Unsure where she was, Rika found herself in a void of darkness, seeing only a stone blue floor beneath her feet and found she was unable to move.
Her arms wrapped around her body, Rika shook a little as she felt confusion, worry and quite cold, each breath she took let out fridgid air.
"What is this place? Why is it so cold?" Rika wondered, looking around as she then called out. "Renamon? Takato? Can anybody hear me?"
Getting no reply, Rika got a little more worried, before she tried to pull herself together and walk forward in the hopes she would find out where she was, or somebody who could help her.
However, Rika was unable to take a single step, making her look down, her panic increasing as she saw the floor around her begin to freeze, ice slowly encasing her feet and moving up her legs.
"Takato! Renamon! Somebody, anybody help me!" Rika called out fearfully as the ice continued to spread, covering her legs and moving up her body, freezing her hands in place.
Half way up her body, Rika could do nothing but cry out desperately for help, but no matter how much she begged, nobody came for her.
"Rika. Rika, wake up!" She suddenly heard Takato's voice calling her, causing Rika to open her eyes as she quickly sat up, finding herself back in her bedroom, now sitting up in her bed, while beside her was Takato, who was looking at Rika with concern.
"Rika, are you alright?" He asked, sounding greatly concerned for her.
"Yeah..." Rika replied, trying to calm herself down, before slowing down her breaths, tried to relax as she then said. "It was just a bad dream."
"Just try and relax. It's over now." Takato said in reply, placing a hand on Rika's shoulder and smiling at her, comforting the red haired Tamer.
"Well, I made breakfast, so when you feel better, come and join us." The brunette then offered, making Rika smile at Takato's continuation of care toward her, watching as Takato then left her room, sliding the door behind to give Rika some privacy.
With Takato gone, Rika started to get up from her bed, but she couldn't stop thinking about the nightmare she had, feeling a small chill in her room and caused her to look around.
Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, Rika sighed.
'It was just a dream.' She thought, trying to keep calm as she got up from her bed, grabbed a fresh pair of clothes from her draws, and after changing, now dressed in a light blue/gray shirt, deep blue jacket and a pair of olive coloured pants that had an orange band around the left leg, Rika exited her room and headed over to the dining room, smiling to see her grandmother at the table, while Takato was at the stove, preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Rika." Seiko greeted, smiling to see her granddaughter, making Rika smile back as she took a seat at the table, before asking curiously. "Where's mum?"
"She had to go into town for some new photo shoots." Seiko replied, knowing that it was a little hard on Rika, not being able to spend as much time with her mother as she liked, causing Seiko to then smile and say. "But the bright side means there's more for us."
With that said, Takato then placed a plate in front of Rika and Seiko, both plates containing a stack of pancakes, which smelt as amazing as they looked.
"Here you go." Takato said, before heading back to the kitchen and grabbing a plate for himself, taking a seat beside Rika as he began to eat.
"Thank you for making breakfast. It was very sweet of you, but you didn't have to do such a thing." Seiko said kindly, which Takato just smiled as he shook his head.
"It was no problem. I wanted to do it as a way to say thank you for letting me stay over, and for calling my parents so they knew I was all right." Takato said in reply, knowing if his parents found out what had happened to him, he would be in serious trouble.
"You are always welcome here." Seiko replied, continuing to show her kindness, smiling at Takato and at Rika, glad to see both enjoying their meals together, as well as how close they were.
As the three finished eating, Seiko rose from her seat, took the plates over to the sink and began to clean them.
"So what do you have planned for today?" She asked curiously.
"We going to the park to meet henry and hang out" takato said he didn't want to say about growlmon
"Well, I hope you kids have fun." Seiko replied, finished cleaning the plates, before she smiled and added. "And make sure you take some snacks with you. I'm sure Renamon and the others are hungry as well."
Stunned at Rika's grandmother bring up Renamon, the brunette froze up, while Rika placed a hand on his shoulder, smiled and said, explaining and reassuring. "It's alright. She already met Renamon, and knows about us as Tamers."
Breaking his silence, Takato then asked Seiko. "You know about our Digimon?"
The question caused Seiko to continued to smile and nod in reply.
"I met Renamon sometime after Rika became a Tamer, such a polite Digimon. And Rika has said many nice things about your partner. She has told me how great a Tamer you have become and has said many nice things about Guilmon. I look forward to meeting him soon." Seiko replied, her tone full of kindness and no fear or prejudice.
Takato smiled at knowing he could also trust Rumiko and Seiko about their Digimon secret, but had to say. "I'll be sure to bring Guilmon over to meet you and Rumiko, but right now he's kind of stuck in his champion form and would most likely break your house."
"I understand." Rumiko replied, before she said. "But when Guilmon is back to his correct size, please let him know he can always stay with us. I'm sure he'd like a roof over his head and be allowed to run around without accidentally scaring anyone."
"I will tell him. Thank you, ms. Nonaka." He said in reply.
"Please, call me Seiko." Seiko replied, exiting the dining room, having plans of her own and leaving Takato and Rika alone.
But looking at Rika, Takato saw something was bothering her.
'Why is it that I keep thinking about that nightmare?' Rika thought, too focused on her own thoughts, she didn't notice that Takato was calling her.
"Rika!" Takato then called out to her snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Are you sure you're ok?" He asked, looking at Rika with concern.
"It's nothing." Rika replied, not wanting Takato to worry over her, before changing the subject. "Now let's go. We need to see if Guilmon is back to his old self, or if we need to find a bigger location for him to hide in."
"Right." Takato said back, agreeing with Rika as the pair headed back to the park.
However, as Takato and Rika left her household, a set of white transparent claws appeared behind the red haired Tamer, making her freeze up a moment and look over her shoulder, seeing nothing.
But then, feeling Takato move his hand to hers', Rika felt warmth and comfort from the brunette as he held her hand and smiled at her, telling her that whatever was troubling her, he would be there for her, which made Rika smile back and focus back on returning to the park and checking up on Guilmon and his condition.
-Meanwhile-
Back where she had lead Growlmon, Renamon began to stir a little as she awoke, feeling a comforting warmth around her, but also confusion.
She remembered keeping an eye on Growlmon as he slept, but after a few hours, the rest of her memory faded to black, to which the foxy Digimon realized she had fallen asleep while supposed to be watching over Growlmon, to make sure nobody stumbled upon him, as well as to make sure he didn't run off if he got bored or wanted to see Takato again.
'I hope Growlmon didn't cause too much trouble while I was resting.' Renamon thought, before opening her eyes and taking in her surroundings, blushing a little at finding herself resting on said Digimon's chest, while also seeing his right arm over her.
But as much as Renamon was confused at the situation she had woken up upon, being in Growlmon's embrace, part of Renamon didn't want to leave it.
"Good morning, Renamon." She then heard Growlmon say, making her look up and saw the Hazard Digimon awake and smiling down at her.
"Did Renamon have good sleep?" Growlmon then asked, his tone full of curiosity and kindness.
"I slept fine." Renamon replied, admitting to herself it was one of the best sleeps she had.
But curious, Renamon had her own question.
"But why did you do this?" The foxy Digimon asked.
"Growlmon wake up early and saw Renamon asleep on tree branch, but not looking very comfortable, so Growlmon take Renamon and used big body as a bed for her." Growlmon explained, lifting up his arm and allowing Renamon to get up to her feet.
"Thank you for your consideration." Renamon said, jumping off of Growlmon and looked at him and commented. "But it seems resting wasn't enough to get you back to Guilmon."
Growlmon just looked back at Renamon and smiled as he said in reply. "It's ok. Growlmon know being Guilmon again will take more effort, but Growlmon also knows Renamon smart enough to come up with ways to make Growlmon smaller."
Renamon smiled, flattered at Growlmon's words and his confidence within her, the yellow furred vixen determined to live up to Growlmon's dedication towards her and began to think of a way to De-Digivolve the Hazard Digimon back to his Rookie form.
And thinking about it, Renamon then got an idea, to which she looked at Growlmon and suggested. "I do have one idea. We can try to meditate. Concentrate your mind and visualize what you want to accomplish."
Growlmon nodded to Renamon, where he then watched on as Renamon sat before him, crossed her legs and closed her eyes, the Hazard Digimon doing likewise, closing his eyes and ignoring everything outside his mind, all but the vixen's voice.
"Slow your breaths. Concentrate and keep a focused mind. Visualize what you want, and know that you can achieve it." Growlmon heard Renamon say, the Hazard Digimon nodding instinctively, allowing himself to be drawn entirely into his subconscious, where the darkness that came when he closed his eyes slowly faded, replaced with the perception of him, back as Guilmon, playing with Takato and the others, filling Growlmon with joy at seeing his friends all happy to have him back to his old self.
-With the Tamers-
After Takato and Rika had arrived in the park, making their way to Guilmon's shed, both saw Henry, Terriermon and Calumon waiting for them.
"Hey there!" Calumon greeted, continuing to show joy at seeing his friends as he jumped into Rika arms, before looking at Takato and asking, curious about his back. "And how are you feeling?"
"Much better." Takato replied, smiling at Calumon's kindness, but knew that they were still two Digimon short.
"So any ideas as to where Renamon could've hid Growlmon?" The brunette then asked.
"Renamon did a great job on hiding Growlmon, because I can not hear them." Terriermon commented as he stood atop Henry's left shoulder, his ears risen up, trying to listen around for his friends, but found no traces of either Digimon.
"Are Growlmon and Renamon playing hide and seek?" Calumon asked, thinking the Digimon's absence was part of a game, causing him to jump out from Rika's hold and run around, looking for the pair.
"Growlmon! Renamon!" Calumon called as he looked around, starting off by looking around Guilmon's shed, before going further, causing. Takato to suggest. "We better follow him before we have three missing Digimon."
"Agreed." henry said in reply, chasing after the cheerful Digimon, who continued his search for Growlmon and Renamon.
But as Rika followed the others, the same chill she felt from before came back, as did the set of white claws, making Rika quickly turn, finding nothing once again.
"Rika!" She heard Takato call, causing the red haired Tamer to look over and saw the brunette waving to her.
"Come on, we're waiting for you." Takato said with a friendly voice and smile, causing Rika to smile back and quickly run over to the brunete, holding his hand to help combat the negative feelings inside of her.
-Meanwhile-
Within an unknown location, surrounded by darkness, a winged figure stood with a dark smirk at the plans that dwelled within his mind.
"Soon, my dear Rika, soon you will be mine." He said, their tone matching the sinister smirk on their face.
"After I take care of those pests that swarm around you, we can be together." The figure went on to say, turning his head to gaze at the shaking forms of a Hyogamon and Ninjamon, both not just from the chill in the room, but the fear they felt toward the Digimon.
"I have a little deal for the both of you. If you do right, I will let you allow you your freedom." He told the pair, making both Digimon feel a little at ease, until the dark figure held up his hand and went on to say, his smile fading and his tone an obvious threat. "But fail me and you will suffer a fate worse than the one that fell you the first time we met."
Nervously, the Ninjamon managed to speak.
"Wha... what do you want us to do...?' He asked, knowing he and Hyogamon had no other choice but to comply.
"Out of all my fights, you two put up some interest. It is that strength I want you to use to dispose of these annoyances." The dark figure said in reply, snapping his fingers and causing a thin wall of ice to rise before the two Digimon, showing them the images of Takato, Guilmon, Henry and Terriermon.
"And if you happen to see this girl, leave her be." The figure then instructed, the image changing to Rika, as the Digimon then said.
"Do not make me regret my kindness." He finished, just as the image changed to Renamon and his claws tore through the ice, shattering the image Renamon to pieces, filling both Digimon with further fear.
"We understand, IceDevimon. We won't fail you." Hyogamon replied in a tone of fear, before he and Ninjamon headed off, leaving IceDevimon to his solitude, where he then picked up a piece of the shattered ice, showing the image of Renamon's face, making the ice Digimon smirk as he then said, crushing the ice in the process. "I will show Rika that I am perfect. No one will stop me from what I want."
-Back in the park-
As Takato, Rika, Henry, Terriermon and Calumon continued to search for Growlmon and Renamon, said Digimon remained in their meditative stances, Growlmon focusing as best he could, listening to Renamon's encouraging words, while his mind remained on returning to his Rookie form.
And while Growlmon was in the midst of his thoughts, Renamon was able to keep her focus on Growlmon, as well as go into her subconscious, the location she would often visualize when she would meditate, which had visualized itself as black and white Japanese style feudal buildings, along a white sky and black floor, a representation of the foxy Digimon's mind in balance.
But sensing she was not alone, Renamon then asked. "And what do you want?"
"I think you already know the answer to that." A voice sounding exactly like hers' replied slyly, making Renamon turn, now facing another Renamon, who had her arms crossed and was smirking at her counterpart.
The new Renamon had dark pink gloves, markings under her eyes like Renamon's, which were also pink, while the marks on her legs were coloured pink as well.
"You can try and deny your feelings, but we are one in the same, and we both know exactly how you feel about Guilmon." The pink gloved Renamon then commented, her words caused Renamon to sigh in defeat.
"It's true. I do like Guilmon, but what if he doesn't feel the same way as I do? Or what if he's still too young to understand about love?" Renamon asked, revealing her feelings and her concerns to her double.
"You can teach him." Renamon's double suggested, placing a paw on her shoulder and looked at at the real Renamon with a caring smile as she then said. "You have already taught him how to control the Digital Hazard power inside of him, and he has commented on what a great teacher you are. I am sure you can teach him all about love."
"Thank you." Renamon then said, feeling her confidence return to her as she smiled back at her counterpart, who said in reply. "It is no problem."
"Just remember, if you ever need to talk, we are always here." The pink gloved Renamon went on to say, causing Renamon to nod in reply and look just past the secondary Renamon, seeing several more Renamon throughout her mindset, each wearing a set of different coloured gloves and reflecting a different emotion that made up her personality.
But also sensing changes outside of her mindset, Renamon then opened her eyes, just in time to see Growlmon, his form enveloped within a white light, which then began to shrink and change form slightly, returning him back to Guilmon.
Feeling his change, Guilmon opened his eyes and looked at his body, a big smile appearing on his face.
"Guilmon is Guilmon again!" Guilmon said happily, before showing his joy as he stood up, approached Renamon and wrapped his arms around her, making the yellow furred vixen blush a little at his actions.
"Thank you for making me not Growlmon anymore." He then went on to say, continuing to hug Renamon, who smiled at Guilmon's cheerful mood, as well as him embracing her, causing the foxy Digimon to move her arms around Guilmon and say in reply. "It was no problem."
Before Renamon could say another word, she then felt something or someone land on her head, causing her and Guilmon to look up and saw Calumon sitting atop Renamon's head, smiling at them
"I found Guilmon and Renamon that means I win!" Calumon said happily, his comment confused Guilmon and Renamon a little, until both sensed they were not alone, turning to see Takato and the others come out from some shrubbery and approach them.
"We're glad we found you." Takato said, before noticing Guilmon was back to normal, making the boy smile.
"Guilmon, you're you again. I'm so happy to see you back to normal." He then said as he gave Guilmon a hug, making Guilmon hug his Tamer in return.
But curious, Takato then turned his attention to Renamon and asked. "How you did Renamon De-Digivolve you?"
"Renamon made Guilmon focus his mind on what he wanted." Guilmon explained, before adding. "I wanted Takatomon to be happy to see Guilmon again, so I thought really hard on it."
"And it looks like it paid off." Terriermon commented, he too glad to see Guilmon again.
"Thank you, Renamon. I guess I owe you for..." Takato began to say, grateful for the foxy Digimon's assistance, but stopped when he saw Guilmon and Renamon, both a little agitated, while Terriermon's ears had risen up.
Curious and a little concerned, Henry asked. "What's wrong, Terriermon? Is there another wild Digimon?"
Terriermon nodded, before correcting his Tamer as he said in reply. "Not just one, there's two."
"And both are nearby." Renamon added, sensing the Digimon in different directions, where she then faced her Tamer, then asked. "Rika, your orders?"
"We split into two teams." Rika said, looking at her D-power and saw the location of the wild Digimon on the displayed map screen, one just on the outer rim of the park, the second was in the opposite direction and in the forested area.
"Takato, you and I will the left. Henry and Terriermon take the right." The red haired Tamer then instructed, causing Renamon and the boys to nod in reply.
But curious, Calumon asked. "And what about me? Who do I go with?"
"You stay here." Rika said, her words upsetting Calumon a little as his ears shrunk , causing Rika to then kneel before the tiny Digimon, place her hand on his head and explain. "This is not a game, it's too dangerous for you to be around us when we are fighting wild Digimon."
"But I promise when we come back, we will do whatever you want." Rika then said with a caring voice and sweet smile, Takato's continued kindness was rubbing off on her, which made Calumon smile back.
"Ok." He said with a nod, sounding more cheerful as his ears perked up again, making Rika smile as she then got back to her feet and faced Takato, heading off with the brunette and their Digimon, while Henry, after picking up Terriermon, made his way toward the location of the second wild Digimon, preparing for their fight.
Making their way deeper into the park, Henry and Terriermon came to a halt when they saw a small shadowed figure resting against a tree, their arms crossed and eyes closed.
"Who are you?" Terriermon asked, jumping off of Henry's shoulder and glaring at the unknown entity.
However, they just remained silent.
"Hey! I asked you a question." Terriermon said, a little angered at the Digimon's rudeness and slowly walked over to the figure, causing a small smirk to appear on their face, which Henry noticed and then figured out why.
"Terriermon, get away from him. It's a trap!" Henry called out.
"Huh?" Terriermon could only let out, before a rope shot out from the leaves around him, wrapping around his waist and hoisting him into the air, leaving the small beast Digimon hanging upside down, further concerning Henry, while the Digimon uncrossed their arms and stepped forward.
"I apologize about this." He said, taking the giant shuriken off of his back and aiming it at Terriermon. "Nothing personal, but I have orders to follow."
With that said, the Digimon threw the shuriken at Terriermon, the rabbit-like Digimon wriggling around, trying to escape.
"Hold on Terriermon!" Henry called, acting fast as he withdrew his D-Power and readied one of his Digimon Cards.
"Digi-Modify! Digivolution activate!" He then let out, slashing the Card through his D-Power, consuming Terriermon's form in light as he began to change form.
"Terriermon Digivolve to... Gargomon!" Gargomon announced, not only becoming stronger, but with his change in form, his weight factored in as well, causing the rope to slide down, where the shuriken then missed the intended target, cutting through the rope and accidently freeing Gargomon.
And with Gargomon now untied, the beast Digimon charged once again at the Digimon, pulling his right arm back as he prepared to attack.
"Bunny Pummel!" Gargomon called, slamming his vulcan arm with an uppercut motion upon the enemy Digimon, throwing them to the air and dealing a great amount of damage, or so Henry and Gargomon believed, for when the Digimon landed, they suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke, confusing the beast Digimon.
Confused, Gargomon faced his Tamer as he then asked. "Henry, what just happened? Did I beat him?"
"Far from it." Henry replied, before saying. "I think that was just a decoy."
"You are an observant one, aren't you?" Henry and Gargomon heard the Digimon then say, causing Gargomon to ready his vulcan arms again, searching for their enemy.
"But let us see who is the superior one when it comes to technique!" The Digimon suddenly called from the right, just before jumping from the shrubs, causing Gargomon to aim his vulcans at the wild Digimon.
However, from the left, a second figure emerged, stunning Gargomon a little, unsure which one to attack.
"Take this!" Both Digimon called simultaneously, each throwing the shuriken off of their backs at the Champion Level Digimon, giving Gargomon only enough time to deflect just one attack.
But acting fast, Henry, drawing out another Digimon Card, one he believed would help suit the situation, called out as he slashed it through his D-Power. "Digi-Modify! Alias activate!"
With the power of the Digimon Card, Gargomon felt a portion of his energy removed, but knew it was worth it, for a double of him appeared by his side, both Gargomon then attacking the two Digimon.
"Gargo Pellets!" Both Gargomon announced, firing a barrage of energy bullets, managing to deflect the shurikens, but lacked the power to break through and hit their enemies.
As the Digimon landed, Henry, holding his D-Power, aimed it at the left Digimon, but go no reading, making him quickly hold it over to the right and found out what they were up against.
"Ninjamon, Champion Level. With swift movements and his mastery of ninjutsu, he can outwit his enemies. And when things get tough, he can always call in backup with his clone technique." Henry read aloud.
"But which is the real one?" Gargomon then asked, looking at the Ninjamon, trying to figure out which was the real one.
"That's for me to know." The Ninjamon on the left began to say, before the right one finished. "And you not to find out."
With that said, both Ninjamon began to run through several hand signs.
"Iga-ryu Ougi Bunshin no Jutsu!" The Ninjamon on the right called, smoke consuming the area around both Digimon, putting Henry and Terriermon on the defensive.
"What's going on?" Gargomon questioned through the smoke, before saying. "I can barely see a thing."
"Gargomon, don't let your guard down!" Henry instructed as smoke started to clear out, leaving Gargomon and Henry shocked to see around them were now ten Ninjamon, which circled around the Tamer and his Digimon.
Unable to tell them apart, Henry and Gargomon remained in place, looking amongst the Ninjamon that had now trapped them.
"Oh great. Two Ninjamon were already enough trouble, but ten is seriously bad news. Henry, any ideas how we can take them down?" Gargomon asked his Tamer, keeping his vulcans up, but was unsure which of the several Ninjamon to attack.
"You have proven a worthy adversary." One of the Ninjamon beside Henry commented.
"But this is the final step in our match." Another Ninjamon then said from Gargomon's right, all drawing their shurikens as they prepared to attack.
With very little time, Henry, thinking as fast he could, started to try to come up with a plan, drawing a handful of his Digimon Cards, trying to think which one would be best suited to counter their current situation.
But looking at his hand and seeing amongst the Digimon Cards he now held was one that had Shurimon's image upon it, remembering a similar situation with Ninjamon and that the power of the ninja Digimon could turn the tide of battle back in their favour.
"Gargomon, this might help." Henry then called as he prepared the Card.
"Digi-Modify! Shurimon's Stars activate!" He announced, slashing the Card through his D-Power, which digitized Gargomon's Vulcan arms, replacing them with a set copy of Shurimon's vine-like ones, each clinging a shuriken at the end, confusing Gargomon a little at the change of weaponry.
But looking to see the Ninjamon attack, each throwing their shurikens, Henry quickly got to the ground as he called. "Gargomon, take them for a spin."
Realizing what Henry now had in mind, Gargomon smiled as he swung his body around, spinning in a clockwise motion, his new arms not only stretching out and deflecting the metallic weaponry of the Ninjamon, Gargomon's shurikens shot through all ten Ninjamon, reducing each clone to a cloud of smoke, while managing to strike the real Ninjamon, scarring him and forcing him to jump back, getting some distance from his opponents.
"Impressive." Ninjamon then commented, smiling as he then said. "You two are proving to be one of the most toughest enemies I have ever faced. You have shown teamwork, great skill and honour."
'However, I cannot fail him.' Ninjamon thought, fearful of what the fallen angel Digimon would do to him, running through his hand signs again, reaching the final technique, but stopped when Henry then called. "Ninjamon, hold up a second."
Doing so, the shinobi Digimon was curious as to what Henry wanted, remaining in his stance as Henry set all but one Digimon Card aside.
"You said that we have fought with honour. I can tell that you hold onto such a status as well, which is why I challenge you. One match, just us." Henry suggested, before facing Gargomon and instructing. "Gargomon, stay back."
"But Henry..." Gargomon began to say, concerned for his Tamer's safety.
"It's alright. I know what I am doing." Henry then said, facing Ninjamon once again and asking. "What do you say?"
"You are either one of the bravest or most foolish humans I have ever met." Ninjamon commented, before drawing the katana from off of his back and saying. "But I do accept your challenge."
And seeing Ninjamon ready his weapon, Henry readied his, holding his Digimon Card and his D-Power, closed his eyes as he swept the Card through his D-power.
"Digi-Modify! Karatenmon's Irikata activate!" Henry called, causing the sword to appear in Gargomon's returned Vulcan arms, which Henry took into his possession, grasped it with both hands and took a battle ready stance as he faced Ninjamon.
Both waiting to see who would make the first move.
And when the leaf from a nearby tree fell and hit the ground, Henry and Ninjamon both charged towards each other, where their blades clashed, before the pair began to fight.
With Henry's skills in Kendo, taught to him by a professional Kendo instructor, who was also family, Henry managed to keep up with Ninjamon's sword skills.
They both pushed each other to their limits, keeping up on both attack and defence, before Ninjamon brought his katana against Henry's, smiling as he commented. "Indeed, you are a great warrior, but this battle has to have a winner."
"You are right." Henry replied, looking on, carefully observing Ninjamon's movements to find the time to attack, while taking in all his skills and knowledge in his Kendo training.
And as Ninjamon was about to attack, Henry saw his chance, where he let out a powerful cry and slashed, leaving him and Ninjamon standing in place, making Gargomon watch on with wonder and some concern, before Henry's blade digitized and Ninjamon dropped his, collapsing in defeat.
"Way to go, Henry!" Gargomon cheered, before reverting back to Terriermon and running over to his Tamer, both looking at the defeated form of Ninjamon.
"Human, you continue to impress me... You fought with honour and proved your worth... "I am glad my final battle was with you..." Ninjamon then said, remaining on the ground, already feeling his body breaking up, but he didn't care.
"You were pretty tough yourself." Henry commented, before having to ask. "But there is something that confuses me. You had all this skill, why use it only against us?"
"Forgive me, I was ordered to... I had no choice but to do as he said, otherwise I would have suffered..." Ninjamon groaned, feeling it was not long until his being was removed from the Real World.
Curious and wanting an answer, Terriermon questioned. "Who are you talking about? Who is 'he' and what was your ordered?"
"He name is..." Ninjamon could just say, before a sudden and strong gust filled the area, causing both Henry and Terriermon to wrap their arms around their bodies at the sudden coldness, while doing their best to shield their eyes.
As the wind continued to blow on, Henry and Terriermon still finding it almost impossible to see, neither noticed a white claw appear from the ground, from a void of shadows, which slashed right through Ninjamon.
"Ahhh!" He screamed out, before what Data was left of the shinobi Digimon was then absorbed into the darkness, which faded, as did the chilling winds.
"What was that?" Terriermon asked, even more confused than before.
"I'm not sure, but I think Takato and Rika might be in serious danger." Henry said in reply, wasting no time as he grabbed Terriermon and carried him through the park, hoping their friends were alright and hadn't suffered whatever fate had fallen Ninjamon.
-Meanwhile-
Around the time Henry and Terriermon had started to combat Ninjamon, Takato, Rika and their Digimon had just arrived to the gate of the park, shocked to see that on the roads was what looked like a blue Ogremon, which was currently smashing a parked car with what looked like a massive icicle, his presence and anger scaring away all those around him.
"What is that thing?" Rika asked, before commenting. "It looks like an Ogremon, only he forgot to pay his heating bill."
Drawing his D-Power, Takato analyzed the Digimon and said in reply. "Pretty close, it's Hyogamon, a Champion Level Digimon. And just like Ogremon, he's a Virus Type Digimon with a matching temper and just as mean."
Now knowing what Digimon they were facing, but also knowing there could be casualties if they weren't careful, Rika said. "We need to get him away from the people before he causes any more trouble."
"Allow me." Renamon offered, using her great speed to vanish out of the sight of the Tamers, who looked back at the Hyogamon, bring his ice club back, about to bash another beaten up car, but stopped when he felt a fair amount of pressure upon it, causing the ice Digimon to turn his head and saw Renamon holding his weapon.
"Don't you know it can be dangerous swinging that around?" Renamon asked, giving Hyogamon no time to react as she then leapt and performed a spin kick, knocking the ogre-like Digimon into the car's headlight, damaging both the car and the Digimon.
However, Hyogamon removed his head from the damaged vehicle, turned to Renamon and let out a fearsome battle cry, slamming his free hand and his club against his chest, before attacking.
"Icy Cudgel!" He yelled, swinging his club at Renamon, which the foxy Digimon managed to avoid, countering as she leapt to the air and attacked.
"Diamond Storm!" Renamon announced, summoning and unleashing a series of shards at the Hyogamon, only for him to show he too could counter attack.
"Snow Barrier!" Hyogamon called, slamming his fist into the ground, causing a wall of ice to burst from the asphalt, deflecting every last shard Renamon threw at him, Hyogamon taking no damage whatsoever.
Seeing Renamon needed some help in beating Hyogamon, Takato faced Guilmon.
"You ready, boy?" He asked, making Guilmon nod, his expression full of seriousness as the red dino Digimon then charged into the fight.
"Guilmon help Renamon! Pyro Sphere!" Guilmon called, gathering up flame in his maw that he then fired at Hyogamon, trying to catch the ice ogre off guard.
However, Guilmon wasn't fast enough, for Hyogamon then turned and attacked.
"Throwing Ice!" Hyogamon yelled in retaliation, slamming his fist into the ice wall, pulling out a fair section of it, which he then threw at Guilmon's attack, shocking Takato, Rika and Renamon, not only as the ice shot through the flames, but as the attack struck Guilmon, knocking him back and making the Hazard Digimon cry out from the pain.
"Guilmon!" Takato called in concern, his voice getting Hyogamon's attention.
'Those are the humans IceDevimon showed me. I better play it cool and focus. I have to make sure I don't hurt the girl.' The icy Digimon thought, the image of IceDevimon's wicked smile sending a shiver down his spine
'Ok, I can do this.' Hyogamon then thought, regaining his composure as he pulled more ice out of the wall and attacked, throwing it at Guilmon and Takato.
But having their backs, Rika and Renamon acted fast.
The yellow furred vixen getting in front of Takato and Guilmon, while Rika drew her D-Power and a Digimon Card, sliding it through as she announced in a strong voice. "Digi-Modify! Volcano Armour activate!"
With Rika's call, Renamon's form was covered in a form of armour, similar to Volcamon's.
The upper section of her body now wearing thick shoulder pads, while the same material also covered her face, excluding her eyes and mouth.
The lower section of her being was covered in a pair of padded green pants, with a small volcanic formation emerging from the back of the armour.
And as Renamon crossed her arms across her chest, the ice struck her, but looked to do little to no damage.
"Thanks, Rika." Takato called, grateful for Rika's assistance, before looking forward and continued to smiled.
"And thank you, Renamon." He added, his praise made Renamon smile in reply and say. "You are quite welcome."
Continuing to look at Renamon, at her new form, Takato then thought. 'That was a pretty smart of Rika to use such a move. Not only does the Volcano Armour absorb some of the damage from attacks, but it also halves the damage of any ice based attacks.'
However, looking closer at Renamon and seeing a stagger in her stance, the brunette was a little concerned as he then thought. 'The downside to the Volcano Armour is it's intended for more bulky Digimon. On a nimble Digimon like Renamon, it reduces her speed and leaves her open to attacks.'
Noticing the stagger himself, Hyogamon saw it as a chance to attack.
"Snow Barrier!" He called, causing another wall of ice to rise before him, before smashing the ice wall to bits with his club, sending massive chunks of ice to bombard Renamon, making her groan as she could only take the attacks head on.
"Renamon, just hang in there!" Rika called, confident in her partner and her abilities.
However, Rika's body then froze up, feeling the same chill she had that morning, only her breaths were fogged, making the red haired Tamer quickly turn her back when she sensed something behind her.
And though she only got a glimpse of it, Rika now knew someone or something was after her.
"I know you are there. Show yourself!" Rika demanded, wanting to see what was after her, but also feared whatever it was.
And noticing Rika's distressed mood, Renamon clenched her paws and did her best to maintain her fighting stance.
"Takato. Go to her." Renamon instructed.
Looking at Renamon with some concern for her, the brunette asked. "Are you sure?"
"I am. Rika needs you right now." The yellow furred vixen replied, smiling and saying with more confidence. "Besides, I have Guilmon to watch my back."
"And Guilmon promises to make sure he looks after Renamon." Guilmon said, taking a stand beside Renamon, the foxy Digimon continuing to smile, knowing she could trust the Hazard Digimon and his Tamer.
While Guilmon and Renamon focused back on Hyogamon, Takato focused on Rika.
Approaching her, Takato looked at Rika with concern as he asked. "Rika, what's wrong?"
"That cold feeling I had, it's not just in my head. Something is after me." Rika replied, her voice sounding shaken and a little afraid.
"Rika..." Takato began to say, placing his hands on hers', holding them gently as he then said in a caring and comforting tone. "Whatever is after you, I promise I won't let it hurt you."
'Takato... you are always there for me.' Rika thought, already feeling better, where she then smiled at the brunette and said. "Thank you."
"I hate to break your moment, but we do need a little help."Takato and Rika then heard Renamon call out, causing the Tamers to look over and saw that while Renamon was still doing her best to move around in the Volcano Armour, it remained weighing her down, while Guilmon was also trying to take down Hyogamon, but being a Rookie, he was having little to no luck.
"Here." Rika spoke up, causing Takato to look at Rika, seeing her holding out a Digimon Card for him, which he took, not wanting to seem rude, before looking at the Card.
Looking at it, it was the left hand Puppetmon, his strings shooting out from his fingertips and wrapping around arms and legs
"Well? What are you waiting for, Gogglehead?" Rika asked, smiling at Takato, who smiled back as he got the idea, before he withdrew his D-Power and announced. "Digi-Modify! Puppetmon's Strings activate!"
As Takato slid the Card through his D-Power, the effects of the Card applied to Guilmon, surprising him a little when thin red ropes shot from his the tips of his claws
"What does Guilmon do with these?" He asked, examining one of the thin ropes curiously, getting a surprising answer when Renamon grabbed one and stuck it in her left shoulder, Guilmon then feeling some of Renamon's energy as if it was his own, while Renamon felt Guilmon's power enter her.
"Guilmon, with that string, you now have complete control over my left arm." Renamon began to explain, Guilmon a little surprised as he tested it, moving her arm around.
And Guilmon remained unsure as Renamon then told the Hazard Digimon. "Now attach the other strings to me."
Not completely sure why Renamon wanted him to manipulate her, rather than Hyogamon, but trusting her, Guilmon let loose the remaining strings, attaching to Renamon's both arms and legs
amazing Guilmon as it almost felt like his power and Renamon's had become one.
And confused himself, Hyogamon decided not to question but to attack.
"Throwing Ice!" The snow ogre Digimon bellowed, breaking off a large handful of the remains of his Snow Barrier and threw it at Renamon, expecting the ice to hit the foxy Digimon dead on.
However, learning quickly, feeling his bond with Renamon guiding him, Guilmon moved his right arm up, causing Renamon to jump into the air, stunning Hyogamon.
'That armour should be weighing her down like a Seadramon caught in a frozen lake, but she's moving as if it were nothing.' Hyogamon thought, accidently letting his guard down.
"Diamond Storm!" Renamon then called, bringing forth another barrage of shards that she released upon the icy Digimon, striking him and actually damaging his being.
Quickly recovering from the attack, Hyogamon glared at the Digimon.
"It was bad enough when they were both fighting me, but now that they're working as one, they're putting me on the ropes." He thought aloud, angered that Guilmon and Renamon were fighting back, while part of Hyogamon was fearful, fearful of what was to happen if he were to fail.
"Snow Barrier!" Hyogamon all but bellowed, slamming both fists upon the ground as hard as he could, causing ice to not only rise before him, but also around him, thicker and higher than his previous defences, but still remained as an offensive, proven as he began to bang his club on his side of the ice wall, causing sections of it from the end to head for Guilmon and Renamon.
Focusing as best he could, Guilmon made sure not only to avoid the attacks, but also to keep Renamon protected, controlling her body so she leapt from ice block to ice block, the actions impressing Takato at seeing his partner so focused.
And seeing Guilmon continue to use his bond, it gave Takato an idea.
'Let's see if this works.' He thought, drawing another Digimon Card and brought it to his close to his D-Power.
"Digi-Modify! Digmon's Drill activate!" Takato called, slashing the Digimon Card through his D-Power, smiling at the result as a set of drills materialized around Renamon's arms, which, through Guilmon, the foxy Digimon began to bash the ice away, before rushing at Hyogamon's ice fortress and slammed the drills against it, slowly tearing the ice to pieces.
However, Hyogamon retaliated, smashing out the ice Renamon was drilling, throwing her back and destroying the drills in the process.
"Renamon!" Guilmon called in concern for her as she landed, crashing to her stomach.
"It's alright, Guilmon. I'll be fine." Renamon assured the Hazard Digimon, remaining in place, which confused Guilmon, until the foxy Digimon spoke up.
"Guilmon, a little help." She then said, her words confusing Guilmon until he realized he was still controlling her.
"Sorry." Guilmon apologized, a little embarrassed as he manipulated Renamon back to her feet, where both stood, staring at Hyogamon's ice wall, trying to think how to break past it.
"Renamon. Guilmon." Both heard Rika call, looking over to see the red haired Tamer draw her D-Power and prepare a Digimon Card to power the pair up.
"Here's a little energy boost." Rika then said, slashing the Card through her D-Power as she called. "Digi-Modify! Crystal Fire activate!
From Rika's call and watching as both Guilmon and Renamon were affected by the power of the Card, both glowing with light red auras, it sparked a thought in Takato's head.
'The Volcano Armour not only halves any ice damage it takes, but it also doubles the damage of any fire based move that the wearer uses.' Takato thought, an idea coming to him, one he believed would take down Hyogamon and his Snow Barrier technique.
"Guilmon, I need you to get Renamon in the air and have her aim that volcano on her back at the ice." The brunette instructed, before commanding. "And Renamon, prepare to fire."
Unsure what Takato had planned now, but trusting him, Guilmon and Renamon cooperated with the brunette, to which through Guilmon, Renamon got into position, leaping into the air and flipping, her back facing Hyogamon's wall of ice.
That's where Takato made his move.
"Digi-Modify! Power Metal activate!" He called, running the Card through his D-Power, causing a metallic ball to emerge within the volcanic structure upon Renamon's armoured back, to which Renamon then yelled as she fired, the ball at Hyogamon.
The power of Guilmon and the volcano's flames set the cannonball ablaze as it shot down from the sky, blasting right through the ice and shattering it all to pieces in a great and powerful burst, which, when it began to die down, the Tamers saw Hyogamon, on his back, broken and beaten.
With Hyogamon down, and not looking like he was going to be getting back up, Guilmon dispelled the strings connecting to Renamon, while Renamon freed herself from the Volcano Armour, allowing her to move freely once again, where both Digimon then approached Hyogamon, waiting for the word from their Tamers to finish him off.
But sensing Hyogamon was hiding something, Takato joined the Digimon, where he then questioned. "What's with you? Why did you cause all that trouble?"
Sitting up, Hyogamon, realizing his end was unavoidable, but could at least do one thing right beforehand, then said in reply. "I had to do it. I had to follow the orders I was given."
Confused, Renamon questioned. "What orders? What are you talking about?"
"I had to attack, to destroy you three." Hyogamon replied, gesturing to Takato, Guilmon and Renamon.
"If your friend and his Digimon partner are as tough as you, I can just bet Ninjamon is in the same state as me right now." The snow ogre Digimon went on to say, his words continuing to confuse and surprise the Tamers.
'Someone set this all up? But why?' Takato wondered, only to then realize the reason when he, Guilmon and Renamon all heard Rika suddenly cry out, the three turning around, horrified to see a set of white claws emerging from a dark void beneath Rika's feet, the claws grasping her arms and slowly dragging her down.
"Rika!" Takato called in concern as he, Guilmon and Renamon rushed over to Rika, all trying to save the Nonaka from the grasp of the unknown entity.
"Takato, save me!" Rika begged as she could feel the claws dragging her down, the brunette and the Digimon refusing to let Rika go.
However, also showing that they too didn't want to lose the red haired Tamer, a set of red eyes glared at Takato and the Digimon, before a great icy blast shot from the void, striking the brunette and Guilmon, blasting both back, allowing the figure to drag Rika down, getting Renamon as a bonus as she too was forced into the darkness.
"Rika! Renamon!" Takato called desperately, unable to react in time and could only watch as the darkness faded, taking Rika away, along with Renamon, leaving Takato and Guilmon in great concern.
"You!" Takato yelled, heading back to Hyogamon, grabbing his shoulders as he questioned. "Where is Rika? Who has her?"
But from the damage of Guilmon and Renamon's combined attack, Hyogamon was unable to reply, his being fading into nothing more than particles of Data, which caused Takato to then fall to his knees.
"I failed... I promised to protect Rika, but I couldn't..." Takato said, tearing up a little.
"Takatomon..." Guilmon then said, feeling empathy for his Tamer, saddened to see Takato crying, before walking up to the brunette and saying. "Please don't cry. Guilmon knows Takato tries to keep promises, just like Guilmon keeps promises to Renamon. Guilmon also knows Takato is smart enough to find Rika, and make things better."
From Guilmon's words, a little surprised at the insight, but telling Guilmon's trust in him remained as strong as ever, Takato wiped his eyes and smiled.
"You're right, boy. I can't just sit here feeling sorry for myself." Takato said, getting back to his feet, where he then said. "Rika and Renamon need us. And the first thing we need to do is find out where they are."
"One step ahead of you." Takato and Guilmon heard Terriermon say, the pair looking over to see Henry and Terriermon walking over to them, which piqued Takato's curiosity as he then asked. "What do you mean?"
"After we beat Ninjamon, he said someone forced him to fight us." Henry began to say, before he drew out his D-Power, displaying a map of Shinjuku, showing two dots, the first close to their location, the second in the downtown area and explained. "I had a feeling that whoever was behind this attack intended for us to split us up, so I used my D-Power to track your location, as well as Rika's."
Hearing that, Takato asked with a renewed hope in his voice. "So that first light is us? And the other light, that's where Rika is?"
Henry nodded in reply.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Terriermon asked, climbing his way up Henry's back and taking to his right shoulder as he then said. "Let's go!"
"Hold up." All heard Calumon call, looking to see the tiny Digimon running over to them.
"I'm coming with you." Calumon said as he reached the Tamers and their partners.
"But Calumon..." Takato began to say, concerned for Calumon, thinking he could be a liability.
However, Calumon spoke up with a continued confidence. "I know I'm not a fighter, but Rika and Renamon are also my friends. I want to make sure that they're alright."
Looking at Calumon and seeing the determination in his eyes, knowing there was no changing his mind, Takato smiled as he picked Calumon up and set him on Guilmon's head.
"Alright then." Takato said, smiling at Calumon's enthusiasm to find Rika and Renamon, before Henry added with a seriousness in his voice. "But promise that if we have to fight, you will be extremely careful and leave that to Guilmon and Terriermon."
Calumon nodded in reply as he said. "I promise."
With the Digimon Tamers all set, following Henry's lead, all headed out of the park and to Rika's last known location, causing Takato to clench his D-Power as he thought. 'Just hold on Rika. We will save you.'
-With Rika-
Letting out a small groan, Rika began to awaken, her vision returning to her as she regained consciousness.
"What happened?" Rika asked aloud, her mind a blur as she tried to remember the previous events leading to her losing consciousness, as well as where she now was.
And after focusing her mind and her sight a little more, Rika found herself in the same freezing void from her nightmare, only it was more shocking, for when Rika looked ahead, she was shocked to see Renamon, now frozen, her body covered in a layer of ice, preserving her like a trophy, the foxy Digimon posed as if she was reaching out for her Tamer, causing Rika to look upon Renamon with concern, seeing the same emotion on the frozen Digimon's face.
"Renamon!" Rika cried out, wanting to head on over to the foxy Digimon and do what she could to save her.
However, Rika found herself unable to move, the same chilling figure she had seen beforehand, looming behind her, keeping her away from Renamon.
"Welcome to my humble abode." A cold voice then said behind her, wrapping a set of wings around Rika's shaking form, almost as if he was trying to comfort her.
Curious, Rika asked. "Who are you?"
"I am IceDevimon." The Digimon replied, smiling as he then said. "And I have heard of you, Rika."
Stunned, Rika questioned as she looked up and at IceDevimon's face. "How do you know my name?"
"As I said I have heard a lot about you, that is why we are destined to become partners. I have heard of your title as Digimon Queen. I can sense your power, and I know that together we can become an unstoppable force, one that doesn't need to depend on anyone else." IceDevimon replied in a devious tone, his voice sending a chill down Rika's spine.
However, before Rika could reply, IceDevimon then said. "Rika, I want to show you something."
"What is it?" Rika asked.
"To prove that I am worthy to be your partner I have set up my own line of trophies, so you can see my power for yourself." IceDevimon said in reply, before the darkness around the duo faded, revealing that amongst the roof and floor were countless Digimon, all trapped in ice, with looks of pure horror on their faces.
"For years, I have hunted hundreds of Digimon and absorbed their Data, they were friends to some, maybe even partners." IceDevimon then said, concerning Rika as she realized what the ice Digimon had in mind.
"You listen to me, icicle head. I'll never be the partner to some freakshow Digimon!" Rika said back in defiance, breaking from IceDevimon's hold and glared at the fallen angel Digimon.
"You have no idea how exquisite you are when you're angry. It is that passion, that anger that makes me want you to be my Tamer." IceDevimon commented, his words making Rika remain defiant as she snapped at the fallen angel Digimon. "In your dreams!"
Grabbing her left arm, IceDevimon smirked at Rika as he then said. "Don't play hard to get. Embrace me as your equal and make me stronger."
"Never!" Rika said back, to which IceDevimon kept his cool, smirking darkly as he asked, eyeing Renamon's frozen figure. "Still thinking about that pathetic Digimon you have as your current partner?"
"Why waste your time with beauty when you can tame the beast? Go ahead and summon her. Perhaps you'd like to see who the superior Digimon is?" He then asked, which rubbed Rika the wrong way.
"If you harm Renamon, I..." Rika began to say with hostility in her voice, which just made IceDevimon smirk.
"You will do what exactly? Renamon is still a Rookie, a pathetic creature I could defeat with one hand behind my back." IceDevimon said, smirking at Renamon's icy statue-like figure.
"Unfreeze her right now!" Rika demanded, but IceDevimon just ignored Rika's orders.
"She is nothing more than an ice statue, another part of my collection now." IceDevimon cackled as Rika clenched her fist, angered at IceDevimon, while also thinking. 'Takato, if anybody can find me and stop this blockhead, I know it's you.'
-Meanwhile-
Following the signal of Rika's D-Power, Takato, Guilmon, Calumon, Henry and Terriermon arrived downtown, where all were left in awe to see the entire area encased in ice, everything was frozen, including the buildings, the roads, even the civilians, causing Takato to then ask. "Who put the freezer on?"
"I'm not exactly sure." Henry replied, holding his D-Power up to a building that had a thick layer of snow on the very top, where he then commented. "But we're most likely to get our answer inside there."
"Then let's go!" Takato said back, rushing inside the building, followed by Guilmon and the others, all determined to save Rika and Renamon from whatever force had taken them, where the group, continuing to follow the signal of Rika's D-Power, ran up flight after flight of stairs, until they finally reached the top floor.
And after shoving the door open, Takato and the others saw the one who had taken Rika, looking to see a white clad demon-like figure, which was facing Rika, his right claw running along her left cheek as he said. "Just accept it, my dear Rika, we are perfect partners. You can help me get even more powerful, and I can protect you from anything."
"Unlike her." IceDevimon then said, looking at the frozen form of Renamon and added. "She can not do anything to stop me."
"But we can! Pyro Sphere!" A voice filled with determination suddenly called, before a ball of flame hit IceDevimon's face, making him stumble back and look over, seeing the angered form of Guilmon, alongside Terriermon and the Digimon Tamers.
From seeing IceDevimon injured, Rika turned her head to the side and she smiled when she saw her friends had found her.
"Guys! Thank goodness you found us." Rika said, grateful that her friends continued to have her back.
"You have to help Renamon, she's been frozen." She then told Takato and the others, using her free hand to point at her frozen Digimon.
"She's what!?" Takato asked, as Guilmon noticed Renamon in her current condition as an ice trophy, set Calumon down and ran up to Renamon.
"No! Renamon!" The Hazard Digimon called, concerned for Renamon, while Takato remained concerned for Rika.
And while Henry and Terriermon were also worried about the conditions of their friends, wanting to know what they were up against, Henry reset his D-Power and analyzed the Digimon holding Rika.
"IceDevimon, Champion fallen angel Digimon." He read, telling he was more powerful than the previous Champion Digimon they had faced and was certain that their Digimon would need all their strength to defeat their new enemy.
While Terriermon jumped off of Henry's shoulder, Takato, facing IceDevimon, then demanded with a serious bellow. "Let her go, now!"
However, his words just made IceDevimon smirk, keeping a close hold on Rika as he said. "My Tamer and I were just getting acquainted."
"She's not your Tamer, she is Renamon's." Terriermon said back, charging at IceDevimon, only to stop when IceDevimon retaliated, releasing a set of icy beams from his eyes, stopping Terriermon in his tracks as he froze the small beast Digimon.
"Terriermon!" Henry called in concern, running over to the frozen form of his partner, using whatever implements were on the floor to try and break the ice apart, which just made the fallen angel Digimon laugh at Henry's show of concern.
Realizing he was getting nowhere with his current method, using his brain, Henry thought of a way he believed would save Terriermon from his icy prison, where he then readied his D-Power and a Digimon Card, one displaying the image of Meramon.
"Digi-Modify! Heat activate!" Henry called, slashing the Digimon Card through his D-Power, affecting Terriermon as he began to radiate with a red aura, Henry expecting the aura to increase and melt the ice away.
However, the aura then died down just seconds later.
"What happened?" Henry questioned, certain the ice would melt, which just made IceDevimon smirk once again.
"I'm stronger than anything you kids have faced before. It'll take much more than a little flame to make me lose my cool." He told Henry and the others with an arrogant voice.
From the condition of Renamon, his friends and IceDevimon continuing to mock them, Guilmon clenched his claw in rage at IceDevimon, while placing his other claw around Renamon's stretched out paw, where the Digital Hazard mark on his stomach began to glow with a red aura, spreading along Guilmon's body and upon Renamon's frozen form.
And all of the sudden, Renamon's hand burst free of her ice prison and started moving, surprising all, namely Guilmon.
"Look! Guilmon's doing something to Renamon!" Henry called out, noticing the red aura around Guilmon was having a positive effect on Renamon.
And having a good idea, or what he hoped was one, Guilmon then wrapped his arms around Renamon, keeping his body close to Renamon's and began to heat her up as Renamon's whole form radiated with red energy.
First, her tail broke free and moved around, followed by her paws clenching and her expression turning from worry to determination, which then her feet, legs, bottom, stomach, breasts, arms and finally her face, breaking free from her ice prison.
But a little wobbly from her freedom, Renamon then collapsed into Guilmon's arms, which made Guilmon smile as he held her, glad to see her safe, while IceDevimon was in shock.
"What!? Impossible!" IceDevimon called, never believing any could escape his ice without him doing so.
Rika, meanwhile, happy to see Renamon freed, then called out. "Renamon! Thank goodness! You're safe!"
"Did Guilmon's Hazard powers free her? I am glad he didn't turn into that winged monster again." Takato said remembering his first meeting with Guilmon.
Groaning a little as Renamon opened her eyes, she blushed a little as she felt the same warmth she had when she was in Growlmon's embrace, making her realize where she was and looked to see herself in Guilmon's arms.
"Guilmon, did you save me?" Renamon asked, her question made Guilmon smile and nod, which made Renamon smile back and say. "Thank you, Guilmon."
"No worries." Guilmon replied, happy to help the yellow furred vixen, before he informed. "This freak is trying to steal Rika from you."
"I noticed. Thank you for the rescue, but do mind helping Takato and Henry free Terriermon?" Renamon asked, walking over toward IceDevimon.
"I've got this, I hope." Renamon then said as she stood and faced her opponent.
"That dino boy could be a problem with that power of his. But first, I think I'll take the honours of eliminating that fox once and for all." IceDevimon said, planning to delete Renamon over freezing her again.
"You will pay for what you did to Rika." Renamon stated, jumping to the air and prepared to attack.
"Diamond...!" The foxy Digimon began to say, only to be struck down as IceDevimon quickly countered her attack, stretching his right arm out and slamming Renamon to the ground.
"Renamon!" Rika called in great concern, watching with a horrified expression as IceDevimon loomed over Renamon's body, tormenting her as he beat her senseless.
"Frozen Claw!" IceDevimon called, attacking her over and over with strike after strike, finding joy in Renamon's suffering.
But refusing to let Renamon suffer any further, Takato and Guilmon acted.
"Digi-Modify! Power activate!" Takato called as he ran his Card through his D-Power, increasing Guilmon's energy, where the red dino Digimon then attacked, lunging upon IceDevimon's back and bit into his shoulder, making the fallen angel Digimon yell in agony.
"Get off me!" IceDevimon ordered, trying to shake Guilmon off of him, but Guilmon refused to let go, wanting to pay IceDevimon back for the torment he had put Rika and Renamon though.
Seeing IceDevimon had his hands full with Guilmon, Rika quickly acted, running over to Renamon and helped her partner back to her feet, letting Renamon rest on her shoulder as she lead her away from IceDevimon before she could suffer anymore.
"That does it!" IceDevimon then yelled, fed up with the constant interference of the Digimon Tamers, managing to pry Guilmon's fangs out of his being and threw him aside, turning to Rika and Renamon with absolute rage.
"If I can't have Rika, then no one will!" He exclaimed, releasing a second shot of icy energy from his eyes, planning to encase the pair in ice.
However, not wanting Rika to suffer again, acting on his feelings for her, Takato made a great sacrifice.
"Rika, I'll protect you!" Takato called, keeping his promise as he leapt in front of Rika and Renamon, taking the hit for them, which shocked Rika and the others to see Takato now frozen in place, encased in ice.
"Takato!" Rika and Guilmon cried out in great concern, before Guilmon ran over to Takato, desperately trying to save his Tamer as he ran his claws across the ice, trying to dig the brunette out.
However, Guilmon's slashes were having little to no effect, making Guilmon glare at IceDevimon as he was almost losing his anger again, but did his best to keep it under check. "How dare you hurt Takatomon!"
"Guilmon, try and keep it together." Rika said, reasoning with Guilmon before she turned to IceDevimon, trying to keep a collected form, but with Takato, Renamon and Terriermon out of commission, things were looking pretty bad for her.
Looking at the brunette and the damaged form of Renamon, IceDevimon then asked. "Why do you continue to stand by these fools? A Digimon is only useful when it can fight. Tell me, why do you care about these pathetic creatures?"
"I care about her because Renamon is my friend, and nothing will ever change that! And I care for Takato because he's my best friend and i love him! Neither have given up on me, and I won't give up on them!" Rika replied, letting out all her emotions, which caused her D-Power to glow, as did the red gem upon Calumon's forehead, before Renamon was covered by a blue sphere.
"Renamon Digivolve to..." Renamon began to say as her fur was ripped off, showing her mainframe, before her being changed, taking the form of a four legged fox with nine tails, where she then called in a mighty voice. "Kyubimon!"
Seeing Kyubimon now standing before her, Rika was left in awe.
"Amazing. She Digivolved." Rika thought aloud, which made Kyubimon nod.
"It was thanks to your dedication that allowed me to achieve this form." Kyubimon replied, sounding proud of her Tamer, before raising one tail, igniting it and releasing a single ball of flame, which hit the ice around Takato, melting it and freeing the brunette from his ice prison.
"Thanks, Kyubimon." Guilmon said with a smile as he helped Takato sit up, the brunette a little shaken and confused as to what was going on exactly, but remained confident in his friends and their potential.
"As gratitude of you rescuing me. Do not worry, Rika. I will protect you. I promise." Kyubimon said in reply, before facing IceDevimon.
"You will pay for what you have done. Fox Tail Inferno!" Kyubimon called, casting nine balls of flame around IceDevimon, who couldn't handle the light each flame was emitting and leapt into the air, just as each fireball burst.
"Dragon Wheel!" Kyubimon then followed up, trying to keep IceDevimon on the ropes as she span around, igniting her being and releasing a large surge of blue flames at the fallen angel Digimon.
"Tundra Freeze!" IceDevimon called back, spitting out a blast of ice from his mouth, consuming Kyubimon's flames in ice and rendering the attack useless.
And with Kyubimon out in the open, IceDevimon struck again.
"Avalanche Claw!" He yelled, releasing a collection of icicles from his wings, striking the foxy Digimon.
"Kyubimon!" Rika called in great concern, worried that even with the power of Digivolution, IceDevimon's power was still too much for them to handle.
However, the Tamers refused to call it quits, even Henry, as he continued to think of a way to save Terriermon.
"One more trick." Henry said as he slashed another Digimon Card though his D-Power,
"Digi-Modify! Expansion activate!" He announced, causing Terriermon's skin to turn black and decorate with a pattern of stars, while his body began to bloat more and more, to the point Terriermon was larger than the ice that held him, shattering to bits as he escaped.
With Terriermon free, returning to his normal size and colours, Henry smiled, before he turned to see IceDevimon tower over Kyubimon.
"This is the end! Die you pathetic fox!" IceDevimon called as he prepared to finish Kyubimon off only for his claw, only to be stopped once again as Guilmon grabbed his wrists, holding the ice Digimon in place.
"Guilmon!" Kyubimon said, surprised, looking on with awe as Guilmon managed to keep IceDevimon from moving or attacking.
"Let me go, you meddling brat!" IceDevimon commanded, but was only answered when Guilmon twisted his wrists, making him yell in pain.
"I've had enough of you! Guilmon made a promise to protect Kyubimon, and he is now going to make it come true!" Guilmon said with a determined voice, just as Takato nodded and assisted his partner.
"Digi Modify! Hyper Wing activate!" Takato announced as he slashed said Card though his D-Power, causing six wings of pure light to emerge from Guilmon's back, which Guilmon then spread the wings out and shot upward, taking IceDevimon with him, where he slammed the fallen angel's head into the ceiling, trapping him.
And with IceDevimon now unable to fight or defend himself, it was time for their battle to come to an end.
"Pyro Sphere!" Guilmon called, blasting the ice Digimon, causing him to scream in agony as he was destroyed, reduced to Data particles that Guilmon then absorbed.
With IceDevimon gone, the frozen lair he made disappeared, the area around returning to normal, while the Tamers made their way to the roof, checking on the scenery and making sure everything was back to normal.
"We did it. We beat him." Takato said as he and Rika smiled, the red haired Tamer caught up, and not caring as she wrapped her arms around Takato, hugging him.
"You finally Digivolved." Rika then said, remaining by Takato's side, looking over at Renamon, who, thanks to her more concentrated mind, managed to revert back to her Rookie form.
"I am so proud of..." Rika began to say, but noticed a solemn and depressed expression on Renamon's face, making Rika ask. "What's wrong, Renamon?"
"I failed to beat him, even as a Champion. I'm just a failure to you." Renamon said sadly, as all noticed tears in her eyes.
And before anyone could try and cheer Renamon up, the yellow furred vixen leapt away, vanishing into the night.
"Renamon, come back! You're not a failure!" Rika called out, feeling concern and empathy for her partner.
"Don't worry, Rika. I will talk to her. Renamon help Guilmon, now Guilmon do the same for her." Guilmon spoke up, looking at Rika with a friendly and confident smile, before he too headed off, following Renamon's unique and pleasant scent.
And as Guilmon left, Takato remained by Rika's side, holding her as he assured her. "It'll be ok, Rika. I promise."
However, Takato was then broken from the moment when Terriermon asked. "One thing I want to ask, when did you two become a couple?"
"In a way, we have been since we first met." Rika replied, continuing to explain as she let her emotions out. "Takato was my first friend, he's always been there for me, and it was just last night that I realized how much he truly means to me. I love him."
"And I love Rika." Takato replied, not afraid to show his emotions as he told the others. "Rika is smart, brave, beautiful, and it's those qualities that made me realize that I love her as well."
Saying that, Takato then kissed Rika, causing the red haired Tamer to kiss Takato back, neither caring about the surprised expressions upon Henry, Terriermon or Calumon's face.
Terriermon was going tease them, but stopped when Henry covered the small beast Digimon's mouth and shook his head.
He, along with Calumon, then smiled at seeing Takato and Rika openingly showing their love.
And after few minutes, Takato and Rika parted from their kiss, but remained close, embracing each other, before Takato suggested. "It might take Guilmon a little time to cheer Renamon up, what do you say we head back to my place?"
"Sounds like a good idea." Henry commented, before Terriermon asked. "Can we have snacks?"
"Sure. But maybe just the day old cookies." Takato replied in a friendly offer, before they started to leave the building that use to be IceDevimon's hide out and started to head to Takato's.
'Do your best, boy.' Takato then thought, looking at the night sky, confident if anybody could cheer Renamon up, it would be Guilmon.
Author: Hey my readers, sorry for taking a while on this chapter, but it's finished now and I hope you guys enjoy it. Second off: Soon, there will be a new story coming, the final squeal of United as one and rise of the chaos king