WARNING: Terriermon makes a joke about people sleeping together. Other than that, it shoud be fine.

Putting The Pieces Together

Rika was walking down the aisle, with friends and family sitting in the pews. She was being led by Henry up to the altar to where the priest and the groom waited. Yes, she was getting married. And yes, she was in a wedding dress. She looked through her veil, seeing his trademark smile and blue eyes. Seeing her future husband smile made her uneasy for some odd reason, but she just shrugged it off.

Who would've believed I would marry Ryo? she asked herself. She looked over at Henry, who had a look of disappointment on his face. Apparently not Henry, Rika thought smugly.

She then looked at her friends. Jeri was smiling weakly, as if not happy of Rika's decision but unwilling to comment on it.

She then looked at Takato, sitting alone with a forlorn expression in his face. She now knew why she was uneasy when she saw Ryo. She knew she was crushing Takato by taking this vow, but I love Ryo, don't I? She thought awhile. Her eyes narrowed. Or do I?

"Do you, Rika Nonaka, take Ryo Akiama…"

"No." a lot of people in the church gasped with they heard her. "No," she repeated, taking a step back. "I'm supposed to marry Takato!" she blurted out, getting more gasps than her previous one word. She then turned around and ran down the aisle, past the ushers Kazu and Kenta, and out the big door. She took one last look at Ryo, then slammed the doors shut. Turning around, Rika leaned her back against the door and closed her eyes.

"But I'm fine!" complained Takato.

"You're hurt Takato. I think that it would be a good idea for you to rest." Henry responded. During their little verbal battle, Terriermon woke up, still a little dazed. It was then that he noticed that Rika was leaning on Takato, and Takato was still alive.

"Momentai, you and Rika can share a bed…" responded Terriermon tiredly.

"Terriermon!" This got a reprimand from almost everyone present. Even Guilmon looked a little shocked at the comment.

"Just a suggestion…" he mumbled.

When Guilmon looked at his Tamer, he noticed that he had a red face. Normally he only had one on when he was embarrassed about something. "I'm sleepy," he said, looking straight at Takato.

Takato just smiled. It's a conspiracy, I know it! "Okay boy, we can have a little nap." He turned to Henry, who nodded as if knowing what question he was going to ask.

"Don't worry, Takato. We'll even give an extra beating for Rika and you," Commented Kazu.

Takato continued to smile and said "Thanks." He then led Rika back to Henry's apartment and laid her on the couch. Guilmon was so exhausted that the moment he walked in, he fell to the floor and fell asleep. Renamon was able to find a chair to fall asleep in, while Takato went to Henry's room and laid down on his bed, waiting for sleep to come. He didn't have to wait long.

"Come on, let's leave the lovebirds alone," Kazu commented. "We got to deal with a Digimon."

They heard a crash.

"We're too late! The Deva's out!" shouted Henry, worried out of his wits. I hope no one else has tried to attack the Deva, whoever it is.

Too bad his fears were revealed to be true.

Toshi, the "leader" and "Gogglehead" of the new Tamers, wasn't having a good day. His Digimon's Champion form, Rockmon, was having trouble beating the snake Deva, Sandiramon. Come on! The old fogies beat him up with three Champions! Why can't I do the same? His green eyes narrowed in frustration. He was about ready to pull out his blond-white hair in frustration. I'm better than those old geezers! I could beat the D-Reaper in my sleep! He looked over to his friends, Kei and Akiko.

Kei was in the same grade as his friends, but he seemed to be the sense of reason in the whole group, with piercing brown eyes that seemed to see through people. His brown hair was long and messy, rarely combed. His Digimon was a Tapirmon, currently an Apemon.

Akiko was a shy young lady, who seemed to only be a Tamer based on her imagination. She could be said to be like Takato except that she wrote stories instead of drawing. She had haunting green eyes and long, curly black hair. For the most part, she wore dresses. In fact, she rarely wore pants unless occasion called for it. (A/N: The exact opposite of Rika, who won't wear dresses unless completely necessary, or forced to.) Her Digimon was a Crabmon, currently a Coelamon.

"Let's attack together!" Shouted Toshi. He knew that Akiko wasn't comfortable fighting Digimon in such an open environment as a train station, but that was where the Digimon bio-emerged, so they had no real choice.

"Mega Bone Stick!" Apemon called out, leaping up and trying to knock the snake out. However, Apemon was knocked flying by a movement of Sadiramon's head.

"Apemon!" Kei called out.

When Rika heard the slamming echo, she looked around and was surprised to see herself in a dark room. In fact, the only source of light that she could really see was a light that was outlining a high-backed chair. After a while, she noticed that the light seemed to be dancing. Probably someone watching TV, she thought. She tiptoed to the chair, hoping not to get noticed. All of the sudden, the chair turned around, showing a white face that was lined with ill-boding and age. He was wearing a red mask going around the eyes. In his left hand he was holding a ball that seemed to be the source of the light that she had seen earlier.

She then felt strange and lightheaded. She closed her eyes, hoping to get her bearings back. When the feeling passed, she looked up and was surprised to be seeing the back of a Digimon with a jacket, kneeling. Wait! Isn't this like the dreams I had two years ago. I don't remember anything happening between then and now! Which means I have amnesia, or this is a dream. Hoping for the latter, she watched as the Digimon got up and she noticed that it had a canine face. Almost like a Garurumon, or Were­Garurumon! Realizing that this might be a scene of the Master and Igor actually meeting, she tried to stay as silent as possible.

"My Master," said the WereGarurumon with a jacket. When the figure in the chair made a gesture to rise, he did.

"Shall we enjoy the view?" asked the white face in a deep voice that made Rika shiver. It also made the werewolf-like Digimon uncomfortable, she noticed. In all the years that she had spent with Renamon, Rika had picked up on all the subtle nuances of canine Digimon from her. For instance, when the fur just barely was raised and lowered again, which usually happened when Rika said something rude that she knew Renamon wasn't expecting it, was their way of showing "Goosebumps."

WereGarurumon got up and watched the view with his master. Rika wasn't far behind.

"Hmm. I am surprised that Rika is not present in this battle." The master spoke. When Rika looked into the glass orb, she gasped. She could see three young Tamers battling the snake Deva. If it's as strong as the other Deva's were, they're in trouble! After a few seconds of silence, the man-like Digimon spoke. "If it wasn't for that weak Matsuki kid, I am certain that she would have figure out the clues we have given her." The master said darkly. Takato is not weak! Thought Rika angrily.

"Master, why don't we tell her that we planted the Scholarship, had a changeling take Mr. Robinson's place for the day that Yamaki came over, and we sent my brother, Garurumon, to kill her when her Renamon was supposed to be safely in Japan?" asked the WereGarurumon.

Suddenly it all came together. They think of me as a big threat to their plans. I must be thought to be really powerful if they put me on their hit list. She grinned. And they think Takato was distracting me from filling in the pieces. Her grin turned into a frown. "Takato's not weak!" Rika yelled before she could stop herself.

"It seems we have a visitor." Rika froze, thinking that the "Master" had heard her. His eyes then went straight to her, and she waited for the blow to hit. Fortunately, it never came.

The doors banged open again. Everyone turned to look at a brown-haired man wearing a suit standing there.

"Toshi, Kei, Akiko! Get out of here! You're no match for that Digimon!" They all turned to see Henry running up with a strange expression on his face. When Henry looked at the Deva, his expression instantly changed to annoyance. Looking at the other Digimon, he said "All Ultimate or higher Digimon, beat up this Deva!" Justimon, SaberLeomon, Beelzemon, Pixiemon, and Antylamon joined the fight.

"Digimodify: Matrix Digivolution activate!" Shouted Kazu, slicing a Blue Card through his D-arc. Guardramon Matrix Digivolved to Andromon.

He looked at his shoulder, where his Digimon sat. "Terriermon!"

"Ready!" Terriermon nodded, jumping off of his shoulder.

"Biomerge Activate!"

MegaGargomon and Andromon quickly joined the fray.

"Hey, Kazu!" Kazu turned to look at a very angry Toshi, a relieved Kei, and an embarrassed Akiko. "Should we try to help?"

"No. It's too dangerous for you," responded Kazu, surprising the Junior Tamers. Of all the Senior, and even Veteran, Tamers, he was the easiest to manipulate when it came to Digimon. If, however, Kazu said "No" seriously to something, the Young Tamers would know that it would be a very bad idea to go against his wishes.

When Kazu looked back in the direction of the fighting, he was disappointed to see that it was over. "Aww man! It ended without me?"

Henry, after splitting up from Terriermon, walked over to the Junior Tamers and said "If there's ever another Deva, I want you to run from it! And contact the nearest Senior or Veteran Tamer."

"Excuse me for interrupting, but… what's the difference between a Senior and a Veteran Tamer?" Everyone's eyes turned to Michael, who blinked, waiting for an answer.

"If you don't know the social structure of the Tamers, then you aren't fit to be called a Tamer," commented Toshi proudly.

"I'm sorry, but my younger brother and I are from the U.S. and we don't know much about the Tamers over here," responded Alisha a little put off.

Henry intervened, diffusing a potentially deadly situation. "We have developed our own form of hierarchy."

Terriermon landed on Michael's shoulder. "That's the kind way of saying 'Pecking order,'" Terriermon whispered into his ear. Michael chuckled.

Henry looked at his Digimon, mentally gauging how bad the comment was. Coming to the conclusion that it wasn't that bad, he continued. "First, there are the…" he cleared his throat "…Babies; those are the Tamers whose Digimon can't go to Champion. Next are the Juniors; they are Tamers who can go to Champion. Senior tamers are Tamers who either can Biomerge…"

"Or have Digimon that can go to Mega," amended Michael with a quick glance at his Digimon, SaberLeomon.

"…have Digimon that can go to Mega, or had the ability to go to Ultimate for a month or more. Veteran Tamers…"

"…Are Tamers with a life." Terriermon added loud enough to be heard by all.

"Terriermon!" Henry sighed. He finished his summary: "Are older Tamers who have other things to worry about, such as work, family ("None of the Tamers have families yet," commented Terriermon), or College, rather than Rookies bio-emerging."

"Letting the young ones learn. Good idea," commented Michael, nodding his head.

The Japanese Tamers blinked their eyes, surprised. He was the first to show approval of their plan. Even Rika hadn't wasn't happy with it.

"So, I wonder if the lovebirds are making babies." Every older Tamer reprimanded the bunny Digimon. He instantly clammed up when he saw the glare that he was receiving from Michael and Alisha.

"Get off me, you sick, perverted rabbit," said Michael flatly as he jerked his shoulders, dislodging him.

"Why don't the rest of you meet me at the Hypnos building? I just need to check something at my apartment." Henry said. The rest of them nodded, with the "twins" looking worried.

Ryo recognized this and whispered "Don't worry, baby. Just follow the leader," into Alisha's ear. She just glanced at him as if to say Don't call me that again! Another Rika-like glare that got Ryo on the defensive. He had never seen Alisha, nor talked to her. They all walked in the direction of Hypnos, some taking trains, others driving, still others just rode their Digimon to the big building that still dominated the horizon.

"Hey Henry, I just bet you wanted to see the love–"

"Terriermon! STOP! That's not something you discuss unless the couple is married and have said that they are trying to have a baby! And you NEVER talk about it in front of strangers," shouted Henry, not pleased at all with Terriermon's actions.

"Henry." He turned and looked at Alice. "Would you mind if I came with you."

He smiled. "Not at all." when she was side by side to him, he slung his arm over her shoulder. She leaned on his shoulder. They walked in the direction of Henry's apartment.

Terriermon blinked when he saw the strange sight. So the two of them must be serious! A grin appeared on his face. I wonder how serious. Within moments, his mind was working on a way to test their relationship. (A/N: Remember, only Rika, Jeri, and Renamon know that they are engaged. And yes, of course they know that they are engaged to each other.)

Rika was the first to recognize the man standing in the doorway. "Takato," she whispered.

"Takato?" repeated WereGarurumon a bit surprised, picking up on Rika's voice.

"Takato," repeated the white-faced Digimon in a loathing manner.

"Uh, hi Rika." responded Takato, waving his hand in her direction.

"Gogglehead," Responded Rika loud enough for him to hear.

"Do you wish to save your Damsel in distress?" asked Whitey to Takato.

Idiot. "I don't know what your talking about," responded Takato. "I don't think Rika likes being called a Damsel, and I'm pretty sure that she could kick your butt," he added.

Whitey merely smirked. Takato got uneasy. "You sure?" When Takato didn't respond, Whitey raised his hand. A red whip-like beam appeared. "Crimson Lightning!" he shouted, hurling it in Rika's direction. Rika stood still, waiting for it to hit. However, Takato wasn't as static.

He ran over and tackled Rika to the ground, yelling "Rika! No!"

Rika woke up when she felt arms encircling her. She opened her eyes and saw Takato's eyes open, but they had a dazed look to them, as if he was asleep. She tried to struggle free, but his grip was strong, stronger than she thought. The fact that Takato was more or less hugging her was making her very uncomfortable, and she didn't like being uncomfortable. She got so that her foot was between Takato and herself, and pushed out. Or, more accurately, kicked out. Takato went flying and landed on Guilmon.

"Renamon, you're heavy!" called out Guilmon, causing Rika to smirk. Guilmon and Takato were fully awake at that period of time. When Takato noticed that Rika had a scowl and a blush on her face, he himself blushed, fearing what he thought he did. I haven't walked in my sleep before, and now… He shuddered.

"Uh, Rika? Did we…" asked Takato timidly.

"If we did, you would know because you would have your hands between your legs, screaming in excruciating pain," responded Rika in a flat tone. "All you did was hug me in your sleep."

"Oh, uh… right. Uh, sorry Rika, I, uh…" Takato was stammering, not knowing how to put his thoughts into words. "You were in my dream." Takato blurted out. "You were in a dark room wearing a wedding dress. You looked good in it. In the room was two Digimon: A Myotismon and a WereGarurumon." He was babbling, and Rika knew it.

"Takato, you're heavy." Takato looked at his Digimon, who had a white face due to lack of air. Takato quickly got up.

The door opened. Everyone, including Renamon, turned to see Henry, Alice, and Terriermon walk through the door.

Takato noticed that Henry's arm was slung across the woman's shoulders, so he asked "Who's this, Henry? Your girlfriend?"

Henry smiled, shook his head, and said "Takato, meet Alice, my fiancée."

"Aah!" Terriermon fell to the ground, his plans permanently curtailed. He was looking up with a dazed expression on his face.

Ignoring Terriermon's fainting, Rika said to Henry "I need to talk to the rest of the Tamers, as well as Yamaki. Me, and I think Gogglehead, have more information about the 'Dark sovereign,' and their plans to get me removed." Takato, Henry, and Alice gasped. Terriermon also gasped when he heard it, getting out of his daze.

"But how are we going to get there?" Asked Henry, he being the first to recover.

"Momentai, we can walk," commented Terriermon. Henry laughed, remembering the last time he said that.