Wow, I expected to get a good response to my Juri's partner poll, but I never expected such results. Eleven different digimon received votes. I counted all votes for Tailmon (Gatomon) as votes for her Child (Rookie) form Plotmon. (Salamon) The winner is:

Plotmon

In a late charge, Plotmon captured the win by two votes over Elecmon. I, of course, didn't vote. If anyone was curious, I'd have voted for a female Labramon if given this choice. No particular reason. I just like Labramon, and one of her attacks uses alcohol so she seems to fit Juri well.

Here's the entire voting breakdown:

Plotmon = 7

Elecmon = 5

V-mon = 3

Pico Devimon = 2

Tentomon = 1

Patamon = 1

Kokuwamon = 1

Betamon = 1

Floramon = 1

Piyomon = 1

This Chapter will introduce a trio of new characters. Two of which many of you already know. The other is a unique character. For any who wish to know, Ryo was fourteen in the show, which makes him seventeen for this fic. If Plotmon seems OOC to you, keep in mind that this particular Plotmon was not raised in the environment of Vamdemon's (Myotismon) army. Therefore she wouldn't have the same personality of Hikari's (Kari) Plotmon. Hmm, I do talk too much, don't I? On with the story:

~*~

To be a Tamer

Chapter 7: Coping

Juri was frozen. She wanted to run, but her muscles were paralyzed in fear. The light finished its transformation, and she was now faced with a small glowing figure, "H-hello," Juri said cautiously. Although the creature was smaller than herself, Juri had witnessed firsthand the destructive powers of digimon. It walked forward in quadruped fashion. As it exited the fog its glow diminished. Juri soon recognized the digimon. It was a totally golden brown color, with the exception of its rosy cheeks. A golden collar adorned its neck, inscripted with some type of writing. It stopped and stood, two floppy ears dangling at its sides. The stare of its innocent blue eyes made Katou relax a little, "You're a Plotmon, right?"

Juri started to tense up once again as the creature remained silent. Suddenly, its muscled tensed. It reared back and threw itself at her. Juri closed her eyes, hoping for a painless death. Instead she was given a warm embrace. Katou opened her eyes to see the little puppy like creature hugging her, "Wow, another human! Ryo and the elders always talked about other humans, but I've never seen any!" it cried in a voice that was clearly feminine.

"Oookkk," Juri said, thoroughly confused, "I'm Katou Juri, and you're…squeezing me."

It was impossible to tell if Plotmon blushed, as her cheeks were naturally flushed, "Sorry, it's just that…a human…wow," Plotmon giggled.

"That's ok. I don't exactly meet many digimon here either."

Plotmon blinked, "Umm…where is here? A minute ago I was in the wastes scouring for food, now I'm here."

"Well…here is," Juri looked around, "I'm not sure where here is, but I can take you back to my house if you'd like," Juri was happy to finally have a digimon to talk to, especially after her breakup with Lee. Secretly though, she had always envied Lee and Takato for having their own digimon.

"Ok, that sounds ni…" Plotmon trailed off, looking over Juri shoulder. She suddenly leapt out of Juri's embrace and into the trash pile behind her.

Juri turned and looked, almost throwing up at the site. Plotmon was eating various amount of old food like it was her last meal, "Eww, how can you eat that?"

The puppy looked up from her meal, "How can I not? I haven't had food like this in months. Most days, my group is lucky to get food at all."

Katou felt bad for saying anything. She had heard about world hunger on Earth, but had no idea digimon had the same problems, "Here, let me take you to my home and get you some real food."

"Real food?"

"Yeah. I'll bet you'd love some fresh fish, or a nice big bowl of ramen."

"I don't know what those are, but if it's even better than this, count me in," Plotmon said happily, before resuming to eat a piece of rotting fruit.

Juri shuddered, "Yes, much better," she headed back the way she came, followed by her newfound companion. Unfortunately, as she turned the alley corner, she ran into a scruffy looking man, "Oh, I'm sorry." Juri said.

"I'll bet you are. You know, alleys are a dangerous place for little girls. A lot of weirdoes hang out in here. Especially in the evening," the man said.

"Ok, I was just leaving anyway."

The man grabbed her, cupping his dirty hand over her mouth "Oh no your not. You shouldn't have been in MY alley. Now I'm going to pay the price," Katou struggled as the man grabbed at her dress.

Plotmon had no idea what was going on, she just knew that her new friend was in trouble, "Leave her alone."

The man turned and looked, seeing only a small dog, "Who said that?"

"I did."

He turned to his captive, "What is this, bitch? Some kind of ventriloquist ackkkkkkkkkk…" the perverted hobo howled out, releasing Juri as Plotmon bit his leg, "Damn mutt. I'll just have to kill you first," he picked up a broken bottle from the ground.

"Puppy Howling!" Plotmon yelled. The man clutched his ears and collapsed to ground in some type of paralysis.

Juri watched the whole event unfold in awe. Recovering, she scooped up Plotmon, who appeared as if she were getting ready to strike again, "Let's get out of here."

~*~

"This had better be good, Indaramon" a dragon-like creature snapped to a large purple pony.

"I would never have disturbed your projection had it not been important, my lord," Indaramon, the horse Deva stated. His chest armor was barely visible in the dark, underground room, "The Tamer Ryo is here and demands your attention."

The creature sighed, "What does he want now?"

"He would not say. He asked only to speak with you."

"Very well. Send him into my study and tell him I'll be there in a moment. Also, do not even call it my 'projection' openly."

"Of course, my sovereign," as Indaramon turned to leave, a large metallic shell glistened briefly on his back.

What could Akiyama possibly want? Could he…no, it's not possible that the others could know of my operations. Well, I shall find out soon enough.

~*~

"Ok, then what did she say?" Terriermon asked.

Jenrya sighed, "I'm sorry."

"I said what did she say?"

"No, she said 'I'm sorry'."

"Ouch. Well, welcome back to the world of single guys, we're glad to have you back," Terriermon smirked.

"That's not funny."

"Just trying to cheer you up."

"I know. It's just that…it's all my fault. If I hadn't said anything we would still be together."

"But you wouldn't be happy. What's the point of having a girlfriend if you're miserable?"

"You know, sometimes you almost make sense," Lee smirked.

"Thanks, I think. Now let's go to the park and ogle girls."

"What?"

"We're a couple of single guys. Single guys hang out places and ogle girls."

Jenrya sweatdropped, "You're back to being odd again, but going out for a walk does sound good."

~*~

"Taka-chan, what are you doing?" Ruki asked.

"Trying to think of something that will convince my parents let stay over," Matsuda explain, fiddling with the phone, "How about 'I need to do some serious overnight studying at Lee-kun's'?"

"What about 'I'm young and horny and need to screw my already pregnant girlfriend'," Ruki mocked.

"Ruki! Your mother is in the other room," Takato said.

"She has to know sooner or later. I don't really care what she thinks anyway. Why don't you just tell your parents the truth?"

"Because they would have me killed."

"Or worse."

"Worse?" Takato asked. Ruki made a scissor snipping motion at her boyfriend's crotch. Takato shuddered and crossed his legs, "Don't even joke about that."

"Sorry, but I was serious about telling them the truth."

"I will. I promise I will. I just…need to find the right moment."

"You keep saying that. When is the 'right moment'?" Ruki asked.

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"Can you come to my house after you get out of school tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"We can tell them then."

"Why do I have to be with you?"

"Because they…don't like to yell at me in front of company," Takato admitted.

Ruki smiled understandingly, "Ok, now I need your help," she grasped his hand.

"For what?"

"We're going to tell my mother," Makino said bluntly.

"You're what!?"

"I said WE, not me. It will be good practice for tomorrow. Now come on," Ruki ordered. Usually, Takato liked Ruki's strong will and take charge attitude. It was one of the main things that drew him to her in the first place. This time, however, that was not the case as Matsuda was practically dragged by his girlfriend into the other room.

~*~

"Wow, thanks a lot, Katou Juri!" Plotmon exclaimed, eyeing the large bowl of salmon ramen in front of her. She and her new friend sat on Juri's bed.

Juri giggled, "I should be thanking you, and call me Katou-san, Juri-san, or Juri-chan, anything but Katou Juri. It sounds so professional."

"You have a lot of names," the digimon mumbled before swallowing, "Juri-chan sounds good."

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did," Plotmon smirked.

Katou giggled, but then became serious, "Back in the alley when I scooped you up, you were going to attack that man again, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I was protecting you. He hurt you."

"But why were you going to attack him again?"

"He wasn't deleted."

Juri looked uncertain, "Deleted?"

"Yeah. I could tell he was alive because he was still breathing. I wasn't strong enough to destroy him with one attack," Plotmon explained, eating all the while.

Juri looked pale. Deleted? Destroyed? She was going to kill him! "Why? Why would you destroy him?"

"He was a bad person. He was trying to hurt you. He had to be deleted."

She talks about it like it's nothing. She could have…no would have killed him and not thought another thing about it, "Y-you can't do that."

"Sure I can. My Puppy Howling just paralyzes my enemy. I could have ripped that evil human up," Plotmon said confidently.

Juri shuddered, "No! You can't. You can't kill. Killing is wrong."

"But, I have to. If I absorb his data, I'll get stronger. Not to mention it makes me much less hungry."

Absorb his data? What data? Argh, where is Jen when you need him? Juri thoughts paused. She choked up slightly as her thoughts drifted to Jenrya. Oh that's right. I screwed that up, didn't I? Now I have no boyfriend and am hanging out with a psycho killer puppy.

"Are you crying?" Plotmon broke her thoughts with a question.

"What? Uhh, no. I just…have something in my eye."

"Want me to get it out?"

"N-no, no! I'm fine, just…just keep eating," Katou said, a little too nervously.

Plotmon stopped eating and looked at the human girl, "Are you scared of me?"

"N-no. No, of course not. I'm fine."

"You are scared. You're scared of me. Just like the others," the Digi-puppy's deep blue eyes grew teary, "I thought a human would be different. A human would understand me. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable. I just…wanted a friend. I'll go now," Plotmon left her meal and started to leave.

"Wait a minute. Please don't leave. Everyone is leaving me today. Please not you too," Juri said. The digimon turned and locked eyes with the young girl. She's hurting, just like me. I can see it in her eyes. She's not evil. I can only imagine the things she's must have done. Not because she wanted to, but because she had to in order to survive. Juri smiled and walked toward her. She hugged Plotmon, and Plotmon hugged back. After a moment she spoke again, "I'm sorry. I guess we kind of got off on the wrong foot."

"Huh?" the Digi-puppy looked at one of her feet.

Juri giggled, "Never mind. You know, I still want to be your friend…if that's ok."

Plotmon smiled, "I'd like that."

Juri looked at the small digimon for a minute, "Before, you said 'just like the others', what did you mean by that?"

"I don't really like to talk about that."

"Oh sorry I…"

"But I will. Only if you tell me what you meant when you said 'everyone is leaving you today," Plotmon finished.

"Fair enough," Juri sat down and handed Plotmon her unfinished bowl of ramen back. Wow, a real digimon someone to talk to. Now I know how the others feel. As Juri scooted next to Plotmon, the D-Ark she had found earlier fell on the floor.

Plotmon gasped, "You're a Tamer?"

"Huh, me? I'm no Tamer."

"But you have a D-Ark. Only Tamer's have D-Arks."

"I don't even have a digimon. Besides, I just found the D-Ark, right before you showed up."

"Really?" That's why. I've been chosen. I can't believe this is really happening. I'm a Tamer's digimon. Plotmon couldn't help but give a little giddy laugh.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't you know? I'm your digimon. You've been chosen. You're my Tamer."

"M-me?" A Tamer? I'm a Tamer! I'm really a Tamer, "Uhh, Plotmon?"

"Yes?"

"What does a Tamer do?"

"Well…" Plotmon didn't really know how to respond to that. She knew all about how a digimon and human could be chosen from speaking with Ryo and his digimon, but beyond that her knowledge was nil.

"I guess we can get to know each other better," Juri said. Not that she had any knowledge of Taming, but she used common sense.

"That sounds like a start."

~*~

"You want fries to go with that shake?" Terriermon yelled to some woman walking in the park.

Lee quickly turned his back to the woman and yanked Terriermon off his head, "What is wrong with you?"

"Sorry, Jen. I just feel really…frisky. I don't know why. I just started feeling like this yesterday," Terriermon explained.

Jenrya raised an eyebrow, "After Katou-san left?" he asked, feeling it was inappropriate to continue calling her Juri since they were no longer together.

"Yeah," the dog-bunny blushed, "Ok I'll tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell another soul."

I've never betrayed your trust before. Why would I now?"

"Ok. Look, I usually don't like human girls in 'that way', but when I accidentally saw Juri naked, it really turned me on. Please don't tell anyone."

"I'm not going to. Besides, I don't think it was your fault," Jenrya assured.

"Huh?"

"Remember what I said the other day?" Jenrya sat down with his partner on a bench, "I'm guessing your bond with me made you start to feel attracted to her. I'm also betting that my being with Katou-san also made your feel a greater desire to be with someone too."

"So because you're getting laid, I'm getting really horny?"

Lee sweatdropped, "I'd have used different terms, but yes, that's my guess."

"How do I make it go away?"

"A cold shower," Jenrya smirked.

"Very funny," Terriermon said. He smiled evilly as he looked over Lee's should and yelled, "Hey sexy thing, back that ass up!"

"Up yours, pervert!" the teenage girl yelled back, thinking Lee had made the comment.

"Terriermon!" Lee yelled.

"Just getting a little revenge."

"For what?"

"You just said it's your fault I'm like this. Now you'll just have to live with your poor 'sexually deprived' digimon," Terriermon giggled.

Oh that's just fantastic. Lee thought as his slapped his forehead.

~*~

"Hello Akiyama," the creature said in a casual, yet clearly annoyed voice. The study was well lit with a large skylight, as well as numerous electrically powered chandeliers. Human and digimon books of every soft filled the walls. In full view, the creature appeared very dignified. His skin was a dark, midnight blue. An equally blue cape adorning his back waved, showing its red interior. He wore a suit of highly decorative armor, covering all but his hands, wrists, neck and head and tail. Fine scales could be seen in his neck and wrist, but not his hands or face. The armor was solid black, save for the breastplate and smaller plates at the joints. They were made of some type of platinum like material and reflected various colors of the rainbow, depending upon how the light impacted them. Upon closer inspection, the 'cape' was actually a pair of wings interfolded. His tail was clearly artificial. It resembled some type of segmented hydraulic tail-like machine, but had a ballpoint end. His long dragon esq. snout protruded, showing numerous teeth. A solid black 'Anarchy' like symbol appeared to be tattooed on his snout, in about the same place as Guilmon's markings. Slightly above this symbol, was another tattoo, this one of the 'All Seeing Eye'. His eyes were red, but not the glowing red of many of his Devas. They bore more of a gentle brownish red hue. Silver/white hair, braided in shoulder length dreadlocks, rustled as he spoke again, "For what do I owe the 'honor' of your visit."

"Hello, Al. Nice to see you've kept your place looking nice for me," the brown haired, blue eyed, Akiyama Ryo spoke, arrogant as ever. He wore a brown shirt, almost the same color as his hair, with darker shorts. A tan glove was on his left hand while some type of gauntlet was on his right. A bright red scarf covered his neck. His partner Cyberdramon, a large black and white armored cyborg Digimon, stood silently behind Ryo.

"You will address me as Altimamon-sama, holy one or master," the creature spoke, placing his hand on his chest. Standing a little over two meters, he wasn't large by digimon standards but considerably taller than the teen.

"There's nothing holy or dignified about you and you sure as hell aren't my master, AL."

Altimamon snarled, "I didn't come all the way up here to be insulted, especially by the likes of you. Now state your business or get out."

Ryo cocked an eyebrow, "You're touchy today. Is it because I interrupted your 'secret project'?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"The others know what you're up to. It's only a matter of time before your little plan is discovered."

"Your ridiculous accusations insult me. It's obvious you have no proof or you would not have come here alone," Altimamon said. Cyberdramon took a step forward. Altimamon looked at the larger dragon, "Ah yes, you. How could I ever forget you," he turned back to Ryo, "Why are you really here?"

"The Quarterly Assembly has been moved up to tomorrow."

The blue dragon sighed, "Just great. Why?"

"In case you haven't noticed, the Digital World is a mess."

"No, THEIR Digital World is a mess. MY section is operating perfectly. Besides, all these meeting boil down to is a ridiculous political beauty contest. My sector is the best. Blah blah blah. I'm better than you. Blah blah blah," Altimamon said, mocking the other Digimon gods.

"You should take the meetings more seriously."

"This coming from the one who described them as 'snore wars'. Regardless, they never listen to what I have to say anyway."

"Probably because they remember how you stole the Digital World from them."

Altimamon growled and stepped toward Ryo. Cyberdramon stepped in front of his Tamer defensively. Altimamon looked at the larger dragon as he was sent flying into a wall. Cyberdramon struggled against Altimamon's telekinetic grasp, "Don't tempt me."

"Enough! Altimamon, release him! You know what will happen if the other gods found out about this," Ryo warned.

"Sometimes I think it would be worth the price," Altimamon smirked. Cyberdramon fell to the ground, breathing heavily. Altimamon leaned down, staring Ryo right in the eyes. The Tamer wretched from the sulfur smell that burned his nostrils, "I'm many things, but a killer I'm not. Now get out. You've worn out your welcome," Altimamon scoffed, turning and exiting his study.

Ryo said nothing to his rival. He walked over to his partner, who was getting to his feet, "You ok?"

"I'm fine," the large digimon groaned, in obvious discomfort.

Ryo smiled, " Let's go. I hate this place, and him."

Altimamon watched mentally as the two exited his shrine into the mountainous village. I hate you too, Akiyama. I hate you even more than your accused human brethren. You, the other Tamers and humankind will soon learn your role, as providers for us. He turned to another dragon. This one was a large green dragon. Not unlike the dragons of Buddhist mythology, but with some type of caribou antlers growing from his head. His long white hair and wrinkled face indicated he was the eldest of Altimamon's Devas. A small purple breastplate looked out of place on his long body, "Where is the Assembly scheduled this quarter?"

"It is in Xuanwumon's Northern region, my lord."

"Perfect. Not only do I have to be bored, I get to be cold as well," Altimamon scoffed.

"Lord?"

"Never mind," The Quarterly Assembly was a meeting of the five holy beasts. Each quarter year, a different god was to host the Assembly. Every god received one Assembly per year in their region. Every god, but Altimamon, "Oh yes, Majiramon, have Pajiramon summoned. She has done something rather…upsetting."

The larger dragon now identified as Majiramon bowed, "At once, sovereign."

~*~

"Ruki-chan, this isn't funny."

"For the last time, mother, I'm not joking."

Rumiko looked at Takato, "And I suppose I'm to believe he is the father? You're what? Ten? Eleven?"

"Hey, I'm thirteen!" Takato snapped, quickly realizing this was his future mother-in-law and not a schoolyard friend, "T-that is to say. I may not look it, but I'm thirteen, Makino-sama."

Ruki slapped her forehead, resisting the urge to hit her boyfriend for his constant attempts to suck up, "I don't know how else to convince you. When Grand-ma gets here, she will tell you the same."

Rumiko just stared for a moment. She had grasped what her daughter was saying. She just could not accept it, "Ruki-chan, I…you…this can't be happening. Why? Is this some kind of rebellion against me?"

"You? You?! Everything's about you, isn't it? Well, I have news for you. The world doesn't revolve around you!" Ruki yelled. Although it felt good to finally get that off her chest, a part of her hurt for yelling at her mother.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Oh for the love of…isn't it obvious. My life is over. I screwed up. I just thought you might like to know why your daughter will be putting on weight, but then, I guess it doesn't have to do with your fashion shows or dates so you probably don't even care!" Ruki continued. Takato looked on nervously. He knew this conversation would eventually come to him, but he hoped it wouldn't be soon.

Rumiko blinked, "Is that it? Is that what you think I'm like?"

"Well yeah."

"You don't understand. I like being a model, but I don't do it just for me I do it for you."

"What?"

Rumiko raised her arms, "This, do you think we'd have any of this if I had a normal job? Do you think I'd have been able to send you to that private school? Your cloths, your way of life, it would all be different. You would have lost so much."

Ruki looked at the ground, fighting away tears, "It would be worth it. I'd have a mother," she whispered softly, finally saying what she had always wanted.

Rumiko was brought to tears soon after, "Ruki-chan, just because I'm not here doesn't mean I care for you any less."

"What about your dates? They seem to always take priority over me," Ruki was now speaking softly. She glanced at Takato, he no longer appeared nervous. He looked as if he too would cry, almost as if he could feel the hurting from the two. In a way, that comforted Ruki, and made her love him all the more.

"I…cannot make any excuses for that. I suppose, after your father left me I felt abandoned. I felt alone. Even though I had you. I felt as if I was going live me life alone, and I couldn't stand that thought. I suppose I have taken it to extremes. I never meant to make you feel like this, or make this happen to you."

Ruki head snapped up, "No. Don't say that. My pregnancy isn't your fault."

"Yes it is. If I had been home to give you the affection you needed you would have had to resort to this."

Takato truly wanted to speak after that remark, but Ruki cut in again, "No, that's not true. I love Taka-chan. I want to be with him. Even if I could have you back as a mother, I would still love him," she took her love's hand. Matsuda had never heard her use his pet name publicly until now, but didn't mind. He smiled and gave her hand a comforting squeeze.

"So, you didn't do this because of me."

Ruki shook her head, never before had she felt so cared for by lover and mother. It was almost as if her body had been wrapped in a warm comforting blanket it had never known, "No. I was sad that I didn't have you there with me, but Taka-chan made me feel different. I've always had some feelings for him ever since Renamon and I attacked…" Ruki stopped, suddenly feeling ice cold. She had been so wrapped up in the new emotion she hadn't taken caution in her words. She nervously glanced at Takato, who was staring nervously at her. Their interlocked palms began to sweat profusely.

Rumiko looked at her daughter, "What did you just say?"

"I said…I," Ruki stammered, her mind was a complete blank. No no no, not now. Think of something. Think, damn it, "A card battle. You know, those cards I collect. The ones you don't like. Remember?" Ruki raved in an almost insane manner.

Rumiko could see right through her daughter's lie, but choose to accept her words. She had made a deep emotional bonding with her daughter tonight, and she wasn't about to throw it all away, "Yes, I remember. Who's Renamon?"

"A friend from school. She uhh…dates a good friend of Taka-chan's," Ruki smiled. There, I didn't have to lie. Well, not entirely. Sorry, Mom, but this is one secret you ARE better off not knowing. She smiled a Takato, and he gave a weak smile in return.

"They aren't having sex too, are they?"

Ruki was slightly amazed at how easily her mother asked that question, "Yes, but they can take care of themselves."

"Well I certainly hope you friend Renamon doesn't get herself pregnant."

"Uhh mom," Ruki rubbed her stomach.

"Oh god. I'm sorry. I guess I really put my foot in my mouth, didn't I?"

Ruki smiled, "It's ok. I know I screwed up. Sooner or later, everyone is going to know," she said as her mind began to wander. Hmm, Renamon get pregnant. I had never thought of that before. Is that even possible? She is just data after all. Yet, she is also the best friend I've ever had.

Rumiko glanced at a clock on the wall, "I have a date tonight, but I'll cancel it."

"No. Go on."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I understand, I really do. We can talk more tomorrow," Ruki said, mostly out of caring but partially due to the fact that it was hard enough convincing her grandmother to let Takato spend the night.

"Alright, I'd better get ready, but as soon as you get home from school tomorrow we should talk."

Ruki smiled, "I'd like that, but it may have to wait an hour or two."

"Why?"

"We are giving my parent the news," Takato said, happy to finally get to speak again.

"Oh, but after that can we talk."

Sure," Ruki smiled. As Rumiko prepared to leave, Ruki continued, "One other thing," Rumiko turned and was met with a hug from her daughter. They had hugged before, but it had been so long, "Thank you…for being my mother."

This sent both into open tears. Rumiko spoke, "No matter what has happened, I've never stopped loving you, and never will."

"You'd…better get ready."

"Yes, I suppose you're right. Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."

After Rumiko left the room Takato embraced Ruki from behind, "I think I'll have you do most of the talking tomorrow."

"Oh no you don't. They're your parents."

"But the yelling, and the grounding and the one hundred percent chance of pain," Takato whined.

Ruki smiled slyly, "Then I suppose that means tonight there won't be any of the loving, and the moaning and the one hundred percent chance of pleasure."

Takato went wide-eyed at this proposition, "Talk, yeah I can talk. In fact, I'll do all the talking. You won't have to say a word. No problem."

Makino giggled, "Hmm, looks like a have a new Digimon to boss around," she patted Takato head like a dog's.

"Very funny," Takato cracked his knuckles, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go convince my parents to let me stay over."

~*~

"So many humans," Plotmon was wide-eyed as she looked on from Juri's arms. After they had had a rather lengthy conversation, Juri had decided to take her newfound partner out to see the city.

"Shh, you're supposed to be a plush toy," Juri scolded.

"Why do I have to do this?" Plotmon whined.

"People aren't ready for digimon. They might freak out."

"You didn't."

"That's because I've seen digimon before."

Plotmon looked at her, "There are other digimon here?"

"Sure. There's Terriermon, Culumon, Renamon, Guilmon…"

"Guilmon?" Plotmon interrupted, "What's a Guilmon?"

"A digimon," Juri held out her free arm, "About this tall, red and black, kind of cute," Juri couldn't help but blush.

"Cute cute, or sexy cute?"

"Well umm…" Katou blinked, no one had ever asked her that before, "I guess he'd be sexy, by digimon standards that is."

Plotmon smiled, "But what do YOU think?"

"Well, I guess he is nice," Juri could hardly believe she'd just said that.

"You two don't have some kind of history, do you?"

"NO. No, definitely not. Why are you so interested?"

"Just being a curious friend."

"You mean a nosey friend," Juri joked, "Besides, didn't curiosity kill the cat?"

"I'm not a cat," the Digi-puppy said.

"But you evolve into one."

"I do? How do you know? I've never evolved past my Child stage."

"The Plotmon on the Digimon anime turns into a Tailmon."

"That doesn't mean I will. All digimon are different. I had two Bakumon friends, one became a Boarmon and the other became a Hanumon," Plotmon explained.

"Why do you evolve differently?"

"Several digimon have beliefs on that. Some think it is just random, other digimon think it has to do with how you live your life and some think 'differently'."

"Differently?" Plotmon looked away shyly, "C'mon, tell me. I'm your Tamer. You can trust me," Juri said, still thinking it felt odd to call herself a Tamer.

"Well, a few of the girls I knew said they had heard you would evolve into a certain Adult Digimon if you slept with him," Plotmon said sheepishly. Both giggled a little.

"Does it work?"

"I don't know any that ever got a chance to test it. Digimon usually mate with digimon of the same level," Plotmon explained.

"Oh," Juri thought of a few of the Adult digimon from the anime, "I suppose that's a good thing."

"Why?"

"Aren't some of those Adult digimon…umm…you know…big?" Katou blushed heavily. Plotmon giggled and blushed as the two continued their walk.

~*~

"You wished to see me, great one?" Pajiramon said, hiding her obvious nervousness. She dared not think anything but praise for him, lest he invade her mind.

"You have completed your assignment?"

"I have."

"Then everything is going I had expected," Altimamon smiled. The sheep Deva sighed, relieved to see her master happy, "But that is not what I called you here for."

Pajiramon gulped, "W-hat have you called me here for, master?"

Altimamon walked closer to her, "What did you do today...AFTER you finished your assignment?"

"I returned to the Digital World."

"Immediately?"

"No," she knew it was impossible to lie to him.

"Then what did you do?"

"I-I…"

"Mated with the Tamer digimon Guilmon again?"

"Yes."

"And this mating was mutually consensual, was it not?" Altimamon was now staring her directly in the face.

"Y-yes."

"Is that so? Why don't you tell me," he touched two fingers to her forehead.

Pajiramon's body tensed, knees quaked, and eyes watered as she begged, "Please don't. It hurts so much, stop! No more, please!" she wanted desperately to pull away, but was held in place by some invisible, magnetic force, "Please don't. I don't want this," she begged, her voice now somewhat resembling Guilmon's.

Altimamon removed his fingers. The sheep fell to the ground, sobbing and grabbing her now very sore lower regions, "That didn't sound very mutual to me. I only had you relive a few moments of the pain you made that digimon suffer. Do you realize you could have accidentally deleted him? For what? Pointless sex? I had a hard enough time explaining Santiramon's actions to the other gods. What do you think would happen if I had to explain your little 'escapade'?

"I'm sorry, master. I'm so, so sorry. Please don't delete me," Pajiramon sniffled.

"I'm many things, but a killer I'm not. I trust you shall never commit such an atrocity again?"

"Never ever again."

"Good. Now, go rest. I have someone to attend to before I prepare for my meeting tomorrow. I shall leave Chatsuramon in charge," Altimamon left. Pajiramon stood, barely, and hobbled to her sleeping quarters.

~*~

"Done," Takato said as he entered the room.

Ruki looked at her boyfriend, "So what lie did you go with?"

"Hey, I prefer calling it a 'truthfully impaired' statement," Matsuda smirked, "Anyway, I went for the study for a big test with Lee-kun thing."

"They bought it?"

"At first my mother didn't believe me. I tried to call Lee-kun, but he wasn't home. Then, I called Hirokazu, and he agreed to be 'Lee-kun'. So I got on three-way calling and had Hirokazu pretended to be Lee-kun and convince my mom that it was necessary to stay at 'his house'."

"Hirokazu knows?" Ruki asked, annoyed.

"I kind of blurted it out. It was an accident, honest."

"Just like yesterday at the park?"

Takato sighed, "Sorry, but hey, at least I get to stay."

"You know, you put so much effort into lying. You should just tell the truth."

"Ruki-chan is right," Seiko said, entering the room, "Look at me. Knowing the truth didn't make me care for her any less."

"I know, Hata-sama. I guess I'm just not as good at talking to my parents."

"You think I am?" Ruki asked, "What you saw between my mother and I tonight was a rarity. An extreme rarity."

"Perhaps not, anymore. Rumiko told me about what you had said. I'm proud that you told her," Hata smiled.

"Well, she had to know sooner or later, didn't she?"

"I know, but my point is that you told her. You knew I would have, but you took it upon yourself to tell her."

"I guess I never thought of it that way. I don't really know why I did it though."

"I do. It's because you love her. You told her hoping for her support."

"I did, didn't I?" Ruki thought about that. Yeah, I did. I can't believe it. All these years I've felt alone and now I finally realize I had two people in my own home that have love me, and have loved me all along. She glanced at Takato. Him, his love is the best of all. Ruki laughed silently. A few weeks ago I'd have probably shunned them all. It's like I'm an entirely different person. I thought pregnancy would ruin my life, but it has opened up a whole new world to me. Ruki looked at her grandmother, "I love you grand-ma."

"I love you too, Ruki-chan. Now, I'll bet you two are hungry."

"That sounds good," Takato finally spoke. Although he was hungry, what he truly wanted right now was some time alone with Ruki. He smiled as he silently reminded himself that he'd have the entire night to make up for lost time.

~*~

"Uhh Jen, don't look behind you," Terriermon warned.

"Why?"

"Juri is holding a digimon and walking down the path."

"What?" Jenrya said, paying more attention to the Digimon part. He turned and looked at Juri. She was a little ways off, he could barely make out the thing she was holding, "Are you sure that's a digimon? It looks like another dog toy," Jenrya shuddered as he recalled the last of Juri's dog toys.

Katou and her digimon giggled at some sort of joke that neither of the males could hear, "Hmm, yeah I think it might be a digimon, but I'm just not sure," Terriermon said sarcastically.

"Funny. Look, I'm going to go talk to her."

"But…didn't you just break up with her?"

"No, I didn't. I said some stupid things and she left me. I'm going to go apologize."

Terriermon sighed, "And then she'll take you back and you'll leave me again. Poor me, all alone in a gutter, searching for food, not a friend in the world."

Lee raised and eyebrow, "I never did that."

"Well, you meant to."

"No I didn't. You're my best friend. I'm not abandoning you. I just, like being with Katou-san."

"I believe you meant to say 'like being in bed with Katou-san'," Terriermon said humorously, not out of spite.

"That was once. I'm not making that mistake again. Besides, you saw the digimon with her. Maybe it's some eligible female."

"Yeah, I guess, but Renamon…"

"Is with Guilmon," Lee finished. He didn't want to hurt his partner's feelings, but he also didn't want Terriermon lusting after a girl that he could never have. Terriermon, I don't know what else to do. It hurt me a lot to see Ruki with Takato, but I forced myself to get over it. I suppose you will just have to do the same. He looked up at Juri, whom he was now just a few meters from. He took a few deep breaths and exhaled slowly. Finally, he spoke, "K-katou-san," he wanted to call her Juri, but was afraid of the reaction.

Juri turned to the source of the voice she knew too well, "Hi, Jen," her mind raced. NO! Jen was too forward. He'll think I want him back. I do want him back. No I don't. He said I was a bad girlfriend. No, I said that. Damn it! I can't think straight. Say something, Juri. You look like a moron standing here staring, "Uhh…what are you doing here?"

Great, she probably thinks I followed her. No, why would she think that? Crap, I'd better say something, "J-just walking."

"Oh," of course. Why wouldn't he be walking? People walk in the park all the time.

"N-nice day," Jenrya stuttered.

Terriermon, who had been looking back and forth between the teens, decided to interject, "Umm, can we please pick up the tempo of this conversation. I think we all may be dead by the time it ends," a small giggle caught the dog-bunny's attention. He had completely forgotten about Juri's new digimon friend. He looked down and nearly fell from Lee's shoulder. Oh my lord. She's…she's gorgeous, and she's laughing at my joke. She was giggled softly into her paw. When she looked up, her starry blue eyes seemed to stare right through him. She smiled at him ands his heart seemed to skip a beat. She's smiling at me! Quick, Terriermon, say something smooth, "H-hi, I'm pretty…I mean horny…I mean TERRIERMON," damn it! What the hell happened!

Plotmon cocked her head sideways, "I'm Plotmon."

"Plotmonnnn…" Terriermon's mind journeyed into fantasyland. He was hugging Plotmon close to him with his ears, kissing her neck softly as she whimpered his name. His daydream ended with a sudden jolt of pain. He quickly opened his eyes to see a nice close-up view of the sidewalk.

"Terriermon, are you ok?" Jenrya asked.

Terriermon turned over to see his Tamer staring at him, "I'm fine. Just a little headache," he said, attempting to hide his obvious embarrassment, "Where are the other two?"

"They just left. Juri wanted to show Guilmon to her Plotmon. We talked for a little bit, but you just kept staring at her Plotmon the whole time," Jenrya smirked.

Terriermon's mouth hung open, "The entire time?" Jenrya nodded. Terriermon groaned and covered his now crimson face with his large ears, "Aww damn it! She must think I'm some sort of pervert."

"What happened?"

"The same thing that happened every time I tried to tell Renamon how I felt, I crashed and burned," Terriermon explained. Lee couldn't help but snicker, "What's so funny?"

"You. About an hour ago you were yelling pick-up lines at women you didn't even know, but you see a girl you like and you fall apart. It's ok though. You can see her tomorrow."

"Huh?"

"Oh right, you were daydreaming. Juri is coming over tomorrow."

"I take it you two are back on."

"Well, not exactly. We talked and came to realize we'd both overreacted. We agreed to give it another shot."

"So that means more sexual deprivation for me."

"No, we aren't doing that anymore. I made the mistake of rushing into sex. I'm not doing that again."

"Hey, if she wants to get some, just send her to me," Terriermon smirked.

"Why, so you can stare at her and drool the whole time?" Jenrya retorted.

"Well well well, Jen has a sense of humor. I guess I'm rubbing off on you."

~*~

"So much pain."

Renamon turned from her spot of grieving to face a now familiar shadow, "What do you want?"

"When a Digimon is hurting, physically or emotionally, I can sense it. I came to help end your suffering."

"You cannot hope to do that," Renamon said, not even bothering to wipe her tear soaked facial fur.

"No, I cannot, at least not directly. I can only tell you what you can do to end it," she is so misguided. It's hard to believe that this Digimon will be the one to liberate the Digital World.

"And what is that?"

"Follow your heart."

"Follow my heart? My heart!? Following my heart is what got me into this in the first place."

"Untrue. You followed your TAMER'S heart, not your own."

"But, how?"

"Your bond with your Tamer corrupted you, mind body and soul. It fooled you into believing Guilmon is your true mate."

"WAS. I never wish to see Guilmon's face again."

"Strong words, but are you prepared to live your life alone? Always in solitude, knowing nothing but how to survive, no one to hold, to cherish and love."

His words were so tender that Renamon, in her present state of vulnerability, almost felt drawn to him, "What are you saying?"

"You cannot live that life. You must follow your heart. Follow it to your true love. The only one you should ever have been with"

"You? Are you my true mate?"

"Me? No child, that is only your broken heart trying to mend itself quickly. Look deeper, to what you felt before your Tamer had taken a mate."

Renamon searched her own soul, but came up with only confusion. He can only mean Impmon. That is the only other, but I cannot go to him. I must stay with Guilmon. Even if he betrayed me, I must stay with him.

"Betrayed you? He was with another?" the shadow asked, knowing all to well the answer.

"Yes," Renamon said, not startled by his mind reading this time.

"How can you lie to yourself? He obviously doesn't love you."

"But, I cannot go to Impmon."

"Why?"

"He…I…do not know. It is as if a part of me feels I must be with Guilmon."

"That's because of your bond with Makino. She has corrupted you."

Renamon cocked her head, "Never. Ruki is my Tamer. She would never harm me, physically or mentally."

"Of course not, at least not voluntarily. You see, when a digimon bonds to a human their souls are linked. If that human falls in love with another human whose soul is also bonded, the bonded digimons' emotions are corrupted, forcing them to love one another."

"But why? Why would she do that?"

"As I said, she was totally unaware. You can stop it."

"How?"

"I can sever your bond with Makino, but only if you allow me."

"But, I would lose her friendship, her love, the ability to evolve…"

"Wrong. I can give you the ability to evolve without her. As to her friendship and love, if she doesn't accept the fact that you didn't wish to be bonded with her, then she never loved you to begin with."

"I do not know. It is all so confusing."

"I can severe your bond for now, and if you decide otherwise, I can re-bond you," the shadow promised, knowing full well he was incapable of re-bonding them.

I have to do this. I'm so confused. I just have to try. I am sorry, Ruki, "Very well, un-bond me."

She couldn't see the dragon silhouette smile evilly as he approached her, "Stand still. You may feel some disorientation afterwards, but it will pass," the shadow said calmly.

Renamon stood, nervously but steadily, arms at her sides. Suddenly the shadow trusted a clawed hand forward. It passed painlessly through her chest. The yellow fox suddenly felt very dizzy, as the entire world seemed to spin before her. He removed his hand, leaving no mark whatsoever. She collapsed onto the cool grass, eyes closed, "Cold, I feel so cold."

"It's just your body adjusting to its new state. It too will pass. I must leave you now," the shadow said softly. It is done. She is free. Free from the accused human pollution, and soon, she will free the entire Digital World.

"No! Please do not go. I do not know what to do, how to evolve, anything."

"Evolution will come naturally when it is needed, provided you keep your strength up. For the rest you will have to follow your heart. I'm sorry to leave you, but I must," the shadow said, vanishing as quickly as it had come.

Renamon gasped, suddenly her mind felt so clear. Guilmon betrayed me. I can never forgive that. I know now, I should have been with Impmon all along. She felt a brief pain in her chest, but ignored it. I should go to him, but first I need some sleep. Renamon laid her head on the cool grass, giving in to her sudden drowsiness.

~*~

Ruki gasped, clutching her chest, "Ruki-chan!" her grandmother cried, she and Takato were instantly at her side.

"I'm ok, I just…feel really cold."

"Lie down," Seiko said, "I'll get you a blanket."

"Ruki, what's wrong?" Takato asked.

"I don't know. Maybe this is just part of my pregnancy. I feel strange…weak…alone," Makino explained as she lay down.

Her love took her hand, "I'm right here," he assured kissing her hand softly.

"It's not that. It's just…just…I'm not even sure what it is."

"Here," Seiko said, returning with a wool blanket, "Now just lye still and relax."

"It's ok. I feel better now, really."

"Nonsense, just relax. Takato and I will get anything you need."

"Ok, maybe that's a good ideaaa…" Ruki drifted off into slumber.

"Is this part of being pregnant?" Takato asked.

"Pregnancy is different for each woman, especial her. She is so young, it is uncertain how her body may take this new change," Seiko explained, "The best thing for her now is to rest, and have someone she loves close by," she smiled at the boy.

"Thank you, Hata-sama. For everything you've done."

"I might not have done this for anyone, but I see in you a kind and caring spirit. I know you're going to make Ruki-chan, and your child, very happy."

"Thank you."

"And Takato?"

"Yes?"

"Call me Grand-ma. We will have no brown-nosers in this family," Seiko laughed, and Takato soon joined her.

~*~

"He's in here," Juri said, entering Guilmon's hideaway.

"Hmm," Guilmon stirred, slowly waking up.

"Oh sorry, Guilmon. I didn't think you'd be asleep," Juri apologized.

"Ohhh. My entire body hurts," the fire lizard groaned.

Juri looked closer and gasped. In the orange glow of evening, she hadn't noticed any of Guilmon's wounds, "Oh my god. Guilmon, are you ok?"

"Wow, he's hurt bad," Plotmon said, bounding from Juri's arms. She'd seen more than her fair share of wounded Digimon, but this was one of the worst. As she walked up to him, she saw something and gasped.

"What's wrong?" Katou asked her little Digimon.

Plotmon leaned up to Juri's ear and whispered, "He's been raped."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, this is not the first time I've seen this."

Juri grimaced. I can't believe what her life must have been like. I can only imagine the pain Plotmon has witnessed. I'd ask her, but I'm not even sure if I want to know. She turned to Guilmon, "What happened?"

"Everything. Pajiramon hurt me. Renamon left me. Takato hates me."

"Takato-kun doesn't hate you," Juri assured, deciding to address the easiest problem first.

"But he yelled at me."

"He just didn't understand your being with Renamon."

"Renamon hates me too. She left me!" Guilmon enthusiastically reminded.

"I'm sure she didn't do that."

"Yes she did," Guilmon raised his chin, pointing to the one bruise that hadn't been inflicted by the sheep Deva.

"Did she do all this?" Katou asked, pointing to Guilmon's body.

"No, Pajiramon…she…hurt me," Guilmon said, far to ashamed to go into detail.

"Who is Pajiramon?"

Plotmon shuddered, "A Deva. She and her fellow Devas are the Holy Beast Altimamon's lieutenants. They're heartless."

"More Devas…here," Katou didn't care to remember her first encounter with a Deva, "We have to help him."

"I'll be ok," Guilmon insisted.

"I'll run home and get some things. Plotmon can stay with you," Juri seemed to ignore his statement.

Plotmon was slight taken aback. She had never realized how determined and caring her partner could be. After Juri left, she turned to the fire lizard, "Umm, don't worry you'll be fi…" the Digi-puppy trailed off, drifting into a memory.

~~~"Don't worry, you'll be fine here," Plotmon said to a small wounded Chibimon, a small blue dragonling digimon. She hid him under some boards of a destroyed house, and went to look for more survivors.

A roar rang out as Plotmon looked up to see the heard of Airdramon, long blue skull wearing digimon with red wings, swooping back in. They were just looking for food. Unfortunately, this particular band had little moral objection to raiding the village and taking what little food it had.

Plotmon scooped up another Chibimon, this one a female, in her mouth. She turned and headed back to the broken house, just in time to see it obliterated by an Airdramon's Spinning Needle attack, "NO!" she screamed, knowing there was no way the little dragonling could have survived. She looked at the Airdramon, he glanced at her and flew on, knowing only his hunger.

"What's wrong? My brother's ok, isn't he? He made it out, right?" came the little feminine voice of the Chibimon Plotmon had dropped when she yelled.

"Don't worry, he's all right. He's safe now, far away," Plotmon assured the little digimon, barely holding back her tears.~~~

"Are you ok?" Guilmon repeated, shaking Plotmon a little.

"Huh? Oh I'm fine…just…thinking."

"You're crying, are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," Plotmon smiled, trying to convince him she was fine, "Your Tamer is Takato-kun, right?" Plotmon asked, repeating the name as she had heard Juri say it.

Guilmon giggled, "He always says 'Just call me Takato'," he replied, repeating what Takato had told him when he called him Takatomon.

"Yeah, umm…what's it like?"

"Huh?"

"You know, having a partner. What's it like?"

"It's nice. Well, it was, until Takato started seeing Ruki. He doesn't talk to me very much anymore."

Plotmon though about Juri's conversation with Lee. What if Juri starts seeing Lee again? Will she still want to spend time with me? Probably not. I can't believe it. I finally get a partner and she is probably going to abandon me for some guy I barely know. No, what am I saying. Juri won't do that. She's a kind and caring girl.

"Plotmon, are you ok?"

"Oh sorry, I was thinking again. What did you say?"

"What was it like for you in the Digital World?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was born here. Renamon sometimes tells me about being in the Digital World. What was it like for you?"

Born here, eh. So that's why I've never heard of a Guilmon, "I'd rather not remember the Digital World."

"Oh…sorry."

"No no, it's ok. It's not your fault," Plotmon tried to change the subject, "Renamon is a fox digimon, right?"

Guilmon looked sad, "A beautiful fox digimon."

"You really love her don't you?"

"She hates me."

"Why?"

Guilmon's face turned from sadness to anger, "Pajiramon. She tricked me. Renamon got mad at me."

Pajiramon was well known for her 'friendliness', so Plotmon knew immediately what Guilmon meant, "Renamon will come back."

"How do you know?"

"Just trust me," the Digi-puppy smiled. I know because I would come back, if I were her. Renamon's a lucky digimon. Plotmon recalled a few painful memories of her failed romance.

"I'm back," Juri said, carrying a small bag of things, "and I also brought these," she handed a bag of cookies to Guilmon.

"Cookies!"

Plotmon giggled as she saw Guilmon maturity degenerate to that of a small child, "Does he always do that?"

"A lot. He is less than a year old."

Plotmon's jaw nearly hit the floor, "WHAT?! You have to be joking."

"No."

"But a moment ago he sounded as mature as any mon I've known. Actually, more mature than a lot of them. Besides, he is at the Child level."

"Actually he came from a drawing of Takato-kun's. He has always been Guilmon."

"That's amazing," Plotmon said. His strength must be incredible to hold child form at that young of age. Renamon isn't just lucky, she's a queen. Plotmon smiled as she thought of how the single females of the Digital World would ogle Guilmon. I can't even imagine what those girls would do to him. They practically rip Ryo's Cyberdramon apart trying to get a date whenever he makes a public appearance. After all, it isn't every day you get a chance to date a hero.

"Ahh that stings!" Guilmon's cried as Juri applied some rubbing alcohol.

"Sorry," Katou apologized.

Then again, maybe he's just another mon. Plotmon giggled as her partner continued her attempt to be a 'digimon doctor'.

~*~

"I said I'm ok, Taka-chan. Where's my Grand-ma?"

"She went to bed. You've been asleep for hours."

"Hours!"

"Yes. How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine now," Ruki suddenly thought of something, "Have you…been here the entire time?"

"Of course. I said I wouldn't leave you."

Ruki stroked the side of his face, "Why are you so good to me?"

"Because I love you," Matsuda said, kissing Ruki softly and affectionately. Within seconds softness became firmness, affection became passion as Takato tongue found its way into hr mouth. Ruki quickly broke the kiss, "What's wrong?"

"Not here," she spoke softly. She got up and walked out of the room, leaving a confused Takato behind. In about a minute Ruki peeked her head around the corner, "Are you coming, or did you want to sleep here?"

"Huh? Oh…OH," Takato said, finally grasping what she was doing. He quickly got up and followed her.

"Sit down and wait here. There's something I want to do," Ruki said exiting the room. Takato obeyed, sitting on the bedding area of Ruki's traditional Japanese bedroom. In a few moments Ruki re-entered the room behind her boyfriend, "Ok, I'm ready."

Matsuda's jaw and eyes nearly hit the floor as he turned and looked. The love of his life stood before him in an ankle length, see-through, white night gown. It certainly didn't look like anything a normal parent would let a thirteen year old wear, but, of course, he knew her mother wasn't a normal parent. Her silky red hair was unbound, and swung freely at her shoulders. The white fabric caressed her chest, showing no signs of a bra. Takato could only hope the panties were gone as well, "R-ruki…you're…beautiful."

"Obviously," Ruki giggled, pointing.

"Huh?" Takato looked down and blushed at his now tented shorts.

Ruki knelt beside her love, "I think you're I little overdressed, Taka-chan."

"Right," his shirt and goggles were off in a matter of seconds, followed closely by his wristbands. Makino stopped him as he rushed to remove his shorts.

"Easy boy. We have all night, remember?"

"Sorry."

"Let me do it," she moved closer, but had no intention of starting at his shorts. She slowly slipped each shoe off. As she attended to each sock in the same manner, Takato grimaced at his now rather confining lower garments. It wasn't just her actions, it was the fact that he could see straight down the collar of the loosely fitting gown. Takato looked relieved as she finally made her way to his shorts. He sighed as they were finally discarded, leaving only his boxers. Ruki stopped there, crawling on top of her lover.

"But…"

"Later," she said, kissing him before he could protest further. Matsuda's hand snaked between them, massaging her chest through the gown. The fabric was so soft and smooth against his touch. He could only imagine what it felt like to her. His only answers were muffled moans, drowned by the interlocked tongues. His right hand slipped lower, across the abdomen, but stopping before it reached the inevitable destination.

Ruki sighed, knowing what he wanted. Her hand slipped to his side, and began sliding the boxers off. He finished the process, kicking the now 'useless' garment to the side. Ruki's reward came soon after as her lover grabbed the gown. Using his hand and fingers to scrunch the silky fabric, Takato pulled it up enough to free what he needed. He had been right, no panties. She was already moist from arousal as his finger traced the outer lips. He didn't thrust them in, leaving that for later in favor of her clit. It didn't take much more than a light caress of the bulb to she her into a shuddering wave of pleasure. He gasped it between his forefinger and thumb, rubbing zealously until she gasped his hand. It was a gesture he knew from experience, she wanted more.

He wasted little time as he thrust a pair of fingers inside her. Pumping softly in and out, causing her to emit a muffled squeal but still not break the kiss. A third finger joined the intimate exploration. She was nearly humping into his hand by now. The fourth finger barely entered her as she went over. She broke the kiss, whimpering his name as she hugged him with her face pressed tightly to his neck. Most of her nectar spilled onto the bed area. She didn't care, "Your turn," she panted, pulling away until she was on her knees.

"Ruki, what are you…mmm," Takato was quickly silenced as her mouth engulfed him. They had done this once before, but she hadn't enjoyed it much, not that he was going to protest her sudden change of heart.

He didn't know, but Ruki was using this whole night to help them forget real life. She had every intention of making this the greatest night of either of their lives. The tongue that was once intertwined in an embrace of loving affection with its partner now gave a different token of affection. One of the greatest token of affection any man can receive. Takato desperately resisted the urge to thrust forward. Ruki drove down, taking in almost the entire length. His hands suddenly clasped her head, although he knew full well she had no intention of stopping. No longer able to move her head, Makino let her tongue do all the work, sucking and licking her lover into one of the quickest, yet most intense orgasms of his life, "Ruki, I'm going to…" he released her head as he cried aloud, expecting her to pull away. Yet, she remained. He could feel her swallow every bit of his cum, which only served to turn him on even more, "R-ruki, that was…incredible."

"It's not so bad, once you get used to it," she snuggled up to him, "Don't go to sleep on me yet. We aren't done. We have all night, and I intend to make the most of it."

~*~

Renamon found who she had sought sitting on the ledge of a skyscraper, "What are you doing?"

"Thinking. Leave me alone," Impmon snapped.

"I came to talk."

"Why? So you can tell me more reasons why I'm not good enough for you?"

"No."

"Well?"

"I…I love you. Just you, not Guil…" Renamon gasped, appearing to be short of breath, and collapsed to her knees.

"Renamon?" Impmon soon realized it wasn't some kind of trick. She was truly in pain, "Renamon!"

Renamon felt his gloved hand grab hers. Her chest felt as if it were on fire. He said I would feel disoriented, not pain. What is wrong with me? The pain subsided, almost vanishing as quick as it had come, "I am ok now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she looked at his hand holding hers. He quickly pulled it away, blushing, "You were worried."

"Nah, I knew you'd be fine."

"Do not lie."

"Ok, maybe I was, a little. Why do you care? I thought you wanted to be with your 'precious' mate."

"No, that is what I was saying before. I want to be with you, not hi…" the pain flared up again. What is going on? Every time I think of Guilmon it hurts. It is as if I still love him, even without the bond. The pain quickly subsided.

"What was that about?"

"I do not know. It just happened when I said I was through with G…" it is happening again. What if…I love Guilmon. She thought experimentally. The pain faded. She then shifted her thoughts back to leaving Guilmon for Impmon. The pain returned. She then thought of being with the only mon that she had ever shared herself with. On cue, the pain dissipated again. How can this be? The creature told me my love for Guilmon was because of my bond with Ruki. My heart still loves Guilmon, but my bond is, "No," Renamon suddenly gasped.

"What's wrong, did the thought of being with me give you a heart attack again?" Impmon scoffed from the ledge he had returned to.

"No. Why did I…" Renamon suddenly took off. Bounding across onto another building.

The purple imp sighed. She has left me twice in two days, and yet I still like her, and I'm about to go chasing after her to make sure she's ok. Yep, I've officially either become a total moron, or… Impmon shuddered, a nice guy. He bounded off, doing his best to catch up with her.

~*~

"Are you sure?" Takato asked. It wasn't that what she had just proposed to him wasn't tempting, but it was unlike Ruki.

"Yes, I want this to be special. So let's try something we haven't done before," Ruki said, now fully unclothed. She crawled away from him, but remained on hands and knees.

He tentatively walked up to her, "What do I do now?"

Makino sighed in frustration, "I don't think I need to tell you that."

"Oh right," Takato blushed, "Sorry," he nervously wrapped his arms around her torso.

"Look Taka-chan, if you don't want to do this, just say. We can do it the normal way."

"No, this is ok, just different. Are you sure this won't hurt you?"

"YES," Ruki said, it was only the third or forth time he'd asked that. She sighed in relief when she felt him finally enter her. She was more than wet, not only from his earlier treatment, but also from the long anticipation. He humped slowly at first, making sure to himself he wasn't hurting her, "Taka-chan, please. Do it like you normally would," she begged, sort of regretting she'd ever thought the whole doggie-style idea.

"Ok," he answered, increasing tempo. She purred in pleasure at the new sensation. He even found himself moaning. This wasn't odd. It was better. His member now slammed into her, feeling all of the velvet prison it had been sentenced to.

"Oh Taka-chan, just like that," Ruki moaned, knowing that in this position he had full control of the pace. Takato hands moved up, caressing his lover's budding chest. Ruki's head was now against the ground, as she was pounded into like never before. Takato's pace was frantic. If he didn't get release soon, he would nearly collapse from exhaustion. Ruki wanted to climax at the same time as her lover, but could not. With a few more stroke of love, she reached her release. At the same time, she clamped her hips. The sudden combined tightness effect gave Matsuda one of the greatest sensations of his life and no chance of holding his orgasm back any longer. He came hard, nearly knocking her forward with his final thrust. Ruki moaned softly as his seed mixed with her sacred fluid.

As the hormonal adrenaline flow was slowly removed, Matsuda pulled away from her and fell onto his back, completely spent. It took all of his efforts not to fall asleep right there, "Ruki, that was so intense."

"I know. Thank you, Taka-chan."

"It was your idea."

Ruki threw the cum soaked blanket to one side of the room, and pulled the clean under sheet on top of the two as she cuddled her lover, "I didn't mean just for this. I meant for being with me tonight."

"I'd be with you every night, if I could."

"I'm sure you would," Ruki smirked, giving his spent manhood a caress, "I love you…" she stopped, noticing he was already asleep, "I suppose I should take that as a compliment," she joked to no one in particular before drifting off to sleep.

~*~

"Where are you? I was wrong! I want to be bonded again!" Renamon yelled as she entered the clearing where she had made the biggest mistake of her life, "Show yourself! I know you are there!"

Impmon arrived soon after, panting heavily, "What…are you…doing?"

"Please, I want to be bonded again. I love Guilmon. I was not wrong. I truly love him," Renamon pleaded frantically, ignoring the imp.

"Have you lost it? There's no one here."

"Yes there is. He was here before. He is here. He has to be."

"Who?"

"The shadow creature. The one that broke my bond with Ruki."

Impmon went wide-eyed, "Shadow creature?! Oh no, oh Gods no."

"What is it?"

"No, don't come near me!" Impmon cried, back stepping. How could I be so stupid? He used me! He used me just to manipulate her. He broke her bond, and I helped him do it. I…I violated her. No digimon deserves that. Why? I had to have known something would happen to her, but I still went ahead with it. How could I do that to the only digimon I ever loved? Impmon fell to his knees and buried his head in his gloved hands.

Renamon had forgotten all about her own problems by now, "Impmon, what is wrong? Do you know something? Please, tell me," she asked softly.

Impmon didn't move. All she heard was him sobbing and whispering to himself, "What have I done?"

~*~

Translate-O-Matic:

Ruki=Rika

Juri=Jeri

Hata Seiko=? (If anyone can tell me Ruki's grandmother's name in the US dub, I'd be grateful.)

Rumiko=Makino

Lee=Henry

Hirokazu=Kazu

Plotmon = Salamon

Tailmon = Gatomon

Hanumon = Apemon

Chibimon = Demi Veemon

Santiramon=Sandiramon

Indaramon = Indramon

Chatsuramon=? (Hasn't been in US yet)

Majiramon=? (Same as above)

Sensei=Teacher

San=Mr./Mrs./Miss

Sama=Sir/Ma'am

Chan=a title given to close friend, or family member.

Kun=Title used between boys who are close friends, or used by a girl to a boy who is a close friend (non-boyfriend)

~*~

Preview (Skip if you want to be surprised): Chapter 8, Shattered: Takato must finally tell his parents the 'wonderful' news. Juri and Jenrya attempt to spend a normal evening together as Terriermon attempts to win Plotmon's affection. Can Renamon ever repair her bond with her Tamer? More importantly, why did Altimamon want it broken in the first place?

~*~

Author's Notes: Phew, longest chapter yet. I tried to make this the most extensive lemon so far. Don't worry about the violence. I won't get into anything graphic. I only had the Chibimon death scene flashback to help describe what Plotmon has gone through.

Juri isn't OOC with her feeling slightly attracted toward Guilmon. It is pretty obvious she sees Digimon as equals from her reaction to Leomon in the anime.

Plotmon's background will be covered more in future chapters. As will the story of how Ryo and his digimon became personal aids to the Holy Beasts.

Altimamon is completely original, so don't steal him. ^_^ He is the fifth Holy Beast. He and his background story will be covered later as well. The name comes from the dragon goddess of destruction Altimerea. Though of course, like the other Holy Beasts, Altimamon is technically male. In Imperial measurements he would be about seven feet tall. For those who don't know, the 'All Seeing Eye' is a symbol of knowledge and power. One can be seen above the pyramid on the back of a United States One Dollar Bill.

Don't forget to R&R. Hey, thanks for all the praise. Thank you to all those of you that review by E-mail too. All of you are what inspires me to keep writing. Don't flame me because I won't bother to read them. However, like any writer, I want to improve my skills so if you have any constructive criticism, feel free to submit it.

Signed as always,

The §upreme Øverlord of Ðarkness