Justice
Chapter 4: Judicium
by Silver
*Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon or it's characters, so don't waste time trying to sue me. Besides, I have nothing worth taking!*
Author's Note: Sorry this took so long in getting out. I've been really busy with college, so I haven't had much time to write new fics.
By the way, one of my reviewers, Cirran, asked if I use a Digimon website's character profiles for my stories. I don't use webpage character guides to understand the characters in Digimon. My views of the characters and how I portray them in my stories come from simply watching the show and following three rules. The first rule is that no character is perfect (This especially applies to TK and Kari). The second rule is that no character is completely flawed and irredeemable (That rule applies mostly to Davis; it also explains my problem with character bashing). The final rule is that a character does not say or do anything without a reason. That reason can't be simply, "he's a jerk," or "she's an idiot." When I see a character act like a jerk, or say something stupid, or do something very noble, I ask myself what's the motivation behind that action. Why do they do it, and what insight does it give into the character's past? Anyway, I'm rambling. The point is that no webpage gives me all the answers. I try and find those myself.
Finally, the new evil that I develop in this chapter is my own creation, so please don't use him/it without asking. Enjoy.
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Cody looked very abashed as his mother chided him. "Cody, I cannot believe you were so irresponsible! You didn't come back home on time, and your clothes are ruined! I am very disappointed in you, young man." It was a few hours after Cody's soccer game. His joy had given way to embarrassment when his mother found out he had grass stains and mud on his clothing. Furthermore, Cody had gotten home later than he had promised, and his mother was a stickler for punctuality.
Cody's grandfather said, "Now, now, daughter. You cannot blame Cody for having a little fun. He is young, and the young should enjoy their free time." He sipped his prune juice.
Cody's mother looked at the elder man. "But he should have called home to at least let me know that he would be late. I cannot tolerate such irresponsibility in my son." She looked at Cody, "Cody, go to your room." Cody nodded and numbly walked into his room and closed the door.
Upamon hoped out from under the bed. "Cody, you okay?"
Cody was trembling all over. He couldn't stand the thought of letting his mother down like that. She's disappointed with me…Tears welled in his eyes. Upamon saw the water flowing down his friend's face, and jumped up into his arms.
Upamon said, "Cody, please don't be sad. Whatever's wrong, I'm sorry."
Cody smiled at his friend, "You didn't do anything, Upamon. It's just… I had a lot of fun playing soccer, but I ended up letting my mother down in the process. I-I want her to be proud of me, just like I want my father to be proud of me from wherever he is. But I let them both down." He body began to quiver even harder.
Upamon said, "But you haven't let them down! You just had a little fun! There's nothing wrong with fun."
Cody sighed, "I thought so too…" He put Upamon down and proceeded to get ready for bed. No point in staying up now. Somehow, Cody just couldn't help feeling that this situation was totally unfair! Why was he being punished for playing a game? Davis would never get punished for having fun, neither would Yolei or TK or Kari. So why was he the only one who was punished for enjoying himself? It's not fair! But, his mother couldn't be wrong. Could she?
* * * * * * * *
Mrs. Hida rubbed her temples with her fingers. She looked over at her father-in-law. Even though Grandpa Hida was the father of Mrs. Hida's late husband, he considered her one of the family in all respects. That was why he called her his daughter. Mrs. Hida said, "I just don't know what's happening to Cody. He's spending more and more time running around doing things in secret, and now he's becoming tardy and disobedient. Maybe it's the people he is spending time with."
Grandpa Hida said, "As I said before, daughter, you are being too hard on Cody. Is it really so bad that he enjoyed himself at a soccer game?"
Mrs. Hida shook her head. "No… It's just that I'm worried that if Cody doesn't learn to be responsible early on in life, then he might grow up without any sense of self-guidance."
Grandpa Hida said, "I don't think one soccer game will make him a delinquent. You're being far too hard on him."
Mrs. Hida let out a deep breath. "I know. It's just so hard. If only… if only…"
Grandpa Hida said gently, "If only my son had not died?" Mrs. Hida nodded. Grandpa Hida said, "I know that it is hard to be single mother. You feel responsible for raising Cody, and you want him to have as good a life as possible, even though his father is not here to share his life, not directly, anyway."
Mrs. Hida nodded, "I hope that Cody will grow up into a proud and strong man."
Grandpa Hida said, "But you should not force him to grow up so quickly. Cody is already very mature for his age. He should enjoy his childhood, because he will only get to live it once. I know that my son is watching over you two and that he is proud of both you and Cody. Believe me, you have nothing to fear when it comes to Cody's sense of responsibility."
Mrs. Hida smiled and nodded, "You're right. I'm being too strict because of my fears. I need to apologize to Cody right away."
* * * * * * * *
"Cody, honey?" Cody felt someone gently shaking his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see his mother. Something's wrong. The last time his mother had called him "honey" was when she was about to tell him that his father was gone.
Cody sat up, "What is it, Mom? A-are you still mad at me?"
Cody's mother smiled, "No, Cody. I'm not mad. Actually… I need to tell you something."
Cody was even more nervous now. "What is it?"
Mrs. Hida took a deep breath. "Cody, I was wrong."
Cody blinked, "I beg your pardon?"
His mother smiled, "Cody, I was wrong to punish you for having fun. It's wonderful that you took the opportunity to play soccer with your friends. I was just being stubborn." She placed a hand on Cody's shoulder, "It's just that I worry that I'm not taking care of you like I should, and I fear that you'll suffer from my mistakes. I'm being overly protective of you, and by doing that, I'm not being a very good mother."
Cody shook his head, "But that's not true. You're a great mom!"
Mrs. Hida said, "You're so sweet." She kissed Cody's forehead. "But in this case, I was wrong to scold you. I'm happy that you had fun and made new friends. I hope you'll play more soccer in the future. Who is it that got you to play in the game? A boy named David?"
Cody corrected, "Davis."
Mrs. Hida's smile widened, "I'll have to thank him some time. He sounds like a very knowledgeable person." Cody tried to contain his laughter. "Knowledgeable" wasn't quite the word he'd use for Davis, even though Davis did have his moments of insight. Mrs. Hida said, "Anyway, Cody. Please understand that I'm not always right, and that you don't have to be Mr. Strict all the time. I really hope you'll start having more fun."
Cody smiled, "Thanks, Mom." Mrs. Hida wished him goodnight and left the room.
Upamon poked his way out from under the sheets. "See? I told you it was okay to have a little fun."
* * * * * * * *
Deep underground in the Digital World, two dark forces came to meet. The old man, known only to a choice few as Avatar, approached Okuwamon. "Are you prepared to battle once again?"
Okuwamon nodded, "Yes. I have fully recovered." His skin had healed completely. There was no sign of the black mineral within his body.
Avatar nodded, "Very well then. I have found an area rich with control spires. I believe that today is the day that you wi-" Avatar had to stop talking as a violent fit of coughing overcame his body. His legs grew weak and the room began to spin.
"What's the problem?" Okuwamon didn't sound concerned at all.
Avatar regained his composure. "It is nothing." His mind, however, spoke different words. This shell is becoming too weak. I must change soon. "As I was saying, I believe that today is the day you will become a Mega."
Okuwamon smiled, "That's what I was hopping to hear. Show me where to go."
Avatar motioned into the darkness. "Follow me." Yes, follow me, you fool. You'll be mine by the end of the day.
* * * * * * * *
"Hey, Cody." Davis smiled as the younger boy entered the room. Today the Digidestined would find Okuwamon and stop him before he would become a Mega. They already had several areas in mind for where the evil Digimon would appear. Each area was near where the Digimon Emperor's floating fortress had crash-landed. There were countless control spires located within those sectors.
"Hi, Davis. Hello, everyone." Cody set Upamon down, who immediately went to feast on the treats that Yolei had brought to the meeting. Cody asked, "Has Ken arrived yet."
TK shook his head, "He hasn't arrived yet. We thought he'd arrive about ten minutes ago, but he still hasn't shown up."
Davis laughed, "Even though he's a genius, he sure needs to learn how to read a watch."
"I heard that." Ken Ichijouji entered the room. Davis let out a slight eep. Cody watched Ken's face, and noticed a smile tugging at the edge of his lips. Ken said, "My apologies for being late. I was caught up in a soda add."
Yolei said, "How's the soda taste?"
Ken said, "Like sewer water, but I can sell just about anything."
Kari asked, "Are you sure that no one followed you here?"
Ken replied, "I was very thorough in making sure that I wasn't followed. No one knows I'm here. So, what is the plan for this journey."
Yolei said, "We've found three areas that we think Okuwamon will attack. They all have a large number of control spires, so Okuwamon will probably attack there first and try to become a Mega. We'll split into teams and wait for him to show up. Then we'll get him!"
Cody said, "The only problem is that we won't be able to digivolve our Digimon into Champions while the spires are up and running."
Ken replied, "Actually, that is no longer a concern. After the battle in the ancient Valley, I accessed my old control spire program and attempted to delete all of the spires. Unfortunately, my computer doesn't have the power to destroy the spires, there are just too many to destroy now, but I was able to delete the digivolution dampening affect from all the spires."
Davis said, "So that's why our Digimon could digivolve even though Okuwamon has the powers of a control spire."
Ken nodded, "Correct. That problem is no longer a factor. Our Digimon can digivolve whenever the need arises."
TK said, "Then let's get going. Kari and I will check this sector, Yolei and Ken can check this area, and Cody and Davis can look here." He indicated the different sectors on the map.
Davis asked, "And just why do you and Kari have to work together?"
TK turned slightly red, "Um… no reason, really."
Davis nodded and said sarcastically, "Yeah, sure."
Kari said, "Come on, Davis. TK and I work well together. Let's not argue about this."
Davis sighed, "Okay." Cody could tell Davis didn't like the idea of TK and Kari working together again, but he was keeping his temper in check. Cody remembered a time not too long ago when Davis would have brought the roof down while shouting protests at TK and Kari.
Cody said, "Remember, don't engage Okuwamon on your own. Call for the group to come, and we'll attack together."
Yolei nodded and said, "Let's get going!" She and Ken stepped up to the computer. "Digiport open!" They were sucked into the computer.
Kari said, "See you later, Davis." She and TK entered the computer.
Davis beamed, "Did you hear that? She said, 'See you later Davis!' She still likes me! I've still got a chance!"
Cody sighed, "Good for you. Digiport open!" He and Davis entered the Digital World. The light of the digiport faded to reveal a large forest with trees that went so high that Cody had to tilt his head all the way back to see their tops. There was no sign of a control spire anywhere. Cody frowned, "Are you sure this is the right place?'
Davis double-checked his D3. "This is where Yolei said there were a lot of control spires. Unless she made a mistake, the spires should be somewhere nearby."
Cody said, "Let's start looking."
Davis smiled, "Hang on. If I climb one of these trees, I can get a look around the area. I'll spot those spires in no time!" He ran up to the nearest tree and began to climb the trunk.
Cody called, "Davis, are you crazy? You can't climb something that big!"
Davis called down, "I won't know unless I try, right? Might as well make the effort."
Cody watched Davis climb with a little bit of admiration. Most people wouldn't be crazy enough to try something like that, but Davis was willing to make the attempt just in order to test himself. Maybe he isn't a stupid as we thought. Davis wasn't a tenth of the way up the tree when he slipped and fell to the ground with a loud thud. Cody sighed, Then again, maybe he is…
Veemon ran up, "Davis! Are you okay?"
Davis groaned, "Yeah. My spine broke my fall. Or is it the other way around?" He winced and stood up.
Cody asked, "Can we go now?"
Davis said, "No. Hang on a minute. If I can't climb up that tree, than XVmon can fly us up there! Veemon, digivolve!" Davis pulled out his D3.
"Veemon digivolve to… XVmon!" XVmon scooped up the two humans and Armadillomon and took off towards the treetops.
Armadillomon asked, "Why didn't we do this in the first place?"
Davis said, "I don't wanna rely on Veemon to do everything for me. What kind of guy would I be if I always took the easy way out? I tried climbing on my own, but it didn't work so now I'll ask for help."
Cody frowned, "Is that something you figured out on your walkabout?"
Davis nodded, "Yeah. I never really liked to rely on other people for help. I always tried to do things on my own. That's kinda why I don't get along with group work. But if it weren't for Veemon and Leomon and Gennai and Vee, I never would have gotten the Digivolution Crystal and beaten Ex-Piedmon. So now I figure it's okay to try and do stuff on your own, but it's also okay to ask for help when you can't handle something."
Cody nodded. Davis had changed a lot since his time in the Digital World. It wasn't obvious at first, but there were changes. Maybe he could help me figure some things out. Cody had been a little confused by his talk with his mother from the previous night. He'd never thought that his mother or grandfather could be wrong, but she had just admitted that she was. That didn't make much sense to Cody. Cody asked, "Hey, Davis, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Do you think your parents are ever wrong?"
Davis smiled, "Yeah. I think they're wrong whenever they punish me." Cody sighed and hung his head. Davis quickly continued, "But that's probably just me! The truth is, I know that my folks are human, so they can't always be right. Sometimes they make mistakes or they don't see the whole picture. I realized that one time when Jun framed me for breaking a lamp. I was sent to my room, but it had been Jun's fault. But she put on the innocent act, and my parents bought it. I'd always thought that my parents knew everything, but when Jun had them wrapped around her finger, I realized that they weren't perfect and that they didn't know everything. I was only a little older than you, so it came as a big shocker, but now I think that it's pretty obvious that parents aren't always right."
Cody asked, "So, how do you know when they are right?"
Davis thought for a moment, "Well, I trust my feelings. I always go with my gut, and usually my gut agrees with my parents. But there are a few times when it doesn't. That's when I think my parents, or anyone else, are wrong."
Cody sighed, "I always thought that my mom and my grandpa were always right. That's why I follow their advice."
Davis nodded, "And that's why you can't forgive Ken? Because of what your Grandpa said?" Cody nodded. Davis said, "Look, I know your Grandpa is really smart, but that doesn't mean he's always right. I think we can forgive Ken because he's trying to help us. It'd be mean for us to keep thinking of him as the Digimon Emperor. Cody, could you at least consider forgiving him even though he doesn't make up for everything he's done?"
Cody sighed, "I… I don't know."
XVmon said, "Top floor. Everybody off." The group jumped into the tree branches and XVmon reverted back to Veemon. They looked around the forest area. There was a large clearing about a mile away. Black control spires jutted up from the clearing. There were over two dozen of them.
Davis smiled, "Bingo. Let's get over there and see if Okuwamon shows up! Digiarmor energize!"
"Veemon armor digivolve to… Raidramon: The Storm of Friendship!"
Cody nodded, "Digiarmor energize!"
"Armadillomon armor digivolve to… Digmon: The Drill of Knowledge!" Cody and Davis mounted their Digimon. The Digimon took off and jumped down from the tree and ran towards the clearing.
* * * * * * * *
Ken looked around the area he and Yolei had been sent to watch over. It was a rocky terrain with no vegetation. The wind howled and blew over the rocks, kicking up a cloud of dust. Ken shielded his eyes with his hands. He remembered that this was the area where he had first constructed his mobile base. Back when I was making the biggest mistake of my life. He shook his head sadly.
Yolei asked, "You okay?"
Ken nodded, "I'll be fine. But I don't think that Okuwamon will be coming here."
Yolei frowned, "What makes you say that?"
"This area is a poor choice."
Yolei began to fume. "I chose this area! What's so wrong with it?" She gestured to the huge mass of control spires behind her. "See those? Those are what Okuwamon is looking for! Why wouldn't he come here?"
Hawkmon said, "Yolei, please calm down."
Wormmon said, "Ken, please don't start a fight here. Please?"
Ken smiled at Wormmon, "Don't worry. I'm not going to start a fight." He looked back at Yolei, "It's true that this place has a lot of control spires, but that's not the only thing to consider."
Yolei tried to keep her temper in check. Where did Ken get off telling her that she'd chosen the wrong area? "And just what are those 'other things?'"
Ken pointed at the ground. "Motomiya told me that Okuwamon burrowed underground. If we assume that he's traveling underground, then this would be a poor area for him to attack. The minerals in this area are very hard. It would be difficult for even a Digimon to tunnel through such an area."
Yolei asked, "And if he's not burrowing?"
Ken replied, "Then this area is still a poor choice. It is a long and hard process to travel up and over the rocky landscape, and the winds are very strong here. Flight would be difficult. That's why I chose this area as the building spot for my mobile base. No one would stumble upon me out here in the middle of nowhere, so I could work in secret. But Okuwamon isn't looking for a hiding place, he's looking for an easy target. He won't find that here."
Yolei lost some of her anger. She had to admit that Ken made a good point. "Okay, maybe this wasn't the best choice. Then, where would he be?"
Ken asked, "What were the other two areas you considered?"
Yolei said, "TK and Kari are near a city that Kimeramon demolished where a lot of control spires were set up in a row. Cody and Davis are in a forest where we detected a lot of control spires in a group."
Ken considered. He winced at the memory of his treacherous creation, Kimeramon, but he kept focused on the objective. "That town was also in the middle of nowhere. The sand would be easy to tunnel through, but there'd be no cover for Okuwamon to use if he needed to sneak by. Furthermore, I set those spires up in a strait line. Okuwamon is probably looking for a small cluster of spires that he can get to in a hurry." He snapped his fingers. "Okuwamon is heading for the forest! The soil there is soft and easy to move through, there are plenty of trees to provide cover, and the spires are clustered close together. It's the ideal target!"
Yolei said, "Then we're in the wrong place! Cody and Davis are gonna need help."
Ken nodded, "We should go now. You should also e-mail Kamiya and Takashi. We'll need all the help we can get." He looked at his partner. "We need to move fast. Can you handle these winds?"
Wormmon nodded, "Leave it to me. Wormmon digivolve to… Stingmon!" He picked up Ken and they flew off.
Yolei called as she keyed in a message to her digiterminal, "Hey, wait for me! Digiarmor energize!"
"Hawkmon armor digivolve to… Halsamon: The Wings of Love! I can handle these winds just as well as Stingmon can! Let's go, Yolei." Yolei mounted her Digimon and they followed after Stingmon.
* * * * * * * *
"Man, this is so boring!" Davis leaned against a control spire. "Why don't we just blow these things up and move on?"
Cody replied, "That's not the plan. We're trying to use these spires as bait for Okuwamon. If we blow them up, he'll just move on and we'll have to find him again."
Davis said, "But we don't even know if he's coming here. For all we know, Okuwamon could attack a different area while we're waiting here."
Cody's digiterminal chimed. He took it out and read the message. "It's from Yolei. Ken thinks that Okuwamon is on his way to us, and so she, TK, and Kari are on route to us. Looks like we picked the winner after all."
Davis smiled, "Yes! Finally, some action!" It was just then that a rumbling could be heard in the distance. "Is that Okuwamon?"
Digmon replied, "Can't say. Could be another Digimon."
Raidramon said, "Sounds kinda like an earthquake."
Davis asked, "You don't suppose Okuwamon's underground again?"
Cody said, "It's possible. We should fall back and wait for the others."
Davis said, "We can't do that. If we wait for the others, Okuwamon might absorb all these spires and digivolve before the others get here! We need to slow him down at least."
Cody asked, "But what makes you think we can slow him down?"
Davis smiled, "We won't know unless we try."
Cody nodded, "Okay, you've convinced me. Digmon, let's get ready."
"You got it." Digmon started to turn on all five of his drills.
Davis said, "Raidramon, blast Okuwamon as soon as he comes out of the ground, got it?"
"Got it!" Raidramon energized the three spikes on his back with blue lightning. The rumbling came closer. Davis and Cody both began to tense up. Several trees fell as the rumbling came closer. A huge moving mound of dirt could be seen plowing through the trees.
Cody shouted, "He's coming underground! Digmon, try and force him out!"
"Rock Cracking!" Digmon burrowed underground. A smaller mound of dirt appeared just a few feet from where Digmon had gone under. The smaller mound headed strait for the larger one. Davis, Cody, and Raidramon watched with wrapped interest. The two mounds collided, and there was an explosion. Digmon emerged in a hail of dirt, tumbling uncontrollably. Okuwamon wasn't far behind.
"Blue Thunder!" Raidramon sent a blast of lightning at Okuwamon. The insectoid Digimon deflected the attack with one claw.
"So nice to see you again. Beetle Horn Attack!" Okuwamon fired a blast of energy at the Digidestined. Davis mounted Raidramon and pulled Cody up behind him. They jumped out of harm's way just in time. Raidramon set down next to the fallen Digmon.
Cody asked, "Digmon, are you okay?"
Digmon stood up, "Nothing a nice shell shine wouldn't fix. Let's go to Champion level and squash that bug!"
Davis nodded and dismounted Raidramon. Raidramon reverted back to Veemon, and Digmon reverted back to Armadillomon. Davis gave the order, "Digivolve!"
"Veemon digivolve to… XVmon!" Davis activated his digiterminal. The crests of Courage and Friendship sent their power into XVmon. "XVmon digivolve to… Paildramon!"
"Armadillomon digivolve to… Ankylomon!" The two Digimon faced off against Okuwamon.
Okuwamon chuckled, "I've grown stronger since we last met. You won't defeat me so easily."
Paildramon said, "We'll see. Dramon Blasters!" His cannons snapped to the front and fired bursts of energy.
"Beetle Horn Attack!" Okuwamon countered with his own energy attacks.
"Megaton Press!" Ankylomon rolled into a ball and rushed Okuwamon. The larger Digimon batted Ankylomon away as if he was a simple beach ball. Ankylomon smashed through two control spires before he came to a stop and reverted back to Armadillomon.
Paildramon rushed Okuwamon and tackled him. The two Digimon tumbled and roared as they struggled for the upper hand. Davis shouted, "Show him what your made of, Paildramon!"
"Double Scissor Claws!" Okuwamon brought one claw against Paildramon's head and knocked him to the ground. "Time to finish you!" He raised a claw above his head.
"Spiking Finish!" Stingmon came in from above and drove a blade of red energy at Okuwamon's head. The blade deflected off Okuwamon's thick shell, but the attack did knock Okuwamon off balance, giving Paildramon an opening.
"Dramon Blasters!" He shot a blast of energy into Okuwamon's belly. The insect Digimon shrieked and fell back.
Paildramon stood up, "Great timing, Stingmon."
Halsamon flew in and dropped Yolei off with Davis and Cody, then flew in to press the attack. "Tempest Wing!" He spun into a silver tornado and slammed into Okuwamon's belly. Okuwamon stumbled, but didn't fall. He brought his claw down on Halsemon and batted him away like an annoying fly. Paildramon and Stingmon flew in and hit Okuwamon with a double punch.
Okuwamon fell back. "I see a new tactic is required!" He burrowed underground before the other Digimon could stop him.
Davis frowned, "Why's he running?"
Yolei smiled, "Cause he knows we totally out-class him!"
Ken approached the group. "Be careful, he's planning something!"
"Beetle Horn Attack!" A large explosion blossomed in the forest. Paildramon, Stingmon, and Halsemon were about to close in on Okuwamon when a flaming tree was thrown up into the air. It landed right in the middle of the clearing, smashing against several spires in the process. The flames instantly began to spread to the grass. "Beetle Horn Attack!" Okuwamon threw another flaming tree into the clearing. The Digimon flew in to protect their respective partners as the flames continued to spread.
Paildramon scooped Davis up, "You have to get away from this fire!"
Davis protested, "But we can't let Okuwamon get at those spires!"
Stingmon said as he carried Ken, "You cannot protect this area while you are being burned alive! Fall back for now!"
Halsemon picked up Yolei and Cody, and they flew in to pick up Armadillomon. Cody held onto his friend as Halsemon soared higher, "Are you okay?"
Armadillomon's voice was shameful, "Sorry, Cody. I blew it."
Cody shook his head, "No you didn't. You fought very hard and you did fine. Don't worry, we'll defeat Okuwamon."
The Digimon in question had moved from his hiding place in the forest and was finally moving in on a control spire. "Yes! FINALLY!" He sunk his pincers into the nearest monolith. The black color of the spire seeped away into Okuwamon's body and the spire began to turn a pale white. When Okuwamon had finished draining the spire's energy, he flew off to the next one. The drained spire crumbled.
Davis shouted, "Paildramon, you can still blast him from here. Leave me with Stingmon and take that jerk down!"
Paildramon nodded, "Right!" He handed Davis to Stingmon and flew in at Okuwamon.
Okuwamon was already on his third spire by the time Paildramon was close enough to attack. "Dragon Strike!" Paildramon body flashed red and dove in at Okuwamon.
"Double Scissor Claws!" Okuwamon slammed his claw into Paildramon's head. Paildramon was knocked aside and lost all his strength. He reverted back to Veemon and tumbled towards the burning ground below.
"VEEMON!" Davis, Ken, and Stingmon swooped in and caught the falling Digimon. Davis asked, "Are you okay?"
Veemon moaned, "I can't beat him, Davis. What are we gonna do?"
Davis shook his head, "I don't know. You could crystal digivolve, but that's a last resort. Let's see if TK and Kari get here first. We can beat him together!"
Okuwamon drained energy from another spire. His body began to ripple and alternate between black and gray coloring. "At last, my Mega form is achieved! Okuwamon warp digivolve to…" The flames engulfed him. "GrandKuwagamon!" A burst of power snuffed the flames out, and a new Digimon could be seen in the middle of the ruined field. GrandKuwagamon looked like a larger black version of Kuwagamon. He had four huge claws and two tree trunk-sized legs. Four blood red wings protruded from his black, and dark red hair bristled from the back of his head. His two eyes were beady and red, as if they thirsted for the lives of other creatures.
GrandKuwagamon sighed, "At last. At long last. I am a MEGA!" He looked up at Stingmon, "And you four are my first victims. Catastrophe!" He held up his claws and formed a flaming ball of energy. GrandKuwagamon threw it up at Stingmon.
Ken shouted, "Dodge!" Stingmon dove to the side, but the energy of the blast was enough to hurtle Stingmon away without actually hitting him. Stingmon reverted back to Wormmon and all of he and all of his passengers tumbled into the tree tops below. Fortunately, the branches and leafs broke their fall.
Halsemon flew in. "Eagle Eye!" Red bolts of energy struck against GrandKuwagamon's body, but did no damage at all.
"Catastrophe!" Halsemon was just as unsuccessful as Stingmon in escaping the attack unharmed. Halsemon changed back into Hawkmon and he, Yolei, Cody, and Armadillomon joined the others in the treetops.
Davis grunted, "Is everyone okay?"
Hawkmon cried, "My wing! I can't move my wing!" He tried to raise his left wing, but it hurt too much. "I believe I have broken it."
Cody said, "We're too vulnerable up here. We need to get down." The Digidestined quickly descended from the treetops. Davis helped Yolei carry a wounded Hawkmon down.
Yolei asked, "What now? We can't beat a Mega! Where are TK and Kari?"
Davis sighed, "Veemon will just have to crystal digivolve. You ready, buddy?"
Veemon smiled, "You know it!"
Davis held up the Digivolution Crystal. "Crystal armor-" A loud crash cut Davis off. GrandKuwagamon had found them.
"And now the game ends. Catastrophe!" He fired a small blast of flaming energy. This attack was just enough to pick off the Digidestined one at a time. GrandKuwagamon wanted them to suffer before they died.
Davis saw who the attack would hit. "Cody, move!" Cody didn't move he was paralyzed with fear. He just stood there trembling as the ball of fire came closer.
Davis ran in at the younger boy. "CODY!" He shoved Cody to the side. The Digivolution Crystal flashed pure white, but it was too late. The fireball overtook Davis and he vanished in a red flash.
Everyone cried, "DAVIS!" The red light vanished. Davis could be seen lying on the ground. He was burned and smoking, but he was alive. The crystal's glow vanished.
GrandKuwagamon was taken aback. "He's still alive? Impressive."
"Hand of Fate!" Angemon flew in and fired his attack at GrandKuwagamon. The insect Digimon shielded himself with one claw. The attack had no effect.
"Celestial Arrow!" Angewoman appeared and tired her own attack. It did not effect GrandKuwagamon either.
TK and Kari ran up to the group. "DAVIS!" Kari screamed and ran up to the fallen boy. Cody was already by his side, and the others approached quickly.
Davis winced from the pain, but forced a smile. "Hey… glad you could make it… Kari… I'm okay…" He winced and coughed. That only brought more pain.
Kari shook her head, "Don't talk." She looked at the others. "We have to get him out of here."
GrandKuwagamon snarled, "You will not leave. This place shall be your grave. You will be gone and the glory will be all mine!"
"Actually," a voice came from the shadows between the trees. "the glory is for our master." Avatar stepped into view. The Digidestined stared in disbelief at the sight of another human in the Digital World. None of them were sure of the age limit of being a Digidestined, somehow none of them thought that the man before them was a Digidestined. Kari took a quick snapshot of him. Maybe Gennai could tell them who this old man was.
GrandKuwagamon said, "I don't need your master anymore! I am a Mega now! I can do anything!"
Avatar sighed, "I knew that this would come. Fortunately, the timing is perfect. I need a new host." The jewels on Avatar's headband glowed red, and the headband shot off the old man's head and flew in at GrandKuwagamon. The headband fastened itself to the Digimon's forehead and glowed an even brighter shade of red. GrandKuwagamon shrieked and clawed at his head, but the headband would not come off. Suddenly, the look in GrandKuwagamon's eyes changed. They went from deep red to crystal blue, and they were clearer, more peaceful. They seemed to possess a sense of coldness and complete control.
The old man stumbled and fell down. "W-where am I?"
GrandKuwagamon, the new Avatar, said, "You are at the end. Thank you for the use of your body. Goodbye. Catastrophe!" The old man vanished in a flash of red fire. The Digidestined watched in mute horror as the Mega Digimon turned to them. "It is now time for us to end this. Child of Hope, Child of Light, surrender yourselves and I will spare your allies."
TK asked, "What do you want with us?"
GrandKuwagamon said, "My master is in need of your services. Please don't force me to damage you. Come peacefully, please."
Kari shouted, "We'd never help someone like you, or your master!" TK nodded in agreement.
Angewoman interposed herself between the children and GrandKuwagamon. "Heaven's Charm!" She sent a pink cross of energy at the enemy. GrandKuwagamon was blinded by the attack, but unhurt.
Angemon and Angewoman scooped up TK, Kari, and the wounded Davis. Armadillomon digivolved again and Cody, Yolei, and Ken rode off into the forest. By the time GrandKuwagamon regained his sight, the children were gone.
He shouted, "You cannot escape me, you know. I will destroy the Digital World piece by piece until you show yourselves!" He stormed off towards the nearest inhabited area. GrandKuwagamon/Avatar would not fail his master.
* * * * * * * *
Kari asked Ken anxiously, "Is Davis going to be okay?" The Digidestined were currently hiding in the mountains, a short distance from the forest. Davis was the first concern on everyone's minds.
Ken replied, "I'm not all that experienced with medicine, but I think that Davis is going to recover. The Digivolution Crystal's power seems to have shielded Davis from GrandKuwagamon's attack, and so it did less damage than it should have. However, Davis isn't strong enough to travel back to Earth. Entering the digiport could kill him."
TK nodded, "Then we'll have to get Davis to a nearby town and have someone care for him." Off in the distance, an explosion sounded.
Ken's eyes narrowed, "Unfortunately, we don't have the time for that. GrandKuwagamon is wrecking havoc. We have to stop him, now."
Kari protested, "But what about Davis?"
Yolei said, "Guys, I'll stay and take care of Davis. Hawkmon's wing is broken, so we can't fight. If he and I went along, we'd only get in the way." Hawkmon's wing was supported in a makeshift sling from Ken's belt.
Kari replied, "But then neither of your Digimon can digivolve. What if a Digimon attacked you? I'll stay too and keep watch."
Ken shook his head, "No. We'll need every available fighter. Motomiya and Inoue's Digimon are the only ones that can crystal digivolve. Right now, we need all the firepower we can muster if we're going to defeat GrandKuwagamon. Motomiya and Inoue will just have to lie low for a while."
Kari started to talk, "But-"
Yolei put a hand on Kari's shoulder, "Kari, it's okay. We can look out for ourselves. Besides, I don't think any Digimon will show up."
Cody, meanwhile, was sitting next to Davis, who lay recovering on a ground with his jacket folded into a crude pillow. Cody shuddered, "I'm sorry, Davis. It's all my fault. You got hurt because I froze up. I'm so disappointed in myself." Cody knew that his parents and grandfather would be disappointed as well if they knew what was happening.
Davis' voice was strained, "It's not your fault."
Cody said, "Don't talk. You have to save your strength."
Davis replied, "No… Cody, listen. I want you to take the crystal."
Cody's eyes widened in horror. "NO! I can't take the Digivolution Crystal! I-I can't handle it."
Davis said, "My gut says that you can. I think it's your turn… C'mon, I know you can do it."
"But, I…"
Kari stepped up, "Cody, if Davis believes you can do it, then so do I. I know you can get Armadillomon to crystal digivolve."
TK nodded, "Yeah, and he'll beat GrandKuwagamon without even breaking a sweat!"
Yolei smiled, "Go for it, Cody!" She leaned down and gave Cody a peck on the cheek. "We believe in you." Cody instantly turned red.
He looked at Ken. The older boy only gave a slight nod.
Cody hesitated, then reached around Davis' neck and unfastened the crystal. He refastened it around his head. "I promise I'll give this back right away." Davis gave a slight smile.
Ken said, "We have to get moving." Patamon and Gatomon armor digivolved while Wormmon digivolved into Stingmon. Cody and Armadillomon rode with TK.
Kari called back, "Davis, you'd better not die while I'm gone. Otherwise I won't forgive you!"
Davis laughed then winced. He whispered, "I won't die. I couldn't stand to have you mad at me." Kari didn't hear him. Davis watched as the others flew off.
Cody watched Davis and Yolei as he flew away. Davis, I promise I'll fight as hard as I can. Thank you for having faith in me. The remaining Digidestined flew off to face GrandKuwagamon one final time.
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The final fight with GrandKuwagamon is next chapter! Keep your eyes peeled for the conclusion to Justice!
Judicium is Latin for decision.
Author's note: GrandKuwagamon came from the Digimon card game, courtesy of Megchan's Digimon Sekai. GrandKuwagamon is actually supposed to be the Mega form of Wormmon, but, like Paildramon, I changed the rules a little. I think it makes more sense this way. Though, I have to admit, it felt a little funny to write Paildramon and Stingmon battling side-by-side.
I don't really know much about Cody's mother. I only saw her once in "20,000 Digi-Leagues Under the Sea." She didn't have a large part, but she struck me as a very stern individual. This was my best guess at her character.