Episode 51:Phantom Pain
Derek took deep controlled breaths as he ran along the park path. He was dressed in a pair of shorts, and one of his favorite Rocket's jersey. His lungs were beginning to burn, and his leg muscles were aching.
"Just another minute." he told himself.
The day was bright, and sunny, with not a cloud in sky. All around him were other people, enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Kids shouted, and ran through the playground. A group of teens were playing a game of soccer in one of the open fields. Picnics were set out, and grills were lighted. Occasionally Derek would pass by other runners, or vice versa.
Finally, when his time was up, he came to a stop. He wiped his brow, and took in several deep breathes. Once he recovered a little, he strolled over to the shade of a large oak tree. A table was placed beneath it. His mother,and father were nearby, setting out some food from their cooler. Poromon sat beneath the base of the tree beside Derek's bag, taking a nap in the shade. Any passerby believing her to be a small stuffed toy.
"Here you go honey." Derek's mother said, offering him a bottle of water.
"Thanks." He guzzled half of the bottle, before wiping his mouth. "So, what's for lunch?"
"Roast beef sandwiches" She suddenly snapped her fingers, recalling something. "Oh, I think you missed a call."
Derek nodded, and moved over to his bag. He gave Poromon a gentle pet on the head, before retrieving his phone. Upon unlocking it, he could see he had missed a call from Gale. The girl had also sent him a text.
From,Gale:Call me as soon as you can.
Derek quickly clicked Gale's contact info, and held the phone to his ear. After a couple of rings the call went through.
"Hey, so what's up?" Derek asked, a tinge worry in his voice.
"It happened again." Gale answered. "Chloe, and Misaki got attacked by another one of those dark digivice users. Chloe's in the hospital, and so is her dad. Misaki said he got shot."
"Holy shit."
"Yeah. It's crazy. Daemon isn't fucking around." She sighed. "He should be okay though. It only got his shoulder. "
"We can't afford to screw around either."
"Me, and Trent were thinking the same thing. He looked up that lady we followed. Her name's Laura Sinclair. She's some big shot, up and coming scientist."
Derek hummed in thought. "That'd explain the high rise apartment."
"We're gonna go over there, the day after to tomorrow. See if we can get some answers out of her. You in?"
"Definitely."
"Cool. We're gonna meet up at Trent's place first, then head out. Kiko's giving us a ride. Catch you later alright?"
"Yeah, later."
With that, Derek hung up, and let out a heavy sigh. He pocketed his phone, and moved back to the picnic table. Where his parents were setting out plates, and sandwiches for each of them. His mother looked up from her task, noticing the tense look on Derek's face.
"Is something wrong, Derek?" she frowned.
"I'm fine. I just find out one of my friends is in the hospital." he answered.
"Oh. Are they alright?" his father asked.
"Yeah, they should be fine." He shrugged, and put on a smile. "Still can't help but worry, you know?"
His parents nodded at that, and returned to their task.
The family soon sat down for their meal. Derek took the time to appreciate the moment. It was one of the few times he had spent time with his family since his return. He hated that that was the case. He hated having to lie to them. He hated that Daemon could strike at any moment. He hated that because of him, the dark digivices had been completed. He hated it all of it.
But, in this moment, he tried to forget it all. Just simply enjoy his time with his family. To allow himself just a short period of normalcy. Pretending the world wasn't on the brink of disaster.
Almost sadly, Derek took the last bite of his meal. As he stood, he caught a lone figure standing a dozen yards away. He did a double take, as he recognized them. It was Gabriella. Her back was turned to him, as she looked out across the pond before her. She seemed to have a thoughtful look, brow knit.
"I'll be right back." Derek said, looking back at his parents.
Without another word, he jogged over to the girl. He slowed his pace as he neared, not wanting to scare her. That was when he caught sight of a small bundle held tight in her grip. He couldn't really discern what it was, but decided to ignore it.
"Hey!" he greeted.
Gabriella quickly snapped back to reality. With an almost frantic quickness, she stuffed the bundle into her bag. She then turned her chair to face Derek, looking a little surprised.
"Hi." she smiled."Didn't think I'd see you again. Derek, right?"
"Yeah. And I could say the same."
"You look like you've been working hard." she said, scrutinizing him.
"Hmm?" He took stock of himself for a moment. "Oh yeah, just took a run not that long ago. Thought I'd take the opportunity while I'm out with my family. What about you? You seemed kind of out of it when I saw you."
Gabriella frowned a little at that. "I was just...doing some thinking. I come here alot when I just need to clear my head."
"So...what have you been thinking about? If you don't mind me asking."
"Just life. What I wanna do. Where I wanna go. That sort of thing."
Derek let out a long measured breath, and nodded. "I feel you on that. After my accident, I thought about that stuff a lot." He frowned at the memory. "Among other things."
There was a moment of silence between the two, both looking out across the pond. It was serene, and beautiful. The light from the sun reflected off the crystal clear surface like so many diamonds. Ducks swam peacefully across the shimmering water. As if floating upon the rays of light themselves.
"I don't think the answers need to come right away." Derek stated, breaking the quiet. "There's still lots of time to figure that out. Lots of paths to take." He turned to Gabriella slowly. "Lots of opportunities. Some of them...you can even make for yourself."
Gabriella seemed to ponder that for a moment, nodding slowly. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
"No problem." Derek smiled. "Well...anyway. I should get back to my parents. Maybe I'll see you around again?"
"Yeah, maybe. Later Derek, and thanks again."
Derek gave her a small wave, and began to make his way back over to his family. Once he was a little ways off, Gabriella reached into her bag. She took out the small bundle from within, and slowly began to unwrap it. When the last piece of cloth fell away, it revealed the black form of a dark digivice.
Tentatively, Gabriella ran her hand along its dark carapace. "Opportunities...that I can make for myself."
It was a little afternoon when Kiko's van pulled up to Sinclair's apartment building. Everyone in the car looked up to the imposing structure. Its metal, and glass form gleaming in the midday light.
"She's in there." Poromon said, as she sensed around the area.
"Then let's do this." Derek stated, unbuckling his seatbelt.
"You dudes can go, we'll stay." Kiko said. YukimiBotamon nodded in agreement.
Trent looked to the pair. "You sure?"
"Yeah. I just...don't think I can do this y,know? I know we have to, but it still feels wrong."
"We still wish you luck." YukimiBotamon added, with a slight frown.
Trent nodded in understanding, and stepped out of the car. Gale, and Derek soon followed, each of them hiding away their partners. They gave one last wave to Kiko, and YukimiBotamon and headed toward the building's entrance.
The doors slid open automatically, leading to the main lobby. It was a relatively wide open space, with shining floors, and a high ceiling. Potted plants were placed in small bundles in just about every corner. Fine plush seats, and lounge chairs were scattered about. On either side, there was a set of elevators. Twin spiraling staircases sat near the middle of the space, leading up to the second floor. Finally, situated at the end of the lobby was the front desk, made of hard oaken wood.
Gale let out a low whistle. "Wow. Riiitzy."
"Which way?" Trent whispered to Botamon.
"Right, then up three floors." he answered.
The boy nodded, and the trio headed toward one of the rightmost elevators. Trent pressed the button for the fourth floor, and the elevator doors began to close. On their ride up, several residents stepped into the elevator. The three teens shifted awkwardly, as they rode. All of them feeling as if someone would point out how out of place they were.
Luckily, the three made it to the fourth floor without issue. They stepped out of the elevator, and into a long hall. On either side of them were a dozen or so doors, marked with room numbers. In front of them was a line of windows, overlooking the buildings, and street below.
The digimon lead their partners to the left, all the way to the second to last door. Each of the digimon could feel that the energy was strongest just beyond that door. After taking a moment to gather himself, Trent moved forward, and rapped on the door three times. He then stepped back, and waited.
After a few moments, the three heard the distinct clicking of locks. The door then swung open, revealing Professor Sinclair. She was dressed in more casual clothes compared to her usual attire.
"Can I...help you?" she asked, adjusting her glasses.
"Laura Sinclair?" Derek asked.
"Yes?" she replied, starting to feel a little wary.
"We need to talk to you about something very important." Trent said.
She eyed the boy for a moment. "Look, if you kids are trying to sell me something. I'm not interested. Now, please leave, I'm trying to enjoy my day off."
As she was about close the door, Gale thrust her foot forward between the doorframe.
'"Hold on there lady! We did not come all this way for you just to slam the door in our faces!"
"Move your foot."
"I'm not going anywhere." Gale growled dangerously.
Sinclair narrowed her eyes. "If you do not leave in the next twenty seconds, I will call the police. Twenty, nineteen, eighteen, sev-"
"Does the name Daemon mean anything to you?" Trent interjected, stepping in beside Gale.
Sinclair paused, looking absolutely stunned. "How...how do you know that name?"
"So she does know that scumbag!" Gale thought. A brief flash of anger came over her features, but she held it back.
"That's what we're here to talk about professor." Derek answered.
"Can we come in?" Trent asked.
The doctor considered the question for many long moments. Finally, with a sigh, she opened the door, and motioned the three inside. Trent gave her a nod of thanks, and stepped through the doorway, Gale, and Derek following behind.
They stepped into a well furnished living room. A glass table, held up by a trio of spiraling legs sat in the middle of the space. It was bordered by a long leather couch, that could seat at least six people. A large flatscreen television was placed on the wall before it. Behind the couch was a display case. Various science achievement awards were placed inside it for everyone to see.
Sinclair took a seat on one of the many couch cushions, and motioned for the three to do the same. Trent, and Derek gladly acquiesced, while Gale chose to stand.
After few moments of silence, Sinclair leaned forward in her seat. "Now, who are you?"
Trent turned to his friends,silently asking for their consent in revealing that information. The two gave a nod at that, and opened their bags. Trent did the same, and each of their partners was set free. Sinclair was momentarily surprised, and looked at each of the creatures curiously.
"I'm Trent. This my partner, Botamon." He pointed a thumb to each of his companions. "Thats Gale, and Fufumon. And that's Derek, and his partner, Poromon."
Sinclair continued to look at each of the digimon. Her eyes were transfixed as she studied them.
"Are they...digimon children?." She put a hand to her chin thoughtfully. "Fascinating. I didn't think the digimon life cycle involved such a stage. This changes some of my theories."
The others all shared a slightly confused look. That wasn't exactly the reaction they were expecting. Trent, then cleared his throat, pulling the doctor from her pondering.
"Oh, my apologies. I've just been very curious about digimon since I met Daemon. But I haven't had too many opportunities to ask about the details of his kind. We're always too busy with our projects."
"Projects?" Trent asked quizzically.
"Yeah, what's your deal with Daemon?" Gale said, with a slight biting tone.
"My, deal, is that he, and I are mutual benefactors. Helping each other reach our goals. We're just business colleagues."
Gale scowled, hands curling into fists. Before she could make a move toward the woman, Derek moved into her path. He shook his head, and whispered quietly.
"Gale, chill. If we're gonna get info, we gotta play this cool."
"She's working with that bastard! I'll beat the info out of her!" Gale hissed back.
"I was working for him too, remember?" Derek retorted. "We don't know the whole story. And if you attack her now, you'll get arrested, and we'll never get our info."
Gale paused at this, considering his words. Then, with a sigh, and a nod, she relaxed. Derek nodded in return, and took his seat once more. Sinclair had watched the exchange suspiciously, but said nothing.
"What are these 'goals'?" Trent asked, getting back on topic.
"My research is one. With Daemon's technology I'll be able to achieve my goal of exploring,and researching other dimensions. Daemon is moving toward a similar goal. Looking for some ultimate truth in the vastness of the multiverse. Something that will benefit all beings." She narrowed her eyes. "Now, I think I've answered enough. I think it's about time you tell me how you know Daemon, and why exactly you're here."
There was another exchange of looks between the group. All of them seemed to silently agree, to lay their cards on the table.
"Professor, I don't how to tell you this, but you've been lied too." Derek stated.
Sinclair quirked her brow. "Excuse me?"
"Daemon isn't trying to find some fucking 'ultimate truth'!" Gale snapped.
"He's trying to take over." Trent added. "Both his world, and ours. He's caused all kinds of destruction, started a war, enslaved, and tortured innocents. He's a monster. And we're trying to stop him."
"That's ridiculous." Sinclair laughed, humorlessly. "Why should I believe that?"
"Because countless lives are at stake." Botamon spoke up. "You have to believe us!"
"At least listen to what we have to say." Poromon added. "Then you can make your own decision."
"Fine." Sinclair, eventually replied. "I'll play along. For now."
Alastormon rushed through the hall's of the fortress at a quickened pace. He barreled past anyone in his path, intent on his destination. He only slowed when he reached the door to Daemon's chambers. The knight quickly took a knee, surprising Daemon with his his presence.
"My lord! I have urgent news!"
Daemon stood from his seat. "What's the emergency?"
"My lord. The digidestined have made contact with Professor Sinclair."
"What?!" In a rare show of anger, Daemon hammered his fist into a nearby console. "I was careless! I should have kept her under closer observation!" He let out a breath, calming himself. "Alastormon, I want you to go, and retrieve the professor. Her safety is our top priority. Take whatever forces you need. I do not care about collateral, just get the professor. Understood?"
"Right away my lord!" Alastormon saluted. "It will be done!"
Without another word, Alastormon spun on his heel, and headed out of the room. Once he was well out of earshot, Daemon slammed his hand into the console once more. He cursed his own overconfidence, as the machine shattered into scrap.
"That's...quite the story." Sinclair stated, taking a sip of tea. "It's very vivid, but...I'm still finding it very hard to believe. Magical stones, and ancient prophecies? It sounds so ludicrous. And Daemon doing these horrible things. I just can't fathom it."
"News flash lady, he's an actual demon!" Gale snapped. "Its really not that hard to believe."
"He's not a demon. He's digital lifeform, from another dimension." She paused. "Who...happens to look like a demon. Regardless, I'm not going to take you word just like that. Daemon has been good to me, and has shown me no reason to distrust him."
Derek sighed heavily. "At least think about what we said. Mull it over." He reached into his pocket, and pulled out several slips of paper. "Get in touch with us, if you change your mind."
Sinclair took the papers from his grasp. The first, had several phone numbers written on it. The other was very odd, and gave Sinclair pause. It depicted a circle, with four intersecting lines within it. Inside each of the separated spaces, was a strange symbol, the professor could not discern. A few paragraphs of text were written below, seeming to be some kind of instructions.
"What is this?"
"It's a spell that should allow you to communicate with us from anywhere. Just in case something goes wrong. Those instructions should help you to use it."
"Where the heck did you get that?" Trent asked.
"From Misaki. When I went to the hospital to check on Chloe she was there. She said that Magimon had been working on it ever since we came across those jammers. I'll send you guys a copy later."
"A magic spell?" Sinclair practically scoffed.
"Getting real sick of that skeptical attitude lady." Gale snapped.
Suddenly, Trent's phone rang in his pocket. He checked the caller id, seeing that it was Kiko, and answered.
"You guys we got big trouble! You need to get down here!"
Trent could hear a cacophony of noises on the other end of the line.
"Kiko whats go-"
Trent cut himself off as several screams of terror filled the air. The three teens, and their partners, sprung into action, and headed outside. As they came out into the hall, they saw several people looking out of windows with terrified expressions. The group rushed toward the windows, and gasped at what they saw.
In the sky, a pair of Devidramon circled through the air. Down below, the six could make out a group dark shapes of varying sizes. All of them with a ferocious visage, and glowing purple eyes. People were running in panic down below, as the creatures lumbered through the parking lot. Cars screeched to a halt, people stepping out to look at the spectacle.
In the middle of the dark shapes, they could make out Lekismon. She was moving this way, and that, fending of the berserkers to the best of her ability.
"Damn, there's still more of that virus!" Gale growled, curling her fists.
"We need to get down there, and help." said Trent. He lifted the phone back to his ear. "We just saw Kiko, we're on our way!"
"I'll go on ahead." Derek stated, lifting up his digivice.
Poromon leapt from his shoulder, and was encased in light. "Poromon digivolve to...Chakoramon!"
Chakoramon, and Derek shared a nod, and the bird stepped forward. With a flap of her wings, she summoned a blade of air, smashing the window before her. There was a sudden rush of wind, as the hall was opened up to the outside.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Gale shouted.
"Like I said, going on ahead." Derek replied, with a bit of a smirk. "You guys catch up."
With that, Chakoramon, leapt through the window, taking to the air. Then, much to his friends horror, Derek followed after her.
He quickly began to plummet, and raised his digivice. Chakoramon moved in below him, and was once more wreathed in light. When the light faded, Anzumon was left in her place. The giant bird rose slightly, catching Derek onto her back. Once he was he was secure she began gliding toward the ground.
"Holy shit." Gale exclaimed.
"I must say, I'm impressed." Fufumon commented.
"Come on, we gotta follow him." Trent said, motioning toward the elevator.
The other's gave a nod, and followed after him. Moments later, Sinclair stepped out of her apartment. She moved over to the line of windows, looking out at the scene. Her curiosity quickly got the better of her, and she headed toward a different elevator.
As Anzumon landed, Derek leapt off from atop her back. He quickly activated his barrier, and took cover behind a nearby car. With his partner relatively out of harm's way, Anzumon took to the skies once more.
She glided toward a trio of infected digimon, slashing at them with her talons. They growled in anger, firing off jets of flame, and bolts of lightning. She performed a deft roll, dodging out of their path. Then with several mighty flaps of her wings, she began to create a powerful wind.
"Gale Wing!"
A tornado of purple wind formed, and barreled toward the three. They were quickly swept up into the air, battering, and smashing against each other. When the wind finally died they plummeted to the earth, smashing into the concrete. Anzumon came swooping in, ravaging them with with beak and claw. Their bodies then burst into clouds of data.
Lekismon smashed a nearby digimon with her fist. She smiled at the arrival of Anzumon, glad for the assistance. Now emboldened by her friends presence, she began to truly fight in earnest. Kicks, and punches flew like a flash. All the while Anzumon swooped down upon the enemy from above.
"Crimson Eye!"
Four red beams of energy suddenly blasted into Anzumon's back. With a cry, she turned about in the air. Up above she spotted the two Devidramon swooping in closer, claws bared.
"You take care of them, I'll handle the ones down here!" Lekismon shouted.
Anzumon nodded, and flew upward to meet them, slashing with her talons as she past. The devil's circled back into sky, with a roar. Both of them firing off four beams of red energy from their eyes. Anzumon was able to avoid them, but quickly found herself overwhelmed, as they continued to fire. She dodged, and weaved out of their path, unable to find an opening to counter.
Trent, and Gale, suddenly burst through the front doors of the apartment complex, partner's in tow. Fufumon, and Botamon were soon encased in shining light. Both of them warp digivolving into their champion forms. BaoHuckmon charged toward the horde of infected digimon on the ground. While Ginryumon took to the air, to aid Anzumon.
"Gaia Burst!"
The dragon's horned helm glowed, firing a blast of light into one of the devil's backs. It roared in pain, one of its beam attacks dissipating. Anzumon found her opening, and soared toward the other Devidramon.
"Dagger Plume!" she called once she was near.
With a flap of her wings, a flurry of blade like feathers flew forward. They sliced, and pierced into both of the Devidramon's flesh. Before they could even counter attack, Ginryumon fired a barrage of iron spears, each one hitting their mark. Then with one final cry, the two champions scattered into shimmering data.
"I appreciate the assistance." Anzumon said, as Ginryumon approached.
"Anytime." he smiled.
"Dragon Gun Fire!" BaoHuckmon roared.
Three balls of searing flame flew from his throat, exploding into the crowd of corrupted digimon. He dodged, left, and right as they fired in retaliation, continuing his approach. When he finally reached the edge of the crowd, he barreled through them, slashing with his claws.
Lekismon quickly moved in at his side. They began doling out attacks left, and right. Claws, fireballs, punches, and kicks, flying in every direction.
Like a pair of bombers, Anzumon, and Ginryumon came swooping in behind them. With the shout of their attacks, they rained down a barrage of blades, and spears. Cries, and roars of pain erupted from the infected digimon, as they fell before the four.
As the four champions cut through the enemy, Sinclair finally stepped out of the building. She looked at the chaos, and destruction before her utterly flabbergasted. Creatures of terrible power, and size battled against one another. Like titans they clashed. The humans around them scurrying like ants, and screaming in terror. It was an unbelievable sight.
Suddenly, a shrill cry cut through the din. The four partner digimon looked about, spotting a shape in the sky.
It was a giant bird like digimon. Her entire body was completely composed of reddish orange flame. Each of her feet ended in five sharp talons. In place of a beak, she had a long snout, filled with sharp fangs.
"Birdramon Champion level Bird type digimon." Derek's d-brace chimed. "A digimon born of pure flame. They are known for being deadly combatants, and are immune to most fiery attacks. Their special attack, is Meteor Wing."
BaoHuckmon growled at the other champion firing off a trio of fireballs. They seemed to have no effect however, her own flames absorbing the resulting fiery explosions. In response, she let out another shrill cry, and flapped her wings.
"Meteor Wing!"
Four comets of fire flew forward as she beat her wings. The dragon took the brunt of the attack. His armored hide, mostly unaffected by the heat.
"I'll handle them!" Anzumon shouted. "You two will be at it all day!"
With a powerful beat of her wings, she rushed toward Birdramon. They two birds met, talons first. Their claws locked against each other, entwining. The two then began to struggle against one another. Both of them pecking, and biting, to try, and get an edge.
Eventually the two separated, and flew up into the sky. Claw met claw again, as they did hit and run attacks against one another. Deft aerial maneuvers were performed. While razor sharp feathers and burning balls of flame flew.
Anzumon began notice as well, that Birdramon's eyes did not glow. She was not infected like the others. Her moves were practiced, and deadly. Unlike the wild instinctual attacks of the infected. Her strength was also much greater than the average champion.
"She must be the partner of a dark digivice user."
As Derek watched the battle unfold, he soon came to the same conclusion. He searched about the area, trying to spot the bird's partner. He could see crowds of people screaming, and shouting. They ran for their lives, desperately trying to find safety. Across the way, he also saw Kiko, ducking behind cover. Among the crowd however he spotted a lone figure, watching the chaos unflinchingly. Derek felt a cold grip around his heart, as he recognized her.
"G...Gabriella?"
His meetings with the girl suddenly flashed through his mind. It all clicked into place. Anger, and frustration suddenly ignited within him. His body trembled, fist curling tight against this palm.
"No. No. NO! Not again!" he shouted.
"Derek?" Trent said, looking to his friend worriedly.
Without warning Derek took off, sprinting toward Gabriella. Trent, and Gale shouted after him, but he was deaf to their cries. He barreled past the oncoming crowd. All of them too terrified to take notice of him. When he finally reached Gabriella, he came to a screeching halt.
"Gabriella!"
The girl's head slowly turned with a look of pure shock. Derek could see the circuit like patterns, traveling up her neck.
"Derek?! What are you-"
Suddenly a pained cry ripped through the air. The pair looked up to see Anzumon, and Birdramon locked together. The fiery bird had bit down onto Anzumon's neck, fangs piercing deep into her flesh. With a cry of anger, the black bird thrust her beak into Birdramon's shoulder. Birdramon released her grip, and the two separated once more.
"Meteor Wing!"
"Gale Wing!"
Six balls of flame collided with the purple tornado. With a rushing noise, the two attacks formed into a large fiery cyclone. It radiated intense heat, sending sparks of flame in all directions. Then, it began to dissipate, and Anzumon, and Birdramon charged toward each other. Once more finding themselves in a stalemate.
"You shouldn't be here Derek!" Gabriella said, turning back to the boy. "Get out of here!"
"I'm not going anywhere." Derek replied. "I'm not going to standby, and let this happen."
"What are you talking about? You don't have any idea about what's even going on!"
Derek shook his head, taking a step forward. "I know exactly what's going on. That thing on your arm. Someone gave it to you didn't they? They made you an offer. Promised you something if you did something for them. Right?"
Gabriella blinked at him surprise. "How did you…"
Derek sighed heavily. "Because the same thing happened to me. They came to me, and offered to give me my arm back. If I was able to test their new weapon, so they could perfect it." His brow furrowed in anger. "I had to attack, and deceive people I didn't know. People who had done nothing wrong. I watched, as terrible things happened around me, doing nothing. All because I wanted to feel like a whole person again. To have people look at me like I wasn't a burden, or someone to be pitied."
His eyes softened, and he placed a hand upon her shoulder. "This isn't the way. Nothing is worth what they're asking of you. Please, stop this, before you do something you won't be able to take back."
Gabriella looked up at him with wide eyes. Slowly, she turned to stare at the squirming creature upon her arm. After many long moments of deliberation, she reached over to pull it free.
A sudden searing pain ripped through her body. She screamed, as the dark parasite's thoughts wormed their way into her own. It pushed all emotions, and thoughts aside. Leaving only the desire to fulfill the purpose set out for her. Her eyes then glazed over, the circuit patterns spreading along her skin.
"Gabriella!"
A dark aura suddenly appeared around the girl, sending Derek flying back. The parasite upon her arm, began to pump, and writhe, draining her life essence. Birdramon let loose a powerful cry, as she too was wreathed in that same darkness.
"Birdramon warp digivolve to…"
The birds fiery form shifted to take on a humanoid appearance. She was muscular, and lean, body entirely covered in a white body suit. Laced boots, with sharp metal soles were worn over her legs, and feet. A flowing blue waistcloth, draped from her left side, while a fine longsword hung on the right. A golden shield was strapped to her right arm, and a steel breastplate protected her chest. A helmet, shaped like the face of a bird, with two sweeping wings on the side, covered her head, and face. A feathery, wing like cape flowed from her shoulders,and a folded crossbow was strapped to her back.
"...Valkyrimon!"
With a swirl of wind, the darkness disappeared. Valkrimon's cloak spread, becoming a pair of beautiful white wings. As she appeared, the sound of lumbering footfalls filled the air. Two giant forms then strolled out from behind a nearby building.
They were towering creatures, with sweeping horns, and a giant cyclopean eye. Their skin was smooth, leathery, and colored an ashy grey. Two tattered demonic wings spread from their backs. A long thick tail, grew from the base of their spine. Three sharp talons tipped their hands, and another eye sat in the center of their palms. Twisted circuit patterns spread across their flesh, and each of their eyes glowed an eerie purple.
"Ghoulmon Mega level Demon type digimon." droned Gale's d-brace. "Once angel digimon, they fell into the deepest parts of the Dark Area. They were twisted into mighty beasts, that take no sides, and destroy everything in their path. It's special attack, is Explosion Eye."
"Oh shit." Gale groaned, looking up the towering demons. Quickly she looked up to her partner. "Ginryumon! We need to up the game!"
"You too BaoHuckmon!" Trent shouted, raising his digivice.
As the two champions were bathed in orangish gold, and red, Derek stood to his feet. He looked on at Gabriella, darkness pouring off of her. Her eyes were completely dark now, and she spasmed occasionally in pain. With a look of resolution, he raised his digivice as well, and was consumed in a swirling blast of purple wind.
"Ginryumon warp digivolve to...Gaioumon!"
"BaoHuckmon warp digivolve to...Jesmon!"
"Anzumon warp digivolve to...Aellomon!"
With bursts of shining light, the three megas appeared. Jesmon flew toward one of the Ghoulmon, Gaioumon sprinting toward the other. Aellomon spread her wings, and charged toward Valkyrimon with outstretched talons.
As the three megas flew off, Lekismon cursed under her breath. She wished she could go mega as well, and aid them. With a shake of her head, she pushed aside those thoughts. Her mind focusing on the remaining virus infected digimon before her.
Valkyrimon drew her blade, and moved to meet Aellomon. The two exchanged a flurry of lightning fast slashes, claw meeting blade. Valkyrimon then parried one of Aellomon's slashes with her shield, and flew backward. She raised her sword high, and it was soon wreathed in icy cold energy.
"Feral Sword!"
She swung the sword downward, unleashing a blast of freezing wind. As the wind traveled, it formed into the shape of a giant wolf, hungry jaws wide. The rushing wind made a haunting noise, like a lone wolf upon a mountain top.
With all the speed she could muster, Aellomon rose into the air, dodging the attack. She then came down on the mega, with a flying taloned kick. Valkyrimon raised her blade to block, and the two began another exchange of blows.
As Jesmon, and Gaioumon approached, the two demons raised their palms. The eyes upon them began to glow with power, energy crackling off of them.
"Death Arrow!" the two growled in unison.
With a flash, bolts of light flew from the eyes in a barrage. Jesmon called At, Rene, and Pol to his side, their bodies creating a barrier before him. Gaioumon did not slow, and swung his blades furiously, knocking any approaching bolts aside.
"Sacred Flame!" Jesmon called, as he neared.
The Ghoulmon raised its arm in defense, searing flame washing over it's skin. With a bubbling cry, the demon slashed its claw toward the knight. Jesmon met it with his blades, a boom ringing through the air as they clashed.
The other Ghoulmon thrust one of its clawed hands forward. Gaioumon leapt into the air, and the claws sunk into the earth. The dragon landed atop its arm, and ran up, and along it. He then leapt toward the demon's head, slashing with both his blades.
It staggered back, crying in pain as they cut into its flesh. The mega then countered with a powerful backhand, that Gaioumon was forced to dodge. Its central eye began to crackle with power, particles of energy slowly being drawn into it.
"Explosion Eye!"
A large beam of black, and red energy fired from its central eye. Gaioumon couldn't dodge in time, and instead focused energy into both of his blades. He slashed downward with both of them, just as the beam neared. With a hum of power the swords split the beam in twain. Creating a pair of explosions just behind Gaioumon.
From afar, Sinclair continued to watch the battle. All the other civilians had already made their way inside, or ran away in terror. The professor wanted to do the same, but found herself transfixed. She was finally pulled from her stupor, when she felt an armored hand touch her shoulder.
"Professor?"
The woman whipped around, coming face to face with Alastormon. She could also see a man standing beside him. He was older, dressed in a finely pressed black suit. His grey hair was slicked back, and a cane was held in his grip. The professor could also make out the edge of a strange dark shape beneath his right sleeve.
"Alastormon? What...what are you doing here?" she gestured to the battle. "What is all this?"
"There's no time for that professor." the knight replied, shaking his head. "Lord Daemon has sent me to come retrieve you. We need to leave this place, now. It's far too dangerous for you here."
"But I…"
"Please Professor. Just come along. Don't make this difficult."
Sinclair spared one last look at the digidestined and their partners, before giving a nod. Alastormon lifted the professor, and the older man into his grip. His cloak spread, forming into bat like wings. He then took off into the sky, soon disappearing into the distance.
"Maelstrom Talon!" Aellomon called, unleashing twin deadly cyclones.
"Punishing Storm!" Valkyrimon shouted in response.
She flapped her wings powerfully, air gathering around her. It swirled, and strengthened, slowly transforming into a giant tornado.
The two attacks crashed into one another, creating a blast of hurricane force wind. Ribbons of wind, whipped this way, and that. Slowly they merged, into a giant destructive maelstrom. The clouds all around them turned dark, and rain began to pour down. With their power alone, they had shifted the sunny day, into a dark storm.
The two megas were unaffected by the storm, both in their element. They charged toward each other, each performing a hit, and run attack. Valkryimon's blade grazing Aellomon's cheek, and the harpies talons digging into the other mega's armor.
Valkyrimon raised her hand, energy crackling in her palm. "Laser Javelin!"
The energy coalesced, forming into a long, double ended javelin. Valkryrimon hurled the weapon with all her might. It streaked through the air like a bolt of lightning, and sunk into Aellomon's shoulder.
Aellomon cried out, and ripped the weapon free. Just as Valkyrimon fired another javelin, Aellomon rose upward, flying into the clouds.
Valkyrimon searched the clouds, looking for any signs of her enemy. Suddenly, the clouds above her split apart. A slicing cyclone of wind came barreling through, heading straight for her. She flew to the side to dodge. Then hurled a javelin into the hole in the clouds.
Suddenly Aellomon swooped in on Valkyrimon's left. She was wide open, and took a powerful swipe from her claws. The harpy then struck with a knee to her gut. Followed by a downward axe kick, that sent the other mega plummeting toward the ground.
Valkyrimon's body smashed into a car below, crumpling it into a mass of twisted metal. Slowly, she rose from the wreckage, her visor beginning to glow red. With a roar, darkness poured off of her body, lashing out like tendrils.
Derek could see more circuit patterns crawling across Gabriella's skin. Her glazed over eyes glowed the same red as her partners. While the dark aura intensified.
With a swift motion, Valkyrimon drew the crossbow from her back. "Aurvindal's Arrow!"
With the call of her attack a giant arrow of energy flew from the weapon. Dark energy crackled along its surface as it flew through the air. Aellomon flew to the side, dodging the attack. As she readied a counter attack, the arrow suddenly changed course. It swerved, and crashed into Aellomon's back, unleashing an explosion of energy.
As Aellomon began to fall, Valkyrimon flew in to intercept. She did a flying pass, slashing Aellomon across the side as she went by. Aellomon let out a shout of pain, before smashing face first into the concrete below.
"Aellomon!" Derek shouted.
Slowly, Aellomon rose to her feet at her partner's call. She held a hand to her side, hissing through her teeth. Ignoring the pain, she flew up into sky, ready to take on Valkyrimon once more.
A shockwave ripped through the air, as Valkyrimon blocked Aellomon's talons. The harpy was not deterred, and performed a spinning kick. Valkyrimon held her arms to block, but was blown back from the force of the impact.
An aura of dark wind began to surround Aellomon. "Shadow Wing!"
With the call of her attack, a giant bird of purple, and black wind flew toward Valkyrimon.
"Feral Sword!" the other mega called.
The raptor of wind, and the icy wolf clashed. An explosion of wind, and icy cold erupted as they met. The wolf proved the stronger, and its remaining power blasted Aellomon away. Parts of her body were frozen in ice, as she crashed into a nearby building.
Derek shook his head in horror. He looked to Gabriella, and could see the color draining from her face. Valkyrimon began to move in on his fallen partner, readying a killing blow.
They were going to die. His best friend, and this innocent girl. Both of them were going to die.
"No!" Derek shouted. "I won't let this happen! I refuse!"
Suddenly the boy's aura intensified, as his body burst into violet light. His d-brace hummed, and vibrated with unbridled power.
"Synchronization Overload Exceed Change Initiated."
Like a shooting star, Derek's energy form flew toward his partner. Aellomon was soon wreathed in the same glow. The two lights met in a blinding flash of energy, and wind.
"Aellomon change mode to…"
Their feathery wings disappeared, replaced by ones of pure violet energy. From their waist, five ribbon like feathers flowed, glowing with the same energy. Lines of darker purple energy, ran along their armor. All of them forming into Derek's sigil in the center of their breastplate. Heavy armor now covered their left arm. It was made of dark shimmering chrome digizoid, and had a blade like pauldron. The gauntlet on the left hand was large, and each of the claws were now razor sharp blades of chrome digizoid. Each one engraved with a swirling wind like pattern.
"...Huntress mode!"
The mega's new shimmering wings spread, dissipating the light around them. They raised their right claw and flew toward Valkyrimon without pause.
Valkyrimon hefted her blade, and swung as the other mega flew in. Aellomon's razor sharp claws clashed with the edge of her blade. The two briefly struggled, before Aellomon's strength won out, and she knocked Valkyrimon away. The white digimon growled in anger, but paused as she looked down to her blade. Several knicks were left in its edge, after clashing with the harpies black claws.
"Feral Sword!" she called in fury.
The darkness infused into the icy wolf as it flew forward. Pure blackness could be seen within its gaping maw.
"Maelstrom Talon!" Aellomon shouted in response.
The twin cyclones were summoned forth, nearly double their original size. Instead of wind, they were composed of spiraling black, and violet energy. Which gave them an even more drill like appearance.
The two spirals of energy tore through the oncoming wolf, scattering icy wind in all directions. They continued on their course, barreling toward Valkyrimon. She quickly flew aside, the edges of the lashing energy catching her along the side.
The mega scowled at the wound, and held her hand aloft. With a raged filled roar, she hurled a barrage of energy lances at Aellomon. Who easily knocked them aside with their claw.
Aellomon's armored claw began to glimmer, the patterns upon it glowing violet. "It's time we end this. Phantom Hunter!"
Aellomon's wings surrounded them, and in a quick flash of light, they disappeared. Valkryimon searched about frantically for her foe, but to no avail. She couldn't even sense a hint of her presence.
Suddenly an agonizing pain ran through her torso. With gritted teeth she looked down, to see that her waist had been cut clean from her body. With another flash of light, Aellomon appeared behind her. They gave a single flick of their black claw, and Valkyrimon finally burst into shimmering data.
Down below, Gabriella's dark parasite let out a gurgling scream. It fell to the ground, squirming, and writhing in pain. The color began to return to Gabriella's skin, and the circuit patterns slowly faded away. Her head sagged to one side, as she sat unconscious.
Gaioumon, and Jesmon made quick work of the two Ghoulmon not long after. While Lekismon finished off the last of the remaining infected digimon.
Aellomon came down to land at Gabriella's side. They looked down at the girl with a deep frown. Which quickly shifted into angry scowl, as they crushed the parasite beneath their foot. Then, with a flash of light, the forms of Derek, and Pururumon appeared upon the ground.
Their friends quickly rushed to their side. All the digimon reverting to their smaller forms. With Gale's help, Trent, lifted Derek up, and carried him toward Kiko's van. Once inside, Kiko, tended to Derek, and Pururumon, using his his healing touch.
The sound of sirens filled the air not longer after. Signaling the arrival of emergency services to the scene. News teams quickly followed, eager to cover the unbelievable event.
Professor Sinclair, along with Alastormon, and the mysterious older man, stepped into the main console room. Daemon stood in the center of the room tapping an impatient claw. His eyes seemed to light up, as the three entered the room, and he quickly approached.
"Professor! Thanks goodness you're alright!"
"Daemon, what is the meaning of all this?" Sinclair asked.
"I apologize for bringing your here so abruptly. When I heard news that you had made contact with my enemies I had to help you."
Sinclair narrowed her eyes. "Those...children really are your enemies?"
"Yes." the demon nodded. "But don't let their appearance fool you. They are very dangerous, and wield power they shouldn't have. I'm just glad they didn't hurt you."
"Why would they do that?"
"To get to me of course. You hold the secrets of the warp technology. Without your knowledge, connecting to other worlds beyond yours, and mine would be nearly impossible. I fear that they know this, and wanted to turn you against me. Or worse, kidnap you, and force you to give them your knowledge." He placed a hand upon her shoulder. "I'm glad it didn't come to that. I would hate to lose you."
In that moment, as his dark claw fell upon her, Sinclair felt something. In the past, she would have felt reassured by his words. Now, there was doubt. But more than anything, she felt fear. It took everything in her not to recoil, and scream in terror.
Instead, she mustered herself, and offered him a smile. "I'm happy for your concern. Thank you Daemon."
Daemon nodded, and lifted his hand from her shoulder. And, although his touch was gone, the fear still lingered.
To Be Continued...
Next Time On Digimon Saga! Episode 52:Sanguine Call
Author's Notes:
Hey guys! Really wish I had gotten this done yesterday since it was Odaiba day. Oh well. The next episode might take a little bit since I'm probably going to focus on the next episode of Battle For Nexus. Hopefully it won't take long. Anyway guys thanks thats it for now! As always thanks for reading!
