Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Digi-! (drowns in homework)
Author's Notes: Well…by the time you read this, college will either be upon me…or will have started already.
So to balance in my studies AND my job (must have money for gas!)…I will be restricting my writing to about an hour at night. So updates will become fewer and farther between. It's saddening I know…but sacrifices have to be made. And I can't sacrifice my scholarship (A Master's Degree in Mathematics in 4 years! Maybe less!) for my writing…no matter how much I love it.
Because writing will still be here. A scholarship won't.
But hey, one day college will be over. I'll be my own man, and I'll be able to write at my leisure (career permitting and all that. What will be my career anyway? I'd like to be a novelist.). I certainly hope to conclude the whole Zero 2 timeline of stories before I die…because it's a long timeline.
Man, I guess I'm just feeling apprehensive…can you guys please pray for me? I'd be really appreciative; because this is a big step for me, and I hope I'll be able to handle it.
But I can't worry about the future now! Focus on the present! TO THE MAX (Yeah, I've been reading too much Eyeshield 21 lately…)!
Now…to begin the penultimate chapter!
xxxx
Chapter 10: Live and Learn
xxxx
/Pacific Ocean, East of Japan, 7:25 PM/
The Shadow hovered over the ocean waters, its silhouette barely visible in the sky. It slowly lowered towards a Japanese fishing trawler, which was anchored in the water of the Pacific.
The left prong opened up, and the Echelon agent in black hopped down. The Japanese people on the boat paid no attention to him; they were Japanese-Americans, and they were US government agents working undercover as fishermen on the island of Okinawa.
Needless to say, they were not given any explanation as to why they were ordered to come out to these particular coordinates. They were not given any explanation as to why they were ordered to 'make a pick-up' at some time between 1800 of May 27th and 1200 of May 28th.
However, the moment they saw the Shadow coming towards them from afar (they had thought it would be longer, considering the time parameters given), they knew it was something big. A Digimon vessel?
Then they saw the man in black, and they knew that it was best not to ask questions.
The man in black merely sat down, resting his legs for a moment. As Johnny N. flew the Shadow back towards Tokyo, the Echelon agent reflected upon what his next steps were.
The trawler would sail back to the island of Okinawa, where he could properly clean himself and change into more appropriate attire before his flight.
This flight would be from Kadena Air Base, the largest American military airbase in Asia.
From there, the Echelon agent would make a refueling stop at the Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska.
From Alaska, the man in black would return to the continental United States, stopping one more time at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane County, Washington.
Finally, he would return to the OTHER Washington; Washington D.C.
The District of Columbia.
Then there would be a short drive to the NSA Headquarters at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Ten miles northeast of Washington D.C.
Then, once he got there, he'd get to the main Project Echelon via-
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-once he finally got back to his superior, then he'd deliver the objective – 'Phase Two, to be literal, as the objective ITSELF was Phase Two – to the Echelon technicians, engineers, and computer scientists. Then they'd have their way with the Dark Network.
Mr. Bishop would then announce Phase Two as a success.
Of course, the Echelon agent wondered if Phase Two's alternative goal would be accomplished.
The man in black simply sighed as he leaned his head against the edge of the trawler's guardrails. He was in a mood for relaxation now; watching that monkey 24/7 had been tiring and bothersome.
And so did the Echelon agent's mission end.
Mission Accomplished.
xxxx
/Ruins of Odaiba School, Odaiba, 7:26 PM/
Matt supposed it was fitting, to come down in a battle like this one.
A Battle of the Bands.
Well, more like a Battle of the Solo Monkey Act and the Band, but that's beside the point.
It was like that time long ago…at a video game shop.
/Begin Flashback/
Long ago, about one year after the defeat of Apocalymon and the sealing off of the Digital World from the Real World…
Matt Ishida had simply been walking around. His eye had happened to catch the loose black hair of Yutaka Chuu, the local heartthrob of the school population (he never did get how the heck that guy had been so popular; maybe girls liked boys with long, dark hair?). He was staring through the window of a videogame store, apparently watching someone play at a Dreamcast kiosk.
"Yutaka Chuu…never knew you to be a videogame guy," commented Matt Ishida.
Yutaka glanced at the Ishida boy, his all-black attire – T-shirt, pants, shoes, even socks – complimenting his dark hair even more. If it weren't for his rather boyishly handsome face (not to mention those confident blue eyes, the sight of which would make girls melt in their shoes), he would've come off as a goth. "I may have some undeserved popularity because of my looks, but it doesn't mean I can't do some normal things."
"Is that so?" remarked Matt Ishida. It was no surprise, to be honest; Yutaka apparently liked to dress like that. It just happened to lead to uber-popularity. "Well, what are you doing?"
Yutaka pointed at the window. "Watching him."
Matt looked inside…and was silent. The one at the Dreamcast kiosk in question was a bespectacled boy with fuzzy blue hair. The Child of Friendship recalled the boy's name; Takashi Koudo. He was a rather smart student; an 'A-class' variety, so to speak. And a rather unfortunate target for bullies. I wonder why…is it just because he's smart?
That seemed like a stupid reason to pick on someone. Why bully someone just because they were intelligent? It would only prove your own lack of intelligence.
Either way, Takashi was pretty good. Perhaps he was only playing to pass the time, but he was still putting a lot of effort into it. A few minutes passed before the young boy stepped out (well, more like forced out by the proprietor for loitering; he had been there for a while, it seemed). He still looked like he wanted to play. "Aw…if only I had enough money to buy a Dreamcast, I wouldn't have to come here…"
"You did pretty well," said Yutaka with a smile. "What was that game?"
"Sonic Adventure," bashfully replied Takashi, looking a bit bewildered. I mean, one of the popular (and when I say popular, I mean Elvis popular) kids was talking to him.
Matt briefly thought back to his younger days (as in, before his parents divorced). He had played the original Sonic game on the Sega Genesis. His fondest memory was that of TK watching him play with a look of rapt attention on his boyish face. I miss those days…
"Hmm…" muttered Yutaka. "You know, I happen to have both a Dreamcast and that game at my house…my skills are rather lacking, to be honest."
Takashi Koudo looked like he had been blindsided. Yutaka Chuu? The school heartthrob? Asking him to come and play? It was so…unexpected. It was an offer he couldn't help but accept. But still, the concept was so…WEIRD. "Uh…okay…but why?" His response was a mixture of both excited happiness and awkward shyness.
Yutaka shrugged. "It'd be nice to have a normal friend. One who doesn't want to hang out with me simply because I'm popular." The very nature of his popularity often mystified him; so he happened to look a certain way. Why did this somehow equate with 'fan club'? At least I don't have to deal with the pressure of being a genius. Sure, he got good grades…but he didn't like all of the attention. He momentarily wished that that kid genius, Ken 'the Rocket' Ichijouji went to Odaiba instead of Tamachi (even if the little guy was only nine, his intelligence and athleticism were downright remarkable). Just to deflect attention away from him.
Takashi couldn't help but grin. "That…sounds…GREAT!"
Matt Ishida smiled, briefly recalling his title as the Child of Friendship. Well…friendship is friendship. Hope these two do okay…
"Well this is a peachy-looking scene."
The three boys turned to see another boy walking towards them. Although he wore blue jeans, a blue denim jacket, and a black T-shirt, his identifying marks were his spiky, swept-back brown hair, his long nose…and the lit cigarette that hung limply from his mouth.
"Akira Youhei." Matt frowned at the sight of the delinquent. "What brings you here?"
The smoker shrugged. "Eh, just minding my own business. At least until I saw the loner," He pointed at Matt. "The popular goth," He pointed at Yutaka, who tried not to get offended at Akira's remark. "And the fuzzy little four-eyes," His finger stopped at Takashi. "Hanging out. It's one weird combo."
Matt seethed. Takashi impulsively cringed. Scary!
Yutaka only asked, "Pardon me…but goth?"
"I call em' as I see em'."
Matt retorted, "Just stop bugging them Akira. We're in no mood for any of your second-hand smoke."
Akira inhaled, taking a brief drag on his cigarette.
Then he blew a cloud onto their faces.
Ensue coughing.
Akira smirked. "Why not? Plenty to go around."
Matt grimaced as he blew away the smoke with his hand. He never quite understood why Akira could be so antagonistic to people; his grades were only average, his smoking got him into a lot of trouble, and he carried the presence of a juvenile delinquent (even though he had a perfect attendance record, which seemed odd). All in all, he never sought out a fight…but if anyone ever rubbed him the wrong way, you had better watch out.
Takashi – from behind Yutaka, of course – meekly chirped, "Um…p-please leave us alone!"
Akira arched an eyebrow at Takashi's demand. Then he chuckled. "Gutsy. Not that you have much of them."
Matt grimaced as he clenched Akira's shoulder. "Don't push it."
"Wanna make something of it?" cockily growled the delinquent as he glared at the blonde-haired loner.
Takashi gulped.
Then, Yutaka put up his hands. "Gentlemen, PLEASE…don't cause a commotion. You'll get us all kicked out."
Too late.
The punches were thrown.
Ten minutes later, the four of them were on the concrete outside Aquacity, having been forced out by mall security.
"But I wasn't doing anything…" whimpered Takashi Koudo.
"You were an instigator," cracked Akira Youhei.
"Oh shut it!" roared Matt Ishida.
And all the while, Yutaka Chuu just stared at the three of them, his blue eyes calculating something…and he shrugged.
What else could he lose?
"My father runs a music store, and revenue has been sagging recently."
The other three suddenly looked at Yutaka, who had started speaking out of the blue. "So to try and make ends meet, he's become one of the sponsors for the upcoming Tokyo Battle of the Bands."
Matt had only heard of it in passing; a tournament of amateurs to see who'd become Tokyo's next big star. He had always regarded those things as a waste of time. "And…?"
"To help sponsor my dad, I'll be joining the competition as a bass player…but I need a band." An odd look came to his eyes; it could be described as a strange mirthfulness. "I don't know why I'm even saying this…but I need a lead singer who can play the electric guitar, a drummer, and a keyboard player. And I want you three."
"Heh?"
"Huh?"
"Wha?"
Nothing was said.
Then Akira laughed. "AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh my…oh MY…HAHAHA! Me, playing on a stage? PFFT. Screw that."
"The winning band will receive a substantial amount of prize money."
At that, Akira seemed to go stock-still. After moments of silence, he muttered, "I won't have to wear a stupid outfit, will I?"
"You could use your school uniform for all I care."
"Fine. I'm in."
Takashi gulped as he glanced at Akira; although he was flattered that Yutaka had asked him to join, he didn't warm to the idea of the smoker being part of the band.
But…it was the first time anyone had asked him to join anything.
Takashi muttered, "Uh…okay…"
Matt frowned. "This seems weird coming from you Yutaka. What's the deal?"
The black-haired boy shrugged, a weird smile on his face. "I honestly have no clue…I'm probably making a mistake…but call it a hunch. A weird hunch, but a hunch nevertheless."
Matt Ishida was quiet. Then, he slowly took out his harmonica and blew a few notes. Finally, he said, "I have no idea how to do the drums, the guitar, or the keyboard."
Yutaka stood up, looking at – as of ten seconds ago – his fellow band mates. "We have a few months to work on it then."
Akira grinned. "Doesn't matter what you have me do; money is money."
Takashi muttered, "I'll…do my best."
At this, Yutaka smiled. "An odd group…but let's see how far my hunch will take me…"
As it had turned out…Yutaka had underestimated the might of his hunch.
Within a few months, the quartet had prepared themselves as much as they could. Then, when the competition had begun…they surprised everyone. Including themselves.
Takashi Koudo was great as the supportive element at the keyboard, choosing the right sounds at the right time.
Akira Youhei was a demon at the drums, bashing away with all his might.
Yutaka Chuu's fingers were masterful at the bass, bringing out booming sound.
And Matt Ishida…not only had he proven to be quite good at the electric guitar…but he had a voice of gold.
They were the Teenage Wolves; four loners from different walks of life, coming together to form their own pack. They had stalked their way to the top of the music mountain, overcoming everyone else.
Their howls reached the ears of Tokyo upon their victory.
And Tokyo responded.
They would go on to not only become one of the hottest bands around…but also, they would go on to become the best of friends.
/End Flashback/
Matt Ishida grinned at the memories. How odd, that the four had ended up becoming so close. Or maybe, it wasn't that odd at all.
Matt had friends with the Digidestined. But his brother had moved away soon after the defeat of Apocalymon…and that had brought back a hole that had been filled by young TK's presence. Not only that…but with Gabumon gone – in the Digital World, away from him – he had been lonely.
Yutaka, being Mr. Popular, was effectively shut out. Who could find genuine companions when the only image people had of you was that of a false idol? He detested popularity for the falsity of it all…for he too, had been lonely.
Takashi, little guy that he was, could never fight back against those stronger than him. His intelligence and good grades aside, he had had little going for him. That was why he cherished the band…because he had also been lonely.
Akira…his story was a tragic one. One of an isolated boy, growing up with a single mom. While his father lived in the relative luxury of politics, he and his mom had been barely making ends meet. That was why the band was so important to him…for not only did the band provide him with precious funds to live off of…but it gave him three more people to care for. Three more people important to him…for he had been lonely.
Four lonely boys…that were no longer alone.
And that was why, no matter what the odds…that was why they would defeat the phony King…and take back the throne of rock that he had stolen! They had all lived hard lives…and they had learned of true companionship.
How fitting, the choice for their song to bring down KingEtemon.
A simultaneous thought ran through the four boys' heads.
Let's rock.
Then they played.
At the same time…Davis, Kari, and TK flew up at KingEtemon.
The partners of three different Digidestined teams attacked the Dark Network.
The Grand Praetor led his guards – human and Elitemon alike – into battle, along with the Odaiba Police.
Halsemon formed a protective barrier around Prime Minister Takeo Koimoto, whose eyes were affixed on the Teenage Wolves.
And elsewhere, far at the Rainbow Bridge…(Sentinelmon), Musyamon, and Goro Gyusalamee spoke with their swords, defending the bridge from the Dark Network.
A simultaneous strike…the climax.
(Matt and Yutaka's fingers jammed along their instruments' strings, producing the familiar jamming sounds. Akira's drumsticks bashed against both drums and cymbals. Takashi's fingers were a blur, his trained eyes hitting the right keys at the right time.)
KingEtemon snorted at the display. "Huh. A song eh? Well you won't get one, cause the King's gonna be on top! Uh huh huh!" He brought up his own guitar. "Now…let's-!"
"HYAAAA!"
Davis, TK, and Kari's fists slammed into his gut.
("Can you feeeel liiiife…movin' through your miiiind…" crooned Matt, his voice having sung this song so many times, he could do so perfectly without even concentrating. He was merely letting the words flow.)
KingEtemon gagged as his body slammed into the ground. The Dark Network rose to strike, but simultaneous blasts from Machinedramon's Giga Cannon and Cherubimon's Lightning Spear. "Hey now, no fair-!"
BlackWargreymon and Wargreymon struck him from below the ground. "DOUBLE GREY TORNADO!"
("Ooooh, looks like it came back for moooore!")
KingEtemon yelped. But that wasn't all.
"ICE STREAM!"
MetalGarurumon's blue blast froze KingEtemon in place, even as the two Wargreymon grabbed the King and threw him into the ground.
("YEAH YEAH YEAH!" roared all four wolves, their microphones amplifying their voices.)
KingEtemon broke free. How were their voices being amplified? How could he hear their voices? How could the sounds of their rock and roll overwhelm the sounds of battle? "It's not over yet!" He grunted, irritated.
("Can you feeeel tiiiime…slippin' down your spiiiine…" sung Yutaka, his deeper voice resonating through the air.)
Inside the school, Datamon's mind was computing billions of calculations per second. He was manipulating the Dark Network in key spots, formulating sound delivery systems; these were linked up with the Teenage Wolves' instruments, allowing their voices to echo throughout the entirety of Odaiba…and to allow this plan to continue, the wires that formed these sound systems were instructed to not fight, attack, or move. These speakers were powerful; nearly all of Tokyo could hear the Teenage Wolves now.
As for Izzy, his fingers were busy clicking away at the keyboard, keeping the eyes of KingEtemon away from the school. I've still got it…with this coding, the Dark Network's defensive firewalls will be registering Datamon's hacking as nonexistent! Prodigious!
And all the while, Tomoe Kaziwashi looked up at the platform the Teenage Wolves were on. "…they're pretty good."
("Ooooooh, you try and try to ignore!")
Outside, Dietz cut through a whole bushel of cables. "That's 346!"
He slashed again.
("Yeeeeah!")
"359!"
(Matt and Yutaka both screamed. "But you can hardly swallow…!")
"Less talking!" roared the Grand Praetor as his blades flashed. A golden blur suddenly struck down a wiry spike coming toward his back. A blur he recognized. A golden Elitemon with a scratch on his helmet. "Outcast."
Hiroaki's partner growled out of annoyance. "It's FUTA!"
("Your fears and paaaaaain!")
Paildramon dashed toward Angewomon. "Let's go!"
The angel nodded. "Right!"
Paildramon…Angewomon…DNA Digivolve to……Aetherdramon!
The lithe, blue-skinned Mega flashed into being, his twenty-foot tall body covered by a white bodysuit from neck to waist. White holsters held golden daggers, and golden gauntlets – with a small slot for the Holy Arrow attack in front – covered his forearms. Two pairs of wings – ten-foot angel wings on top, five-foot leathery blue dragon wings on bottom – jutted out from his back. A silver helmet with a cross-shaped visor covered his head, revealing pale blue eyes. Long, platinum-colored hair went down from the back of the helmet.
Aetherdramon pulled out his two blades. "Miraculous Daggers!"
The golden knives sliced through incoming cables.
("When you can't help but follow…")
"Wing Blade!"
A fiery phoenix soared downward towards a mass of black wires; in its wake followed Daemon and MagnaAngemon. The demonic Mega incinerated a number of wires that were about to fire green lasers, whilst the angelic Ultimate brandished his rapier, slicing through cable after cable. Aetherdramon then came behind them, attacking from long distance. "Golden Cross!"
A golden cross of energy shout out from the DNA Mega's visor, slamming into a bundle of wires. Stray data particles floated harmlessly into the air.
(Matt said one more solo line. "It puts you right back where you caaaaaaaame!")
KingEtemon snorted. "This isn't supposed to be happening! My Dark Network's invincible!" However, its reactions…seemed slowed and dull, somehow. "What? Why aren't you working!"
"Because you're LOSING! MAGNA SHOCK!"
Golden electricity rumbled through KingEtemon, causing him to yelp. At the same time, TK and Kari shouted in unison. "Golden Noose!"
The line of golden power wrapped around KingEtemon, the ends conjoined to TK and Kari's hands. "Hey, no fair! Lemme out!"
(Matt's fingers went down the strings, causing a screeching sound effect.)
The Children of Light and Hope responded by slinging the Elvis Impersonator into the ground. Dust and rock went flying.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"Vulcan's Hammer!"
("Hanging on the edge of tomorrow!")
"Horn Buster!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"Flower Cannon!"
("From the works of yesterdaaaay!")
"Lightning Spear!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"Giga Cannon!"
(As Akira slammed on the drums, his mind felt like a blank. It was probably another reason he cherished the Wolves; whenever he played…he could forget his pain. The pain that came with being born out of wedlock. He screamed as hard as he could. "If you beg or if you borrow!")
"BADA BANG!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"MAGNA RAY!"
"STAR SHOWER!"
"ROSETTA STONE!"
("You may never find your waaaay!" yelled Takashi, sounding surprisingly strong for such a little guy. But what can you say; being in the band had done him some good. In more ways than one.)
The explosion that ensued was massive. The rumbling could be felt throughout Odaiba.
("Whoooooooa…yeah!")
Tatsuki Tamashiro turned her head. "That explosion…"
"It's best to keep moving," remarked Wizardmon. His tone become softer. "Besides…Gatomon and her friends are able fighters. They will not lose."
Tatsuki nodded. "Very well then…" She yelled out at the top of her lungs. "COME ON GIRLS! TO THE BRIDGE!"
"YES MA'AM!"
("Can you feel liiiife…tangle you up insiiiide…?")
KingEtemon grimaced as he pulled himself out of the hole. He was actually…in pain! "No way…this can't be happenin'…I'm the King! There's no way I can lose!"
Then Dinobeemon's head slammed into his body. The King toppled head over heels, stopping as his face skidded along the ground.
("Yeeeeah! Now you're face down on the floooor!")
KingEtemon growled as he stood up, clutching angrily at his guitar. "I ain't gonna lose to a stupid lizard like you! CONCERT RAVAGE!"
The sound of his guitar echoed through the air…
("Ooooh!")
…but to his horror, the sound of the Teenage Wolves overwhelmed his own. No way! How'd they defeat my Concert Ravage?
That's when BlackWargreymon barreled into him from behind.
("But you can't save your sorrow!" sang Matt and Akira in unison.)
KingEtemon growled. "THAT'S IT! DARK NETWORK, ATTACK!"
("You've paid in traaaade!")
Green lasers crisscrossed through the night. Many of them soared towards the Teenage Wolves…
"GOLDEN SEEKER!"
Discs of gold erupted from Aetherdramon's gauntlets, arranging themselves around the Wolves. They all fired at the incoming lasers, negating them entirely.
KingEtemon grit his teeth in anger. "GRRR!"
Then TK's fist hit his face.
("When you can't help but follow…!")
From atop a nearby building, Hiroaki looked down at his sons with pride. "They're doing well…both of them."
"Will they be…okay?" asked Natsuko, still wary. After all, consider all the carnage around them.
("It puts you right back where you caaaame!")
"They'll be fine," said Joshua Kido. "They're Digidestined. They've endured worse." Miranda nodded out of agreement.
(Matt's fingers streaked down the strings again.)
Teela, meanwhile, was twirling her fingers. "I'll have to buy their CD!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Black cables snaked around the edge of Halsemon's Shield of Aegis.
("Hanging on the edge of tomorrow!")
Ezekiel Ackerson pointed. "LOOK OUT!" He aimed his Winchester rifle.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Miyuki Shinako opened fire with her energy rifle, burning through the wires snaking behind them.
("From the works of yesterdaaaay!")
Ilene Isadora pulled the triggers of both energy pistols, bombarding the Dark Network with green bolts.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Himuro Minamoto ducked underneath one bolt and fired at the guilty wire with a blue blast of energy.
("If you beg or if you borrow!")
All the while, Prime Minister Takeo Koimoto – ignoring the gunshots and energy blasts by the police officers behind him – kept his eyes focused on the Teenage Wolves…and one in particular. "…"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!" roared Wolfgang Dietz as he spun in midair, like a buzz saw. Multiple wires fell in his wake…
("You may never find your waaaay!")
…then he fell down, his eyes dizzy. "Urk…shouldn't have spun…"
Ackerson found enough time to sweatdrop at Dietz. "Good grief." He resumed fire.
Amidst the sounds of rock and roll, Odaiba was rocking and rolling with battle.
("Oh, whoa, whoa…oh yeeeeeeeeeeeah!" screamed Matt as he went on a solo, his guitar's tunes soaring through the night sky. Yutaka, Akira, and Takashi were all silent, focusing everything on their music.)
At Rainbow Bridge, everyone started to slow down…because they could vividly hear the Teenage Wolves playing.
"That's Matt's band, isn't it?" asked Momoe.
"Apparently," said Chizuru.
Mantarou blinked. "Of all times to have a concert, they pick NOW?"
("Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!")
Jun Inoue couldn't help but stare at Odaiba, its entire skyline filled with writhing black cables and the lights of energy, streaking back and forth. Dust littered the air…yet the sounds were so clear. Her heart clenched at the thought of Davis fighting with all his might. I…want to help…
A hand gripped her shoulder.
She turned to see a smiling Jim. "One thing's missing from this song…a band's nothing without cheers!"
Jun was silent.
And then she smiled. "Yeah…"
Then, they both yelled, "GO WOLVES! HOWL! BEAT THAT CRUMMY KING!"
The Inoues stared…but before anything else could be said, the cheers started coming up. Once people started realizing that the Wolves were facing off against the King (at least, they thought so), their cheers became paramount. Nobody wanted the King in town.
Soon, Tokyo was howling as loud as the four Wolves were.
At the endpoint of the bridge, Musyamon frowned. "Why are they all screaming incessantly?" As he spoke, he continued to fight beside
"Because," said (Sentinelmon) as he calmly sliced through another wire that had been close to skewering Goro's back. "They're cheering on my friends…to give them strength."
("There's a face searching faaaar…so far and wide!" roared both guitarists.)
"KING MONKEY FIST! KING MONKEY KICK!"
The flurry of punches and kicks found their targets. Wargreymon, Aetherdramon, and Machinedramon were sent flying. Aetherdramon split back into Paildramon and Angewomon.
("There's a place where you dreeeeam…you'd never find!" howled both lead singer and drummer.)
KingEtemon growled angrily, his eyes turning back towards the Teenage Wolves. "You brats are DEAD! Uh huh HUH!" He leapt towards them.
("Hold on to what if?")
MetalGarurumon suddenly appeared in front of him. "GIGA MISSILE!"
("HOLD ON TO WHAT IF?")
KingEtemon yelped as the missile's icy explosion sent him rocketing toward the sky.
Davis, TK, and Kari flew up after him.
(Matt's fingers streaked along the strings yet again.)
KingEtemon gagged as his ascent into the air began to slow down…and then he heard them.
The cheers.
The cheers of Tokyo, howling for the Teenage Wolves.
KingEtemon couldn't believe it. His fans! His loyal fans! They were all gone! "No…HOW COULD THIS BE HAPPENING?"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"Simple!"
KingEtemon blanched as Davis, TK, and Kari – their armor shimmering in the night sky – grabbed him from three sides, binding him tightly. TK finished, "You're losing."
("Hanging on the edge of tomorrow!")
KingEtemon started struggling. "Hey, LEMME GO! MY COMEBACK TOUR NEEDS FINISHIN'!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"It never started to begin with," said Kari. "Ready guys?"
"READY!"
("From the works of yesterdaaaay!")
Then the three soared down toward the ground. KingEtemon kept struggling. "I SAID LEMME GO!"
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Then the three Digidestined began spinning as they flew down, their bodies becoming blurs of gold, white, and bronze in the darkness of the night.
("If you beg or if you borrow!")
"WAAAAAAH! YOU'RE GONNA MAKE ME HURL! STUPID DIGIBRATS!" protested KingEtemon, his strength rapidly fading away. Not just because of the combined assault of the Digidestined…not just because his Dark Network was losing power…but because the Teenage Wolves were getting more cheers than him.
And that would be called a definite 'buzz-kill'. Especially to one with an ego like KingEtemon's.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
On the ground, Paildramon glanced up at the descending trio. "Hmm…it's time to end this!"
("You may never find your waaaay!")
Paildramon……Mega-Digivolve to……Imperialdramon!
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Imperialdramon……Mode-Change to……FIGHTER MODE!
("Hanging on the edge of tomorrow!")
The mighty Mega stood over everyone, his right arm raised into the sky. It was his right arm that held his mighty Positron Laser.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
Then – their velocity having reached a tremendous level – the Magna Warrior, the White Angel, and the Angel of Hope let go of KingEtemon.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" screamed the King as he kept flying downwards…
("From the works of yesterdaaaay!")
…and into Imperialdramon's cannon.
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
KingEtemon groaned. "Ow…my head…where am I?"
("If you beg or if you borrow!")
Then the darkened chasm he had found himself in began to glow. "…uh oh."
("LIVE AND LEARN!")
"POSITRON LASER!"
("You may never find your waaaay!")
"WAAAAAAAAAH!" screamed KingEtemon as the blue and red laser beam carried him into the sky. He was nearly on the verge of defeat…
NO! I HAVE A COMEBACK TOUR TO COMPLETE! "DARK NETWORK, COME TO ME! I NEED A LIFT!"
Then, the wires that were not under Datamon's control soared into the air, offering to return power to KingEtemon. Their tips jammed into his back…and power began to soar through him. "OH yeah! This is the stuff! My Dark Network makes me invincible! I'LL NEVER LOSE! CAUSE I'M THE KING! Uh huh huh, uh huh huh, uh huh huh!"
("Live and learn!" said Matt, his voice still going strong as they neared the end.)
Angewomon scowled. "Everyone, give me your power! Before he recharges!" A pink halo formed overhead. "HEAVEN'S CHARM!"
Everyone prepared to fire.
("YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!")
"Positron Laser!"
"Magna Ray!"
"Equis Beam!"
"Cat's Eye Beam!"
"Giga Cannon!"
"Lightning Spear!"
"Flame Inferno!"
"Gaia Force!"
"Terra Destroyer!"
"Ice Stream!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Horn Buster!"
"Vulcan's Hammer!"
"Flower Cannon!"
"Insect Spike!"
"Gate of Destiny…RELEASE!"
"Bada Bang!"
Released all at once, the Digimon's attacks soared into the pink halo.
("Live and learn!")
White energy soared into Angewomon's hands, forming into a white lance, brimming with more power than she had ever felt before. She took aim at the mass of black in the sky, gathering around KingEtemon. Got to make this count!
("YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!")
"CELESTIAL LANCE!"
She heaved the lance into the sky, its own power carrying it towards KingEtemon.
Before KingEtemon could do anything else…
SHICK.
…the Celestial Lance impaled his stomach.
"…huh? What? This can't be…my hide was impenetrable…!"
Apparently not.
Defeat was finally upon him…
(Then…at that moment…the Teenage Wolves finished their song.)
…the Celestial Lance suddenly exploded from within.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
KingEtemon screamed at the top of his lungs as he was enveloped in white energy, along with his Dark Network. Every single black line connected to him was also enveloped in white. Izzy and Datamon both yelped as white power arched through the wires. Datamon disconnected before he could be shocked…but Izzy's laptop was not so lucky.
It was electrified.
The Child of Knowledge blanched. "…"
The Teenage Wolves blinked as the platform of black wires they stood on burst into data…but they all fell into the gigantic hands of Imperialdramon, instruments and all. The data of the Dark Network coalesced around KingEtemon in the air…moments before he burst as well.
The mixture of energies suddenly caused a ripping sound…and for the briefest of moments, a tear in the sky appeared.
Everyone paused at the sight of it. It was a doorway of some kind, leading to a multi-colored world…it wasn't the Digital World…or Digital Limbo…or the Dark World…so what was it?
"That is the Dream Dimension."
Everyone suddenly turned. Floating there in the air was the familiar image of a tall woman with flowing blue hair, which seemed to be 'leaking', so to speak, binary code. Her obsidian eyes and robes of pure white light contrasted each other perfectly.
Davis and Kari blinked. "Siara." Messenger of the Guardian Beasts.
Siara smiled. "Glad to see you remembered me."
"What do you mean by Dream Dimension?" asked Tai, his hand subconsciously clutching at his short hair (which reminded him…HIS HAIR! NOOOOO!).
"It is an alternate dimension that exists alongside the Real World, effectively bridging the Digital World and the Dark World together." Her eyes gazed up. The tear in the sky was already gone. "Without it, the Digital World would not exist…for the dreams of mankind manifest themselves there as pure psionic energy. Those dreams, combined with bits and pieces of data, created the Digital World and its inhabitants…the Digimon."
A wave of shock rolled through the Digidestined, along with the Digimon. They had known about the Digimon being made of missing or broken pieces of data…but also of dreams? New questions of how interconnected the worlds were began to form in Ken's head.
"What about…nightmares?" asked Joe, a bit fearfully I might add.
Siara replied, "As you may have guessed, nightmares were what created the dark half of the Digital World before it split into two. The Dark World, and the Dark Digimon you've all fought before, were all spawned by data and the nightmares of humans."
I'd hate to have seen the nightmares that spawned Myotismon, thought Gatomon with a shiver; her fur stood on end.
Siara sighed with relief as she stared around. "So much devastation…and yet you all defeated KingEtemon. That is good; I'll need to report this to the Guardian Beasts. Once again, thank you all."
Then, in brief flicker, she was gone.
Davis grumbled. "She left before we could ask if those Guardian guys could fix up Odaiba."
It was true; although not completely leveled as it had been during the Odaiba War, the district still looked leveled. It would be months before everything would be repaired…maybe longer.
Kari cringed. The images brought up too many bad memories.
"We'll just have to work hard…besides, we shouldn't become too reliant on their power," remarked TK.
Then, moments after Imperialdramon set the Teenage Wolves down, every single Digimon – with the exception of BlackWargreymon, Futa, Nola Kusulumee, and the other Elitemon – dedigivolved to Rookie or lower. They were utterly drained.
But they had won.
It was at the moment that they finally realized the sound…of cheers.
So many of them.
Cheers for the Teenage Wolves.
Akira grinned widely. "And all is right in the world."
Matt, Yutaka, and Takashi smiled in response.
Suddenly, a hand slipped a small envelope into Akira's jacket pocket.
"Hmm?" He turned…and blinked at the sight of Takeo Koimoto. His father. "You…"
Takeo Koimoto – speaking lowly enough so that only Akira could hear – said, "Due to the business with the Grand Praetor, I was unable to deliver this to your mother last week."
Akira Youhei blinked. "…what?"
Takeo smiled briefly before turning away. "When I retire…I'd like to start over." That was all he said before walking away towards the Grand Praetor.
Akira blinked out of confusion. What the heck was that all about? Then, the drummer pulled out the envelope and opened it.
His eyes nearly bugged out of his head.
It was a check for 3,000 dollars.
What…the…?
He suddenly had a lot of questions for his mom…but those would come later.
Right now, it was a time for rest.
At least, for the Digidestined.
Well…except for one.
Oikawa turned away from the originals as BlackWargreymon flew up to the rooftop.
"Hey."
Oikawa did not turn as Hiroaki stepped forward. "Thank you for your help."
The man in the purple trench coat said nothing. Not until he got into BlackWargeymon's arms, that is.
"I am sorry…for threatening to kill your wife."
Then the black Mega took off into the air, partner in tow.
Everyone blinked out of confusion.
Then Hiroaki and Natsuko both understood.
The Odaiba War…where Oikawa had held Natsuko at gunpoint.
A slight smile came to Hiroaki Ishida's face. "Heh…he's not all bad after all…"
"Still needs work though," remarked Joshua Kido.
"Like YOU don't?" jokingly retorted Teela Yamaki.
"Please…not now," said Miranda Akiyama. "Let's just relax…the battle's been won."
On that, they could all agree.
And Natsuko…well, the sight of her two sons giving each other pats on the back almost made all of the destruction worthwhile (well, not realistically speaking, but you get the idea.).
xxxx
(Sentinelmon) sighed as he glowed once, dedigivolving into two figures: Cody and Upamon.
Musyamon grunted as he sheathed his sword. "That wasn't too difficult."
"But it should have been difficult for someone like me, right?" remarked Cody with an odd glare in his eyes. "I may not be strong physically…but I am strong mentally and spiritually. And I have friends to give me strength. I have my weaknesses…but I can acknowledge them. I just want my students to acknowledge their own weaknesses…so they can become stronger too."
Musyamon said nothing.
However, a flicker of a smile came to his lips.
Meanwhile, Goro Gyusalamee walked back towards the Rainbow Bridge, ignoring the sounds of the cheering. He had done good…and that was just fine.
Although he liked his life here…he did not mind experiencing the thrill of battle. After all, why else do you think he worked at a bar?
xxxx
Izzy sighed as he looked down at his fried laptop. He had had it for years.
"Your assistance was appreciated," said Datamon. "Unfortunate that your computer construct was destroyed."
Izzy shrugged. It was to be expected, he supposed; he was kind of surprised it had lasted as long as it had. "Oh well. It's okay…it served me well."
Datamon nodded as he clambered over to Tomoe. "Shall we head back to the arcade?"
Tomoe Kaziwashi chuckled at Datamon's question. "We won't be heading back for a little while. I'm kind of ready for a break."
xxxx
Dietz grinned. "Well…that was fun."
"Define 'fun'," grumbled Ackerson, his rump seated on a bunch of rubble.
"I like to sleep for fun," remarked Himuro.
Ilene rolled her eyes. "You don't do ANYTHING fun. Mr. Workaholic."
"Come on you two, quit bickering," admonished Miyuki. "At least we protected the Prime Minister."
Speaking of the Prime Minister, he was walking towards the Grand Praetor. "Well…I must say, I apologize for this mess."
"You had nothing to do with KingEtemon's attack," assured Nola Kusulumee.
The Prime Minister said nothing as he looked around, his slick black hair caked with dust. Odaiba was utterly ruined. "What a horrific conclusion…the battle may have been won, but the district is destroyed, and Human-Digimon relations are bound to take a hit because of this incident…"
The Grand Praetor as silent, his formally shiny armor now as dull as Odaiba and the current situation they were in. His eyes briefly turned toward the silhouette of a Shadow – piloted by none other than Johnny N. – flying towards their location.
Then an idea struck.
"I have a solution," said the Grand Praetor, a glimmer coming to his eyes.
xxxx
One week later.
Thousands of people standing on Rainbow Bridge watched tentatively as a purple warship flew towards Odaiba, its sides flanked with dozens upon dozens of Shadows.
It was the Great Journey.
It had just returned from the Digital World, its innards laden with purple ore mined from the OMEGA sectors (not to mention the Shadows; they were filled to the brim with the stuff.). The same purple ore that they had used to build the Forbidden City and the Transcendent City from the ground up. The Prophets of Reality and Absolution had been enthusiastic about the Grand Praetor's idea.
It had been quite simple…
To help rebuild.
Not only that, but a number of Digimon were also standing in Odaiba, surrounded by human workers. The Grand Praetor smiled as the Great Journey stopped above head.
The one standing beside him – Prime Minister Takeo Koimoto – smiled brightly as the gigantic ship's gravity lift activated, sending down workers and supplies down to the ground. "It is time to rebuild Odaiba…and make it grander than ever."
xxxx
TO BE CONCLUDED…
NEXT TIME…
Chapter 11: Odaiba, Tokyo's Violet Blossom
xxxx
Author's Notes: It just occurred to me that I have not read a single story that elaborates on the Teenage Wolves. Is it because there aren't a lot of them?
It's kind of weird. As Dark Qiviut will attest, there need to be more fics about Oikawa, who's a relatively important character who receives NO attention at all, save for a few stories. And the Teenage Wolves, outside of perhaps a passing reference, get the shaft too!
By pointing out the fact that I write heavily about these characters, am I boasting…?
Oh well. I liked this chapter. I like the bit of 'government intrusion', where the text showing the location of Project Echelon was physically removed by the NSA. X3
See you soon, and please review!