It was Sora’s turn at watch early in the morning, as the bright red rim of the sun began to slowly crest the horizon. She stifled a yawn. She’d been awake for hours, after sleeping briefly and lightly the night before. Kari’s shift had been after hers, but Kari had looked like she really needed the rest. Not that I don’t, Sora reminded herself. But after what had happened to Primary Village, what, after all, was a little fatigue… She shook herself with a start. She’d almost fallen asleep again. She squinted at the remains of Primary Village in the dimness of the morning light. Boy, I really must be tired, she thought to herself. It almost looks as if…

Sora’s heart began to race in alarm. The blackened, barren bowl of the valley below was entirely empty! Where were all the Meramon, the Tankmon of the night before? I’ll wake Tai, Sora thought, he’ll know what to do. Sora bent over Tai’s warm, sleeping body. He looks so innocent when he’s sleeping, Sora thought wistfully. She admired Tai, in a way- his never-ending courage in battle, his leadership, his ability to keep the other Digi-Destined working together as a team… Someday, when all this is over, maybe then I’ll finally tell him how I feel, Sora thought to herself, but not until then. For now, the mission came first…..

She laid her hand on Tai’s warm, slowly moving shoulder and shook him gently. Tai snapped instantly awake. “Sora?” Tai asked sleepily, “What’s wrong?” “Tai,” she said, pointing to the valley below, “look.” Tai squinted for a moment, forcing his tired eyes to focus. “They’re all gone,” he breathed. He turned to look at Sora. “We’d better wake up the others,” he said. “Hey, Biyomon,” Sora said on her way to wake up a snoring Joe, “Maybe you’d better go up for a look around.” “Right!” Biyomon acknowledged, as she took to the air.

By the time Biyomon returned, the rest of the Digi-Destined were up having breakfast, except Izzy, who was hard at work on his computer. “I’ve managed to eliminate the virus, but it’s still going to be a long time before my laptop has enough power to create another Digital Portal.” Izzy said. “What did you find up there, Biyomon?” Sora asked, ignoring Izzy completely. “Not much,” Biyomon answered. “It’s like they all just… disappeared.” “Guys!” Izzy said urgently, “I just got the short-range radar back online.” “And?” Tai asked, pausing to down a bite of food. “They’ve found us,” Izzy said grimly. "At least a dozen Tankmon closing in on us from the right, and one BIG unidentified Digimon coming from behind. We’d better get out of here!”

The next few minutes were spent in frantic activity as the Digi-Destined finished their meals and packed up camp. Then they started out quickly in the general direction of the ocean, that being the only way they COULD go, without running into a swarm of enemy Digimon. “Fire Blast!” came an angry bellow from the rear, as a huge ball of flame set the forest ablaze to Joe’s left. He shrank involuntarily from the sudden heat. The Digi-Destined started into a run. “It’s Dark Tyrannomon,” growled Leomon as he ran beside Mimi, “He was at Primary Village last night.” “We should be able to avoid him as long as we stay in the forest.” Tai panted as another huge blast of flame shot into the forest to his left. He stopped short as the forest abruptly came to an end. “Come on, Tai!” Matt shouted. “We’ve got to keep moving!” As the sounds of pursuit grew closer, Tai and the others broke into an open run across the plain that stretched before them. “Fire Blast!” The grasslands to Joe’s right exploded into flame. “That was a little too close for comfort!” Joe exclaimed, as a wave of searing heat passed over the Digi-Destined. “We should digivolve!” Tentomon shouted. Immediately, white light flared up around four of the fleeing Digimon.

“Tentomon digivolve to... Kabuterimon!”

“Palmon digivolve to… Togemon!”

“Gomamon digivolve to… Ikkakumon!”

“Biyomon digivolve to… Birdramon!”

Even as the Digi-Destined continued to flee toward the ocean, Dark Tyrannomon thundered relentlessly in pursuit. “Fire Blast!” Dark Tyrannomon rumbled, as it sent another enormous ball of flame hurtling toward the Digi-Destined. “Electro-Shocker!” “Harpoon Torpedo!” “Meteor Wing!” “Needle Spray!” The combined force of the blows dissolved Dark Tyrannomon’s attack. Atop Dark Tyrannomon, the Warlock Lord looked on in surprise at this new threat. Meanwhile, the line of Tankmon pivoted from the west to seal off the path of the Digi-Destined to the ocean. “Hyper Cannon!” came a dozen bellows from ahead. The shock wave from the blast threw Sora to the ground. Dark Tyrannomon looked down at the inert form that lay in his path. A ball of flame began to gather at its mouth. “Tai!” Sora screamed in desperation. Brilliant white light flared up from the crest at Tai’s neck. Responding to the incredible surge of energy from the crest, Agumon began to glow.

“Agumon warp-digivolve to… WarGreymon!”

“Fire Blast!” Dark Tyrannomon roared. WarGreymon launched himself directly into the attack in a desperate attempt to shield Sora from the blast. The enormous ball of flame ricocheted off WarGreymon’s heavy armor and flew back over the head of the astonished Warlock Lord. Meanwhile, the line of Tankmon rumbled ever closer.

“Tai,” Leomon said urgently, “I’ll take care of Dark Tyrannomon. Those Tankmon will be here any minute. You and everyone else had better get going.” “But Leomon-“ Tai started to say. Leomon held up his hand. “Go, Tai,” he said, “There’s nothing more you can do here.” Tai made his decision. Clasping Leomon’s palm firmly in his own, he ran back to join the other Digi-Destined. “Good luck, Leomon!” Tai called, as the Digi-Destined resumed their flight toward the ocean.

But the battle was not over yet. There was still the line of Tankmon between the Digi-Destined and the sea. WarGreymon hovered over the battlefield, his eyes sweeping from left to right as the enemy Tankmon rumbled ever closer. Seeing this new target hovering above them, the Tankmon raised their turrets. Pulsating energy balls of harsh white light began to gather at the tips of the protruding cannons as the Tankmon prepared to shoot WarGreymon out of the sky. They never got the chance. “Terra Force!” WarGreymon roared. A titanic beam of pure destructive energy was unleashed at the ground, and the line of Tankmon simply disappeared. “Look!” Tai yelled suddenly, “The ocean!”

“I should digivolve if I’m going to carry all of you.” Ikkakumon said. “Go for it, Ikkakumon!” Joe said. This time the changes began fairly subtly. As the freshwater waves of the great inland sea of the Digital World swirled around Ikkakumon, he seemed to take on something of its phosphorescence. Sea-green, rapidly swirling eddies of water surged up around him. The surge gradually increased until Ikkakumon was standing behind a veritable wall of seawater. Then the subtlety ended. Four thick, enormous, protruding limbs extended from a gigantic, shell-covered torso. A bolt of lightning struck from the sky with a thundering crash, making Mimi gasp with its suddenness. A swirling ball of coherent energy formed the mighty Vulcan’s Hammer, and the transformed Ikkakumon caught it with ease.

“Ikkakumon digivolve to… Zudomon!”

With a final crash of thunder, the transformation was complete. The eight Digi-Destined climbed onto Zudomon’s mammoth back gratefully, and Zudomon started out across the great inland ocean of the Digital World. Kari stared off into the brilliant, red-orange sunset thoughtfully. She’d never noticed the way the sun of the Digital World cast such queer shadows on the surface of the water. They looked almost like… Digimon… in a moment of panic, Kari glanced quickly to the sky. A swarm of dark, menacing shapes hovered over Zudomon. “Zudomon, look out!” Kari shouted. Zudomon swerved to the right just in time to avoid an intense barrage of energy beams from the attacking Digimon. “What are those?” Sora breathed. “It looks like the Warlock Lord has sent his air force after us,” Izzy said grimly. “Three MegaDramon, one GigaDramon, and all those smaller shapes must be Airdramon…” he trailed off thoughtfully. “We need more power!” Sora called. In response, brilliant white light flared up around Birdramon and Togemon.

“Birdramon digivolve to… Garudamon!”

“Togemon digivolve to… Lillymon!”

“Concentrate on the GigaDramon!” Izzy said. “That will keep the others occupied.” We need WarGreymon, Izzy thought. Where is WarGreymon?

“Flower Cannon!” “Wing Blade!” “Electro-Shocker!” The attacks hit GigaDramon with devastating force… and did absolutely nothing. Other than get his attention, that is. GigaDramon turned on the attackers with fiery eyes. “Giga Cannon!” he roared in fury. Deadly red beams of energy sprayed the air around Garudamon, Kabuterimon, and Lillymon, as they sought frantically to avoid them.

WarGreymon flew through the air, at the end of his scouting run. They should be right about here, WarGreymon thought. Unless… A violent explosion in the distance seemed to confirm his suspicions. Heeling over sharply to the right, WarGreymon flew toward the developing battle, hoping he wasn’t too late. Meanwhile, the three other Digimon continued their deadly dance with GigaDramon. Powerful red beams lanced through the air around them with devastating force. Kabuterimon was getting exhausted from the long battle. Where is WarGreymon? he thought, as he sought frantically to dodge a new attack from GigaDramon. “Electro-Shocker!” he shouted. Once again, the attack did absolutely nothing. I sure hope he gets here soon, Kabuterimon thought grimly.

There they are! WarGreymon thought as he approached the scene of the battle. He thought he recognized one of the Digimon. Could it be? he wondered. He had a flash memory of GigaDramon, destroying an entire city on Spiral Mountain just to get to the Digi- Destined. His throat tightened. “Terra Force!” he roared. The attack tore a gaping hole in the ranks of the flying Digimon. GigaDramon wheeled about in surprise at the new threat. “So, Greymon,” it hissed, “You’ve finally managed to become fully digivolved.” WarGreymon said nothing as the lethal destructive energy began to build at his fingertips. “Talons of the Emperor,” GigaDramon hissed in fury, “Attack!” The entire force of Airdramon and MegaDramon wheeled to follow GigaDramon as he dove toward WarGreymon. “Terra Force!” WarGreymon roared. GigaDramon dodged nimbly aside as the attack caught a MegaDramon full force and sent it tumbling toward the sea. “Flower Cannon!” “Electro-Shocker!” came the shouts from behind. Again, the attacks had absolutely no effect on the enemy Digimon. “Go!” WarGreymon shouted. “There’s nothing more you can do here!” Realizing that WarGreymon was right, the other Digimon had no choice but to start once more westward across the ocean. “Mega Claw!” WarGreymon shouted as he swung his mighty claws toward GigaDramon, who countered with deadly red beams of energy.

Meanwhile, Leomon had his own battle to fight. He saw the ominous, dark figure sitting atop Dark Tyrannomon. His hands clenched in fists of rage. “Fist of the Beast King!” he roared. The attack caused Dark Tyrannomon to stagger back. Shaking off the effects of the blow, Dark Tyrannomon started forward with his own attack. “Fire Blast!” Leomon leapt nimbly aside and drew his sword. “Iron Tail!” Dark Tyrannomon bellowed, the enormous, dark tail hammering Leomon from his feet and sending him flying some twenty yards away.

Leomon picked himself up painfully. Roaring a battle cry, he charged at Dark Tyrannomon, swinging his curved saber in a smooth arc toward the dark, scaly skin. Dark Tyrannomon fell back from the sudden onslaught. “Fist of the Beast King! Leomon roared. “Fire Blast!” Dark Tyrannomon answered back. The enormous burst of flame blasted its way straight through Leomon’s attack, and sent him flying back once again. Leomon could barely bring himself to stand this time. Dark Tyrannomon’s attacks had weakened him to the point where he no longer even had the energy to run. He leveled his sword. The Warlock Lord would pay for his entertainment. “Finish him, Dark Tyrannomon.” The Dark Lord said grimly. “Fire Blast!” Dark Tyrannomon bellowed. Leomon raised his sword.

WarGreymon flew desperately toward the mainland. His attacks had left GigaDramon considerably weakened, but in the end the swarms of other, smaller attackers had closed in on him and forced him to retreat. “Giga Cannon!” “Spinning Needle!” The attacks hammered at WarGreymon’s weakening armor. A spray of needles punched their way into WarGreymon’s arm. He headed toward a small, narrow canyon near the edge of the ocean. Maybe I can lose them in there, he thought.

Dark Tyrannomon’s attack sped toward Leomon. Leomon stood grimly with raised sword, unwilling even at this final moment to back down. Suddenly, a brilliant white light began to emanate from Leomon. The glow spread until it covered the whole of his body. “Leomon digivolve to… SaberLeomon!”

The newly transformed Leomon dodged Dark Tyrannomon’s attack with ease. “Howling Crusher!” SaberLeomon roared in fury. Powerful winds of hurricane force built up behind Leomon from out of nowhere. Razor-sharp quills appeared to rain off of SaberLeomon’s skin as the attack sped toward Dark Tyrannomon with frightening accuracy. The gigantic Digimon stumbled backward in pain and anger. “Iron Tail!” he roared. Again, SaberLeomon dodged the attack easily. “Twin Fang!” SaberLeomon called as he leapt onto Dark Tyrannomon’s back, sinking his deadly sharp fangs into the dark beast’s neck. I’m going to finish this, now, once and for all, SaberLeomon thought to himself.

Then powerful, burning hands pulled him off of Dark Tyrannomon’s back and threw him to the ground. Meramon. There were hundreds of them, or so it seemed to the embattled SaberLeomon. He was completely surrounded. “Fire Punch!” the Meramon called as one. The doomed SaberLeomon dodged one attack, only to be hit immediately by half a hundred more. The blast lifted SaberLeomon into the air. He fell to the ground with a groan of pain, some fifty feet away. He started to get up, but the Meramon were relentless. Dozens of them piled onto the weakened SaberLeomon and pinned him to the ground. Dark Tyrannomon rumbled closer. They don’t care how many they have to sacrifice, SaberLeomon thought, as long as they can bring me down. “Fire Blast!” Dark Tyrannomon roared. Blast after blast of burning flame hit the weakened SaberLeomon, until all that remained of the once valiant Digimon was a pile of burned, smoldering ashes.

Meanwhile, WarGreymon was fighting a desperate battle of his own. As another blast from GigaDramon missed narrowly, WarGreymon ducked into the small canyon near the shore. If only someone was here to help, WarGreymon thought desperately. As if in answer, a brilliant blue light flared up- far, far away.

“Veemon armor-digivolve to… Flamedramon!”

WarGreymon thundered through the canyon at supersonic speeds, his pursuers not far behind. If only I can hold out just a little bit longer… WarGreymon thought.

The sonic booms of WarGreymon’s passage hit Davis and Flamedramon as they stood at the edge of a forest miles away from the battle. Mistaking the sound for an explosion, Davis pointed toward the small canyon. “One of our friends may be in trouble, Flamedramon,” Davis said. “Hop on, Davis,” Flamedramon replied in his deep, powerful voice. Astride Flamedramon, Davis sped off toward the battle.

WarGreymon flew through the narrow canyon at breakneck speed, a whirlwind of small rocks and debris stirred up by his passage. That’s it! WarGreymon thought. I can collapse the canyon wall on them! WarGreymon slowed as he came to a turn in the canyon. “Terra Force!” he roared. An enormous beam of energy shot into the canyon wall. WarGreymon pulled out of his dive, just in time as the walls of the narrow canyon collapsed. His pursuers were not so lucky. WarGreymon slowed as he cleared the rim of the canyon. He turned to continue back toward Zudomon and the others. He did not see GigaDramon and half a dozen Airdramon escape the canyon’s collapse to follow. “Giga Cannon!” came a shout from behind. Lethal red beams of intense energy lanced into WarGreymon. He fell from the sky onto the canyon floor below.

“Faster, Flamedramon!” Davis urged. “We’re almost there!” “I just hope we’re in time,” Flamedramon replied grimly.

“Giga Cannon!” Blast after blast hammered into WarGreymon, leaving him unable even to clear the canyon floor. His energy gone, he began to glow, to digivolve back into Agumon. No, thought WarGreymon. I must not stop, I cannot lose! The glowing stopped, and through sheer determination, WarGreymon had stopped himself from de-digivolving back into Agumon. But what can I do now? WarGreymon thought. What energy I have left is surely not enough to defeat such a powerful enemy… Suddenly, it came to him. “Mega Claw!” WarGreymon roared. GigaDramon dodged quickly, but the attack had not been aimed at him. The canyon wall collapsed again, tons of granite rock burying the attackers. Goodbye, Tai, WarGreymon thought. And then the tons of soil and rock came crashing down, and WarGreymon knew no more. Flamedramon slowed his flight above the rim of the collapsing canyon. “We were too late, after all,” Davis said grimly. As the dust from WarGreymon’s final blast dissipated, it was clear there were no survivors.

As the other Digi-Destined waited anxiously on Zudomon’s back, a black speck appeared on the horizon. “Is that WarGreymon?” Kari asked. The speck grew closer. “No,” T.K. said, squinting, it’s Davis! And Flamedramon!” The grim look on Davis’s face was soon apparent. “What’s wrong, Davis?” Joe asked. “I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you, Tai,” Davis said. Even before he said it, Tai knew. He buried his face in his hands. “Agumon!” Tai cried bitterly.

Atop Dark Tyrannomon, the Warlock Lord scowled furiously. His plans had been spoiled again! It constantly amazed him the lengths they were willing to go to to protect their friends. Leomon’s attack had slowed him down just enough to allow the Digi-Destined to escape. Oh, well, the Dark Lord thought. I still have one more resource at my disposal. Unhooking a device from the wall, he spoke into it rapidly. “MetalSeadramon!” the Warlock Lord shouted. A low, menacing voice came from the other end of the line. “The Digi-Destined are in your area. Destroy them!” “Yes, Master,” came the low, chilling voice of MetalSeadramon.

"We should head for Gennai's house." Izzy said atop Zudomon, as they continued the journey westward across the vast inland sea. "Yeah," Matt said, "Maybe he'll have some answers about this 'Dark Lord', and all the attacks we've been experiencing."

Kari suddenly began to whimper with fright. "Kari? What's wrong?" T.K. asked, as he put a reassuring arm around her slim shoulders. "T.K.- look!" Kari exclaimed, pointing down into the murky depths of the freshwater sea. T.K. squinted hard into the swirling, iridescent water. He couldn't make out anything… Wait, what was that?! A long, dark shadow quickly made its way toward the surface. "Zudomon," T.K. said anxiously, "We'd better get moving, now!" "What's the rush, T.K.?" Joe asked. Losing all pretense of control, T.K. screamed, "Zudomon! Get out of here NOW!!!" Hearing the urgency in T.K.'s voice, Zudomon immediately sped up and headed northward- but it was too late. The long, sinister shadow breached the surface. An enormous, bulky, serpentine shape reared up out of the water and roared its anger at the Digi-Destined. "It's MetalSeadramon!" Mimi shouted. "Time to step things up!" Joe said.

"Kabuterimon digivolve to… MegaKabuterimon!"

"Patamon digivolve to… Angemon!"

"Gatomon digivolve to… Angewomon!"

"Hand of Fate!" Angemon shouted. MetalSeadramon twisted aside effortlessly to dodge the blow. "River of Power!" he roared. Even golden Angemon was hit by the blast, and fell weakened back onto Zudomon. "Fire Rocket!" "Flower Cannon!" "Wing Blade!" "Horn Blaster!" "Celestial Arrow!" MetalSeadramon roared in pain at the force of the attack. "River of Power!" he roared once again. This time the attack connected with devastating force. Lillymon and Garudamon were hit full on by the intense beam of energy so hard that they digivolved back into their Rookie forms, exhausted. "Celestial Arrow!" Angewomon called out. MetalSeadramon dove underwater, and the attack passed harmlessly overhead.

"Look out!" Joe called. "He's coming from below!" "Vulcan's Hammer!" For the first time that day, Zudomon joined the battle. The shocking effect of the powerful blow sent MetalSeadramon rearing to the surface, stunned. "Heaven's Charm!" A strange green cloud hovered over the battleground, the result of Angewomon's attack. Recognizing its purpose, Sora called to the Digimon, "Give your power to Angewomon!" "Blue Blaster!" "Horn Blaster!" "Hand of Fate!" "Vulcan's Hammer!" The attacks combined under Angewomon's power. "Celestial Arrow!" Angewomon cried, the blow striking with the full force of all five attacks. MetalSeadramon roared in agony… and, incredibly, continued on the attack. "He's too strong!" yelled T.K. "River of Power!" MetalSeadramon roared. This time, both Angemon and Angewomon were hit by the blast, and both fell back onto Zudomon, digivolving back into their Rookie forms. "That's enough!" Matt shouted in fury. Brilliant white light flared up from the crest at Matt's neck. Responding to the incredible surge of energy from the crest, Gabumon began to glow. "I feel the power, Matt!" Gabumon cried. "I can digivolve!" The glow grew to encompass the whole of Gabumon's body, and he began to grow, to change…

"Gabumon warp-digivolve to… MetalGarurumon!"

The newly digivolved Mega charged MetalSeadramon, and the two collided with stunning force, making Mimi gasp with the impact. "River of Power!" MetalSeadramon roared. MetalGarurumon dodged easily, and countered with an attack of his own. "Ice Wolf Claw!" he bellowed in fury. MetalSeadramon's own bellow of rage was cut off by the blast, as his entire body was frozen solid. "Hurry, Zudomon!" Matt shouted. "He's on ice for now, but he won't be for long!" Zudomon began swimming northward toward the mainland as fast as he could, where the other Digimon would stand more of a chance.

"Joe-" he started to rumble. His words were cut off by an ear-splitting shattering noise. MetalSeadramon had broken free of the ice! With a bellow of rage, he charged straight at Zudomon and the Digi-Destined. "Vulcan's Hammer!" "Horn Blaster!" "Metal Wolf Claw!" With a roar of fury, MetalSeadramon charged straight through the attacks. "River of Power!" he roared. The attack headed straight for Zudomon. "Fire Rocket!" Flamedramon cried. Like a brilliant meteor, Flamedramon shot straight for the surface of the water- and interposed himself between Zudomon and MetalSeadramon's attack. The blast hit Flamedramon full force, and with a cry of pain, he fell from the sky, digivolving back into DemiVeemon.

"Ice Wolf Claw!" MetalGarurumon bellowed. MetalSeadramon dove underwater to avoid the attack. "Horn Blaster!" MegaKabuterimon shouted. In a spectacular show of skill, MegaKabuterimon connected with the rapidly moving MeatSeadramon underwater, sending him up to the surface, stunned. "Let's finish him, MetalGarurumon!" Matt shouted. "Metal Wolf Claw!" came the attack. But MetalSeadramon recovered himself enough to roll to the right and avoid the attack. "River of Power!" He roared. This time, the attack connected with Zudomon, and the stricken Digimon shrank back into his Rookie stage. With nothing now between the Digi-Destined and MetalSeadramon, he began his attack. "No!" yelled Izzy, aboard MegaKabuterimon. "River of Power!" "MegaKabuterimon, you've got to stop him!" Izzy shouted. Suddenly, miraculously, Izzy's Crest of Knowledge began to glow again. Renewed energy surged through MegaKabuterimon, and he began to glow with the power… "MegaKabuterimon digivolve to… HerculesKabuterimon!"

Crossing his scissor-like arms together, the mammoth, newly-digivolved HerculesKabuterimon moved in front of MetalSeadramon's attack, deflecting it eastward over the ocean. "River of Power!" MetalSeadramon roared again. "Giga Scissor Claw!" HerculesKabuterimon returned, obliterating MetalSeadramon's attack. "Mega Electro Shocker!" he shouted, and with a bellow of pain, MetalSeadramon fell back again, stunned by the incredible force of the attack. "Everyone! Combine your attacks!" Izzy yelled. "Metal Wolf Claw!" "Mega Electro Shocker!" The other, smaller Digimon added their own attacks, and the incredible blast of power that resulted was enough to finish MetalSeadramon off. With a last bellow of agony, his ruined body disappeared into the darkness of the ocean from which it had come. "At least that's over with," said Sora, climbing aboard HerculesKabuterimon to rest alongside Izzy. As the rest of the Digi-Destined clamored aboard, HerculesKabuterimon began the long flight to Gennai's house.

Meanwhile, inside the command chamber of the Warlock Lord's hidden base, the Dark Lord sat hunched over a radar screen. "Interesting…" he muttered, poring over the continuous stream of data that scrolled across the screen to his right. They're headed toward the center of the resistance movement, he thought to himself. This man, Gennai… he's been a worthy foe. Now is the time to strike with full force, and crush the resistance, the Digi-Destined, and Gennai once and for all. He made his decision. "Devidramon!" he shouted. The winged, misshapen beast flew into the room, its wings making a dry, rustling sound as it entered. "Order the strike force in at once. All forces in sector Q-13 are to move in at dawn." "As you wish, Master," the beast whispered in a dry, tortured voice that spoke of an eternity of endless torment and agony. It flew out of the room and took to the sky, casting a dark, forbidding shadow on the ground as it flew. The Warlock Lord shuddered. He didn't like the Devidramon, yet couldn't afford to lose them, as they were the best messengers he had available. He turned back to the radar screen, planning an attack that would defeat the rebel forces once and for all.

It was late at night, and HerculesKabuterimon flew east over the mountains, his wings a soft whisper against the night. Kari had fallen asleep early on, T.K.'s arm wrapped protectively about her small body. Kari sighed and snuggled lovingly closer to T.K. Izzy was working on his computer away from the others, and Joe, Mimi, Davis, and the Digimon were all sleeping. Sora sat up and took a look around. They were over the mountains now, and flying again over the vast plains that dominated so much of the Digital World. Then she glanced at each of the other Digi-Destined in turn. Izzy had finally fallen asleep at his laptop, and Davis was mumbling something about football in his sleep. T.K. and Kari were curled up in a loving embrace-They look so cute together! Sora thought- and Mimi had fallen asleep with hairbrush in hand, finally giving up the losing battle to keep her hair straight in the wind. While she was observing this, Joe began to roll over and ended up with his hand on, let's say, a sensitive part of Mimi's anatomy.

Sora started to laugh soundlessly at this- and stopped when she saw Tai. Apart from the others, Tai sat with his arms crossed and his back to the rest of the Digi-Destined. Alone, Tai stood, his shoulders shaking. Sora walked toward Tai, unsure of what to say. "What's wrong, Tai?" she finally asked. Tai turned, tears clouding his eyes. "It's just… I was thinking about… Agumon." He choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "Tai-" Sora started, reaching out to lay her hand on his shaking shoulder. Tai shook her off, almost angrily. "I just want to be alone right now, Sora." Tai said. "Please understand." Tai turned away again, looking toward the vast expanse of the prairie far, far below. Sora walked back toward the others and sat, feeling that somehow, despite her efforts, she had left Tai feeling even worse than he had before she had spoken to him. Her head drooping, she began to doze off.

She awoke with a start as an alarm on Izzy's laptop began to beep frantically. "What is it, Izzy?" Sora asked cautiously. The rest of the Digi-Destined began to stir also. "It's a proximity alarm." Izzy stated simply. "I set it to go off when we got near Gennai's house. And… here we are!" Joe looked puzzled as HerculesKabuterimon banked sharply, descending toward a small farmhouse that sat alone in the middle of the prairie. "But this isn't Gennai's house." Joe said hesitantly as HerculesKabuterimon came in for a landing, his enormous wings raising clouds of dust as he fought to keep his balance against the growing wind. "Gennai lives at the bottom of a lake- remember?" "Well," Izzy said, scratching his head, "This is where my laptop says he lives… so why don't we just knock on the door and find out?" "If you say so…" Joe trailed off doubtfully.

Izzy walked up and knocked boldly on the door. The door flew open and a Guardromon rolled forward, revolving machine pistols protruding out of its chest. "State your name, occupation, and favorite food." It said, in a flat, overtly mechanical tone. "Uh…" Izzy stuttered. The machine pistols began to whir even faster, obviously in preparation to fire. "My name's Izzy and my favorite food is pizza! And I'm with the Digi-Destined!" he said in a rush. "Access approved," said the Guardromon, retracting its machine pistols and rolling aside. "Well," said Izzy, wiping a droplet of sweat from his brow, "That was interesting. Shall we go in?" The rest of the Digi-Destined started toward the door, HerculesKabuterimon digivolving back into Tentomon so he could fit into the small, narrow doorway.

As Davis's eyes adjusted to the darkness, the first thing he saw was a man in a scarlet kimono with his back turned to the rest of the room, gazing out a window. This must be Gennai, Davis thought. What a strange-looking old man. As if he had heard Davis's thoughts, Gennai turned suddenly, revealing a wrinkled, almost comical face and a set of tasseled slippers. "Ah, the Digi-Destined!" he cried, his face brightening. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it." "We almost didn't," said Sora, and began to tell of their adventures.

"Say, I thought you lived under a lake." Joe said, interrupting. "I did," Gennai said, "but my wife prefers the farmhouse approach." A small woman who looked very much like Mimi ran shrieking hysterically through the back of the house, a couple of Gekomon close behind her. "That's my wife," said Gennai. "She's probably looking for some cheese." "Oh," said Joe, not knowing what else to say. "Anyway," said Gennai, "The reason I called you all here is that the Digital World is under attack by the Warlock Lord. I won't bother with too many specifics since you've apparently already had several run-ins with him." "Tell me about it," said Izzy ruefully, rubbing his head where it had hit the ground the day before. "The Warlock Lord arrived shortly after your defeat of the Dark Masters and Apocalymon," Gennai said, ignoring Izzy completely. "No one knows who he is or where he came from, but he enslaved an army of Digimon shortly after his arrival and began taking over. Primary Village was one of our last strongholds against him." He sighed heavily. "And now he has that, too. I've banded together a small army of resistance fighters. They do the best they can, but there aren't nearly enough of them to defeat the power of the Warlock Lord."

Finishing his cup of coffee, Gennai rose and headed for the stairs. Joe's eyebrows went up. He hadn't noticed an upstairs before. Wow, he thought. This farmhouse is a lot larger than I thought. "I think you've done enough for tonight, at any rate." Gennai said, turning. "You look worn out. Why don't you get some rest, and we'll talk some more in the morning." Gennai gestured to a door beside a tapestry hanging on the wall. Joe was positive there had been no tapestry and no door there before. This place sure is weird, he thought, collapsing onto a pallet that had been set into the corner of the room. He immediately began to snore. The rest of the Digi-Destined did likewise, falling onto the soft, warm beds with sighs of relief and contentment.

Everyone, that is, except Tai. Tai stood, staring through the room's one window at the magnificent full moon that shone without. His thoughts turned to Agumon. He was such a true friend, Tai thought to himself. The only real friend I've ever had. Tai thought for a long while. I can't go on living without Agumon, he thought. There's only one thing left for me to do now. Tai waited until the rest of the Digi-Destined were asleep, then turned to slip out the old oaken door he had entered by- only to find that there was no door. What a weird place, Tai thought to himself. Just as well. Tai turned and walked softly past the sleeping Digi-Destined to the window. Lifting the latch, he raised the window up. Seeing Sora shiver in her sleep at the sudden draft, Tai pulled the blankets up gently under her chin… and slipped out the open window. He was unaware of the small, sharp eyes of DemiVeemon watching him as he walked off into the darkness.

Sora was awakened quickly by DemiVeemon's violent shaking. Wow, he sure does have a lot of muscle for such a little guy! Sora thought foggily. "What is it, DemiVeemon?" she asked, her pulse just beginning to return to normal after the shock of being awakened so abruptly. It sped up again when DemiVeemon began to tell her about Tai. "And ten minutes ago, he just… slipped out the window." DemiVeemon finished. "Well, then we'd better go follow him," Sora said resolutely. "Turn away for a sec while I get dressed, would you?" His face reddening slightly, DemiVeemon obeyed. Meanwhile, across the room, Joe stirred in his sleep. He opened first one eye, then the other. I wonder if it's time to get up yet? he thought. His eyes widened suddenly at what he saw across the room. Wow, he thought, Sora! Is this for real? He watched, fascinated, as Sora pulled on her underclothing, including a pair of tiny, pink lace panties. He stared in silent admiration. Nah, he decided, must be a dream. Sora pulled on her jeans, and then her shirt, ending with her customary sky-blue hat. I wish! thought Joe. Chuckling softly to himself at his thoughts, Joe rolled over and went back to sleep. "What was that?" Sora whispered, glancing toward the corner where Joe was sleeping. "Oh, that was just Joe," said DemiVeemon calmly. "He was watching you dress." DemiVeemon watched, amused, as Sora's face turned bright red in shock. Grabbing the nearest heavy object, in this case, Izzy's portable computer, Sora walked swiftly over to Joe's bed and hit him hard over the head with it. "Wuzzat?" Joe mumbled fuzzily, as the sharp pain brought him into wakefulness. "Urrrrrgh," Joe said, as a second blow from the computer knocked him unconscious. "There," Sora said, returning Izzy's laptop to his bedside, "That's much better." DemiVeemon watched in silent amazement as Sora slipped out the open window, presumably to follow Tai. That, he thought to himself in sudden admiration, is one fine woman. As Sora ran off into the darkness, DemiVeemon followed.

Tai walked slowly up the dusty, winding trail that led to the cliffs he had discovered during his last visit to Gennai's house. The little cove surrounded by high walls of eons-old mountain rock was secluded in a sort of harbor made by the cliffs. Tai knew of no other place near Gennai's house where the sea reached…. but then, the Digital World was like that sometimes. He squeezed through a narrow, all but invisible cleft in the rock. The cleft got tighter and yet tighter for a good ten minutes, until Tai thought he might not be able to fit through anymore. Then, suddenly, the cleft widened out, and Tai stood before a deep, yawning, seemingly bottomless chasm. His throat tight with sudden apprehension, Tai began to edge along the walls of the chasm.

Meanwhile, Sora ran swiftly through the night, following Tai's tracks in the soft, dusty sand. DemiVeemon struggled to keep up, panting with the effort. Sora slowed as she came to a sudden fork in the trail. The larger, more traveled path, she knew, led toward Infinite Mountain and Primary Village. The smaller path led in the opposite direction, toward the city of the Gekomon. Sora tried to decide which way Tai had gone. The ground at this point, oddly enough, had turned into old, time-worn granite, making Tai's footprints impossible to find. I don't think Tai would have chosen either of these paths, Sora thought to herself. On a sudden impulse, Sora turned away from both trails and forged straight ahead, through an unusually thick stand of fir trees. As she and DemiVeemon burst out the other side, Tai's tracks began again in a small patch of dirt between two enormous granite boulders.

"Tai's really in for it," DemiVeemon panted. "What do you mean?" Sora asked. "He's headed straight for the Cliffs of Despair," DemiVeemon answered. "A great battle was fought between good and evil in the Digital World long ago. The forces of good triumphed over those of evil, and the vanquished spirits of the dark Digimon were cast into a depthless chasm between the Twin Peaks of Mount Equus." "Which way?" Sora asked anxiously. DemiVeemon pointed in the direction of a narrow, winding trail that disappeared among the rocks. "DemiVeemon," Sora said, "Go back to the house and get Biyomon and some of the others. We might need some reinforcements." Glowing with renewed energy as he digivolved into Veemon, the tiny Digimon ran at top speed back toward the small farmhouse. Meanwhile, Sora continued resolutely ahead, bracing herself against the strong winds that blew from high above the mountain peaks.

Tai shivered with the sudden gust of wind that buffeted him as he fought to maintain his balance on the narrow ledge above the chasm. As he edged carefully along the ever-narrowing piece of ground, his foot slipped, and suddenly he was dangling above the dark, yawning pit, with only one small handhold to keep him from falling! Tai grunted with the strain of holding himself up as strong, arctic blasts of wind buffeted him violently from side to side. As his precarious handhold began to slip, Tai extended his other arm up in a frantic bid to stop himself from falling- and, miraculously, it worked. He worked himself upward, an inch at a time, until he was once again back on the narrow ledge. He continued on cautiously until he was finally back on solid ground, and made his way toward the small, peaceful cove that was his destination.

Sora ran ahead, squeezing quickly through the narrow cleft, and running quickly on, following Tai's tracks. She stopped when she came to the gaping, black maw of the chasm. Shivering with sudden vertigo, Sora began to work her way across the narrow ledge in search of Tai.

Tai strode purposefully ahead. He was almost there; he could hear the roaring of the seawater as it crashed against the sheer cliff walls. Just a little further, he thought, and then I can end this. The roaring sound of the seawater seemed to grow in response.

Sora made her way off of the narrow ledge and sighed with relief. Just a bit further now, she thought to herself. I've got to stop Tai before he does something we'll all regret.

Tai had reached the tiny inlet between the twin peaks of Mount Equus. The roaring crescendo of the foaming seas echoed off the canyon walls all around him. A narrow precipice jutted out from the cliff's edge to hang over the raging waters. There, Tai thought, gazing at the precipice. That's where it all ends. I can't bear to live without Agumon. Just a few more steps, and the pain will finally end…

Sora ran toward the tiny harbor. There! There was Tai! she thought to herself. But what was he doing? He looked as if he was about to- "No! Tai!" she screamed, running, desperate to reach him. But he was just too far away… With a surge of strength, Sora redoubled her efforts, and ran full tilt toward Tai, hoping she wasn't too late.

Tai walked toward the edge of the jutting rock. Just a few more steps, he thought, and it will all finally be over. He thought he heard a voice, far, far away. No matter, he thought to himself. Just a few more steps… Tai stopped at the edge of the jutting precipice. With a final, fleeting thought of Agumon, Tai prepared to jump. Tensing his muscles for the final, fatal plunge, Tai began to launch himself into the swirling, green waters below- and stopped. It's that voice again, he thought. What's it saying?

"Tai! Stop!" Sora screamed. Ever so slowly, Tai turned from the precipice, and saw Sora running wildly toward him. "Tai! What are you doing?" Sora called desperately. "I just want the pain to stop, Sora." Tai said. "That's why I'm here. Please- for everyone's sake, leave me be." "I can't do that, Tai," Sora cried, desperately trying to be heard above the roar of the swirling green waters below. "Tai- come back with me. We need you, Tai!" "Sora, you don't understand! He was my only friend in the whole world, and now he's gone!" Tai shouted. He turned away from Sora, back toward the yawning gulf that opened ahead. "Tai! Listen to me!" Sora called, laying her small hand on Tai's shoulder. "Agumon wouldn't have wanted this! He would have wanted you to survive, to move on, to find another reason for living." Tai whirled around and pushed Sora roughly away. "Don't try to stop me!" he screamed. Turning back toward the cliff's edge, he tensed his legs, preparing to jump. "Tai!" Sora shouted. "I love you," she said, her voice softening. Tai's legs slowly uncoiled. He turned slowly away from the precipice, the roaring sound of the turbulent waters appearing somehow to diminish, to ebb.

"What?" Tai asked, a new, different look in his eyes. "I love you, Tai." Sora said softly, her smooth, beautiful face framed by her wildly blowing hair lending weight to her words. "I've always loved you, and I always will," she said, stepping forward. "Sora-" Tai said hesitantly. He stopped short as Sora laid her hand on his shoulder, drawing him into a loving embrace. "Oh, Sora…" Tai trailed off, surrendering himself to the moment. He kissed Sora tenderly on the lips, and she responded to his touch, the moment lasting an eternity, two souls joined, for the moment, as one.

"Tai," Sora said, breaking away from the embrace for a moment, "Come back with me. Please." Unable to speak, Tai grasped Sora's hand and began to follow her back toward Gennai's farmhouse. Before they could even begin to think about crossing the narrow ledge back across the depthless chasm, however, a deep rumbling shook the mountain. Thousands of small rocks and icicles began to cascade off the twin peaks of Mount Equus, and Tai and Sora halted in terror as a dark, nightmarish face framed by mammoth tusks buried out of the solid rock before them. There was nowhere to go but back toward the precipice where Tai had so recently tried to end his life. Now it looked as if one or both of them might end up being forced off the jutting rock. The nightmare beast began to charge.

"Vee punch!" "Spiral Twister!" "Boom Bubble… PAH!!!" The attacks echoed from behind the beast, forcing it to turn away to counter this new attack. "It's SkullGoromon!" Veemon shouted. "We'll take care of him! Everyone, digivolve!" As Veemon, Patamon, and Biyomon came through the narrow pass behind SkullGoromon, each in turn began to glow with a brilliant, otherworldly white light. "Veemon armor-digivolve to… Raidramon!"

"Biyomon digivolve to… Birdramon!"

"Patamon digivolve to… Angemon!"

The three newly digivolved Digimon launched their attacks at SkullGoromon, drawing him away from Tai and Sora, who held hands, watching in silence. "Thunder Blast!" "Meteor Wing!" "Hand of Fate!" The three attacks winged their way toward SkullGoromon. "Arctic Blast!" he shouted, a freezing wind building behind him and blasting thousands of razor-sharp icicles at the three other Digimon, dissolving their attacks. Birdramon, Raidramon, and Angemon scattered, their attacks penetrating to strike SkullGoromon's thick fur separately. He shook off the attacks and charged at Tai and Sora. "Nightmare Wave!" he roared. An incredible wave of dark energy shot straight at Tai. Sora pushed him to the ground quickly, and the blast passed harmlessly overhead. Sora's Crest of Love flared white with a new, incredibly passionate intensity, and Birdramon began to glow…

"Birdramon digivolve to… Garudamon!"

Garudamon hovered in the sky, her wings a brilliant incandescent shade of red. "Wing Blade!" she cried, a blast of flame rushing out to engulf the enraged SkullGoromon. The attack barely even slowed the mammoth beast. SkullGoromon turned in fury toward Garudamon and unleashed another attack with even greater intensity. "Nightmare Wave!" he bellowed. The blast of dark energy struck Garudamon full on, and she tumbled from the sky. "Angemon!" called T.K., just coming off the ledge toward the embattled Digi-Destined. "You've got to digivolve!" The Crest of Hope began to glow. "Angemon digivolve to… MagnaAngemon!"

"He's too strong!" Tai shouted. As if to disprove Tai's words, Garudamon hovered back up into the sky, and the battle began anew. In a surprising display of strategy, Garudamon swooped down and grasped SkullGoromon's horns, pulling him away from the Digi-Destined. Enraged, SkullGoromon charged at Garudamon. Raidramon darted in behind him, and struck with full power. "Thunder Blast!" he called, an enormous bolt of electricity striking SkullGoromon. At the same moment, Garudamon released her hold and dropped back. "Wing Blade!" she shouted. The force of the attacks, combined with his great momentum, was enough to send SkullGoromon tumbling off the edge of the cliff. "Gate of Destiny," MagnaAngemon whispered as SkullGoromon fell. "Arctic Blast!" SkullGoromon roared as he fell into the digital rift created by MagnaAngemon's attack. The gateway closed, and SkullGoromon was no more… but his final attack was enough to cause an avalanche!

"Everybody, run!" Tai shouted. Tai, Sora, T.K., and the Digimon all began to run as fast as they could toward the depthless chasm, a virtual wall of snow and ice closing in on them. "Grab on!" Garudamon yelled. Tai and Sora each grabbed onto one of Garudamon's legs, and T.K. landed safely on the back of MagnaAngemon. Garudamon and MagnaAngemon took flight just as the avalanche crashed down behind them, descending into the unknown depths of the yawning, gaping maw of the black pit. Raidramon jumped over the deep pit, clearing it by a good thirty feet.

All three Digimon continued the journey back to Gennai's farmhouse, the rumblings of the avalanche and the unknown depths of the vast chasm receding rapidly behind them. Sora kissed Tai tenderly, passionately on the lips as they descended toward the small farmhouse, the whole of the world still cloaked in soft, silent, peaceful darkness. As the Dark Lord's battalions moved into place, however, they guaranteed that tomorrow would indeed be a very difficult day for the Digi-Destined.