The
DigiDestined
Michael's Crest of Courage is
revealed.
The Crest of Courage
Jay Barial
Last Time . . .
Alley: After we found Wizarmon, who got rid of the Dark DigiDestined, he revealed to us that he knew the location of our Tags. They were located in the Grassy Area, north of where we were. The next morning, when we were heading out there, we were attacking by a strange evil Digimon, Dunemon. Then, we discovered where the Tags were, so we rushed over there. As we headed over there, the Dark DigiDestined revealed themselves, and their Digimon all (except Sectomon) reached the Ultimate level. But, after finding the Crest of Sincerity and discovering two power ports, Crimson Spidmon came back, along with Flame Joltmon, the Ultimate form of Joltmon! Flame Joltmon purified Dunemon and we attacked the Dark DigiDestined. We took them by surprise, but when we thought we won, a dark creature stole Taylor's Tag, and disappeared along with the Dark DigiDestined. Gee, I wonder what it is, and if we'll have to fight him too.
Chapter One: New Orders
After taking a day to rest, the Dark DigiDestined had prepared for their boss to give them new orders.
The seven In-Training Digimon had all already Digivolved up to their Rookie forms.
"What do you want," asked Jason, as he was followed by his other comrades from their quarters. "What's your new plan?"
"Dark DigiDestined," growled the evil Ultimate Digimon. "You all must work separately to do this."
"What is it?" asked Karen, as she and the others all sat back in several chairs.
"The Light DigiDestined are a searching for their Crests," said the evil Digimon. "Unlike you, they have to work to find their Crests to transform to Ultimate. And, unlike our side, I know the location of the remaining four Crests."
"So what do you want us to do?" asked Dark Coltmon.
"I will be dividing you all up," said the larger Digimon. And image of the Digital World and three glowing points appeared on the map. "Three of the Crests are located here, in the Digital World. Jessie and Cubmon will guard the first point; Lily and Spider Lemon will guard the second point, while James, Pondmon, Erik, and Sparkmon will guard the third point." Then, a map of the Beta Moon appeared. "The last point is located here, and Bob and Tripupmon will be guarding it. Meanwhile, Jason, Sectomon, Henry, Dark Coltmon, Karen, and Boamon will be tracking the Light DigiDestined."
"So you're splitting us up," asked Henry.
"Simple," said the evil Digimon, "for ambush. Additionally, I want to see how powerful you all are when you're facing a group of Champion-only Digimon." The Digimon opened five dark portals. "Your assignments will be nearby. Take over any Digimon if you need guards for the surrounding areas. One of your Ultimate attacks will be able to alter a Digimon's data to transform them into a dark Virus Digimon."
The eight Dark DigiDestined picked up their Rookie Digimon and entered the separated portals, and they closed behind them as they walked away.
"This is perfect," said the evil Digimon. "I shall be able to defeat these powers of light once and for all!"
Chapter Two: The Digimon Attack
"Arg!" The six Light DigiDestined all ducked as the Virus version of Unimon flew overhead of them.
"Unimon is mythical Digimon," said Pondmon. "Its skills are superior to most other Champion, and its Horn Blaster attack is so strong, it'll blast away even an Ultimate Digimon."
The four Rookie Digimon, Cubmon, Tripupmon, Monomon, and Pondmon, are hurried after their human partners, trying to evade the Digimon's attack.
"We can't keep on running," said Taylor, who was holding his baby Sisimon in his arms.
"We have to stop and fight!" said Sasha, who was next to Alley who had her Vomon in her arms.
The four Light DigiDestined stopped running and held up their Digivices. The DigiGems all started to glow and this caused their Digivices to react.
"Cubmon Digivolved to . . . Grizzlymon!"
"Tripupmon Digivolved to . . . Cerberusmon!"
"Monomon Digivolved to . . . Primemon!"
"Pondmon Digivolved to . . . Aquamon!"
The four Champion Digimon emerged in front of their human partners, ready to battle.
"Don't destroy it!" shouted Sasha. "This was an innocent that was purged with the powers of darkness! Just slow him down!"
"Horn Blaster!" Unimon inhaled and created a ball of energy and shot a focused beam of energy towards the four Digimon.
"Banana Club!" Primemon jumped in front of his companion Digimon and knocked away the blast of energy up into the air.
"Mystic Cyclone!"
"Tri Doggy Treat!"
Aquamon created a giant cyclone of watery energy and it moved Unimon. Cerberusmon fired the three beams of energy that entered the cyclone and charged it up. When it hit Unimon, it was knocked down paralyzed.
"Let me handle this," growled Grizzlymon. "Grizzly Claw!" Grizzlymon jumped up and clawed Unimon in the side, forcing it to the ground.
"That's enough guys!" shouted Michael, Sasha, Summer, and Derek. "Digivolve back to Rookie!"
The four Digimon started to glow and Digivolved back to their basic forms. The altered Unimon growled angrily, because it thought the Light DigiDestined were making fun of it by transforming to Rookies.
"Pondmon," said Derek, "do it!"
"Aquatic Teleport!" Pondmon shot a giant bubble towards the evil Unimon and since it was injured Pondmon was able to teleport away the Digimon. "All in a days work! Unimon is just injured now, and won't be any harm to anyone else!"
Taylor bent down and glanced at Tripupmon. "Where's the closest town or village or something?"
"The closest place?" Tripupmon thought for a moment. "Oh, I know, that would be Primary Village."
Cubmon and Monomon glanced at each other extremely ecstatic. "Primary Village!"
"What's Primary Village?" asked Taylor.
"That's the place where all newborn Digimon are born from DigiEggs," answered Pondmon. "It's just up ahead."
"Cool," said Michael and Alley.
Suddenly, there was a bright orange light that glowed from Michael's chest. Michael pulled out his Tag that he found back in the Grassy Area. It was starting to react. "My Crest of Courage must be nearby."
"Yeah!" cheered the Light DigiDestined.
They all happy headed forward towards Primary Village.
* * * *
IronWeb Sectomon, Dark Ponymon, and Hydramon all appeared from out of their master's dark portal, with their human partners by their side.
"Perfect," said Jason, "Primary Village. We should be able to find some useful Digimon there."
"Yes," agreed IronWeb Sectomon, "in fact I can even think of a Digimon that would be of some great use to us."
Chapter Three: Surprise Attack
As the Light DigiDestined hiked towards Primary Village, Derek and Summer, along with Pondmon and Monomon, slowed down so they could talk.
"It seems like it's been forever since we've talked," said Derek, smiling at his girlfriend. "The Digital World's kinda slowed down the relationship."
"Yeah," said Summer with a smile. "Almost makes you miss detention."
Not too far up ahead, Michael and Alley were walking together with Cubmon by their sides.
"It feels like we've been gone for months," said Michael. "Since we've come to the Digital World."
"A number of weeks at the least," said Cubmon. "Months probably isn't as long as you think."
"Yeah," said Alley, holding Vomon. "Kind of said though . . . I mean, about Bob and Lily."
"Yeah," murmured Michael. "If only they weren't Dark DigiDestined . . . I'm sure one of these days they'd become a regular DigiDestined like us."
Up in the lead walked the quiet Taylor and not too far behind him was Sasha. Still somewhat shy, and feeling like they were in an embarrassing situation. So, they remained silent until they reached a nearby ledge.
"There." Cubmon pointed to a small village filled with colorful houses. "That's Primary Village."
Michael held up his Tag that he wore around his neck, and it was starting to react and glow brighter and brighter. "Perfect. The Crest of Courage has to be there."
"Huh?" Suddenly, two bright lights shot out from Vomon and Sisimon.
"Sisimon Digivolved to . . . Simon!"
"Vomon Digivolved to . . . Voltmon!"
"We're back!" shouted the two In-Training Digimon.
Taylor and Alley smiled as they put down their newly Digivolved Digimon. "Welcome back."
"Excellent," said Derek. "We're slowly getting back to full force!" He pointed to Primary Village up ahead. "Now all we have to do is get to that village!" Derek jumped off the ledge and started sliding down towards the village below.
"Hey, wait for me!" Pondmon jumped after Derek and slid down after Derek.
The two started sliding towards Primary Village, while the others all just moved away from the ledge and started walking down.
But, as the two moved down towards the village, a small red Digimon jumped up into the air and shouted, "Super Thunder Strikes!" It hind tails started to glow a bright yellow and released a deadly blast of electricity that shocked the incoming Derek and Pondmon, to force them to a stop.
"Wah," mumbled Derek and Pondmon as the other DigiDestined rushed over to them.
"What happened?" asked Summer, bending down next to Derek.
"That Digimon attacked us for no reason," mumbled Derek.
Cubmon, Tripupmon, and Monomon stepped up and replied, "that Elecmon!"
"Elecmon's a friendly Digimon that guards Primary Village," said Pondmon. "But be careful, its Super Thunder Strikes will leave you a stunned Digimon."
"I bet the Dark DigiDestined turned Elecmon into a virus too," growled Tripupmon.
"Let us handle this," replied Cubmon. "Pondmon, Voltmon, Simon, we can handle this!" Cubmon stepped forward and growled, "Honey Claw!"
Cubmon jumped towards Elecmon, but the red Digimon jumped up and slammed down on Elecmon, pinning Cubmon to the ground.
"Cubmon!" cried Monomon and Tripupmon. They darted towards Elecmon, preparing to use their attacks.
"Puppy Bite!"
"Tail Smacker!"
As they ran towards Elecmon, the red Digimon released another blast of electricity from its tail, shocking the incoming Digimon.
Chapter Four: Welcome to Primary Village
"Web Bubble!" growled Simon.
"Static Bubble!" growled Voltmon.
The two In-Training Digimon shot numberous bubbles at the Elecmon and it knocked the Digimon on its side, then on its back.
"Now's your chance," said Pondmon.
"Fur Bash!"
"Puppy Bite!"
"Banana Slap!"
Cubmon body slammed on the injured Elecmon, while Tripupmon bit the red Digimon, and Monomon pulled out a banana and whacked the Digimon in the stomach with it.
"You're . . . the Light DigiDestined, aren't you?" Elecmon managed to ask, but he appeared out of breath.
"Yeah, why?" growled Taylor, stepping up from behind Cubmon, Tripupmon, and Monomon.
Elecmon chuckled as he flipped over from off of his back and smiled. "I'm sorry I attacked you, I thought you were the Dark DigiDestined, or a group of evil Digimon. I have to be careful, I mean, even Unimon attacked us!"
"Yeah, we stopped that," replied Pondmon, getting up.
"How could you tell we were even a group of DigiDestined?" asked Derek, slowly getting up.
"Well, there were humans here," said Elecmon, "that was a dead give away. But Simon and Voltmon's attacks . . . usually Digimon at the In-Training level only know Bubble Blow. But, you new Dark and Light DigiDestined have variations of Bubble Blow like Static Bubble and Web Bubble."
"Oh," replied Derek.
Michael bent down towards Elecmon and asked, "Elecmon, can you bring us into Primary Village . . . you know, without getting shocked again or anything. We're looking for my Crest of Courage, do you know where it is?"
"A Crest?" asked Elecmon. "I haven't seen one around here." He pointed to a small mountain-like area next to Primary Village. "It could be there, but that's where the Deltamon roam."
The group flinched. "Ugh, Deltamon."
"I guess you've meet one," murmured Elecmon. He started hobbling back towards Primary Village. "You can come to the village if you want to look for a Digimon friend of yours."
"Huh?" Tripupmon rushed over to Elecmon and jumped in front of it. "What do you mean a Digimon friend?"
"You know," said Elecmon, "if one of your friends were destroyed they'd get reconfigured and they'd come back as a DigiEgg. That's what happens to Digimon who die or run out of energy."
Taylor glanced back at others and said, "Crossmon would be happy if we were able to find AeroVeedramon's reconfigured DigiEgg. Maybe then, Crossmon would join up with us again."
* * * *
As they entered Primary Village, tons and tons of baby Digimon approached them. Of the baby Digimon, there were even some Vomon, Botamon, and Leafmon. They all approached the Light DigiDestined and their Digimon with joy.
"We don't get many visitors," replied Elecmon. "Is there any certain kind of Digimon that you're looking for?"
"Um," said Alley, "what would a baby AeroVeedramon be?"
"Hmmm," said Elecmon. "Well, AeroVeedramon probably was a Veedramon at Champion, right? And Veedramon always Digivolve from Veemon. DemiVeemon are the In-Training forms of Veemon. So that means, you're looking for a Chibumon." Elecmon glanced around and saw a small DigiEgg. "Over there. That's our newest DigiEgg that would hold a Chibumon."
"Excellent!" The six human rushed over to the egg, but there was a sudden rumbling that caught everyone's attention. All the baby Digimon screamed and hid behind a giant block.
There, on the opposite side of the village, stood two Deltamon, and Grizzlymon, and Jessie between them.
Chapter Five: The Deltamon Attack
"This isn't good," murmured Elecmon.
"Well, well." Suddenly, the Light DigiDestined turned around and there stood Metal Arachnosectmon, SkullPonymon, and DeviHydramon, and behind them were Jason, Henry, and Karen. "What are the odds?"
"You and your Deltamon can't beat us!" shouted Voltmon.
Simon and Voltmon jumped from out of the partners arms and started to glow. Suddenly, Taylor and Alley's Digivices began to react.
"Simon Digivolved to . . . Bugmon!"
"Voltmon Digivolved to . . . Sparkmon!"
The two In-Training Digimon emerged in their Rookie forms, and stood next to the other five Digimon.
"Wait!" Metal Arachnosectmon held up a hand. "Let's let the Deltamon try to handle this pip-squeaks."
The two evil Digimon chuckled evilly and started running forward.
"Bug Bite!"
"Honey Claw!"
"Puppy Bite!"
"Tail Smacker!"
"Rushing Waters!"
"Static Ball!"
"Super Thunder Strike!"
While Pondmon, Sparkmon, and Elecmon stayed back, Bugmon, Cubmon, Tripupmon, and Monomon rushed towards the closest Deltamon. But, the giant serpent head/hand swatted the four Digimon awhile. Then, Pondmon released a stream of water and Sparkmon and Elecmon release a current of electricity that traveled through the water. But when it hit Deltamon, its serpent hand/head absorbed the blast.
"We won't be able to beat them in our Rookie forms!" shouted Tripupmon.
"You have to make us Digivolve!" shouted Monomon.
"Right!" Michael, Sasha, Summer, and Derek pulled out their Digivices, which had already started to react with their DigiGems. "All right guys, Digivolve!"
"Cubmon Digivolved to . . . Grizzlymon!"
"Tripupmon Digivolved to . . . Cerberusmon!"
"Monomon Digivolved to . . . Primemon!"
"Pondmon Digivolved to . . . Aquamon!"
As the three two-legged Champion Digimon lunged towards the giant Deltamon, Cerberusmon glanced back at the other Light DigiDestined and growled, "Sasha, you and the others get the little baby Digimon to safety! We can handle these Deltamon!"
"Right!" agreed the children as they rushed over to the children.
"Don't think we can't help!" Bugmon, followed by Sparkmon and Elecmon, rushed over to Cerberusmon.
The Light DigiDestined rushed over to the baby Digimon who were huddling over by a giant rectangular block.
As Michael approached it, his Tag continued to glow an orange color and started to glow brighter and brighter as they reached the block.
"What's going on?" Suddenly, Taylor's attention focused on the giant block that started to glow. Suddenly, a symbol appeared in the center of the block. "Hey, isn't that the same symbol that was on Michael's DigiGem when we first saw it."
"Yeah!" Michael rushed up to the block and touched it. It started to shimmer and shrink until it turned into a small, orange, Crest. "It's my Crest of Courage!" The Crest hovered over towards Michael and slid into his Tag.
"Our Digimon will need all the help they can get," ordered Taylor. He turned towards Alley and Michael. "Maybe our Crests can project some sort of power to help our Digimon.
"That's not likely," replied Derek, "since they haven't activated and have been powered up. Any reaction from your Crest that reacts with your Digimon probably isn't good."
"But it's worth a shot," said Alley quietly. "What harm will it do?"
"Fine." Derek turned to Summer and Sasha and they headed towards the baby Digimon, picking them up and rushing away.
Chapter Six: The Crest of Courage
The four Champion Digimon and the three Rookie Digimon all rushed towards one of the Deltamon, preparing to slow it down.
"Grizzly Claw!"
"Tri Doggy Treat!"
"Banana Club!"
"Mystic Cyclone!"
Grizzlymon and Primemon stood side by side then launched themselves towards one of the huge Deltamon. Grizzlymon slashed its claw across a small part of the Deltamon's face, while Primemon slammed it banana-shaped club in the Digimon's gut.
This gave the opportunity for Cerberusmon to do one of the versions of its Tri Doggy Treat. It shot three beams of energy, which whirled around in Aquamon's giant cyclone of water-energy. The cyclone hit one of Deltamon and it appeared paralyzed and unable to move.
"Bug Bite!"
"Super Thunder Strike!"
Elecmon jumped up in the air, sending a blast of electricity to shock Deltamon. This gave Bugmon to chance to sink its small pinchers into its head, sending out venomous poison.
"Its time for Joltmon!" said Alley, holding up her DigiGem. It started to glow and sent a beam of energy towards Sparkmon.
"I feel . . . energized," said Sparkmon, and it started to glow, along with Alley's Digivice. "Sparkmon Digivolved to . . . Joltmon!"
"Get rid of the Deltamon!" ordered Alley.
"Right! Static Convey!" Joltmon created a ball of electricity and hurled it at the injured Deltamon. It tried to teleport Deltamon away but the second Deltamon tried destroying the attack, and the Deltamon trapped inside the bubble attempted to break out. The attack had been altered and messed up and suddenly the electricity bubble shrunk down to a microscopic level, crushing the Deltamon that was inside.
"Oops," said Alley and Joltmon at the same time.
"These stupid Deltamon are useless." Metal Arachnosectmon glared at the second Deltamon "Insect's Sting!" The giant Digimon moved swiftly at an extremely fast speed and jumped into the air and landed on Deltamon's back on all eight legs. Its eight arms/legs sunk into Deltamon's back, and released a surge of dark energy, forcing Deltamon to collapse on the ground.
"They're turning against their own Digimon," murmured Michael.
"Yeah." Taylor thought back to when they had met up with them back on at the Grassy Area. "They did the same thing with Dunemon. They tossed him aside."
"We have to focus," said Alley. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. Suddenly, her Crest began to glow and her Tag began to hover up towards Joltmon, like a magnetic being drawn towards another magnet. "Our Crest may be able to help our Digimon in a time of crisis like this."
"Right." Michael clasped his hands and tried to concentrate and his Crest started to glow and draw out towards Grizzlymon. Taylor pulled out his Crest and clasped it in his hands and started to concentrate. Suddenly, a pinkish/purple like started to glow from his hands.
The strange aurora surrounded Bugmon, Joltmon, and Grizzlymon, while Elecmon, Cerberusmon, Primemon, and Aquamon stood aside.
"Well Grizzlymon," said Jessie, pulling out her Digivice and her Crest and Tag began to glow. "Grizzlymon, its time for you to Dark Digivolve!"
Jessie's Grizzlymon started to glow with a strange dark aurora and started to grow. But suddenly, something strange started to happen to Michael's Crest. The orange color started to become distorted and a strange yellowish light shot from Michael's hands.
Meanwhile . . . "Grizzlymon Dark Digivolved to . . . Black Grizzlymon!"
"What's going on!" Michael lost his concentration to try to get his Tag and Crest to stop reacting, but it wouldn't stop.
"Something happened when Jessie's Digivice and Crest started to react," murmured Alley.
Suddenly, Michael's Digivice started to glow a bright yellow, and started to violently shake. Of course, everyone's eyes were on the Digivice and Crest, but Michael's Crystal of Courage started to turn pure black. Then, the Digivice shot a signal up towards the hovering Crest, which was giving off a strange, off color glow. The signal hit the Crest and a strange dark signal shot up into the air. When it went up high enough, it transformed into a strange portal of energy that rained down on his Grizzlymon.
"The wires must have been crossed," muttered Taylor, turning his attention towards Michael's medallion (his DigiGem), which had turned a pure black. "The Crystal of Courage has been corrupted by Jessie's Digivice signal, and now the Digivice and Crest have enough power to Dark Digivolve."
Grizzlymon started to grow and glow. "Grizzlymon Dark Digivolved to . . ." The strange glow around Grizzlymon surrounded him, until you couldn't see the Digimon anymore. Then, when it faded, it revealed a totally black, rocky version of Grizzlymon. Made of a pure, strange, black stone, was a large, muscular, Grizzlymon-shaped Digimon. Claws extended from the fists of the rock-Digimon and its feet claws. Its eyes opened and glowed a dark red. The rocky Digimon roared and slammed its fist into the ground. It stood up and shouted, "DarkStone Grizzlymon!"
Chapter Seven: DarkStone Grizzlymon
"Grizzlymon Dark Digivolved to . . . DarkStone Grizzlymon!" Michael's Digimon finished Digivolving and slowly slammed its rocky fist down to the ground, roaring loudly and powerfully.
"Who are those Digimon?" asked Elecmon.
"Jessie's Digimon is Black Grizzlymon," said Aquamon. "This Digimon is a powerful Virus Digimon. Its Dark Claw attack will leave you missing Grizzlymon's Grizzly Claw. But be careful, its Black Slash will take you out."
"That Digimon over there is DarkStone Grizzlymon," Bugmon replied. "There are few DarkStone Virus Digimon, but DarkStone Grizzlymon is an especially tough one. Its Dark Stone Fist attack will easily KO Black Grizzlymon."
"DarkStone Virus Digimon?" repeated Taylor.
"Their Digimon that can only be activated through the Dark DigiGems," answered Joltmon. "Taylor must be right that Jessie's Digivice signal has interfered with Michael's DigiGem somehow."
"So certain Digimon can only appear if a Digimon Digivolves using the Dark DigiGems- or Dark Stones," said Taylor, "like this Digimon."
"Since this was Grizzlymon," said Michael, "maybe it'll listen to me."
By this time, the powers of the Crest of Light and the Crest of Sincerity had worn off, and the other Digimon were getting eager to fight.
"This Digimon isn't strong enough to beat all four of us," growled Black Grizzlymon.
"Take down that pathetic excuse for a Virus Digimon!" shouted Jessie.
"Attack!" ordered Jason, Karen, and Henry.
While Black Grizzlymon came at DarkStone Grizzlymon from the front, Metal Arachnosectmon, SkullPonymon, and DeviHydramon came at the Digimon from behind. But, DarkStone Grizzlymon knew how to handle this. Its fist started to glow and it slammed them down into the ground. "Dark Stone Tremor." It released a giant earthquake that sent the four Ultimate Digimon tumbling, along with the other Light DigiDestined's Digimon.
"Something tells me DarkStone Grizzlymon isn't a team player," replied Alley. "Everyone, get out of reach of DarkStone Grizzlymon!"
"Right." Joltmon got up and held out his hand and Bugmon and Elecmon jumped into it. "We have to get to a safe place away from DarkStone Grizzlymon."
"Fine by us," replied Elecmon and Bugmon.
As the Digimon started to run, DarkStone Grizzlymon turned towards the escaping Digimon. "Stone Wall!" The Digimon closed its eyes and started to control the earth. Suddenly, a huge chunk of rock shot up from the ground, blocking the escaping the Digimon.
"Fury Claws!"
"Black Slash!"
"Energy Blaster!"
"Hydra Beam!"
While Metal Arachnosectmon attempted to furious scratch away at DarkStone Grizzlymon and Black Grizzlymon tried to slash it, DeviHydramon and SkullPonymon started to absorb energy and shot two focused beams at the giant Ultimate Digimon. When the smoke cleared from the beam attacks, DarkStone Grizzlymon stood unharmed.
Chapter Eight: The Boss's Appearance
"We may have to help the Dark DigiDestined," murmured Aquamon, standing up, and glancing at Joltmon. "Shall we?"
"Why of course," replied Joltmon.
"Tri Doggy Treat!"
"Banana Club!"
"Bug Bite!"
"Super Thunder Strike!"
"Duel Hit!"
While Cerberusmon and Primemon lunged towards DarkStone Grizzlymon, performing their psychical attacks, followed by Bugmon, DarkStone Grizzlymon glared at them and swung its fist towards them. "Dark Stone Fist!" The powerful punch sent the three Digimon flying back, at Cerberusmon and Primemon Digivolved back to Tripupmon and Monomon.
Aquamon and Joltmon joined together to combine their Frost Fist and Electro Punch attacks and lunged towards DarkStone Grizzlymon. Elecmon jumped up in the air and sent a shock that charged up the two Champion Digimon's attacks. But as they headed towards DarkStone Grizzlymon, the giant stone Digimon inhaled, absorbing dark energy and sand, rubble, and stones. "Dark Breath!" The Digimon shot a stream of dark energy that was filled with small blasts of stones that went by so fast they could shred paper into millions of pieces in second. The blast sent Aquamon and Joltmon to the ground and they started to glow and Digivolved back to Pudmon and Voltmon.
DarkStone Grizzlymon turned towards the Dark DigiDestined Digimon's and growled. "Out of my way. Dark Stone Tremor!" DeviHydramon, SkullPonymon, and Metal Arachnosectmon managed to jump out of the way, but Black Grizzlymon was hit at full force with the attack. The blast weakened the Digimon and it collapsed right there in the middle of the battle, Digivolving back to Whelpmon.
As the trio of Ultimate Digimon darted away they started to glow as they weakened and started to wear down and Digivolved back to Sectomon, Dark Coltmon, and Boamon.
"This isn't good," said Taylor, glancing around. Injured and tired lay Bugmon, Elecmon, Tripupmon, Monomon, Voltmon, Pudmon, Whelpmon, Sectomon, Dark Coltmon, and Boamon. "DarkStone Grizzlymon managed to take out all of these Digimon. This probably means DarkStone Virus Digimon are stronger than regular Virus Digimon."
"Great," murmured Alley.
Suddenly, there was a streak of light that expanded and caused a temporary flash of blindness. When it cleared up, there hovered a strange Digimon covered in darkness, concealing its form.
"What do you want?" shouted Jason, Jessie, Henry, and Karen.
"I'm just here to help you," replied the strange creature in the shrouded form. It dropped down next to DarkStone Grizzlymon, who tried to furious slash away at it, but the strange dark creature was in some kind of ghost-like form and couldn't be touched. "Your days are over DarkStone Grizzlymon. Blazing Darkness!" The strange Ultimate form of Muertemon shot a blast of dark energy towards DarkStone Grizzlymon.
"Dark Breath!" DarkStone Grizzlymon tried to counter the attack by shooting a beam of dark energy at the evil Ultimate Digimon, but DarkStone Grizzlymon's powers weren't strong enough and the two attacks ended up hitting DarkStone Grizzlymon. The blast surrounded DarkStone Grizzlymon and it collapsed on the ground, Digivolving all the way back to its baby form, Whimon.
"Even an Ultimate DarkStone Virus Digimon can't defeat me," growled the strange creature. It turned towards Jessie and the injured Whelpmon. "I suggest you two return for some rest." The strange creature teleported the Dark DigiDestined and its Digimon away, and turned towards the other Dark DigiDestined, and teleported them away too. "You need a head start." He turned towards the three Light DigiDestined and all of the injured Digimon. "You and your Digimon shall never defeat me . . ." Slowly, it teleported away.
Chapter Nine: The Return of Chibumon
"Did we win?" asked Derek, as the trio of Light DigiDestined walked towards their comrades, who had all the baby Digimon with them.
"Well, in a way," answered Michael, holding his baby Whimon. "There were Digivolutions, all chaos broke out, and in the end neither side won . . ."
"What happened?" asked Derek.
* * * *
"Ugh," moaned the four Dark DigiDestined as reappeared in the Digimon's tower, with their injured Digimon with them.
"You idiot Dark DigiDestined are pathetic," complained the evil Digimon. "It is so sad that you are the ones that created me . . . it is even sadder that I'm the ones now controlling you, instead of the other way around."
"So then why don't you do something about this idiot Light DigiDestined," muttered Sectomon, who lay curled up in a ball in Jason's arms.
The Digimon glared at Sectomon but then chuckled. "Ah, little Rookie Digimon, you do have a point. But I need energy." The Ultimate form of Muertemon glanced around and turned towards an injured Unimon that had appeared from out of nowhere. "And with the energy of a Unimon, I'll be at my peak and I'll be able to destroy these Light DigiDestined."
Jessie laid back, holding the injured Whelpmon. "I hope you three, Lily, and Spider Lemon better guard that next Crest."
"Yes, you should head out right now." The Digimon closed its eyes and a dark aurora surrounded Jason, Sectomon, Karen, Boamon, Henry, and Dark Coltmon, and suddenly the Dark DigiDestined teleported away. "The Light DigiDestined are about to get the shock of their life." He turned towards the injured Unimon and chuckled. "Ultimate Surround!" Darkness surrounded Unimon and compacted it into a ball of dark energy and charged up the strange Digivolution of Muertemon . . .
* * * *
"That's not good," murmured Derek. "I think I know what's wrong."
Summer hugged Derek and replied, "Derek, it's your smarts that get us through this world."
"In that kinda, I dunno, nerdy way," muttered Taylor.
Derek glared at Taylor and shrugged. "If it weren't for me, you'd probably never be able to Digivolve."
"Wait, I thought Agumon helped us," said Alley.
"Anyway," said Derek, slowly trying to change the subject, "I think I figured out why Grizzlymon ended up Digivolving to DarkStone Grizzlymon."
"Oh enlighten us smart one," muttered Taylor.
"Now, if I'm correct," said Derek, "you, Michael, and Alley were getting your Crests to react to attempt to energize your Digimon. Normally, if your Crest were reacting, this would be the time your Digimon would achieve their Ultimate level. But, since the DigiGems couldn't power up to Digivice, to power up the Crest, to power up your Digimon, they were virtually useless. The Crests were all waiting for a signal from their Digivices."
"But there wasn't any reacting," said Michael, "until Jessie's Digivice and Crest of Timid started to react to make her Grizzlymon Digivolve."
"Correct," said Derek, "and since Jessie's Crest is a mirror of your own, the DigiGem must have been confused. It was as if Jessie was holding the DigiGem and it darkened."
"That's happened before." Taylor thought back to when Jason obtained his Crystal of Light several times. "The DigiGem darkened and transformed to the Crystal of Dark."
"But, since the DigiGem wasn't in the hands of anyone," said Derek, "it just darkened into a Dark Stone, or a Dark DigiGem that doesn't contain a symbol. The DigiGem/Dark Stone sent a signal to Michael's Digivice and sent a signal to his Crest of Courage. The Crest became altered and corrupted and sent a signal to Grizzlymon. Since it was a Dark Stone, Grizzlymon Digivolved to DarkStone Grizzlymon because of the altered signal."
"So, this is all because we were trying to help our Digimon," said Michael. "The powers of our Crests must have opened a loophole and that's why the signal from when Jessie's Digimon Digivolved affected my Digimon."
"Our first glitch in the Digital World," murmured Derek.
"Yeah . . . huh?" Suddenly, Summer stood up in confusion. Her Tag was glowing and hanging up in the air, pointing northwest. "My Tag is reacting."
"Summer's Crest of Reliability must be nearby!" said Monomon happily.
"Well, our next Crest location is northwest," said Michael, getting up. "Time to continue onward."
"Hey! Guys! Wait!" Elecmon rushed over to them, carrying a blue-colored DigiEgg. He stopped in front of them, panting and panting. "I'd just like to say, you're welcome to return here any time, and you are a good friend and if you ever need help I'm here." He stood up and handed Taylor the blue egg. "I think it's your friend, AeroVeedramon."
"That's is egg?" wondered Cubmon. He waddled over to it and started to sniff it, when suddenly it started to shake and a huge crack appeared down the middle of it.
Suddenly, the DigiEgg cracked open and there appeared a bluish, blobish Digimon, without arms or legs, that appeared in a cradle. "Hello everyone, I'm Chibumon."
"He's back!" cheered the six Light DigiDestined Digimon.
"Chibumon is the baby form of AeroVeedramon," said Voltmon. "Though it can't do anything now, this cute Digimon will Digivolve into one powerful Digimon."
"Chibumon . . ." Taylor picked up Bugmon and smiled. "It's good to see you again . . . but if you travel with us . . ."
"Well," said Bugmon, "you should probably just wait until you're at least Veemon until you return to traveling with us."
"You should be safe here at Primary Village with Elecmon," said Whimon.
Chibumon nodded. "It is okay. I'm sure you'll visit us, and Crossmon will eventually show up, and I want to surprise him!"
The other Light DigiDestined picked up their Digimon and headed away from Primary Village, where the future of millions of Digimon wait, along with their friends Chibumon and Elecmon.
As they go in search of Summer's Crest of Reliability, they discover that Metal Arachnosectmon, SkullPonymon, DeviHydramon, and SkullBaboomon are on their trail. But that's not their biggest problem. It appears the Dark DigiDestined's boss has chosen to appear to destroy. Now, will they be able to defeat the Ultimate form of Muertemon? Find out in The Creature's Revealed.
