After traveling for an hour in Pixiemon's bubble, the DigiDestined stop and eat. Jesse silently cooks the food, thinking about the recent events.
"Hey Jesse, what are you thinking about?" Daniel asks. Jesse was the oldest of the group by two or three years, so the others looked up to him. Expecially Daniel, since he had no one to look up to like a big brother.
"Just the recent events," Jesse replies as he stirs the cooking pot, "the Digimon Piedmon turned into keychains. Seraphimon turning into a Digi Egg to give the next group of DigiDestined a powerful ally. Going to fight the Beast of Darkness in the Dark Castle. All of this is incredible."
"Who'd have thought a bunch of teenagers would save the world, huh?" Daniel asks smugly.
"You barely qualify as a teenager and I'm almost too old to be one," Jesse retorts, "other than that, look at this group. Brian is more competent at being a leader than I am. Your sister practically hates my guts. Thugh its normal for girls to not like me, but she downright hates me! James doesn't secondguess himself, and he's younger than me. And you. You don't even doubt what we're doing or if we can even win."
"Should I?"Daniel asks, "we're the good guys and the good guys never lose." With that, Daniel walks off to talk with his sister.
"Ah, to be so young," Jesse sighs wistfully as Daniel walks away, "so hopeful, so full of life. I can't remember if I was ever that naïve." He returns the stirring the pot.
"Hey Jesse, what are we eating?" Heromon asks.
"Well, if you're not careful I'll throw you in this here pot," Jesse retorts, "other than that possibility, we're eating vegetable stew and some fruits if you'll go and find some fruit."
Threatened with the possibility of only vegetables for dinner, Heromon runs to find some fruits of some kind.
"Hey, need some help?" Digitamamon asks Jesse.
"Excuse me, but you don't have arms," Jesse points out, "so how can you help me?"
Digitamamon shrugs but nevertheless takes the spoon and begins stirring the pot much to Jesse's amazement. After watching Digitamamon sitr the pot for a bit, Jesse shrugs and walks off to see if it would be possible to find something like meat to put in the stew.
An hour later, the group finishes eating and sets up to go to sleep for the night.
"Okay, who has sentry duty first?" Brian asks.
"I'll do it," Daniel says, "I'm not that sleepy anway."
"Okay," Brian says, "be sure to wake us up if something attacks." With that, the group goes to sleep except for Daniel. Tapirmon sits up and watches with him.
"The final battle may be soon," Tapirmon says.
"Yeah," Daniel says.
"What'll happen if we win?" Tapirmon asks.
"Well, we will probably go home," Daniel says.
"You and the other DigiDestined, but what about us Digimon?" Tapirmon asks.
"I don't know," Daniel says, "I suppose we'll be able to take you with us, or be able to visit anytime we want."
"Okay," Tapirmon says.
Time passes and it is almost time for Jesse to take over for them.
"What do you suppose'll happen if we lose?" Tapirmon asks Daniel.
"We won't lose," Jesse says from behind them. Daniel and Tapirmon turn to face him.
"But we won't win either," Jesse says, "at least not truly obtain victory if the Beast of Darkness is destined to return for another group of DigiDestined to fight."
"But what will we do if we do lose?" Daniel asks after he stifles a yawn.
"There won't be much that we won't be able to do," Jesse replies, "we'll be dead if we lose. Now get some sleep kiddo."
"Jesse, we can't lose," Daniel says, "we're the good guys, aren't we?" Jesse doesn't respond.
"The good guys never lose," Daniel says softly.
"Daniel, quiet!" Jesse syas softly and harshly, "something's coming."
Heromon draws his sword while Tapirmon sniffs the air.
"Whatever it is, its strong," Tapirmon says softly.
"Spider Shooter!" a raspy voice calls out. A blast of energy hits the ground next to them.
The explosion sends debris everywhere. The other Digimon wake up immediately.
"Whats going on?" James demands. Brian and Samantha ask similar questions.
"We're under attack," Jesse retorts, "by what, I have no idea."
A red and white insect-like Digimon comes into view. Its body was red and white. It had six legs, each one with three spikes on the foot. The head was white with a red horn. It had three spikes ticking out of its back, three out of its belly, and a single spike on its end. Each leg appeared to be a collection of cables.
"Its Infermon!" Pixiemon cries out, "he's an Ultimate level Digimon, though no one truly knows what he is. His Spider Shooter and Network Grenade are unbelievable."
Infermon growls.
"Beware, he's a dangerous foe," Pixiemon says, getting into a battle stance.
"Ready guys?" Brian asks, holding up his Digivice.
"Ready!" Jesse, Daniel, and Samantha chorus.
"Digivolve!" the four DigiDestined say at the same time. The Digivices erupt in light, bathing the Digimon.
"Heromon digivolve to Warriormon!"
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!"
"Biyomon digivolve to Birdramon!"
"Crest Weapons!" Brian calls out. The group holds out their Crest Weapons. They shine in their signature colors and bathe the Digimon int heir light.
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!"
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!"
"Birdramon digivolve to Garudamon!"
"Wizardmon digivole to MetalWizardmon!"
"Attack!" Jesse yells, taking his Crest Weapon and rushing at Infermon.
"Freezing Breath!"
"Magna Beam!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Thunder Flash!"
"Nightmare Syndromer!"
"Pit Bomb!"
Mammothmon's Freezing Breath attack hits first, covering Infermon in a sheet of ice. Digitamamon's Nightmare Syndromer hits next, going through the ice and doing some moderate damage. Then MetalWizardmon's Thunder Flash streaks through, melting the ice though at the same time doing damage. Then Garudamon's Wing Blade hits him in the back. Finally, MagnaWarriormon's Magna Beam and Pixiemon's Pit Bomb hit at the same time.
Infermon easily shrugs off the force of the attacks and counters with his Spider Shooter. The attack hits MetalWizardmon head on. It hits him with extreme gforce and knocks him out, sending him back to being Wizardmon.
"Tusk Crusher!" Mammothmon calls out, but Infermon shrugs off the attack just like the others.
Jesse slashes at Infermon's underside, but his blade doesn't penetrate and he has to dodge and roll out of the way to keep from getting impaled on one of Infermon's feet.
"Magna Sword!" MagnaWarriormon bellows as he slashes into Infermon's side. His sword cuts deep, but he is unable to dodge being kicked by Infermon and is knocked out and de-digivolves to Heromon.
"We're losing worse than we ever were before," Jesse mutters, "at least with MarineDevimon we had a chance since MagnaWarriormon's attack seem to have a great effect on evil Digimon."
"And now he's knocked out," Samantha says, "get him Garudamon!"
"Wing Blade!" Infermon rolls off the attack and counters with a Network Grenade that knocks Garudamon out.
"We'e losing," Daniel mutters, "this can't be. We're the good guys. We shouldn't be able to lose. I know somehow we're gonna win."
As soon as those words leave his mouth, Daniel's Crest flares to life with a metallic blue light. The light engulfs Mammothmon. A serpentine dragon seems to appear and rushes into Mammothmon.
"Mammothmon Mega Digivolve to SkullMammothmon!"
In Mammothmon's place is a Digimon tha tlooks like him, only larger and with no skin. His horns have lengthened and his face armor and tusks have turned to a golden yellow color. His eyes have turned a blood red color.
"I am SkullMammothmon," the new Digimon says, "a Ghost Digimon of great power. I am a Mega level Digimon. My Spiral Bone Crusher is unbeatable in raw power."
With that, he lifts his trunks. "Spiral Bone Crusher!" SkullMammothmon launches a large bone at Infermon. It hits him full force, knocking him some distance. Infermon slowly gets back to his feet.
"Spider Shooter!" The attacks flies at Samantha, who blocks it with her Crest Weapon.
"Spider Shooter!" The attack heads for James, but Digitamamon jumps in front of it, closes up, and takes the attack full force.
"Spiral Bone Crusher!" SkullMammothmon's attack hits Infermon in the head and does severe damage. He breaks apart into particles of data.
"Nice job SkullMammothmon!" Daniel cheers.
"Thanks Daniel," SkullMammothmon says. He begins to glow. When the glow fades, Mokumon is standing there.
"Looks like we got a new powerhouse," Jesse says to Heromon, who is just now getting back up after getting kicked by Infermon.
"Infermon is a unique Digimon," Heromon retorts, "he's not exactly evil, so my attacks don't have as much effect on him as they have on the other Digimon we have fought."
Garudamon de-digivolves back to Biromon. Brian goes and helps Wizardmon to his feet.
"That was some battle," Brian says, "hope we don't have to face another Digimon like that until we face the Beast of Darkness."
"The Beast of Darkness isn't exactly a Digimon," Pixiemon says, "no one knows exactly what he is, but we do know that he is pure evil."
"Well, that's not good for us," Jesse says, "if the Beast of darknes isn't a Digimon, could he be a human?"
"I HOPE NOT," Pixiemon cries out, "if he's a human and he has that kind of power, then he'll quickly get stronger and stronger until there is definitely no way to defeat him."
"He's already that strong?" Jesse asks, shocked.
"He sent Parrotmon to your world, remember?" Pixiemons ays, "he hasn't even manifested himself in the Digital World, where the bulk of his power is accessible, and he can tear through the fabric of both of our realities."
"That is scary," Daniel says, "but we can beat him, right? I mean, he's evil and we're good so we can't lose."
Jesse looks at Daniel with something akin to pity in his eyes, but quickly averts his gaze before anyone can see it.
'Oh, how little you know Daniel,' Jesse thinks to himself, 'the powers of darkness are unbeatable. They can be driven back, but never truly defeated.'
"We should go back to sleep," Pixiemon says, "I'll take watch. The rest of you get some sleep. You're gonna need your strength. I have a feeling that Infermon was only the tip of the iceberg of what we're gonna be facing."
"You mean there are stronger Digimon than Infermon?" Samantha asks.
"Infermon was only an Ultimate level Digimon," James answers for Pixiemon, "SkullMammothmon was a Mega. Infermon's Mega form could slaughter us all, even if all of our Digimon were at the Mega level."
"Are you sure?" Brian asks.
"He's sure," Jesse interjects, "and I agree with him. All of our Digimon at their Ultimate levels couldn't stop Infermon. What makes you think if all of our Digimon were at their Mega level would make any difference against his Mega form? And frankly, I'd rather not find out."
Having said that, Jesse walks over to his sleeping bag and lays down. Daniel rubs his eyes. Now that the battle and exitement was over, his body was reminding him that he was sleepy.
"Come on, kiddo," Samantha says as she leads her little brother to their sleeping bags, "its time for you to get to bed."
"Well I'm heading to bed as well," James says after a big yawn, "do as Pixiemon says and get some sleep Brian."
"Sure thing James," Brian says as James heads for his sleeping bag.
Brian sits up later than the others, feigning sleep to keep Pixiemon from scolding him. He was worried. And why shouldn't he be? Jesse had pretty much said that he, Brian Tangit, was in charge. Jesse was the oldest person there, and the counselor back at the camp had said that they were his responsibility, and yet Jesse shrugs the mantle of leadership and gives it ro Brian. Brian didn't want to be the leader. In his mind, Jesse was a far better leader. In fact, he still did most of the leading. He set an example for the rest of them to follow, he cooked for them and protected them even at the possible cost of his own life, and he even endured the horrible Dark Ocean to save their lives.
And whats more, when he did decide to put someone else in charge, he didn't even put the next oldest person in charge. James was a year older than Samantha and himself, so it was logical that Jesse would have James be in charge if he wasn't gonna lead. But no, Jesse never seemed to operate with logic. Or a full deck. Even so, Jesse left all of the major leadership decision to him. Not that he objected to giving advice, but it just seemed that Jesse avoided leadership responsibilities like the plague.
'I wonder why?' Brian thinks to himself? It was almost time for his watch shift. He opens his eyes and moves to to Pixiemon to accompany him during the last moments of his shift.
"Been thinking, have you?" Pixiemon asks casually when Brian sits down beside him.
Brian's eyes widen. "How did you know?"
"I have my ways," Pixiemon smiles, "what were you thinking about?"
"Why Jesse made me the leader," Brian says.
"If your wondering about that, then the answer is simple," Pixiemon says, "Jesse just didn't want to be leader. He may be a brilliant leader now that he knows more about you, how you work and how you think, but he knew nothing about any of you when you first came to the Digital World. Jesse is more of a strategist, using the abilities of those under his command to their utmost potential. You, on the other hand, are more like a field commander. You can make decisions in the heat of battle that can turn the tide, or at least enable you to run away relatively unscathed."
"Yeah, I guess your right," Brian says, "but still, I don't like being in charge."
"Well, think of it this way Brian," Jesse says from his sleeping bag. Brian jumps at the sound of Jesse's voice. Jesse had heard him criticizing him!
"I would rather face a leader who wears the burden of leadership as a burden rather than a right," Jesse says, "can you tell me why?"
Brian thinks about it hard for a moment, then shakes his head. "I don't know. Why?"
"If you can figure it out for yourself, then you'll truly be a great leader," Jesse says, "I know all of what it takes to be a great leader. And you possess all of these qualities. The only thing you lack is the proper mindset. When you figure out the why of my statement, then you will either rhave developed the proper mindset or you will know what to strive for. Either way, we get a better leader."
"You're pushing each of us to being better people Jesse," Brian says, "and yet you have not put any focus upon yourself. Why?"
"I probably would be making you figure stuff out yourselves if I hadn't gotten trapped in the Dark Ocean," Jesse says with a shiver, "that place will change anyone profoundly."
"How did it change you?" Brian asks, "that is, if I'm not prying.
"Before, I would have focused on making myself better," Jesse replies numbly, "but after seeing what lies in the Dark Ocean, I realize that one person alone cannot fight the forces of darkness and evil."
"So you're making us better to help?" Brian asks.
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," Jesse replies, "and so a team is only as strong as its weakest member."
"Jesse, do you think we stand a chance against the beast of Darkness?" Brian asks.
Jesse is silent for a moment, then answers. "We have to Brian. We have to."
A few hours later, Jesse and Pixiemon are standing the watch.
"The Beast of Darkness will be a formidable opponent," Pixiemon says, "even if all of your Digimon reach the Mega level, you will still have a problem defeating it."
"Losing isn't an option," Jesse says, "we either win, or drive it back. We lose, and everyone loses because if the Beast can send something from the Digital World to our world, then what is keeping it from going to our world when it comes to the Digital World?"
"Nothing at all," Pixiemon says, "and you're world is practically defenseless against Digimon."
"The sight of monsters would cause a panic," Jesse says, "the world nations would send their armies to fight. Bullets probably wouldn't be very effective and for some reason I doubt missiles would be very effective. I have a feeling that only Digimon can properly fight Digimon."
"What about you?" Pixiemon asks, "you can hold your own against myself and Heromon in a fight with your Crest weapon."
"I do not have special attacks," Jesse replies sullenly, "if I did, I would be quite a formidable opponent, I would think."
"You would," Pixiemon assures the teen, "you can protect the others when the Digimon are fighting. I am sure that the Beast of Darkness will try and destroy you while your Digimon fight him. It is imperitive that you be able to protect yourselves."
"What about you?" Jesse asks, "where will you be during the fight?"
"I cannot interfere," Pixiemon replies, "it is not allowed for me to interfere in the final battle. Azulongmon has forbidden me to interfere."
"But we need your help!" Jesse protests.
"If I had a DigiDestined partner, I might be able to help you," Pixiemon says, "as it stands, I cannot interfere much more than I already have. I will leave you when you make it to the Dark Castle."
"I hate to see you go Pixiemon," Jesse says.
"Hey, I'm not gone yet!" Pixiemon reminds him.
"True, but you will be gone eventually," Jesse says.
"I can wait at the entrance to the Dark Castle for you to defeat the Beast of Darkness," Pixiemon says, "and I'll meet you outside after you defeat him."
"So now you're sure that we will defeat the Beast of Darkness?" Jesse asks.
"You have to," Pixiemon says firmly, "if you don't, then both our worlds are doomed."
"Even so, good does not always win in the battle of good versus evil," Jesse says grimly, "because evil can never be truly destroyed. I can be lessened and weakened and be drained of its power, but it can never be truly destroyed. Evil rests in all of our hearts and souls. Battles like this, where evil has a true visible face, are treacherous because the evil is better prepared, has more foreknowledge of things to come and what to expect, and can take measures to ensure that it has a few trump cards."
"You seem to have given this a lot of thought," Pixiemon muses.
"I have," Jesse says, looking out in the distance, "as I've said before, the Dark Ocean changed me. I saw the worst parts of human nature, which is surely part of Digimon nature. It is in our basic nature to destroy. Some just give in to this nature and lower themselves to beings lower than the lowest beast. They just live tod estroy. Those who resist this nature or use it to fight those who completely embrace it rise above petty mortal limitations and shine with true nobility and honor."
Faintly, Jesse's Crest Weapon shines within its sheathe as he talks. Pixiemon takes notice of this, but says nothing.
"You know, I really miss my friends," Jesse says suddenly.
This was totally off the topic they were on, but Pixiemon does not say about it and simply says "What about your family?"
Jesse laughs mirthlessly. "My family hardly cares about me. I'm sure they've noticed my disappearance by now though. Even they aren't that obtuse. But as for actually missing me, they likely don't."
"That's sad," Samantha says from behind him. Jesse turns around and glares angrily at James.
"Whoa, settle down," Samantha cries out, holding up her hands in a gesture of peacefull intentions, "I didn't mean to startle you."
"This is none of your concern Samantha," Jesse mutters.
"I agree," Samantha replies, "so I'm not gonna ask further. Instead, I'm here to relieve you of your watch."
"I don't need as much sleep as you kids do," Jesse says, "go ahead go back to sleep."
"I disagree Jesse," Samantha says forcefully, "you really need your sleep. You too Pixiemon. You are both exhausted, both physically and mentally. And from the sounds of what you're saying Jesse, you're emotionally exhausted as well."
"My emotions are none of your concern," Jesse says, a dangerous light sparking in his eyes.
Samantha takes an involuntary step back. But before anything else happens, a giant metal serpentine Digimon appears above them.
"River of Power!" the Digimon calls out. The tip of its snout lights up and a stream of energy come from it, nearly hitting Jesse, Samantha, and Pixiemon. If not for Samantha's Crest Weapon of Compassion, they would have been obliterated.
The explosion that resulted woke the other DigiDestined and Digimon up.
"Whats going on?" Brian demands.
"We're under attack!" Samantha yells, "what do you think is happening?"
"Wizardmon!" Brian calls out. The Crest Weapon of Courage shines and bathes Wizardmon in its light.
"Wizardmon digivolve to MetalWizardmon!" Wizardmon calls out, "Thunder Flash!" The attack glances off of the attacking Digimon's armor.
"Biyomon!" Samantha calls out. Her Crest Weapon continues to shine.
"Biyomon digivolve to Birdramon!" Biyomon calls out.
"Birdramon digivolve to Garudamon!" Birdramon calls out.
"Tapirmon," Daniel says.
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!" Tapirmon calls out.
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!" Apemon calls out.
"Say, exactly who is it we're fighting?" Jesse asks. Heromon looks up to get a good look at their attacker.
"It's MetalSeadramon!" he cries out, "he's a Mega level Digimon. He's one of the Dark Master's, like Piedmon. But he's not as strong. But he will be a formidable opponent. His River of Power is devastating."
"If he's a Mega, then we need all the firepower we can get," Jesse says. He holds up his Digivice and draws his Crest Weapon of Honor.
"Heromon digivolve Warriormon!" Heromon calls out.
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!" Warriormon calls out.
"Magna Beam!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Nightmare Syndromer!"
"Tusk Crusher!"
"Thunder Flash!"
All of the attacks glance off of MetalSeadramon's armor.
"What happened?" Brian demands.
"He's made of Chrome Digizoid," MetalWizardmon explains, "it is one of the strongest metals in all of the Digital World. It's gonna be tough penetrating that armor."
"Come on, we're not gonna take that from this ugly freak!" Samantha cries out, "we're gonna take him out and melt him down!"
Jesse chuckles. "Spirited, isn't she?"
"Darn tootin'!" Samantha growls at Jesse. This causes Jesse to burst out laughing.
Samantha's Crest begins to glow. "Whoa, now what?" she exclaims.
"I can feel more power," Garudamon murmurs. Garudamon explodes in flames.
"Garudamon Mega Digivolve to Phoenixmon!" Garudamon cries out.
The moment the flames dissipate, a new bird Digimon is where Garudamon had just been. It had four wings, all of them bristling with golden feathers. The neck plumage was gold to red. The beak was metallic gold and the tail plumage was fiery red. The legs had anklets covered in mysterious runes.
"I am Phoenixmon," the Digimon that digivolved from Garudamond eclares, "I am a Mega Digimon. My Star-Light Explosion and Crimson Flame will devastate my enemies. And every time you think I am defeated, I will rise again anew, stronger than before. Beware, MetalSeadramon, you now face the ruler of the skies."
"Bah," MetalSeadramon scoffs, "River of Power!" The stream of energy heads for Phoenixmon. Phoenixmon merely flaps a wing and knocks the attack away. She opens her mouth, a ball of flaming energy forming.
"Crimson Flame!" Phoenixmon calls out, launching the attack.
The attack hits MetalSeadramon's tail, blasting right through it.
"Agh! You shall pay for this one day DigiDestined," MetalSeadramon says in pain, then flies away as fast as possible.
Phoenixmon lands beside Samantha. She was larger than Birdramon, though not quite as large as Garudamon.
"So, Samantha, what do you think?" Phoenixmon asks.
"Phoenixmon, you're absolutely gorgeous!" Samantha says, flining her arms on Phoenixmon's head, caressing the spot over her right eye.
"Well, that was certainly interesting," Jesse muses, "we now apparently have a Digimon who is staying at the Ultimate level, a Digimon who is staying at the Champion level, a Digimon who is staying a Mega, and two Digimon who are staying Rookie's."
Um, how was that chapter? Blasted writer's block is hitting me on this chapter, but it shouldn't be a problem next chapter. Anyway, please review.
"Hey Jesse, what are you thinking about?" Daniel asks. Jesse was the oldest of the group by two or three years, so the others looked up to him. Expecially Daniel, since he had no one to look up to like a big brother.
"Just the recent events," Jesse replies as he stirs the cooking pot, "the Digimon Piedmon turned into keychains. Seraphimon turning into a Digi Egg to give the next group of DigiDestined a powerful ally. Going to fight the Beast of Darkness in the Dark Castle. All of this is incredible."
"Who'd have thought a bunch of teenagers would save the world, huh?" Daniel asks smugly.
"You barely qualify as a teenager and I'm almost too old to be one," Jesse retorts, "other than that, look at this group. Brian is more competent at being a leader than I am. Your sister practically hates my guts. Thugh its normal for girls to not like me, but she downright hates me! James doesn't secondguess himself, and he's younger than me. And you. You don't even doubt what we're doing or if we can even win."
"Should I?"Daniel asks, "we're the good guys and the good guys never lose." With that, Daniel walks off to talk with his sister.
"Ah, to be so young," Jesse sighs wistfully as Daniel walks away, "so hopeful, so full of life. I can't remember if I was ever that naïve." He returns the stirring the pot.
"Hey Jesse, what are we eating?" Heromon asks.
"Well, if you're not careful I'll throw you in this here pot," Jesse retorts, "other than that possibility, we're eating vegetable stew and some fruits if you'll go and find some fruit."
Threatened with the possibility of only vegetables for dinner, Heromon runs to find some fruits of some kind.
"Hey, need some help?" Digitamamon asks Jesse.
"Excuse me, but you don't have arms," Jesse points out, "so how can you help me?"
Digitamamon shrugs but nevertheless takes the spoon and begins stirring the pot much to Jesse's amazement. After watching Digitamamon sitr the pot for a bit, Jesse shrugs and walks off to see if it would be possible to find something like meat to put in the stew.
An hour later, the group finishes eating and sets up to go to sleep for the night.
"Okay, who has sentry duty first?" Brian asks.
"I'll do it," Daniel says, "I'm not that sleepy anway."
"Okay," Brian says, "be sure to wake us up if something attacks." With that, the group goes to sleep except for Daniel. Tapirmon sits up and watches with him.
"The final battle may be soon," Tapirmon says.
"Yeah," Daniel says.
"What'll happen if we win?" Tapirmon asks.
"Well, we will probably go home," Daniel says.
"You and the other DigiDestined, but what about us Digimon?" Tapirmon asks.
"I don't know," Daniel says, "I suppose we'll be able to take you with us, or be able to visit anytime we want."
"Okay," Tapirmon says.
Time passes and it is almost time for Jesse to take over for them.
"What do you suppose'll happen if we lose?" Tapirmon asks Daniel.
"We won't lose," Jesse says from behind them. Daniel and Tapirmon turn to face him.
"But we won't win either," Jesse says, "at least not truly obtain victory if the Beast of Darkness is destined to return for another group of DigiDestined to fight."
"But what will we do if we do lose?" Daniel asks after he stifles a yawn.
"There won't be much that we won't be able to do," Jesse replies, "we'll be dead if we lose. Now get some sleep kiddo."
"Jesse, we can't lose," Daniel says, "we're the good guys, aren't we?" Jesse doesn't respond.
"The good guys never lose," Daniel says softly.
"Daniel, quiet!" Jesse syas softly and harshly, "something's coming."
Heromon draws his sword while Tapirmon sniffs the air.
"Whatever it is, its strong," Tapirmon says softly.
"Spider Shooter!" a raspy voice calls out. A blast of energy hits the ground next to them.
The explosion sends debris everywhere. The other Digimon wake up immediately.
"Whats going on?" James demands. Brian and Samantha ask similar questions.
"We're under attack," Jesse retorts, "by what, I have no idea."
A red and white insect-like Digimon comes into view. Its body was red and white. It had six legs, each one with three spikes on the foot. The head was white with a red horn. It had three spikes ticking out of its back, three out of its belly, and a single spike on its end. Each leg appeared to be a collection of cables.
"Its Infermon!" Pixiemon cries out, "he's an Ultimate level Digimon, though no one truly knows what he is. His Spider Shooter and Network Grenade are unbelievable."
Infermon growls.
"Beware, he's a dangerous foe," Pixiemon says, getting into a battle stance.
"Ready guys?" Brian asks, holding up his Digivice.
"Ready!" Jesse, Daniel, and Samantha chorus.
"Digivolve!" the four DigiDestined say at the same time. The Digivices erupt in light, bathing the Digimon.
"Heromon digivolve to Warriormon!"
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!"
"Biyomon digivolve to Birdramon!"
"Crest Weapons!" Brian calls out. The group holds out their Crest Weapons. They shine in their signature colors and bathe the Digimon int heir light.
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!"
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!"
"Birdramon digivolve to Garudamon!"
"Wizardmon digivole to MetalWizardmon!"
"Attack!" Jesse yells, taking his Crest Weapon and rushing at Infermon.
"Freezing Breath!"
"Magna Beam!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Thunder Flash!"
"Nightmare Syndromer!"
"Pit Bomb!"
Mammothmon's Freezing Breath attack hits first, covering Infermon in a sheet of ice. Digitamamon's Nightmare Syndromer hits next, going through the ice and doing some moderate damage. Then MetalWizardmon's Thunder Flash streaks through, melting the ice though at the same time doing damage. Then Garudamon's Wing Blade hits him in the back. Finally, MagnaWarriormon's Magna Beam and Pixiemon's Pit Bomb hit at the same time.
Infermon easily shrugs off the force of the attacks and counters with his Spider Shooter. The attack hits MetalWizardmon head on. It hits him with extreme gforce and knocks him out, sending him back to being Wizardmon.
"Tusk Crusher!" Mammothmon calls out, but Infermon shrugs off the attack just like the others.
Jesse slashes at Infermon's underside, but his blade doesn't penetrate and he has to dodge and roll out of the way to keep from getting impaled on one of Infermon's feet.
"Magna Sword!" MagnaWarriormon bellows as he slashes into Infermon's side. His sword cuts deep, but he is unable to dodge being kicked by Infermon and is knocked out and de-digivolves to Heromon.
"We're losing worse than we ever were before," Jesse mutters, "at least with MarineDevimon we had a chance since MagnaWarriormon's attack seem to have a great effect on evil Digimon."
"And now he's knocked out," Samantha says, "get him Garudamon!"
"Wing Blade!" Infermon rolls off the attack and counters with a Network Grenade that knocks Garudamon out.
"We'e losing," Daniel mutters, "this can't be. We're the good guys. We shouldn't be able to lose. I know somehow we're gonna win."
As soon as those words leave his mouth, Daniel's Crest flares to life with a metallic blue light. The light engulfs Mammothmon. A serpentine dragon seems to appear and rushes into Mammothmon.
"Mammothmon Mega Digivolve to SkullMammothmon!"
In Mammothmon's place is a Digimon tha tlooks like him, only larger and with no skin. His horns have lengthened and his face armor and tusks have turned to a golden yellow color. His eyes have turned a blood red color.
"I am SkullMammothmon," the new Digimon says, "a Ghost Digimon of great power. I am a Mega level Digimon. My Spiral Bone Crusher is unbeatable in raw power."
With that, he lifts his trunks. "Spiral Bone Crusher!" SkullMammothmon launches a large bone at Infermon. It hits him full force, knocking him some distance. Infermon slowly gets back to his feet.
"Spider Shooter!" The attacks flies at Samantha, who blocks it with her Crest Weapon.
"Spider Shooter!" The attack heads for James, but Digitamamon jumps in front of it, closes up, and takes the attack full force.
"Spiral Bone Crusher!" SkullMammothmon's attack hits Infermon in the head and does severe damage. He breaks apart into particles of data.
"Nice job SkullMammothmon!" Daniel cheers.
"Thanks Daniel," SkullMammothmon says. He begins to glow. When the glow fades, Mokumon is standing there.
"Looks like we got a new powerhouse," Jesse says to Heromon, who is just now getting back up after getting kicked by Infermon.
"Infermon is a unique Digimon," Heromon retorts, "he's not exactly evil, so my attacks don't have as much effect on him as they have on the other Digimon we have fought."
Garudamon de-digivolves back to Biromon. Brian goes and helps Wizardmon to his feet.
"That was some battle," Brian says, "hope we don't have to face another Digimon like that until we face the Beast of Darkness."
"The Beast of Darkness isn't exactly a Digimon," Pixiemon says, "no one knows exactly what he is, but we do know that he is pure evil."
"Well, that's not good for us," Jesse says, "if the Beast of darknes isn't a Digimon, could he be a human?"
"I HOPE NOT," Pixiemon cries out, "if he's a human and he has that kind of power, then he'll quickly get stronger and stronger until there is definitely no way to defeat him."
"He's already that strong?" Jesse asks, shocked.
"He sent Parrotmon to your world, remember?" Pixiemons ays, "he hasn't even manifested himself in the Digital World, where the bulk of his power is accessible, and he can tear through the fabric of both of our realities."
"That is scary," Daniel says, "but we can beat him, right? I mean, he's evil and we're good so we can't lose."
Jesse looks at Daniel with something akin to pity in his eyes, but quickly averts his gaze before anyone can see it.
'Oh, how little you know Daniel,' Jesse thinks to himself, 'the powers of darkness are unbeatable. They can be driven back, but never truly defeated.'
"We should go back to sleep," Pixiemon says, "I'll take watch. The rest of you get some sleep. You're gonna need your strength. I have a feeling that Infermon was only the tip of the iceberg of what we're gonna be facing."
"You mean there are stronger Digimon than Infermon?" Samantha asks.
"Infermon was only an Ultimate level Digimon," James answers for Pixiemon, "SkullMammothmon was a Mega. Infermon's Mega form could slaughter us all, even if all of our Digimon were at the Mega level."
"Are you sure?" Brian asks.
"He's sure," Jesse interjects, "and I agree with him. All of our Digimon at their Ultimate levels couldn't stop Infermon. What makes you think if all of our Digimon were at their Mega level would make any difference against his Mega form? And frankly, I'd rather not find out."
Having said that, Jesse walks over to his sleeping bag and lays down. Daniel rubs his eyes. Now that the battle and exitement was over, his body was reminding him that he was sleepy.
"Come on, kiddo," Samantha says as she leads her little brother to their sleeping bags, "its time for you to get to bed."
"Well I'm heading to bed as well," James says after a big yawn, "do as Pixiemon says and get some sleep Brian."
"Sure thing James," Brian says as James heads for his sleeping bag.
Brian sits up later than the others, feigning sleep to keep Pixiemon from scolding him. He was worried. And why shouldn't he be? Jesse had pretty much said that he, Brian Tangit, was in charge. Jesse was the oldest person there, and the counselor back at the camp had said that they were his responsibility, and yet Jesse shrugs the mantle of leadership and gives it ro Brian. Brian didn't want to be the leader. In his mind, Jesse was a far better leader. In fact, he still did most of the leading. He set an example for the rest of them to follow, he cooked for them and protected them even at the possible cost of his own life, and he even endured the horrible Dark Ocean to save their lives.
And whats more, when he did decide to put someone else in charge, he didn't even put the next oldest person in charge. James was a year older than Samantha and himself, so it was logical that Jesse would have James be in charge if he wasn't gonna lead. But no, Jesse never seemed to operate with logic. Or a full deck. Even so, Jesse left all of the major leadership decision to him. Not that he objected to giving advice, but it just seemed that Jesse avoided leadership responsibilities like the plague.
'I wonder why?' Brian thinks to himself? It was almost time for his watch shift. He opens his eyes and moves to to Pixiemon to accompany him during the last moments of his shift.
"Been thinking, have you?" Pixiemon asks casually when Brian sits down beside him.
Brian's eyes widen. "How did you know?"
"I have my ways," Pixiemon smiles, "what were you thinking about?"
"Why Jesse made me the leader," Brian says.
"If your wondering about that, then the answer is simple," Pixiemon says, "Jesse just didn't want to be leader. He may be a brilliant leader now that he knows more about you, how you work and how you think, but he knew nothing about any of you when you first came to the Digital World. Jesse is more of a strategist, using the abilities of those under his command to their utmost potential. You, on the other hand, are more like a field commander. You can make decisions in the heat of battle that can turn the tide, or at least enable you to run away relatively unscathed."
"Yeah, I guess your right," Brian says, "but still, I don't like being in charge."
"Well, think of it this way Brian," Jesse says from his sleeping bag. Brian jumps at the sound of Jesse's voice. Jesse had heard him criticizing him!
"I would rather face a leader who wears the burden of leadership as a burden rather than a right," Jesse says, "can you tell me why?"
Brian thinks about it hard for a moment, then shakes his head. "I don't know. Why?"
"If you can figure it out for yourself, then you'll truly be a great leader," Jesse says, "I know all of what it takes to be a great leader. And you possess all of these qualities. The only thing you lack is the proper mindset. When you figure out the why of my statement, then you will either rhave developed the proper mindset or you will know what to strive for. Either way, we get a better leader."
"You're pushing each of us to being better people Jesse," Brian says, "and yet you have not put any focus upon yourself. Why?"
"I probably would be making you figure stuff out yourselves if I hadn't gotten trapped in the Dark Ocean," Jesse says with a shiver, "that place will change anyone profoundly."
"How did it change you?" Brian asks, "that is, if I'm not prying.
"Before, I would have focused on making myself better," Jesse replies numbly, "but after seeing what lies in the Dark Ocean, I realize that one person alone cannot fight the forces of darkness and evil."
"So you're making us better to help?" Brian asks.
"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," Jesse replies, "and so a team is only as strong as its weakest member."
"Jesse, do you think we stand a chance against the beast of Darkness?" Brian asks.
Jesse is silent for a moment, then answers. "We have to Brian. We have to."
A few hours later, Jesse and Pixiemon are standing the watch.
"The Beast of Darkness will be a formidable opponent," Pixiemon says, "even if all of your Digimon reach the Mega level, you will still have a problem defeating it."
"Losing isn't an option," Jesse says, "we either win, or drive it back. We lose, and everyone loses because if the Beast can send something from the Digital World to our world, then what is keeping it from going to our world when it comes to the Digital World?"
"Nothing at all," Pixiemon says, "and you're world is practically defenseless against Digimon."
"The sight of monsters would cause a panic," Jesse says, "the world nations would send their armies to fight. Bullets probably wouldn't be very effective and for some reason I doubt missiles would be very effective. I have a feeling that only Digimon can properly fight Digimon."
"What about you?" Pixiemon asks, "you can hold your own against myself and Heromon in a fight with your Crest weapon."
"I do not have special attacks," Jesse replies sullenly, "if I did, I would be quite a formidable opponent, I would think."
"You would," Pixiemon assures the teen, "you can protect the others when the Digimon are fighting. I am sure that the Beast of Darkness will try and destroy you while your Digimon fight him. It is imperitive that you be able to protect yourselves."
"What about you?" Jesse asks, "where will you be during the fight?"
"I cannot interfere," Pixiemon replies, "it is not allowed for me to interfere in the final battle. Azulongmon has forbidden me to interfere."
"But we need your help!" Jesse protests.
"If I had a DigiDestined partner, I might be able to help you," Pixiemon says, "as it stands, I cannot interfere much more than I already have. I will leave you when you make it to the Dark Castle."
"I hate to see you go Pixiemon," Jesse says.
"Hey, I'm not gone yet!" Pixiemon reminds him.
"True, but you will be gone eventually," Jesse says.
"I can wait at the entrance to the Dark Castle for you to defeat the Beast of Darkness," Pixiemon says, "and I'll meet you outside after you defeat him."
"So now you're sure that we will defeat the Beast of Darkness?" Jesse asks.
"You have to," Pixiemon says firmly, "if you don't, then both our worlds are doomed."
"Even so, good does not always win in the battle of good versus evil," Jesse says grimly, "because evil can never be truly destroyed. I can be lessened and weakened and be drained of its power, but it can never be truly destroyed. Evil rests in all of our hearts and souls. Battles like this, where evil has a true visible face, are treacherous because the evil is better prepared, has more foreknowledge of things to come and what to expect, and can take measures to ensure that it has a few trump cards."
"You seem to have given this a lot of thought," Pixiemon muses.
"I have," Jesse says, looking out in the distance, "as I've said before, the Dark Ocean changed me. I saw the worst parts of human nature, which is surely part of Digimon nature. It is in our basic nature to destroy. Some just give in to this nature and lower themselves to beings lower than the lowest beast. They just live tod estroy. Those who resist this nature or use it to fight those who completely embrace it rise above petty mortal limitations and shine with true nobility and honor."
Faintly, Jesse's Crest Weapon shines within its sheathe as he talks. Pixiemon takes notice of this, but says nothing.
"You know, I really miss my friends," Jesse says suddenly.
This was totally off the topic they were on, but Pixiemon does not say about it and simply says "What about your family?"
Jesse laughs mirthlessly. "My family hardly cares about me. I'm sure they've noticed my disappearance by now though. Even they aren't that obtuse. But as for actually missing me, they likely don't."
"That's sad," Samantha says from behind him. Jesse turns around and glares angrily at James.
"Whoa, settle down," Samantha cries out, holding up her hands in a gesture of peacefull intentions, "I didn't mean to startle you."
"This is none of your concern Samantha," Jesse mutters.
"I agree," Samantha replies, "so I'm not gonna ask further. Instead, I'm here to relieve you of your watch."
"I don't need as much sleep as you kids do," Jesse says, "go ahead go back to sleep."
"I disagree Jesse," Samantha says forcefully, "you really need your sleep. You too Pixiemon. You are both exhausted, both physically and mentally. And from the sounds of what you're saying Jesse, you're emotionally exhausted as well."
"My emotions are none of your concern," Jesse says, a dangerous light sparking in his eyes.
Samantha takes an involuntary step back. But before anything else happens, a giant metal serpentine Digimon appears above them.
"River of Power!" the Digimon calls out. The tip of its snout lights up and a stream of energy come from it, nearly hitting Jesse, Samantha, and Pixiemon. If not for Samantha's Crest Weapon of Compassion, they would have been obliterated.
The explosion that resulted woke the other DigiDestined and Digimon up.
"Whats going on?" Brian demands.
"We're under attack!" Samantha yells, "what do you think is happening?"
"Wizardmon!" Brian calls out. The Crest Weapon of Courage shines and bathes Wizardmon in its light.
"Wizardmon digivolve to MetalWizardmon!" Wizardmon calls out, "Thunder Flash!" The attack glances off of the attacking Digimon's armor.
"Biyomon!" Samantha calls out. Her Crest Weapon continues to shine.
"Biyomon digivolve to Birdramon!" Biyomon calls out.
"Birdramon digivolve to Garudamon!" Birdramon calls out.
"Tapirmon," Daniel says.
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!" Tapirmon calls out.
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!" Apemon calls out.
"Say, exactly who is it we're fighting?" Jesse asks. Heromon looks up to get a good look at their attacker.
"It's MetalSeadramon!" he cries out, "he's a Mega level Digimon. He's one of the Dark Master's, like Piedmon. But he's not as strong. But he will be a formidable opponent. His River of Power is devastating."
"If he's a Mega, then we need all the firepower we can get," Jesse says. He holds up his Digivice and draws his Crest Weapon of Honor.
"Heromon digivolve Warriormon!" Heromon calls out.
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!" Warriormon calls out.
"Magna Beam!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Nightmare Syndromer!"
"Tusk Crusher!"
"Thunder Flash!"
All of the attacks glance off of MetalSeadramon's armor.
"What happened?" Brian demands.
"He's made of Chrome Digizoid," MetalWizardmon explains, "it is one of the strongest metals in all of the Digital World. It's gonna be tough penetrating that armor."
"Come on, we're not gonna take that from this ugly freak!" Samantha cries out, "we're gonna take him out and melt him down!"
Jesse chuckles. "Spirited, isn't she?"
"Darn tootin'!" Samantha growls at Jesse. This causes Jesse to burst out laughing.
Samantha's Crest begins to glow. "Whoa, now what?" she exclaims.
"I can feel more power," Garudamon murmurs. Garudamon explodes in flames.
"Garudamon Mega Digivolve to Phoenixmon!" Garudamon cries out.
The moment the flames dissipate, a new bird Digimon is where Garudamon had just been. It had four wings, all of them bristling with golden feathers. The neck plumage was gold to red. The beak was metallic gold and the tail plumage was fiery red. The legs had anklets covered in mysterious runes.
"I am Phoenixmon," the Digimon that digivolved from Garudamond eclares, "I am a Mega Digimon. My Star-Light Explosion and Crimson Flame will devastate my enemies. And every time you think I am defeated, I will rise again anew, stronger than before. Beware, MetalSeadramon, you now face the ruler of the skies."
"Bah," MetalSeadramon scoffs, "River of Power!" The stream of energy heads for Phoenixmon. Phoenixmon merely flaps a wing and knocks the attack away. She opens her mouth, a ball of flaming energy forming.
"Crimson Flame!" Phoenixmon calls out, launching the attack.
The attack hits MetalSeadramon's tail, blasting right through it.
"Agh! You shall pay for this one day DigiDestined," MetalSeadramon says in pain, then flies away as fast as possible.
Phoenixmon lands beside Samantha. She was larger than Birdramon, though not quite as large as Garudamon.
"So, Samantha, what do you think?" Phoenixmon asks.
"Phoenixmon, you're absolutely gorgeous!" Samantha says, flining her arms on Phoenixmon's head, caressing the spot over her right eye.
"Well, that was certainly interesting," Jesse muses, "we now apparently have a Digimon who is staying at the Ultimate level, a Digimon who is staying at the Champion level, a Digimon who is staying a Mega, and two Digimon who are staying Rookie's."
Um, how was that chapter? Blasted writer's block is hitting me on this chapter, but it shouldn't be a problem next chapter. Anyway, please review.