Episode 09: An Old Enemy Returns ~Burn With Courage, Agunimon~ OR Back To Nature, Back To Battle (Part 2)
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"The flame is not out, but it is flickering." -Ken Burns
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Hey, guys! So sorry for not updating. It's a chapter about Takuya so I was having trouble deciding what to write.
Takuya: *from far away* I KNEW IT!
-.- Oh well, the editing is taking a lot out of me, until then let's see what happens in this one for the time being. I'm also going to change the rating from 'T' to 'M' because teenagers. If you wish to read a clean version check out my wattpad or AO3 account. They are mentioned in my bio. Enjoy!
Previously On DFX:
After a good night's stay, the gang got ready to look for their remaining Spirits. Having the locations pointed out by Ophanimon, each group divided themselves accordingly and set out. Takuya and Nagisa weren't very happy with the thought but decided to play nice for the time being. Maybe we might unravel some secrets ahead.
Kouji's POV:
-Location: Flame Terminal~Continent of Flame~-
Tomoki, Charle and I dropped off at our stop and watched as Angler took Izumi, Junpei, and Neemon to Breezy Village. Charle guided us to the Unground Labyrinth, whose entrance wasn't that far, considering this was the first time I saw its actual entryway. Tomoki and I descended the stairs as Charle flew ahead of us. Lucky her.
The place was getting darker as we reached the bottom. Charle started flying ahead when I stopped her, "Hey, don't you think moving around aimlessly will be okay? This is a labyrinth, after all, and we should stick together."
Charle giggled, "Not to worry-chu. I have this place memorized. Na-chan and I used to play here a lot when we were young."
"I think Kouji-san has a point. Even if you know the place, we don't. Last time, I with Junpei-san were being chased so we didn't where we ended up," Tomoki said.
"Okay-chu. Where should we start?"
"It's best to check every spot. We don't know the exact point," I said thoughtfully.
The two nodded in agreement and we began moving. I want this to end peacefully and quickly; I hope that happens.
Izumi's POV:
-Location: Breezy Village~Continent of Flame~-
I wonder why I got stuck with the two of the dumb-dumbs of the gang.
We got off a little far from our destination since the tracks changed. We had to walk but Junpei didn't like the idea and asked to be dropped off at the Wind Factory. Unfortunately for him, no tracks were built to reach there. Dejectedly, he caught up to Neemon and me as we started to walk away. He was a few feet away with his head hanging.
"Junpei, a little walk isn't gonna do any harm," I said as I glanced at him.
"A little walk? Bloody hell, we have been walking since we got here. Not to mention, climbed hundreds of stairs!" He complained.
"We used to walk back then too."
"Yeah, even when our feet got sore and mushy," Neemon decided to join us.
"I don't think feet get mushy while walking," I chuckled.
"Mine do!" He said while wiggling his feet.
"Well, boys... Andiamo," I said and jogged ahead.
"What?" The two asked as they caught up to me.
"Let's go or we'll never find anything."
Being half-Italian can be great but I wish someone understood me for once.
Kouichi's POV:
-Location: Forest of the Continent of Darkness-
This place is giving me the creeps. I know being the Warrior of Darkness, I shouldn't be scared but this is worse than a sewage drain.
Bokomon and I reached the Dark Continent later than planned. As Ophanimon had said, the place was livelier on the outside. Digimon were roaming around the place but no one was stepping inside the depths of the forest. It was marked as a restricted zone. They didn't stop us when we told them about our situation and here we are.
"The place hasn't changed much, I see," Bokomon said, glancing the area. Wish I could say the same. I only remember what the others told me. I was Duskmon at the time anyway.
I picked up the pace and walked alongside the white Digimon, "So you wrote about this place? I mean, I vaguely remember the guys telling me about how they encouraged you to go here for the reason."
"Oh yes, I did! It turned out to be quite the experience too."
"You published it?"
"Indeed. It is in the library back at the castle. Maybe Nagisa can show it to you."
"Say Bokomon?"
"Hmm?"
"When did you meet Kirishima-san?"
"At the time of the world's recreation. We were quite surprised to see her too, had asked many questions, but soon it all fell into a routine."
"So how much do you know about her?"
"As much as we know about you lot."
"I'm guessing not the important parts."
"No, we know plenty but it isn't my place to tell."
I stayed silent after that. I don't want to pry into people's business however I want to know if she was in the same situation I was. What if she was also a human transformed to a fallen Digimon, and got back to normal after everything was over. Nah, that might not be the case. When she said, she lived on the moon all that time, there wasn't any deception in her voice. The only way to know everything is by gaining her trust.
I exhaled a heavy breath. Takuya, please don't do anything stupid.
Nagisa's POV:
-Timeskip: Fortuneteller Village~Forest Kingdom~-
Remember when I said that Kanbara and I were bound to argue in the near future... Yeah well, I did not expect it to be this soon.
"Do you even know how to use your D-Tector aside from Digivolving?"
"No more than you do!"
"I know much more than you do!"
"What is more to know?!"
"We are never going to get shit done if you don't listen!"
It's been going on for almost half an hour and I'm getting sick of it but he retorts right back causing me to respond in some way. All the villagers passing by, watch for a minute or two then leave as if it was a daily kind of thing. We had checked in with every tent but nothing came up.
Kanbara kept shouting for no reason. He's obviously pissed off because we haven't found anything and it's gonna be noon in a couple of hours. Traveling at night is still dangerous around these parts.
I placed my hand in front of him, "Stop. No really, stop. Look, I know you are frustrated and all. I am too. But we aren't gonna reach a conclusion if we keep arguing like this."
He finally calmed down a bit, "Don't you think I fucking know. Ever since we got here so much has happened and all of this new change is not growing on me."
"That will take time."
I grabbed his D-Tector as he protested, "Wha-"
"Look and listen."
I pressed on a button and a map popped up. "This is what I have been using since we got to the village. It tells reading on the Spirits or if any enemies are approaching."
Taking out my device, I did the same. "See?" He nodded while gazing at the map.
"Now, try again. I think there's only one place left to check."
"Shamanmon's Tomb. I got BurningGreymon there with not so good memories."
"You lost control."
"Yeah."
"It happens or so I have heard. The power is too immense at first."
"...Did you lose control?"
"Moving on."
"Oh c'mon!"
"We don't have time, dum-dum."
"Well, that makes Iz the only one to control her beast spirit among us."
"Well, you should never underestimate females." I started walking towards the tomb and Kanbara followed me, keeping his distance. Silence grew around us, though I didn't seem to mind. I was starting to get tired of talking so much, maybe because I didn't want to let out unnecessary information.
I heard him ask me something I couldn't quite catch. "What?"
"You walk fast!"
I gave him a blank look. Is this guy for real?
"No, that's not what I was saying. Um... your D-Tector..."
"What about it?"
"Did you get a boast from Ophanimon too?"
I shook my head as a reply, "Always been in this form. Is it not the original?"
"No, cuz Kouji's and mine were like the others when Ophanimon lent her remaining power to us. Kouji's used to be white but mine wasn't much different than now."
"Hmm." Curiosity got the best of so I began observing my D-Tector. I don't remember much about it, only that Ophanimon gave it to me as a lucky charm when I was five. It has always been one to me.
"Uh..." I looked up to see Kanbara standing very close to me. Somehow I couldn't move from my spot either. We kept staring in each other's eyes until a voice yelled in our direction.
"Aha! I was right! I knew you would be coming here!"
Digital Analyzer
Name: Shamanmon
Type: Ogre
Level: Rookie
Attack Techniques: Mad Twist, Dancing Bone, Sharma Hammer, Shama Strike, Boulder Throw, Shama Bomb, Goburi Strike
Description: Shamanmon is an Ogre Digimon. A Goblimon whose duty is to listen to the will of God, and convey that to its clan. It performs a mysterious dance during its rituals, and it is said that once it gets fired up to the maximum, it becomes able to hear the prophecies of God. It also makes use of this ritual to predict matters that are of importance to its clan.
Kanbara jogged to the dancing Digimon. I knew this place was full of weirdos and this guy is supposed to be the true fortuneteller. Maybe the craziest have that ability.
"It's been so long. You haven't changed a bit," I heard the goggle-head say as I approached them.
"You haven't too!" Why is he still dancing?
"Uh-huh..."
I finally spoke, "Any help you can offer us, Shamanmon?"
The said Digimon stopped dancing and peered at me closely. I didn't move from my place and matched his gaze. He began pointing at me, "You... Who are you?"
"Not surprised you don't know."
"Don't tell me you are that rumored human roaming around in this world?"
"What if I am?"
He lowered his gaze and began walking in his tomb, "You don't know who you are yourself. How can you possibly answer that."
"Wait. What do you mean?"
"I don't know myself."
Kanbara stepped in front of me, "Don't take what he says personally. He's just like this."
"And... you both should be ready for very twisted events ahead. Being together is key."
"See?" Kanbara sighed.
Somehow, I can't shake this feeling off. Does he know something?
My thoughts got interrupted by multiple cries.
Normal POV:
The three turned towards the screams and saw the villagers running away from their tents. A few were tossed into the air with the fractal codes visible and being sucked by something.
"Who the hell-" Takuya attempted to run to the source of destruction.
The girl grabbed him by the collar of his jacket, "Are you crazy? You can't fight!"
Shamanmon began dancing nervously, "Oh no... Oh no! We must go inside quick!"
Nagisa pushed back Takuya, causing him to trip on his feet, "You go with him, I'll take care of this."
"But-" Shamanmon cut him and pulled Takuya to his tomb, "She is right. Let us go."
"Wait, I-" The Flame Warrior got dragged away as Nagisa ran to escort the villagers to safety.
As soon as Shamanmon and Takuya entered the tomb, an immense burst of heat blasted inside of Takuya.
What the-? This heat... I have felt this before.
The boy fell on his knees, fisting his shirt where his heart was. Just as the question wondered, the heat slowly subsided and Takuya was able to regain himself a bit. He noticed his D-Tector had fallen on the ground and picked it. The device's screen shown brightly, turning red and fractal code of flames surrounded him. Shamanmon stood far away from the scene, silently watching.
Takuya slowly got to his feet and looked around him. The scene from five years ago was unfolding before him as he was within this same flaming tornado at the Flame Terminal. He closed his eyes and evened his breathing. Once his eyes opened, a dear old friend greeted him. Takuya smirked and said, "Let's burn this joint, buddy."
Back to where the Love Warrior had run off to, the villagers were mostly evacuated and the girl was waiting for the cause to appear.
From the dusty air, a voice growled, "What you people running from? I just asked a question."
Digital Analyzer
Name: Cerberumon
Type: Demon Beast
Level: Ultimate
Attack Techniques: Portals of Darkness, Emerald Blaze, Styx Killer
Description: Cerberumon is a Dark Animal Digimon. It is called the "Watchdog of Hell". The claws on its feet are hard enough to easily tear through Chrome Digizoid alloys if they have a low purity. Also, its body is protected by a hard-living shell, which can instantly repair any damage it incurs. The armor on its shoulders each possess sentience and can instantly sense an attack coming from any direction, then report it to Cerberumon's central body.
A black dog Digimon emerged from the dust, snarling as it marched nonchalantly. He snorted loudly when he saw a human girl standing before him, "Oho! What do we have here? The Princess... or was it the Angel?"
Nagisa narrowed her eyes, "Aren't you Cherubimon's loyal servant?"
"Eh, that job was too boring. Ever since he became a goody-two-shoes, life is full of shit. Throwing me in the dungeon didn't do squat."
"So terrorizing like this isn't shit?"
"Oh, I didn't mean to scare anyone. I'm just here for revenge, you know to take care of past shit."
"I don't care. The fact that you destroyed these villagers' homes is more than enough for me to finish you off."
"Look, girly. I don't wanna cause any trouble here. Why not you step aside while I deal with a certain brat."
"As I said - I. Don't. Fucking. Care."
He doesn't look like a Twisted but just in case.
Nagisa opened her D-Tector and saw little dark energy response coming from Cerberumon.
"Looks like you haven't even reached first-degree yet."
"Huh?"
"Whelp," The warrior flipped her D-Tector, "EXECUTE... SPIRIT EVOLUTION!"
"AMULETMON!"
The Love Warrior took a defensive stance with her weapons in hand.
Cerberumon snorted, "I ain't looking for any trouble... but if you wanna come in my way, might as well give me a good warm-up."
Amuletmon's wing sprouted out and she dashed towards the beast, who went flying, knocking down a few trees. She jumped back and positioned herself in her stance again. The Beast Digimon groaned as he stood up. No scratches were being seen at which Amuletmon frowned.
"So harsh... Gotta get in the mood, huh," Cerberumon growled. "EMERALD BLAZE!" A jet of red-hot flames spewed out of his mouth.
Without breaking her stance, "DEFLECTA!" Amuletmon cried out as a shield formed in front of her. The flames made contact with the crystal barrier but bounced back in different directions. Cerberumon was quick enough to dodge as one came his way. He snarled and blasted once more but the same result came.
The Demon Beast roared and raced towards Amuletmon, "STYX KILLER!" His claws made contact with her weapons, and she pushed him away. The two kept clashing as Cerberumon attacked from different angles.
When he skidded to a group of villagers, Amuletmon quickly summoned her ribbons, "CELESTA MENILIS!" She hurled the Digimon back to an empty plain as the ribbons grasped him.
Cerberumon stood up, shaking his head and noticed the Warrior helping the scared villagers escape, "Haha, This may be a problem, don't you think? You can't fight me and protect these puny twats all on your own. Got anything up your sleeve?" He teased and all of a sudden, blasted flames towards another group. Amuletmon flew just in time and deflected the attack.
Shit, he's right. Usually, Charle's here and protects any outsiders... No, I can do this! There were times when Charle wasn't always with me.
"Actually, I do. Mind tagging along, little doggy?" Amuletmon sailed through the skies to Shamanmon's Tomb. Cerberumon growled and followed the Angel Digimon, not caring for his former plan. Just as she landed, The Demon Beast launched another series of attacks. Amuletmon had to put up her defense as the strikes got faster and heavier.
If this gets out of hand, I would have no choice but to use that...
Groaning frustratedly, she flung Cerberumon away from her and she panted softly. Inside, she hoped for something to come her way and help a bit. She didn't want to do anything she would regret later on.
As if her prayer was heard, the last person she would ever ask to come to her aid, shouted, "Hey! Why not pick on someone your own size?"
The two looked at the source. Takuya stood at the front of the tomb, grinning widely, "I never thought you would come for a second defeat."
"That was a lucky shot, kid. I'm nothing like I was before," Cerberumon snarled. "Good thing you showed up. I wouldn't wanna waste more energy in finding you."
"Uh-huh. Sure."
"Don't be a brat!" The Digital Dog dashed towards the boy and Amuletmon followed him but wasn't able to catch up to him. Just as Cerberumon extended his claws to attack, a burst of flame surrounded Takuya, throwing his attacker away from him.
-Insert Song: WITH THE WILL-
A bluish sketch of the Human Spirit of Flame traced on the black screen of Takuya's D-Tector. When the outline was complete, the screen on the little device stated to glow in shining, white light. With his black and red D-Tector in his right hand, Takuya extended his left arm in front of him and opened up his hand. A ring of Fractal Code surrounded the boy's hand. He crossed his arms as well as swung them around a few times, before finally bringing his device and the Fractal Code ring together. When the Fractal Code scanner on the top of the D-Tector made contact with the ring of Fractal Code, Takuya's device started making loud and powerful sounds. The dark area that surrounded Takuya's body was completely engulfed by glimmering, bright light.
"EXECUTE..." Takuya screamed out loud, swiping the Fractal Code ring with the D-Tector's scanner. "... SPIRIT EVOLUTION!"
Upon command, a long line of Fractal Code swirled and surrounded the boy's body. At the same time, Takuya's clothes began to disintegrate as the Human Spirit of Fire awakened. The boy felt a surge of energy completely taking over his body. He could feel himself becoming one with the Spirit. His arms, legs, head and his entire body were slowly changing into the Legendary Warrior of Fire. It wasn't long before the transformation was finally complete. He uncrossed his arms, creating giant flames on both of his fists. He gave a hook with his left arm and another powerful punch with his right arm, sending the large fireballs flying like a cannonball.
"AGUNIMON!" The creature said.
The Flame Warrior grinned and said, "Now, we're talking!"
"Just because you became that again doesn't mean I'm gonna lose to you!" Cerberumon shouted, "PORTALS OF DARKNESS!"
A black-hole opened up underneath Agunimon but he was fast enough to leap out of the way when the size of the hole wasn't big to swallow him whole. He landed next to Amuletmon. "So~?"
"What?" The woman scoffed.
"Ain't I cool?"
"You haven't done anything but it looks like jumping around must be your biggest suit."
"Hmph! I'll show you." Agunimon sped towards the Demon Beast, "CRIMSON KNUCKLE!" He punched the evil Digimon square on the jaw, sending him a few feet away from the tomb. Cerberumon snarled as he scratched his jaw, a slight burn mark was visible on it.
Amuletmon observed the battle. Maybe fire-type attacks are more effective on him...
"Ka-Agunimon!"
The said Warrior looked back, "What?"
"I've got a plan, cooperate with me on this."
"Huh?"
Before Amuletmon could explain further, Cerberumon launched a series of fire attacks on the two. Both jumped away and landed next to each other once more. Amuletmon conjured a shield as the Dark Beast kept shooting, "Listen up. Your attacks are doing damage to him and I can keep him bound in one place while also deflect his strikes. So here's what we can do..."
The female Warrior told the rest of the plan and Agunimon nodded in agreement. Cerberumon halted his actions and furiously ran to the warriors. Agunimon leaped from the shield and engaged in fierce combat with the Demon Beast.
"GATLING BURST!"
"STYX KILLER!"
While the two fought, Amuletmon searched for a spot to advance. When the chance came, she shouted, "Now! Move out!"
Agunimon lept away from Cerberumon as the female slammed her hands on the ground and cried, "MODUS TELENOC!"
Ribbons sprung out of the ground, capturing Cerberumon and a semi-circular ball of crystal covered him. Just before the ball closed, Agunimon shot an attack, "BURNING SALAMANDER!"
The ball enclosed and the pained growls of Cerberumon echoed from inside. Due to intense heat, the ball cracked and broke into pieces, with the Demon Beast barely standing.
"A little harsh but it worked," The Flame Warrior said.
"Yeah," The Love Warrior spoke, eyeing the injured Digimon.
Cerberumon coughed, "This is... not gonna... fuck... stop... me from destroying... you." He was suddenly surrounded by a circle of fractal code.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Agunimon said in a startled voice. Amuletmon gritted her teeth.
"CERBERUMON Slide Digivolve To... CERBERUMON WEREWOLF MODE!"
The fractal code faded away and where the fallen Beast was, stood a bipedal version of Cerberumon.
Digital Analyzer
Name: Cerberumon Werewolf Mode
Type: Demon Man
Level: Ultimate
Attack Techniques: Inferno Divide, Savera Seirei, Hellfire
Description: Cerberumon Werewolf Mode is a Demon Man Digimon. A mutation of Cerberumon, who resides in the Dark Area and is known as the "Watchdog of Hell". It is feared that the data born from the "malice of humans", overflowing on the Internet as text and images, could have an impact on the Digital World, so it mutated into this form to guard against the influx of that data. Its entire body, covered in a living shell, immediately became capable of walking on twos, and its data was rewritten into a strong body in which both of its arms have developed so that they can crunch through evil-tainted data.
The Humanoid Cerberumon laughed, "Ha! You brats don't stand a fucking chance with me now! HELLFIRE!" Hot-red flames spewed out of his mouth s the two avoided the attack. When the flames hit the ground, a hole was formed and the trees were burned to charcoal.
The male Warrior spoke while overlooking the damage, "Hold up! His attacks have become more dangerous."
"No shit, Sherlock. If I were to put a shield now, it will burn in a second," The female Warrior retorted. "Didn't you get your beast spirit?"
"No, Shamanmon only found Agunimon."
"Just great... We can't fight him unless we wanna be burned to nothing."
"Quit chattering! INFERNO DIVIDE!" Cerberumon Werewolf Mode dashed towards Amuletmon as she took her weapons to defend herself.
"KIRISHIMA!" Agunimon stood in front of the female, ready to take the hit. Just as the Demon Man reached his target, a cry was heard.
"GALLOP WHOLE!" A flash of white flew down from the sky and pinned Cerberumon on the ground. "Haven't you caused enough trouble, Demon Dog?"
Digital Analyzer
Name: KnightChessmon (White)
Type: Puppet
Level: Champion
Attack Techniques: Big Darts, Gallop Whole, Knight Lancer
Description: KnightChessmon (White) is a Puppet Digimon. It is an expert at throwing its gigantic Darts. Although it is unskilled in close combat, it capitalizes on its thoroughbred-like leg strength, jumping over the opponent and confounding them with its leaping power. Its catchphrase is, "Joust!".
Cerberumon was pinned down on the ground with the Puppet Digimon's dart, nearly piercing his chest.
"You're... the council's KnightChessmon," Amuletmon said as she stepped from behind her ally.
KnightChessmon nodded, "I deeply apologize for the inconvenience. The council announced his release just today and he came to cause more destruction."
"The council's becoming light. I should have gone to see," The Love Warrior murmured.
"The council?" The male Warrior questioned.
"I'll explain later." She turned back to KnightChessmon, "What orders you received now?"
Cerberumon growled and tried scratching his way out but in a flash, KnightChessmon pushed his dart into his chest completely, demolishing the evil Digimon into a ball of fractal code. A black and red Digi-egg appeared in its place and flew away into the skies.
Amuletmon stated while gazing into the sky, "Eliminate without mercy, huh." The two Legendary Warriors de-digivolved, reverting to their original forms.
Nagisa looked curiously at the huge Puppet, "I have to report in?"
"Joust!" He answered. Nagisa sighed and muttered incoherent curses. Takuya eyed the two, before saying, "Thanks for the help, big guy. We could've defeated him if he hadn't Slide Digivolved."
"It is not always your duty to dirty your hands, Great Warriors. We thank you for stopping him from injuring any villagers. I'll be on my way now," With that, KnightChessmon lept into the azure sky disappearing from their sights.
Takuya went to high-five Nagisa, who ignored him and ran to the villagers, "The coast is clear, everyone. Sorry for the mess. I'll make sure to send help as soon as possible." The villagers stepped out of hiding and thanked their heroes. Shamanmon stood on his tomb's staircase when Takuya waved at him, "Thanks a bunch for finding Agunimon for me!"
Shamanmon began dancing and went inside his place. The goggle-head smiled and turned his attention to the girl, who bid the villagers goodbye.
"So, what next?" The boy asked while shoving his hands into his jean pockets.
"The Hideout. Though, I'm hella tired to go there," Nagisa squared her shoulders.
"Well-"
"We can't skip."
"Why not?!"
"No use delaying. Let's just... go. Might as well catch a Trailmon to drop us at the Forest Terminal since it will be a waste to walk at this point."
She walked through the debris, making her way to the train tracks. Takuya followed her, silently. He exhaled in relief on finding at least his Human Spirit on time and wondered how the others were doing. All the events of today were replaying in both teenagers' minds, not noticing a small creature grinning at them darkly from afar.
Here it is, the 9th Episode. Sorry for updating after so long! As I said in the beginning: this is 'The Leader's' chapter so I was having time to think. Oh well, wait for the next episode.
P.S. Please re-read the endnote of the chapter "Preview of Upcoming Episodes". Some people made me notice this and suggested to clarify some stuff. Do check it out!
OKAY! Stay tuned for the next episode!
