Till The End Of All
By CyberDracomon
Chapter 13 - Meeting
Kari leaned back, resting herself against the base of a tree. After the meeting with Ragnadramon and his two doppelgangers the entire group was exhausted and had decided to rest at the next patch of trees they came to. The temple was in sight now, but even that seemed too far to walk after the battle. She was still reflecting on the events of the battle, even now as she watched her Digimon taking care of Patamon's injuries, it seemed unreal. One night she finds Gatomon in love with Patamon, and the next day she can warp-digivolve. Kari guessed it had to be connected, but more importantly she was just happy for her Digimon on both accomplishments.
TK found himself watching his injured Digimon being treated by Gatomon, the same thing Kari was doing, but he wasn't focused on the same thing. Instead he was trying to figure out how Gatomon could be so willing to let Kari keep going, going to such extremes to drive Ragnadramon off to continue the quest. If this was anyone else TK probably would have done the same thing, risk his life for another who was fated to die, anyway. Not for Kari, though, if it was the last thing he did he was going to find a way to stop this quest before she finished it.
"TK, come on." Davis said, breaking TK from his thoughts. "Don't zone out on us now, we're almost done for the day." He looked up, seeing Kari had already left her spot against the tree and Gatomon staring at TK, waiting for him to pick up the sleeping Patamon.
"Oh yeah, sorry." TK said, only half hearted in his apology. He walked passed Davis and over to Gatomon, kneeling down and picking up Patamon in his arms once he reached her. The small Digimon still had some bruises and scuff marks on him, but it was nothing he couldn't sleep off. TK stood and looked over at Kari, watching Gatomon already running up to join her. Davis had also joined her, with Veemon at his side, not much better off than Patamon but still able to stand and walk on his own. As much as TK regretted admitting it Veemon in rookie form was tougher than his Digimon.
The small group made their way across the remainder of the plains until they reached the temple. It looked much like the previous two, a bit more moss covered than the others being out in the open, but with a drawing of a two-headed turtle with a large tree on the back of it's shell.
"That's Ebonwumon." Kari said, remembering the notes form the map. "He watches over the northern Digital World and controls nature. No wonder this area has so many plants." Davis looked around the building, never getting a good look at Azulongmon's temple. It didn't seem like a building such an important Digimon would inhabit to him.
"I wonder how Ragnadramon missed this place..." Davis said, stepping back from the temple. "It's in the middle of nowhere and he wanted to find it, why not just fly ahead of us and look down?" Davis had a good point, there wasn't anything in the area here that could have hidden the temple like the other two had.
"You don't suppose he's near sighted, do you?" Veemon said. The comment only drew an embarrassed look from Davis, who now had a nervous grin on his face.
"Judging from the hit I took, I doubt that, Veemon." Gatomon said, rubbing her head as she remembered that last blast from Ragnadramon.
"Maybe Ebonwumon would know." Kari said. "I'll ask when he comes to give me his energy." Kari began to turn to the entrance of the temple to collect the energy when a thought came to mind. She turned her head to look at TK, who was still silent and standing away from the group.
"TK, I want you to come with me this time." She said. "If Ebonwumon does know something it would be better for all of us to hear it." TK had been hoping to remain outside, now having a hatred of these temples. Maybe it wasn't too late, after all things had changed now.
"Kari, are you sure this is how it has to be?" TK asked. "You've got Magnadramon now, the guardians couldn't have known we'd have a Mega level Digimon with us. Maybe we can fight the Cataclysm without going through anymore temples." Kari sighed, hoping TK wouldn't do this again, it only made things harder. It did bring up a good point, though, how could the guardians have known Gatomon would gain such a powerful form? Kari quickly dismissed the idea, afraid of losing her nerve to keep going.
"TK, Magnadramon was just a few feet from Ragnadramon, but I didn't exactly see him intimidated by her." Kari said, countering TK's idea. "We haven't beaten him yet, both times we've met him he only left because something new happened. He's toying with us, getting to our heads. If the Cataclysm can create a Digimon like that, it can't be possible to beat it with one Mega." TK refused to believe it, Magnadramon could beat two Ultimate Digimon easily, she had to be able to beat Ragnadramon. Then he had an idea, remembering Patamon in his arms.
"What if Patamon can warp-digivolve, too?" He said, holding Patamon out a little. "Two could beat them easily! I'll make him Digivolve to save you!" Kari couldn't believe what TK was saying, Patamon was as important to TK as she was, now he was talking about endangering his own Digimon.
"And create another SkullGreymon?" Kari said, reminding TK about the last Digidestined that forced his Digimon to digivolve. She hadn't seen it herself but she heard it enough times from Tai. "TK, even if there is another way, this is the only one we know will work for sure. Better this than risk a foolish attempt and endanger both worlds even more." TK lowered his head, eyes closed, trembling with anger. Not at Kari, but at this quest, the temple before him, most of all himself for not being able to do anything to save the most important thing in his life. He took a slow breath, trying to calm himself down. TK looked up, opening his eyes toward the entrance of the temple.
"...Alright, let's just hurry and get this done." TK said. It was bad enough Kari had to die from this quest but this was the second time he had to carry an injured Patamon around with him, at this rate he'd lose him, as well. He walked passed Kari and Davis, entering the temple ahead of them. The four watched as he entered, none quite sure what to make of TK's behavior. Silently they decided not to make anything of it and walked ahead, following TK into the temple.
**********
Inside the temple looked much like the previous two, but the bricks this one was made of seemed to have a green color to them. The ground wasn't stone, either, instead a thick layer of grass was growing except for the circular area around the altar, which was still solid stone. The inner walls had some moss on them, as well, either from the temple's age or the enhanced nature of the area.
Kari walked up to the center of the area, pulling out her Digivice as she did. She reached the altar, placing the D-3 into it like she had done twice before. Kari stepped back to rejoin the others, waiting for the reaction. It didn't take long to happen as the floor around the altar began to glow with a bright green light. Soon the altar lit up, firing the green light into the roof of the temple, causing an opening to form. The light slowly expanded, eventually taking up the entire stone circle on the floor. The light gained brightness, forcing them to cover their eyes. The light flashed, covering the entire room in the green light. When it faded, the group found themselves in front of Ebonwumon, who was now standing just behind the altar. He seemed smaller than he should have been, knowing how big Azulongmon was, but they guessed it was just a form they could choose the size of when it suited them. Ebonwumon looked around, both heads looking over the Digidestined and their Digimon.
"...We didn't anticipate an addition to your group." The right head said, looking at Davis and Veemon. "Azulongmon warned you that no others should join you on this quest, you're the only two that can stop the Cataclysm no matter how many join you." Kari knew this, but the guardians weren't aware of the circumstances they caused.
"He's not with us to fight Cataclysm." Kari explained. "TK isn't taking my fate very well, he can't be a reliable protector in his state. I needed someone along that could take that place." The right head of Ebonwumon again looked Davis over, who smiled nervously as he did.
"...then I believe we have underestimated his feelings for you." The left head said. "Never the less he will be needed regardless of how he feels. Now then..." Ebonwumon closed both sets of eyes, concentrating. The leaves of the tree on his back began to glow, as did the Digicores hanging off of the tree like fruit. The energy focused in front of the tree, creating a bolt of power that flew from Ebonwumon and into Kari's Digivice, which seemed to have no trouble absorbing so much power. After a minute the glow died down, the transfer of energy complete.
"Thank you, Ebonwumon." Kari said, reclaiming her Digivice. The turtle nodded with both heads in response, a silent thank you for her efforts, as well. "We have a question, though. We encountered Ragnadramon coming here, he said he was looking for this temple. What kept him from seeing it, though, there's nothing here hiding it." Ebonwumon smiled for a moment, apparently happy about something, then shook his heads no.
"I'm glad you withstood Ragnadramon without my help." The guardian replied from his right head. "After the first area's incident Baihumon worried you wouldn't be able to survive another encounter, despite Azulongmon's confidence in you. I see he chose well, after all." Kari looked down at Gatomon, who was smiling at Ebonwumon's compliments. "As for your question, the temples are under our own power. They exist only to those that know it's exact location on the maps we have provided you. To him this place was just another patch of grass." Well that explained it. Kari did wonder why they had been given maps from the beginning, it would have been easy enough to find the temples with just general directions.
"That has become a problem, though." Ebonwumon continued, his left head taking over for his right. "Your Digivice has only a limited space, as it is it will barely be able to contain the final guardian's energy, being the strongest of us. You no longer have the space required to hold the map." Both heads now looked over to TK, who had only been paying mild attention the guardians words. "Child of Hope, you will have to take the final map in place of Kari." TK now snapped to attention, catching his name. He was still eager to leave, whatever it took to get it done faster was fine with him.
"Alright, I'll keep the map this time." TK said dismally. Ebonwumon was now starting to see what Kari had been talking about, from all the guardian had heard about TK, he wasn't like this. Regardless Ebonwumon closed his eyes, focusing on TK's D-3. It only took a moment to finish the transfer, being smaller than the energy he had transferred to Kari.
"It is complete." The right head answered. "Remember, you must see the temple on the map in order to see it in the Digital World. Otherwise you will not be granted entry." Kari nodded in response, understanding. Davis, on the other hand, was more confused than understanding.
"Hey, wait a second." Davis said, interrupting. "I didn't see the map to the last temple and I still saw it." Kari hadn't thought about that, forgetting how much Davis really had missed by coming into the quest late.
"Unfortunately Azulongmon cannot afford the energy for such safeguards." Ebonwumon's left head said. "Because he gave two of his Digicores to you already, he has become the weakest of us. That is why his temple is at the end of the highroad, guarded by the gateway. It takes less energy than the cloaks the others have." That seemed to explain everything, Davis didn't have a blank look on his face anymore so Kari guessed he was satisfied.
"Now go, Digidestined." The right head said. "Duchoumon awaits you in the southern area. We shall wait to hear of your success there. Good luck." With that Ebonwumon took on a dim glow, slowly reverting into the energy that brought him there. Once his form had vanished, leaving only the green light that he originated from, It spread out, entering the altar, which beamed the energy back up, returning Ebonwumon to his plain of existence with the other guardians, leaving the Digidestined and Digimon to themselves.
"...did I miss something?" Patamon said, dazed but conscious again. TK was glad his Digimon was awake again, but Gatomon looked even happier, relieved he was okay.
"Just another day in the Digiworld." Kari replied. "It's time to leave, though, just take it easy till you're home, Patamon." The orange Digimon was relieved to hear that, too tired to do much except sleep. TK watched Patamon as he closed his eyes again, deserving all the rest he could get. Looking down at him, TK regretted what he said earlier, not sure what got into him when he said he would force Patamon to become a Mega. It was all he could think of, though, his only option and it was not only dangerous, but useless as well. He still refused the idea that Kari had to die to beat the Cataclysm, though, no matter how wild or risky there had to be another way to stop this quest or the Cataclysm without Kari killing herself. He just had to think of it.
**********
After returning to the real world, TK returned home, wanting to avoid any of Kari and Davis's "cheer up" ideas. The group decided it was better to wait a day before they went to the next temple. Kari wanted to spend a day with her parents and family since it might be her last, as well. Patamon had seemed happy about the decision, feeling better but still not one hundred percent. He had quickly found his bed in the corner of TK's room, lying down for a real nap, rather than the kind induced by a blast to the head he had been having lately.
TK wasn't in as much of a resting mood, though. Instead he had a phone receiver to his ear, listening to a dial tone as he waited. He didn't have any ideas left to try, hopefully the one he was calling would have a better idea of what to do.
"Hello?" Someone said at the other end. TK immediately recognized his older brother's voice, despite the sounds of his band rehearsing behind him.
"Hey Matt, it's TK." He replied, hoping his brother could hear him over the band. TK heard Matt tell the band to stop while he was on the phone with his little bother, which had a bit of embarrassment to it, still being called that. He heard a harmonica continuing to play, which stopped when Matt told Gabumon to stop. TK wasn't aware Matt's Digimon had joined the band.
"Hey, bro." Matt said, happy to hear from his brother again. "You don't call that often, sometimes I wonder if you forgot about me." TK laughed a bit, the first time he had in days. His brother did have a way of cheering him up.
"After all the times I had to choke down your burnt dinners, you think I could forget you?" TK replied. For a second he had forgotten this was an important call, quickly regaining composure. "Matt, there's something I have to talk to you about." Again there was silence on the phone except for what sounded like footsteps, meaning Matt was getting some distance from the band.
"Alright, what's up?" Matt replied. This was going to be difficult, he didn't want to worry his brother or get him too involved. He had run out of options, though, this was the last thing he could do before the fourth temple tomorrow.
"Well, me, Davis, and Kari are on this quest in the Digital World..." TK began. "We have to collect energy from four temples to stop a really powerful enemy. Today we cleared our third temple." Next was the hard part, which TK still wasn't sure how to explain.
"Well it sounds like you have things pretty well controlled." Matt said. "For a second I thought you were going to ask me and Gabumon to help out." TK finally decided it was best just to tell him and hope for the best, despite what little good hope had done for him lately.
"No, the guardians of the Digital World already told us you guys can't be of help." TK answered. "My problem is... the only way to actually beat this thing... is for Kari to sacrifice herself..." There was a moment of silence on the other end, most likely Matt collecting his thoughts from the announcement.
"...You sure there's no way around it?" Matt said. Unfortunately TK was hoping for more than that as a first reaction, as it was he was surprised Matt hadn't yelled.
"That's why I called." TK replied. "According to the guardians there is no other way, but I can't accept that. Problem is I can't figure out any other alternative, this enemy has a Digimon named Ragnadramon guarding it that makes all four Dark Masters look like cupcakes." Silence again, which was either Matt thinking or trying to guess how powerful this enemy was.
"Does Kari's family know about any of this?" Matt asked. That was actually a good question, in all of his own worrying TK neglected to find out if they knew.
"I'm not sure, really." TK said. "Still if they knew, then Tai would know and come charging in, and even WarGreymon can't beat this thing." That was TK's guess, though, if it was true no number of allies could actually help.
"How do you know that?" Matt asked. "Maybe him and MetalGarurumon together could make a difference." TK wished this was easier to explain, it was the same as when they brought Davis into the quest, there was just too much to completely tell him about.
"Well Ragnadramon stared down Gatomon's Mega form today and didn't even flinch if that's any indication." TK answered. Matt could only guess as to how Gatomon had reached Mega form, but decided it wasn't important.
"Well I'm afraid I won't be much help then." Matt said, a tone of regret to his voice. "If I think of anything I'll let you know." TK was afraid of that response, he was right back at the same dead end now.
"It was a long shot, anyway..." TK said honestly. "Don't tell Tai or any of the others about this, okay? The fewer people that know about this, the better." TK knew his brother and knew he wouldn't tell anyone about something like this, anyway.
"Alright, I won't." Matt said. "TK... You're one of the smartest people I know, if there's any other way at all, no matter how outrageous, I know you'll find it." TK was glad to hear the words of confidence from his older brother, it was the only backup he had received since this mess started.
"Thanks, Matt... It's good to hear someone's on my side." TK replied. "I'll talk to you later." With that TK took the receiver from his ear and replaced it back on the phone, knowing his brother would get back to his band practice as soon as he could rather than the usual good-byes. "No matter how outrageous..." TK repeated, confident that he had already thought of every outrageous thing there was. If Mega Digimon couldn't beat this, if the rest of the Digidestined couldn't beat this, if even the guardians couldn't beat this, then how was it possible to defeat it any other way?
Suddenly a new idea came to TK, but the very thought repulsed him. It was definitely the most outrageous idea he had yet, but it was by far the last one he wanted to do, as well. Still, tomorrow would bring the final temple and then it could be as soon as moments afterwards when Kari would be expected to die. Coming down to the wire, TK saw no alternative. As much as he didn't like it, it was all he had.
**********
Late that night, TK found himself in the Digital World, wandering through a forest, stopping every time he reached a clearing. He had been doing this for about an hour, waiting for the inevitable. He walked alone, without even Patamon to guard his side. It had been so long since he walked through the Digital World alone, and after his history there he was sure any wicked Digimon would kill for such an opportunity. Exactly what he was counting on... TK came to a larger clearing and stopped, again waiting patiently for what he expected.
It wasn't long before it came true. A small, black portal opened up in midair, bending reality around it. It widened slowly until a pair of claws emerged, pulling it open, stretching it until it snapped, shattering reality around it, darkening the area in black light. When the light faded and reality restored itself, TK found himself standing in front of what he had been searching for, Ragnadramon. The massive dragon Digimon towered over TK, but did not intimidate the boy, not now at least. Beside Ragnadramon stood Tsukaimon and BlackGatomon, both with curious looks on their faces as they watched TK.
"You are foolish to venture here alone, Child of Hope." Ragnadramon said mockingly, glaring down at TK. "I have been watching your actions for quite some time and you don't seem to be doing much but wandering aimlessly. What did you hope to accomplish by such senseless acts?" TK's thoughts had finally come together in this moment. He had been wondering why he was doing what he was about to do, but Kari's life was at stake, and many things in life must be done no matter how much you don't want to do them. It felt like his emotions were warring with his logic, preventing this from happening, but logic had to win out in the end. His internal struggle still raging, TK forced himself down onto one knee, his eyes gazing down at the ground. Tsukaimon and BlackGatomon stepped back, surprised at the sudden sign of submission, but Ragnadramon just glared on, his eyes glowing slightly brighter, watching the boy closely.
"I..." TK said, struggling to get the words out. They could only be delayed, though, not stopped. "...I need your help..." TK looked up at the dragon Digimon that was once his enemy, now with any hope his ally, a look of deep regret and sorrow in his face. He hated this more than anything he had done in his life, he never expected to want to join his enemy. However this was the only way to save Kari and it was true, Ragnadramon couldn't be beaten. That was how the old saying went, though, TK couldn't beat him, but he could join him. Ragnadramon noticed the look, a long grin forming on his reptilian face, but did not care about it. As far as he was concerned, this was a victory to be treasured.
End Chapter 13
Coming Next: Chapter 14 - Never
So let's recap... We have Kari who is destined to die to save both worlds, our favorite two Digimon are in love, Gatomon can become Magnadramon, Davis and Veemon are in on the quest, and now TK seeks aide from the last source he expected. (I'm sure not a one of you saw that one coming, either ^_^) And this story is only half way through! The next 13 chapters are going to be ones to remember, so get ready!
Want to know when a new chapter is posted? Use this link to sign up for my mailing list to know when new chapters and stories are up!
http://cyberdraco.notifylist.com/cdm_alert.html
By CyberDracomon
Chapter 13 - Meeting
Kari leaned back, resting herself against the base of a tree. After the meeting with Ragnadramon and his two doppelgangers the entire group was exhausted and had decided to rest at the next patch of trees they came to. The temple was in sight now, but even that seemed too far to walk after the battle. She was still reflecting on the events of the battle, even now as she watched her Digimon taking care of Patamon's injuries, it seemed unreal. One night she finds Gatomon in love with Patamon, and the next day she can warp-digivolve. Kari guessed it had to be connected, but more importantly she was just happy for her Digimon on both accomplishments.
TK found himself watching his injured Digimon being treated by Gatomon, the same thing Kari was doing, but he wasn't focused on the same thing. Instead he was trying to figure out how Gatomon could be so willing to let Kari keep going, going to such extremes to drive Ragnadramon off to continue the quest. If this was anyone else TK probably would have done the same thing, risk his life for another who was fated to die, anyway. Not for Kari, though, if it was the last thing he did he was going to find a way to stop this quest before she finished it.
"TK, come on." Davis said, breaking TK from his thoughts. "Don't zone out on us now, we're almost done for the day." He looked up, seeing Kari had already left her spot against the tree and Gatomon staring at TK, waiting for him to pick up the sleeping Patamon.
"Oh yeah, sorry." TK said, only half hearted in his apology. He walked passed Davis and over to Gatomon, kneeling down and picking up Patamon in his arms once he reached her. The small Digimon still had some bruises and scuff marks on him, but it was nothing he couldn't sleep off. TK stood and looked over at Kari, watching Gatomon already running up to join her. Davis had also joined her, with Veemon at his side, not much better off than Patamon but still able to stand and walk on his own. As much as TK regretted admitting it Veemon in rookie form was tougher than his Digimon.
The small group made their way across the remainder of the plains until they reached the temple. It looked much like the previous two, a bit more moss covered than the others being out in the open, but with a drawing of a two-headed turtle with a large tree on the back of it's shell.
"That's Ebonwumon." Kari said, remembering the notes form the map. "He watches over the northern Digital World and controls nature. No wonder this area has so many plants." Davis looked around the building, never getting a good look at Azulongmon's temple. It didn't seem like a building such an important Digimon would inhabit to him.
"I wonder how Ragnadramon missed this place..." Davis said, stepping back from the temple. "It's in the middle of nowhere and he wanted to find it, why not just fly ahead of us and look down?" Davis had a good point, there wasn't anything in the area here that could have hidden the temple like the other two had.
"You don't suppose he's near sighted, do you?" Veemon said. The comment only drew an embarrassed look from Davis, who now had a nervous grin on his face.
"Judging from the hit I took, I doubt that, Veemon." Gatomon said, rubbing her head as she remembered that last blast from Ragnadramon.
"Maybe Ebonwumon would know." Kari said. "I'll ask when he comes to give me his energy." Kari began to turn to the entrance of the temple to collect the energy when a thought came to mind. She turned her head to look at TK, who was still silent and standing away from the group.
"TK, I want you to come with me this time." She said. "If Ebonwumon does know something it would be better for all of us to hear it." TK had been hoping to remain outside, now having a hatred of these temples. Maybe it wasn't too late, after all things had changed now.
"Kari, are you sure this is how it has to be?" TK asked. "You've got Magnadramon now, the guardians couldn't have known we'd have a Mega level Digimon with us. Maybe we can fight the Cataclysm without going through anymore temples." Kari sighed, hoping TK wouldn't do this again, it only made things harder. It did bring up a good point, though, how could the guardians have known Gatomon would gain such a powerful form? Kari quickly dismissed the idea, afraid of losing her nerve to keep going.
"TK, Magnadramon was just a few feet from Ragnadramon, but I didn't exactly see him intimidated by her." Kari said, countering TK's idea. "We haven't beaten him yet, both times we've met him he only left because something new happened. He's toying with us, getting to our heads. If the Cataclysm can create a Digimon like that, it can't be possible to beat it with one Mega." TK refused to believe it, Magnadramon could beat two Ultimate Digimon easily, she had to be able to beat Ragnadramon. Then he had an idea, remembering Patamon in his arms.
"What if Patamon can warp-digivolve, too?" He said, holding Patamon out a little. "Two could beat them easily! I'll make him Digivolve to save you!" Kari couldn't believe what TK was saying, Patamon was as important to TK as she was, now he was talking about endangering his own Digimon.
"And create another SkullGreymon?" Kari said, reminding TK about the last Digidestined that forced his Digimon to digivolve. She hadn't seen it herself but she heard it enough times from Tai. "TK, even if there is another way, this is the only one we know will work for sure. Better this than risk a foolish attempt and endanger both worlds even more." TK lowered his head, eyes closed, trembling with anger. Not at Kari, but at this quest, the temple before him, most of all himself for not being able to do anything to save the most important thing in his life. He took a slow breath, trying to calm himself down. TK looked up, opening his eyes toward the entrance of the temple.
"...Alright, let's just hurry and get this done." TK said. It was bad enough Kari had to die from this quest but this was the second time he had to carry an injured Patamon around with him, at this rate he'd lose him, as well. He walked passed Kari and Davis, entering the temple ahead of them. The four watched as he entered, none quite sure what to make of TK's behavior. Silently they decided not to make anything of it and walked ahead, following TK into the temple.
**********
Inside the temple looked much like the previous two, but the bricks this one was made of seemed to have a green color to them. The ground wasn't stone, either, instead a thick layer of grass was growing except for the circular area around the altar, which was still solid stone. The inner walls had some moss on them, as well, either from the temple's age or the enhanced nature of the area.
Kari walked up to the center of the area, pulling out her Digivice as she did. She reached the altar, placing the D-3 into it like she had done twice before. Kari stepped back to rejoin the others, waiting for the reaction. It didn't take long to happen as the floor around the altar began to glow with a bright green light. Soon the altar lit up, firing the green light into the roof of the temple, causing an opening to form. The light slowly expanded, eventually taking up the entire stone circle on the floor. The light gained brightness, forcing them to cover their eyes. The light flashed, covering the entire room in the green light. When it faded, the group found themselves in front of Ebonwumon, who was now standing just behind the altar. He seemed smaller than he should have been, knowing how big Azulongmon was, but they guessed it was just a form they could choose the size of when it suited them. Ebonwumon looked around, both heads looking over the Digidestined and their Digimon.
"...We didn't anticipate an addition to your group." The right head said, looking at Davis and Veemon. "Azulongmon warned you that no others should join you on this quest, you're the only two that can stop the Cataclysm no matter how many join you." Kari knew this, but the guardians weren't aware of the circumstances they caused.
"He's not with us to fight Cataclysm." Kari explained. "TK isn't taking my fate very well, he can't be a reliable protector in his state. I needed someone along that could take that place." The right head of Ebonwumon again looked Davis over, who smiled nervously as he did.
"...then I believe we have underestimated his feelings for you." The left head said. "Never the less he will be needed regardless of how he feels. Now then..." Ebonwumon closed both sets of eyes, concentrating. The leaves of the tree on his back began to glow, as did the Digicores hanging off of the tree like fruit. The energy focused in front of the tree, creating a bolt of power that flew from Ebonwumon and into Kari's Digivice, which seemed to have no trouble absorbing so much power. After a minute the glow died down, the transfer of energy complete.
"Thank you, Ebonwumon." Kari said, reclaiming her Digivice. The turtle nodded with both heads in response, a silent thank you for her efforts, as well. "We have a question, though. We encountered Ragnadramon coming here, he said he was looking for this temple. What kept him from seeing it, though, there's nothing here hiding it." Ebonwumon smiled for a moment, apparently happy about something, then shook his heads no.
"I'm glad you withstood Ragnadramon without my help." The guardian replied from his right head. "After the first area's incident Baihumon worried you wouldn't be able to survive another encounter, despite Azulongmon's confidence in you. I see he chose well, after all." Kari looked down at Gatomon, who was smiling at Ebonwumon's compliments. "As for your question, the temples are under our own power. They exist only to those that know it's exact location on the maps we have provided you. To him this place was just another patch of grass." Well that explained it. Kari did wonder why they had been given maps from the beginning, it would have been easy enough to find the temples with just general directions.
"That has become a problem, though." Ebonwumon continued, his left head taking over for his right. "Your Digivice has only a limited space, as it is it will barely be able to contain the final guardian's energy, being the strongest of us. You no longer have the space required to hold the map." Both heads now looked over to TK, who had only been paying mild attention the guardians words. "Child of Hope, you will have to take the final map in place of Kari." TK now snapped to attention, catching his name. He was still eager to leave, whatever it took to get it done faster was fine with him.
"Alright, I'll keep the map this time." TK said dismally. Ebonwumon was now starting to see what Kari had been talking about, from all the guardian had heard about TK, he wasn't like this. Regardless Ebonwumon closed his eyes, focusing on TK's D-3. It only took a moment to finish the transfer, being smaller than the energy he had transferred to Kari.
"It is complete." The right head answered. "Remember, you must see the temple on the map in order to see it in the Digital World. Otherwise you will not be granted entry." Kari nodded in response, understanding. Davis, on the other hand, was more confused than understanding.
"Hey, wait a second." Davis said, interrupting. "I didn't see the map to the last temple and I still saw it." Kari hadn't thought about that, forgetting how much Davis really had missed by coming into the quest late.
"Unfortunately Azulongmon cannot afford the energy for such safeguards." Ebonwumon's left head said. "Because he gave two of his Digicores to you already, he has become the weakest of us. That is why his temple is at the end of the highroad, guarded by the gateway. It takes less energy than the cloaks the others have." That seemed to explain everything, Davis didn't have a blank look on his face anymore so Kari guessed he was satisfied.
"Now go, Digidestined." The right head said. "Duchoumon awaits you in the southern area. We shall wait to hear of your success there. Good luck." With that Ebonwumon took on a dim glow, slowly reverting into the energy that brought him there. Once his form had vanished, leaving only the green light that he originated from, It spread out, entering the altar, which beamed the energy back up, returning Ebonwumon to his plain of existence with the other guardians, leaving the Digidestined and Digimon to themselves.
"...did I miss something?" Patamon said, dazed but conscious again. TK was glad his Digimon was awake again, but Gatomon looked even happier, relieved he was okay.
"Just another day in the Digiworld." Kari replied. "It's time to leave, though, just take it easy till you're home, Patamon." The orange Digimon was relieved to hear that, too tired to do much except sleep. TK watched Patamon as he closed his eyes again, deserving all the rest he could get. Looking down at him, TK regretted what he said earlier, not sure what got into him when he said he would force Patamon to become a Mega. It was all he could think of, though, his only option and it was not only dangerous, but useless as well. He still refused the idea that Kari had to die to beat the Cataclysm, though, no matter how wild or risky there had to be another way to stop this quest or the Cataclysm without Kari killing herself. He just had to think of it.
**********
After returning to the real world, TK returned home, wanting to avoid any of Kari and Davis's "cheer up" ideas. The group decided it was better to wait a day before they went to the next temple. Kari wanted to spend a day with her parents and family since it might be her last, as well. Patamon had seemed happy about the decision, feeling better but still not one hundred percent. He had quickly found his bed in the corner of TK's room, lying down for a real nap, rather than the kind induced by a blast to the head he had been having lately.
TK wasn't in as much of a resting mood, though. Instead he had a phone receiver to his ear, listening to a dial tone as he waited. He didn't have any ideas left to try, hopefully the one he was calling would have a better idea of what to do.
"Hello?" Someone said at the other end. TK immediately recognized his older brother's voice, despite the sounds of his band rehearsing behind him.
"Hey Matt, it's TK." He replied, hoping his brother could hear him over the band. TK heard Matt tell the band to stop while he was on the phone with his little bother, which had a bit of embarrassment to it, still being called that. He heard a harmonica continuing to play, which stopped when Matt told Gabumon to stop. TK wasn't aware Matt's Digimon had joined the band.
"Hey, bro." Matt said, happy to hear from his brother again. "You don't call that often, sometimes I wonder if you forgot about me." TK laughed a bit, the first time he had in days. His brother did have a way of cheering him up.
"After all the times I had to choke down your burnt dinners, you think I could forget you?" TK replied. For a second he had forgotten this was an important call, quickly regaining composure. "Matt, there's something I have to talk to you about." Again there was silence on the phone except for what sounded like footsteps, meaning Matt was getting some distance from the band.
"Alright, what's up?" Matt replied. This was going to be difficult, he didn't want to worry his brother or get him too involved. He had run out of options, though, this was the last thing he could do before the fourth temple tomorrow.
"Well, me, Davis, and Kari are on this quest in the Digital World..." TK began. "We have to collect energy from four temples to stop a really powerful enemy. Today we cleared our third temple." Next was the hard part, which TK still wasn't sure how to explain.
"Well it sounds like you have things pretty well controlled." Matt said. "For a second I thought you were going to ask me and Gabumon to help out." TK finally decided it was best just to tell him and hope for the best, despite what little good hope had done for him lately.
"No, the guardians of the Digital World already told us you guys can't be of help." TK answered. "My problem is... the only way to actually beat this thing... is for Kari to sacrifice herself..." There was a moment of silence on the other end, most likely Matt collecting his thoughts from the announcement.
"...You sure there's no way around it?" Matt said. Unfortunately TK was hoping for more than that as a first reaction, as it was he was surprised Matt hadn't yelled.
"That's why I called." TK replied. "According to the guardians there is no other way, but I can't accept that. Problem is I can't figure out any other alternative, this enemy has a Digimon named Ragnadramon guarding it that makes all four Dark Masters look like cupcakes." Silence again, which was either Matt thinking or trying to guess how powerful this enemy was.
"Does Kari's family know about any of this?" Matt asked. That was actually a good question, in all of his own worrying TK neglected to find out if they knew.
"I'm not sure, really." TK said. "Still if they knew, then Tai would know and come charging in, and even WarGreymon can't beat this thing." That was TK's guess, though, if it was true no number of allies could actually help.
"How do you know that?" Matt asked. "Maybe him and MetalGarurumon together could make a difference." TK wished this was easier to explain, it was the same as when they brought Davis into the quest, there was just too much to completely tell him about.
"Well Ragnadramon stared down Gatomon's Mega form today and didn't even flinch if that's any indication." TK answered. Matt could only guess as to how Gatomon had reached Mega form, but decided it wasn't important.
"Well I'm afraid I won't be much help then." Matt said, a tone of regret to his voice. "If I think of anything I'll let you know." TK was afraid of that response, he was right back at the same dead end now.
"It was a long shot, anyway..." TK said honestly. "Don't tell Tai or any of the others about this, okay? The fewer people that know about this, the better." TK knew his brother and knew he wouldn't tell anyone about something like this, anyway.
"Alright, I won't." Matt said. "TK... You're one of the smartest people I know, if there's any other way at all, no matter how outrageous, I know you'll find it." TK was glad to hear the words of confidence from his older brother, it was the only backup he had received since this mess started.
"Thanks, Matt... It's good to hear someone's on my side." TK replied. "I'll talk to you later." With that TK took the receiver from his ear and replaced it back on the phone, knowing his brother would get back to his band practice as soon as he could rather than the usual good-byes. "No matter how outrageous..." TK repeated, confident that he had already thought of every outrageous thing there was. If Mega Digimon couldn't beat this, if the rest of the Digidestined couldn't beat this, if even the guardians couldn't beat this, then how was it possible to defeat it any other way?
Suddenly a new idea came to TK, but the very thought repulsed him. It was definitely the most outrageous idea he had yet, but it was by far the last one he wanted to do, as well. Still, tomorrow would bring the final temple and then it could be as soon as moments afterwards when Kari would be expected to die. Coming down to the wire, TK saw no alternative. As much as he didn't like it, it was all he had.
**********
Late that night, TK found himself in the Digital World, wandering through a forest, stopping every time he reached a clearing. He had been doing this for about an hour, waiting for the inevitable. He walked alone, without even Patamon to guard his side. It had been so long since he walked through the Digital World alone, and after his history there he was sure any wicked Digimon would kill for such an opportunity. Exactly what he was counting on... TK came to a larger clearing and stopped, again waiting patiently for what he expected.
It wasn't long before it came true. A small, black portal opened up in midair, bending reality around it. It widened slowly until a pair of claws emerged, pulling it open, stretching it until it snapped, shattering reality around it, darkening the area in black light. When the light faded and reality restored itself, TK found himself standing in front of what he had been searching for, Ragnadramon. The massive dragon Digimon towered over TK, but did not intimidate the boy, not now at least. Beside Ragnadramon stood Tsukaimon and BlackGatomon, both with curious looks on their faces as they watched TK.
"You are foolish to venture here alone, Child of Hope." Ragnadramon said mockingly, glaring down at TK. "I have been watching your actions for quite some time and you don't seem to be doing much but wandering aimlessly. What did you hope to accomplish by such senseless acts?" TK's thoughts had finally come together in this moment. He had been wondering why he was doing what he was about to do, but Kari's life was at stake, and many things in life must be done no matter how much you don't want to do them. It felt like his emotions were warring with his logic, preventing this from happening, but logic had to win out in the end. His internal struggle still raging, TK forced himself down onto one knee, his eyes gazing down at the ground. Tsukaimon and BlackGatomon stepped back, surprised at the sudden sign of submission, but Ragnadramon just glared on, his eyes glowing slightly brighter, watching the boy closely.
"I..." TK said, struggling to get the words out. They could only be delayed, though, not stopped. "...I need your help..." TK looked up at the dragon Digimon that was once his enemy, now with any hope his ally, a look of deep regret and sorrow in his face. He hated this more than anything he had done in his life, he never expected to want to join his enemy. However this was the only way to save Kari and it was true, Ragnadramon couldn't be beaten. That was how the old saying went, though, TK couldn't beat him, but he could join him. Ragnadramon noticed the look, a long grin forming on his reptilian face, but did not care about it. As far as he was concerned, this was a victory to be treasured.
End Chapter 13
Coming Next: Chapter 14 - Never
So let's recap... We have Kari who is destined to die to save both worlds, our favorite two Digimon are in love, Gatomon can become Magnadramon, Davis and Veemon are in on the quest, and now TK seeks aide from the last source he expected. (I'm sure not a one of you saw that one coming, either ^_^) And this story is only half way through! The next 13 chapters are going to be ones to remember, so get ready!
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