Part 10
Back in the tunnel, Eragon still leads the way through.
Patamon: How long is this tunnel?
Yolei: I feel like we're in an old tomb than in a tunnel, like in one of those adventure movies.
Oblivious to it, Yolei is about to step on a button, but Hawkmon notices it.
Hawkmon: Yolei, watch out!
Yolei: [gasps]
She jumps back, alarming the others, and stares at the button in worry.
Yolei: Whoa, that was close. Thanks, Hawkmon.
Kari: Yolei, you've got to watch where you're going, okay?
Yolei: Don't worry, I will next time.
Guilmon: But I wonder what it does.
Eragon: Guilmon, don't be-
Too late. Guilmon presses the button and everyone but him takes a few steps back away from him. But nothing happens. Guilmon smiles in relief, then a rock hits him on the head hard, knocking him out.
Guilmon: [dazed] Is there a doctor in the tunnel?
For the rest of the way, Eragon carries the dazed Guilmon on his shoulder as he and the others continue their way. His torch illuminates a huge hall of stone lined with tall pillars and arched ceilings as far as the eye can see. Everyone, including Eragon, look around in awe.
Cody: Wow, an underground hallway.
Davis: It's amazing! I wish I could take a picture.
Kari: Don't worry, I got mine.
Kari takes a picture of the scenery, as the DigiDestined walk through the hall. Veemon sees a ray of sunlight shining through a ruined chamber.
Veemon: Hey!
Davis: Veemon, wait!
Veemon pays no heed to Davis, but runs into the chamber. He stops and kneels by a statue of a Digimon that looks just like him holding a torch up in the air. The others enter the chamber, also looking at the statue.
Veemon: Look at this. The statue looks like me.
Yolei: Hey, he's right.
TK: It's almost like he's impersonating Lady Liberty in New York.
The Digimon move forward and look around the statue. Eragon puts down Guilmon, stops next to Veemon and translates the writing on the altar where the statue stands.
Eragon: It's actually the same thing. But this was inspired by the actual Lady Liberty. If my hunch is correct, we could be standing in Veemon's ancestral home.
Davis: You think… Veemon came from here?
Veemon: But I don't remember this place. I've never been here before. I guess I was sent away when I was Digi-Egg or something.
Cody bends down, and picks up a large, battered and very old book. He opens it and clears the dirt from its pages. He starts to read it.
Cody: According to this book, it says this chamber of liberty is where some of the first members of the rebel Digimon fought the Metal Empire. It was when the leader of Maro Village, EmperorGreymon, stepped forth to ask for their aid by mining the rocks and metal for their turrets and catapults.
Veemon: So my ancestors were miners? What else does it say?
Cody: [pauses] But… when the Eastern Castle was taken by the Empire's new allies, the Deep Savers, EmporerGreymon fell badly ill and allowed this chamber to be… desolated.
Armadillomon: Isn't the Eastern Castle one of the places we need to go?
Davis: [to Eragon] How did it get taken like that?
Eragon: I didn't know. I told you, I haven't been here for years, so some of the subplots may be a mystery to me.
Yolei sees some armour sitting by a stone well. Curiously, she reaches out and carefully touches the arrow. The arrowhead breaks off from the rest, causing first the helmet to fall. Eragon turns to see what happens and so does the others. Then the armour, the chain and bucket to go over the side of the well fall down into it, its noise echo from hall to hall. Yolei winces at each new wave of noise.
Yolei: [embarrassed] Sorry….
[7 second silence]
Eragon: [peeved] Airhead. Next time you touch something you don't know, I'll throw you down there myself.
[drums beat]
TK: [alarmed] Wait, do you hear that?
Davis: Hear what?
[drums beating]
Everyone hears the beating drums, which echoed everywhere in the chamber, the hall and the tunnels. Guilmon regains his consciousness, but he picks up a scent of something and growls at the doorway.
Guilmon: Trouble.
Eragon drops his torch and runs to lock the door. Bullets are shot and he is almost hit in the face. Cody runs to assist him, and they both find a squad of Commandramon on the march with Sealsdramon with them.
Cody: We've got trouble!
Eragon: Serious trouble!
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Eragon: Those are Commandramon, Rookie-level foot soldiers serving their supreme commander. Despite their low levels of firepower and stats alone, a battalion of them is enough to crash any and all enemies. And the big ones are called Sealsdramon, they're assassins with very sharp knives, especially with their Death Behind.
[END D.A.]
Sealsdramon: Death Behind!
A Sealsdramon throws his knife, but Eragon and Cody both close the door just before it would stab them.
Eragon: They're closing in!
Cody: Give us the spears!
TK and Patamon toss spears and axes to Eragon and Cody to help blockade the door. The DigiDestined draw out their weapons and back away as the door gets bashed on for the Commandramon to break through.
Davis: We're trapped like rats!
Armadillomon: Maybe we won't if we digivolve.
TK: No, this chamber's too small. We'll be caved in.
Guilmon: But the Sealsdramon are at the Champion-level. We can't beat them this way.
Then Gatomon leaps up onto the statue and brandishes her claws.
Gatomon: But I can. There's one nasty cat around here who'll scratch them on the face.
Eragon: Same with me. But we'll clear a path to get out. Black Digivolution, engage!
BlackExVeemon: BlackExVeemon!
The Commandramon begin breaking the door down. TK shoots at them through the holes in the door. They finally manage through the doors, but Veemon and Guilmon are standing in front of them.
Veemon: Vee-Headbutt!
Guilmon: Pyro Sphere!
The two of them land direct hits at the Commandramon, blasting them out of the way, but a Sealsdramon arrives to finish them off.
Gatomon: Lightning Paw!
Gatomon punches on the Sealsdramon, and it knocks him out to clear the path.
BlackExVeemon: Let's go, now!
Yolei blows her horn, and it disorients the Commandramon, who cover their ears. The DigiDestined make a run for it through the hall, but the enemy is tailing them.
Commandramon: M16 Assassin!
The Commandramon fire their assault rifles at the fleeing DigiDestined, but Cody uses his shield to create a force field around them.
BlackExVeemon: Now's your chance.
Kids: Right!
Hawkmon, Armadillomon and Patamon all digivolve to Aquilamon, Ankylomon and Angemon.
Angemon: Hand of Fate!
Aquilamon: Blast Rings!
They both fire at the Commandramon, wiping them out. A Sealsdramon comes into attack, but Ankylomon swings his tail club at him, backing him off.
Angemon: Go on ahead! We'll catch up!
The DigiDestined continue their way to the hall, until they reach a sealed door on the wall. BlackExVeemon tries punching it, but to no avail.
Kari: It's locked tight!
BlackExVeemon: Davis, the Culi Sword! Use the sword!
Davis holds the Culi Sword and slashes the door into pieces, making a way through.
The other three Digimon are fleeing back to the others, but a Sealsdramon throws his knife at Aquilamon's right wing, injuring him and having him land on the ground. He changes back to Hawkmon, then Angemon picks him up to bring him along.
Angemon: Hawkmon's been hit.
Yolei, worried, takes Hawkmon from Angemon and holds onto him.
BlackExVeemon: This way!
BlackExVeemon leads the way through the doorway and they end up into a chasm with stairs, where they find a Sealsdramon blocking their way to a bridge.
Sealsdramon: This is as far as you can go. Only one will challenge me.
Davis: Only one of us?
BlackExVeemon: This one's mine. Laser Punch!
BlackExVeemon attacks, but Sealsdramon dodge it and scans him with his monoeye for his vital points. He lands a direct punch at BlackExVeemon, sending him flying off to a column.
Guilmon: Eragon!
Davis: Hey, this guy plays dirty! But two and play that game. Veemon, go help him out!
Veemon steps forth to join in the fight, but he stops in his tracks to think of a way. Then, he hears Eragon's voice in his head.
Eragon's voice: … it would have to be done by you feeling it within yourself….
Veemon closes his eyes in a meditating state, and he gets the feeling inside of him already.
Veemon: Veemon, digivolve to…
And then, he digivolves to his Champion-level, but this time into a new Digimon: Veedramon.
Veedramon: Veedramon!
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Gatomon: No way, that's a new one. Veedramon is not as agile as ExVeemon, but his V-Nova Blast is like the hit of a fired rocket.
[END D.A.]
Veedramon rams at Sealsdramon with his horn, and swings his head up to flip him away from BlackExVeemon. He punches on the bad Digimon's face, and it destroys his monoeye so he can't scan for his vital points.
Veedramon: V-Nova Blast!
He spews a high-temperature heat ray out of his mouth, and it destroys Sealsdramon for good.
Davis: Alright! That was awesome!
Veedramon comes over and helps BlackExVeemon back on his feet.
Veedramon: You were right. I can digivolve into something else.
BlackExVeemon: Told you so. Now, we must hurry.
The DigiDestined run down a steep staircase to go over a chasm. Half way down, they encounter a gap on the stairs. Suddenly, bullets are fired in the air, striking the steps they stand on. Angemon is about to strike, but he gets fired on the side, and reverts back to Patamon, who lands in TK's arms.
Patamon: That's the end of that.
BlackExVeemon: You guys jump. We'll deal with this. Laser Punch!
Veedramon: V-Nova Blast!
BlackExVeemon and Veedramon shoot at the Commandramon who are shooting them, allowing the others to jump over the gap one by one. Guilmon jumps over the gap next, landing right on top of Davis. Cody reaches to pick up Gatomon, but Gatomon holds up her paw.
Gatomon: Nobody tosses a cat.
Before Cody manages to do anything, Gatomon leaps forward but nearly falls back into the chasm. Guilmon grabs her tail with his mouth.
Gatomon: Not the tail!
Veedramon is the next one to jump, then some of the stone steps crumble and fall into the fires below. Ankylomon pulls Cody back up the steps and climbs after him. They struggle to their feet and look at the widened gap that separates them from the rest of the team. A huge rock falls from the ceiling and smashes down the steps behind Cody and Ankylomon, creating another gap behind them and weakening the stairs' foundation. The stairs begin to wobble.
Ankylomon: Oh no, we're about to fall down.
Cody: Ankylomon, try to push forward.
The two of them shift their weight forward, tipping the stairs across the divide and slamming onto the steps where their companions are. They leap across to safety, catched by Veedramon and Yolei. They continue to run down the stairs as the stone structures collapse behind them.
BlackExVeemon: There's a bridge! That should be the exit! Go!
The DigiDestined run for their lives to get across the bridge, but BlackExVeemon sensed they're being followed. Crushing through the wall is a Tankdramon, roaring and giving the humans their attention.
Davis: Now what?
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Patamon: Tankdramon, a heavy machine with the mind of destruction. With his Gatling gun and cannon, he can plow through a mountain in one second.
[END D.A.]
BlackExVeemon urges the others to go across the bridge, but they get distracted when Tankdramon fires at them.
Tankdramon: Blast Gatling!
He uses the Gatling guns to fire all 3600 bullets in a second. Cody blocks them with his force field, allowing the team to get across the bridge without falling down. But then, Kari slips off and struggles to get back up.
Kari: Help!
Gatomon: Kari!
Gatomon runs over to catch Gatomon, but Tankdramon stops her with his Blast Gatling, and Kari slips off to fall down. All of a sudden, BlackExVeemon swoops in and catches her in mid-air, flying upward.
BlackExVeemon: I got you. It's alright.
Kari: Eragon?
Just then, when BlackExVeemon lands at the other end of the bridge, his Digivice begins to glow, much to his confusion.
BlackExVeemon: What's going on?
Davis: Your Digivice. That means Guilmon can digivolve.
Guilmon: I can? Yes! Guilmon, digivolve to…
With the Digivice's power, Guilmon begins to digivolve into his Champion-level: Growlmon
Growlmon: Growlmon!
Growlman stands in the middle of the bridge, blocking Tankdramon's way across, and the kids look at him in awe.
Cody: Wow, it's like Guilmon just grew up like a human being.
BlackExVeemon: But he's not.
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Growlmon: I am now Growlmon, and I'm stronger than I was before. My Pyro Blaster is like my Pyro Sphere, but greater than ever. Just wait and see.
[END D.A.]
Tankdramon charges to get pass, but Growlmon halts him with his bare hands, and pushes him back to the other side. The DigiDestined are awed even more by seeing how strong he is.
Growlmon: You're not going to cross this bridge. Pyro Blaster!
He spews out a powerful blaze with a roar. But Tankdramon isn't damaged by the blow at all. As the evil Digimon gets back on the bridge, Growlmon has one other option.
Growlmon: Dragon Slash!
Growlmon develops plasma along the blades on his elbows, then strikes the bridge. As Tankdramon steps forward, the bridge collapses under him and he falls backward into the chasm, roaring. Growlmon jumps off the bridge to make a safe landing and watches Tankdramon fall then turns to follow the others. But BlackExVeemon notices something as he watches the plummeting Digimon down below.
Tankdramon: Striver Cannon!
Tankdramon fires a shell loaded with a mini-nuke from his cannon, and BlackExVeemon throws a rock to ricochet it back down to the falling Digimon.
BlackExVeemon: Quickly!
The DigiDestined make a run for it up the stairs, just as the shell hits the falling Tankdramon, and it creates a nuclear explosion.
Outside the mountain, the DigiDestined jumps out of the hole on the side, right before the explosion fires at them. They ride down the hill like it is a giant slide downward to the slopes of the mountain, and end up into a watering hole in the woods.
Part 11
The watering hole remains quiet, until BlackExVeemon pops his head up and he presses on his Digiband to change back to his normal self.
Eragon: Growlmon?
Then Growlmon rises up with Eragon ending up in his head.
Growlmon: Down here.
One by one, the DigiDestined and the Digimon pop out from the water, and they all feel something nice about the water.
Angemon: My goodness. The water here is clean.
TK: And it's not deep. I'm standing on the bottom.
Cody: Me too.
But Cody has risen up when Ankylomon shows up.
Cody: Never mind.
Gatomon: [worried] Kari!
Gatomon jumps onto Kari, hugging her in relief, and Kari hugs back.
Kari: It's okay, Gatomon. I'm still here.
TK: "Still here"? What happened, Kari?
Kari: I fell off the bridge, but Eragon saved me.
Davis: You saved her?
Eragon: She's not worth it to die. Not like this.
Growlmon: Well, I think it was something else. [chuckles]
Eragon nudges Growlmon to not think about the wrong idea, but he notices Davis glaring at him with a jealous look on his face.
Eragon: Whatever it is you're thinking about, it's not like that.
Davis: Well, it's not just that. How did you know Veemon can digivolve into something else, huh?
Veedramon: I asked him, Davis. I wanted to know if I could digivolve into another Digimon, and he said I can, that's all. And I'd say I like this new form.
Davis: Okay, only because you're curious. [to Eragon] And you, keep your distance. You're only here as our guide and bodyguard.
Eragon: If I didn't know better, I think you don't trust me at all.
Yolei: Hawkmon!
Everyone looks at Yolei, who is aiding Hawkmon's injured wing where the Sealsdramon struck him. Kari comes over with her Phoenix Juice, and a drop into his beak, but the healing doesn't seem to work.
Kari: Nothing's happening. Zephyrmon said it would work.
Eragon comes over to look at Hawkmon's injured wing, and he finds some purple stuff on the wound.
Eragon: That's why. That Sealsdramon knife was poisoned. Since you gave him the juice, Hawkmon will heal, but it takes time.
Yolei reaches into her backpack to take out a long cloth, soaks it with the water, and wraps it around Hawkmon's wing.
Hawkmon: If I'm fine, I won't be-
Yolei: Hawkmon, please. Don't push yourself too hard. Just give it time to heal, okay?
The Digimon revert back to their Rookie-level, as Eragon looks ahead at the pathway through the forest. He finds a sign that will lead them to Maro Village.
Eragon: We're on the right track. By nightfall, these slopes will be having scouts everywhere. Take a breather for a bit, and let's keep moving.
As the team carries on, Yolei picks up Hawkmon to hold him in her arms and follow them into the woods. Unbeknownst to them, a Gazimon spies on the humans, and he dashes off into the trees to go somewhere.
Back in Death Tower, Darkdramon is informed by a Commandramon through a hologram.
Darkdramon: [angry] What?! They've escaped the tunnel?!
Commandramon: Yes, sir. The traitor and the DigiDestined have slipped from our grasp. One of our Tankdramon fired back while he was falling, but the blow fired back and-
Darkdramon: Say no more. I will dispose of you and your surviving squad later, once I've managed to take back what was taken from me. Hang up!
He presses a button on his throne's armrest, deactivating the hologram, and Darkdramon gets consulted by Marcus.
Marcus: Master, allow me to go hunt them down. Eragon may have fought off some of our troops, but it must weaken him.
Darkdramon: No need, Marcus. I have already consulted with our allies, the Deep Savers. Sandiramon will be having his Nightmare Soldiers to seek them out, with Gordon and Gwilanna's assistance. You, on the other one, are much more needed for the war I'm about to start.
Marcus: [bowing] I understand.
In Mermaimon's castle, Sandiramon is coiled up in a cavern where he is chowing down on some rice balls. But he halts, and stares at one that looks like it has a smiling face on it.
Sandiramon: Life's not fair, is it? Some are just born to rule, others… like me… can do nothing about it, so I shall never be king. [exhales lightly] And you, most of all, shall never see the light of another day.
He starts to place the rice ball on his extended tongue, until he gets interrupted by Gordon and Gwilanna approaching him.
Gwilanna: Has anyone ever told you not to play with your food?
Sandiramon: [sighs; peeved] What do you two want?
Gordon: We've been sent here by Darkdramon to assist you.
Gwilanna: Also, we have a report. One of your scouts sighted the DigiDestined on the mountain slopes. They're heading their way to Maro Village.
Sandiramon: And he sent you here to me? What does he think I am, a babysitter?
Gwilanna: No. Maybe one for Gordon, mostly. He wants us with your troopers to retreat the Crest from them, so he can re-use it for the next war.
Sandiramon: Is that the plan? Personally, I would've just handled it myself, without anyone to give me the heads up.
Gwilanna: Then what's stalling you?
Sandiramon: It takes time to get it done. But… I suppose we can send in my troops. The two of you would just need to assist them as all.
Gordon: That's what we came to do.
Sandiramon slithers his way into a tunnel with Gwilanna and Gordon following him in. He stops in a chamber where his elite force, the Nightmare Soldiers, are assembling for battles. There are Goblimon wearing their armor and are given their weapons.
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Gwilanna: The Goblimon are only weaklings to be foot soldiers, but their clubs are highly capable of breaking a boulder with one stroke.
[END D.A.]
The Goblimon receive purple markings on their chests and faces, which are signifying Sandiramon's army. They then assemble before him.
Sandiramon: My soldiers, you were born for victory. A victory that would end any war and give your enemies nightmares for the rest of their lives. Now listen carefully, the DigiDestined are on their way to foil our allies' plans, and they all must be stopped. Do all you can to fight them until they are discouraged to move on.
The Goblimon roars in a response. Just as Sandiramon admires them, a red Goblimon steps forth for something.
Red Goblimon: What is the word from Darkdramon?
Gordon: We thought we could tell you. We're dealing with six humans, four boys, including the traitor Eragon, and two girls.
Gwilanna: But one of them carries the Crest. We must bring them to our master alive and unspoiled. Kill the others!
Red Goblimon: [smirking] Alright. [to the Goblimon] Mount up!
Outside the castle, a hatch door is opened at the side and the Goblimon ride out on Boarmon to leave. A bridge made of ice materialized right before them and they all ran across it to reach dry land.
Part 12
Meanwhile, the DigiDestined are still hiking through the woods with Eragon leading the way as he is reading the map. Hawkmon is still in Yolei's arms, as he is slowly moving his wing for inspections.
Yolei: How's the wing?
Hawkmon: It was hurting at first. But I think that healing potion is working on me, slowly though.
Yolei: I'm just glad you're not seriously hurt.
Guilmon: When are we going to eat?
Gatomon: You just ate a loaf of bread today, Guilmon.
Eragon: Say what you can, but it won't change his mind. He's like a bottomless pit with that stomach of his.
TK looks around himself, having a bad feeling about the forest.
TK: I don't like this place. It's getting quieter and quieter by the minute.
Eragon: It's called the Silent Wood for a good reason. It's mostly ideal for an ambush, but a good place to sleep.
T.K: If that's the case, we can't be here any longer.
Davis: [amused] Why, TJ? Are you actually scared of the woods?
TK: No, I just don't trust it.
Kari: Alright, you two. Knock it off. Let's not try this again.
Guilmon: [baffled] Huh? Again?
Veemon: It's a long story.
But then, Eragon stops when he stumbles upon a fork in the road that leads to many directions. He looks at the map, but this spot isn't on the map.
Eragon: That's funny. This isn't on the map.
Davis: Wait, are you saying we're finally lost?
Cody: How can you feel lost right this second?
Kari: They might've changed the road or something. But… I don't see a sign anywhere.
[thunder rumbles]
The DigiDestined look up at the darkened sky and it begins to rain.
Guilmon: Oh no. It's raining.
Yolei: We need to find cover. Hawkmon's bandage can't get all wet.
Davis looks around for a way, and he finds a cave at the side of the road.
Davis: Over there.
He leads the way into the cave, where everyone can stay perfectly dry.
Veemon: Okay. It's small, but it's dry.
Armadillomon: I don't mind dryness, but… it's the small part I'm having trouble here.
Guilmon: Don't worry. I got this.
Guilmon uses his claws to dig deep into the cave, shoving dirt out of the cave, and nearly onto everyone's face. But he stops when the cave is now bigger and wider than it was before.
Kari: [awed] Guilmon's both strong and fast. That's amazing.
Guilmon: All this digging has made me hungry. Can we eat now?
Later, a fire is lit and everyone is asleep, as Eragon stays awake to keep a watchful eye out from the cave mouth. It is no longer raining, and the moon is shining its light. But then, he finds out Davis is wide awake.
Eragon: Couldn't sleep?
Davis: I'm not used to sleeping caves. It feels….
Eragon: Uncomfortable. Yes, I know. In fact, I've been wanting to ask you something. Over here.
Eragon walks out of the cave with Davis following him, and they both stop at the backside.
Eragon: I've been wanting to ask you something. Do you… have a crush on Kari?
Davis: [nervous] Well…. Yeah, I mean….
Eragon: I can tell by the looks of you. It's practically showing it, even though you don't know.
Davis: Well, it's not that bad, right?
Eragon: But it begs the question: does she feel the same way for you?
Davis: Hey, I don't know why you're asking.
Eragon: Listen, you and your friends are dragging me into this because you think I need help, even though I keep refusing. And to be honest… I appreciate it. I still don't remember a lot about my past, and I keep thinking the answers I'm looking for can be here in the Shadow Continent. So I think I should return the favour, by assisting with your affections with someone.
Davis: [surprised] Really? But… what makes you think I need some assistance?
Eragon: Because if you don't follow my lead, it won't be successful in your way.
Davis: Oh, yeah. What do you say then?
Eragon: Simple. Because, believe it or not, I once dated Zephyrmon in the beginning, and I have experience. There are three things you need to do to win a girl's heart. One, do not be selfish. It's true that you can show friendship, but there are times that when you feel so successful, you boast about them.
Davis: I boast and brag about how I can handle things in the Digital World, most of the time.
Eragon: And that's not worth it. With boasting, there can be arrogance, then selfishness, and that is not the best trait to win a girl's affections. Second, you must be open-minded; sensitive. It's true that some girls talk about wanting a guy with big muscles, or being taller, or having a six-pack, but that's not good enough. No. They want a thinker, a feeler… someone who can understand. Like if they feel like they don't fit in, they'd want someone to talk to.
Davis: Kari's not like that. She never gets a hard time fitting in with us.
Eragon: No, but it's something else that concerns her. I can see it in her eyes, and that's the third thing: figure out what she really needs to do in life. When you get all that done, that's when the special part comes in.
Davis: [excited] Like I could kiss her?!
Davis imagines himself with Kari under the moon, and about to kiss. Suddenly, it fades when Eragon whacks him on the head to get his head out of the clouds.
Eragon: [sternly] Head out of the clouds, Romeo! [calmly] Anyway, just think about these things.
Davis: Okay, Eragon. I will.
Eragon: Now, it's really late. Time you get some sleep.
Davis: But don't you get tired or something?
Eragon: I don't sleep.
Davis is baffled by Eragon's word about not being able to sleep, but he shrugs and heads back into the cave to sleep.
Back in Sandiramon's cave, he watches an image of the sleeping kids from a little water pond like it's a crystal ball.
Sandiramon: Darkdramon speaks about killing off his enemies, but I can think of… an alternative. A way to exploit their weakness, make them… weep and writhe in the middle of a fray. And that's… when the doomed part comes in.
Then, he directs his attention Kari, snuggling with Gatomon.
Sandiramon: That girl. She carried… the Crest of Light. A very precious gift, indeed. But from the light… comes the dark.
Sandiramon chuckles with delight. He blows at the water of images, sending a veil of smoke shooting skyward.
Back in the cave, the smoke flies into the cave, and it wisps around Kari's head, which she begins to breathe into. She wakes up, and finds out that she's all by herself, like everyone disappeared.
Kari: What the? Hey, Gatomon…? Anyone?
Sandiramon's voice: Kaaaaaaarriiiiii….
Hearing that voice for the first time makes Kari quiver in fear and she walks out of the cave.
Kari: [scared] TK? Eragon? Where are you?
Sandiramon's voice: Kaaaaaaarriiiiii….
Kari: Davis, if that's you, you win. I'm scared now. Just… show yourself!
Suddenly, a big gust of wind blows everything away until Kari is standing in a black void. She is baffled about it, then she gasps when Sandiramon coils up around her, holding her captive.
Sandiramon: There is no one for you to look for in the void. No death, no worries… only me.
Kari: Who…. Who are you?
Sandiramon: I am Sandiramon, grand vizier for Mermaimon. And, without a doubt, your salvation.
Kari: Don't try to trick me. I'm…. I'm not easily fooled.
Sandiramon: You're wrong. Even the void can't hide the truth.
Kari: What truth?
Sandiramon: That you fear for the wars if you continue this journey, and the outcome of what it brings.
Kari: So… I don't like war, because I don't do it so often. But Eragon does, so he can handle it.
Sandiramon: And if he doesn't, he will DIE because of you. Bring me the Crest, Kari. Bring it to me, and you all will be spared from our wrath.
Kari: You're lying. I can't let anyone down.
Sandiramon: You obviously don't know the powers of what I and Darkdramon have, if you refuse my demand. You will all be wiped out of existence… unless you turn yourself in at the Eastern Castle. Don't forget the Crest, and don't be a fool.
The darkness engulfs Kari's legs. She starts to swim away as the darkness clenches onto her. Her grasping hand is lost to the black abyss. Kari lies on her back as the darkness wraps its last threads around her frightened eyes.
Part 13
At daytime, Guilmon shakes on Kari to wake her up.
Guilmon: Kari, wake up.
Kari: [alarmed] STAY AWAY!
Kari jumps up in a panic, shooing Guilmon away, and it grabs everyone's attetion. Then, she realizes what she just did.
Kari: [gasps] Guilmon. So sorry.
Guilmon: Why did you do that?
Kari: I just had a bad dream, that's all.
Gatomon: Well, it's time to get up. Eragon now remembers the way.
Eragon: This way.
Eragon leads the way to the middle road, now on their way to Maro Village as soon as possible.
Eragon: As we keep taking this path, we should be there in one more day.
Davis: Good. Because, believe it or not, Veemon needs a bath.
Cody: How can Veemon be stinking up when he's never been in a mud?
Davis: He has a habit of washing once a week.
Veemon: At least I don't hog the shower everyday from six to eleven.
Davis: [peeved] Hey!
The DigiDestined laugh for finding it funny, but Eragon just snickers. In the back, Kari is the only one laughing because she's been having Sandiramon's voice in her head. She looks at the canopy, and imagines his face staring at her.
Sandiramon illusion: Meet me at the Eastern Castle, or you will all die.
The illusion fades away, but Kari is still concerned, so she stops in her tracks, looking away. When the others notice her, they stop as well.
Yolei: Kari? Why did you stop?
Kari: [pauses] I can't. I can't keep going like this. We can't just go to war right off the bat.
Gatomon: What are you talking about? We've all agreed to save the Digimon here and help Eragon with remembering his past, which leads right here.
Kari: And at the same time, we would cause the deaths of so many living here including ourselves.
TK: Kari, it's okay. We all don't like this, but we-
Kari: Stop it, TK! It won't help!
Eragon looks at her, knowing she has a problem, so he nudges on Davis's shoulder to get his attention. He motioned his head to Kari, telling Davis to go and talk to her, like he said last night. Davis nods, and walks over to Kari in front of her.
Davis: What's going on with you?
Kari: I thought you already know. I'm scared, because we're going to war.
Davis: [hesitant] Um…. Maybe we should talk about these things.
Kari: Davis, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it won't work. Not when we're dealing with Digimon we've never seen before.
Davis: What about Eragon? He'll know what to-
Suddenly, the conversation stops when Guilmon picks up a scent and growls at the woods. The other Digimon also look at the trees, alarmed by something.
TK: What is it?
Patamon: We've got trouble.
From behind a nearby crag, a Goblimon on a Boarmon appears; he leaps into the midst of the DigiDestined, knocking down Cody and TK. Guilmon pounces on the Goblimon, dismounting him off the steed, and Davis slashes his sword at the Boarmon to finish it. Guilmon bites down on the Goblimon, and kills him.
Eragon: A scout. Which means there's more Goblimon not too far away.
Kari: [scared] I knew it! We're starting a war, and we're-
Gatomon: Here they come!
Gatomon is at the edge of the woods, where the others come over to find the charging Goblimon on Boarmon on a glade. Gordon and Gwilanna are running with them in their Digimon forms.
Eragon: Yeah, there's more.
[DIGIMON ANALYSER]
Armadillomon: The fiery hogs those guys are riding on are Boarmon. If you tried pork and ham before, you do not want to have a piece of those pigs.
[END D.A.]
Davis: Our Digimon can digivolve to take care of these guys.
Veemon: We can't. We still feel too weak after that last fight.
Patamon: I'll draw them off.
Eragon: These are wild pigs; they will outrun you.
Patamon: Are you forgetting something? I have wings, and they don't.
BlackGarurumon and her half of the Goblimon squad are searching through the forest for the DigiDestined. Suddenly, Patamon shoots out of the forest, and the bad Digimon start chasing him over the grasslands.
Patamon: Come and get me, ya dumb pigs!
Eragon and Guilmon watch from behind a rock as Patamon and the Goblimon disappear in the distance.
Guilmon: That is one brave flying jellybean.
Eragon: Let's go, before Gordon finds us.
The DigiDestined rush across a rocky plain. Just then, Davis finds a Sky Tracker a few yards away.
Davis: A Sky Tracker!
Eragon: Good eye. We'll need to-
Suddenly, BlackGreymon jumps up and lands in front of the DigiDestined, blocking their way.
BlackGreymon: Gotcha!
Now having his energy, Armadillomon digivolves into Ankylomon and fights against BlackGreymon, giving the others enough time to run for the Sky Tracker.
The other Goblimon and BlackGarurumon stop chasing Patamon as they hear roars and banging from behind the rocks, where the Sky Tracker is located.
BlackGarurumon: Other there!
BlackGarurumon howls as they stop pursuing Patamon and begin pursuing the DigiDestined.
Back with them, Ankylomon is wrestling with BlackGreymon and he seems to be winning, but the Black Hybrid is not through.
BlackGreymon: Nova Halitosis!
He inhales his bad breath at Ankylomon, knocking him out. But Guilmon digivolves to Growlmon and faces him next.
The DigiDestined are nearly there to the Sky Tracker, but the Goblimon ambush them from behind, so the kids take cover into the tower while the Digimon fight them off. Eragon takes off his backpack, giving it to Kari.
Eragon: Keep it safe. The Crest is in there.
Kari: Okay.
Eragon: Black Digivolution, engage!
BlackExVeemon: BlackExVeemon!
BlackExveemon pounds the Goblimon into the ground one by one. Veemon runs for his life with a pair of Goblimon chasing him, but he jumps over a rock and flips upside down, right when the chasing Goblimon knock itself cold. Veemon sees a Boarmon with no rider on it. It growls at him.
Veemon: Come for your Hakuna Matata!
As the Boarmon charges at him, TK shoots it with an arrow.
Veemon: Hey, that piggy was mine!
Veemon turns around just in time to see another Boarmon charging.
Veemon: Vee-Headbutt!
That attack knocks out the Boarmon and it falls onto Veemon, who lets out a groan.
Gatomon: Lightning Paw!
Gatomon punches a few Goblimon off their Boarmon, which makes them flee from the scene. BlackGarurumon walks up to a nearby boulder, overlooking Gatomon facing off the Goblimon.
BlackGarurumon: A pussy cat? At that size, she's not much of a meal, but then, prey is prey.
Veemon tries to lift the Boarmon off of him, and now there is another Boarmon who sees him.
Guilmon: Pyro Sphere!
Guilmon shoots at the Boarmon, who falls on top of Veemon, who lets out a bigger groan.
Guilmon: Sorry.
As the kids remain sheltered in the tower, TK takes aim with his Homing Arrows, but BlackGreymon punches his clawed hand in to try and grab them. But Davis draws his sword and stabs the hand, forcing BlackGreymon to withdraw.
Davis: Everybody out! I'm going to cut it down!
Kari is getting terrified by the scene around her. Then, she sees Sandiramon's face again with his words echoing in her head. When Kari realizes she has the Crest in her hand, she has one option. When Davis is nearly done sawing the tower, Kari takes it from his hand and runs away.
TK: Kari, where are you going?! Kari!
BlackGreymon looks ahead to see Kari fleeing from the scene.
BlackGreymon: Fresh meat!
He makes a run for it, and Davis notices he's going after Kari.
Davis: No! Leave her alone!
Davis runs out from hiding, and he grabs onto BlackGreymon's tail, where he begins to climb. Because he has no power to face him, Davis covers BlackGreymon's eyes to make him run around blind.
Hawkmon: Gatomon, Kari's running away!
Gatomon hears the call, and looks ahead to find a fleeing Kari. She rushes over to stop her, but BlackGarurumon shows up and pins her to the ground.
BlackGarurumon: What's new, pussy cat?!
BlackExVeemon: Gwilanna!
BlackExVeemon tackles BlackGarurumon and they both fight, while Gatomon takes her leave. The Sky Tracker begins to tumble over the two Black Hybrids, and crashes onto BlackExVeemon, who has his head and right arm freed. Saved from that falling tower, BlackGarurumon glares down at the traitor.
BlackGarurumon: Howling….
Angemon's voice: Hand of Fate!
A blast of light from Angemon blasts BlackGarurumon to a boulder, saving BlackExVeemon. That blast is strong enough to hit her on the rock hard, and she reverts to Gwilanna.
The Red Goblimon arrives at the scene, where the Boarmon numbers are being reduced. A Goblimon comes over with a report.
Goblimon: We're losing the Boarmon! We need to evacuate!
Red Goblimon: No! We're on a mission. We mustn't bail out just yet.
He looks down at the battlefield, and he sees the three DigiDestined on the ground in thought.
Red Goblimon: Grab two of those. They might have it.
The Goblimon run down the hill, grabbing the DigiDestined's attention. TK is about to fire his arrows, but one of the Goblimon knocks him out with his club. They capture Cody and Yolei, as well as Hawkmon and Armadillomon, then they make a run for it.
Davis is still blinding BlackGreymon, until the Black Hybrid shakes his head back and forth to make him lose his balance. Davis holds onto one of the antlers, and BlackGreymon notices him.
BlackGreymon: You're dead!
BlackGreymon spins around, trying to eat Davis, and at the same time, Davis's goggles fall off his head. Without looking, BlackGreymon is reaching the edge of a cliff, and they both tumble over.
Part 14
The battle is over. BlackExVeemon is still pinned by the fallen Sky Tower, but Angemon comes over and lifts up for him. Pressing the Digiband, BlackExVeemon reverts back to Eragon.
Angemon: Are you alright?
Eragon: Yeah, I've… been through a lot worse.
Angemon looks around himself as Eragon regains his bearings. But then, he finds TK on the ground.
Angemon: TK!
He reverts back to Patamon, and aids TK, who regains his consciousness.
TK: They took Yolei and Cody. And they left us behind.
Veemon and Guilmon are both alright as well, but they find out that Davis is nowhere to be found.
Guilmon: Where's Davis?
Veemon: Davis?!
Eragon: Davis?
Veemon looks around as Eargon passes Gwilanna, who is still alive lying on the ground. Eragon bends over to see if there were any tracks Davis left, and he finds Davis's goggles, picking it up for inspections. Gwilanna starts laughing and Eragon goes over to her, glaring at her.
Eragon: Where's the boy who wore these goggles? Where is he?!
Gwilanna: …Dead. He tumbled off the cliff with that buffoon. [snickers]
Outraged, Veemon grabs Gwilanna by her shirt.
Veemon: Liar!
Gwilanna laughs her last laugh right before she dies. Veemon throws her back to the ground, shedding tears in his eyes for the loss. He runs over to the side of the cliff where Guilmon is and looks down only to see rushing waters. Eragon and TK both come over, and they couldn't find Davis anywhere.
Veemon: Can you… smell him down there, Guilmon?
Guilmon: No.
TK: What does it mean? Is he…?
Eragon: I'm afraid… he might have. No one could survive this fall, not even the likes of me.
So far away, Kari is on her journey to the Eastern Castle. She pushes a log into the river and jumps in. Just then, Gatomon emerges from the woods. She sees Kari paddling away with a stick and runs after her.
Gatomon: Kari, wait! Kari!
Kari: Gatomon?
Gatomon runs into the river after Kari, who looks at her with worry.
Kari: What are you doing?
Gatomon: Wait for me! I'm coming with you!
Kari: No, you can't swim! Gatomon!
Gatomon struggles to swim then sinks into the water, and Kari gets even more worried.
Kari: Gatomon!
Gatomon sinks deeper and deeper. She sees the sun shimmering up on the surface. Her arms float lifelessly in the water. Suddenly Kari's hand reaches down and grabs Gatomon's paw. Gatomon tightens her paw around Kari's and is pulled out of the water and up onto the log. Kari looks at her with tears in her eyes.
Kari: Don't you scare me like that!
Gatomon: Kari, you're not going there.
Kari: I have to. I can't-
Gatomon: Neither do I. But that's why I'm going with you.
Kari: [pauses] What?
Gatomon: You're not the smartest of us all, but you are the bravest girl I've ever met and partnered with. If you think we can negotiate with them, then let's do it… together.
Kari: [weeps] Gatomon.
She embraces Gatomon and they give each other a great hug.
Kari: Thank you.
Gatomon grabs the stick and they paddle towards the eastern shore.
Meanwhile, Darkdramon is watching an aerial footage of Gordon and Gwilanna's deaths, and Marcus watches it with rage for the loss of his comrades.
Marcus: They all must PAY!
Darkdramon: I agree… but not yet. We still have one more to deal with the traitor.
Darkdramon motions his hand, and it signals a pair of Sealsdramon to drag in a metal coffin with the sound of a beating heart being heard in there.
Darkdramon: After my quick trip to the human world, I was able to find a worthy candidate. He was supposed to be a replacement for Eragon… but now, he'll be our avenger.
Back with Eragon, he bows his head near the cliff where Davis tumbled over, and the others look concerned and worried for their welfare after that fight they had with the Goblimon. TK is using one of Zephyrmon's feathers to make contact like it's a phone, but no answer.
TK: Kari's not responding her feather.
Guilmon: It's bad. Everyone just went bye-bye. [whines]
TK: [pauses] You were right. About the Shadow Continent being dangerous. I guess… we never took it more seriously, until this happened. Kari running away, Davis falling, and now two more captured. I'm sorry we didn't believe in you.
Eragon: No. You had every right to come here. All I could think about was knowing who I am and where did I come from. Not just me, but Marcus as well.
Guilmon: What now, Eragon? Do we give up?
Patamon: I think… we should. We've had enough violence here.
Veemon is standing at the edge of the cliff when he overhears them. But with determination, he steps in for a protest.
Veemon: No. We don't, because that's not what Davis would want. He would want us to move on and finish the job, no matter how long it will take. Kari and Gatomon are out of reach, but not Yolei and Cody. We can still catch up to them.
Patamon: They're too far away now. I'm not sure if we can tail them.
Eragon looks deep in thought about Veemon's advice. He finds a club that belonged to a Goblimon and had a thought. He picks it up and gives it to Guilmon.
Eragon: Smell them out.
Guilmon sniffs on the club, then he smells the ground, and he goes on the march to pick up their trail.
Eragon: We're on the tracks. Let's move!
Eragon, TK and their three remaining Digimon begin their way to follow the tracks and the journey continues.
What will happen to Kari when she's all alone? Will Eragon and TK be able to rescue their friends or will they be at the mercy of the Metal Empire? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.
To be Continued
