Digimon Adventure Tamers

Chapter 1: Rampage! Strikedramon

Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon

(Play The Biggest Dreamer: TV Size)

(Play Digimon Tamers: Yukikau Hitobito)

The summer sun was shining bright over Shinjuku, not a cloud in sight. On the streets, numerous people were going about doing daily business, such as shopping for food or going to their jobs. Others were simply enjoying the freedom of no school and were having fun. Overall, it was another ordinary day…but Shinjuku was not a normal city. Two years before in 2001, a massive red blob appeared in Shinjuku and other parts of the Earth, destroying everything it touched. This red blob was the D-Reaper, a computer program that went against its programming and decided to eliminate all of humanity. The D-Reaper terrified the human race for an entire month until it was finally defeated by a small group of human children who had help from their Digimon, short for Digital Monsters.

Until the D-Reaper crisis, Digimon was nothing more than a franchise for years that was on multiple platforms of media. These forms of media included a two-season anime show, four movies, multiple CDs, manga, and even toys and video games. The most popular form though, beside the show, was the Digimon card game, which often had a yearly tournament. However, Digimon were also very much real, having existed long before the show came into existence. Digimon had been around since the 1980s, starting out as a form of AI before evolving and becoming its own world, which resided in its own plane of existence and allowed Digimon to appear in the Human World. Some of these Digimon sought power and destruction, while other Digimon wished to be partnered to humans.

The humans that received partner Digimon formed a bond with them, using the Digimon cards to help their partners in battle, giving them extra power. As the Digimon grew stronger, so did their partner. The bond between four of these Tamers, as they were called, strengthened to the point where they could merge with their partner Digimon to reach the highest form of evolution.

Shortly after the D-Reaper was defeated, the Digimon were forced to go back to the Digital World, lest they disappear for good. A year passed and things eventually went back to normal in Shinjuku and around the world. In 2002 however, both worlds connected again and the Digimon came back, and the Tamers had reunited with their partners to counter any Digimon appearing in the Human World.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Zone Digital)

On this particular day in a busy freeway in the intersection, everyone was going about their business when a white cloud began pouring out of a nearby manhole cover. Before anyone knew it, the cover was blown off in an explosion of steam and was sent flying high into the sky, and the cloud spread out, covering the entire intersection. People everywhere ran away from the cloud, screaming in terror as they heard growling and snapping noises coming from the cloud. Some of the people running away were able to escape from the fog cloud, but others were not so lucky as thick, long white objects that looked like rope flew out and snagged them, pulling them into the fog.

"We have a breach! Multiple Wild Ones are appearing in downtown Shinjuku!"

High in a building that stood over other buildings in Shinjuku, two women sitting in chairs were monitoring the status of the Digital World when the alarms went off, alerting them to the invaders appearing in the Human World. One of the women, who had long red hair going down past her shoulders, was typing on her keyboard while alerting her superior to the breach.

"How many Wild Ones are we talking about exactly?" asked her boss, a blond-haired man wearing dark glasses and holding a cigarette lighter in his hand.

"Calculating right now…" the redhead's partner, who had blond hair that touched her shoulders, looked at the screen in front of her. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when she saw it. "There's thirty-six and counting!"

"Damn…" cursed the man as he snapped his lighter closed. "Are the Tamers nearby?"

"They're already arriving," confirmed the redhead. "Some of them are evacuating the intersection while the others are engaging the threat."

"Thirty-six and counting…" muttered the man, who looked at the screen, a massive red dot indicating where the 'Wild Ones' were. "What's in there?"

(Play Digimon Tamers: Tamer Action)

Back outside, every human in the intersection continued running away from the fog as fast as they could, but there were so many people they had trouble getting through. Several humans, however, were not running from the fog, but towards it. Eight human children ran past the screaming and panicking civilians and right into the foggy cloud, all wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes from the rays of the fog, or in one kid's case, a pair of yellow goggles with blue lenses.

"Well, this is definitely the Digital Field," said the goggled boy, named Takato Matsuki. Aged 12, Takato still wore the goggles he had been wearing for two years ever since he became a Tamer. Still young and naïve at times, Takato had taken to drawing in his spare time as he had an active imagination. Said imagination, along with his fandom for Digimon, inspired him to create his own Digimon, which came to life. This Digimon, standing next to him, was Guilmon, a red dinosaur Digimon who was nearly as big as Takato. Guilmon was cute and playful many times, but this was not time for playing. Guilmon's eyes had become and slits and he was growling, sensing an impending battle.

"Yeah, we can see it's the Digital Field, Gogglehead!" snapped Rika Nonaka, a 12 year old girl with her red hair pulled up into a spiked ponytail. Known as the Queen of the Digimon Card Game, Rika used to be a cold girl who destroyed any and all Digimon she encountered, even fighting Guilmon when she first laid eyes on him. As time passed however, Rika became less cold and distant with her fellow Tamers and her own Digimon partner as well, becoming much friendlier. She still retained her tomboyish personality, disliking dresses as well as being sarcastic and impatient from time to time. Her partner Digimon Renamon, a yellow fox Digimon who was taller than Rika and possessed a serious personality, materialized right next to her, poised for combat.

"Rika, I think we all see it," said Henry Wong. "I think what Takato is trying to say is there aren't any Digimon that we can see yet." A smart and serious boy for his age, Henry was a pacifist when he first became a Tamer, not wanting to fight at all and seeking other ways to settle problems. Eventually, Henry realized that not all fights could be ended peacefully, especially when lives were on the line. Although Henry now helped his friends in battle, he keeps a balance between good fights and bad fights. His partner Digimon Terriermon, a small green Digimon with long floppy ears and a dog like appearance, though people often mistake him for a rabbit, hung on his shoulders. The complete opposite of Henry, Terriermon was laid-back and often made jokes and sarcastic comments, with Henry often chastising him for lack of tact.

"Well, for all we know, they could be lying in wait for us," Ryo Akiyama voiced. At age 14, Ryo was the oldest of the Tamers and the most experienced, often called the Legendary Tamer. While Rika was considered the queen of the Digimon Card Game, many consider Ryo the king as he was the only one to ever beat Rika in the Digimon card game. Like Henry, Ryo was often level-headed and provided great strategies in battle. His Digimon partner Monodramon, a small bluish-purple dragon Digimon, stood by his side, growling viciously like Guilmon. Monodramon was often a curious and inquisitive Digimon, which was a far cry from his Ultimate level Cyberdramon, a vicious and bloodthirsty Digimon who always looked for strong opponents to battle.

"Ryo's probably right," said Suzie Wong, who was near her older brother Henry. At the age of 9, Suzie was the second youngest of the Tamers. Originally a young and immature girl who tormented Terriermon on a daily basis by dressing him up in tutus and diapers as "Princess Pretty Pants" back when she thought he was just a doll and not a real Digimon, Suzie began to slowly mature and grow up when she received a D-Arc and her own Digimon partner. Lopmon, originally a servant to the powerful Digimon Sovereigns, looked exactly like Terriermon, but with brown fur and pink stripes, as well as three horns on her head instead of one. Unlike Terriermon, who was dog-based, Lopmon was a pure rabbit-based Digimon.

"Well of course he's right! He's Ryo, isn't he?" asked Hirokazu Shioda, Kazu for short. A 12-year old boy with a visor on his head, Kazu was originally a big-headed boy with a massive ego who thought much of himself and had a massive hero-worship for Ryo, but proved himself to be loyal to the Tamers. After a terrible incident several months back that he caused, Kazu had been slowly deflating his ego, though he still hero worshipped Ryo, which the older boy found embarrassing at first, and later annoying. Kokuwamon, Kazu's partner who looked like a robot insect, flew overhead before landing in front of Kazu. Like his Champion level Guardromon, Kokuwamon was a brave Digimon who fought for what was right, though he was often oblivious to whatever destruction was caused in his fights.

"Kazu, I really don't think this is the right time for fawning over Ryo. We need to figure out what to do first," voiced Kenta Kitagawa, Kazu's best friend. Also 12 years old like most of the Tamers, Kenta had a massive hero-worship for Ryo, but toned down on it after a while. While Kenta had a bit of an ego, it was not as massive as Kazu's used to be, as he often wanted to do more as a Tamer. His partner Betamon, a Digimon of few words who could Digivolve straight to the small but strong Mega level MarineAngemon, hopped by his side, primed for a fight like the other Digimon.

"Maybe we should get everyone out of the way of the Digital Field before you fight," suggested Jeri Katou. "I can help with that." Like most of her friends, Jeri was 12 years old. Originally a Tamer, Jeri lost her partner Leomon in the Digital World when Leomon was deleted and his data was absorbed. It was a terrible day for all of the Tamers, including Leomon's killer Beelzemon, who later redeemed himself by helping the Tamers rescue Jeri when she was kidnapped and used as a power source for the D-Reaper. Although she no longer had a Digimon partner, Jeri still helped out the Tamers in any way she could, such as bringing food to them, evacuating any battle areas, and providing first aid.

"You do that Jeri," Takato said to his longtime friend. "Henry, Suzie, Kenta, help Jeri with the evacuation in case there are any Digimon that managed to get out of the field."

"Aye-aye, captain Takato!" Terriermon replied with a salute, causing Henry to sigh at his partner's antics. Jeri ran over to the people still running and began helping them get to safety, with the assigned Tamers helping out.

"I can feel many Digimon life signs deep in that fog," Renamon said, her ice-blue eyes narrowed in the direction of the fog. "Many of them are very strong…"

"And I think I here screaming," Guilmon said, his big red ears twitching at the sound of yelling. The rest of the group remained silent as they heard faint screams.

"Well, whatever's in there, let's hurry and take them out!" said Kazu. "Whoever's in there interrupted our Digimon marathon!" The Digimon Tamers had been having a small party at Kazu's house where they were watching episodes of Digimon on DVD when they received the call about the Digital Field.

"Can we worry about your little movie marathon later?!" snapped Rika, who began running towards the fog. "This is more important!"

"She's right," agreed Ryo, right behind Rika. "Here we go!" The four Tamers ran into the dog where they were greeted with a horrific sight. All around them were countless giant spiders with giant gaping maws, all of them on massive spider webs. More spiders littered the ground, smaller than the others. Among the spider-webs were massive cocoons of silk, and judging from the sounds of muffled screaming from the cocoons, which were also twitching a lot, the spiders had captured many humans and had wrapped them up for a meal later.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Digital Field)

"Good gravy!" gasped Kazu. "Those are…"

"Dokugumon," Renamon replied with a low growl, recognizing the Digimon before them, as did Rika. It was a battle with a Dokugumon that Renamon Digivolved to her Champion level for the very first time.

"What are those little spiders then?" asked Takato. "They look like mini Dokugumon."

"KoDokugumon," Ryo replied, looking up the Digimon on the analyzer built into his D-Arc. "They're In-Training level Digimon known as the offspring of the Dokugumon."

"Yes, human," hissed the Dokugumon in the middle of the pack. "We have come to spread our colony into the human world. And these humans will provide nourishment for our children. One of our own came here before, but was deleted by another Digimon."

"Wait, that Dokugumon was with you?" asked Rika, surprised at what the queen said.

"Yes…" hissed the queen. "But that was only one. We Dokugumon are many and we have now arrived to the human world…all of us! And now we will spread throughout this city!"

"That is not going to happen at all!" Kokuwamon declared, his claws sparking with electricity.

"Oh, it is…" the queen chuckled evilly.

"Everyone, get out of here before the Digital Field spreads any further!" Henry yelled to the panicking individuals. Jeri was at the front of the pack, leading them to safety. Slowly but surely the district was being evacuated, thanks to the efforts of the four Tamers. But before the evacuation was complete, thick white strings flew out of the sky and landed on the ground, some of them nearly hitting the humans. Some of the humans looked up and let out several shrieks of terror. Looking up as well, the Tamers were greeted with the sight of Dokugumon and KoDokugumon crawling down from the buildings.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Panic)

"Damn it…they're getting out of the Digital Field!" cursed Henry.

"Now what do we do Henry?" asked Kenta.

"Jeri, keep evacuating!" Henry said to the former Tamer before turning to the bespectacled Tamer. "Kenta, help her out!"

"We've got it!" Betamon voiced, running forward to attack several KoDokugumon that were approaching the people. "BETA SLUGGER!" Spinning in a circle, Betamon released the orange fin on his head at the small spiders and sliced them in half, the two halves bursting into data.

"There must be hundreds of those icky spiders!" Suzie said, looking at the spiders in slight disgust. "I hate spiders!"

"Actually, it's probably more than just six dozen, but it is a lot," Lopmon corrected her partner. "And we have to keep them from doing any more damage!"

"Well, why are we standing here and letting the others have all the fun?" Terriermon leaped off Henry's shoulder and flew at the Dokugumon with his massive ears. "Let's hit them hard and fast, and we'll win!"

"Terriermon, wait!" Henry called out to his partner.

"Why wait, Henry? Quick action leads to victory! BUNNY BLAST!" Terriermon aimed at a Dokugumon and fired green fireballs from his mouth. The fireballs hit the Dokugumon square in the compound eyes, causing the spider Digimon to scream in pain and slip off the building. The Dokugumon collided with another Dokugumon during his fall, and both Digimon landed on the ground, and on several KoDokugumon. Lopmon immediately flew in on her long ears to attack.

"BLAZING ICE!" This attack was the opposite of Terriermon's Bunny Blast, shooting blasts of ice from her ice that froze the Dokugumon in place.

"Henry! We need some cards!" Terriermon called to his partner as he dodged the Dokugumon's Venom Blast, which was a blast of corrosive acid from their mouths.

"I got it," Henry replied, pulling out a Digimon card with a shield on it as Suzie pulled out a card with a picture of a flaming orange bird.

(Play Digimon: SLASH!)

"DIGI-MODIFY! BRAVE SHIELD ACTIVATE!" Henry slashed the card through a slot in his D-Arc. A light formed around Terriermon and became a massive golden shield with a sun on it. Grabbing the massive shield and holding it like it was light, Terriermon split the shield in half, using the two halves to grab any of the Dokugumon's Poison Thread attack, which was their thick strings of webbing that they shot from their mouth. As the webbing landed on the shield, Terriermon began spinning around rapidly and yelled out, "TERRIER TORNADO!" generating a green twister that pulled in the Dokugumon still attached to their webbing, before throwing them into the air.

"DIGI-MODIFY! BIRDRAMON ACTIVATE!" Suzie was the next to slash a card through her D-Arc. Lopmon felt a new surge of power from the card, growing flaming wings out of her back. Flexing her new wings, Lopmon took to the sky and soared above the airborne Dokugumon.

"METEOR WING!" Numerous fireballs were released from Lopmon's wings and pelted the Dokugumon, setting them on fire. The fires spread more thanks to Terriermon's twister and the Dokugumon caught in the attacks dissolved into data, but the remaining Dokugumon did not looked moved at all from the loss.

"It doesn't matter how many you destroy," said a Dokugumon that landed near Kenta and Jeri, who had just completed the evacuation, "we'll simply reproduce before you strike us down! SPIDER MACHINE GUN!" The Dokugumon turned around and multiple KoDokugumon began shooting out of her thorax and attacking the Tamers.

"Eww, that is disgusting!" Jeri screamed as she hid behind a car. Kenta slid a card through his D-Arc, enabling Betamon to use Garurumon's Fox Fire, an attack that fired blue flames from his mouth.

"I didn't know they could do that!" Kenta exclaimed, grabbing Jeri and running over to Henry and Suzie. The five remaining Dokugumon performed the same attack, creating more KoDokugumon to swarm the Tamers and the city.

"I just hope Takato and the others are faring better than us," Henry muttered, sliding another card to give Terriermon Zudomon's Thor Hammer.

Inside the Digital Field, Takato's team were having a difficult time as well fighting the Dokugumon, as they had just learned of the Dokugumon's Spider Machine Gun attack.

"I have to admit..." Ryo said as Monodramon punched several KoDokugumon down with his Beat Knuckle, "…I did not know the Dokugumon had this type of attack."

"Now we do!" Rika replied, sliding a card through her D-Arc to enhance Renamon's speed, before sliding another one to give her Gatomon's Lightning Paw attack. The yellow fox moved in a blur towards the spider webs, slicing them apart and freeing the cocoons. Before she could slice open the cocoons to free the humans however, a Dokugumon landed on top of her and bit her shoulder. Renamon yelled in pain as she felt the sharp fangs dig into her shoulder. Seeing the danger her partner was in, Rika grabbed a nearby pipe and smacked it over the giant spider's head.

"Get off of her you stinking bug!" yelled the tomboy. "I've just about had enough of you Dokugumon for a lifetime!" The Dokugumon moved off of Renamon and began advancing towards Rika, who refused to back down. The spider Digimon opened her mouth to fire her Venom Blast, but Guilmon intervened at the last second.

"ROCK BREAKER!" The red dinosaur dropped down from the sky, courtesy of an Aero Wing card from Takato, and drove his claws into the Dokugumon's head. The Dokugumon screeched as she thrashed about to get Guilmon off her, but Renamon moved quickly and leapt into the air.

"DIAMOND STORM!" At Renamon's yell, many sharp glowing white leaves materialized around her and pelted the Dokugumon, turning her to data. Guilmon was also caught in the crossfire, but the attack left little to no damage to him at all.

"MINI SCISSOR CLAW!" Kokuwamon's pincers glowed brightly as he sliced apart the KoDokugumon one by one, but many more were replaced courtesy of their more powerful forms.

"Man, we're going to be here all day!" Kazu yelled as he dodged a Dokugumon's Poison Thread. The Tamers were being cautious as well to not be caught by the Dokugumon and be their next meal.

"If we keep fighting with Rookie level Digimon," said Rika. "Renamon and I fought a Dokugumon before, and she was very powerful for us, even with cards!"

"So how did you beat her?" Guilmon asked after firing his Pyro Sphere to roast several KoDokugumon.

"I Digivolved for the first time to Champion level," Renamon answered for her partner as she kicked away another KoDokugumon.

"Then that's what we'll do!" Takato quickly pulled out the card to allow Digivolution, Rika and Kazu mirroring his actions. Ryo did the same, but rather reluctantly as he looked over to Monodramon, who had taken to biting a Dokugumon with his Cracking Bite.

'I'm not sure if it's a good idea for Monodramon to Digivolve…although…he is Digivolving to his Champion level and not Cyberdramon.' Taking a deep breath, Ryo slashed the card through his D-Arc with Takato, Rika and Kazu. Outside the Digital Field, Henry, Suzie and Kenta came to the conclusion that they would have to Digivolve their partners to the Champion level as well and were slashing the Digivolution cards through their D-Arcs as well.

"DIGI-MODIFY! DIGIVOLUTION ACTIVATE!" At the yell of the seven Tamers, their partners glowed brightly as they were covered in data cocoons and began changing in shape and size.

(Play Digimon Tamers: EVO)

"GUILMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…GROWLMON!" Guilmon's cocoon burst apart to reveal the small red dinosaur Digimon had become bigger, growing to the size of a full-grown dinosaur, and his looks becoming more vicious.

"RENAMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…KYUBIMON!" Renamon broke free from her cocoon and landed on all four legs, having become a nine-tailed fox with her legs wreathed in blazing blue flames.

"TERRIERMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…GARGOMON!" Terriermon broke out of his cocoon, now standing as tall as Henry. His legs were clad in a pair of jeans and a belt of bullets was wrapped around his chest, and his hands became Gatling guns.

"MONODRAMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…STRIKEDRAMON!" Monodramon let out a snarl as he changed into his Champion level, a blue and white dragon Digimon with pieces of metal on various parts of his body, such as his hands, feet, tail and head, with a red mark on his chest.

"LOPMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…TURUIEMON!" Lopmon's Champion level was as tall as Gargomon, and was clad in yellow clothes akin to that of a ninja's, a pair of claws in each hand.

"KOKUWAMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…GUARDROMON!" The sound of jet engines signaled Kokuwamon's Champion level, a brown robot made out of solid iron, had taken flight.

"BETAMON DIGIVOLVE TOOO…DOLPHMON!" As his name implied, Betamon's Champion level was a blue and white dolphin that was able to float in mid-air when there was no body of water around for him to swim in.

"All right, let's finish this!" Rika declared as the Digimon charged at the Dokugumon and attacked them hard and fast.

"FOX TAIL INFERNO!" Spreading her nine tails, Kyubimon released a fireball from each tail, each fireball possessing an evil smirk as they flew at the spider Digimon. The fireballs flew and danced gracefully around the area, dissolving many of the spider webs and burning multiple KoDokugumon. Those that tried to get her were unsuccessful as three of the fireball flew around her, creating an impenetrable wall of fire.

"GRENADE DESTROYER!" Guardromon took aim and fired his grenades from his arms, blasting more KoDokugumon. His aim and hits were spot-on thanks to an accuracy card used by Kazu. A Dokugumon jumped on him and attempted to force him down, but Guardromon turned around and cut his jet engines, falling to the ground below and squishing the Dokugumon under him.

"That was most definitely not a smart move," the robot Digimon voiced before continuing his assault.

"Takato, we need to take out the queen Dokugumon!" Ryo yelled over to the goggled Tamer, pointing to the massive Dokugumon in the middle of the area that was attempted to hit Guardromon with her Venom Blast. "If we take her out, then the other Dokugumon will be lost and they'll be easier to take out!"

"I think I got it," Takato replied as he swung a pipe to smack away a KoDokugumon. The Tamers had taken to defending themselves with whatever they could get their hands on as the enemy Digimon were also attempting to get them as well as their partner Digimon. "Growlmon, help Strikedramon take out the queen!"

"I'm all over it!" Growlmon replied as he slashed a Dokugumon in half with his Dragon Slash attack. The red dragon Digimon turned his attention to the queen and charged for her with Strikedramon right by his side.

"I'll make you insipid brats pay for killing my spiderlings and denying us our meal!" the queen screeched, turning her attention away from Kyubimon and leaping for the two new challengers.

"Keep it up, Gargomon!" Henry called to his partner outside the Digital Field.

"Don't worry Henry! These itsy bitsy spiders are going down the drain! GARGO PELLETS!" Gargomon's guns spun rapidly as a hail of bullets flew forward at the Dokugumon and KoDokugumon, obliterating the smaller spiders and injuring the larger ones enough for Turuiemon and Dolphmon to finish off.

"NINJA CLAW!" Flipping down her clawed gauntlets, Turuiemon charged forward and swiped her claws through the Dokugumon with movements so fast, the normal human eye would not be able to see them clearly unless they were watching in slow motion. The Dokugumon, already hurt by the bullets, screeched as they were cut apart and disintegrated.

"SHAKING PULSE!" Dolphmon was the next to strike, opening his mouth and releasing an ultra-loud sonic wave that forced more Dokugumon and KoDokugumon back, turning them into data.

"You won't be able to catch me!" the sole remaining Dokugumon declared, leaping up a nearby building and scaling it in an attempt to escape.

"Wanna bet?!" Gargomon asked, planting his guns in the asphalt and releasing a burst that blasted him into the air. Expanding his ears to stay airborne, Gargomon launched himself at the Dokugumon. Seeing the incoming obstacle, the Dokugumon quickly spun around and prepared to fire his Poison Thread. Unfortunately for the spider Digimon, Gargomon was much faster.

"DUMDUM UPPERCUT!" Gargomon's arms glowed bright green as he brought them up and rammed them into the Dokugumon's lower jaw. Gargomon's arms released a powerful explosion that caused Dokugumon to burst into flames. Dokugumon screamed in pain and fell off the building, bursting into data upon crashing into the asphalt.

"Is that the last of them?" Kenta breathed, leaning against a nearby car. His answer was the sound of Henry's cell phone ringing. Pulling out his phone and pressing the 'talk' button, Henry held up the phone to his ear and answered, "Hello?"

"Henry it's Yamaki," said the voice on the other end of the line. "We've been monitoring the Dokugumon numbers and they've decreased to only several left in the Digital Field. There aren't any more outside the city."

"That's good," Henry said, looking into the Digital Field, which was slowly shrinking and fading away. "Knowing Takato and the others, they've probably finished off the other Dokugumon by now."

"VENOM BLAST!" The queen Dokugumon, the only Dokugumon left as the remaining KoDokugumon were being picked off by Kyubimon and Guardromon, fired her blast of venom at Growlmon, who opened his mouth and roared out, "EXHAUST FLAME!" firing a powerful blast of fire that collided with the acidic attack, creating a battle of strength. While the Dokugumon queen was strong, Growlmon was much stronger, especially thanks to Takato.

"DIGI-MODIFY! BOOSTER CHIP ACTIVATE!" The card Takato used strengthened Growlmon's Exhaust Flame and the flames flew into Dokugumon's mouth. The spider Digimon yelled and thrashed around as the flames burned her badly. The flames blinded her to everything around her, leaving her defenseless against a charging Strikedramon.

"STRIKE FANG!" The metal on Strikedramon's body glowed bright blue and burst into blue flames as the dragon man Digimon continued running faster, eventually becoming a blue blur that ran right through the Dokugumon, who exploded in a burst of flames which died down moments later.

"All right, we did it!" Takato and Kazu cheered as the Digital Field began disappearing completely. The sound of skittering alerted the Tamers to one lone KoDokugumon attempting to escape the battlefield. But it didn't get far as a red and gray sneaker came down on it hard, squishing it and turning it into data.

"I don't think so, you little creep," Rika growled, grinding her shoe into the place where she killed the little spider Digimon. As Henry's came over to Takato's to help free the humans the Dokugumon had captured, Strikedramon remained where he landed after destroying the Dokugumon queen. The armored dragon breathed heavily as he regained his composure. Destroying those Digimon made him feel good, almost as good if he was Cyberdramon. But it was not enough. He wanted to continue fighting. This feeling felt foreign to him in this form, as he only felt it before in his Ultimate level, but now…Strikedramon growled low as he turned around to see several Digimon tearing open several white cocoons to release a number of trapped humans. Strikedramon knew these Digimon looked familiar, but he did not care right now. He wanted to fight, and these Digimon were powerful enough for him to fight.

"There we go," Turuiemon said, slicing open the last cocoon with her claws while being mindful of the woman trapped in it.

"Well, that's the last of them," Henry said with a sigh as the Tamers and their partners took a moment to breath from the exhausted battle.

"Now what can we do?" asked Suzie.

"Well, let's let our Digimon loose in the park for a while so they can burn off any extra energy they have," suggested Takato, "and then let's do what Kazu wanted and finish our Digimon marathon."

"If it's all right with you guys, I'm going to go over to Kazu's house and get Ai and Mako," Jeri said, walking up the street. "I'm sure they don't want to be alone for much longer."

"See you later Jeri!" Takato called to the red-haired girl.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Kage no Yasashisa)

"So what are the chances that those two are going to ask Jeri a million questions about Impmon again?" Kazu asked once Jeri was out of earshot.

"Hey, take it easy Kazu," Takato lightly scolded his friend. "They're just worried about Impmon." Ai and Mako, a pair of twins who were two years younger than Suzie, were Tamers as well, partnered to the same Digimon, Impmon. The two of them used to fight over everything, including Impmon when they first met. This resulted in Impmon running away from them and hating humans, drawing him into confrontations with Guilmon, Terriermon and Renamon over being partnered to humans. Impmon later Digivolved to his Mega level Beelzemon when he accepted a deal from the Deva Digimon Caturamon to kill the Tamers. When he fought them, Beelzemon killed Leomon and loaded his data, causing Jeri to fall into the despair that made her a battery for the D-Reaper.

Later realizing the error of his ways, Impmon reunited and made up with Ai and Mako, who had vowed to become more mature and share, as they realized they were the ones that made Impmon run away in the first place. Impmon's re-strengthened bond with Ai and Mako made him their partner Digimon and allowed him to unlock the Blast Mode as Beelzemon. Beelzemon proved himself by helping the Tamers battle the D-Reaper and even attempted to rescue Jeri. Though he nearly died, Impmon's heroic actions earned him the Tamers' friendship and Jeri's forgiveness. When the Tamers' partners returned a year ago, Impmon was noticeably not with them. When questioned, the Digimon said Impmon was impatient and didn't want to wait any further, so he set out to find his own way back to the human world. This made Ai and Mako understandably sad, as they were hoping to be with Impmon someday. Hypnos had been combing the Digital World whenever they could for Impmon, but had no success yet.

"I know," Kazu sighed, "but every time a Digital Field pops up, Ai and Mako always ask if it's Impmon."

"Are you saying you wouldn't do the same if it was me, Kazu?" Guardromon asked, looking over to his partner. Kazu looked over at Guardromon and then the other Tamers, realizing he had a point. If it was Guardromon that was missing for a year, he would be worried like mad and asking a million questions about him.

"I think we all would," Kenta said, stroking Dolphmon's head for a minute before looking in the direction that would take them to the park in Shinjuku. "Anyways, let's get to the park and…"

"GRAAH!" A loud draconian roar split the air as Growlmon suddenly felt someone grab his tail and throw him high in the air. Growlmon yelled in surprise as he flew briefly before landing back on the ground with a loud crash.

"Growlmon?...What…" Takato exclaimed in surprise as he looked at his partner's attacker…Strikedramon.

"Strikedramon," Kyubimon asked sternly as she approached the dragon man, "why did you just…" the yellow fox's words were cut off when Strikedramon grabbed her and bit into her shoulder deep.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Hakai to Konran Futatabi)

"AGH!" Kyubimon yelled in pain as she felt the sharp teeth sink into her and draw blood.

"KYUBIMON!" Rika yelled in anger and concern. "Strikedramon, what are you doing?!" Strikedramon said nothing as he threw Kyubimon aside and began advancing for the other Digimon, a murderous look on his masked face.

"Oh, no…" Ryo said in shock, recognizing the symptoms almost immediately. "He's lost control again!"

"Wait, he's attacking us?" asked Kenta, remembering Ryo's partner's tendency to forget himself and his friends in a fight. "I thought he only did that as Cyberdramon."

"Usually yes, but there are times when he's done it as Strikedramon," Ryo said grimly. "Thankfully, they're not as crazy and common as Cyberdramon." Grabbing his D-Arc, Ryo conjured up a blue rope of energy that he often used to rein in Cyberdramon during one of his outbursts. Running forward to Strikedramon, who was attempting to stab an evasive Turuiemon, Ryo threw his arm forward and wrapped his rope around Strikedramon's right arm, pulling it back.

"Strikedramon, stop this! You're fighting your friends!" Strikedramon ignored Ryo's pleas as he turned around and began charging for Ryo, who was shocked at the newest development.

"Ryo, watch out!" a voice yelled. Ryo felt himself being pushed off to the side as Strikedramon landed right where he was moments ago. Looking up, Ryo was surprised to see his savior was none other than Rika.

"What are you trying to do?!" the redhead scolded Ryo. "Are you trying to kill yourself?!"

"I'm trying to reel my partner in before he can do any real damage!" Ryo answered, standing back up. "But this is something else…he's never attacked me like that before! In fact, he's never attacked me before!"

Strikedramon roared again as he rammed Guardromon into a building and began pummeling every inch of him. Guardromon grunted as he began getting dents. His iron body may be hard, but it would break under an assault like this.

(Play Digimon Adventure: Shuugeki! Soshite…)

"Hang on, Guardromon!" Turuiemon ran forward and leapt up, wrapping her arms around Strikedramon's neck. The dragon man began gagging from the lack of air in his system as Turuiemon tightened her hold around Strikedramon's neck. Her strategy was simple: cut off his airway and he'll pass out from lack of air, reverting back to Monodramon in the process. But the plan had a problem, which was Strikedramon thrashing about, attempting to throw Turuiemon off his back.

"Woah easy, Strikedramon! Moumantai!" Gargomon yelled out his usual phrase, which was Cantonese for "take it easy", as he ran forward and wrapped his arms around Strikedramon's legs, forcing him down on his knees.

"Everyone, pile on Strikedramon!" Henry called to the Digimon. "Don't let him up! He'll use up a lot of energy trying to get out of the pile!" Everyone nodded and charged forward, landing on top of Strikedramon and keeping him pinned down. Strikedramon roared loudly as he attempted to get out of the pile of six Digimon, but the Digimon held down firmly, determined to prevent their friend from causing any more damage to them.

"Come on Strikedramon, calm it down!" Ryo said as he slowly moved to his partner. "Take it easy!"

"That's what I just said!" Gargomon's muffled voice came from the pile. Moments passed and Strikedramon's thrashing began slowing down and his growls died down. Strikedramon suddenly glowed brightly and shrunk down, turning back into Monodramon. The other Digimon glowed brightly as well and reverted to their Rookie levels.

"Oh…my head…" Monodramon groaned, looking completely weary. Ryo let out a sigh of relief as the other Digimon got off of his partner, who seemed to be in control of himself again.

"Monodramon…are you okay?" Renamon asked, holding her shoulder. Although it healed when she turned back to her Rookie level, the shoulder still hurt slightly.

"Yeah…I think so," Monodramon moaned, being helped up by Ryo and Guilmon. "What happened? The last thing I remember was running through the Dokugumon queen as Strikedramon…"

"You don't remember?" asked Kazu. "You went all crazy and bit Kyubimon and dented Guardromon badly! You also attacked…"

"Don't!" Ryo said, cutting off the visor-wearing boy. The Legendary Tamer didn't want Monodramon to know he almost attacked his own partner, as it would leave him distraught.

"I lost control?" asked a shocked Monodramon. "But…but I was Strikedramon, wasn't I?"

"Yeah, you were," said Takato. "It's usually as Cyberdramon that you went crazy, isn't it?"

"Usually..." Monodramon said sadly as he looked over to Renamon and Kokuwamon, who suffered the most pain during his crazy episode. "I'm sorry guys…I just lost it without explanation…"

"Do not blame yourself, Monodramon," reassured Renamon. "Please…do not worry over my injuries."

"Nor mine," chimed in Kokuwamon.

"Hey guys!" a voice called. The Tamers looked over to see Jeri running down the street with the twins Ai and Mako trailing behind her. Flying next to them was Calumon. A simple and sweet Digimon who always loved to play games, Calumon used to be the Catalyst that allowed Digimon to Digivolve. That power had been used greatly during the D-Reaper Crisis to allow many Digimon in the Digital World to Digivolve to the Mega level. After the Digimon returned, Calumon had taken up residence in Jeri's place so she wouldn't be left out of having a Digimon, but he also spent time with the twins as well while Impmon was missing.

"Hey Ai, Mako," Takato greeted the two siblings. "I'm sorry, but Impmon wasn't…"

"We know," Ai said sadly. "Jeri told us."

"But we know he'll be back, right?" Mako asked hopefully.

"Yeah…he'll be back," Jeri said with a hand on a different twin's shoulder, her tone hopeful as well.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Blue Card)

Back at the Hypnos building, the blond haired man, who was the director of Hypnos, Mitsuo Yamaki, watched the screen showing the Tamers with an unreadable expression. He had witnessed the entire battle with Strikedramon, and for some reason, it did not sit well with him at all.

"Sir, our scanners indicate that there are zero Wild Ones in Shinjuku," reported Tally, the blond-haired woman. "They actually managed to get them all."

"Did you have doubts?"

"No, sir…the situation was just reminding me of the Locomon incident three months ago." Yamaki grunted as he remembered that particular incident, involving a number of purple spider-like Digimon called Parasimon appearing like mad in Shinjuku and controlling a train-like Digimon called Locomon. The Tamers were able to destroy all the Parasimon and send Locomon back to the Digital World, but it was still a problem due to the overwhelming numbers the Tamers face.

"It wasn't as bad as the Parasimon," said Riley, the red-haired woman, as she remembered as well. "I mean, it was bad…but at least there was no damage done."

"There was damage done," said Yamaki, "but not by the enemy…one of our own." His eyes turned to the screen with Strikedramon. "This is the fourth time he's gone out of control since the Digimon returned."

"The first three times he lost control was in his evolved form of Cyberdramon," Riley noted, bringing up Hypnos's profiles on Cyberdramon and Ryo. "And according to Ryo, he's lost control before in the Digital World."

"But the question is…why does he lose control so often?" Yamaki wondered aloud.

"We don't know sir," answered Tally. "Ryo's profile doesn't say much about the time he spent in the Digital World prior to the D-Reaper Crisis, and neither does his partner's. It may have been something he picked up in the Digital World."

"Perhaps…" Yamaki said as he looked at Ryo's profile. "But there's much about Ryo that we don't know about. His is the shortest out of all the Tamers' profiles."

"Are you worried, sir?" asked Riley.

"I'm concerned about this," said Yamaki. "We know little to nothing about Ryo Akiyama except what the other Tamers have told us. If these outbursts of his partner's continue, there could be massive problems, such as property damage and the public distrust. If we know more about them, then we could possibly be prepared for any more outbursts in the future. Who put together the Tamers' profiles again?"

"I think it was Janyu or Shibumi sir," answered Tally, typing a little on her keyboard before speaking again. "It was Janyu."

"Call him in," Yamaki said, snapping his lighter closed again and looking at the screen with Ryo. Yamaki knew that whoever Ryo was, there was definitely more to him than met the eye.

After the Digimon partners had rested a little after the exhausting battle, the Tamers returned to Kazu's house to finish up their Digimon marathon. They were nearing the end of Season 2 when the Digital Field appeared. The Tamers continued the marathon at the 45th episode, and watched it all to the very last episode. While most of the Tamers had light smiles for the happy parts and were sad for the deaths that happened, Ryo sat in the corner of the room, looking at the TV with a slight frown on his face that became a soft glare. Once the last episode was done, Kazu went over and pulled the DVD out of the player and turned off his TV.

"You know, it's been three years since the show ended, and I still don't get the ending at all," said Kenta. "In fact, I don't get much of the second season."

"Well, the second half that is," said Henry. "I read online that there were a lot of arguments and disagreements between the writers, producers and directors about what to do for stories and plots."

"Still, it doesn't seem like a bad show," said Betamon.

"It also doesn't make sense in some cases," said Rika. "But…I like it."

"Well, I don't," Ryo said suddenly, standing up from his place in the room. "I hate it." Ryo's bold statement caused everyone to look at him with slight shock.

"Woah, really?" Kazu asked in surprise. "How come?" Ryo simply let out a 'hmmph' as he turned around and began walking out of the room with Monodramon, looking grumpy.

"Hey Ryo!" Terriermon called. "Can you tell us why you hate it for no reason whatsoever?" Ryo stopped at the threshold of the door, and looked back with a small glare.

"Because it's an absolute insult to the Digidestined!" the Tamer said angrily. "I mean, astronauts? Fashion designers? Sudden plot twists that make no sense at all? The older kids being shoved in the back and the younger ones getting little to no development? It's absolute garbage!"

"Ryo, calm down," Takato said calmly his friend. "It's just a TV show!"

"Is it, Takato?" Ryo asked in a low voice. "Is it really?" Upon hearing Ryo's words, the other Tamers looked confused at what he just said.

"Uh…what does that mean?" asked a confounded Guilmon. Ryo simply let out a huff of breath as he turned around and walked out with Monodramon.

"Hey! Ryo!" called Kenta.

"Leave me alone!" Ryo snapped before opening the door and slamming it closed, leaving a surprised silence in his wake.

"What…was that all about?" asked Mako. The young boy didn't know Ryo all that well, but he knew Ryo was usually a calm one.

"Everybody's a critic I guess," said Terriermon.

"Maybe," agreed Henry, "but that was…something else."

(Play Digimon Tamers: Akogare 2)

"Ryo, slow down!" Monodramon called to his partner. Ryo walked down the sidewalk with a glare on his face that slowly morphed into a frown. "I think you may have gone off the edge a bit back there!" Ryo stopped walking and breathed deeply before letting it out.

"You're right…I'm sorry…" Ryo sighed, sitting down on a nearby bench, the purple dragon sitting next to him. The teenage boy did not mean to lash out like that at his friends, but the second season of the Digimon TV show really got to him, not just because of the mess it was in the second half, but because it failed to mention…

"Ryo!" called a voice. Ryo looked up and saw Rika walking over to him, her face set in a light glare. "What's wrong with you?"

(Play Digimon Tamers: Ruki no Theme)

"Oh…hey, Rika…" Ryo stood up and looked over to Rika. "I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't myself back there…I really haven't been myself the last couple of weeks…"

"Try the last few months, ever since our Digimon came back," corrected Rika. "Your partner has lost control over the last few months, but the only damage he really did was destroy several trees and cars, as well as cause minor damage on buildings. Today, he attacked all of us! Plus, I think they're may be something wrong with you! You look tired." This was true, as Ryo's eyes had dark shadows under them, indicating a lack of sleep.

"Why would you care?" Ryo grumbled slightly. "You don't seem to really give a crap about me…"

"Well…" Rika said, remembering the times she often showed contempt for Ryo, who she viewed as "Mr. Perfect", with no flaws or problems in his personal life, when she knew everyone had them, including herself. "…maybe I do, but that's because you act like everything's all right with you and your life, when I know it's not. You obviously have problems, but you're pushing down any problems you have so you won't have to worry about them or tell anyone about them. That's what Jeri and I used to do, but we have been getting better...although I'm more open to Renamon. Ryo seriously, what's wrong?"

"Look Rika, it's fine," Ryo said, running his hand through his face. "I've just been having some bad dreams is all, and I haven't been getting much sleep. You know people get cranky from lack of sleep…"

"Well, I highly doubt it causes you to go on a tirade on a TV show," Rika responded. "Is there something you're not telling me?" Rika stared right into Ryo's eyes, and the Legendary Tamer couldn't look away from the hard glare.

"There is…" Ryo said with a sad sigh. "And it's not just you. The other Tamers, my father, Hypnos…they don't know me…the real me."

"What do you mean, the real you?" Rika inquired. "And what do you mean your father doesn't know you?"

"He's not my real father!" Ryo's eyes widened when he realized what he just said, and Rika's eyes widened greatly as well.

"Not your real…?" Rika then gasped when she realized what Ryo meant. "Ryo…are you…"

"Yes. I'm adopted," Ryo said, turning around and banging his head on a phone pole. Rika was absolutely shocked at this revelation.

(Play Omoi: The Biggest Dreamer)

"How long…"

"For three years now," said the 14-year-old boy, turning back to look at Rika with a hurt expression on his face. "And it's because of the Digital World that I ended up being adopted. Rika…I was ripped away from my old family…my old life because of Digimon. I met Monodramon three years ago and we battled a monstrous Digimon that nearly destroyed the Digital World. We managed to win, but Monodramon and I ended up here in Shinjuku, with no way to return home." Rika was shocked at Ryo's story, but also confused at what he was talking about.

"Ryo, what are you talking about? Did this Digimon…kill your family?"

"No…they're still alive…but for all they know, I'm dead."

"Well, why didn't you just go home then?" asked Rika. "Why didn't you go back to your old family? They're probably worried sick about you! Did you even call them?"

"I couldn't!" said Ryo. "As far as things go, I don't exist at all in this world!" Now this really threw Rika for a loop. What did he mean he did not exist and by this world?

"Okay…now I'm really confused. What do you…"

"Do you remember episode 28 of season one of Digimon? When Gennai was telling the Digidestined of there being many worlds out there?"

"Yeah, vaguely, but what does that have to do with you?"

"Because Rika…Gennai wasn't lying…there are many worlds out there, numerous timelines and dimensions…and I'm from one of those dimensions."

Silence reigned over the area for an entire minute before Rika spoke again.

"What…you mean…"

"Yes," Ryo said, head down as Monodramon looked at him with sad eyes. "I'm from another dimension, and so is Monodramon. In fact, we come from a certain world…" Rika was about to ask again when she suddenly remembered Ryo's outburst over the second season of Digimon. It didn't seem possible at all, not even believable…but the red-haired girl had done things and seen things that were considered impossible and unbelievable in the past.

"You mean…you're from the world of the Digimon TV show?!"

"I am," confirmed Ryo, causing Rika's jaw to drop open in absolute shock. On a streetlight above them, Renamon, who had been listening to the conversation, let out a gasp of shock.

(Play Digimon: Tomodachi Tatakai no Theme)

"But…why did you never tell us?"

"Would you have believed me that I came from a world that was a TV show in this world?" Rika opened her mouth to answer, but stopped to think about it.

"Well…I don't…think I would have…"

"Exactly," said Ryo. "Monodramon and I helped the Digidestined battle a monster that would have destroyed both worlds; a monster far worse than Apocalymon…and the show never mentioned it at all…the nightmares I've been having are about that Digimon, and my old life."

"Who was this Digimon?" inquired Rika. Ryo looked over to Rika with a torn look before turning around.

"I…I need some time to think things over Rika. I promise I'll tell you and the other Tamers when I'm ready…in the meantime, promise me you won't tell anyone about me."

"Ryo..."

"Promise me!" Ryo repeated, his face still torn. Rika backed up slightly in shock, surprised to see the look on his face.

"Yes! Yes…I promise…"

"Thank you," Ryo said, shoulders slumping. "Come on Monodramon. Let's go to the park." The duo walked off as Rika looked on, a look of sadness and sympathy on her face.

'Ryo…' she thought sadly. Renamon leaped off the lamppost and landed gracefully next to Rika, placing a hand on her shoulder for comfort.

"Rika…are you okay?" the yellow fox asked in a tone that reminded one of a concerned sibling.

"I…I don't think so…" Rika said, looking down at the ground sadly while thinking to herself, 'Ryo's had it bad…maybe worse than any of us Tamers…and he kept it hidden better than any of us…and it's hurt him even more…' Rika walked off to her house, feeling bad for not getting to know Ryo well.

In the park, Ryo and Monodramon walked in silence, their talk with Rika and memories of their past flowing through their minds…

"Ryo?" Monodramon asked worriedly. "You're not okay, are you? I mean, Rika's really the first person you've really been honest with about your past?"

(Play Setsunasa: The Biggest Dreamer)

"Yeah…you're right, I'm not okay…" Ryo sighed, leaning against a tree. "These last few months have been hell on Earth for me…and I guess I took it out on the wrong people…"

"Maybe, but I don't really blame you for bashing that show," said Monodramon. "I mean, at least you got a cameo in two episodes in season two. They didn't show me at all!" Ryo couldn't help but chuckle at his partner's complaint over his lack of airtime.

"I feel you buddy," Ryo patted his friend's head. "I really didn't like that show…not just for that epilogue and screwed-up second half, but also…because I felt that was also a glimpse into the future."

"You mean Ken?"

"Yeah…seeing what happened to him in that last battle, and what he became and went through…I can't help but wonder what would have happened had we still been there." Ryo looked up at the reddening sky which was signaling the setting sun.

"Ryo…you don't know if that really happened to Ken," Monodramon placed a reassuring hand on Ryo's leg. "I mean, it wasn't just me they didn't show, and you know that! It wasn't just you and Ken that fought Millenniummon!"

"I know…and I guess that really gets to me…" Ryo said as he looked down at Monodramon. "But I have a feeling that Ken did become the Digimon Emperor because of Millenniummon's Dark Spore. You know better than anyone about Millenniummon's data." Monodramon's expression went dark as he knew what Ryo was talking about.

"I know…sometimes I feel him trying to break free…but usually when I'm Cyberdramon…but the fact that I lost it when I was Strikedramon…I can feel him more lately Ryo…and at night…I can hear him saying how his legacy still lives…" The purple dragon shuddered as he hugged himself. Ryo bent down and wrapped an arm around him for comfort.

"Easy, buddy…it's okay…" But deep down, Ryo still felt an uneasy feeling. That second season was a mess, but Ryo knew deep down that some of those things had to have happened. He knew Ken was in trouble and he needed to help him…and Ken wasn't the only one that needed Ryo's help.

"Come on," the brown-haired boy said, standing back up and heading into a certain direction.

"Where are we going?" Monodramon's question was ignored as Ryo found a staircase and went up to it. There before him was a cement shed with an iron gate. The small building before them was a shed that Takato used to keep Guilmon in back when Takato was keeping Guilmon a secret. Deep underneath the shed was a portal that led directly into the Digital World. It was through this portal that the Tamers first went to the Digital World and met Ryo, and it was this same portal that brought the Digimon back to the Human World before. The portal still remained there and was roped off by Hypnos, with only authorized personnel, being the Hypnos staff and the Digimon Tamers, allowed to approach the shed. Monodramon took one look at the shed and suddenly realized what Ryo was planning to do.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Net no Umi)

"Ryo…are you serious?"

"I am serious," Ryo replied, opening the gate and stepping into the shed, going down a tunnel that Guilmon had dug, which led to the portal being found. "If Ken did get infected with Millenniummon's darkness and has become the Digimon Emperor back home, then we have to get back home and help!"

"But…but there's no telling if we can get back to our world through this Digital World!" Monodramon protested as he followed his partner to the portal.

"We can't," Ryo said shortly, "but I know a few Digimon who can get us back home." Monodramon stopped short as another realization came to him.

"Oh no…you don't mean…"

"I do," Ryo said, grabbing Monodramon's hand and falling into the portal. In a flash of multicolored lights and fog, Ryo and Monodramon landed on the ground and looked up, finding themselves in a barren desert of the Digital World.

"I really hope you know what you're doing," Monodramon said, looking at the Digital Splits, purple streams of light that would teleport anyone caught in them to a random part of the Digital World.

"Usually, I do," Ryo pulled out his D-Arc and a Blue Card. Swiping the Blue Card through his D-Arc, Ryo saw a flash of light and Cyberdramon stood before him.

"Let's go!" Ryo stated, climbing on Cyberdramon's back. The armored dragon nodded and spread his wings, taking flight in the sky. After several minutes of flying, Ryo pointed to a specific Digital Split that would take them to where they needed to go. Nodding, Cyberdramon flew through the Split, and a flash of purple light, Ryo and Cyberdramon found themselves in a land with a red ground and a blood-red palace that towered over the landscape, reaching up into the sky.

"This is a bad idea," Cyberdramon muttered as he landed in front of the doors of the palace.

"It's the only idea," Ryo said, looking up at the doors and knocking on them twice. Several moments passed when the doors suddenly swung inward, allowing Ryo and Cyberdramon to enter the palace. The doors swung closed once they entered, but the duo walked forward until they reached a massive room with no roof. In the middle of the room was a giant ball of fire. Ryo gulped nervously as the ball of fire began taking shape and became a giant phoenix with four wings and four blood-red eyes that stared down Ryo and Cyberdramon. The phoenix before them was Zhuqiaomon, one of the four Digimon Sovereigns, the Guardian of the South.

(Play Digimon Tamers: Ankoku~Kibou)

"Well, well, well…Ryo Akiyama," Zhuqiaomon said in a booming voice. "I trust you have a reason for coming here. Whatever your reason is, I suggest you start talking before I forcefully eject you and your partner from my castle. My opinion on humans may has changed, but not by much to allow you to disturb me for some trivial matter." Cyberdramon growled at the threat, but resisted the urge to attack the Sovereign. As powerful as he was with Millenniummon's data, it still wasn't enough to stand up to a Digimon who was practically a god.

"I assure you Zhuqiaomon, this is no trivial matter. This is a matter of great importance that concerns not only yourself, but the other Digimon Sovereigns…" Before Ryo could continue, a loud clap of thunder from overhead, ringing throughout the area. Blue clouds rolled in as a shape larger than Zhuqiaomon's appeared. This figure was a blue dragon with a long, winding body and chains on his body. Like Zhuqiaomon, he had four red eyes, but these eyes held a kindness to them. This was Azulongmon, the Sovereign of the East.

"I agree with you Ryo," Azulongmon stated as he floated down, his massive head hovering above Zhuqiaomon's castle. "It is a concern that involves not only us Sovereigns and you, but the Digidestined…and possibly, the Tamers."

"Well, then…" Ryo said, looking up at the two Sovereigns, "shall we begin?"

(Plays Days: Aijou to Nichijou TV Size)

END CHAPTER 1