Reinforcements
By: Theodore 'Blitz' Leung
Disclaimer: All Digimon and their characters (except for those introduced in this fic/series) do NOT belong to me. I do not have permission to use their characters, but it's a FanFic, so, who cares? =) This story line belongs to me and me alone. Please ask for permission if you wish to use it. Thanks. Now let's get onto reading!
Well, the time is coming...according to Botanimon...it is...whatever that means.
Here I am, in the Digital World...looking out for my friends. The time to end this war is coming...I think that's what Botanimon means.
Oh, Tsurugi, if I don't live though this, please forgive me...
~Diary of Yuriko 'Yasmine' Yashida, first generation Digi-Destined
* * * * * *
It was a small gathering at Tiberius' house, the group of Digi-Destined minus one arranging themselves in his room. Their Digimon also scattered about, prepared to listen as well. Once the crowd was silenced, Tiberius began.
"This meeting has been called today, as to discuss our current situation," Tiberius told them, trying not to sound so formal, but it was hard not to with a speech like this. Shastina shifted nervously on her seat, K.H. anxious to know what the next move was. Marc remained impassive as far as expression can go.
"Being as it is, we have four Mega level Digimon, plus Tao and Hikaglemon, though their services may not always be there for us," he spoke. "Our Digimon have hit the highest attainable level known, so, what we have to do must be done."
"There's no use waiting it out. The longer we wait, the more the Merger has done to the world. Serangmon must be stopped..."
"Breaking through that kind of defensive capability of the abode will be a problem though," K.H. spoke, knowing full well the capacity of security around there.
"Did you see any Mega level Digimon?" Shastina inquired, knowing that Tiberius and K.H. went on a scouting mission recently.
"No, but there are plenty of Ultimate and Champion Digimon, plus countless traps and such," Tiberius informed them.
"So, getting in shouldn't be the problem, it's getting to Serangmon with near full power to confront him that will be difficult to achieve," Marc spoke, still impassive.
"Getting in may be harder then we think," K.H. spoke. He glanced over at the corner with the Digimon. They were paying attention, well, looked like it at least. "We need to find a way in, break through into that way...and chances are, we'll end up losing one Mega breaking in, then most likely another Mega to get to Serangmon."
"Leaving us with two disabled Rookie Digimon and two injured Mega Digimon to fight Serangmon if we even get that far," Tiberius concluded. "Needless to say, this is the best case scenario."
"I don't like those odds..." Shastina replied, worried now.
"It's not nice, but, we have to try something," Marc spoke out.
"We also have the unknown factors," Lepumon spoke out.
"Err...like?" Shastina inquired.
"Tao and Hikaglemon, they aren't added to the equation," Kinoumon spoke.
"Or Yasmine," Tigramon added. "They're in the Digital World for a reason. They must be planning something."
"Even so, we can't count on them completely," Tiberius countered. "Like you said, they are unknown factors. We don't know what they represent in the grand scheme of things."
"Even so, they're there," Xemon answered the challenge. "We never know..."
"I'd like to have more reliable factors," K.H. spoke softly. "Besides, they'll come when they need to come."
"When do we plan to attack then?" Marc asked, knowing that it was inevitable. Might as well get something out.
"Tomorrow...until then, rest up," Tiberius told them. Their materials were lay across the room, the group ready to spend the night at Tiberius' place. It was his suggestions. To Tiberius, it allowed the group to stay together, and so there won't be discrepancies in time when they enter the Digital World.
Sleeping bags were rolled out, the Digi-Destined taking the washroom one at a time to get changed and washed up. Night was coming fast, though jet lag affected how some of the Digi-Destined slept.
* * * * * *
Tao lay on his back, arms crossed and behind his head. The full moon shined over head, though the fire nearby provided all the illumination he and Harriermon will need for the night.
"What are we going to do?" Harriermon asked, also lying down, his wings 'crossed' behind the back of his head.
"I dunno," Tao replied, sighing. He read the e-mail Tiberius sent him, asking for help when they storm Serangmon's home. Tao didn't reply yet to the e-mail, his thoughts clearly undecided.
"I don't want to fight Serangmon," Harriermon commented, sighing. "But we both have a commitment to the Digital World to stop him..."
"That we do," Tao agreed, also sighing. His mind was split between helping his friend to defeat a foe that really isn't really a foe at all, or to do nothing in faith that the foe who really isn't a foe knows what he is doing. A portion of that same mind was split towards a third thought. The thought was that of Darkness, and that if he approached his friends, the boy known as Tao may just end up slaying all of them with the weapon he sought to protect the Digital World with.
"Tao, I've stuck by your side all this time, and I will continue to stay by your side," Harriermon spoke, sitting up. "No matter what you choose to do, I'll be there for you. Although, right now, I suggest we help them." Tao didn't not respond, he continued to lie down, arms crossed behind his head. "They're our friends, and if you start going berserk again, I'll be sure to slap some sense into you," Harriermon added, grinning lightly. Tao chuckled under his breath.
"I know you'll slap sense into me," Tao thought, closing his eyes. "You always have, and you will continue to." Tao sighed, leaning back a bit more. "I value your words as much as I value you as a friend, need you know that...Harrier..."
"Tao, take your time, we still got something like sixteen to twenty hours left before they embark on the last leg of our mission," Harriermon consulted, knowing Tao hasn't made up his mind yet.
"I know..." Tao thought, opening his eyes to face the night sky once more. "But I don't think I can decide even with that much time..."
* * * * * *
Yasmine brushed past some more branches as she hiked through the forest, Botanimon trailing close behind. The two have been travelling for quite some time, collecting what they needed for the upcoming events that will transpire in the Digital World.
"I just wish I knew when Tiberius and them will actually start an attack," Yasmine complained, pushing some more branches out of the way. "That way, I know exactly when to get there."
"Well, we can always asked the locals," Botanimon joked, brushing past some more vegetation.
"Very funny," Yasmine responded bitterly and sarcastically. "This is serious. They could be relying on us for that crucial-"
"Yes, yes, I know," Botanimon interrupted, repeating herself for the hundredth time. "Lighten up Yasmine, all this stress doesn't do you justice."
"No, it doesn't," a voice added, getting both Digi-Destined and Digimon to turn around quickly. A boy stood before them, a Digimon by his side.
"Who are you?" Yasmine quickly asked, ready for a fight at any time. Botanimon was in a fighting stance, though she senses no danger from those two.
"They call me Imperial Wrath, just Imperial or Wrath will do," the boy answered, stepping forward. "My Digimon is Espermon, but names are not really important right now. I take it you are Yuriko, however."
"That is I," Yasmine answered, unsure who this mysterious boy was. "What do you want with me?" she inquired. "I have little time to waste if it holds no relevance to my mission."
"Tiberius and them plan to attack in seventeen hours," Wrath told Yasmine. The female Digi-Destined was shocked by that revelation. "I hope that proves to be useful," Wrath continued, turning around, Espermon following by his side. Yasmine quickly turned away, then turned back to face where the boy was, but in that instant, Wrath disappeared.
"Where'd he go?" Botanimon asked, also distracted for the split second. Both Digi-Destined and Digimon looked around for a brief moment, but found no trace of their informant.
"How peculiar," Botanimon commented, though she was quickly interrupted by Yasmine.
"We got a job to finish, and there's not much time left," Yasmine huffed, hurrying off. Her Digimon followed close behind.
"Step two of the plan?" Botanimon asked, keeping up to speed with her partner.
"Yeah," Yasmine answered. "We'll need this time to assemble the group and brief them on the situation," she continued, glancing back at her Digimon. "Be quick Botanimon." Her Digimon nodded, the two breaking towards separate directions to achieve the same goal at different locations.
* * * * * *
"They're coming soon," the figure spoke from his little corner, hardly surprising the Angel Digimon anymore.
"Let them come," Serangmon replied, holding a sheath with a rapier in his hand. "The time is coming near, this must end soon...or all will be lost..." The figure nodded in his corner.
"Do you wish to be alone to think?" the figure inquired, stepping farther back into the recesses of darkness. "This might be your final few..."
"No," the Angel interrupted, turning to face the figure. "Please stay until this confrontation begins. I enjoy your company."
"Very well," the figure replied after a brief moment of thought. "These just might be last few moments we will have together, old friend." Serangmon closed his eyes, knowing full well what his companion meant.
"Let's hope they succeed..." Serangmon spoke softly, pressing a closed fist against his chest. His grip grew tighter. "Hope..."
* * * * * *
Shastina was the first awake of the group, sitting up in her sleeping bag and watching the outside. The sun slowly rose. The female Digi-Destined knew she was up earlier then her usual time, even with the jet leg. Even so, she felt refreshed.
"Refreshed might not be the best word," Shastina thought, slipping out of her bag. "Anxiety...it might be more fitting to be described like that." She headed towards the window, sighing softly.
"Tao, please don't be torn between the balances..." Shastina thought, closing her eyes. Her dream slowly replayed in her mind. Tao, lost between the powers of Light and Darkness, both tearing at him to join their cause. Shastina tried to intervene, but was held back, and all she could do was see Tao suffer through the gale of pain.
The boy held his ground, remaining strong, holding back his cries. In his eyes, Shastina could see the boy's suffering, before he quickly closed them to shut the pain out. The Light and Darkness continued to fight for their prey, paying no heed to what kind of damage is done, as long as they won.
A tear fell down Shastina's cheek, she sniffed lightly. Her eyes snapped back into reality. She quickly wiped the tear from her cheek, not wanting to show signs of weakness. Tao might be in turmoil, but she had an obligation towards something else at the moment.
Shastina slowly turned around, making sure her tears were no more so no one would notice in case they were awake. Thankfully, no one was awake because more tears began to fall down Shastina's cheek. She quickly left the room for the bathroom, though even her light footsteps were heard by Tigramon. The Digimon slowly opened her eyes, remaining silent, but knew Shastina left the room.
The Digimon got to her feet, stretched out, glanced at the clock, then the door, and decided to lie back down.
"There's still time," she told herself. "And I'm sure Shastina won't do anything crazy."
"At least, I hope not," Tigramon thought, knowing her partner was fully capable of doing crazy stunts, especially when it came to love. Tigramon got back up to her feet and watched the door again.
"Nah," Tigramon spoke, shaking her head and lying back down. "Man, I'm too paranoid for my own good," she muttered, closing her eyes again.
* * * * * *
"Tao, the time is drawing near," Harriermon spoke, though the Digimon knew his partner knew it was coming close.
"Have you made a decision?" the Digimon asked after a moment of silence. Tao gripped his weapon tightly, twirled it once, then jabbed it into the ground.
"No," Tao answered softly, tightening and loosening his grip on the handle of the weapon at random intervals.
"Tao, we only have about two hours left before they start their attack," Harriermon spoke out, but again, the Digimon knew he didn't have to tell his partner about the circumstances.
"I know," Tao whispered, proving Harriermon's point. "I...I just can't decide on the course of action..."
"Well, if you don't decide," Harriermon started, turning away from Tao. "The decision will be made for you." Tao nodded slowly, tightening his grip around the blade's handle.
"I just hope we don't regret the decision we make when it comes," Harriermon thought, sitting back down, back still turned towards his partner.
* * * * * *
Serangmon had the flat end of the blade against his thigh, a piece of flint in his hand. Slowly and mechanically, he sharpened the blade.
"Preparing for their arrival?" the figure asked from the corner. Serangmon nodded slowly, still sharpening his weapon of choice. The second rapier leaned against the wall, waiting to be sharpened.
"Do you think they will succeed?" the figure asked next, not moving.
"If they are as successful as they have been before, they will," the Angel Digimon replied, lifting the blade up to examine his work. Unsatisfied, the Angel continued to sharpen the weapon of choice.
"Which means?" the figure questioned, unsure of what the Angel Digimon's thoughts were.
"If they believe in themselves, they will overcome anything," Serangmon replied, lifting the blade once more. Satisfied, he leaned that blade against the wall, then took the second one for sharpening.
"Are you afraid of their success?" came the next question from the shadows. Serangmon gave no pause to his work, though he slowed down for a second in his sharpening. The Digimon knew the figure saw that little stall.
"No," the Angel replied forcefully. It was clear it was a lie, though the figure decided not to pursue the subject much more. "Yes," Serangmon changed his answer after a moment of silence.
"I've lived for so long," the Angel spoke softly, stopping his sharpening. "I should have known my time would be coming soon."
"Assuming the Digi-Destined succeed in their mission," the figure added, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"Don't assume," was the counter. "They will succeed." The Angel Digimon continued to sharpen his blade, looking for the right sharpness without shattering the durability of his weapon.
* * * * * *
Shastina entered back into the room after cleaning herself off. The light moans and yawns from inside alerted her of the waking presence of her comrades.
"Tiberius, next time you set an alarms clock, WARN US!" K.H. semi-shouted, not wanting to rudely awaken other occupants in the house with his tone.
"Yeah, especially one wish such a blaring noise," Marc agreed. Shastina noticed Marc poking his ear with his pinkie finger.
"I was wondering what the blaring noise was," Shastina commented, entering deeper into the room. More yawns and sleepy groans emerged from the sleeping bags and bed. Digimon were harder to awaken. From experience, the Digi-Destined knew the Digimon could sleep for a hurricane if they needed to.
"Get freshened up," Shastina commented to the other the boys. "Your morning breath really stinks."
"Now you know what I have to smell in the morning!" Kinoumon exclaimed, popping up from the sleeping bag.
"Hey!" K.H. protested. A ring of laughter erupted from the group as K.H. stormed to the washroom to lose the breath. The laughing subsided as a more serious atmosphere took its place.
"Once we're all refreshed and ready, we'll head into the final battle," Tiberius spoke. "If we can't break through now, we'll never be able to break through...ever." The other two Digi-Destined and the four Digimon nodded in agreement. Each of them had to fight with their full potential if they were to succeed in their mission against all odds.
"This is the now or nothing chance..." Xemon spoke softly, lowering his head.
"Nervous?" Shastina asked her Digimon in a soft tone. The Digi-Destined wanted to get her mind off her dream.
"Yes..." Tigramon responded, curling up against Shastina. "But...with you by my side, I know we can do this." Shastina nodded, then glanced around the room. Digimon and Dig-Destined alike were getting psyched up for the upcoming confrontation.
"Failure is not an option..." Shastina thought, closing her eyes.
* * * * * *
Tao took his blade out of the ground, standing up straight. Harriermon finally turned around to face Tao, knowing the boy came to a decision.
"What's the verdict?" the avian Digimon asked, standing up as well and waiting on Tao for an answer.
"Let's go..." Tao spoke softly after much silence. Harriermon nodded, accepting the decision.
"We have an hour to join the others, let's not waste it," the Digimon spoke, about to face the direction of their destination.
"I'm afraid I can't let you do that..." the voice spoke. Both turned to face the owner of the voice, a Digimon clad in emerald armour and holding a halberd. A humanoid Digimon, his facial features hidden behind the helmet he wore.
"And who the hell are you?!" Tao exclaimed. The boy quickly grabbed his Digivice, but hesitated in using it.
"Freymon," the Digimon answered, twirling his halberd. "And you are in a predicament now."
"Yes we are..." Tao agreed mentally. "If Harriermon Warp Digivolves to Mega, he might not have the stamina to fight in the upcoming battle against Serangmon, but if we don't get away from this battle, then there won't be a battle against Serangmon..." Tao cursed under his breath at his luck.
* * * * * *
Tiberius glanced at the patrols all around the building. Digimon of various levels guarded the house, making it impossible to sneak in without detection.
"Tibbs, we went through this before," K.H. spoke. "The only way is a frontal assault."
"I know..." Tiberius replied. "I...I just wish there was another way..."
"There is no other way," Marc spoke, standing up. "Let's go and get this over with..."
One by one, Digi-Destined and Digimon stood up, ready to charge into the fray. Digi-Destined held their Digivices tightly, anxious and nervous at the same time. Their biggest challenge yet was before them, and they were hesitating.
"Let's go!" Shastina exclaimed, breaking the chains of fear that held them down. The female wished Tao showed up, but the times can't be helped. She stepped forward, followed by the others. Their walk eventually turned into a sprint down the field.
Fin
Completed: 04/18/01
