Haruka: Wow. Chapter 16. Two years (and a week, sorry!) 102 reviews. I don't know what to say. This was my first story on FF and now it's done. Finished. No more. Ahahas. I remember the first few chapters when I started...they were so bad and ew and oh god I'm glad I deleted them. But yeah. I improved since then, I think. I'll ramble some more later. Oh, and, easiest chapter title EVER XD. One more thing that I just realized. Please note that in my author's note at the end of Chapter 15, I said "And I'm sorry that this chapter was very long..." when I actually meant "wasn't very long." Yeah. I'm too lazy to go fix that now. Moving on!

Her Knight in Shining Armor

Chapter 16: The End

"Let's call it a tie," Ryo said, laughing. Rika nodded in agreement, unable to speak. She jumped off the swing and landed on her feet, still laughing as she made her way over to a bench to sit down. Ryo followed behind her.

It was nice, really, this last day. Neither of the two had any complaints. It was peaceful, much like it was before all the madness started. Rika looked up at the sky as the faintest hint of light appeared as the sun rose. Ryo did the same, admiring the purples and pinks that blended together.

She looked away from the sky and turned her attention toward the boy next to her. Pity, really, that they had to die so young. She sighed, causing him to turn to her. She said nothing, though, so he tried to read her expression. It took him awhile, but he finally managed to decipher it. Her eyes had that faraway look that told him she was thinking of other things...the end of their lives, no doubt. Her lips were in a straight line, curling neither up nor down, as if she didn't know what to think of the situation.

"Should we go now?" he asked, wondering if it would be better to just get it over with.

She sighed again, "We should, but it wouldn't be fair to the others."

"Oh...right."

The wind picked up. Ryo sat there, still watching her. He watched in awe as her hair was caught by the wind and flared out behind her. For a moment, he wondered what it was like to have long hair. Her hair looked so soft...he wondered if it would feel the same as it looked.

He felt a swift movement under his hand. He blinked, then realized that he had reached out and grabbed Rika's hair. He half-expected her to glare at him, but she merely had a confused expression on her face, one that he knew he wasn't able to read. He settled on smiling sheepishly. The corners of her mouth curled up and she laughed.

"Idiot."

She leaned back on the bench, still smiling. There was no reason to keep her pride anymore. She wouldn't need anyway, she decided. Might as well make the most of her time, right? Satisfied with her decision, she let her head drop onto Ryo's shoulder, startling the boy, but he didn't move.

She closed her eyes, comfortable. His shoulder made a good pillow, she thought to herself. Not that he was fat or chubby or anything; Ryo was far from fat. The boy was practically a stick. No, it was the fact that it was him that comforted her.

Ryo looked down at her, content. He dared to wrap his arm around her waist, and to his surprise, she didn't protest. He too closed his eyes and they stayed like that for a good hour or so.

Screw pride. This is so much better.

Her cheeks felt wet. Her shirt felt wet.

Is it raining?

No...tears. That's what it was. Jeri's tears...and her own. The brunette was clinging to Rika, sobbing, refusing to let go, something she expected of her mother. Then again, Jeri was like Rumiko in plenty of ways, she supposed.

She'd been in this dreamlike state since the incident in the park. The fact that she couldn't see clearly didn't help much. She could, however, pick out the brown-haired boy surrounded by people a few feet away from her.

Another pair of arms wrapped around her. There was a flash of blonde hair. Her mother? No...it couldn't be. They were in the Digital World now. Then...Alice. She confirmed this after seeing the two pigtails tied up in black ribbons.

Jeri finally let go and Alice followed suit. She wanted to say something, anything. Tell them not to worry...just something, but she couldn't force any words out. They walked slowly over to Ryo to say their goodbyes.

Goodbyes...this is it then?

More arms. They felt stronger though, compared to Jeri's delicate ones.

"You really are stupid, you know that?"

Henry.

She recognized the voice immediately, the voice of reason. It was almost her second conscience.

"He's really lucky...Ryo. He doesn't have to deal with the pain. He gets to die with you. He won't be left alone."

Even if everything was out of focus and blurry, Rika could tell Henry was considering doing something reckless. She must have rubbed off on him a bit too much, just like he had on her, as little as it was. It was her turn to return the favor now, right?

"You're not alone," she finally managed, returning the hug, "You have Alice and Takato, and Jeri and Kazu and Kenta. You have your siblings, your family. And we'll keep watching over you guys. I promise. So promise me you won't do anything stupid." Her voice sounded distant.

He broke away without answering.

"Promise me."

He still didn't reply.

"Promise me, Henry."

The sound of his name must have triggered something because he turned around and nodded. She smiled.

Even more arms. This was going to be difficult, leaving them for good, that is.

Takato.

The scent of bread and baked goods gave him away.

"Same goes for you. Don't do anything stupid...and keep an eye on Jeri for me," she told him, hugging him back. He nodded and wiped away his tears. The motion was noticed immediately by Rika.

"You're crying? I don't believe this. You've got to be kidding me. It's not like it's the end of the world, you know."

"Look who's talking," he threw back, pointing at her face. For a second, she felt alive again.

"Well, my situation's...different..." she replied, looking away as her face turned red in embarrassment. He chuckled.

"It was your choice, though," he mumbled thoughtfully. A look of guilt appeared on her face.

"Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. We'll manage, right? We always have."

"Jeri has seen too many people die...if anything, please keep an eye on her," Rika requested, looking over at the other girl as she hugged Ryo.

"Of course."

"Thanks," she smiled at him before letting go.

A hand this time.

"I guess it's true what they say: you never know what something means to you until it's gone."

Kazu.

"I guess it is."

"Despite...everything...we were friends, right?" he asked. Rika shook her head, surprising him.

"Still are," she smiled.

"I really don't know what's scarier, you smiling and crying, or you trying to kick my ass," he laughed.

"Not something I can answer for you, Kazu. It's your opinion," she continued to smile, "But thank you for everything." She walked away, leaving him in a confused state.

Another hand.

Kenta.

"Don't keep following Kazu around. He's a good person, but he can really be an idiot sometimes. Do your own thing," she told him without turning around.

"Oh...thank you..."

She really didn't have much else to say to him. They never did talk much to begin with. Only one more thing to do now.

"Renamon."

The golden fox appeared by her side. Rika hugged her tightly. There was no need for words; Renamon understood. They were partners after all. They shared a bond that couldn't be broken. No matter what. Not even death could sever it.

At the same time, Ryo was also saying his goodbyes.

"You're really lucky, Ryo," Henry started. The older boy gave him a puzzled look. "You don't have to lose her...and the fact that you had her in the first place," he continued. Realization sunk in.

"You loved her, too, didn't you?"

Henry smiled bitterly, "But she wasn't for me."

"No, she wasn't. Alice is. You two will last forever, I can tell you that much," Ryo told him.

"Thanks...I guess."

Ryo held out his hand, "No problem."

"This is it then? The end?" Takato asked, walking toward the other boy.

"Guess so."

"And this is no dream?"

"I'm afraid not, Takato."

"I kept hoping, you know? That this was just another one of my crazy dreams or something and that I'd wake up any minute."

"Always were the biggest dreamer, weren't you?" Ryo chuckled. Takato forced a smile.

"I'm sorry, Takato. If I could change all of this, I would, but it's too late now. If it weren't for you, I probably would've died already, jumping in headfirst all the time. Rika, too, I'm sure. Thank you, and take care of Jeri."

Kazu walked over slowly, "Why?"

Ryo shrugged in response.

"You're my idol. Always were. You were always playing the hero; you had so much talent. This...it's as if you're just throwing everything away." He wanted to punch the Legendary Tamer, as if doing so would force some sense into the boy. He clenched his fists, trying to control himself.

Ryo felt a wave of guilt.

Fun. More to regret.

"Kazu...when you get back, go to the hidden room in my house. My cards are by the display case. Take them and fight with them. Take the title of Legendary Tamer and don't give it up to anyone else. All of this...I'm giving to you. I'm not throwing anything away. Live a happy life and be someone else's idol like I was to you."

"And Kenta. Be your own person. Don't be the sidekick. Be the hero. Look after everyone for me, okay?"

Two sets of arms wrapped around him. He could hear sobbing. Truth be told, he never talked to either of them much, but at that moment, he didn't care. He returned the hugs, realizing that both of the girls had lost loved ones already.

"I'm sorry, doing this to the two of you. You've been through so much already...take care of yourselves."

"Cyberdramon." He walked over to his partner.

"Try not to kill everything please? Control that other half of yourself as my last request. You're free now."

"Done?" Nekkara asked. Rika and Ryo nodded.

"When you enter the circle, just remove the stones from each other. Whatever happens after is up to fate. I'll probably disappear as well. Go. My mission is complete."

Rika and Ryo did as they were told and stood over the inscription in the ground. The second that they reached the second, a barrier rose, surrounding them.

"No turning back now."

"No turning back," Ryo said in agreement, "Let's die happy." He kissed her then, those few seconds seeming to last forever. As they broke apart, each of them held a gem in their hands and wore a smile on their faces.

The sapphire and amethyst stones glowed and as they fragmented and cracked, their former owners began to fall, their life energy disappearing.

There were screams from outside the barrier as the tamers tried to get through. The ground began to shake; the structure was coming apart. The Digimon pried their partners away from the translucent wall and made their way back to the real world.

There were no bodies to bury, no graves, practically nothing to symbolize that such great people had lived and died. No, their bodies remained in the Digital World as data, peaceful, undisturbed, protected by that same barrier that was created two years ago.

The little structure in Shinjuku Park that was hidden in the trees became a tribute to the king and queen. Once a year they all met there, bringing and leaving miscellaneous objects and foods as offerings, but every now and then they would come during the year to speak with their deceased friends, to tell them about their day, their life, and ask how things were.

The first year was the hard, but those last words and last moments that they shared helped them pull through.

Henry sat on the stone ground with his eyes closed. They would all be meeting there the following day. He opened his eyes and looked to the back of the building to see the small memorial the tamers had put together. It wasn't much, really, just a picture of each of them, both of their D-Arcs, and a few more of their belongings, mostly those that had gone with them to the Digital World.

Henry sighed, "We're all fine, if you were wondering. The others will be coming to visit tomorrow. I can't believe it's already been two years since...well...yeah. I'm not sure about the others, but it still hurts, Rika. I really miss you...both of you...you'd think that I'd understand why you made your choice by now, but I don't. There was no reason for you to do that...I feel as if I really didn't know you...but I went along with it. I dealt with it. I kept my promise. I'm still alive and I don't plan on dying anytime soon...for everyone's sake."

He turned his gaze to the photographs, "Kazu's become the new king...and Jeri's the new queen. You've taught them well. They prefer being called the prince and princess, though." Here he paused and chuckled. "They don't think they're good enough to take your titles. Kenta's a lot more outspoken...the guy's really a genius now. He's always helping Suzie with her homework and whatnot. Takato's just...Takato. Same old goggle-head leader. He's really doing a good job looking after everyone. We went back to the Digital World last week...didn't see Renamon or Cyberdramon, though. We haven't for two years. I'm sure their busy taking care of things over there...considering the lack of action lately. Life's been pretty slow otherwise. School's the same as always...lots of work, pretty boring. Things have been dead lately...no offense. I think I've gone insane, though...talking to spirits who might not even exist..but I wouldn't bet anything. We never dreamed that the Digital World would exist and it did. Who knows, right? Well, I'll be back tomorrow with the others and we'll celebrate. Ryo would be turning 18...if...well...yeah."

He stood up and looked at the images one more time, smiled, and left.

Jeri smiled to herself as she walked with Takato.

Two years already.

Most of her efforts now went toward staying happy. She knew it was what Ryo and Rika would want. Still, she couldn't help but miss them.

She waved as they crossed paths with the others in the park. Miraculously, they all managed to get there at exactly the same time; no one was early and no one was late.

She reached the iron gate first and pulled it open, setting her bag down on the dirt. She looked over at the two photographs, "Were any of you guys here recently?"

"Yesterday. Why?" Henry replied.

"Everything's gone except for the photos..."

"W..hat...?" the other tamers attempted to process what they just heard.

"An animal maybe?" Kazu suggested.

"That's pretty rude, you know, calling your friends animals."

They turned their heads to the sound, surprised. Eyes widened and smiles spread as they ran out of the small building and tackled Ryo and Rika to the ground in an attempt to hug them. Because at the moment, the 'how' didn't matter. The fact that everything was defying logic didn't matter. That could be saved for later, another time, another story. The only thing that did matter was that the king and queen had returned.

Haruka: Finished. REALLY sorry for taking so long...I said the fourth, today is the twentieth. But it's done. Owari. Finito. Be thankful for something this Thanksgiving if you want. I originally planned on stretching out the end a little more, but I needed to update. I felt really bad. I hope you guys are satisfied with it? I mean, I brought them back...I really didn't know if I was going to or not, to tell you the truth. At first, I didn't want to make the story like all of those that are like 'they're going to die, they're going to die, they don't.' Things aren't always that happy, right? So I knew I would kill them off for sure. Then came the "do I bring them back or not?" If I didn't, it'd be going with original plan...with possible violent events occurring as people try to kill me. If I did, it left room for a second story on how they came back and whatnot and it would make everyone who is reading this happy. It literally took me WEEKS to decide, but there you have it. I have no plans for a story to explain what happened at this moment...mainly because I don't have enough ideas to put together. Suggestions are always welcome, of course. Right now, I think I should really update my other stories...Ice hasn't been updated for eleven months, going on a year. I feel horrible. That's first on my list. Then 100 Moments...oh dear...99 more to go! So my first story on FF is now completed. I feel pretty accomplished, I guess. My writing was literally crap when I started two years ago...it's improved a lot, I think, but still not perfect...no one's perfect...and I'm far from it. But really. HUGE thanks to all of the reviewers. We'd probably still be on chapter...six or something if it weren't for you. Thank you for all the encouragement and advice and whatnot. I wish I could thank all of you individually right now...but...it's getting pretty late and I have to get some sleep before I pass out in front of my computer. Of course, if you review for this chapter, I'll reply, even just to say thank you. I've been answering some every now and then just so people know I'm alive...and well, yeah. Enough rambling. Honestly...I think I talk too much sometimes. Oh, and readers of INJYTV, please don't expect an update very soon...maybe next month...maybe. Also, next Tamers story I'm planning on is a four-chapter one focusing on Jenrya and Alice. Yes, I will be using Japanese names...you don't know how hard it was trying to remember to use English names when I was finishing this chapter. For sure, that's one thing I would've changed in HKISA...using Japanese names...better plot development would've been nice, too...okay. Enough. I'll shut up now. Oh, and sorry if the random Henry-ness in this chapter bothered anyone. I felt like writing him...and it was pretty easy to...ish...not really. Whatever. It was fun writing him...and I had to mention Jenruki because that was my favorite before Ryo came along...and seriously. Someone make me shut up. This is going to turn into a full page soon.

But really, huge thanks once again!