Zero Unit: *Sighs*
Kari: What's wrong Zero? Is it the lack of reviews?
Zero Unit: Partially, yes. But also, I tried writing a fight scene but nothing good came out of it. I think I'm starting to lose my touch. This semester has been so chaotic that I haven't been able to write for fun in a long time. To make matters worse, I don't have a skit prepared for today!
Kouji: Our mailbox is empty too so we have no questions to answer.
Thomas: So do we… just move on to the chapter?
Jeri: We can't do that! Zero hasn't written it yet!
Everyone: Eh?!
Zero Unit: Oh… well… I haven't been feeling motivated or inspired to write due to this hectic semester. I'm thinking of going on hiatus.
Matt: But if you do that, we might end up as one of your forgotten stories!
Veemon: We can't let that happen! We have to inspire him!
Zenjirou: He's falling into despair!
TK: He needs hope!
The lights go off and the sound of footsteps are heard from the door. As it flies open, flooding the room with a bright white light, a Japanese man with a black leather jacket and brown hair steps in. He's wearing a belt buckle in the shape of a hand and a ring in the same design.
Souma Haruto: *Holds up a ring* I will be the hope you need.
Zero Unit: *Raspy* Kamen Rider… Wizard…
Rika: *Exasperated* Let me guess… Your latest obsession.
Zero Unit: *Weakly but triumphantly* You... got that right. Isn't he… pretty?
Souma Haruto: *Turns to audience* Please enjoy today's chapter which Zero will write once I've fixed him. Now... *With a flourish* It's showtime!
-X-
January 21: Odaiba — 12:59 PM
Regardless of where you stood in the metropolis, everyone could see the behemoth rising over the skyscrapers, laughing maniacally. What they probably didn't see was the hole that suddenly appeared in Odaiba, next to the beach. That's where the monster reared his hideous head.
People remembered the sickening grin that the giant wore. The elongated arms that reached down and destroyed their beloved city. The hairy legs that divided the streets and crushed vans and demolished buildings. It was the devil's hour, six hours early.
Terrified screams filled the air as people tried to run away from the beast. But to their horror, the colossus reached down, scooped up a random man and his bike, and tossed him into his jaws. Had one been close enough, they would've heard a crunch and the sudden halt to the man's cry.
"You can't escape," the monster bellowed. "All of you pathetic humans are a buffet to me! So line up and prepare yourself because I'm hungry!"
He repeated the last word over and over again as he swiped down to the ground, lifting up more and more innocent umans. Some struggled, some were resigned to their fate, but most just screamed the whole way up. For them, the nightmarish expression of their killer would be the last thing they see.
But before he could chew on their flesh, a ball of energy struck him on the face, causing him to drop his victims. They were caught by Garudamon and MegaKabuterimon before they could get flattened onto the concrete and asphalt.
"Are you okay?" Sora shouted over the rush of the wind.
Izzy felt like retching when he saw a shaking grade schooler in the arms of his mother. As he tried to reach out to them to calm them down, the parent turned away, shouting in his face. Her voice was cracked, broken, and completely untethered.
"Stay away! Just put us down and stay away!" she screeched.
The teenager swallowed, giving them their space. "I'm sorry, ma'am."
The pair took off, leaving the fight to WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon. Joe was there too, but he was busy evacuating the civilians and making sure no one hurt themselves while fleeing. Zudomon stood with his back to the enemy, prepared to use his hard shell to protect the frightened people. Not that they saw the giant walrus to be any safer than the fifty-foot cryptid.
Racing in on the back of Dorulumon was Akari and holding on to her was Zenjirou. Obviously, two Megas wouldn't be enough to defeat an enemy like VenomMyotismon. As soon as they dismounted, they brought out their partners and evolved them.
"JagerDorulumon!" "AtlurBallistamon!"
"Joe-san!" Zenjirou called out. "Leave this to us! You focus on leading the civilians out of here!"
The older male nodded in response. As much as he hated to admit it, the young Generals were stronger than he was at this point in time. He just wished the people would believe that he was trying to help. Some were frozen in fear, eyes on Zudomon's horn and teeth.
There had been a time when Joe would've reacted the same way. As the first sign of danger, he would turn tail and flee in the opposite direction, probably screaming like a maniac. Hell, he would've done that at the first sign of dark red fluid, thinking it was blood. But he's grown up a lot since then and whether these people wanted it or not, he would help them. He would protect them.
"I just hope Mimi's okay," he muttered to himself.
January 21: Minato — 1:00 PM
"Oh no you don't!"
ShineGreymon shot down from the sky, crashing right into MaloMyotismon who had been heading towards Tokyo Tower. The dragon dragged the undead Digimon away from the terrified civilians, kicking up asphalt like sand and crushing buildings like cardboard. In the meantime, Marcus was fist fighting the Voidlings that were creeping out from the cracks in the sidewalk.
"So that's MaloMyotismon," Yoshino shuddered.
She could remember the first and only time she saw this guy was on the television screen. To her, it was unbelievable that the show was being marketed towards children when the screams that Arukenimon released were still seared into her memories. It didn't matter how you felt towards the manipulative arachnid, the point was, she paid the ultimate price and more for her loyalty.
"He's far more grotesque in person," Thomas grimaced. "At least they only animated him when it was shown on TV."
Marcus had to retreat when he realized there were too many armed Voidlings against an unarmed him. "I could really use some help here!"
"You should've put on the armor that Shibumi and the others gave us!" Yoshino chided.
Marcus pouted. "But it doesn't feel right unless I feel my foe against the skin of my knuckles!"
"Barbarian," Thomas scoffed.
"What was that?!"
"Crimson Mist!"
Before the boys could go at each other, ShineGreymon suddenly flew over their heads and crashed into a nearby semi truck. He was covered in some sort of red acid that seemed to be melting parts of his metallic armor. Immediately, Rosemon went to help him while MirageGaogamon distracted their enemy.
Out of every version of Myotismon, this one was by far the most dangerous. Perhaps he didn't have the same physical capabilities as VenomMyotismon but he was cruel and calculating, similar to his original form. To make things worse, he was much more direct in his approach to torture and destroy.
Grabbing MirageGaogamon's wrist, despite the wolf's speed, MaloMyotismon slammed the Mega into the ground, forming a crater and shaking the earth. Thomas winced as he watched his partner get thrown into the air before getting hit in the stomach. MirageGaogamon struck a building but he quickly hugged it to make sure it wouldn't fall onto the screaming citizens.
"Quick! Go!" MirageGaogamon grunted. "Get out of there!"
MaloMyotismon cackled as he approached the immobile Digimon. Rosemon was too far away to come to the rescue and ShineGreymon was still a little dazed from the previous attack. But thankfully, they weren't the only ones there.
"Double Hellfire!"
Several bullets hit MalosMyotismon in the side, sending him flying away from MirageGaogamon. From down the street, a humanoid figure was charging in with twin gunswords at his side. Somehow, he was dressed as dapper as Astamon but as depraved as Yasyamon. Like a zombie businessman.
"You can let go of the building now!" Airu called from down below.
MirageGaogamon was tentative until he saw tentacles weaving their way through the infrastructure. Moving away from the building he saw Parasimon beside his Hunter, keeping the structure from falling. Now he can focus on the enemy again.
January 21: Spirit World Ocean — 1:01 PM
Chiaki didn't like the idea of being apart from Kazemon. It was like that first day of pre-school, having to let go of your mother's hand and enter the doors of a place you've never been before.
But specifically for Chiaki, she was reminded of the time her father took her to the community pool for the first time. He told her that the only way to learn something was to dive right in. Sure, she'd been taking classes and all but there was no way she could swim in the deep end. No way. But the next thing she remembered, she was screaming for her father to get her out as water found its way into her lungs.
"Hey, are you okay?" Kazemon asked, gently prodding the girl. "You froze up. Are… you afraid of water?"
It wouldn't be the first time a human host feared their element but it was certainly inconvenient. There's no way the spirit would take too kindly to someone who was afraid of her natural habitat. But Chiaki furiously shook her head, surprising the Warrior.
"Sorry," she said. "Just… thinking about things."
Kazemon knew the expression well. Her own partner would often make that face when something from the past was haunting her. "We don't have to see Ranamon now if you're not up to it."
"No," Chiaki huffed. "I want to help Zoey and the others in any way I can."
All she had to do was step into the ocean and she would have the Warrior of Water's undivided attention. Walking into the cold water, making her wince, the waves suddenly lapped at her jeans faster. As if they were trying to push her back onto dry land.
"Ranamon's not the friendliest girl," Kazemon remarked.
Chiaki knew all about it from the stories Zoey shared. But at the same time, she felt calm after taking a few more steps. Without even realizing it, she was already waist deep but it didn't feel cold anymore. There was something inviting about it.
"You'll drown if you come closer, darling," a voice she didn't recognize giggled.
Chiaki stopped and to her horror, she was already chest deep. Stumbling, she fell backwards and into the water where she felt a pair of arms wrap around her body. Her face was lifted so that she could take in a few gulps of air and when she opened her eyes, she saw Kazemon letting out a breath of relief.
"Ranamon, you saved her!" Kazemon gasped.
A new face appeared right beside Chiaki's, nearly giving her a heart attack. But it was looking upwards, at the fairy floating right above them. Puckering up lips, she spit some seawater at Kazemon's face. This… had to be Ranamon.
"I've already told you, you overgrown pixie!" Ranamon snapped. "I ain't helping you and your gang of ragamuffins!"
"If we want to use the full power of the Legendary Warriors then we need your help!" Kazemon pleaded.
Chiaki was placed back on shore but before Ranamon could swim away, the girl lunged forward and latched onto the Warrior's shoulder. Ranamon glared at Chiaki but the teenager didn't let go as she made her position on the damp sand more comfortable.
"I know… we don't know each other…," said Chiaki. "And I know I'm weak… but please! There are… things here I want to protect. And I can't do it without you."
Ranamon reached over and flicked Chiaki's forehead with a finger. "You're even stupider than blondie."
"Hey!" Kazemon shouted.
"When trying to get someone to help you, you're supposed to offer them something," Ranamon explain with a knowing smile. "All you've done is tell me why you need me. But if nothing's in it for me, then I'm not interested. However, because you're so desperate for my help, that just means the price has been driven up." She spun around so fast that Chiaki had to jump backwards, falling on her back. "So…," Ranamon chuckled, raising Chiaki's chin up so that they were eye to eye. "What do you have to offer?"
"Offer?!" Kazemon blanched. "The Demon Lords are out to take over the world!"
"Yeah, but the Spirit World is safe," Ranamon scoffed. "Plus, it's not like I'm friends with blondie or anything so I've got no obligation to come to the rescue, do I?"
Chiaki didn't seem to be paying attention to the arguing women as she was too busy thinking. "Offer…" All the stories that Zoey told her about this corrupted Warrior came flooding back to her but Ranamon seemed to only desire three things, beauty, attention, and the destruction of her enemies. And at the moment, she technically didn't have any enemies.
"I… don't have anything," Chiaki admitted.
"Hm?" Ranamon blinked, turning away from her petty spat. "That's what I thought. Now if you ladies…"
"But, together, you will gain something," Chiaki interjected before Ranamon could leave.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Chiaki glanced up at Kazemon before solidifying her stance against Ranamon. While the Warrior had the appearance of a human woman, it felt like she was standing in the face of a rocky ocean in the middle of a raging storm. But she wasn't a little kid anymore, she could stand up to it. That's what helped her stand on the same field as the rest as the swim team despite only being their manager.
"Pride," Chiaki answered confidently, "as a Warrior. Just as you make me stronger, I will make you stronger."
"You?" Ranamon guffawed.
"Yes, me!" she snapped back. "You're always cowering behind someone bigger. If not that, then you rely on underhanded tactics to get what you want. If you won't fight to protect something, then fight for yourself. Prove to me, to Kazemon, to everyone that you can handle it! Because right now… you're nothing more than a single krill in a sea of whales."
Ranamon stared back at the girl coldly before snorting and laughing raucously. "A single krill in a sea of whales?! Where'd you come up with that one?!"
"H-Hey! It's not funny! I'm trying to be serious here!"
Kazemon floated closer to the blushing Chiaki's side. "You have to admit, it was a really bad line."
"Alright," said Ranamon, calming down. "I'll help."
"Eh?!"
"But only because you reminded me of what blondie said to me before beating me," Ranamon cut in. "I want to prove to that twit that I've still got my honor as a Legendary Warrior. And if working with you is the way to do that, fine. But let me warn you, girlie, if you start rubbing me the wrong way, I'll be isolating myself in this ocean."
Chiaki was stunned but not enough to nod in response. Even now, Zoey was helping her, albeit indirectly and unknowingly. "I'll prove myself to you. I promise."
January 21: Spirit World Forest — 1:01 PM
Teruo had to somehow convince Arbormon to lend them his power. But how was he supposed to do that? The boy couldn't even make an impression on any of his classmates so how was he supposed to do so on a corrupted spirit?
Average appearance, average intelligence, average athleticism, and average economic status. Nothing about him ever stood out.
One day, Teruo was asked to join the drama club. He knew it was because they were short on members due to there being a lack of actors for the next play. But he wanted to believe that he was approached for a reason. However, whenever Teruo shared the stage with anybody, he would be completely outshined. At worst, he would be blinded too.
Kumamon came to a halt at what appeared to be a colorful cornucopia of various fruit. Automatically, Teruo could recognize the bananas, pineapples, apples, and oranges. The one thing he couldn't identify was the humanoid figure chowing down from the very top.
"I'm guessing that's Arbormon," Teruo concluded.
"Yup," Kumamon nodded. "He's pretty gluttonous so it's no surprise he would be stuffing his face."
"Heard that teddy!" Arbormon snapped.
Kumamon jolted backwards to avoid getting hit by a tangerine. The toss was so strong that it burst into citric acid and juice upon impact. The polar bear was able to avoid the splatter but Teruo's pant leg did not have the same luck.
"Wh… Whoa…," Teruo gulped. He knew the Warriors were strong from his firsthand encounter with them but he hadn't expected a partnerless Spirit to be the same.
"I told you, teddy," Arbormon stated. "I'm not helping you or those kiddies do anything. Just let me stay in the background of this battleground."
"Background?"
Arbormon seemed to have finally taken note of Teruo's presence. "And you think this kid is my partner? I almost didn't even see him there. Stealth's a great talent you got but it isn't going to help you none. You should just go home and forget about Digimon. Maybe the Demon Lords will overlook you too."
Teruo took a deep breath before shakily saying, shouting the last few words, "I… I don't want to be a background character!"
"T-Teruo?" Kumamon blinked. He's never heard the boy raise his voice before. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well… no, I'm… fine with being in the background," Teruo admitted, quieting down, staring at the soil. "What I'm not okay with is standing there all the time."
At first, Teruo focused on editing the script and prop work since he was way to shy to actually act on the stage. He'd only ever been in one production and that was in second grade where he played a tree because he was one of the taller boys. Though he apparently peaked back then because afterwards, his height only attributed to his status as a background character.
"Even a tree can shine too, can't it?"
"Huh?"
Teruo looked up and took several steps back, tripping over a root and falling to his butt when he realized that he was a mere centimeter away from Arbormon. The Warrior had been perched in front of him like a cat waiting for its owner to awaken. Not to mention, looking straight into the shadows of his hat made it seem like Teruo was staring right into an endless abyss with only two specks of light as his guide.
"Teruo!" Kumamon gasped, helping him up. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," he nodded in response.
Arbormon stood up, moving his arms to the back of his head. "Listen kid, you're no tree. You're lucky you're not a seed. You're just a sapling. Frail, easy to break, just one person needs to step on you and you're done for. Capiche? So forget about this whole save the world business and just have a snack or something."
"In that case," said Teruo, just as Arbormon turned his back, "what does it take for me to grow?"
"Hm?"
"If I'm just a sapling… then that means there's room for me to grow. So… what does it take?"
"How should I know?" Arbormon shrugged. "That's up to you."
Teruo ran forward to place himself in between the Spirit and the cornucopia. "Then what if I choose to become a Warrior? What if I choose to grow up in that way? And if you end up finding that I'll grow into a tree strong enough to support you and take center stage… will you accept me as your partner then?"
"...You're quite the annoying sapling," Arbormon huffed. "But fine. You get a one battle trial run. If you can shine despite being a background character, then we'll talk again."
Relief washed over the boy as he bowed in respect. "Th-Thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah, now can you hand me that pomelo?"
January 21: Spirit World Mountain — 1:01 PM
Teppei had to say that he didn't exactly fancy being held by a humanoid armored beetle as he was taken up the steep incline. But he didn't exactly have a choice. It was way too dangerous for him to try and climb without proper equipment.
"Hey," Teppei grumbled. "We've passed by that same cave three times now. Don't you think we should go in?"
Beetlemon shook his head. "Grumblemon never stays in one spot for too long. I thought I'd check his other hangouts first."
It didn't seem like they were making much progress just circling the mountain though so he finally decided to land at the cave entrance. Holding up a fist, it lit up with a bright yellow light as if it was one giant sparkler, lighting up the darkness. Teppei had to take a few steps back when the sparks started licking at him though.
The boy tried to find the end of the cavern but didn't see anything but more blackness. "So how far does—?"
"Look out!"
The wall to their right exploded just as Beetlemon made him hit the deck. Immediately after, the humanoid insect spun around and crossed his arms in front of him to block the hammer that the strange dwarf-gnome creature tried to smash them with. Actually, now that Teppei thought about it, this was probably Grumblemon.
"Grumblemon told you," Grumblemon grumbled. "Stay off mountain!"
"Why do I feel like there's been too many 'grumble's in one sentence even though he only said it once?" Teppei muttered.
Honestly speaking, the little gnome didn't look as cool as the others. But appearance aside, there was also the bratty attitude that Grumblemon was displaying. Then there's that awful Japanese of his. With all three of those qualities put together, it made it difficult for Teppei to not want to punch the Warrior right in his oversized nose.
Staring back, Grumblemon smirked. "Is this who you think Grumblemon human? He twig! Grumblemon can snap in half with two finger."
Teppei's eyes flared behind his glasses but Beetlemon held out a hand to stop the human from making a grave mistake. No matter how tough he was, no matter how many kids in the schoolyard thought he was strong, it meant nothing to someone like Grumblemon. Best-case scenario, he'd get a hit in. Worst-case, he'd lose a part of his face.
"Can't you be civil for once in your life?" Beetlemon huffed though he gave Grumblemon no time to answer. "You should at least talk to Teppei before brushing him off."
Teppei crossed his arms and turned away. "I think I changed my mind about this whole thing. No way am I partnering up with an annoying dirtball like this."
"Huh?" Grumblemon blanched. "What? Human thinks he too good for Grumblemon?"
"Curdled milk is too good for you!"
Beetlemon watched as electricity sparked between the two pairs of eyes. But since it was his element, he grabbed it like it was a piece of sparkly thread and tied it into a pretzel. Not that either Grumblemon or Teppei took notice.
After a while, Grumblemon seemed to get tired of their staring contest and turned away with a disgruntled harrumph. Without moving, he seemed to burrow into the ground and away from the other two. The mountain was silent and the miniscule Warrior showed now signs of coming out.
"Ah…," Beetlemon uttered, dropping the electric pretzel. "No matter how you look at it… this is…"
Teruo let out a sigh, hanging his head. "...a mission failed."
January 21: Spirit World City — 1:01 PM
Katsuharu wasn't expecting to find himself riding an elevator up to the highest floor of the tallest building. How was he supposed to expect the doors to open to a lavish complex with a gorgeous view of the city skyline? Or the classy, zebra-print couch placed aesthetically in the center of the tiled-floor living room? Or the trophy case filled with golden and silver statuettes of all ten Warriors?
"A few of them will undergo a change soon."
Katsuharu pivoted away from the glass case to find a glass man standing before them. The human was able to see his face reflected in this strange Digimon's. But it wasn't strange to see that. Rather, a sense of comfort washed over him.
"You're… Mercurymon," he said.
"And you're my partner," Mercurymon chuckled. "It's funny, I imagined you taller."
Agunimon placed a hand on Katsuharu's shoulder. "Mercurymon readily agreed to help us. But he said he wouldn't share what he knew about the Demon Lords until he met you."
For some reason, this was the one thing that didn't surprise Katsuharu. Maybe it was because they were already connected by some unknown, supernatural force. Though he couldn't say it was something he had always known. Just something he figured out upon seeing the Digimon.
"You said some of the statues would change," said Katsuharu. "What did you mean by that?"
Mercurymon took a few steps forward before stopping just a foot away from the boy. Now, he could see his entire body reflected against the Warrior's.
"Did the boy of darkness tell you about how he used to look like?" Mercurymon asked. "A corrupted form that was incredibly tasteless. Although… I suppose I can say the same about myself. The form you see before you is not Ferro's true form."
"Ferro?" Katsuharu frowned.
"AncientWisetmon," Agunimon explained. "Ferro was probably the most rational of the Warriors. He always looked at things logically before making any big decisions for himself or those he governed. So if Mercurymon decided to join us from the get-go, I can only assume that that means he thinks we can beat the Demon Lords."
"On the contrary, I believe you're insane and in way over your heads," Mercurymon corrected.
"Eh?"
"But…," Mercurymon continued, leading into his explanation. "I also think that you've proven to have turned around near-impossible situations in the past. So… I plan on putting my trust in you. No matter how irrational it may be."
Katsuharu ignored Agunimon's pouting in favor of learning more. "What makes you think we can't win?"
"Other than the fact that I know the Demon Lords well?" Mercurymon chuckled. "Do you know how they're controlling so many prideful and cocky Digimon? Aside from fear, they're tempting them with power that rivals, perhaps surpasses, their own."
"Surpasses?"
Katsuharu couldn't say he was the smartest in his friend group but that didn't sound right. "Why would they offer such a thing?"
Merycurymon shrugged though the smirk remained on his face. "Who knows? However, what they wanted from us was to cause as much despair as possible. And supposedly, there was another Demon Lord, one that embodied such emotion. Perhaps they wanted us to cause despair and bring about their birth. As I said, it's an enticing deal and any Digimon lusting for power would jump at the chance to obtain it."
"So you think it's just a way of keeping the strong Digimon in check?" asked Agunimon.
"Again, it's all hypothesis," said Mercurymon. "But to be quite honest, the power of a Demon Lord doesn't interest me. Instead… I would like to know… What is it like to use Ferro's full power again?" He touched his chest, which in the reflection looked as though he had a palm pressed to Katsuharu's heart. "However… I only have half of Ferro's soul. You... have the other."
"So you're only teaming up with us because you're curious."
"That's fine," said Katsuharu, bringing the Warriors' attention back to him. He wore a smug smile on his face. "Once you satiate your curiosity… you'll find that no other power is stronger or gives you more fulfillment than ours together."
"Confident one," Mercurymon chuckled. "And yet... I am compelled to agree."
January 21: Shinjuku — 1:01 PM
Myotismon could tell that the flower fairy has received some type of formal training. Her form was much more refined and the way she moved held an elegance that it hadn't before. Of course, none of that meant anything if she couldn't hit her target.
When Lillymon missed for the umpteenth time, she flew backwards a few feet before connecting her hands. "Flower Cannon!"
Three energy shots were fired in rapid succession. If this was three years ago, just shooting twice would put enormous amounts of strain on her arms, as if she was shooting a shotgun. So this was a good sign of her improvement though her enemy had also gotten stronger since their last showdown.
"Crimson Lightning!"
Lillymon didn't waste any time while Myotismon shielded himself from her attack. Launching herself into the sky to avoid the whip, she shot down from the apex of her arc, prepared to land a devastating kick. However, Myotismon caught it with a palm and then flung her to the side where she proceeded to roll back onto her hands and feet.
"Lillymon!"
The Ultimate jerked her head to see her partner returning. That must've meant that Jaarin was already relocated to a safe spot. "Mimi! Stay back! He's much stronger than last time!"
Myotismon's pupils darted to the left, in the direction of the human. Whipping around, he flicked his wrist and a streak of red flashed through the air. Mimi tumbled out of the way but it still managed to lick her elbow, cutting it open and covering the concrete rooftop with drops of her blood.
"Oh?" Myotismon chuckled. "So the human's done some training too. The naked eye shouldn't have seen that."
Lillymon immediately appeared by her partner's side. "Mimi! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Mimi nodded. "It's just a scratch." Through the way her fingertips were stained deep red and the way she clutched at her injury suggested otherwise. "Focus on the enemy."
Myotismon turned to the women just as a gunshot rang through the air. Immediately, the vampire took to the skies as a bullet and an arrow hit the spot he just stood upon. But he wasn't in the clear yet as a massive mechanical bee and an oriental dragon appeared above him.
"Every Direction Wheel!"
"Sky Rocket Infinity!"
The sky was alight with an intensely white flash and their ears were flooded with the sound of a hundred fireworks going off at once. But if Mimi knew Myotismon, then he definitely would've survived an attack from just two Ultimates. And she was proven right when the humanoid Digimon appeared out of the smoke and landed close to her.
"Yo," a teenaged Rai grinned. She wrapped her arms around Lillymon and Mimi and they suddenly vanished.
Myotismon frowned. "Teleportation?"
From above, a dark cloud rumbled before shooting down a lightning bolt. The vampire tumbled out of the way before finding himself staring at a massive group of enemy fighters. All six of the Monster Makers, three Ultimate Digimon, three Champions, and of course, Tachikawa Mimi.
"Gennai only got two of our keys up and running," said Robert. "So unfortunately, we don't have a whole team of Ultimates."
Darcmon spun her blade around in her hand. "Doesn't mean us Champions can't hold our own."
"Yeah!" Seadramon roared. "Just leave things to us."
"Alright, but don't do anything too reckless," Daisy warned.
"You're in no position to talk," Shibumi chuckled.
Mimi wished she could banter with the adults but for some reason, she was the only one who could feel how dire this situation was. No, correction, Rai could tell as well. The temperature seemed to have dropped several degrees with just Myotismon's smug grin facing off with Wizardmon's trembling glare. But there was also something else in that expression.
Myotismon flamboyantly spread out his arms as if welcoming them. "Well, well, well, it is an honor to meet the very first DigiDestined. Though I never expected to find a former subordinate of mine to be amongst you. I must say… I am thoroughly overjoyed."
"This time," Wizardmon breathed, gripping his staff until it looked like his gloves would tear. "This time I'll stop you from hurting anyone else."
"Is that how you talk to your former master?" Myotismon grinned. "Or murderer?" Opening his cape wide, a swarm of bats flapped their ways towards the group.
"Defensive and evasive maneuvers!" Robert commanded.
They were immediately surrounded in a black blur as they stood back to back. Daisy and Babel fired their long-range weapons, shooting down a couple but not enough to count for much. Wizardmon and Rai were able to knock down much more with their lightning bolts. Robert and Shibumi leapt out of the blur with their weapons swinging but they had lost sight of Myotismon when they got out.
"Where'd he go?" Robert frowned.
Hisyaryumon, his dragon partner flew out and changed forms, into a giant sword. "Behind you!"
"Crimson Lightning!"
Usually, the legendary weapon wouldn't even be scratched from an Ultimate's attack. But this time, he was practically flung across the sky and almost off the building had he not turned back to normal. Robert took this chance to lung forward, stabbing with his polearm but Myotismon caught the sharpened end without his unsettling smile faltering.
Shibumi swung his scythe in an arc but the vampire stomped down on it with his boot. The men tried to use their fists to get some hits in. However, with his one free hand, Myotismon backhanded Robert's punch into Shibumi's face before slamming his knee into the westerner's chin.
From behind, Seadramon attempted to strike by whipping his tail into the vampire. But Myotismon, despite being preoccupied with two opponents, wrapped his arms around the serpent before reeling back, taking the Champion with him. Lillymon and Darcmon tried to help free him but with a strong flick, they were struck by the body of their friend and slammed into the concrete.
"I knew he was strong but this is ridiculous," Daisy groaned.
Having gotten rid of the bats, Mimi ran forward. Now free of her weights, her body felt lighter than before as she swung six consecutive punches at the enemy. Myotismon was able to dodge every single one of them with ease though before catching the last fist and slamming the heel of his boot into her stomach.
"Mimi!" Lillymon cried out. She had a clear shot at Myotismon's head as her partner doubled over though so she decided to take the chance. "Flower Cannon!"
The vampire lifted up the teenage girl like a limp noodle, using her as a human shield. Lillymon let out a gasp as she couldn't stop her energy blast now that it had already been fired. Thankfully, Wizardmon teleported to Mimi's side and swung his staff in a way that would force Myotismon to move back into range of the attack and the hostage out of it.
Myotismon let go of Mimi and flew up, avoiding the blast which exploded too close for comfort for Lillymon's friends. Wizardmon and Mimi rolled out of the smoke and nearly fell off the building had Daisy not saved them. Without needing to say anything, everyone knew that they were a mess of a team.
"It's been awhile since we fought together," Robert huffed. "But I didn't think we'd just fall all over each other like we used to."
Janyu hadn't moved much yet since entering the battlefield but it looked like he was just warming up. It seemed as though he had been meditating for the last few minutes while his partner protected him from stray attacks.
The master martial artist leapt onto the cannon of his partner, using it like a kickboard and shooting towards the vampire. Myotismon's fang glinted in the sun as he watched the bespectacled man soaring at him. But as he dodged the strike in midair, CannonBeemon suddenly appeared behind him, but not to attack. Janyu rebounded off his partner once more while the enormous machine continued to reposition him in places for the human to keep kicking off.
"Do you really think you can hit me while in the air?" Myotismon grinned, dodging a kick coming from below. "There's no one to protect you here! Crimson Lightning!"
Janyu didn't have to have the maneuverability of an avian to twist his body around. However, he didn't have to. Using his specially-designed gloves to grab the energy whip, he used it to change the direction of his assault. Once again bouncing off from his partner and actually landing a kick onto Myotismon's head thanks to the mobility the whip offered him.
"Hit him now!" CannonBeemon shouted. "Nitro Stinger!"
"Flower Cannon!"
"Every Direction Wheel!"
"Ice Blast!"
"Thunder Ball!"
Myotismon reeled his whip back before twirling it around his body. The ammunition bounced off of it like feathers being blown away by an electric fan. The icicle simply shattered into glittering shards, falling down onto Darcmon's head as she flew skywards, her blade shining as she aimed for the enemy's legs. It was a accurate enough strike to avoid being blocked by the Crimson Lightning.
"Dancing Sword!"
The caped villain struck the weapon out of the way with his foot without even looking. Then, with the same foot, he stomped down on Darcmon's face. It didn't have the same grace as his usual attacks but it somehow had enough strength to send the angel straight down through the building's roof and a few floors.
"What the—?!" Janyu frowned, landing next to the hole.
"How did he put so much power into that from point blank?" Rai gasped.
"Better question," Babel raised, "how do we beat this guy?"
Myotismon chuckled darkly as he floated back to the ground. Nervous sweats broke out on the foreheads of the humans as they raised their weapons of choice close to their bodies, making sure to stay defended. This was just an Ultimate! The Monster Makers told Tai and the others that they could handle it! But now… they weren't so sure.
"I hope you all realize how helpless you all are before me," Myotismon laughed. "Despair in this hopelessness! Despair! And feed it all to me!"
Mimi had to admit, things did not seem optimal for them. But something had been bugging her for a while.
The timing in which he appeared, the rumor of a prince, and a news report from this morning about a woman's disappearance. There had been talk that she was suicidal and perhaps just killed herself in Aokigahara Forest. But not a single clue had been found at her workplace, apartment, or friends and family members. It was almost as though she never existed at all.
There had been a similar case in Hokkaido from a month ago, one Mimi remembered fairly clearly because Yoshino had been the officer assigned to it. But no clues ever turned up. It was a college student who had recently come out as gay. So people assumed that he was bullied soon afterward and perhaps even before, leading to suicide. But that time, there hadn't been any signs. His sister reported him to be pretty happy as far as she could tell. He had just been stressed because of school.
"Myotismon…," said Mimi. "You… You're the one who's been kidnapping people!"
The vampire cocked his head to the side. "Oh? I'm surprised you figured that out. Did reports of disappearances from other countries reach this puny island?"
"A string of kidnappings across the globe?" Daisy muttered. "In other words, they weren't centered in Japan. That's why no one could connect them!"
Rai placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "Mimi, how did you…?"
"A hunch," Mimi replied, with a wink and a bubbly smile. "Plus, I used to watch a lot of magical girl shows and the bad guy's master plan was usually tied in with a conversation the main character has with her friends. Since Jaarin and I were talking about the Midnight Prince a little earlier and it matches Myotismon's M.O. from that time he drained blood from women a few years back… well, you can figure out the rest."
For just a second a vein appeared on Myotismon's forehead but only Lillymon seemed to notice before it vanished. Was he… angry? The vampire was never one to lose his cool before.
"I must say, out of all the Chosen Children, I must've despised you the most," said Myotismon. "First, the child of light stabbed me through the heart. Then there was Motomiya Daisuke who ruined my plans in the worst way possible! But I despised his positivity more than that. And you… you keep smiling and saying these happy things. Where is your despair?!"
"You're a lot easier to tick off," Mimi noted. "Anyway, you'll have to do a lot worse before you see me cry like I used to."
At this point, Darcmon had returned to the side of her partner. And everyone had gotten rid of the jitters that had taken over a moment ago. They were closing in on their opponent, from both the air and the ground. Each of them with their weapons raised, but not to defend, to attack.
"The people you abducted," said Shibumi, "where are they?"
Robert pointed his spear at the enemy. "I have a hard time believing you just chose random civilians and killed them."
"You're right…," Myotismon stated. "It's quite simple really, I take them, keep them as pets, and feed off their despair. But they end up producing more fear than anything else. However, thanks to that, even without the help of the Demon Lords, I can create these..." As if orchestrating a choir, the shadows around them rippled and rose, taking physical shape.
"Voidlings!" Daisy gasped.
"That's right," Myotismon smiled. "Now if what the Demon Lords tell me is right, then the DigiDestined produce the sweetest kind of emotions." He ran his tongue across his fangs and lips. "I'll be sure to eliminate your beloved Digimon and make sure to take your despair."
Wizardmon stood between his killer and his friends. "I won't let you separate partners ever again!"
"I'll take great pleasure in deleting you once more," Myotismon laughed in return.
-X-
Three versions of Myotismon have appeared in different districts in Tokyo. For some, the fights bring up old memories while for others, grudges return. As for the newest members of the Legendary Warriors, it seems one of them had trouble bonding with their spirit. Will Teppei be able to get Grumblemon on their side? Will they help out in the fight? Find out on the next on Digimon: Children of the Future!
Hey everyone, I know this chapter took a little longer than usual. I kept putting it off and finals were getting in the way. I also had to be the buffer between my brother and mom because we just started talking about the fact that he's trans. Which is totally territory for all of us.
One more thing, I plan on doing an LGBT education skit next chapter since June is pride month. You see, a few days ago, I got a signed copy of the manga, Otouto no Otto (My Brother's Husband), by a legend in the gay manga world, Gengoroh Tagame. He mentioned that he believed that a lot of homophobic microaggressions come from ignorance. So if any of you feel like there's something you don't totally understand about the queer community, then ask in the form of a review or PM me and I'll hopefully have an answer in the skit.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I will be trying extra hard to get the next chapter up before June is over. Also, as always, for all those that are graduating, congratulations, keep working hard, and good luck with your future endeavors. Leave a review and I'll see you all next time! Bye!