Chapter 22—True to herself—
As my Digimon slept, I looked up information on the upcoming area we were headed to—it was a chain of islands, just like Hank said. The shuttle we would have to take to get there was accessible from a mountain range, so it would be a lengthy hike… but that was nothing we couldn't handle.
I looked over my digivice's map feature to assess our route and how long it would take to traverse for a while until my Digimon started to stir! Once they woke up, they came up to me and HippoGryphonmon said: "Ahh! I don't know about everyone else but I'm all ready to go now!" and then Arukenimon said: "Yeah! That was a nice, refreshing way to rest—I can see why you all enjoy it so much." Crescemon chuckled before she said: "I know what you mean. And I am looking forward to seeing the next area too!" GrapLeomon chuckled before he turned to me and said: "Well what do you think, Mark? Are we ready to go?"
I then stopped and thought for a moment—it had been a while since I had last checked to see if my Digimon were ready to digivolve, and they had been gaining a lot of experience from battling too… "Actually, before we go, why don't we check to see if any of you can digivolve? You've all been doing a spectacular job, but it could really help us in the next area, wouldn't you say?" I asked and they all got excited before RiseGreymon said: "Hey yeah! That's a great idea, Mark!" "And it's a big accomplishment to digivolve into a mega Digimon too… for most Digimon, that's the final stage of digivolution, so it's a big deal!" Taomon said. I grinned and said: "Well one of you has to be ready by now. So why don't we go check it out?"
And then they cheered before we headed to the house. I checked the computer to see if any of my Digimon were ready to digivolve… and it said GrapLeomon, HippoGryphonmon, Taomon and Hudiemon were all ready to digivolve!
I smiled before I said: "Oh, this is great! 4 of you are ready to digivolve!" and then my Digimon cheered before Crescemon said: "Wow! How exciting! So who's the first?" I then replied: "GrapLeomon!" before I turned to him and said: "Are you ready to get started?" "You bet! Let's get this started, Mark!" He replied.
And I nodded and digivolved him into a BanchoLeomon—he was still like a lion and walked on 2 legs. He wore black pants, had a black-and-maroon jacket bound around his shoulders and was bare chested. He had a sword in one hand and a rose in his mouth. He had enormous muscles, along with a gray mane. He looked 7'6 tall.
I then smiled and said: "Congratulations, BanchoLeomon! Now you're the first of many to reach the mega level! You look muscular on a new level, too!" and BanchoLeomon laughed before he said: "Thank you, Mark. I agree that I'll only be the first of many… but I'm still genuinely proud of this! I'm all ready to get us and our server on a fast track to glory! And… I want to thank you for helping me get this strong as well, Mark." I smiled and said: "That's so nice of you to say, BanchoLeomon… but I only provided some guidance. You're the one who put in the effort!" and BanchoLeomon chuckled and said: "That's just like you to say something like that—why, I already expected you would! But that kindness is what makes you so great as a tamer." and I smiled before he backed up.
I then turned to HippoGryphonmon and said: "And you're next, HippoGryphonmon! Are you ready?" "You bet! I've been looking forward to this for a long time!" HippoGryphonmon replied. I smiled and said: "Great. Then here we go!"
And I digivolved him into a Gryphonmon—he was now colored tan and walked on 4 legs. He still was very gryphon-like; his head had a silverish-purple helm with a covered horn jutting backward at the back of his head and his chest had tan fur with white fur around his neck and tan colored feathers coming out of the back of his head and over the white fur. Yet from his midsection and back, his body looked like a tiger's, complete with black stripes and a tail that only at the very end had a green snake's head with no eyes and a white underbelly a little underneath the head. His legs in front were colored silver and his legs in back were colored tan—his front legs also looked smaller and a little weaker than his hind tiger legs. Each of his feet had 3 talons and a bladed talon on the back. He had 2 big, leathery brown and red wings and looked 5'5 tall.
When the process ended, I said: "Great job, Gryphonmon! You're all the way at the top now! Congratulations!" and Gryphonmon smiled and said: "Thank you, Mark! I'm thrilled right now, too—I've known lots of awesome accomplishments ever since we started our journey, but this is one that I'm seriously proud of, even among them! Leave the rest to me!" and then I smiled before he backed up.
I then turned to Taomon and said: "And now it's your turn, Taomon! Are you all ready?" and Taomon soon nodded and said: "…Yes! Yes, I am!" and I smiled before I said: "I'm glad to see you excited about something! Alright, let's do it!"
And I digivolved her into a Sakuyamon—she was still humanoid and walked on 2 legs. She had a full-body black suit on that had a white stripe over the middle of her stomach and had yellow, lightweight-looking armor over her chest, as well as yellow rounded shoulder armor that looked huge. She had a black belt with a yellow belt buckle that looked like a fox's head, as well as purple long gloves and purple boots with yin yang symbols over her toes. She had a yellow helmet over her head that covered her eyes and looked like a fox's head (and her face had skin that looked like real human skin). She had very long white hair that was bound into 2 ponytails that went down to her ankles. She held a gold staff with a ring at the top and had what looked like yellow fairy wings on her back, although they were down and weren't moving. She actually looked a little shorter now at 5'7 tall.
When the process finished, I turned to her and said: "Great going, Sakuyamon! Now you've digivolved into your final form! Congratulations!" and then Sakuyamon really surprised me when she smiled for the first time in ages… she then said: "Hee-hee! Thank you, Mark! You've been such a big help to me too, helping me digivolve this far… I truly appreciate it." my other Digimon looked stunned (except Arukenimon, since she didn't know Sakuyamon as well) before RiseGreymon said: "Did you just giggle? That's not like you!"
And then Sakuyamon turned to him and said: "You're right. It's not the way I've been at all. But that's just as well—to be honest, I realized something important: I got really tired of trying to be cool all the time. After I digivolved for the first time into Kyubimon, I just… felt this strong impulse to be cool, so I started acting different. But it didn't take long for me to realize the truth; I didn't like trying to act all cool. It wasn't me. I had a lot less fun and I was aloof to my tamer and my friends… we all accomplished so many great things together and I was always distant and quiet… I let so many accomplishments and special moments just pass me by… and I let you all down, too—" "Sakuyamon—" I began before she turned to me and said: "No, no! Let me finish!" and I was a little surprised, but I decided to do as she said. She then went on: "But I appreciate your patience so much… you all stood by me and put up with my behavior… I am so grateful to all of you. That's why I'm done trying to be cool. I'm done wasting my life on a meaningless concept. From now on, I'm going to be me instead!"
By now we were all smiling and I said: "I'm so proud of you, Sakuyamon…" and she turned to me before I went on: "You've realized something important that not even some people my age have realized yet. Congratulations, Sakuyamon! You've really grown up!" and Sakuyamon smiled back before she said: "Thank you, Mark. To hear that from my own tamer is… so gratifying. I'm glad to hear I've already inspired pride in you… and I will keep that up!"
We smiled together before Crescemon turned to Sakuyamon and said: "Well I am glad to see this digivolution was such a success and you are so full of life now. Congratulations, Sakuyamon!" "Yeah. Now it's like you're a whole new you…" Gryphonmon said. Sakuyamon giggled again before she said: "Well maybe… I don't know if it's a new side of myself or a side of myself that I intentionally hid…" but then she shook her head and said: "But I'm not going to sweat the details! I know I'll be better off from now on!" and Arukenimon said: "I like your attitude, Sakuyamon. It's important to be yourself and now that you realize it… you will be better off because of it." and Sakuyamon smiled before she said: "Yeah! You're right—I know it!"
"Well, it looks like all's well that ends well… although I suppose it wouldn't be accurate to say it's over yet…" BanchoLeomon said before Crescemon said: "Oh yes! Didn't you say there was a fourth Digimon who was ready to digivolve, Mark?" "Yes, that's right. It's Hudiemon—" I began before she looked surprised and I said: "Heh. You don't need to say anything, Hudiemon—I remember what you said after you de-digivolved after our adventure in Floral Crossing; that you were: 'back to being classic Hudiemon and that's just how you were going to stay'… and I remember how relieved you were to be back to being yourself." Hudiemon smiled before she said: "You're as bright as ever, Mark!" and we laughed together before I went on: "That's why I know you don't want to digivolve. Or am I wrong?" and Hudiemon smiled even wider before she said: "I'm happy you know me so well… I didn't even need to say anything and you knew exactly what I wanted." and then she went on: "Yes, I'm happiest the way I am now. I know it's not normal for a Digimon, but… I don't want to digivolve anymore." I smiled and said: "I'm glad you're that happy as you are, Hudiemon. And you are really strong for a Digimon at your level, so fortunately, it looks like it's not necessary, either. Looks like we all lucked out, huh?" and Hudiemon still looked happy as she said: "Yeah!"
I then went on: "Well as long as everyone's as digivolved as they can be, what do you say we head off to the next area?" and everyone cheered before I said: "Good answer! I like your enthusiasm!" but then I paused and said: "But now we just need to decide who will stay behind…" and I paused before I said: "Hudiemon, would you be willing to stay behind?" and she smiled and said: "Works for me! I'll go straight to the art studio and have something special for you when you return!" and we all laughed together before I said: "I'm glad you're excited. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll make, too!" and then I turned to the others and said: "Alright, let's hit the road!" and we left the Digihome.
When we returned to the Jade Ruins, I checked my digivice's map feature to see where the exit we were looking for was (since there was no need to restock our supplies). Gryphonmon then said: "So where are we headed, Mark?" I looked up and pointed across from us before I said: "That way! Let's get to it!"
And then we headed to the opposite side of town and left. We followed the trail through some woods and kept going, until we came to a clearing. "Well, it's been a little while… are we getting close, Mark?" Arukenimon asked. "Not by a long shot. The shuttle itself is located on a mountain range, so we've still got quite some time to go before we're there." I said. "Oh wow… well, let's stick it out then!" RiseGreymon said and Gryphonmon chuckled…
But then I heard an all-too familiar voice say: "Oh! Mark!" and I turned my head (and so did my Digimon) to see Angewomon! I smiled and said: "Angewomon! It's good to see you again!" and then we approached each other before Angewomon said: "Likewise. You seem as well as ever… and it looks like your Digimon digivolved too!" and I grinned before I said: "Yup! They hit the mega level, at last!" Angewomon smiled before she said: "Well congratulations! Making a Digimon digivolve that far is very hard to do and a significant accomplishment." I smiled back and said: "Thanks."
And then I went on: "So what mission brought you out here today, Angewomon?" and then Angewomon chuckled and said: "It looks like you're getting to know me well… in a sense though, you're wrong. I didn't come here on a mission… I came here out of my own accord to do good this time." and I smiled before I said: "That's my friend for you! But what drove you to come here if you're not on a mission?" "There are 4 really dangerous Digimon here… Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon. They're very bad, very dangerous Digimon that have caused a lot of damage and devastated many Digimon. I wanted to stop them, but I'm a little worried… they're all mega Digimon and I'm only an ultimate—" Angewomon began and then I said: "Well yeah, you should be worried! It would be suicide for an ultimate to take on 4 megas! You should have contacted me first!" and then Angewomon looked a little discouraged before she said: "I can understand your point, but I didn't know your Digimon had digivolved and I didn't want to drag them into this when I thought they were all ultimates too…"
I then frowned and said: "That's just like you, Angewomon! Always more worried about others than yourself! But you can stop worrying now—we're ready. So let's go—together." Angewomon smiled and said: "Thank you, Mark. You're so kind and brave… and you've helped me so many times." and then she went on: "I'd like to take you to my continuum and introduce you to the angel Digimon there so I can brag on you when this is all over. It'd only be right after how many times you've helped me." I smiled and said: "It's a deal! Now let's go pulverize those losers!" and Angewomon smiled and said: "Alright!"
I then went on: "All the same though, tracking them down will be tricky… do you know where they're hiding, Angewomon?" "I don't have an exact location… I heard they're across from the mountain range at about this part of the woods…" Angewomon replied. And suddenly I felt a little worried… across from the mountain range? Was their ultimate plan to attack the shuttle to inconvenience users? And I said: "Then let's go!" and Angewomon nodded before we hurried off.
We then hurried across the woods. We didn't see anything at first… but eventually we made it to some bushes outside of another clearing… and there were 4 Digimon here!
One was humanoid and looked like a jester… it walked on 2 legs and wore a red long sleeve coat-like garment and had yellow-green pants. It had big, yellow boots that went up to its knees that were wider than its legs (which actually looked pretty flimsy) and had points that curled backwards by its toes and a white ruff around its neck. It had a skullcap on that went from the top of its head down to nose level and was painted black on the left side and white on the right side with eye holes for its yellow eyes with red irises and black pupils… its face below the skull cap was white and it had white ears on the side of its head as well. It had odd strands coming diagonally upward out of the back of its head that were orange at the ends and turned yellow as they got closer to its head. It wore white gloves, had 2 blue banners draping from its shoulders and had 4 dark blue and gold scabbards bound to its back, with a sword sheathed in each… it looked 5'8 tall.
The next stood upright and walked on 2 legs. It had 2 arms ending with metallic claws and cannons on its back—it also had a dinosaur-like head. It looked 12 feet tall and was covered in silver metal.
Another was a humanoid, wooden puppet and it walked on 2 legs. It had a blue vest and blue shorts—it also had 2 gears on its stomach… it also had silver bolts for elbows and knees and had white gloves on its hands. It also had a pointed, silver spike for a nose and a red hat with a yellow ball on the top that was connected by an 'L'-shaped line of fabric. It had 2 wooden planks in an 'x'-shape on its back that had red cables that were linked to its hands and feet—it also held a silver hammer that looked as tall as it was and looked 4'10 tall. And the last one was a MetalSeadramon, like the one LadyDevimon had fought alongside when we had fought her in Floral Crossing!
Angewomon and I looked at each other before we stepped out through the bushes and it seemed these Digimon noticed us, because they quickly turned their heads to us. The Digimon that looked like a jester then said: "Well, well, look at what we have here… a tamer and his Digimon. Are you lost? Not that it really matters, of course…" and I ignored them as Angewomon stepped forward and said: "You're those 4 Digimon that have been attacking so many innocent Digimon… Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon. You have devastated so many poor Digimon… and I can't allow you continue doing that!" and then the Digimon all looked at each other before they burst out laughing. Finally, the Digimon like a puppet said: "Well it looks like you know us, huh? I'm glad word has gotten out far enough." and the MetalSeadramon said: "And to think you both actually came here to pick a fight with us… how feisty! But in all honesty, it's downright stupid. I mean, stop and think for a moment—we've taken down a great number of Digimon. Do you really think we're going to be easy to defeat if we've caused so much trouble and never been bought to justice?" "No one said they expected this to be easy. But heroism isn't accomplished by indulging fear." I said back. The Digimon like a puppet then said: "Ha ha! You're such a big talker—" but then the mechanical Digimon put one of its claws on his shoulder and said: "Now, now, let's not be too hasty—they came all this way perfectly willing to make a fight, after all—it'd be rude of us to not give them one." And the Digimon like a jester smiled before he said: "Well said! Alright, let's show our little opponents how we do things!"
And then we approached each other, but before anything else could happen, we heard a: "HOLD EVERYTHING!" and we turned our heads to see LadyDevimon come flying in out of nowhere! Angewomon and I looked at each other before we turned back to her and Angewomon clenched her fists as she said: "LadyDevimon… I should have known. You came here to join them at the last second and ride their coattails to victory, didn't you?!" "Don't get ahead of yourself, Angewomon—I came here to slay them too, just for my own reasons." LadyDevimon replied. Angewomon and I looked at each other again before LadyDevimon went on: "So now you have an extra ally. So just count your blessings and let's get them!" and Angewomon and I turned to the 4 Digimon before they all started laughing again and the Digimon like a jester said: "Okay, so we have one extra ant to crush. No problem! Now let's get started!" And then they all stepped forward and I felt my digivice vibrate. I checked it and it said: "Left to right: Piedmon scan data: 5%, Machinedramon scan data: 5%, Puppetmon scan data: 5%, MetalSeadramon scan data: 10%". While I remembered that MetalSeadramon was a water elemental Digimon, it also said that Piedmon was a darkness elemental, Machinedramon was a machine elemental and Puppetmon was a nature elemental.
And then Angewomon and LadyDevimon stepped forward and I said: "Alright, BanchoLeomon and Gryphonmon—go for it! You can do it!" and then they stepped in as LadyDevimon said: "Darkness wave!" and she spun backward and held her left arm with her right arm before bats crackling with magic energy appeared and flew into Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon and exploded! Then another wave of them came in and did it again! Puppetmon took it pretty hard while Piedmon basically shrugged it off. Angewomon then followed up and said: "Celestial arrow!" and she enlarged the winged sides of her white glove on her right hand into a bow and she made an arrow of light magically appear in it before she fired it at Piedmon! This time, he took it hard! Piedmon then recovered and said: "Tigerclaw!" and he leapt at BanchoLeomon and unsheathed one of his swords and swiped at him before he put it away and ran back. Machinedramon then said: "Counting down: 3…" but he didn't do anything… Puppetmon then took his hammer and said: "Puppet pummel!" and he leapt up and slammed his hammer on Angewomon, hard! MetalSeadramon then said: "River of power!" and he pointed the nose hole in his face at LadyDevimon and then a massive torrential spray of water came out a second later! It knocked her over before she got up, although she looked rattled… "Alright, it's time to fight back! BanchoLeomon, use mudslide! Gryphonmon, use supersonic voice on Machinedramon!" I said and then BanchoLeomon said: "Mudslide!" and from out of a corner, a massive torrent of mud, bark, dirt, rocks and debris came flying at Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon! It slammed right into them (and Machinedramon took it really hard too!) before Gryphonmon said: "Supersonic voice!" and he started screeching at Machinedramon, creating a massive soundwave! The soundwave crashed into him and it looked like it worked well, too!
MetalSeadramon then frowned before he said: "Pulse beam!" and he pointed the cannon on his nose at BanchoLeomon before he fired a pink beam from it at him! The beam created a pink explosion when it made contact and BanchoLeomon looked a little subdued from it, but it didn't seem to do much… Puppetmon then followed up and said: "Puppet pummel!" and he leapt up and slammed his hammer on Angewomon again! Angewomon got up, but she looked like she was really hurting… I then got out an HP ultra recharge as I said: "BanchoLeomon, use mudslide again!" and then BanchoLeomon said: "Mudslide!" and he caused another mudslide to come surging in and hit our enemies, and while it still hit Machinedramon hard, it didn't hit him as hard as last time… I then used the HP ultra recharge on Angewomon. She smiled back at me as she said: "Thank you, Mark. I'm glad you've always got my back." and I smiled and said: "No problem. What are friends for?" But then I heard Machinedramon say: "Counting down: 2…" but he once again did nothing… Piedmon then said: "Trump sword!" and he drew the swords from behind his back before he leapt at Gryphonmon and started slashing him with his swords! He hit Gryphonmon 4 times before recovered, although it looked plenty effective… Angewomon then said: "Celestial arrow!" and fired another arrow of light at Piedmon! LadyDevimon followed up and said: "Darkness wave!" and sent 2 more waves of bats at Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon…
MetalSeadramon then said: "River of power!" and he pointed the nose hole in his face at LadyDevimon and sprayed her with a blast of water! We then heard Machinedramon say: "Counting down: 1…" but he still didn't do anything… Angewomon then said: "Celestial arrow!" and attacked Piedmon with it again before LadyDevimon joined in and used darkness wave. "Timber!" Puppetmon said before he conjured a tree in front of LadyDevimon before he hit it with his hammer… and it started to fall! It kept going until it fell on her! Soon it vanished though and Piedmon said: "Trump sword!" and slashed at Gryphonmon 4 more times before he went back to his side…
By now, I could see LadyDevimon was starting to look worn down. Even though she had been a jerk in the past, I felt it would be wrong to let her be defeated now… so I had to use an HP ultra recharge on Gryphonmon and LadyDevimon to keep them going. After I healed them, LadyDevimon looked shocked and said: "You'd heal me, even after how I treated you and your friends?" "The past is all said and done, LadyDevimon—this isn't any time for holding grudges. More so, you're actually helping us fight these dangerous opponents right now, so it would be wrong for me to turn a blind eye to you now." I said. LadyDevimon looked almost touched before she said: "Thanks…" and then we turned our attention back to the battle…
By now, I couldn't help noticing it looked like Machinedramon was going to be done counting down this round… I had no idea what he was going to do, but I was sure it wouldn't be good… that's why I said: "BanchoLeomon and Gryphonmon, prepare to block!" and they did so before Machinedramon said: "Countdown complete." and then he hunched forward and pointed the cannons on his back at my Digimon (as well as Angewomon and LadyDevimon) and said: "Infinity cannon!" and he fired energy blasts from the cannons on his back at them! The energy blasts crashed together and exploded, creating a gigantic dome of energy! It sure looked powerful… but what disturbed me the most was the sounds of Angewomon's and LadyDevimon's screams…
The dome eventually subsided and when it did, I saw BanchoLeomon and Gryphonmon were still okay (although they looked hurt, despite the fact that they defended)… but Angewomon and LadyDevimon were down! "What?!" I said before Machinedramon laughed (along with his allies) and he said: "Congratulations… now you have been blasted into oblivion, just like so many before you…" and I took Angewomon's and LadyDevimon's arms and pulled them back as I said: "Hey—are you okay?" and LadyDevimon said: "Argh… to have been gunned down so easily… how humiliating…" Angewomon then tried to stand on her leg, but slipped and fell face-first into the dirt… I helped her up as I said: "Angewomon, stop! You need treatment!" and then she said: "No… I can't give up now… if I failed now, I wouldn't be able to look the other angels in the eye… and I have to protect you…" and then LadyDevimon said: "Well we… can't fight them head-on. We need to do something better…" and then I said: "What…? What are you saying?!" and Angewomon said: "Please leave this to us, Mark… your Digimon need you right now…" and I looked over to see BanchoLeomon and Gryphonmon still standing… but they looked like they were on their last legs…
I nodded as I said: "Alright!" and I ran forward a little, close enough to keep an eye on the battle, but still within earshot of Angewomon and LadyDevimon. I then used HP ultra recharges on my Digimon, while Machinedramon said: "Pulse beam!" and blasted BanchoLeomon with a pink beam, which left him looking subdued… Puppetmon then said: "Briar patch trip!" and conjured a massive patch of thorny, spiky bramble before he ran up to Gryphonmon and hit him with his hammer as though he were a giant golf ball and sent him flying into the bramble! "Oww!" Gryphonmon said before he quickly flew out. Piedmon then said: "Trump sword!" and slashed at BanchoLeomon 4 times before MetalSeadramon said: "River of power!" and attacked Gryphonmon with it.
To be honest, I hadn't heard much of what Angewomon and LadyDevimon were saying, but now I could hear Angewomon saying: "We must live… and we have to protect Mark." and then I heard LadyDevimon sincerely say: "I agree." and then I turned around and saw they were flying up into the air! I saw LadyDevimon put her arms, palms-up as though in a gesture of receiving while Angewomon put her arms, palms-down over LadyDevimon's forearms. I then saw data particles from each of them fly into the other… and then there was a flash of light!
I shielded my eyes, and when it subsided, I said: "Angewomon?! LadyDevimon?!" and then something flew down, but it wasn't Angewomon or LadyDevimon… it was a Digimon like an amazingly tall woman that had 2 legs, but floated over the ground. It wore a full body suit that was white on the left side (with baby blue-colored crystals on its elbow, bicep, knee and its foot and heel, making it look like a high heel—it also had a baby blue-colored gem on its hip and neck and a baby blue-colored glove) and its suit was black on the right side with pink crystals, gems and a glove in the same respective places. It had a helmet on its head that covered its eyes and was white on the left side (with a white, feathery wing on it) and black on the right side (with a black, leathery wing on it). It also had a black tasset with four white coattails hanging off each diagonal corner—the ones on the left had baby blue-colored ends and the ones on the right had pink-colored ends. It had 6 feathery, white wings on its left and 6 leathery, black demon wings on its right, although they were not actually attached to its back, but instead were coming out of a gray, floating device that was behind it… it had a blonde ponytail that went down to its feet and looked 6'9 tall.
I was shocked and I said: "Angewomon?! LadyDevimon?!" and the Digimon said: "I'm Mastemon. I'm a new Digimon that was made from Angewomon and LadyDevimon." I couldn't believe what I was hearing… I looked down as Mastemon said: "I'll explain it later, Mark! We have to finish this first!" and I looked up and turned to Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon and Piedmon said: "Ha ha ha… it looks like you're fighting with all your strength now, like the cornered beast you are…" and then he went on: "Well we're not afraid of you and your little stunt! It's time for us to finish the job!" and then Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon cheered before Mastemon grinned back and said: "You're as arrogant as ever… but if you think I'm going to fall that easily, you are sorely mistaken. I'll show you!" and then she went on: "Almighty sun!" and she sent a yellow line up into the air… before it suddenly turned into a giant, yellow-orange sun! Even Piedmon and his cronies looked surprised… and then the sun started to come down! "Uh… Mastemon, is that safe?" I asked. She grinned before she said: "It is for us. They, however, will not find the same to be true…" and as it came down, it didn't even feel any hotter to me (and I saw Mastemon and my Digimon looked perfectly comfortable too), but Piedmon and the others looked overwhelmed by heat and shielded their eyes as they screamed as the sun stayed there for a few seconds, then caused a giant flash before it was gone! When I could see again, I saw Piedmon was down and Machinedramon and Puppetmon didn't look too far from meeting the same fate either! Mastemon then said: "Now, Mark! Show them your power!" and I smiled and said: "You got it!" before I said: "BanchoLeomon, use mudslide! Gryphonmon, attack Puppetmon with lightning strikes twice!" and BanchoLeomon said: "Mudslide!" and he attacked Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon with it again… and Machinedramon went down! Gryphonmon then said: "Lightning strikes twice!" and the sky turned purple and filled with dark, stormy clouds before Puppetmon got zapped by a lightning bolt! Then a second one zapped him again! The area then returned to normal before he got up (but he looked like he was on his last legs now) as he said: "Puppet pummel!" and attacked Mastemon with it, and while she took it a little hard, she still looked ready for more. MetalSeadramon then said: "Riptide!" and then he created a wave of water in front of BanchoLeomon that surged forward and swept him back with my other Digimon, then the current receded around Crescemon's feet and pulled her into the battle!
Mastemon then said: "Cry in the night!" and the entire area went pitch black before several giant bolts of white lightning zapped Puppetmon! "Argh!" Puppetmon screamed before the area returned to normal… and he was down! I then said: "Great work, BanchoLeomon and Gryphonmon! Now get back, all of you!" and Gryphonmon and Crescemon went back to the others as I said: "Go for it, Arukenimon!" and she came running in. MetalSeadramon then said: "Pulse beam!" and attacked Mastemon with it again.
"Arukenimon, get him! Use spider thread!" I said. Arukenimon then said: "Spider thread!" and she wove threads that ensnared MetalSeadramon and hurt him! He took it hard before he said: "River of power!" and attacked Arukenimon with it. Mastemon then said: "Cry in the night!" and the area once again went completely dark before MetalSeadramon got zapped by bolts of white lightning. MetalSeadramon said: "Yah!" before the area returned to normal. By now, MetalSeadramon looked like he was on his last legs and he attacked Arukenimon with a river of power, but once I had her use spider thread on him, he was down!
My Digimon cheered as Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon sat up slowly. Piedmon looked up and got into a squatting position before he said: "Heh… it looks like we lost… very impressive. You are all truly powerful to defeat us… I don't suppose you'd be willing to spare us?"
My Digimon all looked at me, but before I could say anything, Mastemon said: "If you think you can just go around devastating so many Digimon and evade retribution just by asking for mercy… than you have another thing coming!" and then she said: "Almighty sun!" and sent another sun into the sky again! "Mastemon! Wait!" I said, but the sun was already coming down… Piedmon, Machinedramon, Puppetmon and MetalSeadramon all screamed before there was a flash of light… when we could see again, they were gone…
I then turned to her and said: "What were you doing? Destroying 4 Digimon like that…?!" "Mark, trust me—it was the right thing to do. If we would have let them go, they would have lived to impose terror another day. It's better to stamp them out while they're down." Mastemon replied. I then stopped and paused… even though she had just ended the existence of 4 Digimon, she did have a point… Mastemon then went on: "But I guess I still owe you an explanation from that battle when I didn't answer you… you asked me if I was Angewomon or LadyDevimon. The truth is… I am both of them. Before I go on, do you know what DNA digivolution is, Mark?" and I said: "DNA digivolution?" "It's a form of digivolution where 2 Digimon permanently combine together to create a new Digimon. The resulting Digimon inherits—" Mastemon began before I said: "Wait a minute… it's permanent?! So Angewomon's gone forever now?!" and then I looked down before I said: "That's so sad… I didn't even get a chance to say goodbye…"
And I looked up before I saw Mastemon smiling at me before she went on: "Don't worry—Angewomon didn't disappear. She still is retaining spiritual consciousness inside of me… and so is LadyDevimon." and then Mastemon went on: "That being said, the part of me that's Angewomon is really touched and happy to hear you say that… I am too, of course." and then she continued: "Ultimately, you could think of it as though they're both alive inside me. They're even still playing a role within me now... for example, by playing a role in determining my personality. But neither one actually has any control over what I say, do or think… that's left up to me. They can only influence me." "That's really complicated… so even though they made you—and are still spiritually conscious inside of you—you're still a new Digimon…" I said.
Mastemon then smiled before she said: "Yes, exactly right! You're good." and then she went on: "But they aren't exactly like 2 halves of a whole—" and then I said: "WHAT? What do you mean?" and Mastemon said: "In DNA digivolution, the new Digimon inherits qualities from both Digimon, but takes after one more than the other… that Digimon is called the 'base' in the DNA digivolution. Rather than inheriting a perfect 50-50 from both predecessors, you could think of the ratio as more 65-35, in favor of the base. In my case, the base was Angewomon, so I inherited more of her personality… but I still have qualities of LadyDevimon in me too, doubtlessly what you probably consider to be my brutal side, hee-hee…"
I paused before I shook my head and said: "No. I don't think of you as brutal." Mastemon looked at me before she said: "Hmm?" and I went on: "I couldn't put it into words before, but… now that I've taken all of this in, I would call you an enforcer of justice." Mastemon smiled before she said: "That's a very kind assessment. After how I saw you react, I didn't think you'd say something like that so soon…" and I said: "Well what can I say—you had a point. But more than that, you inherited the best of Angewomon's and LadyDevimon's qualities, so you ended up becoming an amazing Digimon."
Mastemon was still smiling as I went on: "You have Angewomon's kindness, bravery and goodwill inside you. You thoroughly are driven by good, combined with LadyDevimon's violence and evil… but in a restrained amount, so it gives you the drive to punish evil and stop others who want to hurt innocent people and Digimon. Yes… you are a perfect illustrator of what justice is. I'm proud of you, Mastemon."
Mastemon looked touched as she said: "That's sweet of you. The part of me that's Angewomon—and the part of me that's LadyDevimon—are both really touched and at peace to hear you say that. I too, appreciate that very much… thank you." I smiled before I said: "You're welcome. I'm happy that Angewomon and LadyDevimon got to live on and become you, Mastemon. They made the right choice…" and then Mastemon smiled before she said: "Thank you, Mark. I'm happy you feel optimistic about my DNA digivolution, but there's still something you shouldn't forget…"
And then I couldn't help but feel mystified by her response… Mastemon then went on: "Do you understand why Angewomon and LadyDevimon DNA digivolved, Mark?" "…Well I'd imagine it was so they could survive that fight and make it possible for us to get out safely." I said back.
"You're mostly right—Angewomon and LadyDevimon did want to survive the fight after all, and they also wanted to be able to protect—but they were really trying to protect only one individual: you. Angewomon truly wanted to protect you from any harm. And LadyDevimon felt the same. You were a friend to both of them… and I feel the same way." Mastemon said. I smiled before I said: "I know what you mean. You may not be Angewomon or LadyDevimon anymore, but you're still my friend. Nothing will change that." Mastemon smiled before she said: "Thank you, Mark."
Then she went on: "Well now that I have protected you, you're probably done here, right? So what's next for Ikaruga's noble explorer?" and then I laughed and said: "Well, I still need to get further south to get my last badge before I'll be all ready to help my server." and then I went on: "What about you, Mastemon?" Mastemon shook her head before she said: "Nothing at all, really… I don't have anywhere left to go."
Suddenly I felt uneasy as I said: "What…?" and she went on: "There isn't a place that I came from as Angewomon or LadyDevimon that would welcome me now… the angels would cast me out for combining with a demon and the demons would shun me for combining with an angel. That being said, I don't fit into any community anymore…" "Mastemon…" I said before she went on: "So I suppose it's time for me to stop trying to fit into a particular archetype and be myself from here on out!" and I smiled again before I said: "A fine idea. I know you'll do great things, Mastemon." Mastemon grinned before she said: "Thank you. I believe it too. I have all kinds of options now… although I know what I want."
And then she went on: "I so wish you would take me on as one of your Digimon, Mark. Now that I don't have a place I fit into, my only loyalty is to you. I know this journey would be best spent with us together." and I smiled before Mastemon continued: "But I know you, and I know how precious your Digimon are to you—and how much you value your time with them. So I will respect your wishes and back out gracefully. But if you ever need help… you can call me. I'll always be there." and then I smiled and laughed before I said: "Who said I was that inflexible? Is that all you give me credit for?" and Mastemon looked confused as I went on: "Admittedly, that was how I was for a long time… but even I've advanced past that now."
And then I turned to Arukenimon (and Mastemon did too) as I said: "Do you see my Arukenimon, Mastemon?" "Yes… what about her?" Mastemon asked. "She is a new Digimon. The 7th Digimon I own—and I couldn't fit all 7 in my digivice at once." I said back. And then I turned to Mastemon as I went on: "That being said, even I can change. I'm not so rigidly inflexible that I can't take any more Digimon. Not anymore. Now come on—we've got a lot to do from here on out." Mastemon smiled widely before she said: "Mark…" and then she came up and hugged me as she said: "Thank you! I didn't expect this would happen, but I'm not complaining—it's the best outcome I could have hoped for!" I chuckled before I said: "Glad to hear it. Of course, I can't actually have 7 Digimon in my digivice, so come on—we'd better get back to the Digihome and get ready to make our next move!" and everyone cheered before we headed back to the Jade Ruins. When we returned, I grinned and said: "Alright everyone, it's time to head back. Stay close, would you, Mastemon?" and she came up next to me as I returned to the Digihome.
When we arrived, Mastemon stepped forward and said: "Well it looks like we're really in paradise now, huh? An island resort?" and then she took a deep breath and said: "It's so warm and comfortable… and the sea breeze is so refreshing!" and then she turned to me before she said: "You have a nice Digihome, Mark." I smiled and said: "Thanks, Mastemon. I'm glad you like it here already." and then I went on: "Of course—as I referenced before—there's another Digimon here waiting for us. So come on—let's introduce you to her, Mastemon!" Mastemon smiled before she said: "That sounds good to me! Lead the way, Mark!"
And then we all prepared to search… before I thought I heard Hudiemon's voice… I followed it to the house and saw Hudiemon was singing inside! I got next to the door and waited for her to finish before I applauded and soon Hudiemon came out. When she saw me, she said: "Ah, there you are, Mark! Welcome back!" I smiled and said: "Thank you, Hudiemon. It's been a while since I've had the chance to hear you sing, but you're still as talented as ever! You've been keeping sharp!" Hudiemon giggled before she said: "Thanks! It's good to see you're all back too. Now I can—" but then she eyed Mastemon and said: "Wow! It looks like you've brought someone over! Who's she?"
I then explained everything to Hudiemon. By the end, Hudiemon looked surprised and said: "So Angewomon and LadyDevimon DNA digivolved… I never thought I'd see that happen…" and Mastemon chuckled before she said: "Yes, I can understand your disbelief—Angewomon and LadyDevimon were like oil and water for a long time." and then Hudiemon smiled before she said: "But even so, I'm not concerned! The fact that you're such a nice Digimon and you're so loyal to Mark makes you okay by me! Welcome to the team, Mastemon!" and Mastemon smiled before she said: "Thank you, Hudiemon. I'm happy to be a part of it!"
And then I said: "That's music to my ears! With Arukenimon and now Mastemon, we have a lot to be excited about with all of the amazing Digimon we have on the team now!" and everyone cheered before I turned to Hudiemon and said: "Even so, I think you were starting to say something before, Hudiemon?" and Hudiemon went on: "Yeah, that's right! I finished that special something while you were away! Do you want me to show you?" I smiled and said: "I'd be delighted!" and Hudiemon smiled and said: "Hee-hee! I'm glad you said that! Alright, I'll show you to it!"
And then Hudiemon took us to the art studio and she said: "I'll bring it right out. Wait here…" and then she went in… and brought out a canvas on a stand! She set it down and said: "Well, here it is… my first artwork I've attempted since I became humanoid!" and I looked it over…
It was even better than her mural. She had painted me, Sakuyamon, BanchoLeomon, Gryphonmon, RiseGreymon, Crescemon, Arukenimon and herself on the shore together… Sakuyamon and Crescemon were playing on the volleyball court together (Sakuyamon's staff was shown resting against a palm tree, near Crescemon's dual-edged scythe), BanchoLeomon was doing one-handed pushups (Hudiemon had drawn him to make it look like it was an easy task for him), Gryphonmon was on top of the house, roaring, RiseGreymon was posing, pointing his arm with the gun barrel up into the air and clenching his fist triumphantly, Hudiemon and Arukenimon were talking to each other in the shade of a palm tree (she had used the element of shadow quite well, too!) and I was in front of the house.
We all smiled when we saw it and I said: "That is beautifully done, Hudiemon. And to think you did such an amazing job without any of us around to even pose for you, that this all came out of your imagination… you're such a great artist." "I agree! I like that you put me on the volleyball court!" Crescemon said. "Yeah, I do too!" Sakuyamon said. BanchoLeomon laughed heartily before he said: "I like that you showed me doing something so physically demanding so easily… that's a high compliment, Hudiemon. I appreciate it." And RiseGreymon said: "That pose you put me in looks pretty photogenic, too! I should remember it for my next arena battle!" and Gryphonmon said: "I like that you drew me up high too! I'd like to do that, if only my talons wouldn't damage the roof…" and we all laughed before Arukenimon said: "I like that we were having fun talking like we always do. Very realistic!" and Hudiemon smiled and said: "Thanks, everyone! I'm glad you're all so supportive! It was hard, but it was a lot of fun to paint, too."
And then she turned to Mastemon and said: "And now that Mastemon is on the team, I can look forward to getting to paint a new one with her in it!" and Mastemon chuckled before she said: "How kind of you. That makes me feel even more welcome into the group so soon… thank you, Hudiemon." and Hudiemon smiled back before I said: "Well this day has been a massive success for all of us! A job well done, everybody! And now it's about time you all took a well-deserved rest. Let's get back to the shore, eh?"
And everyone nodded before Hudiemon put her painting back in the art studio and we all went over by the house. Of course, now that Mastemon was a part of the team, she was going to need a hammock too… I then turned to my Digimon and said: "Wait here…" and I went into the house and created a new hammock for Mastemon. When I came back out, I said: "Alright, now there's a hammock for everybody! So go on and rest up everyone!"
And everyone went to theirs while Mastemon chuckled and said: "So you have your Digimon sleep in hammocks, Mark? That's a charming idea." and I laughed back before I said: "Well, I thought it would blend in well with the island scenery. Everyone loves them too, so why don't you give it a go, Mastemon? You can rest up so we can all be ready to go to the next area." and Mastemon nodded before she said: "A fine idea. I'll do just that. Alright, see you soon, Mark." And she went to her new hammock and climbed in before she dozed off.
I then stood back and smiled. I had never thought that owning this many Digimon would feel like such a success or would be this enjoyable, but now I could see how wrong I was… it was great having Arukenimon and Mastemon on the team and I was looking forward to seeing what other surprises were lying around the corner in the next area!