Part Five: Vampiric Nightmares: Wizardmon
Wizardmon was having that nightmare again.
He was back in Lord Myotismon's castle, watching helplessly as the blond-haired vampire digimon called upon his power of Crimson Lightning to hurt Gatomon---who had had the audacity to demand her master release her friend:
"Wizardmon is only a Data, not a Virus, Myotismon!," the white cat had boldly spoken out in an effort to get the Data away from there. "You have plenty of others to fill your ranks---let him go!"
A specious argument if ever the Viral Lord had heard one seeing as many great fighters were members of the Data caste. His face had shown his displeasure, a raging storm threatening to burst.
Wizardmon had held his breath. He wished he could tell Gatomon to let it go--to stop feeling guilty for having dragged him into this, but he sensed that any arguments or explanations would simply enrage the Virus more. Why didn't Gatomon understand that it had been his choice to stay with her then as it was still his choice now?
Her master had then provoked the gatomon more by intimating that if the Data was indeed so useless as a fighter then he would make her Lord a lite snack. Gatomon had unwisely reacted to this by striking at him with her taloned gloves.
"Lightning Claw!"
Such a blow had been easily blocked by the Ultimate, however, who then commenced inflicting on the cat his own great power until she was nearly unconscious.
So this was why his only true friend had tried so hard to get him to stop following her before her master had shown up, Wizardmon thought grimly. Her lord was cruel, taking pleasure in other's pain. Gloved hands formed into fists of silent outrage. Wizardmon had never managed to find out what Digital World had meant his function as a Data digimon to be, but he'd decided right then and there what he, himself, was going to make it:
Getting Gatomon back her life as she had given him his!
Right now, however, any action on his part would be ill advised.
Acting as guards, Ghostly Bakemon---their teeth-filled mouths perpetually frozen open in some sort of rictus---floated to either side of the Champion Data; while noisily flapping away over his head, the snickering, bat-like mon named Demidevimon held his wizard's staff in his pair of tri-toed bird's feet. Every once in a while the orange eyes would glance down at him, but mostly they stayed on his master. The Rookie was clearly relishing what was going on in the arena.
Meanwhile the captive, himself, was filled with horrified frustration. Wizardmon's fingers itched to call his own power of Sky magic down upon these heartless Virals. But besides towering over everyone else physically, Myotismon was at Ultimate level---a state much more powerful than a mere Champion's as Gatomon's own futile attack had shown. Not to mention that they were surrounded by hordes of digimon ranging from Rookie to another Ultimate, the maroon-cloaked Phantomon who held onto his scythe like he knew how to use it and did so regularly. These naturally destructive Virus types were supplemented by a scattering of those like himself, Data, who generally did the mundane tasks. His own caste were not born twisted to evil, but their personal views were shaped by their environment. And Bios!---the wizard scowled---this was one twisted environment! Even if he'd been a Mega Vaccine sent to fight this 'Nightmare Army', he knew he'd have a hard time of it. As it was he'd have to prevail through his wits alone. Wizardmon silently swore that no matter what happened, he would not let these sway him back into a state of apathy--never mind evil functions. He had been cold and uncaring nearly all his life as a wizardmon. Gatomon's act of mercy had shown him another way---a wonderful way---and should it mean his own deletion back into random particles of data dust, he would remain true to it and to her. Together, they would escape from this tyrannical and vain vampire or be deleted trying. No! The latter was not an option! At least not as a fate for his friend. He'd just have to practice patience and stealth in order to endure until her freedom could be achieved.
Appearing to sense the defiance still simmering within his most recent acquisition. Myotismon left off disciplining his lieutenant in order to inspect the new digimon.
After arriving back home with both Champions in tow, he'd commanded his second-in-command to interrogate the stranger. Phantomon had soon informed his Lord that the one he'd found with Gatomon was a wizardmon who insisted on his neutrality regarding the different fights for control of Digital World. Earlier as he had ridden back to his castle, Myotismon had been too elated with getting the gatomon back to pay much attention, but if what Phantomon said was true... well, he'd never had a wizard under his command before--that classification was not common even in the Viral and Vaccine castes. A pity it wasn't a Virus. But Datas were at least malleable. This fellow should not be as much trouble to subdue as Gatomon was.
The Data versions of demon-men commonly called 'wizards' were hardly ever created by the System---Myotismon had never heard of either wizardmons or their Vaccine-caste version, sorcerymons, being sighted for many decades. Which was the main reason he had ignored Gatomon's insistence that the fellow was an insignificant nothing who had just happened to wander in before Myotismon showed up. System created nothing without a reason. If it chose this inauspicious time to throw a wild card into the World, then he wanted it close by to keep an eye on it. Perhaps it held some important quality like he sensed was in Gatomon?
His own superior, Lord Piedmon, was a Mega-level Wizard and---perhaps significantly---the strongest of the Dark Lords. It might be that that classification held some special prominence to System.
Myotismon critically eyed the short biped at his feet.
If so, it was not immediately obvious, he thought wryly and with not a little disappointment.
So...this ragged figure was the form which a Champion-level Data Wizard took on? Well, it did not appear terribly impressive, but perhaps when it reached Ultimate level---under Myotismon's own, special brand of encouragement, of course---this digimon would prove as worthy an underling as Phantomon.
"What is the matter, my wizardmon? Are you afraid of witnessing a little discipline? Don't tell me you are unused to seeing spilled blood?" the Virus chuckled.
"I am not your wizardmon," Wizardmon muttered to himself.
Demidevimon heard him, however, and maliciously repeated his words aloud along with what he thought should be done with the prisoner.
The Ultimate chuckled, waving the Rookie Virus to silence. "On that assessment I must differ, Wizardmon. You belong to me because I wish it." His voice hardened when he added, "And I expect an immediate answer to any question I ask of my soldiers."
When his captive remained silent, Myotismon used his power to levitate the smaller digimon up closer to his eye level. The vampire then casually knocked off the pointed hat with a flick of his finger, the other hand forcing the wizard's chin up by yanking downward on the hair tie that held the ends of the waist-long strands in a small ponytail.
"Should I need to instill in you the definitions of the words 'immediate' and 'answer' digimon? the Virus snapped. "Look at me, little Data. Is this neutrality you profess founded on a fear of witnessing bloodshed?"
For an instant, green eyes glared balefully back before looking away, their focus unconsciously diverting onto the bleeding Gatomon who was struggling to get back on her rear paws---with little success.
Damn, damn, damn--the bastard had hurt her terribly! Wizardmon internally growled at the sight of of all these digimon not making a move. Every piece of him yearned to go over and help.
(Patience.. Submit. Passive deception over brute strength or he'd be no aid to her whatsoever. This Ultimate would pulverize him before he so much as started an attack!)
"No," Wizardmon muttered sullenly, careful to let just a bit of fear taint his reply. Let the Virals believe he was unused to seeing others tortured; though, not too much lest they decide he was weak and useless to them. It was a fine line he was planning to walk!
"But, you are afraid of me and what you've seen of my power?" Myotismon pressed.
"Yes," Wizardmon admitted in almost a snarl, sensing that the Virus wanted to see some fighting spirit as well as subservience from him.
Myotismon's dark lips twisted into a smirk as his eyes followed his captive's gaze.
"Good. Your fear shows you have some modicum of intelligence then, even though you would still defy me. But perhaps you fear something else even more than your own pain, do you not, little digimon?" At Wizardmon's carefully maintained blank look, Myotismon clarified, "It hurts you to see her suffer."
Oh--damn!
Realizing his mistake, the wizard hastily tore his gaze away from the cat to his own, dangling feet while his mind searched for the best way to answer; now painfully aware of the need to do damage control. "Why would I be concerned about a Vaccine?" Wizardmon asked, doing his best to sound apathetic to the very idea of caring about anyone but himself. It wasn't like he hadn't any practice at displaying that attitude before. So why was it so hard to summon it now?
Because he'd never had to fake apathy since he'd advanced into a newly evolved wizardmon-class digimon, that was why!
Fangs brushed the wizard's ear as Myotismon whispered to him, "Why..indeed. An interesting question, small one. But you do not fool me, wizard, I can see that you are attracted to her. Gatomon is pretty, is she not?" He opened his mouth, licking his fangs. "But as enjoyable as this conversation has been, it is time to surrender to the inevitable. Bare your neck, my soldier and suffer my bite."
Wizardmon's had discovered early on that one of his many talents in Champion form was the ability to 'mind read' others. It worked best on the simpler mon, getting progressively more difficult with those of considerable will until all he could truly discern were random emotions and basic desires. Maybe that was just as well. He didn't really want to clearly see what the Virus was intending just now. The stories his In-Training clique had told to scare each other was unnerving enough. Vampire bites were reputed to hurt worse than other kinds.
Hesitantly, his fingers awkwardly fumbled with the small skull clasp what with the intensity his anger. Reading the Virus' skittering dark thoughts concerning his supposed infatuation with Gatomon was infuriating. He didn't want to possess her---he wished to free her!
Wizardmon let his cloak fall to the floor. He studiously forced down a smile at Myotismon's facial expression as his mouth was revealed, it was kind of perversely pleasurable that he had managed to give the arrogant digimonster pause! Instead, he concentrating on loosening his vest and flight suit enough so that he could comply with his new---if temporary---'captor's' wishes. (Under no circumstances would he start thinking of this Virus as his 'master'!)
An invisible energy forced his head to turn from one side to the other and back again.
"Now I see your interest in Gatomon is indeed in her looks," Myotismon sneered. "Such beauty appeals to you, trapped in your own lack thereof. You wish to chain it to your keeping. To bind it close forever. Isn't that right, my wizardmon" the Virus accused, with an emphasis on 'my'.
His prisoner ruthlessly forced down the cry that wanted to escape from his mouth, nearly choking on his suppressed, yet growing outrage at the vampire's insinuations--now heard as words with his ears instead of just sensed in the mind.
How dare he! Gatomon was an angel of goodness! everyone here--and he included himself in this--were but garbage-filled storage banks compared to her! If he only had the needed power level, he'd blast that smarmy face into--!
Oh, he was so angry for the Vaccine's sake! Not to mention his own irritation at the continuous references to his being 'little' or referred to as a piece of property. No, he wasn't anywhere near tall, especially compared to the lanky Viral---but neither was he some diminutive... Patomon, either!
And I will never truly be 'yours'! the indignant wizard silently fumed. Never!
Wizardmon didn't voice any of these thoughts out loud. However, he could not keep the smoldering jade of his eyes from revealing to the Virus what did not choose to verbalize. He was just too pissed!
"Ah, so there is a fire burning deep within this miniature volcano," the now intensely hated voice chuckled. "I will make a deal with you, my feisty little Champion. Follow my leadership and I will end Gatomon's punishment. I will even put you under her command after you've both recovered your strength, and there you can find out for yourself that you will more likely get the attention of her Lightning Claw than earn her favor." Myotismon grinned an evil little grin as he added as if by afterthought: "Refuse, and I will kill her slowly and painfully while you watch."
Wizardmon stiffened. He sensed the vampire was bluffing---but what if he was wrong? Gatomon dead? He could not chance that! Closing his eyes, he concentrated on stilling the trembling in his heart.
"You will submit?"
(Yes. But for only as long as I must.)
"I am yours to command, Lord Myotismon," he meekly answered, bowing as much as the monster's energy grip on him would allow. But inside he was still seething. Having to capitulate before this egomaniacal sadist rankled!
Myotismon let the satisfaction shine from his eyes.
"Yes... an interesting question, indeed. And an equally intriguing answer to it," the Virus whispered as if to himself. He'd found and manipulated the Data's weakness almost too easily! Whatever the System had originally planned for this one, the wizardmon was his now. Oh, it would be interesting to see what form the Champion would digivolve into when he reached Ultimate and Mega. Perhaps Gatomon would be wise to not treat him too harshly lest her would-be admirer turn on her later on. Not, he thought with a perverse chuckle, that she would remember her 'friend' after he'd sufficiently masked the Vaccine's memories of her past to nip any future escape attempts in the bud. ..And to frustrate this one's yearnings. Lord Myotismon mentally laughed in delight at the thought. Innocent Desire when continuously thwarted was easily twisted into its evil twin, Possession, if done by a master hand. A hobby he'd enjoy give some of his attention to---after the DigiDestined brats were dealt with.
Wizardmon swallowed anxiously as the vampire's fangs teasingly nipped at his chin.
(Patience. Endure. This won't last. Think of the look in Gatomon's eyes when she's free of this abomination.)
Then there was a finger pressing against the sensitive bindings on his mouth as he heard Myotismon's disgust-filled words instruct the bat-winged rat, "Demidevimon...after I've feasted, take him down and and have the Bakemon do something about these...things. I find them aesthetically displeasing."
"Sure thing, boss! When were done, you won't find so much as a--"
"And, Demidevimon?"
The eager Rookie Virus zoomed to the floor and bowed low, the two ribbonesque strips that adorned the top of his head cover draping along the floor as he did so. "Yeah, boss? You name it---I'm you're mon! Evil wishes fulfilled without question! What'll it be? Slow torture? Extra screams? Hold the blood? For dinner, of course."
His Lord smirked as he purposefully crushed the Rookie's hopes. DemiDevimon was his most loyal lackey--and the most annoying.
"Phantomon is in charge of both their extraction and his keeping until Gatomon is sufficiently recovered...not you. As long as he is faithful to me, only I, he and Gatomon are to discipline him. You are not to touch him at all---understood?"
Snarling under his breath, the rat-like digimon whacked Wizardmon staff against the hard floor in frustration, upset that he was never allowed to have any real fun.
Wizardmon winced upon hearing his implement being thus abused against the stone floor. But then he had more pressing things to deal with as twin agony stabbed through the base of his neck.
System---help me!
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Wizardmon was having that nightmare again.
He was back in Lord Myotismon's castle, watching helplessly as the blond-haired vampire digimon called upon his power of Crimson Lightning to hurt Gatomon---who had had the audacity to demand her master release her friend:
"Wizardmon is only a Data, not a Virus, Myotismon!," the white cat had boldly spoken out in an effort to get the Data away from there. "You have plenty of others to fill your ranks---let him go!"
A specious argument if ever the Viral Lord had heard one seeing as many great fighters were members of the Data caste. His face had shown his displeasure, a raging storm threatening to burst.
Wizardmon had held his breath. He wished he could tell Gatomon to let it go--to stop feeling guilty for having dragged him into this, but he sensed that any arguments or explanations would simply enrage the Virus more. Why didn't Gatomon understand that it had been his choice to stay with her then as it was still his choice now?
Her master had then provoked the gatomon more by intimating that if the Data was indeed so useless as a fighter then he would make her Lord a lite snack. Gatomon had unwisely reacted to this by striking at him with her taloned gloves.
"Lightning Claw!"
Such a blow had been easily blocked by the Ultimate, however, who then commenced inflicting on the cat his own great power until she was nearly unconscious.
So this was why his only true friend had tried so hard to get him to stop following her before her master had shown up, Wizardmon thought grimly. Her lord was cruel, taking pleasure in other's pain. Gloved hands formed into fists of silent outrage. Wizardmon had never managed to find out what Digital World had meant his function as a Data digimon to be, but he'd decided right then and there what he, himself, was going to make it:
Getting Gatomon back her life as she had given him his!
Right now, however, any action on his part would be ill advised.
Acting as guards, Ghostly Bakemon---their teeth-filled mouths perpetually frozen open in some sort of rictus---floated to either side of the Champion Data; while noisily flapping away over his head, the snickering, bat-like mon named Demidevimon held his wizard's staff in his pair of tri-toed bird's feet. Every once in a while the orange eyes would glance down at him, but mostly they stayed on his master. The Rookie was clearly relishing what was going on in the arena.
Meanwhile the captive, himself, was filled with horrified frustration. Wizardmon's fingers itched to call his own power of Sky magic down upon these heartless Virals. But besides towering over everyone else physically, Myotismon was at Ultimate level---a state much more powerful than a mere Champion's as Gatomon's own futile attack had shown. Not to mention that they were surrounded by hordes of digimon ranging from Rookie to another Ultimate, the maroon-cloaked Phantomon who held onto his scythe like he knew how to use it and did so regularly. These naturally destructive Virus types were supplemented by a scattering of those like himself, Data, who generally did the mundane tasks. His own caste were not born twisted to evil, but their personal views were shaped by their environment. And Bios!---the wizard scowled---this was one twisted environment! Even if he'd been a Mega Vaccine sent to fight this 'Nightmare Army', he knew he'd have a hard time of it. As it was he'd have to prevail through his wits alone. Wizardmon silently swore that no matter what happened, he would not let these sway him back into a state of apathy--never mind evil functions. He had been cold and uncaring nearly all his life as a wizardmon. Gatomon's act of mercy had shown him another way---a wonderful way---and should it mean his own deletion back into random particles of data dust, he would remain true to it and to her. Together, they would escape from this tyrannical and vain vampire or be deleted trying. No! The latter was not an option! At least not as a fate for his friend. He'd just have to practice patience and stealth in order to endure until her freedom could be achieved.
Appearing to sense the defiance still simmering within his most recent acquisition. Myotismon left off disciplining his lieutenant in order to inspect the new digimon.
After arriving back home with both Champions in tow, he'd commanded his second-in-command to interrogate the stranger. Phantomon had soon informed his Lord that the one he'd found with Gatomon was a wizardmon who insisted on his neutrality regarding the different fights for control of Digital World. Earlier as he had ridden back to his castle, Myotismon had been too elated with getting the gatomon back to pay much attention, but if what Phantomon said was true... well, he'd never had a wizard under his command before--that classification was not common even in the Viral and Vaccine castes. A pity it wasn't a Virus. But Datas were at least malleable. This fellow should not be as much trouble to subdue as Gatomon was.
The Data versions of demon-men commonly called 'wizards' were hardly ever created by the System---Myotismon had never heard of either wizardmons or their Vaccine-caste version, sorcerymons, being sighted for many decades. Which was the main reason he had ignored Gatomon's insistence that the fellow was an insignificant nothing who had just happened to wander in before Myotismon showed up. System created nothing without a reason. If it chose this inauspicious time to throw a wild card into the World, then he wanted it close by to keep an eye on it. Perhaps it held some important quality like he sensed was in Gatomon?
His own superior, Lord Piedmon, was a Mega-level Wizard and---perhaps significantly---the strongest of the Dark Lords. It might be that that classification held some special prominence to System.
Myotismon critically eyed the short biped at his feet.
If so, it was not immediately obvious, he thought wryly and with not a little disappointment.
So...this ragged figure was the form which a Champion-level Data Wizard took on? Well, it did not appear terribly impressive, but perhaps when it reached Ultimate level---under Myotismon's own, special brand of encouragement, of course---this digimon would prove as worthy an underling as Phantomon.
"What is the matter, my wizardmon? Are you afraid of witnessing a little discipline? Don't tell me you are unused to seeing spilled blood?" the Virus chuckled.
"I am not your wizardmon," Wizardmon muttered to himself.
Demidevimon heard him, however, and maliciously repeated his words aloud along with what he thought should be done with the prisoner.
The Ultimate chuckled, waving the Rookie Virus to silence. "On that assessment I must differ, Wizardmon. You belong to me because I wish it." His voice hardened when he added, "And I expect an immediate answer to any question I ask of my soldiers."
When his captive remained silent, Myotismon used his power to levitate the smaller digimon up closer to his eye level. The vampire then casually knocked off the pointed hat with a flick of his finger, the other hand forcing the wizard's chin up by yanking downward on the hair tie that held the ends of the waist-long strands in a small ponytail.
"Should I need to instill in you the definitions of the words 'immediate' and 'answer' digimon? the Virus snapped. "Look at me, little Data. Is this neutrality you profess founded on a fear of witnessing bloodshed?"
For an instant, green eyes glared balefully back before looking away, their focus unconsciously diverting onto the bleeding Gatomon who was struggling to get back on her rear paws---with little success.
Damn, damn, damn--the bastard had hurt her terribly! Wizardmon internally growled at the sight of of all these digimon not making a move. Every piece of him yearned to go over and help.
(Patience.. Submit. Passive deception over brute strength or he'd be no aid to her whatsoever. This Ultimate would pulverize him before he so much as started an attack!)
"No," Wizardmon muttered sullenly, careful to let just a bit of fear taint his reply. Let the Virals believe he was unused to seeing others tortured; though, not too much lest they decide he was weak and useless to them. It was a fine line he was planning to walk!
"But, you are afraid of me and what you've seen of my power?" Myotismon pressed.
"Yes," Wizardmon admitted in almost a snarl, sensing that the Virus wanted to see some fighting spirit as well as subservience from him.
Myotismon's dark lips twisted into a smirk as his eyes followed his captive's gaze.
"Good. Your fear shows you have some modicum of intelligence then, even though you would still defy me. But perhaps you fear something else even more than your own pain, do you not, little digimon?" At Wizardmon's carefully maintained blank look, Myotismon clarified, "It hurts you to see her suffer."
Oh--damn!
Realizing his mistake, the wizard hastily tore his gaze away from the cat to his own, dangling feet while his mind searched for the best way to answer; now painfully aware of the need to do damage control. "Why would I be concerned about a Vaccine?" Wizardmon asked, doing his best to sound apathetic to the very idea of caring about anyone but himself. It wasn't like he hadn't any practice at displaying that attitude before. So why was it so hard to summon it now?
Because he'd never had to fake apathy since he'd advanced into a newly evolved wizardmon-class digimon, that was why!
Fangs brushed the wizard's ear as Myotismon whispered to him, "Why..indeed. An interesting question, small one. But you do not fool me, wizard, I can see that you are attracted to her. Gatomon is pretty, is she not?" He opened his mouth, licking his fangs. "But as enjoyable as this conversation has been, it is time to surrender to the inevitable. Bare your neck, my soldier and suffer my bite."
Wizardmon's had discovered early on that one of his many talents in Champion form was the ability to 'mind read' others. It worked best on the simpler mon, getting progressively more difficult with those of considerable will until all he could truly discern were random emotions and basic desires. Maybe that was just as well. He didn't really want to clearly see what the Virus was intending just now. The stories his In-Training clique had told to scare each other was unnerving enough. Vampire bites were reputed to hurt worse than other kinds.
Hesitantly, his fingers awkwardly fumbled with the small skull clasp what with the intensity his anger. Reading the Virus' skittering dark thoughts concerning his supposed infatuation with Gatomon was infuriating. He didn't want to possess her---he wished to free her!
Wizardmon let his cloak fall to the floor. He studiously forced down a smile at Myotismon's facial expression as his mouth was revealed, it was kind of perversely pleasurable that he had managed to give the arrogant digimonster pause! Instead, he concentrating on loosening his vest and flight suit enough so that he could comply with his new---if temporary---'captor's' wishes. (Under no circumstances would he start thinking of this Virus as his 'master'!)
An invisible energy forced his head to turn from one side to the other and back again.
"Now I see your interest in Gatomon is indeed in her looks," Myotismon sneered. "Such beauty appeals to you, trapped in your own lack thereof. You wish to chain it to your keeping. To bind it close forever. Isn't that right, my wizardmon" the Virus accused, with an emphasis on 'my'.
His prisoner ruthlessly forced down the cry that wanted to escape from his mouth, nearly choking on his suppressed, yet growing outrage at the vampire's insinuations--now heard as words with his ears instead of just sensed in the mind.
How dare he! Gatomon was an angel of goodness! everyone here--and he included himself in this--were but garbage-filled storage banks compared to her! If he only had the needed power level, he'd blast that smarmy face into--!
Oh, he was so angry for the Vaccine's sake! Not to mention his own irritation at the continuous references to his being 'little' or referred to as a piece of property. No, he wasn't anywhere near tall, especially compared to the lanky Viral---but neither was he some diminutive... Patomon, either!
And I will never truly be 'yours'! the indignant wizard silently fumed. Never!
Wizardmon didn't voice any of these thoughts out loud. However, he could not keep the smoldering jade of his eyes from revealing to the Virus what did not choose to verbalize. He was just too pissed!
"Ah, so there is a fire burning deep within this miniature volcano," the now intensely hated voice chuckled. "I will make a deal with you, my feisty little Champion. Follow my leadership and I will end Gatomon's punishment. I will even put you under her command after you've both recovered your strength, and there you can find out for yourself that you will more likely get the attention of her Lightning Claw than earn her favor." Myotismon grinned an evil little grin as he added as if by afterthought: "Refuse, and I will kill her slowly and painfully while you watch."
Wizardmon stiffened. He sensed the vampire was bluffing---but what if he was wrong? Gatomon dead? He could not chance that! Closing his eyes, he concentrated on stilling the trembling in his heart.
"You will submit?"
(Yes. But for only as long as I must.)
"I am yours to command, Lord Myotismon," he meekly answered, bowing as much as the monster's energy grip on him would allow. But inside he was still seething. Having to capitulate before this egomaniacal sadist rankled!
Myotismon let the satisfaction shine from his eyes.
"Yes... an interesting question, indeed. And an equally intriguing answer to it," the Virus whispered as if to himself. He'd found and manipulated the Data's weakness almost too easily! Whatever the System had originally planned for this one, the wizardmon was his now. Oh, it would be interesting to see what form the Champion would digivolve into when he reached Ultimate and Mega. Perhaps Gatomon would be wise to not treat him too harshly lest her would-be admirer turn on her later on. Not, he thought with a perverse chuckle, that she would remember her 'friend' after he'd sufficiently masked the Vaccine's memories of her past to nip any future escape attempts in the bud. ..And to frustrate this one's yearnings. Lord Myotismon mentally laughed in delight at the thought. Innocent Desire when continuously thwarted was easily twisted into its evil twin, Possession, if done by a master hand. A hobby he'd enjoy give some of his attention to---after the DigiDestined brats were dealt with.
Wizardmon swallowed anxiously as the vampire's fangs teasingly nipped at his chin.
(Patience. Endure. This won't last. Think of the look in Gatomon's eyes when she's free of this abomination.)
Then there was a finger pressing against the sensitive bindings on his mouth as he heard Myotismon's disgust-filled words instruct the bat-winged rat, "Demidevimon...after I've feasted, take him down and and have the Bakemon do something about these...things. I find them aesthetically displeasing."
"Sure thing, boss! When were done, you won't find so much as a--"
"And, Demidevimon?"
The eager Rookie Virus zoomed to the floor and bowed low, the two ribbonesque strips that adorned the top of his head cover draping along the floor as he did so. "Yeah, boss? You name it---I'm you're mon! Evil wishes fulfilled without question! What'll it be? Slow torture? Extra screams? Hold the blood? For dinner, of course."
His Lord smirked as he purposefully crushed the Rookie's hopes. DemiDevimon was his most loyal lackey--and the most annoying.
"Phantomon is in charge of both their extraction and his keeping until Gatomon is sufficiently recovered...not you. As long as he is faithful to me, only I, he and Gatomon are to discipline him. You are not to touch him at all---understood?"
Snarling under his breath, the rat-like digimon whacked Wizardmon staff against the hard floor in frustration, upset that he was never allowed to have any real fun.
Wizardmon winced upon hearing his implement being thus abused against the stone floor. But then he had more pressing things to deal with as twin agony stabbed through the base of his neck.
System---help me!
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