Death of Rat's Notes: SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK. SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK!!
Disclaimer: Epsilon does not own Digimon in any way whatsoever. Death and Death of Rats belong to Terry Pratchett and the Discworld…uh…world.
Ascension – V 2.5
"Let's go!!" Gallantmon and the others had already begun to take off, following Henry's directions on the D Terminal. Zero made sure Taichi was firmly secured near his head so that he can keep an eye on him. As he prepared to take off, he saw that his tamer was just lost in his thoughts. He couldn't blame him. They had nearly gone too far in this recent fight.
In all their previous battles, they knew who the enemy was and they knew how to deal with the situation. Their system always worked backed in the digital world at home but here, it was much different. They can't rely on their old system anymore. The next time they would fight, they must find a different approach.
Zero was thankful that the others would allow him and his tamer to find a way to make up for their mistake, even though Gallantmon said that helping them assist their friends was enough. But that was not enough for the holy knight and his tamer. They would do everything in their power to rectify the situation and create a fresh start with these children and their Digimon. And they would start by helping the others save their friends.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hold still, you insect!! Positron Laser!!!" Armageddemon leapt over Imperialdramon's blast but before he could fire an attack of his own, he was attacked by Sakuyamon, who appeared to be putting in a lot more effort into killing him. "Talisman Sphere!!" He took some damage but nothing that was too threatening. If it weren't for his enhancements given to him by the master, he would definitely be more worried.
Speaking of the master…the time of resurrection is drawing closer. As soon as that tower is fully operational, then the summoning can take place. But when Armageddemon checked on the status of the tower, he saw another Digimon, with a red scarf and mechanical arm, hacking at it. What disturbed him the most was the way the other Digimon was hacking at it. He knew exactly where to hit at certain times. Since the tower has special transdimensional properties, the only way it can be destroyed if it was hit in certain areas at precise time intervals.
Whoever this Digimon was, he had to be taken out. At his current pace, the tower will come crashing down before it is fully charged for the task ahead. "Mega Flare!!" The other Digimon noticed this and dodged the attack. 'So much for him not noticing!!' Inside, Ryo could feel the anxiety radiating from his partner. But there was good reason to be this agitated. Especially when the dragon Digimon saw the tower for the first time. It was exactly what Monodramon had seen during the brief time when he and Millenniumon were joined. And even worse, he knew what it meant.
"Who is that guy anyway? I don't think I've ever seen him before. Just where did he come from and why was he with Rika?" asked TK. Kari had a thoughtful expression on her face. "Maybe she went and got help or something." Cody raised an eyebrow. "Rika's not the type of person to do that."
Davis wasn't exactly happy with how the battle was going. "We should be coming up with some sort of plan in case we can't stop the fourth tower from being set up!! Instead, you guys are speculating about the identity of some new Digimon who's helping us!! We can guess all we want later after we're in the clear!!" Yolei's jaw just dropped. "That's probably the most rational thing Davis has said in his entire life!! And he used a big word!! Are you sick or something?"
Armageddemon had started unleashing an all out assault upon Justimon. "Black Rain!!" As the numerous energy bolts came out of the air, Sakuyamon came out of nowhere and twirled her staff to deflect the energy bolts. "Thanks for the save!!" The shaman Digimon turned around to face him, while making sure that she was out of range for any further attacks. "I'm not planning to let you die…not until I thrash you at a game!"
Justimon can't believe that she saved him so that she can beat him in a Digimon game. "For crying out loud…you're still hung over the fact that I defeated you two years ago at the final round of the tournament?!? You haven't changed, have you?" Both mega Digimon moved to the side to get out of the way of a Mega Flare. "I can say the same to you. Two years later and you're still being a jerk!"
She was interrupted when Armageddemon leapt up to try another attack. He didn't get the opportunity as she saw a red blur kick the other Digimon away. Inside her blue sphere, Rika gave a small smile when she saw Gallantmon in front. "I have to admit it…you have impeccable timing, goggle head." The holy knight decided that now was not the time to ask what impeccable meant. "So what did happen at that light show anyway?"
"I'll tell you the story later. Right now, we have to delete Armageddemon and destroy that tower!" He didn't even notice the other Digimon behind Rika as he charged into the battle. Before Sakuyamon or Justimon could join him, they were stunned by an Imperialdramon in Paladin Mode flying by to attack Armageddemon. Justimon also noticed another human beside a pink Digimon with a rabbit Digimon on his head. "Where did all these guys come from?"
"I didn't realize that the tamers had connections to other Digimon like these…" Ken was lost in his thoughts when he heard several gasps from behind him. When he turned around, the other Digidestined were staring at a boy who resembled a younger Tai. "Alright, Zero!! Let's do this thing!!" While the boy started fishing around in his pocket for something, Kari approached him. "Tai?"
The boy had a confused look before realizing that they were referring to his counterpart. "I'm not who you think I am. It's a long story and…Hikari? Wow!! So this is how you turn out in a few years, huh? Instead of being a little squirt, you're now just a squirt!!" (DN: EPSILON IS ASSUMING THAT TAICHI HAS A LITTLE SISTER AT HOME) Then he gave a grin as he watched Kari's reaction. If she was anything like Hikari back home…
TK had a nervous look on his face. "Kari? Is there something wrong?" Kari Kamiya just grimaced at the memory of that nickname. "The only pet peeve that I had about Tai was his tendency to always call me a little squirt. He stopped calling me that a while ago and just when I start to forget, this guy pops out of nowhere, looking exactly like my brother, and starts calling me squirt!!" (DoRN: SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK.)
Armageddemon was starting to get worried with the number of Digimon who were intent on killing him. Although he was strong, he can only handle so many opponents. And by order of the master, he had to stay here until the procedure begins. He started to formulate a plan when he noticed that on the very bottom of the tower, a symbol that was engraved on the bottom had started glowing green. Yes…it has begun. 'Time to retreat.' "Black Rain!!" While his opponents moved to avoid getting hit by the attack, he concentrated on using the additional ability that his master had given him. Within moments, he had vanished.
When Justimon saw the bottom symbol of the tower glowing and moving upwards, a part of him panicked. Only Sakuyamon seemed to notice this as the others were too busy trying to figure out where Armageddemon went. "What's eating you?" Justimon snapped out of his thoughts to face the shaman Digimon. "The fact that this has something to do with Millenniumon. Is that a good enough answer?"
As soon as he mentioned Millenniumon, everyone's attention was diverted to him, except for Zero and Tai. "What do you mean this tower has something to do with Millenniumon?" asked Henry in a calm tone. "Does it really matter now? The process has already begun and there's no way to stop it," muttered Justimon.
Sakuyamon's frustration was apparent as she yelled at the other Digimon. "Just tell us what you know, Akiyama!! We'll try and do something while you can just wallow away in some corner of the digital world!!" This raised several reactions both from the Digidestined and the other tamers. While Ken was wondering if this really was his friend who had been able to escape from the Dark Ocean, the other tamers were just dumbfounded as how this Digimon could annoy Rika Nonaka to the ends of the earth.
Justimon hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Fine but you're not going to like what I have to say. You already know that one of these exists in three other digital worlds other than this one, right? Once towers are placed in all four digital worlds in this plane at precise locations in each digital world, they all shoot out an energy beam from their tips after they have charged up enough energy. When all four energy beams collide, reality as we know it is sent into a flux and can be manipulated."
He paused momentarily. "Lunarmillenniumon has spent a great deal of energy in constructing the algorithms to create these towers. He intends to use them to create a new body for himself. He knew that there was a much higher level of consciousness for himself and the evidence can be obtained through the Dark Spores. That's why he took the spore from Ken in the first place. He plans to ascend to his final form by using the Dark Spore and the energy that the towers provide."
While the others were trying to absorb this information, Sakuyamon fired another question. "And just how do you know all this? There's no way that Millenniumon would tell you out of the blue. What else are you hiding?" (ZN: Assume that the Ryo series in the tamers' universe did not mention Monodramon DNA digivolving with Millenniumon) Inside his sphere, Ryo wasn't sure whether to tell the truth. "Nothing. Monodramon was the one who knew all this. Why don't you ask him?" Somewhere, he heard Monodramon snort. "Sure…shift the interrogation onto me!!"
"Hey, look!!" The others turned to where Taichi was pointing at. The tip of the tower was now glowing a neon green. Gallantmon started to fly up when a green beam shot out of the tower and into the sky. (GN: If you want to get a feel for it, just remember when the tower in the Beast Wars two-part episode "The Trigger" shot out its powerful beam) 'I have to do something!!' The holy knight started following the beam into the sky at maximum speed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
There it was again. That strange sensation that washed over him when he felt a faint but powerful presence. ArcaDemon stopped walking to try and focus on that sensation. "What's wrong?" asked Neo in a flat tone. The Digimon turned around and for a brief moment saw someone with a divine appearance. "Who are you?" Neo had a puzzled look on his face as there was nobody there. Or so he thought.
The female was startled but she did not let it show upon her face. 'So it appears that he can sense me. It is best to retreat and let the tamers deal with this. I have already interfered too much…' She then blinked as she felt the energy emanating from all four towers. 'So he is trying to return. This is troubling…not only do we have two Digimon with god-like powers but there is a third who can reach that stage as well if he taps into his full potential.'
ArcaDemon watched as the woman vanished from his sight. Who and what was she? One thing is for sure…she's no Digimon. "What did you see anyway?" ArcaDemon looked at his tamer. "I'm not certain. I believed that I saw some sort of powerful being but…" Neo shrugged. "Whatever. If we see this being, we'll take it out." The Digimon was not so sure that he could compare with her power.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Is he nuts?!? What is he trying to accomplish?" Justimon wasn't sure what the red knight's intentions were but when he noticed Sakuyamon preparing to go after him, he tried to restrain her. "Don't go and throw your life away too!! We need to focus our energy on figuring out how to get Millenniumon to revert to a less threatening form before confronting him!!" The tamer didn't realize that he had signed his own death warrant but at the moment, he wasn't concerned.
"Are you saying that Takato could die out there?!? Then I gotta make sure that he's still alive so that I can pound him later for doing something this stupid!!" She thrashed against the other Digimon but Ryo held his grip. "That beam of energy is going to collide with three others and create a form of space that is lethal to your friend!! I'm not going to let you do something rash!"
He then noticed Sakuyamon bending her head forward. The next thing he knew, she swung her head back and collided with the front section of his own head. Then she turned around and punched him in the stomach. "Butt out, Ryo!!" While Justimon tried to catch his own breath, Henry and Terriermon ran up to them. "I don't think you can catch up now. That beam's moving way too fast."
She looked up and to her dismay, her friend was right. As Justimon started to feel better from the blow, he heard her whisper. "Don't die on me now, goggle head." He started thinking. 'By the way she said that, it was almost…affectionate…' His thoughts were interrupted by Terriermon, who opened his big mouth. "Don't worry about your boyfriend!! He's still got to live through the honeymoon with the wild sex and all-" "Shut up, rabbit!!" snapped the shaman Digimon.
"Whoa!! You and that red guy are…well, I have to admit it. You're the last person I would expect to have a romantic interest-" He was cut off by another punch to the stomach by Sakuyamon. "Stay out of my love life, Ryo." She said each word slowly and with an icy tone to make sure that the other boy got the message.
Zero started groaning. Taichi had a concerned look on his face. "Zero!! What's wrong with you?" The holy knight started glowing and moments later, a weak looking Demiveemon was in its place. "So…hungry…" Taichi gently picked up his partner. "Yeah…we should get going and find Gennai so we can chow down!!"
"Please don't say that…I don't want to hear anything about food for a while," moaned Shakkoumon. TK and Cody had simultaneous sweatdrops as they remembered how much their partners ate. Davis and Ken were astonished that Demiveemon could digivolve to Imperialdramon Paladin Mode on his own. "Whoa…just how strong is your Digimon?!? To be able to become Imperialdramon Paladin Mode by himself is unbelievable!!" exclaimed the former Digimon Emperor.
Kari and Yolei voiced their agreement as well as TK and Cody. Taichi gave a grin. "Well, I found this guy in my tournament Digivice and met him face to face after getting transported to the digital world. He was already at champion level when we met." Meanwhile, the Veemon inside the DNA digivolved Imperialdramon wasn't too happy that his counterpart didn't need a DNA partner to digivolve to mega. Davis looked closer at Demiveemon. "Hey…now I think I know why that creepy Neo wanted to kill me!"
Taichi froze. "Did you say Neo? How did he get out?!? Maybe that portal in Daemon's lair transported him to your world or something!!" Ken crossed his arms. "I don't think so. We encountered Neo in the world where the other tamers live. And he had a DNA digivolved Skullsatamon who could digivolve to Daemon!!"
This worried Taichi even more. 'The last time we saw him, he got Skullsatamon to digivolve to Ghoulmon. He found someway to power up his Digimon but how?!?' "Tell me everything you remember from your encounter. Now that he's out and loose in the digital world, there's going to be trouble."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
'What have I gotten myself into?' Gallantmon could barely see the point of the beam. First it show up past the stars…and now, it was somewhere else in a place that the holy knight could not recognize. 'I can figure out how to get back later but I can't let Millenniumon ascend to his final form!! Whatever that may be…' He focused on his Goliath Knight piece and teleported to the front of the beam.
With a loud yell, he fired his own beam of energy to try and slow down the other beam but it didn't seem to have an effect. 'Come on…Guilmon!! Grani!! We have to put everything we've got to stop this thing!!' Takato then felt an increased effort from both his friends. With the increased effort, the beam from the tower had been slowed down. 'Yes!!' But the victory did not last long as three other beams came out of nowhere and struck the holy knight and with his concentration down, the fourth beam pushed forward and collided into him as well. Had anyone been in the vicinity, they would have heard the holy knight's scream of agony.
Death of Rats: SQUEAK.
Death: QUIET, YOU. AT LEAST HE WAS ABLE TO WRITE THIS MUCH.
Zack: Yeah. I would have thought that he would only stop at around 2500 words like the last time.
Galacticmon: Indeed.
(They all turn to see a tired but somewhat more healed Epsilon exiting the hospital)
Nurse: Watch your step, dear.
Epsilon: Ow…ow…ow…each step I take gives me a minor headache. Stupid Bad Ass Mallet.
Galacticmon: So any clue on the mystery woman?
Epsilon: Don't worry. I'll give out a few more hints in the next chapter. (hears arguing) What the hell is that?
Zack (sighs): Zoë and Rika are arguing about stuff…who has the hunkier boyfriend, who can kick more ass in Digimon form, who is more beautiful…
Galacticmon: Nothing to worry about.
Epsilon: Well, the real madness should be coming soon in a few chapters so stay tuned!! You do not want to miss this!!!