Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or any of its characters or content. There are, however, original characters that I do own. Those of which are either from the previous story, Digimon D-Tamer, or will be introduced in this story.
xXx
The Digital Network.
It has spread throughout the entire world. It has become a parallel world!
Lifeforms have been created to serve as sentient beings of the new world. They are called Digital Monsters.
The peace of both the Human and Digital Worlds was threatened by the one who inherited the soul of darkness, Ogudamon.
Those chosen by fate, the Digimon D-Tamers, were able to cleanse the darkness and bring balance back to both worlds.
Three years have passed since that holy war…
xXx
"For those of you just catching up with us here on Twitch, we're now at the semi-finals of the DMRA Grade B Tournament! Tamers of all ages from around the world gather here at the Mugen Colosseum for this incredible event. Today we are separating the champs from the chumps! Let's jump right into the action, shall we?"
Mugen Colosseum was a colossal oval-shaped amphitheater built into what originally was Mt. Infinity. It was seemingly filled with thousands of Digimon cheering and watching the current matchup. There were two Digimon in the battlefield grasping onto each other in a power struggle.
"The fight is about to end!" the samurai Digimon, Musyamon, said. His sword was locked with the sword built-in to his opponent's head.
MUSYAMON – ADULT LEVEL – DEMON MAN TYPE – VIRUS ATTRIBUTE
"Not yet…not yet…!" The opposing Digimon, Zubamon, growled. He wasn't going to let himself get overpowered. The two Digimon were roughly the same size; Musyamon only slightly towered over Zubamon.
ZUBAMON – CHILD LEVEL – WEAPON TYPE – VACCINE ATTRIBUTE
"This battle could go either way, folks!" The announcer, a two-winged angel named Piddomon, screamed as he hovered in the air. "Who do you want to move onto the finals: Musyamon, the self-proclaimed 'Samurai of the East' or Zubamon the 'Twentiest?'" Among the spectators in the colosseum, a dark-haired girl with glasses had her eyes glued on Zubamon.
"That is…ENOUGH!" Musyamon said. He let out an ear-piercing scream and swings his sword into the air, breaking the standstill. Zubamon was knocked back a few feet and was taken aback to see Musyamon's sword charging with blue energy. "This match is over…!"
"…that's it!" Zubamon noticed he had an opening. "While he's preparing to strike…"
"Let's see you face my killing technique!" Musyamon said, watching the blue energy surrounding his sword become fire of the same color.
"Shiratori-maru…"
"NOW!" Seemingly all in one motion, Zubamon hops into the air and literally blasts off towards Musyamon head-first.
"Twenty Dive!"
Before Musyamon could launch his killing technique, the entire colosseum gasps in surprise. Zubamon landed on the ground behind Musyamon, after having blown right through his opponent's chest. Silence fell for a few moments as the samurai Digimon slowly fell onto his back, dropping his sword out of his hands. Zubamon let out a sigh of relief and turned to face Musyamon.
"It looks like we have our winner!" Piddomon announced after waiting a few moments. He flew down and landed next to Zubamon. When he landed next to the armored bipedal Digimon, the Angel grabbed his hand and raised it into the air. "Zubamon is the winner!" The entire colosseum erupted into applause as Zubamon grinned.
"He's the one." The dark-haired girl from before said. Out of her pocket, she pulled out two strange-looking, yet identical devices.
"Zubamon will advance to the final round, so make sure to tune into the championship match tomorrow at 9:00 JST! This is your announcer Piddomon saying, 'See you next time on the Digital Monster Rumble Arena!'"
~ LOG OUT~
A young teen closed his laptop and let out a sigh of relief. After all the training and leveling up he had to put Zubamon through, it seemed like it finally was about to pay off. He had never made it to the semifinals of a DMRA tournament before, let alone the finals. After unplugging his card reader from his laptop, he put it on the desk next to the bed he was sitting on along with his laptop.
"Tap! It's time for breakfast!" A strong feminine voice called from downstairs. "Make sure you make your bed!" Wiping his dark hair that was stuck on his sweat-covered forehead, Samezu Tap hopped off his bed. He picked up his Sword Art Online-labeled comforter and tossed it onto his bed, landing carelessly across the middle.
"Good enough…" Tap said. He picked up a small golden device with a screen and three gray buttons from his bed and threw them into his back pocket. Now, he was ready…
xXx
Digimon D-Tamer Deux
D-1
(帰郷) Kikyō (Homecoming)
xXx
My name is Hachiro Ryuu. I am a Digimon Tamer: one of the heroes chosen by VictoryGreymon to protect the Digital World….and we did. Not only did we save the Digital World, but the Real World as well. I've seen some crazy things: the people I love become slaves to the darkness in their hearts, vicious monsters destroy anything and everything in their path, you name it. We stopped GranDracmon: the Ruler of the Night, the Seven Great Demon Lords, Ogudamon: Lord of Atonement, you name it. I almost died saving both worlds…a couple of times, really…but I didn't. I've fought with the ultimate fighter Marcus Damon, the Old Masters of Legend, I've met with Chronomon. You're talking to a sixteen-year-old who has seen more action than people twice my age. Now, I have a question to ask you and I want you to listen very carefully:
"Would you want to go to the Eisa Matsuri Festival with me?"
"No."
No?!
Hachiro Ryuu had a dejected look on his face as the girl he was talking to, Adachi Sakura, turned down his proposal to accompany him to one of the most well-known festivals in Tokyo. Sakura's face became as red as her hair.
"Sorry," she said. "I-uh, well…I don't really think of you that way. I just think it would be weird, ya know?"
"Y-Yeah…" Ryuu said, masking his disappointment poorly. "I totally get it…it's okay."
"Sorry…" Sakura said, turning to begin walking away. "I'll see ya around." And like that, she was gone. Ryuu watched Sakura walk away, her sailor uniform-skirt swaying from side to side.
"Not another one…" Ryuu sighed. He threw his gakuran over his shoulder and started walking down the halls of Shinjuku Yamabuki High School. There was a pain in his stomach unlike anything he had ever felt before. This was nothing like fighting evil monsters in a Digital World…this was getting rejected…three times. Ryuu made it outside. He was relieved that it was the end of the school day and that, more importantly, the weekend was finally here. He pulled something out of his pocket. It was his black-and-red D-Soul Digivice. It had been some time since the gate to the Digital World had been closed, so it has been nothing but a peculiarly designed cell phone with slightly better reception than his old phone.
"Ryuu-san!" Ryuu turned around and a girl was walking towards him. Her wavy scarlet hair only went down to her shoulders, like his hair did now, and was in the same sailor fuku that Sakura was wearing.
"Hey, Keiko." Ryuu said, loosening his tie. It was nice to see a familiar friendly face, especially from "the good ol' days," as Ryuu put it. Mizumi Keiko was also a former member of the Digimon D-Tamers three years ago. Ryuu didn't really talk to her much during the early days of their adventures but a strong friendship was eventually forged. "What's up?"
"You look lonely, Ryuu-san." Keiko said.
"Really, how could you tell?" Ryuu said. Keiko could feel Ryuu's sarcasm smack her in the face.
"What happened?"
"N-No, nothing important…"
"Is that why you're sulking?" Ryuu sighed. He could tell she wouldn't let up about this.
"I asked out another girl to the Matsuri Festival and she turned me down."
"Oh, Ryuu…" Keiko said, putting her hand on Ryuu's cheek. "That's never fun, I'm sorry. You know I'd go with you if I could."
"Yeah, yeah…" Ryuu said. "You have family coming that weekend, I know." Keiko let out a sigh and began to walk away from the school. She stopped after taking a few steps and turned to face her friend.
"You coming?"
"Where?" Ryuu said.
"You'll see." Keiko said, motioning for him to follow her. "I know what will raise your spirits."
xXx
"Don't lose, Flamedramon!"
"You don't lose either, Wizardmon!"
The third floor of Taito Station, the most popular video arcade in Shinjuku, was crowded on this Friday afternoon, particularly in one specific corner of the level. This was the "Digital Monster Battle Terminal," a mini version of the MMORPG exclusively for exhibition matches. Two Tamers can simply plug in their V-Pets into their respective consoles and the Digimon are projected onto the rather large screen in 3D. There was a large crowd surrounding the two Tamers who owned the currently battling Flamedramon and Wizardmon.
FLAMEDRAMON – ARMOR LEVEL – DRAGON MAN TYPE – FREE ATTRIBUTE
WIZARDMON – ADULT LEVEL – DEMON MAN TYPE – DATA ATTRIBUTE
Both Digimon had low remaining HP. The next attack would probably decide the match.
"Fire Rocket!"
As Flamedramon shot up into the air, his entire body began to catch fire and he soared down in Wizardmon's direction.
"This will end it!" one boy in the crowd said. As Flamedramon was about to make contact, Wizardmon vanished from sight. Everyone gasped and Flamedramon landed on the ground as the flames were extinguished.
"Above you!" one of the Tamers shouted. At that point, Wizardmon appeared in the sky and he was aiming his scepter towards Flamedramon.
"Thunder Ball!"
A sphere of electrical energy erupted from Wizardmon's scepter and crashed right into Flamedramon. He screamed as his body was covered in electricity. As the electricity dissipated, Flamedramon fell to the ground and the text "KNOCK OUT" appeared over him. The text "WINNER" began flashing over Wizardmon. Tap, who was among the crowd watching, could barely contain his excitement.
"What a great battle, Kaicu." Tap said, walking over to the Tamer of the Wizardmon.
"Thanks, Tap." Kaicu said. "It was close, that's for sure. I'm glad Wizardmon was able to pull through." The Tamer Kaicu defeated, a boy named Akio, walked over to them. "Akio, Flamedramon almost had me!"
"Don't worry," Akio laughed. "Flamedramon and I are going to train hard and we'll beat you next time!" As both Tamers went over to grab their V-Pets from their console controllers, Ryuu and Keiko were watching from afar. Keiko couldn't stop looking at Ryuu. During the last match, there was a fire in Ryuu's eyes that had not been there in quite some time. The thrill of battle was returning to him like an old friend.
"Are we happy we came?" Keiko said.
"It's crazy," Ryuu said, his eyes fixated on the 3D images of the Digital Monsters he and the others had fought beside. "I've been hearing about all this stuff for the past few years but never once wanted to try it myself."
"I think experiencing the real thing may have something to do with it." Keiko said, keeping her voice down so nobody heard her. Though the battle with Ogudamon was televised, the identities of the humans who fought against him were surprisingly still a secret.
"I will say, Dracomon could have finished that fight three moves earlier than Wizardmon did." Ryuu said, crossing his arms. "Such sloppy tactics."
"Dracomon's also a Royal Knight." Keiko said. Ryuu was silent for a few moments.
"My point still stands."
"Okay, I'm next!" Tap shouted, walking up to the console controller. He pulled out the same golden cube from before, his Digimon V-Pet, and plugged it in. Zubamon's image appeared onscreen.
"I've never seen this Digimon before." Ryuu whispered to Keiko.
"Looks like a lot has changed since we've been to the Digital World." Keiko said.
"Who wants to go against me?" Ryuu said. Before anyone could say anything, a single hand shot into the air within the middle of the crowd. The crowd parted like the Red Sea and the dark-haired girl from the colosseum stood with a smile on her face. Tap was mildly shaken. There was something about her demeanor that startled him.
"Battle me." The girl said. Everyone was silent as she walked up to the console controller opposite Tap, her eyes fixated right on him.
"Uh, okay." Tap said, his bewildered face turning into a smile. "I'd be glad to." The girl pulled out two Digimon V-Pets: one pink with three silver buttons and the other black with white buttons. There were gasps coming from around the crowd.
"She has two Digimon?!"
"I wonder who her partners are!"
"Who is this girl?!"
"I didn't know someone could have two Digimon partners." Keiko said and Ryuu nodded in agreement. The mysterious girl put the black and white V-Pet back into her pocket and placed the pink and silver V-Pet into the console controller. The image of a girl in a white-and-gold dress appeared standing across from Zubamon. She was wearing what appeared to be a giant pink rabbit and was holding a golden triple-pronged lance.
"Meet Sistermon Blanc." The girl said.
SISTERMON (BLANC) – CHILD LEVEL – PUPPET TYPE – VACCINE ATTRIBUTE
"Speaking of meeting…" Tap said. "The name's Tap. This is my Zubamon." The girl nodded her head.
"I know who you are, Samezu Tap." She said, and Tap gasped in astonishment. "I've been watching you in the Rumble Arena and have been looking forward to battling you. My name is Kaori."
"That Digimon…" Keiko said, looking at Sistermon. Her warm smile radiated across the screen. "It looks like a little girl!"
"There has to be more to it than that…" Ryuu said.
"Kaori, huh?" Tap said. "Well if it's a battle you want, I won't disappoint!" As the two Tamers placed their hands onto the console controllers, the two Digimon faced each other and took off darting towards one another. "Your girly Digimon can't touch Zubamon!"
"Twenty Dive!"
"Signature move right from the start?" Kaori smirked. "No problem for Sistermon!" Sistermon gracefully leapt into the sky, effectively dodging Zubamon's attack, and landed on the ground behind him. "Now, while he's distracted!"
"Divine Pierce!"
Her expression changing to one of focus and determination, Sistermon rushed towards Zubamon with her lance and held it into the air, preparing to strike her enemy.
"Not that easy!" Tap said. Zubamon spun around and blocked Sistermon's lance with the blade on its head.
"That was close." Ryuu said. Zubamon and Sistermon broke off their attack.
"20 Scratch!"
"Protect Wave!"
Sistermon was able to project a wave of energy by stabbing the butt end of her lance into the ground, blocking Zubamon's own attack.
"Blocked again…" Tap said.
"C'mon…" Kaori smirked. "Where's the power that got you into the championship round of DMRA?" Tap gritted his teeth in frustration. Zubamon and Sistermon repeatedly clashed with each other; with Zubamon's claws striking Sistermon's lance.
"Sistermon's not giving Zubamon any openings." Keiko said. "She is not what I expected at all!" Ryuu's attention was no longer focused on the battle, but on Tap. He was gritting his teeth and both hands were balled into tight fists.
"Keep it up, Zubamon…!" Tap said, clenching his fists harder and harder. "I know you can do it!" Tap slammed his right fist into his left hand. For a brief second, his fist produced a bright golden glow. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, but not before it got the attention of a certain Digimon D-Tamer.
"What was that…?!" Ryuu said to himself. "Could it be…Digisoul? Here?"
"Go, Zubamon!" Tap cheered once more. "You are…the Twentiest!" At that instant, an aura of golden light erupted around Zubamon's body and he shot into the air and let out a glass-shattering battle cry.
"His power just shot up!" Keiko said. While all of this was happening, a smile was forming on Kaori's face.
"He is the one." She muttered under her breath.
"Now, Zubamon!" Tap said. "Give it your all!"
"Twenty Dive MAX!"
With an aura as bright and seemingly as powerful as the Sun surrounding him, Zubamon blasted down towards Sistermon.
"This will end it!"
"Import."
A mysterious black vortex suddenly appeared in the center of the screen, causing everyone to gasp in astonishment. Zubamon stopped dead in his tracks as he and Sistermon were surprised as well.
"Whoa!"
"What's going on?!"
"A black hole?!"
"Is this part of the game?" Keiko said to Ryuu.
"I don't know…" He said back. The dark vortex began to pull both of the Digimon inside. "Keiko…I think a Digimon is behind this."
"Like an actual one?" Keiko said.
"He's here…" Kaori bit her lip.
"Zubamon!" Tap cried out. "What's happening to him?!" It was not before long that both Digimon were fully submerged in the black vortex and it vanished, leaving an empty screen.
"Damn!" Kaori said. In a hustle, she grabbed her V-Pet from the console and took off running.
"Hey!" Tap said. He grabbed his V-Pet and began to chase after her. "What did you do to Zubamon?!"
"Keiko, let's go after her!" Ryuu said. Keiko nodded and the two took off. Kaori made her way outside of Taito Station and frantically looked around. This district seemed to be swarming with people. She knew she needed to get somewhere that was empty, like an alleyway or something. Kaori picked a direction and started running.
"Wait up!" Tap soon made it out of Taito Station and saw Kaori running. "Kaori, stop!" He ran after her, even as she stopped and darted down a barely lit alley. When Tap made it to the alley, he was surprised to see Kaori pointing what he assumed to be her V-Pet at a laptop screen. "What are you-?"
"Import!" Kaori said. A powerful light began to emerge from the laptop screen.
"Hey!" Kaori turned around to see Tap staring at her. "What's going on?!"
"Samezu Tap, I need you to come with me." Kaori said. "Come with me to a world unlike our own so we can get our Digimon back." Tap was confused. Digimon was just a game…right? None of it was real…or was it? At this point, there was only one way to find out for himself.
"Okay…" Tap said. He walked towards Kaori and he could suddenly feel the light begin to pull him. Its grip was hard, if impossible, to resist. He could feel himself being drawn closer and closer into the light of the computer screen.
"There!" Ryuu's voice called. He and Keiko appeared in the alleyway projecting the light show.
"Is that a…" Keiko said. "…a Digital Gate?"
"One way to find out!" Ryuu said. He and Keiko took off towards the light and leapt into the air. The light dragged all four of the teenagers in and finally faded into darkness.
xXx
"Tap…Tap! Tap, wake up!"
Tap slowly began to come to. His eyes were fluttering open and he saw a bright blue sky in front of him. The towering buildings and streetlights of Shibuya were long gone. Peculiar birds were soaring above him and the clouds in the sky looked almost pixelated.
"Ugh, what happened?" Tap said, slowly sitting up. As he looked in front of him, he immediately jumped back at the sight of Zubamon standing right there gawking at him.
"You're alive!" Zubamon said. The biggest smile was on his face. "More importantly, you're here!"
"Here…?" Tap said, still confused as to what was going on. It was clear he wasn't in Shibuya anymore. The fact that a real-life Zubamon was standing in front of him was enough of a clue. If he wasn't in Shibuya…where was he? He then remembered Kaori's words:
"Come with me to a world unlike our own so we can get our Digimon back."
"A world unlike our own…" Tap said, looking around at the tropical jungle he was now in. "So this is the Digimon World, huh?"
"No one has called it that since 1999!" Zubamon said. "Welcome to the Digital World!"
"Digital World…" Tap repeated. He then remembered he followed Kaori into the weird light. "That girl! Kaori! Where is she?"
"Girl? Which one?" Zubamon said, pointing to Ryuu, Keiko, and Kaori's unconscious bodies.
"Huh?" Tap said, pointing at Ryuu and Keiko. "Who are those two?" As if on cue, Ryuu and Kaori began to wake up.
"So after all this time…" Ryuu said, looking around. "We're back." He looked down at Keiko, who was still out cold. "Hey Keiko…Keiko, wake up!" He began shaking her to wake her up as Kaori rose up to her feet.
"Looks like the transfer was a success." She said. "Tap, welcome to the Digital World."
"What's going on here?" Ryuu said. Keiko began to come to. "I didn't know other humans had access to this world."
"This world contains so much history that you can't even begin to fathom, Hachiro Ryuu." Kaori said.
"How do you know him?" Keiko said. "More to the point, who are you?"
"Kaesada Kaori." Kaori said. "Excuse me if I'm in a hurry, Mizumi Keiko, but I have to go and reclaim my Digimon."
"That's right." Tap said, looking at Zubamon. He began to remember the events which led them to the Digital World. "Something dark came on the screen at Taito Station and started sucking up our Digimon as they were fighting. What was that?"
"A new threat to the Digital World." Kaori said. "We don't know much about him except the title he goes by: 'The Mikado.'"
"The Mikado?" Keiko said. "I think I saw that show."
"This is serious." Kaori said. "The world you once knew and protected isn't here anymore." A question popped in Ryuu's mind, but he chose to refrain from asking it. Kaori turned to Tap and Zubamon. "I need your help. I was sent to test you and your abilities in battle and as a result, Sistermon is in the hands of the enemy."
"Uhh yeah, sure." Tap said. For the first time since they arrived in the Digital World, Kaori smiled. "I'm a little new at all this, though…"
"Judging by our battle in the Real World, you'll do just fine." Kaori said.
"Ahem…" Keiko said, and Kaori and Tap turned to face her and Ryuu. "You forget about us?"
"We're coming too!" Ryuu insisted. "If someone is threatening the security of the Digital World again, I won't turn my back on it!" While Kaori nodded, Tap glared at them.
"Hold on…" Tap said, pointing at them. "I don't even know who you two are!"
"That's no way to talk to your senpai." Keiko said teasingly.
"Hachiro Ryuu and Mizumi Keiko, this is Samezu Tap." Kaori said. "Tap, these two are Tamers who are responsible for saving the Digital World a few years ago."
"Whoa…" Tap said. He couldn't believe it. First, he's in the world of Digimon with his own real-life Digimon partner, but now there are real-life Digimon Tamers? Does that mean he was one too? Tap had so many questions. Ryuu stepped forward towards Tap, interrupting his thoughts.
"Looks like you're the only one here who can use a Digimon's power." Ryuu said. A smile formed on his face as he extended his hand towards Tap. "We're counting on you, kohai."
"Let's not get carried away." Tap laughed, shaking Ryuu's hand. Keiko smiled. The Digimon D-Tamers were back…sort of. The boys looked at Kaori. "Now, how do we find Sistermon?"
"The D-Soul Digivice." Kaori said, pulling out a Digivice that was like the ones Ryuu and Keiko had but matched the color scheme of the V-Pet that Sistermon Blanc came out of. "One of the functions it has is that it can track the signature of the partner associated with the Digivice." On the screen of Kaori's Digivice, the image of a star and a dot appeared. The dot was placed towards the top of the screen, whereas the star was closer to the bottom. "It says she's north of here."
"Alright, let's get going." Zubamon said. "Let's get Sistermon back!"
xXx
"Mikado-sama…Mikado-sama…"
A human child about the same size as Tap was perched atop a giant crimson stag beetle; buzzing through the air and talking into a dark-colored wristband-resembling item around his left wrist. His long black hair matched the buttoned-up jacket he was wearing over his jeans.
"Klein, Kuwagamon X. report." A static-filled voice came from the other end.
KUWAGAMON X – ADULT LEVEL – INSECT TYPE – VIRUS ATTRIBUTE
"One of the target Digimon was able to escape my grasp." Klein said, looking to the Digimon Kuwagamon held in one of its claws. "That being said, we have Sistermon Blanc with us. She is unconscious."
"The other Digimon is Zubamon, correct?"
"Yes, sir." There was a brief pause of speech. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of Kuwagamon X's wings buzzing.
"You must retrieve the Zubamon, that is an order." The Mikado finally spoke. "The data that Digimon possesses is remarkably irreplaceable. Understood?"
"Understood." Klein X said.
"I don't think I need to remind you what happens when we fail..." The Mikado said. Klein shuddered a little bit before regaining his composure and responding.
"N-No, sir." He said. "It's all for the Analog X."
"For Analog X." The Mikado's voice echoed. "I expect victory." There was a beep. Kuwagamon spun around and headed back in the direction he was coming from. Unfortunately for Zubamon, there had been a change in plans.
xXx
Tap, Zubamon, and the others were still trekking through jungle. Kaori was leading the charge while following the directions her Digivice was giving her. The group had probably been travelling for about fifteen minutes or so at this point. There was a smile forged on Ryuu's face for the entire trip. Wandering through the dense jungle and seeing the different kinds of Digimon everywhere made it seem like the old days again. He was once again in this world much different than his own; a world where he knew he could make a difference. There was just one thing missing.
"Are we there yet?" Tap said, apparently getting restless.
"Relax." Keiko said.
"How can I relax?" Tap said. "We've been walking for such a long time!"
"Uh, Tap…" Zubamon said, and Tap looked down to him. "It's only been fifteen minutes." Tap sweatdropped while Ryuu and Keiko struggled holding in their laughter. Tap merely shook his head and threw his fist in the air.
"Fifteen minutes too long!" He said. "I want to save Sistermon and get revenge on the jerk who tried to take you too."
"Ya know…" Keiko said, leaning over to Ryuu and whispering so only he could hear. "Now that I think about it, he's starting to remind me of a certain goggle-headed leader we had back in the day."
"You've gotta be kidding me…" Ryuu whispered back, looking from Tap and Zubamon back to Keiko. "Him? He seems so reckless and hotheaded…" Keiko paused for a second and just looked at him.
"Yep, nothing like you…"
"What's going on?" Kaori said, her eyes still glued to her Digivice. Ryuu and Keiko ran up to where she stopped walking and looked at the Digivice.
"What is it, Kaori?" Ryuu said.
"According to this, Sistermon Blanc is coming towards us." Kaori said, and everyone else gasped in confusion. "Fast, too!" The sound of buzzing soon began to fill the air. Ryuu could see a red blur approaching them in the distance from above.
"We've got company!" He said, pointing in the direction of the blur. Everyone looked up to see the arrival of Klein and Kuwagamon X. Kaori was more concerned with what Kuwagamon X held in its claw.
"Sistermon Blanc!" She cried. "Let her go now!"
"So you're the one who took Kaori's partner and tried to take Zubamon!" Tap said. "What gives?!"
"Another human?!" Ryuu said. "Just what has been happening in this world?"
"Just following orders." Klein said before fixing his eyes on Zubamon. "Speaking of which, that Zubamon is coming with me."
"Like hell!" Tap barked. Keiko stared at the Kuwagamon Klein was perched on. She could tell there was something different about it compared to other Kuwagamon she has seen in the past. Its appearance was slightly different.
"It doesn't have to result in a fight, ya know." Klein said, looking over to Sistermon. "I wouldn't want something to happen to my new friend…" That last comment began to make Kaori's blood boil.
"Without a Digimon, Keiko and I are useless…" Ryuu gritted his teeth. He glanced over to Tap and Zubamon. "Our fate is really in your hands, Samezu Tap."
"You're starting to piss me off!" Zubamon roared. "Tap, Whaddaya say I teach him a lesson?!"
"That goes without saying!" Tap said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out Zubamon's V-Pet. He started furiously tapping the buttons. "Battle!"
"Yeah!" Zubamon cried, throwing his arms up in a battle position. A few moments passed by without anything happening, Zubamon to look around blankly. "Uh, Tap? What's your command?" Zubamon, Ryuu, Keiko, and Kaori turned to face Tap, who was still button-mashing on his V-Pet. They all fell to the ground.
"YOU IDIOT!" Keiko said. "LEAVE YOUR V-PET OUT OF THIS AND SEND VERBAL COMMANDS TO ZUBAMON!"
"…oh. That makes sense." Tap said while smiling.
"Is he really one of us now?" Ryuu said to himself.
"Why do I get the feeling you won't be a challenge at all?" Klein said, jumping off Kuwagamon X's back and landing on the ground right under him.
"I'll show you a challenge…" Tap said. "Zubamon, go around and aim for the back of his head!"
"Now yer talkin'!" Zubamon said. He leapt up into the air towards Kuwagamon, preparing to strike his head. Klein smirked.
"Counterattack." Kuwagamon X vanished in the same red blur as before. Everyone gasped at the Digimon's speed.
"Where'd he go?!" Tap said.
"He's fast!" Ryuu said. The red blur reappeared behind Zubamon and slammed into his back, slamming him into the sky. The Tamers could only watch as Kuwagamon flew up above where Zubamon's body was heading.
"Crunch Arm!"
Kuwagamon X struck Zubamon with a swift strike of his left claw, sending him to crash into the ground.
"Zubamon!" Tap cried.
"Surely you can do better than that." Klein said. Tap glared at Klein.
"We're just getting started." He said. "Right, Zubamon?"
"Y-Yeah…!" Zubamon said, picking himself up. This battle was not over yet.
"I have a job to do and I don't feel like waiting all day." Klein said, crossing his arms. Kuwagamon X set Sistermon Blanc on the ground next to his Tamer and took off flying towards Zubamon with his pincers glowing.
"Power Guillotine!"
"Here he comes!" Tap said. He knew he had to think of something fast or Zubamon would be toast! Tap began to think over all his partner's stats…offense, defense, speed, skill set…until it finally dawned on him. "Wait until the right moment…and then grab Kuwagamon!"
"What if Kuwagamon's attack slices him?!" Keiko said, alarmed.
"You got it, Tamer!" Zubamon roared, no questions asked. He glued his eyes on Kuwagamon X's encroaching presence. The closer his enemy got to him, the more adrenaline coursed through Zubamon's body. "Almost there…almost there…"
"Too dumb to evade my attack?" Klein said. "Sucks to be you!"
"Almost there…"
"I have a bad feeling about this…" Keiko said, turning away as Ryuu, Tap, and Kaori looked on.
"…now!"
"20 Scratch!"
Just as Kuwagamon X's pincers were about to close in on Zubamon, his claws began to shine and he was able to grab the pincers, stopping Kuwagamon X dead in his tracks.
"You're kidding!" Klein said.
"Okay, that was impressive." Ryuu said as Tap started cheering.
"Yeah! Way to go, Zubamon!" Klein glared at him. This was not supposed to happen. An ordinary Child Level Digimon would have fallen from that attack. What makes Zubamon so different?
"You block one attack and you think you've won the fight?" Kuwagamon X sneered.
'Not yet!" Tap said. "Hit him again!"
"Understood!" Zubamon said. Using Kuwagamon X's pincers to hold him, Zubamon spun upside-down vertically, delivering a kick to the Insectoid Digimon's chin. Zubamon backed up and returned to his Tamer's side as Kuwagamon X took a few steps back in pain.
"Nice shot!" Keiko said. She was able to watch the battle again after Zubamon caught Kuwagamon X's pincers.
"At last…" Kaori said to herself. "This is the combo I saw in the DMRA."
"You may have landed a few blows," Klein began, holding his Digivice out. It looked similar to the D-Soul Digivice but its color scheme consisted of the colors black and grey. "but Kuwagamon X's speed parameters are unrivaled among Adult Digimon! Your Child won't be able to measure up to it!"
"Yeah, yeah…" Zubamon said, running off towards Kuwagamon once more.
"Show 'em what we mean, Kuwagamon X." Klein said. His Digimon's body moved so quickly it became a scarlet streak once more and flew towards Zubamon.
"Tai Atari!"
Kuwagamon X's body blow slammed right into Zubamon, knocking him over on his back.
"Zubamon, you okay?" Tap said, running to his partner.
"Damn, that speed…" Zubamon growled as Ryuu and Keiko ran over to him.
"If only Falcomon and the others were here to help out." Keiko said.
"No…" Tap said, slamming his fist into the ground. This surprised the former D-Tamers. "Zubamon and I are strong enough to take this creep…he'll pay for taking Sistermon from Kaori!" It was then that Ryuu remembered what happened back in Taito Station.
~FLASHBACK~
"Sistermon's not giving Zubamon any openings." Keiko said. "She is not what I expected at all!" Ryuu's attention was no longer focused on the battle, but on Tap. He was gritting his teeth and both hands were balled into tight fists.
"Keep it up, Zubamon…!" Tap said, clenching his fists harder and harder. "I know you can do it!" Tap slammed his right fist into his left hand. For a brief second, his fist produced a bright golden glow. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, but not before it got the attention of a certain Digimon D-Tamer.
"What was that…?!" Ryuu said to himself. "Could it be…Digisoul? Here?"
"Go, Zubamon!" Tap cheered once more. "You are…the Twentiest!" At that instant, an aura of golden light erupted around Zubamon's body and he shot into the air and let out a glass-shattering battle cry.
~END FLASHBACK~
"That's it!" Ryuu said. Everyone turned to face him. "Tap, you need to use your Digisoul." Keiko gasped while Tap merely had a look of confusion on his face.
"He has Digisoul?" Keiko said.
"What the hell is a Digisoul?" Tap said.
"Someone—a friend—once told me that the Digisoul is the key to making miracles." Ryuu explained. "It's when your emotions are channeled into a Digimon's power." Tap and Zubamon looked at each other.
"My emotions…" Tap said.
"…become my power." Zubamon said.
"You may not realize it, but I saw you using it during your battle with Kaori in our world." Ryuu said. "You have to believe in your Digimon and use that power to beat Klein and Kuwagamon X!"
"If you're through chatting the day away…" Klein's voice interrupted Ryuu and Tap. He and Kuwagamon were staring at them. "I have orders and need your puny Digimon now."
"No…" Tap said, standing up and facing Klein and Kuwagamon X. "You won't be taking Zubamon away from me…and you won't be taking Sistermon from Kaori either. You wanna know why?"
"It's because Tap and I are gonna take you out right here and right now!" Zubamon said, standing up beside his Tamer.
"Oh, please." Klein said. "You're no match for my Digimon's speed. It's over; you might as well surrender."
"You're wrong…" Tap said, clenching his fists together. "We will never surrender; we'll never be outdone!" Much like before, Tap's right fist was engulfed with a bright golden light, much to the surprise of everyone around them.
"He has a Digisoul?!" Klein said. "The Mikado won't like this…"
"…The Mikado…" Kaori said, glaring at both Klein and Kuwagamon X. "I knew it. He's with him…"
"Tap, you did it!" Zubamon cheered, pointing at Tap's glowing fist. "I think you have the Digisoul!"
"I guess I do, huh?" Tap said, looking at his fist. He turned to face Ryuu and Keiko, who were standing behind him now. "What now?"
"Take out your V-Pet and slam your hand onto it." Ryuu explained. "When you do, shout out the phrase 'Digisoul Charge!'"
"Like Hell!" Klein said, throwing his finger into the air. "Kuwagamon X, finish 'em off!" Kuwagamon X nodded and took off blazing towards the others. Tap reached into his pocket and pulled out his golden V-Pet once more.
"I hope this works…" He said before doing what he was told and slamming his shining hand onto the top of it. "Digisoul Charge!" As the energy from Tap's hand filled the V-Pet, it began to glow. The energy began to pour out of the V-Pet screen and flew into Zubamon's body.
"I can feel Tap's power…" Zubamon said. "It's flowing through me!"
"Scissor Arms!"
Kuwagamon X continued charging towards Zubamon. The Weapon Digimon, whose body was now shining the same color as Tap's Digisoul, leapt into the air and blasted off towards Kuwagamon X headfirst.
"Twenty Dive!"
Much like in the battle with Musyamon, Zubamon zoomed right through Kuwagamon X's body with the blade on its head. Kuwagamon X stopped dead in his tracks, much to the chagrin of Klein. Seconds later, the Insectoid Digimon burst into pieces of data.
"MY KUWAGAMON!" Klein shouted. The swirling data particles started to fly into Klein's Digivice as Zubamon landed on the ground next to the unconscious Sistermon behind Klein. The rogue Tamer was now surrounded on both sides.
"It's over, Klein." Tap said. "We're taking Sistermon back." Klein bit his lip. There was nothing he could do without a Digimon partner to aid him. For now, he would have to retreat. He just hoped the Mikado would be in one of his more understanding moods upon his emptyhanded return.
"This ain't over." Klein said, pointing his Digivice at the sky. "Export!" Klein instantly vanished before everyone's eyes. Kaori took the opportunity to run over to her unconscious Digimon.
"Sistermon…" She said as she reached her partner. Sistermon Blanc's eyes slowly started to open and she looked on her Tamer's face.
"K-Kaori…" Sistermon Blanc said as her mouth formed into a smile.
"Don't try to talk." Kaori said, pulling out her Digivice. "Get in my Digivice so you can get some rest." Sistermon Blanc nodded as her body became a wave of zeroes and ones before floating into Kaori's Digivice.
"Well Tap, good job!" Keiko said, patting him on the back. "You've definitely made your seniors proud today!"
"That was so much different than battling on the Net." Tap smiled. "It felt so real! So awesome!"
"Tap!" Tap turned around as Zubamon ran towards him.
"Zubamon! You were awesome out there!" Tap and Zubamon grabbed each other's hands as a sign of respect.
"It was all thanks to you and your Digisoul." Zubamon said. "That's how I was able to finally match that Kuwagamon's speed." As Tap and Zubamon continued cheering on the other and Keiko laughed watching them, Ryuu remained silent. Although he was glad things were resolved and Kaori got her Partner Digimon back, there were just so many questions on his mind: how did that Klein guy get a Digivice, or get into the Digital World for that matter? If Klein was able to reach the Digital World, how many other humans were in this world as well? Who was this guy Kaori referred to as "The Mikado?" And at the top of his list: If the Digital World was in danger once more, where were the Royal Knights? Where was Dracomon?
"Thank you all." Kaori's praise interrupted Ryuu's thoughts. "I wouldn't have been able to get Sistermon back without you three."
"No problem!" Tap and Zubamon said at the same time.
"Kaori, I—" Keiko began, but Kaori held up her hand.
"I bet you three have a lot of questions." Kaori correctly assumed, to which Ryuu and Keiko nodded their heads in agreement.
"My only question is when can we do that again?!" Zubamon said. "I like that 'Digisoul Charge' stuff!"
"I would love to answer them all, but…" Kaori said, looking at her Digivice. "It has already been such a long day. Now that Sistermon is back, I think we should rest for now and meet up tomorrow. I'll explain everything."
"I'm cool with that." Tap said. "I need to get ready for the DMRA match anyways. Wait until they get a load of my Digisoul?"
"I'm not sure there's a Digisoul function in the Digital Monster Rumble Arena game." Keiko laughed.
"What am I supposed to do while you all are in the Human World?" Zubamon said, his voice containing a tone of sadness.
"Uh, duh…" Tap said, putting his hand on Zubamon's back. "You're coming with me!" Zubamon's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
"REALLY?! I CAN?! I GET TO GO TO THE HUMAN WORLD!" Ryuu and Keiko couldn't help but chuckle. This was all so nostalgic for them.
"Is everybody ready?" Kaori said. Ryuu, Keiko, Tap, and Zubamon nodded. Kaori held her Digivice to the sky. "Export!" A stream of light appeared out of Kaori's Digivice and it began to generate a portal. One-by-one, the Digimon D-Tamers were yanked inside until everyone was gone. The portal remained for several moments before vanishing.
xXx
"Hachiro Ryuu and Mizumi Keiko, welcome back to the world of Digimon…time to join the game."
TO BE CONTINUED…
DIGIMON D-TAMER DEUX
D-2:
(責任) Sekinin (Responsibility)