Digimon Tribute

by AnT

The Tamers saga, except it involves all seasons of Digimon. V-Tamers may come soon. Check first chapter for your favorite couples.

9. It's time to duel again! Taro! Taro!

Digimon Tribute

Keep the digital spirit alive

.-

.-

.-

Main Shinjuku- 11:47 AM

In the heart of the renowned city that is Shinjuku, all is what Manhattan around Time Square is…lively and very busy. Here, stores are set within the foot of tall skyscrapers that seemed to reach the sky, lights are scattered across the building walls, and the streets barely get any breathing time from all the millions of cars.

But the most common thing in every high metropolis cities is the people roaming across the side of the roads; pedestrians as they are called in the world of the roads. You never know who you would find in the school of hectic folks of a large city, and what a surprise to whom we found. Within the army of citizens is the urban legendary hero himself: Taichi Kamiya of the DigiDestined.

Today, he took a peaceful morning stroll around the city, resting his mind from all the studying for higher grades, and listening to Izzy talk about all the recent Digimon attacks, like what happened yesterday at Akihabara. However, throughout Tai's journey for mental clarity, he was not alone. Thou who accompanied him was a girl; a girl who was not Sora, but one with light brown hair, almost a dark dirty blonde, sticking outwards from the ends. Plus this poor female uses steel stilts to aid in the basics steps of walking.

This girl was Rei Saiba.

Man, that was some stuff Mimi reported about yesterday. Too bad I had a soccer game that day. I wish I could do more. I should; there're no Control Spires stopping me. But I guess after learning from Davis' group, the torch is starting to be passed down to the Tamers. Whatever's going on is obviously leading to something major, and if that happens, I just hope the Tamers are up to it. I want to help them, but every time I do, I always feel like I'm meddling.

Suddenly, once his eyes laid on Rei, they started to become the eyes he once wore in his Goth stage.

…Poor Rei. Every time I even look at her like this…ARGH! Damn you, Neo! How could you just leave her alone? How could you-?

"Taichi…?"

His head stunned as it woke up to reality. "Huh…?"

"What's wrong? You look so tense."

"Uh…it's nothing. I'm just worried about the final exams."

"That won't happen until a couple of months, and you shouldn't worry so much of it. After all, you said you passed the mid-term."

"Barely…! I nearly choked when that test asked about some…government junk. See…? Now I forgot what I need for the finals."

Rei giggled as she continued walking with her stilts. "I said it before, but you still haven't changed much."

"Heh…yeah, but that's because you're glad I haven't. Heh, heh…" The hair-boy wrapped a friendly arm around his old friend.

"Yeah, but don't mind me saying this, but there are some things that-"

"Well, well, look what Gogglehead the Gatomon dragged in,"

Tai groaned as he recognized that voice. Of all the times, why did it have to be this early in the morning? "-sigh-…what do you want, Rika?" he asked as he dropped his head down towards the short ten-year old.

"What…? Is it a crime to say hi?"

"Actually, from what I can tell, you never liked me that much."

"Well mom never raised a liar." Second that…grandma never did.

"Now what do you want?"

With her cold eyes, Rika stared into Tai's eyes. "Well, right when found you walking here, something came to me…like the day when we met, you ambushed me with your WarGreymon, when I was still at the rookie sector as a Tamer with Renamon!"

Rei raised a brow at Tai. "What's she talking about?"

"Uh…" Come on, Tai….think….think,….eeehhh….Brain Blast! "…it's a video game. An online video game for the…eh…X-Box," Genius, Tai. She'll never know.

For a second, Rika with puzzled of what he was talking about until she quickly realized that this girl isn't a DigiDestined. Well Rika won't be the one to give information to someone that might whine to the police. "Whatever,"

"Look, maybe sicing a town destroying monster on you was cruel, but I did that to make you stop bullying Takato!"

Rei shook her head. "Actually, Taichi, two wrongs don't make a right."

Tai dropped his head in shame.

"Now look here Mr. Hero, there's no way I'm gonna let you get away with that, not when I challenge you to a fight!"

"Whoa, hold on! I thought you learned your lesson about Digimon?"

"…Just that they're more than data and that I wouldn't slaughter them just to make mine stronger. Sides, it was proven that absorbing data didn't work effectively. Look…I know you DigiDestined are too chicken to use your Digimon in fight, besides against wacko Digimon, so instead, I'm challenging you to a Digimon-duel!"

Again, Rei turned to Tai for answers. "Digimon-duel…?"

"She means the card game, and Rika, what makes you think I play the game?"

"Duh, I figured since you started the whole Digimon thing, you clowns killed for the chance at the cards when it came out."

Now that she mentioned it, the gang was excited when they heard about Bandai making a Digimon card game. Sure, Izzy, Matt, Cody, Ken, and TK were very suspicious about it, but the others wanted to play cards and use ones based on their real Digimon.

"Guilty as charged, but look, I have to get to a birthday party in a few, so talk to my secretary to reschedule."

Rei narrowed her eyes at Tai. "Don't look at me, Taichi! I'm no one's secretary."

"Easy, Rei, I wasn't addressing you…right now I wasn't."

"Taichi!"

Tai eased back with his hands shielding him, and then he turned back to Rika. "Sorry I can't play with you, kid." The goggled one just easily carried on past the angry child, with Rei walking, on slits, by his side.

But no disappointed or scowled features were displayed on Rika's face. Instead, her eyes were calmly closed as she crossed her arms. "I understand you won't expect my challenge. I guess cowards know when they can't beat the best; even the hairy-dimwitted ones."

The crippled girl froze on her tracks. It wasn't because that insult to Taichi angered and offended her…it was because she expected Taichi to affected, angrily, by it. For the times she knew him, Taichi had a big ego when it comes to proving his skills; wither in soccer, games, whatever he was good at, whatever he wasn't good at. But hopefully time matured him enough for him to take ease at such petty remarks.

"Coward…? Hairy-WHAT…!"

Well she was wrong. After all, this is Taichi she's talking about.

"You're seriously asking for a serious beat down, aren't ya, kid?"

Rika gave off a cold smile. "Of course not…I'm only asking you to take my challenge, and lose like man."

"Fine…expect this man is gonna bring you to school 101 about big mouths, kid. Lead the way."

"Wise choice, hero." Like a cold rebel, Rika had her hands in her pockets as she passed by the pre-adults. "Follow me."

.-

.-

Shinjuku arcades- 12:04 PM

Takato already bought a Digimon booster pack, and now with these new cards, he's ready to take on all challenges in another arcade, deep in Shinjuku, which is bigger than the one close to home. This one is suppose to have three holo-stadiums, which works on all the games, including Duel Monsters and Digimon.

…Exiting through the doors that connected both the comic shop and the arcades, before his eyes were the mother of all arcades; a place nearly the size as a football field. In the center lie the card-stadiums, where he can see people playing Duel Monsters on two of them. But the one closest to him looked closed. But there appears to be someone fixing the thing on the fuse box.

"Excuse me…" Takato asked the repairer. "Is this thing broken?"

"It was…" with a few adjustments, the stadium lit up and started its motors. "Until now… Today is your lucky day, kid!"

Takato beamed. "Alright!"

It looks like Takato was the first, and he made sure by quickly hurrying to the duel box. As he rushed to the left side of the duel arena, with excitement pumping in his veins, he-

was too late as he watched the duelists' booth rise to the field.

"Hey! Aw come on, I saw this one first!"

"It doesn't matter, you move so freakin slow anyways, Gogglehead."

His heart skipped in dread. "Rika!"

Rika rolled her eyes as her booth finished rising to the top. "Can anything get past the eyes of the Amazing Gogglehead?"

"Very funny..." Takato frowned. "Anywho, who're you battling?"

"Use your eyes and those goggles for once."

Man, why does she have to be so rude to every little word I- NO WAY! The goggled boy quickly hurried to the other end like his life depended on it. "Tai!"

The older goggled one looked below as his booth reached to the field. "Hey there little goggles-in-training,"

"Tell me I'm seeing things. You're…dueling Rika? Rika, with a capital R…? Do you know that she's the Digimon Queen, winner of last year's tournament?"

"….Your point?"

Takato was slightly caught off guard by that. "Uh…well, I'm just saying is that she might be a little tough to beat."

Tai's smile aimed for his opponent. "Good…it'll just make my victory much sweeter."

"Dudes, check it out! The DigiDestined Leader vs. the Digimon Queen! Man oh man, I wish I brought my camera for this! Tai is so gonna kick queenie's ass!"

Kenta adjusted his glasses with a mood not matching Kazu's. "I don't know. Just because he's a DigiDestined doesn't mean he'll kill this game like-"

"Excuse me…?" just then, Rei came up to the boys. "…what's a DigiDestined?"

"UHHH!" Tai spoke, trying to beat the boys to the answer. "…it's part of that video game I mentioned to you."

"Oh."

Kazu knitted his brows in confusion. "Video game…? Dude, what are-?"

Just in time, Takato grabbed his mouth. "Quiet! I think this girl isn't a DigiDestined!"

"Oh…" Tai got the boys' attention. "Kids, this is Rei Saiba, an old friend of mine. Rei, these are Takato, and two of his friends that I don't remember their names."

Kazu made a cheesy smile. "Wow! The DigiDestined forgot our names! This is so…uh…HEY!"

Introductions were made as Rei shook each of their hand. Takato, however, kept feeling the tiny sting of pity for every time he noticed her with those slits, plus those metal things wrapped around her black-stocking legs. He couldn't bear to look at that; it was so sad.

"Hello? Are we gonna get this game going or what, Goggle-man?"

Tai narrowed his eyes. "I really shouldn't if you're gonna keep that attitude, but you're lucky I want to kick your kiddie butt."

Rika snorted. "And I really shouldn't agree to these quick-pro-rules, hairball, but a fight's a fight."

Takato dropped his jaw. "Quick pro rules!"

He knew about them. Not only a player has to reach to 500 points instead of a 1000, their Digimon's HP are cut in half from their original. That means they can KO a Digimon with one shot. It's the type of rule beginners dare not to play. Either Tai must be really good, or he's just WAY in over his head.

Simultaneously, Tai and Rika placed their deck on the computer mat, allowing their scoreboard to show on the side of the arena.

Rika's score: 0 / Tai's score: 0

"Hope you're ready, Goggle-leader, cause you're about to know how revenge taste like!"

Tai only smirked, finding her mood amusing. "…Your call, kid."

Rika growled, before placing an Elecmon card on her desk. As she did, the hologram of Tai's old friend from the Primary Village appeared on the field, sparking his tails with electricity to signal that he's ready.

Next she discards one card from her hand to the data slot, which allowed Elecmon to Digivolve into Bomber Nanimon, a head with muscular arms and legs, who wears shades. He looks like one of Myotismon's lackeys to Tai, but this one has a fire appearance.

BomberNanimon HP: 264

A -320

B - 280

C -190

"Hmm…you were a little better off with Elecmon." it was Tai's turn, and he used it to summon Penmon on the field. Also, he dropped a card to the data slot, ready to be Digivolved.

Penmon HP: 250

A - 360

B - 240

C - 150

"Okay, today's duel is brought to you by the letter A!" of course, Tai picked the A button: Endless Slap.

The penguin Digimon pounced for the mutant Digimon, preparing for a slapping strike. BomberNanimon did nothing but emit a yellow aura.

"Typical; you rookies always go for the strongest attack. Good thing I boosted him up his C-attack with the Power Plug-in card."

As Tai witnessed on his screen, below his card mat, BomberNanimon's C-attack gained an additional 100 points. This was not a good thing because C-attacks always cancel A-attacks.

BomberNanimon

C: 190 - 290

The mutant pointed his hand at the hurtling penguin, which was coated with yellow energy. He also held his right fist back for a counter attack.

BomberNanimon

C : 290 - 0 (Effect canceled)

After suffering a torturing number of slaps, Nanimon was slammed right onto the edge of the field, de-Digivolving back into Elecmon.

Rika's score: 0 / Tai's score: 132

Rika's jaw dropped after that surprise. "WHAT THE HELL!"

"Oh I forgot to warn you; the card I put in the data slot had a special ability which I can always remove it to make your C-attack useless. Nice try, kid." proving so, he pointed his Andromon card.

Rika growled for, not only making a foolish mistake, but at that annoying college idiot. She swears, he reminds her of this kid she battled two years ago. He kind of had the same attitude as this chump, and he beat her in her first Digimon tourney, right at the last round. But he never showed up the year after that; the little coward.

"Alright…! That was awesome, Tai!" Takato cheered with Kazu and Kenta rooting.

But as Rika gave a striking cold stare at the Tamer and his friends, Takato felt like he was staring into the eyes of a cobra.

"Uh…uh…I mean, you can do it…Rika?"

"Yay, way to go, Taichi!" Rei cheered from the corner.

Tai gave a wave to his friend. "Eh, it was only luck, but I try."

Oh you freakin little… Narrowing her eyes at Tai, Rika drew five cards. "Okay…" Replacing Elecmon, Rika placed Otamamon on the field.

Otamamon HP: 270

A: 330

B: 290

C: 190

After putting a card on the data-slot, she pressed the A button: Stun Bubble, to finish off Penmon. But Tai revealed a face down Program card from his last turn, which increased Penmon's HP by 100 points; enough to withstand Otamamon's attack.

Penmon HP: 250 - 350 - 20

Penmon fought back, and used its B attack: Slide Attack, to counter. Rushing at him, it slid on its belly like it was on ice, tripping the tadpole Digimon on its head.

Otamamon HP: 220 - 320 - 80

But before it did that, Rika copied Tai's previous move to increase its HP by 100 points.

This punk doesn't want to stay down! I'm still waiting on his Agumon evolution lines. I want a piece of that WarGreymon of his!

"Nice easy move, kid." said Tai as he placed a card on his data-slot, on top of another, and then discarded them to the Offline pile. "But I hope you're prepared for this Digivolution! Penmon Digivolve tooo…!"

On cue, the Penmon hovered over the floor and span like a top before bursting into light. After it faded a great orange dino with some kind of a brown skull around its head took Penmon's place.

"…Greymon!"

Greymon HP: 344

A: 460

B: 360

C: 210

Rika blinked in confusion. "Greymon! Why would you play your best Digimon on a regular Digimon? If you would've Digivolved him from your partner card, he would've gained the extra power from the experience your partner gained."

"Yeah, why did you?" asked Takato.

Once again, Tai showed that amused grin on his face. "Who said that Greymon and his evolution line are my best cards?"

Rika snorted. "I did, because it's obvious that you Digi-clowns' partner cards are always based on your real Digimon."

"True, but that doesn't mean we always go by their usual forms."

This wasn't what she was expecting. He must be up to something. "Whatever, just get on with it."

"Okay… Greymon, let's take it to her, old school style!" Again, he pressed the A button: Nova Blast.

The orange lizard reeled its head back, gathering fire under its throat. Like a catapult, Greymon launched the massive fireball from its mouth, now shooting for the little tadpole that is Otamamon.

"You're not taking him down that easily, Goggle-leader!" quickly, she flipped her face-down Program card face-up; the Quick-Digivolution.

With that card, she can Digivolve her Otamamon in any game-step, without any payments. Plus she gains an additional 150 points to her Digimon's HP; a great counter Program. The problem is that when her next turn ends, her Digimon will de-Digivolve back to Rookie.

But one turn is all she needs as Otamamon quickly Digivolves into a star shaped creature called Starmon…

Starmon HP: 344 - 494

A: 480

B: 350

C: 200

This then defended itself with its arms as the Nova Blast splashed hard onto him and shoving the mutant back,

Starmon HP: 34 / 494

It was Starmon's turn as it vibrated its glowing hands. When its hands then reached to the sky, he summoned a storm of small shooting stars. The A-attack is called the Meteor Stream.

One by one, the stars crashed onto Greymon's body, harming him as he was forced to recede backwards. Finally, as the dino gave up and dropped to its knees, it burst into data and became Penmon again.

Rika's score: 172 / Tai's score: 132

"Man that was a harsh move." Takato muttered, which Kazu heard.

"Are you kidding, chumley? Do you know how rare the Quick-Digivolution card is? I've been trying to get her to trade me that card, but she said that deck is better off as dog-toys. pfft screw her."

Kenta shook his head. "If I remember, she always gets you with that card, which she then Digivolves her Digimon to Ultimate to win the game."

"Oh the sheer painful memories,"

They had a point, as Takato went back to the duel. If Rika reaches to the Ultimate level, she can easily cream Tai. It'll be hard for Tai to take an Ultimate down with Rookies, and build up enough energy to go to Champion.

"Now who's taking who, old school style? Not you, that's for sure." From her new hand, Rika slapped down the Blast-Digivolution card.

Starmon span rapidly, bursting into a new form. It looked a bit like Starmon, but instead of being silver, it was now brown, and its red and blue arms are now red and white, giving it a slight cowboy-look. What made it more different from its previous form was that it wore shades.

"Meet SuperStarmon, who's gonna send you straight to the Laundromat!"

SuperStarmon HP: 405

A: 550

B: 500

C: 160

"I tried to warn you to use that Greymon card on your partner card! Now attack!" she cried as she pressed the A-button: the Halley Squall.

The Ultimate Digimon summoned a stronger version of the Meteor Stream, directing it at the helpless Penmon.

"I may never have joined the Boy Scouts before, but I did learned one thing from them; always be prepared!" with that said, Tai flipped up his face down card on the Program slot: Hyper Wings.

Penmon

A 360 - 370

Angel wings grew from Penmon's back, which the penguin then put its new wings to good use by rocketing up in the sky before the comets struck the floor.

Takato and the gang shielded their eyes from the bright and mighty explosion. Amazing how real this technology can make the Digimon-battle become. Guess they did have a reason to put those signs on the front door to warn about brain-seizures.

After the dust cleared, Penmon swooped down on his foe and gave him a mighty slap across the face.

SuperStarmon HP: 35 / 405

Lucky move... It's not gonna matter, because I have a card down here that'll weaken any Rookie or Champion Digimon. Rika coldly smiled, waiting for Tai to make his next useless move.

With a couple of cards drawn, Tai responded with a smirk that started to annoy his opponent. "Oh boy, you're in trouble now, kid!" …And played a card called Bypass-Digivolution.

This card only works on Rookie Digimon, which allows them to skip their Champion level, and Digivolve straight to their Ultimate level.

Pacifically, Penmon now Digivolved into the unstoppable cyborg himself: MetalGreymon!

MetalGreymon HP: 437

A: 550

B: 450

C: 310

Since Tai played that Program card, Rika has been cringing in shock. No! My Barrier Firewall can't work on an Ultimate!

"First, I increase his HP by discarding a card from my data folder." and Tai did, throwing away an Angewomon card, which has a special ability to increase HP by 200 points.

MetalGreymon HP: 437 - 637

"Now its time to open wide and say: AAHH!" With a press of a button, Tai choused the B-attack: Mega Claw.

Again, Rika growled. She was expecting her opponent to choose the A-attack when she choused the C-attack to neutralize the A-attack.

The dino's robotic left claw launched like a rocket attached by chains. It easily broke the star Digimon in half like a fortune cookie before it reverted back to Otamamon.

Rika's score: 172 / Tai's score: 335

"Aw man, what a move!" Kenta cried with excitement. "Tai might actually beat THE Digimon Queen!"

"Dude, you're freakin awesome!" shouted Kazu. "…Guess after doing the real deal, this game must be easy-peezy for you!"

Rei though confusedly stared at Kazu. "The real deal…? What do you mean by that?"

"AHH…!" Tai screamed before Kazu blabbed anything else. "…he meant a video game! A VIDEO GAME!"

"What are you freakin about, Goggle-leader?" asked Rika as she prepared to draw a holographic card from her hand. "You better keep your eyes peeled on your doom cause I just been warming up!"

With that, Otamamon disappeared from Rika's side of the field like magic. Flashing from a digital tornado came a holographic version of Rika's true Digimon: Renamon.

Renamon HP: 254 - 373

A: 340 - 456

B: 290 - 306

C: 130 - 200

"Aw man! This may blow for Tai!" said Kazu, staring at the fox Digimon. "When she uses her partner card, that's when she really shines!"

"But Tai has a supped-up MetalGreymon," said Takato in disbelief. "There's no way Rika can make a come back; right?"

"That's what I thought when I faced her, and she made a come back right at my face…ow..."

Rika then drew another card from her hand and gave Tai a cold grin. "Now here comes step two of the pain!" She removed two cards from her data slot to Digivolve her partner Digimon into Champion form: Kyuubimon!

Kyuubimon HP: 360 - 431

A: 450 - 523

B: 420 - 478

C: 210 - 278

"Oh yeah, you know what happens when a data type attacks a vaccine type, Goggle-leader?"

Oh how Tai knows…? They increase strength by 50 points.

Kyuubimon

A - 523 - 573

B - 478 - 528

C - 278 - 328

"Now attack! Walk all over him, Kyuubimon!" she cried, pressing the B-button: Fox-Tail Inferno.

Just like the real Kyuubimon, the imitation extended all of its flaming tails up, then firing a barrage of scorching fireballs on the poor cyborg lizard.

Rika's grin grew wider when she saw MetalGreymon coated in a yellow aura. The reason she chouse the B-attack was because she knew Tai would pick the C-attack on a desperate time. Now all the C-Attack was good for was a weak tail whap on her faithful Digimon. Good thing the C-effect only works once per Digimon.

MetalGreymon HP: 64 / 637

Kyuubimon HP: 121 / 431

"Told ya, chumley,"

"Yeah, well so what? Just one attack away and Tai wins the game!"

Kazu and Kenta exchanged worried expressions, not sure if that'll be the outcome.

And so stands a Kyuubimon facing a tired out MetalGreymon. Rika gotta give Tai some props; she hasn't faced a duel tough as this since she faced the guy that chickened out at the last tournament. "Your turn, Goggle-man,"

"Man, don't you ever call people by their real names…?" asked Tai as he studied his hand. "Some manners…" He then grinned as he placed a card on the Program pile. "Feast your eyes on this, grasshopper!" A card he placed down was called: Azulongmon's Digi-Core. With this rare and mighty card, Tai can easily Digivolve an Ultimate to a Mega. "Come on, buddy! MetalGreymon Mega-Digivolve tooo…!"

As he shouted those words, an orb shined like the sun, above the giant dinosaur that hovered and span like a top as he began to evolve.

"I anticipated that!" flipping a Program card face-up, she reveals a card called: Control Spire. Shocking Tai back to his memories, a large black obelisk arose from the field, on Kyuubimon's left side of its field.

Just like you remembered from the show, this card prevents Digivolution for the opponent. The catch of this card is that the owner has to discard a card from his/her hand each turn to keep it there.

But Rika only needs one turn to use this card.

By the dark powers of the Control Spire, the Digi-Core shattered before it could MetalGreymon Digivolve to WarGreymon.

Oh man…better not let Ken know about that card. He'll be devastated if he knew about it.

"HA! You're not bringing out metal-face like you did when we first met!" Then she growled, icily: "This time, I came prepared, Goggles!"

Takato cringed at Rika's disturbing behavior. She's taking this really seriously. I mean, she did kind of deserved getting her butt whooped by WarGreymon, right?

"Lighten up, kid. It's only a game. Sheesh!" Tai calmly as he pressed the A-button: Giga Blaster. …A game that seems to know most of our adventures, that is. But who cares? It's still fun.

Opening a compartment on his chest, MetalGreymon launched twin nuke missiles that had mean looking faces on them. But just when they closed in on the yellow glowing Kyuubimon, they exploded too early.

"Thought you would try that, which was a big mistake! Kyuubimon, finish him!"

Continuing the C-attack, Kyuubimon pounced on the large Ultimate by rolling like a ball and slamming on his stomach, hard. The dino roared in pain while it started to fall on its back, and when it touched the floor, it de-Digivolved back to Penmon.

Rika's score: 391 / Tai's score: 335

"Man, Rika's bringing the heavy mat, big time on Tai!" said Kazu, stunned at this intense duel.

Kenta nodded. "Yeah,"

"Come on, Taichi…!" cried Rei. "You can do it!"

As much as Takato wants to cheer on Tai, he kind of feels guilty to do so, because Rika's his friend. Plus, what if she kills him? Oh who cares? He wants to see how Tai still fares against the champion…if he still has some tricks left under his sleeve.

Not the right cards I want. I only need one. Tai was unsatisfied at his hand, but he has an idea. First, he placed a Golden Rapidmon on the data area pile, right on top of a holographic Phoenixmon card. Then he picked up that card, "I'll use my Phoenixmon card!" and discarded it on the Offline pile.

Tai smiled, looking at the Phoenixmon and Angewomon cards on the Offline pile, complements of Kari and Sora. By discarding his Phoenixmon card from the data area, he can look through his deck and pick out a Program card. Then shuffle.

"Okay…first I get Penmon out of the fire…" he did so, drawing out his Penmon card from the field. "…so I can use my partner card!" and replacing the penguin with the imitation of his old buddy: Agumon!

Agumon HP: 250 - 355

A: 360 - 445

B: 230 - 296

C: 160 - 209

"So let me get this straight. You're using your partner card right on MY turn when I can wipe it out into dust, and AFTER I nuked away his powerful evolved forms? Those goggles must not be letting any air into that thick head of yours, huh?"

Tai glared at his opponent as he placed a face-down Program card, on Rika's turn. As a player who had his Digimon destroyed, he's allowed to do that. "Oooo… 'Those goggles must not be letting any air in…' Blah, blah, naaaaaeeehhh!" Childishly, he mocked her by pulling his eyelid down in front of her.

Rika reeled her face back with disgust. It's true. All Goggleheads are idiots. "…And I thought grownups are supposed to set a good example. Well make all the immature remarks you want; I'm still gonna fry your pal's sorry scaly-butt to oblivion. Attack, Kyuubimon!"

With the command of the A-button, Kyuubimon launched up in the air and rolled like a wheel to unleash its most powerful attack: Dragon Wheel. The rolling fox summoned a flaming dragon spirit from her body which then hurtled towards the little Rookie.

BOOM! Like a bomb, the attack nailed floor Agumon stood on with a devastating explosion. Again, Takato and the gang had to shield their eyes from the brightness.

But Rika easily handled it thanks to her shades. "That's all she wrote, Goggle-man."

The roar of the blast began to fade from ears, as well as the smoke died away from sight, but within all that stood nothing; nothing but the air. All was quite, too quite with deadly silence, but it was the sound Rika liked to hear as she smiled, evilly because victory was in the air.

…Then a pink portal opened up with Agumon's head poking out.

"THE HELL…!" Rika screamed.

Yes, my friends. The great Agumon is alive! The clever little Rookie leaped out of the portal. Well, more like leaping off a train that trailed out of the portal and in mid-air. And by appreciating the sweet sense of living…he stuck his tongue at the Digimon Queen.

The audience cheered while Takato and Kazu laughed their heads off. Meanwhile, Tai had a great smile on his face.

"Oh…forgot to warn ya that I had an ace in the hole." Showing how he did it, he picked up the card that saved Agumon: Trailmon Express.

With that card, as you can see, a Digimon can escape an attack with no fail. But the problem with it is that the defending Digimon can't attack back.

"How…lucky…can…one…person…be?" Rika growled with heated anger.

"REALLY lucky…! I just had some pals who helped me with my deck, that's all." It was all thanks to Sora's card that helped Tai pick up that Program card. "My move now!" With excitement, Tai slapped down his own Digivice card. "Agumon…Digivolve tooo…!"

After the spinning lizard burst into light, in his place came a large blue lizard with a horn on its nose, and two more on the back of its head. Its appearance almost seems similar to Exveemon's, but it had a V white mark around its shoulders, and it was a bit chubby, compared to the muscular Exveemon.

"…Veedramon!"

Takato and the gang, minus Rei, all dropped their jaws. "Veedramon…?"

"Yup…but let me give the introductions first. Meet Zeromaru the Veedramon!"

The dragon roared, viscously, as if it was saying 'hi'.

Veedramon HP: 340 - 432

A: 440 - 521

B: 370 - 412

C: 210 - 263

"I really don't see what's the point wasting that pet-puppy on your partner card, but it's not like it matters or anything."

"One: he doesn't even look like a dog, and two: you have no idea of the world of hurt you're gonna be in!" with the press of the B-button, his Veedramon lifted his fist up that held blue energy, which spelled one thing: the Magnum Punch.

Charging with the drive of a bull, Zero advanced on the heavy attack for the four legged fox that is Kyuubimon.

"This is where you stop, horn-head!" shouted Rika as she removed her Myotismon card from her data pile.

From out of nowhere, black bats covered in a dark smog appeared between the Digimon and attacked the incoming dragon like a flock of mosquitoes. Thanks to Myotismon's special ability, the Grizzly Wing bats can stop the attacking Digimon and drain its HP by 100 points.

"Alright, Kyuubimon, go for the-!"

But like a wall of bricks, Zero rammed the bats out of the way and made a mighty leap while it was coated in a heavenly red aura.

"NO WAY!" Rika screamed…again.

The airborne Veedramon dived for the vulpine while it reeled its mighty fist back. BAM! His fist went on the floor, causing a massive burst.

"How's that possible! How did he do that! That trap should've stopped and weaken horn-face!"

Tai chuckled, showing his secret weapon. "Just with a card that works only for a Veedramon and his true evolved forms." and the holographic card he held that reflected the light is called the 100 percent Combination. "Once I used this, and as long as I get the first attack, Zero is practically unstoppable. No effects can harm him."

Takato and the gang, minus Rei, were speechless and drooling over the card…from a far view that is.

Rika felt her head so heavy with anger, but she contained it, for she knows it's not over. "REALLY clever, Goggles, but you don't realize that you missed Kyuubimon!"

"Say what…?"

At that moment, Kyuubimon came into view, fazing like TV static.

"Whoa…!" Tai gasped.

"You're not the only one with surprises. I had Kyuubimon use a card called the False Copy. Sure, she has to give up half her HP, but its well worth it for the opponent to hit a fake double instead."

Kyuubimon HP: 61 / 431

"Now let's see just how unstoppable your 100 Combination is! Make no mistake, Kyuubimon, and attack!"

After Rika pressed the B-button, Kyuubimon readied its legs and launched another Fox Tail Inferno.

Kyuubimon

B 478 - 528 - 228

"Oh COME ON!"

The number of fireballs slammed right onto the phantom dragons, crippling him to his knees. Smoke rose from his scars as Zero breathed heavenly, but he still remained strong.

Veedramon HP: 204 / 432

"But my Program card didn't stop there. It also decreased your Digimon's attack by a whooping 300 points!"

Not only did their jaws dropped past the balcony, but also Takato and the gang's eyes, minus Rei, grew as wide as basketballs.

"No way!" shouted Takato. "…And I never even heard about that card!"

"Shows what you know," said Kenta. "I heard that card was super rare, but I didn't know what it can do."

"DUDE! I'LL TRADE YOU ANYTHING FOR THAT BABY!"

"Forget it, kid!" Tai shouted as Kazu.

"Aw nuts…"

This was way unbelievable! Sure she enjoys a good challenge as much as the next Tamer, but this so-called legendary hero was annoying her to the tip of the scale. If there's one thing she hates more than the guy who didn't shown up last year, and this clown is LOSING!

"THAT'S IT! Kyuubimon! Finish him!" and she hammer the A-button with rage, and scaring folks like Takato.

"Now there's some one who plays too much Mortal Kombat." muttered Kenta.

With the speed of a cheetah, Kyuubimon launched itself into the air and rolled in a ball, once again and generated spirit flames.

"Aw man! Rika can win the game with this attack!" cried Takato as he leaned over the railing that surrounded the stadium. "And there's nothing Tai can do!"

"I heard that, Takato!" he shouted, laying a hand on one card on the desk. "And you're so wrong! Ha, HA! Behold my ingenious play!" And to start, and end it, he removed his Golden Rapidmon card from the Data Folder. "By removing Golden Rapidmon from the Data Folder, it's like I'm playing a Speed Plug-in card!"

Once again, the eyes of Rika Nonaka snapped wide. But that means both Digimon attack at the same time…and with that…!

"Zero, attack with…!" quickly, Tai slammed the A-button. "…V-Arrow Breath! Finish it!"

With sonic speed, the dragon launched up into air, after the rolling fox whilst white energy sprayed brightly from its mouth. Kyuubimon gathered enough energy to unleash its Dragon Wheel once again, having the dragon's flaming fangs hunger for the phantom dragon. At the same time, Zero launched a ferocious beam of energy, with the tip of the blast shaped like an arrowhead.

BOOM! In a stalemate, both projectile attacks crashed and exploded with almighty and roaring powers. The fierce force of the blast blew away their owners, crashing into the stadium walls, right under their Tamers' battle-booths. And from there, Kyuubimon de-Digivolved back into Renamon, lying tirelessly, as well as Veedramon back into Agumon.

…makes a tie!

Rika's score: 500 / Tai's score: 500

Winner: Tie Duel

As a loud buzzard sounded, the simulation automatically deactivated. From both the Card Tamers, Rika froze in complete shock, not even caring that her cards fell from her hand. Tai on the other hand rubbed his goggled-blue head banded forehead, relived that it's over.

"THAT WAS AWESOME, DUDE!"

"YOU TOTALLY ROCKED!"

As Tai mounted off his duel booth, the kids and Rei rushed to him for congratulations.

Kenta excitedly shook his hand. "Man, I never would've dreamt that ANYONE could nearly give THE Digimon Queen the run for her money!"

Kazu waved a hand of cards like a fan. "You sure you won't change your mind?"

"YES!"

"Awww…!"

"I don't get it," said Takato. "If you're that good, how come you never entered into any tournaments?"

"Eh, I've been kind of busy. Besides, after this one Digimon tournament, I had enough of them…and I'm not talking about the cards!"

Not the cards…? Hmm…something must have happened in his days as a DigiDestined. But wait…! What of his opponent? What of Rika?

There she is, hopping off her duel-booth, and boy did she look vivid. Slowly and menacingly, she approached the gang.

Oh boy, maybe I should get back before she blows. And Takato did, inching away from the ticking time bomb named Rika.

Tai's ears picked up the sound of growling. And wouldn't you know it? It came from his opponent. Already the leader could tell that the young girl can't take losing well.

"Know this, Goggle-leader…" her eyes dangerously narrowed as her pupils shrunk as much as the Digimons' when they're in feral-mode.

He didn't mean to, but when Tai looked into her raging eyes, something clicked; something brought him into past memories; memories involving a certain someone in a certain soccer game. This whole event…the girl…it reminded him of that time and him. Even when he looked at Rika, instead of her, he can see…him…with the same eyes as Rika's…just with silver color. That guy with the very spiky white hair…and that evil look…

"HEY! Hello, I'm talking to you, Goggle-man!"

Awakening, the boy, to his vision, reverted back to Rika.

"I'm not gonna repeat myself, pal…!"

Takato gently grabbed Rika's shoulders. "Come on, Rika. Lay off him. It's only a-"

But the girl shoved his hands away. "…know this: I'm not through with you yet!"

Another memory flashed before Tai's eyes, as well as voices.

"Know this…I'm not through with you yet!"

"Got it…?"

The memories…they still plague him. It's like the past was coming back to haunt him.

"Got it, Taichi…?" said the snow-white haired boy, icily.

What's wrong with him? Why does he keep seeing that boy?

"Did you hear me, Taichi!"

He remembers it, sure, but it feels like…like this vision is not his

"I said, did you hear me!"

"RIKA…!" cried Takato, pleading her to stop it.

Barely, could Tai focus onto the real world, away from these forced visions.

"Hey! Goggle-man,"

But it was too strong.

"Taichi!"

"I said, did you hear me…?"

"Taichi!"

The strain was too much. "I HEARD YOU, NEO!"

Because of that loud voice, the entire arcade with everyone that graced their fee upon it fell into complete silence and had their eyes attracted to Tai like he was a magnet. Tai can feel the heavy weight of their eyes, plus the shock he gained from snapping instantly like that.

It took a while for Rika to snap her nerves back together. "Wha…? Did I suddenly change my name? It's Rika!"

Kenta whispered to Kazu: "I think that intense duel overheated his brain."

"Tell me about it. I do that to my mom's computer a lot when I use too many programs."

Tai tended to his forehead. Man…what was up with that? It felt like something was jamming those memories in me by force…well, I guess is because Rika painfully reminds me of Neo, and-

But at the corner of his eye, he noticed Rei walking, with slits, towards the front door, as fast as she could, to be exact.

Oh god…nice work, Tai! The goggled leader began top bolt after his friend when…

"Hey! You hold on there! Why do you keep calling me Neo?"

Confronting his old friend was important, but Rika was really getting on his nerves. "Listen, Rika! I don't have time to play your revenge game, but know this: Unless you chill that attitude, you'll regret it, and end up just like him!"

With that, Tai hurried after Rei who already exited the building.

…All that just left were the Tamer and soon-to-be Tamer alone with the extra people who still remained silent and staring at where Tai was. This gave uncomfortable feelings to the kids; expect Rika who was leaving the arcade in fury.

"Uh…" Kazu started, thinking quickly of how to make these people stop staring. "…LOOK! BALLOONS!"

Grabbing Kenta's arm, they dashed out of the arcades.

Takato slowly followed, but he was really worried about what Tai meant with Rika about this Neo. Boy…this Neo he screamed sounds like bad news if he made Tai go over the loop-end. Oh man…if this is true, I really hope Rika won't be the same…she doesn't deserve it.

.-

"Going shopping early in the morning…! Do-dah! Do-dah! I got me shoes to match my skirt! Oh-da-do-dah-day!"

Singing in her version of some folk-song, Mimi Taichiwawa skipped along the street while carrying a number of shopping bags as if they were as light as a feather. The strawberry-haired girl was doing her daily shopping sprees before she has to go to her boyfriend's birthday party, and was she happy. Unlike the other DigiDestined, Mimi planned on giving Izzy two gifts. One was that program thing she bought last chapter, something that he was expecting; the other was something far more special. Four airline tickets, one for-

"Huh?"

Something far interesting was in sight across the street, and shocking as well. She saw her best friend's boyfriend: Tai along with that girl the other day, the one with the blue jean jacket and skirt, and those metal stilt thingies…Rei, was it? Yeah.

Tai was right thought; Mimi never knew much of Rei back in the day. She only hung around with them for Sora's sake. Plus for some reason, wherever Rei was, that white haired hunk, Neo wasn't too far behind. Mimi couldn't figure out why Neo was always at Rei's place. She knew he wasn't her boyfriend, but those concerns weren't anything, because Mimi used to have a crush on him. However, she always had to fight for him over her hated rival: Mari Goutokuji, who Mimi still hasn't forgiven her to this very day. But Mimi grew out of that crush after her first Digimon adventure, and most defiantly around this one event Mimi can't think of for good reasons.

Anywise, now that she discovered them, Mimi remembered that Tai has been hanging around with Rei a lot this past week. There might be a logical explanation for this, but Mimi was far too worried that what she really concluded might be true.

Quickly, Mimi his behind a tree…a small tree that barely hid her and her many shopping bags. Darn it… Lucky for her that a car was parked in front of her, so Mimi ducked before it. Now that she completely his herself, she watched as Tai was trying to talk to Rei while following her, but she looked really upset. The girl finally stopped, long enough for Tai to say something to her while resting his hands on her shoulders.

Mimi observed this, thoroughly.

The young man gently faced her body towards him, gingerly wiping the tears on her cheek with his finger.

Mimi's eyes grew in shock.

After saying some words to Rei, Tai pulled the girl in a deep hug. To add up this twist, Rei returned the hug, wrapping her arms around his neck, rather warmly. After separating, Tai kissed the girl on the forehead.

Mimi received a shock more intense than the last as she reeled back and hit her head on a tree. She quickly held her breath before her mouth screamed in pain, as well as she nursed her head.

.-

"You better now?" asked Tai.

Rei gingerly nodded. "It wasn't your fault. I guess…"

"Just try not to remember that, okay?"

"Okay…sure…but don't you have a birthday party to get to? I'm sure Sora is probably waiting for you, Taichi."

Tai slapped his forehead. "Oh boy, I know how crabby she gets when I make her wait...groan…don't get me wrong, I love her dearly, but-"

"I know, I know. You guys haven't changed around each other, despite that you two go out. giggle"

Tai rolled his eyes, remembering all the times he and Sora had together, like the humorous ones. "Yeah, yeah…look, I still have time to walk ya to the nearest subway, if you're up to it that is."

"Love to."

.-

She can't believe it…now Tai has his arm around Rei's shoulder. Mimi slightly couldn't bear looking at this…for Sora's sake. Mimi would like to follow, but all these bags she has would ruin her spying.

I may not know even Rei's shoe-size, but I do know one thing…Tai used to have a huge crush on her…or I think he still does…oh that jerk!

.-

.-

Main Shinjuku- 3:34 PM

…End up just like him…? Who the hell is he talking about, this stupid Neo person he keeps calling me…?

Rika was pondering on what Tai meant as she angrily walked herself home. She was like a walking burning furnace, with her steps melting her prints on the sidewalk. Even children coward away from her as she approached; especially the ones who knew her reputation.

She didn't care what they thought, but today was a good day to be feared. She didn't want to make the slightest communication with anyone. She just wants to go home, take a nap, and then kick some Digimon-butt with Renamon.

Nothing will not bother her or stop her in her path, and she better not see anymore Goggleheads.

"Hey, it's the Digimon Queen!"

Rika growled and cursed the voice addressing her. ...typical…

Turning around, she found three figures approaching her. One was a kid, maybe nine or so, with a VERY large orange hat. The other was a girl, who looked thirteen, slightly taller than the boys who had blonde hair, a purple hat and some trampy clothes that showed her midriff. Ugh, why do girls like her always wear clothes like a slut? The other boy… Oh god oh mighty! Not another Gogglehead! God, do I have bad luck with them?

"That was some duel! You really rocked!" said the hat-boy.

Even though she was treated with a good complement, Rika remand silent and cold-looking like ice. Hey, she wasn't called the Ice-Queen for nothing.

The young boy reflected her cold exterior with a broken face, which his female friend reacted from Rika's expression as an insult.

"Hey, he just gave you a nice complement! Haven't your parents ever taught you manners, huh?"

Rika still bothered not to answer, but her body made signals showing her leave.

"Jeez, I told you Tommy," said the Gogglehead. "…Just like a few weeks ago when we met her. This girl doesn't seem to like people. We should've left her alone, especially after when she almost got her butt handed to her by the guy with the nice sense of fashion."

It was like fire burned around her soul; flames of fury. Slowly, and menacingly, Rika turned her head that held her dangerous narrow eyes.

"Oh birds of a feather flock together, huh, Takuya?" asked the blonde, shaking her head.

"Well take notes, cause it looks like its coming out on fashion again, Zoe-moey!" Arrogantly and proudly, the boy named Takuya pushed his hair back, even though he wore a hat. "sigh…I guess yours truly must have the magic touch for fashion."

The girl who's called Zoë, minus the moey part, scoffed. "If you mean that you started the goggle-trend then I seriously doubt it."

"Hey guys…?" called the young child named Tommy.

Soon as he got his friends' attention, the young child pointed towards the angry card-gamer, who had a look that can easily kill a Deltamon.

"I'm only gonna make this simple…Go away!"

Just like she figured, the three idiots didn't obey instantly, but she noticed the little boy starting to break in tears. Rika pressed her lips, starting to feel bad. Oh just lovely. Here comes the waterworks in three…two...

"HEY!" shouted Zoe, moving up to the Tamer. "Tommy was just asking for an autograph and you just yell at him like that? You apologize to him, now!"

Rika remained behind her cold mask. "Look, Blondie, tell your friend that I'm sorry, but you clowns were annoying me."

"Whoa!" Takuya replied. "No we didn't, we were just-"

Suddenly, Rika made that freaky look with her eyes, as well as a rattlesnake sound was heard from out of nowhere. "Yes…?"

That look did the job against the boys as they inched away in fear…but Zoe…

"That little bluff may work on poor Tommy and Mr. Wuzz over there…"

Takuya: HEY!

"…but not me, cause I ain't afraid of some little girl who thinks she can easily break the world with a thought!"

Rika's brows dangerously reached to the bottom of her eye-frames. "Please…like you're so special…? Blondie, I made boys cry that were a thousand times braver than you."

"Oh, too bad you never dealt with a woman!"

"You a woman…? HA! I don't think a dress bought at Sluts-R-Us is gonna put you in the grown-up department."

Takuya and Tommy: Uh-oh...

The poor little boy quickly hid behind Takuya before hell broke loose, starting right…

"YOU LITTLE TWERP!" Zoe slammed face against Rika's, leading her to a face-pushing contest. "I'LL MAKE YOU EAT THOSE WORDS!"

"THEN BRING IT, BLONDIE!"

And out came the fire as these fearless Amazonians went at it, grabbing each other by the hair, pushing back fists, and growling like cats.

"Takuya, do something!" cried Tommy, hiding closer behind the boy.

"No way! JP once told me to never get involved in a cat fight…plus, I wanna see their clothes get ripped." He replied with a devilish smile.

"Why would you wanna see that? Come on, I don't want anyone to get hurt."

"Okay, okay."

Keeping the traditions of brave Goggleheads alive, Takuya boldly marched into no-man's territory to be the good cop against this female-madness.

"Alright, ladies, let's cool our-"

"JERK!" POW! Following that thundering smack, Takuya rolled like a wheel straight back to Tommy.

Tommy looked at the dazed boy who had a deep black eye. "Wow…I can't believe it…JP was right about girls."

Suddenly, stopping the fury of the girls, a car-horn beeped in a solider-charge tone.

In an unexpected moment in front of Rika's eyes, a limo stops on the side of an intersection of a quiet neighborhood where Rika's mother, Rumiko 'Hata' Nonaka, smiles at her daughter from an open window.

"Uh...what are you doing here, mom?" Rika asked, fearing the consequences of her mother's rare presence.

To Rika's irritation...and suspicion, her mother kept that cheerful Hollywood smile. "Oh well I on my way to a photo shoot and just seeing you here just makes me want to say hi."

"Okay...uh..." Glad she didn't see me fight…again… "But why the limo instead of the usual Mitsubishi convertible…?"

The three kids' eyes bulged…well actually Zoë and Takuya, who just came to.

"I thought of going to my shoot in style...and maybe I should let my daughter see the work place."

With surprise, Rika's eyes blinked. "You're...kidding...right...? Look, mother, I'm not interested in seeing prissy dresses."

"Oh come on...it'll be fun. I just want to have a mother-daughter moment...just the two of us?"

Even with all of her cold exterior, her tough persona, her 'don't-cross-me-or-you-suffer-your-fate' standards, Rika Nonaka cannot resist that sappy mother-daughter thing.

"Wait…!" suddenly; Zoë pressed herself on Rika's too hard just to see who was in the limo. "Sorry, but are you Rumiko Nonaka…THE Makino?"

Being a very young woman around her late twenties, Rumiko was kind of a ham for her modeling success. "In the flesh, but I only do autographs at least once a month."

Zoë's eyes sparkled. "But I'm such a HUGE fan of you!"

"Hey!" Rika growled, trying to shove the girl off. "Go away!"

"Rika, who is this," asked her mother.

Rika tried so hard, but it seems Zoë's strength matches hers. "She's…a freakin…little…"

The blonde suddenly got the upper hand, pushing the ten-year old away from view and keeping it that way. "Oh I'm Izumi Orimoto, but you can call me Zoë. I'm also a friend of Rika."

"No you're not!" Rika came back up, fighting to get the teen away from her space.

But Zoë again pressed her down like a large button. "Oh, don't mind her. We just like to tease. -tee hee-"

"Well, and here I thought Rika didn't have any female friends. Now I can breathe easy. Say, why not come with us?"

Zoë never felt so happy as her eyes sparkled with glitter magic. "Wha...really!"

Suddenly, Rika brought up all of her strength to shove her away, and then she faced her own mother. "WHAT! Mother, why are you letting HER come?"

"I thought it would be nice, plus it's so great that you finally have friends, girlfriends at least."

"But...she's not…"

"Look, if you come with me to my photo shoot, I'll...buy you whatever you want."

That brought her out of her anger-mode. There was this chainsaw she wanted to get...nah, not in front of her mother. But there was also this REALLY rare and expensive card she wanted to get that she couldn't get in any booster pack. God, how she wanted it so badly? It'll make her deck unstoppable; she could even make that Goggle-leader bow to her feet.

(A/N: All those who think I'm trying to make Tai and Rika your usual Yugi and Kaiba -Which I'm not- say I.)

But in order to get it, she has to suffer going to some photo-shoot AND bringing along that tramp-blonde! Suffer and be gifted...leave and hurt mother's feelings...suffer...family harm...suffer...you know, Rika may have a soft spot for her mother.

"Oh alright…" And Rika has bit the bait and entered the limo...taking such a risk that involves dresses and Blondie. "But I'm not sitting next to her."

Takuya quickly tried to enter, until Rumiko's hand stopped him. "Nuh-ah, kiddo...one friend at a time,"

After the door closed, the limo took off through the streets, leaving Tommy and a crying Takuya behind.

"But...but I wanna see all the models!-sob-...stupid lying Zoë...it's not fair…"

"I don't get it...why do you wanna see a bunch of girls?" the child asked in disgust.

Takuya's face slowly morphed into a devilish one. The teen then rest an arm over the boy's shoulder. "You see, my friend, there comes a time in a man's life when he meets a girl, and after some time...ah…" He pulled out a notepad and a pen from his pockets and drew a doodle. "...here's what I mean."

Looking at it, Tommy's face turned to a shade of green. "EWWWWW!" He tossed the notepad like it had a disease and ran off, screaming like he seen the unspeakable horror, leaving Takuya to laugh his gums out.

(A/N: Don't complain...I got that joke from Even Stevens.)

.-

.-

Shinjuku College: 3:44 PM…

Inside the small dorm that is Tai and Izzy's, piles of party litter coated the fair home, though bringing rainbow color to the room, but also bringing filth and embarrassing an appearance. This mess was caused by the residences' all in the name of Izzy…and his birthday party, which was only for the members of the DigiDestined.

"Hey, Izzy,"

Pausing from their clean up, Tai and Izzy eyed at the door, where Matt peaked around the door.

"Nice of you to come back, Matt." said Tai, dumping some ribbons in a box he held. "Give us a hand with the dishes. You can lick off the plates."

"Yeah right, I'm not sugar-crazy enough to do that, like someone I know."

The large-haired boy slowly clocked his eyes, as if trying to find something as a target, which he pointed at Agumon for the blame.

"Hey, you do it too, Tai!" he shouted.

"Do not!"

"Do so!"

Matt slapped his head, feeling like he was looking at a mirror of himself and Tai. "Knock it off you morons. You got some visitors that I had to get through security."

Moving away from the door, Matt made way for Henry Wong and an unfamiliar man that brought enough chills to Agumon and Tentomon to force them into doll-mode.

"Chill, my brothers," the lop-eared Digimon, by the surprise of the DigiDestined, jumped on the man's head. "The pawn has seized the king."

Tai and Izzy looked at him, awkwardly and blankly, waiting for a clear answer.

The Rookie sighed. "The JJ has removed the spider-mask."

And yet has it altered their present expressions.

Terriermon rolled his eyes. "The pimp-daddy has grabbed the hotie-hot's big, round-!"

"TERRIERMON!" his Tamer roared.

"giggle"

The leader of the team moved closer to the young lad. "Henry…mind explaining this one?"

"Hey, Takato was responsible for the others. My father here has some information I think you might find useful."

Information is what Mr. Izumi loves as he advanced in front of Tai. "Information about what?"

Soon, Henry's father took more steps into the dorm. "Hello, my name is Janyu Wong. Henry told me that you all are the DigiDestined."

Slowly and cautiously, the three college boys nodded.

"What exactly is it you want to tell us, sir?" asked Tai.

Whatever he wanted to say, he sure felt a bit uncomfortable about it. "Well…I think that all the adventures and dangers you've gone…that my son informed me…I think that it's all caused by me and my colleagues."

The boys reeled their heads back, confused to what the man means. To some, like say maybe Tai may believe that the man must be stressed by seeing Digimon.

"Uh…what do you mean?"

Janyu adjusted his collar, nervously. "I'm not sure…but I think I and some friends in my college days…created Digimon."

All life was lost of the DigiDestined as Tai, Matt, and Izzy froze in shock. Why, the shock caused Tai to lose the ability in his hands and dropped the box on Agumon.

"OWW! TAI!"

.-

.-

TV Tokyo studios- 4:42 PM

This is down right...embarrassing. I mean...all this torture just for some stupid card?

It felt like so much weight was brought within her body, forcing her still. It was the wave of embarrassment that caused her skin to be painted in the shade of red. Never before in her life has she expected something like this. It was an act that she vowed to avoid for the rest of her life. But it feels like she betrayed herself now.

"Oh don't you look so adorable?" asked Rumiko, happily.

No...I look like a prissy shitter.

Wearing what she wanted to burn in the fires of hell was a white dress with a large skirt that looked like something out of the southern regions of America, topped with a large white hat, which looked like something for the summer.

"My, aren't y'all looking swell for the ball, sugah?"

If that wasn't the lamest southern imitation Rika ever heard, she doesn't know what was. "Look here, Blondie, you may have tricked my mother into inviting you, but that doesn't mean you can take even a mile closer to my space; got it?"

Zoë rolled her eyes. "Jeez, are you always this tense?"

"When I'm forced to wear some freakin wedding dress,"

"That's a designer American dress, kid. Don't tell me you're one of those tomboys who hate dresses."

Rika narrowed her eyes, refusing to speak.

"What's so bad about wearing dresses? It's not like they're gonna eat you up, whole. Relax...every girl has gotta wear em sometimes. Why, how else are gonna get the man of your dreams?"

Rika's eyes narrowed, dangerously. The ten-year old faced her back towards the teen. "I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand."

"Just what does that mean?"

"Rika...!" Rumiko then came back to the girls after talking with the photographer. "Alright, everything's all set. Now show the fashion world what you got."

With no word of argument, Rika slouched as she walked towards the photo area, like she was about to receive an execution. "Like I have a choice."

Zoe shook her head at the pathetic sight of the girl. And I thought I had problems. "Uh...what do I get to do, Ms. Nonaka? Can I try out the latest clothes in the back?"

"You're not registered for that. Besides, those are expensive designs."

"But I'll be careful!"

.-

"Okay, let's see what the daughter of the Makino got. Show me that award winning smile."

It was so uncomfortable, standing in front of some white background with a camera and a bunch of lights staring at you while you're wearing a ridicules dress. Never the less, Rika forced a smile with conceivable effort.

"That's it! Beautiful!" and the flashes began right on Rika's eyes. "Now work with it, sweetheart; work with it!"

This was more embarrassing than losing to that adult Gogglehead. Yeah, sure she tied with him, but what's the difference? Here she is wearing dresses and standing in front of the freakin camera, looking pretty; which was all against her standards. She seen what the stupid models had to go through just to keep

themselves accepted for the stupid fashion world, and by god, Rika does not want to walk on that path.

The more the lights kept flashing before her, the more Rika felt closed in. She felt like she was betraying herself, acting like a weak, prissy girl. She vowed herself not to be this weak, ever since what happened between her parents. She will not go down that path, and she's not gonna start like this. She is an individual for crying out loud.

"HEY!" With a blink of an eye, Rika plowed the man away from her path, including smashing the camera to the floor. "MY 600,000 YEN CAMERA! NOOOOO!"

"RIKA!" Rumiko couldn't believe what she just saw as she watched her daughter run towards the doors. "YOU GET BACK HERE, YOUNG LADY!"

Peaking out of the walls of clothes, Zoë watched the young troubled girl run through the metal doors. What's the deal here?

Rumiko covered her face, trying to comprehend and withstand this horrible experience. Not only did her daughter destroyed expensive equipment, she just waltzed from her authority and embarrassed her.

Suddenly, she heard the doors slammed again. She hoped Rika came back, but instead, she saw nothing. But she did notice Zoë missing in the room. Perhaps she was chasing after her friend to talk to her.

Oh god, Ruki...what is wrong with you?

.-

.-

Shinjuku College- 3:34 PM…

"I see…I must say, Mr. Wong; very intriguing. However, I'm not sure if what you say is highly responsible for what is happening."

"I like to believe that, but I just can't seem to convince myself. I mean, everything that happened for a decade somehow seems connected to what my friends created in college."

"It still seems highly preposterous…although, that seemed to happened before Cody's father and Oikawa seen the Digital World through a video game in their childhood."

Janyu's breath nearly escaped his mouth. "Wh-wha-h-h-ow? That's amazing! So this Digital World is true! I always thought that land in the sky was just a outer space phenomenon, eight years ago."

"Oh how could we forget that? We should explain that story someday. I been meaning to ask you if you have any data leftover from the project. Even the tiniest piece may help me solve this Digimon-card-game deal. I've been trying to figure out who known about the Digimon to make the game for two years."

"Yes, each card has a lock-code to prevent revealing the main information. I can help you with that. Henry told me to bring some programs with me since he knows you'll be asking me a favor."

"Prodigious! Then we'll finally be one step to solving this mystery."

After shaking hands, the two began the research of the cards. As Izzy took out some cards he bought out of a booster pack, Janyuu was lost into heavy and painful thoughts. Such work he was about to help Izzy in reminded him of the duty destiny forced Henry into. For a job that requires Henry to fight monster everyday…what of the consequences?

"Penny for your thoughts, Mr. Wong?" asked Izzy as he was busy typing.

"Huh…? Well…it's just…well…Henry. I wonder…why does it have to be him?"

"About what…?"

"About being a Tamer."

Such a question stopped the computer genius from his work. He knew where this question is going. Izzy was aware that Janyu feared for Henry of the dangers he faces, which could lead to permanent injury…or worse.

"Don't mind me by asking, Izzy…but was it your choice for him being a Tamer."

And that next question made the boy flinch. Was it a shot of blame within that question? No…Izzy could tell that the man would not blame him or his friends.

"Well, Mr. Wong, Henry's fate was not our choice. Heck, it wasn't our choice to be DigiDestined. Such a decision was only for a higher power to decide. In order to be a DigiDestined, you must, not only be a young age, but also have some involvement with Digimon, like actually seeing one."

Such facts made the man wonder and worry. Has Henry ever seen a Digimon…? They were still in Hong Kong during the Rainbow Bridge incident. Unless that time when that world was in the sky…

"But such circumstances might be different for a Tamer."

Well that didn't seem to make Mr. Wong better. Izzy decided next to bring out the corny 'if-they-work-together-all-will-be-right' speech.

"However, there are reliable benefits of having Digimon. You can never doubt that Terriermon will be with him in every step, insuring his safety from any harm."

That line seemed to did the job, just slightly. Janyu appeared to feel a little relieved. After all, with creatures seen by a man who never seen them in person, one must prove the well-behavior of beings sought as dangerous beasts.

…But then a glass-crash sound came from another room followed by a scream from Henry.

"TERRIERMON! You, Agumon, Palmon and Tentomon nearly broke my ankle!"

"Well, next time watch where we play Digi-soccer, clumsy. Pass me the ball, lizard-dude!"

And off they continued with the destruction.

Izzy clenched his teeth, trying to find a way to defend the Digimon. "Uh...but they're a bit of a handful, but they're really reliable. Heh, heh... " Oh is Tentomon so gonna fry.

.-

.-

Urban Shinjuku- 5:12 PM

Back at the capitol of Tokyo, we find three boys walking up a hill, at a busy street filled with many Japanese signs sticking out the buildings, cars driving at the left side of the road, and people walking around in random directions.

"Come on. The god cards…? Please, they ain't nothing compared to these four Digimon cards I heard so much about, dork."

"Oh yeah, Kazu…? Then what are they called?"

"I…uh…think they're called the Enlighten Ones or something, but they're like Digimon gods, and they can kick the god cards asses in a snap."

"Yeah right…. Not so much I heard about."

"Man, I'm telling you, they should have a Digimon vs. Duel Monsters tournament. I could make those stupid duelists cry to their knees, and no stupid god card ain't gonna save them."

Yeah, this is what Takato's been hearing. He didn't knew much about that other game, so he just stepped back and drank his slushie.

"Aw, forget about that stupid game. Yo, chumley…!"

The sound of his name gave him the hiccups when he was in the middle of his drink.

"You and your Tamer buddies gonna be fighting Digimon today?"

"Um…maybe…why…?"

Scaring Takato, Kazu went close to his face. "Cause I wanna be there where all the ass-kicking is! Come on, you gotta bring us with you!"

"Yeah, come on!" Kenta joined in with his pal, making Takato feel closed-in. "It's not fair that you get all the fun while we can't see all the glory!"

"But I told you; it's too dangerous!"

"Aw come on, chumley, we can take care of ourselves. Why I got white belt in karate! Besides, if it's so dangerous, why did you let Jeri come along?"

Ooo…he got him there. But that was just one time, and Jeri just invited herself that time. "Well…uh…it all-"

"You know why, Kazu…" suddenly, Kenta made googlily eyes and clasped his hands like a girl. "It's love!"

Cringing, Takato's face was painted in seven shades of red. "I-I-I-I-I…I don't like her like that!"

Kazu and Kenta then began to sing: "Jeri and Takato sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love-"

"SHUT UP!"

"-then comes marriage!"

"SHUT-UP!"

"-Then comes Jeri with-"

"WHAT WILL IT TAKE YOU TO STOP?"

Like lightening, Kazu and Kenta went right up Takato's face. "TAKE US WITH YOU!"

It would seem that they wouldn't take no for an answer, and they would release poor Takato until they hear the word they want to hear.

Hold on…far within the crowd of people, Takato's red eyes discovered a unique figure rushing through the traffic. The person defiantly was a girl, around his age, who seemed to wear a beautiful white dress and has long silky red hair. The girl looked like she was in a hurry, and not even caring if there was heavy traffic and nearly getting run over by cars.

But there was something about that girl…something familiar…

"Hey, are ya listening, chumley?"

Whoops…amazing that Takato forgot that Kazu and Kenta was there that quickly. "Uh…guys look…" the goggle-boy used his might to squeeze out of the boys. "…I…have…to go somewhere…quick!" Like a cork from a bottle, Takato popped out of the gang and made a dash to freedom. "I'll see you later, bye!"

"Hey, come back here, ya little whiner! After him, Kenta!"

And like hunters after their living prize, the dynamic duo charged after the boy. But by their bad luck, Takato hid within a thick crowd of people, making it difficult for the predators to track him.

"Aw man, why couldn't he just hold still like a good rabbit?"

"You got me, Elmer Fudd."

It was hard for the goggle boy to dig through the crowd, but he was safe from his friends. Takato was so sick of this. Ever since they found out that he was a Tamer, they been bugging him to let them see a Digimon fight. If he's mistaken, they're probably begging to be Tamers. Yeah right. Not everyone can be a Tamer…can they?

Takato pushed that aside for now. The reason he escaped from Kazu and Kenta was because of that strange girl. Who in their right mind would wear some fancy dress in the middle of the streets? He would like to find out, but he knew his manners; he shouldn't butt in businesses that are not his. But he just can't help but feel something familiar about her. That girl was like a shining light standing out of a dark room.

And more importantly, that girl is reminding Takato about the dream.

Funny, he hasn't thought about that dream for a while now. He dreamt about Rika fighting Digimon, right before he became a Tamer…right before he even met her. He knew there must be something that dream was saying, and he knew that he hasn't seen the full version of it. He remembered, right before he woke up, a darkness was about to engulf Rika.

What could it mean?

If I remember…she past that McDonalds over there. And off he went after the mystery girl.

.-

.-

Shinjuku College- 5:42 PM

"Hey guys," Soon, Henry has returned, carrying bags of Burger King Food for the gang, using the money his father and the three DigiDestined chipped in for him. "Dinner is here. I already gave the Digimon their food."

"Great, I'm starving." said Izzy.

The young Tamer passed the gang their respected food.

However, Janyuu was expecting his burger. "Henry, I said no pickles and onions. You know I don't like my greens."

"I told them not to put them in. sigh…typical food service."

Like lightening, the robotic-like insect, Tentomon, entered the room with an open hamburger. "Let me have them! I love that stuff!"

Still stunned by the living and talking creature, Janyuu gave him greens.

Just then, Tai and Matt returned from fixing the living room "So guys, any luck with the cards?"

Izzy, with a bright smile, turned while on his chair. "I'm happy to say that after all these years; we've finally cracked the code of these cards!"

"Good…!" shouted Tentomon. "Cause with all these cards, they made me feel like someone's been watching our every move, our every step! HE WOULDN'T LEAVE US ALONE!"

Izzy looked at his Digimon with a raised brow. "No need to be so dramatic, Tentomon. Now then…even though each of these cards contains tiny microchips, they're guarded within safeguard after safeguard, which was why I couldn't hack into the files for years. From what Janyu here told me, the company never knew about these files."

Henry blinked. "How could this get away with being programmed into the chips?"

Janyu then took over. "After using some programs that were necessary to crack the codes, we discovered a signature nearly similar to the blue card. All of these are connected to an old colleague of mine: Goro Mizuno, Shibumi as we called him."

"Hmm…" Tai laid an elbow on Izzy's desk, studying the data on the monitor. "Maybe this Shibumi guy was the one who found out about Digimon and most of our adventures. But how…?"

Izzy felt that they were finally getting somewhere… but still… "Where is this Shibumi?"

"…Sad to say that after a car accident in 1993, he's still in a coma. sigh…he died."

"Hold on…!" Matt arose from Izzy's bed. "If he died back then, how can his name be in the cards at THIS age of 200X?"

Janyu blinked in surprise, "I never thought about it! But…how can he do this? It's impossible!"

Tentomon buzzed off the bed while eating a burger. "This…munch…mystery just get…gobble…puzzling and…munch…weirder by the minute."

"Tentomon, what did I tell you about talking while eating?"

"Sorry…munch…Izzy."

Suddenly, Izzy's computer sounded a loud alarm.

"What's happening?" asked Janyu.

"The computer detected a bio-emerge signal!" quickly, Izzy typed on his keyboard for the Digi-Radar. Showing a map of Shinjuku, a red dot appeared on the lower-left corner of downtown Shinjuku. "The signal is coming from the KanjiriNET stadium! Looks like a Digimon is about to enter, and I don't think he's here for a soccer game."

"Already there…! Terriermon…?"

From the door, the bunny-dog quickly bounced onto his Tamer's head. "Let's mosey along! Hi-ho Silver! Awa-!"

"Henry!"

From the sound of his father's voice, Henry froze. He already knew that he was upset that his son was about to head into a life and death situation. So…how can he fight when he's worrying those he loves? "Dad…I…"

Indeed he was upset, but when Janyu stood from his chair, he gave a sad sigh. "I'm coming with you."

"HUH?"

Now this took even the DigiDestined and the Digimons' breath away, but Janyu didn't notice.

"If this whole thing was all because of me, then I want to see for myself up close and personal of what I have done."

"Hey…what you created wasn't much of a bad thing. Sheesh." muttered Tai.

.-

.-

Shinjuku Park- 6:12 PM

Takato and the gang just went over to a comic shop that sold numerous types of cards, like Digimon, Duel Monsters, Pokemon, Kaijudo (Duel Masters), and Magic the Gathering. But that place is very far from their home, deep in downtown Shinjuku, which means the trio has to take the subway through at least three to four miles of city and back.

…Never before Takato has to walk back, and his feet are killing him, but its all for the name of a lovely vision of beauty.

"Ow…pain…sore…sting…throbbing…Achilles' heel…"

The goggled-one of the Tamers spend hours following some girl in a dress, not because he has a crush on her, but because there's something familiar about her. He just can't ignore her. This…doesn't count as stalking, does it…? No, I just want to know what she looks like and then I'm out of her hair.

Takato stopped for a breathier on the concrete path that lies deep in the park; the same area where Guilmon's hideout is, the same area where he met Rika and Henry, the same area where he met Tai, who gave Rika the battle of her life.

Speak of the devil; he's suddenly in the same spot where it all happened. It's still left with the battle scars, filled with small craters and a big one caused by WarGreymon's weakest Terra Force. The city didn't seem to bother fixing this place, yet. All they did was barricade it with police tape.

Man… Such power…even though the Tamers seemed quite superior over the legendary heroes, they, expect maybe Rika, never felt their level was with the DigiDestineds' league. They did seem rusty, but aside from that, the old gang was so amazing to the goggled-one's eyes. But out of all the DigiDestined, there were a couple of them Takato truly admired…

…Sora, for her loving heart, for helping him find Guilmon a home, and knowing what it is to be a Gogglehead.

…Izzy, for his intelligent mind, and for showing him the facts about Digimon and his digivice.

…Davis, for his bold courage, and for always helping him battle tough bad guys with no fear.

…And of course, Tai, for his strong leadership, and for teaching him to be part of the team and being a true friend to Guilmon.

Tai…he was the most amazing out of the group; with a courageous heart, a wise mind, a powerful Digimon, and a beautiful girlfriend; Man he had it all. The DigiDestined said that his Digimon, Agumon, is the most powerful of them all, thanks to some journey he made all alone, when a powerful evil Digimon named Daemon escaped from some place called the Dark Ocean and took over the Digital World. Tai accidentally fell into the Digital World before it locked up so the others can't get in.

They said that Tai gained a power so mighty, but he didn't get the chance to find out. But he did know that it had something to do with something called a Hi-Crest, whatever that was. But Davis said it was something more than that; something he got before it.

"Takatomon…?"

With a scream, Takato took a high hop before breathing hard. "Thought my heart was gonna pop out of my mouth…whew." Gathering his bearings, Takato tuned to his angry-mode and turned to Guilmon. "Guilmon, MAN! You scared me there…wait…" moving closer, Takato narrowed his eyes at the innocent dino. "Why are you out of your house?"

"Well as soon as I smelled you I just came to find you. What's wrong, Takatomon? You look like you ran from a Lynxmon."

"Nothing boy…. I was just looking for somebody. No use, now. I lost her."

Just then, Guilmon instantly slouched down and growled, like he was waiting to strike his prey. Being a Tamer for at least weeks, Takato was used to this sort of thing.

"You don't have to tell me twice, boy!" After adjusting his yellow goggles, Takato pulled out his D-Arc from under his shirt. "Show me the way!"

.-

.-

KanjiriNet stadium- 7:07 PM

"Well…is this it, boy?"

"That's where my nose smells it, Takatomon."

The awesome twosome found themselves standing on a large parking lot, just at the foot of a giant stadium: the KanjiriNet. A soccer stadium homed by the city's own soccer team: The Shinjuku Seahawks. This large stadium has the capability to hold more than 33,150 people, and…well it's a big stadium.

Anywise, the two approached the complex as Takato studied the readings on his D-Arc. "Okay…the Digimon is inside, so let's bust…in…gasp."

The virus Rookie noticed trouble crossing Takato's face. "What's wrong, Takatomon?"

"It's her…"

"Huh…?" Guilmon tried to face the same direction as his Tamer. All he can see is strange metal things on the side he believes people call cars, some big pretty box thing…a building, right? And some girl in a white dress. "Are you looking at her, Takatomon? Is she your girlfriend?"

That made the boy choke on the air. He swears, he's gonna have a long talk with that Terriermon. "Her…! I don't even know her. She just looks familiar and I wanna know why, that's all."

"Uh…."

"Never mind, boy." Takato brought his sight back to the girl who was just staring at the empty stadium. "Why is she here, anyways? This place is dangerous." The boy rushed through the empty parking lot, running to the girl before she disappears. "Hey you, what are you doing here? It's dangerous here, and-!"

What happened next was something he, himself, and Takato would never, ever, ever, ever, EVER expect to see. A certain someone his sight now catches in an unpredictable predicament.

With his stunned eyes, Takato stares into the center of twin violet eyes that were in a surprised and frightened state. Was this a parallel universe? Was this a dream? Was this…?

"R-R-Rika!"

Guilmon scanned the girl, wondering why she looks so different. "Hi, Rika…you look different today. Did you cut your hair?"

Takato temporary gathered most of his nerves. "G-G-Guilmon, how could she when her hair right now practically reaches to her waist …?" Her hair is down? Whoa, he never knew her hair was THAT long. Okay…why does it feel so hot here? "Um…and…how come you call her by her real name, when you call me like a Digimon?"

"….I don't know, Takatomon."

Groaning, the boy hung his head in defeat. But something just came up. He remembered Rika mentioning that she loathes, despise, and even hates dresses. So why is she wearing one? He would like to ask, but if he knows her, she'll go ballistic and throttle him on the parking lot floor.

Oh well, in life you must take risks, plus she still looks shocked…kind of embarrassed. "Uh…Rika…uh…so…" Gotta ask this without insulting her. "…what's with the fairy-tale dress?" Oh yeah, real smooth, Takatomon…DOH! Great, now Guilmon's made me call me that!

The tomboy didn't answer. Right now, she's still busy feeling embarrassed, as she hung her head and let the shade from her front bangs hide her face.

Boy, she really is uncomfortable with the dress-thing. Is she blushing? Though he waited for Rika to give a word, or at least a fist, but he didn't notice himself staring, vigilantly at her. He was amazed, but she looked like one of them princesses in the fairy tales, or Zelda or the Super Mario Bros. To be honest, she looks really pre…Whoa…why I'm I thinking like this? And why am I staring at her? Jeez, she'll give me a black eye like she did at the garage if I don't stop. Pull away, Takatomon…DOH!

As he returned to reality, Rika still hid her eyes away from the boy.

"Rika…?"

And she still refuses to answer.

"…uh…can …um…I'm saying, I never expect you to wear a dress, what after when you said that you hate-"

"LOOK, GOGGLEHEAD, MY MOM MADE ME WEAR THIS FOR A STUPID PHOTO-SHOOT; OKAY!"

Such anger and power…Takato really felt the force pushed him back…well, mentally…it did almost give him a heart-attack..

"Takatomon, she's scarier than a Devimon." said Guilmon as he hid behind his Tamer.

Indeed she was, but the sudden shout seemed to blow the wind out of her as she breathed for air.

"O…kay…sorry that I asked."

Rika gathered enough air before marching towards the stadium. As she did, she peered over her shoulder to the frightened boys. "Aren't you coming or what, Goggles?"

Exchanging looks, the boys finally responded and made a dash behind Rika. "Uh…ma'am! Yes ma'am!"

.-

The halls of KanjiriNet stadium was a very silent place and dark as well. Only the moonlight shining from the windows was its light, which it partly lit up the halls. Normally this early of the night, there would be a game, or at least the team practicing. But they picked a really good time to be completely closed, right when a Digimon could be here, playing death soccer or whatever.

"Funny, I wonder why the front door was open. Shouldn't they lock it from the thieves that might steal the soccer balls or the hot dog supplies?"

"Mmm…hot dogs! Yummy! I smell some over there, Takatomon!"

His Tamer quickly grabbed the large baby dragon before he made a dive at the snack bar. "No Guilmon! You can't do that; that's stealing!"

"Aw…"

The goggled-child then just realized that Rika was still walking down the hall, without letting them catch up. "Hey, wait up, Rika!"

Since the day Takato first met Rika, she always seems to be in a bad mood. It's like when he even talks to her, he angers her to the point where she wants to grind his scrawny neck. But compared to all those times she was angry, and right now, this one makes the previous ones look like perky moods. Takato couldn't quite put his finger on it…No wait, it's obvious. Duh!

Let's recap. Today, on Saturday, he found Rika in the downtown arcades, facing Tai in the Digimon card game, and tied with him. Gee, that still rhymed. That set off her anger, big time. He guessed she hates tying as much as losing. And to put the cherry on top, her mother made her wear a dress for a photo shoot.

That sums up the reasons. But why does it feel like there's more to it? Well, he shouldn't ask that to her, but he should at least talk to Rika…even though it's health hazardous. But then again, he had taken health hazardous risks before. Why stop now?

"So uh…Rika…shouldn't we wait for Henry to show?"

It took a while after that, but Rika finally spoke. "You should know me a lot better, Goggles. I'm not much of a team player."

"But shouldn't we at least? I mean, what if it's a Deva?"

"It is. It's Vajiramon."

Takato nearly tripped with shock. "V-V-Vajiramon! Aw man, we really do need help!"

Again, Rika refuses to face him as she walks. "God, Goggles; can't you rely on yourself for a change?"

Takato didn't have anything else to say after she gave that mean remark, but only the feeling of shame.

"I-I-I'm sorry…I didn't mean to say that you and Renamon are weak or anything…"

"Well don't say anything then."

His brain nearly obeyed her, but he refused. "…but I get the feeling that something is bugging you, and it's not because of the dress or that duel with Tai,"

"Would you just shut up, Gogglehead, and stop reminding me about those? I just wanna find that stupid Deva before something bad happens to Renamon!"

For a second, Takato made a stop. "Something bad will happen to Renamon? What are you talking about?"

Growling under her throat, Rika just kept walking. "Shut up, and keep moving."

"Wait…!" Takato cried as he and Guilmon caught up with her. "What's going on? What happened to Renamon?"

"It's none of your business!"

"Yes it is!" he snapped, instantly. Takato gasped in fear, kicking himself for letting that slip his tongue. He was more bewildered that Rika was stunned by that. Her eyes were as wide as golf balls. He could stop, but he still needs to know what's going on. "Look…I can't be in the dark about this! How am I supposed help when you won't tell me what's wrong? And don't say that you don't need any help, because you're getting it whether you like it or not!"

And so, after that bold speech, Takato prepared for his payment and tensed his muscles for a punch in the face, or a twisting elbow…something, he was ready. Alright, do your worse…but nothing too painful.

And Rika passed his scared body, venturing forth.

Huh…? No torture…? No punch in the face…? Well it was a relief that Rika didn't sock him, but Takato was still dying to get some answers. "You haven't answered me!"

Well at least she stopped walking again, but Rika didn't face him. The girl slouched her shoulders like she was fighting something in her head.

"...Renamon...she...went with that Deva."

"You mean...she was chasing after him?"

Rika tensed her face. "No...she went with him...I think she was joining on his side."

"WHAT!" He couldn't believe he heard those words from Rika's mouth. It was just shocking to hear someone say something negative about their Digimon. "H-H-How could you say that? There...must be a logical explanation!"

She didn't even make a snappy comeback this time. She just narrowed her face at Takato, with eyes that were almost on the verge into tears.

"I don't get you...you...you don't trust anyone, do you?"

Then, she turned away.

"Well...you have to let us help you! We're your friends...right...?"

She didn't respond, and her back still faced them.

"R-r-right...?"

She didn't say anything. She wouldn't say anything. Takato just couldn't figure it out. Sure she wasn't very nice to him in the past, but he still doesn't want to believe that they're not friends. But it didn't seem like he couldn't stop the tears that was suddenly escaping his eyes.

With a swift motion, Rika grabbed the boy by the collar and brought him face to face. "Listen closely, Gogglehead, cause I'm not gonna repeat myself!"

He was helpless against her wraith...but at least she's talking to him. "Uh...o-o-okay."

She tried to explain what just happened. First she explained how her mother embarrassed her in forcing her in some photo shoot, leaving out the much embarrassing details. Then she explained what she saw Renamon doing. It appeared that after she escaped her mother's torture, she went to find Renamon. But when she found her in some alley, she found her talking to Vajiramon. The strangest thing is, she wasn't fighting him, nor did she even warned Rika about him. It looked like they were talking about something; more like making some kind of a deal. She didn't know what, nor she could hear them, but she did heard a couple of words that proved her theory. After that, they just disappeared into the air, leaving Rika to follow them all the way here.

As Takato tried to gathering all that info, he scratched his head. "Okay...it didn't seem like what you think. I mean, sure, its strange she went after him without contacting you, but that doesn't mean-"

"LOOK! Renamon is up to something, so I need to know what it is!"

Takato was more shocked of her suspicious behavior than being frightened by her high tone. He would've questioned why she couldn't trust Renamon, when some figures came out from some doors on the other side of the hall.

Luckily for Takato, they were familiar people he can easily relax with.

"Boy, are we glad to see you guys!" Takato happily said, greeting Tai, Matt, Izzy, Henry, and their Digimon.

"Same here," Henry replied. Suddenly, his eyes grew when he saw Rika. "Rika, since when did you decided to wear dresses?"

Rika gave a frightening scowl. "Oh shut up, Brainiac!"

"Easy, I wasn't making fun of you. Besides, you look very stunning."

Rika lowered her face, hiding the slight blush.

On his head, Terriermon giggled. "Just remember to go home before midnight, or you'll turn back into your scary self in front of your prince."

Like lightening, Rika lashed at the little Digimon who hopped away and hovered high to safety.

"Ha-ha, missed me!"

Henry frowned at his Digimon. "No more Disney channel for two weeks, Terriermon!"

"Aw, nuts!"

"What's he doing here?" shouted Rika, moving closer to the older gang.

Takato slivered a bit from that, hoping that there won't be more chaos between his friends. He figured that since that duel with Tai, she doesn't want to see him. "Well he is a DigiDestined, Rika. Don't tell me you're still mad at Tai for-"

"Not your older twin, Gogglehead…I'm talking about Henry's dad!"

Gasping, Takato set his wide eyes on the father of Henry who just ventured out of the shadows. "W-W-W-What's he doing here!"

Henry sighed. "He was worried about me, so he decided to come."

"Uh…" the father placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Yes, that is the main reason, but I wanted to see first hand of what I accidentally created."

"What are you talking about, sir?"

"We'll explain after we deal with the Digimon menace, kids." said Izzy, checking the radar on his laptop with Tai and Matt looking over his shoulders. "I'm picking up the Digimon in the center of the stadium. There're two of them; one is Renamon, and-"

"I know that!" Rika screamed, pushing the Tamer-boys out of the way to see the radar. "Is she alright?"

"Well there appears to be no signs of confrontation, Rika, but the other Digimon seems to be toying with Renamon. He's disappearing and reappearing around the field. He must know about the Digital-fields like IceDevimon."

"So what are we waiting for; Christmas? Let's bust in there and kick some ass!"

"My kind of language." grinning, Matt drew his digivice from his pocket. "Ready, Gabumon?"

"Ready!"

"Wait!" everyone froze where they were, eying at Izzy. "Check this…the radar just detected two more Digimon outside the stadium! The strange thing is…they seem to be going everywhere around it, either by teleportation or pure speed!"

Takato looked over at the radar, on tiptoes due to Izzy's height. "Do they work for the Deva in the stadium?"

"A Deva…here…?"

Soon, Tai and Matt trailed a little away from the gang. "While you guys help out Renamon, Matt and I will scope outside. If these Digimon are as fast as you say, then it'll take fast Digimon to deal with them."

"Alright... Tamers, let's go!"

.-

A large soccer field, just about the size of a football field, is the main area where the digital-field lies. And right at the center of the field stood the tall vulpine creature, Renamon. In every direction, Renamon has been turning her head, as if she was searching for someone who was moving so fast on the circular audience booths.

"I'm so starting to get impatient." muttered Renamon as she reeled her glowing paw back. "DIAMOND STORM!"

With only one hand, she threw a hand-full of shards like throwing a disc. Right on the east side of the stadium did the shards crashed and exploded. When the smoke cleared, there on the audience chairs stood the Minotaur Digimon: Vajiramon.

"Ahh, very good, my dear... You passed the last test."

"Look, I've chased you across the city for hours, dodged all of your attacks and now I've caught you while you were traveling in the Digital-fields! Can we get straight to the point already?"

Meanwhile, on the other side from Vajiramon, the Tamers, Izzy, Janyu, and the Digimon arrived. But when they saw the two Digimon in a seemingly conversation, Izzy signaled the gang to sneak closer and hide behind the railing at the foot at the last rows of seats.

"Looks like the Digimon are in a negotiation." muttered Izzy.

And with that, it gave bad signs for the young girl. "What are you up to, Renamon?"

With such bad suspiction from Rika, it was upsetting Takato. Oh Rika…why can't you trust even your own Digimon?

.-

"You see, my dear, after observing you and those who serve the wrechted humans, our Sovereign decided to give one of you a second chance, which is why he sent us as scouts."

"So you and Pajiramon caused all of that destruction just to lure us to you?"

"Exactly…"

"And just who is this Sovereign you speak of?"

"The Sovereign is the ruler of our world. However, like all of us, he wishes to bring liberation to us Digimon from the human filth that created us and then abandon us!"

Janyu gasped from his hiding spot once he heard this. Does he mean…when the project was cut off of funding, our work was shut down? This has gotta be a coincidence.

.-

"The Sovereign believes that humans stolen what was rightfully ours; this world. Which is why we Devas are sent to this world as the true Judgement Day. But those like the soilders of Azulongmon, the DigiDestined, are making our dreams slowly becoming impossible, and you and your two comrades dares to betray your master."

He must be talking about Guilmon and Terriermon! Izzy lowered his eye-lids, focusing on Renamon and Vajiramon.

.-

"But, after deciding to forgive you, my decision is finally made that you shall deserve a second chance!"

Renamon narrowed her eyes.

"From out of the three of you, you are the most intriguing creature of all. Your ability to combine the powers of others to your own is a great essential to our clan. Don't you see…? You and your two comrades are far beyond unique than those weak Digimon of the Chosens!"

Renamon looked into her paws, trying to conprehend what the Deva meant. Is he telling the truth? Can Guilmon, Terriermon, and I possess powers far beyond any Digimon?

.-

"Us…? Weak…? The nerve of that talking hamburger," Tentomon muttered, angerly.

"But I don't get it. Is Guilmon really that special? I know I created him, but I don't remember giving him some kind of extra Superman powers."

"Yo, he ain't the only one he mentioned, Takatomon." Terriermon struck a daring pose, showing that he was mentioned.

.-

"I ask you, my dear…leave the vile humans you serve, walk among the path with those you truly belong! Renamon…it is your destiny!"

The one he chosen stared at him with nothing but dead neutral silence. It was as if she was dead to the world, but Vajiramon knew that she was already considering his great offer.

Her cold eyes kept its sights on the Deva as her shoulders rest from being alert. Slowly, her muscles lifted her right legs, making one step closer to the Deva.

"NO!"

The silence was shot dead as Renamon and Vajiramon snapped their eyes towards the other side of the field, where a girl in a white dress stood tall on the audience seats,

"I WON'T LET YOU DO THAT!"

With his little paws, Terriermon slapped his forehead. "Smooth, James Bond."

"What is this?" quickly, the Deva drawn his blades. "You dare trespass? Be gone with you!"

…So much for keeping a low profile. Takato stood up, already keeping a card and his D-Arc in his hands. "Not a chance, pal! You ready, Guilmon?"

"Ready!"

"And so am I, bread-boy!" Terriermon cried, hopping on the railing and then diving to action.

Instantly, Takato and Henry slashed Digivolve cards through their D-Arcs. "DIGI-MODIFY! DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE!"

.-

(D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"GUILMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…GROWLMON!"

.-

"TERRIERMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…GARGOMON!"

.-

Making roaring sounds from their heavy landings, the large Digimon, Growlmon and Gargomon stood alert, ready to take on anything the Deva could throw at them again. Since they fought him before, they know just what he can do and know how to fight him.

It was amazing. It was a sight never before seen with Janyu's eyes. Was this the unknown fruits of his work? How can mere college students be capable of creating creatures with such power? It's more amazing than a couple of college students creating will not be a foul vein in my quest, traitors! Advance my minions!"

Appearing like digital data, three bull-like Digimon in silver armor and red capes appeared, defending their master like pawns for a king.

.-

Bullmon: Straight for the target, its charging speed has a tremendous destructive power.

Type: Vaccine

Stage: Armor

Attacks: Matador Dash, Tail Whipping

.-

It was those files that were shown on Izzy's laptop. "He summoned some of his own foot-soilders. Looks like we'll have to cover for them, Tentomon!"

"Finally…I really need the exercise too."

.-

(D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"TENTOMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…KABUTERIMON!"

.-

"Kabuterimon, take down the Bullmon as long as you can for the Tamers' Digimon to advance on the Deva!" And I just hope Tai and Matt aren't having trouble with those other Digimon.

.-

.-

"Hello! Mysterious Digimon from the shadows! Come out, come out wherever you are!"

"Oh yeah, Tai, that'll draw them out!"

"I don't see you doing anything, Matt!"

Back outside on the empty parking lot, we find the bearers of the crests of courage and friendship scouting around in the dark night with nothing but the streetlights as their light.

Suddenly, Gabumon felt a heated breeze rushing behind him. "Huh?"

"What's wrong?" asked his human partner.

"I thought I felt something creeping really fast behind me…and let me tell you, it felt like an oven."

Tai nearly cracked a smile. "What like an Ovenmon or something?"

Matt narrowed his eyes. "Get real, Tai. It's probably a fire Digimon."

"Okay, then you'll get the water while I get the Super Soakers."

"Man you're hairy little retard," the gang continued on to comb the parking lot. "But if you're serious, don't forget to get the backpacks for extra squirting fun."

"Will do, Matt-ol…gah!" a bright beam of light suddenly flashed before Tai's eyes, blinding him. "Who turned up luminosity here?"

Matt was blinded too. "I know…!" As hard as he could, his eyes cornered around the beam, just in time to see something dashing with the light reflecting its blur. When that happened, the high shine dimmed, revealing nothing but a street lamp. "I think I saw something there!"

"I don't see anything, dude."

"Well I did. Whatever it was must be pretty fast."

Agumon growled. "I wish our senses were as strong as the Tamers' Digimon. We can sense Digimon too, but not that good."

"Even with the Hi-Crest power?" asked Tai.

"Yep…"

"Well what about when you…?"

"Hang on!" shouted Matt. "I have a feeling we'll be dealing with tough Digimon. So our Mega Digimon might be a good idea. Besides, I think not only their senses are better as Megas, MetalGarurumon has some kind of radar for this sort of thing."

"Anyone else has any good ideas?" asked Tai, fuming the blonde boy. With shakes of heads from the Digimon, "Okay…go for it, Matto."

Frowning, Matt took out his digivice. "Funny,"

.-

(W-A-R-P D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"GABUMON WARP-DIGIVOLVE TOOO…METALGARURUMON!"

.-

After the transformation for the wolf-lizard to form into a robotic large dog with destructive weaponry was done, MetalGarurumon used his radar-eyes to track the Digimon. In his view, all of these outline shapes rotated in the red-sight.

"Searching…searching…searching…searching…"

"Would you stop that?" shouted Matt.

"(sing-song) Quieting." the cyborg continued his night-vision search. But then, as he faced the full-moon, a bright light blinded his red vision. "GAH! I'M BLIND! I'M BLIND! THE MOON BLINDED ME!"

"…Stop being melodramatic. The moon isn't that bright."

"Well it did blind me! sob…I can't see!"

Matt slapped his forehead, embarrassed to have a wimpy Mega on his side.

"Wait…there's your answer!" cried Tai as he pointed to the moon.

What he pointed was some kind of a flying man that was soaring in front of the moon. Indeed the figure was bright, in a shiny kind of way. His silver armor reflected the light of the moon like no other, and he carried a golden, double-bladed sword.

"Whoa…!" replied Matt, trying to eye the shining man. "Is that a Digimon?"

"I'm not sure, but he reminds me of that fire Digimon we saw when Deltamon and Devidramon attacked."

"You mean him?"

Following Matt's arm, Tai discovered a fire streak, zipping past the shining Digimon. Tai quickly took out his trademark mini-scope to get a better look of the flying fire. "Whoa…it's the same guy!" Tai cried when he recognized that main on the devil-samurai…er…Digimon. "I didn't know he has wings too…and a tail."

"IN-COMING!" cried MetalGarurumon as the shining man hurtled towards the gang.

He landed with mighty thump, shaking the ground. Lucky thing he didn't aim for the gang, otherwise it would've been ugly. Tai and Matt finally got a better look at the sparkling Digimon, who wore some kind of a helmet shaped like a wolf's head.

…Just when the boys were about to speak…the wolfman leaped away at the speed of sound.

"Whoa…Speedy Gonzalas eat your heart out." muttered Tai.

Agumon nodded. "I know. He made that mouse seem like…uh…Gonzalas."

Tai then grimed from goofy mode into his leader mode. "We better catch them. That fire guy helped us a couple of times; meaning he and his pal might know something about what's going on with these Devas."

Agumon nodded. "Good point, Tai. But it'll make more since if I can Digivolve to Mega so that I can catch up with them."

Tai smiled, drawing out his digivice. "The thought never slipped my mind, pal. Go for it!"

.-

(W-A-R-P D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"AGUMON WARP-DIGIVOLVE TOOO…WARGREYMON!"

.-

Swatting away the red digi-egg, the mighty reptile warrior himself stepped onto reality, prepared to give chase to these mysterious Digimon. "What's the word, Tai?"

"Okay, MetalGarurumon, go after that shining wolf. Hopefully it'll be like chasing cars for you."

The cyborg snapped a look at Tai. "I do NOT chase cars!"

Matt let out a snort. "And I suppose those tires you hid behind my dorm were bought at Toys-R-Us, huh?"

"Uh…" � � '

"Just go after that guy!"

Snapping his jet wings from his back, MetalGarurumon took off like a rocket.

"WarGreymon, that leaves you with the fire dude!"

"…All over it, Tai!"

Like Superman, WayGreymon soared into the air, just when the fire Digimon spotted him and picked up speed.

"Hold on! I just want to talk to you!" he cried, which didn't do any good.

The four Digimon left the stadium area, and now the skyscraper zone was their playground. WarGreymon and the winged Digimon curved around the giant towers, leaving streaks of fire-light on their path. The Mega Digimon couldn't help but notice his reflection perfectly on the glass walls. Now that he thought about it, he never exactly flew over the city before, but now that he finally experienced it, he felt like he was Superman patrolling Metropolis, or Silver Surfer, or Batman…wait, I don't think he can fly…right? What was I doing just now…? Oh yeah! SHOOT!

He felt like kicking himself, because of WarGreymon's daydreaming, he lost his target.

"Awww… Biyomon was right; I daydream WAY too much."

.-

Around another part of the Downtown Shinjuku skies, MetalGarurumon was busy chasing his target while climbing on the edge of a tall skyscraper that seemed to almost reach the sky.

"Stop, we need to talk!" MetalGarurumon is just itching to slow him down with his weapons, but if these guys were helping them before, then using violent force would really hurt their comradeship.

The wolf-man, who climbed like he was running, launched off the building and let himself drop thousands of feet down to the city.

"Hey!" the cyborg cried as he sprung after him.

If he remembered from that Spider-Man 2 game he played, falling from buildings looked actually like this. The ground just comes at ya really, really fast. Lucky for MetalGarurumon that his Mega form is equipped with air-jets to slow down his fall…

…Now on to chasing after the wolf-man who's tumbling further than him.

"CLENSING LIGHT!"

MetalGarurumon barely noticed a beam of light shooting past him. He gathered his senses long enough to catch the sight of more lasers coming for him. Twirling and curving, the Mega maneuvered around the shots as his body kept falling towards the city streets, or at least slowly picking back up to flight.

Whew…lucky for me that I have grace like a-GACK! But while his guard was off, one shot hit him straight in his metallic face. "I'M BLIND! OH FOR THE LOVE OF BONES! IT DIDN'T HURT BUT I'M BLIND!"

SMACK!

But WarGreymon was there to smack some sense into him. "You have robot eyes, now. How can you be blind?"

"Oh…I knew that!"

"Come on, he did that to throw you off track. I can still sense them nearby!"

.-

.-

"MADATOR DASH!"

Even though these mammal-Digimon are smaller than the great Growlmon, even one of these beast were powerful enough to plow him on his back by just tackle the dragon on the gut. Growlmon felt like he got hit by a Trailmon.

Back at the stadium, a monster battle that could only take place in the Roman coliseums was happening at a mere soccer stadium. The Bullmon, like pawns protecting their king, easily kept the three Champion-Digimon at bay, crushing them to the grassy floor with mighty tackles.

Janyuu, who was told to remain behind the audience-seats, viewed the battle, as if he was caught in the middle of a war. Every minute he watches this madness, it felt like he created a way for doomsday.

This isn't right…this isn't…we couldn't have created this…it's impossible.

"Toro! Toro!" Gargomon cried as he kept tricking one of the Bullmon, just like a real bull-fighter, with a red cape he ripped from him.

Again, Gargomon taunted the bull with the cape, and like real bulls, Bullmons hate red (Wonder what happens when they notice the capes they wear.). As it snorted hard while skinning the grass back with its front hove, Bullmon mooed as it charged.

"OLE!" Gargomon cried, removing the cape to reveal a green-glowing barrel-cannon. BLAM! The blaster released a crushing force of green energy, blasting Bullmon on the face like a punch in the head. "How ya like that in your glass-jaw, Burger-King?"

…His answer…a more fierce charge for the gun-bunny.

"Guess not!" Gargomon made like a rabbit and flee for his life. "NOT THE ASS! NOT THE ASS!"

.-

Meanwhile, Takato watched Growlmon's fight as he was overpowered from pushing Bullmon by its horns.

"Hang on, boy!" cried Takato as he drew a card from his pocket. "DIGI-MODIFY! SEADRAMON ACTIVATE!"

Opening his mouth, Growlmon emitted a blue glow from his throat, which nearly forced Bullmon to recoil. "ICE BLAST!"

The blast shoved away the bull as icicles licked from its crash point. After it was shoved no longer, Bullmon was left half frozen in ice from head to waist.

"Alright!" cheered Takato, seeing victory in his eyes.

CRASH! Like glass, the ice shattered as Bullmon sprung up with its hind legs supporting on the ground.

"Aw nuts! Henry, whatever steroids Vajiramon gave these guys, they're pretty tough!"

.-

"ELECTRO SHOCKER!"

Meanwhile, the monstrous-looking insect wasn't having better luck with the Bullmon he's facing. Its sphere-blast made of pure electricity only stunned the beast for a second, but it easily shook it off and rammed Kabuterimon hard on the floor.

.-

"Because that they're Armor-Digimon, Takato, their defense can withstand a lot of punishment."

"Well do you know a way to stop them?"

"Not yet, but I was too concerned for what's over at the center field."

Takato, who then looked at Henry's direction, knew why. Renamon didn't do much of a thing to help or at least fight Vajiramon. And her Tamer was staring at her for the entire fight, shocked that Renamon might turn to the dark side. Rika couldn't be right about Renamon, could she?

.-

"Renamon…" Rika, still in her white dress, stood there, far before Renamon, speechless of what to say. She wanted to scream traitor right at her face, but something told her that she wasn't so sure about what she saw yet. "…you're not…joining his side, are you?"

Her cold eyes locked on Rika with emotionless appearances. Renamon remained still, calm like a hawk. But movement finally was made as Renamon turned away from her shocked Tamer, and made way to the Deva.

Her heart stilled, as if it choked from its pipes. Rika was bewildered and nearly traumatized. It felt like déjà vu happening again. Right when she let go of her standards and guard, and let her heart go and trust another, they leave her to dry, just like right now. "You…you…"

Renamon made a mighty leap on the wall, next to Vajiramon.

"A wise choice, my dear,"

Takato's jaw dropped from this unbelievable event. "No it can't be! Renamon couldn't betray us! Say it isn't so!"

Far behind Takato, Gargomon hung onto Bullmon's horns for dear life. "IT AIN'T SO THAT I'M GETTING MY ASS WHUPPED BY RUNNING QUARTER POUNDERS! GAAAHHH!"

"Nobody cares."

Takato peered at Henry, seeing if he was shocked as he was…apparently, Henry didn't look so surprised. This boggled Takato's mind.

"Henry…! Uh…Izzy, you don't think…!" he trailed off, seeing the horrors of this in his head.

"I don't know what to think. But all I can say that this just doesn't add up."

It doesn't add up alright, and Takato wants to figure this out, up-close and personal. But seeing Growlmon trying to push back the mighty Bullmon, he can't leave him behind.

So if you can't solve this, intelligently, solve it with crushing force, like Takato will with a modify card. "DIGI-MODIFY! POWER ACTIVATE!"

Burning like the shining sun, Growlmon held a mighty ball of fire in his mouth. "PYRO BLASTER!" Thrusting his head forward, the dragon unleashed a blast that was the size of a pick-up truck, which it easily blast away the Armor Digimon.

Takato hurriedly ran towards the center of the soccer field, where Rika is. "Growlmon, this way,"

"…Right behind you, Takatomon!"

"Can't you stop calling me like a Digimon for once, boy?"

.-

Rika felt so helpless, as she stood on her knees, just like before when she suffered a nightmare similar to this. Her only friend, whom she thought she could call a friend, betrayed her and sided with the enemy. Why...? Why is it that every time she trusts someone, they...?

"Renamon!"

Rika's eyes grew, hearing a voice she wasn't expecting. Takato...?

The goggled Tamer stood on a center circle, with his fourteen foot Digimon by his side, eying at the Deva and the traitor. "Renamon, tell me this isn't what it seems! You're suppose to be Rika's partner; her friend! Tell me this is a joke!"

From her cold exterior, Renamon turned to her new employee for some kind of permission, which Vajiramon nodded. Renamon eyed back at Takato. "Alright...this is a joke." Springing like a spring, Renamon sprung high towards the two, harnessing energy in her hands. "DIAMOND STORM!"

"Look out, Takato!" cried Growlmon as he stomped over his Tamer and shielded him from the swarm of razor shards.

"I can't believe this is happening! Renamon actually...wait...did you called me Takato, boy?"

Growlmon kept protecting his Tamer from the shards that kept shooting on his body, even though they never could hurt him. "No time! Just get back, Takatomon!"

Takato nearly made an anime drop. "Gahhh...I must had been hearing things." The boy ran back to a safer distance. "Good luck, boy! I'll cover you!"

The storm of diamonds ended, but not the cloud of anger that rained in Growlmon's head. The betrayal that Renamon has made brought sadness to his Tamer and hers. For that, she will not get away with this. "You tricked us all, Renamon!"

It was difficult to tell, but Renamon grinned, evilly. "Yes I know."

"And you don't care how we feel?"

"...In a way."

"You hurt Rika, and you won't get away with that!"

Shrugging, Renamon then snapped to a fighting pose while flexing her paws at Growlmon. "Then just bring it, big boy."

From the way Growlmon angrily charged at her, and how fast he ran, ferociously, oh he planned to bring it alright.

.-

.-

Back above the city, WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon were still in their pursuit for the two Digimon while maneuvering around the antenna towers that stood on the buildings. The winged Digimon easily cut through the air without it slowing down its speed, as well as he gracefully made turns like he was dancing. The other Digimon couldn't fly, so it seems, but from the way it swiftly traveled on the roofs and leaping to other roofs with incredible might, it sure seemed like he can fly.

The winged Digimon made time to turn towards the predators while setting up some kind of weapons in his arms that looked like claws or something. "ATOMIC INFERNO!"

As the fire Digimon kept punching the air, numerous amounts of fireballs rapidly shot from his weapons.

"Incoming!" WarGreymon hovered before MetalGarurumon while grabbing his split shield and snapping them together. His Brave Shield was able to defend him and his comrade from the scorching fireballs.

Once again, as the wolf-man made a mighty leap, in a higher attitude than the Mega Digimon, he shifted his left arm back into a laser bazooka. "CLEANSING LIGHT!"

Just like before, the wolf-man fired beams of light, but this time, he also launched a group of mini missiles from the sides of his gun.

"WarGreymon! Above you! Two-o-clock!" MetalGarurumon advanced further from his partner, while shifting out his weapon parts. "ICE WOLF BITE!"

His entire body fired a barrage of missiles and bombs, colliding with the lasers and missiles that aimed for him.

"MetalGarurumon!" WarGreymon shouted as the fireballs he defended from ended. "We're not supposed to attack these guys!"

"Well they're not thinking the same thing. Sides, whatever these guys know, they plan to keep it by any means necessary."

.-

.-

"DRAGON SLASH!"

Meanwhile, the battle of Growlmon vs. Renamon reigned strong as the dragon slashed the agile fox with his arm blades.

"Digivolving hasn't made you less sloth, has it?" hopping back to make a great leap towards the dragon's face, Renamon charged forth with glowing fists and feet. "POWER PAW!"

From Renamon's powerful punches and kicks, Growlmon felt nothing from them. Roaring, he swatted the mammal like a fly. "Yeah, but you can't hurt me while I'm Growlmon, Renamon! Without your Tamer, you're nothing!"

The large virus dived for Renamon, aiming his claws for her. Though she barely moved out of the way, Growlmon's claws smashed through the soccer-floor, and made the ground splash with Renamon being blown by its force.

"Give up, Renamon! You won't win from the side you are on!"

Renamon stood up, brushing off the soil that fell on her. With nothing to speak of, she readied herself in a stance.

"Fine!" Growlmon again build up pyro energy under his throat as fire licked from his mouth.

Takato stood back and watched, even though he disapproved fighting Renamon, but it must be done. I'm so sorry, Rika.

Rika, lifelessly, watched the battle, confused to who to root for. Sure she would be glad to see her Digimon kick the snot out of Takato's, but Renamon betrayed her, just like anyone she comes close to. She should cheer on Growlmon to burn her sorry digital carcass to atoms…but…

"PYRO BLASTER!" launching his head forward, Growlmon released a mighty fireball, white hot in its intensity.

Takato eyed the fireball and Renamon who seemed to wait for the attack. Why is she just standing there? Renamon, don't…

Rika carefully watched her former Digimon just waiting there, refusing to move away from the destructive fireball.

…maybe she should approve of it blowing her up. She deserves it…she deserves it…

BOOM! Exploding right where Renamon stands, the white blast engulfed her and thrown her off the burned grass like a rag-doll.

She…deserve…no… "RENAMON!"

From her scared and fretting cry, her digivice in her hand shined white.

.-

(D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"RENAMON DIGIVOLVE TOOOO…KYUUBIMON!"

.-

The fox reeled her body into a flip, after being launched from the blast. She landed on her feet, char-free of her fur, and stood as her four-legged, nine-tailed form: Kyuubimon.

Takato and Growlmon dropped their jaws in shock. "No way…! How did she Digivolve without Rika's help?" Takato shouted.

"Actually…" Kyuubimon spoke as she lowered her body to stand guard. "…Rika did help me."

Far from their battlefield, Izzy observed what happened, especially when Rika's D-Arc glowed. Interesting…despite that the Tamers can Digivolve their Digimon using Digimon cards, their D-Arcs can still automatically Digivolve their Digimon using their adrenaline rush when they see their Digimon in danger…just like a DigiDestined's digivice. Prodigious,

Takato, stunned of what happened, turned to Rika. "Rika…why…?"

"I didn't do it…unless…"

.-

(FLASH! Flashback: Chapter 6)

"She used me! Don't you understand that? She Digivolved when I refused her to,"

Sora shook her head. "Back with IceDevimon…? Rika, she didn't Digivolve…"

"What are you…?"

"You made her Digivolve."

(End Flashback. FLASH!)

.-

Unless she knew Rika will feel worried for her when Renamon took the attack, purposely. That little…! She was beginning to HATE loopholes.

Kyuubimon's tails then straightened up, with all their blue flames licking from its' ends. "Now shall we continue? FOX-TAIL INFERNO!"

Like catapults, her tails launched a number of nine fireballs towards the mighty dino.

"I'm not afraid of little fireballs!" roaring, Growlmon charged through the flames, feeling them burn his red skin. But yearning for justice was too great than the pain he's feeling. "DRAGON SLASH!"

The fox barely avoided Growlmon's assault, especially when she felt his blade make a cut on her back leg. The two Digimon halted on opposite sides from where they were. Kyuubimon felt the burn on her leg, and blood leaking from the cut, but such concerns would have to wait.

"It doesn't matter that you Digivolved, Kyuubimon. You're still going down, or if it's-"

"DEVA BLADE!"

Growlmon barely took notice of the might tidal wave of energy and soil rushing towards him and sweeping him away like being caught by the ocean's waters.

"Growlmon!" Takato cried. He couldn't believe Kyuubimon stooped so low to out numbering poor Growlmon. Oh god…Please don't let this be.

Vajiramon, who finally removed himself off the wall, withdrew his blades back in their sockets. "I grow tired. Though it is only fitting that a true warrior defeats their enemy alone, we have other things to do for our sovereign, my dear."

Kyuubimon narrowed her eyes at her new boss. "And what is that?"

"…To create an opening, linking our world to the human world. Once that happens, our sovereign shall lead Digimon to their destiny, and claim this world as ours; so says the almighty sovereign, Zhuquiaomon!"

Hearing that name, Izzy blinked his large eyes. Zhuquiaomon…?

"So that is the name of your master, and your plan, huh?" asked the fox.

"Yes…what…?"

"Thank you. The DigiDestined-Tamers appreciates your corporation." Springing up in the air, Kyuubimon rolled like a flaming ball. "DRAGON WHEEL!"

"What…?" it too late to reach to safety. The dragon flame caught the ox and burned him with scorching intensity. "GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

It was from this that everyone dropped their jaws, especially Takato, who couldn't be any happier. No way…! Oh god oh mighty, thank you!

Vajiramon still stood on the grass, but his whole body was slightly covered with black marks, releasing streams of smoke from them. The Minotaur pumped his lungs with thick breathes, mixed with anger and fury. "YOU TRAITOROUS BITCH…! You swindled me for information, haven't you!"

Now the smile on Kyuubimon can be easily seen. "You're not as dim-witted as I believed you were."

With a big smile, Takato turned back to Rika to see how she was handling this. She appeared almost as shocked about this, though relieved…it was hard to tell.

Never mind of that for now…Takato rushed up to the fox and gave her a big hug. "Man, I'm so glad you didn't turn to the dark side!"

The fox narrowed her dark eyes at the boy who isn't her Tamer. "Release me or I'll be forced to burn you to ashes."

"Eep!" Takato quickly removed himself off her.

.-

A few yards away from them, where the two hero-Digimon were battling the Bullmon, Izzy was surprised at what happened. "Prodigious! Kyuubimon only joined Vajiramon's side to get some information! Now we at least know who is responsible for this mayhem!"

Crossing his arms, Henry nodded. "Just like I planned it,"

"Huh…! You mean you thought of this strategy?"

"Yeah…to explain, last night, while I was getting milk for my mother, I ran into Renamon who, as she said, was chasing Vajiramon who gave her a message. After she explained it to me, I thought having her fool Vajiramon and the rest of us would give us the chance to get valuable information on these Devas."

"Excellent plan…but kind of harsh- based on trust- for the rest of us."

"I know. Just don't tell the others that I was involved, especially Terriermon and Rika. They'll kill me."

.-

And so, with the balance restored, it was now Growlmon and Kyuubimon versus the Deva: Vajiramon. The two Digimon eyed at the ox Deva, still fueled with determination in their digital veins.

"Kyuubimon…I'm sorry that I said that you're nothing."

Kyuubimon still glared at the Deva. "That's alright. I wanted you to be at your worse on me for my plan to work. Now I ask you to take care of this cow first."

"Aren't you gonna fight too?"

"Yes, but first I have some businesses with Rika."

"Okie-dokey." with that, Growlmon charged, heavily towards the Deva, with both blades snapped ready, instead of one when he faced Kyuubimon. "Here I come, Deva! RoooAAAAHHH!"

Seeing his foe approaching, Vajiramon drew out his blades again and charged back at him. "Once I finish you, I'll skin that fox right to her bones!"

.-

Takato drew a hand of cards, prepared to counter anything Vajiramon can throw at Growlmon. But then Takato's concentration pointed towards Rika as she marched past him and made a bee line straight towards Kyuubimon.

"Hey, Rika…what are…?" Takato trailed off when he found Rika standing before her Digimon and gave eye-to-eye contact.

The white-dressed girl had an angry frown on her face as she stared at the large fox creature. None of them made movements or sounds. Not a trace of life came from them or-

SLAP!

Takato's jaw dropped, once again, when he saw that swift motion of Rika's hand slapping Kyuubimon's face. She…she…slapped her! Man, that's not cool!

Even with that shocking slap, Kyuubimon's expression remained unbroken, like she was expecting Rika to perform such a deed.

"How could you…?" Her face, however, was deeply harmed with sadness, as tears poured from her eyes. "…how could you do that to me? You had me think you gone joining with these freaks, and you didn't bother telling me what was REALLY going on?"

Kyuubimon remained silent.

"We're supposed to be a team, we made a pact that we, TOGETHER, will become the strongest, and you were the one who said we should stick together! But oooohhh, was I fooled by a digital hypocrite? And here I stand, like a stupid-gullible-fool whimpering for a liar!"

Still silent, Kyuubimon slightly lowered her eyes.

Soaked in the face with tears, angry Rika faced her back at Kyuubimon and made her leave. "I don't want to see you again."

This could not be happening, Takato thought as he watched the whole thing. Just when he thought one misunderstanding was finished with, another just appeared out of nowhere, twice as worse. At a crisis, Takato can see his team breaking up, like bands, Destiny's Child, Creed, or others did. Two best friends suddenly ending a friendship that Takato is forced to watch?

NO! No one, no one shall leave an unbreakable bond that's supposed to last forever. Takato is sick of these two always leaving each other, every time they start to get close. Enough is enough.

"Hold it right there, Rika!"

"Shut it, Goggles!" she shouted, heading towards the exit doors, which lead to the lockers.

Ignoring that, Takato quickly grabbed Rika's arm. "You're not going anywhere!"

Rika tried to force her arm free from Takato's grip. "Let go of me! I'm warning you! You're only signing your death-"

"I'm so sick of this! Every time when you have such little pressure over with Renamon, you just leave her and walk away! And just when we find out that she temporarily joined Vajiramon only to get information for the team, for us, and you, you just slap her without showing any gratitude!"

With force pumping into her veins, Rika threw Takato's hand off of her arm. "How would you know I'm wrong, stupid? You never had anyone leaving you when you just became friends with them! You never had anyone not trusting you with whatever the hell they're hiding! Renamon freakin lied to me for the last time-"

"LOOK!" Takato screamed, scaring Rika to silence. "I don't know what your deal is, but whatever it is; don't take it out on Renamon! She's your Digimon, your partner, your friend, but just like the rest of us, you just ditch her, like always! I know what she did wasn't really cool, but she risked her reputation to find out things, just for you! If you say, or at least think WE'RE not friends, then at least be friends with someone who tried to be! If you say that you're a real Tamer, then be one!"

Oh how Rika should slap him for that. But all those surprising things Takato shouted in her ears sort of makes sense. Besides, he hand just couldn't bring herself to hit him, not when he appears to be crying as much as she was.

Wow...Takato never did anything like that...to anyone. Who would've thought he would go ballistic to anyone, like the Digimon Queen! Man, he's surprised that he's still alive...at least for now. All he has to do is wait for the beating. All she's doing right now was breathing hard, and trying to stop herself from crying.

.-

He also couldn't believe that she's still wearing that dress.

.-

Finally, Rika made her steps towards the fox. "Kyuubimon..."

Both Tamer and Digimon again made eye-contact, throwing intensity through their pupils.

"...We'll settle our differences later! Kyuubimon, go!"

And with excitement, or from what it looked like to Takato, Kyuubimon rushed to battle. Guess she was excited that Rika was starting to forgive as much as Takato was.

Alright!

.-

.-

"ATOMIC INFERNO!"

"CLEANSING LIGHT!"

Back high above the Shinjuku city, in the night sky, the aerial-chase became much of a war zone as the two mysterious Digimon threw their attacks at the DigiDestined Megas to throw them off their trail. WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon maneuvered, twirled, curved, and circled around the airborne explosions that were made by fireballs, lasers, and missiles.

Far down on the streets, the burst of lights and sounds of explosions were enough to stop the heavy traffic and cause most of the drivers to dismount and watch the light show. Some of the folks consider this as a frightening threat, as if they believe terrorists were attacking, and they quickly hid inside the nearest building.

In front of some restaurant, with tables placed outside, a very tall young man with dark hair and a dark jacket watched the fireworks with no sign of emotion. Calmly, he stood up from his chair, slapping some cash on the table, and just walked off.

.-

Back at the parking lot of the stadium, Tai and Matt used the digivice-trick, Gennai taught them once, to see what their Digimon were seeing while incasing their eyes closed. With the boys swinging their bodies around, it was like playing a virtual game.

"Whoa, incoming, Matt...!"

"I see it! Circle around, MetalGarurumon!"

"Look out, look out! Big one, coming through!"

"Whoa...WHOA! That one nearly chipped my leg off!"

No one was around to see them look like weirdoes, except an old hobo in a ragged brown coat walking toward the scene just to collect some cans. It was like watching two drunks making fools of themselves.

"Ehh...freeeeaks." the old man returned to his gathering.

.-

"Tai, I thought you said these guys are on our side." Said WarGreymon still flying after the winged Digimon.

"I think they are. I guess they don't want you to know what they know that we don't know but they know that we don't and-"

"TAI! Quit it...you're trailing off like Izzy...or Mimi."

"Man, that's the price I pay to be roommates with him, and having his girlfriend hang out in our digs. Well, whatever they know that they don't want us to know, we're still getting it. Time to go Hi-crest fast, pal!"

"You got it!"

...With that, as WarGreymon stretched his body, he burst into orange energy that that flared heavenly like fire. With the blink of an eye, WarGreymon zipped ahead; fazing through the fireballs the winged Digimon launched again, only to appear behind him and grabbed him around his shoulders.

"Stop, I said we just want to talk!"

The devil-like samurai struggled to break free. "Fat chance, old-timer! If it's about the Devas, then you're a little too early to know!"

Starting with a roaring scream, the fire man unleashed a blast of fire from his body, blowing WarGreymon off of him.

"You'll have to work better than that to get Ardhamon here to talk!"

The warrior reptile shook off that shock as he kept himself hovering above thousands of feet. "Uh...I thought you guys aren't supposed to give us your names."

With a proud look, Ardhamon was about to answer...until he fell into sudden surprise. "Aw shit! That's right!" Quickly spreading his fire wings, Ardhamon fired away. "Adios, sucka...!"

"Hey! Come back here!"

.-

Meanwhile, MetalGarurumon was rocketing towards a large building, which was the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, where he can see the wolf-man running up on its edge.

"Man, Spider-Man or Flash, eat your hearts out." The cyborg again opened his weapon containments from all of his body. "ICE WOLF-"

"No, MetalGarurumon! You don't know if there're people in that building!"

"Oh yeah..." MetalGarurumon sheepishly hung his head as he withdrew his cannons.

"You're just gonna have to use up more energy to cut off that guy."

"Good idea, Matt!"

Like WarGreymon, expect with a wolf's howl, MetalGarurumon flared a wave of blue flames. As the flames formed into a sphere around the wolf, MetalGarurumon engaged the target, and dashed closer to the building in an eye-blinking speed. The Mega then climbed, hastily on the building as soon as he touched it and passed the treading warrior, cutting off his path.

"We want some answers! What do you know about the Devas?"

The wolf-man stood on the building-ledge, as if he was Spiderman. "Sorry, but it's not time to tell you anything. You just have to be patient."

"And why do we have to wait? Whatever it is you're hiding could save this world."

"Yeah, well maybe we just don't feel like telling you yet."

The cyborg prepared to make another response until he saw Ardhamon about to soar by his sight, along with WarGreymon on his tail.

"Yo, Beowolfmon! Heads up!" the fire Digimon shouted.

"You retard!" the shining Digimon known as Beowolfmon screamed. "We're not supposed to reveal our names!"

"I don't see why. Come on, get over here so we can use plan B." with that, Ardhamon swooped up higher by the glass-cement framed building.

"This is where we get off, robo-mutt." Beowolfmon sprung faster than the blink of an eye and climbed higher on the building by just hopping across it.

"Robo-mutt? Now them's fighting words, dog-face!" Like a rocket, MetalGarurumon launched after him.

Higher and higher they climbed as WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon continued the chase against Ardhamon and Beowolfmon. The wolf-man again bounced off the building, soaring with his partner as if he was flying. MetalGarurumon did the same while WarGreymon performed an upside-down J loop, pursuing the humanoid Digimon.

"Looks like we're far enough and high enough…. Do your thing, Beowolfmon!"

Nodding at the fire Digimon, and as his body was aligned with the full moon, his body began to glow. With a howl that only a wolf can perfectly perform, Beowolfmon's body blasted a giant wave of light, as intense as the sun, and blinding the two Megas.

"GAAHH! TOO BRIGHT!"

"NOT AGAIN! WHY DOES THE LIGHT HATE ME SO? WHY?"

.-

"OW!"

Even Tai and Matt felt it back at the parking lot, and they had their eyes closed. The boys rapidly blinked their eyes, trying to rid of the cursed spots.

"Man, that guy used WAY too much wax in his armor." said Matt, rubbing his eyes.

"You said it. Damn, my eyes hurt so damn much! I can't open or close them!"

"Tai…" WarGreymon called in Tai's mind.

"Oh god, I hope this isn't permanent. How am I supposed to enjoy that vacation with Sora to Oki-nika now?"

"That's Okinawa, Mr. Geographic."

"Tai…!"

"Well excuse me that I never been to some Hawaii place."

"By the way, you mean that trip you're going with Izzy and Mimi?"

"Yeah, just a present she got-"

"TAI!"

"WHAT…? Oh… I can't see much, WarGreymon. Tell me the 411."

"We got a problem…"

.-

"…we lost them."

Hovering high above the city, WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon were alone, without a trace of Ardhamon or Beowolfmon around.

"Lost them? Oh come on, they can't be that far to get away from your senses."

"That's the thing; I can't sense them. It's like they teleported or something."

"Terrific…well, head back where we are. That freaky light show probably caught some folks' attention. Maybe we can still help the Tamers in time."

Obeying, the two Mega Digimon took off back to the stadium through the night…totally oblivious to two young figures running from their hiding place, on top of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, and heading for the stairs.

Another thing that none of them don't realize was that chase near the Shinjuku Sumitomo was near the Tokyo Metropolitan Buildings where, that's right, the Hypnos' nest lies. And the big bird of the dark team, eying all that is digitally abnormal is the blonde and silent man himself: Yamaki who obviously saw that blast of light that was afar.

That's enough. This bullshit has got to stop.

That man in shades checked his terminal computer, which monitored the status of the dreaded Juggernaut that nearly spelled doom for the world.

Juggernaut: 49 percent ready

.-

.-

The giant red dragon, stored with pyro power, and the yellow fox, deemed with nine-tails tackled the ox Digimon like football players and used all their might to push him away.

"Is this the best you weaklings can do?" Spreading out his arms, Vajiramon was able to throw Growlmon and Kyuubimon away. "Power you could've had, Kyuubimon! Forgiveness you could've received if you would've side with us! But your foolish lies have branded you a true traitor to all Digimon!"

Kyuubimon stood up with her bruised legs. "Being hated by my Tamer is far worse than what you think. In the words of my friend…get bent! FOX TAIL INFERNO!"

"FOOL! DEVA BLADE!"

The wide and large wave of energy easily ate the fireballs and continued their assault on the two Digimon. BOOM, they went on the earth, blowing the Champion Digimon off their feet.

Takato flinched from watching his Digimon suffer that. "Aw man, this guy is stronger than the last time we faced him."

Rika snorted. "Please…he just held back a lot. We're facing the real deal now."

Suddenly, the happy little Digimon dropped on Rika's head. "Hey guys. Whatcha doing? Huh…? Wow, Rika, that's a pretty dress."

Rika narrowed her eyes while Takato tried to suppress his laughter. "Watch what you say, puff-ball, and SHUT UP, Goggles!"

Takato/Calumon: What?

With his mighty arms, Vajiramon hammered his blades to stab the ground, causing the energy that coursed around them to rip the floor in half. As chunks of soil and rocks heaved high, so did Growlmon and Kyuubimon.

Takato's jaw, for the forth or fifth time today, reached to the floor. "NO WAY! Check out that hole he made! That's gotta be more than the size of my house!"

"I know, I KNOW, Gogglehead. He's too powerful! We need to get stronger to beat him. Argh…if only we had those blue cards!"

"But I thought you said they're only good for fire-"

"Stupid Goggles, you were just hearing things." Growling, Rika drew a card. "Let's see how he goes against a Mega attack."

"HORN BUSTER!"

Suddenly, while sweeping away the rocks that came from the hole, a giant maroon beetle that looked robotic, and had a long horn rocketed through Vajiramon and tackled him away.

"Huh? Isn't that computer-nerd's Digimon?"

Takato pumped his arm in victory. "Yeah! It's Izzy's Digimon!" With that, he scanned the Digimon with his D-Arc.

.-

MegaKabuterimon – Insect Digimon. This Digimon charges its enemies with its large horn, using a wild dash that's powered by the rockets in its shell. It uses extreme power for hand-to-hand combat.

Type: Vaccine

Stage: Ultimate

Attacks: Horn Buster, Mega Blaster

.-

"Sorry we're so late." said Izzy, catching up to the two.

"Hey, what about Henry and Gargomon?" asked Takato.

Pointing behind him, Izzy showed the gang that Gargomon finally had the upper hand by blasting the bulls away from him. Soon, Henry slashed a card.

"DIGI-MODIFY! MACHINEDRAMON ACTIVATE!"

Digital lines surfaced from Gargomon's back to over his shoulder, which then took form as twin cannons. "GIGA CANNON!"

The twin blasters launched a powerful wave, blowing the owner away while eating through the Bullmon like paper till they were all gone.

"They're handling their problem just fine, but now let's work on ours."

With that said by Izzy, MegaKabuterimon took a few steps towards the main enemy while harnessing white energy from his mouth. "MEGA BLASTER!"

Vajiramon barely reared away from the terra-geyser explosion that the blast caused. But while the ox's guard was down, Growlmon took the opportunity to throw a Dragon Slash blade. "DRAGON SLASH!"

"BEGONE!" The ox somehow easily swatted the boomerang-blast. With sheer anger, Vajiramon drew his swords, gathering orange force around them. "DEVA BLADE!"

The ocean worthy wave shred through the soccer floor while washing away Growlmon and nearly MegaKabuterimon who gripped his feet through the soft soil.

"Do the words 'Anger Management' mean anything to you?"

"SILENCE!"

"FOX TAIL INFERNO!"

Suddenly nine blue fireballs that blasted on the Deva's skin got his attention. His anger flared like the flames of hell when he spotted the nine-tailed fox glaring back at him as her tails dimmed from igniting the fireballs. "You...DIE!"

With a mighty leap, the Minotaur dived for the yellow fox with his blades aiming for her head. Kyuubimon managed to avoid the razor swords, but the energy they gathered along the travel caused the earth to erupt when they made contact. The force was so mighty that it blew the large fox like she was as light as a plush toy.

"DRAGON WHEEL!" Before bouncing like a ball, Kyuubimon unleashed another flaming dragon, washing through the large Deva who gave a scream of pain. But with a wild dash, Vajiramon busted out of the flames and charged for the Champion like the bull he sort of is.

"HORN BUSTER!" Out of nowhere, MegaKabuterimon flew between the two and slammed his horn on the Deva, forcing him to be shoved yards away from his main target. Vajiramon, though grabbed the horn before it even touched his chest plate as he tried to fight the giant's force.

"You dare interfere my revenge?"

"Uh...DUH!"

With a mighty growl, and white sheer surprise by all took affect, Vajiramon lifted the Ultimate Digimon, who was three times his height, off the ground by the horn. MegaKabuterimon felt the world flipped upside-down when Vajiramon swung him above his head while tumbling his back to the grass.

BAM! With a suplex, Vajiramon slammed the giant bug hard on the field, causing a massive earthquake. The force took place close to Henry and Gargomon who of course was blown off the floor and landed hard on the field.

"HENRY!" feeling his fatherly urges kicking in, Janyu jumped over the rail and landed off the six foot wall before rushing to his son's safety.

He felt the bruises so much as Henry forced himself to stand from the grass. "Dad, stay back!"

"DEVA BLADE!"

A harsh explosion nearly blasted Janyu, but its force did knocked him hard on the grass.

"DAD!"

While the terra geyser was still rising, Kyuubimon was blown through it, as from the result of being caught in the blast. Vajiramon jumped after her, while she was still airborne, and hammered her hard enough to create a deep geyser on the field.

It was like Rika had a heart attack after seeing that. "No...Kyuubimon!"

After seeing that Kyuubimon didn't betray them, and thanked god for it, there was no way Takato was gonna let some oversized cow take away someone so loyal. "DIGI-MODIFY...BLACK GEAR ACTIVATE!"

Izzy jumped like he had the hiccups. "Huh...BLACK GEAR!"

Takato blinked at the pre-adult. "What's the big deal? It only boosts up virus Digimon's power, meaning it'll give Growlmon an extra charge."

That was a relief, but it sound like Takato forgotten the story of the DigiDestined adventures, that they told him once. When the old gang first came to the Digital World, Devimon was taking control of Digimon with Black Gears, almost similar to the Dark Rings...And as he observed Growlmon receiving dark power, the dino's size appeared increase, slightly, just like how Devimon used his own Black Gears to boost his power. Well at least the Black Gears are used for good right now, rather than malevolence. "Uh...no reason."

The supped-up Champion gave a roar before charging for Deva who had his attention on the one who made a fool out of him. "You, with the cow-butt...PYRO-BLASTER!"

Thrusting his head, Growlmon fired a large white beam, bigger than his average one, thanks to the Black Gear card. Put with quick reflexes, Vajiramon batted the blast with only one arm.

"Was that suppose to hurt, weakling?"

"No...but this will!" Growlmon again build up more fire power in his mouth, without hesitation. As he did, the ground he stood on started to crack from his power. "PYRO-BLASTER!"

Again he fired more, and more, and more. But just like that in one, two, three...Vajiramon batted the three beams. Growlmon refused to give up as he fired more and more.

Suddenly, the earth shook when MegaKabuterimon stepped up next to the red dragon. "Need a second hand...? MEGA BLASTER!"

Now two Digimon were firing their projectile attacks, but they made no improvements as Vajiramon slowly approached the Digimon while batting the blasts with his arms. Takato and Izzy jumped away before the reflected beams nearly

blew them to atoms.

"Come on…-blast-...say…-blast-...uncle!" Growlmon cried, firing a barrage of nuke-balls.

"Stay…-blast-...down…-blast-...YO…-blast-...JOE!" (A/N: As in GI-Joe, folks.)

While there was still an opening between the blasts, Vajiramon quickly drew his swords. "DEVA-!"

BOOM! Sadly the ox failed to react on time as the two blasts finally exploded on his body.

"We got him! Yeah!" cheered Takato.

"DEVA BLADE!"

Ripping through the bank of smoke, a giant orange wave of energy plowed through the two Digimon, even engulfing the large MegaKabuterimon. The wave washed across the field, crashing on a wall, and when the smoke cleared, Guilmon and Tentomon lied motionless on the scarred grass.

"Or…maybe not."

Izzy pressed his laptop hard against his chest as he shudders at the power of the Deva. It was too unbearable; Vajiramon's strength matches Myotismon since MegaKabuterimon never stood a chance. From what he heard from Davis and Mimi, he was overpowered by Rapidmon, and he's an Ultimate just like MegaKabuterimon. Could it be that maybe the DigiDestined are out of their league here? Or perhaps that they're just way out of practice thanks to three years of peace.

Slowly, Gargomon stepped closer to the battlefield, aiming his guns ahead to be prepared for a surprise attack. "Okay, ya beef-jabroni, time to tango with the Gargomon!"

Eyeing at the big-boned Digimon, Vajiramon smirked. "It's your death wish, traitor."

The Champion Digimon took a large leap, high above the Minotaur. "GARGO LASERS!"

Vajiramon merely twirled one of his swords and defected every single shot fired by Gargomon. He caught the falling bunny and then tossed him at Kyuubimon, who leaped over him.

"Oh, THANKS for catching meeeeee!"

"You leave them alone, you big bully!"

Vajiramon turned around, finding the little white Digimon who said that hiding behind the female human's head. "How many more traitorous Digimon are in this world. Silence with you!"

"Eep...uh, yes sir!"

Rika would've cringe from that shout, but she was too caught up in her grief to care. Here she stands as a Tamer who didn't trust her Digimon, even though it wasn't swell what Renamon did. But did their relation caused her to do that? Was it because of her?

When she brought her attention back to the battle, not only did she found Terriermon lying motionlessly, but she found Kyuubimon's neck clutched firmly by that angry Deva. Oh god...no...She had to help her; her loyal associate...no...her good ally...no... Oh never mind! From her pouch, she felt that god was taking a liking to her, cause she pulled out a blue card. Where did this came from?

Holding his sword, steadily, Vajiramon aimed it straight for the fox's face. "Now...your death shall lead with slow and painful ways, traitor!"

"Leave my friend alone!" Quickly, Rika slashed the card through her digivice. "DIGI-MODIFY! MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE!"

At them moment he felt a spark of strange power, he turned back to the girl where he saw the Calumon bathe in crimson light. No...White light got his attention which came from the Kyuubimon. It can't be him...!

Theme music (Rockman EXE Stream- Be Somewhere)

.-

(M-A-T-R-I-X D-I-G-I-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N)

"KYUUBIMON MATRIX DIGIVOLVE TOOOO...TAOMON!"

.-

The gust of power, followed by the rays of light blew the mighty Deva away from the fox, even though his feet stapled against the ground. His breath was taken away as sweat crawled down his head as he saw a floating wizard creature in Kyuubimon's place. This being's priests-duds had long sleeves hanging over her paws, plus tall pointy pillars sticking from her shoulder pads. Her face looked flatter, yet more menacing, and she wore a long hat with purple drapes hanging on the sides of her head.

Janyu was astounded by this amazing sight; one of the species that he believed to create used a power he never seen. Meanwhile, his son scanned the new Digimon.

.-

Taomon- Demon Man Digimon. Descendant of the dark masters, Yin and Yang. Its charm repels evil and seals its enemies with its spells.

Type- Data

Stage- Ultimate

Attacks- Thousand Spells, Talisman Star, Talisman Spell, Talisman of Light

.-

Vajiramon felt so cold, he can feel the wizard's power just eating away his soul. "Your power...it's breathtaking. It is clear who the victor will be now…"Quickly, he drew both his swords. "But I will not run without leaving with honor!"

The ox Deva charged for the calm floating Digimon, swinging his swords straight at her. But all he got was the air, because Taomon merely teleported through him and faced her back towards his. Vajiramon did not hesitate to turn around and attack, which Taomon hovered away; retreating a few yards away.

The more angry Vajiramon grew, the stronger the orange energy around swords shined. "DEVA BLADE!"

Once again, Vajiramon unleashed a giant wave of energy, which chased the hovering wizard. It crashed into her, bursting in a powerful explosion that probably blew a giant crater on the field. Vajiramon waited for something to happen in that smoke ahead. He just knows that his foe survived that attack, and she would not disappoint him.

And like he predicted, Taomon rocketed out of the smoke while protected inside of a magic force field. From flash of light over the palm of her paws, Taomon created a handful of cards.

"Feel the pain from my fury, traitor!" Swinging his swords, he tossed a number of boomerang-shape blasts.

The wizard Digimon held the cards like a fan, "THOUSAND SPELLS!" And tossed them, one by one, in light speed.

The cards shot like arrows, easily cutting through the arc-blasts like butter, and ended up towards the Deva. Vajiramon's swords defended him from most of the cards, but some did managed to stab through his shoulders, arms, and legs. Blood leaked out of the cuts, which faded into pixels. With a loud scream, the ox

charged through the sharp storm, keeping his chest and head safe as he aimed for Taomon';s head.

Next came another trick from her sleeves; pairs of Japanese-character blades appeared on her palms. "TAILSMEN STAR!"

Zipping past the angry Deva, she tossed the stars, slicing Vajiramon's hands off his wrists. "GAAAAHHHH!"

Takato and Izzy winced from that site as they shuddered.

"Rika, you didn't have to fight him so gruesome like this...! Rika…? Takato noticed that Rika's sight was fixated on the fight. It was like nothing would bring her out of her blank trance. "Rika...?"

Taomon knew that Vajiramon could not win, but she was hoping to give him a chance of mercy. He faced the kneeling ox, waiting for his response. He was too shaken up in his pain, but his face indicated that he did not give up, mentally.

"Finish me as you wish, but my loyalty belongs to the Sovereign, and I shall grant his wish to dispose of your precious humans, traitor."

That's what she hoped not to hear. From her sleeve came a giant paintbrush. Taomon began painting some symbol on the air.

Weakly, Vajiramon looked over his pixel-dissolving shoulder to glare at the

passed-out Calumon who was safe in the goggled human's arms. I shall not go down...without warning the sovereign...that we may have found it!

Finishing, the Japanese symbol shined like a neon light. "TAILSMEN OF LIGHT!"

The writing blasted a powerful beam, ripping through the finished Deva. Like a machine, Vajiramon exploded, but a shot of light rocketed up at the night-sky.

(End song)

"Did you see that?"

Takato stared at Izzy. "See what?"

"Right when Vajiramon was deleted, a beam of light just shot out from where he once stood."

"Huh...? Don't tell me he wasn't finished! Man, that guy just never gives up."

"Not quite. Based on my careful observation, Vajiramon is surely deleted, but for some reason, he sent most of his data in that light...like perhaps a beacon."

"Really...? Why...? Just how many brain-hurting puzzles do we have to solve? Jeez…"

The goggled boy then heard the winds blowing stronger, which he discovered it to be none other than MetalGarurumon and WarGreymon landing from the air, with Matt and Tai on their backs.

"Nice job, guys! That Deva didn't stood a chance!" said Tai, dismounting off of WarGreymon.

"Wait...are you saying you were watching the fight?" asked Izzy. "Guys, why didn't you help us?"

Matt elbowed the older goggled boy. "Well, this jerk-off wanted to see if the Tamers could handle that crazy Digimon!"

"Hey, come on, I was right, wasn't I?"

"Yeah, maybe, for once. But I'm not owing you 500 yen. I crossed my fingers."

"Dammit, Matt…"

Izzy stepped in before the tension grew ugly. "Look, let's get out of here before the authorities are aware of this destructive situation."

Tai nodded, walking towards the exit. "Sounds good to me. I look terrible in orange, anywise."

Walking beside him, Matt smirked. "Now you're sounding like Mimi. Please don't, it's creepy."

The boy flinched. "Gah...man, that's the curse you get for a roommate being the boyfriend of a fashion freak!"

"I HEARD THAT, TAI!"

With uncomfortable feelings aside, I.e. Rika and Janyu, the gang hurried out of the stadium. But they were unaware of two figures hiding behind the audience chairs; a tall woman with butterfly wings, a vizor over her eyes, long purple hair, and she wore some kind of purple lingerie. Beside her was a short polar

bear in commando clad.

"Hmm...a bit disappointing. I could do better than fox-face could."

The bear looked up at the woman. "Well they did do good against that Deva."

"Yeah, not bad...but still…" Staring through her vizor, the winged woman glared at the young redhead who headed for the exit. "Hmm... Forse li vedrò, faccia a faccia, tomboy."

"Uh...what does that...MEEAAAN?" without an answer, the fairy-woman picked up the pair and sprung into the air.

.-

.-

Well now the DigiDestined and Tamers were clear away from the stadium. Izzy figured by tomorrow morning, the owners will lose their voice from the screaming they'll make when they see their stadium. The gang journeyed their way home through an alley.

"So how are we gonna deal with the destruction of the stadium when it comes down to our heads?" This question has been causing Henry to feel worried. The realist that he is, Henry doesn't want to deal with the police or a giant bill.

"Not to worry, Henry." Said Izzy as he and the others slowly ventured away from the stadium and into the streets. "If you are aware, the presence of most Digimon can cause a number of electrical interference with most technology, especially when they Digivolve. Because of the Digital Field, it shut down a lot of the stadiums security, including its cameras. That's another reason how we were able to easily enter the stadium."

Henry sighed in relief, but Terriermon who was on his head, "Well so much for my beautiful face to be on the nine o clock news."

It was probably the eighth time Janyu looked back at the stadium, the very same place where he witnessed the dangers his son faced. All that chaos...that horror...was it his fault because of that simple college project? How could they create powerful beings, that only a god is capable of, and place children, like Janyu's son, in such danger?

"Dad...?" Henry came up to his troubled father, aware of his state. "Uh...dad...now that you know what I go through these days...I guess this means you don't want me to be a Tamer."

With a heavy sigh, Janyu rubbed his forehead. "Well you're right...I really don't want you to go through such dangers I've seen. But...son, we'll talk about it when we get home."

As he lowered his head, Henry foretold that his career as a Tamer will be limited greatly by his father. Well, being restricted from fighting, the boy doesn't really care about. But...what if means that he has to get rid of Terriermon?

.-

As they made it to a empty street, the gang parted ways to their homes. Takato noticed Rika heading to a small and dark park. He wondered why she was going to different route; her home is a long ways from here, and the subway entrance was just next to him. He knew he shouldn't be nosy, but Rika sure did worried him back at the stadium. Plus he felt kind of bad yelling at her like that. She didn't deserve that, even if she is the crazy psycho Digimon Queen.

The boy ran through the park, trying to make sight which way looks safer through all this darkness. But he did find spots of light coming straight ahead. When he spotted Rika standing near a water fountain, Takato dived behind some bushes, pulling Guilmon with him. He remembered when Rika thought he was following her, she threatened to crush his skull. Back then when he was asking for her help, and right now counts as following, and he wants to keep his health intact.

From his hiding spot, he could see Rika standing in front of the large fountain, hanging her head. When Takato looked very closely, he could see her flinch a bit, like she was...crying or something. There was something he never thought he would see, even from back at the stadium. Ever since he known Rika for these past few weeks, he believed that she doesn't have any emotion. It's always emotionless Rika, the Ice Queen, Ms...uh...creepy, yeah. But seeing her cry was a side Takato never thought he lived to see. It was kind of frightening, yet he was relived that she's a normal, living human like everyone else.

Snapping from his thoughts, Takato spotted someone landing before Rika. It was Taomon, to be exact. He didn't knew where she just came from, but no matter what form Renamon is in, she's always pulling out these surprises that could scare him off his shoes. The two of them just stood before each other, without a sound from their lips. It was strange...Takato was afraid that they might be talking with their minds or something.

Taking his breath away, Rika threw herself on Taomon and cried on her cloak-thing. Now why is she crying...? Unless it has something to do with what happened at the stadium. Yeah, Renamon scared them when she pretended to join that Deva's side. Sure she did to find some information, but it wasn't cool of her to upset Rika like that. But Takato is just glad that everything turned out alright.

Now I gotta get out of here before I'm mincemeat!

"What are you doing here, Goggles!"

Oh...god...I'm...dead...He didn't want to face that scary look Rika's probably making. Just feeling the intensity of her stare was giving him chills.

"I know you're hiding in there! And don't even think about running away!"

Might as well face my death like a man. He knew running wouldn't help; Rika would probably order Taomon to hunt him down, and there's no way he'll escape from her. As he slowly approached Rika, he was expecting Terriermon to just pop out of nowhere and whisper 'Dead man walkin.'

Rika closed the gap between them, standing two feet away from the frightened boy. "You got five seconds to explain why you're following me."

Oh just rip out my lungs why don't you...? What am I saying? "Uh...I'm sorry...sorry...I know I shouldn't had followed you, but...well...I was worried that you weren't feeling alright." Okay, I think five seconds is up, so why isn't she gonna hit me?

Opening his eye, he can just see Rika staring at him with a hard expression. But it wasn't with anger or anything he should duck from. It was just...nothing.

"Look, I appreciate if stop following me. I'll let go, unscathed, but if you do this again, I'll rip your teeth out."

At least she gave me a reason not to. Shuddering, Takato gave a little salute. "Uh...yes sir...er, I mean ma'am; Yes ma'am!"

Rika narrowed her eyes. "Just go before I change my mind."

With his goofy nervous grin, Takato turned around and dashed back to the bush where Guilmon is.

"Oh, Goggles...?"

Oh no...don't tell me she changed her mind already! Takato turned around.

"Remember when I told you that if you mentioned that dream again, I'll send you to dreamland for good?"

"Uh...yeah...?"

"Add me crying and this DRESS to the list. I'm seriously gonna burn this stupid thing in the fireplace when I get home."

"But-but...you shouldn't!"

That really got her attention.

"You actually look good in that!"

"…"

Oh man...where did that come from? I am so screwed! Takato was too frightened to wait for what she was thinking. He just grabbed Guilmon's arm and made an escape through the park. "I'll see you maybe tomorrow! Bye Rika!"

Rika watched the pathetic child run off, as if she was gonna chase him like a cereal killer.

"Rika...?" Taomon spoke, wondering what's wrong with her Tamer. All she got in response was Rika walking past her home, as if she was refusing to show her face. Without a word, Taomon faded from sight.

No matter how much she tried...Rika couldn't stop blushing.

Grr...stupid Gogglehead.

.-

.-

End of part 9...

.-

.-

And that's it. This is the last chapter I left off, before the site took it down. From here on in, the next chapters will be brand new. BRAND NEW! Oh, and to that review from the original, yes I know the Tamers' Digimon would've sensed the Legendary Warriors, but that'll be explained later on.