"I never imagined there would be so much…well…to see out here," Judai commented.
He was right. After leaving the Frigid Crevice to come out on the opposite side, the view dramatically changed. Small mountains were scattered across the land, massive ice pillars rose into the sky, and rocks and boulders made for interesting sights. Random hills and slippery slopes caused trouble for the group though. Since they were trying to be more discreet, they agreed not to ride on Birdramon's back. This was because they thought that they could better avoid their pursuers by taking routes that provided a reasonable amount of cover.
Before they had left, IceDevimon had mentioned seeing a crystal near the northern edge of the zone, which was where they were heading. At that point they had been travelling for most of the day, so it wouldn't take much longer for them to find it. At least, they collectively hoped that they would find it soon, considering how long they had been walking. Thankfully, if they didn't find it soon, they could spend more time out in the open because the temperature wasn't as low as the other side of the crevice. It was more tolerable.
"I still don't understand why I can't Digivolve," Impmon complained.
"Because you're a big freaking black dog when you're Dobermon," Mikami said. "Get over it."
"So?"
"Your fur is too dark. Almost everything around us is white. You stand out. Get over it."
"Jeez, what's got you in such a bad mood?"
"You've been complaining for the past half hour. I don't know, maybe that's the reason why."
He stared up at her with an incredulous look. After a few moments he looked away and folded his arms with a huff. Gabumon laughed, but quieted when Shizuka shot him a look. Tadashi glanced at her in exasperation, but he understood why. He himself had dealt with constant questioning despite answering. The brunette walking at the front of the group was definitely annoyed at her partner. Not that anyone could blame her, but Tadashi wished she wouldn't let the imp get on her nerves.
"Alright, I'm sorry, okay?" Impmon grumbled, kicking at a small ball of snow and ice. "I just really want to get this over with."
"It would be unwise to rush ourselves in our endeavors," Leomon stated. "As for pushing ourselves too far—"
The imp interrupted him. "It isn't a good idea. Yeah, yeah, I know."
Daiki looked somewhat annoyed as well. "I don't know about you, but I don't feel like being captured."
"Good point."
"Hmm. It only took you a few hours," Renamon commented, crossing her arms and placing her paw on her cheek.
She smirked at the expression on Impmon's face, which turned from one of disbelief to one of infuriation and partial surprise. The fox caught herself, quickly resuming her usual stoic expression. Despite the quickness, the damage was done. This was clear by the fact that the imp was pouting with his arms once again folded. Biyomon, not particularly enjoying listening to her friends act the way they were towards one another, flew ahead. She made sure to keep hidden, settling several feet ahead of the others on a rock shadowed by an ice column.
Raising her head, the bird did a sweep of the area. Something in the distance caught her eye, so she flew higher to perch on an edge jutting out of the ice pillar. It was hard to make out, but it almost looked to her like a settlement of some kind. Maybe some Digimon lived there that could help the group to find the crystal. Then again, it was more than likely that whoever was living there wouldn't want to risk helping the DigiDestined in fear of being sought after by the Master. That had happened far too many times for her to count…
Still, it was worth a shot. They needed any help they could get.
"See anything?" Shizuka asked once they reached her.
"Maybe," Biyomon answered, drifting down to settle on her partner's shoulder. "It looks like a village or a small town."
"Then we should be on our way," Leomon said. "We may be able to gather information while assuring that the residents are safe."
The bird tilted her head. "So it is a town?"
"I have not been this far into the Ice Zone myself, but I would not doubt that there is a settlement here."
Snorting, Mikami strode past them. "Let's go."
Impmon threw up his hands. Daiki rubbed at the edge of his eyes while following her. Unsure of what to say, Yoko and Judai trailed after everyone while exchanging glances with each other. The walk was uncomfortably silent, as even Impmon had chosen to remain quiet. Yoko fidgeted along the way, finding the situation rather awkward. She was used to talking to her friends, not keeping to herself. This was especially the case with Mikami and Daiki—she talked to them more than anyone else she knew, besides her own parents.
The sun's movement was noticeable when they finally reached the village. Domed buildings were scattered about, some of which were rundown and falling apart. Others had damage that looked rather recent. The sight was disheartening, to say the least. Yoko subconsciously walked faster until she was beside Mikami, and looped her arm through the brunette's arm. Mikami glanced at her, but instead of snapping at her, she moved her hand to grip Yoko's hand in order to encourage her.
"It looks like this place was attacked," Tadashi said.
"Probably was," Biyomon replied, ruffling her feathers. "Just the thought…"
"Whoever did this better hope I don't find them," Impmon growled while pounding his fist into his palm. "They'll regret the day they were born."
"Oh, you're frightening," Shizuka muttered under her breath.
While they made their way down the center of the small village, Leomon stopped. Dorumon noticed and turned to look at him. This caused the others to pause and twist around to see what was going on. The lion raised his head, sniffing at the air and wrinkling his nose. Eventually he turned, his gaze sweeping over the area with narrowed eyes. Confused, the humans glanced at each other before looking at their respective partners. The Digimon had learned during their time with Leomon that when he was acting in that way, it was usually best to wait and see rather than ask. He had his reasons.
The lion breathed out loudly.
"What is it?" Salamon asked.
"I am not sure. There is a strange smell, but I cannot say for certain what it is. It seems familiar..."
Watching you sniff the air and that's all you can say, Impmon thought with a silent huff.
"Perhaps we should keep moving," Leomon said, an unfamiliar tone in his voice.
"But I thought we were going to ask around and check everything," Dorumon mumbled in confusion.
The uneasy expression on the lion's face made Impmon rethink his original thought. He looked up at Renamon, who looked to be attempting to figure out what was wrong. She sniffed, trying to catch the scent Leomon was smelling. She shook her head, unsure.
Leomon's fur suddenly stood on end as his ears twitched.
He jumped, startling the group, and landed a few feet away just as a sword came down. The humans and their partners also moved, avoiding the sword in time. A shape dropped down, grabbing the sword and lunging at Leomon in a blur of grey. He pulled his sword out and blocked the attack. Gritting his teeth, he growled. With a push he caused his attacker to move, flipping backwards. The grey cloak the Digimon wore moved, revealing a winged Digimon the group thought they had seen the last of.
Darcmon shoved the cloak back behind her, pointing the sword at the lion.
"So, you are what I smelled," Leomon growled. "Have you returned to finish what you started?"
She raised her head, not giving him an immediate answer. Stomping caught the attention of the friends, and they glanced over to see several shapes moving towards them. The humans quickly pulled out their Digivices while the Digimon prepared themselves. Darcmon made to move towards them, but Leomon tackled her, slamming her into the ground. When he looked back up, the Digimon had Digivolved and were running to intercept the forces heading their way.
Pain erupted from his stomach as Darcmon kicked him. His back hit the ground, and Darcmon pushed herself to her feet, glaring.
"Why can you not understand?" she demanded. "By fighting back, you are only making things worse!"
"If that is all you have to say, then I have no words for you," he snarled, "except that you are helping to drive this world to ruin."
Running, Dobermon shot past the others and found himself hitting a big, fluffy white Digimon. He looked up at the Frigimon, but the bearlike snowman had barely moved. Instead, Frigimon reached down and wrapped his arms around Dobermon, lifting him up with ease. The dog kicked at the Frigimon, but his paws could barely reach up towards the white Digimon's arms. He prepared to shoot a fireball at his captor, but the Frigimon raised his arms, flipping Dobermon in the process, and soon enough the dog was upside down over the Frigimon and couldn't move to attack.
"H-hey! Let me go you ass!" Dobermon snapped.
Maybe he shouldn't have said that, because the Frigimon prepared to throw him. Garurumon suddenly darted forward to head-butt the Frigimon. The hit successfully knocked the snowman off balance. The grip on Dobermon was released, and the dog fell to the ground, grunting when he landed. Garurumon turned towards him, an apologetic look on his face.
Dobermon shook his head and grinned, running forward. He opened his mouth and left fireballs blast out of his mouth. The Frigimon had no time to dodge and thus the fireballs hit their mark. With the smoke left from them obscuring the Digimon's view, Garurumon lunged, his own flames engulfing and destroying the Frigimon.
Another soon body slammed the wolf, though. Dobermon tackled the Frigimon off, pinning him to the ground. With a growl the dog dug his claws into the Frigimon and practically ripped him apart, watching the white Digimon shatter into Data.
Gatomon, meanwhile, jumped at a Hyogamon. The blue, icy ogre reached up to grab her, but she dodged out of the way and lashed out with her claws. They raked down Hyogamon's face, causing him to cover his face while he shouted. Taking the opportunity, Gatomon jumped up and stabbed her claws into the Hyogamon's chest. She didn't get far when the Hyogamon threw her off and swung his club at her. Dorugamon dropped down in front of her without warning, grabbing the ice club and pulling it out of the ogre's grasp. Surprised, Hyogamon wasn't prepared for Dorugamon to shoot an iron ball at him. It hit the Hyogamon in the face, and both Dorugamon and Gatomon lunged forward, finishing the ogre off with their claws.
A Hyogamon swung his club at Kyubimon, but never hit, as Birdramon swooped down and grabbed the Digimon in her claws. As soon as she crushed it, a second ogre jumped onto her back. Squawking, she shook herself in an attempt to fling the Hyogamon off. Kyubimon jumped up and tackled him off. She landed, skidding to a stop, and lowered herself to the ground. While the ogre tried to get to his feet, Kyubimon leapt into the air. As she began to spin, blue flames surrounded her. A flaming dragon came out of the flames and charged at the Hyogamon, engulfing him.
As the others finished off the remaining troops, Gatomon focused her attention to where Leomon was. The lion blocked a strike from Darcmon, gritting his teeth. He shoved back, forcing her backwards with slow, steady steps. The winged Digimon caught him off-guard by swinging her scepter at him. It hit his side, causing him to stumble back. Just as she stabbed her sword forward, the weapon almost to its target, Gatomon rammed into Darcmon's side, clawing her and involuntarily hissing. Darcmon attempted to jab the small cat, but Leomon grabbed Gatomon, pulling her away.
"What are you doing?" Leomon asked, frowning.
Gatomon pouted. "Helping."
"You are all fools," Darcmon breathed out, holding her wounded side. "The more you interfere, the angrier the Master becomes. Soon she will send her best. Then you will have no hope of surviving."
Gatomon seemed at a loss for words, but Leomon set the cat down and glowered.
"What exactly are you suggesting?"
Instead of answering, Darcmon chuckled, leaning against the nearest building.
Leomon continued. "Are you implying that you are trying to help us? You betray us and attack us, working for our enemy."
The humanoid stumbled backwards, moving away from the two. "Perhaps…you will realize…"
A gust of wind blew, sending up massive amounts of snow that blocked their vision. When it finally cleared, Darcmon was gone. Whether she had simply left or succumbed to her injuries, the two felines didn't know. Gatomon was just glad that the Digimon was gone, at least for now.
"We took a prisoner," Shizuka announced as everyone joined them. "He's agreed to show us where the crystal is."
"Mm," Leomon grunted, slowly tearing his gaze away from where Darcmon had been. "What will do with him afterwards?"
"Haven't quite decided that yet," Mikami said. "He seemed pretty reluctant to fight in the first place."
"Wouldn't seem right to just kill someone who never wanted to fight," Judai added. "Maybe we should give him a chance."
Tadashi frowned, partially grasping his chin. "I don't know. Strategically speaking, it would not be wise—"
"How about you shove your 'strategically speaking' crap up your ass," Daiki replied, annoyed. "We're supposed to be helping whoever we can."
The younger teenager looked at Daiki with an offended look, but Daiki merely rolled his eyes and motioned to the north while turning to their captive.
"That way, right?"
"Y-yes," the Frigimon mumbled. "It isn't far from here."
"Lead the way," Mikami ordered as Dobermon prodded the Frigimon forward. "We don't have time to waste."
It did take them some time to reach the crystal. It was more or less hidden among ice pillars and mounds of snow. Dobermon seemed set on destroying it himself, just as he had the first crystal, but Leomon pulled the canine back before he could do anything. The lion strode forward with purpose, raising his fist. He stopped a few feet in front of the crystal and pulled his arm back. Energy flowed to his fist, circling around his hand in waves of orange and red. With a growl he punched forward, using his Fist of the Beast King attack to shatter the crystal. Dobermon kicked snow over the shards with a smug look.
"We—we really should be going soon," Frigimon stuttered, looking around.
"What's got you so worked up?" Dobermon asked, rolling his eyes.
"It's just…the captains were coming to meet with Darcmon."
"Captains?" Dorugamon said, tilting his head to the side.
Yoko looked up at Leomon. "Do you know?"
Shaking his head, Leomon folded his arms and narrowed his eyes. Meanwhile, Frigimon fidgeted, a worried expression on his face. When a low rumbling began, most of the Digimon raised their heads, startled. Before anyone could move, a roar echoed in the air. Ice shattered around them as a golden head appeared out of the water, along with a blue serpentine body. Mikami flailed her arms, barely grabbing hold of Yoko as the piece of ice they stood on was pushed away by a wave of water. Gatomon clung to her partner while Dobermon dug his claws in.
"Seadramon?" Leomon hissed. "Then…that must mean…!"
Birdramon shot towards the sea dragon, but a blur slammed into her and sent her crashing into the water. Gaping, Shizuka barely noticed Garurumon dive into the water. Just as Dorugamon flew up to Seadramon, Garurumon pulled a thoroughly soaked Biyomon out of the water. He tossed the bird onto the ice and dragged himself up, shaking slightly.
A growl came from Leomon's throat. "Airdramon!"
Seadramon smacked Dorugamon aside, causing him to land on the ice piece his partner, Daiki, and Kyubimon stood on. The purple Digimon attempted to stand, only to collapse and shrink until he was Dorumon again. Judai kneeled beside him, doing his best not to slide as it tilted.
"Are these the ones the Master ordered to be destroyed on sight?" Airdramon asked, hovering in the air while observing the DigiDestined.
"I do believe so, brother, but I wish to have some fun with them."
"So do I, brother. What do you suggest?"
"Watch."
With a flick of his tail, Seadramon hit the water and sent up a wave that pushed everyone farther away from each other. Grinning, Airdramon swooped down over their heads, too fast for any attacks to hit their mark. The twins were almost out of sight, shoved away by a large wave, and Mikami could barely see Judai and Daiki. Dobermon looked to Gatomon, motioning his head towards Airdramon. Nodding, she climbed up onto Dobermon's back and watched as Airdramon swung around to dive at them.
When he came down, Gatomon lunged, her claws digging in as she latched onto his face. The dragon shook, trying to knock the cat off. Dobermon followed their movements, energy building up in his mouth. Once Airdramon was at an angle where Gatomon wouldn't get hit, Dobermon released his Schwartz Strahl attack. The black beam tore through Airdramon's back, resulting in the dragon screaming in pain. Seadramon spun around just as Gatomon landed beside Dobermon and Airdramon plummeted, disappearing before he ever hit the water.
"Brother!" Seadramon roared. He spun around, glaring at Dobermon and Gatomon. "I will end you!"
He swam towards them faster than anticipated, sending up waves that crashed against their block of ice. Dobermon growled, preparing another attack. However, before he could, Leomon suddenly appeared out of nowhere and stabbed his sword into Seadramon's back. Roaring, Seadramon thrashed, with Leomon barely holding on.
"Leomon!" Gatomon shouted.
"You must escape!" the lion yelled, ducking as Seadramon flicked his tail at him.
The water continued to push them away.
There was nothing they could do.