Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.
Thanks to all who reviewed! A little note: Yes, I have one of the characters know about the first two seasons of Digimon, which isn't so, but that's why I write fanfiction and not for the show. Ah well.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Kazu lay, frozen in fear, listening to the large, slow, deliberate thumps echoing in the otherwise still night. His breath caught in his throat as his imagination disobediently began to spit out possibilities of what could be lurking in the darkness. Hulking beasts with glistening teeth and claws, oh so long, waiting, just waiting for someone to stumble into its dark embrace.
This horrendous thought scared the boy so much that he involuntarily jerked, letting him catch a glimpse of Guilmon's tail beating upon the ground in his slumber.
The boy let out an agitated groan at his own stupidity, falling back to the ground. He really needed to learn how to be braver. A true Tamer would never be afraid of some nighttime noises.
But he wasn't a Tamer, was he? He was the boy without a Digimon, someone who had gotten on this mission purely by insistence. Kenta's insistence. Suddenly he thought of his bed, deep and warm and safe, and regretted ever leaving it.
"Hey, Kazu?" Speak of the devil.
"Huh? Oh, hi, Kenta."
"Would you mind shutting up?" Kenta snapped. "Some of us are trying to rest."
"Couldn't sleep either, neh?"
"Not a wink. What were you thinking about? Nothing, right?"
"No," and here Kazu was stopped. What could he say? That he was suddenly resenting the other boy for making him come to this place? That his stomach was rumbling with hunger? That he had just realized he had never really gotten over his fear of the dark? He winced privately at his own wimpiness, saying simply, "My Digimon."
"You don't have one. Neither of us do."
"I meant if I ever got one, and you know it."
"Yeah. I wonder what mine would be?"
"I dunno," Kazu said, not very keen on prolonging the conversation.
"What sort do you want, then?" Kenta flipped onto his stomach for a better view of the black-haired boy.
"Don't really know that, either. something that-" loves me- "fights well."
"Heh, you want an Augumon, I bet. Tai always was your favorite character in the show."
Kazu silently cursed the other for knowing him so well. He hated being predictable. "Bet yours is the girliest in the Digital World."
"Hey!" Kenta began to yell, but stopped as he realized the sound would wake up the others. He contented himself with hissing, "Are you saying I'm gay?!"
"No," Kazu mumbled, rolling his eyes at his homophobic friend, a gesture that was perhaps best left unseen in the shadows.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The light whooshed over the surrounding land, leaving no trace of the heavy night it had shoved away. Henry bit his lip. He felt unduly worried- then again, that seemed to always be the case. His mother thought so too; how often had she told him he would be sporting gray hair when he was thirty?
Terriermon wiggled out of his self-made blanket of ear and coked his head at his Tamer.
"What's up, Henry?"
"Nothing."
"What's up, Henry?"
"I said-"
"I know what you *said*. Now what's up?"
Henry shot his Digimon a wry look, then sighed and shook his head. "It's not worth talking about, really. I'm just worried for nothing."
Terriermon smiled a cheeky grin. "Momentai! There's nothing to be worried about." He puffed out his chest, the gesture looking slightly silly on such a tiny thing as he, and proclaimed, "Henry, you've got the all- powerful Terriermon at your side! So what's the worry?"
Henry fell back onto the ground. "Great. Death. Just what I wanted."
The irate Digimon head butted him nicely in the stomach, causing him to curl up, coughing. "Hey, I was joking!"
"Shaddup then."
Henry smiled and ruffled Terriermon's ears. "Hey, I've got complete faith in you. Come on, you-"
The rest of his words were cut short as the shadow flew down from the sky, screeching its attack.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A terrible scream ripped through the camp. Renamon paused only to shake Rika awake before she bounded across the short distance to the pile of rocks separating her from its source. She leapt up high and landed on top of them, blue eyes widening as she viewed the scene below her.
Behind, the group was groggily coming to comprehend what was happening. Rika was dashing toward her battle-ready Digimon. Kazu and Kenta, yawning and stretching, began to yell in protest as Leomon grabbed each of them and threw them behind a boulder. The cat digimon cut them off with a paw as he ordered, "Stay here. We don't need you two getting in trouble!"
He appeared to take no notice of the mutinous glares and mumbles as he picked up Jeri and ran toward Renamon.
"Digi Modify! Hyper Speed activate!" Rika said, adrenaline already beginning to pump in her veins. Her Digimon suddenly blurred out of sight as she threw herself at the enormous Devimon that loomed overhead, battered boy and fallen Digimon at his feet. The virus Digimon easily dodged her.
The golden beast doubled back and leapt into the air, releasing her most potent attack. "Diamond Storm!"
Beautiful jewels formed in her arms and flew through the air toward Devimon. He shuddered as they hit him but threw out an arm, yelling from the rush of battle as an open claw struck Renamon. She flew through the air and landed in a crumpled heap.
"Renamon!" Rika cried, horrified, but there was nothing to be done for her.
"Fist of the Beast King!" Leomon roared. Devimon dodged the flaming missile and it sped toward the bruised and battered figures on the ground.
Henry was lying on the ground, almost unconscious. Devimon had surprised them both by leaping at the Tamer from behind, and the resulting battle had been swift and brutal. He would have fainted from the strain had not a faint nagging sensation still pulled on his mind. He managed to crack open one gray eye to see Leomon's attack.
"Crap," he murmured.
"Digi Modify! Wargreymon Braveshield activate!"
Something enormous blocked Henry view. There was a soft phutting sound as the attack evaporated on the smooth metal surface.
"Henry! Terriermon! Are you two okay?" a gentle voice asked him.
Takato. Henry slowly recognized his slightly burnt friend, ruby eyes wide with worry. Similarly Guilmon was holding his shield with one claw and poking at Terriermon with the other.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," he answered weakly. "What. happened?"
Takato ignored the well-meant lie, his admittedly motherly instincts taking over as he began to check for serious wounds. "You were attacked. A Devimon did it, I think." Nervously he rocked on his heels, unthinkingly blurting out, "I'm worried! You both look like crap!"
The ill-timed comment managed to agitate Terriermon into motion. "Hey, you don't look so hot yourself, crispy."
"Terriermon!"
The green and white Digimon turned to him. "C'mon, Henry! No point lying here while our friends get themselves killed trying to save us!"
Friends. Why.
Henry's head suddenly cleared. He winced at the pain in his head as he pulled himself into a sitting position and pulled out the necessary card.
"Digi Modify! Digivolution activate!"
A bright green light blasted over the battle. Everyone paused to see the growing power behind them.
"Terriermon Digivolve to. GARGOMON!"
The newly evolved rabbit Digimon smirked at the stunned look on the Devimon's face.
"You haven't seen the half of it, you overgrown bat! Gargo Laser!"
The digital bullets raced toward the target for certain destruction.
But Devimon simply stared with his burning red eyes. He hadn't survived this long in the digital world without learning a few tricks. He stayed still until the last second, then reached out and sank his claws into Leomon's muscular flank. The cat Digimon roared in pain as he was pulled in front of his attacker. Garbomon's attack hit him full in the chest, causing the already wounded beast to fall to his knees. Jeri screamed.
"Crap!" Gargomon said eloquently.
"Now why didn't I think of that?" Rika hissed to herself as she saw the Digivolution. She followed suit and soon a rejuvenated Kyuubimon was ready for action.
"Foxtail Inferno!" she yelled. Drops of light formed on her tails and launched themselves at Devimon. He snorted as he dodged them. Rika chewed her lip; she had never seen a Digimon of this agility before.
Then he spoke.
"I tire of these foolish games!" he roared, as his red eyes roved the scene. Champion, Champion, Champion! The only choice he had left was that Guilmon, and judging by the weakness threatening to wash over him, the energy he had picked up from the card swipes was wearing off.
He made toward Kyuubimon, acting as though he was foolish enough to attack a healthy Champion. As he had guessed, she fell for it and wound up another attack. "Dragon Wheel!"
With one claw he grabbed the Guilmon and thrust him out. The attack hit the rookie dinosaur full on. Devimon felt him go limp as he dropped him to the ground.
"Guilmon!" his target Tamer screamed, frozen in shock, as Guilmon began to dissolve. Everyone, even the barren humans, was looking in silent horror at their dying friend, Kyuubimon herself rolling out of her attack in surprise and guilt. Not one even glanced at him.
Foolish, fatal mistake.
"TOUCH OF EVIL!"
Takato gave a brief jerk as one dark claw gripped his Digivice, then falling completely immobile. Blood drained from his face as he felt his connection with Guilmon fading and being replaced with this being of shadow slowly draining into his Digivice. Leomon looked up and saw what was happening, knew what Devimon was doing- but he was too weak to stop it. His strength only went far enough for him to see Takato's Digivice absorb Devimon.
Guilmon abruptly stopped fading and returned. Leomon saw, to his right, Jeri swelling with happiness as she saw what she thought must be Devimon's defeat and Guilmon's restoration. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, as he knew better; he had been dying in Takato's service and now he was free.
"Yes!" the humans yelled, slapping hands. Henry thumped Takato on the back. "Lucky break, man!"
Takato stared at him, puzzlement and then anger flooding him. "What are you talking about? You nearly killed my Digimon!"
Henry looked slightly taken aback at this unexpected response. "Takato- I'm sorry, but Devimon was the one who endangered Guilmon-"
"And we were going to blow him to bits," Rika added bluntly.
"How- how-" Takato seemed lost for words, "How could you?! I thought you were my friends!"
"Which is why we were protecting you, you friggin idiot!" the redheaded girl snapped.
"I don't care about myself! I just want my Digimon to be safe, don't you get that?" Takato cried.
And, when it was clear his friends didn't get it, "My Digimon! Devimon!"
The camp froze. Looks went to Guilmon, who was looking stricken, and then Takato's Digivice. The fiery ruby band was slowly darkening to blood red, and a pulsing black Digiegg was visible on the screen.
Leomon smiled bitterly, the only one that understood. "That attack, my friends, was the stealing of our Tamer."
Thanks to all who reviewed! A little note: Yes, I have one of the characters know about the first two seasons of Digimon, which isn't so, but that's why I write fanfiction and not for the show. Ah well.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Kazu lay, frozen in fear, listening to the large, slow, deliberate thumps echoing in the otherwise still night. His breath caught in his throat as his imagination disobediently began to spit out possibilities of what could be lurking in the darkness. Hulking beasts with glistening teeth and claws, oh so long, waiting, just waiting for someone to stumble into its dark embrace.
This horrendous thought scared the boy so much that he involuntarily jerked, letting him catch a glimpse of Guilmon's tail beating upon the ground in his slumber.
The boy let out an agitated groan at his own stupidity, falling back to the ground. He really needed to learn how to be braver. A true Tamer would never be afraid of some nighttime noises.
But he wasn't a Tamer, was he? He was the boy without a Digimon, someone who had gotten on this mission purely by insistence. Kenta's insistence. Suddenly he thought of his bed, deep and warm and safe, and regretted ever leaving it.
"Hey, Kazu?" Speak of the devil.
"Huh? Oh, hi, Kenta."
"Would you mind shutting up?" Kenta snapped. "Some of us are trying to rest."
"Couldn't sleep either, neh?"
"Not a wink. What were you thinking about? Nothing, right?"
"No," and here Kazu was stopped. What could he say? That he was suddenly resenting the other boy for making him come to this place? That his stomach was rumbling with hunger? That he had just realized he had never really gotten over his fear of the dark? He winced privately at his own wimpiness, saying simply, "My Digimon."
"You don't have one. Neither of us do."
"I meant if I ever got one, and you know it."
"Yeah. I wonder what mine would be?"
"I dunno," Kazu said, not very keen on prolonging the conversation.
"What sort do you want, then?" Kenta flipped onto his stomach for a better view of the black-haired boy.
"Don't really know that, either. something that-" loves me- "fights well."
"Heh, you want an Augumon, I bet. Tai always was your favorite character in the show."
Kazu silently cursed the other for knowing him so well. He hated being predictable. "Bet yours is the girliest in the Digital World."
"Hey!" Kenta began to yell, but stopped as he realized the sound would wake up the others. He contented himself with hissing, "Are you saying I'm gay?!"
"No," Kazu mumbled, rolling his eyes at his homophobic friend, a gesture that was perhaps best left unseen in the shadows.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The light whooshed over the surrounding land, leaving no trace of the heavy night it had shoved away. Henry bit his lip. He felt unduly worried- then again, that seemed to always be the case. His mother thought so too; how often had she told him he would be sporting gray hair when he was thirty?
Terriermon wiggled out of his self-made blanket of ear and coked his head at his Tamer.
"What's up, Henry?"
"Nothing."
"What's up, Henry?"
"I said-"
"I know what you *said*. Now what's up?"
Henry shot his Digimon a wry look, then sighed and shook his head. "It's not worth talking about, really. I'm just worried for nothing."
Terriermon smiled a cheeky grin. "Momentai! There's nothing to be worried about." He puffed out his chest, the gesture looking slightly silly on such a tiny thing as he, and proclaimed, "Henry, you've got the all- powerful Terriermon at your side! So what's the worry?"
Henry fell back onto the ground. "Great. Death. Just what I wanted."
The irate Digimon head butted him nicely in the stomach, causing him to curl up, coughing. "Hey, I was joking!"
"Shaddup then."
Henry smiled and ruffled Terriermon's ears. "Hey, I've got complete faith in you. Come on, you-"
The rest of his words were cut short as the shadow flew down from the sky, screeching its attack.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A terrible scream ripped through the camp. Renamon paused only to shake Rika awake before she bounded across the short distance to the pile of rocks separating her from its source. She leapt up high and landed on top of them, blue eyes widening as she viewed the scene below her.
Behind, the group was groggily coming to comprehend what was happening. Rika was dashing toward her battle-ready Digimon. Kazu and Kenta, yawning and stretching, began to yell in protest as Leomon grabbed each of them and threw them behind a boulder. The cat digimon cut them off with a paw as he ordered, "Stay here. We don't need you two getting in trouble!"
He appeared to take no notice of the mutinous glares and mumbles as he picked up Jeri and ran toward Renamon.
"Digi Modify! Hyper Speed activate!" Rika said, adrenaline already beginning to pump in her veins. Her Digimon suddenly blurred out of sight as she threw herself at the enormous Devimon that loomed overhead, battered boy and fallen Digimon at his feet. The virus Digimon easily dodged her.
The golden beast doubled back and leapt into the air, releasing her most potent attack. "Diamond Storm!"
Beautiful jewels formed in her arms and flew through the air toward Devimon. He shuddered as they hit him but threw out an arm, yelling from the rush of battle as an open claw struck Renamon. She flew through the air and landed in a crumpled heap.
"Renamon!" Rika cried, horrified, but there was nothing to be done for her.
"Fist of the Beast King!" Leomon roared. Devimon dodged the flaming missile and it sped toward the bruised and battered figures on the ground.
Henry was lying on the ground, almost unconscious. Devimon had surprised them both by leaping at the Tamer from behind, and the resulting battle had been swift and brutal. He would have fainted from the strain had not a faint nagging sensation still pulled on his mind. He managed to crack open one gray eye to see Leomon's attack.
"Crap," he murmured.
"Digi Modify! Wargreymon Braveshield activate!"
Something enormous blocked Henry view. There was a soft phutting sound as the attack evaporated on the smooth metal surface.
"Henry! Terriermon! Are you two okay?" a gentle voice asked him.
Takato. Henry slowly recognized his slightly burnt friend, ruby eyes wide with worry. Similarly Guilmon was holding his shield with one claw and poking at Terriermon with the other.
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," he answered weakly. "What. happened?"
Takato ignored the well-meant lie, his admittedly motherly instincts taking over as he began to check for serious wounds. "You were attacked. A Devimon did it, I think." Nervously he rocked on his heels, unthinkingly blurting out, "I'm worried! You both look like crap!"
The ill-timed comment managed to agitate Terriermon into motion. "Hey, you don't look so hot yourself, crispy."
"Terriermon!"
The green and white Digimon turned to him. "C'mon, Henry! No point lying here while our friends get themselves killed trying to save us!"
Friends. Why.
Henry's head suddenly cleared. He winced at the pain in his head as he pulled himself into a sitting position and pulled out the necessary card.
"Digi Modify! Digivolution activate!"
A bright green light blasted over the battle. Everyone paused to see the growing power behind them.
"Terriermon Digivolve to. GARGOMON!"
The newly evolved rabbit Digimon smirked at the stunned look on the Devimon's face.
"You haven't seen the half of it, you overgrown bat! Gargo Laser!"
The digital bullets raced toward the target for certain destruction.
But Devimon simply stared with his burning red eyes. He hadn't survived this long in the digital world without learning a few tricks. He stayed still until the last second, then reached out and sank his claws into Leomon's muscular flank. The cat Digimon roared in pain as he was pulled in front of his attacker. Garbomon's attack hit him full in the chest, causing the already wounded beast to fall to his knees. Jeri screamed.
"Crap!" Gargomon said eloquently.
"Now why didn't I think of that?" Rika hissed to herself as she saw the Digivolution. She followed suit and soon a rejuvenated Kyuubimon was ready for action.
"Foxtail Inferno!" she yelled. Drops of light formed on her tails and launched themselves at Devimon. He snorted as he dodged them. Rika chewed her lip; she had never seen a Digimon of this agility before.
Then he spoke.
"I tire of these foolish games!" he roared, as his red eyes roved the scene. Champion, Champion, Champion! The only choice he had left was that Guilmon, and judging by the weakness threatening to wash over him, the energy he had picked up from the card swipes was wearing off.
He made toward Kyuubimon, acting as though he was foolish enough to attack a healthy Champion. As he had guessed, she fell for it and wound up another attack. "Dragon Wheel!"
With one claw he grabbed the Guilmon and thrust him out. The attack hit the rookie dinosaur full on. Devimon felt him go limp as he dropped him to the ground.
"Guilmon!" his target Tamer screamed, frozen in shock, as Guilmon began to dissolve. Everyone, even the barren humans, was looking in silent horror at their dying friend, Kyuubimon herself rolling out of her attack in surprise and guilt. Not one even glanced at him.
Foolish, fatal mistake.
"TOUCH OF EVIL!"
Takato gave a brief jerk as one dark claw gripped his Digivice, then falling completely immobile. Blood drained from his face as he felt his connection with Guilmon fading and being replaced with this being of shadow slowly draining into his Digivice. Leomon looked up and saw what was happening, knew what Devimon was doing- but he was too weak to stop it. His strength only went far enough for him to see Takato's Digivice absorb Devimon.
Guilmon abruptly stopped fading and returned. Leomon saw, to his right, Jeri swelling with happiness as she saw what she thought must be Devimon's defeat and Guilmon's restoration. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, as he knew better; he had been dying in Takato's service and now he was free.
"Yes!" the humans yelled, slapping hands. Henry thumped Takato on the back. "Lucky break, man!"
Takato stared at him, puzzlement and then anger flooding him. "What are you talking about? You nearly killed my Digimon!"
Henry looked slightly taken aback at this unexpected response. "Takato- I'm sorry, but Devimon was the one who endangered Guilmon-"
"And we were going to blow him to bits," Rika added bluntly.
"How- how-" Takato seemed lost for words, "How could you?! I thought you were my friends!"
"Which is why we were protecting you, you friggin idiot!" the redheaded girl snapped.
"I don't care about myself! I just want my Digimon to be safe, don't you get that?" Takato cried.
And, when it was clear his friends didn't get it, "My Digimon! Devimon!"
The camp froze. Looks went to Guilmon, who was looking stricken, and then Takato's Digivice. The fiery ruby band was slowly darkening to blood red, and a pulsing black Digiegg was visible on the screen.
Leomon smiled bitterly, the only one that understood. "That attack, my friends, was the stealing of our Tamer."