Chapter 17

After getting back from the Digital World, Yolei proposed they go back the next day. "Sure! Oh…" Yumi paused. "We can't. We've got something planned tomorrow." Davis, curious, asked, "What do you mean we?" "The original Digidestined are celebrating the anniversary of when we defeated Myotismon." Iinomon snarled at the name, but Yumi put a calming hand on her head. The three new kids decided to join them, and, the next day, they meet up with the older kids, even Mimi. Yumi was happy, and said, "Just like the good old days. I miss all the time we used to spend together." Everyone agreed, and sat in the shade of a tree as they told their story. "Yep. We've had more than our share of adventure." Yumi said, smiling.

"Then why are you getting mixed up in it again?" Davis questioned. "If Iinomon goes into battle, I'll be right there beside her. I'm not the kind of person that just sits back and does nothing. Right, Iinomon?" Iinomon nodded, her tail wagging as she barked, licking Yumi's nose. Curious, Yolei asked, "What did you think your life would be like without Iinomon?" "I didn't. I can't imagine my life with Iinomon by my side." Yumi smiled. "Even when we were apart, I always felt like she left a piece of herself with me, so I never felt like I was alone." Iinomon was nestled peacefully in Yumi's arms, as Yumi added, "And no Digimon could take her down anyway."

Later, she rethought this sentence… They started walking around town, reminiscing, when they started walking down a specific street. Yumi recognized it, and stopped dead in her tracks. "What's wrong?" Kari questioned from behind, seeing Yumi tense. "I remember this street. Myotismon tried to kidnap me on this street, and beat Iinomon badly." "What?" Davis questioned, disbelieving. "A Digimon actually beat her?" "She couldn't go ultimate yet, so she wasn't strong enough yet. We defeated him that time." Her eyes seemed to glaze over as she relived the memory.

FLASHBACK

They were walking down an empty street, Yumi's gaze unfocused, until a fog rolled in. Her eyes snapped back into focus, and she asked, "Miharumon, what's going on?" Miharumon was snarling, and said, "It's Myotismon!" Suddenly, a figure appeared in the fog, and Yumi's heartbeat quickened. Miharumon's snarl shot up in her throat, and she stood in front of Yumi protectively. "What do you think you can do, dog?" "What do you want?" Miharumon demanded. "I came for the girl and her crest, nothing more." "Well you're not getting either, Myotismon." She snarled, shooting a Howling Inferno. He blocked it with his cape, and said, "That futile attempt won't stop me."

Yumi held her Digivice tight. "Let's fight, Miharumon!" Miharumon nodded, Digivolving to Haramon, and Yumi jumped onto her back. Haramon shot a Howling Tornado, and he dodged. He used Grizzly Wing, and Haramon shot a few Howling Tornado's, destroying the bats, and saw, out of the corner of her eye, Myotismon use Crimson Lightning. She used Slashing Fangs, destroying the Crimson Lightning. Haramon said, "Yumi, find the others. I'll hold him off for as long as I can." "But I can't just…" "I'll be fine." Yumi stayed silent for a moment before sliding off Haramon's back. "I'll be back as soon as I can." She promised, and ran down the street. Myotismon tried to catch her with Crimson Lightning, but Haramon used Slashing Fangs. Yumi ran as fast as she could, looking around frantically for her friends. She saw Matt and T.K., and called out, "Matt! Over here!" He looked up in surprise, asking, "Yumi? What are you doing here?" "Matt, I need your help! Haramon's holding off Myotismon, but she won't last long! You've got to hurry!" He seemed confused at first, but followed her as she led the way.

She ran the whole way back, to see Myotismon throw Iinomon to the ground. "IINOMON!!" She called out, running to her unconscious partners side. She lifted Iinomon gently into her arms, tears stinging her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't come in time. I'm sorry." "Yumi, WATCH OUT!!" She heard Matt's warning too late, because, the next moment, her arms were pinned to her sides by a Crimson Lightning. "How pathetic, just like your Digimon." Yumi had dropped Iinomon, and struggled against the Crimson Lightning, wanting to break free and comfort her partner, her friend…. her best friend. Gabumon Digivolved to Garurumon and shot a Howling Blaster. Myotismon's attention switched to Garurumon, and his Crimson Lightning weakened significantly.

It suddenly disintegrated, and Yumi cradled Iinomon in her arms, moving away from Myotismon. She has a powerful crest…I can't allow her to find it's true strength! Myotismon thought as he easily defeated Garurumon. I need to either separate her from her Digimon, or destroy them both. He thought, looking down at her. And to destroy her would be such a waste. Yumi stood up, stepping away from Myotismon, holding Iinomon to her heart. Garurumon Digivolved to Weregarurumon, and used Wolf's Claw. Myotismon found this becoming quite troublesome, and said, "I'll leave, but I'll be back. You can't defend her forever." "Yes I can!" Matt countered, as Myotismon disappeared.

END FLASHBACK

"And it didn't prevent the inevitable." Yumi added.

FLASHBACK

Haramon shot a Howling Tornado at Myotismon. He dodged, and used Crimson Lightning. It wrapped around her body, and he lifted her into the air, and slammed her back down. Haramon whimpered softly, but stood, to have the Crimson Lightning tighten so much that it felt like the breath was being forced out of her lungs. She coughed, out of breath, and she fell back down, breathing hard. Yumi ran to Haramon's head, asking, "Are you alright?" "I…can hardly…breathe." Haramon said between breathes. Suddenly, another Crimson Lightning came racing towards Haramon, but Yumi got in the way, ready to take the blow, for her friend. Her crest glowed brightly, and Myotismon said, "No! This can't be happening!" But it was.

Haramon Digivolved to Endohmon, a ninja Digimon. She had long brown hair and a black sash over her eyes. She had a black tank top with the Crest of Loyalty on it in white. She had black pants, and two huge shuriken on her back. She said, breaking the Crimson Lightning, "It's time I showed you the true strength of loyalty, Myotismon." She used Leaf Hurricane, where she threw one of the shuriken on her back, and it made a small hurricane wherever it goes.

Myotismon was hit dead on, and flew back. "It's time I took you down!" Endohmon said, jumping onto a rooftop. She took out some exploding tags, did a hand sign, and the tags circled Myotismon, the ring growing tighter and tighter. When his arms were pinned to his sides. She said, "If you stop this foolishness now, you can survive." "I refuse to back down to the likes of you!" She had an emotionless face on as she said, "So be it." She did another hand sign, and used a powerful move called Exploding Purification.

There was only dust where he used to be, and she already thought he was gone, when she heard Yumi cry out. She turned to see Myotismon had somehow escaped her attack, and was now holding Yumi, with a Crimson Lightning tied around her neck. Endohmon flinched, and he said, "Don't interfere, or she dies." Endohmon, not wanting that to happen, had to watch as he took her friend to a place she didn't know, to do something horrible, probably.

END FLASHBACK

Yumi smiled, saying, "At least they saved me."

FLASHBACK

Meanwhile, Myotismon was holding Yumi captive. Her ankles and wrists were tied together, and she was usually carried around by her wrists, with Myotismon's bats lifting her into the air. When she heard that Phantomon had gotten Kari, she got worried. They headed for the TV station, and saw Kari being guarded by Phantomon. "Kari, what are you doing here?" Yumi demanded. "Yumi? Why are you here?" Gatomon wasn't looking at Kari, and Myotismon asked, "Why won't you look her in the face?" "Because she's not the Digidestined." Kari cried out as Demidevimon pulled her hair, and Gatomon called out her name. "Leave her alone!" Yumi said, and used all her strength to kick Myotismon's arm, making him release Gatomon, who ran to Kari. He used Crimson Lightning, wrapping it around her neck, and slightly choking her. "What do you think you're doing?" "I'm protecting…my friends." "And how are you going to do that without your Digimon?" "She'll come to get me, and then you'll be sorry!" "Really? And how would she know where you are?"

A familiar voice said, "And why wouldn't I know where she is?" Yumi looked up with joy to see Endohmon at the window. "It's time I paid you back for kidnapping my friends, Myotismon." She used Leaf Hurricane, but Myotismon dodged. "Yumi!" She looked back to see everyone, except Tai. "Matt!" Kazumamon said, "I've had enough of this!" He shot a Piercing Arrow, but it hardly fazed Myotismon. Endohmon jumped at Myotismon, a shuriken in her hands, and she tried to cut him in half, but he dodged. "Kari, go with the others!" Endohmon used Leaf Hurricane to destroy the bats holding Yumi, but, still being tied, she just fell to the ground. Endohmon distracted Myotismon as Matt ran to untie Yumi.

When the rope fell free, he hugged her. She blushed, and asked, "Matt, what's wrong?" "I thought I lost you." She understood, and hugged him back, saying, "You could never lose me. I'm like glue." She smiled, and it made him feel better. Suddenly, a strange force started lifting her into the air, and Matt grabbed her hand. The force was strong, and wrenched loose their hold.
Endohmon jumped onto the roof after Myotismon, and said, "It's time you were taken down." Zudomon, Garudamon, Megakabuterimon, and Weregarurumon backed her up. She took out some exploding tags, did a hand sign, and the tags started glowing, and wrapped around Myotismon. "For kidnapping Yumi, I'm not giving you a chance to survive." She said emotionlessly. She did another hand sign, and the tags exploded.

She couldn't see through the dust, but her ears were as sharp as a wolf's, and she heard footsteps. She turned, and used Leaf Hurricane, making Myotismon jump back from Gatomon and Kari. Phantomon tried to attack Endohmon with his scythe, but she blocked with a shuriken. She threw him away, and turned to Myotismon. He was about to attack Kari and Gatomon, when Tai appeared with Greymon. Tai threw Kari her crest, which she put around her neck, and Phantomon went after them. Greymon Digivolved to Metalgreymon, scaring Phantomon. He shot his Giga Blaster at Myotismon, but he made them disintegrate. Everyone tried to attack him, but the attacks either disintegrated or were turned on another Digimon. When Weregarurumon was nearly knocked off, Endohmon grabbed his hand, pulling him up. "I can't just let you fall." Myotismon used Grizzly Wing, and aimed it at Kari and Gatomon.

Wizardmon got in the way, and ultimately died protecting them. Kari's Digivice started glowing, and Demidevimon had to let it go, and Tai threw it to Kari. With her Digivice, she helped Gatomon Digivolve to Angewomon. She used Heaven's Charm, and everyone gave her their strength. She shot a Celestial Arrow, finishing Myotismon off.

Everyone Dedigivolved, and Iinomon was nestled comfortably in Yumi's arms.

END FLASHBACK

Yumi's eyes snapped back into focus, and she asked, cheerily, "So, where else do you guys want to go?" They walked all over the city, remembering all the old battles. Everything seemed different then before. Iinomon looked around curiously, and said, "I wonder…" "What, Iinomon?" Yumi questioned. "What if Myotismon wasn't destroyed. Remember…we had to destroy him two times. What if we need to try a third time?" "I doubt it, Iinomon. Calm down." They separated from the others, who split up into their own groups, and Yumi felt joy grip her heart as she saw Iinomon play in the grass, rolling on her back, chasing dragonflies…Yumi actually thought she was a puppy, but only for a moment. She pounced on Iinomon, and they rolled down a short hill, laughing.

Yumi lay on her back, catching her breath and trying to snap her senses back into focus. Iinomon was doing the same, feeling Yumi's heartbeat under her chin. After a while, Yumi sat up, and said, "Well, that was fun." Iinomon nodded, still breathing a bit hard, and licked Yumi's cheek. Yumi smiled as she stood, holding Iinomon in her arms as she started walking around. She saw everything that she had seen four years ago, but with new eyes. Iinomon supplied some memories, and Yumi the others, as they laughed about the funnier times. Yumi wished this day would never end, when her cell phone began to ring. She flipped it open with one hand, and said, "Hello?" "Yumi, it's Izzy. I need to show you something." "What is it, Izzy?" "You'll understand when you see it. We're at Tai's apartment." "Okay, I'll be right there." Yumi said, snapping her cell phone closed.

Iinomon gave her a questioning look, and Yumi said, "We need to go by Tai's place. Izzy needs to show me something." They headed towards her apartment building, and reached it after a few minutes of walking. She knocked on the front door, and Tai opened the door. "Hey, Yumi. You finally made it!" "Well, I did have to walk!" She retorted, and walked in. He led her to the bedroom, where Izzy, Kari, T.K., Davis, Cody were sitting. Izzy had a computer on in the corner, and turned to see Yumi. "It's about time you got here!" "I had to walk! Cool your jets!" She said, standing next to him. "I was looking through here, and found an old prophecy." "And why do I have to see it?" "You'll see." He said, as the prophecy popped up on the screen in readable script.

Yumi repeated the prophecy word for word, " 'When a great darkness blankets the world's, the being of loyalty will emerge, and use her light to dissipate the darkness, and the evil one will change heart, though she will make the ultimate sacrifice.'" Yumi looked at Izzy, saying, "It means Ayumimon, doesn't it." Izzy nodded, and Davis asked, "Who's Ayumimon?" Yumi turned to him, saying, "It's Miharumon's Mega form. She's a very powerful Digimon. Izzy, bring up her profile on the Digimon Analyzer." Izzy nodded, bringing up the file.

Cody and Davis looked at the picture, and Davis said, "Like she could beat Flamedramon or Raidramon." "She could defeat Wargreymon, Metalgarurumon, and Omnimon." Yumi countered, feeling Iinomon bristle. Yumi ignored him, and asked, "The prophecy…does it apply to the Digimon Emperor? What's this ultimate sacrifice?" Izzy said, "I'm sorry…I don't know." Yumi's shoulder's slumped, and she said, "Okay…I guess."

Everyone decided to meet up at the television station, to pay their respects to Wizardmon. They saw personal running out, and they all ran in. They entered a familiar room, and saw a shadow flying around. Iinomon heard a familiar voice saying something. It finally registered. Gatomon. The shadow was saying 'Gatomon'. Gatomon stepped forward, but the other In-Training Digimon saw a threat, jumping to the floor, and Digivolving to their Rookie forms. Gatomon stopped them, and stepped forward. The shadow stopped in front of her, and revealed the shadowy form of Wizardmon. Yumi felt a pain grip her heart. He said that kindness would unleash the Golden Radiance, that strength wasn't enough…

Iinomon had questions burning on the edge of her tongue, when Wizardmon moved away. He went through a window, and Gatomon, crying, ran to the window, crying his name. Iinomon jumped to the ground, and went to comfort her friend as Wizardmon disappeared. "Wizardmon…what a friend. Even from the other world, he still watches over me." Gatomon said, the tears subsiding. Iinomon nodded, and nuzzled her. "I'll always be close, Gatomon. Nobody will ever be rid of me."

Yumi came up. "I'll always watch over all of you, even if I no longer exist. You'll never lose me." Yumi smiled, kneeling down, and Iinomon jumped into her arms as Kari put Gatomon on her lap. Yumi looked out the window, and said, "We'll see him again. I know we will."