Chapter 7……...the chapter that pretty much ends the first part of the story. I've received new questions, especially concerning Terriermon's part in all of this. I've always liked the little one, hence the reason he's my occasional muse. I just thought he deserved a more important role in the plot, so I gave this huge responsibility, which makes him almost as important as Takato himself. The difference is that Takato gets to kick more asses. Well, I don't own Digimon, yet I do own Chaos, Ruki, Pauline, Daneel, the Ruby Omnivice, the Emerald Omnivice, the Blackpearl Omnivice and the new addition to the Omnivice team which will be introduced in this chapter. Who gets to be the lucky one? Also, Takeru explores some details on Project Asmodeus, the enemy's identity is finally revealed to the Tamers, we finally get to see what happened to DC, and, well, find out yourselves! Oh, as always, special thanks to Tatsu and DC for helping in the creation of this story. It will be the last chapter DIRECTLY concerning them, so thanks a lot!

Note: This chapter contains a moment in the development of the plot that is, indeed, of great importance to what's to come. A moment I have waited (and dreaded) to write for way too long. I had planned to wait longer (MUCH longer, actually) for it, but I think I have delayed it long enough, and I think I've made you all wait long enough. I could say that this series focuses in two important aspects. One is the philosophical lesson I want to impart with Tamers Forever, and that aspect will reach its climax in the second to last episode, which is probably the most important episode in the entire series. And then there's the Takato/Rika relationship, which was just a need to satisfy my preference for that couple among the Digimon Tamers fanfiction. That second aspect reaches its apex in this episode, making it the second most important episode in the entire series. I have already detailed enough of Takato's feelings for Rika. The time has come for the feeling………to become mutual.

SILENT SORROW

Chapter 7

Damnation, Part III: Confessions and Discoveries

"Radiation Missiles!"

The gigaton-powered blasts exploded almost instantly, wiping away an immense area of the valley, turning it to nothing more than debris and spare data from the unlucky Kurisarimon and DarkScubamon. As for Daemon, the blast simply made him stumble backwards a little bit.

BlackTerriermon!

"What is it?"

Are……are you okay?

"Ha! Okay, you ask? Never felt better! Now let's kick some ass!"

Unable to hide a grin, DC tensed his muscles for another attack.

"AAAaaaarrrgggghhh!!!!!"

He was, however, forced to move when Daemon lunged towards him, his claws ready to permanently damage BlackMegaGargomon's face.

"You annoying little demon! Darkness Pummel!"

Whack! Right on the face!

Daemon was sent flying, which pretty much triggered a reaction from the Demon Lord's troops, which promptly attacked the new Mega Digimon.

"Gosh, you're SO annoying! Gargo Blades!"

BlackMegaGargomon hacked and slashed his way towards the still fallen Tatsu, who pathetically lied on the cold ground, unable to move.

"Oh, come on, you're a sport! You'll live, now get the hell-"

"Chaos Flare!"

Wham! It was time for the giant black fortress to be sent flying, courtesy of Daemon's secondary attack. Tatsu (at last!) got up just to be knocked back again by a scarlet blur that sped towards the fallen machine Digimon.

"Did anyone see that truck's……whoa!"

BlackMegaGargomon barely managed to use his right arm to block Daemon's claws, which had grown considerably since the last time we saw them.

"Oh, great, another Nine Inch Nails fan. Come on, dude, they're so out! Get REAL!"

Another punch and Daemon was sent flying once again. DC's biomerged form got up and sent another half a dozen Kurisarimon to digital heaven before facing the Demon Lord Digimon. However, the sight he met wasn't the most enjoyable one. Daemon's eyes (which are pretty much the only part of his face DC could see) were glowing with a berserker fury.

"You can't stop me………I want revenge……revenge……revenge……revenge………"

"Gee, why can't they be good villains and just GIVE UP!?"

"Buddy, you know that's not very likely." DC replied to his Digimon's remark.

"Oh, but it would be really nice, huh?"

"…revenge… revenge… revenge… revenge…REVENGE……REVENGE……REVENGE!!!"

With a fiery howl, Daemon attacked once again, this time with increased power and speed. The much slower BlackMegaGargomon barely managed to block or parry his enemy's slashing and stabbing. To make things worse, the remaining DarkScubamon decided to join the party. It soon became impossible to defend, and what began as an even battle became an unavoidable crisis.

DC's screams were loud enough to wake up the unconscious Eclipse, who had, for the last few minutes, dozed off while Armageddon took place around her. Still using the shape of a Raidramon, the being stood up on its four legs and scanned her surrounding for anything familiar.

"Hmm…Tats? Tootsie? Hell bunny? Anyone?"

"Right……here……damn. I can't believe I've still got to deal with pain……"

Well, at least I'm not dead……again.

"Daemon and DC are really going at it, huh?"

"But he could use some help." Eclipse commented, not without a hint of sarcasm, as BlackMegaGargomon struggled to stay on its two feet against the multiple attacks from Daemon, the Kurisarimon and the DarkScubamon.

"Well, how about a shape shift?"

"Well……"

Five seconds later, Raidramon had disappeared, and Kyuubimon had replaced it.

"Not bad. Now go kick some ass. I'll handle the DarkScubamon."

Meanwhile……

"Uuunngh!!" DC moaned while a zillion volts of power flowed through his body and Daemon's claws tried to pierce his dark metal armor.

"Dragon Wheel!"

And the Kurisarimon were no more. Well, not that she really destroyed them, but at least she forced them to leave DC and BlackTerriermon alone for the time being.

"Why don't you mess with someone of the same size!? ………okay, same level!?"

Not really interested in Eclipse's witty remarks, the champion Digimon didn't waste making a circle around her, swirling their tentacles like only they can do.

"Bring it on!"

A quick glance before the fight began showed her that Tatsu was already fighting his way through the hordes or DarkScubamon. However, as much as she wanted to help him, she had problems of her own. At the same time, Daemon and BlackMegaGargomon were busy enough with each other. Unfortunately, BlackMegaGargomon was not faring as well as he wanted to. Due to his inferior speed, it was impossible for him to evade Daemon's endless barrage of attacks.

"Chaos Flare!"

The purple energy blast sent the giant Digimon against a cluster of rocks behind him.

"OW! Ow, ow, ow, owww!!!! My back is SO going to hurt after this!"

"IF we get out of here, that is!"

"Didn't I tell you not to be that pessimistic, my sweet koibito?"

You again………and don't call me that! I don't even know you!

"Gee, that's not the way to treat the one who is gonna save your life, you know?"

Oh, really? How come?

"Umm……we'll talk later. Big meany Digimon at twelve o'clock!"

What are you talking-whoa!

BlackMegaGargomon barely evaded Daemon's insanely long claws before they went right through his neck.

"You know, you really need to focus, buddy."

DC groaned in response. The Mega Digimon quickly regained his composure to counterattack.

"Radiation Missiles!"

However, Daemon simply leapt over the giant missiles, which landed on the field nearby, deleting at least a dozen DarkScubamon (and saving Tatsu the trouble in the process). The Demon Lord Digimon landed right on BlackMegaGargomon's shoulders, sending both of them to the ground, the one in the red robe ready to strike with his claws, which were blocked mere inches away from, BlackMegaGargomon's face by the fortress Digimon's armored hands.

"Gee, can't you calm down!?"

"You can't stop me." Daemon replied before moving away from his opponent, promptly assuming his usual stance. BlackMegaGargomon slowly got up. Daemon, unable to control himself anymore, let the anger overwhelm him.

"You can't stop me……nobody can………not when I'm so close to PERFECTION!!!"

With a mighty roar, Daemon launched his strongest attack, which was even stronger, as it was fueled by Daemon's endless rage.

"Flame Inferno!!!"

Tatsu was forced to interrupt his battle with the DarkScubamon when he heard DC's agonic cry. Unable to help, he voiced his concern as his blade sliced through the throat of a DarkScubamon.

"Eclipse! Help him!"

"I'm a little bus here, you know!?" Eclipse shouted as she leapt away from her opponents and balls of blue fire were launched from her tail. However, every time a Kurisarimon was deleted, the others absorbed its data, growing stronger.

"Gosh, there are just too many of them!"

"Guh……aaaaarrgh!!! A…..aahhhhh!!!!!!!"

It hurts………it hurts so much!!

Daemon smiled under his hood, as DC's screams were music to his ears.

"I'll have him……the vessel of God………and once I have his power, every Universe will be in my hands! I will be stronger than any God!"

Even as his defenses shattered by the immense power of Daemon's attack, and the black and crimson sphere that surrounded DC's body flickered and weakened, the Tamer managed to hear a quiet growl and the mysterious female's voice in his mind.

"I won't allow it………I WON'T LET YOU HAVE HIM!!!"

And then DC fell to the ground, still conscious, but no longer merged with his partner, who fell right next to his Tamer and friend, defeated.

"I lost………" DC muttered while he moved his right hand in front of his eyes.

And his eyes widened.

The D-Power hadn't survived the attack. The fiery flames, combined with the rage of the entity which had invaded DC's mind, were enough to render the Digivice useless. Finally, the cracks grew larger and merged together, and with a weak sparkle, the D-Ark shattered into data.

DC closed his eyes and waited for death to come.

"Are you giving up?"

……yeah, pretty much.

"I told you I'd get you out of here, and I was serious. Now get up, you and your partner. Your battle is not over yet."

But……

"GET UP!"

"Yes, ma'am……" DC muttered as he struggled to get up. Daemon simply watched, almost amused by the Tamer's efforts. DC picked his partner up, and lifted him with his two arms, holding him like a mother would hold her child.

"I'm tired………" BlackTerriermon muttered weakly.

"Me too."

"You know………I never got in this much trouble with Takato."

"Oh, shut up."

"Now, I give you my power………it won't destroy him, but at least it'll let you get out of the Dark Ocean."

But………how?

"…just……just trust me."

……I do. I do trust you. I don't know why, but I do.

"……thanks. That really makes me happy."

DC sighed………right before his eyes widened to its max. He almost squeezed his Digimon to death, while containing the avalanche of energy that suddenly flooded his body.

"What's……going……ON!?"

"Buddy, are you okay!? Hey! Earth to DC! Ouch!"

Daemon, who had already noticed that there was something wrong, decided not to waste more time and finish what was almost done. DC managed to shout one last command before the new power took over him.

"Eclipse!"

The Kyuubimon looked away from the remaining Kurisarimon to meet the sight of DC and BlackTerriermon bathed in black flames.

"What the hell!? DC!!!"

"Get Tatsu and run away!"

"But, you……"

"GO!!!"

Eclipse didn't waste time. Dashing across the hordes of Kurisarimon and DarkScubamon, she reached the side of her friend, who was too busy slashing enemies apart to notice the events taking place behind him.

"Tatsu, ready for a wild ride?"

"Huh?"

"Something huge is about to happen and DC doesn't want us to stay for the show!"

"What are you talking abou-holy shit……"

At some point during Eclipse's speaking, DC and BlackTerriermon had disappeared in a sphere of darkness. The silhouette of BlackMegaGargomon, however, could be seen inside. It was hard to notice, though, with the black lightning striking the entire valley.

"So……do you want to stay?"

"Hell no."

"Then hop on, sweetheart."

Too shocked to notice the boy's blush, Tatsu and Eclipse escaped as fast as a Kyuubimon's legs could. Inside the sphere, and once again inside BlackMegaGargomon, DC sighed in relief, now certain that his new friends would be okay.

"BlackTerriermon."

"Yes?" The voice of the small Digimon echoed around the boy, giving him a certain relief.

"………don't worry. Everything's just fine."

"………if you say so."

It was right about then when DC began convulsing. No longer able to cry, and barely capable to hear Daemon's roaring as the Demon Lord futilely tried to break the sphere of black energy. BlackMegaGargomon (and the human controlling it) arched forward, at the same time a black bulge began to grow on its back. DC cried in pain, and BlackTerriermon soon followed him. The girl in DC's mind giggled.

"Hey, who would have thought? The Third decided to help, too! Oh, well, makes things easier for us, koibito."

And finally, in one last scream of agonic pleasure, BlackMegaGargomon's back exploded in a burst of black flames, revealing a magnificent set of nine pairs of black wings.

"This is the power of the Black Phoenix,

the prayer of the fallen God………

I bless you with the power of the moon,

the anthems of the cherubims……

……and my eternal love………"

Finally, the sphere of darkness faded, leaving Daemon with a sight that he'd keep in his memory until his final moments. DC, now sure of what he had to do, summoned his energy and his courage in one final attack.

"BLACK MOON FLARE!!!!!!"

And a girl encased in a giant glass tube in the A.D.A.M. room smiled.

*****End of flashback……*****

DC opened his eyes to meet the sight of a familiar ceiling. He was on his bed. He was home. He only had vague memories of how he had returned. He didn't remember what happened after he summoned the Black Moon Flare. He only remembered that everything went black……and the cutest giggling he had ever heard.

He looked to his left. BlackTerriermon quietly snored next to him. The small Digimon was exhausted, just like him. It had been hard enough to think of an excuse to explain his clothes……did I say clothes? I should say rags.

He sighed.

I wonder what happened to Tatsu and Eclipse………I hope they're okay……I hope Daemon doesn't find them.

Just like the girl had said, he hadn't been able to destroy Daemon, not even after using the most incredible attack he had ever imagined. Somehow the Daemon he had met was infinitely stronger than the Daemon in the TV show. And that said a lot.

Is that……what anger can do to a person? Is his thirst for revenge the only thing that keeps him alive?

DC shuddered at the thought of what might happen if Daemon managed to get his hands on Takato Matsuki. He wanted to help the boy. After all, DC admired Takato since he saw him on the TV show. That, added to what BlackTerriermon told him, had created an absolute respect for the Tamer with goggles. However, he was unable to open the Gate.

It's up to Takeru now………

The thought of Takeru Takaishi forced DC to look at his right arm. DC couldn't hide a smile.

The Opal Omnivice glowed in the night's darkness.

*****Hypnos-2*****

"Unfortunately, I have little information on the details of Project Asmodeus, and the construction of the Vessel of God."

Nobody noticed how Takato cringed at the word 'construction'.

I………I was BUILT. I'm not the product of a man and a woman. I was created by some wacko who wanted to play Frankenstein.

For the first time ever, neither Ruki nor Chaos had an answer for him.

"But, Mister Takeru, what precisely is the 'Vessel of God'? What makes him special? What makes him different?"

Takato glared at the speaker, Janyuu Wong, before looking down again.

They're already talking about me as if I wasn't even here. I'm worthless………not even human………

Takeru answered. "I know little of that. What I know is that Takato's body possesses enhanced features that not only make him an upgraded form of human being, but make him suitable for the containment and controlling of Chaos. Enhanced sight, hearing, tactile sensibility, adjustable metabolism, blood system, enhanced oxygenation, improved nervous system, increased amount of neurons, enhanced assimilation of nutrients, enhanced system of excretion, enhanced reproduction capabilities………every single detail that makes humans special compared to other animals has bee further enhanced in Takato. However, not all those 'add-ons' are as noticeable, as only those enhancements which had been put to continuous use have been properly developed. Considering Takato's life as a Tamer, only the enhacements that could somehow increase his battle capabilities have been developed."

"The Perfect Tamer………" Ryo muttered. Takeru smiled and nodded.

"Yes, Ryo. He was especially suited for being a Tamer. That's why he needed so little experience to reach his actual level."

Takato quietly snarled from his place at the back of the group. But does that really matter in the end? That doesn't change the fact that I'm dying……

Takeru continued. "As for the task of controlling Chaos, a particular series of personality traits was added to Takato's genetic code. That explains the events we describe as 'Dual Personalities' within Takato. To be more precise, the data patch produced by the developer of Project Asmodeus divided God's personality in two, just as in the beginning of the Universes. One is the Takato Matsuki we know. That one is called 'Asmodeus'. The other one is the being we came to know as 'Chaos'……which is not truly Chaos. The true Chaos……the true God is the fusion of the two personalities."

"Asmodeus………just like………a very appropriate name, indeed……"

Terriermon looked up from his place on top of Henry's head, to realize he had become the center of attention. "Ahh…umm……sorry!"

"No……go on. Is there something you wanted to say?" Janyuu insisted. Terriermon meekly shook his head.

"No! I just……I just remembered what 'Asmodeus' means."

"Then please share it with us." Takato spoke, for the first time since the group joined again after the first meeting. Terriermon sighed.

"Well………have you read the Bible?"

"What does that have to do with this?" Yamaki asked.

"Well……" Terriermon explained. "……after the first man and the first woman, Adam and Eve, were kicked out of Heaven for the Original Sin and the betrayal of God's trust, they had two children, Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother because God preferred Abel's offerings over his, and God exiled him to become and vagabond for the rest of his days. Cain, however, found a wife, who had a child named Henoc, which later had a child, Irad, who had Mejuyael, who had Metusael. Metusael's son, Lamek, had two wives, Adá and Sil-la. Adá gave birth to Yabal and Yubal, while Sil-la gave birth to Tubal Cain and Naamah. And that's when the Bible ends……and the mythology begins."

The small animal Digimon jumped from Henry's head to Takato's, and once again faced his audience.

"Have you ever heard of Lilith?"

All the heads in the room were shaken. Terriermon sighed.

"According to the Hebrew Mythology, Lilith is the wife of Satan. Lilith is the mother and mistress of all demons. According to legend, she was Adam's sexual companion at the beginning of time. But then, Eve was born, and Lilith was sealed at the bottom of the sea. However, when Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, the seal that restrained Lilith was broken, and from that moment she roams the world to destroy the children of Adam and Eve……the humans. Some even say that Lilith is Cain's true mother, but anyway………It is said that Lilith has a sister, Nehema. And in some legends, Nehema is the same as Naamah, Tubal Cain's sister. Now, Tubal Cain made love to Naamah, who got pregnant and gave birth to a child………a demon, to be precise."

Terriermon remained silent for a few seconds to regain some lost air.

"This demon's name was Asmodeus, which means 'The God Who Destroys' or 'He Who Is Adorned with Flames', and is known as the Fourth Arch Demon."

The room remained silent for a second, while the people in the room digested the story they had just heard. Terriermon continued before someone could ask just how he knew all that stuff.

"But, Takeru, if Takato is the Vessel of God………why is he weakening?"

Everyone looked at Takeru. After all, that was a good question. Takeru let go a quiet sigh.

"Such is the power of the Higher Entity. No matter what, there is no way a body created by an imperfect creature can contain infinite power. However, the essence of God remains within the body, as within there is the possibility."

"The possibility of what?" Henry asked. Takeru shrugged.

"I wish I knew. I have no idea of what would happen if Asmodeus and Chaos actually managed to merge."

Once again, silence. Rumiko would be the next to speak.

"But, if Takato, well………"

"……dies?" Takato completed. Rumiko gulped.

"……if Takato……dies………that would mean Chaos takes control, and history repeats, right?"

Takeru shook his head. "No. If Asmodeus dies, Chaos won't have total control."

"WHAT!?" Takato's………no, Chaos' voice echoed in the room. Takeru barely manage to contain his triumphant smile.

"Yes, precisely. As even the original God's personality was split in two, when one of the personalities dies, the other is not complete enough to assume absolute control. In other words, if Asmodeus dies, Chaos dies with him, and viceversa."

Chaos simply stared at the blonde Tamer, his eyes a mixture of shock and absolute anger.

"No………no way. It's a lie."

"No, it is not."

"It's a lie! IT HAS TO BE!!!"

Takeru smirked. "Well, at this point, Asmodeus only has a few days left. We'll know if I'm saying the truth then."

Chaos' eyes widened the size of dishes, almost stunned by the security Takeru displayed. Finally defeated, he fell to the floor in a pitiful parody of a doll whose strings were cut. However, realization soon struck his mind.

"And that's your plan, huh?"

"Say again?" Takeru asked. Chaos replied with a grim smile.

"Yes, that's what you had planned since the very beginning. Those Digimon……the ones who attacked me this morning………they wanted me alive. Unconscious, but alive. Whoever sent them here is after my power………and that's your plan. You'll keep me away of whoever wants me until I die. As soon as I'm gone, the crisis is over………or maybe I'm wrong."

Everybody stared art Takeru, their mouths half open in disbelief. Takeru actually managed to smile.

Smart ass Takato………

Well, you asked for it………

At least I still have you, right?

Yep, you said it.

"…………I won't deny it. Yes, that was precisely what I had in mind."

Takeru closed his eyes………and winced when the hand smacked his left cheek. He only opened his eyes out of curiosity. He wanted to know who had officially labeled him as 'scum'.

He never imagined that the sight of Rika Nonaka's mother would hurt him so much.

"How can you…………how can you be so inconsiderate!? He's going to die………he's going to die, and you're actually expecting it to happen!"

Takeru averted his gaze. If he hadn't, he would have met the glares of pretty much everyone in the room, human and Digimon alike. If he hadn't, he would have also met the compassionate smile Asmodeus wanted him to see.

"……you're wrong, Miss Rumiko. You have no idea……no idea how many times I've wished I could be the one that has to be sacrificed. I've lived long enough, and my life is miserable enough as it is. On the other side, Takato………"

Cerulean eyes met almond, and Takeru found a glimpse of understanding that gave him enough strength to go on.

"………he has so many things left, so much to live for. He has a family that cares, friends who care! He still has so many things to learn, things to experience……I wish he had the chance to enjoy school……to enjoy his youth, to find his significant other, to experience the joys of love and happiness………to do all those things I couldn't do…………"

To do all those things I threw away………things I could have had, things I reject not having done, and things that are better left undone……

Takeru looked away once again. But he wasn't fast enough to hide the tear. A tear that everybody could see. They were not only listening to his confession, they were watching the revelation of a soul struck by grief, a soul which desperately needed comfort………warmth. Patamon jumped out of his place on Takeru's shoulder. He knew when he was not supposed to be there, and this was one of those moments.

"………but Takato is the martyr in this story………and that's the way it is. Crying or arguing won't change anything."

Nobody tried to stop Takeru when he left the room. Nobody but Takato.

"Takeru."

"………yes?"

"……who's the enemy? Who's after me now?"

Takeru sighed. Five seconds later, a Digimon card fell at Takato's feet, right before Takeru finally exited the room. Takato picked the card and examined it, easily recognizing the Digimon on it. He knew the card and the Digimon just too well, mainly because he had the card in his collection and he had seen the Digimon in the TV show.

"Daemon…………"

*****Another hour later*****

Once again, Takeru had been drawn to the rooftop. Staring at the artificial lights of the Shinjuku night, Takeru reflected on decisions made and mistakes that he regretted. Finally, he let himself fall to the concrete floor, sitting down and leaning on the nearest wall for support.

"I'm pathetic……"

"Well, you certainly look pathetic right now."

Takeru looked up once again to meet the smiling faces of Takato and Patamon.

"……Asmodeus………I……I'm sorry, Takato……"

"You can call me however you want. It doesn't really matter anymore. I have more names than I have shirts. From Asmodeus to Gogglehead, you choose."

Takeru chuckled. "I guess Takato will do."

Patamon returned to his usual resting place. "Are you ok? You shouldn't be all alone like this……"

"Did you forget? I'm never alone, not when Pauline is always with me."

My, thank you……

Takato sat next to the former Digi-Destined and met his clear blue eyes. "You know, I'm not mad at you."

"Really? I guess that's good to know."

"But it's kind of funny, you know? Pretty much everyone else wants to kill you right now, and I should be the one leading them. Why am I not mad at you?"

"If you don't know, much less I do." Takeru replied.

"I think it's because I can't blame you."

Takeru and Patamon couldn't help but be pretty surprised. "How come?" The small orange Digimon asked. Takato smiled and nodded.

"I'll ask you a question, and I want you to be perfectly honest."

"Shoot."

"Do you think we have a chance against Daemon, Takeru?"

"Honestly? No."

"Gee, you sound so sure……"

"It's because I'm sure, Takato. Maybe if you helped them, the Tamers might have a chance, but you're too weak to fight. Daemon is an extremely powerful foe, and his power has increased in the past fifteen years. His anger and desire for vengeance makes him practically invincible, a berserk fighter who will do anything to win."

"But……my friends will never give up! Rika will never give up!"

"Neither will he."

Takato sighed. "……I guess that's why I'm not mad at you. If Daemon is as strong as you say, and he's so fixated in acquiring my powers, then our best option is to keep him away from me until I die. It's not the best thing to do, but it's our only option. It hurts me to admit it, but……I'd have done the same if I were you."

Takeru covered his face with his hands. "Oh, Takato! You know I'm only doing what I can!"

Takato nodded. "Just……promise me one thing……"

*****A few minutes earlier, in a different area of the Hypnos Complex*****

"So, he went to meet Takeru……" Rika muttered as her fists clenched with utmost strength. "Okay, here's the plan: you hold Takeru, and Gogglehead and me beat the crap out of him…….you know, we should call mom, too! I'm sure she'd like to join the fun, too……"

"Rika!" Renamon finally snapped out, no longer able to hear her Tamer's ranting and not doing something about it.

"What?"

"I don't get it. Why is everyone so angry at Mr. Takaishi? Why are YOU so angry at him?"

Rika snorted and increased her pace, so that the vulpine creature didn't see the growing blush on her cheeks.

"Well, wouldn't you be mad if some guy used you as if you were some frickin' doll? A machine that can be discarded!?"

Renamon stopped right on her tracks.

Deus ex machina………

The God in the machine…………is that what you truly think, Terriermon?

Oh, yes, she had heard him. She did not have ears as long as Terriermon's, but they were good enough. While making a mental note to pay more attention to the hellish bunny from now on, Renamon continued her walk besides Rika, shifting the conversation to a slightly less……critical topic……just funnier.

"Oh, but Takeru is treating Takato like that, not you. Then why are you the one who's mad?" Renamon "innocently" asked.

Rika stopped, to shoot Renamon a deadly glare. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

"What?" Renamon asked, tilting her head for added effect. Rika sighed. "Whatever. Look, since Takato is too much of a wuss to beat Takeru by himself, I'm going to do it for him. It's just……"

"But………my friends will never give up! Rika will never give up!"

"Crouch!" Rika suddenly commanded, and both Tamer and Digimon hid.

"Neither will he." Takeru said. Renamon frowned.

"Rika, I don't think we should-"

"Save the speech for someone else, Renamon."

Takato's sigh was echoed by Renamon's.

"……I guess that's why I'm not mad at you. If Daemon is as strong as you say, and he's so fixated in acquiring my powers, then our best option is to keep him away from me until I die. It's not the best thing to do, but it's our only option. It hurts me to admit it, but……I'd have done the same if I were you."

Rika clenched her fists and growled. "Oh, I can't believe him! I knew he was a goody-goody two shoes, but I thought he AT LEAST had SOME spine!"

"Shhhh!!!" Renamon complained while she placed a finger on her lips.

"Oh, Takato! You know I'm only doing what I can!"

"Well, it's not enough to me!" Rika growled. Renamon decided not to bother anymore.

"Just……promise me one thing……"

"………anything………"

"Oh, I can't believe that guy's nerve!"

"Rika!"

"Takeru……promise me that………once I'm gone………"

Rika would have left her hideout to smack Takato for those last three words if Renamon hadn't been there to stop her.

"…promise me………you'll take care of Rika for me."

Silence struck the place. Takeru could not believe Takato's request, and neither did Rika and Renamon.

"I don't think Rika needs someone to take care of her. She's a pretty strong-willed girl." Takeru finally said.

Takato nodded sadly, struggling against the tears which claimed to be free. "I know, but………you see, when I met her, she was this cold, heartless………"

"…bitch?" Patamon completed. Of course, he only got two well-placed hits courtesy of Takato and Takeru. He would have gotten three, if, once again, Renamon weren't there. Takato chuckled, and continued.

"……she just didn't……didn't give a damn about those around her, not even her mother……not even Renamon. Then I found out about her father and……I felt……"

"……sorry for her?" Patamon once again completed. Takato shook his head with great energy.

"Are you kidding me!? She'd kick my ass if I displayed the slightest hint of feeling sorry for her! I still remember what she said when I talked to her about that dr……forget it."

Takeru chuckled. "Don't bother. I know everything about the dream."

A bright crimson blush covered Takato's face (and Rika's, but nobody noticed) "B-b-b-but how!?"

Takeru's chuckling became a quiet laughter. "You underestimate me, Takato."

"Aww……anyway……" Takato pouted, giving up on the whole secrecy thing. "……I didn't feel pity or something, I just………I just thought it was unfair. We both have the same age, and we aren't that much different. She might be a little richer and stuff, but………but I have a father, and she does not, and I don't think it's fair a person like Rika had to become so cold and distant because of that detail. A father………a single human being made an immense abyss between us. It made me happy, and it made her miserable."

Rika frowned and looked at Renamon. "I'm not miserable! Renamon, do I look miserable?"

"No, Rika, of course not." The fox-like Digimon replied, looking away. She would have whistled……if she knew how to.

"I……I wanted her………to be happy. As simple as that. She might have felt content by playing Ice Queen all the time, but I wanted to show her that there was more."

"And that's why you remained with her when anyone else would have backed away." Takeru said softly.

"Of course I didn't give up! How could I, when I knew the reward would be so great!?"

"Reward?" Takeru asked, even if he had a pretty good idea of what the young boy meant. Takato looked down, his blush only a faint pink.

"Takeru, I have seen her smile. And I've seen her cry. I've seen sides of her no other person has. Heck, I've seen sides of Rika most people don't even know that exist! And that………that makes all the smacking, bumping, mocking and insulting………that makes everything else worth it."

Takeru and the two eavesdroppers remained silent. Somehow they knew Takato wasn't done. And both Rika and Renamon were regretting their intrusion. The words that were being said were words better left unknown to the two of them……until Takato decided to reveal them.

"I………I'd kill a hundred D-Reapers, a thousand Nightmares and a million Daemons to see her smile, Takeru."

Renamon closed her eyes. Her Digimon mind, unfortunately for her, didn't allow her to grasp the whole extent of Takato's declaration. She had yet to understand many things about love. The same applied to Rika, too, but not for being a Digimon, of course. In her case, it was the consequence of years of feeling absolutely nothing, and owning a frozen heart that was just starting to melt. However, she managed to let go a few words.

"If you want me to smile…………you just have to ask, Takato…………"

A white paw on her left shoulder wasn't very helpful. It didn't stop the tears, for example.

As for Takeru, well………he was struck by familiarity. Oh, yes, Takato was so much like him at his young age. Memories of long lost love and decisions made once again haunted his mind, as they would do for the rest of his lifetime. Most of the times he had thought words similar to Takato's, he had done it with a smile on her face. However, the twelve-year-old boy next to him was anything but happy. An exchange of glances was enough to tell Patamon that he was better off, and the small Digimon flew away, probably in search of a night snack. Takeru remained silent, incapable of doing anything at the sight of the weeping Takato.

"And now………now I'm going to die……and I'm so afraid……"

Takato involuntarily snuggled closer to the older Tamer. "Afraid of death, Takato?"

The boy shook her head. "No……I'm afraid that………if I leave………Rika will return to her old self………and I don't want that to happen, Takeru!!!" He said before bursting to tears and burying his face on TK's chest. The blonde did what he had done for the past minutes: absolutely nothing.

Takato………oh, Lord, Takato!

Ruki cursed the whole world for being nothing more than a personality trait programmed in a Digivice. She never wanted to have real arms so badly, as she had never needed to hug someone so urgently. She could do it inside the complexities of Takato's mind, but the one in question, Asmodeus, was pretty much shut off the other personalities within the vessel of God.

"…………………"

Chaos didn't say a word. He was too busy resisting the abnormal need to cry he felt at the moment. After all, Asmodeus and Chaos are both manifestations of the same self: the original 'Chaos', which is a form of the Higher Entity. To make things simple, the feeling that devastated Asmodeus' heart also threatened to break through Chaos' normally 'cool' persona. Considering that he wasn't used to such extreme amounts of sadness, it was just a matter of time before the obscure being also fell prey of grief.

What are you waiting for, dumbass!? Hold him!

"But, Pauline, I don't think I……"

He needs someone right now! Do you see anyone else!?

"Hmm……well………actually………"

Just DO IT!!!

Takeru slowly (very slowly) wrapped his arms around the young kid, who was still crying his soul out. His words, overloaded with sorrow, did nothing but further damage. The hearts of those in the room were broken enough as it is.

"………if I die………who'll try to make her smile………who'll make sure she doesn't become cold and uncaring again…………I want her to LIVE, Takeru! I want her to feel, to laugh, to cry, to love! I want her to do all those things………all those wonderful things………I won't be able to do…………I want Rika to have a bright future………even if I'm not part of it…………and I want the world……to see………the Rika only I have seen………I want the world to know MY Rika!!!"

Renamon was discovering herself as she watched the scene. Due to her position as an Agent of the Dragon God, Goddramon, she was supposed to watch for the OmniTamer's well being, at least until the day of the liberation arrived. But the reason she wanted to comfort him in that moment was something more simple, but at the same time, more profound and definitely more important. Takato had become more than 'Guilmon's Tamer'. Much more. For the first time (and definitely not the last) ever, she was proud to say……

"Takato is my friend………"

As for Rika, well…………she had made quite an important discovery.

It wasn't very impressing. There were no fireworks, or sudden epiphany, or hallelujah chorus. It was as simple as certain. One moment she didn't know, the next moment, it couldn't be clearer.

She had always been an independent person, and she had always been proud of herself. She had never paid attention to the stereotypes the media displayed all the time, and she had never wanted to become someone else. She was Rika Nonaka, and that was more than enough for her. Most people might not like her carefree attitude, most people didn't find it very feminine……so what? She never cared……and she didn't care if the others cared. To make things better, the only person whom she worried about caring didn't care, either. He liked her just the way she was. And so, she always remained true to herself, and never wished to be in any other's shoes.

In that moment, though, she never wanted to be Takeru Takaishi so badly.

Her heart practically yelled at her! She had to be the one hugging him! She had to be the one comforting him! She had to be the one soothing him, holding him close to her, giving him warmth!

"What the hell am I doing hiding here!?" Her heart said. She needed to comfort him, just as much as he needed to be comforted. But she couldn't be with him, as she'd have to do a lot of explaining if she suddenly showed up and wrapped Takato with her arms. Besides, she still had a reputation to protect. The fact that she lo………liked the Gogglehead was no excuse to become all mushy and cute.

Yes, it wasn't very impressing. There was, however, a lot of reminiscence in the process.

Takato……was protecting Guilmon while she ordered Renamon to absorb his data.

Takato……his faint blush when he told her of the dream……and how he cringed when she retaliated. It was the first time he made her blush………it wouldn't be the last………

Once again, Takato………fighting the Devas………performing displays of strength she had never imagined him capable of………first hints of what he truly was………

Takato…………at the Digital World, Jeri had told her………he had been the most eager to look for her when she separated from the main group. Of course, he was on his Jeri-fixation phase, so he excused himself by saying he was worried for Kazu and Kenta………

Takato………the day the returned to the Real World………he was actually willing to stay………to wait for her………and when she showed up with Kyuubimon and Impmon………that smile…………

Takato……and her t-shirt………how could she forget that? He actually found the guts to compliment her………and she felt pleased………and there was that smile again………

Takato……fighting D-Reaper………with such force……with such confidence……with such emotion……so eager to rescue his friends………and she was so jealous………wondering if someone would do the same for her………

Takato………helping her at the Card Game Tournament, rooting for her, wishing her luck and helping her before she was unfairly disqualified………and in exchange, she had punched him……she knew it had been an accident, but……sometimes……she wondered what would have happen otherwise……

Takato, going to the Digital World by himself, to find her Renamon, to bring her Digimon back to her………to make her happy………now she understood that it had been much more than an act of friendship.

And, of course, Takato, fighting the Nightmare by her side……she would have never done it without him……or was it the other way around?

And then, she realized what she had become, what he had made her become. She had tried to fight her own humanity for too long, but now she realized that it was unavoidable. Humans need other humans, and she was not the exception. She needed HIM. Why him? Because she liked him. Why did she like him? Because he made her happy. Why did he make her happy? Because he is Takato Matsuki, the man who cares for her even more than for his very own existence.

And on and on, I could go on with Rika's feelings and emotions in that very short moment. Thankfully, humans invented a very beautiful word to simplify thousands of thoughts in one simple, yet very significant idea.

Love.

She loved Takato Matsuki.

Why?

She didn't know……and she didn't really care……

………but the mere act of knowing………

………told her that everything was okay with the world………just for that moment………

*****Hypnos Main Complex. 5:00 A.M*****

He didn't know why, as his body felt weaker by the second, but Takato couldn't sleep anymore that night. He of all people deserved to stay on bed till late, but he just found it impossible. He knew Chaos energy reserves were diminishing, and he wouldn't be able to use his recovery powers for much longer. Asmodeus' weakness was finally affecting the dark counterpart. Takeru was right. In one went down, the other went soon followed. Maybe that was the reason Chaos didn't seem to be very talkative lately. As for Ruki………

Good morning, Ruki……

Good morning, Takato. Sleep well?

Yeah, quite. Thanks.

…………………are………

…what?

……are you……okay?

Takato closed his eyes and allowed himself to drown in the vast extension of his mind, where the 'corporeal' manifestations of the three entities that existed within him rested. When he 'reopened' his eyes, he found himself in the habitual black room. Ruki was right in front of him. And Takato couldn't help but feel thankful for her worried expression.

"Since when do you care so much for my well-being, Ruki?" Takato asked with a smile on his face. Ruki blushed in response.

"You-you know I've always cared for you! You're my owner, after all!"

"Is that all?" Takato replied, his smile growing even wider as he leaned closer to his Digivice trait. Then, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her left cheek.

"Next time I ask you have to answer: 'because we're friends', okay?"

Ruki chuckled and nodded. "Friends, right? Okay!"

Takato let go of his friend. "So……where's Chaos, anyway?"

Ruki shrugged. "Dunno. But he's been kind of silent lately, huh?"

Takato nodded. He knew that Chaos, too, was going through a lot of pain. But, just like him, Chaos was pretty good at hiding it.

Takato reopened his eyes to the real world and jumped off the bed, wincing when his feet touched the floor.

Takato……

It's……it's okay……my bones hurt a little, that's it………

Takato, we're friends, right?

Yes, I just told you that.

Then don't lie to me! I am directly connected to your brain and I can perform a complete scanning of your body in a second! Your bones can barely hold your body!

………………

Takato didn't say a word. His bones wouldn't stop him from getting out of that bedroom and live what could be his last day. He was grateful his parents allowed him to stay at Hypnos HQ. He was pretty sure he would have collapsed on the way home.

He wasn't surprised to see that the place was bursting with activity, as usual. Of course, by 'bursting' I mean working, as Hypnos has always been a kind of silent place. Takato already knew his place around the Government Building, so he easily made his way to the Mainframe, not without wondering where the hell Guilmon was.

However, what surprised Takato more than Guilmon's presence at the Mainframe room was the absolute silence that seemed to fill the place. Much more silent than the usual, as everyone in the room was simply muted.

It didn't take him long to find out the reason, as it was a big red dot on the giant screen: the normal signal that indicated the arrival of a wild Digimon. However, the size of this particular dot was immense, which meant one of two things: or the Digimon had an insane amount of data, or there was more than a Digimon. Takato would soon find out that, actually, it meant both.

"So……he's finally here." Takato said, destroying the eerie silence and startling pretty much everyone in the room. Takeru, at the sight of the younger Tamer, gasped.

"Takato! You're……you're awake……"

Takato smiled and nodded, at the same time he petted Guilmon, who had walked next to his Tamer. "Yep. Couldn't sleep."

The Omni-Tamer looked at the screen once more. "It's him, isn't he?"

Takeru nodded grimly. "Yeah……took him long enough………" And I guess we owe that to DC and BlackTerriermon………great job……thanks.

Takato carefully eyed everyone in the room, to realize he had become the center of attention. Obviously, they already knew who Daemon was after.

"Takeru………"

"Yes?"

"We………we don't stand a chance against him, right?"

Takeru sighed. "After everything you and your friends have done, after so many battles won, I'd like to say that you could defeat him, but………he's just too driven by his grief and his anger, Takato…………and that gives him power beyond our imagination."

"I see………then…………I'll go alone."

"WHAT!?" Takeru complained. "Takato, I won't allow you to-"

"Quiet!" Takato demanded, and the Lord of Humans closed his mouth. "They must be sleeping right now……I won't take them to a losing battle, Takeru! It would be stupid and unnecessary! Daemon wants me, so I'll go to him, and if I lose…………I'll make sure he doesn't take my powers. I'll………I'll kill myself before he tries."

Everyone's eyes widened at Takato's bold statement. Takeru looked at Janyuu, who had obviously stayed all night working with Shibumi and Daneel.

"Mister Wong, please don't call Henry……much less Suzie. I beg you. Don't call anyone. This is something I must……I want to do alone."

Finally, he looked at Guilmon, who smiled with his goofy reptilian grin.

"Guilmon……do you understand that this could be our last battle together?"

Guilmon tilted his head. "Renamon explained everything to Guilmon. I didn't understand many of it, but I don't care. Guilmon is happy as long as he's with Takato!"

Takato sighed. "Very well……let's go, Guilmon."

Everyone stared at Takato's back as he exited the room, and eventually the building. Once he was gone, everyone looked at Takeru.

"So……what do we do?" Daneel finally asked. Takeru's eyes narrowed.

"We won't call the Tamers. You prepare the cameras for keeping an eye on the battle. I'll go help him……whether he likes it or not."

And so, Takeru and Patamon left the room, too.

*****One Last Scene*****

Takato took his time. First, he had no rush to arrive to the park, where (of course) the Digimon had been localized. Takato wondered why the park was such a hot spot for Digimon appearances. Second, he couldn't have run, even if he wanted to. And third, he needed to save as much energy as possible for the upcoming fight.

I should have had a quick meal before leaving………damn……

Takato……

What is it?

……why are you doing this?

Why, you ask? Probably because I'm tired. Waiting for death is not a very pleasant thing………

So you're hoping for Daemon to kill you?

Nah……that would be too easy. Besides, he needs me alive. I……just…want to put an end to this……even if it means the end of me. Remember, I want a future for everyone……even if I'm not part of it.

………Rika will be sad.

………do you think so?

……yeah.

Takato couldn't help but smile.

"…………hey……"

Okay.

"Huh?"

I know what you want, Chaos. Did you forget? We're the same.

"Oh……right. So……you'll let me fight?"

……not precisely………I had something else in mind………

A second later, Chaos could grasp the basic concept of Asmodeus' idea.

"Interesting, but………we'll lose more energy more quickly if we do that."

Maybe, but it could give us the advantage we need. Who knows? We might actually beat him!

"………you sick bastard………you DO want to die, don't you?"

If it's the prize for her happiness, then yes.

"……well, I don't."

It's not like you can choose not to. Between death and Daemon becoming the new God, I'll pick death anytime.

Takato arrived to the park at 5:55 A.M. The place was covered by the usual fog, and Takato soon noticed the absence of people, a detail Takato appreciated. It seemed like people already associated the fog with a wild Digimon, and avoided it. Guilmon soon began to sniff and snarl, warning Takato that he was already spotted. Takato simply looked forward and continued walking, even if he could tell the exact location of every enemy within the fog.

Takeru is right……my senses are indeed enhanced………

At last, Takato made it to the center of the fog field. With a grim sigh, Takato recognized the place as the exact same clearing of land where he, as ChaosGallantmon, had battled the Tamers a few days before. However, he ran out of time for remembrances, as a low voice acknowledged his presence.

"Well, you are or pretty brave or extremely stupid."

"……or both." Takato completed.

At first glance, Takato thought that Daemon was bigger than he had expected. Then he remembered that he could change his size at will, so there was no way to tell if that was Daemon's true size: a good 6 feet. Besides that, he was exactly as Takato had seen on TV and the Trading Cards.

"At last, we meet………Vessel of God."

"The name's Takato."

"You know what I want."

"Yeah, yeah……can we get this over with, please?"

"Well, come here and I'll make this as painless as possible."

"Oh, how kind of you!" Takato exclaimed sarcastically.

Ruki……

Here we go……good luck.

Thanks……

MATRIX EVOLUTION

Bio-Merge Activated

OMNI-TAMER

"Guilmon, digivolve to………Gallantmon!"

Takato let go a loud gasp as his body merged with Guilmon's. Immediately, Takato wrapped his arms around his body and groaned in pain, while Gallantmon did the very same.

Takato!

It…hurts……it hurts so much!!!

"Takato! Let me do this!"

It won't make a difference! It'll hurt you just as much as it hurts me, and you know it!

"Takato, are you okay?" Guilmon's voice reached Takato's ears. The Tamer smiled and nodded.

"Momentai, Guilmon. Let's do this."

"Okay!"

Gallantmon regained his composure and extended his right arm, pointing his lance at Daemon.

"Why don't YOU come here instead?"

E.T.D. (Estimated Time of Death): 113:57:46

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

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

End of chapter 7………

(The Biggest Dreamer starts playing)

Henry's voice: Daemon has finally arrived to Shinjuku, and Takato has left to fight him alone! At the same time, Daemon's troops get prepared for the attack, and Takeru is forced to face them if he wants to save Takato before Daemon's acquires his power. Of course, it's not like I'm not going to do anything about this! Lots of fighting, and a surprising plot twist in the next exciting installment of "Silent Sorrow": The Siege of Shinjuku!

Daneel Rush (daneel_ff@hotmail.com)