Chapter 9: Better the Devil you know?

Koushiro's office

Takeru: "Where's Miyako?"

Iori: "Not sure."

Koushiro: "Daisuke, Iori, why don't you two go find her. I need to talk to Takeru and Hikari for a bit."

Daisuke: "Sure."

Daisuke and Iori left Koushiro's office and began walking back to school to find Miyako.

Hikari: "So, what do you want to talk about Koushiro?"

Koushiro: "It's about the new kids. It's safe to say they either don't agree with or are slightly scared of you two."

Takeru: "Is this about us killing the Digimon?"

Koushiro: "Probably, I know you two will only kill if necessary. I trust you guys to make the decisions here, after all you two have experience."

Tailmon: "You don't have to worry Koushiro, they will come around eventually."

Just then, the newer Digidestined came back into the office, with Miyako looking sad and tired.

Veemon: "What's wrong with her?"

Hawkmon: "I don't know, she won't tell me. She's been like this since she left school."

Koushiro: "If you're not up to it, Miyako, then it's best you don't go."

Takeru: "Koushiro is right. We won't force you to come."

Patamon: "Right. It's no use for you to try and help us if you're not up for it."

Ken was thinking back to the two times his dark rings were unable to control the Digimon.

Ken: "Why? Why can't the rings control the ultimate level. Is there some limit? What's the problem with these… Tch! Greymon! Dark-Evolution!"

Greymon evolved into SkullGreymon again and started to rampage in the room he was being kept in. He slammed his hands and head on all the walls. He let out his missile towards the ceiling of the room and jumped towards the opening the missile had made. However, SkullGreymon was hit with a sudden burst of electricity as he tried to escape, causing him to fall back to the ground, reverting to Greymon.

Ken: "I see. The dark ring can't control the ultimate level because it doesn't have enough power. There's too much data to control… if I change its shape, expand it maybe… no… it won't be enough. If only it could be as simple as putting more rings… wait. It could be that simple. If I just… perfect. A spiral works perfectly. Now I just need to test it. Greymon! Dark-Evolution!"

Greymon started to evolve, however, this time instead of evolving to SkullGreymon, he evolved to a MetalGreymon with a much darker colour scheme.

Ken: "Perfect. Hmm? It's taking a lot less energy than I anticipated. Maybe I'll even be able to evolve him one more time."

Just then one of Ken's monitors started to beep.

Ken: "Oh? Looks like I will have some test subjects for this new power."

Knowledge: "I've picked up an energy spike far north of you guys a few moments ago. Please be careful while investigating it."

Hope: "Got it, Izzy."

Light: "Are you able to identify any other information?"

Knowledge: "Energy signature is similar to Evolution, seems like an ultimate level at least."

Hope: "I see, we will be careful. Did you figure out anything with our own Evolution?"

Knowledge: "I couldn't figure anything out, so for now, we don't even know how you two did it."

Light: "Well, that will certainly be a problem if we are going to handle an ultimate level."

Ken: "Oh, you will definitely have a problem."

Ken had appeared in front of them on a hilltop, riding on top of MetalGreymon. He also had a few Airdramon flying behind him.

Takeru: "MetalGreymon…"

Iori: "What do we do?"

Hikari: "We fight, if we want to save Agumon, we have to fight."

Daisuke: "But it's Taichi's Agumon, we can't afford to hurt him."

Takeru: "We have no choice but to fight."

Ken: "Come on, let's skip over the talk and have some fun! Give your Armor-Evolutions a try. I'm sure you could at least put up a fight."

Hikari: "I swear, we will save you Agumon! Tailmon, let's go!"

Takeru: "Patamon, you too!"

Iori: "Armadimon, I'm counting on you!"

"Patamon, Armor-Evolution! Pegasmon! Soaring Hope!"

"Tailmon, Armor-Evolution! Nefertimon! Light of smiles!"

"Armadimon, Armor-Evolution! Digmon! Steel Knowledge!"

Pegasmon/Nefertimon: "Sanctuary Bind!"

Pegasmon and Nefertimon's unison attack was strung around MetalGreymon's body and arms, rendering him unable to attack.

Digmon: "Gold Rush!"

Digmon's attack managed to strike the dark spiral on MetalGreymon's normal arm, but it didn't cause any damage.

Ken: "HAHA! That's the difference between you insects and me! You always have the same strategy even when I adapt to counter it! You won't be able to destroy that dark spiral, it has been made to be too strong for you insects!"

Veemon: "Daisuke! We must join them!"

Daisuke: "But… Taichi's Agumon…"

MetalGreymon: "Giga Destroyer! Trident Arm!"

MetalGreymon's missiles each hit Pegasmon and Nefertimon, while his Trident Arm attack hit Digmon, causing all of them to revert to their previous forms. Ken commanded his Airdramon to pick up Patamon.

Ken: "I will be taking this from you. Next time we meet, you will have a new ally to fight! HAHAHA!"

Takeru: "PATAMON!"

Takeru fell to his knees and started to hit the ground. Hikari walked over to him and knelt next to him, putting her hand on his shoulder comfortingly. Daisuke, who had gotten over his initial reluctance to fight, went over to Takeru.

Daisuke: "Takeru… I-"

Takeru got up with tears in his eyes and grabbed Daisuke by his collar.

Takeru: "Save it! If you want to say 'you're sorry' just save it. If you want to help us out, you will fight. Now more than ever we need you to not freeze up. If you can't even do that, then just leave!"

Hikari: "Takeru… He didn't mean to…"

Daisuke: "No, it's fine Hikari. He's right. I shouldn't have frozen up. I'm such a terrible friend."

Takeru let go of Daisuke's collar and held his head low.

Takeru: "Sorry, it wasn't your fault. It was all the Kaiser's. Just… make sure next time we fight him you are willing to go all out."
"But maybe we won't need to. Could this be the time he was waiting for? Is this what he doesn't want me to worry about?"

Only Hikari noticed Takeru's contemplative face.

Daisuke: "You don't have to worry! We will go all out and save everyone."

Veemon: "That's right!"

Daisuke: "We will save our friends!"

Just then, Daisuke's phone Digivice started to glow, and a familiar shape at the side of the hill started glowing as well.

Hikari: "Takeru, isn't that?"

Takeru: "Yeah, that's Onii-chan's crest. The crest of Friendship."

The crest started to shrink, and, in its place, a black weird, shaped object appeared, and it flew to Daisuke.

Iori: "Is it a Digimental?"

Hope: "Izzy, is that-"

Kowledge: "There's an energy signature similar to Friendship from your location. Likely a Digimental."

Light: "Thanks, Izzy."

Takeru: "It seems that it is a Digimental."

Hikari: "And it seems like it's your's Daisuke."

Veemon: "Then, let's use it Daisuke!"

Daisuke: "Right! Digimental Up!"

"Veemon, Armor-Evolution! Lighdramon! Storm of Friendship!"

Lighdramon: "Let's go Daisuke, let's save our friends."

Daisuke: "Got it, hop on, everyone."

Takeru looked at Hikari and saw that she had a 'you better explain things to me' face.

Takeru: "Actually, let's split. Two on each Digimon."

Hikari: "Sounds like a good idea. Let's go, Tailmon."

"Tailmon, Armor-Evolution! Nefertimon! Light of Smiles!"

The group started to move towards where Ken had left. Iori and Armadimon were riding on Lighdramon with Daisuke, while Takeru was with Hikari and Nefertimon.

Hikari: "You were thinking hard just now."

Takeru: "Sigh, you always could see right through me, Hika. He told me to trust him. I think he was referring to now."

Hikari: "You sure?"

Takeru: "I Hope so."

Hikari: "Just be careful, ok?"

Takeru: "Don't worry about me. Let's just focus on getting Agumon back."

Hikari gave him a small smile, which was a bit hard as she had to turn and make sure she didn't fall off.
"Sigh, So nice of you, Keru. Even when you're suffering you still want to make sure I'm alright. Some day I'll find the courage to tell you how I truly feel. And I Hope you feel the same…"

Wormmon: "Ken, what are you going to do to him?"

Ken: "Isn't it obvious? They will always lose if I have their Digimon."

"Oh Ken, whatever happened to you? Where did your Kindness go?"

Daisuke: "Ichijouji! Leave Patamon alone!"

Lighdramon: "Lightning Blade!"

MetalGreymon took the hit without flinching. The rest of the Digidestined got off their Digimon to allow them to fight without concerns for the humans' safety.

Ken: "Hmph, aren't you impatient? MetalGreymon isn't your opponent this time."

Ken put a dark spiral on the currently struggling Patamon.

Takeru: "PATAMON NOO!"

Takeru fell to his knees once more, but not because of grief. Hikari quickly went to his side only to realise he was hiding the smirk on his face. She quickly got up and did her best to mask her emotions.

Hikari: "Nefertimon, don't hold back!"

Nefertimon: "You sure, Hikari?"

Hikari's expression was pleading, almost telling Nefertimon to just trust her.

Hikari: "We have to fight!"

Nefertimon merely nodded and turned to the Kaiser.

Nefertimon: "Rosetta stone!"

The rock was aimed at Ken, but MetalGreymon raised his much more flexible, non-metallic arm to block it.

Ken: "Hmph, you think you can win this? Patamon, Dark-Evolve! Show me the darkness within the Holy Digimon!"

Patamon started to evolve, but it didn't appear forced. It almost looked natural. The form he took however, was definitely not Angemon. In Patamon's place, stood (or hovered) Devimon.

Ken: "Perfect, now show me the powers of the tainted Holy Digimon!"

Devimon: "As you wish."

"Huh? Odd, usually the Digimon I control don't acknowledge me… hmm... must be a special case."

Devimon rushed towards Nefertimon and both their claws clashed. Although it looked to be a battle of strength, it was actually more of a message to Nefertimon.

Nefertimon: "I see, so we really could trust you."

Nefertimon's voice was but a whisper, unheard by anyone except Devimon himself. He merely smirked and pulled away.

Ken: "Tch, guess he will need more power. Devimon! Dark-Evolve once again!"

Devimon started to evolve once more into NeoDevimon.

Iori: "No way…"

Daisuke: "Shoot, Lighdramon! We can still do this! We have to save them!"

Lighdramon bolted towards NeoDevimon to attack him, but NeoDevimon grabbed him and threw him back towards the humans. Digmon had to get in from of them to prevent Lighdramon from colliding into them. Both reverted from the impact.

Iori: "Did we just lose..?"

Hikari: "Not yet."

Daisuke: "I know we still have Nefertimon but…"

Takeru: "Wrong."

NeoDevimon: "Really, Takeru? Honestly, I thought your friends here would be more of a challenge. Oh well, guess it's time to end this little charade. Guilty Claw!"

However, NeoDevimon's attack wasn't aimed at the Digidestined. At the last second, he turned around and fired the purple energy wave towards MetalGreymon. Metalgreymon was taken by surprise and recoiled in pain from the attack. Ken wasn't prepared for the attack either. He fell off Metalgreymon and onto one of his Airdramon. NeoDevimon snapped the dark spiral around his wrist before speaking.

NeoDevimon: "It's funny, boy. You think you can control the powers of Darkness, yet you don't even know of it's powers. Did you really think I would be under your control? Maybe you should have researched more."

Ken: "Tch. Your betrayal will not go unpunished!"

NeoDevimon: "Betrayal? That's a good one. I was never on your side, how could I betray you?"

Ken: "Shut up! Looks like I'll have to try it then. MetalGreymon! Evolve once more!"

MetalGreymon however, was unable to evolve again, NeoDevimon, seeing his opening quickly went over to MetalGreymon and slashed at him.

Ken: "Useless! If you don't evolve, I have no use for you and that Human anymore. Maybe I should just destroy you both."

In that instant, MetalGreymon's eyes went wide, and he started to emit a red aura.

Takeru: "No… not again…"

Iori: "What is it, Takeru?"

NeoDevimon: "That Kaiser… his dark rings and spirals aren't as complete as he would want them to be…"

Hikari: "What do you mean?"

NeoDevimon: "The real reason why his dark rings couldn't control ultimate level and above was because they never fully controlled a Digimon. They were not just mindless Digimon following his command. The power in the dark rings were able to control Digimon below the ultimate level as the Digimon were not strong enough to overpower it."

Daisuke: "But how were you immune?"

NeoDevimon: "Please, as if his limited knowledge of the dark powers could help him control me. I bet even SkullKnightmon would have been able to resist its control."

Hikari: "Wait, so what you are saying is Agumon is still there, and we could possibly reach out to him?"

NeoDevimon: "Right and wrong."

Takeru: "Agumon is still there, but we can't reach out to him now. He is blind with rage again. The Kaiser made a mistake threatening Taichi's life."

Just then, a demonic roar was heard as MetalGreymon was fully blinded with rage. His form started to resemble a red Mugendramon.

NeoDevimon: "Takeru, you trust me, right?"

Takeru: "Why are you asking? I said I would…"

NeoDevimon: "I can't win against him right now."

Takeru: "Ok… but what does that have to do with me trusting you."

NeoDevimon: "Who was MetalGreymon fighting when he became like this."

Takeru: "You as… DoneDevimon."

NeoDevimon: "I see that you are understanding. If anyone is going to bring me from insanity in that form, it will be you, Takeru. I trust you."

In that moment, NeoDevimon's mask began to crack, and he started to evolve into DoneDevimon. Both MetalGreymon and him finished their evolutions at the same time, both charging towards each other. It seemed like DoneDevimon had the upper hand.

Daisuke: "On the bright side, we seem to be winning."

Takeru: "No, I need to get DoneDevimon under control. He won't win like this, not without the miasma to help him. But how… how do I get him under control…"

Iori: "Maybe you can reach out to Patamon?"

Takeru: "I don't know how to do that… What do I do?"

Hikari: "Where did Takeru go?"

Takeru: "Excuse me?"

Hikari: "Where's the boy that never gave up, that never gave up Hope no matter how bleak the situation was? Where's the boy that stood up against DarkKnightmon by himself when everyone else couldn't fight? Where's the boy who stood by me to create the last miracle that saved the world?"

Takeru: "Heh, you give one heck of a pep talk, Hika."

Hikari: "There. That's my Keru. Now, let's go out there and bring them back."

Takeru: "Right, DoneDevimon! I know you can hear me! You need to get your anger in check. You can do this!"

Takeru clenched his Digivice as it began to glow yellow. DoneDevimon appeared confused as he pushed the red Mugendramon away. He looked at Takeru curiously. Soon DoneDevimon was grabbing his own head as if it were in pain. Takeru was pointing his Digivice straight at DoneDevimon. Then, Takeru's Digivice cracked slightly(again) and DoneDevimon got up, cackling like usual. It didn't seem like much had happened. However, Takeru and DoneDevimon shared one look and both nodded. DoneDevimon charged towards the red Mugendramon and they started to attack each other again. However, DoneDevimon's attacks were much more coordinated than before. The red Mugendramon's tail started to extend slowly. Takeru noticed it immediately.

Takeru: "Get his tail! Don't hold back!"

Iori: "Why doesn't he just attack the spiral?"

Takeru: "Mugendramon has too many weapons. He needs to be disarmed or distracted before we attempt that so quickly."

DoneDevimon, in a manner resembling their first battle, reached for Mugendramon's tail and snapped it, causing Mugendramon to roar in pain. Mugendramon let its left arm loose and hit DoneDevimon with it, slightly pushing him back. Mugendramon immediately thrust his other arm, which had the dark spiral, forward with the intent to blast DoneDevimon at point blank.

"Guess it's all or nothing."
Takeru: "Break the dark spiral!"

DoneDevimon immediately pushed himself forward, biting down on Mugendramon's arm, while moving his right arm to deliver a strong punch to the spiral. The spiral shattered instantly and DoneDevimon threw Mugendramon right in front of the humans, creating a small dust cloud. As the dust cleared, there was a small yellow dinosaur on the ground in front of the humans. Hikari immediately ran over to hug him.

Hikari: "Agumon! You're back!"

Agumon quickly got up and started to hug her back.

Agumon: "Hikari! It's felt like forever since I've seen you!"

Hikari: "It's been far too long, Agumon."

Agumon: "Yep!"

Takeru walked over to DoneDevimon who had reverted to Devimon.

Devimon: "I'm impressed Takeru. You did a good job out there, even if you needed some help from your-"

Takeru: "Firstly, thanks. Secondly, I know what you're going to say. She is just my best friend not my girlfriend."

Devimon smirked.

Devimon: "I was going to say best friend but seems to me you really want her to be-"

Takeru: "Oh, shut it. You and I both know that's a lie."

Devimon: "My first or second statement?"

Takeru glared at him.

Takeru: "Stop teasing."

Devimon merely laughed as he began to revert to Patamon.

Patamon: "Wow, so that's what it feels like to be in the body of another Digimon."

Takeru: "Good to have you back Patamon. Did the dark spiral hurt you or anything?"

Patamon: "Nope. Devimon took full control once we evolved."

Takeru: "Good. Let's go reunite with Agumon."

Patamon: "Agumon, it's great to have you back!"

Agumon: "It's great to be back. But we need to save Taichi."

Takeru: "Don't worry, we will make sure we get him back."

Agumon: "Wow, Takeru you look just like the picture on-"

Hikari: "A-Agumon, surely y-you would w-want to rest after all that! L-let's get you home! Yep, that sounds like a great idea!"

Takeru and Patamon exchanged confused looks at Hikari's sudden increase in volume but shrugged and walked with them.

Hope: "Izzy, we got Agumon back! Can you open a gate for us?"

Knowledge: "That's great. Give me just a few seconds for the gate."

Koushiro: "So, Agumon, I know you just came back but I was wondering if you know any information on the Kaiser."

Agumon: "Sorry, Koushiro, most of the time, he kept me away from Taichi and anywhere really. All I know is that he brought Taichi to some other place not near me."

Koushiro: "I see, guess I shouldn't have expected anything, the Kaiser isn't stupid enough to make such a simple mistake. Alright, go home and rest well everyone."

Hikari: "Miyako, are you feeling better from before?"

Miyako: "Yeah, I just needed some time to myself, I'll be alright from now on."

Hikari: "Good to hear."

Takeru: "Hika, I'll walk you home."

Hikari: "You don't have to…"

Takeru: "Well, someone has to carry Agumon back, and I think it'll be better if I do it for you."

Hikari: "Alright, fine."

The Digidestined all went back to their respective homes, with Takeru and Hikari getting a few odd stares along the way. When they reached Hikari's home, they both went in, and Takeru set Agumon down on Taichi's bed while Hikari set Tailmon down on the stack of blankets on the floor, which served as Tailmon's bed. Agumon and Patamon had both fallen asleep on the way. Takeru went over to the front door to leave.

Hikari: "Thanks, Keru."

Takeru: "It's not a problem Hika."

Hikari then surprised Takeru by giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. Both had a light blush from it.

Hikari: "Well, goodnight, see you tomorrow."

Takeru: "Uhh yeah. See you tomorrow. Goodnight."

Hikari closed the door and sat there with her head in her hands.

"Why did I just do that… that was so embarrassing… but then again, he was blushing… Oh, I really Hope Tailmon is right, and you feel the same about me Keru."

Takeru stood at the door for a few seconds with his hand on his cheek.

"What was that? Was that just her showing affection for me like a brother? Or was that what I Hope for..? I should get home… I don't want to be back after mom."

Thanks for reading this chapter. If you didn't like the Lighdramon reveal, don't worry. I also hated how I made it happen here. What I failed to account was during the chapter with Wisemon, I set this chapter up to be a Devimon moment, and I completely forgot that this was where Lighdramon appeared in the anime. That was an oops on my part. In the end I just had to change a lot and merged episode 11 and 12, after all episode 11 was quite a Taichi and Agumon episode, and that can't happen for obvious reasons right now in this fic.

Well, if we look at the 02 episode list, we all know what's coming next. I hope y'all will enjoy it when I publish that and as I stated in the prologue, I think any Takari fans reading this will be happy that I'm finally gonna make it official in the story. :D