Chapter 36

The Ellimist smiled. Then it is time.

Suddenly, Izzy felt himself being lifted from the ground, but not in a threatening way. In fact the lifting was quite pleasant, and Izzy found himself wishing that it could go on forever, but he knew that it wouldn't.

Sure enough, soon after the lifting began, it stopped, and Izzy realized that he was in the exact same position as he was when he was first taken away by the Ellimist. Looking to his right, he saw T.K. where he had been, and Marco as well, but Kari...

Wha- Where did the girl go? the deer-like creature who called himself Visser 3 asked, an amazed and angry tone in his voice. One of his stalk eyes swivled around to Izzy, who was positioned closest to him, other than where Kari had been.

The Visser, though lacking a mouth, seemed to smile evily as he looked at Izzy. No matter. I shall simply destroy you! With that, the Visser aimed his sharp scorpian-like tail at Izzy, and began to move it...

Hold it right there. a voice said, and Izzy didn't even look until the Visser had. Once he did look, he was amazed at what he saw. Kari was standing there, glowing a bright white light, and smileing slightly.

What in the world...? Izzy heard Marco say in a hushed voice. Izzy himself was too stunned to speak, but as the red-haired computer genius looked over at T.K., he saw that T.K. was grinning broadly.

Visser 3 glowered. Nothing will stop me from my victory! I will destroy you all! One of the Visser's stalk eyes turned to look at Izzy. Starting with him!

SCCRREEEEEEEE! Suddenly, a shiek was emitted from above, and a large bird flew down, scraping Visser 3's stalk eyes, and then flew into a nearby tree. Moments later, the bird striked again, infuriating the Visser.

A Bald Eagle.' Izzy thought as he watched the bird strike, and then realized that he should move out of the way. As he stood up, he grabbed T.K.'s hand, and both of them made their way over to Kari, who was smiling faintly.

What are we suppose to do, Kari? T.K. asked in a hushed voice. Marco had come over as well, and was looking equally curious.

Kari smiled. Concentrate all your power into your Crests, you guys. I know you can, you just have to believe in yourselves. This is a lesson, kind of.

Izzy looked at the only slightly smaller girl with a new-found respect, and concentrated, closeing his eyes. When he opened them again, the first thing he saw was T.K. shining yellow, and then he realized that he himself was shining purple.

I'm going to say this only once. Marco muttered, as all three children stood, glowing, the evil creature in front of them frozen by the power. This is insane.

That's why we're here. Izzy muttered, and Kari reached up to grasp the computer genius's hand. Even though he was glowing with his Crest power, Izzy could still feel himself blush as the two held hands.

Let's do this. Kari whispered, so that only T.K., Izzy, and Marco could hear. Now.

Chapter 37

I'm... glowing! Mimi gasped, looking at her body in amazement. Look at me, I'm all... green! Oh, green is so not my color! Why am I glowing?

Matt cast her a exasperated look. We all are, Mimi! Either that, or I've always been glowing blue, and just now realized it. Mimi looked around, and sure enough, all of her friends were glowing brightly.

Matt was, as he had said, glowing blue, while Tai was glowing orange. Joe was a silvery grey, and Sora was the color red. Mimi, of course, was green.

This is mondo freaky. Mimi heard Tobias mutter from his perch on the tree.

So... what are we suppose to do? Tai asked, still looking at his orange arms in amazement. Stand here? Why are we glowing out Crest's colors?

Before anyone could answer him, the lights began to shine even brighter, until they all mixed in. Mimi watched for as long as she could, until the light became to bright for her to see anymore, and she closed her eyes...

When Mimi opened them again, she was in some sort of space, and a portal was open to her right. Looking around, she saw all of her friends, including Izzy, T.K., and Kari, standing by her. Also, she saw her new friends, the Animorphs (in their human, or in Ax's and Tobias's case, normal, forms) standing in front of them.

Umm... what happened? Sora asked tentivly. Just then, all of the Digimon appeared by the Digidestined, and they all went to their respected partners, tired from all the fighting that they had just done.

Izzy, holding Motimon in his arms, decided to tell the story. After he had finished with the basics, he said, So we have about five minutes left, by my clock. Then we have to go through the portal to the Digiworld, or be stuck here forever.

All of the Digidestined looked sadly at their new friends, the Animorphs, and smiled in a forlorn way. Mimi frowned slightly as she realized that they had just made some new friends, only to have to leave again...

Well. Tai said softly. I guess it's time to say goodbye.

Chapter 38

Rachel smiled at the two girls in front of her, Mimi Tachikawa and Sora Takenouchi. She flipped her own blond hair back into a ponytail with a holder that was around her wrist, and said, So you guys are the girls of the group?

Yep, that's us! Mimi said brightly. Your hair is so pretty, what kind of conditioner do you use? Suave? Biolage? Vital Nutrients?

Rachel laughed at the girl's expression. I use Vital Nutrients, but that's not what I was going to say. Looking at both girls, she continued in more of a serious tone, I was going to say, that you girls have to be strong in the group.

What do you mean by that? Sora asked. I'm strong. So is Mimi, to a point. Sora grinned at Mimi, to show she was kidding, and looked back at Rachel.

Rachel nodded. I know, but I meant spiritually. Be the uplifter, or the go-getter for the group. Rachel winked as she said that, and continued, Be the one that is sure that you can win, and try not to let anyone down. I'm still working on that, actually.

Both Mimi and Sora nodded, and at the exact same time, said, Girl Power!

Rachel laughed. Right. Girl Power.

Jake looked down at the boy in front of him, who was giving the tall leader of the Animorphs a skeptical look. What do you mean, try and be caring? I am caring!

Jake smirked. No, you're not. You're out-going, and ready to fight, but you need a bit of help understanding your friends. If you want to be a good leader, Taichi Kamiya, you have to understand what everyone is going to do in a battle.

Tai raised and eyebrow. I do know what everyone would do! Matt, Sora, and I will stay and fight, Izzy will figure out stuff on his computer, Mimi and Joe will run and hide, and T.K. and Kari will stand behind me and Matt.

Jake shook his head. No, Tai. You have to understand why everyone is doing what they're doing. Why is Izzy trying to figure stuff out? Why is Joe hiding? And really, Tai, from what I've seen of you guys, none of you would hide.

Tai fell silent as he thought about what Jake had just told him. Jake was right, Tai knew. He really didn't understand the others in the group. Why was Izzy so secretive? Why did Matt fight with him? Tai really didn't know the answers to that.

You're right. Tai said. I'll try harder. Tai then grinned at Jake. I know I can!

I'm glad. Jake said, smiling.

So, you were infested? Tobias asked the blond boy in front of him, preening himself as he did so.

Matt nodded. Yeah, and it was... well, horrifying. I kept thinking that T.K. would be hurt, and that I would betray all of my friends... I hated it.

Tobias stopped preening himself and looked at Matt, his fierce predator eyes meeting Matt's blue ones. I understand. I've never been infested, but I was tortured by the Yeerks once. But... look, Yamato Ishida, you shouldn't have to go through that. You're only eleven.

I don't feel young... I feel guiltly. Matt admitted, looking up at the hawk who was once a boy. I mean, at any time during when that... thing was in my head, I could have hurt any one of my friends. I mean, I almost got Izzy infested!

Matt. That's in the past. What's important now is concentrating on the future, and becoming a better friend. Tobias said. You kind of look like me when I was human. I was always a loner, too.

Yeah, and look at you now. Matt muttered. You're a bird.

That was mean, Matt. Tobias said softly.

Matt looked down. I'm sorry... I didn't mean it.

Don't worry. I know I'm a bird, and I've come to accept it. Tobias answered. But that's not what I meant. Matt, now I have friends. I may have suffered a little in this war, but my friends have helped me through. You can rely on friends.

Matt paused for a minute before answering. Yeah... I guess you're right. Matt said. Thanks.

No problem.

I'm glad you want to prove yourelf, Joe. Cassie said as she looked at the blue haired boy. So... you don't want to be a doctor?

Joe shook his head. No way, I faint at the very sight of blood. I want to be a Marine Bioligist, mainly because of Gomamon, I guess. But I do know that I don't like having Dad always boss me around...

Cassie smiled a caring smile. Jyou Kido, you shouldn't let your dad boss you around. It's your own life, you know. You should be the one to decide where it's going, not your dad.

My brother Jim said the same thing. Joe responded quietly.

Well, then, Jim was right. Cassie said, giving Joe a sincere look. You should decide where you're headed. And I think that Marine Biolagy is a great occupation. I mean, I want to be a vetrinarian. Caring for animals is the thing that I'm good at.

Joe nodded. Well, studying and taking notes is my talent, so I guess that I'd be good at being a bioligist. Anyway, thanks for supporting me, Cassie.

Any time, Joe. Cassie said, with a smile on her face. Any time.

You Digimon are a most amazing breed of creatures. Ax said, gazing down at the creatures in front of them. You're made of data? How can that be possible? And the Digiworld is all basic data?

It's like talking to Izzy in his computer mode... Tentomon muttered, with a big sweatdrop on the side of his head.

Biyomon jumped up. Yeah, that basically what we are. According to what Izzy said, we were all created from the basic data in your world. The entire Digiworld was created from that, and so that includes us Digimon.

Yeah! Agumon said. According to Tai, we're all a part of a big computer game.

Yes, but if we lose the game, we get deleted, and both worlds become destroyed. Gabumon said. So that's why we're all fighting for the Digiworld. Not only is our world at stake, so is yours.

I'm actually not from Earth. Ax said, smiling the way only an Andalite can.

Yes, he's one of those aliens that Izzy keeps going on and on about. Tentomon muttered once more. All the digimon laughed at the sarcastic remark.

Patamon looked up at Ax. But if your not from Earth, why do you help protect it? I mean, shouldn't you be home?

Yes. Gatomon said. Why do you help fight for Earth when you could be fighting for your own home?

Ax looked down at the creatures in front of him and thought
about what they had just said. After a few moments, the child Andalite decided to answer.

I fight here because my friends fight here. Ax said, referring to his fellow Animorphs. We all fight together.

I still stand by what I said. Izzy said to Marco. If you were a Digidestined, your Crest would be Sarcasm. Marco smirked at Izzy as the smaller boy said this, and then turned to T.K. and Kari.

So, anyway, his name's Koushiro Izumi, right? And you- Marco pointed to T.K.- -are Takeru Takaishi? That would mean that you're Hikari Kamiya, right?

Kari nodded. Yeah, why?

Nothing... Marco said. You guys just have really weird names. Marco smiled as Kari laughed, Izzy rolled his eyes, and T.K. frowned defensively. Then, realizing that Marco was just joking, T.K. laughed too.

So... how do you stand this war? Izzy asked, looking at Marco curiously. I know that it's a bit off topic, but I was curious. I mean, it seems so... horrifying.

Marco fell silent as Izzy asked that question, and tried to think of how to answer. Well... I don't know how. It is horrifying, and we all get nightmares about it sometimes, but... we're fighting for life here. There's nothing more to it.

Kari nodded. Then, quietly, she asked, Is is worth it?

Huh? Marco responded, not quite understanding.

Is it worth it? Kari asked again, becoming serious once more. Is it worth losing your childhood, your innocence, to fight for what you know is right? Is it worth it?

Marco fell silent, thinking about what the young girl had said. She had a point, he realized, knowing that his innocence -or, the little he had left- had disappeared the instant he had touched that glowing club...

Yes. Marco replied confindantly. It's worth it.

I guess it's time to go. Tai said sadly, looking at the Animorphs. Even though the brown-haired boy had only known them for awhile, it was still enough time for them to become friends... and Tai didn't want to leave, but he knew that he had to.

Mimi smiled. I never like leaving friends... but you'll be okay without us, right? Mimi laughed and winked as she said that, to show that she was kidding, and the others began to laugh as well.

I'll miss you! T.K. shouted as he and Sora stepped into the portal together, disappearing. One by one, each child went into the portal, until only Izzy and Matt were left, looking at the Animorphs.

Matt looked at Marco, Tobias, and Ax. Thank you. the blond boy said, a bit embarrassed. If it weren't for you guys, I'd... I'd still be a controller... I really appreaciate you all saving me...

Marco grinned. Hey, no problem! What are we all for if not to help eight kids that came from some psycho world along in their journey to save two worlds?

I can think of many other things... Tobias muttered sarcastically, making everyone laugh.

Matt turned to Izzy slightly. Izzy... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you... you know, it-

I know it wasn't you, Matt, so stop apoligizing already! Izzy said, grinning to show Matt that he was kidding. Matt nodded to accept what Izzy said, and looked back at the Animorphs, who were still waiting.

Jake pointed to the portal. You guys had better go. he said, noticing it dimming.

Matt smiled. See ya! A moment later, the blond boy stepped into the portal.

Bye. Izzy said, and stepped into the portal as well. Once the young computer genius had done so, the portal instantly closed up, leaving the Animorphs behind in the Ellimist's dimension. But soon, the dimension disappeared, and the Animorphs were left standing where they had been before.

Chapter 39

Izzy and Matt appeared in front of the other Digidestined kids, who were looking a little worried as they ate some food that they had made. Once Izzy and Matt appeared, they all jerked in surprise.

Hey, where have you two been? Tai asked, confused. Hadn't they come through the portal right away...?

Matt looked confused at Tai, and looked at the setting sun in the Digiworld. He also looked at the food, and asked, We talked to them for about a minute longer... how long have you guys been here?

Since this morning. Mimi said through a mouth of food. It's the same day as when we left though; I think that the time only started back up when we first went through the portal.

Izzy nodded, understanding. While we were away, the Digiworld basically stopped moving for some reason, and no time passed here, or, at least, until we went through the portal. I guess it's just another puzzle...

Sora smiled. Oh, well, at least now we're all together. Turning to Matt and Izzy, she asked, Do you two want something to eat? We have plenty.

Sure. Matt replied, taking the food that Sora had offered him.

Izzy shook his head. No, thank you. I have something I need
to do right now. With that, the auburn-haired boy pulled out his laptop, and a slip of paper from his pocket, and began to type...

Chapter 40

I hope they got back all right. Cassie said as they all began walking towards her barn. They were really sweet kids, and they seemed to be more responsible than most kids their age...

Rachel nodded and smiled. Yeah, I agree... they were a lot better than Jordan, I can tell you! Sheesh, do you know that Jordan was into my nail polish the other day? The fact that she was there wouldn't bother me too much, but she dumped Passion Plum' in my bed!

Marco laughed as he pushed aside some bushes to walk through. 'Passion Plum'? Do they really have a color called that? Sheesh, whoever's naming these cosmetics is in need of a life...

The Animorphs, excluding Ax, who didn't understand the joke, laughed, and then jerked as they heard a sound nearby. Looking up, each of them saw Erek heading towards them, a polite grin on his face.

Hello. Erek said simply, and Jake raised an eyebrow.

Any certain reason you're here, Erek? Jake asked. Not that we're trying to be rude, but is something going on that we should know about?

Erek shook his head. Not really... I just happened to get an e-mail, and I printed it out for you. I think you guys know who it's from. After he said that, Erek showed them a piece of paper, with writing on it. It said:

Hello from the Digiworld, Animorphs.
Don't worry, it's just me, Izzy. Marco gave
me Erek's (Who's Erek?) e-mail, saying that
it was safer than anyone else's. If you got
this, I suppose it is.

Anyway, just to say, we all made it back safetly,
and everyone says hi... or they would if they knew
I was e-mailing you... but I decided that the less
people who know about it, the best. Matt knows, though.

Well, wish you the best of luck.
-Izzy

Everyone turned to Marco and raised an eyebrow as they read this, and Marco shrugged. What? I wanted to make sure that all of them made it into the Digiworld safetly, and this way they could tell us if something had happened that we could fix.

Jake nodded. I guess it's safe. I mean, we know that the Digidestined aren't our enemies... and plus, we were just wondering how they were doing...

Everyone nodded, and Erek left, telling them that he would tell them if the Digidestined e-mailed again. As they made their way out of the forest, not including Ax and Tobias, each of the Animorphs began to walk home, deep in their own thoughts.

Marco was walking toward his own home, thinking and looking at the sky. Those kids were really something... I hope that they can stay safe.' Marco thought, and then another thought struck his mind. I wonder what the Digiworld is like?'

Maybe someday we'll be able to go there.'

A/N: *eyes wide* I... I actually finished a series! This is a first! Woohoo!

Did you like the last part? It was pretty long, I guess... but, I wrote that last line for the question that I wanted to ask all of you, and I would really appreaciate the input:

Do you all want a sequel?

Well? Please review and tell me, and I'll think about it... I've already started thinking about another Ani/Digi crossover, but if you all don't want one, I don't need to do one... *shrugs* Tell me, if you want.

Domo arigatou for reading! Ja ne!

(Okay, PersonwhoReviewed (name...?), I'll give a translation. It means Thank you very much for reading! Goodbye! Happy?)

Kyra-chan