...or so I thought.
All it took was a scream to contort my neck the way it did. Feeling my blood run cold, I stared in horror as Ciel had Mikayla in a headlock, the dull side of her katana pressed against her throat. Mikayla was struggling to break free, not getting a break from taking out that circus freak. Meanwhile, my legs were paralyzed from the pain of being tossed about all this time.
"Ciel, what are you doing?!" I demanded, finding my voice.
In response, clapping erupted from behind me, sending a chill throughout my body. The clapping was followed by chuckling, and then full-on joyous hysteria. "MAGNIFICENT! SIMPLY AND UTTERLY SPLENDID!"
Sorin's voice ripped the air around me in two, drawing my attention as he walked out of the field of flames unscathed.
"How...?!" Was all I could utter at the moment. The grin on his face filled me with more fear than anger as I was left stuck, wondering how in the world he survived that.
Sorin kept focused on Ciel and Mikayla, then back towards Ciel and Mikayla, stopping once he was clear of the flame's reach. "Congratulations, my dear. You pass..."
"'Pass?' Pass what?" I questioned.
"Why, the recruitment process, of course." He clarified, even though it was even more confusing. It took a moment or two to put a thought or two together.
"This battle...and the others where you've been hunting Pathfinders..."
"Has been a recruitment process, yes." Sorin nodded. "And your dear friend here has passed with flying colors..." He looked up again at Ciel and gestured with his head, causing Mikayla to scream once more.
"Let me go! I said get off of me!" Mikayla cried.
"Mikayla!" I exclaimed, building the strength to reach for Ciel's ankle as they walked past. However, I soon felt the excruciating pain of boot and pavement as my attempt was interrupted by a forceful kick forward and the sudden weight put on my forearm.
I looked up with tear-filling eyes as Vantus towered over me. His face partially cloaked, he wore a similarly tattered cloak over his torn Liberator uniform. He dug his heel into my arm while staring me down with those blood-colored ring eyes, then kicked my side so I'd flipped onto my back. The pressure on my arm now went to my chest as he stomped my ribcage in, an unsettling crack echoing as the air was forced out of me.
"That's enough, Vantus; if he dies now, then all will be for naught.
Vantus obeyed the command, leaving me writhing in pain. While I suffered, my flipped vision forced me to watch as Mikayla was knocked out by Vantus. I was laying there paralyzed by the pain as Sorin summoned a gate for them. I was growing dizzy.
No... not now. I can't pass out now!
Ciel and Mikayla entered first, followed by Vantus.
"Get...back...here!" I tried to reach out to them, feeling myself losing consciousness.
Sorin turned back and smirked, "T'was a pleasure meeting you. Rest assured that it won't be long until we encounter one another once again. Be sure to survive until then."
"I... said...!"
The last thing I remember was Sorin sealing the gate behind him and the sudden crowd stirring around my limp body...
Everything else afterward was black…
"You have that look again..."
I perked up, finding myself sitting on a familiar windowsill. For some reason, I didn't have a reason to question how I got here. The owner of the voice tapped me, and I gave her my attention. The look of her crystal-blue eyes locked onto me, drawing my attention toward her.
"You mean my normal face?" I asked as the silver-haired girl leaned in.
"No, I mean the look." she reiterated. "You're feeling homesick again, aren't you?"
"For the millionth time, Eve, this is my home; for the time being anyway," I stated.
"So why do you look upset?" She crossed her arms.
"Noneya—ow!" I replied, earning myself a hard slap on the shoulder. "Little brat!"
"I can tell when you're not telling me something; what happened to being honest?" She demanded. It was scary how human she'd become; like sometimes, I'd forget that she's a Saibatar.
Now that I think about it, does she count as a Saibatar if she precedes them? Maybe it's best I try not to break my brain with that.
I shifted myself against the windowsill and turned my attention back to the city on the other side. There, Arcadia stood, reborn, thanks to the efforts of Eve, Ben, and I. The future is too far out to know for sure if this puts a dent in things, but I can hope that the progress I have made up to this point will show when it comes to it.
"Talbot..." I said, the name coming to mind. "That's the name of the hacker that corrupted you back then, right?"
"According to Ben," Eve said, pushing my leg aside to make room on the wide sill, forcing me to scooch back. "I remember him saying that he was the one responsible for my hacking, though no one has seen him in the last several years."
That's true. Even the MOD sympathizers who supported what happened have been dealt with. Ever since that incident, things have gone without a hitch, though we weren't taking chances. Establishing the additional four Pillars aside from Ben and me was one of several precautions we came up with to mitigate any further blunders on our part.
"Why bring him up?" She pressed. "Are you trying to dodge my question?"
"For someone who hasn't been seen in nearly five years, his name travels far," I noted. "Have either of you caught wind of the conversations going about?"
"What's gotten into you? Why the sudden interest in him?"
I didn't have a straight answer for her. And if I stalled, she'd get mad at me again. "It's…"
"It's what?"
"…No reason. Just trying to make my life here easier." I replied.
"I see..." She nodded. She then turned to look out the window. "We built this; the three of us."
I nodded, "Yeah, we did. The first step to an Idealistic Future for all."
Eve smiled, the phrase posing as music to her ears. The smile then faded a little when she turned to me. "What are dreams...?"
The random question surprised me so much that I chuckled. "Wait, a second; the Queen of Arcadia doesn't know what a 'dream' is?"
Eve blinked. "That's a serious question."
I scoffed and stood from the windowsill. "Okay, sure it is. And why bring it up now?"
"Because I believe I've been having them."
Her tone shifted upon saying that, resulting in me dropping the humor and giving her my full attention. Her facial expression was one of curiosity, but her voice was cautious.
"How is it do you dream exactly? I mean, you're an AI, so...do you even sleep?"
"When calculating probabilities for decision-making, I do find myself at ease. Calculating probabilities and creating simulations does take a lot out of me as I distribute other functions to maintain my new form."
"Okay, so then you do take naps. That said, maybe these so-called 'dreams' you're having are just simulations running in the background somewhere."
"Is that the same for humans?"
"I guess…? I mean, I never thought of a dream as a simulation, but if we're being technical…it's not that far off."
"I see…" her voice trailed as she exhaled. "I believe that my curiosity is caused by the odd realism of these simulations…almost as if I've lived them before…"
My eyes caught the shimmering effect the sun had on her hair, causing it to sparkle like a diamond. She reminded me so much of Director Whitaker—!
"Melanie!" I exclaimed, startling Eve from where she sat.
"Honestly, what's gotten into you all of the sudden?!"
"I just had an idea!" my enthusiasm continued. And if I'm right about this, then it just might set up the future so that things don't go awry."
"It won't work…"
I paused for a moment, the world around me suddenly freezing in place. Eve's stare of curiosity remained frozen on her face as the sound of footsteps echoed. I turned, my breath catching at the appearance of myself—a much older version of myself.
"It's you…" I said with a hesitant greeting.
Old me came into the middle of the chamber and stood firm, his beard of snow and wrinkled face drawing my attention. Rather than be in the tattered cloak that Alphamon wore prior, he was dressed in a western-style court uniform, all black with gold trimmings. His regal appearance did stir questions internally, but I held off until he explained himself.
"I apologize for taking the time to meet with you once more. With the meager strength I currently possess, I wanted to assure myself that my younger counterpart was up to the task of preserving Eve's ideal world."
I blinked. He then waved his hand, and suddenly the chamber—and Eve—were erased from my surroundings. We were in a white void where the slightest sounds echoed for a good few moments.
"You know, I knew it was a dream…and yet it felt like I was hit so hard I flew through dimensions."
Old me didn't so much as smirk. That was a sign that this was serious. So, I became serious. "You said that my plan wouldn't work. I find it hard to believe when you didn't even hear it."
"As Alphamon, I serve as the personification of your powers. Therefore, I am well aware of your intentions," he replied.
"And the Dorugoramon line? I thought that was my powers separated from me?"
"Arylide was correct in saying that the Dorugoramon line contains your abilities as Alphamon, but they also contain the rage and other emotions that have caused you to go berserk time and again. While Dorugoramon isn't an issue, it can become one if it's not tamed."
I…had no defense for that. It would explain why if used correctly, it swings like an 18-wheeler.
"That aside, as I was saying before, your plan to search and talk down Talbot is a fruitless endeavor, both in the past as well as now."
"What do you mean? He's the cause of all of this!"
"Yet you have trouble committing to that notion."
I hesitated. His confidence in his reply quieted me faster than I expected. Older me began to pace before speaking once again, "Sorin is following directions from someone. And that individual is attempting to rebuild Organization MOD from the ground up."
"But how? And what do they get out of it?"
He stopped and turned, "They're after Omnia, of course."
"And what exactly is Omnia, seeing that a Saibatar of all things is orchestrating all of this? Just who is Sorin, and why does Omnia matter so much?"
"That is what you will need to find out."
"What? Hold on; you're not going to tell me?!"
"I've entrusted the Caretaker to address your concerns in my stead."
"'Caretaker?' Caretaker of what—?!" I reactively gripped my chest, feeling heat explode all over my body as if I were stabbed or something.
As I crumbled to the floor, Old me took one final look at me. "I shall alert him that you will be making your way to him shortly. The sooner this matter is addressed, the better it will be for Eve's future."
"Wait…!" I cried between held breaths. "Tell me…is this really…the Idealistic Future she wanted…?!"
Older me raised his hand and snapped, with me just barely getting registering the word as reality collapsed around us.
"Ahhhh…." I uttered as my chest ached heavily.
"You're finally awake. Excellent." A voice replied to my groan.
As I came to, the familiar surroundings began to register in my peripheral. This was clearly a hospital room, but not just any.
This was the AEGIS Medical Wing.
Also, I was handcuffed to the bed.
"Who…are you?" I managed to wheeze out. Once my eyes were fully open, I was able to look directly at my guest. To my surprise, it was none other than the Director of AEGIS himself: Leonardo Jones.
"Leonardo Jones, Director of AEGIS. My daughter said that we were familiar with one another. When I learned of this case, I decided to question you personally."
I managed to find the bed remote to rise the bed up so I could see clearly. The director stood firm, awaiting a response from me. At first glance, he seemed much different, so much so that I held my tongue. I was afraid I'd be wrong in assuming this was the same BanchoLeomon that was with me all of this time.
"If you wouldn't mind, begin by explaining to me what you discussed with my agents this morning." He led with that.
Cat got my tongue. The pain wasn't as intense as it was before, but it was distracting enough to keep my mind fixated on the moments before I passed out. Director Jones seemed to pick up on my silence and continued to talk in my place.
"When we received the report earlier this afternoon, my agents arrived on the scene and found you unconscious, and one Mikayla Merlo was nowhere to be found. Maybe start there."
"…she was taken." I was able to utter. "A man named Sorin is responsible."
"Do you know what he wants with her?"
"Something about a recruitment process. I don't know what for, but it has something to do with the other random attacks that have been happening."
"But you don't believe they're random?"
I continued to work on tactical approaches to his questions. "I don't know for sure."
"I see. I'm glad that I sent someone to SAIBA Enterprise to get their input."
"What?"
"Melanie Whitaker was willing to cooperate, as well as provide information that filled in some of the—"
"She's innocent!" I exclaimed. "She and her father have nothing to do with any of this!"
"Her father?" Director Jones quirked a brow. "What's this about her family?"
I gulped. Crap!
"Fair warning, son," Director Jones came closer to the bed. "You're currently in AEGIS custody as a person of interest. If you know something, it's in your best interest to speak up—for your sake.
"I'd suggest you back up from my nephew for your sake, Leo."
We both turned, surprised to see my Uncle Darren standing in the open doorway. Director Jones gave Uncle Darren his full attention and stepped a bit toward him. "You haven't changed, have you?"
"Likewise," Uncle Darren walked in. "Still the same pompous stick in the mud. What the hell you're doing having a minor chained to a hospital bed?"
"Questioning him," Director Jones kept eye contact. "He's a person of interest."
"Of what? Getting his butt handed to him?"
"A classmate of his was kidnapped. At this point, we have worried family members, and thus far, he's the only one with information about her whereabouts!"
Uncle Darren gave me a look and then went back to Director Jones. "Uncuff him."
"Leave, Darren."
"Not without him. In case you forgot, he has worried family members, and your cronies downstairs are keeping them stuck without a chance to see him."
"I'm not about to argue with a reject who can't take no for an answer. Either get out, or I'll have Security escort you."
Uncle Darren scoffed, "after all of these years, you're still one shady son of a—!" Uncle Darren threw a punch, which was caught with lightning reflexes.
"Last chance…" Director Jones uttered. "Get. Out."
"Not. Without. The boy."
"THERE'S A MOLE!" I suddenly exclaimed.
The two adults paused and turned their attention to me. I wasn't planning on speaking about something I had zero context on, but anything to stop them from fighting at this point.
"What mole? Where?" Director Jones inquired.
"Melanie Whitaker is afraid that someone is targeting Omnia from the inside; Omnia is the project they plan on unveiling to the Riverbed Student Body tomorrow morning. Also, Sorin mentioned at one point that Mikayla had some sort of fragment of power. I don't know exactly what that means, but if specific individuals are being targeted, then I think her older brother, Nick, may be the next target."
Uncle Darren had a look of surprise on his face, and Director Jones took a moment to process what he had just heard. The latter released Uncle Darren's fist and relaxed a bit before straightening.
"I appreciate your cooperation," Director Jones came to the side of the bed and adjusted the settings on the cuff. "The cuff will deactivate at 7 AM tomorrow morning. At that point, someone will arrive to bring you to our command room for your safety."
"He has to stay here?!" Uncle Darren exclaimed.
"After what I've gathered, he's as much of a target as the others. At least here at AEGIS, he can not only be protected, but he'll get the state-of-the-art medical treatment he can't get in a regular hospital. You, of all people, should know how we operate, Darren."
Again, he scoffed, unwilling to admit to anything. "Fine, but I'm staying overnight."
"Afraid to go home empty-handed?"
"You already know," Uncle Darren walked over to the chair and plopped right in it.
"I'll have someone bring you a blanket and pillow. All I ask is you behave yourself."
"Yeah, sure." Uncle Darren shooed him away. "You'll take care of my sis, right?"
"I made this bed after all…" He nodded with a sigh. "If you two will excuse me, it's going to be a long night…"
With that, Director Jones took his leave. I took a minute to readjust to everything, prompting me to turn to Uncle Darren. "Mind explaining what all of that just was?"
"Leo and I go way back. Both joined the AEGIS Academy at the same time, but only he made the cut. I went into the Airforce soon after, and here we are. The guy's been such a nerd that it's no surprise he landed the Director role."
Ah. So that's their dynamic in this world…
"Anyway, back to you." Uncle Darren shifted the conversation. "AEGIS was in the front yard talking to both you and the Whitaker girl last night. What have you two gotten yourselves into?"
He saw Arylide and the others…? I swear, when it comes to sneaking about, I'm getting sloppy.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," I admitted.
"Zack, I've circled the world twice and seen way worse."
I can guarantee that he hasn't.
"Are you sure?"
"Try me."
After contemplating it, I figured I had nothing left to lose. If I didn't tell him, then he would likely find a way to figure it out.
"All right…guess I'll start from the very beginning…"
And so, I told Uncle Darren everything. And by everything, I mean everything. The Digimon, the Pathfinders, Eve, as well as everything I've dealt with up to tonight. He seemed oddly fascinated and inquisitive by everything, asking questions, and clarifying certain points. Of course, there were some things I didn't fully understand despite living it, especially questions pertaining to this world in particular. Still, nonetheless, he was content with what I was explaining.
And honestly, it was cathartic. Being able to be open about everything, especially with someone who was understanding of what I've been through. He then opened up about his time in the military, listing similarities to what he dealt with. The mental toll of making friends and losing them in less than a day, seeing the horrors and atrocities of war, and wondering if the person on the other side even has a heart, or worse, wondering if they see you as the same monster as you do them. He was giving me things that I had never considered.
I crashed hard afterward. No dreams crept into my subconscious, allowing me to rest easy. I didn't know what to expect the following day regarding the Omnia Mole or the Caretaker that Older me mentioned in my dream. I also didn't know how Vantus and Ciel were being controlled, and I didn't know what was happening with Mikayla.
My body didn't give me a chance to worry, though; before I knew it, it was morning. As Director Jones mentioned, a pair of AEGIS Agents arrived to pick the both of us up. After a doctor and his nurses examined me, he gave the green light for the agents to escort me. Uncle Darren stuck close through the entire process as we were taken to the command center.
Sidenote, I was sure I, at the very least, had fractured ribs. The doctor was surprised that I healed so quickly, even with the medication they were filling me with through the IVs. My powers as Alphamon did grant me a faster recovery rate due to being both a human and Digimon, but I didn't think it would kick in now. Sure, I'm still sore, but the pain is not as overbearing as it was yesterday.
In any case, the moment we arrived, it was busy. Director Jones was standing with other high-ranking official agents, gathering around the big holographic table in the middle of the room while other agents were glued to the screens in front of them. He looked up when our escorts saluted them and broke from the table to approach us directly.
"I appreciate you joining us. If I didn't know any better, I would've figured that Darren here would've snuck you both out in the middle of the night."
"Of course, you'd think that. As it turned out, he filled me in on everything, including the agents you sent to our front door last night."
I saw the subtle look of hesitation on his face. I didn't like it.
"Sir, Nicholas Merlo and the escorts have arrived."
"Send him up." Director Jones ordered. "We took your advice and had arrangements to pick him up."
"Good," I nodded. "By the way, did you send Arylide and the others to my house last night?"
"I did not, actually. In fact, I've had several interactions with them, but I had an ominous feeling about their presence, so I chose not to get too involved with them unless absolutely necessary."
I blinked, afraid of an answer like that. "When were these interactions exactly?"
"Fairly recent…"
"Not several months ago?"
"Several weeks at most."
Dammit. "Where's Layla Saiba right now?"
"What's up, kiddo?" Uncle Darren asked, growing concerned.
"We need to get to Saiba Enterprise; Arylide is the mole! And if she's a mole, then likely Axel and the others have been jeopardized too—!" I spun back around and caught a glimpse of Nick standing in the doorway. Once we made eye contact, a cold shiver ran down my spine and the heat of his glare both at once. I bit my lip, having an idea of what to expect.
"Nick…" I said regretfully. "I…"
"Where is my sister?" He demanded.
I choked, feeling my emotions rush me. I had to get to SAIBA Enterprise and stop Arylide. But Mikayla was missing, and it was a fact that Nick wanted—no, he needed—answers. The tears of the emotional pain were not helping me, making me seem fearful and not overwhelmed with the barrage of tough decisions.
"Well?! Where is she?!"
"I don't know…but I swear I'll get her back…" I swallowed hard and replied, despite my voice trying to break.
He wasn't going for it. He approached me and pulled his fist back. At this point, I was more than content with him being the crap out of me. I deserved it after breaking my promise twice to protect Mikayla.
As I awaited his fist to make contact with my jaw, I noticed it wasn't coming. Both Agent Jones and Uncle Darren got in between us, pulling us away from one another. I looked at Director Jones and grew angry. "Why did you stop him? I deserve it!"
"Hush. The situation is too intense for the both of you to spiral into a brawl. You want to get your frustrations out, then borrow a training room."
I shrugged Director Jones off of me. He continued to speak, "We have agents stationed at SAIBA to ensure that things run smoothly. I'll also put in a warrant for Arylide's arrest. Now go, get it out of your systems, and don't set foot in here until you do. Understood?"
Uncle Darren released Nick in turn. The other boy nodded, and I reluctantly agreed. "Fine."
Several Agents were ordered to escort us to a training room for us to battle one another. Like the Medical Wing, this arena brought back memories of facing off against Layla Saiba and Mikayla; both of them had me proving to them my worth in everything. Layla Saiba attempted to shield me from the horrors I had yet to experience by scaring my determination out of me. Mikayla, afraid of my influence on Eve, wanted me to prove that I had the power to ensure change. And now I'm facing Nick. I don't have anything to prove to him…or do I?
I need to prove that I have the strength to keep my promise to protect Mikayla, not only to him but to myself.
"I'm going to make you feel every bit of the pain I'm going through."
"I know you will." I nodded. "And I'll show that I'm willing to bear the burden of it all."
Nick scoffed, "we wouldn't be here if you didn't fill her head with those rumors. She'd be here if she kept her nose out of it."
"I know…" I agreed. "I'm ready when you are."
Nick nodded and readied himself.
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!"
"I'll start by hatching Dorimon," I said, making the first move. Dorimon appeared, standing ready to fight.
Dorimon (BT7-005)
Color: Black
Level: 2
"Dorimon digivolves into Sunarizamon, and then I play Dorumon from my hand. It'll reveal the top four cards of my deck, and it will let me add an X-Antibody Digimon and a Kota Domoto to my hand while the rest go to the bottom.
Dorumon (BT7-059)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Nick)
As the purple dragon Digimon materialized into the Battle Area, the top cards revealed themselves: Dorugamon, Megadramon, Metal Cannon, and Tankmon. With only one option, I grabbed Dorugamon and sent the rest to the bottom. Nick began his turn from that point.
"I draw and hatch Kyaromon," He stated, summoning a cream-colored furball Digimon with a purple-striped tail.
Kyaromon (BT6-002)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
"Kyaromon digivolves into Gabumon, and then I play Strabimon from my hand. Strabimon will also reveal the top four cards of my deck, allowing me to take a Hybrid, Koji Minamoto, or a Susanoomon to add to my hand, while the rest go to the bottom."
Gabumon (ST2-03)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Strabimon (BT7-019)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
3-0
While the top cards flipped, I found myself fixated on that one Digimon, "Susanoomon." When Mikayla used Flamemon in her battle with Sorin, she didn't mention it. Was it because Flamemon didn't have that specific ability, or does it mean that Nick has a certain power that she didn't?
Nick got his Tamer, while Cryspaledramon, Veemon, and another Gabumon went to the bottom. CrysPaledramon's appearance definitely spelled trouble for me; his deck must be designed to trash my sources.
"I'll end my turn by playing Koji Minamoto from my hand," Nick stated, summoning the Tamer. The Tamer himself was a kid wearing a yellow t-shirt with a blue jacket and matching bandana, which covered his almost shoulder-length spiky hair. He also wore grey jeans and white sneakers as well.
Koji Minamoto (BT7-087)
Color: Blue
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Zack)
I continued on with my turn, ignoring the idea that his deck was a direct counter to mine. So long as I hit him fast and hard, then I won't have anything to worry about. "I move Sunarizamon to the Battle Area, then digivolve Dorumon into Dorugamon."
Dorugamon appeared out of a swirl of binary that surrounded Dorumon. It's more ferocious form snarled at Nick, who stood stoic as ever.
Dorugamon (BT7-062)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-1
"Sunarizamon, Security Attack!" I declared the first attack of the game, sending the rock lizard scurrying ahead. It belched a small wave of sand that tackled the security with enough force to break it.
Nick
Security: 5-4
"Security Check…Security Trigger: Coredramon to the Battle Area."
I clicked my tongue, watching the blue dragon suddenly appear before my lizard.
Sunarizamon: 2000 DP
Coredramon: 5000 DP
Coredramon heaved air into its lungs, which then ignited into a blue fireball that it shot at Sunarizamon, burning it away completely. It then took its place on Nick's side of the Battle Area.
Coredramon (ST8-06)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 5000
"When Coredramon is played, I draw two cards from my deck," Nick stated, taking his two cards, and increasing his hand size.
"Okay then…I next will digivolve Dorugamon into DoruGreymon!" Here it comes; Dorugamon roared as binary infused into it, turning it into the crimson beast that serves as the core of my deck's engine.
DoruGreymon (BT7-064)
Color: Black
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Nick)
"DoruGreymon's effect allows me to add one Black Digimon with X-Antibody from my hand into the bottom of its sources. Doing so prevents deletion and DP-Reduction until the end of your turn. Adding Dorumon will trigger the current one and this one's IE effects to grant a memory for adding to its sources.
MEMORY
2-0
I drew for the evolution and smirked. "I play Kota Domoto from my hand, who will reveal the top 4 cards of my deck and allow me to add one X-Antibody card into my hand from amongst them.
Kota Domoto (BT7-090)
Color: Black
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change: Nick)
The cards flipped and revealed themselves for us. To my surprise, two additional DoruGreymon, Dorugoramon, and Volcanomon all appeared.
"What's wrong? I'm guessing you can't recklessly swing at me in one shot, huh?"
I looked at him, and his stoicism continued to carry on. Ignoring his comment briefly, I took another DoruGreymon and sent the rest to the bottom. "I'll have another chance to get a Dorugoramon, I'm sure."
"As if I'm going to let you." He drew. "I move Gabumon to the Battle Area, then play the Option Card V-Wing Blade to send DoruGreymon back to your hand."
I was taken aback. By bouncing DoruGreymon, its sources are trashed as a result!
I was left powerless as a beaming V-shaped light exploded from Nick's side and hit DoruGreymon, getting around its invincibility and sending the Level 5 back to my hand.
I did not like where this was going at all.
MEMORY
4-2 (Turn Change: Zack)
2-3
With Kota setting my Memory to 3, I drew. What was I going to do? I feel as if that one play set me back by a lot. There's no doubt his deck was definitely built to counter mine.
"This better not be it," he said, "because if it is, then you're even more pathetic than I thought."
"You better believe I'm far from done!" I shot back. "I hatch Dorimon, digivolve it into Dorumon, and from my hand, I play Commandramon."
Dorumon appeared in my Raising Area, followed up by the camo dinosaur Digimon making its appearance in the Battle Area
Commandramon (BT3-059)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 3000
"Commandramon digivolves into Tankmon and then into Megadramon to end my turn."
Commandramon raised its weapon in the air and embraced the binary that took it over, transforming it straight into the buff, orange-scaled cyborg dragon with tattered wings.
Tankmon (BT3-067)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 6000
Megadramon (ST5-11)
Color: Black
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-1
1-0
0-3 (Turn Change: Nick)
And just like that, I was back to having a Level 5. Not the most ideal combination, but it was the cheapest way to get back to some semblance of a starting point.
"I'm not going to let you digivolve into Dorugoramon." He said flat out.
My gaze narrowed. "Let me guess; you saw the video of me facing off against Melanie Whitaker, right?"
"And then some. I'm sure you realized at this point that this deck is specifically designed to counter you."
"The thought crossed my mind. You were quick to get rid of DoruGreymon through its weakness. That said, there's no way you could understand my deck that well after one match…"
He didn't say anything.
"Are you working with Sorin and Arylide?"
The accusation took him aback. "Excuse me?"
"I said are you working for them?" I reiterated, my anger beginning to stir. "Did you use your own sister as bait to get to me?!"
Nick clenched his fist. "How dare you…!"
I chuckled. Then laughed to the point of tears. I felt the stress bubbling over, and at this point, I was going to let my feelings out now.
I have truly had it with all of this.
"'How dare I?' Really? After all, I've done and all that I've been through…you left her here. You disowned her. You didn't stop her when she stayed behind against MOD, and because of that, she died! And even now, you're blaming me for not having the power to stop Sorin from taking her? For all the crap you say about her being naïve, you have some nerve to throw your responsibility onto someone else!"
Nick was caught off guard by my outburst. I could see the rage slowly encroach on his face, but I met it with my own anger.
"What the hell are you on about?" He seethed.
"It doesn't matter," I stood resilient. "Just know that I don't like you, nor do I like what you've done to Mikayla. It doesn't matter whether it's one world or the other; you're a scumbag brother in each one."
The daggers he shot from his eyes made their mark. Even still, I was solid in my words. I was coming to grips with everything. Screw trying to make amends with him. I'm over it.
He drew. "Let's get something straight, kid. You don't know me or my sister. And you damn well don't know what we've been through. I would never leave or disown her! And that crap you mentioned about her dying? And me throwing my responsibility onto you?! Who the hell even are you?!"
"The one who's in love with her. And the one who will die a thousand times over to ensure her safety." I pointed to him. "If that means driving you into the ground, then I'll be more than happy to lay you flat!"
Nick scoffed. "You're a creep, then… I'm going to enjoy this even more then. I hatch Bukamon, then digivolve it into Veemon."
A small brown aquatic reptilian Digimon appeared before transforming into a blue bipedal dragon Digimon with a V on its forehead.
Bukamon (BT4-002)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
Veemon (ST8-04)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Coredramon digivolves into Cryspaledramon, trashing Commandramon from Megadramon's sources."
Coredramon roared as binary rained down and covered the Digimon in ice, resulting in a white-scaled Dragonoid with cyan and sapphire armor, ice gauntlets, and icicle thrusters on its back, replacing its wings.
Cryspaledramon (BT5-028)
Color: Blue
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-0
Cryspaledramon, per its effect, stabbed the ground, sending a wave of ice toward Megadramon. By the time it reached, an ice stalagmite shot from the ground and pierced Megadramon, causing the binary from Commandramon to be forced out of it. Megadramon staggered by the surprise attack but remained all right.
"Kyaromon's IE allows me to draw a card since one of your sources was trashed. Now Strabimon, Security Attack!" Nick ordered after drawing, causing the wolf humanoid to dash forward. It hopped into the air and performed a mid-air spin kick, shattering the Security and revealing its contents.
Zack
Security: 5-4
Sealsdramon appeared from the Security, tossing its combat knife, and charging Strabimon as it landed on the ground.
Strabimon: 1000 DP
Sealsdramon: 6000 DP
Strabimon attempted to fend off Sealsdramon, but the skilled cyborg clearly had the upper hand and dealt with Strabimon with little effort.
"Gabumon, Security Attack!"
Another attack going through, Gabumon fired a stream of blue flame that lit the Security and broke it.
Zack
Security: 4-3
Its contents revealed Volcanomon, who blasted a sound wave from its microphone, disrupting Gabumon's balance and, eventually, its overall structure. Gabumon broke down as a result.
Gabumon: 2000 DP
Volcanomon: 7000 DP
"Cryspaledramon!"
The third attack came through, with Cryspaledramon powering its boosters to charge me, Ice covering the Security before shattering all the same. The Security exploded into a group of Chikkurimon, all of which zoomed after Cryspaledramon and latched on, causing the ice dragon to spiral and crash back to the ground, shaking the room.
Zack
Security 3-2
Cryspaledramon: 7000 DP
Chikkurimon: 1000 DP
When all was said and done, Cryspaledramon was forced to revert to Coredramon, the dragon snarling at me.
"So much for that," I said as everything began to settle.
"I'm not done yet." He replied, taking a card from his hand. The realization suddenly hit me as his tamer pulled out a similar device to Mikayla's Takuya. He only had about five cards in his trash, and only one was Strabimon…
"From my hand, I send two Strabimon, Lobomon, KendoGarurumon, and BeoWolfmon underneath Koji to enact a Unified Spirit Evolution!"
Koji then snapped his fingers, summoning a helix of binary around his hand. Using the blue and black device, he scanned his hand and had the binary circle him like a fearsome vortex. The wind stirred up, causing me to shield myself reactively while Nick's side illuminated.
"Come forth, Transcendent Blue Steel Hero: MagnaGarurumon!"
The vortex finally broke as Koji was transformed into a giant lycan wolf-like Digimon clad in aerial-based armor. Its shoulders were covered with a jetpack resembling jet wings, while its right arm was a long-barrel sniper rifle, and its left arm a multi-cylinder grenade launcher. I stood in awe, staring at this thing, as it looked like the personification of pure firepower.
MagnaGarurumon (BT7-029)
Color: Blue
Level: 6
DP: 12,000 DP
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change: Zack)
"MagnaGarurumon's effect: I return BeoWolfmon from its sources to my hand to bounce Megadramon back to yours."
"Are you kidding me?!" I exclaimed. I reactively stepped back as MagnaGarurumon lined up its rifle. BeoWolfmon's Binary loaded into the gun, and a quick shot caused Megadramon to freeze, and turn into binary, the stream returning to my hand while the rest fizzled in the air. The sniper itself broke off MagnaGarurumon's arm and turned to binary as well, leaving its arm bare. Said binary floated to Coredramon to stand up.
"When a card returns to my hand, MagnaGarurumon allows one of my Digimon to unsuspend. Koji as well, when a card returns to my hand from an effect, I gain a Memory."
MEMORY
4-3
I'm screwed. I'm so screwed. Drawing, I saw the 8-cost Option Card: Iron-Fisted Onslaught. As relieved as I was to see it, was it worth spending that much just to deal with one threat? Plus, he still has Coredramon and that Veemon in his Raising Area. I, meanwhile, have no Digimon to attack with or defend.
Dorumon lightly growled, drawing my attention. It stared at me, eager to move outward. I had a Sealsdramon in my hand; that should buy a bit of time, even if it's just for a turn.
"Dorumon moves into the Battle Area, then digivolves into Sealsdramon."
Dorumon dashed forward and allowed the raining binary to transform it into Sealsdramon.
Sealsdramon (BT4-067)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
3-1
"Then, I play Iron-Fisted Onslaught!" I exclaimed, throwing caution to the wind. "All of your Digimon with the highest play cost are deleted. MagnaGarurumon with a play cost of 12 is deleted."
As I figured, Nick didn't seem fazed, even when the silhouette of Gankoomon appeared and unleashed a barrage of fists at MagnaGarurumon. The massive threat was gone as fast as it came, the binary fading. Of course, I had to pay the ultimate price: a whole 8 memory.
MEMORY
1-7 (Turn Change: Nick)
"That was a mistake." He said.
"I've realized that. But what other option did I have at the moment?"
"You could've surrendered."
"I could have…but what would that prove?"
Nick crossed his arms, "What is with you?"
I chuckled, "I have no idea. Honestly, I think I've gone insane at this point."
"You've got that right. What are you trying to prove?"
"I refuse to make the same mistake a third time. You may not believe me, but at one point, in another world…you asked me to keep Mikayla safe. At first, I thought it was crazy, but I went along with it because she stuck her neck out for my sake. I became in debt to her, and the last thing I wanted for her was to suffer even more than what she had already. Mikayla is selfless to a fault. She bottles her feelings and strength to keep those around her from worrying. She's far from naïve; she's much stronger than either of us. She's protected me more than I have of her, so now it's my turn to pay her back."
"And because of that, you've fallen for her?"
…I did say that didn't I? "I…may have spoken out of turn there. This world's Mikayla is similar to the one I knew, so…"
"You're weird."
"Duly noted."
"In any case, I'm going to end this," Nick said, finally drawing. "Veemon moves into the Battle Area; then I play a second Koji."
Koji appeared alongside Veemon, who marched forward.
MEMORY
7-4
"Now, I take BeoWolfmon, MagnaGarurumon, and Davis Motomiya from my hand, and then from my trash: MagnaGarurumon, another Koji, KendoGarurumon, Lobomon, and the three Strabimon and send them all underneath Koji to enact an Ancient Spirt Evolution!"
The eruption of power on Nick's side was tremendously more powerful than the others, causing the room to be encased in bright light. The light was so intense that it was blinding.
"Come forth, Originator of the Hybrids: Susanoomon!"
The demonstration was so powerful that it began to burn physically. Light and Fire consolidated in the middle of the room and began to take shape, finally dying down so I could see for myself what was happening. In moments, a being of sheer magnitude stood before me, resembling something akin to an Omnimon; its upper body was based on EmperorGreymon's armor, while its lower body resembled MagnaGarurumon. Its gauntlets had each of the heads adorn them, and on its back, it wore a gold, spiked ring.
Susanoomon (BT7-112)
Color: White
Level: 7
DP: 15,000
MEMORY
4-3 (Turn Change: Zack)
"Susanoomon, when digivolved into, deletes one of your Digimon, regardless of cost or DP. I delete Sealsdramon."
I nodded reluctantly as Susanoomon reached into the air as if calling upon something. EmperorGreymon's sword and MagnaGarurumon's arsenal came through the gate above us and combined into a massive cannon-like weapon, of which Susanoomon took a hold of. Aiming for Sealsdramon, I shielded myself as it fired a massive blast, knocking me off my feet. When I recovered, Just Kota and I remained on our side.
I rose, drew, and ended my turn.
Nick drew and moved Veemon outward. "With Security Attack +2, Susanoomon takes out your remaining Security."
Using its cannon again, it fired, only this time my Security came through and protected me. The first one was Metal Cannon, which went straight to my hand. As for the second…
Dorugoramon emerged, jumping out of the barrage, sword raised overhead. It came down on Susanoomon, who reactively turned its weapon to block.
Susanoomon: 15,000 DP
Dorugoramon: 11,000 DP
Dorugoramon ferociously beat down Susanoomon, desperately trying to cut through its weapon. However, no matter what, its sword was the one taking damage, and eventually, it shattered to its surprise. Susanoomon used its free hand to latch onto the dragon's throat, causing it to cry out in pain. Dorugoramon continued to fight angrily, desperate to break free, only for Susanoomon to swing it into the air like a ragdoll and effortlessly slam it into the ground.
If there was a word to describe what I just witnessed, it was "humbling."
Zack
Security: 2-0
"Veemon attacks directly." Nick finished, having Veemon tackle me while I was distracted.
I fell on my back and lay there for a moment, the pain in my chest coming back but not as intense. Nick walked over to me and knelt, offering a hand up. It took a minute for me to accept it as I relished in my defeat.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect her…" I said, exhausted from all of this.
"I'm sorry I blamed you for it." He replied.
We sat there for another minute, reflecting on everything. At this point, I didn't know if I was losing it, I didn't know if my outburst was justified…all I wanted was to vent. Whether that did any good…
"To answer your question from before… I didn't use her as bait to get to you." Nick said.
Odd to bring it up now, but curiosity drew my attention to him. His expression looked as if he was hiding something.
"And all that stuff you said about being in another world…his words make a lot more sense now…"
I was thrown by that. "Whose words?"
Before he could answer, alarms began blaring, jolting us both upward. Reactively, we raced back upstairs to the command room, and once we arrived…
"Axel…?" My blood ran cold upon the discovery.
Agents lay sprawled all over the room, with the rebel leader Axel standing amongst them. There was a faint scent of metal in the air, which made my stomach twist. Unable to tell if they were dead or not, I shakingly scanned the room; both my uncle and Director Jones were nowhere to be seen. Audio from the monitors drew my attention off of him briefly, the sounds of screams and cries echoing faintly.
I couldn't process what I was seeing.
Garretson, Jessie, Blanc, and Ciel were rampaging throughout SAIBA Enterprise, cutting down everyone they came into contact with and leaving a sea of bodies in their wake. Each of them with with eyes matching the stained walls and floor.
I was growing livid. My gaze shot to Axel, who met it. His eyes were steel-colored, and with a stoic expression, he opened a gate behind him and tossed the body he was holding onto off to the side.
"Wait!" I reacted, charging him.
Nick pursued me as well, the pair of us lunging into the gate behind Axel…
On the other side, we crashed onto the floor, the impact leaving a small echo to bounce. The air was different, and the floor was cold.
I pushed up against the floor, and the sound of clicking heels rushed me. "Are you all right?!"
"Yeah, I'm fine—! Layla?!"'
Layla Saiba hovered over me, helping me stand. I quickly turned around, finding another familiar face. She was a blonde-haired woman with glasses, dressed in a brown suspender dress and yellow shirt. She was helping Nick up, who rolled the creak in his neck.
"Emily Parker…?" I blinked. I took a moment to gather our surroundings; it was a small, cozy space resembling a computer lab. "What's going on? Where are we? What happened to my Uncle and the agents in that room?"
"You're in a dimension between realities." A voice answered. "A pocket dimension that exists in the realm between the Real World and the Digital one."
The source of the voice was an older man, slightly darker than me, with glasses and a strong resemblance to Ivan. He wore a lab coat with a black shirt, green tie, and khakis.
"I must say what you did just then was risky. Had I not pulled you mid-transition, you both would've ended up with Axel in the heat of the conflict. You both can rest easy knowing that the situation is being handled as we speak."
"Thank you, Doctor," Nick replied, taking advantage of the hospitality by heading to a nearby couch. Still confused as ever, I stepped forward. "Thanks for saving us and all…but who exactly are you?"
"I'm surprised that neither Eve nor your counterpart explained in detail my role in things," he explained.
I paused for a moment. "Are you…the 'Caretaker' Older me mentioned?"
"Indeed, I am," he answered. "Allow me to introduce myself formally."
He stood and walked over to me, holding his hand out to shake. Out of respect, I did.
"I am Dr. Anthony Morris, the Caretaker of Omnia."
