With Calumon successfully captured by Caturamon, the catalyst Digimon was left in a great sorrow.
Not only was he trapped within a steel sphere that was taking him to the land of the Digimon sovereign, but Calumon was also depressed that his friends had gone through so much to try and save him, only to lose him once again.
"Why can't the mean Devas just leave me alone?" Calumon asked sadly, continuing to think about Takato and the others. "All I want to do is play with my friends. I don't want to hurt anybody."
Remaining in his sorry, Calumon's thoughts then drifted to Impmon and what he had become.
"And I thought Impmon was my friend. I know he was mean before, but I always believed he could change if we continued to show him that having friends can make you feel special, but I guess he doesn't know the meaning of the word, he probably doesn't even know the meaning of meaning, except for the mean part." Calumon said with a resumed sadness, thinking of the past, of how he and the Tamers had tried to befriend Impmon in the past, as well as thinking of the wicked Digimon he had become.
Though as miserable as Calumon seemed to be, he was broken from his sorrow filled thoughts as he noticed a red light come into view.
"Well at least the sunset's pretty." He said as he looked outside of his new prison, always trying to find the positives in everything.
But as the cage floated closer, Calumon saw that the light was not the cause of a sunset, but the shine from a massive castle, constructed with various sections seemingly just poking out like spikes.
"Wait. If that's a sunset then the sun's gotten pointy. I don't like the look of that." Calumon commented, fearful of what could be waiting for him within the castle, but remaining hopeful, the tiny Digimon set himself down, taking a seat inside the metal sphere as he thought. 'I hope Takato and the others come and save me again. They have been through a lot to get here, but I know they wouldn't abandon me.'
-Back with the Tamers-
After getting separated from Takato, Henry and Terriermon, the remaining Tamers were saddened to say the least
Not only had they lost their friends, as well as losing Calumon to the Devas again, but now they had Beelzemon to worry about.
Looking around and seeing nothing but desert every way they looked, it left the group with a continued downcast mood, where Kenta asked. "So what do we do now?"
"We keep going." Rika then said as she began to walk, causing Renamon to follow her Tamer out of her continued loyalty.
But having to ask, Kazu let out. "And where are you going anyways?"
"Where else? To find Takato." Rika replied as she looked around the region and said with a caring voice. "When we were separated, I know that Takato never gave up to find us. Now it's our turn to repay him."
"We need to get Takato back, not only because he's the leader of the Digimon Tamers, but he's our friend." Renamon added, her tone filled with nothing but respect for the brunette.
"Hey! Whoever said he was the leader?" Kazu whined, his complaining causing Rika to give a small grin.
"Alright, we'll put it to a vote." She said, before raising her hand and calling. "All Tamers and their Digimon who think Takato should be our leader please raise your hand."
Keeping her hand up, Rika smiled as Jeri, Leomon and Meramon all held their hands up.
"Any Tamers challenge the vote?" Rika asked, which caused Kazu and Kenta to bring their hands up, before Rika grinned, crossed her arms and told them. "I said all Tamers had a say in this vote, and since you two don't have a partner, your votes are dismissed."
At Rika's words, Kazu was not pleased, where he called in protest. "No fair! You tricked us!"
"Rules are rules." Rika just said in reply, turning away from Kazu and Kenta, where she continued to head off.
But stopping for a moment, keeping her back to the pair, Rika then said. "But when you do become a Tamers, you can vote all you like."
At the hidden trust within Rika's sentence, Kazu and Kenta were taken aback, silenced at first, before returning to reality and quickly rushing up to join their friends.
'Just you wait, Rika. I know we'll get Digimon soon.' Kazu thought with a it ok great determination, drawing his attention to Renamon and adding in his thoughts. 'And we'll gain a great bond, just like you and Renamon.'
While walking alongside her friends, Jeri gained a sudden sad expression, where she said with obvious worry. "I hope calumon's is okay."
"Calumon is invaluable to the Sovereign, I am sure they are treating him fine." Leomon replied, trying to assure Jeri and not leave her upset.
And adding her own care, Rika put her hand on Jeri's shoulder, looking at her with a caring smile and promised. "After we find Takato, Henry and Terriermon, we'll track down Calumon and make sure the Devas never lay another hand, paw or claw on him."
While Rika and Leomon had done what they could to cheer Jeri up, Kazu had to speak his mind and ask his own question."I have a question, how are we going to find Takato and the guys?"
"I hope we find Takato soon. I miss him." Guilmon added sadly, his wing-like ears drooping to reflect his depression, before the familiar warmth that came from Renamon's embrace fill Guilmon, where he looked and saw the vixen set her arms around him from his right, where she looked at him with a caring expression.
"Guilmon, I promise you that we'll find Takato. Remember, he might be a human, but he's one of the bravest in the Real World. I am sure he can handle anything the Digital World throws at him." Renamon said, her words causing Guilmon to smile.
"And until then, I can be your Tamer." Kenta offered, siding beside Guilmon as he added. "I know I'm not as good as Takato, but I'll do my best."
"Thanks, but Takato will always be my Tamer." Guilmon replied, a continued smile on his face as he looked at Kenta and added with confidence. "But when you do find your partner, you'll be a really good Tamer."
Smiling back at Guilmon and his obvious trust, Kenta felt reassured and renewed, eager to get back on their adventure in finding their friends, hoping that he too would come across a Digimon for himself, one he could not only call his partner but also his friend.
But unknown to the group, from behind a large stack of rocks, a figure was peeking from the side, observing the humans and the Digimon.
The Tamers continued walking, but with each stone surface they passed, Kenta continued to look back.
"Dude, what's up with you?" Kazu asked, before joking around. "We're going forward, not backward, slowpoke."
"I thought I saw something." Kenta replied, which Kazu just dismissed, even when a shadow rushed nearby.
"Over there!" Kenta called, pointing to another mountain face.
"Dude, you are either paranoid or suffering from heatstroke." Kazu said, crossing his hands behind his head, before walking off and saying. "Just ignore it, and it'll ignore you."
"But..." Kenta could only say, still believing something was following them, but shook his head as he began to run, regrouping with his friends.
Continuing to search the desert for any clues, anything to help them locate their missing friends, Kazu then stopped as he felt the ground seemingly sinking beneath him.
And when he looked down, he was shocked to see that he was indeed sinking into the ground.
"Whoa! Guys a little..." He began to say, calling for help, but found that the others were having the same problem as him, where they too, regardless of their position within the digital desert, were all sinking themselves.
And before any of the Tamers could react, all were slowly dragged within the sand, pulled beneath the desert.
As all fell into a pit, instead of being buried in the sand, the group ended up in a forest with a lake in the middle, where they fell from the sky, with Guilmon the first to fall into this new domain.
But due to his training with Renamon, not only was Guilmon more aware, but his reflexes were faster, causing him to not only land on all fours, but to quickly pull himself up, set out his arms, where the graceful form that was Renamon landed in his embrace.
"Thank you, Guilmon." Renamon said with gratitude, glad Guilmon had caught her and had avoided her the chance of a humiliating fall on her butt.
"And thank you, Renamon." Rika added as the foxy Digimon had set her own arms out and caught her Tamer, not only causing Rika and Renamon to smile at their trust, but both were taken by surprise at seeing Guilmon holding their combined weight and not breaking a sweat.
While Leomon landed and caught Jeri, Meramon also landing unharmed, Kazu and Kenta weren't as fortunate, where the duo landed on the ground, leaving a dusty crater, where they spread out their limbs, groaning as spirals fills their eyes.
"Are you guys okay?" Jeri asked in worry at seeing her friends after hitting the ground.
"We'll be fine.." Kazu managed to say, still a little shaken at the fall, but noticing the change of scenery seemed to snap him and Kenta from their stupors, where the brunette pulled himself off, brushed off the dust on his t-shirt and asked. "So, where are we now?"
"I'm not too sure, but it is a pleasant change to the desert." Rika admitted, glad to be out of the scorching sun and believing they could look for Calumon and the others in peace.
However, fate had other plans for them.
-Meanwhile, somewhere within the Digital World-
Within a bright tunnel of light Takato, Henry and Terriermon kept falling and falling, seemingly forever, where Takato looked toward Henry with some worry.
"Where are we going anyway, Henry?" He questioned, causing Henry to ask back. "You really think I know?"
"Momentai!" Terriermon called, trying to keep his Tamer and his friend calm, but found that falling down a seemingly endless pit of light was too stressful a situation as Henry snapped back. "Oh, Momentai yourself!"
-Back in the forest area-
Still unsure of where they were, a sudden yell broke the silence.
"Orochimon!" A voice called, sounding hostile, which frightened Jeri and left her asking. "who 's that?"
"Whoever it is, they're over there!" Rika replied, pointing ahead and beyond a lush line of tall grass, where the Tamers saw a humanoid based Digimon that was covered in metal platings and various cables, seemingly trying to get the attention of another Digimon as he threw a giant rock into the pool of water.
"Orochimon, come out!" The android Digimon called, remaining in a battle ready mood, while the Tamers rushed over and approached the Digimon.
Unsure if he was a possible ally or a threat, the group began to sneak toward the Digimon, only for Jeri to step on a twig, which caught the Digimon's attention.
Turning and seeing the group, unsure of who they were, the Digimon thought aloud. "Well, aren't you motley bunch . And what do you want I wonder."
Still unsure whether or not the Digimon was a threat, Guilmon, Renamon, Leomon and Meramon all stepped forward, ensuring the safety of the humans amongst their group, which caused the android Digimon to stare at them, before accusing. "So Orochimon has sent you as his servants to defeat me, has he?"
Confused by the Digimon's words, Meramon questioned. "Orochimon? Who is that? And who are you?"
"I am a humble servant of the fight for justice. I am Andromon." The Digimon declared, his words causing the Tamers to look amongst each other, while Rika withdrew her D-Power to get further information on the android Digimon.
"He's not lying. Andromon, Ultimate Level." Rika said, reading the information on Andromon aloud, before setting her D-Power away, approaching the android Digimon, where she bowed and said. "Sorry about the misunderstanding, we thought you were another Digimon working for the Devas. As for this Orochimon, we have no connections with him, we are just trying to find our friends."
"A quest to liberate your comrades? It seems I have misjudged you." Andromon said, his tone of apology at his accusations.
But before he could apologize properly, a sudden and gigantic wave of water emerged from behind him, where the Tamers were left in shock to see a massive snake creature had emerged, having not one but eight heads attached to a single body.
"Stand back!" Andromon called to Rika and the others, where he stated. "This fight is mine!"
"You can have the fight, but who's the snake?" Kenta let out, backing away out of fear, alongside the humans upon the group.
And wondering who this new threat was, Jeri withdrew her D-Power and got the information she desired.
"Orochimon, Ultimate Level. Special attacks include Inferno Blast." She read, before freezing up as the giant snake Digimon loomed over the group, the middle head scanning the humans, seemingly taking an interest in Jeri and in Rika.
"Leave them alone, Orochimon!" Andromon called, getting the snake's attention, where he saw Andromon open up the port upon his chest and prepare to attack.
"Gatling Attack!" The cyborg Digimon let out, casting out a set of missiles from his chest, which headed right for Orochimon, but didn't even dent him as they made contact with his being and just plummeted into the water.
More bothered than harmed by Andromon's attack, Orochimon retaliated, slamming one of his snake heads right into Andromon, where he was thrown back and crashed into a tree, crying out as he slumped to the ground.
"Andromon!" Kazu called in concern, wanting to head over and check to see if Andromon's injuries could be treated, but found the Orochimon trapping the Tamers within, filling them with fear.
And even though Guilmon, Renamon, Leomon and Meramon remained ready to fight, the odds were still in Orochimon's favor, not only having the size advantage, but also the advantage in terms of power.
However...
"Kahuna Waves!" All heard a voice bellow out, only it wasn't from Orochimon, which confused them as a series of small heart shaped bubbles rained down upon the Digimon, confusing Guilmon, Renamon, Leomon and Meramon as they felt a boost in energy, while Orochimon's real head was struck by the tiny hearts, causing him to flinch as they seemed to harm him.
From the attack, Kenta looked to the sky, where he asked. "What's going on? Is this part of the forecast?"
"I don't think so." Jeri replied, knowing there were changes in the Digital World, but raining heart bubbles seemed too farfetched, even for their current situation.
"Phoo!" All then heard the new voice bellow, before the Tamers were left in confusion as a tiny pink fairy-like Digimon shot down from the sky, revealing it was the cause of the heart bubbles as it spat out another wave, causing Orochimon to hiss and flinch at the attack.
"For a little guy, he sure packs a punch." Kazu commented, before he had to ask. "But who is he?"
Curious herself, Jeri withdrew her D-Power, bringing it up, where the image of the fairy-like Digimon was displayed and its information revealed.
"That's MarineAngemon and believe it or not, he's a Mega Level Digimon." Jeri said, amazed, before reading further. "Special attack: Kahuna Waves. An attack used to help its friends and bring pain to those with ill intent in their hearts."
Curious, Kazu then asked. "So its sees us as its friends?"
"I'm not complaining, I'm just glad we're not on his bad side." The brunette added as he saw MarineAngemon actually repelling Orochimon, the snake Digimon hissing as it sunk back into the waters and retreated.
But with Orochimon gone, a sudden concern filled Kazu, recalling that Andromon was still damaged from the attack, causing him to rush over to the Ultimate Level Digimon, concern expressing Kazu's face as he asked with worry. "Is he even alive...?"
"Barely, but his body has suffered a great amount of damage." Jeri informed, feeling empathy at seeing Andromon's pain, before she and the others watched as MarineAngemon floated around the cyborg Digimon, as if examining him.
Curious, Kazu asked. "MarineAngemon, do you think you can fix him up?"
Sadly, MarineAngemon shook his head.
"Too much damage. Phoo. Need Data Packets to treat Andromon." The tiny Digimon informed, which left the Tamers looking at MarineAngemon, before Renamon asked. "And where do we find Data Packets?"
Responding to Renamon's question, MarineAngemon pointed over to where he and the others saw a rising stack of smoke a fair distance from their current location, causing Kazu to ask. "Then what are we waiting for? Andromon needs us."
Rushing ahead, despite the weight of Andromon's larger frame on his back, Kenta and the others were somewhat confused by Kazu's change in personality, causing Mearmon to ask. "What's gotten him all heated up?"
"Human has a good heart. Phoo! Wants to make sure good Digimon like Andromon doesn't suffer." MarineAngemon said in reply, just as he and the others began to follow after Kazu.
But having a question that needed to be asked, Kenta questioned. "And why are you helping us?"
"I saw you back in the desert and doing nothing but good deeds and helping others. In my heart, I just knew I had to follow. Phoo!" MarineAngemon said with a cheerfulness as he began floating around Kenta, seemingly taking an interest in the boy.
Confused by the actions, Kenta let out. "What's up with you? Why are you following me?"
"It seems MarineAngemon has chosen you as his Tamer." Leomon informed, which caused Kenta to shake his head and say with denial. "No way. I want a Digimon like WarGreymon as my partner. I'm sorry but I think you are making a mistake."
From Kenta's words, MarineAngemon just smiled, shaking his head, before catching Kenta by surprise as he wrapped his tiny form around his arm, hugging him, where Kenta remained in denial, refusing to believe MarineAngemon was his partner.
But telling that the Mega Level Digimon wouldn't be leaving him alone anytime soon, Kenta just allowed MarineAngemon to continue to show his affection as he and the others made their way through the woods, soon arriving at what looked like a factory.
And after setting Andromon down, with the help of Rika, Jeri, Guilmon and Kenta, the group slowly approached the factory, staring into the windows, where some confusion fell upon them at what they saw.
Within the factory, a group of frog-like Digimon were handling a wide array of pink spheres, delivering them back and forth, where they were poured within giant wooden containers.
Curious, Rika asked. "Just what are they doing."
"They are adding the Data Packets to their drinks." MarineAngemon said in reply, his words causing Kazu to look at the angelic Digimon and ask. "So if we can get some of those Data Packets, it should fix Andromon up, right."
As MarineAngemon was about to reply, a pleasant aroma filled jeri' senses, where she asked. "Does anybody smell that?"
Taking a moment, Jeri then recognized the scent, where she said with a smile. "It's milkshakes. That's the specialty at my parent's restaurant."
"Well too bad, because you can't have any of ours'." Jeri and the others heard a strict voice declare, causing all to turn and saw a Gekomon make his way into their line of sight, where all noticed the wooden cane resting under his right arm, either as support or as a sign of his elderly status.
"Can't you spare just a tiny amount?" Meramon asked, before Kazu added with a growing concern. "We only want to help our friend, Andromon."
At the mention of Andromon's name, the Gekkomon's expression grew to a more angered state as he let out. "Grr... that lousy Andromon."
"Lousy?" Jeri questioned, before claiming. 'But he's a humble servant in the fight for justice."
"He's a troublemaker, and when he messes up, we all suffer!" The Gekomon let out, remaining in his bad mood, continuing to confuse the Tamers.
And though they had just met, MarineAngemon commented. "Why don't you like Andromon? Phoo. He seems like a good Digimon."
"You have no idea what he's done to us." The Gekomon said back, causing Renamon to point out. "Well we'd have an idea if you explained your situation."
Sighing at knowing that the Tamers wouldn't leave, the Gekomon gave in and told his tale.
"I didn't want to tell this story again, but I guess I have no choice. We used to live in harmony, filling the air with our wonderful singing, but that didn't last long. One day, Orochimon fell from the sky and forced us to serve him. Now everyday we are forced to make milkshakes for him in order to sate the thirst of all of his heads, which is a ton of work believe me." The Gekomon told the Tamers, hating how he and his fellow Gekomon were forced to serve such a Digimon, before growing angrier as he looked upon Andromon and added. "And if making milkshake after milkshake for Orochimon wasn't bad enough, that blowhard showed up one day and said some nonsense about trying to free us, before he and Orochimon fought day after day, destroying our factory over and over, so you should just forget Andromon and leave us alone."
While the Gekomon continued to remain bitter toward Andromon, refusing to help the Ultimate Level Digimon in his time of need, Kazu approached the Gekomon, where he set a hand on the amphibian Digimon's shoulder and said with understanding and care. "Look, I know you're upset, but Andromon is just doing what he thinks is best to help you guys."
Agreeing to Kazu's words, Leomon nodded, before saying. "That's right, and we wouldn't need much help from you at all, just a couple of those Data Packets you put into the milkshake."
"So help us already!" Kazu then let out as he grabbed at the Gekomon's hands, his determination to save Andromon getting the better of him as he lost his more empathetic side toward the Gekomon.
While Kazu's mixed emotions were helping win the Gekomon over, the thought of Orochimon and his wrath came to mind, causing the Gekomon to say with a clear panik. "But what if Orichimon finds out?"
"Dude, you have to learn to stand up for yourself, if you don't people will just walk all over you." Kazu said in reply, knowing that while he had his friends to watch his back, if he ever learnt there was a bully bothering them, he would do whatever he could to help.
"I mean take a look at this little guy." The brunette then said, gesturing to MarineAngemon, where he added with a prideful voice. "Despite his size, he took on Orochimon head to head, or head to eight heads in their case."
"I want to protect new friends. Phoo!" MarineAngemon let out as he nuzzled Kenta again, showing a continued desire to be his partner, which Kenta was still reluctant on.
From Kazu's words, alongside the clear friendship that the Tamers expressed, the Gekomon nodded as he gave in. "You're right. I will... starting tomorrow. Listen, as a thank you for giving us hope, you can help yourself to some Data Packets. Just don't breath a word about this to Orochimon."
"Don't worry. The only words we plan on saying to that snake is you're going down." Rika replied with a confident smile, causing Renamon to nod in agreement.
Bringing up a smile himself, finding his trust in the humans and their Digimon partners continuing to grow, Gekomon then set his walkingstick under his right arm and clapped, causing several of the Gekomon inside the factory to come out, each expressing a curious look as to what they were called for.
"What is it, boss?" One of the Gekkomon asked, viewing the elder Gekomon as their superior, to which he responded as he pointed at Andromon and said with a commanding voice. "Get some of the milkshakes and give them to him."
"Andromon?" Another Gekkomon let out with shock, knowing how much trouble it could cause if Orochimon learnt of this treasonous act. "But why?"
"Because these humans reminded me that we need to be brave, that we need to stop listening to Orochimon and be our own mons." The Gekomon elder said in reply, before adding. "And if we stop listening to Orchimon and allow Andromon and the humans to defeat him, then we can get back to singing."
From the chance to be able to sing again, the younger Gekomon follow the elder's orders as they hurried back into the factory, withdrawing a bucket full of milkshakes and Data Packets, which they handed to Kazu.
"Here you go, one batch of milkshakes served fresh." The Gekomon said, before all hurried back inside of the factory and quickly got back to work, not wanting to be seen to close to Andromon just in case Orochimon ever came to view the progress of his shakes.
"Thank you." Kazu called, grateful for the help, before the brunette walked over to Andromon and began to dunk the bucket, pouring the contents over the sections of Andromon's body that looked the most damaged, before smiling as he saw MarineAngemon float beside him and spit several hearts on the wounds, doing what he could to help.
"And thank you, MarineAngemon." Kazu said, looking at the Mega Level Digimon with a smile as he added. "You might be tiny in size, but you're a big help."
With the combination of the Data Packets and MarineAngemon's healing technique, Andromon began to groan in his unconscious state, feeling a stinging that came with the treatment.
Though she could see Andromon was in pain, Jeri tried to look at the positive, where she asked. "Well at least he's awake now, right?"
"Yes, but Andromon has a while before he fully recovers." Leomon said in reply as he watched as the energies of the Data Packets continued to fix Andromon's body, where a curiousness overcame Rika as she then asked. "So what are those Data Packets exactly?"
"They're like medicine for Digimon." Leomon replied, before going deeper into detail and adding. "They repair Data that has been corrupted or destroyed."
While the Tamers remained watching as the Data Packets continued to fix up Andromon, as Kazu looked upon Andromon, he thought with a great level of respect. 'Andromon. You really are a hero. You continue to protect the Gekomon against Orochimon even though you don't have to. You are something else I'll give you that.'
As the Data Packets repaired the last of the damage to Andromon, a bright light suddenly enveloped his form, astonishing the Tamers and the Digimon to see Andromon change from his tall humanoid build and into a more bulky and mechanical based figure.
Confused, Kazu asked. "What just happened to Andromon."
"He turned into Guardromon." Rika informed as withdrew her D-Power and began to analyze the new Digimon lying before her, where she read aloud. "Champion Level. Special attack, Guardian Barrage."
Seeing the De-Digivolved Digimon, Renamon guessed. "He must've lost more energy than we expected during his fight."
"True. But at least his wounds are healed." Rika said in reply as she set aside her D-Power and looked upon Guardromon with a smile, glad to see he would be alright.
However, while the group was distracted with Guardromon, Jeri and Rika let out a startled scream as something wrapped tightly around their bodies, dragging the brunette and red haired Tamer off, where the others looked on in shock to see Orochimon had returned and now had Jeri and Rika bound by his tail.
"Jeri!" Leomon called in concern to see his Tamer now in Orochimon's grasp, followed by Renamon calling out to Rika, expressing the same worry for the safety and wellbeing of her Tamer.
Seeing their friends bound by Orochimon, Kazu stated. "We've gotta do something!"
"Yeah, but what?" Kenta asked, before pointing out. "Guilmon can't Digivolve Guardromon's out cold, not to mention even with Meramon and MarineAngemon, it's still eight on three."
While Orochimon stared down at Kazu and the others, he then brought his tail forth, bringing the captive forms of Rika and Jeri toward him, expressing a sinister smile.
"You two will make for fine servants." The snake Digimon stated, before lowering his tail, turning and slithering away, causing Leomon, Renamon and the others to make haste as they chased after Orochimon, determined to save the girls from his grasp.
"Hey! Wait up...!" Kazu began to say, he too about to follow after his friends and try to stop Orochimon, but stopped when he heard a faint groan coming from Guardromon, causing Kazu to look upon Guardromon, seeing the machine Digimon rise a little, where he groaned. "Oh nuts and bolts..."
While glad to see Guardromon was drifting between consciousness, back with the rest of the Tamers, most of the group was forced to stop as Orochimon had submerged most of his body in a lake as he continued to flee, save for Renamon and Leomon, who both jumped into the lake and swam after the snake Digimon, despite the warnings from their friends.
And while he knew his body could handle some degrees of water, Meramon remained back out of cautiousness.
"Just hold on, Rika! I'm coming!" Renamon called as she continued to swim through the water, zeroing in on Orochimon, alongside Leomon.
However, as close as Renamon and Leomon got, Orochimon then turned his heads and attacked.
"Inferno Blast!" The main head let out, before all eight opened their maws, each releasing a stream of fire at the two Digimon, forcing Renamon and Leomon to dive under the water, as to avoid the flames.
"Renamon!" Rika called in concern, before she yelled. "If you hurt her, I'll turn you into a snake skin belt!"
Smiling at Rika, finding her resistance amusing, Orochimon said in reply. "Your threats do not scare me, human."
"Now come. You two have more important matters to tend to, as my servants." The snake Digimon then told Rika and Jeri as he turned and made his retreat, using the steam now emitting from the heated waters to make his escape.
With Orochimon out of their line of sights, frustration filled Renamon and Leomon as they were forced to swim back to land.
"Jeri, I am sorry. I have failed you." Leomon said, blaming himself as to what had happened to his Tamer, feelings Renamon shared as Guilmon helped her out of the water, offering out his arm and pulling her out, leaving a soaked and solemn Renamon standing before the Hazard Digimon.
"Don't worry, Renamon, we'll get Rika back." Guilmon assured as he set his arms around Renamon, hugging her, before turning his attention to Leomon and adding with a continued sincerity. "Jeri as well."
"Thank you, Guilmon." Leomon replied, knowing he could trust his friend, before stating. "But even if it costs me all my Data, I will get Jeri back."
-With the girls-
With the success of his getaway, Orochimon had taken Rika and Jeri to an island in the middle of the lake, far away from any other forms of land, where he stared down at the girls with a remaining smile that sent a creeped chill down their spines.
As Orochimon released his hold over Jeri and Rika, leaving them standing before the snake Digimon, he then told them. "Alright, listen up you two. From now on, you two are my milkshake servants. You will live out the rest of your days on my island serving me milkshakes until I am full."
"And should you refuse..." Orochimon then said, displaying the fate of the girls as he crunched down upon a large stalagmite beside them, giving Rika and Jeri the message.
"Now sling us some shakes, my servants!" He ordered as he used one of the snake heads protruding from the right of his body to place a massive bowl before Rika and Jeri.
"As you wish." Jeri said in reply, drawing a large wooden ladle into one of the milkshake containers scattered around her and Rika, where the brunette then poured the milkshakes within the bowl before her.
As much as Jeri hating the situation they were in, she knew that for the time being they would have to follow Orochimon's commands until they came up with a plan to escape.
And not wanting to get Jeri into any trouble, Rika assisted her friend as she got hold of a ladle, adding to the bowl before them.
"Very good, my servants. Your service pleases us." Orochimon said at seeing the bowl now full, causing one of the heads to grab at the side of the bowl, tilt it upward and drink.
"Thank you, Master." Jeri replied with a smile, before bowing her head, confusing Rika, before doing the same when she noticed Orochimon glaring at her.
Confused by the brunette's behaviour, as they remained bowing, Rika whispered. "Jeri, what are you up to?"
"I have an idea. Just follow my lead." Jeri whispered back, before suggesting. "If we can get them full of warm milkshakes, maybe Orochimon will fall asleep and we can escape."
Now understanding Jeri's change in attitude, Rika gave a small nod, knowing she could trust her friend, only to be cut in as Orochimon questioned. "And what are you two whispering?"
"Just how great is to serve you, rather than to be on your bad side." Rika replied with a false smile, before both resumed to filling up the bowl, where another snake head grabbed at it and drank down the liquids.
"That had better be true or you will regret it." Orochimon said in reply, continuing to think he was intimidating the girls, while both hoped that with enough shakes in his system, all eight heads of the snake Digimon would soon fall fast asleep.
-Back on the main island-
The Tamers, along with Renamon, Guilmon, Leomon, Meramon and the MarineAngemon who continued to follow Kenta, sat around, trying to plan a way to rescue Jeri and Rika.
And while most of the Tamers and Digimon were trying to devise a plan, back with Kazu, he hadn't left Guardromon's side since he heard his call and was now trying to lower the heat emitting off of Guardomon's body with a giant leaf.
"Man, I sure hope those guys ok." Kazu thought aloud, expressing a concern for his friends, before Guardromon reacted to Kazu's voice, where his eyes reactivated and he asked. "Did somebody say they need help...?"
Hearing Guardromon speaking, Kazu turned to see that android Digimon had awoke, causing the brunette to smile and say with a matching voice. "Guardromon you're awake. How are feeling?"
"Orochimon..." Guradromon groaned as he tried to rise, but found his body still unresponsive, where Kazu then said with a calm voice. "Don't get up, you're still weak to fight after your battle"
"Oh, how shameful." Guardromon let out with woe, before having to ask. "Who are you anyway?"
"My name's Kazu." Kazu said in reply, causing Guardromon to look upon the boy and say with a more friendly voice, unable to express such physical emotion in his Champion form. "Pleased to meet you, Kazu, and thank you."
"And I think I know a way how we can rescue your friends." The machine Digimon then said, surprising Kazu, before the brunette sat back down and listened carefully to what Guardromon had to say.
-Back at the shore-
After thinking about it, the group had come to an agreed conclusion.
"We need to build a boat if we're ever going to get past all that water." Meramon said, before adding. "While I can swim, I doubt I can make it out too far without being extinguished."
While the group found themselves at a new loss as to how to build a boat, let alone what they could use for materials, all heard Kazu's cheerful voice.
"Guys, Guardromon's awake, and he's come up with a really cool plan to save Rika and Jeri!" The brunette informed, where all not only saw Kazu rushing over, but Guardromon joining them, glad to see him not only awake, but to have another ally to help them in their time of need.
And after listening to Guardromon's plan, believing it was a good one, the Tamers knew they needed a little more help from the Gekomon.
-With the Gekomon-
Having finished their last batch of milkshakes for the time being, the group of Champion Level Digimon were heading off, heading away from their factory and down a dusty path, as to meet up with Orochimon and give him their offering, as to avoid his wrath.
"Alright boys, it's time to deliver the milkshakes, so put on your travelin flippers!" The leader Gekomon said, before another Gekomon hit a gong, the signal for all to travel, before the Gekomon all started heading off, hauling several giant carriers of shakes.
Though their travels started off quiet and without problems, the Gekomon came to a halt when they saw Guardomon blocking their path, finding the machine Digimon just standing in the middle of the path.
"Guardromon?" The Gekomon leader questioned, before yelling. "We already helped those humans repair you, so get out of the way, we have shakes to deliver!"
"We need your help. Orochimon has kidnapped two of those kind people. Please help us to get them back and maybe together, we can defeat orochimon once and for all." Guardromon said in reply, just as the Tamers and the Digimon joined Guardromon's sides.
"Please, we need your help. We cannot do this without you." Leomon pleaded, bowing in a show of respect in his time of need, causing the Gekomon leader to stare at Leomon and the others, before letting out with a dismissiveness. "Oh stop tugging at my heartstrings will ya? We Gekomon love peace and we don't want to fight because we'll end up in pieces."
"Slaving over milkshakes, serving Orochimon out of fear, is that the peace you're talking about?" Guardromon then asked, leaving many of the Gekomon questioning their situation and what they had been reduced to.
"Peace for you Gekkomon meant singing all day, or what you call signing." The machine Digimon added, continuing to win over more of the Gekomon, with many desiring that life back and wanting Orochimon out of it.
Even the Gekomon leader was convinced.
"Alright, if it means we can sign again, we'll help you." He said, before having to ask. "So what do you want us to do?"
"Just deliver the milkshakes tubs as usual, we'll do the rest." Guardromon said in reply, where he and the Tamers all moved aside, allowing the Gekomon to continue on their route, only as they got closer to the lake, the group divided into groups, concealing themselves within the final row of contains, with Guilmon and Renamon hiding within one container together, knowing that while they were still saving Rika and Jeri, it didn't hurt anybody to spend sometime together.
Meanwhile, Meramon and Leomon helped Kazu and Kenta into a container, before climbing in themselves, sliding the lid over to conceal their presence, but also allowing them to just make out their surroundings.
"Leomon, please tell me that's your tail brushing against me." Kenta said with a sudden nervousness within the darkness, only to hear a familiar 'Phoo', causing him to sigh.
"I thought we agreed you would stay with Guardromon." Kenta said in an annoyed whisper, still confused as to the angelic Digimon's fascination with him.
"Guardromon said I can be with who I want." MarineAngemon replied, nuzzling himself against Kenta yet again. "And I want that to be you. Phoo!"
"Dude, just accept it. It's too late to change now." Kazu pointed out, before adding. "Besides, he's a little guy so you won't even notice him."
"That's easy for you to say." Kenta said back as he could feel MarineAngemon continuing to show his affection.
But feeling the container begin to shift around, followed by the sound of splashing, Kazu and the others knew they were now in the lake and stuck in their respective tubs until the time was right, when they would see Orochimon and make him pay for all he had done.
-With the snake Digimon-
Back upon his island, through their continued acting, Rika and Jeri had talked all but the main head of Orochimon to drink themselves until they were left in a sleepy stupor.
"Are you sure you don't want another drink, Master?" Jeri asked, causing Jeri to add with a smile. "A Digimon as big and powerful as you needs to keep his strength up."
'C'mon, will you just sleep already?' Rika thought with a little frustration, feelings Jeri shared as the Tamers looked amongst the other.
As Orochimon stared at the bowel, considering whether or not his thirst was sated, the snake Digimon seemed to perk up as he noticed that he and his servants were no longer alone.
"Special delivery, your gruesomeness!" Orochimon, Rika and Jeri heard someone say, causing the three to turn and look over, with the girls surprised to see the Gekomon, while Orochimon seemed pleased to see the line of milkshake tubs around the line of amphibian Digimon.
However, approaching what he believed to be more milkshakes to sate his growing thirst, from the tubs, Renamon and Leomon leapt out, with Leomon delivering a right hook to Orochimon's face, followed by Renamon with a powerful kick, before Guardromon and Guilmon each burst from out their respective tubs, joining alongside MarineAngemon and Meramon, where the six Digimon prepared to fight.
Upon seeing the Digimon, as well as seeing Kazu and Kenta make their appearance, joy filled Rika and Jeri to see their friends had come to their aid, causing the girls to quickly rush over, glad they were able to escape.
"Guys, we've been feeding him warm milkshake to get him tired so we escape." Jeri informed, before she added with confidence. "But now that you're here, he should be so tuckered out that he'll be easy to defeat now."
From what Jeri had told her friends, she expected some praise, only for confusion to fill her when the Gekomon leader let out with shaking voice"Oh no!"
"What do you mean 'Oh no'?" Jeri asked with a growing confusion, before asking as she pointed out. "That's good isn't it?"
"Those milkshakes all contain Data Packets which will make Orochimon stronger." The gekomon leader informed, shocking Rika and Jeri, where the red haired Tamer said. "Oh, man, we were so focused on trying to escape, we completely forgot about that."
"And now you're going to pay for your betrayal!" Orochimon declared, just as the seven heads all awoke, ready to fight and to destroy not just Jeri and Rika, but the traitorous Gekomon that had brought (said) intruders.
"We should've had some milkshakes too, to help us beat him and. After all there's nothing more important than a healthy diet." Guilmon said, though knew it was too late for such ideas and that they would have to face Orochimon despite the power disadvantage, where he (looked at Renamon and nodded/continued off in their fight, gathering flames within his maw).
"Pyro Sphere!" The Hazard Digimon then announced, spitting out the built up flames, which struck one of the snake heads that was coming at him, surprising Guilmon to see it shatter apart as it was reduced to mere Data.
"Looks like this snake isn't as menacing as we thought." Meramon commented, unsure if it was that Guilmon was that more powerful than most Rookies or if Orochimon's power was lackluster, either way he was going down.
"Magma Blast!" The flame Digimon then let out, releasing a set of flaming rocks from his body, striking another head and managing to destroy it as well.
And while Renamon and Leomon each took out a head of their own, finding it was little to nothing, Orochimon showed his power, showing he wasn't to be underestimated as he swung his tail around, managing to get Guilmon, Renamon, Leomon and Meramon, sweeping all back and delivering a fair amount of pain to the four.
"Guys!" Rika called in concern at seeing the Digimon in pain, watching alongside Jeri, Kazu and Kenta as Guilmon managed to pull himself and Renamon to their feet, Leomon used his blade to steady himself, while Guardromon and MarineAngemon helped up Meramon.
"Looks like those milkshakes have given him an energy boost." Kenta said with some worry, which left Jeri looking down with a solemn expression.
"This really is all my fault. If I hadn't come up the idea to give him all those stupid milkshakes we could've beaten him." The brunette then let out, blaming herself, before she someone put their hand on her shoulder , turning to see Rika looking at her with empathy.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Jeri." Rika said, keeping her hand on the brunette's back, where she added. "I'm as much to blame."
"No. This is Orochimon's fault." Leomon said back, defending both Tamers and trying to assure the duo.
"Everyone makes mistakes." Renamon added, before staring at the remainder of Orochimon and declaring. "And we'll be sure to erase this one."
However, with four heads gone and the Digimon still against him, Orochimon began to chuckle, confusing the Tamers and causing Leomon to question. "And what's so funny?"
"Nothing, only the snakes you seeked to sought were merely simulations!" Orochimon said in reply, his words causing Kazu to say. "Now that's quite the tongue twister."
"And here's another twist I'm sure will shock you." The snake Digimon said back, before, much to the shock of the Tamers, red Data formed where the snake heads had been destroyed, only to then retake their forms as if nothing had happened to them to begin with.
Frustrated at seeing Orochimon able to regenerate his lost heads, but having studied the snake Digimon, Leomon called. "Everyone, go after the centre head, that's the only way we can hope to win!"
"Centre head, got it. Phoo!" MarineAngemon called in reply, showing his determination to protect the others as he attacked.
"Kahuna Waves!" The Mega Level Digimon let out, spitting out a series array of heart shaped bubbles at Orochimon, only for the snake Digimon to retaliate.
"Your tricks won't work on me again, you shrimp!" Orochimon yelled as he swung his tail out, not only slamming past MarineAngemon's attacks, but slamming into MarineAngemon himself, sending the tiny Digimon crashing back to the ground, where he rolled before Kenta's feet, looking as though he was in a great amount of distress and pain.
But even with what he went through, Kenta was taken aback to see MarineAngemon pulling himself back up, groaning every so often from the pain that filled him.
Confused, Kenta asked. "Why are you doing this? Why are you fighting Orochimon?"
"I fight for friends... I fight for Tamer, even if he doesn't believe I am his partner... Phoo..." MarineAngemon said back, sparking something inside of Kenta, to see and to hear that despite the situation he was in, MarineAngemon refused to give up and was fighting for him.
While Kenta was left silent, amazed that despite the way he had continued to dismiss him and how he was facing such an immense sized opponent, MarineAngemon remained as loyal to him as Guilmon had to Takato, Orochimon had resumed fighting.
"Inferno Blast!" He bellowed, releasing a great stream of flame from his middle head, forcing all, even Meramon, to avoid the flames, with Guilmon, Renamon and Leomon finding that as hard as they tried, Orochimon seemed too powerful.
"If only we hadn't given him all those milkshakes..." Jeri let out, still feeling blame for their situation, feelings Rika began to share as she looked downcast, only for the girls to then break from their sorrow and into confusion as they heard Kazu speak up.
"Stop blaming yourselves." He said, expressing a surprising amount of seriousness as he stared at Rika and Jeri. "Look, I know it's tough but that's what being a Tamer is all about. Sure you guys made a mistake, but you still have a chance to fix it, not only by working with your partners, but by working together."
From what Kazu had said, not only did it cause Rika and Jeri to nod, feeling better, but it also inspired Guardromon, with the machine Digimon taking a stand beside Kazu and declaring. "Such noble words, Kazu. I can sense that like me, you try and look out for those in need."
"Thanks, but you should hear Takato give one of his speeches." Kazu said in reply, wanting to be more than a friend, wanting to be able to help the Digimon beyond more than just cheering them on, feelings Kenta seemed to share as he held his arms out, allowing MarineAngemon to rest within his palms.
And seemingly acting to their hearts, a set of familiar lights appeared before Kazu and Kenta, with both surprised at first, before reaching out to grab the light, seeing it die down and take form as a D-Power, surprising Rika and Jeri.
"A D-Power?" Kazu asked, looking at the Digivice, with part of him still unable to believe he was bestowed such an item, before looking at Guardromon and saying with a smile. "So this means you're my partner."
"And you're my Tamer." Guardromon said in reply, feeling a strong bond forming between him and Kazu.
"And you really are my partner." Kenta said, watching as the light from his D-Power affected MarineAngemon, removing all the wounds, bruises and other physical damages to his tiny frame, causing the angelic Digimon to then fly around Kenta with a renewed joy.
"Told you. Now let's fight. Phoo!" MarineAngemon called, his words and the determination caused Kenta to smile, where he, alongside Kazu held their D-Powers out, ready to give their new powers a test.
"Hold up." Jeri suddenly cut in, confusing Kazu, Kenta and Rika a little, before seeing the brunette hold out four Digimon Cards, where she explained. "Kazu, you said we were a team, so let's win this together."
"Now you're talking." Kazu said with a grin, helping himself to one of Jeri's Digimon Cards, followed by Rika and Kenta, leaving Jeri with her own, before all four faced Orochimon and acted.
"Digi-Modify!" All four Tamers called simultaneously, each drawing the Digimon Card in their possession, each believing their Digimon Card would fit the situation and help their new partner within their endeavour.
"Garudamon's Flame activate!" Rika called slashing the Card through her D-Power, causing Renamon to give a great howl as her being was encased in flame, only she found they didn't harm her, but empowered her, before throwing the inferno outward, finding she had complete control over the burning energies as they took the shape of a giant fox head.
"Ladydevimon!" Jeri followed up, using the dark powers of the fallen angel Digimon to give Leomon a dark power up, sending him in a frenzied state as dark wisps circled his form, while his eyes turned pure red, before casting out the darkness as a single attack.
"Giga Blaster activate!" Kazu then let out, adding his own power, which caused a copy of MetalGreymon's chest compartment to fuse upon Guardromon's being, upgrading him in a sense.
"I've never felt this kind of strength in all my life, but I shall champion it for the greater good!" Guardromon declared, opening up the ports on his chest and firing out a set of missiles.
"MetalGarurumon Blaster!" Kenta called, finishing their attacks, where MarineAngemon looked ahead, seeing he was releasing a small icy fog from his mouth, before opening up and allowing a stream of icy blue energy to shoot out.
With the combined attacks, all striking Orochimon, the snake Digimon gave a painful scream, unable to withstand all the power forced against him, where he was then defeated and his body dissolving into raw Data.
"Alright!" Jeri cheered as she rushed over and set her arms around Leomon, hugging him as she added with a growing pride. "You did it!"
"I couldn't have done it alone." Leomon said in reply, though glad to see Jeri safe and smiling, he had to thank Renamon and his new allies.
"Totally!" Kazu let out, before facing Guardromon and declaring. "You were awesome!"
"Thank you, Kazu. I feel a similar awesomeness for you." Guardromon said in reply, bringing a smile to the brunette's face, confident that he and Guardromon would make a great team.
"We win! Phoo!" MarineAngemon called as he happily flew around Kenta, only to find Kenta set him in his hands and nuzzle his cheek against his tiny frame.
"And we couldn't have without each other." Kenta said, bringing a smile to MarineAngemon, happy to know Kenta finally accepted him as his partner, but also at the playful affection his Tamer was expressing.
While the Tamers were glad to be reunited, Guilmon was a little solemn.
"Don't worry. We'll find Takato." Rika spoke up as she set a comforting hand on Guilmon's shoulder, actions Renamon copied as she added. "Even if we have to explore the entire Digital World, we'll get him back."
While Guilmon felt better, knowing he could trust Rika, Renamon and their friends, with Orochimon gone and them now free, the leader of Gekomon walked towards the Tamers to express his gratitude.
"We want to thank for getting' rid of Orochimon. Here's our must beautiful song." He said with a cheerfulness, before turning to the rest of Gekomon.
"okay, everybody, are you ready? A one and a two and a..." He lead, before the Gekomon started to sing, but to the Tamer's ears, it sounded like dreading croaks and burp noises.
"That gets worse every time I hear it." Guardromon commented, causing Kazu to say with a grin. "Nobody said being a hero would be easy."
After the Gekomon had finished with their song, the Tamers left the now abandoned island, leaving the Gekomon to continue to express their joy through their off sounding music.
Saying their goodbyes to the amphibian Digimon, Rika and the others resumed their journey to get back to their friends, with Rika thinking. 'Takato, Henry, Terriermon, I hope you guys are alright.'
And while the redhead had her concerns, in her heart she believed in Takato, confident that even without Guilmon, he could handle himself.