Disclaimer short:

Spock: Analysis indicates that you do not own Digimon or me, but you do own Altimamon, captain.

Comrade Terror: Excellent, set a course for my fic. Warp 9.8.

Spock: Sir, I'm the science officer, not the helmsman, and the original Enterprise could not travel at warp 9.8.

Comrade Terror: Damn you, Vulcan! Why do you always have to be intelligent?

Ahh chapter nine. You probably won't believe me, but I originally intended this story as a Rukato SAF. (Stand-alone fic) Thanks for all your reviews. I always try to read each and every one. I'd answer questions here, but no one seems to have any. Sorry if Renamon seems OOC. I tired to keep her as close to her true self as I could while still keeping a good romance and plot going around her. Fic time:

~*~

To be a Tamer

Chapter 9: Mistaken

The two digimon rolled apart as Vajiramon's blade came crashing down, sparking as it impacted the stone floor. Renamon took a quick glance at her mate's foe. That armor. He is one of them, just like the dog and sheep. I have a feeling the shadow creature is behind this as well.

She leapt as high as she could, being indoors, and landed on Vajiramon's back. Her hands covered his eyes, "Get off me! My fight isn't with you," he growled as he bucked wildly.

"When you attacked my mate, you made it my fight!"

"Your mate? How can you love a rapist?" he asked as he finally threw her off. She landed nimbly on her feet.

"What's a rapist?" Guilmon asked the large bull.

"Don't play dumb. I know what you did to my beloved Pajiramon. Even if you are only a Child, you must pay."

"Pajiramon…" Guilmon's pupils suddenly became small as the name echoed in his head. His whole body seemed to shake with rage, "I hate Pajiramon! Rock Breaker!" Guilmon struck the creature square in the chest with his fiery claw attack, doing no damage whatsoever.

Vajiramon tossed Guilmon into the far, dug out wall, "Roda!" he cried, slicing the air in front of him. The slash created a crescent moon of energy that hurled toward the fire lizard. Renamon knocked Guilmon out of the way as the blast impacted the far wall, causing it the collapse in a slide of dirt as dust.

Renamon held her love close to the ground in an attempt to keep them both from inhaling too much dust, "Stay down," she warned softly.

Vajiramon coughed and wheezed. Desperate for clean air, he lowered his head as charged through the only wall he could see. The stone hideaway was left with only two walls to support it and soon imploded, covering the two young lovers in rubble.

Several pedestrians and park goers screamed at the sight of the large bull. Vajiramon soon recovered and stood triumphantly over the debris, "A quick deletion is certainly less than you deserved, but justice has been served," he declared. He spun his swords quickly before he sheathed them and began strolling away.

Under the rubble, Renamon slowly opened her eyes. Even in the blackness under the rubble she could see and Guilmon fell on top of her. He had rolled there moments before the ceiling came in, taking the blow for her, "Guilmon?" she whispered. She felt a weak breathing against her forehead, but heard no other signs of life, "Guilmon…please," she said, shaking him a little this time, "Please wake up. Do not delete. I love you more than life itself. Please…" Renamon felt a surge of energy she knew too well. I'm…evolving. But how?

A pillar of black light struck the rubble, causing the ox Deva to whirl back around, "Renamon evolve…" suddenly, in mid evolution, Renamon cried out in pain. Her body felt as if it were on fire. Her shape twisted into a familiar form as the pain began to fade. She felt like her nine-tailed adult form of Kyuubimon physically, but her mind was suddenly filled with new thoughts and ideas. Things she would never have thought of doing suddenly seemed tempting. She wasn't Kyuubimon she was, "Youkomon!"

Youkomon burst from the pile of rubble, sending the half conscious Guilmon flying to a rather rough landing on a nearby grassy hill. Youkomon didn't care. She just wanted to hurt the bull. She appeared almost identical to Kyuubimon in structure. Her primary fur was a bluish black in color, a far cry from its normal yellow hue. Her tail and paws burned with the same white fur as before. The bow like ribbon around her neck was now black and white. She walked in quadruped fashion from the wreckage, glaring red/black daggers at the Deva.

She charged him, screaming in rage. He tried to catch her, but her adrenaline flow drove her into his stomach. She was even able to carry the Deva forward with her almost half a kilometer before collapsing with him. She rolled with the bull, clawing and biting him for all she was worth.

~*~

The screams of people hadn't gone unnoticed, "It looks like two digimon fighting to me," Terriermon said from atop his Tamer's head, "but I don't recognize either one," he had met up with them outside of the school. He told Juri Plotmon needed some time alone, but hadn't offered any further detail.

"That's about where Guilmon's home is," Juri observed.

Lee sighed, trying to think fast, "Ok. Terriermon and I will see what's going on. Juri, go get Takato-kun. He should be at his parents bakery," he explained. I just hope his parents haven't killed him yet.

"Wait, I don't want you to get hurt. I want to stay and help you. I'm a Tamer now, remember," she said, flashing her D-Ark.

"A Tamer without a digimon," Jenrya gestured. Juri sighed. He put his arm on her shoulder and smiled, "Besides, you will be helping if you get Takato-kun."

"I guess."

"Don't worry. You've seen us do this before," Terriermon assured. "Same old, same old."

"Please be careful," Katou pleaded, kissing her boyfriend on the lips.

"Ok…maybe a few things have changed," the dog-bunny smirked. He looked down at his Tamer, who appeared to be in some kind of daydream while watching Juri leave. Like Digimon, like Tamer, "Hey Jen, wake up," he snapped his fingers.

"Huh? Oh sorry. I was just…thinking about something."

"This 'thinking' wouldn't involve you, Juri and a can of whipped cream, would it?"

"NO! I told you we aren't doing that anymore. We're going to wait."

"Sure you are," Terriermon said sarcastically, "but how did you know what the whipped cream was for? For all you knew I was talking about you two having sundaes."

Jenrya looked panicked, "Let's…just go stop those Digimon from fighting before they hurt someone."

"Juri sex sundae…yummy."

"Shut up."

~*~

Cyberdramon's claw crashed into the floor, missing its target once again. Ryo couldn't tell whether Fladramon was dodging or dancing. Either way his partner hadn't managed to land a single blow, "Cyberdramon, stop! Fighting her won't solve anything!" Ryo said for the fourth or fifth time. Cyberdramon only growled and continued attacking. The rest of Altimamon's escort had gathered around and were watching the fight, some just for entertainment, other to see the well toned body of their commanding officer in motion.

Fladramon giggled, "He isn't very bright, is he? Oh well, I doubt he's a very good fighter either."

"Shut up!" Cyberdramon yelled, smashing the ground where Fladramon once stood.

Fladramon finished her back flip and leaned up against one of the crystal walls, "Aww…I'll bet you say that to all the girls."

"Stop provoking him!" Ryo scolded.

"You can't even get your own digimon to obey you. Why should I?" she smirked. Her cybernetic dragon opponent snarled as he began changing energy for his attack. She turned back to him, "What's the matter? Is nobody paying attention to you?"

"Shut up!!! Erase Claw!" Cyberdramon cried, shooting a beam of blue/white energy from his clawed hands. Fladramon was quick as ever, jumping straight up in the air. The beam hit the reflective crystal wall and ricocheted back.

The large black dragon howled in pain as he was struck in the lower neck by his own rage-filled blast. The Major looked down from mid air at her reeling foe, "I guess I might as well get a hit in. Fire Rocket!" her entire body was engulfed in flame as she swan dived into the skull of Cyberdramon. The cybernetic beast was brought to one knee. Fladramon flipped backwards and landed a few meters from him, "I was right. He's no warrior, just a wannabe. Like Tamer, like digimon. You're just lucky I don't have permission to delete you."

Ryo stood, partially in shock. He…lost. He lost to a lower level digimon, "Cyberdramon, get up! You can still win!" he pleaded. Maybe I can card sla…wait a minute. What am I doing? Just great, now she has me wanting to fight her. Argh, I'm not slipping into that again. A good Tamer knows when and when not to.

"Don't worry. I've still have plenty of fight in me," the big dragon groaned while getting to his feet.

Ryo shook his head, "No, wait a minute."

Cyberdramon threw his partner an angry scowl, "Wait?! But you just said…"

"Just don't. We're not doing this."

Fladramon giggled, "Cowards, too? How fitting."

"That's it!!!" Cyberdramon prepared to charge again.

"No! I said no more," Akiyama commanded. A large energy whip like object emitted from his D-Ark. A swift crack of the whip against his partner's back seemed to calm the dragon's rage, but upset him at the same time.

Cyberdramon turned to the teen, "I can't believe you. Why won't you let me fight her? She insulted us both. She attacked me!"

"You attacked her," Ryo corrected. "Besides, she's only trying to anger you. Just ignore her."

"Lord knows you certainly can't manage to," the metallic dragon spat before walking away.

"What do you mean by that? Hey wait! Come back! It's freezing cold out there," Ryo sighed and followed his partner.

Fladramon raised an eyebrow. What an intriguing human, but a fail to see how he is considered a legendary Tamer. He can barely control his own digimon. That certainly ought to be an interesting conversation. Oh well, I've left my post unattended for far too long. She noticed out of the corner of her eye Majiramon was staring at her body, which was slightly damp with sweat, "Get your mind out of the gutter, dragon boy. Deva or not, you don't have a chance with me," she smirked, not even bothering to face him. The moose-horned old dragon growled and turned away.

~*~

"Youkomon, virus type, Adult level," Jenrya told his partner, reading the CGI profile.

"Looks kind of like Kyuubimon. Who's the other?"

"Vajiramon, vaccine type…"

"And?"

Lee looked down at his partner with concern, "Perfection level."

"Just perfect, a Perfect," the dog-bunny quipped, shuddering lightly at the memory of his first encounter with a Perfect.

"I don't suppose they'd like to talk this over."

Terriermon grimaced as the fox was tossed into a tree, "Somehow, I think not." Suddenly his ears picked up. "Guilmon?"

"What?"

"It's Guilmon. He sounds hurt," Terriermon said, running toward the source of the moans.

Lee followed his digimon to a small hill where Guilmon lay, struggling to keep conscious. "Guilmon, can you hear me?"

"Lee…" the fire lizard mumbled.

"Yeah, and I'm here too," Terriermon said. He looked down at his friend with great concern, any rivalries long forgot.

"I'll stay with him until Juri gets back with Takato-kun. You had better evolve and see what you can do to stop those two," Jenrya explained.

"Alright."

Jenrya took out a familiar card, "Card Slash! Evolution Plug-in S!"

"Terriermon evolve! Galgomon!" Galgomon took a moment to orientate himself with his Adult form as his evolutionary egg broke away. "Now, let's just hope I only have to fight the Adult one."

Guilmon jumped up, "Wait, don't hurt her. She's Renamon," he said with a sudden burst of energy. Afterward he slumped down but remained in a sitting position.

"Renamon?!" both Galgomon and Tamer chorused.

~*~

"I REALLY have to go. It's important," Juri pleaded the taller brown haired boy.

"What are you doing anyway?" Hirokazu asked.

"I can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because I just can't. Now please let me past."

"Fine," Hirokazu said. He then smiled, "but first you have to agree to go out with me tomorrow."

Juri's jaw dropped, "What?!"

"C'mon, it'll be fun."

"I told you I was with someone."

"You're obviously not happy with him. Every time I see you, you're sad or upset. Just give me a chance, one chance."

"If I agree will you stop pestering me?" Katou asked. I can't believe I'm doing this.

The visor-wearing boy smiled, "After tomorrow, you'll be pestering me for another date."

The redheaded Tamer sweatdropped, "Whatever you say. Now can I please go?"

"One more thing," Hirokazu kissed Juri full on the mouth. Juri quickly shoved him off, "You had to pay the toll," he joked.

"We shouldn't do that in public. There are laws," Juri reminded, trying to think of a non-hurtful way to say she didn't want to kiss him.

"See you tomorrow," Hirokazu smiled brightly and walked off, whistling to himself.

Jen is going to be so mad at me, unless…he doesn't find out. No one says I have to tell him. She sighed in partial relief.

She quickly tuned and headed in the direction of the Matsuda bakery, only to run straight into a man wearing a business suit and glasses. The briefcase he was carrying fell and spilled papers everywhere. Oh for the love of… "I'm really sorry, mister. Here let me help you pick this up," Juri said politely, barely containing her building frustration.

"No, no. It's my fault. I should have been watching where I was walking miss…," the blue/black haired man said. Juri noted a familiar look and vice. It was like she had met him before, but she didn't know where.

"Katou Juri. It isn't your fault. I wasn't really paying attention either," Juri apologized again while picking up papers.

"Don't worry about it. You're a nice girl. I'm sure your boyfriend back there is happy to have a girl like you," the man said politely.

Juri blushed, knowing he must have seen the kiss. I swear Hirokazu, one of these days…"Here you go," she handed him a packet of papers.

"Thanks again," he said as he reloaded his briefcase and snapped it shut. He smiled at her and started on his way

Juri suddenly felt her heart jump as he passed by. There, on the top of the briefcase was an ID tag. L-lee Janyuu. No, oh God, no. That couldn't have been. No, of course not. There are other Lee clans. What are the chances? Juri giggled although she truthfully found very little humor in the matter.

~*~

"Hold on, Renamon! Calm down! Release the anger! Ahh! Not on me!" Galgomon yelled as he dodged fireballs from the nine-tailed black fox.

"Don't interfere! This isn't your fight," Vajiramon warned. Galgomon had noticed that the ox Deva's face, as well as any other exposed part of his body, was covered in scratches and teeth marks. The odd thing was he didn't seem to be in any serious pain.

"That's the third time I've been told that this week. Maybe I should listen…naah," Galgomon quipped.

Vajiramon tossed Youkomon off him once again, "If you won't go, then you are just as guilty as her."

Galgomon walked over as a thoroughly beaten Youkomon was trying to stand, "Are you all ri…"

"Keep away," she growled.

The part of that comment that hurt Galgomon most was that Youkomon's voice wasn't any different than Kyuubi or Renamon's. He raised his gun arms defensively, "I'm not after you. Let me help."

"You can help by moving to the left."

"Ok," the large dog-bunny stepped aside, "but why…never mind," he sighed as she leapt past him, straight to Vajiramon.

"Guilmon no!" Jenrya said, holding the wounded lizard back as best he could.

"But I have to help her," he pleaded.

"You're already hurt. What am I supposed to tell Takato-kun if you get yourself killed?"

Guilmon slowed his efforts. I don't want Takato to be sad, but I don't want Renamon to get hurt either. That's not fair! What am I supposed to do? I love Renamon…but I love Takato too, and then I just keeping making him mad or sad and he doesn't want to be around me anymore. I'm sorry Takato. Please come back. You always know what to do.

~*~

"I don't know what to do," Takato said sadly as he walked down the street.

"You think I do?" Ruki asked. "I just promise myself that I can take care of any problems that come up."

"I know that, but…I don't know. I guess I never realized just how much my life was going to change. My family, school, Guilmon, Lee-kun and everything else."

Ruki glanced at him sadly, "Are you saying you regret it?"

"NO!" he answered quickly. "No, absolutely not. I love you. That hasn't, and never will, change. I just…don't know if I love myself anymore."

Ruki stopped him, and pressed two fingers to his lips, "Don't start that. I'm bad enough but not you too."

"You?"

"You think this hasn't bothered me. When I was dressing for school this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized how fat I look."

"You don't look fat."

"Yes I do. I can barely fit into this dress."

Takato looked at her for a moment, "Ruki…you look exactly the same. If anything, you've lost weight."

"But what about this dress?"

"It's probably all in your head."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," he smiled. "Look Ruki, I don't care what you are going to look like. I love you for you, not for your body. You have to believe me on that."

Takato wasn't sure why, but Ruki suddenly burst into tears and hugged him tightly, "Oh Taka-chan, I don't know what to do either. Everything I do or say is wrong. Your mother hates me. My mother and grand-ma probably hate me too. They just don't come right out and say it."

"Ruki…I…your family doesn't hate you. You're imagining things. I certainly don't hate you."

"But Taka-chan, what if this is the wrong decision. I mean…having the baby…Juri!" Ruki quickly broke her embrace with Takato.

Matsuda turned to see Juri. Her face was as red as her hair, "Ruki, Takato-kun…I…just needed to tell you…I didn't mean to…oh damn, this is the worst day ever!" she huffed, burying her face in her hands.

"What's wrong, Juri-san?" Takato said, resisting a sudden urge to laugh. He had never heard Juri swear in his life.

"Everything!" Katou exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. "Most importantly Jen is in trouble. He needs your help."

"What's wrong now?"

"I don't know. Two digimon are fighting in the park, somewhere by Guilmon's home. Jen's already there."

Takato sighed, "Alright, I'm coming."

"So am I," Ruki added, suddenly seeming optimistic.

"Oh no you're not."

"Oh yes I am."

"Go home Ruki. You'll be safe there. I'll see you when I get…"

"What did I just tell you this morning? Don't start this again."

"I can handle it."

"You'll need my help."

"Umm…do you two want me to go ahead?" Juri asked sheepishly.

Ruki blushed a little and nodded to her, "Go on. We'll be there in a minute."

"What do you mean we?" Takato asked after Juri left.

Ruki stepped in close, less than a foot from her love's face, "Look Taka-chan, being a Tamer is something I've always liked. Part of being a Tamer is digimon battles. Taming makes me happy. If I don't get to be happy, you don't get to be happy. If you know what I mean," she said in a teasing voice while poking him in the chest.

Matsuda sighed and smiled, "Why do you always have to blackmail me like that?"

"Because I can," she smirked, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"You're evil, you know that," Takato teased. "Let's go."

"Wait a minute. I have to try something." Ruki looked over her shoulder. "Renamon? Renamon? Damn, still nothing."

"What?"

"For the past couple days, Renamon hasn't answered my call. At first I thought she was…you know…'with' Guilmon, but now I'm starting to worry."

"Hmm, that's odd. Oh well, you don't even have your D-Ark," he gestured.

Makino blushed, "Oh…right. I forgot all about that."

"There, you see. Now why don't I go on ahead while you just run home and get…oww!" Takato yelped as she began pulling him along by the goggles. He sighed in defeat. I should really stop wearing goggles.

~*~

~~~"Why do you always have to do this?" Plotmon asked as she snuggled up to her mate.

"Thou already knows. The true gods hath summoned me. They require my assistance," Lopmon spoke gently.

"But why? Why can't you stop? They can get someone else."

"That would be an impossibility. I am a Deva. No other can duplicate that."

Plotmon sighed, "But…what if they find out? What if you get hurt? What if…"

His small paw covered her lips, "Thy worries are unfounded. They know nothing of this. We have been over this before."

"I know, I know. It's just that…we weren't mates before."

"That is what this is about?" he asked in his noble voice. She nodded, "When I asked to be thy mate, I made a vow. Part of that vow was to be with you forever, but I cannot abandon the ones you require my information. Many lives depend on it. Would thou have me give that up?"

She shook her head, "You know me well enough to know I could never do that. I'm just…worried."

"I shall be by thy side forevermore."

"Promise?"

"I swear it," he promised, rolling on top of her. His soft ears blanketed their bodies. Only her whimpers of passion escaped the protective cocoon.~~~

"And then you left me. It was all my fault. I should have said no, made you stay. I could have kept you with me," Plotmon sighed. She lay on her stomach in a street corner tree, resting her head on folded front legs. Why am I remembering you again? I worked so hard to get over this. This has to be because of that Terriermon. I just can't get over how physically similar he is to you, but I can never love him. He's still different. I gave you my heart…and my body. If I give my love to him, what happens to the love I had…HAVE for you?

Plotmon shuddered as she felt a tingling go down her spine. There it is again. What keeps doing that? It's like that feeling I get when I'm in trouble. She looked around. I don't see anything even remotely troublesome. Maybe I'm getting paranoid. Everything here is so different. This world and it's strange things, all these humans, my Tame…oh my God, "I'm coming Juri-chan!" she yelled. Heading in the direction she somehow knew Juri was in.

~*~

"Where is he? Guilmon said impatiently.

"They said they were coming." Juri reminded. Lee had went in closer to see if he could offer his partner any help, leaving Juri to attend to Guilmon, "Now sit down, you're not strong enough to fight."

"But…"

"Sit," Juri commanded in a parental voice. She again held up a card Jenrya had given her, "Come on…please. Why aren't you turning blue? Jen needs you. Turn blue!" she demanded, squeezing the card tightly between her palms.

"What are you doing?" Guilmon asked.

"When Jen and Terriermon needed my help before, I somehow turned the card blue. But now it isn't working."

Galgomon grimaced as his clasped gun hands struggled with Vajiramon's blade, holding it centimeters from his face, "Evil Flame Dragon!" Youkomon roared as she curled into a ball. Her body ignited into a black dragon of fire. She crashed into Vajiramon, not really caring that she'd hit Galgomon in the process.

"Jen, if I want to stop her I'm going to have to stop him, and to do that I need to be Rapidmon," Galgomon explained.

His partner pointed, "Juri's trying. Give her time."

Juri felt tears start to flow to her eyes as she saw her boyfriend point to her. Although she couldn't hear him, she knew exactly what he was saying. I'm so sorry Jen. It isn't working. I want to help, but I can't. Maybe I'm not Tamer material after all.

"Why are you crying?"

Juri threw the card down, "Oh Guilmon, being a good Tamer is about as hard as being a good girlfriend. I'm just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong."

"I…don't understand."

She smiled weakly, "I guess you wouldn't."

Guilmon suddenly froze up, staring over her shoulder. He leapt into action, knocking Juri out of the way just as a stray fireball came crashing down, "Are you ok?" Guilmon asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks Guilmon."

"Juri! Are you all right?" Jenrya said, running up to them.

"I'm fine. Guilmon saved me."

"Thank God," Lee suddenly became very serious. "Look Juri, you should probably get out of here. Takato-kun will be here soon. We can handle things"

"But the card."

"Forget it. The important thing is you could have been hurt."

"So could you if I don't…"

"I said forget it! Besides, you aren't any closer to making the card than when you started," he said, a lot firmer than he meant to.

Juri began to tear up, "Jen I…just wanted to h…"

"Takato-kun is coming. He'll help. Besides, you don't have your digimon. How can you help anymore? I'm not going to be responsible for you getting your head blown off, so please…just go," Lee ordered reluctantly.

"Takato!" Guilmon interrupted as Juri turned to walk away.

She glanced back at her boyfriend who was already heading to his friend's side. I don't understand. A minute ago he really wanted my help. Now, he's practically throwing me out before I even did anything. Am I really that useless?

Normally, Guilmon would have pounced Takato, but his injuries made that a rather painful prospect. Instead, he just walked up to him and hugged him, "I'm really sorry Guilmon. What happened to you?" Takato said, quickly noting the numerous wounds on Guilmon's body. Guilmon opened his mouth to speak, but Takato stopped him, "Never mind. Jen needs our help. Do you feel up to fighting?"

"I wanted to help Renamon, but Lee and Juri kept telling me I was too injured," the fire lizard whined.

"Help Renamon?" Ruki jumped in. "Where is she?"

"There," Guilmon pointed to Youkomon.

Makino stood in disbelief, "That…can't be her."

"Youkomon, virus type, adult level," Takato said, reading Youkomon's vital stats on his D-Ark.

"Virus…but she's a data. She's always been a data, and how did she evolve without me?" Ruki said. She turned to Guilmon, "This is because of you, isn't it? You're a virus type. You corrupted her data somehow!"

"No I didn't," Guilmon insisted.

"Ruki, calm down. I'm sure he didn't do that."

Ruki sighed, "You're right. I just…felt really angry for a minute. I'm sorry, Guilmon. But…how did this happen? How did she become…"

"Takato, can I please help Renamon now?" Guilmon interrupted.

"Right," he drew a card. "Card Slash! Evolution Plug-in S!"

Being inside his red egg of evolution felt even better than usual for Guilmon. He could feel many of his injuries being healed, some even completely disappeared. Also, he knew that as Growmon he could help his love, and that is what mattered most of all, "Guilmon evolve! Growmon!"

Physically speaking, Growmon build was that of a much larger Guilmon. One noticeable difference was pairs of bladed horns, both on his head and jutting from the sides of his tri-clawed hands. The later of which were folded back so they almost blended in with his arm. Another very noticeable difference was the silver mane that covered that back of the creature's neck. Despite his somewhat chubby appearance, Growmon was a fairly dexterous dragon digimon. He quickly reached the battle scene.

"But what about Renamon? You never let him answer my question," Ruki protested.

"Sorry Ruki, but if that digimon she's fighting is anything like the really powerful Digimon Lee-kun told me about before, then there wasn't a minute to waste."

"You wasted several minutes trying to stop me from coming here," she reminded. "Now, what really powerful digimon? Why do I suddenly feel so left in the dark?"

"Lee-kun or Juri-san could probably explain it bet…hey, where'd she go?" Matsuda looked around. "She was just here a minute ago. Maybe she went to get her digimon."

"Her digimon?! You can NOT be serious."

"Well…" Takato smiled sheepishly.

"Just how many things have you been keeping from me?"

"None," he assured. "Honestly, I just learned most of this today."

"You'd better not be lying again."

"I don't always lie!"

"I'd never have guessed."

"Don't start this again."

"Hey," Jenrya waved, walking up to them. "I don't want to interrupt your little 'lover's spat', but while you're over here, Growmon and Galgomon are getting the crap beaten out of them."

"What about Renamon?" Ruki asked.

The blue/black haired boy smiled weakly, "She's doing a lot of the beating."

"What?! Is this some kind of joke?"

"No joke," Lee pointed as Youkomon slammed through Galgomon on her way to the ox Deva. "See for yourself. I don't know what that thing is, but it isn't the Renamon we knew. She won't even listen to Growmon."

"She'll listen to me," Ruki assured, pushing past Jenrya.

"What's with her?"

"She dealing with a lot of things right now, and let's just say my mom wasn't exactly optimistic about this baby," Takato held up his suitcase as they walked toward the battle.

"She threw you out?!"

"No…at least not yet. Long story short, she got real mad and fainted. My dad said it would be best for me to spend the night at Ruki's house. Juri-san met us on the way, and here I am. By the way, where is Juri-san?"

"I sent her away."

"Sent her away?"

"She almost got killed. She needed to go somewhere safe."

"But she's a Tamer now and what about the blue card thing?"

"I think it was just a fluke. Besides, her digimon left somewhere. She had done all she could do by getting you," Jenrya said flatly

"Tell me you didn't tell her like that."

"Sure I did. Why?"

"Oh no."

"Oh no? What 'oh no'?"

"Hello, it's Juri-san. Miss Helpful. Miss Always There. Besides, she's your girlfriend."

"Which is why I'm trying to protect her."

Takato smiled weakly, "Yes, but never demand something of your girlfriend. She'll just yank you around by the goggles and blackmail you with promises of sex."

Lee sweatdropped, "I…think some things are better left unasked."

As the two approached the scene, they saw Ruki yelling something at Youkomon, while Galgomon attempted to restrain her. A still somewhat wounded Growmon struggled against a far more wounded, but still strong Vajiramon, "I still can't believe you survived. No matter. It will only allow me to give you the pain deletion you deserve."

Growmon threw him away, "Pajiramon hurt ME. I almost lost Renamon because of her. I will never forgive that."

"Stop! I will hear no more of your lies. The Devas are the holiest of warriors. We harm no one without cause."

"I'm sick to death of these Devas," Galgomon grumbled perked up as he held Youkomon on the ground.

"Then let me destroy him!" the black fox growled.

"Renamon please," Ruki pleaded. "I don't know what happened to know, but I DO know you're in there, so just listen. You have to calm down. Where to calm, confident warrior I used to know so well?" Youkomon only growled and continued to struggle. "Renamon, you're my partner. You've always been there for me. You taught me so much. You…even helped me find love and happiness. Don't you remember any of that?"

Youkomon voice grew quiet for a moment, "I…do remember. I remember helping you find Takato, I remember finding true love with Guilmon," her eyes narrowed, "and that shadow and his damn Deva creatures took it from me!" she yelled, bring her leg straight up through Galgomon's legs and delivering a smashing blow to his crotch.

Time seemed to stand still. Galgomon's eyes seemed to double in size as his entire body went stiff. Takato and Lee had just gotten close enough to the battle to catch the hit. Jenrya fell totally silent while Takato mouthed a 'damn' and crossed his legs somewhat. Even Ruki grimaced. The large dog-bunny slid off the fox's hind leg and collapsed to the ground. Youkomon threw him a quick glance before strolled over the battle between her mate and the Deva.

Time snapped back to normal speed as Jenrya ran to his partner's side, "Galgomon! Are you all right?" Galgomon rolled around, kicking his feet against the ground. He rolled onto his side, still clutching his wounded area, "Speak to me," his partner pleaded.

"Ouch," the dog-bunny coughed out.

Ruki looked down at the writhing digimon. Renamon…why? Even if he were attacking you, you'd have never done that. What happened to you? Just being with Guilmon would never have turned you into this. Did I do this? Is this some kind of side effect from my not spending much time with you anymore? Damn it, I'm supposed to be the master Tamer. How can I know so much yet know so little at the same time?

~*~

"Juri-chan!"

Juri froze, "P-plotmon? You…you came back?"

"Of course I came back. I just needed to…sort a few things out. Didn't Terriermon tell you?"

"Yeah, he did. I just…I don't know. I just figured you probably went to go find a better partner."

"Why in the world would I do that?" she asked. The girl shrugged, "I was chosen to become a Tamer's Digimon. I'm not just going to abandon that. Besides, you are the best partner a digimon could ask for."

Juri smiled, "Thanks, but I don't deserve that."

"Huh?"

Katou starred at the ground, "I can't even make one stupid card turn blue. Jen needed it to beat a Deva. He was counting on me, and I couldn't come through."

"A Deva, so that's why I sensed you were in danger. Where is it?"

"Back in the park. The others are fighting it."

"Umm…shouldn't we be helping?"

"What's the point? I'm useless. Jen said it himself."

"You're not useless. Remember how you helped Guilmon?"

"That was different. Even if it wasn't, he doesn't want my help."

"I'm sure he does. You're a great Tamer, Juri-chan."

"The words 'great Tamer' and 'Juri' don't even belong in the same sentence."

"What did he say to you to make you think that?"

"It's more than just what he said. It's…it's everything. I can't even deal with my own life. Now I'm a Tamer and I have a whole bunch of responsibilities I don't even understand."

"You'll never understand unless you try.

"I DID try. Didn't you hear about the blue card thing? I almost got blasted. Then Jen got upset and told me to leave. He said I was useless," Juri exaggerated.

Plotmon looked sad, "That's not true. We have to do something. What if the Deva is hurting your friends right now?"

"I told you I can't do anything!" she snapped. "I'd just get in the way."

"No you wouldn't."

"Oh yeah?" Juri took out another card Jenrya had given her. "Jen said this evolution card will help you to evolve. Let's just see how much of a Tamer I am."

Juri held her D-Ark and the card over her head, "Card Slash. Evolution Plug-in S," she said, slashing the card. Plotmon felt a brief surge of power, but it quickly vanished, "There, you see. I don't even know why I bothered to do that. I knew it wasn't going to work. These stupid cards are about as reliable as I am."

Plotmon hung her head, trying to think of something to say, "Maybe…you just need to try again. It might work…if you believe in yourself."

"Forget it. I used to believe in myself. Look where it got me. Takato-kun will never like me as more than a friend. I'm a lousy Tamer. I think Jen loves me, but I'm not really sure. He wants nothing to do with me physically. Even when I kiss him, he seems so withdrawn. Then THIS happens. Of course, none of that will even matter if he finds out about Hirokazu-kun," Katou sighed. "Yeah, I sure have a LOT to believe in."

"Juri-chan…you can't give up," the Digi-puppy said sadly. "Forget what other people say. I believe in you."

"Thanks, I guess, but I think I just need to be alone."

"Weren't you going to go to the Jen boy's house tonight, before this attack happened?"

"He is the LAST person I want to see right now."

"Then you aren't going back?"

"For the last time no!" Juri snapped. She suddenly got quieter, "Besides, you're only at Child level. You'd get beaten up. Maybe even…I don't even want to think about it."

"But…"

Juri sighed and motioned, "If you're so adamant about going, then go. I won't stop you."

"Are you sure you're ok?" Plotmon asked sadly. Juri nodded, holding back a few tears, "Ok, I'll go, but I'm coming right back to you after it's over. I promise."

"Good luck," she whispered as her partner bounded away. Why am I doing this? Even she thinks I'm wrong. I am I really that pathetic? She doesn't need me there. In fact, she's probably better off alone. Maybe I should actually think about Hirokazu. It might solve some of these problems. He seems to understand me. Best of all, he doesn't know anything about real Tamers. Jen, I'd like to think he understands me, but too often I'm finding myself doubting. What we shared that afternoon meant so much to me, but he acts like I nearly ruined his life. Every time I try to get close to him, he shoves away. He sees me as more of an errand girl than a Tamer. Does he really love and understand me, or is he just too afraid to say he wants to be friends and nothing more?

~*~

"You have to do something," Ruki pleaded.

"I'm open to suggestions," Takato said.

"I think if we can take out the bull, Renamon may return to normal," Lee theorized, throwing a concern glance to Terriermon lying off to the side. Galgomon had devolved and was recovering, but looked almost nauseous from pain.

"How do you figure?" Ruki asked.

"Well, she seems to have a huge bloodlust focused on him. If we take him out, she may calm down."

"Or she may turn on Growmon," Takato put in.

"Or that."

"Plasma Blade!" Growmon sent a crescent moon blast from his wrist blade. Vajiramon simply sliced it in two.

"Doesn't this guy ever get tired?" Ruki asked.

"Don't know, but that gives me an idea," Takato raised his D-Ark, "Card Slash! High Speed Plug-in H!"

Growmon flashed with red energy for a moment before taking off. With his newfound speed, his was easily able to get behind the ox Deva and put him in a headlock, "Gotcha!"

"Finally, a clean shot," Youkomon smiled. "Evil Flame Dragon!" her burning dragon slef slammed into Vajiramon's gut, knocking him to the ground.

"What a dishonorable strategy," the bull coughed. "I suppose I'd expect nothing less from a rapist and his accomplice."

"Rapist? What's he talking about?" Takato questioned.

"I'm not exactly sure, but from what I gathered from Guilmon and Juri earlier it sounds like Guilmon was raped by one of the other Devas. This guy here somehow got his story screwed up and came after Guilmon for raping the Deva," Jenrya explained

Takato looked shocked, "Guilmon was r-raped? Are you sure?"

"Yes, that much I know. Sorry."

"I…can't believe anyone would do that, even a digimon. Guilmon's never been anything but nice. Why would anyone want to…rape him?"

"He…seems ok now," Ruki said, trying to think of something to lighten her love's mood.

"That's not the point. These Deva things hurt him, bad. I can't even imagine what he felt," the 'High Speed' card Takato was still holding began to glow. "I don't care if this guy was the rapist or not. He's just as guilty."

"What's that?" Makino inquired, pointing to the glowing card.

"The card. It's just like before," Jenrya said. "It's a blue card."

"I already know," Takato said in an almost distant voice, "and I know exactly what to do to make this Deva sorry he ever hurt Guilmon. Card Slash! Matrix Evolution!"

Growmon stepped back from the fray as he felt an unknown energy fill him, containing him within the CGI pixel egg once again. He instinctively knew what to do, "Growmon super evolve!" Growmon grew even larger as his body encased in red/white metallic armor, two cannons formed on the breastplate. Two large thrusters were now on his back, as well as a long cable that extended from the central back. Black armor coved his arms from hand to shoulder. Upon this was a pair of large guillotine-like blades, each covering a forearm. The final stage of the evolution took place as Growmon's head was covered in a transparent, protective helmet. He was now the destructive walking fortress known as, "Megalo Growmon!"

"Now THAT was impressive," Jenrya said.

"Megalo Growmon, virus type, perfection level," Takato read.

"I've never seen a digimon like that before," Ruki said in all honesty. I can't believe it. His digimon reached the perfection level. I wonder what Renamon's perfect is? Ruki's expression suddenly changed. IF I can get her back.

Megalo Growmon stared down the ox Deva, who was still adjusting to the sight of this new massive opponent, "How can one so evil be so strong?" Vajiramon wondered aloud.

"You're the evil one. You probably did this to Renamon. Now you're going to pay," Megalo Growmon declared, his maturity seemed to increase with his evolutions.

"Perfect or not, you must be stopped," Vajiramon said. "Get out of the way!" he slammed past Youkomon, who had been standing silent. This only served to make Megalo Growmon more furious. He stood ready as Vajiramon drew back both swords, "Roda!"

"Double Edge!" Megalo Growmon brought his guillotines to meet the swords, slicing the blades clean in two.

Takato quivered for a moment, "That's odd, it was like I could feel the impact from that."

The ox Deva stared at the handles he was holding, "That's…not possible. They were forge from the strongest of metals."

"I guess not," Megalo quipped as he reared back to strike.

"Treasure Mallet!" an enormous hammer flew between the combatants, knocking both to their knees. Takato jumped back like he had taken a blow as well, Ruki rushing quickly to his side. The hammer formed into a large blue bulldog as it landed, "Vajiramon, that's enough! You've been deceived," the dog said, walking up to his fellow Deva.

"Him again," Youkomon growled softly.

"What are you talking about?" Vajiramon asked.

"Pajiramon lied. She raped the Tamer digimon."

"You lie!"

"I'm not lying. She was wounded because the master punished her for raping him."

"I…cannot accept that. Not Pajiramon."

Takato wasn't quite sure what was going on, but he had taken noticed of one thing. He looked at Megalo Growmon. The large digimon nodded as if his Tamer had just given him instructions, "Now!" Takato yelled.

"Atomic Blaster!" the armored dinosaur cried, sending two extremely powerful blasts of red atomic energy from his cannons. One impacted Vajiramon, he only made a small groan as he collapsed and began to break into data. The other slammed the dog Deva, barely even knocking him back.

Youkomon pounced the deleting bull and downloaded his data. After this she closed her eyes and seemed to fall silent, as if she had just realized what she had done. Chatsuramon, the large dog, looked in shock at Megalo Growmon, "The…battle was over. He was attacking you because of a mistake! How could you do that?" he said with a touch of sadness in his voice. "The master was right about you humans corrupting digimon," he turned to the group of Tamers, "I'm putting a stop to this myself! Shuvaboshana!" he roared, sending what looked like waves of distorted sound from his mouth.

Megalo reacted quickly, pouncing in from of the group and taking the blast with his back. He grimaced with pain, as did his Tamer. Ruki looked at her love suffering and up at the large dinosaur protecting them. She then turned to Youkomon, "Renamon, please. You have to help."

Youkomon looked up from where she had been crying, "Ruki. I…I am so sorry."

Even though the loud roaring of Chatsuramon's attack, Ruki seemed to hear every word, "I know you are, but please. We need your help," she smiled.

Youkomon nodded and arose, moving into position. As she watched as Megalo Growmon's form shrunk back to normal Growmon she knew she could wait no longer, "Evil Flame Dragon!" she instinctively cried as she rolled into a burning dragon.

Chatsuramon immediately stopped his attack when he heard this. He turned and dropped his shoulder, knocking the attack away, "Not bad. I can see why you're the savior," Chatsuramon smirked, quickly cursing himself for having called her the savior aloud.

Plotmon came running from out of nowhere, "Chatsuramon, you murdering bastard! Petit Punch!"

Chatsuramon looked down at the small puppy pummeling his right front leg for all she was worth, "Who in the world are you?"

Plotmon spoke in between blows, "You…killed…him! You…ruined…my…life! Die…just…die!" she sobbed out.

"I've never met you in my life," Chatsuramon said, batting the small dog away with his free paw. She was sent rolling over to the Tamer group. Terriermon limped over to her, quickly followed by Lee.

The dog Deva watched as Ruki embraced Takato and Youkomon helped Growmon to a standing position. She looked with teary eyes at him and whispered something Chatsuramon couldn't hear. They stared at one another for a moment before turning to face him, each glaring daggers. He sighed in frustration, "I shouldn't even be doing this. I'm going to be in enough trouble as is. Mark my words, you will pay for what you have done here today," he said before leaping away in much the same fashion as Renamon often did.

"No! Don't let him get away!" Plotmon pleaded. The others stared at her as she slumped to the ground, "He's gone."

Terriermon sat down next to her, "Can we please talk?"

Plotmon shook her head, "I'm sorry. Maybe someday," she started to leave.

"But…"

"Juri-chan needs me," Plotmon said before leaving.

Jenrya knelt besides his digimon, "Are you ok?"

Terriermon sighed and looked at his Tamer, "Jen, can we please go home?"

"I suppose so. It is getting late. Besides, I really don't want to be around when the police finally show up," he said, although he truly wanted to find out why Juri had run away. He turned to the others, "Thank you, for being there. I'm sorry I was upset before."

"Forget about it," Takato said. Ruki just smiled slightly and nodded, "It was my fault. I never dreamed there were digimon that powerful that actually existed," Matsuda continued.

"Let's just hope that they decide that Earth isn't worth their time."

"Agreed."

Youkomon opened and closed her mouth a few times as the pair left. Ruki took notice, "What's wrong?"

"I…was going to tell Terriermon I was sorry for…hurting him."

"I'm sure he already knows that," she assured. Her expression turned to one of concern, "When did you turn into…this?"

Youkomon looked at the ground, "May I speak with you…alone? It is a matter of great importance."

"Of course," she turned to Takato. "Go on ahead. My Grand-ma shouldn't have any problems with you staying the night. Just tell her I needed to…take a walk. Yeah, just a walk alone to clear my head," Ruki said as she climbed onto the blue/black fox's back.

"Hmm, that sounds like a lie."

"Shut up."

Takato laughed as they leapt away. He turned to his partner, "I guess it's just down to us gu…hey, what's wrong with you?"

Growmon looked like he was going to cry, "It's gone. It's all gone," he pointed to his destroyed home.

"Damn it, why does everything bad have to happen to me?" Matsuda groaned.

"Where do I put my bread?"

"That's the least of our problems. Where do I put YOU?" Takato heard sirens in the distance. "Oh yeah, now that it's down to Takato, the cops show up real fast!" he complained to no one in particular. "Come on, Growmon. I'll see what I can do."

~*~

Altimamon smiled as the movie finally neared its end, "And so we have learned just how evil humans can be," a few more shots from the Second World War were being played. The other had been so caught up in the file that they hadn't heard the battle outside, "They even hate themselves. Sometimes for no reason at all," the dark god explained as scenes from various terrorist acts were being played. "Humans will probably end up destroying their world or wiping themselves out, so why not take what we need while we can," he concluded in synchronization with the film.

"That was…horrible," Xuanwumon said.

"I didn't believe a second of that. You fabricated that entire thing," Baihumon growled.

"I thought you might say something like that. Feel free to take the disc. Do whatever tests you wish, but I'm afraid you'll find its contents to be quite real," Altimamon smiled.

"How can you be happy after watching that?" Zhuqiaomon asked.

"I'm not happy about that. I'm happy because I think many of you now see humans for what they truly are."

"I'll admit that I'm not fond of humans," the firebird said. "Still, I don't like seeing anything like that happen to any race."

"But…it was perpetrated by other humans, not digimon," Qinglongmon said, although he sounded heartbroken to admit it.

"This is ludicrous!" Xuanwumon interjected. "Yes, the disc may be real, but violence won't end violence. We can't plunder the humans just because of their own flaws. We Digimon aren't perfect either. Why can't we just accept humans for what they are and leave them be?"

"Because then we'd be back to exactly where we started," Zhuqiaomon told his eldest brother.

"We should at least put it to a vote," Altimamon said.

"I hate to admit it, but he's right. We always vote on any suggestions. No matter how stupid they are," Baihumon said, glaring at his hated rival.

"Very well," Xuanwumon said. "I believe it is clear where Altimamon and I stand, but what say you?"

"I'm with you. I'm still not even convinced the disc is real," Baihumon said.

Zhuqiaomon moved toward Altimamon's side "I'm going to have to…"

"How can you side with that scum!? Have you forgotten how he overthrew you, as well as the rest of us and ruled the Digital World?"

"Baihumon!" Xuanwumon scolded. "You have been told numerous times to stop bringing that up. It was years ago. He has accepted his punishment and we've moved on. It's over."

"It was only two years ag…"

"It's OVER."

"Whatever," the white tiger scoffed. He looked over at Zhuqiaomon and mouthed a 'traitor'. The Southern guardian just looked away.

"Qinglongmon, you've been silent through most of this. Where do you stand?" the tree-backed turtle asked.

"I…don't know. Humans can be kind and caring. Ryo has shown us that much. Still, I understand that something must be done over the Digital World suffering…"

"You can't be thinking about siding with him!"

Xuanwumon sighed, "He hasn't sided with anyone yet, brother. Now if you don't be quiet I will banish you from my meeting hall until this assembly is done," the keeper of the North growled in a rare showing of anger.

"As I was saying, the Digital World needs a solution…but I just don't believe this is it. I think we need to try to find and alternative way. I suppose that leaves me siding with you two."

"So be it. The motion is denied," Xuanwumon declared. "Now, I believe this assembly has been a quite emotionally fatiguing experience for all of us. I suggest we adjourn and resumed our discussions here in a weeks time."

"Why not tomorrow?" Zhuqiaomon asked.

"Because I thought a week might give us each time to think of a new solution."

"I suppose."

"I'm in agreement with that," Altimamon said.

"Very well. You may all return here in one weeks time."

"I want that disc," Baihumon demanded as the other were leaving.

The midnight blue dragon casually handed it to him, "Be my guest," as the white tiger left, he turned to Zhuqiaomon. "I can tell you more about what I'm proposing if you return to my realm with me."

"Go to a place where you would have enough power to destroy me? Forget it. Just because I agree with your suggestion doesn't mean you have my trust. Don't think I've forgotten your attempts to capture the Culumon digimon."

"So?"

"I'm not a fool, brother. That small creature would give you're the capabilities to quickly evolve your armies."

"And YOU wouldn't attempt the same thing if in my place?"

"I suppose."

"We all want to feel safe and secure. This is just how I choose to do it."

"True, but that fact is still not enough to establish trust."

"How am I ever suppose to earn your trust if you won't let me?"

The firebird shook his head, "Perhaps one day I will journey to your forgotten realm, but not this one. For now, I must return to the South. I'll see you at the next meeting."

As the gods exited the meeting hall, Qinglongmon took noticed of Ryo's absence, "Where is Ryo?"

"He and his Digimon went outside for some…fresh air, o exalted one," Fladramon said while kneeling. She had already been instructed to be as courteous as possible with the other Holy Beasts, despite her own protests. She took quick note of Majiramon whispering something to her master. What's he up to? He'd better not being saying what I think he is. The master will fry us both. Phew, the holy one is leaving. Maybe that dragon Deva isn't as stupid as he looks.

Altimamon smiled as he saw the major gathering her troops. Defeated Akiyama Ryo? My young Fladramon, you have worlds of potential.

~*~

"This place is beautiful. How did you ever find it?" Ruki asked as she looked down at the city.

"I was led here by the dog Deva."

Ruki whiled around upon hearing this, "The dog that attacked us?"

"Yes."

"But he's an evil digimon."

"I did not know that then. I thought I was doing right. It was not supposed to be like this. I only wanted to be happy. I am so so sorry," Youkomon blurted out as she sobbed.

"Whoa whoa, wait a minute. Calm down," Ruki held up her hands. "Now, why are you sorry? What happened?"

Youkomon took a few moments to compose herself before she began, "I…made a huge mistake. One that you can never forgive."

"Renamon, I'm not exactly miss perfect," Ruki gestured to her stomach. "Besides, I forgave you for what happened with Guilmon and so did he."

"This is worse, MUCH worse."

The tone of her voice made Makino shudder. She's…scared? I didn't even know she knew the meaning of the word fear. At least, I think that's fear. Those red eyes are so much different from what I've grown accustomed, "Renamon, I don't know what you're going to say, but I've always found it best to just come right out and say it. I'm your partner…and your friend."

"No…you are not," Youkomon said with an icy tone. "At least, not my partner."

"W-what are you saying?"

"Our bond has been broken."

"But…that's impossible. Who did this to you? Was it that dog?" Ruki asked, a hint of anger in her voice.

"No, it was something else. I am not exactly sure what it was. It was there, but yet it was not, like a shadow. I cannot describe it."

"Forget that. Just tell me what happened. Did it hurt you?"

"No, at least not physically. It…knew things about me, private things. Things no one knew."

"Even me?" Ruki asked. Youkomon nodded, "What happened then?" she asked, purposely choosing to drop the subject of the 'private things' out of respect.

"The creature told me that our bond was forcing me to love Guilmon. He said that only by removing the bond could I decide who my true love was"

"Wait a minute. I thought Guilmon was your true love."

"He is. I know that now."

"But, you've never been with any other digimon, have you?"

"Of course not, but…that does not mean I had not thought about it," she said. Ruki stared at her curiously. Youkomon sighed, "Impmon," she answered the unasked question.

"Impmon?!" Makino resisted the urge to laugh.

"Impmon has a gentle side he keeps hidden. I have witnessed it on more than one occasion, but this was not just about that. I had watched Impmon prior to this, before I was ever with Guilmon. He was so alone, and so was I."

"But I was there."

"I know. I kept telling myself that. This was before you were with Takato, before I had even evolved to Kyuubimon. You were 'different' then.

"I was an ass," the teen admitted.

"I did not say that."

"But it's true. Why deny it? I treated everyone like dirt, even the ones I cared about the most."

"I did not mind. I sought you out for your strength as a Tamer, not your personality. After a while though, I began to feel lonely."

"I'm sorry."

"I understand. I always understood. Besides, at least what you did could be undone. What I have done may never be fixed."

Ruki's jaw dropped, "Wait a minute. You mean to tell me you did this by choice! I thought you were forced into it. How could you do that?!"

"I was trying to explain but you keep interrupting!" Youkomon snarled as her body tensed up. Ruki went wide-eyed and took a step back in fear. Youkomon gasped shook her head, "Oh gods…what am I doing? I am so sorry Ruki."

"It's…ok. This is because you're a virus, isn't it?"

Youkomon shrugged, "I think so. All I know for sure is I cannot help it. This keeps happening. When the Deva attacked Guilmon I wanted to protect him. I…somehow became Youkomon, but all I could think about was hurting the Deva. I did not even care that my mate was wounded. I just wanted to hurt. Like right now, I wanted to hurt you just because you interrupted me. I am a sadistic, horrid creature," Youkomon admitted, looking at one of her blue/black paws.

"No you're not. You're still Renamon, just…different. Besides, you'll return to Renamon once you devolve, right?"

"I…cannot answer that either. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I have never heard of this happening to any digimon."

"You never did say how our bond became broken."

"The creature broke my bond so that I could decide who my heart truly belonged to. He said it was not permanent. He said he could re-bond us."

"You believed him?"

"He deceived me. Not just with words, but with the actions of his Devas. It is partially my fault that one of the Devas hurt Guilmon. The creature words were so tender, so empathic. I found it almost impossible not to be taken in," Youkomon explained. "I was a fool to have trusted him. I destroyed our bond and betrayed everything I once stood for. More importantly, I betrayed you."

"But you did it for love," Ruki reminded softly. "You did it to find true love. True love is a powerful influence. It changed my entire being. So in a way, I understand why you did it."

"You…are not upset."

Ruki stood silent for a moment, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. I am upset, but yelling at you isn't going to help," Makino repeated her grandmothers words of wisdom.

"Are you saying that because you believe it or because you think I might attack you if you yelled?"

"I'm saying it because I care about you. If it weren't for you, I'd never have been with Takato in to first place. I owe you a lot. You're the best friend I'll ever know," she hugged Youkomon's neck.

"But…I am a monster."

"I know you're not a monster inside. As long as that's true, then I don't care what you look like. Even if you are like this forever, I'll still care exactly the same," she loosened her grasp and looked into Youkomon's teary red eyes. The dark fox of Tao opened her mouth to speak, but was stopped, "Guilmon doesn't care either," she answered the silent inquiry.

"Are you sure?"

"All he could talk about was helping you, even though he was hurt."

Youkomon smiled briefly, "But…how could he ever love a virus type?"

"Guilmon IS a virus type."

"That is different. He has always been a virus type. He can control his 'urges'."

"Not always. Remember when we first battled them. He seemed like some kind of vicious animal."

"Like I was today," Youkomon admitted sadly. "Besides, that was also different. Guilmon was younger then. He rarely does that now. The last time I even recall was when we were ma…battling. Battling, just like you said," she said in a nervous attempt to cover her slip up.

Ruki giggled at her digimon, "You mean to tell me he does that when you two are…"

She sighed in defeat, "Once. It was after Takato had just yelled at him. He was upset and forgot to contain his viral side."

"What did he do?" this earned Ruki a harsh stare. "Just curious," she said defensively.

"He was…rather forceful. Afterwards, I tried to tell him I was ok but he just kept apologizing. He promised he would never ever do that again."

"Didn't it hurt?"

"I was pretty sore, but overall I was ok," she said. Ruki giggled softly, "What is so funny?"

"You enjoyed it."

"I most certainly did not."

"Yes you did. I can tell by the way you said it."

Youkomon blushed heavily, "Nonsense."

"Oh lighten up. I'm just joking around. You ought to try it. It may even help you control this darker side of yours. I know it helps me when I'm depressed, which is quite often anymore," the teen said sadly.

"How can you joke when life is so serious?"

"I try to remind myself that things will work out. Like us, I believe that what you did isn't permanent. I think we can be partners again."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I'm can't. I just have faith. Everyone needs faith. Takato taught me that."

"I suppose you are right. Maybe I am overreacting."

"There, you see. You still have a lot to be happy about. I'm still your best friend, right?"

"Yes."

"And you're still with Guilmon, right?"

"Yes."

"And you're still a powerful warrior, right?"

"Yes," Youkomon said with building confidence.

"And you still love having rough sex, right?"

"Ye…err…Ruki!" Youkomon huffed as her face flushed. Ruki busted out laughing and soon Youkomon found herself giggling as well, "Thank you, Ruki."

"You'll always be my best friend, even if you can't be my partner. Now, lets go home."

~*~

"Are you sure you're all right?" Jenrya asked as he and his partner lay awake in bed.

"For the fourth time Jen, I'm fine."

"I know something is bothering you. You've hardly said anything since we got home. If you just tell me I'll bet you'll feel better."

"Alright," Terriermon sighed, "It's about what happened today."

"The kick?"

"It hurts, Jen. Not just from being kicked, but from being kicked by Renamon."

"I though you were over her."

"So did I, but with the way I'm feeling now…I just don't know. I feel really bad. I think I wouldn't have felt this bad if Growmon had gave me that shot."

"I'm sure she didn't do it on purpose. She wasn't herself…literally."

"Was it unintentional, Jen? Was it really?"

"Huh?"

"She didn't hesitate to save Megalo Growmon when he was being attacked. Even when she attacked us both, she seemed to always hit me harder."

"Now you're being paranoid."

"Am I, Jen? Am I really?"

"Stop doing that."

"Sorry, but you have to admit I have a point."

"I guess, but what happened to you and Plotmon?"

"Actually, there isn't much to talk about. She's keeping something inside. It's tearing her up. I can see it."

Lee giggled, "You're starting to sound like me."

"Now THAT is scary."

"Hey!" Jenrya scolded. "Anyway, I did see what you meant. It obviously had something to do with that dog…umm…what did she call him?"

"Chatsuramon. She mumbled his name once before. I think she was daydreaming."

Jenrya sighed, "Why does love have to be so complicated?"

"No pain no gain."

Jenrya sweatdropped, "Funny, but I think I may have really made Juri mad today. I don't know why. All I did was tell her to leave because she was in danger."

"You didn't by chance say it in the same way you tell Shiuchon not to swim in the deep end of the public pool, did you?"

"What does that have to do with this?"

"Well I'm just saying maybe you were a little firm. You can be a real hardass you know."

"Thanks a LOT, Terriermon," Jenrya groaned. "Seriously though, I didn't mean too. I know she wanted to help, but that fireball almost hit her. I just wanted to prevent her from getting seriously hurt."

"Did you ever tell HER that?"

"Y…well…sort of."

"I didn't think so. You did at least tell her what a good job she did by helping get Takato, didn't you?" the dog-bunny asked, knowing full well the answer.

"No," Lee groaned and buried his face in his pillow.

"In that case, welcome back to the world of single guys," Terriermon smirked.

"Just shut up and go to sleep," Jenrya said as nicely as possible considering the mood he was in.

~*~

"I hope my grand-ma doesn't blow up at me. Takato better have told her exactly what I said," Ruki warned as she hopped off Youkomon.

"Ruki, wait."

"What?" she asked. Youkomon gestured. Ruki look on and her jaw dropped, "Oh my God."

"Do you want me to…"

"No, I'll be right back," Ruki said in an almost psychotic manner.

She marched toward the house, opening the door to her bedroom. She was greeted by a smiling Takato, who had just finished unpacking, "Oh, hi, Ruki. Your grandmother was sleeping and I just let myself in. I hope you don't…" he was stopped as Ruki grabbed him by the collar and tugged him to within centimeters of her face.

"Taka-chan," she said in a voice so calm it sent chills down his spine, "just why in the HELL is Growmon sleeping in my yard?"

"Oh…that. It's a funny story. You're going to laugh when you hear it," he choked out nervously.

"Try me."

"Well, you see his home was kind of destroyed by the Deva and he needed a place to go."

"Put him where you put him the first time."

"I already tried that. They sealed the tunnel for some reason."

"The park?"

"The police were coming. I knew they'd probably search the area."

"I still can't believe you'd bring him here. What if my grand-ma had woke up, huh? What if my mother had come home?"

"But they didn't."

Ruki growled, "Do you have any clue how much trouble we could have gotten in? Do you even CARE?!"

"Shhh, you'll wake Hata-sama up."

"And then you'd get caught. Taka-chan, you are taking way too many risks. All this lying, sneaking around…"

"Hey, wait a minute. You're pinning this all on me. What happened to 'don't tell anyone about this'? It was YOUR idea to keep it a secret."

"Will you two shut your damned mouths! You claim to be in love, but you spend every damn moment arguing when you could be trying to figure a solution to your problems. What kind of screwed up love is that?" Youkomon growled as both teens stood in complete shock. She blinked for a moment and gasped, "I…I did it again," she said. Blushing in embarrassment, she quickly left the doorway.

"Did she just say that?" Takato wondered aloud.

"It's the virus."

"Say no more. I know exactly what you mean."

"I knew he was wild at times but Guilmon is like that?"

"Why do you think I never tell Guilmon my secrets?" he smirked. "He tends to be…a little too honest sometimes."

"A trait you would know nothing about."

"Don't start with me."

Ruki froze, "My god, she's right."

"Come again?"

"Don't you see Taka-chan? Renamon wasn't being mean, she was telling the truth. However blunt it may have been."

"We have been fighting a lot," Matsuda said in shame. "Maybe we do just need to talk."

Both stared at each other, "I'm sorry," the accidentally said together. They smiled and hugged one another for a minute before Ruki left to find her digimon.

Youkomon was over by Growmon, watching him sleep, "How do you do it? How do you remain so kind and gentle even though you have the viral attribute?" she asked, although she knew he couldn't hear.

"Renamon?"

"Ruki, I am so sorry. I did not mean those things. I just…said them," she sniffled.

Ruki hugged her, "It's ok. I understand."

"No, it is not. I should go. I am just causing more problems."

"No, you're not," Youkomon looked up with watery eyes to see what she believed to be Takato. "I'm not mad either. Believe me, I know what viral digimon can be like, but you still meant well."

"Actually, it's kind of good you said that," Makino put in.

"But…why?"

"You said some things we might have been afraid to say. You kind of gave us advice."

"Harsh advice."

"Taka-chan, you're not helping!"

"Sorry. Ruki is right, though. You were trying to help."

"I suppose."

"Maybe you can help us in another way as well," Ruki smiled.

"Hmm?"

"Can you take Growmon someplace where he won't be found, for tonight?"

"Ok."

"Thanks, Renamon."

"See, I told you things will work out," Takato smirked.

"Sheer luck," Ruki smoked playfully. She watched as Youkomon attempted to wake the sleeping dinosaur.

"Stand back and watch the master," Takato smirked as he cracked his knuckles. "Seriously, do stand back," he warned. Ruki raised an eyebrow and stepped back, joined by Youkomon. Takato leaned down by Guilmon's ear, "Doughnuts."

"I want some too!" Growmon yelled, snapping awake. Youkomon made a quick mental note not to dream about food when sleeping with Growmon, "Hey, where are the doughnuts?" Growmon whined groggily.

"Come on, Growmon. I will take you to someplace else," Youkomon said as he got to his feet.

"Will there be doughnuts there?" he asked as they walked out of Ruki's yard. She motioned for him to lean down and whispered something in his ear. He stood blinking for a moment before following her at double the speed he was moving before.

"Either you slashed a 'High Speed' card when I wasn't looking or someone just got a sex promise," Makino smirked.

"Why do you girls always have to do that?"

Ruki hugged him tightly, "I told you before, because we can," she realized him and walked over to a spot in the grass, "Come here."

Takato shrugged and walked over to where she was standing, "Do you know where this is?" she asked.

"Your yard?"

"No, I mean this particular spot where we are."

"The spot where Growmon was just sleeping?" Takato guessed as he felt the still warm grass with his feet, which had been bare since before Ruki had arrived.

"No, something more important than that."

"The place where you first found Renamon?" he was now taking shots in the dark.

Ruki sighed and moved closer to him, "Something that's important to US. Think about it. You, me, my yard, this school uniform."

"Oh ok, you mean where we first had did it," her love said proudly.

She sighed, "Gee, you really know how to suck the romance out of something special."

"Oh…sorry. Uhh…this is the spot where we first danced the dance of sweet love," he said in a horrible French accent.

"Ugh, I liked you first response better."

"Umm…how do I love thee…"

"Shut up and kiss me."

"Now that's romance," Matsuda smirked as he drew her into a deep kiss. His hand slid up and under her shirt caressing the tender flesh underneath.

Ruki kissed with desperation. She needed this. She wasn't even sure why, but she did, right then and there. She attempted to pull him down but ended up entangling them both, sending the lovers tumbling to the ground. Neither stopped for even a moment. Ruki's tongue was squeezing its mate for all it was worth, and receiving plenty like squeezes in return.

Takato rolled on top, pinning her to the ground. She didn't resist a bit, melting away into the furious passion as she began to remove his shirt.

~*~

Growmon panted heavily, "Can we stop here?"

"I suppose this is far enough," Youkomon said, surveying the wooded area they had come to.

"That's good because I'm really tired."

"You are?"

"Yeah, that battle made me pretty tired, and then I had to do all this running around with Takato, and then I went to Ruki's house but got woke up, and then I had to do more running around with you…"

"Ok ok, I get your point."

"Can I have my treat now?"

"Excuse me?"

"You said you would give me a special treat. Is it something good to eat?"

Youkomon blushed, "Oh right, but I did not mean food. I meant something…much better. Unless your too tired," she nuzzled him.

"Oh," Growmon nuzzled back. "I'm never too tired for that."

"That is good," she started to lick his cheek, but stopped. "Wait, I…I cannot do this. Not like this."

"What?" Growmon half whined.

"Do you still love me…like I am now?"

"I always loved you," he answered, slightly puzzled by the question.

"What about when I was hurting you earlier? Did you still love me then?"

"Yep."

"You did? But I hurt you, and Galgomon. How can you still love me after I have done such things?"

"You would never do that."

"But I did."

"That wasn't you. You're the nicest digimon in the world. I knew you wouldn't do that on purpose."

"I…am not sure I understand."

"I love you. No matter what you do, I will forgive you," he smiled brightly.

"But how can you forgive me so easily? It just does not make sense."

"I don't know. I just want to make you happy. I don't like seeing you sad, because then I get sad. But when I can make you happy, it makes me really happy too," he explained as best he could.

She stared at him for a moment. So naïve, yet he sees it clearer than anyone else. This is why. This is why I chose him. Even with everything I have done, he still sees what little good I have left.

"Kyuubimon, are you still sad?"

She smiled weakly, "I am not Kyuubimon, remember."

"But you look like you do when you're Kyuubimon."

"No I do not. Kyuubimon is a blue-eyed, graceful, golden fox warrior. I am a red-eyed, hideous, black fox monster," she huffed, lying down in the grass facing away from him.

Growmon looked sadly down at his mate, "I…still think you're pretty."

She looked back at him with teary red eyes, "You do?"

"Yeah. You're as pretty as…something that's really pretty."

Youkomon giggled, "Thanks, Growmon. I really needed to hear that."

"So you're not sad anymore?"

"No," she rolled over onto her back, "Now, if I remember right, someone was about to get a special gift," she said as her nine tails moved in a wave pattern, back and forth. Growmon smiled and crawled on top of her.

~*~

Ruki resisted the urge to cry out as her lover's tongue traced across her bare breasts. His body rested on hers as his hands worked feverishly on her dress. Her hands worked only to guide his head from pleasure point to pleasure point. The dress was soon shed. Takato was ready to move on.

He slid up, trailing his tongue along her chest. Ruki whimpered as her reached her neck and began suckling at it gently. As he slid up his boxers, the final article of clothing he was wearing, traced her vaginal lips, causing her to tilt her head and gasp. This only served to give him greater access to the sensitive areas of her neck. His busy hands were attempting to gain access to her scared area. To give her some release her body screamed for. Ruki spread her legs as her scent began to fill his nostrils, causing his own arousal to rise.

Ruki could feel his skilled hands working her nub, but it wasn't enough. She needed him. She needed the one she had given everything for, "Taka-chan, just do it, please."

"Already? Are you sure?" he asked even though he had no objection. He had been ready for some time, but only wanted to please her. Somehow, just knowing that he was sending waves of pure bliss through her gave him all the satisfaction he needed.

"Mmm hmm, I want it just like the first time, please."

He smiled and nodded, slipping his boxers off. Instinctual thoughts filled his head, but he suppressed them. He wanted it to but as gentle as possible, much unlike their first time. He slid in rather easily, not what he had been expecting with less lubrication than usual. He started a steady pumping rhythm, not fast enough to give him release, but enough to send both into the sexual world of pleasure they knew quite well.

Makino could only whisper his name as he resumed his assault on her neck. She was sort of expecting him to pounce her furiously after the day they had had. This gentle lovemaking was a welcome surprise as she felt him slid in an out in a well time rhythm. Reality was gone, problems were gone, all that was left was love…and pleasure. The only need was for release. A need soon met by her body. She grabbed him tightly as her body shook. Warmness shot from her waist, radiating the heat of orgasmic passion throughout her being. Her mind was emptied, totally focused on her love for him.

Takato gasped as he felt her lower region tense up. He stopped thrusting and allowed her muscles to do their job. They tighten and pulled at his member, pleasuring it in ways he could never hope to duplicate. He sighed as her orgasm ran its course.

She smiled up at him, "Did you?"

"Not yet," he whispered back. More thrusting ensued followed by passionate kissing. Hearts pounded as one as hip joined and separated in quick succession. Takato was in new worlds of pleasure as he thrusted into the now quite tight passage. Ruki pushed back, determined to give herself another climax. She knew he had to be close.

He broke the kiss, finally concentrating on getting himself off. Ruki sensed his desperation and brought her hands down to assist her own quest for more relief. Takato groaned in satisfaction as he spilled his essence into her. His spent body rested on top of her, "I love you," he panted.

She said nothing as her hands worked over her clit feverishly, "Almost…there," she sighed as she managed one more, smaller climax with him still inside her. Takato was too tired to do anything but let out a small groan as he felt the pulling sensation once again. Ruki gasped for air with him still laying on her. She rolled him off and lay in her afterglow, catching her breath, "I love you too," she finally returned.

She looked over to see him already asleep. I'm supposed to be the tired one. She smirked, "Wake up, Taka-chan. We'd better get back to my room before my mother gets home."

~*~

"Are you ok?" Growmon whispered as he snuggled up to a still panting Youkomon.

"V-very. It…is just that I did not expect you to be so much…larger," she blushed as she spoke.

"Sorry."

She giggled, "That is a good thing."

"It is?"

"Yes, it is," she rolled on top of him.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" she said seductively.

"But we just did…"

"So?"

"I…don't know if I can mate again."

"Even for me?"

"I'm really tired."

"I thought you said you were never too tired for that," she whined.

"Can I rest for a minute? Please."

"I thought you loved me," she said in a darker tone.

Growmon looked hurt, "I do love you."

"Then prove it."

"Ok," he sighed sadly. She kissed down his neck, but he did little to return it. His body flashed with a brief surge of emotion, but he quickly suppressed it.

"Well?" Youkomon growled impatiently as she continued necking him. She felt his clawed hands wrap around her and give slight attempts to caress. She sighed and stopped, "What is it now?"

"This…isn't right."

"Yes it is. Just let it happen," she pinned him firmly and began caressing his sheath with her tails.

Growmon felt the flash again, "Youkomon don't. I…I'm…"

"Going into you viral self," she finished, not even noticing that he had called her Youkomon for the first time ever. He nodded while starting to tear up. She smiled evilly, "I know."

"But I might hurt you," he warned, grimacing as her nails dug into his sides. He shed one final tear as he lost control. Pupils became narrow as Growmon's mind was quickly overrun with primal emotions. He could only think of one thing. Mating with this female.

Youkomon smiled as he suddenly overpowered her, pinning her to the ground, "Now that is more like it."

Growmon grunted and attack her neck with a series of passionate kisses. The black fox giggled, happily submitting to anything he wanted to do. She cried out in surprise and pleasure as he ground his hips into hers, using her fur to assist his arousal. She could fell his member slip out of its protective folds as Growmon continued rubbing himself against her.

She took note of his eyes pressed shut as he continued his efforts, "Word of advice. Do not let your guard down," she smirked, flipping him head over heels onto his back. She rolled backward on top of him, "My turn."

She barely even kissed him when he lifted her in the air and slammed her down, impaling her on his now fully erect length. Youkomon yelped at the sudden intrusion. He fit at a stretch, although she had taken him in once already so it wasn't as tight. She smiled down at him, "Right to the point. I like that."

Growmon gave little acknowledgement as he lifted her a slammed to down again, this time trusting upward with his hips. Youkomon closed he eyes and relaxed, enjoying the animalistic lovemaking that would go on for several more minutes. A wave of orgasmic pleasure ripped through her, triggered but both his size and intensity. Finally, Growmon stopped and pulled out. She thought he was done until he rolled her roughly onto her back, "I guess this way is better, huhhhhhh!" she groaned as he entered her backside, stretching the passage to its limit. She quickly kicked him away, "What the hell are you doing?!"

"It's tighter!" he growled back, reentering her rear end.

She kicked him off again, "Either do it the right way or not at all!"

"Bitch," Growmon spat he roughly entered her the correct way. Youkomon giggled as she heard him swear for the first time ever. Her mind then focused on the task at hand. She thrust in unison as the two viruses continued their violent mating. Growmon grabbed her hips, squeezing them as tightly as he could and giving himself what he needed to go over the edge. He threw his head back, giving a roar that was surely heard by several down in the city. His mate whimpered as his warm seed once again spilled into her.

"Hey!" she protested as he pulled out of her and lay down.

"Tired," he said sleepily.

"Jerk," she sighed as her many tails worked over her scared region. A pair thrusted into her as another worked zealously over a certain spot. She moaned out his name as her body seemed to freeze. Only the single tail continued rubbing to prolong the orgasmic experience. She panted for a moment before snuggling up to him, "If you think I am done with you, you are very wrong," she whispered to the sleeping dinosaur, grasping him firmly.

~*~

"What do you mean you can't do anything? That's my daughter out there!" Mr. Katou said in frustration to the telephone receiver. "Alright, I'm sorry. I know it's your job. I will. Goodbye."

"Well?" Juri's stepmother asked nervously.

"They can't file a missing persons report until twenty-four hours," he said in frustration.

"But Juri is out there. Why if she's hurt. What if…"

Plotmon stood shaking as Juri's stepmother continued. Oh, Gods, no. I should never have left her. Why did I have to go? I'm a lousy partner digimon, "I'm so sorry, Juri-chan. Please forgive me," she sobbed. I have to go. Maybe I can find her before she gets hurt. Oh no, she was so depressed before. What if she… Plotmon gasped, not just from the thought but from a pair of hands that wrapped around her body.

She was lifted and turned, finding herself staring into a pair of curious young eyes, "Y-you talked."

~*~

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

Growmon=Growlmon

Megalo Growmon=War Growmon

Fladramon=Flamedramon

Vajiramon=Vajramon

Chatsuramon=Caturamon

Qinglongmon=Azulongmon

Xuanwumon=Ebonwumon (I'm still snickering at that Irish accent the dub gave him. It must be his green glow. ^_^)

Child=Rookie

Adult=Champion

Perfection/Perfect=Ultimate

Ultimate=Mega

Sensei=Teacher

San=Mr./Mrs./Miss

Sama=Sir/Ma'am

Chan=Title given to close friend, or family member. Can also be used for young children, regardless of gender.

Kun=Title used between boys who are close friends, or used by a girl to a boy who is a close friend (non-boyfriend). Can also be used by a male superior to a female subordinate.

~*~

Preview, Chapter 10, Different: Plotmon is forced to reveal herself to Juri's younger brother Masahiko as she tries desperately to find her partner. Renamon is forced to live another day as Youkomon. Altimamon is "displeased" as he returns to find himself short another Deva. Ryo is given a serious proposition by a Holy Beast, but doesn't know what to do. Takato thinks about his future life, having a job and being a Tamer, while Juri wonders if she even wants a Tamer's life at all.

~*~

Author's Notes: Yes, I know it took longer than I said it would, but you see why. Biggest chapter yet. I though I'd make it large to give you something to read over the holiday weekend. Two lemons, as promised. ^_^ I can already say the next chapter will have at least one. Though I'm not sure when I'll have it out. Now, I'll try to answer some questions before they're asked.

About Youkomon, no she's not schizophrenic. That is all Renamon. Quite often, the kindest and quietest characters hide the darkest evil sides. A good example would be Ken from season two. He was a shy, kind boy, but the dark spore released the evil that buried within him. Yes, Youkomon is actually a data type in the card game, but I made her a virus type for this fic. Besides, she is the only non-virus "Dark Area Digimon" in the card game. No, a normal Youkomon doesn't have red eyes. Megchan once said that any Digimon who reaches a level he/she wouldn't have reached naturally will have red eyes.

About Chatsuramon's attack, his card has it listed as "Treasure Spear" but when he attacks in the show he cries "Treasure Mallet" so I used that. Mallet does make more sense anyway.

Sorry if the nature of Youko/Grow love scene seemed too dark. It was essential for plot. I tired to keep it non-rape, but not totally consensual either.

No, Japan probably doesn't have the same law enforcement codes as the United States does. Therefore, they may not even have a missing persons report, but for the fics sake I made it so.

As I said before, if you have any questions on a particular part of the story, feel free to E-mail me a question or include it in your review. I try to answer any question I think people may have in my note, but I miss things.

Large amounts of kudos to all my Pre-readers. Tasty, chocolate covered kudos to Lord Archive for all of his help and to my Beta-reader Withoutmorals for…umm…Beta-reading. Oh yeah, and writing at thrice the pace of a normal human being. ^_^

R&R. Thanks to everyone for the praise you've given. 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