Chapter 4: "I Won't Lose Anymore Friends!!" Jeri's Defiant Stand!!
As time flew by, Jeri 2 and Takato were on the bus, approaching Highton View Terrace. Takato wondered about what was going on.
Takato: Uuuhhh...Jeri? Why are we headed for Highton View Terrace?
Jeri 2: You'll see. (looks at the time, and thinks to herself) It's 6pm. We're almost there. Soon, I will battle with Angewomon again!
In a few minutes, they made it to the bus stop, and stepped off the bus, as it went on its way. Jeri 2 was looking up in the sky for signs of her opponent. And, when it was 6:04, she saw a glimpse of Nefertimon. The soon-to-be Fallen Angel Digimon couldn't help but smile, evilly.
Jeri 2: (smirks) Yes. They're here! Right on time.
Takato: Who's here?
Jeri 2: You'll see soon enough. In fact...you'll know right about...NOW!
As soon as she spoke, Nefertimon touched down with a perfect landing. Kari leapt off, as does Guilmon. Then, Nefertimon changed back to Gatomon.
Gatomon: So Kari...we're here, in Highton View Terrace. Where do you think Lady Devimon is?
Kari: I don't know. She shouldn't be that hard to spot.
Takato couldn't believe it. Kari, of the Digimon cartoon series...was FOR REAL! IT wasn't long before Rika, Kazu, Kenta, Henry, Suzie and Ryo came along, as spectators.
Takato: Kaa...k...k...k...Ka...KARI??
Kari: Oh boy. We've got another one who never seen me before, Gatomon.
Gatomon: These guys act as though they've never seen a Digimon before.
Rika: Hi, Kari. These are my friends...Kazu...
Kazu: Hi there. Can I have your autograph?
Kari: Uuuhhh...sure. (shrugs, and gives Kazu her autograph) I'm a student, not a celebrity. Oh well.
Kazu: Thanks!
Rika: (eyes Kazu warily) Oy. The one with the glasses is Kenta.
Kenta: Hello.
Rika: Over there is Henry's sister...Suzie.
Suzie: Hewwo. Your Gatomon is cyuute.
Gatomon: Thanks.
Rika: That guy's Takato...the goggle boy of our...AHEM...team.
Takato: Uuuhhh....
Rika: And, you've already met Henry. And...you know Ryo.
Kari: Yep.
Then, Jeri 2 spoke up. By then, her eyes were now yellow. And her skin started to turn pale.
Jeri 2: Hello, Gatomon. You've come, as I knew you would.
Gatomon: HUH?
Jeri 2: (scowls at Gatomon) Did you TRULY THINK I would FORGET the debt you OWE ME?! DID YOU?!
Kari: Ummm...excuse me, miss...but we're looking for a dangerous Digimon, named Lady Devimon. Have you seen her?
Jeri 2: Look no further, Kari. Because here I am.
Takato was confused. Why would Jeri proclaim herself to be Lady Devimon?. Guilmon came close, and gave a good whiff of Jeri 2. He knew the truth...since it was now 6:05PM, her true scent was coming to the surface.
Takato: Uuuhhh...Jeri? What are you talking about?
Guilmon: (sniffs Jeri 2) That's not Jeri!
Takato: GUILMON!! (hugs him) It's been a while! Are you sure that isn't Jeri?
Jeri 2 turned around. By now, her hair was white, and her eyes became red. And, she was deathly pale.
Jeri 2: I'm afraid he's right, Takato. I'm not Jeri. In one more minute...I'll be my true self again!
Naturally...Takato thought this was the D-Reaper...who is now known as Jerimon. But...when black bat wings appeared on Jeri 2's back, that showed him he was mistaken.
Takato: NO!! Not again! Not THE D-REAPER!
Jeri 2: You idiot! Do you see any blobs around? NO! (bat wings appear on her back) My time of revenge has come, at last! And I WILL NOT BE DENIED! You and your team must not intervene. This battle is between ME...and Angewomon! Now...will you promise not to interfere??
Takato: Sure.
Henry: Got it.
Rika: Understood.
Kazu: I guess.
Kenta: Definetely clear.
Ryo: This is a grudge match between two rivals. You know my stand on this. I'm not going to step in.
Jeri 2: Good.
When Gatomon detected a hint of hate in Jeri 2's voice, she then realized the truth.
Gatomon: Wait a second...the white hair...those red eyes! That pale skin! And the way you obviously hate me! There's only one person you could be! You're...LADY DEVIMON!!
Jeri 2: Bravo! Do you know what today is?
Gatomon: This is...the day when we defeated...Myotismon.
Jeri 2: That's right, old friend. And, as of now...the time is 6 minutes and 6 seconds AFTER SIX! Digiport...OPEN!
A digiport then opened, and Jeri came out of it. She was in a protective force field. At this point, the red shirt Jeri 2 was wearing wrapped around her like her black leather outfit. Her left hand was bigger, now. And her hair became longer.
Takato: JERI!
Jeri: Hey, Takato. I had a great time.
Takato: HUH?
Jeri 2: It's time to fully transform. Jeri 2...Digivolve to...
Finally, she grew in height. The clothes became her leather outfit. The mask she wore appeared on her face. Chains began to form. Her voice became a bit deeper, more adult sounding. In no time at all, Lady Devimon's digivolution was complete.
Lady Devimon: LADY DEVIMON!!
Jeri: WOW! What a digivolution! Thanks for helping me, these past few days. I doubt I'll need my puppet, anymore.
Lady Devimon: Don't mention it. I just did what I had to do, to make you happy. (glares at Gatomon and Kari) Now, Kari...it's time. Get Gatomon to Digivolve!
Kari: You got it, you witch! You won't get away...not this time! (holds up her D3) Go for it!
Gatomon: Gatomon...Digivolve to...
In a flash of light, Gatomon took on a human form. 8 majestic angel wings appeared on her back. A glove appeared on her left hand. Then, her helmet fell perfectly on her face. The Digivolution was complete.
Angewomon: ANGEWOMON!!
Takato: Why is Jeri stuck in a force field?
Lady Devimon: So she won't be harmed. I have no intention of harming you, or your friends. Over the past few days...I used a psychic link to help Jeri work through her fears, and problems. Now, she's changed...for the better. She also has a better understanding of why Fallen Angel Digimon do what they do.
Takato: She does?
Jeri: Yeah. The reason why Beezelmon killed Leomon, was because he was afraid. Afraid of the consequences of breaking an ancient pact all Fallen Angel Digimon live by. He was so scared of reprisal, he would've gladly allowed Gallantmon to take him out.
Takato: I never knew...Add that to his confusion, and now, I completely pity him. I'm glad he helped us.
Angewomon: Well, this is a good conversation and all, but I have a question for Lady Devimon.
Lady Devimon: Sure. What is it?
Angewomon: Why do you hate me? Why is it you want to destroy me?
Lady Devimon was enraged. She ripped her mask off, and reminded Angewomon of something that happened.
Lady Devimon: YOU FOOL!! (takes off her mask) Don't you remember the humiliation I went through, when you defeated me? But...I am grateful that you spared my life, back when we were competing to be Myotismon's right hand mon. If you didn't, I wouldn't be the Digimon I was today.
Angewomon, who was in shock, took off her helmet. At long last, everything was revealed to her.
Angewomon: I...(takes her helmet off) I don't believe it. Black Gatomon? Is that you?
Lady Devimon: Indeed, I was Black Gatomon.
Angewomon: I understand now. I remember...when we fought. It was a fierce battle. You and I went claw for claw for the top position. Since I had the upper hand...I won. I can still remember what happened, after that.
Black Gatomon: You beat me. (is on her knees) I can't believe it. You've won. Now...do it. Finish me!
Gatomon: No. I can't kill you. (helps Black Gatomon up) It wouldn't be right.
Black Gatomon: I don't understand. We're fierce rivals. Sworn enemies. Why would you spare me?
Gatomon: Because...when I look at you...I see myself. And all the loneliness, within my soul. Find the answer to your loneliness, my friend. While I try to find mine. We're exactly the same.
Black Gatomon: I see. (dusts herself off) Well, I'll have to go. But I warn you. The next time we meet...we shall be enemies. And hopefully...we will digivolve into forms which symbolize our true selves.
Gatomon: Maybe. See you around.
Angewomon: And so, we've went our separate ways. I now believe you knew what I was truly like. And that you recognized me, on sight. I'm sorry to know you've harbored your jealousy towards me for years.
Lady Devimon: Well...you know how it is. I will have my revenge!
Angewomon: You poor soul...I wish there was another way. (puts her helmet back on)
Lady Devimon: Well...that's enough regrets for one lifetime. NOW! LET'S FIGHT!! (puts her mask back on) DARKNESS WAVE!!
Lady Devimon started off by using her infamous Darkness Wave. Angewomon barely blocked it. The angelic Digimon then used a kick to Lady Devimon's face. Then, the Fallen Angel Digimon did what she liked to do best to Angewomon...throw her while pulling on her hair!
Lady Devimon: I bet this hurts as badly as ever! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
Kari: ANGEWOMON!!!
After she threw her, Lady Devimon went at her nemesis with the Black Wing. It managed to slash her opponent's arm.
Angewomon: UUNGHH! Why you....CELESTIAL ARROW!!
Rika: Man...this is getting intense!
Henry: I know! We gave our word! We can't interfere!
Guilmon: Wow! Takato, look at them!
Takato: I know...I can't take my eyes off of them!
Rika: Boys will be boys. (eyes Henry, and thinks to herself) He's so dreamy. (shakes her head) WHAT AM I THINKING??
The Celestial arrow grazed Lady Devimon's arm. Then, Angewomon used the Heaven's Charm in its lowest power to incapacitate her foe. Lady Devimon fell to the ground. When Angewomon landed, her foe used the last of her strength to deliver a swift and powerful kick in the chest. Then, she could fight no more. Once again, she begged Angewomon to finish it.
Lady Devimon: Just like old times...isn't it, Angewomon? Finish it! I long for peace.
Angewomon: But...surely, there's another way.
Lady Devimon: There isn't! If you don't, I will hunt you to the ends of the Earth! The Digidestined will feel my wrath! FINISH IT!!
Angewomon lowered her head, and was ready to deliver the final blow. But then, something happened. Since it was the moment of defeat for Lady Devimon, the force field dissipated. Jeri, who didn't want to lose anybody else she cared about, got in the way. She was very angry.
Jeri: NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! (gets in front of Lady Devimon) Don't do it, Angewomon!
Angewomon: But...it's what she wants. I can't refuse her last request.
Jeri: NO! I've already lost my mother, and Leomon! This is where I'm drawing the line, Angewomon! The deaths stop HERE! I WON'T LOSE ANYMORE FRIENDS!! Please...isn't there a way for her to have a second chance?
Angewomon: Are you saying...she's your friend?
Jeri: Yes. For a long time, now, I blamed myself, for the deaths of my mother...and Leomon! I allowed the darkness which became Apocalymon's daughter to possess me! I took the creature formerly known as the D-Reaper into this world! Lady Devimon...has helped me get over these bad feelings. If you kill her...I'll never forgive you.
Angewomon: (takes her helmet off again) I can tell...that you're speaking the truth. I don't WANT to kill her, again. But she swore revenge, if I don't. There's got to be another way!
Lady Devimon, after thinking for a long time, realized there was a way for her and Jeri to get what they want.
Lady Devimon: There...might be another way, Jeri. The world which can grant wishes....if Azulongmon and the other three guardians are able to help...we'll both have our way. (unmasks) Hear me, Azulongmon, Zhuqiaomon, Baihumon, and Ebonwumon. I beg of you to help me find a peaceful end to my sadness. Jeri...has shown me that she cares for me a lot. I no longer want to fight. My wish...is to be split to two. One half shall evolve to Rosemon. The other...will recieve the final blow, and be reconfigured. I no longer want to be a Fallen Angel Digimon.
Jeri: Lady Devimon.
Lady Devimon: You've touched me with your kindess.
Jeri: And you made me who I am, today. (hugs Lady Devimon) Let's do this.
As if in response to Lady Devimon's plea, four voices can be heard.
Baihumon: Lady Devimon...we have sensed the change within your heart!
Azulongmon: With the power of the other world, your wish shall be fulfilled.
Ebonwumon: We, the four Guardians...sovereign protectors of the Digital World...shall give you that which you desire!
Zhuqiaomon: And now...you will soon be reborn!
A bright light descended from the skies, and fell on Lady Devimon. When the light faded, there were two Lady Devimons. Then, the light fell upon one of them...enabling Lady Devimon to digivolve...for the better.
Lady Devimon 2: I can feel it. I'm going to digivolve. Lady Devimon...digivolve to...(becomes Rosemon)
Rosemon: Rosemon!
Jeri: WOW! This is colossal! You did it!
Rosemon: Thanks, Jeri.
Lady Devimon: And now...I can start anew. (looks at Angewomon) I'm ready.
Angewomon: Alright. (looks at Kari) Let's do it!
Kari: So be it.
Kari began to glow with her light. Angewomon's Celestial Arrow glowed with the same intensity. She was ready to purify Lady Devimon.
Angewomon: By all the powers of light and goodness...I ask you to banish the evil within Lady Devimon's heart. Make sure that when she reconfigures, she shall be a different Digimon! CELESTIAL...ARROW!!
The shaft of light struck Lady Devimon's chest. The digiport in Kari's laptop was still open. Jeri was about to cry, but Lady Devimon reassured her.
Jeri: LADY DEVIMON! DON'T LEAVE ME!
Lady Devimon: (starts to reconfigure, and begins to flow into the Digital World) Do not worry. Everything will be alright, now. Thanks to you, I can abandon my old ways. I'll come back again...if you want me to.
Jeri: (is crying) I do want you to come back.
Lady Devimon: If Impmon can abandon our ways, then so can I. Like Gatomon...I've been alone, for most of my life. But not anymore. Thanks to you...I can finally abandon my old ways. You've freed me. Thank you, Jeri. When next we meet...I'll be in a different form. Farewell...for now. (is completely reconfigured)
As she said goodbye, Lady Devimon fully reconfigured. Jeri cried, but understood she would never truly lose her.
Jeri: Good bye, Lady Devimon. We'll see each other again. I know it.
Rosemon: I know you will, Jeri. Digimon don't really die. I know it seemed like that, when you were there, last. But now...the Digital World is fully restored. Jerimon is no longer a threat. The balance of power is restored. Don't grieve for my counterpart. She is reborn.
Jeri: What of Leomon?
Rosemon: In a way, he too was reconfigured, when he became one with Beezelmon. He never really died. Jeri...you're stronger, now. And, you no longer have to worry about being a pawn for the darkness, ever again.
Kari: From what I've heard...you've endured a lot, just like Ken has. Always be true to yourself, and never let the darkness in again.
Jeri: I won't. That's a promise. I no longer have to fear what I'll become. Because of you...Angewomon, Rosemon, Gennai and Lady Devimon, I know for certain that I'll never become the Digimon Empress. (shakes Kari) Thank you, Kari.
Kari: You're welcome, Jeri. Angewomon and I gotta go back. (looks at Ryo) See you around, old friend.
Ryo: No problem. Tell Ken I said hi.
Kari: Thanks. (looks at Angewomon) Let's go. DIGIPORT...OPEN!!
As the Digiport opened, it sent Kari, Angewomon, Rosemon and Guilmon back to the Digital World.
Guilmon: See you later, guys!
Takato: Bye, Guilmon!
Angewomon: Farewell, Jeri.
Jeri: I won't forget you.
Kari: Good bye, everyone.
Tamers: Good bye, Kari.
Rosemon: Thank you, Jeri. I'll never forget you.
Jeri: Nor will I forget you.
And so, Kari's laptop disappeared, as she, Angewomon, Rosemon and Guilmon went back to their respective worlds. For the first time, in years, Jeri smiled genuinely. For she was secure in the knowledge that her nightmares would never come true. Everything has been set right. Thanks to the help of Lady Devimon, Jeri has conquered all of her faults and fears...and has reconciled with her father and stepmother. She never has to fear the darkness, ever again.
To Be Concluded...
