Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon

Chapter 2: Gallantmon

Takato slowly woke up to a soft weight on his bare chest, looking down he could see a curled up black cat sleeping on him. He knew that BlackGatomon liked to flirt with him and although he discouraged it he didn't stop her from sleeping next to him. Virus Digimon were hunted down in the Digital World because the other Digimon had started to blame them for what had happened with the D-Reaper.

The Digimon on his chest had been hunted for months before finally making it to the real world, she had been weak still when getting here and had been attacked by partnered Digimon upon arriving. Luckily Takato had been nearby and had seen what was happening, quickly bio-merging with Guilmon he had protected the unconscious Digimon with his shield before taking her back to his home.

Upon waking up she had been scared and had attacked him, but froze just inches from his skin when she heard him tell his partner not to defend him or attack her. This act of kindness both saved his life and got her to listen to how she had got into his house in the first place. Hearing how he had saved her and brought her here to rest she had thanked him and asked why he was helping a virus Digimon.

That night she had learnt not only that he was the only tamer to have a virus Digimon but to trust for the first time. She had been too scared to sleep that night until he had picked her up and lay her next to him on his bed, his arm around her protectively. It had been this action that had made her vow to help protect him and wish that he could be her partner as well. The silent wish was heard by a stray DigiGnome and it had granted it, transforming his digivice into the omnivice he had now.

Remembering this made him smile and gently reach out to scratch behind her ear causing her to purr in contentment. He watched as she slowly opened one eye to look up at him, seeing his smile she rubbed her head against his chest like a real cat would before getting off him so he could get ready for school.

Takato knew that it would be a long day at school, he knew that the first tamers will want more information after him noticing Renamon following him home yesterday. After a quick shower and getting dressed he made his way downstairs for breakfast, he made sure to eat a lot, something told him he would need his energy today. Deciding not to bio-merge they all climbed onto Grani back before he took off towards school.

The other tamers and Digimon were shocked when a massive dragon landed in the middle of the playground at school having not seen it the day before because of Takato waiting for them to leave before calling him to take him home. The whispers started straight away when they noticed the new student get off with the three Digimon quickly following.

Ryo was starting to get angry with the new boy, not only had he (according to him) not shown him the proper respect but he had stolen the attention of every girl away from him. He had even noticed the slight blush on Rika's face when her eyes fell on Takato and he felt only he should have the attention of the Digimon Queen.

It was upon seeing the blush on Rika's face that he decided to challenge Takato to a Digimon battle to so him his place and try and get her to see that Takato was just another weak tamer like all the rest. He knew that he would have to he would need to wait to lunch but he knew that Justimon was stronger than a normal mega because he was bio-merged so he knew he could take out any mega that Takato used.

Ignoring the questioning looks from the first tamers Ryo shot Takato a dirty look and stormed away, all he could think about was how he was going to embarrass Takato and win Rika's heart. Unknown to him Rika knew exactly what he was thinking and it made her smile, not coz he wanted to win her but because he didn't know that he wasn't the only one that could bio-merge, she couldn't wait to see his face.

During the morning lessons Takato noted the different looks he was getting from two of the first tamers, he notice that Ryo was now giving him looks of contempt and that Rika was blushing slightly whenever she looked at him. Although he didn't understand the second one he guessed that it was the reason behind the first so decided to ignore both.

He already knew what Ryo was thinking of doing and knew how strong Justimon was so he knew that if he couldn't win as Gallantmon he would have to go one step higher, a small smile graced his face at the thought of the shock faces of the first tamers if he had to go that far. The only thing he didn't know was that Ryo didn't know that he could bio-merge, he was sure that Rika would have told the others.

The first tamers followed Ryo outside at lunch and were shocked when he didn't head towards where they normally hang out. Quickly following him without asking what he was up to they noticed he was heading towards the new boy sitting under a tree talking to Alice.

Takato noticed their approach first and couldn't help the smug look that entered his face as he did, he knew this was going to happen but he also knew that Ryo didn't stand a chance. When Alice saw the look on his face she followed his gaze and saw the others, not knowing what was going on she waited patiently for them to make it to them.

"Up for a battle?" Ryo asked not bothering to hide his overconfident tone. "Or is the new boy too scared of getting beaten?"

"Oh I'm sure I can take a little time out of my lunch to beat up on the so called Legendary Tamer" Takato replied yawning as he stood up.

"You better get BlackWarGraymon ready for a beating then" Ryo stated, Takato's smug attitude starting to piss him off "no mega can beat a bio-merged Digimon even with the help of modify cards"

It was as he said this that Takato realised that Rika hadn't yet told the others that he could also bio-merge causing him to smile. Beside him Alice was also smiling 'leave it to Ryo to underestimate his opponent' she thought to herself.

"BlackAgumon" he said turning to the three Digimon watching him "you and BlackGatomon can ether stay and play or come watch it's up to you. Guilmon what you think, up for a workout?" he asked. "Although we will have to wait for a group of wild ones before we get a challenge"

"You're using dino-boy instead of BlackWarGraymon?" Ryo asked in shock, looking around he saw shock on everyone's faces but Alice's and surprisingly Rika's. 'What do those two know that we don't?' he asked himself.

By this time everyone had heard of the coming battle and the battle area had been cleared of training Digimon and every student and teacher in the school was in the stands. BlackAgumon and BlackGatomon had decided to watch their tamer and sat next to Alice and Dobermon, and to Alice's surprise Rika and Renamon.

"You don't look surprised he chooses Guilmon to battle with" Alice said quietly looking at the red head.

"I'm not" Rika stated with a smirk "and I'm guessing it's your doing that they can bio-merge, same with us."

With a wide smile Alice shook her head "Nope, he turned down the Sovereigns gift." Upon seeing Rika's shocked look she continued "He knew that if he took it I would lose Dobermon and he refused to let that happen. He told me that something had happened in his past that made him think he would be able to without the gift. The first time he tried in the real world the process caused him pain but after that one time it was ok."

Ryo looked across at his opponent and then at his partner next to him, Cyberdramon was growling in anticipation causing the boy to grin. 'A walk in the park' he thought to himself before pulling out his D-Ark.

"Bio-merge activate" he called out a smile on his face.

BIO-MERGE DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE

Cyberdramon bio-merge to …. Justimon

Where the tamer and Digimon had stood moments before now stood the large grey android Digimon, his metal helmet covering his face and long red scarf blowing in the wind.

"Digivolve your Digimon already so we can get started" his duel voice called out.

Takato slowly shook his head before hold his left arm in front of him, the screen on his omnivice glowing.

"Bio-merge activate" he called out shocking everyone but Alice and Rika, even Justimon took a step back in shock.

BIO-MERGE DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE

Guilmon bio-merge to …. Gallantmon

Where Takato and his partner had once stood now stood a large Knight Digimon, his bright white armour trimmed with gold, red shoulder guards and what looked like part of Guilmon's head incorporated onto his helmet, behind him blowing in the wind was a long red cape.

Then in front of all their eyes he held up his right hand watching it become his holy lance "Gram", he then held out his left hand out to his side watching it as it became his holy shield "Aegis".

"You're a Royal Knight?" Justimon shouted in shock taking another step backwards.

"Glad you recognise us" Gallantmon called back "but are we going to fight or what?"

While this was happening Rika had pulled out her D-Ark and pointed it at Gallantmon.

Gallantmon

Exalted Knight Digimon

Virus

Guardian Deity of the Net

His Lightning Joust and Shield of the Just are almost unstoppable

Rika let out a loud whistle and looked back at the Digimon glad that she wasn't in Ryo's place. Hearing the whistle everyone turned to look at her and upon seeing her D-Ark pointing at Gallantmon every tamer in the stands copied the action. Quick whispers and gasps echoed around the stands before looking back at the two Digimon waiting for them to begin.

It was Gallantmon who started the battle, with the yell "Lightning Joust" he took a step forward thrusting Gram out towards his opponent sending a blast of lightning at Justimon.

Justimon quickly dodged to the side barley being missed, although Gallantmon was stronger he was faster. Quickly closing the gap between them, his arm transforming as he ran, he called out "Voltage Blade" as he slashed out with the energy blade.

Gallantmon blocked the blade with Aegis before shoving Justimon back hand calling out "Shield of the Just" the beam of energy narrowly missing his target as Justimon rolled away his arm transforming again.

Shouting out "Thunderclap" Justimon slammed his new arm into the ground sending shockwaves flying towards Gallantmon. Inside his data sphere Takato knew what was going to happen so made Gallantmon jump into the air putting Aegis beneath him and using the shockwaves to send him higher into the air.

As he made it to the apex of the shockwave enhanced jump he gracefully back flipped and landed on Grani's back who was now hovering above the battle area.

"So you needed back up" Justimon called out "or are you so scared you're running away?"

Hearing this Gallantmon just laughed "No I knew that your speed against my power would mean a standoff, but like I said earlier you're a warm up. Think yourself lucky you get to be the first to experience me at my very best."

"Mode change activate" he shouted before a sphere of red light encased both Gallantmon and Grani.

MODE CHANGE DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE

Gallantmon mode change to …. Gallantmon Crimson Mode

Hovering above them was now a knight Digimon, its red armour trimmed with gold, ten angel wings on its back, the sacred sword Blutgang in his right hand and the sacred spear Gungnir in his left.

Before any could pull out their D-Ark Gallantmon CM flew at Justimon like a bullet forcing Justimon backward. Within seconds the battle was over, it took one normal hit from Blutgang to make Justimon de-digivolve, leaving Ryo and Monodramon tired but alive in his place.

Looking up they saw a flash of light before seeing Takato stroking Grani's neck and Guilmon sitting next to him mumbling to himself about what he wanted for dinner.

"Thanks Grani I'll see you after school" Ryo heard the boy say before the dragon flew away. Everyone watched in shocked silence as without gloating or even looking at the boy on the floor Takato turned and walked back towards the school building with his three Digimon following behind him.

Takato hadn't battled Ryo because he didn't like him or to become popular he had done it to teach Ryo a simple lesson, one the whole school now knew. If you underestimate any opponent you can lose, no matter who you are.

The walk home after school was filled with memories of the day for Rika, although she hadn't got to question Takato she had learnt more about him. She had learnt that he would rather go through pain than sacrifice any life be that human or digital, that he could go past the normal point of a bio-merged mega and that he didn't fight just to be the best.

Rika had been one of the few that had caught the look in his eyes before he had walked away from the battle area. It had not been smugness or triumph at being able to beat a mega with one hit without using his attacks. No it had been a look of sadness and understanding, the look of someone who had made mistakes in their life and had just had to teach a hard lesson so others don't make the same ones.

It was that look in those red eyes that made her feel a connection to the boy, as if the pain in both of their pasts drew her to him. It made her want to comfort him and that was something she had never done before, but as she thought of that feeling she remembered the dream she had last night and blushed.

Walking straight through her house she entered her room instantly lying down on her bed and closing her eyes. She'd had plenty of shocks that day and they had worn her down, not five minutes after getting home she was asleep. This time she dreamed of being Sakuyamon riding on a large dragon with the arms of a knight in white armour wrapped round her.

She felt safe and warm in this dream, in her room Renamon noticed the smile of contentment on the sleeping girls face and wondered what she was dreaming.

Across town Takato was also was also remembering the events of the day and was starting to regret how he had handled the situation. Although he had taught Ryo a valuable lesson he had taken the challenge not to teach him but out of anger.

He felt that the first tamers should be setting an example for the others, instead so far all he had seen was most of them just using their fame to get what they want. The first tamers should be training the others to help better protect the area from any wild ones that tried to cause damage not just letting attack any wild Digimon they see no matter how strong it is. It was because of tamers just attacking without thinking that he had lost his dad.

It had been just over a year ago but he could remember it as if it was yesterday, the group of mega virus Digimon had made it to the real world and had started attacking anything in sight. Every tamer in the area had rushed to the area and had attacked them without even pulling out the D-Arks to see what they were actually fighting. The rookies and champions they had sent into the battle had been defeated in minutes, the only reason they wasn't deleted and their tamers killed was because Takato had got there just in time.

Takato as Gallantmon had thrown himself in the way of the group of mega's attacks using Aegis to defend them. He had ordered the tamers and LadyDevimon to get the hurt Digimon out of there before attacking the group to stop them from seeing what the others were doing.

He didn't know how long he had been fighting when LadyDevimon returned and told him they were safe, he hadn't had time to stop so he had just told her to stay behind him and to take out any badly injured ones that made it past him. After hours of fighting he had finally defeated the last Digimon in front of him, quickly turning to see how LadyDevimon was doing he felt fear grip him at what he saw.

He saw LadyDevimon fly into a building and de-digivolve back into BlackGatomon before falling to the floor unconscious, but it wasn't that that caused him to run forward with the last of his energy. Lying on the floor was a human man with what look like a broken right leg trying to crawl backward, standing above him was an injured Piedmon with an evil smile on his face and one of his swords falling towards the man as if in slow motion.

Gallantmon had run forward, the whole world seeming to slow down around and stabbed Gram through the mega's back. With a sigh of relief he let Gram and Aegis turn back to his hands only for shear panic to take over when he looked down. Not only had he been too late to stop the blade from slicing the man open from shoulder to hip but the man lying below him was also his father.

Using his fear to drive him and using every last drop of energy he had left in his body he grabbed BlackGatomon and carefully picked up his dad and ran as fast as he could to the nearest hospital. Upon arriving he cried out for help, when the doctors came running he carefully placed his father on floor next to them before de-digivolving and passing out from exhaustion.

Upon waking up three days later and found out that his father had been dead for two days he had been so overcome with grief he had disappeared to the Digital World.

Takato's thoughts were interrupted as BlackGatomon jumped onto his lap looking up at him with worry in her eyes. Feeling the sting in his eyes he realised he had been crying, too tired to get undressed he laid down on his bed and pulling the cat like Digimon to him fell asleep.

Outside his window stood a Lillymon watching the boy intently, her helmet and dress a dark red and made of what looked like rose petals. Where normally a Lillymon would have bright green wings and boots hers were black. Leaving the boy to sleep she gave a small smile before flying off into the night.