Author's note: Hey, everyone, it's the final chapter of the story! Thanx for all the great comments. (By the way, sorry about the typo, Henrika, and you don't have to say sorry for criticism. I like getting tips, and etc.)

Live or Die?

Chap. 3 Is this the End?

Takato was stunned about what had just happened, "No…How could…" his sadness soon turned into anger as he took out a card.

"Biomerge Activate!"

Meanwhile, Rapidmon cried out, "Henry, what are you doing? I need some help!"

Henry turned around, tears still falling.

He's right…but, Rika……

He looked at her again.

What am I thinking? Rapidmon may end up just like her if I don't do anything…

Slowly standing, Henry took out a blue card.

Time to biomerge…

But, just as he was about to slide it through, Metalimon shouted, "Sonic Boom!"

Tremors spread quickly and when the attack reached Henry, he was knocked unconscious.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Henry slowly opened his eyes, seeing Takato, "What…What happened?"

"You were knocked out by one of Metalimon's attacks. But, no worries; Guilmon and I were able to defeat him."

"Where's Terriermon?"

"With Jeri and Guilmon."

"…Where at?"

"The…hospital."

Henry suddenly sat up, "I almost forgot! Is Rika okay?"

"We're not sure."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Many hours had passed and everyone sat in the hospital, nervously waiting.

"I sure hope she's all right," Jeri said.

Soon, a nurse walked in.

"Is…is she going to make it?" Takato asked.

"The doctor thinks so…but, we think that one of you should try to talk to her."

Takato put his hand on Henry's shoulder, "Henry…you can go if you want."

Henry looked towards the hallway leading to Rika's room and nodded. He followed the nurse there.

He thought, This might be the last time I ever get to see her…

The nurse stopped at room 204, "You may go in."

Henry slowly turned the doorknob, seeing Rika bandaged and bruised. She didn't move at all and the monitor beeped.

Walking in, more tears cane to his eyes. He sat in a chair next to the bed.

I can't believe this is happening…She can't be like this.

Henry remembered what the nurse had said and began to speak.

"I don't know if you can hear me, Rika…but I just want to say that it's all my fault you were hurt. I may not seem that way, but I just know that I could've protected you……I could've saved you…I guess I didn't…It should've been me instead. I need you…Rika, I…I can't live without you."

He bowed his head and wept.

"You…you can't go……"

A couple of seconds passed…then, a voice murmured, "…Henry?..."

Henry suddenly looked up, seeing Rika's eyes open.

"Rika, you're awake!" he exclaimed as he hugged her softly, "…I can't believe it."

"Henry…I'm fine."

"No…" Henry pulled away, "No you're not," moisture still trickled down his face.

"But…But, I'm-"

"I know, it's just…I can't stand seeing you like this…"

"……Henry?"

"…Yeah?"

"It's not your fault."

Henry was a little surprised, "You…you heard what I said?"

Rika smiled, "Every word…"

This made Henry smile, too.

She continued, "And…I think what you said was really sweet…"

"…Rika…I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what? I already told you it wasn't your fault that I'm hurt."

"No, it's not that. I'm sorry that I've kept a secret from you all these years…" Henry took one of her hands in his, "…Rika?..."

Rika looked into his eyes.

"…I've been hiding all my feelings for a long time…and I just want you to know that……I love you…"

Rika was awestruck, "…Henry……" tears of joy formed in her eyes, "Do…do you really mean it?"

"Yes, Rika…" his hand touched her face, "…I really do."

Their faces grew closer every second, until Henry pressed his lips to hers and they shared their first kiss.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A day later, everyone had returned to the hospital to visit Rika.

I can't wait to see her again…Henry thought to himself.

As they were waiting patiently, a nurse soon came out.

She asked, "Are you here to visit someone?"

Henry stood up, "Yes. Rika Nonaka, in room 204."

The nurse frowned, "I'm…very sorry to say this…but, she passed away this morning."

THE END

Author's note: Man, I hate the ending, but I like writing stories that make me cry…Sniff…Anyway, please review this last chapter, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading. (If you haven'tread my other digimon story, The Choice, you should check it out)

Anime17