First, I like to apologize for having you wait for such a long time. Jeabird has had it really hard these past few years. Amelia belongs to Jeabird, Kyle belongs to Heisei255, and I thank them, and Black Cat Angel for helping me with this story.
Feeling guilty about what happened to their friends, Takuya and Meredith took DarkTrailmon back to the real world. But on the way home, they turned into these freaky half human, half Digimon. Talk about an identity crisis. Then to make matters worse, they returned to the same day they left for the Digital World. Thinking everything would go back to normal if they never left, Takuya tried to stop himself from getting on the train. But Duskmon kept getting in the way. Takuya finally realized he couldn't run from his fears, so both he and Meredith decided to go back to the Digital World and face the music. And something tells me this time, things are gonna be different.
Agunimon and Sakanamon stood side by side. Before them was a giant crater where they had once been. The area was barren with no sign of movement or any sign of anything really. The air was even rather still – no breeze stirred which didn't help the silence that hung over the former battlefield.
Agunimon couldn't believe his eyes, 'Everyone's gone. How could they have survived this?' He collapsed to his knees, 'Guys, I'm so sorry.' The anger at himself that welled up was taken out on the ground that was now beneath his fists. "This is all my fault! My plan was useless." Just for his mistake, his friends paid the price. Why didn't he listen to Koji? Some leader he turned out to be. Why didn't he think about his actions sooner?!
"Yeah, it was." The words didn't taste good in Sakanamon's mouth, but they were the truth.
Agunimon closed his eyes, it hurt not knowing what happened to everyone else, 'Koji was right. I risked everyone's lives!' He forced himself to his feet, "We have to find them." There was no proof if the others were are truly gone. They had to be close by!
Agunimon took off running, "Tommy, Koji, Zoe, J.P., Bokomon, Neemon, anyone!"
Sakanamon was off as well, hoping someone would answer their calls, "Amelia, Kyle, DemiVeemon, Kyaromon!"
: Koji and Amelia :
Sounds of Digimon echoed through the air, twisted trees lined the pathway. One such tree was currently being heavily leaned on by none other than Koji. Winded and exhausted it took a lot of strength to remain upright. Took a lot of willpower to keep moving. Amelia, who was once against following him, was eyeing him. She was worried about him. Koji had shielded Takuya while he had been KendoGarurumon only to get hurt enough to get kicked out. Whatever had happened after they lost their sight had hit his actual human body full force. Even if they felt pain in their Spirit Evolutions there was a bit of a dampening of it – be it because of the armor or because perhaps their bodies became partly Digital. The fact that Koji seemed to be worse off than her made the worry she felt for him even worse.
Koji pushed off the tree, his steps were shaky without anything to hold onto, "I don't get it. Why didn't Duskmon finish me off when he had the chance?" He was in so much pain, Koji didn't know what was going on. All he remembered was Duskmon screaming in agony. Either he was in deep pain or hallucinating, Koji could've sworn Duskmon was yelling his name like the Warrior of Darkness had made a grave mistake. Next thing he knew, he woke up with Amelia next to him; everyone else was not with them.
Amelia was quick to catch up with him, worried that his strength might give out. Koji was hurting and he was too proud to probably admit he could use help walking – Amelia wasn't going to push it even though she wanted. As Amelia caught up to him, before she could speak, she noticed that there was a castle in the distance. Seeing as that was the first true structure she's seen, she was weary of it. Amelia focused her attention on Koji when he tripped, her hands had shot out to help him balance himself even if he had caught him.
"I'm not quite sure, but I know for certain that there is something different about him. Something isn't right with him." The 'battle' flashed in her head – Amelia had a feeling that there was a reason why Duskmon was working with the Demon Lords, something that if they knew they could use against him.
Koji looked at her, "What do you mean?"
Amelia chewed on her lip, "I noticed it after Takuya shouted your name. The way Duskmon reacted to it – it was strange. It was as if he knew you. Not to mention, I don't know if I actually heard it or not in a way or if maybe Juhimon has a lot sharper hearing but, it was almost as if there was a small change in Duskmon's voice." So he wasn't imagining it.
Something about Duskmon just bugged Amelia. There was something about him that was off. She wasn't sure if it dealt with him being a Warrior like them or not.
"Is that why you didn't want to fight?" Koji asked the question he had been wondering – he knew Amelia wasn't blindly following his words but hadn't had the chance to question it.
Amelia hesitated, she wasn't sure what reaction she'd get, "Honestly, I wondered if Duskmon is truly our enemy. Is he our enemy by choice or did the Demon Lords do something to him or are they holding something over him? Duskmon is the Warrior of Darkness and so far, he's the only Legendary Warrior that's been against us – even if they had Spirits before. That thought, it made me wonder if like us he's a human with a D-Tector."
: Tommy, J.P., Kyle and Zoe :
Shackled and chained to a wall Tommy, J.P., Zoe and Kyle were awake and watching as a group of Datamon sat on a stone like table out of their reach with their D-Tectors in their hands.
"Stop! Leave that alone!" Zoe's plea fell on deaf ears – then again Datamon didn't have any ears that were in eyesight, so who knew if the Digimon even had ears.
J.P. was watching Datamon worriedly, "Hey, stop messing around with our D-Tectors!"
The three Datamon continued to poke and prod at the D-Tectors with the spiked kind of objects that exuded from their hands. None of them cared at all about the children yelling at them – either too focused on the task at hand or not caring to listen.
Tommy, fed up, leaned forward slightly trying to strain against his holdings, "Come on, give 'em back to us!"
Kyle sighed, "I'm starting to think they don't have ears."
For a moment, all three Warriors paused – almost horrified. The Datamon that was poking at J.P.'s D-Tector either used electricity to spark the D-Tector or the D-Tector sparked at it when it prodded at the side a bit harder.
"You'll break them!" Zoe's shout got no reaction from the Datamon.
"I'm warning you!" The electricity sparked just a bit more at J.P.'s words, either coincidentally or just to maybe make J.P. a little angrier.
"Stop it!" Tommy, like Zoe, merely got ignored by the Datamon.
Kyle curled an eyebrow up, "Can you mon even hear us?"
It was official, J.P. was angry and just done, "Execute, now!"
J.P.'s call might have gotten no reaction from the Datamon, at first, that is, but it caused his D-Tector to react. Glowing, the D-Tector left the hands of the Datamon that had been holding it coming towards him.
J.P. grinned, "Yes!"
The glowing D-Tector passed over the heads of the Datamon who just watched curiously, none of them made a move to grab it. Which the Warriors found out why not even seconds later. The moment it reached the air above the edge of the table there was a shimmer of a forcefield and the glowing stopped. The D-Tector dropping to the table with a thud as whatever had happened fizzled out.
J.P. fought to keep the frustrated groan in, "No!", but failed.
Watching the now lifeless once again D-Tector caused the four to deflate a little. Seeing their hopes dashed like that left a defeated taste in their mouths.
J.P. hung his head, "Aw man, what's the use?"
Tommy frowned hearing the defeated tone, "Don't say that. We can't give up. I'm sure Koji, Amelia, Meredith or Takuya will find a way to save us."
Zoe tried to smile, tried to be reassuring, "We have to believe in them."
"I want to, but it's hard." J.P. was honest – it hurt to admit it but it was the truth, especially after what had happened before they wound up chained to a wall. How long would they wait for their friends to come save them? For all they knew, Duskmon's blast would have either obliterated them or scattered them across the land - farther than where they are. Could the others save them in time? All this doubt weighs on J.P.'s mind.
Kyle frowned but he didn't get to say anything due to the sound of a door clicking open cutting him off. The sound of a door clicking open drew the Warrior's attention – walking down the bridge towards them was Barbamon and Lilithmon. Well Barbamon seemed to float a few millimeters off of the ground rather than walk on it.
Barbamon looked down his nose towards the Datamon, "Any news, like the Spirits being ours?"
Datamon shook their heads, "Mm-mm. Mm-mm."
"So, they can hear." Kyle muttered it as he now cast a scowl at the Datamon.
Barbamon looked towards the chained Warriors, "You three could spare everyone a little pain and just give the Spirits to us."
Zoe glared, "Forget it, wannabe-wizard! We're not telling you anything! Not today, not tomorrow, not ever! So you might as well just let us down before we get mad!"
Lilithmon grimaced, "Such insolence – wouldn't it loosen their tongues if we perhaps just taught them a small lesson, for say making them watch as one of them suffered a little?"
Barbamon sighed and cast his partner a look, "You lack patience – if we keep them around the others will surely come to their rescue."
"Aren't you tired of wasting your time with these children? It'd be so much quicker if we just made them tell us." Lilithmon's words were accompanied by, surprisingly, puppy dog eyes towards Barbamon.
"It'd be a waste to use our strength for information that I doubt they have, but, whatever. I already know you won't listen to me." As if proving him right as he was speaking Lilithmon had already creeped closer to the chained Warriors.
"I have quite the idea of how to get you to talk." The grin that twisted onto Lilithmon's face made Zoe, who was face to face with Lilithmon, falter for a moment out of fear.
"Get away from her!" J.P. in a fit of courage screamed, which pulled Lilithmon's attention to him.
"Oh, perhaps you're volunteering then? How chivalrous of you, how about I honor your offer?" A deadly smirk painted Lilithmon's face as she approached J.P.
: Agunimon and Sakanamon :
Agunimon sprinted through the forest, "Come on guys! Where are you? Where'd everybody go?"
Sakanamon was hot on Agunimon's heels, there were two ideas racing through Sakanamon's minds. Neither of them were good though. One scenario saw that everyone was angry at Agunimon and was hiding from them while the other saw the others captured or worse by their enemies. While one might be better than the other she was hoping neither were true and they'd find them soon.
"Dudes?! Answer us if you can hear us!" Sakanamon's voice was edged with a plea, she was scared for and worried about her friends.
Agunimon saw rain and came to halt, "Huh?" only to looking around and realize it wasn't actually raining, "Wow, nothing. That's weird. I could've sworn it was raining."
Seconds after the words left his mouth there was a distant rumble of thunder. The rumble was followed by rain starting. Both were amazed, standing there as rain washed over them – sliding down Agunimon's armor even though some evaporated while the water over Sakanamon's skin was soothing to a degree.
Sakanamon glanced at Agunimon, "It is now."
Agunimon watched as it rained, "How is this possible? It's like I knew that it was gonna rain. I can feel the power of nature."
Sakanamon nodded, "I'm starting to sense it, too."
"Everything's finally starting to make sense." There was a gleam of knowledge in Agunimon's eyes even though mentally he was going back, back to when he first acquired the Spirit of Flames, "Ophanimon told me coming here was my destiny. Ah, it's funny. I had always felt that I was meant to do something special. When I stood in that circle, surrounded by light, I thought I knew what it was. I remember that first moment when the power of Agunimon was coursing through me. I felt as if I could do anything. There wasn't anyone that could beat me. I knew that I was going to save the Digital World and destroy any evil Digimon that tried to stop me. Battle after battle, my strength grew, but so did my confidence. But that was the problem. I was so wrapped up in myself, I never realized what being a Digimon was all about. There was no connection between me and the world around me. But now there is. And I won't forget it."
Sakanamon closed her eyes as she lent her head back, soaking in her element washing over her, "I won't either." There was just something extra calming now standing in the rain as Sakanamon. "When I became Sakanamon I had the strength to truly help those around me. Had the strength to stand up for myself and change how things were happening than being forced to stand back and to just play along. That strength paled in comparison to my fear when I was faced with Sirenamon. Getting to speak to her though and conquering that fear? It's made me stronger and appreciate the world around me more – the connections only continued to deepen after that. No matter what we face, we can't let our fear control us because it isn't just us, it's everyone. Together, we're able to beat anything."
It was as if their words had triggered something because after a rumble of thunder the rain stopped. Upon the rain stopping Sakanamon opened her eyes – her eyes sought at those of Agunimon. As if trading unsaid words they smiled at each other, knowingly.
: Tommy, J.P., Kyle and Zoe :
The Datamon had stopped poking and prodding at the D-Tectors and instead chose a different method. It was hammer time for the Datamon – hammering away at the D-Tectors as the Warriors were out of breath, Lilithmon stood in front of them smirking.
Barbamon's eyes swept over everything, "Ready to give in and just tell us what we want to know? Or do you all want a second round of torture that Lilithmon will be more than happy to dish out – even if we do manage to get your Spirits as our own."
As Barbamon was speaking, Koji and Amelia were creeping closer. Trying to get a better eye on the situation that they had stumbled upon without getting seen.
J.P. narrowed his eyes, "I don't know where they are, but sooner or later, they'll show up. And then you'll pay. I promise you!"
Lilithmon merely grinned, "You'll entertain me until then I take it? Make me deserve my punishment?"
"Stop it!" Zoe growled the words out, she was so over the situation.
"Don't make me come down off this wall!" J.P.'s 'threat' merely received chuckles from the two Demons before them.
"Even if we knew, we wouldn't tell you two and betray our friends." Kyle wouldn't betray them but he sure wished someone would show up soon.
Peeking around the boulder they were hiding behind Koji and Amelia watched the scene. Not liking the fact that two Demons were holding their friends hostage. The fact that there were Datamon messing with the D-Tectors didn't settle with them right either. Speaking of those Datamon, the two hiding Warriors watched as the Datamon threw the D-Tectors – they didn't hit the ground off the slab of stone though. The forcefield stopped them from leaving the area of the slab.
"A forcefield? If I can just get through that. Then I can get the D-Tectors. But there's only six of them and one of me." Koji growled as he clenched his hands into fists.
"Perhaps but there's one of me too," Amelia stuck her tongue out at Koji when he glanced at her, "Six of them versus the two of us – might not go our way unless we could get them off the wall since then it'd be six of us and six of them." Amelia could read the situation – she just kind of didn't like the heavy atmosphere so she was hoping to crack it a little.
Lilithmon sighed, her impatience really showing, "Just tell me what I want to know already. I'm growing bored of you children."
J.P. rolled his eyes, "We already told you, we don't know!"
Koji and Amelia both froze when a pained sound reached their ears. They shared a grim look as there were four distinct sounds they could make out. The others needed them.
Koji grabbed his head, "I can't just sit here and do nothing!"
Amelia pulled out her D-Tector, gripping it so tightly her knuckles turned white, "Good, because I wasn't up to doing something by myself."
: Bokomon and Neemon :
Elsewhere four Digimon walked together – Neemon, Bokomon, DemiVeemon and Kyaromon. The group was trying to find some hint of the others. DemiVeemon was near tears for being separated from his parents while Kyaromon was on edge. All of a sudden an orange brown boomerang came flying at them, causing all four of them to scream. Everyone hit the deck to avoid getting harmed by the boomerang.
"Oh dear! It's coming back!" Bokomon made the frightened observation.
"Make it stop!" DemiVeemon cried out ever so slightly, tears stinging his eyes.
Bokomon pushed himself up, "Please don't hurt me! Can't you see I'm with egg? Take my friend! He's a bit annoying, but a good listener."
Neemon sat up, "What did he say? I wasn't listening."
"Who are you trying to abandon?!" Kyaromon was a bit appalled – unbelieving that Bokomon would just abandon one of them like that.
Sepikmon tilted his head, "You four are funny. Will you be my friends?"
"Who is he?" DemiVeemon's curiosity was piqued at the chance to get a new friend.
Bokomon sighed, "Sepikmon. This lonely Digimon has no friends and spends all his time throwing his Spirit Boomerang to himself."
Bokomon and Neemon looked at Sepikmon a bit, concerned. They didn't seem thrilled at all at the idea of making a new friend. DemiVeemon and Kyaromon on the other hand seemed a bit more open to making a new friend – if their wide smiles were anything to judge by.
"We'd love to be your friend." As Neemon spoke Bokomon gave a nervous laugh.
Sepikmon raised his boomerang, "Then let's dance!"
Neemon was alarmed, "Ah! I can't dance! I have no rhythm and two left feet!"
Sepikmon grabbed his boomerang with both hands as Bokomon and Neemon began to panic. DemiVeemon and Kyaromon looked at each other though.
Sepikmon stared at the two panicking Digimon, "Well you have to dance or we can't be friends. What's it gonna be? Boogie or bye bye?"
Bokomon stared fearfully, "I never learned how to boogie!"
Sepikmon though was so focused on Bokomon and Neemon that he missed the fact that DemiVeemon had started an awkward little dance of waving his arms and shaking his tail. Kyaromon was chasing his tail and bouncing here and there in what he thought was a thoroughly thrilling dance. Though both of them came to a stop upon seeing their new friend threaten Bokomon and Neemon.
Sepikmon raised his boomerang, "Then, bye bye!"
A very familiar hand grasped Sepikmon's boomerang when he cocked back his arm. A hand that had a black glove before going to a white gauntlet like thing leading up to red and gold armor.
"Are you guys ok?" Agunimon's voice was like heaven to the Bokomon and Neemon.
Bokomon looked gratefully towards him, "Where have you been?"
Neemon nodded, "Yeah, we missed you."
Agunimon smiled towards them, "I've missed you, too."
DemiVeemon's eyes landed on someone who caused a million watt grin to split his face, "Mama!"
Sakanamon was overjoyed, "DemiVeemon!"
DemiVeemon rushed towards Sakanamon, jumping towards her while she ended up on her knees as she caught the little Digimon in her arms and wrapped him in a hug. DemiVeemon was rubbing his cheek against hers as he hugged her the best he could with his little arms.
Sakanamon pulled back slightly, "Thank goodness, you're ok!"
Agunimon looked at the happy reunion, "I'm so glad you're okay."
DemiVeemon smiled towards Agunimon, "Daddy!"
Agunimon wanted to say so much more but he knew the happy reunion could wait, not to mention take place with everyone, "Where is everyone?"
Bokomon swallowed, "After the fierce battle with Duskmon, they were captured by Barbamon and Lilithmon! JP, Zoe, Kyle and Tommy are all trapped, poor things. And Duskmon's disappeared."
Agunimon noticed there were two not listed, "Where's Koji and Amelia?"
Kyaromon whimpered slightly and looked down, "W-we don't know. D-do you think w-we'll be able to find them again? I-I miss Melia."
Sakanamon's heart broke hearing Kyaromon – there were even tears starting to trickle out of his eyes. Kyaromon missed Amelia badly – being away from her wasn't something he fancied at all.
Sepikmon looked around the group before tilting his head, "Excuse me, can I have my boomerang back?"
Agunimon looked at him, "That depends. Will you be more careful with it?"
Sepikmon scratched his head, confused, "Huh? What do you mean 'more careful'? It's a boomerang! I throw it and it comes back. I'm confused."
Agunimon sighed, "Just watch where you throw it, pal. You could hurt someone."
Bokomon and Neemon nodded vigorously, "Mm-hmm."
Sakanamon stood, still holding DemiVeemon, "If you hurt someone you might end up getting attacked."
Sepikmon crouched down, "Oh, you're right. I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just wanted some friends. Friends!"
"Maybe you're just trying too hard, buddy. Be yourself. you know?" Agunimon smiled as he handed back the boomerang, "See ya."
Sepikmon stared at Agunimon as if it were all profound words, "You mean people will like me if I'm just myself?"
Agunimon grinned brightly and nodded, "Well, of course."
Sepikmon looked hopefully at the group, "Does that mean that you guys would really be my friends?"
Agunimon didn't even think about it, "Sure. Why not?"
Sakanamon was in the same boat, "No objections, dude."
Sepikmon started dancing happily for a couple of minutes before stopping and moving to stand in front of his new friends, "Barbamon has our other friends, right? Well, maybe I can help you find them."
Agunimon was taken aback, "What do you mean?"
Sepikmon threw his boomerang which floated in the air for a couple of seconds before moving, "Just follow my Spirit Boomerang. It should lead you right to them."
"We will, thank you." Agunimon called it back as he started to take off after the quickly disappearing boomerang with Sakanamon hot on his heels.
Bokomon started to run, "Are you forgetting someone? Hello?"
Neemon stumbled slightly, "Hold on! Wait for us!"
Kyaromon shook himself once before crouching slightly before pushing off, working his tiny legs to carry him as fast as possible. If he could catch that boomerang and keep up then it was surely going to lead him to Melia – he was going to find her. Maybe this time he could be the one who saved her. Though he hoped she wasn't in any kind of danger at all. Maybe she was having a tea party with Koji – ooh maybe she got Duskmon to sit down and they were all having a heart to heart and the fighting could stop without someone else getting hurt.
Sepikmon waves towards their back, "Goodbye, my new friends! And good luck!"
: Tommy, J.P., Kyle and Zoe :
Lilithmon growled as she stared at the brats before, "Just talk."
"So, where are the other Warriors we search for?" Barbamon returned from where he had gone and just grinned, he feel like he knew the answer.
Lilithmon crossed her arms under her chest, pouting, "None. Being 'nice' is not getting me anywhere. Perhaps it is time to be a bit… cruel?"
Barbamon merely sighed under the puppy dog eyes that Lilithmon flashed him, "Whatever you decide if you can get them talking I suppose."
Lilithmon grinned and set her eyes on Zoe, "How about I start with you?"
"Ahh! No, not Zoe!" J.P. was panicked, the dark look that Lilithmon had settled on Zoe worried him.
Even if she was a little worried Zoe tried not to react. Instead, she took a deep breath. All she had to do was to buy time until someone arrived. Zoe thoroughly believed that their friends wouldn't have abandoned them – it was only a matter of time until they showed. Zoe chose to focus on J.P. who was whimpering but whispering things beneath his breath beside her – it would be easier to focus on J.P. than Lilithmon.
"I demand you look at me." Lilithmon hissed the words as she drew closer to Zoe – not liking the fact she was being ignored.
"J.P., what are you doing?" Zoe's question to J.P. snapped him out of whatever he was imagining but further annoyed Lilithmon.
J.P.'s eyes widened ever so slightly, "I... was just... it's a long story."
Kyle, who had heard his mutterings, was a tad annoyed. Not necessarily at learning that J.P. was imagining protecting Zoe before having a weird and slightly sickening sweet trading of pet names but more at the situation.
Lilithmon raised her clawed hand, "Oh this is, you know what. Since you want to try and steal the show I'll start with you – Darkness Love!"
"Stop it!" Tommy's eyes widened as he watched J.P. go slack, his eyes glazing over with a thin sheen of a vile purple covering his eyes.
Zoe struggled a bit against her chains, "Leave him alone!"
"You're going to pay for what you're doing." Kyle spat the words out – losing his temper that he'd been trying to hold onto and had been doing a rather good job at.
Lilithmon giggled, "You know how to get me to stop."
"Oh, man. This has got to be a dream. A really bad dream!" Even though there was a hint of panic in J.P's voice there wasn't much of him behind his voice, his voice sounded distorted as if it had trouble escaping him at all.
"J.P?!" Tommy called out to him, hoping maybe J.P. could escape whatever Lilithmon had seemed to do to his mind since nothing was physically happening to him.
Seconds past and Zoe couldn't stand it a second longer, "Stop! Ok, we'll talk!"
Kyle's head whipped to Zoe, "No, we won't!"
The scream that tore out of J.P. as his head snapped back was enough to stop the argument before it could begin between Kyle and Zoe. Zoe, Tommy and Kyle all watched J.P. worriedly. Kyle now questioned if they should talk though – now it was obvious that it was causing pain to J.P. rather than just having put him into a trance. Lilithmon giggled as she watched the Warriors before her flounder. Meanwhile the two hidden Warriors had officially heard enough at their friend's scream.
"J.P. needs us." Koji's words received a nod.
Amelia curled her free hand into a fist, "The Demons need to learn a lesson too."
"Execute! Spirit Evolution!" Koji and Amelia called it out together, the voices blend together.
"Lobomon!"
"Legnamon!"
Lilithmon whipped around, "What?!"
Lilithmon didn't have time before Lobomon had rushed her, instead of using a single attack a fist slammed into Lilithmon's face. Lilithmon almost managed to remain on her feet after stambling from the punch but Legnamon delivered a rather harsh kick to her gut upon seeing that Lilithmon hadn't eaten dirt like she really wanted to see the Demon do.
"It's Lobomon and Legnamon!" Tommy cheered.
Lilithmon gathered herself as she picked herself up, "That is not how you're supposed to treat a woman."
"Ah, Warriors of Light and Wood have joined us." Barbamon's voice cut off whatever remark Legnamon was about to fire off.
Lobomon growled, "Barbamon."
"And another Demon has joined, quite the party we have here? Anyone want any tea?" Legnamon's voice carried a certain annoyed lilt to it.
: Agunimon and Sakanamon :
Sepikmon's boomerang flew through the air with ease, following behind it through the woods of the area though was Agunimon and Sakanamon. Neemon held onto one of the spikes on Agunimon's shoulder and Bokomon held onto the other – Sakanamon had DemiVeemon in her arms while Kyaromon was holding onto her shoulder, his tail wrapped around her arm for further support.
"Hang on, you guys! We're coming!", Agunimon called it out – even if he was unsure if his friends could hear him he wanted them to know it, no matter what stood in their way they were coming for their friends.
: Lobomon and Legnamon :
Lobomon and Legnamon were faced with two Demons and four friends that they needed to protect from said demons. Even if they were even in numbers it was a question of strength. What had started as what they'd hoped was to get the Demons away from their friends had resulted the two in getting split up. Lobomon was on the nearby roofs with Barbamon while Legnamon was left by their friends with Lilithmon. When Lobomon jumped at Barbamon, the kick that he delivered was easily blocked with Barbamon's staff. Jumping back Lobomon landed and drew out his beam saber's hilt.
'I've had enough of this already!' Koji was starting to get seriously tired of the Demons and how they kept acting.
Legnamon rushed forwards, turning the wood around her hand, into miniature lances – stabbing at Lilithmon who merely laughed as she seemed to easily dance around the attacks coming her way. Legnamon jumped back, narrowly dodging a swipe of Lilithmon's claw. Legnamon curled her hands into fists as the wood reverted to wrapping around her arms, a low growl escaping her.
'Stupid demons! I'm tired of the game!' Legnamon was really starting to get fed up with how the Demons kept acting.
: Agunimon and Sakanamon:
Agunimon continued running forward, leading the way after the boomerang, "It can't be much further!"
"Please be okay, dudes!" Sakanamon was worried about her friends, trying not to think about what could have happened to them in the time that they were gone.
'Please let them be alright!' Agunimon couldn't help but echo Sakanamon's words in his thoughts.
: Lobomon and Legnamon :
"Lobo Kendo!" Lobomon rushed forward, swirling around his beam saber quicker than he hoped that Barbamon could process.
Legnamon once again rushed forward but from leaves that sprouted on the wood on her arms curved two daggers that were made from wood encased in thorns, "Barbed Leaf!"
: Agunimon and Sakanamon :
They all saw the boomerang approach the waterfall; it didn't just pass over it, but it veered downwards. Agunimon easily jumped the waterfall yet jostled Neemon and Bokomon roughly.
Neemon clung tighter to Agunimon, "I'm getting shoulder sick!"
Bokomon gave a look to him, "Who cares? My baby's getting scrambled!"
Sakanamon followed after Agunimon, also clearing the waterfall with ease. Unlike Neemon and Bokomon, the two accompanying her seemed to be having fun with the free ride they were getting. Granted the two children Digimon could be trying to find some type of joy in the situation they were in as to not focus on what could be happening to their friends, wherever they are at currently.
: Lobomon and Legnamon :
Barbamon laughed at the 'pitiful' attack, "Pandemonium Lost!"
Lobomon had no time stop himself before the attack explode right in front of him. The explosion knocked him off of his feet and sent him flying backwards.
Legnamon's attack was hindered by Lilithmon releasing 'Evil Sigh' – which while Legnamon managed to not run into, she had to stop her rush. With her having to drop into a forward slide to just barely take advantage of ground clearance the attack had to slide under it. Legnamon though didn't get to recover fast enough and was struck by a harsh kick to the face which sent her skidding backwards.
: Agunimon and Sakanamon :
"Wee! I'm all dizzy!" Jumping from the ledge of the waterfall to the ground seemed to be fun for Neemon.
Granted with Sakanamon following behind, Neemon wasn't the only one who seemed to enjoy it a bit, DemiVeemon and Kyaromon let out little cries of glee. Sakanamon wasn't sure if they were genuinely having fun or if maybe they were trying to lighten the mood just for themselves or her as well.
: Lobomon and Legnamon :
Legnamon looked to Lobomon when he crash landed hard next to her. Her attention was quickly drawn to Barbamon who had calmly descended to land in front of them. Lilithmon wore a big grin as she walked closer, hips swaying as she stared the two Warriors down.
"I'm so happy you decided to come back!" The giggle that Lilithmon gave with those words caused Legnamon to shutter, "Nazar Nail!"
Lilithmon dove straight for Lobomon, who was able to push himself off the ground to dodge the corrosive attack. Legnamon planting her hands on the ground flipped back, though she did take joy in returning the kick to Lilithmon on her way out of range. That got a glare settled on her by Lilithmon.
"In your dreams!" Lobomon's words received Lilithmon's scathing glare and a growl.
Barbamon sat back and watched the scene unfold. As he watched though a smirk was slowly curling onto his face, his eyes falling to Legnamon who was glaring at Lilithmon. When Legnamon glanced at him though he couldn't help but smirk just a bit wider. That smirk unsettled Legnamon to her core – something about it screamed anything but good. While Legnamon entered a staring contest of sorts with Barbamon, Lobomon stood and had his beam sabers deactivated.
: Agunimon and Sakanamon :
Agunimon and Sakanamon came to a stop since the boomerang stopped moving forward. The boomerang in fact curved and began to head back the way they came. End of the line. They had no more guidance of where to go from there.
"So where are they?" Agunimon's concerned question was followed by a gasp, "Lobomon!"
"Legnamon!" Sakanamon was happy to see two of her friends but what greeted her wasn't the image she was hoping for.
"Oh my! They're taking on Barbamon and Lilithmon all by themselves!" Bokomon made the observation but he was concerned for the two – even if it was even in numbers with the strength that the Demons had it was worrisome for it just being them.
"Bokomon? Why are the others stuck to that wall?" Neemon's question had them all looking to where he pointed.
Bokomon couldn't believe that he couldn't even piece that together, "They've been captured, you witless nit!"
"Guys!" The sight of his friends chained to a wall had Agunimon charging forward.
"Arg, wait!" Even though Bokomon was the one who called out after Agunimon, the others were hot on Agunimon's heels.
"Howling Laser!" Lobomon's attack was dodged by the two demons before them, Lilithmon using her tattered wings to drift to the sky and Barbamon seeming to levitate away.
"Vine Eruption!" Slamming her hands onto the ground vines shot out of the ground, pursuing after the demons to try and ground them.
Zoe hated having to sit back and watch her friends fight by themselves, "Lobomon and Legnamon need our help!"
"But what can we do?" Tommy wanted to help but given their situation he couldn't think of how they could help.
JP watched, his stomach tightening, "Man, if only we could Spirit Evolve!"
Datamon though, a forgotten member of this 'party' was still tinkering away with their D-Tectors, "Uh, guys."
Kyle called their attention, staring at the Datamon who now had a huge boiling pot of something. Whatever it was melted hammers that the Datamon dropped into it. Tommy and Zoe stared in horror at what they just saw.
"Hey," J.P. Called out to them, "you better not throw our D-Tectors in there!"
One of the Datamon glanced at J.P., and then it proceeded to pick up a rather familiar blue and yellow D Tector. Were they purposefully teasing J.P. now or did they just not care and was just doing it because they already had a plan on what they were doing.
"Now what?" Bokomon asked it as once again Agunimon was running, Neemon and Bokomon back to their spots on his shoulders.
"I'm gonna need a plan." Agunimon's mind wandered back to the questions that Koji had asked him, "I'm gonna need to do this carefully."
"That would be nice." Neemon was right but who's to say what he truly meant by that comment.
"I can't just jump in without thinking first." An image of what Lilithmon and Barbamon could do to his friends made him worry more for his friends, "Tommy and the others can't Spirit Evolve, and if those two goons get their hands on them, they won't stand a chance! We'll need Lobomon and Legnamon"s help!"
"We'll get them out safely, I know we will." Sakanamon tried to be confident even if she wasn't fully certain of the words that she had just spoken, she wanted them to be the truth though.
"I think they might need yours! Look!" Bokomon shouted at them and they didn't like what they saw.
Lobomon had been hit by Barbamon, right into Lilithmon's grasp. Lobomon didn't dare move since Lilithmon had managed to get her Nazar Nail around his throat, one wrong move then that corrosive poison would be eating away him quickly. Legnamon had gotten knocked to the ground and Barbamon had a foot planted firmly on her chest. The grin that Barbamon wore as he looked down at the Warrior of Wood pinned beneath him was more expressive than they've seen him yet.
"Hurry, Takuya, hurry! Run like the wind!" Bokomon made the exclamation after they watched Lobomon get grasped by the throat and put into the ground with surprising force by Lilithmon.
Nudging Lobomon with her boot, Lilithmon grinned, "You're not done are you?"
Barbamon looked over his shoulder, grinning, "Perhaps he just needs some help breathing."
Lilithmon grinned as she saw just how winded Lobomon was, "Oh how correct you are, Evil Sigh!"
There was no way that Lobomon could avoid the attack, even with his armor the effect was felt. Lobomon gritted his teeth in an attempt not to scream out in pain – he didn't want to give them the satisfaction. Not to mention with his head thrown back he could see the fact that Legnamon was in such shock and consumed by worry that she wasn't even attempting to break out from beneath Barbamon's foot.
Agunimon came to a stop outside the ruins, "Alright, I want you two to stay here."
Sakanamon bent down, sitting DemiVeemon down while Kyaromon jumped down, "You too."
Neemon stared at Agunimon, "But what are you going to do?"
"We'll wait until the time is right." Agunimon wasn't sure just what the situation was so he had to see first.
"Mama? Daddy?" DemiVeemon felt the tears prick at his eyes, the fun was gone and the fear was back.
"And we'll be back before you know it." Sakanamon tried to give a reassuring smile to DemiVeemon with those words.
"With 'Melia?" Kyaromon's question caused Sakanamon's heart to pinch.
"With Amelia." It caused Kyaromon to attempt to smile, his tail curling around DemiVeemon as well – attempting to comfort his friend.
"Well, when is that? So we ran all this way and my tummy got upset for nothing?" Neemon sounded a bit uncharacteristically upset.
Bokomon interrupted, "Alright, quiet please. I have a feeling Takuya is right."
Sakanamon nodded while looking away from the children in front of her, "Of course he is. He's not going to make the same mistake again."
"Really? Ok." With the reassurances, Neemon's tune sure seemed to change quickly.
Agunimon closed his eyes, 'That smell. This sound. The atmosphere is changing.'
Bokomon stared at Agunimon, "This doesn't seem like Takuya at all."
'Something is different for sure.' Sakanamon didn't voice the fact that she agreed with Bokomon, just watched Agunimon.
"It's as if he's become different somehow." Bokomon was curious what was going on inside of Agunimon's head.
Sakanamon smiled, 'What happened really must've affected him – he's learned something it seems.'
Agunimon could sense it, "A storm's coming."
Neemon tilted his head confused, "What kind of storm?"
"Daddy?" DemiVeemon was confused by what Agunimon was talking about.
"I don't know." Bokomon was very confused at this point – 'I thought Takuya had some sort of plan. He certainly thought about it long enough. But, now I'm not so sure. All this waiting and wondering about the weather – who cares about the weather! The others are in danger!'
Lobomon's weakened form was easily lifted up by Lilithmon, seeing how limp Lobomon was in her grasp made Lilithmon smirk. Legnamon's eyes widened.
'No! Lobomon. Please be okay!' Legnamon grabbed Barbamon's leg – she had to escape being pinned so she could help Lobomon!
Lobomon managed to surprise Lilithmon after a couple of seconds and escape her grasp, granted he still stood on shaky legs. Legnamon was going to attempt to throw Barbamon off balance but seeing the wood wrap around his leg he lifted it and used her as a ball and chain essentially. Legnamon slammed into Lobomon, her wood snapping, and sending her flying with him. She managed to shift their position so it was her back that slammed into the door and her that slammed back first into the ground. Lobomon was hurt enough – she'd take some beating.
"So weak." Barbamon remarked as he strolled forward, Lilithmon following after him.
"They're not even that enjoyable anymore." With them so weak it was boring.
"Perhaps if you had held back more, your fun would have continued." Lilithmon scoffed at the comment coming from Barbamon.
Barbamon continued to approach Lobomon and Legnamon, who was now next to their chained friends. Lobomon was trying to pick himself up, weakly pushing himself up. Legnamon forced herself up when she noticed Barbamon approaching them. With her mask cracking she stepped in front of Lobomon, her arms hanging limp as the wood around her arms cracked and chips dropped to the ground.
"Legnamon!" Zoe was both impressed and worried seeing her display of courage.
"Lobomon!" J.P. hadn't seen Lobomon ever seem so weakened and defeated.
"You… have to go through me." Legnamon was barely standing on her own two feet.
"D-don't." Lobomon's words were weak as he stared at Legnamon's back.
Barbamon laughed, "Gladly."
Everyone watched as Barbamon lifted his staff, the jewel slamming into Legnamon's cheek. Legnamon spun from the force, the rest of her mask shattering to pieces and chips flying through the air before shattering into data. Toppling to the ground, Legnamon tried to force herself despite the shaking of her arms.
"Leave her alone." Lobomon's words forced through gritted teeth got him kicked in the gut by Barbamon, sprawling him out on the ground.
Barbamon smirked, "There's plenty to go around."
Lightning flashed through the sky and thunder rumbled, "There is a storm!" Bokomon was stunned.
'Wind!' Agunimon could feel a tornado in the distance, 'I'm getting stronger.'
Lilithmon looked up to the sky, noticing the storm rolling in. While surprised she didn't seem that bothered by it suddenly rolling in.
"Well, what do you know – Takuya was right." Neemon stared at the swaying trees.
"Don't sound too surprised." Sakanamon made the remark while being a touch surprised herself, even though she hadn't fully thought that Agunimon would seriously predict a storm.
"Well, yes, but how could he have known?" Bokomon looked back, over his shoulder to Agunimon.
'And a little snow', "Right now!" Agunimon called it out, moments before the snow started.
"You're freaking me out!" Neemon cried it out, getting dumped upon by snow.
"Oh, oh that's cold!" Bokomon shivered as the snow came down heavily.
Sakanamon shivered slightly at the sudden change in temperature. Kyaromon pulled a shivering DemiVeemon closer, huddling together for warmth but also trying to offer his friend some shelter with his tail.
"Wind and snow. Thunder and lightning," As Agunimon declared that there was a brilliant flash of lightning behind him, "forces of nature lend us your strength."
Bokomon stared stunned at Agunimon, "He's talking to the weather and it's listening!"
"Now I understand what it means to be a Digimon. I'm ready to accept the responsibility that comes with great power. To truly become Agunimon, Warrior of Flame." As Agunimon was making those declarations, Sakanamon couldn't help but stare because she couldn't help but think that she saw a ghost like image of Takuya alongside of Agunimon.
Agunimon charged forward after these words, ready to help save his friends. Sakanamon took off after him, a confidence quickly blooming after seeing what she did. A sense of pride in her best friend as well.
Barbamon slammed Lobomon into a wall after he got up, Legnamon though attempted to push herself up. Through blurry vision she stared at Barbamon, no past Barbamon to Lobomon. Lobomon was held pinned to the stone that their friends were chained to.
'I have to help them.' Legnamon began to force herself up, the world spinning around her.
"Leave him alone!" Zoe, J.P., Tommy and Kyle all cried the words out together.
"Shut it!" Barbamon snapped at them but he was laughing, taking joy in the pain that Lobomon was in.
A shout drew Barbamon's attention, looking over his shoulder he grinned seeing Agunimon and Sakanamon rushing towards the group. Dropping Lobomon to the ground, who slumped against the stone completely weakened, Barbamon turned to face the approaching Warrior. He didn't even bother paying attention to Legnamon who was on her last legs.
"The final two have made their way here." Barbamon couldn't wait for everything to happen – Lilithmon giggled seeing the two coming their way.
"Let's give them a nice big greeting!" Lilithmon pushed off, diving towards Agunimon with her Nazar Nail leading.
"Pyro Darts!" At first the fire missed Lilithmon but then it hit her, knocking her off balance and sending her skidding backwards.
Lilithmon growled as she barely remained on her feet, glaring at Agunimon who had come to a stop now. Sakanamon was next to him and ready to fight.
Barbamon hummed, "That holds a bit more punch than it seems to last had."
"Pyro Tornado!" Consumed in flames Agunimon went straight for where the Datamon were, smashing a pillar with ease.
Sakanamon grabbed the D-Tector's that were going to clatter to the ground.
"Now Lobomon! Free the others." Hearing Agunimon's call, Sakanamon could only hope that Lobomon had the strength to do that.
Lobomon managed to stand and pull out his beam saber, "Lobo Kendo!"
Seeing Lobomon breaking the restraints, Sakanamon threw the D-Tectors to her friends – a bit of water around them to make sure that they safely landed in the hands of her friends. It wouldn't be good if their D-Tectors got intercepted by a Demon.
"Alright guys, it's your turn!" Agunimon called it out as the D-Tectors ended up back to their rightful owner's hands.
"Let's show these demons who they're messing with!" Sakanamon's call was met with grins from her friends.
Fractal code easily surrounding their hands, "Execute: Spirit Evolution!"
"Beetlemon!"
"Kazemon!"
"Kumamon!"
"Gorumon!"
Before Barbamon and Lilithmon was now a fully completed group. Even Legnamon and Lobomon, who stood with their friends were undoubtedly worse for the wear given the fact that they had been fighting Barbamon and Lilithmon on their own.
"Looks like the whole group is here." Lilithmon's remark had Barbamon's smirk grow.
"We'll wipe that smirk off your face." Gorumon taunted Barbamon, he'd had enough of them – especially after watching Lobomon and Legnamon get as hurt as they did.
"Are you sure about that?" Barbamon stepped forward, lifting his staff.
"Oh we are, you're going down." J.P.'s words merely made Barbamon laugh.
"This reunion is so sweet, but I think there's someone missing." His words confused them all.
They looked at each other – had Barbamon gotten hit too hard in the head during the battle early maybe? They were all there. They were together. After what Duskmon had done they had managed to regroup. There wasn't anyone missing.
"I think you hit your head Barbamon." Kazemon shifted forward at her words, ready to pay him back for what he'd done to her friends.
'Wait.' Sakanamon's eyes widened, "The Warrior of Steel."
They hadn't met the Warrior of Steel the whole time they've been in the Digital World. Was it possible that maybe they've been captured? Was it possible that Barbamon was going to taunt them for having caught the Warrior of Steel even if they've met them? Or worse. Maybe Duskmon was about to join the battle – they barely stood a chance against him last time.
Barbamon laughed, "Oh no, someone far better."
Barbamon held his staff out and the gem at the end glowed. There was a flicker and everyone was ready for what was about to happen. They were ready for an attack but what happened caught them all off guard. Instead of an attack, there was an image that was projected. Projected from the staff's gem was of a young girl, about Tommy's age, sitting in a stone cell with her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. Her orange hair was pulled back yet messy with some slipping out while tears leaking from her pale blue eyes cleaned away some of the dirt that smudged her face.
There was confusion as to who this girl was and why they were supposed to react – for merely a second at least. All eyes turned to Legnamon as she stepped forward on shaking legs, confusion turned to shock as Legnamon's form disappeared into data revealing Amelia. Amelia stood there, staring at the image with wide eyes. Tears started to gather in her eyes – something everyone was surprised by since they weren't sure if they'd seen her cry before then.
"A-Alicia?" Amelia's voice was weak and trembled.
The name that she spoke though it froze everyone. Alicia. That was the name of Amelia's younger sister.
"Don't fall for it, it's a trick Amelia!" Sakanamon called out to her – there was no way that Barbamon wasn't just toying with them.
"Really? Is it all a trick? Will you gamble your sister's life?" There was a scream from the image as the girl got attacked by a small blue bat Digimon that had stitches across its face and a skull on its forehead.
Amelia gritted her teeth hearing the scream of her sister. Tears flowed down her face. Alicia was in the Digital World. Barbamon had her sister.
"Stop it!" Amelia screamed - voice raw and still trembling.
"Don't hurt her! Please! I-I'll do anything... please... not Alicia. No her." Barbamon laughed at Amelia's broken words while her friends were stunned.
"Amelia!" Lobomon called out to her, stunned that she had so quickly broken from who they've known.
Amelia had always been resilient and hadn't backed down. Not even before she had her own Spirit. She'd still try to fight as a human against a Digimon. Seeing her break so easily, it actually hurt to see.
"We'll defeat you and rescue Alicia!" Agunimon shouted the words and began to move.
"If you don't want your sister hurt, stop them." Barbamon's words surprised the Warriors.
No one moved yet eyes turned to Amelia. Amelia watched as the image of her sister faded away leaving the air empty. Tears streamed down her face as the grip on her D-Tector tightened.
'I'm sorry.' Amelia closed her eyes as her heart cried as well due to the position she'd been put into.
"I'm sorry." The apology she spoke allowed was concerning.
Everyone watched as she raised her D-Tector to scan the Fractal Code that appeared. They all knew it was just going to be her Human Spirit. Emerging from the data Legnamon didn't move or speak. Holding her hand to the side her lance formed. Seeing her not turn around to face them her friends grinned and rushed forward – they'd defeat the Demon Lords and rescue her sister.
"Timberline." Legnamon's voice was so quiet yet it seemed to ring out impossibly loud through the area.
A massive wall of wooden vines had shot out of the ground, Beetlemon who had charged forward slammed into it. Legnamon had blocked them. Did Legnamon just… betray them? When the wood receded back to the ground everyone reverted from their Spirit Evolution Kyaromon searched desperately for Amelia.
'I saw her wood! Where is she!?' Kyaromon was confused – he had seen her from a distance but she wasn't there.
: Elsewhere :
Amelia stood still, staring at the ground. Barbamon and Lilithmon weren't too far in front of her. Amelia's stomach was twisting into knots while her heart felt like it wasn't beating. It felt impossible to breathe.
'Alicia. Alicia is here. I. How?' Amelia's thoughts were so scattered.
"Who knew you had a trump card like that up your sleeve? You even got us a new Warrior, this one will listen a lot better too." Amelia's head jerked up and she jumped back, Lilithmon laughed though at the reaction.
As Lilithmon had spoken she had gently ran a nail down the side of Amelia's cheek. The sensation made her skin crawl. It added another sensation to everything that was overwhelming her. She just betrayed her friends, didn't she? After everything they've been through she just flipped so easily on them.
Amelia hung her head, 'There's no way that they're my friends after what I just did.'
"This is why you need to think before you have – have insurance since you never know when you'll need it." Barbamon smirked, watching as Amelia just stared at the ground completely lost and broken.
'Perhaps we'll even manage to get her to corrupt her Spirits, be a Warrior under my thumb.' Barbamon grew almost giddy at the thought – yes, that would definitely help them moving forwards.
: The Others :
"What just happened?" J.P. asked the question, not being able to believe what he just witnessed.
"We got betrayed." Meredith's answer was short, she was angry at Amelia for how quickly she just turned her back on them.
"Betrayed?!" Bokomon was stunned and was looking at the group – that's when he noticed it, "Where's Amelia?"
Koji looked to the side, "Apparently her younger sister is here and Barbamon has her."
"That doesn't excuse her just, just... What she did wasn't right! We could've rescued her all together!" How could Amelia just leave them like that is something that Tommy couldn't understand.
"What's done is done – we just… have to figure out what to do now." Kyle hated what he said but it was true.
"We rescue Alicia so we can get Amelia back of course." Takuya looked at that, "She's our friend and we need her. We're a team as well, we help each other. We don't just abandon one another – she watched her sister get attacked so what was she supposed to do? Just, let her sister be tortured before her eyes?"
Koji eyed him, "You've changed."
"Yeah, I hardly recognize myself. I don't feel like a kid anymore. I think I finally understand what being a Digimon is all about. Once we rescue Alicia and get Amelia back, we're in for an amazing ride. All of us." Staring at his D-Tector that reflected Agunimon, Takuya believed in the words he spoke.
Wow whoever thought Takuya would be the responsible one? And who expected Amelia to turn on her friends? Well, you live and learn on Digimon Digital Monsters.