LEGENDS OF THE DIGIDESTINED
Chapter 25 – The Darkness before Dawn, Part I
/-/
/-/
Deep within the frozen Bane Buccaneer, a soft glow of golden light came from the lower floor.
The glow originated from Hookmon's private chamber, from a black chest on top of a wooden desk. A burst of light ensued and the ice around the room broke. The chest opened and revealed the glowing Golden Digicore of Huanlongmon. The yellowish red hue of the Digicore turned into gold and a small apparition of a golden-scaled dragon appeared within the Digicore.
"It is time," it said simply, and disappeared.
Then, the core let out a brilliant wave of light which instantly melted all the ice around and evaporated the waters resulted from the ice. The wave shot out from every open windows of the vessel and revived all the frozen Digimon which had nearly came close to death. The ice then shot out from the vessel and began to move towards File Island, letting out a soft hum of what sounded like a loud gust of wind.
Kira's desperate cry of help shocked Kyubimon. Turning around, she saw a Minotarumon and a Fugamon chasing Kira out from the stone formation. Both looked like they were under the control of the Niximons, whom all had regrouped on the nearest tree branches to watch the outcome. She paled; there was no time for her to save Kira and handle the Niximons altogether. The Niximons too, saw her plight, and were not going to make it easier for her.
However, trying her luck Kyubimon immediately lit up all her nine tails, using her ranged attack to her advantage. "Leave Kira alone!" she yelled loudly. "Kira, DUCK!"
The young girl, seeing the flaring tails of her partner, immediately lunged onto the ground, not caring the fact that it had resulted in a bruise on her knees and some ripping on her dress. As soon as Kira was safe on the ground, Kyubimon released her Fox Tail Inferno towards Minotarumon and Fugamon. The fireballs jetted across the battlefield, nearly brushing over the top of Kira's hat before they slammed onto their targets.
Unfortunately, the nine fireballs bounced off the two Digimon harmlessly. Fugamon swatted two fireballs with his sharp club, while Minotarumon blocked some other two with his Gatling-clad hands. All Kyubimon's attack had done was to halt them momentarily, but with that away they were able to proceed to their target. Though, Kyubimon's attack had done nothing but to aggravate them even further.
Kyubimon rushed to save Kira, but three Niximons blocked her path and sprayed jets of water onto her. She was sent skidding towards a nearby tree, and her fine coat was soaked with water. Her vision obscured, Kyubimon grew frantic of not being able to watch over Kira.
Kira cringed as she saw Minotarumon and Fugamon approaching. She closed her eyes as her body shook in fear.
"Aerial Attack!"
Suddenly, two white energy balls shot down from the sky. One of them blasted onto Fugamon and threw the fire ogre backward towards the stone formation. Minotarumon, the stronger of the two, was able to resist the blow, but the mysterious energy ball had nevertheless slowed him down even more. His body bore evidence of the force of the energy ball in the form of a giant scorch mark stretched from his neck to the upper part of his abdomen.
Kira looked up, and saw a winged light-grey steed swooping down from the sky. It was Unimon. The winged unicorn loomed towards her and landed gracefully with his long tail facing Kira. The steed then turned his helmeted head towards her, fixing her with a stern glare. Kira's heart thumped wildly, thinking that Unimon might have fallen into the Niximons' spell as well. However, by observing his eyes and what he said to her next, this Unimon still kept full control on himself.
"Quickly child," said Unimon. "On my back... it is dangerous for you to be here."
"But, Kyubimon...she's..." Kira pointed weakly towards Kyubimon, who was surrounded by the Niximons.
"I will assist her, but you on the other hand will deter her if you are exposed to danger. Now get on me," Unimon said again sternly. He lowered his body to make it easier for Kira to mount him while keeping alert for any sign of action from Minotarumon and Fugamon.
Kira quickly did as he was told, and with a loud neigh Unimon took off to the sky. Gasping, Kira grabbed hold on Unimon's hair, which despite the shroud of darkness over the island, was pretty much recognizable as being yellow. For a moment, all danger forgotten, Kira felt enthralled of the sensation of really flying on a unicorn, but was snapped back to reality when Unimon halted in midair.
In front of them, three Niximons were floating by. Each bored their large eyes onto Unimon and sang with a deep sorrowful tune. Their faces then contorted into hideous expressions, and Kira flinched. She knew exactly what the Niximons had in mind. It brought back to her mind her brief spitefulness towards Jon and Kanto, and she didn't like that.
"Unimon, be careful. Those songs can possess you," Kira warned. Her heart thumped faster as Unimon didn't reply. She feared for the worst. "Unimon?"
The unicorn hovered motionlessly in midair, as more and more Niximons surrounded them. Kira was worried; if Unimon fell onto their spell then it would mean the end to her. However, her doubts were answered when suddenly Unimon's red horn sparked to life. Around Unimon, a thin layer of white light appeared and returned the color to his body. Kira could easily identify his light violet body, dark grey wings, red helmet and yellow mane and tail. The colors on Kira too had returned.
"Sacred Blast!" Unimon bellowed, and fired a jet of white electricity from his horn towards one Niximon.
The effect was incredible. Instantly after being shot the Niximon was electrocuted and exploded into bits of data. The others quickly spread out, all glowering hatefully towards the flying unicorn, who looked impassive. It was as if he didn't care.
"Amazing!" Kira said in awe. She was glad that Unimon was on her side. "You've resisted their spell!"
Unimon was amused upon hearing Kira's amazed reaction. "Of course. No mind trick can work against me, especially when it was driven from such silly creatures like the Niximons. Now hold on to me and watch as I dispose these water demons."
Kira then thought about Kyubimon. "Unimon, you must save my partner," she insisted desperately. "She's in danger. Please?"
The unicorn nodded. "Do as I say and I will."
As Kira's grip on his mane tightened Unimon fired again several blast of electricity towards the other Niximons. However, this time around he focused on towards those obstructing his path as he made way towards the fallen Kyubimon. Unimon then saw that Kyubimon was drenched and had to change strategy in order not to harm the golden fox unintentionally. Opening his mouth, he swatted away the three Niximons guarding Kyubimon with three blasts of his Aerial Attack, and landed on the ground.
"Kyubimon!" Kira quickly got down from Unimon, and got to her partner. Kyubimon stood instantly and let herself being hugged by the small girl.
"Kyubimon, we have to work together and dispose these water sprites back to wherever that they come from," Unimon said seriously. He glanced upwards towards the Niximons and let out a gruff neigh. "I will take care of the Niximons, you go and try to hold that Minotarumon and Fugamon off. Keep the girl close to you." Without anymore word, Unimon flew off.
Kira released herself from Kyubimon, and saw two approaching figures coming. "Uh oh, Kyubimon...we've got trouble."
"Stay back!" Kyubimon hissed, and whirled around quickly. Her sense was sharper and had picked up unwanted companies earlier than when Kira had warned her.
Kira took several steps backward, and Kyubimon lit her tails once more. She fired another jet of her Fox Tail Inferno, as she didn't want to resort into killing Minotarumon and Fugamon. Unimon had told her to only hold them off as long as possible. However, if they wanted to harm her and Kira, how long would it take to just hold them off? With this in mind, Kyubimon increased her guard and fired another stream of fireballs.
Both Digimon easily avoided her attack, and rushed towards them. Kyubimon knew that she had to take this a notch higher, and enveloped her body with fire. With her Dragon Wheel, she shot towards Fugamon in a burst of flaming dragon specter while careful not to go through Fugamon's body as it would delete him instantly. She reared slightly upwards, and knocked Fugamon down by slamming onto his head. The fiery ogre rolled on the ground and knocked himself unconscious after slamming against the stone formation.
"Score!" Kira shouted gleefully. "You go, Kyubimon!"
Minotarumon then attempted to attack Kyubimon, and the fox noticed that he was stronger than Fugamon. Carefully avoiding the earthquake generated by the humanoid bull, Kyubimon tried to attack him but her every attempt was countered effortlessly by Minotarumon. She hadn't had enough time to form another Fox Tail Inferno, and was too weak to form the Dragon Wheel.
"Darkside Quake!" Minotarumon shouted, and thumped the ground once more with his Gatling-hand. Kyubimon found herself caught by the intensity of the quake, and tried to jump upward. However Minotarumon was quicker as he rushed to her and delivered a powerful punch onto her body.
Kyubimon skidded on the ground, and immediately leapt up into the air. 'That's it!' she thought fiercely. 'This has gone far enough. I have to end this now lest Kira will be hurt.' With that in mind, she rolled towards Minotarumon and prepared to launch yet another Dragon Wheel attack. Her roaring dragon specter form sailed towards Minotarumon. Minotarumon tried to avoid her by launching another earthquake, sending stones and sands towards Kyubimon but the flames of her body protected her from the assault. She then rammed Minotarumon squarely on the head and was pushed backward, while Minotarumon was sent flying towards the stone formation, knocking down one stone formation and blacked out instantly. The kitsune then landed back on her feet, and sighed in relief for being able to avoid killing innocent Digimon. She then looked for Unimon.
Unimon, while a strong Champion, was no match when all the remaining Niximons decided to gang up against him. Seeing as their attempt to control his mind with their songs didn't work, the sprites decided to use force and sent out rains of high-speed water jets towards the proud unicorn. Unimon tried to counter the water attacks with his Aerial Attack, which was an air-based attack with a little portion of holy powers in it, but water prevailed against air and Unimon was pushed backward. Not giving up he tried to electrocute some Niximons, if not all, but only managed to dispose two out of the now remaining eleven Niximons.
"You are really driving out my patience!" Unimon groaned, and summoned more power to his horn. "Sacred Blaster!"
The Niximons evaded the attack with glee and sprayed the Niximons with more water. The Sacred Blaster's electrifying attack managed to delete one Niximon in the process but Unimon himself was now in the danger of being electrocuted. While possessing electric based attack, Unimon could resist it when he was dry. He didn't know what effect it could take when he was wet, but he wasn't going to risk his life to it.
"Aerial Attack!" he shouted, and blasted a Niximon who was hovering near him. The water sprite was merely thrown away towards her other comrades.
The other Niximons then saw their opening, seeing how Unimon hesitated to use his electric attack against them. "Sonic Shriek!"
The Sonic Shriek was an attack when a Niximon would generate a supersonic wave merely by shouting at the top of their voice. It was a devastating attack, which could disorientate a Niximon's foe just by hearing the high-pitched screams and wails. Not really an orthodox method of attacking, it worked nevertheless when a Niximon's rhapsody and water sprays were not strong enough.
And on Unimon, it was ten Niximons using the same attack. Their supersonic, now elevated to hypersonic shrieks all were focused on the champion Digimon who had no means of evading. His senses disrupted, Unimon lost his control over his wings and plummeted down from the sky. He crashed on the ground near to where Kira and Kyubimon were standing, creating a small crater the size of his body in the process.
"Oh no! Unimon's been defeated!" Kira gasped, clasping her mouth with her hands. Both girl and Digimon then peered over the small crater and saw that Unimon was unconscious. "What do we do now?" she asked Kyubimon.
Kyubimon said nothing. She shook in anger, seeing how the one who had come to save them was now the victim of the Niximons' cruelty. The proud unicorn had aided them in their time of great need. It was time for Kyubimon to repay the unicorn's deed.
"It is up to us now," she said softly. Deep down, she knew she was not a match for ten Niximons. She could take on one in a one-on-one, but not ten at once. Besides her powers were weakening as fighting Fugamon and Minotarumon took out a lot from her. She then looked at Kira meaningfully. "Kira, I do not know whether I can defeat the Niximons. I'm not strong enough now, but I will try my best. However, should I fail..."
"Don't speak like that!" Kira snapped suddenly. Her eyes began to brim with tears, and the girl didn't bother to hold them back. "Don't. I trust you, Kyubimon. I know you can do this. You can beat them, I'm sure of it. You've defeated Wendigomon on the day we first met, WE'VE beaten Boogeymon, and you were amazing back then when you beat IceDevimon and saved me from his clutch. What's a few water demons could match against all you've been through? We've come so far, and we're going to go on, so please... don't talk like that. I don't know how I'd react if I lose you."
Kyubimon was moved. She was a tough Digimon, never one who would shed tears unnecessarily. But Kira's speech really touched her. Her eyes too, misted. She bent close to Kira and pulled the girl close to her body using her snout.
"I'm sorry," she said, and a teardrop trickled down her cheek. "That was beautiful, Kira. Thank you..."
"Don't...sweat it," came the muffled reply from Kira, who had her face buried in Kyubimon's thick coat. She then released Kyubimon from her embrace and smiled to the fox. Her eyes however darted towards the sky, and widened. "Kyubimon...look!"
Kyubimon looked up and saw that from afar, a golden light shone. Noises were heard from afar, sounding like roars and explosions. Joyous cries were heard. The golden light grew brighter until Kyubimon and Kira saw a brilliant wave of light coming their way. The Niximons shrieked in fear but generated a water field around themselves to avoid the golden wave from engulfing them. Everything that was touched by the wave was restored of its color and brilliance. The dark shroud had melted thanks to the miraculous wave.
Out of instinct, Kira and Kyubimon both welcomed the golden wave wholeheartedly. The wave engulfed them...
...and all cuts and rips on Kira's dress and body restored back to their former state. Her soiled face, legs and hands were cleansed, and she looked rejuvenated. No longer tired, she looked excitedly at Kyubimon.
Kyubimon was engulfed by the wave too, and instantly her drenched fur dried up. Deep inside, Kyubimon felt a new strength surging. She felt even more energized than before. Her nine tails lit brilliantly with intense white-blue fire and as soon as the wave left them, Kyubimon looked up towards where the Niximons were.
"Fox Tail Inferno!" she shouted, and fired towards the water field which were protecting Niximons multiple times. The first shot was nullified by the water field, but as more and more fireballs were showered towards the water field it was apparent that the field could not take much more of the burning flames. It evaporated instantly, and the ten Niximons inside were instantly blasted with all the fireballs.
The kitsune smirked, and began rushing forward. She saw Unimon leaping out from the crevice he had created from his fall, good as new, and felt relieved. The unicorn's horn sparked and he cast a glance towards Kyubimon, and nodded slightly before taking off towards the sky. Kyubimon understood that Unimon was going to attack the Niximons too, and summoned her replenished power full-force. She wasn't going to hold back this time.
"Now for the finishing blow: Fox Dragon Inferno!" she cried, and turned into a roaring red dragon specter with nine fireballs orbiting around her body.
"Sacred Blast!" Unimon joined in, and electrocuted the ten Niximons. They were not destroyed, but weakened too much to resist Kyubimon, who was going to launch her strongest attack.
Kyubimon released the nine orbiting fireballs towards the Niximons before letting out a loud draconic roar. She glided towards all ten Niximons and for a brief moment there was a still standoff. But then the glowing figure of Renamon flew off from the burning dragon and landed after a somersault in the air. The dragon specter then burned all ten Niximons at once and all combusted into data particles with a loud explosion.
"Good job, Renamon!" Kira cried ecstatically as Renamon darted towards her.
Renamon's eye sparkled with mirth as she looked at Kira. "I couldn't have done it without you," she smiled. Then to Kira's surprise, Renamon lifted a hand and gave Kira a thumbs-up (despite having only three fingers) and gave Kira a smile which looked like it was constrained from what should have been a grin.
Unimon neighed victoriously and hovered in the air. "Excellent job, you two."
"We could not have done it without you either," Renamon replied gratefully. "Your aid is well-timed. If you hadn't arrived earlier, there is no telling what would happen to Kira and me."
"Yeah," Kira added with a sincere smile. "Thanks."
Unimon looked pleased. "I did what I had to do. Well, I best be off now. My energy has been restored and I intend on using it to help other Digimon who are in trouble on this island." He then flew off from the sky.
Two figures approached the duo from behind. "Hey...umm...you two know what's been happenin' 'round here?"
They turned around and saw Minotarumon and Fugamon. They appeared to be in perfect health, but both looked confused.
"How'd we get here?" Fugamon asked, scratching his head. "Last time I remember I was near a lake."
"And who're you?" Minotarumon inquired, pointing at Renamon. He gave a pointed look towards the biped fox, but then his expression turned pleasant. "You were amazin' back then, during the fight with those water creatures. Such power...I wish I could do things like that."
Kira and Renamon looked at each other and realized that the two Digimon had no recollection of what had happened to them. Both were dangerous while under the Niximons' power but now, they were rather genial. The duo decided to spare them from knowing what they had done and merely introduced themselves before a thunderous roar shook the island.
"What's going on?" Kira wondered, looking towards the sky which had blackened once again.
Lightning flared from the direction of the beach, and the pleasant night weather was replaced by a chilly storm. The air grew moist; it was as if the winds carried some of the seawater with them.
Renamon suddenly hissed as her furs pricked up. Renamon knew what this meant; it was time when she was going to face a deadly enemy. The Niximons had been just a warm-up. The one causing the sudden change of weather was the main course.
"Dragomon..." she whispered hoarsely, remembering what Wizardmon had mentioned earlier.
Kira gave Renamon a bewildered look and gulped. "Do you think it's him? The one...who'd done that horrible experiments on those Scubamons? That...that... mad Digimon Hookmon told us about? Do you think we're gonna face him now?"
"I believe so," said Renamon simply, causing Kira to groan.
"'scuse me, but who's Dragomon?" Minotarumon asked, seeing the tensed look on Kira and Renamon's faces.
"Someone you wish you are never going to meet," Renamon said simply. She then held an arm around Kira's shoulder. "My partner and I shall be heading to the beach now. If you wish to help, just follow us." Holding Kira securely, Renamon zipped away in a blink of the eye. She appeared briefly on one of the branches before flickering once more and disappeared.
Minotarumon and Fugamon turned to each other and sweatdropped. "How'd she think we're gonna follow her when she's disappearin' like that?" Minotarumon asked, confused.
Fugamon snorted gruffly. "Nah, forget it. Fighting's not my favorite pastime; I'd rather go back to my home now and wait 'till this battle with this Dragomon is over. You can come too, if you want. I'll have my spouse fix up a late night supper and we can talk about this. What do you say?"
"Great."
"Hey Kanto, wait up!"
Inside the Mekanorimon he was piloting, Kanto was surprised to hear Jon's voice over the built-in intercom inside the android. The blonde had not wanted to join in the fight with Zudomon and chose to stay back while Kanto rushed into the battlefield. A small monitor over the console revealed indeed, another Mekanorimon flying a hundred meter behind of him, with Dinohumon leaping beside it. In front of Mekanorimon and Dinohumon was Wizardmon, who seemed to be chasing the Mekanorimon Kanto was in.
"Jon! Glad that you can make it with me! What makes you change your mind? I thought you're doing what is sensible in not wanting to join in the fight? So what makes you change your mind?"
A groan came before the reply. "Don't push it, Kanto. I don't like doing this, but I can't just stay behind and do nothing. Besides somebody has to watch a certain hothead who decides to rush in the battlefield without considering the effect."
Kanto laughed. "Ok, ok... I'm sorry. But it's nice to hear that I have backup."
"Sure. So what's the plan?"
"Oh. Well, uh... I...am still working on that part. Any input?" Jon could practically hear the other boy sweatdrop via the intercom. He smiled.
"Well, maybe we ought to follow our partners and help them."
A brief silence ensued before Kanto replied, "Alright. You and Dinohumon take on Zudomon from the left. Wizardmon and I will attack from the right."
Jon agreed, and using the microphone Kanto announced the plan out loud for Dinohumon and Wizardmon to hear. The Digimon both agreed and separated into two teams, as directed by Jon. They saw Andromon, Leomon and Ogremon on the sidelines, still very much hurt. Looks of disbelief became apparent on their faces as they saw the four Digimon rushed past them towards Zudomon.
"What are you doing?" Andromon cried out. "It is too dangerous for you to oppose him! He is too formidable."
Kanto's Mekanorimon slowed down and the pilot's voice replied, "We have to try. Otherwise that overgrown turtle will destroy you guys and us." His voice surprised the three Digimon, who didn't think of the possibility of Kanto and Jon being inside the Mekanorimons.
"Children?" Leomon gasped in disbelief. "No. Stay back! You'll be killed by that monster!"
"What makes ya think that ya can beat that damn turtle if WE were trashed by him like dirt?" Ogremon demanded. "Listen to lion-boy and stay back."
"We have to try." That was Jon's reply before all four of them came face to face with Zudomon.
The evil Ultimate was amused to see the four Champions. He readied his hammer and eyed his enemies carefully as they split into two teams. Wizardmon and Kanto's Mekanorimon started attacking them by releasing barrages of electric-based attacks, while Jon's Mekanorimon provided a higher platform for Dinohumon to launch his mystical Autumn Exorcism. Unfortunately, Zudomon was able to counter all attacks using his formidable hammer.
"Surely you're NOT hoping to beat me with these pitiful attempts?" he barked, and thumped his hammer on the earth. "Hammer Spark!"
The good guys immediately jumped away to avoid the powerful blast resulted from the quake. Zudomon wasn't going to let them escape that easily and threw his hammer towards his enemies randomly. The hammer rammed against one Mekanorimon and forced it on the ground. Shouts were heard as the Mekanorimon crashed onto the ground. The blue capsule on top of the fallen android opened and Jon rolled out.
Zudomon smirked evilly and approached Jon. He retrieved his hammer and a glint of malice flashed in his eyes. "Say goodbye, Blondie! Hammer..."
Jon closed his eyes in fear and buried his face on the ground. Suddenly, to his surprise the Mekanorimon beside him beeped and came to life. Standing up, one of its long arms snatched Jon and threw him away to safety.
"...Spark!"
But the android wasn't quick enough to evade the attack, and was crushed by the sheer force of Zudomon's hammer. His data particles spread into the air and Zudomon instantly claimed it.
"NOOOO!"
Too saddened by the loss of the android that had saved him, Jon didn't even notice when long set of arms caught him before he crash landed on the ground. Turning around, he saw that the arms belonged to Kanto's Mekanorimon. In the background, both Wizardmon and Dinohumon rushed towards Zudomon and began attacking him with their magical techniques and flaming blades.
"Zudomon killed him..." Jon whispered hoarsely. His body grew weak.
Inside, Kanto didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry, Jon." The Mekanorimon he was piloting beeped sadly as it placed Jon down, apparently feeling the loss of its fellow android as well.
Jon's body shook. "I should've stayed behind..."
"It's not your fault." That was all Kanto could say.
"I chose to go, although I knew I should stay behind."
Not wanting to hear anymore of this, Kanto quickly climbed out from the android. He stood in front of Jon.
"Don't blame yourself. If I didn't go out there...you wouldn't have to follow me. If you wanna blame somebody, then...I guess it's my fault." Kanto hung his face down as his own words took effect on him.
"No," said Jon slowly. "Kanto..."
The Mekanorimon then decided to make its opinion known. It beeped to attract the two boys' attentions. "Not...any of you...fault. Don't blame... yourself. My...friend...made choice. Model A-120... was brave. I would have done...the same thing, if it were...you who are in danger." The Mekanorimon raised an arm towards Kanto.
"Mekanorimon..." Kanto said, touched.
"It's been...nice, knowing the two of you." The Mekanorimon continued; its speech no longer had as much pauses as before. Despite the robotic quality in its voice, both boys could hear the rising determination of the champion android. "Take care..."
Jon's head snapped up. "What are you going to do?"
"I will help...your partners. Thank you, for giving me...the privilege of working...with the... DigiDestined. I am happy. Actually Model A-120 and I... can move on our own, but we wanted...to work with you. We have no regrets."
Both Jon and Kanto were shocked at the revelation. "Just because of our status, you'd risk your life?" Jon whispered hoarsely.
If it was possible for the Mekanorimon to smile, then it would be doing just that. However, its feelings could only be reflected by its single eye. "Like I said... it's a privilege. Besides...good Digimon don't really die. We'd get reconfigured after...deletion. Bad Digimon...got recycled. If Zudomon...dies, then Model A-120's data will be...used in its reconfiguration too."
The Mekanorimon then turned away and revved its thrusters.
"Wait."
It turned back, and looked at Kanto. "Yes?"
"What's...what's your name?"
The Mekanorimon beeped appreciatively. "My registration serial number... is A-121."
It then flew off towards the battlefield without another word. Kanto and Jon both stood side by side, watching as Mekanorimon Model A-121 fired a beam from its hands. Zudomon thought of the android as an irritation and swiped it away before focusing on Dinohumon and Wizardmon, causing it to crash on a tree. Undaunted, Model A-121 started to head back towards Zudomon and fired a laser beam once more. Zudomon roared angrily and finished the heroic Mekanorimon off with one thrust of his Chrome-Digizoid hammer. Instantly, Model A-121 was deleted on the spot and Zudomon consumed its data greedily before resuming battle with the two destined Digimon.
"He's gone," Kanto said grimly. His eyes glistened as he turned to Jon. "Do you think that they'd get reconfigured?"
Jon's eyes widened in frantic. "Kanto... Zudomon has consumed A-120 and A-121's data. How can they be reconfigured if their data are inside Zudomon? Zudomon is a bad Digimon...he...he'd get recycled if he got deleted! And the Mekanorimons' data would be gone too."
The other boy's expression darkened. "Then we have to make sure that Zudomon is deleted, one way...or another," Kanto said intensely.
"But how?"
"I don't know, Jon. But I hope our Digimon are up to it."
The two boys then returned their gaze towards the battle, watching from a safe distance.
Dinohumon and Wizardmon proved to be an excellent team against Zudomon, despite their lack of strength compared to the Ultimate. Wizardmon generated many magical attacks which ranged from intensifying Dinohumon's attack or generating barrier to protect them from Zudomon's hammer. Dinohumon switched back and forth between his Lizard Dance and Autumn Exorcism to attack Zudomon. However it was apparent that Dinohumon was exerting himself to the limit judging from his gradual speed decrease. Seeing Dinohumon's condition, Wizardmon utilized his limited healing powers and replenished Dinohumon's strength.
Once again, Dinohumon energized his blades with fire. The flames burned with increased intensity around him, generating a fiery aura around Dinohumon. Wizardmon too raised his staff high and summoned his electricity attack. They attacked Zudomon simultaneously, with Dinohumon attacking the lower extremities while Wizardmon focusing on the torso and upper extremities. Zudomon blocked Wizardmon's Thunder Blast technique but failed to counter Dinohumon's vicious slashing. His legs were severed, and blood reeked from the cuts. Angered, the mammalian turtle kicked Dinohumon brutally and mauled Wizardmon with a powerful punch. The two Digimon were hurled onto the ground, and were hurt. From afar, the boys could see blood trickling out from their partners.
"Even with your team-up you are still no match for me!" Zudomon declared. "I shall finish you now."
The boys were scared. Were they going to lose their Digimon partners too? They grew frantic and immediately rushed towards their partners, not really thinking of the consequences as determination took place over their doubts.
"Pitiful," said Zudomon sinisterly. "If you're so tired of waiting for your doom then I'll be glad to deliver it to you NOW!"
The ultimate Digimon turned away from the Digimon and set towards Jon and Kanto, who both stopped dead upon seeing the giant turtle approaching them. The earth rumbled as Zudomon closed in, and the two boys lost their balance. Both fell onto the ground, helplessly looking up as Zudomon's shadow loomed in against the colorless night.
"Noooo..." Wizardmon said weakly, and struggled to get up. Wiping the blood that was trailing out from his lips with his high-collared cape, Wizardmon crawled to retrieve his staff. Unfortunately his remaining power failed him and he fell back onto the ground face-first. "Kanto..."
"Jon... run..." Dinohumon said helplessly. Unlike Wizardmon, he couldn't even get up.
"Farewell, DigiDestined!" Zudomon declared. "Hammer..."
A bright flash of golden light from the sky interrupted Zudomon's intention to finish off the two DigiDestined. The light blinded him and he was forced to cover his eyes with his arms to block out the most of the light. Opening his eyes slightly and by peering through his claws, the ultimate Digimon was dismayed to see that a wave of golden light had appeared and restored color and warmth to everything it touched. He watched in horror as the light bathed Leomon, Ogremon and Andromon and healed all the wounds he had inflicted on them. The light reek the aura of goodness, and Zudomon suspected that if the aura touched him then it would be the end of him.
Jon and Kanto covered their eyes quickly when the golden light approached, but they could've sworn that they felt a sense of warmth when the lights engulfed them. All of a sudden, the Digivices in their pockets shook and released green and violet lights. Then the golden wave left them, and they stood. To their surprise, their Digimon partners were enveloped with green and violet aura as well.
Zudomon was surprised to see that he was unharmed when the light touched him, though he felt no differences either. After the light faded, he braved himself and lowered his arms. Then his eyes widened in surprise upon what was in store for him.
The two DigiDestined boys were standing side by side, holding their Digivices, which were mysteriously flaring with green and violet lights.
Behind him, Dinohumon and Wizardmon were both standing, in perfect health, and were glowing with green and violet lights. They looked mildly confused, but when they saw the Digivices of their partners glowing as well both relaxed.
"What's going on here?" Zudomon demanded. His tone wavered slightly. He didn't like the new path the battle was going.
"I know what's happening!" Jon declared. "I've seen this before, back at Database Island...back when Veedramon and Grizzmon first DNA digivolved!"
"Really?" Kanto asked, inspecting his glowing Digivice with interest. "Do you think that's going to happen now to our Digimon?"
Jon was now confident. "I'm sure of it."
Then the Digivices shook violently and released two streams of green and violet lights towards Dinohumon and Wizardmon. A bright flash of white light ensued as the Digimon shot towards the sky. Raw, new energy coursed through their veins and instantly both turned into two motes of green and purple.
"Dinohumon...!"
"Wizardmon...!"
"...DNA digivolve to..."
The two motes soared towards the night sky and coalesced together before a bright explosion of light resulted. When the light ceased, everyone saw that from the spot where the two Digimon joined together, a tall, winged humanoid figure with a long tail appeared. His whole body seemed to be made out of fire. The aura this new figure generated was bright enough to illuminate the dark night with its reddish orange hue. Jon and Kanto stared towards the new, combined form of their Digimon in awe, but their hearts beat quicker in anticipation as they wanted to know the name of their merged Digimon.
The fiery warrior then let out a mighty roar and the fires on his body streaked away, revealing an armored humanoid Digimon. The facemask he was wearing covered the upper portion and the sides of his face, and was colored red with three white horns protruding from each side and on the center of forehead. The horns on the sides were L-shaped, with two red stripes decorating the horizontal part of the horns, while the middle horn just jutted out straight up. Long, wild, spiky yellow hair grew out flowed down his back until just below the waist, the ends being shaped like the tip of a burning flame.
His body was very muscular, and he wore a thin, tight black suit which looked like a second skin on him. Above the suit, royal red and white armor which was lined with yellow adorned his chest. Shoulder guards with the same design as his chest armor clutched on his body, and black spikes jutted out from them. The jacket-shaped chest armor was then joined together with a golden segmented armor which was secured tight on his sternum. The same kind of armors materialized on his groin region and was secured just below his waist.
He then stretched his arms and legs, making himself appearing in an X-shaped position, and armors of simpler designs draped around his forearms and shins. Then two golden rhombus-shaped weapons slid onto his forearm, while gold knee guards clasped around his knee. Two white claws protruded in front of the armors covering each of his feet. On his thighs appeared two same, but thinner armors with intricate designs decorating in the middle.
To complete his whole assembles, the wings on his back spread out and sparks of fire came out from it. From afar, the wings looked like they were made from fire themselves. Upon closer inspection, that was not far from the truth, as each feather on the wings was continuously surrounded by a flame-like aura. The tail that slithered out from his back was armored as well all the way to the tip which reached the calves, and took on a deeper cherry-red hue. Shining yellow-red aura glowed around him. He then struck an imposing pose and declared his name for everyone.
"... ARDHAMON!"
Jon and Kanto both couldn't believe their eyes. Their Digimon had combined together to form an impressive looking warrior of fire. They lowered their hands and inserted their Digivices back into their pockets, and smiled proudly.
"Ardhamon? Awesome..." Kanto said breathlessly.
"He looks even cooler than Cyberdramon!" Jon declared excitedly.
Zudomon on the other hand was annoyed with the sudden turn of event. Ardhamon looked to be stronger than his previous opponents, and also more imposing. He didn't want to waste any more time, and immediately lunged himself towards Ardhamon with his hammer raised high. However Ardhamon flapped his wings and soared higher towards the sky where Zudomon could not harm him.
"You know, I'm getting really tired of you," Ardhamon said smoothly, with a combined voice of Dinohumon and Wizardmon.
"Come down here, you coward!" Zudomon shouted, annoyed of not being able to reach Ardhamon.
Ardhamon smirked. "Why? It's prettier up here. I think I'll just..."
Suddenly his eyes caught something which was located far from the File Island, on the open sea. With his excellent sight he saw a large looming figure approaching the island from afar. His Wizardmon side recognized the shadow instantly.
"On the other hand, I think I should end the game now."
Zudomon's face contorted into a look of disgust. "Do you really hope to stop me with just a fancy digivolution? Please... I am still the more powerful one among all of you. You are created from two Digimon, while I am the result of the combination of five Digimon. Besides I have some of Lord Dragomon's power in me. I have also absorbed quite a number of Digimon today and added their powers to my own."
"You're a confident one are you? Well, I'm just going to have you eat your words," said Ardhamon with the same smooth, confident tone.
Ardhamon raised his arms towards the heavens and generated an immensely massive sphere which was as bright as the sun. The sphere reached full size when it was twice as large as Ardhamon and flickered with fire.
"Zudomon...have a taste of my SOLAR WIND DESTROYER!"
Without wasting anymore time, Ardhamon threw the fireball down towards Zudomon. Powerful gusts of wind erupted as the fireball approached Zudomon. The Ultimate wanted to make a run for it, but Ardhamon's attack caught up to him even before he could lift up a leg. The fireball engulfed him and Zudomon screamed in pain as data began to extract from his body, beginning with his chest where the fireball had nailed him, followed by his extremities, face and shell before a loud explosions resulted. After that, what remained of Zudomon was his hammer, which also exploded into bits of data after the deletion of its master.
"We've won! We've won! We've won!" The boys screamed, and jumped happily as Ardhamon descended downward.
"Incredible," Andromon said, as he approached the DigiDestined. Leomon and Ogremon trailed behind the ultimate level android, eyes wide in disbelief.
After the fused warrior had landed, his partners quickly approached him. Instantly they realized that Ardhamon was very tall. While not as big as Zudomon, his height had surpassed Andromon, who was the only other Ultimate around. Roughly he looked like Dinohumon and Wizardmon standing on top of each another.
"Wow, Ardhamon. You really showed that Zudomon!" Kanto said excitedly. "You're amazing."
"Why, thank you," said Ardhamon with a smile. "I couldn't have done it without you two. So, thank you."
Jon smiled. "You're certainly wonderful. Care to introduce yourself even further to us? I mean, with all the details...type, attribute, and attacks?"
Ardhamon nodded. "Of course. Wait a minute while I try to recall all the information." He seemed to be lost in thought for a while, before grinning once more. "Well, I'm Ardhamon... a virus type, ultimate level warrior of fire. My attacks are the Solar Wind Destroyer and the Atomic Inferno."
"Cool!" Jon responded.
For a while, the other Digimon exchanged congratulatory notes with Ardhamon. They then had a silent moment to remember all the fallen Digimon, and hoped that with Zudomon destroyed they would be reborn once more. After that, Ardhamon turned to face his partners and there was a grim look on his shining red eyes. He called for the boys' and the other Digimon's attentions to tell them something important.
"Listen. Back when I was evading Zudomon, I saw Dragomon approaching this island. He might want to launch an attack to this island. I think we should go to the beach and stop him before he could step foot here."
Jon and Kanto exchanged a look. "With you around Ardhamon, perhaps Dragomon would think twice before stepping foot here. What more with Cyberdramon and Renamon on our side as well," Jon said earnestly.
"What he said," Kanto said with nod.
"You flatter me," Ardhamon said modestly. "Well, who's up for flying trip to the beach with me?"
Before the golden wave came, the situation was bleak for the good guys over Toy Town Village. Scorpiomon was indeed a strong opponent, having trashed Cyberdramon, Greymon and Garurumon around as if they were merely a bunch of flies. The dark shroud which drained the color and warmth of the night seemed to be empowering the scorpion Digimon even more. Everyone watched helplessly as Scorpiomon continued to trash around the town. The three good Digimon's entire attempt to stop him was met with utter failure.
Then the golden wave came, and the tides switched in favor of the good guys. It basked the fallen Digimon with its amazing power and reenergized them as well as healing all wounds. Cyberdramon was the first to emerge, and quickly took on the surprised Scorpiomon.
In the meantime, Greymon and Garurumon made a pleasant discovery.
"I feel stronger," Greymon said.
"Me too... I feel like I'm now able to go even further than this form," Garurumon said.
Greymon nodded. "You're thinking what I'm thinking?"
Garurumon shrugged in a manner a wolf would've shrugged. "No harm trying."
Red and blue aura glimmered around the two champion Digimon and their figures glowed. Greymon grew larger in size while Garurumon began to stand on his hind legs. Following his growth, metallic parts were fixed on Greymon's body and his formerly brown helmet was coated with durable metal. A two-missile compartment was engrafted on his chest as well. Garurumon howled as a pair of blue tattered jeans formed around his legs, and multiple brown belts clasped themselves around his arms and legs. Bronze four-fingered knuckle-spikes were inserted on both of his hands, as well as leathery orange elbow and knee pads being fixed on their respective sites.
They were now in their ultimate levels – MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon.
"Would you look at that," Darien said in awe. "One moment they're down, and the next moment poof! They're stronger, and have gone to higher levels!"
Max tried hard not to laugh at his friend's funny way of expressing his amazement. He merely nodded and looked at the direction where Scorpiomon was, now facing three ultimate Digimon of vaccine types.
"It's over, Scorpiomon!" MetalGreymon said.
Scorpiomon scoffed. "That's what you think! Tail Blade!"
The attack merely bounced off MetalGreymon's metallic armor. The large Cyborg-dinosaur hybrid laughed and decided to taunt the scorpion.
"Is that the best you can do? Well, it's not very much to it now is it?"
"MetalGreymon, let's finish him now." WereGarurumon shouted from below. His height was now only slightly lower than MetalGreymon's knee, instead of being nearly equal in size while both of them were Champions.
"Feel up for our combo attack?" MetalGreymon inquired.
WereGarurumon smirked. "It's been a while since we used that. Let's do it."
MetalGreymon then reared back before shouting, "Giga Blasters!" He released two barrages of nuclear warheads towards Scorpiomon, and just after the missiles were released from their compartment on MetalGreymon's chest, Weregarurumon leapt onto one of them and directed his energy towards his sharp nails. Red aura sparked from there and Weregarurumon braced himself for an assault towards the large scorpion.
"Crimson Nails!" WereGarurumon shouted and leapt away from the missile he was riding just before they hit on Scorpiomon's tough exoskeleton. The two warheads caused Scorpiomon to collapse and WereGarurumon buried his claws on Scorpiomon's hide. To his surprise the exoskeleton was tough enough to endure his claws and the werewolf was forced to jump away from Scorpiomon.
Scorpiomon's exoskeleton was tough enough to protect him from MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon, but it was damaged enough after enduring Metalgreymon's missiles, exposing the flesh inside. Taking the chance, Cyberdramon quickly launched an attack of his own.
"Desolation Claw!"
Directing his attack towards the exposed flesh, Cyberdramon successfully injured Scorpiomon. He increased the intensity of his Desolation Claw and fired again, hurting Scorpiomon even further. The scorpion let out a disgusted cry and attempted to swipe Cyberdramon away with its tail. However, the fused warrior was not harmed as he managed to fly away.
"Hey, kiddo! Don't hog all the fun for yourself. Leave something for us too!" MetalGreymon said to Cyberdramon.
"We haven't had this kind of fun ever since our Omnimon powers are gone," WereGarurumon added.
Cyberdramon shrugged. "Be my guest. I'll stay on the sidelines for this one and let you two handle Scorpiomon. He's injured enough for you to finish off with one clean blow." He flew towards Darien and Max and stayed there with them.
MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon then attacked Scorpiomon altogether and used another maneuver. This time around, MetalGreymon extended his sharp metallic claw and pierced Scorpiomon's tail away, making the evil scorpion unable to attack. Scorpiomon howled in pain, and trashed about as yellow gooey liquid poured out from the place where the tail was cut.
WereGarurumon seized the opportunity to make up for his failure to injure Scorpiomon earlier. He then directed his sharp nails once more towards the now-exposed flesh of Scorpiomon, and focused all his might there. He managed to pierce into the flesh even deeper and more yellow liquid poured out, some of them even splattered on WereGarurumon, causing the werewolf to let a cry of disgust.
"This is just great! Now I'm going to need a bath to clean this icky thing off me!" His eyes flashed on MetalGreymon. "Alright big guy, he's all yours!"
"With pleasure."
MetalGreymon then aimed for the injured sites on Scorpiomon's body, while the scorpion seemed to still not willing to give up. As more and more liquid poured out Scorpiomon grew weaker and soon he stopped putting up a fight anymore. MetalGreymon shook his head in pity and decided to finish him off with one blow.
"I'll just make this fast. Giga Blasters!"
The missiles blasted onto Scorpiomon and an explosion ensued. Scorpiomon was deleted, but he still seemed to have the last laugh...sort of.
"EEEEWWWWW!"
When he exploded, the yellow liquid within his body splattered all over the tarnished town, MetalGreymon, WereGarurumon, Cyberdramon, Max, Darien and the four rookie quartet. All of them were plagued with the foul smell of the liquid and immediately had to resist the urge to wretch right there and then. The rookies all scampered away to clean up, leaving three confused Ultimates and two DigiDestined.
"I think a short trip to the river is due," Max suggested, wrinkling his nose irritably.
"I'm with you," Darien said. "Come along, Cyberdramon."
The two teens and Cyberdramon followed the trails left by the quartet, who they assumed would be going to the nearest river.
"We'll just go to the nearest beach and take a quick dip," MetalGreymon said.
Like Mermaidmon had said, things soon turned ugly between her and MegaSeadramon against WaruSeadramon. The viral serpent had been throwing insults towards the both of them continuously while they were battling each other. MegaSeadramon was able to keep his cool, but Mermaidmon appeared to be easily annoyed and WaruSeadramon used that to his advantage. Without a clear mind, it was hard for Mermaidmon to concentrate on the battle and she was the one who WaruSeadramon targeted the most for his attacks.
MegaSeadramon sighed; it was difficult to belief that Mermaidmon was the one who had saved him and his crew from falling prey to the Niximons, by looking on how she reacted this day.
"GAAHH! Stupid WaruSeadramon! Take this... Charm's Plunder!" Mermaidmon shouted and showered WaruSeadramon with waves of orange light.
WaruSeadramon simply dove into the water and evaded the attack successfully. After seeing that those orange waves were gone he rose up to the surface and taunted Mermaidmon.
"Missed me, you old sea-hag. Your target sure needs practicing, or is it your deteriorating eyesight is to blame?"
"Stay still, you overgrown eel! Charm's Plunder!"
"Nope, can't do that. Oops, missed me again! Try harder."
"AARRGH!" Mermaidmon let out a cry of frustration. She aimed an anchor towards WaruSeadramon. "Northern Cross Bomber!"
WaruSeadramon scoffed and decided to counter the attack with his own, but before he could do that Mermaidmon came forward and once more showered him with her Charm's Plunder. WaruSeadramon was flustered; the previous attack had been merely a decoy to distract him. His fluster soon turned to fury, of being outsmarted by Mermaidmon. He spun and whipped Mermaidmon away with his tail, sending the pirate mermaid flying. She would have crashed onto the protruded rocks near the beach if it weren't for MegaSeadramon's quick thinking to use his body as a pad for Mermaidmon to fall on. With the force of WaruSeadramon's attack diminished by MegaSeadramon's cushioning Mermaidmon's fall, the mermaid was safe.
MegaSeadramon caught his dark cousin's eyes and said loudly, "That's not a way to treat a lady."
"Trust me; I've seen a Calmaramon who acts more like a lady than that undesirable companion of yours," WaruSeadramon retorted.
A vein nearly exploded from Mermaidmon's forehead. "Calmaramon? You're comparing me with that squid sea-witch? How dare you!"
"Mermaidmon, relax. He's messing with your mind to lower your guard. Be wary of him," MegaSeadramon warned.
"I know that, but he really gets on my NERVE!" Mermaidmon growled back.
"You're no help if you let him do this to you. Why don't you stay back for a while and let me take care of WaruSeadramon. After you've cooled off some of that anger maybe you can join me."
"I have a better idea; I'm going to use my anger as a fuel to utterly DESTROY him!"
MegaSeadramon thought about it. "Why, that's not a bad idea...providing that you're up to it."
"I think that can be arranged," Mermaidmon said with a simper. She took a deep breath and aimed her anchor towards WaruSeadramon once more. Summoning all her anger and hatred towards the other Digimon, the mermaid then used it as a form of energy to energize her anchor. The water then rippled and began to rise up before starting to swirl around her anchor.
MegaSeadramon watched in surprise as Mermaidmon used the water to form some kind of projectiles, which she shot continuously one after another towards WaruSeadramon. The dark serpent was surprised to find himself suddenly being bombarded with multiple water projectiles and wanted to retaliate, but he was soon overwhelmed by the water missiles.
"Impressive technique, Mermaidmon!" MegaSeadramon praised. "What's it called?"
Mermaidmon shrugged and answered as she continued shooting off the water projectiles towards WaruSeadramon. "This is my first time using this attack. I don't know how I created it, but I sure like it. I think I'm gonna call it my Northern Cross Missiles...or maybe Northern Cross Bombard, or Northern Cross Shooter. Oh who cares, as long as it works!"
WaruSeadramon tried to dive underwater but Mermaidmon would just dove underwater as well and continued firing the barrages of water missiles. It was like she had developed an intense obsession to rid WaruSeadramon off once and for all.
MegaSeadramon decided to join in the battle before he was forgotten. "Thunder Javelin!"
The combination of their attacks soon pressed WaruSeadramon into coming up with a counter attack. "So you like to play rough huh? Well I'll show you how rough I can be!"
"Bring it on, loser!" Mermaidmon said. Now was her time to taunt.
And it looked like WaruSeadramon too was not immune with it. He fumed but still was able to reply coolly. "When you said loser, I think you really meant victor."
"No, she have said it loud and clear that YOU are the loser," MegaSeadramon said smoothly in Mermaidmon's defense. "Or is it that the helmet you're wearing is compressing the thing between your ears, assuming if you do have a functional one, of course. Or perhaps it would be too much to hope if it were to say that there's only air where it should've been a brain there?"
WaruSeadramon bore his fangs angrily. "You'll wish that you've never said that when I'm through..."
However WaruSeadramon didn't have the time to finish his sentence as a bright light illuminated the atmosphere and blinded his vision. He saw how the ice coating the Bane Buccaneer melted and evaporated as a wave of golden light shot out from it. Radiating towards all direction, a portion of the wave was heading towards the three of them. WaruSeadramon immediately suspected that it was the Golden Digicore his master had sent for him to retrieve, and realized that somehow the power of the core had been unleashed.
Immediately he readied himself to bask in the power of the golden wave. Closing his eyes completely he welcomed the wave, but as the wave past by him he was disappointed that he couldn't feel any effect of the wave in his body. The wave didn't provide him with the power he wanted, and with a groan of frustration he opened his eyes.
What he saw as soon as he did that was two glowing figures...of MegaSeadramon and Mermaidmon. Both were radiating with golden aura around them, and colors had returned to them and the atmosphere around them. WaruSeadramon shook with tremor; his master's shroud of darkness had been nullified. Then everything happened like a flash of lightning. He was prepared to release his power full-force towards his two opponents but immediately a strong jet of water and a freezing ray of ice impaled him on the chest, right through where his heart was located. He tried to let out a scream but then a wave of orange light coupled with a streak of lightning shot into, and through his snout before soaring towards the sky.
The feeling of excruciating pain was the last feeling he'd experienced before he felt his body collapsing on the surface of the sea. Everything then became dark as his body combusted into data particles.
Dragomon surrounded himself with a barrier made out of dark energy as the golden wave approached him. However, before it reached him the wave faded gradually. The master of the undersea thought that it was his dark power that caused the wave to die out, but then realized that the wave was only concentrated around the region of File Island. Dragomon was somewhere outside the region covered by the golden wave.
But then, he sensed something. Or rather, no longer sensing something, as he could no longer feel the connection he had with his three ultimate level minions. Feeling that the golden wave had something to do with it Dragomon immediately consulted his viewing orb. Firstly, the orb revealed how Dinohumon and Wizardmon merged to become Ardhamon and eliminated Zudomon.
"Impressive. Another DNA digivolution..."
Then the scene vanished, and was replaced by how Scorpiomon was defeated by the combined forces of a colossal semi-organic dinosaur and a blue werewolf. Dragomon frowned. He couldn't remember the DigiDestined having those two as partners. Dragomon assumed that those two were allies that the DigiDestined have made while they were on the island. But then, something came up to him.
"Omnimon had joined forces with the DigiDestined to defeat those brats, and had given his power to two of the partners for them to DNA digivolve into that Cyberdramon, who was responsible for the slaughtering of the weakest Legion of Darkness. Omnimon then had regressed back into his two rookie forms. Could those two had digivolved once more into them? The resemblances are really uncanny."
The orb shifted the scene into the battle between MegaSeadramon and Mermaidmon. Dragomon watched as the golden wave empowered MegaSeadramon and Mermaidmon, and how those two seized the chance to attack a then slightly-stupor WaruSeadramon. Finally the scene ended with how Kyubimon and a flying unicorn teamed up to beat all the Niximons.
"The sole female child and her beautiful partner Digimon – they are truly a potent combination, whether they realize it or not."
Dragomon was amazed, yet disappointed as well. He had clearly underestimated the five prophesized ones greatly, resulting in his loss of a team of valuable allies and three strong cohorts. However he had come too far to back off now.
"I am an Ultimate, with a power close to a Mega Digimon. I have lived this world longer than those inexperienced Digimon. Certainly, I cannot be beaten by the likes of them. Besides, my final plan is still at hand."
Looking behind, Dragomon's eyes glinted with malice as he observed the spinning Dark Whirlpool.
Using his powers, Dragomon had transported the Dark Whirlpool to where it now was. He planned on focusing the power of the Dark Whirlpool to transport the DigiDestined into a world of no return.
Dragomon had first discovered this world when he first found the Dark Whirlpool. Back then, it had appeared to be merely an ordinary whirlpool – a creation of nature and functioned like it was supposed to be. Or was it?
He then decided to observe it from the safety of his chamber. As time passed, more and more Digimon fall prey to the wrath of the whirlpool, regardless of them being marine ones or Digimon of other types. They never returned and never got reconfigured. Dragomon then deduced that somehow, the whirlpool must have transported those Digimon into another world or dimension.
The undersea master then knew that to be sure, he himself must venture within the depth of this whirlpool. His strong powers had protected him from the sheer force of the whirlpool, and Dragomon used this chance to explore the very depth of the whirlpool. Beneath the whirlpool, where it was supposed to be an ordinary sea floor, was a hidden portal disguised as an ordinary sea floor. Dragomon, being a Digimon composed out of darkness, sensed a profound dark energy coming from the hidden portal and drew some of the energy. He was a strong Ultimate then; with the addition of the dark power Dragomon could rival even a Mega.
But with the dark power came a price. Dragomon didn't know how, but somehow he had maintained a link to the world connected to the whirlpool. He was able to resist the whirlpool, but now with the dark power the whirlpool wouldn't harm him. In fact, Dragomon later found out that when the whirlpool absorbed other Digimon and sent them into the world it linked to, he would grow stronger.
Thus Dragomon decided to call it his Dark Whirlpool. He then attained the ability to open and close the whirlpool at any location he desired. For a while Dragomon shifted the Dark Whirlpool's location to various places and that resulted in the absorption of many Digimon into the other world. It caused uproar for a while, and Dragomon's name was made known.
Suddenly his viewing orb blinked, signaling that it was going to show Dragomon something. Dragomon consulted it instantly and saw that the DigiDestined were all approaching the beach. Apparently they have learned of his presence here. Ardhamon was seen flying, leaving a trail of glowing red aura against the night sky. He was followed by three Digimon on foot. On a different location, Dragomon saw Kira and Renamon, appearing and disappearing as they made way towards the beach. Cyberdramon was seen carrying his two teenage partners from the east, and he was followed close by a firebird with three Rookies on her. In the meantime, the two Ultimates that had beaten Scorpiomon were already at the beach, cleaning up the mess they had gotten themselves into when they destroyed the scorpion.
"Enough reminiscing," he said silently. "It is now time for the final face-off."
/-/
/-/
Author's Note:
Did I mention that the finale is going to be a two-part? No? Oops. Sorry.
Actually, I did want to make this chapter a finale. Twenty-five is a good number to end an arc. However as I typed this, I realized that it is already too long for it to be only in one chapter. I haven't even begun typing the part where Scorpiomon and WaruSeadramon were beaten, and this chapter has already exceeded 5000 word count and it was not even halfway yet. After those two battles were added the word count reached 9500.
I've thought of editing out some parts of the battle with the Niximons and Zudomon, but then decided against it when I came across a subplot I've forgone in the earlier part of the Dragomon arc. It will require some bit of editing to incorporate it in the real finale but I think it can be done. With that decided I added in the earlier bit of the subplot pertaining about the history Dragomon had with the Dark Whirlpool.
Are you surprised of the DNA digivolution between Dinohumon and Wizardmon into Ardhamon? Well, based on what I've said about Ranamon Mermaidmon, Ardhamon is classified under ultimate-level Digimon. I know the American dub's spelling for Ardhamon is Aldamon, but I really prefer the real spelling as it stays true to the word origin. However the attack names will be the dub ones. Neither Dinohumon nor Wizardmon could evolve into Ardhamon, but I really want to make the second pair unique so there you go.
Thanks for the reviews, everyone. I do hope that you will stay tune for the real finale...and the upcoming third arc, which will be Mephistomon's Arc.
Jack the ripper - Not really childish, Darien is more of a friendly, warm and impulsive type while Max being the quieter and observant one.
Roby Murphy, Hahn, Bluesv20, dark672 – Why, thank you. However if you're looking forward for the real finale then you'll have to wait for the next chapter.
Flaring Star Saber – Ryo Akiyama is NOT one of the five original DigiDestined, that I'm sure. From what that is given in Digimon 02, he is Ken's early childhood friend. In Digimon Tamers, he is the Legendary Tamer. According to the Digimon Encyclopedia website, under the entry 'DigiDestined', Gennai has mentioned that the first five DigiDestined were brought to the Digital World before the 'Adventures' team were born. While I may not use that explanation as a base, and I'll come up with an explanation for THAT later, what's certain is that since the 02 Ryo / Tamers Ryo are the same character as confirmed by the creator of Digimon Tamers, and he appears to be only slightly older than Ken, he couldn't be one of the original five. Just so you know, I DO care about the facts too.
Dark Qiviut – Why of course I remember you. You've been a frequent reviewer ever since Vengeance's 'Clowning Around' arc. I'm wondering whether you've finished with the other chapters as you seem to end your review with chapter 16.
Yami Vizzini – You're correct on that...sort of. Actually I've read about this somewhere, that when a Digimon first digivolved into a particular form the rush of energy it experiences is greater than after its subsequent digivolution into that same form.
kizokuro – Welcome to Legends of the DigiDestined, kizokuro! I hope you've managed to catch up until this chapter.
Brian – Welcome to Legends of the DigiDestined, Brian! I'm thinking of having this fic happening in the mid-90s.