Chapter Four
~ The Digimon Warlord Revealed ~
Tai and Kari dashed into the computer in the school and slammed the door shut. "Hey, morning guys. Sorry we're late. I had fallen asleep at my computer." Tai said, as the others greeted him and his sister. Placing his backpack onto the closest desk, he sat into the chair next to Izzy. Looking up at the screen, he saw a map of the Digital World had been drawn up. "Okay, so what's up in our home away from home?" He asked cheerfully.
Izzy looked over at his goggle headed friend. "Well," he started, sounding much older than sixteen, "The Digimon Warlord has begun to take the Digital World over by force. He has managed to gain control of many different and powerful Digimon and turn them into his own personal hit and run Digital Mob."
Standing from the windowsill, Sora placed her hands on hips. "And because of the fact that our Digimon can't Digivolve without us there, they are in danger." Walking over to the screen, Sora stared at the screen longingly. "If we only had our crests again...then we might have a chance against this jerk." She stated softly.
Suddenly, Tai burst out laughing. He threw himself back into his chair and held his sides because they began to hurt. "What is so funny, Tai? Our Digimon could be dying and you're sitting here laughing your head off!" Mimi shouted angrily.
Gaining control over his harsh laughter, Tai stood and walked over to him backpack. Unzipping the larger pocket, he withdrew a small wooden jewelry box, which belonged to Kari. Placing it onto the desk, Tai looked up at his friends and their questionable looks. "Funny you should mention our crests, Sora." The teen began. Opening the lid, Tai searched through the small box until finally he spoke, "I have gifts for all of you. But you have to close your eyes and hold out your hands." Tai said, smiling.
Although completely forced to, the other Digidestined closed their eyes and held out their hands. One by one, Tai placed the rightful crest into its respected teen hand. After they were given back, Kari smiled and shouted. "Okay! Open your eyes!"
"What?" T.K. asked, holding up his Crest of Hope.
"This is impossible." Matt stated, placing the Crest of Friendship around his neck.
"How can this be? Our crests were destroyed by Myotismon five years ago." Joe stated, holding his up to the light.
Tai smiled as he watched his friends examine and put on the newly restored crests. 'I'm glad that they're happy. But, I don't want to tell them that I'm the one who helped restore them. I just...can't. Ava... Guardianmon is right. We are powerful...but just how power can we really be?' He thought, looking over at the computer screen.
"Tai, how did you get our crests back?" Izzy questioned, looking over at his daydreaming friend.
Looking back at his friends and family, Tai got 'a foot in his mouth'. "Um...Genni made new ones..."
The others looked at one another and then back at Tai. "Really? That's awesome, Tai." T.K. stated, smiling.
"It's the truth." Tai stated coolly.
Suddenly, all of the Digidestined digivices went off at the same time. "Looks like were being paged." Joe stated as he walked over to the computer. Looking back at the others, Joe held up his digivice. "Well, shall we get this party started?" He asked, a big grin on his face.
Withdrawing their computer devices as well, the seven other digidestined joined Joe in front of the computer. "Okay guys! Let's do it! DIGIPORT OPEN!" Tai shouted, holding up his digivice. As they became covered in the warm light of the portal, Tai smiled to himself, 'Ava...Let's fight this guy once and for all...together.' He thought as he and the others vanished.
**********
When they arrived in the Digital world, an explosion greeted the Digidestined. The dust flew into their eyes and into their noses. "Gross! Dust!" Mimi shouted, covering her face.
"Tai! Guys! Over here!" A voice shouted off to the side.
Looking out from behide his arms, Tai saw Ava standing by a cluster of trees. She waved her arms in the air, signaling for him and the others to come over towards her. "Guys! This way!" Tai shouted, heading towards the girl. All eight digidestined ran over to the trees. When they reached them, all of the teens fell to the ground, breathing hard. Looking up, Tai was met with Ava's hand outstretched to him. "Ava, when did you get here?" He asked, accepting her hand.
Pulling Tai to his feet, Ava smiled, "I just got here. Lucky for me, I was met by a few friends of yours." She stated, pointing over her shoulder.
Peering over Ava shoulder, Tai saw the eight Digimon that belonged to him, his sister, and his friends. "Agumon! Hey buddy!" Tai said happily, grabbing his Digimon's attention.
"Tai! It's really you!" Agumon shouted as he ran to his companion. Tai fell to his knees so that he could huge the dinosaur Digimon and talk to him at eye level. "Man, it feels as if I haven't seen you in five years." Agumon continued.
Pulling away from his friend, Tai smiled. "You haven't seen me in five years, Agumon. But then again, you never had a good grasp on years and dates." He laughed.
As the other teens became reunited with their Digimon, Ava glanced over at Tai. "Hey Tai," She started, looking at him in the eyes. "Did you tell them about...you know...our special powers?"
Tai stiffened at her question. Looking down at the grass beneath his feet, Tai gulped, "I...couldn't. They were happy to get their crests back and I didn't want to spring anything new on them. Besides," He stopped and looked Ava in her hazel eyes. Moving closer to her so only she could hear, he whispered, "I want to keep this between us for now. It will come out when the time is right."
Nodding, Ava bent down and picked up a small tiger-looking cub. Its fur was a blackish color with a bit of orange mixed in. Tai cocked an eyebrow at Ava as she held the small cat. "Tai, this is Catalamon. You met her when she was in her Tigermon form. This is her rookie form."
"Nice to meet you, Catalamon." Tai established, petting the cat's head.
Looking up at Tai, the feline Digimon grinned. "Ditto. I'm enchanted to meet you."
"Hey you two!" Matt shouted at Tai and Ava. Turning around, the two teens were met by glances of the other Digidestined. "Are you finished flirting with each other? Tai, Aren't you going to introduce us to her?" The blond-haired guitarist said, a smile on his lips.
Smiling dumbly, Tai cleared his throat. "Okay. Ava, I'll go from left to right. First, there is Matt. He has his own band and is a great singer." He stated.
"Nice to meet you, Ava." Matt said, his flirtation mode beginning to kick in.
Clearing his throat even louder to cut Matt's concentration, Tai continued, "Next, there is Mimi and Sora. These two are joined at the hip. They are best friends. Mimi models and is a cheerleader and Sora is on Student Council, the dance committee, and she sings in the choir." Mimi and Sora both smiled sweetly as they said hello. "Next, there is my sister, Kari and Matt's little brother, T.K. They are dating and their freshmen at our school. Kari does photo, while T.K. is in the Art Honor Society. And finally, there is Joe and Izzy. Joe is a junior and is on the Student Council with Sora. Izzy is the president of the Computer Club and is taking classes at the local computer and Tech. College."
"It's nice to meet all of you." Ava confirmed. Looking over at Tai, she smiled her charming smile. "Hey, the Digimon Warlord is on the move. He was last seen moving in this direction. So I think we should prepare the Digimon for battle by having them Crest Digivolve."
"Wait a sec. You have a crest?" Izzy questioned.
Ava looked over at the computer wiz and withdrew the piece of jewelry from inside her shirt. "Yea. I got mine when Tai got his and yours back. Mine is the Crest of Life." She said proudly.
"The Crest of Life?" Sora asked, looking at the symbol inside the glass. The actual crest had a small circle in the center of it that was half-black and half-white. Then eight points stuck out from it, each one alternating from black to white. "I've never heard of it before."
"That's because it was just created last night, Sora." Tai stated.
T.K. straighten his back up and held up his digivice. "Enough talk. Let's get a move on just in case the Digimon Warlord decides to show up." He stated his voice sounding very determined and ready for battle.
"Right!" The other shouted in unison.
"Agumon Crest Digivolve to...Metalgraymon!"
"Gabumon Crest Digivolve to...Weregarurumon!"
"Biyomon Crest Digivolve to...Garudamon!"
"Tentomon Crest Digivolve to...MegaKabuterimon!"
"Palmon Crest Digivolve to...Lillymon!"
"Gomamon Crest Digivolve to...Zudomon!"
"Patamon Crest Digivolve to...MagnaAngemon!"
"Gatomon Crest Digivolve to...MegaAngewomon!"
"Catalamon Crest Digivolve to...MetalTigermon!"
As soon as the Digimon finished Crest Digivolving, a deep rich laugh filled the air. "Well, well, well. I see you have brought in the Calvary to try to beat me." The voice of the Digimon Warlord echoed. He sounded very close to the group of Digidestined and their Digimon but he wasn't in clear eye range. The teens looked around the surrounding area franticly, trying to find were the jerk was. But these actions only made the Warlord laugh. "Please. You look too sad even for words."
"Show yourself or I'll have MetalTigermon turn this whole forest into ashes!" Ava shouted, sounding very annoyed.
That's when he revealed himself from in the treetops. "Anything for you, my love." The teen said, his armor clacking as it hit the ground.
Tai and the others looked at Ava. "He has a crush on me...Never gonna happen." Ava stated.
The young armored man stopped dead in his tracks at Ava's compliment. "Really. Do you think so, Ava? Well, I will stop at nothing to have the Digiworld to rule over with you by my side." He said as he ran back to the tree he jumped out of. All of a sudden, the ground began to shake underneath the teenagers' feet. Then, in a huge cloud of dust rose from the ground a huge Digimon. "I would like you to meet my new pet, Calloramon. He is extremely deadly with his Double-Edge Thunder Attack. It's quite shocking." The warlord laughed.
"Bring it on!" Tai shouted as the newly Digivolved Digimon at their new threat head on. The battle raged on fiercely. Calloramon was beating the Crest Digimon very harshly. Finally, the Digidestined Digimon just gave out and returned to their in-training forms. "NO!" Tai shouted as he ran to his Digimon's side.
"Catalamon, speak to me!" Ava cried, holding her friend in her arms. She felt the hot tears beginning to form in her eyes, as her sleeping friend lay there motionless. She could hear the others trying to coax their companions awake. "Please Catalamon. Live, dammit, Live!" She shouted.
"Agumon...please. Have the courage to keep fighting." Tai whispered to his friend.
Suddenly, both Tai and Ava's crest began to glow. The light that flew from both of the small pieces of glass was enormous. "What's happening?" Matt shouted, covering his eyes.
"Tai and Ava's crests are reacting to something...But I don't know what." Izzy yelled back.
As the two teens looked at their crests in wonder, they suddenly became engulfed in the warm white light. "Tai...Ava..." A familiar voice said softly.
Tai looked up, only to be met by shock. Both he and Ava were in the black outfits again and they were kneeling in front of each other. Ava was staring at him, her expression the same as his. "This is a bit of Dejivu, if you ask me." Ava said, her voice echoing throughout the white void.
Suddenly, the familiar face of Guardianmon appeared at the sides of the two teens. "Tai and Ava. Please release my power. Release me to fight this demon and I will beat him."
"How do we release you?" Tai asked, knowing that he was desperate to try anything.
The woman in white smiled her normal smile. "The same way you set your new crests free. Use that chant."
Ava looked up at Guardianmon and smiled. "We will release you. Right Tai?" She stated coolly. Looking back at the teenage boy, Ava was met with a pale face. Tai looked as if he was ready to give out at any moment. "Tai, What's wrong?" She asked, her voice becoming concerned. She reached over and grabbed Tai's shoulders, trying to support the young man.
"I don't really know. My whole body feels really tired and weak." Tai's voice explained.
Guardianmon reached over to both teens and rested her hands on top of their heads. "Tai and Ava. Because you are inside this light shield, you are slowly becoming weaker. Tai, because of your injuries from your soccer game earlier this week, you are getting weaker quicker." Removing her hands, Guardianmon began to fade. "I will remove the light shield, but in order for you to win, you must release my power to destroy this evil Digimon."
Both of the teenagers nodded in agreement. "Very well. Remember to join your hands together to release the power." Guardianmon whispered as she fanished from sight.
Suddenly, the light shield around the two digidestined faded and they were back on the battlefield. "Tai! Ava!" Izzy's voice shouted.
Looking at one another, Tai held up his hands to Ava's. "Let's do this." He said weakly.
Agreeing, Ava placed her hands into his. "Crest of Courage and the Crest of Light. Surrender your powers...our force ignite...Release!" They shouted in unison.
The sky around the area of battle began a clear white color. The Digimon returned to their rookie forms, only to gaze at the powers of magic that were appearing before them. Tai and Ava's crests began to glow once more. "Our Digimon digivolved back to the rookie level. Izzy, What's happening?" Matt asked, looking over at his computer wiz friend.
Izzy looked at Matt and the rest of the questionable Digidestined faces. "To tell you the true, I have no idea."
As they turned back to the field, the seven other Digidestined could only watch as the two crests powers were combined.
"What is this power I am feeling?" The Digimon Warlord grumbled to himself as he, too, watched the lights from the crests glow brighter by the minute.
Suddenly, the crests power shot out a huge blast of energy. The ball floated above Tai and Ava's heads and slowly made its way to the ground. With all eyes upon it, the sphere turned into the Digimon, Guardianmon. Lifting her head, the long, white haired Digimon stood strongly in front of the two teens that set her free. Looking up at the Digimon Warlord with her deep blue eyes, Guardianmon spoke. "Are you the one who calls himself the Digimon Warlord?" Her voice echoed through the area around her. A light glow still surrounded her persona.
Reaching into his backpack, Izzy withdrew his laptop. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he brought up the Digimon Analyzer. "That's Guardianmon. She is one of the most powerful Digimon to ever exist in the Digital World. But here it says that she was destroyed over fifty years ago." The boy explained, looking at the others around him. Staring back out at the clearing, Izzy saw Tai and Ava still kneeling. Their eyes were closed and they had their hands still locked in each others. "Look at Tai and Ava. They look as if..."
"As if they are in a trance." Sora stated, finishing Izzy's comment.
While the Digidestined watched from the sidelines, Guardianmon was loosing her temper. "Are you the Digimon Warlord?" She shouted, anger rising in her once gentle voice.
Looking down from on top of his Digimon, the masked teen laughed. "Yeah. I am he. And what are you going to do about it?" He joked.
Lowering her head, the woman laughed. "Well, I think it is about time you revel yourself to the rest of the Digidestined." Suddenly, Guardianmon rose into the air slowly. She floated lightly and gracefully above the battlefield until she was even with the teen. Raising one of her slender fingers, Guardianmon stated, "Holy Gateway!"
A large gust of wind shot from the tip of her hand right at the Warlord. Loosing his balance, the boy fell from his Digimon and hit the ground hard. His helmet flew from his head and landed at the feet of Guardianmon. Shielding his face, the teen sat up. "What have you done?" He demanded, as he pulled his hands away from his face.
As he looked at the other digidestined, his face was met by a gasp from Kari. "No, it can't be. It's you? Chris Sono?" She asked in shock.
Standing from where he hit the ground, Chris dusted himself off. "Yea. I am the Digimon Warlord. But you shouldn't be the one who is shocked, little Kayima. I'm the one who is in shock." Chris stated, moving slowly backwards. "Who would of thought that Tai and his group of losers could be the all powerful Digidestined. Well, I must admit. I am impressed. But not by much." Suddenly, a black light appeared behide the teen. "Well, it appears that my ride has arrived. Until we meet again, Digilosers!" And with at, Chris vanished into the portal and his Digimon followed.
Guardianmon turned from the closing portal to face the Digidestined, who came running towards her. "Guardianmon, that was amazing." Mimi stated.
Lowering to her knees, Guardianmon placed her hands onto Tai and Ava's heads. "I must go." She stated, closing her eyes.
"But Guardianmon, at least tell us this, how did Genni bring our crests back? I mean the dark masters destroyed them." Kari asked, smiling innocently.
Looking away from the two teens, Guardianmon stood. "Genni was not the one who revived your crests of power." Her voice had become sincere once again and she smiled a soft grin. She turned so that she faced the Digidestined completely. "When I brought Tai and Ava to the digital world last night, I gave them a spell to create new crests from two of nature's most beautiful elements: the water and the moonlight. They are the ones who created them, not Genni."
"So then, why didn't they tell us?" Matt asked, anger coming to his voice.
Guardianmon turned and placed one of her soft, white hands onto Tai's cheek. "They are afraid."
"Of what?" Joe questioned.
"Of their power. They fear the great power within them and what might happen if it becomes too much." She stated. Placing her other hand onto Ava's face, the Digimon whispered, "Return me to my place of rest."
Tai and Ava's eyes flew opened and her command. Their eyes looked like glass and seemed to have no feeling to them. Suddenly, they both spoke in unison, "Guardianmon, return to your sleeping power confined."
The woman slowly began to vanish into the crests of the two teens. "Digidestined, when you are out of ideas on how to fight, summon me and I will fight." She whispered and with that disappeared into the Crest of Courage and the Crest of Life.
Ava closed her eyes and then reopened them. Her head felt very light and she felt faint. "What the...?" She asked, placing her hand over her eyes. She started to fall backward but T.K. managed to catch her. "T.K.? Ava asked weakly, looking through her fingers.
Smiling, T.K. nodded. "Yea, it's me." He stated.
Tai closed his eyes as well, but unlike Ava, he fell backwards and into Kari's arms. "Tai! Tai, are you okay? Tai, speak to me!" She shouted, shaking her brother's limp body.
"It's alright, Kari. He just very tired from using all that energy." Joe established, as he checked his friend's pulse.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Kari smiled down at her brother. "Well, now we know that Chris is the Warlord and now we have a new Digimon. What else can happen?" She asked to the rest of the group.
Matt looked down at his watch, "Well, for starters, we could be late getting home for dinner." He stated, making the others laugh.
'Tai, you were great. Now you can sleep as much as you want, at least until the Digiworld needs us again.' Kari thought as she held her brother in her arms. 'What a great guy...for an older brother.'
***********
A gentle melody whispered through Tai's mind as he became surrounded in a warm light. The song sounded as if it was from Ireland, for there was a heavy sound of the violin and Tin Whistle being used. He stood in his normal clothes, with his crest and goggles added on. Tai's eyes wandered around the white void until he saw a sight of a black figure moving in the distance. "What is that?" The teen asked to no one.
As Tai continued to watch, the figure was actually two outlines of two people. One of the people had long flowing hair that hung onto the ground. They held a staff in their hands that had the Crest of Life on top of it. The other person held two double-blade samurai swords in their hands. They wore a fearsome looking armor and a helmet hiding their features. 'The bearer of Courage...' One of the people whispered into the wind.
"Who are you?" Tai called back, cupping his hands over his mouth to make his voice travel.
The figures began to slow vanish into the light behide them, "We are the future...the death master is coming..." A female voice stated.
Tai began to run towards the figures. "Wait! Who are you? Who is the death master? Wait!" He called, reaching one of his slender arms towards the figures. Suddenly, the two people vanished, leaving Tai alone.
"Wait!!!" Tai shouted, falling to his knees.
***********
Shooting up in bed, Tai called out to the figures still. "Wait!" He called weakly as he looked around. He felt his clammy hands touch his forehead as he glanced around his new surroundings. Tai saw the familiar posters of the Italian Soccer Team and Aerosmith of his room hanging around him. "What?" He whispered, looking around the room. "I'm home?" Tai saw his shirt flung over his desk chair, which explained why his chest felt very cool.
A light creek caught Tai's attention as the door opened. "You're awake. I'm glad." The rich sound of Ava's voice hit Tai's ears like a warm summer's day. The young teen stepped into the bearer of Courage's bedroom, carrying a small tray. She smiled as she shut the door behide her. "It is a good thing your parents aren't home or they would be spazing." She stated softly, walking towards Tai's bed.
"Ava?" Tai questioned, still feeling as if he was still in a dream. 'A beautiful girl in my bedroom and my parents aren't home? This has to be a dream.'
Ava smiled as she sat down next to the in shock boy. "The others are in the living room watching TV. They were really worried when we brought you home. I guess Guardianmon was right about the using too much energy thing, huh?" she asked, pouring some water into a glass.
Tai turned and looked back out the window. Swinging his legs around, Tai stood from his bed and walked towards the balcony. Flinging the doors wide open, Tai stepped into the mild night air. The lights from the city glowed even brighter from his balcony than any others. He smiled and closed his eyes as a breeze rushed past his face. "It feels so good to be home." He proclaimed.
Looking down at the bay, Tai noticed the faint glow of the stars shimmering in the dark water. "It's so beautiful here." Ava stated, looking out with Tai at the water.
The young teen looked over the girl. He ran his eyes along her gentle features. Her red lips and graceful hazel eyes seemed to be so alluring to him. Ava's shoulder black hair blew past her face, making her look as if she were flying. Her pale skin seemed so soft and fragile, like glass. "You're beautiful." He whispered.
Running her hand through her hair, Ava smiled at Tai. "Tai..." She whispered, moving closer to the leader of the Digidestined. "I don't know why but I feel so calm right now...as if I have wanted this to happen for the longest time."
Leaning her head on Tai's shoulder, Ava closed her eyes. Smiling Tai placed an arm around the girl's shoulders, drawing her closely to him. Finally, Tai rapped both of his arms around the girl's tiny waist. "Me too, Ava. Me too." He murmured. 'The death master...the two strange figures...no. Don't let those thoughts ruin this moment...' He told himself.
As the two teens stood there holding each other, the door to Tai's room closed quietly. "Tai...What a sly dog." Matt said, letting go of the doorknob.
~ The Digimon Warlord Revealed ~
Tai and Kari dashed into the computer in the school and slammed the door shut. "Hey, morning guys. Sorry we're late. I had fallen asleep at my computer." Tai said, as the others greeted him and his sister. Placing his backpack onto the closest desk, he sat into the chair next to Izzy. Looking up at the screen, he saw a map of the Digital World had been drawn up. "Okay, so what's up in our home away from home?" He asked cheerfully.
Izzy looked over at his goggle headed friend. "Well," he started, sounding much older than sixteen, "The Digimon Warlord has begun to take the Digital World over by force. He has managed to gain control of many different and powerful Digimon and turn them into his own personal hit and run Digital Mob."
Standing from the windowsill, Sora placed her hands on hips. "And because of the fact that our Digimon can't Digivolve without us there, they are in danger." Walking over to the screen, Sora stared at the screen longingly. "If we only had our crests again...then we might have a chance against this jerk." She stated softly.
Suddenly, Tai burst out laughing. He threw himself back into his chair and held his sides because they began to hurt. "What is so funny, Tai? Our Digimon could be dying and you're sitting here laughing your head off!" Mimi shouted angrily.
Gaining control over his harsh laughter, Tai stood and walked over to him backpack. Unzipping the larger pocket, he withdrew a small wooden jewelry box, which belonged to Kari. Placing it onto the desk, Tai looked up at his friends and their questionable looks. "Funny you should mention our crests, Sora." The teen began. Opening the lid, Tai searched through the small box until finally he spoke, "I have gifts for all of you. But you have to close your eyes and hold out your hands." Tai said, smiling.
Although completely forced to, the other Digidestined closed their eyes and held out their hands. One by one, Tai placed the rightful crest into its respected teen hand. After they were given back, Kari smiled and shouted. "Okay! Open your eyes!"
"What?" T.K. asked, holding up his Crest of Hope.
"This is impossible." Matt stated, placing the Crest of Friendship around his neck.
"How can this be? Our crests were destroyed by Myotismon five years ago." Joe stated, holding his up to the light.
Tai smiled as he watched his friends examine and put on the newly restored crests. 'I'm glad that they're happy. But, I don't want to tell them that I'm the one who helped restore them. I just...can't. Ava... Guardianmon is right. We are powerful...but just how power can we really be?' He thought, looking over at the computer screen.
"Tai, how did you get our crests back?" Izzy questioned, looking over at his daydreaming friend.
Looking back at his friends and family, Tai got 'a foot in his mouth'. "Um...Genni made new ones..."
The others looked at one another and then back at Tai. "Really? That's awesome, Tai." T.K. stated, smiling.
"It's the truth." Tai stated coolly.
Suddenly, all of the Digidestined digivices went off at the same time. "Looks like were being paged." Joe stated as he walked over to the computer. Looking back at the others, Joe held up his digivice. "Well, shall we get this party started?" He asked, a big grin on his face.
Withdrawing their computer devices as well, the seven other digidestined joined Joe in front of the computer. "Okay guys! Let's do it! DIGIPORT OPEN!" Tai shouted, holding up his digivice. As they became covered in the warm light of the portal, Tai smiled to himself, 'Ava...Let's fight this guy once and for all...together.' He thought as he and the others vanished.
**********
When they arrived in the Digital world, an explosion greeted the Digidestined. The dust flew into their eyes and into their noses. "Gross! Dust!" Mimi shouted, covering her face.
"Tai! Guys! Over here!" A voice shouted off to the side.
Looking out from behide his arms, Tai saw Ava standing by a cluster of trees. She waved her arms in the air, signaling for him and the others to come over towards her. "Guys! This way!" Tai shouted, heading towards the girl. All eight digidestined ran over to the trees. When they reached them, all of the teens fell to the ground, breathing hard. Looking up, Tai was met with Ava's hand outstretched to him. "Ava, when did you get here?" He asked, accepting her hand.
Pulling Tai to his feet, Ava smiled, "I just got here. Lucky for me, I was met by a few friends of yours." She stated, pointing over her shoulder.
Peering over Ava shoulder, Tai saw the eight Digimon that belonged to him, his sister, and his friends. "Agumon! Hey buddy!" Tai said happily, grabbing his Digimon's attention.
"Tai! It's really you!" Agumon shouted as he ran to his companion. Tai fell to his knees so that he could huge the dinosaur Digimon and talk to him at eye level. "Man, it feels as if I haven't seen you in five years." Agumon continued.
Pulling away from his friend, Tai smiled. "You haven't seen me in five years, Agumon. But then again, you never had a good grasp on years and dates." He laughed.
As the other teens became reunited with their Digimon, Ava glanced over at Tai. "Hey Tai," She started, looking at him in the eyes. "Did you tell them about...you know...our special powers?"
Tai stiffened at her question. Looking down at the grass beneath his feet, Tai gulped, "I...couldn't. They were happy to get their crests back and I didn't want to spring anything new on them. Besides," He stopped and looked Ava in her hazel eyes. Moving closer to her so only she could hear, he whispered, "I want to keep this between us for now. It will come out when the time is right."
Nodding, Ava bent down and picked up a small tiger-looking cub. Its fur was a blackish color with a bit of orange mixed in. Tai cocked an eyebrow at Ava as she held the small cat. "Tai, this is Catalamon. You met her when she was in her Tigermon form. This is her rookie form."
"Nice to meet you, Catalamon." Tai established, petting the cat's head.
Looking up at Tai, the feline Digimon grinned. "Ditto. I'm enchanted to meet you."
"Hey you two!" Matt shouted at Tai and Ava. Turning around, the two teens were met by glances of the other Digidestined. "Are you finished flirting with each other? Tai, Aren't you going to introduce us to her?" The blond-haired guitarist said, a smile on his lips.
Smiling dumbly, Tai cleared his throat. "Okay. Ava, I'll go from left to right. First, there is Matt. He has his own band and is a great singer." He stated.
"Nice to meet you, Ava." Matt said, his flirtation mode beginning to kick in.
Clearing his throat even louder to cut Matt's concentration, Tai continued, "Next, there is Mimi and Sora. These two are joined at the hip. They are best friends. Mimi models and is a cheerleader and Sora is on Student Council, the dance committee, and she sings in the choir." Mimi and Sora both smiled sweetly as they said hello. "Next, there is my sister, Kari and Matt's little brother, T.K. They are dating and their freshmen at our school. Kari does photo, while T.K. is in the Art Honor Society. And finally, there is Joe and Izzy. Joe is a junior and is on the Student Council with Sora. Izzy is the president of the Computer Club and is taking classes at the local computer and Tech. College."
"It's nice to meet all of you." Ava confirmed. Looking over at Tai, she smiled her charming smile. "Hey, the Digimon Warlord is on the move. He was last seen moving in this direction. So I think we should prepare the Digimon for battle by having them Crest Digivolve."
"Wait a sec. You have a crest?" Izzy questioned.
Ava looked over at the computer wiz and withdrew the piece of jewelry from inside her shirt. "Yea. I got mine when Tai got his and yours back. Mine is the Crest of Life." She said proudly.
"The Crest of Life?" Sora asked, looking at the symbol inside the glass. The actual crest had a small circle in the center of it that was half-black and half-white. Then eight points stuck out from it, each one alternating from black to white. "I've never heard of it before."
"That's because it was just created last night, Sora." Tai stated.
T.K. straighten his back up and held up his digivice. "Enough talk. Let's get a move on just in case the Digimon Warlord decides to show up." He stated his voice sounding very determined and ready for battle.
"Right!" The other shouted in unison.
"Agumon Crest Digivolve to...Metalgraymon!"
"Gabumon Crest Digivolve to...Weregarurumon!"
"Biyomon Crest Digivolve to...Garudamon!"
"Tentomon Crest Digivolve to...MegaKabuterimon!"
"Palmon Crest Digivolve to...Lillymon!"
"Gomamon Crest Digivolve to...Zudomon!"
"Patamon Crest Digivolve to...MagnaAngemon!"
"Gatomon Crest Digivolve to...MegaAngewomon!"
"Catalamon Crest Digivolve to...MetalTigermon!"
As soon as the Digimon finished Crest Digivolving, a deep rich laugh filled the air. "Well, well, well. I see you have brought in the Calvary to try to beat me." The voice of the Digimon Warlord echoed. He sounded very close to the group of Digidestined and their Digimon but he wasn't in clear eye range. The teens looked around the surrounding area franticly, trying to find were the jerk was. But these actions only made the Warlord laugh. "Please. You look too sad even for words."
"Show yourself or I'll have MetalTigermon turn this whole forest into ashes!" Ava shouted, sounding very annoyed.
That's when he revealed himself from in the treetops. "Anything for you, my love." The teen said, his armor clacking as it hit the ground.
Tai and the others looked at Ava. "He has a crush on me...Never gonna happen." Ava stated.
The young armored man stopped dead in his tracks at Ava's compliment. "Really. Do you think so, Ava? Well, I will stop at nothing to have the Digiworld to rule over with you by my side." He said as he ran back to the tree he jumped out of. All of a sudden, the ground began to shake underneath the teenagers' feet. Then, in a huge cloud of dust rose from the ground a huge Digimon. "I would like you to meet my new pet, Calloramon. He is extremely deadly with his Double-Edge Thunder Attack. It's quite shocking." The warlord laughed.
"Bring it on!" Tai shouted as the newly Digivolved Digimon at their new threat head on. The battle raged on fiercely. Calloramon was beating the Crest Digimon very harshly. Finally, the Digidestined Digimon just gave out and returned to their in-training forms. "NO!" Tai shouted as he ran to his Digimon's side.
"Catalamon, speak to me!" Ava cried, holding her friend in her arms. She felt the hot tears beginning to form in her eyes, as her sleeping friend lay there motionless. She could hear the others trying to coax their companions awake. "Please Catalamon. Live, dammit, Live!" She shouted.
"Agumon...please. Have the courage to keep fighting." Tai whispered to his friend.
Suddenly, both Tai and Ava's crest began to glow. The light that flew from both of the small pieces of glass was enormous. "What's happening?" Matt shouted, covering his eyes.
"Tai and Ava's crests are reacting to something...But I don't know what." Izzy yelled back.
As the two teens looked at their crests in wonder, they suddenly became engulfed in the warm white light. "Tai...Ava..." A familiar voice said softly.
Tai looked up, only to be met by shock. Both he and Ava were in the black outfits again and they were kneeling in front of each other. Ava was staring at him, her expression the same as his. "This is a bit of Dejivu, if you ask me." Ava said, her voice echoing throughout the white void.
Suddenly, the familiar face of Guardianmon appeared at the sides of the two teens. "Tai and Ava. Please release my power. Release me to fight this demon and I will beat him."
"How do we release you?" Tai asked, knowing that he was desperate to try anything.
The woman in white smiled her normal smile. "The same way you set your new crests free. Use that chant."
Ava looked up at Guardianmon and smiled. "We will release you. Right Tai?" She stated coolly. Looking back at the teenage boy, Ava was met with a pale face. Tai looked as if he was ready to give out at any moment. "Tai, What's wrong?" She asked, her voice becoming concerned. She reached over and grabbed Tai's shoulders, trying to support the young man.
"I don't really know. My whole body feels really tired and weak." Tai's voice explained.
Guardianmon reached over to both teens and rested her hands on top of their heads. "Tai and Ava. Because you are inside this light shield, you are slowly becoming weaker. Tai, because of your injuries from your soccer game earlier this week, you are getting weaker quicker." Removing her hands, Guardianmon began to fade. "I will remove the light shield, but in order for you to win, you must release my power to destroy this evil Digimon."
Both of the teenagers nodded in agreement. "Very well. Remember to join your hands together to release the power." Guardianmon whispered as she fanished from sight.
Suddenly, the light shield around the two digidestined faded and they were back on the battlefield. "Tai! Ava!" Izzy's voice shouted.
Looking at one another, Tai held up his hands to Ava's. "Let's do this." He said weakly.
Agreeing, Ava placed her hands into his. "Crest of Courage and the Crest of Light. Surrender your powers...our force ignite...Release!" They shouted in unison.
The sky around the area of battle began a clear white color. The Digimon returned to their rookie forms, only to gaze at the powers of magic that were appearing before them. Tai and Ava's crests began to glow once more. "Our Digimon digivolved back to the rookie level. Izzy, What's happening?" Matt asked, looking over at his computer wiz friend.
Izzy looked at Matt and the rest of the questionable Digidestined faces. "To tell you the true, I have no idea."
As they turned back to the field, the seven other Digidestined could only watch as the two crests powers were combined.
"What is this power I am feeling?" The Digimon Warlord grumbled to himself as he, too, watched the lights from the crests glow brighter by the minute.
Suddenly, the crests power shot out a huge blast of energy. The ball floated above Tai and Ava's heads and slowly made its way to the ground. With all eyes upon it, the sphere turned into the Digimon, Guardianmon. Lifting her head, the long, white haired Digimon stood strongly in front of the two teens that set her free. Looking up at the Digimon Warlord with her deep blue eyes, Guardianmon spoke. "Are you the one who calls himself the Digimon Warlord?" Her voice echoed through the area around her. A light glow still surrounded her persona.
Reaching into his backpack, Izzy withdrew his laptop. Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he brought up the Digimon Analyzer. "That's Guardianmon. She is one of the most powerful Digimon to ever exist in the Digital World. But here it says that she was destroyed over fifty years ago." The boy explained, looking at the others around him. Staring back out at the clearing, Izzy saw Tai and Ava still kneeling. Their eyes were closed and they had their hands still locked in each others. "Look at Tai and Ava. They look as if..."
"As if they are in a trance." Sora stated, finishing Izzy's comment.
While the Digidestined watched from the sidelines, Guardianmon was loosing her temper. "Are you the Digimon Warlord?" She shouted, anger rising in her once gentle voice.
Looking down from on top of his Digimon, the masked teen laughed. "Yeah. I am he. And what are you going to do about it?" He joked.
Lowering her head, the woman laughed. "Well, I think it is about time you revel yourself to the rest of the Digidestined." Suddenly, Guardianmon rose into the air slowly. She floated lightly and gracefully above the battlefield until she was even with the teen. Raising one of her slender fingers, Guardianmon stated, "Holy Gateway!"
A large gust of wind shot from the tip of her hand right at the Warlord. Loosing his balance, the boy fell from his Digimon and hit the ground hard. His helmet flew from his head and landed at the feet of Guardianmon. Shielding his face, the teen sat up. "What have you done?" He demanded, as he pulled his hands away from his face.
As he looked at the other digidestined, his face was met by a gasp from Kari. "No, it can't be. It's you? Chris Sono?" She asked in shock.
Standing from where he hit the ground, Chris dusted himself off. "Yea. I am the Digimon Warlord. But you shouldn't be the one who is shocked, little Kayima. I'm the one who is in shock." Chris stated, moving slowly backwards. "Who would of thought that Tai and his group of losers could be the all powerful Digidestined. Well, I must admit. I am impressed. But not by much." Suddenly, a black light appeared behide the teen. "Well, it appears that my ride has arrived. Until we meet again, Digilosers!" And with at, Chris vanished into the portal and his Digimon followed.
Guardianmon turned from the closing portal to face the Digidestined, who came running towards her. "Guardianmon, that was amazing." Mimi stated.
Lowering to her knees, Guardianmon placed her hands onto Tai and Ava's heads. "I must go." She stated, closing her eyes.
"But Guardianmon, at least tell us this, how did Genni bring our crests back? I mean the dark masters destroyed them." Kari asked, smiling innocently.
Looking away from the two teens, Guardianmon stood. "Genni was not the one who revived your crests of power." Her voice had become sincere once again and she smiled a soft grin. She turned so that she faced the Digidestined completely. "When I brought Tai and Ava to the digital world last night, I gave them a spell to create new crests from two of nature's most beautiful elements: the water and the moonlight. They are the ones who created them, not Genni."
"So then, why didn't they tell us?" Matt asked, anger coming to his voice.
Guardianmon turned and placed one of her soft, white hands onto Tai's cheek. "They are afraid."
"Of what?" Joe questioned.
"Of their power. They fear the great power within them and what might happen if it becomes too much." She stated. Placing her other hand onto Ava's face, the Digimon whispered, "Return me to my place of rest."
Tai and Ava's eyes flew opened and her command. Their eyes looked like glass and seemed to have no feeling to them. Suddenly, they both spoke in unison, "Guardianmon, return to your sleeping power confined."
The woman slowly began to vanish into the crests of the two teens. "Digidestined, when you are out of ideas on how to fight, summon me and I will fight." She whispered and with that disappeared into the Crest of Courage and the Crest of Life.
Ava closed her eyes and then reopened them. Her head felt very light and she felt faint. "What the...?" She asked, placing her hand over her eyes. She started to fall backward but T.K. managed to catch her. "T.K.? Ava asked weakly, looking through her fingers.
Smiling, T.K. nodded. "Yea, it's me." He stated.
Tai closed his eyes as well, but unlike Ava, he fell backwards and into Kari's arms. "Tai! Tai, are you okay? Tai, speak to me!" She shouted, shaking her brother's limp body.
"It's alright, Kari. He just very tired from using all that energy." Joe established, as he checked his friend's pulse.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Kari smiled down at her brother. "Well, now we know that Chris is the Warlord and now we have a new Digimon. What else can happen?" She asked to the rest of the group.
Matt looked down at his watch, "Well, for starters, we could be late getting home for dinner." He stated, making the others laugh.
'Tai, you were great. Now you can sleep as much as you want, at least until the Digiworld needs us again.' Kari thought as she held her brother in her arms. 'What a great guy...for an older brother.'
***********
A gentle melody whispered through Tai's mind as he became surrounded in a warm light. The song sounded as if it was from Ireland, for there was a heavy sound of the violin and Tin Whistle being used. He stood in his normal clothes, with his crest and goggles added on. Tai's eyes wandered around the white void until he saw a sight of a black figure moving in the distance. "What is that?" The teen asked to no one.
As Tai continued to watch, the figure was actually two outlines of two people. One of the people had long flowing hair that hung onto the ground. They held a staff in their hands that had the Crest of Life on top of it. The other person held two double-blade samurai swords in their hands. They wore a fearsome looking armor and a helmet hiding their features. 'The bearer of Courage...' One of the people whispered into the wind.
"Who are you?" Tai called back, cupping his hands over his mouth to make his voice travel.
The figures began to slow vanish into the light behide them, "We are the future...the death master is coming..." A female voice stated.
Tai began to run towards the figures. "Wait! Who are you? Who is the death master? Wait!" He called, reaching one of his slender arms towards the figures. Suddenly, the two people vanished, leaving Tai alone.
"Wait!!!" Tai shouted, falling to his knees.
***********
Shooting up in bed, Tai called out to the figures still. "Wait!" He called weakly as he looked around. He felt his clammy hands touch his forehead as he glanced around his new surroundings. Tai saw the familiar posters of the Italian Soccer Team and Aerosmith of his room hanging around him. "What?" He whispered, looking around the room. "I'm home?" Tai saw his shirt flung over his desk chair, which explained why his chest felt very cool.
A light creek caught Tai's attention as the door opened. "You're awake. I'm glad." The rich sound of Ava's voice hit Tai's ears like a warm summer's day. The young teen stepped into the bearer of Courage's bedroom, carrying a small tray. She smiled as she shut the door behide her. "It is a good thing your parents aren't home or they would be spazing." She stated softly, walking towards Tai's bed.
"Ava?" Tai questioned, still feeling as if he was still in a dream. 'A beautiful girl in my bedroom and my parents aren't home? This has to be a dream.'
Ava smiled as she sat down next to the in shock boy. "The others are in the living room watching TV. They were really worried when we brought you home. I guess Guardianmon was right about the using too much energy thing, huh?" she asked, pouring some water into a glass.
Tai turned and looked back out the window. Swinging his legs around, Tai stood from his bed and walked towards the balcony. Flinging the doors wide open, Tai stepped into the mild night air. The lights from the city glowed even brighter from his balcony than any others. He smiled and closed his eyes as a breeze rushed past his face. "It feels so good to be home." He proclaimed.
Looking down at the bay, Tai noticed the faint glow of the stars shimmering in the dark water. "It's so beautiful here." Ava stated, looking out with Tai at the water.
The young teen looked over the girl. He ran his eyes along her gentle features. Her red lips and graceful hazel eyes seemed to be so alluring to him. Ava's shoulder black hair blew past her face, making her look as if she were flying. Her pale skin seemed so soft and fragile, like glass. "You're beautiful." He whispered.
Running her hand through her hair, Ava smiled at Tai. "Tai..." She whispered, moving closer to the leader of the Digidestined. "I don't know why but I feel so calm right now...as if I have wanted this to happen for the longest time."
Leaning her head on Tai's shoulder, Ava closed her eyes. Smiling Tai placed an arm around the girl's shoulders, drawing her closely to him. Finally, Tai rapped both of his arms around the girl's tiny waist. "Me too, Ava. Me too." He murmured. 'The death master...the two strange figures...no. Don't let those thoughts ruin this moment...' He told himself.
As the two teens stood there holding each other, the door to Tai's room closed quietly. "Tai...What a sly dog." Matt said, letting go of the doorknob.
