Episode 17 - Beginnings and Endings.

Chibi-Koushiro walks up. "The characters are properties of Toei
Animation Inc., Saban Entertainment and others. They are used without
consent. Archive is only borrowing them for an indefinite amount of time.

"Strict Japanese spelling for all names when possible. If an English
name for a digimon or his attack is used and you know what the name
is supposed to be in Japanese-- please tell Archive so it can be corrected."

_________________

"The war against Devimon is raging," Sora stated. "Our digimon forces
briefly numbered over three dozen, but our last battle ended with
eight fatalities on our side, Meramon and seven Numemon. The idea
of the battle was to sneak attack the Bakemon to reduce our casualties.
Obviously, that wasn't the case."

"Now we must recover and heal from the injuries suffered in battle
against Panjamon before we can take on his master. But if we were
almost defeated by Panjamon, how can we hope to defeat Devimon?"

_________________

"What's our status?" Unimon asked, glancing over the various digimon
and humans in a barren field that was once home to many Bakemon.

"Meramon has been deleted, while Andromon, Monzaemon, Agumon, Wormmon
and one of the Drimogemon were injured by Panjamon's attacks. Fortunately
none of the Chosen were hit," Kuro answered.

Unimon sighed. "This isn't good."

"You're telling me?" Daisuke commented. "V-mon and Gabumon still
aren't all that great from their previous injuries. I don't like
this, but we're going to have to lay low for a while to heal."

"Where do you suggest we do that?" Unimon questioned. "We have no
base and Devimon has near complete control of this island."

"You tell me. You know this island better than I do. There has to
be someplace we can hide for at least a few days," Daisuke retorted.

"We've used them up already. Devimon would be sure to know if we
returned to a previous base," Unimon replied.

"I know of a place," Andromon stated as he hobbled over.

"Hey, right! Factorial Fortress would be defensible enough," Daisuke said happily.

Andromon shook his head. "No. Somewhere safer. A place Devimon might
not know even exists on File Island."

Unimon raised an eyebrow at that comment. "What place is that?"

"The Village of Beginings," Andromon replied simply.

Unimon's and Kuro's mouth dropped. "The Village of Beginings?!"

Daisuke scratched his head. "What's the Village of Beginings?"

"The place we were all born," Andromon replied simply.

"If you were all born there, how would Devimon not know it exists?" Daisuke questioned.

"The Village of Beginings is where ALL digimon are born. It's not
even technically on this plane of existence," Unimon explain. He
then turned to Andromon and asked, "Are you sure there is a portal to there on File Island?"

"Positive." Andromon nodded. "We should be able to reach there by
dawn in our current condition."

Daisuke nodded. "Good. Then that's what we'll do." He hopped on
top of a rock and called out, "Everyone, get ready to move out!
We're going someplace where we can heal our wounds!"

Taichi, without his shirt, smiled hearing that. "We'll be able to help you soon."

Agumon shivered while wearing Taichi's shirt. "I hope so."

"Maybe we can get those cuts on your hands looked at too, Hikari," Taichi added.

Hikari nervously tugged at the bandages around her hand. She still
had no idea where she got them a few nights ago. She could only
guess that she had accidentally cut them on a rock during one of her nightmares.

_________________

Dawn's early light broke over the horizon as the beleaguered digimon
and humans came upon a clearing in the forest. In the center of
the grassy field before them were a pair of railroad crossing signs,
but no train tracks nor paved road was visible.

"That is it," Andromon stated flatly.

"That's the portal to this Village of Beginings place?" Daisuke questioned.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Sora asked looking at the sky, afraid
of what might be looking down at them.

Daisuke shrugged. "Well, we came this far. Might as well try it."

With that, the entire group marched into the clearing, some ready
for an attack as this area looked good for an ambush.

"So we just walk through between the railroad signs?" Daisuke asked.

Andromon raised his arm to block Daisuke.

"What?" Daisuke asked and then heard an odd sound, that of a train coming.

The crossing guards lowered and the mighty sounds of a train rushing
by could be heard. The wind from a large fast moving object could
be felt. However, none of them saw a train.

"Just when you though you've seen everything," Koushiro commented.

"You actually saw something?" Yamato questioned.

The crossing guards raised into the air.

"Now we can enter," Andromon stated before stepping forward and disappearing.

Daisuke shrugged and followed in after him.

Everyone else just stared.

Daisuke's head reappeared and seemed to be floating in the air.
"Are you waiting for an engraved invitation?"

The entire group entered through the portal, with Kuro trailing
behind. He paused just before entering certain he had just heard
something laugh evilly. He looked around and saw nothing.

_________________

"What is the meaning of this?!" Elecmon cried out seeing the large
number of digimon in his village. "What are you doing here?!"

"We seek aid and shelter from Devimon," Andromon said, bowing slightly.

"Like I care what Devimon has been doing. At least he hasn't been
killing digimon wholesale recently!" Elecmon shot back. "You can't stay here!"

"But we need someplace to stay to heal our injured," Hikari replied.

"I can't look after you and all the babies," Elecmon retorted.

"Perhaps we can offer our help in exchange of letting us stay here.
We will help you care for the babies while our injured tend to their wounds," Unimon offered.

"I don't know. How can I trust you?" Elecmon questioned skeptically.

"Aren't these just the cutest little things?" Mimi cooed tending to one baby.

"They certainly are," Miyako replied, caring for another.

Elecmon looked like he was about to have a heart attack. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Mimi pouted. "The baby was crying, and I had to see if I could help.
Poor little thing soiled his crib." She edged away from the crib
while gently holding a red baby. "Why don't they wear diapers?"

Miyako looked at the furry baby in her hands. "And just how would
you put a diaper on them?" She giggled as the baby began to suck
on her finger. "This little guy is hungry. Do you have any food?"

"Of course the girls would go gaga over the babies." Yamato shook his head.

"Hey, Patamon, remember what your baby form looked like?" Takeru
asked as he played with a black furred Botamon.

"How would I? I was a baby!" Patamon returned.

Takeru shrugged and scratched what would be the baby's chin. "Bet
you grow up big and strong, yes I do!"

"Is there something about your brother that I should know about?" Taichi asked jokingly.

Yamato sweat-dropped.

Piyomon grabbed Sora's hand and said, "Come on, let's help them."

Sora seemed reluctant, but let herself get dragged off.

Elecmon whimpered seeing his babies being cared for by strangers.

"Please trust us. We wouldn't want to hurt any of those babies,"
Hikari tried to assure the nervous digimon. "Um, do you have any medical supplies we can use?"

Elecmon nodded slowly. "Yeah. I always have some prepared for the
babies in case something were to happen."

_________________

"Why did you have me retreat?" Panjamon howled as he stood in Devimon's
vast throne room, with a Bakemon cowering behind him.

An evil laughter filled the air. "You would have died had you stayed.
True, you might have been able to kill a few of them in the process.
However, I doubt the Chosen or their digimon would've been in your
list of kills. However, Panjamon, I thought I'd introduce you to
two new digimon for you to lead."

"Bah!" Panjamon swiped the air with his massive hand. "I have no
use for any digimon controlled by a black gear. One hit and they become my enemy."

"True. Quite true, but these digimon aren't controlled by a single
black gear." A large skeletal red hand appeared from the darkness.
"But first I suppose I should make that Bakemon suitable for your new troops first."

The Bakemon backed away in fear. "No! Lord Devimon, please no! I've always been a loyal servant!"

"Now you'll be a better one."

Ten black gears came at the Bakemon from all directions. The ghost
digimon screamed in pain as he grew a little larger, his body turned
gray with a red hood cover what would be his head, and a giant sickle appeared in his right hand.

"Interesting. Now what do I have here?"

"I, Phantomon, will serve you well, my lord," the giant gray ghost digimon bowed.

Panjamon nodded his approval. "I assume the other two are like him?"

The laughter echoed again. "Actually, I suspect this one is the
weakest of the three." A large snapping sound came from the shadows
and two figures step forward. "Meet your other digimon."

The gigantic beaten looking gray teddy-bear brandished metal claws.
"The Chosen shall meet an untimely end."

A human looking figure smiled with a devilish toothy grin, showing
his fangs. "I have a score to settle, as well."

"Good," Panjamon said simply. "Now where are the Chosen so I can
finish them off once and for all?!"

"The Village of Beginings."

"What?!" Panjamon cried out.

"You heard me. Apparently Andromon knew how to get there all along....
If only I had ordered him to tell me." A sharp laugh filled the
air. "No matter. I know where it is now. Go to Railroad Field, stand
before the railroad signs, but not between them, and wait for the
sound of something large to pass. Then go between the signs and
you shall be in the Village of Beginnings!"

Panjamon grinned. "I shall go there immediately, my lord. The Chosen
shall not live to see the sun set."

"Excuse me, Panjamon." The human looking digimon bowed just enough
to be polite, but no more. "Might I suggest we wait until nightfall?
At that time, Phantomon and I will be at our strongest, and them
at their weakest. It would not do us good to give them any advantage."

Panjamon paused and then nodded. "Perhaps we should wait. Phantomon,
practice your new skills. We attack at midnight."

Evil laughter once again filled the air from the dark lord on the throne.

_________________

Elecmon sighed as he looked over his babies. All of them were enraptured
with a whimsical story that Mimi was telling them. Though Elecmon
had a hard time trying to follow it.

Night had fallen on the village and most of the Chosen and digimon
had gone to sleep. However, they were taking turns not only to act
as a night watch for Devimon's troops, but to also have someone watch the babies.

Elecmon couldn't remember the last time he had a moment of peace
to himself. He was always busy taking care of the babies. That was
his job and he never wavered from it, no matter how grueling the task was.

Elecmon's ears perked up as he heard something odd. He looked around
for the source of it and happened upon Hikari in one of the houses.
She was laying on the floor half-naked rolling about as if someone
was whipping her. His eyes widen as her arms moved to cover her
face and the bandages cover her hands exploded. Blood splattered
against the wall as new wounds opened.

"What's going on...?" Elecmon breathed.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Yamato yelled from where he had stood watch.

"WHAT?!" Elecmon rushed out of the building.

Hikari's eyes opened as tears spilled out. She wobbled as she stood
up. She noticed the condition of her bandages and her hands. She
quickly pulled off the ruined pieces of cloth and then got dressed.
She frowned noticing the blood on her school uniform, but knew it
wouldn't matter. It would wash off.

Hikari steadied herself before rushing out to join the others but
stopped cold as a figure loomed before her.

"My, my.... What do I have here?" questioned the floating digimon.

"V-Vamdemon...." Hikari breathed.

"How would you...." Vamdemon paused and then smiled. He floated
down to her and caressed her cheek. "Oh, it's YOU."

Hikari pissed in her panties out of sheer fright.

_________________

"Oh, great. Not this ugly ghost again." Yamato stood behind Garurumon, waiting for help to arrive.

The gray ghost glared. "That's Phantomon to you. Soul Chopper!"
He slashed with his sickle causing a black energy to streak from it.

Yamato and Garurumon dodged as the energy tore up the ground.

"We need help," Garurumon commented.

"You got it!" Taichi called out.

"Mega Flame!" Greymon shot out a large fireball.
"Meteor Wing!" Birdramon showered the area in fire.
"Fox Fire!" Garurumon added his flame attack into the mix.

Phantomon twirled his sickle and blocked the attacks. "You'll have to do better than that."

_________________

"So many happy little digimon.... Makes me want to throw up. Heart
Break Attack!" From the large battered gray teddy-bear standing
on a nearby building came several blackened heart-shaped bubbles
sent directly at Mimi and the baby digimon.

Mimi shrieked as she proceeded to cover several of the babies with her own body.

"Palmon evolve!" A pillar of light formed briefly, and when it finished
a two story cactus with boxing gloves stood there. "Togemon!" She
spread her arms to protect everyone.

"Hearts Attack!" Monzaemon countered with his own pink heart bubble
attack. He smiled seeing his attack effectively canceling out the
dark hearts. "I know what you are. You're Waru Monzaemon."

Light gleamed off Waru Monzaemon's metal claws. "And I know what
you truly are as well. Let's fight to see who is truly the better Monzaemon!"

Monzaemon seemed to make a fist. "You're on."

_________________

"Hello, old friend."

Unimon glared at the giant humanoid lion digimon with a psychotic
grin on his face. The unicorn digimon replied harshly, "You are
not my old friend. Leomon would never do what you have done."

Panjamon smirked. "You're absolutely right. Shall we fight, then?"
He drew out his sword which gleamed evilly from the light coming from the village.

Unimon nodded. "We shall. Holy Shot!" He shot forth a ball of holy energy at Panjamon.

The giant humanoid lion dodged the attack as he charged past Unimon.
The flying unicorn was perfectly still as Panjamon stood straight
up and sheathed his sword. "I thought you would be more of a challenge," the lion commented.

Unimon's head fell away from his body before deleting.

Panjamon grinned. "Who's next?"

_________________

Author's Notes:

Welcome to cliff hanger time. Until the end of this story arc, all
chapters will end up being cliff hangers.

Coming Soon:
Chapter 18 - Verses the Dark Lieutenant, Panjamon
Can the Chosen possibly hope to defeat Panjamon and his three Perfection level digimon?

"OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE! OMAKE!"
shouts the entire chibi-Chosen as they prance around File Island.

Chibi-Daisuke tries to sneak a skirt peak of what's under chibi-Mimi's
school dress. A tail whips out from her skirt, wraps around his
neck, and draws him in. Chibi-Mimi makes a strange face and chibi-Daisuke
is suddenly thrown out of her skirt by the tail. He looks like he
had been beaten into a bloody pulp.

The remaining chibi-Chosen continue the mantra until they start
climbing up Infinity Mountain. Chibi-Hikari falls off and her skirt
lifts up showing a picture of a broken heart on her white panties.

"Now for a little extra," chibi-Hikari moans.

------------------

"Welcome back to 'Whose Line is it Anyway' - Digimon style," Referee
announced. "To recap our guests, we have Bobby from Lord Archive's Diaries series."

"CoughShamelessplugCough," faked Bobby, a blond America boy of fourteen
who was dressed in torn jeans and a new plain blue T-shirt.

"Hirokazu, or 'Kazu' to you North American viewer, to represent
the Digimon Tamers," Referee continued. "Also we have Armadimon
for Adventures Zero-Two, and Tentomon for Adventures Zero-One."

"Do I look like Tentomon to you?" Gomamon asked from the contestant
chair Tentomon was supposed to be in.

"Gomamon?" Referee questioned. "What happened to Tentomon?"

Gomamon shrugged. "He got tied up with something."

------------------

Tentomon shook as he tried to free himself from the ropes tied around
him, while hanging from the ceiling of a supply closest. Yelling
wouldn't help since he had been gagged as well.

------------------

"I see. I guess you will have to take his place," Referee stated.
"Now for this round's game, party host. I guess Gomamon will have
to be the host of the party as the others come in acting in accordance
to a card they have been given. I will ring a bell for when they
are to enter and buzz when Gomamon guesses correctly. The round shall begin... NOW!"

Gomamon hopped forward and seemed to going over something. "Hmmm...
chips, dips, and punch. Wait, need something more." He made the
motion of getting a bottle and pouring it. "Spiked punch is so much
better for a party." He grinned.

Ding-Dong

"Wonder who that could be?" Gomamon went over to the 'door' and
acted as if he let Armadimon in. "Hiya. How's things been?"

Armadimon just snubbed him as he walked pass.

"Something I can get you?" Gomamon questioned.

"There's nothing I'd want from a worm like you," Armadimon hissed.

"Whoa, no need to go 'Digimon Kaiser' on me," Gomamon commented.
He then looked surprised at Referee when he didn't here the buzzer go off.

Ding-Dong

Gomamon shook his head. "This one has to be a happier camper."

"Just what are you doing here?" Hirokazu asked harshly.

"Having a party, what else?" Gomamon returned.

"A party?!" Hirokazu sounded horrified. "How can you have a party?!"

"Best thing he's done since I met the creep," Armadimon commented.

"And who are you?" Hirokazu asked with a superior tone.

Armadimon sniffed. "I can tell you what I'm not."

"Ugh. I don't need an ex-lover here," Gomamon moaned.

BUZZ

Armadimon waved daintily before leaving the stage.

"Lover?! Why that's so wrong!" Hirokazu cried out.

Ding-Dong

Gomamon prayed this one was better. "Hello?"

"Good evening." Bobby clasped his hands together and walked forward.

"At least he isn't pissed off," Gomamon commented.

"Such language," both Hirokazu and Bobby replied with mutual horrified looks.

"Is there anything I can do to please you, or is everything I'm
going to do upset you?" Gomamon asked.

BUZZ

"Huh?" Gomamon questioned.

"You're right about the second part," Hirokazu huffed and stomped off the staged.

"Now what's with you?" Gomamon asked.

"Oh, I feel it is not my problems that needs to be address, but
yours. What seems to be troubling you? Perhaps I can help guide you," Bobby said serenely.

"I don't need a quack psychologist," Gomamon retorted.

"Of course you don't. You just need to understand what is the right
path. Perhaps we should pray on this." Bobby bowed his head.

"Or a priest for that matter," Gomamon returned.

BUZZ

"Well, that ends this round. Does it matter who the winner is?"
Referee asked. "I don't think so. Stay tuned for the next round
after the next part of War Diaries."

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