Disclaimer:  We do not own Digimon.

Author's note:  A special thanks to those who reviewed Part 3 (Guardianofthecards, Ignez, and devilburns) and anyone who reviews Part 4 as well.  I hope you enjoy the conclusion of…

The Wrath of Isomon PART 4

By Fenris5000—Dusty

Angemon sped along the treetops, pushing himself to fly faster than he had ever flown before.  He watched as his digidestined's older brother finally evened out and started his descent.

"I will not fail TK."  Angemon vowed as he finally overtook the flying teenager and caught him just seconds before he could slam into one of the fast approaching trees.

Angemon slowed down and gently lowered to the ground, carefully cradling the delicate human child in his arms, unsure of what to do next.  "Matt?"

Two bright blue eyes swimming in pain slowly opened and a small whimper managed to escape through a tightly drawn mouth.

"I will bring you back to TK."

"No."  Matt protested weakly.  "I need to get to MetalGarurumon."

"I promised TK that I would protect you.  I cannot bring you to MetalGarurumon."

Matt sighed.  "This is important Angemon.  If I don't talk to MetalGarurumon then nobody will be able to protect me, TK, or anybody else."

"But TK…"

"If TK gets mad then I'll explain everything to him."  Matt reassured the troubled digimon.  "Especially the part where I talked you into letting me return to the battle."

Angemon looked at Matt's serious expression and nodded in acceptance.  "I will bring MetalGarurumon to you."

Matt shook his head, trying to make Angemon understand.  "No.  That will take too long.  We have to get back there right now.  You can drop me off with the others."

"I cannot leave you unprotected."

Matt sighed tiredly and looked around the small clearing, finding an answer to their problem.  "Set me down for a minute please."

Angemon carefully lowered Matt to his feet and watched as the boy limped slowly towards a garbage can.  His right arm was hanging uselessly at his side bent at an odd angle.  Angemon had never seen a human arm look so strange before, of course he didn't know too many humans other than the digidestined and their families.  "What is wrong with your arm?"

Matt picked up the lid off the garbage can with his left hand and studied it quickly before limping back towards his brothers Angel digimon.  "Broken."

"Can you fix it?"

Matt laughed.  All he wanted to do was curl up in the soft grass and lay there unmoving for the rest of the afternoon.  He was exhausted from only walking a few steps, his whole right side throbbed unmercifully, and his broken arm screamed in agony as the bones ground together with every jarring step he took.  "I wish it were that simple but it will have to wait until later."

Matt held up the garbage can lid smugly.

"What is that for?"  Angemon asked curiously, not understanding.

"You said that you couldn't leave me unprotected."  Matt reminded him as he waved the lid around, careful not to jostle his broken arm.  "Well, now I have a shield."

Angemon watched the small human smile in triumph at his discovery, and shook his head sadly as he easily pulled the flimsy lid from the boys grip.

"Hey."  Matt complained, fearing for his new shield as Angemon pulled his fist back and slammed it into the flimsy gray metal.

"Hand of Fate."

Matt watched in surprise as the bright golden light flowed from Angemon's fist and was absorbed into the metal lid.  The metal garbage can lid started glowing brightly as it greedily absorbed all of the energy.

Angemon handed the lid back to Matt as the left over energy dissipated into the air.  "Now you have a shield."

"Thanks."  Matt stammered in surprise as he took the object that was once a garbage can lid.  The silver metal was now strong, shiny, smooth, and light as a feather.  The crests of friendship and hope were emblazoned on the front center of the lid, both merged together to display the closeness and love that both brothers felt for one another.  The six crests of his friends were smaller and emblazoned around the sides like a protective border.

"What about your arm?"

Matt shrugged his shoulders and winced.  "I don't have anything to tie it up with at the moment."

"Will this be sufficient?"  The champion Angel digimon asked as he unwound the blue fabric from his left arm and held it out for inspection.

Matt nodded, at a loss for words as Angemon gently wrapped the material around his arm and tied it behind his head.  "Thank you Angemon."

"Ready to join the others?"

Matt gripped the shield tighter and nodded.  Angemon carefully picked up the injured teen and flew back towards the battle.

Tai froze in fear as Isomon lifted his long silver staff and pointed the sharp end in their direction.  'Oh no, he's going to spear us like a shish-kebab.'  He thought as the three sharp gold prongs at the end started to glow with power.  'Maybe not.'  Tai braced himself for the impact and squeezed his little sister's hand reassuringly.

"Look.  Its Angemon."  Mimi wailed in relief as the Angel digimon swooped down towards them.

"And Matt."  Kari added excitedly, glad to see that their friend was all right.

"You!"  Isomon roared in rage as Angemon gently dropped Matt off in-between the mega digimon and the rest of the digidestined.

Tai stared dumbstruck as Angemon flew away, abandoning them to fight Isomon alone.  Maybe they had a plan.  Maybe Matt would distract Isomon while Angemon snuck up from behind.

Isomon's eyes narrowed in anger as the child of Friendship smiled in defiance before him.  "You will not survive this time."

"Give me your best shot Isomon."  Matt taunted, trying not to wince as the shield touched his broken arm.  'I only have to hold him off until Angemon can get back with MetalGarurumon.  This should be a piece of cake.'

Tai snapped back to his senses as he watched a bright golden light explode from Isomon's staff and smash into Matt's chest.  Matt let out a painful yelp as the force pushed him backwards.

"I wonder where Matt got that shield from?"  Izzy pondered to himself, watching as Isomon's powerful blast ricocheted from the metal and slowly pushed Matt backwards.

"You can ask him later."  Tai suggested, suddenly feeling confident as he barked out new orders.  "I want you all to go and take cover behind those trees."

"What about you and Matt?"  Kari asked worriedly.

Tai watched as Matt slowly slid towards them, his brown boots unable to find a grip in the dirt.  "I have to help Matt hold off Isomon."

"Be careful Tai and try to keep Matt safe."  Sora warned as she took Kari's hand and ushered Izzy and Mimi towards the protection of the trees.

"I will not lose anyone else today."  Tai declared as he placed himself in Matt's path, finding a large rock to brace himself against while he waited for his best friend.

Matt closed his eyes and gritted his teeth.  He tried digging the toe of his boot into the ground but the power from Isomon's staff kept pushing him back, closer to Tai and the others.  He was supposed to be protecting the others not moving towards them.

He felt his boot hit something hard and abruptly stopped sliding as two hands grabbed him around the waist.  "Tai?"

"Right behind you buddy."

 Matt smiled but instantly felt like he was being crushed as Isomon pushed from the front and Tai pushed from behind.  He wasn't going to make it; he could feel himself weakening with each second.  A jolt of agony screamed through his arm as his shield pushed on the injured limb, causing his vision to darken and his remaining energy to desert him.

"MetalGarurumon!"

"Metal Wolf Claw."  MetalGarurumon growled as he sent a frozen blast of energy towards the maroon digimon and watched in satisfaction as Idlemon disintegrated into digi-dust.

"Nova Force."  WarGreymon blared as he seared off the last of the Hydramon's necks, leaving only the body and flippers.

"Celestial Arrow."  Angewoman yelled sending an arrow towards the headless and now defenseless body, easily blasting it into digi-dust.

"Finally."  Lillymon sighed in relief, just barely managing to dodge a fireball from Magmamon.

"We're not done yet."  MegaKabuterimon warned as he shielded her from MetalVoltmon's 'Stun Zapper' attack.

MetalGarurumon felt Matt's pain through their bond and started running in the children's direction.  'I'm coming Matt.' He stopped running and narrowed his crimson eyes in annoyance as Idiotmon stepped in front of his path.  'I don't have time for this Matt needs my help now.'

"Get out of my way."

Idiotmon was not quite as stupid as his name suggested, knowing that he would be dead instantly if he did not move out of the angry wolf android's path.  Idiotmon's fuzzy gray ears and tail drooped in fear as he quickly slunk out of MetalGarurumon's way, looking like a kicked dog.

"MetalGarurumon."

MetalGarurumon looked up and saw Angemon fly up and hover beside him.  "Angemon."

"Matt wishes to speak with you.  It is important."

MetalGarurumon nodded and followed the Angel digimon towards the children.

"Hand of Fate."  Angemon called as bright yellow energy flowed from his fist, clearing a path for MetalGarurumon.  Magmamon didn't stand a chance as he burst into digi-dust under the force.

MetalGarurumon loped across the clearing at an incredible speed, howling in rage at the sight of Isomon daring to attack the defenseless children.  "Ice Wolf Claw."

Isomon immediately stopped his attack and waved his staff, disappearing only seconds before MetalGarurumon's attack could reach him

"Hey TK."  Joe yelled as he ran down the street towards the little boy and his parents.  He had run all the way from the bus stop, desperately hoping that he wasn't to late.  His tote bag bounced off his leg as he slowed to a stop in front of the little boy.

"Joe."  TK sputtered, smiling happily.  "I'm so glad you're here."

"Where are the others?"  Joe gasped, trying to catch his breath while he opened up his bag so a dizzy Bukamon could come out.

TK's smile faded.  "They're still fighting."

Joe paused as he took in his companion's appearances.  TK and his mom Mrs. Takaishi both had red eyes like they had been crying and Mr. Ishida was looking a lot more stressed than usual.  He pushed his glasses up nervously, knowing that he was going to regret asking this.  "Is something wrong?  Did something happen before I got here?"

"A big scary digimon hit Matt."

Joe felt his jaw drop in surprise.  He had not been expecting that.  "Is he OK?"

"Angemon saved him."  TK replied excitedly, obviously proud of his digimon for saving his beloved older brother.

"Come on Joe.  Lets go join the others."  Bukamon interrupted impatiently as he flapped beside his digidestined child.

Joe nodded in agreement as a bright blue light engulfed Bukamon as the digivolving process began.  When the light disappeared Bukamon was replaced with a little white seal digimon with a red Mohawk.

"Gomamon."

Gomamon quickly disappeared in light again as he began digivolving into a higher level.

"Gomamon digivolve to Ikkakumon, digivolve to Zudomon."

This time when the light disappeared Gomamon was replaced with Zudomon, a large orange walrus type beast with a green pointy shell on his back.

"Mommy can I go with Joe?"  TK begged as he tugged on his mother's coat.  "I want to be with Matt.  Please."

Nancy looked down at her son sadly.  She didn't want him anywhere near those monsters but understood his worry and need to be beside his brother. 

"I'll look after him."  Joe volunteered as Mrs. Takaishi hesitated.

Mrs. Takaishi nodded in defeat, then turned back towards TK.  "You stay beside Joe and Matt and do whatever they tell you to do, and if that monster comes back I want you to run away from it as fast as you can.  Do you understand?"

"Yes mama."  TK replied happily as he hugged her around the legs.

Joe grabbed onto TK's hand as Zudomon picked them up in his large palm and jumped over the barrier to the ground down below.

"Matt!"  Tai bellowed as he caught his injured friend and gently lowered him to the ground.

Isomon had finally stopped firing at them and disappeared from view.  Tai searched the area, trying to locate the dangerous mega but all he could see was Angemon and MetalGarurumon coming towards them at an alarming speed.  "Matt?"

"Still here."

Tai smiled down at his unmoving friend.  "Better hope Isomon doesn't hear you say that or he might just come back and try again."

Matt opened his eyes and smiled as he tried to sit up.  His smile turned to a grimace.  "Ow.  I don't think I'm going to be giving TK piggyback rides anytime soon."

Tai looked over his friend's battered body and shook his head.  "Sorry to say this dude but I don't think you're going to be doing much of anything anytime soon."

"Matt."  MetalGarurumon called as he de-digivolved back into Gabumon and ran to his digidestined's side.  "I am sorry for not protecting you Matt."

"I'm alright Gabumon."  Matt reassured him, giving the distressed little fuzzy reptile his best 'devil-may-care' smile.  Gabumon didn't look convinced so Matt turned serious.  "Gabumon you are the only one who can defeat Isomon."

Gabumon watched his digidestined friend curiously.  "How?"

Matt slowly sat up with Tai's help.  "Your Ice attack.  The cold is the only thing that can shatter Isomon's armor."

"But Matt."  Gabumon stated as he took in his friend's pale appearance.  Matt's skin was whiter than Tai's sneaker, a light sheen of sweat could be seen covering his forehead, and he looked ready to fall over at any moment.

Matt struggled to his knees and looked Gabumon in the eyes as Tai stepped back to give the two some privacy.  "Gabumon you have to digivolve.  If you don't destroy Isomon then the others and I are as good as dead because you are the only digimon here who can do it."

Gabumon still looked undecided as his eyes filled with worry.  He wanted to destroy Isomon for hurting his friend but didn't want to cause Matt any more pain by digivolving.

"Please Gabumon."

Gabumon let out a sigh as Matt's crest began to glow and the two suddenly disappeared in a flash of intense blue light.  "Gabumon warp digivolve to MetalGarurumon."

The bright light faded to reveal the silver android mega MetalGarurumon and the crumpled form of Matt.

"Matt."  Mimi cried as the rest of the children came out and joined Tai at their injured friend's side.  "Is he going to be OK?"

MetalGarurumon looked stricken as he watched Tai shrug.  "I'm sorry Matt."

"It's alright MetalGarurumon."  Sora comforted the wolf digimon, gently patting his head as she walked past to kneel beside the unconscious blond.  She took hold of his un-injured arm and felt for a pulse, noticing that his chest was still moving.  "He's still breathing so that is a good sign, and hopefully an ambulance will arrive soon so we can get him to the hospital."

"If only I had been here to protect him, then none of this would have happened."  MetalGarurumon stated guiltily, watching as Tai and Sora tended to the injured child.

"This isn't your fault MetalGarurumon."  Tai explained as he pointed angrily towards the dragon mega Isomon.  "It's his fault."

MetalGarurumon's crimson eyes narrowed in fury as he took in the unharmed mega.  He could not understand why the digimon would want to harm the small group of defenseless children but he knew that the dangerous mega would have to be destroyed.  But how could he destroy Isomon if he could just teleport away whenever he gets outnumbered?

"According to my computer Isomon should not be able to teleport."  Izzy informed the two digimon as he tapped the keys hurriedly.  "If you can remove Isomon's staff, then theoretically he should not be able to teleport away."

"Right."  MetalGarurumon growled in understanding, turning towards the Angel digimon.  "I will distract Isomon while you attempt to remove his staff."

"Agreed."  Angemon replied.

"I will help also."

"It's Zudomon and Joe."  Mimi piped excitedly as the large digimon lowered the two missing boys to the ground beside their friends.

"And TK."  Kari added, as the smallest of their group jumped off Zudomon's palm and ran towards his brother.

"Matt."  TK hollered as he slid to a stop beside Matt, closely followed by Joe.

"Don't worry TK."  Tai said reassuringly as he put his arm around the little boys shoulder and gave him an encouraging hug.  "Matt will be fine."

"Let's end this now."  Angemon declared as he flew up into the air.

"Go get him Angemon."  TK ordered, looking up at his digimon through puffy wet eyes.  "Make him pay for hurting Matt."

Angemon gave TK a quick nod then flew off to rejoin the battle, followed by Zudomon.

"He will not hurt anyone else today."  MetalGarurumon promised.  With a determined expression on his face, MetalGarurumon turned and loped towards the mega digimon threat, easily passing the slower sea animal ultimate Zudomon along the way.

"Horn Buster."  MegaKabuterimon yelled as a burst of energy shot forth, blowing the fuzzy little rookie Idiotmon into digi-dust.

"Nova Force."  WarGreymon roared as he shot a ball of energy towards the flying MetalVoltmon.  MetalVoltmon didn't have enough time to move out of the way as the blast hit him in the chest, blasting him into digi-dust.

"Is that all of them?"

"Not quite."  A low menacing voice growled out as Isomon suddenly appeared behind them.  His staff started to glow as a brilliant burst of gold energy shot out, knocking Lillymon out of the sky.

Lillymon let out a shrill scream as she fell, slamming into the ground.

"Lillymon."  Angewoman cried out, too late to help the flying flower.  She turned on Isomon and angrily raised her bow.  "Celestial Arrow."

Isomon smiled a large toothy grin as he easily batted the arrows away like they were nothing more than an annoyance.

"Nova Force."  WarGreymon bellowed, watching as Isomon's staff dissolved the blast before it could even reach the dragon mega.  He growled in rage and sent another.  "Nova Force."

Angemon quickly flew up behind Isomon unnoticed as the mega deflected WarGreymon's attacks, using the others as a distraction he grabbed onto the three pronged metal staff and pulled it out of the unsuspecting mega's grip.

Isomon's eyes narrowed and his lips curled up in annoyance at the unexpected development.  "If you think that you can defeat me by taking my staff then you are severely mistaken."

"Nova Force."  WarGreymon rumbled as he sent another powerful blast towards the now unarmed mega.

Isomon raised his arms and easily deflected the blow, not even denting his armor.

"Celestial Arrow."  Angewoman challenged as she sent another barrage of arrows.

Isomon smiled gruesomely as the arrows harmlessly ricocheted off his gold helmet and armor.  "You were once proud warriors but now you are nothing more than pathetic digi-pets."

"Ice Wolf Claw."  MetalGarurumon growled as he joined the battle.

"Defending the pitiful digi dum-dums who are so weak and useless that they cannot even protect themselves."  Isomon sneered as he avoided the attack by mere inches.  "They use you to do their fighting for them."

"They are our friends."  Lillymon explained as she shot a burst from her 'Flower Cannon' in his direction.  "They came to protect our world from evil like you.  We are more than happy to help them protect their world."

Isomon swatted the flowers out of his way in frustration and sent an attack of his own.  "Nightmare Inferno."

Angewoman and WarGreymon both screamed as the blast of black fire blew them backwards off their feet.

"You singed my hair."  WarGreymon sputtered in shock as the smell from his burnt orange hair reached his nostrils.

"My wings."  Angewoman shrieked as she tried to lift off the ground.  Her once golden hair was now smoking and dull, while her pristine white outfit and wings now sported large black soot spots.

"Be glad that is all I did."  Isomon replied angrily as MegaKabuterimon's 'Horn Blaster' and Garudamon's 'Wing Blade' attacks were deflected.  "I could have destroyed you all the moment you stepped through the portal."

"Perhaps you should have."  Angemon commented as he attacked.  "Hand of Fate."

Isomon growled as the powerful Angel digimon's blast forced him to take a step backwards.

"Ice Wolf Claw."  MetalGarurumon snapped, taking advantage of Isomon's unbalanced condition to finally catch him off guard.

Isomon howled in rage as he felt MetalGarurumon's Ice attack hit him straight in the chest.  He tried to move out of the icy path but he could already feel his arms and legs stiffening as they became encompassed in a thick layer of ice, leaving him completely covered and immobile.

"Yay.  You did it MetalGarurumon."  Lillymon cheered happily as she flew over, landing beside the grounded Angewoman.

"Don't celebrate yet."  Garudamon warned, watching the frozen mega suspiciously.

"That ice won't last for long in this heat."  MegaKabuterimon stated, watching as drops started forming where the sun warmed the ice.

"Watch out."  MetalGarurumon growled, noticing Isomon's yellow eyes glowing eerily bright through the thick ice.  "He's breaking through."

The ice sculpture suddenly exploded, scattering large chunks of ice in every direction, as Isomon broke free.

The large mega's protective digi-armor made a horrible cracking sound as it reacted to the cold ice, breaking into a million pieces before totally disintegrating into golden dust.  Isomon scowled as he crouched down close to the ground, looking more like a dragon now that his armor was destroyed.  His yellow eyes burned into the offending digimon as his wings snapped open, ready to take action at the slightest hint of trouble.

"Nova Force."  WarGreymon bellowed, hoping to repay the unprotected mega for the earlier haircut.

Isomon soared into the air with one swoop of his massive wings, landing safely behind the large orange dinosaur, as the blast hit nothing but air.  Isomon knew that he could not win.  It would only be a matter of time before one of the eight-digimon hit him with a lucky shot, destroying his carefully thought up plan.  "You may defeat me but you will never win.  There will always be another ready and waiting to take my place when I fall, and the next time you may not be so lucky.  We are getting smarter and stronger everyday."

"We will be ready for them."  MegaKabuterimon answered as he sent a vicious 'Horn Buster' attack.

"Nightmare Inferno."  Isomon called as he dodged the blast and mistakenly flew into MetalGarurumon's super chilly 'Ice Wolf Claw' attack.  He felt his limbs start to stiffen as the ice encompassed him and knew that it was finally over.

"Everyone hit him at once."  Angemon commanded as he raised his fist towards the trapped mega.  "Hand of Fate."

The park suddenly filled with power as the eight digimon all turned their attacks towards the frozen dragon at the same time.  The ice surrounding the large mega shattered under the pressure of the blast and Isomon let out one more furious howl of rage before he too shattered into digi-dust.

The eight-tired digimon watched the spot where Isomon had disappeared, afraid that the powerful mega would re-appear at any second if they dared to move.  Isomon's silver staff suddenly followed its master and burst into digi-dust in Angemon's hand.

"Is he gone?"  Lillymon inquired as she looked around nervously.

"I think so."  WarGreymon replied as he de-digivolved back into the little orange rookie Agumon.  "I sure am hungry.  I hope Mimi has some more of those delicious sandwiches left."

"Matt has apples."  MetalGarurumon offered sadly as he de-digivolved all the way back to Tsunomon, his In-Training form.  The other six digimon followed their companions' example and de-digivolved also.

"Let's go then."  Agumon responded as he picked up Tsunomon and took off running in the children's direction, closely followed by the other five rookies and one champion digimon.

"Matt?"  TK whispered, gently jostling his older brothers shoulder.  Matt's only response was a slight grimace and an almost inaudible groan.

"Matt?"  TK tried again, this time speaking a little louder and shaking a little harder.  Same response.  TK was starting to get scared, it usually didn't take much to wake Matt up and Matt would never ignore him on purpose even if he was hurt.

"Matt."  TK yelled into his brother's ear, vigorously shaking the older blondes shoulder in an attempt to rouse him.  "Wake up Matt."

"No TK."  Joe commanded as he turned away from the returning digimon and looked over his shoulder.

Tai being the closest moved towards the little boy and gently grabbed his hands in his own.  "Whoa there TK, Matt's tired and needs to rest."

"But I need to tell him that Isomon is gone."

"And I'm sure that Matt will be real glad to hear that TK but we have to get out of the way so that the paramedics can take care of him."

"OK."  TK mumbled dejectedly as he let Tai lead him away.  Now that the battle was over the paramedics were racing down the hill, closely followed by Matt and TK's parents.

"TK."  Patamon called as he flew towards his digidestined child.

"Patamon."  TK answered as he caught the little flying hamster and hugged him tightly.  "Thank you for saving Matt."

"Tai.  I'm hungry."

"I still have some sandwiches if any of you are interested."  Mimi declared as she opened the little brown wicker basket and pulled out a sandwich.

"And apples."  Sora added as she pulled one out of Matt's packsack.

"You did real good guys."  Tai congratulated as he took Tsunomon from his little orange dinosaur and handed him a sandwich instead.

"Can I go with Matt?"  Tsunomon questioned as he watched the paramedics lift the unconscious boy onto a stretcher and quickly head back towards the ambulance.

"I don't see why not."  Tai replied as he handed the little fuzzy In-Training digimon to TK.

"Come on TK."  Nancy Takaishi called out in a hurry as she waited for her youngest son to follow.

"We'll meet you at the hospital."  Sora stated as she brought three apples out for Biyomon, Gomamon, and Tentomon, and then placed the packsack over her shoulder.

"OK."  TK replied as he ran after his parents with Tsunomon in his arms and Patamon sitting atop his white hat.

Tai watched sadly as the door to the ambulance was slammed shut, then sped away with blaring sirens.  He hoped that Matt would be alright.

"Can I come to the hospital too Tai?"  Agumon asked as he stuffed another sandwich into his mouth.

Tai smiled down at his digimon.  "Sure Agumon.  I think Matt and Tsunomon would like that."

"What about us?"  Palmon questioned as she stood up on her roots.  "We want to come too."

Tai smiled at the rest of the digimon as they nodded in agreement.  "What are we waiting for then?  Lets go."

Four days later.

"Slow down Tai."

"No way Matt.  We're already ten minutes late."  Tai replied as he continued running.  "If you would have just let me give you a ride in the first place we would have been there half an hour ago."

"Tai stop.  TK and Agumon are getting left behind."

Tai stopped running and waited for the two little ones to catch up.

"Thanks."  TK gasped as he stopped beside Kari and the bushy haired boy who was giving his brother a piggyback ride.

"Tai wouldn't it have been easier for me to digivolve into MetalGreymon.  Then we could have flown to the park."  Agumon wheezed from beside TK.

"Gee, I never even thought of that."  Tai admitted, frowning at how he could have missed something so simple.

"You didn't give anyone a chance to suggest it."  Gatomon informed him from his side.  "Besides, we're trying not to get noticed.  We don't want to be scaring anymore people."

"Right."  Tai agreed, nodding at the logical digimon.

"You can put me down now Tai."  Matt commanded as he looked around the park.

"You are not getting down until we meet up with the others."  Tai challenged, tightening his grip.  "They are already going to be complaining cause we're late.  Now that we've all rested we can start running again."

TK and Agumon's faces fell at the mention of more running.

"My leg hurts and I think I've been humiliated enough this morning."

"Put him down Tai."  Kari ordered her stubborn older brother, sympathizing as Matt winced.  "We are already at the park, all we have to do now is get to the meeting place.  If you want you can run ahead and tell them we'll be another ten minutes."

Tai frowned and let out an exasperated sigh but did as he was told, lowering himself and letting go of Matt's legs.

Matt unhooked his left arm as soon as he felt his feet touch the ground, and turned towards Kari who was carrying the little fuzzy orange digimon with the gray horn.  "Come on Tsunomon."

Kari placed the little digimon on the ground and smiled as Tsunomon faithfully followed his limping digidestined child.

Tai smirked at the two as they walked past.  "You're going the wrong way."

Matt stopped walking and held out his digivice with his left arm.  "Tsunomon digivolve."

Tsunomon disappeared in a flash of blue light as the digivolving process began, revealing Gabumon in his place when the light faded as quickly as it began.  Matt returned his digivice to his pocket and grabbed onto Gabumon's outstretched paw.

"You're still going the wrong way."  Tai repeated, hoping that the fight with Isomon hadn't damaged Matt's brain.  The doctor had told them that Matt was very lucky; his right arm had taken the brunt of the force therefore protecting his ribs and saving him from internal damage.  Matt had been treated for a broken arm, severe bruising, exhaustion and a bump to the head.  He was kept overnight to make sure his head injury wasn't serious and no complications arose, then he was sent home to recuperate.

"I promised Gabumon some ice cream."  Matt called over his shoulder as he continued limping away.

"Ice cream."  Tai whispered as his mouth started watering, ready to follow the blond to the ice cream stand until he realized he didn't have any money. 

"Can I have some ice cream too Tai?"  Agumon asked as he pulled on Tai's sleeve.

"Um…"

"I'll buy."  Matt offered as TK ran to catch up with his older brother.   Patamon was sitting atop TK's head holding onto his hat tightly so he wouldn't fall off as they bounced along.

Tai smiled.  "I guess that means you can have some too."

"Yay."  Agumon cheered as he ran after Matt and Gabumon, closely followed by Tai, Kari, and Gatomon.

"Where is everyone Tai?"  Agumon questioned as they reached the clearing where it all began only six days ago.  The broken tree branches had already been removed but the large scorch marks and missing trees were still reminders of the fierce battle that had taken place.

"I don't know Agumon."  Tai replied as he checked the time on his digivice and scratched his head in confusion.  "I told them to meet us here at one o-clock."

"Here they come."  Kari informed him as the others appeared through the trees.

"Hah."  Tai laughed as he smiled devilishly.  "Now they'll never know that we were late and I can yell at them for making us wait."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."  Matt warned as Gabumon and TK helped him sit down.  His shirt accidentally slipped up to reveal a large dark purple bruise covering the right side of his stomach.

Tai winced at the reminder of how close they had come to losing Matt.  "Why not."

"Because I told them to meet us here at one-thirty instead."  He replied as he tried making himself as comfortable as he could get in the grass.  "I thought I might need a little more time getting here."

"Good thinking buddy."  Tai agreed as the others joined them.

"Hey Matt how are you feeling?"  Joe inquired as he plopped down next to him, searching to see if any new injuries appeared while he was away.  "Did you get my get well card?"

"Fine."  Matt replied, swatting Joe's hand away as it neared him.  "Yes, thank you for the card it was real nice."

"You should see his apartment."  Tai contributed as he sat down in the grass across from them.  "He has so many get well cards and flowers that he could probably start his own flower shop."

Sora looked at Tai in annoyance but chose not to comment.

"I'll bet he doesn't even know half the people who sent them."  Tai continued as he absently pulled out a handful of grass.

"There's nothing like a tragedy to bring people together."  Mimi stated as she clasped her hands together and sighed wistfully.

"I haven't died yet."  Matt declared, not impressed with the topic of conversation.

"You could have fooled me."  Joe replied.  "It sure looked like you were dead on that news footage they played."

"I downloaded some prodigious action shots if any of you would like copies."  Izzy informed the others as he opened up his laptop and started typing.

Matt cringed.  "They keep playing it over and over no matter what channel you're watching.  I can't wait for them to find something new to report on."

"You're famous Matt."  TK realized as he hugged his older brother around the neck.  "Can I have your autograph when we get home?"

"Sure TK, but I don't think it'll ever be worth anything."

Izzy's computer suddenly started beeping, breaking the silence that had befallen the children.  Izzy clicked on the mail icon and watched as Gennai's smiling face appeared on the screen.

"Greetings digidestined."

"Hello Gennai."  Izzy greeted back.

"I have downloaded a program to your computer that should show you the exact location of the portal.  All you have to do is send the digimon through with the crests and they will seal the tear."

"Thanks Gennai."  Tai said as Gennai gave a quick wave and disappeared from the screen.

"I guess this is it then."  Joe stated as he pushed his glasses up, slowly looking around the little circle of friends and digimon.

"I don't want them to go."  TK cried as he hugged Patamon tightly, refusing to let the little flying hamster go.  "I want them to stay forever."

"I want to stay too TK."  Patamon returned, snuggling in TK's arms happily.

"At least we got four extra days together thanks to Matt."  Joe offered, hoping to make the coming separation a little more pleasant.

"According to this new program the portal should be right there."  Izzy informed them as he pointed to the grassy area only a few feet away from where they were sitting.

"Bye Biyomon."  Sora said, sniffing as she hugged the little pink bird.

"Bye Sora."  Biyomon replied as Sora slipped her crest of love around her neck.

"Take care of yourself Agumon."  Tai ordered as the orange digimon jumped up into his arms for a quick hug goodbye.

"Don't worry Tai.  We'll see each other again."

"You bet we will."  Tai agreed as he handed the little orange dinosaur his crest of courage.

"This is already the second time that we've seen each other since we left the digital world."  Izzy admitted.  "I wouldn't be surprised if we saw each other again real soon."

"Well then instead of goodbye, I'll say see you soon Izzy."  Tentomon declared as Izzy handed him his crest of knowledge.

"I'm going to miss you Palmon."  Mimi cried, hugging the little green plant.

"I'm going to miss you too Mimi."  Palmon cried, hugging her digidestined as Mimi placed her crest of sincerity around her neck.

"Not as much as I'm going to miss you."  Mimi wailed, crying uncontrollably.

"Oh Mimi."

"Oh brother."  Joe whispered watching the two as they cried on each other.

"Hey.  Aren't you going to miss me?"  Gomamon demanded as he waddled up beside his digidestined friend.

"Of course I will."  Joe sputtered as he grabbed the little sea-animal digimon in a tight hug.  "Who wouldn't miss having you around?"

"Bye Gatomon.  You take care of the others."  Kari said tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she tied her pink crest around the little white cats neck.

"Someone's got to keep these digimon out of trouble and I'm just the digimon for the job."  Gatomon replied, smiling bravely for her digidestined friend.

"Bye Patamon."  TK cried as Patamon flew to stand beside Gatomon with TK's crest of hope hanging loosely around his small body.

Gabumon hugged Matt as gently as he could, being extra careful of Matt's broken arm and bruises.  "Goodbye Matt.  I wish that I could stay and protect you until you are feeling better."

"I know Gabumon but that's alright.  In a couple of weeks I'll be as good as new."

"Don't worry Gabumon we promise to take good care of him until he's fully recovered."  Tai promised, trying to reassure the little yellow digimon with the fuzzy blue striped fur coat.

Matt pulled his blue crest of friendship from around his neck and placed it into Gabumon's paw with his good hand.  "Friends forever Gabumon."

Gabumon held onto Matt's hand, feeling the power from the crest as it glowed between them.  "Friends forever Matt."

Gabumon took his place beside the other seven digimon at the edge of the portal.

"Bye guys."  Tai called, waving at their digimon friends.  "Have a safe trip."

A bright light lit up the clearing as the eight little digimon disappeared through the portal.  When the light faded, only eight sad children remained with no evidence but the scorched surroundings that their digimon had ever even been there.

Tai took in the sad faces of his sister and friends and smiled.  "We'll see them again."

Sora smiled, knowing that what he said was probably true.

"If I know them, they are probably going to look for some food right now."  Tai said as he put his hands under Matt's arms and carefully pulled the blond to his feet.  "So I think we should all go to my apartment and celebrate the fun time we shared with them."

"Good idea Tai."  Izzy congratulated, already starting to feel better.

"Mom's probably got a fresh batch of warm fungus cookies waiting for us right now."  He stated, suddenly losing his smile as the others stared at him with disgusted looks.

"Right."  He muttered as he gently put his left arm around Matt's shoulder and his right arm around Sora's.  "Change of plans.  We'll all go to Matt's house and order pizza."

"That sounds like a good plan."  Joe agreed, smiling as he followed the three in the lead as they headed down the path.  "I like that plan a lot."

The eight children chattered and laughed as they walked away from the park and away from the reminders of the battle that seemed so long ago, wondering what exiting adventure would happen the next time they met up with their digimon.

THE END.