It took me a while to find an alternate definition to the word "integrity" to suit my fic. I forgot that integrity and honor can be pretty much the same. Then again, so can friendship and love.
The next day, the DigiDestined continue their journey to the Dark Castle. The journey itself wasn't too bad. But the temperaments between Samantha and Jesse were.
"The tension between those two is so thick you could cut it with a knife," James mutters to Brian.
"Tell me about it," Brain mutters back, "any idea whats the cause of it?"
"What else?" James chuckles mirthlessly, "Samantha is likely still mad about that bit of arrogance Jesse had."
"I don't blame her if she is," Brian says, "I'm not too pleased about it myself. But he did have his reasons."
"Yes, and they nearly got us all killed on a few occasions," James sighs, "why do you think he does it?"
"Why does he put me in charge when he is obviously skilled at strategy?" Brian wonders.
"Don't you remember what Pixiemon said Brian?" Wizardmon says, "you are a field commander, suited for battle conditions. Jesse is a strategist. He knows how to manipulate the skills of others to their full potential whereas you can keep everyone safe in the heat of battle."
"Yeah," Brian agrees, "but why doesn't Jesse take up leadership now?"
"Because of the way you treat it Brian," James says, "rightfully, Jesse should take up being our leader. He's the oldest and likely the smartest one among us when it comes to fighting. He's the one who has best adapted to this entire situation. Yet he gives the mantle of leadership to you and you take to it like a duck takes to water. But you always get everyone else's opinions when making a big decision but you aren't afraid to make them on your own."
"Because I trust in you guys and I value your opinions," Brian says slowly as realization dawns on him, "I don't want to be leader, but I'll take it because I am better suited to this kind of situation. I see leadership for what it is: I have to take responsibility for our failures and share the glory for our successes."
"Congratulations Brian, I think you've figured it out," Jesse says from behind. Brian and James both start. They didn't know Jesse had been listening.
"Figured what out?" James asks.
"What he told me a day or two ago," Brian says, "he said that he would rather serve a leader who wears the mantle of leadership as a burden rather than a right."
"And the meaning of it is?" Jesse asks with the barest hint of a smile.
"A leader who wears the mantle as a right would be obnoxious and hog the glory," Brian says, "but a leader who wears it as a burden is humble and shares the fruits of the teams victories."
Jesse smiles. "Bingo."
"So am I a great leader now?" Brian asks hopefully.
"No, but you know the philosophy to be one," Jesse replies, "the only thing holding you back now is seeing how you react to facing something truly evil when you have the strength to fight it."
"We faced Dragomon," Brian says.
"Back then you had yet to truly be the leader," Jesse says, "everyone still looked to me for answers. That is part of why I went down that cave on Infinity Mountain: to give the others a chance to see you lead."
"That didn't work," Brian says humorlessly, "they still looked to Pixiemon."
"Well, you are the leader of this group Brian," Jesse says, resting a hand on Brian's shoulder, "you have my support. If you need my advice, I'll give it freely. If you need my help in battle, I will give it."
"Jesse, you're idea of helping someone in a battle is throwing yourself in the line of fire and possibly sacrificing yourself," Heromon interjects. He hastily ducks a swat from Jesse.
"If the Digimon cannot return to our world with us when this is over, I wonder if I'll miss your smart mouth Heromon?" Jesse asks jovially.
"My my, is that Jesse showing emotion?" Samantha asks nastily.
"Sis, that was uncalled for!" Daniel scolds.
"Actually, I don't mind," Jesse says blandly, "I know I don't show emotion much, but I have my reasons."
"Oh, and what are they?" Samantha demands.
"Lets just leave it at that," Jesse replies, a faraway look in his eyes, "I really don't wanna talk about it."
"For someone who has the Crest Weapon of Honor, you certainly don't seem that honorable towards women," Samantha remarks dryly. Jesse glares dangerously at Samantha, causing her to take an involuntary step back.
"Lets get back to heading for the Dark Castle," Jesse growls, "we've got to stop the Beast of Darkness."
As the group heads for the Dark Castle, Brian constantly questions Jesse on possible scenarios.
"Jesse, what should I do if we get ambushed and we're captured?" Brian asks.
"For one thing, its highly unlikely that any of us will be captured," Jesse replies, "killed, yes. But not captured. We're too great a danger to the Beast of Darkness alive."
"Still, what if he does decide to capture us?" Brian asks.
Jesse sighs. "Like I said, don't worry about it. Everyone here is a fighter at heart, even James. We'll all go down fighting. As long as the night watches go fine, then we won't be captured."
"I hope your right," Brian says softly.
"What should I do if I don't know what to do?" Brian asks.
"Well, that depends on the situation but my advice is to follow your gut," Jesse says, "your gut will rarely ever lead you wrong. And when it does, it still won't truly lead you wrong. You'll be being true to yourself and that is whats important."
"If you say so,"Brian says glumly, "but I'd feel a whole lot better if you were in charge and not me."
"Sorry, but I hate the responsibility of leadership," Jesse replies, "I'll gladly help you out however possible, but I just can't be the leader of this group. We need a leader everyone here can either look up to or respect or tolerate. You are the only one of us that fits all of those requirements. Daniel, of course, no one would truly take him seriously because he is younger than the rest of us. James is too self-concious and he is always second-guessing himself to no avail. Samantha, well, she's too abrasive to be a leader. As for me, well, Samantha just doesn't see eye to eye with me so I can't be a leader. She may not like you, but she does respect you. You're the only person in this group capable of keeping us together. And everyone knows it too, though I'm not sure exactly how well Daniel knows it though."
"Me, keep everyone together?" Brian asks, surprised.
"You gotta have faith in yourself dude," Jesse says, "otherwise, we're fighting a losing battle here."
"Still, I don't know if I'm the right person for this job," Brian says sullenly.
"You are, trust me," Jesse says, "you just gotta be true to yourself. Even if we fall in battle against the Beast of Darkness, I'll die happy knowing I followed a leader sho stayed true to himself. Be true to yourself, my friend, and you'll feel a lot better once you discover that for yourself."
"How do I do that?" Brian asks, eager to learn how to be a better leader.
"Just follow your heart," Jesse says, "that is all the advice I have left at the moment for being a leader."
"Thank you," Brian says softly.
The next day, the DigiDestined continue towards the Dark Castle. So far, the day looked bright and cheery. But that wouldn't last long.
"Puppet Pummel!"
A flurry of yellow energy blasts hit the ground in front of the DigiDestined.
"What the heck?" Jesse cries out as he jumps out of the way of a spray of sharp rocks. Samantha leaps in front of the others with her Crest Weapon glowing.
"Its Puppetmon," Pixiemon growls as a small figure appears out of the cloud of dirt that the attack had created, "he is a Mega level Puppet Digimon. He's one of the four Dark Masters like MetalSeadramon and Piedmon. He's stronger than MetalSeadramon though. Be wary of his Puppet Pummel."
"That's right," the Puppet Digimon says in his childish voice, "and I'm here to destroy you DigiDestined."
"Fat chance of that stumpy," Samantha growls, "get him Phoenixmon!"
"Crimson Flame!"
"Giga Cannon!"
Two powerful blasts of yellow-gold energy hit Phoenixmon in the back.
"Oh no, its Machinedramon!" Pixiemon cries out as he identifies the gigantic Android Digimon, "he's the fourth Dark Master. He's second to Piedmon in terms of strength. He's an Android Digimon with a mean streak. He's very cold and mechanical. His Giga Cannon is lethal."
"That's right," Machinedramon says in a cold mechanical voice, "Puppetmon and I shall destroy you. Giga Cannon!" He fires powerful blasts from the cannons on his back.
"Puppet Pummel!" Puppetmon yells, firing bolt after bolt of energy from his blast."
"Phoenixmon, get up!" Samantha screams.
"Magical Game!"
Wizardmon's attack does its best to block Puppetmon's attack, but it doesn't fully work and only cuts the attack down to half strength. The remains of the attack bounces off of Samantha's Crest Weapon of Compassion along with Machinedramon's Giga Cannon.
"Guys, its time to fight," Brian says.
"Heromon digivolve to Warriormon!"
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!"
The Crest Weapons begin to light up.
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!"
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!"
Puppetmon engages Wizardmon before he has a chance to digivolve.
The Crests that had already lit up light up.
"Mammothmon Mega Digivolve SkullMammothmon!"
"Digitamamon Mega Digivolve to MegaDigitamamon!"
"Deadly Syndrome!"
MegaDigitamamon engages Puppetmon in hopes of giving Wizardmon a chance to digivolve.
But Machinedramon blasts MegaDigitamamon in the back and Puppetmon resumes attacking Wizardmon.
Machinedramon also rains down blast after blast on Phoenixmon, Pixiemon, MagnaWarriormon, and SkullMammothmon. They are unable to get an attack in.
"Wizardmon only has time to digivolve once," Brian mutters, "and MetalWizardmon won't be strong enough to make a difference.
"Brian, just do what you think is necessary," Jesse says as he draws the crest Weapon of Honor, 'dang, MagnaWarriormon can't Mega Digivolve, and I have a feeling that if anyone is gonna save us this time, its gonna be Brian. The Crest Weapon of Honor just isn't enough at the moment.'
"Just do what is necessary," Brian murmurs, "I got it! Wizardmon, use your Thunder Blaster! Attack Puppetmon!"
"Thunder Blaster!" The attack hits Puppetmon square in the eye. It hardly hurts him, but it distracts him long enough for MegaDigitamamon to punch him in the jaw. The punch sends him flying into a rather large rock.
"Thanks!" MegaDigitamamon says before launching himself at Machinedramon. Machinedramon fires his Giga Cannon and pelts MegaDigitamamon into the ground along with MagnaWarriormon, Pixiemon, SkullMammothmon, and Phoenixmon. Only Wizardmon was free to do anything now.
"I don't like being sucker punched," Puppetmon says from behind Wizardmon, "Puppet Pummel!" He slams his hammer down onto Wizardmon's back, sending him flying into the rock that Puppetmon himself had just dragged himself out of.
"Man, there's nothing we can do," Jesse grumbles, "they are just too strong. And Wizardmon is only a Champion. No Champion can take on a Mega at the level these guys are at!"
"We can't give up," Brian says as both the Crest Weapon of Courage and the Crest of Integrity begin to glow. The Crest of Integrity and the Crest Weapon of Courage both fire a beam of colored energy into Brian's Digivice. The Digivice in turn fires a beam of light into Wizardmon.
"Wizardmon Warp Digivolve to…"
Wizardmon changes into MetalWizardmon. He continues to glow and light erupts from him again.
Armor like MagnaAngemon's sprouts from his chest. Other pieces of armor that were like MagnaAngemon's form around him. He shirnks to five and a half feet tall. A staff appears in his right hand. The tip of it had a large diamond-shaped blade that had the Crest of Integrity on it.
"MangaWizardmon!" The newly digivolved MangaWizardmon stands up straight and tall and looks at Puppetmon and Machinedramon.
"I am MangaWizardmon," he says in a commanding voice, "a Mega level Shaman Digimon. My Holy Light will be your doom."
"That's what you think!" Puppetmon sing-songs, "Puppet Pummel!"
Puppetmon slams his hammer into the ground and sends a wave of yellowish energy at MagnaWizardmon.
"Holy Light!" MagnaWizardmon cries, sending a wave of radiant light from his right hand that counters Puppetmon's Puppet Pummel and drives it back into him.
"Oof!" Puupetmon grunts as he is thrown back.
"Giga Cannon!" Machinedramon bellows as he fires his cannons at the new Mega.
"Threads of Fate!" MagnaWizardmon cries out. Thin strands of light come from his fingers and wrap around the energy blasts o Machinedramon's Giga Cannon. The energy blasts reverse course and hit Machinedramon.
"We'll let someone else take care of you," Machinedramon grunts, "lets go, Puppetmon." Machinedramon runs off with Puppetmon following him.
The other Digimon pick themselves up to marvel at MagnaWizardmon.
"Incredible," Pixiemon mutters, "he's gotten a lot stronger. He has two Mega forms."
"Did you pay attention to what was happening, Brian?" Jesse asks after the Digimon de-digivolve to their usual forms."
"I think so," Brian says.
"You were showing great courage by standing up to Puppetmon and Machinedramon when Wizardmon was only a Champion. And you showed true integrity by staying true to yourself. Each of the Crests and Crest Weapons represent an attribute of the human spirit. Courage, Integrity, Perseverence, Faith, Wisdom, Compassion, Spirit, and Honor."
"What about Life?" Daniel asks, "isn't that your Crest?"
Jesse doesn't answer.
"Well?" Samantha demands.
Jesse turns and begins to walk away. "Heromon, come with me."
"Where are you going?" Pixiemon asks.
"I'll meet you guys at the Dark Castle," Jesse says, "Heromon knows where it is. I just can't stay with you guys now."
"What?!" Brian, Daniel, and James yelp.
"So, you're just gonna ditch us, is that it?" Samantha demands.
"When you put it that way," Jesse says, leaving off for a moment, "yes, yes I am."
"Why?" Daniel asks.
"I have just come to realize a few things about myself," Jesse says, "I need some time on my own. I'll find you if I can work through them before you reach the Dark Castle. If I can't, I'll meet you at the Dark Castle and give whatever help I can."
"Jesse, you realize that you'll be on your own and be vulnerable if something attacks you," Pixiemon warns.
"I know, but Heromon's Ultimate form can take on most anything that comes after us," Jesse replies, "please, don't try to follow me."
He takes off in a run, with Heromon not far behind him.
"They can take care of themselves," Brian says, "after all, Jesse did survive a week in the Dark Ocean."
"But then he didn't have a choice," Daniel protests, "he could stay with us and work things out with us here."
"I'm afraid its not that simple, lil' bro," Samantha says, "Jesse obviously has some issues he needs to deal with, and this can only be done on his own. None of us know him well enough to help and none of us are trained at picking apart someone's psyche."
"And that's supposed to make it okay?" Daniel snivels.
"Not in the least," James says, "but Jesse has to take care of this problem on his own. Its out of our hands. We should respect his wishes and give him time to himself."
"Besides, you can track him with your Digivices if you have to," Pixiemon says.
"We can?" Daniel asks.
"Yes," Pixiemon says, "see that little screen on your Digivices?"
The four pull out heir Digivices and look. On the little screen a red dot was moving away from them.
"Is that Jesse?" Daniel asks.
"Yes," Pixiemon says, "that is the signal from Jesse's Digivice."
"So as long as this dot still appears, he is of a distance where we can help him if needed," James reasons.
"How would we know he needs help?" Samantha asks, "we have no way of communicating with him."
"Even so, if it's a big enough battle we will see its effects as long as he stays within the range of the Digivices," James replies, "and then Phoenixmon can carry us."
"You got a point," Samantha says reluctantly.
"Don't worry, Samantha," Phoenixmon says, "he'll be alright. After all, he wouldn't want you to finally win your arguments just because he was no longer around to argue with you, would he?"
"You know, Jesse would probably survive anything just to do that," Brian teases, "you know how he loves to argue with you Samantha."
"Its like bread and meat to him," Daniel agrees with a grin.
"I think he just likes arguing," Samantha says, "ever notice how he's so queit and reserved when he's not giving out advice? He has yet to actually socialize. Everything he has ever said to any of us was either part of an argument or advice for something."
"It's almost as if he was afraid to socialize," James says.
"I'm not sure if its any of our business, but we must at least respect his decision and hope everything works out," Pixiemon says.
"Agreed," Brian says, "now lets continue heading for the Dark Castle."
Well, how was this chapter? Not my best, I'm sure, but I have been stumbling with a bit of a writers block. I've been having more inspiration for my Power Rangers fic. If any of you are fans of Power Rangers, check it out if you want. Just go to my profile page. I am also writing another DBZ fic in addition to "Pegaro's Adventure". If any of you wants to read it, I have about a half dozen or so chapters already written and proofread and ready to be uploaded.
Well, please review. I thrive on reviews.
The next day, the DigiDestined continue their journey to the Dark Castle. The journey itself wasn't too bad. But the temperaments between Samantha and Jesse were.
"The tension between those two is so thick you could cut it with a knife," James mutters to Brian.
"Tell me about it," Brain mutters back, "any idea whats the cause of it?"
"What else?" James chuckles mirthlessly, "Samantha is likely still mad about that bit of arrogance Jesse had."
"I don't blame her if she is," Brian says, "I'm not too pleased about it myself. But he did have his reasons."
"Yes, and they nearly got us all killed on a few occasions," James sighs, "why do you think he does it?"
"Why does he put me in charge when he is obviously skilled at strategy?" Brian wonders.
"Don't you remember what Pixiemon said Brian?" Wizardmon says, "you are a field commander, suited for battle conditions. Jesse is a strategist. He knows how to manipulate the skills of others to their full potential whereas you can keep everyone safe in the heat of battle."
"Yeah," Brian agrees, "but why doesn't Jesse take up leadership now?"
"Because of the way you treat it Brian," James says, "rightfully, Jesse should take up being our leader. He's the oldest and likely the smartest one among us when it comes to fighting. He's the one who has best adapted to this entire situation. Yet he gives the mantle of leadership to you and you take to it like a duck takes to water. But you always get everyone else's opinions when making a big decision but you aren't afraid to make them on your own."
"Because I trust in you guys and I value your opinions," Brian says slowly as realization dawns on him, "I don't want to be leader, but I'll take it because I am better suited to this kind of situation. I see leadership for what it is: I have to take responsibility for our failures and share the glory for our successes."
"Congratulations Brian, I think you've figured it out," Jesse says from behind. Brian and James both start. They didn't know Jesse had been listening.
"Figured what out?" James asks.
"What he told me a day or two ago," Brian says, "he said that he would rather serve a leader who wears the mantle of leadership as a burden rather than a right."
"And the meaning of it is?" Jesse asks with the barest hint of a smile.
"A leader who wears the mantle as a right would be obnoxious and hog the glory," Brian says, "but a leader who wears it as a burden is humble and shares the fruits of the teams victories."
Jesse smiles. "Bingo."
"So am I a great leader now?" Brian asks hopefully.
"No, but you know the philosophy to be one," Jesse replies, "the only thing holding you back now is seeing how you react to facing something truly evil when you have the strength to fight it."
"We faced Dragomon," Brian says.
"Back then you had yet to truly be the leader," Jesse says, "everyone still looked to me for answers. That is part of why I went down that cave on Infinity Mountain: to give the others a chance to see you lead."
"That didn't work," Brian says humorlessly, "they still looked to Pixiemon."
"Well, you are the leader of this group Brian," Jesse says, resting a hand on Brian's shoulder, "you have my support. If you need my advice, I'll give it freely. If you need my help in battle, I will give it."
"Jesse, you're idea of helping someone in a battle is throwing yourself in the line of fire and possibly sacrificing yourself," Heromon interjects. He hastily ducks a swat from Jesse.
"If the Digimon cannot return to our world with us when this is over, I wonder if I'll miss your smart mouth Heromon?" Jesse asks jovially.
"My my, is that Jesse showing emotion?" Samantha asks nastily.
"Sis, that was uncalled for!" Daniel scolds.
"Actually, I don't mind," Jesse says blandly, "I know I don't show emotion much, but I have my reasons."
"Oh, and what are they?" Samantha demands.
"Lets just leave it at that," Jesse replies, a faraway look in his eyes, "I really don't wanna talk about it."
"For someone who has the Crest Weapon of Honor, you certainly don't seem that honorable towards women," Samantha remarks dryly. Jesse glares dangerously at Samantha, causing her to take an involuntary step back.
"Lets get back to heading for the Dark Castle," Jesse growls, "we've got to stop the Beast of Darkness."
As the group heads for the Dark Castle, Brian constantly questions Jesse on possible scenarios.
"Jesse, what should I do if we get ambushed and we're captured?" Brian asks.
"For one thing, its highly unlikely that any of us will be captured," Jesse replies, "killed, yes. But not captured. We're too great a danger to the Beast of Darkness alive."
"Still, what if he does decide to capture us?" Brian asks.
Jesse sighs. "Like I said, don't worry about it. Everyone here is a fighter at heart, even James. We'll all go down fighting. As long as the night watches go fine, then we won't be captured."
"I hope your right," Brian says softly.
"What should I do if I don't know what to do?" Brian asks.
"Well, that depends on the situation but my advice is to follow your gut," Jesse says, "your gut will rarely ever lead you wrong. And when it does, it still won't truly lead you wrong. You'll be being true to yourself and that is whats important."
"If you say so,"Brian says glumly, "but I'd feel a whole lot better if you were in charge and not me."
"Sorry, but I hate the responsibility of leadership," Jesse replies, "I'll gladly help you out however possible, but I just can't be the leader of this group. We need a leader everyone here can either look up to or respect or tolerate. You are the only one of us that fits all of those requirements. Daniel, of course, no one would truly take him seriously because he is younger than the rest of us. James is too self-concious and he is always second-guessing himself to no avail. Samantha, well, she's too abrasive to be a leader. As for me, well, Samantha just doesn't see eye to eye with me so I can't be a leader. She may not like you, but she does respect you. You're the only person in this group capable of keeping us together. And everyone knows it too, though I'm not sure exactly how well Daniel knows it though."
"Me, keep everyone together?" Brian asks, surprised.
"You gotta have faith in yourself dude," Jesse says, "otherwise, we're fighting a losing battle here."
"Still, I don't know if I'm the right person for this job," Brian says sullenly.
"You are, trust me," Jesse says, "you just gotta be true to yourself. Even if we fall in battle against the Beast of Darkness, I'll die happy knowing I followed a leader sho stayed true to himself. Be true to yourself, my friend, and you'll feel a lot better once you discover that for yourself."
"How do I do that?" Brian asks, eager to learn how to be a better leader.
"Just follow your heart," Jesse says, "that is all the advice I have left at the moment for being a leader."
"Thank you," Brian says softly.
The next day, the DigiDestined continue towards the Dark Castle. So far, the day looked bright and cheery. But that wouldn't last long.
"Puppet Pummel!"
A flurry of yellow energy blasts hit the ground in front of the DigiDestined.
"What the heck?" Jesse cries out as he jumps out of the way of a spray of sharp rocks. Samantha leaps in front of the others with her Crest Weapon glowing.
"Its Puppetmon," Pixiemon growls as a small figure appears out of the cloud of dirt that the attack had created, "he is a Mega level Puppet Digimon. He's one of the four Dark Masters like MetalSeadramon and Piedmon. He's stronger than MetalSeadramon though. Be wary of his Puppet Pummel."
"That's right," the Puppet Digimon says in his childish voice, "and I'm here to destroy you DigiDestined."
"Fat chance of that stumpy," Samantha growls, "get him Phoenixmon!"
"Crimson Flame!"
"Giga Cannon!"
Two powerful blasts of yellow-gold energy hit Phoenixmon in the back.
"Oh no, its Machinedramon!" Pixiemon cries out as he identifies the gigantic Android Digimon, "he's the fourth Dark Master. He's second to Piedmon in terms of strength. He's an Android Digimon with a mean streak. He's very cold and mechanical. His Giga Cannon is lethal."
"That's right," Machinedramon says in a cold mechanical voice, "Puppetmon and I shall destroy you. Giga Cannon!" He fires powerful blasts from the cannons on his back.
"Puppet Pummel!" Puppetmon yells, firing bolt after bolt of energy from his blast."
"Phoenixmon, get up!" Samantha screams.
"Magical Game!"
Wizardmon's attack does its best to block Puppetmon's attack, but it doesn't fully work and only cuts the attack down to half strength. The remains of the attack bounces off of Samantha's Crest Weapon of Compassion along with Machinedramon's Giga Cannon.
"Guys, its time to fight," Brian says.
"Heromon digivolve to Warriormon!"
"Tapirmon digivolve to Apemon!"
The Crest Weapons begin to light up.
"Apemon digivolve to Mammothmon!"
"Warriormon digivolve to MagnaWarriormon!"
Puppetmon engages Wizardmon before he has a chance to digivolve.
The Crests that had already lit up light up.
"Mammothmon Mega Digivolve SkullMammothmon!"
"Digitamamon Mega Digivolve to MegaDigitamamon!"
"Deadly Syndrome!"
MegaDigitamamon engages Puppetmon in hopes of giving Wizardmon a chance to digivolve.
But Machinedramon blasts MegaDigitamamon in the back and Puppetmon resumes attacking Wizardmon.
Machinedramon also rains down blast after blast on Phoenixmon, Pixiemon, MagnaWarriormon, and SkullMammothmon. They are unable to get an attack in.
"Wizardmon only has time to digivolve once," Brian mutters, "and MetalWizardmon won't be strong enough to make a difference.
"Brian, just do what you think is necessary," Jesse says as he draws the crest Weapon of Honor, 'dang, MagnaWarriormon can't Mega Digivolve, and I have a feeling that if anyone is gonna save us this time, its gonna be Brian. The Crest Weapon of Honor just isn't enough at the moment.'
"Just do what is necessary," Brian murmurs, "I got it! Wizardmon, use your Thunder Blaster! Attack Puppetmon!"
"Thunder Blaster!" The attack hits Puppetmon square in the eye. It hardly hurts him, but it distracts him long enough for MegaDigitamamon to punch him in the jaw. The punch sends him flying into a rather large rock.
"Thanks!" MegaDigitamamon says before launching himself at Machinedramon. Machinedramon fires his Giga Cannon and pelts MegaDigitamamon into the ground along with MagnaWarriormon, Pixiemon, SkullMammothmon, and Phoenixmon. Only Wizardmon was free to do anything now.
"I don't like being sucker punched," Puppetmon says from behind Wizardmon, "Puppet Pummel!" He slams his hammer down onto Wizardmon's back, sending him flying into the rock that Puppetmon himself had just dragged himself out of.
"Man, there's nothing we can do," Jesse grumbles, "they are just too strong. And Wizardmon is only a Champion. No Champion can take on a Mega at the level these guys are at!"
"We can't give up," Brian says as both the Crest Weapon of Courage and the Crest of Integrity begin to glow. The Crest of Integrity and the Crest Weapon of Courage both fire a beam of colored energy into Brian's Digivice. The Digivice in turn fires a beam of light into Wizardmon.
"Wizardmon Warp Digivolve to…"
Wizardmon changes into MetalWizardmon. He continues to glow and light erupts from him again.
Armor like MagnaAngemon's sprouts from his chest. Other pieces of armor that were like MagnaAngemon's form around him. He shirnks to five and a half feet tall. A staff appears in his right hand. The tip of it had a large diamond-shaped blade that had the Crest of Integrity on it.
"MangaWizardmon!" The newly digivolved MangaWizardmon stands up straight and tall and looks at Puppetmon and Machinedramon.
"I am MangaWizardmon," he says in a commanding voice, "a Mega level Shaman Digimon. My Holy Light will be your doom."
"That's what you think!" Puppetmon sing-songs, "Puppet Pummel!"
Puppetmon slams his hammer into the ground and sends a wave of yellowish energy at MagnaWizardmon.
"Holy Light!" MagnaWizardmon cries, sending a wave of radiant light from his right hand that counters Puppetmon's Puppet Pummel and drives it back into him.
"Oof!" Puupetmon grunts as he is thrown back.
"Giga Cannon!" Machinedramon bellows as he fires his cannons at the new Mega.
"Threads of Fate!" MagnaWizardmon cries out. Thin strands of light come from his fingers and wrap around the energy blasts o Machinedramon's Giga Cannon. The energy blasts reverse course and hit Machinedramon.
"We'll let someone else take care of you," Machinedramon grunts, "lets go, Puppetmon." Machinedramon runs off with Puppetmon following him.
The other Digimon pick themselves up to marvel at MagnaWizardmon.
"Incredible," Pixiemon mutters, "he's gotten a lot stronger. He has two Mega forms."
"Did you pay attention to what was happening, Brian?" Jesse asks after the Digimon de-digivolve to their usual forms."
"I think so," Brian says.
"You were showing great courage by standing up to Puppetmon and Machinedramon when Wizardmon was only a Champion. And you showed true integrity by staying true to yourself. Each of the Crests and Crest Weapons represent an attribute of the human spirit. Courage, Integrity, Perseverence, Faith, Wisdom, Compassion, Spirit, and Honor."
"What about Life?" Daniel asks, "isn't that your Crest?"
Jesse doesn't answer.
"Well?" Samantha demands.
Jesse turns and begins to walk away. "Heromon, come with me."
"Where are you going?" Pixiemon asks.
"I'll meet you guys at the Dark Castle," Jesse says, "Heromon knows where it is. I just can't stay with you guys now."
"What?!" Brian, Daniel, and James yelp.
"So, you're just gonna ditch us, is that it?" Samantha demands.
"When you put it that way," Jesse says, leaving off for a moment, "yes, yes I am."
"Why?" Daniel asks.
"I have just come to realize a few things about myself," Jesse says, "I need some time on my own. I'll find you if I can work through them before you reach the Dark Castle. If I can't, I'll meet you at the Dark Castle and give whatever help I can."
"Jesse, you realize that you'll be on your own and be vulnerable if something attacks you," Pixiemon warns.
"I know, but Heromon's Ultimate form can take on most anything that comes after us," Jesse replies, "please, don't try to follow me."
He takes off in a run, with Heromon not far behind him.
"They can take care of themselves," Brian says, "after all, Jesse did survive a week in the Dark Ocean."
"But then he didn't have a choice," Daniel protests, "he could stay with us and work things out with us here."
"I'm afraid its not that simple, lil' bro," Samantha says, "Jesse obviously has some issues he needs to deal with, and this can only be done on his own. None of us know him well enough to help and none of us are trained at picking apart someone's psyche."
"And that's supposed to make it okay?" Daniel snivels.
"Not in the least," James says, "but Jesse has to take care of this problem on his own. Its out of our hands. We should respect his wishes and give him time to himself."
"Besides, you can track him with your Digivices if you have to," Pixiemon says.
"We can?" Daniel asks.
"Yes," Pixiemon says, "see that little screen on your Digivices?"
The four pull out heir Digivices and look. On the little screen a red dot was moving away from them.
"Is that Jesse?" Daniel asks.
"Yes," Pixiemon says, "that is the signal from Jesse's Digivice."
"So as long as this dot still appears, he is of a distance where we can help him if needed," James reasons.
"How would we know he needs help?" Samantha asks, "we have no way of communicating with him."
"Even so, if it's a big enough battle we will see its effects as long as he stays within the range of the Digivices," James replies, "and then Phoenixmon can carry us."
"You got a point," Samantha says reluctantly.
"Don't worry, Samantha," Phoenixmon says, "he'll be alright. After all, he wouldn't want you to finally win your arguments just because he was no longer around to argue with you, would he?"
"You know, Jesse would probably survive anything just to do that," Brian teases, "you know how he loves to argue with you Samantha."
"Its like bread and meat to him," Daniel agrees with a grin.
"I think he just likes arguing," Samantha says, "ever notice how he's so queit and reserved when he's not giving out advice? He has yet to actually socialize. Everything he has ever said to any of us was either part of an argument or advice for something."
"It's almost as if he was afraid to socialize," James says.
"I'm not sure if its any of our business, but we must at least respect his decision and hope everything works out," Pixiemon says.
"Agreed," Brian says, "now lets continue heading for the Dark Castle."
Well, how was this chapter? Not my best, I'm sure, but I have been stumbling with a bit of a writers block. I've been having more inspiration for my Power Rangers fic. If any of you are fans of Power Rangers, check it out if you want. Just go to my profile page. I am also writing another DBZ fic in addition to "Pegaro's Adventure". If any of you wants to read it, I have about a half dozen or so chapters already written and proofread and ready to be uploaded.
Well, please review. I thrive on reviews.