Powers old and new are revealed. Noctem tightens control over Tai. Odaiba has been decimated. Tamachi is under superficial control by the Aftermath. TK and Kari have left the makeshift base, that has been constructed only for the frontal position it has to the expanded war, so they could find the flying base that their enemies conceal. Insecurities caused by Gennai begin to manifest themselves in less than favorable ways. No one is left unaffected by the largest war history has ever told to anyone upon the three Worlds.
One World Isn't Enough
Cloak and Dagger
Seraphymon and Magnadramon rested peacefully as TK and Kari consulted a holographic map of Tokyo and the surrounding areas, provided by Izzy. We've covered Nijizuishou Street to Ryuujin Avenue, but no sign of Aftermath forces, or any past activity for that matter, TK got up from the ground, causing the holographic map to reposition itself so he could view it better. He brushed off the dust from his green camouflage uniform, both TK and Kari had changed into camouflage clothing before they left. Ka-sekkusa Street and Heiwa Drive still need to be looked over. This whole area is gone, so there is no need to search there, TK traced out a large area on the map. He then realized that whole area used to be Heighten View Terrace, Kari was obviously angered about the realization of everything that had just hit her. I'm sorry, I forgot....
Kari looked up to her lover, It's all right, TK, I haven't lived there in years. I barely remember it for what it was. Does that mean the gate between the World that Parrotmon used to get here fourteen years ago is gone? She didn't seem to care one way or another for the outcome.
Izzy said the Digital Aftermath sealed it to slow us down, it would make sense. Are you all right? TK kneeled down to look at Kari in the eye.
It's been such a long time since I was in the Real World just to relax, away from the wars or as a temporary refuge from it. Remember the time Gennai said that this wasn't supposed to be our destiny? Something much different! Kari laughed at that idea.
How could I forget? Only a select few were supposed to get D-3s. Those with them could DNA digivolve with each other. And we were supposed to fight some great evil that had its connections to the first Digital War, but it never came. It's probably still out there, waiting for the day to come, TK smiled at Kari. Kinda a scary thought, but anything is better than this damn life we have.
Only if we could turn back the wheels of time, and changed the wrong to have a proper future. Well, we should go, TK. Hey, sleepy heads! Kari yelled to the two Digimon, she clapped her hands together to wake them.
Seraphymon jumped up into the air, Training Exercise B begin! He looked around for a second, then glared at Kari as she laughed. Don't do that again! Seraphymon flew back over to TK, he was trying his best to hold the laughter in. Not you, too.
Kari moved towards Magnadramon's ear, whispering, Oral sex with Patamon. Oral sex with Patamon. A sly smile etched across the dragon's face. Then you realize it's actually Yolei, Magnadramon snapped out of her sleep, not sure about what just happened. We're heading to Ka-sekkusa Street, we'll need you to fly us there. Are you up to it? Neither of you got a lot of sleep!
We'll be fine, Seraphymon replied. TK waved his hand through the holographic image, shutting it off. I can get you there in three seconds, TK picked up the projector and went into his Digimon's arms, then took off into the air. Kari sat atop Magnadramon, who was still confused about her dream, but shook it off before taking to the air. Both Holy creatures soared through atmosphere in their trip to the next location.
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Are you sure the Plague of Darkness will work? And why the hell does Noctem call it that? Tai sat impatiently, he wanted answer, but they were slow to come. Come on, Joe, can you tell me? He started tapping a pen against the table.
If you actually listen, you'll find out! Midway through the time frame, the mitochondria of the cells operate at half efficiency, slowing the creature down, considerably. At the end of the time frame, the nucleus of the cell dies. Every single cell in the body dies, killing the host. But for some of the people that have attributes we could use, they will be reborn within their bodies. In that case, the nucleus, after dying, will be reconfigured into data, a control room for our purposes. All that survive will be our slaves! Joe was proud of the monster he has created.
Davis slammed his fist against the silver table. What about us? Will we be our own slaves? And what of the Alliance? He was furious about the idea of being a slave.
Relax, anyone that has an ejection of Trilexilen will be safe from it, and so will any Digidestined. I know it's annoying to having the top members of the Alliance survive, but they won't have an army anymore.
Our army will be over a thousand times larger, they couldn't hide forever!
General Mazzola was curious about this development, What about us Artificials? Will we be effected?
No, your cells have already been converted into data. You won't require any special help, we hope. General Mazzola abruptly lifted his head, glaring at Joe. Don't even start!
Tai stared blankly into space,
Matt looked at Tai carefully, We still have information to go--
Tai stared at Matt, giving him a look that would care anyone, especially when his eyes turned pitch black, like now. His voice suddenly became colder, Why don't you ever listen to me? My power surpasses your wildest dreams! I have connections to all three worlds. Born in the Real World. Given a D-3 and a Digimon from the Digital World. And received powers from the Dark Ocean that have the potential to destroy entire planets when they are fully developed. So do you want to piss me off? Everyone looked at Tai, then slowly filtered out of the briefing room from within the Flying Base. He made sure that everyone was gone before sealing the door behind them, no one could get in. Tai moved to the monitor at the other end of the room, Maybe the Alliance will listen to me...
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The base for the Alliance, that had been setup for the expanded war, was filled with people, each with their own job. Izzy was carefully tending to his wound caused by the shrapnel. Mimi cooked for the soldiers, a pastime that she now enjoyed. Yolei joked and flirted with the soldiers that were single. Sora, she sat on a stool, contemplating about their new member, Ken. He seemed so nice, hence the crest, but Gennai said that he had connections to the Dark Ocean. He has a D-3, and it's black. Only members of the Aftermath have black D-3s. Maybe he's a spy, but he did fight General Mazzola twice. It would be just like the Aftermath to play some sick joke. Ken was several meters away from Sora, but she could still hear some of the things he was saying. He was introducing himself to the other generals, he seemed to enjoy being around other people. Sora was going to approach him for information, but the communication monitor started to beep. I wonder who's calling? She walked over to the screen and pressed the activation button. Oh, Admiral McPherson, what a surprise.
The admiral was a tall, well defined man, classy when needed, deadly most of the other times. He had soft brown hair, parting in the middle. Muscles were there, but he wasn't the type to rely on strength, more on brains. Sora found him reasonably attractive, maybe someone she could be with, but there was still a certain person she wished she could have. Madame, we have saved Tamachi from the Digital Aftermath. But it came at a high price, thirty-eight percent of the people living within the district are dead. The other sixty-two percent are injured or missing. Moral out here is horrible, the Digital Aftermath purposely burned every shrine, smashed important personal items, and killed pets! You hear nothing but crying, not only the children, but also the adults! Admiral McPherson was depressed by the thought, but who could blame him, Japan was alone and dying.
I can't believe no matter what we do, lose or win, Japan will never be the same again! Wish there was something to cheer me up....
Well, I might have an idea. This form of communication is a little impersonal for my taste, but here it goes. Sora, do you want to go on a--
Sorry, Devon, I have to cut you off, we're getting another transmission. Call again to finish what you were saying. Bye, Admiral McPherson was about to say something else, but Sora switched to the other call. He was in fact the one calling, his eyes here strangely black. But when he saw Sora, they clouded over with white, returning his eyes to normal. Why are you calling us? Sora screamed. Soldiers, generals, and the other Digidestined started to crowd around to see the face of the enemy.
Sora, please, listen to me. I know TK and Kari are looking for my base--
What are you going to do? Kill them in cold blood like General Hiroshi? Sora was furious, bottled up anger now finding a way to be release.
Calm down, Sora. Who what have ever thought the Love could so angry! Anyways, as I was going to say, I'm going to dismiss all people assigned to the Flying Base to other jobs. I'm also shutting down the defenses so they can destroy the base! If you talk to Kari, you will know that I'm being controlled! Sora, or the surrounding people, didn't know what he quite meant. The Dark Ocean has control over me, Noctem to be exact! Sora noticed two strings hung around his neck.
Tai, what's around your neck? Sora calmed down, but was still nervous. He unzipped his jacket and pulled out two crests. You have two of them, how?
Well, this one is the Crest of Courage. This one is the Crest of Decimation, Sora knew about the Crest of Decimation, the Guardian of Light told them about it. They're both genetically locked to me, only I can use them. Now, what I be telling you this if I didn't have good intentions? Ken realized who the person was, he feared him for what he was, and for what he did nine years earlier. Ken fell to the ground, fear coursing through his veins, he slowly inched away from the monitor. I also have proof of me being controlled!
Then show us... Sora was rapidly getting tired of them communication. He place his hand on the Shadow Medallion, and attempted to take it off. It started to glow white hot, then began to burn through Tai's black leather glove, causing him great pain. The Shadow Medallion pulsed with energy as it cut through the skin and instantly cauterized it. Sora was mesmerized by Tai's commitment to showing them the things he was going through. He reached through the depths of his powers to retain the pain, but the Shadow Medallion was many times stronger. Tai abruptly released the medallion, then lifted his hand to the monitor, showing the deep wound that no longer bled. Sora whispered to herself, Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe there's still a chance....
Do you believe me? I hope you say yes, I'm so tired of living somewhere without my old friends. Oh, no, Noctem is coming through the dimensional barriers, I can't can't stop him! Tai reached out to something outside of the monitors range, then the transmission suddenly ended.
Tai.... Okay, everyone, back to business as usual! Sora sighed deeply. But how can it be business as usual if I don't have a clue of what just happened! She looked around the base to see if she could help anyone, but then saw Ken in the corner, shaking. Ken, what's wrong? Sora ran over to his side.
That person... um... Tai, he killed my best friend, Ryo! He did it with his own bare hands, in front of me! Ken went through the horrible memories, that he had suppressed for years, all over again. He remembered Ryo and himself walking through the desert, when Tai came to them atop his Mega-level Digimon. He explained his powers in depth, but then choked Ryo to death when they were off guard. Wargreymon used his Nova Force against Veemon, destroying him effortlessly. Then Tai threw Ryo's lifeless body over a cliff. Ken didn't want to remember it, but there was no stopping it.
The date, Ken, what was the date? Sora tried to shake Ken out of his trance.
Ma... May 14, 2000! Sora remembered that time long ago, it was a painful time then, too.
A day after the rest of us got our D-3s, and four days before the Holy Alliance was formed and the war officially started. It was a doubtful time then, no one was sure what to do against their friends or how long the war would last. More of the Aftermath's past revealed...
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Seraphymon and Magnadramon flew through the air, still searching for the Flying Base. Kari worked on a laptop as her Digimon soared through the atmosphere, she was studying the data they had gathered on the Digital Aftermath Flying Base during past encounters. Okay, TK, the base is made of fifty-two percent Chomdigizoid, and forty-eight percent of metals similar to steel, Kari looked over to TK. If we destroy that forty-eight percent, the rest of the base will be inoperable! We might be able to do this, if we can get past the defenses, Kari realized this might be very difficult.
It might not be after all, look down there! TK pointed to a large clearing were all the buildings had been obliterated into data. Hordes of soldiers, Airdramon, and Devidramon poured out across the land, the only problem was, they were just appearing. That's not possible, my D-3 isn't detecting a gateway.
Nor mine. Maybe there's more to the Flying Base than we know about. Like some kind of invisible vail or cloak? The two Digimon started to descend towards the phenomenon that could be concealing the target base. So it appears the organic defenses are being dismissed, but what about the inorganic defenses. Those could shot us down at Tai's whim!
We'll just have to find out! Seraphymon and Magnadramon crashed through the phenomenon, and nearly crashed into a communication tower. The vessel was unlike anything they had ever seen before.
Preliminary scans suggest it's nine hundred meters long, has a five hundred meter wing span, and is three hundred fifty meters high. Damn this thing is big, too big! Kari looked around at the craft as the Digimon weaved in and out of wings, towers, and weapon ports. Oh, TK, we're getting a transmission, from the Digital World? The information downloaded directly to system files, giving them access to the ship's systems. It's from Gennai, he wants to help. Well, according to this, the scans were correct about the size! But it also has enhanced versions of the PPRs, on a much larger scale, enough to blow away our home base in one hit. It has a Zantium-based alloy around the engines and jets, and a reactor that, if it went critical, would take out Japan. The ship was a sleek, gray color, a color common within the Aftermath. Top of the ship sloped down from the back to the front, giving it a more aerodynamic design. It was specially designed for inter-dimensional travel, and long lasting fights. Oh, my god....
What is it, Kari? Come on, don't leave me hanging! TK had Seraphymon fly closer to Kari.
It has... it has a biological lab that specializes in the mixing of Digimon DNA into that of human's! I'm accessing security cameras, Kari searched the system for the information, then pulled it up. How could anyone do this? The cameras showed humans that seemed normal, but an insect-like arm growing out of their chest. Or humans with muscles that were too big, enhanced with fiber optic cables. Most were screaming in pain, trying to escape. The others not screaming were dead and cut open for examination, or in glass tubes filled with a chemical solution that preserved the bodies. That's it, I'm accessing the self destruct systems! Kari's eyes became filled with tears. No...! The systems require Tai's password! Kari pulled up a different set of data streams. It says it's operated by Sub-Master Kido. How could you do this, Joe? Kari closed the laptop, then closed her eyes. Find an entrance. The Mega Digimon past another weapon's port, then found an access port. Both flew in at top speeds, passing dim lights here and there, but otherwise dark.
The tunnel abruptly ended in a blindingly bright room, flood lights were the weakest of all to the lights. Magnadramon hated the lights, Fire Tornado. Massive, swirling green flame launched at the largest collection of lights, blowing each of them into data. I guess they were digitally based. The two holy creatures landed on the ground, let their partners down, and then dedigivolved to their standard forms. We might as well download the data core, it could prove useful, later on, Gatomon said, grooming her paw. They started to walk down a hallway, the walls and floors made out of cold, metallic metal, all quickly realized they were lost.
Okay, I'm going to use General Motomiya's powers, Kari said in a barely audible tone.
Motomiya has powers, how come you didn't tell me? TK looked concerned, Kari didn't tend to keep secrets.
Kari moved her hand across the metal, feeling the electromagnetic differences within each plate. I didn't want to use them, since he is corrupt, I didn't know how my body would react. But know we need them.
What do they do? Patamon asked, fluttering around Kari's head.
They allow me to search out something using my mind, I can find the route of anything I want to find, TK was interested in this power, it was a power Izzy should have, or doesn't have yet. Here it goes, Kari closed her eyes and focused on the goal-- the data core. As Kari's power became active, her sight suddenly moved from her head to the area just above her. It was disorienting for her, especially since she could see her own head. Then the extended sight raced through the hall of the base, searching out the core. Twists and turns at those speeds only disoriented Kari even more, but could feel that she was getting close. The feeling of getting closer to the core was a sensation that could only be met by sex, Kari truely didn't expect that. But then it got darker and more menacing, then the extended sight instantly stop on Tai. He looked up, he could clearly sense the powers being used. He heard some on call his name, but couldn't recognize who. The extended sight abruptly raced back to Kari's head, she almost fell back when the power was fully shut off. Kari opened her eyes, realizing she was on the ground, cradled by TK. What's going on?
You screamed Tai's name, then fell unconscious. You've been out cold for ten minutes. TK smiled meekly at Kari. Had me pretty worried, can you continue?
Yes, I have the route, but Tai's here. Kari was still a little disoriented, being unconscious didn't help. I might be able to avoid him, but he sensed by powers being used.
Does he know it's you? TK was getting worried, they never truely knew what he was capable of. By having Matt around, Tai didn't want to express his abilities.
He might think it's Davis, because it is his powers! They might have the advantage now, but it wouldn't last too long. We should get moving, Kari got up, and started to walk down the hall. Because of this creature called Noctem can take control over Tai's body, we won't know who's who. Only by seeing the eyes can tell, but we could be dead before that happens! Kari said, waving her hand for the others to follow.
The four partners walked slowly down each passageway, not knowing if someone, like Tai, was watching. TK started to realize that these weren't normal ship material, Kari most of known this. The walls changed color ever-so-delicately, barely noticeable by a conventional human, but Digidestined were better at everything. this meant each and everything of this base was living on some level. Kari, this entire ship is technorganically based! Izzy's been trying to achieve this for years, we only have to basics down! It has to be a Dark Ocean innovation! TK pressed his hand against the metallic skin', then removed it, causing the metal to turn white, then silver. TK resisted to idea to study it, then ran back to Kari. Everyone was getting used to the idea of being alone, when Kari ran into someone. TK ran up, holding out his D-3, Both D-3s started to beep, then the digivolve sequence was activated.
Patamon warp-digivolve to... Seraphymon.
Gatomon warp-digivolve to... Magnadramon.
Calm down, guys! Don't what to use your Digimon against me! Tai reached a hand out to help Kari up, but Seraphymon shot a fireball at the ground in front of him. Tai jumped back.
We can't trust you, Tai! You've killed thousands in the name of the Dark Ocean, that makes you an enemy, no matter what! Magnadramon said, in a deep, overpowering voice. We would've excepted your surrender and we would've helped you when this started! But that time has long become vague to us!
What? No! Tai knew this was going to come, yet he didn't want to believe it.
Accept what you have become! You caused this by entering the Digital World when we weren't supposed to! Kari said, coldly. She thought that she would never say that, but the Dark Ocean brings out the worst in people.
No, you don't understand! When I'm aggravated, I'm left vulnerable to my darkened powers! Tai dropped to the ground like a rag doll, no sign of life inside of him. The Shadow Medallion started to glow much like a crest would when being activated. Tai's body floated back up to an upright position, arms drooping, defying gravity every second. Thank you, Child of Light. Now I am most powerful! Tai lifted his left arm into the air, a bizarre energy field formed around it. He shot the energy away from his hand to Seraphymon's wing, nearing ripping it off. Let's play tag, you're it! Tai bolted off the opposite direction, he obviously loved to play games.
Come on, we have to get him! He's danger not only to Japan, but himself! Kari yelled as she ran after him.
But this could be a... trap, TK realized Kari was listening. We better not get killed doing this! TK and the two Mega Digimon took off after Kari, not Tai like she would think. The base started to shake, knocking down loose items, something else was in the base. Kari was approaching Tai rapidly, though she didn't know what to do when she got him. He slammed his fist against a glass covered button, making the door in front of him open. The air within the hallway was sucked out as the door opened to the outside viewing platform. There was no guardrails to keep people from falling of the vessel, this made Kari worry for life. Tai ran to the very edge, then stopped. Kari, be careful! TK yelled for a distance behind her. The two Digimon squeezed through the human-sized door, followed by TK.
End of the line! Tai called out to the two Digidestined. This is where I get off! Tai's head drooped down, then rose back up again, he looked very confused. Oh, no, what have I done? Tai looked around, noticing the guardrails weren't up like they usually were. Kari, help!
Only if you give us your D-3 and crest, then we'll help you, Kari spoke sincerely to Tai, she wanted to help.
But I need those to slow Noctem, can't you trust me? Tai said, sternly, he looked a little weak.
You've tried to kill us in the past, that kinda puts a dent in the idea of helping you. Besides, you could use them against us! TK shouted to Tai.
Tai started to shake his head, I guess you'll never trust me, good bye! He lifted his arms level with his shoulder, then fell back.
Kari screamed. TK ran for the laptop that Magnadramon held, then accessed the security camera systems.
Kari, I have a visual. He really is falling, it's not a trick! Kari ran over to the computer, and saw it for herself. I'm sorry....
Tai feel through the chilled air at incredibly high speeds, he clenched the two crests he bore. I'll miss Kari, even though we haven't acted as siblings for years. I'll miss the Digital World, and all its wonders. I won't miss the destruction, the pain, the suffering. Just then, the Crest of Decimation activated, shining in all its dark glory. No, not now! The black light enveloped Tai's entire body, acting as a homing beacon.
On the viewing platform, Kari crying on TK's shoulder, he laptop no longer accessing the security systems. Behind them, on another platform, Agumon came running out, then jumped off as the black light enveloped his body, too. Agumon dark digivolve to... the reptile Digimon turned gray, then the body transfigured into strange new shapes. As the new body took shape and color, the skin became black. Four torn, red wings grew out of the back, the top two smaller than the bottom two. Three-clawed hands turned pitch black, a red ring formed around the middle finger upon each hand. Two large metal nails grew from each foot, then metal plating appeared on the thighs. The head grew two metal horns that rose straight into the air. Then the entire face had smooth, reflective metal cover it, the eyes turned blood red. Two long spikes shoved their way through the skin on the elbows. Its body was strong and muscular, about ten feet high. ... Cyberdramon.
Cyberdramon soared through the air at speeds only a few could achieve. It grabbed Tai as he was falling, then flew off with him, away from the base. Tai resisted the Ultimate-level Digimon, but he was no chance. He quickly gave up, Cyberdramon flew towards one of the larger, emptied buildings. They would stay there until Tai got better.'
TK and the two Megas never saw Cyberdramon, they were too busy comforting Kari in her darkest hour. Come on, Kari, we should go inside. We can find out why Tai acted to strange using the security cameras. You should rest in the meantime...
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Matt sat at Tai's seat, a blatant violation to anyone, and talked to Joe. Do you know why Tai is acting the way he is? He spun around in the seat, evidently not caring of what Tai would think. It's not normal for him to just dismiss us without a reason!
Medical reports say his caliginosus flagitar levels are dropping! This could mean he no longer needs the Dark Ocean to access his powers, or he's trying to brake free from it and is losing his powers, Joe didn't know what to expect. It would make sense if his powers were growing, not if he was trying to leave a power that few understood.
That's ridiculous! Why would he-- Matt remembered what Noctem said to him about Tai. Suicide! Maybe that's why Noctem said that, Tai was trying to get rid of the Darkness, or was really trying to kill himself! Either way it would be bad for the Aftermath to lose their most powerful member. Without Tai, the Alliance wouldn't hesitate to kill them all if they had to. Okay, let's keep an eye on him, just in case. We might be able to stop him from doing something that's ill-advised, hopefully before Noctem intervenes too much.
Joe replied. Both walked out of the briefing room within their home base. They merged with the dense crowd of soldiers that walked around the base performing their duties. Something was going to happen to Tai...
I got this chapter done so fast, hurrah for me! I tried to make this chapter more lengthy, but I couldn't of more scenes without taking away from the next chapter. I also forgot to add some things to my neglected list last chapter (surprise, surprise):
- A very special thanks to Lord Archive for doing what I asked. (Thank you so much! How many more times can I say thank you? Thank you, thank you, thank you...)
- The ookii' in Ookiimon means big,' which makes sense for the Digimon I created.
Preview:
With the planetary winds, and Digital World enhanced delivery systems, the Plague of Darkness will engulf the planet within twenty-four hours.
Quote that fits the chapter:
If we win here, we will win everywhere. The
world is a fine place and worth the fighting
for, and I hate very much to leave it.
-For Whom Bell Tolls (1940)