Backstep 08
The Crest of Truth Revealed! Cameron William's Mysterious Evolution
[copy/paste disclaimer here.]
{"VERSION UP" and starting animation plays..}
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Location - NNL Medical Room, NNL, USA
Time - one hour and thirty minutes since projected Digital Conundrum
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"Please don't tug on that bandage, Olga," Buck whimpered as the fiery- haired Russian scientist bent over him. "You'll pull out more than the stitches!"
"It'll be fine, Mr. Williams," Olga crooned, gently taking the edge of the gauze on Buck's forehead. "Now just close your eyes and tell me what happened to you and Mr. Parker in this . Digital World that you went to."
Buck exhaled and squeezed his eyes shut, bearing the discomfort of tape being pealed from his skin. "Fine, Dr. Vukavitch. But it'd be best if Frank help me tell the story. You still there, Frank?"
A voice sounded from nearby. "Yeah, Buck. I'm still here. You want me to tell her?"
"Go right on ahead."
"Okay." Parker sighed. "Buck and I were trying to protect this Holy Stone from a creature called Black War Greymon. Black War Greymon had the Guardian in his hands and was about to kill him, but I told Kabuterimon to attack Black War Greymon.
"And who's . Kabuterimon?" Olga asked, ripping the gauze bandage completely off Buck's forehead. The journalist lying on the padded cot stifled a yelp of temporary pain.
"That's the, uh, evolved form of Tentomon," Parker managed nervously.
"Oh," Olga replied blankly, dropping the bloodied gauze into the trash. She gathered a pair of stitch-removing scissors from a counter before moving back to Buck's side.
"And then this really strange thing happened," Buck said, his eyes still shut. "This strange thing kept on playing in my head."
"And mine, too," Parker added.
"Well, what was it?" Olga asked, snipping at the stitches on Buck's forehead. "A song, a memory . what?"
"It's . kind of hard to explain," Buck attempted. "Maybe it was something from or past, or maybe we just imagined it. I have no idea."
"But we did see ourselves as teenagers in a strange desert," Parker continued. "Everything in this desert was crimson, even the sun."
"And Frank and I weren't the only ones there. There was a very young girl, probably of elementary school age, and a man about as old as Frank, and this other girl that looked like you, Olga, but a few years younger."
"I see," Olga said, pretending to be amused. "Anything else?"
"We all had these little . stuffed animals by us," Buck said after much thought, seeming to conceal something. "Except for the man."
"Was there anything special about the man?" Olga set down the scissors and motioned for Buck to sit up. "Other than his age and his lack of a . stuffed animal?"
"He was wearing a skullcap," Parker said. "And he had a white angel before him."
"Just like the one on the Digital Conundrum disk," Buck added, rising to his feet and opening his eyes. "Except he had a white sword instead of a hunting horn." He gingerly felt around his forehead. "Is my head okay now, Dr. Vukavitch?"
"Physically, yes," Olga replied curtly; "mentally, I'm not sure. Mr. Parker," she started, turning towards the chrononaut, "could you recall the names of any of the people you saw in this vision?"
"I recognized myself and Buck quite easily," Parker scoffed. "The others . I think the very young girl was named Chloe, the redhead was Svetlana, and that man.."
"Ben. His name was Ben," Buck breathed. "The guy that sent us that e-mail."
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Location - Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Time - eleven hours since projected Digital Conundrum
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The summer day passed along slower than Takeru could bear. Resignedly he sat on the shore of the Bay of Tokyo, watching the sun lazily drag across the sky. All around he could hear children playing in the sands, splashing in the water, skating on the strand. Nobody bothered him - the other Chosen Children had gone home, and he had left Patamon at home to rest.
Night fell late that evening, finding Takeru scuffing about the streets, hands in pockets. He looked up at the foreboding buildings that surrounded him, locating the Fuji Television Headquarters down the road. I'm nearby, he thought, slinking into a clean, deserted alley.
A driving rock beat and an attempted countdown in English caught the boy's ear. He gravitated to one side of the alley, near an industrial- strength aluminum garage door. Light streamed out from beneath, interrupted by the occasional shadow. Warily Takeru banged on the door with his fists, and it wasn't long before he got an answer.
"Who is it?" came an irritated voice - Takeru identified it as Yamato's. "You're disturbing our practice."
"It's me, Takeru," he replied. "You wanted to talk to me last night."
"Oh. Guys, I'll just be a minute."
The door rolled up, revealing Yamato dressed laxly in his green school uniform. Two cans of ginger ale were in his hands. He handed one to Takeru before rolling down the door.
"How's it been, Takeru?" Yamato smiled, popping open his can. Anything new recently?"
This was unexpected, Takeru thought. "Well, no."
"How was Chiba?"
Takeru turned his eyes away from his brother. "Well, actually, Yamato . Hikari and I weren't in Chiba."
"Well, you sure made it obvious to me," Yamato scoffed. "Where were you two? Taichi and I were in a fit."
"We were in . the World of Darkness," Takeru muttered so only Yamato would hear. "We were dragged there . and we weren't able to escape."
"I see." He took a sip of his soda. "Where's Patamon?"
"That's the problem, Yamato." He stepped closer to his brother and opened his soda. "I couldn't bring Patamon here to discuss this . because I knew he would deny it. Yamato . remember what happened three years ago?"
"What thing?"
"You know, Yamato. On Infinity Mountain."
"Oh, that." He lowered his head solemnly. "What about it?"
"What happened there?" When he got no reply: "How did Angemon die?"
Yamato shifted his eyes from his brother. "Everyone knows what happened there, Takeru. Angemon . used all his power to defeat Devimon. That's it." He gulped down the last of the ginger ale and crushed the can in his hands. "Why did you ask?"
So even he doesn't know, Takeru mused. "No reason," he muttered. "Thanks."
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Location - Yagami residence, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Time - twelve hours since projected Digital Conundrum
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Six of the eight original Chosen Children were sitting on the floor in Taichi's room, dipping chopsticks into steaming bowls of ramen. Yamato had called the meeting after the rehearsal with his band - now everyone except Mimi and his younger brother was present.
"Shouldn't we wait for Takeru?" Hikari asked after a few minutes, letting Tailmon jump onto Taichi's bed. "Does he need to hear this?"
"We don't need to wait," Yamato sighed. "This concerns him . and Patamon. It would be best if he didn't know about this meeting."
"Oh."
"What's up with Takeru these days, anyway?" Taichi scoffed, slurping noodles up the vacuum of his mouth. "I mean, that trip to Chiba-"
"He didn't go to Chiba," Yamato scolded curtly. "He was trapped in another dimension with Hikari. And that," he turned to the other children, "is where it all begins."
Jou, sitting across from Yamato, looked up from his ramen. "Is he having nightmares about what went on over the past three months?"
"Well, no, not really," Yamato stalled. "But I think that what happened then may have triggered something."
"Yamato, traumatic experiences usually set off rather unpleasant thoughts in a young person's mind," Koushirou mused between bites of ramen. "Can you tell me what exactly happened to him?"
Yamato shrugged. "I don't really have a clear picture. But Takeru did ask me a strange question earlier."
"What?" Sora asked.
"He wanted to know what happened on Infinity Mountain three years ago. You know . when we defeated Devimon."
Hikari blinked in confusion, but the rest of the group nodded their heads gravely. "I remember it rather well," Taichi muttered. "Patamon evolved to Angemon and used all his power to destroy Devimon."
"I remember that, too," Sora said, and the other children - except Hikari - nodded consent. "Yamato, why would Takeru ask you?"
Yamato slurped at a few noodles before he could manage a response. "Beats me."
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Location: somewhere near the fifth Holy Stone, Digital World
Time: one day since projected Digital Conundrum
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"Whoever created these stupid stones must've known where to hide them," Buck groaned as he clambered over the stones that haphazardly scattered the landscape. "I see a bunch of rocks."
"Same here," Parker agreed, dragging behind the older man. In his hands were his D3 and a few wires. "Wish there was a signpost up around here."
Kyuubimon and Tentomon could be seen retreating from the horizon in a cloud of dust towards the men. They had gone out ahead to locate the stone. When they were in sight of Parker and Buck, the men could tell that they were quite battered.
"Black War Greymon already destroyed the stone," Kyuubimon gasped, catching his breath. "We got there just as he left."
"Damn!" Parker cursed, throwing the wires to the ground. "Owsley and Olga created that Holy Stone-shielding program for nothing!"
"You didn't even install it yet, Frank," Buck scolded.
"Who cares?" Parker sulked, sharply turning away from the journalist. "All we know is that by this time tomorrow, the world will be three million people less."
"Oh, come on, Frank, think positively," Tentomon buzzed, hovering to his partner's side. "Besides, I found something of interest in the Stone's ruins."
"And what's that?"
"I think I found a Crest."
Buck turned to face Parker, a blank expression crossing his face. "What's a Crest?"
"They're those things that Obi-Wan wannabe told us to find while we were in the Dark Ocean," Parker grumbled disapprovingly, taking a glance at his D3. He could see a faint question-mark symbol over where the Holy Stone used to be marked. "You think we have time to check out this Crest, Buck?"
Buck just shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
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Location - somewhere near the sixth Holy Stone, Digital World
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The Japanese Chosen Children and their digimon were standing by the edge of a vast inland ocean, surrounded by foreboding mountains. A steel-gray sky overhead threatened rain.
"I just hope Jou was right about this," Iori stated as he climbed inside Submarimon's cockpit (all the digimon, except for Patamon, had Jogressed or Armor Evolved). "His partner did say that there was a Holy Stone down there."
"Ikkakumon has a reputation for being quite reliable," Takeru muttered, clutching Patamon to his chest. The digimon in his arms was struggling to escape.
"Why won't you let me evolve, too?" Patamon whined, trying to force himself out with his stubby forelegs. Though such effort would have succeeded in the past, it was no help to him now. "I want to fight!"
"No!" Takeru scolded curtly, pulling the digimon closer to him. "Remember what happened the last time?" The boy fought tears as he recalled the short-lived battle. The Guardian didn't even make a stand..
"I blanked out again," Patamon whimpered. "Just as I always have . these few days . when I evolve." He looked up at his partner's stern face. "What happens to me . after I evolve to Angemon, Takeru?"
The other Chosen Children turned blankly at Takeru and his digimon, all with the same look in their eyes - he's the Guardian of the Holy Stones..
"Well, Patamon," Takeru started, "after you evolve . nothing really happens." He sighed, but an incessant nagging filled his head.
Why did you lie to him?
"You just . uh . evolve to your Perfect form," he added quickly.
There. At least I told him the truth . part of it.
"That's not so bad now, is it?" Patamon smiled cheerfully, though it looked rather weak. "What do you find so bad in it?"
Always with a rebound, Takeru thought in surprised glee. Jovial moods flowing through him once again, he released Patamon from his arms and allowed himself to laugh slightly. "Alright, Patamon. You can evolve."
Patamon nodded an affirmative. "Patamon, evolve.!"
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Location - ruins of the fifth Holy Stone, Digital World
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Buck, Frank, Kyuubimon and Tentomon found themselves minutes later in a vast valley, similar to the canyon that had hidden the Holy Point. There wasn't much to look at - fragments of silvery rock and a golden band engraved with Digital Hieroglyphs littered the floor amongst the red- colored boulders.
"How are we supposed to find a Crest in all this junk?" Parker cursed, making sure he was heard.
"It shouldn't be all that difficult," Tentomon buzzed. "Usually the Tag that belongs to the Crest's bearer starts to glow, or something to that effect."
"You mean like this?" Buck replied dumbly, pulling his Tag from underneath his shirt. The dog tag hanging from the chain had started to glow a dull silver.
"Yeah, something like that," Tentomon added hurriedly, a sweatdrop sliding down his face.
"I'm assuming you knew this beforehand, Tentomon?" Kyuubimon growled sarcastically. He turned his head towards the far side of the valley, where the glistening of water could be seen in the distance - along with a translucent emblem that had risen from the ground..
"The Crest?" Buck breathed, holding the Tag before him. "Is that it?"
Almost as if it had responded to his words, the emblem floated towards Buck, shrinking until it would fit in the confines of the dog tag. A blinding light tore the men and digimon's eyes as it met with the Tag..
Buck blinked the stars out of his eyes and looked down. The dog tag was still in his hand, but it felt slightly warm. He brought it to his face, meeting words written in Digital Hieroglyphs. Before he could even ask the digimon to translate, the characters seemed to rearrange themselves into English.
"The Crest of Truth," Buck recited, tucking the tag back inside his shirt. He turned to face Parker, who was looking down at his D3. "Looks like you need to find yours now, Frank."
"I'm not sure how they'll help us, though - especially with having our digimon evolve to higher levels," Parker muttered. "Besides, the next Holy Stone is straight that way some twenty miles. I suggest we ride there."
"I agree," Buck replied, climbing onto Kyuubimon's back. "But just where exactly is the Stone this time?"
Parker pocketed his D3 and gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, the D3 picked up the children and their digimon . but I think they're keeping a good distance from the Stone."
"So that means.."
Parker glared at the glistening water ahead. "It's underwater."
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Location - somewhere near the sixth Holy Stone
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"Patamon evolve! Angemon!!"
The majestic angel stood by Takeru, towering nearly three feet above the boy's head. In his hands was the shining golden quarterstaff he always held, yet something was strange about the position he held it.
"Takeru, are you sure you did the right thing?" Daisuke asked, for once not sounding sarcastic.
"He looks a little green to me," Submarimon said as he backed into the water, Iori in the cockpit.
Amidst radio static came Iori's voice, amplified through speakers somewhere on Submarimon's body. "He's leaning on his staff," came the quizzical response. "Is he like this usually, Takeru?"
Hastily the boy shook his head. "No . he's not."
"Then you shouldn't let him fight," Hikari stated firmly. "He needs a rest."
"I agree," came Ken's voice; the others immediately supported his opinion.
"No."
The children, puzzled, turned to face the source of the voice. It sounded as though it had come from Takeru's direction.
"No . I have to fight.."
Takeru lifted his head towards Angemon's shielded eyes, barely catching the angel's muttering. The digimon kept on repeating those same words - I have to fight him..
"Why?!" Takeru yelled at last, backing away from his partner. "Why do you have to fight? You're weak! Stop insisting that you have to!"
Silence followed in the wake of Takeru's outburst. Angemon had stopped moving his lips, but he was visibly placing more of his weight on his staff. His wings dropped uselessly from his back, molting like a young bird's.
"I'm the only one . that can destroy him," came the reply at last.
The children gasped in disbelief. How could a digimon as haggard as he destroy Black War Greymon?
"I know . I black out . when I fight pure darkness," he continued, his voice raspy. "I . don't recall fighting Devimon . all those years ago, Takeru. Nor most of those battles against Dagomon . or Black War Greymon.." He pensively turned to Takeru, lifting the boy's head upward gingerly with a finger. "Takeru . tell me more . what happens when I blank out.?"
Takeru broke into a cold sweat, felt the drops of frigid water cascade down his cheeks onto the angel's hand. How could I tell him . if I can't even say the truth?
"Foolish Guardian . what's the good of asking him if you already know?"
Takeru could feel the hairs on the back of his neck prickling. Sweat stung his skin, forcing him away from Angemon. Something had spoken . that dark, mocking voice..
Black War Greymon.
The dark dragon hovered above the water, just feet away from Submarimon. A snicker could barely be seen from behind his heavy armor plating.
"Well, well," he continued, peeling his steel eyes away from Angemon. "If it isn't those pesky kids." He snorted in disgust. "And this time you don't have those stupid Americans to help you . nor the Guardian." Again he took a side glance at the weak angel. "I'll finish off this stone as easily as the rest."
"I don't think so!" four voices in unison called from above.
"Desperado Blaster!"
"Dual Sonic!"
Paildramon and Silphymon, flying unseen above the children, fired their special attacks at Black War Greymon. The flashes of light only bounced off the dragon's armor before he jumped out of range, further out into the ocean.
"You can't get me here, now," he snickered.
"Harpoon Vulcan!"
Twenty horn-like structures shot their way out of the water from behind Black War Greymon, releasing the warheads hidden inside. A few of them managed to strike the dragon's back, eliciting a cry of obvious pain before he splashed into the water.
"Thanks, Ikkakumon!" Hikari called out rather randomly.
Black War Greymon stuck his head out of the water, brine sputtering from his hidden mouth. He whispered a few obscenities in Japanese and English before attempting to surface completely.
He didn't see the blue light dashing towards him.
"Mega Blaster!"
"Demon Fireball!"
The combined attacks struck him square in the face, forcing him underwater again. Vibrations from the surface told him that two digimon were traveling above . those two American Chosen Children..
Buck and Parker, mounted on their partners Kyuubimon and Kabuterimon, set foot only a few feet away from the Japanese children. They jumped off their partners' backs and ran towards the children.
"Are we too late?" Buck asked, Kyuubimon trailing after him.
"It doesn't look like it," Parker sighed. "No Guardian - just the children, Paildramon, Silphymon, that submarine thing, and -"
He took a glance in Takeru's direction and saw Angemon standing feebly behind him.
"Maybe we are a little late," he muttered halfheartedly.
"Besides, we can't talk to them unless the Guardian's around," Buck sighed.
"Thanks for reminding me," Parker scoffed.
Black War Greymon emerged from the water again, this time completely. He hovered over the water towards the children, pausing again before Takeru and Angemon.
"Pitiful you all are . really," he mocked, advancing towards the pair. His feet splashed in the shallow water, bringing dark smoke over the ocean. "Even you, Guardian . I wanted to destroy those Stones so I could fight you-"
He pushed Takeru from the angel's side with a violent swipe of his claw. The boy bowled over into Hikari, bleeding slightly across his chest.
"-But I find that you're just as miserable as the rest of the lot."
The dragon brought his other claw in a wide arc, aimed to cleave the angel. It started to glow with a dull light..
"Dramon Kill-"
"HOLY ROD!"
Angemon brought his staff in the claw's path, halting Black War Greymon's light-shielded claws mere inches from his body. With a thrust of his arms he forced the dragon into the water again. Black War Greymon regained his bearings immediately, though, and now he was standing waist- deep in the water.
"You still think that's going to stop me?" the dragon crooned, casting a disdainful eye at Angemon.
The angel turned his head slowly away from Black War Greymon, leaning on his staff once more. He seemed to gaze at Takeru, held barely conscious in Hikari's arms, with that strange longing that bound him to his partner.
"Takeru . are you all right?" he gasped, easing himself down to the boy's side. "I can help.."
He laid a hand over Takeru's wound and gave a slight smile. His body started to glow with a golden aura, similar to the one that had engulfed him in the Center..
"Great - we're screwed now," Parker grumbled as the angel's light stung his eyes. He threw an arm over his face, knowing it probably wouldn't be much help.
"No, Francis . it is not over yet."
Parker turned at the sound - it seemed to have come from where Buck was. He turned to face the journalist, believing that what he heard was just imagined. Time traveling had that effect on him sometimes, though rarely more than seven days after backstepping.
"Buck . what's going on?"
The journalist was standing at a limp military attention, his hair and clothes billowing in a non-existent wind. Parker lowered his arm, and noticed that the Crest tucked under Buck's shirt had started to glow.
"I am not . Cameron Williams," Buck whispered, his voice sounding vaguely different. Parker could almost recognize it..
"Then who are you?" Parker ventured, moving a step closer to the man. He had never heard Buck call himself by his full name - in fact, Parker hadn't even told Buck his full name, either . except for when the Guardian had spoken to him..
Buck opened his mouth again. "I am.."
".. Watakushi wa Guardian.."
"Hey, you guys hear that?" Daisuke called out as the aura about Angemon started to fade away.
"It sounded like one of those American guys," Miyako gasped; she saw Ken nod in agreement. "I just didn't know that they spoke Japanese."
"Actually, introducing yourself is a rather simple," Ken noted, turning towards the Americans and their digimon. "I wouldn't be surprised if they learned how to say that in a day."
"Are they genius kids like you?" Daisuke scoffed. "Besides, how could one of them be that Guardian we saw yesterday?"
The children gasped rather predictably.
"That's what one of them said," Daisuke added. "'I am the Guardian.'"
"The Guardian?!" Parker cried out, a vein bulging at his temple. "You've gotta be kidding me! You can't be a digimon!"
"The Guardian is not a digimon," Buck scolded, his voice even. "Neither is he human."
"Then what is he?"
"The Guardian is merely a spirit." Buck turned to face Parker; the chrononaut could now see that the journalist's eyes had an ivory glow to them, boring into his soul. "The Supreme Deity, sixteen years ago, had bound him to three: the partners of the bearers of the Crests of Spirit and Hope, and the bearer of the Crest of Truth."
Parker looked down at Buck's dog tag, and saw the emblem of the Crest of Truth glowing brighter. "Then where's Buck?"
"Cameron's spirit is in the Center," Buck lowed reverently. "He will not remember what has and what will happen here."
"So that's why . Angemon doesn't remember.." Takeru mumbled drunkenly in the angel's fading aura. "He's . taken over.."
"Just as he was in the Center," Hikari mused, bringing her arms around Takeru's shoulders. "And he healed you like this, too.."
Takeru chuckled, and placed a hand over Angemon's. He could feel the wound knitting itself beneath the angel's touch, could feel the pain numbing away. How could Hikari compare this to how he was treated at the Center? The Guardian had handled him roughly, and the healing had felt so hurried..
"It's finished," Angemon slurred presently, removing his hand from Takeru's chest. "Are you alright . now.?"
Takeru nodded. "I am." He looked up at Hikari before turning his eyes to his partner again. "Angemon . did you hear what the Americans said, just a moment ago?"
The angel shook his head. "No . I wasn't . paying attention.."
Exhausted at last, he fell unconscious, his shielded head atop Takeru's heart.
"Why did you have to take over Buck?!" Parker yelled, placing his hands on Buck's shoulders. "You could've taken Angemon, just as you have these past few times! What did the Supreme Deity find in Buck that made him the perfect host?"
"The digimon you speak of is directly connected to the Holy Stones I protect," Buck replied calmly. "Only two Stones remain - he does not have the strength I need. Cameron, on the other hand, is human. Humans do not have the ability to tie themselves to such artifacts.
"Look over there, Francis Parker," he continued, pointing a finger at the Japanese children. "What do you see?"
Parker shrugged. "I see Black War Greymon hovering over the water - he looks like he's waiting for something.. And I see the children staring at us - oh, and there's that one girl, Hikari . it looks like she's holding Takeru . and - is that Angemon?" he asked at last, pointing at the angel sprawled over Takeru.
"Now you know why I take Cameron Williams as my host," Buck replied. "Angemon is weak . Cameron is not."
"Hah," Black War Greymon snickered at last, his eyes still on the unconscious angel. "Just as I expected . the Guardian falls from protecting his partner - instead of those Stones." He raised his arms above his head, and a giant fireball formed between his hands.
"And now I shall finish you off at last!"
"No . he's going to kill the kids!" Parker yelled, turning to face Buck. This time though, the journalist seemed to have regained himself.
"Frank . what happened?" he asked blankly.
"You were possessed!" Parker exclaimed in disgust. "That dumb Crest . it's all because of it.."
"I don't get it, Frank. How could it - AAAAHHHHH!"
"Buck!" Parker and the digimon cried.
"What . what's happening . to me.?" Buck managed between his screams. The Crest of Truth was shining again, brighter even than when the Guardian had taken his body. Light swallowed Buck, concealing the terror that had stricken him.
"What's going on?" Kyuubimon gasped, backing away from his partner.
"A Crest shouldn't be able to do this to its bearer!" Kabuterimon exclaimed in shock.
"We shouldn't have tried to find that dumb Crest," Parker scolded himself. "We didn't know it would do this to him.."
Buck's screams continued, and all Parker and the digimon could do was stare. The light around him seemed to grow in height, towering a few feet above Parker's head. With a wrench of pain, a pair of ivory wings extended from Buck's back, nearly knocking Kyuubimon over.
And then the light died down.
Buck wasn't there anymore.
All that was left . was the Guardian.
Black War Greymon turned his head towards the Americans, the fireball still floating between his hands. "How can this be?" he exclaimed, shocked. "You . you can't be the Guardian! He . he's over there, by those other children.."
"The angel is too weak," the Guardian whispered, his voice heard by all. "I needed another."
"Hmph, so you say," the dragon crooned. "I'll still destroy you! Gaia Force!"
The fireball flew towards the Guardian, driving a trench through the soft sands of the lakeside. The Guardian, in haste, plucked a long flight feather from one of his wings. When the orb was in range, he brought the feather down, cleaving the fireball in two.
"I will not let you stop me this time," bringing the feather before his face - it had now become a sword of gleaming silver. "The last two Stones will not be destroyed!"
"Are you sure, Guardian?" Black War Greymon mocked. He turned his back to the children with a snicker. "Waters, behold my mighty hands!"
With those words, the water before Black War Greymon pulled away from him, just like the Red Sea had in Moses' day. A clear passage across the ocean floor, surrounded by the sea, had opened up, pulling the aquatic digimon away from the Holy Stone that lay in the middle of the dry space.
"So that's where it is," the dragon mused. "Gaia Force!"
Another fireball formed between Black War Greymon's hands, aimed for the undefended Stone. With a grunt of exertion he tossed the orb, watching it speed for the rock with glee.
"Heaven's Gate!"
A spot of sparkling violet light formed before the Holy Stone, swallowing the fireball before it hit. The hole closed moments later, revealing the one who had created it.
The Guardian stood there, sword in his hands. The beginnings of a smile played on his lips.
"You!?" Black War Greymon yelled out, frustrated. "But . you were on the shore! How.."
"The means does not matter to you," the Guardian bellowed. "I will not let you get near."
"We shall see about that!" the dragon roared. His body started to spin like a screw as he flew towards the Stone. The claws he held before him shone with a silver glow. "Dramon Killer!"
The Guardian folded his wings before him, and his body glowed a blinding ivory. "Shield of Light!"
The light surrounding the angel began to solidify into a transparent golden shield, marked only by a silver cross. He raised the shield before the advancing dragon and brought the sword down in a gleaming arc above his head.
"Excalibur!"
It was too late.
Black War Greymon barged against the shield, the force of his attack and his weight causing the Guardian to crash into the Holy Stone. The dragon flew out of the canyon then, the sound of his evil laughter barely drowned out by Buck's screams.
"Buck!" Parker called out, running towards the water's edge. He could see the walls lining the ocean-floor path starting to fill in the dry space.
"Kyuubimon," he said, turning to the digimon behind him, "can you get to him?"
The fox shook his head. "I can't," he said regretfully. "The water is moving too fast."
"But he's going to drown!" Parker cried. "Somebody has to get him!"
Through the corner of his eye, Parker could see the submarine-like digimon he had spotted earlier slide into the water. It was a terribly quick creature, but it was still only a few feet behind the waves - and nowhere near the Guardian.
Soon the water had reclaimed the land, shrouding the ruins of the Holy Stone and the Guardian beneath gentle waves.
"Oh no," Parker breathed. "There's no way Buck can get out of this."
With those words, the submarine creature stuck his head out of the water, a solemn expression in his eyes and those of his passenger. Draped across the submarine's nose was a limp figure - Buck.
"Don't worry - he'll be fine," the submarine said in perfect English. "Just needs a little rest, that's all."
Parker walked up to the submarine and pulled Buck off. The journalist blinked slowly as Parker helped him to his feet.
"Frank . why am I soaking wet?" he asked, pulling his drenched hair out of his face. "Did I miss something?"
"Black War Greymon destroyed the Holy Stone," Parker replied, supporting Buck's back with an arm. "You put up a good fight."
Buck turned to look at Parker blankly. "Me? Fight? You've got to be kidding! I have no idea what you're talking about."
Parker sighed. "Oh well. It's a long story. Let's get home now."
"For once I thought that we were going to win!" Daisuke exclaimed angrily, throwing off his goggles and tossing them into the ground. "Why does this always happen?"
"Maybe . Black War Greymon's too strong," Takeru said, trying to get out from beneath Angemon.
"We should just give up," Miyako sobbed, hiding her face behind her hands. "These last few battles have been like this - that Guardian couldn't even hold him off!"
"Buck seemed to do a good job, though," Ken mused. "Maybe . if he became the Guardian again, he could hold off Black War Greymon and even defeat him!"
"Just one problem with that, Ken," Daisuke said, picking up his goggles. "There's only one Holy Stone left. We have no chances left after this one's destroyed. And what if Buck doesn't come? If Angemon becomes the Guardian again, we'll lose for sure!"
"Maybe we should find the bearer of the Crest of Spirit," Hikari suggested. "The Guardian mentioned him a while ago. If we can find him, then the Guardian could overtake his partner and defeat Black War Greymon."
"Sounds like a good idea," Daisuke said. "Now come on - we need to get home, or else we'll be late for dinner!"
With a grumble of consent, the children and their digimon followed the Americans towards an exit from the Digital World. As they left, the skies above turned a darker shade of gray, and the occasional raindrop fell upon the land.
Takeru strayed behind, though, waiting for Angemon to awake or revert. It was a few minutes before the boy could feel the angel's head arise from his chest.
"Takeru . what happened?" he moaned, glowing with a golden light. His form shrank into that of Patamon. "Black War Greymon . where is he.?"
"He's gone, Patamon," Takeru sighed, taking his partner in his arms. "He destroyed the Holy Stone."
Patamon only moaned in reply.
"We have to catch up with the others," Takeru continued. "Let's go."
And as Takeru stood up and walked away from the water, the rain poured down in heavy sheets.
{"Itsudemo Aeru Kara", credits, and ending animation plays.."}
A/N: Guess what? The next part is the long awaited Backstep 09: Angel's Trumpet Sounding! This part will decide once and for all what the fate of our characters will be! Will the Chosen Children protect the final Holy Stone? Or will the predestined Digital Conundrum come to pass? You'll just have to find out on the next episode of DIGITAL CONUNDRUM!
The Crest of Truth Revealed! Cameron William's Mysterious Evolution
[copy/paste disclaimer here.]
{"VERSION UP" and starting animation plays..}
-------------------------------------------------
Location - NNL Medical Room, NNL, USA
Time - one hour and thirty minutes since projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
"Please don't tug on that bandage, Olga," Buck whimpered as the fiery- haired Russian scientist bent over him. "You'll pull out more than the stitches!"
"It'll be fine, Mr. Williams," Olga crooned, gently taking the edge of the gauze on Buck's forehead. "Now just close your eyes and tell me what happened to you and Mr. Parker in this . Digital World that you went to."
Buck exhaled and squeezed his eyes shut, bearing the discomfort of tape being pealed from his skin. "Fine, Dr. Vukavitch. But it'd be best if Frank help me tell the story. You still there, Frank?"
A voice sounded from nearby. "Yeah, Buck. I'm still here. You want me to tell her?"
"Go right on ahead."
"Okay." Parker sighed. "Buck and I were trying to protect this Holy Stone from a creature called Black War Greymon. Black War Greymon had the Guardian in his hands and was about to kill him, but I told Kabuterimon to attack Black War Greymon.
"And who's . Kabuterimon?" Olga asked, ripping the gauze bandage completely off Buck's forehead. The journalist lying on the padded cot stifled a yelp of temporary pain.
"That's the, uh, evolved form of Tentomon," Parker managed nervously.
"Oh," Olga replied blankly, dropping the bloodied gauze into the trash. She gathered a pair of stitch-removing scissors from a counter before moving back to Buck's side.
"And then this really strange thing happened," Buck said, his eyes still shut. "This strange thing kept on playing in my head."
"And mine, too," Parker added.
"Well, what was it?" Olga asked, snipping at the stitches on Buck's forehead. "A song, a memory . what?"
"It's . kind of hard to explain," Buck attempted. "Maybe it was something from or past, or maybe we just imagined it. I have no idea."
"But we did see ourselves as teenagers in a strange desert," Parker continued. "Everything in this desert was crimson, even the sun."
"And Frank and I weren't the only ones there. There was a very young girl, probably of elementary school age, and a man about as old as Frank, and this other girl that looked like you, Olga, but a few years younger."
"I see," Olga said, pretending to be amused. "Anything else?"
"We all had these little . stuffed animals by us," Buck said after much thought, seeming to conceal something. "Except for the man."
"Was there anything special about the man?" Olga set down the scissors and motioned for Buck to sit up. "Other than his age and his lack of a . stuffed animal?"
"He was wearing a skullcap," Parker said. "And he had a white angel before him."
"Just like the one on the Digital Conundrum disk," Buck added, rising to his feet and opening his eyes. "Except he had a white sword instead of a hunting horn." He gingerly felt around his forehead. "Is my head okay now, Dr. Vukavitch?"
"Physically, yes," Olga replied curtly; "mentally, I'm not sure. Mr. Parker," she started, turning towards the chrononaut, "could you recall the names of any of the people you saw in this vision?"
"I recognized myself and Buck quite easily," Parker scoffed. "The others . I think the very young girl was named Chloe, the redhead was Svetlana, and that man.."
"Ben. His name was Ben," Buck breathed. "The guy that sent us that e-mail."
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Location - Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Time - eleven hours since projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
The summer day passed along slower than Takeru could bear. Resignedly he sat on the shore of the Bay of Tokyo, watching the sun lazily drag across the sky. All around he could hear children playing in the sands, splashing in the water, skating on the strand. Nobody bothered him - the other Chosen Children had gone home, and he had left Patamon at home to rest.
Night fell late that evening, finding Takeru scuffing about the streets, hands in pockets. He looked up at the foreboding buildings that surrounded him, locating the Fuji Television Headquarters down the road. I'm nearby, he thought, slinking into a clean, deserted alley.
A driving rock beat and an attempted countdown in English caught the boy's ear. He gravitated to one side of the alley, near an industrial- strength aluminum garage door. Light streamed out from beneath, interrupted by the occasional shadow. Warily Takeru banged on the door with his fists, and it wasn't long before he got an answer.
"Who is it?" came an irritated voice - Takeru identified it as Yamato's. "You're disturbing our practice."
"It's me, Takeru," he replied. "You wanted to talk to me last night."
"Oh. Guys, I'll just be a minute."
The door rolled up, revealing Yamato dressed laxly in his green school uniform. Two cans of ginger ale were in his hands. He handed one to Takeru before rolling down the door.
"How's it been, Takeru?" Yamato smiled, popping open his can. Anything new recently?"
This was unexpected, Takeru thought. "Well, no."
"How was Chiba?"
Takeru turned his eyes away from his brother. "Well, actually, Yamato . Hikari and I weren't in Chiba."
"Well, you sure made it obvious to me," Yamato scoffed. "Where were you two? Taichi and I were in a fit."
"We were in . the World of Darkness," Takeru muttered so only Yamato would hear. "We were dragged there . and we weren't able to escape."
"I see." He took a sip of his soda. "Where's Patamon?"
"That's the problem, Yamato." He stepped closer to his brother and opened his soda. "I couldn't bring Patamon here to discuss this . because I knew he would deny it. Yamato . remember what happened three years ago?"
"What thing?"
"You know, Yamato. On Infinity Mountain."
"Oh, that." He lowered his head solemnly. "What about it?"
"What happened there?" When he got no reply: "How did Angemon die?"
Yamato shifted his eyes from his brother. "Everyone knows what happened there, Takeru. Angemon . used all his power to defeat Devimon. That's it." He gulped down the last of the ginger ale and crushed the can in his hands. "Why did you ask?"
So even he doesn't know, Takeru mused. "No reason," he muttered. "Thanks."
-------------------------------------------------
Location - Yagami residence, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan
Time - twelve hours since projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
Six of the eight original Chosen Children were sitting on the floor in Taichi's room, dipping chopsticks into steaming bowls of ramen. Yamato had called the meeting after the rehearsal with his band - now everyone except Mimi and his younger brother was present.
"Shouldn't we wait for Takeru?" Hikari asked after a few minutes, letting Tailmon jump onto Taichi's bed. "Does he need to hear this?"
"We don't need to wait," Yamato sighed. "This concerns him . and Patamon. It would be best if he didn't know about this meeting."
"Oh."
"What's up with Takeru these days, anyway?" Taichi scoffed, slurping noodles up the vacuum of his mouth. "I mean, that trip to Chiba-"
"He didn't go to Chiba," Yamato scolded curtly. "He was trapped in another dimension with Hikari. And that," he turned to the other children, "is where it all begins."
Jou, sitting across from Yamato, looked up from his ramen. "Is he having nightmares about what went on over the past three months?"
"Well, no, not really," Yamato stalled. "But I think that what happened then may have triggered something."
"Yamato, traumatic experiences usually set off rather unpleasant thoughts in a young person's mind," Koushirou mused between bites of ramen. "Can you tell me what exactly happened to him?"
Yamato shrugged. "I don't really have a clear picture. But Takeru did ask me a strange question earlier."
"What?" Sora asked.
"He wanted to know what happened on Infinity Mountain three years ago. You know . when we defeated Devimon."
Hikari blinked in confusion, but the rest of the group nodded their heads gravely. "I remember it rather well," Taichi muttered. "Patamon evolved to Angemon and used all his power to destroy Devimon."
"I remember that, too," Sora said, and the other children - except Hikari - nodded consent. "Yamato, why would Takeru ask you?"
Yamato slurped at a few noodles before he could manage a response. "Beats me."
-------------------------------------------------
Location: somewhere near the fifth Holy Stone, Digital World
Time: one day since projected Digital Conundrum
-------------------------------------------------
"Whoever created these stupid stones must've known where to hide them," Buck groaned as he clambered over the stones that haphazardly scattered the landscape. "I see a bunch of rocks."
"Same here," Parker agreed, dragging behind the older man. In his hands were his D3 and a few wires. "Wish there was a signpost up around here."
Kyuubimon and Tentomon could be seen retreating from the horizon in a cloud of dust towards the men. They had gone out ahead to locate the stone. When they were in sight of Parker and Buck, the men could tell that they were quite battered.
"Black War Greymon already destroyed the stone," Kyuubimon gasped, catching his breath. "We got there just as he left."
"Damn!" Parker cursed, throwing the wires to the ground. "Owsley and Olga created that Holy Stone-shielding program for nothing!"
"You didn't even install it yet, Frank," Buck scolded.
"Who cares?" Parker sulked, sharply turning away from the journalist. "All we know is that by this time tomorrow, the world will be three million people less."
"Oh, come on, Frank, think positively," Tentomon buzzed, hovering to his partner's side. "Besides, I found something of interest in the Stone's ruins."
"And what's that?"
"I think I found a Crest."
Buck turned to face Parker, a blank expression crossing his face. "What's a Crest?"
"They're those things that Obi-Wan wannabe told us to find while we were in the Dark Ocean," Parker grumbled disapprovingly, taking a glance at his D3. He could see a faint question-mark symbol over where the Holy Stone used to be marked. "You think we have time to check out this Crest, Buck?"
Buck just shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"
-------------------------------------------------
Location - somewhere near the sixth Holy Stone, Digital World
-------------------------------------------------
The Japanese Chosen Children and their digimon were standing by the edge of a vast inland ocean, surrounded by foreboding mountains. A steel-gray sky overhead threatened rain.
"I just hope Jou was right about this," Iori stated as he climbed inside Submarimon's cockpit (all the digimon, except for Patamon, had Jogressed or Armor Evolved). "His partner did say that there was a Holy Stone down there."
"Ikkakumon has a reputation for being quite reliable," Takeru muttered, clutching Patamon to his chest. The digimon in his arms was struggling to escape.
"Why won't you let me evolve, too?" Patamon whined, trying to force himself out with his stubby forelegs. Though such effort would have succeeded in the past, it was no help to him now. "I want to fight!"
"No!" Takeru scolded curtly, pulling the digimon closer to him. "Remember what happened the last time?" The boy fought tears as he recalled the short-lived battle. The Guardian didn't even make a stand..
"I blanked out again," Patamon whimpered. "Just as I always have . these few days . when I evolve." He looked up at his partner's stern face. "What happens to me . after I evolve to Angemon, Takeru?"
The other Chosen Children turned blankly at Takeru and his digimon, all with the same look in their eyes - he's the Guardian of the Holy Stones..
"Well, Patamon," Takeru started, "after you evolve . nothing really happens." He sighed, but an incessant nagging filled his head.
Why did you lie to him?
"You just . uh . evolve to your Perfect form," he added quickly.
There. At least I told him the truth . part of it.
"That's not so bad now, is it?" Patamon smiled cheerfully, though it looked rather weak. "What do you find so bad in it?"
Always with a rebound, Takeru thought in surprised glee. Jovial moods flowing through him once again, he released Patamon from his arms and allowed himself to laugh slightly. "Alright, Patamon. You can evolve."
Patamon nodded an affirmative. "Patamon, evolve.!"
-------------------------------------------------
Location - ruins of the fifth Holy Stone, Digital World
-------------------------------------------------
Buck, Frank, Kyuubimon and Tentomon found themselves minutes later in a vast valley, similar to the canyon that had hidden the Holy Point. There wasn't much to look at - fragments of silvery rock and a golden band engraved with Digital Hieroglyphs littered the floor amongst the red- colored boulders.
"How are we supposed to find a Crest in all this junk?" Parker cursed, making sure he was heard.
"It shouldn't be all that difficult," Tentomon buzzed. "Usually the Tag that belongs to the Crest's bearer starts to glow, or something to that effect."
"You mean like this?" Buck replied dumbly, pulling his Tag from underneath his shirt. The dog tag hanging from the chain had started to glow a dull silver.
"Yeah, something like that," Tentomon added hurriedly, a sweatdrop sliding down his face.
"I'm assuming you knew this beforehand, Tentomon?" Kyuubimon growled sarcastically. He turned his head towards the far side of the valley, where the glistening of water could be seen in the distance - along with a translucent emblem that had risen from the ground..
"The Crest?" Buck breathed, holding the Tag before him. "Is that it?"
Almost as if it had responded to his words, the emblem floated towards Buck, shrinking until it would fit in the confines of the dog tag. A blinding light tore the men and digimon's eyes as it met with the Tag..
Buck blinked the stars out of his eyes and looked down. The dog tag was still in his hand, but it felt slightly warm. He brought it to his face, meeting words written in Digital Hieroglyphs. Before he could even ask the digimon to translate, the characters seemed to rearrange themselves into English.
"The Crest of Truth," Buck recited, tucking the tag back inside his shirt. He turned to face Parker, who was looking down at his D3. "Looks like you need to find yours now, Frank."
"I'm not sure how they'll help us, though - especially with having our digimon evolve to higher levels," Parker muttered. "Besides, the next Holy Stone is straight that way some twenty miles. I suggest we ride there."
"I agree," Buck replied, climbing onto Kyuubimon's back. "But just where exactly is the Stone this time?"
Parker pocketed his D3 and gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, the D3 picked up the children and their digimon . but I think they're keeping a good distance from the Stone."
"So that means.."
Parker glared at the glistening water ahead. "It's underwater."
-------------------------------------------------
Location - somewhere near the sixth Holy Stone
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"Patamon evolve! Angemon!!"
The majestic angel stood by Takeru, towering nearly three feet above the boy's head. In his hands was the shining golden quarterstaff he always held, yet something was strange about the position he held it.
"Takeru, are you sure you did the right thing?" Daisuke asked, for once not sounding sarcastic.
"He looks a little green to me," Submarimon said as he backed into the water, Iori in the cockpit.
Amidst radio static came Iori's voice, amplified through speakers somewhere on Submarimon's body. "He's leaning on his staff," came the quizzical response. "Is he like this usually, Takeru?"
Hastily the boy shook his head. "No . he's not."
"Then you shouldn't let him fight," Hikari stated firmly. "He needs a rest."
"I agree," came Ken's voice; the others immediately supported his opinion.
"No."
The children, puzzled, turned to face the source of the voice. It sounded as though it had come from Takeru's direction.
"No . I have to fight.."
Takeru lifted his head towards Angemon's shielded eyes, barely catching the angel's muttering. The digimon kept on repeating those same words - I have to fight him..
"Why?!" Takeru yelled at last, backing away from his partner. "Why do you have to fight? You're weak! Stop insisting that you have to!"
Silence followed in the wake of Takeru's outburst. Angemon had stopped moving his lips, but he was visibly placing more of his weight on his staff. His wings dropped uselessly from his back, molting like a young bird's.
"I'm the only one . that can destroy him," came the reply at last.
The children gasped in disbelief. How could a digimon as haggard as he destroy Black War Greymon?
"I know . I black out . when I fight pure darkness," he continued, his voice raspy. "I . don't recall fighting Devimon . all those years ago, Takeru. Nor most of those battles against Dagomon . or Black War Greymon.." He pensively turned to Takeru, lifting the boy's head upward gingerly with a finger. "Takeru . tell me more . what happens when I blank out.?"
Takeru broke into a cold sweat, felt the drops of frigid water cascade down his cheeks onto the angel's hand. How could I tell him . if I can't even say the truth?
"Foolish Guardian . what's the good of asking him if you already know?"
Takeru could feel the hairs on the back of his neck prickling. Sweat stung his skin, forcing him away from Angemon. Something had spoken . that dark, mocking voice..
Black War Greymon.
The dark dragon hovered above the water, just feet away from Submarimon. A snicker could barely be seen from behind his heavy armor plating.
"Well, well," he continued, peeling his steel eyes away from Angemon. "If it isn't those pesky kids." He snorted in disgust. "And this time you don't have those stupid Americans to help you . nor the Guardian." Again he took a side glance at the weak angel. "I'll finish off this stone as easily as the rest."
"I don't think so!" four voices in unison called from above.
"Desperado Blaster!"
"Dual Sonic!"
Paildramon and Silphymon, flying unseen above the children, fired their special attacks at Black War Greymon. The flashes of light only bounced off the dragon's armor before he jumped out of range, further out into the ocean.
"You can't get me here, now," he snickered.
"Harpoon Vulcan!"
Twenty horn-like structures shot their way out of the water from behind Black War Greymon, releasing the warheads hidden inside. A few of them managed to strike the dragon's back, eliciting a cry of obvious pain before he splashed into the water.
"Thanks, Ikkakumon!" Hikari called out rather randomly.
Black War Greymon stuck his head out of the water, brine sputtering from his hidden mouth. He whispered a few obscenities in Japanese and English before attempting to surface completely.
He didn't see the blue light dashing towards him.
"Mega Blaster!"
"Demon Fireball!"
The combined attacks struck him square in the face, forcing him underwater again. Vibrations from the surface told him that two digimon were traveling above . those two American Chosen Children..
Buck and Parker, mounted on their partners Kyuubimon and Kabuterimon, set foot only a few feet away from the Japanese children. They jumped off their partners' backs and ran towards the children.
"Are we too late?" Buck asked, Kyuubimon trailing after him.
"It doesn't look like it," Parker sighed. "No Guardian - just the children, Paildramon, Silphymon, that submarine thing, and -"
He took a glance in Takeru's direction and saw Angemon standing feebly behind him.
"Maybe we are a little late," he muttered halfheartedly.
"Besides, we can't talk to them unless the Guardian's around," Buck sighed.
"Thanks for reminding me," Parker scoffed.
Black War Greymon emerged from the water again, this time completely. He hovered over the water towards the children, pausing again before Takeru and Angemon.
"Pitiful you all are . really," he mocked, advancing towards the pair. His feet splashed in the shallow water, bringing dark smoke over the ocean. "Even you, Guardian . I wanted to destroy those Stones so I could fight you-"
He pushed Takeru from the angel's side with a violent swipe of his claw. The boy bowled over into Hikari, bleeding slightly across his chest.
"-But I find that you're just as miserable as the rest of the lot."
The dragon brought his other claw in a wide arc, aimed to cleave the angel. It started to glow with a dull light..
"Dramon Kill-"
"HOLY ROD!"
Angemon brought his staff in the claw's path, halting Black War Greymon's light-shielded claws mere inches from his body. With a thrust of his arms he forced the dragon into the water again. Black War Greymon regained his bearings immediately, though, and now he was standing waist- deep in the water.
"You still think that's going to stop me?" the dragon crooned, casting a disdainful eye at Angemon.
The angel turned his head slowly away from Black War Greymon, leaning on his staff once more. He seemed to gaze at Takeru, held barely conscious in Hikari's arms, with that strange longing that bound him to his partner.
"Takeru . are you all right?" he gasped, easing himself down to the boy's side. "I can help.."
He laid a hand over Takeru's wound and gave a slight smile. His body started to glow with a golden aura, similar to the one that had engulfed him in the Center..
"Great - we're screwed now," Parker grumbled as the angel's light stung his eyes. He threw an arm over his face, knowing it probably wouldn't be much help.
"No, Francis . it is not over yet."
Parker turned at the sound - it seemed to have come from where Buck was. He turned to face the journalist, believing that what he heard was just imagined. Time traveling had that effect on him sometimes, though rarely more than seven days after backstepping.
"Buck . what's going on?"
The journalist was standing at a limp military attention, his hair and clothes billowing in a non-existent wind. Parker lowered his arm, and noticed that the Crest tucked under Buck's shirt had started to glow.
"I am not . Cameron Williams," Buck whispered, his voice sounding vaguely different. Parker could almost recognize it..
"Then who are you?" Parker ventured, moving a step closer to the man. He had never heard Buck call himself by his full name - in fact, Parker hadn't even told Buck his full name, either . except for when the Guardian had spoken to him..
Buck opened his mouth again. "I am.."
".. Watakushi wa Guardian.."
"Hey, you guys hear that?" Daisuke called out as the aura about Angemon started to fade away.
"It sounded like one of those American guys," Miyako gasped; she saw Ken nod in agreement. "I just didn't know that they spoke Japanese."
"Actually, introducing yourself is a rather simple," Ken noted, turning towards the Americans and their digimon. "I wouldn't be surprised if they learned how to say that in a day."
"Are they genius kids like you?" Daisuke scoffed. "Besides, how could one of them be that Guardian we saw yesterday?"
The children gasped rather predictably.
"That's what one of them said," Daisuke added. "'I am the Guardian.'"
"The Guardian?!" Parker cried out, a vein bulging at his temple. "You've gotta be kidding me! You can't be a digimon!"
"The Guardian is not a digimon," Buck scolded, his voice even. "Neither is he human."
"Then what is he?"
"The Guardian is merely a spirit." Buck turned to face Parker; the chrononaut could now see that the journalist's eyes had an ivory glow to them, boring into his soul. "The Supreme Deity, sixteen years ago, had bound him to three: the partners of the bearers of the Crests of Spirit and Hope, and the bearer of the Crest of Truth."
Parker looked down at Buck's dog tag, and saw the emblem of the Crest of Truth glowing brighter. "Then where's Buck?"
"Cameron's spirit is in the Center," Buck lowed reverently. "He will not remember what has and what will happen here."
"So that's why . Angemon doesn't remember.." Takeru mumbled drunkenly in the angel's fading aura. "He's . taken over.."
"Just as he was in the Center," Hikari mused, bringing her arms around Takeru's shoulders. "And he healed you like this, too.."
Takeru chuckled, and placed a hand over Angemon's. He could feel the wound knitting itself beneath the angel's touch, could feel the pain numbing away. How could Hikari compare this to how he was treated at the Center? The Guardian had handled him roughly, and the healing had felt so hurried..
"It's finished," Angemon slurred presently, removing his hand from Takeru's chest. "Are you alright . now.?"
Takeru nodded. "I am." He looked up at Hikari before turning his eyes to his partner again. "Angemon . did you hear what the Americans said, just a moment ago?"
The angel shook his head. "No . I wasn't . paying attention.."
Exhausted at last, he fell unconscious, his shielded head atop Takeru's heart.
"Why did you have to take over Buck?!" Parker yelled, placing his hands on Buck's shoulders. "You could've taken Angemon, just as you have these past few times! What did the Supreme Deity find in Buck that made him the perfect host?"
"The digimon you speak of is directly connected to the Holy Stones I protect," Buck replied calmly. "Only two Stones remain - he does not have the strength I need. Cameron, on the other hand, is human. Humans do not have the ability to tie themselves to such artifacts.
"Look over there, Francis Parker," he continued, pointing a finger at the Japanese children. "What do you see?"
Parker shrugged. "I see Black War Greymon hovering over the water - he looks like he's waiting for something.. And I see the children staring at us - oh, and there's that one girl, Hikari . it looks like she's holding Takeru . and - is that Angemon?" he asked at last, pointing at the angel sprawled over Takeru.
"Now you know why I take Cameron Williams as my host," Buck replied. "Angemon is weak . Cameron is not."
"Hah," Black War Greymon snickered at last, his eyes still on the unconscious angel. "Just as I expected . the Guardian falls from protecting his partner - instead of those Stones." He raised his arms above his head, and a giant fireball formed between his hands.
"And now I shall finish you off at last!"
"No . he's going to kill the kids!" Parker yelled, turning to face Buck. This time though, the journalist seemed to have regained himself.
"Frank . what happened?" he asked blankly.
"You were possessed!" Parker exclaimed in disgust. "That dumb Crest . it's all because of it.."
"I don't get it, Frank. How could it - AAAAHHHHH!"
"Buck!" Parker and the digimon cried.
"What . what's happening . to me.?" Buck managed between his screams. The Crest of Truth was shining again, brighter even than when the Guardian had taken his body. Light swallowed Buck, concealing the terror that had stricken him.
"What's going on?" Kyuubimon gasped, backing away from his partner.
"A Crest shouldn't be able to do this to its bearer!" Kabuterimon exclaimed in shock.
"We shouldn't have tried to find that dumb Crest," Parker scolded himself. "We didn't know it would do this to him.."
Buck's screams continued, and all Parker and the digimon could do was stare. The light around him seemed to grow in height, towering a few feet above Parker's head. With a wrench of pain, a pair of ivory wings extended from Buck's back, nearly knocking Kyuubimon over.
And then the light died down.
Buck wasn't there anymore.
All that was left . was the Guardian.
Black War Greymon turned his head towards the Americans, the fireball still floating between his hands. "How can this be?" he exclaimed, shocked. "You . you can't be the Guardian! He . he's over there, by those other children.."
"The angel is too weak," the Guardian whispered, his voice heard by all. "I needed another."
"Hmph, so you say," the dragon crooned. "I'll still destroy you! Gaia Force!"
The fireball flew towards the Guardian, driving a trench through the soft sands of the lakeside. The Guardian, in haste, plucked a long flight feather from one of his wings. When the orb was in range, he brought the feather down, cleaving the fireball in two.
"I will not let you stop me this time," bringing the feather before his face - it had now become a sword of gleaming silver. "The last two Stones will not be destroyed!"
"Are you sure, Guardian?" Black War Greymon mocked. He turned his back to the children with a snicker. "Waters, behold my mighty hands!"
With those words, the water before Black War Greymon pulled away from him, just like the Red Sea had in Moses' day. A clear passage across the ocean floor, surrounded by the sea, had opened up, pulling the aquatic digimon away from the Holy Stone that lay in the middle of the dry space.
"So that's where it is," the dragon mused. "Gaia Force!"
Another fireball formed between Black War Greymon's hands, aimed for the undefended Stone. With a grunt of exertion he tossed the orb, watching it speed for the rock with glee.
"Heaven's Gate!"
A spot of sparkling violet light formed before the Holy Stone, swallowing the fireball before it hit. The hole closed moments later, revealing the one who had created it.
The Guardian stood there, sword in his hands. The beginnings of a smile played on his lips.
"You!?" Black War Greymon yelled out, frustrated. "But . you were on the shore! How.."
"The means does not matter to you," the Guardian bellowed. "I will not let you get near."
"We shall see about that!" the dragon roared. His body started to spin like a screw as he flew towards the Stone. The claws he held before him shone with a silver glow. "Dramon Killer!"
The Guardian folded his wings before him, and his body glowed a blinding ivory. "Shield of Light!"
The light surrounding the angel began to solidify into a transparent golden shield, marked only by a silver cross. He raised the shield before the advancing dragon and brought the sword down in a gleaming arc above his head.
"Excalibur!"
It was too late.
Black War Greymon barged against the shield, the force of his attack and his weight causing the Guardian to crash into the Holy Stone. The dragon flew out of the canyon then, the sound of his evil laughter barely drowned out by Buck's screams.
"Buck!" Parker called out, running towards the water's edge. He could see the walls lining the ocean-floor path starting to fill in the dry space.
"Kyuubimon," he said, turning to the digimon behind him, "can you get to him?"
The fox shook his head. "I can't," he said regretfully. "The water is moving too fast."
"But he's going to drown!" Parker cried. "Somebody has to get him!"
Through the corner of his eye, Parker could see the submarine-like digimon he had spotted earlier slide into the water. It was a terribly quick creature, but it was still only a few feet behind the waves - and nowhere near the Guardian.
Soon the water had reclaimed the land, shrouding the ruins of the Holy Stone and the Guardian beneath gentle waves.
"Oh no," Parker breathed. "There's no way Buck can get out of this."
With those words, the submarine creature stuck his head out of the water, a solemn expression in his eyes and those of his passenger. Draped across the submarine's nose was a limp figure - Buck.
"Don't worry - he'll be fine," the submarine said in perfect English. "Just needs a little rest, that's all."
Parker walked up to the submarine and pulled Buck off. The journalist blinked slowly as Parker helped him to his feet.
"Frank . why am I soaking wet?" he asked, pulling his drenched hair out of his face. "Did I miss something?"
"Black War Greymon destroyed the Holy Stone," Parker replied, supporting Buck's back with an arm. "You put up a good fight."
Buck turned to look at Parker blankly. "Me? Fight? You've got to be kidding! I have no idea what you're talking about."
Parker sighed. "Oh well. It's a long story. Let's get home now."
"For once I thought that we were going to win!" Daisuke exclaimed angrily, throwing off his goggles and tossing them into the ground. "Why does this always happen?"
"Maybe . Black War Greymon's too strong," Takeru said, trying to get out from beneath Angemon.
"We should just give up," Miyako sobbed, hiding her face behind her hands. "These last few battles have been like this - that Guardian couldn't even hold him off!"
"Buck seemed to do a good job, though," Ken mused. "Maybe . if he became the Guardian again, he could hold off Black War Greymon and even defeat him!"
"Just one problem with that, Ken," Daisuke said, picking up his goggles. "There's only one Holy Stone left. We have no chances left after this one's destroyed. And what if Buck doesn't come? If Angemon becomes the Guardian again, we'll lose for sure!"
"Maybe we should find the bearer of the Crest of Spirit," Hikari suggested. "The Guardian mentioned him a while ago. If we can find him, then the Guardian could overtake his partner and defeat Black War Greymon."
"Sounds like a good idea," Daisuke said. "Now come on - we need to get home, or else we'll be late for dinner!"
With a grumble of consent, the children and their digimon followed the Americans towards an exit from the Digital World. As they left, the skies above turned a darker shade of gray, and the occasional raindrop fell upon the land.
Takeru strayed behind, though, waiting for Angemon to awake or revert. It was a few minutes before the boy could feel the angel's head arise from his chest.
"Takeru . what happened?" he moaned, glowing with a golden light. His form shrank into that of Patamon. "Black War Greymon . where is he.?"
"He's gone, Patamon," Takeru sighed, taking his partner in his arms. "He destroyed the Holy Stone."
Patamon only moaned in reply.
"We have to catch up with the others," Takeru continued. "Let's go."
And as Takeru stood up and walked away from the water, the rain poured down in heavy sheets.
{"Itsudemo Aeru Kara", credits, and ending animation plays.."}
A/N: Guess what? The next part is the long awaited Backstep 09: Angel's Trumpet Sounding! This part will decide once and for all what the fate of our characters will be! Will the Chosen Children protect the final Holy Stone? Or will the predestined Digital Conundrum come to pass? You'll just have to find out on the next episode of DIGITAL CONUNDRUM!