Bold - Digivolution/Chronovolution

Chapter 35

Avarice

Gatomon stared at Veemon in shock, a mixture of feelings raging within her, the most dominant being that of despair. Confusion was also prevalent, along with a strange, warm sensation she had gotten when staring into Veemon's eyes. Why had he told her such a thing now, when it was most likely too late? Her sobbing became once again prevalent over Veemon's form. She wanted to know more. She clutched his shoulder frantically even as she felt him slipping away. Davis also cried desperately and shook him slightly.

'Veemon! Please don't... go...'

Her attention was brought to Patamon as he walked up next to her. 'Gatomon, we have to help him!'

The idea seemed rather incomprehensible to her, especially after what Kari had told her, along with weighing despair. She raised her head to stare at Patamon, some hope returning to her eyes. 'Is that still... possible?'

Patamon nodded vehemently, and the two of them joined their hands over Veemon's wound. Kari and TK quickly joined them and held out their digivices towards them.

Tai frowned gravely. 'Guys... I appreciate the thought, but... you don't have enough energy. There's... nothing you can do.' He found he could barely look at Veemon, despite trying to face its reality. It's bad enough we have to keep watching our friends die... but it's even harder when we try so hard to save them, if it's all in vain...

Agumon continued to stare at Veemon, frozen in place, tears almost spilling from his closed eyes. Tai gripped his shoulder comfortingly. 'I know it's hard, Agumon...' His mouth trembled emotionally as he straightened up to find the right words. 'But, we knew from the start that - '

He was abruptly cut off as Agumon twisted his shoulder out of Tai's grip. 'That we'd have casualties - and that he's one of them? Of war!?'

Tai was silent as Agumon continued, pacing slightly before them.

'He's not just a casualty! More than that... he's... a digimon. With thoughts...feelings... hopes. He's not just a being made of data. He's not just a living creature. He's Davis partner! Our friend! And you expect us to watch him die? Just like that!?'

Gabumon echoed Tai's thoughts stiffly in response. 'What else can we do, Agumon? I know it sounds terrible, but...'

Agumon was silent for a moment, watching Gatomon and Patamon trying to heal Veemon. The light that enveloped Veemon's chest looked faded, and the edges of the glowing ellipse beneath their palms kept flickering. Each time it did, Gatomon visibly faltered and leaned forward as her strength gave out. Gatomon and Patamon's expressions and efforts only grew more desperate as they continued. Agumon grinded his teeth as he thought of what he could do to help.

Gatomon's badly injured, and they're both exhausted. I have to do something! If I have the crest of Life... surely... I can help him... especially now. He's still got so much left to live for!

He raised his claws to examine them, and looked towards what Gatomon and Patamon were doing with theirs. He walked towards them, intending to try and help them, even if he was unsure of what to do.

Davis looked up at him with desperate, pleading eyes. 'Agumon... if you can do anything, please...'

Agumon nodded, and Davis lowered Veemon's head to the ground as he stood out of Agumon's way. Gatomon and Patamon looked up at him hopefully, and Patamon managed to smile encouragingly. Gatomon couldn't brighten her face, but she still felt gratitude towards him.

For some time now, Agumon... I now realise you and Tai were trying to tell me - about Veemon, and his... feelings for me. Why... why did I never notice... please, Agumon. If you can save him, I... I'll try my best to make it up to Veemon. Just... make sure he gets through this.

Agumon quickly placed his claws over Gatomon's, her own over Patamon's paws. His remaining armband flapped slightly in the presence of the ellipse, as if in a slight breeze. He frowned in concentration, trying to find any source of energy within himself, anything that could help. He closed his eyes as he desperately sought to save Veemon.

When Baihumon helped me... I know that he healed me, at least a little bit. It possible I can do the same thing? Even... a little... with me so close. I only have to remember how it felt when he transferred energy to me, and point it the other way...I can give some of my energy to Veemon, as well as Gatomon and Patamon...

His eyes shot open as he heard several of them gasp, and he saw the sphere now had a green glow in the middle of it, soft tendrils edging their way outwards into it, eventually filling it up with an emerald glow, almost like fire. Everyone looked on in amazement as Veemon visibly stirred under it. The three digimon slowly smiled as hope coursed through them, and their determination inflated the sphere, causing the flame within to burn more brightly than ever. Veemon's wound slowly disappeared, his newly formed flesh unscathed when they finished, and the three digimon leaned back as the ellipse disappeared.

Biyomon had stared at the entire scene in wonder as it unfolded before her. Amazing... Agumon has healing powers too? That light is so beautiful... and the colour seems to match his eyes.

Tai almost looked regretful as he watched, but was quickly replaced with relief. I was too quick to judge... this is amazing. I had no idea he was capable of this. Thank goodness...

Davis almost jumped with joy when Veemon opened his eyes again, and saw how bright and clear they were. Gatomon managed to break a relieved smile and touch his face gently before standing back to allow Davis to embrace Veemon warmly, conveying all of his happiness and relief through it, along with his fear of nearly losing him, crying, and at the same time, laughing. Veemon hugged him back after a brief period of disbelief that he was still alive, and his friends soon joined them in celebration. Veemon stared up at Agumon in awe.

'Agumon... you saved me... I can't believe it... How did you do that?'

Agumon shrugged modestly. 'I guess some of my powers haven't shown themselves yet.'

Veemon scoffed in mock amusement. 'You just got lucky. I doubt it'll happen again. Still... I owe you, Agumon.'

Agumon and Gabumon leaned him a hand each and he grasped them firmly as they lifted him up and embraced him together.

'You okay, Veemon?' Gabumon asked, tears still in his eyes.

Veemon clutched at his chest where the wound just was, and relief spread over his face. 'I feel so much better! Especially after what Barbamon had done to me.'

Agumon's face suddenly contorted and he groaned softly, clutching at his chest. Tai glanced at him with concern as he returned to normal.

'What was that?'

Agumon shook his head inadvertently. 'I... don't know, but for a second, it felt like I was wounded like Veemon was. I feel fine now, though...'

Tai glanced at him for a moment in doubt. There's something he's not telling me... he does seem fine, but still...

Kari wondered at why Gatomon stayed out of it, seemingly reclusive.

'Gatomon? Why don't you join them?' She asked earnestly.

Gatomon sighed tiredly. 'I'm so glad he's alright... but I'm just... a little confused, Kari. I think you can understand if I need some time...'

Kari glanced over at Veemon, and could tell he was in no hurry to talk to Gatomon privately, embracing his other friends and laughing with relief. She nodded as she understood. 'I get it. You just need time to... process your own feelings.'

Gatomon looked one last time at Veemon, eyes glistening briefly, before she smiled up at Kari gratefully. 'At least... it turned out differently this time.'

Kari watched fondly as Agumon gripped Veemon around the neck, attempting to give him a light headlock, to which Veemon immediately responded by punching him in the stomach, earning laughs from everyone else as Agumon recoiled. 'Thanks to Agumon.'

Gatomon studied them as well, before nodding in agreement. 'Yes...' Thank you, Agumon.

'Well, is this not just wonderful for you all!'

Everyone's expressions instantly darkened as the voice boomed mockingly from nearby, along within their minds.

'It seems you have managed to find new sources of light and hope... but you do realise the situation has not changed. You may think you have destroyed many of the Ghoulmon, but they were only an insignificant amount compared to the amount that exists within the Dark Area - all of which I have access to.'

Veemon frowned slightly before grinning to himself. 'We wouldn't have destroyed so many if you hadn't made them so stupid, Barbamon.'

To their surprise, Barbamon chuckled in response. 'Hm... yes, indeed. Such amusing specimens, are they not? I believe you are talking about why they wasted so much time focusing on the archangel?'

Everyone was deathly silent as Barbamon's gloating continued.

'You see... it doesn't matter how many Ghoulmon I throw at you. At least the archangel is out of the picture now... while they may not have killed her, like I wanted... alas, not everything can go according to plan.'

Izzy objected incredulously. 'Plan!? We've evaded and outsmarted you at every turn! How can you say 'not everything'? None of its gone according to your plan!'

Barbamon continued chuckling as disbelief adorned Izzy's expression. 'Of course, your inferior, simple minds cannot comprehend what I have in store for you... and according to your plan, of course, you are going to destroy me? Then, by all means, come right over! I'm not far now...'

He cackled arrogantly as his voice faded from their minds. Tai quickly glanced at everyone with a firm gaze.

'Don't let him discourage you! He's only trying to bluff his way out. There's no way he'll be able to stop us now! We've still got two more digimon that he hasn't fought here yet!'

He grinned confidently as he regarded Agumon, then Wormmon and Veemon, though he looked slightly concerned when he regarded Veemon. Davis shared his feelings.

'Veemon? Are you sure you want to go to Imperialdramon?' He cocked his head slightly as he examined him. 'You look fine on the outside, but...'

Veemon grinned confidently and pumped his fist. 'I'm fine Davis! We've got to - '

Davis, in anticipation, quickly caught Veemon in his arms as Veemon staggered backwards. 'I thought so, Veemon. You're still worn out... I didn't expect you'd recover from Barbamon's torture so quickly. I suppose you hadn't recovered completely, and nearly - dying, too...'

Myotismon regarded Veemon with respect. Their friendship runs so deep between all of them... good. It would have been terrible for him to die, after suffering so already...

Veemon only shook his head slowly. 'I still have to help... we need Imperialdramon.' He grunted as he stood up again.

Tai nodded in agreement, before turning towards the centre of the crater, seeing another army of Ghoulmon approaching. He clutched his digivice resolutely as he stepped forward, eyeing the distant figure of Barbamon in anger.

'Enough is enough! We've got to stop Barbamon, before we lose anyone else! He's caused enough misery for this land already, and for us. We... have to destroy him. Ready, Agumon?'

In answer, Agumon quickly stood beside him to face the army. Everyone else faced them as well, but Gatomon, Armadillomon and Renamon were too injured and exhausted to continue, and went back to Aquilamon, along with the other non-combatants. Aquilamon regarded them nervously, even though Yolei was still the only human staying on him.

'I won't be able to carry so many for much longer.'

Yolei nodded in agreement, though she smiled encouragingly. 'At least you only have to carry digimon, basically.'

Aquilamon frowned dejectedly. 'You do realise that some of the digimon are heavier than they're partners?'

Yolei looked shocked. 'That can't be right.'

Aquilamon nodded matter-of-factly. 'I can give examples...'

Yolei took a fleeting look at Agumon before grimacing and turning away. 'Don't. He'll hear.'

Guilmon looked up at Renamon sadly as she went.

'You're not coming, Renamon?'

Renamon shook her head reluctantly. 'I want to, Guilmon, but I can barely feel any of my previous power... I won't be digivolving for a while, I'm afraid. But you can still do your part, Guilmon. You're more than capable of handling yourself.'

Guilmon frowned doubtfully, causing Renamon studied him for a few seconds. 'Did you want to say something, Guilmon?'

Guilmon slowly shook his head. 'No... maybe later.' He gazed at her with concern. 'Just... be careful, Renamon.'

Renamon only raised an eyebrow in confusion. 'I should be saying the same for you.' Realising what she said, she quickly turned away indifferently. 'But... I won't.'

Guilmon snorted in slight amusement as Aquilamon flapped his wings and took off up into the sky. He moved to join the others as they all prepared to digivolve again for the final push towards Barbamon.

Veemon digivolve to... ExVeemon.

Wormmon digivolve to... Stingmon.

ExVeemon...

Stingmon...

DNA digivolve to... Paildramon!

Paildramon Mega digivolve to... Imperialdramon!

Imperialdramon mode change to... Paladin Mode!

Gomamon digivolve to... Ikkakumon.

Ikkakumon digivolve to... Zudomon!

Palmon digivolve to... Togemon.

Togemon digivolve to... Lillymon!

Tentomon digivolve to... Kabuterimon.

Kabuterimon digivolve to... MegaKabuterimon!

Patamon digivolve to... Angemon.

Angemon digivolve to... MagnaAngemon!

Biyomon warp digivolve to... Gryphonmon!

Gabumon warp digivolve to... ZeedGarurumon!

Guilmon warp digivolve to... Gallantmon!

Barbamon watched them as they approached, all the while a terrible smile on his face. Agumon stared straight back at him, undaunted as Barbamon raised his staff towards the sky. The digidestined stopped in their tracks when multitudes of red beams spurted out of his staff and began to rain down towards them.

'Heads up!' Matt yelled out warningly.

MegaKabuterimon and Zudomon immediately hunkered down to protect their respective partners. MegaKabuterimon's shell proved useful as he managed to protect several other humans that quickly rushed under him. Myotismon joined them under it as well, as his cloak would not protect against the mortar storm that struck the area they found themselves. Gallantmon quickly raised his shield to protect himself, Agumon, Gryphonmon, Sora and Tai taking shelter beneath him. ZeedGarurumon's metal plating was able to resist some damage, but he still flailed slight to knock some projectiles away as he protected Matt.

Imperialdramon first made sure Ken and Davis were safe under MegaKabuterimon before shrugging off the projectiles and charging the Ghoulmon line. The others watched in awe as he carved through the Ghoulmon in massive strokes, dozens felled with each swing.

Yolei analysed the situation as the mortars continued. An idea quickly came to her as she saw many of the beams missing the several digimon who were sheltering the others. 'If those attacks are as random as they look, those beams can be used to destroy some of the Ghoulmon for them!'

Bokomon smiled and nodded in agreement. 'That may work. Barbamon doesn't seem to particularly care for the Ghoulmon... at all, actually.'

Yolei was surprised when Izzy's voice projected out of her digivice.

'I've already told the others about that, Yolei. But the Ghoulmon seem to have stopped, just outside of Barbamon's range. We can see Barbamon down there, but he has us pinned.'

Aquilamon glared at Barbamon as he thought. 'You have to move. Who knows how much energy Barbamon has now? Ours is dwindling, while his seems limitless.'

Izzy was silent for a moment before he grunted affirmatively. 'All right. You guys, get far away from here. It's too dangerous near Barbamon; he'll like hit you and absorb all your data. He's done it before.'

Yolei looked shocked at the suggestion, but Izzy's voice had already cut out. Renamon eyed the digivice in disbelief as well.

'He's right. There's little point in us staying here.' Armadillomon piped up, but looked rather reserved. 'But it would feel like we're abandoning them.'

Calumon frowned anxiously. 'What about me? They might still need me to help them digivolve, right?'

Gatomon and Renamon glanced at each other before regarding Calumon with sympathetic expressions. 'Your data would be one of the most valuable,' Gatomon began. 'He would target you within a second of you entering his range. I'm sorry, but... the best we can do is believe that the rest of them can defeat him.'

Calumon groaned lightly and looked away for a moment, but his expression suddenly brightened. 'I guess you're right. Agumon still hasn't digivolved yet!'

Barbamon frowned as he saw Imperialdramon emerge. Despite the ease at which Imperialdramon was destroying the Ghoulmon, he had to put up his guard as he encountered a BlackGhoulmon legion that Barbamon had sent towards him. A royal knight. They are far more dangerous enemies than the archangels. I must deal with him first! Of course, his data will be most useful to me...

He quickly ceased his raining fire on the group behind and focused his beam on Imperialdramon, who was still engaging the black legion.

The BlackGhoulmon fell much slower than their grey cousins, displaying refined tactics as they engaged Imperialdramon. They managed to avoid many of his sword strokes, still able to fire their beams while doing so, and Imperialdramon was so large that he was hit with the beams frequently, even if they didn't do significant damage. Firing the Positron Laser from his arm proved to be a more effective tactic compared to melee as he was able to avoid most of the lasers from then on. He managed to destroy half of them before the digidestined joined him, but they were still at least 50 of them left, along with the swarms of Ghoulmon still present, by the time the group was whole once more.

They were all caught off guard when the BlackGhoulmon charged past Imperialdramon towards the others, three or four of them grouping up on each digimon at a time. Imperialdramon quickly moved to assist the most vulnerable groups, starting with the several humans trapped with MegaKabuterimon.

ZeedGarurumon destroyed one of the approaching BlackGhoulmon that was caught in the middle, but the others quickly rushed forward to fan out to isolate everyone from their partners. He glanced around tensely as three of them circled around him, waiting for him to attack one of them so the other two could assault his flank.

'Zeed Cannon!'

The BlackGhoulmon he was aiming at anticipated its trajectory and dodged in the opposite direction while lowering its body. The other two quickly prepared to launch their attacks at the same moment, but Matt was able to shine his digibeam into one's eye before it could fire. ZeedGarurumon managed to only just avoid the other beam by jumping, but it was too close for comfort. His form was too bulky for him to dodge effectively, and the BlackGhoulmon would not likely miss again. He bore his teeth in frustration.

It's so hard to move in this form... I wish I could switch between them more easily. I'll have to make do.

ZeedGarurumon kept his head level, eyeing the two BlackGhoulmon before him, not making any sign of which he was about to attack, while the two waited for a sign of his next move.

'Matt...' He whispered. 'Keep it there...'

He suddenly turned his head towards the BlackGhoulmon on his right.

'Blowback Breath!'

His attack was so abrupt that the BlackGhoulmon was hit; it wasn't destroyed, but stunned, giving ZeedGarurumon an opening to attack the other as Matt continued to pin down the third one.

'Zeed Cannon!'

Despite hitting its body directly, it took another shot from ZeedGarurumon before it was completely obliterated. The other two still immobilised, ZeedGarurumon charged towards the stunned BlackGhoulmon and knocked it aside towards the other, lining them both up within his firing line.

'Full Metal Breath!'

Limiting his fire to the cannon and his mouth, the twin beams immediately penetrated the BlackGhoulmon's bodies and vaporised them as he sustained his fire. When they were destroyed, his fronts legs immediately gave way and his head lowered with fatigue. Matt ran to his side before glancing around restlessly.

'This is bad... I can't see anyone else, except the top of MegaKabuterimon, and Imperialdramon. I don't know if the others are all right...'

ZeedGarurumon grunted slightly before standing upright. 'We should find out.'

The two of them continued to pick off any BlackGhoulmon they could, but both of them knew ZeedGarurumon's ammo was running out.

'Solo Roar!'

Gryphonmon took to the air as the four BlackGhoulmon in front of her were stunned before they got too close. Sora held on to her head feathers for dear life as Gryphonmon tumbled through the air to avoid the death beams shooting at her from multiple directions.

As there was a break in their fire, Gryphonmon took the opportunity to swoop down and attack.

'Storm Talon!'

Her claw struck with force but only scratched the scaly plate on top of the nearest BlackGhoulmon. The one directly behind it almost grabbed her claw as she looped around and into the air again.

'OK, that doesn't work...' Sora stated meekly.

Gryphonmon shook her head in disbelief. 'Neither does Solo Roar. How am I supposed to fight these things?'

Sora examined her digivice. 'Maybe if I can hit one while its eye is open...'

Gryphonmon nodded quickly. 'OK.'

Gryphonmon avoided the death beams as she circled around to a similar position in the air as when she started, facing down the four BlackGhoulmon in a line in front of her. She pointed her beak down as she dived towards them, in a straight line.

'Careful...' Sora warned as she aimed at the first one, trying to keep her grip firm on Gryphonmon. Dread and excitement clutched her stomach as the four eyes glowed red with the laser source orbs growing larger.

As they fired, Gryphonmon flapped her right wing and they strafed to the left which almost threw Sora off balance.

'Now!' Gryphonmon cried, eyeing the first BlackGhoulmon.

Sora shot her beam directly into its eye before it could close it, freezing it in place, and Gryphonmon opened her beak wide.

'Solo Roar!'

The supersonic wave travelled through all of the BlackGhoulmon, but only the first seemed to be damaged as its dark data shimmered jarringly. Gryphonmon kept going towards it, and Sora retracted her beam just before they struck it head on.

'Storm Talon!'

Sora clutched her head feathers tightly as Gryphonmon struck it sideways across the eye, and barrel rolled to the right and managed to fly up before hitting the other BlackGhoulmon surrounding the others.

'Is it gone?' Gryphonmon asked tensely. Sora craned her neck around to see the BlackGhoulmon clutching at its eye, but not dissipating.

'No. But I don't think it can attack with that beam anymore...'

It opened its claws to reveal a half-lidded eye with red markings through it. It suddenly started shooting smaller red beams in many directions towards the sky.

'Or not.' Gryphonmon mumbled before hastily maneuvering in the air, unable to retaliate without being hit by several beams. She took the chance to examine the battlefield, but could not discern many details. Gallantmon, Zudomon and MegaKabuterimon were clearly visible, and Imperialdramon was nearby, protecting Zudomon and MegaKabuterimon, but it was obvious he could not protect everyone at the same time, and the BlackGhoulmon, despite their losses, were nearly upon them.

'We have to help them!' She immediately veered towards them, but was hampered by the death beams which quickly shot in front of her.

'We're pinned, Gryphonmon.' Sora stated submissively. 'We'll need help to get out of this.'

Gryphonmon craned her head repeatedly as she looked below her, trying to find Agumon or ZeedGarurumon.

'We were right next to them!' She frantically searched for any sign of them. 'Where-'

'Zeed Cannon!'

Relief swept through the two of them as his blast destroyed the BlackGhoulmon she had wounded ZeedGarurumon was facing. Matt immediately projected his beam on the second BlackGhoulmon, but Sora noticed the beam faded and weakened slightly and projected her own on the same BlackGhoulmon, keeping it completely immobilised.

'Solo Roar!'

'Blowback Breath!'

They aimed for the first creature, which quickly dodged out of the way, but their attacks carried through to the frozen one and destroyed it. The other BlackGhoulmon projected a wider death beam but ZeedGarurumon quickly crouched down, and the beam was deflected off of his cannon.

The number of death beams aimed toward Gryphonmon lessened, she flew closer to the two remaining BlackGhoulmon and commenced to slash at them in between ZeedGarurumon's shots. With Matt and Sora keeping one pinned down, it wasn't long before they were both destroyed.

Gryphonmon and Sora landed briefly to address Matt and ZeedGarurumon.

'You two alright?' Matt asked, relieved to see them.

Sora nodded. 'We couldn't do much before you arrived, though. Thanks.'

ZeedGarurumon glanced towards the top of MegaKabuterimon. 'Did you see what was going on with the others from up there?'

Gryphonmon had to catch her breath before she answered. 'We could see Imperialdramon trying to protect MegaKabuterimon and Zudomon, who, I think, were sheltering some of their partners, along with others. Gallantmon was by himself, but I think he's relatively fine.'

Matt frowned, troubled. 'What about Tai? Agumon?'

Sora shook her head sadly. 'We should try and find them. When we do, we should help Imperialdramon protect the two ultimates. They won't last long under fire from BlackGhoulmon... come on!'

As Matt and ZeedGarurumon followed them as they took to the sky, Matt frowned thoughtfully. She's right, of course... even Agumon couldn't last long by himself, and with Tai to protect too... just hold on, you two. Unless... Agumon decides to digivolve, in which case we should probably all get away!

Tai was sweating nervously as the six creatures surrounded them. Agumon's attacks could only slow them down when they went for him, seemingly resistant to the light compared to the grey versions. Agumon, under pressure from having to defend Tai and stop the BlackGhoulmon from surrounding them both, weaved in and out of the hulking bodies and taunting their attention away from Tai.

'Over here!' He yelled mockingly as two turned towards Tai, and immediately leapt towards their backs.

'Dramon Claw!'

The BlackGhoulmon hissed slightly before swinging their large claws around, which Agumon quickly ducked under. He eyed Tai worriedly through their bodies, realising they were separated.

At least all of their attention is focused on me...

After trying to attack Agumon with death beams and ending up damaging each other as he dodged them, the BlackGhoulmon resorted to physically charging and striking at him. They soon resumed their attacks, their forms obscuring Agumon's vision all around as he tried to avoid their sharp claws. Despite using his Sacred Blaze, he still felt pricks of pain along with liquid on his skin as they grazed him.

Suddenly, a wide yellow glow coming from one of their eyes prompted him to stab forward at it. The BlackGhoulmon droned loudly and staggered backwards, revealing a little of the area. Agumon yelped in alarm when he saw the same two BlackGhoulmon from before moving towards Tai, as he frantically tried to avoid their large claws.

Agumon ran forward to help him, and noticed that MegaKabuterimon's shell was still in the same place it was a minute ago. Tai had already guessed most of the humans were being protected by him.

I need to get Tai over there. Then, I have to digivolve, otherwise the BlackGhoulmon will hurt someone along with MegaKabuterimon or Zudomon. Especially when we're so close to Barbamon... Imperialdramon can't protect them for long as he has to deal with Barbamon's blasts as well.

'Tai! I'm coming!'

Tai grimaced nervously. 'Don't mind me, I'm only about to get eaten by one-eyed monsters!'

Agumon focused his fire shield to the front as he charged through the middle of the BlackGhoulmon pair, pushing them aside. Tai had a moment of puzzlement as Agumon eyed him determinedly.

'Uh... what exactly are you gonna - '

He yelped indignantly as Agumon lifted him up by the waist and raised him over his own head and started running over towards MegaKabuterimon. His head pounded uncomfortably with every step.

As he spoke, he almost bit his tongue as his jaw snapped shut repeatedly.

'A-gu-mon-this-is-ri-dic-ul-ous-'

Agumon glanced up apologetically.

'Sorry, but I've got to get you out of here.'

'What-ev-er-just-get-me-on-your-back-in-stead-'

Agumon immediately complied, turning Tai around and lowering Tai so he could put his arms around Agumon's neck. His feet still trailed along the ground behind, however. Despite that, Tai shook his head in disbelief picturing his situation.

'Tell me again how this is possible.'

Agumon grinned self-consciously. 'I'm much bigger than you remember, Tai.'

Tai sighed in remembrance. 'Still... I miss riding on WarGreymon's shoulder.'

Agumon immediately fell silent, but Tai detected a slight grumble, and quick shut his mouth regretfully. He knew it wasn't Agumon's fault; he didn't choose for any of that to happen. Tai studied Agumon sympathetically; he guessed that Agumon was wondering the same thing as he was: would he ever be able to digivolve into those old forms ever again? Would there be a point anymore? Would his current way of digivolving always carry the deadly risk it did?

Tai quickly gripped tighter as Agumon started to swat aside the Ghoulmon in his path, fire bursting from his claws. He grinded his teeth nervously as he saw the multitude of claws coming at them, and had to rely on Agumon to dodge them. Repeated pangs of sympathy hit him along with specks of Agumon's blood that hit his face, knowing that he couldn't use his fire shield with Tai on his back.

'You... you don't have to do this...' He murmured helplessly.

Agumon only snorted dismissively. 'Yes, I do - I'm not leaving you behind, Tai.'

Tai smiled appreciatively as they continued.

Despite his confidence, Agumon frowned as his arms and legs ached jarringly. He had to thrust the next Ghoulmon aside with all his strength, but he felt it was diminishing at a rapid pace. His vision occasionally flickered as he squinted to spot MegaKabuterimon, but the red carapace was easy enough for him to see, and it was getting closer, little by little.

When the path was clear to MegaKabuterimon, many of the other humans called out Tai's name as he and Agumon got to safety. Agumon abruptly charged away as soon as Tai got off of him.

'He-e-ey! Where do you think you're going?' MegaKabuterimon called after him. 'You'll get creamed out there!'

'No I won't!' He retorted as he forced his way through the remaining BlackGhoulmon with his fire shield and claws.

Imperialdramon was about to rush forward to help him when Tai spoke. 'It's OK, guys. He knows what he's doing... we should stay back until it happens.'

'Until what happens?' Davis asked obliviously, earning a few facepalms from the others, including Imperialdramon. Tai's expression brightened when he saw Sora, Matt, Gryphonmon and ZeedGarurumon arrive.

'Tai!' Sora exclaimed with relief. 'We were looking all over for you!'

'Where's Agumon?' Gryphonmon asked uncertainly.

Tai jerked his head to their left, where Agumon had left a subtle trail through the BlackGhoulmon. 'He's gone to digivolve.'

ZeedGarurumon and Matt looked over where Tai had pointed, and a mixture of anticipation and fear gripped them.

'Regardless of what happens... it'll be a sight to see.' Matt stated sombrely.

Without the burden of having Tai to protect, Agumon was able to fight more effectively on his own, using his relatively small size to his advantage by ducking under the Ghoulmon wherever he could, slowing down their actions as the BlackGhoulmon tried to avoid damaging each other. They eventually resorted to stomping on him, and he hurried to get through as far away from the others and as close to Barbamon he could get. As he continued to fight through the Ghoul army, he found that he was being hampered the more he tried to push forward. Fatigue gripped his limbs once again, and his head gradually grew lighter. For a split second when his concentration wavered, he felt mild pain in his back, and quickly blocked it with fire, but the beam was able to graze him above his hip. The Ghoulmon and BlackGhoulmon alike took the opportunity to try and pin him down once and for all, and Agumon found himself once again surrounded by darkness and sharp claws raking at him. He desperately sought to sustain his fire shield to protect himself, but the claws continued to press down on him despite being simultaneously burned.

His eyes widened as he suddenly heard Barbamon cackling nearby. He was so close to destroying him, and his previous anger started to well up within him as he remembered Barbamon's crimes, and pictured tearing Barbamon apart.

'Solar Burst!'

As he focused his anger into strength, he yelled as he directed his fire shield outward, and a fire wave emanated from his body, launching the nearby Ghoulmon away, leaving a pile of smouldering bodies before some of them dissipated.

Agumon looked around briefly for Barbamon, still baring his teeth in his fury. Barbamon had stopped laughing to examine him in fascination, with Agumon examining him back.

Barbamon looked disturbingly like an elderly man, but much larger, measuring about three metres tall. He had an extremely long, thin beard reaching down to his red, covered feet, hovering above the darkness. He wore an ornate robe with large red triangles lining the edges, along with pearls similar to the orb in his staff, and golden thread like patterns working around to his neck. Massive, clawed grey fingers poked out the sides of his robe, one grasping his bestial-designed staff. A golden mask with a long hook nose covered his face, and Agumon fought off the desire to shudder at the thought of seeing his face. Locks of matted grey hair flowed down his back, ending at a similar length to his beard, and six pairs of red, velvety wings sprouted from his back.

A BlackGhoulmon launched another beam at him from behind, and he tried to block it when he discerned that he couldn't dodge it. Instead, he felt the flesh on his back burn as he was hit directly. Alarm shot through him as he tried to conjure his shield again, and nothing happened, and he collapsed onto all fours as the pain spread throughout his body.

That attack I just used... I think I had used it against BlackMetalGarurumon as well. I suppose that's the bad thing about it. I can't use my fire for a while...

He grimaced angrily when Barbamon's mocking laughs reached his eardrums again. He trembled in anger as he raised his head to glare at the demon lord, his stripes glowing and flashing violently.

Why is he still so calm? Why doesn't he attack? He should now that I've come to end him!

'Enough of this, Barbamon!' He snarled, as fire began to envelop his body and the ground around him. 'I've come to stop you, once and for all!'

Barbamon only continued to watch, and smiled as if eyeing an esteemed prize, as a pillar of golden Chronodata shot up into the sky, Agumon bellowing with rage and pain at the same time, feeling the overwhelming energy flowing through his body, and the burning sensation through his body as his blue markings glowed blindingly.

Agumon chronovolve to... SacredGreymon!