DISCLAIMER: I do not own Digimon, but I do own the plot, and DRAGOON.

Digimon Continuity

Quest for the Digimon

Chapter 16

The Secret is Out

:. Digital Plane - Desert Plane
DRAGOON

02:47 PM JST

Ryo settled down on the side of DRAGOON's interior. Though DRAGOON was technically at rest after depleting all of his current power and recharging, his interior systems were alive with activity. Ryo recalled when they had entered DRAGOON first how they were awed by the complexity of the systems, especially Henry.

There were three screens nearer to the front of the interior, acting like a cockpit. Each screen showed a view from DRAGOON's front, left and right respectively. Right in the front of the middle screen was a keyboard and a chair. Henry was currently typing away on the computer, so focused in what he was doing that he seemed to forget that Ryo was there. Which was a good thing... on his part anyway. Ryo could still remember the faces of his friends and the Digimon when he suggested the idea of burning himself to heal himself. The first thing they said was that it was the most ridiculous idea they had ever heard.

Still, they had carried it out and now Ryo bore a scar that marked where his wound used to be. Ryo remembered screaming his lungs out when the fire touched his skin. Henry had instantly swiped a Shellmon that allowed Terriermon to cool the burning skin with a Hydro Pressure's running water, though the bunny did not use it to full power. His shin wound they simply bound it up with cloth, rather than witness another horrible burning session. At least one good thing came out of this, Impmon wouldn't be burning any flesh any time soon. He thought, concealing a grin at his own joke. The pain of the wound struck again and this time a grimace took his features.

Strikedramon stepped forward from the shadows, but Ryo waved him away. The former stopped halfway and slowly backed away. Now about Strikedramon. What am I going to do with him? He questioned himself worriedly, though he knew well enough not to expect an answer. Strikedramon proceeded to lean against the wall in an imitation of Renamon again, but still kept an eye on Ryo himself. Right now, I don't know whether he is keeping an eye on me to see when I'm weakest or to make sure that I'm aright.

I have never really used Strikedramon before. Who knows what the jogress with Millenniumon could have done to him? He let himself heave a sigh, though not so obvious that it would attract the purple dragon's attention again. In the past, I would have never even doubted him for a second. I can't believe that I trust Cyberdramon more than him, though they are still the same Digimon, but their personalities defer so much. At least with Cyberdramon, I now know what to expect... but... Ryo's eyes narrowed. I wish that I am in a better condition than I am in now. If Millenniumon is controlling the form of Strikedramon...

No. Another part of him thought. He would much rather have Cyberdramon, he is more powerful.

But, Ryo argued. Strikedramon is more knowledgeable, faster, quicker and more calm. Almost exactly like Millenniummon. If there is any one of the three, Monodramon, Strikedramon and Cyberdramon, personalities that he would choose, he would choose Strikedramon without a doubt.

No. The other part thought. Millenniummon likes power, he would prefer a more powerful form compared to a less powerful one.

Millenniummon can easily find a source to increase his power, what he needs is brains, not brawn. Power he can get later. What he needs now is to plan, and who better to do so than Strikedramon, with his ability to calculate time like that without a watch, not even Koushiro could do that.

The other half of him was silent. It was then that Ryo realised what he had done. The other half had been trying to find a reason to trust Strikedramon, while he had been arguing to not trust him. His palm hit his forehead. Stupid.

Sounds were heard near the open side door of DRAGOON and Takato walked in, looking uncomfortable with himself. He walked to the front of the interior, nearer to the screens and further away from Ryo, as he was situated in the back. Takato and Henry started to talk.

A few moments later, Henry let out a yelp while Takato backed away. Henry started shouting at the top of his voice.

"Why didn't you tell me about them earlier, Takato?!" Henry yelled. "We could have saved so much time!"

Takato muttered something incomprehensible and gave an oddly familiar grey device to Henry. The blue haired boy let out a sigh and took the device, sitting down on the cockpit chair again, before he began to type away.

The gogglehead soon approached Ryo. "Umm..." Takato began, his face starting to go pale. Ryo understood. The former was remembering the unpleasant 'surgery' that Impmon had performed on Ryo not too long ago. Best to do this quick, before he has a chance to puke. Ryo though uncomfortably. He did not want Takato's lunch all over himself, he did not want it to come out from either end too soon either.

"Yes? What is it?" He asked, his calm manner hiding the pain that the wounds were bringing him, not that he was noticing it.

"Umm... uh..." Takato was staring at the part of his T-shirt that hid the wound, growing even paler with each passing second.

"Does it have something to do with the device you gave Henry?" Ryo asked, taking a guess at Takato's question.

Takato snapped out of the trance-like state and colour returned to his face as he unslung the backpack he was carrying, while nodding nervously at the same time. "Uh, yeah." he said while taking out a rectangular shaped device. Ryo need not look further to know that it was a D-Terminal, as he had seen the show and the real thing too many times to boot. He had seen it in stores as well, having the function of email and live chatroom, much like the counterpart in the shows.

Ryo accepted the device, opening it to see the inside. He had not bought one for himself, mainly because he didn't need it, but for other reasons as well. "What is it for?" he asked.

"Oh... um... it was meant for Yamaki and Hypnos to uh... contact us when they need to... and to talk to DRAGOON." Takato stammered.

Ryo nodded, before asking the million dollar question. "Does it work?"

"Um... I don't know."

Ryo nodded again. Takato took it as a sign that he could leave, before Ryo called his name again. The former stiffened, and almost reluctantly, turned around.

"Do you mind doing me a favour?"

Takato stammered. "Um... sure."

Ryo unclipped one of the decks on the side of his belt and passed it to Takato. The latter gave it a curious look. "Why are you giving me a deck?"

"No. Give it to Henry for me. He'll need it more than I do."

"Then... what about you?"

"I have two more." Ryo answered.

"Umm..." Takato hesitated, Ryo was certain that the next thing he was going to say would be why was he carrying three decks. The gogglehead however, decided not to prolong the conversation. His face was beginning to pale again. "Umm, yeah sure."

Takato was about to walk away again when Ryo called him back, much to the former's discomfort. "Do you mind passing this to Rika too?" Ryo took out the deck situated at the back of his belt, the one that was of sentimental significance to him. Ryo always had this deck with him, even when he was in the Digital Plane for the first time, despite having never used it before. Ryo decided long ago that keeping it with him right now would not do anyone any good, though one might think that trusting it with Rika would be a bad idea. Thankfully, only Ryo knew about the significance of the deck, and no one else present, not even Strikedramon.

Takato's reaction rather surprised Ryo. He started to back away from Ryo's outstretched hand, sweating considerably. "Umm, sorry Ryo, but uh... can't I do it after I've passed the other deck to Henry?"

Ryo could practically see the fear in Takato's eyes. Ryo could understand why too. Wow, Rika laughing back there must have lead everyone to believe she has lost it. Though Ryo knew that she was laughing at him specifically, he was not exactly mad. Well, not that the pain allowed him to hold any emotion for too long. And a Rika who has lost it is not a Rika one would like to meet, even if it is only to drop off something.

Ryo decided that he had little choice other than to do so himself. Who knows when we'll have such a safe time away from any threats when the data storm ends? Ryo pushed against the wall behind him and got to his feet.

"Ryo?" Takato said in worry. "What are you doing?"

"Getting the deck to Rika myself." was the reply.

"Oh."

Strikedramon immediately slipped under Ryo's arm, and Ryo didn't reject. I need the help, and besides, what better way to keep an eye on him?

Takato hesitated, as if he wanted to stop him. But the gogglehead made no move to do so. Ryo, aided by Strikedramon, had already reached the open side door when Takato rushed over.

"Umm, Ryo?" Ryo stopped and gave the goggled boy his attention. Takato took out another of the D-Terminals. "Do you mind... uh... giving this to Rika?"

Ryo raised an eyebrow, but nevertheless took the device and nodded. Takato gave him a thankful grin and proceeded to give Henry the deck. Ryo shook his head and went down the ramp with Strikedramon's aid.

"Now, where might Rika be?"

Though the cave was relatively small, it was dark, and only a small fire nearer to the mouth of the cave gave any lamination at all, save for the occasional data stream that passed. Strikedramon prodded him a little and pointed to one corner of the cave behind DRAGOON. Ryo saw the yellow colour of Renamon vaguely, and started to limp over.

Ryo, whilst limping to where he hoped to find Rika, investigated the D-Terminal with his free hand. It looks exactly the same. It feels exactly the same. He sighed, and clicked the switch that opened the cover, and the inside was still the same. It is almost as if I'm back with the other Chosen again. Almost as if I just have to type in the email of Ken to talk to him again... Ryo resisted the urge to input every single one of the Chosen's email that he remembered as clear as day into the device and start sending a hello email. He wished that it would work, so that he could at least let Ken know that he was alive, to know that they were still friends. I hate irony so much... He thought sadly while resisting to comply with the powerful urge to do so.

Still, maybe... He input the email of Ken anyway, and sent it anyway. If there is one thing Takeru taught me after all these years, it is to at least to have hope. Ryo smiled, and saved to the D-Terminal's memory all of the Chosen's emails. They may have betrayed him, but they still deserved a place not only in his memories, but in his life as well. They after all, did it for his own good.

Ryo was about to close the D-Terminal's cover when he heard Rika's voice. It was surprisingly soft, not at all like the loud one that Ryo was so accustomed to hearing. But what had interested him even more was the content of what the soft voice was saying. Unknownst to him, the open D-Terminal was broadcasting each and every word Rika said.

Takato let out a sigh. Man, I feel so bad, having to make Ryo give the deck and the D-Terminal to Rika while he is injured. What was I thinking? What am I thinking? He thought as he made for Henry. I know that Rika is not really... right at the moment, but she wouldn't hurt me right? Still...

He unconsciously held up the deck to Henry's eyes. Henry stopped in his typing and turned to look at Takato.

"What is this? You're giving me your deck?"

Takato shook his head, partly to clear his thoughts as well. "No. This is Ryo's deck."

"Ryo's? Why is he..."

"He said he had two more."

Henry's eyebrow rose, but he did not continue the questions.

Takato looked at the middle screen, where it still showed DRAGOON's front view of the mouth of the cave, and with it, the outside data storm. Around the mouth, but a fair distance away were the Digimon, Guilmon being asleep on the floor and most of the other Rookies and one Mega using Guilmon as a pillow, not to mention Kenta. Kazu was looking at his D-Power, not even looking drowsy.

Takato pitied Kazu's situation. If Guilmon was not here and everyone was, I would have felt horrible. Takato turned his view to the little window in the screen that had... words?

"Henry, what are you doing?"

"Oh." he turned back to the keyboard. "I was seeing what DRAGOON is capable of."

"How?" Takato asked, looking at all the random numbers, letters and expressions.

"Oh ya, you don't know what all these mean do you?"

Takato shook his head.

"Well, then, I guess there is no use explaining. Anyways, I have already checked it out. DRAGOON is great! I didn't know Dad and his friends could do so much. They installed all kinds of stuff, combat stuff of course. They even put in the Yuggoth Blaster!"

At the words, Takato's eyes dropped to the floor. Henry noticed it.

"Oh, sorry." The blue-haired boy apologised. "I shouldn't have brought up bad memories."

Takato flashed him a smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm alright."

Henry nodded, but tactfully changed the subject. "You know, I tried out the D-Terminal, and it is connected to DRAGOON's systems. Did you know that?"

"Yeah, I did know that." He said, smiling that he knew something that Henry didn't.

"How?"

"Yamaki told me."

"Oh." Henry said. He then frowned. "Well, anyways. Let's see what Ryo has in this deck."

Takato leaned in for a look as well. "Hey, those are only ordinary cards. Not even a single rare card!"

Henry lost enthusiasm in scanning the cards. "You know, this reminds me. Did you know that we couldn't Digivolve into Ultimate and Biomerge into Mega?"

"What? Why?"

"You know, I have had some time to think about that. I think that it is because of Calumon."

"Calumon? What does he have to do with this?"

"I think that it is because of him that we can't Digivolve." Henry explained.

"Huh? How does that work?" A very confused Takato asked.

"Well, you see, Calumon is the Shining Digivolution, the source of all Digivolutions, right?" Henry waited for Takato to nod before going on. "So, our Blue Card's algorithm actually activates the Shining Digivolution inside Calumon, but now that Calumon doesn't have Shining Digivolution as the Sovereigns released it, the Blue Card doesn't work anymore."

"... Right." Takato said in agreement, though he did not understand most of it... most of it. "So then, how come when I swiped the Blue Card through my card reader, it turned it into my D-Power?" Takato asked, holding up the Digicode-ringed Ultimate D-Power.

"Well, that one is simple. Just some part of the Blue Card's algorithm activates the transformation." Henry answered, before frowning. "Well, but I still can't figure out why we can't Biomerge." Henry struck a thinking pose. "Hmm... " Then he remembered something. "Ryo! Do you have any ide..."

Henry looked back, to find that to his horror and surprise, Ryo was not there. "... Umm... Takato? Where did Ryo go?" Henry scanned the rest of the interior of DRAGOON. "And where is Strikedramon?"

"Umm..." Takato stammered. Henry now looked back to Takato. "... Ryo kinda... went out to give Rika the D-Terminal." He lowered his voice with each word.

Henry, was the definition of calm at the moment. "What?" he stated.

"Umm, uh..." Takato scratched the back of his head.

"You let Ryo, who is injured, go off on his own to give Rika the D-Terminal when you could have done it?"

"Umm... sorry?"

"Oh you are going to be so..."

Henry stopped in mid-sentence when Rika's voice started to emerge from the open D-Terminal.

:. Real World - Japan, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolitan Towers
Main Control Room

03:02 PM JST

Finally, the voice fell silent. Yamaki heard the person who had the D-Terminal slam it shut, effectively ending the broadcast. The blonde haired man knew this was rather personal for Rika Nonaka, but he thought that her mother and grandmother deserved to listen to it. From their current expressions, he found himself to be right. Fortunately, he was tact enough to transfer the broadcast into an isolated meeting room, leaving only him, Rumiko and Seiko inside. He needed to be there to see if anything broadcast was relevant to allowing him to aid the Tamers... apparently not.

Rumiko Nonaka was in tears, while her mother comforted her. "I... I never knew... All those years... that he..." She continued to burst into tears.

"So, Rika was telling the truth that day after all." Seiko said in a monotone, tears brimming in her eyes, but not falling.

Yamaki kept silent, deciding to let the two women cry privately, or as privately as they can while he was around. He wished he could get out, but doing so will attract their attention to him, and he did not want that. Besides, keeping silent was sufficient at the moment.

"I can't believe it... that-that... Kiyoyuki has..."

"You were wrong. Kiyoyuki never betrayed you or Rika. You owe Rika an apology long due, Rumiko."

The younger woman's eyes looked down to her shoes. "And Kiyoyuki too." she whispered.

"And him too."

Rumiko closed her eyes for a second longer. "When Rika gets back, I will definitely apologise to her," She said, confidently this time. "and I will ask her to bring me to the place where..." Rumiko choked on the last words.

It was hard to imagine. Yamaki did not know anyone to have thought to lose their husband or lover to another girl only to find out that he had died protecting their daughter. This was the situation at the moment.

Rumiko leaned into her mother's shoulder and sobbed silently.

Well, I put in an emotional part, and try to explain why Matrix Digivolution doesn't work.

Next, thanks to the following for reviewing and your compliments:

Pokejim - All about what happened to the Chosen/Digidestined will be revealed in Aftermath of 02. Try reading the preview of it.

erinsgirl - Yes, I will bring them in in Aftermath of 02 and the fic after this. I may mention them in this fic as well. Also, I am honored to be the first. :)

Narissa - Thanks for the advice, hope you are considering my request.

For you guys, if you really want to know more, my profile page has slight summaries. Some of which are not really confirmed yet, but you can get the general idea there.

As for the rest, please review.