Bboyz: Re-written, thanks Foe, and no, it's not a Ryokato fic!

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Bboyz: I'd just like to say thanks to all my reviewers! A special thanks to foe who's been correcting my mistakes. Your help is really appreciated. Sometime I forget the Digimon's names so please help me out if I get them wrong.........

Jenrya: And this chapter is about.........

Bboyz: I'm not going to spoil the suspense. You'll have to read to find out! And I DO NOT OWN DIGIMON ok?

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Hidden Past: Castle of Surprises

Ryo rubbed his eyes and opened them, only to be met by burning hot rays. He shielded his eyes and sat up. He scanned the scenery of his whereabouts. He saw his friends were still......... asleep from their previous teleportation. He thought deep about what happened to them as he closed both his eyes. A smile appeared on his face.

"Thanks Henry. I'll make sure Suzy is safe traveling with us........." Ryo let out a whisper as he remembered back to their last battle. He was battling against Tibet; Henry had found the Gemstone of the East and had discovered his element, the Element of Magic. Henry; with his newly found powers had then teleported them here, to the southern part of Central.

"Where are we........." Takato moaned as he sat up from where he was. He looked around and found only Ryo awake. He smiled at Ryo; who smiled back. Takato got up and went to sit next to Ryo. He took out his D-Arc and they both scanned their surrounding.

"Ok, so where are we supposed to be heading?" Rika asked as she got up to her feet. Ryo and Takato turned around, somewhat surprised that Rika got up so easily. They both experienced some headache but she had the strength to get up right after she got her conscious back.

"What? You two looked as if you've just seen a ghost", Rika said as she walked up to her friends. The three of them looked at Takato's D-Arc. They scanned the map of the southern area.

"I think we should look around here first", Takato suggested as he pointed on the map where there were trees growing. Rika nodded and so did Ryo. They turned around when they heard Suzy and their partners got up. Suzy rubbed her soar eyes from crying; crying about her separation with Henry.

"Where we go now Takatomon?" Guilmon asked as he stumbled his way to his tamer. Renamon disappeared into thin air and reappeared next to Rika; which startled Ryo a little.

"Does she always do that?" Ryo asked, looking at Renamon. Rika chuckled and nodded. She got up onto her feet and looked proud.

"You'll just have to get used to it........." Rika said as she strolled away with Renamon by her side. Rika and Renamon found a more comfortable spot to rest, under the shades of enormous oak trees. The others followed them and they camped out.

= = = Southern Castle | Southern Central = = =

"Well, well, well. What do we have here? I'm really surprised that they even made it out after their duel with Tibet......... Well, he's just a weakling anyway. Even my grandmother could beat him in arm wrestling........." mumbled a figure sat high atop Southern Castle.

"Well, even thought if he is a weakling, he's still one of you guys", said a Devimon as he appeared out of the shadows. He smirked as he saw his master watching the tamers through his crystal ball.

"It wasn't me who chose him. If it was me, I wouldn't even make him one of my minions", Shaun said as he lifted his hood," Well now, which one of them should I toy with........."

The crystal ball zoomed in and scanned Suzy. Digital data boards appeared in front of the crystal ball where Shaun examined them. He shook his head.

"She's too young......... Even though I'm evil, I don't think I can hurt a helpless child........." Shaun said. Devimon smirked even more and let out an evil laugh, "What's so funny?"

"You do have a heart, don't you Shaun?" Devimon asked. Shaun turned his back to Devimon and closed his eyes. Suddenly, his surrounding turned a dark shade of violet. He started to light up in dark lavender flame.

"And that's what keeping me from eliminating everything that comes in between me and my goal; which is to eliminate those tamers!" Shaun shouted evilly. Devimon gave another evil smirk at every word his master had said. The whole castle turned dark.

= = = Southern Sector Woods | Southern Central = = =

"We've been walking for miles......... what are we supposed to be looking for anyway?" Suzy moaned as she collapsed onto the grassy turf underneath them. Lopmon sighed at her tamer. The other paused and turned around. Ryo smiled at Suzy.

"We're supposed to be looking for the Gemstone of the South......... You know, similar to the one that Henry found so we can save the Digital World and reunite with Henry!" Ryo explained to the younger tamer.

She beamed up at him, happy to hear the mention of her brother's name. She hopped onto her feet and marched straight past the crowd.

"What are you waiting for? We've got a gemstone to find!" Suzy shouted. The other tamers smiled and followed her.

= = = Southern Castle | Southern Central = = =

"So, which one of them are you going to manipulate first master?" Devimon asked as he stumbled upon his master, viewing his ever so useful crystal ball. Devimon saw that Shaun was scanning a girl's data. Rika's data.

"She's too feisty. I don't think my talent will be a great use to manipulate her", Shaun said. Then, his crystal ball focused on someone else. Takato.

"He looks promising. His qualities are......... courageous and kind-hearted. Well, we'll see how courageous and kind-hearted he'll be once I get done with him........." Shaun said as he grinned evilly.

Devimon had a satisfied look on his face. He too had an evil smirk on his face. He loved all his master's plan. His master took evil to a new level. Manipulating with one's heart and mind is one of them.

"Devimon, set up this castle. Make it more......... Roomy, welcoming......... You too should get a new outfit. I supposed you already know what my plan is right? Well then, let's get started", Shaun said as he wrapped himself in his cloak of darkness. Devimon burned up in flames and disappeared as the whole castle started to shift here and there.

= = = Outside the Southern Castle | Southern Central = = =

"Well, I think this is the place where the gemstone is held......... there's a strange and familiar aura coming from the castle......... We must be close........." Ryo said as he placed his D-arc onto his belt.

"It's kind of strange though......... Shouldn't we be attacked by now? It's not that I'm grateful that there's no digimon that's after us and wants to murder us, but it's strange........." Rika added. The others looked at her in confusion, "Well, that's just my opinion. Don't you think it's going too easy for us at the moment?"

The other nodded. Suzy looked up at the castle in front of them. She looked back down at her partner, Lopmon.

"Yeah, Rika's right. Remember last time, we were attacked be those Cherrymons. It's kind of weird that we haven't uncounted much digimons on our way here........." Suzy sighed.

"Forget all those negative thoughts and let's think positive!" Takato smiled, trying to cheer everyone up. He hopped his way to the entrance of the castle.

"What are we supposed to do? Knock?" Rika asked sarcastically. Ryo glared at her while Suzy laughed her head off. Takato smiled and nodded at Rika's suggestion. He knocked the door three times and waited for an answer.

Suddenly, the door swung open by itself. A boy stepped out of the darkness of the castle. The boy had jet black hair and dark blue eyes. He smirked at the sight of the tamers and then put on a happy, welcoming face.

"Hi there, are you guys lost or something?" the boy asked. The tamers took a step back except for Takato. Takato's smile got even wider as the boy approached them.

"Yeah, we were just in the neighborhood when we past by your castle. We're kind of lost and we thought that we......... umm........." Takato was lost for words.

"You thought you might be able to stay here for a while?" the boy asked. The others looked at the boy who smiled at them. Takato nodded at every word the boy said, "Oh yes, it's rude of me for not introducing myself. My name is Tommy, Tommy Page. Please to meet you all".

"I'm Takato. The tallest one over there is Ryo. The red-haired girl is Rika and the youngest is Suzy. Nice to meet you too", Takato introduced them. Tommy led them into the castle. Renamon stopped Rika just before they entered the castle.

"Rika, I sense something weird about that boy, Tommy. I don't trust him........." Renamon stated. Rika shrugged.

"Me neither but he did offer us his hospitality. That's good enough for me, I guess........." Rika said. Ranamon nodded and followed behind her tamer.

= = = Dining Hall | Southern Castle = = =

"Wow, you're a good cook!" Takato complimented Tommy. Tommy smiled.

"Well, I didn't cook all those. The Babamon did. They're the chef of the castle so I guess they'll be really happy to hear compliments about their cooking........." Tommy replied.

Suzy and Lopmon ate all their food while Rika and Ryo were in one of their little conversation. Guilmon ate next to Takato who was chatting to Tommy.

There was suddenly a knock on the door. Tommy got up. Rika and Ryo stopped chatting and looked down the hall to where the front door was. Takato got up and followed closely behind.

"What do you want?" Tommy asked as he opened the door, revealing an old man dressed in raged clothes. His hair was all grey and he walked with a stick to aid him.

"I would really be thankful if you could let me stay here for the night......... I'm really tired and hungry from days traveling here in the Digital World", the old man said.

"Well, I'm sorry but I can't do that. I'm not allowed by the owner of the castle to let unsuspected people inside the castle. I hope you don't loose hope in staying alive as you might not have much time left........." Tommy said as he slammed the door shut but Takato stopped the door from slamming into the old man.

"Tommy, he's just an old man in need. Can't you let him in? I'll make sure he doesn't get into any trouble......... I'll stay with him the whole time", Takato said. Tommy sighed. He then smiled at Takato and nodded. He then made his way back to the Dining Hall.

"Who made the rules and regulation here anyway?" Rika asked Tommy as he sat back in his seat. Ryo turned to look at Tommy and waited for his answer. Tommy sighed.

"My grandfather did......... This is his castle and he and my family went away for a while. Visiting some other part of Central......... I think they might have gone to File Island", Tommy explained. Rika and Ryo nodded. Renamon just glared at Tommy, still not trusting the buy.

"Hi Mister, come in. Have some food......... you must be hungry", Takato said as he pulled the old man into the castle.

= = = 4th Floor | Southern Castle = = =

"Ok Takato and Ryo, here's your room. If you want, you can ask that man to join you........." Tommy said as he glared at the old man. The old man back away.

"You don't mind, do you Ryo?" Takato asked. Ryo shrugged, nodded and smiled. Takato grinned. He then pulled the old man inside the room. Tommy looked at Ryo, who retuned the look. Ryo then shrugged and then walked into the room.

Ryo jumped onto his bed and looked sideway to where Takato and the old man was. He saw them talking to each other.

"What's your name? Do you know why Tommy's against you staying here?" Takato asked. The old man nodded.

"My name's Steven. The reason why your friend Tommy doesn't allow me to stay here is because his grandfather and I were rivals. We had all our fights when we were younger and up till we were teenagers. I gave up a long time ago but his grandfather hasn't stopped hating me........." Steven answered.

Takato nodded. Ryo sighed and turned to face the other way. He wasn't sure why but he doesn't feel comfortable. He took of his top and closed his eyes. He placed his head on both his hand and relaxed. Takato settled Steven down before he jumped onto the bed and lay next to Ryo.

"Ryo, are you still awake?" Takato asked as he poked Ryo's back. Ryo moaned and turned around. He came face to face with Takato. Their eyes locked together.

"What is it Takato?" Ryo asked sleepily.

"Nothing, I just wanted to ask you what you think of Tommy's grandfather and Steven's rivalry." Takato asked. Ryo shrugged.

"Well, there are some people who take everything seriously, and some just shrugs it off. It's just their luck that Tommy's grandfather is a serious person", Ryo answered.

"I guess you're right........." Takato said as he snuggled down into the sheet. He closed his eyes and went to sleep. Ryo sighed, looking at the younger tamer. He placed both his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.

= = = 3rd Floor | Southern Castle = = =

"You don't mind staying here, do you girls?" Tommy asked. Rika shook their head. Suzy and Lopmon did the same while Renamon stayed quite and glared at Tommy.

"It's great enough you took us in and gave us food. Now you're letting us stay in a deluxe room. I'm really grateful that we met you........." Suzy said. Rika smiled and nodded. Tommy smiled and made his way across the hallway.

"I don't know about you but I think he's ok Renamon........." Rika said as she looked at her partner. Renamon snorted and made her way into the room. Rika shrugged and followed all of them into their room.

"There's something strange though......... I never knew there were human living in the Digital World........." Rika whispered to herself as she sat on her bed.

= = = 4th Floor | Southern Castle = = =

Takato tossed and turned on his bed. He then opened his eyes to find himself resting on Ryo's chest. Ryo was still fast asleep. Takato didn't wake up because of the warmness he felt lying next to Ryo but to the strange noise he heard from somewhere in his room.

Takato got up while Ryo turned and faced the other way. Takato searched Steven's bed but he couldn't find Steven anywhere in the room. He then noticed the door was half opened, letting a ray of light in.

Takato made his way to the door. He peaked through it and saw Steven tip toeing across the hallway. Takato was confused. He did the only thing he could, which is to follow Steven and make sure he doesn't get into any trouble.

Steven then walked up to the elevator and pressed a few button, opening the door. Takato thought hard on how he would follow Steven. He then saw an opening over the elevator. He made his way into the opening as quick as lightning.

Takato held tight to the elevator as it went upwards. The elevator stopped as Takato opened his eyes. He saw a figure outside of the elevator. It was Tommy.

"What's Steven doing up here? Tommy's here as well......... I'm so dead. He'll never trust me ever again........." Takato said to himself.

Steven stepped out of the elevator and faced himself against Tommy. They were in a conversation. Takato climbed down and slipped into the shadows. He then saw Tommy holding out a strange device. The device then somehow glowed and turned into a purple rod.

Tommy was about to swing the rod when Takato jumped in between the two.

"What are you doing Takato? Get out of the way!" Tommy shouted as he swung the rod, accidentally hitting Takato smack in the stomach. Takato fell and rolled away. He barely opened his eyes, seeing Tommy and Steven dueling. Takato used the last of his strength and knocked Steven out of the way, receiving another whack on the back.

This time, Tommy too was thrown back by the collision of his rod and Takato's body. He was out cold. Takato tried opening his eyes. He saw Tommy lying a few feet away from him. He then searched for Steven.

"Help me!" Steven shouted from somewhere behind Takato. Takato turned around and saw that the old man was about to be caught in a cage. Takato gathered up all his courage and jumped to save Steven, risking his life for another.

= = = 4th Floor | Southern Castle = = =

"NO!" Ryo shouted as he bolted up from his lying position. His body was soaked by his sweat. He looked right and then left and found that both Steven and Takato were missing. He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat on his chest. He dried his face and looked up.

"Takato......... where the heck are you?" Ryo said. He woke the digimons up. He pulled on his top and walked out of his room, trailed slowly by Guilmon and Monodramon. They made their way down to the girls and woke them up.

= = = 3rd Floor | Southern Castle = = =

"What the idea Akiyama? It's like 3am in the morning. Why did you wake us up?" Rika asked as she rubbed her eyes. Rika was holding a sleepy Suzy who trailed behind her.

"Takato and Steven are missing and I had a strange dream........." Ryo said. Rika sweat dropped.

"You woke us up because of your dream. What do you want me to do? Sing you to sleep?" Rika asked sarcastically. Suzy somehow giggled in her sleep. Ryo shook his head.

"I had a strange dream. I was walking down this dark hallway and then, I saw Takato......... unconscious", Ryo said. Rika looked at Ryo and smiled. They all followed Ryo and searched for Takato.

= = = 13th Floor | Southern Castle = = =

"It's just like my dream........." Ryo said. Suzy got a little scared and stumbled into Ryo's arms. Ryo and Rika held her hands tight as they made their way down the hallway. The digimons stayed close to their partners. They walked slowly as they saw something up ahead. Two shadowed figures.

"Takato!" Rika shouted as they saw their friend, unconscious. He was held back by a hooded man. The hood suddenly fell back revealing Steven holding an unconscious and weak Takato.

"I can't believe you! Takato took you in and cared for you and that's what you do to him in return?" Ryo asked. Steven smirked.

"You see, there's more to me than what you see in front of you........." Steven said and laughed evilly. Then, thick purple smoke started to appear around Steven and swallowed him in. Suddenly, a dark purple stream of light shot up into the air and the smoke vanished.

In front of them was quite a tall man with purple hair and ruby eyes. He wore a dark purple robe, similar to the one owned by Tibet. He held Takato by the shirt with his right hand while holding a purple staff with dark blue orbs in his left hand.

"You see, I am Shaun, one of the best fighters around. I was assign to protect the southern part of Central and to protect the Gemstone of the South from you guys", Shaun introduced himself.

"What do you know, I was right. It has been too easy for us........." Rika said. Ryo glared at Shaun who smirked evilly. Then, they heard footstep from behind them. They all turned around. It was Tommy. He had the same evil smirk as Shaun.

"I knew it all along........." Renamon glared at Tommy. The others looked at Renamon. The other digimons growled as Tommy closed the gap between them.

"Well, I should introduce myself again so that everyone will know me........." Tommy said as tatted wings appeared out of his back and covered him. A few seconds later after steams of black rays covered the area, an evil looking digimon revealed himself.

"Devimon!"

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Bboyz: Ok, I'm really really really, sorry for the delay. I won't go through my list of lame excuses. I'll just say that I had tons of school work and a minor laziness held me back from typing up this chapter (as well as writer's block. I only got an idea last Sunday)

Jenrya: You and your excuses......... I better write them down before I forget!

Bboyz: And now, personal responds to reviewers.

Rufus008: thanks for reviewing. Thanks for reviewing from the start and supporting the fic!

Foe: Thanks for everything you've ever done, including reviewing and helping out with the fic (grammar). This is one of the reasons I post my fics up on ff.net. To get advice from other people and also to get opinions about my fic! So thanks for helping, and I appreciate it very much!

Xtremequeen666: Yes, I'm not being fair by not updating! Sorry you guys just had some writer's block and had some problem that I can't avoid.

Lurz-Gurl13: Thanks for your reviews!

OmnicromXR: Thanks for the comment. I didn't know my fic was that promising *blushes*. Thanks for the help with those info on the tamers!

Bboyz: Wow, my fic is loved!

Jenrya: Don't go crying your eyes out!

Bboyz: Anyway, lastly I really want to apologize once again for not updating in a long time. I hope there's a space in your hearts to forgive me......... I won't give up on the fic so expect more updates from me (when? Don't ask). Till next time!