Digimon Journey of the Crest: The Journey Begins

by Cosmotron

The Shadow Continent is facing grave danger as the Metal Empire, led by Darkdramon and his Black Hybrids, threaten the local and rebellious Digimon with the secretly made Crest. The DigiDestined help the solitary, amnesic Eragon and his Digimon partner Guilmon go face the Empire, as they unlock the secret of the Crest and save the Digital World from the war-torn land.

Digimon Journey of the Crest:

The Journey Begins

Prologue

Narrator: We all know the tales of the DigiDestined, the Chosen Child. They come with their partners whenever there is trouble brewing in another world, the Digital World. When it first happened years ago, it began with the forging of the Crests: Courage, Friendship, Love, Sincerity, Knowledge, Reliability, Light and Hope. With these Crests, the DigiDestined were able to overcome any and all enemies in their path. But in secret, another Crest was made.

A fortress called Death Tower spouts off lava and fire like a volcano, and the land surrounding it is dark and gloomy. Inside is Darkdramon creating something in his hand.

Narrator: In the Shadow Continent, within Death Tower, the leader of the Metal Empire Darkdramon forged another Crest to grant unlimited power. And with this Crest, the Metal Empire had the power to dominate the Digital World.

Darkdramon holds the white Crest in his fingers, and it shows a circle interspersed with five triangles to give it a star shape.

Outside, there is a marching of a Digimon army approaching Death Tower for battle.

Narrator: But there were some who resisted. A massive alliance of other Digimon marched against the Metal Empire, and on the slopes of Death Tower they fought for freedom.

The Metal Empire consists of Commandramon, Sealsdramon, and Tankdramon, all growling for battle. The army of good Digimon let loose fired projectiles into the Metal Empire. Squads of Sealsdramon attack the good army, who fight back bravely.

Narrator: Victory was near. But Darkdramon had a trick up his sleeves: The Black Hybrids.

Darkdramon steps onto the battlefield, having four humans in black clothing flanking him. Everyone turns and looks at him with fear in their eyes. When Darkdramon raises his hand up, the humans turn into black Champion-level Digimon, and they attack the good Digimon. Darkdramon attacks with stabs with his Gigastick Lance.

A Black ExVeemon raises his fist to strike, but an Ogremon flings him against a rock, hitting him on the head. A rock falls on his head, and he reverts back to his human self, but he begins to look like he is horrified by the entire warzone he's looking at around him.

Narrator: Within the battlegrounds, the youngest of the Black Hybrids felt something within his heart. It was… guilt, and something else.

A Lilymon is shooting with her Flower Cannon, until she gets shot on the back, grounding her down. Suddenly, she is aware of someone behind him, and she roles over, seeing Darkdramon towering above her. Lilymon tries to fly away, but Darkdramon stomps on her leafy wings, trapping her. Darkdramon reaches down towards her with the arm carrying the Crest. With a desperate attempt, the young Black Hybrid lets out a cry and strikes Darkdramon's arm with his fist, dropping the Crest down. With that, Darkdramon cries in pain, alarming the entire Metal Empire in the battlefield, and he falls down.

Narrator: Darkdramon, the enemy of the free lands in the Digital World, was defeated.

The Sealsdramon drag the downed Darkdramon away as the army of good Digimon cheer for their success. During the cheering, the young Black Hybrid slowly reaches for the Crest, but it shimmers faintly. He takes his chance to run away from the scene. The leader of the Black Hybrid, the one with red hair, looks back at the battlefield to find the young one running so far away, and he glares at him because of his betrayal.

Narrator: The youngest, no longer serving his evil master, had this one chance to destroy this war for good. But for him, it didn't seem enough. He wanted something more, something he couldn't describe.

The young one is traveling very farther away to a scorching desert at night, where he falls to his knees. He pants, nearly out of breath, then he looks at the Crest in his palm.

Narrator: Each time the young one looks at the Crest seems to deepen his anguish, as if something about it was painful. It was something… he couldn't bear anymore.

He groans in frustration, then he throws it away across the desert before it disappears into the sand.

Narrator: And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. For nearly six years, the Crest passed out of all knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer.

The Crest is half covered in sand and a hand in a red glove reaches down and picks it up out. It glistens in that hand where a sniggering is heard.

Voice: Pretty….

Narrator: The Crest was found by an Impmon, who took it deep into the tunnels of the mountains. And there, he hogged it.

In the tunnel, a silhouette of Impmon sits on a stone above a little pool, staring at it.

Narrator: For five hundred days it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Impmon's cave, it happened.

Much to his surprise, a flash of light scares him off. The Crest falls down, bouncing off of the rocks, going into the light before it fades away.

Narrator: But something happened in a short period of time. It was picked up by the most well-known creature for all time. A human.

In the human world, the Crest lays on the dirt. A human man appears. He is on the ground, his hand groping through the dirt until it stumbled upon the Crest. He picks it up looking at it.

Human: What is this?

Then, the sound of wolves and owls are heard. The man, alarmed, puts the Crest in his pocket.

Part 1

[YEARS LATER]

It has been months since the evil Digimon MaloMyotismon was defeated, and life on Earth has remained peaceful. In Ottawa, there are the DigiDestined: Davis with DemiVeemon, Yolei with Poromon, Cody with Upamon, TK with Patamon, and Kari with Gatomon. They are in Westboro Beach, enjoying their summer vacation.

Cody: Good choice, Davis. I never thought we'd be here in Canada for the summer.

Davis: Pretty cool, huh?

Yolei: You know, when I first heard about this place, I thought Canada would be very snowy and freezing with some storms and ice.

Kari: It is like that in the winter. It's so snowy, Spring doesn't come for four months. But in the summer, it's warm.

Davis: And the best part is, we get to do whatever we want after we saved both worlds together.

While talking, Davis holds onto Kari's hand, but she gently moves it away.

TK: Maybe so, Davis. It's been five months since we stopped MaloMyotismon from his schemes, but we can't let our guard down. There's no telling what other threat would come out of nowhere.

Upamon: Cody, are we going to have to fight all the time?

Cody: Don't worry, we don't have to.

Davis: Geez, TK, you have to spoil the moment. I picked Canada as a vacation spot because it's darn peaceful.

DemiVeemon: Yeah, I didn't come here to try the Beavertails for a fight.

TK: But still, I….

Kari: TK, calm down. I'm sure we'll be fine. Let's just try to get some time off from what we've been doing all the time in the Digital World. Going on quests was fun for me, but not wars. It's not in my lifetime.

Yolei: [bummed] But… I wish Ken was here with us.

Cody: So do we Yolei, but he's going on a trip with his family for the next three weeks. His email says he'll join in whenever he has the chance.

[beeping]

That beeping comes from Davis's backpack. He rushes over to pull out a timer, which is the cause of the beeping, and he notices the time.

Davis: Speaking of which, we gotta get going. My uncle's going to want us there. We've got to go change, guys.

Davis grabs his backpack and rushes over to the changing tent, while the others are baffled by his behavior, eager to know something.

Afterwards, the DigiDestined are walking to 2306 Lawn Ave and stop in front of the gate which has a sign that says "Do not disturb". Davis walks up to the door and shoves DemiVeemon into his backpack.

DemiVeemon: Davis, you're shoving me.

Davis: Sorry, DemiVeemon. But my uncle doesn't know about what we know, so just there and keep quiet.

TK: Are you sure he's okay?

Davis: Trust me, Uncle Ricky's an okay-guy.

He rings the doorbell, and a voice is heard from inside the house.

Voice: Keep out! This house is off-limits to officers, solicitors and all kinds of politicians!

Davis: And what about family members?

The door opens and Ricky, the man from earlier who discovered the Crest, stares at Davis in disbelief.

Ricky: Davis?

Davis: Hey, Uncle Ricky!

Ricky: My dear Davis!

They give each other a big hug. Ricky takes a closer look at Davis.

Ricky: My boy, I hardly recognize you. I haven't seen you since you were five years old. And you brought company?

Kari: Oh, yes, sir. We're all friends of Davis. It's very nice to meet you.

Ricky: Oh, you know the old saying: the more the merrier. [chuckles]

Ricky runs inside, beckoning the kids in and holding the door open for them.

Ricky: Come on, come in! Don't be strangers. Make yourselves at home.

He closes the door behind Cody and takes the kids' bags to put them down somewhere.

Ricky: Tea? Or maybe something a little stronger? I've got a few bottles of wine from my trip in Kenya. Made in 1947. Very good year. Almost as old as my father! Hahaha! What say we open one before I take off, eh?

Cody: Just tea, thank you.

As Ricky walks down the stairs, the kids are marvelled by all the animal photographs hanging on the walls in the living room. The Digimon pop out their heads to see them too.

Poromon: Wow. Look at all these pictures.

Gatomon: Does this Ricky guy take pictures of animals?

TK: I didn't know your uncle was a photographer.

Davis: Not just that. My Uncle Ricky's a wildlife photographer. He takes pictures of animals around the world and their natural landmarks. Like this one.

Davis points at the Natural Bridge in Virginia hanging over the fireplace.

Davis: That's when he and I went to America together.

Yolei: But Davis, what did your uncle mean when he said taking off?

[five second silence]

DemiVeemon: You haven't told them yet?

Davis: Hey, I was planning to.

Kari: [peering] Davis, what are you up to?

Davis: [sighs] Alright, I'll tell you. Uncle Ricky's going to the Himalayas this week, and my folks insisted on me to do some housekeeping. I knew I wouldn't do this on my own, so-

TK: So you brought us all here to assist you.

Patamon: I wouldn't mind that, but you could at least try to-

But Patamon sees DemiVeemon acting a little strange, as if he's behaving like a wild animal that was sensing something.

Patamon: DemiVeemon? What is it?

DemiVeemon: I sense… a great power here.

Then, footsteps are hearing coming up stairs and the Digimon hid back in their bags, right before Ricky shows up.

Ricky: Here we are. Sorry for the wait. I had to read the inscriptions on this wine here. Says it's not allowed for children at your age, so… no wine.

TK: That's okay, neither of us drink wine.

Ricky: Well, let's just get out the biscuits then.

Ricky takes one biscuit from a tray, eating it. A sharp knock is heard on the door and a woman's voice is heard.

Woman: Richard! Richard Motomiya!

Ricky throws himself towards the wall, choking on his food, in a desperate attempt to hide. Then he turns to the kids, beckoning them to stay put.

Ricky: [whispering] I'm not at home!

He tiptoes over to the window in the hall, taking a peek at who is outside. It is a woman who just walks away from the door.

Kari: Who's that?

Ricky: It's only Sasha. I've got to get away from these peeving neighbors who are always hovering the doorbell and never give me a moment's peace! I want to see mountains again. Mountains, Davis! And then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my travel book.

Ricky takes the tea off the counter and sets it on the coffee table with some tea served in cups.

TK: So you need us to take care of your house while you're gone?

Ricky: Yes, yes. It's all in hand. All the arrangements are made. Of course, I would understand it if you don't want to.

Cody: It's not that. It's just we finished school, we like to have a vacation overseas, but Davis just didn't give us the message right.

Kari: He really has a few issues to work on.

Ricky: Oh, of course he does. He's a young man now, but… there are a still a few things in life he'd need to know. All and all, I wouldn't like to see my own nephew spending summer vacation alone in my house.

Yolei: But we can manage it. After all, we'd want to do some sightseeing all over Ottawa.

Ricky: Very good choice. In the summer, Canada is all about sightseeing.

Part 2

Later, Ricky is packing up his things into his travel bag, ready to go, and the kids hand him his gear for the trip.

Ricky: Okay. The plane should be leaving in three hours, and my bus is coming in soon, so I'll make it. Now, you kids will watch out for each other, yes?

Kari: Yes, Ricky. We'll be in our best behaviour. [to Davis; peering] Right?!

Davis: Hey, don't look at me like that. You're acting like I would fight TK all of a sudden.

TK: You almost did, though.

Quickly, Ricky walks out, stopping a few strides from the door, taking deep breaths. Davis comes out after him.

Ricky: Davis, I know it's not what every kid in your age would do… but with or without anyone's help, treat the world the way you want to be treated.

Davis: I'll keep it in mind. Goodbye, Uncle Ricky.

Ricky: And good luck, dear Davis.

Ricky walks out of the gate, down the road going east, humming a song.

Now Ricky was gone, the Digimon jump out of their bags and they feed on the treats left on the coffee table.

Yolei: Hope you little guys like it. Because they had maple inside them.

Davis: But DemiVeemon, what do you mean a great power here?

DemiVeemon: I don't know. It's like something I've never sensed before.

Gatomon: Actually… [sniffs] I can smell it. It's inside.

Cody: A Digimon?

Kari: I'm not sure if Ricky has a Digimon in his house.

Davis: Well, whatever it is, let's go find it.

With Davis leading the way, the DigiDestined tiptoes across the hallway to go down the stairs, searching for something in the basement. Gatomon is using her nose to sniff it out, and it leads them to another room that looks like a bedroom.

Davis: The guest room. Wow, it's a bit bigger than I remember.

Poromon: Gatomon?

Gatomon: It's near. I could-

But then, DemiVeemon and Upamon are bouncing on the bed up and down like little kids.

Yolei: Guys, this is no time for playing games!

Upamon: Oh come on. Like I could fall off and-

But then, Upamon bumped onto DemiVeemon and they both fall off the bed. Upamon lands on a couch, and DemiVeemon lands into the desk drawer.

Kari: [giggles] That's what happens to monkeys jumping on the bed.

DemiVeemon: [muffled] Davis! Over here!

Davis helps DemiVeemon out of the drawer, getting the socks off his face, but he discovers something.

Davis: Hey guys, look!

Everyone gathers around Davis to see what he found: the Crest.

Later, the DigiDestined are back in the living room to look at the Crest that's placed on the coffee table to find explanations.

Upamon: But… what is it?

TK: It looks like a Crest, like the ones me and Kari used to have.

Patamon: I thought we collected all the Crests four years ago.

TK: We have, but this one is very different.

Kari: Look at it's symbol. It's a circle with five triangles that form a star. What does it mean?

Cody: But hold on. If we found this thing here, does it mean Ricky knows about the Digimon?

Davis: No way. We would've told us that right away.

Yolei: But still, we can't ignore it without knowing what it is or where it came from. We would need to know more.

Poromon: Maybe Gennai would know.

Patamon: You know, I think he would.

Patamon flies off of TK's head, and he begins stuffing food into his backpack.

TK: Patamon, what are you doing?

Patamon: We'd have to go back. Back to the Digital World.

DemiVeemon: But we just got here. Can't we just kick back and relax for a bit.

Kari: I don't think so. With this Crest suddenly appearing here out of nowhere, we'd have to go ask Gennai if he knows.

Yolei: Aw man! I wanted to do some sightseeing!

Later, the DigiDestined are in Ricky's office, where Cody begins typing in the keys and opens a doorway to the Digital World. He succeeds and the door opens.

Cody: Okay, the door's open.

TK: Alright, we'll just take the Crest to Gennai, ask him all about it, and we'll come back to enjoy our time here.

Kari: I'll be fine with that. We only need one question about it.

In her hand, Kari holds the Crest and she looks at it before putting it in her pants pocket.

Davis: Grab your Digivices. We're going in.

They all grab their Digivices, hold it at the computer screen, and they all get teleported through it to enter the Digital World.

In the woods of the Digital World, a portal appears out of nowhere and the DigiDestined show up. Three of their Digimon change to their rookie levels: DemiVeemon becomes Veemon, Poromon becomes Hawkmon, and Upamon becomes Armadillomon.

Veemon: We're back.

TK: Now that we're here, we need to find Gennai. But where do we start?

Patamon: I know a pub where he hangs out. Follow me.

Patamon takes flight and the others follow him so he can show them the way.

Deep in Death Tower, Darkdramon sleeps on a throne, breathing heavily like he's nearly out of breath. But he opens his eyes when he picks up a scent.

Darkdramon: I feel it. It's here. Come!

By his command, the Black Hybrids emerge from the shadows and bow to their master.

Black Hybrid Leader: Yes, my master?

Darkdramon: Marcus, I have a task for you all. The Crest has been sensed in one of the neighbouring continents. Go bring it back, and kill whoever carries it.

Marcus: As you wish. Gordon, Gwilanna, follow me.

The Black Hybrids take their leave, and Darkdramon beckons a couple of Commandramon to step forth.

Commandramon: Yes, my lord?

Darkdramon: Gather your troops, commander. We have work to do.

In a garden, the Commandramon start chopping down trees and pull them down into the ground. Darkdramon walks over to see it himself.

Commander: The trees are strong, my lord. Their roots go deep.

Darkdramon: Rip them all down. I need them ready for the furnace. And get the cloners assembled.

Commander: Yes, sir.

Part 3

Back with the DigiDestined, they continue following Patamon out of the woods and into a village of Digimon living their lives there.

Veemon: Nice place. Very nice.

Gatomon: Believe it or not, this is one of the oldest villages in the Digital World.

Yolei: Oh, look at those flowers. They're so pretty.

Yolei is pointing at a florist shop nearby, but Davis drags her away to meet up with the others.

Davis: We don't have time for this, Yolei.

Voice: Hey, tough guy!

That voice is coming from an Elecmon kicking some Pumpkinmon out the door of a pub.

Elecmon: And stay out!

Patamon: That's the place.

The DigiDestined all come into the pub, where it has a massive bunch of Digimon inside. At the bar, two Gotsumon are taking their order.

Gotsumon 1: Yo, two sludge cups here.

A Starmon bartender gives the pair some glasses of sludge, having a toast.

Gotsumon 2: Cheers to the boulder you broke.

A Numemon waiter walks over with a platter of dung.

Numemon: Hey! Who ordered the dung platter?!

Then a trio of Kunemon swarms in on the dung, much to the waiter's annoyance. Another waiter, a Vegiemon, hops over with a big pie for a Shellmon, who has his head sticking through the window.

Vegiemon: Here you go. Enjoy.

Shellmon takes a bite of the pie, but he begins to feel sick.

Shellmon: [sneezing] Hey, I said no salt! [sneezes]

Patamon perches on TK, who walks over to the Starmon bartender at the bar.

Starmon: Can I help you, sonny?

TK: We're friends of Gennai. Is he around here?

Starmon: Gennai? Gennai? Ohh yes! I remember, elderly chap. Not seen him for 6 months.

TK: But he does come here often, right?

Starmon: Sure he does, but not every day. He only comes here when he feels like it. But if you're seeking accommodations, we've got some nice, cozy rooms available. However, it's only for one month.

Since Gennai couldn't come, the DigiDestined are sitting in the pub, each with their drink.

Armadillomon: Looks like we came all this way for nothing.

Hawkmon: Well, we're having the best drinks in the pub. That should count for something.

Patamon: This was my idea. I'm sorry, you guys. I don't know what came over me.

TK: It's fine, Patamon. I would've wanted to go ask Gennai about the Crest.

Kari is looking back, and she finds an older teenage boy in a black hoodie, sitting alone at the corner.

Kari: Who's that?

The others share Kari's view of the stranger. When the stranger notices them, they look away to stare at their food, pretending to see him.

Davis: Who is that guy? Another DigiDestined?

Veemon: Nope, he looks too old to be like you guys.

Patamon: Yeah, he looks older than Tai and Matt.

TK: Wait, Gennai was an old man before. But now, he's younger. I think that's him.

Kari: No way. He looks nothing like him. It could be someone else.

Yolei: Maybe he's up to something. But how would we know?

Hawkmon: It's easy. I could spy on him in the air.

Armadillomon: And I could tunnel to his hideout, see what he's up to.

Kari: We have other things to think about.

Kari reaches into her pocket, taking out the Crest so she and the others can look at it.

Davis: What do we know about it so far?

Veemon: Well, it's snow white.

Davis: No kidding. But what's it for?

Gatomon: Maybe it's for another Digidestined. Someone who was supposed to have it, but he or she couldn't make it.

Cody: We can't figure this out without Gennai's help. The only way for us to figure this out is by contacting him.

Davis: And how are we supposed to do that? We don't have his phone number or anything.

TK: We could call Izzy and ask us to do that for us. Maybe that'll work.

Yolei: Good. Now, let's go back. I still want to try the Beavertails.

All of a sudden, the stranger shows up and his hand covers Kari's mouth. She struggles against him, but he holds her firmly.

Davis: Kari!

The stranger grabs Kari, who's still holding the Crest, and jumps out the window.

Cody: Hurry!

The others rush out of the pub to go rescue Kari.

In an alleyway, the stranger stops at the barrels while holding onto Kari's arm, and forces her to open her hand so he can take the Crest.

Stranger: Where did you get this?

Then, the Digidestined arrive at the scene, grabbing the stranger's attention.

Davis: Hey, get your hands off my girl!

Stranger: I don't see your name on her, you do?

Davis: Veemon!

Veemon: Right! Vee-Headbutt!

Veemon is about to strike him, but a powerful fireball blasts him. Then, coming out is a Guilmon, growling like a wild animal.

Yolei: What's that?

Patamon: I've never seen that before.

Guilmon and Veemon begin fighting each other, crashing all over the place in the alley. Kari elbows the stranger on the stomach, and she runs back to her friends.

Yolei: Are you okay, Kari?

Kari: I'm fine, really.

Stranger: Stop!

By his word, Guilmon stops fighting, and he walks back to the stranger.

Guilmon: But you were attacked.

Stranger: They just stuck their noses into someone else's problem.

Cody: Hold on, we need answers.

Stranger: So do I. Where'd you get this Crest?

Davis: We just found it at my Uncle's place.

Stranger: In the Human World? [pauses] You need to leave, before they come for you.

TK: What? Who's coming?

Stranger: Go now! You can't stay!

The stranger takes his leave with Guilemon following him out of the alley.

Patamon: I'll go follow him.

Patamon flies away to tail the stranger. The DigiDestined are baffled about that guy as Davis aids the hurt Veemon.

Veemon: Wow. That Digimon is strong and sharp at once.

Davis: Yeah, but what was that Digimon?

Veemon: Beats me.

Yolei: What did he mean we have to go? Who's coming after us?

Kari: All I know is, he might need help.

Davis: [ticked] That jerk just kidnapped you, and he took the Crest, and you're saying we should help him?!

Cody: No surprise there, with Davis being about Kari being taken like that.

Kari: Listen, I know it was so sudden, but he looked so desperate. It's like he's afraid of something.

Davis: He's probably afraid of me, beating the living daylights out of him.

TK: Davis, we don't know anything about this guy yet. And besides, Patamon will look out for him.

Deep in the woods, Patamon is flying above the canopy to search for the stranger, then he finds him near a river with Guilmon. He perches on a tree, spying on the two.

Stranger: You didn't have to interfere. I was doing just fine on my own.

Guilmon: But Eragon, that's all you ever say. Most of the time, you say you handle things on your own, until you end up into the hospital.

Eragon: They were just kids.

Eragon washes his hands in the river, probably getting something off of him. He looks at the Crest in his palm, looking concerned about it.

Eragon: I can't believe they found it, and after eight years. But… why? Why can't I remember more?

Guilmon: Just give yourself time. You know Ebonwumon's still seeking to help you with that.

As Eragon looks at the Crest with concern, Guilmon drives his head under his arm to get his attention. Eragon acknowledges it by petting him.

Guilmon: Can we just go home?

Eragon: Alright. We'll deal with the Crest when we get back. Let's go.

Eragon and Guilmon both take their leave elsewhere, while Patamon is still spying on them.

Patamon: Remember more? What does he mean?

He flies away to go back to the others.

Part 4

Later, the DigiDestined are riding through the woods on their Digimon who have armor digivolved: Veemon is now Raidramon, Hawkmon is Halsemon, Armadillomon is Digmon, Patamon is Pegasusmon, and Gatomon is Nefertimon.

TK: So his name is Eragon?

Pegasusmon: Yes, that's what I've heard. During his talk with that other Digimon, he said something about remembering more. I don't know what he meant when he said that.

Digmon: It might be because he's forgotten something.

Cody: Whatever it is, it must be very important to him.

Davis: But what empire was he talking about?

Raidramon: Maybe another Digimon Emperor, like what Ken used to be.

Nefertimon: I don't see him anywhere from up here. Are you sure we're going the right way?

Kari: He can't be too far away from where we are.

Yolei: There's a river.

They make a land next to the river, and the DigiDestined dismount their rides to look around the area.

Pegasusmon: This is the spot.

Halsemon: We should look for tracks.

Davis: Here they are.

Davis bends over two lines of tracks, which belong to Eragon and Guilmon.

Davis: They're heading this way on foot. Let's go.

They ride their Digimon and follow the tracks, deeper and deeper into the woods. But then, they stop when the tracks are nearly fading and leading to a fork in the road.

Yolei: So… which way did they go?

Raidramon: No clue. The tracks just end right here.

Davis: There are the tracks. They lead….

But Davis is lost in thought when he looks ahead at the path that leads to a dark, overgrown path, then left towards a more inviting route. The others stare at that path, equally concerned about it.

Yolei: I don't want to go there. It's spooky.

Davis: Yeah, I agree. Maybe we'll just fly up to find him.

Raidramon: I'll just digivolve to ExVeemon and we'll be ready.

Kari: No. If we fly, we'll lose him. We're taking this path.

Kari, showing a determined face, rides Nefertimon down the path to the spooky forest. Davis is stunned to see her go there, as the others decide to follow her in. Snapping out of it, he follows them.

As Kari leads the way, Nefertimon is looking at some warning signs, saying "Stay away", "Keep out", and "Be prepared for your doom".

Kari: What are these signs for?

Nefertimon: Hold on. The tracks stop here. We've lost them.

Kari stares back and the path seems to draw closer. A hard wind picks up and a screech cries out. She is getting alarmed all of a sudden.

Kari: [anxiously] Get off the road! Quick!

Nefertimon walks back, nearly shoving the others backward down the road.

Davis: Hey, what's going on?

Nefertimon: Kari, what's wrong?

Kari: Something's coming! We have to go!

TK: Whoa, whoa! Watch where you're going!

But then, they bump into a tree. A swarm of DemiDevimon fly out of the tree, scaring the kids. Raidramon runs through the forest avoiding everything until he almost runs over the edge of a cliff. The others arrive in time, pulling him back.

Raidramon: Whoa, that was close. Thanks, guys.

Davis: Geez, what was that about?

Nefertimon: Kari said she heard something. I didn't hear what it was.

Yolei: What was it?

Kari: I don't know. But it just-

A screech is heard through the darkness, and the DigiDestined are alarmed. Davis signals to the others to dismount their Digimon and stand behind them.

Davis: We've got company.

Raidramon: I sense it. But something's up.

Halsemon: This is like nothing I've sensed before.

They whirl around, waiting, when the Black Hybrids appear and approach them.

Marcus: Look what we've got here. A bunch of kids with their pets.

Gordon: Yeah, but they look too big to be pets.

Gwilanna: Just wait until they're back to the Rookie-level.

Davis: You guys back off. We don't have time for this.

Marcus: The Crest. Where is it?

Davis: What Crest?

Raidramon: [whispers] He's obviously talking about the one we had.

TK: We'll never tell you where it is.

Gwilanna: Well that's too bad, because we're here to take it from you anyway.

Yolei: You obviously don't know who you're dealing with. We're the DigiDestined.

Marcus: Please, that's nothing. We're the Black Hybrids, and you'll find out why everybody fears us.

The Black Hybrids raise their left wrists, revealing wristbands with green circles, and they place their hands on them.

Black Hybrids: Black Digivolution, engage!

They have veils of smoke surrounding them and they transform into three different Digimon, much to the DigiDestined's surprise.

Marcus: BlackMaildramon!

Gwilanna: BlackGarurumon!

Gordon: BlackGreymon!

Yolei: What the?! They can turn into Digimon?!

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Halsemon: One of them looks like Maildramon. That armor on him would be impenetrable to most attacks, even with his Iron Press.

[END D.A.]

BlackMaildramon: Our master demands the Crest at once. Hand it over to us, and we may spare your lives.

Davis: You don't scare us. We've been through worse! Go get 'em!

Raidramon is the first to charge for the attack, followed by the other Digimon.

Raidramon: Thunder Blast!

He fires a powerful electric shock from the three protuberances on his back, and the Black Hybrids scatter into separate paths.

Digmon: My turn. Gold Rush!

Digmon fires his drills at BlackGreymon, but he deflects them with his horns.

BlackGreymon: Nova Halitosis!

BlackGreymon unleashes a blow of bad breath at Digmon, which is enough to make him faint.

Digmon: [disgusted] That guy smells like he's never heard of a toothbrush.

Halsemon: Tempest Wind!

Halsemon spins around, creating a tornado with which to attack his enemy, but BlackGarurumon has a trick of her own.

BlackGarurumon: Howling Wind!

She breathes a burst of freezing cold wind at Halsemon, and it knocks him out.

TK: Something's not right. Those are not the right attacks from the Digimon we're familiar with.

Kari: We're gonna need some help.

Nefertimon: Not to worry. Pegasusmon and I can bind them for a bit.

Pegasusmon & Nefertimon: Golden Noose!

For a unison attack, Pegasusmon and Nefertimon bind the Black Hybrids with a rope of unbreakable golden light. But they all break free from the light, much to the DigiDestined's shock. BlackGreymon and BlackGarurumon both fire their breaths at the two Digimon, knocking them down.

Raidramon: Thunder Blast!

BlackMaildramon: Metal Deflection!

As Raidramon attacks, BlackMaildramon's armor glistens like diamonds and deflects the blasts away into the air.

BlackMaildramon: Child's play. This is how you really show power. Lightning Sword!

BlackMaildramon fires a bolt of lightning from his horn. Raidramon dodges the attack twice, but he gets hit a third time, changing back into Veemon.

Veemon: That was a sharp hit.

Davis: Well, if you can't fight lightning with lightning, do it with fire. Digi-Armor Energize!

Veemon: Veemon armor digivolve to….

With the Digi-Egg of Courage, Veemon becomes Flamedramon.

Flamedramon: Flamedramon, the Fire of Courage.

Flamedramon charges again to attack, then BlackMaildramon swipes his tail at him, knocking him in the air.

Flamedramon: Fire Rocket!

He throws fireballs at the Black Hybrid, but they become impervious to that strike. BlackMaildramon flies up in the air for a counter attack.

BlackMaildramon: Iron Press!

BlackMaildramon dives on Flamedramon and slams him on the ground hard. When that's done, all the Digimon revert back to their Rookie levels, and groan in pain because of their fight with the Black Hybrids.

Gatomon: They're strong. They're stronger than regular Digimon.

Davis: What the heck are you?

BlackMaildramon: It looks like we've won. And for that, we will claim our victory, as well as our prize: the Crest.

Kari: No! We'd never give it away to anyone like yourselves!

BlackMaildramon: That wasn't a request. Iron Press!

BlackMaildramon jumps high for an attack, and the DigiDestined coil in fear, about to be killed. But then, a boulder hits him and it knocks him away to crash onto the other two. They look at the side of the cliff, and there's Eragon standing there.

Eragon: Leave those kids alone!

BlackMaildramon: You! You dare show your face in front of us?!

Eragon: Black Digivolution, engage!

Eragon presses on a wristband, identical to the ones the Black Hybrids have, and he changes into a black ExVeemon.

Eragon: BlackExVeemon!

Veemon: [shocked] Hey! That's my Champion-level!

The Black Hybrids charge, and BlackExVeemon engages them in a three-on-one fight. The four tussle for a bit before BlackExVeemon smashes BlackGreymon's head to knock him away. He grabs BlackGarurumon's mouth and swings her around, right before he punches BlackMaildramon away.

BlackExVeemon: Laser Punch!

A laser beam fires from his fist, blasting at the Black Hybrids one by one. The DigiDestined are watching the fight, equally stunned by what they've been seeing so far.

Yolei: This day gets weirder and weirder.

Cody: I never thought some DigiDestined can turn into Digimon like that.

TK: They don't. Not what me and Kari have seen. Something's not right.

Then, Guilmon pops up from a crack in a rock behind the DigiDestined, giving their attention.

Guilmon: Hey. Down here, quick.

As the Black Hybrids fight, the DigiDestined slide into the large crack in the rock, sliding into a cave. BlackExVeemon beats up the other two, but he gets pinned down by BlackMaildramon.

BlackMaildramon: When did you ever get in touch with others? It's not like you.

BlackExVeemon: They were just kids, Marcus. You cannot just kill them out of the blue.

BlackMaildramon: It's our master's order. You should've known that from the beginning, little brother. But then you turned your back on him, and after he's done for us.

BlackExVeemon: You're wrong.

Just as BlackMaildramon is about to attack, a horn sounds, and a group of silhouettes rush into the fray, shooting and spearing the Black Hybrids. The DigiDestined listen to the conflict from inside the crack. Then Eragon, changing back to his human form, falls into the cave to join in before the cave seals shut like a hidden door.

Davis: Hey buddy, we want some answers.

But then, Eragon bonks Davis on the head, and he pins him to the wall. The others try to stop him, but Guilmon growls at them like a guard dog to keep them away.

Eragon: Have you got clogged ears?! I told you all to leave well enough alone, and you ignored my warning!

Davis: Hey, take it easy there! We just wanted to know what was going on, that's all!

TK: We didn't mean to cause any trouble.

Eragon: Because of what you were doing, they tracked you here, and they nearly found this entrance. You're very lucky or unlucky they didn't reach this far.

Calming down, Eragon lets go of Davis and motions Guilmon to stand down.

Eragon: Now, go home. Forget about what you saw, and THIS TIME… don't come back.

Eragon takes his leave down a path, until Kari calls out to him.

Kari: Wait a second, Eragon.

When he hears that, Eragon stops in his tracks and looks back at them, stunned.

Eragon: How do you know my name?

Part 5

Later, the group is gathered together around a bonfire as Eragon holds onto the Crest to tell the DigiDestined his story.

Eragon: This Crest was secretly made by an evil Digimon named Darkdramon, the leader of the Metal Empire, all the way in the Shadow Continent.

Gatomon: I've heard of this Metal Empire before, back when I was serving Myotismon. But I thought it was a rumour.

Kari: But what's the Shadow Continent?

Armadillomon: It's an awful place. Many Digimon were said to go there before, but… only a few of them have returned to tell the tale. It's more likely to be the South Pole of the Digital World.

Guilmon is digging into a lunch box beside Eragon, and he eats a loaf of bread like it is a hot dog.

Cody: So who's the dinosaur?

Guilmon: I'm Guilmon. I'm friends with Eragon.

Eragon: [sternly] Don't start with that again.

TK: But what about those… Black Hybrids? How can they turn into Digimon like that?

Davis: And how could they be so stronger?

[5 second silence]

Eragon: The Black Hybrids were made that way. They were genetically modified with Digimon data and another substance called Black Energy. It gave them strength, stamina and agility increased to the highest number, even altering their attacks. I was… with them eight years ago, and my brother Marcus is the leader.

Davis: So you are a Black Hybrid. But where did you come from before?

Eragon: I…. I don't know. I have… no memory of my past. All I can remember is I was on a lab table, with my brother. We were summoned all of a sudden, given the order to fight off an army of Digimon rebels. But during my fight, I was hit on the head by a rock and it gave me this.

Eragon moves his hair up to show the kids the scar he gained on his forehead from a long time ago.

Eragon: When I regained myself, I suddenly had the nerve to repel Darkdramon and escape with the Crest. But… as I carried it, I… felt something. Something that was… too painful for me…. So I threw it away to lose it. Then, Guilmon found me and we stayed together ever since.

Veemon: You don't remember your past?

Guilmon: No, he doesn't. The treatment they did on him caused him to suffer amnesia. The same thing happened to the other three Hybrids.

Kari: Okay, but what about the Crest? What power does it have?

Eragon: I don't know. The only one who'd know about it is Darkdramon. But I can't go back. Because if they find me, they'll put me back into that treatment to make sure I don't repel again. And the Shadow Continent is nothing but warfare and death.

Davis: Listen, I think you don't know who you're talking to. We're the DigiDestined. We find a problem and we solve it together like a team.

Yolei: We know we have no business, but we'd want to help you, Eragon.

Cody: We have dealt with greater threats before, so can do it again if we must.

Eragon: This is beyond your level, kids.

Davis: [ticked] Hey, who are you calling a kid? We're in our teen years.

Eragon: You still sound too immature to be called a man. I'm sorry, but you must go.

Eragon stands up to take his leave, but he is stopped when Kari holds onto his hand, which makes Davis glare at it.

Kari: Wait. We all want to help. We can't just ignore whatever is happening in the Digital World and pretend it doesn't exist. Please, let us help. We won't be a nuisance to you, I swear.

He glares at Kari, but Eragon can see that she's desperate, so he lets out a sigh of defeat.

Eragon: Alright. But we'd have to speak with my masters. Come.

Eragon moves on to lead the way, but Davis stops his friends for something.

Davis: Hold on. Why should we tag along with him? He might still be working with these Metal Empire guys. How else could the other three find us so quickly?

Guilmon: Because they have airborne trackers. They can scan any Digimon in the air.

TK: Well, most of us did fly over the canopy to get here, so that's how.

Veemon: Davis, I think he means it. The Metal Empire is well known for having a ruthless leader and a reputation to reshape life all around us. They had four secret weapons, which could mean the Black Hybrids, and one of them did a marvelous act to stop them. That was him.

Yolei: Plus, he protected us.

Eragon: Hey, you want to stay in the tunnel?

DigiDestined: [in unison] No.

Eragon: Then follow me.

The DigiDestined begin following Eragon down the path. It is quite narrow, and it is a crack between two tall cliffs. At times, the Digimon have difficulty going through. The pathway eventually opens out into an open area; there is a valley below where summer and winter are together, and in that valley is a majestic, oversized castle on a hilltop. The kids are awed by the size of it.

Yolei: Wow! Look at that!

Cody: It looks like the giant's castle in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Armadillomon: Yeah, but… on one side of the valley is snowing, and the other side is summer.

Eragon: This is the Heavenly Palace. We just have to go in to speak with them.

Davis: But who lives there?

Eragon: You'll see.

They walk across a bridge and enters the courtyard of the palace. Kari gazes in awe at the beauty of the place. Suddenly, the horns from earlier are heard again. The DigiDestined turn around and they see a group of Sagittarimon approaching along the bridge at a rapid rate.

TK: What are they?

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Eragon: Sagittarimon. Four-legged warriors of the woods. Despite being gentle to nature, their Judgement Arrow is deadly without question.

[END D.A.]

Davis: They're coming in!

The kids bunch up together into a tight circle with their Digivices pointed outward; the Sagittarimon arrive and ride in circles around the DigiDestined. Eventually, they stop, and one of them, who wears a sash around his torso, separates himself from the others.

Sashed Sagittarimon: Eragon.

Eragon: Captain. What brings you here?

Captain: We saw the Black Hybrids getting too close to our borders. Something or someone has drawn them, and we tracked them here.

Yolei: Uh, that might've been us.

The Captain looks back, and looks upon the kids with recognition.

Captain: The DigiDestined. I'm surprised that you would encounter Eragon at this time.

Patamon: We didn't mean to cause trouble. We were looking for answers for whatever discovery we've made.

Captain: No need to apologize, little friend. But I would have to advise you with a terrible truth. The Black Hybrids often kill for sport, even if the victim falls on his or her knees for mercy. They have ways of hunting their prey like it's open season. But… stick close to Eragon. No one knows them or the Metal Empire better than he does.

Cody: We'll keep it in mind.

Eragon: Speaking of which, don't you have others to protect?

Captain: Yes. Zephyrmon is waiting for my report. We shall leave. Farewell.

The Captain leads the other Sagittarimon out the courtyard to cross over the bridge and leave the palace back to where they live.

The main gates are opened and the group walks into the massive hallway, where the DigiDestined are even more marvelled by everything they see.

Gatomon: This place is bigger on the inside.

Hawkmon: But… who are the masters that live here?

All of a sudden, there is a gust of wind and the lanterns are lit on like magic to lighten up the room. And then, appearing before the group is something that shocks them: Azulongmon, Zhuqiaomon, Ebonwumon and Baihumon. Eragon kneels before them as a greeting.

Davis: Those are your masters?!

Zhuqiaomon: Welcome home, Eragon.

Cody: You're… you're the Harmonious Ones, aren't you?

Ebonwumon: Yes. I am Ebonwumon of the North.

Zhuqiaomon: Zhuqiaomon of the South.

Baihumon: And I'm Baihumon of the West.

Azulongmon: I believe you already met me. But I must say, we are surprised ourselves. Eragon has never brought others into our palace before.

Eragon: Masters, these are the DigiDestined. They've come with the Crest, and seek an audience with you.

Kari: That's right. Eragon has told us as much as he knows, but… we feel like we need to know more.

Zhuqiaomon: Calm down, dear child. We'd like to say that you may have come to the right place for counselling. However, you've had a long day on your way here.

Ebonwumon: Indeed. I suggest that you simply make yourselves at home while we have a feast prepared.

Yolei: [interested] A feast? Really?

Part 6

Back in the Shadow Continent, there is smoke coming out from Death Tower. Inside the tower, Darkdramon sits comfortably on a chair as some Datamon are plucking hair from his head, and they stores it into a machine where it begins incubating Commandramon like clones in a conveyor system. Darkdramon looks at the cloning troops with pride, as the cloning machine also makes Sealsdramon and Tankdramon. But then, a Datamon walks over towards him.

Datamon: My lord, Marcus and his team have arrived.

Darkdramon gets off his chair and flies across the rooms through the windows as a shortcut to the throne room, where he finds the Black Hybrids, all beaten and bruised, kneeling to him.

Darkdramon: So… you found him, but you didn't get it?

Marcus: No, master. We were close to taking it back, but we ran into trouble and had to fight back until we got ambushed.

Gwilanna: We lost because Gordon was too weak.

Gordon: Puh-lease! You couldn't lay a scratch on your fingers.

Gwilanna: Hey, shut up!

Gordon: You shut up!

Gordon and Gwilanna both transform into their Black Digimon forms, and fight each other like animals, much to Marcus's annoyance.

Marcus: The both of you, knock it off!

BlackGarurumon stops the fight; BlackGreymon continues, biting himself in the tail.

BlackGarurumon: Well he started it!

Marcus: I don't care who did what.

Darkdramon: Look at yourselves. And you called yourselves the might Black Hybrids.

BlackGreymon: We were mighty, when we had Eragon with us.

Darkdramon: But who were you fighting?

Marcus: Something you have long predicted. My brother has the Crest, and he's allied to the DigiDestined, but they're only mere children.

Darkdramon: To whom is not the issue I'm worried about. When the rebels learn about the chosen children, and if they encounter them, they'll be encouraged to challenge me again. But this time, they'll use the power of the Crest.

Marcus: It will not work. Eragon has always been a lone wolf.

Darkdramon: I'll be the judge of that. Dismissed.

The Black Hybrids take a bow to Darkdramon before they take their leave out of the room. Alone, Darkdramon takes flight out the window to leave Death Tower and goes somewhere else.

Darkdramon: Never send a human to do a Digimon's job. Let's see if our allies could cooperate.

So far from Death Tower is a murky, gray ocean, also known as the Dark Ocean. Darkdramon flies through the mist until he sees an island with a castle made of coral settled there.

In the castle is Mermaimon, sitting on her throne as she was groomed and combed by Gizamon servants. Then, an Octomon waddles his way towards, grabbing her attention.

Octomon: My lady, we have a guest wishing to meet you.

And then, Darkdramon walks into the throne room, as Mermaimon sits up to talk with him.

Mermaimon: Darkdramon? Must you barge into my castle without asking for an invintation?

Voice: He didn't, milady.

Hearing that voice, Mermaimon looks back to see Sandiramon slithering to Darkdramon's side.

Sandiramon: I invited him long ago, as a thanks for his mercy upon us.

Darkdramon: My dear Mermaimon, I only seek your audience. The traitor Eragon seeks to assemble the rebels all around the Shadow Continent to wipe us all out.

Mermaimon: You doubt my assembly line? It was my people who kept the rebels at bay. We built our outposts, our temples.

Sandiramon: A long time ago, milady.

Mermaimon: [enraged] Enough!

Mermaimon picks up a vase and throws it on the floor to shatter it, right before a Gizamon replaces it with another.

Mermaimon: If you don't think we can keep it up, then watch me. Watch me get my soldiers assembled and motivated for the next fray, in the Eastern Castle.

She throws the replaced vase to shatter it too.

Darkdramon: You don't have to do it right away. But if we ever get a signal from him, you may need to get on with it. Thank you for your time.

Darkdramon takes his leave out of the room, and Sandiramon slithers away, until Mermaimon talks to him.

Mermaimon: Sandiramon. As my royal vizier, your job is to inform me about someone's invitation before it's ever carried on. Am I clear?

Sandiramon: [bowing] Understood, milady. This won't be repeated.

Sandiramon takes his leave out of the throne, right before he has a disgusted look on his face.

Sandiramon: One day, I'll rule this kingdom.

He slithers down a hole in the wall, and it closes like a secret door.

Part 7

Back in the Heavenly Palace, the DigiDestined are having a little feast in their quarters. A table served with a massive amount of food has the kids in awe, and their Digimon begin chowing down on it.

Armadillomon: Delicious. These Harmonious Ones do know how to pick a feast.

Veemon: Oh yeah.

Guilmon: I know, right? And their bread is even better.

Gatomon: [frowning] It's like I'm handling with little Digimon again.

Yolei: Hey Guilmon, hold still please.

Yolei comes over with a bib with a rabbit's face on the front, and puts it around his neck. Then Kari takes a picture of him with her camera.

Eragon: [disbelieved] Really? You're giving him a bib?

Yolei: C'mon, he's being a bit of a messy eater. And besides, I thought he'd look even more cute while wearing it.

Kari: Totally cute.

Eragon: Guilmon is anything but cute.

Guilmon: They can call me anything they want as long as they bring me peanut butter.

TK: But Eragon, isn't he your Digimon? Because if he is, that'd make you a DigiDestined.

Davis: Yeah, but shouldn't he have a Digivice on him?

The kids show Eragon and Guilmon their Digivices in hand.

Guilmon: Oh, yes. Eragon has one. See?

Guilmon picks into Eragon's pocket and shows them his Digivice, and they all stare at it. Then Eragon snatches it away.

Eragon: Guilmon, it's not worth it.

Cody: It is. That means you're a DigiDestined, like the rest of us.

Eragon: It means nothing to me.

Davis: How can you say that? That means Guilmon is your partner, and it helps him to digivolve.

Eragon: There's nothing special about it. It just collects dust. I only have my Digiband and that's good enough for me. Guilmon's only here because he can sense the presence of another Digimon nearby.

[bell rings]

Eragon: They're ready.

With Eragon leading the way, the group walks up a flight of stairs and into a pavilion, where the Harmonious Ones are gathered around.

Baihumon: So glad you could come, DigiDestined.

Davis: We had a good bite to eat. But… why did you make us wait for a meeting?

Zhuqiaomon: We had to call somebody to discuss with you.

The DigiDestined look and see a tall, beautiful, winged Digimon standing framed against the sunset. She slowly turns around. It is Zephyrmon, who gets the kids bewildered.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Zephyrmon: I am Zephyrmon, the mistress of the forest, where my Sagittarimon patrol and protect.

[END D.A.]

Kari: Wow, she's pretty.

Zephyrmon: Now… shall we begin?

Everyone is now gathered in the pavilion. Eragon and the DigiDestined sit on the chairs; the Digimon stand or walk about. The Crest is placed on a stand where everyone can see.

Ebonwumon: Now that we are gathered, we shall discuss the matter on this Crest.

Cody: We already know the Crest was made years ago by Darkdramon in the Southern Continent, but we don't think it's enough for us to know.

Patamon: The Crests we collected each has a different virtue, something Tai and the others didn't have until they did it to make us digivolve into our Ultimate level.

Gatomon: It's true; if it is a Crest, it must be a virtue of something, right?

Zephyrmon: I'm afraid we don't know.

Azulongmon: The Crest was made by only Darkdramon. Only he would know what trait it carries.

Davis: But you must know what it is, don't ya?

Eragon: They don't. The Shadow Continent is sealed off of any communications from the outside. By telling the tale in person is the only key any Digimon could do, but they rarely do it since not many of them get out of there alive.

TK: But still, we can't just ignore this.

Baihumon: For what cause. MaloMyotismon has been defeated, and the Dark Masters are long gone.

Zephyrmon: The past… has long been on your mind.

TK: That's… true.

Kari: And what about the Digimon who can't leave the Shadow Continent? If they're all trapped there and they can't get out, then maybe we should help them, even if it means making the Metal Empire our new enemy.

Ebonwumon: This is hardly a prelude for rescue.

Zhuqiaomon: This is the life of a kid for you. They always meddle, looking for trouble where none exists.

Zephyrmon: Let them speak.

Eragon: Either way, these kids only feel like protecting the Digimon who cannot leave the place. Which is why I think they should do it… without me.

Davis: Wait a minute. You can't just ditch us like that. What if they're Digimon back there that we don't know?

Veemon: No problem! I can handle any Digimon, with or without someone's help, Davis!

Eragon: Not against Darkdramon. He's the only Mega level Digimon there, and he has a massive army.

Gatomon: Patamon and I can digivolve to our Mega forms.

Patamon: Yeah, maybe we can handle it.

Zephyrmon: Unfortunately, you can't. There are many obstacles the Shadow Continent has that you don't know… but Eragon does.

Ebonwumon: Even the unexpected can be terrifying. Eragon has been there before, he knows how the Metal Empire works, and I believe… the DigiDestined must go and save the Digimon.

Azulongmon: I agree. The kids have been through a lot to get their missions done and properly. But they must have a guardian to protect them.

Eragon: But masters, they don't need me. They have to handle things on their own to gain independence.

Zhuqiaomon: As long as they carry the Crest, they will become moving targets.

Eragon: I travel solo, pure and simple!

TK looks at Eragon thoughtfully, knowing he's seen his behavior before, a long time ago. He stood up to walk over to Eragon, put his hand on his arm.

TK: Eragon, I know you're saying. My big brother Matt was just like you, four years ago. He was the lone wolf of the team. But once he started getting the hang of being with others, he began starting to be a better person. That's what gave him the power from his Crest of Friendship. You probably don't feel like being with others, but nobody ever wants to feel alone.

Cody: Yes. And if that's not the case, then it might be because your brother's there, siding with the Metal Empire.

Eragon: That… is just one of the reasons. Marcus is the only family I've got left.

Kari: We understand. Nobody would feel like wanting to kill their family members. But we can find a way… together.

Yolei: You were once with them, until you were reformed at the first minute. If it happened to you, it can happen again to Marcus.

Davis: Yeah, I mean… if we don't have to hit him too hard on the head.

Hawkmon: Don't forget about us.

Veemon: Yup!

Patamon: We're all in this together.

Guilmon: We're a team now, Eragon.

Eragon is bewildered by the way the DigiDestined are willing to help him with his problem, if they all go to the Shadow Continent. He takes some time to think about it, then he grows a smile on his face.

Eragon: Alright. I'm in. Thanks, guys.

Then Guilmon pounces on Eragon, licking him like a happy dog, and the kids laugh at that.

Ebonwumon: Then it is decided. You shall go forth to the Shadow Continent.

Baihumon: All of you are in need of each other until the mission is completed.

Zhuqiaomon: The Metal Empire will be having spies in high places, to put you on the edge.

Azulongmon: But you will have the advantage, once you round up all the Digimon who repel against them.

DigiDestined: Understood.

Later, the DigiDestined are hiking along the path away from the Heavenly Palace. Kari turns around and looks back at the palace, longingly.

Gatomon: Kari?

Kari: Uh… I'm fine.

Eragon: Follow me. Zephyrmon wants us for a minute.

Yolei: But I thought we're going to the Shadow Continent.

Eragon: We are, but not by foot. It'll take us months to get there.

They walk up the path into the woods, where there is a large cannon on the hilltop. Zephyrmon flies over towards the DigiDestined with a bag full of stuff.

Zephyrmon: Glad you could come. I gathered all here for a much better means of travelling. Once you get there, you will be invisible and ignored to the rest of the Digital World, including the Harmonious Ones.

Eragon: It gets worse. The Metal Empire can track you through any means of communications. So you must leave your D-Terminals.

Cody: What? But without them, our Digimon can't Armor digivolve.

Yolei: And how could we email each other whenever we get separated?

Zephyrmon: I have ways.

Zephyrmon plucks six wings from her wings and gives the DigiDestined one each.

Zephyrmon: These feathers can help contact each other from far away.

Davis: Feathers for cell phones. Nice.

The DigiDestined accept the terms and give their D-Terminals to Zephyrmon, who stuffs them into her bag. And then, she gives them a different item one by one.

Zephyrmon: Davis, you're the leader, so you have the Culi Sword. The blade is sharp enough to cut through any material. Yolei, the Horn of Gavilar. You play it, and it will disorient your enemies for a short period of time. Cody, you will earn the Deflector Shield. With this, you and your friends will be safe from any harm. TK, you shall have the Homing Arrows, with the bow. Once you fire them, they will land a direct hit. And finally, Kari carries the Phoenix Juice. One drop will cure any injury, even if the victim's at an inch from death.

Davis: I like this sword.

TK: I've never done archry before, but it's never too late to learn.

Guilmon: How come Eragon's not getting any?

Eragon: I don't need a weapon. I'm just their bodyguard.

Zephyrmon: Now, you'd best be off. Just step into the cannon, and you will be there in no time.

Yolei: [worried] Wait, are we going there… in that cannon?

Davis: [excited] Alright, I've always wanted to be a human cannonball! Let's get in it!

The DigiDestined walk to go get in the cannon. Kari is way behind them, troubled about something, but she decides to go along with them. When she is about to get in, Zephyrmon speaks to her.

Zephyrmon: Child. You seemed troubled. Why?

Kari: I…. I don't know. I did say we have to save the Digimon, but… not like this. I don't want to fight anyone. There's nothing wrong with protecting, but… I feel like it's wrong to go to war. I…. I don't have that spirit.

Zephyrmon suddenly appears in front of Kari, and she takes her hands in hers.

Zephyrmon: Don't be afraid, Kari. You are the bravest of the rest who have ever crossed over to the Digital World. Just as brave… as your brother. You both have courage, but you carry the light within. With your light, you will show your friends on the path to a bright future. Whenever you are in danger, help will come.

Kari bows, and Zephyrmon gently moves her hands away from hers. Kari looks up, and Zephyrmon has disappeared.

Part 8

The DigiDestined are in the cannon, waiting for Kari to come in, and she comes inside just in time.

Guilmon: What kept you?

Kari: Just a little talk I had with Zephyrmon. Now, I'm ready.

Cody: We're in the cannon now, so…. How is this going to work?

Eragon: Hold on tight. That's what we do.

The cannon tilts upward a bit, and it fires in the air, sending the DigiDestined through the sky as it darkens. Just after a short period of time, everyone lands on big tree leaves and slides down on the ground for a safe landing, except for Guilmon when he lands on Eragon.

Hawkmon: Are we there yet?

Patamon: I cannot tell when we're really there.

Eragon manages to lift Guilmon off to regain his bearings.

Eragon: We're here, alright. Zephyrmon's cannon never misses a direct landing sight.

Davis: And how can we tell? You've only been there once, so you might not know.

A geyser makes a loud noise nearby, ejecting steam, and the kids gasp when they have just noticed. Mostly in grays, they see a dark craggy vale filled with downed statues. They look over the edge of the ledge they are on. A large elephant statue is nearby, and everyone surveys the entire bleak view.

Kids: Whoa!

Veemon: No wonder they call it the Shadow Continent.

Davis: [stunned] Okay. I owe you, Eragon.

Hawkmon: I feel like this place's never seen the sun before.

Eragon: There hasn't been any sunlight here for ages.

Kari: What could've happened here?

Gatomon: Isn't it obvious? The Empire. Simply taking what they want.

Eragon: Not taking. Crushing. This was a rebel village, until Darkdramon, wounded after his fight, gave the order to tear this place down. As far as I know, there are a few settlements.

Eragon takes out a rolled up piece of paper and opens it to show the others it is a map of the Southern Continent.

Eragon: There are three locations we could go to. The Eastern Castle, the Western Coliseum, and Maro Village. Death Tower is going to be fifty miles ahead of them. We're around here, in the ruined town with the fallen statues.

Armadillomon: That's all there is?

Cody: Not every place is known, Armadillomon.

Eragon: We'll have to take… this road. It's about a few days to get from here to the village or the castle. And when that's done, the coliseum will just be a couple of miles beyond this point.

Yolei: We should split up, in case we end up on a fork in the road.

Veemon: Good idea.

Guilmon: Yeah, that could work.

Hawkmon: We can just fly there and get it done in a short time.

TK: Hold on, we can't. Eragon said they could track us if we fly.

Eragon: He's right. But, if my memory's correct, there should be a Sky Tracker sticking out somewhere from here.

Patamon: Like that one?

Patamon is flying overhead when he sees something. Everyone looks ahead to find a radio tower with a satellite dish on the top.

Eragon: That's one of them. We destroy it, and we'll be able to fly. However, there's going to be another on the other side of those mountains.

Davis: So we can fly there and walk the rest of the way until we find the next one.

Guilmon: I got this.

Guilmon rushes over past the statues and he stops when he's fifty yards away from the tower.

Guilmon: Pyro Sphere!

He fires a fireball at the Sky Tracker, but it didn't make a dint on it.

Guilmon: That stinks.

Cody: Don't worry, Guilmon. I have a way.

With Cody's Digivice, Armadillomon begins his Digivolution to his Champion level.

Armadillomon: Armadillomon, digivolve to….

Ankylomon: Ankylomon! Tail Hammer!

Ankylomon swings his tail club and he successful destroys the Sky Tower.

[kids cheering]

Yolei: Alright, now we can fly.

With Yolei and TK's Digivices, Hawkmon and Patamon also digivolve into their Champion levels.

Hawkmon: Hawkmon, digivolve to…

Patamon: Patamon, digivolve to…

Aquilamon: Aquilamon!

Angemon: Angemon!

With the two flying Digimon, the DigiDestined ride them to fly into the air towards the mountain. Eragon is BlackExVeemon now, holding onto Guilmon, who looks so bummed.

Guilmon: I'm not strong enough.

BlackExVeemon: Don't say that. You just didn't think of the right move. Just give yourself some time.

Guilmon: Okay.

Veemon, riding on Aquilamon with Davis, looks back at Eragon and he thoughtfully frowns about something.

Meanwhile, a pair of Datamon are looking at a map of the Shadow Continent, and they notice a bleeping dot vanishes in the north. During the discovery, Marcus comes over to them.

Datamon 1: Oh no. We just lost something.

Marcus: What did we lose?

Datamon 1: Lord Marcus, it's one of our Sky Trackers.

Datamon 2: Confirmed. It was beeping a second ago, until the signal was lost.

Marcus: It must be the rebels, trying to fly towards the mountains. Send in the Pteramon to go check it out.

Datamon 1 & 2: Yes, sir.

On a rocky wall, a secret door is opened and a squad of Pteramon takes off into the air.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Pteramon: We Pteramon will seek out the source of the problems. We will destroy anything with our Missile Storm and it will be done in seconds.

[END D.A.]

After flying over open plains, the DigiDestined take a rest on a hill, sleeping for the night. Eragon is still awake, watching a view of the massive plains ahead of them, until he sees Veemon wandering off to the bush.

Eragon: Veemon? You're still up?

Veemon: I couldn't sleep. Davis's snores like a pig. But… are you sure we can't have the D-Terminals? Because they keep their Digi-Eggs where we can Armor digivolve.

Eragon: I'm positive. It's so we can hide ourselves from the Empire. Why?

Veemon: Well… it's because you can digivolve into a black version of ExVeemon, which is my Champion level. But with your Laser Punch, it would make V-Laser look like a light show.

Eragon: But it doesn't have to be that way. Believe it or not, you can digivolve into another Champion-level Digimon.

Veemon: [shocked] I can?

Eragon: You can't. But it would have to be done by you feeling it within yourself, so don't feel so inferior.

Veemon smiles for believing in Eragon's words, and has some thoughts about it.

Part 9

The next morning, Kari is giving the Digimon food for breakfast, and she eats a sandwich herself. Cody is training Davis how to do sword fighting, with Armadillomon watching.

Cody: Two, one, five. Good, well done.

Armadillomon: Move your feet.

Davis: [pridefully] This is no problem.

But then, Cody swings his stick at Davis, tripping him over.

In the meantime, Eragon is teaching TK how to do archery with his Homing Arrows at a soda can up ahead.

Eragon: Firing an arrow is not that simple. You mostly have to master your insides to get it right. Pull the arrow all the way to your cheek. Keep both eyes on the target, one eye if you can't. Breath in… breath out, and… release.

TK fires the arrow and it lands a direct hit on the can, taking it down.

TK: I did it.

Patamon: Good shot, TK

Yolei and Kari are both sitting next to each other, holding onto their given items for inspections.

Yolei: This stinks. Davis gets a sword, TK has a bow and arrows, but I get a horn?

Kari: I've got a healing potion, but I'm not complaining.

Yolei: But still, how well does it work?

Yolei blows on the Horn of Gavilar, and it annoys the Digimon around enough to cover their ears.

Yolei: Sorry.

The alarmed Guilmon tackles Yolei to the ground, but she retaliates by tickling him.

Guilmon: [laughing] No, that tickles!

Kari: [laughs]

Yolei: Sneak up on me, huh? [laughs]

Eragon looks at the scene, shaking his head in disbelief, but he notices something far away. TK is noticing it too.

TK: What's that over there?

Patamon: Nothing, just clouds.

Eragon: No. It's something else. [pauses] Pteramon! Quick, hide!

The DigiDestined hurries to get their stuff and get into hiding. Cody puts out the fire. They hide behind rocks and in bushes. The Pteramon squad flies over them, cawing loudly. They circle the hill twice, then turn and fly back towards Death Tower. The DigiDestined comes out from their hiding places.

Gatomon: Are they gone?

Eragon: They're gone. And we're gonna have to change routes.

Davis: But where? We can fly, right? I don't see a Sky Tracker anywhere in sight.

TK: But they'll come back by the time we fly to the other side.

Yolei: But we can't walk on the mountain. None of us has ever done rock climbing, and it's a long way down.

Kari takes the map from the backpack, finding another route off the hill.

Kari: There's a tunneled pathway to go under the mountains. We can go there instead of flying.

Veemon: Davis, you're the leader. You decide.

[five second silence]

Davis: Um… let Eragon decide.

Eragon: We can't fly, so we'll go through the tunnel.

Later, the DigiDestined are at the slopes of a mountain where they find a cave to go into a tunnel. Cody looks at the sign on the side.

Cody: "Maro Village Highway". Seems simple enough to go through this, but none of us have flashlights.

Eragon: We don't need flashlights. We can do this the old fashion way.

Eragon picks up a stick, wraps around the top with old clothes he found on the floor, and hovers it in front of Guilmon so he could breathe fire on it, lighting it up. He walks forth into the tunnel, making sure nobody is in front of them, and finds out the coast is clear.

Eragon: We're clear. Let's go.

Kari: Eragon really knows what to do.

Yolei: He's very resourceful.

Davis is stunned to hear Kari complimenting him, as the others follow Eragon down the path. Pouting, he grumbles with jealousy.

Davis: [whispers] Show off.

The team makes its way down the tunnel with Eragon still leading the way through. But then, Eragon makes a stop with a concerned look.

Eragon: Stay close. No telling what we may find here.

Guilmon: Looks safe to me.

Guilmon walks ahead of the team, then he trips over something that triggers fire to spew out of the wall.

Girls: [scream in startle]

Hawkmon: What was that?

Veemon, Hawkmon and Armadillomon rush over to aid the fallen Guilmon, and find a button that he tripped over. Hawkmon presses it, spewing fire from the wall again.

Veemon: How! A booby trap!

Hawkmon: And a hot one too. With that, I would be a fried chicken.

Armadillomon: Good thing Guilmon found it. Who knows what more we'd find here?

Guilmon shakes the dust off his head, and finds another button up ahead.

Guilmon: There's another one.

Veemon: I got this one.

With an idea, Veemon picks up a pebble and he throws it like a marble to hit the button with it. When it did, a mace is dropped on the floor, and it startles the girls again.

Yolei: What kind of a highway is this to a village?!

Eragon: Something a rebel would know.

Davis: I don't think we should take this path. It's much too dangerous, even for Kari's sake. We should go somewhere else.

Eragon: We can't. There's no other way. Now, come on and stay sharp.

Eragon continues leading the way through the tunnel, walking over the buttons on the floor Guilmon was able to find. Unbeknownst to them, a Giromon is floating up on the ceiling and his eyes have numbers and letters whisking around them.

Back in the Death Tower, the Datamon duo recieves a transmission from somewhere, and they alert Darkdramon.

Datamon 2: Master, we've found something. We have humans in the tunnel.

Darkdramon: Humans? Show me the footage.

The screen shows Darkdramon the DigiDestined and Eragon walking through the tunnel. When he finds out who they are, he smirks for whatever reason.

Darkdramon: So they are here. Now it makes sense why we lost one of our Sky Trackers. Inform the nearest outpost, tell them the traitor's here with kids.

By his command, the Datamon press a series of buttons to transmit a message.

Part 10

Back in the tunnel, Eragon still leads the way through.

Patamon: How long is this tunnel?

Yolei: I feel like we're in an old tomb than in a tunnel, like in one of those adventure movies.

Oblivious to it, Yolei is about to step on a button, but Hawkmon notices it.

Hawkmon: Yolei, watch out!

Yolei: [gasps]

She jumps back, alarming the others, and stares at the button in worry.

Yolei: Whoa, that was close. Thanks, Hawkmon.

Kari: Yolei, you've got to watch where you're going, okay?

Yolei: Don't worry, I will next time.

Guilmon: But I wonder what it does.

Eragon: Guilmon, don't be-

Too late. Guilmon presses the button and everyone but him takes a few steps back away from him. But nothing happens. Guilmon smiles in relief, then a rock hits him on the head hard, knocking him out.

Guilmon: [dazed] Is there a doctor in the tunnel?

For the rest of the way, Eragon carries the dazed Guilmon on his shoulder as he and the others continue their way. His torch illuminates a huge hall of stone lined with tall pillars and arched ceilings as far as the eye can see. Everyone, including Eragon, look around in awe)

Cody: Wow, an underground hallway.

Davis: It's amazing! I wish I could take a picture.

Kari: Don't worry, I got mine.

Kari takes a picture of the scenery, as the DigiDestined walk through the hall. Veemon sees a ray of sunlight shining through a ruined chamber.

Veemon: Hey!

Davis: Veemon, wait!

Veemon pays no heed to Davis, but runs into the chamber. He stops and kneels by a statue of a Digimon that looks just like him holding a torch up in the air. The others enter the chamber, also looking at the statue.

Veemon: Look at this. The statue looks like me.

Yolei: Hey, he's right.

TK: It's almost like he's impersonating Lady Liberty in New York.

The Digimon move forward and look around the statue. Eragon puts down Guilmon, stops next to Veemon and translates the writing on the altar where the statue stands.

Eragon: It's actually the same thing. But this was inspired by the actual Lady Liberty. If my hunch is correct, we could be standing in Veemon's ancestral home.

Davis: You think… Veemon came from here?

Veemon: But I don't remember this place. I've never been here before. I guess I was sent away when I was Digi-Egg or something.

Cody bends down, and picks up a large, battered and very old book. He opens it and clears the dirt from its pages. He starts to read it.

Cody: According to this book, it says this chamber of liberty is where some of the first members of the rebel Digimon fought the Metal Empire. It was when the leader of Maro Village, EmperorGreymon, stepped forth to ask for their aid by mining the rocks and metal for their turrets and catapults.

Veemon: So my ancestors were miners? What else does it say?

Cody: [pauses] But… when the Eastern Castle was taken by the Empire's new ally, the Deep Savers, EmporerGreymon fell badly ill and allowed this chamber to be… desolated.

Armadillomon: Isn't the Eastern Castle one of the places we need to go?

Davis: [to Eragon] How did it get taken like that?

Eragon: I didn't know. I told you, I haven't been here for years, so some of the subplots may be a mystery to me.

Yolei sees some armour sitting by a stone well. Curiously, she reaches out and carefully touches the arrow. The arrowhead breaks off from the rest, causing first the helmet to fall. Eragon turns to see what happens and so does the others. Then the armour, the chain and bucket to go over the side of the well fall down into it, its noise echo from hall to hall. Yolei winces at each new wave of noise.

Yolei: [embarrassed] Sorry….

[7 second silence]

Eragon: [peeved] Airhead. Next time you touch something you don't know, I'll throw you down there myself.

[drums beat]

TK: [alarmed] Wait, do you hear that?

Davis: Hear what?

[drums beating]

Everyone hears the beating drums, which echoed everywhere in the chamber, the hall and the tunnels. Guilmon regains his consciousness, but he picks up a scent of something and growls at the doorway.

Guilmon: Trouble.

Eragon drops his torch and runs to lock the door. Bullets are shot and he is almost hit in the face. Cody runs to assist him, and they both find a squad of Commandramon on the march with Sealsdramon with them.

Cody: We've got trouble!

Eragon: Serious trouble!

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Eragon: Those are Commandramon, Rookie-level foot soldiers serving their supreme commander. Despite their low levels of firepower and stats alone, a battalion of them is enough to crash any and all enemies. And the big ones are called Sealsdramon, they're assassins with very sharp knives, especially with their Death Behind.

[END D.A.]

Sealsdramon: Death Behind!

A Sealsdramon throws his knife, but Eragon and Cody both close the door just before it would stab them.

Eragon: They're closing in!

Cody: Give us the spears!

TK and Patamon toss spears and axes to Eragon and Cody to help blockade the door. The DigiDestined draw out their weapons and back away as the door gets bashed on for the Commandramon to break through.

Davis: We're trapped like rats!

Armadillomon: Maybe we won't if we digivolve.

TK: No, this chamber's too small. We'll be caved in.

Guilmon: But the Sealsdramon are at the Champion-level. We can't beat them this way.

Then Gatomon leaps up onto the statue and brandishes her claws.

Gatomon: But I can. There's on nasty cat around here who'll scratch them on the face.

Eragon: Same with me. But we'll clear a path to get out. Black Digivolution, engage!

BlackExVeemon: BlackExVeemon!

The Commandramon begin breaking the door down. TK shoots at them through the holes in the door. They finally manage through the doors, but Veemon and Guilmon are standing in front of them.

Veemon: Vee-Headbutt!

Guilmon: Pyro Sphere!

The two of them land direct hits at the Commandramon, blasting them out of the way, but a Sealsdramon arrives to finish them off.

Gatomon: Lightning Paw!

Gatomon punches on the Sealsdramon, and it knocks him out to clear the path.

BlackExVeemon: Let's go, now!

Yolei blows her horn, and it disorients the Commandramon, who cover their ears. The DigiDestined make a run for it through the hall, but the enemy is tailing them.

Commandramon: M16 Assassin!

The Commandramon fire their assault rifles at the fleeing DigiDestined, but Cody uses his shield to create a force field around them.

BlackExVeemon: Now's your chance.

Kids: Right!

Hawkmon, Armadillomon and Patamon all digivolve to Aquilamon, Ankylomon and Angemon.

Angemon: Hand of Fate!

Aquilamon: Blast Rings!

They both fire at the Commandramon, wiping them out. A Sealsdramon comes into attack, but Ankylomon swings his tail club at him, backing him off.

Angemon: Go on ahead! We'll catch up!

The DigiDestined continue their way to the hall, until they reach a sealed door on the wall. BlackExVeemon tries punching it, but to no avail.

Kari: It's locked tight!

BlackExVeemon: Davis, the Culi Sword! Use the sword!

Davis holds the Culi Sword and slashes the door into pieces, making a way through.

The other three Digimon are fleeing back to the others, but a Sealsdramon throws his knife at Aquilamon's right wing, injuring him and having him land on the ground. He changes back to Hawkmon, then Angemon picks him up to bring him along.

Angemon: Hawkmon's been hit.

Yolei, worried, takes Hawkmon from Angemon and holds onto him.

BlackExVeemon: This way!

BlackExVeemon leads the way through the doorway and they end up into a chasm with stairs, where they find a Sealsdramon blocking their way to a bridge.

Sealsdramon: This is as far as you can go. Only one will challenge me.

Davis: Only one of us?

BlackExVeemon: This one's mine. Laser Punch!

BlackExVeemon attacks, but Sealsdramon dodge it and scans him with his monoeye for his vital points. He lands a direct punch at BlackExVeemon, sending him flying off to a column.

Guilmon: Eragon!

Davis: Hey, this guy plays dirty! But two and play that game. Veemon, go help him out!

Veemon steps forth to join in the fight, but he stops in his tracks to think of a way. Then, he hears Eragon's voice in his head.

Eragon's voice: … it would have to be done by you feeling it within yourself….

Veemon closes his eyes in a meditating state, and he gets the feeling inside of him already.

Veemon: Veemon, digivolve to…

And then, he digivolves to his Champion-level, but this time into a new Digimon: Veedramon.

Veedramon: Veedramon!

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Gatomon: No way, that's a new one. Veedramon is not as agile as ExVeemon, but his V-Nova Blast is like the hit of a fired rocket.

[END D.A.]

Veedramon rams at Sealsdramon with his horn, and swings his head up to flip him away from BlackExVeemon. He punches on the bad Digimon's face, and it destroys his monoeye so he can't scan for his vital points.

Veedramon: V-Nova Blast!

He spews a high-temperature heat ray out of his mouth, and it destroys Sealsdramon for good.

Davis: Alright! That was awesome!

Veedramon comes over and helps BlackExVeemon back on his feet.

Veedramon: You were right. I can digivolve into something else.

BlackExVeemon: Told you so. Now, we must hurry.

The DigiDestined run down a steep staircase to go over a chasm. Half way down, they encounter a gap on the stairs. Suddenly, bullets are fired in the air, striking the steps they stand on. Angemon is about to strike, but he gets fired on the side, and reverts back to Patamon, who lands in TK's arms.

Patamon: That's the end of that.

BlackExVeemon: You guys jump. We'll deal with this. Laser Punch!

Veedramon: V-Nova Blast!

BlackExVeemon and Veedramon shoot at the Commandramon who are shooting them, allowing the others to jump over the gap one by one. Guilmon jumps over the gap next, landing right on top of Davis. Cody reaches to pick up Gatomon, but Gatomon holds up her paw.

Gatomon: Nobody tosses a cat.

Before Cody manages to do anything, Gatomon leaps forward but nearly falls back into the chasm. Guilmon grabs her tail with his mouth.

Gatomon: Not the tail!

Veedramon is the next one to jump, then some of the stone steps crumble and fall into the fires below. Ankylomon pulls Cody back up the steps and climbs after him. They struggle to their feet and look at the widened gap that separates them from the rest of the team. A huge rock falls from the ceiling and smashes down the steps behind Cody and Ankylomon, creating another gap behind them and weakening the stairs' foundation. The stairs begin to wobble.

Ankylomon: Oh no, we're about to fall down.

Cody: Ankylomon, try to push forward.

The two of them shift their weight forward, tipping the stairs across the divide and slamming onto the steps where their companions are. They leap across to safety, catched by Veedramon and Yolei. They continue to run down the stairs as the stone structures collapse behind them.

BlackExVeemon: There's a bridge! That should be the exit! Go!

The DigiDestined run for their lives to get across the bridge, but BlackExVeemon sensed they're being followed. Crushing through the wall is a Tankdramon, roaring and giving the humans their attention.

Davis: Now what?

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Patamon: Tankdramon, a heavy machine with the mind of destruction. With his Gatling gun and cannon, he can plow through a mountain in one second.

[END D.A.]

BlackExVeemon urges the others to go across the bridge, but they get distracted when Tankdramon fires at them.

Tankdramon: Blast Gatling!

He uses the Gatling guns to fire all 3600 bullets in a second. Cody blocks them with his force field, allowing the team to get across the bridge without falling down. But then, Kari slips off and struggles to get back up.

Kari: Help!

Gatomon: Kari!

Gatomon runs over to catch Gatomon, but Tankdramon stops her with his Blast Gatling, and Kari slips off to fall down. All of a sudden, BlackExVeemon swoops in and catches her in mid-air, flying upward.

BlackExVeemon: I got you. It's alright.

Kari: Eragon?

Just then, when BlackExVeemon lands at the other end of the bridge, his Digivice begins to glow, much to his confusion.

BlackExVeemon: What's going on?

Davis: Your Digivice. That means Guilmon can digivolve.

Guilmon: I can? Yes! Guilmon, digivolve to…

With the Digivice's power, Guilmon begins to digivolve into his Champion-level: Growlmon

Growlmon: Growlmon!

Growlman stands in the middle of the bridge, blocking Tankdramon's way across, and the kids look at him in awe.

Cody: Wow, it's like Guilmon just grew up like a human being.

BlackExVeemon: But he's not.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Growlmon: I am now Growlmon, and I'm stronger than I was before. My Pyro Blaster is like my Pyro Sphere, but greater than ever. Just wait and see.

[END D.A.]

Tankdramon charges to get pass, but Growlmon halts him with his bare hands, and pushes him back to the other side. The DigiDestined are awed even more by seeing how strong he is.

Growlmon: You're not going to cross this bridge. Pyro Blaster!

He spews out a powerful blaze with a roar. But Tankdramon isn't damaged by the blow at all. As the evil Digimon gets back on the bridge, Growlmon has one other option.

Growlmon: Dragon Slash!

Growlmon develops plasma along the blades on his elbows, then strikes the bridge. As Tankdramon steps forward, the bridge collapses under him and he falls backward into the chasm, roaring. Growlmon jumps off the bridge to make a safe landing and watches Tankdramon fall then turns to follow the others. But BlackExVeemon notices something as he watches the plummeting Digimon down below.

Tankdramon: Striver Cannon!

Tankdramon fires a shell loaded with a mini-nuke from his cannon, and BlackExVeemon throws a rock to ricochet it back down to the falling Digimon.

BlackExVeemon: Quickly!

The DigiDestined make a run for it up the stairs, just as the shell hits the falling Tankdramon, and it creates a nuclear explosion.

Outside the mountain, the DigiDestined jumps out of the hole on the side, right before the explosion fires at them. They ride down the hill like it is a giant slide downward to the slopes of the mountain, and end up into a watering hole in the woods.

Part 11

The watering hole remains quiet, until BlackExVeemon pops his head up and he presses on his Digiband to change back to his normal self.

Eragon: Growlmon?

Then Growlmon rises up with Eragon ending up in his head.

Growlmon: Down here.

One by one, the DigiDestined and the Digimon pop out from the water, and they all feel something nice about the water.

Angemon: My goodness. The water here is clean.

TK: And it's not deep. I'm standing on the bottom.

Cody: Me too.

But Cody has risen up when Ankylomon shows up.

Cody: Never mind.

Gatomon: [worried] Kari!

Gatomon jumps onto Kari, hugging her in relief, and Kari hugs back.

Kari: It's okay, Gatomon. I'm still here.

TK: "Still here"? What happened, Kari?

Kari: I fell off the bridge, but Eragon saved me.

Davis: You saved her?

Eragon: She's not worth it to die. Not like this.

Growlmon: Well, I think it was something else. [chuckles]

Eragon nudges Growlmon to not think about the wrong idea, but he notices Davis glaring at him with a jealous look on his face.

Eragon: Whatever it is you're thinking about, it's not like that.

Davis: Well, it's not just that. How did you know Veemon can digivolve into something else, huh?

Veedramon: I asked him, Davis. I wanted to know if I could digivolve into another Digimon, and he said I can, that's all. And I'd say I like this new form.

Davis: Okay, only because you're curious. [to Eragon] And you, keep your distance. You're only here as our guide and bodyguard.

Eragon: If I didn't know better, I think you don't trust me at all.

Yolei: Hawkmon!

Everyone looks at Yolei, who is aiding Hawkmon's injured wing where the Sealsdramon struck him. Kari comes over with her Phoenix Juice, and a drop into his beak, but the healing doesn't seem to work.

Kari: Nothing's happening. Zephyrmon said it would work.

Eragon comes over to look at Hawkmon's injured wing, and he finds some purple stuff on the wound.

Eragon: That's why. That Sealsdramon knife was poisoned. Since you gave him the juice, Hawkmon will heal, but it takes time.

Yolei reaches into her backpack to take out a long cloth, soaks it with the water, and wraps it around Hawkmon's wing.

Hawkmon: If I'm fine, I won't be-

Yolei: Hawkmon, please. Don't push yourself too hard. Just give it time to heal, okay?

The Digimon revert back to their Rookie-level, as Eragon looks ahead at the pathway through the forest. He finds a sign that will lead them to Maro Village.

Eragon: We're on the right track. By nightfall, these slopes will be having scouts everywhere. Take a breather for a bit, and let's keep moving.

As the team carries on, Yolei picks up Hawkmon to hold him in her arms and follow them into the woods. Unbeknownst to them, a Gazimon spies on the humans, and he dashes off into the trees to go somewhere.

Back in Death Tower, Darkdramon is informed by a Commandramon through a hologram.

Darkdramon: [angry] What?! They've escaped the tunnel?!

Commandramon: Yes, sir. The traitor and the DigiDestined have slipped from our grasp. One of our Tankdramon fired back while he was falling, but the blow fired back and-

Darkdramon: Say no more. I will dispose of you and your surviving squad later, once I've managed to take back what was taken from me. Hang up!

He presses a button on his throne's armrest, deactivating the hologram, and Darkdramon gets consulted by Marcus.

Marcus: Master, allow me to go hunt them down. Eragon may have fought off some of our troops, but it must weaken him.

Darkdramon: No need, Marcus. I have already consulted with our allies, the Deep Savers. Sandiramon will be having his Nightmare Soldiers to seek them out, with Gordon and Gwilanna's assistance. You, on the other one, are much more needed for the war I'm about to start.

Marcus: [bowing] I understand.

In Mermaimon's castle, Sandiramon is coiled up in a cavern where he is chowing down on some rice balls. But he halts, and stares at one that looks like it has a smiling face on it.

Sandiramon: Life's not fair, is it? Some are just born to rule, others… like me… can do nothing about it, so I shall never be king. [exhales lightly] And you, most of all, shall never see the light of another day.

He starts to place the rice ball on his extended tongue, until he gets interrupted by Gordon and Gwilanna approaching him.

Gwilanna: Has anyone ever told you not to play with your food?

Sandiramon: [sighs; peeved] What do you two want?

Gordon: We've been sent here by Darkdramon to assist you.

Gwilanna: Also, we have a report. One of your scouts sighted the DigiDestined on the mountain slopes. They're heading their way to Maro Village.

Sandiramon: And he sent you here to me? What does he think I am, a babysitter?

Gwilanna: No. Maybe one for Gordon, mostly. He wants us with your troopers to retreat the Crest from them, so he can re-use it for the next war.

Sandiramon: Is that the plan? Personally, I would've just handled it myself, without anyone to give me the heads up.

Gwilanna: Then what's stalling you?

Sandiramon: It takes time to get it done. But… I suppose we can send in my troops. The two of you would just need to assist them as all.

Gordon: That's what we came to do.

Sandiramon slithers his way into a tunnel with Gwilanna and Gordon following him in. He stops in a chamber where his elite force, the Nightmare Soldiers, are assembling for battles. There are Goblimon wearing their armor and are given their weapons.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Gwilanna: The Goblimon are only weaklings to be foot soldiers, but their clubs are highly capable of breaking a boulder with one stroke.

[END D.A.]

The Goblimon receive purple markings on their chests and faces, which are signifying Sandiramon's army. They then assemble before him.

Sandiramon: My soldiers, you were born for victory. A victory that would end any war and give your enemies nightmares for the rest of their lives. Now listen carefully, the DigiDestined are on their way to foil our allies' plans, and they all must be stopped. Do all you can to fight them until they are discouraged to move on.

The Goblimon roars in a response. Just as Sandiramon admires them, a red Goblimon steps forth for something.

Red Goblimon: What is the word from Darkdramon?

Gordon: We thought we could tell you. We're dealing with six humans, four boys, including the traitor Eragon, and two girls.

Gwilanna: But one of them carries the Crest. We must bring them to our master alive and unspoiled. Kill the others!

Red Goblimon: [smirking] Alright. [to the Goblimon] Mount up!

Outside the castle, a hatch door is opened at the side and the Goblimon ride out on Boarmon to leave. A bridge made of ice materialized right before them and they all ran across it to reach dry land.

Part 12

Meanwhile, the DigiDestined are still hiking through the woods with Eragon leading the way as he is reading the map. Hawkmon is still in Yolei's arms, as he is slowly moving his wing for inspections.

Yolei: How's the wing?

Hawkmon: It was hurting at first. But I think that healing potion is working on me, slowly though.

Yolei: I'm just glad you're not seriously hurt.

Guilmon: When are we going to eat?

Gatomon: You just ate a loaf of bread today, Guilmon.

Eragon: Say what you can, but it won't change his mind. He's like a bottomless pit with that stomach of his.

TK looks around himself, having a bad feeling about the forest.

TK: I don't like this place. It's getting quieter and quieter by the minute.

Eragon: It's called the Silent Wood for a good reason. It's mostly ideal for an ambush, but a good place to sleep.

T.K: If that's the case, we can't be here any longer.

Davis: [amused] Why, TJ? Are you actually scared of the woods?

TK: No, I just don't trust it.

Kari: Alright, you two. Knock it off. Let's not try this again.

Guilmon: [baffled] Huh? Again?

Veemon: It's a long story.

But then, Eragon stops when he stumbles upon a fork in the road that leads to many directions. He looks at the map, but this spot isn't on the map.

Eragon: That's funny. This isn't on the map.

Davis: Wait, are you saying we're finally lost?

Cody: How can you feel lost right this second?

Kari: They might've changed the road or something. But… I don't see a sign anywhere.

[thunder rumbles]

The DigiDestined look up at the darkened sky and it begins to rain.

Guilmon: Oh no. It's raining.

Yolei: We need to find cover. Hawkmon's bandage can't get all wet.

Davis looks around for a way, and he finds a cave at the side of the road.

Davis: Over there.

He leads the way into the cave, where everyone can stay perfectly dry.

Veemon: Okay. It's small, but it's dry.

Armadillomon: I don't mind dryness, but… it's the small part I'm having trouble here.

Guilmon: Don't worry. I got this.

Guilmon uses his claws to dig deep into the cave, shoving dirt out of the cave, and nearly onto everyone's face. But he stops when the cave is now bigger and wider than it was before.

Kari: [awed] Guilmon's both strong and fast. That's amazing.

Guilmon: All this digging has made me hungry. Can we eat now?

Later, a fire is lit and everyone is asleep, as Eragon stays awake to keep a watchful eye out from the cave mouth. It is no longer raining, and the moon is shining its light. But then, he finds out Davis is wide awake.

Eragon: Couldn't sleep?

Davis: I'm not used to sleeping caves. It feels….

Eragon: Uncomfortable. Yes, I know. In fact, I've been wanting to ask you something. Over here.

Eragon walks out of the cave with Davis following him, and they both stop at the backside.

Eragon: I've been wanting to ask you something. Do you… have a crush on Kari?

Davis: [nervous] Well…. Yeah, I mean….

Eragon: I can tell by the looks of you. It's practically showing it, even though you don't know.

Davis: Well, it's not that bad, right?

Eragon: But it begs the question: does she feel the same way for you?

Davis: Hey, I don't know why you're asking.

Eragon: Listen, you and your friends are dragging me into this because you think I need help, even though I keep refusing. And to be honest… I appreciate it. I still don't remember a lot about my past, and I keep thinking the answers I'm looking for can be here in the Shadow Continent. So I think I should return the favour, by assisting with your affections with someone.

Davis: [surprised] Really? But… what makes you think I need some assistance?

Eragon: Because if you don't follow my lead, it won't be successful in your way.

Davis: Oh, yeah. What do you say then?

Eragon: Simple. Because, believe it or not, I once dated Zephyrmon in the beginning, and I have experience. There are three things you need to do to win a girl's heart. One, do not be selfish. It's true that you can show friendship, but there are times that when you feel so successful, you boast about them.

Davis: I boast and brag about how I can handle things in the Digital World, most of the time.

Eragon: And that's not worth it. With boasting, there can be arrogance, then selfishness, and that is not the best trait to win a girl's affections. Second, you must be open-minded; sensitive. It's true that some girls talk about wanting a guy with big muscles, or being taller, or having a six-pack, but that's not good enough. No. They want a thinker, a feeler… someone who can understand. Like if they feel like they don't fit in, they'd want someone to talk to.

Davis: Kari's not like that. She never gets a hard time fitting in with us.

Eragon: No, but it's something else that concerns her. I can see it in her eyes, and that's the third thing: figure out what she really needs to do in life. When you get all that done, that's when the special part comes in.

Davis: [excited] Like I could kiss her?!

Davis imagines himself with Kari under the moon, and about to kiss. Suddenly, it fades when Eragon whacks him on the head to get his head out of the clouds.

Eragon: [sternly] Head out of the clouds, Romeo! [calmly] Anyway, just think about these things.

Davis: Okay, Eragon. I will.

Eragon: Now, it's really late. Time you get some sleep.

Davis: But don't you get tired or something?

Eragon: I don't sleep.

Davis is baffled by Eragon's word about not being able to sleep, but he shrugs and heads back into the cave to sleep.

Back in Sandiramon's cave, he watches an image of the sleeping kids from a little water pond like it's a crystal ball.

Sandiramon: Darkdramon speaks about killing off his enemies, but I can think of… an alternative. A way to exploit their weakness, make them… weep and writhe in the middle of a fray. And that's… when the doomed part comes in.

Then, he directs his attention Kari, snuggling with Gatomon.

Sandiramon: That girl. She carried… the Crest of Light. A very precious gift, indeed. But from the light… comes the dark.

Sandiramon chuckles with delight. He blows at the water of images, sending a veil of smoke shooting skyward.

Back in the cave, the smoke flies into the cave, and it wisps around Kari's head, which she begins to breathe into. She wakes up, and finds out that she's all by herself, like everyone disappeared.

Kari: What the? Hey, Gatomon…? Anyone?

Sandiramon's voice: Kaaaaaaarriiiiii….

Hearing that voice for the first time makes Kari quiver in fear and she walks out of the cave.

Kari: [scared] TK? Eragon? Where are you?

Sandiramon's voice: Kaaaaaaarriiiiii….

Kari: Davis, if that's you, you win. I'm scared now. Just… show yourself!

Suddenly, a big gust of wind blows everything away until Kari is standing in a black void. She is baffled about it, then she gasps when Sandiramon coils up around her, holding her captive.

Sandiramon: There is no one for you to look for in the void. No death, no worries… only me.

Kari: Who…. Who are you?

Sandiramon: I am Sandiramon, grand vizier for Mermaimon. And, without a doubt, your salvation.

Kari: Don't try to trick me. I'm…. I'm not easily fooled.

Sandiramon: You're wrong. Even the void can't hide the truth.

Kari: What truth?

Sandiramon: That you fear for the wars if you continue this journey, and the outcome of what it brings.

Kari: So… I don't like war, because I don't do it so often. But Eragon does, so he can handle it.

Sandiramon: And if he doesn't, he will DIE because of you. Bring me the Crest, Kari. Bring it to me, and you all will be spared from our wrath.

Kari: You're lying. I can't let anyone down.

Sandiramon: You obviously don't know the powers of what I and Darkdramon have, if you refuse my demand. You will all be wiped out of existence… unless you turn yourself in at the Eastern Castle. Don't forget the Crest, and don't be a fool.

The darkness engulfs Kari's legs. She starts to swim away as the darkness clenches onto her. Her grasping hand is lost to the black abyss. Kari lies on her back as the darkness wraps its last threads around her frightened eyes.

Part 13

At daytime, Guilmon shakes on Kari to wake her up.

Guilmon: Kari, wake up.

Kari: [alarmed] STAY AWAY!

Kari jumps up in a panic, shooing Guilmon away, and it grabs everyone's attetion. Then, she realizes what she just did.

Kari: [gasps] Guilmon. So sorry.

Guilmon: Why did you do that?

Kari: I just had a bad dream, that's all.

Gatomon: Well, it's time to get up. Eragon now remembers the way.

Eragon: This way.

Eragon leads the way to the middle road, now on their way to Maro Village as soon as possible.

Eragon: As we keep taking this path, we should be there in one more day.

Davis: Good. Because, believe it or not, Veemon needs a bath.

Cody: How can Veemon be stinking up when he's never been in a mud?

Davis: He has a habit of washing once a week.

Veemon: At least I don't hog the shower everyday from six to eleven.

Davis: [peeved] Hey!

The DigiDestined laugh for finding it funny, but Eragon just snickers. In the back, Kari is the only one laughing because she's been having Sandiramon's voice in her head. She looks at the canopy, and imagines his face staring at her.

Sandiramon illusion: Meet me at the Eastern Castle, or you will all die.

The illusion fades away, but Kari is still concerned, so she stops in her tracks, looking away. When the others notice her, they stop as well.

Yolei: Kari? Why did you stop?

Kari: [pauses] I can't. I can't keep going like this. We can't just go to war right off the bat.

Gatomon: What are you talking about? We've all agreed to save the Digimon here and help Eragon with remembering his past, which leads right here.

Kari: And at the same time, we would cause the deaths of so many living here including ourselves.

TK: Kari, it's okay. We all don't like this, but we-

Kari: Stop it, TK! It won't help!

Eragon looks at her, knowing she has a problem, so he nudges on Davis's shoulder to get his attention. He motioned his head to Kari, telling Davis to go and talk to her, like he said last night. Davis nods, and walks over to Kari in front of her.

Davis: What's going on with you?

Kari: I thought you already know. I'm scared, because we're going to war.

Davis: [hesitant] Um…. Maybe we should talk about these things.

Kari: Davis, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it won't work. Not when we're dealing with Digimon we've never seen before.

Davis: What about Eragon? He'll know what to-

Suddenly, the conversation stops when Guilmon picks up a scent and growls at the woods. The other Digimon also look at the trees, alarmed by something.

TK: What is it?

Patamon: We've got trouble.

From behind a nearby crag, a Goblimon on a Boarmon appears; he leaps into the midst of the DigiDestined, knocking down Cody and TK. Guilmon pounces on the Goblimon, dismounting him off the steed, and Davis slashes his sword at the Boarmon to finish it. Guilmon bites down on the Goblimon, and kills him.

Eragon: A scout. Which means there's more Goblimon not too far away.

Kari: [scared] I knew it! We're starting a war, and we're-

Gatomon: Here they come!

Gatomon is at the edge of the woods, where the others come over to find the charging Goblimon on Boarmon on a glade. Gordon and Gwilanna are running with them in their Digimon forms.

Eragon: Yeah, there's more.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Armadillomon: The fiery hogs those guys are riding on are Boarmon. If you tried pork and ham before, you do not want to have a piece of those pigs.

[END D.A.]

Davis: Our Digimon can digivolve to take care of these guys.

Veemon: We can't. We still feel too weak after that last fight.

Patamon: I'll draw them off.

Eragon: These are wild pigs; they will outrun you.

Patamon: Are you forgetting something? I have wings, and they don't.

BlackGarurumon and her half of the Goblimon squad are searching through the forest for the DigiDestined. Suddenly, Patamon shoots out of the forest, and the bad Digimon start chasing him over the grasslands.

Patamon: Come and get me, ya dumb pigs!

Eragon and Guilmon watch from behind a rock as Patamon and the Goblimon disappear in the distance.

Guilmon: That is one brave flying jellybean.

Eragon: Let's go, before Gordon finds us.

The DigiDestined rush across a rocky plain. Just then, Davis finds a Sky Tracker a few yards away.

Davis: A Sky Tracker!

Eragon: Good eye. We'll need to-

Suddenly, BlackGreymon jumps up and lands in front of the DigiDestined, blocking their way.

BlackGreymon: Gotcha!

Now having his energy, Armadillomon digivolves into Ankylomon and fights against BlackGreymon, giving the others enough time to run for the Sky Tracker.

The other Goblimon and BlackGarurumon stop chasing Patamon as they hear roars and banging from behind the rocks, where the Sky Tracker is located.

BlackGarurumon: Other there!

BlackGarurumon howls as they stop pursuing Patamon and begin pursuing the DigiDestined.

Back with them, Ankylomon is wrestling with BlackGreymon and he seems to be winning, but the Black Hybrid is not through.

BlackGreymon: Nova Halitosis!

He inhales his bad breath at Ankylomon, knocking him out. But Guilmon digivolves to Growlmon and faces him next.

The DigiDestined are nearly there to the Sky Tracker, but the Goblimon ambush them from behind, so the kids take cover into the tower while the Digimon fight them off. Eragon takes off his backpack, giving it to Kari.

Eragon: Keep it safe. The Crest is in there.

Kari: Okay.

Eragon: Black Digivolution, engage!

BlackExVeemon: BlackExVeemon!

BlackExveemon pounds the Goblimon into the ground one by one. Veemon runs for his life with a pair of Goblimon chasing him, but he jumps over a rock and flips upside down, right when the chasing Goblimon knock itself cold. Veemon sees a Boarmon with no rider on it. It growls at him.

Veemon: Come for your Hakuna Matata!

As the Boarmon charges at him, TK shoots it with an arrow.

Veemon: Hey, that piggy was mine!

Veemon turns around just in time to see another Boarmon charging.

Veemon: Vee-Headbutt!

That attack knocks out the Boarmon and it falls onto Veemon, who lets out a groan.

Gatomon: Lightning Paw!

Gatomon punches a few Goblimon off their Boarmon, which makes them flee from the scene. BlackGarurumon walks up to a nearby boulder, overlooking Gatomon facing off the Goblimon.

BlackGarurumon: A pussy cat? At that size, she's not much of a meal, but then, prey is prey.

Veemon tries to lift the Boarmon off of him, and now there is another Boarmon who sees him.

Guilmon: Pyro Sphere!

Guilmon shoots at the Boarmon, who falls on top of Veemon, who lets out a bigger groan.

Guilmon: Sorry.

As the kids remain sheltered in the tower, TK takes aim with his Homing Arrows, but BlackGreymon punches his clawed hand in to try and grab them. But Davis draws his sword and stabs the hand, forcing BlackGreymon to withdraw.

Davis: Everybody out! I'm going to cut it down!

Kari is getting terrified by the scene around her. Then, she sees Sandiramon's face again with his words echoing in her head. When Kari realizes she has the Crest in her hand, she has one option. When Davis is nearly done sawing the tower, Kari takes it from his hand and runs away.

TK: Kari, where are you going?! Kari!

BlackGreymon looks ahead to see Kari fleeing from the scene.

BlackGreymon: Fresh meat!

He makes a run for it, and Davis notices he's going after Kari.

Davis: No! Leave her alone!

Davis runs out from hiding, and he grabs onto BlackGreymon's tail, where he begins to climb. Because he has no power to face him, Davis covers BlackGreymon's eyes to make him run around blind.

Hawkmon: Gatomon, Kari's running away!

Gatomon hears the call, and looks ahead to find a fleeing Kari. She rushes over to stop her, but BlackGarurumon shows up and pins her to the ground.

BlackGarurumon: What's new, pussy cat?!

BlackExVeemon: Gwilanna!

BlackExVeemon tackles BlackGarurumon and they both fight, while Gatomon takes her leave. The Sky Tracker begins to tumble over the two Black Hybrids, and crashes onto BlackExVeemon, who has his head and right arm freed. Saved from that falling tower, BlackGarurumon glares down at the traitor.

BlackGarurumon: Howling….

Angemon's voice: Hand of Fate!

A blast of light from Angemon blasts BlackGarurumon to a boulder, saving BlackExVeemon. That blast is strong enough to hit her on the rock hard, and she reverts to Gwilanna.

The Red Goblimon arrives at the scene, where the Boarmon numbers are being reduced. A Goblimon comes over with a report.

Goblimon: We're losing the Boarmon! We need to evacuate!

Red Goblimon: No! We're on a mission. We mustn't bail out just yet.

He looks down at the battlefield, and he sees the three DigiDestined on the ground in thought.

Red Goblimon: Grab two of those. They might have it.

The Goblimon run down the hill, grabbing the DigiDestined's attention. TK is about to fire his arrows, but one of the Goblimon knocks him out with his club. They capture Cody and Yolei, as well as Hawkmon and Armadillomon, then they make a run for it.

Davis is still blinding BlackGreymon, until the Black Hybrid shakes his head back and forth to make him lose his balance. Davis holds onto one of the antlers, and BlackGreymon notices him.

BlackGreymon: You're dead!

BlackGreymon spins around, trying to eat Davis, and at the same time, Davis's goggles fall off his head. Without looking, BlackGreymon is reaching the edge of a cliff, and they both tumble over.

Part 14

The battle is over. BlackExVeemon is still pinned by the fallen Sky Tower, but Angemon comes over and lifts up for him. Pressing the Digiband, BlackExVeemon reverts back to Eragon.

Angemon: Are you alright?

Eragon: Yeah, I've… been through a lot worse.

Angemon looks around himself as Eragon regains his bearings. But then, he finds TK on the ground.

Angemon: TK!

He reverts back to Patamon, and aids TK, who regains his consciousness.

TK: They took Yolei and Cody. And they left us behind.

Veemon and Guilmon are both alright as well, but they find out that Davis is nowhere to be found.

Guilmon: Where's Davis?

Veemon: Davis?!

Eragon: Davis?

Veemon looks around as Eargon passes Gwilanna, who is still alive lying on the ground. Eragon bends over to see if there were any tracks Davis left, and he finds Davis's goggles, picking it up for inspections. Gwilanna starts laughing and Eragon goes over to her, glaring at her.

Eragon: Where's the boy who wore these goggles? Where is he?!

Gwilanna: …Dead. He tumbled off the cliff with that buffoon. [snickers]

Outraged, Veemon grabs Gwilanna by her shirt.

Veemon: Liar!

Gwilanna laughs her last laugh right before she dies. Veemon throws her back to the ground, shedding tears in his eyes for the loss. He runs over to the side of the cliff where Guilmon is and looks down only to see rushing waters. Eragon and TK both come over, and they couldn't find Davis anywhere.

Veemon: Can you… smell him down there, Guilmon?

Guilmon: No.

TK: What does it mean? Is he…?

Eragon: I'm afraid… he might have. No one could survive this fall, not even the likes of me.

So far away, Kari is on her journey to the Eastern Castle. She pushes a log into the river and jumps in. Just then, Gatomon emerges from the woods. She sees Kari paddling away with a stick and runs after her.

Gatomon: Kari, wait! Kari!

Kari: Gatomon?

Gatomon runs into the river after Kari, who looks at her with worry.

Kari: What are you doing?

Gatomon: Wait for me! I'm coming with you!

Kari: No, you can't swim! Gatomon!

Gatomon struggles to swim then sinks into the water, and Kari gets even more worried.

Kari: Gatomon!

Gatomon sinks deeper and deeper. She sees the sun shimmering up on the surface. Her arms float lifelessly in the water. Suddenly Kari's hand reaches down and grabs Gatomon's paw. Gatomon tightens her paw around Kari's and is pulled out of the water and up onto the log. Kari looks at her with tears in her eyes.

Kari: Don't you scare me like that!

Gatomon: Kari, you're not going there.

Kari: I have to. I can't-

Gatomon: Neither do I. But that's why I'm going with you.

Kari: [pauses] What?

Gatomon: You're not the smartest of us all, but you are the bravest girl I've ever met and partnered with. If you think we can negotiate with them, then let's do it… together.

Kari: [weeps] Gatomon.

She embraces Gatomon and they give each other a great hug.

Kari: Thank you.

Gatomon grabs the stick and they paddle towards the eastern shore.

Meanwhile, Darkdramon is watching an aerial footage of Gordon and Gwilanna's deaths, and Marcus watches it with rage for the loss of his comrades.

Marcus: They all must PAY!

Darkdramon: I agree… but not yet. We still have one more to deal with the traitor.

Darkdramon motions his hand, and it signals a pair of Sealsdramon to drag in a metal coffin with the sound of a beating heart being heard in there.

Darkdramon: After my quick trip to the human world, I was able to find a worthy candidate. He was supposed to be a replacement for Eragon… but now, he'll be our avenger.

Back with Eragon, he bows his head near the cliff where Davis tumbled over, and the others look concerned and worried for their welfare after that fight they had with the Goblimon. TK is using one of Zephyrmon's feathers to make contact like it's a phone, but no answer.

TK: Kari's not responding her feather.

Guilmon: It's bad. Everyone just went bye-bye. [whines]

TK: [pauses] You were right. About the Shadow Continent being dangerous. I guess… we never took it more seriously, until this happened. Kari running away, Davis falling, and now two more captured. I'm sorry we didn't believe in you.

Eragon: No. You had every right to come here. All I could think about was knowing who I am and where did I come from. Not just me, but Marcus as well.

Guilmon: What now, Eragon? Do we give up?

Patamon: I think… we should. We've had enough violence here.

Veemon is standing at the edge of the cliff when he overhears them. But with determination, he steps in for a protest.

Veemon: No. We don't, because that's not what Davis would want. He would want us to move on and finish the job, no matter how long it will take. Kari and Gatomon are out of reach, but not Yolei and Cody. We can still catch up to them.

Patamon: They're too far away now. I'm not sure if we can tail them.

Eragon looks deep in thought about Veemon's advice. He finds a club that belonged to a Goblimon and had a thought. He picks it up and gives it to Guilmon.

Eragon: Smell them out.

Guilmon sniffs on the club, then he smells the ground, and he goes on the march to pick up their trail.

Eragon: We're on the tracks. Let's move!

Eragon, TK and their three remaining Digimon begin their way to follow the tracks and the journey continues.

What will happen to Kari when she's all alone? Will Eragon and TK be able to rescue their friends or will they be at the mercy of the Metal Empire? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.

To be Continued