Spirits of Evil
Book IV of The Guardian Angel Sequence
Prologue
Four Titans. Eight kids and their eight Digimon partners. One evil person who calls himself a collector. One terrifying battle. What awaits them now? Read on and see…
"Has anyone seen that little black wolf that helped T.K. and Kari?" Sora was asking, looking around.
Here's the scene: The kids and Digimon are relaxing a ways from a cliff over looking an ocean. T.K. and Kari are asleep, recovering from a freezing situation. The Digimon and the others are relaxing except for Sora, who is looking for the little black wolf that helped them.
Sora sighed as no one answered her, most of the others asleep. She stood and stretched, muscles aching from sitting down a while. She quietly walked out to the cliff overlooking the sea. The old rocks that formed a circle were behind her, like luminous tombs in the evening light.
"You're not snoozing like the others then, are you." Chuckled a voice. Sora turned in surprise. Brittany was standing there, Amigo not in sight.
"I was actually looking for that little black wolf that helped us out so much." Sora said.
"Oh, the one that ran away." Brittany smiled.
"I don't have any idea why he would run away from someone like you." Sora said, grinning.
"Let me explain. I have a little looking glass that I can see just about anyone I want in it and where they are. My little wolf friend used it to see where you were. As soon as he saw what situations you were in, he took off to find you. He calls it running away." Brittany said.
"Where is he, though?" Sora asked.
A soft bark answered and the little black wolf trotted into view, two Digimon trailing behind him. Sora gasped in surprise.
"Biriamon? Leoparamon? What are you doing here?" She asked.
"Been looking again, I see." Brittany scolded the wolf, who simply beamed.
"Jenny and Julie are coming back." Biriamon and Leoparamon said together.
Brittany waved her staff and stopped it pointing towards the stones. A portal-like thing appeared. They were suddenly looking into a room with two sets of bunk beds and neatly kept drawers and shelves. Jenny and Julie were both lying on each of their bunk beds, reading long books, with sad faces. They saw Jenny yawn and roll over on her back, saying something to Julie. Julie glanced up and her eyes moved to Jenny, passing over them. She did a double take and gaped, pointing at the portal. Saying something to Jenny, she leaped up from her bed. Jenny got up slowly, but when she saw the portal she jumped up. Brittany beckoned to them and they walked forward, passing through the portal.
"Where in the Digital World are we?" Jenny said, surprised.
"The far southeastern part, Jenny." Brittany said.
"Welcome back." Sora said.
"Where are the others? Where are our partners?" Julie asked.
"The others are asleep, of all things." Sora said, exasperated. She smiled suddenly and turned and pointed. "Your partners are here."
With that, Jenny and Julie ran forward, somehow embracing their partners in the midst of wings, feathers, and fur. Brittany waved her staff, causing the portal to disappear. After hellos with their partners, Sora explained to the twins what they had missed out on with the Titans.
"Wow, it happened right here." Jenny said in wonder.
"You never told us why you had to leave." Sora said softly. Jenny and Julie exchanged a sad look.
"Our mom and several relatives had a strange chain reaction. They all got a severe, incurable cancer." Jenny whispered.
"They all died, our mom last." Julie said miserably.
"Our dad is ripped apart in sadness. This hurt him so much." Jenny said.
"It hurt us." Julie said quietly. Leoparamon nuzzled her, brushing her cheek with a wing. Biriamon wrapped her own wings around Jenny a moment.
"I am sorry for your loss. I see why you had to go." Brittany said quietly. "I wish I could heal wounds of the soul."
"I'm sorry." Sora said. "I didn't mean to bring it up that way." The twins shook their heads, half-shrugging.
"I have to leave." Brittany said. "But since you are here right now and alone, I will give you some small warning of what is yet to come."
"That would help a lot." Sora said.
"The thing you least except and ever have expected to happen is going to happen. It involves all of you and Rahomor. Only some of you will be able to do it. Be prepared for the worst. Remember saying, 'Together we can do anything', for it has a lot to do with what will happen." Brittany warned them, and she disappeared.
"Let's go back to the others." Sora said after a long moment. They returned and found the partners away doing something and everyone awake.
"Oh hi, Jenny, Julie." Tai said. They nodded greeting to everyone.
"Where did everyone go?" Jenny asked.
"They split up to get food and water and other stuff like that." Matt said.
"We'll go and get some firewood for a fire." Biriamon and Leoparamon said, taking flight and moving off.
"I wonder what will happen to us next." Kari said. She and T.K. still rested a lot and needed to be kept warm after a frozen experience. They could move around quickly like they used to but not for long.
"On our way back," Julie said, "I saw a bunch of berries and a couple of fruits. Jenny, T.K., Kari, and I – if they want to – can go pick some up." Everyone agreed and the four set off.
After they had left, the kids felt as if it got darker, but not necessarily in the sun going down. Red eyes looked at them from the shadows.
"I really hope our Digimon come back soon." Mimi said with a shiver. Suddenly, ten shapes leaped from the woods, surrounding the group in a moment. It was their partners. But black rings were tight around their necks and their eyes glowed red with evil.
"Four are missing." Metalgreymon growled.
"Get these and we'll wait for the other four." Biriamon snapped. With that, the Digimon closed in and grabbed each of their partners and despite their kicking and resistance they slipped into the woods. Biriamon, Leoparamon, Magnaangemon and Angewomon waited for Jenny, Julie, T.K., and Kari.
"Ah hah." Rahomor said, "I seem to have a new collection. Now when those other brats get here I'll have the whole set." Six Digimon holding struggling partners entered the fortress.
"Good work." Rahomor said briskly. "Take them to their cages and go to yours."
Each holding a basket full of fruit or berries, the other four kids walked through the woods, coming close to where they had intended to camp out. They were completely unaware of the danger as they entered the clearing.
"Hey, where is everybody?" Jenny said.
"Careful, something is wrong here." Julie whispered, crouching down slightly and looking around cautiously.
"Leopard Fire Whip!" Shouted a voice. Julie winced and staggered from the attack. Four Digimon stood in front of them.
"Leoparamon?" Julie whispered. "But why?"
"Look!" Kari said, pointing to the black rings around their partner's necks. "He must be controlling them!"
"Celestial Arrow!"
Kari dropped to the ground in great pain.
"Gate of Destiny!"
"Fiery Ice Blast!"
Jenny and T.K. both dropped, and everyone went through another round of attacks. Snickering evilly, the four Digimon closed in, ready to grab the kids.
"Sirius Cosmos!"
"Telekinesis Barrage!"
The four Digimon fell back as Siriusmon and Cheribimon entered the clearing. Before the other Digimon could react, Siriusmon had lifted T.K. and Jenny onto his back and Cheribimon had "taken" Kari and Julie "into herself" using telekinesis. The two Digimon bolted from the clearing and disappeared into the woods, trying to dodge the retaliation of attacks. The other four Digimon did not pursue them but took off for Rahomor's fortress.
When Siriusmon and Cheribimon were about a mile away, they both stopped, breathing heavily. Cheribimon blinked several times and seemed to be looking at Kari and Julie inside herself.
"They have both lost a lot of blood. Kari has gone into shock." Cheribimon said.
Siriusmon looked at the two on his back. "They are the same. T.K. is in shock as well."
"We need to get help, and quickly." Cheribimon said grimly.
"Let's get to the lake a quarter mile away. I think Gennai lives there now." Siriusmon said. The two took off again, moving swiftly – Siriusmon on the ground, Cheribimon in the air above him. Soon they arrived and stopped again.
Moving slowly from their wounds and being worn out, they approached the rim of water. When they reached it the water glowed and formed a stairway down into the lake. The two moved slowly downward and reached the bottom of the stairs, finding themselves in a homely area with grass and water all around. A house was nearby.
"What brings you here, Siriusmon, Cheribimon?" An old-looking man said, crossing over a bridge to them. Cheribimon released Julie and Kari, and Siriusmon lowered T.K. and Jenny to the ground.
"Ah. Tell me." Gennai said, frowning. "After we get them safe and healing inside."
"Can I use one of your computers to email some friends?" Siriusmon asked. "That is, after these four are in better positions."
"Yes, and bring them this way." Gennai said, walking toward his house. Siriusmon and Cheribimon brought the four inside and into a hall that branched off into several different rooms. Gennai led them into a room with four beds. He helped them lower the four into each of the beds.
Five girls entered, looking worried. It was the Guardians.
"You called us, Gennai. You said it was urgent and…" Adrienne suddenly trailed off as she saw the four kids in the beds. "Oh…"
Renee was in her element, calling several medicines and starting on the wounds of the four kids. She was quick and precise.
"Jenny – unconscious, left lung damaged, broken arms, no other internal damage besides blood loss. Julie – unconscious, right lung damaged, broken leg, no other internal damage besides blood loss. T.K. – in shock, large blood loss, broken arm and a broken leg. Kari – in shock, large blood loss, broken leg, and a broken arm." Renee said. "They all need rest."
"Tell us what happened." Nikki said as Renee looked at the to Digimon's wounds.
"Cheribimon and I felt Kari and T.K. crying out in pain and we rushed to the spot, seeing Jenny, Julie, Kari, and T.K. being attacked by their own partners." Siriusmon said heavily.
"Their partners had black rings around their necks." Cheribimon added, eyes sagging.
"You two rest. We have to send out a couple of calls. Including yours, Siriusmon, don't worry. We can help along the healing a little." Renee said firmly. "Gennai can explain out more after we leave." She and the other Guardians left as the Siriusmon curled up on the floor, asleep in moments. Cheribimon spread each of her wings out full and closed all of her eyes, except for one on each side of her body, watching Kari and for danger.
"What do you mean, they got away?" Rahomor roared at the four Digimon whose partners had gotten away.
"My Lord," Magnaangemon said, "Siriusmon and Cheribimon, once replacement partners, came. They are Ultimate Digimon with great strength."
"No excuse." Rahomor snapped. "Many evil Digimon have failed in trying to destroy the Digi Destined. They all came about it the wrong way. Now all shall see that humans can do better and are much wiser in these ways!"
A dinosaur-like Digimon napped, horns glistening. A Digimon who looked like a karate master tested his bow staffs. The cat and fish-like Digimon reared on its hind legs and roared. On the very top of a mountain, a dragon-like Digimon slept, wings hunched up. A winged unicorn reared and galloped across a valley. A flower-like Digimon also napped under the shelter of many cattail reeds.
A sudden trumpet call aroused them and halted what they were doing. They responded by gathering in Wingunimon's valley in the middle of the mountains. Adrienne was there, a horn in her hand.
"What happened?" Silverhornmon asked. Adrienne quickly explained out what happened. The Digimon were outraged.
"So that is where Siriusmon and Cheribimon are." Dayinianmon said.
"What can we do to help?" Martialmon asked in a calm voice.
"Kari, T.K., Jenny, and Julie are the only ones who got away from capture. The rest of their partners are at Rahomor's fortress. You will not go to rescue them, or you will be caught as well. The four children are the ones to rescue everyone. I came to ask if you would come to the haven where the four are resting so you can join forces with them and help them." Adrienne said. Immediately they all agreed. Adrienne led them to Gennai's home and she and the other Guardians departed.
Meanwhile, the four children were sweating and pale in their sleep, each having the same nightmare…
Kari felt herself opening her eyes in her dreams. She looked around slowly and saw T.K., Jenny, and Julie standing beside her. In front of them were their partners. The four children watched helpless as they "saw" a version of Rahomor leaping from the shadows of their dreams at their partners. The four children tried to run forward, but their legs were stuck like heavy lead in their dreams.
"No!" They screamed as they watched Rahomor summon great dark rings. The rings clamped around the necks of their partners, who were struggling as much as they could. Rahomor disappeared and they could move their legs. They ran forward and tried to hug their partners. They couldn't see the dark rings.
"Are you all right?" The kids asked. Their partners were strangely silent. They heard a strange noise and it was obviously a command. Their partners gripped them with hands like strong ice. Kari gasped at the pain and they were dragged forward. They could see an evil fortress ahead. The four partners dragged them into it. They came into a room with several cages. In each cage there was a Digimon or a child. It was the partners of the other Digi Destined! But the kids…the Digi Destined children themselves!
"Matt!" T.K. shouted in his dreams.
"Tai!" Kari called. It was no use. The two boys were impassive and lost for hope. The four were taken towards the cages. All four of them screamed and suddenly it disappeared. Five angels standing in front of them replaced the image, two others stood to the side. It was the Guardians. The two standing to the side appeared to be stars. Katie and Arianna! The seven smiled and waved, disappearing.
The four fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The Guardians and Gennai had hurried into the room at the sound of screams. The Guardians had calmed their dreams and helped the high fevers lower. Cheribimon and Siriusmon had awoken with a start and refused to sleep after they saw what happened. Cheribimon took a spot between Kari and Julie, flapping her wings every so often to keep her aloft and keeping a set of eyes on each of the girls. Siriusmon paced between T.K. and Jenny's beds, flicking his tail, scattering sparkles that looked like the smallest parts of stars.
In another room of the house, the Guardians were holding a council with Gennai.
"This is horrible." Adrienne said shortly. "I don't see why we have to let them be put up to this. They have been through so much. I feel like a betrayer, letting this go on."
"I agree." Nikki said. "But they are doing well. They are strong."
"I must say that this is going a little too far." Renee said quietly, though her voice was challenging. "We should stop it."
"There are tests." Brittany said firmly, eyes narrowing. "They do not fight the fact that they must go through them no matter what."
"When we took up our positions as the Guardians, we agreed not to intervene at all with things like this." Emily snapped, siding with Brittany.
"Will you stop arguing?" Gennai said loudly and sternly. "You are acting like children, like the Digi Destined themselves once acted. You aren't supposed to fight." The Guardians were positioned apart from each other, glaring.
"You must understand that the Digi Destined have survived many ordeals. Renee, you yourself told them that often the reward for accomplishing a difficult quest is to accomplish a harder one. I, for one, do not totally agree with putting the Digi Destined up to these things, but they must go through them." Gennai went on firmly. He was making it clear that he would not be siding with any of them. "The four children will be fine and they will find out how to save their partners."
The Guardians once stood together as the best of friends, but now they appeared divided up. The loss of Katie probably had a lot to do with it, making them edgy and easily argumentative.
Renee stood angrily.
"Fine. You can help them on your own." She said, storming out. The strangest thing happened. As she said those words and the other Guardians stood apart, their wings seemed to fade and turn a slightly gray color. One by one they left, departing for the first time in history. The Guardians were no more.
Slowly, Kari opened her eyes. She felt as if someone had dropped a dead weight on her legs and head. She heard angry voices and saw five people with grayish wings storm by her room, one at a time.
It all came back to her and she lay back with a groan at her head throbbing. She saw Cheribimon out of the corner of her eye, coming closer.
"You're awake." She said softly. Kari nodded, immediately wishing she hadn't at the new wave of nausea.
"What happened to the Guardians?" Kari finally asked.
"Later." Cheribimon said pressingly. "You just came out of shock at the loss of blood. You have broken bones. You need to relax."
"What?" Kari said, trying to sit up. Cheribimon used her telepathic power to stop her. "Shock? Broken bones? How?"
"Later." Cheribimon repeated. "Some friends are on their way. They will help us later. Meanwhile we are safe at Gennai's lake home." Muffled thunder from above the lake crashed. Rain could be heard hitting the lake's surface.
Kari laid back and thought. She tried to show Cheribimon she was relaxing while doing it. Cheribimon laughed quietly at her attempt.
There was the sound of several coughs and all three of the others woke up. Siriusmon and Cheribimon took care of them as Kari watched. She saw that all of them, including her, had casts. Jenny and Julie gingerly rolled onto their backs. Kari saw that there were stitches and bandages there, and she wondered what had happened to them. Neither she nor the other three remembered anything after their partners had begun attacking them.
"Now that we're all awake," Kari said, "Tell us what happened." Before Cheribimon or Siriusmon could explain, Gennai walked in.
"Good to see that you're up." Gennai said. "The other Digi Destined newer partners came to help you. They are waiting outside this home, though out of the rain."
"Will you tell us what happened?" T.K. asked. Gennai nodded and motioned to Siriusmon and Cheribimon.
"Your partners attacked you. Kari, you went into shock from arrow wounds. T.K., you went into shock from sword wounds. Jenny, you had many razor-sharp feather and frozen fire wounds. The feathers damaged your left lung greatly, so Renee did some surgery. Julie, yours were claw and teeth wounds, which damaged your right lung. Renee also did some surgery there." Siriusmon said.
"What happened to the Guardians?" Kari questioned. "I heard them fighting and they stormed out past the door. Their wings were…gray."
"I know." Gennai said quietly. "They are no longer the Guardians. They have split up and lost their rainbow colors. They will soon lose their wings and possibly their powers if this continues."
"What were they fighting over?" Julie asked.
"You."
"What?" They all asked.
"They all thought different things about letting you go through certain things and other small things along that line." He said sadly.
"I guess first we have to defeat Rahomor, right?" Jenny asked.
"Yes. But it won't be easy." Gennai said.
"I have the strangest feeling," Kari began, "that our gems have a lot to do with it."
"You are right.' Gennai said. "They contain many secrets and have many abilities. They allow your newer partners to Digivolve and they protect you in a way. If you hadn't had the gems you probably would all have died immediately from the wounds you had."
"So how do we use them to free our partners?" T.K. asked.
"I will only give you one clue, and only give it to you before you leave. You can rest for a while longer." Gennai said.
"But we should go. With the help of our partners we can make the trip." Jenny said, despite her pain. To prove she was ready and willing to do anything to free her partners, she swung her legs over the side of the bed managed to get herself up, despite her broken arms.
At that, Julie smiled and grabbed her crutches leaning on her bed and got to her feet.
"I'm with you." Julie said. Kari and T.K. exchanged a look and got themselves up. Cheribimon placed herself beside Kari, Siriusmon beside T.K. Two more Digimon entered the room, Wingunimon and Bronclovemon. Wingunimon positioned herself beside Julie, Bronclovemon beside Jenny.
"We'll help you right now." Wingunimon and Bronclovemon said together.
"I suppose you could go." Gennai said doubtfully. But one look at the kids made him laugh and nod. "Go on, then. And here is my clue for you: You must unlock a new level of Digivolving, and not necessarily in Digimon."
They left, and outside they found the other partners. The kids got onto their partner's backs and they set off.
"Again." Rahomor said with a sigh. "Little pests."
"My Lord?" Leoparamon inquired.
"No, we shall wait here for them."
Don't come, you guys! The other Digi Destined thought hopelessly in their cages.
They moved throughout the whole day at a good pace. Though it usually seemed to be bright and sunny in the Digital World with the occasional rain, it had been cloudy and sprinkling since the once-Guardians had left Gennai's. The Digimon traveled slowly throughout the night slowly, the gems giving them the power to not need much sleep or food. Though they didn't know it, this had a lot to do with the upcoming use of the gems.
They all stopped in the morning to get a bite to eat and then set out. By afternoon, Rahomor's fortress was in sight.
"We need a plan of attack." T.K. said.
"May I propose something?" Martialmon asked. They nodded.
"We should sneak in and attack once inside." He said calmly. Everyone agreed. They explored and found a hidden entrance. They slipped inside and managed to avoid guards and they started to slip around a corner when Martialmon, who had been in front, pressed them back. He made some motions not to talk.
"There." He said in the quietest voice possible. He made some more motions and they realized he was saying they should leap out and fight to free the Digimon and kids. The four children should stay behind the fighting and try to figure out the gems, he motioned. He gave the signal and the Digimon leaped out. Some fought off guards while others leaped for the cages. But the original Digimon fought back. They were more powerful.
"Oh no…" Kari said, holding her crutch with her unbroken arm. Julie and Jenny were arguing about what they should do and Julie stumbled over her crutches and into view. Unfortunately, that caught the attention of their partners.
"There they are." Biriamon said with a sneer. She and the other three partners of the kids came forward towards them.
"You can't do this." T.K. shouted, stumbling backwards and away. But the Digimon kept coming.
Not this… T.K. thought.
It can't be… Kari thought.
Why our partners? Julie thought.
I will never give up! Jenny thought angrily.
All of a sudden, their gems and Crests began to glow. They themselves began to glow! The Digimon shielded themselves from the light and the battle stopped as everyone watched.
"Takeru Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Hope!" Now T.K. was different. He was covered in armor and two wings that looked like Magnaangemon and Celestimon's sprang from his shoulders. A row varied swords hung at his waist. On the chest of his armor were the symbols of clashing swords and the Crest of Hope.
"Hikari Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Light!" Kari was covered in light armor herself and two wings that looked like Angewomon and Celestiamon's spread from her shoulders. A bow hung on her shoulder and a large quiver with sections of different arrows hung on her back. On the chest of her armor were the symbols of an arrow being released from a bow and the Crest of Light.
"Jennifer Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Trust!" Jenny had a long silver tunic that touched the ground. Her hair appeared to be like fire and icicles. She had the wings of Sleriamon. She held a variety of feathers in a pouch at her side. On the chest of her tunic were the symbols of a great bird and the Crest of Trust.
"Juliana Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Peace!" Julie was a little strange. She had a tunic on that was a plain gold color. But her legs were those of Sabeleoparamon. She also had the wings of Leoparamon. At her side were several small weapons like boomerangs and slings. On the chest of her tunic were the symbols of a cheetah or leopard running full out, and the Crest of Peace.
"Whoa!" Tai said.
"Man, can we do that?" Matt asked, amazed.
Silently, the four kids surveyed them. Their broken bones were gone.
"What are you waiting for?" Rahomor screamed. "Get them!" The battle began. T.K. drew a double-edged sword with one side that pierced the soul and the other that healed any wound. Kari drew out an arrow that was tipped with something that changed anything back to what it used to be. Jenny drew the same kinds of feathers, Julie the same kinds of weapons and they went into battle. They went for their partners first.
T.K. brought his sword down on his partner, hitting him with the healing side. Instantly the angel dropped to the ground, and Rahomor lost his control over him.
Kari strung her bow and let loose the healing arrow at her own partner. Immediately she dropped, free.
Jenny bore down on Biriamon. She flung feathers at Biriamon, finally hitting the bird-like Digimon, who dropped to the ground as well, free.
Julie launched soft rocks like lava but healing at her leopard-like friend, freeing her.
The four then went to the cages, freeing the others.
"Can we do that with the gems?" Sora asked. Kari nodded and suddenly the other kids' gems began to glow and they began their own transformation.
"Tai Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Courage!" Tai had earned the symbol of Fire. He had the wings of Wargreymon as well as the horns of his other partner.
"Matt Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Friendship!" Matt now had the symbol of a wolf howling. He had the mask of a wolf that he could give expressions like his real face like Metalgarurumon. He had a bow staff like Martialmon as well.
"Joe Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Reliability!" Joe, of course, had the symbol of water/waves. He had Aquaclovemon's wings and two cannon-like things that could shoot out water.
"Izzy Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Knowledge!" Izzy had the symbol of a lightening bolt. He had the wings of Golddragonmon that held electricity.
"Sora Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Love!" Sora had the symbol of hearts. She had a much smaller version of Garudamon's wings. Around her neck hung a vial that seemed to contain heart-shaped objects.
"Mimi Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Sincerity!" Mimi had the symbol of a flower and the wings of Lillymon and Violetmon. She also held a flower as a weapon.
"Cool." Tai said, looking at himself.
"Let's go." T.K. said and the ten transformed children leaped into the battle. Once they had freed their partners they turned to deal with Rahomor, but he had run away again. The newer partners collapsed, panting. The kids themselves sheathed swords and other weapons and dropped to the ground, glowing as they turned back into their normal selves. T.K., Kari, Jenny, and Julie were all healed.
The kids went to their partners who had been captured and they were silent. Their partners seemed to be in silence out of embarrassment and humiliation. The tension broke as they felt a calming presence.
"Be at peace, my friends." Said a voice. "You will go to the Pleasant Lake to the south of this place. You will find what to do there. We will see you again." The voice drifted away, but a sense of the presence remained.
Silently, the Digi Destined sat with their partners and shared the pain, comforting as well.
Driven out were the Spirits of Evil.
1 The End of Spirits of Evil
Book IV of The Guardian Angel Sequence
Prologue
Four Titans. Eight kids and their eight Digimon partners. One evil person who calls himself a collector. One terrifying battle. What awaits them now? Read on and see…
"Has anyone seen that little black wolf that helped T.K. and Kari?" Sora was asking, looking around.
Here's the scene: The kids and Digimon are relaxing a ways from a cliff over looking an ocean. T.K. and Kari are asleep, recovering from a freezing situation. The Digimon and the others are relaxing except for Sora, who is looking for the little black wolf that helped them.
Sora sighed as no one answered her, most of the others asleep. She stood and stretched, muscles aching from sitting down a while. She quietly walked out to the cliff overlooking the sea. The old rocks that formed a circle were behind her, like luminous tombs in the evening light.
"You're not snoozing like the others then, are you." Chuckled a voice. Sora turned in surprise. Brittany was standing there, Amigo not in sight.
"I was actually looking for that little black wolf that helped us out so much." Sora said.
"Oh, the one that ran away." Brittany smiled.
"I don't have any idea why he would run away from someone like you." Sora said, grinning.
"Let me explain. I have a little looking glass that I can see just about anyone I want in it and where they are. My little wolf friend used it to see where you were. As soon as he saw what situations you were in, he took off to find you. He calls it running away." Brittany said.
"Where is he, though?" Sora asked.
A soft bark answered and the little black wolf trotted into view, two Digimon trailing behind him. Sora gasped in surprise.
"Biriamon? Leoparamon? What are you doing here?" She asked.
"Been looking again, I see." Brittany scolded the wolf, who simply beamed.
"Jenny and Julie are coming back." Biriamon and Leoparamon said together.
Brittany waved her staff and stopped it pointing towards the stones. A portal-like thing appeared. They were suddenly looking into a room with two sets of bunk beds and neatly kept drawers and shelves. Jenny and Julie were both lying on each of their bunk beds, reading long books, with sad faces. They saw Jenny yawn and roll over on her back, saying something to Julie. Julie glanced up and her eyes moved to Jenny, passing over them. She did a double take and gaped, pointing at the portal. Saying something to Jenny, she leaped up from her bed. Jenny got up slowly, but when she saw the portal she jumped up. Brittany beckoned to them and they walked forward, passing through the portal.
"Where in the Digital World are we?" Jenny said, surprised.
"The far southeastern part, Jenny." Brittany said.
"Welcome back." Sora said.
"Where are the others? Where are our partners?" Julie asked.
"The others are asleep, of all things." Sora said, exasperated. She smiled suddenly and turned and pointed. "Your partners are here."
With that, Jenny and Julie ran forward, somehow embracing their partners in the midst of wings, feathers, and fur. Brittany waved her staff, causing the portal to disappear. After hellos with their partners, Sora explained to the twins what they had missed out on with the Titans.
"Wow, it happened right here." Jenny said in wonder.
"You never told us why you had to leave." Sora said softly. Jenny and Julie exchanged a sad look.
"Our mom and several relatives had a strange chain reaction. They all got a severe, incurable cancer." Jenny whispered.
"They all died, our mom last." Julie said miserably.
"Our dad is ripped apart in sadness. This hurt him so much." Jenny said.
"It hurt us." Julie said quietly. Leoparamon nuzzled her, brushing her cheek with a wing. Biriamon wrapped her own wings around Jenny a moment.
"I am sorry for your loss. I see why you had to go." Brittany said quietly. "I wish I could heal wounds of the soul."
"I'm sorry." Sora said. "I didn't mean to bring it up that way." The twins shook their heads, half-shrugging.
"I have to leave." Brittany said. "But since you are here right now and alone, I will give you some small warning of what is yet to come."
"That would help a lot." Sora said.
"The thing you least except and ever have expected to happen is going to happen. It involves all of you and Rahomor. Only some of you will be able to do it. Be prepared for the worst. Remember saying, 'Together we can do anything', for it has a lot to do with what will happen." Brittany warned them, and she disappeared.
"Let's go back to the others." Sora said after a long moment. They returned and found the partners away doing something and everyone awake.
"Oh hi, Jenny, Julie." Tai said. They nodded greeting to everyone.
"Where did everyone go?" Jenny asked.
"They split up to get food and water and other stuff like that." Matt said.
"We'll go and get some firewood for a fire." Biriamon and Leoparamon said, taking flight and moving off.
"I wonder what will happen to us next." Kari said. She and T.K. still rested a lot and needed to be kept warm after a frozen experience. They could move around quickly like they used to but not for long.
"On our way back," Julie said, "I saw a bunch of berries and a couple of fruits. Jenny, T.K., Kari, and I – if they want to – can go pick some up." Everyone agreed and the four set off.
After they had left, the kids felt as if it got darker, but not necessarily in the sun going down. Red eyes looked at them from the shadows.
"I really hope our Digimon come back soon." Mimi said with a shiver. Suddenly, ten shapes leaped from the woods, surrounding the group in a moment. It was their partners. But black rings were tight around their necks and their eyes glowed red with evil.
"Four are missing." Metalgreymon growled.
"Get these and we'll wait for the other four." Biriamon snapped. With that, the Digimon closed in and grabbed each of their partners and despite their kicking and resistance they slipped into the woods. Biriamon, Leoparamon, Magnaangemon and Angewomon waited for Jenny, Julie, T.K., and Kari.
"Ah hah." Rahomor said, "I seem to have a new collection. Now when those other brats get here I'll have the whole set." Six Digimon holding struggling partners entered the fortress.
"Good work." Rahomor said briskly. "Take them to their cages and go to yours."
Each holding a basket full of fruit or berries, the other four kids walked through the woods, coming close to where they had intended to camp out. They were completely unaware of the danger as they entered the clearing.
"Hey, where is everybody?" Jenny said.
"Careful, something is wrong here." Julie whispered, crouching down slightly and looking around cautiously.
"Leopard Fire Whip!" Shouted a voice. Julie winced and staggered from the attack. Four Digimon stood in front of them.
"Leoparamon?" Julie whispered. "But why?"
"Look!" Kari said, pointing to the black rings around their partner's necks. "He must be controlling them!"
"Celestial Arrow!"
Kari dropped to the ground in great pain.
"Gate of Destiny!"
"Fiery Ice Blast!"
Jenny and T.K. both dropped, and everyone went through another round of attacks. Snickering evilly, the four Digimon closed in, ready to grab the kids.
"Sirius Cosmos!"
"Telekinesis Barrage!"
The four Digimon fell back as Siriusmon and Cheribimon entered the clearing. Before the other Digimon could react, Siriusmon had lifted T.K. and Jenny onto his back and Cheribimon had "taken" Kari and Julie "into herself" using telekinesis. The two Digimon bolted from the clearing and disappeared into the woods, trying to dodge the retaliation of attacks. The other four Digimon did not pursue them but took off for Rahomor's fortress.
When Siriusmon and Cheribimon were about a mile away, they both stopped, breathing heavily. Cheribimon blinked several times and seemed to be looking at Kari and Julie inside herself.
"They have both lost a lot of blood. Kari has gone into shock." Cheribimon said.
Siriusmon looked at the two on his back. "They are the same. T.K. is in shock as well."
"We need to get help, and quickly." Cheribimon said grimly.
"Let's get to the lake a quarter mile away. I think Gennai lives there now." Siriusmon said. The two took off again, moving swiftly – Siriusmon on the ground, Cheribimon in the air above him. Soon they arrived and stopped again.
Moving slowly from their wounds and being worn out, they approached the rim of water. When they reached it the water glowed and formed a stairway down into the lake. The two moved slowly downward and reached the bottom of the stairs, finding themselves in a homely area with grass and water all around. A house was nearby.
"What brings you here, Siriusmon, Cheribimon?" An old-looking man said, crossing over a bridge to them. Cheribimon released Julie and Kari, and Siriusmon lowered T.K. and Jenny to the ground.
"Ah. Tell me." Gennai said, frowning. "After we get them safe and healing inside."
"Can I use one of your computers to email some friends?" Siriusmon asked. "That is, after these four are in better positions."
"Yes, and bring them this way." Gennai said, walking toward his house. Siriusmon and Cheribimon brought the four inside and into a hall that branched off into several different rooms. Gennai led them into a room with four beds. He helped them lower the four into each of the beds.
Five girls entered, looking worried. It was the Guardians.
"You called us, Gennai. You said it was urgent and…" Adrienne suddenly trailed off as she saw the four kids in the beds. "Oh…"
Renee was in her element, calling several medicines and starting on the wounds of the four kids. She was quick and precise.
"Jenny – unconscious, left lung damaged, broken arms, no other internal damage besides blood loss. Julie – unconscious, right lung damaged, broken leg, no other internal damage besides blood loss. T.K. – in shock, large blood loss, broken arm and a broken leg. Kari – in shock, large blood loss, broken leg, and a broken arm." Renee said. "They all need rest."
"Tell us what happened." Nikki said as Renee looked at the to Digimon's wounds.
"Cheribimon and I felt Kari and T.K. crying out in pain and we rushed to the spot, seeing Jenny, Julie, Kari, and T.K. being attacked by their own partners." Siriusmon said heavily.
"Their partners had black rings around their necks." Cheribimon added, eyes sagging.
"You two rest. We have to send out a couple of calls. Including yours, Siriusmon, don't worry. We can help along the healing a little." Renee said firmly. "Gennai can explain out more after we leave." She and the other Guardians left as the Siriusmon curled up on the floor, asleep in moments. Cheribimon spread each of her wings out full and closed all of her eyes, except for one on each side of her body, watching Kari and for danger.
"What do you mean, they got away?" Rahomor roared at the four Digimon whose partners had gotten away.
"My Lord," Magnaangemon said, "Siriusmon and Cheribimon, once replacement partners, came. They are Ultimate Digimon with great strength."
"No excuse." Rahomor snapped. "Many evil Digimon have failed in trying to destroy the Digi Destined. They all came about it the wrong way. Now all shall see that humans can do better and are much wiser in these ways!"
A dinosaur-like Digimon napped, horns glistening. A Digimon who looked like a karate master tested his bow staffs. The cat and fish-like Digimon reared on its hind legs and roared. On the very top of a mountain, a dragon-like Digimon slept, wings hunched up. A winged unicorn reared and galloped across a valley. A flower-like Digimon also napped under the shelter of many cattail reeds.
A sudden trumpet call aroused them and halted what they were doing. They responded by gathering in Wingunimon's valley in the middle of the mountains. Adrienne was there, a horn in her hand.
"What happened?" Silverhornmon asked. Adrienne quickly explained out what happened. The Digimon were outraged.
"So that is where Siriusmon and Cheribimon are." Dayinianmon said.
"What can we do to help?" Martialmon asked in a calm voice.
"Kari, T.K., Jenny, and Julie are the only ones who got away from capture. The rest of their partners are at Rahomor's fortress. You will not go to rescue them, or you will be caught as well. The four children are the ones to rescue everyone. I came to ask if you would come to the haven where the four are resting so you can join forces with them and help them." Adrienne said. Immediately they all agreed. Adrienne led them to Gennai's home and she and the other Guardians departed.
Meanwhile, the four children were sweating and pale in their sleep, each having the same nightmare…
Kari felt herself opening her eyes in her dreams. She looked around slowly and saw T.K., Jenny, and Julie standing beside her. In front of them were their partners. The four children watched helpless as they "saw" a version of Rahomor leaping from the shadows of their dreams at their partners. The four children tried to run forward, but their legs were stuck like heavy lead in their dreams.
"No!" They screamed as they watched Rahomor summon great dark rings. The rings clamped around the necks of their partners, who were struggling as much as they could. Rahomor disappeared and they could move their legs. They ran forward and tried to hug their partners. They couldn't see the dark rings.
"Are you all right?" The kids asked. Their partners were strangely silent. They heard a strange noise and it was obviously a command. Their partners gripped them with hands like strong ice. Kari gasped at the pain and they were dragged forward. They could see an evil fortress ahead. The four partners dragged them into it. They came into a room with several cages. In each cage there was a Digimon or a child. It was the partners of the other Digi Destined! But the kids…the Digi Destined children themselves!
"Matt!" T.K. shouted in his dreams.
"Tai!" Kari called. It was no use. The two boys were impassive and lost for hope. The four were taken towards the cages. All four of them screamed and suddenly it disappeared. Five angels standing in front of them replaced the image, two others stood to the side. It was the Guardians. The two standing to the side appeared to be stars. Katie and Arianna! The seven smiled and waved, disappearing.
The four fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The Guardians and Gennai had hurried into the room at the sound of screams. The Guardians had calmed their dreams and helped the high fevers lower. Cheribimon and Siriusmon had awoken with a start and refused to sleep after they saw what happened. Cheribimon took a spot between Kari and Julie, flapping her wings every so often to keep her aloft and keeping a set of eyes on each of the girls. Siriusmon paced between T.K. and Jenny's beds, flicking his tail, scattering sparkles that looked like the smallest parts of stars.
In another room of the house, the Guardians were holding a council with Gennai.
"This is horrible." Adrienne said shortly. "I don't see why we have to let them be put up to this. They have been through so much. I feel like a betrayer, letting this go on."
"I agree." Nikki said. "But they are doing well. They are strong."
"I must say that this is going a little too far." Renee said quietly, though her voice was challenging. "We should stop it."
"There are tests." Brittany said firmly, eyes narrowing. "They do not fight the fact that they must go through them no matter what."
"When we took up our positions as the Guardians, we agreed not to intervene at all with things like this." Emily snapped, siding with Brittany.
"Will you stop arguing?" Gennai said loudly and sternly. "You are acting like children, like the Digi Destined themselves once acted. You aren't supposed to fight." The Guardians were positioned apart from each other, glaring.
"You must understand that the Digi Destined have survived many ordeals. Renee, you yourself told them that often the reward for accomplishing a difficult quest is to accomplish a harder one. I, for one, do not totally agree with putting the Digi Destined up to these things, but they must go through them." Gennai went on firmly. He was making it clear that he would not be siding with any of them. "The four children will be fine and they will find out how to save their partners."
The Guardians once stood together as the best of friends, but now they appeared divided up. The loss of Katie probably had a lot to do with it, making them edgy and easily argumentative.
Renee stood angrily.
"Fine. You can help them on your own." She said, storming out. The strangest thing happened. As she said those words and the other Guardians stood apart, their wings seemed to fade and turn a slightly gray color. One by one they left, departing for the first time in history. The Guardians were no more.
Slowly, Kari opened her eyes. She felt as if someone had dropped a dead weight on her legs and head. She heard angry voices and saw five people with grayish wings storm by her room, one at a time.
It all came back to her and she lay back with a groan at her head throbbing. She saw Cheribimon out of the corner of her eye, coming closer.
"You're awake." She said softly. Kari nodded, immediately wishing she hadn't at the new wave of nausea.
"What happened to the Guardians?" Kari finally asked.
"Later." Cheribimon said pressingly. "You just came out of shock at the loss of blood. You have broken bones. You need to relax."
"What?" Kari said, trying to sit up. Cheribimon used her telepathic power to stop her. "Shock? Broken bones? How?"
"Later." Cheribimon repeated. "Some friends are on their way. They will help us later. Meanwhile we are safe at Gennai's lake home." Muffled thunder from above the lake crashed. Rain could be heard hitting the lake's surface.
Kari laid back and thought. She tried to show Cheribimon she was relaxing while doing it. Cheribimon laughed quietly at her attempt.
There was the sound of several coughs and all three of the others woke up. Siriusmon and Cheribimon took care of them as Kari watched. She saw that all of them, including her, had casts. Jenny and Julie gingerly rolled onto their backs. Kari saw that there were stitches and bandages there, and she wondered what had happened to them. Neither she nor the other three remembered anything after their partners had begun attacking them.
"Now that we're all awake," Kari said, "Tell us what happened." Before Cheribimon or Siriusmon could explain, Gennai walked in.
"Good to see that you're up." Gennai said. "The other Digi Destined newer partners came to help you. They are waiting outside this home, though out of the rain."
"Will you tell us what happened?" T.K. asked. Gennai nodded and motioned to Siriusmon and Cheribimon.
"Your partners attacked you. Kari, you went into shock from arrow wounds. T.K., you went into shock from sword wounds. Jenny, you had many razor-sharp feather and frozen fire wounds. The feathers damaged your left lung greatly, so Renee did some surgery. Julie, yours were claw and teeth wounds, which damaged your right lung. Renee also did some surgery there." Siriusmon said.
"What happened to the Guardians?" Kari questioned. "I heard them fighting and they stormed out past the door. Their wings were…gray."
"I know." Gennai said quietly. "They are no longer the Guardians. They have split up and lost their rainbow colors. They will soon lose their wings and possibly their powers if this continues."
"What were they fighting over?" Julie asked.
"You."
"What?" They all asked.
"They all thought different things about letting you go through certain things and other small things along that line." He said sadly.
"I guess first we have to defeat Rahomor, right?" Jenny asked.
"Yes. But it won't be easy." Gennai said.
"I have the strangest feeling," Kari began, "that our gems have a lot to do with it."
"You are right.' Gennai said. "They contain many secrets and have many abilities. They allow your newer partners to Digivolve and they protect you in a way. If you hadn't had the gems you probably would all have died immediately from the wounds you had."
"So how do we use them to free our partners?" T.K. asked.
"I will only give you one clue, and only give it to you before you leave. You can rest for a while longer." Gennai said.
"But we should go. With the help of our partners we can make the trip." Jenny said, despite her pain. To prove she was ready and willing to do anything to free her partners, she swung her legs over the side of the bed managed to get herself up, despite her broken arms.
At that, Julie smiled and grabbed her crutches leaning on her bed and got to her feet.
"I'm with you." Julie said. Kari and T.K. exchanged a look and got themselves up. Cheribimon placed herself beside Kari, Siriusmon beside T.K. Two more Digimon entered the room, Wingunimon and Bronclovemon. Wingunimon positioned herself beside Julie, Bronclovemon beside Jenny.
"We'll help you right now." Wingunimon and Bronclovemon said together.
"I suppose you could go." Gennai said doubtfully. But one look at the kids made him laugh and nod. "Go on, then. And here is my clue for you: You must unlock a new level of Digivolving, and not necessarily in Digimon."
They left, and outside they found the other partners. The kids got onto their partner's backs and they set off.
"Again." Rahomor said with a sigh. "Little pests."
"My Lord?" Leoparamon inquired.
"No, we shall wait here for them."
Don't come, you guys! The other Digi Destined thought hopelessly in their cages.
They moved throughout the whole day at a good pace. Though it usually seemed to be bright and sunny in the Digital World with the occasional rain, it had been cloudy and sprinkling since the once-Guardians had left Gennai's. The Digimon traveled slowly throughout the night slowly, the gems giving them the power to not need much sleep or food. Though they didn't know it, this had a lot to do with the upcoming use of the gems.
They all stopped in the morning to get a bite to eat and then set out. By afternoon, Rahomor's fortress was in sight.
"We need a plan of attack." T.K. said.
"May I propose something?" Martialmon asked. They nodded.
"We should sneak in and attack once inside." He said calmly. Everyone agreed. They explored and found a hidden entrance. They slipped inside and managed to avoid guards and they started to slip around a corner when Martialmon, who had been in front, pressed them back. He made some motions not to talk.
"There." He said in the quietest voice possible. He made some more motions and they realized he was saying they should leap out and fight to free the Digimon and kids. The four children should stay behind the fighting and try to figure out the gems, he motioned. He gave the signal and the Digimon leaped out. Some fought off guards while others leaped for the cages. But the original Digimon fought back. They were more powerful.
"Oh no…" Kari said, holding her crutch with her unbroken arm. Julie and Jenny were arguing about what they should do and Julie stumbled over her crutches and into view. Unfortunately, that caught the attention of their partners.
"There they are." Biriamon said with a sneer. She and the other three partners of the kids came forward towards them.
"You can't do this." T.K. shouted, stumbling backwards and away. But the Digimon kept coming.
Not this… T.K. thought.
It can't be… Kari thought.
Why our partners? Julie thought.
I will never give up! Jenny thought angrily.
All of a sudden, their gems and Crests began to glow. They themselves began to glow! The Digimon shielded themselves from the light and the battle stopped as everyone watched.
"Takeru Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Hope!" Now T.K. was different. He was covered in armor and two wings that looked like Magnaangemon and Celestimon's sprang from his shoulders. A row varied swords hung at his waist. On the chest of his armor were the symbols of clashing swords and the Crest of Hope.
"Hikari Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Light!" Kari was covered in light armor herself and two wings that looked like Angewomon and Celestiamon's spread from her shoulders. A bow hung on her shoulder and a large quiver with sections of different arrows hung on her back. On the chest of her armor were the symbols of an arrow being released from a bow and the Crest of Light.
"Jennifer Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Trust!" Jenny had a long silver tunic that touched the ground. Her hair appeared to be like fire and icicles. She had the wings of Sleriamon. She held a variety of feathers in a pouch at her side. On the chest of her tunic were the symbols of a great bird and the Crest of Trust.
"Juliana Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Peace!" Julie was a little strange. She had a tunic on that was a plain gold color. But her legs were those of Sabeleoparamon. She also had the wings of Leoparamon. At her side were several small weapons like boomerangs and slings. On the chest of her tunic were the symbols of a cheetah or leopard running full out, and the Crest of Peace.
"Whoa!" Tai said.
"Man, can we do that?" Matt asked, amazed.
Silently, the four kids surveyed them. Their broken bones were gone.
"What are you waiting for?" Rahomor screamed. "Get them!" The battle began. T.K. drew a double-edged sword with one side that pierced the soul and the other that healed any wound. Kari drew out an arrow that was tipped with something that changed anything back to what it used to be. Jenny drew the same kinds of feathers, Julie the same kinds of weapons and they went into battle. They went for their partners first.
T.K. brought his sword down on his partner, hitting him with the healing side. Instantly the angel dropped to the ground, and Rahomor lost his control over him.
Kari strung her bow and let loose the healing arrow at her own partner. Immediately she dropped, free.
Jenny bore down on Biriamon. She flung feathers at Biriamon, finally hitting the bird-like Digimon, who dropped to the ground as well, free.
Julie launched soft rocks like lava but healing at her leopard-like friend, freeing her.
The four then went to the cages, freeing the others.
"Can we do that with the gems?" Sora asked. Kari nodded and suddenly the other kids' gems began to glow and they began their own transformation.
"Tai Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Courage!" Tai had earned the symbol of Fire. He had the wings of Wargreymon as well as the horns of his other partner.
"Matt Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Friendship!" Matt now had the symbol of a wolf howling. He had the mask of a wolf that he could give expressions like his real face like Metalgarurumon. He had a bow staff like Martialmon as well.
"Joe Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Reliability!" Joe, of course, had the symbol of water/waves. He had Aquaclovemon's wings and two cannon-like things that could shoot out water.
"Izzy Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Knowledge!" Izzy had the symbol of a lightening bolt. He had the wings of Golddragonmon that held electricity.
"Sora Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Love!" Sora had the symbol of hearts. She had a much smaller version of Garudamon's wings. Around her neck hung a vial that seemed to contain heart-shaped objects.
"Mimi Gem-evolve to…DigiWarrior of Sincerity!" Mimi had the symbol of a flower and the wings of Lillymon and Violetmon. She also held a flower as a weapon.
"Cool." Tai said, looking at himself.
"Let's go." T.K. said and the ten transformed children leaped into the battle. Once they had freed their partners they turned to deal with Rahomor, but he had run away again. The newer partners collapsed, panting. The kids themselves sheathed swords and other weapons and dropped to the ground, glowing as they turned back into their normal selves. T.K., Kari, Jenny, and Julie were all healed.
The kids went to their partners who had been captured and they were silent. Their partners seemed to be in silence out of embarrassment and humiliation. The tension broke as they felt a calming presence.
"Be at peace, my friends." Said a voice. "You will go to the Pleasant Lake to the south of this place. You will find what to do there. We will see you again." The voice drifted away, but a sense of the presence remained.
Silently, the Digi Destined sat with their partners and shared the pain, comforting as well.
Driven out were the Spirits of Evil.
1 The End of Spirits of Evil