A/N: This will be another breather chapter as Matt and Gabumon try to appease Beerusmon. Meanwhile, other shenanigans, mostly Impmon and an infamous Bingo Dance, shall occur. Also X briefly leaves to fetch something to help Tai summon the 'Ascendant God'.
And among other things.
Enjoy.
xxxxx
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act I: Battle of Digital Gods
Chapter IV: Weathering a Coming Storm
xxxxx
Digital World/File Island/Beach Resort/11:20 AM
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Under the Blue Sky)
As she sat near a table with Biyomon, Sora consumed a whole plate of spaghetti to the surprise of many near her.
"Sora, don't you think you oughta slow down?" Izzy asked, who watched her inhale her whole plate.
"I'm not waiting for Tai and Agumon while my food sits there. Besides, I can't let it go cold," Sora said, twirling her fork over the last spaghetti strands. She quickly stuffed them in her mouth and swallowed it fast. "How dare they make us wait honestly!"
"At least the Bingo game hasn't started yet," Biyomon added.
"About that," Cody spoke up. "It's going to start soon."
The irked Bearer of Love scoffed. "Terrific." She drank down some wine and watched the festivities. She turned toward Beerusmon and Whismon sitting together. "Still, I have to wonder where those two came from."
"Gennai's been awfully polite to 'em," Armadillomon observed. "Are they something important or somethin'?"
"Tentomon, what can you tell us about them?" Biyomon asked the walking Digimon Encyclopedia, who paused and placed his drink down.
"Erm, well... for once, I know nothing about them other than them already introducing themselves. This is the first I've ever seen them."
"Apparently, Mimi says they're friends of Matt?" Sora eyed the two deities suspiciously. "How come we've never heard of them until now? And how well does Matt know them?"
"What if Yamato knows them and not Matt?" wondered Izzy. "Either way, I deduce he and Gabumon might've met these two during their interstellar travels in the Digiverse."
"Good deduction, Izzy!" Tentomon chimed in, nodding in approval over his partner's intuition.
"They're not starting any trouble at least. That's a good thing, right, Sora?"
"Maybe, Biyomon," Sora said, not taking her eyes off the deities and taking another wine sip. Gennai and Simms both are giving Beerusmon and Whismon some royal treatment. Wonder how X makes of this?
Elsewhere, the Scooby Digidestined conversed at another table with Joe and Gomamon joining them.
"Awww, what do you mean Matt and his band's performance is being delayed?" Jun griped, slamming her glass down. "Don't tell me Matt's gotten cold feet singing again?"
"We don't know his reasons, but fear not, my lovely Jun, we'll hear a grand performance from Knife of Day!" Kotemon reassured her by flashing a thumbs up accompanied with a tooth sparkle.
"I hope so," Jun said, leaning over and putting an arm around Jim's arm. She giggled, snuggling and rubbing against his arm. "I want to be able to enjoy this occasion with my Jimmy!"
"Yeah," Jim smiled down over his girlfriend and patted her head.
Hagurumon spoke while stuffing his mouth with screws. "Mmmm! Good!"
"Enjoying your screws, Hagurumon?" Jim turned to his Digimon partner, who nodded eagerly with metal scraps falling off his cheeks.
"Mmmhmm!"
"Ugh, close your mouth. Seriously," Joe groaned. "It's especially impolite around the ladies."
"Thanks for keeping us on your mind, Joe!" Chizuru added, widening a big grin. "Man, but I gotta say Knife of Day really have fallen off the radar after Matt went total Yamato and when you guys beat that Virus guy."
"Yeah, tell me about it," Momoe nodded, watching Knife of Day talking with Matt. "Fighting just became his new passion. Though, it's always nice when he sings. It's not like he's lost a step. What do you think, Mikemon?"
Mikemon paused eating and mused. "Hmmm, well didn't that Yamato persona go away after the Evil D-Reaper was beaten?"
Lalamon added. "I believe so, but he still trains a lot which is something Yamato does, right?"
Mantarou sighed as he and Bearmon leaned back on their chairs. "Whatever the case, let's not make it our business. Besides, I can't forget what that Yamato made Matt do blowing up half of that stadium."
"Yeah..." The Inoue sisters both recalled the incident and hung their heads.
"On the bright side, all of those Digimon did get revived thanks to the Digicores and Primary Village," Gomamon reassured them. "There's always a bright side to everything! Huh, Joe?"
Having stayed quiet during the exchange, the Bearer of Reliability replied. "Yeah, I guess. By the way, Chizuru, Momoe, I heard Yolei's been liking her job at Stark Industries."
"Like? Are you kidding? She's having a blast and how lucky she is!" Chizuru nearly spat out some of her drink.
"Not only working with Ken but working for that absolute playboy Tony Stark!" Momoe exclaimed. "We're talking Time Magazine's Person of the Year last year!"
"Oh, I'm so jealous of our baby sister," Chizuru teared up dramatically. "She's moved up in the world faster and left us in the dust! Not only that, she's got it made becoming a career woman!"
"Well, that's what happens when you have a team of young minds who've experienced the wonders of the Digital World. Tony became totally sold on the idea of meeting digitized beings since he's a man of technology," Mantarou stated. "I don't honestly see the big deal with how many Digidestined there are now..." Yeah right, I wish I were in your shoes, Yolei!
"It also helps Yolei, Ken, and Izzy are our top technical genius minds," Joe said. "Tony can make use of them in the long run."
"Can't help but think if they've been helping upgrade that Iron Man armor of his?" Gomamon wondered.
"Oh, we totally missed out on this year's Stark Expo!" Jun said. "Jim, we're totally going to the next one."
"Um, yeah, I'm sorta kind we missed out," Jim sweatdropped. "Did you forget about those Hammer Drones that went haywire and attacked all those people?"
"Thankfully Yolei, Ken, and Izzy were there to send their partners out to give Iron Man and War Machine help," Joe sighed. "They really helped save that disaster."
"And since they got in better graces with Tony," Jim said.
"Yep! They've moving on up, huh, Joe?" Gomamon grinned, winking to his partner.
(End theme)
Everyone at the table turned over to Yolei and Ken chatting with Tony and Pepper. Yolei was seen pouring a drink for Tony while Pepper gave a jealous look. Ken handed a glass to Pepper, appeasing the woman.
"So, how about that next armor upgrade? Need me, Ken, and Izzy to check it out for you?" Yolei asked, winking seductively, which didn't sit well with Pepper.
Ken facepalmed watching this going on. "Ugh, Yolei, please."
"Thanks, but I should be good. You guys have been handling the computer science division great. I made the best choice going with you, Ken, and Izzy!" Tony said. "Glad I can depend on Tai for many so many connections. Hey, Pepper, you want another glass?"
"No, I'll pass," Pepper answered in an annoyed manner.
"Ooook, was it something I said?"
"No, just peachy."
Yolei motioned to Pepper, but the ginger-haired woman rolled her eyes. "What? I can't pour a glass for my boss?"
"You and your friends have gotten into much good graces with Tony."
"Well, we're happy to be of service," Ken interjected, pulling Yolei to the side. "And glad we helped avert that Stark Expo disaster. Let's hope for a turn-out without any hiccups?"
"Knock on wood," Tony replied. "Yolei, with all due respect and I appreciate the kindness, but..." He pulled her closer and whispered. "Pepper can be a bit territorial. You saw the look she gave you. I don't want friction between y'all, ok?"
"I'll try not to step on anyone's shoes then. Sorry, Tony," the purple-haired woman said, adjusting her glasses and shifting her eyes toward Pepper. Not unless she bites my head off first. She gave a nervous sigh and refrained from making eye contact with Pepper.
(Cue Power Rangers OST - Bulk & Skull theme)
Elsewhere, Impmon and Calumon were already seated together with Tike, Kara, David, Meryl., and Salamon Gatomon, Patamon, and Veemon joined them. The three Digimon closely monitored Impmon suspiciously.
"What? Can't an imp eat in peace?" Impmon noticed the glares the three gave him. "Sheesh, not like I'm gonna steal y'alls food!"
"Can I have your bread?" Calumon asked, trying to pick off a slice from Impmon's plate.
"No!" Impmon hissed, backhanding Calumon's hand away.
"Ow, that hurt!"
"Hey, give him a piece, Impmon!" Gatomon hissed, quickly brandishing her claws to him.
"Ok, ok, sheesh!" The imp rolled his eyes, but one glare from Gatomon finally got him to comply. Man, does this feline ever have it out for me?! Feline PMS I tell ya! He break some bread for Calumon and handed him some.
Calumon beamed happily and stuffed down the bread. "Yum! Thanks, pal!"
As Impmon turned around, Gatomon folded her arms and smirked like a boss.
"Man, Gatomon sure knows how to handle Impmon well," David observed.
"Yep, Gatomon don't take shit from no one," Kara nodded.
"How do you like the food, Meryl?" Tike asked, eating rice and teriyaki chicken with Mummymon's daughter. He watched her biting into her bread. He put on a stupidly ecstatic grin. She's even cuter when she eats! I can't believe I'm getting in good graces with Mummymon's daughter!
"Um, Tike," Meryl interjected, interrupting the boy's train of thoughts. "Are you going to eat? Your mouth is hanging open."
"Huh? Oh, man!" Tike swallowed his mouth full of food. Totally not cool! She probably thought that was gross!
Meryl giggled. "Silly, make sure to swallow your food."
"Yeah, got it!" The boy added, quickly wolfing down his whole plate.
Sheesh and I thought I was a glutton. These rugrats put me to shame! Impmon thought, watching Tike and Kara inhale their plates without a second thought.
"Isn't it good, Salamon?" Meryl asked, watching her partner eating and nodding.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Other World/X's Planet
(Cue Propellerheads – Spybreak)
Back on the small planet, Tai and Agumon took on stages with their hands cupped to the sides.
"Tsunnnnnami...!"
"Terrrrrra...!"
X watched on the sidelines and sensed his pupils' energies increase in conjunction. A blue ball of Ki formed inside Tai's palms while an orange ball formed in Agumon's.
"Here we go," the masked watched muttered, clenching his teeth behind his mask. "Just don't blow up more of my planet, you two!"
"WAVE/BEAM!" The duo fired off their respective Ki blasts.
The blasts trailed across over one side of the small planet and came back the other way around. As the beams hurtled toward their backs, Tai and Agumon instinctively turned catching their immense blasts. Tai held back his massive blue wave. Agumon clutched the orange light. Both struggled and planted their feet into the earth to get a better hold of the blasts. After a few seconds of struggle, the beams exploded right in their faces.
Ba-Boom!
The resulting shockwave swept across the planet, but X formed a barrier to protect himself from debris.
"I really hate you two," X sighed deeply, exasperated with his pupils' reckless methods.
As the smoke cleared, Tai and Agumon emerged with dust and visible scathed blemishes on their bodies.
"Damn it, this won't work!" Tai cursed, looking down over himself.
Agumon wondered. "What do you think we should do now, Tai?"
"Well, it's not enough to beat Beerusmon," the Bearer of Courage answered his partner's concern. "Hate to say it, but he's the strongest opponent we've ever faced." He turned and motioned over to the masked watcher. "Hey, X! Bad news. Getting in a round of training just won't be enough practice to get us up to this Ascendant God level."
This is going to take a lot of work. There's gotta be something I can do... yes, I think it's about that time. X thought, turning away. "Listen, you two continue working at it. There's something I need to take care of. I'll be right back." He flew over to his mansion.
"X, wait! Where are you going?!" Agumon asked.
Tai wondered the same thing. "What are you up to, X?"
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/File Island/Beach Resort/11:30 AM
(Cue Summer Wars OST – OZ, the Virtual City)
Pikkan, BW, and Sam waited for their dates on while the party festivities continued. They paused and noticed Simms walking forward with three lovely ladies.
On Simms' right was a girl with long brunette hair, a green dress, and her most defining features, a pair of pointed ears that resembled Pikkan's. The girl closely resembled a slightly older Jeri Katou.
Pikkan smiled as he approached the elf-eared girl. "Juri."
"Pikkan, how are you my love?" Juri asked, embracing the Alterian.
"Been waiting for you. Is the party still going on?"
"Of course until we're all drunk and merry."
Juri giggled. "Oh you!"
BW eyed a beautiful sight to behold. On Simms' right was a woman wearing long, blonde hair that reached down the middle of her back while sporting a violet dress that showed her cleavage. The most striking features of this woman were her blue eyes that seemed to stare through BW.
Needless to say, BW was enamored by the woman's presence.
"Rena," BW acknowledged the beautiful blonde.
"Fancy seeing you again, my handsome man," Rena smirked seductively and approached him. She folded both arms around BW and kissed him. "Is there room for more at Mimi's party?"
"They're all waiting for us."
The third girl, Catherine Deneuve, arrived from France with her partner Floramon. Sam walked over and kissed her hand.
"Thank you for the invite, Sam," Catherine happily blushed.
"No, I'm glad you can make it. Tai isn't here yet, but he'll be thrilled to see you. Now, shall we?" Sam offered a hand to Catherine, who took it. He led Catherine and Floramon forward. "You like bingo?"
"I've only played it a few."
"We're having a bingo tournament. It's going to be fun."
"Sounds like it will be. I'm in!"
Simms walked past the three dates. "I'll see you back at the party."
Pikkan and Juri grabbed each other's hands before making their way toward the party. BW and Rena took a while, but eventually they went on ahead.
xxxxx
Back at the party...
"I haven't even sensed a pinch of Ascendant God energy since we've come to this backwater Digital World," Beerusmon watched the party-goers and took a seat next to Whismon. He crossed a leg and leaned forward, looking bored. "I was very much looking forward to meeting one."
Whismon replied, cutting and eating some meat. "From what I've heard from the Chosen, I've learned there's only a handful of Ascendants. The rest are either half-breeds or children."
"Is that so?"
(End theme)
(Cue Dragon Ball Z Battle of Gods OST – Bingo Tournament Open)
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?! Drum roll please!" Mimi's voice rang out behind the curtains, which opened up and revealed her on stage. Right on cue, a drum roll was sounded. Mimi beckoned for the spotlight on her as she held a microphone in hand. "Now let's get my birthday celebration rolling with the bingo tournament!"
(End theme)
Upon hearing this, Sora sighed. "Stupid Tai. Couldn't make it for the bingo game?" She grumbled as Biyomon massaged her shoulders. "Yes, wooooosah, I know." She breathed in and out hard.
"Wooosah?" Izzy asked.
"Her new method of coping with stress," Biyomon explained in short.
"She's not getting worked up because Tai isn't here, is he?" Tentomon gulped and backed away nervously.
"It's ok, guys," the Bearer of Love reassured them, rubbing her temples. "I'm fine."
That's not the vibes I'm getting. Cody thought.
Back on stage, Mimi called for Knife of Day to push carts covered with sheets. The girls from the Scooby Digidestined side hollered for the cute guys.
"As you know the new fancy cars are awesome grand prizes, but they're not even the super grand prize!" Mimi announced as she walked over to the nearest sheet covered cart. She pulled the sheet off and revealed the Digicores, sans one. "The whole set of the mystical Digicores! All you have to do is win the tournament and you'll get any wish you want granted!"
Impmon caught wind of this and did a double take, nearly choking on his food. "Gah!" He immediately spat out his food. Oh no, they're gonna notice one of 'em is missing!
"What are ya so worked up over, Impmon?" Veemon asked.
Patamon added. "You're face's turning white."
Gatomon narrowed her eyes and scoffed. "Gee, I do wonder what comes to that devious little mind ever so often."
"Get grip and stop trying to paint me like the bad guy every time you get, kitty cat!"
Meryl handed Impmon a napkin. "Impmon, could you not yell and spit please? We're eating here."
"Yeah, you should know good table manners," Tike said.
Oh, you're one to talk, ya golden-haired rugrat! The impish Digimon scowled and grabbed the napkin.
Beerusmon attentively noted the Digicores. "Hmm, Digicores? They remind me so much of the four Sovereigns' data orbs. I believe four specific ones were granted to each Sovereign."
Whismon added. "Yes, quite a sight. It's only reasonable that some would be here since Azulongmon governs this quadrant of the Digiverse."
"I do recall bringing four of these specific Digicores, each with their own designated Sovereign's emblem, would summon a digi-deity that resembles a dragon that grants anyone a wish."
Suddenly, Sam counted the set. "Hey, wait a second! I only see three of them! There's one Digicore missing!"
"He's right, guys!" Keke called out.
Everyone fell into shock and scoured around looking for the fourth Digimon to see if it had dropped anywhere. Amidst the commotion, Impmon pushed his seat back and quickly slipped off quietly.
Time for me to make my leave! These numbskulls don't even realize it! Impmon grinned devilishly and crawled under the table. Now to find my way to the back of that stage and then freedom is all mine!
As Impmon reached the other side of the table, he bumped right into Gatomon and Patamon. The duo casted dark and intimidating glares that made Impmon want to shrink.
Shit, busted! Impmon freaked out.
"Going somewhere, Impmon?" Gatomon asked.
"Uh, huhuh, I was gonna for seconds at the buffet...!"
"Awfully suspicious of you to leave," Patamon furrowed his brows.
"How about I help y'all find that Digicore...?!" As Impmon turned around, Gatomon snatched his arm and accidentally yanked off his red glove.
Out of the glove, the stolen Digicore fell and hit the ground with a loud thud. Everyone close by heard the sound and turned around seeing the culprit. Most casted annoyed glares upon realizing where the fourth Digicore had gone.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - The Pilaf Gang's Plan)
"Ugh, fine I never wanted it to come to this!" Impmon shouted as he yanked Calumon aside and pulled out a gun. He pointed it to Calumon's head. "A'right, listen up, ya jerks, if you don't wanna see me blow this butterball's head off, you'll pay me 1 million digi-dollars and let me leave!"
In response, everyone gave him deadpan and apathetic looks.
"Hmmmm." Was all they could give him.
"Um, how about 100,000?" Impmon persuaded instead. He looked at the others looking down at him. Then, he heard low chuckles stifling. "Are y'all crazy?! What are y'all laughing at?! I'm gonna pop Calumon like a zit!"
"If this is a game this ain't fun, Impmon!" Calumon fidgeted.
Noticing the commotion, Beerusmon remarked. "A child Digimon is threatening to kill another child Digimon? And everyone at this party merely laughs? I should go discipline them all." Just as he got up from his chair, Matt and Gabumon rushed over to calm him.
"No, no, Lord Beerusmon! They're just goofing off!" Matt tried his hardest to calm the Digital God down. "Impmon's just using a toy gun!"
"Right, it won't do any harm to Calumon!" Gabumon laughed albeit nervously.
"THIS AIN'T A TOY GUN!" Impmon shouted. "And I ain't goofing around! I'll splatter this butterball's brains all over the ground if y'all don't give what I want!"
"IMPMON!" Gatomon hissed as she and Patamon were ready to jump him.
"Ugh, Impmon," Sonja growled. "Calumon, mule kick!"
"MULE KICK!" Calumon closed his eyes and groin kicked Impmon.
Ding!
As his bell got rung, Impmon's face turned red as he let Calumon go and fired a few rounds into the air. To the shock of some spectators, it was the sound of a real gun instead of it being a toy.
(End theme)
"And it's super effective!" Davis added.
"Did you seriously just say that, Davis?" Kari asked.
"Yeah, I mean why not?"
"I taught the little guy that just in case Impmon tried picking on him," Sonja winked. "Works like a charm."
"Just as long as you don't start teaching him to headbutt crotches," Pikkan muttered.
Gatomon and Patamon managed to wrestle Impmon down. Gatomon seized the gun and emptied out the bullets. She handed it to Kara.
"Impmon, we can't have one day of freaking peace without you mucking things up!" Gatomon hissed, restraining the trickster. "And who loaned you the gun?"
"Wouldn't you wanna know, whiskers...?"
Gatomon pinched Impmon's right ear.
"Ow, ok, ok, ok, I bought it off some Deputymon! I was desperate to defend myself! I miss being able to fire a gun like I used to as Beelzebumon!"
Patamon sighed. "All this because you want to become Beelzebumon again?"
"That's probably what he wants to wish for, to have those inhibitor rings taken off," Gatomon speculated. She noticed Impmon sweating. "Hah, I knew it! Well, after today, I don't think Anubimon's letting you off easy again!"
"Deputymon? Like the same one we watched duel Starmon?" Sora wondered.
"Ow! I've been shot!" Came a woman's voice. It was Pepper Potts, who got shot in the knee by one of Impmon's stray bullets. Tony quickly tended to her.
"Guys, Pepper's been shot in the leg!" Tony shouted. "Easy, Pepper, I've got..."
"No, let me handle this!" Falcomon offered as he, Dianamon, and Minervamon hurried over to tend to Pepper. "Relax, miss, I'm a healer."
"A healer?" Pepper asked as she turned to Tony and then Yolei, who grabbed her hand.
"Falcomon's our friend, Pepper. He can take the bullet out with his powers," Yolei smiled, giving the woman some reassurance.
Nodding, Pepper complied and let Falcomon work over her.
"Be gentle, Falcomon," Ken asked of the Digicore guardian.
As Falcomon focused, some blue energy formed from his feathered hands and bathed over Pepper's leg. The ginger-haired woman winced for a moment, but the healing light soothed and healed the wound. The energy removed the bullet that got lodged inside her leg tendon. Tony watched as Falcomon miraculously removed the bullet and healed her.
"Wait, he can heal?" Mummymon asked as he noticed Falcomon doing his healing work.
"Did you forget? He was able to heal others during the evil D-Reaper crisis and he's the Digicore guardian," BanchoLeomon reminded the oblivious Digital World champion.
Mummymon facepalmed. "Ugh, right. I tend to block that out of my mind."
"Better?" Falcomon asked as Pepper bent and stretched her leg forward.
"Yeah, it's good as new!" Pepper replied, smiling genuinely. "Thank you, Falcomon!"
"She's our super healer when X isn't around!" Yolei said, giving Pepper a thumbs up. "Need help up?"
"I'll be fine. Thanks, Yolei."
"Say, that was some neat magic trick, kid," Tony acknowledged Falcomon's healing power.
Dianamon asserted. "It's not a magic trick, Mr. Stark."
Minervamon corrected him. "Nope, it's real miracle power! It was passed over from our Great Spirian Elder, who has long since passed!"
"Sorry, I was trying to demean your powers," the CEO openly apologized to Falcomon. "But, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for healing my friend."
"Anytime, it's not a problem, Mr. Stark," Falcomon nodded.
Tike approached Impmon. "Next time you use a gun, why not try shooting me?"
"I'll pass..." Impmon groaned, sinking his head as Gatomon tied his hands behind his back.
"And no I'm not letting anyone shoot you, Tike," Kari scolded the boy. "I don't care if you're hundreds of times stronger and faster than any normal kid, you're still mine and TK's little boy!"
The boy sighed and whined. "Yes, mom."
Meryl sniffed and hugged Tike. "Yeah, don't let anyone shoot you, Tike!"
"Your motherly habits are picking up early, Kari," Davis teased her.
"Gotta start early somewhere," the brunette giggled.
Meanwhile, as the commotion eased down, Matt and Gabumon both sensed a rising storm waiting to happen.
Matt nervously asked him. "What did you think, Lord Beerusmon? Wasn't it an entertaining performance?"
Beerusmon remained seated, but on his forehead was one of the stray bullets. The bullet struck his forehead and was flattened. The Digital God didn't budge an inch or show any pain, but his eyes started to twitch eliciting irritation.
"One of those projectiles hit me, too."
(Cue Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods OST – Beerus' Wrath)
Furrowing a brow bridge, the bullet bounced right off Beerusmon's forehead. Matt and Gabumon were taken aback, deathly afraid of Beerusmon's reaction.
Beerusmon deepened his tone as the bullet fell in his palm. "It feels itchy like the bite of an insect I should crush." He clenched and crushed the bullet.
Whismon replied, cleaning his mouth with a napkin. "I take it you're in a hostile mood. Are you going to destroy the Digital World?"
"I prefer to see as renewing so it may reach its potential."
(End theme)
With that, Beerusmon opened his hand and let the crushed remains of the bullet fall. As his unsettling temper rose, a purple aura formed and bathed over him.
"Of course before any creation, there must come destruction!"
Gabumon freaked out and turned over to Matt. "We gotta do something quick, Matt!"
Then, the Bearer of Friendship noticed the stage nearby and remembered the concert his band were set to perform. He formed a quick idea and beckoned Gabumon over.
"ALL RIGHT, EVERYONE! LISTEN UP!" Matt announced, garnering everyone's attention. "The gun show's over! Time it's time for the main event of Mimi's birthday celebration... THE BINGO TOURNAMENT!" He and Gabumon jumped on stage side by side with spotlights hitting them both. Yamato, you're gonna kill me if you're still there!
Matt and Gabumon started to dance with random bingo music playing.
(Cue Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods OST – Fun Bingo)
BINGO!
"BINGO!"
BINGO!
"BINGO!"
BINGO!
"BINGO!"
There was much confusion and baffled looks from those viewing the bingo performance. Everyone looked on watching Matt and Gabumon give their most awkward dance numbers ever.
"And here I thought BanchoLeomon's karaoke performance was bad," Davis muttered before getting a growl from the lion warrior. He and Veemon covered their mouths.
"Better if we shut up, Davish."
"Right."
Keke lowered her head. "I'll forever disown you as my dad after this, Matt." I'm so glad you aren't here watching this, Dimitri.
"Aw, man, Matt's totally becoming a king of lame," the shaggy-haired band member remarked.
The glasses-wearing member blinked in befuddlement. "Totally. Those blows in the head must've caused permanent brain damage or something like that."
The ponytail hair member shook his head and gasped. "No, I get it! He wants us to try our own rendition of this bingo music! It's brilliant!"
The other two looked at their friend like he was high on pot.
"FINE TIME BINGO, HAH! THIS IS THE FUNNEST TO BE-O! YEAH! THE FOOD IS TASTY, TOO! YUM! LET'S GO PLAY-O! LET'S BE FRIENDS-O! FUNTIME BINGO! TIME TO PLAY SOME BINGO! OLAY!" Matt and Gabumon finished wearing the goofiest smiles on their faces.
(End theme)
Both veered over the other side of the venue where the deities had unsatisfying things to say.
Whismon remarked, deadpan and all. "That was certainly something."
Beerusmon scoffed. "Indeed, the Bearer of Friendship may be a decent singer, but he's a poor dance man. He'd give you and the lion a run for y'alls money, Whismon."
"Now you're just being hurtful."
Matt gritted his teeth hard, resisting the urge to blow up at their faces.
"Now, how about we make an orbit around Planet Buffet Table?" Whismon asked, inviting Beerusmon to follow.
"Very well."
As Beerusmon walked off, Matt let out an exasperated sigh and walked off stage with Gabumon.
BanchoLeomon grumbled hearing snickers in the back of his mind.
'Even Matt outshone you, cat, but his and Gabumon's dance number needs work. But, look on the bright side, you're still the second worst singer next to Joe!' Ogremon berated his rival, choking with laughter.
'And Joe was freaking abysmal!' laughed Marsmon. 'Be thankful you're better than that guy.'
'Hate to agree with my two colleagues, BanchoLeomon. Mercurimon replied apologetically.
BanchoLeomon grumbled. "Whatever, things just couldn't get any worse for me."
"What's that, kitty kat?" Sheila smirked devilishly.
"Nothing."
"Your roommates giving you a hard time again?"
"You have no idea."
Mimi picked up the Digicore and scolded Impmon. "Impmon, this is my birthday party! Next time you cause any trouble, you're going to time out!"
Gatomon smirked evilly. "Oh, don't worry. Leave him with me and Patamon. It'll be fun to play the wardens."
Impmon grumbled. "You never let me have fun."
Sonja walked over and scooped Calumon in her arms.
"You ok, little one?"
"Yep! The Mule Kick really worked!"
"Glad to know."
Calumon replied giving Sonja his Eskimo kisses to the female Artificial's delight.
"Though, I have to admit, Impmon, that was kinda a cute skit" Mimi winked to the little one. "Next time, use a toy gun for everyone's sake, ok?" She walked right back to the stage carrying the fourth Digicore. "Let's get our bingo on!"
"Bingo time!" Palmon hollered.
Matt and Gabumon walked off the stage with the former feeling embarrassed.
"Ugh, if Yamato were here now, he'd flip thousands of tables by now."
"Nah, I'd say he'd blow up File Island."
"Fair point, Gabumon. Ugh, please let this be over..." Matt groaned.
"Hey, Matt!" Knife of Day called over to the band leader.
"What now, guys? Can this wait?"
"Actually, I think our next song should be a rendition of the bingo song!" Takashi suggested, putting on a big grin and showing a thumbs up.
Yutaka and Akira crossed their arms and nodded dismissively, dejecting his idea behind his back.
Gabumon chuckled nervously. "Oh boy."
The Bearer of Friendship resisted the urge to pull his hair out. This day couldn't get any freaking worse! Tai, Agumon, X, what the hell's taking you three?! He pivoted over watching the deities given hotdogs from Digitamamon. "But it does appear to have worked for now, Gabumon. Doesn't seem like he's going to destroy the Digital World anymore."
"All we need to do is keep him in a good mood and persuade him to leave."
"Easier said than done, but what choice do we have now?"
Both sighed deeply knowing their big task ahead of them the rest of the day.
xxxxx
Central Planet/Shinmon's Palace
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - The Infinite Universe)
"Welcome, X," Shinmon said as he, Kibitomon, Gosenzomon, Shintomon, and Buddhamon walked the masked watcher into the palace. "Right this way."
"Thanks for sending Buddhamon to come get me by my request."
"Where are you going to take him, father?" Shintomon asked.
"I'm normally not supposed to do this. It goes against my jurisdiction to interfere with the dealings of another deity. But after learned Beerusmon reached the Digital World. On top of Omega X being brought down... this may call for drastic measures to help pacify Beerusmon's wrath should he lose his temper."
X replied ever so tensely. "I still appreciate you doing this."
"Are you certain you want to reenter the Nexus realm?" Kibitomon asked the masked watcher. "With all due respect, there's nothing left but the ghosts of a dimension long lost to a universal disaster."
"There were remnants left over that managed to survive that disaster. Myself, the D3s, BW, Pikkan, a few others, and sadly the Digital Warlord," X said, lowering his head and sighing deep trying hard not to recall the disaster that ended his old dimension. "Everyone else perished."
"Or, simply became reborn in this universe," Gosenzomon sagely replied. "Kinda like how a computer reboots itself. The Nexus is simply a room of lost data from the old hard drive. X, I hope you know what you're looking for is still there, my friend."
Glancing over his shoulder, X vaguely smiled. "Thank you, old timer. I hope what I need is still there." He said looking down at his own clenched fist.
Upon arriving near a set of doors, Shinmon beckoned X forward.
"Here we are, X," Shinmon presented the doors. "Behind the doors will lead you to the Nexus."
"Thank you, Lord Shinmon."
"From here on, you're on your own. What you're about to do is very risky. None of us here is sure what will happen behind these closed doors."
"I think I already have an idea. I recall doing something like this before."
"If this fails, you'll..."
"Perish, I know, but if it's to ensure Omega X has a chance to become an Ascendant God."
"Ascendant God," an intrigued Shintomon muttered.
"Well, it's time," Shinmon nodded as with the hand of his wave broke open the door's lock.
As the door opened, the bright light emanating from the Nexus bathed X. The masked watched closed his eyes, but still managed to walk forward unfazed by the cosmic light. Stepping through the light, X squinted his eyes and watched Shinmon seal the doors behind him.
"Good luck, my friend," Shinmon said with a determined glare.
"Can he do it, sir?" Kibitomon inquired.
Shintomon quizzically spoke. "Will the Nexus be too much for him?"
"For his sake, I hope so."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Nexus Chamber/?
Upon entering the room, X shielded his eyes from the shimmering white light shrouding the environment around him. His eyes caught a golden orb of light glowing and dimming. Once reaching for it, the orb cracked and exploded, sending a bright light that filled the whole room. X backed off as something caught his eye. Something materialized inside the light.
What is that?! X thought as he watched whatever materialize form into a disembodied golden head. It had a bald headed appearance and both eyes seemingly shut. "A head?" He quickly came to a realization what he was looking at. Could that be? It's... it's the first Ascendant! Alpha X!
(Cue The Matrix Reloaded OST – Wonder of Zion)
Just then, the space underneath X shattered and he witnessed a vortex forming. X and the head slowly descended into an endless pit of darkness.
"What now?" X wondered, seemingly unaware of what would happen next. He floated over for Alpha X's head, but soon he and the head hit a surface. The masked watcher found himself sitting on top of a floating platform.
Suddenly, a strange fog formed over the area, further befuddling X.
"This feels awfully familiar..." X recalled an instance in his former life he had to undergo a similar ordeal. He made a dash for the disembodied head and snatched it. "All right, I've got the head. What now?"
The head suddenly twitched and shook in X's hands. The head's eyes and mouth opened, sending golden beams of light that bathed over X's body. X felt an immense shock run through him as a result. Now subdued by the light, X felt pain jolt through his body and he screamed in pain.
Yeah, this pain feels way too familiar... like the last time I relinquished my watcher status! X seethed, trying his hardest to resist the pain gripping his body. He threw his head back screaming. No! I can't quit now! Tai... Agumon... they depend on me... to help them to figure out a way to form the Ascendant God. Alpha X... perhaps you can give me what I need to help those two.
Alpha X's eyes stared right through X. However, he gave no response.
"What do you know about the Ascendant God? Were you one before?" X asked.
Just then, he heard footsteps. He quickly looked over his shoulder and sighted two shadow figures.
"Who's there?!"
As the fog cleared, Tai and Agumon came into view.
"Tai? Agumon?"
(End theme)
xxxxx
Central Planet/Shin's Palace
(Cue Dragon Ball Super - Beerus' Planet)
Shinmon, Gosenzomon, Kibitomon, Shintomon, and Buddhamon stood waiting for X outside the door. Just before Shintomon could address his father and elder, the Supreme deities sensed two energy presences materialize. They turned around to see Tai and Agumon drop in unexpected using Instant Movement.
"Tai, Agumon?" Shinmon addressed the duo casually. "Welcome."
"We weren't counting on you coming here," Shintomon said taken aback.
Tai replied earnestly. "Hope we aren't intruding, but X's been gone for a little while. We guessed he'd come here."
Agumon added. "Considering the drastic situation we have back in the Digital World."
"Lord Beerusmon, we're aware," Buddhamon said.
"We normally shouldn't be doing this, interfering with the natural order goes against our jurisdiction," Gosenzomon reminded them. "But, in this case, I might make an exception."
"Whatever do you mean, sir?" Kibitomon asked the elder Supreme Digi-Deity.
"What do you make an exception?" Tai wondered.
"Remember when I told you young lads that some powerful jerk sealed me in that blasted D-Sword? The one your sister removed, Taichi?" The elder addressed the Bearer of Courage. "The one I was sealed in for millions of cycles? Well, the jerk that just happened to seal me in the D-Sword was Beerusmon! That dagnabbit long-eared hothead couldn't take a joke!" He quickly threw a fit, recalling his last encounter with the Digital God of Destruction.
And he's bears that grudge to this day... millions of cycles later. Kibitomon thought.
"I was the prime Supreme Digi-Deity of the 15th generation! The nerve of that guy to seal me in that sword during one of our coordination meetings!"
"That long ago? Beerusmon has to be many many millions of years old," Agumon said.
"Not surprising, he's a god after all," Tai figured as he turned to the sealed doors. "Say, what's behind those doors? I bet that's where X must be, right?"
Shinmon answered. "Indeed, I let him in."
"Didn't know you had a Room of Time on you, Lord Shinmon."
"Actually, Tai, this room isn't for training. It's called the Nexus Chamber. It's akin to storage room comprised of age old data compiled from older networks, but this one houses leftover spiritual essences, even those from other universes."
"Have you actually been in this room, Lord Shinmon?" Agumon inquired.
"To be truthful, I haven't. I'm equally intrigued to learn of my predecessors and the Great Elder's whose spiritual presences have been kept sealed in here. Out of all of us, the only one who's ever been in this room is the Supreme Digi-Deity elder."
"It was many cycles ago. I have vague memories myself," Gosenzomon replied. "But, I do remember seeing my predecessors apply and pass over their knowledge to me. I came out ever more wiser. Whatever X finds, I hope he can find whatever he needs, especially if it pertains to this Ascendant God I've been hearing about."
"How long will it take?" Tai asked, meticulously facing the closed doors.
"However long it takes, Taichi," Gosenzomon firmly stated.
Be careful in there, X. Don't push yourself! The Bearer of Courage thought, clenching his fists while withholding from breaking open the doors.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Odaiba District/DF-811/Tachikawa & Fashion Thrift Store/July 2027
Even as far in the alternate future, Mimi's future self celebrated her birthday. Amongst those that came to see her were her son Dimitri Ishida & Faith the Patamon, Karin Osaka, Athena Osaka & PinkPatamon, and Kensuke Rainer. They picked up Kensuke and Athena from the YYGDM-01 dimension and crossed over to Dimitri's fully recovered future to celebrate his mother's birthday.
Kensuke, an Ascendant from another dimension, was an older teen with short spiky brown hair and wearing casual wear; a white shirt under a black coat, gray pants, and black shoes with red trim. Athena, the future daughter of Karin and Dimitri, was a small girl with long brown hair, which she wore in a double pigtail hairstyle; her casual wear was dark blue dress shirt, a matching colored skirt, and black shoes.
"You must be thrilled knowing the other you is throwing a big party with her friends," Karin chuckled, sitting down and cutting a piece a cake for future Mimi.
Sipping her wine glass, Mimi smiled and gleamed over her new bracelet, a gift from Karin. "As far as I'm concerned, no matter what timeline it is!" She openly giggled and cut up a piece of her strawberry cake.
That's exactly what the other Mimi said when we visited her the other day. Dimitri chuckled nervously. I'm beginning to wonder if both versions of my mom think along parallel lines. Scary thought.
Palmon, Faith, and PinkPatamon were seen gorging on their cake slices.
"This is delicious!" Athena beamed happily, munching on her cake slice. "Isn't it good, grandma Mimi?"
"It is, and I'm glad you were thinking about your sweet granny Mimi when picking out strawberry shortcake, Athena dear!"
Karin sat beside Athena and patted the smiling child. "My little one puts others before herself. Right?"
"Yep!" Athena noticed her father sneeze once. "You ok, dad?"
"Yeah, don't worry I'm not running a cold."
"Could be someone talking about you," Faith added. "Maybe someone like Matt, the other Mimi, or Keke."
"Probably wondering if we'll be heading over to their party even though we had dinner with the other Mimi just the other night in their dimension."
As Athena turned over to her right, she saw Kensuke almost spacing and looking out a window.
"Uncle Ken, what'ca thinking about?"
"Nothing, little one. It's just..." Kensuke abruptly paused mid-sentence as he and Athena felt disturbing vibes. "Was that chill?"
"You felt something weird, too, Uncle Ken?"
"What's going on?" Dimitri asked the two of them.
"Don't know..." Kensuke replied, trying to shake off whatever's bothering him.
Are Great Uncle Tai, Grandpa Matt, the other Grandma Mimi, and everyone else in trouble? Athena thought in distress.
Karin and Dimitri meticulously eyed Kensuke and Athena. Both immediately deduced something was upsetting them and this could be related to the DF-616 dimensions. Their deduction couldn't be anymore on point.
An unsettling event was set to break loose in the DF-616 dimension.
xxxxx
Next act: The Digital God's Fury Unleashed
xxxxx
A/N: Nothing at all altered from the movie fic except a few lines (mostly for grammatical errors), OST changes, and giving the Knife of Day members their actual names. Besides those, this chapter stays relatively the same.
Yes, that means I keep the Bingo tournament and Matt & Gabumon's bingo dance number. Impmon still uses a gun and accidentally shoots both Pepper & Beerusmon (the latter almost flips out and goes on his rampage). There's no Gohan/Saiyaman bits since I didn't know how to incorporate it into this narrative and same applies in this. I didn't want to put Kari through that embarrassing situation. And Pepper was shot to give her and Tony some dialogue (and build on Yolei & Pepper's business relationship/friendship).
The 'Juri' and 'Rena' characters are AU versions of Jeri Katou and Renamon. Their data remains were found and reconstituted just for Pikkan and BW. It beats having to clone them from the YYGDM!Jeri and Renamon (which I originally went with until I dropped that concept midway through the original Battle of Digital Gods fic's updating release schedule).
Just like in the movie fic, it's revealed Beerusmon is the one who sealed the elder Digi-Deity, Gosenzomon, in the D-Sword. An obvious reference to the revelation, according to recent interviews with Toriyama-sensei, of Beerus sealing the Elder Kaioshin in the Z-Sword. Seriously some deities bicker over the most trivial things.
As he enters this Nexus chamber, X finds the remains of Alpha X, the first Ascendant.
That's right. Your eyes aren't deceiving you. Dimitri, Karin, Athena, and Kensuke make an appearance in future Mimi's timeline! And how sweet it is… but it's very sad in hindsight now what's happened in Cross Generations if you've been following that story. And those who have read it know what I mean.
Anyway, next time X delves deep into the Nexus chamber and meets more 'familiar faces'. And as the next chapter title implies, Beerusmon finally loses it after an encounter with a blob over pudding. Wonder how Matt and the others will contain this?
You'll have to find out next time! Until then, send a review and see you in the next chapter!