"Flower Cannon!" Lilimon's attack successfully hit Vamdemon at point blank range but that wasn't enough power to stop him as the vampire digimon managed to avert the attack with his cape.
A dark smirk crept through the digimon's lips, humming deviously as he stare down at Lilimon. "You would've stayed cute if you'd kept quiet."
He hovered up a few feet in the air as he unfurled his cape and release a shadow like creature that charged at Lilimon. "Dead Scream!"
The fairy digimon was confused at first but then when the shadow have creep up into her entire body, she screamed in anguish and fall as her bright color in her body drained. All her strength appears to have left, she couldn't even move her wings to even hover and save herself.
"Lilimon!" Mimi shouted as she raced towards her digimon in distress.
Simultaneously, at the upper floor of the building, Sora kept her ground with her mother for she didn't want to abandon her in such a dangerous place. Every second they stay there, the Bakemons only grow closer. Still, she remain glued on her spot as she kept an eye on each one of the digimons that gets more closer to them.
"Run, Sora!" Toshiko used the white fabric in her hand to hit the Bakemon away.
"But! But, Mom!" Sora insisted.
"Hurry!" Toshiko exclaimed in distress.
Vamdemon chuckled darkly then spread out his cape once again."Night Raid!" Dozens of bats hit the poor fairy digimon until she hit the ground with a loud thud then Mimi arrived just in time to witness such cruel actions..
"Lilimon! Hang in there!" Mimi screamed, then soon felt a strong wind pass by behind her. A giant shadow flew up then glowed orange.
"Meteor Wing!" It was Birdramon! Her attacks have prevented the bats from further harming her unconscious friend, she then dived down and took Lilimon in her talons safely away from Vamdemon or any danger.
Seeing this, Mimi took the opportunity and called out to her friend. "Sora! Take Lilimon and get out of here!"
Toshiko swings the white sheet around her and her daughter as the Bakemons have closed in on them. Sharply turning to Sora, she pushed her on the back as she yell out, "What are you doing!? Hurry!" She then charged straight into the horde of digimons as she keep swinging around to keep their eyes away from Sora and give her a chance to escape.
Sora couldn't bear the events unfold right in front of her, she wanted to help but she knew they were out numbered and have no chance of fighting against Vamdemon at this rate. Lilimon is down, the people have been recaptured once again, her mom and Mimi is taking all the risk to give her an opportunity to escape the hellish situation they are in. She's got no choice...
"M-Mom..." A tear shed from her eye, but finally made her mind.
Turning around, she clambered up the railings and jumped down then Birdramon quickly went down and lowered her feet for Sora to get a hold of. Sora took one last look behind and saw that they have already been getting captured as Birdramon flew away from the scene. "Mom! Mimi! I'll make sure to save you!" She cried out until they were finally out of sight.
Both Agumon and Gabumon watched Hikari as she wrapped a bandage around the reptile digimon's arm. Thankfully, the girl got some mini medical supplies in her pockets, it was for his wounded brother actually but considering the situation at the moment it's really useful to have one in your pocket. Finally rolling it once more, she finished it up by tying the bandage into a tight knot in case it falls over.
Hikari smiled at her handiwork then lifted up her gaze at the pleased digimon and asked, "Does it hurt, Agumon?"
The digimon shakes his head politely. "No. Thank you, Hikari."
Raising a hand up, she pat Agumon on his muzzle and sat down, her gaze soon averting to look at his brother and Yamato from behind. The two had been sitting there for a few minutes now, no one was talking nor even taking a small glance at each other.
A tense atmosphere could be felt between them, but neither spoke. Both wanted to talk but the tension was just too much to bear especially because their last encounter with each other was...not so good. They haven't seen each other for days, and that was their own fault.
Yamato did consider trying to visit or even call Taichi a few days back but guilt completely took over him every time he thinks back on his own set of words he spat out at the boy. He was at fault here, he knows that. Taichi got nothing to do with the anger, shame, regret and guilt he feels. It was all him. He knew that it wasn't Taichi's fault to be cursed like this...to be an outcast to the beings he once was, it wasn't his fault at all. But the boy was just too reckless and angry... Truthfully he's also angry at him at that time, but those words suddenly slipped out of his mouth. Now...He's also torturing himself with this well deserved silence from his friend...
Alas, it wasn't just him that feels angry with himself...even Taichi is. Like, for god's sake, he almost died from the hands of humans trying to save a kid from danger she could've died from, had multiple breakdowns and one of them is in front of his friend's mother, got attacked by a bunch of ghosts inside their own home, his parents hated him, and worst of all, his father had hit him in the face with a freaking fire extinguisher. His life is really crumbling down in his own hands, it became a nightmare! He did expected this before they went here in their world but he didn't expect it to be this hellish! Everything is just breaking apart right in front of him, figuratively and literally. He couldn't figure out what to do with himself now. And they even appointed him as their leader...what a joke. He didn't do anything but cope and cry and receive their pity everyday. What kind of leader would do that!?
He shouldn't be the one leading them, if Jou didn't speak up that day he would've voted for Yamato to do the task, or maybe Koushiro! Yamato's much braver than he ever was and Koushiro can handle everything with his brilliant mind! The two of them could take the whole gang to a greater victory than him. Yet why did they choose him? The useless, coward, reckless, monster was chosen to lead them. That was a mistake.
If he could just take back time, go back to the day before this whole thing even started and fix the problem. They wouldn't be in this situation now, he would still be human, his friends are not chosen to save the entire world, his family still loves him and the Digimon who lives in his mind would still be alive! But unfortunately, he knew that it would be impossible. It's not possible! He's stuck in this living hell as a digimon, his friends and family are taken by Vamdemon and the whole world is in danger, all because he couldn't do a single thing to stop all these from happening!
I mean, he's just a kid for god sake! He's too young to experience these horrible things in life -no...much more horrible! A nightmare! Who would've thought a kid would be the one to turn the tides against these merciless enemies. He couldn't even face his own family! How's that gonna work out for all of them!? He just wanted to rest. He feels exhausted. Just a single night with no nightmares, a peaceful slumber. Is that too much to ask? Of course no one's gonna answer his wishes, he's on his own here.
Still, ain't that a wonderful thought.
"Hey..."
His ears suddenly perked up in surprise upon hearing his friend break the unbearable silence. Then it drooped as he tries not to make any eye contact.
"H-Hey..." He stuttered.
Yamato glanced down on the floor. "So, ummm...my dad told me that...the entire Odaiba is isolated with fog."
Normally, when Taichi hears a shocking news he would usually react to it strongly but somehow, it didn't really bother him. Probably because the wild tension between him and Yamato still remains and affecting him too much.
Taichi just gave him a single nod and responded in a monotone voice, "Thanks for the info, I guess."
Yamato was a bit annoyed by his answer, but he knew he had to take it slow if he wants to apologize. "Vamdemon must be behind all this."
Taichi rolled his eyes, still not looking at him. "Obviously."
Silence once again made its way between them. Yamato finds it hard to have a decent conversation with the boy, he was usually easy to talk to but now...he just looks so depressed. He knows it was his own fault in the first place but he didn't think it would affect Taichi this much. Taichi just looks so dull and broken, he hate to admit it but he prefer the old Taichi than this one.
What is he even suppose to do in this situation? Apologize of course but it's difficult to do it when your friend is just so out of it. This is just getting out of hand. He'd have to talk him out of it if he wants to say sorry.
Yamato cleared his throat, hoping it would get the boy's attention. "A-About what happened..." He took deep breaths before saying it, "I'm sorry for saying that. I don't know what came over me."
"..." The boy didn't respond.
Now Yamato feels uncomfortable, and somewhat mad. He stomped over towards Taichi with an angry yet upset expression and shook him by his arms. "Taichi! I said I'm sorry, okay! I didn't mean to say all that."
"..." Yamato's expression soften when he heard a small groan from Taichi. The human turned digimon slowly lifted his head up, and upon seeing his face, the blonde was surprised. The bags under his eye looks worst than normal, like he hadn't sleep for weeks, the small band aid on his cheek fell off and it showed a dark bruise. The blonde let go and took a step back as he stared at the boy with wide-eye. "You were right about me." Taichi gave him a shaky smile. "I am a freak, a monster, a beast...an outcast...are you not happy that you're right?"
The brunette slid down on the ground as he stares at Yamato with a broken look on his face. "I don't belong here, Yamato. I'm only causing everyone trouble. I'm a danger to everyone." He then buried his face on his hands, tail wrapping around him instinctively. "I'm tired of fighting...I don't want to hurt anyone. I'm so...tired."
A hand suddenly pulled Taichi on the hair then felt pain erupt on his cheek once again. The boy looked up, shocked, and saw Yamato's angry face glaring at him. The blonde angrily grabbed him and pulled him up the ground and yelled, "Why do you keep saying that!? Everyone is worried about you! No one hates you! But for the love of- Taichi! Are you even listening to yourself!? Look around you! Your sister don't hate you, right!? Me, Sora, Mimi, Koushiro, Jou and Takeru, the digimons! Do we hate you!?"
Taichi said nothing, but seems to be fully attentive on what the blonde is saying to him as his widen eyes remain glued on Yamato's upset face. He didn't even try escaping his friend's hold.
"We're worried, Taichi! We just wanted to help! But you're pushing everyone away!" Yamato's shook him. "This isn't like you at all. Where's the fearless leader who got us out of every difficult situation!? Where's the Taichi that's selfless and willing to give everything he got to save everyone!? What happened to you?"
"He's gone." Taichi said in a low depressing voice. "Just because my Crest is Courage doesn't mean I don't have the right to fear something! Damn it, Yamato! Is that what you always think!? Is that what you ALL think about me!?"
"That's not what I meant..." Yamato stammered.
"I promised Hikari that I will save our parents and Tailmon. I have to go now."
"W-What?" Yamato's eyes widen in surprise upon hearing an awfully familiar name. "Tailmon? Why would you even save a digimon that tried to kill us!?"
"She's Hikari's partner, damn it! Why wouldn't I save her!?" Taichi sighed deeply when he saw his friend's expression change into a more shocked one. "Now you know...My sister is the eighth child we've all been looking for...I'm trying to keep her safe, do you understand!? If Vamdemon ever gets his hand on her he'll..." The digimon boy cut himself off as for he don't want to continue his sentence anymore.
Letting the boy go, Yamato sat down on the nearby box and sighed deeply. He doesn't even know if he should be angry or pity Taichi at this point. The boy is really broken, and it doesn't seem like it would be easy to fix him by just yelling a few words at him. Taichi's completely out of it. Is there even anything he can do?
"Onii-chan?" Both of them turn around and saw Hikari standing behind them. "Is this my fault? Do you really think like that because of me?"
Taichi immediately went up to her then lay both hands on her sister's shoulder, a smile now forming on his lips. "N-No, Hikari! You're not at fault here, okay?" He then knelt down and tried to reassure her, "Listen, I'm gonna save Mom, Dad and Tailmon, okay? Leave everything to me! Just stay here, where it's safe."
Taichi gently took his sister's hand and placed it on his cheek, a small purr came out of his throat. It made Hikari smile a bit though, much to Taichi's relief. She rubbed his cheek, careful not to touch the bruise on her brother. Chuckling, the boy pat her on the head before standing up and reluctantly facing the blonde behind him.
"Could you take care of Hikari for a while?" He then looked down to check the time on his Digivice. "7:30 AM...If I don't come back in two hours, take Hikari and get out of here. Let's go, Agumon."
However, before he could even take another step, Yamato grabbed him on the arm and told him in a low voice that only they could hear, "Remember this, you're also hurting the others around you just by keeping up this act." He then let go and went beside Hikari, eyes glaring at him like daggers but it wasn't from anger though...it was commiseration.
Taichi froze momentarily before shaking it off and running off with Agumon.
With those words...it was planted in his mind all day.
During all the commotion happening outside, Koushiro and his parents have remained safe in their own home. They were lucky enough to avoid some Bakemons floating around the hallway.
Tentomon was worried about the enemies, he was ready to do anything he can to protect the family with everything he got. At the time, he stay with his partner's side as he cautiously check around the house in case a digimon barges in.
"I have an email from Gennai." The digimon perked up in interest then hovered to Koushiro's side to see what it is.
A small figure of Gennai walked over in the screen holding an evelope then stopped in the middle and said, "Um...Etc. Etc. There's no time for small talk."
"You've got that right!" Tentomon said frantically, claws fidgeting in nervousness.
"Since it's an emergency situation, I'll start with the important news first. First, put up a digital barrier at once."
"A digital barrier?" Koushiro asked curiosly.
"Download the program I sent you to another computer."
Quickly, Koushiro slides over to his other computer and immediately did what Gennai had asked him to do.
"As long as the digital barrier is up, you'll be safe for the time being." Gennai explained.
Out of both curiosity and anxiousness, Tentomon peeked over the window and saw people in a line being pushed over by a bunch of Bakemons. He quickly ducked from view and nervously tapped Koushiro to try and make sure that the boy is aware of the current situation outside. "K-Koushiro! You must hurry! They're almost here!"
The red head groaned as he tries to punch in codes and other things in order to activate the barrier. "I know that!" He responded, eyes fixated on the small loading back on his screen. "Hurry, hurry."
The door on his room suddenly opened and both of his parents rushed in with makeshift weapons in their hands. "There's trouble out there, Koushiro!" Kae said in distress.
"We have to leave!" Masami told him.
Koushiro turns around to look at them frantically. "No, it'll be safer if we stay here!" Then glances back to his computer screen.
"What are you saying?" Kae asked, perplexed. "The monsters are almost here!"
"Just wait a little longer! Please wait just a few more seconds!"
He was then suddenly grabbed on the arm by his mom and tried prying him away from his computer. "Koushiro! Come on!"
"Mom!" The small blue bar on the screen moves a bit faster, almost there. "Wait, Mom!"
"Just leave your computer behind!" Kae cried out as she shakes her son. "We have to get out of here! Hurry, Koushiro!"
His mom is being impossible right now. He only need a bit more time, it's almost done. They will be temporarily safe if it just finishes downloading.
"Let's have faith in Koushiro. In our son." Kae turned and saw her husband giving her a calm look, hand on her shoulder. "That's what we've always done."
"Dear..." Kae stared at him for a moment, pondering. Then finally made her decision, she let go of the boy and let him finish whatever he is trying to accomplish. A small smile on both their faces made Koushiro more relieved, he returned a genuine gesture before turning back to the screen.
Finally, the long awaited download is complete. Quickly, his fingers tapped into the keyboard as he swiftly arranged the new files the old man have sent to him. "Digital Barrier, On!" As his fingers pushed the button, a bright light emanated from the screen, making him and his other companions to shield their eyes with their hands. It then quickly died down, then a loud noise could be heard in the hallway.
Two Bakemons came in their home, one paused at the very entrance of their son's room and examined all around. The ghost looks confused and puzzled, it doesn't seem like it sees them as if they were invisible in their eyes.
"Huh...they're not here." Phantomon pondered and left the house with the other two Bakemons.
Both adults blink in utter bewilderment and fear then quickly breaths out the air that they didn't know they were holding in the whole time.
"Koushiro, it worked big time!" Tentomon mused in amazement.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Odaiba. Dozens of people are now impatient from the lack of any transportation to go to Odaiba, and among in those tight crowds are Takeru and Patamon with his mother by his side. The line have already exceeded the building and are still on going from the outside.
"While the cause of the problem is unknown to us," Said the male receptionist through the megaphone. "None of the water busses are able to make departure at this time. We are sorry for the trouble!"
That announcement just angered the people even more, many were screaming at the man and tries to argue about being late for work or some special occassion.
"This isn't good. What are we gonna do?" Nancy, Takeru's mother, muttered in concern then glances down at her son. "Not even the ships are working."
Takeru heard people yell all around him, then all of the sudden the crowds from the back have pushed each other and causes him and his mother to get separated. Because of his small body, people could barely see him in the horde as they kept pushing and squeezing the boy tight in such a cramped place.
"Mama?" Takeru looked around to look for his mother, but with this much people he could barely see anything around him.
"Takeru!" He heard a worried call from his mom.
"Mama!" He shouted to try and pinpoint what direction to go to, however, people have started pushing again and caused both him and his mom to get even further away from each other.
"W-Wait!...everyone stay calm...!" Jou yelled as he tried to maintain balance of his footing from all the stampede he got caught up with. People push and scream as they keep running over those who have fallen over without looking back. Luckily Jou managed to squeeze out of the tight space as he hides around the small corner of the building, panting in exhaustion.
"I thought I was gonna die there!" He exasperated, glancing down to his bag for Gomamon to hear his frantic whining.
"Jou!"
The older boy lifted up his gaze and saw none other than the small blonde boy with Patamon in his arms.
"Jou, why aren't you in Odaiba?" Takeru asked.
"This confusion happened while I was in summer school." Jou replied sheepishly and glances at the thick fog on the other side.
"Hey, that fog must be..."
"Yeah," Jou nodded with him. "It's most likely Vamdemon who did it. Odaiba must be in big trouble right now."
Takeru's worries rose upon hearing the nasty digimon's name. He didn't like the looks of it from where they're standing, it's probably much worst on what's happening inside that fog. Who knows what's already happening in there. "Onii-chan..."
"I'm gonna do whatever it takes to get to Odaiba." Jou sounds determined, and that helps lift up the young boy's hopes in turn.
"I'll come with you!" Takeru said eagerly. "But how?"
"With this." The older boy winked and showed Takeru his bag, much to his confusion. Then finally get what Jou was implying as Gomamon jumped out of the bag playfully.
"Gomamon!" Takeru was glad to see the small digimon as he gave him a small pat in the head.
"I almost suffocated." Gomamon whined and gave Jou a look but was quickly skim pass it and kneeled beside him.
"I'm counting on you, Gomamon!" Jou raised his Digivice and aimed it at his digimon.
Nodding, Gomamon playfully saluted and grinned. "Okay! Leave it to me!" He leaped off the ground and dived into the water as a bright light engulfed his entire body. "Gomamon, evolve! Ikkakumon!" The giant walrus digimon swam up at the surface and turns to the direction where his partner is then lowered his head for them to climb up. "Now, climb on!"
The two boys clambered up over the digimon's head. Then soon saw dozens of people gathering around the railing as they yell and scream for them to get away from the digimon, but the kids paid them no mind.
Ikkakumon quickily swam away from the crowd towards the thick fog covering Odaiba.
"Takeru!"
The young boy glances back and saw his mother trying to catch up to them by running at the dock. "Mama!
"It's dangerous! Get off that thing!" Nancy cried out as she frantically tries to run as fast as she can.
"It's okay, Mama!" Takeru reassured, waving a hand at her. "This is Ikkakumon! He's a friend!"
"Um, pleased to meet you!" Jou waved at her also. "I'm Kido Jou from sixth grade! I'll take good care of Takeru, so please don't worry!"
But the woman wasn't convinced enough as she keeps running, a worried look still glued on her face. "T-Takeru!"
"Mama, don't worry! I'll be fine!"
Finally, she have reached the very end of the dock and now unable to follow his son anymore. She held out her hand as she cries out, "Takeru!"
"I'll tell Onii-chan and Papa you said hi!" With one final wave of goodbye to her, they disappeared into the thick fog without any trace.
Nancy clasp his hand together and held it close to her chest as she muttered somehing under her breath, "Dear...please protect those children."
"It looks like the digital barrier is safely in place." Gennai said to Koushiro, who is still busy with his computer.
"Yes."
Behind him are his parents listening attentively to who their son is talking to. They didn't raise any objections of course since Koushiro know these complicated things that's happening better than they do. It's best to let him be and work until they could think of a plan to get out of here.
"Then listen," Said Gennai. "The mysterious fog that you see surrounding Odaiba is really a magic barrier created by Vamdemon.
"I knew it." The boy mumbled dryly.
"Does this mean we're like flies in a fly trap?" Tentomon exclaimed in distress, not really liking the thought of it.
"The source of the barrier is located here." Gennai points at a map, that shows an overview of Odaiba zooming in to a small red dot located into a familiar place. "If you destroy the source, you will destroy the barrier."
Koushiro nods his head in understanding. "It's the Fuji TV station." He then glances at Tentomon as he stood up from his seat. "Let's hurry."
The bug digimon saluted. "All right!"
The red head closed his laptop and placed it in his bag for safe keeping. After making sure he isn't missing anything, he glances at his worried parents for a moment and tried to reassure them, "Mom, Dad...I'm not sure when they will come again, so please stay inside the house for now. You'll be safe as long as you stay here." He then ran towards the door and opened it, but paused when his mother called him and thought that she's gonna prevent him from going out but he was wrong.
"Koushiro, be careful." Her voice was soft and doesn't sound like she's going to object. "Come back safely, okay? To us."
The boy could feel a tear escaping his eye but prevented it, he knows it isn't the right time being sentimental but he couldn't help but feel like that either since he don't even know if he'll come back in one piece once he step outside. The enemies they are facing right now are the nasty ones, and there's a slim chance they could win. Although, aside from calculations and all that, he does hope they could defeat the digimon.
Koushiro turned and gave his parents a smile, "Okay! I'll be back!" Then quickly ran out with Tentomon following behind.
"Man, if you think human slaves had it bad, the Bakemons are pushed around even worst."
Taichi heard the Bakemon grumble as it slowly doze off into sleep. He was glad that these digimons are not that hostile as what he had in mind. These guys were slacking off, thankfully, and that just made their plan slightly easy.
Slowly and carefully, he and Agumon sneaked closer to the now asleep Bakemon. Then as soon as he's made sure he's close enough, he pounced at the digimon and started punching it over and over again, then Agumon soon joined in with him in the punch fest.
"Where is everyone!?" The boy yelled as he constantly beat up the ghost.
"Baby-"
"Taichi!" Agumon's flame receded as both of them looked up and saw Birdramon flying over them with Sora waving her hand on her digimon's back.
"Sora! You're okay!" The beaten up Bakemon behind him took its chance and ran away from the boy. "Wait!" Taichi tried chasing after the digimon but stopped when Sora gave him the information he needed.
"The Big Sight center!" The girl pointed at the big building in the distance. "That's where Vamdemon is holding everyone!"
"Big Sight?"
Birdramon lowered herself to the ground and let his partner jump off safely. "Yeah..." Sora nodded. "Mimi is there...and your parents too."
Hearing the mention of his parents, Taichi couldn't help but turn away with a huge frown on his face. Their words never left his mind, how they yell at him like he was some kind of wild animal, there was only fear in their eyes at that time, there wasn't any hope of acceptance. Not to mention what his dad had done to him. That hurts him the most emotionally than physically.
But it's still his parents. No matter what they do to him, he'll be there to save them from any harm. The tables really have turned on him. Now he knows what's it like to be pushed away by the people you cared about. It pained him.
"That damn Vamdemon." Taichi growled, then suddenly broke the wooden bench into pieces, not by anger but sadness. The action startled his companions, and of course they get why he's being like that.
Sora could feel his sorrow. She doesn't exactly know what happen between them but the obvious answer she could think of is that his parents didn't take it too well, and that crushed Taichi.
"They're okay..." The boy glances back at her, a reassuring look could be seen in her gaze. "Your parents...I'm sure they'll understand."
"Do they...?" Taichi mumbled, his hands clenching into fist then suddenly grabbed Sora as he glared at her. "THEY DIDN'T EVEN LISTEN!"
The girl was taken aback by his sudden outburst, her eyes widening as she stares at Taichi's angry face, his teeth baring ever so dangerously in front of her. Fortunately, he immediately realized what he did as he let go of her and back away, his expression morphing into an apologetic one.
"I-I'm sorry...I didn't mean to-"
"Taichi, it's okay." Sora placed a hand on his shoulder, which Taichi tried shaking off but her grip tightens when he did, and glanced at him with her soft yet understanding eyes. "I don't know what happened nor understand how you feel but...I'm sure they'll listen the next time you see them again."
She then glances down and cringed when she saw his torso covered in bandages, and the bruise on his cheek that have darkened. "What happened to you?"
Taichi then pushed her off, not that strong but enough to keep her away from looking at his wounds. He didn't like the sound of worry in her voice. He couldn't explain it but, he's starting to get a little annoyed when someone pity him.
The boy step back when he noticed Sora trying to approach him and possibly ask more about how he got these wounds. "Don't-I'm just..." He sighs deeply as he turns away from her. "I'll explain when things have calmed down, okay? Hikari's with Yamato in Aqua city and um...if you're okay with it, could you bring him with you on the way back?"
Sora didn't like the idea one bit, but Taichi doesn't seem like himself today, which she guessed that it was obviously because of his parents. However, seeing him so out of character just doesn't sit so well with her. He looks so stressed out, like he might immediately run away if you yell at him, which is very unlike him. Well, she wouldn't be able to stop him from going to Vamdemon if she's being honest. The boy's being so impossible. There's definitely nothing she could do to change his mind.
Groaning, Sora gave him a single uncertain nod. "Okay. I'll do it."
Hearing her agreement, Taichi quickly ran off with Agumon towards Big Sight while Sora jumped onto Birdramon's talons as she flew away. Taking one last worried glance at his friend, Sora couldn't help but sigh deeply in defeat.
"Are you okay, Sora?" Birdramon asked, sensing that something's bothering her partner.
"I'm fine. Just..." She watched as Taichi and Agumon's silhouette fade into distance. "...worried."
Right outside of Fuji TV Station, both Koushiro and Tentomon ran through the quiet street, turning left and right every once in a while to check for any digimons that might harm them.
Upon getting closer to the station, Tentomon let out a small surpried gasp when he saw the giant ball like building right in front of him. He stopped for a moment as he lifted his gaze to look at the big structure in front of him. "I'm not strong enough to destroy this thing myself! Should I evolve?"
"Wait!" Koushiro exclaimed. "Some people might still be people in there! Let's go take a look inside first!"
The bug digimon wordlessly agreed to his partner as they proceed to enter the building.
Meanwhile, back at Aqua city where Hikari, Yamato and the digimons are hiding in. The blonde had asked his friend's younger sister about some things about digimons, she did answered them obediently and seems to be calm about the digimons she sees like what Taichi had told them.
"Wizarmon?" Yamto raised a brow questionably. "So Tailmon have a friend with her when she faced Vamdemon?" He asked the young girl softly.
Hikari nods. "He said he wants to help us get my crest back but..." She trailed off, looking away.
Yamato waited, but a minute passed yet she didn't say anything. Something must've happened. Curiosity got the best of him as he tried to hear the truth about what had happened. "But...?"
Hikari sighed deeply, then looked up to take a small glint of brightness from the sun through the metal bars they are covered in, but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be anything shining to try and lighten up her mood. "Onii-chan, Agumon and Tailmon did their best to save him."
"O-Oh...Sorry for asking." Yamato apologized when he realized what she meant about that. Now that added to one of his hate Vamdemon list. Another reason to defeat him.
Silence made its way between them. Yamato have ran out of questions to ask, and now he have to bear another round of silence.
Gabumon sat down beside Hikari and tried enlightening her, but she seems to be as upset as Taichi -well not entirely. Who knew there would be thousands of surprises in just a day, and not the good kind on top of that. Actually, there were some helpful things that happened like when Ichimon explained the real story behind the lies of that so called war. Not really gonna be a help at the moment.
The overwhelming concern for her brother and parents just wouldn't leave her mind. Her mom and dad being held prisoner by Vamdemon while her brother is out there risking his own life to save them, meanwhile she's here just waiting for some miracle to happen. Hikari didn't like that. "Onii-chan..." She muttered, voice shaking.
Yamato looked at her with a frown. Now he can't help but be worried about his own little brother too, he knew he was safe for he is with their mother outside of Odaiba but he get that feeling that Takeru will soon be involved in this mess. He's a Chosen Child like them after all.
The blonde sighs then gently pats her head to try and soothe her even just a little bit. "He's gonna be fine. For all I know Taichi's gonna fulfill his promise for you in any circumstances." A small chuckle couldn't help but escape his lips. "He's too stubborn to listen to anyone anyway...well, except for you I guess."
Yamato looked over and saw her still upset expression. He sees Gabumon hum in wonder and shakes his head at him. With a low groan of discomfort, he finally decided to ask the young girl a question that he's been avoiding. "How did you exactly find out about Taichi being a digimon?"
The boy tensed a bit when Hikari glanced at him with her worried gaze, then slowly returns back down to look down on the floor.
"I guess he thought that Tailmon was hurting me, so jumped between us out of nowhere and restrained her." Hikari explained in a low voice. "He looks so scared when he saw me. Onii-chan was trying to avoid me at first but he calmed down after we had a talk."
Yamato nodded his head in understanding. The first bit was already normal as it is, obviously because Taichi is overly protective to everyone especially his sister. But last explanation was unusual, he get that Taichi is still not over to this whole being digimon thing but being scared of his own sister is just too out of character. The obvious answer would be his condition of course, however, that still doesn't cross out the weirdness that's been happening around Taichi. Just what is he even hiding from them?
"If you don't mind me asking," He paused, taking a small glance to the girl feeling a bit uncomfortable in the current subject for Hikari. "He's got bandages around his torso and a bruise on his cheek. Did something happen?"
Again, Hikari looked away, the memory of her brother being hit by their father flashed back in her mind. Even though she was only watching, she could feel the pain her brother is feeling at that time.
"H-Hikari? Are you okay?" Yamato asked, concerned about the young girl's silence. Did he say something bad? Was the subject really that absurd?
"Onii-chan already got those wounds on his chest when I first saw him, but he didn't tell me how he got it." Hikari responded in a low voice as she fiddle around her fingers. "Then when he and Agumon went back home after fighting Vamdemon, he was full of...blood...then I saw stitches all over his body when we changed his bandages."
He faced Vamdemon? And he didn't even bother to tell him? What the hell is Taichi even thinking. Yamato knew how stubborn that boy is when it comes to dangerous scenarios but he's just being too reckless than normal. What's gotten into his thick head of his to fight that nasty digimon. And stitches all over his body? 'What the hell have you been doing for the pass few days Taichi?' Yamato thought sourly, hand clenched into a fist in frustration.
"Dad...and Mom...they..." Yamato's expression soften when he heard the girl's voice shake. "I know they were just scared, Onii-chan s-saved them from those evil digimons but...they hit Onii-chan and yelled at him..."
Tears started to fall from her eyes until she began to sob uncontrollably. Gabumon quickly hugged the girl to comfort her, which didn't really help much but at least he was there to keep her companion.
As for Yamato, Hikari's response have left him speechless. He got his answer, but it wasn't pleasant to hear. He couldn't imagine how scared and broken Taichi must've felt when his parents...did that to him. It was very unlike him but truthfully if he was in his shoes he would feel like that too. God...now he feels even more mad at himself for saying those mean words to him.
Yet the boy still packed up some courage to rescue his parents and everyone else. Jeez, Taichi's really not giving himself some slack. He could've just asked for him or anyone to help him out, not take all the pain for himself. What the hell is he even suppose to do with him? Taichi's too persistent when it comes to these dangerous things.
"Just because my Crest is Courage doesn't mean I don't have the right to fear something! Damn it, Yamato! Is that what you always think!? Is that what you ALL think about me!?"
No. He didn't think of it like that. He didn't mean it like that at all.
So after all this time, the deemed "fearless" leader has been scared to the bone this whole time. And they overlooked it after all the adventure they had with him. After all the times they've been together trying to survive in the Digital World for months! They didn't even consider checking up on his mental health when he turned into a digimon.
With his shaking hand, he took his Crest on his palm and stares at it. His brows furrowed as he clenched the small object tightly into his hand.
Of all traits that could be given to him, how in the hell did he even deserve this Crest? He overlooked the most obvious things in front of him. His friend was hurting yet he didn't even notice. Heck, he even yelled at him! Some friend he is.
'Child of Friendship, huh? That's funny.'
"Once we reach Rainbow Bridge, we'll be in the thick of the fog." Jou looked over at the faint view of the giant bridge.
The fog was getting too thick as they proceed, it was getting harder to see anything around them. Ikkakumon kept going forward, not daring to take any turns in case they get lost.
A loud creak suddenly echoed in the quiet water. Jou looked around his surroundings warily, then from the corner of his eyes he saw a silhouette shift slightly. "Did you see something move?"
"Where?" Takeru scouted around.
The eldest boy pointed a finger up. "Look, over there."
Then as if one cue, an ear peircing roar emanated from where he is pointing. The boys screamed when they saw a giant digimon in front of them that was hiding in one of the pillars.
Patamon gasp upon seeing the digimon. "It's MegaSeadramon!"
The sea digimon wrapped its body around the bridge and caused most of the supports to snap. Jou and Takeru covered their heads as the debris of the bridge came falling down at them. MegaSeadramon roared once more as it tighten its hold that cause half of the bridge to break apart.
"The Rainbow Bridge!" Jou exclaimed.
Ikkakumon growled as he lowered his head and aimed his horn at MegaSeadramon. "Harpoon Vulcan!" His missiles successfully hit the digimon directly, however, it wasn't enough to defeat the giant digimon.
MegaSeadramon's horn started to glow then eventually released a surge of electricity towards them, causing Ikkakumon to scream as it hit him and jerk his head up that suddenly threw the passengers behind him into the water.
"Jou! Takeru!" Patamon was lucky enough to avoid the water thanks to his ability to fly.
He then saw Takeru emerge out of the water, but the boy seems to be struggling to stay afloat on the surface. "H-Help! I can't swim..." Quickly, Patamon went down and grabbed his partner's hand but unfortunately his grasp slipped, Takeru was getting tired of keeping his head up then eventually his strength suddenly left, causing him to sink deep into the ocean.
The young boy feels scared and cold. He doesn't know what to do. 'Help me...Onii-chan...' He needs to help his brother to whatever is happening inside that fog. He can't die here just like that.
Suddenly, he felt two hands grab him by his sides and lifted him up to the surface. Takeru gasp sharply, taking in the oxygen he needed. As he was about to sink again, a wooden board floated close to him then he instinctively took it to keep him from drowning.
"Grab onto that..."
"Jou!"
Takeru turned to thank him, but the sight of Jou struggling to keep his head up just made his worries bloom.
"I promised your mother...that I'll protect you..." Jou heaved out as the felt his energy slowly draining from fatigue. "I have to...protect you-..." His body then began to sink down into the depths of the ocean, the shouts of Takeru and Patamon was left in deaf ears.
Water slowly filled up his lungs as his vision started to fade into black. He was slowly dying...he's aware of that, but at least he was glad to help out Takeru.
Then it happened.
The Digivice heard the sincerity in his words as it began to shower both him and Ikkakumon in white light. The digimon roared as his body began to expand, change, break apart and reform into something new and powerful. The power of his Crest has awakened and have unlocked a new path of evolution.
"Ikkakumon, super evolve!" His body faded into data and absorbed more power that was given to him by his partner. He could feel it, the sincerity of Jou's words have converted itself into energy and was given to him. Soon after, Ikkakumon was replaced by a much bigger digimon with an ashy skin tone, shell and hammer in his hand. "ZUDOMON!"
The newly evolved digimon raised his clawed hand up that has Takeru and Jou with it, saving them both from drowning.
"Jou!" Takeru went beside him in concern.
The eldest boy coughed out the excess water that went into his lungs before responding, "I'm okay..."
"Look!"
Jou stared at Takeru who was pointing at his glowing Crest, and that light shot out through the thick fog and mraculously cleared out a way for them. Their relief was short lived however, as MegaSeadramon roared and shot another lightning towards them.
"Here it comes!" Jou covered his head with his hand to try and protect himself from the incoming attack, however Zudomon managed to save them by absorbing the lightning with his horn, making the two gasp in awe from the new power the digimon got.
"Go, Zudomon!"
"Hammer Spark!" Yellow lightnings sparked on his hammer as he raised it up in the air for anticipation. Then as soon as MegaSeadramon charged in he hammered it down straight in the face, causing the armor on its face to break from the powerful impact, and rendered it unconscious.
The two boys cheered for defeating MegaSeadramon. "We should go before the fog comes back to close up the whole!" Takeru suggested.
"All right! Let's go!"
Zudomon swims forward their goal. The ride was smooth but quiet, which isn't really a bad thing. The only problem is the thick fog covering their sight, it was everywhere! You could barely see anything in front of you.
"It's white everywhere." Takeru commented.
"We can't even tell where we're going." Jou furrowed his eyes and looked around once more to try and visualize anything in front of them for any help.
A loud and echoing voice suddenly startled them. "Take me to Tailmon!"
The two frantically looked around the area for the source of the sound. "W-Who's there!?" Patamon question as he went on a defensive stance in case of any attack.
A log with someone grabbing onto it suddenly emerged out the water. Everyone could hear it heave between breaths as it begged, "I am...Wizarmon...Take me to...Tailmon." The digimon looks beaten up and weak, his eyes could barely even open and his body was shaking probably from the sheer cold of the water or the pain he's feeling in his body.
"Aren't you one of Vamdemon's minions!?" Jou questioned, not trusting the digimon, but he would be lying if he said he doesn't pity him.
"P-Please..." Wizarmon shakily held out his hand, a familiar object could be seen hanging in his fingers. "Give this to Tailmon..."
Takeru gasp upon recognizing the object. "Look! It's a Tag and Crest!"
Wizarmon could barely hold on, his body screaming to him from the sheer pain he's feeling. He wheezed out and coughed before muttering another word to them, "This is the eighth child's...original..." His body gave up as he slumped his body onto the log as he pass out.
"SAY WHAT!?" The two exclaimed in shock.
The Digivice beeped every time a second pass. It was already 9:30 yet Taichi hasn't come back yet. Concern began to grow even more for both Yamato and Hikari.
"Two hours are almost up." Yamato muttered in disbelief. He gritted his teeth and paced around the area in front of Hikari and Gabumon. "Where's Taichi?"
Then as if on cue, a familiar voice shouted their names from the outside and the flapping of wings can be heard as well. "Yamato! Hikari!"
Yamato ran outside with Gabumon following not far behind as Birdramon landed carefully and placed down an unconscious Lilimon from her talons. Sora jumped down and went up to face the blonde with a serious look on her face. "Taichi told me you'd be here! Everyone is held captive at Big Sight!"
"Big Sight?"
Hikari also went out to see what was going on but before she could even go near both of them, a sinister laugh made her pause in her spot and looked up, only to see a glaring Phantomon above them.
"Even if I don't find the eighth child, I'll still be rewarded for killing you guys! Your lives will end here!" Phantomon shouted menacingly then lifted up his scythe in the air. "Come out!"
Suddenly, the ground shook then a big green digimon emerged out of the ground. A portal then appeared in the sky and a Kuwagamon looking digimon came out, landing in front of them menacingly.
The two chosen childs step back. Yamato quickly fished out his Digivice and pointed it to his digimon. "Gabumon!" He exclaimed as the device began to glow and soon sent a ray of light towards his partner.
"Gabumon, evolve! Garurumon!"
The wolf digimon charged at Tuskmon and wrestled him with everything he's got, both of their claws sinking down into both their skins. Garurumon managed to keep the digimon down however, Tuskmon had defeated him in the battle of strength as he clawed his way out of Garurumon's grasp and hit him with his tail, sending the wold digimon a few meters away.
"Garurumon!" Before Yamato could even check up on his digimon, he suddenly got tangled on the neck in a metallic chain by Phantomon, who tried to slice his head off but didn't succeed when Yamato jumped out of the way.
"Yamato!" Sora cried out in desperation as she charge at Phantomon with a stick in hand as her weapon, unfortunately she was immediately thrown back when Phantomon hit her with his scythe.
Distressed, Bidramon flew up and forced enough energy in her body for her to evolve. "Birdramon, evolve! Garudamon!"
Unfortunately, Snimon was quick enough to attack her before she could evem react after evolving. The mantis digimon swiped his blade at her until she was backed up into the corner.
A tear fell from Hikari's cheeks, she was watching them fight the whole time and she didn't like one bit of it. Everyone is doing everything they could...to protect her. Her brother is out saving their parents and Yamato and Sora are risking their lives to keep her safe. She understand that but it's not really making her feel any better. "Please..." She hated seeing them do everything for her while she's just sitting down watching them put their life on the line. "STOP!"
Her shout made everyone pause. Slowly, she made her way towards the battlefield and faced Phantomon. "I'm the eighth child." She said, wearing no expression of fear. "I'll follow you quietly. So please stop hurting everyone."
There was a moment of silence until Phantomon decided to break it, "I praise you for your good intentions." Venom laced his voice. "Very well." He raised his scythe once again, signaling Snimon and Tuskmon to get away from the weakened digimons, and then letting go of Yamato, who fell on the ground as he inhale from the lack of oxygen.
"Thank you." Hikari muttered as a purple shield-like circle appeared around her and lifted her off of the hround towards Phantomon.
"Don't, Hikari!" Sora cried out as she tries to reach out to save the girl, but was too late.
"You can't go!" Yamato crawled up to the spot where she was taken, the horror and fear in his eyes clearly visible. He watch hopelessly as Hikari got taken away from them, she didn't even resist! Why?
He gritted his teeth. This wasn't suppose to happen! He promised him...He couldn't do anything to save her!
His fist collided with the ground as he continuously pounded it, the pain in his knuckles being ignored. It didn't matter for him at the moment.
He failed...
'Taichi...I'm sorry.'