APOCALYMON: COMPLETE
This is Piedmon. Last time the Digidestined had to decided to spend one last night with their families before our fight with Apocalymon. Kari and Taichi then returned to Jijimon's Tower to be reunited together. I hope they return before Apocalymon's Annihilation Wave destroyed us all.
The light of the sun cast down onto the campsite of the Digidestined. It created a shadow along the forest ground. It truly was a sight to see the darkness and light fight for control.
"This is beautiful," Jun said, looking at the shadows of the forest,"In a weird sort of way."
She turned to the only other girl present. "Don't you think, Yolei?"
Yolei kept staring into space. "Yolei?"
"What?" she asked, surprised, turning her head to her bestfriend,"What is it?"
Jun sighed. "Yolei, I know what's on your mind, but Taichi needed to go."
"I know," Yolei said, sadly.
"Yolei," Jun said, hugging her,"Who's to say that Taichi won't come back? At this point, it could be either of them, right?"
Yolei nodded. "Yeah, I just don't know what I'll do if its Kari that comes back."
"Poor Yolei," T.K. thought, watching her poor her heart out to Jun,"It isn't fair. Sora has had nothing but heart break her entire two lives. I think she deserves some happiness."
The reborn Matt Ishida watched the reborn Sora. As he did, he started to feel strange, a feeling he had never felt before crept into his heart. She was smart, almost as smart as Cody. All of his friends at school considered her a nerd, and therefore found her unattractive, but T.K. always found her attractive, and quite cute. He wouldn't mind being seen with her on a date. "I don't believe it...."he thought to himself, completely surprised,"I think I'm....falling in love with Yolei."
While T.K. started to examine his feelings, Ken sat watching Piedmon. He seemed so calm as he stared into the sky, like he was searching for something. "What is it, Myotismon?" Piedmon asked without turning to face him.
"Uh," Ken said, surprised,"I...uh...that is..."
"You have been staring at me for the past ten minutes," he turned towards him,"What is it that you find so fascinating about me?"
"I was just thinking that I don't think I ever saw you fight before."
"Really?" Piedmon asked, interested.
Ken nodded. "Yeah. I served you, but you and the rest of the Dark Masters preferred to keep in the shadows and manipulate other Digimon into fighting for you."
Piedmon glared at him. "Are you calling me a coward?"
Wormmon and Veemon stood defensively at Ken's side. "I'm not calling you anything," Ken said, holding up his hands,"I was in charge of you entire army at one point, I know how strong you are. I just never saw you in battle."
Piedmon smiled slightly. "There was no need to battle when you came under my service. The four of us had destroyed all the other Megas. When you became our warlord, there was no one as strong as me. There was no need for me to fight until Wargreymon and Metalgarurumon appeared."
Piedmon's smiled faded as he looked into the sky. "You're going to get your chance to watch me fight."
"Jun," Davis said, looking at his sister. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" she asked.
"For the pain I've caused you," he said, looking at the ground,"I must have hurt you so bad when I went off with the Dark Masters. You must have hated me."
"You may be Puppetmon," Jun said," and I may be Mimi Tachikawa, but you are my brother. I always loved you, and I always will."
The two siblings hugged each other. It was strange. Before Davis went off with the Dark Masters, Jun never realized how much she really loved her younger brother. She knew that after this war was over, the two of them were going to be closer than they ever were before.
"That's nice," Cody said, watching the Motomiyas hug,"It makes me wish that I had a brother or sister."
Michael placed a hand on Cody's shoulder. "Cody, I want you to know something. Even back when we were Joe and Izzy, I've always thought of you as a brother."
Cody turned to him and smiled. "Thanks."
Everyone there was no full of happy thoughts and feelings. Although they may die this day, it suddenly didn't seem so bad.
Cody's laptop beeped. A computerized voice spoke out. "Ten hours until the destruction of the Digital World."
Everyone's smiles turned upside down. They were depressed again. Piedmon clenched his fist. "Come on, Apocalymon," he thought,"You have to make your move soon."
Nefertimon approached the dark stones of Jijimon's Holy Tower and quickly pulled up. "I think I just got whiplash," Agumon said.
"Sorry," Nefertimon said, continuing her way up. They reached the balcony of the tower and landed.
"Ah," Jijimon said, walking towards them with his staff,"You made it. Good."
"Is Genai here?" Taichi asked.
Jijimon nodded. "Yes, He is inside. Are you ready?"
"We can do this right now?" Kari asked, surprised.
"No," Genai said, walking towards them through the hall,"I got the e-mail you sent about Datamon's lab. I went over there and cleaned out his computer, but it will take some time to put together a machine to complete the download."
"You have to hurry," Kari said.
"I will do my best," Genai said, walking back into the hall.
"There is trouble," Jijimon said, "Apocalymon has arrived at the campsite."
"What?" Kari yelled.
"How can you tell that?" Taichi asked, confused.
Jijimon smiled slightly. "I can tell these things."
"What is happening right now?" Agumon asked.
"The Digidestined are just beginning to notice the hover ship...."
"He's here," T.K. said, grimly. The shadow of the hover ship was covering them. On the deck of the ship stood Anteiramon, his cloak billowing. The black skinned Tokomon that contained the spirit of Apocalymon was in a giant red seat next to him.
He started laughing. "Well, well, hello Digidestined." His eyes rested on Piedmon,"And I see that you are here as well. We should really get started. The Wave is already heading towards us, and I'm not dressed for the Apocalypse."
"Maybe I should give you some fashion pointers," Jun said.
The Tokomon laughed, "I would be happy to ask your brother. Maybe he could help me with a new suit. Do you think he could come up here and help?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Davis said,"Not unless I get compensated for your new outfit."
Anteiramon started laughing. He floated up into the air, and started his decent to the ground. "We don't pay for services rendered, but we do ask for a down payment. I'll have to extract a few 'pounds' from you."
"I'm sorry," T.K. said,"We don't have British money, do you take yen?"
Anteiramon landed in front of them. "I'm sorry. If you don't have any money, I'll take one of you instead."
T.K. took out his Digivice and turned to the others. "Are you guys ready?"
All the Digidestined cheered. "Then let's Digivolve" Patamon said.
"Alruamon digivolve to Ninjamon!"
"Hakwmon digivolve to Aquillamon!"
"Betamon digivolve to Seadramon!"
"Terriermon Golden Armor Digivolve to Rapidmon!"
"Veemon digivolve to Exveemon!"
"Wormmon digivolve to Stingmon!"
"Patamon digivolve to Angemon!"
"Armadillomon digivolve to Ankylomon!"
"Seadramon digivolve to Megaseadramon!"
"Exveemon...."
"Stingmon...."
"....DNA Digivolve to Paildramon!"
"Angemon...."
"Ankylomon....."
"....DNA Digivolve to Shakkoumon!"
The Digidestined stared down Anteiramon for a couple of seconds before the battle started. Paildramon lead the attack. He zoomed forward and went to kick Anteiramon in the head, but he ducked. He grabbed Paildramon by the leg and threw him away. Shakkoumon fired his Fajita Bombs. Anteiramon chanted a few magic words and erected a magical shield. The spinning bombs bounced off harmlessly.
Megaseadramon jumped forward. "Thunder Javelin!"
Anteiramon pointed his hand at the incoming lightning bolt. It disappeared in a circle of light. He jumped forward and grabbed Megaseadramon by the tail
Aquillamon and Ninjamon decided to team up. Ninjamon jumped onto Aquillamon's back and the two of them soared upward. The giant bird dive bombed Anteiramon. Ninjamon threw his spinning stars and Aquillamon opened his mouth wide. "Blast Rings!"
Anteiramon saw the two attacks coming and used Megaseadramon as a shield.
"Megaseadramon!" Michael called out as he Digimon fell to the ground.
"We're sorry," Aquillamon said, landing.
Megaseadramon lay at Anteiramon's feet. He looked around,"Who's next?"
Rapidmon jumped in front of him. "I am! Rapid Fire!"
Anteiramon quickly brought his arm in front of his body and deflected the twin missiles.
Aquillamon decided to give it another try. He rammed Anteiramon. "Grand Horn!"
The Priest of Darkness held out his hands and grabbed Aquillamon's horn, stopping his momentum. Aquillamon flapped his wings, trying to move forward, but Anteiramon was stopping him. "This is too easy," Anteiramon laughed.
Megaseadramon then regained conscience and jumped up, pointing his horn directly at Anteiramon's face. The Priest's eye looked at the horn for half a second. "Thunder Javelin!"
Anteiramon was thrown through the forest, destroying what little trees were left.
"Great job!" T.K. said,"I think we've got him."
"Stay sharp," Ken said,"He's coming back."
Anteiramon jumped up from where he hand landed. He soared in the air, then landed in front of the Digidestined. The side of his face was black, covered in electrical burns. Anteiramon threw his arms into the air. The sky turned pitch black. "What's going on?" Ken asked.
"Its the Annihilation Wave!" Yolei said,"Its here!"
"No," Cody said,"The ground isn't falling apart. It has to be something else."
"We'll stop him, whatever he's doing." Paildramon said. He floated forward with the other Digidestined Digimon.
Anteiramon smiled. "Go Back!" he shouted, throwing his arms down.
The Digidestined Digimon were thrown into the ground. "Shakkoumon!" Cody said,"Get up!"
"I....can't..." he said.
"Now," Anteiramon said,"I will regress you to your Digi-eggs, and destroy you! Ha ha hahahah!"
"I've got the sinking feeling," Paildramon said. He was surrounded in a white light, and turned into Exveemon and Stingmon.
"I'm changing back..." Megaseadramon said, turning to Seadramon.
"I just can't hold on..." Shakkoumon said, returning to Angemon and Ankylomon.
"Now," Antieramon said,"I am going to complete the spell and turn you all into Digi-eggs!"
Suddenly, Anteiramon was hurled across the destroyed forest by a foot in the side of his head. The sky returned to normal, but the Digimon remained in their Champion forms.
Anteiramon jumped up and looked to see who had hurt him. "Piedmon!" he asked, surprised.
The Dark Master stood with his fists clenched. "I think I have been patient long enough," he said,"I believe it is time for me to step in."
Anteiramon smiled and he stood. "Very well, let's go!"
The two Digimon charged at each other. Piedmon didn't even use his swords. He punched Anteiramon in the face and sent him staggering. He then kicked the priest in the stomach, and kicked him in the side of the face with his other leg.
"Piedmon?" Kari asked.
Jijimon nodded. "Yes, and it appears he is doing quite well. If Piedmon can destroy Anteiramon, then Apocalymon can't return to his body, because there will be no one to chant the incantations."
Taichi looked at Kari. "Kari, listen, I need some more time before..."
"What?" Kari asked, nearly yelling,"What do you mean?"
"I want to see how things play out between Piedmon and Anteiramon before we rejoin."
"You want to see how things play out?" Kari yelled. She then calmed down. "You're just scared..I know," she said, looking at the ground,"So am I." She looked back at Taichi,"We'll wait to see how things play out. Jijimon, what's happening right now?"
"Piedmon is still fighting Anteiramon....."
"Clown Trick!"
Anteiramon jumped into the air and avoided the energy blast. He hovered in the air and stared down at Piedmon, waiting for him to make the next move. When Piedmon didn't do anything, Anteiramon smiled. "Very well then, I will go first."
He placed his hands together and started chanting a few magical words. He then shot his hands open and a bolt of lightning escaped from his hands. Piedmon raised his hands and blocked the attack.
"Not bad," he said, looking at his hands,"But I know a few magical tricks myself." He reached behind his back and threw a white cloth towards Anteiramon. The priest raised his hand and stopped the hanker chef a few inches in front of his face. He moved his finger. "Na ah!"
He threw the cloth back towards Piedmon, but he slashed the cloth away with his sword. "This has gone on long enough!" He soared into the air and began fighting Anteiramon at a blinding speed.
The Digidestined stared at the battle ahead. Suddenly, Michael shouted out. "Oh shoot!" He turned to Cody,"How long until the Annihilation Wave hits us?"
Cody looked at his laptop,"Eight hours until the Digital World is destroyed, Five hours until the Wave reaches this area."
Davis stared at Piedmon fighting Anteiramon. "I hope he can defeat him."
Piedmon gained the upper hand against Anteiramon and threw him into the ground. He placed his hands together and extended his index fingers. "Clown Trick!"
The massive burst of energy hit Anteiramon causing a mighty explosion to kick up. There was a burst of light and a giant mushroom cloud of explosion. When it was gone, Anteiramon was no where in sight, and there was a giant crater.
"You did it!" Davis shouted,"Piedmon, you beat him!"
Piedmon smiled, then turned towards the hover ship. He's eyes met the gaze of the black skinned Tokomon. "Now, Apocalymon, its your turn."
"I don't think so," Apocalymon grinned, "I will soon be in my true body."
"Oh really," Piedmon asked.
"Yes," Tokomon said,"Right...now!"
Piedmon heard Davis yell out. Piedmon spun around and saw Anteiramon flying out of the ground right beside Davis. Anteiramon held out his hand on his way up and grabbed Davis in a stream of energy.
Jun ran over and grabbed Davis's hand, trying to pull him from the magic grip of Anteiramon. "Jun, don't let me go!"
Jun felt her grip slipping. "I'll never let you go, Davis, never."
She pulled as hard as she could. The other Digidestined were running over to help her, but it was too late. Davis slipped out of her hand and he hovered into the air to Anteiramon. "I love you Jun!" he shouted.
Anteiramon closed his fist and Davis was surrounded in a bubble. The reborn Puppetmon yelled out in pain, and his human being was dissolved away to reveal his wooden body underneath. The circle then closed in on him, turning him into a Digi-egg.
"No!" Piedmon yelled, charging forward. Anteiramon raised his other hand and blasted Peidmon to the ground. He then turned back to the hover craft. Two more Digi-eggs emerged from it.
"Metalseadramon and Apocalymon's body," Cody said.
Anteiramon began chanting and the three eggs joined together in a ball of light. The black skinned Tokomon than raised into the air and went to join with the ball of light.
"I must stop this!" Piedmon said,"Clown Trick!"
Anteiramon was ripped through the chest by Piedmon's attack. He turned to Piedmon and smiled. "A valiant effort, but, I'm afraid the spell is over." The Priest of Darkness than breathed his last.
The black skinned Tokomon joined with the ball of light. The light coursed with electricity and exploded, a cube appearing. The cube grew and became much bigger, with claws emerging from each side. On top, a black figure wearing a cape emerged.
"Ahh," Apocalymon said, clenching his fists,"It is good to be back to my old self again."
"No!" T.K. said,"He's been reunited in his old body!"
"Davis," Jun cried, hard,"Oh Davis."
"No," Jijimon said.
"What is it?" Taichi asked,"What happened?"
"Anteiramon got Davis."
"Oh no!" Kari said,"Did Apocalymon....?"
Jijimon nodded. "He's returned to his true body."
"No!" Kari said. She turned to Taichi. "We've got to join together now!"
Taichi nodded. "Agreed. Our combined strength is needed."
The two of them turned and walked down the hall. They met Genai, and he lead them to a large machine. There was two seats with metal helmets attached to the seats. The helmets were connected to each other by a long tube filled with wires. Behind the seats was a large metal box with a keyboard and a screen.
"Now," Genai said,"Those seats are for you, sit."
Taichi sat in the left one and Kari sat in the right one. "I'm filled with butterflies," Taichi said.
"So am I," Kari said,"But we are going to destroy Apocalymon."
Apocalymon looked down at the Digidestined and smiled. "This feels so good. To be back in your true body. I'm certain that you can understand that, being bodily displaced yourselves."
The Digidestined were too shock to say anything. Apocalymon shrugged. "To each his own, now let's get this started, hmm?" Apocalymon raised his hand and pointed two fingers at the Digidestined. He started counting off each one,"Enee, meanee, minee, moe, Catch-a-Digidestined-by-the-toe, if-he-hollers..." his fingers rested on Yolei,"..destroy-her!"
A red burst of energy left from Apocalymon's finger, heading on a collision course to Yolei. She and the rest of the Digidestined were too scared to move. "Look out!" Piedmon shouted, pushing Yolei to the ground. He then backhanded the red ball away, where it destroyed a nearby mountain.
Piedmon didn't waste any time. He had to attack Apocalymon while he was still surprised. Piedmon grabbed his swords and flung them. "Trump Sword!"
Apocalymon smiled. One of his claws swallowed the swords. Piedmon placed his fingers together. "Clown Trick!"
Another one of Apocalymon's claws blasted the energy aside. Using his hand, he fired a red blast from his palm that hit Piedmon and threw him to the ground. Apocalymon then fired more blasts from his fingers.
Piedmon landed on his back and was trying to move out of the way, but Apocalymon's other blasts hit in, tearing his body up.
"Guys," Jijimon said, turning towards Kari and Taichi,"You've got to hurry. Piedmon is getting killed."
Genai was just finishing attaching the helmet to Kari's head. "Are you almost finished?" Kari asked.
"Yes," Genai said. He walked around to the metal box behind the seats. Taichi reached up and felt the helmet around his head. "Are you sure this will work?"
"Yes," Genai said, typing into the keyboard,"I copied Datamon's device perfectly."
He kept typing at the keyboard. "Now, I want to reminded you again that I cannot reverse this process. When the download is complete, it is permanent."
"We understand," Taichi said.
"And I want you to know that you can end up as either body," Genai said,"During Datamon's download, the original Digidestined's body were near death. Taichi's body has been fully healed, so, it can go either way."
"We understand,"Kari said.
"Any time you're ready," Genai said.
Taichi turned to Agumon. "Listen, if the download happens in Kari's body, we'll have to be partnered with Gatomon. I just want you to know, that you've meant more to me than anything. You are my best friend Agumon, thank you."
Kari turned to Nefertimon. "And if we end up as Taichi, I want to thank you for being my partner. We should had fun together."
Nefertimon smiled and Agumon started blushing.
"Genai.."Kari said.
"...Do it!" Taichi said.
Genai nodded and pressed the enter button on the keyboard. Almost instantly, Kari's body was filled with light. She started screaming and griped onto to handles of the chair. Taichi started to scream a second later.
"I'm sorry," Genai said,"I didn't know this would be painful."
"No.."Kari said, through clenched teeth.
"Keep going..." Taichi said through clenched teeth.
The light suddenly exploded, sending a nova of light throughout the temple. Everyone present shielded their eyes. When the light faded, only Kari remained.
She reached up and disconnected the helmet. Standing up, she raised her hands and looked at the palms. Then she looked herself over, checking out her new attire. She was still wearing her pink and white shirt, and her pink gloves, but her shorts had been replaced by long pants, and she was now wearing a buttoned long sleeve shirt. She nodded to herself, approving of the outfit. She then closed her fists, and let them drop.
"Come on, Nefertimon," she said, unemotionally,"The other's need us."
She jumped onto her Digimon's back, and the two of them jumped off of the balcony and flew off.
Agumon ran to the railing and watched them fly off. He placed his remaining arm on the railing. He thought he saw an image of Taichi nodding to him slightly before Kari and Nefertimon disappeared from view. "Goodbye, old friend."
"Kari," Nefertimon said as they flew through the sky,"How are you feeling?"
"I feel incredible!" she said,"I am whole, I'm complete! No more doubts, no more self denying! I am whole! I am complete! I am Tai Kamyia!" She started laughing widely and cheering.
Piedmon continued to spasm as Apocalymon fired his blasts at his body. The Digidestined and the other Digimon were too scared to help. When Apocalymon was certain that Piedmon was not going to attack him back, he raised his hand. "And no," he said,"The final attack!"
He was about to fire at Piedmon, when a burst of light caught his eye. He stopped his attack and turned to the air. He saw Kari and Nefertimon floating in the sky.
"Look!" Ken shouted,"Its Kari! She's back!"
"Kari?" Yolei asked, turning to the sky. When she saw the brown haired girl in the sky, she started crying.
"I'm sorry, Yolei," T.K. said.
Nefertimon landed on the ground and turned back into Gatomon. Kari walked over to Piedmon. The last Dark Master turned his head towards her. "Hey, Tai, you made it."
"Tai?" Apocalymon asked,"As in Tai Kamiya?"
Kari looked up at the evil Digimon. She glared at him, giving Apocalymon the opportunity to see Kari's eyes. "It is you!" Apocalymon said, laughing hystericly,"The great Tai Kamiya, is now a girl! Ha ha ha ha!"
Piedmon couldn't get up, so he just turned his head to see her. "Kari, I'm glad you made it."
Kari saw how weakly he was talking. "Don't speak," she said,"You've got to save your strength."
Piedmon smiled slightly. "We both know that I'm not going to make it, but, if I had the chance, I would not trade this last battle for anything. It felt...good...to fight on the 'right' side for once. " He started laughing, then coughed.
"Piedmon, please..." Kari said, softly.
"I know...'cough'....that I've done some...'cough'...terrible things, but...for what its worth, I'm sorry. I was a virus, I couldn't act as a vaccine did. I was created to conquer. I wanted to help, but my programing fought against those urges. I finally had that chance. I was glad that I could have....'cough'....fought for someone, instead of just myself."
He smiled. "Hey, Tai, get that guy for me....don't let him win....we're all couting...on...you......................"
Kari felt a wind blow as Piedmon's eyes closed. "Goodbye, Piedmon," she said, softly,"You weren't as evil as you believed yourself to be. A heart of darkness...can't repent as you did, can't be selfless as you did. You demonstrated your caring when the other Dark Master's died, and your selflessness by dying for us. You must have been fighting against yourself your entire life. Thank you. Thank you for saving Yolei's life, and for buying enough time for me to return."
Kari turned towards Apocalymon. "You...you are pure evil! Only hate and death has been present in the Digital World since you arrived! I will stop you, here and now!"
"Oh really?" he asked,"Your Digimon may be able to reach Ultimate, but she is still not strong enough to beat me."
Kari clenched her firsts. Suddenly, Apocalymon's upper torso began to spasm. "W-what is going on?" Gatomon asked.
A small glowing circle shot out of his body. The ball of light floated down in front of Kari."The Digi-egg of Courage?" she asked. It then exploded. Kari closed her eyes. She felt something drop into her hands. "It changed into a Crest of Courage!"
"Kari?" Gatomon asked.
"Kari?" T.K. asked, stepping forward with the other Digidestined,"What's..what's going on?"
Kari clenched the crest in her hand. She smiled and glanced towards the sky. "Thanks, Davis." She then dropped the crest around her neck.
"So you have the Crest of Courage back," Apocalymon sneered,"So what?"
Kari smiled,"You forgot what this Crest can do!" The air around her started to shimmer, and lightning began to course through the sky.
"No!" Apocalymon shouted,"No, not again! No!"
"Just like before," Yolei said,"The Crest is changing."
The lightning in the sky and came together and blasted into the Crest of Courage around Kari's neck. The red crest with the symbol of the sun melted away and a pink crest with a symbol of a star appeared.
"NO!" Apocalymon shouted,"Not that crest! That crest...."
"Yes," Kari said, smiling,"The crest that almost beat you last time! The Crest that I call, the Crest of Light!"
She held out her Digivice,"Its time."
Gatomon nodded. "Gatomon digivolve to Angewomon!"
"Angewomon digivolve to Holydramon!"
Apocalymon stared in horror at the large Holy Dragon Digimon that grew on the ground. Kari got onto Holydramon's head and grabbed her two horns with her hands. Without turning around, she said,"Guys, I want you to get back to earth. There is no reason for you to remain in the Digital World now."
"What?" T.K. asked,"I'm not going anywhere!"
"You have to, Matt!" she snapped,"I'm the only one that stands a chance, and if you die here, there will be no to stop him if I fail!"
"I guess you're right," T.K. growled,"Let's go Digidestined."
Everyone left, except for Yolei. "Sora," Kari said, without turning around,"I...I just want to tell you that I never wanted to hurt you."
Yolei nodded."I know, you needed to do this. That is what I love about you, your determination for sacrifice. You would have made a great father."
Kari kept staring at Apocalymon. "Go!"
Yolei nodded. "Right. Good luck, Tai. I love you."
"And I love you, Sora," Kari said.
TO BE CONCLUDED...
NEXT CHAPTER:
ITS KARI AND HOLYDRAMON VS. APOCALYMON!
This is Piedmon. Last time the Digidestined had to decided to spend one last night with their families before our fight with Apocalymon. Kari and Taichi then returned to Jijimon's Tower to be reunited together. I hope they return before Apocalymon's Annihilation Wave destroyed us all.
The light of the sun cast down onto the campsite of the Digidestined. It created a shadow along the forest ground. It truly was a sight to see the darkness and light fight for control.
"This is beautiful," Jun said, looking at the shadows of the forest,"In a weird sort of way."
She turned to the only other girl present. "Don't you think, Yolei?"
Yolei kept staring into space. "Yolei?"
"What?" she asked, surprised, turning her head to her bestfriend,"What is it?"
Jun sighed. "Yolei, I know what's on your mind, but Taichi needed to go."
"I know," Yolei said, sadly.
"Yolei," Jun said, hugging her,"Who's to say that Taichi won't come back? At this point, it could be either of them, right?"
Yolei nodded. "Yeah, I just don't know what I'll do if its Kari that comes back."
"Poor Yolei," T.K. thought, watching her poor her heart out to Jun,"It isn't fair. Sora has had nothing but heart break her entire two lives. I think she deserves some happiness."
The reborn Matt Ishida watched the reborn Sora. As he did, he started to feel strange, a feeling he had never felt before crept into his heart. She was smart, almost as smart as Cody. All of his friends at school considered her a nerd, and therefore found her unattractive, but T.K. always found her attractive, and quite cute. He wouldn't mind being seen with her on a date. "I don't believe it...."he thought to himself, completely surprised,"I think I'm....falling in love with Yolei."
While T.K. started to examine his feelings, Ken sat watching Piedmon. He seemed so calm as he stared into the sky, like he was searching for something. "What is it, Myotismon?" Piedmon asked without turning to face him.
"Uh," Ken said, surprised,"I...uh...that is..."
"You have been staring at me for the past ten minutes," he turned towards him,"What is it that you find so fascinating about me?"
"I was just thinking that I don't think I ever saw you fight before."
"Really?" Piedmon asked, interested.
Ken nodded. "Yeah. I served you, but you and the rest of the Dark Masters preferred to keep in the shadows and manipulate other Digimon into fighting for you."
Piedmon glared at him. "Are you calling me a coward?"
Wormmon and Veemon stood defensively at Ken's side. "I'm not calling you anything," Ken said, holding up his hands,"I was in charge of you entire army at one point, I know how strong you are. I just never saw you in battle."
Piedmon smiled slightly. "There was no need to battle when you came under my service. The four of us had destroyed all the other Megas. When you became our warlord, there was no one as strong as me. There was no need for me to fight until Wargreymon and Metalgarurumon appeared."
Piedmon's smiled faded as he looked into the sky. "You're going to get your chance to watch me fight."
"Jun," Davis said, looking at his sister. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" she asked.
"For the pain I've caused you," he said, looking at the ground,"I must have hurt you so bad when I went off with the Dark Masters. You must have hated me."
"You may be Puppetmon," Jun said," and I may be Mimi Tachikawa, but you are my brother. I always loved you, and I always will."
The two siblings hugged each other. It was strange. Before Davis went off with the Dark Masters, Jun never realized how much she really loved her younger brother. She knew that after this war was over, the two of them were going to be closer than they ever were before.
"That's nice," Cody said, watching the Motomiyas hug,"It makes me wish that I had a brother or sister."
Michael placed a hand on Cody's shoulder. "Cody, I want you to know something. Even back when we were Joe and Izzy, I've always thought of you as a brother."
Cody turned to him and smiled. "Thanks."
Everyone there was no full of happy thoughts and feelings. Although they may die this day, it suddenly didn't seem so bad.
Cody's laptop beeped. A computerized voice spoke out. "Ten hours until the destruction of the Digital World."
Everyone's smiles turned upside down. They were depressed again. Piedmon clenched his fist. "Come on, Apocalymon," he thought,"You have to make your move soon."
Nefertimon approached the dark stones of Jijimon's Holy Tower and quickly pulled up. "I think I just got whiplash," Agumon said.
"Sorry," Nefertimon said, continuing her way up. They reached the balcony of the tower and landed.
"Ah," Jijimon said, walking towards them with his staff,"You made it. Good."
"Is Genai here?" Taichi asked.
Jijimon nodded. "Yes, He is inside. Are you ready?"
"We can do this right now?" Kari asked, surprised.
"No," Genai said, walking towards them through the hall,"I got the e-mail you sent about Datamon's lab. I went over there and cleaned out his computer, but it will take some time to put together a machine to complete the download."
"You have to hurry," Kari said.
"I will do my best," Genai said, walking back into the hall.
"There is trouble," Jijimon said, "Apocalymon has arrived at the campsite."
"What?" Kari yelled.
"How can you tell that?" Taichi asked, confused.
Jijimon smiled slightly. "I can tell these things."
"What is happening right now?" Agumon asked.
"The Digidestined are just beginning to notice the hover ship...."
"He's here," T.K. said, grimly. The shadow of the hover ship was covering them. On the deck of the ship stood Anteiramon, his cloak billowing. The black skinned Tokomon that contained the spirit of Apocalymon was in a giant red seat next to him.
He started laughing. "Well, well, hello Digidestined." His eyes rested on Piedmon,"And I see that you are here as well. We should really get started. The Wave is already heading towards us, and I'm not dressed for the Apocalypse."
"Maybe I should give you some fashion pointers," Jun said.
The Tokomon laughed, "I would be happy to ask your brother. Maybe he could help me with a new suit. Do you think he could come up here and help?"
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Davis said,"Not unless I get compensated for your new outfit."
Anteiramon started laughing. He floated up into the air, and started his decent to the ground. "We don't pay for services rendered, but we do ask for a down payment. I'll have to extract a few 'pounds' from you."
"I'm sorry," T.K. said,"We don't have British money, do you take yen?"
Anteiramon landed in front of them. "I'm sorry. If you don't have any money, I'll take one of you instead."
T.K. took out his Digivice and turned to the others. "Are you guys ready?"
All the Digidestined cheered. "Then let's Digivolve" Patamon said.
"Alruamon digivolve to Ninjamon!"
"Hakwmon digivolve to Aquillamon!"
"Betamon digivolve to Seadramon!"
"Terriermon Golden Armor Digivolve to Rapidmon!"
"Veemon digivolve to Exveemon!"
"Wormmon digivolve to Stingmon!"
"Patamon digivolve to Angemon!"
"Armadillomon digivolve to Ankylomon!"
"Seadramon digivolve to Megaseadramon!"
"Exveemon...."
"Stingmon...."
"....DNA Digivolve to Paildramon!"
"Angemon...."
"Ankylomon....."
"....DNA Digivolve to Shakkoumon!"
The Digidestined stared down Anteiramon for a couple of seconds before the battle started. Paildramon lead the attack. He zoomed forward and went to kick Anteiramon in the head, but he ducked. He grabbed Paildramon by the leg and threw him away. Shakkoumon fired his Fajita Bombs. Anteiramon chanted a few magic words and erected a magical shield. The spinning bombs bounced off harmlessly.
Megaseadramon jumped forward. "Thunder Javelin!"
Anteiramon pointed his hand at the incoming lightning bolt. It disappeared in a circle of light. He jumped forward and grabbed Megaseadramon by the tail
Aquillamon and Ninjamon decided to team up. Ninjamon jumped onto Aquillamon's back and the two of them soared upward. The giant bird dive bombed Anteiramon. Ninjamon threw his spinning stars and Aquillamon opened his mouth wide. "Blast Rings!"
Anteiramon saw the two attacks coming and used Megaseadramon as a shield.
"Megaseadramon!" Michael called out as he Digimon fell to the ground.
"We're sorry," Aquillamon said, landing.
Megaseadramon lay at Anteiramon's feet. He looked around,"Who's next?"
Rapidmon jumped in front of him. "I am! Rapid Fire!"
Anteiramon quickly brought his arm in front of his body and deflected the twin missiles.
Aquillamon decided to give it another try. He rammed Anteiramon. "Grand Horn!"
The Priest of Darkness held out his hands and grabbed Aquillamon's horn, stopping his momentum. Aquillamon flapped his wings, trying to move forward, but Anteiramon was stopping him. "This is too easy," Anteiramon laughed.
Megaseadramon then regained conscience and jumped up, pointing his horn directly at Anteiramon's face. The Priest's eye looked at the horn for half a second. "Thunder Javelin!"
Anteiramon was thrown through the forest, destroying what little trees were left.
"Great job!" T.K. said,"I think we've got him."
"Stay sharp," Ken said,"He's coming back."
Anteiramon jumped up from where he hand landed. He soared in the air, then landed in front of the Digidestined. The side of his face was black, covered in electrical burns. Anteiramon threw his arms into the air. The sky turned pitch black. "What's going on?" Ken asked.
"Its the Annihilation Wave!" Yolei said,"Its here!"
"No," Cody said,"The ground isn't falling apart. It has to be something else."
"We'll stop him, whatever he's doing." Paildramon said. He floated forward with the other Digidestined Digimon.
Anteiramon smiled. "Go Back!" he shouted, throwing his arms down.
The Digidestined Digimon were thrown into the ground. "Shakkoumon!" Cody said,"Get up!"
"I....can't..." he said.
"Now," Anteiramon said,"I will regress you to your Digi-eggs, and destroy you! Ha ha hahahah!"
"I've got the sinking feeling," Paildramon said. He was surrounded in a white light, and turned into Exveemon and Stingmon.
"I'm changing back..." Megaseadramon said, turning to Seadramon.
"I just can't hold on..." Shakkoumon said, returning to Angemon and Ankylomon.
"Now," Antieramon said,"I am going to complete the spell and turn you all into Digi-eggs!"
Suddenly, Anteiramon was hurled across the destroyed forest by a foot in the side of his head. The sky returned to normal, but the Digimon remained in their Champion forms.
Anteiramon jumped up and looked to see who had hurt him. "Piedmon!" he asked, surprised.
The Dark Master stood with his fists clenched. "I think I have been patient long enough," he said,"I believe it is time for me to step in."
Anteiramon smiled and he stood. "Very well, let's go!"
The two Digimon charged at each other. Piedmon didn't even use his swords. He punched Anteiramon in the face and sent him staggering. He then kicked the priest in the stomach, and kicked him in the side of the face with his other leg.
"Piedmon?" Kari asked.
Jijimon nodded. "Yes, and it appears he is doing quite well. If Piedmon can destroy Anteiramon, then Apocalymon can't return to his body, because there will be no one to chant the incantations."
Taichi looked at Kari. "Kari, listen, I need some more time before..."
"What?" Kari asked, nearly yelling,"What do you mean?"
"I want to see how things play out between Piedmon and Anteiramon before we rejoin."
"You want to see how things play out?" Kari yelled. She then calmed down. "You're just scared..I know," she said, looking at the ground,"So am I." She looked back at Taichi,"We'll wait to see how things play out. Jijimon, what's happening right now?"
"Piedmon is still fighting Anteiramon....."
"Clown Trick!"
Anteiramon jumped into the air and avoided the energy blast. He hovered in the air and stared down at Piedmon, waiting for him to make the next move. When Piedmon didn't do anything, Anteiramon smiled. "Very well then, I will go first."
He placed his hands together and started chanting a few magical words. He then shot his hands open and a bolt of lightning escaped from his hands. Piedmon raised his hands and blocked the attack.
"Not bad," he said, looking at his hands,"But I know a few magical tricks myself." He reached behind his back and threw a white cloth towards Anteiramon. The priest raised his hand and stopped the hanker chef a few inches in front of his face. He moved his finger. "Na ah!"
He threw the cloth back towards Piedmon, but he slashed the cloth away with his sword. "This has gone on long enough!" He soared into the air and began fighting Anteiramon at a blinding speed.
The Digidestined stared at the battle ahead. Suddenly, Michael shouted out. "Oh shoot!" He turned to Cody,"How long until the Annihilation Wave hits us?"
Cody looked at his laptop,"Eight hours until the Digital World is destroyed, Five hours until the Wave reaches this area."
Davis stared at Piedmon fighting Anteiramon. "I hope he can defeat him."
Piedmon gained the upper hand against Anteiramon and threw him into the ground. He placed his hands together and extended his index fingers. "Clown Trick!"
The massive burst of energy hit Anteiramon causing a mighty explosion to kick up. There was a burst of light and a giant mushroom cloud of explosion. When it was gone, Anteiramon was no where in sight, and there was a giant crater.
"You did it!" Davis shouted,"Piedmon, you beat him!"
Piedmon smiled, then turned towards the hover ship. He's eyes met the gaze of the black skinned Tokomon. "Now, Apocalymon, its your turn."
"I don't think so," Apocalymon grinned, "I will soon be in my true body."
"Oh really," Piedmon asked.
"Yes," Tokomon said,"Right...now!"
Piedmon heard Davis yell out. Piedmon spun around and saw Anteiramon flying out of the ground right beside Davis. Anteiramon held out his hand on his way up and grabbed Davis in a stream of energy.
Jun ran over and grabbed Davis's hand, trying to pull him from the magic grip of Anteiramon. "Jun, don't let me go!"
Jun felt her grip slipping. "I'll never let you go, Davis, never."
She pulled as hard as she could. The other Digidestined were running over to help her, but it was too late. Davis slipped out of her hand and he hovered into the air to Anteiramon. "I love you Jun!" he shouted.
Anteiramon closed his fist and Davis was surrounded in a bubble. The reborn Puppetmon yelled out in pain, and his human being was dissolved away to reveal his wooden body underneath. The circle then closed in on him, turning him into a Digi-egg.
"No!" Piedmon yelled, charging forward. Anteiramon raised his other hand and blasted Peidmon to the ground. He then turned back to the hover craft. Two more Digi-eggs emerged from it.
"Metalseadramon and Apocalymon's body," Cody said.
Anteiramon began chanting and the three eggs joined together in a ball of light. The black skinned Tokomon than raised into the air and went to join with the ball of light.
"I must stop this!" Piedmon said,"Clown Trick!"
Anteiramon was ripped through the chest by Piedmon's attack. He turned to Piedmon and smiled. "A valiant effort, but, I'm afraid the spell is over." The Priest of Darkness than breathed his last.
The black skinned Tokomon joined with the ball of light. The light coursed with electricity and exploded, a cube appearing. The cube grew and became much bigger, with claws emerging from each side. On top, a black figure wearing a cape emerged.
"Ahh," Apocalymon said, clenching his fists,"It is good to be back to my old self again."
"No!" T.K. said,"He's been reunited in his old body!"
"Davis," Jun cried, hard,"Oh Davis."
"No," Jijimon said.
"What is it?" Taichi asked,"What happened?"
"Anteiramon got Davis."
"Oh no!" Kari said,"Did Apocalymon....?"
Jijimon nodded. "He's returned to his true body."
"No!" Kari said. She turned to Taichi. "We've got to join together now!"
Taichi nodded. "Agreed. Our combined strength is needed."
The two of them turned and walked down the hall. They met Genai, and he lead them to a large machine. There was two seats with metal helmets attached to the seats. The helmets were connected to each other by a long tube filled with wires. Behind the seats was a large metal box with a keyboard and a screen.
"Now," Genai said,"Those seats are for you, sit."
Taichi sat in the left one and Kari sat in the right one. "I'm filled with butterflies," Taichi said.
"So am I," Kari said,"But we are going to destroy Apocalymon."
Apocalymon looked down at the Digidestined and smiled. "This feels so good. To be back in your true body. I'm certain that you can understand that, being bodily displaced yourselves."
The Digidestined were too shock to say anything. Apocalymon shrugged. "To each his own, now let's get this started, hmm?" Apocalymon raised his hand and pointed two fingers at the Digidestined. He started counting off each one,"Enee, meanee, minee, moe, Catch-a-Digidestined-by-the-toe, if-he-hollers..." his fingers rested on Yolei,"..destroy-her!"
A red burst of energy left from Apocalymon's finger, heading on a collision course to Yolei. She and the rest of the Digidestined were too scared to move. "Look out!" Piedmon shouted, pushing Yolei to the ground. He then backhanded the red ball away, where it destroyed a nearby mountain.
Piedmon didn't waste any time. He had to attack Apocalymon while he was still surprised. Piedmon grabbed his swords and flung them. "Trump Sword!"
Apocalymon smiled. One of his claws swallowed the swords. Piedmon placed his fingers together. "Clown Trick!"
Another one of Apocalymon's claws blasted the energy aside. Using his hand, he fired a red blast from his palm that hit Piedmon and threw him to the ground. Apocalymon then fired more blasts from his fingers.
Piedmon landed on his back and was trying to move out of the way, but Apocalymon's other blasts hit in, tearing his body up.
"Guys," Jijimon said, turning towards Kari and Taichi,"You've got to hurry. Piedmon is getting killed."
Genai was just finishing attaching the helmet to Kari's head. "Are you almost finished?" Kari asked.
"Yes," Genai said. He walked around to the metal box behind the seats. Taichi reached up and felt the helmet around his head. "Are you sure this will work?"
"Yes," Genai said, typing into the keyboard,"I copied Datamon's device perfectly."
He kept typing at the keyboard. "Now, I want to reminded you again that I cannot reverse this process. When the download is complete, it is permanent."
"We understand," Taichi said.
"And I want you to know that you can end up as either body," Genai said,"During Datamon's download, the original Digidestined's body were near death. Taichi's body has been fully healed, so, it can go either way."
"We understand,"Kari said.
"Any time you're ready," Genai said.
Taichi turned to Agumon. "Listen, if the download happens in Kari's body, we'll have to be partnered with Gatomon. I just want you to know, that you've meant more to me than anything. You are my best friend Agumon, thank you."
Kari turned to Nefertimon. "And if we end up as Taichi, I want to thank you for being my partner. We should had fun together."
Nefertimon smiled and Agumon started blushing.
"Genai.."Kari said.
"...Do it!" Taichi said.
Genai nodded and pressed the enter button on the keyboard. Almost instantly, Kari's body was filled with light. She started screaming and griped onto to handles of the chair. Taichi started to scream a second later.
"I'm sorry," Genai said,"I didn't know this would be painful."
"No.."Kari said, through clenched teeth.
"Keep going..." Taichi said through clenched teeth.
The light suddenly exploded, sending a nova of light throughout the temple. Everyone present shielded their eyes. When the light faded, only Kari remained.
She reached up and disconnected the helmet. Standing up, she raised her hands and looked at the palms. Then she looked herself over, checking out her new attire. She was still wearing her pink and white shirt, and her pink gloves, but her shorts had been replaced by long pants, and she was now wearing a buttoned long sleeve shirt. She nodded to herself, approving of the outfit. She then closed her fists, and let them drop.
"Come on, Nefertimon," she said, unemotionally,"The other's need us."
She jumped onto her Digimon's back, and the two of them jumped off of the balcony and flew off.
Agumon ran to the railing and watched them fly off. He placed his remaining arm on the railing. He thought he saw an image of Taichi nodding to him slightly before Kari and Nefertimon disappeared from view. "Goodbye, old friend."
"Kari," Nefertimon said as they flew through the sky,"How are you feeling?"
"I feel incredible!" she said,"I am whole, I'm complete! No more doubts, no more self denying! I am whole! I am complete! I am Tai Kamyia!" She started laughing widely and cheering.
Piedmon continued to spasm as Apocalymon fired his blasts at his body. The Digidestined and the other Digimon were too scared to help. When Apocalymon was certain that Piedmon was not going to attack him back, he raised his hand. "And no," he said,"The final attack!"
He was about to fire at Piedmon, when a burst of light caught his eye. He stopped his attack and turned to the air. He saw Kari and Nefertimon floating in the sky.
"Look!" Ken shouted,"Its Kari! She's back!"
"Kari?" Yolei asked, turning to the sky. When she saw the brown haired girl in the sky, she started crying.
"I'm sorry, Yolei," T.K. said.
Nefertimon landed on the ground and turned back into Gatomon. Kari walked over to Piedmon. The last Dark Master turned his head towards her. "Hey, Tai, you made it."
"Tai?" Apocalymon asked,"As in Tai Kamiya?"
Kari looked up at the evil Digimon. She glared at him, giving Apocalymon the opportunity to see Kari's eyes. "It is you!" Apocalymon said, laughing hystericly,"The great Tai Kamiya, is now a girl! Ha ha ha ha!"
Piedmon couldn't get up, so he just turned his head to see her. "Kari, I'm glad you made it."
Kari saw how weakly he was talking. "Don't speak," she said,"You've got to save your strength."
Piedmon smiled slightly. "We both know that I'm not going to make it, but, if I had the chance, I would not trade this last battle for anything. It felt...good...to fight on the 'right' side for once. " He started laughing, then coughed.
"Piedmon, please..." Kari said, softly.
"I know...'cough'....that I've done some...'cough'...terrible things, but...for what its worth, I'm sorry. I was a virus, I couldn't act as a vaccine did. I was created to conquer. I wanted to help, but my programing fought against those urges. I finally had that chance. I was glad that I could have....'cough'....fought for someone, instead of just myself."
He smiled. "Hey, Tai, get that guy for me....don't let him win....we're all couting...on...you......................"
Kari felt a wind blow as Piedmon's eyes closed. "Goodbye, Piedmon," she said, softly,"You weren't as evil as you believed yourself to be. A heart of darkness...can't repent as you did, can't be selfless as you did. You demonstrated your caring when the other Dark Master's died, and your selflessness by dying for us. You must have been fighting against yourself your entire life. Thank you. Thank you for saving Yolei's life, and for buying enough time for me to return."
Kari turned towards Apocalymon. "You...you are pure evil! Only hate and death has been present in the Digital World since you arrived! I will stop you, here and now!"
"Oh really?" he asked,"Your Digimon may be able to reach Ultimate, but she is still not strong enough to beat me."
Kari clenched her firsts. Suddenly, Apocalymon's upper torso began to spasm. "W-what is going on?" Gatomon asked.
A small glowing circle shot out of his body. The ball of light floated down in front of Kari."The Digi-egg of Courage?" she asked. It then exploded. Kari closed her eyes. She felt something drop into her hands. "It changed into a Crest of Courage!"
"Kari?" Gatomon asked.
"Kari?" T.K. asked, stepping forward with the other Digidestined,"What's..what's going on?"
Kari clenched the crest in her hand. She smiled and glanced towards the sky. "Thanks, Davis." She then dropped the crest around her neck.
"So you have the Crest of Courage back," Apocalymon sneered,"So what?"
Kari smiled,"You forgot what this Crest can do!" The air around her started to shimmer, and lightning began to course through the sky.
"No!" Apocalymon shouted,"No, not again! No!"
"Just like before," Yolei said,"The Crest is changing."
The lightning in the sky and came together and blasted into the Crest of Courage around Kari's neck. The red crest with the symbol of the sun melted away and a pink crest with a symbol of a star appeared.
"NO!" Apocalymon shouted,"Not that crest! That crest...."
"Yes," Kari said, smiling,"The crest that almost beat you last time! The Crest that I call, the Crest of Light!"
She held out her Digivice,"Its time."
Gatomon nodded. "Gatomon digivolve to Angewomon!"
"Angewomon digivolve to Holydramon!"
Apocalymon stared in horror at the large Holy Dragon Digimon that grew on the ground. Kari got onto Holydramon's head and grabbed her two horns with her hands. Without turning around, she said,"Guys, I want you to get back to earth. There is no reason for you to remain in the Digital World now."
"What?" T.K. asked,"I'm not going anywhere!"
"You have to, Matt!" she snapped,"I'm the only one that stands a chance, and if you die here, there will be no to stop him if I fail!"
"I guess you're right," T.K. growled,"Let's go Digidestined."
Everyone left, except for Yolei. "Sora," Kari said, without turning around,"I...I just want to tell you that I never wanted to hurt you."
Yolei nodded."I know, you needed to do this. That is what I love about you, your determination for sacrifice. You would have made a great father."
Kari kept staring at Apocalymon. "Go!"
Yolei nodded. "Right. Good luck, Tai. I love you."
"And I love you, Sora," Kari said.
TO BE CONCLUDED...
NEXT CHAPTER:
ITS KARI AND HOLYDRAMON VS. APOCALYMON!