After learning the location of Articuno, the Rangers and Sleuths depart for Mt. Sorbet. However, right before they coult enter the cave leading the the mountain, they are intercepted by...

The orange Digimon leered at Takumi and his friends. Ben gaped. "Arcadiamon?! This thing is that Digimon we fought at Faldera Island?!"

Gabumon nodded. "Yeah! It must have Digivolved to Champion level!"

"Oh, great." Takumi put on his googles. "Terriermon, time to Digivolve!"

Arcadiamon roared and threw a punch at the group, making them scatter. "Agh! Takumi and the others won't even get a chance to prepare like this!" Ben growled. "Go, Guardian Sign! Raikou, come forth!"

Summer shot her Styler and drew a shape alongside Ben's "Go, Guardian Sign! Suicune come forth!" Both Raikou and Suicune appeared in front of them.

"Thunderbolt!"

"Hydro Pump!"

Both of them hit Arcadiamon in the back making it fall over. "Come on guys, we've got a chance now!" Takumi said getting up.

"Right!" Ami nodded as she put her googles on.

DIGIVOLUTION

"Terriermon Warp Digivolve to…Rapidmon!"

"Palmon Warp Digivolve to…Lillymon!"

"Agumon Warp Digivolve to…MetalGreymon!"

"Gabumon Warp Digivolve to…WereGarurumon!"

"Guilmon Warp Digivolve to…RizeGreymon!"

"Hagurumon Digivolve to…Guardromon."

"FanBeemon Digivolve to…Waspmon!"

Arcadiamon got back up and looked at the evolved Digimon. "Alright guys, let's go!" Ben said.

Raikou and Suicune jumped at Arcadiamon from behind but its giant hands grabbed them and threw them into Waspom, and Lillymon, knocking both of them out of the sky.

"Golden Triangle!"

"Giga Destroyer!" Both Rapidmon and MetalGreymon fired at it. Both attacks hit right at the chest, making it slide backwards, but it remained on its feet.

"Oh, come on!" Nokia whined. "Even though we're at a higher level than it, this thing's still too strong!"

WereGarurumon jumped at it. "Wolf Claw!"

"Heavy Strike!" Arcadiamon threw its arm at Nokia's other Digimon, knocking him, into the wall. It walked over towards the Digimon while he was down.

"Trident Revolver!"

"Turbo Stinger!"

Its back was bombarded by orange and blue blasts, fired by RizeGreymon and Waspmon from behind. It growled in annoyance and turned around. "Destruction Cannon!" A purple blast was fired from its mouth that knocked RizeGreymon down.

"This is getting us nowhere. Any ideas?" Yuuko asked, looking at Ami.

"Um…I know! Lillymon! Guardromon! Aim for the legs!"

"D-Grenade."

"Flower Cannon!"

Both Ami and Yuugo's Digimon fired at Arcadiamon's shins, making it drop on all fours.

"Good! Now bro!"

"Rapidmon!"

Takumi's Digimon flew in and uppercuted Acradiamon, knocking its head upward. But as he tried to fly away, it grabbed him by the leg and slammed him into the ground. It glowed purple and held a hand out towards him. "Prison Fist!" Purple light flew from Rapidmon into its hand. As the wounds on its legs healed, Rapidmon was converted to his Rookie form.

"Terriermon!" Takumi ran over towards him.

"Takumi, look out!" Ami screamed. Arcadiamon reached towards Takumi. Then Waspmon rammed into it from behind. Angered, Arcadiamon batted her to the ground with its hand.

As Waspmon saw the monster turn towards her, Fei stood in front of her. "F-Fei, what are you doing?! Get back!"

The girl only smirked. "And let you have all the fun? Please. Not all humans are that helpless."

Waspmon chuckled. "I don't know how you do it Fei. We're backed into a corner and you laugh in the face of danger. Is that what you humans call determination?"

"Heh. Sounds like you've been doing yer homework. When something get's in my way, I knock it down!" Suddenly Fei saw something glow bright blue in her pocket. She took out her Digivice. As she looked at it, her eyes glowed the same blue. "Just like the others. Hey Waspmon? Care to see what my determination can really do?"

Waspmon got up. "Lay it on me."

DIGIVOLUTION

Fei held up her Digivice and the light shot upwards before landing on Waspmon. A solid light formed around her.

"Waspmon Digivolve to…" The shell exploded Waspmon had a massive blue and gold hive comb on her back, and her stinger looked like some kind of laser cannon. "CannonBeemon!"

Takumi held Terriermon and looked at her. "Fei's Digimon Digivolved!"

As CannonBeemon rose up, Arcadiamon tried to punch her. But in the blink of an eye, she moved to the side. Then behind. It. Then above it.

Summer was amazed. "She's faster now!"

"Nitro Stinger!" Arcadiamon turned around just in time to see a blue blast fired from CannonBeemon's stinger. It blew in its face, and it growled as it backed away and fell off a cliff into the forest below.

Everyone ran over to the edge to see it on the ground. It growled as it attempted to get up. Summer looked around it. "I think I got an idea." She jumped into the air and drew with her Styler on the ground. "Go, Guardian Sign! Bidoof come forth!" The small beaver Pokemon appeared in a flash of light.

"That little thing?" Fei asked.

Summer picked the Pokemon up and jumped on her Staraptor. "Just keep Arcadiamon down!"

"Okay!" Ami said. "Everyone, attack!"

"Giga Destroyer!"

"Trident Revolver!"

Just as Arcadiamon started sitting up, MetalGreymon and RizeGreymon started shooting at it.

"Flower Cannon!"

"Nitro Stinger!"

When Lillymon and CannonBeemon joined the fray, the attacks pushed Arcadiamon back down. Then all of the sudden a tree fell over on its head, knocking it out.

"Timber!" Summer joked as Bidoof stood in front of the remains of the tree it bit into.

"Nice thinking Summer!" Ben called.

WereGarurumon stood at the edge of the cliff. "Now's the time! Let's end this before it can do any more harm!"

"But- Ami was about to object, when Yuuko put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know what you are thinking. And I agree it seems extreme, but would you rather it devoured all the innocent Digimon trapped in this world? This is the only way."

WereGarurumon jumped down towards it. "Wolf-

"Night Raid!" A swarm of bats intercepted WereGarurumon in midair and knocked him into a tree.

"WereGarurumon!" Nokia cried.

Everyone heard a laugh and saw a figure with blue cloths and a black and red cape. It landed next to Arcadiamon. Takumi's goggles gave him a display of the Digimon's details. "That's…A Myotismon! Ultimate Level Virus Digimon supposedly the cruel and cunning king of the Undead Digimon."

The Digimon looked down at Arcadiamon. "How could these twerps and their pets do this to you? Well, I suppose you still haven't reached your full potential."

"This one can talk?" Ben asked. "So, you're the one holding this thing's leash!"

Myotismon laughed. "Well…I suppose that isn't entirely wrong."

"Are you working with the Pinchers?!" Takumi asked. "What are you after?!"

"You'll see in due time…" he spread out his cape like wings. "Night Raid!" A swarm of red bats flew at everyone making them duck in cover. After the squealing stopped, they looked back and both Arcadiamon and Myotismon were gone.

"Oh, great. As if we don't have enough lunatics around." Arata groaned.

"Well this lunatic can wait until we've dealt with Red Eyes." Summer replied.

"Yeah…I guess you're right." Ben said as they waved off Bidoof, Raikou and Suicune, who left. They then turned to the cave. "Come on, let's move."

Takumi put Terriermon down. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…But I don't think I have enough energy to become Rapidmon again."

"That's okay. Besides, I think we've got something better suited for the cold."

DIGIVOLUTION

"Terriermon Digivolve to…Ikkakumon!"

Ami chuckled. "The walrus. Of course."

Ben and the others entered the cold cave. He spotted a Prinplup and caught it with his Styler. Summer Caught a Bagon. Once they passed through the cave they came upon the foot of the snowy mountain. Takumi looked up at the enormous mountain. "So, this is Mt. Sorbet, huh?"

"Ah Ahhh…Achoo!"

Ben hurried over to Summer. "Are you okay?" Summer nodded.

"So much for that special material, huh?" Infermon said.

Summer shivered. "Even though our uniforms hold warmth really well, a snowy mountain is still really cold. L-let's hurry over to Mt. Sorbet's peak!"

"Y-yeah...Even with these heavy coat's I'm feeling the chill..." AMi shivvered.

Nokia groaned as she looked up. "Do we have to climb this entire thing? MetalGreymon, can't we fly up there?"

"Sorry, Nokia. The winds are strong. Even if I can make it up, I don't want to risk you falling off on the way there."

"If you got time to complain, you got time to move." Arata said. "Red Eyes could already be at the top by now."

"Alright. Stay close." Ben said as he listened to the howl of the wind. "Visibility is poor with all this snow. Try not to get lost."

The team went up the mountain. Not even a minute before they started, they spotted two Pinchers. Summer ran over to them. "Pinchers! What are you doing here?"

They both nearly yelped as they turned to face them. "Hey Rangers." One of them waved. "Use your indoor voices in a place like this."

"What?!" Nokia yelled. "Speak up! I can't hear you over this storm!"

"Shhh! What are you going to do if you cause a avalanche? Are you underestimating the mountain?"

The other one turned to a Pokemon next to them and smirked. "Hey, Tyrogue. Please teach them a lesson about how unforgiving nature can be."

"Heads up, here he comes!" Ben said.

But the Pokemon ran past Ben and slammed into a stone pillar next to him.

"What are you doing, Tyrouge?!" The Pincher yelled. "They're the ones to hit! On a snowy mountain, one bad move can cost our lives!"

The girl Pincher ordering it smirked. "Calm down. Just watch, okay?"

Suddenly there was a rumbling. "What's going on?!" Lillymon asked, looking around.

Takumi looked back up the mountain. "Uh, oh…Guys, get your Digimon and Pokemon in your Digivices and Stylers!"

"What?" Nokia looked back at him. "Are you crazy, we're about to fight-

"JUST DO IT! NOW!"

"Okay, okay, you don't need to yell!" Once all the Digimon and Pokemon were in, Takumi grabbed Nokia and ran towards another nearby pillar. "H-hey! Takumi, what are you doing?!"

Arata grabbed Ami and pulled her towards another Pillar. "Wha-Arata, slow down!"

"No time!"

Yuugo, Yuuko and Fei ran to another pillar. Ben groaned. "Gee, glad to see you got our backs, "team."

"Cut the sarcasm and get behind something!" Yuugo yelled back.

The Pincher smirked. "See, it's started. Do you understand what this rumbling means? A white nightmare, that swallows everything! Experience the terror of an avalanche for yourself." She then looked up the mountain and turned pale. The results were bigger than she expected. "Oh. That's no good…" she turned to Ben and Summer. "Give us that spot, Rangers!"

Summer was getting gradually more confused. "I don't know what you're talking about, but no!"

The Pinchers tried to push Ben and Summer out of the way, but they shoved them back. "Hurry and get out of that spot!"

"Ben, Summer, don't move from there no matter what!" Arata yelled.

They tried again, but while they were grappling, Pichu whacked the one on Ben with the ukulele and Staraptos threw his wings at the one on Summer, knocking her into the snow with a whirlwind.

The Pinchers looked up at the mountain.

"Eeeeekkk!"

"Eek? You've got some nerve saying that after that display of ultimate ineptitude!"

As the rumbling got louder, Summer looked up the mountain and saw a falling sheet of snow coming towards her. "Uh, oh." She saw Tyrouge cowering and hurried over to it.

"Summer!" just as his partner grabbed the Pokemon, Ben grabbed Summer and pulled her behind the rock and held her close.

Nokia screamed as she held onto Takumi. Artata held Ami close as the snow fell. Luckily the rocks they stood behind were enough to shield them from the avalanche. The Pinchers were consumed in white.

Once the rumbling stopped, Yuugo looked back towards the others. "Is everyone alright?"

"Ami and I are fine." Arata replied. He didn't notice Ami's face turn red.

"I'm okay!" Takumi said. "Nokia, what about yo-hurk!"

Nokia was squeezing Takumi tighter. "AAAAAAAH! That was so scary!"

"I-it's okay, now, it's over. Ben! Summer! Did you two make it?!"

"Yeah, we're fine." Ben replied.

"Tyrouge?" Summer looked at the frightened Pokemon. "I'm glad you're safe!"

"What was with those jokers?" Ben asked as Tyrouge ran off.

"But those simpleminded Pinchers did help us out. Thanks to them, we know how dangerous those avalanches are. And we'll be safe in the shade of those rocks."

"Let's be careful going up!" Takumi said. "Another one can hit at any time! If you feel rumbling head for a rock!"

In the groups of four they were split up into, they made their way up. One more avalanche came down, but they evaded it the same way. Then they made their way to the next area.

Summer looked around. This spot wasn't as steep. "It doesn't look like we have to worry about avalanches here."

Ben nodded. "Right. Let's get moving."

They made their way upward. They kept scanning the area for more Pinchers. And despite what Summer said, they were still wary of avalanches. "Look out!" Ben grabbed Takumi and stopped him right when a ice ball came down, and forms spikes as it hit the ground in front of them.

The crew looked up and saw three angry Snover throwing ice. "What's their problem?!" Nokia asked.

"I don't think the Pinchers are controlling them." Takumi said. "But they clearly agitated them. Ikkakumon, can you scare them off?"

A light came out of his goggles and Ikkakumon landed in front of him. "You got it! Harpoon Torpedo!" The horn on his head flew up and exploded. The Snover were not caught in the blast, but they ran away.

"The Pinchers have already gotten through here." Ben growled. "Let's hurry!"

Up ahead, Red Eyes was walking up the mountain with three Pinchers struggling to keep up behind him. They had a Snover, a Snubbull, and a Smoochum.

"Leader! Please wait!"

Red Eyes turned around. "What's wrong?"

"The blizzard is getting stronger! It can be dangerous to go any further."

Another one sighed. "The Z.Z. Flyers won't move, my hands and feet are numb…"

"There you are!" Surprised by the voice the Pinchers turned around and saw Ben and his friends approach.

Ben pointed at the leader. "We finally found you, Red Eyes!"

The leader sighed. "I thought I had some spirited underlings, but…It's the Rangers and Sleuths again, huh?" he then squinted at his men. "You cold-blooded twits could learn something from them. If you really can't move from the cold, stay here and stop those kids!"

"Y-yes, sir!"

As Red Eyes went on ahead, the three Pinchers turned to their opponents. "Cutting loose might not be a bad way to beat the cold."

"Oh, please." Takumi rolled his eyes. "As if you cowards are actually going to be the ones cutting loose."

The three Pokemon charged in their direction. Snubbull jumped into the air. Ben backflipped away as it landed and created a shockwave. As he shot his Styler and started his capture, Summer and her Staraptor rushed towards, Smoochum. She jumped over a blast of ice and her Styler spun circles around it. When it tried to fight back, Staraptor knocked it over.

Meanwhile, Snover shot sharp leaves at Ami who jumped back. "Lillymon!"

Her Digimon flew out of the Digivice and blocked the attack. "Sorry, but this flower's petals are sharper! Rune Forest!" A green light flew towards Snover and exploded, sending it flying. As Pichu's music claimed Snubbul, Ben finished his capture and all three of the small Pokemon walked away, now free from the Pincher's control.

"That was a terrible way to lose."

"I'm so ashamed that I'm starting to cry."

"My falling tears are turning into ice." The three of them jumped off a nearby slope and ran back down the mountain.

"Red Eyes…We can't let him get away!" Ben yelled as he ran on ahead.

"Staraptor?" He stopped and turned around and saw Summer comfort her shivering Pokemon. "Oh, you poor thing. Flying types can't take the cold. Here, rest in my Styler."

"I-it is getting colder up here." Yuuko admitted, shiviring. "I bet that means we're getting close to Articuno."

"All the more reason to hurry." Ben said. "Come on!"

"Yuuko, will you be okay?" Rizegreymon asked.

"Y-yes."

They passed through another step section which meant a couple more avalanches. Fortunately, the team found more convenient stones to hide behind. The bigger issue was on top of the mountain. An Empoleon. A Sneasel. A Riachu. They stood in front of three Pinchers blocking their way. "I've heard you need incredible stamina to climb this far on foot. And still you made it all the way here. That's impressive."

"You are going to fall here, however. But don't worry. I'll build a bronze statue of you on this spot."

"Of course, I'll include a little statue of Pichu at its feet. Well then. Your final battle starts now!"

"Empoleon!"

"Sneasel!"

"And Riachu! You three attack them together!"

Ben and his friends prepared for battle. "Looks like we just found Red Eye's best men. Be ready for anything."

Snealsel was the first to act. WereGarurumon roared as he came out of Nokia's Styler and intercepted the attack with a kick to the head.

"RizeGreymon!"

Yuuko's Digimon came out and a bright light formed in his mouth. "Meteor Fall!" a big red sphere of fire was shot at Empoleon.

"Aqua Jet!" Empoleon coated itself in water and charged straight into the attack, destroying it and then ramming into RizeGreymon, knocking him back.

"Thunder!"

A bolt of lightning summoned by Raichu knocked him out of the sky. Yuuko ran towards him. "RizeGreymon!"

The Digimon looked up and saw Sneasel and Riachu run towards them. "Yuuko, look out!" He moved to shield her with his arm and was just in time. But the combined force sent both of them hurling into the rocky walls.

Yuugo was afraid when he saw RizeGreymon convert back into Guilmon and Yuuko lay in snow unconscious. "Yuuko!" The impact made snow from the cliff above drop on Yuuko and her Digimon. "No!" Yuugo ran over to them and started digging. Sneasel was about to go after him when Gaurdromon intercepted it an threw it aside, before hurrying to Yuugo.

"That's one brat down." The Empoleon tamer gloated. "So, who's next?"

Pichu rammed into Riachu, both of them sending sparks everywhere. But the smaller Pokemon was overpowered and knocked back. At this time Lillymon was backing up while dodging swiped from Empoleon's claws.

Meanwhile, Yuugo finally dug up his sister and Guilmon. "Oww…" the Digimon rubbed his head. "What happened? Did I protect Yuuko?"

"Yes." Yuugo nodded. "She's merely unconscious." He felt the side of Yuuko's face. "But also freezing."

"Yuugo." Guardromon spoke up. "It would be dangerous to let Yuuko's temperature drop any lower. Snow has already gotten into her clothing and my knowledge on humans states that being in any state of sleep while cold can affect her health."

Yuugo growled as he looked at the Pincher still fighting his friends. "Then we finish this fight. Now." As he said that last word his eyes glowed grey. He took out his Digivice and stared at the white screen. He then looked up at Guardromon who nodded.

"Affirmative."

Yuugo held up his Digivice.

DIGIVOLUTION

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at the grey light shooting up. It curved back down and enveloped Guardromon. "Guardromon Digivolve to…" A blue shell wrapped around him and expanded. And when it exploded, he was a much smaller grey machine with four legs and a blue glass shall on his head. "Datamon."

Nobody knew how to react at first. "Yuugo's Digimon Digivolved to Ultimate." Arata said. "Er…I think."

One of the Pinchers burst into laughter. "Bwa, ha, ha, ha! Ultimate?! Ultimate joke, maybe! What the heck is that?! If I sneeze, he'll go flying clean to Kanto!"

Summer glanced at Yuugo. "Um…Yuugo? Any chance you can change him back?"

"I won't need to. Don't let first impressions deceive you."

Ben scanned it. "Well it says here this little guy is a Ultamite Level Virus Type. And despite its appearance it can easily delete bigger Digimon...apparently…"

Another Pincher rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever kid. Go on Empoleon, stomp the runt flat." As Empoleon marched towards Datamon, he walked towards him. The Empoleon then lifted it's foot over Datamon and slammed it down on him. "Ha! So much for you Ultimate…huh?"

Datamon held Empoleon's foot with his hands and then lifted the whole Pokmeon over his head making it squawk. He then slammed Empoleon into the ground and spun his upper body so fast that it got dizzy. Then he threw it into Sneasal. "Heavens Thunder." He fired a blast of thunder from his mouth, shocking both of them. He then turned to the Riachu that charged towards him. "Digital Bomb." From the holed in the fingers on his right hand he shot red pellets, that exploded in front of Riachu and blasted it against a wall.

Yuugo turned to the Rangers. "Now!" Ben drew loops around Empoleon and Sneasal. Summer captured the Riachu.

One of the Pincher's turned to the other. "Somebody's Sneasel really goofed up…"

The second one turned to the third. "That's not the problem! Raichu's moves were terrible!"

"You're wrong! Empoleon left itself wide open!"

"You're all wrong!" Nokia growled. "You're Pokmeon were great, YOU'RE the ones who messed up! You have no connection with your Pokemon! No trust! No bond whatsoever! It's lame! And seeing you blame each other proves it!"

"What are you lecturing us for!?" one of them asked.

"Actually, she might be on to something." Raichu's Pincher said as she looked away. "Maybe we do need to work on our teamwork some more."

"…Maybe."

They then ran away. As they did, Fei turned to Yuugo, who picked up Yuuko. "Is Yuuko okay?!"

"Yeah. But it'll be dangerous to keep her here." Yuugo sighed. "Sorry, guys. But I'm going to have to head back to Aqua Resort with her. Maybe Dr. Edward is still down there."

"Okay." Takumi nodded.

"Want me to come with you?" Fei asked.

"No. You should stay here. Red Eyes has to be stopped."

"We shall await your return in Aqua Resort." Datamon stated. "Caution is advised."

"Okay. Be careful." Ben said.

"Same to you." Yuugo replied as he carried Yuuko down the mountain on his back. Guilmon and Datamon followed him.

"Well then." Ami sighed. "It's all up to us now. Let's move. We're almost there."

They continued their way up and went into a cave at the top and went inside to find themselves in a large cavern. Their foothold stood above a deep hole. "Wow…We're inside the mountain now." Ami looked around.

A bolder of solid ice blocked their path. "Darn." Ben growled. "I don't know if there any fire Pokemon around here."

"Why would there be in a place like this?" Arata asked.

"Allow me!" Nokia said holding up her Digivice. "MetalGreymon!"

MetalGreymon came out and charged a flame in his non-metallic hand and rammed it into the ice. "Walkenapalm!" It thawed out and became a normal rock. "Mach Rush!" his metallic hand smashed the bolder into pieces.

"Ta da!"

They continued on ahead when Ami felt a drop land on her head. "Huh?" she looked up and saw something fall towards her. "Yeeek!" Frozen stalactites dropped down around them.

"Keep moving!" Ben said as they ran towards the next room. Something they regretted doing the moment they started sliding. "GAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Ami fell over but was still moving. "The floor's made of ice!"

Ben desperately tried to stop himself as he got closer to the edge. He slowed to a halt just as he was about to fall over the edge. He turned around and saw Summer and the others, sliding towards him but they stopped just when they were about to collide.

"Yikes, that was close!" Ben said looking down.

Nokia tried to stand up, but slipped and fell over. "Ow!"

"Okay…" Ami said as she regained her balance. "Let's take it slow…"

"Wait, I know! Ikkakumon!" Takumi's Digimon came out of the Digivice. "Everyone climb on!"

"Uh…Takumi, are you sure this will work?"

"Sure." Takumi put on his googles and opened a display. "It says here in the Field Guide, that Ikkakumon's paws can emit high tempters at will and as a result maintain a tight footing while on ice."

"Okay. Let's give it a try." Summer replied. Everyone climbed onto Ikkakumon who carried them across the ice. Once they were on solid rock again, they climbed off and spotted Red Eyes with four Pinchers.

"Red Eyes!" Ben yelled. "Your plan ends here!"

The Pinchers turned around as their leader growled in annoyance. "Even though I told them not to let them up here…What in the world were my people doing?"

"Those punks?" Ami asked. "They have absolutely no sense of teamwork!"

"More importantly, what are you trying to do?!" Summer asked.

"And why is it worth making so many suffer?!" Ben added.

"Pichu, Pichu!" Ben's partner growled.

Red Eyes sighed. "You're as bold as ever. Hey, you there, silence these Rangers and their friends!" the two pinchers in front of his stepped forward as he turned back to his other two. "You two come with me to where Articuno is!"

"Wait!" Ben yelled. "You're just going to run off again?! And have all your men do the fighting for you?!"

Red Eyes glanced back at Ben. "I want to fight you so much that, honestly, I can barely stand it. But, there is something I have to do right now. If you can manage to defeat these two, then you should come see me. I'll be done with my job then, and I'll take you on. So long."

As he walked off the Pinchers held up their Control Gauntlets. "Stop interfering with our leader!"

"I admit that you are spirited. But that ends here, too. Glaceon, Infernape, come out!"

An ice and a fire-fighting type dropped down in front of them. Nokia glanced ahead where Red Eyes went off. "Guys…Go on ahead."

Takumi looked at her. "Nokia?"

"We can't let them get to Articuno!" MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon came out of her Digivice. "I'll deal with these guys! So, go give that jerk a Cyber Sleuth sized clobbering!"

"But-

"I'll keep an eye on her." Fei said.

"What? I don't need help!" Nokia said.

"Yes, you do. In more ways than one. And as much as I don't want to miss out on the action with the big boss, I'm not letting you screw up here."

"Sheesh. Again with the attitude! Fine, fine! We'll deal with these guys. Oh, and Takumi?"

"Yeah?"

Nokia winked. "You better keep your promise!"

The sleuth chuckled. "Yeah. I got it."

"Okay." Ben said. "Charge!" He, Summer, Takumi, Arata, and Ami ran forward.

Infernape rolled in circles until it was a wheel of fire. Then a track of flame spread out towards them. Glaceon shot a blast of ice their way. Ben And Summer jumped to the side and kept going.

"CannonBeemon!"

"Nitro Stinger!" Fei's Digimon shot a jet of blue flame at the Pokemon, making them back away. With an opening in front of them, Takumi and the others ran past them and pushed past the Pinchers.

"Hey, wait!" one of them was about to peruse, but WereGarurumon leapt over in front of him.

Ben and the others stopped in front of a familiar stone blocking the path. Summer looked at it. "Hey, isn't that…?"

Ben nodded. "It's the same kind of seal as the one on Faldera Volcano."

His partner looked at it. "Pichu!"

"Summer, maybe if you use the emblem that was on Suicune's Monument just like what I did that other time…"

Summer looked at her Styler and aimed it at the wall. She fired it at the stone and started drawing Suicune's Sign. It glowed blue on the rock that soon disappeared in a bright light.

"It opened!" Summer cheered.

"Let's press on through." Ben said.

Summer took a step back. "I'm sorry guys. I can't go with you."

"Summer?"

"I'm the only one who can open the seal. If it closes behind you, Fei and Nokia can't follow you without me. I'll help them with their fight and then we'll catch up." She looked straight at Ben. "Ben…The time's finally come. I knew at one point you would face Red Eyes. So please…Protect Oblivia. Finish our mission."

"Summer…" Ben gave a serious expression and nodded. "Leave it to me." He looked at Pichu, Takumi, Ami and Arata. "Let's go!"

They nodded and went through. As Summer thought the stone reappeared. "Good luck everyone." Summer stood there for a moment before running back to where Nokia and Fei were.

Outside the wind and snow were at their strongest. It was hard to see, but they spotted a majestic blue bird surrounded by Ice. Two Pinchers were shooting purple rings at it from their Control Gauntlets. Red Eyes stood nearby.

Ben approached him. "Well, Red Eyes…Here I am. Just like you wanted."

Takumi stepped forward. "I told you I'd take you down no matter what! Now prepare yourself!"

Red Eyes looked at them. "Some of you are missing. Let me guess. They stayed to fight those two?"

Ben nodded. "And they'll win. Just like how we beat every last one of your sorry minions."

Red Eyes smirked. "Looks like your skills have improved even further." He glanced at Articuno. "Just wait one moment. Articuno is about to wake up."

"What?! No!"

The Pinchers stopped what they were doing. Articuno started to stir. When it's eyes and wings opened the ice around it shattered. Then everyone's vision was enveloped in white.

"Go, MetalGreymon!"

"Giga Destroyer!" Nokia's Digimon fire two missiles that knocked both Glaceon and Infernape into the air.

Summer drew loops around them while they were flying and by the time they landed on the ground, they became tame again.

The Pinchers slowly backed up. "I couldn't live up to our leader's expectations…"

"These guys are getting stronger and stronger…"

Fei dusted off her hands. "So much for them now let's…wait…"

Summer glanced at her. "What's wrong, Fei?"

"Did it just get warmer in here?"

One of the Pinchers looked around. "Now that you mention it…I thought it was just my Infernape but the tempter is still dropping."

Summer's eyes expanded. "Oh no!" She ran back towards the seal. Everyone else followed. As soon as she got there she drew Suicune's Sign again and the stone disappeared.

"Hey, how'd you do that?!" one of the Pinchers asked.

Ignoring him, Summer ran on ahead. She got outside and saw Articuno fly away.

"No!" Nokia watched it leave. "We were too late again!"

Everyone then noticed the snowstorm dying down. "What's going on?" WereGarurumon asked. "The blizzard just stopped!"

"It must be because Articuno left." Arata replied. "I bet the storm itself was also a means to protect it while it was asleep."

Summer growled at the Pinchers. "Red Eyes…Do you have any idea what you've done?"

"Was it not enough to kidnap Pokemon, take them from their homes and control them like puppets?!" Ami yelled.

"Now you've gone and woken legendary Pokemon with your tricks. Do you have any idea how dangerous Articuno and Moltress can be if you let them run wild?!" Ben added.

"Pokemon are suffering, angry Digimon that have nothing to do with this are being used as your weapons, and the people of Oblivia are being thrown into uncertainty!" Takumi growled. "Do you even care about the consequences of your crimes?!"

Red Eyes had a stoic expression on. "I'm only doing what I'm supposed to do. Unlike Blue Eyes, who couldn't even manage that. You don't have any right to mouth off to me."

"How selfish!" Summer yelled.

"Don't have any right?" Takumi asked before snarling. "Give me a break you punk! At least Blue Eyes was smart enough to admit when she was in the wrong! What's your excuse?!"

The four Pinchers gathered to their leader. "Leader! Forget about them and let's go after our next target!"

"You think we're just going to let you run away again?!" Fei asked. "Not a chance!"

Another Pincher held up his Control Gauntlet. "They might outnumber us, but if all of us use all of our Pokemon at once, we'll get them!"

"You idiots!" Red Eyes glared. "Are you trying to humiliate me?!"

Shocked, they backed up. "Oh! Sorry!"

"Never forget, all of us Pinchers originally worked alone. Our last fight will always be one-on-one…or so I'd normally say." He looked straight at Ben. "At first you were the only one I wanted to face head on." He then glanced at Takumi. "But then you caught my interest as well. Ben…Takumi…There is one thing I just can't get past. Even though I'm stronger, I have lost to you two many times. But your lucky streak ends here."

Ben and Takumi looked at each other and nodded. They stepped forward. "Guys…" Ben said. "Stay back."

Ami watched them. "Takumi…Ben…"

Her brother kept his eyes on Red Eyes. "We're ending this today."

Red Eyes performed his pose. "Here I come, Pokemon Ranger! Cyber Sleuth! This time I'll show you what I'm really made of!" A Typhlosion jumped out of hiding. Pichu ran up in front of it and brought out his ukulele.

"Pichu!"

"Ha, ha, ha! You're pretty spirited for being so little!"

Ben stepped forward. "And you seem to have a strange sense of honor for someone who takes hostages and uses others to do his dirty work!"

Red Eyes held up his Control Gauntlet. A lion Digimon with white and black armor came out. Takumi checked his Digivice. "GrapLeomon. An Ultimate level Vaccine Digimon that took data from fighting games to grow stronger."

Ben scanned the Pokemon. "Typhlosion. Fire Type. It hides itself by creating heat shimmers with intense heat."

"You should have had your flying rabbit ready over the walrus over there." Red Eyes smirked.

"What form I'm in doesn't change that I'm gonna kick your pets off this mountain and then you after!" Ikkakumon said, standing next to Takumi.

Ben looked at Red Eyes. "For all the people, Digimon, and Pokemon that suffered because of your selfishness…Red Eyes! We will defeat you!" He drew a track on the ground with his Styler. "Go, Guardian Sign! Graveler, come forth!" two Graveler appeared at his side.

Red Eyes cracked his knuckles. "Well then…Here we go!

Typhlosion roared and shot three fireballs from its back. As Pichu and the Gravaler jumped back, GapLeomon and charged at Ikkakumon. "Harpoon Torpedo!" Ikkakumon fired a horn missile at GapLeomon.

"Agility Charge!" Red Eye's Digimon dodged the attack and proceeded to ram Ikkakumon and knock him over.

Red Eyes directed his Pokemon. "Flamethrower!" Typhlosion shot a rapid stream of fire at Ben, who jumped out of the way.

The Ranger gave his orders next. "Rollout!" Both Pokemon morphed into spheres and charges at Typhlosion from both sides, but it jumped away and shot another flamethrower at them. But while in mid-air it was hit by a thundershock from Pichu.

"Nanomachine Break!" GrapLeomon punched Ikkakumon so hard he was flung towards Ami and the others who moved away just as he slammed into the snow. While trying to recover Ikkakumon was grabbed and thrown into the air. "The King of Fists!" GrapLeomon proceeded to bombard Ikkakumon with strikes.

"Ha! Looks like my Digimon is the better program!" Red Eyes smirked.

Takumi clutched his fist. "Program?"

"Yeah, that's what they are, aren't they? Just as much a tool as any of my Pokemon."

"Tool? Red Eyes…You want to know why we always beat you and your flunkies even though you think you're stronger? Because you really aren't."

"Excuse me?"

"You gather strong Digimon and Pokemon, but you don't bother connect them or see them for what they really are because of your ego! You hold them back!"

"I don't have time for your clichés kid. I will fulfill my mission and use whatever I need to. Pokemon, programs, it makes no difference. And I'll burn down anything in my way."

Takumi's eyes glowed yellow again. "Red Eyes…Let me show you how to truly use these "programs" Let me show you…the true potential of Digimon!"

DIGIVOLUTION

He held his hand up and the light flew into the air before coming down on Ikkakumon. A shell formed around him. "Ikkakumon Digivolve to…" he came out with orange fur, a grey body, a green shell and a hammer. "Zudomon!"

Everyone was in awe. "That thing's incredible!" Ami said. "Is this…Terriermon's new Ultimate form?"

Red Eyes smirked. "How interesting…"

Nokia scanned the Digimon. "Zudomon! Vaccine Type Ultimate Digimon! It wields the "Thor's Hammer" made of Chrondigizoid!"

"This is the power drawn between humans and Digimon." Takumi said. "Something formed from the bond I share with Terriermon and can never be achieved through your petty thievery and kidnapping. Let's do this Zudomon!"

Takumi's Digimon roared as he charged towards GrapLeomon. "Gale Storm!" Zudomon's claws rammed into the Digimon, flinging it upward. It recovered in mid-air and charged back down towards him.

"Thunder Fall!"

Zudomon kneeled over and blocked the attack with his shell before he got up and swung his hammer, at GrapLeomon who blocked it with its bare hands.

"Eruption!" Red Eye's Typhlosion roared as the area around it exploded. The Graveler and Pichu were all blown back.

Zudomon then threw GapLeomon into Typhlosion right when it was about to capitalize. "Ocean Wave!" Zudomon slammed his hammer onto the ground and a large wave swallowed them both.

GapLeomon roared as it charged towards Zudomon with its fist glowing yellow. "King of Fists!"

Zudomon's hammer glowed yellow as well as he charged at him. "Vulcan's Hammer!" As hammer and fist collided a shockwave pulsed threatening to blow away everyone around them.

"Come on GrapLeomon, grind that weakling to dust!"

Takumi stepped forward. "I told you Red Eyes! As long as you ignore what Digimon really are, and the feelings of others, you won't achieve their true potential! And that's why Zudomon and I will never, EVER lose to you!"

Zudomon roared as he swung harder and sent GrapLeomon into the air. He then held his hammer in both hands and spun in place building momentum. As GrapLeomon came down, it was slammed by the hammer and exploded into blue shards that Takumi collected into his Digivice.

Red Eyes was shocked at first. "…I don't believe it…But I still have Typhlosion! Fire Blast!" His Pokemon roared as fire spread in five separate directions, knocked Ben and his Pokemon away. Red Eyes glanced at Takumi as he marched over to him. He stopped right in front of Red Eyes. "What's with you? If it's another rant, I told you I don't care."

POW

With no warning Takumi punched Red Eyes right in the face. An action that surprised all those around him, friend and foe alike. Takumi smirked at the shocked look on Red Eye's face who had a hand on his sore cheek. "How does that feel, coward? That's nothing compared to the pain that you put on Digimon and Pokemon. Yet you didn't care because you were safe while hiding behind all of your pathetic grunts, and kidnapped creatures. Like a spoiled brat you just did whatever you felt like without even thinking of the consequences. And now it's finally caught up to you."

Everyone froze at that. Red Eyes then smirked. "I see…" then in a flash he punched Takumi back. "There. That's how that felt. Then again, my punch defiantly hurts a lot more than yours, runt."

Takumi brushed it off. "Heh…Is that so?"

And then the fist fight broke out. The Pinchers were too horrified to move while Ami and the others just glanced at each other. "Shouldn't we do something?" Summer asked.

Fei shook her head. "This is his fight. If he wins because one of us stepped in it would look even more pathetic then if he lost."

Arata smirked as he looked back at Takumi, who elbowed Red Eyes in the head. "And take it from me. For somebody so soft-hearted, that guy hits a LOT harder than you think he does."

"Yeah! Go Takumi!" Nokia cheered.

Summer looked back at Ben. Typhlosion roared as it shot another Flamethrower.

"Defense Curl!" On Ben's orders, the Graveler curled up and shielded Pichu while taking the attack. Despite the pain, Pichu's music raised their spirits.

Then Typhlosion stopped, too exhausted to continue its attacks. With that opening Pichu jumped on one of the Graveler and launched himself into the air. Ben jumped onto the other Graveler and leapt into the air as well. As this was happening Takumi gave Red Eyes one final uppercut that knocked him over. Pichu's Thunder attack struck Typhlosion hard as Ben shot his Styler and finished capturing the Pokemon just as Red Eyes landed in the snow.

Ben landed with Pichu on his shoulder and panted. "Ha…Looks like we win!"

Takumi panted even heavier than Ben as he looked at the downed Red Eyes. "Hah…hah…Is that all you got you big loser? And you thought Rangers were useless without Pokemon." Red Eyes just laid there in the snow.

"Ben!" After victory was claimed, Summer ran to Ben and helped him stand.

"Pichuu!" the yellow Pokemon cheered.

Ben smiled at Summer before glancing at the defeated leader. "It's over Red Eyes."

"…Maybe you could say…It wasn't luck…"

"Leader!" The Pinchers ran towards him.

"Leave me alone." They backed off as Red Eyes got up. "Ben…Do you remember that day when I sent you hurtling into the ocean from the clouds? At that time, I honestly thought you were just a weakling. And Takumi…I remember what you said back at Daybreak Ruins. How you wouldn't rest until you've stopped me. Back then I laughed at the idea. But now it's different. You two…You bravely sneaked onto the Pinchers' Submarine, silenced that insolent Blue Eyes, faced treacherous volcanoes and mountains without complaint, and then, you made me, Red Eyes, admit defeat. You're really something."

Ben kept his gaze on him. "Red Eyes…"

As Red Eyes got on his red Z.Z. Flyer the Pinchers turned to him. "Leader! Where are you going? Is our next target decided?"

"Like there'd be a next target for someone whose pride is as tattered as mine."

The Pinchers were taken aback. "Leader!"

"So long!" His Flyer dashed away.

"Please wait! Leader!"

"We'll come with you!" the four Pinchers got on their Z.Z. Flyers and went after him.

Everyone watched them go. "Takumi? Are you alright?" Ami asked.

The boy smiled. "Yeah…Actually, I feel great! Hey Nokia! That last hit was for you!"

"Heh, heh, heh! That's our Slugger Sleuth!" Nokia held up Takumi's hand. "Takumi wins by E.A.O.!"

"That's T.K.O." Arata groaned.

"Whatever!" Nokia replied, still grinning. Everyone laughed.

Summer smiled. "This is an out-and-out Mission Clear!"

"YEAH!" As Ben and Summer posed Ami, Takumi, Nokia, Arata and Fei put their right hands together.

"To think we just took down a criminal organization." Arata chuckled. "Who woulda thought?"

Summer turned to Ben. "Do you remember what Prof. Hastings said? It's because Oblivia is such a peaceful paradise, there are bad people here who take advantage of it."

Ben nodded. "This case is a perfect example of that."

"Hey, we should get back to Yuuko and Yuugo." Takumi said.

Zudomon and the other Digimon went back to Rookie form. "And after that let's report to Kyoko and Rand!" Terriermon said.

Nokia smiled. "Yes! Back to sunny Renbow Island."

Summer laughed. "Yeah, it's way too cold up here on this mountaintop!"

"Maybe if you didn't come hiking up a snowy mountain with a sleeveless top and short shorts!" Ami said.

"Hey, you're the one wearing a skirt here, smarty sleuth!" Summer smirked. "No judging!"

"Yeah well…Hey, I know! When we get back, Kyoko, Takumi and I have been working on new coffee ideas with this world's ingredients! Like oran berry juice with ground old gateau! Nokia! Taste test for us!"

"Awww no!" Nokia groaned. "Now look what you started Summer!" Everyone laughed as they left.

Phew, this was a long one. But with that we are almost done the first arc of this story. Two more chapters to go before arc #2 evreyone.