EA: And here we go again...
Starcatcher: Sorry it took so long, but we're finally out with another chapter.
Kari: Veemon VS MagnaAngemon.
TK: No contest there. MagnaAngemon would win in less than a minute!
Davis: No way!
TK: Lets think about this...MagnaAngemon is an ultimate...and Veemon's a rookie who can only go up to champion on his own, and he can't even do that because of the control spires.
Davis: Then I'll have him armor-digivolve!
TK: (Rolls eyes) Please...an armor Digimon can't beat an ultimate.
Davis: What about Magnamon? I seem to recall him beating Kimeramon, who also happens to be an ultimate.
TK: He barely won that battle.
Davis: I didn't see you or any of the others help him. Only Wormmon did and he's a rookie!
TK: Well you can't have Veemon digivolve to Magnamon anyway since you don't have the Digimental of Miracles! So you can't beat me! HAH!
EA: But I can! BEHOLD! FLAMES!
TK: What!?!
EA: We got two flames...one from Master Leonheart and the other from Lord Shinji.
TK: (Looks over reviews) Hey! These aren't flames!
EA: Close enough! (Ties TK to post over a pile of wood, then tosses the two reviews on the pile, which instantly lights on fire)
TK: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Davis: (Roasting marshmallows over the flames) Who wants smores?
Veemon: Oh! Me! Me!
Gatomon: Count me in!
Kari: I'd like some!
TK: You too Kari?
Patamon: (Happily munching on an already made pile of smores) Yum!
TK: PATAMON!
EA: (Cackles evilly)
Starcatcher: (Reads the reviews, then glances over at EA) You know...these really don't count as flames seeing as how they don't actually insult us in any way.
EA: Eh, what're ya gonna do?
Starcatcher: You're just using them as flames because you want to hurt TK.
EA: Now what ever gave you that idea?
Starcatcher: Your "To Do List" for one...
(EA pulls out "To Do List" and looks over. The entries include: burn TK, smash TK with mallet, chop off TK's head, drop anvil on TK, take over world, drown TK, confirm evidence that TK stole Gilligan's hat, push TK off cliff, kill Kari, and get rights to Digimon, which no one here owns.)
Kari: WHAT!?!
Starcatcher: Wow...she worked the disclaimer into her list.
Kari: What about the fact she wants to KILL ME!?!
Starcatcher: Oh, she can't do that.
EA: Aww...why not?
Starcatcher: Because, we need Kari in order to continue the story.
Kari: (Grins and cuddles with Davis)
EA: (Mutters darkly)
Starcatcher: Now, this chapter's shoutout goes to Anthony1, Master Leonheart, yeah, and Ran Hoshino.
EA: Since they were the only four who voted on the poll.
Starcatcher: Speaking of which...
Poll 1: Should the Digidestined gain special powers/abilities?
Yes - 1
No - 2
Poll 2: Should we allow the use of different types of digivolution like Biomerging or Spirit evolution?
Yes - 3
No - 0
Poll 3: Should the old Dark Masters from Season 1 be revived?
Yes - 1
No - 2
EA: Aww...I wanted to see them fight with kick ass powers!
Starcatcher: (Shrugs) Readers' decision.
Davis: Will we at least get to use some weapons?
Starcatcher: Maybe.
Kari: Cool, wonder what sort of weapons we'll get?
Starcatcher: Guess that's it then.
TK: HELLO!?! GUY ON FIRE HERE!!! Isn't ANYONE going to do anything!?!
EA: He's right... (Pulls out a pan and holds it over the flames, waiting a few seconds before a distinct continuous popping sound is heard) Who wants popcorn?
Starcatcher: (Sighs) Oh for the love of...
********************
"Come on people! Move it!"
"That's right! This way."
"Keep it coming. Hey! Quit pushing, you'll all get out of here!"
How many Digimon were in that place? They had lost count. Of course the Digimon were distrustful of Davis, but hey, freedom is freedom. They decided to take advantage of the situation and escape now, then ask questions later. From outside, the sound of alarms and shouting could be heard. With the last of the captured Digimon out of the cages, Davis motioned to Veemon to head out. Quickly, they rushed to the elevator only to find it was already packed and on its way to the surface.
"Now what?" Veemon questioned.
Davis looked around and noticed something. Off to the side was a door with a sign on it. The sign was a picture, a familiar one that practically screamed "THIS WAY". Seeing no alternative, he shrugged. "Lets take the stairs."
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"Huff...huff...how many more of these ARE there!?!"
"Just keep climbing, Veemon. We're almost there!"
"That's what you said five minutes ago!"
"Then QUIT ASKING!"
Continuing to ascend the spiral stairway, they found themselves getting tired and with no end yet in sight. Apparently the base was much deeper than they realized, but they had to get to the surface quickly or the prisoners would all be taken down by the guards. They had to help. Stopping to catch his breath, Davis looked over at Veemon. "Hey, do you think you could digivolve and get us out of here?"
Veemon shook his head. "Nu-uh...not with all the control spires in place."
"What about armor-digivolving?"
"That might work."
"Lets do this then!"
Five seconds later, Flamedramon took Veemon's place. "Hang on!" With barely any effort, he grabbed Davis around the waist and jumped, passing several flights of stairs with each leap. "Going up!"
Holding on tightly, Davis smiled as the air rushed past him, blowing his hair back. They were going much faster than they had been, and this place must have had 50 floors by the looks of it! Looking up, he could see they were reaching the top. "There it is!" He shouted. Flamedramon nodded and with a final jump, they were at the top of the staircase. "Whew. Thanks Flamedramon. Now lets go help the others!" With that, Davis pushed open the door and ran out into the storage area where they had gotten off the wagon. He skidded to a stop when he realized that there was someone blocking their path to the outside...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pumpkinmon sighed. 'Damn that warden! Damn this job! DAMN THOSE DARK MASTERS!!!' Yep, it had been another wonderful day of bringing food and supplies to the greedy, selfish Digimon guards who cared more about themselves and gaining power than the good of the world. What a time to be alive. And if you didn't catch the sarcasm there, I am most disappointed.
"Stupid Dark Masters! I'd like to get a shot at one of them! I'd teach them to make Digimon their slaves. Just one hit and they'd be on their knees, crying! Hah!" He threw a few punches in the air, as though imagining that he was really hitting them. "Those humans wouldn't last 5 seconds against a real Digimon like me!"
The door to the stairway slammed open, and Davis dashed out. He came to a stop when he saw Pumpkinmon and stared at him, questioningly. A few seconds later, Flamedramon appeared by his side, looking ready to battle. Scared at actually coming face to face with a Dark Master, or so he thought, Pumpkinmon freaked a bit before falling to the ground, groveling. "Please don't kill me! I didn't mean what I said! I always thought you all did great work here in the Digital World! Really!"
Davis stopped...and stared. "Uh...o...kay..."
At that time, a soft "ding" could be heard as the elevator doors opened and a crowd of rookies, as well as a champion or two, entered the storage area and looked around a bit nervously, expecting to be attacked. "Hey! Is that the last of you?" Flamedramon questioned. Seeing the pair, they seemed a little more confident about the situation and nodded. Though they still didn't trust the two, especially Davis, they did help the Digimon to escape. Sure it could be a trap, but what would they have to gain by setting these captives free? Besides, Wizardmon believed them, and they know they can trust him not to get them into a bind.
Smiling, Davis pointed at the doorway to the hall leading to freedom. "The exits that way. Continue up the hall till you reach the door to the outside! Now hurry before the guards come!" Too excited by the prospect of escape, they didn't bother to even say 'thank you' before making a mad dash out the door. Davis smiled slightly, glancing at Flamedramon. "Lets go. We have to help fight off the guards so they can get away." Flamedramon nodded in response and they headed after the others.
Pumpkinmon couldn't help but stare. "Uh...wait a minute...aren't you two with the Dark Masters?"
Pausing in midstep, Davis turned and looked at him like he was crazy. "Where have you been?"
"Huh?"
Flamedramon grinned. "Haven't you heard? We're the good guys."
"We right wrongs and triumph over evil! And that means the Dark Masters!" The goggled boy paused for a moment. "Geez, that sounded like something from a cheesy anime. Lets go already."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The two made it to the outside and found themselves in the middle of a battlefield. Though weakened from their time holed up underground with little nourishment, the escapees were doing rather well against the guards due to their sheer numbers. Then again, it might be the prospect of finally getting out of that dump that fueled their relentless attacks. Surveying the small-scale warzone, Davis noticed a group of rookies having problems with an Akatorimon. "Flamedramon, looks like they need help!"
"I'm on it!" And with that, Flamedramon left Davis's side and began knocking the stuffing out of the bird Digimon as the rookies cheered.
"Flamedramon, Flamedramon! He's the mon! If he can't do it, no mon con!" How they got the pom-poms and outfits remains a mystery.
Davis stared, Flamedramon nearly fell over in shock and perhaps a little embarassment, and several other fighters took a few seconds out of their current battles to stare in confusion and amusement. Akatorimon, however, only grew angry at the scene. "WHY YOU LITTLE--! I'LL DELETE YOU ALL, STARTING WITH YOU!" At this, he turned to Flamedramon. "AKATORI KICK!"
"FIRE ROCKET!" The attacks met in mid-air, causing, for some reason none of us can get, a dust cloud to appear. When it finally faded, snickering could be heard among the prisoners. There, still in mid-air, was Akatorimon...at least, they could only assume it was Akatorimon. Now...he resembled a thanksgiving day turkey. Flamedramon blinked...once...twice. "Uh...I think your goose is cooked."
Having been watching the whole thing, Davis fell over in shock, then jumped to his feet. "FLAMEDRAMON! Now is NOT the time for bad puns!" Unfortunately, he didn't notice the Aruraumon sneak up behind him.
"NEMISIS IVY!" Davis spun around and caught sight of the plant Digimon that so resembled Palmon, but was too late to dodge.
"DAVIS!" Flamedramon cried and tried to run and get him out of harm's way, but was unfortunately, attacked by a Kiwimon and a Meramon simultaneously, leaving Davis to face the attack alone. He closed his eyes, expecting to feel the hit at any moment.
He did get hit...just not like he expected.
Groaning in pain, he realized three things. One, he wasn't dead. Two, he was on the ground. And three, there was something rather heavy laying on top of him. Opening his eyes, he found something he certainly wasn't expecting. It was Pumpkinmon. He had pushed Davis out of the way just in time.
"Are you all right?" He asked.
"Uh...yeah, I'm fine. But what about you? Shouldn't you be getting the hell out of here?" Davis wondered.
Pumpkinmon stood and shook his head, his determination could be seen shining in his eyes...okay, maybe not considering he doesn't HAVE eyes, but you get the idea. "No way. For the past few years, I've done nothing as the Dark Masters ruined lives and hurt my friends. For once, I'm gonna do what's right!"
"It's your funeral!" A DarkTyrannomon shouted, fixing to trample them when it suddenly found itself lying on the ground and wondering where the pretty birdies came from. Flamedramon stood on top of its head where he landed after kicking it. Smirking, he jumped and landed on one knee a little behind and to the left of Davis, rising slowly and glaring at the guards, all around looking seriously cool.
Davis gave his partner the thumbs up, then turned to face the guards. "All righty then. WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!"
"Grr...I'll destroy you all!" Came a rough sounding voice from behind them...at the entrance of the building.
Pumpkinmon gasped and spun around, knowing full well who he would see. "It's the warden...Apemon!"
"Uh...are ALL the evil Digimon here at the champion level or lower?" Davis asked Pumpkinmon, quietly so as to not be overheard.
The pumpkin-headed Digimon nodded. "Yeah, the Dark Masters didn't want any really strong Digimon to challenge them, so they have most of the more powerful ones under the control of the dark rings, or weakened them so they de-digivolved to weaker forms, since none were actually willing to be ruled by the humans."
"Huh...is that so?" Flamedramon asked, dropping the cool act for a moment and looking thoughtful.
Apemon was getting pissed. "HEY! DON'T JUST IGNORE ME!!! MEGA BONE STICK!" He charged at them, his weapon raised, preparing for a powerful blow to take them all out.
Flamedramon prepared to defend the prisoners, but Pumpkinmon jumped out before he had the chance. "I won't let you hurt my friends anymore! PUMPKIN SQUASH!"
Apemon fell on back, a pumpkin smashed onto his head, effectively putting him out of commission. Pumpkinmon smiled in triumph while the others stared. Davis blinked...once...twice. "Uh...well...that works." Realizing some guards were still there, they all turned to face their opposition. Davis took a step forward. "Now, are you all gonna make it easy on yourselves and surrender...or are we gonna have to kick your butts to the other side of the Digital World?"
Looking scared, the guards started to back off. Davis grinned, thinking they were winning until he realized just WHY they were backing off. Several of the prisoners began to gasp and a few screamed. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of a Digimon flying towards them rather quickly...a very big and familiar Digimon...
His eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "It's MagnaAngemon!"
Impmon, who was among the few remaining Digimon who had yet to make thier way out of the compound during the fighting, gulped. "Okay...we're dead. We're all dead!"
Davis couldn't help but stare as TK and MagnaAngemon touched the ground. True, he had always considered the blonde as his rival for Kari's heart in the past, but this is a completely different world and neither TK nor Kari were how he remembered them. In a way...it kinda hurt to see TK like this...they weren't just rivals after all. They were friends too.
TK sneered. He didn't wear armor, but instead looked more casual with black pants, white shoes, and a green vest, leaving his arms bare. For some reason Davis will probably never get, he still wore that stupid hat. He "Well, well, well...what do we have here? A human in our world...that's a first, and unfortunately for you, it'll also be the last!"
"How could you do this? Digimon are living creatures! They don't deserve being turned into slaves!"
"Living creatures? This entire world is made up of data, nothing really exists here. So what does it matter what we do?"
"What about all the battles you fought? You saved the Digital World from so many enemies before! How could you just take over the world you tried so hard to protect?" Davis demanded.
"Easy. We were the ones who saved this world...so it is ours to rule!" TK answered with some strange, twisted logic that only he seemed to understand.
The goggled boy shook his head. "Dammit all! Should have known it wouldn't be that easy. But still...I never would have imagined TK could end up like this!"
"He's not the same TK we knew. We never met him so he doesn't know who we are. I hate to say this, but he's not gonna listen to us." Flamedramon stated, sadly.
Davis frowned. Veemon was right...he knew this would have to happen. He never wanted to admit it to himself, but he knew deep down that sooner or later, he would be forced to face the others. 'I have to do this...' He took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes at TK. "Then we'll fight! Blast him Flamedramon!!!"
"You've got it!" Knowing that MagnaAngemon would be a tough opponent to beat, he wasted no time and managed to land a lucky punch due to the fact that MagnaAngemon wasn't expecting an attack so soon.
TK's eyes widened a little in confusion as MagnaAngemon was knocked back slightly, now noticing Flamedramon for the first time. "What? What type of digimon is that?" He narrowed his eyes in anger. 'All digivolution should be blocked due to the power of the ore used to make the control spires! So how can HE do it?'
'Oh yeah...TK and Kari never met up with us newer kids and never found out about the digimentals and how they allow the Digimon to armor-digivolve. Good thing too.' Davis grinned. "You can do it Flamedramon! TAKE HIM OUT!"
"Destroy them all MagnaAngemon! They're not even worthy of existance!" TK ordered. "So there's a new type of digivolution! He doesn't even stand a chance!" With that, he started laughing in an incredibly evil and completely non-TK like way.
"I'll show you!!!" Davis shouted. Not in the mood to just stand around and do nothing as his partner was fighting for his life, Davis charged at TK, fists balled and just waiting to connect with his face.
TK smirked. "Hah! You think YOU can hit me?"
"I'm gonna wipe that stupid smirk off your face!" Davis swore, about to land a hit on TK's face when, to his shock and horror, TK grabbed his arm with one hand, effectively stopping his punch. With the other, he threw a right hook that hit Davis's head, causing him to lose his balance and fall. While Davis was trying to get to his feet, TK pulled out a seriously wicked looking staff similar to Angemon's, though smaller and more lightweight. Blunt though it may be, it would seriously hurt to be hit by it. And it certainly did hurt as TK charged at Davis and socked him in the jaw. While Davis was still in shock, TK moved behind the goggled boy and slammed the rod onto Davis's back, turning as he did to add more power behind the attack. In serious pain, and being unable to feel the lower part of his body, Davis fell to the ground, not moving, but still conscious. He gritted his teeth in pain as TK kicked him, causing him to roll a few feet away.
At the same time, MagnaAngemon had regained his composure and attacked Flamedramon with his sword. Being an ultimate, he quickly gained the upper hand, flattening Flamedramon into the ground with his Angel Rod atack. Smirking viciously, he kept attacking consistently, causing Flamedramon more pain as the ground catered under him due to the pressure.
The fight hadn't even lasted long before the two heros were down. TK and MagnaAngemon were winning, and everyone knew it.
"We have to do something!" Wizardmon exclaimed.
Back with the battle, Flamedramon groaned in pain and weakly opened his eyes, pushing himself up when the barrage of attacks stopped. "I may be down, but I'm not out." He coughed.
"Hah! You can barely stand, much less defend yourself. Heh, looks like the end for you." MagnaAngemon stated, pulling up his sword, preparing to make the final blow.
"THUNDERBALL!"
"Wha...?" MagnaAngemon was shocked to find himself paralyzed as lightning racked his body. "What is this!?!" He demanded, too distracted to pay anymore attention to Flamedramon, who shakely stood on both legs, trying to ignore the pain.
"MagnaAngemon!" TK shouted. Concerned for his partner, he didn't notice a couple of Digimon run over to Davis.
Davis, still dazed from the unexpected blows, didn't notice what was going on around him. He just laid there on his back, looking up at the sky and trying to make sense of his current condition. He didn't snap out of it until two shadows hovered over him, blocking his view. Snapping out of it, he groaned, closing his eyes.
"Come on kid! We need you right now!" Pumpkinmon cried, shaking Davis a bit and causing the boy to wince in pain.
"You have to get up!" Wizardmon.
He sat up, rubbing his shoulder where the worst of the hit was. "Dammit...they're too strong..." Davis muttered through clentched teeth.
"Come on Davis! We can't give up now! All those Digimon are counting on us! I'll keep fighting cuz I know I won't lose!" Flamedramon shouted, seeing his partner in doubt.
His eyes widened upon hearing this. 'He still wants to fight?' Looking over at his partner, Davis smiled softly and nodded. 'If Flamedramon is willing to fight even though our chances are slim...then I will too! Screw the odds! We can do this!' He pumped his fist. "Right! Got get 'em Flamedramon! We're not gonna let some bullies push us around!"
The other freed Digimon smiled upon hearing this, except for Impmon, who just rolled his eyes at this 'sappy stuff'. However, a loud shrieking sound echoed throughout the area, bringing everyone's attention to Davis, who was looking down at his D-3 and D-Terminal in confusion. Right next to the current digimental in use, a second one appeared. "What the?" 'Two Digimentals of Courage?'
At that moment, Flamedramon's armor began to glow. "What's happening?" He demanded. The glowing armor grew and took on a new form. A moment later, the glow faded, and the new Flamedramon was revealed. He was now more muscular and the armor was bigger and covered more of his body, but kept the same flame design. There were plates covering his legs that went from his ankles to an inch above his knees, leaving his feet bare. The chest armor and helmet were like Cooler's in DBZ: Cooler's Revenge after he transformed, but the helmet still kept the original horn and covered the lower portion of his face, leaving his eyes visible. He even had the shoulder guards like Magnamon's, only it spiked up in bit of a curve.
Davis blinked. "Yo Flamedramon...what's with the look?"
Flamedramon shook his head, a bit confused. "I don't know...I just feel...stronger somehow..."
"Well then what are you waiting for? KICK HIS ASS!"
"Right!" The new and improved Flamedramon shot forward and punched MagnaAngemon, knocking him off his feet and snapping him out of his paralysis. Seeing this, Davis smirked and turned back to face TK. They actually had a chance...and they weren't about to waste it.
"If Flamedramon can continue fighting, I can too..."
"Worthless...you don't stand a chance against me."
Davis slowly pulled himself back on his feet. "I..."
"What's that? Ready to give up yet?" TK taunted.
"I WON'T LOSE!!!" Davis shouted, lunging forward. TK charged, staff raised, confident that his unarmed opponent would fall easily.
Uh-huh...right...
It happened so quickly. As the staff came aiming for his head, Davis's hand shot out. TK grinned, knowing that his staff could crack a skull and shouldn't have any problem breaking Davis's hand, and only put more power into the blow. Davis smirked. In a swift move, he grabbed the staff with his left hand, but instead of trying to force it back, he pulled it closer. At the same time, he leaned to the right, so he was just out of the way of the hit. TK, with both hands on the staff to give it added power, couldn't prevent what happened next. With his left hand gripping the staff and pulling TK closer, he grabbed TK's head and pulled him downward while bringing up his left leg and kneeing TK in the gut.
Meanwhile, the new improved Flamedramon was ready to kick butt. Angered, MagnaAngemon attacked with his sword again only for Flamedramon to grab the blade and push back. They were both trying to force the sword back, but neither was able to overpower the other.
The prisoners watched the reversed tug-of-war, silently praying that Flamedramon would pull through. However, even with his power boost, Flamedramon wasn't used to his new form yet, and MagnaAngemon was able to swipe the blade off to the side, causing Flamedramon to lose his balance. He quickly jumped to his feet, though a bit clumsily due to the excess armor. And the Digimon watched, uncertain of the outcome and their fates.
"Welp, we're doomed. Might as well go back into our cages." An Otamamon sighed in defeat.
Well...maybe not so uncertain.
"There's no way Flamedramon can win against MagnaAngemon! We're as good as dead!" One of the prisoners exclaimed.
Flamedramon dodged another blow from MagnaAngemon, giving a kick of his own in return. Growling angrily, MagnaAngemon pointed his sword at the armored Digimon. "I'll send you into the Gate of Destiny!" With that, he began to create the circle that would form the gateway to oblivion.
"Maybe if we grovel enough, they'll just send us back into the mines?"
Impmon growled at that. "NO! I am NOT going through dat shit again!" Impmon shouted, surprising everyone within hearing range. "FUNNEL FLAME!" A ring of fire appeared on the ground in front of Impmon and a fireball rose from the ring and shot towards MagnaAngemon, effectively stopping him from completing the attack.
"Go for the dark spiral on his arm!" Wizardmon yelled. "It's what's protecting him from the ore!"
"DO IT FLAMEDRAMON!" Davis cheered. TK, still in pain from Davis's hits and angered that he would dare to do such a thing, tried to jump Davis from behind. Fortunately, when Davis shouted, he pumped his arm, elbowing TK in the gut, then threw up his fist, not only cheering, but punching TK in the jaw and causing him to fall to the ground face-first, effectively preventing anymore attacks as well. He glanced down at TK's form, smirking before bringing his gaze back to his Digimon.
"FLAME FIST!" With MagnaAngemon still dazed from Impmon's attack, Flamedramon managed to get close enough to land a direct hit on the dark spiral, causing it to shatter and MagnaAngemon's strength to diminish since he was no longer immune to the effects of the dark ore.
"NO! MAGNAANGEMON!!!" Shouted TK, looking up just in time to see the attack.
"TK!" MagnaAngemon cried, flying over to his partner, weakened, but trying to maintain his current form.
"Damn it all. Get us out of here!" TK ordered.
'He's leaving?' Davis wondered, backing up to be out of MagnaAngemon's range. 'Why's he leaving?' That's when he realized what happened. "Wait...I just beat TF! YAHOOOO!!!"
Groaning, TK pushed himself to his knees. "Don't kid yourself, that was a lucky shot. You managed to surprise me this once, but be certain that next time I won't make the same mistake!" At that, MagnaAngemon picked up TK and flew off into the distance until they could no longer be seen.
"Davis, are you okay?" Davis turned to see Flamedramon, a bit scratched, but nothing too serious.
"Yeah! That was some battle Flamedramon!"
Reverting to his normal form, Veemon grinned sheepishly. "I couldn't have done it alone." He turned to face Impmon. "Thanks for helping us!"
Impmon looked away, snobishly. "Yeah right. I only wanted some payback. I wasn't doing it for YOU."
Veemon rolled his eyes. "Gee...thanks..." Remembering that Davis had faced TK alone, Veemon turned to his partner. "What about you Davish? TK didn't hurt you, did he?"
"Not too badly." Davis smiled. "Come on guys! Lets head back!"
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"We're baaack!" Veemon shouted once they reached the base. Behind him were Davis, Wizardmon, and Pumpkinmon. All the other prisoners had left earlier to go back to their homes, except Impmon, who just muttered something about not being around to save their butts and took off as well. Where he is, they're not too sure right now, but they do hope he stays out of trouble.
Koromon came bouncing up to them. "You made it! You made it!" He exclaimed happily, jumping into Davis's arms.
Others followed the hyper in-training Digimon, many of which congratulated Davis and Veemon on sucessfully rescuing Wizardmon. Hearing the commotion, Gatomon and Leomon arrived and were glad to see the two unharmed as well.
"Wizardmon!" Gatomon cried, running over to her old friend.
"Gatomon, it's wonderful to see you again!" Wizardmon replied. "Have you been well?"
She nodded, smiling. "Yes, but I'm even better now that you're here and safe."
By this time, Gennai reached them. "Davis, Veemon. It looks like you made it back safely and with Wizardmon as well. I must admit, I had my doubts, but you two have really proven yourselves."
Davis laughed, scratching the back of his head a bit embarrassed. "Heh, thanks Gennai."
Veemon had gotten into telling everyone what had happened, perhaps exaggerating a bit on some of the details when Davis noticed Pumpkinmon walking off alone. Concerned, he followed after the other. A few minutes, maybe more passed as Davis trailed the pumpkin-headed Digimon until they reached a small creek. Pumpkinmon finally stopped by the edge and looked off into the distance.
How long did he just stand there? Davis didn't really know, but getting impatient, he decided to alert the other to his presence. "Something wrong Pumpkinmon?"
Yes, he knew Davis had been following him, so he wasn't surprised when the boy finally spoke. He sighed and looked over at him. "It's just...all that time..."
"You mean when you were working for the Dark Masters?"
Pumpkinmon nodded. "Yeah...all that time, I could have done something...but I didn't."
Davis frowned. "Why didn't you?"
"Because I was scared...but not just for me. You see...I had a friend in there. He was captured...he would have been killed. But I turned myself over to the Dark Masters' service in exchange for letting him live. They did, and he was stuck in that place. I never got to see him, but I had some hope he was still alive, you know? Then today...when all the prisoners escaped...he wasn't there. He was my best friend...and now he's gone."
"How do you know he's not still alive somewhere? Maybe he escaped from that place and went into hiding?"
Sadly shaking his head, Pumpkinmon looked back at the creek. "Because nobody's ever escaped before. They've been deleted, turned, and trapped...but none ever found freedom."
"Except one." Came a new voice. Both turned to see...
"GOTSUMON!" Pumpkinmon shouted, joyfully, as he rushed over and hugged his friend. "I thought you died!"
Gotsumon hugged back. Yes, it was the same Gotsumon that had spoken with Davis earlier before he and Veemon went into the prison and the same Gotsumon who constantly thwapped Davis at their first meeting. "Nope. It'll take more than that to get rid of me." Both friends stepped back, smiling at each other, just happy to meet up again.
Davis smiled as well. 'Heh, it's nice that they finally got to see each other again.' Turning, he headed back to the camp, the two following him. He frowned and looked up. 'But there are still many more Digimon like them under the tyranny of the Dark Masters...my friends...don't worry guys. I'll do whatever it takes to bring you all back.'
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'Dammit all...how could I lose to someone like HIM!?!' TK demanded as he made his way down the hall towards the main room, Patamon following behind him. When they finally got there, Tai was waiting for them, and he did not look happy.
"What happened?" Tai demanded.
"I don't know!" TK cried. "I went there and found that the intruders were a Digimon I've never seen and a kid!"
"A digidestined? But we've been the only ones for years!" Mimi changed as well. Her hair was still the same honey brown color it was when they were kids, held back in a bun. Her outfit was like Yuna's Lady Luck dress with the somewhat revealing evening gown type dress with slits on both sides, showing off her legs, and yes, even included the headpiece, though not the tattoo. Apparently, she was still not one for close physical combat.
"Well, it's true. And get this, his Digimon can digivolve!"
"That's impossible! The control spires keep the Digimon from digivolving!" Izzy.
"I know that, but he did! It was some new type of digivolution I've never seen before!" TK explained as he set the monitor to show the event. Starting from the breakout, to TK and MagnaAngemon's entrance...to their defeat. All by the unknown boy and his Digimon.
Kari grinned. Now her appearance was much scarier. Her hair had been darkened and lengthened while her eyes had a sort of red glint to them. She wore a different outfit as well, a mix between the Gun Mage dresses of Yuna and Paine, being that the tank top and gloves were much like Paine's and the skirt and boots were more like Yuna's, only instead of magenta and blue, it was dark purple and red. "Ooooh...he's cute..."
"Interesting...it appears that those Guardians have brought in outside help." Matt stated, spitting out the word "Guardians" like it was something vile.
"What should we do?" Mimi.
"Capture him. I want to meet him face to face." Tai ordered, as he turned and began to walk away.
"Tai?" Kari questioned.
Pausing for a moment, he looked over his shoulder at her. "We need to know just who we're up against. I seriously doubt he realizes the entire situation. We may need to...enlighten him..." He smirked, then turned and walked away. A minute passed before Sora headed off after him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In an unknown place...
"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"
"We have forced him into a position he may not be prepared for."
"Even so, we have discussed this and already agreed that this is the best course of action."
"But maybe there is another way that won't require him to make such a sacrifice?"
"It has been proven time and again that the human heart is strong, but to force such a burden on a single person may lead to the very events we hoped to prevent."
"Though that may be, we have already started the chain of events and it is too late to stop now."
One lowered his head, sadly. 'We have once more forced an unimaginable fate on a child.' Without a word to the others, he turned away.
'Our sins will never be forgiven for all eternity.'
********************
Starcatcher: Okay, I know some of this doesn't make sense...here I'll try to explain things.
1. How Flamedramon was able to defeat MagnaAngemon. I'm not trying to make it seem like Davis and Veemon are automatically super powerful and can take down any enemy. It doesn't work that way.
We all know that a regular Armor Digimon is roughly as strong as a champion, while a Golden Armor Digimon is about as strong as an ultimate. Since the Golden Digimental wasn't used, technically Flamedramon shouldn't be able to take down MagnaAngemon. However, in the last chapter, Davis had gotten the other Digimental of Courage, adding it's power to the one he already has. So Veemon recieved a power boost when he armor digivolved to Flamedramon, because Davis used the power of TWO Digimentals of Courage. With that extra power, he able to stand his own against MagnaAngemon, but remember, it also took a bit of help from Impmon to win. So with two digimentals and Impmon's attack added to Flamedramon's, they were able to beat an ultimate.
When the second Digimental of Courage was added, it gave Flamedramon a new form. He did NOT digivolve into a new Digimon, or mode change for that matter. He's still Flamedramon, only with twice the power.
2. How Pumpkinmon was able to take out Apemon without any help. I've looked up information on this and found, to my surprise, that Pumpkinmon is actually an ultimate. So technically, he should be stronger than a champion. Myotismon was also an ultimate, explaining why Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon didn't do so well against him. But even though Pumpkinmon is an ultimate and could probably try to free the prisoners, he couldn't due to the number of guards he would have to fight against and the fact that Gotsumon was trapped in there as well (or so he thought) and would get killed if he tried anything. As for his attack, I'm not sure if it really worked like that, so please excuse me if I'm wrong.
Starcatcher: How was that?
EA: I like! I like!
Davis: (Sighs) Why do I have to do this?
EA: Because you're so cuuute! (Glomps Davis)
Starcatcher: What's the big deal? You did the narration for Digimon Tamers, didn't you.
Davis: Well...I guess...but why do I have to do it? Why not the Announcer Guy?
EA: Gone.
Davis: What? Why?
EA: We fired him...
Veemon: Lucky bastard.
EA: Out of a cannon and into the sun.
All: (Blink, blink)
Davis: And now I'm worried.
EA: Nothing to worry about Davis! I would NEVER do that to you! (Stares at Davis, stars in eyes)
Kari: (Glomps Davis) Back off! He's MINE!
Starcatcher: Eh...this is just getting weird now. Davis, if you don't mind...?
Davis: Uh...sure. Next time on Dark Future, I take a little trip to the real world and run into a few 'real life' problems. Lets just say, I'm really gonna kill Gennai for this.
EA: Don't forget to vote on the polls.
Starcatcher: See you next time.
TK: (Burnt, but still alive) No...more...flames...
Starcatcher: Sorry it took so long, but we're finally out with another chapter.
Kari: Veemon VS MagnaAngemon.
TK: No contest there. MagnaAngemon would win in less than a minute!
Davis: No way!
TK: Lets think about this...MagnaAngemon is an ultimate...and Veemon's a rookie who can only go up to champion on his own, and he can't even do that because of the control spires.
Davis: Then I'll have him armor-digivolve!
TK: (Rolls eyes) Please...an armor Digimon can't beat an ultimate.
Davis: What about Magnamon? I seem to recall him beating Kimeramon, who also happens to be an ultimate.
TK: He barely won that battle.
Davis: I didn't see you or any of the others help him. Only Wormmon did and he's a rookie!
TK: Well you can't have Veemon digivolve to Magnamon anyway since you don't have the Digimental of Miracles! So you can't beat me! HAH!
EA: But I can! BEHOLD! FLAMES!
TK: What!?!
EA: We got two flames...one from Master Leonheart and the other from Lord Shinji.
TK: (Looks over reviews) Hey! These aren't flames!
EA: Close enough! (Ties TK to post over a pile of wood, then tosses the two reviews on the pile, which instantly lights on fire)
TK: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Davis: (Roasting marshmallows over the flames) Who wants smores?
Veemon: Oh! Me! Me!
Gatomon: Count me in!
Kari: I'd like some!
TK: You too Kari?
Patamon: (Happily munching on an already made pile of smores) Yum!
TK: PATAMON!
EA: (Cackles evilly)
Starcatcher: (Reads the reviews, then glances over at EA) You know...these really don't count as flames seeing as how they don't actually insult us in any way.
EA: Eh, what're ya gonna do?
Starcatcher: You're just using them as flames because you want to hurt TK.
EA: Now what ever gave you that idea?
Starcatcher: Your "To Do List" for one...
(EA pulls out "To Do List" and looks over. The entries include: burn TK, smash TK with mallet, chop off TK's head, drop anvil on TK, take over world, drown TK, confirm evidence that TK stole Gilligan's hat, push TK off cliff, kill Kari, and get rights to Digimon, which no one here owns.)
Kari: WHAT!?!
Starcatcher: Wow...she worked the disclaimer into her list.
Kari: What about the fact she wants to KILL ME!?!
Starcatcher: Oh, she can't do that.
EA: Aww...why not?
Starcatcher: Because, we need Kari in order to continue the story.
Kari: (Grins and cuddles with Davis)
EA: (Mutters darkly)
Starcatcher: Now, this chapter's shoutout goes to Anthony1, Master Leonheart, yeah, and Ran Hoshino.
EA: Since they were the only four who voted on the poll.
Starcatcher: Speaking of which...
Poll 1: Should the Digidestined gain special powers/abilities?
Yes - 1
No - 2
Poll 2: Should we allow the use of different types of digivolution like Biomerging or Spirit evolution?
Yes - 3
No - 0
Poll 3: Should the old Dark Masters from Season 1 be revived?
Yes - 1
No - 2
EA: Aww...I wanted to see them fight with kick ass powers!
Starcatcher: (Shrugs) Readers' decision.
Davis: Will we at least get to use some weapons?
Starcatcher: Maybe.
Kari: Cool, wonder what sort of weapons we'll get?
Starcatcher: Guess that's it then.
TK: HELLO!?! GUY ON FIRE HERE!!! Isn't ANYONE going to do anything!?!
EA: He's right... (Pulls out a pan and holds it over the flames, waiting a few seconds before a distinct continuous popping sound is heard) Who wants popcorn?
Starcatcher: (Sighs) Oh for the love of...
********************
"Come on people! Move it!"
"That's right! This way."
"Keep it coming. Hey! Quit pushing, you'll all get out of here!"
How many Digimon were in that place? They had lost count. Of course the Digimon were distrustful of Davis, but hey, freedom is freedom. They decided to take advantage of the situation and escape now, then ask questions later. From outside, the sound of alarms and shouting could be heard. With the last of the captured Digimon out of the cages, Davis motioned to Veemon to head out. Quickly, they rushed to the elevator only to find it was already packed and on its way to the surface.
"Now what?" Veemon questioned.
Davis looked around and noticed something. Off to the side was a door with a sign on it. The sign was a picture, a familiar one that practically screamed "THIS WAY". Seeing no alternative, he shrugged. "Lets take the stairs."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Huff...huff...how many more of these ARE there!?!"
"Just keep climbing, Veemon. We're almost there!"
"That's what you said five minutes ago!"
"Then QUIT ASKING!"
Continuing to ascend the spiral stairway, they found themselves getting tired and with no end yet in sight. Apparently the base was much deeper than they realized, but they had to get to the surface quickly or the prisoners would all be taken down by the guards. They had to help. Stopping to catch his breath, Davis looked over at Veemon. "Hey, do you think you could digivolve and get us out of here?"
Veemon shook his head. "Nu-uh...not with all the control spires in place."
"What about armor-digivolving?"
"That might work."
"Lets do this then!"
Five seconds later, Flamedramon took Veemon's place. "Hang on!" With barely any effort, he grabbed Davis around the waist and jumped, passing several flights of stairs with each leap. "Going up!"
Holding on tightly, Davis smiled as the air rushed past him, blowing his hair back. They were going much faster than they had been, and this place must have had 50 floors by the looks of it! Looking up, he could see they were reaching the top. "There it is!" He shouted. Flamedramon nodded and with a final jump, they were at the top of the staircase. "Whew. Thanks Flamedramon. Now lets go help the others!" With that, Davis pushed open the door and ran out into the storage area where they had gotten off the wagon. He skidded to a stop when he realized that there was someone blocking their path to the outside...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pumpkinmon sighed. 'Damn that warden! Damn this job! DAMN THOSE DARK MASTERS!!!' Yep, it had been another wonderful day of bringing food and supplies to the greedy, selfish Digimon guards who cared more about themselves and gaining power than the good of the world. What a time to be alive. And if you didn't catch the sarcasm there, I am most disappointed.
"Stupid Dark Masters! I'd like to get a shot at one of them! I'd teach them to make Digimon their slaves. Just one hit and they'd be on their knees, crying! Hah!" He threw a few punches in the air, as though imagining that he was really hitting them. "Those humans wouldn't last 5 seconds against a real Digimon like me!"
The door to the stairway slammed open, and Davis dashed out. He came to a stop when he saw Pumpkinmon and stared at him, questioningly. A few seconds later, Flamedramon appeared by his side, looking ready to battle. Scared at actually coming face to face with a Dark Master, or so he thought, Pumpkinmon freaked a bit before falling to the ground, groveling. "Please don't kill me! I didn't mean what I said! I always thought you all did great work here in the Digital World! Really!"
Davis stopped...and stared. "Uh...o...kay..."
At that time, a soft "ding" could be heard as the elevator doors opened and a crowd of rookies, as well as a champion or two, entered the storage area and looked around a bit nervously, expecting to be attacked. "Hey! Is that the last of you?" Flamedramon questioned. Seeing the pair, they seemed a little more confident about the situation and nodded. Though they still didn't trust the two, especially Davis, they did help the Digimon to escape. Sure it could be a trap, but what would they have to gain by setting these captives free? Besides, Wizardmon believed them, and they know they can trust him not to get them into a bind.
Smiling, Davis pointed at the doorway to the hall leading to freedom. "The exits that way. Continue up the hall till you reach the door to the outside! Now hurry before the guards come!" Too excited by the prospect of escape, they didn't bother to even say 'thank you' before making a mad dash out the door. Davis smiled slightly, glancing at Flamedramon. "Lets go. We have to help fight off the guards so they can get away." Flamedramon nodded in response and they headed after the others.
Pumpkinmon couldn't help but stare. "Uh...wait a minute...aren't you two with the Dark Masters?"
Pausing in midstep, Davis turned and looked at him like he was crazy. "Where have you been?"
"Huh?"
Flamedramon grinned. "Haven't you heard? We're the good guys."
"We right wrongs and triumph over evil! And that means the Dark Masters!" The goggled boy paused for a moment. "Geez, that sounded like something from a cheesy anime. Lets go already."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The two made it to the outside and found themselves in the middle of a battlefield. Though weakened from their time holed up underground with little nourishment, the escapees were doing rather well against the guards due to their sheer numbers. Then again, it might be the prospect of finally getting out of that dump that fueled their relentless attacks. Surveying the small-scale warzone, Davis noticed a group of rookies having problems with an Akatorimon. "Flamedramon, looks like they need help!"
"I'm on it!" And with that, Flamedramon left Davis's side and began knocking the stuffing out of the bird Digimon as the rookies cheered.
"Flamedramon, Flamedramon! He's the mon! If he can't do it, no mon con!" How they got the pom-poms and outfits remains a mystery.
Davis stared, Flamedramon nearly fell over in shock and perhaps a little embarassment, and several other fighters took a few seconds out of their current battles to stare in confusion and amusement. Akatorimon, however, only grew angry at the scene. "WHY YOU LITTLE--! I'LL DELETE YOU ALL, STARTING WITH YOU!" At this, he turned to Flamedramon. "AKATORI KICK!"
"FIRE ROCKET!" The attacks met in mid-air, causing, for some reason none of us can get, a dust cloud to appear. When it finally faded, snickering could be heard among the prisoners. There, still in mid-air, was Akatorimon...at least, they could only assume it was Akatorimon. Now...he resembled a thanksgiving day turkey. Flamedramon blinked...once...twice. "Uh...I think your goose is cooked."
Having been watching the whole thing, Davis fell over in shock, then jumped to his feet. "FLAMEDRAMON! Now is NOT the time for bad puns!" Unfortunately, he didn't notice the Aruraumon sneak up behind him.
"NEMISIS IVY!" Davis spun around and caught sight of the plant Digimon that so resembled Palmon, but was too late to dodge.
"DAVIS!" Flamedramon cried and tried to run and get him out of harm's way, but was unfortunately, attacked by a Kiwimon and a Meramon simultaneously, leaving Davis to face the attack alone. He closed his eyes, expecting to feel the hit at any moment.
He did get hit...just not like he expected.
Groaning in pain, he realized three things. One, he wasn't dead. Two, he was on the ground. And three, there was something rather heavy laying on top of him. Opening his eyes, he found something he certainly wasn't expecting. It was Pumpkinmon. He had pushed Davis out of the way just in time.
"Are you all right?" He asked.
"Uh...yeah, I'm fine. But what about you? Shouldn't you be getting the hell out of here?" Davis wondered.
Pumpkinmon stood and shook his head, his determination could be seen shining in his eyes...okay, maybe not considering he doesn't HAVE eyes, but you get the idea. "No way. For the past few years, I've done nothing as the Dark Masters ruined lives and hurt my friends. For once, I'm gonna do what's right!"
"It's your funeral!" A DarkTyrannomon shouted, fixing to trample them when it suddenly found itself lying on the ground and wondering where the pretty birdies came from. Flamedramon stood on top of its head where he landed after kicking it. Smirking, he jumped and landed on one knee a little behind and to the left of Davis, rising slowly and glaring at the guards, all around looking seriously cool.
Davis gave his partner the thumbs up, then turned to face the guards. "All righty then. WHO ELSE WANTS SOME?!"
"Grr...I'll destroy you all!" Came a rough sounding voice from behind them...at the entrance of the building.
Pumpkinmon gasped and spun around, knowing full well who he would see. "It's the warden...Apemon!"
"Uh...are ALL the evil Digimon here at the champion level or lower?" Davis asked Pumpkinmon, quietly so as to not be overheard.
The pumpkin-headed Digimon nodded. "Yeah, the Dark Masters didn't want any really strong Digimon to challenge them, so they have most of the more powerful ones under the control of the dark rings, or weakened them so they de-digivolved to weaker forms, since none were actually willing to be ruled by the humans."
"Huh...is that so?" Flamedramon asked, dropping the cool act for a moment and looking thoughtful.
Apemon was getting pissed. "HEY! DON'T JUST IGNORE ME!!! MEGA BONE STICK!" He charged at them, his weapon raised, preparing for a powerful blow to take them all out.
Flamedramon prepared to defend the prisoners, but Pumpkinmon jumped out before he had the chance. "I won't let you hurt my friends anymore! PUMPKIN SQUASH!"
Apemon fell on back, a pumpkin smashed onto his head, effectively putting him out of commission. Pumpkinmon smiled in triumph while the others stared. Davis blinked...once...twice. "Uh...well...that works." Realizing some guards were still there, they all turned to face their opposition. Davis took a step forward. "Now, are you all gonna make it easy on yourselves and surrender...or are we gonna have to kick your butts to the other side of the Digital World?"
Looking scared, the guards started to back off. Davis grinned, thinking they were winning until he realized just WHY they were backing off. Several of the prisoners began to gasp and a few screamed. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught sight of a Digimon flying towards them rather quickly...a very big and familiar Digimon...
His eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "It's MagnaAngemon!"
Impmon, who was among the few remaining Digimon who had yet to make thier way out of the compound during the fighting, gulped. "Okay...we're dead. We're all dead!"
Davis couldn't help but stare as TK and MagnaAngemon touched the ground. True, he had always considered the blonde as his rival for Kari's heart in the past, but this is a completely different world and neither TK nor Kari were how he remembered them. In a way...it kinda hurt to see TK like this...they weren't just rivals after all. They were friends too.
TK sneered. He didn't wear armor, but instead looked more casual with black pants, white shoes, and a green vest, leaving his arms bare. For some reason Davis will probably never get, he still wore that stupid hat. He "Well, well, well...what do we have here? A human in our world...that's a first, and unfortunately for you, it'll also be the last!"
"How could you do this? Digimon are living creatures! They don't deserve being turned into slaves!"
"Living creatures? This entire world is made up of data, nothing really exists here. So what does it matter what we do?"
"What about all the battles you fought? You saved the Digital World from so many enemies before! How could you just take over the world you tried so hard to protect?" Davis demanded.
"Easy. We were the ones who saved this world...so it is ours to rule!" TK answered with some strange, twisted logic that only he seemed to understand.
The goggled boy shook his head. "Dammit all! Should have known it wouldn't be that easy. But still...I never would have imagined TK could end up like this!"
"He's not the same TK we knew. We never met him so he doesn't know who we are. I hate to say this, but he's not gonna listen to us." Flamedramon stated, sadly.
Davis frowned. Veemon was right...he knew this would have to happen. He never wanted to admit it to himself, but he knew deep down that sooner or later, he would be forced to face the others. 'I have to do this...' He took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes at TK. "Then we'll fight! Blast him Flamedramon!!!"
"You've got it!" Knowing that MagnaAngemon would be a tough opponent to beat, he wasted no time and managed to land a lucky punch due to the fact that MagnaAngemon wasn't expecting an attack so soon.
TK's eyes widened a little in confusion as MagnaAngemon was knocked back slightly, now noticing Flamedramon for the first time. "What? What type of digimon is that?" He narrowed his eyes in anger. 'All digivolution should be blocked due to the power of the ore used to make the control spires! So how can HE do it?'
'Oh yeah...TK and Kari never met up with us newer kids and never found out about the digimentals and how they allow the Digimon to armor-digivolve. Good thing too.' Davis grinned. "You can do it Flamedramon! TAKE HIM OUT!"
"Destroy them all MagnaAngemon! They're not even worthy of existance!" TK ordered. "So there's a new type of digivolution! He doesn't even stand a chance!" With that, he started laughing in an incredibly evil and completely non-TK like way.
"I'll show you!!!" Davis shouted. Not in the mood to just stand around and do nothing as his partner was fighting for his life, Davis charged at TK, fists balled and just waiting to connect with his face.
TK smirked. "Hah! You think YOU can hit me?"
"I'm gonna wipe that stupid smirk off your face!" Davis swore, about to land a hit on TK's face when, to his shock and horror, TK grabbed his arm with one hand, effectively stopping his punch. With the other, he threw a right hook that hit Davis's head, causing him to lose his balance and fall. While Davis was trying to get to his feet, TK pulled out a seriously wicked looking staff similar to Angemon's, though smaller and more lightweight. Blunt though it may be, it would seriously hurt to be hit by it. And it certainly did hurt as TK charged at Davis and socked him in the jaw. While Davis was still in shock, TK moved behind the goggled boy and slammed the rod onto Davis's back, turning as he did to add more power behind the attack. In serious pain, and being unable to feel the lower part of his body, Davis fell to the ground, not moving, but still conscious. He gritted his teeth in pain as TK kicked him, causing him to roll a few feet away.
At the same time, MagnaAngemon had regained his composure and attacked Flamedramon with his sword. Being an ultimate, he quickly gained the upper hand, flattening Flamedramon into the ground with his Angel Rod atack. Smirking viciously, he kept attacking consistently, causing Flamedramon more pain as the ground catered under him due to the pressure.
The fight hadn't even lasted long before the two heros were down. TK and MagnaAngemon were winning, and everyone knew it.
"We have to do something!" Wizardmon exclaimed.
Back with the battle, Flamedramon groaned in pain and weakly opened his eyes, pushing himself up when the barrage of attacks stopped. "I may be down, but I'm not out." He coughed.
"Hah! You can barely stand, much less defend yourself. Heh, looks like the end for you." MagnaAngemon stated, pulling up his sword, preparing to make the final blow.
"THUNDERBALL!"
"Wha...?" MagnaAngemon was shocked to find himself paralyzed as lightning racked his body. "What is this!?!" He demanded, too distracted to pay anymore attention to Flamedramon, who shakely stood on both legs, trying to ignore the pain.
"MagnaAngemon!" TK shouted. Concerned for his partner, he didn't notice a couple of Digimon run over to Davis.
Davis, still dazed from the unexpected blows, didn't notice what was going on around him. He just laid there on his back, looking up at the sky and trying to make sense of his current condition. He didn't snap out of it until two shadows hovered over him, blocking his view. Snapping out of it, he groaned, closing his eyes.
"Come on kid! We need you right now!" Pumpkinmon cried, shaking Davis a bit and causing the boy to wince in pain.
"You have to get up!" Wizardmon.
He sat up, rubbing his shoulder where the worst of the hit was. "Dammit...they're too strong..." Davis muttered through clentched teeth.
"Come on Davis! We can't give up now! All those Digimon are counting on us! I'll keep fighting cuz I know I won't lose!" Flamedramon shouted, seeing his partner in doubt.
His eyes widened upon hearing this. 'He still wants to fight?' Looking over at his partner, Davis smiled softly and nodded. 'If Flamedramon is willing to fight even though our chances are slim...then I will too! Screw the odds! We can do this!' He pumped his fist. "Right! Got get 'em Flamedramon! We're not gonna let some bullies push us around!"
The other freed Digimon smiled upon hearing this, except for Impmon, who just rolled his eyes at this 'sappy stuff'. However, a loud shrieking sound echoed throughout the area, bringing everyone's attention to Davis, who was looking down at his D-3 and D-Terminal in confusion. Right next to the current digimental in use, a second one appeared. "What the?" 'Two Digimentals of Courage?'
At that moment, Flamedramon's armor began to glow. "What's happening?" He demanded. The glowing armor grew and took on a new form. A moment later, the glow faded, and the new Flamedramon was revealed. He was now more muscular and the armor was bigger and covered more of his body, but kept the same flame design. There were plates covering his legs that went from his ankles to an inch above his knees, leaving his feet bare. The chest armor and helmet were like Cooler's in DBZ: Cooler's Revenge after he transformed, but the helmet still kept the original horn and covered the lower portion of his face, leaving his eyes visible. He even had the shoulder guards like Magnamon's, only it spiked up in bit of a curve.
Davis blinked. "Yo Flamedramon...what's with the look?"
Flamedramon shook his head, a bit confused. "I don't know...I just feel...stronger somehow..."
"Well then what are you waiting for? KICK HIS ASS!"
"Right!" The new and improved Flamedramon shot forward and punched MagnaAngemon, knocking him off his feet and snapping him out of his paralysis. Seeing this, Davis smirked and turned back to face TK. They actually had a chance...and they weren't about to waste it.
"If Flamedramon can continue fighting, I can too..."
"Worthless...you don't stand a chance against me."
Davis slowly pulled himself back on his feet. "I..."
"What's that? Ready to give up yet?" TK taunted.
"I WON'T LOSE!!!" Davis shouted, lunging forward. TK charged, staff raised, confident that his unarmed opponent would fall easily.
Uh-huh...right...
It happened so quickly. As the staff came aiming for his head, Davis's hand shot out. TK grinned, knowing that his staff could crack a skull and shouldn't have any problem breaking Davis's hand, and only put more power into the blow. Davis smirked. In a swift move, he grabbed the staff with his left hand, but instead of trying to force it back, he pulled it closer. At the same time, he leaned to the right, so he was just out of the way of the hit. TK, with both hands on the staff to give it added power, couldn't prevent what happened next. With his left hand gripping the staff and pulling TK closer, he grabbed TK's head and pulled him downward while bringing up his left leg and kneeing TK in the gut.
Meanwhile, the new improved Flamedramon was ready to kick butt. Angered, MagnaAngemon attacked with his sword again only for Flamedramon to grab the blade and push back. They were both trying to force the sword back, but neither was able to overpower the other.
The prisoners watched the reversed tug-of-war, silently praying that Flamedramon would pull through. However, even with his power boost, Flamedramon wasn't used to his new form yet, and MagnaAngemon was able to swipe the blade off to the side, causing Flamedramon to lose his balance. He quickly jumped to his feet, though a bit clumsily due to the excess armor. And the Digimon watched, uncertain of the outcome and their fates.
"Welp, we're doomed. Might as well go back into our cages." An Otamamon sighed in defeat.
Well...maybe not so uncertain.
"There's no way Flamedramon can win against MagnaAngemon! We're as good as dead!" One of the prisoners exclaimed.
Flamedramon dodged another blow from MagnaAngemon, giving a kick of his own in return. Growling angrily, MagnaAngemon pointed his sword at the armored Digimon. "I'll send you into the Gate of Destiny!" With that, he began to create the circle that would form the gateway to oblivion.
"Maybe if we grovel enough, they'll just send us back into the mines?"
Impmon growled at that. "NO! I am NOT going through dat shit again!" Impmon shouted, surprising everyone within hearing range. "FUNNEL FLAME!" A ring of fire appeared on the ground in front of Impmon and a fireball rose from the ring and shot towards MagnaAngemon, effectively stopping him from completing the attack.
"Go for the dark spiral on his arm!" Wizardmon yelled. "It's what's protecting him from the ore!"
"DO IT FLAMEDRAMON!" Davis cheered. TK, still in pain from Davis's hits and angered that he would dare to do such a thing, tried to jump Davis from behind. Fortunately, when Davis shouted, he pumped his arm, elbowing TK in the gut, then threw up his fist, not only cheering, but punching TK in the jaw and causing him to fall to the ground face-first, effectively preventing anymore attacks as well. He glanced down at TK's form, smirking before bringing his gaze back to his Digimon.
"FLAME FIST!" With MagnaAngemon still dazed from Impmon's attack, Flamedramon managed to get close enough to land a direct hit on the dark spiral, causing it to shatter and MagnaAngemon's strength to diminish since he was no longer immune to the effects of the dark ore.
"NO! MAGNAANGEMON!!!" Shouted TK, looking up just in time to see the attack.
"TK!" MagnaAngemon cried, flying over to his partner, weakened, but trying to maintain his current form.
"Damn it all. Get us out of here!" TK ordered.
'He's leaving?' Davis wondered, backing up to be out of MagnaAngemon's range. 'Why's he leaving?' That's when he realized what happened. "Wait...I just beat TF! YAHOOOO!!!"
Groaning, TK pushed himself to his knees. "Don't kid yourself, that was a lucky shot. You managed to surprise me this once, but be certain that next time I won't make the same mistake!" At that, MagnaAngemon picked up TK and flew off into the distance until they could no longer be seen.
"Davis, are you okay?" Davis turned to see Flamedramon, a bit scratched, but nothing too serious.
"Yeah! That was some battle Flamedramon!"
Reverting to his normal form, Veemon grinned sheepishly. "I couldn't have done it alone." He turned to face Impmon. "Thanks for helping us!"
Impmon looked away, snobishly. "Yeah right. I only wanted some payback. I wasn't doing it for YOU."
Veemon rolled his eyes. "Gee...thanks..." Remembering that Davis had faced TK alone, Veemon turned to his partner. "What about you Davish? TK didn't hurt you, did he?"
"Not too badly." Davis smiled. "Come on guys! Lets head back!"
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"We're baaack!" Veemon shouted once they reached the base. Behind him were Davis, Wizardmon, and Pumpkinmon. All the other prisoners had left earlier to go back to their homes, except Impmon, who just muttered something about not being around to save their butts and took off as well. Where he is, they're not too sure right now, but they do hope he stays out of trouble.
Koromon came bouncing up to them. "You made it! You made it!" He exclaimed happily, jumping into Davis's arms.
Others followed the hyper in-training Digimon, many of which congratulated Davis and Veemon on sucessfully rescuing Wizardmon. Hearing the commotion, Gatomon and Leomon arrived and were glad to see the two unharmed as well.
"Wizardmon!" Gatomon cried, running over to her old friend.
"Gatomon, it's wonderful to see you again!" Wizardmon replied. "Have you been well?"
She nodded, smiling. "Yes, but I'm even better now that you're here and safe."
By this time, Gennai reached them. "Davis, Veemon. It looks like you made it back safely and with Wizardmon as well. I must admit, I had my doubts, but you two have really proven yourselves."
Davis laughed, scratching the back of his head a bit embarrassed. "Heh, thanks Gennai."
Veemon had gotten into telling everyone what had happened, perhaps exaggerating a bit on some of the details when Davis noticed Pumpkinmon walking off alone. Concerned, he followed after the other. A few minutes, maybe more passed as Davis trailed the pumpkin-headed Digimon until they reached a small creek. Pumpkinmon finally stopped by the edge and looked off into the distance.
How long did he just stand there? Davis didn't really know, but getting impatient, he decided to alert the other to his presence. "Something wrong Pumpkinmon?"
Yes, he knew Davis had been following him, so he wasn't surprised when the boy finally spoke. He sighed and looked over at him. "It's just...all that time..."
"You mean when you were working for the Dark Masters?"
Pumpkinmon nodded. "Yeah...all that time, I could have done something...but I didn't."
Davis frowned. "Why didn't you?"
"Because I was scared...but not just for me. You see...I had a friend in there. He was captured...he would have been killed. But I turned myself over to the Dark Masters' service in exchange for letting him live. They did, and he was stuck in that place. I never got to see him, but I had some hope he was still alive, you know? Then today...when all the prisoners escaped...he wasn't there. He was my best friend...and now he's gone."
"How do you know he's not still alive somewhere? Maybe he escaped from that place and went into hiding?"
Sadly shaking his head, Pumpkinmon looked back at the creek. "Because nobody's ever escaped before. They've been deleted, turned, and trapped...but none ever found freedom."
"Except one." Came a new voice. Both turned to see...
"GOTSUMON!" Pumpkinmon shouted, joyfully, as he rushed over and hugged his friend. "I thought you died!"
Gotsumon hugged back. Yes, it was the same Gotsumon that had spoken with Davis earlier before he and Veemon went into the prison and the same Gotsumon who constantly thwapped Davis at their first meeting. "Nope. It'll take more than that to get rid of me." Both friends stepped back, smiling at each other, just happy to meet up again.
Davis smiled as well. 'Heh, it's nice that they finally got to see each other again.' Turning, he headed back to the camp, the two following him. He frowned and looked up. 'But there are still many more Digimon like them under the tyranny of the Dark Masters...my friends...don't worry guys. I'll do whatever it takes to bring you all back.'
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'Dammit all...how could I lose to someone like HIM!?!' TK demanded as he made his way down the hall towards the main room, Patamon following behind him. When they finally got there, Tai was waiting for them, and he did not look happy.
"What happened?" Tai demanded.
"I don't know!" TK cried. "I went there and found that the intruders were a Digimon I've never seen and a kid!"
"A digidestined? But we've been the only ones for years!" Mimi changed as well. Her hair was still the same honey brown color it was when they were kids, held back in a bun. Her outfit was like Yuna's Lady Luck dress with the somewhat revealing evening gown type dress with slits on both sides, showing off her legs, and yes, even included the headpiece, though not the tattoo. Apparently, she was still not one for close physical combat.
"Well, it's true. And get this, his Digimon can digivolve!"
"That's impossible! The control spires keep the Digimon from digivolving!" Izzy.
"I know that, but he did! It was some new type of digivolution I've never seen before!" TK explained as he set the monitor to show the event. Starting from the breakout, to TK and MagnaAngemon's entrance...to their defeat. All by the unknown boy and his Digimon.
Kari grinned. Now her appearance was much scarier. Her hair had been darkened and lengthened while her eyes had a sort of red glint to them. She wore a different outfit as well, a mix between the Gun Mage dresses of Yuna and Paine, being that the tank top and gloves were much like Paine's and the skirt and boots were more like Yuna's, only instead of magenta and blue, it was dark purple and red. "Ooooh...he's cute..."
"Interesting...it appears that those Guardians have brought in outside help." Matt stated, spitting out the word "Guardians" like it was something vile.
"What should we do?" Mimi.
"Capture him. I want to meet him face to face." Tai ordered, as he turned and began to walk away.
"Tai?" Kari questioned.
Pausing for a moment, he looked over his shoulder at her. "We need to know just who we're up against. I seriously doubt he realizes the entire situation. We may need to...enlighten him..." He smirked, then turned and walked away. A minute passed before Sora headed off after him.
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In an unknown place...
"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?"
"We have forced him into a position he may not be prepared for."
"Even so, we have discussed this and already agreed that this is the best course of action."
"But maybe there is another way that won't require him to make such a sacrifice?"
"It has been proven time and again that the human heart is strong, but to force such a burden on a single person may lead to the very events we hoped to prevent."
"Though that may be, we have already started the chain of events and it is too late to stop now."
One lowered his head, sadly. 'We have once more forced an unimaginable fate on a child.' Without a word to the others, he turned away.
'Our sins will never be forgiven for all eternity.'
********************
Starcatcher: Okay, I know some of this doesn't make sense...here I'll try to explain things.
1. How Flamedramon was able to defeat MagnaAngemon. I'm not trying to make it seem like Davis and Veemon are automatically super powerful and can take down any enemy. It doesn't work that way.
We all know that a regular Armor Digimon is roughly as strong as a champion, while a Golden Armor Digimon is about as strong as an ultimate. Since the Golden Digimental wasn't used, technically Flamedramon shouldn't be able to take down MagnaAngemon. However, in the last chapter, Davis had gotten the other Digimental of Courage, adding it's power to the one he already has. So Veemon recieved a power boost when he armor digivolved to Flamedramon, because Davis used the power of TWO Digimentals of Courage. With that extra power, he able to stand his own against MagnaAngemon, but remember, it also took a bit of help from Impmon to win. So with two digimentals and Impmon's attack added to Flamedramon's, they were able to beat an ultimate.
When the second Digimental of Courage was added, it gave Flamedramon a new form. He did NOT digivolve into a new Digimon, or mode change for that matter. He's still Flamedramon, only with twice the power.
2. How Pumpkinmon was able to take out Apemon without any help. I've looked up information on this and found, to my surprise, that Pumpkinmon is actually an ultimate. So technically, he should be stronger than a champion. Myotismon was also an ultimate, explaining why Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon didn't do so well against him. But even though Pumpkinmon is an ultimate and could probably try to free the prisoners, he couldn't due to the number of guards he would have to fight against and the fact that Gotsumon was trapped in there as well (or so he thought) and would get killed if he tried anything. As for his attack, I'm not sure if it really worked like that, so please excuse me if I'm wrong.
Starcatcher: How was that?
EA: I like! I like!
Davis: (Sighs) Why do I have to do this?
EA: Because you're so cuuute! (Glomps Davis)
Starcatcher: What's the big deal? You did the narration for Digimon Tamers, didn't you.
Davis: Well...I guess...but why do I have to do it? Why not the Announcer Guy?
EA: Gone.
Davis: What? Why?
EA: We fired him...
Veemon: Lucky bastard.
EA: Out of a cannon and into the sun.
All: (Blink, blink)
Davis: And now I'm worried.
EA: Nothing to worry about Davis! I would NEVER do that to you! (Stares at Davis, stars in eyes)
Kari: (Glomps Davis) Back off! He's MINE!
Starcatcher: Eh...this is just getting weird now. Davis, if you don't mind...?
Davis: Uh...sure. Next time on Dark Future, I take a little trip to the real world and run into a few 'real life' problems. Lets just say, I'm really gonna kill Gennai for this.
EA: Don't forget to vote on the polls.
Starcatcher: See you next time.
TK: (Burnt, but still alive) No...more...flames...