Chapter 4: A Reunion with the Tamers
While Takato, Guilmon and BlackGatomon arrived outside the temple, back within the village, a familiar group had just arrived and were in the midst of their own objective, finding Takato and Guilmon.
"Thanks for helping us." A Gomamon, who worked as farmer let out, grateful for the assistance received as Jeri, Jasmine and Henry helped replant the crops and harvest the ripened fruits and vegetables.
"It's no worries. But it's hard to believe there isn't much food here." Henry said in reply, his comment shared with Jeri, as well as Jasmine, who was helping in her own way, tending to the soil and helping a handful of Yuramon with the gardening.
"It is, it's because of these blasted monsters running around the place. Because of them, we can't grow our crops or get as much food to everyone across the Digital World. These monsters are horrid." A Gabumon farmer said, expressing his clear solemness.
"I know, but we're doing all we can to help." Jeri assured as she rested a comforting hand on the Gabumon's shoulder, before smiling as she added confidently. "Our Digimon are in the labyrinth as we speak and doing what they can to sort this mess out."
"I hope they can manage." A female Gaomon farmer said, she too hating what those monsters had done, while wishing she was stronger, so she too could fight.
A while later, and working up a little sweat, Henry, Jeri and Jasmine met up with the others at the pub, the Tamers taking a seat alongside Rika, Ryo, Calumon, Kazu, Kenta, Kuja, Alice, Suzie, Ai and Mako.
Curious, Jasmine asked the others. "How it going?"
"We managed to give some supplies to the Digimon here, and we're now waiting for contact from Renamon and the others." Rika said in reply, before informing. "They triumphed over the behemoth who we struggled back on the bridge, and now they're moving downward."
"Still... we have to do what we can for everyone. Our Digimon don't want to see us in danger." Ryo said in reply, knowing behind his aggression, Cyberdramon also fought as to protect those he cared about.
"And... well... we couldn't help but ask what happened with Takato and Guilmon?" Ryo went on, uncertain to the fates of the brunette and the Hazard Digimon.
"What's to think anyway?" Kuja asked bluntly, adding with a dismissiveness. "Takato and Guilmon are likely dead, and it's best they are too."
"Kuja! Don't say things like that in front of Jeri!" Henry scolded, noticing the coldness expressed left Jeri flinching a little and sinking into a growing depression.
"Well you can shut up, because I'm not giving up!" Rika suddenly let out, glaring at Kuja and telling him. "You can give up and remain a selfish jerk, but I know in my gut that our Gogglehead is still alive."
Though pleased to see Rika remaining strong, there was an understandable confusion as to why Rika expressed her emotions in such a way, leaving Alice saying. "It's interesting to see you so bold on a decision, Rika."
"And you are right. We have to hold onto hope" Jeri added, resting her hands on her chest, certain Takato and Guilmon would never give up, no matter the ordeals thrown their way.
"Rika's right!" Calumon spoke up, jumping to the table and declaring. "No way Takato and Guilmon are dead. We have to keep our hope!"
"Rika, there's no need for..." Kuja began to say, but stopped when a cheerful voice called out with a growing pride. "Hey, Agumon! We're back!"
From the sudden outburst, Agumon, the same Agumon who had tended to Takato then came out, greeting the BlackGatomon and her allies.
"Ah, BlackGatomon, you're back!" The Agumon let out with a relieved sigh, before asking. "How'd it go in the forest temple?"
Escorting BlackGatomon and her company aside, Agumon lead the trio to a seperate table, curious to what they had went through.
"All was great. We got the second crystal... and I almost got killed for trying to make a move on Guilmon... again. And Takato didn't take fondly of that either." The feline Digimon said, chuckling, trying to get close to the being in the red coat only to be pushed away.
Though trying not to eavesdrop, Kazu, who was drinking water, spat it out and all over Kenta's face from what he heard.
Ignoring Kenta for the moment, Kazu and the other Tamers, save for Kuja, all rose from their seats as to confront the Agumon and BlackGatomon.
"Did she say...? No... it can't be..." Henry let out as Alice added with a matching awe. "You don't think…?"
Rika and Jeri were off like a set of rockets, leaving behind Ai and Mako, with Ai picking up, carrying Calumon and crying out. "Hey, wait for us!"
From their position, Rika and Jeri rushed to see Agumon serving BlackGatomon... and a different comparison to Takato and Guilmon.
But looking past the off colour expressions and different clothing of the duo, there were no mistaking it, they were Takato and Guilmon.
"Wow... and Takato and Guilmon were that good?" Agumon questioned with a clear impressment in his voice as BlackGatomon explained the whole story, displaying nothing but enthusiasm in her voice.
While BlackGatomon remained lively in her tale, Takato and Guilmon just sat with their legs crossed and arms slumped behind their heads, as if their fight was nothing to brag about.
"Yeah. And right through the heart. After that knight toppled down, Guilmon..." BlackGatomon continued to say, but found her story cut short when an unfamiliar voice to her cut in, letting out a loud. "Takato!"
Hearing his name called, and recognizing the voice, Takato opened his eyes, looking over to see Rika and Jeri gaping at him.
Surprised a little to see the pair, Takato let out. "Rika? Jeri?"
Following in his partner's confusion, and picking up the familiar scent of those he used to call his friends, Guilmon opened his eyes, looking over to see the other Tamers arrive around their table.
However, instead of showing his usual joy and excitement, Guilmon just glared amongst them and questioned. "What are THEY doing here?"
"They were helping the Digimon around with supplies and such." Agumon said in reply.
"Takato! Guilmon! You're alright!" Henry then said in relief.
"You two are alive! That's great!" Suzie let out, her tone sharing the same happiness as her sibling's.
However, Takato just scowled and turned away.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." The brunette said back, keeping his distance from the Tamers.
"Yes you do. You remember us alright!" Kenta let out, before having to ask. "Just what exactly happened?"
"You're both alive! Hooray!" Calumon cheered as he set up as to hug Guilmon, but found he was knocked to the ground as the tip of Guilmon's tail pushed him aside.
"Tch. Get lost!" Guilmon said coldly. "We want nothing from you guys."
"Takato... Guilmon... what happened to you? Why are you acting so cold? Can't you tell we're all worried about you?" Jeri asked with a clear confusion and concern.
Placing her hand closer to Takato's, wanting to know what exactly was troubling him, Jeri just found Takato pull away, keeping himself distant from the brunette, before letting out. "Worried, eh? As if!"
Concerned herself, Alice asked. "Did something at the labyrinth happen to you guys?"
Though knowing there was a little conflict growing between Takato, Guilmon and their company, her curiosity and devotion as a fan got the better of BlackGatomon, who let out with happiness and respect. "You guys are Tamers right? It's a pleasure to meet you all."
"And who are you?" Suzie asked with a fair curiousness.
"My name's BlackGatomon, and I'm joining them on their quest to save the Digital World." The dark furred feline, BlackGatomon, said happily in reply.
"Wow. At least you are friendly, which doesn't seem to affect Takato and Guilmon right now." Ryo commented in reply.
Still in a further confusion to Takato and Guilmon, how they were acting, Henry let out. "Then why are you two trying to do it all alone? We're a team here, Takato! We should work together to destroy the monsters!"
"Guys! There's no way those two are Takato and Guilmon, just look at them! They are different people." Kuja argued as he tried to disway the others away from Takato and Guilmon.
"Kuja, we know it's Chummly and Guilmon! They're alive!" Kazu said back, refusing to listen to the more negative of the Digimon Tamers.
"Then they must be imposters... or evil doubles trying to..." Kuja began to say, but found himself silenced when Takato held up his revolver and fired, the shot just bypassing his head and leaving a bullet hole in the wall.
"Make no mistake, we are the same Takato and Guilmon. However, we want nothing to do with you guys anymore. You guys are nothing more than obstacles now. Get in our way, and we'll kill you all where you stand." Takato said with a continued coldness in his voice as he rose, followed by Guilmon, as the duo left the area and made their way upstairs and away from the Tamers.
"Wait! Takato!" Jeri called out as she chased after him, but found she was too late as the door to the second floor was slammed before her and locked tight.
From his position, Ryo rubbed his head, confusion continuing to grow within as he let out. "What happened to them? They are Takato and Guilmon, but they're acting like completely different people."
"I'll try to talk to them." BlackGatomon offered, expressing a more caring side. "They told me what happened, but it might be better if they tell you themselves. I'll try to get them back down and to be a little more reasonable"
"BlackGatomon..." Alice said as she approached BlackGatomon.
Though having only met her, Alice knelt down and set her arms around BlackGatomon, hugging her lightly.
"Thank you for taking care of them. We were so worried about them." The blonde let out, surprising BlackGatomon to the sudden affection, but welcomed it.
"No worries." BlackGatomon said in reply, hugging Alice back, feeling a small bond forming between her and Alice, which seemed to have an effect on both Alice and BlackGatomon when Alice noticed a light shine from the pocket of her black dress, which left her reaching within and drawing out her D-Power, the Digivice continuing to glow with light/life as Alice and BlackGatomon examined it.
Surprised to the sight and looking upon Alice and BlackGatomon, Ryo remarked. "BlackGatomon, I think you just became Alice's Digimon."
"So losing Dobermon gave rise to you being Alice's new partner?" Ai asked, knowing that in Alice's heart, she could never forget or replace Dobermon, but hoped BlackGatomon would bring a new bond and smile to her friend's face.
"BlackGatomon is my...?" Alice let out with some doubt in her voice, but stopped when BlackGatomon happily held her, embracing her further.
"Oh, this is wonderful. I have a human partner!" BlackGatomon called, turning to look into Alice's eyes as she declared. "I promise I won't let you down."
Smiling back at BlackGatomon, already feeling a bond growing between them, Alice nodded, keeping her arms around BlackGatomon, hugging her a little longer, before allowing the latest addition to the Digimon Tamers to stand.
"Anyway, if you can wait for a moment, I'll talk to Takato and Guilmon. I'll see if I can get them down here and discuss everything." BlackGatomon offered as she left the Tamers and headed upstairs, leaving the Tamers waiting for her return and the return of Takato and Guilmon.
Some hours has passed and the Tamers all gathered at the table, waiting for the trio to come down.
"It's hard to believe how Takato and Guilmon changed so much, and such a thing he said to us. He'll kill us if we get in their way." Kazu said in reply.
"Yeah, why bring that up?" Kenta added. "It's like he dosen't trust us for some reason."
Concerned, Jeri let out. "Takato, what happened? Why'd you change?"
At last and waiting patiently, BlackGatomon finally came down, leaving Alice to ask. "Oh, BlackGatomon. What'd they say?"
"I had a rough time convincing them to talk, but in the end they agreed to talk to Henry and Rika about everything, but just them." BlackGatomon said in reply.
"Sounds agreeable. Henry and I have been around Takato longer as Tamers and as friends." Rika replied as she and Henry rose, before Henry added. "We'll tell you what happened when we get back."
"Please do. I am still grateful for what Takato and Guilmon did for me at the labyrinth." Jasmine said in reply, watching with some concern as she watched as Rika and Henry headed upstairs as to confront their friends.
-Upstairs-
Entering the second floor and entering the bedroom, Henry and Rika approached Takato and Guilmon, taking a seat on a sofa opposite the sofa Takato and Guilmon were relaxing on.
"Hey, Takato. Thank you for letting us have the chance to talk." Henry said.
"Yeah, well... BlackGatomon can be pressive sometimes." Takato replied, gesturing to the sofa adjacent his so called friends and telling the pair. "Take a seat you two so let's talk."
Taking a seat alongside Henry, despite Takato acting somewhat distant toward them, there was part to Rika which found it interesting, leaving the red haired Tamer to think. 'I don't know what happened to Takato but... for some reason... I am thinking he's quite a looker now. Nice kick-ass vibes.'
"It's time you guys know what's going on. BlackGatomon told us that the real reason the monsters are here are the cause of an evil human and a fallen Sovereign Digimon." Takato informed, the news stunning Henry and Rika, with Henry asking. "A fallen Sovereign? And an evil human?"
"They both despise both humans and Digimon, where they plan to work as one in order to destroy both worlds long ago. But before they could carry out their dark agenda, the Digimon Sovereigns sealed them away." Guilmon informed, telling Henry and Rika. "But their powers grew while they were trapped within their sealed states. They plan to use their darkness to create monsters and terrorise the Digital World. The only keys they need breaking out... are these."
That being said, Guilmon then set the red and blue crystals on the table between them, puzzling Henry and Rika.
"Crystals?" Rika let out, picking up and examining the blue coloured crystal.
"The Digimon Sovereigns used these crystals to seal the two away. They are located in different labyrinths and temples around the Digital World, and these dark monsters are after them." Guilmon added, all the while leaving Takato to keep a silent composure.
"So if the monsters get these crystals, these dark beings will be freed once again, and is that the reason you're collecting them?" Henry asked.
"To kill those two. That is why." Takato said, breaking his silence with a faint spitefulness in his voice.
"To kill them?" Henry let out, expressing a clear stun in his tone, before questioning. "I know we've defeated Digimon, absorbed Data and the likes, but we never taken lives before, so why now?"
"It's survival of the strongest now. Those who are strong live..." Takato said, to which Guilmon finished. "And those who are weak will perish. And we won't be the weak ones."
"So you two are seriously thinking about going around killing?" Henry asked with a continued concern to the path his friends were taking.
"Don't worry, we'll only kill those who stand in our way or are our enemy. We won't kill innocent people." Takato replied, only to add. "However, we won't show sympathy to traitors, even if they beg for it."
"In other words, no longer will Takato and I will only defend the Digital World. We'll seek out and kill all those who threaten it. Be it be humans, Digimon, demons or gods, it makes no difference. No mercy shall be shown." Guilmon added, expressing an agreeing tone alongside his Tamer's.
Confused, Rika let out. "You two really have changed, but what happened to you two? Why are you two being so hostile towards us? Did we do something wrong?"
"You two remember our battle with that behemoth at the bridge with those rapid fire magic attacks?" Takato asked, the question causing Henry to nod in reply.
"Yes. We used it to fend off the behemoth and to allow you lot to reach us." Henry said back.
"Well, two of those fireballs were directed at us! In other words, two of you attacked us!" Guilmon accused, bringing another shock toward Henry and Rika.
"You mean... two of us attacked you?!" Henry gasped, this causing Rika to clench her fists and say with clenched teeth. "Then that means we have a couple of traitors among us!"
"Judging by your reactions, I can safely assume it wasn't you, Terriermon or Renamon." Takato said as he leant back with his arms behind his head.
"Of course not, Takato! We'd never attack you." Henry said in reply as he and Rika rose in shock and defence. "You have no idea how upset and worried we are when we saw you two fall to a possible demise."
"That's nice. And?" Guilmon asked brashly.
"We want to help you. We'll find the traitors and we make them pay!" Rika offered in reply, which only caused Takato to stare at Rika and say bitterly. "Tch. Guilmon and I don't need your help. Because we cannot trust you."
"You should. I know you cannot forgive us if you think we all did, but none of us would harm you. Surely there has to be a way to convince you two to come back." Henry said, trying to reason with Takato and Guilmon.
"A likely story." Takato scoffed.
"In that case..." Rika said as she approached Takato, taking a seat beside the brunette and declaring. "If you guys are going on a journey to destroy these bastards... then I'm tagging along with you."
"Huh?" Takato and Guilmon let out, both puzzled by Rika's determination to strike down their foes, which left Henry questioning. "Rika, what are you saying?"
"Truth to be told, I was very worried when Takato and Guilmon fell, but I strongly believed they were alive. But seeing Takato like this now... it's kind of got me more intrigued by him." Rika replied, adding as she looked upon the Tamer. "And seeing his more violent and darker side got me interested."
"Oh no. You're becoming more like BlackGatomon." Takato sighed. "She's kinky enough as it is."
"I have some class. Besides, I could go for kicking some more sark Digimon butt again." Rika replied as she clenched her fist.
"And... Renamon and I were really worried about you. We just don't want to lose you both again. We'd say we'll will protect you. We couldn't then but we will now. That is a promise!" Rika added with a furthered determination.
"Rika..." Takato could only let out, watching as Rika rose from her seat and gave an uncharacteristic smile toward Takato, leaving him alone as she turned and began to leave the room.
But stopping just before the door, keeping her gaze toward Takato, Rika added with a further sincerity in her voice. "I won't force you two to choose right away, but I really want to go with you. And I will never betray you."
"Well, we said what we wanted, so we'll leave you two to your thoughts, but remember, we're all concerned about you and we will do all we can to find the traitor. Try and remember that you can trust your friends." Henry added as he then left the room, leaving Takato and Guilmon in silence, both having a lot to think about.
-Downstairs-
"What?!" Ryo let out after listening to what Henry and Rika had told them, explaining all about the new threat against them, the attack meant to end Takato and Guilmon, everything they could that would help their friends understand what they were up against and what had caused the changes within their friends.
"So Takato and Guilmon were betrayed, but they don't know by who?" Ryo then questioned, which earned a nod from Henry.
"That's right. We have two traitors among us." The older Wong sibling said in reply.
"Someone… attacked Takato and Guilmon on purpose?" Jeri let out, feeling a growing anger inside of her as she stated. "It's unforgivable!"
"But who?" Jasmine asked, before pointing out. "All of us care for Takato and Guilmon, so it makes no sense as to why any of us would attack them."
Kuja just remained silent from his position, resting himself against the wall, but felt some sweat drip down his face, which was noticed by Ryo.
"But how do we...?" Ai began to ask, but was cut as her D-Power began to beep.
Indicating Impmon was trying to contact her, the younger Tamer withdrew her D-Power, finding Impmon's panic filled voice on the other end.
"Ai! Mako! Come in! Can you guys hear me!?" Impmon questioned as the sounds of battle filled the background.
"Impmon, what is it? What's wrong?" Ai questioned in understandable concern, which was shared by Mako.
"We need some serious help down here! There's a LadyDevimon in a red dress that showed up, and she's working with those monstrous freaks! We are up to our skins here! We need your help!" Impmon's voice rang out in reply, just as the sounds of blasts grew deeper, sounding as though the attacks were coming closer and turning frequent.
"Hold them off for as long as you can, Impmon! We'll get to you as fast as we can!" Henry called out.
"Our Digimon are in peril! We've gotta do something!" Kazu said.
"There's should be a teleporter at the base which should take you back to the labyrinth but if you're going back there, it'll be suicide." Takato then commented as he and Guilmon walked down the stairs. "Not without me and Guilmon going with you."
"Takato... You'd really come back with us?" Kazu questioned.
"No. We only accepting Rika's invitation. But she can't join us without Renamon. So we're only teaming up for the time being and then we off to get the other crystals." Takato said back, bringing Kazu down a little.
"And knowing Yamaki's connections to Hypnos, I'm certain he can find someway of discovering the identify of the traitor among us." Guilmon declared, before saying. "But first, we must rescue Renamon, Terriermon and the others."
"Alright! Rescue party!" BlackGatomon cheered, looking forward to her adventure as a partnered Digimon.
"BlackGatomon, you're with us. You have knowledge where the other temples are located." Takato said.
"Yes, sir, but can Alice join us?" BlackGatomon found herself asking, looking at the blonde and declaring with a prideful tone. "I have become her partner after all."
"When did that happen?" Guilmon asked, but knew time was crucial and let out a small sigh. "Alright, fine."
"So you accepted my invite, Gogglehead?" Rika asked as she walked up to Takato, staring the brunette down.
"Only if you prove useful and not hold me back, Redhead." Takato said back, sharing a similar downcats tone to Rika's, leaving some wondering who would back down first.
"The same goes to both of us." Rika then let out with a small smile as she held out her hand, offering it as a brief gesture of friendship. "Looks like we're together now. What'd you say? Friends again?"
Takato scoffed to the conditions, but accepted as he took and shook Rika's hand.
"Fine then. Friends again." He said, staring at Rika and seeing the familiar determined spark return to her eyes, something he silently respected.
"And I won't slow you down either. I will support you all the way." Alice declared, this causing Takato to close his eyes and scoff in agreement as Rika smiled at the blonde haired Tamer, knowing that though Alice had lost Dobermon, her skills rivaled her own, and even Takato's.
Jeri smiled as she saw the bond between Rika and Takato growing.
Inside her heart, while knowing she had lost Takato as a lover, she was still grateful to have him as a friend.
And hoping overtime, she could bring back that sweet and trusting side to Takato once again.
With the Tamers set up and ready to go, Henry staying close by Jeri and Suzie's sides, looking to Rika, then to Guilmon, BlackGatomon smiled, turning to a sly grin as she asked/teased. "So this Renamon... is she your girlfriend, Guilmon?"
"I've never met her, but I have heard all about and seen images of her, and she is one hot vixen." BlackGatomon added, causing Guilmon's blush to grow, before the red dino Digimon snapped and yelled. "Don't be idiotic! She's just a friend, a powerful ally and nothing more!"
Continuing to stick around Guilmon, commenting and complimenting Renamon, leaving Guilmon uncomfortable, Jasmine slowly approached Takato, wanting to have a quick word with the Digimon Tamer.
"Takato... I just wanted to say... thank you for helping me back there. I know I can't change you, but I want to thank you for saving me back then. I do appreciate it." She let out, expressing a small smile and a clear respect.
"It's fine." Takato merely said in reply. "Now let's find the Digimon before I have a change of heart and decide to leave you to rot in the labyrinth."
"Perhaps we should return to base, then return to the labyrinth?" Henry suggested, deciding to restock and gather supplies before returning to the labyrinth, to reach their partnered Digimon and face the growing darkness.