Justice
Chapter 2: Iudicium
by Silver
*Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon or any of its characters. But I can dream, can't I?*
Author's note: Sorry this took so long in getting out, but I've been busy with homework. Just to warn some people, there will be just a hint of Dakari in this chapter. Also, Paildramon makes another appearance. In the show, Paildramon is a result of a Jogress Digivolution between XVmon and Stingmon. However, for the purpose of my story, I altered the rules so that Paildramon is purely digivolved from Veemon alone. A few people pointed that fact out when I first wrote "Walkabout," but I'm not going to change it. Please don't bother mentioning the inconsistency with the show, because I'm already aware of it.
I've also changed the name of Paildramon and Aquillamon's main attacks. Paildramon's attack is "Desperado Blaster," but I changed it to "Dramon Blaster." Aquillamon's attack is listed as "Blast Laser," but that didn't sound very creative, so I've changed the name to "Horn Laser." The wonderful thing about fan fiction is that you can change the rules, no matter what the ritualists tell you. That's what I love about writing.
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"Okay, guys." Davis turned around to look at the group. "I should warn you before we enter this place."
Yolei smiled, "Things can get wild, right?"
Davis gave a nervous shrug, "Yeah, kinda. These Digimon like to hero-worship, and when they find out all of the Digidestined except Ken-"
Cody snapped, "Ken isn't a Digidestined!"
Davis glared, "He has a D3, that makes him a Digidestined." Davis shook his head, now wasn't the time for an argument. "Anyway, just watch out for the over anxious Digimon, and… try not to laugh at ExTyranomon."
TK frowned, "Laugh?"
"You'll see." Davis walked towards the main entrance to Meadow Town.
They weren't two steps into town when some Digimon shouted, "Digidestined Davis! Look everyone, it's the great Digidestined Davis!" Digimon of all kinds began to pour into the streets and swarmed around Davis. Davis gave a foreboding smile and began to shake hands while glancing at the other Digidestined for help.
TK grumbled, "He sure is popular."
Kari shrugged, "He's been here before."
Yolei huffed, "So why does he get a fan club?"
Cody said, "Yolei, we're here to help, not ask for praise!"
Yolei said, "Tell that to Davis."
Davis was busy trying to get through the crowd and find ExTyranomon. He had to talk between greeting Digimon and searching. "Hi… yes… hi… nice to see you… can you tell me where ExTyranomon is?"
Some replies could be heard. "He touched my head!"
"That's nothing. He shook my hand!"
"Oh yeah? Well, he stepped on my foot!"
Davis moaned. Then, his eyes brightened, "Hey! Let me introduce all of you to some friends of mine!" He gestured frantically at Cody and the others. "These are my friends, the other Digidestined!" The entire crowd fell into mute awe and stared at the team. Then, they all began screaming even louder and ran up to the others.
TK shouted over the crowd, "Cheap shot, Davis!" Davis gave him a "what else could I do?" shrug and ran off to find ExTyranomon.
Cody felt lost among all the Digimon pressing in on him. They kept saying things like, "How are you?" and "What's your name?" and "Isn't he cute?" He was feeling more than a little overwhelmed. Many hands reached for him.
Armadillomon cried, "Whoa! Hey! Watch the shell!"
Cody looked at Yolei, "Still want a fan club?"
Yolei was busy talking to the Digimon, "Uh, listen! If you want an autograph, speak to my manager!" She held up Hawkmon.
Hawkmon protested, "I beg your pardon? I am not your manager! I am not even being paid for my services!"
TK looked at Patamon, "Any chance you could digivolve and fly us away from all this?"
Patamon sighed, "Not unless your in danger."
Kari said, "Are you kidding? At this rate, these Digimon will squish us before that moving spire gets the chance!"
"That's enough, all of you!" The crowd parted to reveal Davis and the stuff-toyed version of Tyranomon, ExTyranomon. Yolei instantly covered her mouth with her hands to try and hold in the fit of giggles coming from her. The other three children stepped in front to hide her reaction from ExTyranomon. The strange-looking Digimon said, "Digidestined, we are honored by your presence. I do apologize for the actions of my neighbors, but it is rare for us to encounter heroes such as yourselves."
TK said, "Heroes?"
ExTyranomon said, "Why yes! As I told Digidestined Davis the first time he came here, you're exploits are legendary! You have saved us from Myotismon, the Dark Masters, and the Digimon Emperor. All of the Digital World is indebted to you!" Everyone shifted uncomfortably under the praise they were receiving.
Davis cut in, "I told ExTyranomon about what's happening." He smiled, "By the way, TK, Kari, you'll never guess who's here."
Both children asked, "Who?"
"Me!" A gruff voice came from behind Davis and ExTyranomon. A large green Digimon came up to the group. He was roughly humanoid with a huge mouth and large teeth. White hair was on his head, and a wooden club was in his hand.
TK and Kari shouted joyfully, "Ogremon!" They ran up to their old friend.
Yolei said, "Wow… what a face!"
Cody sighed, "Yolei, please."
TK didn't pay any heed to Yolei's comment. "Ogremon, it's great to see you again!"
Ogremon smiled, "Good to see you two too. Jeez, you two sure grew up."
Kari asked, "What have you been doing all this time?"
"Looking for Leomon. I just stopped by here on my way to fight him. We have a duel to finish."
Davis said, "Leomon said the same thing when I saw him."
Ogremon spun around and lifted Davis into the air. "You've seen Leomon? Where is he? Tell me!" He shook Davis frantically.
Davis said as his head wiped back and forth, "Hhheeeeyyyy! Sttooop iiiit!"
Kari said, "Ogremon, you're going to shake his head off his shoulders if you keep that up!"
Ogremon put Davis down, "Sorry. But I wanna know where Leomon is!"
Davis staggered backwards as soon as his feet touched the ground, "I… I don't know where Leomon is. I last saw him near the remains of Spiral Mountain, but that was two weeks ago."
Ogremon said, "Spiral Mountain, huh? All right! I'm going there next!"
TK said, "Wait! Wait a minute! We could use your help!"
One of the Meadow Town Digimon said, "ExTyranomon, what is happening?"
ExTyranomon said, "My friends, we are facing a crisis. According to the great Digidestined Davis-"
Davis pressed a hand to his head. "Please, it's Davis. Just Davis!"
"- one of the Emperor's control spires is on its way here."
The crowd began to shout. "What? A control spire?" "But there aren't any more control spires!" "We'll all be enslaved!" "Digidestined, please save us!"
Cody held up his heads, "Hold on, please! We don't know if it's a control spire or not. All we know is that something is on its way here, and it is emitting a dark energy."
Davis said, "Don't worry. We'll take care of it!"
Kari looked at Ogremon. "You'll help us, right?"
Ogremon nodded, "Sure. Why not? It'd be good exercise."
TK pointed towards the horizon. "Guys? I think I see something!" Everyone looked to where TK pointed. There were tiny red dots shinning in the evening light. Cody squinted to get a better view. Those dots were eyes, the glowing red eyes of possessed Digimon!
Yolei noticed it too. "Those Digimon have dark rings and dark spirals on them!"
Kari asked, "If a control spire is here, does that mean that our Digimon can't digivolve into Champions?"
TK said, "We shouldn't risk it and waste time. Besides, Champion Digimon wouldn't fight very well in this enclosed area. We'd cause more damage to the town than to the Digimon. Davis, let's armor digivolve instead. It'd be safer!"
Davis nodded, "Okay. Let's do it, guys!"
All the Digidestined shouted, "Digiarmor energize!"
"Veemon armor digivolve to… Raidramon: The Storm of Friendship!"
"Hawkmon armor digivolve to… Halsemon: The Wings of Love!"
"Armadillomon armor digivolve to… Digmon: The Drill of Power!"
"Patamon armor digivolve to… Pegasusmon: Flying Hope!"
"Gatomon armor digivolve to… Nefertimon: The Angel of Light!"
All the Digidestined except Cody mounted their Digimon. Davis said, "Let's hit them before they hit us."
TK looked at Cody, "Cody, you and Digmon should stay here to protect the town. Ogremon will help. We'll take care of most of the slave Digimon, but a few will probably slip by. You'll have to deal with them." Cody and Ogremon nodded.
Davis gave TK a look. "Maybe you're going to let a few Digimon through, but I'm gonna get them all!"
Kari said, "Get real. I'll take down twice as many as you will."
Davis grinned, "Is that a bet?"
Yolei said, "Yeah. First one to let a Digimon through has to buy pizza for the whole group!"
"You're on! Raidramon, let's go!" Davis and his Digimon took off to attack the incoming Digimon. The others followed.
Digmon grumbled, "I hate being left behind."
Cody said, "We have an important duty to defend this town. Besides, any way you look at it, we get free pizza afterwards."
Digmon looked at Cody. "Cody, you actually made a joke! That's great!" Cody turned slightly red.
* * * * * * * *
Davis sized up the opposition. There was a flock of about a dozen Airdramon, two DarkTyranomon, a Deltamon, three Tuskmon, and a small group of Gotsumon and Gizamon. Davis was taken aback by how many Digimon were attack.
TK voiced Davis' own worries, "Why such a big force for such a small town?"
Yolei said, "Let's worry about it later. Right now, we have pizza competition to win!" Davis laughed.
Kari said, "Remember, aim for the dark rings or dark spirals. The dark spirals might need a second blast. TK, you and I should take on the Airdramon. Yolei and Davis should take care of the ground Digimon." TK nodded.
Davis grumbled under his breath, "Why does Kari always have to work with TK?"
Raidramon asked, "Did you say something, Davis?"
"No." Davis still wasn't crazy about how TK and Kari always worked together, but he was past the point of protesting over it. It was Kari's decision, and he wasn't about to start acting like a jerk all over again. He'd given up that attitude on his walkabout. No way he was going to backslide now. "Yolei, I'll take care of the DarkTyranomon, why don't you handle the Gizamon and Gotsumon?"
Yolei shouted, "Why do I get stuck taking care of the Rookies?"
Davis said, "Hey, I'm just offering-"
"Well, don't! I'm going after the Deltamon and Tuskmon!" She flew in at her intended targets. Davis was impressed. In the past, she wouldn't have hesitated to go for an easy target. She's really grown up a lot! He and Raidramon dove in at the DarkTyranomon.
* * * * * * * *
Yolei gripped tightly onto Halsemon's feathers as they dove in at a Tuskmon. The faces of Triceramon and SkullMammothmon appeared in Yolei's mind. Keep it together, Yolei. You don't have to kill them, just get the dark rings off them. Besides, everyone is counting on you. You can't chicken out now and start crying! Yolei whispered, "I can do this."
Halsemon said, "Yolei, you're gripping just a bit tight. Mind loosing up a little?"
Yolei smiled, "Sorry."
The Tuskmon looked up at them with pure red eyes. "Slamming Tusk!" It jumped into the air with both tusks pointing at Yolei and Halsemon. Halsemon dodged to the left and spun around to get at the other Digimon's backside.
"Tempest Wing!" Twin bolts of red light shot out of his metal wings and pierced the dark ring around the Tuskmon's arm. It shattered, and the Tuskmon regained his senses. Not taking time to see what the Tuskmon did next, Halsemon flew at the Deltamon.
Deltamon held up all three of his heads. "Tri-force attack!" A beam of blue energy shot out of all three heads and converged on a central point. The combined energy rocketed at Halsemon.
"Yolei, hang on!" Halsemon dove hard. They barely dodged the beam in time. "Tempest Wing!" Halsemon destroyed the dark ring around Deltamon's waist. The Deltamon snapped out of his trance and looked around his surroundings in confusion.
Halsemon inquired, "What shall we do now?"
Yolei looked around. The remaining two Tuskmon had attacked Davis first, so he and Raidramon had been forced to counterattack. Davis had destroyed their dark rings, and was now advancing on a DarkTyranomon. Yolei said, "Let's take care of the rookies. No way I'll pay for pizza tonight!"
* * * * * * * *
"Rosetta Stone!" Rubies fired from Nefertimon's gauntlets and destroyed another dark ring on an Airdramon.
Kari pointed, "There's another one!" Nefertimon dove in to attack. Kari risked a glance at the others. Yolei was cleaning up the controlled Rookie Digimon, TK was handling the other half of the Airdramon, and Davis was currently distracting one of the DarkTyranomon.
Kari watched as Raidramon fired his Blue Thunder attack. The flash of lightning hit the dark spiral controlling the DarkTyranomon, but it didn't destroy the device. Back off, Davis. Don't rush into it. Davis, of course, charged. Kari's eyes widened as Raidramon jumped over one of DarkTyranomon's claws and bit at the dark spiral with his Electric Bite attack. Raidramon's energized teeth sank into the dark spiral, shorted it out, and ripped it free before the DarkTyranomon could react. The creature became docile and confused as soon as it had been liberated.
Leave it to Davis to pull off the worst plan of attack. Kari shook her head.
TK shouted, "Kari, look out!" An Airdramon was flying in at them from above.
"Aquas Beam!" Pegasusmon fired a bolt of green energy from his forehead. The Airdramon saw the attack coming, dodged it, and continued in towards Kari.
"Nefertimon, move!" Kari's Digimon wouldn't be able to dodge in time.
"Blue Thunder!" A bolt of lightning came from above and shocked the incoming Digimon. The dark ring shorted out and crumbled. The Airdramon went limp and crash-landed on the ground. Kari looked down. Raidramon and Davis were looking up at them.
Davis called, "Kari, are you okay?"
Kari nodded, "Yeah, thanks!" She turned her attention back to the remaining Airdramon. She smiled. Stupid Davis, making me worry like that.
* * * * * * * *
"Wow." Cody said as he, Digimon, and Ogremon watched the fight, "They're really going at it."
Ogremon nodded, "Yeah. Not bad."
Cody looked up at the green Digimon, "Ogremon, may I ask how you came to know TK and Kari?"
Ogremon sighed, "Well, we kinda didn't meet on the best of terms. I used to be one of the bad guys. When we met, I was working for this guy named Devimon. He was a really evil Digimon, worse than me! We fought for a while, and the Digidestined beat Devimon. I went off on my own for a while. I didn't bump into the Digidestined for a while until the Dark Masters started causing trouble. I was hurt and Joe and Mimi helped me. They took care of me while I healed, and they became my friends. I decided to help 'em out when they fought Piedmon, and then I went off on my own again. I haven't seen Mimi or the others since we were at Primary Village."
Cody frowned, "So, you were evil for a while?"
Ogremon nodded, "Hey, I'm a viral Digimon after all!"
"But… you never tried to atone for what you did?"
Ogremon looked at his quizzically. "You mean I should turn myself in?"
Cody said, "It's just that my grandfather says that you can't be fully forgiven unless you've paid for your crimes." The Digimon Emperor appeared in Cody's mind's eye.
Ogremon said, "That's only good in a perfect world. If I spent my time paying for every bad thing I'd done, I'd never get a chance to do anything good. I'm sorry for what I done, really! But I'm not gonna go around making up for it. I'm just gonna keep trying to be myself, and learn from my mistakes."
Cody was about to continue to argue when Digmon said, "Don't look now, but we've got company!" A DarkTyranomon was approaching the town.
Cody nodded, "Okay, go for it, Digmon!" Digmon charged forward with Ogremon following behind.
"Rock Cracking!" Digmon shoved all five of his drills into the ground and opened a large fissure that danced its way under the DarkTyranomon's feet. The giant Dinosaur Digimon stumbled and lost its balance as one foot sank into the ground.
Digmon held out his arms, "Gold Rush!" His drills shot out of their sockets and flew in at the DarkTyranomon. All five drills connected with the dark spiral, but they did not destroy it. Digmon's drills returned to their respective sockets.
"Iron Tail!" The DarkTyranomon lashed out with its tail and knocked Digmon to the ground. Digmon bounced and rolled to a stop.
"Digmon!" Cody ran to his partner, but he wouldn't get there in time.
"Fire Blast!" Flames erupted from the DarkTyranomon's mouth. Digmon was too stunned to move as the flames reach for him hungrily. Ogremon jumped in, scooped up Digmon, and leaped out of harms way just in time.
Ogremon shouted, "Hey! Don't ya know better than to play with fire? Someone could get hurt; namely, us!" He landed and set Digmon on the ground. Cody came up and kneeled down by Digmon to ensure that he was all right. Ogremon ran in at the DarkTyranomon. He jumped up at the larger Digimon's head. "Pummel Whack!" He brought his wooden club down on the DarkTyranomon's head. The Dinosaur Digimon roared in pain and stumbled to the ground.
"Pummel Whack!" Ogremon fired a blast of purple energy out of his fist and into the dark spiral. It still wouldn't break! "Hey, Digmon! How's about a little help here!"
Digmon stood up on shaky legs. "Okay, one more time! Gold Rush!" He fired his drills again. This time, the dark spiral shattered under the barrage of drills. The DarkTyranomon's eyes ceased to glow red, and it let out a bewildered growl. It walked off without another sound.
Digmon and Cody ran up to Ogremon. Cody said, "Thank you so much for saving Digmon!"
Ogremon smiled, "No prob."
Cody's digiterminal chimed. He activated the screen and read the message. Digmon asked, "What's it say?"
Cody replied, "Yolei and the others have defeated the other Digimon, but Davis says that he's found the moving control spire! Let's get going!" All three of them ran off to join the others.
* * * * * * * *
Davis and Raidramon sped along the ground, followed by Yolei, Kari, and TK. Davis had spotted something moving in the distance, and his D3 had begun to shriek as it neared. Davis had concluded that the "moving control spire" was getting closer. Yolei had e-mailed Cody, and the group had set off to intercept the incoming creature. Even from a distance, it was obvious that it wasn't really a control spire. The creature ahead of them was gray, and Davis thought he saw about four arms moving. There's something familiar about that thing.
Yolei called, "Shouldn't we wait for Cody?"
TK shook his head, "No. We need to at least slow that thing down before it reaches Meadow Town. Cody will have to catch up."
Kari shouted, "Guys, is that Kuwagamon?"
Davis peered closer at incoming creature. It was a Digimon, and it did look like a giant beetle, but it was gray, not red like Kuwagamon. Davis called, "No. That's Okuwamon! He's Kuwagamon's Ultimate form!" Davis couldn't believe it. He and Veemon had fought Okuwamon inside the remains of Spiral Mountain in order to gain possession of the Digivolution Crystal. Using the crystal's power, Flamedramon had defeated Okuwamon and sent him falling down to the ground far below. Davis had assumed that Okuwamon was dead after that. Maybe it's different Okuwamon. However, as Davis got closer, he could see scaring on the Digimon's chest. The scars were the result of a massive burn, just like the super-charged Fire Rocket that Flamedramon had used to defeat Okuwamon. It's the same Okuwamon!
Davis called back to the others. "Everyone be careful! This guy is really tough!"
Okuwamon started attacking the instant he saw the Digidestined approach. "Beetle Horn Attack!" A bolt of energy shot out of his pincers and flew in at the Digidestined.
Kari shouted, "Scatter!" Everyone tried to maneuver out of the way of the attack, but it exploded mid-air and knocked everyone off balance. Davis was thrown off of Raidramon, and Raidramon reverted back to Veemon. All of the other Digidestined were tossed from their mounts and their Digimon reverted back to Rookie forms.
Davis was the first to recover. "Veemon, try again! Digiarmor Energize!"
"Veemon armor digivolve to… Flamedramon: The Fire of Courage!"
Okuwamon looked at Flamedramon and smiled, "Well, well. I thought you looked familiar. Long time no see, Flamedramon."
Flamedramon frowned, "Since when did you develop a vocabulary?" When Davis and Flamedramon had fought Okuwamon, his only phrases were either "You die," or "You taste good."
Okuwamon laughed, "I've grown smatter and more powerful since the last time we fought."
Flamedramon snorted. "Oh yeah? Fire Rocket!" He sent in a hail of fireballs. Okuwamon deflected them with one claw.
"Double Scissor Claws!" The insect Digimon batted Flamedramon away with one claw. Flamedramon reverted back to Veemon, and rolled to a stop at Davis' feet.
"Veemon!" Davis picked up his partner. "Say something!"
Veemon moaned, "Ugh… I'll have a triple cheeseburger with extra fries…"
Okuwamon leered down at Davis and Veemon. "Do you wish to know what happened to me after our last meeting?"
Davis decided to stall for time. None of the Digimon were fully recovered from Okuwamon's first attack. "Sure, why not?"
Okuwamon said, "After my defeat at the hands of Flamedramon, I fell to the ground and lay there. I was severely burned and dying. I had just about given up hope, when I sensed a dark power nearby. That power was a control spire. Without thinking, I bit into the spire, and its dark energy transferred to my body. I grew stronger, and smarter. I was blessed with my own will and motivation. I would no longer serve Piedmon. I would absorb the power of all the remaining control spires, and become a Mega Digimon myself! Over time, I learned that I could control other Digimon through the Emperor's remaining dark rings and dark spirals. Fortunately, many Digimon still wear those control items. I have gone from sector to sector, draining spire energy and summoning the Emperor's former slaves, and growing stronger by the day." At least that explained why Okuwamon gave off control spire energy.
Kari demanded, "Why did you attack Meadow Town?"
Okuwamon said, "Meadow Town has many rookie Digimon. By slapping dark spirals on all of them, I could force them to Digivolve into Ultimate Digimon, and build up an even greater army! Besides, there's a controls spire in the next sector. A little destruction along the way to my objective never hurt."
TK stood tall, "We won't let you!"
Okuwamon laughed, "Won't you? Well then, Double Scissor-"
"Gold Rush!" Several drills detonated against Okuwamon's side. Cody, Ogremon, and Digmon came running up.
Yolei smiled, "Cody! Great timing."
Cody said, "I'm sorry that we're late. Digmon can't run very fast."
Digmon huffed, "Like I keep saying, I'm a digger, not a runner!"
Okuwamon recovered, "Beetle Horn Attack!" A blast of energy streaked in at the Digidestined and Ogremon. Everyone scrambled out of the way, but the ensuing blast still sent everyone tumbling. Digmon was forced back into Armadillomon.
Ogremon landed on his feet, "A bully, huh? I just love takin' bullies down!" He jumped in at his much larger opponent. "Pummel-" Okuwamon cut him off by bringing his claw down on Ogremon. Ogremon fell to the ground with a loud thud.
"Ogremon!" Kari screamed and ran over to him. Everyone reached his side. Cody said, "Ogremon, speak to me!"
Ogremon grumbled, "Cheap shot… I could've taken 'im."
Okuwamon dug his claws into the ground. "I think it's time I buried my problems. Farewell, Digi-doomed!" He lifted up a huge mass of Earth and hurled it at the children. It would land directly on top of everyone.
Armadillomon jumped forward. "Don't worry, Cody. I'll protect you." Cody's D3 let out a familiar shriek. "Armadillomon digivolve to… Ankylomon!" Ankylomon looked like an Ankylosaurus with a black mace at the end of his tail. His armor was pale yellow and gold, and dark gray spikes protruded along his back and off his legs. The huge mound of dirt hit him and crumbled without even phasing him. Cody and the others were shielded from the crushing weight of the dirt.
Cody looked up, "What… what happened?"
TK said, "Armadillomon digivolved into a Champion! That means that all our Digimon can still digivolve. Okuwamon can't block their powers for some reason."
Yolei said, "Maybe it's because Ken doesn't have a dark digivice anymore."
Davis stood up and ran out from under Ankylomon. "Who cares why we can do it, as long as we can! Veemon, let's show this guy what a real Ultimate is!"
Veemon jumped forward. "Right! Veemon digivolve to… XVmon!" Davis took out his digiterminal and activated the Ultimate feature. The crests of courage and friendship soared into the air and filled XVmon with their power. "XVmon digivolve to… Paildramon!"
Yolei said, "Hawkmon, you too!"
"Hawkmon digivolve to… Aquillamon!"
TK said, "Patamon, digivolve!"
Kari chimed in, "You too, Gatomon!"
"Patamon digivolve to… Angemon!"
"Gatomon digivolve to… Angewoman!" The three Champions and two Ultimate Digimon squared off against Okuwamon.
Ankylomon rolled into a ball, "Megaton Press!" He threw himself into Okuwamon's belly. The insectoid Digimon was knocked to his feet and lost all his air. Ankylomon rolled to the side in order to let the others attack.
"Horn Laser!" Red beams of energy shot out of Aquillamon's horns. They burned into Okuwamon's shell.
"Hand of Fate!"
"Celestial Arrow!"
Okuwamon recovered his wind and just barely dodged Angemon and Angewomon's attacks. He jumped to his feet. "Beetle Horn Attack!"
Paildramon countered the assault. He held up the two blasters at his waist. "Dramon Blasters!" Twin bolts of energy detonated against Okuwamon's attack.
The evil Digimon looked at his opposition and realized that he was totally outgunned. He snarled, "You may overpower me now, but when I become a Mega, you won't stand a chance!"
Paildramon said, "What makes you think that we'll let you become a Mega?"
Okuwamon smiled, "What makes you think you can stop me? Beetle Horn Attack!" He blasted the ground in front of the Digimon. A huge cloud of dust kicked up and blinded the Digidestined and their Digimon. Okuwamon's laugh echoed into the dust storm. By the time the dust settled, the only sign that he had been there was a large mound of upturned ground.
TK said, "He's gone underground!"
Ankylomon said, "I can armor digivolve into Digmon again and chase after him."
Cody said, "He's too powerful for Digmon to fight alone, and the other Digimon can't fight well underground. Besides, he's probably long gone by now."
Davis balled up his fists, "What a turkey! Running away like that!"
Kari sighed, "But now he'll just absorb more control spire energy. If we don't stop him, he'll become a Mega. None of our Digimon are a match for a Mega!"
Yolei said, "We'd better get back to Meadow Town. The Digimon there might need us to deal with the Digimon that were under Okuwamon's control. They might still cause trouble" Everyone nodded in agreement.
Davis said, "We'll just have to catch Okuwamon later…" They headed back for Meadow Town.
* * * * * * * *
Cody leaned against a wooden hut. He was exhausted. The Digidestined and Ogremon had succeeded in sending the DarkTyranomon, Deltamon, and Tuskmon on their way. Fortunately, the creatures hadn't resisted. They had all left peacefully. The Gazimon and Gotsumon were staying in Meadow Town for the night, then would return to their homes in the morning. Now that the fighting was done, exhaustion had finally caught up with the Digidestined.
Kari, TK, and Davis were saying their good-byes to Ogremon. Davis asked, "So, where are you going now?"
Ogremon replied, "Spiral Mountain. I'm gonna track Leomon from there. We'll finish our duel some day, and I'm gonna make sure I win!"
TK asked, "Won't you help us look for Okuwamon?"
Ogremon shook his head, "Naw. You kids can handle that guy no problem. Of course, I'll tell ya if I see anything."
Kari smiled, "We'd appreciate that. We'll see you again, Ogremon."
Ogremon nodded and looked over at Cody. "See ya later, kid."
Cody smiled, "Goodbye, Ogremon!' Ogremon exited the town and vanished into the evening darkness. Cody frowned. His meeting with Ogremon had given him something to think about. Ogremon was so much like Ken. He had been evil, and then supposedly changed. Ogremon had saved Cody and Digmon's lives, even though Cody had talked to him about facing a trial. Learning from your mistakes and living as good a life as you can…Cody had never considered that. Was it possible that his grandfather was wrong, and that person could be forgiven even if they never faced punishment? He was very confused. I need to think about this some more…Of course, Cody's first priority was helping the others find Okuwamon, but that would have to wait until he came out of hiding. TK and Cody both thought that Okuwamon would lay low for a short while to avoid detection. Hopefully, the Digidestined would find him before he could achieve his Mega level.
Yolei walked up, "Cody? It's time we went home. Our parents will start having dinner soon, and we can't be late."
Cody nodded, "Right, let's go." He stood up and they joined TK, Davis, and Kari.
Davis asked, "Cody, you okay?" Cody must have been acting pretty weird for Davis to notice.
"I'm okay." He'd definitely need more time to consider things.
Yolei said, "So, who lost the pizza bet?"
Cody said, "Well, the only Digimon that Digmon had to fight was a DarkTyranomon."
"Oh really?" Yolei leaned in at Davis, "Wasn't that your target, Davis?"
Davis blinked, "I… I was busy saving Kari from an Airdramon!"
Yolei smiled, "You still lost the bet! You buy pizza for all of us!"
Davis said, "Wait a minute! That's not fair! Kari, back me up here!"
Kari shook her head, "No way. You made the bet and you lost. Pay up."
Davis' shoulders slumped, "You guys are horrible. And I was gonna buy a new soccer ball." Everyone laughed.
TK said, "Okay. Let's get going." They all nodded and headed for the nearest portal home.
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Iudicium is Latin for trial.