Chapter 19:Return of the Catalyst
During the time the had taken down the metal beast, the monkey Deva remained on his dragon ally's back, searching all over the desert for Calumon.
"Faster! Faster! When we find what the Sovereign seeks, you and I will be rewarded beyond our wildest dreams." Makuramon stated, before his face went pale as he added. "And severely punished if we do not."
However, Makuramon's worry faded, turning to hope, where a devious grin appeared on his face as he saw a shining gold light emanate from the distance.
"Unless my eyes deceive me, that is the light of Digivolution." He said, knowing of only two methods to achieve such a power, while certain it was the one he was after, causing him to then command his ally. "C'mon, Majiramon, pick up the pace. We have an annoying runaway to collect. Maka!"
-Several minutes ago-
As Calumon wandered through the desert region, the catfish-like creatures keeping him company, joy filled the tiny Digimon as he came across a familiar banner.
"I recognize those drawings anywhere, Takato must have done them." Calumon said to the shining lights , his ears perking up, reflecting his joy as he then realized what that could mean and called happily. "Then that means they must be here looking for me."
However, knowing the Digital World was a big and dangerous place, Calumon approached the banner as an idea came to his head.
"I think I can help. If I take this flag, I can show other Digimon my friends, and help them find me." Calumon said, managing to jump up and grab the bottom of the banner, tugging at it until the cloth fell from off the stick, causing Calumon to drop down and the banner to fall over his form.
"Now I look like a ghost. Beware of spooky Calumon. Boo!" He chuckled under the sheets, before crawling out, tying the ends around his neck and turning the banner into a makeshift cape, giving him a continued boost of energy to search for his friends.
But being Calumon, as he continued looking for his friends, passing a Digital Tumbleweed, Calumon couldn't help but want to play with it, curling up and rolling around to match the speed of the discarded data, where his continued joyous antics were watched by the Digimon he passed, namely three Woodmon, who stood atop a small mountain.
"Ok, what's with the little guy?" The middle Woodmon asked, never seeing a Digimon seemingly so happy and full of life before.
"Beats me, kids today are crazy." The Woodmon on the left said in reply, he too unsure why the tiny Digimon seemed to be playing around in the middle of a desert, where the third Woodmon declared. "I've got two words for ya. Sun. Stroke."
Passing the Woodmon, too caught up in the fun he was having, Calumon continued to laugh and giggle, before coming up with a small song, expressing his feelings of joy.
"I was having a yucky day but now, whoo-hoo, I get to play! Other Digimon were so mean, the nastiest you've ever seen. I don't need them; not at all. My brand new friend's a big, pink ball. Running here, and running there, like a hyper teddy bear! Rawr! Happy doodle! Oh, what fun. I wish I had a chocolate bun! Or a cookie, or a cake, or a minty chocolate shake! Who needs snacks; I have a toy. My prancy ball, Oh! What a joy! I'm so happy, I don't care, I'm still not wearing underwear!"
While Calumon remained signing, remaining in his great mood, the red marking on his forehead shone brightly, reacting to his positive feelings, before affecting those in the area, enveloping the Woodmon in shining lights before all three began to grow out, changing from Woodmon to Cherrymon.
Looking at themselves and at their new forms, one of the Woodmon, now Cherrymon, asked. "What just happened?"
"I'm not sure, but I feel like a sapling turning to a mighty oak." The Cherrymon who had made the heatstroke comment said in reply, feeling stronger than ever, feeling rejuvenated, as if he could do anything he put his mind to, before looking down at Calumon and guessing. "Whatever happened, I think that kid had something to do with it."
Overhearing the Cherrymon talking, Calumon looked over and began to take a few steps back, for the sight of the giant tree Digimon scared him a little.
But not wanting to harm Calumon, but to thank him for whatever he had done, the Cherrymon carefully and slowly made their way down from the mountain peek, keeping a slow pace as they approached Calumon.
"Easy there, little guy." The middle Cherrymon said with a calm and slow voice, trying to keep Calumon calmed.
"Looks like you've been through a lot." The Cherrymon on the right commented, looking at all the dirt and dust covering Calumon and his cape, before he smiled, scooped Calumon in his hands.
"Here. Let's get you something to eat." He then offered, moving his left through the shrubbery of his head, rummaging around and pulling out a handful of dark red berries.
"Just a moment. Need to find the right berries." The Cherrymon said, before placing the berries back in his shrubbery and explaining. "Eat the wrong ones and you'll get worse than a stomach ache."
After searching through his head a little longer, the Cherrymon smiled, pulling out a plum coloured berry that he offered to Calumon, who began to snack upon the fruit, joy filling his tastebuds at the berry's sweetness.
"So what's a little guy like you doing around here?" The final Cherrymon had to ask, before commenting. "This doesn't seem like a place you'd want to play in."
"I'm looking for my friends. Perhaps you've seen them." Calumon said in reply, turning around in the Cherrymon's hand to show off the drawings on his cape and saying. "I know it's a little tricky to make them out, but if you squint your eyes and use your imagination."
Feeling as though they owed Calumon for Digivolving them, the Cherrymon all examined the drawings on Calumon's cape, only to then shake their heads.
"Sorry, kid, but we've never seen those guys before." The Cherrymon holding Calumon said, which caused Calumon's ears to shrink down, reflecting off of his sadness.
"But we can help you look for them." Another Cherrymon offered, perking up Calumon, who asked with hopeful eyes and a big smile. "Really?"
The Cherrymon nodded.
"Consider it our way of saying thanks for the energy boost." The Cherrymon on the left said, feeling good at seeing Calumon smiling and for helping him out.
But curious, he then had to ask. "But one thing puzzles me, kid. How did you end up all the way here?"
"He got here with my help." The three Cherrymon heard a sinister voice say, causing the trio to turn and saw Makuramon upon Majiramon's back, frightening Calumon to no end.
"And now I'll be taking back what rightfully belongs to my Master." The monkey Deva declared, continuing to cause Calumon to cower.
"No. I don't want to go with you! Just leave me alone!" The tiny Digimon cried out, before surprise filled him as the Cherrymon carefully set Calumon down, before all three stood before him, forming a wall with their thick trunk bodies.
"You'll have to go though us before you can lay your tail on this kid." The middle Cherrymon stated, unsure exactly what was the deal between their Digivolving friend and the monkey Digimon, but they knew Calumon was going nowhere with him.
"Have it your way." Makuramon said back, before pointing at the Cherrymon and commanding with a loud cry. "Majiramon, turn them into firewood!"
-Back within the Chuchidarumon village-
Around the time the mysterious Digimon, Beelzemon, had left, the group felt a secondary quake, concerning Ryo as he asked. "What's happening? Is that whackedout motorcycle coming back?"
"Worse." Henry said, pointing to the east of their current location, where all looked over, feeling shock to see Makuramon, who was riding upon the top of a dragon Digimon's head, looking to see the dragon Digimon casting off a powerful stream of flame.
"It's Makuramon!" Takato said in anger at seeing the monkey Deva, as well as seeing Makuramon's new ally, certain that the dragon Digimon was as just as trouble as Makuramon.
"So that's him, that's the Digimon you guys are looking for?" Meramon asked as he looked at the Tamers, where Jeri nodded in reply, before the flame Digimon looked back toward where the dragon Digimon was striking and said."We need to hurry. I can't be one hundred percent sure, but your little friend just might be there and might need your help."
"And against an Ultimate like Majiramon, he won't last too long." Meramon then said as he pointed to the dragon Deva, Majiramon.
From the concern on their faces, among the Chuchidarumon, the elder Chuchidarumon spoke up.
"We wanted to say thank you for saving our village from the metal beast, we are forever grateful. Now go and save your friend." The old Chuchidarumon encouraged, along with the other Chuchidarumon, who bowed to the Tamers, thanking them for their heroics, where the Tamers smiled at the kindness of the Chuchidarumon, before making haste, rushing toward the two Devas.
-Just on the outskirts-
Looking around with fear, Calumon saw that even with their efforts to protect him, the Cherrymon had been defeated, where all three Ultimates lay on the ground, barely able to move.
"Sorry, kid... Looks like we were no match for him..." One of the Cherrymon managed to say, which made Makuramon laugh.
"That's what you get when you mess with the Devas." Makuramon bragged, despite Majiramon doing all the work.
"Now then, my annoying friend, are you going to come with me or are we going to have to do this the hard way?" Makuramon asked, staring down from Majiramon's head, leaving Calumon paralyzed in fear, wanting to run away, but also not wanting the Cherrymon to suffer any further.
However, before Calumon had to make a choice, Makuramon's expression changed, switching to a more bothered look as he turned to his left and saw the Digimon Tamers running up to him.
"Calumon!" Takato called, his voice causing Calumon to look over, where joy filled him at seeing his friends.
"You found me!" Calumon called back, which made Takato smile and say. "Are you kidding, we've been looking all over the Digital World for you."
Though the Tamers seemed quite pleased to see Calumon back, Makuramon spoke up.
"If you all are done with your little reunion, that pipsqueak has an appointment to keep with the Digimon Sovereign." The monkey Deva declared, causing all to glare at him.
"Think again!" Terriermon said back, where he, Guilmon, Renamon and Leomon were prepared to fight.
However, before any of them could attack, Cyberdramon let out a fearsome roar, shooting off despite Ryo's commands to stay put and swung his claws along Majiramon's face, causing the giant dragon to stumble back.
"Seems the bothersome Tamers have picked up a few riff raff on their way here." Makuramon commented, jumping off of Majiramon's back and atop a small cliff to get a front row seat of the oncoming match.
"Majiramon, show him what you can do!" The monkey Deva then called, before all watched on as Majiramon flew upward, disappearing in the sky, which began to turn black, while red rings filled the darkening clouds.
"Flaming Arrowheads!" Majiramon then bellowed, releasing an array of red arrows, which rained down upon Cyberdramon's being and causing him to collapse to his knees at the damage to his body.
"Cyberdramon!" Ryo called in concern at seeing the damage to his partner, before Takato took a proud stance beside his new friend, drew his D-Power, a Digivolution Card and assured. "Don't worry, Ryo. We've got this."
As Takato prepared himself, it caused Henry, Rika and Jeri to all follow in Takato's stead, with all, save Jeri, drawing out their D-Powers and a Digivolution Card of their own, where the trio called as one. "Digi-Modify! Digivolution activate!"
Sliding their Digivolution Cards through their D-Powers, the energy was transferred to their partners, where Guilmon, Terriermon and Renamon allowed their data to be rewritten as to achieve their Champion forms.
"Guilmon Digivolve to... Growlmon!"
"Terriermon Digivolve to... Gargomon!"
"Renamon Digivolve to... Kyubimon!"
With the three Digivolved, Growlmon, Gargomon and Kyubimon all braced themselves, preparing to fight Majiramon, as did Leomon, who jumped by Growlmon side and withdrew his blade.
"Now that's an impressive collection of Digimon." Ryo commented at the line of four Champion Level Digimon, sensing they all shared a great power.
"But they are still no match for us." Makuramon stated from his vantage point, arrogance filling his tone, before commanding. "Majiramon, attack!"
Following the monkey Deva's order with a nod, Majiramon started to charge towards the Tamers, where they all got ready to attack.
"Pyro Blaster!"
"Gargo Pallets!"
"Fox Tail Inferno!"
"Fist of the Beast King!"
Combining their four attacks into one blast, it made contact with Majiramon's face, but saw the attack didn't even leave so much as a scratch
"No way! All our power and it didn't even slow him down." Takato said in disbelief.
"That's right. And now you will pay! Maka!" Makuramon declared, before Majiramon opened his maw and attacked, releasing a tremendous surge of flame that spread wildly through the area, trying to incinerate the Digimon and their Tamers.
"Look out!" Rika shouted in warning as the flames of Majiramon were about to come into contact with the Tamers, before Meramon jumped in front of the flames, rasing his arms to shield his friends and absorb all the damage he could withstand.
And though he was a flame based Digimon, Meramon was thrown back by the force of the attack, managing to stop Majiramon from harming the others.
Concerned, Kazu rushed over to Meramon's fallen form, looking at the flame Digimon with worry as he asked. "Meramon, are you ok, dude?"
"I'll be fine..." Meramon groaned in reply, smiling to see his friends were alright, as well as the care they were expressing toward him, while Ryo wanted no more harm to befall any other Digimon.
"Digi-Modify! Goliath activate!" The Digimon King announced, slashing a very rare Digimon Card through his D-Power, not only reenergizing Cyberdramon, but from behind Majiramon, save for his Tamer, all were in shock as Cyberdramon matched the dragon Deva's size, catching Majiramon off guard as Cyberdramon set his claws on Majiramon's arms, pulling him into the air, before slamming him into the ground.
And keeping his hold over Majiramon as tight as ever, the dragon Deva cried out as Cyberdramon set his claws on his head, crushing it and reducing the dragon Deva's being to a massive mist of Data particles, leaving the others watching in awe.
And while he too was shocked at Cyberdramon and Ryo's power, playing it smart, Makuramon turned away.
"I think that's my cue to exit." He said, wanting to get Calumon for his Sovereign Master, but he knew that with Cyberdramon's size, as well as his matching temper, he would be no match and would follow in Majiramon's fate and decided to retreat for the time being.
With Majiramon defeated and Makuramon on the run, the effects of the Digimon Card began to ware off, where Cyberdramon shrunk down back to his regular size, continuing to amaze the others at what other tricks Ryo could pull off.
"Unbelievable! No Digimon could undergo such a transformation and fight so flawlessly. Those two really are the ultimate fighting combination." Henry commented, causing Takato to nod, before he had to ask. "What Card did you use?"
"It's a Goliath Card." Ryo replied, displaying the Digimon Card, where it gave off a slick shine to it, showing just how rare a Card it was.
"Dude, I'll trade you any of my Cards for that badboy." Kazu offered, holding out both his hands, showing all the Digimon Cards he could carry, only for Kenta to then say. "Hey! Those are my Cards!"
Though he could see how enthusiastic Kazu was about the Card, Ryo declined.
"Sorry, but only the most experienced Tamers can master this Card." He said, turning his attention seemingly to Takato, Henry, Rika and Jeri, believing they could master such a power in the near future, before hearing Cyberdramon continuing to roar.
Worried, Henry asked. "Is everything ok with him?"
"Cyberdramon has gotten a taste for fighting again. To him, Majiramon was just an appetizer and now he wants to find more Digimon to fight." Ryo explained in reply, where Cyberdramon growled and turned to Ryo, for the Ultimate Level Digimon wanted to continue fighting.
"Cyberdramon, calm down!" Ryo called out, taking out his D-power, forming the light whip to calm Cyberdramon down, though it did little to loosen Cyberdramon's fighting spirit.
Takato, Henry and Jeri were surprised at what was happening, where Takato looked at Ryo in confusion and asked. "Ryo is there something wrong with him?"
"Cyberdramon is always in the mood to fight, looking for the ultimate challenger. And when he gets this way, I have to keep a closer eye on him." Ryo explained in reply, smiling as he said. "It looks like we'll have to say our goodbyes."
"Best of luck getting back to the Real World." Ryo then said, climbing upon Cyberdramon's back, where he looked at his friends, namely Rika as he offered. "Rika, maybe when we have a chance, we can have a rematch and see who the true Ruler of Digimon is?"
"You're on!" Rika replied with an eagerness in her voice, ready to show how much she had changed, watching on as Ryo and Cyberdramon departed, making their way into the distance.
"Cyberdramon won't find peace or satisfaction until he finds his ultimate enemy, and if he never find that enemy he may be doomed to keep fighting until the end of time." Leomon commented as he watched the Ultimate Level Digimon leave, his words concerning the Tamers, namely Jeri who felt empathy for Cyberdramon and said solemnly. "That's terrible."
"I know. But all we can do is support him." Rika said, resting her hand on Jeri's shoulder, causing the brunette to smile at Rika's kindness, but more as Calumon jumped up and into Jeri's arms with a joyous expression upon his face as he stated. "And now that Makuramon is gone, we can all go home."
"Better put a hold on that idea." Terriermon commented, just as the sands around them began to pick up, becoming quite fierce, where all had to shield their eyes as best they could, finding it near impossible to see.
However, shelter seemed to form around the Tamers, where they looked and saw the three Cherrymon around them, using their massive bodies and large shrubbery to shield the group from the sandy winds.
"Come and follow us. There should be a cave nearby where you lot can rest." One of the Cherrymon informed, causing Terriermon to ask curiously. "And why are you helping us?"
"That little guy gave us the power to Digivolve, and we figured we owed him." The Cherrymon that had spoken already replied, before his friend added. "And besides, you guys helped us when that monkey set his dragon on us, so think of this as our way to pay Calumon and you guys back for your kindness."
"It seems a friendship can get you a long way, even through a place like this." The last Cherrymon commented, before the three began to slowly move, escorting Calumon and the others through the wind swept desert and leading them all to a thin line within a small mountain.
"It might not be the biggest place around, but you should have enough room for the night." One of the Cherrymon said, gesturing for the Tamers to make their way inside.
"Thank you." Takato said with respect, grateful that the Cherrymon had not only helped them in their time of need, but had kept an eye on Calumon for them, before entering the cave themselves, seeing there was a limitation in space, but the conditions were livable.
"We should rest here for the day." Rika suggested, causing the others to agree with the red haired Tamer, before gathering in a small circle and withdrawing some of their remaining provisions, unsure how long they would be in the Digital World and made sure to eat and drink in moderate amounts.
As the group began to gather their foods, setting it on Rika's makeshift blanket, Takato was about to sit down, before an idea came to him.
"Hey!" He called to the Cherrymon, noticing the plant Digimon were slowly leaving.
Curious, one of the Cherrymon asked. "What do you want?"
"Well I was just wondering if you guys wanted to stay?" Takato offered, a sincere and friendly smile appearing on his face as he added. "You guys tried our hardest to keep our friend protected, so it'd be only right if your kindness was rewarded."
"The more the merrier." Guilmon added with his own smile, leaving the Cherrymon unsure on what to say to the human.
But looking upon one another, and at seeing the kindness Takato and Guilmon were offering, the plant Digimon nodded as they decided to stay, to which they relaxed their bodies against the rockface, resting around the crack and watching as Takato and Guilmon went back inside, coming back out with several servings of bread shaped like Guilmon, Terriermon, Renamon and Leomon's faces.
"Dig in." Takato said, offering the bread to the Cherrymon, the plant Digimon looking at the food with some confusion, having never seen such foods before.
But not wanting to be rude toward Calumon's friend, each Cherrymon took some bread and began to eat, their taste buds filled with the welcoming sweetness of Real World food.
"Not half bad." One of the Cherrymon confessed, getting agreement from his two friends, one of which commented. "If the grubs this good, I can see why your little friend loves hanging around with you."
Takato smiled, happy to see the Cherrymon enjoying the food he and Guilmon had made, before he and his partner headed back inside, needing shelter from the desert winds, where the pair entered and saw the others chatting as they ate, their attention namely drawn to Calumon, who was not only happy to be with the friends he had made in the Real World, but the one they had found at the start of their adventure.
"You're like a giant nightlight." Calumon said to Meramon with a giggle as he looked upon the flame Digimon, who smiled at Calumon's enthusiasm, taking a liking to the the tiny Digimon, who rubbed Calumon's head and caused Calumon to continue to smile.
At seeing Calumon becoming friends with Meramon, it made the other Tamers smile, though after few minutes after finishing their shared meals, looking outside the cave, though the sandstorm remained picking up, Henry noticed it was now dark.
"Guys, it's night already so we should try and get some rest." Henry said, before Terriemron added. "And with Makuramo still out there, we should take turns keeping watch just in case that monkey tries to Digi-nap Calumon again."
"After everything I've been through, I'm very sleepy..." Calumon could just manage to say, before stretching out his tiny hands, yawning, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep, finding a comfort at the warmth of Meramon's body beside him, causing the flame Digimon to smile and allowed the tiny Digimon to rest by his side.
Smiling at seeing Calumon sound asleep, Takato then looked at the others with a continued smile and offered to stay on guard duty, alongside Guilmon, both having plenty of energy to spare before they needed a rest, where the others began to try and relax, closing their eyes themselves and soon drifting off to sleep.
While the others were resting, Takato remained awake, only he was leaning against the wall of the cave, keeping watch with he partner until the sound of light snoring filled hie ears, causing Takato to turn and smile to see Guilmon had not only fallen asleep, but the red dino Digimon had fallen asleep close to Renamon, resting his head on her legs.
Finding the sight of his partner and Rika's continuing to show love made Takato smile, before he turned his attention, looking beyond the sandstorm, where he thought. 'Now that we have saved Calumon we can go home. But we still have to be careful. No question Makuramon will come back over and over until he gets Calumon and brings him to the Digimon Sovereign.'
'And that Digimon/guy on the bike...' Takato went on, deep in thought as he wondered. 'Just who was he?'
-Meanwhile-
Ignoring the harsh winds blowing around him, unfazed by the effects of the weather, Beelzemon rode his motorcycle across the wilderness.
"What do you think of me now nature He called, suddenly slamming his foot on the break, before hoping off of his vehicle and looking around, giving off a dark smile as he eyed one of the more smaller mountains, but saw it was not as it appeared, evident as the mountain broke apart, revealing it to be a gigantic swarm of Chrysalimon, who seemed hostile to see an unknown Digimon invading their territory.
But with the numbers greatly against him, Beelzemon continued to give an arrogant grin.
"Time to give this power a test." He said, suddenly drawing the shotguns from the holsters upon his back and his left leg, aiming his guns at the swarming Digimon.
"Double Impact!" Beelzemon let out, laughing as he fired off a set of shells from his guns, instantly destroying the Chrysalimon that were in his line of sight.
With their numbers depleting, the Chrysalimon refused to give up, showing that as a group they had another trick up their cables, where the surviving Chrysalimon all gathered together, changing form and changing from their mass into one single Digimon, Digivolving into a Infermon.
"Spider Shooter!" The cocoon-like Digimon called, fighting back against Beelzemon as it opened its mouth and quickly spat out a sphere of orange energy from the gun-like port hidden within, catching Beelzemon off guard and blasting his chest.
However, even with their combined power, Beelzemon just brushed off the Infermon's attack as if it was nothing.
"Oh now you've hurt my feelings." He teased, before rushing at the cocoon-like Digimon, jumping over its head and showing more of his power.
"Darkness Claw!" Beelzemon let out as the tips of his fingers glowed with a dark purple light, running them clean through the cocoon-like Digimon and slicing it in half, leaving Beelzemon laughing wickedly as the Infermon was reduced to countless particles of Data, which Beelzemon then absorbed.
"Oh yeah, come to papa." Beelzemon said, forcing Infermon's Data into his being, absorbing all the Data he could, which made him desire more.
More opponents to face, more to destroy, more to absorb, a never ending cycle all in the name of power.
"This is amazing. Nothing can stop me." He declared, looking at his right hand and feeling absolute power flowing through his entire being, allowing it to consume him, only for the moment to be ruined as he noticed he was not alone.
"Caturamon?" Beelzemon let out, wondering why the Deva that had granted him such power was still bugging him.
"Stop fooling around and carry out your side of the deal." The Deva said, glaring down at Beelzemon, who glared back.
"Fine." Beelzemon said calmly as he gripped his guns, ready to hold up his end of the deal. "Let's get this over with."
-Back with the Tamers-
Keeping an eye on his friends, Takato remained silent, not wanting to bother anybody from their slumber, namely Rika, where he looked at his girlfriend with a smile, finding the way she was lying on her side and curled up a little kind of cute.
However, the brunette was broken from his current thoughts as he heard a faint beeping emanating from his back pocket, causing him to draw out the comms device Yamaki had given him, where a smile appeared on Takato's face to see it functional.
'Looks like this storm is stopping the Data Streams.' Takato guessed, before tying a message and quickly sending it, leaving the goggle headed Tamer hoping his message managed to get to the Real World.
-Real World-
Back in Riley's apartment, giving Yamaki not only a place to live until he was back on his feet, but also a second chance at their relationship, the blond was on the couch, typing away at his computer, trying all he could to get in contact with the Tamers.
"So much for quality time." Riley commented as she entered the room, hoping to spend sometime with her boyfriend away from his laptop, before asking him. "Did you miss breakfast?"
However, with Yamaki remaining silent, continuing to transfixed his attention to the machine/screen, Riley circled around the couch, where she then asked. "Hello? Anybody home?"
Remaining silent, Yamaki continued to type, before stopping as a message came across the screen, indicating he had a new note.
Surprised, Riley asked. "An Email? But who is it from?"
"It might be from them." Yamaki replied, clicking the message box open, where he and Riley were left astonished at what was written, but more to who had sent it.
To Mr. Yamaki
We made it to the Digital World and found Calumon. Hope to hear from you soon.
-Takato.
Reading the message, a smile appeared on Riley's face, where she reflected her care and said. "They did it. They're alright. That's a relief because I was starting to get worried."
But with Yamaki remaining silent and distant to her, somewhat annoyed, Riley asked. "Can you even hear me?"
In reply, Yamaki nodded, before holding out his hand.
"Get me the phone." He said with a seriousness in his tone. "There's someone I need to call."
-Meanwhile-
Within another section of Shinjuku, a new branch of Hypnos were hard at work.
However, what they were doing had some of the employees in concern.
"Sir, I must know why didn't you inform Yamaki about restarting Hypnos?" A man with short hair and was dressed in a black suit and glasses questioned his superior, before asking. "And how could you even think about resetting the Juggernaut, especially after seeing what it has done?"
Ignoring the man's concern, the new boss of Hypnos, another face in the crowd just smirked.
"The real question is how can we not?" He then asked, walking away and dismissing the concerns of the suit, who watched as his boss left, before smiling as his cell phone began to ring, where he drew the device, brought it to his ear and smiled.
"Good to hear from you again, Yamaki." He said, before asking. "I assume you didn't just call to discuss the weather, unless that weather is in relation to the changes in the Digital World?"
Even though Yamaki had lost most of his power when Vikaralamon came into the Real World and almost destroyed Shinjuku, there were still agents who remained loyal to the blond, keeping him informed to Hypnos' movements.
And with the possibility of another calamity could come with Juggernaut's third activation, the man in contact with Yamaki knew Hypnos needed its rightful commander back in charge.
-Back to the Digital World-
After the sand storm had died down and the Tamers had gotten some rest, Takato, Guilmon and the others said their goodbyes to the Cherrymon, thanking them for protecting Calumon and coming to them in their time of need, feeling proud they had continued to share their kindness upon the Digimon of the Digital World, hoping that it would continue to pass and help brighten up the seemingly tough world.
Finished packing up their provisions and sleeping bags, the Tamers started to head out, not completely sure how they could get back to the Real World, but remaining optimistic, Takato believed there had to be one way or another.
Drawing out the communicator, a scowl appeared on the brunette's face as he saw it unresponsive.
"Everything ok, Takato?" Rika asked, noticing the frustration on the Tamer's face.
"I am just trying to get this thing to work is all." Takato replied, before informing his friends. "I managed to send a message to Yamaki before, but now this thing just friend out again."
"It could be because the storms were disrupting the Data Streams." Henry guessed, which caused Kazu to ask. "So what? We just wait around until another storm comes before we can request a ride back home?"
"Sure looks that way." Henry replied, feeling a little downcast, alongside most of the Tamers.
"Momentai." Terriermon said, getting everyone's attention, where the rabbit-like Digimon smiled and went on to say with a confident cheerfulness. "There's no need to give up now. We got Calumon back, and we know that Yamaki knows we got what we came for, so it's only a matter of time before we are back home."
"And until then, we can always try and find another way back ourselves." Calumon added, his ears perking up, not minding if he had to stay in the Digital World another day or two, so long as he had his friends with him was all that mattered to the tiny Digimon.
Though the others felt a little better by Terriermon and Calumon's words, the group of humans and Digimon working alongside one another were unaware that as they continued to chat, a top of a cliff was the Digimon who had mastered control over the motorcycle that had terrified the Chuchidarumon village.
That was until he revved the engine and drove right off of the edge, landing before the Tamers, blocking off their route as he glared at the group with a dark smile.
"This is gonna be fun." He then said, his menacing glance scaring Calumon, while the Digimon stood before their Tamers.
Keeping himself ready for battle, Leomon then asked. "Who are you?"
But giving no reply, the Digimon just laughed.
"At least he has a sense of humor." Terriermon commented, before taking in the Digimon's form and admitting. "But there's something familiar about this guy."
Feeling the same way, Henry drew his D-Power, hoping to get some information on the Digimon, to determine whether or not he was a threat, but was left with confusion as no data displayed itself upon the screen.
"I can't get any data on this guy." Henry informed his friends, turning his focus to the Digimon and asked with caution. "You a Deva that got kicked out of the program?"
"I've got my own program and you stinkin' humans are gonna pay in order to keep it a success." The unknown Digimon said in reply, his words causing Renamon to look at him with a sudden shock, where she questioned. 'Could it be...?'
Looking carefully at the Digimon, at his arrogant smile, the dark glint in his eyes, as well as the red bandana wrapped around his left arm, there was no doubt in Renamon's mind as to who the Digimon really was.
"Impmon!" The vixen then let out, her call shocking the others, while the supposed Impmon just smirked.
"Impmon?" The Digimon asked, before stating. "That loser doesn't exist anymore. This is my true form. And the name's Beelzemon!"
Sensing Impmon's power to Digivolve came from another source beyond the bond between a human and a Tamer, Renamon knew Impmon had made some terrible deal with the Devas, where she then questioned. "Tell me, what did you promise them?"
With the name of Impmon's form now known, Henry's D-Power displayed the data on Beelzemon, shocking him at what it said.
"Beelzemon, Mega Level! His Darkness Claw and Double Impact attacks are almost always lethal!" Henry read, fear in his tone at encountering a Mega Level Digimon, who grinned at the data in regards to his power.
"Make that always!" Beelzemon said, horrifying all as he drew the shotgun from his leg holster and pointed it right at Renamon's face, where she remained in place and glaring at Beelzemon, as if disappointed that he would slump so low for power.
"It was a simple trade. My life for your life." Beelzemon then said, looking away from Renamon and at Guilmon and the others, wondering which of the Digimon Tamers he would get the pleasure of destroying first.
Deciding on who would be the first to fall at his power, Beelzemon continued to eye his new enemies, scaring Calumon, who wrapped his arms around Jeri, burying his head into her chest out of fear.
"I don't like Impmon like this. He's too scary." Calumon cried out, feeling more fear for the troublemaking Digimon than ever before, while Jeri felt a combination of her own fears and some concerns for the Mega Level Digimon.
"I knew Impmon had issues but I never imagined he'd be so evil." The brunette said, scared of what Impmon had become and what he was willing to do for such power.
And even though Takato, Rika and Henry were afraid, stepping up, they knew they had to fight back in order to keep their friends protected from what Impmon had allowed himself to become.
"Impmon, we gave you plenty of chances to be our friend, but if you want to fight us, so be it." Takato said, drawing his D-Power and a Digivolution Card.
Grinning back at Takato, Beelzemon said arrogantly. "Bring it on!"
As Takato was about to use his Digimon Card and Digivolve Guilmon to Growlmon, feeling the dedication and positive emotions of his friends, the red marking/crystal upon Calumon's forehead shone brightly, allowing the Tamers to once again achieve the power of Matrix Digivolution.
"Guilmon Matrix Digivolve to... WarGrowlmon!"
"Terriermon Matrix Digivolve to... Rapidmon!"
"Renamon Matrix Digivolve to... Taomon!"
With the three Digimon in their Ultimate forms, standing alongside Meramon and Leomon, all were prepared to take on Beelzemon and put an end to his lust for power.
However, before any of the Digimon could make a single attack, the storms from before returned, only they seemed more violent when compared to the previous storm.
"What's going on? What's with this whacked out weather?" Beelzemon questioned, knowing that even for the Digital World this was unusual, which seemed to get worse by the second, causing him to give out a frustrated groan as lightning began to strike around the area, knowing it was too great a risk to fight the Digimon Tamers with such a disadvantage against him.
"Don't think you've seen the last of me. I'll finish this later." Beelzemon stated, turning his motorcycle and retreating, which eased the group a little, but now they had to worry about the raging storm.
-Returning to the Real World-
From their apartment, Janyu and Suzie, who was holding a stuffed animal she had dressed as Terriermon, sticky taping a plastic horn to the toy's head and colouring in green markings on the toy's arms to match Terriermon's.
Holding her makeshift Terriermon toy close to her body, the purple haired girl looked out the window, at a massive surge of energy swirling around a building in the distance, where she asked. "Daddy, what's that?"
"A bad idea." Janyu said in reply, knowing all to well that Hypnos were trying to use the Juggernaut again, which scared Suzie, worried as to what could happen to Henry, Terriermon and all those she considered her friends within the Digital World.
Fearful of the green light, Suzie and her father wer right, for within the new Hypnos headquarters, the new head of the organization was playing with forces he didn't understand.
"Good. Shut down the test sequence." He commanded, only for one of the scientists to say with panic. "Sir, I'm afraid we can't. The program isn't responding. I can stop it."
Confused, the boss of Hypnos said back. "What do you mean? It's supposed to shut down automatically."
"There's no manual override." The scientist told the boss, before another informed with concerns. "It's completely out of control."
As most of the staff began to fall into panic, seeing the program acting on its own, no longer under their control, only one individual smiled as he saw the door to the lab slide open.
"It's about time you showed up." He said, smiling as Riley and Yamaki entered the room, a stoic expression on Yamaki's face as he examined the chaos and just asked. "See what happens when I leave you alone?"
"Now let me through so I can clean up this mess. As of right now, I am officially taking command over Hypnos, the way it was meant to be." Yamaki then said, passing beside the now dismissed head of Hypnos and taking command, a great anger filling the recently demoted boss as he watched Yamaki approach one of the keyboards and began to input his own codes and commands within, doing all he could to counteract and shutdown the Juggernaut.
"This is all your fault." He stated as he glared at Yamaki's contact, knowing Yamaki's contact had been plotting behind his back and had cost him his high status amongst the Hypnos ranks.
But like Yamaki and Riley, he didn't mind, all that mattered was to fix the mistakes of the Juggernaut before things fell into a third state of despair.
-Returning to the Digital World-
Though Beelzemon had retreated from the storms Hypnos was foolishly creating with the Juggernaut program, the Tamers found they were not out of the woods, for a beastly Digimon had approached the group, glaring at all with a giant smile on his face.
"It's over for you and your humans." The Digimon stated, causing WarGrowlmon and the other Digimon to go on the defensive, certain this Digimon was going to attack.
"Not just yet. So why don't you be a good boy and just play dead already?" Taomon said back, bracing herself and preparing her light magic against this new enemy, actions Rika acted to as she drew her D-Power, trying to gather what information she could on the beast Digimon, where she was in shock at who this Digimon was.
"Caturamon, Ultimate Level. Exalted beast Digimon. That guys a Deva!" Rika called in warning, not only causing the Digimon to keep up their guards, but also the humans, knowing that Caturamon was after Calumon.
But even with their determination to keep Calumon protected, Caturamon showed his great power, as well as his tactical mind.
"Howl of the Heavens!" He called with a great roar, which not only threw the Tamers back, but with the intense winds, it blew the group around, separating Takato, Henry and Rapidmon as they were dragged within a passing Digital Field.
And as bad as it was to lose three of their friends, it got worse for the remaining Tamers as Caturamon lunged up and at Calumon, sinking his fangs around the catalyst Digimon's tiny frame and keeping him locked in his jaws as the Deva made his retreat, leaving Rika and the others in great sorrow as the sandstorm slowly began to die down.
All they had been through to save Calumon, the Devas had once again stolen their friend away from them, while Takato, Henry and Rapidmon were long gone.
With this drawback, it looked as though the Devas had won this round.