Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Mystic Digital War ❯ Chapter 16: The Day of Apocalypse ( Chapter 16 )

Chapter 16: The Day of Apocalypse

The sun slowly rose over the mountain, casting its rays on the mountain side, littering it with shadows. These shadows served as shelter and hiding spots for creatures such as squirrels, deer, and a large metallic dog.

This dog slowly stuck its nose out from under the rock casting the shadow. He slowly turned his nose from side to side, scanning the sky. "Hey," he called to the human that was standing next to him, "I don't see Wargreymon. I think he's gone!"

The blond haired man stepped forward. "Are you sure?"

Metalgaurumon nodded. "I can't locate him on my radar at all."

"Hmm," Matt said, lightly rubbing his chin,"They have to be hiding behind something that is scrambling your radar, like a magnetic field or something. Tai would never leave a battle, he'd rather lose then run. Give me a boost." Matt jumped onto Metalgarurumon, and the two floated into the early morning sky.

Matt twisted and turned his head, scanning the sky. "You know what," he said with a slight smie,"I don't see them, Tai and Wargreymon must have left. I don't belive-ah!"

Matt slid off of Metalgarurumon, but was able to grab his Digimon's leg in order to keep from falling into the ground. Metalgarurumon twisted around in the air, trapping him in a tailspin, spinning him towards the ground.

As Matt and his Digimon fell towards the ground, Tai and Wargreymon slowly appeared in the sky. On Wargreymon's back, Tai held up a card to his face. "Camouflage card," he said, smiling,"I'll admit, I was warry of using this card, but, it worked. Matt couldn't find us anywhere."

"Hey," Wargreymon called,"Do you have an invulnerablityl card or something?"

"I don't think so, why?"

"Because Metalgarurumon is pissed, and he's firing all of his missiles at once!"

Tai shot his head up and saw a barrage of missiles coming towards them. "Quick!" he shouted,"Dodge them as best you can!"

"I'll try," Wargreymon said, twisting in the air. He was able to successfully dodge the first set of missiles, the second set clipped him a few times, but the third set became a problem.

"Tai!" Wargreymon shouted, as a missile ripped across his shin, then another blasted into his chest,"I can't hold on for much longer..."

"I've got it!" Tai said,"The next set of missiles, I want you to send back to Metalgarurumon, then we'll use an old favorite."

"Alright," Wargreymon said, nodding. He watched as Metalgarurumon blasted the fourth set of missiles. The dinosaur warrior moved his right hand to his left shoulder, the set it forward, slamming the missiles back towards the cyborg digimon.

"Matt...!" Metalgarurumon warned, as the returning missiles headed towards the fifth round that he just fired,"I think we're in trouble."

"I've got it," Matt said, holding up a card,"Digi-modify: Invulnerability, activate!"

"See!" Wargreymon said, as the missiles exploded into one another around Matt and his Digimon,"He has one!"

"I'll got one better than that," Tai said, sliding a card across his D-Arc,"Digi-modify: Strenght Activate!"

Wargreymon felt the familiar rush of power, then, with claws extended, he shot towards the vanishing smoke field and slammed Metalgarurumon in the side of the face, twisted him around in the sky.

"That card won us the battle with Oikawa!" Tai smirked,"Feeling lucky yet, Matt?"

Once Metalgarurumon stopped spinning around, his human partnered glared at Tai. "You know what? I don't even want to impression you anymore, I just want to kill you!"

"The same goes for me!" Tai scowled.

Both Digimon stared at each other for a second before shooting forward, Wargreymon's claws meeting Metalgarurumon's armor.

T.K. stretched his arms into the air as a yawn pulled itself from his mouth. He swallowed a couple of times, scratching his back as he opened the door to his room and stepped into the hallway. "T.K.!" Patamon called, hovering onto his head,"Wait for me."

T.K. half-smiled as he walked down the extravagantly decorated halls. "I would never forget about you, buddy."

"So," Patamon said, resting despite the fact that he just woke up,"What's for breakfast?"

The two partners rounded a corner and ran into a blond haired girl with a microphone, and a plant creature with a portable television camera.

"Catherine?" T.K. gasped.

"Floramon?" Patamon asked.

"Ah, we have found you," Catherine said, brushing off her jeans, then her red jacket,"Finally. Zis place is larger zen ze palaces back in France."

"What are you doing here?" T.K. asked.

"I want to interview you," she said.

"Y..You want an interview?" T.K. stuttered, unable to believe what he had just heard.

She nodded ."Zat is correct."

"How did you even get in here?" Patamon asked,"This mansion belongs to the mayor of Modem City."

Catherine just smiled broadly.

"You know," T.K. said, crossing his arms,"You're playing into a stereotype."

This time Catherine crossed her arms.

"You're in danger!" T..K. shouted.

"Floramon will protect me," she said, mentioning to her Digimon partner, who bowed slightly.

"Fine," T.K. sighed,"I'll let you interview us, providing you leave Modem afterwards."

"I can't. Ozer reporters will be arriving shortly."

"Sora closed the borders to reporters, remember? You're the only one tha-w-what is it?"

"I have ze latest news from sources in ze Digidestined, Sora iz no longer ze leader, General Ishida is."

"He...he did it," T.K. said in awe,"Matt's the commander now."

Catherine raised an eyebrow. "Am I going to get zat interview, or what?"

T.K. was about to answer her, when Patamon's ears shot up. "What's wrong?" T.K. asked.

"Someone is outside," he said,"Someone really powerful."

T.K. and Catherine looked at each other, then ran to a window. Outside, six figures appeared on the front lawn of the mansion. "It's Lucifer and Pidemon!" T.K. said, shocked.

"Isn't zat Michael and Oikawa wiz zem?" Catherine asked.

"She's right!" Patamon exclaimed,"What are they doing with a Dark Master?"

TK twisted around and ran to where the other Digidestined were sleeping. "Get up!" he shouted,"We've got a problem!"

Moments later the door to Daruna's mansion swung open and the Digidestined plus the Modem mayor ran out. Lucifer and Piedmon were grinning wickedly while Michael and Betamon were standing beside them. Oikawa and Datiramon were staring straight forward, with a blank gaze over their eyes. "Hello," Lucifer said,"We are looking for a special stone, do you have any idea where it might be?"

"And what if we do?" T.K. glared.

"Tell us now," Michael demanded,"Or you will get hurt."

"What are you talking about, Michael?" Joe asked.

"Why are you hanging around these guys?" June asked,"Michael?"

"My name is Peter Nerez and I am the fourth Dark Master."

"W-what?" Yolei asked.

"Betamon," Hawkmon asked,"What is your partner talking about?"

"Just the truth," Betamon nodded.

"What's up with Oikawa?" June asked, mentiong to the silent giant.

"He is really a Digimon named Kimeramon, given human form. The real Ukyo Oikawa is the Digital Warrior named Noriko."

"Michael," Cody said,"Did you hurt your head or something?"

TK's fist was clenched tight. "Enough! If you want a fight, then let's fight!" He looked down and saw a glow from under his shirt,"In order to protect my friends, I will fight you!"

Patamon hovered off of T.K.'s head. "TK," he shouted,"Your new Crest of Friendship is giving me strength, I can warp-digivolve! Patamon warp-digivolve to...."

Patamon quickly digivolved to Angemon, then Magna Angemon, then shot up into the sky. He clenched together into the fetal position, then shot apart, his first layer of skin blasting off into particles and circling around his glowing body. The muscles on his upper body shot out, growing to incredible size, as his legs shot together and merged into a long tail. His nose grew out into a large snout, as his wings fixed themselves into ninety-degree angles on his back. The circling particles of skin glowed a bright gold color, then shot back onto his body. His long tail curled up over his head, then snapped down to the ground. ".....Goldramon!"

The other Digidestined gasped as TK's new Mega Digimon glared at his enimies.

The Dark Masters, however, were not impressed. Lucifer stepped forward. "We will handle this," he said to Michael,"Stay on the sideline." Michael nodded.

Piedmon grinned at Golddramon. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Golddramon growled,"Let's go."

The two Digimon shot forward with tremendous speed, crashing into each other, creating a massive sonic blast that threw the others to the ground.

".....so after we found out that Rika had given General Ishida a deck of Digi-Modify cards, we did the same," Kazu said, opening his right hand as he spoke.

"How are you feeling?" Mina asked, placing her hand on Noriko's shoulder.

"How do you think I feel?" she snapped,"I just found out that everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie! I...I wasn't even always...this person, I wasn't always Noriko. I had another life, but I was forced to be someone I didn't want to be."

Takato sighed as he stared at the ground. "You were my friend, and you were dying. I couldn't just leave you there."

"You should have!" Noriko said, tears in her eyes,"You should have just let me die."

Takato turned his gaze away and stared straight forward. His shoulders shagged. "Kasumi would be so disapointed in me. Some leader I turned out to be."

Kazu reached over and placed his hand on Takato's shoulder. "You've always tried your best, chumly."

"No," Takato said, shaking his head,"I tried to pick up where Kasumi left off, but...but I was too inexperienced...."

"Takato," Kazu said, firmer,"We've been through alot of missions together, if you wanted me to blot out the sun, I would. Trust me, you are not a failure."

"Have you two known each other long?" Mina asked, looking up from hugging Noriko.

"Too long," Kazu said with a slight smile. "You see, I'm part of the Digital Knights, a group within the Digital Warriors, raised to serve the Kamiya family." His slight smile broadened,"Actually, I'm the only one."

"A Digital Knight?" Davis asked, rubbing his chin,"That's not a bad idea." Suddenly, the color drained from his face,"Uh-oh. Did...did the time line just change? Was I suppose to think that thought?"

Henry half smiled. "As far as we know, Tai Kamiya is the first one to think of it, so, as long as none of us mention it to anyone else before General Kamiya does, I'm pretty sure we'll be okay."

"What about you, Henry?" Izzy asked,"Are you a Digital Knight, also?"

"No," Henry chuckled,"No, before my time. No, I joined the Digital Warriors only a few months ago. Actually, I was part of the Digidestined Tamers, I worked for Rika, until I changed sides."

"Why did you?"

Henry sighed,"I'd rather not say."

"Don't take it personally," Guillmon said,"He doesn't tell us either."

Terriermon jumped up. "I'll tell you. Once apon a midnight dreary..."

"Terriermon!" Henry shouted.

His Digimon slunked back onto Guardromon's back.

"How difficult do you think it will be to get that Zhuqioamon Stone that the Dark Masters' have?" Exveemon asked, changing the subject.

"If all three remaining Dark Masters are in the ship," Kazu said,"I'd imagine pretty tough."

"And there's the Dark Digidestined and the Nerieds," Davis pointed out,"But I have a plan. While we keep them busy, one of us can sneak past them and get the stone. Then, we'll destroy it!"

"You can't destroy a Zhuqioamon Stone," Mina pointed out,"What was forged by the Gods, cannot be destroyed by mortal weapons."

"What?" Takato asked,"You're kidding, right? That was the plan, to destroy one."

"If they could be destroyed," Mina said,"I would have suggested destroying ours."

The three Tamers and their Digimon stared at each other. "You mean to tell me that you guys have a Zhuqioamon Stone?" Henry asked,"Why didn't you tell us?"

Kari blushed slightly. "Well, you were talking about your origins and revealing the mysteries that we've been trying to solve, and...well, I guess...I kind of forgot."

"But we can't destroy it," Takato sighed,"Which means we'll just have to try and get the most stones."

"Why don't we just hide this stone somewhere?" Kari asked, pointing to the object in her jacket pocket.

"My plan was to destroy the Zhuqioamon Stone so that Apocalymon won't be able to reach his true power level, but, if we can't destroy them, then he'll just keep searching until he finds them all. Our only hope is to get as many stones as we can, and guard them until one of our Digimon reaches a power level higher than Apocalymon's, to destroy him."

The others nodded in agreement. After an uncomfortable silence, Mina cleared her throat. "Um, so, I imagine that traveling back in time in order to alter the future is....dangerous."

"That's an understatement," Henry sighed,"One small misstep, and the time stream could be torn to shreads."

"So, " Mina continued,"What lead you to choose this path? What are your risking everything for. If you don't mind me asking."

The three Tamers thought for a long moment before speaking. "Well," Kazu said,"My reason...reasons are, first: Takato here. I'm suppose to serve the Kamiyas, so when Takato jumped through the time portal, I followed. But...." he half-smiled,"I guess I want to be able to see my parents, to meet them, to know them."

"What about you Henry?" Davis asked,"Why are you here?"

"My sister," he said without hesitation,"My little sister, I'm here to save Suzie. After my parents were killed by Neo-Digiworld, my little sister and I lived with the Digidestined. A few months before I lefted to join the Digital Warriors, she was killed by the Digidestined hunter Annubismon, the only family that I had left." He sighed,"I agreed to travel back to this time so that Suzie won't be killed. I want to save my younger sister."

Takato smiled slightly,"As for me it was....it was a girl, a very special girl named Jeri Kanto. She used to hang around with Kasumi, Kazu and I after we recived our Digimon partners. Whenever we had a battle, or a training mission, Jeri would just sit on the sideline staring at us. When she recived her own Digimon partner, I was so happy for her, she could finally stop acting as the cheerleader. Leomon was cool too."

He sighed as he closed his eyes,"I remember one day on the subway cab, it was just her and me..."

Takato was so nervous that he was actually shivering, his spine turning to ice. He looked across the small cab to see Jeri staring at him from the seat. "Jeri...I...I Listen, I like you Jeri, and I..well...kind of always hoped that you liked me the way that....the way that I...like...you..."

"What happened on the subway?" Davis asked.

Takato's smile faded. "Then...then one day, we fought Annubismon," he said, ignoring Davis," the Digimon sent by Neo-Digiworld to eliminate all Digidestined except those loyal to Apocalymon. We had a fierce battle, and Jeri's partner, Leomon, was killed."

Takato's fist was clenched so tight, his knuckles were bone white, his teeth were in danger of being grinned down to nothing, his eyes were red with fire. He growled as he stared at the grinning demon across from him, absorbing particles that were breaking away from the fallen Leomon. Takato grabbed his Digivice with his other hand,"You will pay!" he shouted,"You'll pay for this! You killed him...YOU KILLED HIM!"

Growlmon walked past Takato, and digivolved to Wargrowlmon. "You have to stop Annubismon!" Takato shouted,"You have to kill him! Kill him! I order you to, I order you to digivolve to Mega!"

His D-Arc blasted out a bright light, showering Wargrowlmon in a cylcone of light. When it faded, a new Digimon stood in its place, a massive dragon, whose jaw was dripping saliva from massive teeth. "Now,"Takato said,"Kill Annubismon!"

As his Mega Digimon flew forward to rip apart the Digidestined destroyer, Jeri looked up from where she was crying. She saw Takato's frightening new Digimon, then looked at Takato. "T-Takato?" she asked, running over to him,"Takato?"

He turned to look at the brown haired girl. Jeri's eyes opened wide, and she slowly stepped backwards. She saw the fire in his eyes, the hate on his face. "W..what's wrong with you?" she asked, slowly backing up,"Takato...y-you've...." She turned and charged forward, the tears pouring out faster then before, blurring her vision, so much so, she didn't see where she was going.

"Jeri, watch out!" Takato screamed,"...JERI!"

Takato started crying. "Jeri died, and I killed her."

The Digital Warrior gasped. "W..what?" Kari asked,"What?"

"What he means," Henry said, sighing slightly,"Is that Jeri accidentally ran into the battlefield."

"But she ran their because of me," Takato said,"I lost control of my anger, and she ran, because she was scared of me, she was afraid, I saw the look in her eyes, and she ran away from me."

"I was the one that killed her," Guillmon said, sadly,"I was fighting."

"That's why I want to change time," Takato said,"I want to be able to see Jeri again, and tell her that I'm sorry."

"I don't mean to interrupt," Guardromon said, slowly starting to decend,"but I am registering a shape on my radar directly below us."

"The Dark Masters ship, "Takato said, drying his face,"This is it guys, let's go."

Tai held tightly to Wargreymon's sheild as he twisted in the air to avoid Metalgarurumon's missile attack. The warrior digimon raised his claws into the air, creating a small glowing bubble between them. "Terra Force!" he screamed, throwing his energy attack forward.

Matt quickly whipped out a card and slide it across his D-Arc,"Digi-modify! Teleportaion Activate!" Both Matt and Metalgarurumon vanished, the Terra Force flying past him and into the ground, destroying a mountain top.

"Damn it!" Tai swore, twisting his head around,"There's no telling where they are now."

"Maybe they left," Wargreymon said, hopefully.

"Yeah right," Tai mumbled. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the air start to shimmer.

"Move now!" he shouted. Wargreymon fly higher into the sky, seconds before Metalgarurumon shot past.

Matt held tightly as his Digimon partner quickly twisted around and grabbed Wargreymon's ankle with his mouth. He threw him towards the ground, following him. Tai's Digimon wasn't able to fix his position until he was inches away from the top of the mountain. He turned around, ready to rip his claws into Metalgarurumon, when the dog digimon head butted him in the stomach.

"I've had enough of you!" Matt suddenly shouted, jumping off of Metalgarurumon and tackling Tai onto the mountain.

Both Digidestined jumped up as their Digimon, free of their passengers, were able to really cut lose. "You've had enough of me?" Tai asked,"I've done nothing to you!"

"You let Oikawa escape," Matt grinned,"And even if, through some divine miracle, you weren't guilty of that, there are still the crimes that you committed while you where the Firemaster."

"This fight isn't about any of that, and you know it!" Tai shouted, pointing his finger at Matt,"This is just your stupid vendetta against me for some imagined crime!"

"I may have started this battle," Matt said,"But, it appears you're more than ready to finish it."

Both Digidestined stared at each other, then shot forward, fists flailing.

The entrance to the ship loomed in front of the Digital Warriors, a passage to an unholy realm. The group stood staring at the ramp, hesitating for a long moment before Kari stepped forward. "Okay guys," she said, taking a deep breath,"Let's go!"

As they walked inside, Takato looked at his mother and smiled. "She's just like I remember," he thought,"I missed her so much I couldn't stand life without her. Even if it is only for a few hours, I'm glad to be able to see her again."

The Digital Warriors walked through the halls of the Dark Masters base, cautiously turning their heads, glancing at the doors and passages on the walls. Eventually, they approached a hallway with a row of clear glass doors, leading to a various rooms that reminded the older Digidestined of the chemistry labs in their high schools, complete with lab tables, Benson burners, dissection kits, test tubes and beakers. One room even had a man and woman working in it.

They both had black hair and glasses and appeared to be working on something on the lab table. The man held up a beaker with a red bubbling liquid. The couple looked at each other and smiled slightly, holding their gloved hands together for a second. The woman dipped an eyedropper into a beaker of blue liquid, sucking it up. She brought the eyedropper over the beaker with the red liquid, and added a few drops, but nothing happened. The couple nodded slowly at each other, then the woman typed something on a laptop.

"Who are they?" Kari whispered.

"They look like scientists," Davis whispered,"Nerds."

Izzy, Ken, and Henry turned and stared at him. He stared straight forward, sweat slowly starting to drip down his face. The three 'nerds' were about to say something to him, when a loud buzzer sounded through the halls. The Digital Warriors scrambled around, like chickens with their heads chopped off, before Ken jumped into the other hallway. The others soon followed.

They turned their head around the corner to look back at the scientist couple. A door on the other side of the lab had opened and a girl about eight walked in with a baby in her arms. For the first, the Digital Warriors were able to see the couple's faces. The color drained from Henry's face. "I...I don't believe it! Those are my parents!"

"What?" Kari asked.

"And...and that little girl must be my older sister, and....and the baby is...is me..."

Terriermon jumped onto Henry's head,"You sure were a cute baby, Henry."

Henry reached up and yanked his Digimon to the ground.

"Wow, " Davis said,"That's...weird."

"You're telling me,"Henry said, numbly,"I...didn't think I would find them here, at this time. I mean, I knew that they once worked for the Dark Masters, but, I thought at this time, in this year, they were free of them. They certainly never told me that I was born here."

"You don't know that," Terriermon said.

"Henry, "Takato said,"If you're too uncomfortable to go in, I'll wait out here with out."

"No..no," he said,"I'll be okay. If my family is here, then they can help us. Just...just don't tell them who I really am."

"Okay," Kari said, nodding,"We'll honor your wish." She stood up and walked towards the door on their side and opened it. Another buzzer sounded, and she realized the first one was the other door opening.

The man and woman spun around, while their daughter jumped behind them. "W-who are you?" the man asked.

"My name is Kari," she introduced herself,"this is Gatomon, the Master of Courage, Veemon, Ken, Wormmon, Izzy, Tentomon, Noriko, Kunemon, Mina, Mearamon, Takato, Guillmon, Kazu, Guardromon, Henry and Terriermon. We're the Digital Warriors."

Their faces lit up. "Y-you're the Digital Warriors? Can you help us?"

Kari was slightly taken aback, but kept talking. "You want our help?"

"Oh, please excuse me," he said, bowing slightly,"My name is Dr. Jonyu Wong, this is my wife, daughter and son. We need your help to escape from the Dark Masters."

"Your prisoners?" Henry asked.

His father nodded. "Yes, we've been forced by the Dark Master to create their unholy wishes."

"I can only imagine how many Digimon and Digidestineds we've killed," Mrs. Wong said, tears starting to come to her eyes.

"How are you stuck here?" Davis asked.

The Wongs held up their arms to show that they had black rings attached to their wrists. "These are Dark Rings," Dr.Wong said,"While there are many different types, these are proximity, meaning they keep us from passing through a certain area, such as the boundaries of this ship."

"Can't you just disconenct them?" Davis asked.

Dr. Wong shook his head,"Unfortunatly, no. If we attempt to remove them, they will detonate."

"Izzy," Kari said,"Can you do anything?"

"We'll," he said, coughing slightly,"I'll do my best."

"We are also looking for a Zhuqioamon Stone," Mina said,"Do you know where it is?"

"I saw Lucifer take it," the Wong daughter said,"He left with a blond haired man with a Betamon, and a tall, scary man with a plant digimon."

"Michael and Oikawa?" Ken asked,"What were they doing here?"

"That doesn't matter," Takato said,"If Lucifer's already moved the stone, then our only choice is to find the last one."

"As a matter of fact," Mrs. Wong said,"I think Commander Eiri and the Dark Digidestined are returning here with a stone they recently found."

"Really?" Takato asked,"Then, maybe we can still win this."

"When do you expect them back?" Ken asked.

"They radioed just a few moments ago," Dr. Wong said,"They should be here at any mom-scratch that, they're here."

"How do you know?"

"See that light blinking over the door? That means that someone has entered the perimeter of this base. It flashed before when you guys entered, but we thought it was the Dark Digidestined because they had called only a moment before that."

"Izzy," Kari said,"See if you can help the Wongs get those Dark Rings off. The rest of us will intercept the Dark Digidestined and get that last stone."

Izzy nodded, and he and Tentomon walked over to Dr. Wong's wrist, while the rest of the Digital Warriors ran towards the entrance of the ship. When they ran outside, they saw a group of Digidestined: a young girl with long red hair and a black cat, a young boy with black hair and a dark Gommamon, a young man with a skeleton digimon, and an older man with a winged digimon with a dark red cloak..

"Well," the older man said,"What have we here."

"Commander Eiri, I presume," Kari said.

"Hey," Wormmon whispered to Ken, "Whose that lunged over Baker's shoulder?"

Ken looked."Probably just some girl he meet last...." He trailed off when he saw a plant Digimon slung over Skull Satanmon's shoulder,"That's Mimi Tachikawa."

"Mimi?" Kari asked, staring at the girl over Baker's shoulder,"Let her go right now!"

Eiri stepped forward. "Let me reminded you, this is our home, we make the demands." He mentioned to Barker and Skull Satanmon,"Gregory, please, take Miss Tachikawa here inside the ship. Make sure she's comfortable."

Barker nodded, and started walking forward, when the Digital Warrior Digimon jumped to block them. "If you do not let me pass," Barker said,"Tachikawa here will not survive."

The Digimon hesitated and watched helplessly as Barker and Skull Satanmon brought Mimi and Palmon into the Dark Masters' ship.

"Now, "Eiri said,"What can we do for you?"

"The Zhuqioamon Stone," Takato said,"Where is it?"

"What's a Zhuqioamon Stone?" Eiri asked.

"Don't insult our intelligence," Takato shouted,"We know you have one, and you know we know what they are."

"Fine," Eiri said,"If you want this stone, you'll have to take it from us."

"Then that's what we'll do!" Gatomon shouted, regressing to Salamon, then jumping forward.

"Salamon warp-digivolve to Orphanimon!"

"Veemon digivolve to Exveemon!"

"Wormmon digivolve to Stingmon!"

"Exveemon..."

"Stingmon..."

"...DNA Digivolve to Paildramon!"

"Kunemon digivolve to Kuwagamon!"

"Guillmon digivolve to Growlmon. Growlmon digivolve to Wargrowlmon!"

"Terriermon digivolve to Gargomon! Gargomon digivolve to Rapidmon!"

"Black Gatomon digivolve to Ladydevimon!"

"Gommamon digivolve to Gesomon! Gesomon digivolve to Marine Devimon!"

Paildramon, Wargrowlmon, and Rapidmon dove to battle Daemon, while Mearamon, Kuwagamon and Guardromon tackled Marine Devimon. Orphanimon and Ladydevimon clashed into each other, then shot into the air.

Daemon put his palms together and shot it forwarded. "Evil Inferno!" he shouted, firing a barrage of fire balls at the three in-comming Digimon. Paildramon maneuvered through the fireballs, while Wargrowlmon chose a less discrete way, and simply shot through them, while Rapidmon moved around behind the demon and began firing his missiles. Daemon spun around and fired a blast from his eyes which destroyed Rapidmon's missiles, but left his back open for an assault by Paildramon's claws.. Eiri's Digimon easily threw Paildramon off. Wargrowlmon was about to pick up where he left off, but Skull Satanmon shot out of the ship and planted his staff into Wargrowlmon's back.

"Tell me," Ladydevimon whispered, as she grabbed Orphanimon's shoulder,"How jealous were you when Paildramon told you about our little 'three-way' yesterday?""

"Jealous of what? Shakkoumon?" she asked, slamming her elbow into Ladydevimon's stomach. She hissed in pain, then formed her claw into a long needle and was about to pierce Orphanimon's stomach, but she brought her leg around and knocked the needle out of the way. She did the same attack, bringing her foot into Orphanimon's head, flipping her over in the sky.

As they Digimon were fighting, Azuna turned to Kari. "I haven't forgotten what you did to me, Kamiya," she said,"For seven long years I've waited to face you in battle, and now I've finally got my chance."

"You're Azuna, right?" Kari said,"I haven't seen you before this day."

"I know," Azuna said,"And I notice the hesitation in your voice. All you see of me is my seven-year-old body, the one I reborn into after you killed me! You destroyed Ladydevimon, and that destroyed me as well!"

"I'm sorry," she said,"But your Digimon was killing us, Ladydevimon had no choice."

"Just like Myotismon, huh?" Azuna grinned,"But he was a reneged, if he couldn't serve the Dark Master, then he should have been destroyed. But, as for you, you're mine!"

Catherine ran a hand through her blond hair, and splashed some cold water on her face. "How do I look?" she asked.

Floramon held up her camera in one hand, and made a thumbs up with the other. "You're beautiful, as always. You're on in five...four...thre....two...one.."

Catherine gripped her microphone. "Zis is Catherine DeGual reporting live. As you can zee behind me, a firece battle between Piedmon, ze Digimon partner of ze Dark Master's leader, Lucifer, and ze mega Digimon Goldramon, partner to the field leader of ze Digidestined forces, TK Takashi. Zis battle ztarted when ze Dark Masters arrived, demanding a Zhuqioamon Stone. Ze Digidestined were not about to give up zeirs, so a battle ensued..."

Piedmon quickly threw up both of his hands to block Goldramon's punch and started to squeeze. Even though the fist on T.K.'s Digimon was easily the size of Piedmon's head, the evil clown was able to injure the dragon digimon enough to make him pull back.

Piedmon didn't waste any time celebrating. He hovered into the air for a second, then shot forward. He brought his fist forward, into Goldramon's jaw, making a cracking sound as he did. T.K. was slightly worried that his Digimon's jaw had just been broken.

He wasn't about to give up, though. He placed both of his hands out and quickly spun around, catching the back of Piedmon's head and brining him into the pavement.

"I don't even want to think about how much this is going to cost," Daruis muttered.

"If we save the city," Joe said,"I think it will be worth it."

Goldramon flipped over in the air, to avoid Piedmon's jab, but the evil digimon was ready with another plan. He flipped in the air as well, brining his feet into Goldramon's face, cracking his nose this time.

"Goldramon's getting creamed," Gommamon said, sadly.

"He's just Digivolved," TK sighed,"He's not going to last long against a powerhouse like Piedmon."

Lucifer, however, was not surprised that his Digimon was winning the fight. He smiled as his Digimon whipped out his swords and shot them at Goldramon. T.K. held his breath, but was surprised when Goldramon sent them flying with a flick of his hands.

"Impressive, "Piedmon said,"There are not many who can deflect my swords that way."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Goldramon said, breathing heavy.

"Don't," Piedmon grinned, placing his hands together," Because in a few moments you'll be gone!" He began laughing as a beam of energy shot from his palms, causing the air around it to shimmer and sparkle. Goldramon quickly shot down to avoid the attack, but, like a heat-seaking missile, it followed him and blasted T.K.'s Mega Digimon in the top of the head.

"Goldramon!" T.K. shouted out, watching as his Digimon dove towards the ground. Piedmon shot over the falling Digimon, ready to preform the final attack, when Goldramon wrapped the tip of his tail around Piedmon's leg and threw him into the ground. Goldramon twisted around and rightened himself. He saw Piedmon lying in a crater in the pavement. He quickly shot towards him, ready to attack while he was struggling to get up, when Piedmon shot up and pointed his fingers at him "Clown Trick!"

Goldramon was hit in the stomach, hard, like he had never been hit before. He gasped for breath, falling backwards, crashing onto the pavement. "It's all over!" Piedmon laughed, clapping his hands,"Thank you for all coming out tonight, its been a great show!"

"Oh no..." T.K. said, slowly stepping forward,"P-Patamon, a-are you okay?"

Piedmon turned his gaze over his shoulder and saw that Michael and Oikawa were staring at the battlefield with an expressionless gaze. "Say," he said, turning around to walk towards them,"I have an idea, why don't you finish him off, Betamon?"

"What?" he asked, looking towards Michael,"I don't know."

"I think it is a great idea," Lucifer said,"Kill Goldramon, kill Takashi."

"No," Betamon said.

"What?" Piedmon asked, stomping forward,"What did you say?"

"I won't kill Goldramon," he said.

"Why?" Piedmon asked, his words dripping.

"Because," Michael said,"As much as we don't like them, we're still basically on the same side." He smiled slightly when he saw the gaze on Lucifer's face,"What? Did you really think we'd betray the Kamiyas? Betamon and I were just pretending in order to find out where your stone was, and I think its pretty obvious, you have it."

"How dare you...!" Lucifer said,"How could you betray us? I am your friend."

"Not any more," he said,"I am a Digital Warrior now, my loyalty is to Taichi Kamiya, and him alone, and if you think for one moment that I..I...I...." His eyes shot open wide and he started gasping. The others were confused, until they turned in the direction that Michael was looking, and they gasped as well. On the roof of one of the buildings creating the perimeter of the battlefield, stood a grinning devil, with one arm resting on a bent knee.

"Hello," he laughed,"It's good to see you."

"Apocalymon!" T.K. shouted,"Oh great!"

"Apocalymon?" Piedmon asked, eying the devil that was slowly descending to the ground,"You look like a Devimon to me, are you a new species?"

Devimon just crossed his arms and grinned at him. "I sense the Zhuqioamon Stones, they are near." He looked over Piedmon's shoulder to Lucifer,"You have you."

Piedmon grabbed his swords and held them out in front of him,"You'll have to get through me first."

Devimon smirked. "Some threat."

"Piedmon!" Goldramon said, slowly getting to his feet,"He may look like a Devimon's but his strength is far above Champion! Be careful!"

"Like anyone could hurt me," he chuckled, diving towards Devimon.

"Lucifer!" T.K. shouted, as Piedmon and Devimon began to battle,"Listen to me! That Devimon is really a Mega Digimon named Apocalymon! The power in the Zhuqioamon Stones are his, and if he is able to reclaim that power, able to reach his true Mega form, you can kiss the Digital World goodbye!"

"I am not going to be fooled by a Digidestined trick," he growled.

"It's no trick," Michael said,"Apocalymon will destroy everything if he gets those stones."

Lucifer continued to stare at him.

"What good is power, if you don't have a kingdom to rule?" Michael said.

Lucifer stared at Michael for a few seconds, then looked at T.K., back at Michael, then back at T.K. "What should we do?"

"I think I should give Piedmon a hand," Betamon said.

Michael nodded. "Do it."

"Betamon digivolve to Seadramon! Seadramon digivolve to Megaseadramon!"

Piedmon and Megaseadramon stared at Devimon for a second before they attacked. The evil Digimon watched with anticipation as Piedmon soared towards him, his fists ready to dance across his face. When Lucifer's Digimon was a few inches in front of Devimon, he twisted and jumped up into the air.

"What the...?" Devimon asked, then turned back in front of him. Megaseadramon was heading towards him with a stream of ice emerging from his open mouth. Devimon was instantly frozen in place. Piedmon saw this and knew their plan had worked. He grabbed his swords and flew towards the frozen Apocalymon.

"Twin Swords!

Devimon instantly shattered the ice shield around him and held out his arms. "Touch of Evil!"

Piedmon was hit bad and he plummeted towards the ground. He slammed into his previously created crater. Slowly he rose to his feet.

"Are you okay?" Megaseadramon asked, slithering over.

"I'll be just fine," Piedmon said, slowly emerging from the crater. His colorful garments had been torn in places and one of his swords had been cracked.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," he said, walking towards Devimon,"Now, let's forget about the tricks and go head on."

"Sure, that suits me just fine!"

The two Digimon braced themselves, then sprinted forward. Piedmon reached Devimon first. He spun around in midair and shoved his leg in Devimon's face, then brought his other leg around, cracking it across Devimon's nose.

While his partner was keeping Devimon distracted, Megaseadramon snuck around behind the evil Digimon. He shot up in the air and used his tail as a whip with stung across Devimon's back.

"Ahhhh!" he yelled out, getting nailed from Piedmon in the front. He lurched backwards, but manage to keep himself from falling. With incredible speed he grabbed Megaseadramon and flew into the air.

"You're going to pay for that!" Devimon said. He lifted the struggling water Digimon over his head, then threw him towards the ground. While Megaseadramon was struggling to get up, Devimon placed his foot on the water Digimon's head, and pressed down, enjoying Megaseadramon's screams. "How's that? Tought enough for you? Ha haha!"

"Hey Apocalymon!"

Devimon looked up just in time to see the bottom of Piedmon's foot slam him between the eyes, making him fly back wards. Piedmon shot towards him, bringing his fists into Devimon's face, causing him to crash into the ground.

"Now," Piedmon said, grabbing a large, white hankercheif, and threw it forward,"I hope you like keychains."

"What's that? A clown hanky?" Yolei asked, laughing.

"I recognize that cloth..." T.K. said.

The cloth grew to monstrous size and dropped over the fallen Devimon. "There!" Piedmon laughed,"That was easy."

Suddenly, three claws shot from underneath the massive hankercheif and shot towards T.K., the comatose Oikawa, and Lucifer. "Watch out!" Piedmon shouted.

T.K. saw the claw shooting towards him, and knew that he wasn't going to get out of the way in time. He simply closed his eyes, but only felt a slight discomfort in his thigh. He opened his eyes and saw that his left jeans pocket had been torn apart. Looking, he saw that Oikawa's and Lucifer's pocket had been destroyed as well. He instantly realized what happened. "Oh no!" he shouted,"The stones!"

Everyone was too shocked to move as the three claws moved back towards the large cloth, each stone held inside glowed for a second, then sent a burst of light down the double helix shaped chain connecting the claws to underneath the hankercheif. There was a pause for a second, before the hankercheif exploded with a maelstrom of light.

"This is not good!" Hawkmon said,"He's Digivolving!"

"We need to do something," June said.

TK turned to Lucifer. "Let's make a deal," he said," Right now, you're the lesser of two evils. "

Lucifer continued to stare at him.

"So, it's agreed," he said,"Until we settle things with Apocalymon, we have a temporary truce."

Lucifer nodded, again.

"Okay," T.K.,"We need to make sure that those other stones are safe. The Digital Warriors have one, which leaves one left."

"My Dark Digidestined have it," Lucifer said,"They, along with Bizzard and Mora, should have arrived back at my ship by now."

"You should contact them and tell them to get those stones as far away as possible," T.K. said, grabbing his D-terminal,"I'll get in touch with Kari."

Lucifer grabbed a small black box from his pocket and began to speak into it. "This is Lucifer calling Commander Eiri, come in. We have a Code Red..."

While Lucifer was contacting his team, Michael grabbed the Dark Rings on Oikawa's neck and ripped it off. The former ruler of the Digital World blinked for a couple of seconds before gathering his bearings. "Wh..what happened?"

"The others can explain on the way," T.K. said as Michael removed the Dark Ring from Daitiramon.

"What's up?" Michael asked.

"The rest of the Digidestined will go to join the Digital Warriors and the Dark Digidestined to help protect the two Zhuqioamon Stones that they have. "

"What are you talking about?" Oikawa demanded.

"Hey!" Cody shouted as the Digidestined climbed onto Aquillamon,"If you're coming, let's go!"

Daitiramon quickly digivolved into Pharoahmon. "I just better get some answers," Oikawa said, as he and Pharoahmon flew off.

"Good luck, guys!" Yolei shouted.

"We're going to need it," TK said, turning back to the glowing hankercheif. A second later, the light exploded, and a new figure stood where Devimon once did.

"Devimon digivolve to Mephismon!"

Wargreymon flew towards Metalgarurumon and punched him in the side of the face. Then, before he could react, Tai's Digimon swung around and slammed him with his leg. He then jumped back.

Metalgarurumon glared. "You will pay for that!" He took off like a rocket, slamming Wargreymon square in the nose.

He staggered back. Metalgarurumon opened his teeth and ripped into Wargreymon's chine, but the dinosaur Digimon managed to break free and fly into the air.

Metalgarurumon flew higher then Wargreymon, passing him.. He did a barrel roll in the sky, then slammed down on Wargreymon's shoulder. Tai's Digimon brought his arm into Metalgarurumon's stomach. The Cybernetic Digimon staggered for a moment, then Wargreymon struck again. Putting both his hands together he nailed Metalgarurumon in the face.

After he recovered, Metalgarurumon slammed his paws on both side of Wargreymon's head. He fell to the ground and did a spin, hitting Metalgarurumon's legs and knocking him over.

He grabbed Wargreymon's feet with his mouth, and pulled back which caused Wargreymon to fall on his back. Metalgarurumon quickly jumped up and let his knee land in a small section of Wargreymon's stomach. He was covered by his armor, so Metalgarurumon quickly spun around and brought his foot into Wargreymon's chin.. He yelped in pain. Metalgarurumon then grabbed Wargreymon's arm, and flung him into part of the mountain.

Wargreymon landed with a mighty thud. He fell back on the ground with a groan. Metalgarurumon was on him in a second, but Wargreymon jumped out of the way, causing Metalgarurumon to destroy a small part of the ground.

While he was removing his fists, Wargreymon brought his foot into Metalgarurumon's face and sent flying into a brick wall. Wargreymon followed. He grabbed Metalgarurumon's arm and swung him around in the air, before slamming him into the ground. Metalgarurumon jumped up into the air, and both combatants stared at each other. Both were breathing very heavily, and could barely stay afloat. They backed up slightly, then charged forward at each other. They met in a massive blast of light, before Koromon and Tsunomon crashed into the ground.

Matt, meanwhile, had just crashed into a wall from Tai's punch. The leader of the Digital Warriors started to walk towards him, when Matt grabbed a sharp piece of metal and flung it at him. Tai was slashed in the arm. He growled with pain as he stumbled back. He gripped his arm and fell onto his back. Matt ran over and jumped into the air, ready to slam his feet into Tai's chest, but Tai blasted his feet into Matt first.

The evil Digidestined couched loudly as stumbled over to a small cliff, landing on his knees right before it. Tai walked over, grabbing the sharp piece of metal, using it as a sword.

Matt slowly moved his hand towards his jacket pocket. "Please," Matt said,"Don't....Let me live..."

Tai glared at him with hate in his eyes. "I'm not going to kill you. I didn't start this fight, you did! Once, I wouldn't have hesitated in finishing the battle, any way necessary," Tai dropped the piece of metal to the ground,"but, spending the past five years in a coma, then as the vigilante Firemaster, I've learned a few things about mercy." He turned around and started to walk off.

Matt reached into his pocket and quickly pulled out a metal gun."No, Kamiya, we fight to the finish!" He fired a blast at Tai, which ripped through his arm. Matt fired another blast that tore through Tai's shoulder, then another one that blasted through his leg.

"Why won't you fall?!" Matt asked, firing another blast that hit Tai on his knee cap. Tai fell onto his knees, breathing heavily.

"Yes!" Matt laughed,"I have done it!" He walked closer to Tai,"When you pictured you last moments, did you ever see yourself on your knees? Ha ha ha! Its over, Kamiya!"

"Never!" Tai shouted, jumping back to his feet, pounding his fist into Matt's chin, sending him tumbling backwards, landing on his back. Tai stumbled forward, and watched as Matt's eyelids dropped shut. "Looks like I won..." Tai said. He grinned for a second, then his eyes rolled back into his head, and he slammed into the ground.

The world was silent for what seemed like an eternity, before Tsunomon slowly opened his eyes. He saw Koromon lying a few feet in front of him, totally unconscious. He turned slowly and saw his human partner lying motionless. "Matt!" he cried, jumping over to him,"Matt. Matt!"

Tsunomon looked around, trying to decided what to do, then sighed. He grabbed hold of Matt's sleeve with his teeth and started pulling. "Hopefully by doing this I'll generate enough energy to digivolve to Gabumon," he mumbled,"Or it'll be the end of time before I get us to help."

Catherine nervously held onto her microphone as Floramon focuses the camera on the glowing ball of light where Devimon was Digivolving. "Az you can zee behind me," Catherine said, disguising how scared she really was,"Ze Devimon calling himself Apocalymon has succeeded in absorbing three of ze Zhuqioamon Stones, allowing him to digivolve to his next form. I hope zat Lucifer, Micheal, and TK Takashi will be able to stop him."

Mephismon was a tall digimon with fur covering his ballooned thighs and forearms. Black bat wings emerged from his shoulder blades, with a similiar shaped wing acting as a tail. His face was shaped like a goat's head, complete with large round horns emerging from his head.

The three digidestined remaining, Lucifer, Michael, and TK were staring cautiously as Mephismon examined his new body. He closed his fists, and jabbed forward. He then brought his one leg up, kicking as fast as he could. He dropped his arms and grinned. "Well," he said in a gurgling voice,"I must say, I do approve. I haven't been in this form in a very long time. It won't be that long either, before I return to my true form. If you will excuse me..."

Goldramon, Megaseadramon and Piedmon jumped in front of him. "You are not getting through."

"Yeah, whatever," Mephismon said, walking forward.

Piedmon knelt down, then shot forward, pounding Mephismon in the face. Apocalymon, in his Mephismon form, recovered from Piedmon's attack, then grinned. "You know what, I was kind of hoping for this!"

The three Digimon stared down Mephismon for a couple of seconds before the battle started with Piedmon leading the attack. He zoomed forward and went to kick Mephismon in the head, but he ducked. He grabbed the clown Digimon by the leg and threw him away. Golddramon fired a blast of gold circles forward, but.Mephismon held up his hands, creating a glowing circles, the spinning bombs bounced off harmlessly.

Megaseadramon jumped forward. "Thunder Javelin!"

Mephismonmon pointed his hand at the incoming lightning bolt. It disappeared in a circle of light. He jumped forward and grabbed Megaseadramon by the tail and started to pounded him into the ground.

Piedmon and Goldramon shot forward, Goldramon's fists tight, and Piedmon's swords out in front of him. "Mephismon!" Piedmon shouted,"Your time has come!"

Mephismon grinned and swung Megaseadramon around in front of him. "No!" Megaseadramon tried to warn Piedmon and Goldramon,"Look out!"

It was too late. Mephismon swung Megaseadramon into and into the two digimon, ruining their rescue attempt and their assault, sending them into a nearby building. Mephismon then gave Megaseadramon one last slam into the ground.

"Megaseadramon!" Michael called out as he Digimon fell to the ground.

Megaseadramon lay at Mephismon''s feet. He looked around,"Who's next?"

Piedmon jumped in front of him. "I am! Trump Sword!"

Mephismon quickly brought his arm in front of his body and deflected the twin missiles.

Goldramon decided to give it another try by slamming Mephismon in the side of the face. The evil Digimon held out his hands and grabbed Goldramon's fist, stopping his momentum. TK's Digimon was then thrown aside.. "This is too easy," Mephismon laughed.

Megaseadramon jumped up from the ground, pointing his horn directly at Mephismon's face. The evil Digimon looked at the horn from the corner of his eyes. "Thunder Javelin!"

Mephismon was thrown backwards, destroying a small section of a building. He shot out a second later, flying into the sky. "I've had enough," he shouted, creating a small ball between his palms,"And now, you will die with this city!"

Mephismon threw the glowing ball to the ground, where it smashed through the concrete of the street. The three digidestined hardly had time to react before the entire city began to shake and rattle.

"What's going on here?" Michael shouted.

"Mephismon's energy attack probably destroyed a major gas main or something," Piedmon shouted,"We need to get out of here!"

Catherine shouted into her microphone. "It appears zat ze battle has destroyed a major gas line. Ze entire city is shaking, I fear zere iz going to be an explosion!"

"What about the citizens of this city?" TK shouted,"What about Mayor Daruna?"

"There is no way to evacuate the entire city," Lucifer said, over the roar of the city's explosion,"Apocalymon has already left. If we don't follow him, then the entire Digital World, and Earth, will be under his control."

"I hate to say it," Michael shouted,"By Lucifer is right. We need to leave TK. Most of the citizens are probably fleeing to shelter right down. Its not everyday that a city starts to shake and the streets explode!"

TK hesitated for a long moment before screaming to the sky. "Argg! I hate myself for this, but, you're right. We..we need to go. Goldramon."

"Right," his digimon said, softly as he picked up his human partner, a protesting Catherine and Floramon. Michael on Megaseadramon and Lucifer on Piedmon, followed behind him.

As they were flying away, a massive explosion blasted from the city, sending shockwaves to the sky. The three Digimon wobbled and shook as the shockwaves hit them. Goldramon and Megaseadramon were able to recover themselves, but Piedmon, being behind the rest, was hit the worst, and became caught in a tailspin, sending both him and Lucifer flying into the exploding city. "Lucifer!" Michael shouted, but the Dark Master leaders were already lost in the explosions.

"Their...gone," TK said, totally in shock,"All of Modum, the city we swore to protect, gone, Daruna...even Lucifer....gone..."

"Thz iz what iz going to happen to ze entire Digital World if Apocalymon isn't stoped," Catherine said, sighing.

TK glared at Michael,"And you were so eager to leave, you didn't let us try to save anyone!"

"You think I wanted to leave?!" Michael shouted,"Do you think if we had the chance, I would have left?! The city...just like Santa Carea...I wasn't able to save it, and now I've failed Modem as well! I hate myself for doing it!"

"Michael," TK said,"I...I'm sorry...."

"Save it," he said,"We've got to find Mephismon."

"I'll e-mail Kari and let her know that he's escaped,"TK said.

"You do that," Michael said,"You do that.."

Kari placed her hand over her eyes to block the sun's rays as she surveyed the horizon. "No matter how many times I look at the Digital World's landscape, it still amazes me how it can be a mountainous region and then change so quickly to a flat plain."

She felt Taisuke pull on her jacket behind her. "Yes?" she asked.

"What's a region?" her younger brother asked.

"It's when you worship something, right?" Taisuke's Agumon said, nodding.

Kari laughed slightly. "That's religion. A region is a large part of land."

"Oh," the two youngsters said.

Lynxmon suddenly growled.

"What's the matter?" Kari asked.

"Him," Lynxmon mumbled.

Kari turned around and saw Daemon and Eiri fly down towards them. "Kamiya," Eiri called,"We need to talk."

"About what?" she asked.

"This strategy," he said,"We need to rethink it."

"Look," Kari said, mentioning over her shoulder to the combined forces of the Dark Digidestined and the Digital Warriors,"I appriciate you freeing the Wongs and Mimi when we fled your base, but, I don't like you."

Eiri grinned,"The feeling is mutual, but, if we want to stop Apocalymon, then I suggest you listen to what I have to say."

Kari sighed. "What do you want to tell me?"

"Takashi's last e-mail message mentioned that Apocalymon digivolved and is on his way to take the last two stones from us. I suggest that some of us move the two stones to hiding, while the rest of us face Apocalymon to try and stop him."

Kari sighed. "Fine, but I'd prefer two from my team, and two from yours."

Eiri grumbled, then nodded. "Agreed. By the way, what about your brother and Ishida?"

"That's why Izzy left us a little while ago," Kari said,"Because my brother doesn't have a pocket computer, so we need to call him with a cell phone, which is back at the ship."

Eiri nodded, glumly. "Very well. Choose your two team mates."

Kari turned around and gazed over her soldiers. "I'll need Davis and Ken for Paildramon," she said to herself,"And Takato and Henry are powerful...." She thought for a second, then called out,"Noriko, come here."

The brown haired girl riding on her Kuwagamon floated down towards her. "Yes?" she asked, her sadness obvious on her face.

Kari reached into her jacket pocket and handed Noriko the stone. "I need you to go with two of the Dark Digidestined to a safe location to protect this stone while the rest of us go to meet Apocalymon. Will you do this for me?"

Noriko nodded. "Yes," she said, smiling slightly,"Thank you for trusting me."

Kari nodded. "You need to choose some one else to go with you..."

"Mina," Noriko said,"I'll go with Mina."

Kari nodded.

Eiri, meanwhile, had called over Barker and Azuna and gave them his stone. "We are ready, Kamiya," he told Kari.

Kari nodded. "Noriko, Mina, good luck." She watched her two Digital Warriors until they were out of sight.

Unimon grunted as he hovered into an air current. He struggled to stay afloat, and once he was out of the current, he grunted again. He looked at the mountainscape below him. "I can't see him."

"He's here," Anna said, grabbing Unimon's reigns,"I know he is. We won't give up until we find him."

Unimon sighed. "As you wish."

Anna turned her head cautiously as she scanned the mountains below them. "Try that clearing down there, next to that large green brush."

Unimon nodded. He closed his wings slightly and flew nearer towards the ground. As he moved towards the green brush, he caught a glimpse of a figure lying on the ground "Anna!" he called,"Look!"

Anna didn't even wait until Unimon had landed before she jumped off. Once she was on the ground, she charged towards the figures. "It is Tai," she said,"Tai and...Koromon?

"It must have been a grueling battle for him to return to his Koromon form," Unimon said,"Are they...?"

"No," Anna said, moving her fingers from Tai's neck,"He still has a pulse, but, he's in very bad shape. He wasn't fully healed yet from his fight with Oikawa to challenge Matt. We've got to get him back to the hospital."

"Load them on my back," Unimon said,"I'll fly as fast as I can."

Anna carefully placed Tai on Unimon's back, while she held Koromon in her arms. As Unimon started to fly towards the hospital, Anna's thoughts were of Tai. "I should have never left you alone," she thought,"I knew Ishida was dangerous, and yet I let you fight him by yourself. Tai, I'm so sorry, I've failed. Well, I won't ever again."

"So," Cody said,"Any idea how we're even going to find the Digital Warriors?" She looked towards Aquillamon, who was flying next to Shakkoumon..

"Hey, Yolei," June called out,"What about the Digivice locator?"

"Sure," the purple haired girl said, sarcastically,""I'll just grab it out of my pocket with my desktop computer and my satelite dish.":

"What are you yelling at me for?" June said,"I'm just trying to help!"

"Please," Yolei said, "You're just a ditz!"

"Looks who's talking!" June shouted back.

"Stop arguing you two!" Joe shouted over his shoulder the passengers on Aquillamon, "You're suppose to be friends! Act like it!"

June and Yolei glared at each other for a second, then Cody spoke up. "We don't need to worry about trying to find the Digital Warriors and Dark Digidestined."

"Why?" Shakkoumon asked.

"Because they've found us."

The combined Digital Warriors and the Dark Digidestined slowed to a stop as they met the Digidestined forces. "Well," Gommamon said with a smile on Shakkoumon's shoulder, "Fancy meeting you here."

Daemon growled. "I find your humor to be inappropriate."

"Well sorry, Mr. Serious," Gommamon said, jumping onto Joe's shoulder.

"Watch it," Lambert warned.

"You watch it!" Cody barked.

"Stop it!" Kari said,"We've got more important things to worry about."

"Why are you handing around with these guys anyway?" June asked.

"Because we need their help!" Davis shouted.

"I hate to interrupt!" Dr. Wong shouted,"But if we're both here, then where is Apocalymon?"

Everyone was quite for a few seconds, then Joe hit his head lightly,"Apocalymon must have passed us, without us knowing it."

"And us too," Kari said,"Which means he's going after the stones! We'd better hurry."

As everyone flew off, Ken mumbled to Davis,"What a plan this was."

"Tell me about it," Paildramon whispered to his two human partners,"With us after him, Apocalymon has nothing to worry about."

Cody peered over his shoulder. "Hey, wasn't Oikawa right behind us?"

"I think so," Joe said,"Maybe we just got separated from each other."

"I hope so," Cody said,"I don't want to get stabed in the back."

Barker grumbled to himself as he dug a straight line into the dry cracked dirt. "I can't take this anymore!" he shouted to the sky,"Why did Commander Eiri send me on this stupid errand?"

Seated on a large stone in front of the mountain forming the valley that the reluctant quartet decided to use as their hiding place, Azuna had her chin resting on her palms, as her elbows pressed into her legs. "Maybe because you're the strongest next to him, and you were needed to protect the stone."

Barker sighed, then sat down next to the seven-year-old red head. "I am a warrior, not a babysitter."

Azuna looked to the ground, and Barker flinched. "I..I'm sorry. I...I meant the stone, not you, I...":

Azuna kept staring at the ground as her Black Gatomon jumped onto her lap. "Nice job," Skull Satanmon whispered into his human partner's ear.

"Back off," Barker glared. He placed his hand on Azuan's shoulder,"Michelle, I'm sorry."

"I know," Azuna sighed,"It's just...every time I think about what we were before my...'rebirth'...it makes me so sad, knowing that we'll never be that way before..I'm seven again, and you're still an adult."

"I miss you too," Barker said,"And I would give anything to have you back to your normal self again, but, if Lucifer didn't do something, you would have died when Hikari Kamiya destroyed Lady Devimon."

"I know," Azuna said, her eyes glowing red,"she killed me, and once we take care of Apocalymon, I'm ready to return the favor."

Across the clearing, Noriko and Mina were seated on the same stones, while their Digimon stood watch. Mina was watching the skies, when she heard Noriko sigh beside her. She turned to her best friend. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

"I...I don't know," Noriko said,"I have no idea how to feel. Betrayed, at the top of the list, next to uncertainty and identity loss. I just found out that everything I thought about myself turned out to be a lie! I thought I was always a girl named Noriko, daughter of Ukyo Oikawa. Now it turns out that I am the real Ukyo Oikawa, and the guy everyone thought was Ukyo Oikawa for the past seventeen years was just a Digimon copy. And the person that did this to me I thought was my friend. How would you feel?"

Mina hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I see your point. I honestly would not know what to feel. I guess I would be content in knowing that at least I have a best friend I would be able to talk to about it."

For the first time in the past 12 hours, Noriko smiled. It was a slight smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Yeah, thanks Mina, I'm glad I could talk to you." The two girls reached over and hugged each other. They were broken apart when Azuna charged over to them. "Break it up!" she shouted,"We've got a big problem! He's here!"

The two girls and their Digimon shot their gaze to the sky and saw Mephismon floating in the sky. "Well," he grinned, "finding you wasn't so difficult, all I had to do was follow the feelings of angst and depression to here!"

"What happened to you, Devimon?" Skull Satanmon asked, deliberately trying to get him angry.

"I digivolved!" he shouted,"In this form I am Mephismon! Now, hand over your stones if you don't want to get hurt!" He grinned slightly,"Of course, once I reach my true Mega form, you're all doomed!"

Skull Satanmon laughed "You're not going to get our stones."

Mephismon smirked. "You're no match for me!"

"How about the rest of us?" Black Gatomon said, jumping into the air,"Black Gatomon digivolve to Lady Devimon!"

"Kunemon digivovle to Kuwagamon!"

Mephismon's smirk grew into a smile, as he watched Skull Satanmon, Ladydevimon, Kuwagamon and Meramon form a line in front of the humans. "A fight is it then? Good!" Mephismon crouched and moved himself into an attack position," I didn't want this to be easy!"

Skull Satanmon stared him straight in the eyes."It won't be!" He shot forward, swinging his staff into the side of Mephismon's head, sending the evil Ultimate flying to the right. Ladydevimon was on him in a second, digging her claws into his back. He screamed out in pain as the female Digimon brought her foot into Mephismon's back, kicking him over to the Digital Warrior Digimon.

Kuwagamon was eagerly waiting for his chance. Once Mephismon was close enough, the beetle digimon slammed his pincers around Mephismon and threw him towards the ground, where Meramon created two massive fireballs in his palms and sent them into Mephismon's stomach as he smashed into the ground.

The quartet was about to congratulate themselves, when Mephismon shot into the sky, brushed badly and breathing heavily. Despite his condition, he smiled. "Is that all you've got? Ha!"

Mephismon shot his palm towards them and fired a stream of white light. "Nail Bone!"

"Darn it!" Azuna said as the Digimon dodged the attack,"He's using our attacks again!"

"That coward!" Barker shouted,"Doesn't he have any attacks of his own?"

"These are my attacks!" Mephismon said,"You're using mine! They began a part of the Digimon, when those Monster Makers used my cells to create the Digimon that now populate the Digital World. That means I have the attacks of each of your Digimon! Ha ha ha! Take this one, Crimson Lightning!"

A whip of red light flew from Mephismon's palm, slamming into the ground in front of the Digimon, showering them with a hailstorm of rocks. Noriko and Mina dove for cover behind the rocks that they had been using as seats. "Whose attack was that?" Noriko asked, wide-eyed.

"Myotismon's," Mina said,"I remember him using that attack when he held me prisoner while I was visiting in Tokyo."

Noriko shot her head back towards the battlefield when she heard Kuwagamon shout out in pain. She started having trouble breathing when she saw her Digimon lying in the ground, totally still. "Kuwagamon!" she shouted,"Talk to me!"

Kuwagamon slowly stood up. "Ug, that's some left hook he's got there."

"Wait until he sees mine!" Skull Satanmon shouted, shooting towards the floating Mephismon, planting his fist into the Ultimate level of Apocalymon's stomach. "Take that!" Skull Satanmon laughed.

"I think I'll return it!" Mephismon laughed, slamming his fists into the top of Skull Sanatmon's head, sending him like a rocket into the ground.

"Skull Satanmon!" Barker cried, running towards his fallen Digimon.

"Greg!" Azuna cried, running after him,"Wait! You're in the line of fire!"

Mephismon grinned and was about to fire an attack at the two digidestined, but was slammed in the side by a fireball instead. He shot to the right and saw Kuwagamon with Mearamon riding on him flying towards him. "You call that a Fireball?" He laughed,"Take this, Fireball!"

Mephismon shot a massive fireball at Kuwagamon, sending both him and his passenger towards the ground where Noriko and Mina were standing. "Oh shoot!" Noriko shouted, grabbing Mina by the arm,"Let's get out of here!"

The two girls started running as fast as they could, and they were inches from where their Digimon landed. However, the shock waves still sent them into the air, twisting them around, which caused the Zhuqioamon Stone to fall out of Noriko's jacket pocket.

Mephismon's eyes opened wide as he saw the stone emerging from the pocket.. "Yes!" he shouted, firing a claw which was connected to his back via a chain shaped like a DNA strand. The claw flew towards Noriko, who closed her eyes seconds before. She felt a sharp pain her in side, then her body twisted around again and slammed into the ground.

She groaned slightly, then opened her eyes, but, a second later, she wished she had kept them shut. Mephismon was floating in the sky, the stone in his claw. The stone glowed for a second, then the glow flowed down the DNA helix and into Mephismon's back. The evil Digimon suddenly screamed in pleasure as his body began to glow brightly.

"Oh no!" Noriko shouted,"I...I failed. He's digivolving, and it's all my fault!"

"No it's not!" Mina cried, running to her best friend.

Noriko tried to get to her feet, but she felt a sharp pain in her side from where Mephismon's claw rammed her side and fell back to her knees. Mina ran over and helped Noriko to her feet. The two Dark Digidestined appeared behind them, but they could only stare in horror as the light surrounding Mephismon's body grew brighter.

"Mephismon digivolve to.." The light suddenly exploded, revealing a new figure shaped like a centaur. The bottom portion was more like a bison though, with thick brown fur, two round horns, and large brown wings. The torso was blue, with three long squid-like fingers, two more horns on his head, and a ghoulish shaped face..."Galfmon!"

Azuna started trembling slightly. "He's...he's so horrible."

Barker reached over and grabbed her,"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she said, continuing to stare at Galfmon as he flexed his new muscules,"It's just..this young body, it can't handle all that power..."

Galfmon sighed with delight. "Ahh," he said,"I can feel it. I'm so close to my true power...so close...and yet...so far...." He looked down at the quartet of digidestined,"Although, one more stone remains, and then I'll be at my true form." He focused on Barker and Azuna, "And I bet one of you has it."

The four digidestined jumped back as Galfmon shot onto the ground. "Now," he said, walking forward,"Give me that last stone!"

"Not a chance!" Barker shouted,"Skull Satanmon!"

"Roger," his faithful Digimon said, jumping in front of Galfmon.

"I'm with you," Ladydevimon said, joing Skull Satanmon, both digimon ready to attack the new Mega, even though they both knew they probably did not stand a chance.

Galfmon knew they didn't. He started laughing. "What are you going to do to me? You don't even have a ghost of a chance! If fact, in a few minutes, you'll both be ghosts! Ha ha ha! Now, hand over that sto...." He abruptly stopped, as if he just noticed something. He turned his head towards the sky.

"What's he looking at?" Mearamon whispered.

"That figure up there," Kuwagamon said,"Who is it?"

"It's Oikawa and Pharaohmon," Mina said, then flinched slightly, turning to Noriko. "I mean, uh, that is, uh..."

"It's okay," Noriko whispered,"I know who you mean."

"But what's he doing up there?" Kuwagamon said.

Galfmon was thinking the same thing. "Whatever are those fakes doing?""

Floating in the sky, Oikawa, his arm wrapped around Pharaohmon's neck, was staring at Noriko. "She's here," he said,"Or, rather the real Ukyo Oikawa is." He sighed slightly,"We've made such a mess of everything."

"How so?" Pharaohmon asked, staring at Galfmon.

"We tried to be the real Oikawa and Pharaohmon," he said,"We were fakes, and we knew it, but suppressed it. Like Pinocchio, we tried to be real, and look how we messed up. We brought the Digital World under an iron fist, we tried to grab the Zhuqioamon Stones alone. We been nothing but failures, we'll, I think it's time we started redeeming ourselves."

He took a deep breath, then shouted at Galfmon. "We're fakes, huh? Well Pharaohmon, let's show them what these 'fakes' can do!"

Pharaohmon grinned, then shot down and planted his forearm against Galfmon's neck, constricting him on the ground. Galfmon kicked up with his four hind legs, throwing the mummy digimon onto his back. Pharaohmon was not going to let that stop him, and used his sheild to smack Galfmon's head, throwing him into one of the trees.

Oikawa turned his head towards the ground and saw the quartet of digidestined and digimon staring at them.

"Whay are you still doing here?!" Oikawa screamed,"We're giving you a chance to escape! Use it!"

"He's right," Barker said, as he lightly grabbed Azuna's arm,"We've got to get out of here."

Skull Satanmon grabbed Barker and Ladydevimon grabbed Azuna. The two digimon took to the air and disappeared over the horizon.

"I can't believe they left without us," Mearamon said, climbing onto Kuwagamon.

"I can," Kuwagamon mumbled.

"Come on, Noriko," Mina said,"We've got to get out of here."

Noriko stood up, but pain shot through her side. "My side is still on fire. I can't stand."

"I'll carry you then," Mina said, lifting up the other girl and placing her on Kuwagamon's back. The India Digidestined jumped on a second later, and Kuwagamon took to the air.

"Good luck!" Mina called to Oikawa, as Pharaohmon continued to hammer Galfmon.

"They've escaped," Oikawa said, with a smile.

"Good," Pharaohmon said, breathing heavily,"Because I've got one more shot left."

But he was never able to use it, as Galfmon was able to generate enough energy to fire a beam of light that ripped through Pharaohmon and slammed into the mummy digimon and his human partner, sending them both flying into one of the many trees.

Oikawa and Daitiramon were badly bruised and burned, with blood emerging from open wounds. Galfmon recovered himself from their attack and galloped over to them. "I should kill you now!" he shouted,"But, you've let the last Zhuqioamon Stone free, and I must pick up the trail before it is lost!" He turned around and shot after Barker and Azuna,"But mark my words," he called to them,"I will return to finish the job!"

Sora ran down the stairs, nearly tripping on her shoelaces as she neared the bottom. Her jeans pocket caught on a nail, stopping her forward momentum, but leaving her without a pocket.

"Darn it," she sighed, examining her pocket,"Luckily these are a worn pair..."

"Sora," Biyomon called, flying to her side,"Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she said, dusting off her pants,"I'll be fine."

"Miss Takenouchi," Rosa said, running around the corner,"I just intercepted an e-mail from Commander Takashi to General Ishida: Apocalymon was succeded in absorbing three of the Zhuqioamon Stones."

Sora's face paled. "This isn't good."

"Is everything okay?" Mimi's Grandmother asked, emerging from around the corner in the hallway.

"No," Sora said,"Rosa just informed me of a very serious problem that is happening in the Digital World right now. The others are going to need my help.."

"The ones that are trying to capture you," Mimi's grandmother pointed out.

"Yes," Sora sighed slightly,"But, this is bigger than that right now. May I use your computer?"

"Yes," the elderly woman said,"There is one in Mimi's room. You know where it is."

"Thank you!" Sora said quickly, bowing,"Rosa, I want you to stay here."

"Yes Ma'am," she said, loyally.

"Come on, Biyomon," Sora said, running down the hall with her Digimon following behind her.

"Sora," her digimon spoke up,"The Digidestined are after us, and I'm sure that the Digital Warriors aren't very fond of us right now either. If we're in serious trouble, where should we turn?"

"I...I don't know," Sora said, entering Mimi's room and calling up the Digital Gate program,"The ones that escaped from the File Island Base with me all went back to their home countries. I guess if we'll just have to worry about it when it happens. It will all turn out okay."

"I hope," she thought as the glow from the Digital Gate pulled Sora and Biyomon into the Digital World.

Kari yawned loudly, causing Davis to look at her oddly. She blushed slightly, "Sorry."

"It's alright," Davis said,"It's taking everything I've got to keep awake too."

"Well," Ken said, looking at his fellow passenger on Paildramon,"We haven't slept in over 24 hours, since the Dark Digidestined attacked Modum."

Kari smiled slightly. "Taisuke's already asleep."

"He's so cute," Mimi said, grinning as she moved closer to Lynxmon on Lillymon,"It reminds me of my younger brother."

"You have a brother?" Kari asked.

"Had a brother," Mimi said softly,"He was taken prisoner by Myotismon, but I never saw him again."

"I'm 'yawn' sorry," Kari said,"I..I had no idea. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I lost my older sister," Davis said,"It seemed like such a long time ago, but it was only a few years."

"The Master of Courage lost an older sister?" June asked herself,"And I lost a younger brother.....No, it's too much of a coincidence."

"I don't mean to interrupt," Eiri said, hovering down on Daemon.

"Yeah right," Lynxmon mumbled, giving Daemon the evil eye.

"As I was saying," Eiri continued,"I believe we have a problem."

"What kind of problem?" Kari asked, narrowing her eyes.

Eiri mentioned to the right,"Your two Digital Warriors are lying there, quite injured too."

"What?" Kari asked, turning her head around, then gasped. "Noriko! Mina! What happened?"

Lying on the ground in front of the bushes was Noriko and Kunemon, with Mearamon and Mina standing guard. The group of digidestined ran over to them,"What happened?" Kari asked again.

"We messed up," Mearamon said,"Our stone was absorbed by Apocalymon."

"You mean 'yawn' he's at his Mega level now?" Ken shouted.

"Yes," Mina said,"But, he suggested that he wasn't at his true form yet."

"Yeah, " Dr. Wong said,"He needs that last stone. Where is it?"

"We were seperated from Barker and Azuna when Oikawa showed up and distracted Apocalymon long enough for us to escape."

"Oikawa?" June asked.

"You mean Kimeramon," Takato pointed out.

"Yes," Mina said,"Noriko and Kuwagamon were injured during the battle, and Kuwagamon couldn't hold his Champion form. All we could do was wait for you guys."

"Alright," Kari said, yawing slightly,"This is our last chance to stop him. 'yawn' We'd better.."

"I think you'd better return to Earth to recuperate," Eiri said,"You're barely awake. What if you make a mistake in battle? It could do more harm than good."

Kari was silent for a long moment, then nodded. "Yeah, you're right, but, I don't want to leave you without enough power to stop Apocalymon."

Lambert smiled. "I guess that's a niece way of saying that you don't trust us at all."

"Henry and I will stay," Takato said,"We joined up with you guys later, we're well rested."

"What about me?" Kazu protested,"We can fight too!"

"I know," Takato said,"But, go with the others."

"Fine," Kazu said, turning his gaze away.

"Are you two coming or not?" Eiri asked,"The Digidestined team and I are..."

"Actually," Joe said,"It is becoming more and more likely that Apocalymon will succeed. I think the Digidestined should return to File Island Base to regroup."

"One of us should stay though," Cody said,"Just in case."

"I'll stay," Mimi said, "Lillymon and I can help."

"Alright," Joe said,"Good luck."

"Before you go," Mimi said, walking over to June,"I have something to give you."

"What?" the girl with the burn mask asked.

Mimi reached around her neck and pulled off her Crest of Sincerity. "This. In case I don't come back, the power of Sincerity must live on."

"Mimi," June said,"I can't.."

"Please," she said,"I..I wouldn't trust it with anyone else, please."

June stared in Mimi's eyes. "Mimi.." She smiled, took the crest and placed it around her neck,"I'll hold it for you, until you come back."

"Won't you need it for Lillymon?" Alruamon asked.

"I've grown alot stronger," Lillymon said,"I only need the crest to initiate my Digivolution. I can hold this form for a while yet, I should be okay until the battle is over."

"Are you coming or not?" Eiri shouted,"We're leaving now, with or without you."

"Alright," Mimi said, as Lillymon grabbed her,"We're comming. Goodbye guys!"

"Good luck," June thought grabbing the crest that was now hanging around her neck,"I'll safeguard this until you return."

Barker shot through the jungle tearing the large leaves to the ground, leaving a clear path for any hunter to follow. "Shouldn't we be moving the leaves out of the way, and not tearing them down?" Azuna asked behind him.

"Normally, yes," Barker said,"But, Apocalymon is right behind us, and we don't have time to cover our tracks. Besides, he doesn't strike me as the type that would do something as discrete as follow a trail through the woods. I think he'd rather just plow through everything.""

Azuna nodded. "Seems reasonable."

"Are we going the right way?" Skull Satanmon asked, slashing a large leaf away with his staff.

"And where are we going?" Black Gatomon asked,"We just trying to escape from Apocalymon.""

Barker sighed. He glanced at the bag that Aznuna had slung over her shoulder. "I don't know if this is such a good idea," he said.

"What idea?" she asked.

"I think we should be going to other way, to try and hook up with the rest of the group."

"If we go the other way, there's a chance we'll run into Apocalymon. I think it's just better if we head in this direction. We may be able to out run him," she said, ducking to avoid a large branch.

Barker sighed,"I hope so....wait, what's that!"

Azuna and Black Gatomon shot forward and crowded around Barker and Skull Satanmon. They knelt down and hid behind the coverage of large leaves. They watched as a large centaur appeared in the sky. "Great!" Barker said,"It's Apocalymon! He's found us."

"I don't think so," Azuna said,"Look, he just seems to be looking around in the sky. He doesn't know that we're down here."

"How long will we be able to stay hidden, though?" Skull Satanmon whispered.

"Hey," Black Gatomon said,"Look up there. Something just hit Apocalymon!"

"I think maybe someone's helping us after all," Azuna smiled.

Galfmon slowed to a stop over a heavily forested island. He glanced down and sighed. "I'm going to need to blast the entire area in order to find that stone!" He grinned,"Oh well. I'm too close to give up now."

He raised his hand, a red glow appearing in his palm. "Those tree have lived long enough! Ha ha ha!" He pulled his hand back, ready to shoot it forward, when something slammed into his backside.

"Who dares?" he demanded, spinning around.

"I dare."

He looked up in the sky and saw a large figure with wings slowly descended in front of him. "Ah," he said,"You must be Garudamon." He focus on the figure sitting on Garudamon's shoulder,"and you must be Sora Takenouchi, the..former leader of the Digidestined."

Sora smirked. "I may not be the leader of the Digidestined any longer, but, that doesn't mean I can't stop you from completing your evolution."

Galfmon started laughing. "You and what army?"

"This one!" another voice shouted.

All eyes turned and saw Eiri, Lambert, Takato, Henry, and Mimi flying towards them.

"Mimi!" Sora called.

"Sora!" Mimi said,"What are you doing here?"

"I came to help," she said.

"Why didn't you send Matt?" Mimi asked.

"Didn't you hear?" Sora asked,"I was...overthrown, by Matt."

"What?" Mimi asked, anger in her voice,"You trusted him, and he did this to you? Well, whatever happens, don't worry, I'm with you."

Sora smiled,"Thanks, are these the Dark Digidestined?"

"We are," Eiri said, mentioning to him and Lambert.

Takato cleared his throat,"I am Takato, this is Henry. We're with the Digital Warriors."

"I've never seen you in our Digidestined registry before," Sora said, eying them suspiciously.

"Excuse me!" Galfmon said,"But, weren't we in the middle of something?"

The others instantly remembered where they were and tensed up to attack. "Are we ready?" Galfmon laughed.

Daemon lead the attack, slamming his fist into Galfmon's face. The demon laughed, grabbing Daemon's hand and throwing him into the oncoming Wargrowlmon and Rapidmon. Garudamon shot her hands in the air. "Wing Blade!"

Galfmon spied the energy attack and deflected it with the back of his hand.

"Look out!" Sora shouted. Her Digimon complied by twisting around, missing the attack.

"My turn!" Marine Devimon shouted, wrapping his tentacles around Galfmon,"You'll never escape now!"

"Want to bet?" Galfmon laughed, shooting his arms and legs apart, breaking free of his tentacles. He grabbed one of the tentacles and whiped it as hard as he could, bringing Marine Devimon into his human partner and slamming both of them into a nearby mountain causing a landslide that buried both of them.

"Mark!" Eiri shouted, glaring at Apocalymon,"You're going to pay for that!"

"Sorry," Galfmon grinned,"I don't have any money."

"Come on," Mimi said, clutching tightly as Lillymon charged towards Galfmon,"Flower Cannon!"

Galfmon was hit by her attack, but was able to quickly recover. Lillymon, however, had not yet changed her forward momentum, and Galfmon easily reached out and grabbed her in one hand, Mimi in the other. The others halted their attacks, as they did not want to injure Lillymon and Mimi.

Galfmon laughed,"Did you two honestly think you could stop me? Ha hahahahaha....." He trailed off as he stared at Mimi,"You...you are a Wiant, are you not?"

"Yeah," Mimi said, struggling to get out of Galfmon's grip, "What if I am?"

Galfmon's smile completly disappeared. "I hate the Wiants!" he screamed,"They aided Zhuqioamon in sealing my power into those blasted stones! They trapped me in the cold, dark tomb on Earth for a thousand years! I dreamed of revenged everyday and night, it was the only thing that kept me alive, striving for revenge! You are the last one left, are you not?"

"So?"

"I was not able to gain revenge on the Wiants, because they are extinct, but, I will kill one Wiant!" His eyes flashed a red light,"I now send you to greet your ancestors. Good by!" Two beams of red light shot from his eyes and into Mimi and Lillymon, sending both of them flying into the ocean surrounding the island.

"MIMI!" Sora screamed, ready to dive after her, when Takato grabbed her.

"No, don't, it's...it's too late," he said,"I'm sorry."

"Mimi," Sora said, tears forming in her eyes,"You'll pay for this!"

"Ha hahaha!" Galfmon laughed, turning his head away,"Do you honestly believe that you can hurt..............." His expression changed, as he trailed off.

Sora turned to where Galfmon was looking. On the ground, through an opening in the forest canopy, she could clearly see the backs of two humans, and two Digimon. She didn't recognize the humans, but she knew the Digimon as Black Gatomon and Skull Satanmon. She then concluded that the two humans must be....

"Barker! Azuna!" Sora shouted," Look out! Galfmon knows where you are!"

The two Digidestined stopped and turned around. Through the same opening, they could see Galfmon shooting down towards them. "Run!" Barker cried. The quartet sprinted through the jungle as fast as they could.

Galfmon was inches from the opening in the canopy, when he felt a incredible pain in his side. He spun to the left and saw two digimon hovering in the air with two humans riding them. "Megaseadramon, Goldramon," he said.

Below the two dragon digimon on a rocky hill, Micheal and TK were watching the sky, while Catherine was talking into her microphone as Floramon focused the camera. "....and we have juzt arrived at ze battle scene," Catherine said,"It appears zat Apocalymon has succeeded in absorbing four of ze five stones. Zis iz ze last chance to stop him."

"You finally caught up with me, huh?" Galfmon laughed," I was wondering when you would, I was getting worried, you know... And look, you brought your human partners, what a surprise."

"Enough talking!" TK ordered,"You're going to be stopped, right now!"

"No!" Galfmon screamed, "I will not fail again!" He opened both of his palms and fired a red blast at the two dragon digimon, knocking them both to the ground. Galfmon shot to the ground and landed right in front of the escaping Barker, Azuna, and their Digimon.

Barker, Azuna, and Black Gatomon stopped, but Skull Satanmon didn't. He tore at Galfmon with his staff. He swung it around and pounded the evil Digimon on the side of the head, but, to his horror, his staff broke in two! He then began pounding at him with his fists, but, all that succeeded in doing was giving Galfmon a red nose, and an angry look on his face. The evil Mega backhanded Skull Satanmon into the others.

"Now," Galfmon said, standing over them,"Give me that-! AHHH!" He suddenly screamed, tearing at his face as two bird shaped daggers appeared in his eyes.

The other digidestined tried to find out who had attacked Galfmon, when they determined it wasn't any of them, they turned to Catherine. Her microphone was on the ground, along with the camera. At her side was standing a large wingless bird. "Good job, Kiwimon," Catherine said.

TK smiled slightly. "I'm sorry," he said,"You're not just a stereotype."

Galfmon ripped the bird daggers from his eyes. "You're all going to pay for what you've done to me! But first," he turned his eyes towards the bag on Azuna's back.

"Quick!" Barker said, pushing the redheaded seven-year-old off of him,"Run!"

Galfmon raised his arms into the sky,"Darkness Wave!" Instanlty a wave of bats streamed from in hands in all directions.

"I can't see!" Goldramon said, trying to get through them.

"They're in my hair!" Azuna shouted, rubbing her head,"Get them out! Get them out!"

Galfmon grinned as he saw Azuna struggling against her own digimon's attack. He fired his claw out from his back and snatched her backpack. "No!" Azuna shouted, trying to turn around,"He stole my backpack! He's got the stone!"

"Yes!" Galfmon screamed as the bats disappeared. Now everyone could see the last Zhuqaiomon's Stone in Galfmon's claw. Everyone was speechless as the Zhuqioamon Stone started to glow. The glow followed the DNA chain from the claw into Galfmon's back.

"Yes!" he shouted again, as his body suddenly stiffened. He clenched his fists tightly, his shoulders sparkled for a second before a black cape flew from his shoulders, wrapping his body tightly. The cape seemed to continue to move, create a cyclone of energy and color around Galfmon, which quickly grew to monstrous size.

"I'm not going to let you succeed!" Takato shouted,"I've watched you destroy both worlds, I'm not going to give you a chance to do it again! Wargrowlmon!"

His Digimon stomped behind him, then shrunk back to his Guilmon form. Takato took out his D-Arc and ran a card through the slot. "Digi-modify! Energy Biomerge Activate!"

A glowing image of Takato exited his body and merged with Guilmon, shifting his body into a large suit of white armor with a flowing red cape, a javelin and shield. "Guilmon Biomerge to Gallantmon!"

The new digimon pulled his javelin fist back, and shot it into the dome. Although he was one of the biggest Digimon in the Digital World, he was a dwarf compared to the giant dome. The swirling rainbow was disrupted, sending waves of colors all over the dome. Gallantmon pushed harder into the dome. The floating black spots pulled together, forming a giant skull that filled the entire dome. It was facing perpendicular from Gallantmon. It's mouth open as it turned towards him.. A low, deafening moan shot from the skull, sending Gallantmon flying backwards where he crashed into the ocean. "Gallantmon!" Takato shouted.

A second later, his Mega emerged from the ocean. "Watch out for that guy," he said,"He's strong, too strong!".

The light from the glowing globe intensified, then exploded. "Galfmon digivolve to Apocalymon!"

Takato, Gallantmon, Henry and Rapidmon growled at Apocalymon, while the others were gasping.

"I..I've never felt anything so...so powerful before," Garudamon said.

The giant hovering digimon raised his arms into the air and laughed as hard as he could."I've returned! I'm back, hahahaha! I'm back!"

"Greg, Michelle," Eiri called, running over to them,"Apocalymon....killed Lambert."

"What?" Azuna asked,"Mark is...gone?"

"Yes," Eiri said,"And we must avenge him. Attack him now, while he's admiring himself, we might be able to do some damage."

"Right," Skull Satanmon said,"I'm right behined you Daemon."

"Hold on," Black Gatomon said,"BlackGatomon digivolve to Ladydevimon! Let's go!"

The three Digimon of the Dark Digidestined shot towards Apocalymon."Enjoy that power while you can!" Daemon shouted.

Apocalymon simply raised his palm and fired a black blast. The trio was sending flying backwards, where they hit their human partners and sent all of them into the ocean.

"We're ze only ones left now," Catherine said, "What should we do."

"You still don't get it do you?" Apocalymon laughed,"Here, let me show you what I can really do!" His cube body started to folded up into itself, shrinking to a very small size.

"What does he think he's doing?" TK laughed.

"We've got to leave, right now!" Takato shouted,"I recognize that attack! We need to leave now!"

"Wait," Sora said,"Why?"

"Just trust me, Aunt Sora, please!"

"'Aunt Sora?'" she asked.

"We'll explain later!" Henry shouted,"We've got to leave!"

"Alright," Sora said,"Everyone on Garudamon! She'll take us out of here."

As everyone climbed onto Garudamon, Apocalymon's cube body started to glow brightly, as lightning shot from it.

"What iz he doing?" Catherine asked.

"He's going to send out a very powerful energy wave that will destroy everything, I mean everything in its path!" Takato shouted.

"Fine by me!" Garudamon said, flying off.

As they shot from Apocalymon as fast as they could, TK looked to the sky. "Hey, the sky's getting really dark, and why are all the clouds flying towards the island where Apocalymon is?"

"He's gathering energy," Henry said,"He's going to make this own count, we've got to hurry."

"Hey," Terriermon said, pointing to the ground,"What's that?"

"It looks like someone injured," Garudamon said.

"It's Oikawa!" Sora cried,"What happened to him."

"Stop, Garudamon!" Micheal shouted,"Stop!"

"What for?" Sora asked,"You're not seriously going to save him, are you?"

"No one gets left behined!" Michael shouted,"He saved Mina and Noriko's lives!"

Sora sighed. "Alright, Garudamon, hurry."

Her Digimon landed, and Michael jumped off. "Hurry," Garudamon said,"The ground's beginning to shake."

Michael ran over and gently lifted Oikawa and Datiriamon into his arms. "Easy buddy," he said, placing him on Garudamon,"We're leaving."

Back at the island, Apocalymon started laughing. "Now, let's see what you've got! Totally Annihilation!"

His small cube body shot a dome of red energy in all directions, destroying the ground as it moved.

Guilmon looked over his shoulder and pointed,"Here it comes!"

"Don't worry," Sora said, removing her Digivice, "I see the Digital Gate. We're almost there."

"Hurry!" Catherine said.

Sora held her Digivice out. "Digiport Open!"

The television shot out a beam of white light that pulled Garudamon and all of her passengers into the gate seconds before Apocalymon's Total Annihilation wave destroyed it. The wave continued on its path, destroying all that was left of the land of Modum before dyeing out at the mountain borders.

Apocalymon, however, was not rejoicing. He was breathing very heavily, and was having trouble floating. He looked around at the destroyed landscape. "Too soon," he mumbled,"I used too much of my strength too soon. I wasn't ready for that much energy yet. I needed more time, and now..." He heard a noise to his right. He twisted and saw Piedmon and Lucifer floating towards him.

The leader of the Dark Masters and Apocalymon stared each other in the eyes. There understood each other, and a deal was struck. The three of them slowly ascended into the sky.

"...and so, in conclusion," Matt said, leaning into the microphones littering the news podeum,"all evidence in Taichi Kamiya's trial was not properly presented and evaluated, I am dropping all charges against them. Thank you."

The crowd assembled in the streets of File Island City started cheering as Matt bowed. Above the crowd on a nearby building roof, Tai shook his head. "He tampers with evidence, and the people still adore him. It's unbelievable."

"I know," Sora said, turning away from the edge.

"So," Tai said, following Sora to the roof's stairwell,"Where does this leave us?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, opening the door to the stairs.

"We're not enemies anymore, I never even wanted to fight with you. Why don't you join us, join the Digital Warriors? I'm sure they'd be glad to have you."

Sora smiled slightly. "Maybe," she said,"But, I think for the time being, I need to walk alone, but, when I am ready, you will hear from me."

Tai nodded slightly. "There's nothing I can say that will change your mind, is there?"

"No," Sora said, kissing him lightly,"But, I will be back. I promise."

Tai nodded again, and watched as Sora exited the roof. "Good luck." he called after her.

He heard his cellphone ring. "Hello."

"I don't know if I'm going to get use to communicating this way," Kari said,"I miss my D-terminal."

Tai laughed.

"Our base is ready for your inspection, General sir!" Kari said, trying to sound formal.

"I'll be right there, Commander," Tai said,"Over and out."

June sat on her building's roof, staring up at the sky. "Oh, Mimi," she said, holding the Crest of Sincerity around her neck,"Everyone says that you're dead, but, I don't believe it. I know you're alive. I know it. But...I will safeguard this Crest until you return, I promise"

She sighed slightly,"If you are gone....then I'll make Apocalymon pay! I swear it!"

As she looked towards the stars, she saw an image of Mimi's head. "Remember, Fighting doesn't give life meaning, its the meanings that make life worth fighting for! Don't lose yourself in revenge or anger, just fight to make peace."

"I know," June sighed,"I know."

This chapter is dedicated to all those brave soldiers fighting in all parts of the world. Don't lose yourself in the war, don't lose focus of you're fighting for, always keep those reasons close to your heart.

Next: Neo-Digiworld is here! With Apocalymon as its King, and Lucifer and Piedmon as his cruel Prime Ministers, they are conquering the Digital World at an incredible rate! But the digidestined have more to worry about, as they try to return to their normal lives on earth. New mysterious and digidestined start to appear next! Mystic Digimon War: Chapter 17: Return to Earth!