Digital Conundrum Special Issue
Frequently Asked Questions from Backstep 00 to Backstep 06
I've gotten quite a few e-mails - for some reason everyone sends their comments on DIGITAL CONUNDRUM via e-mail - and most of them have some sort of question about the story. More often than not, I get things like "what the heck is Seven Days?" and "there's a Left Behind movie?" and "there's a Left Behind book series, too?" So me, Frank Parker, and Buck Williams all decided to go through all these e-mails and answer your questions. Also, some people wanted to know when - if ever - Frank and Buck save the world. So I've put a little preview of Part 09, Angel's Trumpet Sounding. Hopefully this segment answers all your questions!
~ the author.
SECTION ONE: THE CROSSED-OVER SERIES
Q: "Seven Days" - what is it?
A: "Seven Days" is an American television series about a young man named Frank Parker, who is recruited in a secret government agency that deals with time travel. Whenever the world is in serious trouble (say, the president has been shot), Parker climbs into his Sphere and takes off to save the world. The only problem is that the machine can only go back in time seven days. "Seven Days" had run for three seasons starting in 1998; the last episode was aired in the February of 2001.
Q: What the heck is "Left Behind"?
A: "Left Behind" is an American book series that is a fictional account of life in what is known in the Bible as the "Tribulation". Rayford Steele, Cameron "Buck" Williams, and Rayford's daughter (and soon even more people) team up against Nicolae Carpathia, the self-declared ruler of the world after a set of mysterious disappearances. It just so happens, though, that jolly Saint Nick is actually possessed by the Devil later on in the series. The series is projected to be twelve novels long, but eight have already been released and the ninth book is set to come out in the October of 2001.
Q: Isn't there a "Left Behind" movie, also?
A: Yes, there is a "Left Behind" movie. It was released to theaters in the February of 2001.
Q: How come I haven't seen ads for the movie, or even a premiere in New York or LA?
A: That's because the movie was only released in select cities in the American Midwest (in Michigan, Kansas, and I think Illinois and Indiana) and in Canada.
Q: Are there any differences between the book and movie?
A: Many! For instance, Buck and Hattie already know each other; Buck seems to already know Rayford; Buck is a newscaster, not a newsmagazine journalist; Nicolae seems to have a conscience; Buck gets a disk with information on world upheaval; we actually meet Rayford's wife and son; Buck's interview with Chaim occurs days, not months, before the disappearances; Buck is shot at by a sniper; Buck doesn't go to England to speak with a friend, but instead talks to him at the start of the film in New York; and Hattie claims her job with Nicolae before the disappearances. Also, the movie starts with Buck's interview with Chaim, not with the disappearances.
SECTION TWO: MISTAKES AND OTHER STUFF
Q: Why do you say in the first few chapters that the original "Digimon Adventure" occurs five years ago, then change it to three in "Backstep 06: Journey to the Center of the (Digital) Earth"?
A: I made a boo-boo. In parts 00 through 05, any reference to the past "Digimon Adventure" series is supposed to take place three years ago, not five as in the American timeline.
Q: What happened to Buck's copy of the Digital Conundrum disk?
A: It's still in his watch.
Q: Then where's Parker's?
A: It's in Owsley's computer.
Q: Why does Patamon not remember what happens after he (as Angemon) drove away Dagomon?
A: The full reason will not be revealed until later - it is very complicated and will ruin the story. But it has something to do with a Chosen Child from Frank and Buck's time.
Q: Why does Holy Angemon look different?
A: As explained in the note to "Little Birdies are Going to Fall from the Sky", this is the Holy Angemon from the Digimon V-Tamer manga. And he is different from Takeru's Holy Angemon - see the answer to above question for why I can't elaborate.
Q: What exactly happened to Frank and Buck sixteen years before "Digital Conundrum"?
A: You'll find out in later chapters. A short summary of what happened to them is actually described in the second to last episode of "Digimon Adventure", since they are two of the five (six?) that originally saved the Digital World.
Q: Are Frank and Buck really two of the original Chosen Children?
A: No. Heck, nobody knows who they are! This story is meant to answer the question: "Who really are those original Chosen Children?"
Q: Will more Chosen Children be revealed?
A: Yes. Two more will be introduced around part 15, and another will be mentioned (not introduced formally) a little after that.
Q: Can you tell us who they are?
A: No! I'll ruin the surprise!
Q: Why do Buck and Parker's Tags look different?
A: They're the ORIGINAL Chosen Children - of course their Tags will look different!
Q: Is Frank's full name really "Francis"?
A: In some fanfics his full name is written as Francis, but I don't recall the name being used on the show. It wasn't even written as Francis on the official Seven Days site.
Q: What did Frank do to prevent a Digital Conundrum a year before this all started?
A: In the last episode of Seven Days, "Revelation", Frank Parker fought against the Devil - and of course, he won.
Q: What are Buck and Parker's Crests?
A: You'll find out very soon, but you can take a hint from what they said before their digimon evolved without the digimentals.
Q: Does Buck really hate being called Cameron?
A: Actually, he doesn't - his father calls him Cameron during phone conversations. He just hates being called Cam.
Q: Was Buck ever called Cam in "Left Behind"?
A: Actually, I don't think he ever was.
Q: Why do Delores and Nicolae always eat ramen?
A: Because they like ramen.
Q: Then why does Delores always spill ramen on her dress?
A: Because she's always placing the bowl on her lap, then stands up and forgets that she had placed it there!
Q: Will Frank and Buck actually save the day in Part 09?
A: Be patient! I'll get to that!
Q: What the heck were Takeru and Hikari doing in the Dark Ocean?
A: "Digital Conundrum" takes place in an alternate "Digimon Adventure" world. I somewhat explained this in "Part 01: Dark Ocean High Tide". Takeru, of course, follows Hikari into the Dark Ocean - but is smart enough to take her backpack, which explains why Hikari has her D3. Also, Hikari chooses to go against this Dark Undersea Master, who is defined in the Japanese series as Dagomon.
Q: How old are Frank and Buck?
A: Good question. The official Seven Days site said that Frank is twenty-nine years old. In the book "Nicolae", it says that Buck is thirty-two years old after the mass disappearances, which would make him about thirty-one right now. So though it seems that Buck takes a back seat to Frank, he's actually a few years older.
Q: When exactly does this story take place?
A: A general timeframe would be in the year 2002. In Digimon Adventure 02, that would be when the Chosen Children are out protecting the Holy Stones. At the same time, this also goes way beyond the current Seven Days timeline, placing it over a year after the last episode, "Revelation". Since there is no strict timeframe for Left Behind, I just set it so that Buck's interview with Chaim takes place at the same time as the end of Digimon Adventure - making this also occur in an alternate Left Behind universe because Buck's interview in the book takes place a month before the disappearances (or, according to the movie, a few days prior).
Q: You spelled "Silphymon" wrong in Part 00.
A: I know. I'll change it next time she appears in the story.
SECTION THREE: IMAGE SONGS
Q: What is Frank's image song?
A: Frank Parker' image song is "No Fear", which is taken off the "Left Behind" movie soundtrack. The artist's name escapes me now. You can hear it on the Left Behind movie site at www.leftbehind-themovie.com. It's in the "Products" section, then click on Soundtrack, then Previews.
Q: What's Buck's image song, then?
A: Buck's image song is "Believer", which is actually his image song from the Left Behind movie. The band who performs this song is Jake. You can hear the chorus of the song in the Left Behind movie in the scene where Buck's in the restroom. To hear the full song, though, buy the Left Behind movie soundtrack.
Q: Aren't the "Digital Conundrum" start and end themes actually "Digimon" songs?
A: Yes - apparently you didn't read the disclaimer for part 03! "VERSION UP" is Koushirou's image song, and "Itsudemo Aeru Kara" is Mimi's. The only CDs that I know you can get both these songs on are "Digimon Adventure Song and Music File version 2" and "Digimon Adventure Best Hit Parade".
Q: But isn't the version of "Itsudemo Aeru Kara" on "Best Hit Parade" different?
A: I think. The liner notes to "Best Hit Parade" do say that it's a previously unreleased version.
Q: You mentioned new themes for "Part 09: Angel's Trumpet Sounding".
A: Right, I did. For this part only, the opening theme is "Left Behind" (the 'opening theme' to the Left Behind movie that wasn't played), and the ending theme is "Midnight Cry" (the 'ending theme' to the Left Behind movie).
Q: But isn't "Midnight Cry", well ... kind of blatant?
A: Well, only the chorus. Buck and Frank had to endure listening to the full song, though - in the ending, they protest a little against the chorus.
Q: Why?
A: Because I don't think that fanfiction readers and characters would want to endure a song that talks about religion! In a good way, I mean. But still, I have to appeal to everyone.
Q: Where could I hear these songs?
A: Both of these songs can be heard on the official Left Behind movie site. They're in the Multimedia section, I think. The songs are in the Music Videos subsections, so you'll see the music videos for them. Don't miss the part where Buck runs away from a burning car!
SECTION FOUR: A PREVIEW OF PART 09
All impatient fans, here's the sneak peek you've been waiting for! Watch how Frank and Buck try to ward off Delores, Nicolae, and Black War Greymon in this explosive excerpt! (Caution - this may not necessarily be in the final version.)
Backstep 09
Angel's Trumpet Sounding
-------------------------------------------------
Location - the Ramen Pond
Time - two days past projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
Frank, Buck, and the Chosen Children ran to the pond, taking positions behind the two human-disguised digimon that had arrived moments before. It wasn't hard to find cover amongst the tightly packed stalks of the bamboo forest. Yet despite the denseness of the bamboo, the Chosen Children had a clear view of their digimon.
Paildramon, Silphymon, Angemon, Ankylomon, Kabuterimon and Kentarumon were standing - or hovering - before a spherical stone dripping with ramen. All of them were at a battle ready, but Parker and Buck could notice a sickly pallor about Angemon.
"I wonder why Takeru let his partner fight," Buck whispered, pulling close to Parker.
"It's stubbornness," Parker scowled, reaching into his jacket. "Besides, if all else fails, we have these." He pulled out two guns and slapped one into Buck's hands firmly.
Buck looked down at the small weapon and tucked it in his belt. "Some defense," he muttered, staring back out at the scene. "What about the kids?"
"We don't have any jurisdiction over them." Parker looked back at the digimon - Angemon seemed to be short of breath, just hovering above Kentarumon. "Besides, we could only understand each other if the Guardian's around."
Buck shrugged. He knew all too well about the language barrier between the Japanese children and themselves. And yet despite that large gap, the children were listening intently to Nicolae and Delores speak in English.
"Stupid digimon," Delores crooned, biting on a gloved finger. "You really think you can protect that Holy Stone?" She turned her head, glaring her sunglass-covered eyes towards the digimon. "Especially you, Guardian?"
"Let me finish them off," Nicolae spoke in his thick Romanian accent. He revealed his trademark machine gun from his overcoat, yet still remained in his human form.
"Battling the Guardian of the Trumpet of Hope is not a task for such lowlifes as you."
Nicolae and Delores slowly turned away from the Holy Stone, their bodies turning rigid. Slowly they bent their heads towards the strangely blue sky, in the direction of the children's hiding place. Delores' eyes narrowed in realization, and Nicolae released his hold on his weapon. A dull clatter came even to the children's ears as the gun fell to the grass.
"Black ... Black War Greymon," Nicolae stammered, backing into Delores. "Uh, we did not ... expect you ... here." He tried to stifle a chuckle, but it burst out of his mouth a little louder than anticipated.
"I've been sensing the Holy Stone longer than you weaklings have," Black War Greymon growled, inching his armored face into Nicolae's. "And that pitiful Guardian must have, as well." He raised his head, seeming to stare down at the digimon defending the Holy Stone. "It's a miracle that he's still alive, even with one stone standing."
"Well, then, go get him, and the other digimon, too!" Delores screeched. "What are you waiting for?"
"You two have no authority to order me," Black War Greymon snorted disdainfully. One of his claws glowed with a faint white aura. "Dramon Killer!"
The dark dragon swept his claw in a wide arc, felling bamboo stalks and sending Delores and Nicolae into the air. Moments later a small dust cloud rose near the edge of the forest. A slight tremor shook the ground.
"That got them out of the way," Black War Greymon chuckled evilly. "Now, Guardian," he continued, pointing a claw at the fatigued Angemon, "reveal your true form once again and battle me."
Angemon seemed to struggle just to keep his head facing Black War Greymon. "I don't want to fight you," he groaned, hands tightening on his weapon. "Why do you insist that I am the Guardian?"
"You grow weaker as the Holy Stones are destroyed," the dark dragon crooned. "You, the stones, and the Center are all connected. And when I destroy this final Holy Stone ... I shall be glad to be done with you."
"You don't know what you're saying!" Angemon cried, his voice labored. "Destroy the Holy Stone, and you bring the seven-year darkness - the Digital Conundrum! Is this what you want?"
"Destroying the Holy Stones and their Guardian is my purpose in life," Black War Greymon snapped. He brought his arms over his head, and a gargantuan fireball formed between his clawed hands. "Gaia Force!"
And that was your little sneak peak at Part 09. What will happen when Black War Greymon throws his special attack? Will this final Holy Stone be destroyed? And can Buck, Parker, and the Chosen Children prevent the Guardian from sounding the Trumpet of Hope? You'll just have to find out when the full version of Part 09 is released.
Thanks for being patient waiting for this installment of DIGITAL CONUNDRUM. I'll go back on track next time by posting Part 07, Realization of Memories - Holy Point Revisited. Arigato!
Frequently Asked Questions from Backstep 00 to Backstep 06
I've gotten quite a few e-mails - for some reason everyone sends their comments on DIGITAL CONUNDRUM via e-mail - and most of them have some sort of question about the story. More often than not, I get things like "what the heck is Seven Days?" and "there's a Left Behind movie?" and "there's a Left Behind book series, too?" So me, Frank Parker, and Buck Williams all decided to go through all these e-mails and answer your questions. Also, some people wanted to know when - if ever - Frank and Buck save the world. So I've put a little preview of Part 09, Angel's Trumpet Sounding. Hopefully this segment answers all your questions!
~ the author.
SECTION ONE: THE CROSSED-OVER SERIES
Q: "Seven Days" - what is it?
A: "Seven Days" is an American television series about a young man named Frank Parker, who is recruited in a secret government agency that deals with time travel. Whenever the world is in serious trouble (say, the president has been shot), Parker climbs into his Sphere and takes off to save the world. The only problem is that the machine can only go back in time seven days. "Seven Days" had run for three seasons starting in 1998; the last episode was aired in the February of 2001.
Q: What the heck is "Left Behind"?
A: "Left Behind" is an American book series that is a fictional account of life in what is known in the Bible as the "Tribulation". Rayford Steele, Cameron "Buck" Williams, and Rayford's daughter (and soon even more people) team up against Nicolae Carpathia, the self-declared ruler of the world after a set of mysterious disappearances. It just so happens, though, that jolly Saint Nick is actually possessed by the Devil later on in the series. The series is projected to be twelve novels long, but eight have already been released and the ninth book is set to come out in the October of 2001.
Q: Isn't there a "Left Behind" movie, also?
A: Yes, there is a "Left Behind" movie. It was released to theaters in the February of 2001.
Q: How come I haven't seen ads for the movie, or even a premiere in New York or LA?
A: That's because the movie was only released in select cities in the American Midwest (in Michigan, Kansas, and I think Illinois and Indiana) and in Canada.
Q: Are there any differences between the book and movie?
A: Many! For instance, Buck and Hattie already know each other; Buck seems to already know Rayford; Buck is a newscaster, not a newsmagazine journalist; Nicolae seems to have a conscience; Buck gets a disk with information on world upheaval; we actually meet Rayford's wife and son; Buck's interview with Chaim occurs days, not months, before the disappearances; Buck is shot at by a sniper; Buck doesn't go to England to speak with a friend, but instead talks to him at the start of the film in New York; and Hattie claims her job with Nicolae before the disappearances. Also, the movie starts with Buck's interview with Chaim, not with the disappearances.
SECTION TWO: MISTAKES AND OTHER STUFF
Q: Why do you say in the first few chapters that the original "Digimon Adventure" occurs five years ago, then change it to three in "Backstep 06: Journey to the Center of the (Digital) Earth"?
A: I made a boo-boo. In parts 00 through 05, any reference to the past "Digimon Adventure" series is supposed to take place three years ago, not five as in the American timeline.
Q: What happened to Buck's copy of the Digital Conundrum disk?
A: It's still in his watch.
Q: Then where's Parker's?
A: It's in Owsley's computer.
Q: Why does Patamon not remember what happens after he (as Angemon) drove away Dagomon?
A: The full reason will not be revealed until later - it is very complicated and will ruin the story. But it has something to do with a Chosen Child from Frank and Buck's time.
Q: Why does Holy Angemon look different?
A: As explained in the note to "Little Birdies are Going to Fall from the Sky", this is the Holy Angemon from the Digimon V-Tamer manga. And he is different from Takeru's Holy Angemon - see the answer to above question for why I can't elaborate.
Q: What exactly happened to Frank and Buck sixteen years before "Digital Conundrum"?
A: You'll find out in later chapters. A short summary of what happened to them is actually described in the second to last episode of "Digimon Adventure", since they are two of the five (six?) that originally saved the Digital World.
Q: Are Frank and Buck really two of the original Chosen Children?
A: No. Heck, nobody knows who they are! This story is meant to answer the question: "Who really are those original Chosen Children?"
Q: Will more Chosen Children be revealed?
A: Yes. Two more will be introduced around part 15, and another will be mentioned (not introduced formally) a little after that.
Q: Can you tell us who they are?
A: No! I'll ruin the surprise!
Q: Why do Buck and Parker's Tags look different?
A: They're the ORIGINAL Chosen Children - of course their Tags will look different!
Q: Is Frank's full name really "Francis"?
A: In some fanfics his full name is written as Francis, but I don't recall the name being used on the show. It wasn't even written as Francis on the official Seven Days site.
Q: What did Frank do to prevent a Digital Conundrum a year before this all started?
A: In the last episode of Seven Days, "Revelation", Frank Parker fought against the Devil - and of course, he won.
Q: What are Buck and Parker's Crests?
A: You'll find out very soon, but you can take a hint from what they said before their digimon evolved without the digimentals.
Q: Does Buck really hate being called Cameron?
A: Actually, he doesn't - his father calls him Cameron during phone conversations. He just hates being called Cam.
Q: Was Buck ever called Cam in "Left Behind"?
A: Actually, I don't think he ever was.
Q: Why do Delores and Nicolae always eat ramen?
A: Because they like ramen.
Q: Then why does Delores always spill ramen on her dress?
A: Because she's always placing the bowl on her lap, then stands up and forgets that she had placed it there!
Q: Will Frank and Buck actually save the day in Part 09?
A: Be patient! I'll get to that!
Q: What the heck were Takeru and Hikari doing in the Dark Ocean?
A: "Digital Conundrum" takes place in an alternate "Digimon Adventure" world. I somewhat explained this in "Part 01: Dark Ocean High Tide". Takeru, of course, follows Hikari into the Dark Ocean - but is smart enough to take her backpack, which explains why Hikari has her D3. Also, Hikari chooses to go against this Dark Undersea Master, who is defined in the Japanese series as Dagomon.
Q: How old are Frank and Buck?
A: Good question. The official Seven Days site said that Frank is twenty-nine years old. In the book "Nicolae", it says that Buck is thirty-two years old after the mass disappearances, which would make him about thirty-one right now. So though it seems that Buck takes a back seat to Frank, he's actually a few years older.
Q: When exactly does this story take place?
A: A general timeframe would be in the year 2002. In Digimon Adventure 02, that would be when the Chosen Children are out protecting the Holy Stones. At the same time, this also goes way beyond the current Seven Days timeline, placing it over a year after the last episode, "Revelation". Since there is no strict timeframe for Left Behind, I just set it so that Buck's interview with Chaim takes place at the same time as the end of Digimon Adventure - making this also occur in an alternate Left Behind universe because Buck's interview in the book takes place a month before the disappearances (or, according to the movie, a few days prior).
Q: You spelled "Silphymon" wrong in Part 00.
A: I know. I'll change it next time she appears in the story.
SECTION THREE: IMAGE SONGS
Q: What is Frank's image song?
A: Frank Parker' image song is "No Fear", which is taken off the "Left Behind" movie soundtrack. The artist's name escapes me now. You can hear it on the Left Behind movie site at www.leftbehind-themovie.com. It's in the "Products" section, then click on Soundtrack, then Previews.
Q: What's Buck's image song, then?
A: Buck's image song is "Believer", which is actually his image song from the Left Behind movie. The band who performs this song is Jake. You can hear the chorus of the song in the Left Behind movie in the scene where Buck's in the restroom. To hear the full song, though, buy the Left Behind movie soundtrack.
Q: Aren't the "Digital Conundrum" start and end themes actually "Digimon" songs?
A: Yes - apparently you didn't read the disclaimer for part 03! "VERSION UP" is Koushirou's image song, and "Itsudemo Aeru Kara" is Mimi's. The only CDs that I know you can get both these songs on are "Digimon Adventure Song and Music File version 2" and "Digimon Adventure Best Hit Parade".
Q: But isn't the version of "Itsudemo Aeru Kara" on "Best Hit Parade" different?
A: I think. The liner notes to "Best Hit Parade" do say that it's a previously unreleased version.
Q: You mentioned new themes for "Part 09: Angel's Trumpet Sounding".
A: Right, I did. For this part only, the opening theme is "Left Behind" (the 'opening theme' to the Left Behind movie that wasn't played), and the ending theme is "Midnight Cry" (the 'ending theme' to the Left Behind movie).
Q: But isn't "Midnight Cry", well ... kind of blatant?
A: Well, only the chorus. Buck and Frank had to endure listening to the full song, though - in the ending, they protest a little against the chorus.
Q: Why?
A: Because I don't think that fanfiction readers and characters would want to endure a song that talks about religion! In a good way, I mean. But still, I have to appeal to everyone.
Q: Where could I hear these songs?
A: Both of these songs can be heard on the official Left Behind movie site. They're in the Multimedia section, I think. The songs are in the Music Videos subsections, so you'll see the music videos for them. Don't miss the part where Buck runs away from a burning car!
SECTION FOUR: A PREVIEW OF PART 09
All impatient fans, here's the sneak peek you've been waiting for! Watch how Frank and Buck try to ward off Delores, Nicolae, and Black War Greymon in this explosive excerpt! (Caution - this may not necessarily be in the final version.)
Backstep 09
Angel's Trumpet Sounding
-------------------------------------------------
Location - the Ramen Pond
Time - two days past projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
Frank, Buck, and the Chosen Children ran to the pond, taking positions behind the two human-disguised digimon that had arrived moments before. It wasn't hard to find cover amongst the tightly packed stalks of the bamboo forest. Yet despite the denseness of the bamboo, the Chosen Children had a clear view of their digimon.
Paildramon, Silphymon, Angemon, Ankylomon, Kabuterimon and Kentarumon were standing - or hovering - before a spherical stone dripping with ramen. All of them were at a battle ready, but Parker and Buck could notice a sickly pallor about Angemon.
"I wonder why Takeru let his partner fight," Buck whispered, pulling close to Parker.
"It's stubbornness," Parker scowled, reaching into his jacket. "Besides, if all else fails, we have these." He pulled out two guns and slapped one into Buck's hands firmly.
Buck looked down at the small weapon and tucked it in his belt. "Some defense," he muttered, staring back out at the scene. "What about the kids?"
"We don't have any jurisdiction over them." Parker looked back at the digimon - Angemon seemed to be short of breath, just hovering above Kentarumon. "Besides, we could only understand each other if the Guardian's around."
Buck shrugged. He knew all too well about the language barrier between the Japanese children and themselves. And yet despite that large gap, the children were listening intently to Nicolae and Delores speak in English.
"Stupid digimon," Delores crooned, biting on a gloved finger. "You really think you can protect that Holy Stone?" She turned her head, glaring her sunglass-covered eyes towards the digimon. "Especially you, Guardian?"
"Let me finish them off," Nicolae spoke in his thick Romanian accent. He revealed his trademark machine gun from his overcoat, yet still remained in his human form.
"Battling the Guardian of the Trumpet of Hope is not a task for such lowlifes as you."
Nicolae and Delores slowly turned away from the Holy Stone, their bodies turning rigid. Slowly they bent their heads towards the strangely blue sky, in the direction of the children's hiding place. Delores' eyes narrowed in realization, and Nicolae released his hold on his weapon. A dull clatter came even to the children's ears as the gun fell to the grass.
"Black ... Black War Greymon," Nicolae stammered, backing into Delores. "Uh, we did not ... expect you ... here." He tried to stifle a chuckle, but it burst out of his mouth a little louder than anticipated.
"I've been sensing the Holy Stone longer than you weaklings have," Black War Greymon growled, inching his armored face into Nicolae's. "And that pitiful Guardian must have, as well." He raised his head, seeming to stare down at the digimon defending the Holy Stone. "It's a miracle that he's still alive, even with one stone standing."
"Well, then, go get him, and the other digimon, too!" Delores screeched. "What are you waiting for?"
"You two have no authority to order me," Black War Greymon snorted disdainfully. One of his claws glowed with a faint white aura. "Dramon Killer!"
The dark dragon swept his claw in a wide arc, felling bamboo stalks and sending Delores and Nicolae into the air. Moments later a small dust cloud rose near the edge of the forest. A slight tremor shook the ground.
"That got them out of the way," Black War Greymon chuckled evilly. "Now, Guardian," he continued, pointing a claw at the fatigued Angemon, "reveal your true form once again and battle me."
Angemon seemed to struggle just to keep his head facing Black War Greymon. "I don't want to fight you," he groaned, hands tightening on his weapon. "Why do you insist that I am the Guardian?"
"You grow weaker as the Holy Stones are destroyed," the dark dragon crooned. "You, the stones, and the Center are all connected. And when I destroy this final Holy Stone ... I shall be glad to be done with you."
"You don't know what you're saying!" Angemon cried, his voice labored. "Destroy the Holy Stone, and you bring the seven-year darkness - the Digital Conundrum! Is this what you want?"
"Destroying the Holy Stones and their Guardian is my purpose in life," Black War Greymon snapped. He brought his arms over his head, and a gargantuan fireball formed between his clawed hands. "Gaia Force!"
And that was your little sneak peak at Part 09. What will happen when Black War Greymon throws his special attack? Will this final Holy Stone be destroyed? And can Buck, Parker, and the Chosen Children prevent the Guardian from sounding the Trumpet of Hope? You'll just have to find out when the full version of Part 09 is released.
Thanks for being patient waiting for this installment of DIGITAL CONUNDRUM. I'll go back on track next time by posting Part 07, Realization of Memories - Holy Point Revisited. Arigato!