A/N: Tai and War Greymon arrive on X's planet. The training begins and the invaders hit the scene. Enough said.
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Digimon Fusion Kai
Season 1, Act 1: The Digital Invaders
Episode 9: The Digital Invaders Land! The Dreadful Day Arrives!
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Other World/X's Planet/August 3, 1999 (Digital World/Real World Times Unsynchronized)
Tai asserted, facing the masked man. "You know you shouldn't have made us run up that road! You could have brought us over here yourself!"
"I agree. It felt like almost like a waste of time and a drag," War Greymon concurred.
"So, you guys would have chosen the easy path," X sighed, rubbing his temples. "Man, that is so like you. Guys like you would rather take the easy route and have people guide you. Listen up. Through my training, I'm going to help you to learn self-responsibility."
"Self responsibility? C'mon now," Tai scoffed.
X rubbed his chin. "Tai, I understand you have already exhibited great leadership, but there's more to being a Digi-Destined leader than just leading a unit. You have to understand to concept of self-sacrifice and understand there'll come a time when you'll have to make a great sacrifice. You also can't be too selfish. And this is perhaps a very important rule: Know your enemy."
Tai responded as he adjusted his goggles. "Right, know my enemy..."
"There will be some creeps out there that will take advantage of you. You can't get too complacent. No matter who they may be," he pointed out whilst furrowing his brows. "Even if they are your best friend."
"Right... Wait? Even if they are my best friend?"
"You know the old saying: Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer."
"Yeah, but you'd think someone close to us would turn out to be our great enemy? I seriously doubt it"
"Not everything is what they seem. Life can be cruel that way."
"We'll keep that in mind, X," Tai said.
"That's good. I hope you do," X cleared his throat. "Now, sorry if I'm repeating myself, but you've completed the first part of my special training by crossing the long Orochimon Road. With that out of the way, are you ready for the next challenge?"
"You bet we are! War Greymon's rearing to go! But, I just have one question for you, X."
"Let me guess: 'How hard is the training going to be?' or the usual 'Will it be enough to make us strong?"
"None of the above!" The Child of Courage proclaimed. "But, this is a really stupid one."
"Oh, boy..." the masked man sweat-dropped and sighed. "What is it? Knowing you, it is probably stupid..."
Tai pointed to X's mask. "Why do you look like the masked guy from G-Gundam? What's his name...? Oh yeah! Schwarz Bruder! I swear you look like him!"
X rubbed his temples and deeply sighed. He quickly barked out at the goggle head. "Look, Tai! I'm not going to say it AGAIN! I may look like him, but I'm not that same guy! Besides, I'm real and he's not. Got it? So, no more Gundam references!"
"But you can't deny that you look like him."
"Seriously, I could unmask myself if I wanted to, but I would just reveal my secret identity. Besides, I've been forbidden from the Higher Powers from ever removing my mask or taking part in conflict that should arise in this sector."
"Sorry for bringing that up," Tai apologized.
"It's ok, Tai. Anyway, what we need to do now is begin Agumon's training."
The Digi-Destined leader nodded in reply and pointed to his towering partner. "We're ready to go! But let me warn you not to take War Greymon lightly."
"Before I start with you, Tai. War Greymon, I would like for you to attack and strike me down head on. Let's see how good you really are!" the masked man stepped into a fighting stance.
As War Greymon tried to move, he felt weight heavily pushing him down as he barely moved with the high gravity. "Augh... I could attack, but I feel so heavy here. I can barely move my body!"
"I realize that since you are from the lower realm. You wouldn't be strong enough to endure this much gravity. No wonder you can't move."
"Care to explain to us about this planet of yours?" Tai inquired.
"Sure. This is my home planet. I live here since I can see a good view of nearly the entire Eastern Digi-Galaxy. As you two can see, this is a planetoid, but it has very powerful gravity. It's about ten times more than the Digiworld you're accustomed to. On top of that, its gravity is even greater than that of Earth's. You two weigh ten times as much. You two try to jump as high as you can."
"Let's give it a go, War Greymon."
"Right."
The duo jumped, but it was all to no avail. They couldn't even jump an inch off the ground. Tai landed down and strained.
"Damn! It's no good!" Tai complained. "We can hardly get up!"
X observed the pair's dilemma. Hmm, they're attempting to jump that far in ten times their usual gravity? This is going to be an interesting week.
The gogglehead posed another question to X. "So, what's it going to be? Is my friend going to get his training? Though, I'll admit that this gravity isn't doing us any favors."
"Regardless, you two will overcome this gravity and I will train Agumon as much as I can. So, how much time do we have left again?"
Tai was flabbergasted. "What you mean you lost track of time?"
"Hey! I maybe an overseer of the Eastern Digi-Galaxy, but I'm NOT perfect! I sometimes lose track of time myself!"
"Sorry, I asked..."
"I've lost count on the many days we've spent traveling on that roadway," War Greymon claimed, unable to recall the amount of time they spent on Orochimon Road. "I know we only have a month and half to spare."
"He's right, Tai. As you know, those three invaders are coming to the Digital World and are going to cause a ruckus. Devimon, Etemon, Myotismon, and even Neo Devimon will be nothing compared to these guys."
"Just teach us as much as you can. Even with the little time we have left."
"Don't worry. By the time Agumon completes my training, those invaders won't know what hit them! Agumon will be an unstoppable fighting machine."
"Could you tell us when they are due on the lower realm?" Tai asked
"Sure, Tai. I can learn when they arrive on the lower realm. Usually, my predictions come true," the masked fighter declared.
With that, X faced the skies surrounding his planet and quickly began to sense three energy signals pinpointed through a stargate passage.
"Oh yeah. We've got two pods coming this way. There's a big one inside one pod and two more inside the other one. They're on a pace towards the lower realm in about 8 days."
Tai exclaimed. "Whoa! 8 days? You're able to know when a person comes and goes from a certain point within the Digiverse?"
"At least in the Eastern Sector, yeah. I don't usually scan the other sectors. The Northern Sector has been 'dead', the Southern Sector has undergone chaotic times, and I have seen nothing of importance in the Western Sector."
"So, now, it's going to be 8 days?"
"Oh don't worry about it, War Greymon. It'll be more than enough. To be precise, 8 days with me is like training for a thousand of years. You won't age or even know the difference after it's all said and done."
As soon as Tai heard this, he jumped up and frantically cheered. "WOW! NO KIDDING?"
"Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean that you're gonna win against them," X warned the duo. "These invaders are very strong, but not as strong as me. In my day, I would have taken them in my sleep."
"I wouldn't doubt that," Tai said. "You're supposed to be all-powerful combat master! You practically can see nearly the entire Digiverse and can predict time!"
"Well, I can't predict time. I'm not omnipotent being you know. Now, if you have any hopes of beating them, then Agumon will train under my wing."
"RIGHT! WE GOT IT!"
X nodded. "Ok, then! I think it would be a good time to start!"
"So, what now?"
"Tai, before I start training your friend, I think it's time that I show him how to free his mind."
"Free his mind? Now, where have I heard that one before?" Tai wondered, raising his left brow in curiosity.
"You two will be taking part in a training simulation program I've prepared for those I have hoped to train. If you two qualify, then I'll train Agumon."
With that, X led them toward a seated white table with a chair set next to it. Snapping his fingers, a laptop materialized on the top of the table and it opened up on its own. The masked man sat down on the seat provided for him and waited for the screen to load up.
"Wow, you even have your own laptop?" Tai pointed out.
"Yep and it runs much faster than any processing networks on Earth. Shoot, I can hold an infinite amount of memory on this thing! Of course, I have the only one of its brand," X boasted, watching the Infinite Windows screen fully loaded and with all of the icons in place. "Ah, there we go!"
"Wow, now that's what I can fast loading time. Izzy would kill to have one of these things!" Tai grinned.
Clapping his hands, a brown box appeared next to the laptop. He opened the box to find a CD inside a case. He picked it up and opened the Disc-drive to insert the CD inside. Closing it up, he waited and watched a blue box instantly appear on screen. He quickly typed in a password and watched the training simulation program loading up on screen.
X chuckled and watched the entire planet being reality warped. "You two are so going to get a kick out this!"
Tai and War Greymon were stunned as the planet and the scenery were being altered before their very own eyes. Everything seemed to fade out. The trees, grass, the mansion, the skies and their entire surroundings vanished from their view.
Just like that.
SHOOM!
The moment Tai blinked and opened his eyes. He and War Greymon found themselves in a completely isolated, blank expanse. Everything around them was completely white. They stood on nothing but solid white marble.
There were no sounds. The entire space was so tranquil that a pin drop could easily register a sound from a further distance.
Tai was awe struck at his surroundings. "Wow. Is this really the simulation program you loaded, X?" His voice echoed out the space.
"Um, Tai. X isn't here..."
As soon as the digimon brought that up, Tai came back to reality and glanced around. He was right. X was not even in the room.
"Where... Where the heck did he go? Is he just going to abandon us like that just for Agumon to train on his own? Man, what a freaking rip!" the goggle head scoffed, stomping his right foot down. "YOU MADE US RUN DOWN THAT STUPID ROAD FOR NOTHING!"
Tai's voice roared and echoed. He heard the echoes repeating over and over again as they eventually died down.
"Shoot, I knew this trip was going to be a waste. Let's find a way out of here, War Greymon."
"Right, Tai."
"AHEM!"
Just as the duo was preparing to depart, another voice cleared his throat. Tai and War Greymon both stopped as they glanced over their shoulders. They spotted none other than the masked guy sitting on a red, comfy and cushioned chair. Sitting next to him was a big screen television.
Waving out to the duo nonchalantly, X grinned under his mask and spoke in a mock hick manner. "Hiya, fellas!"
"Sheesh, X! Did you have to hang us out to dry like that?" Tai barked. "I mean we were just about to leave!"
"And deny Agumon his training? Ah, I feel insulted," the masked man joked and got up from his seat. "You two didn't come all the way here for nothing. You wanted Agumon to receive training? I shall give it to him."
"So, is this apart of the simulation program, X?"
"You would be correct, War Greymon. This is merely a subspace of the program," X explained and pointed to the television screen. "This big screen TV will display a menu screen." He then pulled out a black remote control from out of his sleeve. "And this remote will enable me to select the simulation program we will using."
Tai was thrilled at the aspect. "Really? Wow, that's neat and all with a push of a button!"
X chuckled at Tai's zeal. "All it takes a simple push of a button. Now, there are thousands of simulation programs. Many dealing with combat. There are even programs to test your wits and intelligence. There are programs that will enable you to face your greatest fears. But, what we're looking for are all the combat programs. I'm sure that's what you're asking for?"
"For War Greymon? You bet!"
"Then, you came at the right place."
"Wow, combat programs! I'm going to get a kick out of this!"
"Anyway, the first thing I want you to do is learn how to free your mind."
The gogglehead and his digimon partner stood looking dumbfounded.
"That's the next part of the training. To qualify for these simulation programs, you have to free your mind."
"So, why do I have to free my mind?"
"To enable your friend to master these programs and overcome the gravity on my planet. Agumon and other digimon all possess energy, much like living things from the material world. Digimon possess their own Digital 'Ki.'"
"Digital Ki?" War Greymon gathered.
"Yes, even Digital Humans can possess it. I, myself, am an example of such. There have been humans before you who entered the Digital World and have harnesses this special type of power."
"You mean… we weren't the first humans to arrive in Digiworld?" Tai was befuddled.
X nodded. "No, you weren't. Gennai aided a group of kids against a great evil long before you and the other Digi-Destined arrived on File Island. These kids were able to harness special abilities through training and harvesting Digital Ki through their potential digivices."
"Wow, that's cool," the Child of Courage said. "Am I able to do that?"
"Well, no, your digivice is modeled differently. I can't say you can't, but who knows? Enough about that. I'll tell you more of what I know later," X declared. "I've digressed for too long. Agumon's training will be the key to facing these invaders. Now what I meant by freeing your mind was this... control."
Pressing the button on his remote control, he selected the Jump Program on the screen. In an instant, the trio found themselves completely transported from out of the white subspace and into a city.
Tai and War Greymon were both overwhelmed by their surroundings. It looked like a city district within New York City. The skies were now dark green and the sounds of traffic could be overheard in the background. Cars honking, people cursing, etc.
X stood in front of the duo with his arms crossed. "This is probably the easiest of my simulation programs. If you can at least pass this, then Agumon will definitely be ready!"
"Right!" the duo responded at once.
"All you two have to do is let go all fear, doubt and insecurity. Free your mind."
With that, X demonstrated as he across the near thirty-story building and jumped across with great agility. Then, in an instant, he phased out towards the other side of another building in half a tenth of a second. Both War Greymon and Tai were caught by utter disbelief as their mouths nearly dropped.
Tai and War Greymon cried in unison. "HOLY CRAP!"
X faced them with a smirk and called out to them. "All right, Tai! You're turn! Then after you, War Greymon! Go for it!"
Tai knelt down and clapped his hands. "Ok, Tai Kamiya! You can do this! Free your mind!" Heh, this should be too simple!
The masked man observed Tai with careful eyes. Judging by that look on his face, I don't think he gets it. I wonder if he'll make it? Nobody ever makes it over on their first try. Nobody.
Tai quickly sprinted across and jumped across the roof. War Greymon watched from the sidelines.
"WHOO HOO! I DID IT! I DI-"
Suddenly, in an instant, Tai plummeted like a dead weight toward the streets.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" the boy screamed out at the top of his lungs as he plummeted further down. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
X sighed and unrolled his sleeve to look at his watch. "Commence crash landing. Three. Two..."
War Greymon dove straight down to catch up to his falling partner. "TAI!"
But, it was too late. Not even War Greymon could save him.
Splat.
As soon as he hit the surface of the street, the ground suddenly turned into gooey, bouncy and bounced Tai right off. He yelled out as he was thrown up and fell face first on the ground. War Greymon landed and knelt beside his human partner.
"Tai! TAI!"
Much to his surprise, Tai was still moving. He let out a sigh of relief. But, then, Tai spat blood right out of his mouth.
"TAI!"
The goggle head looked down at his stained glove and gasped. "Bl... Blood?" His face blanched at the red fluid staining his fingers.
X quickly appeared next the Tai and War Greymon while observing the goggle head being helped to his feet by the digimon.
The Child of Courage frowned directly at X "Hey! This is supposed to be a simulation program! It's not supposed to be real!"
X confirmed. "Your mind makes it real."
"So, it proves Izzy's theory right that if I get hurt here, my real self gets hurt. If I die here or in the Digital World, I'm dead meat, right?"
"Yes. Your body can't live without the mind. If your mind is not strong enough, then your body will fail."
"Man, I'm not so sure if I can do this."
"Yes, you can. Tai, you and War Greymon have to do this. Trust me. I know what I'm doing. This training will help Agumon once the time comes to stop the invaders. You, Agumon's partner, must be mentally prepared to boost the morale of your team! They have to stand behind you. By uniting together, you'll come through and defeat any enemy that opposes you! So, what's it going to be Tai?"
"I'll continue. For Agumon and my friends' sakes," Tai faced the masked man with a big grin. "That goes double for Sora and my sister, Kari!"
The mention of the red-haired girl name brought a smile to X's face. I'd know you would come through. You made the right choice. Protecting Sora and the others is your one duty as Digi-Destined leader.
Pulling out his remote, X pressed the Return button and deactivated the Jump simulation program.
SHOOM!
They were now back to the white, isolated expanse.
Then, with another push of the Simulation Program Off button, they were brought right back on X's planet.
"X, don't you get bored on this small planet?"
"Me? No way! I mean, look at the mansion behind me!" the masked man pointed to the mansion that looks reminiscent to Wayne Manor. "Shoot, I have everything I need here! There are so many endless rooms to visit that you'll end up in other worlds!"
"You actually have dimensional access to other worlds?"
"Well, the access is pretty limited. I can only access to worlds that I've personally visited."
"How many worlds have you visited?" War Greymon asked.
"Too many to count and many of them are pretty small worlds. Pretty boring, too."
"Wow, that is neat! We've got to check it out sometime, War Greymon!"
"Let's put it this way, to an enlightened mind such as myself, the smallest world holds fascination without end. I can see nearly the entire Eastern Digi-Galaxy Sector and I can pick up nearly every known activity that occurs. Besides, I love training myself here. I still need to work my body out, so I can maintain my power."
X looked over at his laptop and retyped the code to reactivate the simulation program. "Now let's go on and try that 'Jump' program again. Otherwise, our training stops here."
"We'll do our best!" Tai declared, standing back on his feet. "Count on it! After we pass it, Agumon'll be ready for whatever you can dish out!"
The masked man made eye contact with the mega digimon. "Oh and War Greymon? As soon as we finish the simulation program, I'd keep that heavy armor on. Cause you will be training on my planet grounds after you've mastered each combat simulation program. It'll be better exercise that way."
"What? But if I try training on this planet, I would hardly move with the heavy gravity!"
"Let me tell you something, the world where these digimon invaders come from have gravity at times as strong as this."
War Greymon and Tai were both speechless. "You're... You're kidding."
"Do you begin to see where they have gotten their great strength? Not to mention their inborn fighting instincts. You can't imagine how monstrous their power lies!"
"All right! I say we work our butts off! C'mon, War Greymon! We have work to do!" The determined Child of Courage openly declared. "By the time we're done here, you're walking out a complete, utter badass!"
"I'll do my best, Tai!"
X chuckled and watched the pair raising their fists over their heads. That's the spirit, guys! Now you're talking my language. How I've missed the good old days when the one who trained me said the same exact thing.
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Digital World
Gatomon and Patamon pounced right after their sparring instructor, Leomon. With rapid speed, they attacked the brave warrior head on with a barrage of attacks. Leomon easily countered their blows, not even breaking a sweat.
TK and Kari were looking on from a safe distance. They were anxious to see if their training would pay off.
As soon as the duo went for another frontal attack, Leomon smirked and quickly phased away quickly. This caught the two off guard. Gatomon jumped down as she scanned the vicinity. Even her keen sense of smell was unable to pick up Leomon's scent.
"Hey! Where did he go?"
"Gatomon, we better keep an eye-"
Before Patamon could finish mid-sentence, Leomon reappeared behind Patamon and delivered a chop to the back of his head. Gatomon managed to react, but Leomon kicked her away like a soccer ball.
"You two better look around you!" Leomon roared.
"But you went too fast! We couldn't see you!" Patamon grumbled, picking himself off the ground.
"You shouldn't rely on your eyes so much! You should be able to feel my presence!"
"We're tried doing that, but you're too darn fast!" Gatomon hissed. "Give us a break here!"
Leomon took that to consideration as he punched the ground in front of them. One punch ruptured the earth, sending debris forward. The debris flying forward knocked the two rookies back. Gatomon and Patamon groaned as they lied on the ground with scratches all over their body.
TK sighed while holding his crest. "I wouldn't want to be Patamon right about now."
"Or Gatomon for that matter," Kari nodded and watched TK. Poor, TK. Even now, your crest still hasn't glowed. What is missing?
"If you two have time to complain, then you have time to act!" Leomon angrily bellowed, baring his teeth. "Remember this, you only have seven days! You're improving, but it's not enough!"
"Ugh. You could have told us that from the start before that survival test," the feline muttered and spat on the ground.
"No kidding. We can't endure training like this for long..." Patamon panted.
"Either that or become stronger, especially when you digivolve. You two can be stronger than me! You just have to keep going! Because these invaders no doubt will be stronger than EVEN me!"
With that, Leomon took advantage of their guards being down and mounted another frontal assault on the duo. This time they reacted and swayed from the warrior's attacks.
"You two call that defense? Concentrate! That's not enough! Look! I'm AT LEAST TRYING to kill you! Attack me!" Leomon yelled, throwing out a flurry of punches.
TK and Kari cringed as they watched their digimon attempt everything to block out every one of Leomon's attacks.
The training had intensified over the past two days prior to the survival test. Puppetmon proved to be a tricky Dark Master, but they would have to improve if they wanted to stand a chance against the three invaders.
However, what TK didn't know was the fact that his own brother was among those three invaders.
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File Island/Outskirts of Andromon's Factory
Sitting outside the factory of Andromon's territory, Izzy and Tentomon departed following a discussion with the android digimon.
Setting his laptop in front of him, he observed a 3-D scan of File Island. "Fascinating. I didn't think Andromon was building a super energy cannon as a last resort to preventing the invaders from landing their space pods. An ingenious move if you ask me. I just hope its effective."
"I hope so, too, Izzy. I mean if that doesn't stop them, then we're left to stop them," Tentomon said.
Izzy agreed. "Yeah and let's hope that it never comes down to that. Then again, I could stay with Andromon a bit and maybe he can build me some weapons," the child of Knowledge looked down at Tentomon. "What do you say we pay ol' Andromon a revisit?"
"Sure as long as the floors are clean! My foot nearly got caught in that oil muck earlier!"
The genius boy chuckled as he was reminded of that incident. "Sure, thing, buddy."
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Digital World
Gatomon and Patamon were both sporting heavy bruises across their faces. They had taken a vicious beating following their training with the battle prowess nature of Leomon.
Leomon observed the feline and the bat-pig. "Well, at least these few days are toughening you two up. I commend you for sucking it up."
"Yeah, but you knew that we were going to get tougher," Patamon responded while rubbing his cheek.
"Yeah, he's right," the feline said. "Tell me. You fought many warriors before, right?"
"I fought to survive. But now, I fight to make myself stronger. My arch nemesis has always been Ogremon. He and I have fought many battles. Our rivalry has been an endless battle and I've thrived for better challenges, which is when Neo Devimon arrived. I sought the challenge I've been looking for. However, knowing Ogremon, he no doubt will be training to not only get strong enough to possibly fight alongside us, but he will once again challenge me when this conflict is resolved."
TK spoke up. "What are our chances of beating these invaders?"
"I'd say we have a chance once War Greymon and Tai return, but our chances are still kind of slim. We will need everyone's participation. The other Digi-Destined included."
Kari gasped and looked over to TK. But, what about Matt? We're not complete without that piece of the puzzle.
As for TK, he had two major concerns: his crest and the whereabouts of his missing brother. He deeply sighed and looked out into the night skies. A shooting star flew across and he immediately made a wish.
I wish we could be together again, brother. I want to see you again before the invaders come. Please, if you can just hear me.
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Other World/X's Planet/10:09 AM
Four days have passed since Tai and Agumon's arrival on X's planet.
War Greymon had continued his training. He and Tai effectively 'freed' their minds. Tai's partner was able to perfect the simulation programs.
xxxxx
X observed War Greymon and Tai through the laptop as the duo took part in another one of the many battle simulation programs. Both swiftly jumped over numerous of holographic buildings whilst War Greymon plowed through enemy digimon holograms.
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"Terra Beam!"
All, but one of the Neo Devimon holograms, were deleted by the streaming blast of energy. The last one flew out for a head-on charge. The source of the attack came directly from War Greymon.
Tai smirked and side stepped the incoming enemy. He whirled around and whistled out to War Greymon. The mega digimon cupped his hands together to gather a ball of orange energy through his palms.
"Terra-"
The Neo Devimon hologram turned and immediately was on the receiving end of a powerful orange stream of energy. He screeched out as his body instantly became deleted.
"Beam!"
"Nice shot, War Greymon!" Tai commended his partner's new technique. "That new technique of yours is great!"
"Thanks, Tai."
"Whew! This beats any video game!" the goggle head wiped the sweat from his forehead and faced the large screen in front of him. "X! We've perfected this program. Nobody can top us now!"
"Except me, of course," the blaring voice of X snickered.
"Well, no doubt. You're the one who made created this crazy program. You think you could go back home with me and we could make huge bucks off of this bad boy?"
"I would and I think that's one hell of an idea, but my programs are not made for profit."
"No sweat. I wouldn't want any grubby hands to downgrade this thing either. Man! We managed to overcome all of these obstacles, War Greymon! I think we're ready for anything."
"You're right. I feel a lot lighter and I think I've gotten stronger," War Greymon flexes his arms while jumping up freely like a lightweight. "Not to mention faster."
The Child of Courage concurred. "X sure wasn't kidding about the gravity on his planet. This and training on that planet has really helped!"
"So, what else is there to learn from?" War Greymon faced the masked man on the big screen.
"So, you think you're ready? Well, my training is much tougher than you can imagine with only three days to go! You really think that you can take it?"
Tai nodded excitedly. "We'll give it a shot!"
"But let me warn you! Agumon's required to be at his most tip-top form. Learning this technique is flawless and your heart must not be tainted with evil. You must have an equilibrium of physical and mental capacity!"
"Bring it on, X!" War Greymon said, displaying his Dra-Killer claws. "I'm are ready!"
The goggle head suddenly heard the most irresistible force in the universe.
He dropped down and heard his stomach growling. "But first, let's get something to eat! My stomach is really kicking my butt!"
X naturally chuckled. "Well, you can't beat an empty stomach. No matter how strong you've become."
xxxxx
The training continued for Agumon on X's planet.
War Greymon mastered flight, speed, and energy conservation. He even achieved a unique ability, known as Fury Blitz, which enabled him to boost all of his five senses - coupled with increasing his speed and power.
To top it all off, they were already in the process of mastering X's most powerful weapon. X was confident that the mega would be ready. Through his eagle eyes, he monitored their progress lately. They had far exceeded his expectations.
Watching from the side of the training grounds, X folded his arms and nodded. Yeah, that's the way. You've mastered every basic I could teach you.
War Greymon raised their arms over his head. Flowing through his hands were streams of blue aura. The blue light radiated brightly and was composed of powerful spiritual energy. As War Greymon lifted his hands higher, his own aura expanded with a bright light.
Looking down at his hands, War Greymon noticed his fists were imbued with purifying, blue energy
"Yes! Now, this is what I'm talking about!" Tai boasted while watching War Greymon collecting the blue energy in his hands. "We're ready to go, X!"
The masked man nodded in response and stepped into a stance. "Then, let's begin! Catch this large stone! Let's see if you can truly react faster than super sonic speed!"
With that, X looked down at a near 75-ton stone and levitated it utilizing his psychokinesis. The stone was easily ripped and lifted out of the ground like a lightweight. X once again proved he had the most powerful influence of 'mind upon matter' in the Other World.
He held the stone firmly hovering in place.
Finally, with one smooth hand wave, he threw the stone toward War Greymon. War Greymon finished gathering enough energy and stood with his fists glowing with a mix of orange and blue energies.
War Greymon roared out as a red aura covered his body. "Fury Blitz!"
The digimon watched the large stone hurtling forward. War Greymon launched himself across as he fired mid-sized beam through his right hand and shattered the stone successfully.
X grinned underneath the mask at his apprentice's display. "Good, good!"
"And that was a nice shot there, War Greymon!" Tai commended his partner. "We're going to OWN these invaders!"
"Excellent show. You destroyed the stone that couldn't fight back, but still very impressive," X congratulated the duo. "War Greymon utilized my Fury Blitz technique very adeptly. That's nothing short of impressive."
Tai chuckled, scratching his nose. "What can I say? War Greymon is one of a kind!"
"That and I never thought that anyone else could master the Life Bomb technique so quickly. It took me quite a while to perfect it. It only takes a person of pure heart to do so."
"So, a person with evil in their hearts can't use it?"
"No, Tai. Those tainted with a hint of evil in their hearts would only critically endanger their own lives and even die. The Life Bomb only answers to those with pure hearts and it erases every evil essence within that being's heart. This is why I choose you two to use such an advanced technique."
"Would I be able to use it more often than War Greymon?" the goggle boy asked.
"It all depends. You will have to erase any form of greed and darkness. You and your heart must be flawless to pull this off successfully without critically destroying your own body. You understand? Be clear of any corruptive influences. There's a possibility that you could."
"Wow! That's awesome!" Tai smiled.
"But you guys have to remember this. The Life Bomb is a martial arts discipline that allows you to borrow the energy from every living creature, whether they are biological or digital. That includes everything from the trees, the sun, the animals, the atmosphere and the grass, then you must concentrate and release that energy. If War Greymon were able to draw enough energy to create such a ball he forged, then just imagine how large it will be back in the Digital World. You must be careful with this technique, because you could also endanger the world you're trying to protect. It could lead to planetary destruction."
Tai uttered a tiny gasp. "Umm... planetary destruction?"
"That's right. So, don't get too reckless and trigger-happy!"
War Greymon chuckled and nudged his partner at his side. "Hear that, Tai?."
"Yeah, I got it."
"Don't use it if you can avoid it. I'm giving you permission to use it only once," X instructed them. "It must only be an alternative when all the chips are down."
"Right, we got it, X," Tai replied to masked man. "And we have several strong friends back in the Digiworld."
"Yes, but you have to take into consideration that these invaders will be the strongest opponents you've ever faced. Neo Devimon is a weakling compared to these three," X stated. Damn. Maybe I should have told him that two of those invaders are Matt and Metal Garurumon. Should I?
"Like I said, Fury Blitz is all War Greymon needs," Tai grinned.
"You got it! They won't know what hits them!"
Tai frowned. "That's what I'm worried about. What if that doesn't work?"
"Then, you and everyone else will engage them in battle, Tai. That's all there is to it," X promptly stated. He took another glance at Tai and War Greymon. A proud smile crossed the masked man's face as he walked in between them. "I'm proud of you two. I have taught Agumon all the basics. You two already mastered every simulation program."
"Piece of cake!" Tai flashed another grin.
"You two are remarkable guys! I don't know what else to teach you... But by the chance you survive, come by and see me again you two! You know you're always welcome back here!"
The goggle boy nodded and stretched his arms. "You bet! You can just call me up through your telepathy."
"Yep! Well, this is it, guys. The day of the battle has finally come. The invaders will reach the Digital World by tomorrow."
War Greymon smashed his right fist against his left palm. "And we're looking forward to it!"
Just then, X's face contorted and roared out in disbelief. "WHAT? OH CRAP! NO!" This sudden reaction worried both Tai and War Greymon.
"What's wrong, X?" Tai showed concern over the matter. "What happened?"
"Damn! I should have done this before our training!" X blurted out while waving his arms madly. "I forgot to factor in the time it'd take you to go back on the long road!"
"Can't you just take us to the Digital World?" War Greymon asked the martial arts master. "We have to go on Orochimon road again? It took us a week to get here in the first place!"
"At your current speed, you'll manage to make it through in a day," X responded. "I'll let Gennai know to pick you up."
"But that's a day late!" Tai exclaimed. "Our friends will be gone and the Digiworld will be in further danger! And here I thought you were an all mighty watcher!"
X sighed. "Look, I don't play God. I made a miscalculation on the timing. I make mistakes like anyone else can!"
"So, where are they now?" War Greymon asked the masked man.
"It appears the invaders are plowing through the stargate leading into the Digital World's realm. I just hope your friends are well prepared! These three invaders are NOT going to be a cake walk!"
"I thought you could take these invaders with ease," Tai said.
"This is a battle you two must take part in alone with your friends. I can't interfere anymore. The Digital World is a realm, which you Digi-Destined must preserve. I only train people. My fighting days are behind me and it's not in my jurisdiction to leave for any crucial situation. The Higher Ones are monitoring me and will strip me of my power if I break the code. You two have been my greatest students and I'm proud to have taken you as my future apprentices. Especially you, Tai. I enjoyed working with you."
Tai smiled. "Thanks, X. We've learned a lot from you and we won't let this knowledge go to waste."
"That's right! We'll make sure to stop those invaders and protect our loved ones," War Greymon reassured X.
"Yes, especially Sora," X said.
"I've seen how you were willing to risk your life to save hers. I saw what you did when Datamon kidnapped Sora. It makes me proud to know that a boy with as much courage as you do is out there protecting his loved ones."
"She and I are childhood friends. We've known each other for a long time."
X nodded. "I can tell. But how do you really feel about her?"
"How do I feel about her?"
"It's okay. You can tell me the truth. But then again, you don't have to say anything."
"Well, she's a very kind and sweet friend. She's always been there whenever I'm depressed and she easily gets along with my sister, Kari. When we first arrived in the Digital World, she served the role as a 'caring mother'. When I left the Digital World, specifically after we defeated Etemon, she tried her best to keep everyone together. It takes a lot to make her crack. She isn't the Child of Love just because of a cheap gimmick. She really has lived up to her Chosen Child title. Sora really does love everyone of us, but I think she has a place in her heart for me." X noticed a warm smile etched on the goggle boy's face. "I know I have a place in my heart for her. We're connected, though we might not want to admit it. It's funny though. She still thinks I'm childish and a cocky idiot, but I think it's my courage that attracts her."
"Courage and Love?" X agreed. "Yes, they do go together."
"How so?"
"You as a courageous young man will one day have the courage to admit your love towards the girl that you solely love. Please, do take good care of her and the other Digi-Destined. Do it for me!"
Tai nodded. "I will, X. You don't have to worry about that!"
"I foresee a bright future between you two. Please, do not screw it up. I say this because one day... One day somebody that you know will be waiting."
"Who, X?"
"You'll know who, Tai. What you need to worry about is saving your friends and kicking those invaders' asses! You can't let those three destroy everything dear to you!"
"Right! War Greymon, I think it's time we show these three monsters what we're made of!" Tai called out to his digimon partner.
"Yes! Let's go!"
"Oh, hold on, Tai!"
"Yeah, what is it, X?"
X snapped his fingers and Tai watched as a new choice of attire replaced his old clothing. His new attire consisted of a long sleeve dark blue shirt with the Crest of Courage embroidered on the right side of the chest, black pants and matching color boots. Still adorning his big hair were his goggles.
"Just a little gift for you before you leave," X said. "How do you like your new attire? I hope it's something you'd like..."
Tai gazed over his new wardrobe. "Sure, I like it, but I guess I could do that."
"Not unless you become a watcher like myself. I have plenty of other powers you're not even aware of."
"Heh, I'll keep that in mind. I appreciate this, X. Hey, I even see my crest symbol on this shirt!"
"Just don't get it ripped, okay?"
Tai chuckled and rubbed his head. "Um, what? Nah, you don't have to worry about that! I'll make sure to keep this shirt spotless."
X sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of..."
As War Greymon prepared to fly out, Tai stopped and glanced over his shoulder to face X one more time. "X..."
"Tai...?"
"Thanks for everything."
X responded. "Likewise."
The two shook each other's hands and forever forged their friendship. The student and mentor became best friends with a single handshake and after months of hardship.
Tai hopped up and mounted War Greymon's back. X waved out to the dynamic duo.
Holding tightly onto War Greymon's back, the mega digimon powered up a bright orange aura and launched off the planet. Taking a deep plunge to the bottom, War Greymon flew straight up and blitzed across Orochimon Road at a faster than supersonic speed rate.
"Tai! I can't believe how fast we're moving! We'll probably even get there in less than a day!"
"Let's hope so, War Greymon. We can't think of the worse case scenario..."
"And that would be?"
Tai reminded him. "Our friends and the Digital World are done if we don't get there fast! Speed it up, War Greymon! We don't have much time to lose! Hang on guys! We're on our way!"
"Right!" War Greymon responded as he boosted his speed and launched farther out into the distance.
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X scanned the skies and had a tiny smirk formed on his lips. "Tai. In due time, you will eventually know my true identity. I wish I could show you who I am but of course you know the consequences I'll suffer if I disobey the Higher Ones' laws. I hope we will see each other again, Tai. Good luck, my friends."
xxxxx
File Island/Outskirts of Andromon's Factor/
Observing the skies and scanning for any outer space objects preparing to plummet to the planet, Andromon remained standing on his post. He had picked up little activity. However, he was able to locate three metallic objects passing through orbit.
He quickly glanced over at Izzy and reported his findings. "Izzy! I'm able to see them! Three space pods are about to pass through orbit!"
"It was just as X predicted, right?"
"He said they would land at approximately 11:43 hours but no known location of where they will make their landing."
Izzy nodded. "All right, Andromon. This would be our chance to use that super cannon of yours! Let's hope this works and knocks them away from the planet."
"Is your partner, Kabuterimon, ready?"
"He is... Kabuterimon, are you ready? Have that cannon mounted on your back?"
As he airlifted himself out of the forest, Kabuterimon slowly levitated into mid-air with a large cannon strapped around his back (much larger and heavier than his body) and summoning enough strength to keep the weapon balanced.
"I am but this cannon is way too heavy!"
"Don't worry, Kabuterimon! All you need are a few shots and that'll be it!" Izzy called out and sat down to observe his laptop screen. The digivice attached on his computer pinpointed the range where the three space pods were coming from. "They're getting closer! Andromon, let's just hope this works or we're left to stop these three monsters on our own."
"Have faith, Izzy," Andromon stated. "My heat sensors indicate their range is getting closer! All right, now would be a good time to start firing!"
"You heard him, Kabuterimon! Fire away!" Izzy called out.
"Got it! Here goes nothing!" Kabuterimon shouted as he aimed the position of the cannon towards the skies. "Ready, aim..."
Andromon waited for a moment and pressed a button on a remote control in his hand. This activated the cannon in the process and released a powerful beam upward. "FIRE!"
FWOOSH!
BOOM!
A large, charged cannon beam was directed up into the heavens. Kabuterimon was forced back as he managed to keep himself afloat with the cannon still strapped on his back.
"Do it again, Kabuterimon!" Izzy called out in order.
"FIRE!" the android digimon roared.
Kabuterimon repeated the process and waited as Andromon activated the cannon. Another successive beam was launched upward.
"AGAIN!"
A third shot was fired out. Kabuterimon was forced back even further while keeping the cannon intact. "Couldn't you guys be a little more careful? This thing is killing my back!" The insect champion griped.
"Sorry about this, Kabuterimon! I'll make sure to make this up to you!" Izzy exclaimed. "If we survive that is..."
"We will," Andromon reassured the child.
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As the three pods were approaching the atmosphere, the successive cannon beams were launched at their direction. Andromon's aim was to destroy or knock the pods directly out of course of the Digital World. However, since they were already approaching the planet's atmosphere, destroying the pods was the only viable option.
As the beams flew across, three slammed against the pods with force.
BOOM!
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Activating his eye binoculars, Andromon checked the skylines for multiple, massive explosions covering the beautiful blue skies. A blinding flash of light radiated the heavens and loud explosions erupted.
"Scanning using heat sensors," Andromon said as his eyes probed the smoke-covered skylines.
"Did we get them?" Izzy asked. "I hope we did..."
Kabuterimon landed next to the android digimon and the computer whiz. He faced the skies in hopes that the cannon's beams had done their job. "Anything yet?"
"Nothing but we'll confirm just any moment," Izzy stated.
That was when Andromon stepped back and uttered a horrifying gasp. Izzy and Kabuterimon knew that this wasn't good news. They looked up and watched as the three pods were still plummeting toward the planet.
"It... IT DIDN'T WORK!" Izzy shouted out in shock. "But... That should have taken them out!"
"You were unable to see it but I detected a force field that shielded those pods. No doubt these pods were programmed to withstand punishing blasts. They certainly came well prepared," Andromon frowned and stomped his right foot down. "Izzy, we failed. It looks like we'll have no choice but to engage."
"And here I was hoping we would avoid that," Izzy sighed sadly. "I still can't believe this..."
"It'll be all right. We'll stop them. No matter what it takes," Kabuterimon said. "Remember, once Tai and War Greymon get here, we'll stand together as a complete team."
Izzy sighed. "Not without Matt and Metal Garurumon. Where have those TWO been?"
"In any case, we must hurry and engage the enemy!" Andromon stated in order. "Izzy, you and Kabuterimon go on ahead. I'll be going back to my factory to grab my gear."
"Right but do you know where exactly they are going to land?" Izzy posed the more important question.
As he was silent for a moment, the android digimon responded with a nod. "Yes... They will be landing at the exact coordinates: Star City, Sector 875-90."
"Star City?" Izzy pondered and recalled a mid-sized digimon city on Folder Continent. "That's all the way to Folder Continent!"
"Right, now hurry! I promise I will catch up with you two!" Andromon raced off to his factory.
"I wonder if everyone else is already aware..."
"That's a silly question to ask, Kabuterimon. Of course, they are! Besides, Gennai sent me a message, he'll be the one who will transport Tai and War Greymon back to the Digital World. He's asked all of us to go to the exact coordinates of where Leomon is with TK, Kari, Patamon and Gatomon."
"How far are they from where we're at?"
"If we leave now, we'll arrive there in maybe two hours or so. So, I suggest we get a move on!" Izzy suggested as he mounted Kabuterimon's back. "Go for it, Kabuterimon!"
"Right, just hang on tight, Izzy!"
With that, the insect digimon lifted off the ground while fluttering his wings and taking flight off Andromon's territory. They were now setting off and leaving for the coordinates that Izzy was picking up from his laptop. He traced TK and Kari's digivices to their exact location.
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Folder Continent/Star City
It was 11:42 hours.
Star City was still going about its daily affairs. No catastrophes have occurred thus far.
However, all of that would soon change.
Three shining objects gleamed from the skies. This immediately attracted the attention of the digimon inhabitants of this mid-sized city. They gazed up and pointed to the three objects.
To them, they had though they were looking at a strange star phenomenon.
Unbeknownst to them, these three objects would make their presence felt.
They plummeted down, slammed (and crumbled) an observatory tower and smashed into the streets of Star City.
CRASH!
CRASH!
CRASH!
It was finally 11:43 in the morning.
The Day of Reckoning has arrived.
The Digital World at last yielded itself to the three invaders' incursion.
The digimon citizens started running for their lives as the pods formed massive craters upon their crash landing. Many other digimon gathered around as the space pods powered down. Smoke seeped out through the edges of the pods.
A Yokomon freaked out as its eyes widened in horror. "My heavens! Three objects came dropping down from the skies!"
"What was that?" a Frigimon asked while picking himself up.
"Were those bombs sent from the skies above? Are we being attacked?" a Gekkomon wondered and stepped toward the edge of the middle crater.
"It looks like something feel from the sky. But what would these be?" a Guardromon said. "This might have come from outer space! Then, there's alien digimon inside no doubt!"
A desperate Pumpkinmon pulled out his camera and kneeled beside the edge. "There are three of them! Wow, there's one that's humungous! We better get a picture of these for our photo album."
"There could be alien digimon in there!" a Swanmon shrieked. "There could be tiny little green men in there! What if they start attacking us?"
Suddenly, the pods started to open as figures slowly walked out from out of them.
Emerging from out of the larger pod was the colossal titan, Babimon. The powerful alien baboon sported an arrogant grin and opened his eyes despite the flaring sunlight nearly blinding his eyes. It had been a near six-month journey for him and he had finally seen a source of sunlight.
Walking out from the middle pod was Metal Garurumon.
Last but not least, Yamato 'Matt' Ishida emerged in his full battle gear.
"Hey! There's a human boy with what appears to be two digimon! Alien digimon and a human child?" the Frigimon said in befuddlement.
"And that big monkey is absolutely hideous!" the Swanmon shrieked and walked backwards. "Th... This is something you don't see everyday!"
"What? Visitors from other worlds? Yeah, that I can't argue with!" Pumpkinmon said as he madly took snap shots. "Ooo, now this is definitely going into my book collection!"
"A human boy? But how could a human boy come from digital space?" the Guardromon wondered.
Matt looked up and gave the digimon inhabitants a cold stare with his icy, blue eyes.
This gesture alone gave the digimon terrible and weary vibes. The boy and the digimon duo came walking out from the impact craters.
Both Matt and Babimon had their arms folded. As Babimon cocked a grin, Matt maintained that same icy stare that would send frightening chills down a grown man's spine.
"Man, my neck was killing me, Yamato. I'm telling ya," Babimon grumbled.
Matt devilishly grinned. "Well, well, home sweet Digital World. I have returned and this place really hasn't changed much." Soon, the games will commence and all hell will break loose.
xxxxx
Next episode: The Struggle Begins! The Terrifying Saibamon!
xxxxx
A/N: The Digital Invaders reach the Digiworld. Hell's about to break loose next time!
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