Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter. Black Gatomon Meets Jeri.
A year has passed, since the D-Reaper was banished to the Digital World. It was summer on Earth, and though Jeri liked the fact she had no school, for a while, she was a bit unhappy. She could think back to the days she allowed the D-Reaper to be a part of her. She even thought about her dad, who she never got along with.
Jeri: Why is it that dad has to be so mean to me? I'm the weak link of the tamers...if it wasn't for me...Leomon wouldn't have died...and I wouldn't have been the D-Reaper's host. I'm just like Ken Ichijouji. I'm surprised I didn't become a Digimon Empress! Though, with the way my life is going, I wouldn't be surprised.
Meanwhile, in Hypnos, Yamaki and Riley detected their first wild one in a year.
Riley: SIR! A wild one's about to biomerge! It's...small.
Yamaki: A small one? I wonder why it's here?
Just then, a voice could be heard on the screen. It sounded like a girl.
Voice: I'm here to settle an old score with my rival, Angewomon. For the sake of everyone on Earth, DO NOT...INTERFERE!!
After a warning was issued, the voice was no longer to be heard.
Riley: What was that all about?
Yamaki: I don't know...but we'd better watch what's going on...for now.
Just then, Jeri encountered a black cat, who was acting friendly to her.
Jeri: (sees a cat, who's rubbing on her leg, purring) Wow! What a cute little kitty. (picks her up) Are you lost?
Suddenly, the cat spoke to Jeri. She was surprised, at first. But then, she realized this was Black Gatomon...(or Black Tailmon, in Jeri's nation)
Cat: I was...until I found you.
Jeri: (gasps) WHAT THE HECK?! Who are you??
Cat: I THINK you know WHO I AM, Jeri.
Jeri: (searches her card deck) OH MY! You're Black Gatomon!
Black Gatomon: That's right.
Jeri: (puts Black Gatomon down) Why are you here?
Black Gatomon: I've come here, because I need a temporary body I can be in, until I become Lady Devimon, again.
At first, Jeri was shocked. She thought that Black Gatomon was an agent of the D-Reaper. Boy, was she wrong.
Jeri: NO! I won't let you take me over! You aren't going to use me like your masters did!
Black Gatomon: You think I serve THE D-REAPER?! HA! I served better company than that! I once served Myotismon...then, I became a Nightmare Soldier of Piedmon. I even served as part of the Daemon Corps. I ONLY SERVE the elite of Evil Digimon...not losers who have proven they're idiots, regardless of lineage.
Jeri: Oh my goodness...you're...LADY DEVIMON!!
Black Gatomon: That's what I said. What are you...deaf?! (shrugs) Nevermind. A few days from now...on the anniversary of VenomMyotismon's ascension and "death," I'll be able to change back. But, I can't digivolve without energy. That's where you come in.
Jeri: Me? What do you want?
Black Gatomon: (bares her claws) Like I said...I need your energy to assume your form.
Jeri: But why?
Black Gatomon: To do what you can't! To say what you won't! (looks sad) To...reconcile with your father...Tadashi Katou.
Jeri: But why? Why would you want to help me?
Black Gatomon: It's because of my brother, Devimon...the one who controlled the Black Gears. We rarely ever talk, anymore.
Jeri: I see...but...what about the others? They'll know you're a fake.
Black Gatomon: No, they won't. Not until the last minute. If you allow me to become you, I'll assume your form, not just in substance...but in mind, and heart as well.
Jeri: And what about my friends? What do you plan to do with them?
Black Gatomon: Your friends mean nothing to me. I have no quarrel with them. All I want is for Kari and Gatomon to come to this dimension, and we can finally settle things...ONCE AND FOR ALL!
Jeri was shocked. She was amazed to hear that Kari Kamiya was for real.
Jeri: WHA?! You mean Kari, the Digidestined who has the Crest of Light is REAL??
Black Gatomon: Of course, she is. Where do you think RYO came from?
Jeri: You mean RYO ISN'T FROM THIS DIMENSION?!?!
Black Gatomon: Nope. Ryo's faced Milleniumon several times. One time, when that digimon was contained...a fleet of Dark Spores went at him,. but Ken bravely took one, for Ryo, instead. He's travelled through time, and space. With Monodramon, they discovered that Milleniumon was Ryo's original partner. When they fought, Monodramon and Milleniumon became one. Thus...Cyberdramon was born. When both of his partners became one...he chose to stay here.
Jeri: Whoa! Cool! Where will I be?
Black Gatomon: You'll staying be in the restored castle of Myotismon, for the next few days. I've arranged for Gennai to take care of you. You'll have the run of the place, while you're there.
Jeri: WOW! COOL!
Black Gatomon: Yeah...cool. Anyway, you'd better know this, right now. I have no intention of leaving this world, until my destined fight is settled...ONE WAY...OR THE OTHER! (shakes her fist)
Jeri: Why do you hate Angewomon so much?
Black Gatomon: I guess I owe you an explanation.
And so, Black Gatomon told Jeri her tale.
Black Gatomon: Our rivalry goes far beyond being Angewomon and Lady Devimon. It all started at Myotismon's lair. We were competing to be the right hand 'mon of our master. I've always sensed an innate light within her....as did Wizardmon. When the final competition...a fight to the finish began...she and I fought. But, when I asked her to finish me...she...granted me mercy. I swore, that if we ever saw each other again, we'd be enemies. Before I left, I warned Myotismon about my suspicions.
Black Gatomon: Sir...I have to warn you about Gatomon! I'm certain that one day, she WILL betray you.
Myotismon: Don't you think I KNOW THAT?! Don't worry. I'm aware of her true nature. I'm keeping a close watch on her.
Black Gatomon: That's a good idea. But, I fear she could be one of...THEM!!
Myotismon: As do I. Her act of mercy on the battlefield, just now, has made me suspicous. Could she be the eighth Digimon?
Black Gatomon: That's what I think, too. She could be the Angel of light in the prophecy.
Myotismon: "The sky will be darkened by the wings of many bats...the fallen shall rise and give praise to the undead Digimon king..."
Black Gatomon: "Then, at the hour of the beast, the Undead king will take on his true form...AS THE BEAST."
Myotismon: "Then...angels will shoot arrows of hope and light at the loved ones they have sworn to protect...and a miracle will happen."
Black Gatomon: Yes. I gotta go, now. I've got a job opening as a Nightmare Soldier of Piedmon. It was a pleasure serving you, Myotismon.
Myotismon: Farewell, Black Gatomon. I will keep an eye on her. And if she IS Angewomon...I shall be ready.
Black Gatomon: And that...is my story. She destroyed me once in the form of Angewomon...and again as Silphymon. I disliked the fact I was attacked FROM BEHIND!
When Black Gatomon finished her story, Jeri burst to tears.
Jeri: (is crying) Oh my...I never knew.
Black Gatomon: Well...now you do. Most recently, Arukenimon gave me the ability to travel to and from the real world and the Digiworld at will.
Jeri: I see. I guess...I'll trust you. (grips Black Gatomon's hand) Do it.
Black Gatomon: Alright. So be it.
And, when Jeri held Black Gatomon's hand, some of Jeri's energy flowed into the Demon Beast Digimon, and in a minute, she took on Jeri's form....perfectly. Her skin was the same color as Jeri's...as was her eyes. She even had her memories.
Jeri 2: Well...(uses laptop and gets the correct card configuration for travel into the Digital World) Time to send you on your way, Jeri. I've got to get to Takato, or I'll be late for his "Tamers' Meeting." (giggles) Man...he's silly. Having a Tamers' meeting without Digimon.
Jeri: (giggles) Wow! You're thnking like me, already. Thanks, Black Gatomon. Good luck.
Jeri 2: You too. (presses enter)
And so, in a brilliant flash of light, Jeri was teleported into in Digital World. As she disappeared, she caused some confusion at Hypnos.
Riley: Looks like the wild one...disappeared.
Yamaki: This never happened before. (slumps in his chair) I need a vacation.
Riley: I'll be glad to take it, with you.
Yamaki: Thanks. Should we go, now?
Riley: Let's.
While Yamaki and Riley take some time off, Jeri 2 had finally made it to Takato's meeting. Once again, he had that flag.
Takato: Hear ye, Hear ye. This meeting of the Digimon Tamers is now in session!
Rika: Why do you ALWAYS BRING that STUPID FLAG??
Kazu: Chill out, Rika.
Rika; Hey...you're right on time, Jeri.
Jeri 2: Thanks, Rika. I wouldn't miss another lesson from the Digimon Queen for the world!
Rika: (laughs slightly) You sure are getting good at the game, Jeri.
Henry: Ummm...why are our Digimon still on the flag? They're no longer with us.
Takato: Well...when I realized that the portal where we first went into the Digital World was still in operation, I knew they could drop in on us, anytime.
Ryo: Mr. Optimism.
Kenta: So...what will we do, today?
Jeri 2: How about we bone up on basic strategy?
Rika: That's a great idea!
An hour later, Jeri 2 beat Takato in a round of the Digimon Card Game.
Jeri 2: HA! I win, Takato! My Lady Devimon has beaten YOUR ANGEWOMON!
Takato: Oh dear...you're getting better all the time.
Jeri 2: So Takato...uuuhhh....want to go to a movie, tonight?
Takato was shocked by "Jeri's" sudden insterest in him. Jeri 2 was able to do what Jeri was afraid to do.
Takato: UUUHH...really?
Jeri 2: Yeah. I never told you this, because I never had the guts, until now. I like you...a lot. So...shall we go?
Takato: S...sssuuurre. (MAN! I thought Jeri would NEVER ask! It's ABOUT TIME!!)
Jeri 2: Thanks. (This is but the first step of my plan to make Jeri's life better for her. Through me, she'll work through her fears...not to mention her darkness. I'll make sure you don't have to suffer, anymore.)
At the movies, Takato chose to watch the American version of Digimon the Movie, which just made its way to Japan. Jeri 2 was showing some signs of disgust for Angewomon.
Jeri 2: (watches the movie, and thinks to herself) Man...stupid Angewomon. How will she face me? As herself, Nefertimon...or Mangadramon? The last thing I want is for Yolei to come with Kari and Gatomon. (yawns out of boredom)
Takato: Jeri? Are you ok?
Jeri 2: (is wide eyed) I'm fine, Takato. Just a bit tired. It's nearly curfew time, isn't it?
Takato: Yeah. Thanks for inviting me to the movies, Jeri.
Jeri 2: No problem. I've always wanted to do this. I never had a chance to do so, until now.
Takato: Thanks. Let's go, ok?
Jeri 2: Yeah.
And, as Jeri 2 and Takato leave the movies, Jeri watched them, and saw that Jeri 2 was already making her life better.
Jeri: Man...I should be jealous...but Black Gatomon's become SO MUCH LIKE ME. She's got the bravery to do things I'm afraid to do. But I wonder...whatever happened to the D-Reaper? What did my new friend mean by, "I ONLY SERVE the elite of Evil Digimon...not losers who have proven they're idiots, regardless of lineage?"
Gennai: Perhaps I can explain.
Jeri turned around, and realized that Gennai was for real. She then felt something seeping into her...something...wonderful.
Jeri: OMIGOSH! Gennai! YOU'RE REAL! Really handsome. Ummm...what's going on with me? I feel...different....and...wonderful.
Gennai: You're just feeling the experience from Black Gatomon having the courage to ask Takato out on a date flow into you. Over the next few days, you'll change...for the better.
Jeri: But...what about when she digivolves? Will I become like her, too?
Gennai: Don't worry. When Gatomon and Kari arrive, she will sever the link. You'll keep the courage gained from Black Gatomon's link with you. I never thought I'd see the day, when she'd change...at least, in part. Now...I think you want to know about true story of the D-Reaper, don't you?
Jeri: The thought crossed my mind.
Gennai: Well, I'll tell you...tomorrow.
And so, Jeri's stay at Myotismon's castle has begun. Already, she has befriended an Evil Digimon, and the great Gennai. What is the true story behind the D-Reaper? How did she get so...out of control? Was she a mere cleanup program...or...something far more sinister? Only time will tell.
To Be Continued...
