DR: I guess it's a good time to start with a new chapter!
Rika: So, you decided to start with this one rather than "The Last Sorcerer", huh?
DR: Yeah, it's more…relaxing…I think.
Terriermon; Momentai!
DR: And I thought he would have something better to say…anyway, I don't own Digimon.
OMNITAMER!
Chapter 3
Terrier Terror! Release of the Omnivice!
"RRRROOOOAAAAAARRRRRR!!!!!!!"
SkullGreymon's loud roar made Takato sure of the fact that the hideous Ultimate Digimon had found him. That could only mean one thing: he had to run, fast. And so he did, taking into account that eight of his steps were easily covered by one of SkullGreymon's. Takato knew he had a better chance to survive if he hid in the forest, that is, if SkullGreymon didn't decide to swipe away the entire forest with its Dark Shot attack. However, Takato followed his best option, and hid behind the wide trunk of a nearby tree. Sweating and panting, Takato could hear the roaring and walking of the giant Digimon, as much as the tiny rookies' pleas for help. The ground shook with every step, as SkullGreymon approached to the edge of the forest. Suddenly, Takato knew only a tree separated him from the Virus Digimon. He could almost feel its boney left hand rise up to the skies, and Takato closed his eyes when he heard the wind as SkullGreymon swiped its hand down in a powerful slash.
Several seconds later, Takato opened his eyes. The fact that he could made him realize he was still alive. However, he knew SkullGreymon had attacked. In a demonstration of courage, Takato looked back and faced SkullGreymon, just to find out the tree he had been using as a hideout was no longer standing, as it had fallen…on the SkullGreymon's big, boney foot.
A frightening roar pierced through the air, and the giant Ultimate lost its grip on the two Rookie Digimon. Lopmon and Terriermon fell to the floor, and Takato was there to receive them.
"Lopmon!"
"Young Takato, you have no idea how pleased I am by seeing you." The ever-polite Lopmon replied.
"Terriermon, what's up?"
"A little shaky, but I'll live. How're you doing?"
"Oh, you know. Doing my homework, making bread, meeting big, scary Digimon…the usual."
"Boys, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but we still have a little problem behind us!" Lopmon cried.
"Geez, calm down already. Momentai!"
"Sorry, Terrier, but I've got to agree with Lopmon on this one. We've got to scram!"
Without any complain, the Digimon followed Takato inside the forest, just in time to avoid SkullGreymon's furious stomps. Carefully hidden behind some bushes, but without any possibility of leaving without the skeleton Digimon not noticing.
"So, what do we do now, oh great leader of the Digimon Tamers?" Terriermon asked.
"Well…we hide until he decides to leave..." Takato proposed.
"DARK SHOT!"
"…or we run." Takato completed, as the Digimon once again followed Takato, this time out of the forest, before it was consumed by the flames. Now they were right in front of SkullGreymon, who looked at them with its big, dead, menacing eyes.
"This guy holds a grudge on you, or what?" Takato asked.
"He just wants our data in order to reach the real world." Terriermon replied, more seriously that the usual.
"We have no choice but to fight." Lopmon concluded.
"Oh, okay, let me think this one up…are you crazy!?" Terriermon replied.
"I'm sorry, buddy, but Lopmon is right. This guy won't leave us alone." Takato said.
"Allow me to remind you that we don't stand a chance in our rookie form! Takato, where's Henry? We'll need some serious Digivolving to get out of this one."
"Umm…ahh…I guess…he's in his apartment right now…"
"WHAT!? You came alone!?" Takato nodded. "Okay…we're so screwed now!"
"Guys, he's coming!" Lopmon shouted, as the others looked at SkullGreymon, who was charging right towards them!
"Oh, great…here goes nothing. Terrier Tornado!"
"Blazing Ice!"
The attack did nothing more that stopping the Digimon, who easily swatted its enemies away like flies. Takato knew they were goners the moment SkullGreymon launched its attack.
"DARK SHOT!"
"Nooooooo!!!!!!!!"
This can't end like this………Rika…
*****The Real World. Henry's Bedroom*****
"Nothing, nothing!"
Henry banged his head against the keyboard in frustration. He had tried to reach Takato for a while already, without any results. He knew there was a way. After all, they had been able to communicate with the Real World the time he had been there. I should have asked Mr. Yamaki about it…
Giving up, Henry decided to log in the Internet, not without concern for his friend. I seriously hope he doesn't get in any trouble. But we're talking of Takato here…anything could happen…
You have 3 new e-mails!
Henry, almost without looking at the screen, erased the first two: junk. But the last one took him totally by surprise. It was from Takato, and it seemed to have been sent right before when they met, that same day. Clicking on the little blue link, Henry proceeded to read the message.
Hey, what's up, Henry? I know you're okay, because I saw you some hours ago, but anyway. I'm just about to meet you, to execute the plan I told you about last night on the phone, but I've got to tell you this, as I'll probably forget it in a matter of minutes. The thing is, I totally forgot about Jeri. She sent me a letter where she said she was going to move back to Shinjuku! Isn't that great!? The thing is, it could be very soon, and I was thinking of doing some sort of "Welcome back" party. But now that I'm off to the Digiworld, who knows how long it will take me to get back, so, I was wondering…could you take care of receiving Jeri when she arrives instead of me? I'm sure she'll be very glad to see you again. So, be a good sport and treat her nice until my return, okay?
You best buddy,
Takato Matsuki
Henry let go a groan after he finished with the e-mail. Oh, this is just great… He was glad of having Jeri back, of course, but… Why did he have to ask me? Why not Kazu or Kenta? Henry could just picture it…
*****Whoo! This time is Henry's mind we get into! *****
"Jeri! Hey, Jeri!"
The girl turned back to meet the one who called her, and a big smile crossed her face when she met Henry's eyes. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, and her hand dropped the box she was carrying as her feet rushed to meet the boy who was there to receive her.
"Henry!"
They didn't waste any time, and locked themselves in a tight hug as they met. Almost to the point of squeezing each other, they just let go when their lungs asked for air and their bodies asked for freedom. Henry's smile was almost sickening, only compared to Jeri's.
"You…you're back, Jeri…" Henry started, but his wide smile disappeared when he saw what she had on her hand.
"And don't forget about me, woof!" the sock puppet replied.
"Oh…of course…how could I forget about you? Hello………what was your name again?" The sock puppet "growled".
"Oh, I can't believe you, woof! After all this time! Woof, woof!!!!" Suddenly, the puppet literally jumped out of Jeri's hand to bite Henry's neck!
"Ah…ahh!!!!!"
"Stop!" Jeri shouted, but to no avail. The "thing" kept biting, and Henry kept screaming…
***** Okay, that was weird….but it's over! *****
You owe me big time for this, Takato…
*****And now, it's back to the Digiworld! Well, not exactly…*****
"Tamer……Tamer……open your eyes, Tamer………"
Takato slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that he was feeling no pain at all. His body felt as good as new, unless……
Am I…dead?
"Do you feel dead?" the voice replied.
Do you really want me to answer that question?
"…forget it…"
Takato did what he thought was "getting up", but then he realized there was no floor at all! He was floating in an endless limbo where shades of red and grey mixed with a darkness that seemed to be growing.
Anyway, where am I? And, by the way, who am I talking to!?
"Do you want to know who I/We are, Tamer? I/We am/are you/them."
Okay, not you confused me. Let's do this step by step. Who's "them"?
"Them." The voice simply replied. Suddenly, a screen appeared from the infinite nothingness of that place, and it showed what was happening in the Digiworld. Takato could easily hear the conversation between the two rookie Digimon.
"I can't believe Takato's dead! I guess that means we're screwed, right?" Terriermon said.
"Young Takato is not dead! He's just…resting." Lopmon said unconvincingly.
"Whoa, there! You know, those little lies may work with Suzie, but not with me, the master of trick, pranks and manipulation!"
"I thought that was Puppetmon."
"Oh, shut up and move it, because SkullGreymon is right behind us!"
He screen turned off right before disappearing, leaving Takato angry and desperate.
I can't let them die! They were trying to help! They're my friends' partners. I promised to take them back home with me! Get me out of here, I want to help them!
"Oh, really?" The voice, which had now changed, resembled infinitude of voices at the same time. Voice of every possible kind, contrast and tone. "And what can you possibly do against one of the strongest Ultimates, without your partner by your side?"
I don't know! But I know I have to do something! Now only a miracle will save them, and I know miracles exist! I'm the living proof of that!
"Then…allow me/us to help you make a miracle."
Huh?
"You are meant for big things, Tamer. You presence here is proof of it. You have overcome every possible barrier I/we have installed, and showed me/us that you're the strongest Tamer I/we could have chosen?"
Wha…what? Excuse me, but I have no idea of what you're talking about.
"I/We am/are everything. The essence of existence and non-existence. The balance between good and evil, light and darkness, order and chaos, yin and yang."
The Force?
"Quiet, Tamer! You are one of my/our main cards in the big game of this Universe. Your actions and decisions will alter the course of many lives, if not of every single living being in both Human and Digital Worlds."
Gee, that's good to hear…
"Your last day is yet to come. Your decision of returning to the Digital World was sudden, irresponsible and inconsiderate, but I/we have to respect it, as I/we know everything has a meaning and a repercussion in future. For that reason, I/we must help you."
In that moment, a blinding light filled the big limbo Takato was trapped. Takato had to close his eyes until the light reduced itself, to be concealed in a small orb. Takato opened his eyes, and looked dumbfounded at the small sphere of pure light.
"Take it, Tamer. Make it yours, become one with it, unleash its power! This is the instrument of your destiny, the key to your survival, the gate that binds the two worlds. Use it with wisdom, free your soul, and become worthy of it………this, young Tamer, is the Omnivice………"
Takato nodded in reply, and extending his hand, he reached the light, until it became one with him. Overwhelming warmth filled his body, as he joyfully received what was meant to belong to him. He ignored what was going to happen, but somehow he knew his would live to see another sunset. He closed his eyes………
*****Now we're back to the Digital World! Finally…*****
"Terrier Tornado!"
"Blazing Ice!"
The attacks hit the giant Digimon with no results. An extremely tired Terriermon joined his twin friend.
"And it didn't do anything! How surprising, even after having done like fifty attacks just like that one."
"Well, at least we can't complain. We fought bravely, and we will die bravely."
"Oh, yeah, what a relief!" Terriermon said cynically. "Man! And I didn't get to tell Henry of the little prank I put on his computer."
"That you did what!?" Lopmon shouted, at the same time it avoided SkullGreymon's swipe.
"Oh, you know, that prank software that says 'Your computer has errors. Now proceeding to format the Hard Disk.' You know, stuff like that."
"Oh, I can't believe you!"
At the same time, Takato finally woke up, and in that same moment an almost unbearable pain filled his body and overcharged his neurons. He finally felt the effects of the Dark Shot attack. Ouch, ouch, ouch… Slowly getting up, he watched the scene before him. SkullGreymon hadn't stopped attacking the two Digimon, who surprisingly still avoided its attacks. Takato checked out for any serious injuries before trying to help his friends.
Well, nothing seems to be broken…let's see…shoes, ok. Clothes ok…goggles, okay. Deck of Cards, okay…weird looking watch……hey!
Takato looked carefully at the new artifact he had on his right wrist. Something that looked like a watch, but obviously wasn't a watch, because it didn't showed any time at all. It was mainly black, with at the borders and the watch's hand. A small red button was placed in the middle of it. Moved mostly by his curiosity, Takato slowly approached his left index finger to the button. When he was just about to push it, something came to his mind. Words. Just like when he slashed a blue card, now he knew exactly what to say.
"Omnivice, activate!" He shouted as he pushed the red button.
The three Digimon in front of him looked astonished at the Tamer, and the light that came from his wrist. Takato had to close his eyes for a second (A/N: He has done that pretty much lately, hasn't he?), until he found it safe to open them again. And when he did, his eyes widened at the sight before him. His right arm, from his wrist to his elbow was now covered by a new artifact, which Takato recognized as the weirdest Digivice he had ever seen. Red and black, just as the watch, but this time is was mostly red, with five black buttons eight next to his elbow. Left of the buttons and from there to his wrist, he saw a black, rectangular screen. At both sides Takato could see slots for card-slashing. Besides the "coolness" of this new Digivice, as Takato would explain later, Terriermon easily explained everybody's (Well, maybe not SkullGreymon's, but, who knows?) thoughts at the moment.
"Dude, what's THAT!?" However, Takato didn't have time to explain, as SkullGreymon was just about to take advantage of the rookies' distraction.
"Terriermon, Lopmon, follow me!"
Without any questions, the two Digimon (once again) followed Takato in a mad dash, this time to a group of rocks. After hiding right behind them, and ignoring the skeleton Digimon's loud roars of fury, Takato showed them his new acquisition.
"Terriermon, Lopmon, this is the Omnivice."
"Omnivice!? What kind of stupid name is that!?"
"Shut up, Terriermon!!!" Lopmon cried. "Takato, what is that for?"
"It's my new Digivice!"
"What happened to the old one?" Lopmon asked again.
"It looks like it was destroyed when I opened the gate here."
"Gee, man, you seem to have a thing for destroying Digivices! Seriously, what's wrong with you!? They aren't free, you know?"
"Terriermon! Anyway, the problem is, I have no idea of how to use this thing, or how could it help us get out of here. So, you two go out there, and distract him until I get this thing to work, okay?"
"Well, we've been doing that for like half and hour, so I guess we've got nothing to lose. Let's go!" Terriermon concluded.
"You know, this would be a good time for a 'Momentai'." Lopmon said.
"What do you think I am, one of those teddy bears!? What, 'push my bell and I'll speak'!?"
"Oh, come here already!" Lopmon shouted as it grabbed Terriermon back to battle. Takato forced himself to ignore the fighting noises, and focused on the Omnivice. These things should come with a manual…seriously! As he pressed a random button, the black display showed its first words.
Battle Mode Activated. Scanning Area for Possible Partners.
Possible partners? Takato wondered. He hadn't finished thinking that sentence when the display showed a new message.
2 Possible Partners Found. Data? Yes/No
Realizing the Digivice was asking him a question (This technology…it goes even faster than us…), Takato pressed the button corresponding to "Yes". Instantly, a familiar holographic display appeared. Takato read silently.
Lopmon, an Animal Digimon, Rookie Level, Data Type. Special Attacks: Blazing Ice, Tiny Twister.
Below, Takato read even another message. Select as Partner? Still having no idea what he was messing with, Takato answered "Yes". Then, the holographic display changed.
Terriermon, Animal Digimon, Rookie Level, Data Type. Special Attack: Bunny Blast, Terrier Tornado.
Select as Partner? Takato answered "Yes" once again. The holographic display disappeared, and the black screen changed.
Two Partners Selected. Awaiting Command. Scan and Slash Mode Activated. Takato slowly started to chain ideas, in the way only he could do. Walking out of his hiding place, he looked at the fight taking place in front of him. Just like before, Terriermon and Lopmon attacked with their best techniques, which didn't do any damage to SkullGreymon. Partners…Terriermon and…Lopmon?
Almost by instinct, his right hand moved to his pocket, and took out a card. Surprisingly, the black screen showed yet another message.
Evolution Card Detected. Apply? Yes/No Hell yeah! Takato thought as he answered "Yes".
Can Be Applied To A Maximum of Two Digimon. Apply to? Terriermon/Lopmon/Both Whoa! This thing rocks! He thought as he chose "Both".
Prepared for Slash…
Okay…I'm ready… "Terriermon, Lopmon!" Takato shouted, and the two Digimon looked at him, waiting for orders. Takato only had one thing to say.
"Get ready to rumble!!!!!!!!"
"Digi-Modify!"
Takato raised his right arm horizontally, until the height of his chin, and with a style Kazu and Kenta would have praised, he slashed the card the same way he had seen Rika do it during her battles. (A/N: You know, raising his arm all the way up, like Takato's old style would have been pretty uncomfortable and uncool, okay?)
"DigiEvolution, Activate!"
"This…feels…funny……!" Lopmon cried as the energy filled its body.
"This…feels…great!" Terriermon replied.
EVOLUTION
"Terriermon, Digivolve to…Gargomon!"
"Lopmon, Digivolve to…Endigomon!"
Takato couldn't believe his luck. His body brimming with happiness and energy, he proceeded to check out the holographic screen which had appeared, showing new data.
Gargomon, Animal Digimon, Champion Level, Vaccine Type. Special Attacks…
Takato pushed a button before reading the rest. After all, he knew which Gargomon's special attacks were. He looked at the data on Endigomon.
Endigomon, Animal Digimon, Champion Level, Virus Type. Special Attack…
"Howling Destroyer!" Without a waste of time, the two champion Digimon charged against the powerful Ultimate. While Endigomon tried to keep SkullGreymon paralyzed with continuous Howling Destroyers, Gargomon ran right next to Takato.
"Dude, this is great! How did you do it!?"
"This is no time for explanation, my friend. Why don't you go and lend Endigomon a hand?"
"I'd do it, but let me remind you that SkullGreymon is one of the most powerful Ultimates. Two champions won't be enough."
"I hate to admit it, but you're right. I'll work on it. Now go!"
"Alrighty! Bunny Pummel!" Gargomon cried as he returned to battle. Takato now had to get at least one of them to the Ultimate level. Think, Takato, think! Takato took a random card out of his pocket, and obviously, the Omnivice showed a new message.
Otamamon Card Detected. Apply? Yes/No
No! I need a Blue Card!
Incorrect Instruction. Blue Card Function Not Applicable To This Model.
Oh, great, now what's that supposed to mean!? I'm not the one for technical words…wait a second! This thing reacts to my thoughts!?
Affirmative. As An Extension, the Omnivice Boosts the Tamer's Functions.
Really? Well then, what am I thinking right now?
Takato Loves Rika.
Damn it! It's true! Then, what are all those buttons for?
It Is the Tamer's Decision Whether To Use Mind Contact or Digital Contact.
Great! Now, how do I get my partners to Ultimate Level?
Consider The Use Of A Digivice Or A Crest Tag Card.
Seriously? Cool!
Immediately, Takato searched in his pocket for a card, which the Omnivice easily detected.
Crest Tag Card Detected. Apply? Yes!
Can Be Applied To Only One Digimon. Apply to? Umm…Gargomon!
Prepared for Slash…
Takato decided to give some final instructions. "Endigomon!"
"Yes?"
"Retreat! Let Gargomon finish the job!"
"WHAT!?" Gargomon replied.
"Trust me, buddy." Ignoring Gargomon's sigh of defeat, Takato prepared to slash a new card.
Okay, here we go…
"Digi-Modify! Crest Tag, Activate!"
"Whoa! Now this feels weird!" Gargomon shouted.
MATRIX EVOLUTION
"Gargomon, Matrix Digivolve to…Rapidmon!"
"Whoa! Takato, this is awesome!" The Ultimate Digimon shouted to his human friend, at the same time Takato checked the new data on Rapidmon.
Okay, this is it! Rapidmon, Warrior/Android Digimon, Ultimate Level, Vaccine Type. Special Attack: Rapid Fire.
"This is it, Rapidmon! Now we're even! Finish him!"
Takato mentally ordered the Omnivice to cancel all of Endigomon's functions. Immediately, it returned to its rookie form, Lopmon.
"What was that for?" Lopmon asked.
"Sorry, but I find it easier controlling one Digimon per fight. Now, if you excuse me…" Takato said as he walked closer to the fight scene. He had seen Henry fighting alongside Rapidmon before, so he knew its advantages and disadvantages. I don't need to destroy SkullGreymon; I just want to get out of here!
"Digi-Modify! Power, Activate!"
"Rapid Fire!"
Rapidmon's overpowered attack struck SkullGreymon right on the ribs, which caused the mighty Digimon to fall down.
"The bigger they are, the worse they fall! Now, for the finishing blow…"
"Stop it, Rapidmon!" Takato shouted. "We don't need to kill him. Let's get out of here while we still can!"
"Believe me, Takato; we'll be doing a favor to the Digiworld if we get rid of this guy!" Rapidmon replied.
"I said: enough! Now get back here!" Takato shouted almost angrily. Defeated, Rapidmon retreated, grabbed Takato and Lopmon, and dashed out of that place. But as they left, and SkullGreymon roared in frustration, a shadow, hidden in the darkness, looked with its sharp eyes at the human and the two Digimon who escaped.
Interesting…very interesting…
*****The Real World, Matsuki's Bakery*****
Rika Nonaka walked in the bakery with an angered expression. Once again, Takato hadn't showed by her house, and boredom had taken away the few amounts of good mood she had acquired in the last months. Politely pushing away the other customers, she approached to the man behind the counter, Takato's father.
When I see that stupid Gogglehead I'll……
"Welcome, what can I do for…oh? You're Rika, right? Takato's friend!" Friend!? The Goggle head's friend!? He must be insane…
"Colleague. Takato's colleague. By any chance, is Goggle…Takato here?" she asked, ignoring the curious looks from the other customers. Obviously, they had already recognized her, and Rika also recognized some students from her school amongst them. Silently cursing, Rika also thank God that they were still on Summer Holidays.
"Oh, I'm sorry, but he's not here. He's staying with his other friend…"
"Henry?"
"Yes, Henry."
"Will he be back tomorrow?"
"I don't think so. He said he was staying there for a few days."
"I see…" Without any other words, Rika walked to the main door, not without grabbing Guilmon bread for herself. Mr. Matsuki stopped her before she could leave.
"Hmm…aren't you paying for that?"
"Well…take it out of Takato's allowance, okay?"
As Rika left the bakery and enjoyed the bread, she had new plans in her cunning mind.
It's getting late…I guess I'll pay a visit to Braniac's home tomorrow…
***************************************************************************
End of Chapter 3…
Terriermon: Henry! Henry's in trouble!
DR: Sure thing!
Terriermon: And I'm having some serious fun!
Takato: Isn't that redundant? "Serious fun"…
DR: Oh, shut up, Takato!
Rika: Hey, stay away of Gogglehead!
DR: Oh, sure, I have to stay away of YOUR Gogglehead…
Rika/Takato: *blush*
Terriermon: That was so easy…
Next Chapter: Takato, Terriermon and Lopmon now know what the Omnivice is able to do. Will that help them rescue Calumon and MarineAngemon from an angry Mega Digimon? What will Henry do when the hurricane Rika arrives to his house? Will any of our friends survive the storm? Stay close for the next chapter of OmniTamer: Light-Speed Fighter!
