"What is this?!" MetalPhantomon exclaimed. Arresterdramon had indeed obeyed Tagiru's order to attack, but the dragon Digimon didn't attack Taiki and Yuu, but instead, had thrust the blade on his tail deep into MetalPhantomon's chest.
"You guys were stupid to think I would ever betray my friends!" Tagiru yelled. "I don't care if they do hate me, because I love them and I'll do whatever I can to protect them!"
"You little..." MetalPhantomon spoke angrily and in pain. "You will pay for this you brat!" He then collapsed on the floor and lost consciousness. Tagiru turned and faced his friends, still in shock over what had just transpired.
"Tagiru!" Taiki said as he and Yuu ran over to the other boy. "We're so glad you're safe!" Tagiru frowned. He couldn't look Taiki in the eye. Deep down, he still believed Barbamon's cruel words. "Tagiru?" Taiki asked, concerned.
"You can drop the act Taiki." Tagiru said with a sigh.
"What act?" Taiki questioned. He could sense something seriously wrong in the younger boy's voice.
"I now you guys all hate me. That I'm annoying, and stupid, and that I always get in the way." said Tagiru.
"Where would you ever get an idea like that Tagiru? We don't hate you! None of us do!" Taiki reassured.
"Barbamon said you guys hated me." Tagiru explained.
"And you would believe Barbamon?" Taiki asked.
"He was right though!" Tagiru yelled as he choked back a sob. "I'm worthless and stupid and I'm just a waste of air!" Suddenly he was knocked down onto the floor. Yuu had just punched the other boy on the cheek, sending him to the ground and leaving a big red mark on the left side of his face.
"Don't you ever talk about yourself like that again Tagiru!" Yuu shouted, the anger building inside of him. "We were all worried sick about you. Do you realize that? Don't you ever say that you don't matter to us again because it's not true! We love you Tagiru, and if there is anyone out there who does hate you then they can't be all that intelligent!" Yuu lowered his voice and offered his hand to Tagiru. "You're a wonderful person Tagiru, don't you ever forget that."
Yuu pulled Tagiru to his feet and the blond wrapped his arms around him, pulling him in close. "Tagiru, you may be an idiot, but you're my idiot." Tears fell from Tagiru's eyes and a smile formed on his face. His friends really did love him after all.
Suddenly, MetalPhantomon began to stir. The boys broke their embrace and stood together, their partners readying themselves for battle. "You shall pay for your treachery, boy!"
"I have a plan you guys!" Taiki said calmly. "Yuu, reload SuperStarmon!"
Yuu did as he was instructed and reloaded his Digimon. SuperStarmon manifested in front of the boys, and joined ShinobiShoutmon and Arresterdramon.
"Alright!" Taiki smiled as he held out his Xros Loader. "Starmon! Pickmons! DigiXros!" Starmon and the Pickmons emerged from Taiki's Xros Loader and merged together to form ShootingStarmon. Taiki then removed Tagiru's goggles from his pocked and tossed them at the younger boy. "Tagiru! catch!"
Tagiru caught the goggles and hesitated, wondering if he really deserved them. He looked at Taiki who just gave a smile.
"A hero needs goggles, remember?" Taiki grinned. Tagiru smiled and put Taiki's old goggles on over his head.
"Tagiru! Yuu! It's time to DigiXros!" Taiki called out. The two other boys nodded and held their Xros Loaders up high and each one of them called the name of their Digimon.
"ARRESTERDRAMON!"
"SHOOTINGSTARMON!"
"SUPERSTARMON!"
"DIGIXROS!" the three boys shouted in unison.
The three Digimon leapt into the air and began to glow.
SuperStarmon's limbs vanished and his body attached itself to Arresterdramon's torso, whose arms and legs then gained similar decorations that had been on SuperStamon's. Next ShootingStarmon's spikes launched from his body and attached themselves to Arresterdramon's limbs and back with the two largest spikes attaching themselves to the backs of his hands. Finally, ShootingStarmon's body formed a mask over Arresterdramon's face, the sunglasses acting as a pair of goggles.
"DigiXros! Arresterdramon: Super Star Mode!"
ShinobiShoutmon and Arresterdramon leapt into battle. MetalPhantomon unleashed his attack on the two but ShinobiShoutmon dodged it with ease. Arresterdramon however took the full force of the attack but escaped unharmed as he was protected by his new armor.
"Super Spin Calibur!" Arresterdramon cried. The dragon whipped around and sliced a gigantic gash into MetalPhantomon's armor. Then ShinobiShoutmon plunged one of his swords into the back of MetalPhantomon's head and pulled down, splitting the Digimon in half, killing him.
The three boys smiled and embraced celebrating their victory, but it was soon interrupted by a loud booming sound outside.
"The others need our help." Taiki said as he looked at the other two. the boys climbed aboard their partners and fled the castle.
OOO
Sakuyamon had cast a sealing spell on Megidramon, but the red dragon was much too powerful and broke through the spell with ease. Megidramon then let loose his Meggido Flame straight for Sakuyamon, but luckily Justimon managed to push her out of the way before the flames reached her. MegaGargomon then rushed in and grabbed a hold of Megidramon from behind, restraining the dragon.
"Takato you have to snap out of it!" Henry yelled from inside MegaGargomon. "We're you're friends, don't you remember?"
Takato simply stared at MegaGargomon.
"Don't listen to him Takato." said a voice within Takato's mind. The voice belonged to that of Barbamon, his spirit now residing within Takato's mind.
"They all must die Takato, you know this." Barbamon said "Kill them all!" An evil grin formed on Takato's face and the goggle boy gave his order.
"Megidramon! Kill!"
Megidramon spread his wings, knocking MegaGargomon off of him and sending the giant cyborg Digimon falling to the ground. He then unleashed a second burst of fire in the direction of WarGreymon, Zephyrmon, and MegaKabuterimon, but MagnaAngemon quickly shielded the others from the attack by opening up his Gate of Destiny, using it to absorb the energy from the flames. DaiPenmon then charged towards Megidramon, popsicles in hand and attempted to strike, but the infernal dragon`s flames were so powerful that it caused his weapons to vaporize. Angewomon used her Heaven's Charm to temporarily immobilize the dragon and Sakuyamon and Justimon took advantage of this and managed to swipe Takato up off Megidramon's shoulder and on to the ground.
Megidramon quickly recovered and used his tail to whip Sakuyamon and Justimon, causing them both to seperate back into their respective human and Digimon forms. MegaGargomon had also separated back into Henry and Terriermon and the two ran and joined Rika, Renamon, Ryo and Cyberdramon. Takato got to his feet. the boy was filled with rage and had the look of evil in his eyes.
"Yes Takato! give into the hate! kill them! kill them all!" Barbamon whispered. Takato then lunged towards Ryo but was quickly restrained by Cyberdramon.
"LET ME GO!" Takato demanded, but Cyberdramon wasn't about to obey him. the dragon held on to the boy as tightly as he could without harming him.
Meanwhile The other Digimon were doing their very best to keep Megidramon at bay. The red dragon let out another blast of his Meggido Flame to which WarGreymon countered with his Terra Force. The two attacks collided midway and neutralized each other. JetMervamon then flew in and used her Spicy Hard Love on the dragon, but it did no good. Megidramon raised his claw and swatted her down into the ground, causing the DigiXros to open.
Megidramon then charged up a second attack, but was hit by a barrage of missiles. Everyone whipped their heads to find MetalGarurumon flying into action, carrying Matt on his back.
"Hey Tai! You miss me?" Matt said cockily.
"Like I miss Myotismon!" Tai joked back.
With Matt came more friends. ShineGreymon also had arrived with Marcus on his shoulder, as well as Yoshino and Rosemon and following them came Garudamon with Sora, Joe, Gomamon, Cody and Armadillomon. Finally, MagnaGarurumon flew in behind them carrying with him Kouichi and J.P.
Taiki, Yuu and Tagiru along with ShinobiShoutmon and Arresterdramon; Super Star Mode then exited the castle and beheld the battle taking place.
"You guys, this is bad!" Tagiru said. "Dokuro wants to use Megidramon to try and kill us! I found out that Barbamon's actually manipulating Takato."
"Are you sure Tagiru?" Taiki asked.
"Positive!" Tagiru confirmed.
With that the boys ran across the battlefield towards their friends. "Is everyone ok?!" Taiki asked as he arrived.
"Takuya's pretty hurt." Akari said. Nene was helping to bandage up Takuya.
"I'm alright." Takuya said, gritting his teeth. "I just need to rest is all."
ShineGreymon punched Megidramon across the face and after dropping off her passengers, Garudamon let loose her Wing Blade on Megidramon, but both attacks were no match for the dragon's incredible power. Meanwhile, back on the ground, Rika, Ryo, and Henry were still trying to get through to Takato.
"Snap out of it Takato!" Ryo demanded. "This isn't like you! we're all your friends, you know that!"
"You're a good person Takato!" Henry added. "Remember, you were the one who decided to go after Calumon when he was kidnapped!"
"Henry's right!" Rika said. "You even risked your life to save me when Parasimon attacked me!"
"What about Jeri, Takato?" Henry said. "You wouldn't rest until she was saved from the D-Reaper!"
Takato looked down at his feet, the rage inside building even higher. "And how did she repay me for that?" Takato said coldly. "She rejected me. Some thanks." Suddenly, a dark aura formed around Takato's body, causing Cyberdramon to lose his grip.
"Ryo! I can't hold on!" As soon as Cyberdramon finished his sentence he was flung back on to the ground, leaving Takato standing before the three others.
OOO
Dokuro made his way to the highest tower of the castle. He looked down and watched the battle outside, grinning.
"How perfect." he said to himself. "At this rate they'll destroy each other. Even with young Tagiru's betrayal. But just to be safe..." Dokuro took out a Darkness Loader from his pocket and reloaded squadrons made up of Reapermon, SkullSatamon, Ghoulmon, Bakemon, and Phantomon.
OOO
"You guys! look out!" Sora cried as the evil Digimon made their way onto the battle field. ShinobiShoutmon and Arresterdramon quickly went to work, battling the evil Digimon. Three Reapermons managed to get the upper hand over DaiPenmon and without his popsicles the big penguin didn't stand much of a chance. He retreated and reverted back to human form.
MagnaGarurumon took out several SkullSatamons with a single blast of his huge cannon and Rosemon managed to take down some Phantomons and Bakemons making their way towards Takyua and Tommy.
After a few minutes, everyone was exhausted. Megidramon was still unshaken by any attacks, and the Reapermons and SkullSatamons were standing strong.
Takuya sat up, and held out his Digivice. "I gotta get back in there!" he said, struggling to his feet.
"Takuya, you're too hurt!" Tommy pointed out to the older boy.
"Tommy, I have to go!" Takuya ran of and spirit evolved into Aldamon and flew off into the sky to face Megidramon.
The red dragon was simply too strong. The other Digimon could hardly fight anymore and all had now reverted back to their default states other than WarGreymon, MagnaAngemon, MetalGarurumon, Aldamon, ShineGreymon, ShinobiShoutmon, and Arresterdramon: Super Star Mode.
"Megidramon, now! Kill them all!" Takato screamed with rage, the darkness around his body growing even stronger.
"Giga Crusher!"
"Hyper Launcher!"
Suddenly, two huge explosions of light collided with Megidramon with enough force to send him onto his back. Imperialdramon, with Davis, Ken, Mimi, and Palmon, had just flown in along with ZeekGreymon, carrying Kiriha, Ren, Airu, and Hideaki. Joining them was Yolei atop of Aquilamon, followed by Keenan with Ravemon and Thomas with MirageGaogamon.
The Digimon set their passengers down and joined in on the fight. ZeekGreymon used his Zeek Flame to annihilate the army of Phantomons, Bakemons, and Ghoulmons instantly while also causing serious damage to the SkullSatamons and Reapermons. Ravemon then unleashed his celestial blade at the remaining Reapermons, finishing them off, while MirageGaogamon used his Full Moon Blaster to destroy the remaining SkullSatamons.
Rika watched aS the rage grew within Takato, the darkness growing stronger every moment. The girl couldn't take much more. Rika ran up to Takato and punched him in the face, sending him flying back onto the ground.
OOO
Takato awoke to find himself in the hallway of his old elementary school. The boy wasn't quite sure what was going on. He didn't know if he was dreaming or if he was somehow transported back home. Takato then turned and looked inside his old classroom only to find something quite shocking. He saw himself as he was 10 years ago. The young Takato was sitting alone at his desk, staring as his notepad.
"Now what should I call him?" The young Takato said to himself. "Red-Dino-Firemon! nah that's stupid. Blazing-Dragon-Lizzardmon! yeah get real."
Takato remembered this day well. it was the day he drew his first drawing of Guilmon, the day he saw the Blue Card for the first time, and the day he received his Digivice.
"Hey! how 'bout, Guilmon!" said the young Takato. "Cool! Now that's a name!"
"Ruff! Ruff!"
A yellow hand puppet appeared suddenly in front of the young Takato's face, startling him. The boy shot up from his seat, fearing that his teacher had caught him daydreaming.
"I'm- I'm Almost done ma'm! I'm just taking a time out!"
The puppet belonged to a young Jeri who giggled at Takato's response.
"You're kinda funny!" Jeri said as she walked over to her desk.
"Um, you see, I'm having a really off day." explained the young Takato.
Jeri dug through her desk and pulled out a long brown colored object.
"There it is! Bad flute!" Jeri then lifted her hand puppet up and spoke through it. "Bad!"
"Oooo...kay." The young Takato said in confusion.
Jeri exited the room, and once out of site, stuck her hand puppet through the entrance and talked through it. "Arf! Arf! You better hurry up and write that apology!" the girl then ran off giggling, and the young Takato's look of confusion soon turned into a small smile.
The elder Takato felt pain grow inside his heart. This was also the day he began to fall for Jeri.
"Ah, fond memories!" said another voice. The room turned black and out of the darkness stepped Barbamon. Takato suddenly remembered what was going on. His thoughts had been clouded ever sense he last faced Barbamon, but now he could think clearly.
"You!" Takato said with anger. "You've been controlling me, havn't you? You've been making me do these horrible things to my friends, haven't you?"
Barbamon snickered. "It was not I Takato. I merely provoked you. I let loose the anger you held inside yourself. Everything you did was of your own free will." Takato lowered his head. He had realized that Barbamon's words were indeed true.
"Come Takato, you can get your revenge on the world! The power is within you to cast away all your enemies! Let the hate consume you Takato. The hate gives you power!"
Takato clenched his fist tight. the boy was indeed filled with anger. He didn't feel appreciated, especially by Jeri, the girl he loved.
"Barbamon." Takato said coldly. "You may be right. I do have a lot to be angry about. And power can come from hate."
Barbamon smiled, "good!"
Takato then looked up and smiled. "But even more power can come from love!"
Barbamon grew nervous. "No! You're wrong boy!"
"You said I have the power to cast away my enemies. Well I'm casting you away, right now!" Takato cried.
Then suddenly, Takato awoke to find himself on the ground, the darkness around him, leaving his body.
"Takato!" Rika yelled and she, Henry, and Ryo ran to the boy's side. Meanwhile, Megidramon's armour began to dissolve.
"Everyone! hold your fire!" Taiki commanded. Megidramon quickly shrank back into Guilmon, who laid on the ground weak. The darkness then took the shape of Barbamon who towered over Takato and his friends.
"Barbamon! it's about time we got rid of you for good!" Takato cried. The boy and his partner were then consumed in light, then Guilmon shot directly at Takato at lightning speed, and in an instant, Gallantmon Crimson Mode appeared.
The angelic crimson knight flew into the sky and shot straight at the darkness. "Crimson Light!" he cried as he made contact. The light then washed away the darkness for good.
Gallantmon Crimson Mode then split back into two and Takato and Guilmon fell back to the ground with Renamon and Cyberdramon catching them both.
"Takato!" Rika cried as she and the others ran to his side.
Takato glanced at his friends and frowned. "I'm sorry guys. For everything."
Takato got to his feet and walked over to Guilmon. The little red dragon was unconsious, completely drained of energy. Takato kneeled down and placed his hand on Guilmon's back, the other hand under his neck.
"Guilmon, i'm so sorry boy." Takato said softly.
Takato's head fell as tears began to flood from his eyes and onto his partner, then soon felt someone else with him. He looked up and found Cutemon next to him, holding Guilmon's paw.
"It'll be ok." Cutemon said "I can heal him. He'll be good as new pretty soon. now cheer up!' Boys don't cry you know."
Takato smiled ad cutemon and wiped a tear away from his red eyes.
"Well this boy does. Thank you."
Suddenly, a loud, terrifying scream broke the silence. Everyone quickly turned towards the direction of the scream and gasped at the horrifying sight of one of their own being impaled by a large red lance.