Later, the DigiDestined are walking through a canyon.
"Guys, I think we're lost," Brian says.
"We should have reached the Dark Castle some time ago," James says as he sits on the ground in exhaustion.
"I'm very tired," Phoenixmon says. With a glow, she reverts to Biyomon.
Wizardmon and Digitamamon agree and revert to their Rookie forms.
"It's hot," Tapirmon complains.
"Why don't you digivolve to Mammothmon and cool us off with your Freezing Breath attack?" Magimon asks.
"Because I'm too hungry to digivolve," Tapirmon replies.
"Isn't there any shade anywhere?" Biyomon whines.
"I don't see any that could fit us all, Biyomon," Samantha says as she looks around.
"If we get attacked we're done for," Brian says, "Pixiemon is the only one here capable of fighting."
"Wish Jesse was here," Daniel says, "he'd know what to do."
"I wish he was here too," Brian says, "I may have what it takes to be a leader, but I'm not a leader yet. I still need guidance."
"Well, all we can do as far as that is concerned is that Jesse gets back real soon," James says.
"Yeah," the Digimon chorus.
Elsewhere, Jesse and Heromon are walking alone.
"Jesse, why couldn't we go with that others?" Heromon asks, "your Crest did light up, after all."
"Heromon, I don't deserve to work with them," Jesse says, his voice distant, "Gryphonmon died because I wasn't strong enough to help him."
"If you hadn't come along, he might have died anyway from his injuries," Heromon says.
"Still, I could have done more," Jesse says.
"Jesse, there was nothing more you could have done," Heromon says, "short of giving your own life to heal him, which I am not sure how you could have done, or jumping in front of that attack, which would have killed you, caused me to be unable to digivolve, which would have left him open to attack anyway so he would have died anyway. At least the way things happened you were able to avenge his death."
Jesse sits down on the ground and curls up into a ball, resting his head on his knees. "Still, I could have done more. I'm just a failure. Nothing but a failure."
A dark mist begins to envelope Jesse, darkening the area around him and Heromon.
"Jesse snap out of it!" Heromon says, worried, "there's something funny going on."
"I'm just a failure," Jesse mumbles as the area shifts from being a forest to a cave.
"Jesse, snap out of it buddy!" Heromon begs, "you're beginning to frighten me."
But Heromon's words fell on deaf ears as Jesse sunk deeper and deeper into melancholia.
Not too far away, the other DigiDestined were catching up with Jesse and Heromon.
"Hey, I think I see a cave up ahead," Brian says, "we can rest there in the shade for a while."
"Good idea," Samantha says, "I know I'm getting tired of the sun beating down on me."
"We all are," Pixiemon says, who was now walking to keep from overheating. It wasn't easy being a pink ball of fuzz with wings.
The group hurries to the cave and sit down immediately once they are within its cool walls.
"It's amazing how just a little shade can change the temperature," James says.
A faint murmuring can be heard echoing in the cave.
"Hey, do you guys hear that?" Biyomon asks.
"Hear what?" Daniel asks.
"Listen," Biyomon says, indicating for them all to be silent.
"…useless…failure…"
"What is that?" Brian asks.
"It sounds like someone murmuring softly," Samantha says as she strains to hear what is being said.
"I'm just a failure."
"Hey, that sounds like Jesse!" Daniel exclaims.
"You're right it, does sound like Jesse," Pixiemon says, "but something's wrong."
"Yeah, his voice is devoid of all emotion," Samantha says.
"Let's go find him and see whats up," Brian suggests.
"Yeah, he may be caught up in the attack of some Digimon that affects the mind," Daniel says.
"Yeah, lets go see what wonderboy has gotten himself into this time," Samantha says, "we'll probably end up bailing him out."
"Let's go see whats wrong first," James suggests.
The four humans and five Digimon walk down the cave towards the source of the noise. What they find shocks them to the core.
Jesse was sitting down, his arms wrapped around his legs and his head resting on his knees. A dark aura was permeating the air around him. It twisted and distorted the air around him and seemed to seep into his very soul.
"Dear God," Samantha gasps, raising a hand to her mouth in horror.
"What's going on?" Daniel asks.
"I was hoping you guys would show up," Heromon says, emerging from the darkness, "apparently, as long as Jesse is in this funk I'm stuck in this cave. And I think his funk created this cave."
"What?" James asks.
"This area was a small, wooded area before Jesse got into this funk he's in," Heromon explains, "but once he started getting depressed, we were dragged into this cave."
"You mean this dark cave was created from Jesse's depression?" Brian asks.
"Yes, and I have only felt a place this oppressing once before: the Dark Ocean," Heromon says sullenly.
"This is what the Dark Ocean felt like?" Samantha asks in wonder.
"Not even close," Heromon retorts, "this is just a sample of what that place felt like. Believe me, I know. But this place seems to be connected to it."
"It looks like Jesse's being dragged down by the darkness," Daniel observes.
"Exactly," Heromon says, "I think this may be a lingering effect of our stay in the Dark Ocean that is popping up because of Jesse's mood."
"I'm nothing more than a complete failure," Jesse murmurs, his eyes completely blank.
"We've got to help him," Daniel says fervently.
"Even I wouldn't wish this on Jesse," Samantha says, "it's just too inhumane. It's like he's losing his soul."
"He is losing his soul," Heromon says, "or at least his heart."
"How can we help him?" Daniel asks.
"Any of you know anything about psychology?" Heromon asks.
"Psychology?" Pixiemon asks, "whats that?"
"How do you know about psychology when Pixiemon doesn't?" Brian asks.
"How do you think?" Heromon asks, "Jesse has taught me a lot about the world you come from. You don't think we spent all our time in the Dark Ocean trying to survive, do you? We had to keep talking to keep our sanity at times."
"Well, I know nothing about psychology," Brian says, "but it seems that Jesse thinks he's a worthless failure. We need to let him know that we're still his friends and that we believe in him."
"How do we do that?" Samantha asks.
"How else?" Brian grins, "we tell him. Plain and simple."
Samantha glares at Brian. "That's easier said than done."
"Only if you're reluctant to say anything," James says.
"Shall we give it a go?" Daniel asks.
"Jesse, where's the guy who taught me how to show real courage, who had faith in me as a leader?" Brian says to Jesse, "aren't you the one who taught me how to be true to myself? Come on, you are far from a failure. Without your guidance, I never would have become the person I am now. I would be a lot poorer in life without you."
"A failure," Jesse murmurs, showing no signs of having heard Brian speak at all.
"Jesse, where is the guy who taught us how to fend for ourselves?" James asks, "you taught us how to cook for ourselves, how to catch our own food, and how to take care of ourselves when we are caught unguarded by our Digimon. You taught us how to survive. You helped show us that we can make a difference and that we can win against impossible odds."
"Nothing but a failure," Jesse says, his eyes still blank and emotionless.
"Jesse, you helped us Digimon learn how to fight even better," Tapirmon says, "you taught me how to really fight when in my Champion form. And you gave someone for Daniel to look up to."
"If not for the training you put us through on File Island, we would have long since been torn apart by the forces of the Beast of Darkness," Eggmon says.
"You've helped us all in some way or another," Biyomon says, "you helped me be a braver Digimon."
"I had no confidence in myself," Magimon says, "but between you and Brian, look at me now. I'm now one of the strongest Digimon in the entire Digital World! You are no failure."
"Nothing but a failure," Jesse murmurs. He didn't even register the presence of anyone present.
"You aren't a failure!" Daniel begs, "listen to us Jesse. I know that my faith in everything is a bit naïve, and things are very different in the real world, but you never discouraged my outlook. In fact, you encouraged it. You never squashed my dreams or my views. You're a hero to me, Jesse."
"A useless failure," Jesse murmurs.
"You are not useless!" Samantha cries out angrily, "you gave my little brother someone to look up to. You gave him the closest he will ever have to a big brother. You've given him a real life hero to idolize."
"I've never done anything right," Jesse murmurs.
"Yes you have," Pixiemon says, "these kids were lost without you when you sacrificed yourself to get rid of Dragomon. They need you just as much as you need them. Without you, they are not a complete team. Without them, you really are nothing. The DigiDestined are supposed to be one, cohesive unit. These kids look up to you. As a role model, as a teacher, as a big brother I believe the term is, and as a friend. You need to accept the responsibility of showing them the right path."
"I'm just no good at this," Jesse murmurs. The dark aura that surrounded him was beginning to glow darker. By now it was so dark that they could barely see Jesse at all.
"He's being drawn in by the darkness," Pixiemon murmurs, frightened.
"We've got to help him!" Daniel says, "I know he can get through this. We've just got to reach out more!"
As soon as those words were spoken, Daniel's Crest and Crest Weapon flared with a more vibrant light than ever before. Their metallic blue light bathes Jesse, dispelling some of the darkness that surrounded him and permeated the cave.
"Come on Jesse," Brian says, "you've never let us down before. I know I never thought you let us down or abandoned us. You just had to find yourself so you could be yourself. That takes real courage."
Brian's Crest and Crest Weapon both flare up more vibrantly than ever before. The bright orange light of the Crest Weapon of Courage and the orange light of the Crest of Integrity bathe Jesse, causing more of the darkness to be dispelled.
"You are our friend Jesse," James says, "possessing more wisdom than you're years would suggest and possessing more perseverance to endure the trails you have had to face as a DigiDestined than anyone I have ever met."
The Crest of Wisdom and the Crest Weapon of Perseverance bathe Jesse in their vibrant light. The bronze glow of the Crest of Wisdom and the light purple glow of the Crest of Perseverance tears through some of the darkness that binds Jesse.
"Jesse, we may not have always seen eye to eye, but I have always respected you," Samantha says, "we may have always argued, but you never did anything more than just argue. You survived a place that you yourself described as being worse than Hell. You are the most spirited person I have ever met. And yet even after going through that dark place, you still care enough for others to make them try and find their own way when you could easily take control and drive us like we're your slaves."
Samantha's Crest and Crest Weapon both flare to life. The vibrant greenish-blue glow of the Crest of Spirit and the yellow glow of the Crest Weapon of Compassion drive away most of the rest of the darkness that was surrounding Jesse. Now only the darkest and most sinister of the darkness was a left.
A face forms within the darkness. "You will never get this one to help you ever again. My spell will take him and destroy his soul and make him mine!"
"That voice," Samantha murmurs, "I've heard it before."
"The Beast of Darkness," Brian growls.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" the Beast of Darkness laughs, "you fools are doomed! Not one of you has the power to beat me. Without this one, you cannot hope to defeat me."
~Inside of Jesse's mind while this has been happening~
Jesse was standing amid a field of darkness. The only light was what seemed to just highlight his presence.
"Where am I?" Jesse asks out loud, his voice echoing in a silent reverberation.
"This is your mind," a soft but familiar voice says from behind him.
Jesse turns around to see a man in his late forties with dark hair that showed a bald spot forming in the back, a thick beard and mustache, and eyes that conveyed a warmth that just made you feel good.
"David," Jesse gasps.
"You know Jesse, you really ought to open up to the other DigiDestined," the man identified as David says, "they are your friends and won't abandon you. Listen to what they've said just to try and get you out of this mood you're in."
An image of the DigiDestined and the Digimon talk to 'him', trying to tell him that he's not a failure. He growls softly as the Beast of Darkness makes his presence felt.
"Jesse, wake up!" Heromon cries out, bopping Jesse on the top of the head, "you've become my best friend. I had no friends before you came along. Heck, I didn't even exist before you came along. You're my whole reason for living. You've taught me how to survive on my own because I was incapable of it. You taught me what honor is. And with Gryphonmon, you showed me what life was."
"Gryphonmon," Jesse murmurs softly as he watches what was going on.
"Jesse, remember what Gryphonmon said?" Heromon asks, "you mustn't live life in fear. If you do, then you're not really living."
"Take their words to heart, my nephew," David says, "I don't want to have to meet you in Heaven this soon. I expect to see you in fifty years from now at least."
With that, David disappears.
"David wait!" Jesse cries out, tears in his eyes, "don't go."
Jesse slumps to his knees. "I've got to go on. David wants me to do it, so I will."
Gritting his teeth, Jesse begins to summon all of his will and the light inside of him to dispel the web of darkness that the Beast of Darkness had cast about him.
"For Life and Honor, Darkness be gone!" Jesse commands.
~Outside of Jesse's mind~
The image of the Beast of Darkness begins to distort as light emerges from Jesse's Crest and Crest Weapon. "What? No! This can't be happening!"
"Oh, but it is," Jesse says as he gets back to his feet, "you know, you had me real well. You got my one weakness that you are capable of understanding well enough to exploit. But now that I'm on to you, it won't be as effective next time. Now get out of my mind and leave my friends alone!"
With that, Jesse's Crest and Crest Weapon flare up more vibrant than ever. The silver glow of the Crest of Life and the green glow of the Crest Weapon of Honor join the lights of the other Crests and Crest Weapons and drive the spirit of the Beast of Darkness away.
As the light fades, the DigiDestined find themselves in a forest.
"Are you alright Jesse?" Daniel asks.
"Never felt better in my life," Jesse says, thumping his chest proudly, "now, who's up for a good meal? I'm starving. I haven't eaten since Heromon stole a Tortomon's lunch."
"Jesse!" Heromon wails as the DigiDestined share a laugh.
~~
Well, the DigiDestined are united once again. Soon they will face the mighty Beast of Darkness. The identity of this monstrosity will finally be revealed. Heroes will rise and champions will fall as this tale reaches its end. Of course, the battle between the light and the darkness is never over, is it? Well, please review. Silver Warrior like reviews.
"Guys, I think we're lost," Brian says.
"We should have reached the Dark Castle some time ago," James says as he sits on the ground in exhaustion.
"I'm very tired," Phoenixmon says. With a glow, she reverts to Biyomon.
Wizardmon and Digitamamon agree and revert to their Rookie forms.
"It's hot," Tapirmon complains.
"Why don't you digivolve to Mammothmon and cool us off with your Freezing Breath attack?" Magimon asks.
"Because I'm too hungry to digivolve," Tapirmon replies.
"Isn't there any shade anywhere?" Biyomon whines.
"I don't see any that could fit us all, Biyomon," Samantha says as she looks around.
"If we get attacked we're done for," Brian says, "Pixiemon is the only one here capable of fighting."
"Wish Jesse was here," Daniel says, "he'd know what to do."
"I wish he was here too," Brian says, "I may have what it takes to be a leader, but I'm not a leader yet. I still need guidance."
"Well, all we can do as far as that is concerned is that Jesse gets back real soon," James says.
"Yeah," the Digimon chorus.
Elsewhere, Jesse and Heromon are walking alone.
"Jesse, why couldn't we go with that others?" Heromon asks, "your Crest did light up, after all."
"Heromon, I don't deserve to work with them," Jesse says, his voice distant, "Gryphonmon died because I wasn't strong enough to help him."
"If you hadn't come along, he might have died anyway from his injuries," Heromon says.
"Still, I could have done more," Jesse says.
"Jesse, there was nothing more you could have done," Heromon says, "short of giving your own life to heal him, which I am not sure how you could have done, or jumping in front of that attack, which would have killed you, caused me to be unable to digivolve, which would have left him open to attack anyway so he would have died anyway. At least the way things happened you were able to avenge his death."
Jesse sits down on the ground and curls up into a ball, resting his head on his knees. "Still, I could have done more. I'm just a failure. Nothing but a failure."
A dark mist begins to envelope Jesse, darkening the area around him and Heromon.
"Jesse snap out of it!" Heromon says, worried, "there's something funny going on."
"I'm just a failure," Jesse mumbles as the area shifts from being a forest to a cave.
"Jesse, snap out of it buddy!" Heromon begs, "you're beginning to frighten me."
But Heromon's words fell on deaf ears as Jesse sunk deeper and deeper into melancholia.
Not too far away, the other DigiDestined were catching up with Jesse and Heromon.
"Hey, I think I see a cave up ahead," Brian says, "we can rest there in the shade for a while."
"Good idea," Samantha says, "I know I'm getting tired of the sun beating down on me."
"We all are," Pixiemon says, who was now walking to keep from overheating. It wasn't easy being a pink ball of fuzz with wings.
The group hurries to the cave and sit down immediately once they are within its cool walls.
"It's amazing how just a little shade can change the temperature," James says.
A faint murmuring can be heard echoing in the cave.
"Hey, do you guys hear that?" Biyomon asks.
"Hear what?" Daniel asks.
"Listen," Biyomon says, indicating for them all to be silent.
"…useless…failure…"
"What is that?" Brian asks.
"It sounds like someone murmuring softly," Samantha says as she strains to hear what is being said.
"I'm just a failure."
"Hey, that sounds like Jesse!" Daniel exclaims.
"You're right it, does sound like Jesse," Pixiemon says, "but something's wrong."
"Yeah, his voice is devoid of all emotion," Samantha says.
"Let's go find him and see whats up," Brian suggests.
"Yeah, he may be caught up in the attack of some Digimon that affects the mind," Daniel says.
"Yeah, lets go see what wonderboy has gotten himself into this time," Samantha says, "we'll probably end up bailing him out."
"Let's go see whats wrong first," James suggests.
The four humans and five Digimon walk down the cave towards the source of the noise. What they find shocks them to the core.
Jesse was sitting down, his arms wrapped around his legs and his head resting on his knees. A dark aura was permeating the air around him. It twisted and distorted the air around him and seemed to seep into his very soul.
"Dear God," Samantha gasps, raising a hand to her mouth in horror.
"What's going on?" Daniel asks.
"I was hoping you guys would show up," Heromon says, emerging from the darkness, "apparently, as long as Jesse is in this funk I'm stuck in this cave. And I think his funk created this cave."
"What?" James asks.
"This area was a small, wooded area before Jesse got into this funk he's in," Heromon explains, "but once he started getting depressed, we were dragged into this cave."
"You mean this dark cave was created from Jesse's depression?" Brian asks.
"Yes, and I have only felt a place this oppressing once before: the Dark Ocean," Heromon says sullenly.
"This is what the Dark Ocean felt like?" Samantha asks in wonder.
"Not even close," Heromon retorts, "this is just a sample of what that place felt like. Believe me, I know. But this place seems to be connected to it."
"It looks like Jesse's being dragged down by the darkness," Daniel observes.
"Exactly," Heromon says, "I think this may be a lingering effect of our stay in the Dark Ocean that is popping up because of Jesse's mood."
"I'm nothing more than a complete failure," Jesse murmurs, his eyes completely blank.
"We've got to help him," Daniel says fervently.
"Even I wouldn't wish this on Jesse," Samantha says, "it's just too inhumane. It's like he's losing his soul."
"He is losing his soul," Heromon says, "or at least his heart."
"How can we help him?" Daniel asks.
"Any of you know anything about psychology?" Heromon asks.
"Psychology?" Pixiemon asks, "whats that?"
"How do you know about psychology when Pixiemon doesn't?" Brian asks.
"How do you think?" Heromon asks, "Jesse has taught me a lot about the world you come from. You don't think we spent all our time in the Dark Ocean trying to survive, do you? We had to keep talking to keep our sanity at times."
"Well, I know nothing about psychology," Brian says, "but it seems that Jesse thinks he's a worthless failure. We need to let him know that we're still his friends and that we believe in him."
"How do we do that?" Samantha asks.
"How else?" Brian grins, "we tell him. Plain and simple."
Samantha glares at Brian. "That's easier said than done."
"Only if you're reluctant to say anything," James says.
"Shall we give it a go?" Daniel asks.
"Jesse, where's the guy who taught me how to show real courage, who had faith in me as a leader?" Brian says to Jesse, "aren't you the one who taught me how to be true to myself? Come on, you are far from a failure. Without your guidance, I never would have become the person I am now. I would be a lot poorer in life without you."
"A failure," Jesse murmurs, showing no signs of having heard Brian speak at all.
"Jesse, where is the guy who taught us how to fend for ourselves?" James asks, "you taught us how to cook for ourselves, how to catch our own food, and how to take care of ourselves when we are caught unguarded by our Digimon. You taught us how to survive. You helped show us that we can make a difference and that we can win against impossible odds."
"Nothing but a failure," Jesse says, his eyes still blank and emotionless.
"Jesse, you helped us Digimon learn how to fight even better," Tapirmon says, "you taught me how to really fight when in my Champion form. And you gave someone for Daniel to look up to."
"If not for the training you put us through on File Island, we would have long since been torn apart by the forces of the Beast of Darkness," Eggmon says.
"You've helped us all in some way or another," Biyomon says, "you helped me be a braver Digimon."
"I had no confidence in myself," Magimon says, "but between you and Brian, look at me now. I'm now one of the strongest Digimon in the entire Digital World! You are no failure."
"Nothing but a failure," Jesse murmurs. He didn't even register the presence of anyone present.
"You aren't a failure!" Daniel begs, "listen to us Jesse. I know that my faith in everything is a bit naïve, and things are very different in the real world, but you never discouraged my outlook. In fact, you encouraged it. You never squashed my dreams or my views. You're a hero to me, Jesse."
"A useless failure," Jesse murmurs.
"You are not useless!" Samantha cries out angrily, "you gave my little brother someone to look up to. You gave him the closest he will ever have to a big brother. You've given him a real life hero to idolize."
"I've never done anything right," Jesse murmurs.
"Yes you have," Pixiemon says, "these kids were lost without you when you sacrificed yourself to get rid of Dragomon. They need you just as much as you need them. Without you, they are not a complete team. Without them, you really are nothing. The DigiDestined are supposed to be one, cohesive unit. These kids look up to you. As a role model, as a teacher, as a big brother I believe the term is, and as a friend. You need to accept the responsibility of showing them the right path."
"I'm just no good at this," Jesse murmurs. The dark aura that surrounded him was beginning to glow darker. By now it was so dark that they could barely see Jesse at all.
"He's being drawn in by the darkness," Pixiemon murmurs, frightened.
"We've got to help him!" Daniel says, "I know he can get through this. We've just got to reach out more!"
As soon as those words were spoken, Daniel's Crest and Crest Weapon flared with a more vibrant light than ever before. Their metallic blue light bathes Jesse, dispelling some of the darkness that surrounded him and permeated the cave.
"Come on Jesse," Brian says, "you've never let us down before. I know I never thought you let us down or abandoned us. You just had to find yourself so you could be yourself. That takes real courage."
Brian's Crest and Crest Weapon both flare up more vibrantly than ever before. The bright orange light of the Crest Weapon of Courage and the orange light of the Crest of Integrity bathe Jesse, causing more of the darkness to be dispelled.
"You are our friend Jesse," James says, "possessing more wisdom than you're years would suggest and possessing more perseverance to endure the trails you have had to face as a DigiDestined than anyone I have ever met."
The Crest of Wisdom and the Crest Weapon of Perseverance bathe Jesse in their vibrant light. The bronze glow of the Crest of Wisdom and the light purple glow of the Crest of Perseverance tears through some of the darkness that binds Jesse.
"Jesse, we may not have always seen eye to eye, but I have always respected you," Samantha says, "we may have always argued, but you never did anything more than just argue. You survived a place that you yourself described as being worse than Hell. You are the most spirited person I have ever met. And yet even after going through that dark place, you still care enough for others to make them try and find their own way when you could easily take control and drive us like we're your slaves."
Samantha's Crest and Crest Weapon both flare to life. The vibrant greenish-blue glow of the Crest of Spirit and the yellow glow of the Crest Weapon of Compassion drive away most of the rest of the darkness that was surrounding Jesse. Now only the darkest and most sinister of the darkness was a left.
A face forms within the darkness. "You will never get this one to help you ever again. My spell will take him and destroy his soul and make him mine!"
"That voice," Samantha murmurs, "I've heard it before."
"The Beast of Darkness," Brian growls.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" the Beast of Darkness laughs, "you fools are doomed! Not one of you has the power to beat me. Without this one, you cannot hope to defeat me."
~Inside of Jesse's mind while this has been happening~
Jesse was standing amid a field of darkness. The only light was what seemed to just highlight his presence.
"Where am I?" Jesse asks out loud, his voice echoing in a silent reverberation.
"This is your mind," a soft but familiar voice says from behind him.
Jesse turns around to see a man in his late forties with dark hair that showed a bald spot forming in the back, a thick beard and mustache, and eyes that conveyed a warmth that just made you feel good.
"David," Jesse gasps.
"You know Jesse, you really ought to open up to the other DigiDestined," the man identified as David says, "they are your friends and won't abandon you. Listen to what they've said just to try and get you out of this mood you're in."
An image of the DigiDestined and the Digimon talk to 'him', trying to tell him that he's not a failure. He growls softly as the Beast of Darkness makes his presence felt.
"Jesse, wake up!" Heromon cries out, bopping Jesse on the top of the head, "you've become my best friend. I had no friends before you came along. Heck, I didn't even exist before you came along. You're my whole reason for living. You've taught me how to survive on my own because I was incapable of it. You taught me what honor is. And with Gryphonmon, you showed me what life was."
"Gryphonmon," Jesse murmurs softly as he watches what was going on.
"Jesse, remember what Gryphonmon said?" Heromon asks, "you mustn't live life in fear. If you do, then you're not really living."
"Take their words to heart, my nephew," David says, "I don't want to have to meet you in Heaven this soon. I expect to see you in fifty years from now at least."
With that, David disappears.
"David wait!" Jesse cries out, tears in his eyes, "don't go."
Jesse slumps to his knees. "I've got to go on. David wants me to do it, so I will."
Gritting his teeth, Jesse begins to summon all of his will and the light inside of him to dispel the web of darkness that the Beast of Darkness had cast about him.
"For Life and Honor, Darkness be gone!" Jesse commands.
~Outside of Jesse's mind~
The image of the Beast of Darkness begins to distort as light emerges from Jesse's Crest and Crest Weapon. "What? No! This can't be happening!"
"Oh, but it is," Jesse says as he gets back to his feet, "you know, you had me real well. You got my one weakness that you are capable of understanding well enough to exploit. But now that I'm on to you, it won't be as effective next time. Now get out of my mind and leave my friends alone!"
With that, Jesse's Crest and Crest Weapon flare up more vibrant than ever. The silver glow of the Crest of Life and the green glow of the Crest Weapon of Honor join the lights of the other Crests and Crest Weapons and drive the spirit of the Beast of Darkness away.
As the light fades, the DigiDestined find themselves in a forest.
"Are you alright Jesse?" Daniel asks.
"Never felt better in my life," Jesse says, thumping his chest proudly, "now, who's up for a good meal? I'm starving. I haven't eaten since Heromon stole a Tortomon's lunch."
"Jesse!" Heromon wails as the DigiDestined share a laugh.
~~
Well, the DigiDestined are united once again. Soon they will face the mighty Beast of Darkness. The identity of this monstrosity will finally be revealed. Heroes will rise and champions will fall as this tale reaches its end. Of course, the battle between the light and the darkness is never over, is it? Well, please review. Silver Warrior like reviews.