[Sorry it's taken me so long to get out this next chapter. It may not be the most action-packed, but it will certainly answer some questions…or else it'll just make things even more confusing. I don't know. It's a weird one, so I recommend you pay close attention.]
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It took Angemon no more than two minutes to ascend the great height of the tower flying at top speed. It was easy, but then again he did it without thinking. The difficult task was what lay before him, just on the other side of those large double-doors on the top level, closely guarded by four HolyKnightmon.
Angemon hesitated for a moment. He took in his surroundings. Everything was just like it was throughout the main column of the tower, with the exception that there was a domed ceiling overhead. The HolyKnightmon waited in silence, standing erect and motionless.
"E-excuse me," Angemon finally said.
The HolyKnightmon looked him up and down, and without a word they all tapped the butts of their spears on the ground in unison. Slowly, the heavy doors hiding Lucemon's sanctuary parted and slid back. The HolyKnightmon quickly averted their eyes, but Angemon continued to look straight ahead into the glowing interior. With a building sense of wonder, Angemon stepped forward into a place reserved for only the highest of all angel digimon.
Angemon's breath caught in his throat for a moment. His eyes adjusted to the intense light after a few seconds and he began to see marvelous sights all around him. He had entered into a cavernous, domed chamber. Enormous, ovoid windows that stretched from floor to ceiling and circled the room looked out onto the sapphire sky. The air was even fresher than it had been in the main tower, if possible. Thin, marble columns separated the huge windows from one another, and up each support grew a different kind of green vine. Some had flowers, some had fruit, and some simply had leaves. And yet all of them were very healthy without having rooted themselves in any soil and having nothing but stone and sunlight to feed from.
Angemon took in a deep breath and walked forward a little more. Now no longer in the small vestibule at the entrance, Angemon could take in the full scope of the room. Before him the room dropped down in a manner befitting an amphitheater. But at the room's center was not a stage, but a stone ring enclosing a patch of unremarkable soil from which grew a sensational tree, whose trunk was nearly ten feet thick and stood as high as the ceiling. Its limbs hung overhead, and their leaves created a cooling shade. On the great tree there grew a multitude of other plants of all types. The harmony of it was breathtaking; that so many different plants could all live and thrive as one was truly incredible. Angemon even recognized a cluster of blue roses that Angewomon had brought, but they had grown remarkably in two days, not only taking root but already climbing their way up the tree.
"Unbelievable…" Angemon gasped.
After taking a few moments to collect himself, Angemon again began to walk forward. He moved slowly, fearful to disturb the sanctity of this place. But he knew he had to speak with Lucemon, and he knew he had only minutes to convince him to listen. That would of course be much easier if he could find him.
"L-l-lord Lucemon?" Angemon stammered. "I've come to see you…"
Angemon received no answer, and though he had spoken quietly there was a powerful echo in the sanctum. Feeling braver, he walked forward at a much brisker pace. Before he knew it he was at the base of the great tree.
"Well, big fella'?" he asked of the tree. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find Lucemon, would ya?"
The tree sat, thought, and responded with silence.
"I thought as much." Angemon reached out and set his left hand on the tree's trunk. The second he touched the bark, though, a powerful feeling overcame him and he pulled away. He looked at the tree, and then down at his hand. He was then compelled to look up, and he did so just as a perfect, white feather came floating down to meet him.
"A feather?" he asked, snatching it from the air.
And then he knew. He spread his wings and calmly rose into the air. He went up to the first branch, and there he found just what he had hoped to. The digimon had his back turned to him, but there were ten white wings on his back. Aside from the digimon's very human legs which hung over the other side of the branch, the only other part Angemon could see was the hair of spun gold atop the digimon's head and the two white wings that sprung from it.
"Twelve wings…" he muttered to himself. "The perfect angel…"
"Thy perceptions serve thee well, my child," the digimon said in an infinitely wise voice without twitching a muscle.
"Are you…Lucemon?"
"I am. And thou art the one Kuzamon spoke of."
"Yes, my lord."
"Thy speech is filled with platitudes, but thy words lack meaning. Come! Speak thy heart."
"I, uh, yes…sir…I…"
"Surely thy anxiety hath done thee in. Perhaps thou wouldst find thy tongue shouldst I turn and face thee."
"Uh…yes. Perhaps."
Lucemon silently slipped off the bough and descended gracefully to the stone floor. Angemon followed a moment later. Angemon stood at attention for a few seconds, afraid to speak. Lucemon took that as a sign to turn around and show himself to Angemon.
Angemon couldn't believe his eyes. Lucemon was…a child. He couldn't have possibly been more than half as tall as Angemon. His body was that of a human boy, clad only in a simple white tunic. He also wore heavy gold rings on each of his wrists and ankles, and there were strange, purple, painted designs on his left chest and cheek. His face was round and his large, sky-blue eyes looked up at him from beneath his semi-curly, blonde hair. But he also had some very in-human qualities, starting of course with his giant, white wings. Then there was his expression, which had seemed unemotional at first, now looked to hide a great seriousness. His eyes seemed to overflow with timeless wisdom, and his mouth was fixed in a position that Angemon had trouble determining if it was a smile or a frown.
"A…a child?"
Lucemon smiled, and there was no doubt about that. "Angemon, hast thou ever heard that the greatest of deceit's weapons is sight?"
"Uh…no, sir, I haven't."
Another smile. "Angemon, I sense many questions within thee, but I perceive little time for them."
Angemon could do no more than bring himself to nod, still shocked at being in Lucemon's presence and at finding out that he bore the look of a child.
"But until thou hast asked thy first question of me, I fear thou willst be unable to speak of that which hast brought you here…at least with any deal of focus."
"My…first…question?"
"An irrelevant question, no doubt. Hardly deserving of an answer. It shall come to thee…now."
And at that precise moment, a question popped into Angemon's head. "Sir, if I may…with all these windows, how come people never see you? Couldn't they simply look in if they wanted to?"
Lucemon's smile grew. "Again, it is sight that is at fault. What thou dost perceive as a vast open space, those outside see as solid stone. But who is correct?"
Angemon thought it over for a few seconds. Finally, he admitted, "I don't know."
"Then thou art prepared to speak to me of the issue thou hast brought before me."
Taking his cue from Lucemon, Angemon began to speak of his mission. He spoke of the Guardians and Omnimon, of the Triadic Verse and the Destroyer, of the Canimon he had left back at the village and of his own past dealings with MaloMyotismon and NightmareOmnimon. Lucemon listened along, nodding occasionally and considering each point as it came up. Angemon spoke as long as he could, and when he was finally done he was thanked and graciously dismissed by Lucemon, who said he would consider Angemon's case and call him up again should he decide to hear more. Relieved that the experience was over, Angemon quickly left and returned to the library to find Angewomon and Kuzamon and tell them of his meeting with Lucemon.
Day 22The sun began to rise over the eastern sea, just as it did every day. It had been another long, sleepless night for the Guardian, Elena. She had worked tirelessly for weeks now, moving between the Phoenix, Dragon, Tiger and Turtle Gates. The Great Axis, a seemingly bottomless chasm which passed down through every layer of the Digital World, served as the focal point at the center of the four gates.
Elena rubbed her temples to try to relieve her pounding headache. In spite of all her long hours of work, she had yet to make any real progress. She had yet to find anything relevant to the current situation in any of the ancient hieroglyphs. She even began to wonder if she should just move on and try to go help Malkis. At least then she could feel useful.
But then again that would be going against the orders of both Omnimon and Virgil. She wasn't about to disobey either of them over a little boredom. And thus, with a heavy sigh, she turned back to great wall of blue stone and coral that spread before her, decorated with ornate hieroglyphics from ancient times. It was no different than most of the walls to be found in the Dragon Gate, formerly Azulongmon's abode. Her boredom did not last long, though, for only a few minutes later she discovered that an uninvited guest appeared.
"Hey," said a young, male voice.
Elena looked up from the wall-carvings she had been pouring over in the Dragon Gate. The intruder stuck to the shadows, but his figure was human.
"Hi," she said hesitantly. "Who are you? Why have you come?"
She watched the man shift his weight, allowing a large, heavy bag to slide from his shoulder and onto the ground. "Sorry I haven't been around lately…"
Elena took a closer look. She stepped forward a little bit and peered into the shadows. The stranger took a couple steps forward and a few rays of light fell across his face.
"It's…it's you!"
Both stood there motionless; the only sound was that of the crashing waves. Then they rushed toward each other. When they met they entered a firm, unbelieving embrace. After the hearty hug, Elena grabbed the young man by the cheeks and bent his face down to her. She gave him a playful kiss on the forehead and they gave each other a second, shorter hug.
"What are you doing here?!" Elena asked.
"I'm here to see you, of course!"
"Did you bring anyone else? What about—"
"Sorry," he said sincerely. "I'm all alone."
"In more ways than one, I take it," she said as she started to read through his happy expression. "What happened?"
"I don't want to talk about it now. Come on! It's been years! Let's paint the town red!"
"Oh no you don't. You may be all grown up now but I'm still your mother, Ryo Akiyama! Now what's wrong?"
Ryo, the young man with spiked brown hair, worn out clothing and eyes as clear and blue as Azulongmon's oceans, just stood and smiled unconvincingly.
"Fine. We don't have to talk about it now, but believe me when I say we will," said Elena.
"Hey mom, what's with the getup? Afraid to show your face?"
"Oh! I nearly forgot!" Elena pulled her hood back from off her head and brushed the cinnamon hair from her cerulean eyes. She radiated beauty, and looked about twenty-five by human reckoning, possibly a little younger.
"Wow…" Ryo said nostalgically. "I mean…wow. You haven't aged a day since I was born."
"Honey, I haven't aged a day in nearly a thousand years."
"It's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too."
"What are you doing at the Dragon Gate, by the way?"
"You know the place?"
"Yeah. I spent my fair share of time in this area as a kid. The place certainly held up, even with Azulongmon gone."
"They certainly were the proud architects."
"So what're you here for anyway?"
"Well… You've come at something of a bad time. We're having a small crisis here."
"What, is the D-Reaper back and eating everything again?" Ryo laughed.
"…I wish."
"What?"
"It's nothing to concern yourself with."
"Come on. What is it?"
"You have to tell me what's wrong with you first."
They were both silent for a little while after that. It was clear that neither of them was interested in a serious discussion at the moment.
Finally, Elena spoke. "You've certainly grown up to be a handsome man."
"Thanks."
"I bet you've got all the girls chasing after you."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"But…?"
"What makes you thinks there's a 'but?'"
"I could see it in your eyes."
"But…there's only one girl I'm interested in."
"Is she nice?"
"Nice? Um…she's more challenging than nice."
Elena laughed. "I should've known. You always did like a challenge, Ryo. Even when you were a baby you never wanted to take the easy path."
"Well I know she sure doesn't like to make things easy on me."
"I bet you two are great together."
"I guess."
"…And what about your father?" she asked in a somewhat more serious tone.
"Dad is…dad."
"I take it this is where the problem lies."
Ryo said nothing.
"I know we don't speak much—"
"This will be the second time since I was six."
"Right, and I'm sorry about that. I'm not the best mother. In fact, I've hardly been a mother at all. But I'm here now, and I'd like to help if I can."
"When I left home a couple days ago dad told me not to bother going back. He meant it this time. I know he did."
"That's terrible."
"But maybe it's better this way. I'm finally out of that house. I don't have to deal with him anymore. And maybe I can be happy here. After all, I've always been drawn to this world. No doubt I owe that to your genes."
"Ryo…honey…you can't. You're human too, and that means you've got to go back eventually."
"Says who?"
"Maybe…maybe you should learn a few things about your father."
"What's to learn? He's just a bitter old man. He'd probably be a drunk if it weren't—"
Elena gave Ryo a brisk slap to the face, leaving a red hand-print on his left cheek.
"Don't ever talk about him like that. He was my love once, and he's always going to be your father. But you've given me all the more reason to tell me about your father now. Take a seat."
Ryo grabbed his duffel bag and sat down on it. Elena kneeled in front of him and began to relate the tale.
"It was a very long time ago. Only a few centuries after Protomon was lost to this world, the terrible beast known as Daemon appeared. We Guardians were all captured along with our partners. Azulongmon, with his diminishing power, called out to the Earth for aid. Five humans, children in fact, heard the call and were brought to our world. For the first time, life-forms had actually passed between the worlds."
"What made them so special?"
"Well, they were the first humans physiologically capable of being joined to a digimon and passing from one world to the next. There were only five such humans then, but within a few generations this ability should be carried by every human."
"That's incredible."
"Regardless, the five children arrived and were joined to digimon. These 'DigiDestined' as they came to be called fought many, many battles. They became known and loved throughout the Digital World for their crusade. Legends grew up around them, temples were built celebrating them, but all of their fame could not win the final battle for them. It was very difficult, dragging on for hours, but when Azulongmon managed to break free of Daemon's restraint he himself went into battle. The DigiDestined freed us and together we all defeated Daemon and cast his scattered data into the Dark Ocean."
"Excuse me, but what does all of this have to do with my dad?"
"Patience, Ryo. The five DigiDestined…it seems so long ago now. The leader was a boy of sixteen. He was very warm and caring early on, but I fear the whole experience wore away at him. By the end he was severe in his personality, frightening even.
"Then there was the only girl in the group. She was fifteen I believe, and was one of the kindest humans I've ever met. I believe it was she who held the group together through the most trying times.
"There were the two other boys, both eleven. They were best friends, and I believe they remained so for years afterward. Hiroki and Yukio were their names. They may have been the youngest, but they had the most heart."
"That's only four."
"So it is. The fifth one was a boy of fourteen. Jet-black hair, emotionally isolated, he had a quiet dignity about him. He really started to open up by the end. If only things had turned out differently."
"What do you mean?"
"After Daemon was beaten, the gateway began to destabilize. The DigiDestined had to run to escape back to their own world. The first four were able to make it through the gate, but it closed before the fifth could enter. Another gate materialized and he stepped through, but that gate did not take him home. He was delivered to the Earth to the south rather than in the east. It was a long time ago and we had not developed the capabilities for inter-dimensional movement we have now. And thus, he was trapped."
"He couldn't get home?"
"No. At the time we knew little about inter-dimensional transport. We had no means to return him to his home."
"So what happened to him?"
"He had it pretty rough. Taken to an orphanage by police…sent through foster home after foster home…and all the time he grew more angry and bitter toward the whole Digital World for what it had done to him. I know this because…I was there."
"You were?"
"Yes. Even though sending him home was beyond us, we Guardians possess an almost instinctive ability to move as we please. I tried to help him get through it all, but I was ill-equipped to do anything more than advise him."
"How did it go?"
"I did my best. I tried to be there for him. Before I realized it I had been going back and forth between the worlds for three years. I think it was the intimacy that came from years of being around each other that led us both to believe that we were in love. He was young and ruled by his hormones. I should have known better, but I'd come to feel a great deal of affection toward him."
"You're talking about my dad, aren't you?"
"Indeed. Maybe it was because I wanted so badly to lead a normal life like so many of the humans and digimon I had seen. Maybe it was just that I wanted to know what passion was. Whatever the reason was, he and I ended up together. I knew it was a mistake, but it felt so right."
"I've been running the math in my head. I think I can see where this is going."
"Right. Your sister was the result. I had no idea that we Guardians could reproduce, especially with humans. I suppose Protomon had his reasons when he made us, but in any case I was pregnant. It was then and there that I decided to leave my old life behind and try to live as a human, with your father. You came along three years later, and then your brother six years after that. I was happy, or at least I thought I was. Watching you all grow around me, though, made me more and more self-conscious that I was not aging at all. I was unchanged, despite all I went through over those years. It was clear that there was no escaping what I really was. It fell apart after Shou was born. Gennai reappeared with dire news of the rise of four digimon known as the Dark Masters. He needed me to return with him to prepare the way for a new group of DigiDestined."
"So you just left?"
"No, no. At first I tried to find a balance. I moved back and forth, trying to save the Digital World and trying to raise you three at the same time. But soon I knew I was failing at both, and I had to make a choice. I tried to talk about it with your father but all the anger he felt toward the Digital World came right back. He said he'd be happy to see it destroyed. I thought about it long and hard, but finally I had to go."
Ryo was silent for a while. He could have cried then as he thought back to all those years ago. "But why? Why'd you have to leave us, mom?"
"It was the hardest choice I've ever faced. Leaving meant destroyer a piece of myself, but I would make the same decision again, for protecting this world is part of who I am as its Guardian, just as protecting you is part of who I am as your mother."
"Alright…" Ryo said with a depressed expression. "So then what happened?"
"I was surprised how much it had all changed when I returned. I found that our partner digimon had all left us behind long ago and broken apart to lead their own lives. I never even had the chance to say goodbye to my partner, Kizokumon. Things were very bad for a long time. It was very nearly the end of everything. But finally our work paid off. The world was saved. The new DigiDestined were heroes. Peace reigned once again. I tried to return afterwards but your father turned me away at the door. I guess my leaving only added fuel to the fire."
"And now I'm in the same boat," said Ryo. "I've left him for the world he hates."
"He'll take you back. He's still for dad and he will always love you."
"Thanks."
They sat for a while longer, quietly reflecting on their shared past. The waves continued to crash against the temple. The salty sea air danced about their noses. The blue sky blazed overhead. It was Ryo who broke the silence after many minutes.
"So what happened to the other four?"
"Who?"
"The other four DigiDestined."
"Oh, yes. Of course. You understand most of what I know is second-hand."
"Continue."
"Well, I'm sorry to say that those first five DigiDestined were deeply affected by everything they went through, and for the most part the results were destructive. Your father of course was separated from all his family and friends. His whole life was undone by it, and now he's resentful toward all digimon."
"And the others?"
"Fortunately, none had it as bad as your father. The two boys, Hiroki and Yukio, grew up as good friends. Their love for digimon continued over time, but it all came to an end when Hiroki, a police officer by then, died in the line of duty. He left behind a wife and a young son. Yukio was devastated and a foul digimon known as both the Deceiver and Myotismon used that to his advantage. The creature nested inside Yukio for years until he had gathered enough power to return to the Digital World and use his new, terrifying powers. Yukio's body was too damaged to survive, and he gave the last bit of life he had to restore this world to its normal state."
"How awful. I can't believe so much tragedy could befall such a small group. What of the other two?"
"The girl seems to have done well for herself. She has been through a divorce, though; certainly nothing terribly unusual. It does seem like she's completely forgotten about how things were back then, or maybe she just doesn't want to remember. She's had virtually no contact with any of the other four since they returned home. I doubt she'd even recognize them."
"And the leader?"
"He was an unusually bright child. He seemed like he could do no wrong. Always confident, on top of things, brave. But the months of fighting against Daemon's forces took their toll on him. He'd changed by the end. He was as talented and courageous as ever, but he was sad, withdrawn, and somewhat sinister. He performed very well in school and eventually proved to be a genius engineer. He could hardly keep up with all the patents and promotions. He eventually started his own technology business, made millions, and practically defined the unbridled success."
"Sounds like he had all the good luck."
"On the outside, perhaps. But the other Guardians tell me that success has not brought him happiness. His is still a tormented soul. I only wish I knew of a way to release him of his misery."
"What about my dad? He's got it a lot worse than this guy."
"What would you have us do? Send him home? There's no longer a home for him in the east. We have no way to find any of his relatives. He'd have nothing there. Maybe if we'd been quicker to find a way to return him…"
"Forget it. I don't blame you…even if dad does."
"I take it he doesn't think fondly of me."
"You could say that."
"Such is the burden I must endure."
"It's my burden too, now."
"What?"
"Look, I've been given the power to move between the worlds, just like all of you. Shouldn't I use that power for its intended purpose?"
"Ryo, that's very thoughtful, but you're just not a Guardian. We can do much more than move between two worlds. Besides, it's a difficult, thankless life."
"I've got to help."
"Then help yourself. Don't take the easy way out this time. You've always liked a challenge, so why stop now? Go home and fight for yourself. Maybe, if you try hard enough, you'll be able to live your life in both worlds."
Ryo was silent for a while. Elena could see that he was mulling it over. She waited patiently until he finally spoke up. "Okay."
She smiled and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad to hear it."
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Would it be alright if I, you know, stayed for a little while longer? Just a few days, maybe? I could help you with what you're doing here. And by the looks of it you could use the company."
Her smile widened. "I'd be happy to have you, Ryo."
They both stood again. The salty ocean waves lapped against the building outside. The sun was high overhead. The sky and sea were perfectly blue. It was great weather for a meeting as unusual as this one.
As eager as he was to continue his journey (and escape Babamon's cooking), it was of little surprise that Jenomon was back on his feet again in only two days. His leg still hurt a little, but he could walk on it, and since the danger of the wound splitting open again had passed, he decided to be on his way. Babamon gave the outward appearance of being glad to be rid of him, but Jenomon suspected she would miss him once he was gone.
Now over an hour out of the wooded valley, Jenomon slowly plodded his way through a region of rolling hills and short grasses. Jenomon found this all exceptionally boring, what with having no one to talk to and nothing to do except for more walking. He glanced at the sun every now and then as its trek across the sky mirrored his own trek across the land.
Pretty soon it was late in the afternoon and the sun was starting its final descent toward the horizon. Jenomon continued to walk along with his eyes to the ground, his neck limp and his shoulders rolled forward. Even just by looking at him it was clear that he couldn't have been any more dead to the world if he were sleepwalking. That is, to say, until he very nearly ran right into another traveler.
"Yo! Watch it!"
Jenomon came to a sudden stop and snapped back to reality. His eyes quickly came to rest on the behemoth dinosaur digimon standing before him. With its red eyes, thick, green skin and enormous horns, the beast was more than a little intimidating.
"Keep yer eyes open, pipsqueak! You nearly smacked right int'a me!"
"Well you should've gotten out of the way you big…big…what are you anyway?"
"You stupid or somethin'? Da name's Tuskmon, and don't ferget it."
"There's not much risk of that."
"Yo, meatball! You look familiar."
"Meatball? I'm Jenomon."
"I knew it! What a break, yeah?"
"A break?"
"Totally! My lucky day, I guess. Sorry half-pint, but da boss says you gots ta die."
"You're gonna kill me?!"
"Dat's da plan!" Tuskmon lunged at Jenomon with his entire body. Jenomon hurled himself out of the way as Tuskmon plowed his horns into the dirt with the full force of his girth. "Yo! Stand still and maybe I'll end it quick, yeah?"
"Maybe we can talk about this!" shouted Jenomon.
"Orders is orders!"
Tuskmon pulled himself from the dirt, moving a small mountain of topsoil in the process. He shook himself clean and then charged again. Jenomon leaped over his head this time and ran down his back. Tuskmon made a clumsy attack with his bulky tail but missed by a mile. Jenomon landed again and started to sprint away. Tuskmon then turned and let out a ferocious roar. He charged after Jenomon with all his strength, and although he was slow to accelerate his great momentum quickly took over and he gained quickly on Jenomon. Jenomon knew he was in big trouble. His mind raced, desperate to find an escape from this lummox. Jenomon knew he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he also knew he could outsmart this Tuskmon in his sleep.
Jenomon tried moving in a rapid zigzag pattern in the hope that Tuskmon would attempt to mimic him and thus lose his footing. There was no such luck, as Tuskmon continued to barrel straight ahead. Jenomon thought harder. There was nowhere to hide in sight, Tuskmon was clearly not up for a conversation, and there was no way of outpacing the beast in a straight run. But perhaps if Jenomon made a sharp, sudden turn…
Before Jenomon could finish formulating his plan another surprise dropped from the sky…literally. In a blue blur, a digimon flew in from overhead and booted Tuskmon right in the snout. The monster was stopped in his tracks and laid out flat on his back with a bloody nose and one beast of a headache.
"Are you alright?" asked the blue and white, humanoid dragon digimon.
"I'm fine…just fine." Jenomon replied. "But who are you? Why did you save me?"
"I am Exveemon, protector of the innocent and defender of justice!" the digimon said in a clearly rehearsed manner. "I take care of all the downtrodden in this region and have sworn to put down all evil once and for—"
"Oh give it a rest," said a second, heroic voice.
Both Exveemon and Jenomon looked up to see a humanoid insect digimon clad in a green carapace hovering above.
"Come on, Stingmon! You know saying that is my favorite part."
"I know, I know. It's just that I've already heard it three times today. Honestly, isn't that enough?"
"Yo! Who's da bum what broke my nose?!" Tuskmon demanded as he made his way up to his feet.
"Guys?" asked Jenomon.
"Don't worry. He won't hurt you," said Stingmon.
"Not as long as we're around." Exveemon cracked his knuckles.
"Youse guys got lucky dis time!" Tuskmon turned tail and ran.
"See?" asked Stingmon. "That was pretty sim—"
Stingmon was cut off by the much unexpected sight of Tuskmon suddenly collapsing as he ran without making a sound. His data immediately broke apart and was scattered into the wind.
"What just happened?" Exveemon asked.
"I have no idea," Stingmon said in a shocked tone.
"Don't bother yourselves wondering," said a voice that was dripping with cruelty. "It will all be over soon enough."
"Where is that coming from?" asked Jenomon.
"I don't know," said Exveemon.
"Stay in close," Stingmon ordered. "I sense an evil presence."
"Please, allow me to reveal myself…" said the voice.
A cloud of purple, toxic vapor suddenly arose from where Tuskmon had fallen. The cloud grew larger and denser by the second until it finally started to dissipate, leaving a giant, sinister figure in its place: the figure of Mephismon.
"Hello, my dear prey," he said with a sadistic smile.