Episode 10:Search, And Rescue, Part 2
A tense silence hung in the air, as Julia's car headed down the highway. Undinemon had been momentarily shocked by her, and Cassandra's presence. But she couldn't linger at that now, and instead focused on the task at hand.
Liollmon was easily the most trepidatious about this whole scenario. This plan was utterly insane to him. Going after a pair of dangerous individuals with mostly unknown capabilities. With a pop star, a pair of teenagers, an amnesiac, with only their partners, and one extra to back them up.
It was insane.
But they had gone too far now. There was no backing out. He simply had to make the best of a bad situation.
Within twenty minutes, the suv arrived at the docks. The long piers of concrete overlooked the sea in the distance. Giant, steel shipping containers were stacked like multi colored blocks everywhere. The cry of seagulls, and crashing of waves filled the air, occasionally interspersed with the foghorns of ships.
The suv parked in an empty space, behind a stack of shipping containers. Once the car was hidden from view, the group all filed out together. Kai quickly checked the address on his phone, and looked around the nearest corner.
Two rows down was one of many warehouses. A large plate sat above the entrance, displaying the warehouse's number. It perfectly matched the one that had been sent to Kai. And just around the corner of the warehouse, Kai also spotted a black nondescript vehicle.
"This is definitely the place." Kai said, moving back to the others.
"So, does anyone actually have a plan?" Liollmon asked, with a hint of contempt.
"Easy, we all digivolve, and bust in, guns blazing." Impmon smirked. "We take the place by storm, take Kai's little friend home, and all be back in time for supper."
"You really are an idiot, huh?" Undinemon remarked. "We don't even know where my partner is in there. One wrong attack could get him, and everyone else hurt. Freaking moron."
Impmon scowled. "Hey, call me a moron again fish breath, see what happens!"
"Can we please not fight?" Bellamon pleaded with a frown.
"Bellamon is right." Cassandra snapped. "Now is not the time for these childish arguments."
Impmon pointed a finger at the other rookie. "She started it!"
Cassandra gave him a quick glare in response. Impmon simply huffed, crossing his arms in annoyance.
"I think I have an idea." Kai stated, after several moments of silence.
Everyone turned to him curiously.
"They're just expecting me." Kai began. "So, I'll head in alone, and have them take me to Michael. Once I'm sure he's safe, I'll give you guys a signal. That's when you come breaking in. In the confusion, I'll break Michael out, and get him back to Undinemon. Then we make a break for it."
"It's about as a good of a plan as we can hope for." Cassandra stated.
Molly moved to Kai's side. "Are you sure you're gonna be okay on your own?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Kai reassured.
"So, what'll the signal be?" Julia asked.
"They'll most likely take your phone." Liollmon pointed out. "So it's not like you'll be able to call us."
Kai pondered for a moment before replying. "I'll think of something. Trust me, you'll know the signal when you see it."
Kai looked down to Undinemon. "I'll get him back. I promise."
Undinemon nodded resolutely in reply.
Kai took in a breath, and turned the corner. The rest of the group watched, as he headed for the warehouse entrance. All of them feeling the tension in the air.
A few warehouse rows down, Francisco, and Ariomon had parked. The reporter looked through his binoculars in utter disbelief.
"What the actual hell are Cassandra Fox, and Julia doing here?!" Francisco exclaimed. "Then there's that other girl."
"There partners are with them as well." Ariomon pointed out.
"I feel like I recognize the other two humans. Where have I seen them before?"
Francisco dropped his binoculars, and popped open the door.
"What are you doing?" Ariomon asked.
Francisco closed the door behind him. "I'm gonna try, and get a closer look."
Ariomon sighed, and hopped out of the car as well. The pair then carefully began to approach the group. Making sure to stay well out of sight.
Kai slowly made his way toward the entrance of the large warehouse. As he stepped inside, the light of the sun was replaced by fluorescent bulbs in the ceiling. More shipping containers, along with dozens of crates, and boxes were stacked high all over the space.
"I'm here like you asked!" Kai shouted.
His voice echoed in the cavernous space. After several moments, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. Kai looked to the other side of the building across from him. He could see the approaching figures of the dark suited man, and woman.
Walking alongside them were two Homunculumon. They were both different from the ones he had encountered previously.
The first was bulkier, with large armored shoulder pads. It stood a good two to three feet taller than the others. The creature also appeared to have a much more hunched over appearance, and each of its hands ended in three thick fingers.
The second stood even taller, and had long limbs. It's body was lithe, and sinewy, with an almost angular appearance. Bits of armor like plating covered much of its body. Each of its four fingered hands were tipped with a sharp, blade like claw. Finally, a long tail stretched from the middle of its spine.
As they drew closer, Kai could make out shimmering symbols within their gemstones. The bulkier of the pair had the symbol for gamma. While the other was adorned with the beta symbol.
Kai raised his hands in the air as they approached. The man, and woman exchanged a glance, and moved in closer. The woman then made a motion with her hand, signaling he burlier Homunculumon. It raised its arm at her command, its three fingers transforming into heavy duty gun barrels.
The man drew his energy weapon, and trained it on Kai as well. His companion moved in close, and began patting him down. Kai made no show of resistance as she removed his phone, and pocketed it.
"He's clean." the woman stated.
"I came, just like you said." Kai stated. "Where's Michael? You promised you would free him, if I gave myself up."
"Mr. Reinhart is safe, and sound." the woman answered. "He'll be released, just as promised."
"I'm not going to take you just on your word." Kai retorted.
"You're hardly in a position to bargain." the suited man growled.
Kai looked between the pair. "I know you two want me alive. If you don't show me Michael, I will fight back with everything I have. Do you want to risk killing me while trying to defend yourselves?"
There was a tense silence in the air for several moments. The man, and woman shared a look, and turned back to Kai.
"Fine. We'll allow you to see Mr. Reinhart." the woman said. "Arms out."
Kai did as he was ordered, holding out both arms. The woman produced a pair of energy cuffs, snapping them onto Kai's wrist. She then pulled the secured arm behind his back, before cuffing the other.
"There. Your friend is right this way." the woman stated. "Once you've confirmed his safety. You'll come with us without any resistance?"
Kai nodded in reply.
"Follow us. Gamma, don't take your eyes off of him. Beta, watch the entrance."
The bulky Homunculumon readjusted his arm, making sure he was still on target. The slimmer Homunculumon sharpened its claws, and moved toward the main entrance.
The man, and woman lead Kai to the other side of the building. Gamma followed behind him, keeping his weapon at the ready. They soon reached a storage area for smaller items, and the woman produced a key. With a loud click, the iron doors swung open, and they stepped inside.
Michael winced, as the bright light poured from the open door. After adjusting to the brightness, he looked up. His eyes went wide, mouth hanging agape.
"K-Kai?" he managed to gasp.
"Yeah, its me." Kai answered. "Don't worry, everything is going to be okay."
"As we said, Mr. Reinhart is fine." the woman said stepping forward. "Are you satisfied?"
Kai did not answer, instead scanning the room. The world seemed to slow down as he assessed the situation. His mind worked a mile a minute searching for the most optimum solution. He could feel the mysterious energy inside him, fueling his thought process. Just as it brought strength to his body, it too seemed to sharpen his mind in desperate times.
Slowly the world came back into focus as a plan formed in his mind. Kai took in a deep breath, and with a loud crack, his shoulder dislocated from its socket. With his shoulder loose, he was able to lift the handcuffs over his head.
Gamma's eye gleamed, and he readied his weapon. The other Hommunculumon in the room turned to aim, as the two suits reached for their weapons.
Kai swayed slightly to the left, and ducked just as Gamma fired on him. Three bullets of energy went flying from the digimon's fingers, firing into the other Homunculumon taking it out. The young man reached out with his good arm toward the man, snatching his energy weapon from his grasp.
Before Gamma could take aim again, Kai swept out the womans feet, and dashed forward. He then cracked off a trio of shots from the energy weapon. Each one striking a different target. Gamma, and the two humans were momentarily stunned by blast.
Without pause, Kai increased the intensity of the weapon, and fired several shots upward. The bolts of energy pierced the ceiling above, and shot upward into the sky.
Outside, the rest of the group waited, watching the building with bated breath. Molly paced back, and forth, growing more anxious by the second. Just before she couldn't stand it any longer, she heard the loud crackle of energy. The bolts of light soon followed, streaking up into the sky, like fireworks.
"That must be the signal!" Molly exclaimed.
Cassandra quickly snatched everyone's digivices, and activated the input menu.
"Override digivolution limiters. Security code FOX-774956-00"
"Digital limiters released." all the digivices intoned.
Each of the humans took back their devices, and focused. Energy surged from within them, and focused into the device. Each of their partners were then bathed in shining light.
"Liollmon digivolve to...Leomon!"
"Impmon digivolve to...Malphamon!"
"Bellamon digivolve to...Entmon!"
The three champions lead the charge toward the warehouse, with Undinemon, and the humans trailing behind.
Malphamon barreled toward the giant doors with a loping gorilla like gait. He leapt into the air as he neared, smashing his giant fist into the corrugated steel. The metal dented beneath his fist, crumpling.
Entmon then came in behind him, smashing her hammer like arm into the dented door. The sheet of metal went flying into the building, skidding across the ground.
"You really know how to make an entrance, toots." Malphamon smirked.
"Will you focus!" Undinemon shouted.
The sound of metal scraping against metal caught the digimon's attention. Standing before them, Beta sharpened their claws. Their jewel like eye flashed, and red circuit patterns ran along both of their arms.
"Beta Saber!"
The Homunculumon's claws extended, fusing together into long sharp blades. They then dashed forward at high speed, aiming to take out Undinemon first. The rookie barely had time to ready herself as they approached.
Suddenly, Entmon brought down her fist, right in the enemy's path. Beta did not slow, and used the giant's fist as a springboard, and leapt toward her head. Entmon raised her other arm in defense, using it as a makeshift shield.
Beta unleashed a flurry of swift slashes, creating trails of red light in their wake. The blades sliced deep into Entmon's thick bark like skin, creating several deep wounds. The plant digimon let out a groan of pain, staggering back for a moment.
As the Homunculumon landed back down, Leomon came rushing in, drawing his sword. Beta was ready for him, blocking the slash with their arm. The pair exchanged several blows, before the silver digimon pushed Leomon away.
Beta raised its blade in the air, and let loose an ear splitting cry. From behind the various crates, and shipping containers, several other Homunculumon appeared. With flashes of light, their right arms transformed into short dagger like blades. While the their lefts were shifted into multibarreled guns.
The partner digimon all readied themselves, taking up a fighting stance. Just outside the building, their human companions watched from behind cover. Silently cheering on their digimon.
As the two suits, and Gamma recovered from the energy weapon's stun, Kai moved toward Michael. He snatched up the box cutter Michael had seen earlier, and swiftly started to cut his bonds.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna get you out of here." Kai reassured, as he freed Michael's arms.
The other man rubbed at his sore wrists. His eyes then looked worriedly at the still recovering trio.
"What about them?!" he exclaimed. "You can't take them alone!"
"Who said I was alone?" Kai smirked.
As if on cue, a loud crash was heard from outside. Followed by a powerful tremor, and the sound of grating metal. The distinct sounds of battle soon followed.
"W-what the hell is that noise?" the woman groaned, rising ot her feet.
"We can worry about that in a minute!" the man snapped. "Gamma, don't let Gilgamesh escape!"
The bulky Homunculumon finally shook off the stun weapons energy. Both of its hands morphed, transforming into triple barreled weapons. As they charged with energy, Kai frantically worked to free Michael's legs.
As soon as he was free, Kai grabbed Michael, and pulled him behind a nearby stack of crates. Gamma's energy shots whizzed past only moments later. The bullets of energy smashed into the metal walls of the room. An explosion erupted from the point of impact, leaving a gaping hole that opened up to the outside.
Michael held a hand to his heart, his breath heavy. "That was close."
"We're not out of here just yet. We have to keep moving!" Kai exclaimed.
Using a well placed shot, Kai used his weapon to break the cuffs around his wrists.
The suited woman opened fired alongside Gamma. Kai dragged Michael behind another stack of crates. Just as the ones they had been hiding behind were riddled with holes.
Kai hopped out of cover to take a few pot shots at the pair, before ducking behind the crates once more. He then glanced around the corner to the door that lead into the room. Kai might have been able to make it there and out, but with Michael alongside him, there was no way.
He was then left with only one option. The hole left behind by Gamma's previous attack. With his plan set, Kai fired off another barrage of shots, before taking several steps back. With all his strength he rammed into the stack of crates. They shuddered, and began to wobble from the impact but did not fall.
With another ram of his shoulder, the tower of boxes began to topple. The two humans, and Gamma scrambled to move out of the way. With a loud crash, the crates smashed into the floor. Kicking up clouds of dust, and sending wood splintering in multiple directions.
In the ensuing chaos, Kai, and Michael rushed toward the hole in the wall. Kai forced his companion out first, providing several shots of cover fire. He then followed after the other young man, and the two began to circle to the other side of the building.
Gamma, along with it's human masters chased after them.
Francisco, and Ariomon watched the battle at the warehouse's entrance. The reporter held up his camera, recording every second of the event. Through the lens he watched as the Homunculmon engaged with the four partner digimon. The red shine of their gems caught his attention.
"Well, I think we have our answer on where that stone came from." he stated."Brings up another question. What exactly are these things?"
"They feel like digimon, but...there's something off about them." Ariomon answered, before turning to her partner. "Do think we should help?"
"I don't want to get involved unless it's absolutely necessary." Francisco replied. "Lets see how this plays out for now."
"That's surprisingly cautious of you." Ariomon remarked.
"Is now really the time for snide comments?"
"Fair enough."
Inside the warehouse, Undinemon dodged the combined fire of two Homunculumon. The rookie then raised her arms, and sent forth a wave of water. The pair were staggered by the attack, nearly knocked off of their feet.
Before she could launch another attack, Beta came dashing toward her, blades at the ready. Leomon intercepted him, blocking its blades with his own. Udinemon offered him a quick thanks, silently cursing that she could not help more.
Nearby, Entmon swatted at the smaller Homunclumon. The silver digimon barely dodged the giant's powerful swings. All of them then opened fire, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts. The tree digimon crossed both arms, taking the attacks head on, smoke and flashes of light erupting from the points of impact.
Malphamon came rushing on the enemy's flank. One of the Homunculumon was soon blindsided, the demon's giant fist smashing into the side of its head. The force of the strike sent it flying, and crumpling to the ground.
A loud crash from outside suddenly caught the partner digimon's attention. Molly, and the others turned at the noise as well. Turning the corner of the building, they could see Michael, and Kai, sprinting as fast as they could.
The suited man, and woman, along with Gamma turned the corner only moments later. Gamma opened fire on the retreating pair, blasting apart the concrete several feet away from them. Michael jumped at the explosion, but the adrenaline pumping in his veins kept him going.
As Kai, and Michael rushed past the entrance, Undinemon spotted her partner. She called out to him, and rushed outside.
Michael turned at her partner's call. "Undinemon!"
The rookied rushed up, and leapt into his waiting arms, hugging him tight. The two's moment was quickly interrupted however, as Gamma took aim at the pair. Circuit patterns ran up its shoulders, the armored pads swinging open. Inside each was a battery of missile launchers made up of crimson flesh.
"Gamma Blitz!"
A dozen missiles fired at his call, whistling through the air. Undinemon tried to ready herself, and defend with a wall of water. She could not react in time however, and the missiles seemed to be on a direct collision course.
Suddenly, two spiraling bolts of lightning flew in. The electricity connected with several of the missiles, detonating them. The explosions set off a chain reaction, and all of the missiles exploded in a cascade of fiery light.
Everyone looked to the source of the attack. Standing a few yards away, was Ariomon, and Francisco. Yellow electricity crackled across the horse diigmon's body, as she took up a fighting stance.
"Who, the hell are they?" Cassandra asked.
"I recognize them from somewhere." Molly said, eyes narrowing.
The suited woman scowled, and reached into her breast pocket. From inside she pulled out a silvery egg. After slamming it down, the egg grew, before cracking open. From inside, another Homunculumon marked with a Beta symbol emerged.
"We can worry about that later!" Julia exclaimed. "We've got bigger problems!"
"Beta two, incapacitate Gilgamesh." the woman ordered. "If anyone stands in your way, kill them."
The silver digimon dashed forward, claws transforming into deadly swords.
The man pointed to Gamma. "You, provide support, and cover fire! Capture Gilgamesh at all costs!"
The Homunculumon readied it's weapons, unleashing a barrage of energy shots. Undinemon summoned forth a large wall of water, barely stopping the assault. Then, from behind the water shield, Beta two swung out with its blades, cutting through the wave.
The Homunculumon then came down with a second strike on his target. Kai rolled out of the blades path, its edge sinking into the ground. He then took aim with his weapon, firing off a trio of energy bolts.
Beta two knocked the projectiles aside with its blade, and pursued after its target. The other two Homunculumon continued to provide support fire. Keeping Undinemon, and Kai on the defensive.
Molly cursed under her breath. "We have to do something!"
"And what exactly do you propose we do?" Cassandra asked. "We'd only get in the way."
Molly searched around frantically, trying to think some sort of plan. Soon she spotted the telltale yellow metal of a construction vehicle. A smile crossed her lips, and and she turned to her companions.
"Either of you guys know how to drive a forklift?"
Kai swerved, and swayed, barely able to keep out of range of the blade wielding digimon. Just when he would find an opening to counter, Gamma would unleash a barrage of fire. From nearby, Ariomon tried to offer her own support fire, shooting off bolts of lightning. But it could not fully abate the onslaught.
Undinemon continued to summon wave after wave of water, to block any incoming attacks. Michael watched on, feeling utterly helpless.
The suited woman reached into her jacket, and whipped out her own energy weapon. After taking aim, she began to provide her own support fire. Suppressing any aid Undinemon or Ariomon could offer to Kai.
Suddenly, from the woman's left, she heard the sound of rolling tires. She, and her companion turned, to see a forklift headed right for them. Cassandra sat in the driver's seat, only just barely able to keep it on course. While Molly, and Julia hung on the sides.
The two suits didn't know what surprised them more. The vehicle barreling straight toward them, or the fact it was being driven by the daughter of their employer. Despite their shock however, the two still had enough awareness to roll out of the forklifts path.
Gamma, didn't notice in time. The heavy vehicle barreled into it, blindsiding them. It continued on its forward path, slamming into one of the many shipping containers. The silver digimon then found itself pinned by its weight, and held in place by the front prongs.
"Fucking nice!" Molly exclaimed.
The three women quickly hopped off, as the digimon struggled to break free. They rushed over to Francisco, and Ariomon, taking cover nearby.
"You mind explaining why your here?!" Francisco exclaimed. "And what the hell is going on?!"
"First of all I could ask you the same question!" Molly retorted. "Second of all, I don't have to explain anything!"
"Can you two not do this right now?!" Julia snapped.
With Gamma momentarily incapacitated, Ariomon, and Undinemon focused on aiding Kai. The water digimon summoned another wave, sending it crashing into the back of Beta two.
It staggered from the attack, and Ariomon followed up with a bolt of electricity. The powerful current ran through the water coating its body, empowering it. It shuddered, and twitched for a moment as the electricity coursed through it.
Kai took the opportunity to gain some distance, and opened fire with his energy weapon. The bullets of energy impacted directly, exploding in a flash of light, and smoke.
"Yeah, get'em!" Molly exclaimed.
From nearby, Cassandra heard the creak of metal. She turned, her eyes widening. Gamma's arms gripped hard onto one of the forklifts prongs. With all its strength it pushed, bending the bar out of shape.
"I think it would be a good idea to find a safer location." she said, taking a step back.
With a bellowing roar, Gamma finally broke free.. Their shining red eye scanned over the group of humans. Ariomon moved before them, ready to defend. The other three partners sensed their companions were in danger, and tried to move in and help. But found themselves blockaded by the large group of Homunculumon.
Bits of data filled the crimson vision of the creature, as they scanned the human's and Ariomon. Soon they locked onto Cassandra. A scrawl of text then filled its vision, written in bold letters.
'Target identified as Cassandra Fox. Prime directive commands no harm comes to those of the Fox family.'
"Why are you two just standing around?!" the suited woman shouted. "Go after Gilgamesh!"
The silver digimon nodded, and moved toward Kai. Ariomon fired off a blast of lightning at the retreating giant. Gamma took the attack with only a small flinch, and flipped open its shoulder mounted missiles.
"Gamma Blitz!"
The twelve missiles rocketed through the air. Kai managed to take cover behind a nearby shipping container. The missile's smashing into its side with a fiery explosion. Some of the missiles swerved off course however, heading straight for Michael, and Undinemon.
Michael's digivice shone inside his pocket. Undinemon moved before the path of the missiles, and was enveloped by the shining light.
'Undinemon digivolve to...Nagamon!"
The sea dragon digimon took the missiles head on. She let out a low hiss, eyes slitting .Her mouth then opened wide, water pressure building up inside her.
"Geyser Stream!"
The high power blast of water, slammed into Gamma, sending the bulky digimon skidding back. Nagamon slithered forward, entangling it in her coils. Then, with all their strength, pulled it away from Michael and the others.
Beta two, having recovered, pursued Kai once more. The young man could feel his body growing hotter. His inner power begged to be unleashed. But he couldn't do it here. Not with everyone watching.
Kai dodged another swipe. "Molly! I'm going to lead this one away. You, and the others stay safe!"
Molly wanted to object but nodded. Kai nodded back, and sprinted toward away at top speed. Beta two pursued, blades extended.
"Is he insane?!" Francisco exclaimed.
"Don't worry, he can handle it." Molly replied. "I hope." she added under breath.
Inside the nearby warehouse, Malphamon was pelted by a barrage of energy fire. He growled in fury, smashing his fists into one of the creatures faces. His eyes then shone with light, dark energy pouring off of him.
"I'm getting sick of dealing with these guys!" he shouted. "Shadow Burst!"
An explosion of dark energy erupted from Malphamon's body, spreading outward. The Homunculumon that surrounded him were caught in the blast. They were blown apart by the energy, dissolving into pixels of data. All that remained of them was their singular crystal eyes.
Entmon swatted aside two of the silver digimon. She too was growing tired of their interference. With a heavy thud, she slammed her hand into the floor.
"Root Ravager!"
Her fingers extended, sinking into the earth. With great speed, they burrowed, before rising back up. Like thorny spears, they pierced upward, impaling several more Homunculumon. Their bodies dissolved as well, shining data floating upward.
Leomon exchanged several sword slashes with the first Beta. Sparks flew from each of the clashes, creating bursts of light. The lion digimon then gained some distance, and readied his fist for an attack.
"Hey, pussycat, move outta the way!"
Leomon sensed Malphamon's gathering energy, and rolled to the side. Malphamon then unleashed his attack, sending out a giant hand of shadow. Beta crossed both its arms to block, taking the attack head on.
The hand of shadow energy washed over it like a wave, the force sending Beta skidding back. When the attack finally dissipated, the creature was winded, but readied its blades all the same.
Suddenly, the Homunculumon felt a shadow looming over it. It turned, and looked upward, just in time to see Entmon's raised fist. She brought it down like a hammer, spikes sprouting all along it. The sheer weight, and force of the attack flattened Beta, and a crack formed in the earth.
With a final gasp, Beta burst into data particles, and floated into the sky.
"Nice work, toots." Malphamon commented.
"We shouldn't celebrate just yet." Entmon rumbled.
Leomon nodded in agreement, and the three rushed outside.
Gamma struggled against Nagamon's tight coils, muscles shaking with effort. The sea dragon held her grip, squeezing tighter, and tighter with each passing second.
The Homunclumon's eyes flashed, its hands morphing into gun barrels. With a roar, it lifted up its arm inside of Nagamon's coils. It then fired its attack, unleashing a barrage of energy at point blank range.
Nagamon hissed in pain, as the energy exploded against her body. Her grip loosened, allowing Gamma to finally free itself. Once it was free of her coils, the silver digimon leapt back, gaining some distance.
"Gamma Blitz!"
With the call of its attack, Gamma unleashed a wave of missiles. Nagamon focused her power as the missiles approached. The air around her began to cool, ice crystals beginning to form on the ground.
"Flash Freeze!"
At her command, spears of ice formed around her, and flew forward to intercept the missiles. The projectiles impacted midair, creating bursts of flame, and powdered ice.
Gamma readied its guns for a second attack. However, when the smoke cleared, Nagamon was nowhere to be seen. The creature searched about, scanning its surroundings for any sign of her.
Suddenly, bubbles began to rise up from the ocean nearby. Nagamon's tail lashed out from beneath the surface, grabbing onto Gamma's leg. The Homunculumon was caught totally unawares, and was pulled into the dark depths below.
Now fully submerged, Gamma was truly in Nagamon's domain. The sea dragon fired a blast of pressurized water, slamming Gamma into the wall of the pier. What little breath the creature had was knocked from its lungs.
With all its might, Gamma tried to swim to the surface. However, Nagamon would not let it escape, pulling the creature down once more. She held him tight in her grip, as the silver digimon struggled to try and take even the smallest breath of air.
Soon, Gamma's limbs felt heavy, and its crimson vision went dark. The digimon then burst into data particles that shimmered as they drifted through the water.
Kai ducked behind a stack of shipping containers, still running at top speed. His pursuer swerved to follow, lashing out both its blades. The razor sharp weapons cut cleanly through the corner of one of the shipping containers. With a groan, it fell to the ground.
Kai narrowly dodged the slash, and slowly backed away. His body was running hotter, and hotter now. Steam began to rise from his skin, and his eyes were slitted in anger. He focused on the energy coursing through his body, and let go.
As Beta two approached, Kai's body exploded in an aura of yellow, and red flame. His inhuman shadow roared inside of the flame, bits of data floating around him.
"Cross evolution!"
The aura of fire grew, and grew as Kai's form changed. Then, with a mighty roar, his draconic form burst forth from inside.
"Ignadramon!"
Beta two scanned the dragon digimon, and raised its tail. Red circuit patterns ran up the appendage, and the tip of ts tail began to grow, and morph. Soon, it formed into a large curved blade.
"Beta Scythe!"
The Homunculumon lashed out with its blade tipped tail. Ignadramon simply stepped in closer to avoid the blade, and caught the other digimon's tail. He growled, gripping onto it tight. Beta two struggled to break free, but to no avail.
Ignadramon tightened his grip, and yanked hard on Beta two's tail. The Homunculumon was pulled forward, and up off the ground. Ignadramon continued his momentum, and swung the enemy digimon over his head, slamming it hard into one of the nearby shipping containers.
The heavy metal dented beneath the force of the swing, and Beta two was momentarily stunned. Ignadramon then let his tail loose, and opened his maw. A high pitched whine emanated from within as energy gathered at the back of his throat.
"Nova Ray!"
The searing hot beam of energy shot forward, heating up the concrete below. Beta two recovered just in time to leap into the air, avoiding the attack. It continued on its course, melting a hole in several shipping containers before dissipating.
Still in midair, the Homunculumon came down with both its blades. Ignadramon backstepped, avoiding the two falling blades. The dragon then pulled back his fist, fiery energy surrounding it.
"Burning Knuckle!"
The fiery fist smashed into Beta two's face, sending it reeling back. Ignadramon continued to press his advantage, and unleashed a quick barrage of blazing punches. Each one broke down Beta two's armored hide, cracks beginning to form along it.
In a last ditch effort, the silver digimon countered with its bladed tail. Ignadramon swayed out of the attacks path, and opened his mouth. With a bright flash of light, he unleashed a beam of plasma point blank.
The attack struck Beta two's head, burning it clean off. Even its red gem was totally destroyed by the intense heat. With a thud, its headless corpse fell to the ground in a heap, and slowly dissolved.
Ignadramon let loose a roar of victory. The burning energy inside him still ran, urging him to fight, and destroy. A primal urge to grow stronger, to evolve.
No.
He had to stop. The fight was over.
Ignadramon's other side forced its way to the forefront of his mind. Slowly, his slitted eyes became calmed, and his body cooled. The flow of fiery energy slowed, and his body was wreathed in light. He was then Ignadramon no more. He was Kai.
The young man took a moment to look at the destruction around him. He then took off back toward the direction of Molly, and the others.
The dark suited man, and woman soon found the partner digimon closing in on them. Only one of their Homunculumon remained. Nagamon rose up from the ocean behind them, eyes shining with fury.
"Damn it all." the woman cursed.
"We have to retreat." the man said. "The DDA, and the police will be here soon enough."
"I'm more terrified of Mrs. Fox."
The woman reached into her jacket, and pulled out several explosives. She twisted their tops, and threw them to the ground. A thick cloud of smoke spewed forth from each of them. It quickly covered the surrounding area like a thick fog.
Molly, and the others coughed, and sputtered, as they inhaled the thick smog. Then from inside the smoke, they heard the call of Malphamon's attack. The digimon's explosion of shadow energy dissipated most of the smoke. Creating a clear path to his partner, and the other humans.
When Kai finally reunited with the others, the last of the smoke was beginning to disappear. There was not a single sign of the two suited strangers.
With the coast clear, the partner digimon all returned to their rookie forms. Undinemon and Michael embraced again. The young man fell to his knees, sniffling, and holding back tears of joy.
Francisco, and Ariomon moved toward Molly, and the others. There was a long tense silence between them, as they each considered their words.
"So, you gonna let us in on what the hell that was all about?" Francisco finally asked.
"Listen, we appreciate the assist." Molly began. "But I'm not just gonna give our whole story to a complete stranger."
Francisco sighed, and pulled out his phone. "I was hoping you weren't gonna say that. If that's the case, I'm just gonna have to take all the video I got, and take it to The Seeker."
"You're a reporter?" Cassandra asked, expression stern.
"Yep." Francisco answered. "And I can have this whole fiasco trending by tomorrow."
Julia scowled, her hands curling into fists. "I hate scum like you."
"You son of a bitch." Molly growled.
"No need for insults." Francisco smirked. "Just tell me what I want to know, and I might reconsider posting that story."
"So, its blackmail is it then?" Cassandra asked, her face still cool.
"I prefer the term, leveraging my advantage." Francisco replied. "You might want to answer quick. I think I can hear sirens."
Cassandra glanced over at Impmon. The demon digimon immediately understood. He took a step forward, and shrugged.
"Well, looks like you got us in a bind."
Quickly as a flash, Impmon snapped his fingers. Like a bullet, he sent a ball of flame firing toward Francisco. The projectile knocked Francisco's phone from his grasp, setting it alight.
"Son of a bitch!" Francisco cursed.
"You would dare attack my partner?" Ariomon scowled, gathering electricity.
"Take it easy there. I wasn't aiming for him." Impmon smirked.
"It seems you've lost your leverage." Cassandra stated.
Francisco looked back to her with a scowl. "How do you know that was the only copy of the evidence. I could have uploaded it somewhere else."
"Two reasons." Cassandra answered. "One. You aren't getting any stable signal out here, and you wouldn't risk trying when you were in the middle of a battleground. Two. I have been learning how to read people in situations like this my entire life."
Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "And you are totally transparent."
The woman turned about, and started to walk away. Her companions soon followed after her. Some sparing a few glances at Francisco, and Ariomon.
Kai, moved toward Undinemon, and Michael. "Come on. Let's get out of here."
Michael looked up to him. "R-right."
As the group disappeared, and the sound of distant sirens grew louder, Francisco cursed. He stamped down his foot, and shouted a stream of expletives. His shoulders then sagged, and he let out a long sigh.
"Come on, Ariomon. Lets go."
Ariomon nodded, and the pair headed for Francisco's car. The young man sat in the driver's seat for several moments in silence. Ariomon watched him, seeing the gears in his brain turn.
Francisco's hands gripped tight onto the steering wheel. "This isn't over. I'm going to get to the bottom of this. That's a promise."
To Be Continued...
Next Time On Digimon Cross! Episode 11:Devil's Dealings.
Author's Notes:
I'm gonna be real with you guys for a minute. I have not been feeling this story lately. I feel like I rushed into this project too early, and I don't know if I'm willing commit to this for as long as I did with Saga. I'm heavily considering working on another shorter project, while I work on my original stuff. And putting this story on indefinite hiatus. I'm still thinking about it though, so we'll see. Be on the look out for a new story though. If your a fan of the Fate franchise, it should interest ya.