Darkness Reborn
Chapter 4: Dark Intentions
by Silver
*Disclaimer: Who doesn't own rights to Digimon's creatures and characters? That's right, me!*
Author's Note: Well, this is the fastest in a while that I've posted another chapter to one story. I'm doing pretty well, eh? This chapter begins to develop the central characters of the story, namely TK, Kari, and the Digimon Emperor.
I'd like to thank Daisukefire and ChrsDud for their proofreading and criticism. My stories become all the stronger thanks to the input of people who read and review with serious intentions. I hope that many other people will offer some critical reviews that will help me become an even better writer.
Please enjoy the chapter, and feel free to read a review.
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TK had never seen a place as barren as these canyons. There wasn't a single plant, not even a weed, growing amongst the crevices. The rock walls grasped for the sky like greedy hands trying to surpass the clouds. The sound of their footsteps echoed off the formations and bounced back to them, reinforcing their solitude. Kari hadn't said a word since they'd broken away from the others, and TK didn't feel like starting a conversation. Patamon was another case.
"I guess ChaosWarGreymon didn't follow us."
Gatomon said, "That means he went after the others."
"Do you think they're okay?" asked Kari.
TK almost answered, "I don't know," but thought better of it. "I'm sure they're fine. Being able to avoid the bad guys is a Digidestined's best skill. I've lost track of how many times I've had to hide from some Digimon." Kari didn't smile at the joke, and it was clear she didn't believe him. TK didn't think it'd been that funny anyway.
"There was nothing we could have done, Kari."
"I know… I just… I wish that ChaosWarGreymon had come after me instead of one of the others."
"Why? Don't tell me you have a death wish."
Kari shook her head. "Far from it. But Gatomon's at her full Champion strength thanks to her tail ring, so we'd stand a better chance of surviving than Davis or the others, who only have Rookies."
"Only?" Patamon huffed indignantly.
Kari smiled slightly. "Sorry, Patamon. I didn't mean it that way."
TK tried to reassure her. "Kari, we're up against a Mega. It wouldn't really matter if we had Rookies or Champions or even Ultimates. I hate to say it, but unless we can have Veemon and Wormmon become Imperialdramon, it's very likely that we won't have the power to defeat ChaosWarGreymon. You shouldn't try to hold yourself responsible for what's happening, and you definitely shouldn't set yourself up as a decoy."
Kari sighed, "I suppose you're right. But that wasn't exactly a motivating speech."
TK nodded, "Well, I haven't given up hope yet. I am the Digidestined of hope after all. Things are bad, but they're not impossible. Doing the impossible is another Digidestined trait, right?"
"Right!" Patamon nodded enthusiastically. Kari and Gatomon remained silent.
TK decided to continue his encouragement. "We've been in situations like this before, Kari. Remember the fight against the Dark Masters when we all began to split up? Even though we were weakened, we still managed to defeat the Dark Masters. And we overcame Apocalymon after he destroyed our crests and tags. We stopped BlackWarGreymon from destroying the Digital World, and with only three DNA Digimon; no Megas. I'd say we have a pretty good record of beating the odds."
Kari nodded, a bit more optimistically this time. "You're right. We've come this far against difficult odds. I don't see why we can't win again." She smiled.
TK smiled back, pleased that he'd been able to encourage her. Now if he could just do the same for himself.
"So where do we go from here?" asked Patamon.
"Well," TK considered. "The best place would be to head back towards the area where we split up. That'd be the best place to rendezvous since we all know where it is."
Kari frowned. "What about Davis and Yolei? They don't always stop to think things through. They might not consider going back."
TK laughed, "They'll be fine. If nothing else, they have Ken and Cody with them. Those two can keep Davis and Yolei focused if they have to. Let's circle around and head back to where we started."
"Shouldn't we just turn around?"
"Not if we want to bump into ChaosWarGreymmon again. It'd be safer to head back using a different route." They all nodded and continued walking, looking for a chance to turn around.
As they walked, TK glanced at Kari out the corner of his vision. His friends had been teasing him for weeks about how he looked at Kari and she never noticed, but he couldn't help it. She was pretty, and really easy on the eyes. And she was fun to be with, even in a situation as desperate as this.
He shook his head and refocused on the path in front of him. Now wasn't the time to be distracted.
"GROOOOAAAAR!"
TK jumped along with everyone else as a loud roar flooded the canyon. Behind them, a section of the wall broke away and turned to face them. Then several more pieces split off and stood to block the canyon exit. What TK had thought to be a simple pile of rocks was actually several Golemon. The towering masses of living boulder leaned on their oversized hands like gorillas and peered out at the Digidestined with glowing red eyes. Dark rings encircled the Golemons' necks.
A horde of smaller, less brutish rock creatures appeared from the ground. These creatures' dark gray color contrasted to the Golemon's yellow hue, and the small ones did not wear iron masks like their larger cousins. They did, however, share the same bloodthirsty look, and wore the same dark rings.
Gatomon identified the smaller Digimon. "Gotsumon. Figures. They love to stay in places like this. This whole area's probably crawling with Gotsumon and Golemon."
"Run for it!" TK called as he turned to sprint farther down the canyon. Kari and the Digimon matched his pace. Gotsumon and Golemon were emerging from the other side of the canyon as well. They seemed to pour out of the rocks, born from the very ground itself. TK barely managed to dodge under one Golemon's leg before it brought its fist down, causing a small tremor in the ground. TK glanced over his shoulder to make sure that Kari and the Digimon were all right.
Jumping over a small group of Gotsumon, the group made it past the last barricade, leaving the larger, slower stone Digimon behind. But the Golemon were not easily thwarted. Ripping large stones from the rocky walls, the titans threw them at the escaping Digidestined.
TK and Kari fell to the ground as the first few boulders smashed into the ground and walls. TK stood up with his teeth still rattling and helped Kari up. "We gotta keep going!" They resumed their flight.
The ground had betrayed them. It rose up with many different heads and faces, like a stone hydra. It gave birth to countless hands, all of them reaching up to trip the humans and drag them back to ChaosWarGreymon. It gave birth to Gotsumon after Golemon; a stone horde with the sole intent of overpowering the two humans and their partners. The very canyon itself was their enemy, and it was too large and powerful for them to defeat.
Up ahead, the canyon split into two diverging paths. TK was reminded of the old saying: "when you see the fork in the road, take it."
"Just choose a path and go with it." He instructed Kari, "Don't worry about which way I go."
Kari nodded and ran alongside Gatomon. Patamon hung close to TK. Several more boulders crashed down behind them. The Golemon's aim was improving. Another volley smashed into the walls. The whole area shook with a terrible rumble, and stones began to break free from their resting places and lunge down towards the group.
TK and Kari poured on a final desperate burst of speed. TK veered towards the left path while Kari chose the right. As a hail of boulders and rocks cascaded down, TK dove forward, trying to elude the shower of rocks that threatened to crush him. He only caught a glimpse of Kari as she too lunged forward to reach safety.
TK skidded across the ground, scrapping himself all over, but he had managed to evade the landslide. But he didn't see Patamon. TK tried to stand up, but his body became heavy and tired. He gasped for breath while sweat trickled down his face and stung his eyes. His vision darkened and blurred, and he could only hope for Patamon and Kari's safety as the world vanished into darkness.
* * * * * * * *
The Digimon Emperor kicked a stone as he wandered down the path, surmising the current situation. His servant, ChaosWarGreymon, had succeeded in dividing the Digidestined and keeping them distracted while the other Chaos General completed the domination of the Digital World. By now, his other operative should be on Earth, beginning the second phase of the plan.
Everything was proceeding smoothly. And yet, there was a problem. ChaosWarGreymon was far too gun-ho for killing the Digidestined. This bloodlust made his clumsy and stupid. The Emperor knew his General to be far too obsessive about the hunt. What if he should actually succeed? The purpose of this operation was to distract the Digidestined, not kill them. Despite the message the Emperor had left those fools, he really did not wish them dead. Not all of them, at least. One Digidestined had to survive. His survival meant the success of this operation. If ChaosWarGreymon bungled this and killed TK, it'd be the end of everything the Emperor had worked for. I may have to curb ChaosWarGreymon.
"Oh, Emperor!" A dark voice called in a sing-song voice. The Emperor glanced over at his shadow on the wall. A pair of deep blue eyes, too dark and cruel to be human, were fixed on the shadow's face. "I see you're up and about again. Back in control, are we?"
"What is it you want?" The Emperor was too busy thinking to be bothered.
The false merriness vanished from the creature's voice. "Mind your tone. I do not tolerate insubordination from my creations."
His creation. How was it that creatures assumed they had dominion over the things they gave birth to? No one owned the Emperor, not even his creator.
The shadow said, "I wanted to check and see how your plan was unfolding. Are you close to breaching the two worlds?"
The Emperor nodded, "The Digital World is under our control and the conquest of Earth should be underway. The Digidestined are currently scattered and weakened. They pose no threat."
"And what of the Digital World's guardians?"
"Oikawa and Azulongmon are sealed away by the control spires, as are the remaining three Digital Guardians. Gennai has gone underground, but he won't find much help. Most if not all the Digimon are under our control. Everything is going according to plan."
The shadow nodded. "Very well. Continue with your work, and be quick about it. I've been patient all these years, but now that my freedom is at hand I find myself becoming less tolerant. If you fail me, I'll send you back from where you came!" The eyes vanished, and the shadow was now just a figure on the wall.
"Fool." The Emperor spat. Did that egomaniac really think that the Emperor would allow himself to be reduced back to that shell he'd once been? No. One day I'll be giving the orders. I shall be the master and I will give the threats. Despite his creator's threats, the Emperor knew he was in no danger so long as his "master" remained trapped. He needs me. And that makes him weak.
The Emperor returned his thoughts to TK. He'd have to ensure that ChaosWarGreymon did not succeed in killing the boy, yet the Emperor knew that TK would not abandon his friends, especially when one was so close by. The only way to ensure TK's success was to make sure he fought as hard as he possibly could. He needed motivation. It's time we met.
* * * * * * * *
TK's head throbbed as he stood up and shaky legs. He rubbed his head and glanced around. It took him a moment to remember the canyon, the Golemon, and the avalanche. Oh no! Patamon!
"Looking for this?" A voice came from behind. TK whirled around and saw… the Digimon Emperor.
He sat atop the pile of rocks with one leg resting on the other in a very causal recline. His black cape draped across the rocks and his rested his head on his fist. His other arm gestured to an unconscious Patamon, lying sprawled on the rubble. The little Digimon had a small bump on his head and a few scratches, but nothing life threatening.
"Patamon!" TK stepped forward.
"I wouldn't do that." The Emperor brandished a dark ring. "Let's talk for a bit, unless you'd rather I make your partner my new servant?"
TK growled and forced himself to stand back. "Who are you?"
"I'm the Digimon Emperor. Didn't you get my message?"
"I know what you call yourself. I want to know your name."
The Emperor laughed, "Do you really think I'd just tell you? Where's the fun in that?" He jumped up and flipped over TK. Taking advantage of the opening, TK dashed towards his partner Digimon. Behind him, he heard a whirling sound. Then there was a snap and something snagged his legs. TK tripped and fell flat on the ground. A black ring encircled his ankles and the Digimon Emperor stood over him.
He grinned down at TK and stared at him through the black visor on his face. "I can't tell you how long I've waited to see you."
"Me?"
"Do you see anyone else here? Of course I mean you! I have to confess that I'm a little excited that I have the chance to meet you face-to-face."
"What's so special about me?"
"Oh, you've been a particular fascination of mine for some time." He reached down and placed his hand on TK's shoulder. TK braced, but didn't move for fear of endangering Patamon.
"TK Takashi: one of the first Digidestined, spanning two generations. Youngest of two. Older brother: Matt. Parents are currently divorced and you live with your mother. Digimon Partner: Patamon. Patamon's Digivolutions: Angemon, MagnaAngemon, and the armor Digimon Pegasusmon. You've been the most active member of the Digidestined. You've more experience than Davis and the other newbies, and even more experience than Kari. You've continued duty as a Digidestined past Tai and his group, making you the most knowledgeable of the Digidestined. I doubt there's much in either world that would catch you off guard at this point"
One thing caught TK off guard at least. "How do you know so much about me?"
The Emperor's voice dropped to a serious whisper. "I know more about you than you know about yourself. I understand you in a way that no one else could."
"Then you know I'm determined to beat you?"
"Beat me? Don't you mean save me? Haven't you all been wondering how it is I became the new Digimon Emperor?" The Emperor pressed a finger to his head. "Let me see if I can divine what you're thinking… You think that I'm like Ken; controlled by a dark spore. Perhaps I was one of the dark spore children taken by Oikawa. Am I right?"
"Maybe…" TK didn't like how well this person could read him.
"Well, you're wrong. There are no dark spores within me. No external forces controlling me. No tragic past or hidden motives. I am as you see me."
TK demanded, "Then why are you conquering the Digital World? If you're not being controlled, how can you enslave all the Digimon? Don't you realize that they're living creatures?"
The Emperor laughed, "Of course I know they're alive! Why do you think they need to be controlled? Living creatures such as humans and Digimon need guidance."
"What do you mean?"
The Emperor explained it as if he were talking to a child. "Sometimes, one person has to step in and make decisions for everyone else so that there can be peace and harmony. I'm going to make the decisions so everyone else can rest easy."
TK's eyes narrowed. "And who made you king of the world?"
"Who made you my judge?" The Emperor's smirk was getting annoying. "Let me ask you this: how many threats have you eliminated during your time as a Digidestined? Devimon, Myotismon, The Dark Masters, Diaboromon, the former Digimon Emperor, Kimeramon, Arukenimon and Mummymon, MaloMytoismon… the list just keeps going. All those dangers. All those evil creatures. Threat after threat, they just keep coming. Did you ever think that there was a better way to curb threats to the Digital World?"
"Such as?"
"Take control! Use your power and knowledge of the Digital World to take leadership of the world and strengthen its defenses. Coordinate its inhabitants and direct them to defend their world as one unified whole! You have had so many opportunities, yet you always chose to let them pass you buy. Always the savior, but never the leader. You blame me for having a cruel and evil plan, but aren't you guilty of neglect and underachievement?"
TK shook his head. "I never wanted to rule! I just wanted to protect this world and my home!"
"What better way to protect than to ensure that a threat never arises? Face it, TK, you've been going about this the wrong way. A guardian can only face a threat that already exists. A king can stop a threat before it happens."
TK remained defiant. "You're wrong. You just want power for yourself. You're not interested in protecting anyone."
The Emperor shrugged. "True. I do benefit from a large base of power. But as long as I maintain the peace, who cares what my motives are? Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, as they say."
TK clenched his fists. He wanted to strike down this arrogant and selfish human. This person who denied the true malice of his actions by claiming to protect people and Digimon. How could he think this way? How could he enslave so many living creatures willingly? He was a monster, as terrible as Devimon or Kimeramon. He had to be stopped.
"You're thinking of beating me into a pulp, aren't you?" TK's anger melted into surprise. The Emperor waved a finger, "Not very noble of you, planning to beat up a fellow human. You've got quite a dark side hidden under the suite of armor, eh Mr. Guardian? I'm looking forward to seeing how deep that anger runs. After all, it's anger that gives you true power."
The Emperor reached down and unfastened the ring around TK's legs. "You'll find Kari Kamiya about two miles west of here. She's currently heading for the nearest control spire, trying to knock it down. I suggest you hurry. There are plenty of Gotsumon and Golemon in this area."
TK blinked at the Emperor in surprise for a moment, then stood up and ran to check on his partner. After feeling Patamon's breath and sensing his heartbeat, TK Turned around. The Emperor was gone.
* * * * * * * *
"Lightning Paw!" Gatomon batted away yet another Gotsumon. Kari stood with her back to the rockslide debris that blocked the way they'd come. Stuck between a rock and proverbial hard place, Kari could only watch as her partner cleared a path through the rock Digimon.
Kari still couldn't help but feel guilty that she had the benefit of a fully powered Champion while all of her friends were stranded with Rookies. Gatomon was having relative ease dealing with the Gotsumon. There were only two Golemon in their way. Since Gatomon stood no chance of defeating them with brute force, she opted for grace instead.
Leaping up, Gatomon sprung her way to the top of one Golemon's head. She then sat and waited for the other brute to attack. True to the form of most enslaved Digimon, this Golemon did not consider the risk in swinging a punch at its own ally. Gatomon bounded off the Golemon's head and onto the oncoming fist just as the blow connected. The wounded Golemon fell to the ground as Gatomon ran along the other Golemon's arm and delivered a lightning paw attack to the creature's face. Caught off-guard, the other Golemon fell and the way became clear. "Come on, Kari!"
Kari ran forward, sidestepping all the fallen Digimon. More creatures were on the way. Kari could hear the Golemon behind her trying to clear through the rubble and resume their attack. There wasn't enough time to free all the Digimon. We have to destroy the control spire. That's the only way to free all these Digimon.
Kari noticed that Gatomon was panting heavily. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah… just a little winded." Gatomon huffed. "There's too many Digimon here. My claws all sore from knocking a bunch of rocks around."
"I'm sorry. But it looks like we'll have to go through more Digimon if we want to get out of here. We need to find the control spire for this area and knock it down. Then we won't have to fight anyone for a while."
Gatomon huffed. "Easier said than done."
Kari nodded and looked up at the sky. She hoped TK and the others were all right. She hadn't seen what'd become of TK during the rockslide. Part of her feared that he was trapped under the rubble, but she tried to push her worries aside. TK had encouraged her to have hope and not waver during this crucial time. If she allowed herself to become weighed down by worry and doubt, she'd never have the strength to keep going, and the Emperor would grow that much more powerful. She'd just have to hope that TK was alive and well, and coming to find them. I'll destroy the control spire and find TK. Then we'll rejoin the others. We'll win, no matter what.
But how? That was the ultimate question. Gatomon was panting heavily, her fur matted down by sweat. Her claws where scratched and worn from striking rocky skin, and her muscles trembled as she tried to stand. Although she was a powerful Champion, Gatomon had been forced to battle odds that would have made even an Ultimate Digimon hesitate. She couldn't keep fighting and expect to win. They had the will to succeed, but the Emperor's sheer power was almost overwhelming. They needed more strength! Please, Kari wished fervently, someone send us more power! Give us the strength!
A faint shimmer appeared just above the top of the canyon. And it was growing. She squinted as the light poured over the side, flooding the entire canyon with a white glow. Kari shielded her eyes from the intense brightness. She felt a warm spot on her chest. Peeking between her fingers, she saw the pink crest of light shinning over her heart. The symbol sprung into the air, and in a flash it transformed into an egg that looked like a pair of wings folded over with yellow paws sticking out from under them. It was the digiegg of Light.
The glare receded, and Kari looked at her partner. "Gatomon, look. Our digiegg!"
"You mean I can armor digivolve again? That's great! We'll get to the control spire a lot faster if I can fly." Gatomon paused and looked at her tail ring. Gennai had told her that she couldn't armor or DNA digivolve while she still possessed her tail ring, but Kari knew the prospect of giving up all her strength was difficult. Gatomon hesitantly slid it off and handed it to Kari. "Please take good care of this. I don't want to lose it again."
Kari nodded, "I won't." pulled out her digital camera and slid the neck strap through the ring, then fastened the camera around her neck. "Let's get to work." She held up the egg. "Digiarmor energize!"
A flash of pink light erupted from the egg and encircled Gatomon. "Gatomon armor digivolve to… Nefertimon: The Angel of Light!" Nefertimon was a Sphinx-like feline creature that stood as tall as a horse. Gray body armor and a human-styled mask covered her face, and two white wings rested against her back.
Kari mounted her newly transformed partner. "The control spire isn't far. We can destroy it and then search for TK and Patamon." Nefertimon leaped into the air and continued to soar above the rocky chasm. Below, the rock Digimon shook their fists and hurled boulders, but they did not have the range to strike Nefertimon. Kari allowed herself a moment to enjoy the wind caressing her hair as they fly above the danger. The Golemon and Rockmon were trying to climb the walls, which would put them in striking distance, but Nefertimon covered that problem.
"Cat's Eye Beam!" A small snake statue on her forehead glowed pink and fired dual rays of energy, sniping the other Digimon off the walls. Often, the Digimon would collide with one another and fall to the ground in a heap. Some of them were lucky enough to shatter their dark rings upon impact. Those that were freed began pulling their brethren off and ripping off the slave collars. Kari smiled. She realized that this was probably her first solo mission in the Digital World, and she was doing just great!
"There's the spire!" Nefertimon nodded towards a black monolith jutting out of the ground like a cancerous tumor. Kari could see several more nearby. She blinked when she noticed a pattern to their formation. One of the spires was actually jutting out the side of a wall, proving that this arrangement was based on a plan, not convenience.
She pointed at the nearest spire, "Let's destroy that one first. We can get the other Digimon to help us after that."
Nefertimon nodded, and her collar began to glow. "Rosetta Stones!" Several stone tablets materialized in the light and flew at the spire's base. They exploded on impact, and the spire burst into a dusty cloud of loose data.
"Great job!" Kari punched her fist in the air. "We did it!" Nefertimon set down near a group of Golemon, whose eyes were returning to normal. Kari smiled at the giant Digimon as she slid to the ground. "Are you feeling better now?"
The Golemon nodded, "Yes. Thank you. You save… urgghhh…" The rock creature grasped his head and sunk to his knees, causing the ground to shake. The other Golemon and Gotsumon were suffering from the same pain.
"What's wrong?" Kari asked, then gasped when she saw that their eyes had returned to the blood red glow. She glanced over at where the control spire had been. It was still destroyed, so why did they remain enslaved?
Not waiting for an answer, Kari mounted Nefertimon and together the lifted into the air.
"Crimson Curse!" One of the Golemon shot a cloud of red smoke from the volcano-like protrusions on his back. Kari coughed and struggled for breath as the cloud smothered her. Nefertimon wobbled and fell back to the ground. A second Golemon brought his fist up and battered them as they fell. Kari and Nefertimon skidded across the ground, then rolled to a stop. Nefertimon reverted back to Gatomon in a flash of light and went limp.
Kari staggered to her feet. She had minor scrapes and bruises, but she'd survive. She staggered over to Gatomon, the crimson smoke still hung in her lungs, making it hard to breath. She sweating and coughed, felling a lead weight in her shoulders as she tried to move closer to her partner.
"Rock fist attack!" Kari barely saw the rock flying towards her before it struck her in the head, and everything went black.
* * * * * * * *
TK was no less surprised than Kari when the light came. Just as before, TK's crest of hope shined over his heart, and formed into a yellow egg with small wings and a mane of hair coming out of the top. TK gazed at the digiegg curiously, wondering where the light had come from. Maybe Davis or one of the others will know something about it.
Patamon stirred in TK's arms. "Ughh… TK?"
TK smiled at his friend, "Are you okay?"
Patamon rubbed his head. "I got a massive migraine, but I think I'm okay." He flapped the small wings atop his head and hovered in front of TK. "What'd I miss?"
"The Digimon Emperor. And we got our digiegg back. I don't know how. Some weird light came over me and the egg just appeared."
Patamon looked around. "Where are Kari and Gatomon?"
"I don't know. I lost them in the rockslide. The Emperor said they were heading towards the nearest control spire, so that's where we should go."
"You really trust what he said to you?"
TK hesitated. "I… I don't know if this is a trap or not, but it makes sense for Kari to head for a control spire. Gatomon's strong enough to destroy it, and if they succeeded they'd free all the Digimon in this sector. We'll have to trust the Emperor's information, but keep our guard up."
Patamon nodded. "Sounds good. Let's go for it!"
TK held up his digiegg. "Digiarmor energize!"
"Patamon armor digivolve to… Pegasusmon: Flying Hope!" Patamon's body grew into an autumn colored horse wearing golden armor. Pegasusmon flapped his twin angelic wings, getting a feel for them. "I missed this form. Good to be back."
TK mounted his steed. "Let's get a move on. Kari's getting farther away from us the more we delay." Pegasusmon reared up and took to the air. They flew past the rockslide and over the route Kari and Gatomon had taken. TK was surprised to see that none of the Golemon and Gotsumon were attacking him. They all watched him with those eerily vacant red eyes.
All but one. A Gotsumon was frantically waving at him from a small ledge, isolated from the other Digimon. This Rookie Digimon didn't have the same blood-red stare that the others had. This one was free. Pegasusmon pulled down next to the ledge at TK's ordering.
"Are you okay?" TK asked the Gotsumon.
"No!" The Gotsumon said frantically. "None of us are okay! We were free, and then we were enslaved again. Just like that! He put collars on everyone again and took her away!"
TK held up a calming hand. "Slow down. Who came? Who was taken?"
"ChaosWarGreymon! He flew in, replaced the control spire the girl destroyed, then slapped dark rings on everyone who was freed and took off with the girl!"
"Girl? You mean Kari?"
"I don't know! She was riding this weird winged cat. She blew up the control spire but the Digimon who were freed suddenly acted like slaves again. They knocked her out and gave her to ChaosWarGreymon!"
"How'd you get away?"
"I didn't! ChaosWarGreymon grabbed me and put me here on this ledge. He said that if I didn't tell you were he was he'd put a dark ring on me and make me stand still while a Golemon squashed me!" The Gotsumon wept.
TK placed a hand on its rocky shoulder. "It's okay. You've told me what I needed to know, so now you can hide. Don't let ChaosWarGreymon find you again. Now, where did he say he'd be?"
"At the tallest peak in the area. That way." He indicated the area above the canyon top. "You can see it from up there."
"Thanks." TK motioned Pegasusmon to rise up. Indeed, they could see a small peak reaching up higher than the others. That had to be where ChaosWarGreymon was keeping Kari. "Let's go."
"Any plans?" asked Pegasusmon. "I'm no match for a Mega Digimon. We won't have an easy time getting Kari and Gatomon back."
TK nodded, "I know, but we gotta try." Pegasusmon took off towards the peak.
* * * * * * * *
It would be so easy to kill her. She was still unconscious, as was her Gatomon partner. Just one quick thrust, and she'd be carpeting the ground with her blood. ChaosWarGreymon's claws hovered over the girl's throat, begging to drink the life out of her.
So vulnerable. So frail. So easy to kill. She couldn't even fight back. But where was the sport in such a kill? If he slit her throat now, she wouldn't even have the chance to scream. There'd be no one to cry in agony at her death. There'd be no looks such as those of the Digidestined when ChaosWarGreymon had killed Shurimon. It would be so anti-climactic.
That was why he'd issued a challenge to the other human, the one reported to still be roaming about in this area. He hoped to kill the girl's rescuer first, then slaughter her. It would be a delicious event. The greatest feeling he'd have all day. All he needed was for the sentimental fool to show up. Humans had a knack for making foolish mistakes when someone else needed them. At least, the Digidestined made mistakes.
"Mmm…" The girl stirred. ChaosWarGreymon waited… and waited… and then her eyes fluttered open.
Smash!
The Chaos General shoved his claws down, thrusting them into the ground, just missing her neck by a centimeter. He kept his claw fixed to the ground, pinning her throat against the rocky ground. The girl made a startled cry that rang in his ears like sweet music. "Good morning." He purred. She stared up at him with terrified eyes, and her hands feebly grasped at his claw as if to push it away. Such desperation delighted him.
"Where's Gatomon?" she tried to sound demanding, but her fear leaked into her voice.
ChaosWarGreymon nodded over towards the still sleeping Gatomon, sprawled on the ground. "She can't help you now. You're going to die."
"Kari!" A winged horse with a human boy flew in from the sky. At last! ChaosWarGreymon pulled his claws from the ground and jumped up to meet his challenge.
The horse Digimon wasted no time. "Equas beam!" A green triangular beam shot out of the creature's head. ChaosWarGreymon deflected it with his claw shield and surged forward. The Digimon and Digidestined barely dodged the slash of his claws.
"Mane wind!" The hairs on the back of the horse's neck shot out like thin darts. They bounced off ChaosWarGreymon's armor without leaving a scratch. His excitement weakened at such a pitiful contest. What sport was there in prey that could not threaten one's life?
"Chaotic Force!" ChaosWarGreymon hurled a golden sphere of power at his opponent. The horse Digimon dodged again, but the aftershock of the energy knocked him from the sky. The Digimon fell with his partner, regaining control just before hitting the ground.
"Chaotic Force!" The Chaos General sent a barrage of smaller blasts, ripping the ground apart as they missed the evading armor Digimon. The horse was agile if not strong. The winged animal circled around and hovered near the peak where the girl stood watching. ChaosWarGreymon streaked in and delivered a flying kick to the Digimon just as his partner jumped off onto the ground. The Digimon fell to the ground, out of the fight for the moment.
"Kari!" The boy ran for his fellow Digidestined. This was the perfect time to kill him, so close to the one he'd come to save. ChaosWarGreymon landed between the two humans, the force of his landing knocking them both to the ground.
He advanced on the human boy slowly. "You have failed. Now you shall die."
"Lightning Paw!" A slash of yellow beams resembling claw slashes bounced off his shoulder armor. The Gatomon had reawakened, but without her tail ring she posed no threat. As she leaped for another attack, ChaosWarGreymon batted her aside like an annoying fly.
"Leave them alone!" The girl ran towards him and tackled his leg as if to pull him away from the others. Humans were indeed fools. He knocked her aside as he had the Gatomon. The girl fell limp to the ground.
"KARI!" The boy tried to run to her, but ChaosWarGreymon stood in his path. He raised his claws slowly, meticulously, savoring every movement of his muscles. This would be the killing blow. This would be his first termination of a Digidestined. How he wanted to savor this moment. He sniffed the boy's fear. Felt the tingle of the despair and terror he felt as his death near. He smelled… the Emperor!
How did this human have the Emperor's scent on him? It was so strong, as if the Emperor were standing before him! ChaosWarGreymon was so surprised that he did not notice the flying horse returning to battle.
"Star Shower!" A galaxy of shinning stars rained from the creature's wings, pelting ChaosWarGreymon. Taken off guard, the Chaos General fell to the ground, unhurt but momentarily stunned.
* * * * * * * *
"Thanks, Pegasusmon!" TK ran over to him and jumped on the Armor Digimon's back. "Fly me closer to Kari. I can't get past ChaosWarGreymon."
But at that moment, the very Digimon in question recovered and stood up. With a roar of outrage and hatred, he sprung at TK and Pegasusmon, claws outstretched.
"Hang on!" cried Pegasusmon as he dove down. TK could feel the breeze from ChaosWarGreymon's movement as he passed overhead. Pegasusmon veered to the right and tried to circle around to pick up Kari, but the dark Mega was once again on their tail. Pegasusmon steered away from the mountain.
"Pegasusmon, no! We have to go back for Kari."
"We can't! The minute I stop to let you off he'll have us both. We have to get him away from Kari and then circle back." He dove into the canyons, dashing between various outcroppings of rock and dodging the enslaved Digimon. ChaosWarGreymon was right behind them, breaking through rocks and his own servants.
As they flew TK frantically typed in a message on his d-terminal, hoping to contact Kari. He sent an alert message, and heaved a sigh of relief when he got a return. Kari and Gatomon were awake, though very sore. Gatomon was too tired to armor digivolve, which meant that TK would have to come and pick them up. No simple task.
TK quickly devised a plan, though it was probably his most dangerous idea to date. "Pegasusmon, circle back and head for Kari. We're going to pick her and Gatomon up."
"I can't. We have to lose ChaosWarGreymon."
"That's not going to happen. He's faster than us and he's a hunter. We won't be able to lose him. Just head back towards Kari and don't stop for anything." Pegasusmon complied and circled around, dodging ChaosWarGreymon by a fraction. They sped towards the peak where they'd left Kari and Gatomon, who stood ready at the cliff's edge.
"Don't stop, just fly as close to them as you can!" TK instructed his partner. They'd have to time this just right, or Kari and Gatomon would be dead.
As they came closer, Kari, holding Gatomon in one arm, sprinted for the cliff's edge. At the very tip of the plummet, Kari leaped forward with all her might, just as Pegasusmon passed by. TK stretched out his arm trying to grasp Kari's. For a moment, it looked as though Kari would fall short, but TK leaned forward and grabbed her wrist, nearly falling off his mount in the process. Holding on to Pegasusmon's neck with one arm, he tried to pull Kari up with his one arm. She was too heavy, though. He couldn't lift her.
Seeing his frustration, Gatomon sprung out from under Kari's arm and climbed up the link her arm and TK's formed. Gatomon settled in front of TK and helped pull Kari up. Kari settled in behind TK, panting heavily.
"I didn't think we'd make it." She heaved a sigh of relief."
"We're not safe yet." TK warned as Pegasusmon dodged a Chaotic Force blast. "Head back to where we split up from the others. We'll have to try to outrun him!"
Pegasusmon nodded, "Okay. But it won't be easy with two extra passengers."
"Give it all you've got. We didn't make it this far to die now!"
Pegasusmon surged forward, with ChaosWarGreymon in hot pursuit.
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Author's Note: ChaosWarGreymon's been hunting the Digidestined for over a year now, but his time is coming. Next chapter is the final showdown before the Digidestined and their hunter. How will they defeat a Mega with only six armors? Well, you'll just have to read the next chapter, and I'll have to hurry and type it.
See you soon.