Happy New Year, everyone! To kickstart the new year, I give you all the start of the next arc of "Digimon: Battle!"

Disclaimer: If you've bothered to look here, then chances are you don't now what this is for. Fanfiction 101: this is the spot where I am obligated to inform you that the franchise about which I am currently writing is not in any way owned by me, and instead this story is protected under fair use policies and not meant for any sort of monetary purposes. (whew)

LAST TIME:
ISAMU: After stopping to camp for the night, we finally made it to the lake. But Hyogamon wasn't far behind and challenged us. Despite his powers over ice, it was a pretty heated battle. Turns out Hyogamon was a master strategist and was keeping tabs on us to get ready to fight us. But we came up with our own strategy to stun him long enough for Stingmon to land the final blow. With one Digi-Agent gone, Daichi and I finally discovered the lake's secret, two small necklaces that will give us big power.

Chapter 9
Answers

"So what do these things do, exactly?" Dracomon asked. Everyone had decided to find a place to sit down and rest from their previous battle. They found a few rocks that looked like the perfect resting place and sat there.

"Well," Daichi said, holding the necklace from the lake in his hand, "these are tags. Each one is supposed to have a crest that represents a different virtue."

"You mean like that Crest of Courage on Isamu's Digi-Egg?" Wormmon asked.

"Exactly," Isamu replied. "But the crests that go into these tags are small plates with the symbol on them. Once we get these crests, you guys will be able to Digivolve to the ultimate level."

"So where are they?" Dracomon asked.

"That's the tricky part," Isamu admitted. "They're pretty well hidden, and they could be any size."

"I'm not even going to ask how 'any size' can fit in that tag thing," Dracomon said.

"Right now," Daichi said, "we should worry about finding the crests first, Dracomon."

"How?" Isamu asked. "We don't know where to start looking, and even if we did, how do we know that they'll be the same crests we're familiar with?"

Daichi thought for a minute. "I say we go with our original plan: walk around until something happens."

"Aren't you the one who originally said that was a bad idea?" Wormmon reminded him.

"I also said it was our only option," Daichi pointed out. With no arguments, the team set out once again.

It was not very long however, before Isamu noticed something. "Hey, check that out." He pointed to what appeared to be a small village a few yards from the lake.

"Think we should go over there?" Dracomon asked.

"We've already had our rest," Daichi pointed out. "I doubt there's any reason for us to go anywhere near there." As soon as he finished speaking, he tripped. He noticed that his landing was actually very soft. He turned and found the others had tripped as well. He noticed that the ground had become yellow and bumpy.

"What'd we trip on?" Isamu asked. Suddenly they began to move, or rather, the ground made them move. Daichi looked down and saw that they were actually being carried by small yellow Digimon that looked almost like foxes.

"Why do I have the feeling I've seen these before?" Daichi wondered aloud.

"Don't you remember," Isamu asked, "during the finale of Tamers?" Daichi pulled out his D-Power just to be sure. "They're Viximon," Isamu said, just as the picture came up on the Analyzer, "Renamon's in-training form."

"Okay," Daichi said, "so where are they taking us?"

"My guess," Dracomon responded, "there." He pointed to the village they had seen earlier.

"Hey," Isamu said to the group below him, "any of you little guys want to tell us why you're carrying us like this?"

"There's someone who wants to see you," one of the Viximon said.

"That makes me feel good," Dracomon said. No one knew what to do, so they agreed to go along with the Viximon.

The herd eventually stopped in the center of the village. The houses, save one, all looked smaller than when they were first seen in the distance. The humans and their Digimon disembarked and the Viximon began to spread out. "Okay," Daichi said, "we're here. Now what?"

"Welcome," a low female voice said, "to Lake Serenity Village." The group turned to meet a new Digimon, taller than the Viximon and even the humans. She was dressed in ceremonial robes and hat and looked like a fox by her facial features. She stood on her hind legs, a foxtail was visible behind her, and her arms were hidden in the wide sleeves. The front of the robes contained an image of the yin and yang symbol, as did adornments on her shoulders. She bowed and said, "My name is Taomon, the shaman of this village."

Daichi pulled out his Analyzer. "I remember Taomon," he said. "Like Viximon, she's a Digivolution of Renamon, but at the ultimate level. Her Talisman of Light can make even the darkest opponents back away."

"I am pleased to see you've heard of me," Taomon said. "The TV series truly prepared you for the tasks ahead."

"Wait a minute," Isamu said. "You know about the show?"

"Only in passing," Taomon admitted. "But I know many things about you and how you interacted with Digimon before you knew of our existence." She motioned to the largest dwelling. "Please come with me." Seeing no better idea for the moment, everyone complied.

Taomon's dwelling was dark, lit only by a hanging candleholder. It consisted of one room and had a table in the center. Taomon took her seat at the far end, leaving the two chairs in the front for the humans.

"So, what's the story here, Taomon?" Isamu asked. "Those Viximon said you wanted to see us?"

Taomon did not answer. Instead, she moved her hand in a waving motion; the light started to dim. She waved her hand again and two red cards appeared out of the sleeve. They floated in the air between the two sides. "These cards represent your destiny," she said. "They reveal your past, present, and future." The cards floated away from each other so that they were on opposite sides of the table. A large circle appeared between them and began to show various images; they were images of the group's recent past.

"When you first received your Digivices," Taomon stated, "your only question was 'what.' You did not wonder why you were given the role of Digi-Destined, but accepted it and began to prepare. Only when you entered the Digital World did you start questioning your purpose, a question that would soon become clear with the revelation of the Digi-Agents." She turned to Daichi. "Daichi, although you were the one who questioned more than Isamu, you were able to accept your situation rather quickly, especially when drawn into conflict. You were given the D-Power because it represents your changing and reacting nature. When you use a card for your Digivice, your Digimon can change its form and abilities. Your quick thinking allows you to make nigh-unbeatable combinations." She then turned to Isamu. "Isamu, you have a calm heart and are slow to act, but this is not a bad thing. Because of your aversion to haste, you think things through, and no matter what the outcome, it always ends in your benefit. You were given the D-3 because, with it, you are allowed to choose your course of action: either use standard Digivolution or Armor Digivolve."

She turned back to the circle and narrated its images. "When I said Isamu's waiting always leads to benefit, I do mean always, even when it appears otherwise." Everyone knew she was talking about Tyrannomon, especially since images of their first battle appeared in the circle. "Because of Tyrannomon, you were able to discern what your purpose in this world is. You also found clues as to your next step: coming here, to Lake Serenity.

"But Hyogamon wanted to stop you from gaining your new powers. He was aware that the tags had been hidden long ago in that lake by the Sovereign Ones and guarded the lake's secret with his very life. But you were able to defeat him and gain your tags. Now all they need are the proper crests so they may channel their power."

"Taomon," Daichi asked. "What exactly are the Digi-Agents?"

The image in the circle shifted. It showed a series of shadows; Hyogamon's was easily discernable among the more unknown ones. "At one time, they were Digimon separated by powers, regions, and personalities; but they all had one thing in common: the desire for power. I refer, of course, to the desire to rule over others. One day, however, a unifying element gathered them all together with the promise for such power."

"What kind of element?" Isamu asked.

"I am sorry to say I don't know," Taomon admitted. "Its identity has remained elusive to even the wisest of all Digimon. Not even all the Digi-Agents themselves are known unless they reveal themselves. But their presence is always felt. They act as if they rule the Digital World under an iron fist." ("And not just from a 'Metal' Digimon either, huh?" Dracomon commented.) "Even so, they say they 'will' rule the world as if they currently do not."

"That's another thing," Wormmon pointed out. "They always say 'world' instead of 'Digital World.' Why is that?"

"I can't truthfully say I know," Taomon replied. "I can only guess, and each theory is as unlikely as the next. But one thing is clear; you must stop the Digi-Agents. And to do that, you need your crests." The circle disappeared and the cards began to glow. Suddenly, they flew up and disappeared through the roof. "Those cards have now revealed your future by revealing the location of the crests. Look outside."

Everyone walked out of the room and saw a nearby forest glowing in two different locations. "Well, I guess that takes the guesswork out of finding them," Dracomon said.

"Too bad you never will!" a new voice suddenly said. It was a deep, rough, male voice, almost angry. Dracomon indicated upward where they saw what looked like a dark hole in the sky, with something inside it. The figure jumped out and the hole closed behind him. It landed on all fours and everyone could now see it clearly. It looked like a black dog with a reptilian tail. Its front paws sported large metallic claws, and its shoulder blades almost looked like extra heads.

Daichi quickly pulled out his Analyzer. "Looks like we're in for it now, guys. That's Cerberumon, a virus type dark animal Digimon. Its extra heads are not alive, but they are sentient enough to forewarn him of unseen attacks. He also has a few attacks of his own, like Maddog Fire. But the worst part, at least to us, is that he's ultimate level."

"Talk about poor timing," Isamu said. "We just got our tags and barely close to finding our crests."

"Sounds like good timing to me," Cerberumon said. "I represent the Digi-Agents and I'm here to make sure you aren't around to even move from that spot." He opened his mouth. "Maddog Fire!" He released a wave of fire on the Digi-Destined that was too wide to dodge. Everyone braced themselves.

"Talisman Spell!" a voice called out. The group found themselves inside a clear dome, with the fire passing harmlessly over it. Daichi looked down and saw the yin and yang symbol. Everyone turned to find Taomon holding her now visible hands in a position that suggested she created the shield. "You will not harm them," she stated firmly.

"Stay out of this," Cerberumon threatened. "Styx Killer!" He charged for Taomon and struck her with his claws. Taomon fell.

"Taomon!" everyone, including the Viximon, yelled. "Guys," Isamu said, "what say we show him what we can do?"

"I'm all for that," Dracomon said.

"I'm ready," Wormmon agreed.

Digi-armor, energize! Wormmon Armor Digivolve to… Shadramon, the Inferno of Courage!

Digi-Modify! Digivolution, activate! Dracomon Digivolve to… Coredramon Blue!

"Ah," Cerberumon exclaimed, "the classic use of teamwork. This is where Hyogamon failed; he only used one Digimon at a time. Not so with me."

"Yeah?" Coredramon said. "Well, unless your partner is invisible, you don't look like much of a team to me." Cerberumon said nothing; instead he howled. Behind him, another hole appeared.

"What's that supposed to be?" Isamu asked.

Daichi, who still held his D-Power, answered, "Looks like his Portal of Darkness technique."

"And through that portal," Cerberumon continued, "is the first of many 'friends.'" Suddenly, a giant, bright red Digimon that looked like a stag beetle flew out of the portal. It landed on its far-back legs and, despite being a beetle, roared.

"Oh man," Isamu said, "I really hate this guy."

"You and me both, Isamu," Daichi agreed. "Kuwagamon is an insectoid, virus type Digimon at the champion level. With attacks like Scissors Claw and Power Guillotine, he'll attack until there's nothing left to destroy."

"What's the plan?" Isamu asked.

"You and Shadramon take Kuwagamon," Daichi said. "Right now, without our crests, I'm the only one who can even access moves at the ultimate level." He held up his D-Power and a card.

"I can't just leave you alone to deal with that mythological wannabe," Isamu protested.

"We may have to," Shadramon said. Kuwagamon had flown over to the unconscious Taomon. "Flare Buster!" Shadramon shot out a barrage of fireballs, distracting Kuwagamon for a little while. Most of the Viximon used this as an opportunity to carry Taomon out of the way.

"Okay, dude," Isamu said to Daichi, "your funeral." He ran off to join Shadramon.

"Divide and conquer," Cerberumon mused. "A well-thought out idea, but in this case, eventually fatal."

"We'll see," Daichi said as he pulled out a card. "Digi-Modify! Garudamon Wing Blade, activate!" Coredramon spread his wings and became surrounded in fire. "Wing Blade!" The fire shot straight up, took the form of its user, and flew down on Cerberumon. The attack hit, but Cerberumon barked and the fire dispersed. "Looks like heavy armaments are in order," Daichi said, pulling out another card. "Digi-Modify! Paildramon Desperado Blaster, activate!"

Coredramon's legs glowed and two long range weapons appeared on them. "Time to reach for the sky, pardner. Desperado Blaster!" The cannons fired several energy shots on Cerberumon.

"Maddog Fire!" Cerberumon released his fire attack, consuming the shots. Coredramon just barely avoided it.

Meanwhile, Kuwagamon was chasing after the Viximon carrying Taomon. "Hey, over here, you monster movie reject!" it heard. It turned to find Shadramon pointing his arms at it. "Pick on someone your own size. Flare Buster!" Two fireballs shot out and managed to discomfort it. The beetle roared in pain and annoyance. "Power Guillotine!" it shouted in a haunting voice. "Please note," Shadramon said as Kuwagamon lowered its mandibles, "I am not your size!" He immediately flew away.

Isamu tried to think of an easier way to beat it. He thought back to the very first episode of Digimon Adventure. "I got it!" he nearly shouted. "We need a lot of attacks at once. Try using your Psychic Wave to launch a lot of fireballs at the same time."

"Got it," Shadramon confirmed. "Flare Buster!" He pointed his arms up and shot out a large number of fireballs, almost up to ten. "Psychic Wave!" The balls stopped and lined up. Shadramon threw his arms down and the balls moved with them. They all crashed onto Kuwagamon simultaneously, who collapsed from the intensity.

"As Izzy once said," Isamu exclaimed, "we made vaporware out of him." But the celebration was short-lived, as the beetle got back up, ready for vengeance. "Well, now that I think about it," Isamu admitted, "it didn't really work in the show either."

"Now you tell me," Shadramon said as Kuwagamon charged in his direction. "Flare Buster, Psychic Wave!" The flames began to pour out in a stream and surrounded Kuwagamon just a few inches off from actually touching it. "I can't go much tighter than this, not without exhausting myself too soon."

Isamu turned to Daichi and Coredramon, who were still battling Cerberumon with few good results. "Hey, guys," he yelled. "If you're not too busy, we could use some help here." Daichi looked at Isamu's battle. He realized if Kuwagamon didn't even so much as touch the flames, the battle would be over for them quickly.

"Coredramon, change of plans," he said.

"I read ya'." Coredramon quickly flew to meet Shadramon. He saw that Shadramon had left an opening in the top of his self-made spiral. "Time for you to feel the heat," he said as he dived in. He faced Kuwagamon and said, "Boy, being with the Digi-Agents has not done wonders for your looks. Don't worry, though; I'm a great plastic surgeon, and I know a special method for those who don't have faces. It's called the Strike Bomber!" He flipped over and smacked his tail on the beetle's head carapace. Kuwagamon was forced back so that his body began to cross the flames. Coredramon flew out so that Shadramon could surround the remaining flames around Kuwagamon. The beetle roared one last time before dissolving.

"You may have beaten Kuwagamon," Cerberumon's voice said behind the group. Everyone turned. "But you are all weak, so it will be easy for me to finish you off."

"You will not," a familiar voice said. Everyone turned to find Taomon, standing back up and with the Viximon surrounding her.

"But how did you heal so quickly?" Cerberumon asked.

"I, too, have friends to help me," Taomon said, indicating to the Viximon. "Now it is time for you to go and never return." Suddenly, a large brush appeared out of Taomon's sleeve. She held it up toward Cerberumon. She quickly moved the brush across the air between them and it turned into a visible form, a symbol in some oriental writing. "Talisman of Light!" The symbol flew to Cerberumon at lightning speed and struck him before he had a chance to react. He sprawled on the ground and struggled to get up.

"Very well," he said. "I will leave your village alone. But only because those two," he indicated to Daichi and Isamu, "will no longer be here." He howled and another portal appeared. He ran into it and it closed behind him.

Daichi walked up to Taomon. "Thanks for the help Taomon."

"It was my pleasure," Taomon responded. "Besides, without the Digi-Destined, our world is sure to fall."

"Wouldn't want that, would we?" Dracomon said.

Wormmon nodded. "Yes, I do like surviving."

"Then let's get going," Isamu said. "If we're going to find our crests, we'll have to start soon. Who knows when Cerberumon will be back?" He turned to Taomon. "Thanks for everything you've done for us." He bowed, as did Daichi.

"No thanks are necessary," Taomon said, holding up a hand. "I was merely doing my duty."

As the humans and Digimon walked out of the Lake Serenity Village, they heard Taomon say, "Talisman Spell." They turned to find a barrier surrounding the village.

"Looks like she doesn't exactly trust Cerberumon to keep his word," Dracomon said.

"Would you?" Wormmon retorted.


I sure wouldn't. What will Cerberumon be planning now? Will the boys find their crests before he returns? Keep reading Digimon: Digital Monsters to find out!

Well, you know what they say: As one door (Digi-Agent) closes (bites it), another one opens (shows up to spoil the mood), right? Hope you enjoyed; this was one of my longer chapters, surprisingly enough. Sometimes I can't believe how much I can write. Like that disclaimer, for instance? A lot longer than I thought it'd be. Heck even this paragraph is turning out longer than I'd thought.

This is CF, signing out.