They had been traveling for some time now, with Leomon and Kyubimon following Birdramon's flight path to the best of their abilities. Once in a while they would lose her in the mess of treetops that obscured their vision. Leomon was able to keep the fox on track from the branches of the trees, reporting the direction the bird took upon spotting her. Eventually, though, Impmon verbalized his complaints, whining about how long they had been roaming. Annoyed and not wanting to hear anymore objections to going further, Mikami told Leomon that they were going to stop for a rest. He relayed the information to Birdramon and Shizuka, who agreed to a break.

Thus was the reason why they were sitting near the edge of the canyon, relaxing after the long ride. Birdramon and Kyubimon decided to remain in their Champion forms for the sake of being prepared for when they took off once again. Mikami sat near Shizuka and Leomon, who were in a discussion with each other. She turned to look at the two as Shizuka waved her hands around.

"I mean, is this really what it's going to be like during this entire journey of ours?" she asked. "I know you told us that the crazy Digimon or whatever it is had a large army, but… Because if it is, I'm going to go insane."

"Unfortunately, it most likely will," Leomon said. "Until you are able to defeat our enemy, those who oppose us will continue to try to stop us."

Shizuka groaned and leaned back. "For Pete's sake," she grumbled. "Okay, so, what's the battle plan? Do we know how to take care of this or…?"

"No one knows of the whereabouts of our enemy, as far as I know. However, I have heard news of various locations in association with them."

"So we take them out," Mikami said, speaking up. "Rip up the army section by section."

Leomon nodded towards her. "Yes, that is that I was going to propose. Destroying the weaker, lower levels of the army would leave the stronger units open."

Glancing at Mikami, Shizuka grinned. "Sounds like a plan to me. And the quicker we take them out…"

"…the better it is for everyone," Mikami finished.

"There is only one major obstacle that I can see," Leomon said, tapping his chin in thought. "There are two soldiers working under the command of The Master that concern me. One is a human and her partner is a Devimon. Those of us who have taken to opposing The Master have dubbed them the 'Angel and Demon' of the army. Many foes had been felled by them."

Mikami frowned and folded her arms. "You're worried we won't be able to beat them."

"We can take them," Shizuka said with a huff. "Besides, Devimon is a Champion level Digimon. We have three Digimon capable of reaching the Champion level right now. Not to mention Leomon over here!"

"I have come face to face with Devimon," Leomon stated. "He is much stronger than a normal Champion. No doubt that he has absorbed the data of many of his enemies."

"Mm," Mikami grunted, tapping her fingers against her arm in thought. "Absorbing data makes him stronger... How is it that another human has a partner, though? Is she another DigiDestined?"

"No. There are only six DigiDestined, I assure you. The human is partnered to Devimon through a Digivice created by a Digimon working under The Master."

There was a huff as Shizuka rubbed her nose. "Alright, so, we wait until everyone has Digivolved and take her on."

"Problem with that is that we don't know when everyone will get their Champion levels," Mikami said. "Could happen quickly, could be a long while."

"If the TV show taught me anything, which I'm sure it did, it's that our partners will get to their Champion levels in no time." Shizuka stood, stretching out her arms. "It can't take that long."

Mikami looked up at her with a deadpan expression. "I think that's beside the point, Shi. Even if that did happen, we don't know just how strong Devimon is. For now, let's just take it easy."

"Alright, alright, I get the point. Then let's hope we don't run into them."

"Yeah, let's hope so…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shizuka asked, glancing at the older girl. "Don't believe in our luck?"

"Oh, yes, because we have good luck."

"Huh? Of course we do!"

Mikami rolled her eyes, but the tone of Shizuka's voice caused her to grin. Apparently the younger teenager realized just how tense Mikami was. Letting out a sigh, she pushed herself to her feet and rolled her shoulder. The group had rested long enough. Besides that, they needed to get moving. She nodded to Leomon, who stood, and then turned to look at the others. Daiki caught her eye as she motioned to the two Champion Digimon waiting.

"Come on, guys," she called. "We gotta go."

A whine came from Impmon. "Already?" As Kyubimon shot him a warning glance, he stiffened. "Sorry, sorry, don't look at me like that."

As everyone made their way over to Kyubimon and Birdramon, Judai grinned at Dorumon.

"Are they always like that?" Judai asked.

"Yep," Dorumon answered. "Most of the time."

"All the time," Gabumon corrected with a laugh.

"I heard that!" Impmon shouted.

The trio burst into laughter when the imp started to glare at them. Stifling her own laughter, Mikami placed a hand on his head. Taking the hint, Impmon folded his arms and looked forward with a scowl. She picked him up and deposited him onto Kyubimon's back despite his protests. Carefully grabbing her fur, Mikami hopped onto the fox. Daiki soon followed. The others slowly climbed onto Birdramon. When they were on, she took off. Kyubimon moved to stand by the side of the cliff while Leomon jumped down. She looked over her shoulder at the trio.

"Hold on."

Mikami closed her eyes. An arm wrapped around her waist while they plummeted, only letting go after they had safely landed on the ground. A heavy breath escaped her lungs as the brunette opened her eyes again. Kyubimon was running by then, racing along the bottom of the canyon at Leomon's side. Above them, Birdramon flew just a few feet ahead of them. The barren ground below released dust behind them with every step Kyubimon took. In the far distance was File City.

Well, so far it's going good, Mikami thought. Maybe I shouldn't have thought that…

Something crashed into the ground in front of them, sending up a wave of smoke, dirt, and dust. Kyubimon dug her paws into the ground in order to skid to a stop. Birdramon grumbled in displeasure, flapping her wings in an attempt to blow back the haze. Eventually she landed, letting everyone climb off. Mikami, Impmon, and Daiki slid off Kyubimon, Daiki holding his Digivice. Leomon had drawn his sword, a worried look on his face.

As the dust cleared, a lanky Digimon walked towards them. Mikami recognized the Digimon as Devimon. Leomon gritted his teeth, holding his weapon forward. The second figure soon came clear. Mikami found her mouth opening in surprise when the blonde hair and green eyes became visible.

That can't be…

"So, we meet again," Devimon said, chuckling. "Do you plan on entertaining us this time?"

"Far from it," Leomon growled. "This time I will win against you."

He prepared to lunge, but Shizuka stepped forward and grabbed his arm. The lion glanced down at her just as she shook her head. Letting go, she nodded to Daiki and Yoko.

"Sorry, but we're not a circus," Shizuka told them, holding up her Digivice. "We're actually the ones who are gonna put you in the ground."

"Funny," the blonde said, standing beside Devimon. "You guys are hilarious. Who's up first? Or are you all planning on fighting us together?" As her eyes scanned the group, her gaze landed on Mikami. "Oh, who do we have here?"

"Angela," Mikami muttered, narrowing her eyes. So it's her. Now I understand what Leomon when he said angel and demon…

"How nice it is to see you again!" Angela exclaimed and clapped her hands together in feigned happiness. "It's been years! We'll have to catch up later, though. Devimon, would you do the honors?"

The devil grinned and flexed his claws. Shizuka opened her mouth to shout an order when he lunged. His shoulder slammed into Leomon, sending the lion sliding backwards. One hand hit him in the stomach while the other grabbed him by the arm. Grunting, Devimon threw Leomon into Birdramon as she attempted to intervene. The collision sent the two crashing into the canyon wall. Kyubimon tackled Devimon from behind, but he flung her over shoulder, hitting her against the ground.

Birdramon, back up, flapped her wings with a cry of, "Meteor Wing!" Devimon dodged and held up his arm, which stretched to allow him to grab hold of Birdramon. Shizuka looked startled as he pulled the bird down, punching her in the face as soon as she was close enough. She dropped down with a squawk of pain.

"Let's help!" Yoko said, looking at her partner.

A light engulfed the small puppy Digimon. "Salamon Digivolve to…Gatomon!"

The cat ran forward, raising her claws. "Lightning Claw!"

Devimon rounded on her, dodging the attack and elbowing Gatomon in the stomach. As she fell to the ground, Kyubimon stood, blue fire appearing when she spread her tails out.

"Fox Tail Inferno!"

The fireballs flew forward, but Devimon spun, moving out the way. He jumped upwards and drove his heel into Kyubimon's head, slamming her downwards. Leomon and Birdramon, having recovered, charged. Kyubimon soon rejoined them, along with Gatomon. The four surrounded him, trying to attack him while avoiding one another. He simply dodged around their attacks, jumping, ducking, and dashing around to the point where they could no longer keep track of him well enough to attempt to strike. Eventually Kyubimon was thrown from the fight, sliding across the dirt.

"Touch of Evil!"

His arms stretched out, hands wrapping around Birdramon and Gatomon's ankles. A wild grin appeared on his face as their eyes dimmed. Leomon swung his sword at the devil, who let go and ducked under the attack. The lion found himself pinned to the ground, though, as Birdramon tackled him. Confused, Leomon stared up at her while Shizuka shouted at the enraged bird. Angela watched with an amused look as Gatomon attacked Kyubimon, shouting, "Cat Tail!"

"You have got to be shitting me!" Mikami yelled, clutching her Digivice.

Yoko looked shocked. "Gatomon, what are you doing?"

"Get your head out of your rear end, Birdramon!" Shizuka shouted. "Ugh. Leomon, you're gonna have to fight back!"

"I cannot risk injuring her!"

"Yeah, well, she's gonna injure you in a moment!"

Grimacing, he slid his legs up underneath her and kicked. His feet connected harshly with her stomach, causing her to fall backwards. As she did, Kyubimon was sent flying into her, knocking both of them over. With her focus on her allies, Gatomon failed to notice Devimon slip behind her. The side of his hand whacked against her neck. Her eyes rolled up into her head as she de-Digivolved back into Salamon.

"Salamon!" Yoko stared with wide eyes. "How is he so strong?"

Birdramon shoved Kyubimon off her, spreading out her wings while letting out a cry. Devimon jumped over her and elbowed her in the back. She fell, forcing Leomon to move to avoid the bird. Soon she shrank, laying on the ground as Biyomon. Devimon dropped down behind the lion. As Leomon twisted around, Devimon swung his leg, kicking the lion's side sharply. The devil laughed when Leomon fell to the ground with his hand on his side.

"Biyomon! Leomon!" Shizuka shouted. "Damn it!"

Tadashi squinted his eyes at the battle. "Four Champions and he beat them all. If only there was a way to help… Sending in our partners, though, would be suicide…"

Chuckling, Devimon walked up to Kyubimon and stomped onto her stomach, causing her to howl in pain. Daiki visibly winced, as if he could feel the pain she was going through. It wasn't long until Renamon lay sprawled on her back, unmoving.

"Renamon!" Daiki yelled, fury on his face. "Crap!"

"Is this the best the DigiDestined have to offer?" Angela asked. "The fate of the Digital World lies in your hands and you all were beaten by a single Champion Digimon."

"This stops right now!" Mikami roared. "I'm not going to sit back anymore. You're going down!"

Light filtered out of the screen just as an amethyst energy surrounded Impmon. Through the energy, Mikami could see his shape change. He dropped down to all fours as he grew, becoming more animal-like. Once it dispersed a dog-like Digimon stood in Impmon's place, snarling. Around his neck was a massive collar with several spikes protruding from it. The black and brown dog lowered himself, flaring his nostrils at Devimon. The devil looked surprised, glancing at Angela. The blonde shrugged and smirked.

"That's…strange," Tadashi muttered.

Judai looked at him. "Why?"

"He Digivolved into a Dobermon. One would think an imp would turn into something more reminiscent of Devimon, yet he became a dog Digimon, one that's a Virus and Vaccine type."

"That's possible?"

"Does it matter right now?" Shizuka snapped.

Mikami glanced down at her Digivice, reading over the information displaying. Nodding, she looked up at Dobermon, who was stalking towards Devimon.

"Ready, Dobermon?"

"When you are, Mikami," Dobermon growled.

Angela scoffed. "Do you really think a little puppy can take Devimon on?" Laughing, the blonde shook her head. "Oh, you haven't changed one bit, Mikami! You still think you can win with an inferior Digimon."

"I won with some of those 'inferior' Digimon, Angela," Mikami replied, "and I'm going to show you that my partner isn't one of them. Let's do this."

"Please. You're pathetic if you think you can win against me. I already defeated your four friends. Devimon, let's finish this up!"

The devil nodded, rolling his shoulders with a wild smirk. As Angela gave the command, he flung his arm out at Dobermon. The dog ducked, dodging the attack. Devimon continued, trying to grab Dobermon by stretching his limbs out until the dog lunged. Dobermon's forepaws hit against Devimon's shoulders, sending both of them falling to the ground.

"Onyx Claw!" the dog snarled.

His claws dug into Devimon, causing the Virus Digimon to growl in pain. Eyes snapping open again, Devimon threw the dog off. Dobermon hit the ground on his back but soon flipped onto his stomach, standing to snarl at his enemy.

"Touch of Evil!"

His hand shot towards the dog, aiming to grab hold of the beast Digimon. Dobermon jumped to the side and turned his head towards the limb.

"Fiend Slayer!"

Before Devimon could fully retract his arm, Dobermon bit down into the limb, clamping his jaws tightly shut. Letting out a pained shout, Devimon attempted to shake Dobermon off, but the dog held on tight. Finally, having enough, the devil grabbed the mutt's muzzle.

"Death Hand!"

Dark, unholy energy blasted from his hands, forcing Dobermon to let go out his arm. The dog dropped down, rolling until he stopped himself. Devimon charged and aimed a kick at Dobermon's head. Watching carefully, Dobermon dropped down at the last moment to latch his jaws onto the devil again. With a snarl, he dug his claws into the ground and tossed Devimon into a nearby rock. Grumbling, Devimon pushed himself to his feet.

Wings seemingly extending as a murky aura surrounded them, Devimon shouted, "Evil Wing!" The wings sped through the air, heading straight for Dobermon. One dug into the ground as Dobermon dodged. The other nicked the dog's side, leaving a cut along his shoulder. Wincing, he turned his head towards Devimon.

"Hellfire!"

Moving from side to side, Devimon avoided the black fireballs, all the while moving closer. Once he judged himself to be close enough, he reached an arm out to seize the dog. Dobermon simply moved, opening his mouth as dark energy began to gather between his jaws.

"Schwartz Strahl!"

The energy exploded outwards in a massive black beam. Though Devimon was able to move, he wasn't fast enough to dodge the attack completely. It tore through his arm, disconnecting it from his body. Pain exploded as he clutched at his shoulder, watching as his arm dropped to the ground and dissipated. Shock was written across his face. Dobermon made to tackle him, but the devil clumsily jumped to the side, stumbling as he landed by his partner. Angela looked just as surprised as him, holding a hand out but not touching the injury. With fury in her eyes, she rounded on Mikami.

"This isn't over, Mikami Yutso," Angela hissed. "Next time, we'll win."

"That's Waden to you," Mikami said, glowering. "And we'll beat you every time you fight us."

Harsh laughter came from the blonde. "Run from your past all you like, Mikami, but you can't ever escape it. It will catch up with you."

Devimon, carrying Angela in his only remaining functional arm, leapt up the canyon wall until he was out of sight. Turning, Mikami looked at Dobermon. The Digimon shrank, becoming Impmon once again. He grinned, high-fiving her and doing a small victory dance. She couldn't help but laugh as he gave Renamon a smug look.

"Yes, you did well," Renamon said. "It is time to stop celebrating and be on our way."

Impmon pouted. "Spoilsport."

"You can always celebrate when we get to File City," Judai said.

Tadashi moaned, covering his face with his hand. "Do not encourage him." Moving to face Mikami, he let his hand drop. "You knew her?"

"It's a long story, guys. I might explain it all to you later. Right now I'd rather not think about it, so let's go to the city."

~0~

"Shit, Devimon, I'm sorry," Angela muttered, pacing back and forth. "It was like that stupid mutt of hers could anticipate what you were going to do. It can't be possible. There's no way her partner could be that good. Hell, you defeated the others! How could he beat you?"

"Angela, slow down. You know I can't understand you when you talk that fast," Devimon said, chiding her. "Take a moment to calm down."

"I just don't get it!" she exclaimed. "One way or another, I'm figuring this out. There is no possible way that they could have… There must be something…"

Devimon let out a weary sigh. "We'll solve your dilemma, Angela, if it means that much to you. It does seem that you're disturbed by it."

"Right. Now…let's see if anyone can fix your arm."