A whirlwind of light, sound, and wind pounded Zack as he slid through the dimensional rift opened by an unknown benefactor. Human once again, he felt relief knowing that he'd spent mere hours as a gorilla as opposed to years if he'd let the movie run its course.

The feeling of hurtling down a tunnel came to and end, replacing it the feeling of a sudden drop. He stumbled forward, his feet suddenly finding solid ground once again. "Zackie!" called a high-pitched voice to his side.
"Aura!" he said, turning in place. He tipped sideways, noticing the ground beneath him for the first time. He stood in ankle-deep snow, and one glance at the glaring landscape told him wherever he was had no shortage of the powdery white stuff.

"What am I gonna do with you?" He muttered, but smiling at the same time as he reached down and pulled Aura up out of the snowmound she'd been submerged up to her waist in.

"What was that all about?" One muttered, a short distance away, uncharacteristically curious.
Zack shook his head, not knowing and not exactly caring either. He was out of the movie, and that's all that concerned him for now. He suppressed a shiver, his sweatshirt wasn't much help in a place this cold.

"We shouldn't stay long," One said, his grip on his rifle shifting slightly.
"Duh, stupid!" said Aura, rolling her eyes. She was in her usual perch, on Zack's head. He found the warmth of her fur nice, but that didn't change the fact they were in the middle of some manner of tundra.
"I'm stating the obvious because some need it," One retorted, prompting another sigh from Zack.

"Well, if I ever find who sent that Bearmon I guess I should thank him," Zack muttered, trying to push aside the discomfort caused by the cold. "Let's just find the Trailmon platform and get out of here, ok?"
"Let's go, Zackie!" Aura said, the human and Commandramon setting off while the Tsukaimon enjoyed her lofty perch.

The faintest flicker echoed at the back of his mind, some trace of concern for the other tamers and Digimon still trapped inside the movie. But that spark was gone, snuffed out as the trio trudged through the snow. It wasn't all that windy, and it wasn't snowing at the moment, but the sooner they got to the Trailmon platform, the better.

As the icy winds howled and whipped past the visiting tamer and his two partners, it seemed as if the icy wonderland itself was desolate and empty. As if the extreme cold tempertures were what kept the immidant area void of any haibtual life.

It wasn't likely there could be any life living within this frozen wasteland...or so it would seem. In the distance, the silouett of a digimon stood out against the blowing snow and cold winds. The figure seemed to be able to withstand the extreme climate, as any other digimon whom was built for the cold could be.

"Name yourselves, what is your business within the domain I guard?" the voice spoke out, carrying a serious yet soft tone. It was as if the stranger had been there, guarding all that they stood upon. But why would a digimon want to guard such a lifeless place was this?

Zack trudged on, feeling his skin grow colder and colder, until a voice pierced the thick arctic air. He immediately perked up upon hearing the voice, as did One, a significant click as the safety on his M-16 was switched off.

Green eyes narrowed a hair as they swept the landscape, colds fingers flexed, trying to get some bloodflow back, in case he had to take up his sword and fight.

"I am Zack," he called to the wind, aiming to be loud enough to carry but not loud enough to be threatening unto itself. "My companions are One and Aura." He paused for a few seconds, again eying the surround landscape before continuing. "We're, ah, passing through. Just looking for the nearest Trailmon."

"Hi, whomever you are!" Aura called once Zack had finished, even the bitter cold not enough to dampen her warm, friendly spirit.

One glanced up at Zack, but the human shook his head, a frown on his face. He wasn't sensing anything, but he couldn't push aside the concern that the odd string of events surrounding the movie and his exit might have blinded his intuition for sensing evil. But, this voice didn't sound particularly evil. He waited, heart beating a bit faster, for the reply.

Sensing no presence of evil within them, the stranger approched the tamer and his team closer. Upon reaching Zack, Once and Aura their appearence could be known.

Yellow fur covered her fox form from head to tail, a large tuff of white fur stuck out at her chest. Her glistening, but cold blue eyes stared out at the group of new-commers. Long ears perked and twitched with each sound they recieved and her long tail twitched slightly in agitation.

"I am Tundra." The Renamon replied, introducing herself. "Servant to the guardian of this realm. You stand within the icy domain of Arctic, the Ice Guardian of The Elemental Thirteen." she stated.

"Unfortunately, I know little as to where a Trailmon station may be young tamer. But my Master may know of such a place. I shall lead you to his lair." turning her back to the adolsent boy the fox digimon began to walk slowly. Allowing Zack to follow her if he so wished.

She was sure her master could determin if these strangers were here in peace, or if their intentions were that of agression.

One's eyes immediately sighted the Renamon approached, and although his rifle barrel did shift upward ever so slightly.

"Can we trust her?" he said, frowning as the Renamon walked away.
"Can we afford not to? If there's no Trailmon near here we're in trouble. We're in no way prepared for this kind of weather." He cast his eyes around the bleak landscape.
"I say we follow her," Aura said brightly.
"Easy for you to say," One said grimly, lowering his rifle but not kicking the safety back on. "You're not the one walking around in this mess." Blowing snow was only marginally better than blowing sand when it came to the possible effects on his firearm.

Zack's lips compressed into a thin line, contemplating Tundra's words. The thought that it might be a trick crossed his mind, but, he'd play along for now. He wordlessly followed after the fox Digimon, wondering just where this Arctic's cave was. One remained at Zack's side, Aura on his head.

Whether they trusted her or not, it needed not matter to the likes of Tundra. She was merely a servant girl serving under a master that had taken her in when she was at death's door. The Renamon repaid him for his kindness by forever pledging her loyalty and servitude to him. A pledge she had continued to uphold to this very day.

Tundra continued on her trek, glancing backwards to find Zack had indeed taker her up on her offer. It seemed that the boy's Comandramon was on edge with distrust and alertness while his Tsukaimon was taking everything in cheerful stride.

"Such an interesting tamer, he knows he is in a desolate cold land yet he dosen't show any sign of weakness. Neither he or his digimon..." the fox thought with a soft smirk.

Her long trek came to and end after what seemed like a long time, Tundra stood before the entrance to her master's lair. Turning back she waited for Zack and his partners. "This is the chamber where Arctic resides, enter young tamer." she replied, allowing him to enter first.

Zack forced his ever-numbing body onward through the snow. He wouldn't have minded coming here, but had he the chance he would have brought a warm jacket and boots at the very least. But he had to make do with what he had, and that wasn't much. Still, complaining wouldn't do any good. He had to carry on.

He was distracted by a vibration coming from his head, he realized Aura was shivering. She hadn't said a word, either. His sweatshirt's zipper slid down momentarily, and the next thing Aura knew, Zack had taken her gently in his hands and lowered her into the sweatshirt, only her head the tips of her folded wings visible. The zipper clicked back up, the tired, cold Tsukaimon nestled against the tamer's chest.

The mammal's shivering subsided slightly, and Zack found himself wishing he'd thought to do it sooner. While she was her own brand of tough, he was still concerned about her.

At last, Tundra indicated they'd arrived at her master's cave. Zack nodded silently, glanced at the Renamon, and proceeded into the cave. One's rifle rose a bit further, but not quite to attack position as they disappeared inside. Bitter cold was not nearly as detrimental to him as to his companions, if it came to a fight he'd be the most ready combatant.

Letting the human take lead, Tundra followed after them. “Follow the pathway into the main chamber.” She instructed. Her fox tail swishing behind her as she followed Zack, it wouldn’t be long before they reached the main chamber of which her master dwelled within.

Soon enough, the four beings came across a grand set of doors. The doors themselves were carved out of solid ice; digital runes decorated the icy handles and frames of the doors themselves. Once they arrived, Tundra stepped forward and approached the doors. But before she could reach the handles to open them the doors came to life, opening them slowly to the band of weary travelers.

Upon opening, the doors revealed a room of both intricate design and of large proportions. The room itself was circular in structure, but wide and spacious. All along the walls, paintings and murals of different elements could be seen by all. Off to a corner was a shelf set with books that would rival that of a library. The ceiling itself was also decorative by means of a large circular painting of sorts, sporting many different digimon of the ice element. Hanging from the dome-like ceiling were many icicle-shaped blue crystals, light refracted from these crystals giving the room a soft blue tint to it.

No snow could be seen on the floor of this majestic room, only icy blue colored flooring instead. Small bits of furniture did adorn the area and sitting in a large chair adjacent from what appeared to be the only bare area of the wall was an Ice Devimon.

The Ice Devimon perked up at attention when he spotted his servant entering the room with three strangers. “Master, I found these new-comers wandering just beyond your lands. They are in seeking of a Trailmon station and appear to be of good intentions.” Tundra stated, bowing on one knee before her lord.

Her master took noticed of the human and his digimon, he eyed each of them. They did appear to be of no harm to himself of his servant. Still, appearances can be deceiving… he would have to test these three for their worth.

“Welcome!” he proclaimed, standing from his seat. “I am Lord Arctic. Ruler of these glacial lands and Ice Guardian amongst my clan, the Elemental Thirteen. What brings you to my lands?” Lord Arctic inquired.

Sitting beside the adult ice digimon was a staff, atop of the staff was a large talisman in the shape of a snowflake. It looked as if it was made from the same blue crystal material as the smaller crystals that hung above them all. But upon closer inspection, one would notice that it had a certain enchantment to it…

(I love getting inspiration from The Dark Crystal, its great for helping me come up with these kinds of descriptive posts ^.^)

Zack surveyed the chamber with mild amazement, his green eyes sweeping the chamber and taking in every detail before at last settling on the Ice Devimon. One however conducted a much faster survey, his mind more on possible combat than soaking up the details.

Feeling a bit warmer now, the teenager greeted Arctic with a slow nod. "My name is Zack, this is One," he slid his head to the side. "And this is Aura," he said, unzipping his sweatshirt. The Tsukaimon crawled up and out, remaining within the shirt but flashing a friendly smile at the Ice Devimon. "The short story, as Tundra explained, we're passing through looking for a Trailmon platform. The long story, is a bit messier but if you want that," he shrugged and closed his eyes, breathing for a moment before looking again upon the icy Lord. "I can give it to you, as best as it makes sense to me anyways."

It seemed a bit strange to the human. He didn't sense an evil aura around Ice Devimon, and given his talent it was unlikely he'd miss anything present. Still, I guess I shouldn't be prejudiced against virus-type Digimon. Look at the band I travel with.

Raising a clawed hand to the boy, Lord Arctic stopped him. "No details are nessesary tamer." he replied, loweing his hand to rest once more underneith his chin.

"I do know of a Trailmon station. It is not far from where we now stand, albeit it is a hour and a half walk from here. However, at the current moment a blizzard is picking up outside. Even one with your endurance wouldn't last very long in the extreme cold." the Ice Devimon explained.

"Master." the Renamon known as Tundra began. "Might I suggest they stay here for the time being?" once more she remained bowed on one knee before her master.

A small smile tugged at her master's lips, it was uncanny how they would think alike sometimes. "That's exactly what I was thinking of Tundra." He then turned to Zack and his digimon. "You are welcome to stay here until the storm has passed. I may not have much room considering only myself and my servant live here. But you are welcome to our hospitality!"

Another thought crossed the virus-attribute digimon, one of interest. "I suppose you are curious as to who I and my fellow guardians are. So far, you are the first human who has come across a member of the Elemental Thirteen."

Is it endurance, or just a tolerance? Zack thought, suppressing a shiver. He was cold, there was no denying it. The cave was quite a bit warmer than the expanse outside, but blizzard or no blizzard he doubted any of his little group save One were up to an hour's hike.

Upon receiving the invitation to stay, Zack calmly settled himself in a cross-legged position. The floor didn't feel nearly as cold as it might have looked. "Thank you," he said calmly.

"That's nice of you," Aura said, beaming once again. Her wings suddenly extended, the Tsukaimon jumping up, doing a backflip, and landing on Zack's head.

"You sure this is a good idea?" One inquired at a whisper. Zack shrugged, and One took it to meant he didn't find anything amiss. But, there had definitely been something evil with that Bearmon they'd encountered, and yet, Zack hadn't shown any of his usual signs. It was subtle stuff, but there was always something a little bit different about Zack's posture when he got the tingling across his neck then when something else was bothering him.

"That so?" Zack said, looking at Arctic and planting his elbows on his knees before interlocking his fingers. "Then I guess it's not surprising I've never heard of your group before. So, tell me, what are the Elemental Thirteen?" He wasn't quite sure how much of a reply he'd get, everyone had their secrets. I know I do.

Lord Arctic smirked. "Tis a tale worth telling..." he responded, expanding his wings slightly as his face turned slightly to the wall alongside him. "Look to the murals around you tamer."

The murals Lord Arctic had mentioned were painted on each wall of the chamber, including its dome-like ceiling. Upon closer look, each mural depicted a certain digimon in each scene.

On the wall to the left of Zach was a mural of a Lilymon, surrounded by plants and flowers. In her hands was a small, jewel brooch in the shape of a leaf. To the right of the boy was a Birdmon surrounded by large flames, within its flaming wings was a talisman in the shape of a flame.

The wall behind the Ice Devimon displayed the painting of a Black Tailmon. Darkness surrounded the feline digimon and at her neck was another talisman, a black sphere hung at her neck like a collar.

But the best mural to tell his tale was the mural that hung over the heads of the inhabitants inside the chamber. Above them was a circular painting of all thirteen digimon with their respected elements, including Lord Arctic and his talisman of ice.

"Long ago, when the Digital World was still in its early stages of life. A wise and powerful being sought to capture and harnass the thirteen elements, but it was not for power. No, it was to protect and defeat those who were using their birth-right element for their own personal gain." Lord Arctic began.

"The being then created thirteen talismans that were created based off of the these elements of life. Each of these talismans possess the power of their reseptected element, such as my talisman. But, the being knew these talismans would also be sought out by those of evil and so he created the original thirteen guardians. Digimon who were charged to protect over each of the treasures."

Tundra then took over. "As time passed, the guardians did their best to protect the thirteen treasures from those who wished to use their power. Sometimes, at the price of their own lives."

"Indeed." Lord Arctic replied before taking over again. "Many of the guardians either died out from old age or were defeated by their enemies. Those of us who remained took on the charge of protecting their fallen comrads treasure until a new guardian could be found to take their place."

He decided to stop there for now, if he was right Zach would have a good deal of questions jsut waiting to be answered.

"An intriguing story," Zack said calmly, surveying each mural one after the other.
"Meh," was all it took to sum up One's opinion. He didn't have a whole lot of interest in history, especially not such a vague telling of it. His interest in events past only extended as far as battles and what he could learn from others' mistakes.

The tamer's green gaze passed over the Ice Devimon before lingering on his talisman. His eyes slid shut, Arctic's appearance bringing up one of his abnormally few memories to the forefront. Ice Devimon. Looks a lot like Devimon, and that's the thing that greeted me when I woke up in the Digital World. Too bad that Piccolomon destroyed him, I wouldn't mind a chance to pay that thing back for chasing me halfway across the countryside...

His thoughts fluttered away with a sigh, "Tell me, Arctic," he inquired. "How many of the Elemental Thirteen remain?"

Now that was the part of the tale Lord Arctic dreaded to tell, of how far their glorious faction had fallen over the countless years. He, himself, had only been a guardian for a few years. Having replaced the Daipenmon that had fallen before his time.

Waving a hand over all of their heads, the Ice Devimon looked to the ceiling mural once more. "Only eight of us remain, we have lost the guardians of the wind, psychic, time, space, and gravity talismans. Sadly, we have not had much luck in finding suitable replacements to take over those empty roles."

Tundra nodded. "But for the time being, Master Arctic watches over both the ice talisman and wind talisman. The other four talismans are under careful watch of the other guardians." she explained.

"However..." Lord Arctic spoke out, his voice booming. "If a digimon, or even possibly a human, were to come into possession on one of the elemental talismans. They would gain the powers of that said element, such as creating snowstorms or torrential winds. They would have enough elemental power to rival that of a Ultimate if wielded correctly."

"But if they were to come to gain ALL of the elemental treasure. The Digital World would quickly fall into ruin and despair. They would have power over all thirteen elements, and be nearly impossible to defeat." the Renamon finished, closing her eyes slowly in discontent.

"That sounds dangerous," Zack remarked, though it was probably unnecessary. That much power, in the hands of anyone, was nothing but trouble. Call me cynical but they're probably better of destroying the talismans if at all possible, rather than risk them falling into the wrong hands...

He tapped his index finger against the amulet he wore. The small red and gold sphere hung around his neck, a power dwelling within known only to a few. True, he doubted the Vel'Tan's power could hold a candle to the elemental fury of the talismans the Thirteen carried. Myself, One, Aura, and now Kyra and Vanguard... all the others who'd seen the amulet in action. "Are dead," he mouthed the last two words, barely voicing them.

"Too bad it's so hard to find new guardians," Aura said, glancing down at Zack.
"Better to wait and find the right ones than to be premature and let them fall into the wrong hands," One remarked, at last clicking his rifle's safety back on. He did not sit down however, not that a thick tail like his was very conducive to doing so.

The Ice Devimon nodded to One's comment. "Indeed, if we had chosen any other digimon they wouldn't be able to handle the great responsibility..."

"They could also be corrupted with the temptation to use the talisman's power for themselves instead of protectting it." Tundra added in.

"Indeed." Lord Arctic replied. "For some time now I have traveled outside of my natural habitat in search for a suiltable wind guardian. But my search has turned up empty as of late... I can only hope my comrads are having better luck finding worthy canidates for the rest of the missing guardians."

A few moments of silence passed, mainly because Lord Arctic was listening for something. When he heard nothing, he took it as a good sign. "The storm may be subsiding young tamer. I will go out and see for myself."

Standing at full length, the virus-attribute digimon was definetly taller than the young human. His height would add to his fearful character, were he of evil and took joy out of scaring others, but he wasn't. Taking his staff, Lord Arctic headed out of the chamber to see if the storm had pass as he thought.

Watching her master leave, Tundra turned back to the boy and his partners. "Lord Arctic has lived here for many years. Most of it was by himself. He found me in this icy land after I had gotten myself lost. I was at the brink of death until his kindess brought saved my from an icy death." the Renamon recounted with a smile.

Zack felt as though he was warmed up at last, the numbing effects of the cold passing away. He could think of no comment to pass on Tundra's story. Aura didn't have that problem, chiming in "Fortunately you found us before we were quite so bad off."

He found himself nodding with Aura's statement, knowing that without a clue where he was going they wouldn't have lasted long either. Cards were of limited use, and Shadramon, his only available flier, wouldn't last long in this weather. Like it or not he did owe these two gratitude.

"What else does Arctic do aside from watch over his talismans and search for potential guardians?" Zack inquired, standing at last.

Tundra glanced at Zach as he stood up. "Well, other than guardian the sacred talismans he's been charged with. He also looks after a section of the Glacial Plains. In fact, the area where I had found the three of you was at the edge of his territory."

It wasn't hard for anyone to realize that if the boy and his digimon didn't appear in the area of the Glacial Plains when the Renamon was patroling, then it was possible no one would have found them.

The servant was about to go further with her story until she heard a loud cry coming form outside the chamber. It was a cry that made Tundra's eyes grow wide with worry and her fur stand on end suddenly.

"Master?" wasting no time, Tundra left the tamer and headed out of the chamber. For a few moments there didn't seem to be any cause for alarm, but soon the fox digimon emmerged from the icy cold outside.

She looked frightened somehow, her eyes full of urgency."Come quick! Lord Arctic has been ambushed and attack!" Tundra cried before she rushed back outside.

Outside, Lord Arctic was on the ground with his staff still in his hands. Above him, ice clubs began to beat agaunst his back and body. He groaned in pain, but tried to stand up.

"Oh no you don't!" A large foot stomped down onto his back, pinning the ice elemental down. The foot them moved to pin his hand onto the snow, in an attempt to get him to let go of the staff.

"Now, hand over that ice talisman, old timer!" shouted a Hyougamon standing above him. To his sides were two SnowGoburimon, each with clubs in their hands. For someone as powerful as Lord Arctic was, he was completely unprepared to be ambushed by them...

All thoughts of fatigue or lingering cold were pushed aside as Zack was alerted to the emergency. He followed after Tundra, though not quite matching the agile fox's speed. One's safety immediately clicked back off, the stock rising and planting itself against his shoulder as the trio followed Arctic's servant out of the cave.

Cold air greeted the tamer once more as he emerged outside, his eyes passed over the three ogre Digimon assaulting Lord Arctic. Zack couldn't help but remember his encounter with a group of similar composition in the swamps.

"Leave him alone, meanieheads!" Aura snapped, her voice ringing through the cold air.
"Sorry," Zack called to the Hyogamon, although his tone bore no such regret. "But I'm not letting that happen," his green eyes locked onto the Hyogamon. He then glanced at One and gave a significant jerk of his head toward the ogres.
"Now you're talking, Zack. Let's do it! M-16 Assassin!" yelled One, shifting his sights up to target the ogres but avoid the fallen Ice Devimon, and squeezing the trigger on his rifle several times. The muzzle flashed brilliant white, a blistering burst of rounds cutting through the arctic air.

The Hyougamon looked up suddenly, eyeing the human as though he were trying to determine if he really was a threat or not. "Don't waste my time human." he said, before turning back to his victim.

That all changed when he noticed one of his underlings getting hit by the Commandramon's barrage of bullets. The SnowGoburimon howled in pain and fell over onto the icy ground. That gradded their leader's attention, it looked as though this boy and his digimon were a threat after all.

But he wouldn't have it! Stomping harder onto Lord Arctic's wrist, he saw the ice guardian finally let go of his staff. Before his victim could react, Hyougamon snatched the staff and gave a triumphant laugh for his victory.

"Hahaha!! Now I have the Talisman of Ice! I control everything that is ice now!" with a new found sense of confidence, their leader issued a command. "Boys, take the runts out. I'll deal with the human."

Grinning from ear to ear at each other, the SnowGoburimon began their advancement. SnowGoburimon(1) focused his efforts on little Aura. "SnowGob Club!" he cried, swinging his large club at the little Tsukaimon.

SnowGoburimon(2) turned his attention, and his attacks, onto One. "Wanna play with fire huh? Try this then! SnowGob Bolt!" opening his mouth to the Commandramon, dozens of icicles flew from his mouth and bombarded him just as One did to him.

Finally, Hyougamon aimed the staff at Zach. "You'll regret having interfeared boy. Your pets won't last long against my underlings and neither will you against me. " the tailisman atop the staff glinted strangely now that it was being held in the hands of a new user as did the look in Hyougamon's eyes...

Whilst the battle progressed, Tundra went to the aid of her hurt master. "Lord Arctic! Are you alright?" she went to his side, helping the Ice Devimon up slightly. "I'm alright, but I fear for the tamer and his partners..." Lord Arctic replied, looking on with a sense of great concern. If only he hadn't been overcome so easily...

"No," growled Zack, seeing as Arctic's staff was stolen from him. He realized this could get very ugly, if the talismans were half as powerful as he'd been told. But, he'd already committed himself to the battle. There was no turning back now.

Aura, caught without any time to take flight, was sent crashing back into a snowbank, the only sign of her presence the dark hole she'd vanished into. "Bad Message!" a flurry of purple sparks shaped like a kanji shot out, streaking toward SnowGoburimon(1).

One dug his claws into the soft snow, barely finding the traction he needed. At last his feet reached a more compressed layer, the Commandramon throwing himself aside but not before the leading wave of icicles reached him. Most shattered on impact with his body armor, but a few had inflicted shallow, paper-cut like wounds across his arms.
"Zack!" he called, cocking his head and turning one yellow eye back to his tamer.

"Already on it," said Zack, his fingers jabbing several buttons on his black and silver d-ban. Evolution flashed across the screen in white letters. "Commandramon Evolve!" called the saurian as he glowed with a bright light. "To Sealsdramon!" A new form, several heads above the average man, emerged, clad in dark blue metallic armor, a glittering knife in his hand. The visor covering his face clicked, zeroing in on his target. The dragonlike humanoid lunged toward his opponent, stabbing his knife toward the torso of SnowGoburimon(2).

Zack's eye snapped back toward the Hyougamon, who'd expressed interest in fighting him, but had yet to make a move. His hand reached up, taking hold of the amulet hung around his neck and pulling the article off. The golden chain danced in the reflected light from the snow, the human wielding it not yet tapping into the amulet's power. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surged through his veins, he was ready as he could be for whatever Hyougamon threw at him.

Finally, Hyougamon found the perfect moment to strike, and what better way to show the human who was boss than to use the staff? Smirking deviously, the ice ogre digimon waved the staff around him in the air. As he did, the tailisman began to give off a slight glow to it.

"Now you'll see how powerful I can be human!" Hyougamon replied, overconfident in his abilities to control what was not his.

Suddenly, large jagged shard of ice appeared from within the deep snow. Popping up all around Zach, some popping up a little too close for comfort. Fortunately for Zach, the same applied to his enemy. Ice shards began popping up all around Hyougamon with one popping up just under his feet. It sent the adult digimon flying through the air, landing a short distance form where he once stood in a painful landing.

Groaning as he came to, Hyougamon sat up and rubbed his aching body. "Stupid talisman! Its suppose to work for me not against me!" he complained. Even if he couldn't control its power, there was no way he would give it up.

Seeing that his attack sent little Aura tumbling into an inbankment, SnowGoburimon(1) was grinning. "Ha! That'll teach ya!" he said. No sooner did he say that, he was unexpectantly bombarded by the bad kanji.

The child digimon tumbled over in the snow before he regained his composure. "Nice trick, too bad it won't work for you again. SnoGob Breath!" Opening his mouth to the little Tsukaimon, icy cold breath was blown in Aura's direction. He was going to try and trap the little flying pest in solid ice.

After doing a quick double-take on the Sealsdramon, SnowGoburimon(2) tried to flee but not until he felt something cut into his abdomen. The sharp pain made him double over and fall into the snowy ground. He eventully turned over, clutching the area in his abdomen where he had been stabbed with his hand.

With a loud and enraged growl, the oni digimon lifted up his heavy club at his enemy. "You'll pay for that! SnoGob Club!" he swung his weapon back and attempted to hit One with a mighty blow of his club.

As Snow Goburimon (1) regained his footing, Aura hopped out of the snow bank. Shaking herself like a wet dog, bits of snow that had clung to her fur went flying. A grin crossed the Tsukaimon's pudgy face. It was good to have another battle, another chance to prove herself to Zack.

Her wings spread wide, carrying the nimble mammal into the air as the freezing wind passed below her. She shivered at the intense cold of the attack's wake, but was unhit. Folding her wings, she swooped along the ground towards her foe, crying out "Purple Fog!" A mist spread from her wings as she reached the little goblin, a poisonous vapor spilling downwards.


One deflected the Snow Goburimon's club with his knife, using the side so as to avoid damaging the sharpened edge. "Blah, blah, blah, just shut up and let me kill you, shorty," his growled. The dragonlike humanoid's foot snapped upwards, a quick kick aimed at the goblin's club arm.


Zack's feet shuffled to the side as a glacial spike came very closer to were he'd been standing. He could hardly help but smile. At this rate the Hyougamon would kill himself. But Zack wasn't going to just sit around and wait for that to happen. All traces of a grin were covered as a determined mask rose onto his face. Spreading his feet to get what little traction he could in the snow, he raised the amulet.

The artifact glimmered softly with golden light, a slight smirk appearing on Zack's face. "Well you've shown me your amulet's power, it's only fair I show you mine." The light intensified, swallowing the artifact completely. Gold flames erupted outwards. The fire blazed brilliantly and yet did not burn his skin. "Eh?" he breathed suddenly. He'd meant to transform it into the sword, but he immediately noticed the transformation wasn't going as expected. Four ribbons of gold twirled outward from his palm, one wrapping his right arm, the other three spreading towards the rest of his body.

He stood with forearms and lower legs aglow as the light in his palm faded, surprise evident on his face. "What's going... on?" He wondered, the golden light playing across his green irises.

Light faded, leaving in its place shining silver. Gauntlets protected his forearms and hands, while his legs were sheathed in full greaves and boots. The left gauntlet seemed to have formed around the d-ban, still leaving Zack with the precious device accessible.

Zack exhaled slowly, looking in wonder at the Vel'Tan's new form. "Wasn't expecting this," he breathed, bringing his arm up to chest level to closely inspect his new armguard. And nearly whacked himself in the jaw with his metal-encased fist as he overshot. "The hell?" he muttered, moving his arm out to the side in alarm. The move was faster than usual. It's amplifying my speed? This could be good or bad. He gazed up at his foe as the Hyougamon climbed back to his feet. He shifted his footing, realizing with glee that the bottom of the boots gained much better traction in the snowy ground. His legs also moved faster than he was accustomed to. "This could take some getting used to," he remarked, lowering his stance. He realized it wasn't just his arms or legs. His whole body and even his mind seemed to be moving a bit faster. Not superhuman by any means, but far faster than a lazy teenager was accustomed to.

"Let's do it," he said with a crooked grin. "Silent Saber, power up!" he called, swiping the card through his d-ban. He didn't know whether to laugh or grimace when the card nearly missed the input slot.

Name: Silent Sabre
Number: C57
Type: Weapon
Duration: Remainder of the battle
Effect: Either the user or the affected Digimon acquires a lightweight sword that allows for an attack at twice the wielder’s regular speed, and at their regular power level.

A single-edge saber appeared in Zack's right hand, the human carefully raising it. Good. I've got to focus, and remember my body is reacting faster than I'm used to. Digging in a bit further, the blond tamer pushed off, charging toward his foe. Weaving amid the icicles spawned from Arctic's staff, he nearly stumbled several times, his gate becoming swaying and awkward despite his rapid pace.

(OCC: Forgive me for not replying when I said I would! *waits for Vn to smite her*)

"Eh? What the hell is going on with you, kid?" Hyougamon gave an odd look of confusion over what was conspiring with Zack's amulet. It did awe the ogre digimon that a human like him came into such a powerful little trincket like the Vel'Tan's amulet.

But seeing that he was having a hard time gaining full control over his...attire, Hyougamon smirked deviously. "I bet I can take him out AND get a hold of his amulet too!" he thought, putting his plot into action.

Hold his hand out, a large icicle formed in the digimon's hands. "Iceball Throw!" he cried, spearing the giant ice shard at the human. If it didn't hit him, at the very least it could possibly throw him off hos coordination.

Tensing up as a large purple fog loomed over him, Snow Goburimon(1) was hesitant in his next move. He had never encountered an attack such as this before, it made him wonder if any of his attacks would be of use against it.

Before he could think of anything, the fog had hit him with full force. The toxins within the gas cloud made the child digimon cough, wheeze for air, and eventually double over from the poisons. It was limiting him greatly, which meant the tides were turning for Aura.

The club was knocked right out from Snow Goburimon's hands! No thanks to the Sealsdramon... His anger boiled over, allowing him to emmit a low growl. He wasn't about to let some arrogant reptile do him in.

Moving backwards, he created his distance between himself and One. He opened his mouth to release. "SnowGob Bolt!" icicles flew from within his mouthat One. But while he knew that wasn't enough, he picked up a fistfull of snow and began to also throw it at his enemy.

Zack was getting a bit more used to the increased agility, every little movement helped him get a bit more accustomed to it. He pivoted, stumbling as he nearly tripped over his own feet. Hyougamon's newest ice shard slammed into one conjured by the talisman. He was spared from a direct hit, but several minute slashes of pain hit him as shards of ice were sent flying by the impact. At least they'll melt right out if I ever get out of this frozen wasteland.

Zack ducked back around the ice crystal he'd used as a shield, heading toward Hyougamon once more. As he closed the distance a tremor of fear accompanied the realization the icy ogre was much larger than he was, but that didn't stop him as he swung the sword at the adult-level Digimon before him.


Aura gave a nasty, almost uncharacteristic chuckle of revenge as her adversary started hacking on the gas cloud she released. But, although she enjoyed battle, didn't mean she was about to get careless or complacent. "Bad Message!" she called, flying a circle in the air before blasting her opponent with another burst of cursed purple energies.


One grunted, stumbling backwards and trying to regain his footing on the slick snow. The icebolt attack had struck him in the torso, painful but not crippling. He whipped his tail around, his feet settling firmly to the ground once more. The snowball spluttered itself across his visor on impact, causing a growl of annoyance to sound from the cyborg's throat as he was temporarily blinded. He quickly brushed it aside to clear his goggles, but doing so left him open for a few seconds.

Though this battle seemed like it would be a long and hard one, if one looks closer enough they would be able to see that this battle was beginning to lean in favor of the side of good. Even if it didn't seem so at the moment.

Such as the battle with Aura and Snow Goburimon(1). He wasn't even on guard for such an attack. It sent the child digimon tumbling out of the purple cloud of toxins and into a snow enbankment face first. At that point, his body was aching in sheer pain. There wasn't much strength left in the ogre's body to keep up the fight, but maybe he could get away...

He tired to get to his feet and make a run for it. For a little flying hamster, Aura was putting up one heck of a fight!

Sadly, the same couldn't be said for One. The Snow Goburimon he was fighting was grinning from ear to ear by the results of his attacks. Now the Sealsdramon was blinded and completely open for an attack!

Winding back his fist, the ogre digimon charged straight for the blinded reptile and attempted to punch One square in the chest with all the strength and force he possessed. He was going to make sure he made this cocky digimon an example of.

Hyougamon had seen the sword heading his way, but despite his best efforts he wasn't able to avoid the sharp end of the weapon. With a howl of pain, he felt it cut across his side suddenly. He gritted his teeth and placed his free hand at his side to try and stop the bleeding.

He turned to the boy who slashed him, letting out a low chuckle. "Nice kid, you hit me..." but his laughter soon ended as he gripped the staff tighter. "But not again!" he yelled, summoning the power from the ice talisman once more.

The icy winds began to pick up suddenly, blowing at a mild speed and whipping about only small bits of snow. It wasn't exactly what Hyougamon had counted on, he wanted another snowstorm to start up...

So he opted for the next best thing. "Snow Barrier!" a large wall of ice and snow mixed together began to rise from within the ground itself. The wall rose only high enough to safely conceil Hyougamon, but not very wide enough. Zack would still be able to get around it.

If the Tsukaimon had heard her foe's thoughts, it would have no doubt encouraged her to attack. But she hovered in the cold air, an inner struggle commencing as she contemplated whether or not to finish the fleeing Snow Goburimon.


Unfortunately for Snow Goburimon, his full strength wasn't all that much compared to One. He cleared his visor the split second before the fist slammed into his chest plate. The Sealsdramon gave a grunt, mixed with pain and annoyance. He sprang backwards, body moving with liquid grace. "Scouter Monoeye," he muttered, scanning the Snow Goburimon for any weakpoints in which to insert his knife.


Zack's eyes jerked shut as a snowflake chanced into it, but after a split second of chilling pain it was gone. As his vision cleared he saw the Hyougamon raise a barrier of ice. But he didn't think of going around this wall.

Nope, he crouched down, long lanky legs becoming coiled springs. He was gonna go over it. Maybe he felt he was getting accustomed to the amulet's agility boost. Or maybe he was just getting brash. But he leapt skyward, easily reaching the top of the ice wall.

He kicked off of with a booted foot, landing a few feet behind his foe and stumbling slightly. Damn it all, I've got to keep control he growled to himself, spinning in place. Splaying his feet he managed to regain his balance, eyes glaring up at the Hyougamon. I was never the most graceful person to begin with, and now this agility boost is just making it worse.

He knew he couldn't be a real match for Hyougamon, it was just his hope to stall the ogre long enough for One and Aura to slay their respective opponents. His eyes flickered over Arctic's staff, the sooner Zack got it away from the ogre the better. He lashed out with his sword toward the ogre's arm, unintentionally a sloppy blow at best given his sudden drop in coordination.

Sloppy blow or not, it still got the job done. The sword collided with that of Hyougamon's hand. Blood flowed freely from his wounded arm as another howl cut through the icy air.

The blow to his arm managed to knock away the staff within his hand. "Oh no! The staff!" he exclaimed, forgetting about his wounded arm for the moment as he raced to retrieve his precious talisman.

While their boss was busy elsewhere, Snow Goburimon(1) had pretty much given up on himself. He plopped his tired body onto the icy snow beneith him. Maybe if he had a moment to rest, he could finish that pipsqueak off. Or maybe she'll take pity on him and let him go...

Unfortunately for his buddy, Snow Goburimon(2) wasn't fairing as easily. He tried to distance himself by moving backwards. It didn't get him very far because at his back was another snow enbankment.

If One scanner had picked up any weakpoints, by now he would no doubt find MANY places he could easily stab his opponent and make a clean cut.

Just as Hyougamon seemed to have his beloved staff back in his grasp, a yellow blur dashed by him and grabbed up the staff.

It was Tundra! "No more you beast! You'll pay for your sins!" with the staff in hand, she lept into the air to attack. "Diamond-"

Growling loudly at such defiance, the ogre digimon opened his mouth before the fox could have a chance to finish her attack. "Ice Club!" grabbing up his giant club, he swung and hit the Renamon square on. Sending the fox maiden into the snow once more.

She had dropped the staff on impact with the ground. "Tundra!" Lord Arctic exlclained before he scrambled his way to his servant. "Tundra, are you alright?" he held her in his arms.

The injured Renamon twitched with pain as she spoke. "I-I failed...you...master..." her world soon became black as she became unconcious, too injured from the massive blow to stay concious.

Grunting in triumph, Hyougamon smirked. "Stupid fox, should've known not to get in my way. But now that she's out of the way..." he eyed the staff now lying on the ground and quickly ran to retrieve it.

For better or worse, Aura's focus wasn't on her foe anymore. He'd gone running away with his non-existent tail between his legs. Her yellow eyes surveyed the rest of the battle as she hovered in mid-air. One fighting she wasn't concerned about, but ever since they'd met Aura had never missed a chance to watch Zack fight. Which wasn't often, but it was always enjoyable enough.


One gave a menacing chuckle as Snow Goburimon (2) backed himself against a wall. He lunged forward, knife raising into strike position for a brutal stabbing attack.


Zack was taken by surprise as Tundra entered the fray. Finally, things were looking up. Or not. He winced as Tundra went crashing into the snow. His expression hardened again, armored gauntlets tightening on his sword.

But while Hyougamon was gloating, Zack lunged forward. Where the Ogre was tough and strong, Zack, especially with the Vel'Tan, was blazing fast. He crashed to the ground, sliding through the snow but seizing hold of Arctic's staff before Hyougamon reached it. He rolled back to his feet, focus locked on keeping his body under control. For once his maneuver went as planned, the human rising to his feet and spinning around.

He stood with the staff clenched in his left gauntlet, the silent saber held in his right, raised between himself and Hyougamon. Green eyes flashed back toward the gleaming staff. Unlike the adult-level Digimon, Zack had absolutely no intention of using the staff. He hoped too that whatever grand architect created the Digital World wouldn't let him activate the talisman's power on accident. But he'd keep it safe from the ogre as best he could. "It doesn't belong to you," he said flatly, forcing himself to push aside his apprehension and meet the enemy's dark eyes. "Get lost."

Relief washed over Snow Goburimon(1) when he realized that his enemy was no longer interested in him or in the idea of defeating him. Getting to his feet, he burst into a bit of speed fueling whatever energy he had left within him. He was not about to stick around and see what the outcome of the battle with his boss and comrad.

Sadly, his comrad didn't put up much of a fight in the end. Feelign the painful stab of the blade enter his body, Snow Goburimon(2) felt the need to scream out from it all. But as he did, his body began to disenpate and become small bits of digital data only to disappear in the cold air.

Everything was all a blur to Hyougamon, one minute he had the staff in his possession again and he was on top of the world. The next, he was without his newly aquired talisman. "Wha-?!"

What he saw made him do a double-take, somehow without him even realizing it that human had gotten a hold of his talisman and snatched it from him! Without that talisman, Hyougamon would be nothing.

But he wasn't about to give up, not without a fight even if this was a loosing battle. Summoning another large icicle in his hands, he aimed it for Zack. "Not before I put you in your place, SnowGob Bolt!" once more he threw the giant spear of ice at the boy.

(Do you still plan to get the Spirit of Thunder here?)

((I'd like to, but I have no particular idea how. I don't want to use it just yet (that will come later), but other than that, I'm not picky on how Zack gets it. It could pop out of the ground or it could be some lesser trinket Arctic has floating around.))

Though Aura was still watching Zack's battle as though it were a hockey game and not a life and death struggle. But One wasn't so distracted, as his foe was reduced to data particles he turned his eyes toward the battle between Zack and Hyougamon.


Zack's eyes narrowed in the split seconds it took the adult-level ogre to charge his ability. But he wasn't in a very good defensive stance, a cumbersome staff in one hand, a sharp blade in the other. Perhaps foolishly, he tried to interpose the leading edge of the silent saber between himself and the approaching icicle.

The ice bolt slammed into the metal blade with a rattling clank, sending a tremor into Zack's body. But the angle was such the icicle continued, grazing Zack's side rather than gutting him. Crimson slowly mixed with the black of his sweatshirt, burning pain extending outward from the wound. He growled softly, wishing the pain to go away, he still had work to do.

But what now? He wasn't physically a match for the ogre, especially only fighting with one hand on his sword. He couldn't use a card while holding onto both weapons, and didn't want to risk dropping them either.

But seconds later a steely-gray blur leapt at the Hyougamon, the agile Sealsdramon swinging his knife forward with the yell "Death Behind!"

(In that case then I have an idea ^^)

Hyougamon grinned, seeing the crimson liquid seep from within the human's funny looking armor. Just what he deserved for trying to play Mr.Hero and take back what he had rightfully stolen.

He was about to summon another icicle, but was stopped when someone appeared from behind. Whirling around, he faced Sealsdramon and tried to move out of the path of the knife. It did work, for the most part. He still felt the stinging end of the blade through his side.

This was not good, Hyougamon stumbled backwards a bit. He was now bleeding, weakened, and what was worst he was outnumbered. His own underlings had either fled in fear or had been defeated.

Maybe the ice talisman really isn't really worth all of this. With a growl of detestment at being outmatched by a human and his pets, Hyougamon scowled. "I'll be back for that talisman yet! You're just lucky you have your pets to protect you." with that said, he tired to make his escape.

"Zack! Toss me my staff, quickly!" Lord Arctic called out. Placing Tundra gently onto the snow as he stood once more. It was his duty as a guardian to punish all those who threatened himself or the reasure he guarded fiercly.

"Pets, huh?" Zack said, glaring at the adult Digimon as he fled. "Clueless," he spat. But before he could communicate that his partners were far more than pets to him, he heard Arctic's exclamation. The human spun around, the staff raising slightly but he paused momentarily. An extra second to focus himself and make sure his aim wasn't thrown off as he launched the staff.

The glittering artifact went flying through the air, its aim true as it sailed toward its rightful owner.

Aura extended her wings to their full span, flying up alongside Zack as the human clutched his now-vacant left hand to the wound across his ribs. It didn't seem deep enough to be immediately life threatening, but his first stop upon returning to the city would be the clinic.

One's scanners clicked as his visor locked onto Hyougamon, but he knew he could catch the fleeing ogre in seconds if he had to. Instead, he hung back, not wanting to interfere with whatever Arctic might attempt upon catching his staff.

Catching the staff with his hands, the Ice Devimon sent a glare of pure venom to Hyougamon. "You have tresspassed onto my sacred land, attempted to steal my talisman, harmed innocent lives and injured my very servant. Your sins have deemed you unforgivable in my eyes..."

"So you shall recieve the untimate punishment." his voice became suddenly low, the talisman within his hands gave off a slight glow as did the rest of his body. He raised his claws hands to the ogre digimon, but the coward suddenly began to take off in a burst of speed to get away.

Confident in his abilities, Lord Arctic cried out. "Frost Claw!" with the power of the ice talisman enhancing his attack. The fleeing virus digimon didn't stand a chance...

The icy, razor sharp claws ripped through Hyougamon's body. Allowing the effected digimon to let out a shrill dry before his body exploded into smaller bits of data.

With their enemy now defeated, the ice lord returned to his unconcious servant. He lifted the Renamon into his arms before looking back to Zack. "Come, lets return to my chambers. It's not safe out here."

Once inside the safe halls of Lord Arctic's chambers, he placed Tundra on the floor gently to allow her time to rest. "She will be okay, she simply needs time to recover. But what of you? Will you be alright?" he had noticed the boy had take on some damage during his fight with Hyougamon.

Zack, One, and Aura together followed Arctic back inside his dwelling. It felt good to be inside again, even if conditions outside didn't seem as bad as before. The battle concluded, One had devolved back to Commandramon.

"I'll be fine," he said, tone slightly gruff, one armored hand still pressed to his wound. But as though to prove him wrong, a sudden lance of pain shot through his ribs, causing the tamer to grimace in agony. He pulled his hand away, slick with his own blood. A chill of recognition, but at the same time, Zack didn't know when he'd had that much blood on his hands the last time.

But with a frown he remembered Arctic's indication the Trailmon platform was some distance away. He'd run the risk of bleeding out if he let the wound go untreated that long, even from a wound that seemed fairly minor. Breaking off from the matter at hand, he reverted the Vel'Tan back to its natural form and pocketed the amulet. Maybe Arctic had something to help, but Zack wasn't about to rely on it being so. He'd take care of it himself with a little ingenuity.

Feeling a tad sluggish in comparison now, Zack unzipped and removed his sweatshirt. He could see a slash in his t-shirt along the side, blood steadily soaking into that garment as well. He pulled his shirt off, green eyes carefully inspecting the gash. Aura gasped as she saw the wound, but Zack again wasn't overly concerned on the outside. He'd only been grazed. Struck enough to bleed, but there wasn't more than mild discomfort as his slender fingers pressed tentatively on his ribs. Nothing seemed to be broken.

"It'll be fine, I just need to stop the bleeding." Pressure on the wound. He fumbled with the shirt for several moments, then contented himself by tying it tightly around his torso. While it constricted each breath a bit, the garment would serve as a suitable "bandage" until he could get the nurse in the city to take a look at it. "There's a nurse in the city who can cure nearly any injury human or Digimon can sustain. This 'll hold long enough if I don't move too much." He slipped the sweatshirt back on, hiding his injury. There were also a few nicks and scrapes from rogue ice shards during the battle, but those weren't worth worrying about.

"Sure you'll be alright?" One asked, eying his tamer warily as though he didn't quite believe Zack's assessment of his own health.
"I've been hurt worse before and I've survived," he said, thinking of the blood on his hands some time ago.
"When was that?" Aura began, sitting on One's head and looking curiously at Zack.

But the blond-haired tamer shook his head, his amnesia was none of Arctic's business. His face curled into the beginnings of a smile as One threw a harsh glare up at the mammal perched on his helmet. His shook his head violently, dislodging the Tsukaimon momentarily, but the moment he stopped she fluttered back down again.

"I suppose so..." Lord Arctic's attention soon drifted away from the injured tamer and to that of his servant. She was still out cold, and he could only imagine when she would awake...

A soft moan was soon heard as Tundra slowly regain her conciousness, the world around became normal once more as she sat up. "Ugh..."

"Tundra, you're awake. Are you alright?" she heard her master ask with a degree of concern that was unlike him. The Renamon simply nodded, smoothing out her ruffled fur slightly. "I'm alright, but I still failed you master..."

The Ice Devimon shook his head. "You did not fail me, you gave your best efforts. But in the end, it was Zach who helped up greatly." with that said, he turned to Zach and his partners with a smile.

"Tamer, it was your efforts along with that of your digimon that I was able to regain my staff from those who wanted its power. You have gained an ally in myself and amongst the Guardians."

Standing onto his feet, he reached up and plucked one of the blue crystals from the ceiling. "Take this, as both a gift from myself and as proof of your efforts." Lord Arctic said.

"Wait master, what about the spirit? This boy may be able to use it." Tundra suggested, just remembering of the spirit she had found days ago.

The ice guardian turned to his servant, giving a moment of thought to her suggestion. "Indeed, it could be of greater use to him. Wait here..." Lord Arctic left from his place and headed for a seperate area of his chambers.

Moments passed, but soon the adult digimon emmerged from within the separate area. In his hands was a strange statue of sorts, it was in the shape of a blue beetle-type creature.

"My boy, this is the spirit of thunder." Lord Arctic began, offering the figure to the boy. "I found it within the snow drifts during one of my guard shifts. We have no use for it, and we have not found any other human to take possession of it, until now." Tundra explained.

Zack nodded in response to Arctic's thanks. But really, what would anyone else have done? The staff was rightfully the Ice Devimon's, Hyougamon had stolen it. Then again, the teenage tamer's experience had already taught him not all tamers were upstanding citizens.

"Glad we could help," chimed Aura, still perched on One's head. The Commandramon seemed to have given up on dislodging her for the moment, but by no means did he look pleased.


"Spirit of Thunder?" Zack echoed, looking curiously at the small statue, noticing the odd glyph upon it. It seemed small, innocuous, and at the same time he could almost feel the power radiating from it. He reached his left hand forward to accept it, but as he did so the small artifact leapt from Arctic's hand. It slammed into Zack's black and silver d-ban, melting its way into the digivice much the same way the Digimental had when he first acquired it.

"Wow," said Aura, spreading her wings and lifting off of One's head. "A spirit! I've heard about these things!"
The human raised an eyebrow at the Tsukaimon, asking her to continue.
"They can be used by humans to evolve them into Digimon form."

That, now that was a surprise. Would activating the thunder spirit turn Zack into a Digimon the same way his partners could evolve to higher forms like Shadramon and Sealsdramon? What kind of an effect might it even have on him? Would he be the same as always? Or would the Digimon's personality eclipse his own?

Aura was practically brimming with excitement at the idea of Zack being able to evolve and fight alongside her, but One was less than thrilled. His pointed teeth were covered by a frown, this new spirit could make his already near-maddening job of keeping Zack safe during battles harder or easier. The power might keep him safe when he did decide to enter the fray, or it might simply encourage him to fight more often despite the risks of injury.

"Thank you," Zack said calmly, nodding respectfully to Arctic. It had been an interesting day so far, yes the dimensional rift had dropped him in the middle of a frozen wasteland, but he'd made a new friend and acquired two new tools - the spirit and the Vel'Tan's new agility and strength boosting form.

"Please, you have done enough for us today. No thank yous are nesessary." Lord Arctic nodded to Zack, getting his point hopefully across to the young human.

Tundra had managed to find a string and tied it with the blue icicle-shaped crystal her master had offered to the tamer and his team earlier. She had managed to make it into a necklace. "Here, this is also from us." she replied, placing the trinket around Aura's neck...or body.

But they all knew that time was drawing close. It was time for their hero and his companions to move on, but at least the Ice Devimon can perform one last deed.

"You know, despite the short distance from my chambers to the Trailmon platform, I'm afraid you may not make the journey with your injuries." Lord Arctic stood up, grabbing his staff as he did.

"If you allow me, I can easily transport you and your friends to the platform without the need of walking the distance." the ice digimon offered.

"Ohh," said Aura, eyes sparkling as did the glinting blue talisman about her neck. "So pretty!" The Tsukaimon found the cool touch of the ice shard reassuring despite the recent bite of the chills outside Arctic's residence.

One couldn't help but roll his eyes as Aura received the necklace, sure it looked "pretty", but would good could it actually be? But his grumbling thoughts were interrupted.

"Very well then," Zack said to Arctic, nodding, arms falling loosely to his sides and his feet shifting on the floor. Though he was still stubborn in the belief he'd be just fine walking, the teenage tamer wouldn't turn down a faster way. He chewed the tip of his tongue slightly for a moment, nerves and contemplation mixing. Just what method was Arctic speaking of? Some sort of teleportation? Who knew. The Talisman seemed quite powerful, in the right hands of course. Well, whatever it may be couldn't be too much stranger than things he'd already seen in the Digital World.

Seeing as Zack didn't turn down his offer, Lord Arctic offered a small smirk. The human truely had a hero's heart beating within him. Any other tamer would have jumped at the chance of being transported somewhere rather than having to walk, but Zack was different...

His thoughts were beginning to lead him off the matter at hand. The ice digimon gripped his staff tightly before he raised it over the boy's head. He formed a strange figure with the fingers of hi free hand, chanting softly in a strange tongue.

Before long, a soft blast of cold wind was felt within the chamber. More importantly, it was forming around the tamer and his digimon. Snow and ice were also being blown in from the soft wind as it grew stronger, to the point where they could be almost blinded. A feeling of weightless-ness could be felt and soon the trio had simply disappeared from the chamber.

"May the elements be on your side, Zack..." replied Lord Arctic as he gave his final partings to the tamer/digimon team.

A distance away from the ice cavern, a soft cold breeze blew past a quiet platform. Instantly the breeze grew stronger and allowed those it was transporting to appear on the Trailmon platform.

(Now that things are drawing to a close, time to give you your hard earned DEP ^^ I give both One and Aura .2 DEP each (simply because I'm generous and I enjoyed modding you) and $200, and award you the Spirit of Thunder. Enjoy Vn ^_^)