Crystal Tamers
by Tremor3258
Part Four: The Hidden Power of the Gate
Disclaimer: I still don't own Digimon, much as I'd like to
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The end of the threat to the Dark Masters was probably the single biggest event ever in the history of both worlds, as the Digital World started cranking out Digimon to every man, woman, and child on Earth. The first thing most young children, in the process of growing up, try to do when they take full responsibility for their partner is to attempt to help their partner grow up as well. While it's a useful learning process, parents should keep careful watch over the Digimon in question, as the usual response by young children is to stuff their Digimon completely with food, or have it battle overly-strong opponents in an effort to increase its power.
Prologue to Care and Feeding of Digital Partners, Second edition, by Jyou "Joe" Kido.
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Gennai stood in the Digital World upon File Island, in a rather simple looking clearing with bright green leafy trees all around. In fact, this area seemed brighter than usual for the Digital World of late, but Gennai assumed it was because of the importance of the island. It had been quite a while since he visited the Digital World's figurative center, and things seemed to be quiet here. Which was exactly what Gennai wasn't expecting to find. There had been bizarre unexplained disappearances, leading right up to a class of students that vanished for several hours on Server before being dropped back in their classroom with their memories drained.
Gennai would have assumed a Virus had gotten a little uppity except that the class's real world origin point was Odaiba Middle School. There had been a breakthrough from the Digital World in that location, despite Blackwargreymon's seal supposedly being in effect. And then not one, but two rookies of unknown origin had appeared. Slithermon didn't evolve into dragons normally, they were a rare in-training that usually end up as Betamons and very occasionally Veemons. Agumon's basic data pattern being converted into a completely different, but stronger format was just as surprising.
Gennai was distracted when a distortion ran through local space before Azulongmon warped in from his usual hiding spot, overseeing the Digital World. A few small rookies and in-training types, along with a huge cloud of butterflies, broke from the vegetation at the sudden appearance of the Mega. The dragon's eyes lit up for a second, and snapped up much of the cloud, "Excuse me, hungry," the Holy Beast mumbled.
Gennai nodded his understanding. The Holy Beasts were putting together a spell that they hoped would end evil in the Digital World, and it was taking much of their energy, and the energy drain was increasing. Originally, the Holy Beasts had the power of the Crests to drawn upon, as Gennai had convinced the Digidestined to transfer the power of the spirits of the Digital World into the void, creating a seal that also revived the Holy Beasts sufficiently to break from their imprisonment. The flow had been slackening recently, and the Holy Beasts usually voracious appetites (it took a lot to power bodies of their level) had increased geometrically. Now, whenever Gennai met one of his superiors, they were either eating or looking for food.
"You know, I don't think he'll like the fact that you're eating butterflies. He's always been fond of them," Gennai noted.
Azulongmon gave a long shrug that traveled down his body, "That's his problem. There's little he can do but make feeble protests these days, anyway. Besides, we're doing it to help him and the rest of the worlds, why can't he accept it?"
Gennai wasn't planning on answering, and was saved when a dark crackle of energy split the air open with a thunder crack, letting a cloud of butterflies through. Gennai took the cue as Azulongmon watched in astonishment, "This is the reason I called you away from your work. This gate connects to Odaiba, and it should be impossible to reach that location. For that matter, any gate should have either shut all the way or open all the way, instead, it's merely open a crack. And then there's the butterfly swarms that keep coming through."
Azulongmon frowned. This wasn't tidy, he disliked that, and he had detected a hint of dark energy. "Do you think it's related to those Digivices you mentioned earlier?"
Gennai said, "I'm almost positive it is. I've been doing some research, and no prophecy I've yet discovered says anything about that sort of Digivice. They seem to be running off an alternative power source than the Digital World's basic framework. They seem to have data manipulation abilities, which made me originally believe there may have been Crests involved, but I couldn't detect any trace of energy off either of the partners. With the increased disappearances and the warp, I had to return here and I could not continue investigating."
Azulongmon asked gently, "Do you believe they're dangerous?"
"They're wild cards," said Gennai after a moment, "And nothing has ever been said about that, through all the Digital World's mystics. On the other hand, there is this gate that occasionally opens for a moment. Who knows what could come through?" he asked in an ominous tone.
Azulongmon studied the gate closely for a moment, "Despite the danger, I sense energy leaking through the gate, preventing it from shutting. Perhaps, if there is something afoot, we should send an agent that can't be directly linked back to us. We need to acquire all the energy sources we can, with the disappearance of the Crests." Gennai nodded with firm agreement, and quickly began weaving together the mists of a Digital Construct. It would take several hours to form and make its way to the Digital World if it was to move quietly.
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Unlike File Island, back in Odaiba the sun was just barely peeking over the horizon. The sun burned through Allen's windows onto his face, as Allen hadn't managed to replace his alarm clock yet. Allen yawned as he sat up in bed, nudging Guilmon, who was sleeping on a blanket nest in the corner. Guilmon blinked in surprise and said reproachfully, "You woke me up from a great dream. I was living in the land of hot fudge sundaes."
Allen laughed, "Maybe we'll get ice cream later. Right now we have training practice, and Hikari will be there as well and she needs some help. Tanemon is still fluxing all over the place, and Jessica and Crystalmon still don't know what they did. And Digitamamon is busy shaking down his sources, so we don't even have his help," Allen finished somberly. They had a half-day with Saturday classes, and then they were going to research the D-Powers some more. Digitamamon was busy calling up old experienced Digimon he knew in both worlds to see if anyone knew anything about the D-Powers. Jessica's parents were still along the lines that Digitamamon was humoring her little sudden obsession with Digimon cards.
As Allen finished dressing for the day and putting his sports goggles in his backpack for soccer after school, Guilmon asked suddenly, "You're not mad about what happened against the second Construct, are you? You've been awfully quiet the last few days, and you didn't slash any cards in the last battle." Allen shook his head. There had been another Construct after that, but none had shown up for about two days now, and no wild ones either.
"Togemon did do most of the work against that Construct, remember? Jessica didn't do anything with her card either," Allen kneeled down and came face to snout with his partner, "So you got hurt a little and broadcast at me. We've got a special link, remember. Crystalmon and Jessica can't hear each other as well as you and I can, and they've been doing it since they were babies. You don't always hear what you want." Guilmon nodded, and the two went out for breakfast.
"Actually, I've been quiet because it's the first Saturday of the month today. And ever since you transformed, the more I think about it, the angrier I've been getting," Allen trailed off when he saw his parents and Mamemon. The bomb-throwing Ultimate was doing squats in the living room, warming up. Allen supposed his father's Birdramon was hanging out somewhere nearby.
"About what son?" his father asked. Despite the warm weather, he was wearing sweats.
Allen shook his head, "Well, I'm not to fond of you guys bringing an Ultimate as backup when you make collection rounds for the local watch. Everyone is glad to pay up around here. All you're doing is breeding fear."
The two looked surprised. Allen had been rather apathetic about his parents' duty as neighborhood watch members to get the money that went to battling Digimon upkeep. "Of course, he's been a bit broken up about Margaret," said his mother knowingly, "Don't worry Allen, we'll come back safe. There's just a few people out there who might try and attack us for the cash. It's not like the nice simple area you were helping to keep up."
Allen was shocked beyond speech by the comparison of the person he admired more than anyone in the world with his parents' strong arm tactics. His parents leaving the room helped him get his tongue back, as well as Guilmon's gentle presence, "That doesn't factor into this at all! What's the enemy you're guarding against? This part of town is nice and peaceful, and how do you get off having Mamemon toss bombs around in the background? We're not yakuza!"
"Hush! Allen, you may feel pride for your little efforts near your school, but this is the real grown-up world. I know you're all broken up with poor Margaret, but you still have to at least think!" his mother snapped irritably. They were late, and it wouldn't do to let people think they could get away. Allen took an involuntary step backwards in shock, and only a quick gesture prevented Guilmon from moving to attack. The trio stepped outside, leaving the boy and Digimon alone in the apartment.
Allen sat down in surprise, "Was I ever like that Guilmon?"
The red dinosaur shook his head, "No," he replied, "You pretty much stayed to the background and played soldier. You were happy to protect against Wild Ones, but you stayed mostly out of the money portions. For that matter, until Margaret digivolved Phantomon and started taking a greater area to control, we pretty much relied on donations. Afterwards, we took the additional money to help pay for some guards full-time."
Allen shook his head and stared out at the city scape. A few blackened scars and broken windows were visible in the apartment across from his, the remnants of confused Digimon and angry humans colliding. Even with Phantomon's dark digivolution, Margaret had kept things under control. "I miss you so much," he whispered sadly. Now, Margaret was who knew where, and under the control of a dark spell
I could help you find her if you gave yourself up, whispered a women's voice for a second before fading. Allen shivered violently in reaction. "No, Margaret would want me free to be able to greet her when she breaks out." A chuckle rang through the room, more audible this time, You silly. My lord has allowed the gate to leak something through, not of his own devising. If you care so much, you might want to stop it. This delightful little chat is only a lucky side effect, as you are still trembling on the precipice. Fall in!, barked the voice. Shadows started to coil for the boy.
Allen stood stock still for a moment, and then drew his D-Power. "Digi-modify! Angemon!" Guilmon roared once as his fist blazed with holy energies. Against such light, darkness had no respite but to escape. After a moment, the energy faded and Allen sunk down. "That takes a LOT out of you," he whispered.
Guilmon shook his head, "This is bad, if she's trying to get at you again." Guilmon paused, "Wait: did she say the gate was open?" Allen grabbed two rolls from the counter and was out the door in response, tossing one to Guilmon as he ran.
Jessica, meanwhile, had finished breakfast with Crystalmon hovering protectively on her shoulder. She had felt a gathering chill of energy, and blamed it on the fact that the collection rounds were today. Crystalmon's natural aura was somewhat of a proof against the attacks of darkness, so the little Digimon was pumping her energy into increasing that aura. The girl brushed hair that was in the way of her rice and thought Probably why Slithermon digivolved as she had. Digimon help ward off inner demons, and now Crystalmon can deal with the outer ones as well. As such, she didn't realize anything was going on until a frantic phone call.
"Jessica, is this you? It's Hikari! Palmon, wait, Togemon, wait never mind, Palmon sensed a dark wave coming out from the school. I couldn't feel anything, and I really did try!" Hikari sounded near tears.
"Don't worry Hikari. Crystalmon's been using her powers on low all morning. I know that the collection rounds are getting made, and we didn't want to deal with the dark energies from that. Let me find my cards and we'll go and help." Hikari agreed, and they quickly hung up. Crystalmon collapsed the aura and both shivered.
Crystalmon said through gritted teeth, "It feels different than the last two constructs. It doesn't feel viral, but more of a mockery."
"Did Gennai fall back on an older model or something?" Jessica asked, grabbing her bookbag. There wouldn't be time to return for it before school. The two quickly ran to the door, locking it and waiting for the elevator.
Crystalmon said, "I don't know. Remember the first one was a lot more powerful, even if it was an idiot. Woodmon and Blacktyrannomon were both viruses. And they popped through the gate whole. This one is becoming more and more distinct." Jessica didn't like the sound of that. If two groups were sending extra Wild Ones into the area, and with so few champions near the school, someone could get hurt if one came through during the day.
The elevator arrived, and the two reached the lobby level. When the elevator dinged, both stepped back as a wave of heat assaulted them. Jessica groaned when she saw what it was. A Skullmeramon, blue flames surrounding a body perpetually near the melting point, was waiting in the lobby. "No one leaves until they're done paying!" roared the Skullmeramon. A clatter of footsteps came down the extra-sized stairs, and Togemon and Hikari, who lived three floors down, groaned when they saw what was in the way. Jessica seriously doubted that a sometimes Champion and a Rookie, even with modification abilities, could get past Skullmeramon without taking the place out. "Come on, let's get to the roof, we'll need to signal Allen," Jessica said. Hikari followed.
Skullmeramon, meanwhile, had heard the conversation. Winged rookie + Digivices = Trouble, thought the Ultimate. He quickly wandered outside, ready to take them out when they flew off the roof.
Allen, meanwhile ran through the streets, trying to hide in the building's shadows when possible. Allen knew there were several ultimates and probably another two dozen champions out shaking down people for cash in the area. Allen looked at his Digivice, set to a fairly low zoom rate, as it picked up not only Digivices, but also Digimon in the area. Even with the sensitivity scaled down to where he could get an accurate reading in ten meters, the Digital Construct's signature was blatant enough to show up. "How come no one else can sense these things?"
Guilmon shrugged, "We're just sensitive. You're great that way." Allen snorted, and Lady Devimon's voice chuckled, but Guilmon continued, "No, really! Even before I transformed to Guilmon, you were always aware. Now you're just learning to be more aware of people."
"Thanks Guilmon, that means a lot coming from you. I look around and I see what I probably could have become in a few years and that scares me," whispered Allen. They were nearly to Jessica's building, but she didn't seem to be in range. Then Allen saw the reason and brought up the analyzer program even as he ran to the cover of an alley. "Skullmeramon. Ultimate level, and with his fiery body its not like Togemon could really even touch him. Shoots hot lead as the metal fire ball attack. A real nasty customer." Allen quickly fished out a couple cards, "I've been wanting to try this combo out. You ready?" Guilmon nodded in response, though a bit shakily. The Construct, evidently was nearly finished forming.
Allen flipped the first card around and into the slot, "Digi-modify! Seed of strength!" Even as the data transferred to Guilmon's body, bulking him up slightly, Allen was ready with the second card, "Digi-modify! Hyper wing!" Allen sagged down the side of the building, as running two cards in sequence still took a lot out of him. Guilmon, however, was feeling fine as angel wings sprouted from his back, and he quickly snagged Allen with his front claws and flew him over around the building. Jessica and Hikari waved, but Crystalmon wasn't big enough to pull off the same feat, and Allen made a 'catch-up' gesture.
Skullmeramon, meanwhile, on the ground, sensed a burst of power, following by something cold and dark in the area. When his partner came out, he asked, "Did you feel that?" The partner, counting yen notes, shrugged, and then checked his Digivice by reflex and cursed. "There's someone moving around, and this area's supposed to be on locked down. We need to see who it is, let's go!" Skullmeramon quickly followed.
Hikari's partner, currently in Togemon form, heard the conversation on the roof and reported it. "Not good," she muttered. Jessica and Crystalmon somberly nodded their agreement.
"Right. Skullmeramon might try and take out Allen if they learn that he was guarding the area near the school. This gang that my parents give Danegeld to got driven out by Piddomon and the Geckomon from that location," Jessica said. The group started running to the elevator. Guilmon should manage to deal with the Construct, but he wouldn't be able to deal with the hot head afterward.
Guilmon sat down near the school on the playground, which was cracked and battered after several days of beating back Constructs, and panted for a moment. The wings dissolved from his back, and Allen checked the D-Power. The seed of strength and the wings were off-line still, so they wouldn't be going in at full power. Allen switched over to the scanning screen, and grimaced at the hazy blob that showed on the screen. "This is weird, it should be here, but it's not. This is more like Gennai's construct." Allen and Guilmon sat down, ready to wait.
Skullmeramon and his partner trotted through the quiet morning streets. The Geckomon who were usually on duty in this section weren't out and about, not willing to match themselves against Skullmeramon's heat, strength, and notoriously short temper. Crystalmon, Tanemon, and their partners kept to alleyways. Apparently, the duo up ahead weren't checking their Digivice any more, and they were moving slow and cautiously, as this was enemy territory. "All right, time to see if these Digimon cards work as well as the modifies in real battle," whispered Jessica. "Ready to leave him frozen in his tracks, Crystalmon?" Crystalmon saluted clumsily with a front paw, despite being on all fours. "Digi-modify! Frigimon!" Jessica ran the champion's card through the slot, but nothing happened to Crystalmon beside a quick glow. Jessica shook the chill she got from using a card off quickly. Allen sweats, I get cold, I wonder why that is? she thought. Time for that later. Now, "Go Crystalmon!"
"Sub-zero ice punch!" roared the tiny dragon, rearing up to stand on her two legs and let loose a blast of cold energy. A section of flames on Skullmeramon's back went out for a moment. The Ultimate roared in pain as his body, usually slightly molten held together by his will, solidified temporarily. "Okay, now we run as fast as possible, right Jessica?" Jessica nodded and the four made a dash for an alley, ready to try and lose the big lug.
At that point, Allen's D-Power began to glow slightly, and at the same time, a black vortex opened up before him for a moment. Allen looked in astonishment, as fog, interlaced with black lightning emerged from the portal, which snapped shut behind the fog. Allen felt nausea rising just from being near the fog bank, before it was formed into data, and Guilmon was quivering. A shape began to coalesce from the mist, but something seemed wrong. The silhouette was clutching its head in pain with its hands and as soon as it got vocal cords, it began to roar.
Allen tried to fight off the illness he was feeling, unsure if it was coming from Guilmon or himself, and held up the analyzer. "Um, apparently that's a Patamon," Allen shook the D-Power in frustration. Whatever that thing was, it was not a flying pig. The analyzer screen shut off for a moment, before resolving again. Allen cursed, "It digivolved! We're dealing with a Devimon now." Guilmon couldn't pale, but it looked like he wanted to, and Allen couldn't blame him. Devimon were among the most evil Digimon in existence, and were as strong in Ultimates in many respects, and this one seemed angry.
"Hikari, check the houses and get as much defense together as you can! Whatever's coming through feels down right dark!" Jessica yelled. Skullmeramon had found them via the Digivices, and was busy stomping after them, leaving molten asphalt patches in its wake, and there were very few water or ice based attacks that Jessica could call upon and keep running, and she hadn't brought them this morning. And Jessica wasn't sure she could run at even a half-decent pace if she called on an ultimate or Mega-level card.
Hikari snapped back, "I know!" Her partner had downshifted to Tanemon, and seemed to be inclined to stay there. Hikari closed her eyes for a minute and said, "I'm sorry. I've been feeling irritable all morning for some reason. I'll try and focus."
Tanemon said, "She's like this when she had to exercise before lunch. I told her to eat that second bowl of cereal this morning!"
Hikari shook her head and said, "Can you cover me when I split off for a second?" Crystalmon nodded and Hikari took off to the left. Skullmeramon saw this and shot out a chain.
Crystalmon called, "Dragon fang!" and leapt forward, surrounded in a nimbus of light. Jessica took the opportunity to call upon an iron claw card, allowing Crystalmon's tiny front claws to tear through the soft metal making up Skullmeramon's skin. The damage was run over again in a second, but the claws did cause a lot of pain, ensuring Skullmeramon would chase after them. Crystalmon rushed back towards Jessica, and the two dashed off again. "Now all we have to do is keep US alive!" huffed the Rookie.
Allen took a step backward as the portal snapped open for a second again. A little more fog came out, and it condensed into a humanoid figure with black wings, just like the D-Power's picture. Devimon continued to hold his head in his hands, roaring in pain, and he seemed to be going through terrible torment. Black energy skittered over the body. "Find Digivice! Defend self if hurt! Destroy!" roared the demon Digimon almost unintelligibly. Devimon slammed a claw down, and the two took a step back as pebbles skittered past them.
"All right, Guilmon, ready for some support?" the viral Rookie nodded nervously, looking at the claw marks dug through the playground's blacktop. "Digi-modify! Heavy metal!" Guilmon's body turned to resemble solid steel, and the Digimon rushed forward to headbutt Devimon. The portal, meanwhile, cracked open for another second. "The cards! They're charging the Digivice's portal-crossing ability!" realized Allen. The thoughts connected with the previous openings he had seen. "Jessica's had to use some cards. I hope she and Hikari show up soon, I can't hold this on my own."
Devimon nearly fell into the portal, but rebounded, even more angry. He swiped with his claws furiously. His attacks were wild, however, and even with Guilmon's mass increased by the card, he could dodge. Guilmon launched a Pyro Sphere thought to himself, I'm doing pretty good. This one is nowhere near as powerful as the legendary one. Heck, he's not as tough as that Woodmon we took out a little while ago. Now, if he'll just not use his attacks for a little while longer..
"Touch of Evil!" roared Devimon, launching a dark blast at Guilmon. This struck head on. Guilmon's armor saved his life as its defensive energies were nullified by the blast, leaving the remaining negative energy unable to destroy the Rookie.
"Digi-modify! Seed of health!" Guilmon's eyes glowed with renewed purpose and he launched back up to his feet, launching another Pyro Sphere. This one caught Devimon full in the face, but the Construct didn't even scream despite having its eyes obscured. Guilmon leapt upon the demon's chest, hammering away with both claws, but was quickly tossed away to the side. "Guilmon!" yelled Allen, concerned, and reached for his cards in dismay. He had left the house in a hurry due to the distraction with the darkness spell, and didn't have a lot of recharge cards, and many of the modify cards were still off-line. Then the answer hit him! "Digi-modify! Angemon!" The D-Power beeped merrily to itself, which was pure music to Allen's ears.
Guilmon pulled himself to his feet once the program was uploaded. Allen was counting on him, and he could feel the tired determination from the boy matching his own. Guilmon collected the holy energies granted by the card into his hands. "Hand of Fate!" roared the rookie, launching the energy lance into the dark figure in front of him.
The Construct wasn't designed to be able to handle pain inputs, like Meramon, and so only crumpled as much of his energy was taken out as the energy beam ground itself against his torso. Too soon, however, the energy drained off. Guilmon wasn't strong enough anymore to keep the beam up. Devimon slowly got back to his feet. Allen winced, I slowed it down, I just wish I'd be able to tell Jessica how to get through a portal to save everyone. Before Devimon could launch another attack, vines lashed around him.
"Allen!" yelled Hikari's voice. Allen twirled, feeling greatly exhausted by the use of the cards and still ill from Devimon's aura. Several Geckomon and a Tyrannomon were racing behind her along with their partners, as well as Palmon, who was gamely attempting to keep the demon secured. Sixty-seventy Rookies from people who lived in this area and been shielded by the group came with.
With a roar, Palmon's vines snapped off. Hikari rushed to Allen and said breathlessly, "Hi Allen! You're doing great, but a Skullmeramon's marching this way and Jessica can't hold it off forever. I've brought some more cards, use whatever you want to beat this guy!" The various humans nodded in agreement as the Digimon launched a round of attacks, holding Devimon off. Allen looked and saw Jessica come into view, and who, despite the nausea she was probably experiencing, simply nodded at Allen and turned back to keeping Crystalmon away from Metal Fire Balls.
Allen, despite his exhaustion, smiled back and examined the cards. Everyone came to help me out and Jessica, even if they're wondering about us, they know we're doing good work. Just like when Margaret was here. Her heart WAS in the right place, even if her mind was cloudy, and people respected her for taking the job position seriously. Now it's time to repay some of the trust. Allen quickly found the perfect card and held up his D-Power. There was no question if the card was a bit more energy than Allen had in Allen's mind at that point, only the knowledge that he would help everyone. The card began to crackle with energy, but Allen had closed his eyes and didn't notice.
"Digi-modify! Magnaangemon!" A rush of energy exploded from the D-Power's screen, enfolding Guilmon, instead of the usual card points appearing. Hikari, standing close, found her Digivice reacting to the energy level again, and Palmon went to the Togemon stage.
Guilmon, however, soon found himself with a purple motorcycle helmet, and an energy saber on one arm and a beam shield on the other, as well as full strength. Guilmon roared once, sending approval radiating towards Allen, before igniting the blade. Devimon, realizing the end was near, yelled, "Touch of Evil!" but Guilmon held up the beam shield which easily absorbed the blast. Igniting the energy blade, Guilmon jumped into the air and cleaved Devimon straight through with Magnaangemon's power. The devil seemed to give a sigh of release before dissolving into a cloud of data, which the almost stable portal nearby opened for several seconds to suck up.
Skullmeramon and his partner halted, as Skullmeramon loomed over the knocked down Crystalmon and Jessica. That little rookie he had been hearing about, had just taken out a Wild DEVIMON with one hit. Now, with the armor still attached to it, he and a bunch of others were coming up to Skullmeramon. "I'm so dead," whispered the human. It had been a chance to move up by acquiring some more territory, but now it would come to nought.
Guilmon and Allen walked up to Jessica and Crystalmon, and picked them up, Hikari supporting the girl. "Leave, now," Allen said, "I'm sick of all the fighting going on for just petty territory and baubles. I could probably take you out, and grab our little group something, but I'd rather be in an area where I know I have friends and allies, rather than opportunists." Skullmeramon and his partner didn't hesitate, running out of there as fast as possible. Allen wiped the sweat, both nervous and exhaustion, from his forehead and then groaned, "Oh man, we STILL have classes this morning!" The group broke into relieved laughter. The threats were averted for now, and this area would have a little respite from human-spawned threats.
Speaking of threats, Lady Devimon hovered by the gate in the Digital World. It was very odd, she had sensed the dark energy yet woven through the portal, holding it slightly open with feelings of hatred and oppression, and powering the spell that could yet affect the Digidestined in the Real World occasionally when they were weak. Gennai had sent something through this portal, and it had emerged strengthened and converted to a viral form. "So, from our side, even the greatest of good falls, yet the other side continues to breathe life into the Digital World," she murmured.
Demon's plans were not going extremely well. Several Digidestined had been found, but breaking them of the dark shells that held their crest powers in check was proving more difficult than anticipated. Demon would be glad for the good news. "Keep fighting, little children. You just help prepare for the greater darkness." With that, Lady Devimon flew off. Gennai had not returned to check on his golem's progress, perhaps fearing the gate's darkness. As such, their operation was still safe for a little while longer.
To be continued....
Jessica got a spotlight, so Allen does. Allen and Jessica may be the impetus of a change in how the Real World treats Digimon as tools for money and weaponry. Next time we'll see the effects of such an obvious card-slash where everyone saw the power involved. It's not just a rumor floating around the school now.
And now, a small omake, inspired by a few paragraphs and watching too much Tamers as prep for this story;
"Who knows what could come through?" said Gennai ominously, looking at the portal, which crackled slightly with darkness. Suddenly, it sprang wide open, and Gennai prepped himself to a battle stance. An object could be seen, quickly stepping out.
"Hi there! Want to play, culu?" It was small, it was white, it had ears that had an amazing number of folds. The Mega and the Guardian looked in shock as the small Digimon hopped around for a moment.
"I can't see Takato or anyone around here either, so I guess I'll be going. Nice meeting you, culu!" The Digimon hopped back in the portal, which closed shut behind it. For a moment, the two merely stared in shock at where the odd creature had been.
"You didn't see anything, right? I didn't see anything," rumbled the Mega. Rather jerkily, Gennai nodded.
The two never spoke of the Digimon again.
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