Digimon: The Digital War Chapter 21: The Warrior and the Beast, a digimon fanfic

" Digimon: The Digital War "

Malcolm Yuy

Episode 21 " The Warrior and the Beast "

Synopsis: Well guys, the African saga is now over, and this time we are heading to Australia. Two new main characters, two new stories to build, as well as new digivolutions, as well as a new Omega to deal with. I hope this next story will not disappoint any of you, for the next two Chosen are going to be in a completely different world compared to the other ones we've seen so far. And now, on with the next story!!!

I really don't care what happens to me now…

After all, what could be worse? Being enslaved by evil digimon to do their bidding and still be alive, or be killed by them?

Sometimes, I just don't care anymore.

But, for some reason, I still hope that something good would happen..

Maybe…

It was a dark night in Melbourne, Australia, as the clouds moved above the digital barrier. Fire blazed on torches located throught the entire concentration camp. The full moon shone brightly through the digital barrier in the sky, having light filter into a barracks. A slave barracks. A slit in the barracks was created for a small window, with three bars blocking anything from escaping to the outside. Inside, the light filtered through to the dirt-covered floor of the slave barracks. And right beside the window, with eyes closed, in ragged clothes and chains, was none other than Iori "Cody" Hida. And beside him was none other than his digimon partner, Armadillomon.

Since the party at Tai and Kari's apartment, and the coming of the Digimon Overlord, things have never been the same for the kid. Separated from his friends, and his family, Cody and Armadillomon were forced to wander this continent alone. What was even worse was that every single human here was enslaved and sent to a concentration camp. It was just a little time before those two would also be captured, and they have been.

Cody looked back down at his calloused hands, filthy with dirt. His clothes weren't any better. They were ragged, with a hole on the side of his shirt and a gigantic one on the left side of his pants. But, being in this camp had benefits. He got to shower and shave everyday, and every once in a while, also get a haircut. Speaking of haircuts, he needed one badly. His hair was ragged and long, about three or four inches longer than Matt's hair. Cody then turned his face upon his sleeping partner, and chuckled a little bit.

I'm glad you're getting some rest, pal. I just can't seem to sleep. I keep on hearing those awful, horrid screams. But, for some reason, they seem familiar. But why? Cody pondered within his mind. The boy had millions of questions to ask, but he didn't know where to begin. For example, why did this happen? Why was he tore away from happiness, from being with true friends and family? Thoughts drifted throughout the boy's head, until finally, he fell asleep.

The next morning, the door of the prison opened up, as the light of a new day filtered into the interior. Along with other prisoners and digimon, Cody and Armadillomon awoke to the sound of the digimon coming their way. It was a group of Vegimon, used like dogs to keep the humans and their digimon partners from tiring and stopping their work. And at the head of it all, with a whip in hand, was none other than the workmaster of the concentration camp, a Musyamon. On Musyamon's arm was a device, used to identify the prisoners by scanning a code which was found on the prisoner's chains. There were three other people with digimon as well, and the digimon all had chains around their necks, where were linked to their partner's chains. Musyamon took out his device and scanned the three humans' barcodes. He then looked down upon them.

"Prisoners 142, 145, and 75, get ready to work. Vegimon 1 and 2, stay here to watch them, just to make sure they don't try to escape," Musyamon replied, as he turned his back upon the humans and their digimon partners.

"Yes sir!!!" Vegimon 1 and 2 saluted. The other three left with Musyamon, and he left the compound. The two Vegimon then turned their attention toward the three human prisoners and their digimon.

"You heard your master. Get up, NOW!!!" Vegimon 1 replied. Cody, along with Armadillomon, and two other prisoners and their digimon arose from where they sat. The two Vegimon then left the camp, with the human prisoners following behind them. They were led throughout the camp, until they reached the other side. As they were passing prisoner barracks, Cody couldn't help but look toward the building in the center of the camp.

That's where my D-3 and D-Terminal are. I wish I could get to it. But, those devices are not the only things in that building. Someone, or something is also in there. I wish me and Armadillomon could help… Cody trailed off in his thoughts as Armadillomon shook the boy's shackles, snapping him out of his train of thought. Cody then looked down at his digimon partner.

"What is it Armadillomon?" Cody asked.

"We're here Cody," Armdillomon replied. Cody looked back up towards the Vegimon, who were now looking toward and the other two pairs of humans and digimon. They then cleared their voices to give instructions. Behind them, where a brick wall was, which encircled the camp. Part of it was destroyed though, and you could tell it was destroyed recently from the chard marks on the brick. The Vegimon then prepared to speak.

"Last night, a human rebel and their digimon escaped. As you can see, they almost escaped, if it wasn't for Master Musyamon. The human and their digimon was then dealt with accordingly. Master Musyamon wants you to fix this wall. Understand?" Vegimon 2 asked. Cody and the other humans nodded along with their digimon.

"Good. We will be watching from a distance, so you better not try anything, for it may be against you." And with that, the two Vegimon departed from the group. To the side, was a huge pile of bricks, along with some mortar to help rebuild the wall.

"Well, we better get to work. I wouldn't want to be hit by one of those Vegimon again," one of the others replied. It was a boy, about Matt and Tai's age. He had short black hair, with some faint mustache hairs, along with a scar on his right cheek. He wore a ragged shirt with dark pants and sandals. He had a Agumon as his digimon partner. His name was Lan.

"Right," the last person of the group said. It was a girl. She had blond hair, with blue eyes. She looked about Cody's age. She also had a ragged shirt, except luckily for her there were no holes. Her digimon partner was a Biyomon. Her name was Elisa. Elisa and Lan, along with Biyomon and Agumon, moved to the bricks and the mortar and started to do their work. Cody just stood there, zoned out. Armadillomon then brung him back to the present by shaking his shackles again.

"Come on Cody, let's work. Don't you want to be safe from the Vegimons' beatings?" Armdillomon asked.

"Yeah, I do. Alright, let's go to work then," Cody sighed tiredly. The two then went to the pile of bricks and started to work…

The sun scorched the earth, as it was the middle of the day. So far, Cody, Elisa and Lan, along with their digimon, were halfway done with the wall. The wall of the camp was about two stories high. Everyone was sweating, tired with energy, and their mouths dry. There were intercoms attached to some of the buildings, so the digimon could make announcements if need to. The mic was activated, as a digimon proceeded to speak.

"LUNCH BREAK!!!" the voice announced. Everyone stopped what they were doing, and went towards a building to the left of the building in the center. It was the cafeteria, where everyone would get some food and drink. Cody and Armadillomon smiled as they dropped their bricks, along with Elisa, Lan, and their digimon. They were about to head over to the cafeteria when a voice stopped them.

"Where do you six think you're going?" one of the Vegimon asked. Everyone stopped in their tracks, as they looked towards Vegimon. Cody opened his mouth, as he was going to answer the question.

"Didn't you hear Vegimon? It's Lunch Break. Me and the others were going to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Can't you see, we're starving!!!" Cody exclaimed. Vegimon just grunted.

"You and the others can only eat when I say you all can eat. Now, get back to work!!!" Cody and the others sighed and their back towards the wall, going back toward the bricks and the mortar. Vegimon then walked up to the wall, and inspected what was done so far.

"Hmm, well, you six have done well. But…" Vegimon then trailed off, as he thrashed his limbs forward and broke part of the repaired wall off. It was about half a story, and it fell to the outside world, colliding with the dirt. Vegimon then turned his head back towards the humans and their digimon.

"You missed a spot…" Vegimon said, finishing his sentence. Cody and Armadillomon looked at each other, and sighed tiredly. Cody and Armadillomon then grabbed some bricks and mortar and prepared to work, along with the other four. Vegimon just laughed as he walked away to the cafeteria. As he went, he told one of the worker digimon, a Monzaemon, to take over his shift of watching Cody and the others work. The bear nodded, and then made his way to the prisoners, seeing them work slowly upon the wall.

"I'm taking over Captain Vegimon's spot, so just keep working," Monzaemon said. Cody and the others just ignored him, and kept on piling brick upon brick…

Finally, after working for thirteen hours, Cody, Elisa, Lan, and their digimon were finished with their work. Their stomachs were growling, so Monzaemon allowed them to go to the cafeteria to eat dinner. After working through the line to get their food and drink, Cody and Armadillomon sat at a table. Elisa and Lan, along with their digimon, joined them.

"Man, that was hard work, wasn't it?" Elisa asked. The other five nodded.

"Yeah, and I can't believe that Vegimon demolished part of our wall. We only had half a story to complete until he did that!!!" Lan's Agumon exclaimed.

"That Vegimon just makes me angry. Like all of the other digimon here, except ones with the prisoners of course. And I can't believe about all of this, how we work like dogs and they just laugh in our faces. It's just not fair!!!" Lan had curled his right hand into a fist, which he slammed down upon the table, making the trays and cups rise for a moment before landing back down. Cody and Armadillomon just looked at Lan.

"Of course it's not fair Lan, life is not fair. Haven't you known that by now?" Cody asked, chewing on a piece of bread.

"I guess not. But you're one to talk Iori Hida. After all, aren't you one of the Chosen Digi-Destined?" Lan inquired, pointing a finger in Cody's direction. Cody then put his piece of bread down upon his tray. Elisa was shocked. She turned her head towards Cody.

"You're a Chosen? But if you're a Chosen, then why didn't you help us?" Elisa asked. Anger had arose within Cody, but thanks to his training when he was little with his grandfather, the anger dissipated quickly. Cody then became calm.

"Yes, I am a Chosen. The Chosen of Knowledge and Reliability to be exact. Armadillomon and I couldn't help you, because one of those digimon took away my D-3, along with my D-Terminal. Of course, thanks with the digital rift in the sky, Armadillomon can't digivolve or armor digivolve for that matter. So, we would still be of no use to you, even if we wanted to. But, I have been thinking lately. I've been thinking of a plan of how to get my digivice and D-Terminal back along with saving everyone in this base. But I would need help to execute this plan." Cody then took a sip of his drink, some poor substitute for tea.

"Well then, why don't we talk about it? But I don't think right now would be a good time. We should talk about it back in the barracks," Lan suggested. The others nodded their heads in agreement.

"Good. Now let's change the subject, shall we?" the others nodded to Lan's question. Elisa then opened her mouth.

"Well, here's a subject to talk about. Has anyone heard those screams coming from the center of the building?" Elisa asked. The others nodded.

"Well, from what I've heard, it's another one of the Chosen. I heard that the Austrailian Omega wants to use them for something," Elisa gossiped, taking a sip of her drink, allowing what she just said to settle in. Cody then spoke.

"Well, if it is one of the Chosen, I wonder who it is. And I wonder why the digimon haven't come onto me yet," Cody pondered. Biyomon then opened her mouth.

"Probably because you keep to yourself," Biyomon replied. The others then agreed. And with that, the bell rang to end dinner. Everyone then arose from their seats.

"Well everyone, I suggest we talk about 'the plan' back at the barracks," Lan replied. Everyone nodded, and then proceeded ahead to dump their food. Cody just stared at the backs of the group as they moved away. Armadillomon looked towards Cody's face.

"Cody, what's wrong? You seem sort of distant with that look," Armadillomon said. Cody snapped out of his reverie, and looked down toward his digimon partner.

"Oh, it's nothing Armadillomon. Nothing at all. Let's get going, shall we?" Cody answered as he got up from where he sat. Armadillomon nodded as the two went over to a nearby trash can to drop their food in. Cody then put his tray with the others on a table, and then he and Armadillomon left the cafeteria. Armadillomon couldn't help but have his thoughts go back to that Cody had earlier. It wasn't only distant, but also, how it say it, a menacing glare? It seemed like Cody himself knew who screamed from that building. But, Armadillomon didn't want to push the subject matter. So, he dropped it. As he came back to reality, he and Cody finally made their way into the barracks, with a digimon watching them. He then closed the door as Cody and Armadillomon entered…

"…And that's the plan," Cody whispered to the other members of his group. He then looked around the room, seeing what the other members of the group would think. Anyone else in the barracks was asleep with their digimon, so of course they didn't know of the plan. After careful consideration, the others decided then that Cody's plan was a good course of action.

"Good. So, you two know your plans?" Cody asked. Lan and Elisa nodded.

"Good. Let's do this then," Cody replied. He and Armadillomon stood up, and advanced themselves toward the door. The door was made of heavy metal, and on top of that, it was locked. Armadillomon looked at it for a moment before turning his head toward Cody.

"Cody, I think I know how to get past this door. But you're going to follow me, okay?" Armadillomon asked. Cody just stared at his digimon in a weird gesture.

"Okay, but what do you mean Armadillo-" Cody was then cut off, as Armadillomon rolled up into a ball and rolled towards the door with all the force he could muster. His body collided with the door, and since Cody was behind him, he was dragged along for the ride. The door shook, but did not fall. Armadillomon then stopped and uncurled himself, and sighed tiredly.

"I guess I'm not strong enough. Only if you had your D-3 and D-Terminal," Armadillomon said.

"Uh, Armadillomon, didn't you forget? Even if I had my digivice and D-Terminal, you still wouldn't be able to digivolve because of the digital barrier in the sky, remember?" Cody reminded his friend and companion. Armadillomon then looked back up at his human partner.

"Oh, yeah." Lan and Elisa then got up from their spots with their digimon partners, and advanced toward Cody and Armadillomon.

"We can help. I have a plan Cody. How about at the count of three, Biyomon, Agumon and Armadillomon release their attacks upon the slit where the door is locked?" Lan suggested. Cody brushed his chin, and nodded.

"I suppose we could give that a try. Is that okay with you guys?" Cody asked, looking down at the digimon. They just simply nodded. "Okay then, let's do this. 1….2….3!!!" On the count of three, the three digimon then released their attacks.

"Spiral Twister!!!" Biyomon shouted, releasing a green tornado upon the door. It collided with the lock in the slit.

"My turn! Pepper Breath!!!" Agumon released his attack, having the little fireball make its way through the slit in the door and collide with the lock. The lock then started to rust.

"And to finish it off!!!" Armadillomon again curled up into a ball and rolled towards the door. As soon as he collided with it, the lock broke and the door fell towards the ground with a loud *THUD*. The guards at the center of the building looked around.

"What was that?" one of the Vegimon asked. The other Vegimon just shrugged.

"I don't know, but I'll check it out. Make sure to guard this door with your life, or Master Musyamon will be very angry," Vegimon replied. Vegimon then left his post, which was on the left on the door (if this was a TV show, it would be the viewer's right of the door), and advanced toward where he heard the sound, where Cody and the others were. Armadillomon's ears perked up when he heard something come their way. He then turned his attention towards Cody.

"Cody, someone is coming this way. I suggest we hide," Armadillomon said. Cody shook his head.

"No Armadillomon, we'll have Lan and Elisa's digimon attack whatever is coming, if it's a digimon," Cody replied, back to his digimon partner. Armadillomon then decided to nod in agreement. Cody just smiled, just for a moment, before it disappeared. He then heard something come as well. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon, took their places in front of Cody. Vegimon then approached the fallen door of the barracks.

"Hmm, it seems that this door has fell down. Well, better go punish those filthy humans and digimon for trying to escape their quarters'," Vegimon said, making his way toward the inside. Biyomon and Agumon then decided it was their moment to attack.

"Pepper Breath!!!"

"Spiral Twister!!!" The two attacks combined with each other as they accelerated through the air, until they collided with Vegimon's body. The guard digimon then fell to the ground, skin burnt, and unconscious. Lan and Elisa smiled at each other, and then turned their heads back towards Cody and Armadillomon.

"Let's go," Lan whispered. Cody nodded, and the six ran quietly as they could making their way toward the center complex. As it came into view, they then slowed down to a walk, before going into a crawl. Luckily, from their position, Vegimon could not see them. Lan then looked over to his digimon partner. "Agumon, can you aim for that Vegimon there?" Lan pointed his finger toward the Vegimon guarding the complex from the left. Agumon nodded. "Good. 1…2…3…fire!!!" Lan whispered.

"Pepper Breath!!!" Agumon shouted, launching a fireball in Vegimon's direction. Vegimon was just standing there minding his own business. He then saw something bright coming his way.

"What's that? It's so bright…" Vegimon trailed off, staring at the flying object. He got his answer as it collided with his face, also causing the plant digimon go unconscious. Lan and the others then advanced toward the entrance of the complex. Lan, Elisa, and Cody then looked toward the door. Cody then tested the door just to see if it was unlocked, and luckily, it was. He then turned his attention towards Lan and Elisa.

"Well, you two are done with your part of the plan, and thanks for helping out, but I think I can take it over from here," Cody said. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon, just stood there.

"I don't think so Cody. What if you go in there and you become outnumbered? And what if you happen to meet up with Musyamon? You'll need some reinforcements," Elisa replied, using reason. Armadillomon nodded, concuring with the girl.

"She's right Cody. We probably will need reinforcements," Armadillomon replied. Cody then sighed in defeat, and looked towards his partner.

"Alright Armadillomon, if you say so. But Lan, Elisa, Agumon, and Biyomon, just be quiet. We don't want to be caught," Cody whispered. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon partners nodded. Cody and Armadillomon then entered the complex, with the others behind them. They had then entered a hallway, and walked until they came to four doorways. Two to the left, and two to the right. Three could lead to certain danger, so Cody had to pick carefully.

"So, which door you think our digivices are located?" Lan asked. Elisa and Cody looked around at the four doors, trying to decide which one would probably have the devices. Cody then turned his attention toward the girl.

"Elisa, which door do you think is the right one?" Cody asked, wanting to know what Elisa's answer would be. Elisa then looked around, before finally making her decision. She then pointed to the second door on the left.

"Are you sure?" Cody asked.

"I'm sure," Elisa nodded. Cody and the others then made their way toward the door. Cody then wrapped his hand around the knob, and turned it. The door opened, to reveal…

Meanwhile, behind one of the other three doors of the complex, was the slavemaster Musyamon. He was sleeping peacefully, dreaming of being honored by the Digimon Overlord and his minions. He smiled in this dream, until his ears picked up upon a noise. He warrior senses then awoke the digimon, as he opened his eyes. Musyamon then rubbed his eyes, before grabbing his sword, which was in a sheath nearby and strapping it to his belt. He then opened the door, and grinned evilly, as he saw three humans and their digimon make their way into the device room.

So, those humans, along with their digimon, think they can get their digivices? It won't be that easy, Musyamon thought, as he left his room and went across to another room. He opened the door, and saw several, about seven Vegimon asleep. He closed the door behind as he entered the door.

Good thing these walls are soundproof, or else these humans could hear what I'm about to say, Musyamon thought, as he turned his attention towards the sleeping Vegimon. He then opened his mouth, as he prepared to speak.

"WAKE UP RIGHT NOW!!!!" Musyamon shouted, waking up all of the Vegimon and causing them to scream in surprise. They then calmed down when they saw it was just their master Musyamon.

"Oh, alright Master Musyamon. But why? Is there a problem?" one of the Vegimon asked.

"Yes, there is. Three humans, along with their digimon, somehow made their way into this complex and have made their way into the device room. They must be stopped. If not, I'll be waiting at the entrance, so if they try to get out, they will eventually be stopped. Now, go into the device room and stop them!!!" Musyamon exclaimed again. The seven Vegimon got up.

"Yes sir, right away sir! Let's go!!!" one of the Vegimon replied. The others nodded in agreement as they raced out the door, and went inside the device room, to follow the humans and their digimon. Musyamon just grinned evilly as he looked back toward the door.

I hope those Vegimon stop those humans soon, because I can feel a powerful energy level coming from one human and his digimon, other than the two that are in this building. Well, I must make my way to the entrance, just in case the humans find some way to stop the Vegimon, Musyamon thought, leaving the room. He then made his way toward the entrance, and the scene faded away behind him, as the darkness enveloped the warrior digimon…

…The digivices. On a huge table, within the center of the room, were the digivices. About two million, to be exact. The population of Australia used to be about 18,000,000, until the coming of the Digimon Overlord and his minions. Since then, the population had cut drastically, to only a third of its size, so now, there were only 6,000,000 people left. Cody and the others advanced toward the table. As soon as they got there, something glowed.

"Wow, look at all these digivices!!! I wonder which one is mine?" Lan asked.

"Yeah, mine too," Elisa replied. They then saw glowing light, and their digivices emerged from the pile of others, and landed into their hands. As soon as they did, then chains that had binded them and their digimon disappeared, making them free.

"Wow, these are neat! Now we're free!!!" Lan exclaimed. Cody smiled for the others, but then turned his attention back towards the pile of digivices upon his table. Something did not make sense. If Lan and Elisa's digivices responded to them, how come Cody's did not? Cody snapped out of his thoughts as he heard a voice.

"Not so fast humans!!!" the Vegimon approached them. Lan and Elisa just stared menacingly at the seven Vegimon, as they made their way toward them.

"You wanna bet? Agumon, attack!!!" Lan shouted. Agumon nodded, as he fired his attacks into the air. They collided with three of the Vegimon, this time destroying them and having them transform into data. The other four were scared.

"Wow, it seems now that I have my digivice, my digimon's attack power if amplified," Lan said, looking down at his digivice, which was resting on the palm on his hand.

"So, you're scared now, is that it? Well, we won't let you get away. Biyomon attack!!!" Elisa shouted. Biyomon nodded in agreement.

"Right! Spiral Twister!!!" Biyomon released her attack upon the remaining four, having them instantly become data. A few moments later, the data dissipated into nothingness. Cody just looked at the two. Elisa and Lan caught his look.

"What? Why are you looking at us like that?" Lan and Elisa asked in unison. Cody just shook his head.

"Nothing, nothing. It was nothing. But, I wonder where my D-3 and D-Terminal are in all of this…" Cody trailed off. As soon as he finished his sentence, Cody saw something glow out of the corner of his eye. He turned and looked behind himself. There, attached to a wall, were his D-3 and D-Terminal!!! Cody approached that wall, and unhooked the two items, having them return to his posession. The glowing intensified, as the chains also disappeared off of him and Armadillomon. Cody then clipped his digivice to his pants.

"Let's go then," Lan replied. Elisa and Cody nodded, as well as their digimon. Lan and Elisa, along with Agumon and Biyomon, then left the room. Just as Cody was about to, his ears picked on a voice.

"Help…us…someone…please…help……u….u….us…." the voice whispered. Cody and Armadillomon turned around towards the direction of the voice. He then saw two shadows, as the two were draped in darkness. Cody could not make the two shadows out with his eyes.

"I know where you are, but I wish I could see you, whoever you are…" Cody trailed off. As he finished his statement, his D-3 responded by glowing in a bright, yellow light. It illuminated the whole room, making the shadows and darkness disappear, revealing the hidden stranger along with his digimon partner. Cody and Armadillomon couldn't believe their eyes.

"It…it…it…it can't be…" Cody trailed off again. Of all people, it had to be him. He denied in his thoughts of the boy, battered and bruised as his digimon partner. He could not believe who the chained being was.

But it was who it was…

And it was none other than Ken Ithijouchi.

And his partner Wormmon.

"Ken, is it you?" Cody asked. Cody just couldn't believe it. Out of all people, why did it have to be Ken Ithijouchi, the former Digimon Emperor? It's not like Ken was the plague or anything. Long since then, Cody had tried deep within his heart to forgive the bearer of Kindness. But, deep within his recesses, he still could not, even though everyone else on the team had.

"Co…Co..Cody? Please, help us Cody…please," Ken whispered weakly, coinciding with his weak body. Cody shivered. He wasn't so sure now. He then decided to respond.

"I wish I could Ken, really I wish I could. But, something deep in my heart tells me not to forgive you for what you have done in the past," Cody whispered. Ken only looked up, with his blue eyes looking straight into Cody's green eyes. Cody then noticed something was missing from Ken's eyes.

It was darkness. The darkness was missing.

"I'm sorry Cody, I'm really sorry for what I did in the past as the Digimon Emperor. I know that in my heart you still have not forgiven me. I can't even forgive myself for what I have done. But I'm trying to rectify my mistakes, and learn from those mistakes so they may never happen again. Please believe me from the bottom of my soul Cody. Please, do. And if you have any anger, please, just take it out on me, and not on Wormmon. He hasn't been well," Ken said, looking over to his left. Chained beside him on the wall was batter and bruised Wormmon, who was unconscious.

When Ken was speaking, Cody saw the sincerity in his eyes, the truth. Ken was speaking the truth. The recesses of his heart opened up, and an inner voice spoke to him. Iori, you should forgive the boy. Can't you see that he is speaking the truth? Look at him! He's on the verge of dying if you don't do anything soon. As much as you don't want to admit, he is a friend, and an ally. You will need him, and he will need you on the road that lies ahead, the voice replied. Cody let all of what his inner voice said sink into him. He then looked back up at Ken's face.

"I…I…I forgive you Ken. At first, I thought that maybe, maybe you shouldn't have been forgiven. But, you have been sincere, and your deeds have been forgotten. And, as much as I don't want to admit it, you are a friend. So, with all of my soul and Armadillomon's, we will help you and Wormmon. Tell me Ken, where is your D-3 and D-Terminal?" Cody asked. Ken sincerely smiled at the younger boy.

"Thank you Cody, thank you for forgiving me. My digivice and D-Terminal are on the wall opposite of Wormmon and myself," Ken answered. Cody then turned around and approached the opposite wall. As soon as he did, his D-3 responded with Ken's, along with his D-Terminal, and the two items were released into Cody's arms. Cody then turned around and proceeded back to where Ken and Wormmon were, and aimed the D-3's LCD screen toward their chains. Ken's D-3 glowed as it shot three beams to the chains, destroying them upon contact, and releasing Wormmon and Ken from their grip. Ken caught Wormmon before he fell onto the ground. Slowly but surely, Ken got back up. Cody then handed him his digivice and D-Terminal.

"Thank you again Cody," Ken replied.

"Don't mention it. Now, let's get out of here," Cody replied. Cody and Armadillomon then turned their attention toward the exit of the device room, but Ken placed one of his battered hands upon Cody's arm, restraining the boy from leaving. Cody then turned to look back at Ken. "What is it?" Cody asked.

"Cody, what about the other digivices? Shouldn't we let the owners come here and take them back?" Ken asked. Cody pondered on that for a moment.

"Yes, I guess we-" Cody was then cut off as Lan and Elisa ran back into the room, with their digimon in their arms. A closer look would reveal that they were bruised and battered, and almost on the verge of death. Elisa had tears in her eyes.

"Uh Cody, we have a problem," Elisa stated. Cody stared at the girl.

"What is it Elisa?" Cody asked.

"Remember slavemaster Musyamon? Well, he's blocking our exit out of this complex. Me and Lan, along with our digimon had tried our best to fight him off, but he was just too powerful. It looks like no one will be leaving here very soon," Elisa replied. A voice from behind the humans and their digimon cut them off-guard.

"Yes, it looks like none of you humans will be leaving here very soon," Musyamon stated, standing behind Cody and the others in all of his splendor. The humans could only cower in fear as he approached them. Cody and Armadillomon then stood in front of them, ready to fight if need to.

"Cody, what are you doing? You know Armadillomon can't digivolve, so why are you trying to defend us?" Ken asked weakly. Cody just looked back at his Chosen companion.

"Because Ken, I am a Digi-Destined. I am a Chosen. If you remember, I represent two crests; the Crests of Reliability and of Knowledge. And since I have a reliable side, I have to have the others trust, including yours, to take on this behemoth," Cody replied. Musyamon just glared down at the young man, and their eyes crossed each other.

"So young one, you think just because you have your digivice back that you can defeat me? You are foolish," Musyamon stated. Cody and Armadillomon just glared menacingly at the warrior digimon.

"No, it's not just that. As long as I have the trust of my friends behind me, I feel I can do anything. Including taking you down Musyamon!!!" Cody exclaimed. Musyamon then smiled evilly.

"Then hit me. If you can," Musyamon replied. Cody just chuckled.

"As you wish. Armadillomon, feel free to attack when you want to," Cody said, looking down toward his digimon partner. Armadillomon nodded. He then turned his attention back towards Musyamon, as he then curled into a ball. Just like Sonic the Hedgehog, Armadillomon then accelerated forward, making his way toward the warrior digimon. Musyamon just grinned as Armadillomon advanced, and right as Armadillomon was about to collide with Musyamon's foot, the warrior digimon jumped, having Armadillomon completely miss his strike. Armadillomon then uncurled and looked at Musyamon helplessly as Musyamon then came back toward the ground. Musyamon then withdrew his sword.

"This attack will surely destroy your digimon, Chosen of Reliability and Knowledge. You can talk the talk, but you cannot walk the walk, and now your digimon will pay dearly for it! Ninja Blade!!!" Musyamon shouted, as his saber collided with Armadillomon's shell. Armadillomon screamed in pain as the blade made its way through the shell and into Armadillomon's skin, causing the rodent digimon to bleed. Cody then looked scared for his digimon partner.

"Armadillomon, no!!!" Cody shouted helplessly, as he saw his digimon partner slowly trying to get back up from the assult. It was just useless though. Armadillomon then collapsed unto the ground, unconscious. Musyamon then frowned.

"Damn, he isn't dead yet. Well, this next attack will surely destroy him. Ninja Blade!!!" Musyamon then lunged his sword again toward Armadillomon's body. Cody could only watch, as time seemed to slow down. Slowly but surely, the blade made its way toward Armadillomon's wound. And Armadillomon's partner could only say one word at this occasion. Or more likely, an exclaimation.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Cody hollered throughout the building, having the echo make its way toward the outside. Tears formed in Cody's eyes, as Cody thought that this was the last moment in his life that he would see his digimon partner. Right as he finished screaming, a bright yellow light made its way through the digital barrier in the sky, and crashed into the complex, making a deep hole in the ceiling, before colliding into Cody's D-3. The light blinded Musyamon, stopping the warrior digimon from attacking. The light then illuminated the whole room, as it healed Biyomon, Agumon, and Wormmon, before healing Armadillomon with its essence. Armadillomon then awoke from being unconscious.

"No, it can't be! This isn't suppose to happen!!!" Musyamon exclaimed helplessly. It seemed that now, the tables have turned. Cody could only smile as he unclipped his D-3. Close examination revealed a combination of the Crest of Reliability and the Crest of Knowledge as one under the LCD screen. Cody then pointed the screen toward Armadillomon. He then closed his eyes.

I hope this works, Cody thought as he concentrated within the power inside him. He then opened his eyes, as he glared at Musyamon. "Musyamon, this is it. This will be the end of you, and things will change in this world now. Armadillomon, digivolve!!!" As soon as Cody finished his statement, the light from his D-3 changed into a beam, and emerged from the LCD screen as it accelerated through the air. After a few seconds, it then collided with the digimon's body, causing him to glow in a bright white light. A new transformation then began…

"NET DIGIVOLUTION…"

Armadillomon's body ripped as binary code made its way into his body. His body expanded to a great height, and transformed into a t-rex like shape, only his stomach expanded a little. Where he would have claws on his hands, he had arm cannons. His skin was then reformated, and it was dark navy blue. His chest was white. A tail grew at the end. His transformation was then complete.

"Deltamon!!!"

Deltamon emerged, as the white light slowly faded. He loomed over Musyamon, and could only grin as he looked down upon the warrior digimon. "Who's better than who now Musyamon?" Deltamon asked. Musyamon could only huff.

"It doesn't matter Deltamon. So, you somehow digivolved. That won't help you. Even though I'm smaller, I'm faster. So I will still surpass you," Musyamon reasoned. Deltamon grinned.

"You think so Musyamon? Then see if you can dodge this. Serpent Bite!!!" Deltamon lunged his head forward, ready to bite the warrior digimon. Musyamon jumped again, having Deltamon's mouth miss him by centimeters (or centimetres). Musyamon then aimed his sword toward Deltamon's head as he fell, accelerating toward Deltamon's head.

"You don't get it! I'm just too strong for you!!! Shogun Sword!!!" Musyamon shouted, as he thrusted his sword forward toward Deltamon's head….

And it landed in Deltamon's arm cannon? Musyamon was surprised.

"What? How?" Musyamon was astounded by what had just happened. Deltamon could only grin.

"You think I didn't see that coming? You're so stupid Musyamon. You're doing the same thing you basically did earlier. Now, allow me to demonstrate my power. YUUHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" Deltamon then made a motion with his left arm, bringing Musyamon down with it. Musyamon then collided with the ground with a *THUD*. Deltamon then opened his arm cannons, having the sword drop to the floor. Deltamon could only glare menacingly toward the fallen warrior digimon.

"You have been judged Musyamon. And your judgement is a very poor one. And now, it is time for your demise. You will harm us no more," Deltamon stated. His arm cannons then glowed with energy, as they were charging up for his most powerful attack. He also opened his mouth, having energy gather. He then released it in three powerful blasts.

"And here's your medicine!!! Triplex Force!!!" Deltamon then released his power, having the three powerful blasts advance toward Musyamon. There was no way the warrior digimon could dodge the attack, even if he wanted to. For as soon as he tried to get up, the three blasts collided into his back. Musyamon then could only scream in agony, as he knew he was about to be deleted.

"AHHHHHH!!!!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!" Musyamon, as he screamed. And in that one final moment, the warrior digimon dispersed into meaningless data, having it float towards the ceiling of the complex, more fading away into nothingness. Deltamon then dedigivolved back into Armadillomon, and ran to his human partner, who was just shocked, as well as happy. Cody then embraced his digimon partner.

"So Cody, did you like my new digivolution? Well, did ya partner?" Armadillomon asked.

"I did Armadillomon, I did very much. You did a great job," Cody asked, smiling happily at his digimon. Ken and the others then snapped out of their reverie, and then returned to the moment at hand. Ken then looked at Cody.

"Uh Cody, what about the others?"

After about another two or three hours of freeing prisoners and their digimon, along with them all searching and finding their digivices, most of the camp was evacuated. Ken, Cody, Elisa and Lan stood with their digimon partners, smiling as they saw the last of the humans leave, to start a new life. Cody then turned his attention toward his friends. They all had equipped themselves with backpacks, with water bottles on the side and some food and clothing inside, along with some supplies.

"So, Elisa, Lan, what are you two and your digimon going to do?" Cody asked, standing alongside Ken, who held a still unconscious Wormmon. Lan and Elisa then looked at Cody.

"Well Cody, if it was alright with you and Ken, we wanted to go with you to help free the other remaining prisoners on this continent," Elisa replied. Cody shook his head.

"No Elisa, Lan, we shouldn't put you through this strain. Ken and I have jobs to do as Chosen, and we don't want to involve anyone else in this matter," Cody replied. Lan then opened his mouth to speak.

"But Cody, me and Elisa are Digi-Destined! We might not be Chosen like you and Ken are, but we have a right to save the world as well!!!" Lan exclaimed. Ken then nodded in agreement. He then looked over at Cody.

"You know, he does have a point there," Ken said. Cody then sighed tiredly.

"Alright, you two and your digimon can come. But I am not responsible for whatever happens to you," Cody replied. Lan and Elisa smiled, and then Lan looked at Cody.

"Oh, yes you are. One of your crests is the Crest of Reliability," Lan remarked.

"But that's Reliability, not responsibility!!!" Cody shouted back.

"You're still responsible!!!"

"No I'm not!"

"Yes you are!!!"

"No I'm not!!!"

"Yes you are!!!"

"How long do you think this will continue?" Elisa whispered. Ken just chuckled as he held his digimon partner in his arms.

"About another ten minutes or so," Ken answered. In the background, Cody and Lan continued to argue. And behind them, the sun was setting, ending the day and bringing a new night. And maybe, this night could bring in the era of new dreams, or so they thought…

So, will Cody and the others be able to free the other prisoners at the other two camps? And will Wormmon ever awake? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!!!

Well guys, that's the end for Episode 21. That took me a long time to write, considering I had to think of how everything was going to tie together. But, I think I may have my writer's inspiration back, among other things.

Oh yeah, ArchangelUK, and any Takari fan reading this fic, if you have ever read one of my other fics, entitled "From Hope to Despair" (and I know ArchangelUK has read it), I'm thinking of revamping it (totally) and publishing it as a totally new story. So please, ArchangelUK and other Takari fans who have read that fic, please tell me your thoughts about this, I would really like to know. So, until the next chapter, ja ne!!!