Amelia belongs to Jeabird, Kyle belongs to Heisei255, and I thank them, and Black Cat Angel for helping me with this story.
While on the way to the Rose Morning Star, our heroes got dumped on the Dark Gate, the creepy entrance to the even creepier Continent of Darkness. Once they convinced Bokomon they could handle it, in they went. Meanwhile, Cherubimon called a meeting of the Demon Turds. After a little encouragement, Beelzemon decided it was time to get rid of the gang once and for all, but the Demon of Gluttony was no match for our heroes. They clobbered him and knocked him down a peg. Then out of nowhere, Duskmon showed up and destroyed Beelzemon. With friends like that, who needs enemies?
Duskmon raised his head so he could fully take in the Warriors before him. He stared the Warriors down, unflinching. Undeterred by the fact that he was outnumbered eight to one. There wasn't a single sign that Duskmon was even a tad bit worried – if anything his body language talked of his confidence in the situation.
"Who is this guy?" BurningGreymon analyzed Duskmon.
Duskmon laughed, "I am Duskmon, Legendary Warrior of Darkness."
Sirenamon's eyes widened in surprise, "You're a Legendary Warrior? Aren't you supposed to be on our side?!" If he's a Legendary Warrior, he should be on their side, on the side to defeat Cherubimon… right?
Juhimon groaned, 'It's cliché for darkness to be evil!'
The air of the standoff changed slightly. The Warriors were on edge a bit more than they had been moments before but Duskmon was still cool and collected. While the Warriors seemed ready for an attack at any moment, Duskmon didn't give off an intent to attack but he didn't give off an intent to be peaceful either.
"Well, that explains the outfit." BurningGreymon made the observation – almost as if he was trying to lift the tense atmosphere.
Bokomon, Neemon, DemiVeemon, and Kyaromon hid behind a tree. From behind the tree, the four of them were watching the scene go down.
Neemon whimpered slightly, "He looks strong."
Bokomon grimaced, "Mmhmm." These were one of those moments when the white Digimon agreeed with his friend.
"He's no match for Mama and Daddy, though." DemiVeemon sounded confident.
"Maybe it won't come down to a fight, he is a Legendary Warrior after all." Kyaromon spoke hesitantly – the hopeless tone didn't match with his hopeful words.
Duskmon raised his red sword, "You have done well against my brethren."
The Warriors stiffened upon Duskmon's movements. The Dark Digimon didn't stop moving until he had his sword level with the group. The Warriors prepared themselves for what was about to come.
"Let's see how strong you really are. Show me your power." Duskmon's words were punctuated with his sword glowing red – slashing horizontally caused an arc of red energy to form.
The energy arc tore through the air and even though it didn't touch the ground at all, the ground beneath it was torn up and a groove was carved. Zephyrmon, BurningGreymon, and Sirenamon took to the sky to dodge the attack. Korikakumon, KendoGarurumon, and Juhimon jumped to the left while MetalKabuterimon and Terramon dodged to the right. The arc slammed into the area they had been seconds before and exploded – destroying the ground and disturbing the air massively.
Korikakumon stared, stunned, "All he did was swing his sword."
Zephyrmon stared at the damage before looking to Duskmon, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
BurningGreymon set his eyes on Duskmon, "Come on! There's only one of him."
"We never met him before. We don't know what he's capable of." Juhimon spoke up – hoping to be the voice of reason, something was on her mind as well. She turned her eyes to Duskmon and eyed him uncertainly, 'Did the Demon Lords do something to Duskmon, or is he genuinely our enemy?'
Duskmon stood back and laughed as the Warriors talked and debated amongst themselves.
"If we defeated Daemon and Beelzemon, then laughing boy over there should be a piece of cake." BurningGreymon was confident – it was easy to tell he felt that way too.
Sirenamon shook her head, "No, something's really different about him. Why did he show up now of all times?"
BurningGreymon wasn't deterred at all, "Yeah, he's not a Demon. But remember, we're Legendary Warriors."
"Right!" MetalKabuterimon charged forwards with his word of agreement.
BurningGreymon charged towards Duskmon alongside Zephyrmon and MetalKabuterimon.
"There's no way we can lose!" BurningGreymon's words earned a smirk from Duskmon.
Sirenamon tried to stop them. "Dudes, wait!"
"Bolo Thunder!" MetalKabuterimon released the attack and Duskmon didn't move an inch.
"Yes." Duskmon lowered his head, bracing himself.
Bolo Thunder hit the ground in front of Duskmon and dust was kicked up. The dust cloud was massive and Duskmon just devolved into laughter. Even when BurningGreymon's shadow came into view Duskmon laughed without moving an inch. There was absolutely no panic in the Warrior of Darkness.
"Laugh at this!" BurningGreymon thrust his clawed hand right for Duskmon.
Surprise overtook BurningGreymon because his attack didn't connect with Duskmon. Not only did he miss him, but he had vanished from right in front of him. BurningGreymon paid too much attention to the spot Duskmon had been to notice he appeared beside him until it was too late. The Warrior of Darkness reached out and grabbed BurningGreymon's arm with both of his hands – in a startling show of strength Duskmon picked the Beast of Flames up and flung him behind him as if he weighed nothing. BurningGreymon flew a couple of feet before crashing into the ground first – even then the momentum caused him to slide across the ground. The others rushed to his side.
"Takuya!" The worried call was a mix of everyone.
Duskmon took a step towards them, disappointment on his face, "You are weaker than I thought. You should have listened to the mistresses' warnings. I should at least give you the chance to surrender."
The Warriors, minus BurningGreymon, turned to Duskmon. None of them looked ready to back down, in fact, they all looked ready to fight now.
"You can give it, but we won't take it." The words rumbled out of MetalKabuterimon as he spoke for everyone.
"You are proving to be very foolish creatures." The tone that Duskmon took almost sounded like he was disappointed. If anything, these children were boring him.
KendoGarurumon watched Duskmon, "JP, Tommy, we need to switch to our Human Spirits!"
"Right!" MetalKabuterimon and Korikakumon raised no time in switching with KendoGarurumon.
"Let's go!" Lobomon dashed forwards as the words left his mouth – Beetlemon and Kumamon following after him.
Lobomon jumped, "Lobo Kendo!"
Lobomon brought his beam sword down, but Duskmon reacted lightning fast, blocking the Warrior of Light's beam sword with his own sword. There was no effort in the block either even though it proved effective for stopping Lobomon's attack dead. It was a deadlock between the two, but even when Lobomon added more strength there was no struggle from Duskmon.
"Each of your attacks seems to get weaker, not stronger. You must know you can't defeat me." Duskmon made the observation as Lobomon struggled keeping the pressuring on the blade – the pressure that wasn't even making the Warrior flinch.
Lobomon glanced over his shoulder, "Little help here, guys?"
Zephyrmon's hands glowed red. "Plasma Pods!"
Beetlemon raised his fist. "Thunder Fist!"
Kumamon turned into an icicle. "Frozen Tundra!"
Terramon dashed forward. "Chargin' Force!"
Sirenamon prepared her attack. "Tsunami -" However, she stopped. She noticed something in Duskmon's crimson eyes; they were filled with sadness. Why would he be sad? He should be anything but that emotion. So why? It didn't make any sense.
Juhimon noticed the same thing that Sirenamon noticed. She wasn't sure if they should be fighting Duskmon. She didn't want to leave the others hanging though – she didn't want to leave Lobomon hanging either. However due to Juhimon's hesitation, she was placed in the position of a spectator as the others' attacks combined together and struck Duskmon. A near blinding flash of light was caused by the attack and it overtook the whole cleaning.
Bokomon watched the dust that was kicked up, "Now that outta quiet him down!"
There was obviously something wrong though when Lobomon's head snapped to look around, "Where'd he go?"
Duskmon was above them, floating in the sky. Looking down upon them – there wasn't a single scratch on him. His eyes might've been focused on them but suddenly the eyeballs upon his armors all moved until they were fixed upon the group below him.
"Deadly Gaze!" Red lasers shot from the armor's eyes.
Lobomon, Zephyrmon, Beetlemon, Kumamon, and Terramon all moved out of the way. It was a good thing that they did because Duskmon's destructive power was revealed when it tore through the first few layers of ground as if they were butter. The explosion that it caused was massive tore up the ground farther away from the initial spot hit as well.
Bokomon stared at the scene uncomfortable, "Or make him fight harder."
Duskmon descended and landed on the ground, "Your efforts against me are pitiful. Surely, you have more power than that."
"Hey, we're just getting warmed up." BurningGreymon sounded pained but confident.
The eyes on Duskmon's shoulders turned to look at BurningGreymon before Duskmon himself turned around. BurningGreymon, who Duskmon had landed in front of, was pushing himself up.
"What?" Duskmon seemed taken aback by the fact that BurningGreymon was getting up.
BurningGreymon pushed himself up, off of his knees, "Don't take us too lightly, you big eyeball. You want power? I'll show ya power! Wildfire Tsunami!"
The fire that was spawned from BurningGreymon burned brightly and hotly. A flaming vortex took form around the Beast of Flame before being flung at Duskmon. The vortex swallowed him whole and unforgivingly.
BurningGreymon stared on, admiring his handiwork, "Now that's what I'm talking about!"
"Takuya, get out of there!" Lobomon shouted and rushed to him with the others behind him as he saw that BurningGreymon was just standing there.
BurningGreymon was annoyed, "Why?! I just defeated him!" His colleague should be praising him. He defeated Duskmon! HIM! With just one blast!
Lobomon stopped in front of him, "All of us combined weren't able to defeat him and you think you did it by yourself?!"
"Well, yeah." For BurningGreymon it didn't really seem like a question.
Lobomon groaned and turned away, "Just come on!"
"I mean I hit him pretty good, didn't I guys? Uh, guys?" BurningGreymon flew after his friends that were leaving him behind.
Left behind the was vortex of fire that had swallowed Duskmon. There was no sign of it giving out and there was no sign of him. That is until the end of Duskmon's gauntlet stuck out of the fire – the flames moving around it instead of burning it. With a flick of his arm, the Warrior of Darkness dispelled his fiery prison, unfazed.
Duskmon looked in the direction that they had fled, "We are not finished yet."
Deeper into the forest was the group – just walking along. Leading the group this time was Koji though, unlike usual. Takuya was the one in the back trailing along behind the group – his arms behind his head. Takuya was confused. Why did Koji suggest they run away? He defeated Duskmon with his most powerful attack. There wasn't a sign of the Warrior of Darkness anywhere! That deserve a pat on the back and a cheer of gratitude. But did he get any? NO! Instead they turned tail and ran.
J.P. glanced around the forest, "Man, the Dark Continent sure is dark."
"You know guys, the more I think about it, the more I think I really did beat that guy." Takuya's overconfident words got an annoyed groan out of everyone.
Takuya stared at the group that had their backs to him, "I can't believe an attack that powerful wouldn't do something serious to him. You know."
No one glanced back to Takuya. No one responded to Takuya. No one even made an indication that they had heard him.
"Fine." Takuya took note that everyone was ignoring him and got angry.
J.P. looked towards the others, "Do you guys hear something that sounds like someone talking?"
"Not me, but if I did hear that, I'd say it's getting pretty annoying." Koji had no problem playing into J.P.'s game.
Amelia grimaced, 'Even if Takuya is annoying, this isn't the time to be fighting amongst ourselves.'
Kyle gave a nervous laugh as he took in what was happening. He didn't say anything because he didn't want to cause an argument – an argument that he could already sense coming though. It was more like not speeding up the countdown to the unavoidable agreement, possible blow out, that was going to happen over this topic.
Takuya narrowed his eyes towards the sky, annoyed and angry, "Very funny, guys. You can play your little game all you want, but I'm telling you, that guy is toast. There is just no way he can stand there and take that fire attack of mine."
Meredith glanced towards Takuya, 'Can't you see the way you're acting, dude?' She didn't say the words that she thought aloud though – unsure of how Takuya would react.
"Yeah right, were you in some other fight? He took all our attacks and didn't even flinch." Koji was done talking about it but he also knew Takuya was hard headed – sadly this point had to get through Takuya's hard head.
"Ah, so you can hear me now, huh? Well then riddle me this smart guy, how can you be so sure about what happened after you made us all run away?" Takuya's retort gave a feeling of bitterness and an animosity that hadn't been heard from him yet.
"Do you really think he's alive?" Zoe didn't sound completely believing of the question she asked.
"There's no doubt about it at all. None of us did any serious damage to him." Koji didn't miss a beat in answering Zoe's question.
Tommy stopped walking, "So how are we supposed to beat him?"
Koji paused and looked back, "I don't know. We'll find some place safe to come up with a plan."
Tommy hung his head and Takuya came to a stop beside him. There was a hint of worry and curiosity in Takuya's eyes as he looked at Tommy.
"Then we'll never have a plan. There's no place safe in this world." Tommy's words was sorrowful and it caused everyone to shift the slightest bit due to being uncomfortable.
"You're wrong!" Eyes turned to DemiVeemon when he suddenly shouted, "You guys make places safe! Together you guys kick the bad guys' butt all the time! The first time is always a test, right? We'll get 'em next time!"
Meredith gave an encouraging smile, "He's sort of right, look at Daemon. We weren't really doing anything to him, but we beat him."
Takuya looked from Tommy, agitated, "You know what, Koji, this is all your fault. If you just hadn't been so eager to turn tail and run-"
Koji narrowed his eyes, "Just what are you saying?"
Takuya curled his hand into a fist and raised it, "I'm saying that if we'd only stuck around and worked as a team, we might have beaten him."
Meredith barely stopped herself from butting in. For once she truly believed that Takuya was wrong. But she was actually afraid to call him out – terrified in fact. 'What if he gets angry and ends our friendship?' Just the thought made her heart clench.
"And what do you know about working as a team?" Koji's words knocked Takuya off guard.
"Wha-what do you mean?" Takuya sounded taken aback. Working as a team? Wasn't he doing that already?
Koji stared right at Takuya, unflinching at the butting of heads, "I mean, you didn't look too much like a team player when you went charging in against Duskmon by yourself, did you?"
Takuya was confused, "Huh?" A memory triggered quickly though and the gogglehead recalled how he had charged into the dust cloud. He lowered his head slightly as he glared at Koji.
"You could have been hurt, Takuya. Or we all could have been!" Koji stressed the words – trying to get the point across to Takuya.
"So-!"
Bokomon jumped in quickly, with a fist in palm he cut Takuya off, "Well I famished, who wants to eat?"
Takuya leaned forward and you could practically see the steam coming off of him, "Are you kidding me! We are right in a middle of an argument!"
Bokomon merely held his paw out towards Takuya, "Being angered easily is a sure sign that you're hungry. Now let's have something to eat and discuss this like civilized people, if you can."
Neemon threw both of his paws into the air, "Yeah, let's eat!"
Zoe grinned and raised her hand, "I'll second that motion!"
Tommy also raised his hand, "Count me in!"
J.P. looked to his stomach as he grabbed it, "Yeah, I'm wasting away to nothing."
"And it will keep Takuya's mouth occupied." Bokomon cut Takuya a look as he spoke the words.
Takuya groaned and turned his head away as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Meredith stared at Takuya though – worried about him. She could see that he was becoming overconfident – it worried her because he might get in over his head and get hurt.
A tense silence fell over the group as they started to walk once more. Takuya was the last to move and was once again pulling up the back of the group. The forest gave way to some ruins that the group quickly decided would serve as a rest stop for them. Everyone split up to work on gathering supplies – food to eat, firewood and actually making a fire. As everyone split off though, Amelia caught Meredith's arm – stopping her.
Amelia hesitated, "Can I ask you a question?"
Meredith nodded, "Sure, what's up?"
Amelia bit her lip as she thought about how to phrase her question. She wasn't even completely sure about asking Meredith but she wanted to know. But it's been nagging her in the back of her mind since encountering Duskmon and Meredith is the closest she feels more comfortable with explaining her worry.
"Is something wrong?" Amelia quickly shook her head at Meredith's worried question.
"N-no, I was just wondering why you didn't attack Duskmon back there." The words tumbled out of Amelia's mouth quickly.
Meredith was surprised by Amelia's question in a way. She knew that Amelia hadn't attacked either so she knew it couldn't come from a place of annoyance that she had stayed out of the battle.
"Something just, seemed off about Duskmon. I was going to attack, but the sadness in his eyes stopped me." Meredith watched as Amelia released her arm and stepped back.
Amelia looked off to the side as she ran a hand through her hair, 'I'm not the only one then. Something is off about Duskmon.'
"You didn't attack either, right?" Amelia absentmindedly nodded to the question.
"Yeah – I couldn't bring myself to attack him." The answer surprised Meredith.
'Did she see it too?' Meredith had thought she was crazy to have seen it but if Amelia saw it as well, it meant that she wasn't crazy.
Amelia was too busy to realize what she had said right away due to her mind wondering back to Duskmon. Thinking back she was able to see what Meredith had seen. There was a small hint of sadness in Duskmon's eyes. That sadness made her gut tightened.
"You saw it as well then." Amelia shook her head and her eyes wondered back to Meredith.
Amelia crossed her arms, "Not until you mentioned it."
"Then why didn't you attack?" It made no sense to Meredith – what reason had Amelia held back if she hadn't noticed it.
Amelia sighed, "Duskmon is the Legendary Warrior of Darkness right? Why are we fighting a Legendary Warrior? It makes no sense to me. Our enemies are the Demon Lords who are after the Spirits – which Duskmon holds at least one of."
Meredith blinked before her eyes widened – realizing what Amelia was talking about. Something clicked in Meredith's head – the look in Duskmon's eyes and what Amelia said connected.
"What if he's not our enemy? Well, not our enemy by choice? What if the Demon Lords are using Duskmon for something or has something held over his head to make him fight us? Duskmon could be a human like us that Spirit Evolves – we also have one Legendary Warrior unaccounted for. What if-"
"Amelia, hold up." Meredith cut Amelia off – grabbing her shoulders.
"Even if he's being controlled, we'll still have to fight him more than likely." As Meredith spoke she searched Amelia's eyes.
'We need everyone if it comes down to a fight.' The thought of having to fight Duskmon wasn't one that Meredith wanted to think about, but it was almost inevitable.
"I know that, trust me. I don't want my friends hurt, but if my thoughts are correct – I want to help Duskmon. I remember what it was like having to do something that broke your heart to help someone." The haunted look of courage and confidence in Amelia's eyes as she spoke unnerved Meredith slightly.
"What else happened?" Meredith softly asked the question.
"I have to raise my own sister – I have to be her parent and sister. Trust me it isn't always sunshine and rainbows – sometimes I have to break my own sister's heart and be screamed at, told that she hates me because I'm unfair and I don't understand – told that things are my fault when all I'm doing is trying my best for the both us, even when I'm hurting over everything that happened." Meredith gulped at Amelia's words.
"While I will protect my friends, I want to help Duskmon if he needs help." Meredith backed off of Amelia when she firmly stated it, staring directly into her eyes.
"Mama?" DemiVeemon cut in as he returned from looking around.
"Is something wrong?" Kyaromon asked it as he looked between Amelia and Meredith.
Amelia smiled, "Nothing's wrong Kyaromon."
"Find anything?" Meredith as it as she crouched down in front of DemiVeemon.
DemiVeemon shook his head, but there was a smile on his face, "Nope!"
In the distance Duskmon was roving the forest, looking for the group of Warriors. Seeing the Warrior of Darkness coming, Pipismon vacated the area quickly with looks of fear.
Duskmon noticed something in the distance, "Hah, my search will be short-lived, as will they."
It wasn't too long later that everyone gathered together around the fire that J.P. had started and Zoe had gathered wood for. Takuya and Tommy had brought the food that they had cooked over the fire. Everyone looked from their apples as Takuya finished telling his plan.
"So that is your big plan?!" Everyone, minus Koji, couldn't help but voice their surprise.
With all eyes on Takuya and Tommy they just nodded. They didn't say anything at all, they just nodded. They looked so proud.
"How long did it take you to come up with 'attack all at once'? A second?" It was easy to tell that Zoe was unimpressed by the plan.
J.P. on the other hand was slightly annoyed, "Yeah, we tried that already. Remember?"
Takuya grinned widely and raised a hand, shaking his finger, "Now, now, now. I realize it may look like the same plan, but once I lay it out for you, you'll see plenty of differences."
Tommy hummed as he nodded, grinning away and still looking as proud as can be. As Takuya looked to Tommy his face changed slightly – it was harder than usual.
"Alright Tommy, show them the plan." Takuya sounded a bit like a drill sergeant with the order.
Tommy looked to Takuya, "One plan, coming up." Turning back to the stone table in front of him Tommy pulled out a Duskmon figurine and sat it down, "Now, say this is Duskmon."
Everyone approached the stone table that the Duskmon figurine had been placed. Attention was more on the figurine than the potential plan that was behind the figurine.
Zoe smiled as she looked over the figurine, "Wow Tommy, did you make that?"
Tommy gave a proud nod, "Mmhmm."
"Man, it looks just like him." J.P. was happily surprised.
Takuya cut in, "I helped too, you know. Now back to the plan." Takuya sat an Agunimon figurine in front of the Duskmon figurine, "I'll spirit evolve to Agunimon and stop him."
Attention was truly on the figurines since all eyes focused on them.
"Do I get my own doll, too?" Zoe cut Takuya off.
J.P. nodded, "Yeah, I want one."
Tommy and Takuya raised their hands, revealing that they had created figurines of everybody.
Tommy smiled proudly as he revealed the ones he held, "Ha, ha!"
"I wouldn't leave you out. Everyone's in the plan so everyone gets one. But let's get back to my idea." Takuya sounded happy but he rushed through – trying to drive it back towards the plan.
Neemon's ears dropped and Bokomon rested his head on the table – both dishearten.
"Apparently we don't exist, Neemon." Neemon whined as Bokomon spoke.
Takuya sat the figurines down on the table, "Okay, so once I've stopped him, everyone will Beast Spirit evolve, then MetalKabuterimon and Korikakumon will move in. Zephyrmon and KendoGarurumon will sneak up on his flank. Sirenamon, Juhimon and Terramon will move to the sides. Then, when I give the signal, we'll all attack." Takuya knocked down Duskmon's figurine, "And that's that. Any questions?"
Tommy looked to Takuya, "Just one. When do we get going?"
Tommy might have been convinced, but it was a different story for the others. Zoe was staring at the figurines as if trying to see it working out. Koji, J.P., Kyle, Meredith and Amelia though seemed rather unconvinced by what had been laid out before them.
"I'm in shock, that looks like it might really work." Zoe got an approving smile from Takuya.
J.P. shook his head, "I don't know, there's still a big problem."
Takuya crossed his arms, "What do you mean? Where's there a problem?"
Something changed when he spoke – Zoe looked unconvinced suddenly while J.P.'s shoulders dropped.
Zoe glanced at Takuya, "Oh yeah, just how do you plan on stopping Duskmon?"
"I mean, he knocked you all over the place last time, and that was your Beast Spirit." J.P.'s frank words agitated Takuya. That was very good point. Hopefully Takuya's answer didn't involve charging forward like the first time.
Takuya looked off to the side, "Yeah, well last time I wasn't on guard, this time I'll know what to expect."
Tommy nodded at Takuya's words – believing in him.
Neemon looked to Bokomon, "He sure is confident."
"Yes and no one can figure out why." Bokomon responded as if no one could hear them.
"I don't like it." Koji finally broke his silence which caused everyone to look to him.
Koji sat by the fire with his arms crossed looking unimpressed and unconvinced. It was the same plan in a different angle. You must be very thick-headed to not see the entire plan. Apparently, that's what Takuya was.
Takuya chuckled slightly, "Aw, what's the matter? Not enough running away for you?" He dropped his voice after the taunt, "I can't believe him. When did he become such a chicken?"
Koji rolled his eyes but didn't move, "Duskmon's different from anyone we've ever fought before. Instead of fighting, we should-"
Takuya cut in, surprised but annoyed by what Koji was saying, "Wait, you're not really thinking of running away, are you?"
"Yes I am." Koji confirmed it without a hesitation or even flinching away from it.
"You're pathetic! What makes you think that we'd be able to get away even if we wanted to?!" Takuya shouted the words.
"Woah now, that is too far Takuya!" The shout tore out of Amelia within a second.
The sudden shout brought attention to her and paused the heated exchange between Takuya and Koji. Everyone was caught off guard by her yelling. While they were recovering from the surprise from Amelia shouting, Meredith picked up the Duskmon figurine. As she held it in her hands she felt it bubble and burn at her – she had to say it. She had to get it off of her chest. She needed to say it out loud.
"Dudes, I have to be honest here. I don't want to fight Duskmon." Meredith broke the silence – snatching attention. That wasn't what they expect hearing from their comrade; on their side, no less!
Zoe attempted a comforting smile, "None of us really want to, Meredith." She thought Meredith's wording meant as a sign of fear as encountering the Warrior of Darkness again.
"We have to fight him eventually though," J.P. glanced at Koji, "No matter how different he is."
"Unless we figure out why he's fighting for the Demon Lords." Amelia muttered the words.
"What did you say?" Takuya called Amelia out.
Amelia looked to Takuya and stared at him for a moment. She crossed her arms and squared her shoulders. The air was tense and it seemed like everyone was waiting for what may come.
"I said we don't have to right now. We should learn more about him before we confront him." Amelia was positive that there was a way to stop Duskmon without having to fight him.
"I'm not surprised that you're thinking of running away." Takuya's words stuck Amelia and she snarled – surprising everyone.
"Listen here buddy boy, you had no problem moving forward and leaving the battle to when we were descended upon before. I don't understand why you suddenly want to take the battle to them. Also, did you see what he did to Beelzemon or are you blind as well as overconfident now?" Amelia spat the words out as she slammed her hands on the stone table.
"What would make you want to fight, Meredith?" Kyle cut in, but glanced between Takuya and Amelia even if he spoke to Meredith.
"How about you come up with something original instead of just doing whatever Koji says, huh? Do you even think for yourself?" Takuya cut Meredith off as he glared at Amelia.
Amelia dropped her head but laughed, "I'm not having this argument with you because I'm not going to waste my breath on someone who's too hard-headed to even consider other options."
"I'm not fighting." Meredith spoke up before Takuya could come up with a retort.
"There's nothing at all? You're sure?" Kyle watched Meredith – hopeful she'd give something.
"No, I'm very sure I won't." Meredith's words were firm and she held Kyle's gaze.
The air was tense and it was obvious that the group was divided.
Takuya looked to Meredith, "If you don't fight with us, it won't work Meredith."
"Maybe we should try to come up with a different plan." Meredith's voice was quiet – hesitant to speak and unsure what Takuya would do.
"You have a problem with my plan, too?" Takuya sounded offended and Meredith gulped. Oh no, he was angry with her. This is what she was afraid of.
"I'm just saying, maybe there should be a Plan B." Meredith offered up the halfhearted words, not wanting to cause another argument.
"You have a plan?" Takuya's question made her flinch.
Meredith gripped the Duskmon figurine, "I don't plan on fighting."
"How about we go back to eating? No matter what happens we're going to need our strength." J.P. spoke up, hoping to stop what was playing out.
"No, no, if we need a Plan B, I'd love to hear another plan. What are you thinking, Meredith?" Takuya pressed the issue and Meredith took a step backwards.
"That's enough, Takuya." Amelia spoke up – having lifted her head and glared at Takuya.
Takuya looked at Amelia, "You don't get to tell me what to do." He turned his attention to Meredith, "Come on, tell me what this Plan B should be."
'I can't…' Meredith turned away, "I... I...I'm going to get more firewood." She couldn't take. She couldn't take her best friend's angry eyes, his tone, the way he put her on the spot… she just couldn't take the pressure. If Takuya can take a deep breath and think for a moment, he'll understand what's at stake. Why couldn't he see it?
Meredith took off away from the group. She ran into the woods to escape the situation. Once there, she did as she said she was going to do – collect firewood. Her mind swam with so many different things as she collected firewood though. Her mind focused on Takuya and the situation that they've found themselves in. Meredith stopped collecting firewood once she had gathered herself and looking at the amount of firewood she collected she nodded and started to head back.
Meredith's trip back to the group was uneventful and peaceful – despite the fact that Duskmon was also lurking in the forest somewhere. As she got back to where everyone else was something caught her attention. Pausing to listen she realized that it sounded like shouting. Worried about what could be going on she followed the sound to where it was coming from. The voices were two that she knew – she wasn't too surprised they were in a shouting match but it did worry her. Hiding behind a wall once she descended the stairs, she peeked out to look at Takuya and Koji.
"Then what are you saying?" Takuya's voice echoed as he shouted.
Koji rushed forwards and grabbed Takuya by the shirt. Takuya was shoved into the wall by Koji. Meredith gasped seeing what had just happened. She hoped Koji wouldn't go that far to prove a point.
"Listen Takuya, You weren't there when I crossed swords with him, okay? I doubt he was using even half his strength against me! That whole fight, all he was doing was playing with us!" Koji tightened his grip on Takuya's shirt.
Takuya looked down, "Yeah, okay, maybe, but we're the good guys, there must be a way to win."
"He's too strong." Koji stressed the words.
Takuya lifted his head and stared at Koji unflinchingly, "I know he's strong, but every time we've run into someone more powerful than us, we've worked together and everything just turned out fine! I really believe that if we just attack as one, we can't lose!"
Koji sighed, "Takuya, open your eyes."
"Open your own eyes, we're more powerful together than you think!" Takuya shouted the words in Koji's face.
Koji released his grip on Takuya's shirt, "You just don't get it, do you? Tell me something, it's obvious you don't care about yourself, but can you promise me the others won't get hurt? Because if you can't, then you might as well just go home now, because I won't let you risk their lives."
Takuya's face hardened, "You're the one who doesn't get it. If we work together we can win – just like we always do."
Koji just sighed, annoyed that Takuya was still on that. Annoyed that her friend was being far too hard-headed about this, Meredith was getting worried.
"What about Meredith?" Koji's question caused Takuya to narrow his eyes at Koji's back.
"What about her?" Takuya was agitated that Koji brought Meredith into it.
"You insist that if we all fight together then we'll win, but Meredith doesn't want to fight Takuya. Are you going to force her to fight?" Meredith stiffened when Koji asked his question – a part of her didn't want to know what Takuya planned to do. It was nerving to hear Koji asking her best friend that.
"It's none of your business." Takuya's were firm.
Koji turned on his heel, "None of my business?! We're a team Takuya and you're trying to have us fight an impossible battle! If someone is forced to fight, they'll hold back!"
Takuya took a step forwards, refusing to back down, "If anything, it'll be your attitude that'll make us fail! You're already accepting defeat before we try!"
Meredith peeked out – getting worried. Sure Takuya and Koji have fought before but this was worse than before. She was worried that they might say something that they regret soon.
"We tried and we got beat Takuya! What's going to go differently from last time?! He took our attacks as if they were nothing!" Koji's hands turned into fists.
"Oh, I don't know maybe this time, everyone will attack? Maybe when you call for help, you won't be abandoned by your mindless puppet." Takuya's words struck a nerve in Koji.
A stunned silence settled over the room. Takuya, on the ground, stared at Koji. He was in shock – Koji had punched him. He glared at Takuya and the rage on his face wasn't like the agitation or angry he showed before. Meredith's shock from watching Koji hit him wore away and was replaced with anger.
'That's too far!' Meredith couldn't stand what Koji had done – no matter what Takuya had said, there was no need to have attacked him.
Meredith moved – walking into the room. Takuya noticed her first and Koji looked over his shoulder when he noticed the gogglehead was looking at something else. His face didn't change a bit when he saw Meredith. The anger on his face struck a chord in Meredith and –
"Sometimes I wish that you were the Warrior of Darkness and not Duskmon!" Words that Meredith didn't truly mean came out of her mouth.
None of them reacted for a second. Meredith stiffened though when the words that she had said registered. She dropped the firewood that she had gathered and promptly turned and fled.
"Meredith!" Takuya shouted her name but she didn't stop.
Takuya picked himself up and went running after his friend, but he was quite a ways behind her. The girl raced out of there and into the forest – not noticing Takuya tailing her at all. Meredith didn't stop running until she was forced to by her burning lungs. Stumbling, she went to a nearby tree and leaned on it. When her legs began to quake she slid down the tree and wrapped her arms around her legs.
"Why do I keep doing that?" Meredith questioned herself – it was the second time she's said something that she hadn't meant to.
Both of the times having been directed at her own friends. Why was she hurting her own friends? Not only was she hurting them, but she couldn't even find it in herself to back her best friend after everything that Takuya had done for her. She held everyone back when she was terrified of the Beast Spirits and now she was holding them back by not wanting to fight Duskmon even though he was after them.
"I can't go back." Meredith muttered the words before she buried her head in her knees.
As she sat there by the tree her mind began to wander farther down the rabbit hole of self-criticism. Nothing was safe from herself either. At first, it was just a small flicker but it consumed her – the darkness. The darkness consumed her, surrounding her and embracing her as if she was a long-lost friend. Meredith didn't bother lifting her head when footsteps reached her ears.
"Go away. I want to be alone." Meredith didn't want to be around her friends because she didn't want to hurt them anymore.
"So fragile." The words caused Meredith's head to snap up.
She stared at Duskmon. Meredith had expected Takuya in truth – he was her best friend and in the past, he had stopped her from going off on her own when upset. She had thought that like times before Takuya had caught up and was going to do his thing to try and cheer her up. Even knowing that it was Duskmon that found her – she couldn't find the strength to be scared. The lonely and saddened look in his eyes didn't help any either – it just made her feel empathic towards him rather than make her feel like she was looking at the enemy.
In truth, in that moment, they had the same look to their eyes. Both of their eyes looked drowned. Perhaps that is why Duskmon felt something worm its way into him. Something about Meredith seemed familiar to him. The girl broke their eye contact. She didn't care about would happen next – even if was him attacking her. She didn't care.
Duskmon surveyed her, "Not going to try and run away from me?"
Meredith laughed slightly at the question, "What does it matter if I did? Nothing matters anymore."
"I can make the guilt go away." Duskmon raised his arm and held a claw out to her.
"How can you even do that? Don't you have your own guilts?" Meredith's question got a chuckle.
"Wouldn't that mean that I know even better how to help you?" The words were almost comforting in a way.
Duskmon wanted to help her? That sounded comforting. It was better than waiting for your demise. If he does destroy her, it wouldn't make much of a difference. Meredith wanted it all to end. All the drama, the loneliness, the pain; she wanted it all gone. She wanted everything to go back to the way it was. Maybe… if her life ended now, would she wake up in her bedroom like waking up from a dream? She'd be up and about and Takuya would come over to play soccer with her like ol' times. Yeah… that sounded really nice.
Meredith eyed the claw, "Is that claw going to hurt?"
"It'll be gentle." For a moment Meredith sat there and took in what Duskmon said.
Raising her eyes, Meredith looked into Duskmon's eyes. The look truly didn't seem like one that would belong to the enemy. She didn't want to fight him, and she couldn't go back either. After what she did, she knew that she wouldn't be accepted. With those thoughts, Meredith reached out and took Duskmon's hand.
"Meredith!" Takuya screamed her name as he came into the clearing – the sight of Meredith having taken Duskmon's hand is the only one he saw.
Duskmon pulled her to her feet, both of them ignoring Takuya as darkness seeped out of the empty eye sockets of Duskmon's gauntlets. The darkness descended upon Meredith and sunk into her. Groans of pains escaped the redhead as the darkness sunk into her.
"What are you doing to her?!" Takuya pulled out his D-Tector as he yelled the words, but he froze the moment that Meredith turned to him.
Takuya was pinned under the glare that she was giving him. Meredith's eyes though were empty – they weren't the eyes that he was used to seeing. Duskmon laughed seeing the gogglehead' reaction. He was startled when Duskmon and Meredith began to disappearing into darkness – there was nothing that he could do though before they completely disappeared.
Takuya stood still for a couple of moments as they disappeared – everything was still processing. It clicked suddenly and he sprang into action. Takuya took off back the way he came because he knew the situation was bad. When he barreled out of the forest and straight to the campsite that the group had made they were all alarmed. Takuya was red-faced and out of breath from running the whole way back.
"Takuya? What happened?" Zoe looked Takuya over as she asked, worried.
"M-Meredith and Duskmon." Takuya had to stop – not enough air to force his words out.
The words that Takuya did get out chilled them. All different kinds of thoughts exploded through their minds. There were so many different things that could've happened. They waited for Takuya to continue when they saw him take a deep breath.
"I went after Meredith and when I caught up, Duskmon was there. He did something to her – I don't know what. Meredith is with Duskmon – they disappeared into darkness together." Even if Takuya's were a bit disorganized they all understood what he meant.
"Why did Mama run away?" DemiVeemon was on the verge of tears as he asked the worried question.
"Well, you see it's, uh, because." Takuya didn't know how to answer DemiVeemon.
He was saved from having to answer the question because the ground begun to violent shake below them. The group was nearly knocked off of their feet but they managed to remain standing through the earthquake.
"It's him!" No one had to question who Koji meant.
"Execute: Beast Spirit Evolution!" Koji, Zoe, J.P., Tommy, Kyle and Amelia's voice rung out in harmony.
"KendoGarurumon!"
"Zephyrmon!"
"MetalKabuterimon!"
"Korikakumon!"
"Terramon!"
"Juhimon!"
"Execute: Spirit Evolution; Agunimon!"
MetalKabuterimon, Zephyrmon, Korikakumon, and Terramon stared Duskmon down. KendoGarurumon was analyzing him – hoping to predict what would happen next. Agunimon was looking around trying to find Meredith.
MetalKabuterimon was alarmed, "How did he find us so quickly?!"
Duskmon merely tilted his slightly, "Never mind. You won't have long to worry about it."
"Why don't I find that reassuring?" Zephyrmon's voice trembled but she tried to stand strong.
Korikakumon didn't waver at all, "It'll be ok. Just stick to the plan."
"What good is a plan for all of us to attack if we're not all here?" Zephyrmon voiced the one thought that they kind of was hoping to ignore – Meredith wasn't with them.
Agunimon laughed slightly, "I guess we couldn't of run away from this guy even if we wanted to, Koji."
KendoGarurumon merely glanced at Agunimon – there was no time to fight against each other though so KendoGarurumon didn't say a word in retort to Agunimon. Meanwhile Bokomon, Neemon, DemiVeemon and Kyaromon watched from a safe distance.
Neemon smiled, "I sure hope the plan works."
Bokomon only had a smile out of worry, "It'd better, it's all we have."
"This is it, guys! Attack!" Agunimon didn't even waste a second before dashing forwards.
"Wait!" Agunimon didn't even bother to acknowledge KendoGarurumon's shout.
"I guess we have to follow Takuya's plan, now." MetalKabuterimon's words received an annoyed growl from KendoGarurumon.
"Hey don't worry, it's a good plan." Korikakumon's words were reassuring – well supposed to be reassuring at least.
"It's not." Juhimon didn't bother to stop herself from bluntly saying her opinion this time.
Terramon glanced at her, "You're wrong, hopefully."
"You're against all of us together, Duskmon!" Agunimon had his eyes set on his goal, Duskmon, without a plan of stopping.
Duskmon was unfazed and didn't bother to move. There was no need to seeing as Agunimon came a screeching halt seconds after his words. Meredith had shown up but she didn't stand with her friends – she stood with Duskmon.
"Meredith." Agunimon got no response from her, so he turned his attention to Duskmon, "What did you do to her!?"
Duskmon laughed, "I didn't do anything – I just simply helped her."
"Execute! Spirit Evolution!" Meredith's words and actions caused everyone to freeze.
"Sakanamon." Her voice was darker than it had ever been.
Sakanamon raised her arm and pointed towards them, "Turquoise Rain!"
The usual clouds appeared but there were multiple clouds and rain descended from them. With everyone getting their own clouds they were all at risk of getting their strength sapped from them. Agunimon was too surprised to move so he was getting drenched while the others got a few drops but moved quickly out of the rain.
"It doesn't seem like everyone's on the same page though." Duskmon taunted them and that broke Agunimon out of his shock.
Agunimon forced himself out of the rain despite how weak he felt suddenly. The water that covered his armor though became steam as his body temperature went through the roof. With every slow step strength flooded back in and soon Agunimon was dashing forwards once – swerving around Sakanamon though.
"You'll pay for doing this to her!" Agunimon screamed the words – his anger though blinded him.
"Agunimon!" Korikakumon and Zephyrmon cried out when Sakanamon's Tempest Whirlpool slammed into his side – sending him flying.
As Agunimon flew through the air there was a small spark of recognition in Sakanamon's eyes. When Agunimon hit the ground and started to slide across it a tear fell from her blank eyes. Despite the tears, Sakanamon started to move to attack as to attack once more.
"Juhimon!" The surprised shout came from MetalKabuterimon.
The surprised shout came from the fact that Juhimon had moved without anyone noticing and slammed into Sakanamon as a ball of wood. The Warrior of Water stumbled backwards and turned to look at Juhimon who was now on her feet. There was no thorns or spikes present on the Beast of Wood's body at the moment – it was the reason why Sakanamon hadn't been hurt.
"No matter the enemy, I'll protect my friends Sakanamon – you're my friend as well though. You don't want to fight us so don't." Sakanamon backed away and the tears started to roll down her cheeks.
Agunimon hated what he had just witnessed, but for the moment he pushed it away. He turned his attention to Duskmon as he got to his feet. Once again he raced towards the dark Digimon – this time no one stopped him. Jumping into the air Agunimon flung fire at Duskmon that was easily evaded. The Warrior of Flame attempted his Pyro Tornado attack and there was a moment of cheer when he hit him and managed to make Duskmon turn his head.
Duskmon laughter cut the cheers off, "You fool, did you learn nothing from our last meeting?"
There was a slight shake in Agunimon's body, "No, I can't lose!"
Inside of the Spirit Evolution, Takuya shook, 'But how can I win?'
Agunimon raised his fist with and angry shout and rushed Duskmon.
Bokomon stared with wide eyes, "Well, Takuya's finally lost it."
Agunimon punched Duskmon time and time again – there was nothing happening to him. Duskmon didn't even flinch or bat an eye at Agunimon's continued frenzy of punches. The flame Digimon stopped punching after a couple of moments – backing away out of breath.
"Are you finished?" Duskmon calmly asked the question to a shaking Agunimon.
Agunimon stared at Duskmon, "He's so strong!"
Inside of the Spirit Evolution Takuya was panicking slightly, 'I can't beat this guy! There's just no way!' Takuya's mind flashed back to what he had said to Koji and his face contorted into a desperate look that could've been confused with confidence. 'Well, I guess I've better find out if I'm right. It's time to go to work, guys.'
Agunimon rushed forward ready to punch but at the last second he jumped to the side and maneuver behind Duskmon. Agunimon hooked his arms under Duskmon's, but Duskmon merely looked over his shoulder to Agunimon.
"Attack now!" Agunimon cried the order out.
Zephyrmon took to the sky, "That's our cue!"
The others started to move as well, "Right!"
MetalKabuterimon and Korikakumon was in front of Duskmon while Zephyrmon and KendoGarurumon was behind him on either side. Terramon was directly behind Duskmon. Juhimon begrudgingly found herself to one of Duskmon's sides – only because he had done something to Sakanamon was Juhimon planning to fight. As Juhimon moved though she took on her bigger form.
Meredith watched from the inside of her own Spirit Evolution, 'No guys, don't do it.'
Agunimon tightened his grip, "It's over, Duskmon. You're finished. Let him have it!"
"Hurricane Gale!"
"Lupine Laser!"
"Bolo Thunder!"
"Avalanche Axes!"
"Bullzooka Blast!"
"Leaf Torrent!"
At the last second Agunimon jumped so he was out of the way of the attacks. The attacks combined as they hit Duskmon and it became a massive rainbow colored dome that gave off an intense amount of light.
Agunimon stared at the dome with a big grin on his face, "Alright!"
Despite the appearance, Duskmon still stood within the dome. He wasn't the least bit fazed either. He straightened himself slightly and the rainbow dome collapsed inwards – being sucked into him. As the melded attacks were absorbed they all watched on in horror.
"He absorbed all of their attacks." Bokomon looked and sounded defeated.
Agunimon landed behind Duskmon, "It's not possible!"
Duskmon looked behind him, "You shall be first."
In a split second Duskmon was in front of Agunimon, staring down at him. Agunimon reflexively took a step back.
"No!" KendoGarurumon was worried.
Duskmon raised his blade above his head and Agunimon shook – knowing what was coming. Closing his eyes, Agunimon braced himself for what was going to come.
Zephyrmon, MetalKabuterimon, Korikakumon, Juhimon and Terramon, "Koji!"
Agunimon opened his eyes at the shout – only to be surprised by the sight before him. KendoGarurumon had leapt in front of Agunimon, taking the attack for him. Fractal Code was quick to consume KendoGarurumon and spit Koji back out. Groaning Koji dropped to the ground painfully.
Sakanamon's eyes were flooded with light and tears, "Koji! KOJI!"
A wave of darkness exploded out of Sakanamon as everything rushed through her mind. She ran to Agunimon and Koji.
Agunimon dropped to a knee, "Koji!"
Duskmon's eyes fell to Koji, "K-Koji."
Agunimon picked an pained Koji up. He was groaning in pain.
"Koji, why?! KOJI!" Agunimon wanted answers as to why he had done that.
For some reason Agunimon's scream of Koji's name echoed in Duskmon's mind. Duskmon hunched over slightly as he started to back away growling.
"What? What is it?!" Duskmon sounded almost pained.
Zephyrmon watched, confused, "What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know, he's acting weird." Korikakumon came with the obvious statement.
MetalKabuterimon laughed slightly, "No kidding."
'Could it be?' Juhimon was surprised but watched, analyzing the way that Duskmon reacted.
Duskmon closed his eyes and growled, "What is happening?"
"This is all my fault! Oh, Koji!" Agunimon was ashamed at himself.
Sakanamon cried just a bit harder, "Koji, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean what I said to you! I didn't mean any of it! Please wake up!"
Juhimon was worried about Koji, but instead of going to him she stalked closer to Duskmon. Carefully and slowly – cautiously because she didn't know what to expect since Duskmon seemed to be going off the rails. Juhimon was a bit worried about him too.
"Ahh! Koji!" Duskmon doubled over before standing back up – darkness seeped out of him.
The darkness spread from him and consumed everything and everyone. Zephyrmon, MetalKabuterimon, and Korikakumon were alarmed as they were consumed by it while Terramon stiffened and went on guard. Juhimon closed her eyes to focus on her other senses – not sure what would happen now that they were all effectively blind. Agunimon and Sakanamon looked up and was able to see before they were consumed though.
Takuya and Meredith woke up – besides each other they were completely alone. There was nothing around them that they could see though since everything besides a mere circle of light was bathed in darkness.
"Where, where are we?" Takuya asked the question as he looked around.
The darkness was broken by what looked like huge eyes. Multiple rings of red were within the eyes and in the center was the black pupil with red in the very center.
"The Dark Terminal." The voice echoed – slow and low.
"The Dark Terminal?" Meredith parroted the name back.
"End of the line, kids. Where you go where you have nowhere else to go." As it spoke the source came into view – a Trailmon and the 'eyes' were just fixtures of the train.
Takuya looked completely solemn, "End of the line, huh?"
There was nothing but sadness on Takuya's face, "That sounds right. It's where guys like me end up. Guys who hurt their friends."
As the memories erupted in Meredith's mind she covered her face, "What have I done? What am I? What am I?!"
"We both messed up." Takuya looked up with lights shined from the bottom of the Trailmon.
"It's decision time. You want to head home?" The question surprised them both.
Takuya stared defeatedly, "What do you mean? Seriously? We can go home?"
Alone in a train station – it was only them and the Dark Trailmon.
"Express to your world. You already bought your tickets." The was a pause following Dark Trailmon's words.
"I don't know. Maybe I should stay and help my friends." Despite his words, he began to walk towards one of the train cabins, "But then again, when have I really helped them?"
Meredith followed, "If you're going, I'm going."
"You should stay." Takuya's words were half-hearted.
"I'm sorry, but I can't stay here another minute." Meredith's words were drowned in sorrow and regret.
"Ok. Let's go." At Takuya's words they stopped in front of the door.
Dark Trailmon opened the door, "All aboard."
Takuya and Meredith boarded the train without even looking back.
"Good luck, guys." Just as Takuya said it the Trailmon started to move.
"Stay safe." Meredith barely spoke the words loud enough to be heard.
The Dark Trailmon chugged away into the darkness – leaving the Digital World behind.
Wait a minute. They can't just go home. What about Koji and saving the world? You have got to catch the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!