Episode Four
Matt was still recovering from his capture by Venomon and Zerec. He hadn't actually woken up fully since Snyper had recovered him. By giving Venomon himself. TK thought. Snyper had told TK to take care of the others. He had told TK that he was Hunter's brother. He had told TK to use his guns to protect the others. Takeru had answered that he couldn't kill. But, maybe, just maybe, he could. If something threatened his brother, Kari, or the others, he definitely would use the guns. He couldn't help but wondering why Snyper had picked him and not Tai or Joe or Izzy. Well, Joe he could understand, and possibly Izzy, but why not Tai? He was the leader, and he was the bravest. Why hadn't he given the guns, and responsibility, to him? And where was Snyper?
Snyper was currently in the same room that Matt had been held, and in the exact same position. The first thing that Snyper realized was that his right arm was very heavy. He fought to open his eyes. He saw that the ice was still on it. They must've drugged me with something. Snyper thought. He realized that his shirt was stained with his own blood. Then it came back to him in a flash. Zerec had tied him up there, and had asked why he was with the kids. Snyper had smiled in response. He didn't like that, the young man thought with some satisfaction. But then Zerec had pulled up his tray of drugs. He told Snyper that he would tell them all. Zerec was always a bit melodramatic. The man had filled a needle with a drug and had injected him with it. That was when he had lost consciousness. But Snyper was awake now, and he looked around, desperate for a way to get out. No opportunity presented itself. It took Snyper a moment to realize that dust was rising in the room. It took him another two moments to feel and see everything shaking. He briefly wondered if it was an earthquake. But it wasn't strong enough to be an earthquake. It stopped as fast as it had started. Then, his good hearing caught something. It sounded like two guards walking past.
"I don't see why Zerec keeps that thing." One said.
"Who knows? But he and Venomon still have a plan for it. We just need to keep pumping it with drugs."
"Well, with all the stuff we put in him that time, he should be asleep for at least a week." Snyper had to smirk. Everybody underestimates the will to be free. I bet that thing will cause this castle to go haywire in three days. Maybe that would give him a chance for escape. Then, Zerec opened the door.
"Well Snyper, it seems I finally have you."
"Seems being the operative word." He replied.
"Yes, it is, isn't it? But what I like about this situation is this." Zerec said as he tapped the ice that covered Snyper's right arm. Snyper winced involuntarily. Zerec smiled maliciously. "Hurts huh? Well then, maybe I will do a favor for you. How would you like a new hand?" Zerec smiled. "I thought it would hurt, so I took a few little details into my hand. Or, should I say, your hand?" He smiled as men came in carrying some boxes of equipment. Zerec opened them and brought out several sizes of pick and chisel.
"I suppose you are going to do it yourself?" Snyper asked.
"Oh come now, I may be many things, but an architecture or ice sculpture I am not. No, I would not want to deprive you of a wonderful hand. These are specialists. You know, it's a strange thing about Venomon's ice attack. It doesn't melt off. You have to chip it off. Or, cut it off." Zerec said with a malicious smile. One of the specialists brought out what looked like a small, automatic cutting knife. It started whirring. The man brought it up to Snyper's ice arm. He started cutting. Snyper grimaced and beared his teeth at Venomon, trying to bear the pain. It seemed to continue for an eternity. Then, he stopped. Snyper looked back. Most of the ice was gone, but at the very end, it was still around his stump. "Now, this is where it gets interesting." Zerec said as another specialist came up with a chisel and pick. He started tapping away on the ice on Snyper's stump. Snyper's features contorted in a silent scream. He bore the pain as long as he could, then, he slumped down. "Oh dear, it seems he fainted. Whether he is dead from the pain or not, who cares? Continue with his new hand." Zerec smiled bloodthirstily.
Kari was up and moving around. That was a piece of good news. But Matt was still out. It had been two days and he had barely woken up. It was obvious that he had no idea what was going on. TK was acting strangely. You never saw him without a machine gun in his hands. Or, as he said, an AR33. And he seemed to regard the guns and trenchcoat as sort of sacred objects. To Sora, it seemed something dark had come over the Ishida family since Snyper appeared. Tai had decided to stay where they were until Matt could move around. But Joe replied that that might take some time.
"We'll move him." TK said.
"Are you sure about that?" Mimi asked.
"Positive. They know exactly where we are. If we move, it will throw them off. Iezer, can you carry Matt?"
"No problem TK." Iezer replied as if the boy was in charge. Iezer carefully picked up Matt and put him on his back. Tai led the way, and TK and his machine gun brought up the rear. Iezer had also volunteered to carry the other guns bundled in the trenchcoat. They walked for a ways, until Agumon spotted something. He ran up a tree.
"It looks like a city just over that hill." He said, looked far into the distance. They started walking.
"Where am I TK?" He asked.
"You are in a field in the half digital world, half real world."
"Oh, yeah. Wait, what about Snyper?!" Matt said as he sat upright. He immediately regretted it as a wave of pain washed over him. He held his head. He felt the unfamiliar bandage. "What's this doing here?" He asked. "My head feels fine." He then looked down at his arm and chest. His right arm was in a sling, as his chest and ribs were in bandages. Then he lay back down. "Now I remember. Venomon captured. Wait! Snyper didn't go with him, did he?"
"He told me to take all the guns and protect the others. He stayed behind and tried to kill Zerec and the other one, but they took him."
"As I thought. That stupid idiot. He should have stayed here. TK, go over and get me a few guns."
A deep, guttural bark sounded behind them. Iezer was there, with the guns and trenchcoat. TK took off two pistols and a machine gun and gave it to Matt. Matt nodded his thanks.
"Looks like two cars and several Digimon coming up toward us." Birdramon reported from her high position.
"TK, get in the bushes. And take some more magazines with you. If they are after us, you will be an added surprise. I wish Gabumon was here." Matt said. The jeep rolled up and stopped beyond the forest in front of them. It seemed they had some hound like Digimon that were tracking a scent. Their scent! Tai realized this as they all turned towards them. "Agumon, you and the others have the Digimon, me and TK got the humans." Matt told the dinosaur Digimon. Agumon nodded. Sora went out and stood on open ground. "Dammit Sora, what are you doing?" He whispered.
"Can we do something for you?" She asked. Their heads snapped up and some brought out their guns.
"Tai! Get her out of there!" Matt yelled as he fired his machine gun. Tai ran out and grabbed her. The enemy walked right by the place where TK was hiding, firing at Matt all the time. TK gripped the Uzi in his hand and looked at the other weapons by his side. How could he kill a living, breathing person, just like him? How did Snyper and Matt do it with such ease? Because our lives depend on it. Snyper's voice answered him. TK nodded and took aim at the men. He fired at the one closest to him. The man fell with blood on the ground. TK watched him with horror. The others hadn't yet realized that there was an enemy on their left flank. TK saw the bullets hit around his brother's hiding place and fired again, this time holding the trigger down. Three more fell before one realized TK was hiding there. The man turned and fired. TK ducked down as bullets zinged around him.
Zerec smiled at the artistic work the specialists had made. Snyper still hadn't woken up. He checked the young man for a pulse. Nothing. He smiled again. At least Zerec was able to give him a last few painful moments. Snyper finally had a hand. An ice hand, but a hand just the same. Just to make sure he was dead, Zerec pulled out his pistol and shot his enemy three times in the chest. Snyper did not react in any way. Zerec smiled to himself. The Digi-destined would be lost without Snyper. And it helped to have that animal next door. He walked into the control room and looked at the TV screens. He smiled. They would have no chance without Snyper to protect them. He watched the battle go on. Then, one of the men fell with no explanation. Zerec's smile faded. No bullets that Snyper's friend was shooting had reached him. Then he saw a small head appear. It was that Ishida's little brother! Where did he get those guns? Who had told him to kill? The realization dawned on Zerec. Snyper had made some preparations. That was why he had chased them away the first time. But he could not help them now. Several of his men turned toward the small kid and fired. One bullet found its mark. He saw the kid open his mouth and cry out something.
TK realized that the bullets were hitting nearer to him. He didn't care. He had to protect the others. Let him die. The others would be saved. Matt saw the men turn toward his brother. He got four of the ones shooting at TK. Then, his gun clicked empty. He swore and grabbed another magazine. He looked up at where TK was. TK realized that his brother was trying to protect him. He fired at the men shooting at Matt and smiled. It was strange how battles worked out. They were taking out each other's enemy. Then, TK dropped his gun. He had no idea why, until pain shot up through his arm. He grabbed his arm, realizing he had been shot. Fear shot through Matt as he saw his brother go down. Oh damn no. No no no no no no! Matt yelled inside his mind. Then, he saw his brother rise and lift his head.
"SNYPER! WE NEED YOU NOW!"
Deep in the dungeons of Venomon's castle, in the torture room, where ice still laid all over the floor, something entered the room. Something that had to do with a boy's cries. Something that went straight into the limp body hanging there. The boy's head shot up. He looked at his ice hand Zerec had so cruelly made. He yanked hard on the bonds. It came free. Then he unhooked his left hand. He unhooked his left hand with his right hand! He experimentally moved the fingers on his ice hand. They worked perfectly. Then something dripping onto him caught his attention. He looked down at his chest. There were three holes in it. He watched it, not yet comprehending what had just happened. Then, before his eyes, the holes closed up, leaving only a bloodstained tanktop. He smiled and walked toward the door. He lifted his foot and brought it down. The two guards looked stunned. He merely grabbed both of them and threw them out the window. He walked into Zerec's quarters. He wasn't there. He turned to leave, but something caught his eye. It was his gun! It was on the shelf. He grabbed it, not even bothering to check it's magazine. The special thing about this gun was that it never needed more ammo. He didn't know why, and didn't really care to know. Just as he reached for the handle of the door to walk out, the castle started to rock again. A mischievious smile appeared on his face. He walked toward where it was originating. He saw several people in white coats run in. The guards that were behind them turned the corner, only to see Snyper's laser sight on their chest. He quickly killed them and walked into the room. There was an animal in a cage, with guards on all four sides. With a calmness only a veteran can have, he brought up his gun and fired twice. The two guards that were left brought up their machine guns. One was blasted back by the creature. Snyper grabbed a scientist and put the scientist in-between him and the bullets. He then brought up his weapon and fired. The other scientists quickly ran out the door. Snyper ignored them and walked up to the cage. He shot the lock on it. The creature rammed the gate open and pinned Snyper against the wall. It was the first time Snyper had gotten a good look at the creature. It looked a little like Iezer, except there were metal parts. Then something clicked inside Snyper's mind.
"MetalGarrurumon?" He asked.
"Who wants to know?" It replied in a growling voice.
"A friend of Matt's." Snyper said. The Digimon instantly released his grip, letting Snyper drop to the floor.
"Where is Matt?" It asked.
"Matt is in trouble. Now, let's see if we can find a way out of here." He said. He walked into the hallway. Nobody was there. He turned down the hall and started walking, with the Mega Digimon by his side.
Zerec noticed, with some annoyance, that there was somebody inside his castle screaming. He flipped through the camera angles until he saw what he was looking for. They weren't inside his castle; they were falling down it! It was two guards! He looked for what sector they were in. Then, the screaming grew louder and something fell by his window. No, two something's. But the only thing above him was Snyper's resting-place and MetalGarrurumon's cage. It must be that damn Digimon. He started to search for those cameras when Venomon came in.
"Do we have a problem?" Venomon asked.
"It appears that MetalGarrurumon has escaped." Zerec replied as he flipped through the cameras. Then he saw it. The back end of the Digimon rounding a corner. "He's headed for the top." Zerec said as he got out of his chair. Venomon turned to go with him.
"Are you sure this is the way to the top?" Snyper asked as he looked around a corner.
"Perhaps you would like to try finding your way through something when you are much smaller and blindfolded?" He asked.
"Whatever MG." Snyper said, giving the Digimon a nickname. "Hold it, people approaching." Snyper said as he listened.
"It appears so. Shall we meet them in the open, or just surprise them? MG asked.
"I would say surprise them."
"I like you Snyper." The wolf-like Digimon said. Snyper waited until he was sure they were in the middle of the hallway, then he turned and faced them. MG slowly walked out to stand beside him. Snyper saw Zerec's amazed face.
"You should be dead!" He exclaimed.
"Never underestimate me." Snyper replied.
"I shot you three times."
"I know that. And thanks for my hand." Snyper said and smiled. Zerec's face wore a confused look. Snyper held up his ice hand and flexed it.
"That is impossible! How could it happen?"
"Don't know, don't care." Snyper said as he brought his gun up and started to fire haphazardly. MetalGarrurumon fired. But, Zerec disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The soldiers that were left were quickly taken care of. The duo continued their murderous ascent to the wall. They turned the last corner and saw light. As well as several machine gun emplacements and a few guards. A few guards as in, a squad or two. They both ran back.
"Can you cover me Snyper?" Asked the wolf.
"Easily. Show them what a real wolf can do." Snyper replied as he rolled out and started to fire. MG flew over the top of them and fired his ice blast. The blast took out a chunk of the wall, as well as most of their enemies. Snyper walked out, firing at those that were still standing. At last, they were on the top wall. Snyper glanced at the courtyard filling up with more guards.
"Climb on board." MG ordered. Snyper did so and they took off. "Where are they?" MG asked.
"Should be in that direction. I hope we are in time."
"Hoping is TK's thing." Metalgarrurumon replied.
"And I think he is the one that actually brought me back from the dead. Look, they're in trouble. See those jeeps? Head for them." Snyper ordered. MetalGarrurumon did so.
Matt saw the man over TK. TK looked up at the man. He saw the man's machine gun pointed at him. TK looked up at him with no fear in his eyes. Just fire. That surprised the man. He hesitated. He hesitated long enough for Matt to pinpoint him. The man fell beside TK. TK looked over at his brother and nodded his silent thanks. Matt was just able to nod back before bullets forced him back behind his hiding place. TK picked up his Uzi with his good hand. Matt glanced over at the Digimon. They seemed to be having better luck. Matt looked back at TK. Another man had snuck up behind him. TK heard a sound and turned. The man kicked the Uzi out of the young child's hands. He brought his machine gun to him. Then, a hole appeared in the chest of the man. A small cloud of dust grew from the ground near TK's head. The man's face contorted in pain. He slowly fell down to reveal Snyper and a Digimon flying towards them. Takeru grinned as he realized what happened. Snyper had shot the man and the bullet had passed all the way through, hitting the ground near him. He watched as Snyper landed in the middle of the field and calmly picked his targets and fired. Momentarily relieved of pressure, Matt grabbed another AR33 and stood. He fired the two machine guns in succession. Between them, the field was quickly cleared. Matt glanced over at the Digimon battle. With the newcomer, it was quickly won. Matt went to stand beside Snyper. The two wounded warriors watched as TK approached the first man he had shot at the beginning. The blood was running down, washing against TK's shoes. TK bent down and dipped his forefingers in it. He looked at the blood dripping on his hand. Then, as if in a ritual, he wiped the blood on his cheek. Snyper and Matt knew exactly what he was doing. For you see, in a way, it was indeed a ritual. That is exactly what Snyper and Matt had done on their first kill. Then, TK walked to the small stream and washed it off. He went and stood by his brother and Snyper. The trio of wounded warriors looked at the Digi-destined. Tai looked at them. These were not the same people he had started out the journey with. A metal wolf stood in front of Matt.
"MetalGarrurumon, is that you?"
"Know of any other?" The metal wolf asked with a smile. Matt threw his arms around his neck and hugged him. "You have no idea how long I have been waiting for that." MG said.
"Good job MG." Snyper said.
"MG?" Mimi asked.
"Short for MetalGarrurumon. And you have no idea how I have missed you." Matt answered.
MG de-digivolved to Garrurumon. "This is how I usually am now, thanks to all those drugs that Zerec pumped me with. But it's good to see you, Matt."
"Same here Garrurumon, same here."
"I suggest we keep moving." Snyper said. He noticed Iezer had some blood spots on him. "You okay Iezer?"
Iezer barked. "Just fine. But I am worried about you, Matt, and TK." TK had forgotten about the wound in his arm. During the heat of battle, adrenaline had cut off all pain. But now, he started to feel the full force of it. He grabbed his arm and sank to his knees. Kari ran to his side and placed her hand over the wound. Over his hand. TK looked up at her as the blood seeped through his hand and started to run down hers. Joe came running up and started to treat TK. Snyper fell down, exhausted from his journey. He held his head in his right hand. He heard Sora gasp. He looked at the ice hand.
"Nice little thing, isn't it? Zerec was only too glad to provide me with a new hand." Snyper said as he moved his fingers. Izzy went over.
"I don't understand how you would be able to move your fingers like that. It's just not possible for your nerves to have connected to the ice. I mean, look! There's not even any blood in it!" Izzy said as he held up his hand to the sun. You could see right through it. Izzy shook his head. Matt sank to his knees beside TK.
"He will be alright. The bullet passed all the way through his arm. That is good and bad. It will take some time for his arm to heal. But I'm glad I didn't have to dig it out."
"So am I." TK gasped.
"So, how are you doing?" Joe asked Matt.
"I'm fine. I had to take off those bandages you put on me so I could fire the guns." Joe started feeling Matt's shoulder.
"I think you are pretty much healed there. How about your ribs?" Joe asked as he touched the bandages on his stomach. Matt sat straight up and winced. "Okay, those will need a little more healing. Now, on to Snyper."
"I'm fine. Just tired." Snyper said with a wave of his hand.
"I thought you said you took three shots in the chest?" Garrurumon asked.
"But that is healed. My other injuries are just cuts and scratches."
"And that is why your tanktop is soaked with your own blood?" Gomamon asked.
"Because I was shot three times in the chest."
"But it is impossible for anyone to heal that fast." Tai said.
"Just like this, huh?" Snyper asked as he held up his ice hand.
"He's got a point." Mimi answered.
"You ready to move?" Snyper asked TK. TK nodded and got up, supported by Kari. Matt was about to go over and help. He looked at Snyper as Snyper came closer. "Look closely, do you think he really needs help walking?" Snyper said, more as a statement then a question. Matt watched him closer. He could walk by himself if he tried to. Matt looked back at Snyper, trying as hard as he could not to laugh. But Snyper was trying to keep a straight face as well. And the one thing you should never do when trying to keep a straight face, is to look at one who is doing the same as you. They both burst out laughing. Tai and the others looked at them.
"What's so funny?" Sora asked. TK shot them a warning glance. Neither of them saw it.
"Private joke, whoohoohoo!" Snyper managed to get out before a new wave of laughter started. Garrurumon looked at them. Matt shot a glance toward TK. The wolf looked over and saw. Iezer did also. They both broke out in uncontrollable laughter.
"We had better get moving, hahahahah!" Matt said as he and Garrurumon laughed at the same time. Snyper and Matt walked after them, supported by the laughing wolves.
They walked for two miles before they stopped. The foursome had been laughing most of the way, finding one funny thing after another. Their laughter was contagious, soon having everyone laughing. They stopped near the top of a hill. Agumon started a fire. Kari went off to find some fruit. The wounded ones stayed at the campsite. The sun was setting as Snyper sat beside TK.
"If I were you, I wouldn't fake hurting when eating." Snyper said.
"How'd you know what I was going to do?" TK asked with surprise.
"I did the same thing with this girl I liked. Trust me, don't even try it. That was a big mistake."
"Would this be the big mistake with Eve?" Matt asked.
"No, the big mistake with Sarah. Eve was the one when I tried to make a move looking like I was protecting her."
"What exactly did you do?" TK asked. Snyper smiled.
"Something you shouldn't know for a while, rookie." He said.
"Rookie?! After what I did?" TK asked. Then his face fell and he felt the place where he had smeared the blood. "After what I did today." He said in a softer voice.
"Hey TK, you remember when you smeared the blood on your cheek?" Matt asked as he sat by his brother. TK nodded. "What did it feel like?"
"It felt like I wasn't in control of my body, but I was. It felt like someone had done this before, and now it was my turn. I don't know, that sounds crazy." TK said and shook his head. Snyper looked at Matt.
"Not at all rookie. Me and your brother did the same thing when we killed our first person. We didn't know why either. But I think I have it figured out now. It is the mark from a brave warrior, to a brave warrior." Snyper answered him with a solemn look on his face. TK looked up at him.
"I am not a warrior. I am least of all a warrior." TK said and shook his head.
"What did you think when you got shot and picked up your gun?" Matt asked.
"I felt like, it didn't matter if I died, just as long as nobody else did." TK answered.
"If that doesn't sound like a warrior, I don't know what does. Takeru," Snyper said, surprising him by using his full name, he thought Snyper didn't even know it, "you are becoming a warrior. Just like us. But I pray to God that you do not go through what we did. I really hope you do not. But I know that you will become a warrior. You will become a warrior. None of us want it, it just happens. But you'll do just fine rookie. You might even end up saving us." Snyper said as he punched him playfully. At times like this, it is hard to believe that Snyper is as old as Matt. Heck, Matt even looks older now. TK thought. Tai and Sora came out from the forest as they were talking to TK.
"Did we just interrupt something?" Sora asked.
"No, just keeping a tradition alive." Snyper answered as he leaned against a tree. "Still got my trenchcoat rookie?" Snyper asked. TK nodded and reached behind him.
"Right here, old man." TK said with a smile.
"Your little brother has an attitude." Snyper told Matt as he took his trenchcoat.
Matt grinned. "I know."
"I am going to go look for the others." Snyper said as he walked into the woods. A few minutes later they heard Kari's yell.
"Hey guys! We got some food!" Kari yelled as the rest came up.
"Too bad you won't be around to eat it." A voice said behind them. They turned to see Venomon. Zerec stepped out from behind him as well.
"Geese, do you always have to be so melodramatic?" Matt asked.
"It is in his nature." Zerec replied as he whipped out a pistol. He started to fire. But then, Snyper was in front of them. He started walked toward Zerec as the bullets hit him. He barely flinched when his clothes tore from the bullets flying by him. Then Snyper calmly reached to his back and pulled out his gun. He aimed the laser sight at Zerec's chest. "Venomon, get us out of here." Venomon merely backed up and smiled. Zerec looked at him with horror. "VENOMON!!!" Snyper fired his gun again and again. Zerec staggered back, bleeding in half-a-dozen different places. He fell on the ground. Venomon smiled.
"So long Zerec. Now, it is my turn." Venomon yelled.
"Quick, Agumon, digi-volve!"
"Agumon digi-volve to.Greymon!" They all looked at the small dinosaur expectantly. Nothing happened. "I'm too weak Tai!" He said.
"Just as I expected, too weak to digi-volve. BLAST OF DARK!" Venomon yelled. A dark semi-circle came out. Matt saw what was going to happen. He jumped far in front, making sure he would take the full blast of the explosion. It hit him in the stomach. He flew back into Snyper, and they both flew back, snapping a tree in half with the force of their speed breaking it. Venomon smiled.
"NOOOO!! MATT!" Yelled Garrurumon. Only it was MetalGarrurumon. "ICE MISSILES!" MG yelled. For the first time, Venomon's sneer faltered. Iezer jumped beside the metal wolf.
Iezer gave a bloodcurdling howl, as the two cannons on his back fired. Venomon had a terrified look on his face. He quickly vanished. The attacks slammed into the trees. TK was the first to reach the two young men. Only one was on the ground, while the other one was kneeling over him.
"Damn Matt, why did you have to do it?" Snyper asked quietly, ignoring the dozen places he was bleeding.
"MATT! Is he-" TK faltered. Joe ran over.
"There's nothing you can do Joe." Snyper said softly.
"NO!! He can't be dead!" TK yelled, crying.
"He is rookie." Snyper answered. "He is." TK grabbed his crest and looked at it
"Come on! You can do something!" He yelled, as if it was alive. Tai walked to TK's side. He kneeled down.
"I don't think the crests will help this time, Takeru." Tai said gently.
"They have to! He can't be dead!" TK yelled. Joe turned away after a quick examination. Sora was standing behind the group. She looked devastated. Mimi started crying. Izzy looked near tears. Kari had already been crying. It was hard to believe the boy had been joking with them not thirty minutes before. Snyper walked toward the edge of the hill and looked over the land. He was too hardened to cry. Besides, he had a secret.
Matt was still recovering from his capture by Venomon and Zerec. He hadn't actually woken up fully since Snyper had recovered him. By giving Venomon himself. TK thought. Snyper had told TK to take care of the others. He had told TK that he was Hunter's brother. He had told TK to use his guns to protect the others. Takeru had answered that he couldn't kill. But, maybe, just maybe, he could. If something threatened his brother, Kari, or the others, he definitely would use the guns. He couldn't help but wondering why Snyper had picked him and not Tai or Joe or Izzy. Well, Joe he could understand, and possibly Izzy, but why not Tai? He was the leader, and he was the bravest. Why hadn't he given the guns, and responsibility, to him? And where was Snyper?
Snyper was currently in the same room that Matt had been held, and in the exact same position. The first thing that Snyper realized was that his right arm was very heavy. He fought to open his eyes. He saw that the ice was still on it. They must've drugged me with something. Snyper thought. He realized that his shirt was stained with his own blood. Then it came back to him in a flash. Zerec had tied him up there, and had asked why he was with the kids. Snyper had smiled in response. He didn't like that, the young man thought with some satisfaction. But then Zerec had pulled up his tray of drugs. He told Snyper that he would tell them all. Zerec was always a bit melodramatic. The man had filled a needle with a drug and had injected him with it. That was when he had lost consciousness. But Snyper was awake now, and he looked around, desperate for a way to get out. No opportunity presented itself. It took Snyper a moment to realize that dust was rising in the room. It took him another two moments to feel and see everything shaking. He briefly wondered if it was an earthquake. But it wasn't strong enough to be an earthquake. It stopped as fast as it had started. Then, his good hearing caught something. It sounded like two guards walking past.
"I don't see why Zerec keeps that thing." One said.
"Who knows? But he and Venomon still have a plan for it. We just need to keep pumping it with drugs."
"Well, with all the stuff we put in him that time, he should be asleep for at least a week." Snyper had to smirk. Everybody underestimates the will to be free. I bet that thing will cause this castle to go haywire in three days. Maybe that would give him a chance for escape. Then, Zerec opened the door.
"Well Snyper, it seems I finally have you."
"Seems being the operative word." He replied.
"Yes, it is, isn't it? But what I like about this situation is this." Zerec said as he tapped the ice that covered Snyper's right arm. Snyper winced involuntarily. Zerec smiled maliciously. "Hurts huh? Well then, maybe I will do a favor for you. How would you like a new hand?" Zerec smiled. "I thought it would hurt, so I took a few little details into my hand. Or, should I say, your hand?" He smiled as men came in carrying some boxes of equipment. Zerec opened them and brought out several sizes of pick and chisel.
"I suppose you are going to do it yourself?" Snyper asked.
"Oh come now, I may be many things, but an architecture or ice sculpture I am not. No, I would not want to deprive you of a wonderful hand. These are specialists. You know, it's a strange thing about Venomon's ice attack. It doesn't melt off. You have to chip it off. Or, cut it off." Zerec said with a malicious smile. One of the specialists brought out what looked like a small, automatic cutting knife. It started whirring. The man brought it up to Snyper's ice arm. He started cutting. Snyper grimaced and beared his teeth at Venomon, trying to bear the pain. It seemed to continue for an eternity. Then, he stopped. Snyper looked back. Most of the ice was gone, but at the very end, it was still around his stump. "Now, this is where it gets interesting." Zerec said as another specialist came up with a chisel and pick. He started tapping away on the ice on Snyper's stump. Snyper's features contorted in a silent scream. He bore the pain as long as he could, then, he slumped down. "Oh dear, it seems he fainted. Whether he is dead from the pain or not, who cares? Continue with his new hand." Zerec smiled bloodthirstily.
Kari was up and moving around. That was a piece of good news. But Matt was still out. It had been two days and he had barely woken up. It was obvious that he had no idea what was going on. TK was acting strangely. You never saw him without a machine gun in his hands. Or, as he said, an AR33. And he seemed to regard the guns and trenchcoat as sort of sacred objects. To Sora, it seemed something dark had come over the Ishida family since Snyper appeared. Tai had decided to stay where they were until Matt could move around. But Joe replied that that might take some time.
"We'll move him." TK said.
"Are you sure about that?" Mimi asked.
"Positive. They know exactly where we are. If we move, it will throw them off. Iezer, can you carry Matt?"
"No problem TK." Iezer replied as if the boy was in charge. Iezer carefully picked up Matt and put him on his back. Tai led the way, and TK and his machine gun brought up the rear. Iezer had also volunteered to carry the other guns bundled in the trenchcoat. They walked for a ways, until Agumon spotted something. He ran up a tree.
"It looks like a city just over that hill." He said, looked far into the distance. They started walking.
"Where am I TK?" He asked.
"You are in a field in the half digital world, half real world."
"Oh, yeah. Wait, what about Snyper?!" Matt said as he sat upright. He immediately regretted it as a wave of pain washed over him. He held his head. He felt the unfamiliar bandage. "What's this doing here?" He asked. "My head feels fine." He then looked down at his arm and chest. His right arm was in a sling, as his chest and ribs were in bandages. Then he lay back down. "Now I remember. Venomon captured. Wait! Snyper didn't go with him, did he?"
"He told me to take all the guns and protect the others. He stayed behind and tried to kill Zerec and the other one, but they took him."
"As I thought. That stupid idiot. He should have stayed here. TK, go over and get me a few guns."
A deep, guttural bark sounded behind them. Iezer was there, with the guns and trenchcoat. TK took off two pistols and a machine gun and gave it to Matt. Matt nodded his thanks.
"Looks like two cars and several Digimon coming up toward us." Birdramon reported from her high position.
"TK, get in the bushes. And take some more magazines with you. If they are after us, you will be an added surprise. I wish Gabumon was here." Matt said. The jeep rolled up and stopped beyond the forest in front of them. It seemed they had some hound like Digimon that were tracking a scent. Their scent! Tai realized this as they all turned towards them. "Agumon, you and the others have the Digimon, me and TK got the humans." Matt told the dinosaur Digimon. Agumon nodded. Sora went out and stood on open ground. "Dammit Sora, what are you doing?" He whispered.
"Can we do something for you?" She asked. Their heads snapped up and some brought out their guns.
"Tai! Get her out of there!" Matt yelled as he fired his machine gun. Tai ran out and grabbed her. The enemy walked right by the place where TK was hiding, firing at Matt all the time. TK gripped the Uzi in his hand and looked at the other weapons by his side. How could he kill a living, breathing person, just like him? How did Snyper and Matt do it with such ease? Because our lives depend on it. Snyper's voice answered him. TK nodded and took aim at the men. He fired at the one closest to him. The man fell with blood on the ground. TK watched him with horror. The others hadn't yet realized that there was an enemy on their left flank. TK saw the bullets hit around his brother's hiding place and fired again, this time holding the trigger down. Three more fell before one realized TK was hiding there. The man turned and fired. TK ducked down as bullets zinged around him.
Zerec smiled at the artistic work the specialists had made. Snyper still hadn't woken up. He checked the young man for a pulse. Nothing. He smiled again. At least Zerec was able to give him a last few painful moments. Snyper finally had a hand. An ice hand, but a hand just the same. Just to make sure he was dead, Zerec pulled out his pistol and shot his enemy three times in the chest. Snyper did not react in any way. Zerec smiled to himself. The Digi-destined would be lost without Snyper. And it helped to have that animal next door. He walked into the control room and looked at the TV screens. He smiled. They would have no chance without Snyper to protect them. He watched the battle go on. Then, one of the men fell with no explanation. Zerec's smile faded. No bullets that Snyper's friend was shooting had reached him. Then he saw a small head appear. It was that Ishida's little brother! Where did he get those guns? Who had told him to kill? The realization dawned on Zerec. Snyper had made some preparations. That was why he had chased them away the first time. But he could not help them now. Several of his men turned toward the small kid and fired. One bullet found its mark. He saw the kid open his mouth and cry out something.
TK realized that the bullets were hitting nearer to him. He didn't care. He had to protect the others. Let him die. The others would be saved. Matt saw the men turn toward his brother. He got four of the ones shooting at TK. Then, his gun clicked empty. He swore and grabbed another magazine. He looked up at where TK was. TK realized that his brother was trying to protect him. He fired at the men shooting at Matt and smiled. It was strange how battles worked out. They were taking out each other's enemy. Then, TK dropped his gun. He had no idea why, until pain shot up through his arm. He grabbed his arm, realizing he had been shot. Fear shot through Matt as he saw his brother go down. Oh damn no. No no no no no no! Matt yelled inside his mind. Then, he saw his brother rise and lift his head.
"SNYPER! WE NEED YOU NOW!"
Deep in the dungeons of Venomon's castle, in the torture room, where ice still laid all over the floor, something entered the room. Something that had to do with a boy's cries. Something that went straight into the limp body hanging there. The boy's head shot up. He looked at his ice hand Zerec had so cruelly made. He yanked hard on the bonds. It came free. Then he unhooked his left hand. He unhooked his left hand with his right hand! He experimentally moved the fingers on his ice hand. They worked perfectly. Then something dripping onto him caught his attention. He looked down at his chest. There were three holes in it. He watched it, not yet comprehending what had just happened. Then, before his eyes, the holes closed up, leaving only a bloodstained tanktop. He smiled and walked toward the door. He lifted his foot and brought it down. The two guards looked stunned. He merely grabbed both of them and threw them out the window. He walked into Zerec's quarters. He wasn't there. He turned to leave, but something caught his eye. It was his gun! It was on the shelf. He grabbed it, not even bothering to check it's magazine. The special thing about this gun was that it never needed more ammo. He didn't know why, and didn't really care to know. Just as he reached for the handle of the door to walk out, the castle started to rock again. A mischievious smile appeared on his face. He walked toward where it was originating. He saw several people in white coats run in. The guards that were behind them turned the corner, only to see Snyper's laser sight on their chest. He quickly killed them and walked into the room. There was an animal in a cage, with guards on all four sides. With a calmness only a veteran can have, he brought up his gun and fired twice. The two guards that were left brought up their machine guns. One was blasted back by the creature. Snyper grabbed a scientist and put the scientist in-between him and the bullets. He then brought up his weapon and fired. The other scientists quickly ran out the door. Snyper ignored them and walked up to the cage. He shot the lock on it. The creature rammed the gate open and pinned Snyper against the wall. It was the first time Snyper had gotten a good look at the creature. It looked a little like Iezer, except there were metal parts. Then something clicked inside Snyper's mind.
"MetalGarrurumon?" He asked.
"Who wants to know?" It replied in a growling voice.
"A friend of Matt's." Snyper said. The Digimon instantly released his grip, letting Snyper drop to the floor.
"Where is Matt?" It asked.
"Matt is in trouble. Now, let's see if we can find a way out of here." He said. He walked into the hallway. Nobody was there. He turned down the hall and started walking, with the Mega Digimon by his side.
Zerec noticed, with some annoyance, that there was somebody inside his castle screaming. He flipped through the camera angles until he saw what he was looking for. They weren't inside his castle; they were falling down it! It was two guards! He looked for what sector they were in. Then, the screaming grew louder and something fell by his window. No, two something's. But the only thing above him was Snyper's resting-place and MetalGarrurumon's cage. It must be that damn Digimon. He started to search for those cameras when Venomon came in.
"Do we have a problem?" Venomon asked.
"It appears that MetalGarrurumon has escaped." Zerec replied as he flipped through the cameras. Then he saw it. The back end of the Digimon rounding a corner. "He's headed for the top." Zerec said as he got out of his chair. Venomon turned to go with him.
"Are you sure this is the way to the top?" Snyper asked as he looked around a corner.
"Perhaps you would like to try finding your way through something when you are much smaller and blindfolded?" He asked.
"Whatever MG." Snyper said, giving the Digimon a nickname. "Hold it, people approaching." Snyper said as he listened.
"It appears so. Shall we meet them in the open, or just surprise them? MG asked.
"I would say surprise them."
"I like you Snyper." The wolf-like Digimon said. Snyper waited until he was sure they were in the middle of the hallway, then he turned and faced them. MG slowly walked out to stand beside him. Snyper saw Zerec's amazed face.
"You should be dead!" He exclaimed.
"Never underestimate me." Snyper replied.
"I shot you three times."
"I know that. And thanks for my hand." Snyper said and smiled. Zerec's face wore a confused look. Snyper held up his ice hand and flexed it.
"That is impossible! How could it happen?"
"Don't know, don't care." Snyper said as he brought his gun up and started to fire haphazardly. MetalGarrurumon fired. But, Zerec disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The soldiers that were left were quickly taken care of. The duo continued their murderous ascent to the wall. They turned the last corner and saw light. As well as several machine gun emplacements and a few guards. A few guards as in, a squad or two. They both ran back.
"Can you cover me Snyper?" Asked the wolf.
"Easily. Show them what a real wolf can do." Snyper replied as he rolled out and started to fire. MG flew over the top of them and fired his ice blast. The blast took out a chunk of the wall, as well as most of their enemies. Snyper walked out, firing at those that were still standing. At last, they were on the top wall. Snyper glanced at the courtyard filling up with more guards.
"Climb on board." MG ordered. Snyper did so and they took off. "Where are they?" MG asked.
"Should be in that direction. I hope we are in time."
"Hoping is TK's thing." Metalgarrurumon replied.
"And I think he is the one that actually brought me back from the dead. Look, they're in trouble. See those jeeps? Head for them." Snyper ordered. MetalGarrurumon did so.
Matt saw the man over TK. TK looked up at the man. He saw the man's machine gun pointed at him. TK looked up at him with no fear in his eyes. Just fire. That surprised the man. He hesitated. He hesitated long enough for Matt to pinpoint him. The man fell beside TK. TK looked over at his brother and nodded his silent thanks. Matt was just able to nod back before bullets forced him back behind his hiding place. TK picked up his Uzi with his good hand. Matt glanced over at the Digimon. They seemed to be having better luck. Matt looked back at TK. Another man had snuck up behind him. TK heard a sound and turned. The man kicked the Uzi out of the young child's hands. He brought his machine gun to him. Then, a hole appeared in the chest of the man. A small cloud of dust grew from the ground near TK's head. The man's face contorted in pain. He slowly fell down to reveal Snyper and a Digimon flying towards them. Takeru grinned as he realized what happened. Snyper had shot the man and the bullet had passed all the way through, hitting the ground near him. He watched as Snyper landed in the middle of the field and calmly picked his targets and fired. Momentarily relieved of pressure, Matt grabbed another AR33 and stood. He fired the two machine guns in succession. Between them, the field was quickly cleared. Matt glanced over at the Digimon battle. With the newcomer, it was quickly won. Matt went to stand beside Snyper. The two wounded warriors watched as TK approached the first man he had shot at the beginning. The blood was running down, washing against TK's shoes. TK bent down and dipped his forefingers in it. He looked at the blood dripping on his hand. Then, as if in a ritual, he wiped the blood on his cheek. Snyper and Matt knew exactly what he was doing. For you see, in a way, it was indeed a ritual. That is exactly what Snyper and Matt had done on their first kill. Then, TK walked to the small stream and washed it off. He went and stood by his brother and Snyper. The trio of wounded warriors looked at the Digi-destined. Tai looked at them. These were not the same people he had started out the journey with. A metal wolf stood in front of Matt.
"MetalGarrurumon, is that you?"
"Know of any other?" The metal wolf asked with a smile. Matt threw his arms around his neck and hugged him. "You have no idea how long I have been waiting for that." MG said.
"Good job MG." Snyper said.
"MG?" Mimi asked.
"Short for MetalGarrurumon. And you have no idea how I have missed you." Matt answered.
MG de-digivolved to Garrurumon. "This is how I usually am now, thanks to all those drugs that Zerec pumped me with. But it's good to see you, Matt."
"Same here Garrurumon, same here."
"I suggest we keep moving." Snyper said. He noticed Iezer had some blood spots on him. "You okay Iezer?"
Iezer barked. "Just fine. But I am worried about you, Matt, and TK." TK had forgotten about the wound in his arm. During the heat of battle, adrenaline had cut off all pain. But now, he started to feel the full force of it. He grabbed his arm and sank to his knees. Kari ran to his side and placed her hand over the wound. Over his hand. TK looked up at her as the blood seeped through his hand and started to run down hers. Joe came running up and started to treat TK. Snyper fell down, exhausted from his journey. He held his head in his right hand. He heard Sora gasp. He looked at the ice hand.
"Nice little thing, isn't it? Zerec was only too glad to provide me with a new hand." Snyper said as he moved his fingers. Izzy went over.
"I don't understand how you would be able to move your fingers like that. It's just not possible for your nerves to have connected to the ice. I mean, look! There's not even any blood in it!" Izzy said as he held up his hand to the sun. You could see right through it. Izzy shook his head. Matt sank to his knees beside TK.
"He will be alright. The bullet passed all the way through his arm. That is good and bad. It will take some time for his arm to heal. But I'm glad I didn't have to dig it out."
"So am I." TK gasped.
"So, how are you doing?" Joe asked Matt.
"I'm fine. I had to take off those bandages you put on me so I could fire the guns." Joe started feeling Matt's shoulder.
"I think you are pretty much healed there. How about your ribs?" Joe asked as he touched the bandages on his stomach. Matt sat straight up and winced. "Okay, those will need a little more healing. Now, on to Snyper."
"I'm fine. Just tired." Snyper said with a wave of his hand.
"I thought you said you took three shots in the chest?" Garrurumon asked.
"But that is healed. My other injuries are just cuts and scratches."
"And that is why your tanktop is soaked with your own blood?" Gomamon asked.
"Because I was shot three times in the chest."
"But it is impossible for anyone to heal that fast." Tai said.
"Just like this, huh?" Snyper asked as he held up his ice hand.
"He's got a point." Mimi answered.
"You ready to move?" Snyper asked TK. TK nodded and got up, supported by Kari. Matt was about to go over and help. He looked at Snyper as Snyper came closer. "Look closely, do you think he really needs help walking?" Snyper said, more as a statement then a question. Matt watched him closer. He could walk by himself if he tried to. Matt looked back at Snyper, trying as hard as he could not to laugh. But Snyper was trying to keep a straight face as well. And the one thing you should never do when trying to keep a straight face, is to look at one who is doing the same as you. They both burst out laughing. Tai and the others looked at them.
"What's so funny?" Sora asked. TK shot them a warning glance. Neither of them saw it.
"Private joke, whoohoohoo!" Snyper managed to get out before a new wave of laughter started. Garrurumon looked at them. Matt shot a glance toward TK. The wolf looked over and saw. Iezer did also. They both broke out in uncontrollable laughter.
"We had better get moving, hahahahah!" Matt said as he and Garrurumon laughed at the same time. Snyper and Matt walked after them, supported by the laughing wolves.
They walked for two miles before they stopped. The foursome had been laughing most of the way, finding one funny thing after another. Their laughter was contagious, soon having everyone laughing. They stopped near the top of a hill. Agumon started a fire. Kari went off to find some fruit. The wounded ones stayed at the campsite. The sun was setting as Snyper sat beside TK.
"If I were you, I wouldn't fake hurting when eating." Snyper said.
"How'd you know what I was going to do?" TK asked with surprise.
"I did the same thing with this girl I liked. Trust me, don't even try it. That was a big mistake."
"Would this be the big mistake with Eve?" Matt asked.
"No, the big mistake with Sarah. Eve was the one when I tried to make a move looking like I was protecting her."
"What exactly did you do?" TK asked. Snyper smiled.
"Something you shouldn't know for a while, rookie." He said.
"Rookie?! After what I did?" TK asked. Then his face fell and he felt the place where he had smeared the blood. "After what I did today." He said in a softer voice.
"Hey TK, you remember when you smeared the blood on your cheek?" Matt asked as he sat by his brother. TK nodded. "What did it feel like?"
"It felt like I wasn't in control of my body, but I was. It felt like someone had done this before, and now it was my turn. I don't know, that sounds crazy." TK said and shook his head. Snyper looked at Matt.
"Not at all rookie. Me and your brother did the same thing when we killed our first person. We didn't know why either. But I think I have it figured out now. It is the mark from a brave warrior, to a brave warrior." Snyper answered him with a solemn look on his face. TK looked up at him.
"I am not a warrior. I am least of all a warrior." TK said and shook his head.
"What did you think when you got shot and picked up your gun?" Matt asked.
"I felt like, it didn't matter if I died, just as long as nobody else did." TK answered.
"If that doesn't sound like a warrior, I don't know what does. Takeru," Snyper said, surprising him by using his full name, he thought Snyper didn't even know it, "you are becoming a warrior. Just like us. But I pray to God that you do not go through what we did. I really hope you do not. But I know that you will become a warrior. You will become a warrior. None of us want it, it just happens. But you'll do just fine rookie. You might even end up saving us." Snyper said as he punched him playfully. At times like this, it is hard to believe that Snyper is as old as Matt. Heck, Matt even looks older now. TK thought. Tai and Sora came out from the forest as they were talking to TK.
"Did we just interrupt something?" Sora asked.
"No, just keeping a tradition alive." Snyper answered as he leaned against a tree. "Still got my trenchcoat rookie?" Snyper asked. TK nodded and reached behind him.
"Right here, old man." TK said with a smile.
"Your little brother has an attitude." Snyper told Matt as he took his trenchcoat.
Matt grinned. "I know."
"I am going to go look for the others." Snyper said as he walked into the woods. A few minutes later they heard Kari's yell.
"Hey guys! We got some food!" Kari yelled as the rest came up.
"Too bad you won't be around to eat it." A voice said behind them. They turned to see Venomon. Zerec stepped out from behind him as well.
"Geese, do you always have to be so melodramatic?" Matt asked.
"It is in his nature." Zerec replied as he whipped out a pistol. He started to fire. But then, Snyper was in front of them. He started walked toward Zerec as the bullets hit him. He barely flinched when his clothes tore from the bullets flying by him. Then Snyper calmly reached to his back and pulled out his gun. He aimed the laser sight at Zerec's chest. "Venomon, get us out of here." Venomon merely backed up and smiled. Zerec looked at him with horror. "VENOMON!!!" Snyper fired his gun again and again. Zerec staggered back, bleeding in half-a-dozen different places. He fell on the ground. Venomon smiled.
"So long Zerec. Now, it is my turn." Venomon yelled.
"Quick, Agumon, digi-volve!"
"Agumon digi-volve to.Greymon!" They all looked at the small dinosaur expectantly. Nothing happened. "I'm too weak Tai!" He said.
"Just as I expected, too weak to digi-volve. BLAST OF DARK!" Venomon yelled. A dark semi-circle came out. Matt saw what was going to happen. He jumped far in front, making sure he would take the full blast of the explosion. It hit him in the stomach. He flew back into Snyper, and they both flew back, snapping a tree in half with the force of their speed breaking it. Venomon smiled.
"NOOOO!! MATT!" Yelled Garrurumon. Only it was MetalGarrurumon. "ICE MISSILES!" MG yelled. For the first time, Venomon's sneer faltered. Iezer jumped beside the metal wolf.
Iezer gave a bloodcurdling howl, as the two cannons on his back fired. Venomon had a terrified look on his face. He quickly vanished. The attacks slammed into the trees. TK was the first to reach the two young men. Only one was on the ground, while the other one was kneeling over him.
"Damn Matt, why did you have to do it?" Snyper asked quietly, ignoring the dozen places he was bleeding.
"MATT! Is he-" TK faltered. Joe ran over.
"There's nothing you can do Joe." Snyper said softly.
"NO!! He can't be dead!" TK yelled, crying.
"He is rookie." Snyper answered. "He is." TK grabbed his crest and looked at it
"Come on! You can do something!" He yelled, as if it was alive. Tai walked to TK's side. He kneeled down.
"I don't think the crests will help this time, Takeru." Tai said gently.
"They have to! He can't be dead!" TK yelled. Joe turned away after a quick examination. Sora was standing behind the group. She looked devastated. Mimi started crying. Izzy looked near tears. Kari had already been crying. It was hard to believe the boy had been joking with them not thirty minutes before. Snyper walked toward the edge of the hill and looked over the land. He was too hardened to cry. Besides, he had a secret.
