A/N: well I originally intended to put Matt's test with the Digi-Core in the last chapter, but I kept getting ideas; and eventually I realized that it would probably take me an extra week to put that part in. So instead of making you wait for that extra week, I went ahead and posted chapter six, and put the test in this chapter, so enjoy.
A/N2: the end of this chapter is completely in Matt's POV; I decided to try something new.
One last thing, I want to remind you that there is zero romance in this fic; I'm reminding you because my sister told me that it sounded like Ladydevimon had a thing for Matt and/or Gabumon, which is not true. Ladydevimon and Gabumon will probably be good friends; and Ladydevimon does admire Matt and you could say she has a kind of schoolgirl crush on him, but it defiantly doesn't go further then loyalty and admiration. However you may by all means think of any relationship as a couple, but I am not implying that there are couples (does that make any since? …. I didn't think so either) Okay now that we're clear on that please read.
Disclaimer: Digimon not mine.
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The lush grass was damp with the dew of early morning, despite the fact that it was dusk; the mist, which always seemed to linger on the magical hills where wizard digimon roam, began to thin out and settle upon the grass like a blanket of crystal droplets. The moon slowly rose over the tall mountains surrounding the valley, rays of silver light gently touch the ground leaving small traces of heavens beauty to all who woke to dance in her glory. Shadows passed over the land as the chilled breeze pushed the fluffy obstacles around the sky, allowing them at times to feel the strength of the full moon's light as they passed under her slowly.
The bright orb lit the land casting back the shadows allowing the three wanderers to navigate their path across the rocky hills. One small creature with soft crimson eyes, one tall shadow with razor sharp claws, and one boy away from his world yet so at home under the digital moon's light.
"What do we do now?" the tall shadow asked, her voice was soft to match the sounds of night.
"We follow our original plain." The smallest of the group answered as he pushed himself over a large group of rocks.
"And what exactly was our original plain?" the first one asked her voice racked with irritation.
"We're going to seek out Zhuqiaomon, he is the only one who can bring me before the Digi-Core." The final one replied, a hint of amusement was held in his voice as he thought about how his two companions had been bickering off and on for the entire thirty minutes they had been walking.
"Well if we are looking for Zhuqiaomon, then we should head south-west." Ladydevimon informed as she pointed in the direction she believed they should go.
"And why exactly should we head south-west?" Gabumon asked in annoyance.
Matt held back a laugh at the two digimon who had begun arguing again. 'It's odd, both of them seem so quiet, you would never have thought that such reserved digimon could be so loud.' The blond chuckled a little at his own thoughts before turning around to address the two digimon who were now in a glaring contest.
"Ladydevimon's right, we have to go south-west because that is where we will find the volcano that Zhuqiaomon is supposedly at." Matt announced bringing the two digimon's glaring contest to an end with Ladydevimon's triumphant smile and Gabumon's aggravated scowl. "There's just one thing, I want to get there as soon as possible, so…"
Matt didn't finish he only looked at the rookie digimon, who in returned nodded showing that he understood what his partner was planning to do.
Light began to glow from underneath Matt's shirt as his digivice, which was latched to his pants, began to screech. The light from the small device increased as well as the sound and soon light had completely surrounded Gabumon. The light began to grow in shape and when it at last vanished a giant wolf stood proudly upon the rocky hill.
Matt didn't say anything he simply smiled showing his satisfaction with his partner's champion form and approached the wolf.
Garurumon silently bent down allowing the teen to jump gracefully onto his back. The jump took no effort for Matt and soon he was sitting securely upon the large wolf's back, and Garurumon stood to his full height.
"Ladydevimon we're going to be going at a pretty fast speed so if you need us to slow down then just say so okay." Matt said as he gripped his partner's fur and prepared for the ride.
"Please I can keep up with a champion." The demon mocked as she flashed Garurumon a challenging smile.
Matt saw the tension between his two friends, but he choose not to ignore it. He knew that the two fought, but that they also respected one another, and if they ever did form a friendship it would have to be gradually, it couldn't be forced.
'I just need to focus on one thing at a time. First find Zhuqiaomon, and then see what comes along.' Matt lectured himself as he found his thoughts drifting to the upcoming test. 'TK's probably worried sick about me; I shouldn't have just left! I should have at lest told him where I was going, but it's too late for that now, all I can do is hope that he and the others are okay. Little brother please be okay.' Matt pushed back the tears he knew were coming from the thought of his brother, and focused on his current situation.
"Let's go." He ordered simply, and with his commanded Garurumon sped off like a bullet leaving a gun.
Ladydevimon was suspended in mid air. Her mind was swirling with astonishment at the sight which had just displayed before her. It took less then a second for Garurumon to take off and work his speed up to forty miles per hour, now the wolf was passed his trot and was moving at an amazing speed. The demon shook her head and regained control of her senses. She then took off after realizing that the wolf digimon was many miles ahead of her. Swiftly she flew in the air and tried to catch up the leading digimon.
The beast's long muscular legs flexed and released gracefully as he leaped over all obstacles within his path. His paws hit the ground so quickly and lightly that they barely made a sound. His breathing remained even and fatigue banished from his body.
Matt leaned forward and tightened his grip on Garurumon's frost white fur. Every time the digimon would speed up or adjust his motion Matt would move with him. The two friends knew what moves the other would make before he could make it, and to any who might have been watching them it was clear to see that they moved and thought as one.
'There's a forest coming up, and beyond that is Mt. Flame.'
"Garurumon let's rest in that forest and wait for Ladydevimon to catch up." Matt yelled over the sound of the air passing by the racing digimon.
Garurumon growled showing that he had heard his partner and approached the forest, as he grew near the edge of the collective of trees he slowed his pass down to a trot, and then went into a full walk when he entered the shadows off the forest.
"I don't see why we should have to wait, that little demon is slowing down our pace; we should just leave her." the wolf growled in disgust.
"You don't really mean that do you?" Matt asked with a smile, as he saw through his partner's bluff. "You know I think you really like her, but you're just too stubborn to admit it." the blond teased as he slid off his partner's back.
Garurumon only growled warning his friend not to go any further with the 'you and Ladydevimon make a great team' idea.
Matt chuckled at his annoyed friend's face, and then walked ahead of the wolf.
'It's nice to see him laugh so carefree like that. I only wish that he would laugh more often.' Garurumon thought regrettably to himself.
The two companions continued to travel in silence, both lost in their own concerns, one about his distressed partner, and the other about his path in life.
"Took you long enough!" Garurumon yelled over his shoulder after his excellent hearing detected the sound of rustling leafs.
"You may be faster then me, but I could still defeat you in a battle anytime, champion." Ladydevimon's deep enchanting voice still sounded mesmerizing despite the fact that she had snarled out ever word of her threat.
"Whatever." Garurumon replied coolly as he continued to follow his partner through the maze of trees.
Matt smiled to himself at the sound of his partner's efficiently pulled off whatever. 'I think I have influenced him just a little too much.'
The group of three continued their trek through the forest in silence. All of them blended with the darkness perfectly, making them seem like part of night itself. Great stealth was executed in everyone one of their movements as they walked under the canopy of trees, leaving one shadow only to merge with another.
All three of them had excellent senses, granting them sight even in the darkest of shadows. Matt stayed ahead of the group, focusing his attention on finding the shortest path through the forest, while Ladydevimon and Garurumon stayed close behind occasionally flashing the other a dirty look.
After a fairly good hike the group came to the edge of the forest and stopped. The trees had thinned out to the point where there was nothing left to conceal the three, but that didn't seem to worry them.
"There's the volcano, it's odd I couldn't see the smoke and ash until we exited the forest." Matt spoke in awe as he stared up at the towering mountain.
"That is a defense that Zhuqiaomon uses so no outsiders can see that he has awakened." Ladydevimon replied as she too looked up at the steep peak.
"I can only wonder what awaits us up there. What if this is some kind of trap." Garurumon stated his concern, even though he knew it was in vain. There was no changing Matt's mind about this journey; his partner would risk death if it meant getting answers.
'This is it, once I'm up that mountain I will get the answers to my questions.' Matt's eyes narrowed as he shot the volcano a challenging glare which said 'I will conquer you', and then determination flexed his entire face as he spoke to his partner and new found friend. "This is it, your last chance to turn back. I don't want either of you going up there with me just because you feel you have to. This is my fight, and you shouldn't be compromised because of it."
Garurumon straightened to his full height and looked down at his partner. Matt's face betrayed no emotion, and his eyes were as calm and mysterious as the full moon itself.
"Matt you know I will not leave you now. And it's not just because I'm your digimon partner, it's because I am your friend." Garurumon expressed his love for his partner as he flashed him a large grin exposing his sharp teeth.
"There's no way I'm backing out either." Ladydevimon announced as she floated into the air showing that she was ready to begging the climb.
Matt nodded his thanks to both Garurumon and Ladydevimon, then without a word he jumped onto his partner's back and prepared for the fast up hill journey.
Garurumon waited until Matt had settled then he began his run up the mountainside, followed by a floating Ladydevimon.
Unlike the mountain where Matt and Ladydevimon had found Piedmon, the volcano was very steep and had many sharp rock formations sticking out like spikes. Luckily Garurumon was built not only for speed but also for obstacles. His large paws griped the stones as he used the rocks to push himself up the mountain. He still managed to make great speed even on the steep peak and it wasn't long until the group had reached the top.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Ladydevimon asked quietly, her voice shacked a bit from anxiety.
Despite Ladydevimon's fear Matt remained fairly calm, after reaching the rim of the volcano he jumped off the wolf digimon's back and landed silently on the ground. His cerulean eyes scanned over the area, taking in every detail and storing them away for future use.
The rim was smoothed down into a wide walkway around the volcano, the rock was so smooth and polished that it looked like marble and when Matt looked at it closely he could see his faded reflection starring back. Something that truly shocked Matt was the fact that floating in the center of the volcano, high above the magma, was a stone platform, which looked to be one football field long and one football flied wide. The platform was also of polished stone and had ancient Digi-Code carved around the edges. The symbols where embossed with silver, making the outline look like it was glowing in a silver light.
The only thing suspending the platform over the volcano were four thin silver chains, which lead to four tall pillars placed on the rim. The pillars almost looked like totem polls with Digi-code carvings and fancy embroiders. Unlike the platform and walkway, the pillars were of old cracked stones with moss and dirt accumulating in many areas.
The most threatening thing of the entire scene was what rested on top of the pillars. Four frightening statues where places proudly on top. Four large dragons with long arms and sharp talon were the stone guardians, which kept watch over the fourth Digi-God's domain.
"Devidramon." Matt whispered to himself as he looked at the stone dragons.
Each one stood in a different pose, one crouch down on all four limbs like he was about to jump off the pillar and fly into the air. Another stood on his two hind legs with his head lowered to the walkway; his moth hung open exposing his stone teeth while his long tail curved in the air in an almost seductive way. The final two Devidramon held the same stances both standing high on their back legs with their bony arms held by their raised head showing off their razor sharp talons. All four of the Devidramon had sharp razor like wings stretching out from their shoulder blades.
"Those are just old statues, look they're moss covered and cracked." Ladydevimon pointed out as she walked passed Matt in order to get a better look at the field suspended above the magna.
"Odd, from the forest smoke could clearly be seen rising above the mountain, but I can see no evidences of smoke here, no clouds, no ash, there's not even a scent." Garurumon stated as he sniffed the air, searching amongst the many smells his keen snout detected, but still no smell of smoke or sulfur could be found.
Matt ignored both Ladydevimon's and Garurumon's words and turned his attention to the suspended platform. His eyes scanned over the area once more until his sight fell up a bridge linking the walkway to the platform. Silently he walked to the bridge followed closely by a very confused Ladydevimon and a very cautious Garurumon.
"Sure is a long way down." Ladydevimon stated as her blood red eyes locked with the bubbling magma burning in the bottom of the volcano.
Again Matt made no reply to his companion's words, instead he walked unto the bridge, suspended by iron chain and laid with silver bars, and crossed the thin path without so much as a word to his friends.
Once Matt was across the bridge Ladydevimon casually stepped onto the silver bars and then slowly crossed as well.
Garurumon took a deep breath before shacking his head in frustration. The white wolf was far too large to cross the bridge, and not quiet strong enough to jump the gap between the rim and the platform.
'I hate to de-digivolve, for one if we are attacked we'd be at a disadvantage, but I need to be over there with them.'
Matt smiled as understanding of why it was taking his partner so long to cross the bridge hit. "It will be better this way." Matt announced as a light blue winged circle began to shine from underneath his shirt. As the Crest of Friendship grew brighter Matt's digivice began to glow and screech, showing that a digivolotion was on its way.
Blue light flared from Garurumon's form, engulfing him in a shield of energy. The light began to change in form, growing in height and shrinking in length. Once the basic form was shaped the light disappeared leaving a tall muscular beast standing on the walkway.
WereGarurumon's muscular body was stretched to his full height, which was about ten feet. His long arms hung to his side as his clawed paws clenched into fist.
Matt smiled proudly at the ultimate digimon as he walked across the suspended bridge.
Ladydevimon stared in wonder at Garurumon's higher level. "Your ultimate form is a Nightmare Soldier." She gasped in surprise. The demon digimon held no prejudice to outside digimon, however she didn't like the idea of a digimon not born in the south walking around Forbidden Valley freely. Now that she knew that the small rookie could turn into a powerful werewolf, respect and acceptance were far easier to offer.
"I wonder what we do now." Matt spoke quietly as he walked around the platform.
The platform was as steady as solid ground, and as slick as freshly polished silver.
"Just be sure not to get into any trouble Ladydevimon." Garurumon teased with a mocking smile.
Ladydevimon glared at the werewolf as she crossed her arms in an annoyed matter and began to walk around the platform, searching for anything out of place.
"Trouble." Matt whispered to himself as he lowered his head in thought. "You would have thought that such as sacred place would have had some kind of defense here to protect it." the blond speculated as he looked over his shoulder to check on the two ultimate digimon.
"Maybe the mere fear or reverence of this place keeps all intruders away." WereGarurumon suggested as he scanned the area with his eerie yellow eyes.
All the time that Matt and WereGarurumon were looking around Ladydevimon continued her walk towards the end of the platform. She ignored the partner's words, as her eyes stayed focused on the smooth stone beneath her.
Soon the partner's voices faded completely from the fallen angel's hearing range, but it didn't seem to bother her. She continued to walk, her eyes never leaving the ground.
"Huh?" the demon stopped in her tracks and looked closer on the ground before her.
Her scarlet eyes flashed with curiosity as they met a crimson substance on the clean, polished floor. Feeding in to her curiosity Ladydevimon walked over to the puddle of crimson and bent down low so that she could get a better look at it.
The puddle was one large drop not moving from it place, yet it was clearly liquid, thick liquid, but liquid nonetheless.
Slowly Ladydevimon brought her hand close to the puddle. With an unsure movement she took her first two fingers and dipped her long claws in the red substance.
Once her claws and fingertips where stained crimson she brought her hand up once more and studied the red liquid.
"Blood." she whispered in bewilderment.
Her eyes focused in on the crimson and her fast twisted into disgust once she realized what it was. She was about to stand and inform her companions of her discovery when something else caught her curiosity.
The puddle of blood still strung to the blood on her claws, but this made little scene to the demon. Blood was thick, but not thick enough to remain one entity.
The fallen angel shook her head in confusion, then began pulling her hand away from the liquid once more, but still the trial of blood did not server from the puddle.
With a defiant grunt Ladydevimon pulled once more using all of her strength. With a forceful yank she fell to the ground, free from her chain to the platform, but not free from the crimson on her hand.
The demon looked at her hand in confusion, but confusion quickly turned into fear as the red liquid began to inch from her fingers to her hands.
"Matt!" she shouted as panic began to overtake her.
Matt and WereGarurumon looked at one another in confusion then both took off towards the dark digimon.
By the time the partners reached Ladydevimon the blood had passed her hand and was no creeping up her arm.
"It's so cold…" she exclaimed as her voice cracked from fear and then faded from weariness.
"Ladydevimon stay awake!" Matt ordered as he looked over the ultimate digimon.
He didn't know what to do and the blood had already passed Ladydevimon's arm and was now moving down her chest. Finally panic hit the blond as well and he reached out to grab the crimson substance.
Just as Matt's hand was about to touch the blood WereGarurumon grabbed it and pulled it back.
"You don't know what will happen if you touch it." the werewolf explained when he received a questionable look from his partner.
Matt nodded showing that he understood and then turned back to Ladydevimon. "You'll be okay we'll figure out how to help you, just try to stay awake." He urged as he looked around hoping that there might be something that could help his friend.
"It's so cold" Ladydevimon whispered once more only now her voices sounded distant and hallow.
"You have to stay awake!" WereGarurumon shouted in desperation.
Now the blood had had completely engulfed the demon's legs and body leaving only her neck and head. Once it reached her head it began to move slower, but it didn't stop completely.
"Ladydevimon, don't worry we'll figure out how to help you." Matt stated as tears of worry threatened to escape his crystal eyes.
"It's so cold, I can't stay awake…" with these last words the crimson completely covered the ultimate's body.
Matt and WereGarurumon eyes were wide with panic and confusion as they stared at their friend, who was now asleep and completely engulfed in blood.
Their panic and confusion grew even more as they looked at the demons feet clad in high-healed leather boots. The blood on her feet slowly began to harden until it turned from crimson to gray. Soon the blood began to dry out, and a harden gray moved it's way up from the demon feet to her legs and then to her chest, until at last Ladydevimon's entire form had become a large life like statue.
Matt's shaking hand slow reached up to touch the statue, and this time WereGarurumon did not hold him back. Matt's sweaty palm rested upon where Ladydevimon's forehead would be. After a moment of silence he pulled his hand away and stood up.
WereGarurumon followed the teen's example and stood up as well, stretching his cramped legs, but never taking his eyes off the statue.
"She's alive." Matt finally spoke his voice held little emotion, but WereGarurumon could still sense a hint of pain in the blonde's words.
"It's not your fault, she wanted to come; I think she would have fought to come." The digimon stated. When he saw that Matt's expression hadn't changed he decided to speak once more. "We'll take her back to Sorcerymon, I'm sure he'll know how to help here." He explained as he stepped towards the demon's stone form.
Suddenly Matt held his arm out, blocking the werewolf's path.
WereGarurumon looked at the teen in confusion, but Matt didn't turn around to face him.
"Once to every man comes the moment to decide." Matt whispered more to himself then to his partner.
After a moment of silence Matt sharply turned around, and walked passed his partner, heading towards the center of the platform.
WereGarurumon stared after the teen in confusion, then with a heavy sigh, and one last glance at Ladydevimon; he reluctantly followed his silent partner to the center of the platform.
Once the werewolf had reached his friend he spoke. "What are we doing?" he asked wondering what Matt's plan was.
"Waiting" came the low and distant reply.
WereGarurumon arched an eyebrow at the blonde's words. "Waiting? Waiting for what?" he finally asked as his bewilderment grew.
Suddenly the sound of cracking stone drew the digimon's attention to the nearest pillar.
Echoes of braking rock filled the area as the stone Devidramon slowly began to move. Cracks ran all over the dragons' bodies and red light glowed from the splitting stone. The Devidramon moved their bodies slowly trying to brake free from their stone prisons. Finally one of the statues, which shared the same pose as another, broke free from the stone.
Pieces of rock, dust, and gravel flew from the monster's body onto the once clean platform. The Devidramon's body radiated a low deep red light, and its crimson eyes locked straight with Matt's crystal ones.
Shortly after the first broke free the others busted out of their stone shell as well. Now four ravenous Devidramon shifted from one hunting stance to another, as they eyed the two intruders from their place upon the pillars.
The dark dragons snarled and growled at the two partners, exposing their long sharp teeth and occasionally running their long deep red tongues over the dagger like fangs.
WereGarurumon immediately jumped into a defensive stance as his eyes darted from one dragon to another, expecting the creatures to fly into an attack at any moment.
Matt remained still; his eyes rested on the first Devidramon which had broke free.
The digimon never once tore his four crimson eyes from Matt, while the other three darted their sight from human to digimon.
The first Devidramon held Matt's stare, and once it had decided that the teen was unresponsive it leaped swiftly from its pillar and headed straight for the blond.
Matt didn't so much as flinch, he simply continued to stared at the dark dragon's unblinking eyes, as sharp red talons headed straight for his chest.
The Devidramon brought his long arm up and was about to slice through Matt, until suddenly the teen blinked and quickly jumped out of the way.
Matt turned around and stood with his fist up ready for another charge as he watched the champion digimon slam into the platform.
"I thought he had hypnotized you!" WereGarurumon shouted in relief as the dragon stood back up.
"So did he." Matt replied with a cocky smile. He had remembered the first time the DigiDestined had faced Devidramon. Gatomon was still working for Myotismon, and she had stated that the Dark Dragon Digimon had hypnotic powers.
The first and obviously most powerful Devidramon had indeed attempted to hypnotize Matt. The blond wasn't certain of the dragon was trying to do with its withering stare until he remembered what Gatomon had said. Once he realized what was going on he decided to use it to his advantage.
"Be careful, they know now that I can't be hypnotized, but it doesn't mean that you can't!" Matt yelled to his partner as he fixed eyes with the first Devidramon once more.
"This lizard's Red Eyes attack has no power on me. Ultimates can withstand the mind games from digimon of a lesser level." The werewolf explained hopeing to ease Matt's worry about him, so that the blond could focus on his own battle.
Matt after hearing this turned his full attention to the crouching beast in front of him.
The Devidramon bent low to the ground, its elbows and knees extended out as it pushed himself as low as possible so that he could look its opponent in the eyes. Its razor wing stuck out diagonally and its long tail waved above its head in an almost lazy manner.
A loud sound which was not quiet a roar and not quiet a screech came from the other three Devidramon's throats as they jumped off their pillars and flew high into the air. Then like vouchers they circled their prey as one focused its attention on Matt, and the remaining two locked eyes with WereGarurumon.
Then in a swift movement one of the Devidramon dived down and headed straight for the werewolf.
The ultimate sensed the attack coming from behind and somersaulted out of the way. He then got to one knee and brought he large paws up in defensive fist.
The Devidramon, which had lunged at WereGarurumon, landed by its opponent and hissed like a snake before lunging again.
This time WereGarurumon did a black flip, dogging the dragon's attack once more, again stood in a defensive position.
Matt held his ground as the Dark Dragon Digimon snarled at him and crept forward. The blond smirk with confidence as the Devidramon crept closer.
Suddenly the dragon growled and lunged at the teen.
Matt, who hadn't expected an attack so quickly, was forced to the ground as the large dark digimon crept over him, preventing him from standing.
The Devidramon got down low as it brought its long snout down so that its mouth was only inches from Matt's face. The dragon then took its two clawed hands and wrapped its bony fingers around the teen's arms. The dragon's grip tightened ensuring that its prey could not escape as its eyes beamed with the thirst for blood.
WereGarurumon crouched and then ran to his approaching opponent. Once he had built up enough speed, he leapt into the air, and with a loud "Garuru Kick!" his large clawed foot collided with the Devidramon's head, forcing the dragon to the ground.
The ultimate had just enough time to scan the area. His yellow eyes went over the battlefield until they landed on his partner. A low and threaten growl escaped his throat once he saw his partner's predicament.
Quickly he ran towards Matt and the beast that had him pinned, but just as he was about to reach the two, another Devidramon dove down and blocked his path.
The dragon growled and slashed at the ultimate with its Crimson Claw attack forcing the werewolf back.
WereGarurumon jumped into the air, and was about to slice the dragon in his path with a powerful Wolf Claw, when something hit him from behind forcing him to the ground.
The ultimate hit the ground hard, then rolled over to see what had forced him into such a vulnerable position. His eye were blurred for a moment but they soon focused, and when they did he saw the first Devidramon, which had attacked him looming over him, with an almost curious look in its eyes, while the second Devidramon crouched near by.
Matt struggled defiantly, hoping to brake free from the Devidramon's grip but it was no use. Every time he moved the dragon would only tighten its hold. The last time Matt had tried to pull away the dark dragon rammed its talons into his arm causing him to yelp in pain and surprise.
The Devidramon growled sounding pleased with the response it received from the now injured boy.
Matt could feel the pressure on his arms increase as the champion brought its head even close to his face. He could feel the creature's hot breath upon his bare skin, the stench from the monster's breath reeked of blood. Hot drops of saliva dripped from the dragon's open mouth landing upon Matt's face, burning him like acid. Of course the creature's breath and saliva would leave no scars upon Matt's face, but the heat from them felt like fire on the teens exposed skin.
Matt whimpered slightly then groan in agitation. He hated being in such a vulnerable position, and the Devidramon's bloodthirsty stare wasn't helping. Fear really began to hit as the dragon brought its head lower to his left shoulder and prepared to tear through his flesh.
Matt panicked, his mind became a blur and adrenaline took over. With a loud grunt he brought his legs up placed them on the Devidramon's chest and pushed quickly.
The dragon screeched in surprise as he went flying off his prey and landed a good distance away.
Matt put his hands behind his head and in a swift motion jumped in the air and landed in a battle ready position on the ground.
WereGarurumon breathed a sigh of relief once he saw his partner was safe. He then turned his focus to the Devidramon looming over him and the Devidramon standing near his feet.
The beast by the werewolf's head growled low in its throat as it ran its tongue over its teeth.
Seeing the dragon's intentions only brought a deep urgency to WereGarurumon's mind. Quickly he made his left hand into a fist and with a loud growl he jammed his spiked knuckle piece into the Devidramon's lower jaw.
The dragon screeched in pain as it yanked its head up and took to the air, flying several feet away from the ultimate digimon.
WereGarurumon stood up just as the second Devidramon charged at him. The werewolf raised his large paws in defense and caught the dragon by its open jaws, then mustering up his strength he threw the great beast over his head, slamming it into its companion.
The two Devidramon hit the ground hard, both grunting a growling in pain.
Matt searched the battlefield for his partner, and then panicked when he saw his partner's position. The werewolf was on the ground with two Devidramon ready to feast on him.
The blond teen dashed in the direction of his fallen partner, but was stopped halfway by the final Devidramon.
The Devidramon growled as it crawled towards Matt. While the first Devidramon got back to its feet and approached him from behind. The two dragons closed the space around Matt and began to circle him. They crawled on their bony hands and feet, staying low to the ground as though they were preparing to pounce the teen.
Matt lowered his head and then closed his eyes. His senses took over and he could feel every being of power in the area. He could feel WereGarurumon, who had just catapulted his second Devidramon. He could feel the Devidramon; the dark dragons were only champions, yet they held the power of ultimates. He could also feel Ladydevimon, still imprisoned by the stone shell, but resting peacefully. Then another being clouded his senses making his partner, his fallen friend, and his opponents vanish. The power was like fire, burning in his body, his skin, and his mind. The fire was stronger then anything he had felt before and it soon became overpowering, forcing him to return to his battle.
WereGarurumon had a cocky smile as he approached the two fallen Devidramon and return to his battle stance.
The two Devidramon separated from one another then stood on their back legs with their long bony arms hanging limply. The two best chest expanded and retraced as they took deep breaths, and the many leather straps on their bodies flexed and then released as they looked at their dominate opponent.
WereGarurumon snarled in mockery of the beast then raised his and flexed his fingers calling the dragons back to the battle.
The two champion digimon looked at one another then took off into the air. Flying high into the sky they circled the battleground once more before returning to their respected pillars.
WereGarurumon gave a loud growl as if to say good riddance and then released a loud howl in triumph.
The two Devidramon continued to circle the boy until they felt that he was off his guard. Then in a swift leap they lunged at the teen.
Matt's head shot up just as they two Devidramon began their lung. Quickly he jumped up showing great acrobatics as he flipped in the air three times before landing on the ground and going down on one knee.
The two dragons stopped only seconds before they would have collided with one another. Then in perfect unisium they shifted their heads towards the boy on his knee. They both growled low threatening the boy and forcing him to return to his feet.
Matt's eyes narrowed upon the approaching dragons, then instead of waiting for the beast to reach him, he dashed towards the dragons dodging the first set of teeth which tried to come down on him.
Braking pass the first Devidramon defenses allowed Matt to catch the second off guard. Focusing his energy he swung his fist at the second dragon's chest hitting him rights where his heart should be.
The sound of bones cracking and scales tearing rang out once Matt's fist collided with the unsuspecting champion.
The Devidramon screeched and hissed in pain as it fell to the ground from the force of the blow.
The fist Devidramon used the distraction its companion created to its advantage, and when Matt's full attention was on the fallen dragon, the first beast swiped its tail knocking him to the ground.
Matt hit the stone floor hard, his vision blurred from the force of the impact, forcing him to rely on his other senses. He closed his eyes as the blurry vision made him a bit nauseous. Suddenly his mind opened up once more and he could feel the power of the two Devidramon, who were now looming over him.
Quickly he rolled to his left, trusting his instincts over his sight. He could hear the beast breathing, he could hear their heart beats, and he could hear every movement they made.
Just as Matt had learned to trust his hearing, he opened his eyes and found that his vision had return to normal, but his hearing still remained keen. Now he could see the still standing Devidramon approaching him once more.
Matt clenched his fist and suddenly a pale blue light began to glow from his hand, then the light grew darker and brighter.
The two Devidramon shielded their eyes from the light, and Matt used this as an opportunity to attack. Pulling his fist back he focused his energy once more. Then he brought his arm forward as though he were swapping at flies and blue energy flew out in the shade of a blade.
The energy was released from his arm so quickly that the Devidramon didn't have time to reach. The blast hit the two dragons and exploded.
The dark digimon screeched in pain and then fell to the ground.
Both shakily got up and then shook their heads to clear their minds. Then they both blinked clearing their vision and looked at their opponent.
Matt stood perfectly still. His head was held high and his eyes were as cold as ice.
The Devidramon saw that the teen was superior, and in respect of his victory they bowed their heads then jumped into the air. Like the Devidramon that WereGarurumon had defeated, the remaining two circled the site then flew to their pillars.
Once all four Devidramon were upon their perches, they shifted into a new position as their bodies once more transformed into stone. Now there were four Dark Dragon Digimon statues perched on their back legs, with their arms hanging comfortably to their sides, and their heads bowed low in reverence.
"Well that wasn't too difficult." WereGarurumon stated with a grin.
Matt smiled back for a moment then he turned his sight to his bleeding arms. The Devidramon's claws hadn't gone too deep, so the wounds wouldn't be fatal or very painful, but the irony of seeking out a healer only to get injured again showed the teen just how dangerous his life will be.
"Now what do you think we should do?" WereGarurumon questioned his friend.
"I don't know." The blond whispered back as he looked over the platform which had become a battle zone.
Suddenly the platform began to shake and smoke began to rise from the volcano and settle over the mountain.
"What's going on!?" Matt shouted over the sound of rumbling ground.
WereGarurumon headed towards the edge of the platform staggering back and forth as the shaking ground tossed him and Matt to and fro.
"The magma is spinning like a whirlpool!" the werewolf shouted once he had bent down and looked at the source of the shaking.
The ground began to shake even worse forcing Matt to the ground, then just as quickly as it had begun the shaking stopped. Everything was perfectly still, the smoke which had risen during the time of the earthquake now settled upon the volcano and was spinning in a whirlpool fashion just like the magma. The dark clouds produced by fire created a barrier between the Digi-World and the stars, blocking most of the full moon's light and creating a dark ceiling to match the dark platform.
Matt stood up slowly and was soon joined by WereGarurumon in the center of the platform.
"What just happened?" the blond asked as he regained control of his breathing.
"I have no idea, I'm just glad it's over." WereGarurumon replied, and received an agreeing nod from his partner.
Just as the two had regained composer, from their sudden attack of nature, something else erupted from the volcano. Gallons of hot magma shot out of the ground like fountains.
The explosion forced Matt to his knees, as WereGarurumon bent around the crouching boy and wrapped his long muscular arms around his partner, preparing to protect the Child of Friendship from any enemy.
The lava continued to shoot up into the sky. The fire like liquid surround the platform, but no a single drop left the main entity, nor did any of the burning rock so much as touch the platform.
WereGarurumon seeing that there was no immediate danger released Matt from his hold and stood up.
Matt slowly got up and looked at the lava in amazement. It wasn't that he was shocked by the shooting lava; if there was one thing that being the candidate for Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers had given him it was expectancy. After everything that had happened to him over the last few days, it would take a lot more then a few fireworks to phase him. So it wasn't out of shock that he stared at the lava in amazement it was out of delight. Delight because the lava, in all it's many reds, yellows, and oranges, was beautiful.
The lava reached up into the sky creating four colorful walls around the platform, and just as the two partners had grown at ease from the sudden eruption something new happened.
The lava shot up and merged creating a dome around the platform.
Inside the dome Matt and WereGarurumon stood in fear. It wasn't hot inside the dome; nor was difficult to breath, but the light from the lava had forced them to shield their eyes, since it seemed to increase once the dome had formed.
Then less then a minute after the dome was up the walls of the lava began to rise. The lava left the volcano completely and rose high until all that was left was a giant ball of burning liquid floating high above the volcano.
The ball slowly began to morph and take shape until at last a digimon was formed. The giant phoenix screech as though to warn the world that it had awakened; then its many red and yellow wings stretched out as the mega digimon twisted his neck from one side to another.
WereGarurumon looked up at the firebird in complete awe his mind was numb as he beheld the Digi-God of the South.
"Zhuqiaomon" Matt whispered to himself as he too stared at the floating digimon. 'His power is like fire, it's amazing, consuming. I hope he doesn't decided that we're his enemies, MetalGarurumon is strong, but definitely not strong enough to take on a Digi-God.' The teen thought to himself as he watched the bird digimon, whose attention was on anything but the digimon and human below.
Suddenly the phoenix snapped his head away from the air in front of him and turned his gaze to the boy below.
Matt felt uncomfortable under the stare of the Digi-God, and he felt even more uncomfortable when the giant mega swooped down and then stopped only a few yards away from him.
Matt turned so that he could look the mega fully in the eyes.
Zhuqiaomon's four red eyes never once left Matt's form. The crimson slits looked the teen over many times searching for something.
Matt didn't flinch or even blink under the Digi-God's stare, but he did feel uncomfortable. To him it felt like Zhuqiaomon was looking into his very soul, reading all his secrets like a book, and seeking out every flaw the boy possessed.
Matt held his ground but the contest of will was too much and he knew he wouldn't be able to handle the Digi-God's powerful gaze upon him much longer. Luckily for him Zhuqiaomon must have found what he was looking for, because at that moment he blinked and his eyes softened a bit. They still held a commanding and threatening gleam, which drove all to respect him, but now they were not so sharp.
"Who are you and why have you come to my resting place?" the phoenix's voice was deep, but it held a hint of youth and choleric that made him sound like a warrior.
Matt took a deep breath as he took an almost timed step forward and looked the Digi-God in the eyes.
"My name is Yamato Ishida; I am the Digidestined of Friendship, and my companions and I have sought you out at the commanded of Piedmon, the mega who was once Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." Matt stated, his voice displayed the confidence, which had left him the moment he locked eyes with the mega.
Zhuqiaomon sneered at the boy before him and then replied. "Piedmon, such a fool, he lead my digimon to ruin with his pathetic quest for revenge." Great malice dripped from every word that came from the phoenix's beak.
Matt looked to the ground as he tried to decide how to reply to that statement, unfortunately he couldn't think of a way so he simply spoke what came to his mind. "When I first came to this world Piedmon was my enemy, his anger towards Azulongmon was the very cause of the Digidestined existence, we fought against him, and in the end we destroyed him. It was by our hands that the Nightmare Soldiers fell, not his. But none of that matters now, it is all in the past. Piedmon lead the Nightmare Soldiers as best as he could, and I think of him now not as my enemy, but as the greatest opponent I ever faced." Matt explained his feelings towards the once leader of the Nightmare Soldiers.
'Where are these words coming from?' the teen thought to himself. 'How could I have changed so much in only a few days?'
"Elegantly put." Zhuqiaomon spoke brining Matt out of his thoughts.
Matt saw through the praise and knew that the mega was not impressed with him.
"You still need to answer my question; why have you come here? I know that it is not due to Piedmon's request." The Digi-God questioned once more; his voice held a dangerous tone to it, which ensured that he would receive an honest answer.
"I am here because I defeated Piedmon therefore making me the candidate to be the new Lord of the Nightmare Soldiers." Matt stated bluntly. His voice almost had a demanding tone, as he grew aggravated with the Digi-God's games.
Zhuqiaomon almost growled at the boy and his arrogance, but he contained his anger. "Piedmon may have been a fool, but at least he knew his place!"
"Really was that before or after he sealed you and the other Digi-God's away?" Matt snapped back with a mocking smile.
"Yamato!" WereGarurumon hissed under his breath.
Matt ignored his partner and continued to glare at, in his opinion the far to arrogant, Digi-God.
Zhuqiaomon stared deep into Matt's angered glare. The flame in his own glare could not melt the rebellious wall around Matt's eyes of ice.
Suddenly the mega began to laugh; his laugh sounded mocking, but also pleased.
"Tell me boy why did you even come here when you truly do not wish to be the new ruler of the South?" the phoenix asked.
Matt's eyes widened in shock at Zhuqiaomon's accusation. "What makes you think I don't want to be the new Lord?" he shot back.
Zhuqiaomon's beak twisted into a grin. "Well why would a Digidestined want to be the ruler of a group of digimon as remorseless as the Nightmare Soldiers. After all they have been your enemies from the very beginning. Even now your friends are seeking you out. They are hunting for you with only one goal, and that is to destroy you, just as you destroyed Piedmon. What do you think they will do when they find out? Do you think they'll accept you back; that they'll just ignore the fact that you are the leader of their enemies. You won't go back to them as the same person; you will never truly be the Child of Friendship again." Zhuqiaomon's voice held no pity for the now very distressed teen.
Matt hung his head, his mind was whirling with fear, doubt, even self-hatred, as the mega digimon had done exactly what he planed. He brought up every little thought that Matt had subconsciously pushed away about being the new Lord.
"I know." He finally whispered as he turned his eyes from the ground back to the mega digimon.
"What?" Zhuqiaomon asked in both bewilderment and shock.
Matt's face was calm, but streaks could be seen running down his pale checks where a few tears had fallen. "I know." he repeated himself this time he voice was stronger and louder.
"I know I will not be the same person that I was, I'm not the same person now. We grow and learn everyday, and the things I know have caused me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Even if this knowledge is taken away from me it doesn't mean I will loose the lessons I have learned from it." Matt stated with confidence before he took a deep breath and continued. "And even if my friends never trust me again it won't change the way I feel about them. You can take away my crest and the title of Digidestined, but you can't take away my friendship. You can never hurt the love I have for my partner, my friends, and my family, because that kind of love can't be broken with words or force. And I will give that love to the digimon of the South, your people, if you let me."
The teen now had no fear, no doubts; if this was going to be the end then he was at lest going to go out trying.
Zhuqiaomon stared at the teen with emotionless eyes. Silence filled the area as the Digi-God looked upon the Child of Friendship. Suddenly the cold emotionless state passed and respect and kindness enter the flaming crimson eyes of the Digi-God of the South.
"The Digi-Core shall be honored to meet you at last Child of Friendship. Go to your test with my blessings." Zhuqiaomon at last spoke.
Matt smiled glad to have Zhuqiaomon's favor, but soon his smile faded as a whirling flame surrounded him in a circle. At first all he could see was circling fire and then darkness and silence.
~*~*~
The darkness was intoxicating, I felt like I could remain in the blissful shadows forever. Here there was no pain, no fear, no regrets, only silence and darkness. The sounds of stillness were like ice; it makes no since, but there really is no other way to describe it. It is cool, no cold but absolutely intoxicating. I feel completely numb but more alive then ever before. I could lay in the cold, still, silence forever; with only the darkness as company. There could be no more pain, no more fear; just this absolutely beautiful solace.
"Matt"
Just a whisper, that's all it was. No enough to brake the darkness, but more then enough to shatter the silence.
"Matt, please wake up. Matt"
Not a whisper, but a plea, a loud painful plea. I don't want to leave my solace.
"Matt please!"
More then a plea. I just want to remain here, here in this abyss of peace, but that voice.
"Matt you just have to wake up."
Tears, why is he crying? It can't be for me. Why is he crying?
"Matt please, don't leave me, you promised you'd never leave me!"
Is he angry? I promised I would never leave him, but I didn't leave him. He's here, I'm here. We're both here, but he's in the light. He is in the warm, welcoming glow of light; I am here in my solace, in the blissful silence of darkness. I did leave him, I promised I won't, but I did. I have to go back, I have to go back to him.
"I think he's waking up!"
Another voice, not his, but I know it too.
"Matt?"
Why do my eyes lids feel as heavy as led? Light! Why is it so bright here?
"TK?" my voice is shaky, and the light hurts my eyes.
"Matt are you okay?"
I know that voice; it's my best friend, Tai. I wonder what he is doing here, better yet what is TK doing here? They shouldn't be here; I'm suppose to be alone. This is my test, I'm suppose to be alone.
"How do you feel?"
That's Mimi's voice, Mimi is here.
"My head hurts." I heard my own voice choke out as my eyes finally began to adjust to the intense light. "What are all of you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing, we were really worried about you after you disappeared."
Sora certainly sounded worried. But I don't understand, how long have I been gone.
"How long was I missing?"
"Well you disappeared right after the Bakemon attacked. I'm don't know what happened to you, but I was waiting in your apartment with TK when all of the sudden this light surrounded us, and the next thing I knew we where here."
Tai's explanation certainly is vague. I felt his arms wrap around me and pull me to my feet. Another dizzy spell, why am I so dizzy?
"You okay?"
This time it was Joe. Tai steadied me on my feet as Joe laid his hand on my forehead, I guess he's checking to see if I have a fever.
"Well your tempter feels normal. When was the last time you ate something?"
Always the good doctor. "Breakfast." My voice had returned to its normal tone, that's a good sign.
"Breakfast!" TK and Tai shouted, I never noticed how load those two were.
"Matt you promised you'd start eating more."
My brother, he fusses over me far too much, but I think I love him ever bit as more for it. How'd I get so lucky as to have such a wonderful ray of hope?
"Well I would have, but as you can tell there really isn't any food here." I'm not angry, but I can't let him get away without some kind of sarcastic remark.
Well my remark worked, it earned a smile from TK, which meant he was calming down a bit. I certainly am calm. I thought I was being sent to meet the Digi-Core.
"This certainly is an unusual place, it reminds me of when Apocylomon de-configured us and sent us into some strange world of data."
I think Izzy is actually enjoying this. He's probably formulating theories right now. I have a theory of my own, Zhuqiaomon lied to me, and this whole thing was some kind of trap. How could I have been so foolish? Maybe it was all just a dream.
"I don't care how fascinating you think this place is, Izzy; just find us a way out."
Tai's reassumed his place as leader.
"Well that is easier said then done, first off I think we should figure out how we got here; then maybe we can find a way back."
Yeah that sounds like a plan.
"Well I got here the same way Tai and TK did."
Nothing special happened to Yolie, or Davis, Ken and Cody.
"Same here."
Mimi certainly is handling this well.
"Okay so we basically all lit up like night-lights and viola we're here."
Tai certainly knows how to lighten the mood.
"What about you Matt?"
Leave it to TK to not over look me.
"Well I passed out on the way here, so I don't really remember what happened."
Okay so I lied.
"Well why don't we look around, maybe there's a portal out of here or something."
Davis may not always seem like the sharpest tool in the shed, but he certainly knows how to take care of business.
"Good idea let's go."
Nice to know Tai hasn't panicked. With his command I see the other head off in what I am calling east, although I really have no idea which way it is.
"Come on Matt!"
Wake up Matt, TK's calling you.
"Coming!"
Why do I have such a bad feel about this?
~*~*~
I'm really sorry that I had to end it there, I had originally planed to go much further with this chapter, but I just found out I may not have accesses to Microsoft word for a week, and since I didn't want you to have to wait another week for the next chapter I decided to make a slight cliffhanger and update it now. Wow that was one long sentence.
Anyway tell me what you thought of the last part, it's in Matt's POV for a reason, which will be revealed in the next chapter. So please tell me how I did on the whole chapter, but especially the end because I am trying to improve my writing in POV.
Okay I will really try to get the next chapter out soon, because I didn't get a chance to finish the last part. So please review, and again I apologize for the crummy ending.