A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Dracofighter for catching some mistakes last chapter. Thanks bud. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

Digimon Trinity

Chapter: 140/ Episode 20: Storm Fall

"Though all who love you may betray and abandon you, know that the Darkness never will."

Kari was there again. She stood amidst a grey-colored beach as a black light swept out across a vast expanse of shadowy ocean. Standing at the borders of the water were long-limbed figures of vague, humanoid shape formed from dark fog. Yet eyes looked out at her and her breath caught in her throat.

"Stay away," she said in a hushed voice, unconsciously taking a step back. Memories flickered – dark and evil – and she saw herself in a black tower, staring at herself in a mirror. Eyes vacant and unseeing while within their depths something lurked. Something stirred. A small smirk drew across her lips in the memory. Kari shuddered, yet in the world outside, the shadowy creatures – the denizens of the Dark Ocean – remained transfixed where they stood, not moving a muscle.

"So you command, Dark Queen," one of the creatures said. "And so, we obey. As always. Until your final days, we await your call."

As one, the creatures bowed their heads respectively. Swallowing, Kari shook. She could feel the cold wind blowing up from the ocean, caressing her bare skin.

"Then…what do you want?" she asked, her voice quavering.

"You called," came the reply. "We came."

"I…didn't call you!" Kari hissed, wrapping her arms about herself. "Let me go! Gatomon needs me!"

The creatures gazed upon her, no emotion betrayed in their empty, alien eyes.

"The roots of a new tree – a red one – grow," said one, extending a long, gnarled limb toward Kari. "The lost egg of darkness has found its scythe. It seeks a reaper. Ah…our Queen… It is…beautiful to behold. Yet, it is not of us. Not of the Darkness. It similar, yet it is empty. And it devours without care." It retracted its arm. "Know this, Queen Kari. It will be drawn to you. We will not abide that. You are ours and we yours."

Turning, it looked upon its companions. "We had hoped that by your call, you would lead us, as you led us before…"

"I will never lead you again!" Kari shouted, her voice cracking. Whirling about, she took off at a run, her heart thundering in her chest. The shadowy creatures watched her as she raced away, still unmoving from their spot. Cresting over a hill, Kari, panting, chanced a look over her shoulder and found them there, watching. As though waiting for her to halt, one spoke again.

"We await your call, until your final days," it said, its eyes not leaving hers. "Though all who love you may betray and abandon you, know that the Darkness never will."

Its form shifted, and Kari's mouth opened in a voiceless scream as she found herself staring at herself; younger and colder. A pale reflection of who she was when she had been taken all those years ago.

"For a part of you is always with us, waiting for you to come home," the creature spoke with her voice and lips. With that, the 'dark Kari' began to step away with its companions, retreating into the depths of the ocean, the water slipping over their heads one by one until, at last, Kari was alone.

"Not again…" Kari groaned, collapsing to her knees with a dull thud. Clasping at her head, she clenched her eyes shut. "I can't…I can't go through this again. Tai… Gatomon… TK…"

But no. TK couldn't help her. Wouldn't anymore. So caught up in his plans and his war that he had forgotten about all the bonds of friendship and love he had made with the Digidestined. With her.

White light burst across her vision just then, shrouded by a film of black shadow. Cold air was swiftly replaced by a warm breeze and then…a scream, followed swiftly by an explosion. Her eyes snapping open, Kari had just enough time to register that she was back in Shinjuku before Ophanimon fell out of a cloud of black smoke and flying debris, her armor cracked in multiple places and smoke rising from her body. The fallen angel smashed into the street, slicing a trench deep within its surface before slamming into oncoming traffic. More screams filled the air and Kari was hurrying over toward her fallen partner, all thoughts of the Dark Ocean and TK and her past gone now.

At least for the moment.

"Gatomon!" she called out before coughing, smoke filling her lungs. Refusing to be hindered though, she tried again. "Gatomon!"

Red eyes lit up within the smoke and Ophanimon stepped into view, a shoulder guard and a demonic wing falling away from her and striking the ground with a heavy crack upon the pavement.

"Kari," the Mega digimon began, her voice thick and heavy with pain. "You shouldn't be here. Not when I am administering justice."

"Gatomon! No! You need to reverse-digivolve now! You can't stay like that! Remember what…" She coughed again and she buried her face into the crook of her arm to cover it. Ophanimon looked down upon her, her expression changing. Dark and white lightning curled about her, as if in doubt. Her breathing coming under control again, Kari looked back up at her. "Remember…what happened before? When you last took this form?"

The lightning sparked about Ophanimon again, this time more white than dark. Just then, more explosions rocked the city street and the angel's head snapped up.

"The others… They're fighting him now. They need my help. They…"

"I said no!" Kari exploded, rushing the angel and slamming into her. The impact did little more than jar Kari instead of her target, but that hadn't been the point. Wrapping her arms about Ophanimon's legs, she held firm, and just like that, the white lightning triumphed over the black. A soft, golden glow surrounded the fallen angel and she collapsed into her partner's arms, reverting to Angewomon.

"A-Angewomon?" Kari stammered out, the angel falling to one knee.

"I'm…better," she panted, shaking her head in an attempt to clear it. She felt tired. Badly tired, and it had only been by some miracle that she managed to retain her Ultimate form. It wouldn't last however. Her strength was fading fast. She hadn't been at the Mega level in so long…

It's more than just that, she thought. Much more…

"No, you're not," Kari scolded, taking up Angewomon's arm and slinging it over her shoulder. "You're going to revert soon."

"The others… They still need my help."

"Ken will be here…"

"He already is," Angewomon reported, grimacing beneath her helmet. "Along with Sora and Davis. I…defeated them."

Kari's mouth dropped open at that. "No…"

"I'm afraid so," Angewomon replied, trying to disentangle herself from her partner. "That is why…I have to help the Tamers. They'll be fighting alone without me."

Pushing away from Kari, Angewomon flapped her wings, only to fall forward and collapse back to the ground. Exhaustion clawed at her limbs and pulled her to the street. Clenching her teeth, Angewomon reached deep inside her, struggling to find the strength that would get her going again. All that came in response was a great well of remorse at what she had done.

Hang…Hang in there everyone, she said, pushing herself off the ground. Hang…on…

Kari's hands clasping hold of her by the waist caught her attention, and turning, she found the woman looking at her intently.

"Let me help," she said sternly. "Then we can correct this."

With a reluctant nod, Angewomon stopped resisting her partner, and Kari again swung her arm over her shoulder.

###

"Gargo Lasers!"

Gargomon's gun barrels sparked as the Champion leapt into the air, raining a flurry of emerald laser blasts upon Indramon. The Ultimate didn't so much as bat an eye at this, and Gargomon, finally falling victim to the effects of gravity, began to drop down.

"Kyubimon!" he shouted over his shoulder. "You're up!"

The kitsune dashed forward, the tips of her tails lighting up. Her side still ached from the punishing blow inflicted on her by Ophanimon, but Rika's modify card had helped her recover sufficiently for the battle ahead. Jumping skyward, she coiled into a ball, the fire from her tails spinning outward until they encompassed her body.

"Dragon Wheel!" she shouted, and the combined blue flames surged outward like a great serpent, smashing into Indramon. The Deva, however, merely walked through them without any indication that they harmed him at all.

What are we going to do? Takato wondered as Growlmon reared back and unleashed a massive fireball that struck Indramon with the force of a cannonball. He clenched one hand about his digivice, his mind working furiously. Ophanimon and Indramon… These were extremely bad odds, and he wasn't at all sure what to do about it all. He retained the thin hope that Ophanimon could be reasoned with, a stark contrast with Indramon who moved toward them with all the purpose of a juggernaut. After seeing her go through all the partner digimon with such ease however, such hopes were close to tearing.

"Anything?" he asked, looking over at Henry as he lowered his cellphone.

"No!" He shook his head, looking frustrated. "Ms. Kamiya's not answering her phone."

"Which means something bad must have happened to her," Rika grated, fanning through her cards. Her violet-eyes flickered up at Indramon who, at this moment, bore the focus of their attention since battle had resumed.

A dark digivolution, she thought. Is it the Nightmare Soldiers or something?

She shook herself mentally. She didn't have the luxury of thinking about the Digidestined of Light when the Deva was bearing down on them like this.

"Your efforts are futile!" Indramon announced, breaking free from the smoke and fire kicked up by Growlmon's fireball. The Deva surged forward and all three Champions froze in place, taken by uncertainty now. The Ultimate had thus far weathered a Trinity Burst, all three of their attacks and Ophanimon's scythe attack. What could be done?

"Digi-modify!" Henry shouted, as if in response. Sparks flashed as he drew a card through the slot on his digivice. "Power activate!"

With renewed strength, Gargomon jumped back up into the air, this time higher than before and took point-blank aim at Indramon's face. A torrential downpour of energy blasts struck the Ultimate, but did no appreciable damage.

"You fool!" Indramon shouted, bringing a massive hoof to bear and slamming it down on Gargomon, crushing him down to the street and causing a massive crack to spread across its surface. As the dust blew away from the breeze of Indramon lowering his hoof, Gargomon was revealed, leaning against a ruined car, groaning softly.

"You should show…some respect!" Indramon growled, his horn maneuvering to take aim at the Champion. Cracking his eyes open, Gargomon, half dazed still by the attack he had born, lifted one arm and took aim with his laser cannons. The barrel turned and clicked, but nothing came out.

He was out of energy.

"Gargomon!" he heard Kyubimon shout as she and Growlmon raced to his aid. "Hold on!"

This is definitely not good… Gargomon thought as the shadow of the horn fell over him, blotting out the sun.

Seeing this, Kazu, clenching his fists, turned toward Henry, seeing the boy just standing there, eyes wide and seemingly frozen.

"You better do something," he said, jerking Henry back to attention.

"Yeah, and hurry up!" chimed in Kenta.

But…But what? Henry wondered, taking a deep breath to steady himself. His heart was beating rapidly, and his arms shook, making it difficult to think straight. This all seemed so utterly hopeless. Their crests weren't coming and they were hopelessly outclassed without them.

Even Biyomon's out of the game, he thought, glancing over in Sora's direction as she lifted her pink-feathered partner up into her arms.

"Come on!" Sora called. "We've got to get out of here!"

But…I can't just leave Gargomon…

An idea came to mind and he slashed another card through his digivice. Sparks flew and Gargomon leapt back into action, Henry's Recharge card sending fresh energy coursing through him. With another great jump, the gun-toting gun-bunny was flying up at Indramon's horn and there was an explosion of green light.

"Now's our chance! Attack the horn!" Takato shouted, feeling that Indramon was now momentarily blinded by Gargomon's attack. Taking up a Strength card, he quickly slashed it through his own digivice and Growlmon sent a fresh fireball smashing into Indramon's shell-horn. This was quickly followed by Rika's addition of a Hyper-Speed card to Kyubimon, reasoning that the acceleration would help provide additional punch to Kyubimon's attack.

The dragon and fox's attacks intertwined and struck the Horn of Desolation, creating a fiery explosion. Yet it emerged untouched from their combined efforts, and quickly retaliated with a blast of its own, forcing all three Champions to dash to the side, attempting to evade. Concrete and pavement flew into the air and fire roared angrily, yet the three Champions remained untouched…this time.

"This isn't going well," Gargomon panted, landing heavily on the ground. "Anyone got any bright ideas?"

"Not at the moment," Kyubimon shook her head. "Ultimate… I never thought it would be this difficult for us to achieve again. It truly is a powerful level."

But nothing compared to Mega, she thought, wincing at the pain in her side. Even as Taomon, she knew she wouldn't have stood a chance against Ophanimon. The power difference between Ultimate and Mega was just too vast.

"Takato and the others will think of something," Growlmon said, taking a menacing step toward Indramon. "We just have to keep fighting until they do!"

"Nice thought, but what if they can't?" Gargomon asked. Growlmon's eyes narrowed, his eyes remaining focused on the Deva.

"They will!" he said, and that seemed to be his final say on the matter. Gargomon exchanged looks with Kyubimon, who merely shrugged. As far as she was concerned, as long as Rika was in it, she would fight as well.

And I thought Vajramon was tough, Gargomon thought miserably, rotating his gun cylinders. Turning, he prepared to fire again when another blast came crashing in from Indramon's horn, slamming into the streets and causing it to detonate in their faces, knocking them back. Pebbles rained down upon Gargomon's face and fell into his mouth. Sputtering, he rolled up and spat, trying to rid himself of the rocky debris.

"Not quite the bath I would have liked…" he muttered, looking himself over.

"You're persistent," Indramon said in an oddly respectful tone. "An admirable quality."

"Well…we're just getting started!" Gargomon shouted, climbing back to his feet. His voice shook and his breathing was ragged. Not good signs, but he ignored them. "Am I right guys?"

"We can continue fighting if you wish," Indramon said as, behind him, his shell rose, taking aim for another shot, "but you are no match for me. Behold the power of the Horn of Desolation!"

Another blast shot out with blinding speed, again, narrowly missing the three Champions. Yet the force of the blast was more than sufficient to knock them back down. The force of the blast blew over the three Tamers, forcing them to lean forward to keep from getting knocked over. Rika gritted her teeth, her mind racing, trying to think of something that would help them.

Our cards… We just about used all the good ones. But our modify cards… They just don't give our partners enough of a punch to match this guy.

Her mind flickered to one card however, but she quickly dismissed it. The BlackWarGreymon card she had lost a long while ago now. Ever since their first fight with Mephistomon, when Takato and Henry had been her enemies and competition instead of her allies.

And after seeing Ophanimon, she doubted she wanted to use it. What would it do to Kyubimon?

With a fresh cloud of smoke piling high into the air, she found herself wondering though…would saving Kyubimon's life be worth it?

"Keep fighting!" Kazu shouted, hopping atop a car for a better view.

"Don't give up!" Kenta added, pumping a fist into the air. "You guys are Tamers, right?"

Jeri stood by them, her eyes glistening as she watched the battle tilt against Takato and his friends. The whole thing seemed to be utterly hopeless, yet they continued to fight on. Her eyes falling on Takato, she felt her heart go out to him.

"If only I had a digimon partner…" she whispered, clutching Calumon tightly to her. A tear slipped free and down her cheeks while within her arms, Calumon stirred. His eyes cracked open and with a groan, he turned his head up to see how things were going.

Another fiery explosion gave him all the answer he needed.

"The time of reckoning is nigh!" Indramon boasted, breaking through the smoke and fire.

"Growlmon!" Takato shouted while Rika gasped. The Ultimate was almost on them now, and their partners were down. They were going to be…

A flurry of missiles shot forth just then and exploded against Indramon's back, causing him to grind to a halt. All eyes rose up in surprise to find a pair of helicopters coming into view. Red lasers shot forth from one of them and struck Indramon's face. Sparks flashed and lightning curled about his body. He seemed…frozen now, and a line of static crawled along him.

"It's like he's glitching…" Takato breathed. Then, remembering how the military had used lasers and the like to damage digimon, he quickly began digging in his pocket for another card. "Now's our chance!" he shouted.

Yet, almost as soon as he said it, Indramon broke free from his paralysis and began to turn toward the helicopters. Seeing this, Rika felt her heart plummet into her stomach. She glanced down, watching their partners pull themselves up exhaustedly. Her nerves, having already become frayed to the breaking point, finally snapped.

Kyubimon!

"We can't!" she turned toward Takato, her eyes becoming desperate. "It's not working!"

Takato whirled about towards her, eyes wide with surprise. Before he could even begin to process what he was hearing, Henry spoke up as well.

"Maybe Rika's right, maybe the military should handle this one."

The helicopters let loose more missiles and lasers. As they watched, the missiles exploded upon impact, and electrical sparks flew across Indramon's body. This time however, whatever their attack had done to him previously, it was no longer effective. With a glance, his horn began to turn away from the partner digimon and angle up at the helicopters.

He's going to kill them!

"No!" Takato shouted, feeling a sudden rush of defiance surging through him at the realization of Indramon's intentions. He felt his mind reach out instinctively and then Growlmon reared up. Finding an unexpected swell of energy and strength surging through his digital veins, he focused on it, drew it out and molded it. His eyes narrowed to sharp slits as he took aim and an ominous glow began to burn in the back of his throat.

"Pyro Blaster!" he shouted, and let loose a powerful fireball that struck Indramon's horn, knocking it off its aim just as it fired. The helicopters, seeing how badly they were outclassed now, quickly flew off, leaving Takato below to slump slightly in his footing, panting as his sense of connection with Growlmon receded.

"They're…safe…" he breathed, leaning on his thighs. Wiping an arm over his forehead, he gave a heavy sigh of relief.

"What are you still doing here?!" came Sora's shout, running over to them. Her face was covered with a thick layer of dust and her eyes were frantic. "We've got to get out of here!"

"But…But Indramon…" Takato began, helplessly pointing at the looming Ultimate as it started toward them again. "And Ken… He and Davis are still out there!"

He looked about, desperately trying to find them, having lost sight of them both after Ophanimon belted their partners clear across the city, but the sickening quake of Indramon's approach broke his concentration. Indramon… The military had already fallen back. Wormmon, Veemon and Biyomon were all unable to continue fighting and who knew what happened to Gatomon since taking Indramon's last attack. If they left now, there was nothing to stop the Deva from wreaking havoc throughout the city.

Sora, however, wasn't having it, and grabbed a fistful of Takato's hood and yanked him back.

"We are retreating! If we keep fighting, your digimon are going to…"

"Gargomon!"

Henry's shout cut across Sora's words and all looked up just in time to see the three Champion digimon charging at Indramon, Gargomon in the lead.

"This bunny ain't backing down from nobody!" the gun-toting rabbit shouted, feet pounding across the shattered street.

"I believe my purpose in this world is to destroy evil apparitions like you!" Kyubimon declared defiantly, thundering after him.

The ground shook hard as Growlmon's feet slammed against pavement.

"I'll never let you, or your Sovereign or anyone else mess up my friendship with Takato!"

"They're…still going to keep fighting…" Rika whispered, her eyes following after her partner. Against her will, a tear formed in one eye and she wiped at it furiously. Kyubimon… You still haven't given up…

Indramon watched as the three approached, his expression seemingly thoughtful. Almost admiring even. Yet, also resigned, unable to abandon his duty to his Sovereign.

"A fleeting dream…weak ones!" he said, and at once a pulse burst forth from him and struck the three with explosive force, knocking them back with a cry.

A cry that was likewise shared by Takato as pain suddenly erupted across his body, sending him falling backward and into Kazu's arms, the boy dashing forth to catch him.

"Chumley…" the visor-wearing boy whispered fearfully, feeling Takato shake and shudder as he fought to keep from passing out. With an effort, Takato planted his feet under him and forced himself to stand.

"T-Thanks for the save," he stammered out, massaging his chest. Jeri looked at him, seeing how his face was flush with pain.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "You can't keep this up!"

"I'm fine." Lowering his head like a bull, Takato went back to rejoin Henry and Rika. He didn't feel fine, but like it or not, he willed himself to appear it. Walking, he found however, had become difficult, and he felt his balance swaying. Sora's eyes were on him and he clenched his teeth, commanding his body to remain upright. If he showed so much as the slightest indication of looking as terrible as he felt on the inside, it was all over.

"We can't just leave…" he whispered. "We can't abandon the city. We've got to win!"

But…how? If we can't digivolve to Ultimate…

He drew up alongside Henry and Rika, steadying himself and took in the situation. They stood stock still, looking out upon the broken battlefield. Of their partners there was no sign. At least, none that was readily apparent. And Indramon…

"And now the final lesson!" the Deva shouted, raising a hoof and letting fly with it. There came a loud, meaty crack and then Gargomon, Kyubimon and Growlmon were flung skyward with a cry. Takato cringed as pain broke across his body once more, but this time he wasn't alone as Rika clasped her hands about her sides and shoulder, crying out with shock. Even Henry stiffened, taken aback by the feedback as it struck him. Fighting desperately to get past it, Takato took out his cards, hoping to find the right one and…

The earth shook at Growlmon's crash landing and Takato cried out as a flash of white fire erupted in his shoulder. His hand jerked, and cards flew up, scattering all over the ground.

"Ah, nuts!" he gasped, legs shaking almost uncontrollably now. Spots of light shot across his vision, but Takato blinked them back. He wasn't going to pass out now. He refused to do so again!

The city was depending on them!

###

Sora watched helplessly as Kazu and Kenta ran up to the three Tamers, producing whatever cards they had on hand that they felt would help turn the tides. None of them did unfortunately, and Indramon continued to rain explosive blasts upon them, pounding the three Champions into the ground with relentless force. She closed her eyes, and almost immediately she was back in the war, listening to the sounds of slaughter. The cries of soldiers and Tamers and digimon alike dying and fighting. Buildings being destroyed… Odaiba...

Takato… Rika… Henry… They're going to end up just like them! Opening her eyes again, she saw the three battered digimon struggling to rise to their feet. Kenta was asking who had any more cards while Rika expressed frustration with a card that offered no usability to her.

And Indramon continued on, brushing off all their attacks with ease. His shell horn settled down, taking aim while below, the forms of the three Champions pixilated briefly before returning to normal. Sora's eyes widened in growing horror.

This is it… They're done. They can't take another hit! And these kids…

She opened her mouth to say something… To call once more for a retreat, but then a blinding bolt of white lightning stroked across the air and struck the horn, knocking its mouth off target just as it opened fire once more, missing its targets by a wide margin.

"Celestial Arrow!"

More bolts rained down, piercing the horn and slamming into Indramon, who stumbled back, surprised by the unexpected force that was being thrown at him. At once, Angewomon landed in front of the Tamers, breathing heavily.

"Angewomon?!" Takato cried out, eyes wide with surprise. "You're…You're okay?!"

"I am," the angel nodded, her voice straining. "But I'm afraid I don't have the strength needed to finish this fight." She turned toward the digimon and nodded to them. "It's up to you. I'm lending you what strength I have left while I still can. Don't…Don't waste it!"

Thrusting her hands skyward, she called out Heaven's Charm, and at once a ring of energy rose up into the air. Rainbow particles fell from it and onto Growlmon, Kyubimon and Gargomon. The scratches and bruises and scuffs they had accumulated from the fighting receded and vanished, and they looked at the angel gratefully.

"Thank you," Kyubimon bowed her head politely while Gargomon spun his barrels excitedly.

"I feel like a million yen! Let's do it! Are you ready, Henry?"

"Yeah…" Henry said cautiously, looking out over at Indramon, who looked none the worse for wear despite having received multiple Ultimate level attacks.

"Are you all right, angel ladymon?" Growlmon asked worriedly, thudding forward a step as Angewomon fell upon one knee.

"Just…beat Indramon," she rasped, a soft glow forming over her. With those last words, she shrank down, becoming a much smaller, golden-furred creature, shaped like a ball with cat ears and a tail.

Nyaromon… Sora thought, recognizing Gatomon's In-training form. She's exhausted almost all her energy.

"We have a chance again," Takato said, fanning through his remaining cards, hoping he had overlooked something. Rika made a scoffing sound.

"All we did was get recharged from Angewomon's healing technique," she said. "We've exhausted all our cards and our best shots haven't so much as dented this guy. I don't see how going a second round is going to do anything if we can't hurt him."

Takato didn't meet her eyes. Didn't dare too. She was right after all. Indramon had done nothing but toss them around like rag dolls ever since Ophanimon had left the picture. He was just so strong…

"If only we had a crest card…" Takato fumed. At that, Kazu slapped his forehead.

"Duh!"

"What?" Blinking, Takato turned toward his friend, confused.

"Takato, I'm such a dork," the visor-wearing boy cursed. Quickly digging through his deck box, he produced the drawing of the crest of love he had made earlier. "Why didn't I think of this before? Use my crest card on Growlmon!"

For a fraction of a second, a dull quiet fell on the broken street and all eyes turned on Kazu in complete and utter bafflement.

"Kazu…" began Kenta, giving voice to what everyone else was thinking. "Dude, you drew that. It's not real."

"You were all for it earlier," Kazu grumped. "And hey, Takato created Guilmon with a drawing, and he's a crummy artist!"

"Gee, thanks a lot," Takato replied in annoyance. "Kazu, I don't think…"

"Come on, Takato!" Kazu snapped, clasping hold of Takato's hands by the wrists and pushing them down and then pulling them back up. "Guilmon was born from a drawing you made! Put some spirit into it and concentrate! Spirit! Concentrate Concentrate!"

Takato felt awkward as Kazu swept him up into the mantra. Seeing his doubt, Kazu narrowed his eyes at him.

"Are you concentrating? Hey, Chumly, I'm not holding your hands because I like you! Pay attention!"

"Ah…" Takato looked up at Kazu uncertainly and then looked past him and over to Calumon, who lay in Jeri's arms. The tiny digimon looked tired as well, but he met Takato's gaze levelly. Finally, closing his eyes, he nodded at the boy. A red light began to emerge from the central triangle on Calumon's forehead.

Is it…? Can it really be…?

"Takato?" Jeri called out worriedly, and a wide smile bloomed across Takato's face.

"Got it!" he exclaimed triumphantly. Lifting Kazu's card, he saw that a light had formed across the heart-shaped image Kazu had drawn. The Crest of Love burned there now. Wasting no time, the goggle-wearing boy whirled about and slashed the card through his digivice.

"Growlmon!"

Light exploded from his digivice and Growlmon let out a roar as light burst forth from his body, forming a shell of data around him. The shell grew and Indramon howled as the light blinded him. Yet, he knew what was coming, and adjusting his horn, he opened his mouth to pronounce his attack.

"Growlmon! Matrix Digivolve tooo…"

"Horn of Desolation!"

The shell of data exploded as Indramon's horn cut loose an attack, but a massive, axe-like arm blade sliced through the energy blast with frightening ease, causing it to burst apart into innumerable shards of harmless data. The ground shook as WarGrowlmon emerged, metal mouth guard and thick body armor gleaming in the light of the sun. Indramon, sensing that the balance of power had shifted, narrowed his eyes and took a step back, waiting to see what his newly empowered adversary would do.

"You dare to challenge me?" he bellowed, taking aim once more with his shell horn. In response, Takato let out a blood-curdling scream as he felt WarGrowlmon's power burning within him, a yell that was shared by the newly reborn Ultimate as well. Takato's senses had skyrocketed now. Everything WarGrowlmon saw, heard, felt…even smelled…he felt it as well. It threatened to overwhelm him, but the knowledge that this battle needed to be ended fast brought his mind to a razor's focus. Leaning forward, he locked eyes on Indramon.

"Radiation Blade attack!" he shouted, and in response, WarGrowlmon raised his arms, arm blades glowing a bright, crimson red.

"Sounds good to me!" the Ultimate snarled, the engines on his back flipping up, preparing to propel him forward. The horn glowed brightly, taking aim at the viral cyborg just as his engines lit. Rika saw this and her eyes widened, wondering if WarGrowlmon would be able to weather the attack or if he was even aware of it coming.

"Takato…!"

"Metal Wolf Claw!"

Before Rika could get any further, a furious stream of ice-cold air shot out from the sky and slammed into the Horn of Desolation, freezing it solid. A series of missiles followed up immediately afterward, peppering it and causing its structure to crack and then shatter completely. WarGrowlmon shot forward, arms extended as Indramon's mouth dropped open in surprise at the arrival of yet another Mega. So caught off guard was he that he completely forgot about the charging Ultimate until his blades slammed home into his chest, bursting through his armor and into the vulnerable digi-core that lay beneath.

"Alright you big blue bully!" WarGrowlmon shouted, pushing Indramon back. "Here's a message for your Sovereign! Say uncle!"

Indramon howled as the blades tore into his body and his hooves rose up, grasping hold of WarGrowlmon's arms. Feeling it, Takato nodded to himself. That was answer enough as far as he was concerned, and with the Horn of Desolation completely removed once more, he didn't have to be concerned anymore about unleashing WarGrowlmon's power.

"Atomic…Blaster!"

Power swelled, concentrating within the twin barrels of WarGrowlmon's chest built above the housing that contained his Hazard sign. With a final roar, they shot out and slammed into Indramon's body, burning away at his exposed digi-core. Indramon howled loud and long as the force of the blasts drove him backward, data flying away from him until…finally, his form disintegrated entirely.

WarGrowmon slashed about him with his arms, letting out a triumphant roar as MetalGarurumon sailed in from the skies.

###

"It's…It's over?" Takato stammered out, seemingly unable to believe it. Behind him, Sora nodded.

"Yeah," she said softly. "Yeah, it's over. We…won."

Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief washed through him, and as though this response were a signal, Takato felt his exhausted legs unhinge themselves before giving out from under him. Collapsing to the ground with a soft groan, he felt something grab hold of him and he looked up to see a pair of violet eyes, frantic and full of terror, looking at him.

Why are you so worried? he found himself wondering as consciousness began to slip away from him. Smiling softly, he lifted his hand and brushed his fingers against something smooth and soft, mumbling something under his breath. He lost sight of those eyes as the shadows drew ever closer.

Sorry for making you worry… he thought – or muttered? He couldn't be sure. He felt so tired. Rest. A little rest wouldn't hurt. All would be well once he took a little nap. Everyone would understand.

"Takato!" he heard Rika cry out in fear as darkness claimed his vision.

###

Makuramon sat atop a building, watching the children with a slight frown creasing his smooth features. Another comrade gone. The Tamers were growing in power, slowly mastering their abilities.

Or…were they? His eyes fell upon the brown-haired girl in the green dress, and the little digimon she held in her arms. He had missed much of it, having been focused more on the fighting when he found himself certain of Indramon's victory, but for the briefest of moments, he could have sworn that he saw a light emanating from the creature.

What are you? he pondered. No answer would be forthcoming, he knew, and with so many powerful digimon nearby now, he would have no opportunity to find out for himself.

Best thing to do is to retreat and spy another day, he thought grimly before leaping off. Makaaa…

11