User blog:Dewandrop/Fan: Digimon Transcendence: Part 7

Part 7: Reconnect
The sun had begun to sink into the horizon. Standing at the edge of what appeared to be a dark mass, scattered with sparkles, the digidestines stared at what would be the continuation of their few-hour trek. Any attempts to fly into the galaxy-esque space had resulted in an invisible barrier defying any progression. Taking a step forth, Rex found himself floating in place. Spreading out his arms, and thrusting his body ever so slightly, he seemed to glide forth. Doing the same, the rest of the group followed closely behind. Around them, the area seemed to warp “Meteor Shower” called multiple voices “Core Blast!” Launching his attack, a radiating light shattered the incoming comets. In the resulting glare, three Starmon shielded themselves as they manifested. “Cadomon digivolve to!...Garoumon!” “Patamon digivolve to!...Angemon!” “Harpyiamon digivolve to!...D’Arcmon!” “Salamon digivolve to!...Gatomon!” A flurry of attacks. Tumbling back, the Starmon winced as they regained their stance. Staying back, Chad and Mistymon protected Falco and Ketomon “I’m sorry” Ketomon apologized “Oh no, hey, don’t worry about it” Chad and Falco reassured “Starmon digivolve to!…SuperStarmon! Halley’s Squall!” “…That had nothing to do with me, I promise” Hailey jested. Leaping up, the digimon redirected the SuperStarmons’ attack back at them. Disintegrating into sparkles, from behind the glittering wall came a pummelling strike. Both Angemon and Garoumon found themselves crashing down. Rex and Wyatt rushed to them. Subsequent attempts from their unseen foes had Kazemon taunting the attackers. “Woops. Missed. Try Again” Kazemon mocked as she flittered around From a pair of glinting stars at either end emerged a space-dust encased LoaderLeomon and SkullScorpiomon. Their sudden blinding dash gave Kazemon no time to dodge. Rebuffed slightly by the whip of Gatomon’s tail, their claws still managed to send Gatomon and Kazemon hurtling away. Delphi and Perri hurried to catch them. Immediately, SkullScorpiomon and LoaderLeomon turned their attention to Mistymon and D’Arcmon “D’Arcmon digivolve to!…Sanzomon!” the two enemy digimon charged “Rahh!!” A more, beastly, hunched looking Leomon, and more humanoid looking Ogremon held back LoaderLeomon and SkullScorpiomon respectively. “Leomon and Ogremon’s digivolved forms” Wyatt mentioned “Long time no see” Garoumon smiled “Garoumon digivolve to!…GarouAngemon!” “Angemon digivolve to!...MagnaAngemon!” A blast of light at SkullScorpiomon, whilst a ferocious blizzard struck LoaderLeomon. Attempts at lunging forth were met by an element encased slash from Mistymon, and sharp punches and kicks from Sanzomon “Gatomon digivolve to!...Angewoman!” “Kazemon digivolve to!...Tiamon!” Momentarily the two opposing digimon stood frozen; as though almost in awe, as though almost…remembering “SkullScorpiomon digivolve to!...” SkullScorpiomon began to morph into a large, scorpion-shaped mass of sparkling shadow containing fragments of bone “WraithScorpiomon!” “LoaderLeomon digivolve to!...” A mane of flames sprouted from a larger lion digimon whose armour seemed to be glowing “SolaLeomon!” “Night Fall!” Angewomon, Mistymon and MagnaAngemon found themselves being bombarded with shadows and purple stars “Regulu Break!” A flourish of large, glittering blue stars struck Tiamon, GarouAngemon and Sanzomon Facing the digidestined, WraithScorpiomon and SolaLeomon began to charge. Rising up, the six digimon rushed to block the assault. Turning around, a sharp slam from the two digimon’s tails sent the six skidding. “Ah” Tiamon could barely lift herself up “Tiamon…” Perri supported her digimon. Nearby were a low drone of rumbling hisses and roars. Stalking forward, the digimon turned quickly to their partners “Go back!” MagnaAngemon warned “But-” “Stay with the others, we’ll be fine” Angewomon enjoined Delphi and her friends. “No matter what happens” GarouAngemon added Putting their trust in their digimon, the digidestines protected Falco and Ketomon. Leaping into action, Tiamon flew up. SolaLeomon pounced. Slamming Tiamon down he was met punches and kicks from Sanzomon. WraithScorpiomon slammed MagnaAngemon down with his tail. Weaving around, Angewomon avoided his pincers. “Fire and Ice!” Mistymon launched an elemental slash attempting to give Angewomon an opening. Grabbing MagnaAngemon in his tail, WraithScorpiomon leapt up at Mistymon. Pushing him out of the way, GarouAngemon was instead trapped under WraithScorpiomon’s claws. “No!” Mistymon yelled “Celestial Arrow!” a piercing light from Angewomon knocked back SolaLeomon, who had attempted to attack a distracted Mistymon. “Hiiya!” Sanzomon flew to kick him aside. In a blinding dash Tiamon took the full impact of the rampage as she pushed Sanzomon out of the way “Rah!” a solid punch from Sanzomon. A return from SolaLeomon’s claw “Grahh!” a swift counter kick from Sanzomon “Howling Blizzard!” GarouAngemon launched WraithScorpiomon up into the air. In the shock, WraithScorpiomon’s grip on MagnaAngemon loosened, causing him to escape. “Core Blast!” orbs of energy sporadically flew out of Mistymon’s crystal ball, hitting their mark. Tumbling down, WraithScorpiomon’s eyes suddenly darted. In a rapid roll of glowing purple he shifted, slamming into Sanzomon without warning. Gasps from the entire company. Tumbling back Sanzomon’s entirety turned a shade of purple. “Sanzomon!....SANZOMON!!!” Hailey knelt by her side. WraithScorpiomon gave an awkward squawk as GarouAngemon and Mistymon attacked him upon landing. Trying to counter, WraithScorpiomon’s attacks were blocked by GarouAngemon; Mistymon slashing and knocking back their foe. With gritted teeth and clenched fists, Wyatt and Chad seemed in sync. Near to where GarouAngemon and Mistymon battled WraithScorpiomon, SolaLeomon held down the other three digimon. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” though Hailey hugged Sanzomon, the others could feel her sorrow emanating over at the thought of letting them down. “It didn’t glow. The digivice. You couldn’t use your full powers and now you’re hurt because of it…because I wasn’t good enough” “No. Don’t ever say that” Sanzomon cut in over Hailey “A digivice is just a way of showing what’s happening, but it was never that that made me digivolve...it was you. It was always you. Your bravery, your friendship, your hope and so much more. Even though it could, the digivice didn’t need to glow, because your inner light was bright enough to shine through” lifting and aiming her arm at SolaLeomon she spoke “Crown Blade!” Immediately, a storm of shining metal rushed towards the digimon trapping her friends “Swan Sonata!” A swan shaped burst of water and wind dashed towards SolaLeomon before he could recover. Rising up, over and over the attacks smashed into the flame-maned foe. “I’m really glad you opened up to me about it though. That was very strong of you. I always knew you had it in you, and now you do too” two digivices shone “Mistymon digivolve to!...” armoured, feathered wings sprouted from Mistymon’s back. His armour grew darker decorated in gold. Cape flowing, his shoulder pads became more pronounced. Rings on his upper arms lowering to his wrists, they grew as his hat became a helmet. The sword in his hand transformed “Alphamon!” “Sanzomon digivolve to!...” Sanzomon’s crown grew, structure becoming more reminiscent of a tiara. Though the tiara slid over them, her eyes, were still visible. Swirls of ribbons adorned her hair. Draping each area between her neck and shoulder were swan-like wings. Gold cupped her breasts and the side of her torso, whilst delicate wings graced her hips. The middle of her stomach exposed, straps held the cloth under the side-armour, with the cloth extending down. On her back was a sort of rapier with a curvy handle and twirled hilt. Open-fingered and open-toed armour protected her limbs. “Harmoniamon!” “So, it wasn’t because she didn’t digivolve properly; it was because of the special bond between Hailey and Sanzomon, it made Sanzomon a special kind, neat!” Delphi stated in awe “Harmoniamon. Vaccine. Mega. Data formed based on both the fountain nymph Harmonia: mother of the amazons, and the Greek Deity Harmonia” a digivice relayed “Divine Sword!” A glowing circle of magical energy pummelled WraithScorpiomon as the leviatating sword spun in front of Alphamon “Serenity’s Diadem!” Glowing diamonds appeared around Harmoniamon. Dashing they meteored towards SolaLeomon “Royal Slash!” A wavering energy of light manifested from a thrust of Alphamon’s gripped blade. WraithScorpiomon fell as a glowing dark shadow emerged from him, shattering on escape “Amazon’s Rise” surrounded by circles, ghostly images of armoured women rose up swiftly slashing at SolaLeomon before dispersing in the skies “Cygnus Scale” From all around, swans of water and air stormed at SolaLeomon, a shadow dispersing as it left him. Collapsing, SolaLeomon groaned. “Wh-Wha-aaahhh!” WraithScorpiomon put his pincer to his head. “It’s good to see you again…or well, you know…back to normal” Leomon stated as he returned to his champion-level form. “Wh- oh. Leomon” SolaLeomon responded groggily. “I-I-have-” SolaLeomon was trying his best to relay something “It’s alright. Rest up for now” Leomon reassured. Closing their eyes, SolaLeomon and WraithScorpiomon drifted off to sleep. Upon waking up, WraithScorpiomon expressed bewilderment at a tiny digimon bounding near him “Flanmon seems to have taken a liking to both of you” Hailey mentioned with a smile “You’re not mad?” WraithScorpiomon asked “We know you couldn’t help it” Hailey replied “If we should be angry at anyone, it’s Lilithmon” Wyatt added “Are you guys feeling better?” “Yes, thank you” SolaLeomon responded “And regardless, we apologize for our actions” “It’s good to hear you two are feeling better” approaching the two were Tiamon and Perri “Tiamon…Is that really you” WraithScorpiomon gasped “We thought…Oh! There’s something you should all see” rising up, the two staggered slightly before shaking themselves off. Leaping into a dash, they were followed by the digidestines and the digimon. The sparkling murk soon began to fade, leading to a more solid path. All around were tiny glowing orbs and large, vibrant, magenta flowers. Each tree was thin and, though plentiful, were spread out. Willowing leaves swayed. Sheltered by white-trunked trees was a figure in a clearing. Melancholy lined SolaLeomon and WraithScorpiomon’s faces. Upon the digidestines’ approach, Tiamon recognized the being “Asuramon…but he’s…” Tiamon stared upon the stony figure of her friend “We just found him like this” WraithScorpiomon mentioned. Stepping forth, Tiamon’s wings and palms glowed. Placing her hands near the statue, it shone, before dissolving into sparkles; leaving behind a smoke shaped digimon. “Mokumon digivolve to!...DemiMeramon! DemiMeramon digivolve to!...Candlemon! Candlemon digivolve to!...Meramon! Meramon digivolve to!...Asuramon!” “Rah!” Asuramon struck out, his thrust hitting nothing but air. “Foul creature! I’ll never join your plight! I-” Asuramon blinked, realizing that he was not in the coven’s presence. “Uh…who……Tiamon? TIAMON!” Asuramon elatedly exclaimed as he came in for a hug. “I fought them off for as long as I could, but…” “It’s alright” Tiamon reassured “The three! Where are they now? If I ever-” “Hecatemon and Morganamon have been vanquished, but…” Tiamon informed Asuramon. From the nearby trees came a tingling sound. Peering out from trees that seemed to narrow to hide them were butterfly winged digimon. “I knew it! Everyone! It is her!” rushing over, the digimon crowded around Tiamon “Hudiemon! Hi!” Tiamon greeted “Everyone, I’d like you to meet some of my other friends, the Hudiemon” “Oh but it’s awful, just awful” a Hudiemon cried “Oh…I know Ogremon looks a little beaten up, but I didn’t think the rest of us looked that bad” Angewomon joked “Hey!” Ogremon exclaimed. “Why, what’s wrong?” Tiamon asked “It’s Puckmon, he’s changed. He keeps all the butterfly and fairy digimon under a tight, iron grip” one Hudiemon explained “We were lucky. We managed to sneak away, but the others… they’re still there” another Hudiemon added. “Please. Take us to see him” Tiamon urged. Most of the Hudiemon looked down uneasily. Looking about her, the first of the Hudiemon who had greeted Tiamon stepped forth “Alright. But we must be discreet” the first Hudiemon warned. “Asuramon, SolaLeomon, WraithScorpiomon. Could you please stay here and watch over the other Hudiemon” Tiamon asked “No problem” Asuramon replied. Following the first Hudiemon, she revealed to the group a glowing streak behind the tree she had been hiding behind, which the group immediately realized to be some sort of portal. Stepping through, they found themselves in another part of the forest. Sneaking from tree to tree, the digidestines, Leomon, Ogremon and Hudiemon watched. On a silver throne was a handsome digimon with golden-brown hair swept back. His attire left little to the imagination, his athletic build on display as he sat spread eagle with a long baby-blue cloth extending down from a belt at his waist. Behind him, large, iridescent, translucent butterfly wings flapped slowly, and silver armour protected his arms and legs. Though he appeared, like Tiamon, to be in his late 20s to early 30s, he resonated with a youthful vigour. Head on his palm, his elbow rested on the silver throne’s arm. His eyes sparkled a menacingly midnight as he watched his chained court working around him. “You can thank your friends the Hudiemon! Now that there’s less of you, you have to work twice as hard!” Puckmon bellowed “Intruders!!! Interlopers!!!” a shrill voice shrieked out. From behind the group, a comet of golden dust. “Over there!” Tinkermon pointed out. Suddenly a dart of pink sparkles “Oh give it a rest” Piximon shouted, brandishing the spear in his hand. This suddenly piqued Puckmon’s interest. “Piximon…but then-” “Yes” Tiamon stated, walking into the clearing. Around her, sounds of relief and rejoice “Silence!!!” Puckmon barked “Enough of this” Tiamon demanded “This isn’t you” “What would you know? You left! You abandoned your friends! To what? Gallivant about with…THOSE” Puckmon pointed out the digidestines. Behind them, Grumblemon pushed the humans forward. Though she could not see them, Tiamon knew that the now hidden GarouAngemon, Angewomon and MagnaAngemon were close. “He’s not enraged, he’s willing to talk. Whatever spell Lilithmon had the others under, Puckmon must be internally fighting” Tiamon thought “I don’t know what lies that witch has fed you, but none of it is true. I was overpowered, then taken away to be protected. These humans are friends. And there was once a time where you yourself would talk about wanting to meet humans. Please. They can help” “Time…Humans…” Puckmon seemed almost dazed “Arggghh…errr…” Puckmon held his head in his palms “Puckmon!” Tiamon shouted in worry “Puckmon digivolve to!...” Puckmon’s golden-brown became a whistling silver. Features becoming more chiselled and paler, he still remained quite youthful looking, but wiser. Chest still exposed, he now had more material and armour covering him. His wingtips had remained, but the rest had transformed into concentric, rotating glyph-like symbols. His dark attire would sparingly be adorned with a golden leaf and thin vine print, and on his forehead was what appeared to be the remnant of a golden, vine-like crown “Olbermon!” “Tiamon digivolve to!…” Tiamon’s boots became white, armoured, more butterfly-like and heeled. Tiamon’s wings grew larger and fragmented into rotating, constantly-changing-rainbow shards. On her head she wore a helmet which resembled two antenna stalks, and her torso was now more shielded; though her stomach was still exposed. Straps billowed from her waist and a white cloth was an exact fit for her neck. On her wrists were a golden ring each that weren’t fully enclosed “Monarchmon!” As Monarchmon walked closer to Olbermon he closed his eyes. Placing a hand on his left chest and her forehead to his, they glowed. A dark shadow immediately vanquished up and out of Olbermon. Nearby, the same happened to Tinkermon. Opening their eyes, Olbermon spoke “Wendy…” he sighed “Wendy?!?” the digidestines and digimon exclaimed in unison “It was his nickname for me ever since we were at our lower stages” Monarchmon explained “Glad to have you back” Monarchmon smiled. “Olbermon. Data. Mega. A digimon formed from data on Alberich and Oberon. Mega form of Robinmon” a digivice spouted “Monarchmon. Vaccine. Mega. Based on Monarch Butterflies” it continued. As a fog rolled in, Angewomon, MagnaAngemon and GarouAngemon reappeared. The chains of the trapped digimon shattered off. As they reached their partners they de-digivolved to their champion levels
 * ROAR!!!!*
 * SLAM*

“I’ll accompany you to the edge of the woods” Olbermon stated “But first…” glowing he de-digivolved into Petermon. Doing the same, Monarchmon de-degivolved into Kazemon. “Hmph, I’m much more prettier than she is, I don’t know what Petermon sees in her” Tinkermon grumbled out of the two digimon’s earshot “She’s not a whinny, insufferable, self-centred ?” Piximon pointed out “Grrr” the two bared their teeth “Come on guys” Kazemon giggled as she approached “Nothing’s changed with these two, has it?” Petermon laughed “Just like old times” his smile faltered ever so slightly as he spotted Perri close by. Above glowing specks of light danced around the forest foliage “Guess we better go” “I’m coming too!” “No you’re not!” Piximon retorted in a mockingly high-pitched voice as he blocked Tinkermon “Move!” “You move!” “I’m trying!” “The other way!” Tinkermon shoved him. Darting, Tinkermon tussled with the pink-furred pixie “C’mon, let’s go…while they’re….preoccupied” Petermon chuckled in a whisper. Floating, leading them through the thick of trees, Petermon asked Wendy to tell him stories of her adventures. ??/ Eventually, the forest began to thin. Over the course of their stroll, as more and more stories poured out, Petermon seemed to grow a little less hesitant of Perri. Fondly he would ask her about anything he didn’t understand, or compliment her. As they neared a field of tall lemongrass, Petermon seemed to sadden “Do you really have to go?” he asked glumly “Petermon…” a sympathetic ‘you know the answer to that question’ tone lined Kazemon’s voice. Shimmering, the specks of light seemed to relay a message to Petermon “I think the forest wants to thank you” Petermon stated “A little gift, from it to you” a glowing powder shone around the digidestines “MetalKoromon digivolve to!...Kapurimon! Kapurimon digivolve to!...Kotemon! Kotemon digivolve to!...Wizardmon!” “Ketomon digivolve to!...Hopmon! Hopmon digivolve to!...Monodramon! Monodramon digivolve to!...Coredramon!” “Flanmon digivolve to!...Oenimon!” “ee-nee-mon?” Falco checked “Yep. Like phoenix” Hailey explained “Hey!” a digivice retorted “Oenimon digivolve to!...Harpyiamon! Harpyiamon digivolve to!...D’Arcmon!” “Glo!” from out of the tall grass of a nearby field came a boy followed closely behind by a Tyrannomon “Oh…” the digidestines didn’t quite know what to make of the newcomer. “Uhh” Rex fumbled “I’m sorry…I thought you were-” “Beau! Did you find her? Is E.A. with her?” stopping in his tracks was a boy with a Dobermon “No” Beau responded, crestfallen. Emerging from the bristly stalks were various people and digimon. Turning to the digidestines, Beau spoke “Please…have you seen two teens with a D’Arcmon and SlashAngemon?” Beau asked. Delphi shook her head “Sorry” she apologized. The boy fell to his knees. “It’s no use” Beau stated, dejected. “Don’t say that” the boy with the Dobermon replied “C’mon Rug, it’s been five days” Beau rebuked. Perri looked amongst her group “Is there anything we can do to help?” she offered. Beau remained silent “Sorry” a girl with the only ultimate; a Parrotmon, apologized “The teens we’re looking for are Beau’s sister and Rug’s brother. We haven’t had much luck and it’s taking its toll on them. I’m Riza by the way nice to meet you” the digidestines introduced themselves and each shook her hand. “This is Busy” a boy with a Kuwagamon waved “Yuyu” next to him a girl with a Sunflowmon did the same “and Jim” fumbling for his inhaler, a boy with a Seadramon took a deep breath; his digimon patting him on the back. “We’re looking for a castle. We heard a bunch of evil digimon have gathered there tonight” Jim spoke up “That’s interesting” Petermon began “Lilithmon has some guests over tonight…and she has a castle” “Where?!” Beau blurted out, suddenly becoming lively once again. Petermon pointed. Practically tripping over his feet, Beau rushed towards the direction. “Wendy...” Kazemon turned to see a morose Petermon. Collecting her hands in his, he spoke “It seems like I just found you…and now… I’m about to lose you again…” “Awww” Perri, Delphi and Chad reacted to Petermon’s statement “Let me go with you” Petermon pleaded “But if anything were to happen to you…I…” “Of course you can come!” “Perri!!!” Kazemon shouted “Kazemon’s right though Petermon. If Lilithmon were able to take control of you again…or worse…” Leomon’s words sunk into Petermon, his head nodded down to the side slightly as he briefly closed his eyes. Looking back up, a determined expression lined his face “Then get her; for everything she’s done, for our friends, for me…for us” Petermon stated. Kazemon smiled with a reaffirming nod. Leaning in they…hugged. “Are you coming or not?” Beau shouted from a fair distance away. “Till we meet again” Petermon bowed. The digidestines bid their farewells before they began to make their way to Beau.

Nestled in the midst of rolling hills and ice-bitten pastures was a marble-stone castle with a box-like section, and almost a stairwell-like spiral of many parapets. Suddenly, a glint of red meteored into the ground. “Arukadhimon digivolve to!...KoDokugumon! KoDokugumon digivolve to!...DemiDokugumon! DemiDokugumon digivolve to!... Dokugumon! Dokugumon digivolve to!...Arukenimon! Arikenimon digivolve to!...Ogudomon!” A behemoth of a roar. A large, bear-like Belphemon leapt from Lilithmon’s castle. Belphemon tore at the sky with its claws. Immediately it ripped open to what seemed like a dark void. Belphemon floated through. Following closely behind was a Gulfmon. “HELP!!!” E.A and Glo yelled in Gulfmon’s palms. Leaping after it was a GranDracmon. “Leave them Ogudomon” GranDracmon ordered. Bounding up, Ogudomon disappeared through the rift. “Tyrannomon digivolve to!...MetalTyrannomon! MetalTyrannomon digivolve to!...RustTyranomon!” “Dobermon digivolve to!...Cerberumon! Cerberumon digivolve to!...Anubismon!” “Parrotmon digivolve to!...Eaglemon!” “Seadramon digivolve to!...MegaSeadramon! MegaSeadramon digivolve to!...GigaSeadramon!” “Kuwagamon digivolve to!...Okuwamon! Okuwamon digivolve to!...GranKuwagamon!” “Sunflowmon digivolve to!...Lilamon! Lilamon digivolve to!…Ceresmon!” “We’ve got to go. Thanks so much for the help. I hope we’ll all meet up again someday. Goodluck! And if you ever need our assistance, let us know” Riza bade. And with that, the other digidestines floated through the rift. “Come on, now’s our chance” Rex urged “Muhahahahahahaha. You didn’t think it’d be that easy, did you?” Floating above, without making any eye contact was a hooded figure dressed in a red robe “Chaos Flare!” “Hand of Faith!” “Cat’s Eye Beam!” “Propulsion Wave!” “Amulet’s Aria!” Angemon, Gatomon, Garoumon and D’Arcmon were barely able to disperse the flames. “D’Arcmon, please help me get the others to a safe distance” Garoumon enjoined. Together, the two leapt towards the digidestines, Leomon and Ogremon; ushering them to stand back “Angemon digivolve to!...MagnaAngemon!” “Gatomon digivolve to!...Angewomon!” Suddenly, the digimon’s eyes darted down “Slash Nail!” Zooming towards Angewomon and MagnaAngemon was a claw encased in black flames “Gate of Destiny!” quickly circling the attack above them, MagnaAngemon’s attack caused their enemy to fly back up. Rolling, they released the flames towards the attack. Colliding, the two attacks shifted ever so slightly up and down, caught in a stalemate. Unexpectedly, the field around them began to warp as the attacks gave out. Their foe split into ghostly copies; appearing and disappearing around the space. On occasion, portions of their surroundings would blur into a spiral then return back to normal “You pitiful fools. How can you even hope for victory when you don’t even know what is reality. Muhaha” The voice seemed to echo. Dark, shadowy, bat-like creatures began to bombard down all around MagnaAngemon and Angewomon. Slashing rapidly with a sword, or twirling around a glowing arrow, the two digimon vanquished the vermin over and over. Nearby, the digidestines had picked up branches to swat away shadowy, spider-like creatures “Give up. It’s no use” “Never. Not while you pose a threat to the innocent. We will never stop fighting against you!” Wyatt shouted. Above, a red-eyed, horned, fanged face manifested. Unhinging its jaw it rushed towards the digidestines. Without fear they readied to fight. Digivices glowing the face dissolved as it met the force field surrounding the group. Preoccupied by the oncoming wave of shadow creatures, MagnaAngemon and Angewomon did not notice the cloaked figure appearing above them. It raised it claw. “Garoumon digivolve to!...GarouAngemon! Howling Blizzard!” immediately the figure disappeared. Suddenly it emerged from behind “Kazemon digivolve to!...Tiamon! March of the Butterflies!” a flutter of butterfly-like lights flew towards their enemy. Again the cloaked figure vanished. Circling around, the butterflies eradicated the shadowy creatures. “Haha haha” ghostly images of their foe drifted around “Celestial Arrow!” “Ahh, hey! Careful, that was close Angewomon!” GarouAngemon dodged “That wasn’t me” Angewomon stated “Yes it was” a voice hissed “She’s always been jealous of you“ “Hurricane Gale!” “That was Daemon, not me!” Tiamon warned “How could it have been, I’ve never even seen her use that attack” “Howling Blizzard!” “Not cool GarouAngemon!” MagnaAngemon shouted “Yeah, well why don’t you tell your girlfriend to back off!” GarouAngemon retorted “I already said it wasn’t me!” Angewomon replied “Yeah, don’t fall for it!” Tiamon added “Sure, why don’t you just all gang up on me!” GarouAngemon yelled “Well then maybe we should settle this right now” MagnaAngemon bellowed, charging an attack “Stop it!” Angewomon yelled “Don’t do this!” Tiamon screamed as GarouAngemon charged an attack. “Gate of Destiny!” “Howling Blizzard!” The two had pointed their attacks upright. “AHHH!!!” instantly the illusions disappeared. MagnaAngemon and GarouAngemon glowed as they flew upward “GarouAngemon digivolve to!...” GarouAngemon’s helmet sprouted long grey teeth, his lower jaw becoming clad in a white armour. A fitted cloth of white covered his neck, whilst his torso became shielded by a dark-grey, extremely-durable, material-like armour. Four golden rings appeared, one at the centre of each arm and, now human, leg, with the ones on his legs forming the top of a pair of boots. Gloves covered his hands and his wings seemed to attach at their base, forming a disc. Sprouting from his side were two light-blue cloths, seemingly strapped in by a brown belt “SaberGarouAngemon!” “MagnaAngemon digivolve to!...” MagnaAngemon’s wings shimmered gold as an extra pair sprouted. Clad in a blue armour for his arms, boots and helmet, and a silver armour for almost everywhere else, his helmet became more stout, bore a star, wings, and now covered all of his face. His pauldrons became more prominent and gold-markings decorated his armour. In front, near his waist, a golden cloth billowed “Seraphimon!” “Winter’s Remorse!” SaberGarouAngemon’s attack engulfed Daemon in a glowing sphere of white. Daemon shivered, unable to move “Strike of the Seven Stars!” combining with SaberGarouAngemon’s attack, Daemon was immobilized by light “Heavenly Light!” SaberGarouAngemon shouted. Thick clouds formed overhead before a beam of light tore through them at the enemy. Daemon dispersed, vanquished by the attack. A soft rainbow light shone above like an aurora. “No-” fallen over, Lilithmon’s groans were cut short as she clutched her breast. Viewing the demise of her last line of defence had visibly shaken her. Hastily stumbling to her feet she clumsily ambled into her castle. “After her!” Rex charged “Wait!” D’Arcmon halted “So the fight-” “Was all an act” SaberGarouAngemon explained “Good work by the way Seraphimon” “A very good job yourself” Seraphimon complemented “But… how?” Tiamon asked “How did you know the other was acting, and how did you know where to attack?” Perri expanded “Rex and Wyatt, their earlier conversations about how Lilithmon would probably be more craftier, more cunningly underhanded this time around” Seraphimon answered “When was this?” Falco asked “While we were helping Beau’s group” SaberGarouAngemon replied “As for how we knew where; it seemed a little odd that he had us focussing in multiple locations, his illusions seemed to be everywhere. GarouAngemon noticed one place they weren’t, the one place Daemon thought we’d never suspect. Above. GarouAngemon quickly signalled with his eyes after that” Seraphimon explained “Uh…guys…” Falco began “Oh, right…CHARGE!!!” Rex led “Burst Breath!” Coredramon blasted away the barricades. Releasing the drawbridge, it extended out. Reaching the banks, the others began to make their way across it. Suddenly, a giant wall of clumpy vegetation burst out of the lake-like mote, on either side of the drawbridge. In wispy spirals the mess of moss-like seaweed floated, to reveal a grey jaw lined with teeth, and claws “Swamphmon!” D’Arcmon warned. The towering hags swiped at the digidestines. Jumping back, they avoided the rake. “Coredramon digivolve to!...Cyberdramon! Crescent Tornado!” “Ahhh!” The behemoths shrieked. Turning around they readied their claws “Wizardmon digivolve to!...Mistymon! Fire and Ice!” “Ahhh!” the two Swamphmon screamed as they felt gripping burn of ice and flame “Winter’s Remorse!” SaberGarouAngemon shouted as the Swamphmon tried to dive to put out and melt the fire and frost “Strike of the Seven Stars!” Seraphimon obliterated the two witch digimon. The digidestines proceeded to infiltrate the castle’s walls. Before them now was a large courtyard, which separated them from a pair of large, varnished, mahogany doors. Moving forth, they found their path impeded by floating, dark, feminine beings wearing enlarged rat skulls. Their clawed hands and feet were enveloped in ghostly eggplant-coloured flames. Triangle, scratch-like markings lined them. On their shoulders were plumes of colourful fur or feather, each adorned with gold bangles on their wrists and ankles, a gold breastplate and a gold belt; the gold belt sprouting colourful feathers “Odoomon. Mega. Virus. They make their homes in the jungles of the Dark Area” a digivice revealed “Night of the Drums!” putting their palms out in front of them, directed at the digidestines, the Odoomon flames released a glowing pulse. “D’Arcmon digivolve to!...Sanzomon! Swan Sonata!” the swan shaped burst of water and air negated the ring flames. Angewomon flew to the side. “March of the Butterflies!” Butterfly shaped lights from Tiamon bombarded the Odoomon. “Celestial Arrow!” in one go Angewomon vanquished the Odoomon. Advancing, the group opened the mahogany doors. Their footsteps echoed as they walked. They had found themselves in a gargantuan room. “Look!” Delphi pointed out. On the other side of the room were ascending stairs. The group dashed. Upon reaching the centre, the ground began to tremble. The group found themselves and their respective digimon blocked off from the others by four thin veils of red light each. Suddenly, their square sections began to slip away from everyone else’s. Some began to rise whilst others began to sink. From below, attached stone slabs began to fold around to form a dice. Eventually the shaking stopped. Four panels, one on each edge, opened up to reveal stairs which either led up, down or across. “Hmhmhmhm” came Lilithmon’s alluring but irritating laugh. The digimon growled. Each sounded a fair distance from the other. “Guys?” came a familiar voice. “Yeah?” Everyone responded to Wyatt. Delphi’s voice sounded the nearest. “Hold on” taking the left path across Wyatt found himself in the same room as Delphi “Wyatt!” Delphi exclaimed, glad to see a familiar face “Alright. Everyone move towards Delphi’s voice” Falco instructed. Footsteps sounded “No wait!” “Ahh” the digidestines found themselves stuck to the floor of their new rooms before Wyatt could ward them off “So close and yet so far” Lilithmon’s disembodied voice taunted “Have any of you guys met up?” Wyatt asked “No” came slightly far off responses “OK. One second” turning to Delphi, he advised her “You’re going to have to go to another room” Wyatt mentioned “It’s the only way for everyone to move again” “OK” Delphi agreed. Upon Delphi reaching the next room, everyone else found themselves able to move their feet again “Guys. Is there anyone who sounds like they might be in the next room to you?” Wyatt asked “Yeah” Falco and Perri responded “Alright. This is gonna sound weird, but don’t go to that room. Hailey, could you release the baby digimon one at a time from your digivice please” “OK” a shining light “please go through one of the doors” Hailey urged Datirimon. Walking across, Kuramon found itself stuck “Please don’t panic” Hailey asked “Did that sound super close to anyone?” Wyatt asked “Yes” Perri replied “Alright, Hailey, could you send one baby digimon down each of the other three paths and ask them to call out their names. After a few moments, Datirimon, Zurumon and Popomon could be heard “OK. Hailey and Perri, head over to Kuramon please. Did anyone else hear Datirimon in the next room?” Wyatt asked “Yep” Chad responded “Chad, head towards it. I’ll meet you there” Heading up a flight of stairs, Wyatt was met by Chad coming across from another room “Everyone else head closer to the closest baby digimon you hear” within seconds, everyone found themselves unstuck once more “I’m in the room we were in previously” Delphi let Wyatt know “Thanks Delphi” Wyatt replied “Rex, Falco, head closer to where you heard the last baby digimon” “Zurumon” Rex called out. Zurumon shouted its name. “Hey, it’s close now, I think it’s in the next room” Falco stated “Yeah” Rex agreed “I was hoping for that. Perri and Hailey, please go back to Hailey’s old room with Kuramon. Chad and I will follow Datirimon there. Other baby digimon, please go back the way you came. Delphi, please head to where you hear us” Hailey, Perri, Wyatt and Chad all found themselves in one room “Alright, now, Rex and Falco, head to where you heard Zurumon then call out” Wyatt enjoined “Here” Rex and Falco’s voices sounded. “That sounds like the next room” Perri noted. Following the voices, six of the group of seven found themselves together. “Delphi. Head through” Wyatt gestured for everyone to follow. Midway along the stairs, the digidestines were reunited “Nooooo!” Lilithmon’s voice echoed. A disc of light appeared above the group. Unexpectedly they began to float. As soon as everyone was through, the disc vanished. The group looked around. They were in a large chamber. Suddenly, four, translucent grey walls zoomed up, cutting off Delphi and Angewomon from the rest of the group. “Delphi!” Rex yelled, he and Seraphimon beating at the barrier. Around the enclosed space at the centre of the chamber, the other digimon and digidestines slammed into the wall. Delphi and Angewomon rushed to each edge, trying to find knock down the blockades, trying to search for a way out. Behind them, on the other side of the space, were now wavering shadows. As a pair of eyes appeared, Lilithmon manifested. Slowly she began to walk towards Angewomon and Delphi. Angewomon flew between her partner and their foe. The others were feverish now, pummelling with their palms, calling out, crashing their bodies against the barricades. “Ooohhh. I can feel your fear” Lilithmon moaned “But I’m going to make you wait, make you suffer slowly” her golden nail glinted “Celestial Arrow!” Lilithmon caught Angewomon’s attack. Slight pacing slowly towards them, she crushed the attack into orbs of light. Angewomon rushed towards her. With her free hand she slammed Angewomon into the closest wall. Now halfway down her pace began to pick up. Closer and closer, she raised her glinting golden claw “March of the Butterflies!” Tiamon had burst through the wall. Lilithmon was thrust back, bombarded by butterfly-shaped lights. Angewomon began to glow “Angewomon digivolve to!...” An extra pair of wings sprouted, whilst her other eight wings became golden and attached to rings. Shoulder pads becoming wheel-like, Angewomon became clad in turquoise armour. Her helmet taking on the same shade, it now bore three animal heads, a star, and sprouted an orange-brown plume over her blonde hair. In each hand she held either a javelin or unicorn emblazoned shield. Her mermaid-tail like armour sprouted a white billowing cloth, and beneath, her feet appeared in shoes the same colour as her armour “Ophanimon!” “Darkness Sigh!” Lilithmon giggled, as she blew a cloud-stream of darkness towards Ophanimon “Sephiroth Crystals!” Glittering rainbow jewels held back and disintegrated Lilithmon’s attack “Rahh!” Lilithmon launched another attack towards Delphi and Perri “Hurricane Gale!” though it kept the cloud-stream away, Tiamon’s attack ranged about a third of what Lilithmon’s did “You lost to me once Tiamon, and now it’s time for you to fall...AGAIN” Lilithmon pushed forward “No! I…WE, will never succumb to your darkness. You will have no dominion over the digimon of this land anymore!! Tiamon digivolve to!...Monarchmon! Ultra Turbulence! Ethereal Storm!” “Eden’s Javelin” A light-beam streamed out of Ophanimon’s javelin. The attacks completely overwhelmed the dark-infused fog “Ahhh!!” Lilithmon’s shriek echoed as she was swept away into eradicated fragments. All around, the castle now took on a pearlescent glow. The gray, translucent walls disappeared in a shatter of sparkles. Suddenly the room began to move. The bottom ledge of a window at the back of the room dropped to become an entranceway. Heading through, the digidestines found themselves scaling the staircases between each of the upward spiralling towers. Reaching a plateau above the clouds, the cotton-like formations rumbled to a deep grey. High above, waves crashed onto a tumultuous upside down sea. The large orb of light a fair distance away turned a vibrant electric violet. Zooming overhead, a serpentine body dashed through the sky like a train. In its wake it whisked up a large gale which flattened the group to the pearlescent plateau’s floor. Rising up, they looked to the creature who had caused the rush “You!” Wyatt exclaimed “Ahh, so you remember. A shame… too bad this moment will be short-lived. Nawamon digivolve to!...Typhonmon! Typhon Stream!”