Digimon: The Digital War Chapter 22: Wormmon's Awakening&the Fear of Kindness, a digimon fanfic

" Digimon: The Digital War "

Malcolm Yuy

Episode 22 " Wormmon's Awakening and the Fear of Kindness "

Disclaimer: I know it's been a while since you seen one, so I'll just say this again to cover about the next umpteenth chapters. I do not own Digimon, and I'm sure that the other fan writers at FanFicton.Net don't either. Or do they?

Oh yeah, and um, sorry for not publishing for a few months. I have an intense case of writer's block, and, on top of that, being a junior in high school is really biting at my ass. So, on to the fic…

Synopsis: Where we started our new story, we were in Melbourne, Australia, home of one of the three prison camps upon the island. Cody was in one of them with Armadillomon. After finally one day divising a plan to get his D-3 and D-Terminal back, he found Ken and Wormmon in the complex! But, before they could give everyone else's digivices to the others, Musyamon guarded the front entrance. A fight then ensued, and Musyamon had the upper hand, and almost killed Armadillomon. Luckily, Cody released the power of his crest, and Armadillomon net digivolved to Deltamon and destroyed Musyamon! The prisoners were then released, and now Cody, Ken, and two new friends, Lan and Elisa, along with all their digimon, are heading to the next prisoner camp. What will they encounter once they are there? Let's find out…

A/N: If anyone is wondering where the Digital Resistance is in all of this, they aren't on Australia at all. Why? Because when the Digimon Overlord's minions invaded the Land Down Under, they captured most of the Digi-Destined and their digimon, and most of them did not have enough time to establish any associations or groups. So basically, Australia is the only hospitable continent where the Digital Resistance is not located. And now, on with the fic!!!

… And again, for the umpteenth time that night, Ken Ithijouchi turned in his sleeping bag.

The bearer of Kindness just could not sleep. Cuddled near his chest, was the still unconscious Wormmon. Wormmon had gone unconscious the last time Musyamon had abused the two. And since then, he has not awaken. Ken had gotten worried, as all humans get about their loved ones, so, very slowly and quietly, Ken slept out of his sleeping bag and went to a nearby fire that he and the others had erected hours ago to cook their dinner, some raw fish. When he got there, he wasn't the only one awake. Cody was there too, along with Armadillomon.

"Couldn't sleep either Ken?" Cody asked, as he was getting a fire going. Ken just shook his head as he sat opposite of the bearer of Knowledge and Reliability. Cody finally got the fire going, and the two looked into the burning embers. Cody didn't want to get too much into Ken's business, but he wanted to help Ken. He noticed lately that Ken acted nervously, and not only that, but he was more of a coward than in the past. Cody wondered what egged on this change, so he decided to pry into the matter a little further.

"Ken, may I ask you a question? If it troubles you too much, you don't have to answer," Cody said. Ken just looked at the younger boy.

"I'm sure I would not mind anything you ask Cody, so just ask away," Ken replied, rubbing his digimon partner in his arms, trying to warm the insect digimon up. Cody noticed this as well. Cody then snapped out of his reverie and proceeded to ask his question, in the bleak of night, where the stars shone bright.

"How did you wind up here?" Cody asked. Ken just chuckled a little bit, but then the chuckle immediately transformed into that of a frown.

"How did I wind up here? Well, it was like this…"

***FLASHBACK BEGINS***

How I ended up here in Australia, was a mystery in itself, like how you ended up here. But of course, every story has to start somewhere, so the story starts at Tai and Kari's apartment, the night of the party. It was of the anniversary of the defeat of Kimeramon and of me becoming good and of joining the team. And I was getting ready to go…

Ken was putting the last finishing touches on his hair, as he was getting ready for the party. He looked into the mirror. He was wearing a green golf shirt with a white undershirt, some khaki pants and brown dress shoes. He gave himself a faint smile. Lookin' good, I guess. Ken turned his head in the direction of his digimon partner, who at the moment was sitting atop the bunk bed, looking down at his human partner.

"Are you ready yet Ken? I'm getting restless up here," Wormmon said. Ken just smiled.

"Yes Wormmon, I am ready. Let's go," Ken replied. He walked up to the side of the bed. He stopped, and just stood there. Wormmon then jumped off the top bunk and landed upon Ken's shoulder. Ken then went to his dresser and took his D-3 and his D-Terminal, and then slipped the D-Terminal into his pocket, and clipped the D-3 onto his pants. He turned the light off in his room, and gave the room one last glance before leaving it. Right as he left the room, the doorbell rang.

"Ken dear, can you please get the door? It's probably your friends," Mrs. Ithijouchi shouted through the kitchen/living room. Ken walked through the narrow hallway towards the door. Before he opened it, he looked through the peephole of the door. Through the other side was two of his best friends, one, Daisuke "Davis" Motimoya, along with his digimon partner, Veemon. On his right was Miyako "Yolei" Inoue, and her digimon partner, Hawkmon. Ken had grown quite fond of the girl through the previous year, and was looking forward to maybe revealing his feelings tonight, if he could. He then opened the door.

"Hey Ken, what's happenin'?" Davis asked. Ken just smiled at his two friends, before proceeding to answer.

"Everything's fine Davis. We'll go in a sec. I just need to tell my mom that I'm leaving." Ken then turned his head toward his mother. "Mom, I'll be at Tai and Kari's apartment, so if you need me, you have their phone number. I'll be home at midnight," Ken replied.

"Alright dear, just make sure to get home at twelve, or else you'll be grounded. Oh, and have a good time!!!" Mrs. Ithijouchi shouted as Ken closed the door, exiting his apartment. The three humans and their digimon then walked down the hallway until they came to an elevator. Moments later, after getting in the elevator, they emerged in the lobby of the complex and left.

"It's a good thing we got to your apartment early Ken. This way, we'll have plenty of time to walk to Tai and Kari's," Davis replied.

"Uh Davis, didn't you forget that we're going to use the subway to get there?" Yolei asked. Davis just stopped walking.

"We are?" Davis asked.

"You can be so dense sometimes! Man, I wonder why I even put up with you…" Yolei trailed off, looking at Davis. Davis just sighed. Ken just looked at the two.

"Come on you two, if we want to get to the party on time, we'll have to walk sometime," Ken said. Yolei then turned her attention towards Ken.

"You're right Ken. Come on Davis, let's go before you give me any more migranes," Yolei said, starting to walk again. The other two followed until they finally reached the subway. They payed for their ticket and went through to the train…

About half an hour later, the three, along with their digimon, finally made it to the Kamiya's apartment. Davis sat down for a moment with Veemon.

"Man, I'm tired," Davis said. Ken and Wormmon just looked down upon their DNA Digivolving partner.

"You won't be in a few seconds. And you can quote me on that," Ken said, turning his attention back towards the door. Yolei then stepped up and rung the doorbell. A few moments later, the door opened, and Kari Kamiya was there.

"Well, come on in guys. We're just putting the finishing touches on the decorations," Kari replied. She then walked to the side, so that Ken and the others could walk through. After they did so, Kari closed the door. A few moments later, she opened it again to let more people in. A few moments later, the party began…

Ken was now at the table with all the party food, including some fruit punch. He decided to take a cup and have some to himself. A few seconds later, Davis came over to join him.

"So Ken, how are you enjoying the party so far?" Davis asked.

"Uh, it's alright. There's one thing I would like to do, though…" Ken trailed off, looking from his punch cup towards the floor, as a blush appeared upon his cheeks. Davis didn't notice it, though.

"Like what exactly?" Davis asked. Ken looked over, and Davis followed his eyes. For, across from the two boys was none other than Yolei and Kari, gossiping. Davis then finally caught onto what Ken was thinking.

"Oh, I see. Hey look, she's coming over here now…" Davis said. This caught Ken's attention. The boy quickly looked toward his right, and sure enough, Yolei Inoue was advancing to their way. Davis then decided to end their little conversation.

"Well Ken, it's been nice talking to you. I think I'm going to go over and ask Kari to dance," Davis said. Ken simply nodded, as Davis walked away, passing Yolei by.

"Whatever floats your boat, Davis." Ken took a sip of his cup, and his eyes looked up. There, standing in front of him, was Yolei. He blushed, hoping Yolei didn't notice, as he put his cup down upon a table nearby. "So Yolei, is there anything I can do for you?" Ken asked, making eye contact with the girl. He nervously smiled, as his heart started to accelerate along with Yolei's. The two were nervous toward each other, but tried to hide it. Yolei gulped nervously, before finally deciding to ask him.

"Ken, um, I was wondering….*sigh*…will you dance with me?" Yolei asked. Ken looked at her questingly, until his ears finally picked the sound of Daft Punk music traveling around the apartment. He blushed again, embarrassed. He gulped nervously as well, before finally giving his answer.

"Um…su..sure. I think that will be wonderful," Ken answered, extending a hand. Yolei smiled at him as she took it, and the two hands intertwined. The two Chosen finally made their way to the dance floor, as they finally started to dance. Yolei made eye contact with Ken, and the two stared at each other for a while. He's so dreamy, Yolei thought, as she gave Ken a dreamy smile. Ken smiled back at her. He then opened his mouth to speak.

"So Yolei, how are you enjoying the party?" Ken asked. Yolei snapped out of her daydream and looked at Ken, and then pretended to think for a moment, before giving her answer. "I'm really enjoying the party. And to tell you the truth, Ken, the best part of it so far is being in your arms. I know I might not be totally beautiful or perfect to you, and that's okay. It's just that I…I…I feel attracted…to..you," Yolei replied, turning her head in another direction, blushing. Ken saw this, and knowing she felt the same way for him, made him happy ever more. He then took his left hand, which was situated on the right side of Yolei's waist, and cupped her chin. He then lifted it up, and as Yolei felt this, made her come into contact with Ken's eyes.

"To me Miyako, I think you're absolutely beautiful, and that you're perfect to me. Since the days after I stopped being the Digimon Emperor, you have wrapped me in your loving arms, and helped me become who I am today. Without you, my Kindness wouldn't have been revived. The truth of the matter is, I love you too, Miyako Inoue," Ken responded, using Yolei's real name. She was shocked beyond belief. Her, Miyako "Yolei" Inoue, was loved by Sotaru "Ken" Ithijouchi? This had to be a dream. She looked back into his eyes, and the two slowly leaned in. Their faces were inches apart, until…

"Hey guys, you should come see this," T.K. said, catching everyone's attenion. Yolei sighed as she and Ken released themselves from each other, and walked outside to emerge onto the balcony. They then looked up into the sky as they saw the digital rift, with digimon emerging from it. Yolei and the others became frightened. And then, without warning, it came. Fireballs rained from the sky, as they collided with the ground, creating huge shockwaves, destroying everything in its wake. Yolei clutched to Hawkmon, as she was being separated from her friends.

"NOOOOOO!!!!!KEEENNNNNNN!!!!!!!!" Yolei screamed. Ken tried to grasp onto Yolei's hand, but no use. He was separated from her, and grabbed onto his digimon partner.

"YOLEIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!" Ken screamed. And then, all he saw was darkness…

The next moment Ken opened his eyes, he would never forget what happened. He slowly opened them, causing them to be blurry. Slowly, they came into focus. Right in front of him was none other than Wormmon.

"Ken, you're alright!!! Oh Ken, I thought you might've died!!!" Wormmon exclaimed, as he jumped to Ken's side. Ken simply smiled as he picked up his digimon partner, and slowly arose to his feet. He looked around, and his eyes bulged with what he saw. He was surrounded by all kinds of brush, with huge rocks standing in the distance. Ken thought for a few moments, before realizing where he and Wormmon were. They were in the Outback. He then turned his attention back towards Wormmon.

"Wormmon, is there anyone else here?" Ken asked. Wormmon shook his head. "Great, then we're by ourselves. Come on, we better go before-" Ken was cut-off as an explosion occurred in front of him. He and Wormmon dove for the ground, and then looked up. It was none other than Musyamon and the Vegimon. Musyamon had an evil grin upon his face.

"Well well well, if it isn't the Chosen of Kindness. Or should I say, the former Digimon Emperor?" Musyamon smirked. Ken just glared at Musyamon.

"That was a long time ago. I'm reformed," Ken said calmly. Musyamon and the Vegimon just stood there, not having any movements.

"That's what you think child. But, in our eyes, you are still the cruel Kaiser. Let's attack!!!" Musyamon exclaimed. He and the Vegimon then advanced toward Ken and Wormmon. Ken unclipped his D-3 and looked down towards Wormmon.

"Wormmon, are you ready?" Ken asked.

"Ready whenever you are," Wormmon answered. Ken then concentrated on the energy within. The D-3 then glowed, and a white beam emerged from the LCD screen and collided with Wormmon's body. Wormmon then started to transform.

"Wormmon digivolve to…Stingmon!!!" Stingmon emerged, and the light bathed around him slowly faded. Right as it did, something astonishing happened. The digital rift above glowed, as a yellow square appeared. It then started absorbing the new upgraded data from Stingmon. Musyamon and the Vegimon stopped their assult to look at what was happening in amazement. Ken was looking at this too. As data was being absorbed, Stingmon was slowly reverting, until he dedigivolved back into Wormmon. The yellow square in the rift then disappeared.

"What just happened?" Wormmon asked Ken, blinking. For the first time, Ken couldn't find any words to summarize what just happened.

"I…I don't know…" Ken said. Musyamon and the Vegimon just laughed, and Ken and Wormmon turned their attention towards them. "What's so funny?" Ken asked. Musyamon and the Vegimon stopped laughing and just glared at Ken and his digimon partner.

"Fool, don't you know that the digital rift prevents digimon of the Digi-Destined from digivolving at all? Which means, you're going to be in real trouble." Musyamon grinned evilly, and then, in one swift movement, assulted Ken. He drew out his sword as he slashed Ken across the face, causing the boy to immediately become unconscious. He collapsed onto the ground. Next, Musyamon took the hilt of his sword and thrusted it into Wormmon's back, causing the digimon to also become unconscious. He then retracted his sword, and instructed the Vegimon to come. After coming over to where Musyamon was, they picked up Ken and Wormmon's body, and carried him off…

After that, I woke up where you found me. The prison was not completely built, so of course, they had to recruit more digimon and human slaves to finish it. Humans and digimon tried to escape, but to of no use. They ended up being murdered on the onslaught. For me and Wormmon saw it. But me, they were saving the best for last. They whipped me, along with my digimon partner, for him following in my mistakes. And what happened next, would inevitably make me lose my sense of being…

One night in the prison, Wormmon and Ken were hanging from the wall, shackled in chains. Wormmon felt weak from the beatings he and Ken had received earlier that day, and was barely hanging on. Ken of course saw this, and felt bad for his digimon partner. He then gave a nudge towards Wormmon. Wormmon turned his attention towards Ken.

"What is…it…Ken?" Wormmon asked, tired. Ken frowned at his partner.

"Wormmon, you don't look…so well…" Ken replied, being weak himself. But, Ken was not as weak as Wormmon. He still had some energy left in him.

"Of course…I don't…who wouldn't…after being beat…one-hundred times…" Wormmon trailed off. Ken smiled.

"Well…I was thinking…Maybe…I should give you…some of my…energy," Ken proposed. In what little energy Wormmon had left in him, his eyes bulged.

"But Ken…If you transfer that energy to me…and Musyamon comes in and…starts beating us again…You might not…survive…it…" Wormmon said, struggling to stay awake. If Ken's hand was free, he would've slapped Wormmon right there. But he couldn't. So, instead, tears formed in his dark blue eyes, until they emerged and cascaded down his cheeks.

"But Wormmon, I don't…want to lose…you again… I've made a final decision. I'm going to do it..." And with that, Ken concentrated within himself. As he did, the Black Lens D-3 upon the table glowed, and a purple light emerged from the LCD screen. It traveled through the air until it collided with Wormmon's body. Wormmon was healed, and looked at Ken immensly. But now, Ken was breathing heavily.

"Ken, you didn't have to do that," Wormmon said. Ken slowly nodded.

"I know…But…I…wanted…to…" Ken said, trying his best to form a smile. Right as he did so, the door opened. And in stepped Musyamon.

"Well well well, what are you two doing? Trying to conspire a plan to escape this base?" Musyamon asked.

"No sir. I just…gave some…of my energy…to my…partner…" Ken slowly said. Musyamon slowly advanced his way until he stood right in front of Ken's hanging body. He looked down upon the battered Digi-Destined. He then noticed something he didn't before. In the middle of his neck, there was a black mark.

"What have we here? I haven't noticed that before," Musyamon said. Slowly, he lowered his hand toward the mark. And then, he touched it. As he did so, the mark glowed with darkness, and Ken started shouting in pain, as a darkness engulfed him. Wormmon was terrified.

"Ken! What have you done to him?" Wormmon asked. Musyamon just looked at Wormmon breathlessly.

"I…I don't know…" Musyamon answered. He took a step back as the shouts were becoming louder, as the dark aura pulsated throughout the prison, causing all of the shadows and light to be gone. Ken slowly looked up, straight into Musyamon's eyes. Right as he did so, his face transformed into that of the Kaiser. His hair became the spiky hairdo, and the eyes lost it's good, and Ken evilly smiled at Musyamon. Musyamon feared for the worst.

"You fool, you don't know what you have just done, have you? I will now engulf this world in darkness!!!" the Kaiser shouted. Musyamon whimpered, and Wormmon turned his attention back towards the Digimon Emperor.

"You will not Ken! I know the dark spore has been activated, but you cannot let it control you. Fight the darkness Ken. I know you can," Wormmon said. Kaiser turned his head to his digimon partner. For a moment, his face reverted back to Ken's regular facial features.

"Wormmon…" Ken trailed off as he struggled with the internal battle raging within his mind. He kept on changing back and forth, from Ken to Kaiser, for what seemed like minutes, when it was only a few seconds. A few moments later, the internal ended. Ken Ithijouchi of Kindness, not the Digimon Emperor, or the Kaiser, won. Ken forced a smile upon his face at his digimon partner, before fainting, his eyes closed, and his hair fell over his face. Musyamon regained his composure.

"Well, that was…different…I thought for a second that the cruel Kaiser would return. So I see that the Chosen of Kindness has two personalities within himself. Well, neither of those personalities will survive for very long," Musyamon said, starting to advance toward Ken again. Once he stood in front of Ken's drooping body, he looked at the dark mark upon the middle of his neck. It now pulsated with dark, purple energy. The samurai digimon smirked.

"Well, now it's time to end this!!! Yuhhhhhhh!!!!!!" Musyamon exclaimed, as he unsheathed his saber and aimed it for Ken's head. Right before it touched, something amazing happened. The dark glow on Ken's neck intensified, and sent a wave of energy back towards Musyamon, making him fall back from the sensation. Ken opened his eyes, and was now screaming in agony. Wormmon was scared for life, as he looked upon his human partner.

"Ken!!!" Wormmon exclaimed. Ken fought back his screams, but to no avail. He then released his pain.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" Ken screamed, as the object in the dark mark on his neck began to arise, before emerging from his neck, being detached from his body. It floated in the air for a few moments, and Wormmon looked upon in amazement.

"The Dark Spore," Wormmon muttered. Right as he finished his sentence, a rumbling was heard above the prison. A square in the digital rift glowed, and a beam of data formed, and traveled through the air until it collided with the ceiling of the prison, creating a hole. Light from the moon glowed into this hole, and the beam of data continued its journey until it came into contact with the Dark Spore. As soon as the two datastreams came into contact, purple sparks flashed from it, and Ken was struggling to release the power the Spore had on him.

"Go…away!!!" Ken exclaimed in pain. He then summoned forth all the strength he had left in him, and concentrated it upon the datastream from the digital rift. It gave that datastream enough power to absorb the Dark Spore's data, and take it back to the Digital World. The beam absorbed the Dark Spore, and the light ascended it back into the digital rift. The square then disappeared, and it was done. Ken then looked over to his digimon partner.

"Thank…you…Wormmon," Ken said, breathing heavily. Wormmon only smiled back at his human partner.

"You're welcome Ken," Wormmon responded. Ken then smiled, and went back into unconsciousness. Musyamon, again amazed, decided this time to spare the two's lives. He then left the room, still not believing what had happened.

And from that day forward, we were fed, and still we were tortured, but not as severely as before. And eventually, one day, Wormmon couldn't take it anymore. So, he fell into unconsciousness. And he hasn't been able to wake up since…

***FLASHBACK ENDS***

"And that was what happened," Ken replied. Cody was fully absorbed in the tale along with Armadillomon, while Ken was rubbing his unconscious digimon partner. Cody didn't notice it before, but under Ken's left eye, he had a scar. It was miniscule, but it was there nonetheless.

He must have gotten it from the beatings, Cody thought, as stared upon it. Ken was using his concentration upon his digimon partner, rubbing his shell slightly. Behind them, the sun arose to a new day. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon partners, Agumon and Biyomon, stood up, yawning in the morning light. They walked over, with Lan sitting beside Ken and Elisa beside Cody.

"Morning Ken, Cody…" Lan said, his eyes barely opened. He yawned as he unclipped his digivice and checked the clock. It was 6:00 A.M.

"Morning," Ken and Cody said in unison. Elisa yawned. Cody then looked over to the girl.

"Good Morning Elisa. How did you sleep?" Cody asked. Elisa turned her attention towards Cody.

"Fine Cody," Elisa responded, yawning. The girl stretched her limbs, before her and Biyomon, along with Lan and Agumon, walked to sit near Cody and Ken. The two then immersed in an conversation…

Hours later, the group was outside the next camp, which was in Sydney. The group sighed tiredly as they made it outside the camp walls.

"Well, we finally made it," Cody replied, sighing. The others nodded. Lan turned his attention towards Cody.

"So Cody, what's the plan?" Lan asked. Cody brushed his chin with his hands as he was thinking. An idea then came to mind.

"Well, we could just surround the base and attack from all sides, but, that would be stupid. Who knows what kind of digimon are in that camp? They may be too strong for us to handle. So, I think the best plan of action is to survey the area and then come up with a plan of attack," Cody replied. Ken and the others nodded in agreement, seeing Cody's way of thinking. Elisa then came up with an idea.

"Hey Cody, Biyomon can survey the area," Elisa suggested. Cody looked toward Elisa's digimon.

"You think so?" Cody asked.

"Positive. Watch," Elisa responded. She then told Biyomon to fly. Biyomon nodded as she flew up in the sky, and used her superior sight to scan the area. When she was finished scanning the area, she flew back down and looked at her human partner.

"There seems to be noone outside working right now," Biyomon said.

"Well then, let's go…" Cody said, as he and Armadillomon, along with Ken holding an unconscious Wormmon, advanced toward the entrance of the base. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon, followed. As soon as they approached the entrance, they stopped. Cody then looked down at his digimon partner. "Ready Armadillomon?" Cody asked.

"Ready whenever you are Cody," Armadillomon responded. Cody smiled.

"Okay. Lan, Elisa, get your digimon ready to attack the door. When I say three, our digimon will attack the door," Cody instructed. Lan and Elisa nodded. "Ready? Alright then…1…2…3!!!" And on three, the digimon then released their attacks.

"Spiral Twister!!!" Biyomon shouted, releasing a green tornado of energy towards the door. It collided with the left side, making a dent in the door.

"My turn. Pepper Breath!!!" Agumon exclaimed, as he shot three fireballs into the air. They then collided with the dent in the door, making a small tear in the door. Armadillomon smiled, as he then rolled up into a ball, and backed up a bit. Then, at full speed, he accelerated towards the door, and bounced up and had his shell collide with the dent, causing the door to be knocked off its hinges. The door swayed a little, before colliding with the ground, allowing Cody and the others entrance into the base. Armadillomon then uncurled from his ball. Cody looked down at his digimon partner.

"Good job Armadillomon!" Cody exclaimed, smiling and giving his digimon a thumbs-up. Armadillomon smiled.

"Thank ya partner, but uh, we seem to have a problem…" Armadillomon trailed off, as he looked ahead of him. Cody looked up with the rest of his group, and noticed what the others were looking at. For ahead of them, there was a group of digimon. They were a trio of Guardromon.

"And where do you think you're going?" The leader of the Guardromon asked, as he stepped forward. Cody and the others stepped forward as well, to show that they weren't intimidated by him.

"To free the prisoners of this concentration camp, what else?" Cody answered sarcastically. He then took out his D-3 and had the LCD screen aimed at Armadillomon. He looked down at his digimon partner. "Ready, Armadillomon?" Cody asked.

"I'd thought you'd never ask," Armadillomon replied, smiling. Cody then concentrated on the power within him. The LCD screen in his D-3 then glowed, and the power transferred from the device and into Armadillomon's body. A transformation then began.

"NET DIGIVOLUTION…"

"Armadillomon net digivolve to-" Armadillomon's body ripped as binary code made its way into his body. His body expanded to an enormous height. His new body then emerged, being navy blue with a white belly, and two arm cannons. His transformation was then complete.

"Deltamon!!!"

Deltamon emerged, and the light faded. The Guardromon started to back up as they saw the huge Champion level digimon. After all, who wouldn't be intimidated by a huge dinosaur? Deltamon then smiled as he aimed his arm cannons at them.

"This is for all the anguish you've given to the humans and their digimon! Triplex Force!!!" Deltamon exclaimed, as he released his attack upon the Guardromon. The attack accelerated through the air, before it collided with the Guardromon's body, causing smoke to appear, and for the three Guardromon to become data.The fight drew humans and digimon alike to emerge from their homes. More Guardromon appeared, and Biyomon and Agumon joined up with Deltamon. The Guardromon advanced toward Deltamon and the others.

"Well well well, what is this? It seems we have a little rebellion going on here. But not to worry, for it'll end soon," the leader of this group of Guardromon replied. Deltamon and company just smirked at the Guardromon.

"That's what you think, Guardromon. Ready Biyomon, Agumon?" Deltamon asked, looking down at the two Rookie level digimon. They nodded at him, and he turned his attention back towards the Guardromon. "Then, attack!!!" Deltamon and the others then raced forward, unleashing their attacks upon their enemy.

"Spiral Twister!!!" Biyomon exclaimed as she released her attack. The green tornado flew through the air until it collided with the Guardromon, sending them to fly back into one another. They shook their heads as they got back up.

"This'll finish them off!!! Pepper Breath!!!" Agumon released four fireballs into the air, as they traveled toward their targets. As they collided with the four Guardromon that Biyomon had attacked earlier, the four Guardromon transformed into data. There were now only six Guardromon left. They started to fly away, but Deltamon smirked.

"Not so fast, Guardromon. Triplex Force!!!" Deltamon exclaimed, as he opened his mouth, and aimed his arm cannons toward the enemies. Three blasts then formed, and lines formed to combine with the three blasts, into a triangular blast. Deltamon then released his attack, and it accelerated through the air at an incredible speed, before colliding with five of the six Guardromon. The sixth Guardromon just got scraped in the arm, and went into a nearby building.

"Where does he think he's going?" Deltamon asked. He was about to go after Guardromon, but something was holding his right arm back. He turned his head to see Cody's hand touching his arm.

"Come on Deltamon, he's not worth it," Cody answered. Deltamon calmed down, and Cody looked at his D-3. He was getting a signal in the building up ahead. "The digivices are in that building up ahead," Cody said, pointing to the building in front of him and his comrades. He and the others then advanced toward it, not knowing that letting the sixth Guardromon go could risk their lives in the outcome…

The sixth Guardromon that escaped made his way into his master's chamber. For, sleeping on a mat, was none other than the master of the camp, a Kyuubimon. Guardromon advanced over to his master's side, and shook the digimon from her slumber.

"Master Kyuubimon, wake up, wake up!!!" Guardromon exclaimed, shaking the fox digimon. Kyuubimon awoke from her sleep, as her eyes came into focus. She then looked at Guardromon.

"What is it Guardromon? If you woke me up for a trifle manner, than I will not handle with you as easily as I did last time," Kyuubimon threatened. Guardromon sweatdropped, before proceeding with telling her what was happening.

"But Master Kyuubimon, this manner is not a trifle one. Rebels have broken into the camp and are attempting to free the prisoners and their digimon at this very moment! One of the rebel Digi-Destined has found some way for his digimon to digivolve to the Champion level," Guardromon told Kyuubimon. A smirk formed on Kyuubimon's face.

"Then this human and his digimon must be special. Finally, a challenge. I haven't had one in such a long time," Kyuubimon replied to herself. She then snapped out of daydream-like trance and looked at Guardromon. "Guardromon, stay here. I'll deal with these trespassers myself," Kyuubimon informed. Guardromon sweatdropped again.

"Yes ma'am!!!" Guardromon saluted Kyuubimon. Kyuubimon only sweatdropped.

"Don't do that anymore Guardromon, alright? It's sort of…embarrassing…" Kyuubimon trailed off. Guardromon closed his eyes.

"Sorry ma'am, won't happen again ma'am."

"Good. Well then, I'm off," Kyuubimon replied. She then raced out of her chamber, and towards the building where she knew Cody and the others were heading for. Guardromon looked out the nearby window as he saw her advance toward the building.

I hope Master Kyuubimon stops them, or else this could be very bad…

Cody and the others stood at the door. Cody then turned to look up at his digimon partner.

"Deltamon, you stay here and look out for anyone coming this way. If they threaten our mission, then deal with them the best way you can," Cody instructed. Deltamon nodded, but then a thought came into his mind.

"But Cody, what about-"

"I said Deltamon, deal with them the best way you can. And yes, if it has to be a last resort, destroy them. I'm sorry, but it has to be this way," Cody said as he cut-off Deltamon in mid-sentence. Deltamon nodded, and then Cody turned his attention toward Ken and the others. "Alright then. Let's go!!!" Agumon and Biyomon fired their attacks toward the door, making it fall off its hinges. Then the four humans, along with their digimon, raced inside of the building.

Inside, it was ironically very dark, the only light coming in from small windows in the brick walls of the building. Cody was following the signal of his D-3, which led him to a room at the end of the hall. He then looked at Lan and Elisa, along with Ken, who was still holding an unconscious Wormmon.

"Lan and Elisa, if you could get your digimon to do the honors," Cody replied. Lan and Elisa nodded as they looked at their digimon.

"Alright Agumon, you know what to do," Lan replied. Agumon nodded as he opened his mouth.

"Pepper Breath!!!" Agumon's attack pierced through the air as it collided with the left side of the door, creating a dent.

"Spiral Twister!!!" Biyomon released her attack upon the door, having it knock the door off of its hinge. It swerved open, and Cody and the others stepped inside. For, inside the room, upon the table, was another two- million digivices. Cody and the others smiled at finding the digivices. Cody then turned his attention toward the others.

"Lan, Elisa, you and your digimon stay here. Ken and I will go back to check up on Deltamon," Cody replied.

"Alright Cody. We'll make sure to guard this room," Elisa replied.

"You do that. You ready Ken?" Cody asked, looking at the boy. Ken just stumbled, as he tried to find the right words to say.

"Umm…I guess so," Ken mumbled. He and Cody then raced back to the entrance of the building. But, little did they know that a battle was being ensued…

Meanwhile, Deltamon was fighting the master of the camp, Kyuubimon. And for right now, Kyuubimon was being a formidable opponent. Every time Deltamon tried to attack the enemy digimon, she would just evade his attack. It was becoming a very tiresome game of Tom and Jerry, with Tom being Deltamon and Kyuubimon being Jerry (1). Kyuubimon headbutted Deltamon into the wall of the building he was guarding. Ken and Cody stopped as they saw Deltamon's back collide through the roof of the building.

"Deltamon!!!" Cody exclaimed, as he and Ken walked back to allow Deltamon to fall through. Deltamon collided to the ground, with debris of the building falling on top of him. Then, slowly but surely, Deltamon arose from the rumble of the building. Deltamon cringed as he was finally able to stand up. Kyuubimon just smirked.

"I'm surpised that you've last this long. But you won't last much longer," Kyuubimon said. She then closed her eyes, and her fox tail arose from the black, slanting forward. The tips then glowed with black darkness. Kyuubimon then opened her eyes. Her eyes were black, instead of green. "Now, it's time to experience my true power! Foxtail Inferno!!!" Kyuubimon shouted, releasing her attack. Black fireballs from the tips of her tail emerged and accelerated toward Deltamon. Deltamon was too weak to react, therefore causing the fireballs to collide with his body. Deltamon then fell down and collapsed upon the ground. He then dedigivolved back into Armadillomon.

"Armadillomon!!!" Cody rushed to his digimon's side, and picked up the armadillo-like-creature in his arms. Cody was relieved when he felt his digimon partner's heart beating. He looked at Ken and his unconscious Wormmon. "He's okay," Cody replied. Ken sighed with a sigh of relief. Kyuubimon then growled.

"Damn, I wanted him dead. Oh well, it doesn't matter. First, I'll destroy you two and then destroy your digimon. Then I'll crush your little friends, and put a stop to this rebellion nonsense. The Australian Omega then will reward me, and things will go back to the way they should be…" Kyuubimon said, slowly advancing towards the two humans. Cody and Ken were frightened, especially Ken.

Oh no, there's nothing we can do. Absolutely nothing. Cody and Armadillomon have done all they could to protect me and Wormmon. Now it's time to repay them, Ken thought. He then stepped in front of Cody. Cody looked on to older boy.

"Ken, just what do you think you're doing?" Cody asked.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm sheilding you. I'm tired of doing nothing while you and the others do everything else. I want to do something to help out the team too," Ken explained. Cody then understood why Ken took the action that he took.

"That's really kind of you Ken," Cody said. Ken nodded.

"Yes, I know." Kyuubimon then stopped, only being a few feet away from the two humans and their damaged digimon.

"Well, you might be kind Digimon Kaizer, but, you will be the first to go. Don't think that just because you saved us digimon in the past from Arukennimon and Mummymon all the way up to MaloMyotismon makes you think that you've been forgiven for your deeds. And now, it's time for revenge. Say goodbye, Kaizer…" Kyuubimon's tail then ignited with black flames again, and Ken was starting to get scared again. But then he remembered the inner monologue he had with himself earlier, and decided to stand his ground. Kyuubimon then opened her eyes.

"This is the end for you. Foxtail Inferno!!!" Kyuubimon released her attack, having it fly through the air. Time slowed down as Ken closed his eyes, bracing himself from the attack. But it never came. Ken opened his eyes. "What?" Kyuubimon was spellbounded. For there, blocking Ken's attack, was none other than Wormmon. And not only that, but a purple beam surrounded Ken's body.

"Wormmon, you're awake!!!" Ken shouted. Wormmon turned toward Ken.

"Sorry for not being up earlier. Could you please bring me up to speed later?" Wormmon asked. Ken nodded. "Alright then. Now, it's time for me to get some action," Wormmon said, turning this attention back towards Kyuubimon.

"Right." Ken felt the aura of energy around him, and concentrated upon it. His D-3 then absorbed the energy, and it transformed. When the transformation was over, the D-3 had a purple lens instead of black, with a yellow engravement of the Crest of Kindness under the LCD screen. The LCD screen then illuminated with white light. Ken then aimed the screen toward Wormmon. A white beam emerged, and made its way through the air, before colliding with Wormmon's body. The insect digimon took the energy, and absorbed it into his body. Wormmon then glowed, and a new transformation began.

"NET DIGIVOLUTION…"

Binary code made its way into Wormmon's body as Wormmon expanded, growing into a spider shape. The spider was primarily black, but had some yellow in it. The head was yellow, with eight green eyes, and brown hair emerged from the back of his head. The transformation was then complete.

"Dokugumon!!!"

Dokugumon emerged, as the white light faded from his body. Kyuubimon then smirked.

"So, you can digivolve. What good that'll do you. Foxtail-" Kyuubimon was cut-off as Dokugumon headbutted her, this time having her fly back and collide with the ground. Dokugumon smirked as she got back up.

"Actually Kyuubimon, this digivolution will do me a lot of good. And I'll prove it to you right now. Poison Thread!!!" Dokugumon shouted, releasing a web of thread, with it making its way toward Kyuubimon. Kyuubimon, being the agilital digimon that she was, dodged it easily. But, as she dodged it, Dokugumon jumped against the building and ricochated off, catching Kyuubimon off-guard as he headbutted her, having her collide into the ground.

"Wow! Good job Dokugumon!!!" Ken exclaimed. Dokugumon smiled (as if he could), and then opened his mouth to release another attack.

"Poison Cobweb!!!" Dokugumon released another web to trap Kyuubimon, before she could get up. She then tried to get up, but was caught in the strong barrier of the web. "Now, it's time to finish her off." Dokugumon crawled to the side of the buiding again, but this time jumped off, high into the air, and as a part of Newton's Law states, that what comes up, must come down. So, Dokugumon started falling through the air, and crushed Kyuubimon with his weight. Kyuubimon screamed in agony, and then separated into data. Dokugumon then dedigivolved back into Wormmon. Ken ran to his digimon partner, and picked him to hold him in his arms. Ken looked down upon Wormmon.

"You did a great job Wormmon. I'm so glad you're awake," Ken said in relief, as he embraced his digimon partner.

"Me too Ken, me too," Wormmon replied. Ken then became serious as he lifted his head toward Cody and the others.

"Well, it's time to release the others," Ken said. The others nodded, and then went into the base to finish their work…

After hours of exhausting work, all of the prisoners (human and digimon alike) were released, and Cody and the others were leaning against the center building, as the sun was setting. Cody and the others sighed, glad to have that done.

"So Cody, what's next on our list?" Lan asked. Cody looked up to meet Lan's face.

"Well Lan, our last stop is Canberra, Australia's capital. And since it is the capital, I bet that is where the Australian Omega is, so we're going to need everyone's help on this," Cody answered. He then turned toward Lan and Elisa. "Will you turn back now? 'Cause once we get there, there is no turning back," Cody replied. Lan and Elisa, along with their digimon, both shook their heads.

"Of course we won't turn back Cody, not after we've gotten this far," Elisa replied. Cody sighed.

"Alright then. We leave tomorrow at dawn," Cody replied. Cody then turned his attention towards Ken.

"Ken?"

"Yeah Cody?"

"I just want to say…thanks…for having you and Wormmon save me and Armadillomon," Cody muttered. Ken just smiled.

"Don't worry about it. It's what friends are for, right Wormmon?" Ken asked. Wormmon nodded.

"Yep, that's what friends are for. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to sleep," Wormmon said. He then yawned, and fell asleep in Ken's arms. Cody smiled at the bug digimon, and Ken looked up. The two smiled, and then got into a conversation, while Lan and Elisa were engaving in a conversation themselves, as the sun set behind them…

Meanwhile, at Canberra, the Australian Omega was relaxing from giving other digimon orders. He had his eyes closed, as he was nodding off to sleep.

It's good to be ruler, the Australian Omega thought, as he was falling asleep. But, right as he was about to, one of his servants came in. It was a Gekomon.

"Sir, I have a report from the post in Sydney," Gekomon stated. He stood still, and saluted his superior. The Australian Omega opened his eyes, and glared at the amphibian digimon.

"And what is it? I was about to have a good nap, until you disturbed me," the Australian Omega shouted. Gekomon leaned back in fear.

"Um…well…uh, how can I say this?…uh, the group of Digi-Destined who freed the prisoners at Melbourne have also…um, freed the prisoners at Sydney…" Gekomon trailed off. He closed his eyes, ready to receive a punishment. What he got was a verbal one.

"What?!!! Two-third of the prisoners are freed? Then they must be on their way here. It would only be logical to free the other third of the prisoners. But, don't worry about it Gekomon. I will deal with them myself. Now, get back to work," the Australian Omega instructed. Gekomon sighed as he opened his eyes and saluted the Australian Omega again.

"Yes sir!!!" And with that, Gekomon walked off. The Australian Omega was then left by himself.

"Well well well, what have we here? A little rebellion, eh? Well, it won't last for long…"

Uh oh, it seems like it's going to be trouble for Cody and the others!!! Will Cody and Friends be triumphant in freeing the other third of the prisoners, or will their quest be in vain? Find out next time on Digimon: Digital Monsters!!!

And that's the end of Episode 22. Again, sorry it took me so long to finish. I know I said last chapter I got my writer's inspiration back. Obviously, that was a lie. But don't worry, I'll try to get the next chapter in A.S.A.P, whenever that is. So, until the next chapter, ja ne!!!