Chapter 2: A Time To Reconcile. The Truth About the D-Reaper!!
The next day, at Jeri's house, Jeri 2 encountered her twin's father. She knew what the lack of communication would do, all too well. So, she decided to talk with him...to end their animosity.
Jeri 2: (When I'm through, Jeri...you'll never need the puppet to express your feelings, ever again.) Dad?
Jeri's Dad: What do you want??
Jeri 2: I wanted talk to you...it's important.
Jeri's Dad: Alright. What do you want? Better be quick. The restaurant's going to open, soon.
Jeri 2: Right. You see...I've been thinking...about why we rarely get along. And, I've come up with a conclusion.
Jeri's Dad: (realizes something) It's...that important...isn't it? I'll tell your mom to open up, without us, ok?
Jeri 2: OK! (That's the next thing I need to fix. If I can make Jeri's life better for her, her dark thoughts and fears won't take control. She won't become "The Digimon Empress." I too, know what it's like to lose a family member.)
As Jeri's dad told his wife about the talk he and Jeri needed to do, Jeri's Stepmom, Shizue Katou, agreed to do so.
Jeri's Stepmom: I think I understand. I'll go on ahead. I have a feeling this talk may be so important, it might patch things up between you and Jeri.
Jeri's Dad: If you say so.
With that, Jeri's Dad when back to the area Jeri 2 was in. She wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind...and Jeri's mind.
Jeri's Dad: Alright. This had better be important, young lady!
Jeri 2: It is. You see...it's been a few years, since mom died of Leukemia. When you remarried, I thought you wanted to replace mom with someone new...someone you felt was better than mom!
Jeri's Dad: (is very shocked) I...no...NEVER! Michiko was very important to me. I never forgot about her. Sometimes...I have some sleepless nights, missing her. Why didn't you tell me this?
Jeri 2: Because...I was afraid. Afraid you'd push me away...but that's exactly what you've been doing, all these years! You're rarely there, when I need you, you act as if I was a burden on you...and you sometimes...hurt me. It's as if you NEVER CARED about me, dad! NOT AT ALL! If we didn't have this talk here...and now...we'd fall apart as a family...and I might grow to hate you. (cries intensely) I DON'T WANT THAT!!
Feeling all of Jeri's emotions, Jeri 2 burst into tears, and fell onto her knees, crying. Then, unexpectedly, her father took her into his arms, and wiped away the tears...as gently as possible.
Jeri's Dad: I'm sorry. If I only knew...and you're right. I have been behaving like a jerk, all these years. (looks down) There's no excuse. If it makes you feel any better...I'll let you hit me.
Jeri 2: (looks at Jeri's Dad) But...but dad?
Jeri's Dad: No buts. You're absolutely right, Jeri. I have been a horrible father. But, I'm not going to be, anymore. I'll change. But right now...I need you to hit me...square in the face, expressing all of the anger you've felt towards me being a lousy parent. (puts Jeri 2 down, and kneels) I deserve it.
Back in the Digiworld, Jeri was welling up with sadness, as well. She never thought she'd see the day where she'd confront her father, and ask for some changes.
Jeri: (is crying) Oh, man....daddy...you're asking me to hit you...do it, Black Gatomon. Show dad how we feel.
Without hesitation, Jeri 2 struck Jeri's father in the face. And it was a hard slap. It caused his mouth to bleed a bit. But, just as Jeri 2 felt sorry for herself, her counterpart's father smiled.
Jeri's Dad: Thank you, Jeri. I needed that to wake me up. I promise you, that things are going to change, from now on. Tomorrow, we'll visit your mother's grave. That's a promise.
Once again, bursting into tears, Jeri 2 hugged the father of the one she imitated...and felt the love that was lacked from being with her brother.
Jeri 2: I love you, daddy.
Jeri's Dad: I love you, too, sweetheart.
Jeri looked on with signs of happiness, on her face. It was at that point, that Gennai felt it was time for her to know about the D-Reaper.
Gennai: I see that once again, Black Gatomon has managed to do what you're afraid to do.
Jeri: Yeah. I never thought father would ever open up, like that. But I was wrong. And I'm glad I am. Now...is there something you want to tell me?
Gennai: It's time for you to know the truth about the D-Reaper.
Jeri: What's there to know? It was a clean-up program that was somehow corrupted.
Gennai: Yes...but there's more. Much more than you know. Allow me to tell you my story.
Jeri: Ok. I'm eager to hear it. Tell away.
And so, Gennai relate to Jeri his tale. As he did, she was able to watch everything happen on screen.
Gennai: You see, the D-Reaper program wasn't as infallible, as Shibumi and the Monster Makers thought. All it took was the power of a slain Evil Digimon to corrupt it. The program started to become sentient...started to become alive.
Jeri: Whoa! What Evil Digimon's power made it into the threat it is?
Gennai: It was none other than the might of Apocalymon.
Jeri: Say, WHAT?!
Gennai: That's right. It already seeoped in Apocalymon's hatred...and all it needed now, was a body, to give it an identity as a Digimon. That's where you came in.
Jeri: I know. I was possessed by that thing. And, I was unable to communicate. But that's stuff we already know. What happened to it, after it got sucked into the Digital World?
Gennai: It returned to the place she felt was her home. All of the Mother D-Reaper's remaining creations seeped into ADR-1 herself...including the Mother D-Reaper. As they did...she wondered about her true identity. Then...Apocalyamon's voice answered her.
ADR-1: Where am I? (looks around) Wait a sec! I'm back in the Digital World! Somehow...it feels like...I've come home. But who am I? Really?
Apocalymon: I believe I can answer that question.
ADR-1: (gasps) Who are you?
Apocalymon: Do not be afraid. I am a part of you. You could say that I am your father.
ADR-1: My...father?
Apocalymon: Yes. In life...I was Apocalymon...the most powerful Evil Digimon on the net. You are standing on the exact spot where you first possessed Jeri.
ADR-1: I AM?!
Apocalymon: Yes. You are. Now...dig. You will find a piece of my remains, there.
Gennai: And so, she did dig. She dug until she found Apocalyamon's mask. She started to realize why she hated humans.
ADR-1: I see. I can feel it. Your instense hatred IS within me. I have all of your grudges, all of your powers...I just didn't know it, at the time. The darkness...I feel comfort in it. Everything's perfectly clear, now. I am THE DAUGHTER OF APOCALYMON! And now...I must absorb the last bit of data I need for my completion.
Apocalymon: YES! That's it! Absorb my data! It will fully unlock your power...and it will fully turn you into your true self!
Gennai: As she absorbed Apocalymon's helmet, she began to go through some physical changes. Her eyes narrowed, and showed the full extent of her hatred. Her teeth became similar to her father's. Her unitard became black. Finally, a small face-mask, similar in style to what Apocalyamon wears appeared on her face. The transformation was complete. ADR-1 was now self-sufficient...fully powered....and was no longer in need of a host.
ADR-1: Yes! YES!! At long last...I have the power needed to plunge the two worlds into darkness...ONCE AND FOR ALL! Now...I know who I truly am. Now, I know what I must do! (laughs evilly) How ironic, Jeri. Thanks to YOU, THE FATE of YOUR WORLD HAS BEEN SEALED! I no longer need a kernel of artificial intelligence. Soon, I will destroy the world! (looks at the gate) The gateway which hurtled me here, is still open. I can use my true powers to force it to stay open...and then...I'll lob them all with Virus Grenades! The world will PAY for KILLING MY FATHER!! VENGEANCE IS MINE!! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!! I now give myself a name apporpriate for a dark Digimon like myself. I am...JERIMON!
Jeri: She named herself after ME?! Talk about rude!
Gennai: Agreed. Anyway...When she was about to call upon the powers of darkness, the Digidestined came, just in time.
Davis: NOT SO FAST, whoever you are!
Kari: We won't allow you to destroy the Earth!
Jerimon: (snickers) Well well well...if it isn't the Digidestined. I've been expecting you. (turns around) I am Jerimon, a Mutant Digimon of the Mega type. With my powers of darkness, I will avenge the death of my father...APOCALYMON!!!
Tai: Omigosh! Look at her! She's wearing Apocalymon's mask! Is what she says true??
Izzy: The Digimon Analyzer confirms it! She's Apocalymon's daughter, alright!!
Ken: We can't allow her to cause anymore havoc!!
Jerimon: Foolish humans. You are fools to think you can best me! You and your precious Digimon won't stop me!
Davis: Oh, NO?!
Tai: We'll need ALL THE MEGAS we can get!
Kari; Right!
Izzy: Got it.
Mimi: Roger!
TK: You got it!
Matt: Let's do it!
Davis: Ready, Veemon?
Veemon: READY, DAVIS!
Jerimon: You fools. You can't overpower ME! I am INVINCIBLE!! DEATH CLAW!! (throws Omnimon aside)
Omnimon: She's as fast as Diaboromon!
Jerimon: And next up, an oldie, but goodie in the top of the Evil Digimon Charts! (shape shifts into Machinedramon) GIGA CANNON!! (fires at Imperialdramon, and scores a direct hit)
Imperialdramon: UUGGGNNHH! She's as strong as her father, too! GIGA DEATH!!
Jeri: ALRIGHT! She's gonna be hit!
Gennai: Oh no, she isn't. LOOK!!
Jerimon: That's what you think. (shape shifts into Lilymon) FLOWER...CANNON!! (blasts the beam away, and changes back) You fools better get some better attacks, or you're finished!
Ken: She's right! We need help!
Davis: Man...we could sure use the help of your old buddy, Ryo, right about now!
Jerimon: So...THIS is the best the Digidestined have against me? HMPH! For being such weaklings, I shall end your miserable lives...and the lives of EVERYONE ON EARTH!! TOTAL...ANNHIL...(is kicked) UUNGHH!! (turns around, and shows her teeth) WHO DID THAT?!
Justimon: I did! You'll never get away with this, D-Reaper!
Tai: The D-Reaper? Who's that?
Jerimon: (grumbles) You guys...are idiots.
Jeri was shocked to see Justimon on the battlefield. She was shocked even more when she realized that what Black Gatomon said about Ryo was true.
Jeri: OMIGOSH! RYO!! Then that means...what Black Gatomon said is true!!
Gennai: That's right. AND...Rika...being the competitve girl she is...followed him.
Davis: (notices Justimon) Hey! Who is that?
Tai: I dunno, Davis...but he came JUST IN the NICK of TIME!!
Ken: He sounds...familar. As if I met him somewhere before.
Sakuyamon: Ryo...what are you doing here?
Mimi: Oh my goodness! One of them is RYO!
Ryo: That's right. I've biomerged with Cyberdramon...and we've become...JUSTIMON!
Rika: (looks at the Digidestined) WHAT THE HECK?! You're...you're...
Tai: We're the Digidestined!
Matt: We came to investigate the newest sighting of the great darkness. It's led to HER!! (points to Jerimon)
Rika: (inside Sakuyamon) Oh no! It's THE D-REAPER!
Jerimon: (looks at Rika) That is no longer my name, Rika Nonaka. For at long last, I have discovered my TRUE IDENTITY! And in doing so, I have discovered my true power...and my true purpose.
Hercules Kabuterimon: Come on! We have to use all of our powers!
Rosemon: If we lose...Jerimon will accomplish her goal of revenge! Apocalymon's legacy will be UNSTOPPABLE!!
Rika: (in Sakuyamon) You mean...part of APOCALYMON is WITHIN HER?!
Jerimon: That's right. Now, to finish what I started. VIRUS GRENADES!!
Gennai: Hercules Kabuterimon started the ball, by dodging the Virus Grenades. he then scored a direct hit with his Mega Electro Shocker!
Hercules Kabuterimon: (dodges) Nice try. MEGA ELECTRO SHOCKER!!
Jerimon: (is hits) OOPH!! Accursed Digimon! Grrr...you're lucky I'm not at my personal best without my mascot, here!
Sakuyamon: What do you mean...mascot?
Jerimon: Jeri, of course. If she was here, I'd have her act as my cheerleader, as I destroy you all. That's all she's good for, after all. She's a lousy tamer...and would probably be a horrible Digidestined, as well.
Rika: You...will NEVER...talk about Jeri that way...EVER AGAIN!!!
Jeri: (is red, and is fuming) SHE THINKS OF ME AS HER CHEERLEADER?!?!
Gennai: Hang on...the action isn't over yet.
Sakuyamon: My turn! VAJRA MANDALA!!
Jerimon: (blasted) Why...I oughta...
Rosemon: Alright! My time to drop the ball! THORN WHIP!!
Jerimon: EEYYAAGHH! (is gripped by the whip) You'll suffer for this! UUnngghhh...too tight!
Imperialdramon: Then that mean's you can't dodge us this time! OMEGA BLADE!!! (slashes Jerimon)
Jerimon: (is hit) AAAHHH!!! (breaks free, thanks to the Omega Blade) I'm FREE!! Now...to finish what I was doing, before Ryo, the war-weary Digidestined intervened! TOTAL...ANNIHILATION!!
Jeri: OH NO!! We're GOING TO DIE!
Gennai: You're wrong about that. As the evil Digimon gathered power, Seraphimon was next.
TK: Stop him, Seraphimon!
Seraphimon: Right, TK! SEVEN HEAVENS!!
Jerimon: (is blasted again) I hate this!!
Kari: Alright, Magnadramon! Your turn!!
Magnadramon: Got it! FIRE TORNADO!!
Gennai: As Jerimon was spun around in the firey grip of the tornado...Omnimon made the final move, by using the Transcended Sword on her, stabbing her in the heart!
Omnimon: And now...to finish you off...spawn of Apocalymon! TRANSCENDED SWORD!!!
Rika: Incredible...somehow...the D-Reaper's lost all of her old powers...and all of the ADRs.
Jerimon: Uuunngghhh...It was a small sacrifice...to regain my true self...Rika Nonaka. (is starting to disintegrate) I...have failed. But I warn you all...my brother...Mephismon will finish...what I...started! And then...(coughs) All of you...will be nothing but Digi-Dust!
Tai: AAAHH!! No! Apocalymon CAN'T HAVE anymore kids!!
Jerimon: Afraid so, Taichi Kamiya. I'll be waiting, Digidestined...to haunt you...and my brother, Mephismon...will plunge your worlds...into darkness. Good...bye.
Sakuyamon: ALRIGHT! WE DID IT!
Tai: The Digiworld is saved!
Matt: I KNEW we could do it!
TK: Way to go, guys!
Kari: Nice moves!
Davis: Thanks, Kari.
Kari: Oy. (kisses TK) You were wonderful, TK.
TK: (blushes) Awww...thanks.
Davis: But where's my kiss?
Gennai: And so, with that final attack, the threat of Jerimon was silenced...forever. Rika and Ryo got to see the Digiworld's rebirth, as it occurred, when Apocalymon was destroyed. After a long celelbration, and a few introductions, Rika and Ryo then talked, and she was the first to learn the truth.
Rika: So you're from their world?
Ryo: Yep.
Rika: Amazing. Why won't you go back with them? After all...they're your comrades...and you're from their world.
Ryo: Maybe so...but it was in this place that Cyberdramon was born. Jeri might not know this, but I HAVE lost a partner...or rather...two. Milleniumon and Monodramon merged into Cyberdramon. When that happened...my mind was made up. I chose to stay here.
Ken: You've made us all worried, when you disappeared, Ryo. Are you sure you won't be coming back with us?
Ryo: No, Ken. My place is here. Besides...you've got a great partner and friend in Davis. Trust him. Always gather strength from him. You've found your way.
Ken: Thanks. I missed talking to you, Ryo. Owikawa used the power of the other world to become the Digiworld's eternal guardian. I can still feel him...to this day.
Ryo: It's alright. (gestures to Rika) Well...Rika and I have to go back to our Earth. You guys have to go back to yours. But...if we ever need help with a Digimon who's more powerful than we ever faced...like say...this so-called Mephismon...come this way, ok?
Tai: We will. (shakes Ryo's hand) Thanks again for saving us all.
Matt: We'll see you around.
Ryo: Thanks.
Rika: I hate long goodbyes. (looks toward the D-Arc, which has arrived) We gotta go to our Real World.
Tai: And we have to go to ours. Always do your best to protect the Digital World, and the Real World, Rika!
Rika: Thanks.
Kari: And who knows? Maybe someday, we'll meet again.
Rika: (smiles slightly) Maybe.
Digidestined: Good bye, Rika! Good luck, Ryo! Have a safe journey!
Renamon: Until we meet again, Rika.
Cyberdramon: GGRRRRRR....Good bye....Ryo.
Ryo: Good bye, everyone! See you again!
Rika: Good bye, Digidestined! AND THANK YOU!
Jeri: AMAZING! But...how come Rika never told me about this?
Gennai: My guess...is you never asked.
Gennai's reply caused Jeri to fall over, in laughter.
Jeri: (falls over, laughing) MAN! What a riot! That's so crazy!!
Gennai: Well...that's all for tonight. A new day dawns tomorrow. You'd better go to bed.
Jeri: Thanks, Gennai.
And so, Jeri in now secure in the fact that Jerimon, once known as the D-Reaper, was dead. Her black soul was sent to the Dark Ocean, and will never return. The next day, Jeri's father, her stepmother and Masahiko accompanied Jeri 2 to the graveyard. She felt as if she was grieving the loss of her own mother.
Jeri 2: (looks sad) Mother...I'm so sorry. I always blamed myself for your death...but now...I know better. I never meant to take the blame. (is crying) Forgive me, mom. (puts a rose down) See you around.
And, as Jeri 2 pays her respects, she and Jeri's family leave. However, somewhere in the Dark Ocean, there were those who did not like what they thought Black Gatomon was becoming.
Devimon: What's my sister doing?! She's slowly becoming attached to that human's family!
DemiDevimon: Maybe she just lost perspective. You know what happens when you hang around humans, for too long. (points to Ice Devimon) Take this guy, for example.
Ice Devimon: HEY! All I wanted to do, was become a Dragomon! Rika's heart of ice perfectly matched mine! I would've achieved my goal, if Growlmon didn't destroy me!
Devimon: SILENCE, TRAITOR! You broke the ancient pact ALL Fallen Angel Digimon must answer to! That was why Growlmon destroyed you! You had to PAY...THE PRICE!
Marine Devimon: There is a chance that Black Gatomon isn't fully a traitor!
Devidramon: (growls) Grruunngghh??
As Devidramon grunted, it was soon silenced by Apocalymon and his daughter.
Jerimon: SILENCE, BEAST!
Devidramon: (whimpers)
Devimon: Mistress!
Marine Devimon: MASTER!
Jerimon: My father has figured out a way for Black Gatomon to prove she isn't a traitor. Will you listen?
DemiDevimon: Sure...why not? After all...you're the big kahuna's little girl.
Jerimon: Very well, toadie! (looks at Apocalymon) Tell them, father.
Apocalymon: It's quite simple. All she has to do...is beat up Impmon and defeat him, in battle! Once she does that, there is no doubt that she is still a true Fallen Angel Digimon.
SkullSatamon: YES! As a fellow Fallen Angel Digimon, it is her duty to mete out punishment to Beezelmon, who turned his back on us, and attempted to sacrifice his life for Jeri's...thus breaking the pact!
Devimon: OF COURSE! That is a brilliant idea, lord Apocalymon.
Apocalymon: Thank you, Devimon...but my daughter deserves some of the credit.
Devimon: You've done well, my princess.
Jerimon: Thank you, Devimon. At least around here, I finally have the respect I rightfully deserve.
Marine Devimon: It's settled, then! We must communicate to Black Gatomon through her dreams, and make sure she is STILL one of us. Agreed?
DemiDevimon: Agreed.
SkullSatamon: Agreed.
Devimon: Agreed. (looks at Ice Devimon) Well?
Ice Devimon: Agreed!
Devidramon: AARRWWWWOOOOOO!!
It looks as though these Fallen Angel Digimon want to test Black Gatomon's loyalty. Will she pass the test? Or, will she meet the same fate as Impmon will? Find out, in the next exciting chapter of our story.
To Be Continued...
