaos. Takeru looked at Patamon.

"I guess it's time."

"About time." Patamon replied with a smirk. "Why did Takato and Rika take so long, anyway?"

Takeru almost choked with his own breath. "Ah…umm……well……Rika is hard to convince. It took a while to Takato to explain her that he's no mad at her."

Well, technically, you're not lying. He definitely convinced her!

Takeru groaned. "Ahem……after the little delay, and now that the matter of Takato's health is solved……."

Rika coughed several times. Takato buried his head under his arms. Takeru held to urge to laugh.

"……I guess it's time to explain what's going on. Very few people know what I'm about to tell you, and I know it will be hard to believe at the beginning……it was hard for me, and I was a Digi-Destined………but the point is, I chose to tell you this because I trust you. The truth you are about to discover is difficult to handle, and by accepting it you're involving yourselves in a confrontation that will alter the very course of history. If anyone in this place thinks he…or she……is not ready to handle it………you may leave now."

There was silence for a few seconds……until Takato finally spoke.

"Oh, just cut the crap and let's get started. My other self could really use some alone time right now."

Takeru smiled. "I'm sure he does, Chaos. But it's important that he listens to what I'm about to say."

"Okay." Asmodeus replied after regaining control. "I'm all ears." He said with that cute smile of his.

­­How can he do that!? Rika thought. How can he act as if nothing happened!?

Takeru smiled. "Well……where should I start? I guess everything begins with the creation of ENIAC……."

Ryo twitched. Takeru gave him a compassionate smile and continued. "As some of you may already know, ENIAC was the first computer to ever being addressed as 'computer'. I say things started from there because since that point in time, the evolution of computer science would grow at an exaggerated pace. Before scientist could even tell, the microprocessor was invented and miniaturization of electronic devices was born. Smaller computers were created and the idea of interconnecting them allowed storage of information much easier. Meanwhile, the Digital World was created, but it was an empty, barren land, where seemingly useless data floated aimlessly. It was a place empty of life."

Takeru fixed his eyes on Janyuu and Shibumi. "That's where you guys enter the story. Approximately twenty-five years ago, a bunch of intrepid college students made their first approach at AI……"

"AI?" Kazu asked as he raised his hand. Takeru smiled.

"Artificial Intelligence, Hirokazu. Computers with the capability to think and experience human sensations……like my Pauline or Takato's Ruki. Anyway, when they created the basic D-Pet algorithm, the prototype for Digimon, what they ignored was that the exact same process was taking place in every human realm attached to the four Quadrants. By different people, yes, but the very same process. The proto-Digimon Janyuu, Shibumi and the other monster makers created were extremely similar in structure, and their limitations were numerous. When the D-Project was cancelled by lack of funds, Janyuu and his friends deleted almost all of the data they had created. What they still ignore is that Shibumi saved some data by placing it inside the net, which was already going through an accelerated growth."

Everyone looked at Shibumi. "Is that true?" Janyuu asked. The bearded man nodded.

"Yes, and I'll never regret it."

Takeru smiled. "In a certain way, Shibumi is the father of all Digimon. But I have to make clear that Digimon existed before the Monster Makers. Janyuu's and his friends' accomplishment was to transform them from useless patches of data to primitive AI forms with an extremely limited level of intelligence, but intelligence anyway."

The former Digi-Destined of Hope deeply inhaled as he organized his ideas. He then looked at Takato. It was easy to tell that Takato was struggling to stay awake. His weakness was worrying. There was no way he could stand the combat that would soon take place. So, there really is no other choice……

"Takato……"

"Yes?"

"Why don't you let Chaos take your place for a while? You'll still be able to listen to what I have to say and you won't be wasting valuable energy."

Takato slowly nodded and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, Chaos' fierce look faced Takeru. "Go on."

"The data Shibumi released in the net was primitive and lacked any specialization. However, those weaknesses were what allowed it to merge into greater data compounds, in a similar way as how amino acids merged into proteins at the beginnings of planet Earth. Eventually, these primitive patterns caught up with those created in the other quadrants and merged with them, creating a massive pseudo-algorithm, with the necessary level of specialization to form a shape and develop in the primitive Digital World. In other words, the first Digimon was born."

"The first Digimon was Goddramon, the Dragon God Digimon. And for eons it was the only Digimon that existed."

"Hmm……excuse me………"

"Yes, Talley?"

"What do you mean by eons? I thought the Digital World was a recent creation……"

"You're right about that. The thing is, digital time flows in a different way that time does in the Universe as we know it. Being a world based on electronic devices, it is based in patterns as the oscillation frequency of a quartz crystal, or the time an electromagnetic field takes to cover a distance of one meter, for example. Technically, the Digital World is as old as the Universe itself."

Talley nodded as she understood. Takeru smiled and continued.

"With the aid of Goddramon, data was able to reorganize in the shape of Digimon and the primitive Digital World was populated. Given the exaggerated growth of the computer science, and how the amount of computers in every realm increased dramatically, the primitive Digital World was soon overcrowded. And there was another thing that worried Goddramon. With the invention of computers, so came the viruses. The first Virus Digimon were vicious and data-hungry, much worse than the evil Digimon the Digi-Destined faced."

"Anyway, Goddramon realized that a better, bigger Digital World was needed. So, he linked the four human realms with the greater amount of data and created the four quadrants. Then he moved all of the Digimon from the primitive Digital World to the new Digital World, which is the Digital World we now know. Goddramon realized he was unable to leave the primitive Digital World due to his excessive level of specialization, and decided to break all the bonds existing between the old and the new Digital Worlds. Once again, Goddramon was alone, but he now had to use his powers to indirectly control the new Digital World. As such a task was practically impossible; he used parts of his data to create four Digital Guardians, the Sovereigns. However, he made a fatal mistake. To send the four Sovereigns and all the other Digimon from the old Digital World to the new one, he was forced to create a partial rift in time-space continuum. As the creation of the Sovereings had severely weakened him, he was unable to control such rift, which absorbed data from every Digimon that was sent through it, until the rift itself was able to take a Digimon form. Can you get where I'm getting at, Ryo?"

"Millenniumon………"

"Yes, Ryo, Millenniumon. And precisely, Millenniumon was the first example of the true extent of the Digital World. It is important to understand that Digimon and the Digital World are no longer data collections. They've developed to the point of Digimon becoming living things, and the Digital World becoming a "Real" World. But the term "Real" is no longer correct. There's no "Real" world anymore. Every single realm I've visited is just as real as this one, and so is the Digi-World. Before leaving to the new Digital World, Millenniumon altered the old Digital World to be more of a mental plane than a material plane. I mean, matter as we know it no longer exists in the old Digital World. It has become a place only reachable by intense meditation. To reach the old Digital World, a person or Digimon must close the eyes of the exterior and open the eyes of his own mind. Goddramon called this new place 'Infinity'."

"Infinity………" Jeri said with a smile.

"That explains what you saw when you visited Infinity a few days ago, Jeri. As you could see, it is one's mind what shapes Infinity to express what lies within one's self. But now let's worry about the new Digital World."

Henry was the first to look at Jeri. "When did you………?"

"Later, Henry. Please go on, Takeru."

"Alright.

"It didn't take long for the Sovereigns to realize that the Digital World lacked order……or at least most of the Sovereigns realized that. The thing is, the Sovereign of the East, Azulongmon, began the Digimon-Human Interaction Project. While Azulongmon simply created highly advanced databases and put them to work on the DHIP, Baihumon took greater measures and developed a whole human civilization within the Western Quadrant. Within those massive domes, Guard Tamers were trained to serve and protect the people of the Digital World. Ebonwumon needed no protection, as his quadrant has always been a peaceful one. Zhuquiaomon, on the other side, rejected any possible attempt at Digimon-Human interaction and let his quadrant uncontrolled, transforming it in the cold, barren land we now know, where only the law of the strongest prevails."

"At some point, the Digital World stopped being technological to become metaphysical. Being the product of not only the scientific work in computer science, but the result of the humans' wishes, emotions, desires and accomplishments, the Digital World's stability depended on the balance of six main traits that have always existed in the human race. They were called the Ultimate Crests. The human embodiments of such traits, found after a big search by Azulongmon's minions, were summoned to the Digital World as the first Digi-Destined."

"Weren't eight the first Digi-Destined?" Henry asked a puzzled expression in his face. Takeru shook his head.

"That's wrong, Henry. The first Digi-Destined I'm talking about are not my group. There were six Digi-Destined before us, the first to seal the evil in the Digital World behind the Wall of Fire. But please, let me explain this a little further, as we're reaching the critical part of the story."

Takeru then searched in his pocket and took out six cards, each one displaying a different symbol. Everyone inched closer to get a better look. The first one looked exactly like Kari's Crest of Light, except that the circle in the middle was two or three times bigger. The second symbol was composed of two horizontal lines parallel to each other, and two parallel vertical lines very close to each other, linking the two horizontal lines. A circle was inside the square created by the two horizontal lines and the two vertical ones. The third symbol was the Greek letter omega, as simple as that. The fourth symbol looked like Ken's Crest of Kindness, but this one not only had a circle and a little comma-like thing below, it had several "extensions" like the first one to the left, right, and above the circle. The fifth symbol was composed by a circle and several small triangles with their thinner part pointing at the circle, making them look like arrows. And finally, the sixth symbol, which looked like a galaxy, with four arms coming out of the nucleus' four cardinal directions. In between the galaxy's arms, four triangles pointing outside.

"These are the symbols of the six Ultimate Crests. Life, Patience, Justice, Power, Destuction and Chaos.

Takeru directed his gaze at Takato, who seemed to be lost watching the card with "his" crest. So he is drawn to it, naturally. Makes me wonder………

"Whoa, look at the time, people." Takeru suddenly said. Everybody instantly noticed that it was indeed very late, and the youngest one, Suzie, had already fallen asleep on his father's lap.

"I think we better leave it here for today. I hope you all can make it here tomorrow.

Even if Takeru's story had left some people more interested than others, everyone eventually agreed to meet at the same place a little earlier the next day. Takeru looked at Takato.

"Tomorrow, Takato……tomorrow, I'll tell you who you really are."

Now everyone was intrigued, and looking forward to the next day. Henry and Janyuu said their goodbyes and left the house, dragging the sleeping Suzie and Terriermon with them. Lopmon followed them right behind. And so they left, right before, Yamaki and the Hypnos gang, Nami Asagi, Jeri, Kazu and Kenta. Eventually, it was just Takeru, Takato, Ryo and the Nonakas, with their respective Digimon: Guilmon, Patamon, Monodramon and Renamon. Impmon had left for a snack, while Calumon peacefully rested next to Takato's Reptile Digimon.

Takato slowly walked next to Takeru, but it was impossible to tell if it was because of nervousness or because of his weak body.

"Hmm……I kind of have a problem………"

"What is it?"

"I……well, I can't go home because my parents will find out I'm not in the hospital……if they don't know yet, that is."

"Hmm………that's a problem, indeed………"

"What seems to be the problem?" A cheery Rumiko suddenly showed up, startling both Tamers. Takato sweatdropped while Takeru regained his equilibrium.

"Well……ahem………you see, Takato here can't return to the hospital, and he can't go home either, because his parents would probably ground him for life and I really need to talk with him, so I was wondering………."

But Rika's mother had everything settled already.

"Mom, make two extra portions! Rika, get the guests' room ready, Mr. Takaishi and young Takato are staying for the night."

"Hmm………really?" Rika replied softly, looking at Takato as she said that. For a moment…….a very long moment, actually, the two young ones looked at each other without saying a word. Words weren't needed when the blush on their faces said everything. Rika was the first one to look away.

"……okay." She said before leaving to do as told. Rumiko frowned.

"Okay……that was clearly unexpected. She didn't say a thing about it. I guess she's looking forward to you two staying, huh, Takato?" The blonde woman commented.

Takato choked. Takeru chuckled. Patamon didn't say a word, as he was oblivious to what had happened. Rumiko eventually shrugged and left, giving Takato the chance to sigh in relief.

"Why me………"

"Why so gloomy, Casanova?" Takeru joked with a mischievous smirk, softly elbowing Takato. However, it wasn't softly enough.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry."

************************************************************************

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End of chapter 3……….

DR: Gosh, finally! Twenty-one pages long, quite an accomplishment!

Terriermon: And it took you quite a while………

DR: Hey, that kiss scene was the most difficult thing ever! I wonder what kind of comments I'll get. But anyway, three chapters and Daemon is not even close to showing up. Kind of gives you an idea of this story's length, huh? And the next chapter will probably be as long as this one! Geez!

(The Biggest Dreamer starts playing)

BlackTerriermon's Voice: Takato and Rika are now confused. When her mother and grandmother "accidentally" find out what happened, they decided to give her some advice. Poor Rika, her nightmare are coming true………fun! Anyway, Takato only has Takeru to help him with his girl problems, but what help can he get from a guy that hasn't even had a girlfriend? What starts as an inside monologue between Takato, Chaos and Ruki turns out to be a man chat when Takeru and Ryo join the Gogglehead. Yep, it's gonna be a long night for everyone at the Nonaka's House. And even longer for us, as we sneak inside Daemon's camp, looking for a way to stall them in the Dark Ocean. What will we do when DC starts hearing voices in his head, right when we are in the middle of the enemy base!? Lots of confusion in the next chapter of "Silent Sorrow"! Singularities, Part III: Evolution. Don't miss it!

Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)