Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai own Digimon. Bandai owns Digimon World 2.
Guard Tamer: Blight of GAIA
By: RB3
Chapter 11: True GAIA's Vindication
On the field of battle, the situation was bleak. Zudokorn watched in horror as several of his Digimon allies fought futilely. While the good guys' Digimon were falling, the enemy's were thriving. Daemon's skin was seared by Seraphimon's desperate Seven Heavens attack. Daemon crumbled into data, and immediately, the data began coalescing.
"Hang in there guys! Our boys are covering us. Fall back!"
Several shots soared into a crowd of enemy Digimon. They crumpled and disintegrated into bits of data. Again, the Digimon's data fused together, before finally reforming their bodies. Guard Tamer cannons had begun shelling the missile launchers out of desperation. The shots hit a faint blue barrier shaped like a dome. Each shell exploded with massive plumes of flame, which lit the sky. Eventually, the shelling stopped, as the Guard Tamers ran out of ammo. Suddenly, the launchers fired their payload!
Zudokorn spotted the trails of smoke leading into the heavens. "GAIA has launched the missiles! We're too late!"
Mimi fell to the grip of despair. "NOOOOOOO!"
The missiles shot through space like speeding bullets heading to Earth. Overlord GAIA rejoiced in his moment of triumph. "It's all over... Victory is mine! No one will stop me!"
Unfortunately, Overlord GAIA spoke too soon...
The control consoles beeped, indicating a serious problem. "Sir, something is wrong! The missiles aren't responding!" cried the attending operator. He watched as the blips turned towards the moon. "The missiles are going off course. They're heading to the moon!"
Overlord GAIA was shocked. "What? Override the controls! Get those missiles back on course!"
The operator frantically jammed on his console. "I can't, they're jammed! They're going to hit any second!"
On the monitors, Overlord GAIA watched in frustration as his perfect plan fell apart. One by one, the missiles collided and sprayed deadly toxin harmlessly. Thick green gas blanketed the moon like a sickly fog rolling in. It was impossible to see the craters and stony surface of the moon. Overlord's face contorted with rage. He vowed to make the one responsible pay dearly.
Back on the battlefield, the wheels of Zudokorn's Digibeetle screeched as he made a sharp, evasive turn. Akagi's body was dotted with black marks, and his helmet was cracked from taking a full contact missile to the head. Data leaked from a cut made by an exit wound on War Greymon's ribs. Metal Garurumon's Chrome Digizoid wings and armour were frayed and cracked. At the edge of his eyes, Zudokorn spotted several trails of smoke zooming across the heavens.
He was bewildered. "Those are the missiles... They're going the wrong way! This is great!"
Kari's voice chimed in through the radio: "It must be Akira! He came through for us!"
The news spread and boosted the Guard Tamer and Digidestined's sagging morale. In his Digibeetle, Bertran was indignant. "Humph! He's always gets the glory..."
"Who cares? I'm happy!" admitted Yolei. "The world's safe, at least from the missiles!"
However, one niggling problem remained; the Blood Knight Digimon still had the ability to self-resurrect. A massive humanoid walrus approached Zudokorn's Digibeetle. This Digimon's fur was an icy blue colour and wore a pelt of brown fur as a shawl. On his head was a horned helmet like those of the Vikings. Strapped to his back was a pair of metallic, spiked maces. This Digimon was named Vikemon.
He drew the maces from his back and brandished them. With no one else capable of acting, Izzy's Hercules Kabuterimon had no choice but to step forward. Like the others there were black marks all over his body. His breathing was short and rapid, and the result of constant fighting. Hercules Kabuterimon took Vikemon's mace in the stomach, before collapsing and transforming back to Tentomon.
Zudokorn's Digibeetle tires screeched as it swerved left and away from the path of Vikemon's mace. The ground shuddered, and jarred the passengers of the Digibeetle. They grew ever tenser as they watched, Vikemon's form grow dangerously larger on the monitor. Suddenly, a violet glow engulfed his body, and he began writhing and groaning. From his pained reaction, it seemed that something was draining his energy. Tai and Matt looked around and noticed the same thing happening with every Blood Knight Digimon.
The living Guard Tamer and Digidestined Digimon were also engulfed in the violet glow. TK was as thrilled as one could be. "I don't know why this is happening, but it looks very good for us!" TK happily watched as the data of a Digimon ally fused together and reformed.
In his Digibeetle's memory banks, Seraphimon felt his strength surging. "My energy has returned, I can fight again!"
The Guard Tamers and Digidestined didn't waste this miraculous opportunity. In several random flashes of light, their Digimon appeared on the field. One by one, they cut down the stunned enemy Digimon and Blood Knights. The enemy's numbers advantage diminished and the fallen stayed dead. Seraphimon challenged Daemon again.
"Evil Inferno!" Daemon cupped his hands and sprayed roaring flames.
Seraphimon evaded and cupped his own hands. "Seven Heavens!" Seven spheres of holy energy shot forth and seared Daemon's body. A few seconds passed, but Daemon's data remained scattered and vanished.
A psychic buzz filled the minds of the worlds' defenders: "Victory is close! Crush the enemy once and for all!"
****************************************
Akira, now as True GAIA, looked at his partners in wonder. "Well, how do I look?"
"You look splendid!"
"I have a bone to pick with Overlord GAIA. Please help our friends. I am giving you some of the Kernel Zone's energy. Fight with them and win the war for us!"
"Okay!"
True GAIA began to glow and a beam of energy surged from the open palms of his hands. Darkfryer could feel the energy surging and making him stronger. "Dark Lizamon, Warp Digivolve to..."
In a nimbus of violet light, Darkfryer mutated into Chimeramon and then into Millenniummon. Millenniummon's data crumbled and coalesced into a black crystal with a double-headed, dragon-like spirit inside. This crystal of this Digimon, Moon Millenniummon, shattered and the shards swirled into a green sphere. Immediately, rings of data appeared and began to orbit the green sphere. Suddenly, the red, serpentine head of a dragon burst from the sphere. A second, blue, serpentine dragon entwined around the first and the shimmering hydra roared triumphantly.
"Xeed Millenniummon!"
"Black Gatomon, Warp Digivolve to..."
Lillith transformed into Lady Devimon in a nimbus of violet light,. Her black leather clothes peeled off to be replaced by deep violet robes with a black bodice and gold trimmings. Her hair turned as black as a raven's feathers. A gold claw slipped itself onto her right hand. Six pairs of dark, stylish, bat wings grew from her back. The new gothic Digimon flicked her hair, and struck a seductive pose.
"Lilithmon!"
------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
This is Xeed Millenniummon, the Dark God. His Time Destroyer and Chrono Paradox attacks will warp the fabric of time and bring destruction to all of his enemies!
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------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
Lilithmon is the Dark Temptress. This femme fatale embodies dark beauty and is the lustiest Digimon to ever exist. Her Nazar Nail and Phantom Pain attacks make her very dangerous.
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True GAIA watched with pride as Darkfryer soared off Core Tower with his heads bobbing and weaving in anticipation of battle. Lillith followed with surging morale and vigour. Once he had his filled, True GAIA's golden wings expanded, and he soared towards Chaos Tower. His face was filled determination, and his only goal was to crush Overlord GAIA. The tower grew larger and larger as he approached.
Several bolts of energy streaked past True GAIA. The shots became more accurate as he approached, forcing him to defend himself. He held his sword in front of him, and it drew in and absorbed each bolt like a black hole. True GAIA charged energy, and fired a destructive gold beam at each of Chaos Tower's cannon. Each explosion made the tower shudder, disorienting the Blood Knights within. True GAIA sliced the wall open and dove straight for Overlord GAIA. The operators scrambled for their lives as the two wrestled.
True GAIA blasted his foe with another beam of radiant gold. Despite Overlord GAIA's larger size, the force was so powerful, it sent the dark AI stumbling out of the tower. The dark AI landed onto the barrier shielding the missile launchers. True GAIA threw a massive fireball, nailing his foe in the chest and overloading the barrier generator. The barrier collapsed and Overlord GAIA fell to the ground with a clang.
True GAIA dropped out of the tower with his sword pointed downwards, and ready to stab. "Die!"
At the last moment, Overlord GAIA waved his hand and a great force slammed True GAIA back into Chaos Tower! Overlord GAIA took this opportunity to stand up, only to meet the gaze of True GAIA, who had teleported back to the ground. The two AIs stared at each other, each sizing up the other and devising a plan of attack. Overlord GAIA moved first.
He grew a claw-like appendage, and lunged at his foe. With masterful swordplay, True GAIA dodged and parried each blow. True GAIA's twirled and parried a blow meant for his legs, and his sword rumbled as it moved. Overlord GAIA turned the claw into the blade of a sword and lunged. His missed his foe, and looked up to see him standing along the flat of the blade. True GAIA kicked his foe in the face, and bounced back into a somersault.
A missile launcher suddenly smashed into his body, having been telekinetically thrown by Overlord GAIA. True GAIA hurtled into the ground with the clanging of metal on metal. As his opponent moved closer to capitalize, True GAIA gestured with his hand and bolts of lightning arced from his fingertips. Overlord GAIA writhed in pain as the electricity surged through his body. Overlord GAIA stumbled backwards into a missile launcher before crumpling onto the ground.
**************************************
Back in the battlefield, Davis and Ken were preparing to punch through a horde of Champions, who were merely Blood Knight foot soldiers. The two Digidestined were fighting alongside Debbie in her Digibeetle. Compared to the enemy, they were the elites. With their new DNA bypass, Veemon and Wormmon didn't need to DNA Digivolve to go to the Ultimate level. Veemon, Deramon and Wormmon were released onto the field.
"Veemon, Digivolve to... Ex Veemon!"
"Wormon, Digivolve to... Stingmon!"
"Vee Laser!" Ex Veemon crossed his arms and projected a golden, "X" shaped beam from the emblem on his chest. The beam bowled over an Ogremon and knocked him out cold.
"Spiking Strike!" Stingmon formed a violet energy blade and dove from the sky. The victim, a Viral Garurumon, suffered fatal injuries and collapsed.
The enemy surrounded Deramon, Ex Veemon, and Stingmon. Two of them looked like Minotaurs with a pile driver grafted onto their right arms. These two Digimon were Minotarumon. Another two looked like triceratops with only a single horn on its nose. They were Monochromon. The final Digimon looked like an insect larva with barbed tendrils. He was Chrysalimon.
Through a flurry of kicks and punches, Ex Veemon fought off one of the Monochromon and Chrysalimon. Stingmon had similar success, slashing Minotarumon One in the chest and stomping Monochromon Two in the back of the head. Deramon pecked Minotarumon Two in the forehead, and followed up with a Royal Smasher to the stomach. The enemy Digimon got up from the beating they took, and weren't ready to give up yet. The three Digimon began taking rounds from an enemy Digibeetle and were forced to block.
"Chrysalimon, Digivolve to... Infermon!"
In a burst of golden light, Chrysalimon underwent a metamorphosis to a bizarre, insect-like Digimon. His main body was red, and seemed somewhat mechanical. Its head was ovular and white. Davis remembered the description of the Digimon that attacked the Internet. Infermon was the species of that Digimon. The older Digidestined fought him to stop him from devouring data, and disrupting the Real World's computers. This Infermon was obviously not the same one. The enemy fire stopped and Infermon tackled Ex Veemon to the ground.
"Spider Shooter!" A cannon emerged from Infermon's mouth, and pelted Stingmon with bolts of amber energy.
Deramon smashed Infermon in the body with a Royal Smasher, sending Infermon hurling backwards. Infermon's cable-like legs flopped around as he bounced along the ground. After he stopped, Infermon bounced back onto his feet in a burst of strength. He fired a several Spider Shooter rounds, but this time Stingmon evaded the attack. Ex Veemon nailed Infermon in the ribs with a Vee Laser, doing only marginal injury. However, this served to draw his foe's attention.
"Stingmon, end this battle quickly. Digivolve!" cried Ken.
"Right! Stingmon, Digivolve to..."
Ex Veemon's image flashed by, and Stingmon absorbed it. Stingmon's body hunched over to a tyrannosaurus' stance. His arms mutated, turning into more muscular versions of Ex Veemon's arms. A pair of horns resembling Ex Veemon's grew out of his head. The dragon-like wings of Ex Veemon grew beneath Stingmon's insect wings, and beneath that grew Ex Veemon's tail. The new Digimon, flapped its wings and made a buzz like that of an insect.
"Dino Beemon!"
------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
Dino Beemon appears when Stingmon is dominant during a DNA Digivolve between Stingmon and Ex Veemon. His Irritant Buzz releases a concentrated sonic wave, and Hell Masquerade allows him to clone himself to attack his foes.
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"Spider Shooter!"
Dino Beemon evaded and counter attacked. "Irritant Buzz!"
A deadly sonic wave emerged from Dino Beemon's open mouth. It sounded like thousands of insects buzzing in unison, and the ground rumbled in its wake. Infermon was stunned and his face showed pain and irritation. Dino Beemon followed up with his Hell Masquerade, and split himself into two. Infermon's head was knocked left and right from the flurry of blows. He eventually gave out and collapsed on the ground.
Minotarumon One attempted to bash Ex Veemon's skull in, only to be denied at the last second. From the right, Ex Veemon socked Minotarumon One in the chin and flattened his foe. Deramon body checked Monochromon One, and caved Minotarumon Two's chest in with a Royal Smasher. Ex Veemon spotted the remaining Monochromon sneaking behind Deramon.
"Vee Laser!"
Deramon turned to locate the source of the grunt and saw Monochromon Two sprawled on the ground. "Thanks for the save, Ex Veemon!"
Dino Beemon turned his attention to the Blood Knight Digibeetle. "Irritant Buzz!"
The Digibeetle shook. "Retreat, retreat!" The enemy Tamers recalled their fallen Digimon. In a flash of light, the enemy activated the autopilot function and teleported back to base.
**************************************
Elsewhere on the field of battle, the sound of gunfire pitter-pattered on a Blood Knight's cover. "Suppressing fire! Suppressing fire!"
This Blood Knight, a leader, was pinned down behind a metal barrier by heavy fire from enemy marines. As he listened to the pitter-patter, he grew frustrated. When the pitter-patter momentarily stopped, the leader peeked out and his assault rifle banged with each shot. The enemy popped back behind cover and the shots caught only his cover. A Blood Knight machine gunner ran in and unfolded his weapon's bipod. He sandbagged in and unleashed a hail of energy bullets at the enemy.
The machine gunner looked down the length of his gun. In the aiming reticule, the hail of bullets pelted everything, and put a stall into the enemy's advance. The Digital City marine force took cover for fear of the hail of death. To end the standoff, one of the marines unslung and loaded his grenade launcher. The machine gunner turned his hail of fire leftwards . The marine unleashed the grenade, and it descended like a meteorite upon the Blood Knights.
"Oh, shit!"
"GRENADE!"
The machine gunner made a flying leap for safety, just as the grenade landed and exploded in a huge mushroom of flame and smoke. The blast forced the enemy to flee, making them run into the open. The Digital City marine forces opened fire and watched as the Blood Knights dropped like flies. They renewed their advance deeper into enemy ground. They were now very close to the enemy's main base camp.
The camp was much like the camp of the Guard Tamers. The buildings were metallic constructs of high technology. All of them were shaped like silver domes with glass windows. An electrified chain-link fence ran across the perimeter of the compound. On occasion, the electricity crackled, warning astute people of the fence's dangerous nature. At regularly spaced intervals were automated turrets built on top of cylindrical towers. A pair of heavy cannons were mounted in each turret.
Several shots came towards the marines from within the compound itself. The marines were able to make several figures peeking out of the domes' windows occasionally to open fire. The turrets turned to face the marines and fired. The marine force dove for cover and could hear the deadly pitter-patter and explosions on the barrier. Each side's guns banged as they exchanged fire, but neither side could score a hit on anyone.
"Where's our support?" cried a desperate marine. "Get the Digimon here!"
Darkfryer and Lillith came from the air as though on cue. "Some support coming up!"
Darkfryer charged violet shifted energy in his right claw. "Time Destroyer!" He released the energy as a destructive beam. Upon impact, a cannon tower temporarily distorted before a violent explosion ripped it into pieces.
Lillith waved her hands and several dark spirits oozed out of her hands. "Phantom Pain!" The enemy were magnets for the spirits, drawing them ever closer. Once the spirits passed through each enemy's bodies, they convulsed painfully from shock before collapsing. The Digital City marines cheered at the destruction of the enemy.
The marine leader goaded them onwards: "Okay troops, move in!"
Darkfryer and Lillith moved to the Digimon battlefield and flanked the Blood Knights' forces. Darkfryer and Lillith unloaded several bolts of dark energy into the enemy. The enemy noticed their assault and responded. A skeletal Mammothmon, aptly named Skull Mammothmon, turned to True GAIA's Digimon. His body began to glow with power. The ground rumbled, and his distant form grew larger and larger.
Lillith recognized the reason behind the glow. "Watch out, Skull Mammothmon powered himself up!"
The two Digimon evaded the attack and ended up behind the Skeletal Mastodon. Lillith made a hand gesture, and black electricity leapt from her fingertips to Skull Mammothmon. His body glowed violet briefly and his strength returned to normal. The Skeletal Mastodon turned around, only to be caught by the darkness of his shadow. It clung to Skull Mammothmon like tar, and slowed him down. He looked at Darkfryer with hostility upon realizing that he was responsible for the darkness.
"Nazar Nail!" Lillith slashed the air with her hand claw and embedded several nails in her foe's bony body.
Darkfryer spotted a few Ultimates approaching. "Chrono Paradox!"
With a wave of his claw, Darkfryer opened a massive, churning rift in the sky. The Ultimates desperately struggled to save themselves from being pulled in. They listened in horror as the rift dragged the screaming Skull Mammothmon to his doom. Soon after, an enemy Metal Greymon succumbed to his inevitable fate as well. After sucking all enemies in, Darkfryer dissipated the rift.
Lillith looked around and saw that the fighting was still intense. Elemental blasts were still being exchanged between the two sides of the war. Towards Chaos Tower, she could see the missile launchers formerly filled with the Blight missiles. Several of the launchers had been bent and even more were smashed up. Every once in awhile, there would be a flash of light. She scanned further until she found a Guard Tamer Digibeetle, and approached for conversation.
Escorting this Digibeetle were three Digimon. The first two were the Mega Digimon Vikemon and Rosemon. The third was a humanoid Digimon with black skin, and many faces. His hair was a fiery red, as were the flames that engulfed his body. He resembled an Indian deity, and his name was Asuramon. The three Digimon stopped and looked over Darkfryer and Lillith.
In the Digibeetle were two of the Digidestined; Joe and Mimi. The third person was the driver; an attractive, pink-haired girl. She wore a white uniform with a single blue stripe across the ribs. On her head was a white helmet with the She was Esmeralda, a Guard Tamer of the Gold Hawk team.
"Who are those two?" asked Joe. "I hope they're not here to get us..."
"They don't seem to be attacking," said Mimi.
"Who are you?" asked Vikemon.
Esmeralda looked at her console. "Don't worry, they're one of us! The shimmering hydra is a Xeed Millenniummon. The gothic woman is a Lilithmon."
The Xeed Millenniummon's red head responded: "I'm Darkfryer."
"I'm Lillith."
"Akira's Digimon? What are they doing here?" wondered Esmeralda. The two Digidestined were surprised by this turn of events. "Where is Akira?"
"He's fighting Overlord GAIA as True GAIA. He sent us here to help his friends out. How is everything going?"
Rosemon answered cheerfully: "It couldn't get any better! We've got the Blood Knights on the run. We're going to win this one for sure!"
Lillith was pleased. "Great!"
"Why don't you come with us?" asked Asuramon. "We're looking for people we can assist."
"Alright, lead the way!"
**************************************
Meanwhile, True GAIA and Overlord GAIA continued to pound each other into oblivion. True GAIA received a powerful golden beam to the chest. He was hurtled backwards into the air, and crashed backside first onto a missile launcher with a crunch. As Overlord GAIA advanced, the damaged missile launcher suddenly shot into his chest.
True GAIA leapt back onto his feet. Overlord GAIA was reeling, but recovered. Through a minor hand gesture, Overlord GAIA telekinetically levitated a missile launcher. The launcher screeched as it pulled its own screws out. After a quick pushing gesture by Overlord GAIA, the launcher shot forward into empty ground. Overlord didn't know where his enemy was, but knew his foe had use a teleportation ability to evade.
Overlord GAIA scanned his environment and at the last moment, he saw a missile launcher flying his way! Instinctively, he made a swatting gesture with his hand. The launcher began moving in the opposite direction and smacked True GAIA in the chest. True GAIA bounced along the ground like tumbleweed before coming to an abrupt halt. Overlord GAIA lifted True GAIA, and drove his fist into True GAIA's gut. The force of the punch smashed True GAIA through the wall of Chaos Tower.
A beam of intense heat shot out of the hole in Chaos Tower. "GAAAAH!" It seared a hole into Overlord GAIA's shoulder. Like metal being welded together, Overlord GAIA's shoulder wound began to seal itself.
True GAIA emerged from the hole with his wounds regenerating as well. "It seems we're back to where we started."
"It certainly does, so why don't you give up?"
"No way! All I need is one clean blow through your head, just one, and it'll be all over!"
"You couldn't defeat me the first time, what makes you so confident this time?"
True GAIA smirked. "This time, humanity and Digimon have united against you and are wiping out your followers. I am the Avenger of Humanity, and today, you will pay for those you have killed!"
With a great exertion of power, Overlord GAIA blasted True GAIA far into the air. True GAIA passed over battlefield where the Digimon of both sides fought. Core Tower seemed like it was coming towards him and then away. Eventually, True GAIA hit the ground with a clang. He got up with a minor struggle, and discovered that he was southwest of Core Tower. Knowing his foe would block a long distance teleport, True GAIA dashed back as fast as he could.
**************************************
Overlord GAIA advanced to the Digimon battlefield. The land was littered with the bodies of almost every known species of Digimon. Most of the Digimon had an insignia bearing a picture of a knight's helmet above a sword dripping blood. This was the insignia that represented his Blood Knights. Overlord could hear sporadic, but infrequent, bangs and booms in distant areas of his Kernel Zone. From this information, he concluded that his troops were losing.
Overlord GAIA spotted a Guard Tamer Digibeetle and approached. "Who is that guy?" asked Esmeralda in wonder.
"The Digimon Analyser can't get anything on him!" said Joe.
Darkfryer recognized the enemy. "That's Overlord GAIA! His face looks just like True GAIA's!"
Lillith remembered seeing an object soar through the air. "That must have been True GAIA I saw flying through the air! We'd better distract this guy off 'til he gets back."
Joe's Vikemon drew his maces and charged. "Viking Mace!"
Mimi's Rosemon lashed a thorny vine as though it was a whip. "Thorn Whip!"
Overlord's arms, Rosemon's whip, and Vikemon's maces clanged with each hit. With a series of clangs, each fighter parried his or her enemy's attacks, and neither side would give any ground. Overlord GAIA detached his arms and they began pursuing the enemy. The left arm caught Vikemon by the throat, and he gasped for precious air. The right punched Rosemon hard in the solar plexus, bending her over. Lillith snuck behind Overlord GAIA and slashed him fiercely with Nazar Nails. To her surprise, the attack had no effect.
Asuramon's fist bathed in flames. "Hand of Asura!" He punched forward, spraying a roaring cone of flame, but Overlord GAIA blocked.
Overlord countered by firing a beam of gold, and the explosion floored Asuramon. Overlord's left arm backed off and then shot forward and nailed Vikemon between the eyes. Overlord reattached his arms and with a swatting movement, he smacked Lillith into the ground. Before he could react, Overlord GAIA lurched forward as though struck from behind. He recovered and glared at his attacker, Darkfryer. Another pair of violet energy beams struck, but only served to nudge Overlord GAIA rather than cause any real harm.
"Leave them alone!"
"...Or what? You're going fire those pea shooters at me?"
Without warning, Overlord GAIA discharged powerful lightning upon the fallen bodies of Vikemon, Rosemon, and Lillith. The air was filled with the suffocating smell of something being burned. The Digimon writhed in pain, and screamed in agony. Overlord GAIA stopped to savour the moment, watching the blue sparks die down, and his enemies suffering. He cracked a feral grin before unleashing another electrical surge. This time Darkfryer was able to intervene, and erected a barrier of dark energy.
Overlord GAIA stopped his attack. "You can't protect them forever!" Electricity crackled from Overlord's fingertips once again, putting great pressure on Darkfryer's barrier.
Darkfryer struggled to maintain his shield, despite the power of Overlord GAIA's attack. "I don't know how long I can keep this up..."
Another flash of lightning struck, and it crackled as it impacted the shield. "I know you have the Kernel Zone's energy, but it is nothing compared to mine."
With a final blast, Overlord GAIA overpowered the shield. Darkfryer gasped and convulsed in pain. His strength was drained, and he reverted back to the form of a small black dinosaur. This dinosaur looked cute with his flat nose and innocent green eyes. His claws and teeth, on the other hand, looked very sharp and dangerous. This Digimon was Black Agumon, a Viral counterpart to the Vaccine Agumon that was Tai's partner.
Out of desperation, Joe fired the Digibeetle cannons. Overlord was miffed and considered the Digidestined and Esmeralda to be nuisances. Electricity crackled and jumped from his fingertips and into the Digibeetle. The electricity had force behind it, pushing the Digibeetle back before finally toppling it on its right. Inside, the passengers were thrown about, and Mimi's head banged into metal.
When everything calmed down, Esmeralda made a status check. "Is everyone ok?"
"Mimi, wake up!" Joe checked Mimi's condition, and showed Esmeralda the bruise on Mimi's forehead. "She's alive, but unconscious. She hit her head during that shake up."
"We can't stay here, we'd better get out of here. Get Mimi, Joe, I'm going to open the hatch."
Joe and Esmeralda hit a button on their belts. Instantly, a hard black shell encased their bodies. It was made of a weightless metallic material and shaped itself to the contours of their bodies. Esmeralda managed to open the hatch and gestured to Joe. Being as gentle as possible, Joe picked Mimi up and carried her out. Meanwhile, Overlord GAIA had turned his attention back to the Digimon. He grinned as he looked upon each of their broken bodies.
Overlord GAIA charged electricity. "...And now for the death blow!"
Darkfryer looked on in fear. "Pepper Breath!"
Out of desperation, he spit a fireball. Overlord GAIA allowed the fireball to hit without flinching even slightly. Overlord backhanded Darkfryer with a single swatting gesture. Darkfryer bounced along the ground like tumbleweed before coming to an abrupt stop. Overlord saw his chance and began to charge up for an attack. Electricity crackled as it surged all over his body. Suddenly, a blade of darkness punctured his head!
Darkfryer scanned around to see his Tamer, behind the enemy. "True GAIA? You couldn't have come at a better time!"
"Sorry, I got delayed and had to make a long run back. Let's finish him off!" A searing beam of golden light burst forth from True GAIA's cupped hands. With their morale soaring, Asuramon, Vikemon, Rosemon, and Lillith got up for one last attack.
"Phantom Pain!"
Vikemon inhaled and sprayed snow, and biting, icy wind. "Arctic Blizzard!"
"Hand of Asura!"
"Thorn Whip!"
The attacks collided and produced a massive, blinding explosion. Overlord GAIA was consumed by the blast and when it cleared, nothing remain. Overlord GAIA had been completely annihilated. True GAIA's sword flipped into the air and struck the ground with a loud clang. Everyone cheered with fervour at his or her hard won victory over evil.
"What happened to her?" asked True GAIA.
Joe proceeded to tell him about how Mimi got knocked out. "...And that's how Mimi ended up like this."
"No problem," True GAIA's hands glowed green and he touched on Mimi's bruise.
Mimi immediately recovered. "Wha... What happened?"
Esmeralda told Mimi about how Joe took care of her.
"Er, yeah, that's how things turned out," admitted Joe modestly.
Mimi hugged Joe as her way of saying "thank you." Joe's face turned a beat red from embarrassment.
Vikemon regressed to Gomamon and smirked. "You two make a cute couple!"
Joe was at a loss for words, and everyone laughed.
**************************************
Days later, Akira, Joe, Mimi, Esmeralda, and their Digimon found themselves walking down the centre aisle of a great auditorium. They were being honoured as war heroes. Guard Tamers, Digidestined, and Digimon were seated in anticipation all around them. At the front on the stage were the Chiefs of the Guard Teams and the mayor of Digital City. Throughout the room was a deep sensation of pride and great accomplishment.
The mayor was a balding man in his sixties, with grey hair and wearing a grey suit. He was behind a wooden podium with a microphone attached on top it. The mayor was smiling with pride. Beside him on a table were a set of gold medals and chevrons to be awarded. From left to right stood Vandar, Cecilia, and Skull behind the table. The war heroes marched up to the stage looking amidst the crowd for their friends.
Akira looked left to see the members of his squad, Zudokorn, Debbie, Sheena, Joy Joy, Bertran, and their Digimon. All of them were happy and elated, except for Bertran, who was somewhat miffed. He was jealous of all the praise the war heroes were receiving, especially Akira. Esmeralda looked right and saw her group of friends cheering for her. The group continued to the front, looking among the crowd for their friends. Joe and Mimi spotted the other Digidestined.
"Awesome, Joe!"
"You go, girl!"
"Way to go, Joe!"
"Girl power!"
The group made it to the front with Esmeralda in the lead. The mayor of Digital City took one of the medals and placed it around Esmeralda's neck. She moved to Vandar, who clipped one of the gold chevrons on her uniform, making this her seventh. Esmeralda had been promoted to the rank of Elite. She shook the hands of the mayor and her Chief, before standing to his left to face the applause and cheers of the audience.
Joe and Mimi came up and like Esmeralda, they received medals. These medals were the most prestigious reward for courage the Guard Tamers could give to a person who wasn't a Guard Tamer. Joe and Mimi shook the mayor's hand and stood beside Esmeralda. Next up was Akira, who received a medal, and a new chevron. This was his eighth, and thus Akira was promoted from Elite to the rank of Commander. He shook the mayor and Skull's hand and took his place left of the mayor with the others.
Finally, the Digimon came for their honours. Each received a medal for honouring their courage on the battlefield. Like with Joe and Mimi, Palmon and Gomamon's medals were the highest reward for those who weren't Guard Tamers. The rest of the Digimon, Asuramon, Darkfryer, and Lillith, received their medals. All of the Digimon took position near their partners. The audience was caught up in the fervour of pride as they applauded. In unison, they stood up with the heroes' friends cheering rowdily.
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THE END
I would like to thank all who commented on my story. I've currently planning out a sequel for this story so keep an eye out for when it's released.
Toei and Bandai own Digimon. Bandai owns Digimon World 2.
Guard Tamer: Blight of GAIA
By: RB3
Chapter 11: True GAIA's Vindication
On the field of battle, the situation was bleak. Zudokorn watched in horror as several of his Digimon allies fought futilely. While the good guys' Digimon were falling, the enemy's were thriving. Daemon's skin was seared by Seraphimon's desperate Seven Heavens attack. Daemon crumbled into data, and immediately, the data began coalescing.
"Hang in there guys! Our boys are covering us. Fall back!"
Several shots soared into a crowd of enemy Digimon. They crumpled and disintegrated into bits of data. Again, the Digimon's data fused together, before finally reforming their bodies. Guard Tamer cannons had begun shelling the missile launchers out of desperation. The shots hit a faint blue barrier shaped like a dome. Each shell exploded with massive plumes of flame, which lit the sky. Eventually, the shelling stopped, as the Guard Tamers ran out of ammo. Suddenly, the launchers fired their payload!
Zudokorn spotted the trails of smoke leading into the heavens. "GAIA has launched the missiles! We're too late!"
Mimi fell to the grip of despair. "NOOOOOOO!"
The missiles shot through space like speeding bullets heading to Earth. Overlord GAIA rejoiced in his moment of triumph. "It's all over... Victory is mine! No one will stop me!"
Unfortunately, Overlord GAIA spoke too soon...
The control consoles beeped, indicating a serious problem. "Sir, something is wrong! The missiles aren't responding!" cried the attending operator. He watched as the blips turned towards the moon. "The missiles are going off course. They're heading to the moon!"
Overlord GAIA was shocked. "What? Override the controls! Get those missiles back on course!"
The operator frantically jammed on his console. "I can't, they're jammed! They're going to hit any second!"
On the monitors, Overlord GAIA watched in frustration as his perfect plan fell apart. One by one, the missiles collided and sprayed deadly toxin harmlessly. Thick green gas blanketed the moon like a sickly fog rolling in. It was impossible to see the craters and stony surface of the moon. Overlord's face contorted with rage. He vowed to make the one responsible pay dearly.
Back on the battlefield, the wheels of Zudokorn's Digibeetle screeched as he made a sharp, evasive turn. Akagi's body was dotted with black marks, and his helmet was cracked from taking a full contact missile to the head. Data leaked from a cut made by an exit wound on War Greymon's ribs. Metal Garurumon's Chrome Digizoid wings and armour were frayed and cracked. At the edge of his eyes, Zudokorn spotted several trails of smoke zooming across the heavens.
He was bewildered. "Those are the missiles... They're going the wrong way! This is great!"
Kari's voice chimed in through the radio: "It must be Akira! He came through for us!"
The news spread and boosted the Guard Tamer and Digidestined's sagging morale. In his Digibeetle, Bertran was indignant. "Humph! He's always gets the glory..."
"Who cares? I'm happy!" admitted Yolei. "The world's safe, at least from the missiles!"
However, one niggling problem remained; the Blood Knight Digimon still had the ability to self-resurrect. A massive humanoid walrus approached Zudokorn's Digibeetle. This Digimon's fur was an icy blue colour and wore a pelt of brown fur as a shawl. On his head was a horned helmet like those of the Vikings. Strapped to his back was a pair of metallic, spiked maces. This Digimon was named Vikemon.
He drew the maces from his back and brandished them. With no one else capable of acting, Izzy's Hercules Kabuterimon had no choice but to step forward. Like the others there were black marks all over his body. His breathing was short and rapid, and the result of constant fighting. Hercules Kabuterimon took Vikemon's mace in the stomach, before collapsing and transforming back to Tentomon.
Zudokorn's Digibeetle tires screeched as it swerved left and away from the path of Vikemon's mace. The ground shuddered, and jarred the passengers of the Digibeetle. They grew ever tenser as they watched, Vikemon's form grow dangerously larger on the monitor. Suddenly, a violet glow engulfed his body, and he began writhing and groaning. From his pained reaction, it seemed that something was draining his energy. Tai and Matt looked around and noticed the same thing happening with every Blood Knight Digimon.
The living Guard Tamer and Digidestined Digimon were also engulfed in the violet glow. TK was as thrilled as one could be. "I don't know why this is happening, but it looks very good for us!" TK happily watched as the data of a Digimon ally fused together and reformed.
In his Digibeetle's memory banks, Seraphimon felt his strength surging. "My energy has returned, I can fight again!"
The Guard Tamers and Digidestined didn't waste this miraculous opportunity. In several random flashes of light, their Digimon appeared on the field. One by one, they cut down the stunned enemy Digimon and Blood Knights. The enemy's numbers advantage diminished and the fallen stayed dead. Seraphimon challenged Daemon again.
"Evil Inferno!" Daemon cupped his hands and sprayed roaring flames.
Seraphimon evaded and cupped his own hands. "Seven Heavens!" Seven spheres of holy energy shot forth and seared Daemon's body. A few seconds passed, but Daemon's data remained scattered and vanished.
A psychic buzz filled the minds of the worlds' defenders: "Victory is close! Crush the enemy once and for all!"
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Akira, now as True GAIA, looked at his partners in wonder. "Well, how do I look?"
"You look splendid!"
"I have a bone to pick with Overlord GAIA. Please help our friends. I am giving you some of the Kernel Zone's energy. Fight with them and win the war for us!"
"Okay!"
True GAIA began to glow and a beam of energy surged from the open palms of his hands. Darkfryer could feel the energy surging and making him stronger. "Dark Lizamon, Warp Digivolve to..."
In a nimbus of violet light, Darkfryer mutated into Chimeramon and then into Millenniummon. Millenniummon's data crumbled and coalesced into a black crystal with a double-headed, dragon-like spirit inside. This crystal of this Digimon, Moon Millenniummon, shattered and the shards swirled into a green sphere. Immediately, rings of data appeared and began to orbit the green sphere. Suddenly, the red, serpentine head of a dragon burst from the sphere. A second, blue, serpentine dragon entwined around the first and the shimmering hydra roared triumphantly.
"Xeed Millenniummon!"
"Black Gatomon, Warp Digivolve to..."
Lillith transformed into Lady Devimon in a nimbus of violet light,. Her black leather clothes peeled off to be replaced by deep violet robes with a black bodice and gold trimmings. Her hair turned as black as a raven's feathers. A gold claw slipped itself onto her right hand. Six pairs of dark, stylish, bat wings grew from her back. The new gothic Digimon flicked her hair, and struck a seductive pose.
"Lilithmon!"
------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
This is Xeed Millenniummon, the Dark God. His Time Destroyer and Chrono Paradox attacks will warp the fabric of time and bring destruction to all of his enemies!
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------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
Lilithmon is the Dark Temptress. This femme fatale embodies dark beauty and is the lustiest Digimon to ever exist. Her Nazar Nail and Phantom Pain attacks make her very dangerous.
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True GAIA watched with pride as Darkfryer soared off Core Tower with his heads bobbing and weaving in anticipation of battle. Lillith followed with surging morale and vigour. Once he had his filled, True GAIA's golden wings expanded, and he soared towards Chaos Tower. His face was filled determination, and his only goal was to crush Overlord GAIA. The tower grew larger and larger as he approached.
Several bolts of energy streaked past True GAIA. The shots became more accurate as he approached, forcing him to defend himself. He held his sword in front of him, and it drew in and absorbed each bolt like a black hole. True GAIA charged energy, and fired a destructive gold beam at each of Chaos Tower's cannon. Each explosion made the tower shudder, disorienting the Blood Knights within. True GAIA sliced the wall open and dove straight for Overlord GAIA. The operators scrambled for their lives as the two wrestled.
True GAIA blasted his foe with another beam of radiant gold. Despite Overlord GAIA's larger size, the force was so powerful, it sent the dark AI stumbling out of the tower. The dark AI landed onto the barrier shielding the missile launchers. True GAIA threw a massive fireball, nailing his foe in the chest and overloading the barrier generator. The barrier collapsed and Overlord GAIA fell to the ground with a clang.
True GAIA dropped out of the tower with his sword pointed downwards, and ready to stab. "Die!"
At the last moment, Overlord GAIA waved his hand and a great force slammed True GAIA back into Chaos Tower! Overlord GAIA took this opportunity to stand up, only to meet the gaze of True GAIA, who had teleported back to the ground. The two AIs stared at each other, each sizing up the other and devising a plan of attack. Overlord GAIA moved first.
He grew a claw-like appendage, and lunged at his foe. With masterful swordplay, True GAIA dodged and parried each blow. True GAIA's twirled and parried a blow meant for his legs, and his sword rumbled as it moved. Overlord GAIA turned the claw into the blade of a sword and lunged. His missed his foe, and looked up to see him standing along the flat of the blade. True GAIA kicked his foe in the face, and bounced back into a somersault.
A missile launcher suddenly smashed into his body, having been telekinetically thrown by Overlord GAIA. True GAIA hurtled into the ground with the clanging of metal on metal. As his opponent moved closer to capitalize, True GAIA gestured with his hand and bolts of lightning arced from his fingertips. Overlord GAIA writhed in pain as the electricity surged through his body. Overlord GAIA stumbled backwards into a missile launcher before crumpling onto the ground.
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Back in the battlefield, Davis and Ken were preparing to punch through a horde of Champions, who were merely Blood Knight foot soldiers. The two Digidestined were fighting alongside Debbie in her Digibeetle. Compared to the enemy, they were the elites. With their new DNA bypass, Veemon and Wormmon didn't need to DNA Digivolve to go to the Ultimate level. Veemon, Deramon and Wormmon were released onto the field.
"Veemon, Digivolve to... Ex Veemon!"
"Wormon, Digivolve to... Stingmon!"
"Vee Laser!" Ex Veemon crossed his arms and projected a golden, "X" shaped beam from the emblem on his chest. The beam bowled over an Ogremon and knocked him out cold.
"Spiking Strike!" Stingmon formed a violet energy blade and dove from the sky. The victim, a Viral Garurumon, suffered fatal injuries and collapsed.
The enemy surrounded Deramon, Ex Veemon, and Stingmon. Two of them looked like Minotaurs with a pile driver grafted onto their right arms. These two Digimon were Minotarumon. Another two looked like triceratops with only a single horn on its nose. They were Monochromon. The final Digimon looked like an insect larva with barbed tendrils. He was Chrysalimon.
Through a flurry of kicks and punches, Ex Veemon fought off one of the Monochromon and Chrysalimon. Stingmon had similar success, slashing Minotarumon One in the chest and stomping Monochromon Two in the back of the head. Deramon pecked Minotarumon Two in the forehead, and followed up with a Royal Smasher to the stomach. The enemy Digimon got up from the beating they took, and weren't ready to give up yet. The three Digimon began taking rounds from an enemy Digibeetle and were forced to block.
"Chrysalimon, Digivolve to... Infermon!"
In a burst of golden light, Chrysalimon underwent a metamorphosis to a bizarre, insect-like Digimon. His main body was red, and seemed somewhat mechanical. Its head was ovular and white. Davis remembered the description of the Digimon that attacked the Internet. Infermon was the species of that Digimon. The older Digidestined fought him to stop him from devouring data, and disrupting the Real World's computers. This Infermon was obviously not the same one. The enemy fire stopped and Infermon tackled Ex Veemon to the ground.
"Spider Shooter!" A cannon emerged from Infermon's mouth, and pelted Stingmon with bolts of amber energy.
Deramon smashed Infermon in the body with a Royal Smasher, sending Infermon hurling backwards. Infermon's cable-like legs flopped around as he bounced along the ground. After he stopped, Infermon bounced back onto his feet in a burst of strength. He fired a several Spider Shooter rounds, but this time Stingmon evaded the attack. Ex Veemon nailed Infermon in the ribs with a Vee Laser, doing only marginal injury. However, this served to draw his foe's attention.
"Stingmon, end this battle quickly. Digivolve!" cried Ken.
"Right! Stingmon, Digivolve to..."
Ex Veemon's image flashed by, and Stingmon absorbed it. Stingmon's body hunched over to a tyrannosaurus' stance. His arms mutated, turning into more muscular versions of Ex Veemon's arms. A pair of horns resembling Ex Veemon's grew out of his head. The dragon-like wings of Ex Veemon grew beneath Stingmon's insect wings, and beneath that grew Ex Veemon's tail. The new Digimon, flapped its wings and made a buzz like that of an insect.
"Dino Beemon!"
------------------------------Digimon Analyzer------------------------------
Dino Beemon appears when Stingmon is dominant during a DNA Digivolve between Stingmon and Ex Veemon. His Irritant Buzz releases a concentrated sonic wave, and Hell Masquerade allows him to clone himself to attack his foes.
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"Spider Shooter!"
Dino Beemon evaded and counter attacked. "Irritant Buzz!"
A deadly sonic wave emerged from Dino Beemon's open mouth. It sounded like thousands of insects buzzing in unison, and the ground rumbled in its wake. Infermon was stunned and his face showed pain and irritation. Dino Beemon followed up with his Hell Masquerade, and split himself into two. Infermon's head was knocked left and right from the flurry of blows. He eventually gave out and collapsed on the ground.
Minotarumon One attempted to bash Ex Veemon's skull in, only to be denied at the last second. From the right, Ex Veemon socked Minotarumon One in the chin and flattened his foe. Deramon body checked Monochromon One, and caved Minotarumon Two's chest in with a Royal Smasher. Ex Veemon spotted the remaining Monochromon sneaking behind Deramon.
"Vee Laser!"
Deramon turned to locate the source of the grunt and saw Monochromon Two sprawled on the ground. "Thanks for the save, Ex Veemon!"
Dino Beemon turned his attention to the Blood Knight Digibeetle. "Irritant Buzz!"
The Digibeetle shook. "Retreat, retreat!" The enemy Tamers recalled their fallen Digimon. In a flash of light, the enemy activated the autopilot function and teleported back to base.
**************************************
Elsewhere on the field of battle, the sound of gunfire pitter-pattered on a Blood Knight's cover. "Suppressing fire! Suppressing fire!"
This Blood Knight, a leader, was pinned down behind a metal barrier by heavy fire from enemy marines. As he listened to the pitter-patter, he grew frustrated. When the pitter-patter momentarily stopped, the leader peeked out and his assault rifle banged with each shot. The enemy popped back behind cover and the shots caught only his cover. A Blood Knight machine gunner ran in and unfolded his weapon's bipod. He sandbagged in and unleashed a hail of energy bullets at the enemy.
The machine gunner looked down the length of his gun. In the aiming reticule, the hail of bullets pelted everything, and put a stall into the enemy's advance. The Digital City marine force took cover for fear of the hail of death. To end the standoff, one of the marines unslung and loaded his grenade launcher. The machine gunner turned his hail of fire leftwards . The marine unleashed the grenade, and it descended like a meteorite upon the Blood Knights.
"Oh, shit!"
"GRENADE!"
The machine gunner made a flying leap for safety, just as the grenade landed and exploded in a huge mushroom of flame and smoke. The blast forced the enemy to flee, making them run into the open. The Digital City marine forces opened fire and watched as the Blood Knights dropped like flies. They renewed their advance deeper into enemy ground. They were now very close to the enemy's main base camp.
The camp was much like the camp of the Guard Tamers. The buildings were metallic constructs of high technology. All of them were shaped like silver domes with glass windows. An electrified chain-link fence ran across the perimeter of the compound. On occasion, the electricity crackled, warning astute people of the fence's dangerous nature. At regularly spaced intervals were automated turrets built on top of cylindrical towers. A pair of heavy cannons were mounted in each turret.
Several shots came towards the marines from within the compound itself. The marines were able to make several figures peeking out of the domes' windows occasionally to open fire. The turrets turned to face the marines and fired. The marine force dove for cover and could hear the deadly pitter-patter and explosions on the barrier. Each side's guns banged as they exchanged fire, but neither side could score a hit on anyone.
"Where's our support?" cried a desperate marine. "Get the Digimon here!"
Darkfryer and Lillith came from the air as though on cue. "Some support coming up!"
Darkfryer charged violet shifted energy in his right claw. "Time Destroyer!" He released the energy as a destructive beam. Upon impact, a cannon tower temporarily distorted before a violent explosion ripped it into pieces.
Lillith waved her hands and several dark spirits oozed out of her hands. "Phantom Pain!" The enemy were magnets for the spirits, drawing them ever closer. Once the spirits passed through each enemy's bodies, they convulsed painfully from shock before collapsing. The Digital City marines cheered at the destruction of the enemy.
The marine leader goaded them onwards: "Okay troops, move in!"
Darkfryer and Lillith moved to the Digimon battlefield and flanked the Blood Knights' forces. Darkfryer and Lillith unloaded several bolts of dark energy into the enemy. The enemy noticed their assault and responded. A skeletal Mammothmon, aptly named Skull Mammothmon, turned to True GAIA's Digimon. His body began to glow with power. The ground rumbled, and his distant form grew larger and larger.
Lillith recognized the reason behind the glow. "Watch out, Skull Mammothmon powered himself up!"
The two Digimon evaded the attack and ended up behind the Skeletal Mastodon. Lillith made a hand gesture, and black electricity leapt from her fingertips to Skull Mammothmon. His body glowed violet briefly and his strength returned to normal. The Skeletal Mastodon turned around, only to be caught by the darkness of his shadow. It clung to Skull Mammothmon like tar, and slowed him down. He looked at Darkfryer with hostility upon realizing that he was responsible for the darkness.
"Nazar Nail!" Lillith slashed the air with her hand claw and embedded several nails in her foe's bony body.
Darkfryer spotted a few Ultimates approaching. "Chrono Paradox!"
With a wave of his claw, Darkfryer opened a massive, churning rift in the sky. The Ultimates desperately struggled to save themselves from being pulled in. They listened in horror as the rift dragged the screaming Skull Mammothmon to his doom. Soon after, an enemy Metal Greymon succumbed to his inevitable fate as well. After sucking all enemies in, Darkfryer dissipated the rift.
Lillith looked around and saw that the fighting was still intense. Elemental blasts were still being exchanged between the two sides of the war. Towards Chaos Tower, she could see the missile launchers formerly filled with the Blight missiles. Several of the launchers had been bent and even more were smashed up. Every once in awhile, there would be a flash of light. She scanned further until she found a Guard Tamer Digibeetle, and approached for conversation.
Escorting this Digibeetle were three Digimon. The first two were the Mega Digimon Vikemon and Rosemon. The third was a humanoid Digimon with black skin, and many faces. His hair was a fiery red, as were the flames that engulfed his body. He resembled an Indian deity, and his name was Asuramon. The three Digimon stopped and looked over Darkfryer and Lillith.
In the Digibeetle were two of the Digidestined; Joe and Mimi. The third person was the driver; an attractive, pink-haired girl. She wore a white uniform with a single blue stripe across the ribs. On her head was a white helmet with the She was Esmeralda, a Guard Tamer of the Gold Hawk team.
"Who are those two?" asked Joe. "I hope they're not here to get us..."
"They don't seem to be attacking," said Mimi.
"Who are you?" asked Vikemon.
Esmeralda looked at her console. "Don't worry, they're one of us! The shimmering hydra is a Xeed Millenniummon. The gothic woman is a Lilithmon."
The Xeed Millenniummon's red head responded: "I'm Darkfryer."
"I'm Lillith."
"Akira's Digimon? What are they doing here?" wondered Esmeralda. The two Digidestined were surprised by this turn of events. "Where is Akira?"
"He's fighting Overlord GAIA as True GAIA. He sent us here to help his friends out. How is everything going?"
Rosemon answered cheerfully: "It couldn't get any better! We've got the Blood Knights on the run. We're going to win this one for sure!"
Lillith was pleased. "Great!"
"Why don't you come with us?" asked Asuramon. "We're looking for people we can assist."
"Alright, lead the way!"
**************************************
Meanwhile, True GAIA and Overlord GAIA continued to pound each other into oblivion. True GAIA received a powerful golden beam to the chest. He was hurtled backwards into the air, and crashed backside first onto a missile launcher with a crunch. As Overlord GAIA advanced, the damaged missile launcher suddenly shot into his chest.
True GAIA leapt back onto his feet. Overlord GAIA was reeling, but recovered. Through a minor hand gesture, Overlord GAIA telekinetically levitated a missile launcher. The launcher screeched as it pulled its own screws out. After a quick pushing gesture by Overlord GAIA, the launcher shot forward into empty ground. Overlord didn't know where his enemy was, but knew his foe had use a teleportation ability to evade.
Overlord GAIA scanned his environment and at the last moment, he saw a missile launcher flying his way! Instinctively, he made a swatting gesture with his hand. The launcher began moving in the opposite direction and smacked True GAIA in the chest. True GAIA bounced along the ground like tumbleweed before coming to an abrupt halt. Overlord GAIA lifted True GAIA, and drove his fist into True GAIA's gut. The force of the punch smashed True GAIA through the wall of Chaos Tower.
A beam of intense heat shot out of the hole in Chaos Tower. "GAAAAH!" It seared a hole into Overlord GAIA's shoulder. Like metal being welded together, Overlord GAIA's shoulder wound began to seal itself.
True GAIA emerged from the hole with his wounds regenerating as well. "It seems we're back to where we started."
"It certainly does, so why don't you give up?"
"No way! All I need is one clean blow through your head, just one, and it'll be all over!"
"You couldn't defeat me the first time, what makes you so confident this time?"
True GAIA smirked. "This time, humanity and Digimon have united against you and are wiping out your followers. I am the Avenger of Humanity, and today, you will pay for those you have killed!"
With a great exertion of power, Overlord GAIA blasted True GAIA far into the air. True GAIA passed over battlefield where the Digimon of both sides fought. Core Tower seemed like it was coming towards him and then away. Eventually, True GAIA hit the ground with a clang. He got up with a minor struggle, and discovered that he was southwest of Core Tower. Knowing his foe would block a long distance teleport, True GAIA dashed back as fast as he could.
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Overlord GAIA advanced to the Digimon battlefield. The land was littered with the bodies of almost every known species of Digimon. Most of the Digimon had an insignia bearing a picture of a knight's helmet above a sword dripping blood. This was the insignia that represented his Blood Knights. Overlord could hear sporadic, but infrequent, bangs and booms in distant areas of his Kernel Zone. From this information, he concluded that his troops were losing.
Overlord GAIA spotted a Guard Tamer Digibeetle and approached. "Who is that guy?" asked Esmeralda in wonder.
"The Digimon Analyser can't get anything on him!" said Joe.
Darkfryer recognized the enemy. "That's Overlord GAIA! His face looks just like True GAIA's!"
Lillith remembered seeing an object soar through the air. "That must have been True GAIA I saw flying through the air! We'd better distract this guy off 'til he gets back."
Joe's Vikemon drew his maces and charged. "Viking Mace!"
Mimi's Rosemon lashed a thorny vine as though it was a whip. "Thorn Whip!"
Overlord's arms, Rosemon's whip, and Vikemon's maces clanged with each hit. With a series of clangs, each fighter parried his or her enemy's attacks, and neither side would give any ground. Overlord GAIA detached his arms and they began pursuing the enemy. The left arm caught Vikemon by the throat, and he gasped for precious air. The right punched Rosemon hard in the solar plexus, bending her over. Lillith snuck behind Overlord GAIA and slashed him fiercely with Nazar Nails. To her surprise, the attack had no effect.
Asuramon's fist bathed in flames. "Hand of Asura!" He punched forward, spraying a roaring cone of flame, but Overlord GAIA blocked.
Overlord countered by firing a beam of gold, and the explosion floored Asuramon. Overlord's left arm backed off and then shot forward and nailed Vikemon between the eyes. Overlord reattached his arms and with a swatting movement, he smacked Lillith into the ground. Before he could react, Overlord GAIA lurched forward as though struck from behind. He recovered and glared at his attacker, Darkfryer. Another pair of violet energy beams struck, but only served to nudge Overlord GAIA rather than cause any real harm.
"Leave them alone!"
"...Or what? You're going fire those pea shooters at me?"
Without warning, Overlord GAIA discharged powerful lightning upon the fallen bodies of Vikemon, Rosemon, and Lillith. The air was filled with the suffocating smell of something being burned. The Digimon writhed in pain, and screamed in agony. Overlord GAIA stopped to savour the moment, watching the blue sparks die down, and his enemies suffering. He cracked a feral grin before unleashing another electrical surge. This time Darkfryer was able to intervene, and erected a barrier of dark energy.
Overlord GAIA stopped his attack. "You can't protect them forever!" Electricity crackled from Overlord's fingertips once again, putting great pressure on Darkfryer's barrier.
Darkfryer struggled to maintain his shield, despite the power of Overlord GAIA's attack. "I don't know how long I can keep this up..."
Another flash of lightning struck, and it crackled as it impacted the shield. "I know you have the Kernel Zone's energy, but it is nothing compared to mine."
With a final blast, Overlord GAIA overpowered the shield. Darkfryer gasped and convulsed in pain. His strength was drained, and he reverted back to the form of a small black dinosaur. This dinosaur looked cute with his flat nose and innocent green eyes. His claws and teeth, on the other hand, looked very sharp and dangerous. This Digimon was Black Agumon, a Viral counterpart to the Vaccine Agumon that was Tai's partner.
Out of desperation, Joe fired the Digibeetle cannons. Overlord was miffed and considered the Digidestined and Esmeralda to be nuisances. Electricity crackled and jumped from his fingertips and into the Digibeetle. The electricity had force behind it, pushing the Digibeetle back before finally toppling it on its right. Inside, the passengers were thrown about, and Mimi's head banged into metal.
When everything calmed down, Esmeralda made a status check. "Is everyone ok?"
"Mimi, wake up!" Joe checked Mimi's condition, and showed Esmeralda the bruise on Mimi's forehead. "She's alive, but unconscious. She hit her head during that shake up."
"We can't stay here, we'd better get out of here. Get Mimi, Joe, I'm going to open the hatch."
Joe and Esmeralda hit a button on their belts. Instantly, a hard black shell encased their bodies. It was made of a weightless metallic material and shaped itself to the contours of their bodies. Esmeralda managed to open the hatch and gestured to Joe. Being as gentle as possible, Joe picked Mimi up and carried her out. Meanwhile, Overlord GAIA had turned his attention back to the Digimon. He grinned as he looked upon each of their broken bodies.
Overlord GAIA charged electricity. "...And now for the death blow!"
Darkfryer looked on in fear. "Pepper Breath!"
Out of desperation, he spit a fireball. Overlord GAIA allowed the fireball to hit without flinching even slightly. Overlord backhanded Darkfryer with a single swatting gesture. Darkfryer bounced along the ground like tumbleweed before coming to an abrupt stop. Overlord saw his chance and began to charge up for an attack. Electricity crackled as it surged all over his body. Suddenly, a blade of darkness punctured his head!
Darkfryer scanned around to see his Tamer, behind the enemy. "True GAIA? You couldn't have come at a better time!"
"Sorry, I got delayed and had to make a long run back. Let's finish him off!" A searing beam of golden light burst forth from True GAIA's cupped hands. With their morale soaring, Asuramon, Vikemon, Rosemon, and Lillith got up for one last attack.
"Phantom Pain!"
Vikemon inhaled and sprayed snow, and biting, icy wind. "Arctic Blizzard!"
"Hand of Asura!"
"Thorn Whip!"
The attacks collided and produced a massive, blinding explosion. Overlord GAIA was consumed by the blast and when it cleared, nothing remain. Overlord GAIA had been completely annihilated. True GAIA's sword flipped into the air and struck the ground with a loud clang. Everyone cheered with fervour at his or her hard won victory over evil.
"What happened to her?" asked True GAIA.
Joe proceeded to tell him about how Mimi got knocked out. "...And that's how Mimi ended up like this."
"No problem," True GAIA's hands glowed green and he touched on Mimi's bruise.
Mimi immediately recovered. "Wha... What happened?"
Esmeralda told Mimi about how Joe took care of her.
"Er, yeah, that's how things turned out," admitted Joe modestly.
Mimi hugged Joe as her way of saying "thank you." Joe's face turned a beat red from embarrassment.
Vikemon regressed to Gomamon and smirked. "You two make a cute couple!"
Joe was at a loss for words, and everyone laughed.
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Days later, Akira, Joe, Mimi, Esmeralda, and their Digimon found themselves walking down the centre aisle of a great auditorium. They were being honoured as war heroes. Guard Tamers, Digidestined, and Digimon were seated in anticipation all around them. At the front on the stage were the Chiefs of the Guard Teams and the mayor of Digital City. Throughout the room was a deep sensation of pride and great accomplishment.
The mayor was a balding man in his sixties, with grey hair and wearing a grey suit. He was behind a wooden podium with a microphone attached on top it. The mayor was smiling with pride. Beside him on a table were a set of gold medals and chevrons to be awarded. From left to right stood Vandar, Cecilia, and Skull behind the table. The war heroes marched up to the stage looking amidst the crowd for their friends.
Akira looked left to see the members of his squad, Zudokorn, Debbie, Sheena, Joy Joy, Bertran, and their Digimon. All of them were happy and elated, except for Bertran, who was somewhat miffed. He was jealous of all the praise the war heroes were receiving, especially Akira. Esmeralda looked right and saw her group of friends cheering for her. The group continued to the front, looking among the crowd for their friends. Joe and Mimi spotted the other Digidestined.
"Awesome, Joe!"
"You go, girl!"
"Way to go, Joe!"
"Girl power!"
The group made it to the front with Esmeralda in the lead. The mayor of Digital City took one of the medals and placed it around Esmeralda's neck. She moved to Vandar, who clipped one of the gold chevrons on her uniform, making this her seventh. Esmeralda had been promoted to the rank of Elite. She shook the hands of the mayor and her Chief, before standing to his left to face the applause and cheers of the audience.
Joe and Mimi came up and like Esmeralda, they received medals. These medals were the most prestigious reward for courage the Guard Tamers could give to a person who wasn't a Guard Tamer. Joe and Mimi shook the mayor's hand and stood beside Esmeralda. Next up was Akira, who received a medal, and a new chevron. This was his eighth, and thus Akira was promoted from Elite to the rank of Commander. He shook the mayor and Skull's hand and took his place left of the mayor with the others.
Finally, the Digimon came for their honours. Each received a medal for honouring their courage on the battlefield. Like with Joe and Mimi, Palmon and Gomamon's medals were the highest reward for those who weren't Guard Tamers. The rest of the Digimon, Asuramon, Darkfryer, and Lillith, received their medals. All of the Digimon took position near their partners. The audience was caught up in the fervour of pride as they applauded. In unison, they stood up with the heroes' friends cheering rowdily.
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THE END
I would like to thank all who commented on my story. I've currently planning out a sequel for this story so keep an eye out for when it's released.