Me: This used to be one of the longest chapters in the book but not anymore. However, it is still (sniff) one of the saddest. You also get to meet an old foe in here and I don't own the usual stuff on my disclaimers plus "Must be Dreaming" by Frou Frou. I won't say anymore; don't want to spoil it for ya.
Ash: About time you got to the fighting.
Rika: What's so sad in this chapter?
Me: Hmmm…should I tell you? (thinks for a second) Nah.
Chloe: (exhales) Caro, if you don't shut up and get on with the fic, people are gonna hurt you.
Me: You're right—as usual. Let the battles begin!
T.K.: Was that necessary?
Me: (defiant) Yes.
T.K.: (sigh)
Chapter 7-Life at an End
"I do not see coincidence, I see providence. I see purpose. I believe it our fate to be here. It is our destiny. I believe this night holds for each and every one of us, the very meaning of our lives. This is a war and we are soldiers. Death can come for us at any time, in any place. Now consider the alternative. What if I am right? What if the prophecy is true? What if tomorrow the war could be over? Isn't that worth fighting for? Isn't that worth dying for?"—Morpheus, The Matrix Reloaded
"We'll be friends forever…won't we?"—Chloe Device, Friends Forever: It's All In The Crests
"You wanna fight? Let's fight! Come on; bring it on!"—Rika Nonaka, His Kingdom for a Horse
"You know what…go away,"—Tracy An
"Now! This is it! Now is the time to choose! Die and be free of pain or live and fight your sorrow! Now is the time to shape your stories! Your fate is in your hands!"—Auron, Final Fantasy X
"Let's-get-digital!"—Timmy Turner, Fairly Odd Parents: The Information Stupor Highway
Digital World
Forest Sanctuary
One week later…
The sun shone brightly in the safe haven but the Digidestined and the Tamers were far from dazzled by the brilliance. Missingno had already struck most of the areas of the upper levels of the Digital World and it wouldn't be long before the other corners were attacked as well.
"Okay team. Let's assemble into our groups and well…patrol," Tai ordered. A wave of groans met his command. "Oh come on! We haven't done anything these past two weeks except relax."
Takato winced. "I wouldn't call last week actually relaxing Tai. We did have to take on a bunch of scary parasites remember?"
"Not to mention the psychotic Rika," Terriermon added cheerfully. Henry shot him a Look. "Uh, shutting up now."
"Okay besides that," Tai muttered. "But we have to move on. It's time to start looking for Missingno."
Izzy agreed. "Tai's right. Missingno could be anywhere and who knows what kind of destruction he's attempted."
"Well then," Chloe said briskly. "Let's get a move on. I'll email Ash on my Poké Gear and tell him what we're doing." While she was doing that, the others gathered around their respective groups.
"Where are we going?" Kari asked at once.
"I reckon we should just check around the Digital World," Tai replied. "Time sure has done its work on this place." He looked over at Takato. "And I think you should lead our group."
Takato blinked in shock. "Me? Me lead you guys?"
Davis shrugged. "Why not? You Tamers know the most about the Digital World levels. It wouldn't hurt to try it."
"Weeelll," Takato glanced down at the ground, flushing lightly. "I don't know…it'd be cool…but…well…"
"Choose already Gogglehead," snapped Rika impatiently. "Or let someone more responsible take the job."
"I'm thinking! I'm thinking!"
"I think you'd do a good job Takato," Jeri spoke up brightly.
Takato's heart lightened. "In that case, I'll do it!"
The Digidestined beamed. Rika snorted. Figures. He'll do anything to impress Jeri.
Chloe finished emailing Ash and looked up, pocketing her Poké Gear. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
After some discussion, each group separated. Izzy's group departed for the mountains, Sora and her group headed for the beach, the leaders set off to check up on Primary Village, Matt's sailed on Whaemon to the continent of Server, and T.K.'s group decided to investigate the area where the Sovereign lived and then stay in the safe haven. Little did any of them know of the tragic consequences that awaited them.
Primary Village
Elecmon sat in the middle of the nursery but he wasn't tending to any newborns like he usually was. This was because there were no newborns.
Primary Village was a complete wasteland. It seemed Missingno's creation the week before had left it in complete disarray. There were no colors and all Digieggs had been shattered. The cradles were overturned and the buildings toppled. Even holes were punctured into the soft ground. The only sound heard was the wind howling as it passed by.
This was how the leaders found it.
"Holy…" Tai began but his voice trailed off.
The others crowded around him and took in the devastating scene. "What…happened?" Davis asked in a hushed voice.
Elecmon turned and spotted them. "Hi guys. It's been awhile."
"Elecmon, what happened here?" Ken asked him.
The Digimon hung his head. "Missingno, that's what."
"You mean that virus did,"—Agumon gestured to the ruined village—"All this?"
"Yup," Elecmon replied sadly. He picked up one of the smashed Digieggs. "These poor innocent babies. They never even got a chance to live."
Takato picked up another one and saw a tiny baby Digimon, still trying to cling to life before it became reconfigured. A hot sick swoop of anger settled in his stomach. "Why would he do something like this?" he whispered.
"He's a virus," Ryo said. "A virus doesn't really have feelings. All I bet he feels is anger, hate, evil, and corruption. Emotions would just disrupt him further."
"Mr. Elecmon sir," Guilmon questioned innocently. "What happened to the babies that were already alive?"
Elecmon smiled wearily. "They're all at Gennai's house. I know they'll be safe there except I think they're getting on his nerves."
Monodramon giggled although it wasn't a good time to do so.
"Don't worry Elecmon. We'll wipe out that virus. You can count on it!" Veemon assured him confidently.
Elecmon smiled. "I hope so."
Server
Matt glanced down at the giant whale his group was riding on. "See anything yet Whaemon?"
"Nothing except Server," the whale replied. He let the group off at the edge of the beach outlining the giant continent. "I'll just wait for you here."
They smiled. "Okay. Thanks Whaemon," they said before proceeding into the strange interior of the area.
Kazu sighed. "Man, ya think that Missingno would just pop up already. We know he wants to kill us so why is he hiding?"
Kenta shrugged. "Beats me."
Catherine smiled at them sweetly. "Zair iz no need to worry guys. I'm sure we'll defeat him."
"Are you sure Catherine?" asked Floramon curiously.
The French girl grew silent and finally shook her head. "I'm not entirely sure but…well we have nevair let each uzzer down before." She looked at the Digidestined of Friendship hopefully. "Right Matt?"
He nodded. "Right."
"Hey guys," called Gabumon. He and Armadillomon had gone on ahead of the group. "Look what we found." They came back bringing what looked like a large lump of custard and a small pink rat.
"Hey check it out," commented Cody. "It's Chumon and Sukomon."
Indeed it was. "What's up you guys?" asked Matt. He noticed that the two Digimon weren't falling into their old habit of eating…eating...and more eating.
"Nothing much," said Chumon. "Except that you better be careful around here."
"Why?"
Sukomon looked scared. "I think you Digidestined better leave Server while you still can."
"Why?" Matt repeated impatiently.
"Because…"
BAM!
"That's why!"
Trees starting falling from all around them. The kids backed away from them—except Catherine. She was frozen stiff.
"Catherine MOVE!" yelled Floramon. She hauled her partner out of the way.
The monster that had destroyed the trees soon appeared in front of them, leering. Catherine let out a scream.
"Any ideas?" asked Cody nervously.
"I have one," said Kazu with a gulp.
They looked at him. "And that is…?" Guardromon asked slowly.
"WE CAN RUN LIKE HELL!"
Catherine didn't have the time or patience to reprimand Kazu on his use of language. She was in full agreement of his idea as everyone else.
The kids and their Digimon raced down to the beach again, Kazu and Kenta in the lead. Whaemon was waiting there for them just like he promised. Once they were on board, Matt nodded at Whaemon to "set sail".
"What about you Sukomon and Chumon?" asked Cody frantically. "We can't just leave you here."
Sukomon and Chumon shook their heads. "We'll distract him. You guys escape and get to the others while you still can."
"But—"
"GO!"
As Whaemon swam off with the other kids, they heard the cries of their friends and the roar of the cause of their demise. The whole beach area became covered in a vague mist; no one could see through it.
Kazu broke the silence. "Have you noticed that everything bad always starts at the beach?"
The others, except for Guardromon, glared at him. "Uh, bad joke I know. Sorry," he muttered sheepishly.
Whaemon said nothing to the children as he maneuvered his powerful body. Catherine wiped her tears away and Kenta heaved a shuddery sigh. Cody and Armadillomon stared off into the horizon. Matt held in his emotions as best as he could as they set sail for File Island once more.
What they didn't know was that the monstrous creature was much faster than them, and already was preparing his next attack.
Pay close attention
Don't listen to me for now
George'll be flying this one
And it's anyone's guess how he does it
This is my turn, wrong universe
You're taking me in full bloom
Fireball, careful with that there
See what you made me do
File Island
Mimi pointed at the sparkling blue ocean. "Beautiful isn't it? Too bad we can't go for a swim."
Sora laughed. "Mimi, I think we have to get back to searching. Besides, we didn't even bring our suits." She turned to look at the young Tamer in their group. "Jeri, are you scared or something?"
Jeri shook her head, but seeing that she wasn't fooling anyone she whispered, "A little."
Jacqueline walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. The Digidestined girls were a little worried about Jeri because she didn't have a Digimon (they all knew why) and was not a fighter. Yet she insisted they didn't worry. "It's okay Jeri," said Jacqueline serenely. "Everything will be all right. I'm scared too but…I'm okay with it."
The Tamer smiled at her and was about to say "thanks" when she heard movement from behind them and a cry of "Eskimo Kisses!"
"What the—" Jeri pulled a white fuzzball of her face. "Calumon!"
"Look who's here," Impmon's voice rang out from behind them. Jeri, Sora, Mimi, and Jacqueline spun around to see the Digimon, Ai, and Mako.
Jeri gasped. "Ai…Mako…you're not supposed to be here."
"We just came to escort Calumon to you guys," Ai explained. "He might've run into trouble without us."
"Impmon'd be ready to digivolve in case anything happened to Calumon," Mako added cheerfully. "Now that Calumon is here, we can go home."
Sora nodded. "Do your parents know you guys are here? And how are you going to get home?"
"We ran into Alice McCoy and Henry's sensai on the way to Guilmon's place. They'll inform 'em," Impmon reported. "And Gennai'll give us a ride home."
"Bye!" Ai, Mako, and Impmon left the beach.
Calumon settled in Jeri's arms. "I'm here to keep you company Jeri so you won't be lonely."
Jeri smiled. "That's nice of you Calumon."
The girls and their Digimon set off in silence along the beach. For about ten minutes, no one spoke. That's when Calumon noticed something in the water. It was an enormous sea serpent, gliding along and leering at them. The In-Training Digimon panicked. "Jeri! Jeri!"
"What is it?"
Calumon pointed fearfully at the water but nothing was there. "I-I saw a snake with a metal nose…staring at us!"
The girls stopped and stared at the water. "I don't see anything," Sora frowned.
"You were probably just seeing things Calumon," Jeri whispered comfortingly. They resumed walking.
"Yaaaaaahhh! There it is again!"
Jeri looked back but didn't see anything. "Don't worry. I'm sure whatever you saw is gone."
As they continued, Jacqueline stopped walking and stared around her apprehensively. "Jackie, what's wrong? Why'd you stop?" Otamamon asked in concern.
"I thought I heard something Otamamon," Jacqueline informed him. She walked a few more paces and then froze. I sense a Digimon. She looked at the ocean and lo and behold, a metal face leered at her from the water's surface. It was metallic gold with a long nose and evil eyes, and its body was humongous. Jacqueline remembered what Calumon had said. A snake with a metal nose? She didn't even need to think twice about it. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs as the "snake" reared up, ready to attack her.
The others whirled around. "JACKIE!"
"STUN BUBBLE!" cried Otamamon. A shiny bubble shield surrounded all of the girls, including his partner.
The Digimon in the water rose into the air fully, kicking up waves while doing so. Its entire body glistened since it was made of cromedigizoid. "Long time no see Digidestined!" the creature roared.
"M-MetalSeadramon!" Mimi shrieked fearfully.
Sora's jaw fell. "That's impossible. There's no way he can still be alive. We destroyed the Dark Masters years ago!"
"Then what's he doing here?"
Jeri blinked as her D-Power suddenly gave her the available info on the giant water serpent. Since Leomon had died, it was one of the few uses it still had. "MetalSeadramon…Virus Type, Mega Level Digimon. He's one of the Four Dark Masters and his main attacks are River of Power and Giga Ice Blast."
Jacqueline glanced at her D-Power with interest. "Your Digivices give information on Digimon? Cool."
"See! See! I told you it was a snake with a metal nose!" piped up Calumon.
"I am NOT a snake with a metal nose!" shouted MetalSeadramon angrily. "You hush your mouth you little fuzzball!"
Sora and Mimi nodded at their Digimon. "Digivolve now!"
(A/N: Sorry to interrupt but I might as well say that sometimes if the evolution stage is too long, I'll skip the Champion stage okay? Not now though)
Biyomon digivolve toooo…BIRDRAMON!
Birdramon digivolve toooo...GARUDAMON!
Palmon digivolve toooo…TOGEMON!
Togemon digivolve toooo…LILLYMON!
"FLOWER…CANNON!" cried Lillymon as she fired a green beam from her petal-shaped gun at the Dark Master.
"WING BLADE!" commanded Garudamon. She fired an enormous bird-like flame from her wings.
MetalSeadramon sneered. "RIVER OF POWEEEEER!"
The blast enveloped both attacks as well as Lillymon and Garudamon. They slammed into the earth. "So…ra…" Garudamon groaned. "His attacks…they're twice as strong…as last time…maybe five…"
"Say WHAT?!"
As Garudamon and Lillymon flew back up, MetalSeadramon took this time to examine the children. Four Digidestined…two I have never seen before…one that looks relatively weak and the last…what the heck is that? His red eyes narrowed. That's not a Digimon; that's the catalyst for digivolution. So in other words, she has no partner. He lashed out with his powerful tail and grabbed the girl! The others screamed. "JERIIIIIIII!!"
MetalSeadramon lifted Jeri into the air and waved her around. "Lookey here. This girl doesn't even have a partner so you shouldn't have bothered bringing her."
"Whatever happened to her partner is none of your business!" yelled Sora fiercely.
"Let her go now!" Mimi demanded.
The Digimon snorted with mock amusement. "And what're you gonna do? Blow me away with your hairdryer?"
Mimi growled angrily and was about to move forward when Sora grabbed her. "Let go Sora! NO ONE insults MY hair!"
Garudamon and Lillymon were about to attack but MetalSeadramon aimed his nose at Jeri who recoiled. "Stay where you are or this next blast has her name on it," he threatened.
Jacqueline looked over at Calumon. "Get help please!"
"But…"
"Just go Calumon!"
Jeri struggled to free herself. Oh it's no use. Even his tail seems to be made of metal. Giving up, she let out a loud scream that shook the trees. "SOMEBODY HELP MEEEEEEEE!!!"
I must be dreaming or
We're on to something
I must be dreaming for
I don't fall in love lawlessly
I must be dreaming or
Pinch me to waking
So undeniably yours
As long as I'm losing it so completely
Primary Village
Elecmon sat up, startled. He looked over at the leader boys who were beginning to leave the village. Something's not right. That's when he and the others heard it.
"SOMEBODY HELP MEEEEEEEE!!!"
"Is it just me or did any of you boys hear a girl scream? And I mean, scream," Elecmon said, puzzled.
"Which girl?" asked Takato.
The scream came back a second time. "TAKATO! TAKATOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Wait a minute. I'd know that voice anywhere. It must be— "Oh no! Jeri!" Without another word, he raced off through the woods.
"Hey wait! You can't just go off without knowing what kind of danger there is," Tai exclaimed but the Tamer was too far away to hear him. "Takato, get back here!" He ran after him.
"Takato/Tai!" cried Guilmon and Agumon and they scampered after their partners, leaving Davis, Ken, Ryo, and their Digimon in a cloud of dust.
"Um…okay…" Davis uttered, confused. "Ya think we should…"
"…follow them?" Ryo finished. "Yeah, good idea."
Forest Sanctuary
Chloe's head snapped up and her eyes widened. Her friends stared at her. "What's the matter Chloe?" asked T.K.
"Something…is…wrong…" Chloe answered tensely. "I…feel…someone's…in trouble…"
"What kind of trouble?" Kari asked her. "And wha—"
Jacob interrupted her. "Guys, I'm getting a reading on my D-3. Something's coming."
"Stay on your guard," T.K. warned them.
The "something" flew into the forest clearing and looked curiously. "Whatcha guys doin'?"
"No way!" Rika ran over to the Digimon and hugged him. "Calumon!"
Kari smiled. "Well I'm glad it was only Calumon and not something big and dangerous."
"Talk about big and dangerous," Calumon broke away from Rika's grasp. "We need help. This huge MetalSeadramon who says he isn't a snake with a metal nose is attacking the girls. He's got Jeri." He said this very fast.
"WHAT?!" Rika exclaimed. "We have to get to her."
Jacob checked his D-terminal. "The beach is a little far away from where we are. We can't set off on foot; we'll never make it in time."
Rika and Renamon exchanged glances. "I'm ready Rika."
"Then let's do it!"
DIGI-MODIFY!
"Digi-Modify!" Rika yelled, slashing a card through her D-Power. "Digivolution activate!"
DIGIVOLUTION
Renamon digivolve toooo…KYUBIMON!
Renamon turned into a larger fox, which stood on four blue flaming legs. She had a huge red and white bow worn around her neck with bells on it and nine tails that had blue flames burning on each of them. Her traditional yin-yang logo was imprinted on her forehead.
"Digi-Modify! Hyper Speed activate!"
Rika jumped onto Kyubimon's back, and the fox took off at tremendous speed. The Digidestined and the trainer were left stunned. "Awesome," Jacob managed to croak out.
"We'll have time to admire later," said T.K. firmly. "Right now we have a rescue to accomplish!"
He and Kari raised their D-terminals and D-3s. "Digi-Armor Energize!"
Patamon Armor digivolve toooo…
Gatomon Armor digivolve toooo…
PEGASUSMON, FLYING HOPE!
NEFERTIMON, THE ANGEL OF LIGHT!
Patamon grew to a horse-like Digimon with gold plates on his chest, legs, and face. Golden wings completed the ensemble. Gatomon changed into a white sphinx Digimon with a silver chest plate, magenta claws, and a very human-looking face.
"Hop on Jacob!" T.K. called, helping his friend and Datirimon aboard the flying horse. He turned to Chloe. "How about you?"
"I got it covered," she answered briskly. She threw the blue-winged Poké Ball into the air. "I choose you…Dragonite!"
Dragonite roared loudly as he emerged from the ball's wake. Chloe, holding Calumon, climbed on. "Fly!"
As they hurried toward the beach, Rika thought, Don't worry Jeri. We're coming. Just hang on and hope the others do too.
Incendiary glance
Become and collide in me
Soon and in hearts oh
while I go helplessly
Sky high, magic, eye sugar rush
Don't stop
Sora stared at the situation in dismay. Garudamon and Lillymon were doing their best to hit MetalSeadramon without hurting Jeri but things hadn't gotten any better. In addition to their problems, she couldn't find Calumon. I hope he's gone for help, otherwise—
Sora's thoughts were interrupted when Garudamon hit the ground beside her. She de-digivolved back into Yokomon. "Oh no! Yokomon!" She picked up Yokomon and heard a gasp from Mimi, which she correctly assumed meant that Lillymon had de-digivolved as well.
"So…ra…" Yokomon whimpered. "Don't worry…I'll protect you…"
"Yeah me too Mimi," Tanemon croaked. "After…my nap…" She fainted.
Mimi cradled Tanemon in her arms. Jacqueline gritted her teeth. Where on earth is Calumon? she wondered. We're running out of time.
"SLAMMING ATTACK!" cried Otamamon. He rushed at MetalSeadramon and slammed his large head against his body.
Pathetic. "Buzz off tadpole." He used his tail to whip Otamamon. Jeri was still attached.
"Otamamon!" Jacqueline caught her partner but the force of the whip caused her to slam against a tree. "Agh!" She crumbled to the ground.
"Jacqueline!" Jeri cried out. She struggled to get out of MetalSeadramon's grip but he only tightened his hold.
Jacqueline raised her face. Hurry Calumon.
MetalSeadramon aimed his nose at Jeri again. "I honestly don't know what these Digi-dimwits need you for. You're of no use to them or me so I might as well destroy you right now. RIVER OF—"
"Touch a hair on Jeri's head and you'll be the one who's destroyed!" Rika yelled. Kyubimon burst into view.
"FOXTAIL INFERNO!"
The evil Digimon dodged the blue flames. "Ha! Too easy!"
Chloe, T.K., Kari, and Jacob arrived at the same time as the leaders reached the area. Takato looked up. "Jeri!"
"We've gotta get her free," Tai said. "But how can we do that without hurting her?"
The psychic girl gazed at the tail intently before nodding firmly. "Leave this to me." She raised her eyes as they began to glow an eerie blue. Blue light surrounded the tail where Jeri was. "This is gonna hurt—me that is—but it's enough to help." Concentrating with all her might, she began to pry the area apart.
"You can do it," Calumon cheered. "Come on! Come on!"
Chloe tried to ignore the mounting pain and her diminishing strength as she fought to free Jeri. MetalSeadramon tightened his grip to try to stop her. Jeri squealed in pain. "Stop hurting her!" Takato shouted angrily.
"Aw. Little goggleboy is worried about his girlfriend," MetalSeadramon taunted brusquely.
Tai and Ryo blinked cluelessly. "Girlfriend?"
"I didn't know Jeri was your girlfriend," Davis remarked to Takato.
Ken shrugged. "She isn't…no wait…is she…no…"
"Guys, we have a serious problem here," Takato said through clenched teeth. "And all you're wondering about is if Jeri's my girlfriend?!"
"Sorry," they chanted.
Chloe's head throbbed painfully and it was becoming harder for her to keep standing. I…can't…let…go…Jeri…needs…me…Gotta…hold…on… However, she felt her arms and legs growing heavy and she was starting to lose focus. Just…a little…more…Jeri… As the gap widened large enough for the Tamer to slip through, she keeled over.
"Chloe!" Tai cried out and ran to her fallen form. Jeri, meanwhile, landed on top of Kyubimon and Rika.
"Jeri, are you all right?" asked Takato.
She nodded. Rika grimaced. "I'm-glad-but-can-you-please-get-off-my-back-I-can't-breathe!"
"Oh I'm sorry Rika," she replied. She hopped off with Takato's help. "How'd you know I'd be here in trouble?" she asked him.
Takato smiled. "I heard your voice and recognized it," he explained. "Tai and the others followed me."
Jeri hugged him. "Thanks for coming."
Rika rolled her eyes and frowned at the two. "This is no time for hugs and happy hours." She turned to look at Tai and Chloe's unconscious body. "How is she?"
"She's okay," Tai reassured her. "She's very weak but I know she'll be fine."
A cry of "KAHUNA WAVES!" jerked them all back to the task at hand. Matt, Kenta, Catherine, Cody, and Kazu burst into view. MarineAngemon was shooting small pale blue hearts at MetalSeadramon's head. Garurumon and Guardromon were also busy attacking while Floramon shot her Rain of Pollen attack into the air.
"Hey guys, did ya miss us?" asked Kenta cheerfully.
"Not especially," Ryo responded. "But it's good you're here…how'd Whaemon get here so fast?"
"Never mind that," Matt told him. "We'll save that for later."
"HOWLING BLASTEEEEER!"
"RAIN OF POLLEN!"
"STAR SHOWER!"
"ROSETTA STONES!"
Catherine brushed a lock of blonde hair out of her eyes. "Zair might not be a later so to tell you ze truth, Whaemon took a shortcut. We actually met with Sukomon and Chumon who warned us of zis but MetalSeadramon came and attacked us. Whaemon was sent off course and…and Sukomon and Chumon were both…deleted. After a while, we found land and came 'ere."
MetalSeadramon snickered evilly. "You shouldn't have come. RIVER OF POWEEEEEEER!"
The blue beam caused the Digimon to scatter in all directions and it ricocheted to Mimi and Jacqueline. The girls shrieked in terror. "Mimi! Jackie! No!" cried Jacob.
"Venusaur, Vine Whip!" commanded another voice.
An enormous blue creature with a full flower (or tree) growing on its back leapt into sight. Four long vines shot out of the flower and wrapped tightly around Mimi, Jacqueline, and their Digimon, jerking them out of harm's way. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu appeared out of the trees. "Nice work Venusaur," Ash commented.
"ASH!" T.K. exclaimed. "How'd you guys get here?"
Henry and his group popped out from behind a tree and laughed. "We used Izzy's computer of course."
Kazu rolled his eyes. "Of course, what would we be without Izzy's computer," he said sarcastically.
"Enough Kazu," Yolei snapped, irritated.
"Glad you could make it Henry," Takato grinned. "Ready Guilmon?"
Guilmon nodded. "Whenever you are Takato."
"Then let's show this guy what happens when he messes with the Tamers!"
"Oh yeah!" crowed Terriermon.
I must be dreaming or
We're on to something
Hey, just watcha make me for
I don't fall in love lawlessly
I must be dreaming or
Pinch me to waking
So undeniably yours
As long as I'm losing it so completely
DIGI-MODIFY!
"Digi-Modify!" yelled Takato, Henry, Rika, Kazu, Suzie, and Ryo. "Matrix Digivolution activate!"
MATRIX DIGIVOLUTION
Guilmon Matrix digivolve toooo…WARGROWLMON!
Kyubimon Matrix digivolve toooo…TAOMON!
Terriermon Matrix digivolve toooo…RAPIDMON!
Guardromon Matrix digivolve toooo…ANDROMON!
Lopmon Matrix digivolve toooo…ANTYLAMON!
Monodramon Matrix digivolve toooo…CYBERDRAMON!
"Awesome!" Ash cried out, grinning at the evolution forms. "You guys better give MetalSeadramon trouble."
"GIGA ICE BLAST!" cried MetalSeadramon.
WarGrowlmon leaped to the front. "Eat this for size! ATOMIC BLASTEEEEEER!"
Cyberdramon and Antylamon rose into the air. "DESOLATION CLAW/BUNNY BLADES!" they shouted as they directed their attacks on MetalSeadramon's body.
The attacks bounced off. The evil Dark Master laughed. "Sheez. How many times does this need to get through your thick heads? I'm made of cromedigizoid."
"If he's made of cromedigizoid, we'll fight with cromedigizoid!" Tai growled.
Agumon Warp-digivolve toooo…WARGREYMON!
Gabumon Warp-digivolve toooo…METALGARURUMON!
When the light from the warp-digivolutions cleared, a larger dinosaur replaced Agumon with metal covering most of his entire body and yellow shield wings. Gabumon changed into a silver metal wolf with guns cartridges and wings on his back.
"TERRA FORCE!" roared WarGreymon. He formed a glowing yellow-orange ball and hurled it.
"METAL WOLF CLAW!" bellowed MetalGarurumon, unleashing a blast of ice.
Both attacks combined and slammed into MetalSeadramon. When the smoke and water (remember they're on the beach) cleared, he remained there, slightly weakened but still intact. "Hah! Nice try you pathetic Megas!"
"C'est impossible! That's impossible " Catherine's voice was high and frightened. "'Ow can it be? 'E should be gone by now."
"Apparently not," said Izzy. "His attack power's been upgraded."
"Que? What? "
"Your accent's starting to annoy me Frenchie," MetalSeadramon snarled. "Eh?" He suddenly spotted Sora, a little apart from the others. "Well, well. Easy pickings."
Sora looked up and saw MetalSeadramon charging up his main attack. She panicked. "C'mon Yokomon, we have to get of here!"
"I…can't…Sora…my vine…it's stuck!"
Sora reached down and began tugging on Yokomon's curl, which was caught in a stray heavy, large piece of driftwood. The little pink Digimon winced at each yank. Matt hollered, "Sora get out of the way before—"
"RIVER OF POWEEEEEEEER!" The cry cut him off as it zoomed towards her.
Chloe chose that moment to wake up. "Uuuh?" She saw the blue beam heading towards her foster sister and screamed, "SORA! NO!"
Faster than it takes to say "Digimon", Elecmon jumped in front of Sora and Yokomon. "Leave them alone!" He fired a blast of lightening. "SUPER THUNDER STRIKE!" It rebounded from the beam and both attacks seared into him. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"
"ELECMON!" yelled T.K. and Pegasusmon. They watched his body crumble. "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
Euphoria…
I can't take any more of yah
Euphoria…
I can't take any more of yah (I'm losing it)
Expressions of horror froze on everyone's face at the sight. T.K. hurried over to where the red Digimon lay. He picked him up. "Elecmon?" Pegasusmon de-digivolved back into Patamon.
Elecmon stared up at him blearily. "T…K…? Pata…mon? Is that really…you guys?"
T.K. nodded, smiling shakily. "Just hang on buddy. You're the toughest babysitter I know."
"Yeah, you can make it!" Patamon added hopefully.
"At least…the babies are safe…"Elecmon croaked. "Ask Gennai to watch over…them…take…care…my friends…" That was all he managed to say before his body disintegrated into data.
"Elecmon? Elecmon!" T.K.'s eyes filled with tears as he watched the bits and particles of data disappear into thin air. "No…Elecmon." Patamon landed next to him, crying noisily.
Sora closed her eyes and heaved a shuddery sigh. "He saved my life…I can't believe it…" The sound of sudden movement caused her to open them.
Chloe had gotten to her feet and was glaring at MetalSeadramon in a deadly way. "You…you…MONSTER!" she yelled furiously. "How could you do such a thing?! He was a Digimon just like you are!" Her eyes began to glow electric blue with rage.
"He got in the way," MetalSeadramon replied carelessly. "And what do you care? You're no Digidestined."
"That gives you no excuse to kill him!" Her whole body was now enveloped in blue energy, crackling as it hit her dark hair. "FOR SOMETHING SO COLD AND RUTHLESS, THE ONLY REWARD YOU DESERVE IS DEATH!" She broke into a run, the trees blasting backwards from her psychic power.
Tai shouted. "Chloe no! Come back!"
Concentrating with all her might, she conjured a dark purple sphere between her hands. Threatening to explode on impact, she heaved it at MetalSeadramon. "SHADOW BALL!" she yelled. As he recoiled, Chloe pulled out two Poké Balls. "Go…Umbreon…Gyrados!"
A blue-and-yellow fierce-looking sea dragon and the same black mysterious-looking creature emerged. "Umbreon, Extreme Speed! Gyrados, Dragon Rage!"
"Umbreon!" The Pokémon zoomed forward at incredible bursts of speed while Gyrados shot a whirlpool of blue flames from its mouth.
MetalSeadramon shot a Giga Ice Blast attack at them. Chloe held her hands in the air—"REFLECT!"—and a glowing orange shield surrounded her and the Pokémon. The attack bounced off harmlessly.
Ash's eyes widened. "It's…not…possible…"
"What's not possible?" asked Joe curiously.
"Chloe is able to use attacks and shields. Shadow Ball is a psychic Pokémon attack. No psychic person is able to do stuff like that. They can only teleport, use telekinesis, or mind read; stuff like that," he explained.
Chloe turned to look at him and for a minute her eyes softened. "Remember when I told you of the origin of my powers? I have human and psychic Pokémon DNA running through my blood. This is why I'm able to use attacks and shields. I'm kinda half-Pokémon remember?"
MetalSeadramon snarled, "You may have powers, but you're still a weak little kid. GIGA ICE BLAST!"
Taomon produced a paintbrush from her long sleeves. "TALISMAN OF LIGHT!" The attack blocked most of the Ice Blast.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash added. "You ain't layin' a finger on her!"
"Pi…ka…CHUUUUUUUUUU!!" Pikachu shot lightning bolts from his body. The Thunderbolt hit the water and electrocuted the evil Digimon in the process.
"PSYCHIC!" Chloe focused all of her energy in her body to release a powerful blue surge of brainwaves at MetalSeadramon. As he grunted in pain, the psychic girl was still glowing with fury. "That was for Elecmon…and any other Digimon you deleted," she hissed menacingly.
"Chloe…uh…" Tai began nervously.
"Save it Tai," she interrupted. "This is no time for chit-chat."
Surprised that she was so icy, Tai relented. "She's kinda scary when she's mad," Calumon commented.
Chloe glared at MetalSeadramon through stormy eyes. The Dark Master seemed weakened but was still hanging in there. A Digimon that was supposed to be dead but has somehow risen again…how did this happen? The obvious came into her psyche about three seconds later. Of course. Missingno. This must be one of that virus's tactics to destroy us all. He knows we're here so by bringing evil Digimon back to life he's starting the prophecy! An evil will soon fall across the land—that's Missingno. Through the ashes fallen enemies will arise—it makes sense! Missingno is bringing the Dark Masters—and maybe some unknown creatures back to life. She skipped the next four lines, having already figured them out the week before and concentrated on the ones that caught her attention: Life and Hope will seem gone forever…When their sacrifices are made known to the world…A Child of Spirit will decide the course of the final struggle…hmmm. Sacrifices?
The sound of "RAPID FIRE!" from Rapidmon jerked her out of her deep thoughts. Andromon's hand changed into a sword and electricity shot from it. "LIGHTNING BLADE!" he thundered.
MetalSeadramon countered both attacks simply by whipping them with his tail. There's no stopping him, Rika thought, for more than once worried. How did the Digidestined defeat him? Well they used WarGreymon but…She watched as MetalSeadramon whacked at the Mega Digimon. …he's being made into dino salad! This Digimon is too strong—ugh,I can't believe I thought that. Spending time with T.K. and Chloe is making me soft.
"There's gotta be something we could do!" Cody exclaimed, terrified.
Yet another Giga Ice Blast shot at WarGrowlmon and hit him. As he roared, Takato felt the same pain hurting him. He dropped to his knees, clutching his stomach. "Takato, what's wrong?" Davis asked in surprise.
"It hurts. Oh how it hurts," the Tamers leader replied weakly.
As another attack came and struck both Taomon and Rapidmon, their Tamers also grimaced in agony. The Digidestined and the trainers were left confused.
"When Guilmon and the others are hit by anything," Calumon explained to them, "Takato and the others feel the same pain. I guess it's because they're connected or something."
Chloe stood with a determined look on her face. A powerful explosion ought to do the trick. T.K. made one that managed to destroy two Megas and an Ultimate in the past. I have to fulfill the prophecy; all of our worlds depend on it. She immediately shouted to the others. "Guys, get out of here now!" She nodded at Dragonite. "Hyper Beam on the ground!" she chanted telepathically. "Then leave this place!"
(You got it!) Dragonite aimed the powerful beam of orange light at the ground. A large explosion occurred, sending sand and water in all directions. As the others shielded their faces from the glare and sand, Chloe took advantage of this and walked into the water toward MetalSeadramon. On the way, she passed Rika. "Rika, get the others out of here now. There'll be an explosion and I don't want you or anyone else hurt."
"Okay, but what about you?"
"Rika…if anything happens, and I mean anything, don't cry for me okay?"
Rika blinked. "What are you talking about? I don't cry."
"Just don't. If you feel the urge to cry, don't cry because I know things are just going to get worse. Don't waste any tears on me."
The other girl nodded slowly, still confused. "I promise."
"Good," Chloe said and grasped her hand briefly before pulling away. "Now escape while you can!" She hesitated before saying, "I…I will always be your friend."
Rika turned around and began to run, grabbing Jeri and Calumon in the process. Calling to the others, she said, "We have to get out of here! Something's going to happen and Chloe said we should escape while we still can."
They got the message and turned to go—except Tai. "I can't leave yet; not without her!"
Kari grabbed her brother. "Tai, we have to go. If there's ever a time to listen to your future wife, that time is now!"
"I can't leave her!" he yelled. Kari tried her best to restrain him.
"Matt, Sora! I need some help over here!" she called loudly. "T.K. can you—T.K.? Where are you?"
I must be dreaming or
We're on to something
Hey, just watcha make me for
I don't fall in love lawlessly
I must be dreaming or
Pinch me to waking
So undeniably yours
As long as I'm losing it so completely (song fades out)
The others are out, Chloe thought as she saw Taomon and other Digimon rising into the air. That's good. Now—oh crap. T.K. was splashing up to her. Great. Just great.
"Chloe," he said after stopping to catch his breath. "Why are you still here? You said there'd be an explosion."
She nodded. "Exactly. I'm the one who'll create it. You'd better leave T.K.; this is going to be dangerous."
"Not without you," he replied.
Chloe wrung her hands. "Don't be stupid. I can't leave. I have to stay and destroy MetalSeadramon once and for all. By using all of my power and energy, I can do it."
"But if you lose all your energy and strength you'll be weaker than ever; as if you're not weak enough from freeing Jeri already. And what if that explosion kills you?"
Chloe's eyes became shiny but determined. "If that is the case," she whispered slowly. "Then so be it."
T.K.'s eyes widened and he shook his head. "Oh no. No. There is no way I'm going to let that happen!"
"T.K. listen—"
"No!" he interrupted. "I won't let you Chloe! Either you escape with me, or we both die!"
"That's ridiculous Takeru!" she snapped angrily. T.K. flinched at the sound of his real name. "That's absolutely ridiculous. I can't let you die!"
"I can't let you die either!" he countered. "I'd rather die myself!"
Chloe clenched and unclenched her hands. She knew time was of the essence and soon MetalSeadramon would be back to wreck more chaos. She had to act now. "Takeru," she said quietly and steadily. "Please understand. Do you think I want to do this? I'd rather not. But I have no choice. It's my destiny. You must escape. Think of those who need you. Kari needs you. Patamon needs you. Rika now needs you and so many of the others do."
"We need you too!" T.K. argued. "You've made an impact on all of us especially Tai." He focused on the ground. "I'll never forgive myself if you die!"
"T.K. look at me," she said. There was a pause. "Look at me!"
T.K.'s blue eyes met hers.
"If you really love me…escape while you still can. Save yourself." T.K.'s reaction to that was clearly seen on his face. "If you really care…go."
He shook his head. "I-I don't!" he shouted desperately. "I hate you! I hate you, you got that?"
Chloe's eyes poured into his and he could see pain and light behind those eyes. She already knew the truth. "Is that really how you feel? Is that what your heart is telling you?" she asked quietly. "You already told me you loved me."
T.K. paused and shook his head again. "It isn't how I feel…but…I can't…I just can't…"
"You must," Chloe continued and her voice was choked with emotion. "If not for me, do it for Kari's sake."
He looked away and bit his lip guiltily. She was doing the only thing that she could do: make him escape to Kari, to his beloved. Yet she was not his beloved…
I feel just as much for you Chloe…if not more…
"Here," she said suddenly and walked over to him closely. She took hold of one of his hands and gripped it tightly. Warmth surged between them and the eerie blue light shining in Chloe's eyes surrounded them. Finally, she let go. "Did you get it?"
"Yes," T.K. mumbled and stared at her in confusion. "What was that?"
"That was a prophecy. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get this to you sooner but tell it to the others. Your part will come soon," she said hurriedly. In the background, she could make out MetalSeadramon's shadow. She wrapped her arms around T.K. and gently kissed him on the lips before burying her face into his shoulder. T.K. responded by holding her closer to him because when the time would come for him to let go, one of them was going to die.
(Tai/Ash: WHAT?!)
(A/N/Amanda: Give it a rest you guys!)
(Chloe/T.K.: Yeah!)
"Now go. Your role is to escape and mine is to stay."
He backed away two steps and then froze. "I can't…I don't want to leave you."
Chloe sighed and closed her eyes. I don't want to have to do this but…Blue light surrounded T.K.'s body. "Teleportation," she chanted and transported him far away from the ocean. Goodbye T.K.…my hope…
Sighing out of relief and exhaustion, she shifted her gaze up at MetalSeadramon who seemed to have overcome his momentary lapse of distraction by the Hyper Beam. Though severely wounded, he burst out laughing when he saw her there. "The Digidestined must've been real desperate just to send a hopeless girl into battle."
Chloe narrowed her eyes into slits as the energy around her surged to its fullest extent. A powerful sphere of purple and black light formed between her hands, growing to the size of WarGreymon's Terra Force. "It's your end MetalSeadramon!" she shouted. "Time to meet your Maker!" Her crest appeared on her chest, flashed its silvery color.
"Time for you to meet yours first! RIVER OF POWEEEEEEER!" he roared as the colossal beam rocketed towards her.
This is it. "If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!" she cried as she heaved the sphere in the path of the oncoming beam! "SHADOW BAAAAAAAALL!!" T.K.…Tai…I'm sorry…
The two attacks combined and resulted in a powerful explosion. Light rays shot everywhere, the ocean tossed up waves, and sand billowed around. The force rippled the air and blasted trees backward! In the forest, T.K. dropped to his knees at the sight and stared in numb disbelief at the explosion. The others caught sight of him and ran to him.
"T.K. are you all right?" asked Kari. She was paler than usual.
T.K. shook his head slowly, still gazing at the explosion in utmost horror. Tai pulled him to his feet. "What's wrong with you?"
At last, the blond boy snapped, no longer able to hold the mask in place. He cupped both hands to his head and screamed, "CHLOE! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!"
The scream that met his voice was enough to indicate where Chloe was. Tai broke into a run. "Nooooo!" Matt tackled him to the ground and held him. "Lemme go Matt!" Tai yelled fiercely. "Get off!"
"It's suicide if you go out there Tai!" his best friend replied. "She wouldn't have lasted a minute so don't!"
"I can save her! JUST LET ME GO!"
Matt kept him pinned. "Think with your head instead of your heart!"
MetalSeadramon's howl and Chloe's screams of agony lasted for about two minutes. The evil Digimon's body began to dissolve like fine sugar before the girl's dazed eyes. "It's impossible!" he wailed. "How can I have been beaten by a mere child? AAAAAHH—" His cry was cut short as his entire face disappeared into meaningless data, lost forever to the Digital World.
"I'm…not…a child…" Chloe whispered in an echoing voice. She slowly took hold of the necklace she wore and yanked it off. The string connecting it together broke. Tossing it to the shore, she added, "I'm…something…else…" With a soft sigh, her body fell back against the waves and lay still, the water allowing her hair to float around her like a whirlpool.
Tai finally wrenched himself free from Matt's grip and burst forward. "You idiot! Get back here!"
"Shut up!" Tai called over his shoulder, not stopping what he was doing. Matt, grumbling under his breath, took off after him.
Sora blinked and finally muttered, "Bakas." She and the other teams followed them to the beach.
What a sight! Trees littered the ground and sand swirled around and was tossed into small drifts. The ocean was going crazy. Floating in the water nearby…was a lone body. "Guys, it's Chloe!" Ash cried.
Tai splashed over to her and with the help of WarGreymon, carried her back to shore. WarGreymon laid her gently on the sandy ground. Everyone winced at her bruised and injured body, her headband gone and her hair broken free, her battered face, and torn jacket. Tai cradled her. "Chloe," he whispered urgently. "Don't leave me. Don't you dare leave me." He feared there was more damage than he could see.
Chloe stirred and her eyes opened blearily. "Tai...?" she coughed. "Oh Tai…"
"Don't speak anymore. It's okay. Everything's going to be okay," he assured her. I think.
She shook her head and coughed again. "No…no it's not. Tai…" She forced herself to say the words she knew he didn't want to hear. "I'm not going to make it."
That was all it took. Six words that hit Tai in the stomach like little bullets. "I'm not going to make it." "No," he croaked. "No you're not going to die. You can't."
"How do…you…know…?" she whimpered in a raggedy voice.
"You can heal yourself! Remember?" Tai asked her desperately. "You have the Crest of Life because your tears bring life! You can heal yourself."
Chloe shook her head and winced. "No Tai…I can't…not anymore." She smiled ruefully and she brought one hand to her face. When she removed it, it was wet. "Look at these tears Tai. They're not silver. My crest knows that I have to die…so I can't."
"But we promised! Don't you remember?"
Flashback (The Years Ahead)
"I know we'll be separated for a while and a lot can happen in a few years. So what I'm wondering is if we'll always be together," Tai said.
Chloe took hold of his hand. "Of course we will. Let's make a promise that no matter what, nothing will tear us apart. Even forever may not be long enough for our love."
"It'll have to be." He smiled and caught her chin underneath the tips of his fingers. "Will you wait for me?"
"Always."
End of flashback
"Don't you remember?"
Chloe blinked. "This won't tear us apart. We'll always be together…in our hearts."
"It's not the same!" Tai exclaimed hoarsely. "There's just got to be a way! There has to be!"
"Tai, listen. There is no way. It's too late…for me. You can't…change this," Chloe said firmly. "I'm sorry." As she said this, she could feel her life slipping further and further away. Just let me have one last talk with my friends; that's all I ask.
Jeri bit her lip. "I thought it was possible to change your destiny."
Rika shook her head slowly. "It is…but not like this. We can't change this anymore than we could've changed Leomon's destiny." My heart...it hurts so much…why?
Chloe immediately looked around her. "T.K., where is he? Is he okay?"
"I'm fine," T.K. replied. A lump was filling his throat and threatening to dissolve. "I'm sorry," he choked. "This is all my fault. If I had rescued you, none of this would've have happened." His blue eyes were glassy with frenzied emotions.
"Don't blame…yourself T.K.," she whispered. "None of this is your fault. It…had…to happen." Closing her eyes, she transported a message telepathically. "You got the prophecy right? Make sure to reveal it to the others."
T.K. nodded. "This is only the beginning," Chloe added.
"Wha—? Only the beginning?"
"Yes. Please take care of yourself and protect Rika. No matter what, protect her."
"I—Okay."
"Be safe. You know I love you."
"Yeah, I know. And you know I…love you too Chloe."
I know Takeru. I know."
"Will you two stop using telepathy?" Tai nearly shouted. Then he calmed down. "Why can't you tell me what's going on?"
Chloe's glazed-looking eyes stared into his rich brown ones. "T.K. will reveal everything…to you…" She drew a raspy breath and nodded painfully. "Now…it ends…"
Tai felt her body growing limp in his arms. "No…" he whispered. "Please…don't let it be like this…"
"It's too late," she croaked slowly. She held up one hand and they all gasped to see it was dissolving into light dust.
At the sight of her hand, the lump in T.K.'s throat dissolved and he began to cry. He tried to hide his tears with his hands, but there was no fighting the howl of wretchedness. No one had heard those melancholy sobs in a long time and it pained them even more to actually witness T.K.'s tears. For he was the strong one. He was the one who was willing to keep his emotions in check in order to fight the darkness. And now he was crying…showing a side that seemed more…vulnerable.
Tai gripped Chloe's body closer. "What will I do without you?" he asked, his own tears teetering on the brink of his eyelids. Some of the Digidestined and the trainers, especially Ash and Chloe's Dragonite, began to struggle with their own grief while the Tamers and their Digimon could only look on in distress and sympathy.
Chloe swallowed and urged herself to speak. "You'll…live…live and continue to be strong… Don't give up your life…because of…me…Promise me you won't."
"I-I promise," he replied sorrowfully.
Chloe reached up with her right hand (that still remained) and tugged on his head. "Seal…it…"
Tai obliged and, not caring if everyone noticed, their faces met and lasted in a long and passionate kiss. His hands ran through her dark hair and she struggled to maintain a hold on him with her remaining hand; she struggled to not disappear. Somehow the kiss seemed so appropriate, a sign of farewell.
(Amanda: Ew)
(A/N/Tamers/trainers/Digidestined: Aw shut up!)
"Aishiteru Taichi…ariwasu." (I love you Tai…always)
"Aishiteru too." (I love you too)
Seconds afterward, a soft sigh escaped from Chloe's mouth and Tai pulled away just in time to see her whole body dissolve into sparkling dust and lift into the air like little stars in a night sky.
"In your hearts…I'll always be with you…always…" Her voice lifted into the trees and then all was silent.
Tai knelt there where her body used to be, his face one of shock and profound disbelief. The sounds of T.K.'s sobs and the other's sniffles jerked him back to reality. Kari walked over to him. "Tai?" she whispered in a soft voice.
Her brother looked at her and he saw her eyes; so sweet yet so anxious. "I…" he began and then closed his eyes. "I just…can't believe it."
"I know Tai," Kari replied and she wrapped her arms around her brother. "I know."
Burying his face into her shoulder, Tai finally surrendered and allowed the tears to fall and consume him. Kari didn't say anything as her own tears mingled with his. Behind them, Sora and Matt held each other close.
Ash clenched his hands, his eyes blinking rapidly. "Ash, what's wrong? Are you okay?" asked Misty, concerned.
The trainer whirled on her, his face contorted with misery. "Okay? Okay? One of my best friends is dead! D'you think I'm okay?" With that, he turned and ran into the woods.
"Ash wait!" cried Brock as he, Misty, and Pikachu took off after him. Dragonite flew along.
As the trainer ran, tears streamed down his face and trailed behind him. He could not accept it; he would not accept it. There was no way that Chloe…his dear childhood friend…there was no way that she could be dead. This…just can't be…true. Ash reached up and scrubbed his face with the back of his hand, continuing to run. He didn't care where he ran…as long as there would be no one to see his misery.
Takato walked over to Tai and Kari. "We should go," he said in a sad echoey voice. Calumon hiccupped at the sad scene. Behind him, the other Tamers waited in silence.
Tai nodded and rose slowly to his feet. "Yeah, let's go." Agumon gazed up at his partner worriedly.
T.K. stared at the ground, continuing to sob until Cody touched his elbow. "T.K," he whispered sorrowfully. "We have to go now."
T.K. nodded and wiped away the last of his tears with the back of his hand. He lifted his head to the sky, the soft light shining in his azure eyes. Farewell…Chloe Device…Child of Life… He turned around and followed Cody and the rest of his teammates. The Crest of Life…could belong to no better person…
As the two teams trudged slowly and painfully back to the main site, Rika stopped when she heard a voice. "Rika…Rika…"
"Rika why did you stop?" asked Taomon.
"I-I thought I heard something. I'll be quick; tell the others not to wait."
Taomon nodded and left her. The voice came back. "Rika…"
"Chloe?" she answered and looked around her. "Is that you?"
It seemed to be coming from the beach again. Hurrying along, Rika saw something glittering, shimmering, and half-buried. She took hold of it and held it up. It was Chloe's half-circle necklace; its golden color twinkled innocently at her.
"If you feel the urge to cry…don't cry because I know things are just going to get worse. Don't waste any tears on me…"
Realizing the voice she heard was only in her memory, Rika hugged the crest to her heart. "Chloe…" Tears came to her eyes but true to her promise, she never let them fall.
THE END
JUST KIDDING!
Actually, this WILL be the end if I don't get any reviews. Ha ha, just for you readers to know. Anyway, this isn't the end but unless I get at least one review telling me what you think (I can take anything don't worry), this story will end right here (even though this isn't the real ending. So review people! Oh and here's Alexis with the REAL narration!
Alexis: Things aren't looking good for our heroes. First the Dark Masters have returned and now, Chloe's been taken out of the game forever! Keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter.