Okay, let's get the boring facts out of the way. I don't own "Hero" from Spiderman and "If Only Tears Could Bring You Back" from Pokémon the First Movie. I also don't own the shows I mentioned in the previous chapter and will mention in this chapter. Hmmm, well…I hope you readers enjoyed that wonderfully sappy chapter prior to this one, because all of the sappiness and romance is about to change.
Oh yes, RavenFireI if you wish to have the chapters complete with the character chat, simply send me your email and I will see what I can do. Believe me, I enjoyed the character chat myself so there's no harm in letting someone else enjoy it just because doesn't want you to.
One more thing, I promise! I would just like to thank the people that have been with me reviewing or putting me on favorites or for just reading my Digimon/Pokemon fics up until now. So thanks to RavenFireI, Ninmast, Sword, Staff, and Bow, Scarred Dragonia, Yssirkcatfreak, Grayshell G. Malfoy, unkowen, Zindakku Hirokai,and everyone else that I haven't mentioned. So thank you soooo much!
Chapter 10-The Ultimate Sacrifice
"I promise this will be our last battle Renamon,"—Rika Nonaka, Jeri Fights Back
"How many more friends are we gonna lose to this thing?"—Takato Matsuki, The D-Reaper's Feast
"You're not gonna scare me off!"—Henry Wong, No Mon is an Island
"As long as Takato's with me, I'll never give up!"—Guilmon, A World Apart
"All right everyone. Stay close. We'll win together, or together we'll fall,"—Yami Yugi, Dueling Heroes
I am so high, I can hear heaven
I am so high, I can hear heaven
Whoa, but heaven...no, heaven don't hear me
Digital World
Forest Sanctuary
Dawn of the Next Day
"Okay gang, it's time to go," Tai called to the others. He turned towards the Pokémon trainers. "You don't have to stay with us. We'll call you when we need you."
Ash shook his head. "Not this time. We're going with you. We have to stick together and work as a real team."
Tai looked surprised. "Who told you that?"
"T.K.," Ash replied and swallowed to prevent himself from choking up.
Tai stared at the ground. "Oh."
"You going to be all right?" asked Ash curiously.
Tai blinked and nodded. "I'll be fine," he said with a shaky smile. "Just fine."
Kari was busy folding up her sleeping bag and sticking it into her backpack. Jacob and Jacqueline worked silently beside her. Kari stopped packing for a minute and stared at them. They both looked serious and thoughtful. "What's up with you two?"
Jacob stopped packing. "I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"Everything," he replied. Datirimon settled on his head. "The battles we fought, the friends we've gained, the people we've lost…"
Kari bit her lip. Jacqueline glanced at her friend. "Kari? Is everything okay?"
The brunette shook her head and then turned and ran into the woods. "Kari!" shouted Jacqueline and then she looked at Jacob in an exasperated way. "Jacob."
"Sorry," he muttered.
Jacqueline abandoned her packing and ran after Kari. Otamamon sighed. "We should leave them alone."
"Yeah."
The Tamers were done packing so they spent as much time as they could relaxing or training themselves up before their (hopefully) last battle. As Henry set Terriermon on the ground, he noticed Kari running through the woods. There were tears in her eyes.
Henry sighed and straightened up. Jeri noticed the look on his face. "Henry, what is it?"
He jerked his head in Kari's direction. Jeri noticed and a shadow passed over her face. "Oh…poor Kari. She's still sad isn't she?"
He nodded. "Wish there was something we could do…"
"About what?" asked Ryo as he and the other Tamers came forward.
"Kari," Henry whispered and he looked back at the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers. "And the rest of them."
"Oh."
Takato looked serious. "Look, even though we're sad, we have to stick together right?"
"Right," agreed Ryo. "We have a battle to finish. Everyone's counting us."
Tai called to them, "Hey Tamers! We're movin' out!"
"Okay!"
And they say
That a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
Rika followed the others at the back. She was still puzzling over the prophecy T.K. had given to them. The last three lines were confusing; especially the first of the three. A Child of Spirit will decide the course of the final struggle…Spirit is my trait so what am I supposed to do? Deliver the final blow? Sacrifice myself? (Oh I hope not) Let the Tamers be destroyed? (Oh anything but that) Agh, I'm not the brain in the group, Rika thought. She fiddled with the two items she held: the necklace and the Digivice. They both emitted soft rays of light. Now that's something that doesn't happen every day, she thought. She sighed and put the items back into her pockets. As she did, she caught sight of Takato turning around. "You okay back there Rika?"
Rika nodded. Takato smiled. "That's good then." He turned back around.
Phew…nearly lost my composure. I don't know why but…ugh, get him out of your brain Rika. He's not yours. Rika smacked her forehead hard with one hand. Takato turned around again. "Uh, is something wrong Rika?"
"Oh…no nothing." She looked embarrassed. Get a grip girl!
"Okay." Takato faced forward and walked on, though he couldn't help noticing how funny she was acting today.
Rika sighed with relief. Jacqueline eyed her. "What's up with you?"
Rika started. "Oh! Oh nothing."
"Uh huh."
For a while they continued in silence before Jacob caught up with the two girls. "Hey Jackie, I've been thinking…did you notice we're losing certain people?"
Jacqueline nodded. "Chloe is part of the Pokémon trainers and T.K.'s part of the Digidestined. So that must been we're going to lose someone else."
"What?!" cried Rika. The other two looked at her. "Um, sorry. Go ahead."
"It's one of you Tamers," Jacqueline continued. Rika turned pale. "Oh don't worry. We're not going to let that happen."
"Thanks."
Jacob eyed Rika anxiously for a few seconds before turning his attention back to the road. I have to trust in Oikawa's words. Everything in life has a reason so maybe…this is for the best.
The three fell silent as they followed the others out of the beautiful forest and up the mountains. All the while, Rika kept her mouth shut. Renamon didn't say anything either. Who is it we're going to lose? Rika thought. She gazed at her fellow Tamers. What would we be without Jeri? she thought as her eyes landed her friend; Calumon asleep in Jeri's arms. She's been through a lot and she'd be hard to live without…especially for Takato.
Rika's gaze shifted to Kenta and Kazu who were helping Guardromon up the path. MarineAngemon perched on top of Kenta's head. I just can't imagine the group without those two. Kazu's dumb sense of humor and Kenta's dumb sense of direction are always worth a laugh. What'll happen if they go?
Suzie and Ryo came into view. At the same time, Henry took Suzie by the hand to lead her along. Ryo's not bad really. I mean he still acts a lot like Mr. Perfect but all in all he's okay. Suzie's okay—for a little kid. She's a lot braver than most little kids I know (not that I know a lot of little kids). As for Henry…what would we do without him? His sensibility and logic has pulled us through many times.
Finally, her eyes turned to the leader of the Tamers who was near the Digidestined. What about Takato? What'll any of us do without him? He's our leader and he's been there for us in good times and bad. I can't see our lives without him there anymore. Oh great, I'm becoming sentimental. And why am I worrying about him?
…You know why Rika…
Shut up.
Jacob and Jacqueline noticed Rika looking flushed and uncomfortable. One thought crossed through their heads: What's with this girl?
"Are you blushing Rika?" asked Jacqueline.
"No, I'm not blushing." Rika turned redder.
Renamon chuckled beside her. Jacob grinned. "Why's your face all pink then?"
"None of your business," she snapped and then clamped her mouth shut. The two kids and their Digimon both laughed.
Someone told me
Love would all save us
But, how can that be
Look what love gave us
Takato followed the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers. She's been acting weird today. Does it have anything to do with what happened before?He remembered her face last time he talked to her, she looked so vulnerable. Takato mentally gave himself a kick. Stop that. If Rika figured out that I'm thinking about her, she's going to make me into filet of steak.
His inner voice sprang to life. …You like her huh…
What? No! She's not my type of girl.
…Oh really? What is your type then?
None of your business.
…The least you can do is admire her Takato. She's different from any girl you've known before…
That doesn't mean anything. I don't like her; I prefer Jeri.
…Uh huh. Ms. Sock Puppet. Haven't you noticed that your crush on her is fading? You don't think about her anymore…especially after you rescued Rika from Parasimon.
I do!
…Tch, yeah right. I'm your conscience and can tell your mind is filled with Rika nowadays. You care about her and I know you'll do anything to keep her safe. By the way, how did it feel when you held her in your arms yesterday?
Oh…dear…God.
…I bet it felt good didn't it? I could tell by the way you kept stroking her hair…and how was that kiss?
Leave me alone. There is nothing going on between us.
…Yep…that's what they all say…
"Will you please shut up?! I feel like I'm talking to myself!" Takato yelled angrily.
Ash, the person next to him, jumped. "I'm sorry if I did anything to get you mad."
Takato blinked, realizing what he'd just done. "Oh no…I'm sorry Ash. I wasn't yelling at you."
"Oh. Who were you yelling at then; yourself?"
"Um well…it's kind of hard to explain. Y'see I was thinking about Rika and why she was acting funny and then I sort of got into an argument with myself. My inner voice or something."
Ash grinned. "You were thinking about Rika huh?" Pikachu, on his shoulder, blinked in a confused way.
Takato felt himself turning red. "It's not what you think…really…stop laughing!" He glared at the Pokémon trainer; little knowing that Guilmon was also chuckling to himself. "It's not funny!"
"I'm…ha ha…s-sorry," Ash answered, calming down. "It's just that of all people, you were thinking about Rika?"
Rika raised her eyes and saw Takato's face bloom with color. She had a feeling that Ash was saying that loudly on purpose. Takato was thinking…about me? Why? Oh wait he was probably thinking about how stupid I was acting. That's the only explanation. Rika sighed and stopped listening.
"What's wrong with thinking about somebody?"
Ash laughed again. "You're thinking about a girl. That's strange. Do you like her or something?"
"No!"
"Don't expect me to buy that." Ash rolled his eyes and gave Takato a teasing grin. "Why are you red in the face then?"
"I'm not…" Takato began when he felt the heat rising from his face again. That does it. "Oh never mind. Just forget it!" He ran to catch up with Tai and Kari who were already zooming up through a data stream that Armadillomon said would take them to the Sovereign realm.
Ash blinked dumbly. "These Tamers are weird."
"Hey!" shouted Henry indignantly.
"Okay, okay. Takato's weird."
"That's better."
A world full of killing
And blood spilling
That world never came
Piedmon calmly watched the Digidestined, the Pokémon trainers, and the Digimon Tamers drawing closer through his large telescope. While he didn't have a fortress any longer, the clown had really no need for a base of operations; not when a certain sinister virus was giving him all the power he needed.
"It's amazing how these pests can be so small and yet so troublesome," he mused to himself.
LadyDevimon smiled from her spot in the shadows. "Shall we deal with them Lord Piedmon?"
"No. Let's allow them a few more minutes to live. They'll soon realize how precious their moments together will be. And don't forget what that virus told us. The newer children should be taken out."
"Very well then. As you wish."
Sovereign Realm
Izzy checked the spot on his computer. "We're getting closer to Piedmon's location."
"Everybody stay alert!" Tai called.
As they continued to walk, Suzie looked up at her brother. "Henwy, I'm scawed."
Henry tightened his grip on Suzie's hand. "Don't worry Suzie. Just stick close to me and Lopmon and you'll be fine."
Suzie nodded but the frightened look on her face didn't go away. "Hey come on. Momentai," said Terriermon.
"You know she does have a reason to be afraid," Ryo said.
"Yeah?"
"Really, think about it," Ryo added sensibly. "We're facing against the last of the Dark Masters and possibly Missingno. Piedmon's probably really grown strong since the last time the original Digidestined faced him. He's dangerous and frankly I think we're all pretty scared."
"I'm not," boasted Kazu.
"Yeah right," Brock muttered under his breath.
Kenta grabbed MarineAngemon and pulled him off his head. "I don't think we should get over-confident. I mean, we may not stand a chance."
"Right little ray of sunshine aren't you," Joe grumbled irritably. "I'm the one who's supposed to be a hypochondriac. Show some enthusiasm."
Renamon stopped walking at that minute and looked around. Rika eyed her partner with a puzzled expression. "What is it Renamon?"
"I sense…something," the Digimon replied. All of the kids and their partners stopped walking and gazed at their surroundings apprehensively.
"WELL, WELL, WELL. IF IT ISN'T THE DIGIDESTINED…AND COMPANY OF COURSE." Piedmon's voice echoed throughout the mountainside.
"Hey! We're the Digimon Tamers! Don't tell me you've never heard of us," Kazu yelled.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Guardromon muttered to his Tamer.
Tai raised his face to the sky. "Are you afraid to fight us you overgrown clown?!"
"NO. I'D BE HONORED TO FIGHT AND DEFEAT YOU BUT IT'D BE OVER TOO QUICKLY. WHY DON'T WE HAVE SOME ENTERTAINMENT FIRST?"
An evil cackle cut through the atmosphere like a knife. "You didn't forget about me did you?"
LadyDevimon rose into the air. The Digidestined gasped. "Oh heck no!" cried Gatomon. "Not her again! Why can't she stay dead?"
A cry of "Trump Sword!" shot through the air. The kids were so distracted they didn't notice the long swords coming toward them until Pikachu looked up. "Pika pi!" (Look out!)
"Huh? AAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHH!!" they yelled as the blades came closer.
"Pikachu! Thunder now!" Ash yelled over their screams.
"PIKAAAACHUUUUUUUUUUU!!" cried the lightning mouse. He leaped into the air and streaks of lightning descended upon him and shot at the swords. They vaporized.
"Not bad. Not bad at all," Piedmon hissed. "For something who isn't a Digimon, he has a keen sense of hearing."
The evil clown appeared before them. "Now then, which of you would like to go first? Oh don't tell me you all have a fear of death. You should be used to it by now."
Tai turned to the others. "This is it guys. Are you ready?"
The Digidestined nodded firmly. The trainers followed suit. The Tamers looked up at LadyDevimon and at Piedmon. Takato slowly nodded, followed by Henry, Jeri, Rika, Ryo, Kazu, Suzie, and after some thought, Kenta. "We're ready."
Ash bit his lip. "I don't have enough crest power for you guys to go to Mega so you'll have to tough it out."
And they say
That a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
"Everyone—" Tai began.
"Digivolve!" shouted the rest of the Digidestined. They pulled out their Digivices and aimed them at their partners. "Ultimate!"
Agumon digivolve toooo…METALGREYMON!
Gabumon digivolve toooo…WERGARURUMON!
Biyomon digivolve toooo…GARUDAMON!
Tentomon digivolve toooo…MEGAKABUTARIMON!
Palmon digivolve toooo…LILLYMON!
Gomamon digivolve toooo…ZUDOMON!
Floramon digivolve toooo…BLOSSOMON!
Otamamon digivolve toooo…SHOGUNGECKOMON!
Datirimon digivolve toooo…MAMMOTHMON!
"Get ready to DNA digivolve!" shouted Davis.
Veemon digivolve toooo…EXVEEMON!
Wormmon digivolve toooo…STINGMON!
Exveemon! Stingmon! DNA digivolve toooo…PAILDRAMON!
Hawkmon digivolve toooo…AQUILLAMON!
Aquillamon! Gatomon! DNA digivolve toooo…SYLPHIMON!
Armadillomon digivolve toooo…ANKYLOMON!
"Ooooh. Ultimate Digivolutions. I'm so scared," Piedmon jeered. "Well we'll give you a battle if you want one."
"DARKNESS WAVE!" shouted LadyDevimon, shooting thousands of bats at the Digimon.
"STATIC FORCE!" Sylphimon shot a pink energy ball through them at LadyDevimon.
She blocked it with her large hand. "Really now, are you all this weak?"
"HORN BUSTEEEEEER!"
"FLOWEEEEER…CANNON!"
Once again, she blocked their attacks. "Honestly, I'm not even trying hard."
"GIGA BLASTEEEEEER!" shouted MetalGreymon and he shot two large missiles at Piedmon. The clown nimbly jumped out of the way and landed behind him.
"Now you see me, now you don't. TRUMP SWORD!" He shot four swords, which struck MetalGreymon in the back.
"MetalGreymon, oh no!" cried Tai as he watched the Digimon cry out in pain.
"Let's help them!" called Ash. He released a Poké Ball. "Charizard, I choose you!"
"Come on out Togetic. You too Poliwhirl!" cried Misty, releasing her Pokémon.
Brock pulled out two Poké Balls and threw them. "Go Onix! Go Crobat!"
The Pokémon landed on the ground from the flashes of light. "Hang on you guys!" called Ash, leaping onto Charizard. Pikachu jumped after him. "Okay, fly!"
Charizard flew into the air and started heading towards the Digimon battle. "I don't think so," hissed a voice. A large hand sprang up out of the ground.
"Ash, look out!" Misty warned.
Charizard turned around and shot his Flamethrower at it. The hand sank below the earth. "Nice work Charizard," Ash remarked.
The hand rose into the air again, this time underneath the unsuspecting Pokémon. It grabbed him. Ash and Charizard struggled to break free. "Not so tough now are you?"
"Let…go…of…me!" Ash sputtered as the bony hand began to squeeze him like a sponge. It felt cold, so cold. So this is what frostbite feels like. Pikachu squealed in pain, unable to use his Thunderbolt.
"Onix, Rock Throw!" cried Brock but even the rock attack wasn't enough to break the hand's hold on Ash and his Pokémon.
"Hold on Ash…" A voice spoke from his memory; a voice so achingly familiar. "Don't give up now…don't you ever…"
Chloe…
Yolei called, "Hang on!" She turned to her and Kari's Digimon. "Sylphimon, stop fighting LadyDevimon and help Ash!"
"Okay!" The DNA Digimon abandoned the fight to aid the Pokémon. "STATIC FORCE!"
The pink energy ball shot at the hand, along with Poliwhirl's Bubblebeam and Togetic's Metronome, which turned out to be Egg Bomb. The hand shriveled with pain and released Ash, Charizard, and Pikachu. They landed on the ground, exhausted. Misty ran over to them. "Are you okay?"
Ash and Pikachu nodded wearily. Charizard was too weak to move. "Oh I was so afraid…it would've suffocated you."
"Hey," the trainer reassured her. "I'm fine really." He stood up. "The Digimon…we have to help them. They don't stand a chance."
"DESPERADO BLASTEEEEEER!" Paildramon shot little lasers at Piedmon. He grabbed him and threw him to the ground. "Aaaaggghhhhh!"
Piedmon grabbed Lillymon and started swinging her around before tossing her through the air like a sack of potatoes. "No Lillymon!" cried Mimi as she watched her Digimon partner slam into the side of a mountain.
"This is impossible!" shouted Davis. "How are they this strong?"
"Did you really expect us to be at the same level as when we fought against the Originals?" asked Piedmon with a smirk. "We're much stronger and wiser than last time!"
LadyDevimon's large hand formed into a long sword. "BLACK WING!" She struck Zudomon and MegaKabutarimon across their chests. They yelled. "Aw, do you have a cut? Here, why don't you let me make it worse?" she asked and charged at them again.
"What are we going to do?" moaned Joe. "It's hopeless!"
"Don't say that Joe," Sora told him sternly. "There must be way."
At that point, Piedmon reflected Garudamon's Wing Blade and WerGarurumon's Wolf Claw and sent them back. Their attacks hit them full in the face. "WerGarurumon!" shouted Matt and he ran to the fallen Digimon.
"T.K. told us to never lose hope," Jacob whispered softly. "But now I think we're losing it." He looked in the direction of the Tamers. "Oh Rika, whatever you're supposed to do I hope it's the right thing."
Now that the world isn't ending
It's love that I'm sending to you
It isn't the love of a hero
And that's why I fear it won't do
"Aw man," muttered Kazu as he watched the two teams battling. "They're dying out there."
Takato saw the pained and tired expressions on the Digimon's faces. They struggled to keep attacking. The Pokémon were trying to help but they weren't powerful enough. "They're losing strength," he whispered sadly.
Ryo blinked and turned toward the others. "We should help them rather than stand here watching our friends get turned into compost! The fate of our worlds lies in all of our hands."
"You're right Ryo!" Henry agreed. "Let's go Terriermon!"
"I'm with ya!" the little Digimon shouted.
Takato turned to Guilmon. "Are you ready buddy?"
Guilmon smiled and nodded. "You know what to do Renamon."
The three Tamers slashed their Matrix cards through their D-Powers. "Digi-Modify!" they yelled in unison. "Matrix Digivolution activate!"
MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION
Guilmon Matrix digivolve toooo…
Terriermon Matrix digivolve toooo…
Renamon Matrix digivolve toooo…
WARGROWLMON!
RAPIDMON!
TAOMON!
"Let's get 'em!" yelled Rapidmon as he and the others ran to the battle site. "RAPID FIRE!"
"TALISMAN OF LIGHT!"
"ATOMIC BLASTEEEEEER!"
Ryo turned to Monodramon. He sliced a card through his own D-Power. "Digi-Modify!" he cried. "Matrix Digivolution activate!"
Monodramon Matrix digivolve toooo…CYBERDRAMON!
"DESOLATION CLAW!" growled Cyberdramon.
Piedmon noticed their attacks and smirked. "CLOWN TRICK!" He reversed their attacks just as he did with Garudamon and WerGarurumon. The attacks struck them and they fell to the ground.
Suzie screamed and hugged Lopmon to her. Kenta and Kazu sent their own Digimon out to fight. "GUARDIAN BARRAGE!" Guardromon shot two missiles at the Dark Master.
"KAHUNA WAVES!" shrieked MarineAngemon.
LadyDevimon smiled wickedly and cried, "DARKNESS WAVE!" The bats blocked both attacks.
The hand, that had grabbed Ash and Charizard, rose into the air along with its owner. Rika blinked in shock. "No way! IceDevimon!"
"Wha—?" The Tamers gazed up at the icy white and skeletal demon looming in front of them.
"That's impossible!" cried Henry. "He's supposed to be dead!"
"Deleted," corrected Ryo.
"Whatever, either way he's not supposed to be here!"
Izzy clenched his hands. "The Missingno Virus probably brought him back to life just as he brought back the Dark Masters. That virus is capable of so much anarchy!"
"He's caused enough damage changing us into kids and bringing the evil back!" Ash yelled angrily. "Why can't we just destroy him?"
"Not unteel 'e shows 'imself," Catherine noted with fear.
IceDevimon grinned evilly and swiped at the Tamers' Digimon. "FROST CLAW!" They were tossed through the air and landed on the ground with sickening SMACK! They all de-digivolved back into their rookie levels, battered and severely weakened.
"Guilmon, oh no!" Takato ran over to him and lifted him to a sitting position. "Guilmon are you okay?"
Guilmon looked at his partner blearily. "Takato…I'm sorry," he whispered in a weak voice.
"He was just too much for us," Terriermon croaked as Henry gently held him.
Ryo cradled Monodramon carefully. "You did good. Don't worry."
"Renamon," Rika whispered. She helped her lean against a rock. "Oh please be okay."
"Rika," Renamon slowly opened her eyes. "I couldn't…"
"Shhh, it's okay," Rika said in a strangely soothing voice. "Just rest now."
"Rest?" cackled Piedmon. "I don't think so!" He created a blast of icy wind that shot toward them. "TRUMP SWORD!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!" shouted the Tamers as they were hit by the blast.
The Digidestined and trainers heard their screams and turned to them. Piedmon shot another blast of wind in their direction. It was the same one he had used against Tai and WarGreymon the last time they had faced him. The blast hit them again, causing them to tumble across the rocky ground.
"You're hurting them!" Jacqueline exclaimed in horror.
"Oh your intellect astounds me. You've actually figured out what I'm doing," Piedmon answered sarcastically.
Takato weakly stood up. "Stop this."
"Oh what? You're tired of playing with Uncle Piedmon?" Piedmon sneered. "TRUMP SWORD!" He shot it at the same time as LadyDevimon shot her Darkness Wave. The attacks struck Takato full in the chest. One of the swords slashed a cut across his shoulder. He grabbed it and cried out in agony.
"Takato!" yelled Davis as the others gasped. They watched in horror as the boy slowly sank to his knees, the cut bleeding instantly.
Rika glanced at him worriedly. "Takato, are you okay?"
He nodded and winced. "I'll live."
Jeri produced a roll of gauze bandaging from her backpack (have no clue where she got it) and wrapped it around his arm. She tied it neatly. "Feel better?"
Takato nodded. "Thanks Jeri."
That was really nice of Jeri, thought Rika. Gee, sure wish I was that nice. But no. I just stood here like a dummy while she made herself useful.
"TRUMP SWORD!" yelled Piedmon and shot another blast at the Tamers. They were thrown back a few feet.
"Stop it!" Tai shouted angrily. "Leave them alone!"
"Yeah, it's us you want, not them!" Ash added fiercely.
"They're just kids!" Kari cried out. "They don't have anything to do with this!"
Piedmon ignored them and continued shooting at the Tamer team. "I said, leave them ALONE!" yelled Tai. He started to run towards Piedmon.
Takato looked up. "Tai no!"
"Do you want some too?" asked Piedmon.
The skeletal ice demon grabbed Tai and flung him to the ground. "AVALANCHE CLAW!" cried IceDevimon.
"TAI!" Kari screamed.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" MetalGreymon stood in front of Tai and was hit by the blast of ice-cold energy. He de-digivolved, along with the other Digimon.
"AGUMON!" Tai picked up his limp partner and then glared at IceDevimon. "How could you?!"
Piedmon smirked. "Enough talking. It's time you met your end."
And they say
That a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
Rika slowly eased herself to a sitting position and rubbed her head. That's strange, she thought. I don't have a single mark on me. Where are the bruises, the cuts? Rika looked at the other Digimon Tamers. They were bruised and worn out. Takato had that bandage across his shoulder and Kazu's visor had a rip on the brim. How…how is this possible? She reached into her pockets and pulled out Chloe's necklace and T.K.'s Digivice.
The two items were flashing light in all directions. What in the world? Did these…things…protect me from harm? That explains why everyone's hurt while I'm okay!
Rika unclipped her D-Power and noticed it had reacted to the light by glowing a steady blue. She held all three items together and a warmth washed over her such as she'd never felt before. Something in her head seemed to be repeating the prophecy's last three lines: A Child of Spirit will decide the course of the final struggle…Then miracles shall appear where doubt was once set…and the power of Unity will conquer all.
I am the Child of Spirit…and I still have no clue what to do, Rika thought to herself. How am I going to be any use if I don't know eve what I'm doing?
Chloe's soothing voice filled her head. "Most kids only have one trait but you seem to have two. That's what makes you special Rika."
Rika grabbed her head. You're only talking about then Chloe, not now. This is different. You're not here; you don't know what we're going through.
"Don't doubt your abilities Rika. That spirit of Unity is hiding but fighting to get out, I just know it! You're unique.
I am not special or unique. If I am then I would've been able to save you and T.K.! I would never have let you die!
T.K.'s voice now wafted in "Be strong and dedicated Rika."
Rika felt her eyes narrow with determination. T.K. and Chloe had both been her friends. They had loved in her. Yet they were gone. Vaporized. Destroyed by the Dark Masters and Missingno's schemes. "If you ever need someone, we'll be here for you."
The warmth continued to creep over her and Rika knew; knew without a doubt that T.K. and Chloe were alive; alive within her. Their spirits had kept her from harm and kept their words from disappearing. They lived inside her heart and were patiently waiting for her to make her choice. She knew.
"I won't let you down," she whispered and pressed her D-Power to her heart. Her body began to glow with white light.
It's time.
And they're watching us (watching us)
They're watching us (watching us)
As we all fly away
And they're watching us (watching us)
They're watching us (watching us)
As we all fly away…whoa
(song ends)
"Have you had enough yet?" asked Piedmon with a sneer.
The Tamers groaned in reply. The Digidestined and the trainers were too weak to answer. "You should've escaped while you had the chance," the Dark Master continued. "It would've prevented you from dying the same deaths as your friends. Pitiful they were. They chose to die, the fools."
"Take back what you said!" Tai shouted angrily.
"And what? It won't bring your little girlfriend back now will it?"
Tai clenched his hands into fists. "First of all, she's not only my girlfriend. She's my future wife. Second, if you don't shut up, I will personally rearrange your face!"
"Ooooh, I'm so scared. Being threatened by a little boy is highly embarrassing."
Kari grabbed her brother to prevent him from doing anything stupid. "Let-go-Kari-I mean it!"
"No!" she answered. "He'll kill you!"
Piedmon laughed. "Enough monkey business." He turned towards the Tamers who had now risen to their feet. "They are supposed to be my total annihilation so getting rid of them will destroy any hope of survival." He formed a large electrical beam in his hands.
Tai, Izzy, and Kari recognized it at once. It was the same one that had nearly killed WarGreymon in their first battle. Davis, Ash, and the others didn't know what it was, but they could sense the powerful energy within it. Piedmon aimed it at the Tamers. "No, stop!" cried Tai.
"Please don't do it!" Kari shrieked.
"Do what you want with us!" Ash yelled. "But leave the Tamers! Please leave them alone!"
Cody covered his eyes. Jacob and Jacqueline's mouths both dropped in horror. Sora and Matt, as well as Ken and Yolei, gripped hands. Everyone else gasped or screamed. The Digimon and Pokémon could only look on helplessly. "He'll destroy them!" Izzy noted in alarm.
"No really, ya think?" said Davis.
"CLOWN TRICK!" cried Piedmon and the beam zoomed towards the Tamers and their Digimon.
"Piedmon no!" Tai shouted. "LET THEM BE!"
Takato fixed his eyes on the attack in terror. It was going to kill them. Wipe them out until there was no trace left. Jeri opened her mouth to scream but no sound came out. Henry and the others were glued to their spots, terror-stricken, even Ryo and Monodramon. This is the end, Takato thought.
Rika saw the attack coming and the warmth in her surged even more. I can't let him destroy my friends. I won't let them die! She took off, running at lightning speed until she reached them. I wasn't able to save Chloe and T.K. I won't let that happen again. Takato pushed himself in front of the other Tamers, obviously planning to take the beam himself. No! TAKATO! Rika threw her hands in front of Takato and the others, shielding them from the electrical beam. "TAKE ME INSTEAD!!" she screamed.
An electric blue shield surrounded the Tamers, the Digidestined, the trainers, and the Digimon and Pokémon at the same time as the attack seared through her chest. Everybody cried out in alarm as an earsplitting scream blocked out every other sound.
Rika's eyes dilated in convulsion and the attack cut her scream short. The pain enveloped her every senses and all she could see and feel was nothing but the same overwhelming agony. It felt as if every part of her body had been ripped, bashed, and broken. Her hair was pulled completely out of its ponytail, the hair tie burnt into ashes. Her whole front side was stained with blood. Losing consciousness, Rika's body fell backwards; her D-Power dropping alongside her.
"RIKA NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!" Takato yelled as the shields came down. Bursting forward, he managed to catch her body before it hit the ground. The other Tamers ran over to them, followed by the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers, their expressions horrified and frozen with fear. "Rika," Takato whispered urgently, laying her gently on the ground. "Rika wake up." She continued to lie motionless. "This isn't funny. Please wake up."
Rika looked awful. Her face was deathly pale and multiple bruises and cuts lined her arms and legs. Her shirt was torn and bloodstained, and on one arm, a jagged cut bled. Her breath was raspy and giving out. Her ribs and other internal organs may have been damaged too, but they couldn't see.
Takato shook her shoulders. Rika opened her eyes blearily. "Ta…ka…to...?" She tried to get up but she cried out in pain.
"It's going to be okay," he reassured her. "Don't move."
Rika's dazed violet eyes shifted to the others. Jeri's eyes had filled with tears. "Oh Rika are you all right?"
Rika tried to shake her head but a spasm of pain shot through her spine. She bit back another cry. Glancing at Renamon, she was amazed to see the Digimon fraught with emotion. Jeri's tears fell faster. "Oh Jeri, don't cry. Please don't cry."
Kari and Tai hugged each other as a sick and frightening realization settled over them. Jacob closed his eyes and his shoulders shook. I knew it all along. Oh why, why?
"I'm so sorry you guys," whispered Jacob mournfully. "I'm so sorry I knew and I didn't tell you…" His voice broke.
The others gaped at him. He knew? He knew that this was going to happen? Davis looked at him in angered distress. "You knew? You knew this was going to happen to her?"
"Why?" yelled Cody, his voice choked. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I…I couldn't tell you. I wish there was (sniff) some other way. I'm so sorry." He covered his face in his hands, sobbing quietly. Jacqueline wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her own face. The others, seeing the pair's apparent grief, knew this wasn't a good time to reprimand Jacob.
Rika looked back up at Takato and noticed his eyes were strangely shiny. He was struggling not to cry. "You going soft on me Gogglehead?" she asked with a small hesitant smile. "I though you were braver than that."
Takato's tears wobbled slightly. "Baka…why…why did you do such a stupid thing?"
"I couldn't…let any of you…get hurt…" Rika whispered, taking deep breaths between words. "You meant…too much…to me." Especially you Takato. Her vision blurred slightly. "You said friends are always there for each other. So I was there for you."
"Rika…" Takato began and then swallowed. He looked hopefully at the others but they looked as powerless as he felt. Turning back to Rika, he noticed her breathing was becoming fainter and fainter. "Rika…what's wrong?"
"She's dying Takato," Henry replied in a tight voice.
Takato blinked in shock. Those three words sent an icy feeling into his stomach. "She's dying Takato." No. Henry was wrong. He had to be wrong. Rika couldn't die, not now. Then again, how could anyone survive Piedmon's destructive attack?
How will I start tomorrow without you here?
Whose heart will guide me while the answers disappear?
Is it too late? Are you too far gone to stay?
Best friends forever should never have to go away
What will I do? You know I'm only half without you
How will I make it through?
If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give if you
Returned to me, someday, somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me
Rika knew her life was slowly dwindling. At least the others are okay. She looked up into Takato's face, into his sad auburn eyes. She wanted to comfort him, tell him her role in the prophecy…and tell him how she really felt about him. But…I can't tell him. I'm…gonna die…without telling him I…
…Without telling him you love him right?...
Huh?
…Quit being so stubborn Nonaka. You know how you really feel about him. At least say something…I mean, even if he doesn't feel the same way for you just don't leave him in the dark…
I…I…
…Tell him…it won't change the way you feel…no matter what…don't ever let a moment like this pass…It's your last chance…
I'd cry you an ocean if you'd sail on home again
Waves of emotion will carry you; I know they can
Just let love guide you and your heart will chart the course
Soon you'll be drifting into the arms of your true north
Look in my eyes; you'll see a million tears have gone by
And still they're not dry!
If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give if you
Returned to me, someday, somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me
Rika's vision was slowly sliding in and out of focus. Images of Chloe and TK filled her head. I didn't let you down, she thought. I protected them. I gave them a chance.
Her breathing became slow and ragged. She tried with great effort to speak. "Stick together…all of you. As long…as you work…as a team…and stay together…nothing will tear you apart…"
Rika slowly hesitantly reached up and touched Takato's cheek. He took hold of her hand and held it there. She could see the tears threatening to fall. "Don't go Rika…what-what would we do without you?" What would I…do without…
Rika drew one last breath and summoned the last of her strength to speak. Tears slid down her cheeks, falling onto her bloodstained shirt. Slowly, she sat up and whispered into Takato's ear, "Sometimes…people…do crazy things…for the ones they love…"
Takato's eyes widened as her body fell back. "What…you…"
Rika's beautiful violet eyes slowly closed. "Good…bye…" I love you…so much…
Takato felt Rika's body go limp and motionless in his arms. For a minute he stared at her still, lifeless face before shaking her shoulders gently. "Rika…Rika?"
Jeri shook her head; trying to deny what she knew was true. "Please no…don't let her be…" She never finished her sentence, instead her eyes filled with tears. "No, no, no! She can't be!"
Renamon looked away and then noticed her body was erasing. "Takato…"
He looked up and his jaw dropped. "No Renamon!"
"Don't go!" Henry exclaimed tearfully. "You can't."
"Renamon," Guilmon said innocently and forlornly. "You're deleting."
She nodded sorrowfully and gave them a small wave before vanishing into little particles of data. Rika's Digivice's screen fizzled out.
Kari buried her face into Tai's chest. "She was just a child Tai. At least the others had their chances as adults but Rika…she was just…"
"I know sis. I know."
The others were still too dumbstruck to move. They knew Rika was dead but they couldn't believe it. They didn't want to believe it. Takato shook her again. "Rika…please don't die. You can't be dead. Don't…don't leave…me," he whispered, hoping beyond anything that she would reply but knowing she never would.
The hand that was holding hers to his cheek slowly let go. Her hand fell softly to the ground. He gazed at her limp body for a few seconds before a lump that had filled up his throat dissolved. One hand clenched into a fist and he bent his head down, crying quietly. He pressed both hands to the hard ground, his arms out in front of him, fighting the howl of misery threatening to release from his mouth.
I'd hold you close and shout the words I only whispered before
For one more chance, for one last glance
There's not a thing that I would not endure
Jeri pressed her face into her hands and began to sob. No…this can't be happening. I've lost my mom, my partner, and now my best friend? Why? She lowered herself to the ground, weeping. "My friends are always taken from me. Why does life have to hate me so much?"
Henry knelt down beside Jeri and pulled her into a hug, tears sliding down his face. Beside him, he could see Suzie wailing. Rika's my friend…why do we keep losing our friends? So many people…lost. Could this be what was meant to happen?
"Jeri don't cry," he whispered against her brown hair. "Life doesn't hate you."
"Yes it does," she sobbed. "You and Takato will leave me too eventually."
Henry shook his head. "No never Jeri. Never."
Suzie's voice rose in decibel. "Bring Wika and Wenamon back! BRING THEM BACK!"
"I can't Suzie. I just…I can't."
"You have to!"
Henry gritted his teeth. "I CAN'T Suzie! Don't you…don't you understand?" His gray eyes were glassy with chaotic emotions. "Please understand."
Ryo, Kenta, and Kazu looked away although they too could feel the sorrow and pain gnawing at them. Even Terriermon was too distraught to joke. Guilmon began to snivel and used his claws to brush away his tears.
The others watched the Tamers in silence and distress. Now they had lost a member from each team: a Tamer, a trainer, and a Digidestined.
Ash knelt down next to Takato and touched his shoulder. Takato pushed his hand away. "I'm sorry," Ash whispered softly.
Takato's shoulders shook as he continued to cry. The others didn't know. They didn't know about the promise he made to Rika on her last day alive. "I won't leave you…I promise."
I failed you Rika, thought Takato bitterly. I promised you would be safe and cared for but instead you died. I'm so sorry. Sorry I let you down. Sorry I wasn't behaving like a true friend. I never thought things would turn out this way. The wind blew by, mixing his tears into his hair.
Why? Why did you have to go? Our team wouldn't be a team without you. Takato didn't look up when Ash once again placed his hand on his shoulder. "Takato…I know it hurts."
"You have no idea. She gave her life for us. For me. For Renamon. For T.K. and Chloe. For all of our worlds. She just sacrificed herself. She-she didn't deserve to die…and…I promised her…I would…" Takato didn't finish. He hugged Rika's now cold body to him, tears falling into her hair. "Rika…come back. Come back."
Those were the words that Ash and the others heard but the ones Takato was speaking inside were different. If his inner words could have been heard, they would have filled the others with even more pain and sorrow.
Rika…only now do I realize it. I can never let you go…because I love you.
If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way!
What I would do, what I would give if you
Returned to me, someday, somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me...
Real World
West Shinjuku District (Digimon Tamers Dimension)
Alice McCoy stood on top of the same building the Monster Makers, Hypnos, and the Tamers' parents had taken cover in during the D-Reaper invasion. Storm clouds had gathered and lightning ripped across the sky. There was no rain but dark shadows were cast upon the ground. Cracks, similar to the cracks when the chaos hit, formed along the streets.
In the buildings below, everyone was busy worrying themselves sick. The Matsukis, the Wongs, the Nonakas, the Katous, the Shiotas, the Kitagawas, Mr. Akiyama; all were thinking about their children. Ai and Mako were also present. Yamaki and the Monster Makers were doing the best they could to keep them calm.
Unbeknownst to those down below, Alice had remained in contact with the Tamers ever since they left three-and-a-half weeks ago. They kept her informed of all that was happening in the Digital World and thanks to her knowledge of computers; she was able to reply back.
I do hope they're all right.
Her portable laptop kept blinking on and off. As she read the latest message from Izzy Izumi, her pale fingers slipped off the keyboard. Oh no. It can't be.
"Miss Alice?"
Alice gasped and spun around to see Ai, Mako, and Impmon. Ai was gripping the purple Digivice around her neck. Mako moved forward, his large brown eyes troubled.
"Yes?"
"Do you know what's going on?" Mako asked innocently. "Is something wrong with the Digi-World?"
The young Gothic girl sighed and stood up. Weary of putting her hair up in her traditional pigtails, she let it hang down her back, kept back with a white cloth. The cloth matched the white blouse she wore along with her black skirt. "We've been losing a lot of friends in the battles. The reason why our worlds are turning bad is because of the trouble in the Digital World. There's been a lot of fighting…and a lot of deaths." She gestured to the laptop screen. "The death count keeps mounting higher…the latest on the list are Rika Nonaka and her Digimon."
Impmon's eyes filled with shock and remorse. Rika…Renamon…they can't be…gone… He shook his head and bore a determined face to hide the pain. "What d'ya want us to do?" I'll get whoever's responsible for their deaths.
She reached into her pockets and fished out a few cards. "I used to draw these sometimes." She pressed them into Mako's surprised hands. "It doesn't matter if you're too young; you're Tamers. Now go. The Digital World needs your help."
The two little kids stared at her for a long time.
"What?"
"Miss Alice, can't you come with us?"
Alice shook her head gently. "Sorry, but I can't. I'd love to go with you but my place is here."
"What's stoppin' ya?" asked Impmon.
The girl looked even more depressed. "I can't help you in the battlefield when you guys go out there. I'm useless."
"No way."
"Yes I am. I never was nor never will be a Tamer." Thoughts of Dobermon filled her head and she shook her head to drive them away. "Without a partner, I'm just as useful as an oar on a motorboat."
"No you're not!" exclaimed Impmon. "Look Alice, I can understand your hesitation, but you know it doesn't matter if you aren't a Tamer. You can offer us support just by bein' there. Besides, I'll need someone to watch over my Tamers when I'm out there fighting."
Alice still looked hesitant.
"C'mon girl. You can do it."
"Please Miss Alice."
Finally, she closed her eyes and nodded. "All right you win. I'll go." She turned back to the computer and quickly typed in a message. "I'll let your parents and my father know where we are. They can email us on Izzy's computer." Done, she pressed Send and switched it off.
Ai and Mako glanced at the streets of Shinjuku below. "Uuuhhh, how are we going to get down?"
Impmon grinned. "Watch me. BEEZLEMON: BLAST MODE ACTIVATE!"
Alice and the two Tamers watched as Impmon grew into a tall biker-like Digimon with dark wings. A purple mask with three eyes covered his face and a large gun was attached to one arm.
"C'mon kids! Let's kick the tires and light the fires!"
Digital World
Sovereign Realm
Takato stood next to Rika's body, lost in thought. He had already wiped the tears from his eyes but the pain and sorrow were still buried in his heart. He replayed the last few minutes in his head: the battle with Piedmon, the weakening of their teams, Rika's sacrifice, and their remorse. What he couldn't get out of his head was her last few words to him.
She told us to stick together but what can we do? We've tried nearly everything to beat this guy! he thought sadly. And when she said those last words…were they really meant for…me? (Nah, probably not. I'm too pathetic) And what about Ryo? She loves him, not me. I wish some things could just make sense but they don't. I love her…more than Jeri…more than Guilmon…even more than myself. I guess you never really know how much you love someone until they're gone…
Why…why did you have to go Rika? You didn't deserved to die like T.K. and Chloe never deserved to die. I won't let your sacrifice be in vain Rika. I won't allow it! So help me Piedmon, you won't get away with this!
"Takato?"
The other Tamers eyed their leader worriedly. His mind was clearly somewhere out there. "Chumly."
No answer.
Kenta took a deep breath. "Takato!"
"Huh? What?" He snapped back into focus.
"In case you haven't noticed, this is no time to play 'Lost in Space'! We have a crisis here, remember?"
Takato's gaze shifted to the other Tamers. Most of them were clearly struggling with their own depressions and doubts about the outcomes of the battle and of course about the loss of Rika and Renamon. His eyes then turned to the Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers. They were all the same way.
Piedmon snickered. "Oh all this sentimentality is going to my head. I think I'm going to cry….Not!" Although he had been somewhat shocked by the incident, he was rather amused how the children had taken the girl's death.
Takato turned around and glared at him. "You…what are you laughing at?!"
Guilmon looked angry as well. "Renamon and Rika were my friends! How could you do that to them?"
"Look at you all, what a joke! You're so pathetic. Crying because you lost a strong team member. As if you really cared about her and her partner at all. That girl…so ignorant…so feeble."
The taunt about Rika made Takato's blood boil. "That's not true," he said, his voice shaking with anger. "Not true at all!"
"Takato?" Henry whispered, his face lined with surprise and worry. What's wrong with him?
Jeri blinked in shock. What's happening to Takato? Could it be?
No, thought Guilmon fearfully. I'm gonna go hazard again.
The other Tamers stared at Takato and recognized the look on his face all too well. His auburn eyes flashed with rage. "Don't you dare laugh at me or my friends! How could you?! How could you just kill her?! After what all of you did!" He balled his hands into fists. "How much more do we have to suffer?"
No, thought Ryo with a feeling of great dread. It can't be what they told me about. It can't be. Stop it Takato! Stop it!
Suzie's large eyes blinked. What's with the angwy kid? He looks even more angwy.
"I wouldn't have killed her if she hadn't jumped in the way, the stupid fool."
"Don't you DARE call Rika stupid!" Takato yelled angrily. "I'll never forgive you for what you did. Rika was my friend and you're standing here talking about her death as if it were a joke! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!" As Piedmon's laughter echoed in his head, a red vapor surrounded Takato and his eyes seemed to burn. He hated him; hated every bit of him.
Here we go again, thought Kazu and Kenta fearfully.
Tai and the Digidestined stared at the leader of the Tamers in shock. The Pokémon trainers looked perplexed. Jeri began to shake as Megidramon flashed through her head. "No…no…Takato no…"
"You killed Rika," Takato growled furiously. "For that, you don't deserve to live."
He lifted his Digivice into the air. Guilmon winced. "Oh boy."
"BIOMERGE ACTIVATE!"
Guilmon struggled to resist for a few minutes but the command was overpowering. A dark haze spread over him and Takato. Calumon shut his eyes tightly as the triangle symbol on his forehead began to glow. "OH NO, OH NO, OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
The Tamers watched in a mixture of shock and horror as Takato once again fused with his partner. There was something different about them though.
Guilmon…biomerge…toooo…
CHAOSGALLANTMON!
It was worse than they could've imagined. Before them stood Gallantmon, in his alter ego form. His cape, armor, and sword were black and silver. The symbol of Courage was no longer embedded on his shield. Instead, the hazard sign that had been on Megidramon's chest was now on it. His eyes flashed a deadly red. He looked like a predator ready to destroy its prey.
Tai's jaw dropped. "What…what is that thing?!" he yelled, horrified.
"He fused with his Digimon?" Izzy exclaimed. "How?"
"Forget how," said Davis. "What is he going to do?"
Jeri was in more pain and fear than the rest of them. She was trembling more than ever and, surrendering to tears, she looked for place to shield her face. She finally buried it into a surprised Henry's chest. "Jeri?"
"Don't say anything. Just hold me," she whimpered tearfully, gripping the front of his shirt. "I can't stand this. Not again. Not again."
Henry complied by wrapping his arms around her. He looked up at ChaosGallantmon. Takato, what have you done?
Ryo's D-Power flickered to life. "Oh man, are we in trouble. ChaosGallantmon is a Virus Type, Mega Level Digimon. Created by pure rage, his attacks are Judecca Prism and Demon's Disaster."
Kazu grabbed his hair. "I thought we'd seen the worst when Takato created Megidramon but this is ten times worse! HE'S GONE MAD WITH POWEEEEER!"
"Kazu…you do realize you got that sentence from that Jimmy Neutron show?"
"So what if I watch Nickelodeon?"
The Digidestined and the Pokémon trainers could only stare at what Guilmon and Takato had become. Tai and the others had heard about Megidramon and his terror, but they never actually expected the fun-loving kindhearted Tamer to actually snap. Even Piedmon and the other evil Digimon were surprised.
ChaosGallantmon turned to face Piedmon. "You're gonna pay," Takato hissed from within his dark sphere. "You'll pay for what you did to Rika."
The evil clown smirked. "Of course I will," he remarked sarcastically. "TRUMP SWORD!"
"JUDECCA PRISON!"
The attack deleted the four swords and sent Piedmon flying. "DEATH IS THE ONLY REWARD YOU DESERVE! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!"
Jeri screwed up her face within Henry's shirt and her scream rang out with clarity. "Make it stop! MAKE IT STOOOOOOOOOOOP!!"
Alexis: Things keep going from bad to worse. Has Rika's sacrifice truly turned the tide of the battle? And how will everyone deal with Takato's newer, and much more evil, biomerge? The fighting continues on the next part so keep going!
Please don't hurt me for this chapter readers. I know I was supposed to get this out before Christmas but I had too much to do. Hey, at least I got around to it after all guys. So you better review otherwise I'll think twice about updating the next one soon. Hee hee, so Happy ChristmaHanuKwanzadan! (Happy Christmas Hanukkah Kwanza Ramadan)