Editor's note: I'd like to give a long, LONG overdue thank you to the
prereaders on the Digicross Mailing List. Prima, Seth, Gull, Ninetails,
Crystal saevans52, GadgetZinone, corpse_king_2000, you helped to do a lot
of this. Also, thanks to the following Sites: With The Will, FeT's
Digifandub page, The DMA, Megchan's, Pojo (yes, them), and TheOtaku.com.
RPGAddict, thanks! Come on over, if you're interested. My Trivia skills aren't as good, though...
In case anyone hasn't figured it out yet, Any characters I did not create are property of their respective creators. It's not my sandbox, I'm just playing in it for a while. Any characters I did create, as well as the incredibly Rube Goldbergian storyline I dreamed up are mine. Thieves shall be robbed, as the Spider once said...
Digicross Episode 22 'Deep Savers to the Rescue!' Special Bonus clip after the Epsiode: "Why Tai shouldn't eavesdrop."
[OP theme: Digicross OP#1 by Prima]
Note: Takes place at the same time Episode 21 does. Busy weekend for this lot, no?
==Cinnabar Island
Caryl Kyashi looked around the city, eyes wide. Understandable reaction, seeing as this was the first time the 11 year old had crossed dimensions. Around her, Cinnabar City teemed with life, human and pokemon. As tourist traps went, it was a pretty nice place.
Renamon, her partner digimon, stood beside her, a bit uneasy. "Was this wise? We seem to be drawing some attention." Indeed, many trainers were stopping and staring at the tall digimon, trying to figure out what type of pokemon Renamon might be, and their chances in a pokemon battle (Approaching zero, from underneath -ed).
"You said that the creatures here were like digimon. Come on, I want to see everything here!"
"Perhaps. But-" Renamon stopped, looking around. There was a change in the crowd; something more interesting was now there, and approaching them. Renamon tensed, expecting a fight.
Prima, aka Lorelei, aka The Ice Mistress of the Elite Four walked towards the two. "Hello. You're new here, aren't you?"
==
Two other digidestined were on the island, though they were unaware of the events happening in the city center. Joe Kido and Cody Hida looked out over the beach as their two partner digimon, Gomamon and Armadillomon, played in the sand. Joe's partner had complained that he wanted a vacation in 'a nice warm place with a beach', and Armadillomon said he wanted to practise in the water some more; Armadillomon had told Cody that Submarimon was his favorite digivolution, but he had very few opportunities to use that armoured form. As it was, Armadillomon and Cody had just gotten back from exploring the coral area outside Cinnabar Island, and the two wanted to take a break for a while (getting a closeup of a Gyarados will do that to a person -ed).
"That big?" Joe asked.
"Yeah. That Gyarados must have been as large as a Seadramon. It looked meaner, too."
"I'm sure he was more scared of us than we were of him." Armadillomon said. "Even if he didn't look it." he allowed.
"Sounds like fun." Gomamon said. "Hey Joe, why don't we go down for a look?"
Joe smiled. "Because you don't have an airtight waterproof compartment?"
"Details, I'm sure you can rent stuff."
"I think I'll play tag with the deep sea pokemon later, Gomamon." Joe turned around, back to the rail he was leaning on. "I have to admit, Kyle was right about this place. It's lovely."
"I'd like to go up to see the volcano, next." Cody said, looking up the mountain.
"I'm afraid it's closed. The seismologists are worried about a possible eruption." A voice said. Cody and Joe saw three people walking towards them.
Armadillomon and Gomamon hopped up beside their partners. "That's a digimon." Armadillomon whispered. "I think it's Renamon."
"Who?" Joe asked.
Gomamon answered. "Renamon's a rookie digimon, but her speeds supposed to be equal to that of Garurumon's. Watch out for her Diamond Storm attack and Wisteria punch."
The taller of the two smiled. "So, these are digimon. It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Prima, and this," she indicated the younger girl, "is Caryl. I was just showing her around Cinnabar."
"Hello." Caryl said, smiling.
==At sea
On the back of a Devidramon, Arukenimon and Sneasel watched as the giant digimon appeared through the rift. "Excellent," Arukenimon said, "Dagomon has made the transition. Now for the second part of Demon's plan. Spirit Needle!" Several silvery darts were hurled at Dagomon's body.
In truth, Dagomon's personality had been dead for some days now, the evil digimon's mind blasted and reduced under Demon's ministrations. Now, the ultimate digimon was a mindless brute, intent only on destruction, a slave to the lord of the Dark Ocean's will! The monster shuddered as the needles penetrated Dagomon's skin, and sank in. In seconds, small shapes began to burst out of the digimon's body, reforming themselves into demonic figures.
"Vilemon." Sneasel observed. "But adapted for life in the water, not the air."
"Quite. With Dagomon's assistance, we now have the capacity to deliver a large strike force anywhere we wish. Of course, this does have the side effect of using up the digimon in question, but sacrifices must be made." Arukenimon chuckled cruelly, enjoying her former 'ally's' plight. Sneasel said nothing, wondering if she might be next.
As the two watched, the forms that erupted from Dagomon's hide shot of towards an island in the distance. They didn't notice two other forms appear a few seconds after the portal was supposed to have closed. Just as well, as those two would be making their presence known in a few pages, whether Arukenimon wanted them to or not. (Most likely not -ed)
==Cinnabar Island
The group had retired to a small cafe, where everyone introduced themselves.
"Didn't Izzy say there was a digidestined in New Zealand?" Joe mused.
Caryl nodded. "That'd be me. You know Izzy?"
Joe nodded. "Yeah, we sorta saved the world a few times. If you're Caryl, then you must be Renamon."
"A pleasure." Renamon said, nodding her head. Caryl elbowed her digimon, reminding her that she should really lighten up a bit.
"You're really lucky." Gomamon said. "I've only heard legends about Renamon. She's supposed to be one of the toughest Rookie digimon around."
"You'd better stop." Caryl sighed. "I'd hate to think that Renamon got a swelled head from all this."
"There's no harm in hearing the truth." Renamon replied. Caryl sighed again, though she was smiling as she did.
"I'm just glad you stopped that boy from challenging us." Caryl said, looking at Prima.
"It would have caused trouble if Renamon had accepted," Prima replied, "especially as you're not a licensed pokemon trainer."
"Eish?" Caryl looked confused.
"Kyle explained it to me." Cody answered. "There's nothing wrong with owning a pokemon as a pet, but only someone with a license can battle pokemon. He said the test for the initial license took a day or two for him to complete."
Prima nodded. "It's not a perfect system, but it's the best we can do for now."
Joe looked at Prima. "Are you a digidestined?"
Prima shook her head. "No. But I have a relative in Saffron that told me all about them. She's the gym leader there. I'm a member of the Elite Four."
"You mean those super skilled pokemon trainers?" Cody blurted out. "Uh...sorry."
Prima smiled, adjusting her glasses. "It's alright, and it is largely the truth. But you three are much more interesting. It's not every day I meet people from another world." She indicated Caryl and Renamon. "I came across these two in the center of town. They were causing quite a stir."
"We apologize." Renamon started.
"No need. It's a fairly simple affair to get a license, it can be done in a few days."
"I don't know." Cody said. "We figured we should keep a low profile for now. Besides, how could we fight in a pokemon battle? Wouldn't our digimon have an unfair advantage?"
Armadillomon nodded. "I could do a lot of damage as Ankylomon."
Gomamon nodded. "I tried my Marching Fishes and got a school of Magikarp." Joe nodded. It was a sight, to say the least.
Two more people came over. "Cody?" One of them asked.
Cody looked up. "Ryo! What are you doing here?"
"Just seeing off a friend." Ryo answered. "Everyone, this is Edward, and he's..." Ryo trailed off, recognizing the woman that was sitting with the group.
"I see I've been recognized." Prima said resignedly. It was then that they all heard the screams from the beach. The group ran over to the area Joe and Cody had been at only a few minutes earlier.
On the beach were dozens of small, black-furred creatures. "Vilemon." Ryo spat, recognizing the digimon. "There must be another portal open nearby!"
Prima looked at the monsters. "Are those digimon?"
Armadillomon nodded. "Yep, and they fit their name perfectly. They attack opponents with their Nightmare Shocker and Demon Darts. And they smell bad, too."
"These look different." Gomamon observed, looking at the Vilemon milling around the beach. "These ones look like they've been underwater a lot." He looked back at Joe. "Should we fight them?"
A yell got their attention. A young boy, about Cody's age, held a Rattata in his arms, several Vilemon circling the two. "Renamon, go!" Caryl said. Renamon nodded, leaping gracefully through the air.
Several of the Vilemon looked up, saw the yellow and white digimon heading towards them. As she closed, small flecks of light formed around her. Seeming to hover in the air, Renamon shouted "Diamond Storm!" and launched her attack. Three of the Vilemon were too slow, and got hit. The rest scattered, and Renamon gathered boy and pokemon up, moving them out of the battle zone.
Armadillomon watched as the three digimon de-resolved. "It's like when we were fighting those Dark Ones! They're not real digimon!"
"Dagomon must be nearby!" Ryo said, pulling out a pokeball. It opened, and Charmeleon appeared. "What is it? I was having the best...Vilemon!" The pokemon looked at Ryo. "That means." Ryo nodded, holding out his digivice. "Right. Charmeleon, digivolve to... CHARIZARD!"
"Don't forget about us! Gomamon, digivolve to...IKKAKUMON!"
"Cody, I'd better go as Digmon for now. He's better at fighting on land!" Cody nodded, activating his digiegg. "Armadillomon, armour digivolve to...Digmon, the wisdom of steel!"
"'Wisdom of steel'?" Cody asked.
"Makes me sound smarter." Digmon replied, moving to the battle. "This'll just take a second, you'll be safer here."
==At Sea
Dagomon snarled, thrusting his trident at the two digimon attacking him. Even had he retained his intelligence, Dagomon would not have been able to figure out how these two digimon had followed him here and were now attacking him. Angrily, Dagomon released more Vilemon to attack the interlopers.
"Ice Winder!" Seadramon shouted, freezing several of the Vilemon in place. "I don't know how we got here, but you're not taking us down that easy, ugly!" The serpent digimon swam around Dagomon, firing more bolts of ice, all with little effect. "This guy doesn't know when to take the hint, Depthmon!"
The other digimon, looking vaguely like an armoured merman, nodded. "Tell me about it. I didn't hear everything those other two were planning, but it can't be good for wherever this is. SARGASSO DRAG!" Cupping his hands and aiming them at the rest of the Vilemon, Depthmon created a vortex that pulled the attacking digimon inside the vortex. "And now...Bubble Bomb!" Several red bubbles formed around Depthmon, and were sucked into the vortex, headed towards the Vilemon. They exploded on impact, removing several more of the monsters.
"This isn't working, we're not strong enough to fight Dagomon ourselves!" Seadramon yelled.
:There is no need to: a new voice said in their minds. Seadramon and Depthmon watched as a whirlpool formed in front of Dagomon and shot upwards, catching the Ultimate level digimon on his chin. A silvery bird exploded out of the vortex.
"I am Lugia, Guardian of the sea." The pokemon announced. "You have no place here." he went on, addressing Dagomon.
"You...cannot defeat me." Dagomon grunted, a second before bolts of fire, ice, and electricity slammed into him. Turning, he saw three more birds, one red, another yellow, the other blue. Each of the three radiated elemental power.
"I beg to differ." Lugia answered. "I brought help." Roaring, Lugia launched the Hyper Beam he had been building up.
"I think we've just been upstaged." Seadramon said, watching the legendary pokemon go into battle.
"You think?" Depthmon replied sarcastically. "But those aren't digimon...are they?"
==
Renamon swatted two more Vilemon away from her. She had rejoined the fight after seeing the boy and his pokemon to safety, but the Vilemon were ready for her. Her Diamond Storm attack was her best weapon, but it took time to build up, time that the horde was not giving her.
"DUCK!" a voice behind her yelled. As she did, she heard someone shout "Gold Rush!" and saw several missiles shoot over her and push back several of the Vilemon.
"My turn." Charizard called, flying overhead. "Dragon Breath!" Greenish flame poured out of Charizard's mouth, incinerating more of the Vilemon near Renamon. "Piece of cake!" As he spoke, Renamon shot past him, taking out the last Vilemon before it could surprise Charizard.
"I could have handled it." Renamon said. "But thank you, anyway."
"Oh, you had them right where you wanted them." Charizard replied. Several explosions some distance told them that Ikkakumon was doing well against the attackers; Prima and Edward had released their stronger pokemon to assist (Cloyster for Prima, Skarmory for Edward. -ed).
"These were just drones?" Prima asked. She was one of the best pokemon trainers, but this match had been for more intense than any she had ever had. "If more of them come, we might not be as lucky."
"Then we'd better head for the source." Ryo replied. "Charizard?"
"Hey, you know me. I never walk away from a fight." The rest of the digimon indicated similar opinions.
"We'd better get going then. And send for the rest of the digidestined as well." Cody nodded, emailing the others on his D-Terminal. "I can't ask you to come with us-"
"Ohhhh no. Don't look at us like that. Don't even TRY to tell us we can't come."
Renamon winced. "Trust me. You don't let her come, it wouldn't be a pretty sight."
"I guess we can't stop you, then." Edward replied. "When you said your life had gotten weird again, Ryo, you meant it." As he spoke, Digmon glowed and reverted to Armadillomon.
"You had best hurry then." Prima said. "Can you make it there on your own?"
Ikkakumon and Charizard nodded. "No problem," the shaggy digimon answered. "Room enough for everyone and to spare."
"We'll be fine." Cody said as Armadillomon headed to the water. "Digiarmour energize!"
"Armadillomon, armour digivolve to...Submarimon, reliable guardian of the sea!" Cody climbed into Submarimon's cockpit, and the two headed out. Caryl climbed on Charizard's back with Ryo, Renamon following her. Joe climbed on Ikkakumon, and the digidestined headed out.
"Good luck! Say hi to the Guardian Beast of the Sea for me!" Edward called.
"Who, me?" Submarimon asked. Prima and Edward chuckled.
==
Lugia pulled back as Dagomon waved his trident around, trying to impale the pokemon. Dagomon had been able to force the battle underwater, meaning that the other three legendary birds could not help. Beside him, Seadramon and Depthmon added their power, doing little damage but forcing Dagomon to divide his attention three ways instead of just one.
"We have to force him up, or this battle is lost." Depthmon called.
"Have no fear, the calvary is here! Oxygen Torpedoes!" Submarimon surged into view, firing transparent missiles at Dagomon. They slammed into the evil digimon, forcing him up. "Sorry we're late, but traffic was murder."
"Submarimon?" Seadramon yelled. "You must be one of the partner digimon!"
"Yup. Cody'd wave, but I'd hate for him to get wet shoes. So, what's the plan?"
"Hammer this monster until he drops." Depthmon yelled. "Bubble Bomb!"
"Agreed." Lugia's voice sang in Cody's mind. "Wait for my signal...NOW!" Lugia dove down deep, then formed another whirlpool around him, though this one was much more powerful than any of the others he had formed during the fight. It shot up, propelling Dagomon upwards. The digimon was pushed out of the water. Articuno saw his chance, and froze the water underneath Dagomon solid. Seadramon, seeing the plan, added his ice attack, and Dagomon, instead of landing back in the water, found himself slammed onto a solid sheet of ice. It cracked under Dagomon's weight and force of the impact, creating several floating mini-glaciers.
Roaring, Dagomon launched a wave of energy at his attackers. Charizard was forced to spiral away from the blast. The sudden move caused Caryl to fall off! "Caryl!" Renamon shouted, jumping off of Charizard's back, following her partner. As she fell, she saw Caryl's digivice glowing, and knew what it meant. "Renamon, digivolve to...Kyuubimon!"
"Kyuubimon." Submarimon said, recognizing the digimon. "She's a data type digimon of the Champion level. She uses a special attack called Dragon Wheel that burns the foe with magical flames!"
"Renamon." Caryl breathed as her digimon managed to catch her and landed on one of the ice floes. "How did you...?"
"I digivolved to save you." the digimon explained. "Wait here, I will deal with this. DRAGON WHEEL!" Burning with pale blue flames, Kyuubimon launched herself at Dagomon.
"You mean we will!" Ikkaumon roared, swimming up beside the two. Caryl climbed on Ikkakumon's back, Joe helping her up. "Harpoon Torpedo!" Ikkakumon launched a swarm of missiles at Dagomon. The explosions knocked Dagomon down, forcing the digimon to backpedal towards a small island. It also gave Kyuubimon a chance to get clear of the monster.
"I know that place!" Ryo yelled. "It's an artificial island set up for pokemon trainers crossing this part of the sea on their pokemon! We'd better finish this battle soon, there's no telling when someone on a Lapras is going to come through!"
"This isn't working!" Seadramon yelled. "We've hammered this guy and he's not dropping. I'm running out of energy, and Depthmon isn't doing much better!"
"I hate to agree, but he's right!" Depthmon yelled. "If you know any Ultimate digimon, now's a good time to get them here!"
A second after Depthmon spoke, a pink burst of energy slammed into Dagomon. "Someone call?" Silphymon asked, flying up. Behind the digimon, Pegasusmon, Stingmon and Exveemon, carrying TK, Ken, Davis, Kari, and Yolei between them, flew into view. With them were two people that Cody didn't recognize.
"Ken? ALRIGHT!" Ryo yelled. "Let's link up and nail this thing once and for all!"
"Can we get on solid ground first?" Yolei yelled back. The digimon carrying the children landed, while the seaborne digimon kept Dagomon busy. "Have we met?" Yolei asked the two newcomers. Off to one side, Pegasusmon switched back to Patamon, getting ready to digivolve to Angemon.
"I'm Crystal, and this is Melody." Crystal answered. Melody nodded.
"Intros later, we've got work to do! Stingmon...!"
"Charizard!"
"DNA Digivolve to...Dino Beemon!"
"Patamon, digivolve to...Angemon!" As Angemon flew off, Yolei noticed Crystal watching Angemon, standing beside TK. And that TK seemed to be a bit red in the face.
"Everyone, attack at the same time!" Silphymon yelled, hoping Dino Beemon would understand. The mutant digimon did, and added his attack to the combined attacks from all the digimon there. Lugia and the legendary birds added their attacks as well. Dagomon quickly fell under the assault, and was destroyed.
==Dark Ocean
"So ends Dagomon." Demon said quietly. "I had hoped he would do more damage."
"What now?" Arukenimon asked.
"Well, Dagomon was defeated, but Larvitar's progress is most excellent. A few more days and he should be to the second Destiny Stone. He should be able to draw enough power from that to digivolve to his champion form."
Sneasel looked curious. "Tyranitar?"
Demon smiled under his cowl. "No, something a bit more...mobile. The Guardians weren't the only ones who knew what was powering Ken's base. It will be the...kindest cut yet."
==Cinnabar Island
"Say what?" Davis asked, looking at Growlithe and Elecmon.
"I said we can't fly as Komainumon. We're not really proud of it, alright?"
"You can't fly?" Davis asked, trying not to laugh.
"Look, Leomon and Arcanine can't fly, so why should Komainumon be able to?" countered June, a bit annoyed.
"And Pyroangemon's not much good against water based digimon, we know that already." Kyle added. Eevee bowed his head. Kyle knelt down and scratched the pokemon's head.
"Ah, we handled it OK." Davis said. "And we had a bit of help from these two." he added, looking at Seadramon and Depthmon.
"Kyle told me about digimon." Edward said, walking over. "I never thought...what's happening?" As he neared Seadramon, the digimon glowed and shrank. A part of Seadramon broke off and flew to Edward's hand, forming a digivice. The rest of Seadramon vanished, leaving a small birdlike digimon in his place.
"Alright Edward!" Ryo said, slapping the trainer on the shoulder.
"Guys?" Melody said, looking at Depthmon. The digivice she had gotten earlier was glowing, as was Depthmon. He glowed and shrank as well, leaving...
"Another Veemon? Cool!" Davis said.
Davis' Veemon walked over. "Welcome to the team! I'm Veemon."
"Nice to meet you Veemon, I'm Veemon!"
"Two Veemon?" Salamon asked wearily. "I thought one was a handful. And how will we tell them apart?"
"Maybe call one Veemon and the other V-mon?" Armadillomon suggested.
"That's silly." Cody answered. "They still sound alike."
"It works for pokemon." Edward noted.
The two Veemons looked at each other, grinning. "Vee? VeemonVeemon Vee!"
"MonVeemon? Vee! VeemonVee!" About then, the rest of the group cracked up.
Next Episode
Phantomon has been sent to destroy Ken. Why is Ken being targetted, and can the digidestined stop Phantomon in the Real World? Next time on Digimon: Digicross. 'Target: Ken.'
Digicross Extra Special
"Why Tai shouldn't Eavesdrop!"
==Tokyo, a few hours before Things get all pear shaped in the preceeding episode
"Mom? I'm home!" Tai said, entering his house. He had just gotten back from the library, some books for an essay he was writing under his arm. He'd 'forgotten' to mention that he had stopped by Sora's home and talked with her for an hour, too.
"Tai, you're late! Did everything go alright at the library?" Tai nodded, trying to keep his face straight. "Well, Izzy and Yolei came over while you were gone. They're in Kari's room, and asked that they not be disturbed, alright?"
Tai blinked. "OK, sure."
"Oh, Tai? The next time you're at Sora's, could you tell her mother that I have that book she wanted to borrow? She did ask about it when you were there today, yes?"
"D'OH!"
==
Tai headed back to his room, planning to spend the rest of the afternoon taking notes. As he walked by the door to Kari's room, he heard..something. Curious, he put an ear against the door and listened.
Kari's voice: "Are you sure about this? I've never done this sort of thing before."
Yolei: "Relax. Izzy and I have done this dozens of times. It's a lot easier once you've done it a few times."
What the heck? Tai wondered, kneeling down, one hand on the doorknob.
Kari: "Well, if you're sure. What should we do first?"
Izzy: "Just lift that off. Oh, make sure everything's unhooked." Kari agreed. Tai heard something being moved, but couldn't make out what. A feeling of dread was rising in the pit of his stomach.
Kari: "OK, now what?"
Yolei: "Undo that clip on the back...yeah, that's right. OK, that should just pull off now."
Kari: "And this?"
Izzy: "Squeeze that, and pull...that's it. Careful now, don't yank it out."
Yolei: "What'd I tell you? Easy as anything." The doorknob was starting to deform under Tai's grip, but he didn't notice. "Okay, next step."
Kari: "That's it? I thought it'd be bigger, like in those ads on TV."
Still listening, Tai's eye had started to twitch, and small beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Izzy: "Trust me, size isn't the issue here. Once this goes in, you won't believe how fast it'll go."
Yolei: "The trick is to have a really light touch. If you force this in, it'll do a lot of damage."
"ALRIGHT, WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE!" Tai screamed, charging into Kari's room. As he charged in, he noticed a computer on the floor. Dad's computer, he realized. One of those new ones with the special bit that you didn't have to force a microchip into.
"Uhhh...we're upgrading dad's computer?" Kari replied, unsure how to react to this.
"Yeah, for your parents' anniversary on Monday? Why...?" Izzy asked, also confused.
Yolei blinked, trying to figure out why Tai had charged in like a madman. She went over everything that had happened, then she started looking at what they were saying all the time Tai was probably listening in...
It started with a small snort. Then, a second later, Yolei was doubled over, howling with laughter as she figured it out. Redfaced, Tai left the room, mumbling something about an essay he had to write. Yolei continued laughing for some time, not willing to explain what was so funny to Kari or Izzy. To her, that made it all the more funny.
==The end (for now)
RPGAddict, thanks! Come on over, if you're interested. My Trivia skills aren't as good, though...
In case anyone hasn't figured it out yet, Any characters I did not create are property of their respective creators. It's not my sandbox, I'm just playing in it for a while. Any characters I did create, as well as the incredibly Rube Goldbergian storyline I dreamed up are mine. Thieves shall be robbed, as the Spider once said...
Digicross Episode 22 'Deep Savers to the Rescue!' Special Bonus clip after the Epsiode: "Why Tai shouldn't eavesdrop."
[OP theme: Digicross OP#1 by Prima]
Note: Takes place at the same time Episode 21 does. Busy weekend for this lot, no?
==Cinnabar Island
Caryl Kyashi looked around the city, eyes wide. Understandable reaction, seeing as this was the first time the 11 year old had crossed dimensions. Around her, Cinnabar City teemed with life, human and pokemon. As tourist traps went, it was a pretty nice place.
Renamon, her partner digimon, stood beside her, a bit uneasy. "Was this wise? We seem to be drawing some attention." Indeed, many trainers were stopping and staring at the tall digimon, trying to figure out what type of pokemon Renamon might be, and their chances in a pokemon battle (Approaching zero, from underneath -ed).
"You said that the creatures here were like digimon. Come on, I want to see everything here!"
"Perhaps. But-" Renamon stopped, looking around. There was a change in the crowd; something more interesting was now there, and approaching them. Renamon tensed, expecting a fight.
Prima, aka Lorelei, aka The Ice Mistress of the Elite Four walked towards the two. "Hello. You're new here, aren't you?"
==
Two other digidestined were on the island, though they were unaware of the events happening in the city center. Joe Kido and Cody Hida looked out over the beach as their two partner digimon, Gomamon and Armadillomon, played in the sand. Joe's partner had complained that he wanted a vacation in 'a nice warm place with a beach', and Armadillomon said he wanted to practise in the water some more; Armadillomon had told Cody that Submarimon was his favorite digivolution, but he had very few opportunities to use that armoured form. As it was, Armadillomon and Cody had just gotten back from exploring the coral area outside Cinnabar Island, and the two wanted to take a break for a while (getting a closeup of a Gyarados will do that to a person -ed).
"That big?" Joe asked.
"Yeah. That Gyarados must have been as large as a Seadramon. It looked meaner, too."
"I'm sure he was more scared of us than we were of him." Armadillomon said. "Even if he didn't look it." he allowed.
"Sounds like fun." Gomamon said. "Hey Joe, why don't we go down for a look?"
Joe smiled. "Because you don't have an airtight waterproof compartment?"
"Details, I'm sure you can rent stuff."
"I think I'll play tag with the deep sea pokemon later, Gomamon." Joe turned around, back to the rail he was leaning on. "I have to admit, Kyle was right about this place. It's lovely."
"I'd like to go up to see the volcano, next." Cody said, looking up the mountain.
"I'm afraid it's closed. The seismologists are worried about a possible eruption." A voice said. Cody and Joe saw three people walking towards them.
Armadillomon and Gomamon hopped up beside their partners. "That's a digimon." Armadillomon whispered. "I think it's Renamon."
"Who?" Joe asked.
Gomamon answered. "Renamon's a rookie digimon, but her speeds supposed to be equal to that of Garurumon's. Watch out for her Diamond Storm attack and Wisteria punch."
The taller of the two smiled. "So, these are digimon. It's a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Prima, and this," she indicated the younger girl, "is Caryl. I was just showing her around Cinnabar."
"Hello." Caryl said, smiling.
==At sea
On the back of a Devidramon, Arukenimon and Sneasel watched as the giant digimon appeared through the rift. "Excellent," Arukenimon said, "Dagomon has made the transition. Now for the second part of Demon's plan. Spirit Needle!" Several silvery darts were hurled at Dagomon's body.
In truth, Dagomon's personality had been dead for some days now, the evil digimon's mind blasted and reduced under Demon's ministrations. Now, the ultimate digimon was a mindless brute, intent only on destruction, a slave to the lord of the Dark Ocean's will! The monster shuddered as the needles penetrated Dagomon's skin, and sank in. In seconds, small shapes began to burst out of the digimon's body, reforming themselves into demonic figures.
"Vilemon." Sneasel observed. "But adapted for life in the water, not the air."
"Quite. With Dagomon's assistance, we now have the capacity to deliver a large strike force anywhere we wish. Of course, this does have the side effect of using up the digimon in question, but sacrifices must be made." Arukenimon chuckled cruelly, enjoying her former 'ally's' plight. Sneasel said nothing, wondering if she might be next.
As the two watched, the forms that erupted from Dagomon's hide shot of towards an island in the distance. They didn't notice two other forms appear a few seconds after the portal was supposed to have closed. Just as well, as those two would be making their presence known in a few pages, whether Arukenimon wanted them to or not. (Most likely not -ed)
==Cinnabar Island
The group had retired to a small cafe, where everyone introduced themselves.
"Didn't Izzy say there was a digidestined in New Zealand?" Joe mused.
Caryl nodded. "That'd be me. You know Izzy?"
Joe nodded. "Yeah, we sorta saved the world a few times. If you're Caryl, then you must be Renamon."
"A pleasure." Renamon said, nodding her head. Caryl elbowed her digimon, reminding her that she should really lighten up a bit.
"You're really lucky." Gomamon said. "I've only heard legends about Renamon. She's supposed to be one of the toughest Rookie digimon around."
"You'd better stop." Caryl sighed. "I'd hate to think that Renamon got a swelled head from all this."
"There's no harm in hearing the truth." Renamon replied. Caryl sighed again, though she was smiling as she did.
"I'm just glad you stopped that boy from challenging us." Caryl said, looking at Prima.
"It would have caused trouble if Renamon had accepted," Prima replied, "especially as you're not a licensed pokemon trainer."
"Eish?" Caryl looked confused.
"Kyle explained it to me." Cody answered. "There's nothing wrong with owning a pokemon as a pet, but only someone with a license can battle pokemon. He said the test for the initial license took a day or two for him to complete."
Prima nodded. "It's not a perfect system, but it's the best we can do for now."
Joe looked at Prima. "Are you a digidestined?"
Prima shook her head. "No. But I have a relative in Saffron that told me all about them. She's the gym leader there. I'm a member of the Elite Four."
"You mean those super skilled pokemon trainers?" Cody blurted out. "Uh...sorry."
Prima smiled, adjusting her glasses. "It's alright, and it is largely the truth. But you three are much more interesting. It's not every day I meet people from another world." She indicated Caryl and Renamon. "I came across these two in the center of town. They were causing quite a stir."
"We apologize." Renamon started.
"No need. It's a fairly simple affair to get a license, it can be done in a few days."
"I don't know." Cody said. "We figured we should keep a low profile for now. Besides, how could we fight in a pokemon battle? Wouldn't our digimon have an unfair advantage?"
Armadillomon nodded. "I could do a lot of damage as Ankylomon."
Gomamon nodded. "I tried my Marching Fishes and got a school of Magikarp." Joe nodded. It was a sight, to say the least.
Two more people came over. "Cody?" One of them asked.
Cody looked up. "Ryo! What are you doing here?"
"Just seeing off a friend." Ryo answered. "Everyone, this is Edward, and he's..." Ryo trailed off, recognizing the woman that was sitting with the group.
"I see I've been recognized." Prima said resignedly. It was then that they all heard the screams from the beach. The group ran over to the area Joe and Cody had been at only a few minutes earlier.
On the beach were dozens of small, black-furred creatures. "Vilemon." Ryo spat, recognizing the digimon. "There must be another portal open nearby!"
Prima looked at the monsters. "Are those digimon?"
Armadillomon nodded. "Yep, and they fit their name perfectly. They attack opponents with their Nightmare Shocker and Demon Darts. And they smell bad, too."
"These look different." Gomamon observed, looking at the Vilemon milling around the beach. "These ones look like they've been underwater a lot." He looked back at Joe. "Should we fight them?"
A yell got their attention. A young boy, about Cody's age, held a Rattata in his arms, several Vilemon circling the two. "Renamon, go!" Caryl said. Renamon nodded, leaping gracefully through the air.
Several of the Vilemon looked up, saw the yellow and white digimon heading towards them. As she closed, small flecks of light formed around her. Seeming to hover in the air, Renamon shouted "Diamond Storm!" and launched her attack. Three of the Vilemon were too slow, and got hit. The rest scattered, and Renamon gathered boy and pokemon up, moving them out of the battle zone.
Armadillomon watched as the three digimon de-resolved. "It's like when we were fighting those Dark Ones! They're not real digimon!"
"Dagomon must be nearby!" Ryo said, pulling out a pokeball. It opened, and Charmeleon appeared. "What is it? I was having the best...Vilemon!" The pokemon looked at Ryo. "That means." Ryo nodded, holding out his digivice. "Right. Charmeleon, digivolve to... CHARIZARD!"
"Don't forget about us! Gomamon, digivolve to...IKKAKUMON!"
"Cody, I'd better go as Digmon for now. He's better at fighting on land!" Cody nodded, activating his digiegg. "Armadillomon, armour digivolve to...Digmon, the wisdom of steel!"
"'Wisdom of steel'?" Cody asked.
"Makes me sound smarter." Digmon replied, moving to the battle. "This'll just take a second, you'll be safer here."
==At Sea
Dagomon snarled, thrusting his trident at the two digimon attacking him. Even had he retained his intelligence, Dagomon would not have been able to figure out how these two digimon had followed him here and were now attacking him. Angrily, Dagomon released more Vilemon to attack the interlopers.
"Ice Winder!" Seadramon shouted, freezing several of the Vilemon in place. "I don't know how we got here, but you're not taking us down that easy, ugly!" The serpent digimon swam around Dagomon, firing more bolts of ice, all with little effect. "This guy doesn't know when to take the hint, Depthmon!"
The other digimon, looking vaguely like an armoured merman, nodded. "Tell me about it. I didn't hear everything those other two were planning, but it can't be good for wherever this is. SARGASSO DRAG!" Cupping his hands and aiming them at the rest of the Vilemon, Depthmon created a vortex that pulled the attacking digimon inside the vortex. "And now...Bubble Bomb!" Several red bubbles formed around Depthmon, and were sucked into the vortex, headed towards the Vilemon. They exploded on impact, removing several more of the monsters.
"This isn't working, we're not strong enough to fight Dagomon ourselves!" Seadramon yelled.
:There is no need to: a new voice said in their minds. Seadramon and Depthmon watched as a whirlpool formed in front of Dagomon and shot upwards, catching the Ultimate level digimon on his chin. A silvery bird exploded out of the vortex.
"I am Lugia, Guardian of the sea." The pokemon announced. "You have no place here." he went on, addressing Dagomon.
"You...cannot defeat me." Dagomon grunted, a second before bolts of fire, ice, and electricity slammed into him. Turning, he saw three more birds, one red, another yellow, the other blue. Each of the three radiated elemental power.
"I beg to differ." Lugia answered. "I brought help." Roaring, Lugia launched the Hyper Beam he had been building up.
"I think we've just been upstaged." Seadramon said, watching the legendary pokemon go into battle.
"You think?" Depthmon replied sarcastically. "But those aren't digimon...are they?"
==
Renamon swatted two more Vilemon away from her. She had rejoined the fight after seeing the boy and his pokemon to safety, but the Vilemon were ready for her. Her Diamond Storm attack was her best weapon, but it took time to build up, time that the horde was not giving her.
"DUCK!" a voice behind her yelled. As she did, she heard someone shout "Gold Rush!" and saw several missiles shoot over her and push back several of the Vilemon.
"My turn." Charizard called, flying overhead. "Dragon Breath!" Greenish flame poured out of Charizard's mouth, incinerating more of the Vilemon near Renamon. "Piece of cake!" As he spoke, Renamon shot past him, taking out the last Vilemon before it could surprise Charizard.
"I could have handled it." Renamon said. "But thank you, anyway."
"Oh, you had them right where you wanted them." Charizard replied. Several explosions some distance told them that Ikkakumon was doing well against the attackers; Prima and Edward had released their stronger pokemon to assist (Cloyster for Prima, Skarmory for Edward. -ed).
"These were just drones?" Prima asked. She was one of the best pokemon trainers, but this match had been for more intense than any she had ever had. "If more of them come, we might not be as lucky."
"Then we'd better head for the source." Ryo replied. "Charizard?"
"Hey, you know me. I never walk away from a fight." The rest of the digimon indicated similar opinions.
"We'd better get going then. And send for the rest of the digidestined as well." Cody nodded, emailing the others on his D-Terminal. "I can't ask you to come with us-"
"Ohhhh no. Don't look at us like that. Don't even TRY to tell us we can't come."
Renamon winced. "Trust me. You don't let her come, it wouldn't be a pretty sight."
"I guess we can't stop you, then." Edward replied. "When you said your life had gotten weird again, Ryo, you meant it." As he spoke, Digmon glowed and reverted to Armadillomon.
"You had best hurry then." Prima said. "Can you make it there on your own?"
Ikkakumon and Charizard nodded. "No problem," the shaggy digimon answered. "Room enough for everyone and to spare."
"We'll be fine." Cody said as Armadillomon headed to the water. "Digiarmour energize!"
"Armadillomon, armour digivolve to...Submarimon, reliable guardian of the sea!" Cody climbed into Submarimon's cockpit, and the two headed out. Caryl climbed on Charizard's back with Ryo, Renamon following her. Joe climbed on Ikkakumon, and the digidestined headed out.
"Good luck! Say hi to the Guardian Beast of the Sea for me!" Edward called.
"Who, me?" Submarimon asked. Prima and Edward chuckled.
==
Lugia pulled back as Dagomon waved his trident around, trying to impale the pokemon. Dagomon had been able to force the battle underwater, meaning that the other three legendary birds could not help. Beside him, Seadramon and Depthmon added their power, doing little damage but forcing Dagomon to divide his attention three ways instead of just one.
"We have to force him up, or this battle is lost." Depthmon called.
"Have no fear, the calvary is here! Oxygen Torpedoes!" Submarimon surged into view, firing transparent missiles at Dagomon. They slammed into the evil digimon, forcing him up. "Sorry we're late, but traffic was murder."
"Submarimon?" Seadramon yelled. "You must be one of the partner digimon!"
"Yup. Cody'd wave, but I'd hate for him to get wet shoes. So, what's the plan?"
"Hammer this monster until he drops." Depthmon yelled. "Bubble Bomb!"
"Agreed." Lugia's voice sang in Cody's mind. "Wait for my signal...NOW!" Lugia dove down deep, then formed another whirlpool around him, though this one was much more powerful than any of the others he had formed during the fight. It shot up, propelling Dagomon upwards. The digimon was pushed out of the water. Articuno saw his chance, and froze the water underneath Dagomon solid. Seadramon, seeing the plan, added his ice attack, and Dagomon, instead of landing back in the water, found himself slammed onto a solid sheet of ice. It cracked under Dagomon's weight and force of the impact, creating several floating mini-glaciers.
Roaring, Dagomon launched a wave of energy at his attackers. Charizard was forced to spiral away from the blast. The sudden move caused Caryl to fall off! "Caryl!" Renamon shouted, jumping off of Charizard's back, following her partner. As she fell, she saw Caryl's digivice glowing, and knew what it meant. "Renamon, digivolve to...Kyuubimon!"
"Kyuubimon." Submarimon said, recognizing the digimon. "She's a data type digimon of the Champion level. She uses a special attack called Dragon Wheel that burns the foe with magical flames!"
"Renamon." Caryl breathed as her digimon managed to catch her and landed on one of the ice floes. "How did you...?"
"I digivolved to save you." the digimon explained. "Wait here, I will deal with this. DRAGON WHEEL!" Burning with pale blue flames, Kyuubimon launched herself at Dagomon.
"You mean we will!" Ikkaumon roared, swimming up beside the two. Caryl climbed on Ikkakumon's back, Joe helping her up. "Harpoon Torpedo!" Ikkakumon launched a swarm of missiles at Dagomon. The explosions knocked Dagomon down, forcing the digimon to backpedal towards a small island. It also gave Kyuubimon a chance to get clear of the monster.
"I know that place!" Ryo yelled. "It's an artificial island set up for pokemon trainers crossing this part of the sea on their pokemon! We'd better finish this battle soon, there's no telling when someone on a Lapras is going to come through!"
"This isn't working!" Seadramon yelled. "We've hammered this guy and he's not dropping. I'm running out of energy, and Depthmon isn't doing much better!"
"I hate to agree, but he's right!" Depthmon yelled. "If you know any Ultimate digimon, now's a good time to get them here!"
A second after Depthmon spoke, a pink burst of energy slammed into Dagomon. "Someone call?" Silphymon asked, flying up. Behind the digimon, Pegasusmon, Stingmon and Exveemon, carrying TK, Ken, Davis, Kari, and Yolei between them, flew into view. With them were two people that Cody didn't recognize.
"Ken? ALRIGHT!" Ryo yelled. "Let's link up and nail this thing once and for all!"
"Can we get on solid ground first?" Yolei yelled back. The digimon carrying the children landed, while the seaborne digimon kept Dagomon busy. "Have we met?" Yolei asked the two newcomers. Off to one side, Pegasusmon switched back to Patamon, getting ready to digivolve to Angemon.
"I'm Crystal, and this is Melody." Crystal answered. Melody nodded.
"Intros later, we've got work to do! Stingmon...!"
"Charizard!"
"DNA Digivolve to...Dino Beemon!"
"Patamon, digivolve to...Angemon!" As Angemon flew off, Yolei noticed Crystal watching Angemon, standing beside TK. And that TK seemed to be a bit red in the face.
"Everyone, attack at the same time!" Silphymon yelled, hoping Dino Beemon would understand. The mutant digimon did, and added his attack to the combined attacks from all the digimon there. Lugia and the legendary birds added their attacks as well. Dagomon quickly fell under the assault, and was destroyed.
==Dark Ocean
"So ends Dagomon." Demon said quietly. "I had hoped he would do more damage."
"What now?" Arukenimon asked.
"Well, Dagomon was defeated, but Larvitar's progress is most excellent. A few more days and he should be to the second Destiny Stone. He should be able to draw enough power from that to digivolve to his champion form."
Sneasel looked curious. "Tyranitar?"
Demon smiled under his cowl. "No, something a bit more...mobile. The Guardians weren't the only ones who knew what was powering Ken's base. It will be the...kindest cut yet."
==Cinnabar Island
"Say what?" Davis asked, looking at Growlithe and Elecmon.
"I said we can't fly as Komainumon. We're not really proud of it, alright?"
"You can't fly?" Davis asked, trying not to laugh.
"Look, Leomon and Arcanine can't fly, so why should Komainumon be able to?" countered June, a bit annoyed.
"And Pyroangemon's not much good against water based digimon, we know that already." Kyle added. Eevee bowed his head. Kyle knelt down and scratched the pokemon's head.
"Ah, we handled it OK." Davis said. "And we had a bit of help from these two." he added, looking at Seadramon and Depthmon.
"Kyle told me about digimon." Edward said, walking over. "I never thought...what's happening?" As he neared Seadramon, the digimon glowed and shrank. A part of Seadramon broke off and flew to Edward's hand, forming a digivice. The rest of Seadramon vanished, leaving a small birdlike digimon in his place.
"Alright Edward!" Ryo said, slapping the trainer on the shoulder.
"Guys?" Melody said, looking at Depthmon. The digivice she had gotten earlier was glowing, as was Depthmon. He glowed and shrank as well, leaving...
"Another Veemon? Cool!" Davis said.
Davis' Veemon walked over. "Welcome to the team! I'm Veemon."
"Nice to meet you Veemon, I'm Veemon!"
"Two Veemon?" Salamon asked wearily. "I thought one was a handful. And how will we tell them apart?"
"Maybe call one Veemon and the other V-mon?" Armadillomon suggested.
"That's silly." Cody answered. "They still sound alike."
"It works for pokemon." Edward noted.
The two Veemons looked at each other, grinning. "Vee? VeemonVeemon Vee!"
"MonVeemon? Vee! VeemonVee!" About then, the rest of the group cracked up.
Next Episode
Phantomon has been sent to destroy Ken. Why is Ken being targetted, and can the digidestined stop Phantomon in the Real World? Next time on Digimon: Digicross. 'Target: Ken.'
Digicross Extra Special
"Why Tai shouldn't Eavesdrop!"
==Tokyo, a few hours before Things get all pear shaped in the preceeding episode
"Mom? I'm home!" Tai said, entering his house. He had just gotten back from the library, some books for an essay he was writing under his arm. He'd 'forgotten' to mention that he had stopped by Sora's home and talked with her for an hour, too.
"Tai, you're late! Did everything go alright at the library?" Tai nodded, trying to keep his face straight. "Well, Izzy and Yolei came over while you were gone. They're in Kari's room, and asked that they not be disturbed, alright?"
Tai blinked. "OK, sure."
"Oh, Tai? The next time you're at Sora's, could you tell her mother that I have that book she wanted to borrow? She did ask about it when you were there today, yes?"
"D'OH!"
==
Tai headed back to his room, planning to spend the rest of the afternoon taking notes. As he walked by the door to Kari's room, he heard..something. Curious, he put an ear against the door and listened.
Kari's voice: "Are you sure about this? I've never done this sort of thing before."
Yolei: "Relax. Izzy and I have done this dozens of times. It's a lot easier once you've done it a few times."
What the heck? Tai wondered, kneeling down, one hand on the doorknob.
Kari: "Well, if you're sure. What should we do first?"
Izzy: "Just lift that off. Oh, make sure everything's unhooked." Kari agreed. Tai heard something being moved, but couldn't make out what. A feeling of dread was rising in the pit of his stomach.
Kari: "OK, now what?"
Yolei: "Undo that clip on the back...yeah, that's right. OK, that should just pull off now."
Kari: "And this?"
Izzy: "Squeeze that, and pull...that's it. Careful now, don't yank it out."
Yolei: "What'd I tell you? Easy as anything." The doorknob was starting to deform under Tai's grip, but he didn't notice. "Okay, next step."
Kari: "That's it? I thought it'd be bigger, like in those ads on TV."
Still listening, Tai's eye had started to twitch, and small beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Izzy: "Trust me, size isn't the issue here. Once this goes in, you won't believe how fast it'll go."
Yolei: "The trick is to have a really light touch. If you force this in, it'll do a lot of damage."
"ALRIGHT, WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE!" Tai screamed, charging into Kari's room. As he charged in, he noticed a computer on the floor. Dad's computer, he realized. One of those new ones with the special bit that you didn't have to force a microchip into.
"Uhhh...we're upgrading dad's computer?" Kari replied, unsure how to react to this.
"Yeah, for your parents' anniversary on Monday? Why...?" Izzy asked, also confused.
Yolei blinked, trying to figure out why Tai had charged in like a madman. She went over everything that had happened, then she started looking at what they were saying all the time Tai was probably listening in...
It started with a small snort. Then, a second later, Yolei was doubled over, howling with laughter as she figured it out. Redfaced, Tai left the room, mumbling something about an essay he had to write. Yolei continued laughing for some time, not willing to explain what was so funny to Kari or Izzy. To her, that made it all the more funny.
==The end (for now)