Children of the Digital

by Debbie Dai-chan

Part Fourteen: Get a comfortable seat and popcorn, people, because this chapter is a longie. You probably want to take a couple of breaks in between. :p The Nature Children go off to talk with Holy Beasts and Oikawa and Seijamon have their moments.

6. The Battle with the Vampire

I actually feel bad for holding this saga back too long because I do think the saga is progressing really well. I really want to finish it so you can see what I thought of the history of Digimon, Daematermon, and everything else. This is the most profound and most detailed saga I'd ever worked on and I enjoy working on it very much. :)

This chapter is very new. The past chapters are only the reformatted chapters from the earliest drafts. This chapter is completely new and very active. It's all about fighting, old fashioned fighting between good and evil. I'm quite proud of it.

Now I will let you read it and enjoy yourself. :)

What is a disclaimer, I ask? ^_~

Children of the Digital:

Part Six: The Battle with the Vampire

By Debbie (Dai-chan)

It was raining.

Raindrops drizzled from grey clouds that recently gathered together in the azure sky. It was odd, indeed, for just several minutes ago, the weather was clear and warm, and now as if it knew it couldn't last, the climate became gloomy and dark. The clouds blocked the sun, dimming the sunlight, looking like it was just before twilight. The rain wasn't heavy, lightly falling upon the two creatures flying eastward above the rippling ocean.

Cleo didn't even try to brush back damp hair as she kept a tight hold around Ruigumon's neck. She was 'piggybacked' on her back, the butterfly being one of the fastest Digimon. Cleo had sensed a new presence, a new kind of Digimon that she barely recognized as a Virus type. She couldn't sense any danger, like Frankie could, but she did sense something wrong. She could feel the fabric of reality of the Digiworld being twisted and tainted inside her mind. That Digimon was something wrong that should not have been made. She knew that the wrongness was hurting the Digiworld, and she insisted to go find out.

Taichi had agreed with her suggestion and encouraged her to go first so she could find out and warn the Digidestined afterward. The Digidestined and Digimon were preparing to depart the island when she and her Digimon took off.

She kept her eyes forward, trying to see the approaching mainland, the wrongness pulsating in her mind. Slowly, she began to see a mass of blackness appearing from among the mainland. She felt the wrongness from it, unsightly and titanic. It stood in one place, two upper limbs swaying around like it was trying to snatch something out of the air.

"What is that?" Cleo uttered.

"I don't know . . ." Ruigumon shook her head, frowning. She slowed down into a hovering stop. "Looks like . . ."

"Wait a second!" Cleo narrowed her eyes, remembering the vague details.

A huge, giant creature stood on two legs, the leathery skin greasy black, somewhat like oil on water, muscles budging underneath. The arms were so long that the hands reached beyond the knees, but the creature was not hunched, standing tall and haughty. The hands were claw-like with long fingers, topped with curled red nails. A torn pair of dark red pants enfolded his thick legs, the tattered ends cut just below his knees.

His head was beastly; it was hard to tell if it was the face of a bear or a snake or even a human. A lipless mouth grinned malevolently beneath a pointed, hawk-like nose. A pair of bat wings, also black and greasy, spread from the sides of his head, a disgusting imitation of Patamon's bat-wing ears. He also had long dirty blond hair, spiked and matted. His eyes were slanted, the pupils slit like a snake, the irises deep, glowing golden.

Cleo gasped in horror. "He looks like Venommyotismon!" She could still remember the hideous Digimon four years ago.

"What?!" Ruigumon was disbelieved. "It can't be. He is dead, finally dead!"

Cleo shook her head. "I'm uncertain it is actually him, though. We're too far to tell."

Ruigumon nodded, glancing back. "We need to get closer."

Cleo gazed back over her shoulder. She could see tiny figures of the swimming and flying Digimon getting close. Should she wait for them to arrive or continue to get closer to the Digimon? She sighed. She promised to find more about the Digimon, and she didn't find enough. She then tightened her hold, saying, "Right. Let's go."

The Butterfly Digimon resumed her flight, her wings fluttering faster to get ahead of the coming group. After a moment, Cleo noticed tiny dusts drifting past them, all in different colors, but she wasn't sure they were dust balls. They looked familiar. They looked like pixels that made the Digiworld and Digimon.

"That monster is destroying Digimon!" she cried in dismay as she realized the horrible fate.

Ruigumon was outraged, didn't notice the pixels until now. She clenched her fists, growling, "No Digimon has the right to do that!" In her blind anger, she soared forward, but almost suddenly, her growl was cut off by a terror-stricken choke strangling her throat. She jerked into a stop, so sudden, that Cleo was just lucky to have her arms held tight, or she would have fallen into the ocean.

"Ruigumon!" Cleo exclaimed, worried, as Ruigumon struggled to take a breath, her hands clawing at her throat. "Ruigumon, what's wrong?!"

The Digimon only gave nothing before she stopped her wings in motion, and she lost consciousness. Cleo screamed as they plunged down into the icy-cold ocean. Panicking, she thrashed about, trying to find the surface, and finally, she broke through the waters, gasping for breath. Spitting out water, she then yelled for her Digimon.

She saw Ruigumon just regaining her consciousness and she swan toward her, deeply worried. Ruigumon appeared pale, breathing labored, and she was relieved when Cleo arrived. Cleo wrapped her arms around her Digimon's neck, both for keeping afloat and giving her comfort.

"Ruigumon, what happened?" she asked.

Ruigumon took another breath, her face haggard. "I . . . I don't know. All of a sudden, I couldn't breathe. There is . . . foulness in the air."

Cleo blinked. "Foulness?"

The Butterfly nodded. "The air is corrupted and it comes from him." She turned to point a finger toward the dark creature.

Cleo was puzzled. How could her Digimon feel foulness and she didn't? Then her hearing perked at the call of her name. She gazed upward and back. Kabuterimon was flying near and near, and she could make out the five figures on his head, one calling her name.

"Cleo!" Koushiro was shouting on the top of his lungs, over Kabuterimon's buzzing. "Cleo, are you -"

He was cut off by the sudden chokes of Kabuterimon. Cleo widened her eyes in fright, as Kabuterimon appeared to convulse, his claws going to his throat. Like Ruigumon . . . A golden light came around the bug and in an instant, dedigivolved back into his Rookie stage. Her heart clenched as the small bug, Koushiro, Taichi, Yamato, Agumon, and Gabumon pummeled right into the water. Cleo's mind wanted to swim to them to see if they were all right, but her body was immobile, as she watched the same spectacle happening to the coming Digimon.

Birdramon and Aquilamon seemed to be pulled in place, choking screeches escaping their throats. Again the golden light surrounded them and forced them to dedigivolve into Rookies. Sora, Mimi, Palmon, Biyomon, Miyako, Willis, Hawkmon, Terriermon and Lopmon fell in the water. But they were all right, shocked and shaken at what just happened.

Ikkakumon was nearing behind, and Cleo could hear Jyou shouting. She watched as Ikkakumon's ice blue eyes widened and he suffocated. His huge body rocked and his movements knocked Jyou, Kimika, Ken, Iyumon, and Wormon right off and right in the water. Then Ikkakumon dedigivolved back into Gomamon, looking suddenly drained. Seadramon was behind and he didn't make a choke, but instead lost consciousness, sinking in the water. As he dedigivolved into Betamon, Michael, Frankie, and Elecmon tumbled into the water.

Cleo was concerned about the safety of the kids and Digimon, but something else struck her speechless. She noticed that the Armor Digimon, Pegasusmon, Nefertimon, and Submarimon didn't dedigivolve at all. A recall appeared in her head, somewhat waking her to the Armor Digimon's capability.

Taichi's voice broke through her thoughts as he shouted, "Is everybody alright?" Around her, she heard tired and confused voices saying 'yes' and 'kind of'. The Digimon looked suddenly fatigued and weak, and the Digidestined were worried, bewildered at what just happened.

"Come on," Taichi encouraged, "swim to the shore!"

Cleo wondered how could Ruigumon swim when she was exhausted, but Ruigumon, being a flying Digimon, wanted to get out of the water, as well as some of the Digimon. The group made efforts to swim toward the shore. The Armor Digimon helped out, picking out and carrying Digimon too tired to move. They arrived to the shore, and the Digidestined were the ones who tried to help the Digimon moving on. Cleo wobbled under Ruigumon's weight as she aided her to sit down on the sand. There, she collapsed, worn out from the long swim. Cleo glanced around, taking in the sights of the tired Digimon and kids. She heard the Digidestined questioning the Digimon what was the matter. The Digimon responded with haggard expressions that they were struck by a horrible foulness in the air, like the air was corrupted and they were forced to lose energy. They had no idea how, but they knew that they were now helpless, their energy gone.

She saw Frankie standing up. His face was dour as he faced the forest near the beach.

"Danger . . ." he said to all, pointing forward. "There is great danger out there."

Cleo turned to look, but rain and trees blocked her vision. She would guess that the danger Frankie was feeling was the dark creature. Again her heart clenched, wondering at the wrongness she felt. It was wrong! That monster can't be existent or the very existence would hurt the Digiworld. She was worried if they should go ahead and fight him. He looked too powerful and he would destroy -

An abrupt chorus of death screams sounded from within the forest. Cleo gasped, whirling around, preparing to face whoever screamed, as the others did. She saw nothing, but the screams continued, and the horror and pain tore to her beating heart.

"The Digimon . . ." Sora whispered, her voice shaking with emotions.

"How can we save them?" Michael said, his face darkening with distress. "We are too exhausted." Sure enough, he couldn't stand up, his limbs sore.

"And we can't fight if we can't digivolve . . ." Agumon was the one who spoke. The rest of the Digimon nodded.

Cleo could feel the pain and helplessness in the minds and she was shocked. She thought that they would go ahead and fight even though they were too tired. She had to help them! But how . . .? She glanced around and her eyes landed on Pegasusmon and Nefertimon, who stood nearby. Submarimon has dedigivolved back to Armadillomon on his will, not by the foulness. She didn't get it. How can it be possible? The Champion Digimon have dedigivolved because they can't resist the powerfulness of the foulness, and yet the Armor Digimon were still in their Armor Stages. They didn't lose any energy. They were . . . protected . . .

Cleo blinked, remembering. She remembered what Prophetmon told her about the Armor Digieggs, long before the New Kids found them. Prophetmon has said, 'The Armor Digieggs may help the Digimon resist the power of the Control Spires, but there are more to them than meets the eye. There's a way for the Digimon to block the darkness. You have to watch carefully.'

She got it. Standing up on wobbly knees, Cleo said, "Wait, there is a way."

All gazed over to her. "What is it?" Kimika asked.

Cleo pointed over to the Armor Digimon. "Look at them. They didn't digivolve." Then the answer popped in her mind and she grinned. "That's it! The Armor Digieggs! The Armor Digieggs can block the dark energy from the Control Spires, right? Then they probably can block the corruption!"

The group was truly surprised, as they comprehended the fact. Koushiro spoke, "It could be possible. Pegasusmon and Nefertimon didn't lose energy because they are protected."

"But would nine Armor Digimon be enough against that Digimon?" Miyako said, pointing toward where the unseen creature was.

Taichi glanced over to her and nodded. "It's true . . ." He turned to the Old Kids, saying, "Our Digimon might have to digivolve into Mega to help out."

"Is that wise?" Yamato voiced. "They are too tired."

"No, Matt," Gabumon said. "We may lose most of our energy, but I think we have enough to digivolve into Mega." The rest of the Digimon also nodded.

Taichi smiled, and then looked to Miyako. "Go ahead."

Miyako nodded and stood up. "Alright, guys, let's show who is the New Digidestined around here!"

The New Kids shouted encouragements and stood up. As one, eight hands, clenching their D-3s, shot up in the air. Eight voices yelled in unison. "Digi-Armor, Energize!"

Veemon, Armor-digivolve into . . . Raidramon, the Storm of Friendship!

Hawkmon, Armor-digivolve into . . . Shurimon, the Samurai of Sincerity!

Armadillomon, Armor-digivolve into . . . Digmon, the Power of Knowledge!

The silver Crest of Empathy - an extended line twisted itself into a rainbow with a swirl at one end - slowly spins in place as a revolving Wormon and the rotating Digiegg of Empathy appear, then they combine together to Digivolve.

Wormon, Armor-Digivolve into . . .

Wormon is surrounded by a silver aura as thin rings of the rainbow arise from below. As silver rays enshroud him, the Digimon Guardians of Empathy appear in vague images - the heedful Iyumon, the humane Rianmon, and the mysterious Nightrianmon.

A razor-sharp thick tail impels through the mist. Two gigantic wings full of pure silver feathers open wide, free from the swirling clouds. Then two slanting reptilian eyes, an exquisite ice-blue color, twinkle from the eyeholes of a shapely mask. He makes coiling movements, twisting his lengthy body majestically, and then floats in midair as plumes of silver spread outward from behind on an indigo background.

A majestic winged snake is to be believed as a bearer of fortune in some cultures. Good luck does he bear for his friends and bad luck for his enemies. His whole body is one long length and limbless, ending up into a muscular red-tipped tail that can rip flesh again with a fierce slash. His scales are small, elliptical, mingled together as if welded. The scales are dazzling silver with red lines around the edges, all over his body. It's no wonder that his name means 'quicksilver'.

Two impressive wings sprout from behind his head, the feathers silver with black tips. His only other armor is a smooth black-lined silver helmet that encloses around his entire head. The symbol of the Crest of Empathy is emblazoned on the front of the helmet, colored dark grey. The ice-blue eyes, so much alike to Wormon's own eyes, are full of kindness with a touch of slyness.

But remember, he may look charming, but underneath that beautiful appearance, he's a snake with an attitude.

. . . Suiginmon, the Fortune of Empathy!

The white Crest of Soul - a downward soaring comet with a half-moon as its head - slowly spins in place as a revolving Betamon and the rotating Digiegg of Soul appear, and then they combine together to Digivolve.

Betamon, Armor-Digivolve into . . .

Betamon is surrounded by a snow-white aura as rings of bluish-white ice arise from below. As white rays encircle him, the Digimon Guardians of Soul appear in the background in vague images - the cheerful Elecmon, the eager Mamemon, and the powerful Metalmamemon.

A crescent-shaped blade fastened to the top of a long wooden staff is clasped in a firm left fist, appearing from the clouds of white. The right-gloved fist lined with tiny feathers of blue exposes out. Then the clouds evaporate to display a stern face of a tan-furred coyote underneath a headdress of colorful plumes. Golden slanted eyes wisely open, seeming to glow with mystical power. He rotates to a side, grasping the long staff behind him, as a yellow-hued moon rises in the pale blue background.

A coyote standing on his hind paws is clad in night blue leather clothing: a sleeveless vest embellished with long fringes around the chest and loose knee-length pantaloons sewn with patches of stars and crescents. His pointed ears are seen through the feather headdress, and a long thick tail of glossed tan fur sways behind him.

Yet, the simple clothing and headdress that seemed unprotected against physical attacks are in fact made of the indestructible Chrondigizoid. The weapon he bears is lethal, the red blade touched with poison, craved with the Crest of Soul on the sides, and the wooden staff is emblazoned with strange runes that only he can invoke their power through.

The golden eyes of the coyote possess the supernatural powers of the Trickster Deity, touched with the strong protection for his companions.

 . . . Bravemon, the Native of Soul!

The lilac Crest of Heart - a half-heart with a four-pointed star in the center - slowly spins in place as the revolving Terriermon and Lopmon, and the rotating Digiegg of Heart appear, and then they combine together to Digivolve.

Terriermon and Lopmon, Armor-Digivolve into . . .

Lilac mists surround the twin brothers as tiny butterflies fluidly flutter around. As those fey butterflies encircle them, the Digimon Guardians of Heart appear in the back ground in vague images - the promising Honemon, the humble Dewimon, and the dynamic Ruigumon.

Huge butterfly wings the color of fresh milk flutter gracefully from clouds of the tiny butterflies as a clawed gauntlet of deep yellow appear out. Then the insects vanish to reveal two heads, side by side. Two eyes of black glow with boldness from one head as the hidden eyes sparkle from behind a diamond-jeweled helmet. A flash of white, a slash of gold, and then two steadfast guardians pose in the center, one hovering above the other, as white butterflies soar from behind on the background of pale orange.

One who stands earthbound is a fierce warrior of his strength. Humanoid, he's clad in armor made of unbreakable gold. A polished breastplate is set on his bare robust chest, emblazoned with a half-heart on the center for his name, and plates of gold fortify over his black-panted thick legs. His strong hands are gloved with golden gauntlets, armed with long claws as lethal weapons. His hair is formed into a golden topknot, the color of the sun, clouding around his board shoulders, letting his rabbit ears swaying free.

His brother is airborne, the guardian of the sky. A gentle one, he's clad in a humble tabard of white, fluttering about his legs, tied around his waist with a red belt. He also wears white loose pantaloons, but he's bare-chested underneath, just like his brother. On his back, graceful butterfly wings keep him aloft, all white and magnificent. His head is protected by the diamond-jeweled white helm, his billowing silvery white hair flowing behind his back. On the front of the helmet, a four-pointed star is imprinted on, the symbol of his name, as well.

They say that brothers are at their highest power when together, and as soon as you observe these brothers of faith in battle, you will know that nothing shall divide between them.

 . . . Kokoromon and Hoshimon, the Princes of Heart!

The New mounted the flying Armor Digimon and took off to the air as the land Armor Digimon followed behind. The Old Kids watched them departing, their hearts yearning to join the battle and yet their minds knew that they were powerless. Even with their powers, the Old Kids still felt helpless, left behind. The Old Digimon looked different; they were thrilled, battle fire raging in their eyes. They finally got the ability to digivolve into the highest stage. They wanted to fight. They were born to fight.

Jyou turned his gaze to Taichi, saying, "Tai, are you sure we should let our Digimon digivolve into Mega that soon?"

Gomamon gave him an annoyed look. "Don't tell me you are still pessimistic."

Jyou crossed his arms, looking worried. "I'm worried, that's all."

"I understand your concerns," Mimi said.

"But Mimi, I know I can do it," protested Palmon. Her soft green eyes were hardened, eager. "You have to let me."

The Digimon nodded, their bodies tense and ready. They gazed up to their Digidestined with pleading looks and some of the Digidestined sighed and the others were hesitant. The group suddenly flinched at the abrupt explosions that nearly shook the ground. They could see the air lifting dirt upward, forming a dust storm. All the Digidestined's face slowly frowned, recalling their oath to protect the Digimon and the Digiworld.

"Palmon is right," Taichi said, his voice like fire. "They need help, and we have to fight, all of us." He gazed to each of them, directly and determined. His hand curled around his new D-3. "There is no turning back. Are you ready, Digidestined?"

The Digidestined took off their D-3s, clenching them, and they nodded with boldness. In unison, the eight Digidestined directed the D-3s upward; each of the devices radiated with its characteristic color, as Cleo's Crest of Heart again glowed to give Ruigumon fresh energy. And the Digimon digivolved.

Agumon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Wargreymon!

Gomamon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Preciomon!

Iyumon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Silvedramon!

Palmon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Rosemon!

Tentomon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Herculeskabuterimon

Gabumon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Metalgarurumon!

Biyomon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Phoenixmon!

Elecmon, Warp-digivolve into . . . Paemon!

***

(A/N: . . . Herculeskabuterimon . . . (winces) Long names . . . gah . . .

Dai: Quick, Demy, tranquilize her. Debbie is traumatized at the long name.)

***

From her seat behind Hikari, Miyako inhaled in a breath as she witnessed the creature. She has never seen such a monster before. The creature didn't look ugly or repulsive. He had the creepy appearance, but otherwise, he was powerful and prideful. Miyako watched him from on Nefertimon, her dun eyes studying the movements. His back was facing them, and he was using his arms to sweep the air as if swatting at the bugs, which he did. She heard Nefertimon quietly growling as the pixels drifted past them. Miyako felt her heart clenching at the Bug Digimon's deletions, but she kept her mouth shut. The Digimon's lives were at the sake and she had to trust herself to make the battle worthwhile.

The creature stopped and turned to face them, as if he knew they were there all along. Miyako inwardly flinched at the fierce face that was grinning with sadistic delight. He cocked his head at the tiny winged cat in the air and slowly crossed his arms. He just grinned and waited. His eyes struck Miyako in an unusual sensation. It was so weird. When the rest of him was devious, his eyes were angelic. His eyes were dark golden, sparkling with energy, and yet they were angelic eyes. She was fascinated of his eyes.

"Yolei, what should we do?" Hikari's words broke through her thoughts. Miyako then frowned to herself. She didn't get it. It seemed that every time the New Kid fought, they looked to her for leadership. Even Daisuke. She knew she did have some leadership traits, but as a leader? She suddenly felt uneasy, not because they saw her as a leader, but because she was afraid that she would fail them.

She took a breath and looked back. Four Armor Digimon were floating behind Nefertimon, waiting for the order to attack. Ken has mounted Suiginmon and his twilight blue eyes were on her. Miyako's cheeks lightly reddened and looked over to Takeru, who was on Pegasusmon, holding Iori in front, they watching the creature with a mix of disgust and fright. Shurimon and Hoshimon calmly lingered, their bodies otherwise eager. She then looked down. Although she didn't see them from above the thick-padded trees, Daisuke, Michael, Willis with Raidramon, Kokoromon, Digmon, and Bravemon were waiting.

Miyako turned to the flying Digimon and said, "Stand by." Then she said to Nefertimon, "Get close."

"What?" Nefertimon hissed. "Are you crazy?"

Miyako thinned her lips, but Hikari soothed her Digimon, "Please, Nefertimon. Yolei knows what to do."

'I don't know what to do! Oh, sheesh . . .' the Mistress sourly thought to herself.

Nefertimon wasn't very happy about that, but she moved closer, her white eyes hard on the creature. The creature appeared amused, grinning, and Miyako had the shivers that she just knew that there was no way to beat him. She cleared her breath and said, "Who are you?"

The creature arched his eyebrows and spoke. His voice was so deep and rumbling. "You ask me?"

"I'm the Mistress of the New Digidestined." Miyako then mentally recoiled at herself for sounding like a bug challenging an elephant. She crossed her arms. "We demand you to stop hurting the Digimon. They did nothing to you."

The creature nodded. "True, you are right, Mistress. But is it so wrong to show my strength?"

"Not when you hurt them!" Hikari uttered.

The golden eyes turned to her and he shook his head. "Hmm . . . you all are naïve. I'm not hurting them. I'm just playing."

Miyako heard Nefertimon speaking to herself, "He sounds familiar."

The creature heard her speaking with his sensitive hearing. He then grinned. "Hello, Gatomon. I'm sure you remember me when I was only a Rookie, serving our old Master. Do you remember?"

Nefertimon gasped in shock. "Can't be!"

"What is it, Nefertimon?" Hikari said, worried.

"He . . . he's Demidevimon!" Nefertimon exclaimed in disbelief. Hikari was speechless, her tan eyes on the creature.

"Who is Demidevimon?" Miyako demanded. The creature answered her.

"I was Demidevimon, but now I'm Vampdevimon," the creature said. He then grinned, spreading his arms, as if showing off himself. "This is my Mega form. Impressive, no?"

"Demidevimon was deleted long ago!" Nefertimon denied in incredulity. "He cannot be reborn because he was deleted in the real world."

Vampdevimon narrowed his golden eyes, locked on the white cat. His voice was then very low, soft and disapproving. "You spent too much time in the human world, Gatomon. You forgot that anything could happen here." He then pointed a bulky hand toward them.

Miyako's heart throbbed loudly and pained, her instincts bursting. He was going to attack! Her voice was shrill, "Retreat! Retreat!"

Nefertimon didn't respond. The angelic golden eyes were captivating, her white eyes attracted to them. Her body seemed to slacken, her wings slowing down. Hikari was yelling at her to move out of the way, but to no success.

"Dark Fire!" The Vampire Digimon's hand began to glow with a horrible black light with red lightning licking around. A ray of completely black fire with red-tinted lightning fired out from his hand. Miyako made a scream as the fire enveloped the girls and Digimon. The fire seemed to suck out energy from her body, her skin sizzling in powerful pain. Yet the fire left no burns on her skin. Miyako heard her DNA partner crying out in pain, and suddenly, a golden light appeared around Nefertimon. Nefertimon's body slackened into motionlessness, and she dedigivolved into her Champion form, leaving herself and the girls plummeting downward!

"Kari! Yolei!" Daisuke was yelling from below.

The air stabbed coldness in her sore skin as Miyako fell. She had an unbreakable grip on Hikari's arm, and the pink-clad girl had the unconscious Gatomon in her other arm. Miyako's mind was blank, not fully realizing her crisis. Though, she was imploring that someone will help them. Miyako closed her eyes, waiting for the impact, but something stopped her. Something around her waist. She could feel a strong force of wind whistling around her waist, and she opened her eyes in surprise. A ring of red wind whirled around her waist, keeping her afloat. Hikari was also afloat with the red wind ring around her. The winds were the only thing to keep them from becoming smears on the ground.

"How . . .?" Miyako said, astonished.

Hikari seemed to know the reason. Holding her Gatomon protectively, she let go of Miyako's hand and pointed upward, a beaming smile on her face. "Sora!"

Miyako gazed upward as a shadow came over her. Soaring in front of the clouds, a gigantic dragon flapped her wings. She was a Cyborg dragon, from her looks. Her scales were wide and silvery all over, but her wings and tail were of a different color and of a different metal. Her wings were made of metal, dark blue, and her tail was also blue, splitting into three ends, each topping with a lethally sharp tip. A soft mane of blue surrounded her head, underneath a golden mask that covered her snout and face. Her eyes were dark blue, glaring out. On the mask, a white horn protruded out from her forehead. She wore golden armor, as well, covering her back and legs, lining with blue. Dark manacles encircled her wrists and ankles.

Three girls sat on her back, holding on her mane. Kimika sat near the dragon's head, Sora behind, and Cleo at the end. Ruigumon was flying nearby, ready for battle. Sora was the one who was glowing red, her hand up. Miyako immediately knew that Sora was the one who kept the girls afloat, using her power.

The dragon, Silvedramon, the Mega of Iyumon, turned to Vampdevimon, who simply watched back, a smile playing on his lips. She glared and spread her metallic wings. Her voice was metallic and she shouted out, "Silver Tempest!"

A hissing sound was heard as her wings began to glow with silver light. Silver gusts wafted and stormed toward Vampdevimon. The Silver Tempest may be piercing in its edges, but it hardly scratched him.

"He's too strong!" the faint voice of Cleo was heard.

Silvedramon tried again, increasing her attacks. Vampdevimon only laughed in scorn, as the attacks again did nothing.

Miyako watched on in despair. She couldn't believe it. Vampdevimon was absolutely powerful! Even more powerful than Black Wargreymon or even Myalomyotismon! It didn't seem normal. Vampdevimon can't be that vigorous. That was what Miyako feeling from him. Too much power.

"Hey, need help?" a silky feminine voice questioned from behind.

Miyako and Hikari turned around and saw a new Mega Digimon floating before them. A humanoid, she was, a human dressed like a rose. She was clad in a dark red uniform that showed off her shoulders and belly, leathery and form fitting. Thigh-length black boots hugged her legs, and vines encircled her arms, her red-gloved hands clutching the ends. She wore a kind of cloak that illustrated as a rose's leaves. Outside, it was dark green, and the underneath was white-silver. The leaves that surrounded her neck were part of her cloak, and she wore a mask that characterized a rose's head, hiding her eyes and nose. Her lips were dark red, full and sensuous. Long fair hair was tied at the end with a rose-red ribbon. Miyako felt awkward and plain compared to the rose's beauty.

Rosemon, the Mega of Palmon, smiled at the girls and again said, "Do you need help, princesses?"

Hikari glanced down to Gatomon and whispered, "Gatomon is terribly hurt." Miyako looked at the cat. It was kind of odd that the cat Digimon had burns of the Dark Fire, but the girls didn't have any. Perhaps, she was a Digimon, and the attack had the effect only on her. Gatomon looked terribly worn out.

Rosemon gazed to Gatomon and a light frown smeared her face. Then she turned to the coming Shurimon and Hoshimon. She said, "Take them to safety. The rest are coming." With that, she flew toward Vampdevimon, ready.

"Come on, Yolei," Shurimon said. Miyako hesitated, worried of Rosemon, but then wrapped her arms around Shurimon's neck. Hoshimon silently took Hikari and Gatomon in his arms. Above, Sora withdrew her power, no longer needed.

Miyako twisted her head, so she can watch the battle, despite that she didn't like fighting. As if he sensed her concern and curiosity, Shurimon stopped and also watched. Hoshimon and Hikari also turned to observe. Miyako hoped that Rosemon's attacks would be effective against the Vampire. Vampdevimon directed his attention to the tiny Rose Digimon and looked a bit surprised. Still, he just sneered and waited as Rosemon tightened her left hand around the vine. With a smooth motion, Rosemon moved the vine just like a whip, thrashing the end toward Vampdevimon.

"Thorn Whip!" she shouted and a dark green energy formed into a slash went out. The green slash struck on Vampdevimon's chest, and his face very, so very slightly flinched. The flinch was suddenly replaced with another sneer as he shook his head.

"You have to do better than that, Rosemon. Dark Fire!"

The black fire, this time in the form of a slash, soared toward Rosemon. Rosemon was ready, whipping her vine. The vine came in contact with the black fire with such force that it didn't destroy the attack; instead, it sent it back. Vampdevimon easily caught his attack without any flinch, grinning. With increased force, Vampdevimon threw it back. Rosemon didn't expect it and she gasped, frozen, as the black slash came for her. She screamed in horrible pain as the black slash struck, the red lightning licking her limbs.  She didn't dedigivolve, but the force was strong enough to thrust her backward.

A flash of orange shot out from the forest below and came for her. Plated arms caught around her waist, cradling her gently. Miyako saw that it was Wargreymon, came for her rescue. Wargreymon looked down to Rosemon and worriedly asked, "Are you alright, Rosemon?"

Rosemon was deeply dazed, her body slackened for a moment. Miyako was again worried that the Dark Fire paralyzed her or something, but then Rosemon shook her head, holding it. She looked up to Wargreymon and smiled. "Thank you." She then got out his hold and both turned to face the Vampire, their faces scowling.

Seeing that the Vampire was busy, Shurimon and Hoshimon then drifted down to a wide clearing in the middle of the forest. Miyako looked down and saw Raidramon dashing over to them. Daisuke, Michael, and Willis were mounted on him, he big enough to support three or four children. Behind them, Kokoromon, Digmon, and Bravemon followed. She could see that they were eager to fight, their bodies prepared, but she knew that they wouldn't attack until their Digidestined let them.

Shurimon was putting his Digidestined down as Daisuke leaped off and hastened to Hikari. "What happened?" he demanded. His tawny eyes were darkened.

"I don't know," Hikari said, embraced her Gatomon closer, her eyes misted. "She's badly hurt by the Dark Fire."

"How could it be possible?" Michael said from his mount. His face was disbelieved. "Are our Digimon too weak against him?"

Willis shook his head, pointing upward. "But they seem strong enough to fight him."

He was right, Miyako thought, as she turned to look at Silvedramon, Rosemon, and Wargreymon. They seemed unaffected of the Dark Fire. Suiginmon and Pegasusmon carefully stayed out of the way, sending their attacks from afar. Perhaps the Dark Fire did affect Armor Digimon, forcing them to lose their armor and dedigivolve. It also forced them to lose their energy, which explained Gatomon's loss of consciousness. The Mega Digimon may be just strong enough to prevent losing energy to the Dark Fire, but even that was not enough, she can see from Rosemon when she was attacked by it. She appeared dazed, which she quickly recovered from. The Mega Digimon were the only ones who can attack Vampdevimon from near.

Miyako lowered her gaze downward, deep in thought. The Armor Digimon can fight, but they had to do what Suiginmon and Pegasusmon did, staying out of the way and attacking from a distance. All they had to do was avoid the Dark Fire. Simple. But what can the kids do? She then remembered the pixels. The Bug Digimon nearby must be alive somewhere. They might be injured and need their help . . .

The kids flinched as Silvedramon took the Dark Fire right on, but she managed to protect the girls on her back and resist the energy at the same time. Suiginmon then attacked with his 'Luck Thrash' attack and hastily sailed out of Vampdevimon's swipe.

"We can't fight, not like this," Hikari seemed to think the same to the other kids, they looking helpless.

Miyako shook her head, her voice confident. "No, Kari. There is something we can do." She turned to the kids. "There are injured Digimon out there, and they need our help. We should go and help them get away to safety."

Daisuke grinned. "You are right! We can't fight, but we can help!"

Miyako felt a twinge of pride in her chest. She gazed over to the Digimon, saying, "Alright, you must fight at your strongest, but avoid his Dark Fire. It might try and steal your energy, like it did to Gatomon."

Already eager, the Digimon nodded and dashed farther in the forest, toward the battle. The children watched them, and then turned to Miyako's words, "Let's take cover in the trees! We are vulnerable here."

The others followed her in the forest. Miyako knew that they weren't any safer in the trees than on the beach or anyplace else, for that Vampdevimon seemed to be everywhere. Even so, farther from him was better for their safety. For a while, they found few paths that led to wherever the Bug Digimon might be. The trees seemed to change into normal plants, only bigger. Miyako, Hikari, and Daisuke recognized the places as the area near the Giga Houses. Michael and Willis were marveled at the sights. After a moment wandering through giant grasses and flowers, they were stopped by voices. The voices seemed to call for the names of the Bug Digimon - Snimon, Kunemon, even Kuwagamon, and any Bug Digimon. They identified them as well.

"It's Tai and the others!" Hikari said, excited.

They followed the voices, also calling out. The voices came closer, and soon, they saw the older kids arriving. The older kids were mounted on three Mega Digimon, two brand-new and the third one familiar. Metalgarurumon soared in first, landing beside the younger kids. Yamato and Koushiro were mounted on his back. The two new Mega Digimon arrived behind along with the others, and the youngsters were awed.

Preciomon, the Mega of Gomamon, was a Water Dragon Digimon, as huge as Seadramon and twice the power. His scales were not the scales of Silvedramon, but of a smooth type, mingling upon each other to make the appearance of slick and shiny leather. His scales were ice-white, with blue markings on his back, neck, tail, and flippers. His ridges were dark orange, having the appearance of flames upon snow. His eyes were ice blue and bright, as he grinned down to the kids. He had the ability to fly, oddly enough. Jyou and Mimi were mounted on him.

Paemon, the Mega of Elecmon, was a Medieval Knight Digimon. Standing as tall as Wargreymon, he was clad in white and green armor, covering each inch of his body, except for his emerald eyes, which were glaring from within the darkness of his helm. No face was seen, no skin was seen, just his eyes that were the evidence of someone alive under the thick armor. He had the powerfulness to his body. He was supporting Frankie and Taichi on his shoulders carefully.

The older kids got off and Taichi ran to the youngsters, asking, "Is everybody alright?"

"Gatomon is hurt, but other, we are fine," Daisuke reported. At that, the older kids grimaced at the sight of the poor cat.

Miyako stepped forward, getting the leader's attention. "Tai, Vampdevimon is very strong for a Mega." Taichi watched her for a moment, and then nodded. Feeling that she needed to continue, she added, "It will take all of our Digimon's energy to stop him. Do you think your Digimon can handle him?" She then observed the power of the Mega Digimon. She hoped they could.

"Kid, we only have to try," Frankie said.

Taichi alertly gazed around. "I see you already sent your Digimon out there."

"We have to watch for his Dark Fire," Michael warned. "It sucks energy out."

"You hear that?" Taichi said, gazing at the Digimon. The Digimon nodded. "Alright, let's go!" The Mega Digimon saluted in enthusiasm and leaped up in the air for the battle, Paemon running along. The rustling became quiet, and Taichi turned to the group. "Now, we have to help the hurt Digimon before they get deleted."

"Yolei suggested the same," Willis mentioned, and Miyako suddenly blushed under the surprised gaze of Taichi.

"Is it so?" Taichi said, and Miyako looked up at his pleasured voice. He grinned at her, and she smiled back. Taichi nodded and, looking at the kids, gestured toward the grasses. Altogether, they ran in search for the Bug Digimon.

***

"Metal Wolf Claw!" Missiles fired out from on Metalgarurumon's body. The missiles impacted on Vampdevimon's feet, where they were seen on the ground. The black feet were large, ugly, with talons, easily stretching ten feet or so. The missiles made no damage.

"Crystal Blade!" A crystal sword formed in Paemon's gauntlet. He tightened his hands on it and drove it, forming a white light. Upon the feet, the sword scattered at the blow, leaving no harm.

"Water Tail Blaster!" Preciomon's tail twisted around and smashed itself against the feet. Again, no damage.

The three Megas were shocked at the impossibility. Usually, when an Ultimate digivolved into a Mega, the attacks were at the most powerful, and the two new Megas, along with the older Metalgarurumon, should be able to at least seriously harm the skin. Somehow, Vampdevimon's skin was protected from fire and energy, or perhaps, he was just too strong.

Vampdevimon felt the attacks, although, and he gazed downward, his angelic eyes blazing with disdain. "Pests," he simply hissed and raised a foot, aiming a kick toward them. Metalgarurumon ducked under as Preciomon soared out of the way. Unluckily, Paemon couldn't duck in time. The collision with the foot drove him back and he crashed into trees. He laid there, stunned, his green eyes blinking. Vampdevimon grinned and aimed another kick.

"No, you won't! Crescent Blade!"

Bravemon leaped out from the trees where he has heard the attacks. He held his crescent-bladed weapon ready and the blade glowed golden as his eyes. The blade struck upon the foot, knocking it out of the way. The coyote landed in front and glared upward at Vampdevimon, guarding with his axe-staff, his tail wagging in caution.

Vampdevimon just sneered, but paid no further attention. Looking upward, he then saw a huge fiery bird coming for him. She was all yellow, as bright and gold as the sun itself. Four golden wings supported her in flight, along with flowing tail feathers and few roped red feathers. One manacle was bound at her right limb, the impression of her Rookie form's manacle. Her mane was made of flames, and her eyes were bright red as she gazed calmly at Vampdevimon.

Phoenixmon, the Mega of Biyomon, seemed to grin and say in her fiery voice, "Do you know there is a bug behind you? He's pissed with you for hurting his bug friends." Her grin appeared sardonic but truthful.

Vampdevimon curled a corner of his lips in a scornful grimace. "You dare to fool me?"

"Giga Blaster!"

The dark purple energy ball with the silver lightning crackling around penetratingly thwacked right on Vampdevimon's back. The Vampire was totally staggered, his eyes widened at the pain burning on his back. He was shaken, turning to see the attacker. Herculeskabuterimon, the Mega of Tentomon, was one big bug. Standing as tall as Vampdevimon, Herculeskabuterimon looked much like Kabuterimon, except that his exoskeleton was dark yellow. With four bulky arms topped with long talons, huge curled horns on his head, and razor-sharp wings that were widespread, Herculeskabuterimon may be as powerful as the Vampire. His body was so tense and enraged that the Vampire can feel his hidden eyes fixing a fuming glare on him. Vampdevimon stepped back once, surprised at the size of the beetle, hearing Phoenixmon's voice once again.

"Should've believed me." Phoenixmon was lightly laughing, her beak smirking. She then cast him a severe look and widened her wings. Red energy began to leap around her wings. She shouted out, "Crimson Flare!" The energy suddenly was on Vampdevimon's face, as quick as a blink, and he cowered a bit at the force.

He then growled, not the delighted growl, but a growl of disapproval. "Dark Fire!" Phoenixmon was too close to avoid the attack, and she cried out at the burning, the force also pushing her away. She managed to gain her bearings, resisting the pain, so she won't touch any of the Armor Digimon. Unfortunately, Pegasusmon was just behind her, was prepared to attack once Phoenixmon got out of the way. Pegasusmon knew his danger, and he flapped his wings frantically, trying to escape. Too late. Phoenixmon crashed into Pegasusmon, Takeru and Iori holding on for dear life. Phoenixmon recovered from the dark fire, but it seemed to seek a new victim and it attacked on Pegasusmon. The winged horse screamed in excruciating agony as the boys gasped at the inner blazes on their skins. The horse glowed with the golden light, and he lost his energy, digivolving back into Patamon. Screams were heard as the boys plunged downward, one clutching his motionless Digimon.

"Gotcha!" Suiginmon mentioned as he glided under the boys. He then snapped his teeth in Takeru's shirt with such accuracy. Takeru fearfully embraced Patamon, his eyes tightly shut. Iori was caught in Ken's arms and the smallest boy was shaken, his hands grasping on the black-haired boy's shirt.

Vampdevimon was watching all this with a brutal amusement, and then turned to Herculeskabuterimon, ready for his battle.

Suiginmon hurriedly landed down on a clearing where Vampdevimon has burned during his 'fights' with the Bug Digimon. The other Digimon were waiting; they were the ones who didn't attack yet, waiting for the kids' safety, for they knew that the kids weren't safe surrounded by fighting Digimon. They were also studying Vampdevimon's moves, learning his attacks' damage and preparing to join in once the other Digimon were either too tired or hurt. Ken helped Iori get down and Suiginmon gently released Takeru to the ground. Takeru were paranoid, as Patamon responded nothing. The small Digimon was comatose, his body laying limp in his Digidestined's arms. Takeru's azure eyes misted over and he just caressed him closer.

"It's official," Digmon said with an unusual worried voice. He glanced up at the battle. "We Armor Digimon are too weak against Dark Fire."

Grunts were heard from Herculeskabuterimon and Vampdevimon as they locked arms, struggling against each other. The other Digimon stayed clear, tension thickening in the air. Silvedramon, fearing for the girls on her back, landed downward, flattening some tress. Ruigumon followed along. Kimika, Sora, and Cleo dismounted and ran over to the youngsters. They looked frightened and anxious.

Sora had the unsettled expression, her amber eyes almost molten gold. Her voice was tight as she warned, "We are defenseless here! We have to go back in the forest, where it's safe."

"I don't think so," Iori protested, recovered from his trauma. "There will be dangers if we go there."

Sora glanced over to him and said, "We will be hidden there."

"Go ahead," Ruigumon voiced. Her eyes were on the wrestling Bug and Vampire. Her wings were fluttering more rapidly than usually, she being excited to join in. The other Digimon had the same zeal, their eyes feverish with bloodlust. They wanted to fight. Ruigumon knew it. She turned to the kids, grinning. "We will handle it from here." With that, she took off in the air along with Silvedramon, Hoshimon, Shurimon, and Suiginmon as Raidramon, Digmon and Kokoromon pursued after.

"Wait, the Dark Fire!" Takeru called out after them, his face full of dread. He was still shaken from the burns of the Dark Fire. The Digimon paid him no attention as they took positions around the struggling Digimon. The Flying Digimon were ready. The Land Digimon were ready. All the Digimon were there, their minds somehow working as one. They were ready to attack, ready to face the Vampire with the hope that they will defeat him. With a last strength, Herculeskabuterimon thrust Vampdevimon back, leaving the black Digimon vulnerable.

And they attacked.

"Terra Force!"

"Water Tail Blaster!"

"Silver Tempest!"

"Thorn Whip!"

"Giga Blaster!"

"Metal Wolf Claw!"

"Crimson Flare!"

"Crystal Blade!"

"Heart Bullet!"

"Blue Thunder!"

"Double Stars!"

"Gold Rush!"

"Luck Thrash!"

"Crescent Blade!"

"Razor Storm!"

"White Tornado!"

The great energies, fires, winds, forces, and lights were so dynamic that, as they collided on Vampdevimon at once, the sounds were unbelievable. The kids covered their ears from the sonic booms, but they couldn't turn away from the deadly yet beautiful explosions that filled the very sky. The smoke and hot ashes burst out, nearly flattening the kids and the nearby Digimon. They coughed out the smoke, sweeping the ashes out their faces. Vampdevimon stood there, still stood there, stunned. His eyes were empty of energy; his face was slackened as if in unspeakable shock that he was defeated. Yet, his eyes' light returned back, and an outraged snarl appeared on his lips.  His eyes glowed briefly with a tinted blood-red glow. His body seemed to tighten up, and then suddenly, he roared out with stifled rage that again shook the kids with fright. His eyes were totally red and he spread his arms out, his fingers opening out.

"Dark Flames!"

Mists of dark fire launched out from his body like explosions, a ball of black-red flames expanding outward. It struck the Digimon with the same rage Vampdevimon has screamed out. Screeches and shrieks rumbled from the Digimon. The Mega Digimon barely resisted the burns, holding back their energy from being sucked out. Even Ruigumon was able to resist. The Armor Digimon had no luck. Golden lights appeared as they dedigivolved into their Rookie forms, unable to stand firm to the crushing Dark Flames. The children rushed to where the Rookies fell. The youngsters were very terrified, disbelieved that there was no way to defeat Vampdevimon. The older kids grimaced with grief and anger, knowing that they were now helpless.

Sora hoisted the weak Hawkmon in her arms and shouted, "It's outrageous! We have to get out of here!"

Vampdevimon, a bit tattered, grinned with cruelty as he saw what his new attack has done. Although, he was aware of the still alive Mega Digimon around him, nine Mega Digimon with an Ultimate, realizing the hazard. His eyes, back to the golden color, narrowed, and he said with mock worry, "It's just not fair that you are against poor me. Bad odds. So allow me." He folded his hands together.

"What's he doing?" Ruigumon demanded.

"Evening the odds," Silvedramon said knowingly.

"Blood Rings!" Vampdevimon opened his hands and small bands, the color of blood red, leaped out. The Digimon tensed, some ready to attack, but the Blood Rings didn't go for them. Instead, they lowered themselves within the forest. The kids couldn't see any of the Blood Rings, the branches blocking their views. Soon, they heard an odd buzzing, some weird sound of a kind, pealing through the air. Flashes of yellow, green, and red appeared, too fast for the kids to see clearly what the flashes were. Though, Kimika was the one who can see them, for her Power was Light, and her eyes were highly developed in perception. She silently summoned a bit of her power to 'slow down' the blurs of the light, and she saw Bug Digimon flying by. Tentomons, Snimons, Yanmamons, and any Bug Digimon with wings buzzed strangely as they slowed down and floated nearby.

There was something strange about them. They appeared tense, but empty of any thought. Their eyes were dark red, glowing blankly. Their weapons, limbs, claws were ready, pointing toward the children and Mega Digimon. They wore something that was identical and familiar. The Blood Rings were bound around the Bug Digimon's necks. The Blood Rings were just like the Black Rings.

Cleo gasped, clutching the twin Terriermon and Lopmon close. Her jade eyes were wide as she sensed something in the Bug Digimon. "Their minds were gone!"

Vampdevimon grinned, crossing his arms, closing his eyes. "They are my doubles of the Black Rings, maybe better." Then he took a long gaze at the Megas and to the kids for a moment. There was the sadistic light in his face. "Now, my friends, let us play."

***

She had absolutely no energy to move. She couldn't wake up. Her body felt like it lost all feeling, all energy, even the awareness. She remembered very vaguely that she was surrounded by an outlandish heat that seemed to suck out all her energy. She could remember the bites of the black flames eating in her skin, in her bones, in her very soul. Her mind was like it just plunged right in darkness, into nothing, with just the tiniest awareness she has left. She struggled to get back, get back to awareness, to her existence.

 Very slowly, she felt sensation in her limbs, waking her up bit by bit. She sensed that she was in someone's arms, protectively and gently. She urged to find out where she was, and slowly, she gained just enough energy to open her eyes.

Gatomon groaned, her eyelids fluttering, struggling to clear her distorted vision. She looked up and saw her Digidestined's misted tan eyes gazing back. A hand appeared and rested on her head, and Hikari's voice whispered, "It's alright, Gatomon. Don't talk or anything. Please rest."

Gatomon wanted to close her eyes and slumber, but she had this feeling that she should be awake to see what was going on here. She took a long gaze around. She saw several Digidestined standing, kneeling, and sitting next to the Bug Digimon. She could see that the Bug Digimon were injured, probably from Vampdevimon's earlier attacks. The Digidestined's voices were soft and encouragingly. The Bug Digimon suffered their touches, disliking the warm flesh upon their cold exoskeletons. But they knew that the kids were the Digidestined coming for their help and they watched in faint awe as the children tended to their wounds. Behind and around, wrecks of the Giga Houses were seen, the yellow and white walls destroyed. The giant flowers were burned down; few still stood, their petals and leaves withered and blackened.

Hikari remarked that Gatomon was taking in her surroundings and let her do so. She didn't join with the Digidestined who tended to the Digimon, but stood nearby, watching the scene alone. She was so shocked when she and the rest of the children came in and saw the remains Vampdevimon had destroyed. There was no way that the Bug Digimon would survive under the wrecks. Several Bug Digimon were outside near the entrance, too weak to move on, and the Digidestined rushed over to help.

Hikari felt the controlled fury inside her chest just beginning to simmer. She knew she was angry with Vampdevimon for destroying the Bug Digimon just for his fun, but she then realized that there must be something more to Vampdevimon. She admitted that she was speechless that Vampdevimon was actually Demidevimon from four years ago, but . . . How did he come to be?  How was that Demidevimon died in the Real World and came back to life here? He didn't have the potential like Myotismon to come back. He was just a minion. There must be something more to this.

Hikari looked up at the coming footfalls of Willis. Willis was holding a Kunemon in his arms. She noticed that Willis had this strong strength that he 'gave' to the Kunemon. Kunemons were Virals, tough and mean, and yet, this weak Kunemon was sleeping restfully in his arms. The Kunemon obviously hated human touch, as it demanded Willis to stay away. But it was almost immediately comforted to Willis's soothing voice and gentle touches. His fingers were stroking lightly upon its black-striped yellow shell, luring the Kunemon into calming slumber.

Hikari was surprised to herself when she noticed it and felt the faintest twinge of spite. She and Willis were the same, willing to offer help to the helpless, but also, they were different in how they express. Hikari often hesitated to hurt the person any further. She wanted to help and at the same time, she feared to do something that might hurt it more. Willis went ahead and comforted anybody he can and offer his pain, as well. He showed a very precious care of life as he did to the Kunemon.

"How is he?" Hikari asked.

Willis looked down to the Kunemon and replied, "He will be fine. I don't know about the rest." With that, his cobalt gaze swept across the hurt Digimon.

Hikari remained silent, also watching.

Willis glanced sidelong and mental-spoke, 'How could you ever handle this?' He sounded like he was disbelieved to see such pain.

'You get by, Willis. You get by,' was Hikari's simple response. Willis lightly grimaced at her head averting, but said nothing else. Gatomon sighed quietly, sensing her child's remorse.

The two Digiwalkers continued watching until Yamato's voice spoke, "Hey, guys, it's getting dark."

Gatomon glanced upward and was surprised to see that the sky was getting darker than before. The clouds were still there, blocking the low sun, and the rain had lessening into cool drizzles. Have they truly spent hours here? She didn't realize that the battle was taking that long. It was only mid-morning when they came here for the picnic and the journey to Destiny Island. The other kids were surprised, too, didn't notice the time until now.

"Time flies so fast," Daisuke clearly said, for even that the time between the Digiworld and the Real World was synchronized, the Digiworld's time felt so fast.

"Time will be a problem if we have to fight Vampdevimon for a while," Frankie said. Gatomon knew what he meant. The kids' families would be very worried about them all over again if they have to leave for a prolonged time. The children were quiet, each knowing their problems. Frankie crossed his arms and asked the question he was being bothered of. "By the way, how did he come to be like this?"

Hikari responded quietly, "He said he was Demidevimon."

The Old Kids turned to her, various frowns on their faces. Frankie was the only one of the Old Kids who was confused, for he never met Demidevimon. The New Kids were also puzzled, watching her.

"The Demidevimon from our time?" Koushiro said from his kneel by a Yanmamon. When the dusky-haired girl nodded, he grimaced, shaking his head in disbelief. "But he was deleted."

"That's what I thought so," Gatomon said, remembering her conversation with Vampdevimon.

"Who is Demidevimon?" Michael asked.

Mimi answered for him, "In our time, Demidevimon worked for Myotismon. He almost succeeded in whispering lies to us and separating us, forgetting each other." She closed her eyes, hugging herself. "He was a sly and dishonest Digimon."

Willis questioned, "What happened to him?"

"He was eaten by Venommyotismon," Yamato said. He then frowned, glancing over to Hikari and Gatomon. "He was long dead. How could he come back to life? Is it possible?"

Gatomon closed her eyes, her tail weakly twitching. "Perhaps. He said that anything could happen here. Perhaps we underestimated his power. He may be a small Rookie, but look at what he has became. There must be something behind him that helped him get back to life."

"The Final Evil?" Jyou spoke frankly. His dusky eyes remained on the dressings he made on a Snimon's arm, and he didn't see the surprised gazes on him. But the silence was understandable.

"He might be the Final Evil," Miyako mentioned.

"Demidevimon?" Yamato said, doubtful. He shook his head in disagreement. "He might be the Final Evil. He might be not. There must be -"

Faint explosions rumbled in the air and the kids looked up. They couldn't see the far battle from under the branches, but they felt the ground slightly trembling and felt the warm waves coming straight from where the battle was. Then one kid looked away, toward the other side, where the destroyed Giga Houses laid.

"Danger," Frankie hissed as someone appeared from behind a broken wall.

The kids whirled around to see a small human girl, about ten years of age, walking around the wall to stand upon the broken stones. She wore a black shirt under a purple jumper. Her long hair was dark purple and in a ponytail, bouncing by her brisk walk. Her hands held a big white ball, all smooth and shiny, and she grinned girlishly at the tense Digidestined.

"Can I play, too?" she said, her voice oddly hissing.

Taichi calmly stood up from his kneel with a Snimon and glared over to the girl. His tan eyes were distrustful and full of fire. "Who are you?" he demanded.

The girl pouted perfectly. Her eyes were snakelike and golden, sparkling with hidden delight. "Oh, I have to introduce myself?" She shrugged and introduced herself. "I'm Verzyemon, your playmate."

The kids were taken back. The girl was so humanlike and her name was of the Digimon? She reminded them too much of Arukenimon and Mummymon, the only Digimon that were born of Human DNA and data. Would it mean that this girl, Verzyemon, was actually a Digimon with Human DNA?

"Are you a Digimon or a human?" Miyako demanded, walking over to stand by Taichi.

Verzyemon gave her a hot glare. "A Digimon, of course. You compare me to yourself, human?" She then grinned, giggling. "I think I will have fun playing with you." She held up the ball, it half as the size of her. "See this? It's not a normal ball. It's . . . hmm, what you call it . . . oh, a bowling ball. I'm curious about how I can use it." She gazed at it briefly and shrugged. She dropped it, and the ball began to roll the minute it was on the ground. Slowly, it moved, picking up speed and size. Soon, it was gigantic and came into amazing speed.

Taichi, shielding her with his body, shoved Miyako behind. The fiery aura flared out from his back. Miyako stepped back from the sudden heat, but stayed close to the Master. Frankie had appeared at Taichi's side, also glowing with the bright snow-white aura.

"Passion of Fire!"

"Heart of Ice!"

A beam of roaring white-hot fire launched out from Taichi's fists as long spikes of blue ice fired from Frankie's aura. As one, the beam and spikes blast right on the ball's surface. The winds formed from the attacks whistled loudly and Miyako kept a hand to shield her eyes. The ball seemed to pause before the force and, without a warning, exploded. White pieces burst outward, toward Verzyemon, the kids, and the Bug Digimon. Koushiro and Jyou quickly came in and formed their unbreakable domes of lightning and water. Jyou's water dome protected most of the kids who stayed out of the way and Koushiro's lightning dome covered the Digimon, and the boys, along with Miyako. The pieces were either burned out or bounced off.

Verzyemon somewhat gestured and the pieces that came toward her paused in the air, then fell down. She then clapped her hands in delight. "It was fun! And guess what? Vampdevimon brought more playmates."

Behind her, numerous Bug Digimon appeared, buzzing with the strange sound that flinched the injured Digimon. There were rings of blood red binding around their necks. Their eyes were glowing red and blank.

"What are those around their necks?" Mimi said in fright.

Verzyemon rested a hand on a bound Tentomon and stroked its head. Koushiro flinched at the sight. She answered, "Blood Rings, the specialty of Vampdevimon. Think them as Black Rings, only . . . red."

"There are too many of them!" Willis said, stepping back, trying to soothe the scared Kunemon.

"The more, the merrier," Verzyemon said. And she changed. Before the children's wide eyes, the small girl was transformed into a snake-woman. From her waist up, she was a human, and below, she was a snake. Her scales were purple and black, shiny and beautiful, covered her muscular tail. Smaller scales also covered her torso, arms and neck. An elegant face was framed by long purple hair, grinning, showing off her small fangs. She was beautiful and lethal.

She folded her hands in glee. "Let's play!"

At once, the Bug Digimon attacked. At the demands from the Old Kids, the New Kids quickly aided the unaffected Bug Digimon to safety as the Old Kids faced the Bug Digimon with their powers. Fire, Water, Ice, Lightning, Vines, Stones, Energy, Ghosts, and occasionally Death fought as the Old Kids tried to break the Rings and avoided from being attacked. The New Kids got to see their Protectors in battle and they were in awe and fright. Eventually, they noticed that the Old Kids were losing strength, using most of their energy for powers. Even though, they were trained to use most of their power with the least energy possible. Still, there was too many Digimon to fight.

"They can't keep this up any longer!" Michael noticed.

Gatomon glanced over to where Verzyemon waited. She didn't attack at all, just speculating in enjoyment. The cat quietly growled, wanting to join in the battle, but she knew that she was still weak. She knew that the kids needed help, but how?

"We have to find the rest!" Daisuke has said, looking at his friends.

Miyako shook her head so hard that her lavender hair flowed. "They are more likely to need our help as much as we do!"

Gatomon grimaced at that. They were completely at a loss. What can she do? She shifted her gaze for anything, and then her sapphire eyes landed on the silver tail ring. The tail ring seemed to twinkle knowingly. Gatomon blinked in realization. "Prophetmon . . ."

She could hear his voice, so like Wizardmon's voice. 'Whenever you need my help, Gatomon, use the ring and I will come.'

She curled her tail up so she can touch on the silver tail ring. "I hope it works." Closing her eyes, she sought for any feeling of Prophetmon, speaking, 'Prophetmon, I need your help.'

***

"Terra Force!"

"Thorn Whip!"

The orange energy ball and the green slash once again struck upon Vampdevimon, and just like the other attacks, they made little damage.

"Close!" Rosemon said, floating with Wargreymon.

Vampdevimon glared to them. "You call yourself Mega? Crimson Wing!" The new attack, flapping red bats, much like Myotismon's Grisly Wing, came out from Vampdevimon's mouth like a bad breath. The bats were faster, bigger, and deadlier as they attacked Wargreymon and Rosemon at once. Wargreymon wildly swiped at them as Rosemon tried to hit them with her vine whip. The bats seemed eager to sink their poisonous fangs in Rosemon's flesh and even under Wargreymon's armor and the Megas little by little slackened at the poison rushing in their blood.

"Crimson Flare!" The red fire leaped outward for the Megas. The red fire had the ability to destroy only the Virus Type Digimon, and Wargreymon and Rosemon were Vaccine and Data types. The fire easily demolished the red bats, which screamed in pain. Pixels burst out from within the fire, and the Megas were free.

Vampdevimon suddenly turned to Phoenixmon, who was nearby, supposedly hiding from him. His hand sharply flew, backhanding her on her body. In a yellow shadow, Phoenixmon smashed down into the forest. A weak groan escaped from her throat, but she didn't move.

The Bug Digimon were long gone, defeated by the powers of the Nature Children, and now they were watching the Digimon facing Vampdevimon, each with no energy to even hurt him a bit. Even that the Digimon were weakening Vampdevimon gradually, they themselves were weakening too fast. Already Ruigumon, Preciomon, Metalgarurumon, and now Phoenixmon were out of the battle. The kids were still shocked at how powerful Vampdevimon was and how easily he defeated them.

"I can't believe it," Ken was voicing everybody's words. His twilight eyes were on the Digimon, giving them hope and encouragement as much as he can. He looked over to his friends. "How can he beat Megas so easily?"

Cleo shook her head in disbelief, standing by her weak Digimon, her green eyes hard. "There must be something we missed."

"You said!" Sora suddenly was angry. Her eyes were now boiling gold, glaring over to the blonde. "Didn't your Prophetmon say anything about this?"

Cleo was startled at her sudden burst, cringing at the words. The other kids were taken aback at the sudden harshness of the chestnut-haired girl. Sora can be angry, but she hardly barked at anybody for any reason.

Sora grimaced, ignoring the shocked faces of the children and Ruigumon. "You may be a Digidestined, but you are very secretive for one. Why don't you make yourself useful and call Prophetmon for help?"

"Sora!" Kimika gasped.

"Or did you two plan this?"

Cleo was obviously hurt, the words stinging at her heart and pride. Her hands were in balls, tucked close to her chest, and her head was a bit lowered, her eyes on the ground, avoiding the golden rage. For a moment, the blonde was silent, paying no attention to the soothing hand of Ruigumon on her leg. Her body suddenly stiffened at what she was thinking and she raised her gaze to meet Sora's gaze. Her face was contorted with hurt, but with stubbornness. Her voice was low and wounded, "Very well. I have to prove to you that I'm a Digidestined." With that, she dashed past the kids toward Vampdevimon.

"Cleo!" Kimika called along with the Digidestined's voices, and then she whirled around to Sora, a stunned expression on her face. "Sora, I can't believe you! Why did you say that?"

Somehow, Sora's rage was lost, and she looked drained, gently hugging Hawkmon to herself. She looked almost disbelieved that she said that, but she seemed sincere. She looked back and said, "I'm sorry. I got angry and . . ." She looked up to see Cleo nearing up to Vampdevimon, and her eyes slightly narrowed. "But you have to admit it, Kim. She knows more than she tells us."

Kimika, Ken, Takeru, and Iori were just bemused, not understand what Sora meant. Then they were distracted by a quiet whisper of Ruigumon. Ruigumon was kneeling on the ground, trying to gather her energy. She was calling at Cleo to come back, but Cleo didn't hear. It was a strange sight, the kids noticed. Cleo was small, as small as Hikari, and yet she was tiny, so tiny compared to the giant mass of Vampdevimon. Vampdevimon somehow felt her coming and his golden eyes gazed downward until he picked up the sight of the small blonde. The other kids tensed, hiding behind the trees, for the trees were thin and widespread. Vampdevimon could see them, and they can't take the chance.

Vampdevimon remarked the girl before him, looking brave and scared at the same time. He recognized her. In his rumbling voice, he asked, "You are the Watcher, I believe?"

Cleo made a brief nod, confronting the angelic gaze. She tried to make her voice loud and clear, but then her voice was shaking with fright. "Please, Vampdevimon, why are you doing this? The world is so weak that you can destroy it with one blow, but what will it accomplish for you?"

Vampdevimon grinned and chuckled softly. "I'm surprised and pleased that you have the courage to ask me that." His face turned solemn. "No, I'm not seeking to destroy."

The Watcher shrugged her hands, asking, "Then what is your ambition?"

Vampdevimon then smiled, a sudden change of his beastly face to a gentle, wondering appearance. He watched her with thoughtfulness, and then whispered in a quiet voice, "Do you really want to know, my little Watcher?"

The way he said 'my little Watcher' caused Ruigumon to tense, fearing at the gentleness and curiosity. She inhaled a quiet hiss as she stood up, despite her injuries. Kimika held her for balance, and she shook her head at the sight of Cleo and Vampdevimon. "Either she knows what she is doing or she is a fool."

"Tell me, Vampdevimon," the Watcher demanded.

Vampdevimon slowly crouched, careful not to scare away the girl and kept on watching her with wonder. "It's not an ambition. It's a curiosity." He tilted his head like an interested puppy. "I don't see how could my mother have any interest in a fragile, pretty girl like you?"

" . . . Mother?" Cleo whispered in bewilderment.

Vampdevimon simply closed his fist. "If you want to know why, stand still and I will show you." He raised his fist and Cleo gasped.

"Cleo, run!" Ruigumon yelled as she rushed out from Kimika's protection to her Digidestined in a buzzing blur. She positioned herself in front of Cleo, glaring upward. But Vampdevimon only smirked and his gaze moved slightly upward to meet the tense gazes of the kids. Ruigumon had foolishly given out their positions! The Butterfly then realized that and groaned.

"Fooled ya," Vampdevimon said to her, then stood up, his eyes still on the kids. "So that's where you are hiding. Come out, don't be so shy. I only want to play."

Kimika stepped back, clutching the barely conscious Veemon in her arms. "Get ready to run," She hissed from the side of her mouth to the younger kids.

"But -" Iori protested, but Sora cut him off.

"Do it!"

"Wait!" The word came out from nowhere and yet everywhere. The kids could feel the might in the male voice that yelled out. Three of them almost recognized it, and they searched for the source. The Vampire and Megas also looked around, the voice catching their attention. From behind the trees, they could see two figures coming for them from north. One was on the ground, running toward the scene as the other flew beside.

Soon, the details were clear. The running one was a male Digimon, but he looked too humanoid to have any Digimon appearance. He was clad in white clothing with the images of flames on his pants and sleeveless shirt. His long hair was fiery red with lavender strands, tied at the back of his neck. His eyes were bold emerald, stoic and commanding. The flying one was a female Digimon, lanky and tall, but bearing beauty. Her clothing was white with blue stars speckling on her shirt and skirt. Her hair was the exact opposite to the male: purple hair with red strands, long and flowing. Her emerald eyes were soft and gentle, unlike the male's.

"I can't believe it . . ." Sora said as her eyes widened.

"Who are they?" Ken asked, worried if they were more enemies.

"They are Akemimon and Amayamon, the Fate Digimon," Takeru answered.

Iori looked up to his DNA partner. "Why are they called as the Fate Digimon?"

"They can change destiny."

Amayamon, the female Digimon, slowed down into a stop as her brother paused in his tracks as well. She took in the size of Vampdevimon and her gentle smile changed into a knowing smirk. "We want to play, too."

The Vampire looked unconvinced, narrowing his gaze in disdain. "Who are you?"

"Names are not important at this moment," Akemimon said, crossing his arms, also smirking. "But if you want to play . . ."

"Play with us," Amayamon finished.

Vampdevimon made an echoing laugh and turned to them, looking upon them as insects, Ultimates against a Mega. "And how will you play?"

"Like this," Akemimon said. His hand opened and gestured in the air. A flash of white appeared and an image of a teardrop-shaped form glowed in front of him. The teardrop was huge and bright white in color with a black dot in the center. Its tip was pointing downward. He yelled out a word. "Yang!"

At the same time, Amayamon gestured in the air with an opened hand. A teardrop also appeared in front of her, colored night-black, along with a white dot in the center. Its tip was pointing upward. She yelled, "Yin!"

The teardrops came together, fitting perfectly into the Chinese symbol of a yin-yang. The yin-yang spun in place, into a blur of black and white, glowing with black and white lights. It suddenly shot toward Vampdevimon, so fast that he wasn't prepared for the attack coming for his face. The speed and light struck in his eyes and blinded him. Vampdevimon gasped and his hands covered up, his body weakening and shaking. It seemed that the attack sucked out most of his energy and left him weak and unable to attack back for a moment.

Amayamon turned to look directly to the kids, her face now full of worry. "You, get away in the forest!"

"But we can fight!" Silvedramon was the one who opposed. "You are only Ultimates."

"Don't be fools!" Akemimon snarled, walking toward Cleo, not even looking at the silver dragon. "You are new Megas while we are ancient Ultimates. He's too much for you!" He stopped by Cleo, taking a long look down to her. Cleo ignored him, her head lowered, her hands again curled into balls. With a sigh, he finally gazed at the other children, who were coming over. He frowned and ordered, "Find the others and get out of the Digiworld! We will handle this."

"We can't trust you . . ." Sora whispered, but Akemimon heard her.

He gazed at her with surprised annoyance. "What's this, Seeker? In a time like this, you ask if you can trust us? You don't even trust yourself! You know you are no match from him!" He aimed a stiff finger toward the blinded Vampdevimon.

"Please go," Amayamon pleaded.

"They are right," Kimika said, nodding. She putted down Veemon, who felt better to stand steadily. She gazed at each of the Megas, some on the ground, others floating nearby, and to the Rookies, who were too exhausted to continue fight. She again nodded, saying, "We are no match for him, not now. Even you, Digimon."

Even though that some of the Digimon disliked the idea of deserting, they acknowledged her words as wisdom. The larger Mega Digimon patiently waited, watching the Vampire in case he suddenly recovered as the children got on some of the Megas so the Megas can carry them quicker and sooner to the rest of the Digidestined. Preciomon let Takeru and Iori mount him, the boys keeping Patamon, Betamon, and Armadillomon on the white-scaled back. Sora and Ken sat upon Paemon's broad shoulders, Wormon and Hawkmon holding on. As the Digimon departed, Terriermon, Lopmon, and Veemon leaped upon the back of Metalgarurumon. The metal wolf didn't move, looking over to Kimika, waiting for her to mount, but she was gazing over to Cleo, who remained standing, not answering.

"Cleo, come on!" Kimika uttered, running over to her.

Cleo kept her head down, but she voiced bitterly, "Why should I? You heard Sora."

Kimika's usual soft face grimaced and she hissed out an aggravated breath. "Why won't you forget about her and get the hell out of here?" Cleo was startled as the black-haired girl grabbed on her arms and forced her to meet the brown-eyed gaze. Kimika would never touch anybody in harm, and yet she appeared upset and serious. Her voice was sharp as the Seer spoke, "This is not the time for any self-reproaching, Watcher. You want to be a Digidestined? Be one!"

Cleo was silent, her jade eyes bearing the wounded look. Then, slowly, she nodded. Kimika then gave her a heartening smile and her hands went gentle, giving her warm squeezes. Following Kimika, Cleo mounted upon Metalgarurumon, and the metal wolf took off in the air.

Akemimon and Amayamon watched them go, and then silently turned to face the recovering Vampire.

***

"Occult Rune!"

Suddenly, from the far left of the kids, strange letters and symbols whistled through the air, in a dark twilight purple smoke of some kind. The kids tensed, bracing for the attack, but the attack didn't head for them, instead sharply struck Verzyemon. Somehow, the seeming weak attack had enough power to knock the snake-woman out cold. She collapsed upon the remains, laying still. The kids and the Bug Digimon were frozen, making no move toward Verzyemon, and turned to see who the attacker was.

"Who is there?" Jyou demanded.

The attacker stepped in view, and it was Prophetmon. He no longer was the tranquil Digimon. He had this desolate expression contorting his upper face, his azure eyes dark and clouded. He carried something new and familiar - a staff. It looked so much like Wizardmon's staff, except that the staff was colored blue and there was a blue crescent moon on the top with a golden tint. Prophetmon took a pitying look at the unconscious snake-woman and turned his gaze to the kids.

"What are you doing here?" Taichi voiced, distrustful.

Prophetmon closed both hands around the staff and replied, "Gatomon called for my help and, as I promised, I'm here to help."

Taichi somewhat went into an upset temper, pointing toward Verzyemon, his voice hot. "Do you know we are facing two dangerous Digimon? Did you predict this?"

"Onii-chan!" Hikari warned as some of the kids cringed at his words. Taichi heard and fell into a dark silence.

Prophetmon cast him and the rest a repentant glance. "I see that I'm not being trusted here."

Miyako strode near him and said, "Prophetmon, we do trust you." She looked over her shoulder to Taichi and some of the Old Kids, who supported the same harsh looks. "We don't . . . just express it."

Prophetmon seemed to see past her words. He smiled back with wryness. "Mistress, look at them. You have to understand that they suffered so much that it's difficult for them the trust anything that easily as you do." Miyako opened her mouth to disagree, but Prophetmon quickly closed his hand over hers, quieting her. "I know I'm your friend, but I also have to earn their trust."

Miyako was sincere as she gazed back. "Well, I do trust you and I ask you this: is there a way to stop Vampdevimon and Verzyemon?"

Prophetmon quietly nodded, glancing at the snake-woman. "Yes, there is, but you all are too weak to face them right now. They are equipped with so much power than normal Megas."

"You mean they are not normal Megas?" Mimi said.

"In a way," Prophetmon answered, then his face became stern. "You must go. Your Digimon are terribly weak and will get deleted if they are not to be taken to safety."

A groan came from Verzyemon, pulling their attention to her. She looked up dazedly, then her eyes widened as she saw Prophetmon. Prophetmon seemed to flinch under her gaze, and she sneered, rising from her position. "Well, well, look who is here." She then hissed, "Since when you got involved with Fate?"

"Fate is no longer significant," the Mystic Digimon responded.

"Ha!" Verzyemon scoffed, then gazed over to the children, who tensed up as if was bracing against any of her attacks. Though, her face looked discontented. "I see that you are trying to spoil my fun with the Digidestined."

"Where is the fun in torturing innocent children?"

"Innocent?" She cast him an astonished expression, then pulled back her head and cackled. The cackle was not like her girlish and delighted giggles. It was full of scornful amusement. "They are no innocents!" She gestured harshly toward the kids. "Look at them! See how calm they are in battle! They have no feelings!"

"You know it's wrong," Prophetmon snapped at her.

Verzyemon hissed back. "You shut up! Black Kiss!" A hand came to cover her mouth, as if was going to throw a kiss, and she did. Tiny black winds whistled out from her mouth.

Clutching his moon-staff, Prophetmon scowled and yelled out, "Twilight Arc!" He swung the staff like a baseball bat, and the crescent moon emblem glowed purple. A purple curve leaped out and blocked the black winds in midair. They dissolved into nothing, and Prophetmon, still grimaced bitterly, glaring at Verzyemon, who also scowled, her golden eyes flashing.

"Prophetmon is a Champion, but he is as strong as Verzyemon!" Koushiro said in amazement, voicing the words in the kids' minds. "What's going on?"

"Is he . . . not normal?" Willis added. At his words, Prophetmon visibly recoiled, his body shuddering. But he managed to regain his composure. Noticing this, Verzyemon grinned with eagerness, and with swift movements, she snaked away, her purple tail disappearing into the shadows of the trees and wrecks. Prophetmon seemed to break down with a relieved exhale and putted down his staff.

"She's getting away!" Michael said, stepping forward.

"Let her be," Prophetmon stopped him with a sharp gaze. "She's too strong for us."

Taichi slowly strolled over to him, his tan eyes meeting his azure eyes. His voice was calm, yet cautious, "How does she know your name? Are you both allies?"

For a brief moment, a hurt expression crossed his face, but Prophetmon then became calm. Strangely, that his emotions came so quick, calm for a moment, and the next, he appeared upset or sad. The Prophet responded quietly, "There are much more in me than you ever want to know, but I can tell you that I'm always on your side." He then looked up to Taichi, almost looking like he was pleading or simply offering his friendship. Taichi didn't say or do anything, just watching back with uncertainty on his face.

A gigantic shadow passed over them, and they looked up, almost in start. Herculeskabuterimon was above, his enormous wings droning. Footsteps were perceived as the children and the few Bug Digimon left looked over to where they were. They saw, one by one, Megas showing up with the kids on their backs or shoulders. Silvedramon and Phoenixmon joined Herculeskabuterimon, drifting. Preciomon came in, carrying Iori, Takeru, Patamon, Betamon, and Armadillomon, followed by Paemon with Sora, Ken, Hawkmon, and Wormon on his shoulders. Wargreymon, Rosemon, and Ruigumon were behind, and Lastly, Metalgarurumon trailed along, with Kimika, Cleo, Veemon, Terriermon and Lopmon on his back.

The children and Digimon were thrilled to see each other well and safe, running to each other. The New Kids took their Digimon and fretted over them, worrying about their energy, what were left of, and the Old Kids were pleased with their Megas, they able to resist the power of Vampdevimon.

Cleo paid no attention to them, noticing the silent Prophetmon at last. She leaped off the metal wolf and dashed over to him. Prophetmon glanced up to her and was concerned of the bitter distress on her face. "My Watcher, you appear troubled."

"Never mind that," Cleo bluntly said. She eyed him with carefulness, saying, "Prophetmon, what should we do about Vampdevimon? He's too powerful."

"Nothing for now."

Cleo's eyes were wide with disbelief as she stared. Prophetmon remained still, merely watching back. She slowly shook her head. "What . . . ? But you told us that we would stop him! You said so!"

"You misheard me," Prophetmon replied. "I mentioned that one can stop the Final Evil with a weapon. I never said what you said. Besides, Vampdevimon is not the Final Evil."

The rest of the group have been listening in Cleo's and Prophetmon's conversation and was bewildered at that. "Then who is the Final Evil?" Mimi questioned.

"The Watcher knows." Prophetmon kept his bold eyes on Cleo.

"No, I don't know!" Cleo suddenly burst. Her eyes were full of tears, her hands curling into shaking balls. "I know nothing, but pieces of dreams, memories! That's all, broken pictures!" Koushiro was at her side, holding her shoulders, but she jerked out of his comforting hands. "Don't touch me!" She gazed through tears to Prophetmon. "Why are you talking in riddles, Prophetmon?"

The Prophet only gazed back with great melancholy.

Koushiro finally got to comfort his girlfriend, but anguish was still in her face as she stared away. The other kids were silent, worried and concerned.

"What are you still doing here, children?!" Amayamon's voice came out as she flew in, followed by her brother. Her eyes were wide with alarm. "Vampdevimon is recovered and is coming to stop you all!"

"Leave the Digiworld right away!" Akemimon demanded, repeatedly glancing over his shoulders to where they came from.

The children who had seen Vampdevimon attacked by the Fate Digimon gasped as the others were puzzled. Then they tensed up and braced as horrible roars seemed to blast through their bodies and quaking footsteps shaking the very ground.

"Go now," Prophetmon ordered, now sounding troubled. "Before it's too late."

"No." The word rumbled in the air as a bell, and the kids somehow froze in motion as they saw Vampdevimon coming in sight. Verzyemon was sitting on his shoulder, her tail curling around the arm, and was grinning. Vampdevimon's eyes were hotly glowing with a tint of red. He was mad. Really mad. Wrathful. He pointed a shaking finger toward the group, hissing, "You stay. I'm not finished with you." Suddenly, his body was covered with a black-red glow, and the kids were too stunned to hide, much less move.

"Veil of the Night!"

Everything was in chaos. The boom from the attack was so deafeningly that the kids went deaf. Waves after waves, it smoothly came, the energy seeming so black that it shimmered a beautiful night blue. The attack was just simple in appearances, looking like blue waters waving from Vampdevimon. And yet, the simple attack easily drained the energy, the life itself from the Megas, the Rookies, and the Digidestined. The force easily pushed them down like saplings. They couldn't even raise their heads, too drained out dry to move. The attack was also a fire of some kind, blazing on the trees, the blue flames eating on the bark and insides. The tress were first flattened down and then burned into ashes. The Digidestined and the Digimon felt nothing, except for an increasing fatigue in their bodies. With one last hiss, the attack vanished.

One eye opened and Cleo quietly groaned, turning over to her stomach. She wondered how come she was able to move from the attack, her body limp and motionless. Yet, she can, and she slowly stared around. The Megas were no longer Megas, now back in their Rookie forms, most of them unconscious. The Digidestined were conscious, not as affected as the Digimon, but also terribly weak and groaning. She turned her head to the other side and was surprised to see something golden laying there.

It was a golden stone. A luminous stone. The stone was small, could fit perfectly on the center of her palm. It was all smooth and shiny, like gold, and yet, it was clear that it was only a simple stone. A cord was tied through a hole drilled in the center, obviously meant for wearing around the neck. The dim light was pulsating gently, the illumination tinting Cleo's pale skin with an amber color. She remembered where she saw it before. It was around Prophetmon's neck. His stone, he has said, his cherished treasure.

Slowly, her hand closed over the stone. It was warm, very warm and comforting. To her surprise, the stone bestowed energy, the warmth moving through her body. She sat up, awed at the beauty of the stone. Then she heard a groan nearby. Looking up, she saw Prophetmon standing before Vampdevimon. Prophetmon was charred and he didn't have the energy to stand stably. Yet, he was standing, and his eyes glared hotly at the grinning Vampdevimon.

His voice was strained with pain, but he boldly said, almost half to himself, "I cannot . . . allow this . . . to happen . . . again!"

The Watcher gasped as the stone suddenly became hot, almost so hot that she couldn't hold on. The stone seemed to be glued to her hands, refusing to let go. She whimpered at the pain, as the stone grew brighter in light, the golden glow coloring everything near. She saw that Prophetmon was also glowing with the golden light. Then she was astonished that she realized that he was digivolving.

'Prophetmon, digivolve into . . . Enjerumon!'

Where Prophetmon once stood, there floated an angel. The angel was a strange kind, an angel with bat wings. His wings were wide and leathery, but they were snow-white in color. Much like Exveemon's wings, only bigger and wider. His skin was dark brown as an African's skin, shiny and so dark. His clothing was just like the clothing of an Angemon. His robe was dark green, torn and draped around his legs. His armor was silver, covering his chest, shoulders, and wrists. A helm covered his head and eyes, allowing his long black hair to be free, curling around his shoulders and back. A sword was in his right hand, silver with digicode written on the blade. The bat-winged angel faced the surprised Vampdevimon, his hand grasping the hilt readily.

Enjerumon's voice was full of sorrow and rage mixed, so it was hard to tell if he was sad or mad. "I was hoping that I won't have to do this, but justice must be served."

"Vampdevimon!" Verzyemon hissed, clutching on his blonde hair. "Let's get out of here!"

"Sword of Truth!" Enjerumon yelled, speeding toward the Vampire. His sword glowed green and he swung it for Vampdevimon. Vampdevimon howled as the green sword slashed across his chest diagonally, actually leaving a bleeding gash upon his black skin. Vampdevimon growled deeply, then aimed a swipe toward Enjerumon. Enjerumon easily dodged out of the way. That was what Vampdevimon wanted. He leaped backward and grinned knowingly.

He spoke, "Mother, now it's your turn." There, he simply disappeared with Verzyemon out of sight, leaving an enraged Enjerumon and a worried Cleo.

***

Daematermon raised her head up at Vampdevimon's voice. A faint smile played on her lips. "Thank you, son." Her hidden eyes looked down to the circles of the dolls. The dolls were ready, facing each other, toward the sitting Watcher Doll in the center. A white finger came down to touch the tiny chin, and then touched the head. Again, the smile appeared.

"Dark Nostalgia." The smile again appeared, this time with wistfulness. "Go back to the beginning."

***

Enjerumon floated down to the ground beside Cleo, defeated. The moment he landed, the golden light enveloped him, and he dedigivolved back into Prophetmon. The small Wizard heavily swayed on his feet and collapsed into Cleo's arms. The golden stone fell out her hands and bounced away for a moment until it laid there, silently, innocently. Prophetmon's eyes were closed, his face grey with fatigue.

Forgetting about the stone, Cleo gently shook him. "Prophetmon? Can you hear me?"

Prophetmon's eyes opened, met her gaze for a moment, and then lowered down to the stone. Agony and guilt passed across his face. His voice was weak as he whispered, "I broke my promise."

"What promise?" Cleo asked, but Prophetmon answered none, closing his eyes. At the very moment, she felt something . . . A touch . . . on her chin, then on her head . . . A motherly touch . . . She suddenly remembered, and somewhere inside her, a memory appeared. A longing touch full of love stroke her chin and head . . . Tears appeared in her eyes and Cleo didn't understand why . . .

Disorder. Chaos. Madness. Cleo looked up in alarm, but saw nothing. "What's happening?" She then saw a white light flashing in the sky, growing brighter and brighter. She sensed disorder from it. Something was happening.

Prophetmon opened his eyes toward the light. "No . . ." he whispered. "Not now . . ."

The white light flared for a moment, filling visions with whiteness, then nothing. Just nothing. She felt nothing. They felt nothing. Except for the motherly touches as she guided them to slumber.

And Prophetmon wept.

To be continued!