Adventure Chronicles III: Rize of the Corrupted

...chapter TWO – Training Camp

Vamdemon woke suddenly with a jump and a strange sense of foreboding. He sat up and glanced around the room that was dimly lit by the rising sun. Angemon grunted from his side at the sudden move and drew his arms around Vamdemon's body more tightly, effectively pulling him back to the bed.

The two had begun sharing a bed Christmas night, much to Vamdemon's initial displeasure. Takeru had believed it when told the arrangement of sharing rooms was so that Vamdemon could be monitored through the night. That in itself wasn't a lie, really, for Angemon really did want to watch over the ex-digimon. The boy was simply conveniently misinformed about the bed arrangement, and had no idea they were sharing the small twin. The secret was further protected since the angel had made sure to install a lock on the door so they could never be disturbed.

At their current location, however, no such precaution was required. Angemon and Vamdemon, along with the rest of the digimon partnered with humans, were residing in cabins in a remote mountainous region in order to train more rigorously and in secrecy. They didn't have to worry about being interrupted; none of the others would wake earlier than them willingly.

“What's wrong? The sleepy voice beside him asked.

“I have a bad feeling...”

Angemon sat up slightly and peered over and at Vamdemon's face. “About what?”

“I don't know...” He admitted quietly.

“Then don't worry about it. Your dangerous when you dwell on things for too long.”

“It's not that easy,” Vamdemon grumbled and wiggled out of the angel's grasp. “My dreams always seem ridiculously realistic. Whatever I feel during it stays with me when I wake up.” Setting his feet upon the ground, he stood and stretched. Angemon watched him with a mixture of concern and interest.

“You're looking beautiful this morning” He commented, referring to his disheveled appearance as well as his body in a strange mix of sarcasm and admiration.

“...shut up.” Was the grouchy reply as Vamdemon fumbled in a draw for a comb.

“You are the only person I know that manages to be offended by a compliment.” The angel muttered, sitting up fully and watching Vamdemon remove the knots from his long hair. He no longer needed help combing it, since his arm had healed, a point which Angemon was almost sorry for since his aid was no longer needed. He had rather enjoyed running his fingers through the other man's hair. “Are you looking forward to training today?”

“No.” Was the curt reply.

“They aren't that bad.”

“Yes they are. Slow, the whole lot of them. Three months its been since we began and they've barely progressed.”

“Agumon and Gabumon are doing alright.”

“Only because they already had experience with the ultimate level and maintaining it.”

“Palmon and Tentomon aren't too bad. They can hold perfect.”

“For ten minutes. That doesn't make the cut.”

“Don't be so pessimistic.”

Vamdemon gave Angemon a strained look before dropping back to the bed and allowing arms to wrap around him once more. “You mean to tell me that you're not worried?” The angel shook his head and began to trace the line of the scar across Vamdemon's left arm. “Not even a little?” He pushed disbelievingly.

“I have faith that they will pull through.”

“You and your damned faith.” Vamdemon grumbled. “What has it gotten you?”

“You.” Angemon said and smiled gently. The effect was lost as Vamdemon scowled and pulled away stubbornly.

“I don't count.”

“Why not?”

“Because we haven't even managed to do what we set out to do. Until then it doesn't count.”

“That's your own fault.”

Vamdemon glared at him. “No, its Piemon's fault.”

“You aren't trying hard enough.”

“I am so!”

“Vamdemon...” Angemon breathed, and shut his eyes. “No you aren't. You know I'm more than willing, and yet you never take advantage of any chances to get close. That's your flaw.” He re opened his eyes to take in the glare that was being sent his way. “You allow your emotions to get the best of you instead of living in the now.”

He growled. “You're an insensitive jerk. You know damn well I've tried, as best as I can, what more do you want from me.”

“Why don't you try a different approach. You are so preoccupied with changing yourself back that your judgment and your mind is being clouded. Whenever you see a chance you clam up and freak out. Just wait, relax; the perfect opportunity will present itself when the time is right.”

“...but there isn't much time left.”

“You can't rush love, Vamdemon. You've been trying to force yourself to engage in activity you aren't prepared for, and as a result, you are making even yourself frustrated. One day you will find you are ready, and when that day comes, then we can take you to the digital world and return you to normal. Until then, our goal can not be completed, so I am grateful for what bits of you I do have.”

A pounding sounded on the door, causing Vamdemon to groan loudly.

“Hey, I heard that fang face!” A voice called from behind the wood.

“Can it, kitty cat.” Vamdemon growled as he strode over to the door and twisted open the knob. He glared down at her amused form as a chilly, mountainous breeze blew across his body, causing him to involuntarily shiver.

“I was just going to tell you its cold out today, so you'd better bundle you're human behind up so you're warm enough.

Vamdemon promptly shut the door and crossed back to the center of the floor, crossing his arms and glaring at Angemon.

“What are you looking at me for?” He asked with wonder.

“Its cold out.”

“Yeah...so?”

“YOU packed my clothes for this god forsaken outing. Get me something warm to wear.”

Angemon sighed before standing and crossing to the large suitcase in the corner of the room. As he was rummaging for the favorite sweatshirt of Vamdemon, yet another growl sounded from behind his back.

“Why don't you ever do anything when I get like this?” He demanded.

“What would you like me to do?” Angemon asked.

Vamdemon paused to think. “Yell at me, don't talk to me, anything so that I shut up!”

“I've found it's best to just let your little temper run its course. It's better when you get your emotions out of your system.”

Vamdemon glared at him for a few seconds. “But you ALWAYS used to yell at me, or scold me, what happened to that?”

“I've become soft, I guess, or maybe you, attitude included, have simply grown on me.”

“But-”

His words were cut off as the purple sweatshirt was thrown at him forcefully, planting itself against his face. “Dress.” Angemon commanded. Vamdemon grumbled but stripped off his white bed tee to pull the warm sweatshirt over his head, re-ruffling his hair. Angemon crossed over to his position and pulled it out from the back of the sweatshirt so it once more cascaded down his back and smoothed it down on the top of his head, which Vamdemon tilted back to stare into the angel's eyes.

“You really thing today is going to be better?” He asked.

“I do. Today will be better, I promise.”

“For all of our sakes, I hope you're right...” Vamdemon muttered and stalked towards the door, opening it once more and spilling into the frigid air. Angemon followed suit, stopping only to lock the door behind him.

“This is terrible...” Vamdemon groaned, glancing at the moving forms of the other digimon. Quickly he snapped his eyes back and released an arrow from his bow into the center of the target before him.

“It's not so bad.” Angewomon commented, releasing her own projectile that embedded itself beside Vamdemon's.

“Yes it is.” He said through gritted teeth. “I went through this with your counterpart this morning. They aren't getting any where!”

“Oh, your talking about the others.” She laughed, “ I though you were going to complain about my archery lessons. I'd have to harm you if that were the case.”

“Oh yes, ha ha, very funny.” He grunted and released another arrow with greater strength. It flew past the first target and into the center of the next furthest. “All of our fates ride on their strength and all you can do is crack a ridiculous joke.”

“Who says I'm joking?” She commented idly and sent her own arrow next to his again. He growled at her action and nicked yet another projectile. Squinting his eyes, he shot it at the target farthest away. It landed an inch to the left, in the white area beside the bullseye.

“Damn it.” He grumbled and drew back another.

“You're letting your anger rush to your head, like always Vamdemon. It effects your concentration.” She said as she watched the latest arrow miss its mark.

“Who asked you?” He spat and prepared to fire once more.

She grabbed his wrist and wrenched the weapon out of his hands. “I think its time for you to take a break.”

“I don't need a break!” He snapped and tried to reach upwards for his bow, inwardly cursing that the angel was taller than him as a human.

“How about we go down to the cafeteria?” She encouraged and walked forwards a few steps.

“I'm not like THEM!” He said with a strained voice. “Those lazy slackers! All they do, all they talk about, all day long, is when the next break or meal is. It's ridiculous! I don't need to eat, I need to strengthen my skills! Give it back!”

“If you aren't hungry then go down to your cabin and do your embroidery. It'll strengthen your wrists.”

Vamdemon growled at her and stalked off towards the building in the distance. She sighed and placed the bow upon a table before moving to walk after him. It took her just a minute to catch up.

“It's disgusting isn't it?” He commented as they walked past the spot where Gomamon and Piyomon, now Zudomon and Garudamon, were panting against the mountain wall. “The day has barely begun and already they are exhausted, and that isn't the first break they've taken today. I've seen them sneak four or five.”

Angewomon frowned at the way he was talking about her comrades. “They are doing what they can.”

“They aren't trying hard enough.”

“You're the only one that seems to think so...”

“Look at them...” He growled, glancing back. Gomamon and Piyomon were bounding in their direction, heading towards the cafeteria as well, even though there was still ten minutes until the scheduled lunch hour. “Lazy...obnoxious...UGH”

“Calm yourself.” Another voice said and placed a heavy hand on Vamdemon's shoulder.

“Shut up, Angemon. Don't patronize me.” He said without looking back and tried to walk away. The grip held firm, and directed him forwards, through the door of the building and into the feeding hall and he was seated upon the bench of one of the wooden tables.

“Always so angry.” The angel shook his head with displeasure as he reached up and removed his purple helmet. He set it besides his shield and wrist sword then leaned his head on his hands to stare at Vamdemon, who glared back.

“I have reason to be, you damned liar.”

“What did I lie about?”

“You said today would be better. No, you PROMISED. They are doing worse than ever!”

“They are doing fine.”

“But do you really believe that?” Vamdemon asked quietly. “Can't you see it? The potential? If they put even the slightest bit more effort into this training they could awaken powers they never knew, but they are barely trying.”

“I'm trying, I've evolved, you know.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Vamdemon growled, staring up even higher than normally at HolyAngemon's taller body. “But your the only one that's made progress. Hell, I'll bet you beat them ALL to perfect level, except Agumon and Gabumon, of course, but like I said this morning they don't count.”

“Just like you don't.”

“That's right.” He stated with finality.

The child level digimon shuffled in. First were Gomamon and Piyomon, since they had a head start, then Palmon and Tentomon, Gabumon and Agumon, Wormmon and Veemon, and Hawkmon and Armadimon. They didn't waste any time, scrambling to get on line for food then digging into their meals as soon as they had taken a table. Vamdemon ate little and quietly, still angry about the digimon's lack of progress. That anger soon boiled over.

“Hey, are we gonna get some free time now?” A stuffed Armadimon asked, glancing lazily towards Vamdemon and Angemon.

“Yeah, how about an hour or two, huh, huh?!” Veemon piped up excitedly.

“Are you serious?” Vamdemon asked angrily.

“Yup, of course we're serious.” Armadimon said with a yawn. “All that hard work we did this morning, coupled with this big meal, has made us tired.”

“Yeah!” Veemon added, with Agumon, Piyomon, and Gomamon nodded their heads in approval behind. “Give us a break, will ya? Will ya?”

“I can't believe all of you.” Vamdemon growled, standing from his seat. “You called that despicable act this morning HARD WORK? You, ALL of you, were barely trying!”

“That's not true.” Gomamon said with a hurt face. “I was doing my best – I was never in battles for extended amounts of time, staying as Zudomon is exhausting...”

“That's the point. Don't you get it? Any of you? Of course it's going to hurt, cause you to feel weak and miserable, that's what your SUPPOSED to feel! But every time any of you get close to that state you give up, rest against the damn mountains, or revert! You will NEVER get any stronger if you don't push yourselves. If you don't feel the pain, you're not doing it right.”

“Now just a minute,” Agumon spoke up. “That's not how Gabumon and I got strong at all, we-”

“You used the holy devices. That's CHEATING, young one.” Vamdemon spat. “False evolution, that's what those devices cause. It counts, yes, but when you use it you use borrowed power – the power of the human life form. You aren't as up to par in your ultimate levels as you used to be, correct? That's because, for the first time, you are relying primarily on your own energy, and in order to re-attain that previous power level you have to try harder!”

The digimon stared at him with unease, truly believing that they had been giving the morning their all. “Whatever.” Vamdemon growled and turned around. “If that's how you want to be then so be it. I won't waste my time on you worthless, impudent brats any longer. Go ahead, have your free time. Have it for the rest of the damn day, and tonight, pack your bags and return to the damned humans. Our time here was wasted, fruitless thanks to your lack of inspiration, and tonight, you can think of ways to explain that to your loving tamers.”

“But-”

“Did I NOT make myself clear? Go play, little ones, do whatever you want, just leave me alone. I'm going to take my own break. Unlike the rest of you, I've earned it.”

They watched in silence as Vamdemon exited and slammed the door.

'Those ungrateful brats. Those lazy, worthless, impudent curs! They don't deserve this effort I've put forth for them. A break they wanted? A break, after they've put almost no energy into what they are supposed to do? They are SUPPOSED to be training to be able to save their humans lives, but they don't even have the decency to do that!'

He slammed the door to his cabin open, breaking the meek lock of the door, and threw himself upon his bed, still fuming. He grabbed a small pouch and drew the strings away to open the bag. From it, he drew the chain and pendant Angemon had given him and stuffed it around his neck. He hadn't worn it during practices because it jumped around too much under his shirt. Next he grabbed a scroll frame with a project he had been working on out, and after discarding the bag, began to stitch, drawing the needle in out and with speed and precision. As he worked he grew calmer, and thoughts from the morning began to drift through his head.

'Maybe I am being to hard on them... All they have ever known is the digivice, after all, they never had to use their own power before. Maybe it is as difficult as they are saying... I never had to attain evolution up to perfect, that's how I was born...so perhaps there is truth to what they claim... But still, they could push themselves just a little harder. I wonder if they grasp why I am angry. Do they understand that I only have the humans in my mind, or do I just come off as some asshole? I'm taking steps backwards, aren't I. They are going to come to hate me again, for my horrible attitude. I am quite irritable, but can I help that? I suppose I could try harder to withhold it, just as I want them to try harder.'

He placed the fabric he was stitching on back in it's resting place and laid across the bed.

'I should apologize. Will they accept it? Probably. That's their personality, after all. So happy, the lot of them... I wonder if anything could ever upset them...'

...

A knock sounded on the door before it was opened. Vamdemon turned with a grunt to squint at HolyAngemon's form against the brightness of the late-noon sun. He entered and shut the door quietly behind him, crossing the room and sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Have you come here to scold me?” Vamdemon asked wearily.

HolyAngemon thought for a moment and smiled. “Yes and no.”

“I know what I did was wrong.” Vamdemon muttered and wiped the sleep from his eyes.

“I'm glad you know that. It saves me some breath.”

“Only some? I was hoping that statement would spare me all of it.”

“Only in your dreams, love.” The angel said mockingly. “You made them all feel terrible, you know.”

“That was kind of the point.”

HolyAngemon cocked his head to the side. “Was it? You wanted them to feel terrible about themselves, or you wanted them to try harder? There were many other ways you could have gone about that.”

“I know, I'm sorry already, what more do you want from me?” Vamdemon whined.

“I want you to learn to control your anger.”

“I'm working on it.”

“The way you went about that whole situation aside...” HolyAngemon started, “It worked.”

Vamdemon blinked in surprise. “It worked?”

“They didn't even take the break they wanted. They went right back into the fields and started training in the highest level forms they could muster. From what I could see, there was no leaning against mountains to catch breath.”

“...I don't know what to say.” He muttered and sat up.

“Let's go take a look, shall we?”

“Speechless?” HolyAngemon teased.

“Shut up, I'm still gawking.” Vamdemon said quietly, watching the digimon battle one another.

AtlurKabuterimon was fighting against Lilimon and Zudomon and was actually fairing well for the two against one set up. WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon, of course, were fighting one another, while Angewomon and Garudamon fought nearby. The latest generation fought amongst themselves, as Stingmon, ExVeemon, Ankylomon, and Aquilamon.

“Those four, they never did evolve to perfect level did they?”

“Not even with the digivices. They've only ever done jogress evolution to achieve that level. It should be interesting to see what they become when they reach that potential.”

“Yeah...interesting.” Vamdemon murmured as one of WarGreymon's attack flew by him and created a small crater in the dirt. The attacker looked in the direction of the small explosion and paused. It turned back to MetalGarurumon, who also looked towards them. Simultaneously they both dropped to the ground and approached Vamdemon, who folded his arms as they arrived.

“We're sorry, about earlier.” MetalGarurumon said, staring up into Vamdemon's eyes. “Everyone, and us especially. We are definitely capable of more than what we displayed before.”

“Yeah, we just kind of got lazy.” WarGreymon added.

“Obviously.” Vamdemon grumbled.

“Sorry.” MetalGarurumon finished.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Vamdemon groaned. “What are you doing standing around, get back to work.”

“Yes, Sir!” The two exclaimed and flew off once more.

“Is it so hard for you to be pleasant?” HolyAngemon asked.

“Yes. Yes it is. At least you've stopped interrupting me as I speak just to tell me not to act up. I'll repay that by becoming less hostile one of these days. It may take a while, so no guarantees.” Vamdemon taunted.

“Naturally.” HolyAngemon said sarcastically. “Now what about you? Shouldn't you be getting back to your own practicing?”

“My trainer is preoccupied.”

“...are you making an excuse?”

“Of course not, I am above excuses.”

“Right, not buying that one, Vamdemon.” HolyAngemon laughed and grabbed his arm, dragging him forwards, towards the archery range on the hill. “I'll be your trainer then. Someone has to watch over you, after all.”

“Ugh, you're starting THAT again? Aren't I trustworthy by now? And you let me go down the cabin on my own before, you must not be too worried about me.”

“I never stopped with THAT. No, you aren't trustworthy enough, since you still have anger management issues, which means you are still emotionally unbalanced. And finally, I let you stomp away in a fit of rage back to our cabin because I know you well enough to say with confidence you would not have gone anywhere else. Besides, you needed personal space to cool that hot head of yours.”

“I hate you.” Vamdemon muttered.

“Sure you do.” HolyAngemon said and rolled his eyes as they crested the hill and approached the bows Angewomon had left behind earlier. Vamdemon snatched his up quickly and moved into position. “All work and no play, I see.”

“Shut up.” Vamdemon growled and fired the arrow he had nicked. It flew into the first target with ease. HolyAngemon sighed and did the same, glancing at Vamdemon as he already began to ready another arrow and shot towards the next target. The action was mimicked, causing Vamdemon to furrow his brows in annoyance.

“Are you sure your not cheating on me what the feline traitor?” He grumbled, aiming towards the farthest target, just as he head earlier that day.

“Of course not.” HolyAngemon said defensively, staring at Vamdemon with surprise. “Why would you ask that?”

“Maybe it has to do with the fact that you are two of a kind. I swear, you are JUST like her. I get the same lectures from both of you, and now you are copying me just like she did this morning. That's rude, by the way.” Vamdemon said and launched his arrow. It hit its mark, smiling gleefully at the arrow that had missed earlier. “Or maybe you aren't so similar. You don't distract me as much. You keep quiet when its needed.”

“That's for the compliment.” The angel said while rolling his eyes. “Aren't you sore at all from all this practicing you've been doing?”

“Of course I am.” He growled, firing another arrow that landed beside his furthest mark in the bulls eye. “I'm only human, after all. But I plow through it, knowing that it the pain will make me stronger.”

“It will make you weaker before it makes you stronger, Vamdemon.” HolyAngemon warned. “Take it easy or you might really hurt yourself. Strained and pulled muscles can hurt just as much as broken bones or wounds from blades.”

“Argh, whatever. You want me to stop then?”

“Yes, I would like you to stop, if you can't do some easier targets.” The angel said. “You can do something else.”

“Like what?” Vamdemon challenged.

“Look for patterns in the clouds.”

“Right, very funny. Jerk! Like I want to point my pupils in the general direction of that wretched ball of light. I didn't like it was I was living as an angel, I didn't like it when I was living as a vampire, and I still don't like it living as a human. Try again.”

HolyAngemon smirked with amusement and pulled Vamdemon close.“I was joking. You are always so serious...”

“Whatever.” He grumbled. “Unhand me.”

“What if I said no?” He was teased.

“You...you... You pitiful wretch of an angel!”

“You're just upset because there's no one else to run to for help.”

“That's not my fault.” Vamdemon defended.

“It most certainly is your fault. If you are having trouble recalling, it WAS you who required this relationship be kept a secret. Maybe if the others knew, you could call to them for help and untangling me from you, but no...”

“I hate you.”

“I'm still waiting for you to mean it.”

A sound disturbed the two. Vamdemon tried to pull away but HolyAngemon held strong. A few moments later Weregarurumon appeared in the clearing. He smirked for a moment but his mouth twisted back into a frown.

“What's wrong?” Holyangemon asked carefully.

“I've picked up an unknown scent...” Weregarurumon said uncertainly.

“What's so odd about that? There are plenty of animals around here.”

“...It was the scent of a digimon.”

“What?” Vamdemon choked out, wide eyes with surprise.

“The smell came from the north, and it was definitely another digimon. Not one of ours. What do you think we should do?”

“...can you describe it's scent, Weregarurumon?” Vamdemon asked.

The wolf looked at him with surprise, then thought. “It smells bad, kind of stings my nose. Actually reminds me a bit of the stench of Apoclymon.”

“Shit.” Vamdemon growled, and Holyangemon let go of him out of shock. “It's one of Piemon's monsters!”

“...what?” Holyangemon said with surprise.

“You heard what I said damn it! One of Piemon's monsters! They're all infected with that black virus that was inside of me. It makes everything smell foul if you're not used to it.”

“So what do we do..?” Weregarurumon wondered, not too worried.

Vamdemon paced back and forth a few times before looking back to him. “How far off was it? What level was it?”

“I can't tell what level, but it's still a few miles away.”

“Good. And what kind of stupid question are you asking? What are we going to do? We're going to fight it.”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?” Holyangemon asked.

“Of course it's a good idea!” Vamdemon yelled, and stared at him. “Are we chosen or not? If we don't fight it and take it down then it'll find it's way to the city.”

Holyangemon frowned and looked towards the buildings visible through the trees. Vamdemon grabbed his bow again and started heading down the hill. Weregarurumon and Holyangemon followed, eventually reaching the rest of the digimon that were already congregated in a semi-wide circle. Metalgreymon, Lilimon, Kabuterimon, Zudomon, Birdramon, Stingmon, Tailmon, Aquilamon, Exveemon, and Ankylomon all turned their eyes to the approaching three.

“You two,” Vamdemon instructed, pointing towards Birdramon and Aquilamon, “Get up in the trees, hide yourselves as best as possible, and stay in the branches. Lilimon, Stingmon, hide inside foliage, a bush or in a tree, I don't care, but hide yourselves as well. Zudomon, Metalgreymon, Akylomon, stay here, you three will be the bait. No offense, but you are the tanks here, you can withstand more direct hits. Kabuterimon, find some place off to the side of them and hide. Weregarurumon, Exveemon, find a place low to the ground to hide, preferably on some rocky terrain so you can pounce the enemy more easily. Tailmon, evolve and go up in the air, try and find out what and where it is, then come back here. Make it quick. Go.”

The group hesitated for a moment, but broke off in search of location specified by Vamdemon. Tailmon remained, staring at him with admiration. “Even back when you were evil, your ability to bark out so many orders at once and with rational amazed me. They may seem worried, but I have faith in you.”

“Again with the faith.” Vamdemon muttered. “Must be an angel thing.” She smirked and evolved with a flash of light, then was off, into the sky, searching for the enemy.

“And what am I to do, fearless leader?” Holyangemon asked.

“When your girlfriend gets back you'll fight with her in the air.”

Holyangemon rolled his eyes. “Then what are you going to do?”

“I'm going to hide somewhere and shoot at it.”

“I don't want you fighting.”

“I'm not just going to sit around and hide with head my head between my knees.”

“I don't want you to get hurt.”

“I swore I would fight along side all of you.”

“AFTER you became a digimon again. You are still human, Vamdemon, you're too breakable.”

“I'll be fine. I'll stay away from the main battle.”

Holyangemon glared as Angewomon approached once more and landed beside the fuming two. “It's an Okuwamon, and its heading straight through here.”

“So its a perfect level digimon?” Vamdemon commented. “That shouldn't be too much of a problem, even if it is infected with Piemon's virus. We should still be on guard though... How long, would you say?”

“Two minutes.”

“Ack. Alright, you two get it the air and prepare to attack it from above.” Vamdemon said and drew his bow upwards. “I'm going to try and get it from below.”

“Be careful.” Angewomon warned. “You've only been using that thing for a few days...”

“Yes, dear, now get up there. Worry about yourself, not me.” He grumbled and ran for the coverage of the trees off to the side of where the battle would occur.

Sounds of the creature's approach filtered through the forest. Footsteps of a large creature echoed through the foliage, and the top of its body was soon visible. It spotted the three digimon in the center and charged. Head down, it slammed into Metalgreymon, causing a loud crack to echo through the forest.

The other digimon leaped into action. Weregarurumon launched himself from the roof of a building and landed on top of Okuwamon's shell, tearing a deep gouge in the thick covering before rolling down the creatures back and onto the ground. Aquilamon flew past and shot rings of strong light into the crack, which grew larger and cracked off the creature's body. It reared backwards in pain.

Birdramon, who had moved in and readied to fire an attack, was knocked back before she had a chance to fight. She was thrown in the trees she had flown from, into the place where Stingmon had still been waiting. They groaned and pulled themselves up as Kabuterimon lunged at the unbalanced Okuwamon and knocked it onto it's side.

Vamdemon and Angewomon released arrows simultaneously, his into the creatures neck and hers between its arm and it's shoulder. Lilimon took advantage of the creature's pain and fired shots from her canons into each of the previously hit places. The digimon backed off as Okuwamon stood rightwards and began to flicker. Without warning, a bright flash lit the area, and the digimon began to change.

“Are you kidding me?” Vamdemon growled.

“This isn't good.” Weregarurumon muttered. “We're lucky to have got it down before, how are we going to beat it at ultimate level.

“Shut up! That's the wrong mentality.” Vamdemon scolded, watching the new creature rear up in aggression.

“It's evolved into Grankuwagamon...” Holyangemon said as he landed. “It will be very difficult to take down.”

“Can any of you evolve further?” Vamdemon called. “It is absolutely essential, we need the extra firepower.”

More flashes lit the sky. Birdramon and Aquilamon both became Garudamon, and were discernable by the different tones of their voice. Weregarurumon and Metalgreymon became Metalgarurumon and Wargreymon. Kabuterimon morphed into Atlurkabuterimon, and the battle began once more.

Wargreymon ran forwards, underneath Grankuwagamon, and jumped upwards to embed his claws into the insects underbelly. The two Garudamon each flew to one side of the creature and released wing blade attacks, creating small cracks in it's armor. It looked to its right and raised a large appendix, slapping the large bird away and into trees, knocking them down. In a rage, the insect jumped into the air, drumming its pale wings at fast speeds and creating a gust of air that pushed the lighter digimon, Lilimon, Exveemon, and Stingmon away from the immediate battle.

Metalgarurumon flew forwards, propelled by the jets in his wings, and launched five missals towards the angry Grankuwagamon. From below, Vamdemon and Angewomon continued to fire arrows, each landing between joints where there was no shell to protect. Angrily it glanced towards their direction, but didn't perceive them as a great enough threat. It chose to aim an attack towards Lilimon, who had just begun to reach the battle's location once more. Atlurkabuterimon rammed into it as it prepared a fiery attack, causing it to launch prematurely and spiral towards the cabin the archers were shooting from.

Angewomon slammed her arms around an unsuspecting Vamdemon and took off just as the blaze reached the location. She landed a short distance away and released him, where he faltered slightly now that he was back on his feet. He glanced at her in thanks, and turned back to the cabins, all of which had been engulfed in flames. They weren't the ones they had been using, but it still annoyed him that so much of the camp was being destroyed.

Turning back to the battle, he noticed that Metalgarurumon had reverted to Weregarurumon, and was on the verge of falling yet another step down. Lilimon shot another energy cannon towards the Grankuwagamon, but it swatted it away and back towards her, and she reverted to Togemon. Atlurkabuterimon threw himself at the other insect yet again, and they locked into a struggle upon the ground. They were at a stalemate until Wargreymon launched a massive attack in their direction.

Grankuwagamon relinquished it's energy, allowing Atlurkabuterimon to overpower it and take its position, which resulted in the red digimon also taking the attack meant for the enemy. With a flash he reverted into Kabuterimon, and with a crack, as one of Grankuwagamon's horns ripped into his side, he became Tentomon and was knocked away.

Wargreymon, thrown off guard by what he had caused, also had an attack land on him, turning him back into Metalgreymon. Exveemon and Stingmon rushed forwards to try and take up the slack but their attacks were ineffective. Scissor claw attacks dug into them and reverted them to child level as well. As Veemon and Wormmon, they scampered out of harms way.

Vamdemon watched in horror as the forces crumbled before his eyes. 'This is my fault...' He thought wildly, mind reeling. 'I yelled at them, said they weren't trying hard enough, then they put so much effort into an afternoon of training that they expended all their energy. Granted...we weren't expecting a battle, but still... If I hadn't pushed them they might have been able to win this.'

Grankuwagamon stared at Vamdemon's stationary form, having reverted the rest of the digimon to child level and began to advance. Vamdemon wavered in place and fell to his knees from the stress of being the only one left and the focus of the large insect's interest. He raised the bow that was clutched tightly in his hand and nicked a bow. With a shaky arm, he aimed for the huge creature's eye. As he was about to shoot, his arm suddenly gave out and the arrow shot into the sky. He cried out in pain and cradled the limb as a fiery pain shot through it. Holyangemon's words from on the archery range rang through his memory.

He vision began to fade in and out, stress and adrenaline taking hold of his body. Grankuwagamon was nearly to his position, and there was nothing he could do to protect himself. As he slipped out of consciousness, mind already awaiting his fate, a flash of bright, white light lit up his vision. 'I sign of death, the humans say...' He thought quietly, and his eyes slipped shut.

A voice traveled through his next state with him... A voice that surely was of a god, rich and perfect, full of anger and reverence, and resonating clearly through the forest...

“Enter the realm of the non living – Seven Heavens!”

“Is he alright?” Veemon asked, pacing back and forth.

“Wake up, wake up!” Palmon pleaded, shaking Vamdemon's body.

“Is he breathing?” Piyomon asked with worry.

“Is he? Is he?” Wormmon pushed, anxious as well.

“He's fine.' The voice said gently and approached the still body. “He was never hit, just give him some room and he should come to.”

The small digimon obliged, putting faith in the strong voice, and backed away. The owner of the voice knelt beside Vamdemon's form and took the hand of his uninjured arm. At the touch, his eyes fluttered to life.

At first, all he saw was blurred. With a few times blinking his eyes, things started to come into focus. First he saw his own face, reflected perfectly in brilliant, metallic armor. He blinked once more and focused himself differently, so that he saw the body of the owner of the voice, and not his own reflected vision. Upon taking in the figure completely he drew in a breath of surprise.

“Are you feeling alright? How is your arm?” The voice asked with worry.

“S-Seraphimon?” Vamdemon whispered, voice barely audible.

“You didn't answer my question, Vamdemon. I warned you about this, you know.”

“Yes you did...” He muttered, voice returning and shock wearing off. “Obviously I didn't listen.”

“Obviously.” Seraphimon said calmly.

“How did you...” Vamdemon started, but was cut off by a finger placed over his lips.

“You know the answer to that.”

“...me?” Vamdemon wondered with uncertainty.

Seraphimon smiled gently and nodded. “You are my greatest gift; I couldn't let you go to waste. My faith pulled me through and made my wish reality.”

“There's that faith again...” Vamdemon muttered, “I guess its real after all, huh?”

“Can you stand?”

“If you help me up...”

Seraphimon did so, standing and pulling Vamdemon's body up with him. The smaller digimon crowded around the two, wanting to see for themselves that Vamdemon was alright.

“We're sorry...” Armadimon said quietly.

“Huh?”

“This was our fault...” Piyomon added.

“How?”

“Well, if we had been working as hard as we did this afternoon all week, then we might have been strong enough to beat Grankuwagamon...” Gomamon said sadly.

“This was my own fault.” Vamdemon stated, shaking his head. “If I hadn't pushed you all as hard today then you might have had the energy to take it down.”

Agumon shook his head as well. “I don't think so. We were exhausted, yes, but we were still able to fight with our full power. It may have run out quicker, but the power level was the same. This was our fault. You could have died... In any other situation our partners would have been in your place.”

“And that is not an option.” Gabumon said. “From now on we will never behave that way again. Tomorrow we'll train as hard as we can, all day.”

“Ah...I don't think that's such a good idea...” Vamdemon said quietly. “I think we should head back... The chosen humans need to know about what happened, in case something appears closer to home.”

“That's a good idea... I hadn't thought about that.” Agumon stated, thinking of Taichi and Hikari alone at the apartment.

“Yeah, so everyone pack up tonight... We'll go back in the morning.” Vamdemon finished and watched them scurry off towards their cabins. Seraphimon took hold of his side and they began to walk back as well. When they reached the interior, Vamdemon collapsed onto the bed in exhaustian.

“Let me wrap your arm.” Seraphimon said with authority and reached into his bag to withdraw bandages.

“I'll be guessing you were expecting me to overexert myself?” Vamdemon wondered sarcastically.

“That's right.” He was told lightly. He rolled his eyes and put forth his arm as best he could. Seraphimon took it and got to work with the wrapping. Finally, he put a sling in place. “Hmm...doesn't this look familiar?”

“Shut up.” Vamdemon growled and pushed him away with his left arm. “And it's not quite the same, its the opposite arm this time.”

“That's just a slight difference.”

“Anything to justify your own argument.” Vamdemon laughed lightly, and stared into Seraphimon's eyes. “How can I make this up to you?”

“You don't have to. It is enough of a blessing to have you.”

“No way, you aren't starting that again. You've saved my life...what...twice now? I'm sure I'll be on the third time soon enough... There's got to be some way...at least for me to show you how grateful I am.”

“You are here, by my side. That is enough.”

“Damn it, Seraphimon...” Vamdemon grumbled and began to devise methods of showing his appreciation.

“Just give it up and be happy for once.” The angel said and layed across the bed beside Vamdemon, who just grunted in reply. Seraphimon rolled his eyes, then closed them, content and ready to fall asleep. Vamdemon's sudden voice startled him.

“Take off your armor.”

“Eh?”

“Just do it...” Vamdemon said quietly. “It can't be very comfortable to try and sleep in...”

“What are you planning?” Seraphimon wondered as he took off the shoulder guards.

“...just a little something.” He muttered and turned away. Seraphimon raised an eyebrow but did as he was told.

“Now what?”

“...now you sit back and enjoy...” Vamdemon said, looking back to him with a strange expression.

Seraphimon blinked in surprise, and asked with uncertainty, “Are you sure you're up for that?”

“I'm sure.” Vamdemon said seriously. “I did it a lot while I was serving Piemon. If I pleased him enough he would let me off for the night...no more pain or torture, so I got really good at it. It doesn't hurt, so I'm not afraid of it... Its something I do well, and I've only seen a person enjoy it...so...it's the least I can do, and besides, maybe...maybe this will help me overcome my other fear and let me become a digimon even sooner. This won't count, after all... It's not really intercourse...at least not in the way that's required of us...”

“...and you're sure I don't do anything?”

“Well...you're going to squirm a little.” Vamdemon smirked.