Now that most of their past is revealed, the Digidestined must fight something so evil, it can't be contained. Project NDD will officially start the births of the Artificials. Could the project succeed to the point that the Holy Alliance isn't a problem anymore, and could it continue with the destruction of the Digital Aftermath as well? Read on to find out...
One distinct person yelled. All the people around him cheered him on as the New Year's Eve party continued. As of right now it was December 31, 2008, in ten minutes it was going to be 2009. Even the forever wandering mercenary, Cody, was there, enjoying himself just as much as the others around him. This was the one time of the year everyone could relax, neither side seemed to do much to the other. It was also one of the few times in the year drinking was allowed. The Main Hall, surrounding hallways, and various catwalks were also converted into a makeshift night club, as best as they could make with a war going on outside. It was rather crowded because most of the human Alliance forces were there for the party. Cody pushed his way through the crowd towards Kari.
Remind me again why you allow drinking, Cody asked Kari quite loudly, just so she could hear him over the music.
Cody! You've been gone for months, never call or write, and you ask a question like that? Kari said with enthusiasm in her voice, which surprised Cody to no end. Don't worry, I understand. And I shall refresh your memory. Since there is no heavy equipment to operate, and the firearms are locked up, there is no real danger. Anyways, we have the Saberleomon patrolling the area, just in case, Kari flashed a quick smile at Cody. How have you been?
Same as usual, very bored. I've been around the Continent of Server twice, you wouldn't believe what I've seen! Kari's eyes lit up when she heard that. Undiscovered Mega-level Digimon, ancient ruins, and prophecies of horrible and wonderful things. Things beyond our most extravagant dreams! Cody stared of into space as he remembered the wonderful times across the continent.
Kari laughed a little when she realized Cody was off in the land of dreams. You're losing it, Cody snapped out of his trance and glared at Kari for a brief second.
What a nice comment! he said with much sarcasm. Well, I'll see you around. See ya! Kari waved to him as he walked away and was absorbed' into the dense group. she yelled when she saw him walking around, probably looking for her. He ran over to her and was pulled into a deep kiss. You just missed Cody. He just nodded in return.
I saw him earlier, when he first got here. Do you know that Yolie really wants to know what we mean by that we did a lot of things we're not proud of during the first war. Maybe we should tell someone, she's all ready dying from not knowing, and it's only been twenty-four hours! his eyes went wide and he pulled away from Kari. I don't believe it. Kari, look! he pointed out two people a few meters away. There sat Yolie and Mimi, making out. Maybe they had too much to drink? They whispered something to each other and headed towards Izzy, he was also a little drunk. We have to see how this one folds out! Both girls sat on either side of him and started to caress his body. He rolled his head over to Mimi's neck and started to kiss her gently. Yolie slowly unbuttoned Izzy's navy blue shirt, revealing his chest. The two girls moved their hands all over Izzy, he moaned with pleasure. Yolie's eyes lit up with a new idea. She snaked her right hand down his chest, stopping when she reached his belt. Yolie unbuckled it with some difficulty, then slowly removed it. TK and Kari were shocked by this and ran over. Yolie, wait! TK guided Yolie away from Izzy before anything else happened.
Kari went to Mimi, Come on, you've had too much to drink tonight, Mimi, she seemed to be slightly lost, judging by her eyes. Mimi reached out to Yolie.
Good bye, my love!
Good bye, my Mimi!
TK and Kari looked at each other, TK spoke up, They'll regret this in the morning. And how did they get drunk so fast? Kari shrugged her shoulders in reply. They started to move in the opposite directions when Yolie knocked over TK and ran back to Izzy.
Here's your belt, Izzy! she tossed the belt to Izzy, now thoroughly confused by the recent chain of events and by being a little drunk, then she ran back to TK, who was just now getting up. I'm ready to go, TK! They moved through the crowd until they were out of any embarrassing situations that could arise. Izzy seemed confused as he moved his fingers through his rusty red hair. A speaker went to the podium to announce whatever was next.
Only five minutes left, everyone! Only five minutes!
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Matt came out of the shadows once more, using his bizarre powers. No one even noticed him make his way to the front of the Artificials Chamber, thousands of tubes lined up in rows filled the room. He glanced down to his watch, Only four minutes until the birth, he whispered to himself. Tai was off the side talking to the bio-engineer, most likely about the Artificials soon to be born. Matt glanced around the room to make sure no one was watching him during the crucial time. He slowly made his way to a nearby computer console that governs the Artificials. Matt closed his eyes slowly before typing strings of code, too long for any normal human to remember. Then he stopped typing, the codes were done. Tai, it's ready! Tai walked away from his conversation, smiling. He moved his hands over his gentle, chocolate-colored eyes, they clouded over a sinister black in response. Matt did the same, only his eyes did it more readily than Tai's. Joe and Davis walked in seconds later. Davis continued walking to the nearby scientists, while Joe joined Matt and Tai. He, too, placed his hand over his eyes briefly, turning them black.
Everyone ready? Tai asked before placing his right hand inches away from the computer screen that Matt had typed the coding onto. The Shadow Medallion Tai had worn for years around his neck started to glow an eerie purple, black light. Matt moved over to Tai's right, his D-3 pointed at the computer screen, Joe at Tai's left, doing the same. The screen had a flashing red light in the lower right corner, it went black. A smile etched its way across Tai's, more-or-less, featureless face.
Dark Port open! they all called out in there loudest voices. The bodies within each tube remained motionless, the slightly clouded water continued to circulate around. A small, black dot appeared in the center of the screen, the bodies started to move around in their tubes. The darkness started to spread across the screen like dripping blood. Tendrils of black moved further out until the screen was completely covered. In the distance, waves could be heard, long, drown out waves hitting against an unforeseen coastline. The three males moved away from the screen. The Artificials started to hit the sides of their tubes with great force, as if they were trying to escape from their restraints. From the darkness, a strange, darkly-colored creature was sent forth. It was roughly seven feet tall, and wore a black robe and hood. Its hands were very slender and gray in color. The robe stopped inches from the ground, but no feet were visible. The Artificials rammed the tubes from the inside until they cracked. Each of the bodies floated into the center of the tubes, the thousands of bodies were covered by a purple light that moved like water. All of the sudden, each and every tubes blew outwards, the bodies suspended in midair. Tai grew angry was the huge mess that was created.
Well, Vestisobscurus, how do the purpose to clean this? Tai reached out to the demonic creature, but it spun around and shoved Tai several meters away. It didn't seem to be in phase with the digital world, so it flickered like the snow on a television.
Bow down, worthless creature! it shrieked out in a way that made your skin crawl. Tai got up from the ground quickly, a giant, bloody gash across his crest.
You don't have power over me! I only answer to Noctem! Tai moved forward once more, but was thrown back again by an invisible force. Another gash was etched across Tai's bloody chest, his black shirt torn. It was as if a huge claw was being brought down upon him. What are you doing? Vestisobscurus lifted its left hand so it was level with its shoulder. A black light surrounded its hand, much like one of Tai's powers. Matt knew what was going to happen to Tai if he didn't stop the demonic figure. Matt threw his hands up into the air, creating a barrier in front of Tai and himself. It was similar to the barrier TK could create, but was pitch black. Vestisobscurus laughed in a computerized tone. The Artificials also remained suspended in midair.
Do you think your powers could stop something of pure evil? I am from the Dark Ocean, your powers were given to you from the Dark Ocean! Matt's eyes went wide when it spoke. The black energy was sent forth, but it wasn't aimed at anyone, just the barrier. Tai attempted to look, but he fell unconscious. Matt didn't want to watch, but his life depended on him watching. The attack hit the barrier with full force, breaking the barrier like glass, and knocking Matt back. In fact, the barrier didn't break down into data like it should have, the pieces sat on the ground like broken glass for a minute, then broke down into data.
Why didn't the barrier break down immediately like it should have? Matt thought to himself as Davis and Joe ushered the scientists out of the area. Matt turned his gaze back to Vestisobscurus, it started walking' towards the Artificials. Its robe started to sway in a wind that didn't exist. The hood fell back after one huge gust, but there was no head, nothing at all. What the...? One by one, thousands of ghost-like creatures flew out from where the neck would be. The creatures moved into the Artificials' bodies, a brief flash a black light' was visible around the body of each of them. Once all of the creatures were in the bodies of the Artificials, they dropped to the ground. Suddenly all of them rose up, simultaneously, into a karate-like pose. Vestisobscurus turned around, hood still down, and spoke to Matt.
Tell Kamiya that I relinquish partial control to him, one more creature flew out and entered the Shadow Medallion around Tai's neck. Its hood floated back up around its head' and it walked towards the computer. We will see each other again, you can also tell Kamiya that, Vestisobscurus lifted its bony right hand to the screen, a port opened. Noctem will be pleased, Ishida, very pleased. With those words, he was whisked away back to the Dark Ocean. Matt slowly crawled over to Tai to help him.
What a fun New Year....
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The Medical Bay was a cold gray color, not much more beyond that. Examination tables covered many of the walls, each equipped with its own tools. The center of the room had several computers capable of calculating the most difficult of problems, they were a combination of stolen Real World equipment and highly advanced Dark Ocean technology. The Bay could easily hold a hundred people, everyone knew that. Medical staff from every race worked here, all under the direct command of Joe Kido. He worked at one of the computer consoles, occasionally pointing something out to an officer. Joe would cautiously glance over to Tai, who was lying on one of the tables with bandages covering much of his chest. Joe stopped looking when he saw Matt walking to Tai.
Hey, Tai, how are you doing? Matt said sheepishly when he approached Tai. He slowly rose up from his place on the table using his elbows to prop him up.
Like a million spikes are being jabbed into sides, like that hasn't happened before! Tai laughed a little when he remembered some of his past. Did you find out why Vestisobscurus tried to kill me? Tai looked squarely into Matt's eyes, which frightened Matt slightly.
I went to the Dark Ocean, and I talked to Noctem. He doesn't seem to happy with anyone or anything right now! He said something about you trying to commit suicide, like you would ever do that when we're so close to victory! Tai looked away for a moment, not looking so happy. But he also said something about Vestisobscurus being terminated in a few days, so he wanted to take anything down with him! This is getting very interesting, Tai, Matt said smiling, which was a rare occasion. But then remembered something. That Artificial, 210845, that you wanted to have a general's ranking is here, he whistled out for the Artificial to come in. A shadow could be seen approaching the translucent doors, they slid open. The Artificial had jet black hair, alongside reasonably proportioned muscles covering his body. His eyes were a chilling gray-blue color. He was a stunning six feet five inches. His camouflage uniform clung to his muscular body. He could be considered perfect in every way. To his side was a small Digimon. It was hooded, so its head couldn't be seen. Two slender arms came from the base of its head, each ending with rounded, yellow bulbs'. Besides that yellow, its body was jet black, much like its partner Artificial's hair.
The Artificial had a deep, but strangely soothing, reassuring voice. I am Artificial General 210845, but you can call me Artificial General Mazzola. Beside me here is my partner, Voltinimon.
Tai moved slowly over to Matt's ear, pain coursed through his body, We didn't program them to create their own names, try to figure this out later on, Tai looked back at the general, smiling. Well... now that we know each other's names, we can get down to business. Put out your right arm, General Mazzola complied in an instant. Tai held his side for a second before continuing, he pressed a soft spot at the general's wrist, part of the arm just above slid open. A series of buttons were revealed alongside a small computer screen. Tai pressed several buttons in a row, appearing on the screen, which seemed to be an activation code. That should do it. Okay, call out Digivolving Code Activate'.
The general held his hand out to Voltinimon, Digivolving Code Activate, Voltinimon started to shake a little bit, a strange black light came off of its body like a gas.
Voltinimon warp-digivolve to... the arms of the hooded Digimon grew several feet longer and grew various spikes of different types. The hood fell away and was replaced by two glowing red eyes. Its body converted into a fine black mist. Where once a two foot Digimon sat was now a seven-foot, and growing, demon. As the digivolving process was coming to an end it reached its final height of eight feet. Two arms had spikes at the ends, while its eyes remained red. The body still didn't take a shape, it was still a black mist. ... Dedramon.
At first no one knew if the digivolving was a success or not. The eyes were things of nightmares, nothing that should be in this world. Its arms were there, but simply faded into the mist that was called its body. No mouth was present, so speech was a wonder. I am Dedramon, one of the most evil Digimon ever, any surpassed by your Digimon partner, it motioned towards Tai as it spoke in a deep voice, but nothing was reassuring about it, like its partner. Ready to receive first mission. Tai started to smile, for they had succeeded in the beginning of a huge undertaking, but he suddenly lurched back in pain. Joe jumped up from his work when he saw everyone rush to Tai, his back was arched into the air. Dedramon's expression never changed, but you could hardly tell with something without a face. Medics noted the gashes across Tai's chest started to make a sizzling sound, while traces of smoke seemed to escape from underneath the bandages. Joe ripped the bandages away from Tai's body, only to see a hideous sight, the skin was burning hot and was visibly bubbling away from the muscle. As the panic continued, Artificial General Mazzola and Dedramon stood away, unsure what to do. A wall behind all the action turned into blackness, moving just like water would. Some of the liquid darkness' swirled together and formed a body. Black gave way to a red robe and hood; then two angel-like wings. Dedramon spun around to the demonic creature and attempted to use its mace-like right arm. It was ready to shoot forward, but was stopped.
Genetic Code Lock Down, a computerized voice echoed from Dedramon's body. It attempted to attack again, but was met by failure once more. Each individual particle within the mist of its body glowed a brilliant golden color, its entire body reduced in size. Dedramon was back down to Rookie level. General Mazzola stared at his Digimon as its body went through a series of spasms. He was about to act, but his entire body seemed to shut down. Matt spun around when he heard the sound behind him. His eyes went wide when he saw the fallen angel creature standing there.
Noctem... we need your help, we don't know what's happening to Tai! Matt asked reluctantly, but got no answer. We need you!
Noctem raised its bony hand towards and moved it around slightly, then Tai stopped moving, he was unconscious. Did you ever stop to think that I was the one inflicting the pain? Matt was scared beyond belief, but Noctem would use that against him if he expressed it. I wanted to make a point, it seemed to fail when I did it last time to Kamiya. So I'll talk to you, Ishida. You need to continue NDD to its very end, or you'll be short one friend. Just do what you are told, and do it faster! Noctem melted back into the wall, going back from where he came. The liquid skin that was once on Tai's body, now on the examination table, dripped back onto Tai, as if it was in reverse, and covered to bare muscle once more. The skin was back to perfect condition, no gashes were visible.
Matt squeezed his D-3 tightly within his grip, then punched the unconscious Artificial several times in the face, it started up again. What the hell happened, why didn't you warn us? Matt barked at the general.
Genetic Code Lock Down deactivating, he spoke in a soft voice, similar to what a computer used. His normal voice returned momentarily, Tried to attack it, but lock down stopped me.
Matt was ready to punch him again, You have orders! Go around attacking Holy Alliance bases, destroying them if you want! Go now! Matt said harshly at him. Without any further prompting, General Mazzola ran out of the room with his, still recovering, Digimon. Once past the corner, you could hear the general say something, then a flash of darkness was seen. After one second, a spiked arm was seen, meaning Voltinimon had warp-digivolved to Dedramon. He better hurry, I'd be lost without Tai around to help....
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Five bases have been lost, two hundred humans and Digimon killed, and fifty have been injured in the last twenty four hours. What's happening out there? TK yelled at the Damage Assessor.
A human has been seen around each destroyed base, but no one knows who he is. And no human alone can take out bases with advanced defenses. Reports from survivors say some bizarre Digimon that could barely be seen was seen just before the attack, which was called, and I quote, Shadow Strike.' The Damage Assessor went through a few other papers to see if there was anything else. There's no more information after that.
TK leaned over to Kari's ear, Maybe this would the Artificial the we were warned about, it would fit! Kari nodded in agreement, then TK got up from his seat. Everyone's dismissed, Digidestined, come with me! Patamon, Gatomon, you too! The other people looked at each other, being confused by TK words, but then slowly left. The Digidestined, with two of the Digimon, went the opposite direction of the others. They moved down a darkened hallway, until lights came to life when their motion was detected. Two cameras spun around when TK and Kari approached two separate computer consoles. TK and Kari pulled out their crests and pressed them into a slot that they would fit into. Then they pressed their left hands onto sensor pads for final identification. A cold metal door, between the two consoles, started to move to the side, revealing a large room on the other side. Izzy quickly realized he had died and went to heaven, technology far more advanced than he was used to covered the walls. Everyone moved into the room with an awe, nothing like they've seen in the past.
Izzy grabbed TK's hand and forced him around, TK, since when do we have this room! Have you been holding out? Izzy could almost feel the adrenaline running through his veins.
TK paused for one moment so he could think of an answer Izzy might believe. Gennai gave it to us when the war intensified, he didn't want us to tell you, Izzy looked at TK for a second to see if his face would change in anyway. Okay, Izzy? Izzy nodded and walked away to look at his new toys'. TK walked over to a container and pressed a button that opened the box, inside was the Spheres of Light and Darkness and the Crest of Change. He picked up the Sphere of Light and brought it over to a nearby table, Kari removed her crest from around her neck. Kari and I found out something really neat! Kari, you may do the honors, she held her crest a few inches away from the Sphere, it glowed ten distinct shapes within the Sphere.
Isn't it cool? Kari couldn't help but smile. Don't tell me Izzy, you're jealous because you couldn't solve it yourself? He blushed a little around the cheeks when Kari spoke, I knew it! Well, despite this, I'll continue by pressing my crest to the Sphere. I've never done this before, so I'm being careful, Kari shoved the crest into the Sphere with great force. The ten distinct shapes glowed brighter than ever, but then the unexpected happened, they came out. Everyone stood there with shock almost spelled across their eyes. Each shape took new forms, the shapes of the eight crests and two other unknown shapes. They floated briefly before spiting into two. One cluster of shapes flew into Kari's glowing D-3, the others flew behind everyone. The Digidestined turned around quickly to see what was happening, it was accessing a Digiport. The port opened suddenly, the second cluster escaped into the Real World. Izzy, find out where they went! He ran to the computer as fast as he could. Izzy accessed the port records to get a rough idea where the shapes disappeared to.
Izzy's eyes moved back and forth as the read the series of ones and zeros, then a map came up. I don't have an exact location, but any district around Odaiba would be a good guess. This can't end well... most likely. Izzy continued to search through the files for a better idea of its whereabouts. Kari seemed upset about this, until she looked down at her D-3. Ten egg-like shapes sat stationary on the screen, which confused her.
Yolie, don't you have these shapes on your D-3? Yolie walked over to Hikari. She looked good and hard before giving an answer.
Well, they look like Digi- Yolie was cut off when the front screen of the room turned on. The image was very blurry, but it was clearly a man that was there.
Hello, Digidestined, nice to see you again! everyone was confused of who it could be. I call to tell you the location of the next attack on your bases, I knew Artificial General Mazzola would be a problem for you! He will attack in grid one by ten by three, as he talked, his blond hair became visible for a meager second.
TK thought of people it could be, Matt? No, it couldn't be, that idea flooded his mind. There was no way to tell who it really was.
The person continued, You should hurry, he'll strike within the next three hours!
Kari stood up, Who are you? How can we trust you?
I'm a friend of Gennai's, how else would I have your number? Kari cheered up when she heard that, but TK was still skeptical of his identity. No one that Gennai just says a friend'. Thank you for your time, goodbye! The screen turned off rather fast, leaving everyone to think of what to do.
TK made the first comment, I'll gather the soldiers, we better hurry. TK walked out of the room uneasily.
Another chapter done! Another chapter done! Did you people out there notice how unstable Noctem is? He's going to be a fun character to develop throughout the story. Here's some notes to remember when I have stories:
- I tend to have characters with Latin names
- I tend to have my stories last as long as they can without getting boring or pointless
- And I always want reviews! (Write me those good reviews, people!)
After wiping away the tears, she ran to TK. No! How could he? All right, TK, listen up. I'm bringing you back to the base, she turned her gaze back to the general. Fear the day I kill you!
I'm really scared! I don't give a damn. But if you wait any longer, lover boy here is gonna die. Then you will be too busy with his funeral!
Now a small writing I found:
In my life
She has burst
like the music of angels
The light of the sun!
And my life seems to stop
As if something is over
And something has scarcely begun.
Until next time...