Me: You know where my disclaimer is and I also don't own "My Immortal" by Evanescence and parts of "Melodies of Life" by Emiko Shiratori from the Final Fantasy IX soundtrack. After hearing it, these songs go along with the chapter. They're really pretty and they'll add to the mood. This chapter contains some of the most tear-jerking moments in my fic (as if moments before weren't tear-jerking enough). Also (not that I want to brag) but this chapter also contains some of the most romantic scenes I have ever done. (I'm surprised yet wierded out) Read on!
Chapter 9-A World of Life, a World of Pain
"You gave them something no one else would. You gave them a chance,"—Alice McCoy, The D-Reaper's Disguise
"No matter what happens, it is not going to change the way I feel about you,"—Clark Kent, Smallville
"There is nothing for you here, only death,"—Elrond
"There is still hope,"—Arwen, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
"What do you do when the only person who can make you stop crying is the person who made you cry?"—Anonymous
Digital World
Forest Sanctuary
Two days later…
I'm so tired of being here,
Suppressed by all my childish fears,
And if you have to leave,
I wish that you would just leave,
Cause your presence still lingers here,
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal,
This pain is just too real,
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears,
And I held your hand through all of these years,
But you still have…all of me
Ash's eyes drifted across the sea of grass in front of him. Across from him, he could make out the figures of Tai and Agumon wandering through the trees. Izzy was typing away furiously at his computer, Tentomon buzzing above him. The scene was nothing new nowadays.
I sure hope everybody else is okay. Then again…Kari didn't look too great. Poor kid.
"Pika pi?" (Hey Ash?)
Ash glanced to the side where Pikachu sat. The Pokémon noticed his trainer's eyes and how different they were. Instead of being sparkly with fun and laughter, Ash's eyes were dark with anxiety. The loss of Chloe and TK had hit him just as hard as it had hit the others. There was neither cheerful smile nor comical remark about him anymore. Oh sure, he'd still make snappy remarks but they weren't for laughter, they were to hide the pain.
"What is it Pikachu?"
"Pi Pikachu. Pika. Chu pika pi. Chu chu pika." (You seem sad. Do you miss Chloe that much?)
The boy sighed. "I don't just miss Chloe you know. I miss TK too."
"Pika pi. Chu pika. Pikachu." (Yeah, but you still miss her right?)
"She's my friend and I wish—" he paused and swallowed. "I wish she didn't die."
Pikachu looked at him sadly. "Chu." (Yeah)
Misty walked by with Togetic next to her. She meant to go on but at the sight of Ash, she stopped. "Ash?"
The trainer looked up at her glumly. Understanding completely, Misty knelt down and hugged him. "I miss her Misty," Ash whispered, eyes closed in defeat. "I mean, it was different when she left us before. At least I knew she was alive and that we would see each other again. But now…I just miss her so much."
"I know you do," Misty said soothingly. "I know." She stood up and held out her hand. "C'mon Ash. I think the others are waiting."
As Pikachu and Togetic watched, they couldn't help but cry silently. How could just a few days bring so much misery?
Two days had passed since that fateful day. By now, all three teams were determined to destroy Missingno and the Dark Masters, and punish them for killing off innocent babies, Digimon allies, and their two human friends. Kari wasn't in great form at all. Everyone was sad and unhappy, but T.K.'s death was just destroying her. She tried not to think about Hope and Keiji, how they were lost forever to the world. She would never find another person to love more than T.K. Tai and Gatomon did nothing to persuade her otherwise.
Rain was falling across the Digital World. This was no doubt a strange sight since the weather rarely changed in one area of the world. It's like…the world is crying, Rika thought to herself. Even if no one cries at all…the world itself is still crying.
You used to captivate me,
By your resonating light,
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind,
Your face it haunts,
My once pleasant dreams,
Your voice it chased away,
All of the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal,
This pain is just too real,
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears,
And I held your hand through all of these years,
But you still have…all of me
This is insane. I have to stay focused. But how can I? Kari asked herself. She was quietly sobbing in the background as Mimi and little Suzie finished making the two mounds of rocks like little shrines. Please let this just be a nightmare. Let me wake up to find them alive.
Her wish didn't come. She simply stared through dazed eyes while Suzie drew the Crest of Life symbol and the Crest of Hope symbol on the ground in front of the two shrines. "All done," she said solemnly. Surprisingly, even Suzie could keep still at a moment like this.
No one wanted to say a eulogy mainly because no one could really think of much to say. Jeri came up with the suggestion of everyone saying his or her farewells separately instead of just one big boring eulogy. The others agreed.
"Tai, I think you and Kari should go first," said Takato somberly. The pair looked at him nervously. "Go on. You two were the ones who truly loved them more than anything else in the world. They would want you to be the first."
Tai nodded. The young Tamer was right. "Come on Kari." Together, they walked up to the small stone mounds with the symbols etched in front of them. For what seemed like an eternity, they stood there just staring at the two shrines. Then Tai licked his lips and turned towards T.K.'s memorial first.
"Looking back on all these times we've had with you, it's hard to believe you're not coming back to us. I remember that time we all first met. What was it…more than thirty years ago? Somehow, it only seems like yesterday that you were asking me to be your big brother." Tai smiled ruefully down at the Crest of Hope symbol on the ground. "That sort of came true in a way when you married Kari. You became my brother and deep down, you always were. Maybe not in blood, but in spirit. I can't believe how much time has passed since then." Tai's hands began to tremble slightly but he clenched them tightly into fists.
"I just wanna thank you for everything you've done for us T.K. Thank you for caring for my sister. Thank you for being there for the team. Thank you for…" Tai swallowed. "For looking after Chloe and even loving her in spite of everything. I knew how you really felt about her…even after all these years. And in a way…you sort of deserved her more than me." The others gasped, including Kari. "But most of all, I wanna thank you for being you T.K…a ray of hope and sunshine in our hearts ready to stand up to the darkness." Tai smiled shakily before moving onto the shrine of his former girlfriend and future wife.
Kari said nothing, only pressed her face into her hands. Tai gave her shoulder a quick squeeze before he spoke to his former wife's grave. "Chloe…I just want you to know…I've never met anyone like you…someone who was smart, beautiful, skilled, and compassionate. I remember that time you were so hurt when you thought I left you, but you never left me. You still believed in me and I know you always will. But now that you're gone…" The tears that Tai had been trying to keep back slowly began to fall on the Crest of Life symbol. "Now that you're gone…who can I say I love? Who can I tell myself to protect? I never even felt this much around Sora." He bowed his head and backed away. "I just want you to know…you're the only one I've ever loved."
His sister closed her eyes as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She knelt down and pressed her hands tightly against the ground. "I…Chloe you've always been there for me in good times and bad. I know you loved T.K. for a long time and sometimes I feel guilty for getting him when I think it was really you who deserved his love. H-he loved you so much, I could tell and that made me feel worse at times. Yet you never wanted to be anything more than a friend and you have been the best sister-in-law I could ever hope for. I'll never forget you…ever." Then she turned to T.K.'s shrine and the tears fell even faster.
"T.K…" Kari swallowed and continued. "I…I know you can hear me and yet I don't want to say goodbye. You…you just can't be gone." Crying openly, she buried her face in her hands, the tears running like rivulets down her face to drop onto her lap. "You always wanted to protect me from danger. I never wanted to shoulder you with so much pain when you were fighting for me against the darkness, but you just wanted to help me no matter what. What will I do without your smile? What will I do without your arms around me? Now that you're gone, how will I know I'll be safe?" Tai gently pulled her to her feet, holding her to him. "I love you T.K…" she sobbed into her brother's shirt. "I love you so much."
The fresh tears dropping from Kari's face caused most of the other' grief to twist even more painfully inside. They saved our lives…they gave us life.
I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone,
But though you're still with me,
I've been alone all along
As soon as Tai and Kari stepped back, the others stepped forward. They moved slowly, in a circle around the two shrines, as if any faster would break the sad silence.
Patamon cried softly. "I'm gonna miss you both. Chloe, you were my friend, someone I knew T.K. could depend on all the time whenever he needed someone there. I knew he would always be safe with you. And T.K., I still can't believe you would leave me all alone here." He broke down and Gatomon and Pikachu patted his back sympathetically. "Wherever you are T.K…just remember…all you need to do is call for me and I'll come to you. B-because…you're my partner…and y-you…you're always a part of me." Kari knelt down and picked the distraught Digimon up.
"We've shared a lot of experiences together haven't we little bro?" Matt said, scrubbing his tears away with the back of his sleeve. "I can't believe I have to say goodbye to you. Somehow I thought it would always be different. I always thought you made the best decisions in life. Even this one was your decision and I respect it just like the rest." Matt bowed his head. "Farewell T.K…just to let you know…you were the best brother…I could ever have." He looked over at Chloe. "And Clo…you were a great sister-in-law. I never thought I would have to say goodbye to you. Now who's going to keep Sora company when I'm not there?" Matt tried to smile but failed. "You'll always be with us trainer…always be with us."
"Thank you for being a great listener and being my battle partner T.K.," said Cody in a soft voice. "And thank you for rescuing all of us that time in the Dark Ocean Chloe. I think that was the first time you displayed your courage to its highest extent."
Sora spoke up next and her voice was quivering. "I-I never got a chance to thank you for being my sister Chloe," she whispered, brushing away stray tears. "I knew you were always a great girl and you never hesitated to take on a challenge. I guess you could say we were opposites, like the moon and the sun. Take care…wherever you are. And T.K…thanks for everything that you were. For being a true part of the team and for always believing in us even during the toughest of times. I will miss you kiddo." She looked over at Davis and Catherine, beckoning for them to go next.
"See ya T.K. You were a great friend you know, and a great rival while it lasted," said Davis. The others sighed. "I knew you held Kari's heart all along but I didn't want to believe it at first. Slowly though, I began to understand that you were the one who truly deserved her. You were the one who taught me that sometimes, friendship is all you need to survive in this world." He smiled sadly. "I'm gonna miss ya…more than you probably think."
Then Davis looked at Chloe's shrine. "Clo…thanks for keeping us all safe that time in the Dark Ocean. I knew that T.K. and Tai could open your eyes, and I knew you would find yourself again. But most of all, I wanna thank you for what went down in the Dark Ocean. In a way, you showed me that sometimes it's better to let go so you could find the one who truly holds your heart." He smiled and the others marveled at his words. Davis could sometimes be stupid, and he could sometimes be a bit of a jerk, but when he put his mind to it, the words he spoke were the truth.
Catherine nodded in agreement as she knelt in front of Chloe and T.K.'s shrines. "I would like to zank both of you for everyzing that you 'ave done for us. You've given us back our 'ope, our friendships, and our lives. I never could zank you enough for being ze strong and caring people you were." Tears slowly ran down her beautiful face. "I…guess zis is goodbye." She quickly stood up and backed away to stand beside Davis, before looking at Ash, who was next.
Ash said nothing at first. Then, realizing everyone was looking at him, he spoke: "Somehow…I never thought this day would come. It was different the first time this happened…when we thought we would never see you two again. At least you were alive…and at least I knew you were safe. But this time, you're not coming back. This time..." Ash's eyes burned with tears but he struggled to keep from blinking. "I guess the time has finally come. Somehow…today…we have to say…goodbye." He waved a hand at the people behind him. "I speak for not only myself…but for the rest of the teams as well." Pikachu looked up at him sorrowfully and Ash picked his partner up.
"Farewell Chloe and Takeru," said Izzy. "We'll never forget what you did for us."
"None of us will," added Joe solemnly. "You were special to us."
"There's no one on this entire planet or any of the other worlds we've been to that could take your place," Ken picked up. "You were one of a kind."
Yolei nodded once, the rain bouncing off her glasses. "Take care of yourselves wherever you are. And no matter where you are…"
"Know that we'll always be thinking of you," said Mimi tearfully. "Always be missing you. Y-you two were always a seamless team and it's hard to imagine we won't see you again. Goodbye!"
"The trust that you placed within yourselves and your partners and all of us isn't gone and we know that, even though you're gone," said Misty, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. "Don't think we'll let go so easily."
Brock nodded. "You hold a part of us within you, and in a way…you still do." He swallowed. "Take care up there…okay?"
Jacob bowed his head. "If I could see your spirits again, I would. But somehow…I believe you want it this way. You want us to cope with our own lives. And I respect that. We all do." He looked up and his brown eyes seemed to shine with warm light despite the falling rain. "Don't forget us."
Jacqueline shook her head as she gazed at the two shrines. "You've given us so much…we will use the lives that you have given us in whatever way we can. Now we see things the way you do."
The last pair struck the teams with amazement. They shed no tears yet their voices were broken with pain and light and wisdom. Whatever sadness they had held had to be placed aside, for they knew they must be strong for the benefit of the team and the survival of the world.
The Tamers said not a word. Their hearts were in pain just like their friends, but they were younger and less so. They had not known Chloe and T.K. for as long as the others had known them but they paid their own respects just the same. The eight children said one nice thing that he or she had known about Chloe and T.K., one thing that they knew came from the heart.
"You were a great fighter Chloe," said Takato. "And T.K., you were a good person to talk to when times were tough."
"You were someone we could count on," said Henry. "And you were someone that we could trust."
"You were both compassionate," said Jeri sweetly. "And understanding most of the time."
Ryo picked up from where she left off. "You were determined to risk your life for us all Chloe. And you were determined to protect us from darkness T.K."
"Clo, you were beautiful but cynical," added Kazu. "And you had a great sense of humor T.K."
"You both trusted us," said Kenta.
"You were both nice people," said Suzie.
Rika said nothing and then sighed. "You were…my best friends…and you saw me…for who I really was." She clenched her fists so tightly, her nails made imprints on the inside of her palm. "And I…yeah." What she truly wanted to say was kept back in her throat, as if she let it out, the pain would become even harder to bear.
No one spoke for the longest time. All they could hear, see, and remember were the two people who had vowed to give everything for a single prophecy…all to save the family that the three teams had become. And as the rain poured down, the skies seemed to glow as if from an inner light…from a miracle at work.
"We know that as long as the darkness continues to fight us, hope will always be there to light the way," said Izzy solemnly. "And we know…that as long as hope is there to light the way, life will continue to prosper and grow…one way…or another."
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears,
And I held your hand through all of these years,
But you still have…all of me
Hours after the funeral, Takato walked through the trees, hoping to see a sure sign of Jeri. He had to tell her how he felt. It couldn't be put off any longer. Why does my heart doubt though?
"Takato?"
He glanced at his left to see his best friend staring at him curiously. Terriermon was sitting on his head. The bunny grinned. "You look like a kid with a mission Takatomon."
Normally, Takato would've answered back but as of now, he had no time for the Digimon's clever comments. He dismissed Terriermon with a faint nod.
"Y'know, he's got a point," said Henry with concern. "You okay Takato?"
"Fine—I think."
Henry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'I think?'"
The goggled Tamer groaned. "Oh who am I kidding? I'm a glob of mixed-up jello." He looked up at Henry. "Henry, I was gonna tell Jeri…how I…um…feel about her."
That caught Henry off guard. He looked irritated for a split second, but since it happened so fast, it was probably a trick from the light. "And you choose to do this now?"
"Well," Takato sighed. "We've lost so many, I thought I'd better spill the beans and confess before we all die."
"That's not funny Takato."
"I never said it was. I mean, I better tell her before anything else happens. Otherwise, I'm gonna be wondering about her reaction for the rest of my life."
Terriermon grinned. "Which probably won't last very long at this rate."
"Terriermon!" Henry looked embarrassed. "Well if you wanna tell her, be my guest."
Takato blinked. "You sure Henry?"
"Of course I'm sure. You probably won't find a better time," said Henry, forcing a smile on his face. "Go on."
Takato smiled and was about to walk forward but stopped. He shook his head. "I can't."
Henry raised his eyebrows. Terriermon would have…if he had eyebrows.
"Why not?"
"Because…my head's telling me it's not the right time and my heart's telling me Jeri may not be the one," Takato replied regretfully.
Henry's eyebrows rose even higher. "What do you mean Jeri's not the one? Takato, you've been in love with Jeri for as long as I can remember. You've known her since grade school and during our battles with the D-Reaper, Jeri was all you could think about. And besides, I think she has feelings for you too." For some strange reason, he felt irritated again but succeeded in hiding it.
The goggled boy shifted his gaze to the ground. "Haven't you also noticed that I don't blush as much around her? They always say your first love is never usually your last—except for T.K. and Kari. Maybe…maybe it was never meant to be," he mumbled. "I'm so confused. It's like my heart's divided."
"So you're not gonna tell her now?" Henry asked in surprise. "You okay with this?"
Takato nodded. "Yeah." I have to see who else is making me feel this way. And it seems that compared to this person, Jeri's just a crush.
Jacob Sasaki lay back against the soft grass on the banks of the river. Datirimon was sitting on his stomach. With a sigh, he pushed the little green tomato off and sat up. Datirimon responded by climbing (with great difficulty) onto his head.
"Datirimon, as much as I like you, can you please get off?"
"No way," the Digimon chirped. "Your hair's nice and plushy."
Jacob groaned. "Maybe I should cut it."
"No don't do that!" The little Digimon jumped off his head. "I won't be able to sit on it anymore!"
That's the point, Jacob thought before a sudden movement behind him caused him to scramble to his feet. An array of shimmering butterflies drifted up to him. "Uncle Oikawa."
Datirimon's beady eyes lit up.
"How are you Jacob?"
Jacob shook his head. "Terrible. You have no idea what we've been going through."
"I have been overseeing your battles and I understand the amount of pain that you all are burdened with."
"I thought you were supposed to protect the Digital World," said Jacob resentfully. He wasn't angry with Oikawa but he couldn't help but feel that had his uncle protected the Digital World like he promised, there would be less pain and death.
The array of butterflies trembled. "Ah…I've tried but Missingno has prevented me from doing anything. Believe me, all I can do is speak to you."
"We've lost so many Uncle," Jacob murmured sadly to the spirit of his relative. "Digimon…innocent or ally…our future children…Chloe…they even took T.K. away from us. What are we supposed to do now?"
"Be patient Jacob. The answers will come soon. In the meantime, you should pay attention to the other parts of the prophecy."
Jacob kicked the ground. "I'm starting to wonder if all of this is really worth it. How are we so sure that prophecy's true?" he asked bitterly. "A fat lot of good it did. All the prophecy's done is made us lose a trainer and a Digidestined."
"Good will overcome evil…but not without suffering and sacrifice. A price is always made in order to ensure evil's defeat. Chloe and T.K. gave up their lives in exchange for your lives and the destruction of three of the four Dark Masters. They knew what they were doing."
His nephew nodded once to show he understood, but the look on his face was enough to see he didn't like the explanation at all.
"As I said before, you should focus on the final parts of the prophecy. It says that the Child of Spirit will make the next move, a move that could cause a miracle…for a price."
Jacob's brown eyes widened with clarity. "You mean…in order to create the miracle, she must sacrifice herself?"
Oikawa hesitated and then said, "Yes."
"Oh no," muttered Jacob in horror. "Not Rika. That's too much."
"So you know. It is her destiny. You mustn't let her or the others know. She will know for herself when the time comes."
"We can't let that happen. Think of how much it'll affect the Tamers and Renamon if they knew. I can't do that to them. It gives me so much pain."
Oikawa's voice was low. "You think it doesn't bring me pain? You can change a person's destiny…but hers is inevitable. Think Jacob. What matters more to her...the fate of her friends, family, the world…or her own life?"
"But why Uncle Oikawa? It just isn't right."
The man's spirit slowly faded away. "Remember Jacob…everything has a reason. Good will overcome evil…but not without suffering and sacrifice."
Jacob sank to the ground, his face contorted with sorrow. Datirimon jumped into his arms and looked up at his partner worriedly.
"I don't like this Datirimon. I don't like this at all."
Nighttime fell on the Digital World and everyone settled down to sleep. Rika was unable to sleep. Getting up from her sleeping bag, she crept to the cliff top.
Silvery moonlight lit up the cliff as Rika got there. She gazed at the view of the world around her. A soft breeze blew by and tugged at the strands of her long hair. The grass brushed against her jean-clad legs. With a sigh, she pulled the two last remains of her friends out of her pockets. Their last words echoed in her head as she held the items:
"In your hearts…I'll always be with you…always…"
"Stick together…never allow light to fade…don't let darkness consume your hearts…and most importantly…never lose hope…"
As Rika thought about them, she couldn't help feeling a surge of anger. How could you say those things? Losing hope is the same as losing you. I don't want to just feel you in my heart, I want to see you! I can't help thinking of how this was my fault. I did this to you and your future families. What kind of a person am I?
Rika felt tears fill her eyes. She tried to brush them away. Rika Nonaka, quit acting like a big baby. You have to be strong! Instead, the tears spilled down her cheeks. She raised her face. "Why did you leave? Why are you doing this to me?"
I vowed that I would never let myself become attached to anyone after my father left. I broke that vow…and my friends paid for it with their lives. Is all this fighting really worth it…is it really worth the pain, the annihilation, the sacrifice? Is it really worth anything at all? What do we gain? What do we really have after all this? The salty tears left trails as they ran like rain into her hands.
There was nothing she wanted to do that could express how she felt. But...but the one other thing that could...well it was better than crying wasn't it?
I'm already making a fool of myself aren't I?
So Rika slowly closed her eyes to try to stem the flow of water...and began to sing:
Alone for a while I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain
Melodies of life—love's lost refrain
Takato got up slowly from his sleeping bag to check on Guilmon. The little dinosaur had a habit of sneaking away lately and he wasn't taking any changes. To his surprise, he found Guilmon fast asleep underneath a tree, possibly dreaming about bread. Relieved, Takato was about to head back when he heard something in the distance: soft racking sobs. It must be Kari, he thought. She's probably crying again because of T.K.'s death. I don't blame her. That's when he noticed Kari in front of him, fast asleep next to Gatomon. Oh…kay…if it's not Kari then who is it?
Takato noticed the sound was coming from the cliff where Rika usually went. He headed off in that direction.
Moonlight streamed down over the cliff when he got there, giving it a sort of whitish glow. In the middle of the light was a girl with long hair. The moonbeam gave her hair a silvery look. Who's that? It can't be Rika…can it?
Then he heard it: a familiar beautiful voice he'd only heard once on a runaway Digi-train.
Rika...
Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold
Why was she singing? He thought she HATED singing!
In my dearest memories, I still see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name
A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes on and on
Melodies of life, to the sky beyond the flying birds
Forever and beyond
Rika heard a noise behind her. Renamon? She wiped her face and slowly turned around and saw Takato standing there, looking perplexed. He was wearing the white T-shirt he usually wore underneath his blue hooded one but the yellow goggles were unmistakable. "Hey."
The former ice-hearted warrior's eyes glittered in anger. "What do you want Gogglehead?"
Wow, it is Rika. "Are you okay?" Although it was hard to tell, he could detect a lot of torment behind those eyes. "Why are you crying?"
"I'm not," Rika lied quickly, knowing he wasn't convinced.
She was right. "I know you're lying. Now answer my question."
Rika faced her back to him. "None of your business." Please go away. I don't think I could bear for you to stay.
Takato walked toward her. "Something must really be wrong. I mean, you rarely cry…and hardly anyone sees you cry."
"Congratulations, you're one of few," Rika muttered bitterly. "Now leave me alone."
She looks so sad. "Maybe I can help."
"No one can help Genius so just go away."
Even though Takato had the feeling she would hit him, he was not going to back down. "Not until you tell me what it is." He took hold of her shoulders and turned her around to face him. "Tell me what's wrong."
She shook her head hard. "I'm not leaving 'till you do," he said. "Please Rika, tell me what's hurting you inside. Don't bury it away."
Rika sighed and then glared at him. Since they were nearly the same height, she could look at him eye-level. "You wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
"You wouldn't truly understand. Do you know how it feels, losing people you care for? Maybe you think you do because of Jeri but she's different. My life may not have been as bad as hers but it's nothing to be proud of. My mom giving birth to me at seventeen, my dad walking out on us, and now Chloe and T.K. dying." A single tear escaped from her eye and she made no move to wipe it. "It seems everyone I try to get close to goes away. I promised myself I would never get close to anyone again after my dad broke his promise to come back. Instead I let my heart out to T.K. and Chloe…and they left forever." She closed her eyes. "But what do you care? I'm not your Jeri."
My Jeri? Takato thought vaguely. His thoughts vanished as Rika began to sob. "Rika…"
"There, happy? Go ahead and laugh. I can be hurt too you know!" She reached out and gave him a shove. His hands fell off her arms. "Just go away. I don't need you. I don't need anyone." A few more tears escaped as she shoved him again. The pain…it hurt. It hurt a lot.
Takato couldn't bear the misery and bitterness in her face and voice. She reminded him so much of Jeri and the time she'd lost Leomon. The pain and the grief; it was all similar. And yet it seemed worse since Rika wasn't Ms. Sentimentality. I can feel her pain. Oh it hurts so much. He slowly placed a comforting arm around her shoulder. Rika collapsed against him and buried her face into his shoulder, her arms flung around his waist. Though surprised, he wrapped his arms around her self-consciously. She flinched, but didn't move away. "It's okay, Rika," Takato whispered as he caressed her soft hair. "Let it all out."
"Why…did…they…leave?" Rika asked through gulping sobs. "How…could…they?"
Takato didn't know how to answer her. "I don't know. I don't think they wanted to Rika, but they had to. They cared about us that much."
"It wasn't worth it," she whimpered. "All this dying and fighting…it wasn't worth it all!"
For what seemed like hours they stood there, Takato still holding Rika and patiently waiting for her to stop crying. It amazed him how much she kept bottled up inside since she seemed so stubborn and strong. Behind that tough façade was a different girl who had long since given up hope that anyone would care about her. As he held her, memories of Parasimon's invasion and the mental damage Rika suffered filled his head. The song she hummed under her breath that day after their battle…surely it was a song about her father's broken promise. She'd ceased to trust people ever since.
Finally, her tears slowed down to sad hiccups. "They were the only ones…who cared about me."
"Wha—? That's not true Rika. You have Renamon and your mother and grandmother."
"They don't count. (hiccup)" Stupid aftershocks.
"Well we do. The trainers care about you. The Digidestined care about you."
Rika shook her head. "They care about all of us. We're like a second family," she replied. She swallowed to suppress her hiccups.
"But what about Jeri? She cares about you. And Ryo and Henry too. And don't forget me. You're special to me." Rika stared at him in surprise. "As a friend," he added quickly. His insides squirmed uncomfortably.
Rika didn't say anything for a while. She leaned against him before whispering, "This is all my fault."
"What are you talking about?"
Her eyes met his again. "It's all my fault this happened. If I hadn't dreamt up that premonition, we wouldn't be in this battle. Some friend I am. This whole war started because of me and it's supposed to end by me. When is it going to stop? The Primary Village babies, Sukomon, Chumon, Elecmon, Chloe, Centarumon, Ogremon, T.K…when will the time come when we've lost enough?!" Silent tears poured down her face and she lowered her head so he wouldn't see. Oh man, you might as well nickname me "Waterworks." I'm such a baby. "Maybe it'd be better if I just die."
"What? No!" Takato held her at arm's length and forced her to look at him. "Don't say that Rika! None of this was or is your fault so you should stop blaming yourself. Threatening to kill yourself won't bring the others back."
She suppressed a hollow laugh. "Yeah right Takato. It wouldn't matter if I died. With the way I've treated everyone in the past and now, it's amazing I wasn't the first to go." She closed her eyes and opened them again. "Even when I tried to kill you back when Parasimon was taking control…you should have killed me then."
Takato shook his head hard. I have to make her see. "No Rika. Don't say that. There's nothing wrong with the way you act. You're just…being you."
"……"
"Believe me Rika; I know what you're going through. You can count on me to feel pain when others do. But don't do this yourself. I hate to see you suffer."
The young Tamer remained silent, doubtful. He drew her back into his arms and rubbed her shoulders gently.
"Trust me. I think the prophecy will work out for us in the end. It talked about a miracle. Maybe that miracle will come."
"Maybe." She couldn't seem to look away from his auburn eyes. They looked so kind and comforting. "Why aren't you laughing? I mean, me, the Ice Queen crying…doesn't that strike you as funny?"
"It's not funny. Not to me." Takato's eyes blinked before losing themselves in hers again. She had the most beautiful violet eyes. He just couldn't tear himself away.
Rika frowned. "What?"
"Huh? Oh…uh…you know Rika," he said and paused. Oh well, might as well. "You have…really pretty eyes." Oh you know she's gonna kill you for that one.
Her eyes widened and she could feel her face heating up. Her first impulse was to slap him across the face but she didn't. Why?
The silent droplets continued to pour down her face. He reached over and wiped them away, his soft touch causing her pulse to quicken. She felt drawn towards the strange boy as if she needed him. He's so nice to me…every time I'm like this; he's always there for me…why? I never reveal anything to anyone—except him. What makes him so special? Why do I feel so weak?
Takato pushed the loose strands of Rika's hair away from her face. It felt like fluid in his hands. I should let her go but I don't want to. She hasn't let her feelings out in a long time, I can tell. Then he remembered a girl with brown hair and eyes; the girl that he loved. Jeri. This has to stop. I love Jeri. He tried to move back but Rika's arms tightened around his waist. "I don't want to be alone," she whispered. "Takato…don't leave me...just yet."
Those words were enough to make him stay rooted to the ground. Rika's tears had by now subsided although she'd drenched the side of his shirt in the process. He didn't seem to mind—much. As long as he held her, the nightmare was beyond them and would never get in. I'll never let her face this alone. I won't make the same mistake I did with Jeri.
"Do you want me to walk you back to your sleeping bag?" Takato asked her.
Rika smiled softly which threw him off guard. She was feeling a little dizzy. "It's okay Takato. I'm fine—I think." She closed her eyes and started to slump to the ground. "Oooohh."
"Are-are you okay?" Takato exclaimed, reaching out to grab her shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Rika replied hoarsely. She straightened up and realized how dangerously close their faces were. "Get out of my face," she snapped, sounding much more like her normal self.
Takato gulped and moved his head away from hers, blushing like crazy. It was strange. Usually, the only person he blushed around was Jeri. What was happening? "I'm sorry," he said. He knew what was wrong with Rika. She was worn out from crying and letting her emotions out. "Let's get back to camp." Rika didn't argue. She didn't seem to have the strength.
With Rika leaning against his shoulder, he managed to get her back to her own sleeping bag. Renamon, who had been awake for the majority of the time, tucked her in. "What happened Takato?" she asked the Tamer.
"She got tired so I brought her back," he answered. For an obvious reason, he didn't want the Digimon to know about what he and Rika talked about. "Can you...uh…"
"I'll leave you two alone," said Renamon with an understanding nod. She vanished.
Once Renamon was gone, Takato reached over and brushed Rika's hair out of her face. As soon as his fingers came in contact with her skin he pulled away. A strange tingling went up and down his arm. What's wrong with me? "You're going to be just fine Rika."
She smiled. "Thanks a lot Takato."
He smiled back…and before he could stop himself, leaned forward and brushed his lips against her cheek.
What on earth? Rika gasped and pulled away from him.
"I…" Takato began and he could feel his face burning. I cannot believe what I just did. Great job Matsuki. You've just earned yourself a one-way ticket to doomsday. "Sorry," he finally blurted out. "It was an accident, really."
Rika brought her hand up to where the kiss had been and rubbed it off. "Did you just…?"
"Yes," said Takato. He sighed and bowed his head. "Okay, go ahead. Hit me."
She frowned. "Why?" He raised his eyes and stared at her. "I don't need to hit you. You were just trying to help me." In the weirdest way.
"I'm sorry," Takato repeated again. Am I ever glad Jeri and the others are not awake.
Rika couldn't help but smile. He's so cute when he's embarrassed. Her smile faded and she mentally slapped herself. What am I thinking? He's not even cute…well actually for a boy he's—ew. No way. He may be nice and funny and all that, but he's still a gogglehead.
"Are you okay?"
"What? Oh yes, I'm fine." Her throat felt as dry as a desert. Must be from all that crying. It was around this point that she noticed how exhausted she really was. The only thing she wanted to do now was sleep. Closing her eyes, Rika settled underneath the lining of her sleeping bag. "Good night Takato." In seconds, she was fast asleep.
Hey, she called me Takato—a lot more than usual. He glanced down at the sleeping girl. She looked so gentle, so beautiful. It was hard to identify her with the haughty Digimon Queen. Slowly, as if an inner force was controlling him, he pushed her bangs gently aside and kissed her forehead. "Good night Rika," he whispered.
Only then did Takato comprehend what he just did. What the heck? His head snapped up and he stood up, his mind reeling. Without looking back, he raced off to his own sleeping bag near Henry. Renamon watched the boy leave with a satisfied smile. "I know your heart is torn Takato but don't worry. You will know what is right in the end.
I don't know what made me do it. All I was trying to do was help Rika out and instead I end up acting like some lovesick fool! Thank God it didn't end up someplace else. Takato tried to ignore the heat radiating from his face and shuddered at the possible consequences. It should never have happened. Rika's not the one for me. She's way out of my league. But why does it feel like something I've been hoping to do for a long time? Takato sighed and continued to ponder his very confused feelings. He tried to focus on Jeri, any thought on Jeri.
But no matter how hard he tried to focus on Jeri's face and charming smile…
It was Rika's questioning beautiful eyes that stared back…
Next Day
"When exactly did Missingno appear guys?" Tai asked the three Pokémon trainers.
Ash shrugged. "We're not really sure. All we know is that while we were hiding out in Tracey and Gary's labs to avoid stares we found him outside with the other Pokémon."
Misty nodded. "Tracey and Gary were the only ones who actually remembered us. Everyone else acted like we were strangers."
"So why'd you hide to avoid stares then?" asked Davis.
"Ash's hat jogged their memories."
Izzy clicked away at the computer for a while. Cody and Joe looked over his shoulder every now and then. On the other side, the Tamers patiently waited for the older teams to finish mapping out their strategies.
After a few minutes, Izzy looked up and grinned. "Prodigious! I've managed to target Missingno's next coordinates. He's positioned in the mountain caverns." He glanced at the screen again. "Say, that's strange. He's now in the area where the Digimon Sovereign live. I wonder why?"
"Maybe because it's more of an open space," Tentomon suggested. "You know how evil guys are; they like "wide open spaces" for destruction."
"Where are the Digimon Sovereign?" asked Joe. "I mean Zhugiaomon?"
Izzy zoomed in on the screen. "Give me a nanosecond." He pressed another button and soon the full image of the realm lay portrayed on the screen. His eyes widened to the size of side plates. "Oh no!"
Tentomon gazed at the image in horror. "Oh my! This isn't good!"
"What's wrong Izzy?" asked Cody in concern. The others, including the Tamers, glanced at the computer whiz with puzzled looks.
Izzy gulped and pressed another button to produce a large hologram of the image in front of them. The hologram depicted all four Sovereign struggling to herd other Digimon away from an enormous electric blue-and-black creature with four whip cord-like arms sticking out of his back. Two larger hands stuck out in front of him and he sent streams of lightning in all direction. The Sovereign managed to let the other Digimon escape before turning to face the creature. The livid pixilated eyes leered at them. It was Missingno.
The Tamers were horrified. "Look at all the destruction!"
Indeed, the Sovereign level was not in great shape. Most of the land was rocky and ruined. Data streams had ceased to form but the skies were red and black with chaos.
Zhugiaomon shot a tornado of orange flames at Missingno. "BLAZING HELIX!"
Missingno glided smoothly past them and grabbed onto Zhugiaomon with his two enormous arms. The bird let out a fresh howl of pain as he dissolved into little particles of data.
Lopmon screamed. "Zhugiaomon!" As her master's body slowly became digitized, she covered her face in her tiny hands. Terriermon leaped down from Henry's shoulder and patted her head sympathetically.
The other Digimon Sovereign were enraged. Azulongmon lashed out with his Lightning Whip. Missingno rippled with laughter and dodged the whip the same way he dodged Zhugiamon's flames.
"AURORA FORCE!!" cried Azulongmon. He formed a portal-like circle with his long body. A white beam shot out of the portal and made direct contact with the virus.
For a minute, it looked as if the beam had hurt Missingno. It certainly hit him hard. So it was a shock to see that not only was Missingno not even fazed, he was sucking in the beam.
"THE HECK?!" yelped Kazu.
"He's absorbing the attack!" Izzy informed them.
Missingno finished taking in the beam and turned his livid eyes on Azulongmon. "You consider that strong? Try blocking this!" He blasted the three remaining Sovereign away with a strong icy wind. "Blizzard!"
The trainers gaped at the image. "That's a Pokémon attack!"
Azulongmon felt his neck tighten as the virus wrapped his tentacle arms around it. The dragon's body began to dissolve as Missingno launched his inhuman effect.
"NO!" The other Sovereign rushed to the dragon's aid. "PHANTOM HAIL!" cried Ebonwumon. The sky darkened even further and the Digimon's own blizzard hurtled toward Missingno.
Baihumon raced forward, his metallic claws ready to strike. "IRON CLAW!"
Missingno felt the effects of the blows, but he didn't even cringe. "So, you want to hurt me eh?" He began to glow with dark blue light. "PSYCHIC ATTACK!"
The kids never got a chance to see what happened, because the hologram fizzled out. "Izzy, what happened?" Mimi asked him.
Izzy blinked and clicked again on his computer. "I don't know I can't get another picture on the place. There's no connection."
"How'd you manage to get connection before?" Matt asked curiously.
"Oh that's easy. Believe it or not, there are some wires in this forest. I simply hooked up the modem to them." Izzy checked his monitor again and the black screen flashed large red words: SYSTEM ERROR! SYSTEM ERROR! SYSTEM ERROR!
Izzy's eyes widened. "What on earth?" He tried rebooting the system again but the words flashed for a second time: SYSTEM ERROR! SYSTEM ERROR!
"Having fun Koushiro?"
The computer genius gasped. The flashing words vanished, and the hologram came back on, but there was no sign of the Sovereign. Missingno, however, was leering at them ghoulishly.
Davis narrowed his eyes. "What did you do with the Sovereign?" he demanded fiercely.
The blue virus's eyes tripled in electricity. "Oh them," he said carelessly. "I chose to talk to you at a bad time. I'm not done absorbing data." He gestured to an array of pixels and data with one of his long arms.
Jeri screamed. Takato's eyes widened in anger. "MURDERER!" he cried.
"You monster!" Tai added furiously. "What kind of sick and twisted game have you turned this into?!" The other Tamers glared at Missingno in rage, including Suzie.
Missingno chuckled softly. "A game? I guess you could call this fighting that. I'm the killer and you're the victims standing in my way."
At this, Jeri sank to her knees, her hands pressed tightly to her head. "You're just as bad as the D-Reaper," she moaned. "Or worse."
Rika, on the other hand, clenched her hands into fists. "You're insane Missingno!" she yelled, enraged. "You think this is funny? People and Digimon have died. What do you hope to gain out of this?" She glared at the virus's image. "Tell me! WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?!"
His face (blank except for the eyes) met hers. "Everything," he hissed. "Of course, you may be my next victim. So you better watch your back." The hologram fizzled out once more.
"Jeri, are you all right?" asked Takato sympathetically.
She nodded and smiled. "I'm okay Takato."
Brock sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "This doesn't look too good for us guys."
"I know what you mean Brock," said Ken. "The death of the Sovereign is really putting a lot of pressure on us. He's deleted four Megas. How can our own Digimon handle his power?"
Wormmon crawled over to him. "Don't worry about us Ken. We can do it."
"As long as you're with us," Veemon added. "We'll always stand a chance. Right Davis?"
The new leader nodded.
Yolei glanced in the computer whiz's direction. "Hey Izzy, where's our destination point?"
Izzy clicked the keyboard. "The center of Zhugiaomon's realm—the highest point of the Digital World."
"Well then, that shouldn't be too difficult," said Hawkmon mildly. "Getting there, I mean."
Armadillomon yawned. "Leave the transportation to us. We know which data stream takes you up there."
"But there's no data streams," Kari protested.
"No need to worry. There are data streams all around that place so we'll find one that can transport us near the Sovereign level."
Gatomon looked skeptical. "We still better stay on our guard. This place was only safe because the Sovereign protected it." Without the Digimon Sovereign, we're all in hot water—and cats like me don't like hot water."
"Neither do the rest of us," said Patamon listlessly. He had changed a great deal since his partner's death.
Tai nodded grimly before looking at the Tamers. "Are you guys okay? I mean, you knew the Sovereign more than us."
Henry nodded back at him. Ryo gave him a thumbs-up. "It's cool."
But Rika didn't look "cool" at all. Her face still bore the startled expression she wore when Missingno had told her she might be his next victim.
Jeri glanced at her. "Rika?"
The redhead shook her head and left the clearing. The other kids, and Digimon, looked at each other quizzically.
"What's wrong with Rika?" asked Calumon worriedly.
"Yeah," Kazu commented, comfused. "Usually Digi-Queen's so hyped up. Now she looks down in the dumps."
Renamon crossed her arms. "She just needs some time alone."
Takato gazed at the place where Rika last stood. No, she needs someone to talk to. She needs me. He started to walk in the direction of Rika's departure.
"Hey Chumly! Where are you going?"
"Just for a walk," Takato called over his shoulder.
His friends looked perplexed. "But Takato, Rika's over there," said Ryo worriedly.
"I know that," Takato replied. He kept on walking.
"Well if Rika tries to kill you and you need some assistance, all you have to do is scream!"
"Terriermon!"
"Tell me! WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?!"
"Everything. Of course, you may be my next victim. So you better watch your back."
Rika smoothed her hand against the bark of a tree. It felt flat and firm, not tough the way trees were supposed to be. She sighed. I don't know why I have this strange sensation. Is Missingno just threatening me…or am I really next?
The young Tamer removed her hand from the tree and focused on the flowing river. She had come here only five days before, a week after Chloe died. That was the day she started acting hostile and coldhearted. This time she came here because she was worried. She couldn't feel weak now. She had to be stronger than ever for her team. They were going to need her more than ever now that the final battle was drawing closer. She would be ready.
"Thinking again?"
Rika turned her head to see Takato. "Oh…hey Gogglehead."
He walked over to her. "You don't sound very happy to see me."
"Hmph." She crossed her arms. "I thought you were going to be Ryo or something."
"Ryo?"
"He followed me here last time—remember?" she explained. "And talked to me about my attitude problem."
"Oh…right." Takato tried not to think so but a ripple of jealousy coursed through him. Oh come on! he thought fiercely. It's not like I like Rika or anything…right? "Good for him."
Rika raised her eyebrows. "Now look who's sounding unhappy. Why the monotone Gogglehead?"
Huh? "No really, I mean it. Good for him. It was nice he was able to cheer you up." He forced a smile. Oh you know that's fake.
"Oh." For a minute Rika felt disappointed. Oh come on! It's not like he's jealous of Ryo and me…right? She turned her attention back to the river. "It's peaceful here." When she shifted her gaze back to Takato, she saw that he was staring at her. Okay, what's going on here? "What?"
Takato blinked, blushing automatically. "Oh nothing." Looking away from her, he tried to maintain his composure. Get a grip Takato.
Rika nodded. Although she wouldn't tell him, what he did last night meant a lot to her. No one had shown her so much support…and no one had made her experience so much emotional woe. She knew it wasn't Takato really who brought the memories of her father and the others; it was her own doing. Yet, he'd given her comfort and sincerity. He brought the tears that had long since been kept in check—thankfully. But she still didn't know why he bothered to help her at all. Sure they were friends and all that, but did she mean any more than that to him? Did he—?
"Are you okay?"
"What? Oh yes, I'm fine." Get a hold of yourself Rika.
Takato's auburn eyes locked onto hers, trying to see inside. He shook his head. "No you're not. You're scared about something."
"Me scared? I'm not scared."
He stared into her eyes intently. "Yes you are Rika. You may not wanna admit it, but you are."
Darn him and his reading of emotions, Rika thought. "You don't have to tell me what it is," Takato went on. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me. I just want you to know that…you can always count on me if you need me."
Rika felt speechless—just for a minute. "Why are you always here for me?" she finally asked. "Most people wouldn't bother with me but you do. Is it because you li—?"
"I'm always there for my friends," he answered sincerely. "It's nothing more than that Rika. I love Jeri. You know that." His insides writhed for some odd reason…as if they were denying what he said.
She closed her eyes. He was always there for his friends. What was she expecting? That the reason he cared about her was because he found there was something different in their friendship? That what they had meant something to him, that she meant something to him?
As Rika realized just where her thoughts were leading her, she swallowed the acid tears she had in her mouth. No, it couldn't be. She couldn't be falling in love with Takato, not again and not now. It wasn't right. Why are these feelings coming back? I've never felt like this since the D-Reaper…and last night he... Shaking her head, she turned away from him and a picture of the battle with the D-Reaper filled her mind. It was of Takato holding onto Jeri as they were lifted out of the bubble of chaos. She remembered hearing their words:
"Takato…you came."
"Well of course I did! What, did you think I'd leave you?"
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you."
"I missed you."
At the time, she felt nothing but pure happiness for the two of them…but now… I can't. Why would I mean anything to him if he has someone like Jeri? I…care about him too much to hurt him. I can never tell him or Jeri.
Takato noticed her facing the tree instead of him and he felt his heart sink. Why was she acting this way? "Rika," he began.
He saw her flinch but otherwise she ignored him. Takato sighed and started to turn away. She was making her feelings quite plain; she didn't want him to stay.
"Takato."
Takato stopped and glanced back at her. She wanted him to stay?
Rika was shaking and twisting her hands together. "Don't leave me now," she whispered. "Please don't be like them…please…please…"
She closed her eyes again; Missingno's warning echoing in her head along with fading images of Chloe and T.K. Again she heard their voices speaking soothingly to her. They had loved her and yet they had left her. They had left everyone they loved for the sake of destiny.
She felt someone's arms closing around her, holding her. On instinct, she balled one hand into a fist and aimed it forward. Her fist was caught by a hand and forced, gently but firmly, back to her side. Rika opened her eyes to meet Takato's. He hadn't let go of her hand so it drew him strangely closer until their faces were only inches away. "Sorry," she whispered apologetically. "I don't think…"
"Don't," Takato whispered firmly. "Think."
A salty tear fell down from Rika's eye and plopped onto his arm. He raised his hand to her cheek and wiped the tear off. Rika's face heated up at the feel of his hand brushing against her. He drew away. "I…sorry." She bowed her head, preventing him from her seeing her face. How could she tell him?
"Can you sing for me?"
"Huh?" Rika stared. "You want me to...what?"
"Can you sing for me?" He winced as if afraid she would attack him. "That song you were singing last night. Can you finish it?"
What the heck. It doesn't matter anymore.
She nodded and sung the final verse.
If I should leave this lonely world behind
Your voice will still remember our melody
Now I know we'll carry on
Melodies of life come circle round and grow deep in our hearts
As long as we remember
"I love Jeri. You know that."
Her heart felt like it was breaking into tiny pieces and the hole inside it seemed to increase…it hurt nearly as much as the deaths of her friends. No. I'm supposed to be strong! What does this stupid gogglehead have that makes me feel this way?
Takato frowned slightly. What was Rika so tense about? And why was she apologizing? Her eyes were trying to tell him something. They were like a magnet for his own. He leaned in, trying to see through to her. "Rika…"
She gazed back, the light of the digital sun reflecting in her violet orbs. She suddenly remembered why he was here. He was helping her go through with her problems. "I'm always there for my friends. It's nothing more than that Rika." She was his friend. His friend. That was all.
Rika bowed her head and gave a shuddery sigh. "You almost made me forget."
"Forget what?" Takato saw that her violet irises were glittering.
"You almost made me forget what Missingno said to me. About me being the next victim. And today and last night…" she choked and another salty droplet fell from her eye. "You almost made me forget my father and Chloe and T.K. You almost made me forget."
That was what her eyes were trying to tell him. She was scared and worried. Takato held her tightly and wiped away the tear. Hey, he'd be there to help her fight whatever was scaring her. Rika gazed at him in a way that seemed hurt. "Was it just sympathy Takato? Was it only to make me forget?"
Takato thought about last night and how he was acting around her lately. There was no question about it; the other person he cared about other than Jeri was Rika. But were these thoughts of friendship…or something more? He hadn't meant to kiss her last night…sort of. Takato shook his head. Rika needed support and he'd be there to provide it. She needed nothing else right now.
"No. It was to make me remember. I won't leave you…I promise."
Back in the Sovereign level of the Digital World, the viral hazard known as Missingno began to laugh. Your time is up kids. Now with the children of Life and Hope out of the way. It won't be long till your worlds are consumed in chaos. Even your Tamer friends have no idea what lies in store for them. As for you Rika…you may think you're as immovable as a frozen icicle but even glaciers have weaknesses. Your spirit was broken once before by that Parasite Digimon…until that stupid goggled Tamer saved you. Be aware Rika…you will all soon die…and there's nothing you or that boy can do about it. His laughter rose to echo across the scorched skies above as his blank eyes portrayed an image of the last Dark Master: Piedmon.
Alexis: It seems like a whole nest of the birds of sadness have swarmed over the teams. How will they stand up to the ultimate powers of the virus? What is the miracle Oikawa speaks of? Will Takato ever know how Rika, and he, feels before the prophecy comes true? So many questions, so little time. Find out the truth as the saga continues!
Okay readers, tell me what you think. Lay it on me! Sorry, I don't mean to be forceful, but I must know what you guys think. Was it too much mush or was it all right? Thanks!