Part 11

Outside, Kiwimon is thrown out of the doors and he lands right onto a pumpkin stand where a Palmon is working. EmperorGreymon walks out with his sword sticking at the frightened Kiwimon.

EmperorGreymon: You…. You joined Sandiramon and put that thing on me.

Kiwimon: Sire, please, trying to listen to reasons. I was… trying to help you.

EmperorGreymon: With what? Teaching me how to crawl on all four like a beast?!

Kiwimon: No, to keep you from bashing into things.

Furious, EmperorGreymon tries to slash Kiwimon, but Eragon grabs his hand.

Eragon: No. Killing him… will not be worth it. Sandiramon would attack us if you kill Kiwimon.

Thinking about it, EmperorGreymon only glares down at Kiwimon, and he just kicks him down the stairs.

EmperorGreymon: You will deliver that snake my message. I am in control now and no one objects to it at all.

Kiwimon regains his bearings, snarls at the surrounding villagers, and he runs out the gate before it closes. With him gone, the villagers look up at the reformed EmperorGreymon and they bow down to him. The DigiDestined walk over to his side, and he looks at them once more with a pleasing tone.

EmperorGreymon: I must say… we're greatly honoured you have arrived. But I was… hoping you would be here a little while back.

Davis: Well, better late than never, as some would say.

Eragon: Sir, you probably don't remember me, but my name's Eragon. I used to be with the Black Hybrids.

EmperorGreymon: [glaring] Yes. I do remember. I was there when it happened.

{FLASHBACK}

In the battle at Death Tower eight years ago, thousands of Digimon fight the Metal Empire. EmperorGreymon and BeoWolfmon are fighting side by side fiercely. BlackExVeemon wipes out many Digimon with his fist, then he engages BeoWolfmon in a duel.

EmperorGreymon/narrating: All of my villagers resisted Darkdramon's rule, and he responded by sending his hounds, the Black Hybrids, to attack us. My best friend BeoWolfmon was a mighty warrior… until you finished him off.

BlackExVeemon bites on BeoWolfmon's head and pulls it off, killing him. He holds up his beheaded head as he roars; he then flings the head, which bounces and rolls to EmperorGreymon's feet.

EmperorGreymon: Nooo!

{FLASHBACK ENDS}

EmperorGreymon: And now, here you are.

Unbeknownst to them, a Giromon shows up out of nowhere and begins floating over the village to spy on them.

In Mermaimon's throne, she sees EmperorGreymon and the DigiDestined in a magical viewing device, a sphere of glowing green light with energy crackling across its surface. In it, she can see and hear everything that they are doing.

EmperorGreymon: It may not be your fault for what happened to him, but my people would not trust him.

Davis: Look, Eragon is sorry about what he did. But right now, we have problems.

TK: Davis is right. But first, I need to know how that Black Gear was on you from the beginning.

EmperorGreymon: It was Sandiramon who slapped it on me. I do also remember hearing Kiwimon about overpowering Mermaimon, so I may be accounted for to assist him with it. Let's talk more inside.

Mermaimon groans in frustration as she watches it, and she motions her hand to turn off the sphere.

Mermaimon: Overpowering me? Is he daring to overthrow me?

Octomon: I can't say I'm all that surprised, my queen. Sandiramon has always been interested in great power, and having it all for himself.

Mermaimon: What a treacherous snake. I guess having him for a counselor was a terrible mistake. [pauses] Wait. Kiwimon is one of Sandiramon's most loyal subordinates. If he's still there…. Octomon, tell Hookmon to go to Maro Village and demand him to surrender that bird to us.

Octomon: Yes, my queen.

Back in Maro Village, EmperorGreymon is still talking to the DigiDestined about what to do.

Patamon: Okay, so the village has only Rookie-level Digimon-

Kyubimon: It won't work. Nothing we do for the moment will work. We were successful back then, but we were all at the Champion and Ultimate levels. To win it better like the last time, they all have to digivolve.

TK: That might take some time for it.

EmperorGreymon: That's the problem. None of them are soldiers. They're not even martyrs.

Eragon: But maybe they can, if we train them.

EmperorGreymon: We have. Kyubimon has done everything she could to train the villagers, but none of them could do it right. It's more hopeless than it was eight years ago.

TK: [concerned] Eight years ago? Is that… when the war broke out?

Eragon: Yes. But why? Why did you seem concerned about it?

TK: Well, that…. That was when the first time Digimon crossover into our world, at Highton View Terrace. Me, my brother, our friends, even Kari saw the event, and it changed our lives. I was thinking if it was a coincidence that it happened during the battle at Death Tower.

Patamon: You think so? Because I didn't think it would be.

Eragon: Actually, now that you mentioned it, I do have a bit of memory a while back. Darkdramon was rumoured to be aware of the DigiDestined that would come, but… I'm not sure if it was that possible.

Davis: Yeah. If I was expecting an enemy to come, I wouldn't expect it when he's a little kid.

Veemon: Right.

EmperorGreymon: But still, even if you're the chosen children, this won't change anything around here. My people can't fight. They don't have the strength.

Guilmon: But… what about the other Digimon? The ones who are at the Coliseum?

TK: [realizing] Yeah, that's right. We're also supposed to go to the Western Coliseum. With them, we could-

Kyubimon: Denied. We can't consult with them. They're all warriors and they think too little of us.

Suddenly, a Gotsumon walks in through the door and rushes over to the meeting.

Gotsumon: EmperorGreymon!

EmperorGreymon: What is it?

Gotsumon: We've got trouble. A ship is heading this way, and they've got Hookmon onboard.

Eragon: Those are Mermaimon's troops. Boys, with me!

Eragon leads the team out of the hall to go out the door. EmperorGreymon watches them leave, bewildered about what to do.

Outside, Eragon crosses a catwalk that takes them towards the wall with Guilmon following him. He looks through a telescope attached to a pole and he sees Hookmon's carrier ship arriving so far ahead. A black PawnChessmon walks over to him, seeing what he sees.

Eragon: Don't you have sentry guns?

PawnChessmon: Yes, sir. But… we haven't activated them for years. We're not sure if they still work.

Eragon: There's only one way to find out.

Eragon rushes over to one of the downed sentry guns and tries to lift them up with all his might. However, it is proven to be a bit too heavy for him, then it gets lifted up by EmperorGreymon who just arrived.

EmperorGreymon: It's true my people aren't strong, but we can show them how it's done.

Eragon smiles in agreement, and the two of them set up the gun to aim it forward at the river. All over the wall, Davis and TK are also setting up the guns, with their Digimon assisting them, and the villagers are watching how they do them.

Part 12

Aboard the ship, Captain Hookmon is approached by one of his Gekomon, who is his first mate.

Hookmon: What is it, lieutenant?

Lieutenant: Cap'n, we've entered the Maro coastline, but the walls have put up sentry guns blocking our entry. What are we gonna do now, sir?

Hookmon: The rebels are alerted to our presence. The helmsman came out of full speed too quickly.

Lieutenant: Uh, yeah. [chuckles] I had that problem with that chick the other night.

Hookmon: Okay, gross. Now, let's get on with it.

On the wall, all of the PawnChessmon are lined up side by side to safeguard the village's defence. Eragon, Davis, TK, and their Digimon are in the line as well, but Patamon is perching on TK's head and Veemon has only the top of his head sticking out.

Veemon: Aw man, this sucks.

On the ship, Hookmon and his lieutenant both walk out of the door to the main hangar deck, and they see EmperorGreymon standing on the wall.

EmperorGreymon: This is as far as you can go. Go back to the sea or you may suffer a terrible death.

Hookmon: Strong words coming from you, tin man. I'll have you know that I don't stand idly by listening to any rebel scum's demands. We have come for the traitor, so hand him over.

Everyone is assuming Hookmon meant Eragon, since he's the traitor to the Black Hybrids, but he is referring to Kiwimon instead.

Davis: Not a chance, Captain Hook! He's not going anywhere without us!

Hookmon: It wasn't a request.

EmperorGreymon: Enough. You cannot rely on the Metal Empire. They care only for themselves and they destroy our precious part of this continent. If Mermaimon wants hers to be protected as well, then she must understand the difference between right and wrong.

Veemon is jumping up and down, trying to see what is going on.

Veemon: What's happening out there?

Guilmon: The bad Digimon wants Eragon, and we're saying no.

Veemon: Oh. I say no too.

Hookmon: You all don't know the conciquences of dealing with the greatest threat of your life. The only way to stop it is to join it.

TK: You're wrong. That is not the only way. My friends and I can stop the Empire once and for all.

Hookmon: And then what? We'd all live happily ever after? Life is not a fairytale, boy. It's all about killing or being killed. [to his crew] Fire!

Gekomon: Symphony Crusher!

The Gekomon fire sonic blasts from the horns coiled up around their bodies and they hit the wall. As a response, the sentry guns fire back at the main deck, shooing the Gekomon away. But then, a Tylomon jumps out from the water.

Tylomon: Hydro Wave!

He attacks the wall by quickly spinning and using the force of water, enough to parry one of the guns' shots, then he jumps back into the water.

Patamon: That was Tylomon!

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Patamon: Tylomon's an armour-type Digimon. He's not capable of being on dry land, but he can infect you with his Terror Plankton.

[END D.A.]

Tylomon: Terror Plankton!

When he jumps back out of the water, Tylomon unleashes poison-carrying plankton from his mouth upon the wall, burning through it like acid. The PawnChessmon try to block the hole with a steel plate, but even that is eaten by the plankton. And then, some more aquatic Digimon fly out of the water, which are Tobiumon.

TK: Now what?

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Patamon: Tobiumon, a flying fish that can fly and walk. If you run away, their Suckerfish Darts can slow you down.

[END D.A.]

Tobiumon: Suckerfish Darts!

The Tobiumon fire organic missiles from their abdomen, and they impact the marketplace of the village, forcing the scared villagers to scatter everywhere.

EmperorGreymon: We can't hold it much longer. We must get onboard.

TK: Patamon, you and the others digivolve.

Patamon: Got it.

The trio hold onto their Digivices, letting their partners to digivolve.

Patamon: Patamon…

Guilmon: Guilmon…

Veemon: Veemon…

All: …digivolve to…

Angemon: Angemon!

Growlmon: Growlmon!

Veedramon: Veedramon!

Now they digivolved, they jump over the wall to board the ship. Eragon leaps onto the wall, but he turns to the boys first.

Eragon: I'll go with them. You two help the villagers, take them to shelter.

Davis: I can fight. I've got a Digi-

Eragon: No! You're still in training. Now go. Black Digivolution, engage!

BlackExVeemon: BlackExVeemon!

BlackExVeemon flies over, while Davis watches him leave with a pouting face. But he goes with TK to help the village.

Onboard the ship, BlackExVeemon leads his Digimon friends to fight off the Gekomon crew, taking them out one by one. Then, Hookmon arrives at the scene, ready to counterattack.

Hookmon: Metal Shot!

He shoots hard metal balls from his arm cannon, and BlackExVeemon punches them away one at a time. But one of them hits him on the head, knocks him out, and Hookmon fires more at the others.

Angemon: Angel Staff!

With his staff, Angemon swings it around to disintegrate the metal balls.

Growlmon: Pyro Blaster!

Veedramon: V-Nova Blast!

Both Growlmon and Veedramon blast their fire breaths, and Hookmon jumps out of the way to avoid it.

Back in the village, Davis and TK are getting the villagers to safety into a bunker, and then TK hears crying from afar. He rushes into a house and finds only a crying Yokomon in a crib like a baby.

TK: [aiding] It's okay. I got you.

TK picks up the Yokomon and makes a leave towards the door, then a Tobiumon arrives there to strike them. It tries getting through the open door, but its large wingspan and body won't allow it to fit through. So it decides to fly up, lands on the top of the roof that is slightly damaged and slides its hand through hoping to grab TK. Because of its weight, the roof collapses, getting the Tobiumon inside the house.

Tobiumon: [hisses]

TK puts down the Yokomon and takes his bow to counter the Tobiumon. But he finds out his quiver is out of Homing Arrows, so he's got nothing to shoot, and Tobiumon is about to eat him. However, Kyubimon arrives at the doorway.

Kyubimon: Dragon Wheel!

She twirls around in a blue fiery vortex and strikes the Tobiumon, obliterating it.

Kyubimon: [to TK] Get the young one out of here, fast. I'll deal with the attackers.

TK: Got it.

TK carries the Yokomon and runs back outside.

Back on the ship, BlackExVeemon regains his consciousness, then Tylomon jumps up and bites on his leg before dragging him into the water. But BlackExVeemon fights back against Tylomon, punching him and knocking him onto the pillars, then Tylomon whips his tail to push him away.

Tylomon: Torpedo Attack!

He fires heat-seeking torpedoes, but BlackExVeemon fires his Laser Punch, drawing the warheads to swerve the other way, and when the beam flies over Tylomon's head, the torpedoes hit him on the face.

Onboard, Hookmon fires his metal balls at the Digimon, winning the advantage against them, but EmperorGreymon gets onboard behind him.

EmperorGreymon: Pyro Dragons!

His pauldrons, greaves, and vambraces glow, then his Dragon Soul Sword illuminates, and he slashes Hookmon on the chest, pulverizing him. With him gone, the crew falls to their knees, and the Digimon on the wall and onboard applaud and cheer for their victory. BlackExVeemon jumps out of the water to land on the main deck, right before he presses on his Digiband to change back into Eragon.

Eragon: What did I miss?

Veedramon: You just missed the big finale. EmperorGreymon took out Hookmon with one blow.

Eragon: Ah, no surprise there.

Then, a PawnChessmon drags in the Gekomon lieutenant towards EmperorGreymon, and forces him to his knees.

Lieutenant: [begging] Mercy, I beg of you. I'm just a promoted official.

EmperorGreymon: That is entirely up to us, since you and your surviving crew are prisoners of war.

Lieutenant: But we…. We just wanted the traitor Kiwimon turned in to us.

EmperorGreymon: [stunned] What?

Everyone overhears what the lieutenant just told EmperorGreymon. All this time they thought they were after Eragon, but it turns out to be Kiwimon instead.

Part 13

So far away, Cherrymon is walking through the woods with Cody and Yolei now walking at his side. Far in the distance, there's a roar.

Cody: Do you hear that?

Cherrymon: Yes. That was a signal, coming from the calling trees.

Armadillomon: The trees? Are… calling?

Cherrymon: Yes. Not all of the trees around here are silent and still. In Shangly Forest, we have trees that help us hide, and those who give a signal. That one we heard was a signal, meaning there was a battle. But… it never said where it was or who started it.

Yolei: Wow, I had no idea trees could talk.

Cherrymon: Perhaps you don't know it, child, but every tree and every plantlife is alive, all doing what they do for the circle of life.

They stumble upon the clearing, the one Hawkmon discovered, and there is a wide valley ahead of them. It's a beautiful vista, reminiscent of an African plain, basking with the dim-light of sunset. A whole herd of wild Digimon crosses the plain. They are Brachiomon, Parasaurmon, and Butterflymon. The kids are marvelled by the sight of the valley.

Yolei: [awed] Wow, it's beautiful!

Cherrymon: Yes, isn't it? This is the safe haven of the forest.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

Cherrymon: The Parasaurmon are the flightless birds with scales. Despite the fact they're flightless, their sonic-level screams are powerful. The Butterflymon in the air are armour-type, but they don't really enjoy fighting. And finally, there are the Brachiomon. They are all the giants of Shangly Forests, but they're more likely the gentle giants of all.

[END D.A.]

Hawkmon: Is this what you and your friends are protecting?

Cherrymon: Oh, yes. This herd is some of the many Digimon we have sworn to protect and nurture for the time-being. They all lost their homes due to the carnage of the Metal Empire's constructions, and they came here, assuming the wild locals would just… protect them.

Silent of a moment, then the group can hear the hoots of the Brachiomon as they call. Some are almost musical.

Cody: Listen to that. They're… singing.

Hawkmon: They sound like they're singing a good tune. It's almost like… a lullaby.

Armadillomon: Well, it is sunset, and it's getting dark.

Yolei: Hey, let's see if I can make contact with them.

Yolei grabs her Horn of Gavilar from her backpack. She blows the horn to hoot herself, trying to imitate one of the calls. Immediately, five or six of the Brachiomon heads turn in their direction and hoot back.

Hawkmon: Yolei, you made contact.

Yolei: You're right, I did it!

Cherrymon: [chuckles] They're also chattering, curiously though. You're the first humans they've ever seen.

Yolei: I wish the others would see this. Kari would be- [pauses; realizing] Oh, yeah.

Cody: Yolei, what is it?

Yolei: I just forgot. Kari… ran off, and she's still out there, all by herself. I'm just… worried for her.

Cherrymon looks at Yolei, who sheds a tear down her cheek, but he puts his hand on her back to comfort her.

Cherrymon: You mustn't worry. If your friend is as brave as the both of you, there is no doubt that she wouldn't make it. As terrifying as it may be, the Shadow Continent can have trustworthy Digimon anyone can depend on for the time-being.

Yolei: You think so, Cherrymon?

Cherrymon: I've been around here since before you were ever born. I'd know so.

In the Eastern Castle's throne, the main door are opened and Kiwimon walks inside to approach Sandiramon with a bow.

Sandiramon: What happened?

Kiwimon: They found out. They… found the Black Gear on his back.

Sandiramon: They did? Then that could mean… they know about it. But how?

Kiwimon: [nervously] Well, it was one of them who seemed to recognize it, my lord. A blonde-haired boy with a hat and a Patamon at his side. He seemed to know about it.

Sandiramon: A blonde with a hat? [pauses in thought] Was his hat green?

Kiwimon: Uh… no. It was pale white, but he had a Patamon.

Sandiramon: Of course. That boy is one of the DigiDestined who crossover to the Digital World four years ago, and the one who bested Devimon.

In his mind, Sandiramon is remembering the time when Angemon and Devimon both fought each other years ago, and he was watching the whole scene in the shadows.

Sandiramon: I should've dispose of him when I had the chance, if I'd know he would return.

Kiwimon: And now with Maro Village rebelling again, the castle will be reclaimed by them.

Sandiramon: I wouldn't worry… yet, my servant. Soon I've have a leverage to keep me from losing my throne.

Back in Maro Village, Eragon and the others are doing maintenance all over town after the damage the battle has caused back then. He lifts up a wooden bar and tosses it aside to a pile of debris.

Eragon: That's the last one.

Davis: Man, can't believe we had so much maintenance to do around here.

Nearby, a Palmon is sobbing over a flower shop destroyed, while a pair of Biyomon try to comfort her.

Palmon: [crying] LOOK AT MY SHOP! NOOOOOOO!

Biyomon: It's bad.

Eragon: EmperorGreymon wasn't making it up. Most of this place is just a settlement of commoners. It may take a long time for them to fight Darkdramon's forces.

Davis: But… do you think this could mean… we're on our own?

Eragon: I don't know yet. But now the village is on our side, we're going to seek out the Western Coliseum next. I suggest we leave first thing in the morning.

Eragon looks at EmperorGreymon from afar, consulting with the villagers, and he starts remembering the time when he fought BeoWolfmon to death. Then, the time when he was electricuted on an operating table.

Eragon: [to himself] He had every right to be angry, but it wasn't my fault. All I can remember is when I was on that table for the procejure. Why can't I remember more?

Then, Guilmon walks over to Eragon and pulls on his hoodie for attention.

Guilmon: Eragon? The beds are ready for us.

Eragon nods, and he walks with Guilmon up the stairs to the main hall where they could sleep for the night. Davis walks up as well, but he stops midway when he looks at the woods over the wall, concerned about someone.

Davis: Don't worry, Kari. I'll find you.

Part 14

On the mountainside, Kari and Gatomon are still following Impmon to the Eastern Castle, but they both stop when they find out the sky is getting dark and the sun is going down.

Kari: It's getting dark. Let's call it a night.

Impmon: Again? Look toots, you want me to take you there, that's what I'm doing for you. We can make it first thing in the morning.

Gatomon: Maybe you don't know it, but Kari's not a Digimon. She hasn't had a decent meal, a soft bed, or a bath in days. She's probably having dandruff on her already.

Impmon: Huh? How about I do Bada Boom to burn the dandruff?!

Kari: Knock it off, you two. Is the castle that far?

Impmon: Well… just two more miles.

Kari: Then there's no reason to go there right away. I'm exhausted from the journey.

Kari grabs some leaves on the floor and sets them up into a bed. She grabs a blanket from her bag, lays on the leafy-bed and goes to sleep.

Impmon: Sheesh. What is it with humans and their habits?

Gatomon: Do you listen to yourself? She saved you because she cares for other people, but for you? It's only yourself.

Impmon: Uh, yeah. Doy. Me. It's called survival of the fittest. You look after yourself and when you do, you will have nothing to worry about. You, on the other hand, may be close to the old boss, but you never get the point. Eh, puzzy cat?

Gatomon: You know, someday you're gonna wind up all alone. And you'll have no one to blame but yourself.

Impmon: [mocking Gatomon] "…you'll have no one to blame but yourself".

While Impmon is mocking, Gatomon walks over to Kari and sits beside her. Impmon picks up an acorn and throws it at Gatomon, hitting her on the head, then she looks around angrily

Impmon: What? I did nothing. Somebody's throwing stuff. Are you gonna sleep or what?

Gatomon glares at him once more, then she lies down to sleep. Impmon walks away a bit further, and he goes to sleep as well. Just a few moments later, Kari wakes up by Impmon, who is muttering and shivering because of the cold wind blowing on him. She feels bad to let him catch a cold like this, so she grabs an extra blanket and puts it on him, which warms him up. Smiling, Kari goes right back to sleep.

The sun rises up and the morning dawns. Kari walks over to a little stream on the mountainside, and scoops up some water with her hands to drink and wash her face. Gatomon, also awake, walks over as she eats a maple cookie as a breakfast.

Kari: Good morning, Gatomon.

Gatomon: [yawns] I can't stand sleeping on the ground. The sooner we get there, the better.

Then Impmon walks over to the two, carrying the blanket Kari gave him last night.

Impmon: Hey, um…. Thanks again.

Kari: [chuckles] You know… you look so cute when you're asleep.

Impmon: Aw, come on! I just…. You, uh….

Impmon is lost for words as he bluffs and blushes at the same time. But then, Kari picks him up and hugs him.

Kari: It's okay you don't have anything to say. You don't have to act so tough because you have a soft spot.

Impmon: [blushing] What? Nah, I ain't soft. I just…. You're making things up.

Kari: I'm not. I'm just sorry that you're all alone out here, but you've got us and you don't have to feel this way any longer.

Impmon is blushing again, but he begins to feel some warmth from her inside of himself.

Impmon: [clears throat] Well, are we going or just hugging each other?

Kari: Sure, we're almost there, aren't we?

Kari lets go of Impmon, who begins to walk off to lead the way. Kari grabs her stuff and follows him, but Gatomon just stares at him in disbelief. She shakes her head before she follows them.

Eventually, Impmon's lead takes them up a hill to a quarry where they see some Digimon slaves loading rocks and hay on carriages.

Gatomon: Who are they?

Impmon: Slaves. Serving Sandiramon. This happened about a month ago, when he just captured them from a nearby village and made them build a wall around the castle. These must be here to gather material for it.

Kari: Those poor Digimon. They shouldn't be enslaved at all. But why?

Impmon: Because he seeks to be king, and he's worried the rebels would attack him.

Then, Gatomon spots the Eastern Castle from afar, pointing at it.

Gatomon: Look. Is that the castle?

Impmon: Yeah, that's the place. [to Kari] I'd have to warn you. If you're still seeking to negotiate with that snake, you must have some second thoughts about it. Because I would.

Kari: Trust me, I know what I'm doing.

Kari looks down at a Monochromon-pulled carriage that has straw, so she grabs the two Digimon and jumps down to land on it. Two Goblimon at the carriage feel the vibration of the landing, but they don't see the stowaways.

Goblimon 3: Hey. Did you feel that?

Goblimon 4: Yeah, but…. I don't see 'im. It must be the rocks.

Goblimon 3: Hmmmm. Well, let's move. [to the Monochromon] Get on, ya stupid rhino! Giddyup!

The Goblimon whips at the Monochromon, agonizing it, and makes its way to the Eastern Castle.

Part 15

In Shangly Forest, Cody is sleeping on the grass while Yolei and their Digimon are wide awake. When Cody wakes up, he finds out that Cherrymon is gone.

Cody: Hello? Cherrymon?

Armadillomon: Morning, Cody.

Cody: Where'd he go?

Armadillomon: He heard a call from the trees, so he rushed over to check it out.

Yolei: I had a wonderful dream last night. There was a large house, placed on a hilltop and next to a waterfall. I was there, drinking a champagne and I was holding a baby in my arm. And you were there, Cody… but you were covered in flowers. [laughs]

Cody: What? Me, covered in flowers?

Yolei: Yeah, I was like laughing my head off from that.

Hawkmon: And you know, I'm starting to like this valley. It's so peaceful and quiet, and the neighbours are not so noisy.

Hawkmon points his wing claw to the Parasaurmon herd, drinking from the lake a bit closer to them. Cody kneels on the ground, and drinks from a spring to hydrate himself.

Cody: I agree. But we can't stay here forever. Now that Hawkmon's wing is all better, we can now fly to the others.

Yolei: You're right. Because I miss Guilmon. [sighs] I miss his cute face.

Hawkmon: [left out] Hey!

Yolei: Sorry, Hawkmon.

Cody stands up and groans as he stretches, which makes him a bit taller than before. The other three find out and they are shocked.

Cody: What?

Yolei: You're… taller.

Cody: Taller than who?

Yolei: Than me!

Cody: Well, I'm a growing boy. I should be getting taller some time in my life.

Yolei: [disbelieved] Cody, everyone knows, I'm the tallest, you're the shortest.

Armadillomon: She's right, Cody. It's not very normal for you to grow like this.

Hawkmon: I wonder if it's because he had his vitamins.

Cody: No, I don't take vitamins. Though, I think it has something to do with the ecosystem around.

During their talk, Yolei is thinking about how Cody got so big. Realizing it might be the water making Cody bigger, she tries to drink it as well, but she sees a Doggymon from afar, who just runs away.

Yolei: Hey! Stop!

She runs off to chase the spy, and the puzzled trio follows her in.

Doggymon is running deep into the forest, trying to evade the humans who discovered him, and he hides behind a rock. He pokes his head out, trying to see if the coast is clear, then he gets tackled by Armadillomon. Cody and Yolei both arrive at the scene, meeting the pinned Doggymon.

Hawkmon: It's only a Doggymon.

Doggymon: [nervously] Please, have mercy! I taste horrible! Trust me, I do!

Yolei: [glaring] Why were you spying on us?!

Doggymon: I had no choice! Sandiramon demanded me! He was going to-

Cody: Wait. Who sent you?

Doggymon: S-S-S-Sandiramon. He was threatening me with my family. He told me to go find you, or… he'd kill my family.

Yolei: Because he thinks we have the Crest, right?

Cody: We don't have it. One of our friends, Kari, has it, and she's out there some-

[ground rumbles]

The rock Doggymon was hiding behind starts to shake and it startles them all when it reveals to be a grumpy Tortomon.

Yolei: [worried] Oh, that's not good!

The Tortomon is about to eat the strangers, but then Cherrymon stops him when he points his finger at it.

Cherrymon: STOP! Back away, these are guests!

The Tortomon moans and whimpers like a scared dog, before he walks away from him.

Cherrymon: [to the kids] My apologies. I should've brought you along with me for more protection.

Cody: It's fine, we were doing fine until we found this dog.

Cherrymon peers at the shivering Doggymon, who is carried by Yolei with one hand.

Cherrymon: He's one of Sandiramon's slaves, and he's found the sanctuary.

Doggymon: [scared] Wait, I can explain! I was forced to! He was going to kill my family if I let him down!

Cherrymon: Settle down now. I have no act to execute you, but I would have to if you saw the valley.

Cody: Wait. Maybe there's a way to settle things. If he's not really loyal to Sandiramon, he could lead us to the castle. We're strong enough to- [burps]

Because of that burp, Cody changes back to his normal size.

Yolei: Actually, I want to agree on that. We should go and stop him right away.

Cherrymon: Children, you do not need his directions. Because I know the quickest way to get there. However… he will come with us, in case he's lying.

Doggymon: [gulps]

Part 16

Meanwhile, the hay carriage is making its way through the construction site of the wall. Kari, Gatomon and Impmon poke their heads out to see the site, where all of the slaves are being forced to work by whipping them or slashing them.

Kari: [whispers] This is horrible.

Impmon: [whispers] Told you this is a bad place.

Suddenly, the carriage stops when the Monochromon trips over and falls down, spilling the hay everywhere, which exposed everyone of the trespassers.

Gazimon: Trespassers!

The evil Digimon crowd over the trio. Gatomon grabs the Culi Sword, but she gets tangled by a whip and a pair of Shadramon aim their flaming hands at them like a gunpoint.

In the throne room, Kari is dragged in through the doors by a pair of Goblimon and they shove her to the floor. When that's done, they walk out the door, leaving her alone.

Kari: Hey! That was really rude!

[hissing]

Kari is frightened when she hears the hissing, and she can't see what is doing it because the room is very dark. She sees a silhouette of Sandiramon with his eyes glowing red.

Sandiramon's voice: You have come, but why hide from me? I cannot see in the shadows, but I can smell you. I hear your breath. I feel your air.

As Sandiramon says this, he moves his head back and forth around the place where Kari is standing, and Kari has to duck to avoid being knocked over. She panics and runs across the throne. Even though she is hidden, Sandiramon can hear where she is going because of her footsteps. He follows rapidly. Kari ducks behind a stone outcropping as Sandiramon continues searching.

Sandiramon: Do you know what the best part is being a snake's prey? They don't feel anything, once they step into the light.

He slithers around the pillar toward where Kari is hiding, and Kari whimpers as she recoils in fear.

Sandiramon: I sense a power you have. Not the Crest Darkdramon made, but… something else. Something compressed with light, but from the light comes… the dark.

As Sandiramon says "dark", the word reverberates in Kari's head over and over and she strains in mental pain. An image of Myotismon bursts into her vision, and the lights flicker on, becoming visible to Sandiramon, who coils Kari up in his tail.

Sandiramon: So you have come. But I expected you three days earlier. Had trouble finding the nearest Sky Tower on your way?

Kari: No. But… I've come for a negotiation. I want no part of whatever war you and Darkdramon are plotting, and neither do my friends. We just… want the Digimon living here freed and spared.

Sandiramon: Oh, I agree with that. The slaves have only one more week to finish the wall I require for protection.

Kari: But how did you know I had the Crest of Light?

Sandiramon: My dear girl, the Shadow Continent may be silent to the outside world, but not the other way around. We know you and this boy were some of the DigiDestined that crossover here years ago, and this year you both came back with four newbies, including… the Digimon Emperor.

Kari: Ken?

Then, the door bursts open when Gatomon and Impmon enter the throne room.

Gatomon: Kari!

Impmon: Hey, get your slithering tail off of her!

Gazimon enters the room, catching his breath and scorching to a cinder.

Gazimon: I'm sorry sir…. I tried to stop them, but they…. [heaves] I gotta go sit down.

Sandiramon: [calmly] Please, the lights were off and she caught me by surprise.

Gatomon: I'm not buying that-

Kari: Gatomon, it's alright. We were just getting to the important part.

Kari stretches out her arm and drops the Crest onto Sandiramon's tail tip, where he looks at it himself as he releases her.

Sandiramon: Alright, this is going well. I will discuss the terms of your settlement later. But for now, you will follow my servants to the guest room.

Impmon: No way! She ain't going anywhere because she owes me my Pretty, and it's MINE! Interfal Funnel! FIRE!

Impmon unleashes a massive fireball from the ground and he throws it at Sandiramon's face, but it doesn't harm him at all.

Sandiramon: Please. I'm an Ultimate-level, and you're only a rookie.

Gatomon: Lightning-

Before Gatomon strikes, Kari gets in her way to stop the fight.

Kari: STOP IT! Please.

Impmon: But we can't-

Kari: No! We can't go to war, and I can't be held responsible for so many innocent lives. This is the only way.

Gatomon and Impmon are hesitant to have a saying in this, but they just submit surrender. Then a few Goblimon arrive at the throne.

Sandiramon: Time is short. Put these two with the others. Gently this time.

Goblimon: [in unison] Yes, your majesty.

Sandiramon: And young lady, if you'd be so kind to exit the side door, my servants will be there.

The Goblimon gently bring Gatomon and Impmon out of the room, while Kari walks to the side door at the other side. She closed the door behind her, but she stops when she sees a light shining through the keyhole. Curiously, Kari cracks the door open and she eavesdrops on Sandiramon talking to a hologram of Darkdramon's face.

Darkdramon: Why do you call me this early in the morning?

Sandiramon: I thought you might want to see this.

Sandiramon presents the Crest, much to Darkdramon's surprise.

Darkdramon: You… actually got it?

Sandiramon: Yes. I just had to influence the weakest of the DigiDestined to hand it over to me, and she did it. And now that I have it, I can use its mighty power.

Darkdramon: I wouldn't count on it.

Sandiramon: And why not?

Darkdramon: Because that is the Crest of Compassion. It only works on me because I used its power so long ago. If it was ever placed into the wrong hands, it won't work at all. Do you understand?

Sandiramon: [disappointed] Yes, sir. [proud] But I'll be expecting more. I'm gonna need your Giromon to send a message for me. I want the DigiDestined to know that I can mean serious business.

Darkdramon: Very well.

Once the hologram is finished, Kari is shocked after she hears everything and how wrong she was for coming here. She is about to take her leave, but BlackStingmon shows up, which startles her, and he grabs her by the neck.

BlackStingmon: Where do you think you're going?

Part 17

Back in Maro Village, the DigiDestined are walking out of the guest room door, yawning as they walk to the main hall where a table is set there.

Davis: Wow. I don't know about you guys, but I've had the best place to sleep since we got here.

Veemon: Yeah, I could just… sleep all day in there.

Guilmon: Uh, where's breakfast? I'm so hungry.

Eragon: Guilmon, you're always hungry.

Guilmon: Oh, yeah.

The Digimon partners laugh because it's true. Then EmperorGreymon enters the room with a Garbagemon waiter hopping over with a tray full of breakfast food.

EmperorGreymon: I trust you all slept well?

TK: Yeah. The best we've had. And-

But then, there's a sinister laugh coming from outside. The DigiDestined rush out the door to go check it out, and there's a hologram of Sandiramon projected from a hover Giromon in the air.

Sandiramon: The Sandiramon Marathon begins on this hologram over the Maro regions! We're shouting out the whole Big Rotten Apple here!

Eragon: That's Sandiramon, the guy we've been hearing about.

Patamon: This is like one bad TV show.

Sandiramon: So, we've got this young lady. She's one of those famous bimbos, but she's a cutie. We have decided that this poor little lassie has until sundown to live, until sundown! Oh, by the way, her name is Kari Kamiya! [laughs]

Davis: [shocked] What? He's got Kari?!

Sandiramon: So, just in case someone, and I know who it could be, if any of you DigiDestined out there wanna save your little damsel in distress, THEN BRING IT ON! Meanwhile, rebels, the Sandiramon Marathon will continue! [laughs]

As he laughs sinisterly, Sandiramon's hologram disappears and the Giromon flies away.

Davis: [to TK; angrily] This is your fault.

TK: How is it my fault?!

Davis: All of this happened because you wanted to help a stranger from the beginning!

TK: Well, I didn't jump in for the rescue, did I?

Davis: ARE YOU BLAMING-

Eragon: Enough! [pauses] Grow up, both of you! This isn't going to save Kari.

EmperorGreymon: He's right. But if this Kari is a DigiDestined just like you, how could she have been captured?

Guilmon: She just… ran off from us.

Patamon: She was talking about negotiating with the bad Digimon, and… this happened.

Kyubimon: Then she has betrayed us all!

EmperorGreymon: Peace, Kyubimon. I'm sure there's an explanation.

TK: EmperorGreymon, we have to rescue her. She's our friend.

EmperorGreymon: It's obviously a trap. Sandiramon is not easily fooled. He'll be expecting you to come, and he has the Nightmare Soldiers under his command.

Eragon: [glaring] You don't have to. But we will. The three of us and our partners. With or without them, I would've wanted to come back here to reclaim my memories of my past, and they came here because they care for others, just like the way Kari wants.

Davis: Same here. Not because… I wanted to kiss her, but she's one of us, and she always has been.

Eragon: You can mourn for BeoWolfmon as much as you want, but you'd have to ask yourself: what would he say?

EmperorGreymon remains silent as he stands still. The DigiDestined all rush through the streets and out the gate to the rescue. EmperorGreymon looks contemplatively out into the sky.

Meanwhile, Cherrymon was hiking up a hill out of the woods with the kids, their Digimon and Doggymon sitting on his arms.

Doggymon: And they said… he was seeking to be king.

Cody: It's wrong, what they're doing.

Cherrymon: Well, we're almost there. Once we've walked over this hill, it should be half a mile out of the woods. You will find the…. Oh no.

While talking, Cherrymon makes it to the top of the hill, where he stops when he and the others see something horrid. They see the desolated landscape of tree stumps that used to be forested grounds, and ahead of the scene is the Eastern Castle.

Hawkmon: What happened here?

Doggymon: We… deforested here for the furnace, so they could finish making the wall.

Cherrymon: [saddened] Many of these trees were from my farm. Plants have nurtured day and night, to help them grow.

Yolei: I'm sorry, Cherrymon.

Cherrymon: They were too young to die like this. [angrily] Sandiramon… has gone too far this time!

Cherrymon breathes in deeply and then lets out a loud yell, causing the kids to cover their ears. His yell echoes across Shangly Forest. And then, the trees begin to groan and roars of Digimon are heard.

Yolei: The trees. They're calling.

Cody: What are they doing?

Cherrymon: The trees speak of what I called for. My call… is for help from my friends nearby.

Cody and Yolei turn around as they hear rumbles from the forest. They see the Brachiomon, Parasaurmon, Allomon, Tortomon and Butterflymon emerging and marching towards them.

Cody: The valley Digimon?

Cherrymon: Yes. This is when we retaliate, and it's likely to know that we go… to our doom. But today… nature strikes back.

Part 18

At the construction site of the wall, Gatomon and Impmon are carrying metal bars and platings in chains. They struggle to finish the job, but Gatomon trips over to fall down, then a Gazimon whips her on the back.

Gazimon: FASTER!

He whips her again, and Gatomon gets back in agony. She continues dragging the material to the wall.

Impmon: Well? How's life being with the underdogs, huh? Get used to it, because I have.

Gatomon: It's… a pain. But I didn't have to go through this to understand.

Impmon: No, but I wanted to say that when one day this may happen to you. I can't believe I was tricked into this.

Gatomon: Actually…[hesitates] I can't believe it either. I should've stopped Kari from coming here from the beginning.

Gazimon: No slacking!

The Gazimon whipper whips Gatomon again, trying to get her to work faster.

At the front entrance, Sandiramon and Kiwimon walk out the door to watch the process going.

Kiwimon: This looks promising, my lord.

Sandiramon: Oh, yes. But have they calculated its numbers?

Kiwimon: I've asked the labourers about it, and they estimate it to be done in one more day.

Sandiramon: Excellent. This day is bringing in good news for me. Now that I'm a king, I should… expand my boundaries. Who haven't we perverted into my rule?

Kiwimon: Well, the snowy mountains remain unperverted.

Sandiramon: Ah, bingo!

Suddenly a Shadramon flying by gets blasted from behind Sandiramon.

Sandiramon: [spooked] Huh? What was that?

Another flying Shadramon gets blasted from behind Sandiramon.

Kiwimon: Sweet mother of pearl!

They look up to find two flying Hornets, before they get blasted. Then, they see BlackExVeemon flying and shooting at the courtyard.

Sandiramon: They're here!

At the site, Growlmon and Veedramon both push through the unfinished wall to have it tumble over the Gazimon slavers. Some Gazimon pounce for the attack, and the two Champion-level Digimon fight them off. Angemon flies over the air, firing his Hand of Fate at the few, and TK fires some stick arrows.

Angemon: Nice shot, TK.

TK: Thanks. It's a good thing Eragon made arrows out of sticks for me.

He fires another arrow at the Gazimon whipper, stunning him, and it gives the slaves the time to tackle him.

Sandiramon: Nightmare Soldiers, engage the invaders!

The walls on the side open and marching out is a swarm of Goblimon and DarkTyrannomon for the attack. Growlmon and Veedramon engage the big, black dinosaurs, tumbling them over. During the fight, Davis smashes all of the shackles with a rock to free the Digimon, and helps them leave the scene.

Shadramon: Flare Buster!

Some Shadramon floating in the air emit flames from their hands for air-to-surface attack, but BlackExVeemon punches and kicks the blows one by one in order to protect the fleeing slaves.

BlackExVeemon: Laser Punch!

He fires his Laser Punch at the Shadramon, until BlackStingmon flies down from above and sends them crashing onto the roof.

BlackExVeemon: [pants] A new Black Hybrid?

BlackStingmon: The name's Seth, and you're dead meat. Gatling Claws!

BlackStingmon's hands turn into arm miniguns, and BlackStingmon rolls away just as he fires it. Then BlackExVeemon swings his tail at BlackStingmon, sending him flying into a gargoyle. The new Black Hybrid groans as he gets back up on his feet.

BlackStingmon: That was good, but I'm better.

Back on solid ground, Davis is leading the slaved Digimon to get away from the battle, then Gatomon and Impmon rush over to him.

Davis: Gatomon? Where's Kari?

Gatomon: She's inside! We have to-

But a DarkTyrannomon blocks their way, and it's ready to strike. Then, Aquilamon flies over and Yolei, riding on him, blows her Horn of Gavilar to disorient the DarkTyrannomon.

Aquilamon: Ram Horn!

Aquilamon rams into DarkTyrannomon from behind with his glowing horns, defeating him completely.

Davis: Yolei?

Yolei: Hang on, everyone! Help is on the way!

Walking over the wall are the Digimon of Shangly Forest with Cherrymon and Ankylomon, with Cody riding on him, leading the way. The wild Digimon are stomping over the Eastern Castle's courtyard, swinging their huge legs, throwing and stamping on Goblimon and rolling huge boulders over the ground. A Brachiomon is pulled down with chains by some Goblimon, who tries to kick them away.

Cherrymon: Cherry Blast!

Ankylomon: Tail Hammer!

Both of the leading Digimon attack the Goblimon to save the fallen Brachiomon. Cody uses his Deflector Shield to deflect the Shadramon's attacks from the air.

Cody: We can't keep this up much longer!

Cherrymon looks around and he finds a large wagon of barrels, which he rolls off at the fleeing Gazimon.

Cherrymon: Everyone, get on the wagon!

All of the enslaved Digimon rush over to the wagon, and Cody walks over to protect them with his ray shield. Then Davis and TK come over to him.

TK: Cody, I'm glad that you could make it.

Cody: We were in the neighbourhood. And I thought we might want to tag along with you.

Davis looks ahead, and he sees Sandiramon slithering towards them while he kills off all the wild Digimon in his path.

Davis: What to do with snakey?

Cherrymon: Sandiramon is an Ultimate-level Digimon. It would take someone at the Ultimate level to face him.

Cody: Shakkoumon can stop him.

TK: Good idea. Angemon, get ready!

With Cody and TK together, they begin their DNA Digivolution with their partners.

Ankylomon: Ankylmon…

Angemon: Angemon…

Both: DNA digivolve to…

Shakkoumon: Shakkoumon!

Now with Shakkoumon, he floats in front of Sandiramon to block his way.

Sandiramon: Venom Axe!

Sandiramon fires a spear made of light from his mouth, but it doesn't penetrate Shakkoumon's shell.

Shakkoumon: Kachina Bombs.

He fires clay disks from his waist, and they strike Sandiramon on the sides.

Part 19

Inside the castle, Kari is being escorted through the halls by a pair of Goblimon dragging her. But the wall breaks open, the rubble tumbles onto the pair to knock them out, and Aquilamon's face pops out through the hole with Yolei beside him.

Kari: Yolei?

Yolei: [overjoyed] Kari!

Yolei jumps into the hole, and lands on a Goblimon's face. She runs to Kari, and hugs her tightly.

Yolei: Kari! Thank goodness you're all right. I was so worried. [sternly] Don't ever run off like that again.

Kari: I'm sorry if I worried you. I thought it was the right way.

Aquilamon: Hey girls, our friends need help!

But then, Kiwimon shows up from behind to confront the humans.

Kiwimon: You're not going anywhere!

He charges in for the attack, but Kari draws the Culi Sword and slashes him, killing Kiwimon.

Kari: [gasps] What have I done?!

Yolei: Hey, it's fine. It happens.

Back on the ground, the rest of the Digimon slaves are almost in the wagon, but Doggymon is left behind. A Goblimon comes after him, then Gatomon punches him away to save Doggymon. Right on time, Aquilamon flies over to her with Yolei and Kari arriving.

Kari: Gatomon, it's time to DNA digivolve.

Gatomon: Right.

Just before, Yolei and Kari use their partners to DNA digivolve.

Aquilamon: Aquilamon…

Gatomon: Gatomon…

Both: DNA digivolve to…

Silphymon: Silphymon! Static Force!

As Silphymon, he fires off energy shots while extending both of his arms ahead of itself that impacts through the wall. He swoops down in front of the wagon to lift it up. Kari and Yolei both rush over, helping the Digimon to get on safely.

Silphymon: Aquilamon knows the way, so we'll take you there!

Silphymon pulls the wagon to get all of the slaves to safety, and Yolei lifts up Doggymon, who arrives in time.

Doggymon: Onward to Shangly Forest!

Sandiramon: [calling out] Seth, the slaves are escaping! Stop them!

Back on the roof, BlackStingmon beats up BlackExVeemon, when he hears Sandiramon's call.

BlackStingmon: I'll be back for you later, scum!

BlackStingmon flies away to find Silphymon running away with the wagon, so he shoots them with his Gatling Claws, destroying the wagon to scatter them everywhere. Davis sees Kari from afar, trying to get the slaves to the woods on foot, and he has to do something.

Davis: I can't just stand here and do nothing! I must….

Davis looks at his Digiband in thought, trying to think of a way to digivolve. And then, he has a thought.

Davis: That's it. I have to say the right words. I'm not a Black Hybrid, so that could mean….

Yolei is pinned under the damaged wagon, but Kari tries to help her out, then BlackStingmon lands near them. Kari takes out the Culi Sword, but it is knocked away by BlackStingmon's claws. He is about to strike Kari first, then he hears Davis running for the rescue.

Davis: Geo Digivolution, engage!

He digivolves into GeoGreymon, which towers over BlackStingmon and the girls are shocked to see that.

GeoGreymon: GeoGreymon!

Kari: Davis…?

Yolei: [shocked] When can he do that?

BlackStingmon: [stunned] Oh man, he's big.

BlackStingmon flies away, but GeoGreymon clamps his big mouth on him and spits him away before he lifts the damaged wagon to free Yolei.

Kari: Davis? Is it really…?

GeoGreymon: Yeah, it's me, Kari. Pretty cool, huh?

Back in the courtyard, Sandiramon slashes his long tail at all of the surrounding Digimon to knock them out. BlackExVeemon flies down to attack him, but Sandiramon grapples him and throws him to a haystack next to TK and Cody.

Sandiramon: You're all fools! No one can stop me!

Cody: Eragon, is there a way to stop?

BlackExVeemon: I'm afraid there isn't. Sandiramon was one of the Twelve Devas who served the Harmonious ones. It's too strong for any of the Ultimate-level Digimon we know.

TK: Then… we're done?

Sandiramon laughs as more and more Nightmare Soldiers arrive to surround all of the wild Digimon and the DigiDestined. But on a hilltop, Eragon looks east and sees a rider against the rising sun. It is EmperorGreymon astride Kyubimon, and the Mammothmon Major coming to his side.

EmperorGreymon: Major, give the order.

Major: Yes, sir! All units, CHARGE!

The Mammothmon army and EmperorGreymon stampede down the slope. Half the Nightmare Soldiers turn to face the challenge, bearing their clubs ready to strike. But since the Mammothmon are all at the Ultimate level, they are too strong for all of the Nightmare Soldiers, so the good Digimon crash right into them and engage them in battle.

GeoGreymon: Mega Flame!

GeoGreymon fires his Mega Flame, but it is impervious to Sandiramon since he's at the Ultimate level. He fires his Venom Axe, and it flies towards him to kill him. But then, BlackExVeemon swoops in and deflects the blow into the air.

BlackExVeemon: No one picks on my friends!

And then, the Crest glows in Sandiramon's tail tip, which burns him, and it floats back into BlackExVeemon's hand. Kari rushes over to speak up.

Kari: Eragon! That Crest! It's the Crest of Compassion! That's where you get your powers from!

BlackExVeemon: Compassion?

GeoGreymon: So that's what it means. It makes sense now.

And then, BlackExVeemon gets something buzzing in his head, which is becoming interesting to him.

BlackExVeemon: Davis, we can do more than digivolve by ourselves. You must remember what I told you, and just follow my lead.

GeoGreymon: [nods] Alright. Just say the word.

BlackExVeemon: Ready? Powerlink, engage!

GeoGreymon: Powerlink, engage!

Part 20

They both swipe their hands on the Digibands, creating a new power for them. By their words, both Growlmon and Veedramon glow simultaneously as a new power is drawing into them. BlackExVeemon turns to magic dust, and it swarms around Growlmon to get inside of him, granting him power.

Growlmon: Growlmon, digivolve to…

And then, Growlmon grows bigger, equipped with armour on him, and he becomes WarGrowlmon.

WarGrowlmon: WarGrowlmon!

Just like before, GeoGreymon turns to dust, and it slips into Veedramon to grant him power.

Veedramon: Veedramon, digivolve to…

He grows bigger, has wings, and becomes AeroVeedramon.

AeroVeedramon: AeroVeedramon!

Now the digivolution is completed, both of the new Ultimate-level Digimon stand side by side to face Sandiramon. The DigiDestined are all shocked to see what they saw.

TK: They… DNA digivolve?

WarGrowlmon: No. We powerlinked. We each did.

[DIGIMON ANALYSER]

WarGrowlmon: With BlackExVeemon's energy, I was able to digivolve into WarGrowlmon. And I am powerful enough to have my Atomic Blaster to jab through any material in this world.

AeroVeedramon: And I feel like a new mon! Just wait till you see my V-Wing Blade. It'll make the one Garudamon uses look like the blowing of the wind.

[END D.A.]

Sandiramon: So you both can digivolve with your pets, but no one has the strength to defeat Sandiramon!

Sandiramon lunges at WarGrowlmon, who parries the blow and tries to throw him away, but the big snake grapples him with his leg to swing him around. Then AeroVeedramon flies forward and bites on Sandiramon's neck to restrain him. He cuts Sandiramon's tail with the blades on his arms to free WarGrowlmon, and Sandiramon howls in pain.

WarGrowlmon: Hammer Edge!

WarGrowlmon punches Sandiramon to impact on the wall. As he gets up, Sandiramon sees Kari from afar, and he growls before he slithers towards her. Kari notices it when she looks to her left.

Kari: [gasps]

AeroVeedramon: Oh, no you don't! V-Wing Blade!

In the air, AeroVeedramon forms a V-shaped energy substance that seems to connect the horn on his snout to the edges of his wings, then soars towards Sandiramon to pound him into the ground, saving Kari's life.

WarGrowlmon: Atomic Blaster!

WarGrowlmon fires an attack from both of the gunports on its chest that destroys Sandiramon on the atomic level. Instead of destroying him, it breaks him into pieces. Sandiramon wheezes in pain, but he breaks out a laughter.

Sandiramon: This war will not be your salvation. The past will change the future.

And then, he dies. Now with Sandiramon gone, there is cheering from everyone; the DigiDestined, EmperorGreymon, the Mammothmon army and all of the wild Digimon for victory is theirs.

EmperorGreymon: We have fought for it, and the Eastern Castle is ours once again!

[Digimon cheering]

Seth, a bit weakened by the way GeoGreymon fought him, changes back to BlackStingmon and flies away from the scene. All of the Digimon whose DNA digivolved degenerates to their Rookie/In-training levels and Eragon and Davis are back to normal.

Davis: DemiVeemon. Are you alright?

DemiVeemon: That was… pretty cool what we did.

Kari: Davis?

Hearing that name, Davis notices Kari coming over and he is overjoyed as the others gather around.

Davis: Kari, I knew you made it!

Kari: What's going on? When can you do that? The part where you became a Digimon?

Yolei: When did that happen?

Davis: Well, while you guys were running away or getting captured, I was… giving the power to digivolve just like Eragon.

Right on cue, Eragon shows up with Guilmon at his side. Yolei rushes over with overjoy and hugs Guilmon while talking.

Yolei: Guilmon, I missed you most of all!

Guilmon: You did?

But Eragon glares at Kari for what she did back then. Kari knows what that glare was for, and she hangs her head in shame.

Kari: I'm so sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to make you worry. It's just…. I was scared. I didn't want to be held responsible for so many deaths. Sandiramon somehow contacted me. So I took off on my own, hoping to talk with him, but I didn't know it was a trap.

Eragon: Whatever the reason, none of us should've split up. The enemy wants us to be apart so they could take advantage of us. This is precisely why you must follow my orders, young lady. But… [calmly] I'm glad that you made it here safely.

TK: Me too.

Cody: So from this moment all, we all stick together and end this war together, no matter what.

Davis: But Eragon, you called me your friend, didn't you?

Eragon: Yeah, why?

Kari: [smiles] I'm happy too, to know that you are so honest.

Impmon sneaks up behind Eragon to take the Crest from his hand, but the Black Hybrid grabs him by the tail and lifts him up upside down.

Eragon: I think not.

Impmon: Come on! I just want my pretty!

But then, there is a sound that interrupts the moment. It is a stomach growl sound they are hearing.

Eragon: [peeved] Really, Guilmon?

Guilmon: What? It wasn't me?

The stomach growling noise is heard again. It is Yolei's stomach growling loudly, causing her face to turn red with embarrassment.

Yolei: Sorry, you guys. I just… went out all of my supplies back in the woods.

Kari: [giggles] Well, let's go on.

Now together again, the DigiDestined have a ride on the Mammothmon to go back to Maro Village as the wild Digimon stay at the Eastern Castle and wave goodbye to them.

Meanwhile, BlackStingmon flies into Death Tower and kneels at the throne room, where he changes back before Marcus and Darkdramon come over.

Seth: I brin' bad news, master. Sandiramon is no more, and I've failed to dispose of Eragon.

Marcus: I thought so. You're modification was greater than the last ones, and you couldn't-

Darkdramon: Actually… his mission was to observe the castle. To make sure Sandiramon wasn't seeking to overpower or betray me. He wanted to be king, but I had to make sure he was on our side, and it turns out… he was.

Seth: And I have other news. They have a new Hybrid. The leader of the DigiDestined is that guy.

Darkdramon: He is? Well, that explains it. The Datamon were babbling about Gordon's Digiband acting up, even with it's Black Energy at a low rate. The rebels' war has now begun.

Marcus: But what if they defeat us like the last time?

Darkdramon: The time they defeated us was because of your brother. But this time, we cannot lose. I will call in all of our allies from long ago, and you two will keep the DigiDestined occupied. Allowing me to finalize my grand decision for the future.

Darkdramon flies out of the throne room to go down the tunnels with flowing lava. He lands on solid ground and walks over to the source of the lava on the wall. A crystallized dragon-like Digimon where he talks to.

Darkdramon: Be patient, old friend. They have only prolonged the inevitable.

What plan does Darkdramon have in store for the DigiDestined and what is trapped in that crystal at the furnace? More importantly, can the DigiDestined face the war? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.

To be Continued