This chapter is a little later than I expected so it's also a little longer than normal! Anyway, this story is coming to a close. Next chapter is the end. cheers This will be the second story I have officially finished!
Notes about the chapter: Can't really think of anything to say. Just a little mention that my younger sister, the reviewer DragonKitsune, requested a scene taken from Yolei's point of view. You're welcome sis.
Also, it has come to my attention that a question mark next to an exclamation point no longer works. So whenever you come across a question that has an exclamation point at the end, it's because the question mark was deleted. Not because of an editing problem.
Reviews:
GemmaniGirl: Heh, Gallantmon's catch was my favorite part of the last chapter too. I'm delighted you enjoyed Kenta's quote! The fact that you liked it so much keeps me laughing every time I read your review, lol. I hope the wait wasn't too long. Just one more chapter left and this story is done, so no more irregular waits.
Gogglehead Lover: Sorry for the long wait, I made this chapter a bit longer than usual to make up for it. You know, you're the first person who has ever thanked me for writing. That has got to be one of the most flattering things someone has ever told me. So thank you very much in turn for reading my story! I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Enjoy!
Final Genesis: And the fun (finally) continues! I'm glad you enjoyed chapter 21 but…indigestion? blinks That's…new…definitely something you don't hear every day…sweatdrops Well, anyway, sorry for the wait and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
foxbane: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The story's living up to its title and I couldn't be happier! I'm glad you like the Calumon bit. That was very difficult to write. Enjoy the chapter!
DragonKitsune: Hey sis, read the 'notes about the chapter'. Okay, now to answer your review. No I couldn't do it when you weren't here because I had (and still have) school work to do, not to mention a billion books from the library to read. Yes the Chosen can digivolve (you spelled it right) into one digimon. I can show you a pic if you like. Susanoomon is pronounced: sew-sa-noh-oh-mahn. It's from Japanese mythology. A guy named Susanoo-no-mikoto killed this eight-headed serpent…yadda yadda yadda…became a hero, the usual. And yes, this is your best answer yet. claps Anywho, enjoy the chapter!
Catwarrior: I'm glad you like the pairings! Couldn't Davis and Zoe into this chapter but I did get some Takuya and Yolei so I hope that makes up for something. Sorry for the long wait and I hope this chapter is just as 'sweet' as you expect it to be, lol!
warriorseadra: Thanks for reviewing! As to answer your questions (in order): read this chapter to find out, this is a K+ and I intend to keep it that way for the younger readers, I toyed with the idea but decided against it as it would finish things off too quickly. Enjoy the chapter!
between-the-stars: blushes Thanks! And if you're slow than I'm retarded. I didn't notice until you pointed it out and I'm writing the story here! Lol But now that you mentioned it I realize just how much easier this is to write than Swiss Family Yugioh, which also had bunches of characters and also turned out horrible. I think the key is to either pick a single character to follow from their point of view or don't make it an in-depth story. In another words, to get into the characters' heads and figure out their morals and complex feelings for the situation is a big no-no. Did that make any sense or did I only confuse you? Either way I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Burning Passion: YAY! A new reviewer! Welcome to my humble story and I hope you enjoy your stay. XD Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Thank you so much for reviewing my story and I hope to hear from you again at the end of this chapter! My apologies for the long wait, but it couldn't be helped. Life and reality calls. exasperated sigh
Disclaimer: I don't own digimon. Heck, I don't even own the computer I'm typing at!
Chapter 22
What it Takes
Tai and Davis stepped to the front lines, Gallantmon above them with Omnimon and Imperialdramon. "Give it all you got! Attack!"
"Supreme Cannon!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Horn Buster!"
Mimi clutched her digivice close, eyes shut. All of a sudden light flared from the screen and the girl held the device above her head. "Let's go Palmon!"
"Palmon digivolve to…Togemon! Togemon digivolve to…Lillymon!"
The newly formed ultimate eagerly joined the ranks of digimon. "Flower Cannon!"
"Volten's Hammer!"
"Transic Cannon!"
"Gate of Destiny!"
"Static Force!"
"Lightning Joust!"
"Mega Barrage!"
"Spirit Strike!"
"Gatling Attack!"
"Ocean Love!"
"Thunder Clap!"
"Bunny Blades!"
"Corona Blaster!"
Tai watched with baited breath as all the attacks spiraled together towards a shocked MaloMyotismon. The mega digimon gritted his teeth in anger as he raised his hands. "Screaming Darkness!"
His attack met theirs head on. It was a battle of strength, a battle Tai hoped they'd win…a battle they needed to win.
Swirls of color fought for dominance over the deadly crimson. Sweat dripped down the side of Tai's face. He clenched his hand tightly into a fist. "C'mon…c'mon…" Inch by slow inch, MaloMyotismon's attack was pushed back. A look of disbelief passed over his features the moment before his attack gave completely away and the digimons' attacks arched through the air at an incredible speed, slamming into the mega level digimon. A piercing scream echoed off the walls of the domed chamber before the largest explosion Tai had ever witnessed enveloped their enemy.
"Celestial Blade!"
"Paradise Lost Punch!"
Lucemon scowled as he once more blocked a slash from his opponent's sword. This was not good. All Susanoomon needed was an opening and he'd be history…again!
A scream disrupted his thoughts. Susanoomon paused and glanced over at the commotion. Not one to lose an opportunity, Lucemon shouted aloud, "Ultimate Sacrifice!" The attack enveloped his advisory, leaving Lucemon free to see what the uproar was about.
The smoke cleared…and the data of his partner floated through the air. Lucemon could barely restrain his eyes from bugging out of their sockets. This was not good. Without MaloMyotismon, he wouldn't stand a chance! Not with so many! He needed to get stronger…he needed to…
Lucemon's train of thought trailed away as an idea flashed through his mind. Of course! A quick glance at Susanoomon confirmed that the digimon was down for now, though he had managed to keep his hybrid form against all odds. Another glance told him the other nuisances were celebrating a victory.
A predatory grin crept into place. Perfect.
He leapt into the air, heading straight for MaloMyotismon's data.
Tai gaped at what was left of MaloMyotismon, the demon they had fought against for four years. He was gone. For good.
"We did it!" Sora screamed as she, Mimi, and Yolei held hands as they jumped around for joy.
Kari sunk to the ground in shock. "He's gone…He's really gone!"
"Oh yeah! Who's the mon? You're the mon!" Davis crowed exuberantly, pointing at his partner as he performed some macho-man steps around a stunned Ken.
TK gazed stupefied at the sparkly mass of data. "I can't…believe it…"
Behind him, Matt muttered in wide-eyed astonishment, "You and me both, little bro."
"It…worked!" Izzy mumbled in disbelief as his shaky legs gave out from underneath him and he flopped down on the debris-covered floor.
Joe patted the shoulder of his oblivious friend. "We never doubted you for a moment, Izzy." Next to him Cody nodded, a small smile playing across his features.
"We did it! We did it!" Kazu and Kenta chanted as music to their victory dance. With an elaborate ballet pivot-turn, Kazu spun around and pointed in the general direction Lucemon and Susanoomon had flown. "Take that sucker!" He paused and moved into a more normal stance. "Hey Kenta, where'd Lucemon go?"
Kenta froze and joined his best friend in his search. "I don't know. He was over there a moment ago…"
"Takato! Look out!" Jeri screamed, running up to the group.
Gallantmon came crashing to the ground as Lucemon sped passed him. "Gallantmon! Are you alright?" MegaGargomon cried.
"Fine," Gallantmon replied as he hefted himself to his feet. "What's he doing!"
Beelzemon suddenly flew in pursuit. "Don't let him get to the data!"
Tai gasped as realization struck him like a lightning bolt, "He's going to absorb the data! Omnimon!"
"Way ahead of you Tai. Let's go!"
But they were too late…
The triangle on Calumon's head burst to life. "Lucemon Chaos Mode digivolve to…Lucemon Shadow Lord Mode!"
Beelzemon banked his wings, slowing his forward boost as a humongous dragon formed mere meters from him. The dragon turned so that a single, but enormously big, eye gazed down at him. A deep, throaty rumble shook the air.
"Is he…laughing!" TK asked incredulously. Beelzemon quickly back-winged from the monstrosity.
Tai took a deep calming breath. "Guys, we're going to have to attack. Search for any weakness and exploit it. Ready?"
Before anyone could answer, the dragon lifted into the air and rammed into the passageway towards the cells. Problem was, the dragon's bulk was much too large to fit through the door. For moment, he was stuck in the threshold.
"Magna Thunder!" Susanoomon shouted. The attack detonated upon Lucemon's hind leg.
"Susanoomon, what happened? You look a wreck!" came Terriermon's ever observant voice from MegaGargomon.
"Our concentration slipped," was the half-hearted reply, "but that doesn't matter now, Lucemon can't survive that attack."
A sneer found its way onto Beelzemon's face, "Really? Could've fooled me."
Susanoomon glanced over at him irritated, "And what's that suppose to mean?"
Matt suddenly swore, "His leg! It's regenerating!" The skin was indeed knitting itself back together. At that instant, the walls gave way and allowed Lucemon entrance.
"Aw! Come on! What's it take to beat this guy!" Davis cried in exasperation. No one deigned to answer him as human and digimon raced after the dragon, trying to ignore the increasingly violent shakes the building was giving.
The darkness was thickening. It would be impossible to see save for the lights of the digivices. Every once in a while, the pinpricks of light would bounce off of Lucemon's large form that they followed. Ever so often, however, they could see a glowing silver…thing, for lack of better word.
By the end of their trek, the black fog was so dense, Yolei was certain if she had a knife she would be able to slice through it! As it was, they had made it to the origin of the mist, the Dark River. A chill swept up her spine and she involuntarily glanced up at Susanoomon. Oh how she wished that Takuya could be standing here next to her instead of fighting in the front lines. It was a childish thought, sure, but when it came to the Dark Ocean she was passed caring. One trip there was enough to keep her extremely wary of the thing, thank you very much.
The floor abruptly shifted, sending many of the kids to the ground. Off to the side, Yolei heard Izzy remark, "This place is coming down. We need to finish this up fast and get out of here!"
There was a brilliant flash of light as the digimon's attacks spiraled to where Lucemon hovered, which was directly over the Dark River. Yolei squinted into the flickering shadows. There was something…
A high-pitched, almost ear-piercing, voice whispered suddenly, "Destroy them! Leave none alive!"
Another flash of light and Yolei could make out for a split second a large silvery orb being held in the dragon's claws.
"Nothing's working! He keeps regenerating himself!" shouted Sora as the gash made from Garudamon's attack healed itself.
"Tide of Despair!" rumbled Lucemon. In a deep voice, very deep voice. Not at all like the higher one before.
The digimon were thrown back, many de-digivolved, as a vague idea began to take shape in Yolei's analytical mind. The purple haired girl ignored the shouts and cries of the battle around her, her eyes locking on the vast black form of what was Lucemon.
"Yes! Yes! Victory is mine!" shrieked the high voice.
"Shield of the Just!" The silver sphere glinted mockingly in the light Gallantmon's attack.
"Fool! Nothing can harm me! I am invincible!" From the orb…
Yolei sprinted to the front lines. "The orb! Attack the orb!" she screamed.
Silphymon stared at her. "Yolei! What are you –?"
Yolei spun to face her partner, long strands of hair cruelly whipping in her face as she glared. "Just do it!"
Time seemed to stand still as those around her contemplated her statement. Then Susanoomon nodded. "Omnimon! Imperialdramon! Distract him!" Without a word, the two digimon flew into position.
"Supreme Cannon!"
"Positron Laser!"
Susanoomon flew towards the orb.
"It's a trick! Protect me! Protect me!" screeched the sphere. The dragon moved to comply.
"Static Force!"
"Spirit Strike!"
"Corona Destroyer!"
Silphymon, Sakuyamon, and Beelzemon appeared before Susanoomon. Sakuyamon sent the latter a smile. "We got your back." Susanoomon's path was clear.
"NOOOOOOOO!"
"Celestial Blade!"
The orb shattered, along with the dragon. A wave of raw energy wiped over the digimon causing them to de-digivolve.
"Takuya!" Yolei cried as the boy tumbled to the ground. Despite the shaky floor, the girl skidded to a stand next to him. Takuya groaned and sat up. "Are you alright?" she asked concernedly kneeling down.
Takuya glanced at her and smiled, his cheeks tinged pink. "Never been better."
"You fools! All you have done is unleash a tidal wave of power! It will destroy this place!"
The digidestined and digimon looked up at the being which had spoke.
Takuya's jaw dropped, "We've been fighting a shrimp!"
The shrimp-like mega visible bristled, "I am not a shrimp!"
A loud crack echoed in the air around them. "It doesn't matter what he is! We got to get out of here now!" Izzy yelled.
Lucemon Larva cackled, "No one will escape! You will all perish here and I shall have my revenge!"
Beelzemon stepped forward. He had remarkably remained in mega form during the wave. The look of determination in his eyes was the only reason they needed to know the how. "Get out of here. I can take this worm."
Kouji helped Kari off the ground. "Then let's get going."
Beelzemon waited until the last of the digimon and their humans had disappeared before turning his attention back to Lucemon. The quaking had reached an all time high and the mega could here thunderous thuds in the distance. His eyes narrowed as he watched Lucemon gather the black fog to him.
It was time to exact his revenge.
And thus ends Chapter 22. I plan on Chapter 23 being the last one in this story. As for when Chapter 23 will be posted, I have no idea. It could be sometime next week, it could a month from now. Life has just gotten a bit too complex for my likely. So I'll try my best but no promises.
Please review!