Ah so here it is, the long awaited chapter five. I will admit it is a bit dull but now you guys find out what is going on. Hehe. And there is a bit of OOC for Rika, but whatever -sticks tongue out-.

And as a response to s.k.line - well, I did watch Lizzie McGuire, yes. But honestly, I had no itentions to make it the same, LOL. It just came out that way.

And thank you to my readers, reviewers, and subscribers. Means a lot to me that you are actually enjoying this story! -smiles-

Chapter Five – Fireworks and Digital Disasters.

Everyone was startled when a cell phone rang. The room was extremely quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Rika and Kazu locked daggers as they were in another one of their epic battles. Rika took a quick glance around the room, all eyes were on her, mainly because it was her cell phone that went off and because they were confused, yet curious, who was calling her.

Rika gave Kazu another deathly glare before she answered her cell. "Hello?"

It was a males voice, and he sounded excited. "Hey Rika. How are you?" Before Rika could respond he continued talking. "I was wondering if you were interested in attending the firework ceremony."

Rika smiled as she realised it was Nico who had called. "Fireworks?" She thought for a moment. It would be pretty fun to go, and I don't see the harm in it. "Sure. When?"

On the other end of the phone, Nico gave a deep smile. "Tonight. It starts at midnight."

Midnight? Her mother would never approve. She gave a loud sigh, "I'll call you back." She hung up and looked at her mother, who was looking back with a oh-my-god-you-have-a-date grin.

Rika cleared her throat. "May I, ahh, attend the fireworks with Nico?" The last part came out quiet.

Jeri giggled, "a date? Nothing more romantic then fireworks, right Takato?" Takato blushed and looked away. Ryo, who was obviously listening in, frowned.

"I don't think Rika should go. Midnight did you say? Too dangerous." Ryo's voice had a serious tone to it, though everyone knew it was hiding jealousy – well, everyone but Rika anyways.

"I don't need your opinion, Akiyama." Rika snarled. "So, can I go?" She asked again, looking at Rumiko.

Rumiko smiled. "Of course! In fact, we should all go!" Rika sweat dropped, great.

"Yes! It gives us a chance to meet Rika's boyfriend!" Kazu grinned.

Smack

"He is not my boyfriend!" Rika roared. Kazu rubbed his now stinging cheek and muttered something under his breath.

Rika asked herself that question all the time. She didn't even know what Nico was to her. Sure they had met almost two weeks ago, and she had been spending every moment of everyday with him. But that didn't necassarily mean they were dating, did it? Rika quickly shook off the thought and flipped open her cell and dialed Nico's number.

"Glad you called back, Rika." Nico answered.

"Um. Yeah. I can go. But -"

Nico cut her off, "excellent! Shall I pick you up then?"

Rika frowned, "everyone is coming too. They want to meet you." Unfortunatly. Rika could hear Nico groan.

"Si, si. OK. I shall be seeing you a little sooner then, no? We could always meet with them."

"What time?" Rika wasn't too sure if she wanted to be picked up early. It was already nearing ten, she could wait a couple more hours before seeing him. Hell, she was with him all day. How come he didn't ask me earlier?

"Twenty minutes, si?" He sounded eager. Too eager.

Rika looked over to her mother, who was watching Rika with great interest. "Fine. But I need the address so I can tell my mother where it is."

Nico gave Rika the address and they hung up. "He is picking me up in twenty minutes."

Rumiko gave Rika a questioning look. "Why so early? Doesn't start until midnight."

Rika shrugged, "who knows. We will meet up though."

xxVxx

Rika waited at the front doors. The hotel had been extremely busy; workers rushing in and out, and tourists from many countries pilled in. Every now and then, what seemed to be a security guard strolled by. He was a tall man, and looked very built. He wore a navy blue top, and ironed navy blue pants. He wore a hat of those of a police officer and his face was plastered with a small mustache. He could have been a police officer, though he didn't have any gun on him; just a pouch and a club-stick. Rika really didn't care what he was, apart from labeling him as creepy. Every time he walked by he would look at her and grin. Rika shook her head and noticed Nico was coming up to the doors. He greeted her with a warm smile.

"I am very glad you decided to come, Rika."

Rika smiled in return, "yeah. Why did you want me to come early though?"

Nico put his arm through hers and they walked down the street. "To spend time with you, no?"

Rika frowned. "We spent two weeks together."

"Si! But I wanted extra fun tonight. Come Rika, we shall have fun before the fireworks." He pulled her into a small shop that Rika had seen millions of times before, though she never actually observed it. The place was fairly large. It had small squre wooden tables with four chairs crowding one part of the room. Towards the back more was a stage and some chairs and even smaller tables. To the right of the stage was a pool table and a dart board, and to the left of the stage were two doors; one with a female and one with a male. Clearly they were bathrooms. The mini bar – cafe was pretty busy. They must all be getting intoxicated for the fireworks, Rika thought.

Nico headed to an empty table and pulled a chair out for Rika. Rika sat down and Nico sat across from her, and smiled.

"Um. Nico, I am a little young to be in a bar." She said.

"Ah, of course. But we are models, no? And models are celebrities, no? And celebrities can do anything." He chuckled at Rika's worried look. "It will be fine. Just one drink." One drink always leads to more, Rika thought bitterly. But what the hell, just one couldn't possibly hurt.

A waitress dressed extremely trampy – in Rika's opinion – walked over to them. She had a bored smile on her face. "And what can I get you two to drink?" She asked in an Italian voice. Rika understood most of the words. Nico had been teaching her a bit of Italian, in return for her to teach him better Japanese. Nico answered her and she left without another word.

"Just one."

"Hmm?"

"Just one drink," Rika said. Nico laughed and nodded.

After a few, very long moments, the waitress returned with two wine glasses and a bottle. Nico filled both glasses up almost half way and smiled. "Cheers." He had taken a gulp. Rika brought the glass to her lips and thought better of it. He could try to do something if I got drunk. But he could have already hurt me. He had many chances. Rika was unsure of what to do. She didn't want to drink and get addicted. But she didn't want to be rude either. Nico was watching her with interest. Sighing, Rika took a gulp – realising it was a mistake to do so. The wine was cold and tasted very bitter. As she swallowed, it stung the back of her throat with a heated disire to take another sip. So she did. Nico laughed at the sight.

"Don't drink it so fast, Rika. It's not good for you if you do." He took a sip of his this time.

Rika looked at him, then at her glass. It was almost empty. She wanted more though. She reached for the bottle and poured in some more until the glass was half full. Nico refilled his, and with another clank of their glasses, they drank. Rika could feel her head start to lighten. She wanted to stop drinking but couldn't control it. In less then an hour they would be meeting her mother. What would she say if Rika was walking around Italy drunk? Clearly Rika would be sent home. She looked over at Nico. Her vision was a tiny bit blurry.

"Rika? I believe it is time we should head to the fireworks, no?" He looked at his watch. "They start in thirty minutes." He placed some Euros on the table and helped Rika up. She stumbled a bit. Nico put his arm around her waist and walked with her. Well, more like helped her walk. She was so uncoordinated. Her mind was racing and her vision was blurred. She didn't even remember being there for an hour and a half. It was mind boggling, really. Hell, to Rika, whatever Nico was saying was mind boggling. She could listen to him, nor could she anything. She was drunk and she knew it. Just great, now what's everyone going to say? And how come Nico isn't as bad? She stopped her thinking when she tripped and hit the ground hard. It took Rika a few minutes to let it sink in that she actually did hit the ground.

Rika mumbled a tiny 'ow' while Nico helped her to her feet. This wasn't her night. She had never been drunk before. Heck, she didn't know if she actually was drunk, maybe just a bit intoxicated? Being dizzy didn't help her much.

Nico lead Rika through some allies and then through a small plaza courtyard. The courtyard was large and had three very tall water fountain statues. Though Rika couldn't tell what of. The courtyard was full of people. All of them making noise. Rika's head began to burst. A headache so severe Rika wanted to jump into the fountain and drown herself. She didn't like the druken feeling one bit.

"Nico?" Rika whispered. She couldn't focus her attention on him and didn't hear a word he said. She just looked straight ahead like it was a movie or something. "Please don't let my mother find out I am drunk."

"Si. I give you my word, Rika." He bent down and gently placed a kiss on her cheek. She would have blushed if she could manage to do so. Nico looked down at her and smiled. Truely amazing sight. Rika was standing there swaying. Nico stood behind her and placed his arms around her waist. She stiffened a little, but then relaxed.

"Aww, cute!" A voice behind them said. Rika managed to process the voice and knew very well it was coming from none other then Jeri. "Wow, Rika. You lied to us. 'He is not my boyfriend'."

Rika grunted. She had the fear of opening her mouth for two reasons. One, she didn't want anyone to smell the bit of wine breath, should have eaten the bread on the table, she thought. And two, she didn't want to vomit. Vomiting would be nice though, atleast I wouldn't feel as sick.

Everyone gathered around and Kazu glanced at Rika. She looked at him and was about to say something but Ryo interupted.

"Rika?" He growled. "I need to talk to you." Rika looked up at him. He was standing in front of her with his hands on his hips and a scowl across his face. Rika nodded and took a step from Nico, stumbling on her way. Ryo quickly grabbed her and lead her away from prying ears. "What the hell!" He roared.

Rika was still swaying a bit. She leaned up against his chest and rested there. Ryo placed one hand on her back and another on her shoulder. He looked into her eyes. His face showed no amusement on it. It was no surprise to Rika, she knew he would be mad.

"Why?" Was all he managed to ask. Ryo was mad, of course, and disappointed. Rika's actions just did not seem like something she would do. He also couldn't help but feel guilty. She was drunk, and it was Nico's fault. But Ryo wasn't there to stop any of it from happening. And Rika's own uncharacteristic-ness just made him feel even more pissed off. After the D-Reaper he made a vow to Rika, a vow to be there for her. He broke that promise.

Rika's eyes began to water. In what seemed like ages, she wanted to cry. She fought the tears from coming down, but couldn't stop the sobs. "I'm sorry." Ryo never said anything. Rika thought he might not have heard. Placing her hands on each of his shoulders, she reached up so her mouth was close to his ear, "I'm so sorry."

Ryo had heard the first time. Hearing Rika apologize wasn't normal. He couldn't help himself but to scream at her. "What were you thinking, Rika?" Other voices around drowned out his words. He squeezed her shoulder and moved his face closer to hers so their noses almost touching. He could just barely smell the alcohol on her breath. "Rika. He isn't even drunk. He could have done something to you. And you wouldn't have been able to fight back."

Rika nodded. The thought crossed her mind as well. Nico was capable of hurting her, but instead he helped her walk. In Rika's book, he was a perfect gentleman. And appose to him not being drunk, maybe he didn't get drunk as fast as her. Then again, she drank more then him. A lot more.

Noticing Nico come up, Ryo looked at Rika once more and walked away. He would have given anything in the would to punch that no-good grinning jerk in the face. But he didn't touch him, or say anything to him. Ryo just walked on by.

"Ah Rika. Conversation did not go to well, no?" He asked her as he placed his arms back around her. She shook her head. "Well, he seems like a jerk anyways. Come, the fireworks are about to start in five minutes. Let us get a better spot."

Nico placed an arm through Rika's and lead her through the crowd and past the fountains. Rika's face curled into a frusterated look as she and Nico walked by some very drunk men, all of whom, whistling at Rika. Nico only chuckled and continued walking. They made their way down some marble steps and into a very small court. It was about the size of a tennis court with a small fountain located in the centre. Stone benches alined the fountain and flowers decorated the rest of the place. Unlike the larger courtyard, this one was quiet.

Rika sat down on a small bench and Nico stood in front of her smiling. "Three minutes," he said, looking at his watch. "I guess it's time to tell you now." His voice no longer carried his broken Japanese accent, but a very thick, perfect tone. He looked around the court, then back at Rika. "Three minutes, Rika, it will all be over."

Rika had no idea what he was talking about, and nor did she care much. Nico continued talking, but in a lower voice. "I had you played from the very begining." He said. "You were easy to manipulate. What was it? The accent? Or the way I was a perfect gentleman?" He laughed. "You are an idiot. I played you like a game of Tetris; fit you into all the right spots."

Rika looked up at him confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, Rika. I made you tell me everything. About yourself, about your friends, about your Digimon." He looked at his watch again. "Less then two minutes." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small switch blade. "I'm sorry Rika, I truely am. But orders are orders. I have to kill you. Eliminate you."

"Why? I trusted you!" Rika screamed.

A shadow near the stairs caught Nico's attention. He looked but nothing was there. Probably just a cat or something, he thought angerly. He turned his attention back to his target. "I know. And unfortunately for you, no one is here to help you." Nico looked around again and smiled. "Getting you drunk worked out pretty frickin' fine, did it not? You are too unsteady to help yourself fight, and Ryo, precious Ryo, is not here. He's mad at you, you know?"

"I don't need anyone to help me," Rika snarled. She stood up and took a swing at Nico, who easily knocked her away with a blow to the stomach. She doubled over in pain.

"I liked you Rika. Trust me, I really did." He looked up into the sky. The moon was shining bright, and the night was cloudless. Nico grinned. "Less then one minute, Italy is officially ours to conquer." He flicked the blade open to his knife and brought it down viciously at Rika.

xxVxx

"I can't believe it," Ryo said, shaking his head. "What the hell is wrong with her?"

Kazu looked at Ryo with a concerned look. "Maybe Nico played her."

Ryo looked at him with a confused looked. "Played her?"

Kazu nodded. "Yeah. What if he got her drunk so you would get mad at her, therefore he could do whatever he pleases."

"He doesn't know me, I can't see that happening."

"Just think about it man, what if he is up to something."

Ryo laughed, "like what? Total destruction of Italy? Come off it. Rika likes him."

"And trusts him," a voice said. Ryo turned to look. It was Henry. "The two left right after you walked back to us."

Ryo's eyes lit up, "which way did they go?"

Henry pointed past the fountains. "That way." Ryo started to leave but Henry grabbed him. "I know she isn't herself. He could possibly be up to something with her, Ryo. And God help him if he lays one hand on her. But Ryo, don't kill him, okay?" Ryo nodded and ran.

Of all his luck, they had to take off past all these drunken idiots. It was overly crowded and nearly impossible to push through. A few guys knocked Ryo across the head for pushing them. He didn't care though, he needed to see what Nico was up to. He rounded a corner and neared some stairs. He could hear some talking over top of his panting. It was Nico.

Cautiously walking down the flight of marble stairs, he listened in as best as he could but couldn't hear a damned thing, due to his heavy breathing and because Nico decided to voice his words more silently. Ryo watched intently. He had seen Nico reach into his pocket and pull something. Ryo could see Rika's face switch from calm to angry. Nico's head turned Ryo's way, and he took a few steps up the stairs and into the shadow. Like hell he wanted to be seen.

After several seconds, Ryo tip-toed down the stairs and watched them. His eyes lit up in shock as Rika took a blow to Nico, who punched her square in the stomach. Was he trying to rape her? Ryo didn't know or care, he ran at Nico just in time to see him flick open a knife and drive it down at her. Before the knife touched her flesh, Ryo tackled Nico, and hard.

Nico grunted as his back his the ground with a thump, his knife flying beside him. Ryo was on top of him, and punched him in the face. Nico roared in pain as Ryo hit him again, harder then the last. Without hesitation, Nico grabbed for his knife and slashed Ryo across the chest. It was Ryo's time to shout out in agony as the sliver blade made contact with his chest, leaving a deep cut in its place. Ryo grabbed Nico's arm before he came back with another go.

Rika, who was watching helpless, decided to do something. She stumbled over to Ryo and pulled him off of Nico. Then, with all her might, she kicked Nico in the side. Ryo would have laughed at him if this wasn't such a serious situation. Grabbing Rika's arm, he lead her back to the bench and sat her down.

"Think this is funny, do you?" Nico growled. "I'll kill you both."

"What happened to your broken Japanese?" Ryo eyed him.

Nico tightened his grip on the knife. "Haha. I am not Italian." Nico charged at Rika, blade out in front of him, but stopped in his tracks. The fireworks began to shoot off, and Nico started laughing hysterically. "I'm going to kill you both. And since I look injured, I'm going to run back to your little friends and put on an act that we were attacked but you both were murdered."

Ryo grit his teeth. There was no way in hell he was going to die because of that moron. And as things couldn't get worse, Nico ran at him, his blade still in his hand. Ryo ducked out of the way but wasn't fast enough. Nico had sliced above his shoulder. Blood trickled out.

Ryo punched in the face again, and Nico fell back from the impact. The different colour lights from the fireworks made Nico's grim expression look horrific. He's frickin' crazy, Ryo said inwardly. Nico attacked again with the knife, but Rika stopped him. She was holding his arm down with both of her own. Ryo seized the oppertunity to uppercut him. They heard a loud crunch sound as Nico's jaw broke. Rika let him go, and he collasped to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Ryo grabbed Rika and pulled her behind him. They headed for the stairs to make track as far away from there as possible, but a booming voice called out to them

"Hold it right there!"

They looked to see who it was. To Rika's surprise, and relief, it was the security guard who was eyeing her eariler. The security guard was standing on top of the stairs, club stick in hand. He was beating his palm with the stick as he walked down the stairs. The illuminating lights of the fireworks flashed his eerie face.

Ryo knew damn well that they were done for. Rika was in no position to fight and hell, he just beat the crap out of Nico with a lot of effort. If this guy is against him, then they might as well say their prayers now.

"You're not going anywhere," he smiled.

Rika noticed that there was a man behind him. Not just any many but Mr Shimizu. He was wearing his usual black outfit and his face looked distorted.

"What the hell is going on?" Ryo roared. Rika stood behind him, placing a hand on his back. She peeked over his shoulder to see Mr Shimizu and the guard laughing.

Mr Shimizu looked at Ryo, "what's going on? Surely you figured a bit of it out?" Ryo didn't answer. "We are taking over Rome."

Rika gasped. She recalled the phone conversations that she overheard. How could I be so stupid? Ugh! I should have told Henry or Ryo for that matter. She shook her head. "Why? Why the hell do you want Rome?"

This time it was the guard to speak, "you're very stupid. The Colosseum. We can use that to open a portal to the Digital world." He chuckled. "Our army is already set. And we would be on our way there if that pathetic excuse for a Digimon would have killed you."

Ryo and Rika both looked over at Nico. He was still laying on the ground and breathing very slowly. "He's a Digimon?" Ryo asked.

Mr Shimizu nodded. "A human – Digimon. He has a thing called Spirit Evolution." (A/N: if you bothered to read this far, I just have to say: thank god for the Spirit Evolution. Makes this story simplier in my opinion. OK, let's continue, almost over -grins-)

"What's that? A bio-emerge?" Rika asked Mr Shimizu.

He nodded. "Well, now that we are up to date what is happening, it's time to finish you off."

Mr Shimizu pulled out a device, one like the Tamers' themselves had. Only this one was tall and skinny, not short and plump. He raised it out in front of him and a glowing pink light surrounded his entire body. He screamed in agony as his body began to mutate into a form of a pink Digimon. After moments, the blinding pink light disapperared. A creature took its place.

It was pink and had sythe like arms. Blue hair as long as its body ran off its back, and a blue star-shaped symbol was shining on its fore-head. It gave a loud roar and ran at them. It's sythes raised high ready to slice down on them.

Rika wrapped her arms around Ryo and gave a squeeze. It was going to be their last few seconds together. She regretted everything wrong in life. As she watched the Digimon run at them, she couldn't help but to think what it would have been like never being involved with Digimon. The blades then lowered, followed by a shout of attacking command.

"Blade Twist-"

"Desolation Claw!"

A large beam of energy shot down in front of them. Missing Ryo and Rika by inches. The beam made contact with the ground and Ryo and Rika were sent flying back a few feet. Dust covered the area where the nicely done marble ground once was.

"Deolation Claw!" Through the dirt they could see a large beam head straight to where the pink Digimon was standing. A loud cry of pain informed them that the Desolation Claw had hit.

When the dirt cleared Cyberdramon was standing infront of the pink Digimon, holding back it's claws. The guard saw his chance to attack and ran at Cyberdramon with his club stick. Acting out of instinct, Cyberdramon picked up the Digimon and swung him around, hitting the guard. He relased the Digimon and it and the guard totaled backwards into the fountain.

"Enough of this. Let's go. We are behind schedule. We will kill them later." The Digimon snarled.

"But Kyukimon, we can't just leave them. They know too much." The guard said.

"I know that but we need to hurry." Kyukimon said impatiently. "The Data Field will close soon and we need to get to the Digital world." The guard nodded and ran to Nico. He picked him up and the three took off, without looking back.

Ryo stood up, giving Rika a helping hand. Rika stood and wiped the dirt off of her clothes and turned to face Ryo. "Thank you." She said. He nodded. "I didn't actually think you would come."

Ryo laughed. "I told you I would always be there for you. And honestly, you were drunk and I thought he was going to rape you." Rika raised an eyebrow. "It's not an excuse by the way."

"Whatever."

"Hey Cyberdramon, thanks for the quick appearance. You came when we needed you the most," Ryo said happily. The Digimon grunted.

"Ryo. You are in a lot of danger. There is an army of over five thousand Digimon preparing to attack here," Cyberdramon informed him.

Ryo scratched his chin, "why are they attacking Italy of all places?"

"I don't know, but we need to find out fast. I will go back to the Digital world and inform everyone you are alright."

Ryo nodded. "Becareful." Cyberdramon grunted again and took off.

"Wow, that's the most I've ever heard him speak," Rika muttered. Ryo laughed.

"Yeah, he can be quite shy, I guess." He looked down at his shirt. It was blood stained, but the good news was that he wasn't bleeding anymore. "Nothing a few stitches can't cure."

Rika smiled. "Let's get back to the others. It's been one hell of a night."

Authors Note: Sorry about the extremely long wait. No excuses for it, apart from the fact I just didn't feel like writing, LOL.

I hope you some-what liked this chapter. It was long and probably very boring. And too bad I killed off Nico's good-side character. It was my plan all along, though, I did like that guy. He was nice, haha.

By the way, I in fact, have not read over this chapter. So any mistakes and errors of any kind are completely due to my laziness.

Next chapter is dedicated to complete Ryuki-ness. So stick around!

And story recoginition goes to Narissa with her awesome Tamers Sagas - Crescendo and its sequal Code Carter (Ryuki stories.) Great stories, I hope she updates Code Carter -shakes fist-