Cyber Hero
Chapter 2
Sorry for those who were waiting for me to put this next one up. But a few others had my attention. Here though, we'll be getting into some details of what Izuku will have to learn as a Tamer, Digidestined, however you want to call it. And I'll get a bit more into Terry's role as Izuku's mentor. So on with the show.
(No POV)
After the eventful day before, Izuku was spending some time with Hackmon to try and understand him better. And to do that they were at Dagobah beach. Practicing a few of the little Digimon's attacks on the various piles of trash.
"Interesting….. there are more attacks than what you've told me about. Try using Burst Flame." Izuku says after checking through the goggles. Hackmon nods before shooting a small shot of fire from his mouth. "Huh. Not as impressive as I thought. Definitely not on the level of Blazing Flame."
Hackmon pouts a bit before reminding Izuku that he used that move in his Champion form. "Of course, I won't have the same level as a Rookie." Izuku hums at that and asks what he was talking about when it came to forms.
Before the little Digimon can explain, a portal opens in the junkyard. Terry is one of the main ones coming out. But there are two others along with him. The first is a large grey blob like monsters. That smell like it was rotting. "Raremon. Feel like eating this up?" Terry says to the blob and it lets out a happy roar and starts eating.
The other with him was a huge green monster with a mask covering his face and carrying a massive battleaxe. Izuku gulps seeing the large Digimon standing with Terry. Especially when he flourishes his axe to be brought down with a heavy thud.
Terry just smiles before saying, "don't worry. Boltmon is pretty harmless. Just don't get on his bad side." Hackmon notes that Terry often brought a Mega level Digimon with him. Noting the general power advantage and safety with them.
"That doesn't explain what a Mega is. Or what a Champion or Rookie is. I mean my goggles did show that you are a Rookie, but I don't know what that means." Izuku says slightly exasperated. Terry and Boltmon chuckle a bit at this and suggest that Izuku take a seat. "I can explain what you are missing."
While Raremon was still eating all of the trash, the humans and other partners were sitting up by the trees. "I'll start with the basics. Digimon are entities born of the massive streams of data running throughout our world. They can grow and evolve or Digivolve after growing for long enough. Or through a connection with a true human partner."
He goes on to note that the levels they start with are the egg. Then when hatched they are the baby stage. Illustrating by showing Hackmon's baby form, Botamon. And then his In-Training stage of Koromon.
"All Digimon start out like this. In that regard they are no different from humans or other animals. However….. they have different dangerous effects to people and this world." Terry says with a serious glare.
He notes that Digimon can be dangerous and destructive not just because of their size or fire power. "But their powers as well. Some of them can do….. very dangerous things to people. Such as a Clockmon able to steal years or absolutely freezing a person in time. Until they are defeated or stopped, the victim will stay like that."
Terry notes that there are others that play into some of the lore they were born from. "Like Myotismon. He's one of a few very dangerous vampire like Digimon. And he does exactly what you are thinking." Izuku gulps before asking if other demon or monster based Digimon did the same.
"Depends a bit on the situation kid. After all, I am born from and evolved from data about Frankenstein's monster. But I'm not like either version of that monster." Boltmon says with a smile. Or at least that is what his eyes show since his mask covers his mouth.
Izuku chuckles a bit before asking what Hackmon would become as a mega. "Well to be honest, that somewhat depends on you. And how you inspire or empower your partner. You have to show…. Something special from within to unlock the highest levels of digivolution." Terry explains as Raremon is finishing eating through all of the trash on Dagobah beach.
Terry thanks the large foul-smelling creature before absorbing him into his Digivice. Izuku is shocked by this and asks how many can be stored in his. "Right now? Probably only 3 or four. And you might want to choose the ones used carefully. It's not like you have the same things to work with I do."
"Okay…. So, how do I get a new partner?" Izuku asks in confusion. Terry tells Izuku he doesn't need to worry about that for right now. He goes back to the description of the levels of Digimon and the rough power each of them held. "Rookies in general aren't too dangerous. There are some exceptions, but most can be compared to kids. Especially some like the quirked kids."
Champions he notes are powerful only in small areas. Usually capable of leveling a few city blocks. "Ultimate level, the one just above Champion is when you start getting into… well crazy levels of power. Namely some of them have the power of nuclear warheads. And you could say that is a general average."
Izuku gulps at the thought of that much power and how dangerous it could be for everyone. He then looks up at Boltmon with some fear before asking if Mega was above the Ultimate level. "We are. But it's a little strange in how it works. Generally, we have a lot of power in various ways. But we aren't always super huge." Boltmon explains.
Hackmon then notes that size and power often vary quite a bit in the digital world. "There's no real absolute and we can win is we fight strategically. But with a good partner, we can get even stronger!" Hackmon says before holding his claw toward Izuku.
Who was currently lost in thought and a mumble storm. He was considering all of the possible strategies that could come with a digivolution or just from a team of Rookies alone. Especially how the Rookie level Digimon, even a team of them, could cause less damage compared to a Champion level.
Terry raises his eyebrow before patting Izuku on the shoulder. This snaps Izuku out of his ramblings and back to reality. "Sorry. Just a lot to think of an imagine." Izuku says with a blush. The older tamer chuckles before saying, "I know. And it's not a bad thing. It shows how creative you can truly be and the ways you could guide your partners."
Izuku nods before asking more questions about Digimon, their natures, attributes, and how to fight with them. "I'd prefer not fighting, but they likely won't give us a choice right?" Boltmon agrees and notes that Digimon at times either follow the "survival of the fittest" or "the strongest decides the outcome" mentality. "But if you find one that is more sensible or patient you could reason with them. Maybe."
The large Digimon's words don't fully ease the worry, but it is something that Izuku feels he can latch onto. He thanks Boltmon before asking if there was something special, he could do to improve. Hackmon agrees and wants to see where he could push his limits a Terry and Boltmon share a look before glancing at the two younger tamers.
"Hmm. Well. It could be dangerous. But it might be worthwhile to take you both back to the Digital World." Terry suggests while rubbing the buttons of his digivice (goggles). Izuku eyes widen to the point it kind of shocks everyone gathered and he starts stammering about what Terry was suggesting.
But none of his questions are very coherent so no one can answer them. And Hackmon has to snap him out of it with a smack of his claws. "Thanks Hackmon. So, I can go back there? To the world I met Hackmon?" Izuku questions after shaking his head.
Terry nods and says, "yes. But you'll need me to do it. You haven't gotten that ability with your digivice yet. So, I'll make the portal if you think you are ready." Izuku feels a mixture of excitement and fear at the idea of returning to the digital world. And he asks the man if he could wait till tomorrow.
"Sure kid. There's something I want to take care of here anyway. Think it over in the meantime." Terry says before returning Boltmon to his digivice. He walks Izuku and Hackmon home before going to check in on a few things that had been rumbling about from the Asian servers.
But not before meeting someone he hadn't seen in over 40 years. "Been a long time Toshinori. And you're looking a little worse for wear." All Might was currently in his true form, shopping for a bit of since he lost a lot of it during the sludge villain incident.
The blonde coughs before saying, "I know. The hero life I'm a part of…. It's painful and draining. But it is good to see you. My old friend." Terry just snorts before saying, "I'm not so sure we fall into that category. Not since you turned your back on everything to be a flashy hero to the public."
Toshinori winces at that and asks that he not say anything too loud. "Look. I'm guessing you're here…. Because of the boy right?" "That's one reason. I'm also following up an investigation. After all, I have been protecting the servers and this side of the Digital World. Since you refused to take up the role." Terry says with a scathing look toward the number 1 hero.
Who winces again before apologizing. He suggests that the two could go for a quick meal. While the American man wants to deny the offer, he was feeling a bit hungry. "Fine. Just something quick. I've got until the sun goes down."
"Sure. There's a ramen place near my apartment. Let me just drop these off and we'll go." Toshinori says before they head over that way. After dropping off his groceries, the two head for a small ramen stand nearby.
While waiting for their food, Terry creates a small field around them to disguise the conversation they were going to have. "Since they won't know what exactly we'll be talking about, I can just say it: Yes. I'm still fucking mad that you turned your back on the duty of we tamers. Not to mention…. You basically abandoning Gotsumon."
Toshinori doesn't wince this time and just lets out a suffering sigh. "I know. To be honest…. There have been days I've wondered if I should have taken up what Yagami-san asked me to do. If I should have tried to be a hidden protector."
The older hero takes a drink of water before saying that he did still believe in his path of being a pro hero and the symbol of peace. "You idiot. You realize you aren't fully saving anyone. Not to mention, and Yagami taught us: one person, Digimon, or pair can't do it all alone. It takes many people to truly build peace."
"Don't go there! I still respect my fellow pro heroes!" Toshinori says with a glare toward Terry. But the dark-skinned man returns it by noting that he was still standing above everyone because of the power he had gained. "Even if you support others, no one can really measure up to whatever that power of yours is. When you retire, and I know it's coming soon, whoever has to step up next won't be capable of the same level as you've set."
He goes on to say that he's acting just like the criminals and monsters from their own youths. Or quirked people as he points out. "You're so caught up in your power and thinking you can do it all or do whatever you need to, that you underestimate what could be coming. Courage, hope, will, and pure strength can't carry everything."
"Sometimes you need sincerity, intelligence, trust, and compassion. I know I don't fully embody those, but I'm not sure you are in a better position to talk. You brought a Demon Lord Digimon into this world for crying out loud!" Toshinori replied. Wondering how Terry managed to get one of the most dangerous Digimon on his side.
He just shrugged and noted that "one of the Digi-eggs I found evolved that way. Nothing more than that." This gets Toshinori's eyes wide and he asks how many partners Terry actually had. "About 100 or so. And about half are at Mega level. That's the work I've put in the last 40 years."
Toshinori almost drops his chopsticks as the ramen is served at hearing that. But he shakes out of his confusion and asks if he intended to train Izuku the same way they were back in the day. "Yes and no. He knew a bit about the Digital World but his memories are a bit buried. So I'll help him rediscover the other side and how to be a tamer that can protect this and the other world."
Terry slurps up some of the noodles before asking for a drink. The two eat in a bit of minor silence before Toshinori asks if Terry had other Demon Lord Digimon on his side. "No. Just Lilithmon. But each of the others who have been acting as watchers and protectors of the continents have them by their side."
He notes that the only one missing was Leviamon and he also said it was a bit offset by the presence of the Royal Knights among their teams as well. "There are a few that haven't become part of the tamer teams, but with Hackmon at least a potential one is fulfilled."
"That is if young Midoriya can unlock that level." Toshinori says before eating some of his own ramen. Terry notes him knowing the boy and he gets a recounting of what happened between the two. And while the American wants to punch Toshinori in the face for what he said, he's holding off on it for the time being.
After they finish, Toshinori just asks that Terry takes care of Izuku. "That boy may have been through more than I thought. Or chose to think about. And he could use a good mentor." Terry scoffs a bit before saying he intended to do just that. "Take care of yourself Toshinori. And be careful with that power. It might be riskier than you think."
With that he left his former friend to think on what could be on the horizon. As well as to question what could be next for him and the hero world in general. Terry meanwhile had brought out a different Digimon to search for his intended target.
"This should keep you out of sight Dorumon. I'll also put out an arial observer." Terry says while creating a camo field around the purple beast Digimon. 'This'll have to be one of the first things I teach Izuku,' he thinks before sending out a Falcomon to stay hidden in the skies.
He wanders the streets of Mustafa for a while, sometimes peeking through his goggles to look for the quarry in question. But all he sees are other Digimon that were living around and quietly in the back alleys and above certain businesses. 'Hm. Where are you?' he thinks as he continues his search into the night.
His wanderings eventually take him toward a back alley. Finding a few Digimon hiding out there. "Hey there. I was hoping you could answer a question for me." Terry says as the Chuumon and a few other nervous virus types peek out of their hideaway.
He talks to them about a dangerous Digimon that had spotted or talked about in the area. "We haven't seen it yet….. but I have heard about a few disappearing lately. Some of whom were our friends," a Gazimon says with a wary eye darting around.
Terry hums at this and asks if they had any details at all. Any connecting factors. Gazimon just shrugs and says that most of those disappearing were completely random. "Data, virus, vaccine, doesn't matter. One day they're here. Next gone."
"That's unsettling. I wonder if. Falcomon?" Terry started before his eye in the sky reported that she spotted something. The tamer uses his link through the digivice to see what Falcomon had.
As she was flying, she spotted a Salamandramon being killed with a knife through it's head. But it wasn't the only one. Not long after, a second knife was thrown. And this one struck a human who was near an alley in the head. Killing them instantly. And Falcomon screams as another knife is thrown at her.
Terry was wide eyed at this and said, "keep yourselves safe and hidden as best you can! We have to stop this fiend!" He then sprints out of the alley towards where Falcomon. Said ninja bird was evading and trying to counter the knives coming her way, but they kept flying.
Until she was finally struck in the wing and grounded. But before the killing knife could impact, she was saved by the timely arrival of Terry and Dorumon. "Metal Cannon!" Dorumon shouts before intercepting the knife with a metal blast from his mouth.
Terry turns his attention toward the direction the blade was thrown before returning Falcomon to his digivice. "Ready Dorumon? Lets take this guy down!" the duo say before the beast Digimon digivolves to his Champion stage: Raptordramon.
He takes to the skies to search for the assailant. Not having to look long as a few new knives fly at him and impact on his armor. Terry lets out a sigh noting he was glad he picked this Dorumon. "If you went to Dorugamon then you'd be more likely to die." Terry said before Raptordramon told him that was a morbid way to look at it.
"But I won't disagree. Gah! Even with my Digizoid armor, it still stings when he hits!" Raptordramon says while flying around the air above the buildings and target. Back on the ground, Terry is following as fast as he can and using healing programs on Falcomon.
She grunts from within the cyber device and says she wants back out. "Raptordramon can't do this alone! I'm healed up enough so let me back him up!" Against his better judgement, Terry agrees and uses a camo barrier around her.
"Falcomon! Digivolve to! Saberdramon!" the little bird announces before digivolving to the black flame bird in question. She unleashes some fiery shots in the attackers direction after spotting some attacks flying Raptordramon's way. "Nitro Arrow!" she shouts before launching a few purple flames.
Raptordramon thanks her before going in with his Crash Charge and then Ambush Crunch. The former attack misses and he ends up damaging a building. But the latter hits and he chomps down on the assailant. A Sealsdramon.
The caught assassin stabs Raptordramon's neck to make his enemy let go. And then drops a smoke grenade to disappear into the shadows once more. Terry catches up with the two and has them come back to his digivice. "Its craftier than I gave it credit. I didn't want to risk using a Mega for the potential damage… but we might need it."
Since they couldn't find their target, and the police were headed toward the damaged roof building, Terry thought it best to slip away and rest for the night. "I've still gotta take Izuku to the Digital World in the morning."
"You sure he'll want to go? He did seem a bit nervous about the whole matter," a few of his partners say within the Digivice. But Boltmon assures them that Izuku will go. "He's curious and more than likely is looking forward to the adventure."
Terry lets out a small laugh and agrees. "Just have to take him somewhere….. a little less dangerous. There should be some regions around the servers that would work pretty well." And thus he goes to find a hotel to get some sleep for the night. Or what was left of it.
With the escaping Sealsdramon, it grunts in a bit of pain after being bit by Raptordramon. "Damn. Now I'm going to have an even harder time making my count grow," it thinks aloud before hearing a cry from a different alley.
He sneaks over to see a man in a red scarf dressed in black combat gear above another person. "Be glad that your death could lead to the purifying of this sick society," the human says before sensing the Digimon's presence. He throws a knife at it before taking a stance.
But Sealsdramon catches the weapon before skulking out of the shadows. "It seems you and I are a bit alike in skill. But I think we could do more together. Namely in eliminating certain targets. Interested?"
The Digimon's offer doesn't sound fully inviting to the villain. So, instead he charges at the Digimon with his chipped katana to defeat the creature. Only to be surprised by it quickly blocking with its own knife. The pair then engage each other a few more times until Sealsdramon pins the villain to the ground.
"Impressive. Let alone your skills at camouflage. I thought you were just someone who was looking to piggyback off of my reputation. But you are more than capable alone," the villain says with a twisted smirk. The Digimon lets him up before asking if he was still interested in his offer.
The villain thinks it over for a moment before agreeing. "They call me the Hero Killer Stain. Who are you?" Stain says before extending a hand. Sealsdramon narrows its eyes behind its visor but accepts the handshake before saying to call him Seals. And thus, a dark alliance is set.
So that is how I'll set a few things up for the danger to come from the hero and digital sides of this world. Also, I hope the drama with Terry and Toshinori didn't seem too forced. I just wanted to bring up another point of view for Izuku eventually. Especially given his admiration for the hero and wish to be a public pro as well. Please review!