A/N: As usual, sorry about the lateness. Between school, work and health problems, my free time has been nil. This chapter may seem slightly confusing, but things will be sorted out in the next. And despite appearance, Veliomon isn't another member of the Black War Greymon/Mewtwo creation angst club. Now a plot twist, on the other hand…well, you'll find out soon enough. And "Veliomon" is the deliberate misspelling of Veloci" from Velociraptor, there are too many fan-made "Raptormon" in existence and I wanted something different. Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 3: Cerebral Clash

"Takato, Takato!" Ruki yelled loudly as she kneeled next to the unconscious form of the goggled Tamer. The flaming ring that had been the source of her, Renamon and Guilmon's bondage had vanished when he had appeared, unconscious and surrounded by a crackling purple bubble that had burst as soon as it touched the ground. "Perhaps it's time to call your mother or grandmother for assistance." Renamon spoke calmly from beneath a nearby tree.

Ruki frowned at the suggestion. "How will that help? We don't even know what that witch did to Takato, aside from using his neck as a scratching post." Her expression hardened. "When I get my hands on her, she's going to regret what she did to us and ever laying a hand on him."

Guilmon fretted on Takato's other side, his saurian face anxious and his tail lashing. "Is Takato going to be okay? That bubble didn't look fun to be in."

Ruki made a sound of frustration. "I don't know. I'm not sure if we should try to move him or just wait for him to wake up."

Renamon sighed. "And we have no idea of how long that could take or even if it's a possibility."

"In other words, we're stuck." Ruki finished irately.

At her statement, Guilmon moved closer to his partner. Takato looked like he was sleeping, aside from the bloody scratches across his neck. And from what Ruki and Renamon were saying, Guilmon was worried that his Tamer would never wake up.

But his ears perked slightly when a soft sound caught his attention. Drawing closer, Guilmon could hear a very soft moan coming from Takato's prone body.

"Takato is waking up!" He cried excitedly, causing Ruki to start and Renamon to teleport closer.

"Takato," Ruki whispered, shaking him faintly. Her eyes widened when Takato ceased moaning and slowly opened his eyes.

"R-Ruki? Is that really you?" He asked bewildered.

Moving away from him, the Digimon Queen nodded curtly. "Yes. Why? Were you expecting someone else?"

Remembering Erinyemon's Noh mask, Takato paled and shook his head quickly. "No, no one else." He stammered. "Are we back in the park?"

"In a matter of speaking." Answered Renamon. "You were the only one of us that left it."

"I did?" Takato replied uncertainly.

Ruki's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Erinyemon didn't do something to your memory, did she? She took off with you after putting those rings on us and leaving us here to rot."

Takato frowned. Things seemed so hazy to him at the moment. But when he concentrated, everything seemed to come back. The battle between Erinyemon and Renamon, Guilmon being captured by her Blazing Rings and set on fire, Ruki's confinement…

"Guilmon," Takato turned to his partner. "I'm sorry that I let you get hurt. I wanted to help you but I…" He trailed off ashamedly.

"It's okay Takato." Guilmon replied. "I know you would have helped me if that evil Digimon hadn't taken you."

Guilmon's vote of confidence did little to still the guilt that burned Takato from within. He glanced at Ruki, only to see both anger and worry reflected in her lavender eyes.

"Ruki, are you-"

"I'm fine." Ruki cut in. "Renamon and I have been through a lot worse. What I want to know is why Erinyemon wanted you."

Not quite meeting Ruki's eyes, Takato sighed.

How was I can I tell her that I'm the reason this is all happening? Erinyemon sounded so angry when I refused to help Demon and threatened everyone that I care about, especially Ruki. What if she finds I out that I told her? After everything that's happened lately, she's the last person I want to see hurt.

"She wanted…" Takato paused, trying to find the right words to phrase his explanation. "She was looking for something and thought I had it." It wasn't completely the truth, that he knew, but Takato couldn't really lie to her.

Ruki continued to look suspicious. "And what made her think that you were the only one who had it?"

Trying to overcome his guilt, Takato shrugged. "I'm not sure. She took me to the top of a building and when she realized that I didn't have what she was looking for, she got mad…" He absently touched his throat at the memory. "Then she dropped me from the building and used an attack to put me a purple bubble. That's the last thing I remember before waking up here."

Takato took a glimpse at Ruki and found her scowling. "Like I said, Eriyemon's lucky." Noticing Takato staring at her, Ruki's dark expression faded. "But as long as you're okay, I guess that's all that matters."

As he tried to stand, Takato gave a half-hearted smile. "Thanks. I'm just glad that you, Guilmon and Renamon weren't hurt either."

Ruki snorted dismissively. "We better get going. With everything that's happened lately, I'm surprised my mother doesn't have the army looking for me yet."

"Then perhaps it would be best if I went on ahead." Renamon suggested. "To relieve her and your grandmother of any fears they might have over your delayed return."

Ruki nodded. "Good idea. I'll be home in a few minutes." The vulpine Digimon nodded and leaped into the air, vanishing into nothingness.

"You look pretty banged up goggle-head." Ruki remarked, turning towards Takato. "Do you want me to walk you home or something?" The last statement was spoken with a small measure of discomfort.

Takato paled slightly. "No-no, I'm okay!" He stammered hurriedly. "Besides, my Mom and Dad are probably waiting for me. C'mon Guilmon! Bye Ruki, see you later!" He shouted as he took off running, Guilmon beside him, their bodies becoming smaller by the distance. As she watched the pair depart, Ruki frowned.

Something really weird is going on with Takato and I'm gonna find out what it is.

Shibumi was in pain. Or agony, to be more precise. Every part of his body, even the ones that hadn't been torn up in the torture, screamed for some form of relief. Only his slipping into a blissful unconsciousness had been his escape. And it was there he now stood, separate from his body, but not his mind.

And even that getaway had not been foolproof. From somewhere, deeply hidden and far away, he felt as though someone or something were calling him.

"Goro…" The unseen voice drawled mysteriously, taunting and seductively enticing. "Goro they have betrayed you…"

Starting slightly, the astral form of Shibumi's consciousness glanced about uncertainly. It had been so long since anyone referred to him by his given name, he had nearly forgotten it.

"Who are you?" He questioned, his voice sounding hoarse even to his ears.

Ignoring the question, the voice continued coyly. "They have betrayed you, Goro. All of them."

"Who? Who is betraying me? What are talking about?" Snapped Shibumi, growing impatient.

"All of them." The voice assured. "Your friends, allies. They used you when it was a necessity, but now…they want nothing to do with you. They've abandoned you, as they did before."

Fairly stunned by the explanation, Shibumi hesitated.

Abandon me? I can't imagine Daisy, Curly, Babel, Dolphin or Tao doing something like that.

A scathing laugh burst forth from the darkness.

"Can't imagine? But they've already done so, Goro! Do you not remember your accident? None of them visited or sent even some kind of reassurance to you. You were forgotten. Nothing more than a fond memory."

"They didn't know!" Shibumi argued indignantly. "When the project ended, I lost contact with them, it was a mutual loss on all our accounts. They went on with their lives, as I did mine."

"Yes, you did. An empty life. Trapped in a coma, having Digi-Gnomes send out your Blue Cards and create the Tamers to protect both worlds. But I wonder if your actions had a more selfish inclination…"

Shibumi sighed. This argument with the disembodied force was doing him far more harm than good.

"I'm not listening to this anymore. Who or whatever you are, take your negativity and your manipulations somewhere else."

"…You've been a fool," The voice admonished seriously. "To think that they cared about you. That they shared your visions, your dreams."

"They did!" Shibumi shouted into the endless darkness. "They do. Everything that you've been telling me has been a lie! I don't know what you're trying you're trying to accomplish, but it won't work!"

For a moment, silence was his only reply.

"I anticipated this, human." The voice growled. "I thought to feed upon a harbored weakness, some mistrust, but alas, you've denied me."

Shibumi could only stare in horror as the emptiness began to resemble glowing, ice blue eyes.

"And now, Maker, I will break you." The eyes seemed to glow with an unfathomably evil power.

"Your thoughts, your mind, your very soul will be in my possession. Enjoy the fruits of your stubbornness."

Before Shibumi could reply, a fierce pain tore through his consciousness with unimaginable speed. He could only cry out in anguish as he felt his thoughts slowly being overtaken…

Tension was in the air as Zhuqiaomon joined the other Holy Beasts at their preordained location in the center of the Digital World. He was the last to arrive, his burning wings flapping sporadically, a contradiction to the impatience that seemed to glow in his golden eyes.

"Well, how many is it?" He bellowed furiously. "How many have we lost today due to useless inaction?"

"Too many." Baihumon replied with terse sigh. "Demon's followers have been ransacking villages and stealing those Digimon that live in solitude. The numbers that have been dragged to his abyss are far too numerous to count."

Zhuqiaomon growled. "And for what? For us to have our servants searching for two pieces of a useless puzzle? A mythical legend that may not even exist?"

"It does exist!" Qinglongmon burst out, the chains that encircled his immense bulk rattling with his declaration. "You are well aware that your former servant is the third part of the "useless puzzle" that you so casually refer to. I'll admit that the losses of life have been daunting, but we must not give up on our search."

Nodding slowly, Xuanwumon's left head spoke firmly. "As much as I want to find the First and Second and send Demon back to the darkness that spawned him, Zhuqiaomon does have a point Qinglongmon." His second head continued. "If we continue to focus only upon that one problem, there may not be any Digimon left for the Three to save to begin with."

"That is why we must strike!" Added Zhuqiaomon. "Our forces have been rallied, and Demon is at his weakest. He hasn't chosen to attack us directly because he can't! We would be fools to allow such an opportunity to fall through our grasp."

"And what if you are wrong?" Qinglongmon argued pointedly. "Demon's cunning knows no bounds. It would not be unlike him to concoct a ruse to make us believe in his helplessness and then use it to his advantage."

"So what is our next course of action?" Baihumon inquired. "We can no longer ignore Demon's actions, we have found neither the First nor the Second and come to no conclusion regarding the inclusion of the humans in our offensive. We must decide."

"Demon's forces have entered the world of the humans on more than one occasion." Xuanwumon responded. "But as the humans are unable to return to our world, they can't do very much to help us."

"But they made sure to return the Digimon to their filthy world!" Zhuqiaomon growled.

Qinglongmon glared at the Sovereign of the South. "They share a deep connection with their partners, one that we cannot truly know or understand. But we digress in our objectives. Perhaps I have been too focused upon the acquisition of the Holy Three and the far future, rather than the present-"

Zhuqiaomon snorted. "Perhaps?" He drawled sarcastically.

Qinglongmon ignored him. "I will not give up on the search, but it is time for us to make some type of stand against Demon. Zhuqiaomon, you mentioned rallying forces, whom did you contact as opposition?"

"After the division of the Digital World into provinces, I sent the Digi-Gnomes as emissaries to each of their rulers. War Greymon, of the lava, Metal Garurumon, of the frozen lands, Preciomon, of the waves, Hououmon, of the skies-"

"Did you include the Flower Queen?" Xuanwumon's right head cut in. "Rosemon may be indifferent by nature, but mention the destruction of her precious garden by Demon's slaves and she would forget her so-called pacifism very quickly."

"Of course I did. I'm no fool." Zhuqiaomon replied brusquely, irritated at the interruption. "Rosemon, of the forests, D'Arcmon, of the sands and Heracles Kabuterimon of the earth. I even sent word to Anubimon and his consort Bastemon of the dark lands, but have yet to receive any answer."

Baihumon gave a dry laugh. "The rulers of the dead have enough to deal with, I doubt that your message will be given much consideration."

"Nevertheless." Qinglongmon spoke determinedly. "Whatever resistance has been amounted is crucial to the survival of the Digital World. Demon will not remain inert forever and no matter his plans, we must be ready for him."

Sighing softly, Xuanwumon lowered his left head. "Let us hope that we're not too late."

The room was unusually silent as Demon mentally conversed with the physically broken human. LadyDevimon had watched, with no small measure of horror as numerous crimson cables exploded from Demon's immense bulk and surrounded the human, who was held gently in Lobomon's outstretched claws.

If she had been further away from her master, LadyDevimon would have made a sound of repulsion at the sight of the lupine Perfect Digimon, a venerating expression upon his wolfish face.

Pathetic, she thought contemptuously. Nothing more than a loyal lapdog looking for a bone. Nothing like Piemon.

The thought nearly made her smile. How fortunate she had been to come across the Ultimate Digimon. He loved power and took as much pleasure in sadistic fancies as she did. They were a perfect match. Most of the time.

But it was Piemon's lust for power and his inability to mask his scorn for the crippled Demon, despite his best attempts to do so, that had LadyDevimon worried. Piemon, who was used to being feared and served, had been reduced to servitude and on more than one occasion she had been certain that his slip-ups would result in their deletions.

Even now, as LadyDevimon watched the cables wrap around her former plaything, pulling him from Lobomon's arms, she couldn't help but picture herself in their grasp, squirming and shrieking as they drained the life from her.

Shuddering at that thought, she closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she saw the human convulsing.

"What-" She began curiously, only to be interrupted by an inhuman howl.

Glancing at Piemon, who was focused upon the spectacle intently, she frowned. Demon had mentioned breaking the human's mind, but surely it hadn't come to that. For who would be foolish enough to refuse his power?

But it was obvious, from the screams and shaking, this human had. Though she usually enjoyed death and pain, LadyDevimon felt her body go cold.

Suddenly, as unexpectedly as it had begun, the event ceased. Unceremoniously, Demon relinquished his hold on the human and when the shocked Lobomon failed to receive him, a glimpse was given of his pallid face and the utterly black holes that constituted as his eyes, as he tumbled to the floor.

"Now my children." Demon shouted, the dark aura surrounding him. "Behold the commencement of my rebirth and of our salvation."

"I still can't believe you said that." Lee Jenrya admonished Terriermon as they ascended the stairs of to their apartment, their mother ahead and Shuichon and Lopmon in tow behind them.

"Moumantai, Jen." Terriermon replied from his usual position on his partner's shoulder. "It wasn't that bad."

"Not that bad? You called my sensei Gramps! That wasn't very respectful."

"Okay, so maybe it was that bad." Terriermon finally admitted.

Jenrya sweatdropped. "I'm just glad that he's so understanding. Otherwise…" He trailed off as he arrived at the apartment door. It was ajar, as Lee Mayumi had already entered and Jenrya could hear the sounds of her voice as she conversed with his father.

"Are you sure it's wise, Janyuu?"

"I don't have a choice." Janyuu replied firmly. "As much as I loathe to do so, I have to tell them the truth."

The truth? The truth about what? Jenrya pondered resignedly. What horrible thing has happened now? Has someone else been taken like Shibumi?

"Otherwise what?" Terriermon inquired, oblivious to the conversation at hand. "Hello? Jen?" Terriermon rudely waved a clawed hand in his partner's face.

Blinking rapidly, Jenrya startled. "Sorry about that, Terriermon. I guess I got a little distracted."

"A little?" The dog Digimon quipped "You were so out of it that you not only forgot to use the Princess Prettypants threat when Shuichon walked past us, but I also think a couple of flies managed to sneak in your mouth while it was hanging open."

That drew a small smile. "Very funny. Princess Prettypants is really starting to look fitting for you, especially after that last remark."

"Aw Jen, you know I was just kidding!" Terriermon argued while gesturing wildly as Jenrya stepped through the doorway. Inside the apartment, Mayumi and Janyuu stood patiently, while Shuichon and the slightly beleaguered Lopmon were seated on the couch. From the multiple ribbons and frilly dress on one of the cushions, Jenrya could tell that "Princess Prettypants" treatment was just beginning for Lopmon.

"Jen, have a seat." Janyuu instructed, wasting no time. "I have something to tell you, the both of you actually."

Jenrya complied. "Have you found out anything about Shibumi or…has someone else disappeared?"

Shuichon frowned and held her partner close to her. "Lopmon doesn't have to go now, does he?"

Glancing at his wife briefly, Janyuu sighed. "Those are both very good questions. We haven't found out where Shibumi is or anything in relation to his abduction and no one else was taken, at least not to my knowledge. But as for Lopmon returning home…that I'm afraid, is another matter altogether."

"But Lopmon can't go!" Shuichon protested vehemently. "He just came home and I don't want him or Terriermon to go away again!"

"Moumantai, Shuichon." Terriermon spoke cheerfully. "Lopmon and I aren't going anywhere without a fight."

Lopmon nodded. "I would not allow anything to take me away from you."

"But why are we talking about this?" Jenrya interrupted irately. "Yamaki, you and the other Monster Makers worked so hard to return our partners to us, you can't be thinking of sending them back to the Digital World. Not after everything we've been through."

"We aren't." Janyuu affirmed. "I'm still haunted by the results of Operation Doodlebug and I'm sure the others carry their own guilt. But this time, it's Hypnos and by extension, the government that want to…" Janyuu paused a moment. "They want to delete all Digimon in the Real World and destroy all digital life in the Digital World."

Surprisingly, Terriermon had no witty comeback to the news and Shuichon simply looked confused. Lopmon's face was a mixture of astonishment and worry and while Jenrya was just as surprised, he could feel hot anger rising. Perhaps it showed on his face, for Mayumi moved towards him.

"Jenrya…" She began cautiously.

"Why?" He interrupted her abruptly. "Why do they want to do this?"

Janyuu shook his head. "Yamaki stopped by earlier and explained things. I hope that you're comfortable, this is going to be a long story…"

Several lower level Digimon scurried backwards when, with a gust of wind and sparkling light, a small array of Digi-Gnomes breezed into the room. Their shimmering wings, long tails and joyful faces made the fairy-like creatures remarkably out of place in the darkness.

With puzzled expressions, the Digi-Gnomes floated close to the body, intent upon retrieving their human companion. But upon seeing his face, they emitted sounds of horror and fear, chattering incomprehensively as they moved backwards.

They were instantly silenced when a torrent of dark energy crashed into them, sending them sprawling to the ground in a heap.

"A good light show." LadyDevimon admitted coolly. "But what's the point?"

Demon ignored her. His entire focus was upon the fallen entities and he refused to allow her inane voicing interrupt him.

Raising one shapeless hand, he mentally bade the Digi-Gnomes to rise. The small creatures obeyed and like Shibumi their eyes had been replaced by darkness. As they took to the air, a strange reddish glow filled the room. Demon's servants, Lobomon, LadyDevimon and Piemon included, closed their eyes at a brilliant flash of light.

A moment later, the air was full of feral screams. Standing in the center of the area were many small saurian-like creatures with reptilian eyes, sharp claws, teeth and odd red multifaceted skin.

A curious Black Tailmon then made the mistake of getting too close to the new creatures and found herself quickly captured and deleted with slash of one's claws.

Gasps resounded throughout the room.

"Hmm…" Piemon muttered curiously. "It seems as though we've created the newest cast members of our tragic pantomime."

Demon laughed, a deep rumble that made the lower Digimon tremble. "They are that and more. The Reapers are both Digimon and the essence of D-Reaper. And it is that relation which brings forth this…"

The Digi-Gnomes continued to float as a crisp wind gusted. Particles of data and an odd golden light swirled. Strangely, the golden radiance suddenly vanished and the data began to take form. It molded itself, twisting into jade and yellow patterned flesh, lengthy claws and flaming red eyes.

If he had been able to do so, Demon would have smiled. He had fashioned the creature from a being in the Maker's memories, one that had been long deceased. Though he had added his own "modifications" to the design, mostly in height and potency.

He stood on two bent legs, weaving from side to side trying to get his bearings. Sharp, ebony talons dotted his thin fingers, and a far more intimidating claw located in the middle of both feet, extended dangerously. A long, reptilian snout revealed jagged teeth when the Digimon gave an ear piercing shriek.

LadyDevimon scowled disgustedly. "He's certainly not going to be winning any beauty contests, now is he?" She remarked snidely.

"His appearance is unimportant." Demon replied venomously. "As long as he can perform the task for which he was created."

"What am I?" The newly made Digimon inquired tentatively, his intelligent red eyes roaming about, trying to absorb any and all information around him.

"You are Veliomon." Demon stated grandly. "And you will lead the Reapers."

"Reapers…" Veliomon repeated softly. "What are the Reapers? Why am I to lead them?"

"The Reapers stand behind you. You were created to lead them, for they are connected to you. You think separately, but the expanse of your control over them is nearly limitless. The Reapers, based upon their previous incarnation, must be subliminally connected to one mind in order to function properly. Because my power is not yet developed enough to act as such, that is the reason for your creation Veliomon. Now turn and see what has been granted unto you."

Veliomon obeyed and as he turned, hit LadyDevimon with his stiff tail, forcing Piemon to restrain her when she tried to seek retribution. Lobomon snorted at the display, but growled when Veliomon moved, what he judged to be, too close to Demon.

Chattering and trilling loudly, the Reapers rushed forward to greet one who looked similar, albeit larger than them. Overwhelmed and unable to speak, Veliomon stepped backwards. Everything bore and edge of familiarity, an air of a memory he was unable to see. Voices, faces, he saw them clearly and yet felt as if he were blind.

"Looks like someone is scared." LadyDevimon spoke scornfully, earning an intense glower from Demon.

"I don't understand." Veliomon said, panicked. "Why? Why did you make the Reapers? What is their purpose?"

Demon's voice was constrained, the necessity of control clearly apparent.

"They exist to destroy." He explained. "They are based upon creatures of raw destruction and they are programmed to know nothing else. Their touch brings instantaneous deletion to Digimon and their claws and fangs will reduce human prey to nothing more than shreds. Their only hesitation comes from the humans with Digimon for partners, known as Tamers. It is they whom are not allowed to be harmed in any way, especially the leader, the Vessel, Matsuda Takato. Speaking of such…" Making a simple gesture, Demon caused the Digi-Gnomes to plummet. Using no discretion, the Reapers fell upon them, clawing and reducing them to nothingness in seconds.

"There is still much to be done." Demon explained. "I no longer have use for the human at this time, Lobomon see that he is placed somewhere safe. Piemon, I already informed you of your duties, it's time for you to enact them."

"Yes, my lord." Piemon replied, gritting his teeth. Releasing LadyDevimon, he stepped backwards, white smoke billowing around him. When he was completely hidden from sight, the smoke then dispersed, leaving a different form in Piemon's place. Rather than the elaborate harlequin, an ordinary man disdainfully stood. His red hair was short and his eyes were hidden by sunglasses as black as the suit he wore.

"You may look the part of a human," Lobomon stated. "But you still stink of your true form."

Piemon glowered at him behind his glasses. "Your boldness precedes you Lobomon. Though I'm sure that some time spent with my Trump Swords could very easily remedy that."

Lobomon snarled and raised his claws threateningly, intent upon tearing the human incarnation of Piemon to ribbons.

"Enough!" Demon roared disrupting the arguing Digimon. "You both have your orders, go!"

Sharing one final hostile glance, the two Digimon departed, Piemon in a puff of smoke and Lobomon after slinging his human hostage over his shoulder.

Veliomon watched Lobomon's departure wearily. Everything he had seen since his creation, the destruction of the light-bringing beings that he had no names for, the condition of the creature known as a human and even Demon's future plans for him, filled him with revulsion and dread.

Perhaps sensing his emotions, Demon affixed the saurian Digimon with an unreadable look.

"LadyDevimon, see what new information our spies have managed to unearth. It seems that Veliomon needs to receive a better understanding of his purpose."

Smirking at the nonplussed Veliomon, LadyDevimon nodded. "Yes, Lord Demon." Turning away, she spared a glance behind her. The fallen angel couldn't help but shudder when she saw the red cables reappear from Demon's body and encircle the flummoxed Veliomon, while the Reapers cackled and shrieked, only adding to the hellish melody of screams…

And here's a preview of Chapter Four-Shattered:

…Takato stared out of the purple bubble in shock and horror. The screams of pain, the sight of bodies…it was too much for his young eyes to bear. Never had he seen such carnage, such a torturous massacre of innocents. He felt the warm tears slide down his face and ignored them. Everything but this moment had become meaningless.

"Stop it." Takato whispered softly, clenching his fists so hard that he felt his nails dig into his bare skin.

Erinyemon watched him worriedly, wondering if this time, she had gone too far…